HISTORY OF FITZWILLIAM, CHESHIRE COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE ---------------------------------- ---------------------------------- Information located at http://www.nh.searchroots.com On a web site about GENEALOGY AND HISTORY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE and its counties TRANSCRIBED BY JANICE BROWN Please see the web site for my email contact. ---------------------------------- The original source of this information is in the public domain, however use of this text file, other than for personal use, is restricted without written permission from the transcriber (who has edited, compiled and added new copyrighted text to same). ======================================================== TAKEN FROM TWO SOURCES: 1. History of Cheshire and Sullivan Counties, New Hampshire Philadelphia: J.W. Lewis & Co., 1886, 1073 pgs. 2. Gazetteer of Cheshire County, N.H., 1736-1885 by Hamilton Child, Syracuse, N.Y.: H. Child, 1885, 882 pgs. page 200 & 151 HISTORY OF FITZWILLIAM NH FITZWILLIAM, one of the southern tier of townships in the county, lies in lat. 42 degrees 45' and 4 degrees 54', bounded north by Troy and Jaffrey, east by Jaffrey and Rindge, south by the state line [Mass.], and west by Richmond. The town was originally granted by the Masonian Proprietors, as Monadnock No. 4, January 15, 1752, to Roland Cotton and forty-one others. These grantees, however, failed to comply with the requirements of the charter and thus forfeited their right to the territory, and is was subsequently, early in 1765, regranted to SAMSON STODDARD and twenty-three associates. On May 19, 1773, upon petition of the inhabitants, a New Hampshire charter was obtained of Governor Wentworth, and the town was incorporated under its present name, given in honor of the Earl of Fitzwilliam. "Beginning at the west line of Mason's patent, by the north line of Massachusetts six miles; east by South Monadnock [now Rindge] five miles; thence north 80 degrees west one and one-quarter miles to the southwest corner of Middle Monadnock; thence north by the needle two miles and forty rods; thence north 89 degrees west to the patent west line as lately marked; and from thence south by that line to the place of beginning." These bounds enclosed an area of about 26,900 acres. The charter also appointed James Reed, Esq. to call the first town meeting, within thirty days from the date thereof. June 15, 1815, the town was divided and 4,200 acres set off towards forming the township of TROY, as detailed in the sketch of that town. The surface of the town is broken, and uneven, its lakelets, streams, hills and valleys blending with exquisite harmony in a landscape whose beauty is famous, and which attracts many visitors each season. Of the streams, Camp and Priest brooks, flowing a southerly course, are the largest. Among the lakelets or ponds are Rockwood and Scotts, in the northern part, and South, Meadow and Sip ponds in the southern part. Among the elevations which lend a picturesqueness to the landscape and afford delightful views, are the Pinnacle, in the central part of the town, from which may be obtained a delightful prospect, and Gap Mountain, or Little Monadnock, lying partly in Troy, which at a distance appears to be part of Monadnock. Granite of a fine quality is abundant and is extensively quarried. The soil, though rocky, is generally suitable for grazing and tillage, while there is a considerable quantity of very arable and highly productive meadow land. The original growth of timber on the uplands is maple, beech, birch, oak, pine and hemlock, and on the low lands pine, hemlock and spruce. The Cheshire railroad crosses the town in a diagonal from northwest to southeast. The township was granted to the Masonian proprietors, January 15, 1752, to Roland Cotton and 41 others, and was known by the name of Monadnock No. 4. The conditions of the grant not being complied with, a regrant was made to Colonel Sampson Stoddard and 22 associates, and it was sometimes called Stoddard's town until May 19, 1773 when it was incorporated by the name of Fitz William, in honor of an English earl. When the town of Troy was formed June 23, 1815, about four thousand acres of Fitzwilliam territory was taken from the north part of the town and now constitutes a part of Troy. The line between this town and Rindge was established by an act approved June 17, 1847. 