HISTORY OF RANDOLPH, COOS 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). ****DO NOT LINK DIRECTLY TO THIS TEXT FILE, INSTEAD LINK TO THE FOLLOWING URL***: http://www.nh.searchroots.com/coos.html#Randolph ======================================================== History of Coös County, New Hampshire by George Drew Merrill; Syracuse N.Y.: W.A. Fergusson & Co., 1888, 1018 pgs. page 935 RANDOLPH Randolph was granted to John Durand, and others from London, under the name of "Durand," August 20, 1772, and incorporated as Randolph June 16, 1824. It is situated at the northern base of the White Mountains; is bounded on the north by Berlin, east by Gorham, south by the White Mountains, and west by Kilkenny. The surface is uneven and broken with hills, and, of its area of over 36,000 acres, only a small number are under improvement. Farming, lumbering, and keeping summer boarders are the principal employments of the people. The lumber business is an important branch of resource. Tributaries of Moose and Israel's rivers are the principal streams and afford some water-power. In 1820 the population was seventy-three; in 1886, 360. The scenery is lovely and there are many attractions. The mountains are lined with ravines, cascades and beautiful primeval forests; the streams of clear, sparkling water are inhabited by speckled-trout; pleasant walks to Ripple falls and along Lowe's paths to the cascades on Israel's river; mountain climbing to Mt. Adams*, and other peaks of the Presidential range; the King's Ravine, the grandest the mountains afford; Cold Brook falls, a favorite spot. The Ravine House is three-fourths of a mile from the latter falls, and from it many points of interest can easily reached. The Mount Crescent House possesses attractive features for tourists, and the best place for a drive is along Randolph hill. [*It has been a custom of visitors to Mt. Washington by the way of Mt. Adams to leave a record of their journey "bottled up" for the benefit of the tourists of the next year. The ascent of Mt. Adams has never been made in mid-winter until February 17, 1887, when Charles Lowe, of Randolph, accomplished this perilous feat, dug up the bottle, and on his return forwarded its contents to Boston. His mode of climbing was by the aid of a strong staff with a pick, which he could stab into the ice and in this way step by step he made progress slowly but surely and finally gained the top of the ice-covered mountain--Editor]. IMPROVEMENTS AND SETTLERS-- LOT 17, RANGE 2. Commenced by Benjamin Ockington, and a saw-mill built in 1827 by him was owned by Joseph Holmes. Augustus Stephen built a clapboard-mill near the saw-mill in 1835. Anson Stillings bought the property and sold to Robert Blair, who sold to the Canton Steam Mill Company. This mill was burned in 1884, and rebuilt by Libbey Brothers, the present owners in 1885. Joseph L. Kelsey owns a part, and M.V.B. Watson a piece of the same lot. LOT 18, RANGE 2--Commenced by JESSE BUMPUS, and a log house and barn built on it. It was occupied by SAMUEL ROGERS a few years, deserted, and went to the owners of Lot 17, range 2. LOT 16, range 2--COmmenced by SILAS BUMPUS about 1800, and bought by Levi Lowe in 1818. He died there, and his son JUSTUS took it, and lived on the homestead fifty years. At this death PERLY, his son, became owner, and is now the occupant. On this lot there is a large beaver meadow, and the remains of the old dam can now be plainly seen. LOT 15, range 2--Occupied by JAMES HILL early in 1800, but it was sold and added to the Bowman place, and remained in that tract until 1859, when it was sold to Ezekiel Sheldon of Rhode Island. He sold to A.J. and Pembrook Watson who disposed of it to M.V.B Watson. Thomas Suiter bought it and sold to Richard Hadley, the present owner of the west half, Gilman C. Bradbury owning the east half. There is a nice school-house and grounds on this lot. LOT 14, Range 2--Opened up and cleared by JOHN BOWMAN. He was one of the earliest settlers, and came before 1800, built a log tavern and barn. He, with his son HIRAM, kept a tavern on the place for a number of years. Hiram