A topographical and historical sketch of the town of Andover, in the county of Hillsborough, and state of New Hampshire
A
TOPOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL
SKETCH
OF THE
Town of Andover,
IN THE
COUNTY OF HILLSBOROUGH,
AND
State of New-Hampshire.
BY JACOB B. MOORE.
CONCORD:
PRINTED BY HILL AND MOORE.
1822.
ADVERTISEMENT.
The reader cannot expect to find, in the history of so recent a settlement as that of Andover, much to interest his fancy or improve his mind. It is to the earlier efforts of our pilgrim fathers, that we must look for examples of heroic piety and perseverance, amid the dangers which surrounded them, both of famine and savage war. There is still an inducement to collect the facts in the early history of even the younger towns, from the reflection that so much has been lost in the history of the older. Timely exertions only can preserve for the use of posterity, those particulars concerning events of the present day, which we are all so anxious to know respecting "times of old." With this view, the writer of the following pages has endeavored to bring into a small compass, every material fact relating to his native town; and whether they be valuable or not, his satisfaction rests in having rescued from forgetfulness circumstances, which, if not interesting at the present day, may become so to those who shall hereafter occupy the lands lately cultivated by our fathers.
February, 1822.
Topographical and Historical
SKETCH.
Andover, a post-town In the county of Hillsborough, is situated in latitude 43° 27′ north, and is bounded on the north by New-Chester, east by the Pemigewasset river, a branch of the Merrimack, which separates the town from Sandbornton; south by Salisbury, and west by Wilmot—in length about ten miles from east to west; its average width four miles from north to south—containing 29,883 acres, or nearly forty-six square miles.
Pemigewasset river, which forms the eastern boundary, is a rapid stream, subject to sudden swells from the numerous brooks and rivulets which wind round almost every hill in the vicinity. This river rises on the south-westerly sides of the White Mountains, and running a southerly course passes through Lincoln, Peeling, Thornton and Campton, and by Holderness, Plymouth, Bristol, New-Chester and Andover, uniting with the Winnepissiogee about two miles below Andover. The two rivers united form the Merrimack. The Pemigewasset is fordable at several places near Andover in summer, and even when the waters are high, the fishermen can sometimes cross on the rocks jutting out near the falls. Salmon, and a variety of other excellent fish, are annually caught here, though in less quantities than formerly. Blackwater river, one of the tributary branches of the Contoocook, is formed by two small streams, one of which rises in Danbury, and the other issues from Pleasant pond in New-London. These branches unite soon after crossing the westerly line, and form the Blackwater, so called from its dark appearance, which passes rapidly through the southwesterly part of the town into Salisbury. This stream affords numerous fish, and many fine mill-seats.
There are fire ponds in Andover, the largest of which is called Chance pond, situated in the easterly part of the town, the outlet of which passes through Salisbury-Village into the Pemigewasset, a little below Webster's falls. This pond is about two miles in length, differing from one half to three-fourths of a mile in width. Loon pond lies near the centre of the town, and is about one mile in length and three-fourths of a mile in width. There is an island situated in the easterly part of Loon pond, which has long been the resort of summer pleasure parties, affording a beautiful shade and several kinds of wild fruits: this island contains three or four acres. The other ponds are called Elbine, Adder and Nether. All of them afford many fish, and in some of the connecting streams are found salmon trout.
Andover abounds with hills and dales, being in some places rocky and barren. On the north is a range of mountains, which divides the town from New-Chester. It commences near the Pemigewasset river, and extends westwardly about ten miles to the intersection of the Grafton and fourth N. H. turnpikes. These mountains are called Ragged, from their appearance, being in all parts broken, and in many places bleak and precipitous. About two-thirds of the southern side are cleared, and afford good pasture lands. In some parts, settlements have been made, and snug farms formed some way up their sides. These rural improvements, with the rocky barrier behind, present from other eminences a picturesque appearance. A little west of the centre of the range, there penetrates a stream of water from New-Chester, on which are situated several mills. In its passage through a chasm in the mountain, the water tumbles over a ledge of rocks nearly two hundred feet in the distance of a hundred rods. When the stream is raised by heavy rains or melting snows, the prospect is very interesting and grand. From the foot of these falls the ascent is not difficult on either side the whole distance up. The highest summit, which is a little west of the rivulet, by a late calculation,[1] is found to be 1700 feet above the level of the pond, a little south of its base. There are several caverns in this range of mountains, some of which have been explored to a considerable distance, but contain much rubbish, decoyed leaves, limbs of trees, vegetable mould, bones of animals, &c. The dividing line between Andover and New-Chester passes over the summit of the Ragged Mountains.
