History of Rockingham County, New Hampshire, and representative citizens

Preface

The preservation of such facts, as will be useful to the future historian, is of public importance. Those which depend on memory, or have been long handed down by tradition, are liable either to be forgotten' or misrepresented. They should, tlierefore, be carefully collected from time to time and deposited in such archives as are prepared for them. Since the invention of printing the best mode of preserving historical facts is by the press. The record of them is thereby multiplied, and the knowledge of them extensively communicated. Every one should be acquainted with the origin and progress of the society to which he belongs. It is gratifying to the curiosity to learn the events of former days in which our ancestors took an active part ; to hear of the hardships and perils which they encountered, and the fortitude with which they endured them: to see the advances they made in obtaining the comforts and conveniences of life, and the state of independence and ease, in which they have placed their descendants. For the benefit of the present generation, as well as to assist whomever may hereafter undertake to write a more connected history, I have endeavored to collect the most authentic documents relative to my native town. For this purpose I have carefully examined ancient records and papers, within my control, which had any connection with the subject. I have likewise examined the periodical publications which I could obtain. From these I have made many selections and quotations.

The foregoing is as applicable in 1914 as when it was written in 1824 by Nathaniel Adams as a preface to "Annals of Portsmouth, comprising a period of 200 years from the first settlement of the town; with biographical sketches of a few of the most respectable citizens." It has been neces.sary to condense the material available relating to some of the places. Several local historians have issued volumes that, if liberally quoted, would make this book of the county too large and bulky. Many long lists of names have been omitted, as the volumes containing the details are on the shelves of the public libraries in nearly all the towns in the county, or they can be drawn by the local librarians from the State Fibrary at Concord. Excellent histories of Exeter, Hampton, Ham, .ton Falls and Newfields are available.

It has been my endeavor to trace the history of the development of this section from that period when it was in the undisputed possession of the red man to the present, and to place before the reader an authentic narrative of its rise and progress.

That such an undertaking is attended with no little difficulty and vexation none will deny. The aged pioneer relates events of the early settlements, while his neighbor sketches the same events with totally different outlines. Man's memory is ever at fault, while time paints a different picture upon every mind.

6 PREFACE

I have consulted and drawn liberally from the histories, addresses or sketches by Jeremy Belknap, John Farmer, Nathaniel Adams, C. W. Brewster, John McClintock, James DeNomiandie, John S. Jenness, Frank B. Sanborn, Charles H. Bell, N. P. Hood and numerous authorities in various towns to whom credit is generally given.

I desire to acknowledge my sincere thanks to the editorial fraternity, to the town and county and church officials, for much valuable information, which has greatly lessened my labor in the preparation of this work ; to each and every one who has assisted me in the compilation, and would cheerfully make personal mention of each, but it is impracticable.

Charles A. Hazlett.

Portsmouth, N. H., April 13. 1914.

PUBLISHER'S PREFACE

The aim of the piibUshers of this vokiiiie and of the author of the history has been to secure for tlie historical portion thereof fuU and accurate data respecting the history of the county from the time of its early settlement and to condense it into a clear and interesting narrative. All topics and occurrences have been included that were essential to this subject.

The reviews of resolute and strenuous lives that make up the biographical part of the volume are admirably calculated to foster local ties, to inculcate patriotism and to emphasize the rewards of industry dominated by intelligent purpose. They constitute a most appropriate medium for perpetuating personal annals and will lie of incalculable value to the descendants of those commemorated. These sketches are replete with stirring incidents and intense experiences and are flavored with a strong human interest that will naturally prove to a large portion of the readers of the book one of its most attracti\e features. In the aggregate of personal memoirs thus collated will be found a vivid epitome of the growth of Rockingham County, which will fitly supplement the historical statement, for its development is identical with that of the men and women to whom it is attributable. Sketches not corrected by subscribers when submitted to them are indicated by a small asterisk (*).

The publishers have avoided slighting any jiart of the work, and to the best of their ability have supplementerl the editor's labors by exercising care over the minutest details of publication, in order to give the volume the threefold value of a readable narrative, a useful \\(irk (if reference and a tasteful ornament to the library.

Special prominence has been given to the portraits of many representative citizens, which appear throughout the volume, and we believe that the^■ will prove not its least interesting feature. We have sought in this department to illustrate the different spheres of industrial and professional achievement as conspicuously as possible. To all who have kindly interested themselves in the prei)aration of this work, and who have voluntarily contributed most useful information and data, or rendered any other assistance, we hereby tender our grateful acknowledgments.

The Publishers.

Chicago, III, January i, 1915.