HISTORY OF MERRIMACK, HILLSBOROUGH 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 Hillsborough County, New Hampshire Philadelphia: J.W. Lewis & Co., 1885, 878 pgs. p. 527 MERRImACK ************ CHAPTER I ************ NATURAL FEATURES--The town of Merrimack is situated on the west side of the river bearing the same name, and extends north from the mouth of Pennichuck brook, a distance of about six miles. The western boundary line runs due north from the Pennichuck, at a distance of about three and a half miles from the most westerly point reached by the Merrimack River within the limits of the town, which is at Thornton's Ferry. The northern boundary extends due west from the river until it intersects the western boundary. Hence the shape of the town is approximately a rectangle, the eastern and souther boundaries being very irregular, in consequence of the windings of the above-named streams. Its average length is about six miles and its averge width a little less than five miles, and it contains nineteen thousand three hundred and sixty-one acres. Along the river the land is comparative level, free from stone, and easily cultiveated; but the soil is porous and sandy, so that the farmer must enrich it with fertilizers freely and frequently, if he would gather rich harvests. The western portion is broken and hilly, and the soil is stony, but stronger than that of the plains. The prevailing rock, whether in the form of boulders, drift-pebbles, or bed-rock, is granite, gneiss, mica schist and other granite formations, with here and there some slate and shale. In many places the granite is suitable for building purposes, and is used to a considerable extent for foundations. There are extensive clay deposits, excellent for brick-making. Near the northwest corner of the town, between it and Amherst, lies the beautiful Baboosuc Pond, which offers many attractions to picnic- parties and summer visitors. The largest pond wholly within the limits of the town is Naticook Lake,, in the southern part of the town. It contains about seventy-five acres. Horse-shoe Pond, close to the Merrimack River, just above Thornton's Ferry, Dumpling Pond, near Reeds' Ferry, and various other small lakelets diversify the scenery. The Souhegan River enters the town from the west and winds through the middle portion, emptying into the Merrimack at Souhegan Village. It affords several excellent water privileges; one furnished the power for the mills at Souheagan, another, about three-fourths of a mile up the stream--said to be the best on the river--lies wholly unimproved, and affords as charming and picturesque a scene as can be found in the State. The fall is occasioned by tahe river's breaking through a barrier of rocks tilted up nearly seventy degrees, as is evidenced by the stratifications still clearly discernible, notwithstanding the twistings and metamorphisms of geologic times. At one point, too, it requires no great amount of imagination to see in a projecting rock the face of a man peering steadily and forever out over the boiling waters, past the tangled forest, westward along the smooth surface of the river above the falls, as if it were the crystalized benius of a vanished race, watching their departing footsteps. Both here and at Souhegan Village, numerous potholes are worn in the solid rock, one at the latter place which is only a foot in diameter, measuring seven feet in depth. Babboosuc Brook, starting from the Baboosuc Pond, in Amhert, enters the town at its north-west corner, flows south-east, and empties into the Souheagan near its mouth. It affords several small water privileges, some of which have been improved. The Naticook Brook, starting from the pond of the same name, wanders north-east and finds its way into the Merrimack through Horse-shoe Pond. There is one small improved water privilege on it near Thornton's Ferry. PRODUcTIONS--The predominant forest tree is the pine, which is the source of considerable income in many parts of the town. There are patches of oak, chestnut, yellow birch, etc., furnishing some valuable timber and much fire-wood. The farms produce grass, grain, potatoes, etc. Apples, pears, peaches, grapes, adn the smaller fruits, are grown with ease, while huckleberries, blueberries and blackberries grow wild in profusion. ANIMALS--Pickerel, perch and stouts abound in the ponds and brooks, and bass were introduced into Naticook Lake by the State Fish Commission in 1877. Ducks are found along the Merrimack in the spring of the year; crows are omnipresent; hawks reduce the number of chickens. Small birds fill the groves with music, except where driven away by cats. Woodchucks tempt the boys to break the state law on Sundays. Foxes are numerous enough to give those who are fond of hunting plenty of exercise. Large numbers of beautiful gray squirrels are killed every fall. Grasshoppers, potato-bugs and other insect pests exhaust the patience and ingenuity of farmers, here as elsewhere. More dogs are kept than sheep, but whether with as much profit is not so certain. Many farmers keep a large number of cows, and dairy products constitute an important source of income. There are some oxen in town, but farm-work is mostly done by horses. Pigeons were once an important part of income, some persons even acquiring considerable wealth by catching them and sending them to market. Now only a few are found where once were myriads. The method of catching them was to "bait" them in a certain spot called a "pigeon- bed," and finally, when they had come to expect a feast at that place, a large piece of cloth was spread on the ground at that point, food scattered as usual, and after the pigeons had alighted, the cloth was suddenly folded on itself, often securing several dozens at one time. ************ CHAPTER II -- ABORIGINES ************ No traces have been discovered of any inhabitants in this town prior to the Indians who were found here by the first white settlers. Indian relics, such as arrow-heads, stone axes, etc., are still occasionally met with, but even these are becoming rare, and soon all vestiges of Indian occupany would be gone, were it not that Indian names remain and will forever remind us of the original owners of the soil. One of the locomotives on the Concord Railroad bears the name of the grand old chieftain, Pasasconaway. Merrimack, in the Indian tongue, signified, "The place of strong current," though some writers give the less poetic meaning, "a sturgeon." Souheagan significed "the place of the plains;" Babboosuc, "the twins;" Monadnock, "The place of the Great Spirit." "Their memory liveth on your hills, Their baptism on your shore; Your everlasting rivers speak Their dialect of yore. "Monadonock on his forehead hoar Doth seal the sacred trust; Your mountins build their monuments, Though ye give the winds their dust." The manner of life the Indians led, their dwellings, and means of living, have been so fully and accurately protrayed in the history of Nashua that we need not stop to consider them here. All the Indians between Lowell and Concord belonged to the tribe of Pennacooks, and were ruled by the once powerful chieftain, Passaconaway. "His reputation for wisdom and cunning was celebrated among all the eastern Indians. Nor was he less renowned for his pacific spirit toward the white settlers. He was ever for peace. He had almost unbounded influence over the Indians. They believed that he had secret intercourse with the mysteries of nature; that it was in his power to make water burn and the trees dance. They supposed that he had the power to change himself into a flame, and that he could darken the sun and moon. In consequence of these supposed attributed, the Indians looked upon him with wonder and veneration." In 1660 a great dance and feast was held, on which occasion Passaconaway made his farewell speech. He showed the superior power of the whites, and told them plainly that the time would come when the English would possess all the pleasant lands of their fathers. He prophesied that there would be a great war all over the country, and that the only way in which they could hope to be preserved, and keep some little land, was by keeping out of the war. "Hearken," he said, "to the last words of the father and friend. The white men are sons of the morning. The Great Spirit is their father. His sun shines bright upon them; never make war with them. Surely as you light the fires, the breath of heaven will turn the flame on you and destroy you. Listen to my advice; it is the last I shall be allowed to give you. Remember it and live." So great was his influence that the Pennacooks were every friendly to the English, though they suffered equally with their fiercer brethren from the continual and unjust encroachments of the whites. Passaconaway is specially an object of interest to the people of Merrimack, because a portion of th enorthern part of the town was embraced in a grant of land made to him by the Massachusetts General Court in 1662, and it is not improbably that here he spent the last day sof his life. In 1669, the Pennacooks made an expedition against the Mohawks of New York, and were so badly defeated that their power was destroyed. They have previously sent an invitation to Elliot, the apostle to the Indians, to come and preach to them, and they now removed to Patucket (Lowell), joined the Wamesits and became "praying Indians." During the fearful scenes of King Philip's War they remained faithful, and often warned the English of approaching danger. The Indian outrages that made the lives of the early settlers of Dunstable one continual warfare for two generations, were not committed by the original inhabitants of this beautiful vallye. They were the result of raids by Indians living father north, and especially in Canada, inspired by the jealousy of the French. Would that a remnant, at leats, of the noble Pennacooks might have been spared to enjoy the Christian civilization they so heartily welcomed! But it was not destined to be. Unused to the arts and ways of the whites, their weakness and inability to cope at once with such unaccustomed conditions unappreciated by the English, they failed to gain a foothold in the new lift. The same unjust and unfeeling policy that has characterized our national treatment of the Indians was pursued toward the Pennacooks. They felt themselves in the way; they were bound out to service by public authority to avoid their becoming a public charge. Gradually they faded away, until they have ceased to exist. ************ CHAPTER III--EARLY SETTLEMENTS ************ The old township of Dunstable embraced Dunstable, Tyngsborough, Hudson, Hollis, Nashua and portions of Amherst, Milford, Merrimack, Litchfield and Londonderry. Some settlements were made within its limits as early as 1673 and 1675, John Cormwell, a furtrader built a trading-house on the bank of the Merrimack, about a mile below Thornton's Ferry. He carried on a very profitable business for about four years, using his foot for a pound weight in weighing the furs he bough. But at length the Indians, not appreciating his business methods, formed a scheme to get rid of him; but when they reached his abode the bird had flown; so they burned his house, and it was nearly half a century before another was built in Merrimack. The name of the first permanent settler is not known with absolute certainty, but it is supposed to have been JONAS BARRETT, who in 1722, built his house and began to clear up a farm on the place now owned by Washington Warner. Soon after, WILLIAM HOWARD, then a bachelor, settled on the farm now owned by Hazen Dodge. He planted the first orchard, and his house ultimately became a resort for those who loved to pass a little liesure time in drinking cider. In 1724 occurred the first and only Indian skirmish known to have happened in this town. A raiding-party captured two men, Nathan Cross and Thomas Blanchard, who were manufacturing terpentine on the north side of the Merrimack River. An alarm was given and a part of ten of the principal citizens of Dunstable started in pursuit, under the command of Lieutenant Ebenezer French. Pressing on twoo heedlessly, in their eagerness to rescue their friends, they were ambushed at the brook near Thornton's Ferry. Most of the party fell at the first fire, and the rest were pursued and killed, one by one, except Josiah Farwell, who escaped to recieve his death-wound in Lovewell's fight, next year. Lieutenant French was overtaken and killed about amile from the scene of action, under an oak-tree who stump yet remains on the line between the farms of C.A. Harris and Amasa Estey. Cross and Blanchard were carried to Canada by their captors, but succeeded in securing their redemption and returned home. As early as 1656 a tract of land south of the Naticook had been granted to William Brenton by the Massachusetts General Court, whence the name "Brenton's Farm," formerly given to the souther part of Merrimack. In 1728, Brenton's heirs, and others who had purchased shares in the grant, organized and took measures for opening it up for settlement, and new clearings were rapdily made in various directions. Among the early settlers were Hassell, Underwood, Usher, the Blanchards, Patten, Powers, Cummings, Temple, Lund, Spaulding, Chamblerlain, Barnes, Taylors, Stearns, McClure, Auld, Bowers and Davidson. Benjamin Hassell settled on the farm now owned by Hugh McKean, and a daughter of his is said to have been the first white child born in town. Aquila Underwood lived near Thornton's Ferry, and Phineas Underwood kept the first public-house. John Usher settled on the farm now owned by George Bean, and was a justice of the peace. Cummings and Patten were the first deacons of the church. Captain John Chamberlain erected a saw and grist-mill the first in town, at Souheagan Falls in 1734, receiving as an inducement a grant of three hundred acres from the Brenton proprietors. In 1734 the General Court of Massachsuetts granted a town organization to Naticook, which seems to have embraced Litchfield as well as the southern part of Merrimack, and for twelve years the people on both sides of the river elected town officers in common, erected the old meeting-house in Litchfield, and secured the services of Joshua Tufts, of Newbury, a graduate of Harvard, as their pastor, paying him a hundred and twenty dollars a year, and sixty dollars for settlement. Mr. Tufts was ordained in Naticook in 1741, but left in 1744. ************ CHAPTER IV. CIVIL HISTORY 1746-74 ************ When the vexed question of the boundary line between Massachsuetts and New Hampshire was finally settled in 1741, it divided the town of Dunstable, and various portions of it which fell to the share of New Hampshire applied to the Governor and Council of that province for new articles of incorporation. The people of that part of Naticook living west of the Merrimack petitioned for an act of incorporation for the territory lying between the Pennichuck Brook and the Souhegan River, bounded on the east by the Merrimack River and on the west by a line running due north from Pennichuck Pond to the Souhegan River. The petition was granted, and the people that inhabited or should inhabit the above-defined territory were "declared and ordained to be a town corporate, and erected and incorporated into a body politic, and a corporation to have continuance forever, by the name of Merrimack." The act was dated April 2, 1746, which was therefore the birth-day of th etown of Merrimack. The following is a literal copy of the records