Category: History

By Muriel Bristol (Transcriber) | January 13, 2019

In this first year of the Civil War, Milton suffered a fire that burned three buildings, heard of its Second NH Regiment men departing for the front, held a birthday celebration for another centenarian, heard reports of the first Battle of Bull Run, and saw John Townsend’s Milton Mills Manufacturing Co.’s woolen mill burn down.

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Two months after the Civil War began in April 1861, John Colbath and the Goodwin family lost three buildings to a fire in West Milton.

The store of G.W. Goodwin, the shoe manufactory of John Colbath, with their contents, and the dwelling house of C.H. Goodwin, at West Milton, N.H., were destroyed by fire on Sunday morning, Loss about $6500; insured $3000 (Hartford Courant, [Wednesday,] June 19, 1861).

Five Goodwin households appeared sequentially in the Eighth (1860) Census, which suggests they all lived either side-by-side or zig-zagged down the same street in Milton (West Milton P.O.). The enumerator visited them all on June 1, 1860, i.e., only fifteen days before the fire.

Joseph Goodwin, a farmer, aged seventy-seven years, headed the first household in the sequence. His household included Anna [(Hanson)] Goodwin, aged sixty-two years. (Anna might have lied about her age: she was actually seventy-three). He had $2,000 in real estate and $350 in personal estate. The George W. Goodwin (1817-1869), Shepherd K. Goodwin (1823-1891), and Charles H. Goodwin (1825-1904) that follow were sons of this couple and brothers to each other.

Hannah Goodwin, aged sixty-seven years, headed the second household in the sequence. She was Joseph Goodwin’s sister.

Shepherd K. Goodwin, a farmer, aged thirty-seven years, headed the third household in the sequence. His household included Sophrona J. [(Young)] Goodwin, aged thirty-five years, George H. Goodwin, aged fourteen years, Augustine P. Goodwin, aged ten years, and John W. Twombly, a merchant, aged twenty-five years. Stephen H. Goodwin had $1,500 in real estate and $400 in personal estate. John W. Twombly had $150 in personal estate, presumably much of that was his stock in trade. Both children had attended school within the last year. (He would appear also in the US Class II military draft list of 1863).

Geo. W. Goodwin, a merchant, aged forty-two years, headed the fourth household in the sequence. His household included M.C. [Marietta (Chamberlain)] Goodwin, aged thirty-eight years, and Abba A. Moulton, aged eleven years. Geo. W. Goodwin had $3,000 in real estate and $7,000 in personal estate. Abba A. Moulton had attended school within the last year. This house burned.

C.H. [Charles H.] Goodwin, a shoe manufacturer, aged thirty-five years, headed the fifth household in the sequence. His household included Susan E. [(Wentworth)] Goodwin, aged twenty-five years, and Abba A. Goodwin, aged six years. C.H. Goodwin had $1,500 in real estate and $600 in personal estate. Abba A. Goodwin had attended school within the last year. This house burned.

Next in the census sequence below C.H. Goodwin was an “Unoccupied” building. The “shoe manufactory of John Colbath” might have been considered unoccupied in the sense that it had no residents, outside of working hours that is. If this was the shoe manufactory, this building burned.

John Colbath (1828-1915) resided in Charles H. Goodwin’s Milton household in 1850. He married in Milton, NH, November 10, 1853, Adaline Augusta Wentworth (1834-1873). She was born circa 1834, daughter of Joseph C. and Tryphena B. (Roberts) Wentworth

John Colbath, a shoe maker, aged thirty-five years, headed a Somersworth [Great Falls P.O.] household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Augusta Colbath, aged thirty years, and [——] Plummer, a shoe maker, aged twenty-five years.

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The Second NH Regiment, in which Milton men had enlisted, passed through Boston, MA, on Thursday, June 20, 1861.

Military Movements. The 2d New Hampshire Regiment, Col. Gilman Marston, passed through this city on Thursday. We are unable to give any particulars this week (New England Farmer (Boston, MA), [Saturday,] June 22, 1861).

Military Movements. The 2d New Hampshire Regiment, which passed through here last week Thursday, is a fine body of men, and won much praise from the spectators as it passed through our streets. They were given a grand collation at Music Hall, which was appropriately decked for the occasion. Short speeches were made by Hon. Marshall P. Wilder, Col. Marston, and others. As the regiment was passing over the Camden and Amboy Railroad, near Westfield, N.J., Friday night, Lieut. Chas. W. Walker, of Co. B, Concord, fell from the train, which passed over one of his legs, and inflicted such injuries that he survived but a few hours. His remains were taken to Concord, and interred with impressive ceremonies, on Wednesday. He was a native of Fryeburg, Me. (New England Farmer (Boston, MA), [Saturday,] June 29, 1861).

Monroe J. Corson, John O. Hayes, Charles E. Jones, Christie L. Jones, Robert Miller, Moses L. Smith, James H. Tibbetts, John S. Varney, Theron F. Varney, and James M. Venner were among those that enlisted in the Second NH Regiment from Milton. (John Brown, Herbert E. Cook, and John Godfrey enlisted in the Second from elsewhere, but were “credited” towards Milton’s total)).

The Second NH Regiment fought in the First Battle of Bull Run (aka Manassas), just a month later, on July 21, 1861.

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As mentioned previously, people who lived to an advanced age were of great interest formerly, as they are now.

A Centenary Celebration. The descendants and relatives of the widow of the late Daniel Hayes gathered at the homestead, in Milton, N.H., on which day the old lady was one hundred years of age. There were nearly 300 persons present, including five of the fifth generation (Baltimore Sun, July 20, 1861).

Daniel Hayes headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 60-69 years and one female aged 70-79 years.

