Town Descriptions from Charlton's Gazetteer of New Hampshire (1855)

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Source:  New Hampshire As It Is by Edwin A. Charlton from Part II: A Gazetteer of New Hampshire
	  by George Ticknor, Tracy and Sanford Publishers, Claremont, N.H., 1855
	
	ACWORTH, Sullivan county, 13 miles south from Newport, and 44 west from Concord. Cold
River, which takes its rise from Cold Pond, in the north-east part of the town, is the only
stream of any note. It affords several good mill seats, which are used mainly in the manufacture
of such articles as are needed for home consumption. The soil is strong, and in general well
cultivated. This town is somewhat celebrated on account of the large crystals of beryl which
have been found within its limits. Specimens of these are to be found in almost every mineral
cabinet throughout the world. Dr. Jackson informs us that one of these beryls, 8 inches in
diameter, was shown him in the imperial cabinet of Vienna, and was highly valued.
	The town was granted, September 19, 1766, to Colonel Samuel Stoddard and 64 others. In
1768 it was settled by William Keyes, Samuel Hooper, and John Rogers, who removed thither with
their families. During the first years of the settlement its progress was but feeble, and it was
not until 1771 that there were inhabitants enough to fill the usual offices of a town.
	A Congregational church was organized March 12, 1773. First settled minister, Rev.
Thomas Archibald, who was settled November 11, 1789, and dismissed June 14, 1794. Rev. John
Kimball succeeded, and was settled June, 1797; dismissed May, 1813.
	Population in 1850, 1251. Number of polls in 1852, 278. Amount of inventory, $411,041.
Number of sheep, 6317. Do. neat stock, 1542. Do. horses and mules, 314.

