HISTORY OF STEWARTSTOWN, 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#Stewartstown ======================================================== History of Coös County, New Hampshire by George Drew Merrill; Syracuse N.Y.: W.A. Fergusson & Co., 1888, 1888, 1018 pgs. page 651 STEWARTSTOWN This township was granted as "Stewartstown," December 1, 1770 to Sir James Cockburne, Sir George Colebrook, John Stuart, of London, and John Nelson, of the Island of Grenada. It was incorporated December22, 1795, by the name of Stuart, but doubts arising as to the legality, it was against incorporated, December 24, 1799, and named Stewartstown, Daniel Brainard Jr., being authorized to call the first meeting. The town being on the frontier during the Revolutionary war, and liable to raids by Canadian Indians, no permanent settlements were made until after peace was declared. In 1795 a petition was made by subscribers, inhabitants of the town called Stuart, on 11 May 1795 to incorporate by the following: "Dan'l Brainerd, Jr., Rich'd Smart, Abner Powers, Abel Bennet, Jr, John French, Luther French, Longley Willard, Barzillai Brainerd, John Walls, Daniel Hubert, Elisha Dyer, Theoph's Durell, Clement Miner, Abner Wood Jr., Nathaniel Durrell and Boswell Merrill. The first town meeting was called at Stewartstown, on the second Tuesday of March 1800 by Daniel Brainard Jr. At that meeting it was voted Daniel rainard Jr moderator; Elisha Dyer town clerk, Daniel Brainard, Jeremiah Eames Jr. and Elisha Dyer, selectmen; Peletiah Nichols constable; Brazillia Brainard surveyor of lumber; Henry Sullingham and Stephen Camp fence viewers. The boundaries described in the act of incorporation are there: "Beginning at a white maple tree standing on the easterly bank of COnnecticut River, and running south, seventy degree east, nine miles; from thence turning off at right angles, and running south, twenty degrees west, three miles and one hundred and forty-four Rods; from thence, turning off at right angles, and running north, seventy degrees west, to the Connecticut River; from thence up said River as that tends to the maple tree aforesaid--which same maple tree stands four Rods north of Bishop Brook, so called, and opposite a large Island in said River." The Second Town Meeting was held at the house of Daniel Brainard, for election of representative to Congress, which vote is recorded as follows: "For Joseph Pierce, Samuel Tenney, Abel Foster and George B. Upham, Esquires, thirteen to each of them"; also "Voted to Riase fourteen Dollars to Defray town charges." This sum was not assessed until the next spring. The first representative was chosen March 23, 1801, as follows:-- Call for meeting--"These are to notify the legal inhabitants of the District of Cockburne, Colebrook, Stewartstown, Shelburne, and Wale's Location to meet together at the dewlling house of Henry Sallingham in said Stewartstown on monday the twenty third day of March annent at one o'clock in the afternoon..." it was signed by Daniel Brainard and Jeremiah Eames Jr., selectmen of Stewartstown The first inventory of the town was taken in 1800 [only names of those mentioned in this inventory are included here]: Henry Sullingham, Micajah Leonard, H. Sullingham Jr., Stephen Kemp, David Locke, Elisha Dyer, Eliphalet Miner, Isaac Stevens, Clement Miner, Benjamin Allen, Elisha Otis, Daniel Hurlbert, Daniel Brainard Jr., John Walls, Joanus Hugh, Charles Richards, Richard Smart, Barzilla Brainard, Peletiah Nichols, Jeremiah Eames Jr., James Lewis, Asa Dearth and Hobart Spencer. SETTLERS BEFORE 1800--These were all on "Settler's Lots." Henry Sullingham located on lot No. 1; Daniel Locke and Elisha Dyer on lot No. 2; Elisha Dyer on No. 3; Theophilus Durrell on No. 4; Clement Miner on No. 5; Daniel Hurlbert on No. 6; Daniel Brainard Jr. on No. 7; Abner Woodsum on No. 8; Richard Smart and Barzilla Brainard on Nos. 9 and 10; Abner Powan on No. 11; John French on No. 12; Jeremiah Eames on No. 13; John Walls on No. 14. EARLY TIMES--During the rapid settlement from 1800 to 1810, many bought wild lands and came with their families before a tree was felled. An old "log school house," near where Alden Fletcher's house now stands was the common stopping place; the family making it their home while the husband cut down a few spruce trees. The neighbors would turn out to the "bee" and roll up a log cabin; the bark peeled from the logs would be ready, and the "school house" vacant for the next comer. The chimney was made of clay and sticks, or stone, with a stone fire-place; this was all that was thought necessary for heating and cooking purposes; then, with a coal from some neighbor's fire, or by use of the ever present flint-lock gun, a fire was started, and never allowed to go out; the coals were carefully covered at night, as, once out, it was difficult to start again. An old resident tells of his being obliged to go over a mile through deep snow for a fire brand, as the tinder they had was so wet that sparks from the old gun would not ignite it. Matches were then unknown. Soon after, a preparation of Phosphorus was put up in vials; by dipping a splinter into this, and exposing it to the air, it would ignite, and those who could afford to buy this preparation at one dollar per ounce found it very convenient. I often wonder how we of the present time would get along without the matches which we use so freely. I doubt if many would ever know either "punk" or "tinder" if they saw it, much less be able to collect and use it for lighting fires. Tinder was a kind of rotten wood; punk, a species of fungus which grows upon trees partly decayed; this, gathered and dried, will take fire form a very small spark, and is hard to extinguish. HARDSHIPS ENDURED--In 1816 William Leah, with his wife and several children, lived in a tent, or hut, on the A.H. Tewksbury place; his hut was made of small poles inserted in the ground, forming a cone, fourteen feet at bottom and three at the top, with the earth for a floor, and a small place in the center, stoned around, in which they made their fires, the smoke escaping through the top of the cone. The year 1816 was very cold. Grain could not be raised in the town, and farmers were obliged to go fifty miles for wheat. Snow fell to the depth of eight inches and more on the 17th of June. The sheared sheep had to be covered with blankets to keep them from freezing. Snow came again the first of October and remained until the next spring. In 1817 David Fellows