Sullivan County, NH Town Descriptions from Hayward's 1849 Gazetteer of New Hampshire Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by MLM, Volunteer 0000130. For the current email address, please go to http://www.rootsweb.com/~archreg/vols/00001.html#0000130 Copyright. All rights reserved. ************************************************************************ Full copyright notice - http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm USGenWeb Archives - http://www.usgwarchives.net ************************************************************************ Source: A Gazetteer of New Hampshire Containing Descriptions of all the Counties, Towns and Districts in the State by John Hayward, John P. Jewett (publisher), Boston, 1849 Sullivan County NEWPORT is the chief town. This county is bounded north by Grafton County, east by Merrimac and a part of Hillsborough Counties, south by Cheshire County, and west by Connecticut River, or the State of Vermont. It was taken from Cheshire County in 1827. The surface of the county is elevated, but not mountainous; Croydon Mountain is the highest. Along the streams, particularly on Connecticut River, the soil is rich and exceedingly productive. The uplands produce good grain, and afford excellent pasturage for cattle, of which many are reared for market. There is a great variety of delightful scenery in this county. Besides the Connecticut, which waters its whole western frontier, the Ashuelot, Cold, Sugar, Little Sugar Rivers, and other streams furnish the county with an abudant water power, and Sunapee Lake and numerous ponds give beauty to its otherwise varied and picturesque scenery. --See County Table. COURTS IN SULLIVAN COUNTY. Superior Court, Third District. At Newport, on the first Tuesday of July and at Keene, on the first Tuesday of December. Court of Common Pleas. At Newport, on the first Tuesday of February, and third Tuesday of August. Probate Courts. At Newport, on the Wednesday next after the third Tuesday of April and October, and on the third Wednesday of February, June, August, and December; at Claremont, on the third Wednesday of January, March, May, July, September, and November. --------------------------------------------------------------- Acworth SULLIVAN CO. This town is chiefly agricultural in its pursuits. The soil is generally good. Cold River, which rises from Cold Pond in this town, affords some good mill-sites. This town was formerly noted for the culture of flax, which was manufactured by some of the inhabitants into the finest linen, equal to any imported from Ireland. Beryls of an extraordinary size are found here. Boundaries. North by Unity, east by Lempster, south by Marlow, and west by Langdon and Charlestown. First Settlers. William Keyes, Samuel Harper, and John Rogers removed to this place in 1768. First Ministers. Rev. Thomas Archibald, ordained 1789; dismissed 1794. Rev. John Kimball, ordained 1797; dismissed 1813. Productions of the Soil. Indian corn, 5,792 bushels; hay, 4,398 tons; potatoes, 54,301 bushels; wool, 18,474 lbs; maple suger, 29,724 pounds. The manufactures of this town are considerable, but principally confined to families. Distances. Thirteen miles south from Newport, and forty-four west from Concord. Charlestown SULLIVAN CO. The only rivers in Charlestown are the Connecticut and Little Sugar Rivers. In the former, there are three islands within the limits of this town, the largest of which contains about ten acres, and is called Sartwell's Island. The others contain about six acres each, and have a rich loamy soil. Sartwell's Island is under a high cultivation. There are no falls in the Connecticut within the limits of Charlestown which interrupt the boat navigation, although some little inconvenience is experienced in low water from what are called "Sugar River Bars." Little Sugar River waters the north part of Charlestown, and empties into Connecticut River about two miles south of the south line of Claremont. This town has but few factory or mill privileges. The soil is extremely various. West of the great road leading from Walpole to Claremont, are not less than 1,500 acres of fine intervale land, generally of a deep, rich and loamy soil, and favorable for the culture and growth of most of the various kinds of grass and grain. In the east and north-east parts of the town, the soil of the upland is good--the natural growth of wood, consisting principally of beech, birch, oak, maple and hemlock. These is a ridge of hard, broken, and in some parts stony, land, east of the river road, extending almost the whole length of the town, and which is considered unfit for settlements. The south part of the town appears to have a different soil, and is favorable for yielding the lighter grains. Charlestown contains two parishes, which are divided by a line running from Cheshire Bridge southernly to the corner of Acworth and Unity. In the south parish, there is a handsome village, delightfully situated, at the distance of about half a mile from Connecticut River, and