The soil of this town is in many parts very good, producing excellent wheat, rye and corn, and is in general good for orcharding, and for other fruits common in this part of the country. Experiments have frequently been made wish trees more common in a southern latitude, but none have been brought to maturity, by reason of the severity of the winters. The highlands, though hard of cultivation, are exceedingly fertile, and some of the best farms are situated on the hills in the westerly part of the town, and on the southerly side of the Ragged Mountains. There is some rich intervale land stretching along the Blackwater river; and en the southern and south-western borders of Loon and Chance ponds, are some valuable timber lands, the natural growth being principally hard pine and spruce—much of which has been conveyed in rafts down the river to Boscawen and Concord.[2] The growth of wood, In the other parts of the town, is principally oak, beech and sugar-maple. Seventy years ago, the whole town was a forest, inhabited only by wild beasts. From its first settlement until within a few years, the inhabitants have annually supplied themselves with sugar from their own farms; but the trees now beginning to decay, and little pains being taken in their preservation, this branch of domestic economy is almost wholly neglected.
In some parts of the town, near the Ragged Mountains, are found masses of excellent granite, which has as yet been made but little use of. There is also every indication of iron ore in the southerly part of the range. In passing over the lodges, it has invariably been found that the needle was more or less attracted. Considerable quantities of iron ore have been taken from the southern borders of Loon pond. Black lead of superior quality has also been frequently found at the foot of the mountains. These circumstances certainly indicate the existence of some valuable minerals in this mountainous range, and should invite the attention of those versed in mineralogical science.
The woods of Andover, when the proprietors of the tract first entered upon their lands, were plentifully stocked with game. Moose, deer, bears, wild-cats, &c. were every day to be seen, and the settlers were obliged to guard their flocks from their midnight incursions. Deer were very numerous, and so late as 1783, the town voted a premium of five dollars for every deer killed by the inhabitants. Beavers, otters, and other quadrupeds, were also common, and were for a few years a source of profit to the inhabitants.
The fourth New-Hampshire Turnpike passes through the north western part of Andover and intersects with the Grafton turnpike near the western line. In 1763, there was but one path cut through the town near the centre, winding round the pond, and leading back to the Pemigewasset. The lines between Salisbury[3] and Andover were perambulated and marked this year by the selection of both towns; and soon after the boundaries between Andover and New-Chester were established in like manner. The roads through this town are now good, and the inhabitants are constantly improving them.
Travellers passing over the stage-road through Andover, have but an imperfect view of its soil. They can indeed see little but the bleak and confused pile of the Ragged Mountains on the north, and the darkly wooded sides of the Kearsarge on the west, There are several convenient dwellings, and good farms situated on the turnpike; also three public houses and the post office. And a meeting-house is soon to be erected in that part of the town. But the principal settlements, and the oldest and best cultivated farms are situated in the centre of the town. The first meeting-house, built in conformity with the conditions of the grant, was torn down in 1795—and the present one erected on the 3d of May, 1796, and dedicated to the service and honor of the Christian religion Jan 5th, 1797. This house is a spacious and well finished building, but is now decaying, having never been painted. Its cost was about $2200. There are now in the town of Andover about 245 dwelling-houses; 4 stores; 4 taverns; 5 saw-mills; 3 grist-mills, with double runs of stones in each; 2 carding machines; 2 clothing mills; 2 bark mills, and 2 tanneries. The first saw-mill was built in 1767, the proprietors granting 40l. to the person who built it, together with the water privilege and site, "on condition that he should saw all the loojs which the proprietors should haul to the mill, at the halves (or ten years." The number of inhabitants was in 1775, 179; in 1790, 645; in 1800, 1133; in 1810, 1259; and in 1820, 1642—giving for this latter year an average of about seven persons for each family. The body of inhabitants are industrious farmers, raising ordinarily a surplus with which to furnish their families the "little necessaries," which common custom or inclination invites them to procure.
