HISTORY OF WESTMORELAND, 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. pages 457 & 503 HISTORY OF WESTMORELAND NH [EXCERPTS ONLY] WESTMORELAND lies in the western part of the county, in lat. 42 degrees 58' and long. 4 degrees 40', bounded north by Walpole, east by Surry and Keene, south by Chesterfield, and west by Putney, Vt., thus including the Connecticut river in its limits, the west bank of which forms the western boundary of the town. The township has an area of 22, 466 acres, and was originally granted by Massachusetts under the name of No. 2, as detailed on page 91, was subsequently known as Great Meadows, and finally, February 11, 1752, it was incorporated under a Wentworth charter, with its present name, the grantees being Thomas Chamberlain and fifty-eight others. From the beginning of its settlement Westmoreland has been noted for its fine farming land, hence its name Great Meadow, and it, to-day is probably one of the most fertile and productive towns in the state. In surface it is not so hilly as most of the neighboring townships, though it is sufficiently diversified to afford a very pleasing landscape, and is visited each summer by many city people for the sake of its beauty and cool climate. Among its best farms are those of the intervale land along the COnnecticut. One of the finest of these, consisting of about 200 acres, located on road 24, was purchased by the county in 1867, for a county poor farm. This farm was, in 1884, superintended by Nathaniel Rogers, and has sixty-four charges, male and female. Connected with the farm, also, is a house of correction, though at the present time there is only one inmate. The territory is well watered by numerous small streams which fall into the COnnecticut, the largest of which is Partridge brook, flowing from Spofford Lake in Chesterfield, which affords some good mill privileges. The township is of irregular outline, owing in part to the serpentine course of its river boundary. By the terms of the Wentworth grant, the township was to contain 23,040 acres or equivalent to six miles square; 1040 acres extra was allowed for highways and unimprovable lands. In 1769 a portion of this area--1654 acres, known as the "Westmoreland Leg," extending to the Ashuelot River--was taken by legislative enactment, with a portion of Gilsum, and constituted into the township of Surry. GEOLOGY Westmoreland present to the geological student a field of much interest. Traces of a glacier are seen upon the striated rocks in different section of the town, as it flowed, a mighty river of ice at least one thousand feet in depth from the icy throes of the north toward Long Island Sound, moving with the velocity of no more than twenty-five feet yearly, leaving in its wake vast deposits of earth, or "till," in the form of smooth, symmetrical, rounded hills. Round Hill, near the house of Mrs. G.W. Daggett, the Paine Pasture Hill, the hill north of the East Depot, are good illustrations. These are called lenticular hills. Southeast of the North Depot is an eruptive granitic hill. The Valley of the Connecticut is of modified drift formation, terraced by the action of the river. The higher terraces, like the site of F.G. Parker's house, are some four hundred feet above the level of the ocean, while the lower terraces, like the county farm, are some two hundred and fifty feet. Transported boulders are occasionally found. Some of these are visitors from Ascutney's stony bosom. Dunes formed of Champlain sands are found in four different localities. The most prominent of these is located nearly opposite the dwelling-house of Mrs. C.F. Brooks. In the southwest part of the town, on land of the J.L. Veasy estate, are to be seen a series of inverted conical depressions that are suggestive of vent-holes to the earth's interior gasses at an early age. At some former period the valley of the Connecticut must have been covered with a large body of water extending from the Wantastiquet barrier upon the south to Mount Kilburn upon the north. Then Partridge Brook discharged its waters into the lake before reaching the county farm meadow, and flowed over a rocky bed now plainly to be seen on the north side of the highway, just west of the intersection of roads near the C.Q.A. Britton bridge. Near the house of G.J. Bennett is to be seen the suggestive journey of a huge boulder as it traveled unresistingly down the steep hill-side. The Harvey Pond is the only sheet of water in the town that can be called a natural pond, and this is of inferior exent. Of the many brooks flowing through the town, the Patridge Brook is by far the most important, being the outlet of Spofford Lake; it enjoys the benefit of a large reservoir for its source, and having a descent of five hundred feet ere it reached the Connecticut River, distant about six miles, it furnishes numerous water-powers. It is not known how it derived its name--a name given it previous to 1752. The Mill Brook rises in Walpole, flows through the East Parish and empties into the Connecticut River. It is a wild stream, but furnishes water-power to a limited extent, and was the first to be harnessed to the uses of man. Other streams of lesser size abound in different sections of the town. The rocks of Westmoreland belong principally to the Coos Group, and consist of quartzite, gueiss, mica slate, mica Schist, hornblende rock and conglomerate. Granite is found in the east part, while quartz is often seen. In the southwest part is a vein of molybdena. There, in 1830, Samuel Lincoln expended considerable money in driving a horizontal shaft into the ridge of rock, with the view of striking a richer vein than the outcrop; his labor proved unremunerative, but for years it has been a favorite resort for specimen-seekers. At the Curtis mine, in the south part of the town, have been found beautiful specimens of fluorspar. WESTMORELAND in 1880-1884 In 1880 Westmoreland had a population of 1,094 souls. In 1884 it had twelve school districts and thirty-two different public schools. Its twelve school-houses, including sites, furniture, etc., were valued at $4,060.00. There were 191 pupils attending these schools, taught by three male and and twenty-three female teachers, the former receiving an average monthly salary of $26.66, and the latter $21,44. The entire amount of revenue for school purposes during the year was $1,852.34 while the entire expense was $1,420.56. VILLAGES OF WESTMORELAND WESTMORELAND--a post village located a little south of the center of the town, is known as the South Village. It has two churches (Congregational and Universalist), a store, hotel, two blacksmith shops, carriage shop, tin shop, and about eighteen dwellings. PARKHILL--a post village located northwest of the South village, has one church (Congregational), a store, carriage shop, and about a half dozen dwellings. EAST WESTMORELAND--is a post village in the extreme northeastern part of the town. It has one church (Christian), a store, blacksmith shop, town-hall and about a dozen dwellings. About an eighth of a mile west, however, is a cluster of eight or ten dwellings. Their hall was built by subscription, in 1876, and is called Centennial Hall. It will seat about 500 persons, and presents a very neat appearance. WESTMORELAND DEPOT (p.o.)--is a hamlet in the northwestern part of the town. It consists only of the depot and three or four dwellings. BUSINESS / MANUFACTORING EDWIN J. GOODNOW's SAW MILL on road 9, on Partridge brook, was built by him in 1861. He employes four men in the manufacture of plain and matched lumber, shinges, lath, chair and pail-stock, also doing custom work. LEONARD WILCOX'S GRIST AND SAW-MILL, on road 31, on Partridge brook, was bought by Mr. Wilxoc of Charles M. Quimby in 1875. There has been a mill on this site for at least one hundred years, and it is known as the McNeal mill. Near it also is the site of an old linseed oil mill and one of the old stores. Mr. Wilcox does custom work. EDWARD B. BUTTERFIELD'S SAW-MILL is on road 48, on Partridge brook. He manufactures lumber, shingles, lath and box and pail-stock. EZEKIEL BOSWORTH'S SAW AND GRIST-MILL on Mill brook, road 15, does custom grinding and manufactures lumber and shingles. This site has been in use for about 100 years, and most of that time was owned by the Hall family, and is still known as the Hall mill. Near here was also a cloth-dressing mill at one time. EARLY HISTORY OF WESTMORELAND A committee chosen to survey the area of land where Westmoreland now lies, reported November 30, 1736, when the report was accepted, and the township of No. 2 was chartered. Nathaniel Harris, of Watertown, Mass., was appointed to call the first meeting of the proprietors of No. 2. Afterwards it was called Great Meadow, which name it retained until it was chartered by the NH Legislature, when it took the name it now bears. The grantees under the Massachusetts charter were: "Daniel How, Jethro Wheeler, Thomas Chamberlain, Moses Wheeler, Harriden Wheeler Jr., Jethro Wheeler, Abner How, Josiah Foster, Joshua How, Meshach Taylor, Benjamin Alldridge, Jonathan Hildrith, Joseph How, Daniel How Jr., Nathaniel Wooster, Jeremiah Hall" and possibly others. Prior to the white settlers, the only inhabitants of "No. 2" consisted of a few families of Abenaquis, or Abenakees Indians, a small sub-branch of the Five Nations. It is said the meaning of this name is the "Pines." Their wigwams were in the north part of the town, on land now owned by Robert E. Green, beside a small brook afterward known as the Wigwam Brook. They remained for a brief time only, and on terms of amity with the pioneer white settlers. The first settlement in the town was made in 1741. In the spring of that year, Daniel How, Jeremiah Phips, Jethro Wheeler and Nehemiah How with their families, started up the Connecticut in canoes from Northfield, Mass. Daniel How, however, had been previously, with a surveying part, and he it was probably, who had attracted the others thither by stories of the great fertility of the "Great meadows." [A second account lists the earliest settlers as Daniel How, Jethro Wheeler, Philip Alexander and THomas Crissen]. They settled upon the farm now owned by Frederick G. Parker, on road 8. He subsequently erected a small fort, the exact site of which is still pointed out as a little knoll on said farm. Peter Hayward settled near the Ashuelot river in 1764. Then John Cole and son John settled upon "Canoe Place," also known as "Canoe Meadow." Accessions were made to the little settlement from time to time; but the French war came on in 1744, which greatly retarded the growth. At this time the settlers of No. 2, Putney and Westminster united to build a stockaded fort upon the Great Meadow, in Putney, upon the site of the house formerly occupied by Colonel Thomas White, near the landing of the ferry. Leading to this ferry (the first one in town) was a road to the Howe settlement. This fort was named "Fort Hill." It was of oblong form, eighty by one hundred and twenty feet, built of yellow pine timber hewed six inches thick and laid up about ten feet high. Fifteen dwellings were erected within it, the wall of the fort forming the back wall of the houses. These were covered with a single roof, which slanted upward to the top of the wall of the fort. In the centre of the inclosure was a hollow square, on which all the houses fronted. On the northeast and southeast corners of the fort watchtowers were placed. A great gate opened on the south, toward the river, and a smaller one towards the west. The forst was generally garrisoned by ten or twelve men. A cannon was furnished by the Massachusetts government that survived the fort many years... Upon the completion of the fort several of the inhabitants of No. 2 joined the garrison (These were David How, Thomas Chamberlain, Isaac Chamberlain, Joshua Warner and son Daniel Warner, wife and son, Harrison Wheeler, Samuel Minot, Benjamin Aldrige and his son George, who afterward became a general). Hardly had the little township recovered from its effects when the second war came upon it. Still, it recovered so rapidly therefrom that in 1767 it was the third largest township in what is now Cheshire county, having a population of 391 souls. The "Great Meadows" was a favorite spot with the Indians in their journeyings up and down the Connecticut. The settlers were several times attacked by the Indians, and various mischief was done, though of no great magnitude. In one of their incursions the Indians killed William Phipps, the first husband of Jemima How, and in another carried Nehemiah How, the father of her second husband, a captive to Canada, where he died. But the story of these troubles are familiar to all--well-known subjects of general history (See Belknap's Hist. N.H., Vol. II, pages 240-42). [A second source tells this story: "William Phips, an inhabitant of Great Meadow, as he was hoeing corn near the southwest corner, was surprised and captured by two of these Indians and carried into the woods to the west. While ascending the steep hill-side, above a half mile from the fort, one of his captors returned for something left, leaving the prisoner in charge of his comrade. Watching his opportunity, Phips struck down his captor with his hoe, which he had retained, and, seizing the gun of the prostrate savage, shot the other as he was ascending the hill. Phips thereupon started for the fort, but before reaching it was seized by three others of the same party, killed and scalped. Phips, but a short time previous, had married Jemima Sartwell, daughter of the owner of Sartwell's Fort, a lady whose beauty, goodness and suffereings afterward come down ot us, through the mists of many years, as 'The Fair Captive.' .... and the second story: Nehemiah How, who was chopping wood about eighty rods from the fort, was taken by the Indians as they came. His capture was effected in full sight of the fort, but it would have endangered the lives of all in the garrison to attempt a rescue. As they were leading him away by the side of the river they perceived a canoe approaching containing two men. Firing, they killed one of them, Daniel Rugg, but the other, Robert Baker, made for the opposite shore and escaped. All three of these men belonged to the garrison. Proceeding father, they passed three other men, who, by skulking under the bank, reached the fort in safety. One of them was Caleb How, the prisoner's son. Arriving opposite to Number Four they compelled the captive to write his name on a piece of bark and there left it....How was taken to Quebec where he died... Soon after these occurrences the fort was evacuated and went to decay]. In 1750, when the area of Town No. 2 was determined to be under New Hampshire jurisdiction, the adult male citizens of the town signed a petition to the New Hampshire Governor et al. This document was signed by "Daniel How, William Moor, Jethro Wheeler, Joshua How, Thos Chamberlain, Benjamin Knights, Amos Davies, Silas Brown, Amos Davis Junr, Meshach Taylor, Jonas Davis, John Alexander, Samuel Davis, Daniel Shattuck Sr., Ebenezer Davis, Enoch Hall, Moses Wheeler, Simon Hall, Isaac Chamberlen [sic], Joshua Chamberlain, Hariden Wheeler Jr., Jedidiah Chamberlain, Jethro wheeler, Job Chamberlain, Simeon Knight, Aaron Davis, Martin Severance, Beniaman [sic Benjamin] Alldridge, John Brown, Jonathan Hildrith, Abner How, Joseph How, Josiah Foster, Daniel How Jr., Samuel Foster, Nathaniel Woods, Michal Gibson, Jeremiah Hall, John Sheilds [sic Shields], Isaac Stone, and Danil [sic Daniel] Sheilds. The charter was granted February 12, 1752, being given a new incorporation under the name of Westmoreland, in honor of Lord Westmoreland, an intimate friend of Governor Wentworth. The names of the grantees of Westmoreland (under the new charter) are as follows: Thomas Chamberlain, Benja. Aldridge, Daniel How, Jethro Wheeler, Daniel How Jr., Caleb How, Abner How, Josiah Willard, Oliver Willard, Samuel How, John Arms, Valentine Butler, Samson Willard, John Fowl, James Fowl, Nathaniel Woods, Jeremiah Hall, Timothy Harrington, Josiah Foster, Edward How, Samuel Minot, John Fowl Jr., Philip Alexander, Richard Ward, Nathaniel Harris, Cornelius White, Ebenezer Turner, Samuel Livermore, Samuel Williams, Moses Hastens, John Chandler, Simeon Alexander, Ebenezer Hubbard, Joseph Harrington, John Rugg, Thomas marshal, Ebenezer Hinsdale, Samuel Hunt, John Alexander, Enoch Hall, William Moor, Jethro Wheeler Jr., Fairbanks Moor Jr., Joseph Bellows, Herridon Wheeler, Isaac Chamberlain, Josiah Chamberlain, Joshua Chamberlain, Amos Davis, Jedediah Chamberlen [sic], Jonathan Cole, Mical [sic Michael] Gilson, Simeon Knights, John Brown, William How, Jonathan Cummings Jr., John Chamberlain, John Taylor, Daniel Pearce, His Excellency Benning Wentworth, Esq... This was signed by Samuel Wentworth of Boston; THeodore Atkinson, Richard Samuel Smith, John Downing, Samson Sheaffe, John Wentworth Jr., Esq., and Stephen Chace [sic] of New Castle... Of these grantees we have very limited knowledge. It is certain, however, that but a small portion of them were ever actual settlers. A number of names were placed in the list of grantees in reward for public and military services. Others were included through favoritism, and other reasons, no doubt. The grant was not satisfactory to the petitioners, inasmuch as it did not include as much territory as the old grant of No. 2 by some eight square miles. In 1752 a committee was chosen by the proprietors to lay out the house lots, consisting of Daniel How, Jethro Wheeler, Thomas Chamberlain, Benjamin Aldrich, Richard Ward, Caleb How, and Joseph Hutchins. The first meeting of the proprietors of the township of Westmoreland was held at the house of Thomas Chamberlain, March 31, 1752. Samuel Hunt was chosen moderator, Caleb How proprietor's clerk, and Joshua Warnen treasurer. These meetings were held by notifications posted in said town, in Northfield and in Winchester. On September 26, 1764 nine members of other churches signed the first church covenant, including: William Goddard pastor-elect member of ye first church at Newtown; Thomas Chamberlain, church at Newtown; Joshua Warner, church at Harvard; Amos Davis, church at Petersham; Samuel Minot, church at Chelmsford; Robert Thompson, church at Reading; Benjamin Pierce, church at Attleborough; Abner How, church at Amherst; Joseph Pierce, church at Wilmington." FIRST TOWN OFFICERS OF WESTMORELAND The first list of town officers RECORDED was at a meeting held March 5, 1775, when JOSEPH BURT was chosen moderator; HEBER MILLER clerk; ARCHELAUS TEMPLE and WAITSTILL SCOTT selectmen; JOB CHAMBERLAIN and DANIEL CARLISLE constables; AARON CHANDLER, CALEB RUGG, ISAAC CHAMBERLAIN, JOSEPH WHITE, HERIDEN WHEELER, JOSEPH WILBOUR and EPHRAIM STONE highway surveyors; SAMUEL HOW and JOSEPH BURT surveyors of lumber; ABIAL EDDY and Lieut. ISAAC STONE, tythingmen; JOHN COLE, JEDEDIAH CHAMBERLAIN, Lieut. ISAAC BUTTERFIELD and NATHAN WILBOUR, hog-reeves; JOB CHAMBERLAIN, sealer of weights and measures; JONATHAN SAWYER and DAVID WILBOUR, deer-keepers; JOSHUA PIERCE and JONAS BUTTERFIELD, fence-viewers; BENJAMIN PIERCE and JONAS BUTTERFIELD, sealers of leather. On May 9, 1775 Joseph Wilbur was chosen a delegate to the convention which assembled at Exeter on the 17th of the same month. 