HISTORY OF ALLENSTOWN, MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE
----------------------------------
Information located at http://www.nh.searchroots.com
On a web site about GENEALOGY AND HISTORY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE 
and its counties
TRANSCRIBED BY JANICE BROWN 
Please see the web site for my email contact.
----------------------------------
The original source of this information is in the public domain, 
however use of this text file, other than for personal use, is 
restricted without written permission from the transcriber 
(who has edited, compiled and added new copyrighted text to same).
========================================================
SOURCE: History of Merrimack and Belknap Counties, New Hampshire 
Philadelphia:  J.W. Lewis & Co.,  1885.

Page 163
Chapter I

The town of ALLENSTOWN lies in the southeastern part of the county, and is bounded as
follows: On the north by Epsom, east by Rockingham County, south by Hooksett, and west by
Pembroke.  

This town was originally granted May 11, 1722, to the children of Governor Samuel Allen
and to their heirs.  It was described as follows: "A tract of land four miles square
adjoining to Chester side line, and Nottingham head line." A portion of this tract was
incorporated with Pembroke in November, 1759.  It was named Allenstown in honor of
Governor Allen.  In June 1815, a tract of land lying on the east of the Merrimack River,
which had previously belonged to Bow, was annexed.
  Although this town was early granted, it was not incorporated as a town until July 2,
1831. [The original grant can be found in this document, but it is not shown here].  This
grant stated that Ichabod Clark, James C. Emery, James Piper and TMark Tilton were
authorized to call the first town meeting.

The first town-meeting under this act was held February 2, 1822, and Charles Bodwell was
chosen moderator. The first meeting for the election of town officers, under this act
was held March 13, 1832.  Daniel Batchelder was elected representative, Andrew O. Eavns
town clerk, and John Perkins, A.O. Evans and John Tennant selectmen.

  Among the first settlers of the town were John Wolcutt, Andrew Smith, Daniel Evans and
Robert Buntin.
  Mr. Buntin and a son ten years of age and one James Carr, while at work on the west bank
of the Merrimack, were attacked by Indians, who killed Carr and captured Buntin and his
son and marched them as prisoners to Canada.  Here they were sold to a Frenchman residing
in Montreal. After a captivity of eleven months they escaped and returned to their home.
The won was Andrew Buntin, who served in the Revolutionary War until his death, which
occurred at White Plains October 28, 1776.

DOCUMENTARY HISTORY (American Revolution)
  Certificate of Three Soldiers liable to have their Tax abated.
  "Allenston.
   "this is to searty that george wins John Jedkins and Jeams megoy (McCoy) was in the
 Continentle serves agrebel to the vote of thes province past in the year 1775 should be
 teaken of John Heyes"  [signed by Benj Matthes, selectmen, and Wm Parker Jus Peace. 
 on June 12, 1777].  Also signed by Joseph Dennet, Constable for 1776

In 1787, the following citizens of Allentown petitioned the Governor for incorporation
(and were refused): Robert Bunten, Samuel Kinstone, CLement McCoy, Daniel Daves, 
Ede Hall Bergin, Samuel Fisk, Josiah Allen, Jacob Gay, John Trefethen, Moses Leavett,
Farik Luces, Samuel Webster Jr., Philip Sargent, Zablon Davis, Josiah Johnson, 
Riley Smith, Roger Dugan, Leonard Harrington, Ichabod Clark, James Kinniston, John Tomson,
Jerimiah Jonson, John Hayes, Nathaniel Smith, Garshom Dugan, Ichabod Clark, 
Charles Bamford, Samuel Rowe, Hall Bergin, Samuel Kinneson, Samel York, John Jonson,
John Robinson.

In 1789 a petition was granted to allow taxing the inhabitants to repair roads.  The
selectmen in that year were John Leonard, Josiah Allen, and Nathaniel Smith.