worked three months piling logs, living on three roasted potatoes a day, without salt or bread. Moses Hodge, who lived on the farm where C.C. Terrill now resides, could not obtain shoes for his chidren; so they used to sew on cloth, which they wore until it fell off. The principal living of the children was milk, thickened with slippery-elm bark, or with flour when they could get that luxury. Libbeus Hall, when three years old, came with his parents from Connecticut. They settled on the farm now occupied by Thomas Van Dyke. Their stock consisted of one cow. Once, in the absence of Mr. Hall, a sudden rise of the river left the cow on an island, and the family were obliged to subsist on the "seed-ends" of potatoes roasted in the ashes, until the animal could get home. Another time, when out of provision, the father started with his gun and shot a moose within half a mile of the house. Libbeus Hall, in speaking of this, said: "You bet we lived high then till the old cow calved." An illustration of the endurance of these settlers may be found interesting. In 1840 Moses Heath, wishing to get some wheat ground, and not being able to procure a team started with two bushels on his shoulders, from the place where John C. Poor now lives, and carried his load to the grist-mill at Colebrook, via "North and South Hills," had it ground and returned with it the same day, having walked eleven or twelve miles; after reaching home, he cut over a cord of wood, beside "doing the chores." Moses Sargent,, in 1856, carried, from the Messer store in Colebrook, to his home in the eastern part of the town of Clarksville (a distance of seven miles and a half), a supply of flour and other groceries, weighing about 170 pounds, and only put his load down three times. FIRST TAvERN LICENSE--The first license for keeping hotel or tavern was:--"We the subscribers license Capt. Jeremiah Eames to keep a tavern in Stewartstown one year from this Date." Stewartstown, April 22d, 1802, signed Dan'l Brainard, Barzilla Brainard, Selectmen. In 1808 a license was granted to "one Amos Cogswell to sell spiritous Liquors by the small measure for one year," signed by Jeremiah Eames and Stephen Lane as selectmen. WAR OF 1812--During this war, a company of fifty-two, including officers and men, under command of Capt. E.H. Mahurin, was stationed at Stewartstown, their headquarters being near West Stewartstown. They built a "block house" or fort on the hill known as "Fort Hill." This company entered service July 27, 1812, and was discharged January 27, 1813, being drafted for six months. They were succeeded by Capt. Edmund Freeman, with a company of forty-seven, in March 1813. This company remained until the close of hostilities. Samuel Sargent and John Tirrill, of Stewartstown, were privates in Capt. Freeman's company. HISTORIC HALF BUSHEL--E.T. Tirrill has a half-bushel measure which was brought into this country over eighty years ago, and the property of his father, grandfather and great-grandfather. It is considerable over 100 years old, and yet in good condition. It is said that years ago it was the only half bushel owned between the Benjamin Young hill and the present residence of Henry Wiggin, and when an accurate measurement was desired, it was necessary to have this, and people often travelled a distance of several miles to borrow it. THE FIRST RIVER ROAD ran up the river from the bridge to the mills, then down the river four miles and a quarter to the Colebrook line. It was surveyed by Jeremiah Eames, December 20, 1813, located by Edmund Kezar and Howard Blodgett, selectmen, and recorded January 24, 1814. EAR-MARKS OF STOCK--Cattle and sheep ran at large in early days so that the owners were obliged to adopt certain marks to identify them. The following are taken from the town records [names, not the marks included here] .. Heath Flanders, Joseph C. Flanders, Stephen Lane, Jeremiah Eames, Joseph Dyer, William Tirrill, Jonathan Young, Edmund Keysar, and Isaiah Fellers. HOTELS OR TAVERNS--Jeremiah Eames opened the first house for public entertainment in 1802 at West Stewartstown. Henry D. McKnight kept one in 1833, Henry Fling in 1847, Albert Weeks in 1869, Blodgett & Hart in 1873, and William W. Lindsey, who kept it in 1886. This has been much improved, and is now owned by Daniel Heath, and is the only inn in town. Joseph P. Wiswall opened on on South hill in 1844, Daniel C. Bumford in 1848, and a few others have been kept for short periods. COLEBROOK, STEWARTSTOWN & CONNECTICUT LAKE TELEPHONE CO.-- organized June 13, 1883 with capital stock of $5,000, has an office at West Stewartstown. COLEBROOK, STEWARTSTOWN, CLARKSVILLE & PITTSBURG TELEPHONE CO., organized January 5, 1884 with a capital of $2,500, has an office at the "Hollow" We never had a Town House, but the town holds its meetings in the hall over the store at the "Hollow." Elections have been held there many years, the town paying a small sum. NORTH STAR GRANGE, P. of H., chartered 1875, had a brief existence, when their hall and records were burned, and organization abandoned. The Sons of Temperance organized a few years ago, and still hold meetings at West Stewartstown. DIAMOND PONDS derive their names from Isaac Diamond, who, while hunting in 1778, shot and wounded a large bull moose in the woods between these ponds. The moose sprang towards him and tore his clothing nearly off; he, however, dodged behind a tree, around which the moose chased him, until he jumped behind another large tree unseen by the moose, which still circled around the first. Diamond now reloaded his gun and killed the infuriated animal. NATHAN'S POND received its name from Nathan Caswell, an old hunter and trapper, who camped on its shores. Cutting his foot one day so badly with an axe that he could not walk, he was forced to remain quiet until his provision was exhausted, and he was nearly starved. One day he heard his dog bark loudly but a short distance off. Taking his gun, he crawled in the direction of the sound until he saw a large bear in a tree. He was fortunate enough to shoot it, and the meat kept him alive until he could venture further toward the settlements. After skinning the bear, he rolled himself in the hide for a night's sleep. In the morning the skin was frozen stiff, and he had much difficulty in extricating himself. He finally crawled eight miles to a settler's house on his hands and knees, narrowly escaping death by freezing. METALLAK, the Penobscot chief, so famous in this locality, was