Eunice (Pinkham) Hayes was the “widow of the late Daniel Hayes.” He died in Milton, December 4, 1846, aged eighty-seven years, two months. Eunice lived subsequently in the Milton household of her daughter, Betsy (Hayes) Pearl, and son-in-law, Joseph Pearl.

Joseph Pearl, a farmer, aged sixty-four years, headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Betsy Pearl, aged fifty-eight years, James Rowe, a farmer, aged fifteen years, and Eunice Hayes, aged eighty-nine years. Joseph Pearl had real estate valued at $10,000.

Joseph Pearl, a farmer, aged seventy-three years, headed a Milton (West Milton P.O.)household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Betsy Pearl, aged sixty-eight years, and Eunice Hayes, aged ninety-nine years. Joseph Pearl had real estate valued at $4,000 and personal estate valued at $5,000.

The Federal government assessed Joseph Pearl for his two-horse carriage in the US Excise Tax of May 1864 and the US Excise Tax of May 1866.

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The Second NH Regiment, in which some Milton men were serving, was engaged at the first Battle of Bull Run (aka Manassas).

Latest. Our Thursday morning dispatches relate chiefly to the correcting of reports concerning our loss in the late engagement and the preparations being made for the increase of the army at Washington. The following summary embraces everything of importance: The list of the dead and wounded is every day being made more complete. The War Department is still busily employed in organizing the troops. Offers of more troops are coming in, thick and fast, from all parts of the country. 80,000 men have been accepted. The rebels refuse to admit flags of truce for the purpose of taking charge of the wounded, within their lines, but promise that every attention shall be given them. There is no authentic confirmation of the current report that the rebels are evacuating Manassas Junction. The impression, founded upon a dispatch from Capt. Gibson to Capt. Tyler, that some of our troops remain in Centreville, also lacks confirmation. The ordnance department at the Washington Navy Yard is employing extra force in the manufacture of rifled cannon. The blockade of the Virginia shore of the Potomac is still maintained. Two more spies have been arrested at Alexandria.

[Excerpt:]

The Second New Hampshire Regiment went into the action with 856 men, and returned with 800, 52 of whom are wounded; of the others, 12 are dead and 44 missing. Col. Marston is doing well (New England Farmer (Boston, MA), July 27, 1861).

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Towards the end of the year, John Townsend’s Milton Mills Company woolen factory burnt in the small hours of Saturday, October, 19, 1861.

Destruction of a Flannel Factory. Great Falls, N.H., Oct. 19. The flannel factory of John Townsend, at Milton Mills, N.H., was burnt this morning. The loss is estimated at $30,000, on which there is a partial insurance. The factory was running on a government contract for army flannels (Baltimore Sun, October 22, 1861).

Miscellaneous Items. The flannel factory belonging to John Townsend. at Milton Mills, N.H., was burnt Saturday morning, at about 2 o’clock. Loss about $30,000; partially insured. The mill was running on a government contract (New England Farmer (Boston, MA), October 26, 1861).

The “flannel factory belonging to John Townsend” was denominated as The Milton Mills in a Milton Gazetteer of 1859.

John Townsend, a woolen manufacturer, aged fifty-two years, headed a Milton (Milton Mills P.O.) household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Eliza A. Townsend, aged thirty-seven years, Jane R. Townsend, aged twenty-four years, Caroline F. Townsend, aged twenty years, Henry H. Townsend, aged seventeen years, Ermina Townsend, aged  fourteen years, Willie B. Townsend, aged ten years, and Frank A. Townsend, aged four years. Caroline F. Henry H., Ermina, and Willie B. Townsend had all attended school within the last year. John Townsend had real estate valued at $2,000 and personal estate valued at $8,000.

John Townsend’s house stood in close proximity to the households of L.D. Reed, landlord of the Milton Mills Hotel, aged thirty-one years; E. Osgood, a blacksmith, aged fifty-four years; Joseph Townsend, a wool manufacturer, aged thirty-seven years, and Joseph P. Swasey, a tailor, aged thirty-five years.

John Townsend rebuilt his Milton Mills Co., or Milton Mills Manufacturing Co., factory larger than the one that burnt. The new mill is mentioned in Vulpes’ letter of 1864 as running “full blast” and it paid the US Excise Tax of May 1864.

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The Fifth NH Regiment, in which Milton men had enlisted, arrived in Jersey City, NJ, on its way to Washington, DC, in October 1861.

From Yesterday’s Second Edition. The 5th N.H. regiment, Col. Cross, arrived in the Norwich boat at Jersey City this forenoon and left at seven for Washington. Several friends of Major Cook, formerly of the Boston “Tigers,” as well as sons of New Hampshire, gave them friendly greetings (Buffalo Commercial (Buffalo, NY), October 31, 1861).

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The Sixth NH Regiment, in which Milton men had enlisted, passed through New York City in December 1861, bound for Washington, DC.

News by Telegraph. New York, Dec. 26. The 6th N.H. Regiment passed through here to-day tor Washington (Buffalo (NY) Weekly Express, December 31, 1861).

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Previous in sequence: Milton in the News – 1860; next in sequence: Milton in the News – 1862

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References:

Find a Grave. (2013, January 9). Lieut. Charles W. Walker. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/103341372/charles-w-walker

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By Muriel Bristol | January 10, 2019

Milton’s 1860 census enumerator, Elias S. Cook, made marginal notes next to Milton’s two hotel entries. They may or may not have been the actual hotel names, as opposed to a description of their location.

“Milton Hotel”

William Howard “Howard” Huntress (1822-1873) may have run his Milton hotel as early as September 1855 (and up until until his death in January 1873).

William H. Huntress was born in Milton, January 17, 1822, a son of William and Lydia A. (Hatch) Huntress. His mother died in Milton, December 19, 1830; and his father remarried there, July 1, 1832, Dorcas Dore.