1765-NAMES OF GRANTEES OF THE TOWN / FIRST MEETINGS Sampson Stoddard, Nathaniel Treadwell, Thomas Spaulding, Benjamin Edwards, Jacob Treadwell Jr., Matthew Thornton, Nathaniel Brooks, David Millen, Jonathan Lovewell, John Honey, John Stevens, John Woods, William Earl Treadwell, Paul March, Charles Treadwell, Edmund Grouard, Jonathan Blanchard, Sampson Stoddard Jr., Abel Lawrence, James Reed, Benjamin Bellows, George Libbey, Jonathan Willson [sic Wilson] and Jeremiah Libbey. The first meeting of the grantees of which a record exists, after the lots had been drawn was held at the house of Thomas Harwood, in Dunstable, May 20, 1765, when Sampson Stoddard Esq, was chosen moderator and Sampson Stoddard Jr., clerk. The next meeting was held at the house of Capt. Oliver Barron, in Chelmsford, August 19, 1765 with the following grantees Col. Stoddard, Edmund Grouard, Jacob Treadwell Jr., Jonathan Lovewell, Benjamin Bellows, Matthew Thornton, Nathaniel Brooks, Thomas Spaulding, John Honey, Nathaniel Treadwell, Abel Lawrence, Paul March, Sampson Stoddard Jr., James Reed, heirs of George Libbey, Charles Treadwell, John Stevens, Daniel Millen, Jonathan Blanchard, Jonathan Wilson, John Woods, Benjamin Edwards, and heirs of Jeremiah Libbey. James Reed and Benjamin Bigelow were a committee to mark, lay out and clear all necessary roads. The settlement of the town was started by James Reed, John Fassett, Benjamin Bigelow and others between 1761 and 1764. In 1767 the town had 93 inhabitants and in 1773, the year of its incorporation, it had a population of 214. WAR OF THE REBELLION (CIVIL WAR): During the late war Fitzwilliam furnished 168 men for the service, 162 of whom were volunteers or substitutes for enrolled men not drafted. Of the 30 drafted men, 22 were excused for disability, one emigrated to Canada, one was excused as alien, four served, and two furnished substitutes. Of the total number furnished, 44 were killed or died of disease while in the service. CHURCHES ORTHODOX CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH located at Fitzwilliam village, was organized in 1771. During the autumn of 1768, Rev. Nehemiah Parker supplied the people of Fitzwilliam with preaching. In November 1770, Rev. Benjamin Brigham, of Marlboro Mass, who had graduated at Harvard in 1764, received an invitation to settle here, and in January of the following year answered the call. March 27, 1771 was appointed for his ordination, and on that day the Congregational church was organized with six members, namely, Benjamin Brigham, Benjamin Bigelow, John Fassitt, Nathaniel Wilder, Caleb Winch (or Minch in one source) and James Reed. These services were held at the public house, the church building being in an unfinished state... This building, a wooden structure, stood opposite the present cemetery. A second building was put up in 1816, and was struck by lightning and burned on the night of January 17th of that year. The next building was put up in 1817, a fourth in 1832 (which was burned in January 1857) and was succeeded by the present edifice. It is a neat structure, capable of seating 400 persons, cost $4,000... The society now has 132 members, a Sabbath-school of 120 pupils, with Rev. John Colby pastor. [see his biography below]. THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, located at Fitzwilliam, was organized in 1815 with six or eight members by Rev. Nathaniel Bowes of Richmond, Rev. Arnot Allen being the first pastor. The church building, erected in 1842, will seat 250 persons, cost $1,800... The society now has 62 members, and a Sabbath-school with 90 scholars, with Rev. Andrew Dunn, pastor. THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, organized by Rev. W. Merrill, the present pastor, in 1867, has two branches, one at Howeville, and one at the Depot. Their first church building was erected at Howeville, and the one at the Depot in 1878. It will seat 150 persons, cost $1,000... The society has 32 members and a Sabbath-school with 103 scholars. THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH--The Unitarian denomination has a society under this name at Fitzwilliam village, holding meetings about three months during the summer seaons in the town hall. They have no regular pastor. BRIEF BIOGRAPHIES OF EARLY SETTLERS: CAPT. JONATHAN S. ADAMS, the only son of Joshua, was born in Plainsfield, Conn, September 22, 1802. His father was a major of the militia in Connecticut and had two daughters, who with Jonathan, consituted the family. MAJ. JOSHUA ADAMS died in August 1813, from a fall upon a stake. His son JONATHAN came here in December 1814, to live with his uncle, REV. JOHN SABIN, who was the pastor of the Congregational Church. He spent the first 6 years of his life here in study with his uncle, who added to his labors as pastor here, those of tutor, and fitted young men for college. At the age of 18, his eyes failed under the strain of constant study, and he gave up his ambition