a county charge in Stewartstown after he became blind in his old age, and was abandoned by his tribe. He died at the house of Leonard H. Fellows in 1841, and was buried in a corner of the North Hill cemetery (see Colebrook). JAMES MINER HILLIARD was one of the representative men of Northern Coos. He was a robust and athletic man, a well-to-do farmer of native common-sense, shrewdness and accuracy of Judgement. An original thinker, he kept himself well-read in the current events of the day, and in solid and historical matters. He was of active temperament and had much to do with the progress of events in his section. His son HENRY S. of Lancaster, served bravely in the Rebellion, and attained a rank of captain. Another son, GEORGE, is a prominent man of Colebrook. "MINER" HILLIARD was an ardent lover of hunting, and many are the anecdotes concerning him [anecdotes included in the original document not included here.] THE GREAT HAIL STORM--North and South hills were visited July 29, 1883 by a most disastrous hail storm which did great damage to all crops, roads and bridges [more description not included here.] Another severe storm visited the same locality in 1887. BRIDGES AcROSS CONNECTICUT RIVER--The first one was built forty-two rods below the mills at West Stewartstown. This went out in the freshet of 1847, was rebuilt about 1850 by "Stewartstown Bridge Co.," and sold in 1887 to George VanDyke, who was repaid by subscription, the bridge made a free one, and accepted by the towns of Stewartstown and Canaan, Vt. A free bridge was built across the Connecticut in 1882, at the mouth of Hall's stream. The funds were raised by subscription. CHAPTER LXXI DESCRIPTIONS, LOTS AND SETTLEMENTS--Stewartstown is bounded north by Clarksville, east by Dixville, south by Colebrook, and west by vermont. Its surface is unevent and broken, yet the soil is deep and fertile, producing good crops. Its population in 1800 was 99; 1810, 186; 1820, 363; in 1880, 959... A range of hills about two miles from the river divides the town into "Stewartstown" and "West Stewartstown." WEST STEWARTSTOWN VILLAGE, on the Connecticut, is situated on "Settler's lot" No. 13, first taken up by Jeremiah Eames Jr. for the mill privilege. The river valley was the first settled portion, and few, if any, were dewlling east of the hills before 1806. In the summer of 1887 a disastrous fire destroyed most of the manufacturing establishments, causing much loss. This, however, was more than compensated for by the construction in the same year of the Upper Coos railroad, which was opened for traffic December 26, 1887. Connected as West Stewartstown is with the wealthy town of Canaan, Vt., by a free bridge, and forming a prominent station on the railroad, and possessing many other advantages, it has an assured future of development and growth. The manufactories will be rebuilt on a larger scale, and new ones will be established. Its mechanics and manufacturers are energetic and intelligent; its merchants shrewd and reliable, carrying good stocks, its hotel, recently enlarged and refitted, is a first-class place of entertainment. A Congregational church, with a good membership and a comfortable meeting-house, attends to spiritual needs. SETTLED AND UNSETTLED TERRITORY--WIth the laying out of the road or highway in 1810, the territory of "North" and "South Hills" was opened for settlement, and soon occupited. Other roads branching from this main one, let to the occupation of the "Hollow," or Bishop's Brook valley, and territory east. Many "hard wood" lots remain, however, as yet untouched by the chopper's axe. PONDS AND STREAMS--There are four ponds in Stewartstown. Great Diamond and Little Diamond, the largest two, discharge their waters easterly into Dixville. They are becoming quite well known as pleasant camping placed and on account of many attractions are frequently visited in the summer. "Back," or "Dearth" pond lies in the west part, and is tributary to the Connecticut river. "Ladd pond" discharged its clear waters into Cedar brook, a branch of Bishop's brook, and forms the valley north then northwesterly to the Connecticut, and forms the valley north of "North hill," and a part of what is called the "Hollow." The "Mohawk" and "Deadwater" streams have their source on the same 100-acre lot (lot 7, range 8). The "Mohawk" flows southerly through Colebrook to the Connecticut; the "Deadwater" northerly through Clarksville to the same stream. All other streams are too small to afford power for manufacturing. Mills are now in operation on Cedar, Mohawk and Bishop's brooks, but as the "Deadwater," although affording plenty of falls, is still surrounded by an almost unbroken forest, no mills have been constructed on its banks. The Connecticut river on the western border is the only stream flowing into the town. The ponds and streams were formerly live with trout. These are fast disappearing with the influx of civilization. Ladd and Little Diamond ponds contain a peculiar variety. THeir flesh is red like the salmon, and they are spotted like the borok trout. Those formerly caught in Great Diamond were of a lighter color, with few red spots. SOIL AND MINERALS--The character of the surface differs with the unevenness and elevation. It is broken by hills and valleys, and but little swampy or sterile land can be found. The "river" or "hollow" farms are sandy, and free from stone. The upland is more of a gravelly or stony nature, but the soil everywhere is rich in the elements chemically designated "plant-food." Thus the town is one of the most productive, and best farming and grazing sections of the state. No mineral deposits of any great extent have been found. Small quantities of lead, iron, and lime have been deposited by the water from springs; and a large amount of "bog lime" has accumulated in Ladd pond, which may be found of value. Traces of the precious metals occur in many places. "Quartz rock" abounds on "North hill," and it is believed by many that gold is paying quantity exists there, but none appears on the surface. Quartz appears also near John K. Owen's house, showing traces of both gold and silver. Nearly all the springs north of cedar brook are heavily charged with lime. GAME [ this section in original document, not included here except for brief excerpts]. "Ladd pond," which takes its name from Daniel Ladd, who first settled near it, was in early times a favorite haunt for the "Loup-Sevier" or "bob-cat," and Ladd and his son David, made a