parallel with it. In the north parish is a meeting-house and a small village. Cheshire Bridge, about two miles north of the south meeting-house, connects this town with Springfield, Vt. In 1754, the French War commenced, and the inhabitants were obliged to take up their residence in the fort. The first settlers of Charlestown, like the first inhabitants of almost every frontier town in New England, were, prior to 1760, the victims of savage cruelty. For twenty years after the first settlement, their neighbors on the north were the French in Canada, on the west the Dutch, near the Hudson, on the east the settlements on Merrimac River, and on the south few were found until arrived at Northfield, in Massachusetts, a distance of more than forty miles. The Indians were at peace but a small portion of the time. From their infancy, the settlers had been familiar with danger, and had acquired a hardihood unknown to posterity. When they attended public worship, or cultivated their lands, they sallied from the fort prepared for battle, and worshipped or labored under the protection of a sentinel. In their warfare, the Indians preferred prisoners to scalps, and few were killed but those who attempted to escape, or appeared too formidable to be encountered with success. The first child born in Charlestown was Elizabeth, the daughter of Isaac Parker. She was born 1744, and died in 1806. Charlestown has been favored with a number of eminent men, only one of which we have room to mention. Capt. PHINEHAS STEVENS was one of the first settlers. The town when in its infancy was protected by his intrepidity. He was a native of Sudbury, Mass., from whence his father removed to Rutland. At the age of sixteen, while his father was making hay, he, with three little brothers, followed him to the meadows. They were ambushed by the Indians, who killed two of his brothers, took him prisoner, and were preparing to kill his youngest brother, a child four years old. He, by signs to the Indians, made them understand if they would spare him, he would carry him on his back--and he carried him to Canada. They were redeemed and both returned. He received several commissions from Gov. Shirley, and rendered important services in protecting the frontiers. In 1747, when Charlestown was abandoned by the inhabitants, he was ordered to occupy the fort with thirty men. On the 4th of April, he was attacked by 400 French and Indians, under Mons. Debeline. The assult lasted three days. Indian stratagem and French skill, with fire applied to every combustible about the fort, had not the desired effect. The heroic band were not appalled. They refused to capitulate. At length an interview between the commanders took place. The Frenchman showed his forces, and described the horrid massacre that must ensue unless the fort was surrendered. "My men are not afraid to die," was the answer made by Capt. Stevens. The attack continued with increased fury until the end of the third day, when the enemy returned to Canada, and left Capt. Stevens in the possession of the fort. Capt. Stevens, for his gallantry on this occasion, was presented by Sir Charles Knowles with an elegant sword; and from this circumstance the township, when it was incorporated, in 1753, took the name of Charlestown. This territory had previously been called Number Four. Bog iron ore and other minerals is found here. Boundaries. West by the west bank of Connecticut River, north by Claremont, east by Unity and Acworth, and south by Langdon and Walpole. First Settlers. Several families by the names of Parker, Farnsworth and Sartwell from Groton, Mass. First Minister. Rev. John Dennis, ordained in 1754; dismissed in 1756. Productions of the Soil. Indian corn, 18,591 bushels; potatoes, 41,902 bushels; hay, 4,241 tons; wool, 25,721 lbs.; maple sugar, 6,759 pounds. Distances. Fifty-one miles west from Concord, and about twenty miles south-east from Windsor, Vt. A railroad now passes through this delightful town. Claremont SULLIVAN CO. This beautiful town is watered by Connecticut and Sugar Rivers, besides numerous brooks and rivulets. Claremont is a fine undulating tract of territory, covered with a rich, gravelly loam, converted into the best meadows and pastures. The hills are sloping acclivities, crowned with elegant summits. The interales on the rivers are rich and luxuriant. The agricultural products are large and valuable. The houses and buildings present a very favorable appearance, and indicate the wealth and prosperity of the town. In this town are fine beds of iron ore and limestone. It received its name from the country seat of Lord Clive, an English general. The beautiful location of Claremont, its immense water power, and its facilities of transportation by steam, render it a most desirable location for manufacturing. Some valuable minerals are found here. Many eminent men have resided in this town. The Hon. Caleb Ellis came to reside in Claremont about 1800. In 1804 he was chosen a member of congress from this State; in 1809 and 1810 a