to secure a classical education. He carried on his uncle's farm, and taught school about 18 terms. He entered the Fitzwilliam Artillery Company as a private and rose in a few years to captain. He married, February 6, 1833, Abigail, daughter of Levi Tower of this town. He had a family of seven children, three of whom died in childhood, and four have married. His son served in the 16th NH Vols, and died in the service at Mound City Hospital, IL aged 21, August 16, 1863. His daughter, Mary A., married Norman U. Cahill, and reared three chldren. HANNAH A. ADAMS, second daughter of Jonathan, went to St. Louis, MO at the age of 18 in 1856, to reside with her father's sister, Mrs. Coolidge. She was chosen to a position as teacher there in the public schools, and, at the breaking out of the war, was chosen secretary of the Ladies' Union Aid Society of St. Louis in August 1861, and filled the position for more than 3 years. She had also much to do with the work of supplying sanitary stores and garments to the soldiers in the hospitals during the war. KATE A. ADAMS, the other daughter, married John M. Parker of this town, and had one daughter. JONATHAN S. served as town representative in 1847, 1851 and 1852, and as selectman several years. He was road and county commissioner three years. Since 1825 he has done public surveying, and in January 1885 at the age of 82, went six miles to Troy, and run the lines around a lot of wood-land. BARZALIEL BARKER came to Marlboro from Westminster, Mass about 1800. He was a farmer and settled upon the farm now occupied by Howard Clark, where he died at the age of 82. His son, ASA BARKER was born in Marlboro where lived until 1833, when he moved to Jaffrey, where he remained until his death in October 1869, age the age of 66 years. EDWIN C. BARKER a native of Jaffrey, came to this town in 1870. BARTLETT and JOHN BOWKER, brothers, from Scituate, Mass, were among the early settlers of the town. They bought a tract of land in the northern part and were the first ones who settled where the hamlet of BOWKERVILLE now is. BARTLETT BOWKER married Jemima Wright, a widow, of Templeton, Mass and reared a family of fifteen children. JOHN BOWKER also had a large family. The former erected a grist mill near where Coolidge & Whittemore's mills now are. LUKE AND ELIJAH BOWKER, sons of Bartlett, erected the dam, and built the mill now used for a pail shop. They operated the grist-mill, and manufactured hand-rakes, butter tubs and boxes very extensively. LUKE BOWKER has been married three times. His first wife was Rhoda Hurd, who bore him three children, one of whom, CHARLES BOWKER resides in Philadelphia. His second wife was Sarah Howe, who had two daughters, one of whom, SARAH BOWKER is Mrs. S.S. STONE of this town. His third wife is Rebecca, widow of Reuben Simonds, and daughter of Eliphaz. OREN BROOKS, a native of Putney, Vt. moved with his parents to Massachusetts when a child. He married Julia A. Wright, of Boston, who bore him 12 children. He moved to this town in 1848, where his two youngest were born, and died here in 1876, surviving his wife 16 years. Two sons, GEORGE W. BROOKS and AMOS W. BROOKS served in the civil war, the latter dying in the service. GEORGE W. is a merchant in West Swanzey, and the only son living. Three daughters, SEREPTA BROOKS, wife of Dea. Alva S. Clark; LOUISA P. BROOKS, wife of Franklin Whitcomb living in Troy; and HATTIE L. BROOKS, Mrs. Hattie L. Lawton, of Athol, Mass, constitute the surviving members of the family. JOSIAH cARTER came from Lancaster, Mass in 1803, being at that time 16 years of age. His father, JOSEPH CARTER, was a shoemaker and he was brought up to the trade which he carried on until 1818. He then bought a farm and devoted his life to that. He was a lieutenant in the artillery. He married Betsey E. Foster and reared a family of four children, all now living. His sons, JOSIAH E. and CHARLES C. CARTER have always resided here and for 49 years have carried on the carriage business together. CHARLES C. married Sarah C. Tyler of Chesterfield, and has 2 sons and 2 daughters. He has been town treasurer and held other offices of trust. JOSIAH E. has twice married, first to Isabinda Ingalls and second, Sarah A. Fay, and has one son, Albert E of Winchendon Mass. JOSIAH E was town representative in 1861 and 1862, and has been town treasurer several years. Ballard of Lancaster, Mass. DEA. MILTON CHAPLAIN, son of Squier [Squire] MOSES CHAPLIN, was born in the southeastern part of this town in 1805. He attended a district school and the academy at Amherst, Mass. In the year 1824, when 19 years of age, he "bought his time" during his minority and built a small shop