business of exterminating them... AGRICULTURE [only brief excerpts included] The first settlers depended on raising grass seed (timothy) for money. They carried this to Portland, Dover and Concord, through Dixville notch, with their own teams, occupying sometimes two weeks in the journey; the old double sleighs formed quite a procession, as nearly all went together for company and aid in helping each other up the steep hills. Prior to 1850 potatoes were only raised for family use. There were but few varieties, prominent among which were the staple, "Pink-eye" (even now considered the best table potato for general use). The Peach-blow, Cow-horn or Lady-finger, and those co-partners, the Round-white and Irish-apple, comprise most of them. With the erection of the starch-mills we find an enormous increase in acreage, and the advent of the "Jenny Lind," or "California," an extra wide yielder, use for manufacturing starch, and nearly worthless for other uses. To these have followed every known variety. Wheat, oats, barley, rye and India-wheat have been raised here sine the town was settled... The "Bald" wheat is now the general favorite, and of this the "White Russian" and "Lost Nation" take the lead. Oats, as now raised, are a mixture of every kind and variety. Buckwheat was once raised to some extent, but the India-wheat has proved more profitable, and little of the white-blossom variety can now be found. Corn has been raised quite extensively in the past, but latterly the farmers buy western corn.. Peas, beans, pumpkins and squashes find a place on nearly every farm... Rye was formerly raised for bread, but little, if any, can now be found. Flax was grown, and the fiber converted into clothing by every family, but none has been raised or spun here for some time, although the industry partially revived during the Rebellion. CHAPTER LXXII page 664 SETTLERS PRIOR TO 1800* -- Henry Sullingham on settler's lot No. 1, married Amy --, had five children: Katharine, born February 9, 1803; Jacob, October 1, 1804; Elizabeth, November 23, 1806; Susanna, June 1808; Polly March 30, 1810. David Locke, on settler's lot No. 2, married, November 1809 Rachael Brainard. Elisha Dyer, on settler's Lot No 37, came from Brunswick, Vt., with his wife and three children, Marshall, Betsey, Orville and there were born here Jerub, March 27, 1806; Joseph, February 9, 1809. He married, second, November 1810, Lucy Curtis. Her children were George Nelson, born November 29, 1811; Fannie, July 21, 1813; Mary Ann, May 26, 1815; William C., April 27, 1818; John, August 28, 1824; Theophilus Durrell, on settler's lot No. 4 CLement Miner, on settler's Lot No. 5 Daniel Hurlbert, on settler's lot No. 6 Daniel Brainard, on settlers lot No. 7, father of Barzilla, Rachael (Locke), Daniel Jr. Abner Woodsum, on settler's lot No. 8 Richard Smart on Settler's lot No. 9 Barzilla Brainard, on settler's lot No 10, married January 22, 1811, Sally Dunning of Canaan, Vt. Abner Powan, on settlers lot No 11 John French, on settlers lot No. 12 Jeremiah Eames Jr. on settlers lot no. 13, moved from Northumberland in 1797 with his wife, Anna, and three children, Jeremiah, Anna, William. In this town were born, Lois, 1799; Persis 1801; Cyrus 1804; Hiram 1806, Emily 1808; Susan 1809; Adeline 1812. John Walls on Settler's Lot No. 14 NON RESIDENT LAND--The non resident land was owned by Sir George Cockburne, Sir James Colebrook, John Stewart and John Nelson, who each held a grant for the estimated (not surveyed) amount of 6,660 acres. SETTLERS EARLY IN THE FIRST CENTURY-- (these names taken from the tax-lists as taxpayers. Some are actually residents of others towns). 1800. ABIJAH LARNED settled and his name appears on grant list until 1812. He was a captain, representative for many years and a most valuable citizen. STEPHEN KEMP settled about 1800, married May 3, 1813 NANCY BLODGETT. ELIPHALET MINER's name appears in 1800; also ISAAC STEVENS, BENJAMIN ALLEN, ELISHA OTIS, JAMES HUGH, CHARLES RICHARDS, PELETIAH NICHOLS, JAMES LEWIS, ASA DEARTH, and HOBART SPENCER. 1801. JOSEPH STEVENS, JOHN RICHARDS, MOSES HODGE 1802. ELIJAH BENTON, JOHN PERRY, JAMES LADD 1803. LEVI WILLARD, JAMES WALLS 1804. no new names 1805. ROYAL MERRILL, ELIAS SAWYER, STEPHEN LANE a native of Gilmanton, came here with four children, Sarah, Charles, Eliza and Hannah, and had Mar, born here 1807 1806. EbENEZER CAPEN, ELIAS FARNHAM, and WILLIAM BUTLER 1807. JOHN KEYSAR AND EDMUND KEYSAR 1808. HOWARD BLODGETT, WILLIAM TIRRILL, JONATHAN YOUNG, WILLOUGHBY GOODWIN, AMOS COGSWELL 1809. ELIJAH BENTON, DAVID CURTIS, SAMUEL OSBORNE, WILLIAM MARSHALL, WILLIAM CHASE (prob 1808), JOHN M. TILLOTSON, SAMUEL SARGENT 1810. IRA OWEN, BENJAMIN JONES, ETHAN OWEN, OLIVER INGHAM 1811. JONATHAN SMITH, TIMOTHY & PETER FAULKNER, CALEB OWEN, JESSE CORBETT, JONATHAN SAWyeR, ISAIAH FELOWS 1812. JOSEPH YOUNG, DANIEL YOUNG, JOSEPH DAVIS 1813. BENJAMIN HOBART, SAMUEL BEACH, GAD BEECHER, BENJAMIn LATHROP, JEREMIAH YOUNG, ISAAC MITCHELL. Settlers to 1865 1815. Libbeus Hall, Samuel G. Piper, Gilman Folsom, Nathaniel Chase, Zebulon Horn, Jeremiah Lovering (married Betsey Kent 1817), Charles Wiggins, William Lyon, Richard Tibbetts 1816. William Lear 1817. Joseph Weston, Bradley Clough, Moses Farnham, Ezekel Hall, John Stevens, Libbeus Hall Jr., Isaac Farnham, Reuben Mason, Reuben Sawyer, Stephen Tibbetts 1818. Micajah Fletcher, Moses Hodge, David Kent, David Kent Jr., Moses Pickard, John Page, Elisha Tirrill, James Cogswell 1819. W. Cooper, Jonathan Hoit, Asa Heath, Moses Martin, Obediah Mooney, Joseph Kelley 1820. John Dean, Charles Sargent 1821. Benjamin Jones, Moses Harriman, Samuel Harriman, Abial Chandler, Seth Tirrill, Simeon Cross, Benjamin Drew, Amos W. Drew, Benjamin Drew Jr., Edwin W. Drew, George Chandler, Timothy Mooney, Jotham Sawyer Jr., Thomas Heard, Thomas R. Holden, Thomas Piper, Stephen Bailey, Moses Hastings, John Thurston, Daniel B. Heath, James Mooney, Timothy Mooney, Daniel Craig, John Harriman, Jonathan G. Robbins 1822. Joseph Goddard, Stephen and Daniel Harriman, Hezekiah Hurlbert, Daniel Kidder, Edmund Chamberlin, T. Darling, Jeremiah Gleason, Daniel Ladd. 1823. David Moses, Levi Bishop 1824. Harvey Howe, Enoch Emery, Henry Lovejoy, Jonathan Chandler 1825. James Herrick, William Tirrill, Moses Heath 1826. Robert Morrison, Moses Bumford, William Dunning, Joseph Beecher, Caleb S. Dalton 1827. Eliphalet Little, Stephen Morrison, Jeremiah Richard, Ora Stoddard, Enoch T. Harvey 1828. Martin Harriman, Z. Ladd, John