102 towns were represented by 137 members. Post-officers were established, a committee of supplies for the army and a COmmittee of Safety were formed, and the provincial records secured, whereupon this convention adjourned November 16th. On December 12, 1775, Heber Miller was chosen representative to the Provincial Congress, to be held at Exeter on the 21st day of the same month, and Jonathan Cole, Benjamin Peirce, Archelaus Temple, Joseph Wilber, Waitstill Scott, John Cole and Amos Peirce were chosen a committee to give instructions to the representative. EBENEZER BRITTON was chosen a COMMITTEE of SAFETY. This congress, without delay, drew up a new form of government, assuming, on the 5th day of January 1776, the name and authority of a House of Representatives, and chose twelve persons to form a separate branch of the Legislature, to be called the Council. All acts to become valid, were to be approved by both branches. Each branch was to chose its own presiding officers, and both branches while in session performed executive duties. During a recess of the Legislature a Committee of safety was provided and chosen to perform executive duties. Meschech Weare was chosen president of this COuncil, and was ex-officio president of the Committee of Safety. For the first time this Congress adopted the name of Colony of New Hampshire. Soon after the Declaration of Independence the name Colony was dropped and the name State Substituted. On June 8, 1781, SOME of the town citizens of Westmoreland who did NOT wish for the town of Westmoreland to become part of the State of Vermont signed a document addressed to the NH General Court' as follows: [as signed on the document] Joseph Wilbur, george Clark, Elijah Temple, David Witherell, Joseph Burt, Ebenezer gilbart, Nathl Wilbore, Levi goodanow, Daniel Stone, Simeon Proutey, Job Wilbore, Elias Chamberlain, John Pierce, William Brittin, Jonas Butterfield, Isaac Butterfield, george Aldrich, Francis Putnam, Ephraim Lenord, Philap Wilbore, Elisha Wilbore, Philip Wilbore Jr, Joseph White, Joseph Tompson, David Brittin, Ebenezer Brettun, Jeams Brittin, Caleb Aldrich, Ebnzr Brittin Jr, Nathl Tinney, Ezekal mixer, Ephraim Wood, Philap Brittin, John Snow, John Adams, Pendleton Brettun, David Wilbore, William Adams and Nehemiah Browne. "FIRSTS" and "ODDITIES" and "STRANGE WEATHER" IN WESTMORELAND Mrs. Lydia Howe, who died in 1806, at the age of ninety-one years, was the mother of the first child born in the township. Joseph Wilbour was the first representative. The first framed house in the town was built by Joseph Wilber. It occupied the present site of the barn upon the farm of Elbridge P. Amidon, on road 19. This farm was bought by Constant CHaffee, in 1798, and has since been in the possession of that family, the present owner being a son of Anna L., who married Otis Amidon. The first mill was built by Thomas Chamberlain and Samuel Minot [after for many years it was known as the Granger mill, as about 1800 it was rebuilt by its then owner, Eldad Granger]. One Widow Ware, living in the East Parish, was the first owner of a carriage in town, somewhere about 1800. About 1812 Ephraim Brown and Steward Esty purchased the first buggies brought into the town (both were built by Wilder of Keene). October 4, 1810, a subscription paper was started to secure the sale of stock in the proposed Westmoreland Bridge to be built at the present Brittons Ferry, then owned by Solomon Robbins. The contract of building that bridge, piers and all complete was awarded to Peleg Kingsley for six thousand dollars. Following destruction in the freshet of 1813, it was rebuilt in 1814. In 1820 an elephant was forced by piking to cross the river (on the above mentioned bridge). He had nearly reached the end upon the east side, when a portion of the bridge, being somewhat decayed, gave way and the poor beast fell with a despairing wail, that sounded high about the crash of timbers; but he caught his trunk around some of the under-braces, which were fast, and there in mid-air he held on, all the time uttering the most piercing shrieks of fright; but this was of short duration; his strength he could not long support his pondrous weight, and he fell to the rocks beneath, his back broken, but life remained for a few days. The name of his driver was Roblin. He was killed. The elephant's skin was stuffed, and belongs to the Boston Museum. From Sanborn's "History of New Hampshire": "In the summer of 1770 the valley of the COnnecticut from Northfield, Mass to Lancaster NH was overrun by an army of greedy, loathsome, devastating worms. THey were are maturity of the size and length of a man's finger. THey moved from the northwest to the southeast, completely covering the ground and devoured every green thing along the line of their march, except potatoes and pumpkins. THeir march lasted about a month, when they suddenly disappeared, and no one knew when or how. Following them came vast clouds of pigeons. The air was literally filled with their immense numbers. They were caught by the wholesale, and were it not for the food they furnished, with potatoes and pumpkins raised and saved, the people must have perished from starvation. The following year (1771) was noted for the greatest freshet ever known on the Connecticut River. The water rose to an unprecedented height, sweeping down the valley with resistless fury, and leaving its marks that years have not effaced. So suddenly came the flood that all kinds of stock were caught and swept away in the raging torrent. Houses and families were swept away in many cases. Crops were destroyed, and again the valley-dwellers were doomed to much suffering. The experience of these two years naturally drove settlement to the hills for some years thereafter." The winter of 1798-99 was memorable for its severity. Snow came about the middle of November and lasted late into the spring. the "Sentinel" speaks of snow being three feet in depth in the forest on the date of May 11th. The winter of 1810 was one of great contrast, there being no sledding until February 20th. The year 1804 was noted for its "great eclipse" of the sun. Commencing at 12 M., it lasted until three o'clock PM. It occurred in June. It was so dark that fowls went to roose, thinking it to be nightfall, and many people were greatly alarmed. A local hurricane of great severity occurred in 1815. It seemed to commence near Hell Gate, in the southwest part of the town, and traveled in nearly an easterly direction. Along its way the forests were swept down like grass before the scythe. Passing over the buildings of Simeon Cobb, now occupied by George F. Hubbard, it stuck the house, twisted it partly around, blew down the chimneys and materially injured it. The barns and out-buildings were laid low. At the time Mr. Otis Briggs was in the barn, but fortunately escaped.. Mr. Lemuel Willis, then a young man, was walking near the house when the gale caught him up and bore him some sixty rods to the ridge of land, where it deposited him, unharmed from his aerial flight. The out-buildings on the Darius Daggett farm, now the estate of Lurana Willard, were demolished. The dwelling-house did not escape considerable injury. Some barns on the farm north of E. Hunts were laid low. The gale passed on its work of devastation until it reached the glebe district, where it seemed to lose its fury. The year 1816 is memorable as the "cold year." Attending each month excepting August, was a hard frost. On the 9th of June there was a snow-storm that extended to the sea-coast even. Very little corn was raised, and that of the poorest quality. Pigeons were very plenty, and furnished most of the meat for the inhabitants, who were in straitened circumstances for food. Fodder was so scarce that cattle were by some turned into the forest and compelled to browse for their living. From the older citizens we learn that the year 1826 was noted as the "grasshopper year." Early in the summer the ground was covered, the air filled with this loathsome insect. They ruined the hay and out-crops, but the autumn being favorable, a good crop of aftermath was secured, and our farmers were enabled to winter a portion of their stock. In 1831 much interest was awakened all along the river towns in the experiment of steamboating upon the Upper Connecticut...the "John Ledyard" was fitted up at Springfield, Mass. to make the experiment of steam navigation. The year 1833 is spoken of on account of its wonderful display of celestial fire-works. On the 13th of November, from 2 o'clock until daylight, for three hours, the heavens were resplendent with myraid shooting stars, all emanating from the zenith and following the arch of the sky. Some are represented to be as large as the mmon, others but faint streaks of light. Its effect upon the people was curious; some were impressed that the end of the world had come, some were excited to excessive religious fervor, some were trembling with terror and others yieled to worldly abandonment... At a PROPRIETOR'S meeting, held at the house of Thomas Chamberlain March 31, 1752, Samuel Hunt was chosen moderator, Caleb How, clerk, and Daniel How, Jethro Wheeler, Thomas Chamberlain, Benjamin Aldrich, Richard Ward, Caleb Ward and Joseph Hutchins, "a committee to lay out the house lots." At this meeting, also, it was voted to "give any person who built a grist-mill in said town the sum of 150 pounds, old tenor, and also give him fifty acres of land on Mill brook." JETHRO WHEELER, DANIEL HOW and THOMAS CHAMBERLAIN were chosen a committee to make arrangements for said mill, and it was probably completed before the following August. At a meeting held March 12, 1766, it was voted to set off "from Walpole the northeast corner of Westmoreland to Keene," which privilege was granted by the legislature, October 25, 1768. The records for 1771 say that there was a great freshet on the Connecticut [river]. The census of the town taken in 1775 shows: 213 males under sixteen years of age; 127 males from 16-50 not in army; 23 males above fifty, 38 persons in army, 357 females, for a total of 758. On April 22, 1779 the town voted that 40 pounds be raised "for sending Archelaus Temple as a representative to Concord." August 2, 1779 it was voted to move the meeting-house from the site of the first settlement to Parkhill. For this purpose 1,000 pounds was voted to be raised [this large amount pointing to the depreciation of currency of the time]. On July 7, 1784 it was voted to appoint a committee of fifteen persons to see that a certain person who was a "Shaking Quaker," be sent out of the town. At a meeting held on the 4th of September of the same year, it was voted that they "allow no Shaking Quakers to remain in town over night, except at a hotel." In 1788 a vote of one shilling each was voted for killing crows, and at a subsequent meeting a bounty of four pence each for blackbirds. The records for the year 1816 show that summer to have had a frost each month, except August, and snow fell on the 9th of June. The road over Snow's hill to Keene was opened this year. The summer of 1826 was visited by clouds of locusts, destroying the hay crop, so that cattle were slaughtered for their hides, and to prevent their starving. *** MILITARY HISTORY *** FRENCH & INDIAN WAR [excerpts] Joel Priest was a private in Rodger's Rangers in the French and Indian War, and was present at the sacking of the St. Francis village in 1759. He was also a Revolutionary soldier, serving in Capt. Hawkins' company in Colonel Bedel's regiment, also in Capt. Carlisle's company. REVOLUTIONARY WAR Selectmen of the town in 1775, who took a census (of 357 including 38 persons gone into the army) were Heber Miller, Archelaus Temple, and Waitstill Scott. On June 3, 1776 the town's Committee of safety recorded a petition, those members being Joseph Burt, Ebenezer Britton Jr., and John Chamberlain. On 14 March 1776 the General Congress passed a resolution which requested the Selectmen and/or the town's Committee of Safety to "require all males above twenty-one years of age (lunatics, idiots and negroes excepted ) to sign to the declaration of the paper, to pledge their lives and fortunes.. [aka the Association Test]... it was signed by one hundred and thirty of Westmoreland's citizens as follows: "Israel Amsby, Abiel Eddy, Benjamin Aldrich, Jonah Edson, Caleb Aldrich, Nathan Franklin, James Butterfield, Seth Gilbert, Ebenezer Britton, Gideon Gilbert, Ebenezer Bailey, Jonathan Goodnow, Joseph Burt, Edmund Goodnow, Ebenezer Britton 2d, Nahum Goodnow, William Brockway, Israel Goodnow, David Britton, Asa Goodnow, William Britton, Fortunatus Gleason, Luther Baily, James Gleason, Seth Britton, Benjamin Gleason, Jonas Butterfield, David Glasier, Enos Burt, Elias Gates, Caleb Briggs, Jonathan Holton, Gideon Burnham, William Hutchins, Moses Bennett, Abner How, Ephraim Brown, Daniel How, Joseph Boynton, Josiah Hacket, Daniel Blanchard, Samuel How, Moses Brown, David Johnson, Isaac Cobb, Daniel Johnson, David Cobb, Willis Johnson, Henry Chamberlain, Reuben Kendall, John Chamberlain, Daniel Keys, Roger Conant, Ephraim Leonard, Thomas Chamberlain, Jacob Leach, Jedediah Chamberlain, Sherebiah Leach, Jonathan Cole Jr. Zepheniah Leach, Aaron Chandler, Josiah Leach Jr., John Cole, Aruniah Leach, Jonathan Cole 3d, Isaac Leach, Increase Chamberlain, Josiah Leach, John Cooper, Seth Leach, Isaac Chamberlain, Nehemiah Man, Stephen Dutton, David Nathernell, David Darby, Benjamin Pierce, Nathaniel Daggett, Ebenezer Pierce, Josiah Dodge, Daniel Pierce, William Day, Amos Pierce, John Doyle, Joseph Packard, Jeptha Dow, John Ranstead, Eleazer Robbins, Noah Whitman, Robert Robbins, Joseph Wilbore, Ephraim Robbins, Philip Wilbore, John Robbins, Nathaniel Wilbore, Jonas Robbins, David Wilbore, Eleazer Robbins Jr., Philip Wilbore 2d, David Robbins, Joseph White, David Robinson, Moses White, Benjamin Rodgers, Esekiel Woodward, Micah Read, Jonathan Willis, John Snow, Artemas Wille, Jonathan Sawyer, Ephraim Wetherly, David Stacy, William Warner, Waitstill Scott, Joshua Warner, John Scott, Joshua Warner Jr., Jeremiah Tinkham, Job Warner, Alexander Trotter, John Warner, Reuben Tarbell, Henry Walton, Elijah Temple, Samuel Works, Archelaus Temple, Harridon Wheeler, John Veazy, David Winchester, Daniel Whitman, Jonathan Winchester. ---And six refused to sign, namely-- Rev. William Goddard, Leonard Keep, Job Chamberlain, Aaron Brown, Daniel Gates, and John Butterfield. Why these six men refused to sign the Test Oath is not apparent. Three of them, at least, were true patriots and performed good service in the American cause, namely--Keep, Brown and Gates, and there is no evidence whatever that the other three men were Tories. In 1775 Westmoreland was assigned to the First Regiment. The command of the regiment was given to Samuel Ashley, Esq. of Winchester. Isaac Butterfield, of this town, was its major. This was afterwards known as the Sixth New Hampshire Regiment. After the battle of Lexington in April 1775, a convention held at Exeter voted to raise two thousand men. As a result the Eighth Company of Col. Reed's regiment contained the following Westmoreland men (and was under the command of Capt. Jacob Hinds): - Isaac Stone, lieutenant - George Aldrich, second lieutenant - John Cole, sergeant - Caleb Aldrich, corporal - Samuel White, corporal - Nahum Goodenow, drummer - privates: Ebenezer Aldrich, Thomas Amsden, Job Brittain [sic], Ebenezer Chamberlain, Eleazer Robbins, Samuel Robbins, James Simonds, David Wetherell, Henry Chamberlain, David Warner, Daniel Carlisle, Nathan Wilbore, David Darby, John White, Silas Farnsworth, Job Warner, Samuel How, David Glazier, William Hutchins, Aaron Whiting, Jude Hall, John Ranstead, Ephraim Leonard, Caleb Balch, David Robbins, Ephraim Stone, Q.M. Sgt. This company consisted of 65 men, including its officers. This regiment was engaged in the memorable struggle at Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775 and together with another NH regiment, under Colonel Stark, repulsed two desperate attacks made by the flower of the British army, led by General Howe in person, and held their advanced position until their ammunition was exhausted, and, having but a few bayonets, they retreated in good order... On the 21st of June 1775, four days after the battle, Colonel Reed at Winter Hill, made his regimental return, in which we find that Capt. Hind's company is credited with 39 men fit for duty, two wounded, two sick, fourteen uninjured, one missing, five absent. These regiments were soon after reorganized as "Continental troops," or regulars, and did excellent service at Trenton and Princeton. In a document signed Sept 19, 1775, the subscribers acknowledge the receipt from Ichabod Rollins Esq payment for being enlisted in Capt Hind's COmpany in Colonel Reed's Regiment, and includes: "John Ranstead, Job Warner, Ebenezer Aldrich, Benjamin Minott, David Warner, David Glazier, Aaron Wheaton, Nathaniel Whitcomb, David Thompson, and Jonathan Thompson. In a document signed October 4, 1775 the signers of the document state they belonged to Capt. Hind's Company in Col. Reed's Regiment, and acknowledge receipt of payment.. "John Cole, William Farwell, Richard Coughlan, William Hutchins, Nahum Goodenow, Samuel Robbins, Reuben Tarbell, Luther Winslow, Daniel Warner, Ira Evans, Elijah Elmer, David Glazier, Nathaniel Whitcomb, Elijah Taylor, Ebenezer Aldrich, Eleazer Robbins, Jude Hall, Ephraim Stone, Elijah Cooper, Ebenezer Chamberlain, Nathaniel Pettingil, James Simmonds, John Meginnis, Israel Thomas, David Stoddard, David Robbins, Jonathan Thompson, Daniel Carlile, Lemuel Wentworth, Moses Belding, Josiah Powers, Jonathan Barrit, David Thompson, John W. Mitchel, Caleb Aldrich, Henry Chamberlin, Jonathan Wright, Job Warner, Elisha Belding." Nehemiah Brown was in the 9th COmpany of the same regiment. he returned in the fall of the year sick with a complication of diseases, in consequence of which he was put upon the half-pay list. His regiment participated in the battle of Bunker Hill. The records show that Aldrich, White, Cole, Darby, How, Carlisle and others each lost oa portion of their wardrobe at the battle of June 17, 1775. January 20, 1775 the NH House of Representatives voted to raise one regiment of soldiers forthwith. This regiment consisted of eight companies and was placed under the command of Colonel Timothy Bedell to reinforce the Northern Continental Army. Isaac Butterfield of Westmoreland, was major. The Second Company of this regiment was commanded by Capt. Daniel Carlisle of Westmoreland and contained the following Westmoreland men: - Ephraim Stone, second lieutenant - Timothy Butterfield, sergeant - Privates: Caleb Thayer, William Temple, Isaac Gibbs, Luke Aldrich, Joel Aldrich, Isaac Stone, Ebenezer Aldrich, John Rugg, Henry Chamberlain, Joshua Pierce, Joel Priest, Bezaleel Grandy, Daniel Gates, Philip Alexander, Thomas Amsden, Jacob Staples, Ebenezer Chamberlain, Enos Burt, Moses Brown. They arrived at a fort called "The Cedars" about 45 miles southwest of Montreal, and were present at the surrender of the fort to the British army. In the autumn of 1776 a regiment was raised for canada under Col. Joseph Wingate. As ensign of Company 6 is found William Bennett of Westmoreland. The 6th company was under the command of Captain John Houghton and included the following men from Westmoreland: "Waitstill Scott ensign, Edmund Goodnow, Samuel Cobb, Caleb Aldrich, Ephraim Leonard, William Britain, Nathan Franklin, Jonathan Houtton [sic Houghton], John Chamberlin [sic Chamberlain] and David French. In the regiment raised to reinforce the northern army, under Colonel Isaac Wyman of Keene, in August 1776, the following men are credited to Westmoreland: Benjamin Young Smith, Asahel Johnson, Jesse Nott and John Avril." In Dec 1776, NH raised a regiment of men to reinforce the continental army in the state of New York, under the command of Colonel David Gilman. The First Company was under the command of Captain Francis Towne, and included the following men from Westmoreland: "Micah Reed, sergeant; Jonathan Avery, Nathaniel Thomas, Philip Alexander, David Winchester, Jonathan Winchester." In May 1777, express-riders came into NH bearing the news of the approach of the British army upon Ticonderoga. Major-General Folsom, in command of the NH militia, called out portions of the regiments in the western part of the State to march immediately to the aid of the American army in that place.. The alarm proved false, and these regiments returned in about three weeks.. Of this regiment, Westmoreland furnished its adjutant, Ephraim Stone, and its quartermaster, Leonard Keep. Captain Waitstill Scott, of this town, commanded the First Company of Colonel Ashley's regiment. Its roll contained the following Westmoreland men: - Waitstill Scott, captain - Nathan Franklin, sergeant - John Chamberlain, second lieutenant - Ephraim, fourth sergeant - John Veazy, fourth corp. - Nahum Goodnow, drummer - Privates: Israel Amsbury, Caleb Aldrich, William Akers, Joseph Boynton, Nehemiah Brown, Job Britton, Samuel Cobb, Increase Chamberlain, Calvin Chamberlain, Reuben Kendall, William Read, John Read, Solomon Robbins, Nathaniel Daggett, Shadrach Dodge, Timothy Goodnow, Abraham Gibbs, Oliver Gerry, Daniel Whitman, Benjamin Walker, John Warner, Ephraim Wetherell, Ezekiel Woodward, David Winchester, Thomas Hazelton. [Chesterfield and Hinsdale were represented in this company]. November 9 1777, General Gates, in command at Ticonderoga wrote a letter to the officers and men of Colonel Bellows' and Ashley's regiment. These men had barely returned home when other expresses arrived with tidings that Burgoyne and his army had actually arraived within a few miles of Ticonderoga. From Westmoreland and vicinity a company of 63 men marched, of whom the following were citizens of Westmoreland: - John Cole, captain - Jonathan Holton, first lieutenant - Abial Eddy, second lieutenant - James Butterfield, ensign - William Hutchins, sergeant - Joseph White, sergeant - Jonathan sawyer, sergeant - Ephraim Sawyer, sergeant - Job Warren, corporal - Moses Briggs, corporal - David Wetherell, Corporal - Nahum Goodnow, drummer - David Foster