HISTORY OF MILFORD, HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE
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SOURCE: History of Hillsborough County, New Hampshire 
Philadelphia: J.W. Lewis & Co., 1885, 878 pgs.
page 552

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CHAPTER I 
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<EXTRACTS>

MILFORD is the largest town of the largest county in the State. It is
also one of the youngest towns. It contains an area of 15,402 acres, and
had a population in 1880 of 2398. Its property, real, personal and 
mixed, as now assessed by the town officials, amounts to $1,599,341.
Its surface, for a New Hampshire town is reasonably level; but while it
contains large tracts of spendid intervale land, which is easily tilled
and very productive, it has also many excellent upland farms. Its
locality and soil are favorable for the production of fruit, grain and
hay. It has no mountains or notable hills. Like the adjoining town
of Wilton, it does not possess a natural pond or lake. This is a 
physical blemish it can never overcome. It is divided substantially
into two parts by the Souhegan River, a beatiful stream of pure, clear
water, whose source is among the hills of Massachusetts and which
affords considerable mill-power and makes itself generally useful, as
it is picturesque and ornamental. The name Souhegan, like the original
names of most of the streams and mountains of New Hampshire, has an
Indian origin, it being first called souheganack. It is said to signify
'crooked.' If it does, it is rightly named, for its meanderings are as
tortuous as they are graceful and attractive.
  Into the Souhegan, at various points, empty several small streams or
brooks, which find their birth in the hills of Milford and ajoining
towns which bound it. These towns are Lyndeborough and Mont Vernon on
the north, Hollis and Brookline on the south, Amherst on the east and
Mason and Wilton on the west. Lyndeborough and Mont Vernon are rugged
towns, with commanding hills, and from their numerous water-sheds, in
times of rain and storm comes a large abundance of water which floods
the low, broad intervales of Milford. The goodly town has a matronly
lap, but it is often looked as if it was having more than it could
manage, the broad and restless river always takes care of it, and the
low lands in the spring-time that follow attest the fact that they have
been embraced by the freshet.
  Milford is fifty miles from Boston, thirty from the State capital,
and lies in latitude between 42 degrees and 43 degrees north and
longitude between 5 degrees and 6 degrees east from Washington and 
became a town by an act of the Legislature of New Hampshire, passed
January 11, 1794, and is therefore but a little over forescore years
and ten in age.  Not having yet seen a century of town existence, the
celebration of its first centennial, January 11, 1894, will be an event
of much interest to its devoted children. It will soon be here...

On May 30, 1860, Amherst, to whom we were once wedded and from whom we
were long ago divorced, celebrated its centennial. Milford, by vote of 
the town, took an acative part in the celebration. It sent one person
from each school district as a committee, namely, No. 1, Gilman Wheeler;
No. 2, Levi Curtis; No. 3., N.C. Curtis; No. 4., Joel H. Gutterson;
No. 5, Isaac Burns; No. 6, R.D. Bennett, No. 7, Jacob Sargent; No. 8.,
Whitcomb Tarbell; No. 9, William Ramsdell; and an additional committee
for Nos. 1 and 9, of Humphrey Moore, Abel Chase and Pomeroy M.
Rossiter.
  
The following is a copy of the charter by which Milford was incorporated
taken from the town records:
  "State of New Hampshire, 1794
  "In the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-four.
  "An Act to incorporate the Southwesterly part of Amherst, the
northwesterly part of Hollis, the Mile Slip and Duxbury School farm
into a town, and to invest the inhabitants thereof with all such 
privileges and immunities as other towns in this State hold and enjoy.
  "Whereas, a petition signed by a number of the inhabitants of the
Southwesterly part of Amherst, the northwesterly part of Hollis, the
Mile Slip and Duxbury School farm (so called) has been preferred,
setting forth that by an act of incorporation passed by the Legistlature
of this State, on the first day of June, in the year of our Lord one 
thousand seven hundred and ninety-two, the southwest part of Amherst
aforesaid was, by certain boundaries therein described, made a parish;
that the trace ot land therein contained is too small for a town; that 
the inhabitants of the Mile Slip and Duxbury School farm aforesaid are
unable to support the Gospel, build bridges and maintain schools; that
a number of the inhabitants in the northwesterly part of said Hollis
could be better accomodated by being annexed to the southwest parish
in AMherst. They, therefore, prayed that they might be incorporated and
made a body Politic, with  all the Corporate powers and privileges
by law vested in other towns. And the inhabitants of the town of
Amherst, in legal Town-meeting, having voted their assent to the same;
  "Therefore, Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives,
in General Court Convened, that all the lands and inhabitants within
the following limits, viz., Beginning at the southwest corner of the
northwest parish in Amherst aforsaid, on Lyndeborough East line, thence
running easterly to the northeast corner of Amos Green's lot called the
Mill lot; thence southerly on a straigh tline to the southwest corner
of lot No. 20; thence easterly on the range line to the northeasterly
corner of William Peabody's land; thence southerly on the range line
between John Shepherd, Esq. and William Peabody's land until it comes to
land beloning to the heirs of John Shepard, late of said Amherst,
deceased; thence easterly to the northeast corner of the same, joining 
to land of the same John SHepard, Esq.; thence southerly, by land of
John Shepard, Esq., aforesaid, on the range line to Soouhegan River;
thence down the middle of said River until it strike land owned by
Benjamin and Stephen Kindrick; thence southerly by said Kindrick land to
the road leading from David Danforth's to the town of Wilton; thence
crossing the same and runnin ga south point to Hollis Line, being near
David Duncklee house, and then to the northeast corner of the land
lately laid off from said Hollis by their committee apointed for the
above purporse; thence running south about twelve degrees east so ast to
strike the northeast corner of John Stearns' land, it being the 
northwest corner of Robert Colbourn's land; thence on the same course
until it comes to the southeast corner of the said Stearns' land;
thence westerly, by said Stearns' and William Haley land, until it
comes to the northwest corner of said Haley land, thence westerly to the
northeast corner of Mr. Gould's land, and so on westerly, by said Gould
and David Danforth's land, to said Gould's northwest corner; thence
turnin gsoutherly to the southeast corner of Robert Darrah's land;
thence northerly on said Raby east line until it comes to the south line
of said Amherst; thence northerly on the north line of said Raby to the
southwest corner of Amherst; thence southerly by the west line of Raby
to the southeast corner thereof; thence northerly on east line of 
Mason & Wilton to the northwest corner of the Mile Slip; thence easterly
on the south line of Lyndeborough to the southeast corner thereof;
thence northerly by the east line of Lyndeborough to the bound first
mentioned, Be, and the same are hereby incorporated into a town by 
the name of Milford; [more in the original document not shown here].
 "Abiel Foster, President of the Senate"
 "In the House of Representatives, the same day, the foregoing bill,
having had a third reading, was enacted.
 "Nathaniel Peabody, Spaker.
 "Approved 11th January, 1794
 "Josiah Bartlett."
 "A true copy. "Attest, Nathaniel Parker, Dep. Sec.
 "Recorded by  "Augustus Blanchard, Town Clerk."

The following is a list of the resident tax-payers in Milford
April 1, 1794, which is taken from the "History of Amherst:"
  Isaac Abbott, Isaac Abbott Jr., Samuel Abbott, Jacob Adams,
Ebenezer Averill, Elijah Averill, James Badger, Reuel Baldwin,
Joel Barker, Nehemiah Barker, Isaac Bartlett, Augustus Blanchard,
Isaac Blanchard, John Blanchard, Simon Blanchard, Stephen Blanchard,
Widow Lucy Blanchard, Oliver Bowers, John Boynton, Richard Boynton,
Richard Boynton Jr., Andrew Bradford, John Bradford, Caleb Brown,
Andrew Burnam, Joshua Burnam, Stephen Burnam, Daniel Burns, 
George Burns, James, Burns, John Burns, John Burns Jr., Moses Burns,
Thomas Burns, Simon BUtler, Jonathan Buxton, Robert Campbell,
Bollard Chandler, Daniel Chandler, Daniel Chandler (2d), Richard Clark,
Benjamin Conant, John Crosby, Josiah Crosby, Sampson Crosby,
Stephen Crosby, William Crosby, Robert Darrah, David Duncklee,
David Duncklee Jr., Jacob Duncklee, Jacob Flinn, Edward Foster,
Moses Foster, Benjamin French, Asa Gilman, Abel Gilson, Asa Goodall,
Daniel Goodwin, Jonas Greene, John Gutterson, Samuel Gutterson,
Samuel Gutterson (2d), Simeon Gutterson, Jonathan Hale,
Jonathan Hale (2d), Samuel Hartshorn, Isaac How, Stephen How, 
Joseph Hoar, Joseph Hoar Jr., Joseph Hood, Joseph Hood Jr., 
Benjamin Hopkins, Daniel Hopkins, John Hopkins, Peter Hopkins,
Solomon Hopkins, William Hopkins, Nehemiah Howard, Jeremiah Hubbard,
Abner Hutchinson, Bartholomew Hutchinson, Benjamin Hutchinson,
Elijah Hutchinson, Nathan Hutchinson Jr., Timothy Hutchinson,
Daniel Johnson, Caleb Jones, Jonathan Jones, Joshua Jones, 
Joseph Knowlton, Benjamin Lewis, Jonathan Lovejoy, Samuel Lovejoy,
Porter Lumnes, Jotham Lund, Isaac Marshall, John Marvel, 
Joseph Melendy, Nathan Merrill, Joshua Moore, Stearns Needham,
Benjamin Nevens, Josiah Osgood, Aaron Peabody, William Peabody,
Joseph Perry, Daniel Person, Ebenezer Person, Jonathan Phelps,
William Powers, Aaron Priest, Nathaniel Raymont, Jacob Richardson,
Ebenezer Sargent, Nathaniel Seavy, Simon Shed, Daniel Shepard,
John Shepard, Jotham Shepard, Daniel Smith, John Smith, Isaac Southwick,
Nathaniel Southwick, John Stearns, Edward Taylor, Widow Taylor,
Widow Temple, Bartholomew Towne, Jonathan Towne, Moses Towne,
Rebecca Upton, James Wallace, John Wallace, Joseph Wallace, Widow Mary
Wallace, John Willard, Benjamin Wright.

Milford was originally composed of five parcels of land, all of which
it now contains, with one other small tract of one hundred and fifty
acres, acquired from Amherst in 1843, and one from Lyndeborough in 1873.
  The five original tracts were a part of the old town of Monson, a 
part of Souhegan West, the Mile Slip, Duxbury school farm, and a part of
Hollis. The part taken from Monson was a tract measuring three miles
south from Souhegan River to the north line of Hollis, in the Seventh
School District, and extending from Milford east line to the Mile Slip,
or within a mile of Wilton east line. "Monson was a small town lying
between Amherst and Hollis, granted by Massachusetts and chartered 
April 1, 1746. In 1770 it was divided between Amherst and Holllis,
granted by Massachusetts and charted April 1, 1746.  In 1770 it was
divided between Amherst and Hollis. September 30, 1770, the charter
annexing a part of Monson to Amherst was read in public town-meeting
in Amherst."  The part so annexed was as follows: "From Souhegan River
southwardly, by the town of Merrimack, two miles; thence northwardly
to the river; thence down the river to the place first named."
  The tract taken from Souhegan West included all between the river and
Mont Vernon south line, and from the east line of the Bartlett farm
east to the brook which empties into the river near the shoe-shop of
the late Mr. Knowlton. The portion taken from Hollis was a tract south
of Monson south line, "including more than half of the Seventh School
District."  The Mile Slip was a "strip of land lying east of Monson and
Wilton, extending from Brookline on the south to Lyndeborough on the
north, about six miles in length and about one mile in width." 
Duxbury school farm contained five or six hundred acres, lying between
Lyndeborough and the river, and extended from the Lewis farm on the
west to the east line of the Bartlett farm, or to the line of
Souhegan West.
  The lands described above, which compose the town of Milford, were
first settled about the year 1740. In 1741 the line between 
Massachusetts and New Hampshire was established so as to place the
territory in New Hampshire. John Shepard and William Crosby were the
first settlers in Souhegan West; Elisha Towne, Josiah Crosby,
Benjamin Hutchinson, John Burns and others in Monson, and Abner
Hutchinson in Duxbury. All these names, with the exception of the
first, are as familiar to our ears in Milford as household words.
Crosby, Towne, Hutchinson and Burns are old familiar names.
  In 1745, Benjamin Hopkins settled in Monson. He was a man of wealth
in those days. He owned eleven hundred acres of land, "situated
immediately on the south side of the river, extending from the east
line of the farm now owned by William Ramsdell to the Mile Slip, near
the Jacob Howard farm. This tract was granted by Massachusetts, and
was then called "Charles-town school farm." It was then, and
undoubtedly is now, the most valuable tract of land in the township. In
1741 the proprietors of Souhegan West granted to John Shepard one
hundred and twenty acres of land "adjoining the falls of the river,
extending to the foot of the falls," on condition that he would "build
a good girst-mill, keep it in repair and grind grain for the
inhabitants of Souhegan West for the customary and lawful toll." He
bilt the mill in compliance with this condition, and it was kept in
operation for a great many years. It disappeared, and the saw-mill
took its place.  It is now owned by Mr. Gilson. In those days the river
was forded below the bridge, near where the foot-bridge is now
suspended, and it was called the "Mill Ford," and this is probably the
origin of the name of the town.
  Elisha Towne took up his residence on the south bank of Souhegan
River, east of the village, "near where a few ancient graves remain."
Andrew Bradofrd, who was also an early settler, lived in the north part
of the town, near where Fitch Crosby now lives. He was a militia
captain. Abner Hutchinson lived near where the late William P.
Burnham lived.  Nathan Hutchinson, who came here in 1748, located and
lived on the Searles farm, on the south side of the river.  Captain
Josiah Crosby lived where M.F. Crosby now lives. He commanded a company
of militia at the Battle of Bunker Hill. John Burns, of Scotch origin,
who came here from the north of Ireland in 1736, and settled in
Milford in 1746, lived near where the late Joseph Burns lived. He first
located in Nottingham.
  These are the most prominent of the early settlers of the town.
They were, without an exception, strong, resolute, sensible, honorable
men. Their descendants for the most part, have proved worthy of their
ancestry.
  As the town was incorporated after the Revolution, it cannot baost
of the patriotism of its citizens in that memorable struggle. It could
not send its sons to Lexington, Bunker Hill, Saratoga or Ticonderoga,
for their battles had been fought before the town existed.  The men
who left the plow and became Minute-Men, or who fought at Bunker Hill
and elsehwere, who belonged to the soil now embraced in her territorial
limits, are credited to Amherst and Hollis, and they can exult over
the honorable and noble list.  This territory had defneders in every
battle above-named. It helped Warren at Bunker Hill and Ethan Allen at
Ticonderoga.  Among its sons were heroes. They were all patriots. Their
lot was not an easy one; for more than thirty years before the
Revolution they were constantly confronted and menaced by Indian
savages. They were always compelled to be vigilant. They possessed
nothing that did not require defense. No wonder the New Hampshire
troops at Charlestown were among the most effective and formidable
in that splendid campaign!
  The territory of Milford was given in recognition of brave and
patriotic deeds. A large part of it was granted by the province of
Massachusetts to "officers and soldiers belonging to the Province who 
were in the service of their country in the Narraganset War, and to
their Heirs and assigns or lawful Representatives."  The grants were
made from 1728 to 1733. [In an order, found in the original document,
but not included here, the House of Representatives of Massachusetts,
January 19, 1732-32, paid tribute to those men].