of the first meeting under the charter: "At a meeting of the Inhabitants on March the 4th, 1746, Lawfully Capt. Jonathan Cumings Chosen Moderator of the meeting; Phinehas Underwood Chose Town Clark; Phinehas Underwood, Mr. John Usher, Mr. Zecaraiah Starns Chosen Selectmen; William Datten Chose Constable; Ephraim Powers Chose Tithinman; Jonas Barrat Chose Savaier of Highways; William Lund and Jonathan Powers Chosen field Drivers; James Karr and Timothy Underwood Chosen fence veears; all which Persons was Chosen into the Respective offices as above, this 4th day of march, 1746 "Phinehas Underwood, Town Clark "Province of New Hampshire "Merrymac, March the 4th 1746 "The above Persons was sworn to the faithfull descharge of there Respective Office before me, "Joshua Blanchard, Just. Peeas." "Att the meting Before mentnod, it was then Voted that the Comons in this Town be grazed the Corrant year, and that Each Propr. Resident and unresidant on Ech fifty Eacrs of unfenced Land he owns, Graze one Beast, and in Proportion for a Grater Quantity in this Town and unfenced, and in as much as sum of the Inhabitants of the Town has not a sufficient Quantity of unfenced Lands to graze the Whole of there stock, that in Consideration of there paying Taxes and assistance in the Charge of the Town, that they have libarty to Graze all the Cattle and horses they have of thare own property, Equle and in the same manner as if they had a sufficient of the Comon in there own Rights, and that the Cattle and horses thus grazed on the Comons be all Entered with the Clark, and that he have one shilling old tenor for Receiving and fileing such list, and Keeping them on file. "Phinehas Underwood, Town Clark." The latter portion of the above record gives us a glimpse of the hardships and struggles of pioneer life. Think of turning cattle and horses loose to pick a living in the untouched forest, and of the daily anxiety of mothers whose sons were "gone after the cows," exposed to the attacks of wandering savages and wild beasts and the many unknown dangers of the vast winderness! One of the first things to be done by the town in its corporate capacity was to secure preaching of the gospel; indeed, it was usually one of the conditions of the grants of land and charters that a "meeting-house should be built and a learned and orthodox minister be employed." Consequently, in a few weeks after the reception of the charter, another meeting was held to choose a committee to "hire preaching and to order the place to have the preaching at." The records for the next twenty-five years bear constant witness to their persistent efforts to build a meeting-house and settle a pastor, a work of so much difficulty was it to hew out homes for themselves in the forest, build roads and bridges and establish what they deemed necessities--church and schools. Rev. Daniel Emerson, of Hollis, preached for them occasionally, and a Mr. Cheever was hired to act as their minister for a time, the meetings being held at various house in different parts of the town, and sometimes, very likely, in barns. A portion of the present town north of the Souhegan was granted to Passaconaway, as mentioned above, but it seems to have reverted to the province, for the same tract was embraced in a grant afterward made to the soldiers and the heirs of soldiers who had served in King Philip's War, whence these lands were known as the Narragansetts townships. The proprietors organized in 1733 and arranged for selling their lands to settlers, and th eportion embracing Bedford and the northern part of Merrimack, named Souhegan East, had been settled to some extent previous to 1750. In what year the people of Merrimack sent in a petition to the Governor and Council, representing "that their land is very mean and ordinary, and therefore incapable of supporting such a number of inhabitnats as will enable them to support the charge of a town without a further addition of land and inhabitants. Wherefore, they humbly prayed that an addition might be made to the town of Merrimack, on the northerly side thereof, of a tract of land about three miles in breadth and four and a half in length." This petition was granted on the 5th of June 1750, thereby extending the boundaries of the town three miles father north and completing its present limits. The town records for the same year contain several items of interest. People then, as now, cometimes found the burden of life too great to bear; for Mary Badger was found dead, adn the jury brought in the verdict that 'she layed hands on herself and hanged herself till dead." There was the same lack of unanimity as now; for, under the date of November 12, 1750, the recor reads,-- "We, the subscribers, do hereby enter our protest against joining with the rest of the inhabitants of the town of Merrymac as to Church Government. "Robert Gillmore, Patrick Taggard, John Thomas, Jonas Kinaday, John Morehead." "Phinehas Underwood, Town Clark." This year they voted one hundred and twenty dollars for highways, twenty-eight dollars for preaching, and one hundred dollars for a bridge over the Souheagan [River]. Eleazer Blanchard was paid one dollar and sixty cents for "killing one Woulf." In 1753 forty dollars was voted for preaching, thirty for schools, which were to be kept in four different places to accomodate the people in different parts of the town, and a petition was sent to the General Court for authority to tax non-resident lands. In 1755 Phineas Underwood was appointed "to take care that the deer in this town be not killed at an unlawful season." A tax was assessed on non-resident lands to build a meeting-house, eighty dollars voted for preaching, one hundred dollars for raising the frame of the meeting-house and Joseph Stearns was invited to settle as minister. The place selected for the meeting-house was about thirty rods south of Turkey Hill bridge, very nearly at the exact centre of town. The next year saw the realization of many long-deferred plans and hopes, in the erection of the building which was to serve for many years both as meeting-house and town-house. This building yet stnads, long since disused, escept for storage purposes. In 1763 the burying-place was cleared and fenced, and one hundred and twenty dollars voted for minister. At this period we find for the first time the word "dollars" used, the records previously designating the amoung of money in pounds. In 1764 three hundred and twenty dollars were raised for highways. Two years later it was voted not to raise any money for schools. In 1767 a census was taken, with the following result: Unmarried men between sixteen and sixty.............31 Married men between sixteen and sixty...............65 Boys................................................98 Men over 60......................................... 8 Unmarried females..................................121 Married females.................................... 65 Widows............................................. 9 Slaves............................................. 3 Acres of arable land...............................377 Acres of orchards.................................. 19 Acres of pasture land.............................. 54 Horses............................................. 47 Colts.............................................. 10 Oxen...............................................117 Cows...............................................168 Young cattle.......................................188 From time to time various persons were hired to preach, some as "supplies," some as candidates for settlement, but no permanent arrangement was reached, until in 1771, a Congregational Church having been organized, the Rev. Jacob Burnap, of Reading, Mass., accepted a call which was given by the church and ratified in town-meeting. Mr. Burnap was twenty-three years of age, a graduate of Harvard, and a man of unusual ability, scholarship, and prudence,--qualities which enabled him to hold the position until his death, a period of nearly fifty years. He lived on the place now owned by James Wendell and reared a family of thirteen children; but few of his descendants now remain in town. The names of the original members of the church were as follows: Jonathan Cummings, William Patten, Ebenezer Hills, JOnathan Cummings Jr., Jonas Barrett, Benjamin Hassell, Jacob Wilson, Thomas Barnes, Samuel Spalding, Henry Fields, Hannah, wife of Jacob Wilson, Sarah, wife of Samuel Spalding, Rachel, wife of Thomas Barnes. Only fourteen church members in a population then numbering nearly five hundred! A significant item for the consideration of those who believe that the gospel is losing its power. The pastor's salary was, at first, fifty pounds per annum, with seventy-five pounds for settlement, lawful money. In this same year sixty dollars was raised for schooling, to be expended by the selectmen. The selectmen were appointed overseers of the poor, and we find the first record of a practice, which continued from time to time, of warning persons out of town, this being done to secure the town from the obligation to support them in case of necessity, and to throw the responsibility on the town from which they came. Captain John Chamberlain was elected as the first representative to the General Assmebly. The warrant for the first town-meeting is for the first time dated "in the County of Hillsborough." The meeting-house was not yet finished inside, and in 1773 the pew-ground was sold at auction, purchasers to build uniform pews at their own expense, the proceeds of the sale being devoted to finishing the building. ************ CHAPTER V.--REVOLUTIONARY WAR 1775-83 ************ January 16, 1775, in response to a letter from the Provincial Committee, "Captain John Chamberlain was chosen as delegate to a convention at Exeter, for the purpose of choosing a delegate to attend a Continental Congress to be holden in Philadelphia in May." Such was the first notice taken by the town in its official capacity of the great struggle for independnece; but, doubtless, the subject had been thorougly discussed by the sturdy pioneers, so that when the time came they were prepared to act promptly. At this time the most prominent man in town was Edward Goldstone Lutwyche, an English gentleman of education and a lawyer by profession. When the news of the battle of Lexington reached Merrimack, Mr. Lutwyche was colonel of the Fifth Regiment, of the provincial militia, and he was importuned by his officers and men to lead them against the enemy. This he refused to do and tried to discourage others from going. The result was that Mr. Lutwyche left town between two days, joined General Gage, in Boston, and was never seen in Merrimack again. The people, thus deprived of their natural leader, organized a town- meeting without waiting for any authority or even complying with the usual legal forms, appointed a Committee of Safety and enlisted fifteen Minute-Men, who were literally to be ready to march at a minute's warning. New Hampshire furnished more than one-half of the men engaged in the battle of Bunker Hill, and eleven of them were from Merrimack. Town- meetings were frequent during the first years of the war, to raise money, enlist men, provide powder and aid in organizing the new form of government. In 1775 the town united with Bedford in choosing Jonathan Blanchard to represent them in the General Congress of the province, which met at Exeter. In 1777 the town-meeting was called in the name of the government and people of the State of New Hampshire. In 1788, the Articles of Confederation were approved of by vote of the town, and their representative was instructed to vote to instruct the New Hampshire delegate in Congress to vote for the same. This representative was also instructed to vote for a convention to form a State constitution. Solomon Hutchinson was elected to represent the town in the Constitutional Convention which met at Concord [NH]. John Alld received a counterfeit thirty-dollar bill in payment for his services in the Continental army and the town voted to give him thirty dollars of good money. When the Continental currency depreciated in value the town voted to pay Captain John Chamberlain sixteen hundred dollars due him, but they at first refused to vote a similiar arrangement to make good the minister's salary; yet at a subsequent meeting the vote was passed and Mr. Burnap was not starved out of town. In 1781, Simeon Cummmings was elected delegate to the convention, and the constitution that had been formed was adopted with some modifications. In 1783, Jonathan Cummings was elected delegate, from which it appears that the constitution had not yet been satisfactorily modified. Meantime, the development of the internal affairs of the town was not neglected. In 1776 the selectmen were instructed to "divide the town into school districts and proportion the school money among them." In 1777 it was voted to erect stocks and a whipping post. It is said that more than forty men from Merrimack served in the Revolutionary War, but it has been impossible to find the names of more than thirty-eight, and of the following list it is possible that some did not belong in Merrimack, the only evidence in some cases being that their names are given on the payrolls of the New Hampshire regiments as being credited to this town. REVOLUTIOnARY SOLDIERS FROM MERRIMACK David Allds (Lieut), Isaac C. Allds, Caesar Barnes, William Barron (Capt.), Jonathan Barron, Augustus Blanchard (Capt.), John Combs, William Cook, John Cowdree, William Cowen (deserted), Abel Davis, Thomas Davis, James Dickey, Nathaniel Dickey, John Fields, John Galt, Nathaniel Gearfield, James Gilmore (Ensign), Matthew Goodwin, Thomas Hammons, John Hazelton (2d Lieut), Samuel Henry, Ebenezer Hills Jr., Joseph Hills, William King, James Lickey, Timothy Martin, Thomas McClure (Serg't), James Orr, Benjamin Roby, Timothy Taylor, James Taylor, Hugh Thornton, David Truel, Benjamin Vickere, Samuel Whidden, William Whidden, and John Wier. ************ CHAPTER VI MERRIMACK CIVIL HISTORY, 1784-1846 ************ There is litte of special interest to record for many years after the Revolution. It was a time of peaceful development, with few changes of importance. In 1808 the care of the poor, which had for many years devolved upon the selectmen, was disposed of by selling them to the lowest bidder, and this barbarous practice was continued for several years. It seems that there was an unusual amount of poverty in the town at this period, for in 1815 it required fifteen hundred dollars to support the poor. In 1810 a step in advance of education was taken by a committee to inspect the schools. The first committee consisted of Rev. Jacob Burnap, James Wilkins and Simon Kenney. This was the beginning of supervision of schools. It is a matter of curiousity to note that in 1812, Daniel Webster had seventy votes in Merrimack for representative to Congress, while his competitior, John F. Parrot, had ninety-one! The best of people are liable to mistakes. In 1822 the town voted to give permission to the Universalist Society, which had been organized, to use the meeting-house one Sabbath in each quarter, and this practice was continued for many years, with a gradual increase in the number of Sabbaths, until in a few years the Universalists occupied the house a fourth part of the time. In 1825 it was voted to give permission to any individual, or individuals, who chose to do so, to place stoves in the meeting-house. This startling innovation was not without opponents, but the money