William H. Huntress, left town for some years in the 1840s. He was a shoemaker, aged twenty-eight years, residing in the Natick, MA, household of his elder brother, Thomas H. Huntress, also a shoemaker, aged thirty-two years, at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census.

He married, circa 1852-53, Sarah C. Tuttle. She was born in Barrington, NH, August 1, 1832, daughter of John and Esther C. (Moulton) Tuttle. They settled in Milton, where their first two children were born in 1854 and 1859.

William H. Huntress, a shoemaker, aged thirty-seven years, headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Sarah C. Huntress, aged twenty-seven years, Charles A. Huntress, aged six years, and John W. Huntress, aged one year.

Huntress’ household appeared next to that of his brother-in-law, Darwin Morse, a farmer, aged forty-seven years. (His father, stepmother, sister Phebe A. Morse, and nephew resided in the Morse household). They lived near School House No. 12 on what is now Silver Street, approaching its intersection with what is now Winding Road.

Joseph Jenness (1823-1892) lived in the hotel, which he apparently ran on Huntress’s behalf. It stood in the Milton downtown, in close proximity, and likely right next door, to the home of Dr. Stephen Drew (another marginal note: “Practicing Physician in Milton 40 years”).

Joseph Jenness was born in Somersworth, in 1823, son of Joseph and Hannah Jenness. He married November 16, 1845, Reliance C. Witherell. She was born in Monmouth, ME, January 30, 1829, daughter of Rufus and Sarah T. (White) Witherell. They resided in the Somersworth household of his parents in 1850.

Joseph Jenness, a landlord (“Milton Hotel”), aged thirty-six years, headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Reliance C. Jenness, aged thirty-one years. He had no real estate (and Huntress would be taxed for the licenses).

C. Crosby, a hired man, aged twenty-four years, resided there, with Emeline Crosby, aged twenty-one years, Lydia M. Crosby, aged thirty-one years, and Charles G. Crosby, aged seven years.

Nine men were listed as “boarders”: B.F. Rankin, aged twenty-five years, Charles Neal, aged twenty-two years, David Wentworth, aged twenty-three years, Charles Peckham, aged twenty-seven years, Charles Nudd, Esq., aged twenty-seven years, D. Palmer, aged twenty-five years, J.C. Robinson, aged thirty-two years, C.C. Smith, aged forty years, and James Miller, aged twenty-six years.

There were three female guests: Mrs. C. Lane, a teacher of music, aged thirty-one years, [sister-in-law] Pamelia C. Weatherell, aged twenty-nine years, and S.C. Goodrich, a dressmaker, aged twenty-two years.

Also staying in the hotel were three male guests: John R. Palmer, postmaster, aged twenty-four years, Dr. Jackson, a physician, aged forty-two years, and George Hattan, an “Indian Doctor,” aged fifty-five years.

The US Class II military draft list of June 1863 included both William H. Huntress, a hotel keeper, aged thirty-seven years, and Joseph Jenness, a stabler, aged thirty-nine years. Although exempt, due to being a married man of a certain age, Huntress had already enlisted in Company A of the Tenth NH Infantry Regiment, August 20, 1862. He mustered out of the Army at Richmond, VA, June 21, 1865.

The Federal government assessed Huntress for his 8th-class hotel, liquor license, and livery stable in the US Excise Tax of May 1864.

The Federal government again assessed Huntress for his hotel, liquor license, and livery stable in the US Excise Tax of May 1866. He appeared as proprietor of the “Milton” hotel in 1869-70.

William H. Huntress died in Milton, January 16, 1873. His widow died in Dover, NH, July 25, 1880. Landlord Joseph Jenness died in Dover, January 5, 1892. His widow died in Revere, MA, September 2, 1901.

“Milton Mills Hotel”

Lewis D. Reed (c1825-1870) was born in Dover, NH, circa 1825. He married, circa 1843-44, Annette W. Randall. She was born in Lebanon, ME, circa 1827.

Lewis D. Reed, a painter, aged twenty-five years (born ME), headed a Somersworth household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Annette W. Reed, aged twenty-three years (born ME), and Georgiana Reed, aged five years (born NH).

L.D. Reed, a landlord (“Milton Mills Hotel”), aged thirty-one years, headed a Milton (Milton Mills P.O.) household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Annetta Reed, aged thirty-three years, and Georgiana W. Reed, aged fourteen years. The census enumerator wrote “Milton Mills Hotel” in the margin next to the hotel entry. That may or may not have been its actual name, as opposed to a description.

Reed’s seven guests included W.B. Reynolds, a physician, aged thirty-two years, George Moulton, an expressman, aged forty-five years, C. Parker, a pedlar, aged fifty-five years, John Colby, a pedlar, aged thirty years, Ed. D. Colby, a pedlar, aged fifty-one years, H. Livingston, a pedlar, aged forty-three years, and Thomas Christie, a bread pedlar, aged thirty-nine years.

E. Osgood appeared next to L.D. Reed’s hotel in the 1860 enumeration, i.e., they lived in close proximity to each other. (Ebenezer Osgood’s residence appeared on later maps on Main Street, between Water Street and the Post Office).

Hotel guest William Buzzell Reynolds (1828-1877), a physician, aged thirty-three years, enlisted at Milton as a sergeant in the US Army, October 4, 1861. He was in Company F of the 2nd US Sharpshooter Regiment, as of November 26, 1861, promoted to Assistant Surgeon, December 5, 1861, and Surgeon, August 12, 1863. He mustered out January 12, 1865.

The US Class II military draft list of June 1863 included Lewis D. Reed, aged thirty-eight years, hotel keeper, of Milton.

The Federal government would assess L.D. Reed for his 7th-class hotel, liquor license, and livery stable in its US Excise Tax of May 1864. It again assessed Reed for his hotel, liquor license, and livery stable in the US Excise Tax of May 1866.