In 1790 a petition made for a justice of the peace, signed by Ede Hall Bergin, 
Josiah Morse, John Clark, John Woodward, John Bergin, John Leonard Juner [Jr], 
Nathaniel Smith, John Johnson, Benjamin Mathies, Zebilon Daves, Joshua Cates,
Samuel Kinneson Sr., Ichabod Clark Jr., Walter Bergin, Hall Bergin, Amos Carlton,
Capt. Staren Sargent, John Elonard, John Hayes, John Hartford, Federch Luies [?]
James Hartford, Samuel York, Daniel Daves Jr., Ichabod Clark Sr., Joseph Y. Bergin,
Robert Bunten, Philip Sargent, Theod Shackford, Josiah Allen, Samuel Webster,
Samuel Fisk, Samuel Gooken, Nathaniel Smith, Charles Bamford, Samuel Kinneson Jr. 
This petition was granted and Capt. George Evans became Allenstown's first magistrate.

Capt. George Evans was a prominent citizen of the town and held various offices. He was
born May 31, 1755 and died November 23, 1804. His wife, Louisa Williams, was born
October 17, 1757. They had fourteen children, viz: John, Daniel, Andrew O., Nancy,
Eleanor, Betsey, George, Alfred, Samuel W., Robert, Asenath, Sophia, Alfred and Lucy P.
  
Capt. Robert Buntin was also a prominent citizen. He was born December 1, 1767, and his
wife (Betsy Hutchinson) was born January 20, 1770. Their first child, Mehitable, was
born June 15, 1791, at "six o'clock in the forenoon."

In 1798 a petition was sent to the general court relative to bridge building. The 
following citizens signed it: Israel Marden, John Leonard, Samuel Webster, Samuel Fisk,
Philip Sargent, John Johnson, Robert Bunten, John Leonard Jr., Moses Leavitt, Theod.
Shackford Jr., Simon Johnson, David Webster, George Evens, John Hayes, Theod. Shackford,
John Fisk, James Bunten, John Hartford, James Clark, Daniel Kinneson, Nathaniel Smith,
John Cate, Samuel Davis, Nathaniel Smith Jr., Hall Burgin, Samuel Wells Jr.

The "New Hampshire Gazeteer" published by Farmer & Morse in 1823 says: "There is not
settled minister in Allenstown; their meeting-house is open to all religious sects, and
they occasionally have preaching.  Population: 433."

******
CHURCHES
******
ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH--There is but one church in Allenstown, the Catholic Church in the
village of Suncook.  The church building is a large and elegant edifice, beautifully
located, and was erected at a cost of about forty thousand dollars. The church is under
the care of Father J.H.C. Davignon, who is energetic in all efforts to advance the 
welfare of his people. He is a popular pastor, and his influence is widely felt.

*********
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
*********

MAJOR STERLING SARGENT was born in Allenstown March 20, 1794.  He was the son of Philip
and Sally Peirce Sargent. He early manifested a great interest in music, and became quite
proficient as a drummer. When only sixteen years of age he was stationed with others, at
Fort Constitution, in the War of 1812, and commissioned drum-major.  He always resided in
the town of his birth, and for many years was chosen to represent the same in General
Court, and to fill various other offices in the interests of his fellow-citizens. He was
born on and inherited the farm now owned by the China Manufacturing Company. He made the
brick and built the house in which Colonel D.L. Jewell, the agent, now resides.
  In 1843 he sold this place to the Pembroke Mills Company, moving a short distance
to land he owned, where he built a house and fitted up a home, in which he lived and died.
  Mr. Sargent was always a decided Democrat and was intensely loyal to the government. He
lived to see the triumph of the Federal army over the Rebellion, and died in the hope of
peace and abounding prosperity to every section of our fair country. He was for many years
an honored member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, contributing freely for the building 
of the late chapel in Suncook village, for the purchase of the organ, and for the support 
of the various institutions of religion.  His deomocracy and piety were always well 
illustrated in his liberality and justice. Being for many years an esteemed member of the
Masonic fraternity, he met all men "on the level, and parted with them on the square." 
He was married, in 1815, to Sally Gault, of Hooksett. She proved to be a woman of uncommon
domestic ability, and every way well qualified to preside over a family and a home. She
died May 10, 1863. He died June 4, 1868. They lived together nearly fifty years. There
were born to them eleven children--seven sons and four daughters. Three sons died in 
infancy, and two became young men and then deceased.  Philip Sargent, the eldest son,
resides in the finest brick mansion in the town, which he has erected close by the place 
where he was born.
  Warren Sargent inherits, and now occupies, the old homestead, which is regarded as one
of the best farms and pleasantest situations in Allenstown.
  These brothers are known as the firm of P.& W. Sargent, brick-makers, Suncook, N.H.
  Sallie S., the eldest daughter, first married George Hirsch, who soon after died, and 
she married Rev. H.H. Hartwell, a Methodist minister and member of the New Hampshire
Conference, and now owns and dwells in a fine "cottage home" near the place of her birth.
  Elsie K. is the esteemed wife of Henry W. Forbush, Esq. a merchant in Philadelphia.
  Mary H. is the honored wife of W.F. Head, Esq. of Hooksett, a brother and a life-long
partner in business, and now occupying the splendid residence of the late ex-Governor
Natt. Head.
  Abbie H. is the true and faithful companion of Natt. B. Emery, one of the long-known
firm of Emery Brothers, and has a platial residence in Suncook village.
  These six children all revere the memory of their departed parents, and in talent and
character are living to honor the family name.