was raised by subscription and the house warmed, chiefly through the efforts of Dr. Abel Goodrich and Daniel T. Ingalls. In 1826-28 the present district system was fully inaugurated by the institution of prudential committees, elected by the separate districts, with power to hire teachers, the latter being required to be examined by the superintending committee. In this year we have the first and only notice of the Eastern Star Lodge, which was granted the use of the meeting-house for its installation ceremonies. A discount for prompt payment of taxes was first offered in 1827, and at the same time it was ordered that taxes remaining upaid at the March meeting should be sold to the highest bidder with power to collect. In 1829 was organized a second Congregational Church, styled the Union Evangelical Church in Merrimack, with Samuel H. Tollman as its pastor. It was composed of people dwelling in Hollis, Amherst, Milford, and Nashua, as well as in Merrimack, adn the meeting-house was lcoated in the village of South Merrimack, or Centerville. Voting by check-list was first practiced in 1832. A poor-farm was purchased in 1835, as a more humane and economical method of caring for the poor, and in the following year it was voted to make it a house of correction also. The town farm was managed by an agent appointed by the town until 1868, when it was sold and the poor were ordered to be cared for by the selectmen, with the proviso that no one should be carried to the county farm contrary to his wish. CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSaRY--April 3, 1846, was a marked day in the history of the town, for then was celebrated the one hundredth year of the town's corporated existence. A committee was appointed in town-meeting to make all necessary arrangements, and as the annual fast-day came on April 2d, the celebration was appointed for the following day. Robert McGaw was appointed president of the day; Nathan Parker and Samuel McConihe, vice presidents; Joseph B. Holt and Captain Ira Spalding, marshals. An able and interesting historical address was given by Rev. Stephen T. Allen, pastor of the First Church. A large party of ladies and gentlemen took dinner at the hotel of J. Nevins, after which there were impromptu speeches by citizens and gentlemen from neighboring towns, and letters were read from former citizens who were unable to be present. A suggestion having been made that centennial trees be set out in the meeting-grounds, a few days later the following persons assembled there and each set out a thrifty elm-tree, the numbers annexed to the trees in the diagram below showing, by the corresponding numbers attached to the names of the persons, who planted each tree. [Diagram of Centennial Trees found in the original document, not included here]. No. 1. Reuben Barnes (2d) 2. J.N. Lovejoy 3. Samuel McConihe 4. Dr. Harrison Eaton 5. Massene B. McConihe 6. Miss Angeline McConihe 7. Alonzo McConihe 8. John Nevins 9. Samuel Barnes 10. James A. McKean 11. David T. Jones 12. Jacob Burnap 13. O.S. Chase 14. Samuel C. Nesmith 15. Nathan Parker 16. Henry Parker 17. C.T. Nourse 18. Chas. H. Longa 19. Edwin W. Campbell 20. James McKean 21. William JcGilvray 22. Robert McGaw 23. David Jones 24. Reuben Barnes 25. Henry H. Eaton 26. Shubal Weeks 27. Joseph H. Wilson 28. James Parker 29. Caleb Jones 30. Frederick A. Bartlett 31. Samuel Campbell 32. Charles A. Damon 33. Stephen T. Allen 34. George T. Boyson 35. Matthew P. Nichols 36. Lewis Campbell 37. Joseph B. Nevins 38. John Anderson 39. Miss Mary J. Nevins 40. Reuben H. Pratt 41. Joseph Wilson 42. Mrs. Elizabeth Wilson 43. Nathan Wheeler 44. Mrs. Lucy Holt 45. Isaiah Herrick 46. Rufus Blood 47. Mrs. Abby E. Allen 48. James Hale 49. Ebenezer Boyson 50. William Wallace 51. Sarah McGaw Allen, by Catherine Kimball 52. William W. McKean 53. Jonathan Jones 54. Simeon Kenny, Jr. 55. Miss Catherine Kimball 56. Elkanah P. Parker 57. Leonard Walker 58. Robert W. French 59. Henry Fretts 60. Joseph Shedd. SCHOOL MATTers--In 1855 a movement was made in school matters which ought to have been followed up until it developed into a complete town organization. The superintending and prudential committees were constituted a School Board auxiliary to the State Board, and required to hold a meeting for consultation previous to the opening of the schools. If, now, it had been further required that no teachers should be employed except upon examination in presence of this board, we might have had a civil service reform in this department of public service thirty years ago. ************ CHAPTER VIII--MERRIMAcK DURING THE CIVIL WAR 1860-65 ************ In 1860 the number of men enrolled in Merrimack as capable of military duty was a hundred and fifteen. When the war opened volunteers went from Merrimack, as from all the North, and in 1861, the town voted five hundred dollars to aid the families of volunteers. The following year a bounty of three hundred dollars was offered to each volunteer, and William T. Parker was appointed a committee to see that the money was properly applied and that the town should be properly credited for the men sent. He was afterwards made military agent for the town, with instructions to keep the town's quota full, and at times was given full power to expend money at his own discretion. He served in this capacity through the entire war with great efficiency and zeal, devoting to the business much of his time and energy, to the neglect of his private affairs, and he never asked for a single dollar as compensation for his services. The highest bounty paid was five hundred and fifty dollars, and that was done by vote of the town. The whole number of men called for from Merrimack was a hundred and twenty. Eighty-three citizens volunteered (one of whom was credited to another town), twenty-five citizens sent substitutes, nine substitutes were hired by the town, and seven citizens re-enlisted (one of whom was credited to another town), so that the whole number credited to Merrimack was a hundred and twenty-two. LIST OF VOLUNTEERS FROM MERRIMACK D. Asquith, David Asquith, David Atwood, Nathaniel C. Barker, John Barnes, Gilman Blood, George F. Bowers, John H. Bowers, Charles L. Brigham, Henry F. Butterfield, Joseph Cady, William H. Campbell, Wallace Clark, Abel M. Colby, Henry Collins, Horace B. Corning (killed), George W. Darrah (re-enlisted), Matthew Dickey, Hugh Dolan, Peter H.B. Dolan, Edward A. Downs (killed), R.H. Duffey, George W. Fisher, Francis F. Flint, George W. Flint, Courtland Follansbee (died in Libby Prison), Charles G. Foot, Edward P. French, A.S. Gardner, James W. Gardner, Frank T. Gardner, Edwin Goodwin, Charles O. Gould, Horace S. Gould, Warren Green, Charles N. Green (re-enlisted and commissioned second lieutenant), James Hale, Levi W. Hall, Richard Hensen (deserted), David Henderson Jr., James Henderson, William Henderson, Silas P. Hubbard, B. Ivison, John H. Jackman, Spence F. Jewett, Thomas Law, Patrick Lee, Charles H. Longa, George B. Longa (died in the army), John H. Longa, James W. Longa, Tyler T. Longa, H. Washington Longa (re-enlisted), Samuel Marsh, Ira Mears, Aaron Mears, Orvil A. McClure, Samuel E. McClure, James M. McConihe (re-enlisted), Charles M. McGilveray, George F. McGilveray, Edward McKean (re-enlisted), RUfus Merrimam (killed), CHarles W. Morgan, James L. Nash, John P.Y. Nichols (died in camp at Concord), Grovesnor Nichols, CHarles W. Parker, Corwin J. Parker, Nathan A. Parker, Thomas A. Parker, Henry C. Patrick (killed), John G. Reed, James A. Reed, George H. Robbins, John L. Robbins, George W. Savage, Orison Sanderson, Alexander Shackey (belonged in Hudson), Matthew P. Tennent, George Wiley, Charles O. Wilkinson. ************ CHAPTER VIII--Merrimack Civil History from 1866 to 1885 ************ Until 1872 the old meeting-house continued to be used as a town-house; but, though it was at the centre of the territory, it was not at the centre of the population of the town, nor was it adapted to the purpose of social gatherings, which constitute so important a part of the life of a town; so, at the time above named, an appropriation of five thousand dollars was voted, which resulted in the construction of the convnient new town-house, located in Souhegan village, just south of the new meeting-house. It is used not only for town business, but also for social gatherings and the regular meetings of the various social and benevolent organizations which have come into existence in the past few years. It is also rented to traveling amusement companies at five dollars per night. The new town-house was dedicated in 1873, on the occasion Rev. C.L. Hubbard gave an interesting account of the origin, development and results of the town system of New England, and Benjamin Ela gave a full and interesting history of the old town-house. In 1875 commenced the struggle for the abolition of school districts and the institution of a town system of management for the schools. The change was voted down then, as it has been many times ince, but the decreasing majorities of the school district party prove that in the end the town system is likely to triumph. In 1875 a receiving tomb was built in the cemetery near the new meeting house at an expense of three hundred dollars. In 1879 it was voted, eighty-seven to twenty-seven to suppress the sale of cider, beer and malt liquors, and this provision has been vigorously enforced ever since. "Prohibition does prohibit" in Merrimack at least. In 1880 the town received a legacy of $611.78 from the "Wheeler" estate, which was placed at interest, to be disposed of as the town may see fit in future. In 1883 a road-machine was purchased and the road tax collected in money, so that 'working out road taxes" is a thing of the past. In 1884 the town came into possession of a legacy of sixteen thousand five hundred dollars from the estates of Joseph N. and Jane N. Gage, the income of which is to be divided among the districts in proportion to the number of school children in each, and Charles S. Nesmith was appointed agent to take care of the fund. In 1885 two thousand dollars was appropriated to enlarge the town house, the purpose being to render it more convenient for social gatherings. ************ CHAPTER IX. Merrimack--Present Condition (1885) ************ Merrimack contains about a thousand inhabitants, mostly employed in agricultural pursuits, and, though much of the soil is not rich, the substantial farms and neat comfortable houses show that the people get a good living. There are four small villages,--Reed's Ferry, Merrimack (or Souhegan), and Thornton's Ferry, situated on the Concord Railroad, along the Merrimack River, and South Merrimack, situated on the Nashua and WIlton Railroad. Manufactories--Stephen C. Damon's mill, on the Souhegan River, in the central part of the town, affords grist-mill facilities, and produces sawn lumber of various kinds. It employes two or three men. Rodney Hodgman has a saw-mill at South Merrimack, on the Pennichuck, and Mr. Stowell a grist and saw-mill at the northwest corner of the town, on the Baboosuc. David T. Jones runs a grist-mill on the Naticook Brook, near Thornton's Ferry. Brick-making was commenced in this town by Eri Kittredge about forty years ago, the bricks being transported to Lowell, and elsewhere by boats on the Merrimack River. The business is still carried on by his sons, Joseph Kittredge and Eri Kittredge Jr., but the Concoard Railroad now carries the bricks to market. This form produced the largest number about ten years ago, when the product reached 2,200,000 selling for $22,000, and giving employment to ove twenty men. The present product is about 600,000, selling for about $3600, and employing seven men. There have been several other brick-yards in town at various times, but all except the Kittredge yard have been given up. Jerry W. Kittredge has for many years carried on the business of manufacturing overalls, pants, jackets, etc., giving employment to a number of ladies in their homes. The first use of the excellent water privilege at Souheagan was by Captain John Chamberlain, who built the first grist-mill and the first saw-mill in town. Isaac Riddle built mills there for the manufacture of cotton and woolen goods and nails. He was burned out in 1818, rebuilt, and carried on the business until again burned out in 1829. Later, David Henderson carried on an extensive business in the mills which had been rebuilt, manufacturing carpets, cotton and woolen goods, etc. Most of the buildings were once more destroyed by fire in 1882, but fortunately the building occupied by Thomas Parker escaped. THE THOMAS PARKER TABLE COMPANY, which has done a good business for many years, manufactures black walnut and chesnut extension tables and dining and office tables. Ten men are employed. The annual pay-roll amounts to four thousand five hundred dollars; more than two thousand five hundred tables are produced and their value is about fifteen thousand dollars. William M. West is the present efficient manager. FESSENEN & LOWELL are manufacturers of fish and syrup packages, cooper stock, and lumber. The partners are Anson D. Fessenden, of Townsend, Mass, and Levi. F. Lowell of Merrimack NH. This firm commenced business at Reed's Ferry in 1872, and gives steady employment to fifty men, and to a larger number at some reasons of the year. The annual product is 240,000 fish packages, 2,500,000 staves and 1,500,000 feet of lumber. Monthly payroll, $2500; capital invested, $65,000. MERCHANTS--There are three stores in town stocked with the usual variety of dry-goods, groceries, hardware, etc.