died about 1827. John Bowman figured in town affairs considerably in its early growth. At the time of the Willey slide there was a slide came down Israel's river, covering the Bowman place with trees, rocks and dirt. It completely surrounded the house, but Bowman and his wife slept through it all, and knew nothing of it until the next morning. The large wood-covered mountain at the foot of Mt. Jefferson was named for Mr. Bowman. Since 1845 the place has been occupied by a number, but not permanently. Residents since Bowman have been John Kimball, Frank Morrison, Henry Wallace, Frank Hayes, C.S. Lowe, Charles E. Lowe, E.A. Crawford. Lowe, Evans & ANdrews are the present owners. LOT 13, Range 2--COmmenced with a man named HIGGINS; no one knew from whence he came or whither he went. The next occupant was HUBBARD HUNT, the present owner and resident. LOT 12, RANGE 2--ROBERT INGALLS, of Shelburne, cleared fifteen acres about 1828. In 1856 Charles and Clovis Lowe bought it, and also lot 12, range 3. There are three families on these lots: Mrs. Clovis Lwe, and her grandson Charles E. Hunt, Charles E. Lowe, and F.F. Reed. Clovis Lowe had a nice set of buildings destroyed by fire here, and, although he was nearly eighty years of age, he rebuilt them, determined to die in a home of his own, which he did in 1882, two years later. LOT 11, Range 3--Partially cleared by CALEB WILSON, of Lancaster, and occupied by his son-in-law until Obadiah Mann bought it about 1830. LOT 10, Range 3--Commenced by STEPHEN GILSON prior to 1800. Obediah Mann Sr. bought of Gilson. Mann was an old Revolutionist, and brought considerable property here. He died, and was buried beside a stone wall in the field, and no stone marks his resting- place. He was once the glory of his country but is now nearly forgotten. Obediah Jr., occupied the place until about 1858. It then became the property of A.G. Messenger. A few years later the buildings were burned; since then there have been several owners; the present ones are William Watson and T.S. Lowe. A new house has been put up on the place. LOT 9, Range 3--Clearing was commenced here by a Mr. NOBLE. A number of old cellars mark the spots where other settlers lived who are now unknown. About 1850 J.W. Watson built a block house, and lived in it nearly twenty years, and then sold to Henry Rich, his son-in-law, who sold to William Smith, the present owner. Lots 8, RANGES 3 and 4--Improvements were begun here by GILSON. He built the first mill in Durand. It was built on Cold brook just below the falls, and went out with the first freshet. He erected a second mill for making lumber and grinding grain, about 1800. JOHN MORSE bought out GILSON and kept the mill in operation for a number of years. There were three dwellings on those lots at one time, all occupied by the Morse families. The traces of the old mills are all gone, not as much as the end of a dam remaining. New buildings were erected on the lots but are unoccupied. LOTS 7, RANGES 3 and 4--A man by the name of STUART began improving here about 1810. Elaska Jackson built a log house there in 1816. His wife was insane; and she was kept in a "cage" in the house for a number of years. Stephen P. Watson bought of Jackson. He was drowned crossing the stream near the house. ABEL N. WATSON, his son, took the place, reared a large family and occupies it with his son, Latham M. They built the first guest house for summer visitors in town. This accomodates about forty guests who are well entertained. LOT 6, RANGE 4--known as the ELIOT place, was cleared before 1800 by ELIOT. William Watson built a house and lived there a few years. Jerome Leavitt purchased the place, and built the first circular saw-mill in Randolph there in 1856. The mill was owned by several parties, and finally came into A.G. Messenger's possesion, who put in the first engine ever used here. He partly sold to J.G. Lary of Gilead, Me. The mill was burned and never rebuilt. A few rods from the house, there is one of the best, if not the best, springs that can be found in the state. Mr. Messenger at his own expense, has put a granite watering-trough, for