Andover was granted by the proprietors[4] of lands purchased of John Tufton Mason in 1746, to the following persons, viz:
Edmund Brown, William Swain, Archelaus Lakeman, John Hoyt, John Brown, Daniel Cram, Nathan Row, Amos Dwinell, Daniel Sanborn, John Sanborn, Joseph Gove, Benjamin Leavitt, Nathan Longfellow, David Norton, Walter Williams, Benjamin Swett, jun. Benjamin Shaw, Benjamin Tilton, Joseph Prescott, Thomas Sillia,[5] Israel Blake, John Ellis, Daniel Weare, Nathaniel Healey, Benjamin Sanborn, Robert Miller and Tobias Lakeman, of Hampton Falls.
Edward Brown and Jonathan Beck, of Salisbury, Mass.
Samuel Bathrick, of Portsmouth. Ezekiel Worthen, Joseph Weare, Samuel Blake, jun. John Chapman, Samuel Blake, Nathan Dow, Samuel French, William Brown Clough, Jesse Prescutt, and Ebenezer Loverin, of Kensington.
Anthony Emery, John Marston, Simon Marston, Joshua Towie, Daniel Marston, John Leavitt, Jonathan Leavitt and Nathaniel Bachelder, of Hampton.
Samuel French, Richard Smith, Benjamin Eaton, Joseph French, Hezekiah Carr and Benjamin French, of South-Hampton and Hampton-Falls.
David Page, David Lowel, Naason Cass and Joseph Rawlins, of Exeter.
Jonathan Sanborn, of Kingston; and Robert Calfe, of Chester.
The boundaries of the grant were thus described—"Beginning at a great rock on the westerly side of Pemigewasset river, which rock is the north-easterly bound of a tract of land granted to Ebenezer Stevens, Jedidiah Philbrick and others, by said proprietors; then running W. 17° S. 10 miles; then beginning again at said rock, running up said river so far as to contain four miles upon a strait line; thence W. 17° S. 10 miles; thence on a strait line to the end of the first ten mile line."
The conditions imposed upon the grantees were as follow:—"That fifteen families be settled upon said tract of land, each having a house of sixteen feet square at least, or equal thereto, and four acres of land cleared and fitted for tillage or mowing upon their respective shares, within four years next after the granting hereof; and fifteen families more, so settled, within six years from the granting hereof; and thirty families more within ten years from the granting hereof. That within eight years from the granting hereof a meeting-house be built for the worship of God, and fitted for that purpose for the use of the inhabitants there; and that they maintain and support the constant preaching of the gospel there after the expiration of ten years from the granting hereof. That all white-pine trees, fit for masting the royal navy, be and hereby are reserved and granted to his Majesty, his heirs and successors forever for that purpose. Provided always, that in case of an Indian war within any of the terms of year's above limited for the doing any of the said matters and things aforesaid, by the said owners to be done, the same number of years as such war shall last shall be allowed after that impediment shall be removed."
The town was divided into eighty-one rights, eighteen of which were reserved by the grantors, one for the first ordained minister, one for the parsonage, and one for the support of schools. The remaining sixty rights, consisting each of two lots of 100 acres and one of 80 acres, belonged to the sixty grantees.
Andover was originally called New Breton, in honor of those brave men who achieved the capture of Cape Breton in 1745.[6] Of the forces which were engaged in this enterprize, New-Hampshire furnished about five hundred men, chiefly in one regiment of eight companies under the command of Col. Samuel Moore. Most of the grantees of Andover were out in this expedition, the result of which, says Dr. Belknap, "filled America with joy, and Europe with astonishment." Walter Williams commanded a company in the regiment of Col. Moore, and Anthony Emery was the regimental surgeon. Capt. Williams was a brave commander, and among the most respectable inhabitants of Hampton-Falls. Dr. Emery was a gentleman of liberal education, and graduated at Harvard College in 1736. Some of his descendants now live in Andover. This town retained the name of New-Breton until June 25, 1779, when it was incorporated by the name it now bears.