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	CHARLESTOWN, Sullivan county. Bounded north by Claremont, east by Unity, Acworth, and
Langdon, south by Langdon and Walpole, and west by Springfield, Vermont. Distance from Concord,
51 miles, west. Area, 21,400 acres. The only rivers in this town are the Little Sugar and the
Connecticut, which latter flows along its western limits for a distance of 13 miles. The town
is very narrow, and its eastern line is very irregular. In Connecticut River are 3 islands,
which constitute a part of Charlestown, the largest of which (Sartwell's Island) contains about
10 acres, and is in a state of high cultivation. The other two contain about 6 acres each, and
are composed of a rich, loamy soil. Little Sugar River passes through the north part of town.
The soil is various. West of the road leading to Walpole there are 1500 acres of interval, of a
deep, rich, and loamy soil, favorable to the production of most of the varieties of grass and
grain; in the east and north-east portions of the town the soil of the uplands is strong and
productive. A ridge of land in the westerly part of the town extends nearly through its entire
length, the surface of which is hard, uneven, and stony, and is considered of but little value.
	Charlestown village is one of the most pleasant and delightful in the state. It is
situated on a plain, about half a mile from Connecticut River, and nearly parallel with it. The
main street is about a mile in length, is quite broad, and the highway is adorned on each side
with rows of majestic elms. The houses are mostly of two stories, neat and substantial,--many
of them built in the style and on the liberal scale so common among country gentlemen fifty or
seventy-five years ago,--with spacious grounds. Others are elegant and modern cottages. The
Sullivan Railroad passes through this village and through the village at North Charlestown, at
both of which places is a depot. There is a deposit of bog iron ore about 2-1/2 miles south-east
of the village, covering an area of 5000 yards. In the midst of this deposit a chalybeate spring
rises, strongly impregnated with iron. Yellow ochre, in great abundance and of a quality suitable
for paint, is obtained here. On the summit of the hill, above the deposit of bog iron ore, is a
bed of conglomerated quartz pebble.
	Charlestown was granted, December 31, 1735, by Massachusetts, under the name of Number
Four, to 63 persons. The first meeting of the proprietors was holden at Hatfield, April 5, 1737.
The first settlers were several families by names of Parker, Farnsworth, and Sartwell, from
Groton, Massachusetts. They were soon followed by a family named Hastings, from Lunenburg, and
another named Stevens, from Rutland. In 1743 a fort was built in this place, under the direction
of Colonel Stoddard, of Northampton. Mills were first erected in 1744. It was in this year that
the Cape Breton war began. Charlestown, being more than 30 miles from any settlement, was, during
this period, the scene of much suffering and privation. In the spring of 1746 a party of Indians
suddenly appeared, and took John Spafford, Isaac Parker, and Stephen Farnsworth, as they were
driving their teams. Their cattle were soon after found dead, with their tongues cut out. The
men were carried to Canada, and after some time returned to Boston under a flag of truce. In May
following the Indians again made their appearance at Number Four. About evening some women went
out to milk their cows, attended by Major Josiah Willard and several soldiers as a guard, when
eight Indians, who were concealed in a barn, fired on them, and killed Seth Putnam. While they
were scalping him, Willard and two of his men fired on them and mortally wounded two of them,
when the Indians retreated, carrying their dying companions with them. A few days after, as
Captain Paine, with about 20 of his men, were going out to view the place where Putnam was 
killed, they fell into an ambush. The enemy rose up from the bushes, fired, and then endeavored
to cut off the retreat of Paine and his company. The noise being heard at the fort, Captain
Phinehas Stevens, with a party of men, rushed out to their relief. A warm skirmish followed, in
which five men were killed on both sides, and one of Paine's party was taken. The Indians were
at length compelled to retire, and in their haste left behind several of their guns and blankets.
About a month after, another engagement happened at the same place. As Captain Stevens and
Captain Brown were going into the meadow to look for their horses, their dogs discovered an
ambush, which put the men on their guard, and gave them the advantage of the first fire. After a
short but close encounter, the Indians were driven into a neighboring swamp, drawing away some
of their dead. In this action only one white man was lost. Several blankets, hatchets, spears,
guns, and other things were left by the Indians, which were sold for £40, old tenor, which was
reckoned "a great booty for such beggarly enemies." During the early part of the summer of this
year, the Indians destroyed the mills in Charlestown by fire. In August a man named Phillips was
killed; and as the people were carrying him into the fort they were fired upon, but happily
none were injured. Having burned a few buildings, and killed and maimed some cattle, the Indians
took their leave. In November the settlement was deserted, excepting that six men were left in
charge of the fort, who kept it until winter set in, when they also left. In the latter end of
March, 1747, Captain Phinehas Stevens, who commanded a company of rangers consisting of 30 men,
came to Number Four, and finding the fort deserted, but in good condition, determined to keep
possession of it. He had been there but a few days when he was attacked by a party of 400 French
and Indians, under command of M. Debeliné. The dogs, by their continued barking, excited the
suspicion that the enemy were lurking about, which induced the inmates of the fort to keep the
gates closed. A single man ventured out to make a discovery, and was immediately fired upon; but
he succeeded in returning to the fort with only a slight wound. The enemy, finding that they were
discovered, now arose from their concealment and poured in their volleys upon the fort from all
sides. The wind being high, they set fire to the fences and log houses, and in a few moments the
fort was surrounded by flames. Captain Stevens was on the alert, and ready at every point with 
means to avert impending danger. He kept every vessel within the fort full of water, and caused
trenches to be dug under the walls, so that a man might crawl through and extinguish any fire
which might catch on the outside walls. The Indians, bent on the destruction of the fort and all
within it, kept up a continued stream of flaming arrows against the fort, but fortunately without
effect. The fire of the fences did not reach the fort, so that all attempts at destruction by
conflagration were providentially of no avail.
	This attack, accompanied with hideous shouts and yells, was kept up incessantly for two
days. Infuriated at the obstinacy of the beseiged, the savages next prepared a wheel carriage,
loaded with dry fagots and bushes, which they pushed behind them towards the fort. Feeling 
certain of success, before they carried this plan into effect, they demanded a cessation of arms
till sunrise; which was granted. In the morning, Debeliné advanced towards the fort with 50 men,
bearing a flag of truce, which he stuck in the ground. He demanded a parley, which was agreed to.
A French officer, with a soldier and an Indian, then came forward and proposed that the garrison
should bind up a quantity of provisions in blankets, and, having laid down their arms, allow
themselves to be conducted as prisoners of war to Montreal. Another proposal was, that the two
commanders should meet, and that an answer should then be given. Stevens met the French 
commander, who, without waiting for an answer, began to enforce his first proposal with the 
threat that, if not immediately acceded to, he would storm the fort, and put every man within it
to the sword if they should refuse his terms or kill one of his men. Stevens, seeing that to 
treat upon honorable terms was out of the question, resolutely replied, that he would listen to 