fifer - Privates: Caleb How, David Robbins, Eleazer Robbins, Simeon Cobb, Simeon Duggett [sic Daggett], Nehemiah How, Jonas Robbins, James Gleason, John Doyle, Ebenezer Pierce, Benjamin Pierce, Samuel Works, Benjamin Extell, John Warner, Jonas Edson, Daniel How, John Snow, Nathaniel Wilbur, Timothy Butterfield, Elisha Wilbur, Ephraim Witherell, Joseph Burt, Daniel Pierce, Leonard Keep, Luther Baily, John Robbins, John Veazey, Amos Pierce, David Britton, Job Britton, John Ranstead, Reuben Tarbell, Josiah Warren, Jonathan Cole, Caleb Aldrich, Ephraim Leonard, William Britton, and Henry Chamberlain. This company left town June 28th and marched to within file miles of Otter Creek, where an express informed them that the enemy had retired. They returned to No. 4 when they were overtaken by orders to mark to Ticonderoga; they responded to the call and got within three miles of Otter Creek, where they met the army on their retreat. In a battalion of Rangers, under the command of Major Benjamin Whitcomb, of Westmoreland, 20 men were included in the First Company as follows: - Capt George Aldrich - Lieut. Jonas Butterfield - Lieut. David Goddenough - Sergt. Manassah Sawyer - Corp. Elijah Temple - Drummer Joseph How - Privates: Uriah Temple, Samuel Britton, Nathaniel Whitcomb, William Martin, Selah How, Asa Pratt, James Winton, Noah Levans, Perley Rogers, James Eddy, Abel Pierce, Jeduthan Roberts, and Francis A. Kerly. During a portion of the time this batallion was in service, Ephraim Stone was captain of the Second Company. All of these men were from Westmoreland. It consisted of three companies, with few changes, was thus organized throughout the Revolutionary War and was dismissed in 1781. The field of operation of this battalion was extended; from the upper valley of the Connecticut it circled through Canada to Lake Champlain and southward to the vicinity of Bennington. A brigade composed of three regiments, one of which was under Colonel Nichols, composed of ten companies, the Eighth of which went from Westmoreland, assembling at Keeps hotel on Park Hill July 22, 1777. The roll of this company consisted of sixty-one men, some of whom were from Chesterfield. It was the third company to report to General Stark at Charlestown.. Provisions being scarce, Aaron Wheeler and Job F. Brooks, two of our thrifty farmers, each carried up to Charlestown a two-horse load of supplies. This company contained the following Westmoreland men: - Amos Pierce lieut. - Jonathan Holton, lieut. - Jonathan Sawyer, Sergt. - Ephraim Saywer Sergt - Jonathan Cole, corporal - Sam'l Robbins, corporal - Benoni Tisdale, fifer - Privates: Ephraim Amidon, Elisha Belding, Nehemiah Brown, Simeon Cobb, Simeon Daggett, Daniel Glazier, Richard Haselton, William Haselton, Josiah Leach Jr., Benjamin Pierce, Jonathan Robbins, Solomon Robbins, Eleazer Robbins, John Robbins, John Ranstead, and John Warner. Of this company, later in the year, when ambushed by "Tories," "Ranstead fell pierced with sixteen bullets and Tisdale was shot through the lungs. No other Westmoreland man was killed; but others were wounded, among whom was Lieutenant Jonathan Holton, a ball nearly tearing off his upper lip and passing out of his right cheek; at the same time a buck-shot entered his left cheek and lodged near his right eye. The New Hampshire Assmebly granted Holton, August 20, 1778 the sum of 11 pounds 6d. and half pay. At the Battle of Bennington, two Hessian prisoners taken at this battle, Abner Darby and Daniel Frazier, afterwards settled in this town [of Westmoreland]. In the rolls of the officers of the First Regiment, under Colonel Cilley, we find the following men from Westmoreland: Jason Wait, captain COmpany 2; William Hutchins, lieutenant. In Captain Hutchin's company we fine Stephen Lord, aged forty, enlisted April 19, 1777; also David Johnson Jr., aged twenty-one, enlisted June 6th. In Scammell's regiment, in Capt John Grigg's company we find Josiah Powers, aged thirty-three, mustered May 1777 for three years; also Calvin Chamberlain, mustered February 4, 1778. In February 1781 we find Caleb Aldrich, sergeant in Captain Benjamin Ellis's company. In the Second Regiment, under Colonel Rice, we find Benj. Whitcomb, major; Geo. Aldrich, captain, and Jonas Butterfield, lieut. The First New Hampshire Continental Regiment was recruited and organized in April 1777. Col. John Stark having resigned, Col. Joseph Cilley was appointed to its command. This regiment, with the Second and Third NH were assigned to a brigade commanded by General Sullivan, whose headquarters at this time were at Ticonderoga. The First Company of the First Regiment was under the command of Capt. Isaac Farwell, and contained many Cheshire county men, and James Simons from Westmoreland. The record speaks of him being twenty-six years of age, is credited with eighteen miles mileage (from Westmoreland to Charlestown); he received twenty pounds bounty. Other soldiers recorded in various documents of the town for service during the American Revolution include, James Simons, Lieut. Ebenezer Britton Jr., William Martin, Solomon Robins. **WAR OF 1812-1815** Relating to this war the records of Westmoreland are singularly deficient. From fragmentary evidence we have found, however, abundant proof that the town was not reluctant to respond to every call for men in defense of country and liberty. This war with Great Britain was declared June 19, 1812. September 9th following Governor Gilman ordered "The whole of the militia to be in readiness to march at a moment's warning." A detatchment from twenty-three regiments were ordered to march to Portsmouth immediately. These men were organized upon arrival into a brigade, the First Regiment of which was under the command of Nat Fisk, of Westmoreland, as Lieutenant Colonel COmmandant. Under his {Nat FIsk] command in Capt. Marsh'a company, we find Abial Bridges and Otis Briggs transferred from Capt. Warner's company to Jonathan Robbins. In the same regiment we find in Capt. Oliver Warner's company, the names of Henry Mason, ensign; Benjamin Brown, sergeant; Privates Jonathan Robbins and Otis Briggs; all enlisted for three months from September. In the Second Regiment, under Colonel Steel, in Capt. James M. Warner's company, we find Lewis Reed, corporal; Elijah Barrows, drummer; and Privates Henry Bemis, Cephas Clark, Zera Hutchins, Jonathan Hall Jr., Edmund Simmons, Aaron Wheeler, Carley Wheeler, Joseph Welborn. These men all enlisted for sixty days and were musted September 25, 1814. In the Eleventh Regiment of United States Infantry, under Lieut-Col Bedel, recruited at Concord during the summer of 1813 we find the names of Timothy Aldrich, ensign; Caleb briggs, Ephraim Leonard, Benjamin How; the latter was wounded in the leg at the battle of Chippewa. Doubtless others were enlisted whose names are not known or recognized by the compiler in the long army rolls. **WAR OF THE REBELLION** [EXCERPTS ONLY -- the original document shows the company, batallion, and other data, while only the names of those from Westmoreland who were known to have participated in the War of the Rebellion [Civil War] from Westmoreland are shown here: Lewis W. Aldrich, Lewis W. Aldrich 2d, William Aiken, William C. Aiken, Charles L. Aiken, Amasa O. Amidon, Tileston A. Barker, Frank T. Barker, Joseph Burcham, William J. Burcham, George H. Britton, Charles H. Burgess, David Curtin, John Curtin, Patrick H. Curtin, Charles Campbell, Norton E. Chamberlain, William F. Clark, JohN Conner, Isaac W. Derby, Elisha Douglass, Samuel E. Douglass, Charles L. Derby, John C. Farnham, Edwin J. Goodnow, Timothy M. Gary, James K. Greeley, Charles P. Hall, Franklin J. Hall, George Hall, Aristides Heustis, Fay Keith, Samuel I. Leach, Albert G. Leach, Charles H. Leach, Leonard Lowe, James B. Mason, Amos S. Metcalf, Leslie K. Osborne, William L. Pratt, Isaac W. Rawson, Henry M. Staples, Warren Streeter, Albert W. Streeter, Ezra F. Streeter, Frederick A. Timothy, Holland Wheeler, Sidney P. Winchester, Hiram Woodward, Edgar F. Wiley, Sidney H. Young, and Edwin Young. The following is the list of non-resident soldiers credited to Westmoreland: William Miller, Charles Nelson, William Smith, William Thompson, Anton Crick, John Ervin, Henry Jacobs, Charles Johnson, George Wilson, James Smith, Luther Jossely, Joseph Williams, Franklin Vose, John Anderson, James Bennett, Walter Comstock, Joseph Coyne, Jeremiah Carroll, James Malone, James M. Janess, John Brown, Ransom D. Pettingill, George Clark, Mitchell Brennan, John Clark, Simon Dyer, and John Coleman. *** CHURCHES **** THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH--In May 1762 the proprietors of the town voted to "build a meeting house 80x40 feet, with twenty-foot posts." This was located in the northeast corner of the present North cemetery. November 7, 1764, a society was formed, consisting of eight members, viz: Joshua Warren, Amos Davis, Samuel Minot, Joseph Pierce, Abner How, Joshua Hyde, Jonathan Houghton, and Daniel Warren. On the same day, Rev. William Goddard, a graduate of Harvard in 1761, was installed as its first pastor. In the autumn of 1779 the church building was removed to Parkhill. January 1, 1828, a church society was formed at the south village, by the withdrawal of a part of the Parkhill congregation. A church building was erected that year, which did service until 1837, when it was destroyed by fire. The Universalist society helped build the church, and subsequently demanded its use part of the time. Therefore, about 1828, they united in having the same pastor, preaching to the congregations on alternate Sabbaths. After the burning of the church, the society united with the church at Parkhill and worshipped with them until 1852. On the 26th of December, of that year, the society was re-organized, and Rev. Robert W. Fuller settled as pastor. The present church building was erected that year, which seats 275 persons. In 1873 the societies re-united. The society now has sixty-eight members, with Rev. Roswell Foster, pastor, who preaches at both churches on alternate Sabbaths. THE UNIVERSALIST CHURCH located at Westmoreland village, was organized December 1,, 1838 by Wilson Gleason, Haskell Buffum, Barton Symonds, Stephen Baker, John Pierce, and others, with thirty members, Rev. Charles Woodhouse being the first pastor. When the Congregational church was burned, as mentioned above, its ruins were purchased by those who formed this society, and they now have a neat wood structure capable of seating 250 persons and valued at $3,000. The site of the church was donated for this purpose by Josiah Knight. The society is now small in numbers, and has no regular pastor. THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH, at East Westmoreland, was organized at an early date. IN 1852 the society voted to build a new meeting-house, and for this purpose an old Baptist church was bought and moved to its present site, being fitted up at an expense of $1,300. It will seat 200 persons, and is now valued at $1,500. The society now has twenty-five members, supplied with preaching by Rev. N.D. Parson of Putney, Vt. To this society Rev. Mosees Winchester preached twenty years, and Jehiel Claflin, who still resides in the village, over twenty years. James L. Pierce also preached four years, and James R. Phillips two years. THE BAPTIST CHURCH--A Baptist society was formed in East Westmoreland as early as 1771. Rev. Ebenezer Baily was ordained its first pastor, November 30, 1773. The members of this society mainly came from Middleborough, Mass, and were members of its first church. The first church building erected by this society stood upon the opposite side of the common from school house No. 2. January 3, 1789 this society voted to build a new house and to locate it west of the old house, and adjacent to the old site. This house was built and completed Oct. 1790. In 1800 a petition for incorporation was filed at the General Court. Signers of the petition included Caleb Aldrich Jr., Dudley Thomas, Wm. Brettun, Daniel Wilber, Sammuel Robbins, Paul Clark, John Brown, Ephraim Brown, Asa Hancock, Joseph Whitney, Noah Fuller Jr., Stephen Bowker, Ebenr Wright, John White, Chever Fowler, Levi Hancock, John Chamberlain, Benja Leonard, John Chamberlain Jr., Jonathan Wilber, Levi Ware, Oliver Wright, Oliver Smith, Jabez Straton, Nehemiah brown, Philip Britton, Cyrus Staples, Benjamin Merryfield, Joshua Fuller, Benjamin Carpenter, John Snow, Elijah A. Hall, Amos Brown, Zephaniah Leach Jr., Samuel Woodward, William Aldrich, Jona Winchester, Rufus Smith, Seth Bretun, Joshua Hall, John Paul. On Dec 10, 1800 this society was incorporated by legislative enactment by the name of the First Baptist Society in Westmoreland. [there were several other churches build, and more information of the original document not included here.] *** SCHOOLS *** Previous to 1785 the selectmen of Westmoreland had made some provisions for public instruction by employing sundry itinerant instructors to teach the children of the town who were capable of learning to read, wirte and cast accounts, and also to instruct them once a week in some orthodox catechism... Probably the first school house ever erected in town was in the southwest corner of the old cemetery, near the residence of Fred G. Parker. In early times the eaves of the church sheltered with fostering care the school-house. The earliest record found of any action of the town relating to schools was a vote passed in March 20, 1748 to divide the town into four districts, to be called squadrons. Later on six school-houses were constructed in different portions of the town and were located as follows: One nearly opposite the present No. 4 house; one on the road leading from F.M. Proctor's house to Chesterfield, near the south line; one near the house of Adin T. Reed; one at the Hill village; one on the north side of old highway, in the valley east of the present No. 9 house, and one probably near the present No. 11 house. In 1794 the town chose Caleb Aldrich Jr., William Hutchins and Nathan Babbitt a committee "to make a new division of the town into schoolricks." March 15, 1816 Jotham Lord, one of the prominent men of the town, donated to the town the sum of ten dollars to be used by the town, and in early years the general understanding was that the interest from that sum would be devoted to the schools. About the same time the will of Eliphalet Fox donated one thousand dollars specifying that interest from this money be devoted to the support of schools. [much more on schools found in original document, not included here].' ***TOWN OFFICERS** [ONLY A PARTIAL liST IS GIVEN BELOW] Moderators of Annual Meetings: Joseph Burt --1775, 1777-1779, 1781, 1788-89, 1791-93, 1795-96, 1798-99, 1802-6, 1808-10 Ebenezer Britton, 1776 Benjamin Pierce 1780-1782 Isaac Chamberlain 1783 George Aldrich 1784 Nathan Franklin 1785-86, 1797 Amos Babcock 1787, 1790, 1794 Nathan Estabrooks 1800 Joseph Buffun 1801, 1807 David Dwight 1815-1816-1817 --- TOWN CLERKS Herb Miller, 1775-1783 John Doolittle, 1784-1788 Caleb Aldrich Jr., 1789-1809, 1811 Daniel Brooks 1810 Benjamin Snow, 1812-1814 Joshua Britton 1815 to 1816 Theophalas [sic] Hoit 1817 Allen Pratt, 1818-1827 Larkin baker, 1828-1840 Charles F. Brooks, 1842-1842 Nathan G. Babbit, 1843-1845 Anson Cole, 1846-1849, 1851-1842, 1864 Timothy Hoskins 1850 -- REPRESENTATIVES Joseph Wilber 1775 and 1785 Heber Miller 1776 Ebenezer Britton 1777 and 1778 Joseph Burt, 1779-80, 1793-96; 1781 voted not to send Isaac Chamberlain 1782-1783 Samuel Works 1765, 1786 Amos Babcock 1787 Archilaus Temple 1788-1792 and 1797 Alpheus Moore 1798 Ezra Pierce 1799-1802 William Britton 1803, 1813-1815 Joseph Buffum 1804-1807 Job F. Brooks, 1808-1809 Broughton White, 1810 Ephraim Brown Jr. 1811 and 1812 Daniel Dwight 1816 and 1817 Simeon Cobb 2d 1818-1819, 1821-1823 Jotham Lord Jr. 1820, 1824, 1835, 1836 Larkin Baker, 1825 and 1826 Samuel Winchester 1827 and 1828 --- SELEcTMEN 1775-Heber Miller, Archelaus Temple, Waitstill Scott 1776-Heber Miller, Benjamin Pierce, Ebeneser Britton 1777-Joseph Burt, Amos Pierce, Ephraim Stone 1778-Joseph Burt, Ephraim Stone, Daniel Pierce 1779-Joseph Welbore, Nathan Franklin, William Hutchins 1780-Ebenezer Britton, Isaac Butterfield, Micah Read 1781-Jonas Butterfield, Abner Darby, Israel Amsbury 1782-Abiel Eddy, Benjamin Pierce, Joseph Burt, John Doolittle and Joshua Pierce 1783-Isaac Chamberlain, Ebenezer Britton, Samuel Works and Isaac Butterfield 1784-John Doolittle, Azariah Leach, William Hutchins 1785-George Aldrich, William Hutchins, Azariah Leach 1786-George Aldrich, Nathan Franklin, Nathaniel Wilbore 1787-Ezra Pierce, Samuel Cobb, Caleb Aldrich 1788-Ezra Pierce, Caleb Aldrich Jr., Jonas Robbins 1789-Caleb Aldrich Jr., Jonas Robbins, George Cobb 1790-Caleb Aldrich Jr., George Cobb, David Hutchins 1791-Caleb Aldrich Jr., David Hutchins, Ezra Peirce 1792-Caleb Aldrich Jr., Ezra Pierce, Nathan Babbitt *** LAWYERS *** Westmoreland has never presented a rich field for the legal fraternity. The number of resident practitioners of the law have been few. The name of ELIJAH WOLLAGE is the first to appear on our records. Furthermore than evidence that he was an influential man in our town affairs we are ignorant. Following him came, in 1791, JEREMIAH MASON. He was born in 1768 in Connecticut, graduated at Yale in 1788, admitted to the bar in 1791 and began practice of his profession in Westmoreland, where he remained three years and then removed to Portsmouth. He soon was recognized as the head of his profession in this State, whose bar, at that time, was then, and perhaps since, unequaled in this country. In the State Legislature and the United States Senate alike he was easily "The first and foremost." DANIEL DWIGHT followed him and practiced many years. In 1816 and 1817 he represented the town and held, at different times, positions of public trust and confidence. NATHAN GODFREY BABBITT also practiced law many years. He was born in Newton, Mass., February 12, 1787; he came to this town about 1790. JOSEPH BUFFUM was born in Fitchburg, Mass., September 23, 1784, graduated at Darmouth College, studied law and was admitted to the Cheshire bar. For some years he practiced in Keene and was elected a Representative in the XVIth United States Congress, where he served one term. Declining a re-election, he removed to his paternal homestead in this town, where he lived many years, and died February 23, 1874, at the ripe old age of eighty-nine years. While adopting for many years of his life recluse habits, still he was known and respected by his townsmen generally as a man of sound judgement and of incorruptible honesty. LARKIN BARKER was born in this town September 17, 1795, and remained until his decease, February 2, 1872. For many years his counsel was sought from far and near upon all legal matters. Possessed of a tenacious memory, an aptness for scholarship, he soon took a prominent place in both town and county. He held the commission of justice of the peace during nearly the whole of his business career, and transacted nearly all the business of the town in this line. He was assistant judge of the Court of Common Pleas seven years, judge of Probate for Cheshire County twenty-two years, resigning in 1864 by reason of poor health, and held, at different times, all the offices within the gift of his native town. *** PAUPERS *** "The poor ye have always with you." The first record that relates to the poor is July 7, 1783,--"Voted that a woman who resides at the house of Joshua Pierce, who is warned out of town, be carried out of town according to the directions of the law." At this time it was the common practice of the towns generally to warn out new-comers with the view to prevent their acquiring a legal settlement. This had to be done within a year after the person came into town. It does not appear that Westmoreland practiced the protection given by the law, as we find only one necessary record, "where it speaks of having warned out all indiscriminately, without regard to their condition or ability to support themselves." For many years the paupers were let out to the lowest bidder, subject to the judgement of the overseers. In September 2, 1791 we find the following unique record: "Voted that Josiah Powers and widow Miller be vendued by the Selectmen to the lowest bidder at this meeting. Widow Miller struck off to Mr. Joseph BUffum for two shillings and nine pence per week, until March meeting next. Josiah Powers struck off to Mr. Elias Gates for one shilling and seven pence per wekk." In 1832 the town purchsed of Nat Daggett his farm for a poor-farm, having raised $2,000 for this purpose, and there supported its paupers until its sale, in 1874. The repeated changes