The first inhabitant of Andover was Joseph Fellows, who moved into town from Boscawen in 1761. His daughter Peggy, (now Mrs. Woodbury, of Corinth, Vt.) was the first child born in town, and she is now 58 years of age. Mr. Fellows died March 14, 1811, aged 84. Elias Raino was the next settler, and William Morey the third: both came into town soon after Mr. Fellows. Mr. Raino died Sept. 20, 1787; Mr. Morey in 1814. Edward Ladd, another of the first settlers, moved in soon after Mr. Morey. His grandfather, Nathaniel Ladd, emigrated from Scotland in the latter part of the seventeenth century, and his father settled in Exeter, where he was born. He was a soldier in the "old French war," as it is called, which commenced in 1744—was an industrious man, and acquired a good estate. He died July 22, 1818, aged 82. His son, John, was the first male child born in Andover.
The first settlement of the town progressed very slowly, the inhabitants being subjected to many and great privations. They were unable to procure bread-stuff without travelling ten or fifteen miles, and were then obliged to convey it home on their backs. The woods supplied them with animal food, which they took in abundance with their guns and traps. There were no inhabitants north from whom they could receive assistance, and the difficulties of a communication with those situated below them, rendered their situation less pleasing. The men of those days, however, partaking of the spirit common to New-Englanders, overcame all difficulties by perseverance, and secured to their families a quiet and peaceful possession—making the wilderness resound with human activity, and planting gardens amid the shaggy and barren mountains.
It may be said with justice of the early settlers of this country, that the spread of the gospel and the establishment of churches were their principal objects. We accordingly find these objects distinctly provided for in almost ail the original grants of our towns. One of the conditions required of the grantees of Andover was, that a meeting house should be built within eight years after the grant, and the preaching of the gospel constantly maintained. The proprietors erected a convenient house, and preaching was occasionally had; but no minister was formally settled until 1782. In the early part of this year a church was gathered; and on the 30th of October, the Rev. Josiah Badcock was ordained to its pastoral charge. He was a native of Milton, Mass.; received his education at Harvard College, and graduated in 1772. He is a good scholar, a charitable and industrious man. The church remained united under his ministry for more than fifteen years, when many of the members embraced different opinions, or became otherwise alienated; and the society grew so small, that in 1809, he proposed resigning his charge. His farewell sermon to the people, on dissolving his connexion with them, was on affectionate appeal to their understandings on the evils of divisions and strife in religious communities, and an earnest exhortation to them not to forsake the assembling of themselves together for the public worship of God, even though his exertions had failed to increase their spiritual blessings. No other congregational minister was ever settled in town, and there are now comparatively few of that denomination of christians. The people are at present somewhat divided in religious sentiment. The most numerous class are undoubtedly those called Union Baptists.[7] There are some calvinistic baptists, and some congregationalists; also a society of universalists, incorporated in 1818.
In the year 1801, there was a revival of religion among the Freewill Baptists; and in 1803, Elder Elijah Watson, who now resides in Sutton, was ordained. He remained in this place however but a few years. In 1810, a great number were added to the connexion, and Elder Ebenezer Chase was ordained, who, with short interruptions, has preached to the society until very lately. In 1819 and 1820, a great reformation occurred, under the ministration of those calling themselves Christ-ians, without any party name; and the first church, under that appellation, was gathered here in Sept. 1819, and now consists of 167 members. It is in connexion with the “New-Hampshire Christian Conference,” and is now under the pastoral care of Elders Young and Sleeper.[8] The second church, of the same denomination, was gathered in May, 1820, and contains 25 members, under the care of Elder Young. Both these churches form “the First Union Baptist Society of Andover,” which is much the largest religious society in town.
In July, 1819, Elder Ebenezer Chase commenced the publication of a periodical paper, called the “Religious Informer,” issued once a month. At that time his subscription list amounted to 110; since which it has increased to nearly 800. Mr. Chase is both editor and printer, having for some time used a press of his own contrivance, and learnt to work at his new employment entirely without assistance. His paper is devoted to the dissemination of the principles of the denomination to which he belongs, and is as well executed as some of the country prints where we may suppose the publishers have been regularly educated in the art.