no terms until the last extremity--that he was intrusted with the defence of the fort, and was
determined to maintain it till he should be convinced that Monsieur Debeliné, with his forces,
could accomplish what he had threatened. He added, that it was poor encouragement to surrender
if they were all to be slaughtered for killing one man, when it was certain they had already
killed many. The Frenchman, with insolence, replied, "Go, see if your men dare fight any longer,
and give me a quick answer." Stevens went into the fort, and asked his men whether they would
fight, or surrender. It was at once and unanimously resolved to fight. This was immediately
communicated to the enemy, who thereupon resumed their shouting and fighting, keeping it up all 
that day and the night following. On the morning of the third day they demanded another cessation
for two hours. Two Indians then came forward and proposed to Stevens that, if he would sell them
provisions, they would withdraw. He answered, that to sell an enemy provisions for money was 
contrary to the law of nations; but he would pay them five bushels of corn for every captive 
whom they would give a hostage, until the captive could be brought from Canada. After this reply
the enemy fired a few more guns, and then disappeared. In this brave defence against great odds 
and a starving, savage foe, no lives were lost within the fort, and only two men were wounded. 
An express was immediately despatched to Boston, and the news was there recieved with 
demonstrations of joy. Commodore Sir Charles Knowles was so highly pleased with the conduct of 
Captain Stevens that he presented him with an elegant and valuable sword. From this circumstance
the township, when it was incorporated, July 2, 1753, received the name Charlestown.
	This charter was granted by Governor Benning Wentworth to Joseph Wells, Phinehas Stevens,
and others, who were purchasers under the old grantees. In 1754 the French war began, and the
inhabitants were once more obligued to resort to the fort for safety. From infancy the settlers
had been trained to scenes of hardship and danger unknown to their descendants. When they 
attended public worship, or cultivated their lands, they proceeded forth from the fort armed for
battle, and worshipped or toiled under protection of a sentinel. In their depredatory excursions,
the Indians preferred prisoners to scalps, and generally killed but few excepting those who were
likely to escape or appeared too formidable to be encountered with success. On the 29th of
August, 1754, the Indians, early in the morning, attacked the house of James Johnson, who, with
his wife, her sister, and three children, and two men, Peter Labree and Ebenezer Farnsworth, 
were taken prisoners. On the second day of the journey, about 15 miles from Charlestown, in the
wilderness, Mrs. Johnson was delivered of a child, who, from the peculiar circumstances attending
its birth, was named Captive. The Indians halted one day on account of the woman, and on the next
day took up their march, carrying her on a ltter which they made for that purpose. During that
march, being distressed for want of provisions, they killed the only horse they had, and the
infant was nourished by sucking pieces of its flesh. When they had arrived at Montreal, Johnson
obtained a parole to return and solicit funds for the redemption of his family and himself. He
applied to the Assembly of New Hampshire, and at length secured £150 sterling; but the season was
then so far advanced that he did not return to Canada until Spring opened. He was then charged 
with having broken his parole; a great part of his money was taken from him by violence; and he
was shut up with his family in a prison, where they took the small pox; but fortunately they all
survived. After 18 months, Mrs. Johnson, with her sister and two daughters, was sent in a cartel
ship to England, and thence returned to Boston.
	Johnson was still retained in prison for three years, and then, with his son, returned
and found his wife in Boston. His eldest daughter was retained in a nunnery in Canada. The 
daughter who was born on the journey, as related, afterwards married Colonel George Kimball. In
1756 Lieutenant Moses Willard, the father of Mrs. Johnson, was killed. He was at work within
sight of the fort with his son Moses. The Indians, having despatched the father, pursued the son,
and wounded him with a spear. He however made his escape, dragging the spear with him into the 
fort. In 1757 the Indians again burned the mills which had been rebuilt, and took Sampson 
Colefax, David Farnsworth, and Thomas Adams prisoners. In 1758 Ashahel Stebbins was killed, and
his wife, Isaac Parker, and a soldier were captured. In September, 1760, Joseph Willard, his 
wife, and children were taken prisoners. After they had proceeded on their journey a few miles,
the Indians, finding that the infant child gave signs of uneasiness, and fearing that it might
impede their progress, took it aside and beat out its brains. This, it is believed, was among the
last depredations committed by the Indians in New England. The prisoners taken from Charlestown
were all conveyed to Canada by way of Lake Champlain and sold to the French. Nearly all were 
sooner or later redeemed by government or by their friends. The first child born in Charlestown
was Elizabeth, daughter of Isaac Parker. She was born in 1744. Charlestown has been, and still
is, favored with not a few men of eminence and ability.
	Captain Phinehas Stevens, of whom mention has already been made, was one of the first
settlers. He was a native of Sudbury, Massachusetts, from whence his father removed to Rutland.
At the age of 16, while his father was making hay, he, with three little brothers, followed him
to the meadow. They were surprised by Indians, who killed two of his brothers, took him prisoner,
and then made preparations to kill his youngest brother, a child four years old. By signs, he
made the Indians understand that, if they would spare the little fellow, he would carry him on
his back to Canada. He died, in November, 1756, in the service of his country. Samuel Stevens,
Esq., son of Captain Stevens, was the first representative of the town to the General Court, and,
at the age of 87 years, discharged the duties of register of probate for the county of Cheshire,
which post he had occupied for several years. Colonel William Heywood was one of the ten males
who formed the Congregational church in 1761, and filled the office of town clerk 42 years.
Colonel Samuel Hunt, who was an active military officer during the French and revolutionary wars,
settled in this town in 1759, and was sheriff of the county until his death in 1779. Hon.
Simeon Olcott and Hon. Benjamin West were men whom posterity will not forget. Hon. Henry
Hubbard has filled the responsible offices of representative and senator in Congress and governor
of New Hampshire. Hon. J. J. Gilchrist, chief justice of the Superior Court of Judicature in this
state, is a citizen of Charlestown.
	Charlestown is not remarkably well situated for a manufacturing town or a place of
extensive business of any kind. It has but little water power, and affords but few facilities for
trade. Still it is a flourishing town. The Connecticut River Bank in this town has a capital of
$90,000. There is a shoe establishment, employing 50 hands. The railroad machine shop gives
employment to 12 or 15 hands. The first settled minister was Rev. John Dennis, who, on account of
the Indian war, was ordained in Northfield December 4, 1754. He was dismissed in 1756. Rev.
Bulkly Olcott was ordained May 28, 1761; died June 26, 1792. Rev. Daniel Foster supplied the 
place of settled minister from 1796 to 1809. Rev. Jaazaniah Crosby was ordained October 17, 1810.
He preached and maintained the doctrines of the Congregational creed for several years, when he,
with all, or nearly so, of his congregation adopted the Unitarian faith. This is, at the present
time, a large and flourishing society, still under the charge of Mr. Crosby.
	Population, 1644. Number of polls, 349. Amount of inventory, $793,664. Value of shares
in bank, $70,500. Value of lands, improved and unimproved, $442,412. Number of sheep, 5806. Do.
neat stock, 1415. Do. horses and mules, 296.