*****
CHAPTER II
HISTORY OF THE FIRST CHURCH--RAISINGS-- HIGHWAYS-- SETTLEMENT OF
HUMPHREY MOORE--

The first town-meeting, which was held March 4, 1794, shows only
twenty-five votes for Governor, the only person voted for being
John T. Gilman. At this meeting Jacob Flinn was chosen moderator
and Augustus Blanchard, town clerk; Augustus Blanchard, Jacob Flinn
and Benjamin Hutchinson, selectmen; William Crosby, town treasurer;
and Benjamin French constable.  It is doubtful if the entire population
of the new town was then over seven hundred. It had one hundred and
thirty-nine tax-payers. Their modes of getting about were slow and
tedious. There were but two chaises owned in town. The principal 
method of traveling was on foot and horseback. One saddle and pillion
served to accomodate an entire family, although their children were as
many as the old woman had "who lived in a shoe."  An ox-team carrying
the whole family to church was a common and usual sight. Children who
walked, both girls and boys, carried their shoes in their hands until
they got in sight of the church-door. Shoe-leather was of too much
consequence to be wasted. If the skin on "de heel" was worn off, it
would grown on again; but the wear from the tap of the shoe required
cash to replace. It was twenty-five years before horse-wagons were
known in town, and then for many years they were without springs; but
they were looked upon as a wonderful invention. None but the wealthy
could have them. When to them was added the elliptic spring, which
soon followed, and which may be regarded as the dawn of comfort in
matters of locomotion, the horse-wagon was an absolute luxury.
  It had but one church parish, and that was in its youth, having been
organized after a part of Monson had been aggregated to Amherst, and
which was an offshoot from the Amherst Church. It was constituted a
church parish in 1782 (which was but twelve years before Milford was
incorporated), "for transacting ministerial affairs only," and was
organized as a church by an ecclesiastical council, November 19, 1788.
The council consisted of Jonathan Livermore, Abiel Fiske, John Bruce,
Moses Putnam, Ebenezer Rockwood, Richard Ward, Daniel Mansfield and
William Bradford, and the church as then constituted was composed of
the following individuals: Stephen Burnham, Caleb Jones, Elisha
Hutchinson, John Wallace, Joseph Wallace, Nathan Hutchinson, Thomas
Burns, Jonathan Towne, Benjamin Conant, Benjamin Hutchinson,
William Melendy, Jonathan Jones. The record shows that attached to the
covenant are the names of James Wallace, Hannah Bradford, Mary Burnham,
Sarah Hutchinson, Letitia Wallace, Mary Wallace and Betsey Wallace.
  Down to the time of the incorporation of the town it does not 
appear to have had a settled minister. It had built a church edifice.
The parishioners, January 14, 1783, voted to build it twenty-five rods
south of Shepard's bridge, which would have placed it near the corner,
where Dr. S.S. Stickney formerly lived, now owned by Gilbert Wadleigh,
Esq.; but the vote was afterwards annulled, and the meeting-house was
finally erected ten rods northwest of that site, "between two 
pitch-pine stumps." This was where the elm-grove now stand on the 
common in the village.  Augustus Blanchard, who was evidently a man
of some standing, was parish clerk, as he was subsequently town clerk.
The little band of strugglers worked hard to get their meeting-house,
as an examination of their records shows.  It was many years before it
was completed. The frame of the building was raised in the summer of 
1784. It was a big job. It must have been, for the parish voted that
"the committee provide 1 barrel of rum, 2 barrels cider and one
quarter of sugar for the raising."  It would seem that the people in
those days were quite temperate in one respect, and that was sugar.
Their extravagance appears to have been in the direction of rum and
cider. That raising undoubtedly raised a great crowd. In our day it
would raise something beside a crowd; it would raise the wind and
probably something worse. They came from Mont Vernon, Amherst,
Lyndeborough, Wilton and elsewhere. The timbers were heavy, "rough
hewn and green;" but they had to rise, for there was muscle in that
crowd, and spurred on with one quarter of sugar, nothing could stand
before the grip of our "noble fathers."  The building was raised and
no one killed.
  Eleven years before, the good people of Wilton raised a meeting-house.
Wilton was settled in 1739, more than half a century before Milford
was incorporated. It had its centennial in 1839. Rev. Ephraim
Peabody delivered the oration [the text of that oration is found in
the original, and is not included here, and mentions that the frame
of the Wilton meeting-house fell during construction, killing 3 
outright, two died very shorly afterwards, others were crippled for
life and most of them were more or less mangled or wounded....
  It was nearly seventy-five years from the time of the raising of 
the Milford meeting-house before the custom of furnishing
intoxicating liquors at a raising was wholly discontinued....
  
David Goodwin, one of the very excellent citizens of Milford, now dead,
who, by vote of the town, March 11, 1862, was chosen town historian,
to record the events of the Civil War as connected with Milford, and
to whose gleanings, through the courtesy of his family, the writer is
indebted for many facts contained in this sketch, was the first to
attach this practice in Milford.  In 1830, being about to raise the
frame of his dwelling-house, wishing to encourage the temperance
cause which had begun to be agitated throughout the country, he
"ventured to try," as he says, "the experiment of raising the frame
by the aid of a substitute for ardent spirit, previous notice being
given to that effect.  It proved completely successful. Others followed
the example, and now it would be considered disreputable if any one
should presume to furnish any kind of distilled liquor at a raising."
  All honor to David Goodwin and those who acted with him....

The first church structure in time was completed.... September 2, 1784,
the parish voted "to board and shingle the meeting-house frame, and
that the job be let out to the lowest bidder."
Benjamin Hopkins gave the nails.  Many others contributed in small ways
toward the erection of the first temple in the parish. It was a
perfectly plain building at first; but March 17, 1785, it was
determined "to have porches," and "that the work be done at three
shillings per day."  In size the house was made, agreeably to vote,
"the same as the meeting-house in the northwest parish of Amherst,"
now Mont Vernon.
  This first church in Milford possesses great interest to us now,
for it was for a long time the town-house. The town appropriated
money and was taxed as regularly for preaching in this church as for
schools.  Indeed, the annual appropriation for many years was larger
for the former than the latter.  At the first town-meeting, as before
stated, March 4, 1794, they voted forty pounds or one hundred and
thirty three dolalrs for preaching, and this was followed up for many
years. The town really owned the church. There was but one parish in 
the whole township.
  The interior construction of the house was after the fashion that
prevailed in those times. For a while there were three porches through
which the building was entered, one each on the east, west and south,
which was the front entrance. In 1802 the west porch was taken off
and removed to the bank of the Souhegan, upon Mr. Knowlton's land, and
has been used since for a shoe-shop.  On the north side of the house
was the great pulpit. It probably had a sounding-board, as the Wilton
meeting-house had, and as the Old South Church, Boston, had and has.
In 1802 the town built a belfry "similiar to that in Francestown," and
soon after Mr. Perkins Nichols, of Boston, a native of Amherst,
presented the town with a bell which weighed eight hundreed pounds and
cost four hundred dollars. It still hands in the tower of the old
town-house. The pews were large square pens, with seats which could be
raised up and let fall after prayer in a way that would leave no room
for doubt that something had occurred. It had a gallery on three sides,
arranged also into square and long pews.
  It took ten years to build this meeting-house, but it was at last
accomplished, and the old church, acting in the double capacity of a
place for worship and for town transactions, amply repaid its builders
by its great work, faithfully done, through several generations.
  It stood where it was built until the summer of 1847, when it was
removed about four rods to the northeast of its original location, and
fitted for a town hall. Under the town hall, stores were put in,
while in the basement there was an engine-house, lobby, etc.  The
Congregational Church, which assisted in building it, sold its interest
to the town, and thereupon proceeded to erect a new and more
commodious structure, and located it where it now stands, having since
enlarged it, built a vestry and adorned the grounds around it with
beautiful elms. Later on a brief resume of its more recent history
will be given, as well as that of the town hall.
  The first bridge built in Milford was on the spot where the arch
bridge now stands, and was put in place of one which had been carried
away by a freshet, the first one, which was a wooden bridge, having
been placed there in 1788.  The  new bridge, built in 1808, was called
the Ball Bridge, on account of the white balls on its four corner-posts,
and was eighteen feet wide, with one pier in the middle, and cost two
hundred and sixty dollars.
  March 30, 1795, Milford sent its first representative to the
Legislature, but not alone, for it was classed for that purpose with
Raby (now Brookline). William Peabody was elected for one year.
Hereinafter will be found a list of all the men who have since then
acted as representatives and senators of Milford in the General Court
of the Granite State. It will be seen that the first representative
elected by Milford alone was Augustus Blanchard, who was chosen in
1799. This same Augustus Blanchard was also, as appears, the first
parish clerk.

*****
THE "KING'S HIGHWAY"
*****
About the first work that the early settlers of a country have to do,
if they are ambitious to become civilized, is to establish and build
highways and bridges.  Highways, like steam-ships and railroads, being
the indispensable promoters of trade and commerce, do more to advance
and spread civilization than all other secular agencies employed by
man. This fact seems to have impressed itself upon the minds of the New
England settlers. They gave unremitting attention to the building of
roads and bridges. After the log hut came, at the earliest possible
moment, the traveled path leading to it. It soon widened into a broad
highway. There was no hill so steep and no barrier so impassable as to
prevent its approach. This traveled path always had a habitation at 
each end and frequently along its sides. It was a sure indication of
business and social life. It was the forerunner and herald of the 
church, the school, the store, the village, and trade. It signified
commerce, a state and finally a nation.
  The first settlers of Milford began at once to lay out and build
convenient highways.
  Probably the first highway in the territory of Milford originated in
the path, and is the one on the south side of Souhegan River, and is the
old road leading from Portsmouth to New Ipswich. If there ever was a
record of its laying out, it was burned at Portsmouth. It is the same
old highway over which Mr. Gibbs traveled, carrying the United States
mail in his saddle-bags. The first bridge on this highway, between
Milford and Wilton, was built agreeable to an act of the General Court,
passed April 2, 1779, "to oblige the County of Hillsborough to build 
and maintain a bridge across the Souhegan River in the Mile Slip, so
called."  It was subsequently in 1835, rebuilt by the town, and is one
of Lang's patent three-truss bridges. It is called the "County bridge."
The next highway, in point of time, is the one on the north side of
Souhegan, leading also from Milford to Wilton. There are other
highways in town whose history is not impossible to trace, many coming
into existence by long-continued use and without any formal laying out,
as it is called. They were established, and had been for years, when the
town secured its charter.
  In 1847 the road from the stone bridge past the hotel was laid out
and built on the west side of the common.  Franklin Street was also
built by the town the same year. In 1850 the foot-bridge across the
Souhegan was built, the town appropriating one hundred dollars and
the balance raised by subscription, the subscribers having the right to
act with selectmen in locating it.
  In 1845 a granite bridge across the Souhegan, in place of Shepard's
bridge, was commenced and finished at an expense of two thousand
dollars, but it was not satisfactory, and the next year it was made
over in a more substantial and thorough manner at a total cost of
five thousand dollars, completing one of the finest bridges in the
State.
  The bridge across the Souhegan at Jones' Crossing was built in 1872.
It is a thorough and handsome structure. March 1874, the town voted to
name the streets, and Charles B. Tuttle was chosen to do it.  Street
lamps were first put up in 1875.

*******
SETTLEMENT OF HUMPHREY MOORE
*******
Down to 1802 the one church of the town had been without any settled
pastor. It had made many attempts, but none seemed to suit. April 26,
1802, the town voted to concur with the church in giving Rev.
Humphrey Moore a call to settle with them as their minister, with the
then tempting offer of six hundred dollars settlement, four hundred
dollars annually and two hundred dollars annually after he should
become superannuated.
  Humphrey Moore was a native of Princeton, Mass., and was graduated at
Harvard College in 1800. He was a man of mark. For more than a third of
a century he was a moral, religious and intellectual force in Milford
and towns about. He was orthodox through and through. He preached
"the word" as he understood it, without extenuating, changing or
abating one jot or tittle. It matter not who it hit or where it cut,
he applied it to ever question and phase of life, and whatever and
whoever could not stand the test was rejected by him.
  This was the character of the man whom the town and church invited to
become their minister. [His reply accepting the offer, dated Aug 2, 1802 
was found in the original document, but not included here.] The call and
acceptance being accomplished, it became necessary to settle Mr. Moore
firmly and formally admidst his people.... His ordination occured
October 13, 1802.
  The ordination of a minister at that time was like the raising of a
meeting-house, was a great event. It attracted the entire population.
Everyone attended--the old, young, rich, poor, the religious and
irreligious. Mr. Moore's ordination was particularly important. He was
the first minister the town of Milford ever had... and he was the man
picked among seventy.  [more in original document not included here].
 The extercises of the ordination were impressive. First they had an
anthem. Rev. Ebenezer Hill, of Mason made the introductory prayer.
 The Rev. Elijah Dunbar, of Peterborough, delivered a sermon from
Luke ix. 60.  The ordaining prayer was by Rev. Jacob Burnap, of
Merrimack; the charge by Rev. Jeremiah Barnard, of Amherst; concluding
prayer by Rev. Lemuel Wadsworth, of Brookline; and the benediction by
Mr. Moore....
 During his ministry three hundrd and thirty-five additions to the 
church were made, and although dismissed March 9, 1836, he remained in
Milford and died in his parish, April 8, 1871, at the age of ninety-
three. He was a man of wit and wisdom, piety and brains. His life
was unblemished and his character without a stain.
  At the time of Mr. Moore's settlement there was probably a population
in the town of eight or nine hundred people. There was but one church,
and all worshipped under the same roof. This continued down to 1809...
  Gradually new sects and other churches worked into the town, and 
commanded a share of public attention.

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF MILFORD--As a number of persons living in 
Milford and vicinity, had embraced Baptist views, and as mason was too 
hard to reach, they were permitted by that church to associate together
and enjoy church privileges in Milford, and were designated as a
"Branch of the Mason Church."
 In June 1809, they petitioned the Mason Church to be set off as a
distinct and independent church. Accordingly, a council was called
from the following churches, viz: Second Baptist Church in Boston,
Baptist Churches in Dublin, New Boston and Weare, together with the
church in Mason, which proceeded on the 5th of September, 1809, to
organize "The First Baptist Church in Milford," and adopted a 
constitution, articles of faith and by-laws. It then consisted of
thirty-one members; since then seven hundred and eighty-five persons
have united with the church, making a total of eight hundred and
sixteen.  Present membership (January 10, 1885) two hundred and eighty.
The church was connected with the Boston Baptist Association until the
Milford Baptist Association was formed, October 15, 1828. The report
they made at the first session of the association, was "that they had
enjoyed an interesting revival within the past which which still
continues. Twelve have been baptized. The season has been truly
refreshing. The church has done more for the cause of missions than in
any preceding year. They recommend entire abstinence from the use of
ardent spirits, and have, in many instances, set the example. They have
a Sabbath-school of about sixty scholars and propose to continue it
through the winter."
  The largest number that have united with the church in any one year
was sixty-one in 1831. Their place of worship during the first eight
years was the school-house in District No. 2.
  Rev. William Elliott had the pastoral charge of the church the first
three years of its existence, preaching for them on the first Sabbath
of each month.  The church was supplied with preaching by several
ministers, a short time each, until 1812, when George Evans, a licensed
preacher from South Reading, Mass., commenced his labors with them, and
continued to preach until 1817.
  The settled pastors have been, and in the order, as follows, Viz:
Ezra Wilmarth, one year; Matthew Bolles, four years; George Evans,
two years; Samuel Everett, eight years; Mark Carpenter, seven years;
S.G. Richardson, four years; Orrin O. Stearns, three years; Ira Person,
five years; Edward Anderson, five years; J.W. Horton, three years;
W.B. Clapp, one years; J.D. Tilton, seven years; R.B. Moody, six years;
L.J. Deane, two years; H.W. Tate, present pastor.

DEACON ISAAC BARLETT, a deacon of the Mason Church, officiate in like
capacity in the "Branch of Mason Church" until it was organized in
due form. Andrew Hutchinson and Ebenezer Pearson were ordained deacons,
and officiated until disqualified by the infirmities of age. Their
successors have been William Wallace, Abner H. Bartlett (son of Isaac
B.), George F. Bartlett (Son of Abner H.), Aaron Mills, William P.
Colburn.
 The clerks have been Andrew Hutchinson, Joel Howe, W. Wallace,
George F. Bartlett, W.N. Hartshorn, William P. Heald, David Goodwin,
J.M. Stanyan, E.J. Parker, George A. Worcester.  Treasurers, Andrew
Hutchinson, E. Pearson, Benjamin Goodwin, John Mace, Daniel Putnam,
Daniel Cram, Calvin Averill, Jeremiah Hood, A. Mills, George Melendy,
Mrs. G.A. Worcester.
  By an act of the New Hampshire Legislature, the First Baptist Society
in Milford was incorporated June 7, 1813. Their meeting-house was built
in 1816 (on the hill, about thirty-five rods northwest of the stone
bridge, upon the lot now owned by G.A. Worcester) at a cost of about
three thousand dollars. It was originally fifty-four by forty-two feet,
without tower, with square pews, high pulpit,--so high that a man
could stand under the front part of it, which was supported by two 
fluted pillars, and had a flight of stairs to get into it.  There were
wide galleries with a row of pews against the wall and free seats in
front. After the frame was raised, boarded and shingled, it was used
for a while before being finished. The finished house was dedicated
Feburary 11, 1817 (the same day George Evans was ordaiend), the sermons
upon the occasion being preached by Rev. Drs. Baldwin and Sharp, of
Boston.
 In 1836 it was moved from the hill to its present location, and a 
vestry finished underneath it.  In 1846 it was enlarged by the addition
of fifteen feet to the front, and a tower built, the pulpit reduced in
height, the galleries reduced in width, the old pews removed and
modern "slips" subsituted, all at a cost of about seventeen hundred
dollars.
  In 1856 a bell was hung in the tower, weighing fourteen hundred and
fifty-one pounds, and costing thirty-two cents per pound without the
hanging. THe total cost was about five hundred dollars.
  In 1874 the pews were relinquished by the owners to the society,
and a lot of land more centrally located was purchased, and work upon
a new church commenced June 3, 1874, and completed and dedicated 
January 21, 1875, Rev. Dr. Lorrimer, of Boston, preaching the sermon.
The edifice is commodious, being fifty-five by eighty feet, with a
spire one hundred and fifty feet high, and contains all the modern
arrangements for comfort and usefulness, and was erected at a cost of
twenty-two thousand dollars, the old house being meanwhile sold to
the Methodist Episcopal Church.