All sects have a right to assemble at the meeting house, and at seasons of public worship it is generally occupied by one or the other. It is believed that in few places has greater harmony prevailed among the different denominations, than in Andover; and it is to be hoped this christian liberality, so creditable to the people, will always characterize them.
There are in Andover fourteen school districts, in twelve of which are well-finished school-houses. A public school has for several years been kept near the centre of the town; and Mr. Joseph Noyes, who died Dec. 23d, 18 18, left funds in the hands of his Executor to the amount of ten thousand dollars, beside some real estate, for the establishment and support of an academy. It is much to be regretted, however, that the benefits likely to result from this munificent bequest, are restricted by the unfavorable situation located for the academy.[9] Had the donor seen fit to have selected a more convenient and central spot, far greater present, if not permanent, advantages must have been derived. It is not, however, becoming to complain of the manner of bestowing a gift, it the gift be valuable; and the inhabitants of Andover will long remember with delight their most distinguished benefactor.
Mr. Noyes was a native of Hampstead in this state. He commenced business early in life in Haverhill–thence removed to Salisbury, where he continued till within a few years of his death, when he moved into Andover. He was from his youth a very industrious man, and by his own hands accumulated the estate which he left, amounting to about $17,000. He was always punctual to fulfil every engagement–and was strictly upright in his dealings. He died at the age of 64–leaving the remainder of his property in the hands of his Executor, Robert Barber, Esq. of Andover, for the education and support of his three children.
Doct. Silas Barnard was the first physician who settled in town, and was a man of respecable talents, and a useful citizen. He was a native of Bolton, Mass.–came to Andover in 1792, and died June 25, 1795. Dr. Barnard was a descendant from Francis Barnard, who, for a while, lived in Hartford, Con. but removed from thence to Amherst, Mass. He was the common ancestor of the distinguished divines of this name who have been an honor to New England.
Doct. Jacob Bailey Moore, who succeeded Dr. Barnard, was born Sept. 5, 1772, at Georgetown, on the Kennebeck, Maine. His ancestors were of Scotland, and emigrated to this country in the early part of the last century. His father, who was also of the medical profession, was a surgeon on board a public vessel in the revolution, and was esteemed skilful. Dr. Moore acquired his education principally by his own industry. He settled in Andover in 1796, and practised his profession with great success until 1812, when he received the appointment of surgeon’s mate in the 11th regiment of U. S infantry. He continued in the service until December of that year, when he returned to his family much indisposed, and died of a lung complaint on the 10th of January, 1813. From his youth he had cultivated music, and composed several excellent pieces, some of which were published in Holyoke’s Repository. He also had a taste for poetry, and wrote numerous songs and epistles, some of which were published in the newspapers.
The present physicians in Andover, are Doctors Silas Merrill and Tilton Elkins.
Jonathan Weare, Esq., a much respected and useful citizen, and who for many years sustained some of the most important offices of the town, was a native of Seabrook. His grandfather was a brother of the Hon. Meshech Weare, celebrated as one of the first worthies of New-Hampshire. Mr. Weare died on the 18th of January, 1816, at the age of 60 years. Jonathan Weare was the first Justice of the Peace in Andover; and it appears from the town records that at a meeting in 1779 he was selected by the inhabitants to be commissioned by the government as a civil magistrate. This was indeed a high proof of the confidence reposed in his integrity and justice.
Mr. William Blake was a native of Kensington–moved with his father, when a youth, to Exeter–thence came to Andover. He died on the 18th of March, 1812, aged 62 years. Mr. Blake was a man of acute understanding, and in all the transactions of life was exceedingly upright and honorable. He was viewed for many years as one of the fathers of the town.
Many other worthy men, and valuable members of society, have lived and died in Andover, to whose injury should we attempt to pay a just tribute, it would swell this little sketch beyond its intended limits. No invidious feelings have governed the writer, and he trusts the people for whose use and amusement this history is written, will receive it as a respectful offering–as a testimonial of the writer’s best wishes for their permanent welfare. Whatever errors or imperfections they may discover, he hopes will be overlooked, and charged rather to his ignorance than his intentions.