member of the executive council; in 1812 an elector of president and vice-president of the U. States. In 1813 he was appointed judge of the superior court, in which office he remained till his death, May 9, 1816, aged forty-nine. Claremont boasts names of many other valuable citizens; among which are those of Samuel Cole, Esq., Dr. William Sumner, Col. Joseph Waite, Capt. Joseph Taylor, and Hon. Samuel Ashley. Boundaries. This town has Cornish on the north, Newport on the east, Unity and Charlestown on the south, Weathersfield, Vt., on the west. Manufactures. In this place are large and increasing manufactures of various kinds of goods, the statistics of which, when obtained, will be given in a note at the close of the volume. First Ministers. Rev. George Wheaton, ordained in 1772; died in 1773. Rev. John Tappan, settled in 1796; dismissed in 1802. Productions of the Soil. Indian corn, 19,089 bushels; potatoes, 43,410 bushels; hay, 4,990 tons; wool, 14,260 pounds; maple sugar, 8,115 pounds. Distances. Twelve miles north from Charlestown, eight west from Newport, and forty-seven north north-west from Concord. A railroad, from Concord to this pleasant town, is in progress. Cornish SULLIVAN CO. Connecticut River waters the west part of this town, and, by means of a bridge, connects Cornish with Windsor, Vt. The soil is generally fertile. The town is hilly, with the exception of that part which lies on the river. Blow-me-down and Bryant's Brooks are the only streams of any magnitude; these afford good mill privileges. The agricultural products of this town are very considerable. Boundaries. North by Plainfield, east by Croydon, south by Claremont, and west by Windsor, Vt. First Settlers. Emigrants from Massachusetts, in 1765. First Ministers. Rev. James Welman, settled in 1768; dismissed in 1785. Rev. Joseph Rowell, ordained in 1800; dismissed in 1828. Productions of the Soil. Indian corn, 3,598 bushels; potatoes, 30,402 bushels; hay, 2,924 tons; wool, 16,606 lbs.; maple sugar, 5,138 pounds. Distances. Seventeen miles north from Charlestown, sixty north-west by west from Concord, and twelve north-west from Newport. This town lies opposite to Windsor, Vt., and is the northern terminus of a railroad between this place and Walpole. Croydon SULLIVAN CO. The north branch of Sugar River waters this town. On this stream are numerous manufactures. Croydon Mountain is of considerable elevation, on which are two small ponds. The soil of Croydon is moist and rocky, and produces valuable crops. Boundaries. West by Cornish, north by Grantham and Springfield, east by Springfield and Wendell, and south by Newport. First Settlers. This town was granted to Samuel Chase and others, in 1763. First Ministers. Rev. Jacob Haven, ordained in 1788. Productions of the Soil. Indian corn, 1,263 bushels; potatoes, 46,639 bushels; hay, 2,600 tons; wool, 11,184 lbs.; maple sugar, 10,332 pounds. Distances. Forty-four miles north north-west from Concord, and eight north from Newport. Goshen SULLIVAN CO. From Sunapee Mountain, lying in the east part of this town, spring many small streams, which unite in forming Sugar River. Rand's Pond is in the north-east part of the town. The soil is particularly calculated for the production of grass. The crops of the first settlers were greatly injured, and sometimes entirely destroyed by early frosts. In such cases they procured grain from Walpole and other places. At a certain time of scarcity, Capt. Rand went to Walpole after grain, and being detained by a violent snow storm, his family was obliged to live without provision for six days, during which time Mrs. Rand sustained one of his children, five years old, by the milk from her breast, having a short time before buried her infant child. Boundaries. West by Lempster and Unity, north by Newport and Wendell, south-east by Bradford, and south by Washington. First Settlers. Capt. Benjamin Rand, William Lang, and Daniel Grindle, in 1769. Productions of the Soil. Indian corn, 2,396 bushels; potatoes, 23,127 bushels; hay, 1,924 tons; wool, 8,811 lbs.; maple sugar, 13,397 pounds. Distances. Forty-two miles west by north from Concord, and about ten miles south-east from Newport. Grantham SULLIVAN CO. There are seven or eight ponds in Grantham, the largest of which lies in the south-east part of the town and is called Eastman's Pond, containing nearly 300 acres. Another, lying near the centre of the town, contains nearly 200 acres. Croydon Mountain extends through the westerly part of Grantham in a direction from south-west to north-east. The soil is productive, especially on the west of the mountain. It seems to be more favorable for wheat than any other species of grain. The mountain affords good pasturage, and the lower land yields grass in abundance. On the east side of the mountain is a spring supposed to possess medicinal qualities, visited by hundreds of valetudinarians in the summer season. On the summit of Croydon Mountain is a natural pond, containing about 50 acres. Boundaries. North by Enfield, east