****
UNITARIAN CHURCH--The first Unitarian CHurch of Milford was organized
in its present form in 1870. Many years before, however, a liberal
movement had been begun, and a pioneer society formed as early as
1833, which continued to hold meetings at intervals down to the date of
the new society. But it was never strong and was usually without a
settled minister.
  In 1870 it was formed on a new basis, with better promise of 
permanence. It adopted a platform of fellowship, pledging mutual
co-operation in "maintaining the institutions of religion and in all
Christian work." It has a member of most excellent people.
  In 1878 the society began the erection of a new and beautiful church
on Elm Street, just west of the business part of the town. The material
is granite, quarried in the neighborhood, laid up in broken ashlar
work with cut-stone trimmings, and finished in the interior in hard
wood, Georgia pine being used for the trusses, and ash and birch for
the other work.  
 In style it is a modification of the old English chapel architecture,
a low, wandering building, with towers and gables on all sides. The
auditorium, chapel, parlor and other rooms are all on one floor, and
connected with lifting doors, so as to reinforce each other on
occasions.  Rich, stained-glass windows, picturing the chief thoughts
of the gospel, add much to the beauty of the building.
  It is a very thorough piece of work, and has been built at intervals,
as money could be obtained, so as to avoid debt. Though substantially
finished, some furnishings remain to be added. It has not yet been
dedicated. Altogether, it is the most unique and noticeable piece of
architecture in Milford, and is very creditable to the society. It is
one of the handsomest churches in the State.  Rev. Aubrey M. Pendleton,
the pastor of the society, through whose tireless work this gem of a
church has been erected, deserved great credit for his perseverance and
success.
  The ministers of the society have been John E. JOhnson, Samuel R.
 Priest, Lording E. Beckwith and Aubrey M. Pendleton.

*******
METHODIST CHURCH--This society is of comparative recent establishment in
town. In 1855 and 1856, an article being inserted in the warrant for
that purpose, the town voted to adopt a resolution, which was presented
by Jacob Gove, that they have the free use of the town hall for one
year. The growth of the society since then has been slow. It has
recently purchased of the Baptist society its old church edifice.
Its present pastor if Rev. Mr. Johnson.

***
THE CATHOLIC CHURcH--It stands on the tract of land which was taken
from Amherst and annexed to Milford in 1843. It is in good condition,
but small in numbers. Rev. Father Bucklee, of WIlton, has the pastoral
charge of the church.

***
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH after 1834--The Congregational Church built a new
meeting-house after the town purchased the pew-holder's rights, in
1834. It was dedicated in October of that year. The house was built
seventy by fifty feet. Afterwards eighteen feet was inserted in front
of the pulpit. The bell weighs about twelve hundred pounds. It has 
recently added largely to the vestry. It has no parsonage. The church
was organized November 19, 1788, with nineteen members. It was admitted
into the church since, nine hundred and forty-eight. Whole number 
of present members three hundred and fifty-eight. It has had in all
twelve deacons, and eighteen clerks.  Its present clerk is D.S. Burnham.
Its pastors have been Humphrey Moore, ordained October 13, 1802, 
dismissed March 9, 1836; J.W. Salter, installed April 27, 1836,
dismissed October 24, 1838; Abner B. Warner, ordained Feburary 6, 1839,
dismissed October 27, 1846; Lycurgus P. Kimball, installed May 19, 1847,
dismissed August 7, 1849; E.N. Hidden, installed November 21, 1849,
dismissed April 7, 1858; S.C. Kendall, installed April 7, 1858,
dismissed October 15, 1860; F.D. Ayer, ordained May 1, 1861, dismissed
September 8, 1867; Geo. E. Freeman, installed December 23, 1868,
dismissed, December 14, 1871; George Pierce, Jr., installed October 29,
1872; Rev. Mr. Lamb, Rev. Mr. Taintor, and its present pastor is
J.C. Rollins.

******
SCHOOLS
******
It is difficult now to give the number of school children in Milford
in 1794 or the condition of the schools; but from all that can be
ascertained, it is evident that there were but a small number of each...
  The schools of Milford were fully up to the average....the terms of
school were short, and continued only through the winter months. The
school money for the whole town, at the date of its incorporation, was 
less than one hundred and fifty dollars. The wages of the teachers were
small. The master usually "boarded round," and in that way the term
was materially lengthened...
  March 7, 1797 the town was divided into seven school districts or
classes In 1821 the town records speak of six classes, in 1822 of
seven districts. In 1852 District No. 1, which was the village
district, was divided, making one and nine, and at this time there were
nine districts.  In 1853 the large brick school-house in No. 1, which
is capable of holding two hundred scholars, was built. In 1867
Districts No. 4 and 8 were united into No. 4.  In 1871 the present
system of graded schools took the place of the old district system, or
rather, the town has gne back to the first system which prevailed in
the province and State.  In 1872 the school-house in what was
formerly No. 8 was sold and the land reverted to its former owner,
John Daniels.
  Up to March 11, 1834, the town had been collecting a fun called the
Literary Fund, and it was at this time divided, and each district
was to receive one-eighth; but March 8, 1835 it was voted not to 
confirm the vote passed at the annual meeting of 1834, but that the
selectmen be empowered to make a division and distribution,
according to the valuation of 1831, among the different classes at or
before January 1, 1836.
  "The Milford Academy," was incorporated June 24, 1835. The proprietors
purchased a lot of land and erected a convenient building; but, having
no permanent fund to sustain it, it never flourished. The building
was sold for a dwelling-house.
  "The Female Seminary," was incorporated about the same time; but,
like other similiar institutions without funds, it soon began to 
decine. The building is now used as a vestry for the Congregational
Church. It was at one time used, in part, to accomodate the district
school.
  In the village or High School young men are prepared for college and
young ladies receive a good education. The schools are liberally
supported and carefully watched.  Young people from Wilton, 
Lyndeborough and Greenfield of late have been in the habit of 
attending the High School at Milford, which indicates the estimation
in which the school is held.  The school-houses throughout the town
are in excellent condition, and worthy the character of the people.

The MILFORD LYCEUM was organized November 7, 1831. Meetings for 
lectures, essays and debates were held every week. The first president
was Rev. H. Moore; J.W.A. Smith, secretary, A. Lovejoy, treasurer;
s. Peabody, Esq., S.K. Livermore and Dr. John Wallace, curators.
  The organization flourished for many years, and did much good.
The subjects canvassed were numerous and interesting. During much of
its existence it was conducted wholly by home talent. Essays, more of
less learned, lectures, more or less instructive, and discussions,
more or less entertaining, were indulged in by the men and women of
the town.
  The records of the club are still preserved, and indicate its
character. The members did not hesitate to grapple with science,
astronomy, philosophy, ethics and affairs of state.  Most of the
questions considered were settled on the spot, at the close of the
debate, by vote of the assembly.
  The old-fashioned New England lyceum was a splendid institution, and
it is a pity it is not kept up at the present day. It has never had a
fitting substitute, and never will.

NEWSPAPERS--The first newspaper published in Milford was in 1847.
W. Bradford published it. It was called the "Milford Weekly Mirror."
It was soon  discontinued. In 1848 a paper called the "Souhegan
Standard," dedicated to 'free-soil,' was published for a while. 
Afterwards, in 1857, the publication of the "Milford Republican" was
begun and continued under that name for several years. Its first
issue was January 7, 1857, and it was edited by Dr. Colby; J. Garfield
succeeded his as editor, who turned over the editorial duties to
F.N. Boutwell, having served but a short time. Mr. Boutwell was editor
for several years, but ultimately went to Leominster, Mass., where he
has since, until recently, published a paper.
  At the present time the name of Milford's paper is the "Milford
Enterprise." It is skillfully edited by George E. Foster, Esq., and
is highly valued by the citizens of the town, as it is by those living
away who have an interest in all that concerns her people.
  The paper has always been, as it is now, a helpful moral force in the
community, and a source of much pleasure to its readers.

***
PUBLIC LIBRARY
***
 Milford became interested early in its history in books. June 1, 1796,
several gentlemen of Milford, with a few from Amherst, got an act of
incorporation from the Legislature, establishing an organization by
the name of "The Milford Social Library Proprietors." It prospered
well for a time, but the books became worn, and as they had no fund
with which to increase or replenish the library, it languished, and,
February 14, 1832 the concern was closed out by auction. In due time 
the subject of books was again agitated, and, like all good movement,
forced itself upon the attention of the people.
   The town was without a public library until March 1841, when School
District No. 1 voted that one hundred dollars be laid out in books
for the use of the district, and Rev. Humphrey Moore, Solomon K.
Livermore Esq. and Daniel Putnam were chosen a committee to carry the
vote into effect.  In the course of the year, the books were purchased,
rules adopted, Daniel Russell chosen librarian and the library
apparently put in good working order.  In 1842 a further sum of seventy-
five dollars was appropriated for the increase of the library, and the
year following the committee having the library in charge finding that
thirty-three, mostly of the larger, volumens needed rebinding, ninety
dollars was appropriated to the library; its privileges extended to the
whole town, upon condition that those living out of the district pay
a small sum for the use of each volume taken out, and the purchasing
committee were instructed not to buy any strictly sectarian books. The
library comtinued to receive appropriations from time to time until
1853, when the district was divided.  Its decay then commenced. It, 
however, lingered until 1860, when the books were sold at auction, it
having been in existence nineteen years.  The year following that in 
which the district library was sold, the subject of establishing an
agricultural library was agitated, and in January 1862, an organization
was perfected. in 1869 the proprietors generously gave it to the town,
that it might be merged in the present library. In 1864 several ladies 
established a library, and the association was called 'The Ladies'
Library Association,'  When the Free Library was established, it was
closed, and the very valuable collection was divided among the
proprietors.  In addition to the libraries mentioned, there has been a
Sabbath-school library connected with the oldest religious society
upwards of forty years, and with the next in age nearly a quarter of
a century.
  March 10, 1868, the town made an appropriation of five hundred
dollars to establish a free library within the town. The movement was
started by Colonel T. L. Livermore, who was then living in Milford.
The library was thereupon organized.  A board of trustees was appointed.
September 10, 1870, a code of rules and regulations were adopted,
which have been modified since as was thought best.  Liberal
appropriations by the town have, from time to time, been made.
  The library now contains three thousand three hundred and forty-one
volumes, and is a well-selected valuable collection of books.


*******
CHAPTER IV--
Businesses of the Town-- Manufactures-- Banks-- Burying-Grounds--
Temperance-- Town Clock-- Poor Farm-- Hotels

At the time the charter was granted there was but little, if any,
manufacturing in the town. The employment of the inhabitants was
almost wholly in agricultural pursuits.  The early settlers were
obliged, in order to carry on this pursuit, to clear the forests 
and do enough business in manufacturing lumber to furnish material
with which to build their houses and barns, and expose the soil for
cultivation.  The mill privilege granted to Colonel Joseph Shepard in 
1751, was given to him for the same purpose that towns now exempt
manufacturing property from taxation for a term of years.  It was to
encourage the business. The mill was built and for many years did
faithful duty. But it was not until 1810 that any attempt was made to
start a manufacturing business.

A company of men having purchased a part of the mill privilege granted
to Colonel Shepard, obtained a charter of incorporation from the
Legislature by the name of "The Milford Cotton and Woolen Manufacturing
Corporation."  They erected a factory. It was built in 1813 on the 
south side of the river. In 1814 they commenced the manufacture of
cotton yarn, and in 1824 they began the manufacture of cotton cloth by
power-loom.  In 1833 the company suspended business. It was a time of
great depression. Their machinery was old and worn out and their
management was bad, and they met the usual fate of such enterprises.
But in the spring of 1837 a new company, consisting of George Daniels,
H. Moore, Ezra Gay and James Searles, purchased all of the property
of the former company, repaired and replenished the machinery and
building, and organized one of the most profitable enterprises ever
carried on in Milford.  In 1844 they built a new saw-mill on the north
side of the river, and soon after this sold out to a new company. The
mill or factory is now owned by the Morse & Kaley Manufacturing Company,
a thriving and enterprising company, whose goods are in great demand, 
and whose management, under the skillful direction of Mr. Billings and
Colonel Kaley, insures success.  They making knitting-cotton.  The
saw-mill on the north side is owned by Mr. Gilson.
  The first agent of the original proprietors was Adam Dickey.  They
ran twenty-eight looms, employed forty hands and produced four
thousand yards of cloth a week.
  Since the days of Adam Dickey a tremendous change has taken place in
the manufacturing of cotton cloth and everything else.  Single machines
now do the work of a dozen men and forty hands operating modern
machinery will produce at least ten times the quantity of goods turned
out in Adam Dickey's mill.
  The next attempt made to organize a manufacturing business of any note
was begun in 1856. Daniel Putnman and Leonard Chase, two of Milford's
best men, both now dead, constructed a stone dam across Souhegan River
in the eastern part of the village. It cost three thousand dollars.
June 23, 1847, they procured an act of incorporation by the name of the
"Souhegan Manufacturing Company," with a capital stock of one hundred
thousand dollars, which was afterwards, in June 1849, increased to two
hundred thousand dollars.
  In 1847 a factory building was erected. The main building was one 
hundred and eighteen feet long, forty-eight feet wide, four stories
high, with a basement. It had two wings, thirty by twenty-five feet,
two stories high. Whole length of building one hundred and seventy-
eight feet. It was intended for four thousand spindles. In 1850 it
employed one hundred and fifty hands. W.T. Jacquith was its
first agent. He was succeeded by Charles Gillis, who lost his life by
the bursting of a steam cylinder. The next agent was Moses French,
who was succeeded by David Gillis. The last agent was Hon. George C.
Gilmore, of Manchester.
  This mill at one time was merged or consolidated with the Milford
Cotton and Woolen Manufacturing Corporation, but the main factory
and ells having been burned in 1872, the two properties again became
separated, and what remains of the old Souhegan Manufacturing Company
property is now owned by Mr. John Daniels, and remains now, as it has
ever since the fire, unimproved, except that one end of the mill,
which was saved, has been occupied a part of the time since for
grist-mill and toy-factory.
  The tannery was first built in 1837, and although it has had a
variable history, for the most part it has been a useful and 
remunerative enterprise. It was recently burned, but has been rebuilt
and passed into new hands and with bright prospects.
  The steam mill built in 1850 has generally been employed since for
sawing and planing boards, manufacture of furniture, picture-frames,
and other articles. It is owned and occupied by David Heald, who has
made improvements in machinery and buildings, making it one of the best
establishments in town.
  The STAR FOUNDRY was built in 1853. It prospered for a while and at
one time seemed to be a promising business, but it collapsed finally.
The buildings, in part, have been used for the Francestown soapstone
business, and this enterprise looked well for a while but Nashua was
found to be a better railroad centre, and Milford lost it. They are now
used by Pierce & Co. for cooperage.
  
Among the successful business men of the past may be mentioned MILLS &
LEWIS, who for years carried on the boot business in Milford. They
employed a large number of men and their boots were the best in the
market.  Andrew Fuller commenced business in Milford in 1852,
manufacturing mirror-frames.  In 1865 he bought out Putnam & Chase, who
were also among the most active of Milford's business men forty years
ago.

Among the modern enterprises in town which ought to be mentioned is the
Hillsborough Mills. It was first incorporated by the name of the Pine
Valley Company. It was used as a carpet-mill, but it did not flourish.
H.A. Daniels was its treasurer. It finally failed. Subsequently it was
bought up by a new company, its corporate name changed to Hillsborough
Mills, its capital stock increased to two hundred and twenty-five
thousand dollars, and is now employing one hundred and fifty hands in
the manufacture of woolen carpet yarn or warp.  The agent of the mills
is Mr. Nash Simonds.
  John McLane, now representative of Milford in the Legislature,
is carrying on a very successful business in manufacturing post-office
boxes. He employs from fifteen to twenty-five men, and is one of the
most successful and enterprising young men of Milford.
  Pierce & Mills, Gilson and others are engaged to a considerable
extent in the cooperage business; Emerson & Son in the furniture
business. The fancy box and toy business is also carried on to some
extent.