the accomodation of the public, by the roadside, where man and beast can refresh themselves. page 938 LOT 5, RANGE 4--About 1795 a MR. WILCOX put up a log house and cleared some of the land. The brook that runs through this place was named for him. The next occupant was ANTHONY VINCENT, who took possession in 1826, and built the frame house now on the place. He sold to Alfred Carlton, who occupied it until 1860, since which time a starch factory has been built on the brook. It is now used for threshing grain and sawing wood, and is owned by L.M. Watson. Fred Messenger lives in the old house and owns part of the lot east of the brook. LOT 4, RANGE 4--Clearing was commenced on this lot about 1794, or 1795 by JOSEPH WILDER. He erected a two-story, gable-roof frame house, a novelty in those days. Misfortune overtook him. He signed bonds for his brother, could not pay, was sent to jail, and, being too proud to take the "debtor's oath" he remained there a number of years. He had the "liberty of the yard," or a circuit of a mile to roam in. JAMES GRAY bought the property, and sold half to Asa Stephens, who disposed of his share to Pool. The east half was first occupied by a man by the name of LISHER, then by John Bowman for several years. James Douty also lived there; his son was the first person buried in the new graveyard. LOT 3, RANGE 4--DOUTY rolled up a log hut on this lot, and commenced clearing, but soon left. JAMES GRAY was the next owner; he built the house now standing on the lot, but it has been remodelled, and former owners would not recognize it. Samuel Evans bought of Gray, and Robert Wood, who came here about 1852, was the next in possession; the property has been in the Wood family since. George Wood, the present proprietor, has the largest stock and dairy farm in town. LOT 3, RANGE 3--SILAS BUMPUS cut the first tree on this lot. He sold to Clark Fellows. Bumpus brook runs through this lot LOT 2, RANGE 3--was improved first in 1830 by JONAS GREEN of Shelburne. He cleared the land for a pasture, and built a small frame house and barn. Stephen Gray was the next occupant, hiring it of Green. John Parker was the next owner and sold to William Hawker. He built large and convenient buildings; and is now, with his stepson, the owner and occupant. LOT 2, RANGE 4--Here work was commenced by TITUS O. BROWN, for his son, Titus O., abut 1795. He made "salts" here at one time. Brown went away and Asa Stetson moved on the place. Brown built a block house which stood till about 1860. Elizur Evans bought of Brown, and Timothy Hodgdon of him, and he let William Boswell have it. Robert B. Hodgdon was the next owner. He kept the postoffice a number of years, and a hotel about thirty years. George R. Hodgdon built the house now on the place. It is owned and occupied by Hodgdon's brother-in-law, Ithiel Scates. LOT 1, RANGE 5--HENRY GOODENOUGH built a log house and begun a clearing about 1800. Abraham William was the next occupant, living in this log house. The next occupant was Jonathan Goodin, who married Henry Goodenough's daughter. She had a law-suit with Obediah Mann and lost the place. Timothy Hodgdon bought it of Mann, and built a frame house, living in it a short time. Hodgdon sold to John B. Kelsey, who remodelled the house, built a bar, and for a number of years kept summer boarders. He was burned out, and went to Massachusetts. The first church erected in the town is on this lot. A man named Alnaud Wallace built a log house here in which he died. LOT 2, RANGE 5--JOHN WILSON clearedland and put up a log house and framed barn as early as 1803. The barn was never fully boarded, and the bears used to crawl in and catch his sheep. After Wilson's occupancy the lot became a part of the Brown property. John Wilson's son Samuel, also built a log house here in which he lived for a number of years. LOT 1, RANgE 6--was cleared by a man named WHEELER about 1793. The next occupant was Deacon Evans Wilson. Robert Ingalls bought it for a pasture, afterwards selling to John Parker, who sold it to Henry Evans, and he to J.R. Hitchcock. LOT 2, RANGE 6--Here Amos Peabody had built a log