Lewis D. Reed died in Milton, March 31, 1870.

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See also Milton in the News – 1860

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Previous in sequence: Milton Hotels of 1850; next in sequence: Milton hotels of 1870

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References:

Find a Grave. (2013, July 29). Dr. William B. Reynolds. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114610282

Find a Grave. (2013, July 31).  Ebenezer Osgood. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114682156

Medical Antiques. (2017, October 18). Union Civil War Surgical Manuals and Civilian Medical Books. Retrieved from www.medicalantiques.com/civilwar/Civil_War_medical_book_collection/Civil_War_Surgical_Manuals_page_3-a.htm

By Muriel Bristol (Transcriber) | January 8, 2019

In the year 1860, the newspapers discovered the venerable Mr. Ralph Farnham (1756-1860). These articles were copied very widely. Farnham was said to be a native of Milton Mills, NH, who was then living with his son, John Farnham (born 1797), in Acton, ME.

The Last Survivor of Bunker Hill. The statement has frequently been made by the newspapers and endorsed by Mr. Everett in his late Fourth of July oration, that there is no one left of that band of heroes who first withstood the shock of British arms in the open field. Eighty-five years having elapsed since that world renowned struggle, the burden of probabilities would favor that conclusion; yet the statement is not correct. There is one who took part in that memorable battle, and in subsequent events of the revolution, yet living, “full of years,” and venerated for his moral worth as well as for his age and public services. In the town of Acton, Maine, on a beautiful ridge of land, situated about a mile from Milton Mills, N.H., stands a cottage farm house, unpretending in its appearance, and bearing evidence of a very respectable antiquity. The passer-by will often notice a gray-haired man reading attentively by the window or walking about with a single cane perchance engaged in the ordinary labors of the husbandman. The stranger will perceive nothing very remarkable in the thick set, slightly bent figure, and well preserved, swarthy features of this old man of apparently eighty years, but the residents of the adjacent country involuntarily bend with reverence as they pass him. And well they may as he is the last of the Bunker Hill patriots. David Kinnison, who long survived his confederates of the famous Boston tea party, was living in 1831, in Chicago, at the extraordinary age of one hundred and fifteen years. He has since passed away. Ralph Farnham, the last of the Bunker Hill heroes, still lives, although he has nearly attained a span and a half of the space allotted to man. His one hundred and fourth birthday was celebrated at Milton Mills on the 7th. We have already given from the pen of a correspondent, some notice of this interesting affair. Although no pains were taken to extend a notice of the event beyond the immediate vicinity of the veteran’s residence, a very large concourse of people were in attendance. The features of the occasion were an address and one hundred and four greetings from a twelve pounder, and a dinner enlivened with toasts and speeches. Mr. Farnham, we learn, was not in the midst of the battle. Having been enrolled only on the day previous, it was his lot to be detailed among a guard to take charge of artillery and baggage, at some distance from the redoubt. In so close a proximity to the principal scene of strife, the observations he made and distinctly recollects to this day, are highly interesting, and we trust they will be given to the public by some competent pen. When we reflect how few persons living can even remember the event itself as a child of twelve at that time would now be ninety-five years old a living actor in that bloody drama becomes at once an object of interest, respect and veneration. – Boston Journal (St. Johnsbury Caledonian, July 20, 1860).

Massachusetts Governor Nathaniel P. Banks, Boston Mayor Frederic W. Lincoln, Jr., and other luminaries invited Farnham to visit Boston, MA, in October 1860.

HONOR TO A VETERAN. The Boston Journal says, that Gov. Banks, Mayor Lincoln, Edward Everett, Amos A. Lawrence, Judge Shaw, J.A. Andrew, William Appleton and many other citizens, have sent an invitation to Mr. RALPH FARNHAM, of Acton, Me., to visit Boston. Mr. Farnham is 104 years of age and the only survivor of Bunker Hill. It is understood that he has accepted the invitation, and will be here early in October.- The occasion will be one of high enjoyment, as “all the world, with his wife and children,” will desire to see him. This visit of Mr. Farnham will, doubtless, attract thousands from the country to Boston to welcome the old veteran (Vermont Journal (Windsor, VT), October 6, 1860).

While in Boston, Farnham had also an audience with Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (eventually King Edward VII), who was then on a North American tour.