In closing this sketch, it may not be improper to glance at a few things, in which the welfare of every town is alike concerned. As human society springs from the wants of men, so is it strengthened and supported by charity and good feelings. Divisions, or sectional disputes, jealousies, or local rivalries, should always be discountenanced and prevented. If a town is united, it generally prospers. Whilst the pursuits of agriculture engross most of your attention, and you “live by the sweat of the brow,” your interest lies also in giving due encouragement to your mechanics and tradesmen. Every profession is honorable, it well followed–and mutual encouragement it is the policy of all to give. The advantages of education need not be mentioned: all must be ready to admit its value. It is therefore one of the first duties of magistrates and private individuals, as well as of communities, to cherish schools, and provide means for the attainment of this greatest of earthly blessings by the rising generation. What if our fathers, when they fixed their homes in the wilderness, were deprived of the benefits of education? Is it a reason why their posterity should be? By no means. In proportion as the light of knowledge illuminates the mind, does man become capable of happiness, and of sooner estimating the worth of that Light which is infinite and eternal.
To conclude, I would present for your consideration, the picture of a HAPPY SOCIETY, drawn by the worthy Dr. Belknap. It is partially applicable to your situation, and I earnestly hope your exertions will make it still more so.
“A town consisting of a due mixture of hills, vallies, and streams of water. The land well fenced and cultivated; the roads and bridges in good repair. Decent inns for the refreshment of travellers, and for public entertainment. The inhabitants mostly husbandmen; their wives and daughters domestic manufacturers; a suitable proportion of handicraft workmen and two or three traders; a physician and a lawyer; a clergyman of good understanding, candid disposition and exemplary morals; not a metaphysical, nor a polemic, but a serious practical preacher. A school-master, who should understand his business, and teach his pupils to govern themselves. A social Library annually increasing, and under good regulations. A decent musical society. No intriguing politician, horse-jockey, gambler, or sot. Such a situation may be considered as the most favorable to local happiness, of any which this world can afford.”
APPENDIX.
NO. I.
BILL OF MORTALITY FOR 39 YEARS,
Furnished the compiler by the Rev. Josiah Badcock.
| Years | Jan. | Feb. | March. | April. | May. | June. | July. | August. | Sept. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. | Total. |
| 1782 | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 1783 | 1 | 2 | 3 | ||||||||||
| 1784 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 5 | ||||||||
| 1785 | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 1786 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | |||||||
| 1787 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | |||||||
| 1788 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 11 | ||||
| 1789 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | |||||||||
| 1790 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | ||||||||
| 1791 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 6 | ||||||||
| 1792 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 5 | ||||||||
| 1793 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | |||||||||
| 1794 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 10 | ||||||
| 1795 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 8 | ||||||
| 1796 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 6 | |||||||
| 1797 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 13 | ||||||
| 1798 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 7 | ||||||
| 1799 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 12 | |||
| 1800 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 9 | ||||
| 1801 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 9 | ||||||
| 1802 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 20 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 42 | |||
| 1803 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 13 | |||
| 1804 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 11 | ||||
| 1805 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 10 | ||||
| 1806 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 13 | ||||||
| 1807 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 10 | ||||||
| 1808 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 14 | ||||
| 1809 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 13 | ||||||
| 1810 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 9 | |||||
| 1811 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 9 | ||||||
| 1812 | 2 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 20 | ||||
| 1813 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 15 | |||
| 1814 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 13 | |||||
| 1815 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 17 | ||||
| 1816 | 4 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 20 | ||||
| 1817 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 15 | |||
| 1818 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 34 | |
| 1819 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 17 | |
| 1820 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 21 | |||
| 1821 | |||||||||||||
| 34 | 27 | 49 | 47 | 34 | 20 | 37 | 37 | 63 | 37 | 30 | 25 | 441 |
N. B. A mortal sickness (the dysentery) prevailed in 1802; during which year, as will be seen above, 42 persons were swept away, principally children. In 1812, the typhus fever was generally mortal, being of a very malignant species, and 21 died, chiefly in the meridian of life. The annual average of deaths for the last forty years has been about eleven.
NO. II.
Names of persons who have represented the town of Andover in the
Legislature of the state, since the adoption of the constitution.
1796 to 1802, Joseph Philbrick.
1803, Jonathan Weare.