in the law have been in the direction of throwing more and more the burthen of the support of the poor upon the county; this rendered town poor-farms as useless expense. In 1868 a county almshouse was located and built in this town. We can no more fittingly illustrate the quotation heading this brief article than by referring to one of the town paupers by the name of Grace Goodnow, who died at the extremely old age of over one hundred and sixteen years, and was undoubtedly the oldest person without our town records. *** CEMETERIES *** WIthout doubt the first cemetery dedicated in Westmoreland for burial purposes was the one near the residence of F.G. Parker. Here, in the northwest corner of the yard, "Each in his narrow cell forever laid, The rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep." Whether this yard was founded by private enterprise or at public expense we know not; but be that as it may, the good sense and taste exercised in selecting this beautiful site as the "city for the dead" must be unquestioned. The cemetery upon Canoe Meadow also bears an early date. About 1805 Nathaniel Daggett deaded the land to Nathan Franklin and others upon the condition that it be kept inclosed forever for the purposes of a cemetery. The lot has been used many years prior for the same purpose. The oldest inscription in this yard is that of Mrs. Amos Davis, bearing date of September 6, 1764. For years prior to 1832 two contiguous lots, divided by a stone wall, running north and south, near the residence of Willard R. Gline, were used for cemeterial purposes. Nathan Franklin owned the lot upon the east side of the wall, Phineas Glines the one upon the west side. This year both gave their respective lots to the town in trust for the uses of a cemetery forever. The dividing wall was removed and the two lots inclosed in one. Soon after Edward Simmons built a private family tomb therein. The oldest cemetery in the East Parish was situate east of the dwelling place of F.W. and F.P. Hall, on the north side of the highway. For many years it has been uncared for, and in consequence assumed the look of dilapidation. Though silent, still it speaketh in unmistakable language, forgetfulness. The cemetery now used in this parish originated in a gift of a lot of land from Aldred Aldrich to certain individuals upon the consideration that an inclosing wall should be built for the purposes of a cemetery. The inclosing wall was built in 1847. The sextons of this yeard have been Alfred Aldrich, Liberty Page, and Joshua Hall. Lemuel Wright was the first one buried therein. Aaron Gary, who built the inclosing wall, was the first one buried therein after its completion. The South Village Cemetery originated in 1851 from a gift of land for this purpose from John D. Brown. Already though the years are brief since its inclosure, still how numerous its spires of marble today! The Pratt Cemetery was inclosed by Rev. Allen Pratt and deeded by him to the town in trust for this purpose. *** BIOGRAPHIES AND GENEALOGIES OF EARLY SETTLERS AND PROMINENT RESIdENTS *** WILLIAM AIKEN came here from Londonderry Vt in 1816, located upon the place now owned by George R. Perry on road 38, and married Eunice Vezey, of this town. Five of their seven children are living, three residing in town. Of these. CORDELIA AIKEN married Curtis Emory, a carpenter, and lives on Park hill. CLARA E. AIKEN married Frank A. Kathan, of this town. CHARLES L. AIKEN lives on Park hill, works at the mason's trade, and carries on a farm of fifty acres. He married Alice Cobb, and has three children. ICHABOD ALBEE, a soldier of the Revoltuion, came to this town from Mendon, Mass., February 23, 1787, and settled at what was called Mendon Corners. He reared a family of six children, as follows: Esther, Abisa, John, Azubah, Hardin and Sumner, all now dead. ABISA ALBEE lived in Chesterfield and in Swanzey after his marriage. JOHN ALBEE remained on the old homestead, was well known here, being town representative and holding other offices of trust. AZUBAH ALBEE married Abijah French and resided here. HARDIN ALBEE married Almira H. Howard, and located in Swanzey in 1827, upon the place where John Conboy now lives. SUMNER ALBEE located in Chesterfield, and was also well known. All the children of Ichabod Albee lived to be over sixty years of age. MR. CALEB ALDRICH and his wife came from Abington, Mass in 1768 or 1770 and were among the first settlers of the East Parish. Their place for many years was owned and occupied by a worthy descendant, Arvin Aldrich, Esq. Mrs. Aldrich brought in her pocket some pear-seeds which she planted, and thus raised the first pear-trees on town. CAPTAIN GEORGE ALDRICH, was the son of BENJAMIN ALDRICH (formerly spelled Alldridge) one of the original grantees of the town. George was born in Walpole Mass March 13, 1738, and came to Westmoreland with his father's family in 1743, living here most of the time until his decease July 17, 1815. The year following their coming to this town, 1744, the French and Indian War broke out and it became hazardous to reside here. The Aldrich family then removed to Northfield Mass and remained until 1752. In 1755 the "Old French War," so called broke out. The Great Meadow fort was garrisoned. For five years George Aldrich did duty as a soldier therein. In 1758 he enlisted under Captain Barnard, of Deerfield, in Colonel William's regiment, under General Abercrombie, and was present at the disastrous battle of Ticonderoga. At the close of this campaign, Aldrich returned and performed guard duty for some time... After the organization of the militia, after peace was concluded, he was appointed to the command of the Twentieth Regiment and afterwards of the brigade. He was not excelled as an officer. In 1805 he was a Presidential elector. In 1807, 1808, 1809 and 1810 he was a senator from the Tenth district. He was repeated called to position of public trust within the gift of the town, and was ever a prominent and public-spirited citizen, and was one of the original members of the lodge of Free-Masons in this town, known as the New Jerusalem Lodge No. 3. He married Azubah How, September 30, 1762, and reared a family of seven children. During the American Revolution he was a member of a battalion of "Rangers," and an officer (major). ALLEN ALDRICH was born in the eastern part of this town, on the farm now owned by ARVIN ALDRICH, on road 14. This place has always been in the Aldrich family since granted by King George III. Arvin was a son of NILES ALDRICH, and a grandson of NILES SR. Allen had three sons, CLARK B. ALDRICH, who was a merchant in Syracuse, NY; GEORGE A. ALDRICH who was killed by the Indians in California in 1849; and BARTON C. ALDRICH who has always lived upon the farm where he was born on road 1. He has been selectman six years, supervisor for the past two years, and is at present chairman of the board of supervisors. He married Elmira Hapgood, of Peru Vt., and has had born to him five children, only two of whom are living. His daughter lives at Bellows Falls Vt., and the only won, who has a family of four children, lives at home and carries on his father's farm. BARTON C. ALDRICH is now sixty-three years of age. EPHRAIM AMIDON moved to Westmoreland, from Oxford, Mass., previous to 1777, and settled upon the farm now owned by his grandson, who bears his name. He was a member of Captain Kimball Carlton's company in 1777, and was at the battle of Bennington. He died in Westmoreland at the age of seventy-three years. NATHANIEL AMIDON, one of his ten children, always lived on the old homestead, and reared a family of nine children, one of whom, EPHRAIM, a farmer and carpenter, married Sally P., daughter of Gardner Smith, of Chesterfield, and has had born to him six children, five sons and one daughter, all living, three of them living in Brattleboro, two in Chesterfield and JAMES W. with his father on the homestead. ARABY BARKER, son of BENJAMIN BARKER, was born on the farm now owend by Warren Chase. He reared a family of five children, three of whom are living, two residing in this town, and died when his son ALLEN A. BARKER was but seven years of age. His widow married Wilson Gleason, who died in 1866. ALLEN A. BARKER married Ella M., daughter of John A. Chamberlain, and has no children. His mother and sister still live with him. His brother, HENRY H. BARKER is married and lives in Keene. COL. TILESTON A. BARKER, one of the eleven children of BENJAMIN and Abigail BARKER, was born in Westmoreland April 18, 1807. When quite young he began the manufacturing of boots and shoes. He was appointed mail agent from Boston to Burlington, and held this office eight years under the administration of Pierce and Buchanan. His honesty and integrity were above question, and he was very active in town and state affairs. He was door-keeping in the House of Representatives eleven years, was town representative five years, and was state senator in 1872 and 1873. He took an active part in the war of the Rebellion [Civil War], being captain of a company which he himself recruited. He enlisted first as a three months' man, later on in Co. A., 2d NH Vols, and was at the battles of Bull Run, Malvern Hill, and the seven days fight before Richmond, and Williamsburgh [sic]. Still later, when the 14th NH Vols were organized, he was lieutenant-colonel, and served as such until the close of the war. He lived with impaired health until December 7, 1879, when he died at his son's residence in Keene, and was buried in Westmoreland with masonic honors. Col. Barker married Senira Albee, of Chesterfield, who bore him three sons, the youngest dying in infancy. COL. FRED A. BARKer now lives in Keene, and CAPT. FRANK T. BARKeR lives in Bradford, Penn [PA]. WILLARD BILL SR., the great grand-son of SAMUEL BILL, who was one of the first settlers of Gilsum [NH] came to this town in 1835, and located upon the farm where his son now lives, on road 24. He removed to Gilsum in 1866. His son, WILLARD BILL JR., who was born upon this place, took charge of the farm when his father moved away, and has had the care of it ever since. He has held a town office since he was twenty-one years of age, and is now forty-four years of age. He has been selectman and town treasurer seven years, moderator, auditor, and county commissioner three years, has been justice of the peace for the last fifteen years, and state justice for the last four years. He now settles a great many estates, is guardian of orphan children, and is agent of the Cheshire County Mutual Insurance Company, of Keene. He has been secretary of the Westmoreland Fire Insurance Company ever since its organization in 1876. He married Ellen O. Isham, and has two daughters, both at home. OLIVER L. BRIGGS--Of the successful men who have gone out from the "Old Granite State" to win fortune in the broad field of activity is Oliver L. Briggs, of Boston, Mass, a native of the town of Westmoreland NH. He comes of good Puritan stock, and in his business career has evinced many of the principles of the forefathers of our American republic. CALEB BRIGGS, his great-grandfather, was born in Rehoboth, Mass., Feburary 27, 1743, and married for his first wife, Annie Luther. THey had five children, two dying in infancy, and the three arriving to maturity were Delia, Lemuel and Luther. His second wife was Chloe French, and their married life continued for thirty-five years. He married third, Mrs. Mercy Farr. CALEB BRIGGS came to Westmoreland in 1770, where he died in 1825, aged eighty-two years, having lived a long life of usefulness. LEMUEL BRIGGS, his oldest son, was born in Rehoboth, Mass in 1767, and when three years of age he removed, with his parents, to Westmoreland NH when the now well-cultivated farms were a wilderness. He passed his early life aiding his father in clearing the land and tilling the soil and preparing a place to live. He was not finely, but strongly educated, receiving an education which was the best fitted for his sphere in life, and which, while it developed the muscles, also developed the mental powers, and gave to his descendants, a goodly inheritance of pluck, persistency and perseverance, which enabled them to accomplish their aim in life. In 1791 he married Polly Stephens, who bore him seven children--Polly, Lemuel, Elenor, Luther, Amasa, Philander S. and Rhoda. Lemuel Briggs died in Westmoreland in 1868, after being a resident for nearly ninety-eight years, aged one hundred years, nine months and nine days... AMASA BRIGGS, the fifth child of Lemuel and Polly (Stephens) Briggs was born in Westmoreland, and, following the occupation of his father, became an agriculturist. He married Sally Leonard. She was a descendant of the Leonard Family who were early settlers in Plymouth County, Mass., and prominent in England for many generations, coming from Leonard, Lord Dacre of England, and through two lines from Edward II, viz, through John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and Thomas Plantagenet, Duke of Gloucester. Their children were Angeline (who died in infancy), Lucy and Oliver L (twins; Lucy died at the age of twenty), Ortensia (who married John E. Vazey, and had two children, Tensia and John E.), Alonzo (married Lillian Roberts of Boston), and Lyman (married Alice Varney and has one child, Margery). OLIVER LEONARD BRIGGS, the oldest son of Amasa and Sally (Leonard) Briggs, was born in Westmoreland NH September 18, 1832. His early life, until he was eighteen was passed at home, laboring upon the farm, and enjoying the usual privileges of country common schools, and a few terms at High School. He was not strong physicially, and unsuited to farm labor, and this fact, together with a laudable ambition to go from home and make for himself a place in the world of industry, induced him at the time (1850) to go to Boston, and he commenced his successful business life. He, at first, accepted a position as clerk for his uncle, Philander S. Briggs, a West Indian goods merchant; he served him faithfully, for a few years and then entered the store of James B. Door, on Tremont Street, as bookkeeper, where he remained for some time, diligently attending to his duties, and living in a quiet manner, in order to accumulate something from his salary towards a capital of the future, and all this time his keen and inquiring mind was seeking to devise some way to enable him to enlarge his opportunities. At length he established himself in the wholesale and retail book trade, and in the meantime, believing that "Knowledge is wealth," or one of the ways to it, he supplemented his education by studying French and book-keepings, and graduated from Comer's Commercial College with a good record. He carried on this business successfully for about six years, when he moved to the south part of the city, and engaged in the manufacture of croquet sets, parlor billiards and similar games for children, for several years, and was financially successful. In 1870 he conceived the idea of going to Jacksonville, Fla., for the purpose of manufacturing furniture, but illness prevented him from carrying his plan into execution. In 1871, his health being re-established, he enlarged his plant, and commenced making full-size billiard tables. Their superiority being fully established, he has prosperously continued his enterprise, and his tables are now found in private residences and popular resorts throughout the country, and Mr. Briggs has devised many mechanical contrivances to keep pace with modern improvements, among others the attachment of an improved cushion, which he patented in October 1871. Mr. Briggs married Mary S. Stone, a lady of culture and refinement. [She is the daughter of Rev. Cyrus and Abigail (Kimball) Stone. Mr. STone was a native of Marlborough NH, a missionary in Bombay, India, and a writer of note. Mrs. Stone was a teacher there under the auspices of the American Board, and their daughter was born in India]. Mr. and Mrs. Briggs, have one son, FREDERICK HUNTINGTON BRIGGS, aged nineteen years, who is now pursuing a collegiate course at Brown University, at Providence, R.I. Mr. Briggs is now in the full vigor of his manhood, enjoying the competency which he had acquired by his own unaided exertions..... ZENAS BRITTON was born in this town, a grandson of WILLIAM BRITTON, who came here from Raynham, Mass. He reared a family of seven children, six of whom are living. Two of them, WILLIAM B. BRITTON and DAPHNE C. BRITTON reside in town. The latter married Solon Chickering, has two sons, who lived at home, and resides on road 35. WILLIAM B. was born in the eastern part of the town, on the old homestead, which was first settled by his great-grandfather William. He married Delia S. Derry of Townshend Vt., has eight children, five sons and three daughters, all of whom are living at home. Mr. Britton has never been out of the town more than four weeks at a time during his life. He has always been a farmer, living on his present place most of his life, has been supervisor of this town, and has been highway surveyor seventeen years. He is a ferryman on the Connecticut river, at Britton's Ferry. SILAS BROWN JR., was born here, on the farm now owned by B. Howe. He has two children, both living, and lived for fifty years on the farm now owned by his son, GEORGE S. BROWN on road 34. His wife died August 1, 1883, and his death occurred August 8, 1883. His daughter, MARY E. BROWN lives in Warren, Mass., and his son, GEORGE S. BROWN upon the farm where he was born. The latter married Eva Webber, of this town. ERASMUS BUFFUM, son of JOSEPH BUFFUM, who came here from Rhode Island, was always a farmer, and reared a family of eight children, three of whom live in town. JEWETT E. BUFFUM, son of Erasmus, is a farmer, on road 32. JAMES BUFFUM another son, married Louise M. Howe of this town, has been a farmer most of his life, and resides on the old homestead. HASKELL BUFFUM--This family is of English descent. Robert Buffun emigrated to America from Yorkshire, England and settled in Salem, Mass where his name was recorded in 1638. He died in 1679. His wife, Thomasine, was born in 1606, died in 1688. They had seven children. Their son Caleb Buffum, born in Salem, 1650, married Hannah, daughter of Joseph Pope, who came to America at the same time with Robert. Caleb died in 1731. Benjamin, son of Caleb born 1686, married a Buxton. Joseph, his son, born 1717, died 1796, married Margaret Osborne, born 1719. Their son, JOSEPH BUFFUM, born in Smithfield, R.I. 1754, emigrated to Westmoreland in 1784, and lived in the south part of the town and was a farmer. He married Sally, daughter of Elias Haskell, of Lancaster, Mass. THey had seven sons, all of whom inherited the strong mind, persistent will and good common sense for which the family has ever been remarkable.... Mr. Buffum died in Westmoreland in 1829, his wife survived him dying September 1848. THEIR CHILDREN AS FOLLOWS: JOSEPH BUFFUM, the oldest of these seven children was graduated at Dartmouth College, became a lawyer, was a member of Congress in 1818, and, at one time, postmaster at Keene, and a man of marked ability, dying unmarried. SEWELL BUFFUM, married Fanny Atherton of Chesterfield, they had two children, George and Frances A. ERASMUS BUFFUM married Hepsy Thayer of Westmoreland. Their children were Solon Buffum (of Staten Island), Alba, James, Sally, Mary and Jewett E. WILLIAM BUFFUM married Mary Ann, daughter of Thomas Gordon of Sterling Conn., and their children were William G., Rufus E., Joseph H., George D., Edward W. and Sarah Ann. HASKELL BUFFUM. SOLON BUFFUM who died young. DAVID BUFFUM, who married Mary, daughter of Hon. Thomas and Eleanor (Foster) Bellows and had children THomas B. and Ann Reynolds. HASKELL BUFFUM, the fifth son of JOSEPH [above] and Sally (Haskell) BUFFUM, was born in Westmoreland, September 29, 1795. A farmer's son and one of a large family, he was early obliged to labor, and his opportunities for school education were limited to the district school, supplemented by one term at Chesterfield Academy.... In April 1820, he married Seloma, daughter of Jonathan Wood. She was a woman of good thought, an almost unfailing memory, bright and cheerful in her manners and disposition. She died December 1883, aged eighty-four years and three months. Their children were: HASKELL W. BUFFUM, now at Walla Walla, Washington Territory, who married Mary Burker of Pittsburgh PA and have five children now living. JULIA BUFFUM, who married Dr. Charles Lord of Westmoreland, and settled in Shakopee, Minn., and have seven children. JOSEPH BUFFUM married Maria A. Ramaley of Pittsburg PA, and of their seven children, five surrive, the oldest, Dr. J.H. Buffum, is an oculist and aurist in Chicago IL. SELOMA BUFFUM married F.W. Jenkins