Interview of the Prince with Ralph Farnham. By appointment, Ralph Farnham, the Revolutionary veteran, had an interview with the Prince this morning. The meeting was very cordial. The Duke of Newcastle, who, with most of the suite, was present, asked the veteran if he saw Burgoyne when he surrendered, adding, “You rather had him there.” The old soldier then remarked chuckingly, that hearing so much said in praise of the Prince, he began to fear that the people were turning royalists. This and Mr. Farnham’s manner elicited much laughter, in which the Price joined. The Prince then sent for pen and ink and exchanged autographs with his visitor – one of the men who had stood before British soldiers in 1776 [SIC], in a manner and with a bearing very different from that with which he received the Prince’s courtesies and exchanged glances with the majors, colonels and guardsmen of the suite this morning. Mr. Farnham speaks of the interview with the greatest pleasure, and says he wished to show the boy and his soldiers that he bore no anger for old times. The old man represents the general feeling. Till within the last three months the American public wore not aware that a survivor of one of the bloodiest and most heroic and first struggles of the Revolution is still “a monument of mercy” in our midst. Like most of signers of the Declaration of Independence, Ralph Farnham, who is the only survivor of battle of Bunker Hill now left of band who so nobly resisted the overpowering efforts of the British soldiery in that struggle, has been spared to a good old age, having recently attained his 104th year. Mr. Farnham, who has just been introduced to the Prince of Wales in Boston, was born in Milton Mills, New Hampshire, July 7, 1756. His last birthday was celebrated at that place by the firing of a gun for every year the veteran had attained, by a dinner, speeches, and all the usual honors of patriotic demonstrations of a like description. Since the public were apprised of the existence among them of this time honored veteran be has been flooded with visitors, and letters for the purpose of obtaining autographs, or who wish to enquire of him various matters connected with the Revolution, of which they suppose he has personal cognizance and recollection. He receives all his visitors courteously and kindly, replying to all their questions. He relates anecdotes of Washington and General Putnam, the hero of Bunker Hill, and other leaders of newborn republic. Of Washington he says, with truth, he was “a fine man,” and with sad truth that “there are no such men as Washington living in these days.” He says of Putnam that “he was a rough old fellow, but as brave as a lion, and feared nothing nor anybody.” After Bunker Hill the venerable Ralph served three campaigns, during the years 1775-76, -77, and in 1780 he was settled in the village where he has still resided. He was the first settler the place, which was then an immense “forest wild,” abounding in fierce animals and remote from civilized communities. He resided in this “desolate place” for four years, when he at length brought home a wife to cheer his loneliness. His wife presented him with seven children of whom four still survive, and it is one of them, his second son, John, that the veteran of Bunker Hill now dwells. The old warrior is still vigorous, and does not seem near so old as he really is. He observes regular habits, going to rest at 7 P.M. and rises at 5 A.M. He eats heartily, steps firmly and sleeps soundly, and may yet live many years and survive millions of his contemporaries of the present generation. He has been a member of the Baptist persuasion for eighty years. He spends much of his time reading the Scriptures with a pair of spectacles formerly the property of his maternal ancestor, and now 160 years old. He possesses all his faculties perfectly, except his hearing, which is slightly defective. What must have been the reflections of the Prince during his interview with this venerable man? Let the muses reply. – N.Y. Herald (Dawson’s Fort Wayne Daily Times (Fort Wayne, IN), October 26, 1860).

Farnham attended a concert held in his honor on Monday, October 15, and set out for home again on Friday, October 19, 1860.

The Bunker Hill Veteran. A complimentary concert was given to Ralph Farnham, the Bunker Hill Veteran, at the Music Hall, on Monday evening. A large company was present. He was to leave for home on Friday morning (New England Farmer (Boston, MA), [Saturday,] October 20, 1860).

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The Veteran of Bunker Hill – His Journey Home – Acknowledgements – How to Prolong Life.

Acton, Me., Oct. 23, 1860.

Editors of the Boston Traveller: I will give you a brief account of my journey home. When we arrived at Lawrence there was a largo crowd at the depot. They requested me to hold my hat out of the window, which I did, when they showered the “needful” into it, as I never expected to see in my life. Then as the train moved on, we left them amid such cheers as I never shall forget.

At Dover, N.H., I received the like reception, and the Mayor very kindly attended me over to Great Falls, and presented me with a ten dollar bill.

At Great Falls I met with the same kind reception as at Lawrence and Dover, and the ticket master at the Great Falls Branch Railroad invited me to a dinner, which I enjoyed very much.

After leaving Great Falls, I was received with hearty cheers all the way along until I arrived at Acton. I told them when I got home, that “I had seen the elephant,” and I was very glad to get back. I am in good health, and my friends think I am better than when I left homo. I am sure that I am as well. I am very grateful for the honor done me by the invitation to visit Boston, and the many attentions which I received when there. I remember with special pleasure my visit to Bunker Hill, attended by the Charlestown City Authorities, the Military and the Music; also, the addresses delivered on that occasion by the Mayor and Mr. Frothingham. I am also greatly indebted for the liberal sums of money, and the many presents I received. My thanks, which is all have to offer, seem but a poor return for so many favors.

I ought especially to mention Mrs. W. Farnham Lee, and the company of Lancers, and Mayor Dana of Charlestown, and Mr. Gilmore’s Concert Band for their liberal presents.

Though I am in my 105th year, I am not past all usefulness; I split my own kindling wood and build my own fires; I am the first one up in the morning, and the first one in bed at night; I never sleep or lay down in the day time, but rise at 5 and retire at 7, and this I continue summer and winter. I have always been temperate, and for over thirty years past I have not tasted a drop of spirituous liquors or even cider. I was never sick in my life, so as to require the attendance of a physician.

About 25 years ago I broke my thigh, by falling on the ice, and had a surgeon to set it, but this is the only time a doctor ever attended me. I live on plain farmer’s diet, drink tea and coffee, and eat a very light supper, never eating meat at supper, I have no doubt it is owing to these abstemious and regular habits, and the avoidance of medicine at all little ailments, that my life has been so prolonged.

I voted for General Washington for President, and have voted at every Presidential election since, and hope to vote at the next election. This is the duty of every Christian freeman.

This letter, which my grand-son has written at my direction, I have carefully read and approved, and I sign it with my own hand. (Signed) RALPH FARNHAM (Burlington Weekly Free Press, November 1, 1861).

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Two months later, Ralph Farnham died of “dropsy” [edema] in Acton, ME, December 26, 1860. (He is buried in the Farnham Cemetery there).

GREAT FALLS, N.H., Dec. 26. Ralph Farnham, the last survivor of the battle of Bunker Hill, died this morning at the residence of his son, in Acton, Me., aged one hundred and four years, five months and nineteen days (Vermont Chronicle (Windsor Falls, VT), January 1, 1861).

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See also Milton in the News – 1877 (and Milton in the News – 1894), regarding a daughter, Joanna Farnham; Milton in the News – 1909, for a reprise of Ralph Farnham; and Milton in the News – 1925, regarding a grandson, William P. Farnham.

