CHRONOLOGICAL REGISTER

OF

BOSCAWEN,

IN THE COUNTY OF MERRIMACK, AND STATE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE,

FROM THE FIRST SETTLEMENT OF THE TOWN TO 1820.

IN THREE PARTS:

Descriptive, Historical & Miscellaneous.

COMPILED BY AN ORDER OF THE TOWN, PASSED MARCH, 1819.

BY EBENEZER PRICE, A. M.

PASTOR OF THE SECOND CHURCH IN SAID TOWN.

"One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts." -David.

"Thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations, and thou shalt be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of paths to dwell in."-Isaiah

1

DEDICATION.

This compilation, the result of much labor, has been carefully made, and is now presented to the inhabitants of the town of Boscawen and to their posterity, for a perpetual memorial, of the very interesting events of antiquity, wrested from oblivion,

By their sincere friend, and

very humble servant,

EBENEZER PRICE.

CONTENTS.

PART I.

Descriptive.

Situation of the town-extent-boundaries-original name—
soil, and its varieties—drain-wells in use-rivers-ponds—water
machinery-bridges and their extent-roads-climate-villages
-dwelling-houses-public buildings-inns and stores-education,
how promoted-societies-professional characters-post office-
civil officers-population-number of militia-minerals-produc-
tions of the soil-fruits and fruit-trees-currants cultivated-the
breed of cattle-sheep improved-their number-wool manufac-
tured-silk wrought-staple commodities-market towns-chur-
shes-revivals of religion-concluding observations.

PART II.

Historical.

SECTION 1. Grant-to whom-character of the proprietors.

2. First meeting of the proprietors-survey of plantation--

number of rights-first division laid out and drawn.

3. First settlers-their enterprize-first labor, &c.

4. Meeting at Contoocook-log town-house built-preaching-

ferry.

5. 2d division laid out and drawn--log meeting house built.-

settlers alarmed by Indians-log fort built-petition to the King-

Mr. Stevens ordained, &c.

6. New-Hampshire becomes a province-Gov. Wentworth-
3d division laid out, &c.

7. Indians molest the inhabitants-Louisburg taken-first inhab-
itants killed or taken captive.

8. Mason's claim described-land proprietors-title of the town

obtained indemnity to Mr. Stevens, &c.

9. Provision for a 2d fort-Indians of St. Francis-Conduct of

Bowen and Morrill-some taken captive, &c.

10. Rev. Mr. Stevens dies-Great Earthquake-last proprie-

tors' meeting before incorporation-new petition-granted-re-

duction of Louisburg-Quebeck taken-Indians at peace, &c.

11. Plantation incorporated-name-1st charter-1st town

meeting-1st Justice, &c.

12. Proprietors assist in settling a minister-Mr. Robie Mor-

rill ordained-inhabitants leave the fort for their farms.

13. 4th division laid out and drawn-town charter renewed.

14. Stamp act-province road laid out-Rev. Mr. Morrill dis-

missed-new meeting house begun-Mr. Merrill ordained.

15. Pews sold-D. College chartered-bridge built-colonies

disturbed-Rev. Mr. Merrill removed.

16. 1775, 1st Congress-battles-independence-campaigns-

several preachers employed.

17. Mr. Wood settled-Cornwallis capitulated-peace with

England.

18. Road to Warner opened-delegate to state convention

-5 selectmen-parsonage sold-west meeting house built-

neutrality proclaimed.

19. Jay's treaty-last meeting of proprietors-evils in this

town-county tax.

20. War with France-meeting house burnt-injuries sus-

tained-S. house consumed-Rev. Mr. Wood dissolves his con-

tract with the town.

21. Half the parsonage given to west meeting house-small
pox in town-counterfeiters detected-2d reiigious society---
church and minister-total eclipse.