REV. HENRY H. HARTWELL
Rev. Henry H. Hartwell was born in Hillsborough, N.H., October 18, 1819. He was the
eldest son of William and Betsy Wilkins Hartwell. They had nine sons and two daughters.
Of these, six died in infancy, while five lived to reach manhood.
  The family was poor, and at times destitute.  When he was about eight years old Henry
was sent to Vermont to live with a friend (in order to lighten the burden of family
expenses), where he remained for more than four years without seeing his mother, to whom
he was greatly attached. He then returned to his native town, and found employment in
different places, working during the summer and attending school in the winter-time.
  When fourteen years of age he commenced to learn the carpenter's grade, working, as
before, in the busy season, and attending school or teaching in the fall and winter. At 
the age of eighteen he made a profession of religion and united with the Methodist 
Episcopal Church.
  Immediately becoming active in all the social meetings and interests of the church, he
was greatly impressed that it was his duty to take upon himself the work and office of the
Christian ministry. He found two barriers in the way; the opposition of his father and
friends, and his deep consciousness of unfitness for such an important work. Still, he
kept steadily on in the discharge of hwat he felt to be his duty, and in the improvement
of every opportunity, until in the spring of 1840, his zeal having daily increased and his
father being less opposed to it, he gave up all, and, leaving home and friends, started 
on horseback, with saddle-bags, to carry the glad tidings to lost men.
  He joined the New Hampshire Conference in 1841, and for thirty-five years performed
effective work in the ministry. His education advantages were limited, but he was a 
ready extempore speaker, very original, always selecting some object in nature or some
fact in history with which his hearers were famililiar, that he might more clearly
illustrate and forcibly apply the truth he thought to inculcate. He was full of what is
called "mother wit," and has ever been regarded as a good student of human nature. He 
inherited a peculiar eccentricity, which added not a little to his popularity as a 
preacher. During his active ministry he filled many of the best position in the 
Conference, and was always happy in his charge and his work. Under his ministry thousands
have been converted to the Church of Christ.
  Physically he was perfect, and the early muscular training he recieved was of much
benefit at times during his ministry. He was assiled, when in his prime, by three men who
had taken offence at something he had said in a temperance-meeting, and with such 
profanity they informed him of their intention to thrash him. He replied solemnly, "Boyes,
I don't want my ministerial coat soiled; allow me to take it off and I am ready." when 
his coat dropped from his hand, the better of three went to the ground also, and the
second was treated in a like manner. Mr. Hartwell then said to the third, "David, if I
strike you, you will never rise without help!"  And David gave him his hand and the two
together got the others up, washed off the blood and assisted them to their homes. This
experience was to the three in after-years a source of merriment when they met together.
  When Mr. Hartwell was pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Nashua, in 1858, one
night, in the midst of a powerful revival, some one made a disturbance in the back part
of the congregation. He called upon an officer to still or remove the offender. The
officer went to the man while Mr. Hartwell delayed reading the hymmn. At length he came
back to the pulpit without the man. Mr. Hartwell then said, "The officer informs me that
this is a desperate fellow; that he has a revolver and swears he won't go out. Now let
all be perfectly quiet," and, turning to his hymn-book upon the Bible he walked
decidedly up the aisle and said, "Jack Burns, will you go with me quietly out of this
house?" The reply was, "Yes, Henry I will; but there ain't another man in this crowd that
can take me out!" He led him out and down into the street, and returning to the pulpit,