house and barn before 1800 on the east half of the lot. The barn was never fully boarded and it soon blew down. Nat Ordway moved to this lot about 1826, and built a log house and hovel. James Gordon married one of his daughters, and resided here until about 1850, when Benjamin Kelsey became the owner, rebuilt the buildings and is now the occupant. LOT 3, RANGE 5--Settled by CORNELIUS BASS. He built a log house and a hovel, and lived here until he committed suicide in 1820. He was buried on the place near his cabin. Caleb Cushman later built a log house where the old orchard is now, and occupied it fifteen years. Since then it has been pasture land. LOT 4, RANGE 5--ELiZUR EVANS commenced improvement on this lot by building a log house and frame barn. Before him some squatter had put up a log house, but probably was a brief inhabitant. Robert Leighton built a block house and frame barn here sometime in the "thirties." LOT 5, RANGE 5--Settled by GARMANDS, or the clearing was begun by him. Joshua Holmes took possession about 1820, erected a frame house and barn, and lived there about twenty-five years. Abel Jackson bought it, built a frame house, and sold out to C.C. Leighton; he to R.I. Leighton, and he to L.M. Wilson. LOT 3, RANGE 6--Settled by ROBERT LEIGHTON in 1806. He put up a log house, and cleared the land. John Wilson bought the east half, and bulit a log house and barn there. He also built the frame house now on it. He exchanged places with ITHIEL SCATES, since which time this has been in possession of the Scates family and is now occupied by Frank Scates. John C. Leighton built a frame house and barn, on the west half about 1841, which he and his son Joel now occupy. LOT 4, RANGE 6--Settled by SAMUEL EMERY about 1800. He put up a log house and barn. Isaac Carter bought his claim, and became the next occupant. Robert Leighton wsa the next owner and resided here a short time. He let his son Robert have the east half of the lot, and he built a house and barn on it. Here he made his home for life, raising his family here, and in course of time built new buildings. He left it at his death to his son Robert I., who built the house and barn now standing. Jesse Bumpus raised a log house on the west half of this lot, and lived there from eight to ten years, then sold to Jacob Morse, who added a log barn to the buildings, and brought up a large family on the place. Stephen Wren has lately purchased this place and built a fine house. LOT 5, RANGE 6--Settled by MARK PITMAN, who built a log house about 1800. The next occupant was Elaska Jackson, whose house was burned. Silas Bumpus then purchased the lot and sold it to Spofford Stevens, he to Thomas Boothman. He and his sons built find buildings, but time, that levels all things, has levelled them or nearly done so. The east half is owned and occupied by Robert I. Leighton, and a pleasant and commodious mountain-house under his management, here opens its doors each summer for guests. LOT 6, RANGE 6--Settled by WILLIAM FELKER in 1826. He built a frame house, lived in it a few years, and committed suicide by hanging. Darius Green then moved thither, remained a short time, and sold to Jacob Stevens, who in turn sold to James and William Warburton, who made an addition to the house, and built a new barn. They sold to William Frank. His stay was short. The buildings have gone to decay, and the land is open common. LOT 7, RANGE 6--Settled by JACOB MORSE about 1826. He built a log house and barn, lived there fifteen or twenty years in true pioneer manner. The bears used to trouble him, and he often sat up nights and pounded on the logs to scare them away. page 941 ACT OF INCORPORATION Approved April 16, 1824 "Be it enacted by the Senate and house of representatives in General Court convened, that the tract of land Granted and known by the name of Durand, situate in county of Coos, shall hereafter be called and known by the name of Randolph, and shall be a Town by that name." CALL FOR THE FIRST TOWN MEETING This document dated 13 August 1824 was signed by Joseph Morse, Levi Lowe, Titus O. Brown Jr., Committee; Silas Bumpus Town clerk. TOWN OFFICERS 1824--Levi Lowe, clerk; Clovis Lowe, John Morse, Joseph Morse, selectmen. 