--Porter & Co., at Reed's Ferry; W.J. Ayer, at Souhegan; and G.B. Griffin at Thornton's Ferry. HOTELS--There is only one hotel, and that is kept by William Kennedy at South Merrimack; its principal income is derived from summer boarders PROFESSIONAL MEN--There is but one minister permanently located in town,--Rev. E.A. Slack, pastor of the First Congregational Church; one physician,--Warren W. Pilllsbury, who is located at Souhegan. No lawyer has been able to get a living in town for many years past. TOWN FINANCES--During the year closing March 1, 1885, there was expended for highways and bridges, $1227.17; for support of the poor, $83.50; for incidentals, $1234.55; for schools, $2070.27; State and county taxes, $2536.69. The town has $3872.07 deposited in bank and has no debt. It has not been necessary to levy any tax for town expenses for several years, and consequently taxes are very light. Of the sum expended for schools, $454.23 came from the "Gage Fund," and about fifty per cent more will be received from that source next year and hereafter, as the town received the income from it for only about eight months of the past year. The amount deposited in savings-banks to the credit of individuals resident in town may be inferred from the fact that the town received $2223,22 from the State treasurer as savings-bank tax. PUBLIc SCHOOLS--The whole number of pupils enrolled is about a hundred and seventy, all of whom study reading, spelling, and penmanship, nearly all study arithmetic and geography, about one-half study grammar, and one-third United States history. There are a few classes in drawing and vocal music, and here and there one or two pursue some High School study. The money is divided among twelve districts, and while some have thirty-six weeks of school in the year, others have no more than twenty, the average being twenty-five and four-tenths. The methods of teaching used are mostly the same as those of twenty five years ago, and the results are as good as can be expected under the circumstances. Occasionally a teacher is employed who introduced the improved methods now adopted in the normal schools and in the better class of city schools, and some of the leading citizens of the town are earnestly working to secure a change to the town system, so that better methods may become universal. A goodly number of the young people of Merrimack are pursuing High School studies at their own expense, eighteen of whom were enrolled at McGaw Normal Institute during the past year. Merrimack furnished two college students at present, and one student of medicine. ************ CHAPTER X--MERRIMACK CHURCHES ************ FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH--This sketch of the history of the First Congregational Church of Merrimack is composed largely of an extract from an address by the pastor, Rev. C.L. Hubbard, delivered at the centennial celebration of the organization of the church, September 5, 1871. After speaking of the organization of the church and the settlement of the first pastor, which events have been described in the foregoing history, he says,--- [this sermon, found in the original document, is quite lengthy and is not included here except for excerpts]. "In 1819 the act was passed by the NH Legislature by which towns in their corporate capacity were rendered incapable of raising money for the support of religious worship. "In 1822 the Merrimack Religious Society was organized, but its resources were small, and consequently the observance of the ordinances of religion were irregular. But in 1825 having gained confidence in their ablity to support a miniter, the church and society called the Rev. Stephen Morse, and he was installed as their pastor. About this time the Sabbath-school began. In 1828 Mr. Morse requested dismission on the grounds of inadquate support, and his request was granted. There was no settled minister for a long while. In 1837 the present house of worship was erected.In 1839 Rev. STephen T. Allen became pastor. In 1849, on account of health, Mr. Allen was dismissed, and was succeeded within a few months by Rev. E.G. Little. Mr. Little resigned his charge in 1854, and the next year, was followed by Rev. Edwin J. Hart. Mr. Hart was eminently faithful as a pastor. Mr. Hart closed his labors here in 1865, impelled by lack of pecuniary support and ill health. Rev. J.H. Bates supplied the pulpit for a year or two,, and in 1868, Rev. C.G. Hubbard was installed as pastor. Mr. Hubbard, though fresh from the completion of his studies, rapidly developed the characteristics of an effective minister. A series of meetings were held under the auspices of the Young Men's Christian Association, and resulted in a great quickening of the church as the addition of many new members. This work was successfully continued by the pastor, so that there were almost constant additions, and at the same time he was a strong temperance worker, did much to elevate the public schools of the town, was a leader in the social life of the town, and by the strength and attractiveness of his sermons drew in a larger congregation than had ever before attended public worship. In 1878 Mr. Hubbard resigned, much against the wishes of the majority of the people, and, after several vain attempts to secure a settled pastor. Rev. Kingsley F. Norris consented to serve for a time as acting-pastor. The work of Mr. Norris was essentially evangelistic in its nature, and resulted in the conversion of a large number of young people and the establishment of a young people's prayer-meeting at Reed's Ferry, which still maintains a vigorous life (1885) and is all the prayer- meetings that is regularly sustained by the church outside of the Sunday services. Mr. Norris resigned in the spring of 1881, and Rev. E.A. Slack, the present pastor, was installed in the autumn of the same year. The chief characteristic of Mr. Slack's ministry, so far, has been steady, persistent, earnest, hard work, and it results in steady additions to the church, fourteen having united with the church during the past year, mostly on profession of faith. There are at present abou two hundred names on the church-roll, about forty of whom are non-residents. The following persons have served as deacon in the First Church: Jonathan Cummings, William Patten, Jonathan Cummings Jr., Aaron Gage Jr., Solomon Danforth, Benjamon Nourse, Augustus Lund, Daniel Ingalls, Robert McGaw, Joseph Wilson, Robert F. French, Harrison Eaton, and Thomas Parker. The present incumbents are Matthew P. Nichols, Francis A. Gordon and John Wheeler. The superintendents of the Sabbath-school have been as follows: Robert McGaw, Harrison Eaton, Nelson H. Brown and B.H. Weston. The present superintendent is Francis A. Gordon. The new meeting-house has been repaired and modernized from time to time until now it is a very convenient and comfortable place of worship. The latest improvement was introduced in the fall of 1884, and consisted of a hot-air furnace with ventilating flues, which has entirely removed the nuisance of smoking stove-pipes, and warms and ventilates the building thoroughly. UNION EVANGLICAL CHURCH OF MERRIMAcK--This church was organized October 29, 1829, and was organized October 29, 1829, and was composed of persons living in Merrimack, Hollis, Amherst, Milford and Nashua. The same year a meeting-house was built at South Merrimack. The first pastor was Rev. Samuel H. Tollman. He was succeeded by Rev. John W. Shepherd in 1844. Since the close of Mr. Shepherd's pastorate no minister has remained with the church for any length of time, its financial ability being too limited to funish an adequate support. A Sabbath-school has been kept up most of the time, especially through the summer season. ************ CHAPTER XI -- McGAW NORMAL INSTITUTE ************ The establishment of schools for the professional training of teachers marks the beginning of the recognition of teaching as a profession, and was an important advance of the human race. The first Normal School among English-speaking people, of which we have any record, was established at Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1830; the next, at Milan, Ohio, two years later. In 1849 there were only eight in the whole of the United States, three of which were in Massachusetts, and none in New Hampshire. Now there are two hundred the thirty-three within the limits of the Union, and many of them are doing a grand work. In was in 1849 that Professor William Russell, an alumnus of Glasgow University, and celebrated as the greatest elocutionist in the country, desired to devote himself more directly to the work of training teachers. Fortunately for this tate and town, he found in Merrimack men who could appreciate his idea and who were willing to help in its realization. THE CHARTER--In the records of the New Hampshire Legislature for 1849 we find the following: "An Act to establish the Merrimack Normal Institute. "Sec. 1st. Be it enacted by the Senate the House of Representatives in General Court convened: That Robert McGaw, Nathan Parker, Elkanah P. Parker, Matthew P. Nichols and Nathan Parker, unior, and their associates, successors and assigns, be and are hereby made a body politic and corporate by the name of the Merrimack Normal Institute, and by that name may sue and be sued, prosecute and defend to final judgment and execution, and shall have and enjoy all the privileges and be subject to all the liabilities incident to corporations of a similar nature. "Sec. 2d., Said corporation may establish a seminary in the town of Merrimack, in the county of Hillsborough, for the instruction of youth of both sexes in useful literature, and to qualify such of them as intend to become teachers of common schools for their appropriate duties; may erect, maintain and own suitable buildings therefor; and may hold real and personal property to any amount not exceeding thirty thousand dollars. "Sec. 3d. Robert McGaw, Elkanah P. Parker and Matthew P. Nichols, or any two of them, may call the first meeting of said corporation, to be holden at some suitable time and place in said town of Merrimack, by causing a notification thereof to be posted up in some public place in said town of Merrimack, fifteen days prior to the time appointed for holding said meeting, at which, or at some future meeting duly called and holden, said corporation may adopt such constitution and by-laws, not inconsistent with the laws of this State, as they may consider necessary or expedient for the management of their estate and funds, and for the due order and government of their institution, and may appoint or choose such officers and agents as they may think proper, and prescribe their duties, and may hold their corporate property actually employed free from taxation. "Sec. 4th. The Legislature may at any time alter, amend or repeal this act whenever, in their opinion, the public good may require it. "Sec. 5th. This act shall take effect from its passage. "Sam'l H. Ayer, "Speaker of the House of Representatives. "Wm. P. Weeks, "President of the senate "Approved July 6th, 1849 "Samuel Dinsmoor, Governor." Acting as authorized above, the stockholders organized August 22, 1849, with Robert McGaw as president and Samuel P. Nichols as secretary and treasurer. The stock was divided into thirty-one shares of one hundred and eighty-two dollars each. The following is the list of the original stockholders and the number of shares held by each: Simon Kenny Jr., 1 share; Eri Kittredge, 1 share; William Read, 1 share; Matthew P. Nichols, 2 shares, Elkanah P. Parker, 2 shares; Nathan Parker, 5 shares; Robert McGaw, 10 shares; Robert W. French, 1 share; Jesse Parker, 2 shares; Thomas Parker, 2 shares; James Parker, 4 shares. The building was erected during the spring and summer of 1849 by Asa O. Colby of Manchester. The contract price was four thousand six hundred and fifty dollars, but changes and additions increased the contractor's bill to nearly five thousand dollars, and subsequent improvements raised the total cost to six thousand dollars or more. The edifice consists of a central portion forty feet square and three stories high, and two wings, each thirty feet square and two stories high, together with suitable out-buildings. It contains fifty rooms, and affords convenient accomodations for thirty boarders. Professor Russell opened the school August 27, 1849, and enrolled sixty-five students the first term. The total number of different students during the first year was a hundred and forty-four, of whom forty-two were in the teachers' class, and twenty of these taught school during the winter of 1849-50. The rules were few and simple. The use of profane language, of intoxicating beverages and tobacco, playing at cards or dice, and turbulent and noisy actions within the building were strictly prohibited, and puntuality was required. The boarding department was managed by Mr. and Mrs. John Wheeler, under whose administration the building was crowded to its utmost capacity, there being at times sixty roomers and eighty table boarders. Prices were low,--board, including everything but washing, being only one dollar and a half per week, and tuition five dollars for English and seven and a half dollars for foreign languages, per term of ten weeks. The reputation of Professor Russell and the excellence of the work accomplished drew a still larger number of students the second year. The largest enrollment in the history of the institution was attained in the spring of 1851, the number then being one hundred and eight. Yet, with all this prosperity, Professor Russell must have found it difficult to pay his assistants and support his family, and so we are not surprised to learn that his health failed, and he removed to Massachusetts. The stockholders seem not to have understood that a school of this character could not be so managed as to make it pay like an ordinary business enterprise. The treasurer's book show that Professor Russell paid three hundred dollars rent the first year, and the second year rent was received amounting to $311.64; $206.82 was paid during the third year. Afterwards the records are not clear, but it is evident that whatever was received for rent was expended in repairs and improvements, for in 1852 it was voted "That the Directors shall not expend any more money than the earnings from the building of the Merrimack Normal Insitute." And so, after receiving two small dividends of two and a half and four dollars per share, respectively, all hopes that the stockholders may have entertained of getting pecuniary return for their investment, vanished into the air. Yet, one man at least did not abandon the school, for during this same year philosophical and chemical appartus costing $275.50 was placed in the building by Robert McGaw. The records do not show how long Professor Russell remained; but it appears that John W. Ray paid the rent in 1852, and Joseph Cushman and H.J. Patrick in 1853, during which time the attendance was good, ranging from fifty to eighty. In the summer of 1853, Harry Brickett, A.M. became principal. He commenced with twenty students, but the number increased to seventy-two in the spring of 1854, after which time it rapidly decreased, and it is probably that Mr. Brickett soon left, as the record of students here closes with twenty-six students in the summer of 1854. There is a record of twenty students in the spring of 1855, but the name of the principal is not given. About this time Levi Wallace, a former student, had charge of the school for a while. In 1859 there is recorded a fall term with thirty students, under Samuel Morrison, principal. Some time after, a Mr. Brown, who is now agent for Oberlin College, carried on the school for a brief period. Evidently, an unendowed academy could not be sustained here, encompassed as it was on all sides by similiar shcools with more or less endowment. In 1865 an attempt was made to establish a school of an entirely different character. The property was leased to Rev. S.N. Howell for ten years for the nominal sum of one dollar, he agreeing to establish a school of a grade sufficiently high to prepare students for college, and to keep the building in repair at his own expense. Mr. Howell named his school the Granite State Military and Collegiate Institute, introduced military tactics and military discipline, charged a high price; and, while the rage for military schools, generated by the war, lasted, the school was a success, securing an attendance of thirty or more boarding pupils, but before the lease expired the number had diminished to one solitary pupil; so the lease was canceled, and the building rented for tenement purposes. The institution now seemed dead beyond the possibility of a resurrection; but it is sometimes "darkest just before day." In 1872 died Robert McGaw, and earliest and staunchest friend of the school, and his will provided an endowment of ten thousand dollars, with these conditions,-- 1st, That the name should be changed to McGaw Institute, implying that the character of the school should be restored, as nearly as possible, to what is was when started by Professor Russell. 