in which he began the manufacture of clothes pins, being the first to make them in town. The method employed when he began was to turn them all in a lathe, then cut the slot with a cingular saw, then they were finished by boys and girls by hand. At the same time, he began the manufacture of mop-handles. In 1839 he established warehouses in Buffalo, NY and later on in other parts of the west. He sent out salesmen with teams to sell washboards, rolling-pins, etc. He ws the first water-power shop for the manufacture of wooden-ware in Cheshire county. He sold out to his brother, ELISHA CHAPLAIN and his cousin, LEVI BENT, who manufactured the goods, which he bought and sold, for four years, then sold out, went to Adrain, Michigan (MI) and engaged in the dry-goods trade, which he continued until 1861. He has been treasurer of the Fitzwilliam Savings bank for ten years. He has been an extensive traveler, visiting 32 states and territories, and has a memory richly sotred with knowledge gained in his travels. He married Caroline, daughter of John J. Allen, of this town November 1830, and has had three children. His son, ELLIOT CHAPLAIN, is a farmer in Delaware county, Iowa. His surviving daughter, Alicia, is the wife of Charles Newton of this town. Milton Chaplin was officiated as town treasurer and selectman of this town. REV. JOHN COLBY, born in York, Me Oct 1, 1821, pursued a course at Gilmanton academy, graduated from Dartmouth in 1852 and from Andover in 1855. Before entering college he learned and followed for some years the printer's trade and was connected with the "Morning Star," a Freewill Baptist publication at Dover. His first pastorate was at Hampton NH in 1855 and he has been located in Fitzwilliam since 1873. He was school commissioner in Rockingham County in 1862, 1863 and 1864, and is Fitzwilliam's representative for 1885-86. He married Helen L. Barden, of Dover, May 14, 1856 and has two daughters, Annie L., a teacher who graduated at Wellesley in 1880, and Helen R. Dr. SILAS CUMMINGS, son of THADDEUS CUMMINGS, was born in Fitzwilliam October 7, 1803. He studied medicine and recieved his diploma from Dartmouth college. He began his practice in this town about 1826 or 1827, where he continued until his death June 30, 1882. He was superintendent of schools for many years...Although a Democrat in a strongly Republican town, he so endeared himself to his townsmen that he was chosen town representative. He was chosen one of a committee to prepare a history of the town, but his death occurred before the work was finished. He was married twice, first to Harriet Underwood, who bore him several children, of whom one daughter and two sons are now living. His second wife was Eliza Poland, widow of A.D. Simonds, by whom had had one daughter, Mrs. Clara B.J. Rand of this town. ISAAC DAVIS, a native of Royalston, Vt., and brought up at Princeton, Mass, came here March 11, 1839. He is a blacksmith by trade, and, in 1877, invented the compound force cartridge, which he patented the same year. It is intended for shooting long distances, and the principal has been acted upon for heavy ornances for piecing iron-clad vessels. By dividing the charge of powder great accumulative force is gained. REV. SAMUEL S. DUDLEY, a native of Sudbury, Mass, has been a Methodist minister 44 years, seventeen of which he has preached in this county. He now resides on road 42. WILLIAM DUNTON was born here in May 1824, and for 20 years before the war worked at the manufacature of woodenware for N. & J. Howe. He enlisted in April 1861 in the 2d NH Vols and went South in defense of the Union. He followed the fortunes of his regiment, through the peninsula campaign unscathed, until the second Bull Run battle, when he was struck in the left cheek by a ball which came out under his left eye, shattering his upper jaw and knocking out every tooth. He was left on the field for dead, where he remained for seven days, alone. The rebels came over the field and robbed him with the dead, but left him where he fell. With his jack-knife, he cut away the fragment of his shattered jaw. He was finally picked up and removed to the hospital, and lived to reach his native town, where he now resides. His grandfather was JAMES DUNTON, who came here from Southboro, Mass about 94 years ago, and his father was ABEL DUNTON, a farmer who was born in Troy, August 24, 1792. He married Ruth Phillips and had a family of eight children, five of whom are now living, and died April 10, 1882. DAVID FORRISTALL was born in Holliston, Mass in 1780 and came to this town with his father as a child. His father, one of the early settlers, came first, cleared some land, and built a log