1825. Silas Bumpus clerk; Hiram Bowman, Caleb Cushman, John Bowman, selectmen. 1826. Obediah Mann, clerk; John Morse, TItus O. Brown, Obediah Mann, selectmen; John Bowman treasurer; also voted John Bowman, Caleb Cushman and Silas Bumpas a committee to find a place to inter the dead, and the place now occupied is the place they chose. 1827. Justus Lowe, clerk; Titus O. Brown Jr., Hiram Bowman, Silas Bumpus, selectmen; John Bowman, treasurer; The first record of a postoffice was this year, and Hiram Bowman was postmaster. He died in September and Justus Lowe was chosen selectman September 24, 1827 to fill the vacancy. 1828. Justus Lowe, clerk; John Morse, Anthony Vincent, Obediah Mann, selectmen; John Bowman treasurer. There were at this time 27 voters in town. 1829. Justus Lowe, clerk; Anthony Vincent, John Morse, Justus Lowe, selectmen, no treasurer. 1830. Justus Lowe, clerk; Anthony Vincent, John Morse, James Gray, selectmen; Justus Lowe, treasurer. 1831. Justus Lowe, clerk; John Morse, James Gray, Evans Wilson selectmen; Justus Lowe, treasurer. March 9, 1831, Clovis Lowe was chosen to represent this district, consisting of Randolph, Jefferson, Kilkenny, Bretton Woods, Nash and Sawyer's Location. 1832. Anthony Vincent clerk; Joseph Holmes, John C. Holmes, John Kimball, selectmen; no treasurer. Thursday, December 13, 1832, a meeting was called to fill the vacancy caused by the removal from the town of John C. Holmes and John Kimball. Anthony Vincent and Obediah Mann were chosen. 1833. Anthony Vincent, clerk; Anthony Vincent, Joshua Holmes, Silas Bumpus selectmen; John Morse, treasurer; Clovis Lowe, representative for the towns of Randolph, Jefferson, Kilkenny, Nash and Sawyer's Location. [additional town officers from 1834-1896 found in original document, not included here]. CHAPTER CXVIII SCHOOLS--The inhabitants of Randolph always took a great interest in schools, as the town records show. The first school-house was a log one, built before the incorporation of the town, directly in front of where George Wood now lives. Since that time there have been three districts created, and a number of school-houses gone to decay, and others built. It has always been said that no resident ever grew up here that could not read or write. MINISTERS--The first ordained minister was JOHN MORSE. He labored here a great many years. In 1887 he was the oldest man living that was here when the town was Durand. He lived at Jefferson Mills some years, where he died in 1887, over ninety years of age. Ebenezer Evans, a Baptist minister, married and died here. James C. Scates Sr. had charge of the Sunday-schools, and faithfully performed his trust year after year for more than thirty years until his death, eight or ten years ago, since which time there has been a church built. Sabbath-school services and meetings are now held each week. HISTORY OF CHURCH*--I am indebted to Elder John Morse for many of the following facts. Elder Morse had a clear intellect and good health, even after attaining more than ninety years. March 18, 1816, he moved from Otisfield, Me., to Randolph NH. Among the inhabitants of Randolphs at that time were John Wilson, Robert Leighton, Cornelius Bass, Edward Wells, Elaska Jackson, Amos Peabody, John Bowman and John CLemens. Obediah Mann, Caleb Cushman, James Gray, Almon Wallace and others came soon after. Samuel Hutchinson, a regular Free-Will Baptist ordained minister, was pastor of the "Durand church" which belonged to the Lisbon Quarterly Meeting. The church was organized some years before 1816. Samuel Wheeler, who moved from Randolph Hill to Shelburne, took an active part in church matters. In 1816-1817 a good religious interest was manifest. John Morse, Eunice Morse, Robert Leighton, and Cyrenia Bass were baptized January 1, 1820 by Elder Zachariah Jordan, from Raymond, Me. Among the members of the church were John Wilson, Cornelius Burse and Amos Peabody. Soon after Mrs. Evans Wilson, Obediah Mann and wife, James Gray and wife, and Eveline Gray became members. AMong the