of Pittsburgh PA and have five children. Mary A. married Jason D. Wheeler of San Francisco Cal.; Caroline J. married Stephen H. Burt of Westmoreland, she died April 17, 1881, they had seven children. Sarah A. married John D. Ramaley, now living at St. Paul, Minn, has two children. Susan A., twin-sister of Sarah A, died aged four years. Coralinn H. married John Works (son of Aaron Works of Westmoreland, a life-long resident of the town and a prominent man in business and social circles), they have had three children, Mary B. (died age nine years, Walter L. and Frederick A. It ws with this daughter Mrs. Works, that Mr. Buffum passed his declining years. Mr. Buffum was a participant in the civil business of his native town, having been selectman and representative to the Legislature two terms. He was actively interested in the military organizations of the State, and carefully preserved his commissions of ensign, Fifth Company, Twentieth Regiment of militia, recieved from Governor Plumer, June 30, 1819, that of lieutenaqnt, dated March 24, 1821, and of captain August 16, 1822 signed by Governor Bell; and his honorable discharge. Mr. Buffum died in his native town March 11, 1885 aged eighty-nine years and five months. He was at the time of his death, the oldest citizen in town, and it is worthy of especial note that, notwithstanding his advanced age, he continued in full possession of his clear mentality and vigor of intellect up to the last hours of his life. In his religious belief, Mr. Buffum was a Universalist, and from childhood a regular attendant upon church services. He was a man of courteous manners, of cheerful and humorous disposition, most temperate habits, kind and affectionate in his family relations, and at the close of life's long day he could look back to labors well performed and forward to a well-earned rest from toil.... HENRY BURT, a brother of SAMUEL BURT 1st, was a native of Taunton, Mass. He married Sally Short, of the same place, and settled in Westmoreland on a farm near the Chesterfield line, and near his brother SAMUEL BURT. He had two children, Sally and Hiram. The former married David Chase, and resided a few years near the Keene road in Chesterfield. They then moved west, where their descendants now live. HIRAM BURT, son of Henry, was born in Westmoreland, on the place now owned by his son, HENRY D. BURT, on road 50, and married Esther Thayer, who bore him three children. He was teamster between Chesterfield Factory and Boston, Mass., before the railroad was built, and was also a teamster for several years between Chesterfield Factory and Keene. His children were STEPHEN H. BURT, E. CALISTER BURT who died young, and HENRY D. BURT. His wife died March 18, 1866, and his death occurred July 8, 1876. Stephen H. married twice, first, Caroline, daughter of Haskell Buffum, September 7, 1859, and had born to him seven children. He married for his second wife, Eva A. Jarvis, January 23, 1884. Mr. Burt has been elected to various town offices. His children are as follows: CORA L. BURT born December 23, 1860, married William Chamberlain of Chesterfield March 7, 1882; ALBERT L. BURT born January 31, 1863; JOHN BURT born April 28, 1865; FLORA J. BURT born August 20, 1867 and is now in California; SEMIRA W. BURT born October 7, 1870; ANNA L. BURT born March 5, 1873; and WILLIAM W. BURT born July 28, 1876. HENRY D. BURT, youngest son of Hiram, is a farmer, married Helen M. Streeter, of this town, and remained upon the home farm. Three of his four children are living, as follows: Henry L., Earl and Nellie. His wife died April 11, 1881. WILLARD BURT, brother of SAMUEL BURT JR. of Chesterfield Factory, was born in Westmoreland June 19, 1794. He married November 16, 1818 Martha Wood, who was born here July 28, 1797. He moved to Keene, where his wife died September 29, 1856. He married for his second wife, Charlotte Brerman in 1861. Mr. Burt died May 14, 1869 and his widow resides in North Hampton, Mass. His children were as follows: Charles W. Burt, born November 6, 1820; Martha M. Burt born August 20, 1822; William H. Burt born May 24, 1824; Jane Elizabeth Burt born July 17, 1826; and Charlotte A. Burt, born January 20, 1829. Charles Burt married Julia A. Loomis of Colebrook NH, practiced law at that place and in Detroit, Michigan, where he removed in 1854 and died April 11, 1859. His widow died in Clinton IA May 3, 1859. MARTHA M. BURT married Lincoln Goodnow of Chesterfield Factory June 11, 1851 and died February 3, 1852. Mr. Goodnow now resides in California. WILLIAM BURT married for his first wife Hannah Williams, of Amherst, Mass in October 1848. She died on a passage to California, where Mr. Burt then was, in May 1852, and was carried in and buried in Greenwood cemetery. Mr. Burt married for his second wife Ann Louisa Davis of Dublin NH, November 8, 1855 and moved to St. Paul, MN where he practiced law. He was a soldier in the late rebellion, and was mustered out as a colonel. JANE ELIZABETH BURT married Jerome Beal of Chesterfield Factory January 6, 1851. Her daughter Lizzie M. Beal was born March 3, 1852 and died September 23, 1852. Mrs. Beal died August 10, 1852, and Mr. Beal, who was a conductor on the railroad, was soon after killed thereon. CHARLOTTE BURT married John A. West of Worcester, Mass, February 24, 1855. Mr. West died September 16, 1863. His widow now resides in Jackson, Michigan. THOMAS CHAMBERLAIN, a descendant of John, who came to this country in the "Mayflower," was one of several who united in signing the church covenant September 26, 1764 the first step taken towards forming a Congregational church in Westmoreland. JOHN CHAMBERLAIN 3D, one of the original grantees of this town, was born in Newton, Mass, and September 17, 1767 married Eunice Edson. His fourth son, JOHN CHAMBERLAIN, was born August 13, 1773 and married Lydia Brown of this town, October 6, 1796. She had a print costing a dollar a yard for her wedding dress; afterward thinking it a sign that she would always be poor to be married in so costly a dress, she chose one of her own spinning and weaving, but he wore a suit of blue broadcloth, knee pants with silver buckles and long silk stockings. Their oldest son, JOHN CHAMBERLAIN, was born November 7, 1800, married twice, first, Mary Hall in 1821 (and who died February 16, 1826) and second, Caroline F. Farrar, December 1, 1826. She was born in Shirley, Mass., May 14, 1803. They lived in Westmoreland until he moved to Keene in 1849 where he died October 13, 1875. He was a well-read man, deeply interested in political and public affairs. She died at Niagara Falls April 13, 1876. He had born to him eleven children, namely: [CHAMBERLAIN] John Adams, Helen M., Catharine F.U., Adelaide L., Osburn E., George P.F., Caroline O., Isabel J., Noel B., Frederick D., and Marion L. JOHN ADAMS CHAMBERLAIN born September 9, 1827, was the sixth in a direct line bearing the name of John Chamberlain. He always lived in Westmoreland, held many important offices, and married January 1, 1852, Almira A. French of Westmoreland, and he died April 29, 1880. His children, ELLA MARIA born October 9, 1853 married December 25, 1878, Allen A. Barker of Westmoreland. Their child Anna Mabel, born July 3, 1885. ARTHUR FRENCH born August 15, 1857, married July 2, 1884, Lessie A. McChesney of Detroit, Michigan. ANNA CORA, born January 25, 1859. CARRIE BELLE born March 12, 1861, married October 31, 1883 John G. Stearms of Keene. Their son, Perry CHamberlain Stearns born March 12, 1885. HELEN MAR CHAMBERLAIN born March 7, 1829, married October 10, 1850 Albert Nash of Keene, resides at Niagara Falls. THeir children, Carrie Helen Nash, born January 28, 1857 married December 17, 1885 James M. Merritt of Niagara Falls NY; Nina Belle Nash born June 28, 1865. CATHERINE F.M. CHAMBERLAIN, born February 24, 1831, married September 9, 1851, Hiram H. Howard of Swanzey NH. He died at his home, Niagara Falls, June 19, 1880. Their children--Louisa Maria Howard born in Keene July 13, 1852 died in Minneapolis Minn Nov 4, 1872; Jennie Francis Howard, born in Swanzey, February 24, 1856, died at Niagara Falls February 7, 1880; Helen Williams Howard, born at Niagara Falls July 31, 1866. ADELAIDE L. CHAMBERLAIN, (daughter of John Chamberlain) born February 10, 1883, married November 8, 1853, David B. Stearns of Keene, resides in Keene. Their children: Helen Semira Stearns, born September 5, 1855 married August 1, 1877 Dallas M. Pollard of Chester Vt. and reside in Keene. Their children (Pollard)--Margaret Adelaide Pollard born November 23, 1878; Roland Stearns Pollard, born May 19, 1881. ELLIS R. D. STEARNS, born August 27, 1857; Jotham Fred Stearns born August 17, 1864. OSBURN EDSON CHAMBERLAIN born October 30, 1834, married April 18, 1861, Lucie Upton of Rochester NY; reside in Rochester. Their children: Mary Belle, born January 22, 1862; Carrie Helen, born January 29, 1865, died April 2, 1869; Addie Laura, born July 14, 1867, died March 9, 1869; Osburn Edson, born September 23, 1870; Laura May, born November 28, 1873; John David, born May 4, 1875; Lillie Minnie, born October 31, 1881; Frank Shaw born May 17, 1884. GEORGE F.P. CHAMBERLAIN, born August 26, 1836, married October 12, 1865, Jennie E. Hayden of Rochester NY. He died at Niagara Falls, March 3, 1878 leaving three children--Helen Josephine born August 31, 1867; George Hayden, born February 28, 1869; Noel Byron born December 28 1870. CAROLINE C. CHAMBERLAIN, born March 18, 1839; married August 26, 1862, Almon Bolster of Jaffrey, reside in Keene. Their children-- Lilian Adelaide, born December 27, 1866; Mabel Frances born March 24, 1871. ISABEL J. CHAMBERLAIN, born July 12, 1841; married January 2, 1862, Josiah C. Richardson of Keene, reside in Jackson, Michigan. Their children--Leon Josiah, born February 22, 1868; Isabel Florence, born November 5, 1869, died June 23, 1876; Arthur Howard, born January 16, 1879. NOEL BYRON CHAMBERLAIN, born August 11, 1843, enlisted in the Ninth NH Regiment of the War of 1861, and served to its close; married, February 18,1873, Delia Brigham Clarke of Fredonia NY, reside in Buffalo NY--children, Eleanor Risley born May 30, 1879, died July 14, 1881. FREDERICK DELMER CHAMBERLAIN, born June 16, 1845, died September 1, 1849. MARION LUCIA CHAMBERLAIN born December 29, 1847, died September 9, 1849. His (John's) sister, MARY P. CHAMBERLAIN, born May 5, 1818 married John B. Osborne of Westmoreland April 1, 1837. She is the only one now living of that generation, in Westmoreland, on the old homestead, in the same place where she was born. Their oldest son, John, born November 7, 1800, married in 1821 Mary Hall of Westmoreland. She died February 16, 1826, leaving one son, John, who died about the age of two years. These generations were all agricultirists and lived in the eastern part of Westmoreland, on the ancestral acres. DR. GEORGE W. CHAMBERLAIN, one of the six children of WILLIAM CHAMBERLAIN, was born in Bradford, Vt. He prepared for college at the academy in Corinth Vt., read and studied with Dr. Corwin of Corinth, who is now a professor in Dartmouth, from which college George W. was graduated June 24, 1880. He practiced two years in Corinth, marrying while there, and then moved to this town, where he has also practiced nearly two years. He is very successful in his practice, which is continually growing. CHARLES CHASE JR., whose father was in the war of 1812, was born in Chesterfield in that year, and his father died when he was but three years of age. He has lived on his present farm in this town for the last twenty-six years. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Nathan R. Symonds of Chesterfield and has had born to him nine children, eight of whom are living. Three of them, Warren, Nellie E. and Jennie A. are at home. The oldest daughter is married and lives in Chesterfield. SAMUEL CHICKERING, born in Guilford VT., reared a family of seven children, six of whom are living, five of them residing in this town. His son, ALBERT CHICKERING married Nancy M. Butts, of Lisbon, Conn., has five children, is a farmer and cattle dealer, and lives in the eastern part of this town. ADALINE CHICKERING, daughter of Samuel, married Curtis Hastings of Waterford Vt., and is now a widow. RHODA CHICKERING, daughter of Samuel, married William White of Walpole, has three children and is also a widow. SOLON CHICKERING, son of Samuel, married Daphne Britton, has two children and is a farmer on road 36. SAMUEL CHICKERING, another son, was born on the place now owned by John Woods, and has lived there or near by, with the exception of one year, all his life. He married Lucy Wilber, has two children, one living at home, has always been a farmer, and resides on road 7. HENRY CHICKERING, another son of Samuel Sr., married Jane Britton, has six children, is a farmer, and lives in Chesterfield. ASA COLE, a native of Harvard, Mass., came here about 1800, was a millwright by trade, and reared a family of eleven children, only one of whom is now living. His son, THEODORE COLE, who lives on road 48, was born in town, remained at home until the age of twenty-one, when he went to New Bedford, Mass., and shipped as a whaler. He followed this occupation sixteen years, being master of a ship eight years, and is now known as Captain Cole. He then manufactured for two years ivory and wooden rules, in Brattleboro Vt., the firm being E.A. Stearns & Co., which business merged into the Standard Rule Company at New Britain, Conn. He lived in Westminster Vt, in Belmont, Mass., and was in the produce business in Boston, and finally returned here in the autumn of 1875, where he has since resided. He represented his town in 1881-1882. He married Livilia, daughter of Wilson Gleason, who was born in the house now occupied by A.A. Barker, on road 48. They have had five children, two of whom are living. The oldest, FRANK T. COLE, is a lawyer of the firm of Collins & Cole, of Columbus, Ohio. WILLIAM H. COLE is married, a farmer, and lives in Atwater, California. JONATHAN COLE, from Connecticut, came to Westmoreland with his son JONATHAN at an early date, and was the first to locate upon the old Cole homestead, on road 38, where ABEL B. COLE now resides, one of the fifth generation to occupy the old farm. JONATHAN was one of the original proprietors of the town, and was quite an old man when he came here. The third generation to occupy the place was also named JONATHAN, the fourth ABEL, and finally the present, his son, ABEL B., one of a family of nine children, he being now over seventy-three years of age. He has always been a farmer, has been twice married, first, to Elizabeth Leach, of this town, who bore him two children, second, to Maria Miller of Dummerston, VT., who bore him four children, two of whom, FRED C. COLE and FRANK W. COLE are living. The former married Adele Proctor of Westmoreland, and carries on the old farm, he being the sixth generation of the family who have lived there. FRANK W., is a book-keeper in a hardware store at Bellows Falls, VT. THEODORE COLE--The Cole families of Westmoreland NH are descended from John Cole, of Hartford, Conn. who came from England in 1636, was a freeman in 1647, and died in 1685. He had three sons--John, Samuel and Nathaniel. Of Samuel's children, JONATHAN COLE, born 1696, was the youngest, and settled in Harvard, Mass. He had three sons--JONATHAN born 1730, who was one of the grantees of the town of Westmoreland; JOHN COLE, born in 1741, died 1786, settled in the north part of Westmoreland; and ABIJAH COLE, born 1732, married about 1757, Sarah Kent of Harvard Mass, and died in Harvard in 1768, aged thirty-three years. ABIJAH COLE left two sons, ABIJAH and ASA. ASA COLE was born in 1768, the year of his father's death. His early boyhood was passed with an aunt, Mrs. Chamberlain in Westmoreland. After his thirteenth year, he worked with his step-father, Samuel Garfield, a millwright, at that trade, building and repairing many mills in numerous places in New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Maine. In January 1793 he married Anna Goldsmith of Harvard, Mass, and resided there for a year or more, then for seven years he made his home in Rindge NH, then removed to Westmoreland, and worked at his trade. He built the mills afterwards known as the Pierce Mills, and was manager of the property for a long time. About 1815 he proposed joining the colony which Ephraim Brown was organizing for a settlement in Ohio, but a severe hemorrhage compelled him to relinquish the plan. He made a trip to the coast of Maine, but without any beneficial results, and returned to Westmoreland where he died December 6, 1816, aged forty-eight years. "His wife, left with a large family of young children, proved herself a woman of abundant resource. She kept her children at home till they grew to be of service to others, when, one by one, they went their ways in life. She afterward married Amory Pollard, of Bolton, Mass., whom she survived. She died in Montpelier Vt., September 4, 1852, full of years, loved and honored by her children and friends." her burial place is Westmoreland. ASA and Anna (Goldsmith) COLE had eleven children-- ASA COLE, who died 1872, aged seventy nine; RICHARD G. COLE, died 1864, aged sixty-nine, SARAH COLE, wife of Asa Farnsworth, died 1832, aged 35; BENJAMIN COLE died at Chagres, Panaman 1850, aged 51; ANNA GOLDSMITH COLE, wife of Rev. Isaac Esty, died 1872, aged 70; PHILENA COLE died 1859, aged 55; JOHN COLE (a whaling captain) died 1875, aged 68; SUSAN COLE (married first, Elihu Whitcomb, second Orin Pitkin) died 1883 at Montpelier Vt. aged 74; WILLIAM COLE, died 1830, aged 19; THEODORE COLE; and CHARLES COLE who died (from injuries inflicted by a whale while in command of a whale-ship) 1853, aged 37. THEODORE COLE, tenth child of Asa and Anna (Goldsmith) Cole, was born in Westmoreland NH May 11, 1813. At the age of nine years he went to live in the family of Abijah French, a farmer and lumberman of Westmoreland. He lived with Abijah French until the summer of 1834, working on the farm summers and attending district school in the winter. In the spring of 1835 he left Westmoreland, to embark on the sea of active life. He went to New Bedford, Mass, the place then so celebrated for its great whaling interests and engaged as a seaman under the well-known master, Captain James Maxfield. His first voyage lasted eighteen months, and among the various points of interest at which they stopped were the Azores, South Africa, Madagascar, Comoro Island and Isle of France. In April 1837, he sailed under Captain Shubael Hawes, ship "Frances Henrietta" (Charles W. Morgan, agent) and made a two year's voyage, going around the world, and touching at Cape of Good Hope, Van Diemen's Land, Pernambuco, etc. In the fall of 1839 he set sail under the same master (Capt Hawes) in the ship, "Julian," (agents Hathaway & Luce) and cruised for some time on the Atlantic, stopping at Cape Town, Cape of Good Hope. They they extended their voyage to the northwest coast of New Holland, Australia. At this point he left the "Julian," having filled the ship, and went on board the bark "Pacific," of Fairhaven, Capt. Webb. They sailed south and southeast along New Holland, touching at Hobart Town, then east by New Zealand, then around Capt Horn, touching at St. Catherina, Brazil, arriving home in January 1842. During all these years of seafaring life, Mr. Cole had, by diligent and prompt attention to his duties, won the approval of his employers and prepared the way for promotion, and at the age of thirty years he had circumnavigated the whole globe twice, and in May 1843 as master of the ship "Parachute," (Benjamin B. Howard, agent) he began his third voyage around the world, stopping at the Sandwich Islands for recruits, thence north to the northwest coast, returned to the Sandwich Islands for water, etc., thence to the South Pacific, around Cape Horn, returning to New Bedford in July 1845. Captain Cole was married, in August 1845, to Livilla, daughter of Captain Wilson Gleason, a lifelong resident of Westmoreland, and in October of the same year he sailed in ship "Marengo" (agent Jonathan Bourne) touching at Cape Verd, passing west around Cape Horn and on to the Sandwich Islands, from there to the coast of Kamtchatka. He was absent two years and eight months. In November 1848 Captain Cole sailed in ship "Cowper" (agent. B.B. Howard) on a long voyage for whales in the Arctic Ocean. Mrs. Cole accompanied him. They sailed direct for Cape Verd, down the coast of South America, west around Cape Horn, from thence to the Sandwich Islands, then, leaving his wife to await his return, he steered for Behring Strait, passing in June the western extremity of Oonalaska. He remained one seaons in the Artic