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Previous in sequence: Milton in the News – 1857; next in sequence: Milton in the News – 1861

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References:

Find a Grave. (2018). Ralph Farnham. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/13754805

Wikipedia. (2018, December 6). Edward VII. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_VII

Wikipedia. (2018, December 14). Edward Everett. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Everett

By Muriel Bristol (Transcriber) | January 6, 2019

In this year occurred a tragic accident in which a toddler died when he disturbed a pile of logs.

Miscellaneous Items. A son of Mr. Richard Thompson, of Milton Mills, N.H., aged four years, attempted to climb upon a pile of logs, when the logs gave way and crushed him beneath them, causing instant death (New England Farmer (Boston, MA), October 17, 1857).

Richard Thompson had been born in Scotland, June 11, 1828, son of William and Mary (Dunce) Thompson. He died in Rochester, NH, February 23, 1901.

He married, probably in NH, circa 1850-51, Sarah I. McIlroy. She was born in Glasgow, Scotland, April 15, 1827, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Kennedy) McIlroy. She died in Rochester, NH, July 29, 1907.

Richard Thompson, a spinner, aged thirty-four years (born Scotland), headed an Acton, ME, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Sarah I. Thompson, a lady, aged thirty-four years (born Ireland [SIC]), their children,  John W. Thompson, aged eight years (born NH), Elizabeth Thompson, aged five years (born NH), Mary H. Thompson, aged three years (born, NH), and Isabell Thompson, aged one year (born ME), and [her father] John McRoy, a day laborer, aged seventy years (born Ireland). Thompson owned $250 worth of real estate, likely their Acton home, and $100 worth of personal estate.

One may note the sad gap in their listed children between John W. and Elizabeth; also, whether it was related or not, that they moved from the scene of the accident in Milton Mills to nearby Acton after 1857, i.e., after the accident.

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Previous in sequence: Milton in the News – 1854; next in sequence: Milton in the News – 1860

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References:

Find a Grave. (2018, June 1). Richard Thompson. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/190239779/richard-thompson

Wikipedia. (2018, September 6). Panic of 1857. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panic_of_1857

By Muriel Bristol | January 2, 2018

Nine Milton men joined together as proprietors of the Milton Social Library in 1822. The following act of the New Hampshire legislature established them as a corporation, June 14, 1822.

The Milton Social Library was a private subscription library. Likely, its original books came from the personal collections of the proprietors. The act authorized them to set rules, choose officers, take subscriptions, receive donations (not to exceed $1,000), assess fines (not to exceed $4), and perform other necessary functions.

No hint is given here of the location of the Milton Social Library, other than it being somewhere in Milton. The proprietors came from all parts of Milton.

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{State of New Hampshire}

AN ACT TO INCORPORATE CERTAIN PERSONS BY THE NAME OF MILTON SOCIAL LIBRARY 

[Approved June 14, 1822. Original Acts, vol. 27, p. 33; recorded Acts, vol. 22, p. 117]

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives General Court convened, That Gilman Jewett, Stephen Drew, David Wentworth, John Scates, Isaac Worster, Josiah Witham, Charles Ricker, Samuel Blaisdell, Hanson Hayes, and their associates, proprietors of said Library, and all who may hereafter become proprietors of the same be, and they hereby are incorporated into, and made a body politic and corporate, by the name and Style of the Milton Social Library with continuance and succession forever; and in that name may sue and be sued, prosecute and defend to final Judgment and execution, and are hereby vested with all powers and privileges of Corporations of a similar nature, and may enjoin penalties of disfranchisement or fine not exceeding four dollars for each offence, to be recovered by action of debt to their use in any court of competent Jurisdiction; and may purchase and receive subscriptions, grants and donations of personal property not exceeding the sum of one thousand dollars for the use of their association.

Sec. 2. And be it further enacted that said proprietors be and hereby are authorized and empowered to meet at Milton aforesaid on the first Saturday of October annually, to choose all such officers as may be found necessary for the orderly conducting of the affairs of said association, who shall continue in office until others are chosen in their room. And the said corporation may convene as often as may be found necessary for the filling up of any vacancies may happen in said officers, and for transacting all other business for the benefit of said corporation except the raising of money, which shall be done at the annual meeting and at no other time, at which annual meeting they shall vote all such sums as shall be necessary to defray the annual expense of preserving said Library, and for enlarging the same; and may make and establish a constitution, rules and bye laws for the government of said corporation, provided the same be not repugnant to the constitution and laws of this State. 

Sec. 3. And be it further enacted that Gilman Jewett before named be, and he hereby is authorized and empowered to call the first meeting of said proprietors at such time and place as may be Judged proper in said town of Milton by posting up a notification of the same at the Meeting house in said town, and at some other public place therein, at least fifteen days before the time of holding said meeting, and the said Gilman Jewett may preside in said meeting until a Moderator be chosen; and the proprietors at said meeting shall have all the power and authority to establish such bye laws, and choose all such officers as they may or can do by virtue of this act at their annual meeting.

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This act of incorporation designated Gilman Jewett (1777-1856) as moderator of the first library meeting, until someone might be chosen to fulfill that role. Gilman Jewett had been Milton’s first town clerk (1802-1806); he served on the executive committee designated to oversee construction of Milton’s first meeting-house.

Library proprietors Gilman Jewett, David Wentworth (1770-1832), John Scates (b. 1774), Josiah Witham (b. c1768), and Hanson Hayes had signed the Milton incorporation petition of twenty years before (May 28, 1802). (The other four library proprietors were either too young or resided elsewhere at the time).

Library proprietor Stephen Drew (1791-1872) was Milton’s first physician; he was a selectman in 1828. Isaac Worster (1772-1838) served as a Milton selectman in 1809-10 and 1814 (his son (1804-1870) and namesake was the ardent early supporter of abolitionism). Josiah Witham (b. 1768) served as a Milton selectman in 1812-13 and 1815-17.