*****
BANKS
*****
There is one discount and one savings bank in Milford. The Souhegan
Bank was chartered in 1855. Thomas Chase, of Nashua, was its first
president and Hiram A. Daniels cashier. It was organized as Souhegan
National Bank in 1865, with H.A. Daniels president and Charles A.
Daniels cashier.  February 17, 1885, the charter was extended for
twenty years.  Capital stock, one hundred thousand dollars.
Clinton S. Averill is now president and F.T. Sawyer cashier.
  The Milford Five-Cent Savings Institution was incorporated in 1859,
with a perpetual charter. It has deposits of seven hundred and fifty
thousand dollars.  Clinton S. Averill is its treasurer. It is in fine 
condition.

**
STORES & OTHER BUSINESS
**
Milford has many stores and some of them excellent ones. E.C. Batchelder
is one of the oldest established of the merchants. He has for years 
kept a large first class dry-goods store, and may be truly called an
honorable merchant. Mr. Barber also has a first-class modern store,
which is carriedon with great enterprise and success; and athere are
others concerning which the same may be said.
  The town is the centre of quite a large trade, which accounts for
the thrifty and excellent character of the traders and business men of
the place.  It contains a grist-mill and saw-mills, millinery-shops,
harness-shops, jewelers, blacksmiths, druggist, news-rooms, grocieries,
restaurants, and all of the equipments or a lively country village.
  The farmers can sell between five hundred and six hundred cans of
milk a day, or forty thousand dollars' worth a year. It is carried to
Boston.
  Milford contains several valuable granite quarries. They are operated
with success.  The quality of the Milford granite is excellent, and it
is sought far and wide. It is a valuable source of income to the
people.
  It is doubtful, all things considered, if the business of Milford has
improved for the last twenty-five years.

David Goodwin, in July 1860, made the following record concerning the
town and its enterprises: "For twenty years past the business of this
town has rapidly increased, and a special character, not only in the
appearance of the place, but in the character of the people, is visible.
The cotton-mills have been, most of the time, kept in successful
operation, which have given employment to about two hundred persons.
The village is well supplied with manufactories and shops for the 
manufacture of different and almost all kinds of wares, which has 
occassioned a continual influx of emigrants into the village; and, 
coming with their own various and peculiar views, notions and habits,
the character and order of society has become essentially changed within
a few years. In this town, at the present time (July 1860) there are
3 clergymen, 4 practicing physicians, 3 lawyers, 2 dentists, 2 drug-
shops, 1 furniture warehouse, 8 stores, 5 blacksmith-shops, 2 carriage
manufactories, 2 harness-shops, 3 market-houses, 1 printing-office,
1 post-office, 2 periodical offices, 1 Daguerrean saloon, 1 agricultural
warehouse, 3 clothing-stores, 2 millinery-shops, 1 hotel, 2 restaurants.
The number of liquor shops is not positively known, as the signs are
not permanently attached to any particular location. One licensed agent
(Dr. H. Eldregde) furnishes distilled liquor to those who can give
satisfactory evidence that they will use it only for medicinal or
mechanical purposes.  In this town the number of men to whom the
title of Esq. is often affixed is "too numerous to particularize."
There are in town 3 grain-mills, 8 saw-mills, 8 boot and shoe-shops,
1 horse-nail factory, 1 pail manufactory, carpenters, coopers,
painters, &c."

If this is a correct statement (and there can be no doubt about it),
there was as much thrift and prosperity as there is now. The population
of the town in 1869 was 2212. It had made a gain, however, of only 53 
in ten years.  In 1850 the population was 2159.  From that time to
1880 it has only gained 259, and the gain of the last decade is 186.
But there has been a steady gain in the property of the town. In
1840 the appraised value of all the property of Milford was, in round
numbers, $500,000.  It has gained one million dollars in valuable since.
It is interesting to note that half of the increase, was made from 1840
to 1850. It also increased, during that decade, its legal voters between
two and three hundred. It began, during this period (1847) to send
two representatives to the Legislature. It would there-fore seem that
these were very prosperous years in the town's career....

******
BURYING-GROUNDS
******
[Excerpts]
 September 2, 1784, the town voted to accept one acre of land on the
north side of the highway, on the west side of William Crosby's
land, and adjoining Thaddeus Grimes' land, as a present by William
Crosby, for a buying-ground.
  In 1839, the graveyard first laid out having been substantially
occupied, the town purchased about two acres on the Brookline road
for a cemetery. Cost of the land, with the fencing, four hundred and
fifty-five dollars. It was made up into family lots, and the choice
of lots sold at auction. Every lot in that cemetery having been taken,
the town purchased another lot of a little over five acres of Rev. Mr.
Moore, on the south side of the Wilton Railroad, in the west part of
the village. The cost of the land, right of way across Mr. Moore's
land, fencing and preparing the same for burial purposes was $623.55.
In 1850 the town chose a committee to see about a new burying-ground.
In 1852 the selectmen were authorized to grade and set out trees in
the new burying-ground.
  For the most part, all the yards are well cared for. There are
several costly and many tasteful monuments and slabs erected to the
memory of the dead.

TEMPERANCE--The first temperance committee appointed by the town were
Leonard Chase, Daniel Putnam, Freeman Crosby, Pliny Whitney and William
Wallace. They made their first report in 1849, which covers eight pages
of solid writing in one of the large record-books of the town. They
continued in service a number of years, and then others took their
places, who, in their turn, still made the same exhaustive reports and
eloquent appeals to the best sentiment of the people, doing a grand
work for the town, and through the persistent efforts of these men,
supplemented by the strong Christian aid of their wives, sisters, and
mothers, Milford is recognized as the banner town of the State in the
cause of temperance.
  In the same year, 1849, the citizens inaugurated a movement for
beautifying and adorning the common.  The first measure was to cause it
to be fenced, which was accomplished in 1850. THey also planted a lot of
elm trees, which are now fully grown and add greatly to the 
attractiveness of the village.
  The committee who were appointed to do this good work were
Humphrey Moore, Daniel Putnam, Hiram A. Daniels, Jonas Hutchinson, and
Leonard Chase.  After the trees were planted they had to be carefully
cared for and watered. This was faithfully done, and we now see the
result.
  Since then the fence has been remodeled and the park enlarged and
improved. The present fece was built in 1872.

*****
FIRE ENGINES--THe first appropriation for a fire engine was made in 
1820.  The town voted an appropriation of seventy-five dollars towards
defraying expenses of an engine. October 18, 1820, William Ramsdell,
S.K. Livermore and Abiel Lovejoy were chosen first fire wardens.
August 17, 1839, the town voted to raise three hundred dollars for
the purpose of buying a new fire-engine, provided three hundred dollars
be raised by subscription.  In lieu of the above, the town voted to
raise one hundred dollars in addition to the three hundred dollars,
provided two hundred dollars could be raised by subscription. In 1840
it was voted to buy a second fire-engine, but it was not purchased until
1841.  In 1856 the town voted to build an engine-house, and one was
afterward erected.

*******
TOWN CLOCK--In 1866 the town voted two hundred dollars toward a town
clock, the citizens to raise four hundred dollars more.  It was
purchased, and did very poor service until the present year, when the
town voted an appropriation of five hundred dollars, and a new clock
is in the place of the old one.

*****
POOR-FARM--For a great many years the town owned and occupied a farm
on which the town's poor were kept, but, agreeably to a vote of the
town in 1868, this farm was sold. It was situated in the southerly
part of the town. Since then many of its poor, by arrangement, have
been kept at the county farm in Hillsborough County.

*****
TAVERNS--There is but one in town for the accomodation of transient
patrons, and that is an odd one. The earliest of Milford's landlords
was Jonathan Buxton. He was a model in-keeper. He was skillful in 
making flip.  There are those living in Milford now who remember seeing
Buxton mix his flip with a singeing hot iron. Everybody who chose sold
liquor in those days. There was scarcely a house between Milford and
Wilton, on either side of the river, that did not hold a license to 
sell the ardent. Old Dr. Fuller, who lives on the spot where the new
town-house stands, in the first dwelling-house ever built in the 
village, used to put into his cellar twenty-five barrels of cider for
domestic consumption; but his cider had a large circle of acquaintances,
and whoever pleased, night or day, could walk into his cellar with
mug in hand and help himself.
  It would be a great task to give a sketch of the landlords of
Milford since the days of Jonathan Buxton. Mr. Buxton was the first
librarian of the town, as he was also the first tax collector.

***
THE PONEMAH--Recently a new and handsome hotel has been built in the
south part of the town, near Milford Springs, called the Ponemah
House. It stands on a fine eminence, is handsomely made and furnished
and kept as a first-class summer house. It owns the Milford Springs.
These springs are noted for their medicinal waters. The Ponemah
Company are engaged to some extent in bottling this water for the
market. The enterprise is just started and it is too early to predict
the result.


**************
CHAPTER V. - MILFORD IN THE GREAT CIVIL WAR
Patriotism of the People-- David Goodwin made Historian--
The Women's Soldiers' Aid Society-- Names of Milford's Soldiers--

It is simply stating  a fact to say that a more generous and patriotic
people could not be found in this great land than lived in and went
forth from Milford during the dark period of the Rebellion days. Her
response to every call for volunteers was hearty and effective. To
every appeal for succor and aid for those on the field and in the
hospitals she gave with a munificent hand. The flower of her populace
went forth at their country's call; some never returned, but fell upon
"the field of glory;" other came back, and as citizens of a grand
republic, have been as noble and true in the paths of peace as they
were brave and patriotic in war.  The record of these people, in
the greatest civil conflict the world ever witnessed, is one of which
every son and daughter of Milford is justly proud.
  In 1861, when the President sent forth that first requisition for
volunteers, a recruiting-office was immediately opened at the town
hall, and forty-eight men, one-half of whom were married, and one-half
single, were soon enrolled. They were the first forty-eight men on the
list of Milford soldiers hereafter given.  The company, under the
command of Captain George H. Gillis, left for Portsmouth, on the 7th
of May, 1861. The company was made up of soldiers from the following
towns, viz: Milford, forty-eight; Amherst, thirteen; Wilton, eleven;
Mont Vernon, five; New Boston, five; Lyndeborough, two; and a few
from other towns, making in all ninety-three.
  "At an informal meeting of the citizens of the town, holden on the
22d of April 1861, a committee, consisting of George Daniels, William
Ramsdell, O.W. Lull, Daniel Putnam and Clinton S. Averill, was
appointed to act in behalf of the town in relation to all matters
connected with the enlisting and equipping of a company of volunteers,
and furnishing aid and support to the families of such enlisted
members are belong to this town."

This committee proceeded at once to discharge the duties imposed on
them, and at a legal town-meeting, held May 11, 1861, made a report
of their work and received the sanction of the town. Major George
Daniel offered at the meeting a resolution,--
 "That the selectmen be instructed to borrow a sum not exceeding $3000,
and that such portion thereof as may be required be appropriated to pay
the expense of an outfit, with incidental expenses, and to furnish
assistance to families of such citizens of this town as have enlisted
and have been mustered into the service under the first call of the
President of the United States for volunteers."

The resolution was unanimously adopted, and all of the recommendations
of the committee were accepted. The town voted that, in addition to the
dress and arms furnished by the State, the soldiers of Milford should be
furnished with their board and eleven dollars a month until accepted by
the State, and after that seven dollars per month in addition to
government pay; also a revolver and india-rubber blanket, besides such
other articles for the promotion of cleanliness and health and to meet
possible contingencies, which the patriotic ladies were then providing
for them. They voted to soldiers who had families a still further
allowance; if he had a wife, six dollars per month; a wife and one
child, eight dollars per month; a wife and two children, ten dollars
per month; and still more in special cases.
  At a subsequent town meeting held September 27, 1861, the committee,
through Major Daniels, made a report of its disbursement for the
above purposes, receiving the indorsement of the town. At about this
time the Souhegan Bank offered the government a loan of twenty
thousand dollars to aid in carrying on the war.
  At the annual town meeting holden March 11, 1862, it was voted that
David Goodwin be town historian, 'to record the events of the present
war as connected with the people of Milford, to be preserved in the
archives of the town.  Mr. Goodwin faithfully performed his duties,
and those "archives," put in perfect order by his careful hand, is a
reliable record of the splendid work done by the patriotic men of
Milford, and from that record the facts of this sketch relating to the
war are taken.
  The history of the work of woman in the great struggle in this
country has not yet been written. When it is, it will be found to 
surpass in sympathy, tenderness and practical and effective assistance
to the mighty cause accomplished by the gentler sex. The ladies of
Milford early engaged in the great soldiers' aid work. They made a
record worthy of being placed alongside of that of their brothers,
husbands and fathers who fought that the nation might live.
  In October 1861, a society of ladies was organized under the name of
"The Women's Soldiers' Aid Society," and they chose the following
officers: President, Mrs. Humphrey Moore; Vice-Presidents, Mrs.
Stillman Hutchinson, Mrs. Martin Hall, Mrs. Abel Chase, Mrs.
Hezekiah Hamblett, Mrs. Charles A. Burns, Mrs. Benjamin F. Hutchinson;
Secretary, Elizabeth A. Livermore; Treasurer, Miss Hannah P. Ramsdell;
Executive Committee, Mrs. William Crosby, Mrs. Joshua H. Holt,
Mrs. John Dickey, Mrs. Ira Holt, Mrs. John A. Powers. The society
numbered more than eighty members, besides seventy men as honorary
members. The first report or address of the society made by Miss
Livermore is here given, as it reveals clearly the spirit which
impelled this noble company of women to push forward the glorious work
which carried comfort and solace to many a soldier's home and heart,--
 "March 28, 1862
 "There was no hamelt so obscure in the United States in the early part
of the year of our Lord 1861 that its inhabitants did not thrill with
horror at the mad wager of battle cast before them by the defeated,
fierce, ambitious leaders of the Southern slave-power. Their sceptre of
power had departted from them with the exit from office of the last
Democratic President. They would not even in name submit longer to
constitutional law. They had instigated the old barbaric force to throw
iteself again in the path of progress. ALmost with unanimous voice the
North said, 'We will meet this force in the battle-field, and may God
speed the right.' Lightning flashed intellgence, steam lent her wings
and Northern patriots met the foe.  Woman lent her aid to speed swiftly
husband, brother, friend and citizen to save our capitol--Washington.
Unorganized, she helped clothe the soldiers who had volunteered from
every peaceful pursuit. Organized, she continued her labors to render
the hospitals of the United States, and other temporary hospitals
hastily prepared for the volunteers, comfortable for the sick and
wounded.
 "In Milford a society was organized, called "The Women's Soldiers'
Aid Society' in October, a woman paying twenty-five cents or more.
One hundred and thirty-eight dollars were collected by membership and
by levies.  Women met once a week to sew and knit, while some devoted
a great part of their time in laboring for the soldiers' comfort. Six
barrels of articles, most essential to hospital service, were sent
on their errand of love before the close of the war. The work still
continues, as the varied calls for assistance reach us, and will be
continued until there is a certainty that no more is needed."
 "Elizabeth A. Livermore
 "Secretary of W.S.A. Society."

This noble work was continued by this patriotic society all through the
war, until 'no more was needed."
  In October 1863 the secretary made another annual report, closing it
with the following eloquent words which she quoted from another:
 "The blessings of thousands who are ready to perish, and of tens of
thousands who love their country and their kind, will be cast upon those
who originated and those who sustain this noble work. Let the people's
hearts never fail, and their hands never weary! but let them, of their
abundance, give to this commission full measure, pressed down, shaken
together and running over, that, wherever the red hand of war is seen,
its divine footsteps may follow; that wherever the red hand of war is
lifted to wound, its white hand may be lifted to heal; that its work
may never cease until it is assumed by a great Christian government, or
until peace once more reigns throughout the land; and even then,
gratitude for its service and joy in its glory shall never die out of
the hearts of the American people."

This society raised and disposed of more than fifteen hundred dollars'
worth of articles to the soldiers in the field besides large bounties
to their families at home.  A fitting close of this branch of our
subject is found in the eloquent words made use of when the society
disbanded:
 "As the Rebellion has been crushed, peace has been joyfully
proclaimed, and the object for which our association was instituted
no longer needs our efforts; feeling that our benevolent efforts have
not been in vain, we now disband our organization, and turn our
attention to other pursuits and avocations, feeling thankful that we
have been permitted to labor in the great cause of humanity--the cause
of God--to sympathize with the afflicted and do something toward the
salvation of our beloved country."

But not only were the ladies of Milford benevolent and liberal in their
aid to the cause, but men gave largely of their means. The town voted
generous and large bounties, and furnished assistance to all soldiers'
families without stint.