2nd, That in case the work of the school should be interrupted for two years, the endowment should go to Dartmouth College. It was Deacon McGaw's purpose to make it possible for the people of Merrimack to have a good High School, but to throw on them a part of the responsibility of sustaining it, believing that such a relation of mutual dependence and helpfulness would be better than to make the school entire independent. Edward P. Parker became president of the corporation, and Francis A. Gordon treasurer; the conditions of the will were accepted, and the citizens of Merrimack were invited to assist in opening and sustaining a school. Certain persons responded heartily to this appeal, but the apathy among the people generally was so discouraging that the stockholders determined to proceed independently. The income from the endowment and rents, amounting to some twelve hudnred dollars, was expended in putting the building in good repair, and in the spring of 1875, Bartlett H. Weston was installed as principal. He received six hundred and fifty dollars per year and the free use of the building, together with what he could get from tuition fees. He opened with twenty-nine students, and the number increased to forty-eight the following winter, after which there was a falling off until the spring of 1879, when Mr. Weston resigned. The average enrollment during his last year was a fraction less than twenty-five. The next principal was Elliot Whipple, who was employed in June 1879, on the same terms as Mr. Weston, except that he received only four hundred and twenty-five dolalrs per year from the income from the endowment, it being the desire of the stockholders to reserve something for repairs. Mr. Whipple began with twenty-three students and his average enrollment the first year was a fraction over twenty-five, which number increased to about forty in 1883 and 1884, the largest number enrolled in any one term being fifty in the winter of 1884. The following year more teaching force was provided in the expectation of an increased attendance; but notwithstanding the fact that the students now had the full time and energy of three regular instructors, the attendance fell off so that the average enrollment for the year closing April 24, 1885, was only about thirty. The report of the State superintendent of public instruction for 1884 shows that of New Hampshire's fifty academies, only ten have a larger attendance than McGaw Institute. Since Mr. Whipple took charge the following persons have graduated: From the four years' course: John F. Chase of Litchfield; Isaac N. Center of Litchfield; Clara S. Kittredge of Merrimack. From the three years' course: Fred E. Winn of Hudson; Walter E. Kittrdge of Merrimack; E. Monroe Parker of Merrimack; Harlan W. Whipple of Merrimack; Sherman Hobbs of Pelham; Sarah C. Moulton of Merrimack. From the two years' course: Jennie U. Elliott of Merrimack; Addie M. Johnson of Northumberland; Clara E. Henderson of Merrimack; Carrie A. Tirrell of Goffstown; Maud Whipple of Merrimack; Emma B. Winn of Hudson. Of these, four are continuing their studies in higher institutions and nine are engaged in teaching. A hasty glance at the list of former students reveals the names of several who have honored the institution by what they have done in the world. Among them we notice Mark Bailey, professor of elocution in Yale College; Hon. Daniel Barnard of Franklin NH; Joseph Cushman, afterwards one of the principals of the school, now deceased; Levi Wallace, afters principal of the institute and now a lawyer in Groton, Mass.; John Swett, for many years superintendent of public instruction in California; Mrs. H.N. Eaton of Merrimack, poetess and writer of considerable ability; Walter Kittredge of Merrimack, who sang in company with the Hutchinson family many years, and now travels, giving musical entertainments alone, also is the author of "Tenting on the Old Camp-Ground," of which one hundred thousand copies have been sold, "No Night There," "The Golden Streets," and numerous other pieces; John Peason of Pennacook; John Goddard of New York; Rev. John W. Lane of North Hadley, Mass; Eugene W. Bowman, city clerk of Nashua; Granville Webster, sub-master in the Elliot School, Boston. ************ CHAPTER XII -- MERRIMACK CIVIL LiST ************ SELECTMEN, REPRESENTATIVES, ETC. [The order of names indicates the rank as first, second, or third selectman. No representative was elected for several years.] 1746--Phinehas Underwood, John Usher, Zechariah Stearns, selectmen. 1747--P. Underwood, Z. Stearns, William Lund, selectmen. 1748--Capt. Jonathan Cummings, P. Underwood, William patten, selectmen. 1749--P. Underwood, J. Cummings, Joseph Barnes, selectmen. 1750--P. Underwood, Thomas Vickere, James Moor Jr., selectmen. 1751--P. Underwood, J. Barnes, J. Cummings, selectmen. 1752--P. Underwood, John Chamberlain, Joseph Blanchard, selectmen. 1753--Same as previous year. 1754--P. Underwood, William Alld, Charity Lund, selectmen. 1755--P. Underwood, W. Alld, Thomas Vickere Jr., selectmen. 1756--J. Blanchard, W. Alld, John Usher, selectmen. 1757--J. Blanchard, P. Underwood, Thomas Barnes, selectmen. 1758--J. Blanchard, Alexander Miller, William Patten, selectmen. 1759--Samuel Caldwell, James Minot, W. Alld, selectmen. 1760--J. Blanchard, John McClench, Timothy Taylor, selectmen. 1761--Same as previous year. 1762--Samuel Caldwell, J. Blanchard, Samuel Spalding, selectmen. 1763--Edward G. Lutwyche, Thomas Barnes, Benjamin Baxter, selectmen. 1764--Samuel Caldwell, J. Blanchard, Thomas Vickere, selectmen. 1765--Same as previous year. 1766--Simeon Cummings, Henry Fields, Captain Thomas Barnes, selectmen. 1767--S. Caldwell, J. Chamberlain, Captain William Alld, selectmen. 1768--S. Caldwell, J. Chamberlain, Solomon Hutchinson, selectmen. 1769--J. Chamberlain, S. Hutchinson, S. Caldwell, selectmen. 1770--W. Alld, S. Spalding, Jonathan Cummings Jr., selectmen. 1771--John Neal, Hugh Ramsey, John McClench, selectmen; John Chamberlain, representative. 1772--J. Neal, H. Ramsey, Augustus Blanchard, selectmen; Captain William Alld, chosen August, probably to fill a vacancy. 1773--A. Blanchard, Colonel Ebenezer Nichols, Captain J. Chamberlain, selectmen. 1774--J. Neal, Captain T. Barnes, H. Fields, selectmen; Captain J. Chamberlain, representative. 1775--Captain J. Chamberlain, Jacob McGaw, Simeon Cummings, selectmen; Captain J. Chamberlain representative, and Jacob McGaw, delegate to the New Hampshire Provincial Congress. 1776--J. Neal, S. Cummings, William Wallace, selectmen; Matthew Patten, representative. 1777--Augustus Blanchard, S. Cummings, H. Fields, selectmen; Captain Samuel patten, representative for Merrimack and Bedford. 1778--S. Cummings, H. Fields, Captain T. Barnes, selectmen; Lieutenant John Orr, of Bedford, representative for both towns. 1779--S. Hutchinson, S. CUmmings, Ebenezer Hills, selectmen; Wyseman Claggett, representative for Merrimack and Bedford. 1780--S. Hutchinson, H. Fields, Timothy Taylor, selectmen. 1781--Captain Stephen Wilkins, Captain William Barron, Ensign Benjamin Vickere, selectmen; Jacob McGaw, representative for Merrimack and Bedford. 1782--Captain S. Wilkisn, Captain W. Barron, Ens. B. Vickere, selectmen; Lieutenant John Orr, of Bedford, representative. 1783--S. Cummings, Matthew Thornton, Samuel Foster, selectmen. 1784--Timothy Taylor, J. McGaw, Marsten Fields, selectmen; James Martin, of Bedford, representative. 1785--S. Cummings, J. McGraw, T. Taylor, selectmen; T. Taylor, representative. 1786--S. Cummings, J. McGaw, T. Taylor, selectmen; T. Taylor, representative. 1787--J. McGaw, E. Parker, Jotham Gillis, selectmen. 1788--E. parker, Lieut -- walker, Solomon Danforth, selectmen; T. Taylor, representative. 1789--E. Parker, S. Danforth, James Gilmore, Samuel McKean, James Combs, five selectmen being chosen this year. 1790--Samuel McKean, Deacon Aaron Gage, Samuel Spalding Jr., selectmen; T. Taylor, representative. 1791--S. McKean, S. Danforth, J. Gillis, selectmen. 1792--S. McKean, S. Danforth, James Combs, selectmen. 1793--S. Danforth, J. Combs, J. Gillis, selectmen; T. Taylor, represen- tative 1794--Same as previous year 1795--Selectmen same; J. McGaw representative. 1796--Selectmen same; Captain James Thornton, representative. 1797--Selectmen same, S. Cummings, representative. 1798--Selectmen same; Samuel Foster, representative. 1799--S. Danforth, J. Combs, Cornelius Barnes, selectmen, S. Foster, representative. 1800--Same as previous year. 1801--Lieutnant Samuel Cotton, Captain James Lund, Lieutenant Henry Fields, selectmen; S. Foster, representative. 1802--S. Danforth, Lieutenant John Aiken, Deacon Benjamin Nourse, selectmen;S. Foster, representative. 1803--S. Danforth, Lieutenant John Aiken, Deacon B. Nourse, selectmen; S. Foster, representative. 1804--Same as previous year. 1805--Simeon Kenney, B. Nourse, Daniel Ingalls, selectmen; S. Foster, representative. 1806--Selectmen same; J. Thornton, representative. 1807--S. Kenney, B. Nourse, Nathan Parker, selectmen; Samuel McConihe, representative. 1808--Deacon S. Danforth, S. Kenney, Robert McGaw, selectmen; J. Thornton, representative. 1809--S. Kenney, S. McConihe, Captain Samuel Fields, selectmen; J. Thornton, representative. 1810--S. Kenney, Captain S. Fields, Lieutenant Samuel Barron, selectmen; J. Thornton, representative. 1811--S. Kenney, Lieutenant S. Barron, Cosmo Lund, selectmen; Daniel Ingalls, representative. 1812--Selectmen same; J. Thornton, representative. 1813--Selectmen same; H. Fields, representative. 1814--Cosmo Lund, Aaron Gage Jr., Solomon Danforth Jr., selectmen; H. Fields, representative 1815--Selectmen same; D. Ingalls, representative. 1816--C. Lund, A. Gage, Thomas McCalley, selectmen; D. Ingalls, representative. 1817--Selectmen same; Aaron Gage Jr., representative. 1818--A. Gage, Jr., S. Kenney, John Conant, selectmen; A. Gage, representative. 1819--Abel Goodrich, S. Danforth Jr., T. McCalley, selectmen; A. Gage, representative. 1820--A. Goodrich, S. Danforth Jr., Robert McGaw, selectmen; A. Gage, representative 1821--C. Lund, D. Ingalls, Samuel Barron Jr., selectmen; A. Gage, representative. 1822--C. Lund, S. Barron Jr., Levi Wilkins, selectmen; A. Gage, representative. 1823--Same as previous year. 1824--S. Kenney, S. Barron Jr., L. Wilkins, selectmen; A. Gage, representative. 1825--A. Gage Jr., L. Wilkins, Martin Crooker, selectmen; A. Gage, representative. 1826--Daniel L. Herrick, L. Wilkins, John P. Wallace, selectmen; H.T. Ingalls, representative. 1827--L. Wilkins, M. Crooker, S. Barron Jr., selectmen; James B. Thornton, representative. 1828--M. Crooker, S. Barron Jr., Francis Odall, selectmen; J.B. Thornton, representative. 1829--Same as previous year. 1830--M. Crooker, Oliver Spalding Jr., James McCalley, selectmen; J.B. Thornton, representative. 1831--O. Spalding Jr., J. McCalley, Jonathan Barron, selectmen; Joseph Litchfield, representative. 1832--Same as previous year. 1833--J. McCalley, M. Crooker, Francis Odall, selectmen; Samuel McConihe, representative. 1834--J. McCalley, David Jones, Joseph N. Gage, selectmen; S. McConihe, representative. 1835--David Jones, Levi Wilkins, Leonard Kendall, selectmen; S. Barron Jr., representative. 1836--L. Wilkins, L. Kendall, Augustus Cragin, selectmen; and William B. Wheeler, vice Kendall, removed from town. S. Barron Jr. representative. 1837--L. Wilkins, Joseph B. Hoit, Joseph Barnes, selectmen; Oliver Spalding Jr., representative. 1838--F. Odall, W.B. Wheeler, Obediah Marland, selectmen; O. Spalding Jr., representative. 1839--O. Marland, Ephraim W. Livingston, Leonard Walker, selectmen; F. Odall, representative. 1840--L. Walker, E.W. Livingston, O Spalding Jr., selectmen; F. Odall, representative. 1841--D. Jones, Elkanah P. Parker, William McKean, selectmen; F. Odall, representative. 1842--O. Spalding, John Gilson Jr., Edward Wheeler, selectmen; L. Walker representative. 1843--W. McKean, E.P. Parker, Joseph B. Holt, selectmen; L. Walker, representative. 1844--J.B. Holt, D. Jones, Daniel Moor Jr., selectmen; James U. Parker, representative. 1845--D. Jones, D. Moore Jr., Daniel T. Ingalls, selectmen; J.U. Parker, representative. 1846--D. Moore Jr., D.T. Ingalls, James Parker, selectmen; David T. Jones, representative. 1847--W. McKean Jr., J. Parker, Ira Spalding, selectmen; David Jones, representative. 1848--W. McKean, I Spalding, Robert W. French, selectmen; J.B. Holt, representative. 1849--R.W. French, S. Kenney, John L. Bowers, selectmen; J.B. Holt, representative. 1850--S. Kenney, J.L. Bowers, Francis A. Chamberlain, selectmen; R. McGaw, representative. 1851--Alexander McCally Wilkins, F.A. Chamberlain, Elijah P. Parkhurst, selectmen; W. McKean, representative. 1852--A.M. Wilkins, E.P. Parkhurst, Benjamin Kidder, selectmen; John Eayers, representative. 1853--A.M. Wilkins, B. Kidder, Nathan Parker, selectmen; D.T. Ingalls, representative. 1854--A.M. Wilkins, N. Parker, Ward Parker, selectmen; D.T. Ingalls, representative. 1855--John Wheeler, Smith E. Fields, James Hay, selectmen; Simeon Kenney Jr., representative. 1856--S.E. Fields, J. Hay, Hosea B. Spalding, selectmen; A.M. Wilkins, representative. 1857--David Jones, Thomas Parker, Abiel Holt, selectmen; Harrison Eaton, representative. 1858--D. Jones, T. Parker, Abner C. Darrah, selectmen; H. Eaton, representative. 1859--T. Parker, A.C. Darrah, Jeremiah Woods, selectmen; William T. Parker, representative. 1860--E.T. Parkhurst, George F. Spalding, Israel C. Crooker, selectmen; W.T. Parker, representative. 1861--G.F. Spalding, Ward Parker, A.C. Darrah, selectmen; S. Kenney, representative. 1862--Ward Parker, J. Wheeler, Franklin Herrick, selectmen; Elkanah P. Parker, representative. 1863--J. Wheeler, F. Herrick, Sumner Morgan, selectmen; E.P. Parker, representative. 1864--J. Wheeler, F. Herrick, David Jones, selectmen; E.P. Parker, representative. 1865--John L. Spalding, Ward Parker, Eri Kittredge, selectmen; E.P. Parker, representative. 1866--S. Kenney, ward Parker, E. Kittredge, selectmen; could not agree on a representative. 1867--J. L. Spalding, Ward Parker, Walter Read, selectmen; A.C. Darrah, representative. 1868--A.M. Wilkins, Frederick F. Walker, Isaac Fitts, selectmen; A.C. Darrah, representative. 1869--J. Wheeler, T. Parker, Henry J. Wilson, selectmen; Benjamin Ela, representative. 1870--J. Wheeler, T. Parker, H.J. Wilson, selectmen; B. Ela, representative. 1871--Marcellus Houghton, John L. Read, William mcQuesten, selectmen; could not agree on a representative. 1872--T. Parker, W. McQuesten, G.F. Spalding, selectmen; James B. Greeley, representative. 1873--Proctor P. Parkhurst, W. McQuesten, Nelson H. Brown, selectmen; T. Parker, representative. 1874--I. Fitts, Artemas Knight, Horace W. Wilson, selectmen; T. Parker, representative. 1875--I. Fitts, A. Knight, A.C. Darrah, selectmen; George C. Ingalls, representative. 1876--H.W. Wilson, Levi F. Lowell, George E. Patterson, selectmen; G.C. Ingalls, representative. 1877--Selectmen same; Ward Parker, representative. 1878--Selectmen same; Carmi M. Parker, representative. 1879--G.E. Patterson, Joseph Cross, Henry F. Herrick, selectmen; Carmi M. Parker, representative. Biennial session fo Legislature began this year, so that henceforward a representative was elected only once in two years. 1880--H.W. Wilson, J. Cross, H.F. Herrick, selectmen. 1881--J. Cross, John Wheeler, G.E. Patterson, selectmen; Matthew P. Nichols, representative. 1882--J. Cross, J. Wheeler, Hermon S. Fields, selectmen. 1883--T. Parker. H.S. Fields, Everett E. Parker, selectmen; John Wheeler representative. 1884--H.S. Fields, E.E. Parker, Cleveland C. Beard, selectmen. 1885--E.E. Parker, C.C. Beard, Daniel Jones, selectmen; Levi F. Lowell, representative. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE SINCE 1812 George Albee, Samuel C. Anderson, Samuel Barron Jr., John L. Bowers, Egbert A. Bannan, Wentworth Clagget, Jonathan Corliss, Martin Crooker, Stephen Crooker, Simeon Cummings, Daniel O. Danforth, Abner C. Darrah, Harrison Eaton, James Eayres, John Eayres, William Eayers, Benjamin Ela, Joseph Farwell, Henry Fields, Isaac Fitts, Abdiel Goodrich, Francis A. Gordon, Hendrick W. Gorodn, Chancy T. Harris, David Henderson, Franklin Herrick, Joseph B. Holt, Charles E. Humphrey, George C. Ingalls, Daniel T. Ingalls, Henry T. Ingalls, Caleb Jones, David Jones, Simeon Kenney, Benjamin Kidder, Asa Knight, Henry A. Lawrence, Ephraim W. Livingstone, Obediah Marland, Jas. McCalley, John McConihe, James L. Moone, Charles S. Nesmith, Matthew P. Nichols, Benjamin Nourse, Frank H. Ober, Nathaniel J. Oliver, James U. Parker, Nathan parker, Carmi M. Parker, Edward P. parker, William T. Parker, Warren W. Pillsbury, Reuben H. Pratt, Eleazer Roby, John T. Reed, George F. Spalding, John S. Spalding, Hosea B. Spalding, Oliver Spalding Jr., Daniel Stevens, James Thornton, James B. Thornton, James P. Walker, Leonard Walker, Edward Wheeler, Alexander McCalley Wilkins. ************ CHAPTER XIII MERRIMACK SECRET SOCIETIES ************ All the secret organizations now existing in town are those formed for social and benevolent purposes, and their work is so well known as not to need any explanation. Thornton Grange, No. 31, was organized May 18, 1874, with thirty members. It has had a prosperous career, and now numbers one hundred and one members. The presiding officers have been as follows: Ward Parker, John McAfee, George W. Mounton, Walter Kittredge, Everett E. Parker, and William F. Kittredge. Naticook Lodge, I.O.G.T. was instituted January 18, 1876, with sixty members. Its presiding officers have been as follows: James T. Jones, Ira G. Wilkins, Truman B. Knight, Henry L. McKean, Samuel G. Chamberlain, John G. Read, Oliver B. Green, Harrison E. Herrick, Walter A. Kittredge, William F. Kittredge, Warren J. Ayer, William T. Parker, Warren W. Pillsbury, George W. Mounton, Charles E. Wilson, George P. Foskett, Daniel C. Barron, Everett L. Hunter, Willard H. Kempton, Cleveland C. Beard. Webster Commandery, U.O.G.C., No 161, was established October 17, 1881 with fourteen members, which number has since increased to thirty-three. There have been no deaths and no withdrawals. The presiding officers have been as follows: J.G. Read, George W. Moulton, James T. Jones, Warren W. Pillsbury, Horatio Bowers, William M. West. The James S. Thornton Post, G.A.R., No. 33, was organized in January, 1885 with twenty-five members. Cleveland C. Beard, presiding officer. ************ CHAPTER XIV--MERRIMACK GENEALOGIES ************ The following genealogies are limited to persons born in Merrimack, it being outside the scope of this work to follow the descendants who have emigrated to other places. Other families might have been given with equal propriety, the only consideration in choosing these for record being the availability of information concerning them. ****** BARNES ****** Lieutenant Thomas Barnes, from Plymouth County, Mass, settled where Dana Hutchinson now lives, previous to 1746. He had four sons and five daughters, but it is not known that any of his descendants now live in town. His brother, Dr. Joseph Barnes, was the first physician in town, and was the father of Lieutenant Reuben, from whom are descended a numerous posterity now living in this town and elsewhere. His children were Reuben-2, Joseph, Samuel, John (settled in Dracut, Mass.), Sally (died young), Eleanor (settled in Boston), Joanna (married Henry Fretts) and Polly (settled in Dracut). The children of Reuben-2 were Hannah (married Ira Mears of Merrimack), Rebecca (died young), Ann (married Nelson Longa, of Merrimack), Lucy (settled in Chelmsford, Mass.), Dolly (married, as a second husband, Solomon Barron of Merrimack), John (settled in Merrimack), Joel (went West), Eliza R. (settled in Nashua), Lavinia. The children of Hannah Mears were Jane (went West), Mattie (settled in Manchester), George (went West), Stella (lives in Boston). Ann Longa's children were Washington (settled in Manchester), Charles (settled in Nashua, where his daughter May E., was born and then returned to Merrimack), John (lives in Nashua), Sarah (married Henry T. I. Blood of Merrimack). Sarah Blood's children are Clinton, ----, Charley, Annie, Bertha and Mary. Dolly Barron's children were Sarah (married Charles Longa and settled in Nashua), John (settled in Nebraska), Clarence (died young), Daniel (settled in Merrimack). David Barnes children were Charles (settled in Massachusetts), Sarah (settled in Nashua), Willie (settled in Massachusetts), Almira (died unmarried), Ella Etta (died unmarried), Frank (settled in Lowell). The children of John Barnes were Edgar (settled in Brookline), Clinton (died unmarried), Fred (lives in Nashua), Lillian (died unmarried), Addie (lives in Londonderry), Nellie (lives in Townsend, Mass.). The children of Joseph Barnes were Charles, Hiram and two daughters. The children of Samuel were Betsy (married John Connary of Milford and afterwards a Mr. Goodwin), Samuel-2 (settled in Boston), Solomon (lived in Merrimack), Jane (married Elijah Leech, of Milford), Amanda (married Moses Pinghram of Derry), Hannah (married Morrison Sanderson of Merrimack), Nancy (married Joseph Day of Derry). The children of Hannah Sanderson were Nancy J. (died unmarried), Lorenzo (lives in Fitchburg, Mass.), Ellen (lives in Merrimack), Dana (lives in Merrimack), Orrin (lives in Merrimack). The children of Joanna Fretts were Harriet (settled in Iowa), Lorena (settled in Nashua), George (settled in Vermont), Catherine (died young), Richard (settled in Merrimack), Henry-2, Emmeline (settled in New Bedford). The children of Richard Fretts are Emma, Henry and Laura (all living in Merrimack). ******* CHAMBERLAIN ******* Captain John Chamberlain came from Groton, Mass, in 1734, and built mills at Souhegan, as elswhere stated. He built the first bridge across the Souhegan, at the village, at his own expense. He surrounded his log cabin with pickets as a defense against the Indians, and when he went to work in his field he took his family with him for safety. He was a man of great powers of both mind and body, and was prominent in town affairs for many years. Once, when a member of the Provincial Assembly, a member of the Council, vexed at their refusing to concur in some measure, proposed by the Council, said, in his passion,-- "I wish the Assembly were all in heaven." The ready reply of Chamberlain was, "I should not object to that, sir, were it not that we should lose the pleasure of the company of His Majesty's Council." His children were Nabby (lived in Merrimack), Rachel (lived in Merrimack), Susie (lived in Merrimack), Josiah (lived in Merrimack), Rebecca (lived in Merrimack), Silas (settled on Isaiah Herrick's place, and afterwards left town), Joseph (settled on Henry Herrick's place). The children of Joseph were Joseh-2 (settled in Merrimack, and afterwards removed to Boston), Samuel (settled in Merrimack), Reuben (settled in Merrimack, and afterwards removed to BIllerica, Mass.), Moody (settled in Merrimack and afterwards removed to Terre Haute, Ind.), James (settled in Merrimack and afterwards removed to Vermont), Roxy (settled in Merrimack), Milly (lived in Merrimack), Augustus (settled in Terre Haute, Ind.). The children of Samuel were Frank A. (settled in Merrimack) and Samuel G. (settled and reared a family in Merrimack, and removed to Lake village). The children of Samuel G. were Ellen (died young), Charlotte (died young), Elvord G. (settled in Boston), Harriet (died young). ****** FIELDS ****** There were four brothers and a sister of this family who came to this town from Andover, Mass., just before the Revolution. Henry Fields settled on the Severns place, Marsten on the Lawrence place, Sally, (wife of Andrew Wilkins) on the Woodward place, Joshua on the Joseph Foster place and John on the John H. Coburn place. The children of Henry were John (died young), Henry-2 (settled in New York), Rebecca (married to Timothy Carlton) and Susan (settled in Nashua). The children of Rebecca Carlton were, Rebecca (settled in Nashua), John (settled in Lyndeborough), Sophia (married a Mr. Retterbush of Merrimack), Eliza (married Joseph Wilson), Henry (killed in a mill in Lowell), Francis (carried on business at New Orleans and elsewhere, and died in Merrimack), Peter (settled in Merrimack), Susan (settled in Amherst), Isaac (died young), Isaac-2 (settled in Massachusetts). The children of Sophia Retterbush were Eliza (settled in Milford), Sophia (married a Mr. Dodge of Merrimack), Mary Ann (married Jerry Kittredge of Merrimack) and Henry (burned in a house). The children of Sophia Dodge were a daughter (died unmarried) and Francis. The children of Mary Ann Kittredge are Mary J. (married Scott W. Lane of Manchester), Emma E. (married George P. Butterfield and lives at Fitchburg, Mass.) and Jerry C. (lives at home). Francis Carlton had two daughters. Peter Carlton had two daughters-- Sarah (settled in Milford) and Hannah (died unmarried). Eliza Wilson had a daughter, Eliza Ann (died unmarried) and a son, Henry (settled in Milford) For the descendant of Sally Wilkins, SEE WILKINS FAMILY. The children of Marsten Fields were Isaac, Marsten-2, Betsy, Hannah and Priscilla. The children of Joshua Fields were Joshua-2 (settled in Merrimack), Jonas (settled in New York), James (settled in Merrimack), John (settled in Maine) and Sally (settled in Maine). The children of Joshua-2 were Hannah (settled in Lowell), Smith (settled in Merrimack), Sally (married Peter Carlton), Joshua-3 died at sea) and Jonas (died unmarried). The children of Smith Fields were Sally (died in Nashua), Joshua (settled in Milford), Charles (died unmarried), Mary (residence unknown), Hermon S. (settled in Merrimack). John Fields served through the whole seven years of the Revolutionary War. His children were Henry-3 (died unmarried) and Elizabeth (married John H. Coburn). Elizabeth Coburn had one daughter, Catherine (married John H. Upham of Amherst). ******** GAGE ******** Aaron Gage came from Methuen, Mass, in 1773, and settled on the place now owned by James Hodgman. His children were Isaac (settled in Charlestown, Mass.), Deacon Aaron (settled in Merrimack), Phineas (settled in Merrimack), Moses (settled in Merrimack), Mehitabel (married Thomas Underwood of Merrimack), and a daughter, who married Josiah Tinker of Bedford. The children of Deacon Aaron-2 were Hannah (settled in Bedford), Aaron-3 (unmarried, lived in Merrimack), Naomi (married Daniel Muzzy, divorced and lives in Merrimack), Sally (married Mr. Conant of Merrimack, and after Mr. Conant died, married Stephen Crooker of Merrimack), Benjamin (settled in Bedford), Isaac (settled in Bedford), Solomon (settled in Bedford), Mary (unmarried, lives in Merrimack), Martha (unmarried, lives in Merrimack), Fanny (settled in Boston). The children of Phineas were Lydia (married Alexander Wilkins of Merrimack), Sally (settled in Bedford), Anna (settled in Nashua), Isaac (settled in Bedford), Benjamin-2 (settled in Lowell, Mass.), Polly (died young), Mary (settled in Sutton), Enoch (settled in Merrimack, later in Bedford), Stephen (settled in Merrimack, later in Amherst), Parker (died young), George (settled in Bedford). The children of Moses were Betsy (settled in New Boston), Moses-2 (settled in Bedford), Sally (settled in New Boston), Ruth (settled in Goffstown), John (settled in Lyndeborough), David (became a missionary), Joseph N. (settled in Merrimack, but afterward removed to Lawrence, Mass.). At his death Joseph N. Gage left a fund of about fourteen thousand dollars, the income of which was to go to his wife during her life and afterward to be used in supporting the public schools of his native town, on condition that the town should never raise a less amount than before by taxation for school purposes, should erected a monument to his memory, and should keep his lot in the cemetery in good condition. The town accepted the conditions, and at the death of Mrs. Gage, in 1883, came into possession of the property, together with two thousand dollars more added to it by the will of Mrs. gage, thus increasing the amount available for school purposes about fifty per cent. Other children of Moses Gage were Mehitabel-2, Susan and Charles. The children of Mehitable Gage and Thomas Underwood were Thomas-2, John, Peter, Sally, William and Charles. Sally Gage and mr. Conant had a daughter, Hannah, who married Freeman Hill of Merrimack, and their children were George, Sarah, and one that died young. The children of Sally Gage and Stephen Crooker were Stephen-2 D. (settled in Boston and then went West), Abner C. (settled in Boston), Simeon W. (settled in Boston), Israel (settled in Merrimack), James P. (settled in Boston). The children of Israel Crooker were Frank W. (settled in Norwood, Mass.), Sarah (unmarried, lives in Norwood, Mass.), Mary (married George Bean, of Merrimack), Ida (married Charles Wilson of Merrimack). The children of Lydia Gage and Alexander Wilkins were Olive (settled in Bedford), Fanny (married Levi Fisher of Merrimack). The childre of Fanny Fishers were Levi W. (settled in Merrimack), Sarah W. (settled in Nashua), George W. (settled in Boscawen), Anna L. (married Hazen G. Dodge of Merrimack), Cynthia M. (settled in Malden, Mass.). The children of levi W. Fisher are Maria (settled in Bedford), Fanny W. (lives in Merrimack). Anna L. Fisher and Hazen G. Dodge have a son, Elwin H., who lives in Merrimack. The children of Enoch Gage were Foster, Walter, Joseph and Ann E. The children of Stephen Gage were Permelia, Sophronia, Mary A., Parker, John and Orlando, all of whom lived in Amherst. ********** INGALLS ********** Deacon Daniel Ingalls came from Andover, Mass, and settled on the Ingalls farm. He was a Revolutionary soldier, took part in the battle of Bennington, and guarded the Hessian prisoners at Charlestown, Mass, the following winter. He was a respected and useful citizen of Merrimack for many years. His children were Polly (settled in Bedford), Sally, Rebecca (settled in Salem, Mass.), Elizabeth (died young), Daniel T. (settled on the home farm in Merrimack, where he still lives), Henry P. (settled in New York City), and Putnam (settled in Newark, N.J.). The children of Daniel T were Horace F. (settled in Ohio), Mary (lived in Nashua), George C. (settled on the home farm in Merrimack), Lucian (settled in Falmouth, Me.) and Nancy (lives in Nashua). The children of George C. are Helen L. and Daniel T. Jr. ************** JONES ************** David Jones settled in Merrimack in 1827. His children were Amos (dead), David T. (settled in Merrimack), Daniel (settled in Merrimack), Sarah E. (settled in Merrimack), George H., Rosa E. and Louisa M. (settled in Merrimack). David T. has one son, David R.; David R. has a daughter, Nellie L. The children of James T. were Ernest J., Leslie E., Idella M. (deceased) and Grace M. Caleb Jones settled in Merrimack about 1830. His children were Eliza B., Caleb G., Amos, George, Charlotte H., Harriet and Mary. Jonathan Jones settled in Merrimack about 1844. He had one daughter, Laura, and moved form town about 1850. ************** MCGAW ************** Jacob McGaw was born in 1737 in Lineygloss, near Londonderry, Ireland, and belonged to the famous Scotch-Irish stock. He came to this town when a young man with nothing but his stout heart and willing hands to depend on. He was a weaver by trade, but soon added to this short expeditions with a peddlar's trunk, then a store, and finally became a wealthy merchant. He