Ocean, discovering the Plover Islands, July 15, 1849, although he never claimed the title or credit of a discoveryer. On his return to the Sandwich Islands, his wife rejoined him. THey then sailed for Hong Kong, China, where they passed a month preparing for another Arctic voyage. From there they sailed through the Japan Sea and the Matsumai Strait, north along the coast of Kamtchatka stopping at Petropulaski, then to the Arctic Ocean, where Captain Cole completed his cargo and started for home. The voyage of two years and a half, although full of interest and with opportunities of seeing many distant lands, and abounding in varied experience, was long to Mrs. Cole, and she heartily rejoiced when the spires and hills of New Bedford came in view, March 22, 1851, and she could once more stand upon land. Captain Cole had now for nearly sixteen years followed the sea continuously, and by his practicality, prudence and perserverance had acquired a competency, and he decided to give up his maritime profession and enjoy the well-earned fruits of his labors, but being naturally an energetic man, idleness was not to his taste, and he engaged in manufacturing and merchandising in Brattleborough Vt., where he remained until 1859, then removed to Westminster Vt., and purchased a farm and lived there about seven years, identifying himself with the affairs of the town, which he represented in the Legislature of 1862. After leaving Westminster, he resided in Keene one year, and then made his home in Waverly village, Belmont, Mass, for nine years, in order to give his children the advantages of better educational facilities. In 1875 he made a pleasure trip (prospecting) to California, Colorado and Wyoming, then returned to Westmoreland, his native place, where he has since resided, and employs his leisure in farming. He was a member of the Legislature in 1881-82, as representative of the Republican Party, to which he has belonged since 1856, when he cast his vote for Fremont. The children of Theodore and Livilla (Gleason) Cole were Frank T. Cole, born June 22, 1853 (he is a graduate of Williams College, Mass., and of Columbia Law School, New York) now a practicing lawyer in Columbus, Ohio; William W. Cole, born August 19, 1854, is a wheat farmer in San Joaquin County, California, married June 3, 1883, Addie M. Greene (they have one daughter); Lucy Anna, born February 29, 1856 (deceased); Sarah G., born February 15, 1857 (died at the age of seventeen); and Richard G., born March 21, 1860 (died February 12, 1863). Captain Cole was a sea-captain of pronounced ability, and a natural leader of men.... since 1876 he has been a member of the Congregational Church and contributed liberally to its support. Captain Cole was a kind husband and father, a loyal citizen, and a good man. He died July 2, 1885. SHEREBIAH COWDERY came to Westmoreland from Ashby, Mass in 1815, and located just opposite the place where his son, JOHN COWDERY now resides, on road 26. He was a carpenter and clockmaker, reared a family of six children, and lived to the age of eighty-four years, and his wife lived to the age of eighty-six years. JOHN COWDERY, his eldest child, was born in Ashby, Mass in 1810, and entered his father's shop which was situated near their home, at the age of fifteen. He has helped frame seven churches, and he and his father built the present Congregational church building in Westmoreland. He has always lived here, has been a carpenter and undertaker, and also learned the painter's trade. He has been justice of the peace fifteen years, town collector seven years, and town treasurer the past five years. He has been clerk of the Congregational church for the psat nine years, and deacon the last eight years. He was in the old state militia seven years, and held all of the offices from lieutenant to colonel. He married Amanda Goddard, or Royalston, Mass., in 1835, and has two children, HENRY F. COWDERY and MARY A. COWDERY. The former has lived here most of his life, with the exception of six years, which time he spent in Worcester, Mass. He married Lois A. Knight, and has four children, all at home. He has been town clerk one year and deputy sheriff two years. MARY A. COWDERY married Joseph H. Brown, who is a baker in Boston, Mass., and has had four children, three of whom are living. WILLIAM DAGGETT, a son of PHINEAS DAGGETT, who was born here and grandson of WILLIAM DAGGETT, who came here as one of the early settlers, was born in town, married Clarissa, daughter of Major Waite, a soldier in the Revolution, and had born to him four children, two sons and two daughters. WILLIAM DAGGETT JR. was born in 1813 and died at Troy NY in 1860. CLARISSA DAGGETT, daughter of William, married Sidney S. Campbell of Chesterfield NH, has had three children, two of whom, a son and a daughter, are living. ELIZA DAGGETT, daughter of WILLIAM, married Stephen K. Cutter of Cuba NY and has two sons and two daughters. GEORGE W. DAGGETT, son of William, was born on Park hill, where Earle Warren now lives, June 30, 1818, learned the shoemaker trade in Walpole, then went to Worcester, Mass., and was in the shoe business there for several years. He had also worked at the tanners business, and, with the exception of ten years, has always lived in Westmoreland, residing on his present farm for the last twenty years, being a nursery man and tree grafter forty years. He has been moderator of the town, and a justice of the peace for the last twelve years. He married Sarah L. Cole, who bore him five children, viz: Marshall, Louise, Clara, Walter and Eliza. Two of them are living. LOUISE DAGGETT who married and had two daughters, both now living, died in 1861. ELIZA ISABEL DAGGETT died in 1862 at the age of five years, and MARSHALL DAGGETT died in 1862. CLARA DAGGETT married Willie G. Leonard of Walpole, and they have had two children, one son and a daughter, the latter not living. WALTER DAGGETT lives at Woonsocket, Dakota. DR. GEORGE F. DUNBAR practiced medicine in this town from 1820 to 1865. He married Catharine Fisk, reared a family of six children, three of whom are living, and died in 1872. His son, NAT. F. DUNBAR, is the only one now residing in this town, and occupies the house where his father formerly lived, on road 23. He was engaged in mining in California from 1852 to 1871. He was been supervisor and town collector, has a small farm, and is mail carrier from Parkhill to Westmoreland depot. He married a lady from Boston, who has borne him three children, only one of whom is living. THOMAS DUNHAM came from Londonderry VT to the town of Westmoreland in 1783, and purchased the farm recently owned by Samuel D. Clark, located on the Connecticut river, in the southwest part of the town. Mr. Dunham was born in 1735 and died June 17, 1805. He reared a family of eight daughters and two sons. One son died before middle life, the other, named THOMAS DUNHAM 2d, came in possession of the homestead after the death of his father, and resided there many years. He had a family of seven sons and six daughters. He and his family were engaged in the early navigation of the Connecticut river, and continued in that pursuit until the construction of the railroads on its banks. Of the ninety or more descendants of this early settler, only six bear the name of Dunham. Three reside out of the county, and three within. JOSIAH DUNHAM, of the third generation, and his son HENRY of the fourth, reside in Chesterfield, and are engaged in the pursuit of agriculture. WILLIAM R. DUNHAM also of the fourth generation, resides in Keene, and is engaged in the practice of medicine. He graduated from Harvard university in 1865, and commenced practice in Westmoreland the same year. He remained there for ten years, and then went to Keene. Has held an appointment for several years on the board of examining surgeons for pensions, and is the medical director of the Granite State Mutual Aid Association for Keene. He has also taken an active part in the development of various mines in the states and provinces, and is patentee and inventor of a philosophical instrument for illustrating astronomical problems. STEWARD ESTEY, a native of Sutton, Mass., came to this town when a young man, and located where Henry Estey now lives, on road 3. He reared a family of five children, three sons and two daughters. HENRY ESTEY, the only child now living, spent the winters for ten years in teaching, and has been a farmer the last sixty years. He married Mary A. Chamberlain of Pomfret Vt., and for his second wife, Julia A. Waltrous of Windsor Vt. The latter died in 1875. Nathaniel ESTEY, son of Steward, born here, was a farmer, and married Lois Woodward, who bore him three children, Betsey, Edward and Emily. He died in May 1881. His widow survives him, living with her son Edward on road 3. Betsey Estey died when twenty years of age, and Emily Estey lives at home. Edward Estey was born on the place where he now resides. HENRY ESTY--The Esty family is an old and respected one in the town of Westmoreland, having been residents there for over a century. The name is various spelled in old records, such as Estey, Eastey, Easty and Esty. The family is not a numerous one. Jeffrey Esty, the first American Ancestor of those bearing that name, settled in Salem, Mass. prior to 1637, and Edward Eastey, of Sutton, Mass., married Mehitabel, daughter of Stephen and Nancy (Dodge) Marsh some time after 1750. Of their children, Edward and Stewart Esty appear as the only ones mentioned in the records. We cannot fix the identity of these, by any documentary evidence, as connected with the Westmoreland Estys, but the similiarity of the names would apparently be more than a mere coincidence. Be that as it may, we find that STEWARD ESTY emigrated from Sutton, Mass, to Westmoreland NH about a hundred years ago. STEWARD ESTEY passed his early life in Sutton, and when a lad, while plowing, he heard the firing at the battle of Bunker Hill. He worked for a few years at his trade of carpenter in Hudson NY and afterwards came to Westmoreland NY and made a home for himself and his wife Mary (Brown) Esty, and settled on what is now known as the David Esty farm. He combined farming with his carpentering, and was a successful and prosperous man. His brother, EDWARD ESTY went to Maine and settled there. WILLIAM ESTY made his residence in Brownington, Vt. DAVID ESTY came to Westmoreland, was a farmer, resided in town, and died. STEWARD and Mary (Brown) ESTY had five children--JOHN ESTY (who was drowned when about fourteen years of age); MARY ESTY (married Niles Aldrich of Westmoreland, and had four children); NATHANIEL ESTY (married Lois Woodward of Westmoreland, they had three children-- Betsy, deceased, Edward and Emily still living in Westmoreland); CLARISSA ESTY (married Willard Bill of Gilsum, of their two children one died in infancy, the other Willard is a resident of Westmoreland); and HENRY ESTY. HENRY ESTY (above) the youngest child of Seward and Mary (Brown) Esty, was born in Westmoreland June 18, 1806. He was a studious boy, and diligently improved the meagre opportunities for education the common schools offered, and while in his teens he taught school, and then availed himself of the money acquired for more extended instruction, and at the age of twenty he took charge of a school in Surry NH. He afterwards taught in Brattleborough, Vt., and two winters in the north part of Westmoreland, and was teacher in Keene when the superintending committee was Colonel Wilson, Aaron Hall and the well-known and beloved minister, Dr. Barstow. At the time of Henry's marriage, his father made a division of his real estate among his children, and, as was the custom in those days (for men of means to so arrange their property that made for their future) he gave to Henry twenty-five acres additional, with the proviso that he should be the child of his old age, and Henry lived with his father until the death of the latter in April 1841. Mr. Esty married in 1835, Mary Ann Chamberlain, of Pomfret Vt.; they had no children. She died in Westmoreland in 1852. He afterwards married Mrs. Julia A. Hubbard, of Windsor Vt., who had two children-- Julia, who died at the age of ninetten, and CHARLES ESTY, now living in Minneapolis, Minn. Mrs. Julia A. Esty died several years since. Mr. Esty has been a large real estate owner in Westmoreland, and once owned the land now comprising the village of East Westmoreland, and all the houses have been built within his recollection. At the time of the building of the Cheshire Railroad, Mr. Estey lived on the line of the road, and his house was rented as a depot, and destroyed by fire, probably occasioned by sparks from an engine, and it was only after three years' litigation that he obtained damages. He then purchased part of the old Wilbur place, remodeled the house, and it has since been his residence. He was bondsman for the first postmaster, Mr. Wight, and appointed to the same office after Mr. Wight retired, although he did not attend to its duties personally. [more not included here]. COLONEL NAT FISK was born in Framingham, MA in 1787, and came to Westmoreland in early life and established himself in business as a clothier in the shop that formerly stood south of the house of Chas. H. Leach. Here he was successful. After a few years he opened a store in the village now known as Park Hill, where he became a successful merchant. He was major of the First Batallion of the Twentieth Regiment New Hampshire Militia. In 1814 he was appointed Lieutenant COlonel in the same regiment. In September of the same year he was appointed to the command of the First Regiment of detached soldiers for the defence of the seaboard, and was stationed as above. In 1830 he removed to his paternal homestead, in Framingham. About 1856, while on a visit to his daughter in this town, Mrs. Geo. F. Dunbar, he died suddenly of heart-disease, aged sixty-nine years. NATHAN FRANKLIN came here from Taunton, Mass, one of the early settlers. His son, NATHAN was born here, and had a family of nine children, five of whom are now living, viz: Julia, Emerson B., Foster, Lydia, and Mary J. JULIA FRANKLIN married Alexander S. Campbell, has three children, and has lived in Putney Vt., thirty-one years, but now resides in this town, with FOSTER FRANKLIN, on road 34. EMERSON P. FRANKLIN resides in Keene. FOSTER FRANKLIN, who has always been a farmer, lived on the place now occupied by George Hibbard, on road 41, for twenty-six years. He married Martha A. Wheeler, of this town, and they have one child (adopted) who married Oscar J. Ware and lives on road 35. Mrs. Martha Franklin died June 28, 1874. LYDIA FRANKLIN married James Moriarty and lives on road 24. MARY J. FRANKLIN married Merrick Greeley, has two children, and lives on road 24. GENEALOGY OF THE FRENCH FAMILY First generation--JOHN and Grace French. John born 1612, admitted as a freeman in Dorchester, Mass, 1639. He emigrated to Dorchester, Mass, from England prior to 1639, and was admitted freeman that year. He afterward removed to Braintree, where he passed his life. His seventh child, Thomas [below] Second generation--THOMAS FRENCH, born January 17, 1657, in Braintree, Mass., married Elizabeth --, about 1695, and had 10 children, including their seventh child ABIJAH [below] Third generation--ABIJAH FRENCH, seventh child of Thomas French, born May 25, 1709, married Johanna Holbrook born December 21, 1712. Their descendants: Mary French, born July 22, 1736; Jesse French born December 15, 1737; Josiah French, born September 10, 1739; Abijah French, born February 14, 1741; Sarah French, born October 13, 1748; Lois and Eunice French, born June 2, 1750; Joanna French born August 23, 1752, and David French, born Dec 7, 1755 [see below]. FOURTH GENERATION--DAVID FRENCH, born December 7, 1755, died February 19, 1836. In Milford Mass, David French, married in 1777, Lydia Twitchell, she born in Milford, Sept. 18, 1760; She died April 4, 1798 [he married 2nd, see below] He was a farmer and seeing future success in developing the new lands in the upper COnnecticut Valley, he removed to Westmoreland NH in 1788, purchased lands and became an agriculturist [farmer]. He had eight children by this first wife, six sons and two daughters as follows: Sally, born December 21, 1779, married Mr. Lincoln, died June 30, 1807; Zeba born June 28, 1781, married Martha Partridge, died October 16, 1853 Bethel Vt.; Asaph, born June 25, 1784, married Pede Partridge, died August 19, 1860, Royalton Vt.; Lotty, born August 12, 1786, married Asa Partridge, died July 5, 1861 at Stockbridge Vt., and Abijah, born June 2, 1789 [see below] FIFTH GENERATION--ABIJAH, [son of David above] born June 2, 1789, in Westmoreland NH and remained with his parents until his majority; he then, contemplating marriage, began a house for himself, but war being declared with Great Britain in 1812, he boarded up the windows of the yet unfinished house and prepared to go to war. He did not go, however, as he was not drafted, so he finished his house and married Azubah Albee, daughter of Ichabod and Lona (Hayward) Albee. She died May 13, 1862 Westmoreland NH. Abijah carried on farming, caring for his father and mother in their declining years, and succeeded to the homestead. He also owned a saw-mill, which his father had erected on a convenient mill-privilege. He sawed lumber, drew it to the Connecticut river, and rafted it to Hartford and other places, continuing for many years. In winter he drove a team to Boston, carrying his own produce and brining in exchange supplies for his own and neighbor's use. He was a captain of a cavalry troup of militia, and a strict disciplinarian. Democratic in politics, he represented Westmoreland in the State Legislature in 1850 and 1851. He was intrusted with the management and settlement of many estates, and was often selected as guardian to orphan children. He was selectman for the years 1830 to 1839, and held a commission of justice of the peace. He was an attendant of the Congregational Church. He died May 13, 1862. His wife survived him many years, and she died December 19, 1884. Her tombstone in Westmoreland reads: "In Memoriam, Azubah Albee French, daughter of Ichabod and Lona French, born in Westmoreland NH February 21, 1795, went home to heaven December 19, 1884, aged 89 years 9 months 28 days." A newspaper article of the day reads, "Mrs. Azubah French died at her home in Westmoreland the 19th of December at 6 o'clock in the afternoon at the advanced age of eighty-nine years and ten months. By the death of this estimable lady, the oldest inhabitant of the town passed away. But few remain with whom she was associated in middle life, when she had an extensive acquaintance and was much respected by all. She possessed many sterling qualities--good sense, prudent in speech, an obliging neighbor. She was kind to the poor and always ready to visit the sick and administer to their wants. Her thoughtfulness of the welfare of others, her charities and kindliness of heart, will long be rememebered by the people of her native town. Although feeble for some years, her last illness was of short duration. She had ten children, five of whom died in infancy, two in their childhood years, and one cut down by disease in the midst of her youthful days. Only two survive her--Mrs. Almira A. Chamberlain of Westmoreland and Jotham A. French of Keene. Mrs. French's life was one of untiring industry. She never at the "bread of idleness." She looked well to the ways of her own household, trained her children in the paths of morality and religion, and they in turn have been dutiful and faithful to her, sparing no effort to make her declining years pleasant and happy. She united with the Congregational Church in July 1831, and she has always been a consistent and worth member... At the age of twenty years she married, and lived with her husband forty-seven years, when, at the age of seventy-two, he passed away. They lived a happy life, though elcuded by the loss of eight children during those many years of conjugal affection. For the last twenty-two years our mother has lived in the loneliness of widowhood, though sustained by the consolations of that religion, which, for fifty-three years, has been the rule of her life. In 1873 my sister's family moved into the old home to care for her and guide her footsteps gently down the decline of life. Never did she fully recover from the loss of her son-in-law, who was suddenly stricken down four years ago in the prime of life. His kindness and devotion were cherished to the very last. The death of her granddaughter, a short time before, also made a visible impression on her gradually failing stength, and when, sixteen months before her death, in consequence of a fall, she could only get