Sixty Milford soldiers lost their lives by the war, forty of whom were
never brought home to be buried. Thirteen were killed in battle. Their
names are Oliver W. Lull, Abram B. Shedd, William D. Coffin,
Jeremiah Lyon, Josiah P. Smith, Alexander M. Robbie, Samuel Dolbear,
Thomas M. Gilpatrick, George L. Jones, Isaac F. Frye, J.I. Plympton,
Samuel F. Jones and Joseph Shedd.
  It is not within the scope of this sketch ot give a personal history
of each soldier who fell or was wounded in the battles of this cruel
war. When the history of Milford is written in detail the work will be
done....
  "Orrin A. Hamblett was the first soldier who volunteered from 
Milford into the United States service. Soon as the news of the massacre
of Massachusetts soldiers in the streets of Baltimore reached us,
he enlisted in Boston, April 19, 1861, into the Fourth Batallion of
Rifles, Company C."

We quote the following from Mr. Goodwin's pen as a just tribute to a
noble boy:
 "Charles Wendell Mills, youngest son of John and Sarah Mills--a kind
and loving boy--was born January 27, 1844. He enlisted as a private
for nine months in the Sixteenth Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers,
Company C., October 10, 1862. At the expiration of his term of service
he returned home with his regiment August 14, 1863; received his 
discharge, August 20 1863. He contracted a fever at the siege of Port
Hudson of which he died August 23, 1863. He enlisted, as he said,
because his government called him and he felt it his duty to go, and
at the last said he had "done all that had been required of him; the
boat is ready; let me go home."

Mr. Goodwin speaks of another of Milford's heroes as follows:
 "A.B. Hayden was shot through the wrist in the battle of 
Fredericksburg. Five men had been shot down in his regiment. At the fall
of the fifth man this brave soldier grasped the flag-staff and bore the
stars and stripes aloft; but he was doomed to the same fate as his
companions. A ball soon struck and shattered his left arm. He was 
carried to the hospital in Alexandria, where he died January 5, 1863.
He was embalmed and brought home January 13, 1863."

Most of the soldiers from Milford were discharged and came home
July 1865. August 3, 1865 the people, grateful for the deliverance
of their country from the grip of rebels, assembled in the park and
gave their soldiers a generous welcome home.  Speeches and music
and general pleasures were indulged in, and "Peace on earth and good
will among men" once more reigned.
 
The following are the names of all the Milford soldiers who went into
the United States sevice during the war:
 George H. Gillis, John C. Clark, George E. Hartwell, John Mahar,
*Ozias Wright, Loammi B. Ward, Charles F. Conant, John F. Crosby,
Richard Mahar, Robert McKenzie, *Francis Divan, *John Brown, 
A. McArthur, Thomas Gourley, *Sylvanus Adams, *Alex. McRobbie,
*James McRobbie, D.P. Ward, William Merriles, *Jeremiah Lyon, 
*G.H. Drew, *Norman Burdkci, *Grosvenor Colby, William H. Ramsdell,
*George L. Lovejoy, William Abbott, charles Prew, *Alfred F. Lynch,
*Edward F. Lund, *Charles F. Crosby, Thomas B. Hall, *S.F. Jones,
*George Worcester, Daniel H. Greene, *A.S. Hutchinson, 
*William D. Coffin, *Samuel Dolbear, *Albert A. Cochran, *James Bonner,
*Eugene H. Arnsden, *James G. Williams, John B. Burns, 
*Abner W. Osgood, *William H. Howe, J.M. Blanchard, *W.W.I. Robbins,
Charles Nutting, George Clark, John W. Crosby, *J.I. Plympton,
G.H. Jones, *Charles S. Hazen,  George S. Tuck, D.W. Gordon, 
Joseph H. Kimball, M.F. Burnham, John H. Clarke, W.P. Kendall,
Alfred Shattuck, John H. Lund, George W. Dinnick, T.L. Livermore,
*A.B. Shedd, P.A. Shedd, *J.H. Lovejoy, *William P. Heald, 
C.R. Stickney, H.L. Robbins, J.C. Clarke, John O'Connor, A.M. Darracott,
O.C. Crosby, George E. Hartwell, J.H. Stimson, *H.E. Mills,
F.J. Stimson, George W. Chickering, Joshua Royleigh, *Josiah P. Smith,
C.H. Camp, Nelson Wood, O.W. Lull, S.G. Dearborn, F.J. Lawrence,
William Gourley, John F. Howard, Andrew L. Marvel, John Meikle,
William A. Crosby, H.M. Potter, *Joseph Gilina, *Joseph E. Shedd,
Thomas Gilpatrick, Abel F. Gutterson, *John M. Stanyan, Harris Gray,
Luke Hallegan, John E. Herrick, Orrin A. Hamblett, Thomas H. Law,
George A. Holt, James W. Ames, Joseph Buss, Edward Powers, Frank Hood,
D.M. Perham, John Bonner, H.J. Richardson, *John Martin, *E.P. Ross,
F.W. Dennis, M.P. Felch, Dennis Holden, Thomas P. Connery,
Frederick P. Turner, R.B. Kidder, Hugh Connor, J.B. Fretts,
A.B. Bennett, F.O. Howe, Patrick Dillon, A.B. Hayden, J.W. Spalding,
J.E. Mackay, A.W. Heald, John Holland, I.F. Frye, Charles Howe,
W.H. Howe, J.P. Richardson, H.P. Hutchinson, C.H. Dunning, J.B. Melendy,
John Arbuckle, Thomas Regan, C.M. Aiken, J.W. Shattuck, Charles Huntley,
Charles Brooks, Francis Morlock, John C. Aiken, J.A. Lovejoy,
F.E. Greisinger, W.G. Averill, J.P. Shedd, G.F. Stone, G.R. Hartshorn,
Frank Crosby, Albion Wyman, L.A. Duncklee, Noah Lund, C.W. Mills,
B.F. Clarke, E.K. Jewett, J.E. Fuller, C.H. Osgood, H.C. Stimson,
C.C. Bartlett, H.M. Mills, *J.D. Crosby, Edwin Howard, Joseph Cushing,
William Abbott, W.P. Connery, Alvin B. Chase, J. Hutchinson, 
A.F. Crosby, Allen R. Hood, *William Garvin, A.F. Hanscomb,
Ed. Hanscomb, Jasper Osgood, Frederick A. Eldridge, James Ryan,
H.A. Haskell, E.P. Jones, A.F. Hutchinson, F.A. Fisher, George Marvel,
E.L. Nelson, F.T. Cogin, W.D. Hutchinson, Patrick Chroan, A.M. Hatch,
John McKenney, R.H. Pierce, I.H. Layden, J. Carlton Jr., W.P. Easton,
Charles H. Worcester, W.H. Gillis, Robert Chumard, H.O. Connor,
John Dame, H.M. Tyler, THomas Jess.
[Those names with the star (*) prefixed are those soldiers who
re-enlisted].
  The names of the seventy substitutes furnished from abroad are
not recorded.

*************
CHAPTER VI--THE NEW TOWN-HOUSE
 For several years prior to 1869 the subject of a new Town House was
agitated.... It was evident to a majority of the people that the town
had outgrown the old town-house. Since 1833-34 when it was abandoned
by the First Church or Congregational Church for its new church
structure, the old hall had been used exclusively for town and social
purposes.  Before that time its history has already been given.
In 1847 the town purchased the pew-holders' rights and moved the
house a short distance north and east of its original site, fronting
it to the south.  The first story was devoted to stores and the upper
one to the town hall... Then came the usual struggle over its location.
It was first voted to build near the bridge, and then the spot where
it now stands was substituted. The old house was again moved to a lot
near the bridge, on the west side of the village square, where it
still stands, and again repaired, improved, and sold.
  The town selected William Ramsdell, Clinton S. Averill and Robert R.
Howison a building committee. Ground was broken May 6, 1869. Messrs.
Bryant & Rogers of Boston, were the architects.
  The corner stone of the new town-house was laid on Saturday, July 3,
1869, with interesting Masonic ceremonies, under the auspices of the
Grand Lodge of New Hampshire, assisted by the Masonic lodges in
Nashua, Milford, Wilton, Mason and Peterborough.
  The occasion brought together a very large concourse of people, and
the exercises of the day were carried out with perfect success....
  At two o'clock the visiting bodies were recieved at the depot by
Benevolent Lodge, of Milford, and a procession was formed in the
following order:
 Chief Marshal, J.M. Blanchard
 Aide, E.P. Hutchinson
 Nashua Cornet Band
 St. George Commandery, Knights Templar, of Nashua
 Clinton Lodge, No 52 of Wilton
 Rising Sun Lodge, No. 39 of Nashua
 Souhegan Lodge, No 67, of Mason
 Altemont Lodge, No. 26 of Peterborough
 Milford Cornet Bank
 Benevolent Lodge, No. 7 of Milford
 Officers of the Grand Lodge
 Town Committee
 Citizens
The procession numbered about three hundred, and made a fine
appearance. After making a short march through several of the principal
streets, the procession brought up at the site of the new town-house.
 The stone seleted for the corner was ready for laying at the
southeast angle of the foundation on the arrival of the procession.
It was suspended by a temporary derrick, and measured three feet in
length, one and a half in depth and a foot in width. The following
articles were placed in the stone, which was then hermetically
sealed:
  A manuscript containing a brief history of the action of the town
relating to the building of the town-house, giving votes and dates
of meetings of the town relative thereto; the appropriations of the 
town for the year 1869, for town charges, for highways, for the
Free Library and libraian, and the date of the vote of the town
establishing the library and the number of volumes at that time;
also a list of the clergymen, lawyers, physicians, machinists,
manufacturers, banks, the organizations of the schools in the town,
with the teachers; the railroad and telegraphic communications,
the estimated population of the town, a set of United States coins
of the date 1892, directly from the Mint, and which had never been
in circulation, presented by Edwin L. Howard, of the Mount Lebanon
Lodge, Boston, Mass., consisting of the dollar, half-dollar, quarter-
dollar, dime, half-dime (both silver and nicke) and the two and one-
cent pieces; a half-dozen stereoscopic views, contributed by Edward
Lovejoy, Esq., embracing a view of the hotel, the vetrans, the old
town-house, the middle falls and bridge, the oval and group, and the
new town-house and lot, with the old town-house in the distance; 
a cataloque of the Milford Free Library, a hand-bill of the celebration
of the day, a school report of 1869, a report of the receipts and
expenditures of the town for 1868-69, a report of the country
commissioners for 1868-69, a copy of the by-laws and members of the
Benevolent Lodge, No. 7, Milford NH for the current year, a copy of
the "Farmer's Cabinet," dated February 19, 1825, a copy of the same
dated July 1, 1869, a copy of the "Manchester Mirror" dated July 3, 
1869, a copy of the "Nashua Daily Telegraph" dated June 28, 1869,
a copy of the "New Hampshire Telegraph" dated July 3, 1869, a copy of
the "Daily Patriot" dated June 30, 1869, a copy of the "Nashua
Gazette" and "Hillsborough County Advertiser" dated July 1, 1869,
a copy of the "Union Democrat," Manchester dated June 29, 1869,
a copy of the "Boston Daily Post," dated June 30, 1869, a copy of the
"Boston Daily Evening Journal," dated July 1, 1869; Morse & Kaley's
card of prices of knitting cottons, manufactured in Milford.
  The ceremonies were opened by proclamation of Acting Grand Master of
the Grand Lodge, William Barrett, Esq. who had been deputized by M.W.
Grand Master Winn to perform the service, that the Grand Lodge had been
invited by the civil authorities of Milford to lay the corner-stone of
their new town hall. A fervent and impressive prayer was offered by
Rev. E.R. Wilkins of Nashua, acting Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge,
and a hymn "Great Architect of Earth and Heaven," was sung by the
Hutchinson family. The stone was then laid with the usual rites and
ceremonies of the Masonic order.
  The inscription on the plate was read by the acting Grand Secretary,
E.P. Emerson, as follows:
 "This corner-stone was laid with Masonic ceremonies, Saturday, 
July 3rd, A.D. 1869, A.L. 5869, under the direction of the M.W. Grand
Lodge of New Hampshire, R.W. William Barrett acting as Grand Master;
Charles H. Burnes, Esq. of Wilton, Orator.
 "Organization of Grand Lodge.--Alexader M. Winn of Farmington, M.W.
Grand Master; John R. Holbrook, Portsmouth, R.W.D. Grand Master;
N.W. Cumner, Manchester, R.W. Sen. Grand Warten; William Barrett, 
Nashua, R.W. Jun. Grand Warden; John Knowlton, Portsmouth, R.W. Grand
Treasurer, Horace Chase, Hopkinton, R.W. Grand Secretary.
 "Ulysses S. Grant, President, U.S.; Schuyler Colfax, Vice-President;
Salmon P. Chase, Chief Justice; Onslow Stearns, Governor, N.H.;
John D. Lyman, Sec. State; Peter Sanborn, State Treasurer; Ira Perley,
Chief Justice; Aaron H. Cragin, James W. Patterson, Senators; Jacob Ela,
Aaron F. Stevens, Jacob Benton, Representatives.
 "Town Officers, 1869--William R. Wallace, John Marvell, George F.
Bartlett, Selectmen; James M. Blanchard, Town Clerk; William R. Wallace,
Treasurer; Clinton S. Averill, School Committee; William Ramsdell, 
W.B. Towne, C.S. Averill, Trustees of Free Library; Samuel G. Dearborn,
Bainbridge Wadleigh, Representatives; John W. Crosby, Postmaster;
William Ramsdell, C.S. Averill, Robert R. Howison, Building Committee;
Gridley J. Bryant, Louis P. Rogers, Boston, architects; Albert Currier,
Newburyport, Mass., Contractor; James C. Tucker, Boston, Superintendent.
 "Amount of Inventory for 1869, $1,185,00; amount deposited in Savings
Banks, $200,000; amount invested in Railroad Stocks, $100,000; Total
Valuation, $1,485,000; Rate of Taxation, $1.43 per hundred."
  After the stone was lowered the Hutchinsons sang an ode, "Placed in
Form the Corner-Stone," and M.W.G.M. Barrett delivered a brief address
to the people on the character and objects of Masonry.
 The procession was then reformed and marched to the oval, where the 
writer of this article, Charles H. Burns, of Wilton, a native of
Milford, delivered an address to fifteen hundred people. The Hutchinson
family also sang from the grand stand several stirring and beautiful
songs. At the close of the open-air exercises, at four o'clock, a fine
collation was served in the old town hall, which was neatly trimmed
with flags and flowers for the occasion. Speeches were made, and the
post-prandial exercises closed by the entire company joining the
Hutchinsons in singing "Auld Lang Syne."
 Thus the good work of building the new town-house was begun. It was
completed April 27, 1870, when the edifice was solemnly consecreated
 DEDICATION OF THE NEW TOWN HALL--The day was beautiful, and one of the
most significant in the recent history of the town. Many of the sons
and daughters of Milford who lived away came home to join in the
celebration. They were welcomed with warm and generous hospitality.
The greetings over, their eyes turned from friends and the the old
town-house to the new. They beheld an edifice striking in appearance,
commanding in structure, ample in all its parts, made of brick, one
hundred by sixty feet. The basement, which is constructed of rough
granite, with hammered lines, is nine feet in height, and is clear of
the ground on the west and south. The first story is fourteen feet in
the clear, and contains three stores, post-office and selectmen's
room; the stores, fifty feet deep and from twenty-one to twenty-seven
feet wide. The building fronts to the west, and the entrance is reached
by a massive flight of granite steps. At the head of the first 
stair-case, and facing the entrance, is an elaborate and beautifully-
carved black walnut case, about five feet in height and eight feet
long, inclosing five marble tablets, and on the middle one is
inscribed the following:
 "The
 Town of Milford
 has caused
 to be inscribed upon
 these tablets
 the names of those
 who fell
 representing her
 in defense of the Union
 in the war of
 the rebellion of 1861-65;
 dedicated April 27,
 1870."