filled many of the leading town officers, was a pillar in the church and a respected citizen. His children were John (died in Bedford), Margaret (settled in Bedford), Jacob (settled in Maine), Robert (settled in Merrimack), Rebecca (settled in Maine), Isaac (lived in Windham many years, but died in Merrimack), Martha (settled in Maine). Robert McGaw, whose name appears frequently in these pages, was for many years a leading character in the social, religious and political life of the town. He settled on the old homestead at Reed's Ferry, and when his father died, in 1810, he succeeded to his business as merchant. His business abilities were such that he added largely to the property he inherited from his father, and, though he used his means liberally for every good cause while he lived, he left about a quarter of a million at his death, and, beside the endowment of the institute already named, he bequeathed five thousand dollars as an endowment of the First Congregational Church. The children of Isaac born in Windham were Margaret Jane (married Edward P. Parker of Derry, lived several years in Merrimack, but now resides in Concord, Mass.), John Armour (settled in Jersey City, NJ), Sarah Elizabeth (died unmarried), Martha Dickinson (married Francis A. Gordon, of Henniker, and settled in Merrimack) and Anna Eliza (married Carmi Parker of Merrimack, recently moved to Fitchburg, mass.). Margaret Parker had a daughter, Caroline Eliza (settled in Concord, Mass.). Martha Gordon has two sons--Robert McGaw and Arthur G. Anna Parker has three sons--George L., Harry C., and Maurice W. ************ McGILVERAY ************ John McGilveray came from Scotland some time previous to the Revolution and settled on the place now owned by his grandson, John-2. His children were John-2, Robert (settled in Maine), William (settled in New Orleands), Alexander, David (settled in Brookline), Jacob, Martha (married Alexander Anderson of Derry), Margaret (died unmarried), Simon (settled on the home farm.). The children of Simon were John-3 (settled on the home farm), Eliza J. (married James Hale, settled in Merrimack and had seven children, four of whom are living), William, Harriet (died unmarried), George Newel. The children of John-3 are Franklin D., John C., D. Elbertie, Clarie F. (married Everett E. parker of Merrimack), Annie B (died), Harriette M. ************ PARKER ************ Nathan Parker, many years a resident of Merrimack, was born in Litchfield NH, January 1, 1767, came to this town April 1798. He married Mary McQuestin of Litchfield, and died at the hold homestead, opposite the M.N. Institute, where his wife lived at the time of his death. His posterity numbers six sons, four daughters, sixty-six grand children, forty-three great-grandchildren, and three great-great- grandchildren. His oldest son, William, born December 16, 1797, died September 11, 1877 in Suncook NH, where he resided. Frances (Mrs. Leonard Walke) born September 7, 1799, died at her home in Merrimack, December 13, 1870. Nathan, born September 25, 1801. He settled in Merrimack, where he died April 14, 1876. Matthew, born July 27, 1803. He was accidentally killed by the falling of a building upon him, at his father's place, in time of a fearful tornado, May 21, 1814. Adeline (Mrs. Enoch Merrill) born August 30, 1805; now lives in Nashua NH. Elkanah Philip, born June 6, 1807; died in Merrimack, at the Parker homestead, April 5, 1875. James, the fifth son lived and died in Merrimack; born November 30, 1809; died March 1, 1864. Harriet (Mrs. Robert French, of this town) born June 23, 1812, and now living. Thomas, the youngest son, died at his home in Merrimack, March 27, 1885; born February 20, 1815. Marietta (Mrs. John Wheeler) born December 28, 1818; died in Merrimack, July 30, 1881. Two daughters of Nathan Parker are now living; also thirty-one grandchildren, thirty-six great-grand children, three great-great-great grandchildren. He was the grandson of Rev. Thomas Parker of Dracut, Mass. He was born December 7, 1700; graduated at Cambridge 1718; settled in Dracut 1720; was pastor of the Congregational (probably Presbyterian) Church forty-four years, until the time of his death, March 18, 1765, and only nineteen years of age at the time of settlement. His sons were Thomas, William, John, Matthew, and Jonathan. His daughters were Lydia, Elizabeth, Lucy and Sarah. Matthew (second) was father of James U. Parker, Esq., once a resident of Merrimack; also of Nathan Parker, of Manchester, President of Manchester Savings Bank, and grandfather of Deacon Matthew Nichols, of this town. Thomas parker, his oldest son, became a celebrated physician, settled in Litchfield, was the father of Rev. Edward L. Parker, who settled over the Presbyterian Church of Derry, where he preached until his death. He was father of Edward Parker, Esq. a former resident of this town, and later of Concord, Mass., where he died. ************ SPALDING ************ Samuel Spalding came from Chelsmford, Mass, and settled in Merrimack at some time previous to 1753. His children were Samuel-2 (settled in Merrimack), Abijah (settled in Nashua), Sarah (died unmarried), Henry (settled in New Boston and afterwards removed to Lyndeborough), Oliver (settled in Merrimack), Isaac (settled in New Ipswich and afterwards removed to Wilton), Silas (settled in Merrimack, removed to Andover VT and returned to Merrimack), Asa (settled in Merrimack). The children of Samuel-2 were Ephraim (died young), Sarah (married Luther Abbott of Andover VT), Abijah-2 (settled in Nashua, after living in various other places), Betsey (married Isaac Blood of Hollis), Luther (settled in Baltimore MD), Meriel (married John Thomas of Goffstown and settled in Andover VT, afterwards removed to Wisconsin), Ira (settled in Merrimack), Josiah (settled in Salem, and was a sea captain), Eleanor (settled in Vermont). The children of Ira Spalding were Ira-2 (died in infancy), William Moore (settled in Texas), Ephraim Heald (settled in Texas), Nancy Isabelle (married William Kimball of Temple), Eliza Jane (died in infancy), George Washington (died in infancy), George Franklin (settled on the old homestead in Merrimack), Betsy Chandler (married John G. Kimball of Nashua), Catherine Mears (married Chancy C. Kuler and settled in Wisconsin), Ellen Maria (married Albert Gay of Boston, Mass.), Henry Harrison (died in infancy). The children of George Franklin Spalding are Caribella Frances and Frank Clarence. The children of Oliver Spalding were Abigail (died young), Oliver-2 (settled in Merrimack), and an unnamed infant. The children of Oliver Spalding-2 were Abigail Nourse (married William T. Parker and lives in Merrimack), John Lund (settled in Merrimack), Hosea Ballou (settled in Nashua) and Oliver Perry (died young). The children of Asa Spalding were Asa-2 (settled in Merrimack), Ephraim (died young), Samuel Woods (died young), Joanna (died young), Sophia (married Timothy Fry of Lowell MA), Cynthia (married Gilbert Colburn of Pelham), Albert Jefferson (settled in Danvers, Mass.), Lucy Davis (married Jacob Carlton of Lowell MA), John Langdon (died young), Sarah (married Jacob Carlton of Lowell MA after her sister Lucy's death), and Dorcas (married Andrew J. Nute of Lowell, MA). The children of Asa Spalding-2 were Samuel Woods (settled in Danvers MA), Joanna (married William Lyon of Pelham), Asa Langdon (has lived in various towns in Massachusetts, the last being Newton Centre), and Albert Jefferson (settled in Danvers MA). *********** MATTHEW THORNTON'S FAMILY AND DESCENDANTS *********** James Thornton, an Englishman, and ELizabeth Jenkins, his wife, removed from England to the north of Ireland, where Matthew Thornton was born in 1714. During his infancy his parents came to America and settled in Londonderry. After acquiring his profession he practiced medicine there, securing a high reputation as a physician and becoming comparatively wealthy. In 1745, Dr. Thornton joined the expedition against Louisburg, Cape Breton, as surgeon in the New Hampshire Division of the American army. Matthew Thornton was appointed president of the Provincial Convention of New Hampshire, and the following year was chosen to represent New Hampshire in the first Congress holden at Philadelphia. He signed the Declaration of Independence, and soon after purchased a farm in that part of Merrimack known as Thornton's Ferry, where, surrounded by his family and friends, he passed the remainder of his days in dignified repose. He died at the house of his daughter, Mrs. Hannah Thornton McGaw in Newburyport, Mass, June 24, 1803, at the age of eighty-nine years. Mr. Thornton was a man of commanding presence, but of a very genial nature, remarkable for his native wit and great fund of anecdote. Judge Thornton married Hannah jackson, who died before reaching middle life, leaving fie children--James, Andrew, Mary, Hannah and Matthew(2). James married Mary Parker and lived in Merrimack. Their children were Matthew(3), James Bonaparte, Thomas, Hannah and Mary. Matthew (3) died in youth, leaving one daughter, Margaret Anne, who died unmarried. James B. was graduated at Bowdoin; practiced law in Merrimack; was second comptroller of the treasury at Washington; then United States charge d'affaires to Peru, South America. He died at Callao at about the age of forty. He was a classmate of the late Charle G. Atherton, Esq. of Nashua, and of the late ex-President Franklin Pierce, and the warmth of their strong personal friendship remained unimparied until his death. James B. Thornton left two children--James Shepard Thonrton and Mary Parker Thornton. James Shepard entered the Naval School at Annapolis at the age of fourteen, and remained in the naval service until his death, which occurred in 1875. He was executive officer of the "Hartford" under Farragut, at the battle of New Orleans, and executive officer of the "Kearsarge" in the famous battle with the "Alabama." He married a daughter of Rev. Henry Wood, who survives him. Mary Parker married Dr. Charles A. Davis, and, after his death, Judge W.S. Gardner, of Massachusetts. Hannah married Colonel Joseph Greeley of Nashua, of whose family there are three surviving children--Charles A. and Edward P. (located at Nashua, Iowa), and James B. Greeley, M.D. (surgeon in the Rhode Island Cavalry during the late was, who is now living on the old Thornton farm in Merriack). Andrew, son of Judge Matthew Thornton, died in early youth, unmarried. Matthew(2), son of Judge Thornton, graduated at Dartmouth, read law at Amherst and resided at Merrimack, where he died, leaving a widow and two children. One of these died in youth, the other, Abby, a very lovely and accomplished woman, married Captain David MacGregor of Derry. Mary Thornton, eldest daughter of Judge Matthew Thornton, married the Hon. Silas Britton, of Salem NH. Hannah Thornton, youngest daughter of Judge Matthew Thornton, married John McGaw of Newburyport, Mass. *********** WILKINS *********** The Wilkins Family came from England and settled in Salem in the early part of the seventeenth century. Stephen Wilkins born in that part of Salem afterwards incorporated into Middleton, left a son, Stephen WIlkins Jr., who took part in the French and Indian War, was appointed captain in the Revolutionary forces,, and served two years, but left the army in 1777, and bought a farm in Merrimack, on the Souhegan River, three and a half miles from its mouth. An interesting incident occurred in connection with this purchase. John Neal, the man of whom he purchased, was a whig when the Americans seemed likely to succeed and a tory when the British got the advantage. The bargain was made in the spring of 1777; but in the summer, when Mr. Wilkins came to pay the money iN Continental currency, it had begun to depreciate, and Mr. Neal refused to take it, declaring that the British would gain the victory and the money would not be worth as much as so many chips. But when he heard of the capture of Burgoyne's army he was glad to take the whole three thousand dollars in Continental currency. The children of Captain Stephen Wilkins Jr., were Andrew (came to Merrimack with his father), Stephen (died young), Hannah (married Elijah Chubbuck and settled in Vermont, but removed to New York), Lucy (died at Mont Vernon), Stephen(2) (settled in New York), Levi (came to Merrimack with his father), James (born in Merrimack, reared a family here and died in New York). The children of Andrew Wilkins were Amos (settled in Merrimack and afterwards removed to Vermont), Mehitable (married Samuel McClure of Merrimack), Andrew(2) (died unmarried), Sarah (married Zebulon Ritterbush of Merrimack), Samuel (had one child, Samuel(2) in Merrimack and then removed to Amherst), Asa (died unmarried), John (settled in Merrimack). The children of Amos Wilkins born in Merrimack were Joanne A., and Sally N. (removed to Vermont with their father). The children of Mehitable McClure were Sarah and Samuel (born in Merrimack and removed to Nashua). The children of Sarah Ritterbush were Stephen W. (died unmarried), Lucy Jane (married John Collins of Nashua), William (went to California), Nelson (went to California). The children of John Wilkins were Martha H. (married Amos A. Wilkins, a son of Amos Wilkins, born in Vermont), Charlotte (married Edward Colburn and settled in Canada West), Augusta (died in Nashua), Adeline (died in Nashua), a son (died in infancy), Frances (died in Nashua), Alma P. (died in Nashua). The children of Levi Wilkins were Ann (died in infancy), Alexander McCalley (settled in Merrimack), Roxana (died in Nashua), Levi F. (died young), Lucy A. (married THomas H. Hall and settled in Nashua), a son (died in infancy), Hannah (married Ira Roby and settled in Amherst), Levi W. (settled in Antri). Levi Wilkins settled on the old homestead, and was elected selectman for several years, always discharging the duties of his office satisfactorily to his townsmen and with honor to himself. He made home so pleasant for his children that they look back upon their childhood as the pleasantest portion of their lives. He was universarlly beloved and respected, and his advice was often sought for by his fellow-citizens. He was a member of the Congregational Church, and his example adorned his profession. The children of Alexander McCalley Wilkins were Lucy Ann (lives with her father), Franklin A. (settled in Providence), James M. (settled in Nashua), Gustine (settled in Manville, R.I.), Mary C. (died unmarried). The children of James Wilkins, son of Captain Stephen, were Eliza, Charles A., Mary A., Jane McC., all born in Merrimack and removed to New York with their father. ********* SOURCES OF INFORMATION--The material for the foregoing sketch of Merrimack was taken form the following sources: An address by Rev. Stephen T. Allen at the centennial celebration in Merrimack; an address by Rev. C.L. Hubbard at the centennial of the First Congregational Church in Merrimack; Fox's "History of Dunstable," "History of Bedford," by a town committee; "History of Windham," by L.A. Morrison; "Spalding Memorial," by Samuel J. Spalding; "Town Papers of New Hampshire," edited by Isaac W. Hammond; "State Papers of New Hampshire,' by same author; Merrimack town records; records of McGaw Normal Institute. Hon. W.T. Parker furnished the complete list of citizens who served in the Civil War, and many of the oldest citizens have given much valuable information. No one can be better aware than the writer of the incompleteness of this record. He has done the best he could in the time and with the