APPENDIX: ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS FOR TRICKNOR GAZETTEER.

CHARLESTOWN.--In the description of CharIestown a ridge of land is spoken of as extending nearly
through the entire length of the town, on its "westerly" limits,--it should read "easterly."

	CLAREMONT, Sullivan county. Bounded north by Cornish, east by Newport, south by Unity and
Charlestown, and west by Weathersfield, Vermont. Area, 25,830 acres. Distance from Concord, 47 
miles, west. This town is watered by Connecticut River on its western border, and by Sugar River,
which flows in a westerly direction, winding in its course through broad and fertile meadows, 
until it reaches the village in the central part of the town, when its fall is very rapid till 
within about a mile of the Connecticut, into which it is discharged. Red Water Brook waters the 
north-east part of the town. There are, besides, several other small streams in various parts of
the town. The soil consists mostly of a rich gravelly loam, very deep. The surface is generally
undulating. A large portion of the town consists of interval, or meadow, the soil of which, in 
many places, is very deep. The upland farms are generally easily and well cultivated, and highly
productive. The town is mostly surmounted by high hills, which, to some extent, ward off high and
bleak winds. Vegetation is several days earlier here than in the surrounding towns. Claremont 
enjoys the reputation of being the best farming town in the state.
	The only eminences of note are Green Mountain, in the easterly, and Barbour's Mountain, 
in the westerly, part of the town. Green mountain is based on a mica slate foundation. The 
mountain itself consists of quartz rock, apparently of regular stratification, but really of 
crystalline structure. On the sides of the mountain are found large crystals of staurotide, some
of which are very beautiful. From the summit of this mountain the Connecticut River can be seen 
for many miles, permeating through its broad and luxuriant intervals, dotted here and there with
a radiant islet, and gliding quietly by villages and farm houses scattered along its shores-the 
whole presenting a landscape which, for variety and beauty, is seldom surpassed. The rock 
composing Twistback Mountain, a small eminence, consists of micaceous slate, interstratified 
with small beds of blue limestone, somewhat impure. Barbour's Mountain is a beautiful swell of 
land, containing some of the best cultivated farms in the town. 
	The hills are generally sloping acclivities, easily cultivated on all sides, together 
with their summits. The village of Claremont, situated about two miles east of the Sullivan 
Railroad depot in this town, presents a thriving and attractive appearance. Scattered over a 
large surface, it includes an agreeable variety of plain, terrace, and gentle declivity. There
are five houses of religious worship, each spacious, and exhibiting a different, and in some 
instances a beautiful, style of architecture. In the "West Parish " are two churches-one 
Episcopalian, the other Roman Catholic. This is a quiet and romantic spot. The mercantile 
business of this town is considerable. There are in the village 46 stores-milliners', jewellers',
tailors', druggists' shops, and grocers'. There are two banks-the Claremont Bank and the 
Sullivan Savings Institution. There are two large shoe manufactories here-one furnishing 
employment for 40 males and 36 females, owned by G. N. Farwell & Co., and furnishing 25,000 
pairs of ladies' shoes annually; the other, owned by Silas E. Noyes,, employing 12 males and 20 
females, and furnishing 12,000 pairs of shoes per annum.
	The manufacturing facilities of this town are equalled by few, if any, towns within the 
state. The rapid fall of Sugar River furnishes immense water power and numerous excellent mill 
seats, which, with Sunapee Lake as a reservoir, and the right, by an act of incorporation, to 
draw down the lake 10 feet,-though this, as yet, has not been found necessary,-insures an 
abundant and constant supply of water during all seasons of the year. The fall of  this river
through the village, a distance of about three fourths of a mile, is 150 feet. Each 20 feet of 
fall fur nishes power sufficient to carry 20,000 spindles. The entire fall through the town is 
250 feet. These valuable privileges are being rapidly taken up. The following are the principal 
works on this stream in the village:- 
	The Sunapee Mills, a cotton manufactory, runs 1320 mule spindles, 1280 warp do., and 60 
looms. It consumes 104,000 pounds of cotton per annum. About 10,000 yards of print goods are 
manufactured weekly. Number of hands employed, 50.  Capital, $30,000.  Benjamin Cozzens agent;
J. W. Thompson superintendent and treasurer. 
	The Monadnock Mills, a cotton manufactory, in respect to the extent of buildings, 
capital, and amount of goods annually manufactured, may justly be ranked among the first 
establishments of the kind in the country. The entire length of the factory building, with wheel
house and repair shop included, is 418 feet. The main wings of the building are each 124 feet in
length, 60 in width, and 5 stories high, besides spacious attics. Capital stock, $200,000. 
Number of spindles, 15,000. Do. looms, 4/4, 120, 5/4, 41; 9/4, 24; 11/4, 62; 12/4, 74; total, 
321-equal to 465 4/4 looms. Number of male operatives employed, 100. Do. females, 300. Amount of
stock consumed annually, 725,000 pounds. Do. goods manufactured, 2,050,000 square yards. Do. 
money annually paid to operatives, $75,000. Jonas Livingston agent.
	The Claremont Machine Works-a company engaged in the manufacture of engine lathes and 
planers. These machines are finished to the utmost degree of perfection. Upon some of them the 
highest premiums have been awarded at the Crystal Palace. Amount of capital invested, $15,000. 
Number of hands employed, 25.
	The Home Mills-a cotton manufactory. Capital stock, $30,000. Number of spindles, 2600. 
Do. looms, 4/4, 51. Male operatives, 18; female, 22. Amount of cotton consumed annually, 80,000 
pounds. Yards of sheeting manufactured annually, 363,000, 37 inch.  Amount of money paid annually
to operatives, $7800. Arnold Briggs agent.
	Sanford and Rossiter's Woollen Factory. Thomas Sanford agent. Capital stock invested, 
$40,000. Goods manufactured, cassimeres. Number of yards manufactured per annum, 45,000. Pounds 
of wool consumed annually, 50,000. Number of operatives employed, 30.
	E. E. Bailey's Silver Ware Manufactory. Capital invested, $5000.
	Claremont Cutlery Company. Manufacture table cutlery mostly. Capital invested, $30,000. 
Manufacture from 2000 to 3000 knives and forks per day. Consume annually 30 tons of steel; 30 do.
cocoa; 20 do. ebony; 50 do. hard coal; 30 do. grindstones; 2500 bushels of charcoal; and 100 
cords of wood. Dimensions of main building, 96 by 40 feet. Do. of forge shop, 65 by 24. 100 
operatives are employed, with machinery sufficient to employ 50 additional hands. Amount of
business per annum, $60,000. The cutlery manufactured at this establishment has been considered 
by large dealers as superior to any other manufactured in this country or England.
	Claremont Manufacturing Company. S. Ide agent. Authorized capital, $500,000. Incorporated
1832. This company manufacture and sell paper and books. Amount of capital paid in, $100,000. 
They are now running 3 mills, with 9 engines. Amount of paper made, about 250 tons per year. 
Value, $50,000. Value of books manufactured, $50,000. Number of hands employed- males, 40; 
females, 50. 
	There are also two weekly papers published in Claremont-the National Eagle and the 
Northern Advocate.
	Claremont was granted, October 26, 1764, to Josiah Willard, Samuel Ashly, and 67 others. 
It received its name in honor of Lord Clive, a distinguished English general, who then had charge
of the British forces in the East Indies. The first settlement was made in 1762, by Moses 
Spafford and David Lynde. The first white native of Claremont was Elijah, son of Moses Spafford,
born in 1763. The first settled minister in the town was Rev. George Wheaton, of the 
Congregational faith. His successor was Rev. Augustine Hibbard, who was settled in 1774; 
dismissed in 1785. Rev. John Tappan was ordained March 7, 1796; dismissed in September, 1802. 
It is now a large and flourishing society. The first minister of the Episcopal church in this 
town was Rev. Ranna Cossitt, who took holy orders in England in 1772, and in the following year
entered upon the duties of his sacred office. Rev. Daniel Barber succeeded him in August, 1775, 
and was dismissed in 1818. Rev. James B. Howe succeeded him in 1819. There are two Episcopalian 
churches in this town; the one in the "West Parish" was erected in 1773, now under the charge of
Rev. H. S. Smith. The number of communicants is about 50. The other, Trinity Church was erected 
in 1852, at a cost of $10,200, and is a splendid edifice of the Elizabethan Gothic style. This 
church is under the charge of the Right Rev. Carlton Chase, D. D., Bishop of New Hampshire, and
contains about 225 communicants.
	A Baptist society was formed in 1785, and in the following year Rev. John Peckens was 
ordained. He was succeeded by Rev. John Peake in 1788. This society is now in a flourishing 
condition.
	The Methodist society was formed in 1809. Rev. Caleb Dustin was the pastor for many 
years, and was beloved by all who knew him.
	The Universalist society was formed in 1826, and for several years had only occasional 
preaching. For some time past, however, the society has been under the care of a settled 
minister. 
	Hon. Caleb Ellis was a resident of this town. In 1804 he was chosen member of Congress, 
which office he held two years. In 1813 he was appointed judge of the Superior Court, in which 
office he remained until his death in 1816. Hon. George B. Upham, a citizen of this town, was a 
member of Congress in 1801, which office he held two years. He was an eminent lawyer, and by his
industry and close application became, from a poor young man, one of the most wealthy men in New 
Hampshire. He died February 10, 1848, aged 79.
	Population in  1854, 4376.  Number of polls, 1012. Inventory, $2,096,742. Value of lands,
improved and unimproved, $946,256. Number of sheep, 6349. Do. neat stock, 2445. Do. horses and 
mules, 602. 