aobut her room in a wheel-chair, it became apparent that the sands of her life had nearly run out. On the seventy-fifth anniversary of her bith many of the relatives and friends gave her a pleasant surprise, celebrating the joyous occasion with music, supper, reading of a poem, etc. and have repeated it for the last fourteen years, with the exception of two years, when sickness in the family prevented. Several of those who were present at these annual gatherings have dropped one by one from the circle, but she was spared to see ninety years, save two months... [this last part written by J.A. French]. CHILDREN of Abigjah & Azubah (Albee) French: Maynard, born October 29, 1791, married Clarissa Pollard, died May 7, 1874 Barre Vt; David born February 16, 1794, married Delia French, died August 14, 1864 Barre Vt; Spencer, born July 6, 1796, married Lorena Chamberlain, died July 29, 1875, Gaysville, Vt. David French [father of Abijah above] married for his second wife, Hannah White of Westmoreland, born October 3, 1777, married September 10, 1799, died January 27, 1857. They had eight children--seven daughters and one son, as follows: LYDIA, born August 27, 1800, married Mr. Stephen Rust, died January 28, 1824; Lois, born November 28, 1801, married Mr. Augustus Carroll; Ritte, born April 26, 1804, married Thaddeus Streeter, died December 4, 1863; Samuel, born July 13, 1806, died December 24, 1824, Westmoreland NH; Sally, born February 24, 1809, married Daniel Patten, Keene NH; Dinah, born May 6, 1811, married Oren Woods, died December 21, 1850 Keene NH; Harriet, born September 7, 1814, married Ronalds Leonard, Brattleboro Vt; Martha, born January 22, 1823, married Daniel Wheeler, died May 16, 1862, Bernardston, Mass. ABIJAH FRENCH, son of DAVID FRENCH, in Westmoreland, December 15, 1814 by Rev. Allen Pratt, married Azubah, daughter of Ichabod and Lona Albee. They have ten children--five sons and five daughters as follows: Infant daughter born December 21, 1816, died December 21, 1816; infant daughter born July 23, 1818, died July 23, 1818; Lira Ann French, born January 4, 1821, died February 15, 1821; Jotham Abijah born July 22, 1822, died April 25, 1825; Spence Lincoln, born June 30, 1824, died October 1, 1827; infant son born September 16 1826, died September 1826; Almira Azubah, born October 14, 1828; Madison born December 19, 1830, died Feburary 13, 1831; Eunice Mariah, born January 30, 1832, died November 21, 1848. SIXTH GENERATION--JOTHAM ABIJAH, born April 24, 1834. Married in Westmoreland, January 1, 1852 at 9 AM by Rev. Stephen Rogers, John Adams Chamberlain and Almira a. French. SEVENTH GENERATION--Descendants: Ella Maria born October 9, 1853 married Allen Barker of Westmoreland, December 24, 1879; ARthur French born August 15, 1857 married Lessie McChesney of Destroit, July 2, 1884; Anna Cora, born January 25, 1859; Carrie Belle, born March 12, 1861, married John G. Stearns of Keene October 31, 1883. Married in Westmoreland NH at eight PM October 1883, by Rev. T.L. Fowler, John G. Stearns of Keene, and Carrie B. Chamberlain of Westmoreland. EIGHTH GENERATION--Descendant: Perry Chamberlain born March 12, 1885. Married in Milford, Mass. September 20, 1866, Thursday, at two PM by Rev. James B. Thornton, Jotham A. French of Keene, NH and Mary A. Ellis, daughter of Washington and Amanda (Howard) Ellis of Milford. SEVENTH GENERATION--Descendants: Gertie Maria, born August 4, 1868, died December 22, 1878; Bessie Mabel, born July 25, 1871; Mary Bertha, born March 25, 1880. Married Allen A. Barker and Ella Maria Chamberlain, December 24, 1879. Descendant, Anna Mabel, born July 3, 1885. DR. NOAH FULLER was one of the early settlers of Westmoreland. On the 6th day of April 1779, he being at that time a resident of Wrentham, Mass., he purchased of Zethon Bailey, of this town, 100 acres of land in lot 3, range 3, division2, the deed of which was recorded July 19, 1780. Here he built a log house and settled with his wife, though he subsequently built a large two-story house on the first road leading from East Westmoreland to Surry. His wife died after bearing him one son, JOSIAH FULLER, and he married for his second wife, Esther Ware, of Wrentham, who bore him eight children, as follows: Noah, Robert, Joshua, Joseph, Eunice, Abigail, Dorothy, and Sybil. The Doctor held many positions of trust and responsibility, and is buried in the old cemetery in Surry. JOSEPH FULLER, the youngest son of Dr. Noah, was born July 30, 1779, married Annie, daughter of Josiah Knight, of Worcester, Mass, and had born to him nine children, as follows: LUTHER, who married Samantha Foster of Whitestown NY, and for his second wife Sarah Cushing of Putney Vt.; BETSEY who became the wife of Ebenezer Britton of Westmoreland; CHRISTOPHER C., who married Elsie Clement of Warner NH; WASHINGTON , who married Lucinda Constantine of Mt. Holly Vt.; MARY, who became the wife of Caius Hall of westmoreland; SIMEON and JOHN who died at the age of twelve years; LUCY, who became the wife of Fred Dean of Westmoreland; and LYDIA E. who became the wife of Mr. Bowman of Bartonsville Vt. Mr. Fuller was one of the charter members of the Baptist Church, and always took a deep interest in religious affairs, but he could never be persuaded to accept a public office of any kind. He was greatly beloved by all who knew him, and died on the old homestead July 26, 1856, his widow surviving him until January 22, 1858. Many of his descendants now live in the town, while many others have gone elsewhere and are now occupying prominent positions in life, of whom may be mentioned the following: COL. LEVI K. FULLER, son of Washington, now of Brattleboro, Vt. He was born at East Westmoreland, February 25, 1841, and married Abby E., daughter of Jacob Estey of Brattleboro Vt May 8, 1865. At the present time he is commander of the First Vermont Light Battery, president of the Brattleboro Sewing Machine Co., vice-president of the Estey Organ Co., and for many years has been a member of the firm of Estey & Co., organ manufacturers. His elegant resident is situated in a beautiful grove on an eminence in the southern suburbs of Brattleboro village. CAPT. CHARLES P. HALL, principal of the high school at Hinsdale and J. EDWARD HALL, book-keeper of the Estey Organ Co., are children of Mary. J. EUGENE FULLER of Westmoreland, and HANNAH, wife of Henry Foster of Walpole, are children of CHRISTOPHER C. WILLIAM H. FULLER of Walpole is a son of LUTHER. JOSIAH FULLER, a grandson of DR. NOAH, went to the Sandwich Islands, attained a high official position, and died there. CHRISTOPHER C. FULLER, a son of JOSEPH FULLER, who came here from Franconia NH, was born in Westmoreland, on the farm now owed by J.E. Fuller, on road 5. He married Elsie Clement, who bore him three children, Hannah M., Joseph E., and Lucy A. LUCY A. FULLER married Isaac W. Rawson, had one child, and died in October 1882. HANNAH M. FULLER married Henry T. Foster, and has six children. She is now a widow. JOSEPH E. FULLER was born at Bellows Falls Vt. and came here at the age of four years. He has been mail carrier for the last three years between East Westmoreland and Westmoreland. He married Ann Elizabeth White, and has five children, three sons and two daughters, all living at home. His mother lives with him, at seventy-five years of age. EDWIN J. GOODNOW, son of JONATHAN GOODNOW, who was a native of this town, and grandson of JONATHAN SR., who came here from Massachusetts, was born on the place where Ambrose Higgins now lives, on road 33. He learned the trade of a wheelwright, and followed that occupation until he entered the army, August 12, 1862. He enlisted in Co. A., 14th NH Vols, was in the service two and one half years, and lost his left arm at the battle of Winchester, W.Va., September 19, 1864. On his return from the war in 1865 he built a wheelwright shop on Partridge brook, where his saw-mill, built in 1871, now stands, on road 25. He has followed that business since, and has been town clerk ever since his return. AMBROSE C. HIGGINS, one of the six children of JOSEPH HIGGINS, was born in Alford NH, and came to this town at the age of five years with his widowed mother, now Mrs. Jonathan Goodwin. He is a carpenter, residing on road 33. He has a sister living in Illinois. EGBERT CHAMBERLAIN HORTON AND EDGAR KENDALL HORTON--In that year made memorable by the battles of Buena Vista and Sacramento, and the severe famine in Ireland, which called from the United States such munificent donations of corn and potatoes to save the famishing, there was born to a pleasant home in Westmoreland NH, EGBERT CHAMBERLAIN HORTON and EDGAR KENDALL HORTON, twin sons of DR. P. MANLY HORTON and Mary Ann Kendall--who were a glad surprise, looking so much alike that it was difficult to tell one from the other. Bright hopes at once centred in them, for they were of noble extraction. Their mother was from a superior family of English origin, eminently gifted in mind and heart. She was a true woman, always loyal to her family and well fitted to nurture and train her children for usefulness and success in the world. So long as she lived she richly blest her home. Their father, who is still living in advanced years, is mentally strong and of great physical endurance, inventive by nature and exceedingly apt in mechanical skills and works. The Horton pedigree reaches far back into English history, even to the period when the Romans occupied Brittany. The name itself signifies a cultivator, or advisor.... The first of this name came to America as early as 1633 and one branch settled on Long Island, and others in Springfield, and in the central part of Massachusetts. From the last have sprung the family under consideration. EGBERT AND EDGAR HORTON ... advanced from the common to the High School, they expressed quickness of discernment and readiness of comprehension, mastering the studies they pursued. Reaching manhood, they were of medium size, mental temperament and ambitious to do for themselves. On leaving home they engaged as clerks in mercantile business at Keene NH. Edgar remained there for five years and then went to Providence RI where he continued in the same calling for ten years. Egbert tarried in Keene, but a short time before he left for Greenfield Mass, where he devoted himself to photography until 1870, when he went to Providence to follow in the same business. In 1878 he opened a studio for himself, and two years later he took in as partner, his brother Edgar. Now, with their age, experience, taste, skill and love for art-works, they were prepared to excel in photography, Egbert devoting himself to the art, and Edgar to the business part, and so carry on the work with a high degree of success. Starting now on a basis of Strict attention to artistic effect and a general excellence in detail, they have acquired the enviable position of leaders in photographic art in Rhode Island, and today their business is second to none in New England, and represents to a large degree the wealthy and best patronage of the State. With the view of better meeting the demands of an increasing business, they have recently fitted up two entire floors of the large block at 87 Westminster Street for their work.... the studio of the Horton Brothers is generally regarded as a valuable addition to the aesthetic developments of Providence [RI]. WILLIAM HUTCHINS, accompanied by his brothers, Ebenezer and David, came to this town from Attleborough, Mass., as early as 1773, and first located upon the farm now owned by Willard R. Gline, on road 41, corner 33. He afterward moved to the place now occupied by his grandson, Otis, on road 35. He reared a family of four sons and four daughters, none of whom are now living, and died in 1838. His oldest son, OTIS HUTCHINS, was a graduate of Dartmouth college, and was a licensed preacher, and taught school most of his life. He only had two children, one of whom, OTIS, is living, and resides upon the homestead farm, where his father died in 1866, aged eighty-five years. In 1871 OTIS HUTCHINS Jr. was town representative. He married Sarah C. Patten, of this town, who has borne him four children, two of them now living at home. His oldest daughter is at the State Normal School, at Westfield, Mass., and one son is at Keene, in Spencer's hardware store. [A second history notes, WILLIAM HUTCHINS (first mentioned) was born in Attleborough Mass, December 18, 1749 and came to this town in 1772, settling upon the farm now owned by Willard R. Gline, he remained upon this place one year, when he purchased and moved to the farm now owned by his grandson, Otis Hutchins, where he died in 1838. He was an ardent patriot, and thereby became a mark of royal enmity. In 1773 a detatchment of the King's troops from Westminster attempted to arrest a man for some offense now not known, who was living upon the farm now occupied by Lorenzo Joslin, in Putney. The neighbors, including Mr. Hutchins, rallied in his behalf, and succeded in defeating the intended arrest. In retaliation, the trrops seized the only cow of Mr. Hutchins and drove it away with them. He was among the first to enlist in the patriot cause.] settling on the farm now owned by Willard Gline FRANK JARVIS came from Canada when seventeen years of age, and has lived in Westmoreland, Chesterfield and Swanzey. He has been located on his present farm the last seven years. He married Ellen Blodgett, of Chesterfield, and has three children, two of them living at home. One daughter married Stephen Burt and resides on road 29. ARTEMUS KNIGHT was born in Dummerston Vt., and had four children, three of whom are living, one of them, JOHN B. KNIGHT residing in this town. ARTEMAS KNIGHT died in 1881. JOHN B. KNIGHT was born in Putney Vt., left home at the age of twenty-five, and engaged in railroading eight or nine years. He then occupied himself with farming in Putney Vt., about six years. He married Minerva Fitz, of that town, and has had born to him three children. Two of them are living, one, a daughter in Rutland Vt., and the son FRANK A. KNIGHT lives at home. JOHN B. KNIGHT came to this town in 1860, and is engaged in farming. He held the office of selectman in Putney Vt. LUTHER KNIGHT, a native of Franconia NH, moved here about 1800, and reared a family of six children, only one of whom, CHARLES KNIGHT, is living. The latter was born on the place now owned by Willard Evans, on road 8, and with the exception of one year, when he resided in the Western states, has always lived in town. He married Lucy, daughter of Ezekial Woodward, of East Westmoreland, and has two daughters, one of whom lives in Boston, and the other at home. He has held most all of the town offices, having been selectman two years, town treasurer two years, and was town representative in 1869 and 1870 being elected twice when the legislature held annual sessions. HENRY LEACH, whose father ISAAC LEACH, was a native of Salem, Mass., was born in this town in 1803. He had a cloth-dressing mill, which he bought of Jimna walker, in 1858, just opposite the place where he now lives, on road 25, and carried on the business for six years. Mr. Leach has buried three wives, and has had only one child, CHARLIE H. LEACH, who lives on the old place with his father. GEORGE W. NIMS, son of ROSWELL NIMS, was born in Sullivan, November 14, 1811. In 1814 he moved with his father to Keene, where he remained until 1840, when he moved to this town, and located upon the farm now owned by his son, E.T. NIMS on road 27. He married Susan, daughter of Thomas Thomson, in 1840, and has four children, two sons and two daughters. Of these, ADELAIDE S. NIMS, married C.E. Young and lives in Shirley, Mass. OSCAR G. NIMS lives in Keene, and is treasurer of the Cheshire Provident Institution. ELMER T. NIMS lives in town on the old homestead, and IDA L. NIMS married O.J. Butterfield and also resides in town. JOSIAH NOYES came to Westmoreland in 1808, and located upon the place now owned by his son AUGUSTUS NOYES, on road 44. He reared a family of six children, only two of whom are living, and died in 1840. His son JOSIAH NOYES was a phyisican, practicing in Needham, Mass, about forty-five years, and died in 1877. VARNUM NOYES, another son, is a Presbyterian minister, but is not preaching now, because of ill health. AUGUSTUS NOYES, son of JOSIAH SR., was born in Acton, Mass., married Persis Stone of Marlboro, who bore him eight children, six of whom are living. Of these, one daughter, ZOL A.M. NOYES, married Rev. William Edwin Locke, a Congregational minister, and has been with him as a missionary in Turkey for the last fifteen years, and has three children. Another, MARIA P. NOYES, has been a teacher in the Chicago schools for sixteen years. HARRIET A. NOYES and AdALINE W. NOYES remain at home; FREDERICK A. NOYES lives in Buffalo, NY and EDWARD B. NOYES is married and lives in Chicago IL. DANIEL W. PATTEN--John Patten came from Ireland, where he was born, to America in the early part of the eighteenth century, and settled in Norton, Mass., and married Abigail Makepeace (The house they occupied is still standing in Nortin, in a good state of preservation). He possssed the strong, rugged nature of his nationality, together with patient endurance, and when, at the close of the Revolutionary War, money had so depreciated in value that his small means were almost lost, his brave heart was not easily discouraged, and, with diligence and perseverance, he, with his four sons, worked early and late until they had paid for the farm, and Mr. Patten could start square with the world. He was by trade a nail-maker. His life in America passed in Norton, where he died. His children were William, Samuel, Daniel, John, Abigail, Sarah, Lucy, and Susan who married a Jenks and settled in Vermont. William, Abigail and Sarah never married. Lucy married Solomon Field. Daniel married, had three daughters Phoebe, Abigail and Harriet. (Phoebe married Sumner Knapp, they had ten children. Abigail married Mason Stone, and had 5 children. Harriet married Daniel S. Cobb and had three children). Samuel married, family unknown. JOHN PATTEN, the first of the Patton family to settle in Westmoreland, was born in Norton, Mass in 1755, and died in Westmoreland, aged sixty years. He was a blacksmith by trade, and a hard-working man. He married Jerusha Wood. Their children were Abigail (died young), Asa, Samson, Daniel, John, William and Sarah (who did not attain maturity). ASA PATTEN married Cyntha Field and left Westmoreland and made his home in Coventry VT where he died. SAMSON PATTEN moved to Maine, married and left numerous descendants. JOHN PATTEN married Nancy M. Smith, always resided in Norton, and died there. WILLIAM PATTEN married Elfrida Aldrich, of Westmoreland and passed part of his life in Pomfret Vt, but returned to Westmoreland and was a resident there at the time of his death. DANIEL PATTEN, son of John and Jerusha (Wood) Patten [also see below] was born in Westmoreland January 18, 1794. His early life and education was the usual one of the sons of farmers and mechanics. He learned the trade of a carpenter and pursued his vocation with diligence, and was a successful business man. A good citizen, he applied himself closely to his own affairs, and never sought publicity or office. He married in 1820, Cyrena Shelley, daughter of Barnabas and Lydia (Cole) SHelley of Westmoreland, born February 24, 1797. THey had two children, DANIEL W. PATTEN and GEORGE E. PATTEN, born March 21, 1835. He married second, Myra Hutchin, born May 13, 1803 and died January 25, 1859, leaving a daughter, Elmyra C., who lived to be twenty-three years old. For his third wife, Mr. Patten married Sally French, of Westmoreland. She was born February 24, 1809, and died September 15, 1868. DANIEL WARREN PATTEN, the oldest son of Daniel and Cyrena (Shelley) Patten, was born in Westmoreland, February 24, 1822 and with the exception of four years' residence in Hinsdale, has always lived in his native town. Like multitudes of men, he passed his youth and early manhood assisting his father on the farm, besides working at his trade of carpentering. His school facilities were necessarily limited, but by close application he became a proficient scholar especially in mathematics. In nine cases out of ten, the men who have achieved distinction in politics or in the various lines of business activity have passed their early days in the shop or on a farm. Mr. Patten married, June 4 1845, Elizabeth Howe Heustis, born February 1, 1822, daughter of Gilbert T. and Martha (Hodges) Huestis of Westmoreland; she is a descendant, on her mother's side of Samuel Howe, one of the first settlers of the town, and a granddaughter of Aristides and Prudence (Baxter) Heustis, of Surry NH. They have two