Morrison 1829. Hezekiah Hurlbert, Henry D. McKnight, Jonathan Harvey 1830. Daniel Cheeney, Leavitt C. Fletcher, Noah Harris 1831. Joel Benton, James M. Hilliard, Joseph Turner, Paul Cheney, Amos carleton, George Durgin, John Hoit Durgin, Jeremiah C. Durgin, Martin L. Durgin 1832. Smith Arlin, Marvin H. Orcutt, Alanson Warren 1833. William B. Fletcher, James Fletcher, Jewett S. Lang, Nathaniel C. Durgin, Joseph Turner, Nathaniel D. Chase, Daniel Norris, Fletcher Russell 1834. Joseph Weeks, Joseph R. Washburn, Zebulon Flanders 1835. Joseph Small, Alfred Lovering, Artemas W. Derby, Daniel Aldrich, Aaron Goodwin, Enoch Emergy, Noah Harris, Jonathan Bean, Timothy Underwood, John Flanders 1836. Hiram Cummings, Samuel Weeks, Asa Stoddard, John Neil, William M. Smith, Jeremiah Pitkin (Smith & Pitkin, Carding Mill Co.), Nambs & Neal (store) 1837. Ebenezer Watson, Matthias Haynes, Roswell Laughton, Nathan Colby, Nehemiah H. Flanders 1838. Thomas Johnson, Henry Stoddard 1839. Charles Garfield, Hart & Albert Barrus, Calvin L. Palmer, Erastus Barrus, Joseph P. Wiswall 1840. Davis Graham, Adams M. Tewksbury, Henry Tewksbury, William Webster, Horatio Kelley, Joseph R. Cree, Miner Hilliard 1841. Job Poor, Orrin Covell, George W. Chase, William Ellis 1842. John Derby, Thomas L. Durant, Abel Cushman, Daniel Rogers, Elisha P. Tabor, Simeon Colby, James H. Oaks, Daniel Fletcher, Emanuel S. Forrest, Hiram Martin, Chapin Brooks 1842. Henry Fling 1843 Samuel Carpenter, James A. Morrill, Moses Smith, Heath Flanders, George W. Gerry, Benjamin Abbott, Daniel Tewksbury, Joseph Taylor, Dudley S. Bagley, Daniel F. Collins, Nelson Nichols and Chapin Brooks (tannery), Hezekiah Stoddard, Chauncy Brooks 1844. Isaac Willey, Joseph c. Flanders, Ezekiel Flanders, John Knight, Oliver L. Fields, Caleb Cummings, John W. Adams 1845. Ashur B. Jones, Benjamin R. Corbett, Edwin W. Gaskett, Moses B. Brown, Bennett Rand, Sylvester Kent 1846. John Hawse, Michael Lynch, Timothy Crawford, Daniel Day, Alonzo Perry, Samuel O. Huggings, Michael Comstock, James Snelling, Charles Knapp, Thomas Wilson, John Dennett, Fernando C. Jacobs, Marvin Fletcher. 1847. Hiram Johnson, John Rudd, William C. Thomas, Ira Dennett, Morrill Towle, Horace Whitcombe, Samuel Brown, Robert Snelling, Josiah Morse, Joseph Warren (iron foundry), Edmund C. Wilder, Charles Church, John Hogue. 1848. Francis Chamberlin, Thomas Cooper, Orange Hill, Daniel G. Ripley, William B. Stewart, William Willard, Sylvanus M. Jordan (blacksmith) 1849. John McKnight (blacksmith), John Reed, Leonard Simpson 1850. Nathaniel Beach, eli Collins, George E. Hammond, William S. Morrill, William H. Trull, Robert Taylor 1851. Erastus Davis, Thomas Garfield, Zebulon D. Horn, Libbeus Hodge, George Morrill, Andrew Rankin, Stephen D. Stanton, Hazen Tyler, Horace Russell 1852. Asa G. Chandler, Erastus Davis and Benjamin Leland (Davis & Leland), Croydon Farr, Harry Gould, William Hann, Josiah Morse 1853. John W. Adams, Armin Aldrich, George Bishop, Russell Darling, John Derby, Edmond Heath, Asa Stoddard, William Trolop, Hyde C. Trask, Normand Smith 1854. Arnold Aldrich, William Angier, John Hurlbert, Stephen Harris, Dayton G. Piper 1855, Nathan S. Carr, James Brown, Patrick and Thomas Gleason, Charles L. Morse, Hobart Noyes, Chester Noyes, Edward Carleton, Newell Towle 1856. Emory Barber, James Brennan, Ferrin Cross, Andrew J. Hurlbert, John Jordan, Thomas H. Mayo, John McCloud and Patrick Hafford. TOWN RECORDS [only a few of the town records in the original document are included here] 1817. Voted "to give Susannah Dearth six bushels rye, twelve bushels of potatoes and two tons of hay for the support of her two youngest children till the first of October next. Sett up Betsey Sellingham, Susannah Salingham and Katherine Selingham to the lowest bidder. Voted to sell the Henry Selingham farm to pay for keeping Polly Sellingham one year." 1818 voted "to divide the town into school districts..." 1819 voted the Selectmen to do with the town Poor as they see fit 1840 voted "to set up the town Poor to the lowest bidder. METALLAK was bid off by Howard BLodgett for forty eight dollars and a quarter; he is to clothe him, find him in tobacco, and return him to the town clothes as well as when he took him (for several years he was thus taken care of). TOWN REPRESENTATIVES (1839-1888) and SELECTMEN (1800-1887) and TOWN CLERKS (1800-1887) in original document NOT included here. SALTS AND PEARLASHES--"Making salts" was the chief means of getting money in the early times. They were made by leaching ashes and boiling the lye down until it crystallized in a black mass called "salts." This was sold to parties who "pearled" it in large ovens made of brick; nearly seven inches thick at the bottom. {that practice was abandoned over 40 years ago] Flanders & Wiswell had a "pearlash" in 1839 on the farm where Edwin W. Drew now lives, which they run several years ago; Capt. Tibbetts had one on a brook near "north Hill" school house in 1820. Harriman & Tirrill had one near Benjamin Fellow's in 1830. The first one on "South Hill" was built by John Flanders, near E.W. Drew's residence; he also later put one up on M. & F. BLodgett's north lot, which was operated by Thomas Wilson. FLAX--One of the earliest manufactures was that of flax. This was carried on at every farm house for years. The flax, after being "rotted," was first put through the "break" which was formed of four stationary wooden knives, with three more above, which fitted between those in the bed, to break up the woody fiber of the flax; the flax being held in the left hand, while the knives (fitted into blocks with a hinge behind) were operated by the right. When the handful were broken half the length, it was turned and the other half broken. Then, by the use of the wingling-knife and board, the woody parts were cut or beat out, the flax hanging over the top of the board. The flax, still containing tow and particles of woody fiber, was then drawn through the "comb" or "hatchel" (made of small steel pins six or seven inches long), thus separating all the remaining tow, etc. It was then ready for the housewife, who again combed and finished it ready for the wheel, wound it on the distaff, and, by the aid of the curiously-shaped little flax wheels, drew it out into threads of various sizes for the manufacture of coarse or fine cloth. The tow was carded on small hand cards, spun on the wool wheel, and used for "filling," or woof to the coaser fabrics. Many of the implements