said, "Now let us worship God."
  More than thirty years ago Mr. hartwell was journeying from New Market to Concord in a
sleigh with his wife and little daughter. In the town of Northwood he saw three young men
from the leading families in Concord coming driving at a break-neck speed, and their 
sleigh lapped his about three inches. The driver said, "What now? my horse won't back."
Mr. Hartwell said, "My horse will back if I want him to." After a moment one of them said,
"What are you doing to do?" Mr. Hartwell replied, "I will show you if you like to see," 
and stepping out into the snow, he took hold of their sleigh and tipped it, with the men,
into the ditch and then drove on.  These are only a few of the many reminiscences of his
life. He was never a bigot, but was an outspoken, old-fashioned Methodist minister.
  He spoke of heaven and hell and clled things by their proper names. He was of a very
positive nature, making many warm friends and some bitter enemies. He cast his first vote
in 1840 with the then despised Anti-Slavery party. His father wept and said to him, "I 
should rather have buried you than have you vote the nigger ticket!" But he replied, in
his own peculiar style, "Old man, you have alrways told us boys never to be anything 
because your father was, but investigate and then act as you have conscientiously 
believe to be right. That I have done." And his father never said anything more to him on
that subject. Mr. Hartwell always seemed sanguine in the blief that he should live to seethe doing away of American slavery, as the sum of all villanies. After the abolishing 
of slavery, he drifted into the Republican ranks, and for many years has been an earnest
worker on that line. He has always been a most decided temperance advocate; has been
associated with nearly all the temperance organizations for the last fifty years, 
believing that all of them have done good. But his great stress has been on prohibition.
He has always believed, preachef, prayed, and voted with the hope, and only hope, of the
full and final suppression of law of this great curse. On account of his outspoken
opposition to this traffic he has suffered in person, reputation and property. He has
been greatly slandered, waylaid, horse-sheared, wagon and harness mutilated and an attempt
has been made to burn his house by night. But for his faithful dog, he and his family
might have gone through the flames of his own dwelling to the rest promised to the people
of God. For a few yars past he has been so wounded with the duplicity of professed
temperance men, and so disgusted with some of his brethren in the ministry who have
preached temperance and voted for rum, that he had not taken as prominent a part in
public demonstrations as formerly.
  A now prominent man has said: "To be duly appreciated he must be thoroughly known.
I have known Mr. Hartwell for fifty years intimately, and I would trust him with
uncounted thousands of dollars."
  He was married in May 1842 to Flora Ann Sweatt, of Webster, N.H. who proved every way
worthy of his hand and heart. They toiled togehter for sixteen years and she died
November 1858, leaving three sons and a daughter. The sons are all living. The daughter
was Mrs. Charles T. Daniels, of Lawrence, Mass., who, with her only son, nineteen years
of age, was lost on the ill-fated steamer "City of Columbus," off Gay Head,
January 18, 1884.
  In April 1861, he married Mrs. Sally Hirsch, a widow, and the eldest daughter of Major
Sterling Sargent, of Allenstown. They have one daughter, Mrs. Pork Mitchel, now of
Manchester. He has been for more than a quarter of a century a member of the Masonic
fraternity and of the I.O.O. Fellows, having regularly passed the chairs and been Grand
Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of the State in both of these orders.
  In 1868 he became a citizen of Allenstown, where he now resides.  Although he has
never acted or voted with the predominant party, he has been kept in office most of the
time showing the respect for an confidence reposed i him by his fellow-townsmen.  He is
now a man of sixty-six years, hale and hearty, and weighs two hundred pounds.

(end)