means places at his disposal. An interesting field of research opens widely on every side, inviting further exploration. This, at least, can be said: as far as the work has been carried, everything stated as a fact has been verified, and, while of course there are errors in details, all important points stated may be relied upon as well as established. ********* BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES ********* HARRISON EATON, M.D. Harrison Eaton, M.D. traced his descent from English ancestry, through John and Anne Eaton, who settled in Haverhill, Mass in 1646; he was the elder of the two children of Moses and Judith (Merrill) Eaton, and was born at the Eaton homestead in Hopkinton, Merrimack County [NH] December 13, 1813. At that date four generations were represented in the large, square mansion, where the present mistress, Mrs. Louisa (Eaton) Piper has all her life resided,and of his early home Dr. Eaton cherished delightful memories. The patriarch of the household was the great-grandfather, John Eaton, Esq. whose decease occurred in 1824; his son, Major Nathaniel Eaton, was so stout as to have hardly room for a grandchild on each knee; yet there the boys clung, begging for a story. "Well, once there was a man"--here David pulled the grandsire's nose-- "Tell it to me, grandpa, tell it to me!" Amid exuberant mirth and frolic, the old man would begin again, and now it was Harrison who drew the narrator's face and attention toward himself; thus, while the progress of the tale was hindered, there was great amusement all around, and both first and second childhood were happy. His maternal grandfather, Deacon David Merrill, who, after his wife's death, came to live with his daughter, was a saintly character in juvenile eyes, who never usd wicked words, though he did once threaten to break the "pesky" heads of the hens if they did not keep out of his garden, that he took great pleasure in cultivating. he made cross-bows for the boys, and amused and interested them with incidents of Ticondeorga and Bennington,--he having enlisted as fifer, in the Revolutionary army at the age of sixteen,--and while the younger boy dropped the corn he encouraged him with the approving comment that he was "a forward little fellow who would get big enough to cover corn some day," and so firmly was he his friend that upon the sole occasion when the child was deemed worthy of chastisement, he demurred, saying 'sotto voce,' that "if Harrison were his boy, he gussed he would not be treated that way." For many years the estate and property of this numerous household were held in common stock; ropes, cloth, shoes and other articles which are now always purchased were of home manufacture; and that so many people could have lived under one roof without quarreling demonstrated to the doctor's satisfaction a fact which reflected the bright side of human nature. At an infantile age he was sent, "with shining face," to school, and the master, pointing his pen-knife at the first letter of the alphabet, demanded its name. Up spake the child: "I reads in Baker!" The doctor was wont to tell this anecdote, adding with zest, "My mother taught me!" His physical strength and power of endurance were less than this brother's and most farmers' sons, but he was up in the morning early, ambitious to have the work go on, and eager ot keep up with the men. Whenever a task was imposed, this challenge instantly greeted his brother's ears: "Come, David, let us go and do it and not have to keep hating it." The happy home influences were of the most salutary character, and vigorous, active mental powers, combined with an exceptionally sunny temperament and cheerful disposition, were his natural inheritance. He abounded in humor, which was manifested in quiet, never in boisterous ways, and surviving mates still recount the witty repartees and sparkling 'bon-mots' of childhood years. Says his cousin, Mrs. Piper: "Harrison was fun-loving, and how much we all loved him!" I recall that one evening, his boots off, and the fire on his study-hearth burning low, he asked David to fetch an armful of fuel, to which he consented, on condition that an improvise rhyme should be his reward. When the wood appeared the rhyme was ready,-- "Thank fortune that I have a brother so good To pick up my chips and bring in my wood, While I, like a monkey, sist curled in my chair, Reading and studying the lectures of Blair!" He often alluded with satisfaction to the impartial treatment which he and his brother received at parental hands, to their own harmonious exchange or division of boyish practices. "Why," said he, "neither ever had a piece of pie or cask, a new collar or a marble more than the other." Here the doctor was called out, and his mother continued,-- "There came a day when I was making a little coat, and Harrison asked, 'Who is to wear it?' I said, 'It is for you, my son.' 'And will not David have one, too?' 'Not at present.' He silently regarded my handiwork a moment, and then said, 'If there is to be but one coat, please give it to my brother.'" The child was 'father of the man;' boyish traits, prominent among which was peculiar unselfishness, development into manhood that has left the world better and happier for its existence. Working,--'laboring on the farm,' it is entered in his memoranda of youthful years; and doubtless that is the proper term, for tradition, family testimony and the record of his most useful, industrious life prove that there was never a lazy nerve in him,--attending district school, or the Hopkinton Academy (a flourishing institution then remakable for the excellence and thoroughness of its instruction, and since for the number of its alumni who, in after-life, became distinguished), brought him to his seventeenth birth-day, December 13, 1830, on which day he commenced teaching, thenceforth alternating that vocation with study until his graduation. He entered upon the study of medicine with Dr. Royal Call, of Hopkinton, November 17, 1832, and teaching in the towns of Essex and Hamilton, Mass., was meanwhile a student in the office of Dr. Oliver S. Cressy, of the latter place. He attended medical lectures at Dartmouth College in 1833-34; at Berkshire Medical Institution, Pittsfield, Mass, in 1836, and there received the degree of M.D., November 22, 1836. A few months immediately after he was assistant of Dr. Streeter, in Troy, NY, then returned to his native State, and commenced practice in South Weare, August 16, 1837. He married Miss Charlotte M. Eaton, of Hopkinton, December 25, 1838, and removed to Merrimack August 17, 1839, where he spent the rest of life laboring diligently and faithfully, until failing strength and sickness compelled him gradually to cease from active professional duty. His practice included the town of Litchfield. His son, Henry Harrison, was born October 24, 1839. Dr. Eaton became of the the associates of the Southern District Medical Society in 1839, and represented that body as delegate to the annual meeting in the American Medical Association held in boston in 1849. He was admitted Fellow of the New Hampshire Medical Society in 1842, was its corresponding secretary in 1854-55, secretary in 1857, councilor from 1859 to 1863, censor in 1869, and was also member of the standing committee on practical medicine. He was a permanent member of the American Medical Association, and represented the New Hampshire Medical Society as its delegate to the annual meeting of the association which convened at Washington D.C. in 1858. Dr. Eaton was received into full communion with the First Congregational Church in Merrimack July 4, 1852, was several years superintendent of its Sabbath-school and had been president of its religious society and one of its deacons many years at the time of his death. He was superintendent of the public schools of Merrimack and one of the board of trustees of McGaw Normal Institute many years, and in the years 1857-58 was a member of the House of Representatives in the State Legislature. [A quotation from the obituary presented at the ninety-second annual session of the New Hampshire Medical Society was included in the original document, but is not included here.] Mrs. Eaton died after a brief illness, December 21, 1866. Dr. Eaton married Miss Harriet N. Lane, of Candia, November 26, 1868; she survives him. From foregoing data, it will be seen that, while quietly going professional rounds, caring for the physical welfare of the community, Dr. Eaton was also identified with the political, educational, moral and religious interests of Merrimack and vicinity for more than forty-two years. He loved his fellow-men and rejoiced in their welfare and prosperity. He heard person detraction as though he heart it not; himself a peacemaker, he had not an enemy, and while the present and succeeding generation continue, his name will be a household word in the extensive circle of families who cherish not alone the memory of the good doctor, but the good man. [more in original document, not included here] Dr. Eaton died November 19, 1881. The day of his funeral, the 22d, was the forty-fifth anniversary of his graduation. Upon the plain monument erected near his grave is the inscription,-- Harrison Eaton, M.D. Forty-five years the BELOVED PHYSICIAN Born Dec. 13, 1813 Deceased Nov 19, 1881 AE. 67 years, 11 months, 6 days "He sent about doing good." ********************** HON. WILLIAM T. PARKER William T., was the second son of William and Margaret Parker, and was born at Cleethorps, county of Linconshire, England, November 10, 1822. He came to America with his parents in 1832, and has resided in New Hampshire, with the exception of a few months, ever since. When twenty years of age, he left Stoddard, where his parents resided, and came to Nashua to seek employment. He engaged for one year with Thoms S. Jones & Co., merchant tailors, taking charge of their manufacturing department. Two years later he commenced business for himself in company with Colonel Charles P. Gage. He remained in business with this and other firms until 1867, when he retired to his farm in Merrimack where he resides at the present time. Mr. Parker married Septebmer 1, 1846, Abbie N., daughter of Oliver Spalding, Esq., of Merrimack, and moved to that town in 1849. In 1856 he was elected moderator in the town meeting of Merrimack, and this was the first time he ever presided over any public gatherings. Sine that time he has presided over more than one hundred meetings in the town where he resides. In 1859 and 1860 he represented the town of Merrimack in the General Court. In 1866 he was chosen a member of the State Senate and served for two years, being the president of that body in 1867. During the great Rebellion, he was appointed the war agent for the town of Merrimack, and so faithfully and well did he discharge the duties of this difficult position that at the close of that fearful struggle he was tendered a unanimous vote of thanks by his fellow citizens. Mr. Parker joined the Odd-Fellows in April 1844, and for thirty years he has been a member of the fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons, rising to the thirty-second grade in that body. He is also a member of the Good Templars, of the Golden Cross and of the Grange. Mr. Parker's religious connections led him, very early in life, in 1843, to connect himself with the Universalist parish in Nashua, and he has served his church with a fidelity and love that does honor alike to the man and to the cause. He has served on its board of trustees many years, and has been the superintendent of its Sunday- school for more than ten years. But his work has not been bounded by the narrow limits of the city of Nashua, for in State and national matters appertaining to the Universalist denomination he has been a potent factor. For many years he was the president of the New Hampshire State Convention, and he also served for nine years on the Board of the General Convention, seven of which he was the chairman of that body. To him also was given the distinguished honor of presiding over the great centennial festival of this people, held in Faneuil Hall, Boston, in 1870, when such men as the Rev. E.H. Chapin, D.D. of New York, Rev. A.A. Miner, D.D. of Boston, Rev. W.H. Ryder, D.D. of Chicago and Governor Chaflin graced the occasion with their presence and eloquence. It was the last time that the lamented Dr. Chapin ever spoke in Faneuil Hall. In his whole life Mr. parker was been an earnest and enthusiastic worker in every good cause. The cause of temperance and that of education have found in him a worthy champion. Feeling his own lack of education in his youth,--for all his scholdays would not make one year,-- he very early became a warm friend of the schools of his town and State. Mr. Parker has ever been true and outspoken in his convictions, both political and religious, and no hope of gain or advantage could swerve him a hair's breadth from what he perceived to be his duty in these matters. In all his business relations he has been strictly honest and conscientious. In his domestic relations he has been faithful and devoted. He is a kind brother, a dutiful son, a devoted husband and a firm friend. In his married life he has been unusually fortunate and happy. The esteem in which he is held by his friends and neighbors is shown in the fact that during his life he has been called to conduct more than two hundred funerals. Mr. Parker's executive ability is of a high and rare order. This, coupled with his firm decision of character, has made him uniformly successful in every position he has been called to fill. But his decision of character has ever been combined with a Christian love, a charity as warm and large-hearted as ever dwells in human breast. *************** ALEXANDER McCAULEY WILKINS Alexander McCauley Wilkins, a son of Levi Wilkins, was born at Merrimack NH February 25, 1806. His mother's maiden name was Ann McCauley. She was the daughter of Alexander McCauley Jr. of Merrimack. He lived with his father and worked on his father's farm. To the district shcool he was indebted for all the education he recieved, except such as he secured by study and reading at home; yet he improved his opportunities so well that when he reached manhood he was employed to teach during the winters in his own and neighboring towns, still working on the farm during the sumemrs. December 2, 1834, he married Caroline Richmond Stearns, daughter of James Stearns, of Amherst NH. At this time he changed his business from farming to lumbering. He bought mills on the Souhegan River in Merrimack, purchased lumber and manufactured it into boards, shingles, clapboards, etc., and usually successful in selling his products for enough to give him a fair remuneration for his labor. Endowed by nature with unusual vigor of both body and mind and good executive abilities, he was for many years prominent in town affairs. He represented the town in the New Hampshire legistlature, was chairman of the Board of Selectmen five years and treasurer four years. He was for several years a director of the Indian Head Bank, at Nashua, and served as justice of the peace for more than a quarter of a century. He was employed to settle many large estates, and generally succeeded in satisfying the parties interested. In 1856, though still carrying on the lumber business, he bought a farm and returned to his early occupation of tilling the soil, feeling that farming, if not very lucrative, was at least a healthful occupation. Here he still resides (1885)... (end)