APPENDIX: ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS FOR TRICKNOR GAZETTEER.

CLAREMONT.-The number of communicants connected with Trinity Church is about 125. The cost of 
the edifice recently erected by this Society for a house of worship, exclusive of land, was about
$7,500. The Methodist Episcopal Society of this town is in a flourishing condition, numbering 
about 350 members, under the pastoral care of Rev. F. A. Hewes, who is now on his second 
conference year. They now worship in a spacious new edifice, erected about two years since, at a
cost of about $7,000. The new church is 50 by 74 ft., and will seat comfortably a congregation of
700; is thoroughly built, and like most of the churches of this denomination, convenience and 
accommodation for a large congregation were more consulted in its construction than mere 
ornament; though the building in its interior finish is exceedingly neat, and externally-being 
located upon elevated ground on Central street,-presents a fine and imposing appearance.

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	CORNISH, Sullivan county. Bounded north by Plainfield, east by Croydon, south by 
Claremont, and west by Windsor, Vermont. Area, 23,160 acres. Distance from Concord, 50 miles, 
north-west; from Newport, 13. This town is watered in its western limits by the Connecticut 
River, over which a bridge connects with Windsor. The soil is generally fertile, and adapted to 
the growth of the grains, fruits, and vegetables generally raised throughout the state. The town
is hilly, with the exception of that part which lies on the river. On Bryant's Brook specimens 
of silver ore have been found; also, on the bottom and along the margin of the brook, spruce-
yellow paint is obtained in considerable quantities. Good limestone occurs in various locations.
Crystals of red oxide of titanium have been discovered in this town. These are valued highly by 
jewellers, who sell them under the name of Venus hair stone.
	There are in this town two hotels and two stores. The people are generally engaged in 
agricultural pursuits. Several farms in this town are under excellent cultivation. This town was
granted, June 21, 1763, to Rev. Samuel McClintock and 69 others. It was settled in 1765 by 
emigrants chiefly from Sutton, Massachusetts. When the first settlers arrived they found a camp,
known for many years as the "Mast Camp," from its having been erected for a company engaged in 
procuring masts for the royal navy. Captain Daniel Putnam, a citizen highly esteemed, and for
many years clerk of the town, came here in 1764. Cornish was one of the sixteen towns that 
seceded from New Hampshire and joined Vermont in 1778. During this year a convention of delegates
from several towns on both sides of the river met in this town.
	A Congregational church was formed here in 1768. Rev. James Welman was the first 
minister. He was succeeded in 1800 by Rev. Joseph Rowell. A Baptist church was formed here in 
1791, and Rev. Ariel Kendrick was ordained in 1801. An Episcopalian society was formed in 1793.
This society was incorporated, in 1795, under the name of "Trinity Church."
	Population, 1606. Number of legal voters in 1854, 386.  Inventory, $584,644. Value of
lands, improved and unimproved, $274,124. Amount of school fund, $580. Number of sheep, 6605. 
Do. neat stock, 1822. Do. horses, 368.

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	CROYDON, Sullivan county. Bounded north by Grantham, east by Springfield and Sunapee, 
south by Newport, and west by Cornish. Area, 26,000 acres. Distance from Concord, 44 miles, 
north-west. This town is very hilly and uneven, and its surface is in many places covered with 
huge masses of granite. Croydon Mountain stretches across the western part of the town, and is 
the highest elevation in Sullivan county. This town is well watered. It contains several ponds, 
the largest of which are Long Pond, Rocky Bound, Governor's and Spectacle Ponds. The north branch
of Sugar River crosses it in a south-westerly direction, dividing the town into two nearly equal
parts. On this stream and its tributaries are some excellent mill seats. The soil, excepting the
alluvial bordering upon Sugar River, has generally been considered stubborn and unproductive; it,
however, produces excellent grass, potatoes, and wheat. This town enjoys the reputation of 
furnishing the very best qualities of butter and cheese.
	Croydon was granted by charter to Samuel Chase, Ephraim Sherman, and 63 others, May 31, 
1763. It was first settled, in 1766, by emigrants from Massachusetts. When the revolutionary war
broke out, the inhabitants of this remote and sterile township were not idle and unconcerned 
spectators. No less than 65 of its citizens served in the war, several of whom laid down their 
lives in defence of their country.
	A Congregational church was formed here September 9, 1778. In June, 1788, Rev. Jacob 
Haven was settled as pastor, who faithfully discharged the duties of his office until 1834. He 
died March 17, 1845, aged 82.
	Population, 861. Number of legal voters, 215. Valuation, $264,520. Value of lands, 
improved and unimproved, $153,672.  Acres of improved land, 13,400. Bushels of potatoes, 14,285.
Pounds of wool grown, 15,735. Do. of butter made, 50,970. Do. cheese, 1072. Do. maple sugar, 
17,120. Capital invested in manufacturing, $17,700. Number of sheep, 3833. Do. neat stock, 1297.
Do. horses, 188.