house, and then moved his two children, DANIEL AND JESSE FORRISTAL here. His son THOMAS was born here, and still lives in the house his father built over a hundred years ago. TIMOTHy ELLIS was born in that part of Keene which is now Roxubry, about 130 years ago, upon the place where William Ellis now lives. SAMUEL ELLIS, son of Timothy, was born there, where he lived until he was about 30 years of age. He then moved to Stockbridge, Vt., where he remained four years, and then came to Fitzwilliam where he died in 1826. GEORGE W. ELLIS, son of Samuel, was born in Keene, came to this town in 1814 and lives on road 15, corner of 45. SILAS FIFE came to Troy from Bolton, Mass and settled in the eastern part of the town. He was a farmer and had a family of ten children, and died here in 1834. His son, TIMOTHY FIFE, a native of Troy, remained there until his death, December 12, 1872 in his 80th year. DANIEL J. FIFE, son of Timothy, also a native of Troy, came to Fitzwilliam in 1877, and located on road 49-1/2. JOHN E. FISHER was born near St. Johns, New Brunswick [NB] in 1825, on Darling's Island, which was the property of his grandfather, Captain Darling. His father, RICHARD FISHER, was a blacksmith and removed to Boston MA about 1825, and ten years later moved to Quincey, Mass. He was one of the first four abolitionists in the town. His son, JOHN served seven years apprenticeship at stone cutting, working on the Boston custom-house. He had worked on government work in Boston about 15 years before the Rebellion began. About 3 days after the firing on Fort Sumpter, he was placed in charge of the fortifications at Fort Warren in Boston harbor, where he superintended construction and repairs throughout the war. In 1865 he came to Fitzwilliam to superintend the work in a granite quarry, and has resided here since. He engaged in the quarry business for himself in 1866, which he still continues in the firm of Fisher & Newton. He married twice, first, Mary Wilcox, of Pawtucket, R.I. who died about 3 months thereafter, and second, Lucy U. Upham of Salem, Mass, who bore him 3 children, all of whom died in childhood. DR. AARON R. GLEASON, was born June 1, 1835 in Warren, Vt., where he lived until 12 years of age, when his father, WINDSOR GLEASON, moved to Acworth, NH. He attended school and fitted for college at Westminster Vt and taught for 2 years, more or less, in the public schools. He studied medicine with Dr. K.D. Webster of Gilsum, and Dr. George B. Twitchell of Keene, pursued a college course at the medical school at Burlington Vt, at Washington DC and at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City. He enlisted in the 2d NH Vols in September 1861 and was with his regiment until September 1863 when he was transferred to Campbell Hospital, Washington DC and while there pursued the medical course at the Alexandria Medical College, and received his diploma in March 1864. He was commissioned assistant surgeon of the 14th NH Vols May 11, 1864, but declined, preferring hospital duty. In September 1865, he returned to his home in New Hampshire. During the same autumn, he went to New York and attended a course at the College of Physicians and Surgeons. In the spring of 1866, he located in Fitzwilliam, where he has since continued to practice. He has been a member of the school board about 15 years and was town representative in 1881 and 1882. He married, January 19, 1869, Etta E., only child of Dr. K.D. Webster of Gilsum, and has one daughter, Maude W. JOHN HARKNESS, born in Smithfield, RI in 1767, came to Richmond NH when a chld and lived there until his death in 1851. His son, JAMES HARKNESS, a native of Richmond, came to this town when about 26 years of age, and is now located on road 19. EZRA HAYDEN, a native of Sudbury, Mass came here about 1804 or 1805, locating upon the farm where Ethan Blodgett now lives. He removed to the place now owned by Eli Smith, where he died in 1843, at the age of 58 years. His son OTIS HAYDEN was born here where he has lived most of his life. His residence is on road 37. SILAS MORSE came here from Holliston, Mass, with his parents, who settled on a farm near where Samuel Payne now lives, over a hundred years ago. After the death of his father he traded the farm owned by him for one in Sullivan, which he afterwards sold, and moved with his son, IRA L. MORSE to Gilsum. He finally returned to this town, where he died January 13, 1859 at the age of eighty-two years. His son, IRA L. MORSE was born in Sullivan, came to this town March 28, 1861 and resides on road 29. ABIJAH RICHARDSON, who was born in this town, moved to Royalston, Mass where he died in 1840. His son, LEANDER RICHARDSON, born in