can be found today in the attics of our old farm houses. BRICK--Micajah Fletcher and Isaiah Fellows made two kilns of brick near where Isaiah Fletcher now lives. There was also one kiln near where John Knight resides. These were made years ago, none having been burned since 1840. LEATHER--James Kennedy or Cyrus Eames built a tannery in 1839, at West Stewartstown, and was succeeded later by Nichols & Brooks. This was abandoned long ago. SHOE AND HARNESS SHOP--This business was started by Names & Neal in 1836. Nelson Nichols and Chapin Brooks had a shoe shop about the same time, as did Franklin Chamberlin and Antoine Chamberlin (who unied shoe making with the duties of toll collector for the bridge company). George F. Morgan worked at shoemaking on "South Hill" for several years. Many others did work a short time in town until the large manufacturers drove them out of business. Daniel G. Ripley opened a harness shop before the Rebellion, and after its close, returned, and re-opened it at West Stewartstown. Charles F. Corkum, C.W. Dellibar, and Andrew Harian have also worked at harness making here. BLAcKSMITHS--Andros Tirrill opened a shop about 1820 on "North Hill." He was followed by Caleb S. Dalton, who opened a shop on "South Hill" in 1826, and was succeeded by Sylvanus M. Jordan in 1848, who carried on the business there and at the Hollow, until he gave upo the shop in 1876, to his son Andrew Jackson Jordan. Fletcher Russell opened a shop at West Stewartstown in 1833, and was succeeded by John McKnight in 1849. Henry D. McKnight also had a shop there about 1826. R.G. Jameson worked there in 1862, Felix Ricord in 1869, Benjamin Blodget in 1879, Alamanzo Parker in 1881, and Albert Quimby now occupies the shop. John Derby had a shop in the north part of the town in 1850. SAW-MILLS (only very early ones mentioned here) -- The first saw-mill was built on the Connecticut near the bridge at West Stewartstown by Capt. Jeremiah Eames in 1803. This was burned several years later and another built, owned by Daniel Norris & Co. and later (1833) by Norris and Laughton, and later yet, by Graham & Co. William F. ALlen owned it when it burned a few years ago. The then built a new one he now operates. A "union" mill was built early on "Bishops brook" near where Henry Hurd now lives, and another just below in 1853 by Robert and Daniel Cheney.......Jonathan Chandler built a saw mill in 1824 on Cedar brook, which was afterward operated by Ezekiel Watson and J. Hoit Durgin. This mill is also gone, and the ruins of a starch mill stand in its place. GRIST-MILLS--Capt. Jeremiah Eames owned a grist-mill in 1804, in connection with the first saw-mill at West Stewartstown. After the fire, Bean & Norris built a flouring mill below their saw-mill [more in original not included here]. STARCH Mills-John Flanders and Adams M. Tewksbury built the first "Starch factory" in 1852. [more in original not included here]. SHINGLES AND CLAPbOARDS were made at the old saw-mill at West Stewartstown and are now manufactured there by William F. Allen; also at Perley Knapp's mill on Mohawk stream. Alanson Owen has a shingle machine. PLANING AND WOOD TURNING--William F. Allen, E.S. Parker and John R. Little at West Stewartstown, Perley Knapp and C.E. Tewksbury, on the east side, all run planers for custom work... [more not included here]. MACHINE SHOPS--William M. Smith and Davis Graham run the first machine shop at West Stewartstown. Calvin T. Stoddard & Co. carried on the manufacture of machinery at West Stewartstown in E.S. Parker's building, for some time, before removing to Groveton in 1886. WHEELWRIGHTS--Adams M. Tewksbury was the first to make wheels in town, and built the shop now occupied by his nephew, Charles E. Tewksbury, who also carries on a carriage and repairing business. C.S. Russell has a shop at West Stewartstown for making and repairing carriages. Charles D. Young does repairing and painting at his house near Knapp's mill. FURNITURE AND HOUSE FINISHING--Ephraim S. Parker manufactures doors, sash, mouldings, etc. at his shop in West Stewartstown. John R. Little & Co., manufacture furniture, coffins, etc. and both carry a stock for sale. Thomas Johnson, in 1840, and Trask & Johnson in 1847, and Fling & Johnson, kept furniture for sale and manufactured in a small way. WOOLEN MILLS, CARDING ETC--William M. Smith and Samuel Pitkin built the first mill for manufacturing woolen goods and custom carding at West Stewartstown in 1860 and L & N Cole succeeded him in 1870. John M. Hilliard bought it in 1872 and the mill was burned, with others, in 1879. Ephraim S. Parker had a carding machine in his building burned in 1887. IRON FOUNDRY AND TINSMITH--In 1840 Davis Graham and Joseph Warren started an iron foundry at West Stewartstown, for the manufacture of stoves, plows, etc., and carried it on for many years until Mr. Graham removed it to Colebrook. Charles M. Quimby has carried on the tin business in West Stewartstown since 1880. MERCHANTS AND TRADERS--In 1835 Joseph W. Wiswall and John Flanders opened a store on South hill, for the sale of general merchandise. In 1856 Mr. Flanders moved his stock to the "hollow" and was succeeded, in or near 1865, by his son, Benjamin C. Flanders. He was followed in 1867 by Charles Fletcher & Co and In 1868 by George Flanders & Co., in 1872 by Francis L. Brown, in 1874 by Gathercole & Shurtleff. This firm left the store vacant until 1880 when Fernando C. Jacobs came. In 1882 Lucius Parkhurst bought the store, and, with Jacobs, formed the firm of Parkhurst & Jacobs. West Stewartstown-Graham & Brooks were early traders here. Henry Fling opened a store at West Stewartstown in 1841, and continued in business several years, when Edwin Loomis succeeded him for a short time. Josiah Abbott & Co begain business in 1866, and failed a few years later. Lyman W. Alger begain trade in 1869, and still continues in business. Carlisle N. Green commenced in 1870, and was followed in 1877 by Oscar Lang, who died and was succeeded by Van Dyke & Heath, and later by Daniel Heath & Co., who still trade there. Lorenzo Farnham began, in the store he now occupies, in 1873. Gad Beecher & Son opened a grocery in 1884 and are now doing business. DRY GOODS AND MILLINERY--Isaac F. Jacobs, clothing, dry goods, etc. began trade at West Stewartstown in 1878, and now has the post office in his store, succeeding L.W. Alger as postmaster in 1886. Mrs. Ellen M. Fling engaged in millinery in 1874, and continues in business. DRUG STORE--Lyman