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	GOSHEN, Sullivan county. Bounded north by Sunapee, east by Newbury, south by Washington,
and west by Unity and Newport. Area, 12,023 acres. Distance from Concord, 42 miles, north-west; 
from Newport, 10, south-east. From Sunapee Mountain, lying in the east part of this town, spring
numerous small streams, which unite in forming Sugar River. Rand's Pond is in the north-east 
part of the town. The soil is particularly adapted to the growth of grass. Large quantities of 
maple sugar are manufactured here annually. A plumbago vein of considerable extent and richness
is wrought here. The varieties of rock are mica, slate, gneiss, and granite. A Congregational 
church was formed here 1802, and a Baptist society in 1803. There is also a society called 
Christians. There are two stores and five common schools in this town. Goshen was formed of 
territory taken from Newport, Sunapee, Newbury, Washington, Lempster, and Unity. It was 
incorporated December 27, 1791. The first settlement was made in that part then called Wendall,
now Sunapee, by Captain Benjamin Rand, William Lang, and Daniel Grindle, whose sufferings and 
hardships were very great. Their crops were often greatly injured, and sometimes entirely cut 
off, by early frosts. In such cases they were obliged to go to Walpole or Charlestown for grain.
During a winter of great scarcity Captain Rand went to Walpole after grain; and being detained 
by a violent snow storm his family were obliged to live six days without provisions, during 
which time Mrs. Rand sustained one of her children, five years of age, by milk from her breast, 
her infant child having died a short time before. 
	Population, 659. Number of legal voters in 1854, 166. Inventory, $181,372. Value of 
lands, $92,476. Number of sheep, 2744. Do. neat stock, 824. Do. horses, 143.

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	GRANTHAM, Sullivan county. Bounded north by Enfield, east by Springfield and Croydon, 
south by Croydon, and west br Plainfield. Area, 24,900 acres. Distance from Concord, 40 miles, 
north-west; from Newport, 12, north. There are seven ponds, the largest of which is called 
Eastman's Pond, covering nearly 300 acres; another near the centre of the town, covers about 200 
acres. The surface is broken and hilly in some parts. The soil is productive, and some of the
farms along its southern and western borders are highly cultivated. Croydon Mountain extends in 
a direction from south-west to north-east through this town. Upon the summit is a pond, covering
about 80 acres. The more hilly parts are excellent for pasturage. It is well watered by numerous
brooks, many of which abound with trout. In the north-west corner of the town is found in large 
quantities a substance which, being clarified, produces a paint similar to spruce yellow, or, 
being burned, to Spanish brown. Grantham was granted July 11, 1761; but the proprietors not 
fulfilling the conditions of the charter, it was forfeited. In 1767 it was regranted to Colonel 
William Symmes and 63 others under its present name. The name was afterwards changed by the 
prefix "New," which was in a few years after dropped. The inhabitants upon the west side of the
mountain are closely connected with Meriden parish, in Plainfield, in matters of general 
intercourse and business. On the eastern side of the mountain is a Methodist meeting house.   
	Population, 784. Number of polls, 183. Inventory, $261,739. Value of lands, $150,053. 
Number of sheep, 5636. Do. neat stock, 1110. Do. horses 186. 

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	LANGDON, Sullivan county. Bounded north by Charlestown, east by Acworth, south by 
Alstead and Walpole, and west by Walpole and Charlestown. Area, 9891 acres. Distance from 
Concord, 50 miles, west; from Newport, 18, south-west. The soil is generally productive, and is
usually under excellent cultivation. The inhabitants are chiefly engaged in farming. There is 
considerable fruit of a delicious quality raised here. Langdon has for several years been famous
for its large, handsome cattle. Indeed, nearly everything from the agricultural department of 
this town bears strong marks of the patient labor and the rich rewards of the farmer. A large 
branch of Cold River passes in a southernly direction through the entire extent of the town. 
This town was incorporated January 11, 1787, and named in honor of Governor Langdon. The first
settlers were Seth Walker, Nathaniel Rice, and Jonathan Willard, in 1773.
	A Congregational church was formed in 1792. There is also a Universalist society, 
consisting of but few persons.
	Population, 575. Number of polls, 131. Inventory, $327,665. Value of lands, $188,529.
Stock in trade, $5519. Money on deposit, $51,321. Number of sheep, 2001. Do. neat stock, 697.
Do. horses, 149.

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	LEMPSTER, Sullivan county. Bounded north by Unity, east by Goshen and Washington, south 
by Marlow, and west by Acworth. Area, 21,410 acres. Distance from Concord, 40 miles, west; from 
Newport, 12, south. The surface is mostly uneven, and in the eastern part mountainous. The soil 
is moist and cold, and better adapted to grass than grain. It is well watered, but by small 
streams. Near the western boundary is a pond, 320 rods long and 80 in width. Sand Pond, lying in
this town and Marlow, is 420 rods long and 70 wide. Dodge's Pond, near the centre, covers about 
50 acres. The surface is hilly, and in some parts rocky. It is an excellent growing town. There 
are two meeting houses, one hotel, three stores, and a large shoe manufactory, in connection with
which is an extensive tannery, where common hair-tanned leather and patent hair-tanned leather 
are made. The amount of capital invested is $25,000. Number of hands employed, 70. Alvah Smith &
Sons, proprietors. 
	Lempster was granted by charter, October 5, 1761, to Richard Sparrow and 61 others. In 
November of the same year a Congregational church was organized. There is also a Methodist 
society here. 
	Population, 906. Number of polls, 200. Inventory, $292,376.  Number of sheep, 2446.  Do.
neat stock, 1029. Do. horses, 198. 