On the other tablets are inscribed the names of the fifty-three of
Milford's patriots who, in the great Civil War, heroically fell.
"It is a beautiful and eloquent memorial," conspicuously erected, and
will frequently remind the good people of the town of the enormous
sacrifice that was made to preserve the nation's integrity. The plan of
a monumental slab in the vestibule originated in a resolution offered
by the late Dr. S.S. Stickney.  The hall is symmetrical and beautiful.
It is fifty-seven feet wide, sixty-five feet long and twenty-four feet
high. Over the entrance, and extending across the west side, is a
spacious gallery, capable of seating three hundred persons. The main
hall, which is lighted by fourteen large windows, has a seating
capacity of eight hundred. The platform is on the east side. On the
right and left of this is a small gallery for the use of a band or
choir. The hall is frecoed and painted. There is a high wainscoting of
chestnut, with black walnut panels and moldings. It has a central
chandelier, with four minor ones. The floor is Georgia pine. It has
settees. The acoustic qualities of the hall are not good. It may be
possible to remedy this. It is well ventilated.
  On the right of the entrance to the hall is a dressing-room, and
on the left one for ladies. They are large, tastefully furnished and
provided with all the modern improvements.
 "Ascending to the upper or attic story, we have from the large
dormer-window a commanding view of a charming landscape. In the
foreground is the village of Milford, with the winding Souhegan
stretching to the west. In the dim horizon rises Mount Monadnock,
and the Peterborough, Greenfield and Temple hills life their handsome
heads boldly against the sky. The view abounds in beauty, and will be
looked on with delight by the thousands who shall hereafter ascend
to the great dormer-window of the Milford town-house. The exterior
view of the edifice is striking and altogether pleasant. The style of
architecture is not distinct, but seems to be a combination of the
early Tudor English.  A graceful bell tower surmounts the southwest
angle, in which the old bell is placed, too closely hooded to give a
clear and certain sound, and above is a clock, with dial on each side.
Dwarf towers surmount the other angles, and from the front roof a large
dormer-window projects, giving a first impression that the town has
succeeded in turning an honest penny by building a tempting eyrie for
some enterprising photographist. The entire building is heated by
steam and lighted by gas."
 Such was the new town-house. It still stands in all its original 
beauty and firmness, a memorial indicating the character of a stalwart
and enterprising people.
  DEDICATION--The ceremonies of dedication were impressive and eloquent.
The spacious building was packed to the brim with interested people.
William Ramsdell, a man of mark and one of the foremost citizens of
Milford, in behalf of the building committee, delivered the keys to the
chairman of the Board of Selectmen, the late William R. Wallace, in
brief and fittin greply. George A. Ramsdell, Esq., a native of Milford,
then delivered an eloquent and polished address, which was listened to
by the vast audience with marked pleasure. It was published in the local
paper and deserves a permanent place in the records of the town.
  Captain John M. Stanyan read a poem full of local hits and spicy
tidbits. Addresses followed by Thomas L. Livermore, Charles H. Burns,
F.D. Ayer, J.L. Spring and D.A. Adams. A dedication ode was finely
rendered which was written by J.W. Pillsbury.
 During the exercises the venerable Dr. Moore entered the hall, and
amidst the most earnest applause he was escorted upon the platform.
He acknowledged the grand reception by the waving of his hat. It was
most fitting for the good old parson, Milford's first and most honored
minister, to pronounce the solemn benediction, which he did, with
the great audience reverently standing, in the following words:
 "My friends, may the Lord bless you and cause his face to shine upon
you, and when you are removed from earth may you be introduced into
the hall above, where you may be blessed forevermore."
  The audience adjourned to the old town hall, where dinner was
served. Hon. Albert P. Pillsbury, a native of Milford, acted as
toast-master. Eloquent speeches were made by T. Kaley, Dana W. King,
Israel Hunt, J.B. Moulton, Clinton S. Averill and Miss Adeline Crosby.
  [More in original document not included here].  The festivities of
the notable occasion were concluded by a grand ball, held in the new
town hall in the evening, which was largely attended by the beauty and
chivalry of Milford and its neighboring towns and cities. The best of
music was furnished by Hall's Band, of Boston. The spacious gallery
was crowded by spectators, and the balcony galleries by invited guests.
The scene was one of unusual gayety and brilliancy.

*********
CHAPTER VII
Miscellaneous Facts-- Hutchinson Family-- Anti-Slavery Work--
Cobbler and Barber Shops--

The first saw-mill and first grain-mill in Milford were built on the
north side of the river, where Gilson's mill now stands.
 The first store--worthy of the name--was kept by Mr. J. Shepard
in the building on the south side of the common now owned by 
R.M. Wallace. At that time James Wallace kept tavern in the "old Wallace
house" and afterward kept a store where Mr. Shepard did. At the same
time Captain Thomas Means kept a store in the building which is now
owned by Gilbert Wadleigh, having been remodeled and made over anew,
and Colonel Joshua Burnham had a store in the ell of the large house
he built on the Lyndeborough road, known as the Jesse Hutchinson house.
Colonel Burnham, with the assistance of a few others, built a bridge
across the river south of his house, to accomodate his customers on
the south side of the river. A great attraction to this store was the
sign with these words: "Rum Sold Here."
  The only wheelwright in town eighty years ago was Jeremiah Fairfield.
His shop stood south of E.C. Batchelder's store. It is supposed the
first blacksmith in Milford was Jonathan Buxton, father of the late
Jonathan Buxton, inn-keeper. He wrought in a shop which stood where the
stone shop now stands.
 The first male child born in Milford was Jacob Richardson, late of
Boston. He was born in the Lewis house, now occupied by E.P. Hutchinson.
The first house to have blinds was the house where the late Abel Chase
lived.
  Among the queer incidents of the town, the following may be mentioned:
Caleb Jones, an eccentric man, lived near where Jacob Howard formerly
lived. He planted and cultivated a cherry-tree expressly for the
purpose of furnishing boards for his own coffin. After it had grown into
a sufficient size, he cut the tree and had it sawed into boards. After
he died the coffin in which he was buried was made of the same boards.

A FISH STORY--It is stated upon undoubted authority that a Mrs. Hopkins,
who lived a great many years ago upon the south side of the Souhegan,
while wading the river one day, caught between her feet a salmon.
This foolhardy fish impudently supposed he could safely run the
gauntlet, but he got caught, and upon being landed by the brave woman,
the victim was found to weigh sixteen pounds, and was the best 
specimen of a leg-locked salmon ever brought ashore.

THE HUTCHINSON FAMILY OF SINGERS--Colonel Burnham, it appears, was a
man of considerable consequence. The sign on his tore, "Rum Sold Here,"
was a sign of the times in which he lived. Rum was then sold everywhere.
But times have changed. In the old Colonel Burnham house, after the
old colonel had been gathered, with all his customers for whom he
built that bridge, to the bosom of the common mother, there wsa born
and reared a family of children, some of whom became famous, and by the
singing of sweet temperance songs, contributed immensely toward
bringing about this change.
  The Hutchinson family deserve more than a mere allusion in any history
of Milford, not because it is numerous or unusually brilliant, but
because of the marvelous and exquisite musical gifts possessed by many
of them. The most noteworthy of the tribe were Judson, John, Asa, and
Abby.  Jesse and Joshua also deserve mention. The first four named, 
under the guidance of Jesse, who was a man of genius, won great fame
as the sweetest singers of their time. The harmony of this band of
brothers and sisters was never surpassed by mortal throats. the 
whole family could sing. They inherited their talents in this behalf
from their parents, the mother and father both being beautiful singers.
  When the family lived at home, on the old homestead, it was a treat
to happen round and hear the songs. The Sunday evening prayer-meetings,
held in the old district school-house were marvels in the way of
singing. People came from afar, not to hear the prayers, but hoping
to hear the Hutchinsons sing the good, old-fashioned psalm tunes.
They were not often disappointed.
  Sometimes they were all there--father, mother, all the boys, and
Rhoda and Abby. In the summer evenings, the windows would be up, and
a crowd, not able to get in, would stand outside and listen entranced
as the family sang the immortal old tunes.
 There never was such harmony as they made. It moved to tears. It
reached into the solemn depths. of the soul. It was God-given and
heaven-inspired.
 The Hutchinsons employed their wonderful gifts in the anti-slavery
cause and in the great cause of temperance.
  Nathaniel P. Rogers, one of the greatest and noblest of the immortal
anti-slavery advocates, in 1844 wrote of the Hutchinsons,--
 "God be thanked, the Hutchinsons are in the anti-slavery movement for
their sakes as well as ours! Their music would ruin them, but for the
chastening influences of our glorious enterprise. It will now inspire
all their genius and give it full play, and will guard them from the
seductions of the flattering world, which, but for its protection,
would make them a prey. I note them not to praise them; I am above
that, as they are. I do it in exultation for the cuase, and for their
admonition. Though while they are Abolitionists, they do not need it;
anti-slavery is a safe regulator of the strongest genius. I here take
occasion to say, in defiance of all rules, that Jesse Hutchinson Jr.
is the most gifted song-writer of the times, so far as I know. None of
our most approved poetry comes up to his, written in the hurry of the
anti-slavery debate. [more in original document not included here.]

Milford was once the hot-bed of Abolitionism. It contained a splendid
set of men and women, who early espoused the cause of the slave. 
Among these were the Hutchinsons, known, as before stated, the world 
over by the singing of stirring Abolition and temperance songs.
Leonard Chase, Charles A. Burns, John Mills, Eugene and Benjamin
Hutchinson, Ezekiel Mills, J.W. Pillsbury and their wives, as well as
others; Some of these--namely Charles A. Burns and Elizabeth H. Burns,
Benjamin and Eliza Hutchinson, and perhaps others--were excommunicated
from the Baptist Church in Milford because they believed in the
abolition of slavery. What a record this for a church! It were enough
to make it hang its guilty head in absolute confusion and shame as it
contemplates its shallow and hypocritical action. It excommunicated
noble men and women because they dated to believe in the universal
brotherhood of men. Exhibiting the narrow disposition of a tyrant,
it undertook to stifle free speech and free thought whenever it
asserted itself in the case of humanity. But the cause of the slave
was triumphant in spite of the opposition of dishonest pro-slavery
churches.
  Many of those noble men and women lived to see the chains fall from
the limbs of slaves, and with pride and satisfaction they have seen the
result of their patriotic and devoted efforts.
  The anti-slavery movement in Milford held many meetings for
conference and discussion. They were often addressed and encouraged
by the great anti-slavery agitators of the land--Garrions, Phillips,
Rogers, Foster, Pillsbury, Douglass, Abby Kelly, Remond and others,--
and their splendid eloquence, supplemented sweetly and grandly by the
emancipation songs of the Hutchinsons, created a public sentiment
in this thoughtful town which was irresistible, and spread far and
wide, and became a powerful factor in bringing about the redemption
and disenthralment of the slave, which constitues the crowning glory
of this nation.
 The children and descendants of those devoted men and woman can now,
and for all time will, revert with pride to the anti-slavery work done
by those good people of Milford.
 In due time the church, by slow degrees, with its customary caution
(not to say cowardice) came up to the high and heaven-approved ground
occupied by the people it had before spurned, and has made many amends
since for its manifold sins in this behalf in the past.

******
THE COBBLER AND BARBER--Their respective shops stood near each other, on
the south bank of the river, south of the stone (Shepard's) bridge
and west of the road. Major Stinson was the cobbler and John Adams
the barber. THe major stopped humming his tunes many years since;
but John, the barber, although he long ago ceased to lather, cut and
shave, still lives, an old man. The major was a good old soul, and so,
in fact was John. Between the two they kept both ends of the men and
boys of Milford looking fairly well.
  The major was fat and jolly, full of snuff and stories, while the
barber was lean, solemn and absent-minded. It would be difficult to
name a single particular in which they were alike, except that they
were both honest.
 The shop of the major! What a place it was!--a little, old, dingy
room in a little, old, one-story building, full of old dust and old
boots, pegs and lasts,--which lasted as long as the major lasted,--
and old scraps of leather. It had an old stove, a cobbler's bench or
two, an old leather apron on which the major [more in the original
document not included here]

HOPS--[extracts only] For a period of twenty-five or thirty years before
the late Civil War there were large quantities of hops raised in
Milford. THey were cultivated chiefly on the intervales bordering on
the Souhegan... the father of the writer, Charles A. Burns, raised 
hops....the pickers were ordinarily young girls.. Hop raising is now
almost unknown in Milford and in New Hampshire.

********************
CHAPTER VIII

LAWYERS [extracts only]
 SOLOMON KIDDER LIVERMORE, the earliest established lawyer in Milford,
was the fifth child of Rev. Jonathan Livermore, the first settled
minister of Wilton, where he was born March 2, 1779. He was the sixth
generation from John Livermore, who came from England to Watertown,
Mass., in 1634... Mr. Livermore was taught at home in his early years;
but the common school was established before his entire youth passed.
In summer he helped in the fields and in winter in the woods....
When advanced enough in his studies, he entered Mr. Pemberton's school
for boys, at Billerica, Mass, his mother's native place, where he
remained until fitted for college, which he entered in 1799, and
graduated from Cambridge in 1802....
 Mr. Livermore studied law with Oliver Crosby, Esq. of Dover NH, was
admitted to the bar about 1806, and after practicing a few years in
Rockingham County, removed to Hillsborough County...early in the year
of 1809....He worked..in the Whig party..until he found himself a
Free-Soil sympathizer, and from that evolved into a Republican.
 Mr. Livermore was a member of the First Congregational Church for
nearly twenty-five years, then a member of the First Unitarian Society.
He married Miss Abigail Adkins Jarvis, of Cambridge, Mass.  Six children
lived to mature age. A son and a daughter, settled in Baltimore, MD;
another son in Galena IL; the youngest son finally in Cambridge, Mass,
on the maternal grandfather's homestead. Two grandsons have been in
the navy for years; one grandson, Thomas L. Livermore, rose from the
ranks to a colonelcy in the war of secession, and, until he recently
resigned, was at the head of the largest manufactory in the country.
  Mr. Livermore.. died in July 1859 in the eighty-first year of his
life.

GILBERT WADLEIGH settled in Milford about the same time as Bainbridge
Wadleigh and Colonel Lull. He was baorn in Sutton NH, fitted for
college at New London; graduated at Dartmouth College in 1847;
taught school until 1850, and in that year was admitted to the
Merrimack County bar, NH. Soon after he went to Milford, where he began
the practice of law. He was cashier of Souhegan Bank from 1859 to
1864, and treasurer of Milford Five-Cents Savings Institution from
1871 to 1875. He still resides in Milford and still practices his
profession.. 

JOHN J. BELL, of Exeter, was born at Exeter NH October 30, 1827;
educated in the common schools and academies in Concord and Manchester;
studied law with Hon. Samuel D. Bell, William C. Clarke, and at 
Dana Law School of Harvard University, and graduated in 1846, receiving
the degree of LL.B. He was admitted to practice April 7, 1848 in
Hillsborough County. He commenced practice in Nashua, in 1848, moved
to Milford early in 1849, remained there until July 1850, and then
went to Concord, Me., where he remained until June 1864, when he
removed to Exeter NH where he still is living.
 In 1864 Dartmouth gave him the honorary degree of A.M.  Mr. Bell was
a member of the Constitutional Convention in 1876. He was a judge of
the Police Court of Exeter from the time of its establishment, in
March 1877, to March 1883. He represented Exeter in the House of
Representatives in 1883 and is one of its representatives now...

LAWRENCE DUDLEY BAILEY was baorn at Sutton NH, August 26, 1819;
followed farming on his father's farm until he was seventeen years old;
was educated in the schools and academies of New Hampshire and Vermont;
studied law in the office of W. Tappan and his son M.W. Tappan;
admitted to the bar at Newport NH, July 9, 1846, Hon. Joel Parker
presiding. He began practice at East Washington, NH and removed to
Milford NH in March 1847, and entered into law parternship with
S.K. Livermore and remained there until 1849, selling out his library
to Hon. B. Wadleigh. He then went to California. Returning Nov. 1, 1853
he entered into partnership with M.W. Tappan, and continued at
Bradford until March 23, 1857, then went to Kansas and opened a law-
office near Emporia; was elected to the Legislature in 1858 and to
the Territorial Legislature in 1859. He was elected one of the judges
of the Supreme Court under the new Free State Constitution, and
re-elected in 1862 for six years; was president of Kansas Agricultural
Society in 1863 and re-elected four years in succession. In 1869 he
was a member of the Legislature for Douglas County, and in 1873 was
nominated for State Senator, but declined to take it. He assisted in
forming the Historical Society of that State in 1868 and 1869. For
a while edited and published a paper called "The Cultivator and
Herdsman." He is now living on his farm of four hundred and thirty-five
acres in that State.  Judge Bailey has written a great deal for the
press and for New Hampshire papers, as well as others. He was a 
contributor to the "Souhegan Standard" published in Milford in 1858.
 One of the early settlers of Kanas, he helped dedicate the State to
freedom.....

The next man who settled in Milford as a lawyer was BAINBRIDGE WADLEIGH.
Mr. Wadleigh was born at Bradford NH, on the 4th of January 1831.
He read law with Hon. M.W. Tappan at Bradford. He was admitted to the
New Hampshire bar at Newport, February 1850, and immediately began
practice at Milford, where he continued to work, doing a large law
business, until he was elected to the United States senate in 1872.
 Mr. Wadleigh represented Milford in the Legislature in 1855 and 1856,
in 1859 and 1860 and in 1869, 1870, 1871, and 1872.
 At the close of his term in the United States Senate, he began the
practice of his profession in Boston, where he still continues doing
a large and lucrative law business....Mr. Wadleigh still retains his
residence in Milford...