by Springfield, south by Croydon, and west by Plainfield. First Settlers. Grantham was granted to William Symmes, and sixty-three others. First Minister. Rev. Dana Clayes, ordained in 1821. Productions of the Soil. Indian corn, 1,097 bushels; potatoes, 22,160 bushels; hay, 2,446 tons; wool, 12,248 lbs.; maple sugar, 8,425 pounds. Distances. Twelve miles south-east from Dartmouth College, forty north-west from Concord, and about twelve miles north of Newport. Langdon SULLIVAN CO. The principle village in this town is three miles east from Connecticut River, and six from Bellows Falls. A considerable branch of Cold River passes south-west through the whole extent of this town, and unites with the main branch near the south line. Langdon was named in honor of Gov. Langdon. Boundaries. North by Charlestown, east by Acworth, south by Alstead and Walpole, and west by Walpole and Charlestown. First Settlers. Seth Walker, Nathaniel Rice, and Jonathan Williard, in 1773. First Minister. Rev. Abner Kneeland, ordained in 1805; dismissed in 1810. Productions of the Soil. Indian corn, 4,863 bushels; potatoes, 20,000 bushels; hay, 2,013 tons; wool, 8,808 lbs.; maple sugar, 2,562 pounds. Distances. Eighteen miles south south-west from Newport, and fifty-six west by south from Concord. Lempster SULLIVAN CO. The surface of this town is in general uneven, and the eastern part is mountainous. The soil is moist, and better suited for grass than grain. The town is well watered, although its streams are small. One branch of Sugar River, and the south and west branches of Cold River, afford conveniences for water machinery. Near the west boundary line is a pond, 320 rods long and eighty wide. Sand Pond lies in this town and Marlow. Boundaries. North by Unity, east by Goshen and Washington, south by Marlow, and west by Acworth. First Settlers. Emigrants from Connecticut, in 1770. First Minister. Rev. Elias Fisher, ordained in 1787; died in 1831. Productions of the Soil. Indian corn, 2,184 bushels; potatoes, 32,876 bushels; hay, 2,672 tons; wool, 11,443 lbs.; maple sugar, 8,232 pounds. Distances. Forty-two miles west from Concord, and about twelve miles south-east from Newport. Newport SULLIVAN CO. This is the shire town of Sullivan county. Its central situation and its water power, together with the enterprising spirit of its inhabitants, has rendered Newport a place of considerable business. Near the centre of the town, and the confluence of the east and south branches of Sugar River and the Croydon Turnpike, is a handsome village. In general the soil is rich and productive. Sugar River flows through this town, and its three branches unite near the village, whence it passes through Claremont into the Connecticut. There are a few eminences in Newport, designated as Bald, Coit, and East Mountains, and Blueberry Hill. This town is noted for its good school, and its various charitable societies. Boundaries. Croydon is on the north, Wendell on the east, Goshen and Unity on the south, and Claremont on the west. First Settlers. The first effort towards a settlement was made in the fall of 1763, by Jesse Wilcox, Ebenezer Morrit, Jesse Kelsey, and Samuel Hurd. The first settlers were principally from Killingworth, Conn. First Ministers. Rev. John Remelee, ordianed in 1783; dismissed in 1791. Rev. Abijah Wines, settled in 1795; dismissed in 1816. Productions of the Soil. Indian corn, 3,673 bushels; potatoes, 26,086 bushels; hay, 2,637 tons; wool, 8,306 lbs.; maple sugar, 9,658 pounds. Distances. Forty miles west by north from Concord, about thirty-five north from Keene, and fourteen east south-east from Windsor, Vt. Plainfield SULLIVAN CO. In this town there is considerable valuable intervale; on Connecticut River, and in other parts of the town, are excellent meadows. Here are two ponds. At the south- west part of this town, in Connecticut River, is Hart's Island, which contains nineteen acres. Waterqueechy Falls are in this town. A bridge was erected here in 1807. A small stream, flowing from Croydon Mountains, waters the town. Plainfield has a pleasant village, situated on a handsome plain, through the centre of which the street passes north and south. On a pleasant eminence in Meriden Parish is located "The Union Academy," incorporated June 16, 1813. It is endowed with a permanent fund of $40,000, the liberal bequest of the late Hon. DANIEL KINBALL, the interest of which, as directed by his last will, is to be applied as follows, viz.:--$150 annually to the support of a Calvinistic preacher, and the remainder for the instruction of pious young men for the ministry. The seminary is in a flourishing condition. Boundaries. North by Lebanon, east by Grantham, south by Cornish, and west by Hartland, Vt. First Settlers. L. Nash and J. Russell, settled in 1764. First Ministers. Rev. Abraham Carpenter, settled in 1765; dismissed in 1799. Rev. Micah Porter, settled in 1804; dismissed in 1824. Productions of the Soil. Indian corn, 5,467 bushels; potatoes, 35,408 bushels; hay, 3,654 tons; wool, 