Royalston, Mass came here in 1860, has been deputy sheriff three years and is now a policeman. AMOS ANDREW PARKER, son of NAHUM PARKER, was born in Fitzwilliam October 8, 1791. He was fitted for college at the New Ipswich Academy, and graduated from the University of Vermont. He studied law with James Wilson of Keene, and opened an office at Epping NH where he remained 2 or 3 years. Then he went to Concord NH where he established the "New Hampshire Statesman." [newspaper] HON. JOHN M. PARKER, son of Amos A. & Mary (McClary) Parker was born in Kingston NH September 17, 1836, but his father, returning to Fitzwilliam, soon after his birth, he spent the remainder of his life here. He was educated in the Fitzwilliam common schools, and in Philip's Exeter academy. He spent three years and three months in the army, and was mustered out lieutenant. He has been engaged in mercantile business here for 20 years, was a member of the house of representatives in 1870 and 1871, and of the senate in 1881 and 1882. he married twice, first, Catharine A. Adams in October 1866, and second, Abbie H. Kimball. He has two children, a son and a daughter. HOSEA PLATTS, a descendant of Abel, who came from England and settled in Rindge previous to the Revolution, was born in that town. He married Nancy, daughter of Thayer Smith of Fitzwilliam, April 16, 1831 and resided in Rindge until 1837, where two sons and two daughters were born. They then removed to Fitzwilliam and located on road 14, where seven more children were born. Of these, JOHN A. PLATTS born September 16, 1838, enlisted as a privtae in Co K., 6th NH Vols, Oct 28, 1861 and served until July 15, 1865, being mustered out as a first lieutenant. He married Susie C., daughter of Christopher Crowell of Westminster Vt. Feb 13, 1864, and resided in Westminster from 1865 to 1871. He then returned to Fitzwilliam, where he now resides. He has one son and three daughters. His brother, ELIJAH T. PLATTS served in the same company for the same length of time, and was mustered out as quarter-master sergeant. He now resides in Jaffrey. Two brothers, H. OSBORNE and FRANK W. PLATTS reside in Massachusetts, and CHARLES F. PLATTS another brother lives in Rindge. GENERAL JAMeS REED was the only one of the proprietors of Fitzwilliam, named in the charter of 1773, who located here. He organized three companies for the Revoltuionary war, and was one of the three colonels from NH who fought at Bunker Hill. He continued with the army until he was affected with blindness, when he returned to Fitzwilliam, but afterwards removed to Fitchburg, Mass, where he died. PHINEHAS REED, a soldier of the Revolution, came to Fitzwilliam from Westford Mass in 1784, built a tannery and conducted the business. His son Charles followed the same trade, and employed a large force of men in the manufacture of shoes, which were sold in the South. About 1838 he met financial reverses, and had to begin life anew. HE was a claim agent for about 15 years after 1850, and died in March 1866, aged fifty-three years. His son, D.H. REED was born February 8, 1839 and was brought up on a farm. He enlisted October 11, 1861 in the 6th NH Vols., served 3 years in the army, and was discharged in 1864. He then engaged in the quarry business with his father, which he continued up to the present date. He married in October 1865, Mary A. Keith, of this town, and has one daughter, Abbie F. He has filled, with honor, various offices of the town. EDWARD C. REED, son of Phinehas, was born here, March 8, 1793, and graduated from Dartmouth college in 1812. He studied law in Troy NY and settled in Homer NY in 1816. He was admitted to practice in one court after another, until 1830, when he was admitted to the court of chancery. He was elected to the 22nd congress, was district attorney many years and also a judge. He married Amanda Weller, of Pittsfield, Mass, and reared a family of twelve children, four of whom surive. JOHN SHIRLEY, a soldier of the Revolution, was born on board ship coming from England and was brought up in Boston. He came to Fitzwilliam about 1780, Settling in the village, and married Submit Bogle of Sudbury, Mass. He reared a family of nine children, and died at the age of ninety-three, in the house where his grandson, William H. now lives. His son Henry, was born in the town, held the office of selectman several years, and died at the same place his father did, at the age of seventy-two. William H., son of Henry, was born in the house where he now lives, road 46, and is first selectman of the town. ROYAL SMITH came here from his native town, Lexington, Mass. He was a carpenter and died here in 1838. His son, OLIVER W. SMITH was born