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	NEWPORT, shire town of Sullivan county. Bounded north by Croyden, east by Sunapee and 
Goshen, south by Unity, and west by Claremont. Area, 25,267 acres. Distance from Concord, 39 
miles, by the Merrimack and Connecticut River Railroad. The central position of this town, and 
its valuable water privileges, together with the fact that it is the county seat, render it a 
place of considerable business and importance. Its surface is diversified with hills and valleys.
The soil may be classified by three divisions:--viz., the alluvial, or the borders of the 
different branches of Sugar River, forming rich and fertile meadows, from one fourth to half a 
mile in width, on either side of the streams; the dry and gravelly, or the low lands in other 
parts of the town; and the moist and cold in the more elevated parts. In general the soil is 
productive. Many farms in this town are under high cultivation. Sugar River flows through the 
town, its three branches uniting near the village, whence it passes through Claremont to the 
Connecticut. The village is one of the pleasantest in the state. Its principal street is broad, 
and somewhat more than a mile in length. It is nearly surrounded by hills, which are themselves 
overtopped by lofty elevations and mountains in the distance, rendering the scenery in winter 
wild and sublime, in summer romantic and charming
 	The houses are well built-some are elegant residences, adorned with beautiful yards and
gardens. The Court House is a large brick edifice, standing on a gentle rise a few rods from the
principal street. The county buildings are conveniently located, and are substantially built. 
There are four meeting houses, all of which are situated on the principal street-the Baptist at 
the northern extremity, and the Congregational, a massive brick structure, at the southern 
extremity. The Methodist chapel, a new and handsome edifice, and the Universalist meeting house
are situated in the more central part. There are two public houses, large and convenient, where 
the best accommodations are always provided. These houses are a frequent resort of travellers in
the summer season, attracted hither by the healthiness of the place and the opportunities for 
hunting and fishing afforded by the surrounding country. There are also eight stores, some 
twenty shops of various descriptions, three woollen factories, where quite an extensive business
is done, two very extensive tanneries, and one machine shop, where various articles of 
merchandise are manufactured. At Northville, a busy place a few miles from the principal village,
are a scythe factory and numerous other departments of mechanical labor. The inhabitants are
industrious and persevering; and as idleness is a stranger among them, so is poverty.   
	Newport was incorporated October 6, 1761. The first effort towards a settlement was made,
in the fall of 1763, by Jesse Wilcox, Ebenezer Merrit, Jesse Kelsey, and Samuel Hurd.
	The Congregational church was formed in 1779. The Baptist church was organized the same 
year. 
	The Argus and Spectator is published here; for history of which, see another part of this
volume.
	The Sugar River Bank was incorporated January 7, 1853. Capital stock, $50,000.
	Population, 2020.  Number of polls, 479.  Inventory, $682,156. Value of lands, $383,904.
Do. mills and factories, $13,700. Stock in trade, $21,950. Money at interest, $33,050. Number of
sheep, 2753. Do. neat  stock, 2180. Do. horses, 399.

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	PLAINFIELD, Sullivan county. Bounded north by Lebanon, east by Grantham, south by 
Cornish, and west by  Hartland, Vermont. Area, 23,221 acres. Distance from Concord, 60 miles, 
north-west; from Newport, 17, northwest; from Dartmouth College, 12, south. Connecticut River 
touches its western border, along which are extensive tracts of valuable interval. In other 
parts there are many fertile meadows. A small stream, which has its source in Croydon Mountains,
waters the town. There is no water power of any considerable importance. The surface is varied.
The soil is generally strong and fertile; in a few localities it is hard and stony. This is an 
execellent town for grazing and the raising of stock. Limestone of good quality is found in the 
western portion, in several places. 
	Plainfield Plain is a small but pleasant village, situated on the banks of the 
Connecticut, and contains two meeting houses, a post office, two stores, and several shops.
	East Plainfield contains a few houses, and a meeting house, erected several years since
by the Baptist society, but which has been unoccupied for some time. The soil in this vicinity 
is somewhat cold and rugged.
	Menden is a pleasant and healthy village, situated on a gentle eminence, upon the top of 
which is a handsome school house, a meeting house, two stores, a large hotel, several dwelling 
houses, and Kimball Union Academy, a widely-known and distinguished literary institution. It was
endowed with a permanent fund of $40,000, a liberal bequest of the late Hon. Daniel Kimball. Of 
the income of this fund, $150 is annually applied towards the support of a preacher; the 
remainder in aid of young men who contemplate entering upon the duties of the ministry. A few 
years since an appropriation of $12,000 was made by the widow of Mr. Kimball towards the 
establishment of a female department, and the erection of suitable buildings for that purpose.
A large, beautiful, and substantial edifice was built, upon the lower floor of which are the 
chapel, a spacious and well-finished room, and a reading room. On the second floor are recitation
rooms, the room containing the library and mineral cabinet, and a few rooms for the use of 
students. The upper or third story is divided into apartments for students. This new structure
is joined at right angles with the old building, which is used for lecture rooms, laboratory, 
apparatus room, &c. The board of instructors is large, and made up of permanent and experienced 
teachers. The modes of instruction, and the success which has hitherto attended the efforts of 
the trustees and teachers of this institution, are too generally known to admit of description.
Suffice it to say that no efforts are spared to promote the health and advancement, both moral 
and intellectual, of the student. It was incorporated June 16, 1813.
	On the "Flat," about half a mile east of the Academy, is the Baptist meeting house, a 
handsome edifice, containing a bell, which for sweetness and sonorousness is seldom equalled. 
The village contains many pleasant residences.
	Plainfield was granted August 14, 1761, and was settled in 1764, by L. Nash and J. 
Russell. A Congregational church was organized in 1765. The Baptist church was formed in 1792. 
	Population, 1392. Number of polls, 300. Inventory, $521,759. Value of lands, $330,710.
Do. mills, $1700. Stock in trade, $2900.  Money at interests $39,901. Number of sheep, 9860. 
Do. neat stock, 1256. Do. horses, 283.

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	SPRINGFIELD, Sullivan county. Bounded north by Grafton, east by Wilmot and New London, 
south by New London and Sunapee, and west by Croyden and Grantham. Area, 28,330 acres, 2300 of 
which are covered with water. Distance from Concord, 38 miles, north-west; from Newport, 13, 
north-east. A branch of the Sugar River has its source in this town, also a branch of the 
Blackwater River, the former discharging into the Connecticut, and the latter into the Merrimack.
There are several ponds scattered through the town. The land is rough and stony, but not 
mountainous. The soil is strong, and produces well. There are two meeting houses belonging to 
societies of the Christian order, thirteen common schools, three stores, one planing mill, and 
several factories. There are still large tracts of excellent wood and timber land here. In the 
east part of the town is an excellent quarry of granite.
	Population, 1270. Number of legal voters in 1854, 300. Inventory, $269,591. Value of 
lands, $146,714. Stock in trade, $1500. Value of mills, $3325. Money at interest, $ 12,857. 
Number of sheep, 4637. Do. neat stock, 1326.  Do horses, 166.