H. Annable began the druggist business in 1869, sold to Lovering & Holbrook in 1873 then to Caleb S. Dalton in 1881, he to Lyman O. Shurtleff, who is still in trade. PAINTING--Thomas H. Mayo, sign and ornamental painter, came about 1850, and has continued in business until the present time, except during the war, when he served in the army. PHYSIcIANS AND SURGEONS--Henry L. Waton MD practiced in 1838. Rev. Josiah Morse was both physician and preacher at West Stewartstown from 1846 to 1850. A doctor Tirrell (Thompsonian) practiced about 1830. Oscar Worthley came here about 1860, and remained several years. Lyman H. Annable located in 1867 remaining until 1872. Guy Holbrook came about 1870, sold to Frank E. Henderson, who died in 1883 and was succeeded by H.H. Lee in 1884. William N. Bryant practiced here 1873-74. Frank I. Ramos came in 1885, and enjoys a fine practice. DENTISTS--Dr. Rogers practiced dentistry a few years and was succeeded about 1870 by Daniel O. Rowell. Alvin Chase came about five years ago, and still has an office. CHAPTER LXXIV EcCLESIASTIcAL The FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF CHRIST, of West Stewartstown, Canaan and vicinity was organized July 1, 1846. Prior to a church being built, meetings were held in the storefront of William Smith. The first members were Deacon Nathaniel Beach, Mrs. N. Beach, Mary Beach, Elizabeth Fletcher, Wm. Fletcher, Betsey Abbott, Thomas Johnson, Sarah Johnson, Wm. Ellis, Mrs. Wm. Ellis, Daniel Norris, Emily E. Norris, Jeremiah Pickard, Mrs. J. Pickard, Jeremiah Eames, Dulcina Eames, Abigail Pickard, Mary Pickard, Mrs. CHarles Sargeant, Abigail Sargeant, Sarah Harvey, Mary Barrus, Hezekiah Stoddard, Mrs. Nathan Frizzle, Polly Blodgett. Early pastors were Rev. Josiah Morse (July 1, 1846); Rev. Albert A. Rankin (June 1850); Rev. J. Wooster preached half the time some years [additional pastors in original document not included here]. The church building was commenced in 1848 and completed in November 15, 1852. CHRISTIAN OR UNION CHURCH--first organized July 5 1851 (first members are shown in original document, not included here) SEcTION ON EDUCATION included in original document, not included here. **BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES** HON. AMOS WEBSTER DREW The first American ancestor was John Drew, son of William, and grandson of Sir Edward Drew. He was born in England in 1642, came to Plymouth, Mass, in 1660 where he married. Of this descendants many may be found in New England. Several went to Maine and became residents. Samuel Drew, born in Sharpleigh, Maine, married Betsey Webber, a native of Rumney NH. They made their home in Plymouth, also in Bridgewater and attained a ripe old age. Their son, Benjamin, born in Plymouth, April 17, 1785, married Sally, daughter of John and Sally (Heath) Harriman of Hampstead. "Squire" Benjamin Drew was a notable citizen. He was promoted to all the offices within the gift of his townsmen; was representative in 1830-31 and selectman for many years. They had four sons and three daughters. Of these was Amos W., Edwin W. and Benjamin now remain. AMOS W. DREW was the eldest, and was born at Bridgewater, April 5, 1808. His parents moved to New Hampton in 1811, and resided there until January 2, 1821, when the family started for Stewartstown, Amos going on foot behind the stock. November 15, 1835, he married Julia Esther, a daughter of Hubbard and Abigail (Bumford) Lovering, a woman of strong mind and most amiable disposition. She was born in Loudon, June 4, 1815 (Her father was born in Loudon, January 14, 1791, and her mother in Wakefield, December 21, 1791. They were thrifty farmers and Julia was the second of their eight children. They moved to Colebrook when she was but three years old). Immediately after marriage Mr. Drew established a home in Stewartstown... They elected him town clerk two years and selectman several terms before he moved to Colebrook in 1843. He moved back to Stewartstown (near the old homestead on South Hill) in 1850. In his earlier years he had a liking for military affairs March 25, 1834 he was commissioned ensign, later lieutenant, and then adjutant of the Twenty-fourth regiment. He participated in the "Indian Stream War". Of their thirteen children, six sons died in infancy and childhood; five sons and two daughters grew to maturity: Lucy Abigail, Irving W. (see Bench and Bar), Benjamin F., Warren E., Ellen J., Holman A., and Edward Everett. All except Lucy, the eldest daughter, are living. She was born May 4, 1843 and died Oct 23, 1886. Mr. Drew now in his eightieth year..... --------------- EDWIN W. DREW, youngest son of Benjamin and Sally H. Drew, was born in Stewartstown, December 10, 1827. He was educated at the district and private schools of Stewartstown.... He taught eight terms of school successfully. He was brought up a farmer, and such he has always remained.. Mr. Drew married, March 28, 1852, Marietta, daughter of Luther F. and Mary (Piper) Hall, also a native of this town. They have six children: JOhn W., a merchant of Colebrook; Walter, now deputy collector of customs; Carrie (Mrs. F.H. Noyes); Byron, Alice, Hattie H. Mr. Drew held official positions. He was superintending school committee of Stewartstown from 1849 to 1857; town clerk from 1851 to 1854; selectman in 1863, '64'67'68-70, '83' 85; representative in 1857-58; county commissioner from 1861 5o 1864; country treasurer 1868 5o 1870; and more. Democrat in politics. ------------- LYMAN WILLIS ALGER In 1749 twenty-eight persons applied for dismission from the Puritan church of Bridgewater, Mass on account of difference of religious opinion. They were not dismissed, but suspended. These were people of deep religious faith.... among these "separatists" were members of the Alger, Lothrop, Ames, Hayward and Willis families. The Alger family is well known in New England for its connection with iron manufacture. Thomas-1 Alger settled in America during the seventeenth century and was one of the first of his name in this country. He made his home in Taunton Mass, near the Three Mile river, and married Elizabeth Packard. His son, Israel-2 was a farmer in Bridgewater, and a man of influence and wealth. His wife was a granddaughter of Thomas Hayward, one of the original proprietors and first settlers of Bridgewater. They had five sons, of whom Joseph-3 was the second. His son, Joseph-4 was one of the original members of the First Baptist church of the town. Edmund-5 Alger (grandfather of