1804, Joseph Philbrick.
1805, Jonathan Weare.
1806, Jacob B. Moore.
1807 to 1809, Jonathan Weare.
1810 to 1812, James Tucker.
1813, Jonathan Weare, jun.
1814, James Tucker.
1815, Jonathan Weare, jun.
1816 and 1817, No representative.
1818, Samuel Graves.
1819, No representative.
1820 and 1821, Robert Barber.
NO. III.
Selectmen of the town of Andover, since its incorporation in 1779.
1779, Joseph Philbrick, Samuel Blake, Jabez Morrill.
1780, William Emery, Joseph Chandler, Jonathan Weare.
1781, Paul Smith Marston, Joseph Chandler, Thomas Blake.
1782, Joseph Chandler, William Blake, Thomas Sleeper.
1783, Simon Rollings, Joseph Chandler, William Blake.
1784, Jonathan Weare, Joseph Philbrick, William Blake.
1785, William Emery, Joseph Philbrick, Jonathan Weare.
1786, Jonathan Weare, Joseph Philbrick, Paul S. Marston.
1787, Same as in 1786.
1788, Nathan Rowe, Jonathan Weare, Thomas Blake.
1789, Jonathan Weare, Thomas Blake, William Emery.
1790, Jonathan Weare, Joseph Brown, jr., John Turrill.
1791, Jonathan Weare, John Turrill, Samuel Blake, jr.
1792, Joseph Brown, jr., Jabez Morrill, Jonathan Weare.
1793, James Tucker, Joseph Philbrick, Silas Barnard.
1794, Jonathan Weare, William Blake, Silas Barnard.
1795, William Blake, Jonathan Weare, Moses Welch.
1796, Moses Brown, Pelatiah Corliss, William Emery.
1797, Jacob B. Moore, Joseph Philbrick, Pelatiah Corliss.
1798, Joseph Philbrick, Willard Emery, John Turrill.
1799, Jonathan Weare, John Turrill, Willard Emery.
1800, Willard Emery, Josiah Hains, Weare Hilliard.
1801, Willard Emery, Weare Hilliard, Joseph Brown, jr.
1802, Willard Emery, Jonathan Weare, Weare Hilliard.
1803, Same as 1802.
1804, Samuel Graves, Caleb Marston, Weare Hilliard.
1805, James Tucker, Willard Emery, Weare Hilliard.
1806, Willard Emery, Samuel Graves, Weare Hilliard.
1807, Same as in 1806.
1808, Caleb Marston, Samuel Graves, Jacob Eastman.
1809, Willard Emery, Jonathan Weare, Moses Brown.
1810, Caleb Marston, John Bailey, Jacob Eastman.
1811, Willard Emery, Samuel Graves, Jacob Eastman.
1812, William Blake, Samuel Graves, Jacob Eastman.
1813, Willard Emery, Robert Barber, Jacob Eastman.
1814, Same as in 1813.
1815, Ditto.
1816, Caleb Marston, Robert Barber, Jacob Eastman.
1817, Caleb Marston, Jacob Eastman, Willard Emery.
1818, Samuel Brown, Willard Emery, Phinehas Huntoon.
1819, Samuel Brown, Josiah Babcock, David Buswell.
1820, Same as in 1819.
1821, Samuel Brown, Jacob Eastman, John Simons.
NO. IV.
Town Clerks in Andover, since its incorporation.*
1779 to 1792, Jonathan Weare.
1793 and 1794, Silas Barnard.
1795, Jonathan Weare.
1796 and 1797, Jacob B. Moore.
1798 and 1799, Jonathan Weare.
1800 to 1804, Jacob B. Moore.
1805, Jonathan Weare.
1806 to 1810, John Weare.
1811, Willard Emery.
1812 to 1818, Robert Barber.
1819 to 1821, Samuel Brown.
* As early as 1773, when the inhabitants first organized their town government, Paul Smith Marston was appointed Town Clerk, and continued in office until 1779, when the town was incorporated by the legislature of this state.
NO. V.
MISCELLANEOUS.
Names of persons who have commanded militia companies in Andover.