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	SUNAPEE, Sullivan county. Bounded north by Springfield, east by New London and Newbury, 
south by Goshen, and west by Newport and Croyden. Area, 15,666 acres, 3000 of which are covered 
with water. Distance from Concord,  35 miles, north-west; from Newport, 7, east. By far the 
larger portion of Sunapee Lake lies within the limits of this town. It is a beautiful sheet of 
water- abounding with fish-which, with the surrounding country, affords a charming prospect. 
This is the principal source of Sugar River, which flows through the centre of the town, through
Newport and Claremont into the Connecticut, affording in its course numerous excellent water 
privileges. The surface of the town is uneven, and in some parts rocky and mountainous. The soil
is strong and productive, if carefully cultivated. It was granted, November 7, 1768, to John 
Sprague and others, under the name of Saville. It was settled, in 1772, by emigrants from Rhode
Island, and was incorporated April 4, 1781, when it received the name of Wendell from one of the
principal proprietors, John Wendell. It received its present name in 1850. A Congregational 
society was incorporated June 24, 1819. There are at present two religious societies- one 
Christian and one Methodist.
	Population, 787. Number of polls, 191. Inventory, $203,533. Value of lands, $125,451. 
Stock in trade, $1550. Money at interest, $4770. Number of sheep, 1402. Do. neat stock, 1061. 
Do. horses, 135.

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	UNITY, Sullivan county. Bounded north by Claremont and Newport, east by Goshen, south by
Lempster and Acworth, and west by Charlestown. Area, 24,447 acres. Distance from Concord, 50 
miles, north-west; from Newport, 9, south. Gilman's, Cold, and Marshall's Ponds are the largest 
collections of water. The latter is the source of Little Sugar River. Cold Pond is the head of 
Cold River. From Gilman's Pond flows a branch of Sugar River. Perry's Mountain is in the south-
west part of the town, lying partly in Charlestown. This is an uneven and rocky township, and, 
with its strong, fertile soil, is well adapted to grazing and the raising of stock. Unity is 
celebrated for its excellent cattle. There are numerous localities in this town of a character 
highly interesting to the geologist and mineralogist. The rock formation consists of gneiss and 
granite, overlaid by strata of micaceous, hornblende, and chlorite slate. The direction of the 
strata is north by east-dip, south, 80ĝ. Near the north-western corner of the town the 
argillaceous slate rocks occur, overlapping the older primary strata. Granular quartz, in great
abundance, of an excellent quality, and easily triturated, is found here. There is a strong 
chalybeate spring in the eastern part of the town, which is quite celebrated; it is highly 
charged with salts of iron, and possesses tonic properties. From the soil around this spring 
copper has been manufactured by leaching and evaporation. Bog iron ore, in small quantities, is 
found in various localities. Near Little Sugar River is a large and valuable mine of copper and 
iron pyrites. Its location is favorable for working, and, from the fact that the vein is one foot 
nine inches in width three feet from the surface, and constantly widens as it descends, it is 
believed to contain almost an inexhaustible supply. Near this mine a new mineral was discovered 
by Dr. Jackson, and named by him chlorophyllite. It occurs in the sienite rocks, which are found
embedded in gneiss. Crystals of magnetic iron ore, in octahedral forms, are found disseminated 
in green mica; also garnets and radiated actinolite. Iolite, a fine, delicate, blue-colored 
stone, which is valued highly by jewellers, and titanium, valued in the arts of porcelain 
painting and in the manufacture of mineral teeth, are found here in considerable quantities. 
	Unity was granted, July 13, 1764, to Theodore Atkinson, Meshech Weare, and 45 others. 
The first settlers were John Ladd, Moses Thurston, Charles Huntoon, Esq. and Joseph Perkins. It
was called Unity on account of a friendly adjustment of a dispute, which had existed for a long
time, between certain inhabitants of Hampstead and Kingston; each party claiming the same 
territory under different grants. It contains two meeting houses, one academy, and one store.
The religious societies are Methodists and Baptists.   
	Population, 961. Number of legal voters in 1854, 200. Common schools, 15. Inventory, 
$358,993. Value of lands, $197,355. Stock in trade, $450. Value of mills, $850. Money at 
interest, $23,860. Number of sheep, 5994. Do. neat stock, 1225. Do. horses, 218.

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	WASHINGTON, Sullivan county.  Bounded north by Goshen, east by Bradford and Windsor, 
south by Stoddard, and west by Marlow and Lempster. Area, 30,765 acres. Distance from Concord, 
35 miles, west; from Newport, 16, south-east. This is a hilly, but not mountainous town. The 
soil is deep and moist, affording excellent mowing and pasturage. Clay is abundant, and peat is 
plenty in the swamps and low grounds. This town is remarkable for its numerous ponds, of which 
there are 21; most of them are well supplied with fish. It also abounds with springs and 
rivulets, mill privileges. The village is pleasantly situated. Tubbs's Union Academy is a 
flourishing institution, and has a fund of $1500. There are in this town four meeting houses-one
Baptist, one Congregational, one Universalist, and one Christian. There are also four stores,
one hotel, one cardboard manufactory, two washboard factories, two bobbin do., and one woollen 
do.
 	Lovewell's Mountain, lying in the southerly part of the town, received its name from 
Captain Lovewell, who was accustomed to ascend it for the purpose of discovering the wigwams of 
the Indians, and who, on one occasion, killed seven Indians near its summit.
	Washington was granted by the Masonian proprietors to Reuben Kidder, Esq., under whom it
was settled in 1768. From its settlement it was called Camden until December 13, 1776, when it 
was incorporated under its present name. The Congregational church was organized May 18, 1780. 
	Population, 1054. Legal voters in 1854, 280. Common schools, 11. Inventory, $356,746. 
Value of lands, $209,768. Stock in trade, $8152. Value of mills and factories, $7030. Money at 
interest, $31,776. Number of sheep, 1973.  Do. neat stock, 1177. Do. horses, 185.