Lyman W Alger) was born in Bridgewater Mass in 1763 married Huldah Lothrop and had seven children. Mr. Alger carried on merchandizing for some years in Massachusetts, but, losing his property by the failure of others, he determined to leave New England and emigrate to some place where he could provide an inheritance of land for his five sons. Accordingly in 1801, he became a resident of Eaton, P.Q., a place then thirty miles from civilization; but land was plenty and men were needed to improve the land. In his new home he worked to form a Baptist Society. He was aided by his friend Capt. Josiah Sawyer, a native of Lancaster, Mass, born in 1756. Capt. Sawyer, with his father and five brothers, served in the Colonial army, where he received his title. The English government to settle the Canadian country offered to give a township to any one obtaining forty families to settle in any locality which they should select, and Capt. Saywer, having complied with the requirements, selected Eaton, and there made his home. Capt. Sawyer was an Orthodox Congregationalist. He built saw and grist-mills, and his name is perpetuated in the village of Sawyersville. Edmund Alger died in Eaton PQ in 1836, aged 74 years. His third son, Asa, born in Bridgewater Mass February 7, 1796, came to Eaton when only five years old, and lived the life of the pioneer. Asa married Abigail, daughter of Capt. Josiah and Susanna (Green) Sawyer, and had seven children, six of whom attained maturity: Emily (married William Lindsey); Horace (deceased); Henry (deceased); Ruth, Lyman W., Persis (married Eben Goodwin). Asa Alger died May 10, 1882 at the age of 86 years but for 30 years he had been totally blind. Mrs. Alger died June 2, 1885 at Eaton in her 90th year, after an illness of but 3 days. LYMAN WILLIS ALGER, son of Asa and Abigail (Sawyer) Alger, was born in Eaton PQ June 29, 1831. He remained with his parents until he was 21; attended school about 3 months a year until he was 19; labored on the farm. He then attended school two terms at the academy at Derby VT and after attaining his majority, two terms at Colebrook academy. He worked in the summer of 1852 at the Nulhegan lumber-mill at Bloomfield VT, earning money to defray his academic expenses during the fall term; he then taught school in the winter at Bloomfield, and the next spring term finished his school education at the academy. Here he made the acquaintance of Marion Wallace, daughter of Gen. Lewis and Rispah (Beach) Loomis, whom he married January 3, 1856. Mr. ALger received the appointment of station agent at North Stratford in Jul of 1853 and held that position until 1856 when he removed to Colebrook and carried on the homestead farm of Gen. Loomis for four years. He then returned to North Stratford intending to engage in manufacture, but was taken ill with rheumatic fever. In the Spring of 1861 he became the agent of the Protective Union Store in Canaan Vt (for 5 yrs). He engaged in merchandizing with Dr. Annable as "Alger & Annable" in "drug store." He was a Republican. Appointment postmaster of West Stewartstown in August 1872 until October 1886. [more about him in original document not included here]. -======================== SAMUEL GRAY HANNAFORD, son of Amos C. and Hannah (Lyford) Hannaford, was born at Northfield NH July 30, 1822. His education advantages were limited to the common schools of his native town. At the age of fourteen he went to Sanbornton Bridge (Tilton) and learned the carpenter and cabinet-maker's trade of an uncle, and established himself in business there, combining agriculture and his trades. Mr. Hannaford married, October 4, 1841, Lucy M., daughter of Jabez R. and Ruth (Noyes) Hannaford, a native of Boscawen. They have two children, Russell and Fordyce A., who reside in Northumberland, and carry on business in Lancaster. He resided in Sanbornton nearly thirty years, during which time he was chosen selectman (1861-62). He was Democrat. He was a recruiting officer during the Rebellion, and has held a commission of justice of the peace for almost a quarter of a century. In 1865 he as assistant superitendent of the Merrimack County Farm. In August 1867 he was selected superintendant of Coos County Farm and moved to West Stewartstown to live. ------------------- ISAIAH H. PICKARD, son of Jeremiah and Hannah (Harvey) Pickard, was born in Canterbury, March 18, 1819, and died in Stewartstown October 13, 1884. About 1826 his parents removed to Stewartstown and located on the site now occupied by the county buildings. Mr. Pickard married Oct 30, 1856, Sarah A. Rogers, of Columbia. She died January 27, 1871. Mr. Pickard is a Democrat. He was town selectman, town treasurer, justice of the peace and legislator. He held the office of county commissioner. ------------ FERNANDO C. JACOBS, son of Justin and Polly (Sargent) Jacobs, was born in Warren, Vt., January 16, 1813. His early years were passed with an uncle, with whom he went to Troy NY. After some years he returned to Vermont, and learned the trade of tanner at New Haven. In 1835 he went to Albany NY and worked at his trade there and in Troy for two years. His next residence was in Colebrook, where he engaged in business as a tanner, and continued 3 years; he then removed to Stanstead PQ and was there two years. His next base of operation was in Canaan Vt. Here he enlarged his business, erected a tannery and carried on tanning shoe and harness manufacturing for sixteen years prosperously. In 1860 he built the Connecticut Lake House on the shore of that lake. This formed the terminus of a lovely carriage drive of 25 miles from Colebrook , and became headquarters for sportsmen and lumbermen. His management of this house for the next 11 years forms quite a chapter in the advance of civilizing forces into the "woods." Upon closing his interests here Mr. Jacobs went to Lancaster and was engaged in "tilling the soil" for 2 years. The following 3 years he was at the Brunswick Springs House, from there he returned to Colebrook and was in the grocery business for 3 years. In 1880 he located at Stewartstown Hollow, and opened a store of general merchandise, under the name of Parkhurst & Jacobs". He held various offices in VT and NH including notary public, postmaster, deputy sheriff, lister, etc. He has been three times married. His first wife, Julia A. Cooper was the mother of his five children: Alma P. (married Capt. H.S. Hilliard); Sarah C. (Mrs. Donald O. Rowell); Henry F., Charles J., and J. Anna. (end)