Another prominent lawyer of Milford was 
LIEUTENANT-COLONEL OLIVER W. LULL. He was born in Weare NH, 
January 14, 1826. His parents were ... not able to give Oliver a 
liberal education, which, quite likely, was fortunate for him.
He attended the public schools at Weare and at Manchester NH, to
which place he removed in 1844. He taught school for a while in
Framingham, Mass., and in Milford NH. He commenced the study of the
law at Framingham, and afterwards completed the course in the 
law-office of the Hon. David Cross, of Manchester. He was admitted
to the bar of Hillsborough County in May 1851, and then established
himself in practice in Milford. He pursued his profession... until
the commencement of the Civil War, in 1861... He was commissioned
lieutenant-colonel of the Eighth New Hampshire Volunteers, and went
with his regiment in General Butler's expedition to New Orleans...
Colonel Lull was for some time was provost-judge at Thibodeaux...
He was afterwards appointed under General Witzel's staff... and also
from General Butler, Phelps and Emery...
 Colonel Lull was a Democrat in politics.... He was commissioned
lieutenant-colonel of the Eighth New Hampshire Regiment of Volunteers
October 1, 1861.... He died 27 may 1863 at Port Hudson... "His body
was carried to New Orleans, placed in a receiving tomb and there
remained until the following autumn, when it was brought home to
Milford for burial. His funeral services were held November 17,
in the church where .. he had been accustomed to worship.... A 
detachment of the Governor's Horse GUards were present and performed
military honors. Hon. David Cross of Manchester, made an address...
The remains were deposited in the village cemetery..."

JOHN L. SPRING practiced law in Milford from 1860 to 1870. He was
born at Newport NH, January 14, 1830, educated in the common schools,
studied law at Dover and Salmon Falls, admitted to the bar in 1860,
began practice in Wilton, remaining there about one year, then removed
to Milford. In 1870 he located at Lebanon NH where he still lives.
In 1876 he was a member of the Constitutional Convention...

DR. ALBERT H. CROSBY, now of Concord, first struck out as a lawyer,
and located for a time in Milford; but he soon drifted into his
proper place, and is now a distinguished physician.....

Milford has given its share of young men to the so-called learned
professions. Among them may be mentioned the following gentlemen,
who are lawyers: Clinton S. Averill, George A. Ramsdell, David and
Charles Secombe, Fred. Hatch, Jonas Hutchinson, Albert E. Pillsbury,
Alvaro Hutchinson, Edward Brown, Jeremiah Doyle and the writer.

GEORGE A. RAMSDELL is a son of William Ramsdell. He was born at Milford,
March 11, 1834; educated at Mont Vernon, entered Amherst College
but did not graduate. In 1871 received honorary degree of M.A. from
Dartmouth, studied law with ex-Senator Wadleigh and Hon. David Clark;
admitted to the bar in 1857; practiced law at Peterborough NH six
years, until 1864, and was then appointed Clerk of Supreme Court of
Hillsborough County, a position which he now holds.  He was a member
of the Legislature from his ward in Nashua in 1869-70-71, and member
of the Constitutional Convention in 1876; president of the board of
trustees of the State Industrial School from 1881 to 1883; is now
president of the First National Bank of Nashua...

ALBERT E. PILLSBURY, born at Milford, August 19, 1849, attended the
public schools in Milford, Appleton Academy, New Ipswich 1865-66;
Lawrence Academy, Groton, Mass 1866-67; entered Harvard College in
1867 but did not complete the course; taught school and studied law
at Sterling, IL; was admitted to the Illinois bar and to the
Massachusetts bar in 1870, and has been in active practice in Boston
since. He was a member of the House of Representatives from the
Seventeenth (Suffolk) District in 1876-77-78, being the junior member
in 1876; was a member of the Senate from the sixth (Suffolk)
Senatorial District in 1884-85, and is now president of that body,
and he is said to be the youngest man ever elected to the chair....

JONAS HUTCHINSON was born at Milford, January 10, 1840. He was
graduated from Dartmouth College in the class of '63; admittted to
the New Hampshire Bar, March 1869, and went immediately to 
Chicago, IL where he has ever since remained in the active and
successful practice of the law...

The SECOMBES are successful men in Minneapolis....

FRED. HATCH has sarted well at Exeter NH and his law-office is visited
by quite a numerous clientage; EDWARD BROWN is battling away at
Lawrence [MA]; while JEREMiAH DOYLE'S shingle is hung out at Nashua.

ALVARO HUTCHINSON was born at Milford, studied law and was admitted
to the bar and began practice at Milford, but soon left town and
located in Washington Territory, and is now engaged in mining.

ROBERT M. WALLACE, was born at Henniker, May 2, 1847, and was
graduated at Dartmouth College in 1867. He studied law in the office
of M.W. Tappan, making the third Milford lawyer who started on his
legal tour in the office of our genial and accomplished 
Attorney-General. He was admitted to the bar in December 1871.
 He formed, soon after going to Milford, a copartnership in the
practice with ex-Senator Wadleigh, and continued in that relation
until Mr. Wadleigh went into practice in Boston, and Mr. Wallace
continued in active practice at Milford.
 In 1882 he was elected solicitor of Hillsborough County, and
re-elected in 1884. He has been a member of the House of Representatives
twice from Milford...

CARL E. KNIGHT was born in New Hampton NH, May 6, 1851; graduated at
Dartmouth in the class of 1873; taught school for a while at various
places; studied law with John G. Murgridge; was admitted to the bar
september 1, 1881, and located as a lawyer in Milford in December
following...

********
PHYSICIANS

Milford has not only been fortunate in lawyers, but also in physicians.
Drs. Jonas Hutchinson, S.S. Stickney, Samuel G. Dearborn, H. Eldridge,
O.O. Roberts and its present physicians, Drs. W.H.W. Hinds, Dearborn,
Dinsmore, Smith and Hutchinson....

DR. JONAS HUTCHINSON was born at Milford, June 2, 1792, and died
September 13, 1857; studied medicine at Dartmouth College; commenced
practice at Hancock, and continued there until November 1841,
when he removed to Milford. He representend Hancock in the
Legislature 1833-34-35. He was a skillful and successful physician.

S.S. STICKNEY [SIMEON SMITH STICKNEY] was born in Townsend, Mass., 
November 16, 1810 and died in Milford after living there forty years. He 
graduated at the Carlton Medical College, in Vermont, in 1836. He 
practiced in Dublin NH a few months, then removed to Milford. His 
contemporaries in practice were Drs. Hutchinson and Eldridge. He was a 
strong, sensible, upright man and a good physician.

SAMUEL G. DEABORN, born at Northfield NH, August 10, 1827; educated at
the district school and at Sanbornton Academy and New Hampshire 
Conference Seminary; graduated in November 1849 from the Medical
Department of Dartmouth College; practiced medicine at Union Bridge
(now East Tilton) for three onths; in Feburary 1850 went to Mont Vernon;
in June 1853 removed to Milford; married December 5,1853; in 1861 was
commissioned surgeon Eighth Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers, served
one year; in summer 1863 served three months in the Army of the
Potomac; went to Nashua 1873, and has always had a large and 
lucrative practice. He is the best known and one of the most
skillful physicians and surgeons in Southern New Hampshire.

HENRY G. DEARBORN, born at Northfield [NH] September 18, 1835,
practiced medicine with his brothers, Samuel G. Deaborn and
Thomas B. Dearborn at Milford for a while, then went to Nashua and
is now in practice there with his brother.

THOMAS BENTON DEABORN was born at Northfield [NH] September 25, 1838.
He graduated at the State University of Indiana in 1861. He studied
medicine with his uncle, Dr. Jonathan Deaborn, of Sterling, IL, and
with his brother Dr. S.G. Dearborn, and he graduated at the Medical
Department of Dartmouth College, and practiced medicine at Milford,
where he died June 10, 1879, at the age of forty years. He was a very
accomplished surgeon.... He left a widow and four beautiful boys.

WILLIAM H.W. HINDS was born at Chichester NH, August 1, 1833; was
educated in the Boston schools, including the English High School,
from which he graduated in 1850; studied medicine with O.S. Saunders,
M.D. and Daniel Hall, of Lowell, and Jonathan Brown, of Tewksbury;
was at the State Almshouse, Tewksbury, from 1857 to 1861; graduated
from Harvard Medical College in 1861; assistant surgeon Seventeenth
Massachusetts Volunteers, and later surgeon Twelfth Massachusetts
Volunteers and served in that capacity three years; began practice
in Milford in 1865, where he has remained since, doing a large and
successful business. He has represented Milford in the lower branch
of the Legislature, in 1875-76, and is now a member of the Senate
from his district....

DARIUS STEARNS DEARBORN, another Northfield Dearborn, was born
there, attended school at Tilton Seminary and at Lind University,
Illinois; graduated from University Medical College, New York;
began practicing in Wyanet, IL, afterwards at Brookline NH, and
for six years past at Milford, where he is engaged wholly in a very
large practice. Dr. Dearborn has had large experience and is a 
first-class physician.

HERBERT S. HUTCHINSON, born in Milford in 1849; fitted for college at
Milford High School 1869-71; graduated at Dartmouth College,
June 1875; studied medicine at the Medical School of Maine, at
Brunswick and at Bellevue Hospital Medical College; graduated at
the latter March 1880; practiced a short time in New Boston; then
removed to Francestown, where he remained five years, and is now located
at Milford. Dr. Hutchinson possesses all the requisites of a
first-class physician and surgeon....

Among the natives of Milford who have become physicians the following
may be named,--all young men of promise: Fred A. Eldridge, 
Charles A. Hatch, George E. Hatch, Charles A. Weaver, James Sullivan,
and Herbert S. Hutchinson.

********
CIVIL LIST--the following are the names of those who have represented
Milford in the House of Representatives:
1795.--William Peabody was elected to represent the town of Milford
and Raby (Brookline now)
1796.--no article in the warrant to send.
1797.--Augustus Blanchard was elected to represent the town of Milford.
1798.--no article in the warrant to send.
1799.--Augustus Blanchard
1800.--William Peabody
1801-2.--William Crosby
1803.--Augustus Blanchard
1804.--Voted not to send any one.
1805-12.--Captain Josiah Osgood
1813-19.--William Lovejoy
1820-24.--William Crosby
1825.--Stephen Peabody
1826.--Josiah French
1827.--Stephen Peabody
1828.--Josiah French
1829-31.--Solomon K. Livermore
1832.--Josiah Crosby (3d).
1833-34.--John Wallace Jr.
1835-36.--Solomon K. Livermore
1837.--Abiel Lovejoy
1838.--Solomon K. Livermore
1839.--Voted not to send any one.
1840.--Rev. Humphrey Moore.
1841.--Daniel Putnam
1842.--William Ramsdell
1843.--Daniel Putnam
1844.--Nineteen ballots and no choice and voted not to send.
1845.--Voted not to send any one
1846.--Five ballots, no choice and voted not to send.
1847--Daniel Putnam and William Ramsdell
1848.--Daniel Putnam and Daniel Russell
1849.--Daniel Russell and George Daniels
1850.--Leonard Chase and George Daniels
[more in the original document, 1851-1879 not included here]

The following are the names of citizens of Milford who have been
elected and served as members of the New Hampshire Senate
James Wallace in 1814, 1815, 1816
John Wallace Jr. in 1821-1824, 1828
Humphrey Moore in 1841
Leonard Chase in 1861, 1862
Timothy Kaley, in 1881, 1882
William H.W. Hinds in 1885

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

CLINTON S. AVERILL [extracts only]
The first American Averill was William, whose descendants are numerous
in various parts of this country. There are many of the name in
Topsfield, Mass., from which place Ebenezer Averill came in 1752
to Milford NH, then the South Parish of Amherst, as one of the pioneers
of the town, and purchased a farm adjoining the Mont Vernon line.
He was an active man of energy, well qualified to succeed in the
troublesome and difficult life of the early settlers. His children
were Ruth, EBNEZER, David, Elijah and Moses.  EBENEZER, son of 
Ebenezer, born 1752, succeeded to the home farm, where he became w
well-to-do farmer. He erected a frame house, yet standing, about 1790,
and this was so unusual an event as to call people from near and far
to witness the strange appearance. He married Anna Johnson, born 1755,
and had children--James (1778), Elijah (1781), Eben (1783), 
Luther (1786), CALVIN, Aladan, Nancy and Alma. He died July 14, 1837,
aged eighty-five. Mrs. Averill died September 15, 1839, aged
eighty-four. They were a quiet, undemonstrative people of marked
industry, who early impressed upon their children the value and
necessity of labor; these did credit to their instructions, and all
inherited a goodly share of ancestral stength and physical vigor.
  JAMES purchased a farm in Mont Vernon which adjoined the paternal
esate, where he lived until his death in 1868, at the advanced age
of ninety. LUTHER settled on the farm immediately south of his father's,
always resided there and attained nearly four-score years.  ELIJAH
in early life was a farmer, afterward removed to the village and was
for years engaged in lumbering with his brother Calvin.  EBEN remained
on the home farm, succeeding to its ownership, and died when about
eighty-six.  ALADAN, after a short experience as a farmer on a part
of the home farm, came to the village, where he conducted a saw and
grist-mill for many years, dying at an advanced age.
  NANCY married John Leavitt, a farmer of Amherst, had several children,
and died aged nearly seventy.  ALMA married, first, Daniel Johnson,
had one child, Isaac U.; second, Benjamin Barker of Milford, who was
a miller. She also attained an advanced age.
  CALVIN AVERILL was born September 18, 1788. His education was
acquired at the common schools of that period, and, in the practical
one of farm-life, where knowledge of the axe, the plough and scythe
was of far more value than the conjugation of Greek verbs, and well
as was he grounded in their principles. At his father's request, he
remained on the home farm until he had several years pased his
majority, and married, in 1814, Eunice, daughter of Oliver and Eunice
(Brown) Spalding. The hard labor of the farm was not sufficiently
remunerative for his ambition, and, with a desire of bettering his
condition, he removed to Milford village, and engaged in lumbering
and running a saw-mill. This part of the State was then covered with
dense pine forests, and the rapid growth of Lowell and other cities
gave a quick market and a good price for the lumber. Mr. Averill was
prosperous, and continued this business alone, and with others, during
his active life. He was a man of positive character, clear and
decided in his opinions and strong in his advocacy of them. He aided
freely, all matters of public improvement, was a pronounced
Jeffersonian Democrat in a community intensely Whig in sentiment,
but was often selected for important trusts and the management of
affairs of consequence. He held the various town offices, was
selectman many terns and at one time county commissioner. He owned, 
in company with his brother Elijah, a large farm in the rich vallye
of the river, immediately below the village. In 1836 they built the
house now occupied by C.S. Averill, and which, modernized and improved,
is one of the pleasantest homes in Milford. Here the brothers passed
their last years, Calvin dying April 27, 1874. He was a great loss to
the business interests of the town, and to the Baptist Church, of which
he was a valued and active member. In his large family one especial
trait is noticeable--love of home and their native town; they all
passed their lives and died within a radius of ten miles from the
old homestead.
  CLINTON SPALDING AVERILL, the only child of Calvin and Eunice
(Spalding) Averill, was born in Milford, September 22, 1827. His
primary education was receivd at the district schools of Milford; he
then attended Hancock and Pembroke Academies, fitting himself for
the military school, Norwich University, Norwich, Vermont, where he
graduated in 1849 with the degree of B.S., and from which he afterward
recieved the honorary degree of M.A.  After graduation he became a
tutor in the same institution; then was appointed professor of natural
science, which postition he resigned in 1853, as his health would not
permit him to continue his work. In December 1853, he went to
Marietta, Ohio, as principal of the Western Liberal Institute, but ill
health obliged him again to relinquish teaching, and he returned to
New Hampshire.....
 On returning to New Hampshire, Mr. Averill studied law with 
Colonel O.W. Lull of Milford, and was admitted to the bar in 1858.
In 1861 the breaking out of the great Civil War created a large
demand for experienced military instruction, and his Alma Mater again
demanded his services as teacher. He was there for a few months only,
the confinement proving injurious to his health. In 1862 he opened a
law office in Milford, but owing to his precarious health, two years
passed before he was able to attend to business.  From 1864 his
office business has grown steadily, and is now quite extensive,
pertaining mostly to matters of trust and probate... he was 
superintendent of schools for many years in Milford. He held the 
position of trustee of the State Normal School for several years.
In 1873 he was elected superintendent of schools of the city of
Nashua.. and held it two years.... He was a trustee of the Milford
Five-Cent Savings bank since its incorporation... he returned to
Milford, and in AUgust 1875 was elected its treasurer, which office
he still retains. He has been connected with the Souhegan National Bank
for many years as director, vice-president and president, being
elected to the latter position in January 1882.
  Mr. Averill married, March 10, 1852, Catherine Frances, daughter
of Dr. Jonas Hutchinson, of Milford. THey had but one child, who
died in infancy.  Mr. Averill's death occurred April 4, 1878...
A Democrat in politics...