here, is a farmer, and lives on road 1. DANIEL SPALDING, son of PHINEHAS of Jaffrey, married Lucinda Perkins, May 11, 1819 and removed to Gardner, Mass, where he remained until 1825 or 1826. He then bought out Luke Richardson, of Fitzwilliam, and operated a store on the corner where Elisha Chaplin now lives. At one time he had John Perkins, his wife's brother, as a partner, and later, Dr. G.C. Noble, but carried on the business alone most of his life. He was chosen to all the offices of the town, including town representative in 1833 and 1834. He died July 17, 1882 at the great age of 93 years and 7 months. He reared family of five children--Mary E., Jared P., Daniel R., Julia A., the wife of Dr. Bradley of Jaffrey, and L. VIola who resides here. HEZEKIAH STONE came from Massachusetts about 1780 and bought the land where Benjamin Whitcomb now lives. He was a farmer, owned a saw-mill, and had 2 sons and 3 daughters. The eldest, ARTEMUS STONE, had a son ARTEMUS STONE, who was the father of STILLMAN S. STONE. MOSES STONE, second son of HEZEKIAH, was born in Fitzwilliam December 31, 1785. He was also a farmer, and operated a saw-mill. He was one who responded to the call for troops in 1812, and went to Portsmouth, but not into active service. He died in January 1854. JOHN A. STREETER, son of ADAM STREETER of Orange, Mass, came to Fitzwilliam where he married Ruth C. Carroll, and located at Bowkerville, where he lived sixteen years. He then moved to the southern part of the town where he died. He reared a family of seven children, two sons and five daughters, none of whom are now living in town. His widow and two daughters, Jennie L. and Hattie M., live in Baldwinsville, Mass, and John H. resides in Swanzey. OLIVER WHITCOMB came to Fitzwilliam from Massachusetts, and located in the western part of the town, where he spent the remainder of his life. He reared a family of six children, three sons and three daughters, only one of whom, Rebecca, is living, and resides on the old homestead. JACOB WHITCOMB, son of Oliver, was born in town, married Phillis Grant, who bore him six children, three of whom are now living, and located in the town of Richmond, on lots No. 11 and 12. His wife died November 23, 1866, and his death occurred in February 1871. ANTHONY S. WHITCOMB now resides in the town of Swanzey. DEXTER WHITTEMORE son of JOHN WHITTEMORE who came here at an early date, and kept a small store in the cottage where he lived, was born in Fitzwilliam, October 9, 1798. When Dexter became of age he induced his father to buy the store of Dr. Scott, and there engaged in trade, continuing over forty years. He is said to have been the first merchant of Cheshire county to give up the sale of spiritous liquors. He was chosen to many offices of trust, and was very generous and liberal in all good works. He married twice, first, Betsey Wright, April 18, 1820; second, Sarah (Reed) Hayden, January 1, 1857. His death occurred March 1865. His first wife bore him seven children, four of whom are living. His three sons, Joel, Thomas W. and Charles are engaged in business in New York City, while his daughter, Eliza W. Jenkins, and his widow reside in town. POPULATION In 1880 Fitzwilliam had a population of 1,187 souls. In 1884 the town had eleven school districts, eleven common schools, and one graded school. There were 261 children attending schoo, thirty-two of whom were pursuing higher grades, taught during the year by four male and thirteen female teachers at an average monthly salary of $37.50 for males and $29.69 for females. VILLAGES -FITZWILLIAM is a pleasant post village located in the northern-central part of the town, on six main roads. Besides the usual mechanic shops, and stores, it has a savings bank, three church organizations, town hall, two hotels, and several granite shops and quarries. -FITZWILLIAM DEPOT, a post village located in the central part of the town on the Cheshire railroad, contains one church, a few mechanic shops, stores, etc. -HOWEVILLE is a hamlet in the southern part of the town at the foot of South Pond. BOWKERVILLE is a small village located in the southern part of the town. MERCHANTS & BUSINESSES FITZWILLIAM SAVINGS BANK, located in the Postoffice block, at Fitzwilliam village was incorporated in 1871, and commenced business in 1872, with Philip S. Batchellor, president, and Milton Chaplin, treasurer. The present officers are Amos J. Blake, president and Stephen Batchellor, treasurer. GEORGE D. WEBB GRANITE Co'S QUARRY AND SHOPS are located at the crossing of the railroad and road 31. The firm consists of George D. Webb and C.F. Batchelder, of Worcester, Mass, who began work here in July 1882. They