members also were Nat Evans, Joseph H. Vincent, Joseph Holmes, Almira Wilson and Salvi Wilson, but we have not the date of their admission. The deacon's name was Worthing, and he lived in Kilkenny. Samuel Wheeler's son, Austin Wheeler became a noted minister and received a fair education. Father Morse says "Austin was the subject of many prayers, was prayed for at home, prayed for while away from home, and prayed for on his return." In 1823 Samuel Wheeler and John Morse were delegates from the church in Randolph to the Lisbon Quarterly Meeting. Mr. Morse held meetings in Randolph and adjoining towns. In 1824 a Free Baptist church was organized in East Jefferson, and practically placed in his care. It consisted of a dozen or more members, and was in active operation while Elder Morse lived in Randolph. In 1833 he was ordained to the christian ministry. The meeting was at the house of James Gray in Randolph, now owned by George Wood, Esq. There were present Elders David Cowing from Lisbon, John Davis from Bethlehem, and Gordon and Smith from Meredith. Soon after a branch of the church was formed at Gorham; and from 1837 to 1846 Elder Morse was its pastor. Among the members were Esther Rowell, Lucinda Davis, Margaret Davis, Nancy Wilson, Anna Ordway, John Ordway Jr., John Ordway, Sarah Ann Ordway, William Rowell and wife, and Deacon Evans Wilson. In those days the people were poor, and the work of the minister was a labor of love. Religious meetings were held in school-houses and private dwellings. Ministers received little pay in money for services. On one occasion Father Morse walked twenty miles to attend a funeral, and then walked home again. He received a "present" of a pair of "feetings." He would get up early Sunday morning, walk to East Jefferson, hold three meetings, and then in the evening walk back to Randolph so as to be ready for his work Monday morning. For miles the road lay through the wild, unbroken forest. One bright moon-lit night a wolf troted out into the road before him and sat down. The old man said he "was a little startled at first, but he grasped his stick more firmly and walked on. The wolf eyed him a moment and then trotted off." The old elder said "The exercise was good for him," and, said the man of ninety years as he straighted up, "I am better for it now." In 1837 Elder Morse moved from Randolph, and probably there has been no regular minister settled there since. Some time after, a Sabbath-school was organized, of which James Scates Sr. was a faithful superintendent for more than twenty years. It had no creed except the New Testament and the Holy Bible wsa the book used. Sometimes a minister came along and gave them a sermon. Among the active workers were the families of James Gray, Asa Stevens, James Scates, Obediah Mann, Evans Wilson, Frederick Hodgdon, Samuel Heath, Robert Hodgdon, John D. Burbank, Thomas Boothman, Wood, Leighton, Kelsey and others. For many years, each quiet Sabbath morning saw old men and matrons, young men and maidens, and children, too, wending their way to the Sabbath-school in the old school-house. In the summer they would gather round the door, and, after shaking hands and having a little friendly talk, they would enter, seat themselves on hard benches, and with bowed heads reverently listen while "Uncle" Scates or "Father" Stevens would offer a fervent prayer. Then came the reading of the lesson; "The story of Ruth," "The home in Bethany," "The raising of Lazarus," or, "The Crucifixion." Questions were asked and answered. The children repeated their Bible verses; then the congregation, led by Samuel Heath, with his "tuning fork," would sing "Coronation," and "Come, Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove." So the years passed on. A few families, Scotch and English, came, bringing money and good common sense. Their sons and daughters married, and helped celebrate the "Fourth of July." THey took part in the lyceums, spelling-schools, and social gatherings. Sturdy sons and comely daughters came, as, one by one, the older ones passed on, and Randolph was a town of peaceful, happy homes. A few years ago