children--Ella E. (who married Albourne F. Abbott of Westmoreland, now living in Boston) and Martha C. who is with her parents. In 1849 Mr. Patten, desirous of advancing his business interests, went to Hinsdale, where he carried on the sash and blind manufacturing for four years; he then returned to Westmoreland, and continued in the same line of work until 1856, when the flood carried away his shop containing stock and machinery; but... he rebuilt and engaged in the business of planing and dressing lumber, and added to this the manufacture of wood pails for some four or five years. He also engaged in civil engineering, and for 25 years has been employed in all parts of the county, and especially in his native town, where he has a comfortable home and farm to which he gives his personal interest. His active interest and participation in military organizations is shown by his several commissions, which were given as follows: Ensign in the Westmoreland Light Infantry by Governor Hubbard in 1843; first lieutenant by Governor Steel in 1844; captain of the First Company Light Infantry by the same Governor in 1845; lieutenant-colonel of Twentieth Regiment NH Militia by Governor Colby in 1846, and colonel in the same regiment by Governor Williams in 1847; and received his honorable discharge June 9, 1848. Mr. Patten has thorough believed in his native town..... In 1860 he was assistant United States marshal, and took the census in Westmoreland, Chesterfield, Hinsdale and Swanzey, and has held several minor town offices. Policially he is a Democrat..and was twice elected to the State Legislature on the Democratic ticket for the years 1863 and 1864. He has been several times nominated for State Senator, and for various county offices, receiving each time the cordial and full support of his party, but failing of election by the great predominance of the opposing part in this seciton of the state. He has been many years a justice of the peace. In his religious preferences he is a Universalist. DANIEL PATTEN was a son of JOHN PATTEN, who moved here from Norton, Mass. His son, GEORGE W. PATTEN was born here, has always been a farmer, and takes great pride in his place, which is located on road 22. He has the best sugar grove in the town of Westmoreland. DANIEL W. PATTEN, son of Daniel, and brother of George W., left home at the age of twenty-three, married Elizabeth H., daughter of Gilbert T. Huestis, and has two daughters, Martha C., and Ella E. The former lives at home, and the latter married Albourne L. Abbott, who is a baggage master on the Boston & Lowell R.R. in Boston, Mass. He spent four years in Hinsdale, and the remainder of his life he has lived here. He has a small farm on road 26, but still works at his trade, that of a carpenter, which he learned when a boy, of his father. He was town representative in 1863-64 and has been a justice of the peace the last thirteen years. GEORGE R. PERRY, one of the nine children of DR. WILLIAM PERRY, was born in Brookline Vt. After traveling from one place to another through New England, he at last located in this town about 1848, and has lived on his present farm, on road 38, for the last thirty years. He has been selectman five years, supervisor two years, and clerk of the school district about thirty years. He married Jane M. Blodgett, of Brattleboro Vt., and has had born to him three children, all living, two of them residing at home. Upon this farm, where Mr. Perry resides, and which borders on the Connecticut river, is the site of a fort, where the white people hid themselves, in early days, from the Indians, and this meadow is called "Canoe meadow," it being the shape of a canoe. Mr. Perry has in his possession an Indian tomahawk, on which is the date 1754. He continued to find Indian relics as he ploughs the ground. SYLVESTER POWERS was born, it is supposed, in Connecticut, in 1784, lived in Charlestown NH some time, and afterwards removed to Westmoreland, where he died in 1826. He reared a family of five children, four of whom are now living. One son, CHARLES POWERS, lives in Westminster Vt., another W.J. POWERS in Marlow NH, another SAMUEL POWERS in Alstead NH, and one daughter Mrs. Mary Jones, lives in Johnson Vt. ABIATHA LAMBERT SHAW, whose father was a native of Massachusetts and an early settlers of this town, was born on the farm now occupied by Theodore Cole, on road 48. He married twice, first, Susan Coff, who bore him five children, three of whom are living. By his second wife he had no children. His son, CHARLES F. SHAW was born on the old homestead, which was in the Shaw family about ninety years, married Alcestia Hills of Woodstock Vt., and has one child. He is a farmer and produce dealer, living on road 54. BARNABAS SHELLEY came here from Raynham, Mass about eighty years ago. and located upon the place now occupied by Warren Shelley, off road 22. BARNABAS SHELLEY, one of the six children of Barnabas Sr., was born at the old homestead, and reared a family of four children as follows: Elisha, Joseph, Emeline and Lewis C. ELISHA SHELLEY married Lucy S. Hall, and is a farmer in East Westmoreland. JOSEPH SHELLEY, who was born on the old homestead, remained there until twenty-one years of age, when he left for a year or so, then returned, and owning a part of the old farm lived there about fifteen years, then moved to Westmoreland village, where he has been postmaster fifteen years. He has been selectman, assessor and town treasurer, each three years, and collector nine years. He has been a partial invalid through rheumatism the past twenty-seven years He is much esteemed and is valued as an efficient post-master. He married Betsey F. Balch and has reared four children, all of whom are living. His son, WARREN W. SHELLEY has been a butcher in Westmoreland, but left the business on account of rheumatism, and now resides on road 44. EMELINE SHELLEY married Henry Livingston of Walpole, and has had two children. She is left a widow, and keeps a store in Westmoreland. LEWIS C. SHELLEY married Betsey Woodward, has two children, both living at home, is a farmer and lives in East Westmoreland. DR. BARTON SIMMONS, son of EDWARD was born on the place now owned by James T. Starkey, on road 41, and practiced medicine in this town about fifty years. Of his children, only two are now living, both in this town. His daughter RANEY SIMMONS married Charles H. Cook, who is station agent at East Westmoreland, where they reside. They have three children, who lived at home. GILBERT M. SIMMONS, son of Barton, was born on the farm now owned by John B. Knight, on road 9, and now resides on road 44, upon the farm his father occupied about forty years. He left home at the age of sixteen, learned a mechanical trade, and has since been a railroad engineers about thirty-three years. He was on the Boston & Albany railroad eight years, on the Troy & Boston railroad four years, and on the Georgia railroad nineteen years. He has now lived in town about three years, being obliged to leave the railroad on account of his health. He married Francis B., daughter of Warren Wheeler, and has two sons and one daughter. One son, Clarence B. Simmons, is a druggist in Great Barrington, Mass., and the other two children are at home. ISRAEL STOWELL, son of REUBEN STOWELL, was born in Windham Vt in 1805. He removed to Westminster about 1854, lived there two years, when he moved to Walppole, where he remained fifteen years, being proprietor of the Wentworth House three years of that time. He moved to this town, and located upon the place where he now resides, on road 38, in 1871. He married Aschsah Goodard, of WIndham, about 1828, who has borne him seven children, four of whom are living. His son, SEM STOWELL is a farmer and lives at home. AMORETTE O. STOWELL, daughter of Israel married Alonzo B. Richardson of Clinton, ME, and they have three children, all at home. They have lived most of the time since they were married at the home of Israel Stowell, on road 38, though they lived seven years at Turner's Falls, Mass. Mr. Richardson is a dam and bridge constructor, and has built dams at Bellows Falls Vt., Turners Falls Mass, Millers Falls Mass., Franklin NH, and in the states of Connecticut, Maine, Rhode Island and California. He built all the station buildings on the Pacific R.R., from the summit of the Sierra Nevada mountains to Salt Lake. ALBERT THOMPSON--Of the numerous emigrants who came to Plymouth, Mass, in the "good ship Ann" was John Thomson, who was born in the north of Wales in the year 1616, and came to America in the third embarkation from England, and arrived at Plymouth early in the month of May, 1622, being at that time in the sixth year of age. The first knowledge we have of the name, with any certainty, is from the ancient record of heraldry. Then the name was familiarly known in England, Scotland, and Ireland, and each family spelled the name differently... JOHN THOMSON learned the trade of carpenter, and tradition says he built the first framed meeting-house in Plymouth, Mass. He married Mary Cook, the daughter of Francis Cook, one of the first emigrants in 1620. He afterwards lived in Sandwich and was a farmer, then moved to that part of Plymouth now Halifax and subsequently built a log house in Middleborough, where he lived until his house was burned by the Indians. At the time of the Indian attacks he had a general commission as lieutenant-commandant, not only in the field, but of garrison and all posts of danger. In the year 1677 he erected a frame house near where the former house was destroyed, and made a garrison of it. This house was the residence of the fifth generation. It was taken down in 1838, having been occupied one hundred and sixty years. Mr. and Mrs. Thomson were zelous, God-fearing people and were regular attendants of divine service. Their hour of rising, especially on Sunday morning was four o'clock. The distance to church was thirteen miles, and it is recorded that his wife on two Sabbaths in June, after breakfast took her child of six months old in her arms and walked to Plymouth, attended service, and returned home the same day. The long, useful and industrious life of the Thomson patriarch closed June 16, 1696, when nearly eighty years old. He was buried in the first burying ground in Middleborough. Mary, his wife, died March 21, 1714, in the eighty-eighth year of her age. They had twelve children. The line of descent to Albert is, John (1), Jacob (2), Caleb (3), Caleb (4), Caleb (5), Nathaniel (6), Albert (7). CALEB (5) THOMSON was a great ship-builder and dealer in lumber in Plymouth Mass. He married Mary Perkins. He died February 9, 1821. She died December 9, 1816. They had fifteen children--Gaius, Sylvia, Jonah, Ansel, Nathan, Abigail, Serena, Alfred, Mary, Eliza, Caleb, Nathaniel (6), Joanna, Sabina, and Frederic. NATHANIEL (6) THOMPSON was the twelfth child of Caleb and Mary (Perkins) THOMPSON. He settled in Swanzey NH and became a farmer. He also carried on a saw-mill and dealt largely in lumber. He married September 13, 1818 Annie Field. THey had several children-- Ambrose born May 30, 1819 and died July 3, 1829; Julia Ann, born March 10, 1823, died May 21, 1849; Frederick M. born May 19, 1826, died February 1, 1859; Eliza born June 28, 1831, died Dec 25 1850; Andrew J. born November 28, 1828, died May 24, 1829; Mary E. born April 20, 1834 (now Mrs. Britton); Albert(6) [should read (7)]; Lavina, born March 31, 1839 (Mrs. Charles F. Graves, resides in Fon du Lac, Wis.). ALBERT THOMPSON, son of Nathaniel and Annie (Field) Thompson, was born in Swanzey NH Oct 181, 1836. His early years were passed at home. He diligently and carefully improved his educational advantages the schools of his native town afforded. His turn of mind being favorable to business enterprise and activity, at the age of fifteen he left Swanzey and went to Keene, where he remained for about eight years, a portion of which time he was engaged in the business of furnishing wood for the Cheshire Railroad, on his own account, and has handled a large amount of the wood supplied that road for about twenty-eight years. In 1860 he came to Westmoreland, and since that time has been closely identified with that town. In April 1859 he married Carrie, daughter of Foster Wight, the first postmaster of East Westmoreland. THey have had five children-- Abbie M., born September 1, 1860, died February 2, 1884; Omer G. and Olan A. (twins) born November 1, 1864 (Olan A died August 31, 1865); Irving W., born August 9, 1874; and Clifton A. born January 31, 1877. Mr. Thompson built the store and the house where he now resides in 1867, for his brother-in-law Mr. Wight, who carried on business for about two years, when Mr. Wight, foreseeing a more successful future for his laborrs in the West, went to Nori, Michigan, where he has been very prosperous, and Mr. Thompson devoted his attention and energy to the trade at home, and the results have been favorable. Other enterprises have also felt the impulse of his ability. He has been active in the lumbering business, alone and in company with his brother-in-law, Chandler Britton, for several years. It was mainly through his efforts that the "Centennial Hall," was built in East Westmoreland in 1876... LEVI B. WARE, son of ERASTUS WARE, has always lived in this town, with the exception of two years which he spent in North Hartland Vt. He has resided upon his present farm, on road 35, for the last four years. He married Flora Hubbard, of Chesterfield, who bore him two children, one of whom, a daughter, died in infancy. The other, a young boy, resides at home. His wife died in 1881. ERASMUS WELLINGTON was born in Sturbridge, Mass., came to this county when quite young, and after spending about thirty years in this county, moved to Illinois, where he died soon after. Of his family of three children, one daughter is a widow and resides in Belvidere, IL, another is married and resides in Rock Falls, IL, and a son, ELI R. WELLINGTON lives in this town. The latter was born on the place now owned by Frank H. Holden, on road 22. He lived in Chesterfield sixteen years, and while there was selectman of that town. He has resided here for the last fourteen years, has been school committee, and represented the town in 1883-1884. He married Persis L., daughter of John Albee, and granddaughter of Ichabod Albee, one of the first settlers of this town. Their homestead had always been in the possession of the Albee family until occupied by Mr. Wellington. The latter has had a family of four children, one of them dying in infancy. Of the other, CLARA M. married A. Clarence Coff, and lives on Park hill, and E. CLINTON and MARY IDA live at home. SHUBAEL WHITE--The white family are among the oldest in New England. The first ancestor was William White, who, with his wife Susanna, was among that band of strong-hearted, valiant, zealous Puritans, united by a common bond of religious faith, who left their homes in England to brave the hardships and trials of an unknown country in order to find "Freedom to worship God!" They landed at Plymouth, Mass. in the winter of 1620, where Peregrine, the son of William and Susanna, was born, on board the "Mayflower," after her arrival. His name was given him on account of the wanderings of the Pilgrims. William White was a "pious and active minister in Dorchester, England"..... The line to Shubael, the representative of the name in Westmoreland is: William (1), Peregrine (2), Daniel (3), John (4), Cornelius (5), Moses (6), Calvin (7), Shubael (8). Peregrine was one of the grantees of the town of Abington, Mass. The family are found afterwards in SOuth Brookfield, Mass., and John (4) was killed there by the Indians while making hay on the meadow near where the burying-ground is now; Cornelius (5) was one of the grantees of the town of Westmoreland in 1752; MOSES(6) WHITE, son of Cornelius came from Brookfield, Mass to Westmoreland NH and was one of the first settlers of the town. He married December 25, 1766 Dinah Stone. They had eleven children-- Sarah, born November 16, 1767; Calvin, born July 29, 1774; Hannah, born October 3, 1777; Dinah born November 14, 1779; Samuel, born February 28, 1782; Cynthia, born June 1, 1786; Orpha born June 30, 1789; Eunice, born August 31, 1791; John, born June 12, 1796; Bethuel; Solomon. Moses White was a farmer and respected citizen, deacon of the church and performed his duties faithfully. His wife died October 26, 1811, aged sixty-three years and he married a second wife. He died March 6, 1829, aged eighty-six years. CALVIN (7) WHITE, son of Deacon Moses and Dinah (Stone) White, was born in Westmoreland July 29, 1774. He married Sarah Richardson of Chesterfield NH. THey had eight children--Gilman born January 19, 1799, married Harriet Butterfield; Persis, born November 15, 1801, died December 20, 1802; Mary, born January 18, 1805, married Francis Russell; Silas, born November 20, 1806, married Phoebe Thayer; Shubael [see below]; Betsey, born August 4, 1811, unmarried, died aged seventy-two years; Alfred, born October 17, 1813, married Sarah Litch; Eunice, born November 23, 1816, married Caleb W. Jacquith. Calvin White was a mechanic and made the old-fashioned mould-board wooden ploughs. He was an intelligent man and held several minor town offices. He died April 11, 1843, aged sixty-nine; his wife survived him ten years, dying September 21, 1853, aged seventy-four. SHUBAEL (8) WHITE, son of Calvin and Sarah (Richardson) White, was born in Westmoreland May 27, 1809. During his early years he had the experience that the children of a family of humble circumstances of that day usually had--labor on the farm and limited school opportunities. He learned the carpenter's trade, and remained in Westmoreland until he was of age. He passed the next five or six years in various places, and in 1836 he went to Keene. The same year he married, in Boston, Betsey Heustis, daughter of Simon Heustis, an old resident of Westmoreland. THey had one child, William H. White, who is now a judge of Police Court at Junction City, Kansas. He married for his second wife, Nancy L. Wilder, daughter of David Wilder, a native of Lancaster, Mass. She died February 26, 1883. They had two children--Henry, born October 19, 1840, was one of the victims of the great Rebellion, dying in service December 19, 1861, aged twenty-one years, and Charles M., born May 16, 1850. Mr. white was a man of quiet and unobtrusive manner, kind, cheerful and social in his disposition, faithful to duty and to the performance of trusts. He has served as overseer of the poor for over eleven years, as collector of taxes for four years, and has held several minor town offices. At the time of the Civil War, when the first call came for seventy five thousand men, Mr. White, although past middle age, responded promptly, and enlisted, as drum-major, in the Second New Hampshire Regiment, and also served in the same capacity in the Sixth and Fourteenth Regiments, and received his honorable discharge. Politically, he is a strong Republican. His religious belief is that of the Congregational Church.... ISAAC K. WHITE, a native of Raynham, Mass, came here in 1820, at the age of eighteen, and located in the eastern part of the town. He was a blacksmith and a farmer, married Penelope Knight, and reared a family of ten children, six of whom are living, and two reside in town. His daughter, LUCY A. WHITE married William N. Patten. His son, HENRY K. WHITE, a native of this town, lived at home until the age of twenty-five, and after residing in Keene and Walpole several years, has been on his present farm in this town, the last nine years. He married Rachel, daughter of Farley Norris, and has had born to him three children, two of whom are living, the daughter at home, and the son in Putney, Vt. Farley Norris, father of Mrs. Henry K. White, resides with them. He was the first drafted man in the town of Walpole, but did not go to the war. EDMUND WILCOX, a native of Gilsum, was a farmer and mechanic, manufacturing chairs and all kinds of tools. He died when his son LEONARD WILCOX was but three years of age. The latter is also a mechanic and worked in mills in different parts of Cheshire county about eight years, when he went to Ludlow Vt., and remained twenty years, manufacturing lumber and wooden ware. He then moved to Gardner, Mass, and was engaged there in the mercantile business, being one of the firm of Harwell & Wilcox. From this place he came to Westmoreland, and has since been engaged in the manufacture of lumber. While living in Ludlow, Mr. WIlcox was selectman three years, and lister and justice of the peace several years. He married Rhoda Lewis, of Royalston, Mass in 1848, and has had born to him four children, three of whom are living and at home. (end)