have extensive sheds, a polishing-mill, blacksmith shops and engine-house, using three engines and two steam drills. Their works are also accomodated with side-tracks to the Cheshire railroad, and they give employment to about 75 men in the summer and 25 in the winter season, producing all kinds of rough and finished granite. In 1885 they did a business aggregating $85,000 using 600 cars for transporting their goods. Alonzo Whipple is superintendent of the works, and Elliot K. Wheelock, cashier. FISHER & NEWTON'S GRANITE QUARRY, located off road 15, was opened by John E. Fisher about 1880, and Charles Newton became a partner in 1882. They employ about 8 men in quarrying and cutting cemetery monumental work and curbing, doing a business of about $8,000 per year. Mr. Fisher opened the present Webb quarry in 1867, Dwelly quarry in 1874, and the above in 1880. D.H. REED'S GrANITE QUARRY, located about a half mile from Fitzwilliam Depot, was opened by his father, Charles, and himself in 1864. He employs about 30 men in quarrying granite to order, finding a market throughout the Middle and New England states, producing about 600 car-loads per annum. He furnished 636 car-loads for the St. Paul's church at Worcester. ETHAN BLODGETT'S GRANITE QUARRY on road 30, was opened in 1868. He gives employement to about 10 men, and connected with the quarry is the polishing mill of Zenas A. Blodgett. BARTLETT HAYDEN'S GRANITE WORKS, on road 21, were established about 1870, by Bartlett and Albert Hayden, the latter of whom remained until 1883, when he sold out to Bartlett. He manufactures all kinds of cemetery building work, giving employment to about 8 men. MELVIN WILSON & SONS GRANITE QUARRIES, located on road 41, were first opened by Mr. Wilson about thirty-six years ago, first being in busiess with Calvin Dutton until about seventeen years ago, when his son, Albert F., became his partner. They employ about 4 men, and have their yards at Fitzwilliam Depot. BOWEN BROS' CHAIR FACTORY, located at Fitzwilliam Depot, was erected in the autumn of 1882. They manufacture basket and rattan chairs, with hard-wood frames, employing 10 men in the shop, and considerable help outside. EMERY P. AUgER is engaged in the manufacture of egg crates of which he is the patentee. His shop has the capacity for making about five dozen per day. The cases are made entirely of wood, with perforated trays, lined with cloth, and are warranted to hold eggs during transportation, without breakage. EDWARD STONE'S SAW and PLANING-MILL, located near Fitzwilliam Depot, was built by Daniel E. Burbank in 1878. In November of that year Mr. Stone became a partner, and sole owner in March 1880. He does custom planing and sawing, and manufactures chair-stock, etc. employing from 10-15 hands. COOLIDGE & WHITTEMORE'S PAIL AND BUCKET FACTORY, located on road 4, near the outlet of Bowker's pond, has been carried on by them since July 1878. They manufacture about 120,000 buckets and 35,000 dozens pails per year. The business was established about 60 years ago by Luke Bowker, whose father, Bartlett Bowker, was an early settler and built the first grist-mill, and from whom Bowkerville derived its name. GEORGE A. STONE'S SAW MILL, locted on road 9, was rebuilt about 8 years ago and has been operated by Mr. Stone since 1883. JONAS DAMON'S SAW-MILL, located at the outlet of Tarbel pond, cuts about 350,000 feet of lumber per year. Connected with the mill is a pail-handle and wooden spoon manufactory, operated by Cudeworth & Petts. Mr. Damon has also a pail manufactory in Rindge, employing twelve hands and a shoddy-mill at Harrisville. E.& C. CARTER'S CARRIAGE SHOP, located at Fitzwilliam village, was established by them in 1836. They manufacture all kinds of wagons, carriages and sleighs. The father of the gentleman, JOSIAH CARTER, came here from Lancaster, Mass in 1803, and died here in 1857, aged seventy years. GEORGE W. WILSON'S CIDER MILL, located on road 34, had the capacity for manufacturing 1,000 barrels of cider per year. HENRY P. HOWE'S SAW MILL, STAVE MILL, and CHAIR BACK MANUFAcTORY, located on road 31, was built by his father, Nahum Howe in 1850. It is operated by water-power and a twenty horse-power engine. SETH M. HOLMAN'S SAW MILL AND TUb AND PAIL MANUFACTORY, located on road 53, has been in his possession since about 1868. THe works, when in operation, give employment to 35 men. S.S. STONE'S SAW AND GRIST MILL, on road 44, was originally built by his grandfather, ARTEMUS STONE, about 75 years ago and was recently rebuilt by SAMUEL S. STONE. ANSON BEEBE'S SAW MILL on road 42 was built for a grist-mill about 100 years ago and came into Mr. Beebe's possession in 1864. (end)