Library proprietor Charles Ricker (1784-1836) served in Milton’s War of 1812 militia company. Hanson Hayes (1792-1851) served as lieutenant of that militia company; he served later as a Milton selectman in 1819-24.

Ichabod Hayes (1770-1830) of West Milton was said to have been one of the organizers of the Milton Social Library. He died in Dover, NH, July 8, 1830, aged sixty years, from injuries sustained when he was thrown from his horse, who had been frightened by a clap of thunder. He left behind among his papers this list of books contained then in the Milton Social Library (with his opinions of their literary merit in quotes) (Richmond, 1936). [Where possible, authors’ names, book titles, and publication dates have been added in brackets].

List of Books in Milton, N.H., Social Library. [Charles] Rollins, Hist. Egyptians, Cartheginians & Venetians. “good;” [John & William Langhorne,] Plutarch’s Lives, 6 vol. [1792] “50 lives – statesmen &c.;” [Jeremy] Belknap’s Hist. [1813] “good;” Josephus, 3 Vol.; [William] Allen’s [American] Biog., 1 Vol. [1809] “lives of divines & statesmen in America;” [Jeremy] Belknap’s Biog., 1 Vol. “do;” [Rev. Joseph] Buckminster’s Sermons, 1 Vol.; [Anthony F.M. Willich & Thomas Cooper] Domestic Encyclopedia [or Dictionary of Useful Knowledge, Chiefly Applicable to Rural & Domestic Economy], 4 Vol. [1821] “good;” [Jane Porter,] Scottish Chiefs, 3 Vol. [1809] “Romance;” [Henry Fielding,] Thomas Jones or Navie (?), 4 Vol. [1780]; Life of Washington, 1 Vol., by [David] Ramsey [1807]; American Revolution, 3 Vol; [J.] Goldsmith’s [A General View of the] Manners & customs [& Curiosities of Nations] [1818], 2 Vol; [James Cook,] Cook’s Voyages [Round the World] [1806], 2 V.; [John] Evens’ sequell [to Sketch] in 1 V. [1811]; [William] Paley, [Principles of Moral and Political] Philosophy [1794]; [Dubroca,] Life of Bonaparte [First Consul of France] [1802]; [John Mason,] Self Knowledge, 1 V. [1758]; [Notes of Nathan] Smith’s Lectures, 1 V. [1816]; [William Giles,] Guide & refuge, 1 V. “divinity;” [John Trumball], M’Fingal [A Modern Epic Poem in Four Cantos] [1799]; Life of [?]; [Ann Radcliffe,] Romance of the forrests [1791]; Mythology “not good;” Natural History.

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Public libraries, as we know them, hardly existed at this time. (Maybe in a major city). Books were expensive. Only private subscription libraries could make them available for a subscribing clientele. Portsmouth’s private library, the Portsmouth Athenaeum, had been established just a few years earlier, in 1817.

Here follow some published notifications for similar Vermont libraries. They give some idea of the terms one might encounter at such private libraries: an initial subscription fee and signing of articles, followed by semi-annual fees or dues.

A LIBRARY. The utility, and benefit arising to every class of people, from Social Libraries, must be apparent to every intelligent mind. There is no member of society, who has not, at some Seasons, leisure to attend to the cultivation of his mind, and the increase of his knowledge, or to amusing himself by reading and perusing books of wit and humor. To effect this, a Subscription paper has been circulated, and a considerable number of subscribers obtained, who have had two meetings, formed and accepted a Constitution, and adjourned till Monday evening, the 21st inst. Any persons in this, or the neighboring towns, who are desirous of becoming Sharers in this Library are hereby requested to attend at the Academy, on that evening, at SIX o’clock (Green Mountain Patriot, January 11, 1799).

SOCIAL LIBRARY. THE Proprietors of the SOCIAL LIBRARY, in Rutland, are hereby informed, that the meeting of the said proprietors, is adjourned to the first Monday in April next, at two o’clock in the afternoon in the Library Room in Rutland. The Proprietors are requested to give a general attendance at that time, and to return all the books they shall then have taken out.

The Library, at present contains ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-ONE VOLUMES, OF VALUABLE BOOKS, which will be increased, as fast as the monies arising from new subscriptions, shall enable the proprietors to purchase new books. Any person living in Rutland, in Clarenden, as far south as the Mill River, and east of the hills, next west of Otter Creek, in Pittsford, as far north as the Meeting-House, and east of Otter Creek, and in Medway, west of the west mountain, may become a proprietor on subscribing the articles of the Library, and (if a minor) giving security to observe them, and paying two dollars at the time of subscribing, and securing to the librarian, the payment of two dollars, at the end of 6 months, and two dollars more at the end of twelve months, from the time of subscribing.

Frederick Hill, Clerk. March 11th, 1794 (Farmer’s Library, March 11, 1794).

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References:

Belknap, Jeremy. (1813). History of New Hampshire. Retrieved from www.google.com/books/edition/The_History_of_New_Hampshire/_m8rAAAAYAAJ?

Boston Library Society. (1844). Catalogue of the Books of the Boston Library Society. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=5uTTV2GYNxIC

Goldsmith, Joseph. (1818). A General View of the Manners, Customs and Curiosities of Nations. Retrieved books.google.com/books?id=QFyJ6_lUE3cC

Find a Grave. (2013, July 29). Gilman Jewett. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114597023

John B. Clarke Co. (1921). Laws of New Hampshire: Second Constitutional Period, 1821-1828. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=Ku8KAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA80

Richmond, Katherine F. (1936). John Hayes, of Dover, New Hampshire: A Book of His Family. Tyngsboro, MA.

Wikipedia. (2018, December 13). Subscription Library. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subscription_library

By Muriel Bristol (Transcriber) | December 30, 2018

Here we find again the inhabitants of Milton stoutly opposing slavery. In this instance, Senator William P. Fessenden, an anti-slavery Whig from Maine, submitted to the US Senate the petition of 340 male voters of Milton, NH, for a repeal of the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850.