William Emery,
Josiah Bachelder,
Josiah Scribner.
| 1st company. | 2d company. |
| William Proctor,* | Samuel Elkins, |
| Jacob B. Moore, | James Tucker, |
| William Emery, | Jonathan Weare,* |
| Josiah Evans, | Micah Kimball, |
| Henry Milton, | Joseph Brown. |
| Henry Emery, | |
| William Huntoon. |
Names of soldiers from the town of Andover serving in the revolution.
John Chandler, Nathaniel Call, Ezekiel Fellows,[10] Paul Smith Marston, Thomas Sleeper, Joshua Danford, Edward Danford, Josiah Hains, Joseph Tucker, Benjamin Fellows, Joseph Fellows, Robert Wise, John White, Thomas Welch.
Committee of Safety in 1775.–Samuel Blake, Paul Smith Marston, Thomas Blake, Joseph Severens, and Moses Clough.
Justices of the Peace in Andover since 1779.–[11]Jonathan Weare, [11]Jacob B. Moore, Ephraim Eastman, William Proctor, Robert Barber, Willard Emery, [12]Benjamin Thompson.
Robert Barber, Justice of the Peace and Quorum.
Health and Longevity.–Andover has generally been a healthy town, though fatal diseases have sometimes prevailed. The oldest person who ever lived in Andover was Job Kenistone–he was a member of the society of Friends, and lived to the age of about 102 years, retaining his activity until within a few months of his death. Mrs. Hannah Fuller was the oldest female: she died at the age of 95. There are several aged people now residing in Andover, and who were among the earliest settlers.
- ↑ By Mr. Benjamin M. Tyler, of Andover.
- ↑ The timbers for the Concord Bridge, when it was first built, were procured near Chance pond.
- ↑ Originally called Stevens-Town, from the name of one of the grantees.
- ↑ The names of the original proprietors or grantors of Andover, were, Theodore Atkinson, Mark H, Wentworth, Richard Wibird, John Wentworth, George Jaffrey, Samuel Moore, Nathaniel Messerve, Thomas Packer, Thomas Wallingford, Jotham Odiorne, Joshua Pierce and John Moffat.
- ↑ So spelt in the original grant.
- ↑ The island of Cape-Breton is situated between latitude 45° and 47° N. about 15 leagues distant from Cape-Ray, the S.W. extremity of Newfoundland—being separated from the main land of Nova-Scotia by a narrow strait of six leagues in length. This island had been deemed of little importance by the English and French, who had successively held possession of it, until the beginning of the last century, when the latter became aware of its importance, from its central situation and the convenience of its ports. They accordingly built a fortified town on the S.E. side of the island, two miles and a quarter in circumference, to which they gave the name of Louisbourgh. It was fortified in every accessible part with a rampart of stone from 30 to 36 feet in height, and a ditch 80 feet wide. It was so strong as to be styled "the Dunkirk of America." For the particulars relating to the capture of Cape-Breton, the reader is referred to Belknap's Hist. N.H. vol ii. and Mass. Hist. Coll. vol. i. of the first series.
- ↑ The name of Union Baptists has been recently assumed, for the purpose of quieting different opinions. Many who were in union with the Freewill Baptists disliked the name; and we believe the term Union comprehends several classes who differ on minor and unimportant points.
- ↑ Elder Peter Young was ordained in York, Me. Sept. 9, 1808–commenced preaching in Deerfield, N. H. in 1812, where he continued until 1819, when he removed to Andover. Elder Nehemiah Sleeper is a native of Andover, and was ordained with Elder William True, June 17, 1817. Elder T. died on the 11th Oct. 1818–he was a young man of unblemished moral character, and much respected. Elder Jesse Thompson was also ordained to the work of an evangelist June 7, 1821.
- ↑ Extract from Mr. Noyes’ Will.
“Item 4th I do hereby direct my Executor to take ten thousand dollars out of my personal property and bank stock, and appropriate it for the support of a public school–said school to be under the direction of six directors, who shall at first be appointed by my Executor, and after that they shall fill their own vacancies. The house for said school to be built on the farm on which I now live–Said school to be denominated Noyes’s School.” - ↑ Now a pensioner.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Deceased.
- ↑ Resigned.
This work was published before January 1, 1929, and is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago.
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