DAVID HEALD
David Heald, son of Oliver and Patty (Wright) Heald, was born in
Nelson, Cheshire County, NH, October 6, 1832.
  He is a descendant of two early New England families, which in
various ways have been connected with the progress of the last two
hundred and fifty years.  John Heald left Berwick, England, in 1635,
to make a home in far-off America, and settled in Concord, Mass., where
he died May 24, 1662. He had eight sons, the oldest of whom,
John-2, married Sarah Dean in 1661.  Their oldest son, John-3, married
in 1690, Mary Chandler.  Of their six sons, John-4, the oldest, married
a Hale, settled in Acton, Mass., where he died in 1775, aged
eighty-two years.  Oliver-5, his third son, married Lydia, daughter of
Deacon Isaac Spalding, of Towsend, Mass., and came as one of the first
settlers to that part of New Hampshire now Temple. The young couple
experienced the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life,
and it is written of them and their companions: "Their only guideboards
were marked tree; they could keep no stock of any kind for want of
provender, and when they went to church they were obliged to go on
foot all the way to New Ipswich, it being a distance of six statute
miles."
  Oliver Heald was a man of strong and sturdy independence of thought
and strict integrity, and won the respect of all. Active and energetic,
he held various offices of trust. He was an official member of the
first church in Temple, selectman for several years, and one of the
patriotic band of forty-six who, upon the alarm of April 19, 1775,
marched from Temple to Cambridge to assist in repelling the British
troops. He died in 1790, aged fifty-six. His wife survived him,
dying at the age of sixty-five in 1802. They had eleven children, of
whom, Amos-6 was the second son. He was born June 16, 1765, married
in 1789, Sybil Brown, of Temple, and became a resident of Nelson. They
had seven children. Oliver-7, their second son, born October 1, 1790,
learned the trade of cloth-dresser, to which he afterwards added those
of wool-carder and clothier, in connection with farming. He was a man
of more than ordinary ability, a soldier in the War of 1812, and was
many times chosen by his townsmen to fill places of trust. Of
independent thought and positive character, and with an innate hatred
of all oppression, he early identified himself with the unpopular
Abolition movement, and became an active local leader of that party.
He moved to Milford in 1849, where his wife, Patty, born
March 18, 1794, whom he had married, April 30, 1816, and who had borne
him ten children, died August 19, 1854, aged sixty years. Mrs. Heald's
mother was of the celebrated Dunster family, the American branch of
which originated with Henry Dunster, who came from England in 1640,
became the first president of Harvard College and was said to be
"one of the greatest masters of the Oriental languages that had been
known in these ends of the earth," and who administered its affairs
with eminent success.  Mr. Heald married, second, March 1857, 
Relief Little, of Peterborough NH, in which town he died October 5,
1867, aged seventy-seven years. His children were Addison, Albert,
Sarah D. (Mrs. William Crosby), Emily (Mrs. J.Q.A. Ware), Henry,
Lydia (Mrs. M. W. Harris), William (died in infancy), DAVID, Almira
(Mrs. Alonzo French) and Edwin.  To show the deep religious feeling
of the family, we would state that Addison and Albert were educated
in the ministry, and Albert is an efficient minister of the Baptist
denomination. Emily's husband (Rev. Mr. Ware) was also an able
Baptist minister.
 DAVID HEALD-8, by the force of circumstances, early devoted himself
to labor, receiving only the educational advantages of the old red
school-house of his district, summers and winters, until he was
twelve, and winter terms until he was fourteen. He worked both on the
farm and in his father's cloth-dressing shop up to that age. With
his brother Addison, who had learned the trade, he then started the
manufacture of furniture or cabinet-work in the shops of his father,
but after three years' time the business was relinquished as
unprofitable, and the family removed to Milford. David then engaged
as journeyman in the same establishment of which he became proprietor
in May, 1856. From that time to the present, Mr. Heald has been
identified with the manufacturers of Milford. From the small force of
half a dozen men employed in 1856 in making cheap "cottage" bedsteads
and tables, the number of employees has increased to forty or fifty,
and the quality of work to a fine grade of artistic chamber furniture
made of ash, walnut, cherry, and chestnut.  The main building
of his factory is eighty feet long, thirty-five feet wide, three stories
in height, with an ell fifty feet by thirty-five feet, four stories in
height; besides this there is an engine-room, drying-room, etc.
An eighty horse-power engine has just been put in as the force to run
the factory and the saw-mill and numerous appliances necessary in so
elaborate an establishment, which has been provided with the latest
improvements for the production of furniture, five thousand dollars'
worth having been added in the last four years, making a complete
establishment for its purpose. This large factory and extended
industry has been the product of Mr. Heald's own exertions. He has
steadily devoted himself to his business, and has the satisfaction
of knowing that it is one of the permanent and prosperous institutions
of the town.... His two sons, Edward and Frank, are his active
assistants.
  Mr. Heald has been twice married; first, November 27, 1856 to 
Mary Susan, daughter of Ebenezer Frost, of Ashburnham, Mass. She died
November 9, 1858. Their child, Ella F., born April 15, 1858, died
September 21, 1858. He married, second, October 22, 1862, Mary E.,
daughter of Calvin and Elvira (Wallingford) Stone, of Marlborough.
She was a successful teacher in Milford for several years previous to
her marriage. Their children are Edward S., Frank H., Florence M.,
Clara M. (deceased), Mary S. and Hattie L.
  Although a member of the School Board of Milford for several years,
and of the Lower House of the State Legislature in 1881, Mr. Heald
has never sought office, but rather shrunk from official posititon.
Inheriting the Abolitionism of his father, he has supported the
Republican party in nearly every election since its organization.
Intensely radical by nature that party has not always come up to his
advanced ideas.  He inherited a deeply religious character, has been
a member of the Baptist Church for about twenty-five years, and, with
the sympathy and hearty accord of his estimable wife, has given
largely of his energies to the causes of religion and temperance...
Mr. Heald is a valuable factor in the Sunday-school. As superintendent
and teacher for years....

JOHN W. HUTCHINSON
The Hutchinsons trace their ancestry to A.D. 1282 when Barnard
Hutchinson resided in Cowlan, county of York, England. The family is
entited to bear arms described thus,--"Per pale, gules and azure,
semee of cross-crosslets, or, a lion rampant, argent. Crest, out of
a ducal coronet or, a cockatrice with wings indorsed azure, beaked,
combed and mottled gules."
  The line of descent in England is Barnard-1, James-2, James-3,
William-4, Anthony-5, Thomas-6, Lawrence-7, Thomas-8, Richard-10.
 Richard-10 born in Arnold, England in 1602, emigrated to America
in 1634, with wife, Alice and four children, settling in that part
of Salem, Mass., now danvers in 1637. He became a large land-owner.
His son, Joseph-11 lived through the historic period of the witchcraft
delusion of 1692.  Joseph-12, Joseph-13, Joseph-14 continue the line
to Elisha-15, who, being granted by his father's will, a lot of
seventy-four acres of wild lands in the northwest part of Amherst
(now Milford) NH, moved thither in 1719, one of the first settlers.
This lot was bought for fifty-five pounds, and, with subsequent
additions, became the beautiful farm which has been the fondly-cherished
home of the "singers."
 ELISHA was well fitted for the privations and arduous labors of a
pioneer. He had been one of the earliest to respond to the call of the
colonies as a private in the Danvers company of militia, which,
commanded by Captain Jonathan page, engaged the British troops at
Lexington, on the memorable 19th of April. He was chosen surveyor
of Amherst, March 12, 1787. He had three children,-- JESSE-16, Andrew,
and Sarah.
  JESSE and his brother Andrew, with the assistance of Andrew Leavitt,
built the first Baptist Church in Milford village, and they were
earnest and conscientious members of it.  Years before, the brothers
had purchased a violin. After joining the church, anything that had
association with dancing was repulsive to them, and that the violin
might yet be of use, they sawed it in two and made tobacco-boxes of
the halves.  Jesse married Mary, daughter of Andrew Leavitt, of 
Mont Vernon, also a Revolutionary soldier, who did good service at
Bunker Hill. This worthy couple were residents of Milford from 1777
to 1868. Uncle Jesse was very popular with his townsmen; he had a large
family, and from their parents they received religious instruction,
which bore good fruit in the after-life. These children, sixteen in
number,--Jesse, David, Noah, Mary, Andrew, Zephaniah, Caleb, Jesse,
Joshua, Benjamin, Judson, Rhoda, John, Asa, Elizabeth, Abby,--had
by nature and inheritance musical talents, which gave to the
family a world-wife reputation.  Mary, the mother, was a sweet singer,
and, whether rocking the cradle, at the old spinning-wheel or in the
active duties of her household, her voice was ever raised in sacred
song. Of the large family, three died in early youth, one lived to be
seventy-seven years, and only two are now living, John and Abby
(Mrs. Ludlow Patton).
  JOHN W. HUTCHINSON-17, the thirteenth child, was born January 4, 1821,
"under a lucky star," and for nineteen years he led the life incident
to all farmer's boys of New Hampshire--that of unremitting toil. His
musical genius was developed at a very early age. Before he could
read the staff he could sing his part correctly, and at the age of
seven he could manage any of the simple tunes then in vogue. When he
was ten years old he was admitted to the church, but when, in later
life, his soaring spirit could not endure any restrictions upon his
principles of freedom, he withdrew.  For some years he was a member
of a brass band, and with his stirring music aided in the campaign
of "Tippecanoe and Tyler, too," and from that time to the present he
has been in the vanguard of reformers, and one of the promoters of
all progressive movements.  But to the bold, daring, ambitious,
inflexible, gifted John, there could be but one result to any of his
undertakings--success; and acting up to the inspiration of his early-
conceived and long-contemplated ideas, he, with his younger brothers,
established a singing band, to travel and give public concerts.....
  In the spring of 1841 they visited Massachusetts and gave their first
concert as a quartette in Lynn, Jesse, Judson, Asa and JOhn being the
members....In the fall they were in readiness for another trial, and
advertised and gave a concert in the village of Wilton Nh, which
netted six cents.... They visited New Ipswich, Peterborough, and
Hancock, and at the end of the week, after all expenses were paid,
there was thirty-seven cents in the exchequer... Their next week's
concerts were given in another section of old Hillsborough County.
As the result of five they cleared twelve dollars. This was their
first step on the round of the ladder...they mounted the hill of
fame. During the twelve years that followed they gained great favor
with the public and were very successful financially, and the name of
Hutchinson, carried by the sweet singers from the "mountains of the
old Granite State," became a household word.
  In the autumn of 1845, John, with Jesse, Judson, Asa and Abby,
visited the mother-country to touch the hearts of Old England with
their sweet melody.... 
  In Musical Fund Hall, Philadelphia, a crowded audience gave them a 
warm welcome. "The Good Time Coming," "Song for Emancipation" and other
songs of burning eloquence created such indignation that the mayor,
who was under pro-slavery influence, ordered the trustees of the hall
to refuse its use to the singers, unless policement were stationed
to prevent their utterances of freedom. Refusing to win the wealth
they might have acquired by sacrificing their principles, they returned
to their old home in the Old Granite State.
  The Hutchinson family was now fully identified as a leading force
in the gigantic revolutionary movements of the day. For years they
labored with the great apostles of reform, Garrison, Rogers, Phillips,
etc.  Ten eyars witnessed periods of intense struggles, many and
diverse changes, which, though hard to bear, were rich in results.
Washington, Baltimore, Chicago, Cincinnati and many other places
heard their voices.... During this time Jesse formed a company of
singers and made a tour of the Pacific coast, and on his return, in
1853, died at Cincinnati.  John, at the request of his dying brother,
moved to Lynn and took possession of that unique and pleasant estate,
High Rock, leaving his native town.
 While campaigning in the West, in 1855, John and his two brothers
founded the town of Hutchinson, Minn., erected mills, improved acre
upon acre of the rich virgin soil and were the forerunners of a vast
tide of emigration. John cut the first tree, began the cabin used in
the pre-emption of the town site and was one of the most active in
building up the place.
  In 1857 he gathered around him his little flock, which had matured
during his absence and were possessors of the family talent, and
organized the "Tribe of John."  Henry and Viola won laurels as they
joined with their parents in hundreds of successful concerts....
  There were no more devoted or effective worker for the election of
Abraham Lincoln that Mr. Hutchinson.  He had the pleasure of singing to
him, when, as President-elect, he passed through New York, and was
present at his inauguration.  When war came, Mr. Hutchinson was at the
post of duty. He visited the recruiting-stations, and, by speech and
song, encouraged and inspired both officers and privates. After the
terrible repulse of the Union soldiers at Bull Run, Mr. Hutchinson,
with his son and daughter, visited Washington, and, after a series of
concerns, was invited to go to Virgina and sing to the troops.
Obtaining an appointment from Secretary Cameron, he entered at once
upon this service. At the first concert, at Fairfax Seminary, their
allusions to slavery were received with hisses, and a turbulent
scene ensued. The offensive words were in the newly-written poem of
Whittier, which Mr. Hutchinson had wedded to music as inspiring,--0
 "What gives the wheat-fields blades of steel?
 What points the rebel cannon?
 What sets the warring rebel heel
 On the old star-spangled pennon?
 What breaks the oath of the men of the South?
 What whets the knife for the Union's life?
 Hark to the answer! Slavery!"
With the word "slavery" came a hiss.  The officer in command declared
that this act an insult alike to the singers and the "old flag"
and if the hiss was repeated the disturber should leave the church.
A young surgeon from New Jersey arose and said, "You had better
commence on me,"  The major replied, "I can put you out myself, and
if I fail, I have a regiment that can and will."  Thereupon the
two thousand soldiers arose en masse, and the shout, "Put him out!
put him out!" was heard in all directions. The audience was soon 
quieted, and the concert proceeded to a close without further
interruption.  The affair was brought to the notice of General
McClellan. An order was issued expelling the "Hutchinson Family"
from the lines.  Mr. Hutchinson did not silently submit to this act
of arbitrary tyranny, and appealed to the President.  Salmon P. Chase
read the "obnoxious" song at the next Cabinet meeting. The President
said, "It is just the character of a song I desire the soldiers to
hear," and re-instated Mr. Hutchinson.
  The Hutchinsons were also active in temperance. From 1841, when they
sang "King Alcohol in Old Deacon Giles' Distillery" in Salem, one or
more temperance songs have been included in their programme.
  At the close of the war Mr. Hutchinson secured Cooper Institute,
in New York, and associating with him several notable workers,
inaugurated a series of very popular "Sunday Evening Union Temperance
Meetings." These were continued for several years.... Mr. Hutchinson's
services were sought by the State organizations, and he conducted
fully a thousand temperance conventions under their auspices. He
chartered three large connected parlors in Union Square, New York
City, and Sunday afternoons and evenings conducted popular services,
and established two active and useful organizations, The Manhattan
Society and the American Temperance Union... He also inaugurated
the temperance camp-meetings... at Martha's Vineyard.  He took part
in the Sunday temperance meeting sheld in Tremont Temple, Boston, where
his quartette sang, until the death of his son, Henry, who sang bass.
  Mr. Hutchinson is decidedly in harmony with the Prohitibiton party.
In 1884 he unfurled a large American flag, which bore the names of
"St. John and Daniels," to the breeze, from the staff at "Old High
Rock," and did good service in the campaign, and, in connection with
the Reform Club of Lynn, he held Sunday temperance meetings, and both
by speech and song, from 1852, he has advocated woman suffrage.
In that year he attended the National Convention at Ravenna, Ohio,
and created great enthusiasm by his song, "Right over Wrong, or
The good Time Come."  Believing with all the intensity of his nature
in the justice of the cause, he has lifted up his voice everywhere in
favor of the emancipation of women. His "suffrage concerts" were a 
part of the organized forces that made Kansas their successful
battle-ground. His associates were Mrs. Stanton, Lucy Stone,
Susan B. Anthony.
  Mr. Hutchinson married, February 21, 1843, Fannie B. Patch, of
Lowell, Mass. THey have had three children,--Henry J. (deceased).
He sang for twenty years with his father, was a vocalist of the
highest order, and left a widow and two sons, all possessing great
musical pwoers.  Mrs. Lillie Phillips Hutchinson, wife of Henry, a
lady of rare culture, a teacher of piano, organ and the voice, and
eminent as an instructor, resides at High Rock with Mr. Hutchinson.
As a reader no one excels her. She has positions in two churches,
and her powers as a ballad-singer keep her constantly engaged in
her profession.  Viola, another musical prodigy, married Lewis A.,
a son of Judge WIlliam Campbell, who for fifteen years was a 
judge of the Supreme Court in New York City. She has three children,
and resides in Santa Fe.  Judson Whittier resides with his parents.
Mr. Hutchinson has a wife who has been a constant aid to his genius.
Her high culture and delicate appreciation of melody, with her
practical common sense, have been of great value to her husband, whose
home she has adorned. [more in original document not included here.]


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