18,606 lbs.; maple sugar, 5,307 pounds. Distances. Twelve miles south from Dartmouth College, sixty miles north-west from Concord, and about fifteen miles north-west from Newport. Springfield SULLIVAN CO. A branch of Sugar River has its source in this town; and also a branch of the Blackwater River. The former empties into the Connecticut, the latter into the Merrimac. There are several ponds, viz. Station Pond, about 250 rods long, 140 wide; Cilley Pond, 240 rods long, and about eighty wide; Star, Stony, and Morgan's Ponds. The land is rough and stony, but good for grazing. Boundaries. North by Grafton, east by Wilmot, south-east by New London, south by Wendell and Croydon, and west by Croydon and Grantham. First Settlers. Israel Clifford, Israel Clifford, Jr., Nathaniel Clark, and Samuel Stevens, in 1772. First Minister. Rev. Job Cushman, settled in 1825; dismissed in 1828. Productions of the Soil. Indian corn, 1,861 bushels; potatoes, 34,845 bushels; hay, 1,961 tons; wool, 14,184 lbs.; maple sugar, 5,773 pounds. Distances. Thirty-eight miles north-west from Concord, and thirteen north-east from Newport. Unity SULLIVAN CO. Little Sugar River has its source in Whortleberry Pond and Beaver Meadow, in the north part of the town, passes through its centre, and empties itself into the Connecticut at Charlestown. Cold Pond, the head of Cold River, is partly in this town. From Gilman's Pond, in the east part of Unity, proceeds a branch of Sugar River, flowing through Newport. Perry's Mountain is in the south-west part, and partly in Charlestown. Unity is an uneven township, but the soil is highly favorable for grazing. It is excellent for flax, few towns in the State producing a greater quantity. The town was called Unity, from the happy termination of a dispute which had long subsisted, between certain of the inhabitants of Kingston and Hampstead, claiming the same tracts of land, under two different grants. Boundaries. North by Claremont and Newport, east by Goshen, south by Lempster and Acworth, and west by Charlestown. First Settlers. John Ladd and Moses Thurston, settled in 1769. Productions of the Soil. Indian corn, 3,455 bushels; potatoes, 38,220 bushels; hay, 3,183 tons; wool, 8,952 lbs.; maple sugar, 10,276 pounds. Distances. Fifty miles west by north from Concord, and nine south from Newport. Washington SULLIVAN CO. This town is hilly, but not mountainous. Lovewell's Mountain, so called from Capt. Lovewell's killing seven Indians near it, is of a conical shape, about three- quarters of a mile in diameter, and may be seen at a considerable distance. Washington abounds with springs, rivulets, and natural ponds, of the last of which, there are no less than sixteen, and some of them of considerable magnitude. Island Pond, so called from its being full of islands, is two miles long, and one and a half wide. Half Moon Pond is one and a half miles in length. Ashuelot Pond is one and a half miles long, and one mile wide, and is the source of one of the principle branches of Ashuelot River. Brockway's Pond, a beautiful sheet of water, lying on a white sand, is one mile long, and half a mile wide. Long Pond, lying in this town and Stoddard, is five miles in length. These ponds abound with a variety of fish. The borders of these ponds present delightful scenery. A branch of Contoocook River has its source from several small ponds in the eastern part of the town. The soil is generally deep and moist, better for grass than tillage. The first settlers had 150 acres of land each for settling. Boundaries. North by Goshen, east by Bradford, Hillsborough and Windsor, south by Stoddard, and west by Marlow and Lempster. First Settler. Reuben Kidder, Esq., settled in 1768. First Minister. Rev. George Lesslie, installed in 1780; died in 1800. Productions of the Soil. Indian corn, 2,351 bushels; potatoes, 31,158 bushels; hay, 2,574 tons; wool, 7,158 lbs.; maple sugar, 10,330 pounds. Distances. Thirty-five miles west from Concord, and about sixteen miles south-east from Newport. Wendell SULLIVAN CO. A considerable part of Lake Sunapee, a noble sheet of water, lies in this town. The surface of this lake is said to contain 4,095 acres, of which 2,720 acres are in Wendell. Here is the principle source of Sugar River, which flows from the lake near its cetre from north to south; passes through the centre of the town into Newport, from thence into Claremont, where it unites with the Connecticut. There are three small ponds, containing an area of about 300 acres. The town received its name from John Wendell, one of the principle proprietors. Boundaries. North by Springfield, east by Sunapee Lake, separating it from New London and Newbury, and west by Newport and Croydon. First Settlers. In 1772, emigrants from Rhode Island settled here. First Minister. Rev. N. Woodard. Productions of the Soil. Indian corn, 1,006 bushels; potatoes, 34,8421 bushels; hay, 1,599 tons; wool, 5,319 lbs; maple suger, 8,513 pounds. Distances. Forty miles north-west from Concord, and seven east from Newport.