a beautiful "Union chapel' was built, paid for, and dedicated. The fathers had finished their work. The hands of the mothers were folded in peace. The old "tuning-fork" was rusty and still.... UNION CONGREGATIONAL SOciETY--"Be it known that on the 14th day of January 1883, there was organized at Randolph, in the county of Coos, and State of New Hampshire, by written articles, signed by each member, a religious society, by and under the name of 'Union Congregational Society of Gorham Hill and Randolph' agreeably to the provisions of Chapter 163 of the General Laws of New Hampshire, for the purpose of becoming a body politic and corporate and of possessing all the powers incident to corporation of similiar character. The said society, on organization, made choice of Geo. A. Hodgdon, clerk; Ithial Scales, Treasurer; Trustees, Geo. Wood, A.C. Harriman, J.W. Buzzell, Sylvester Wilson, Geo. A. Hogdon. Said Clerk was duly sworn.... signed by Geo. A. Hodgdon, Clerk of said society, dated Randolph NH, January 15, 1883. WAR RECORD--Randolph furnished its full quota of soldiers or substitutes. There were four men went from this town as soldiers for the town. N.F. Lowe enlisted in 1861, and served three years and eight months. He was promoted from a private to first lieutenant. Charles E. Lowe, Ezekiel Sheldon, and James Hawker enlisted in the First Heavy Artillery. Fred Lowe enlisted in the Twelfth Maine. Pembrook Watson in a Massachusetts regiment. Alden Stillings in the navy. Clovis Lowe was in the Balloon Corps on the James river, and with the Army of the Potomac. His son T.S.C. Lowe had charge of all the balloons in the army. Obadiah Mann Sr., one of the old settlers, was a Revolutionary soldier. He lies in an unmarked grave near a stone wall, on what is still known as the Mann place. Ebenezer Evans, Clovis Lowe and Justus Lowe were soldiers in the War of 1812 and 1813. Evans lost an arm by a cannon shot. The widows of all three still reside here. POND OF SAFETY--James Rider, Benjamin Hicks, and Lazarus Holmes were soldiers who enlisted in the Continental army for a certain number of years or "during the war"; when the number of years named in the enlistment had expired, they claimed that their term of enlistment had terminated, and the government claimed that it had not, and they deserted the service, fled to the wilderness, and made their camp at the pond in the easterly part of Randolph, and remained there until they were out of danger from arrest for desertion. And they gave the name to the pond, "Pond of Safety." In 1826, and years following that date, they were all Revolutionary pensioners. PROMINENT CIIZENS--JOHN C. LEIGHTON is the oldest inhabitant. A man of good education and great memory. He is about eighty years old and has always lived here. The Lowes have taken an active part in public matters. Clovis Lowe was the first selectman chosen, and the first representative sent from this town. Lowe and Burbank's Grant was named from him and Barker Burbank, of Shelburne. Levi Lowe, his father, was the first clerk. Justus Lowe was in office about forty years, and the list (1886) closes with the name of Lowe for representative. ESQUIRE HODGON, "Uncle Robert' was a noted man in town affairs, kept a public house, and was postmaster many years. ITHIEL SCALES, the present town clerk, married his youngest daughter and resides on the old homestead [The family of Clovis Lowe deserved honorable mention for the zeal manifested by its members in defence of the country during the great civil war. The father, Clovis Lowe, served eighteen months, with his son, Prof. T.S.C. Lowe, the well known aeronaut, who held the grade of colonel; another son occupied the same rank in the Q.M. Department of the western armies; and the other three sons were in service. The entire family, father and six sons, were engaged at the same time in the same cause. Clovis Lowe was for a while a resident of Jefferson Mills, where he engaged in trade; he also spent some years in Maine, his native state, but returned to Randolph in 1855, bought land, and died April 17, 1882, aged eighty-two years--Editor] (end)