Their petition was referred to committee, i.e., ignored.

Congress Thursday. In the Senate. Mr. Fessenden presented a petition signed by over 340 voters of the town of Milton, N.H., the birthplace of President Pierce, praying for a repeal of the Fugitive Slave Law – referred. The bill to establish a line of steamers between the ports of San Francisco and Shanghai, in China, was then taken up, when Mr. Seward supported the bill in an earnest and forcible speech, and when he concluded, the bill was laid aside to take up the bill appropriating $10,000,000 for the ratification of the Mexican Treaty, which was received from the House. The bill was immediately passed by a vote of 34 to 6. After an Executive Session, the Senate adjourned (Hartford Courant, July 1, 1854).

The Milton of 1850 had 1,629 inhabitants, consisting of 307 households residing in 295 dwellings. (That makes for an average of 5.31 inhabitants per household and 5.52 inhabitants per dwelling). Of those 1,629 inhabitants, 861 were males and 768 were females. (This ratio is rather male heavy). Some 431 of those male inhabitants were of voting age.

So, the 340 anti-slavery petitioners of 1854 represented nearly eight-tenths (78.9%) of Milton’s 431 eligible male voters. We might justly take pride in them.

One of the principal methods used by those opposing the Fugitive Slave Law was jury nullification. Jurors simply refused to convict those on trial for aiding fugitive slaves. They were well within their rights to do so. They held the Fugitive Slave Law to be invalid.

It has always been, and still is, a juror’s absolute right to judge the validity of the laws being prosecuted, as well as the facts of any particular case. NH’s constitution, as well as its laws, explicitly recognize and acknowledge what was already a juror’s natural right.

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See also Milton and Abolitionism and Milton in the News – 1838

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Previous in sequence: Milton in the News – 1853; next in sequence: Milton in the News – 1857

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References:

FIJA. (2018). Fully Informed Jury Association. Retrieved from fija.org/

NH General Court. (2012). RSA 519:23-a – Right of Accused. Retrieved from www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/LIII/519/519-23-a.htm

Wikipedia. (2018, December 6). Fugitive Slave Law of 1850. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fugitive_Slave_Act_of_1850

Wikipedia. (2018, November 8). Jury Nullification. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jury_nullification

Wikipedia. (2018, November 6). William P. Fessenden. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_P._Fessenden

By Muriel Bristol (Transcriber) | December 27, 2018

Construction on the Great Falls & Conway Railroad was “near” Milton, NH, when this blasting accident occurred on Thursday, December 23, 1852.

Three men who were at work on the Great Falls and Conway Railroad, near Milton, N.H., on the 23d ult., were severely injured by tbe premature explosion of a blast. One of them had an eye blown out (New York Times, January 13, 1853).

SAD ACCIDENT – On Thursday, the 23d ult., as some workmen on the first section of the Great Falls and Conway Railroad at Milton, N.H., were engaged in blasting on a ledge, the powder took fire from a spark produced from striking the tamping iron against the rock when “tamping down,” severely injuring three of the workmen. One man had an eye blown out, and was otherwise injured about the head, and the other two were severely burnt by the powder (Orleans County Gazette (Irasburgh, VT), January 29, 1853).

Nothing in this report indicates whether the “first section” of the railroad line had progressed “near to” Milton or just beyond it.

AN INTERESTING CLIPPING. The following paragraph of local interest is clipped from the Boston Journal’s department, “News of Fifty Years Ago.”

“Railroad Project. A meeting was to have been held at Portsmouth last evening to take measures to secure the construction of a railroad from Great Falls to Eliot. The Portsmouth Journal states that the whole expense of the construction of the road from Eliot, a little less than six miles, to Great Falls is about $100,000. About $60,000 of this sum has already been subscribed, and a subscription of $20,000 from Portsmouth would warrant its immediate construction. This would be a branch or extension of the Great Falls or Conway road, which is open from Great Falls to Milton, thirteen miles, and 300 men are now on the road between that place and Wakefield, nine miles further.” (Portsmouth Herald, February 3, 1903).

This Portsmouth Herald article of February 1903 reprints a Portsmouth Journal article of fifty years earlier, i.e., February 1853. It has the railroad open already as far as Milton, with 300 men working between there and Wakefield. The December 1852 blasting accident mentioned above must have happened in the stretch between Milton and Union, but closer to Milton.

The Great Falls & Conway Railroad reached Wakefield’s Union village by 1855.

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Previous in sequence: Milton in the News – 1848; next in sequence: Milton in the News – 1854

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By Muriel Bristol (Transcriber) | December 25, 2018

Here follow more Federal requests for proposals (RFP) for post roads or routes. First, route 236, which would run thrice a week from Great Falls, i.e., Somersworth, NH, to Eaton, NH, and back, with Milton as a stop along the way.

NEW HAMPSHIRE. 236. From Great Falls at 1 p.m., Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday By Rochester, Chestnut Hill, Milton, Union, Wakefield, North Wakefield, Ossipee, Centre Ossipee, West Ossipee, and Eaton. To Conway, by 4 a.m. next days, 60 miles and back between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Next, a “special” satellite post road or route that ran thrice a week from Milton to Milton Mills, and back.

Special Offices. Proposals are invited for supplying the following offices in New Hampshire for the nett [SIC] proceeds of said offices, respectively – limited to a sum to be named in the proposals in each case: Albany from Conway, 4 miles and back, once a week. Alstead from New Alstead, 3½ miles and back, twice a week. Bedford from Manchester, 4 miles and back, three times a week. Drewsville from Bellows Falls, 3 miles and back, three times a week. Hanover Centre from Hanover, 6 miles and back, once a week. Harrisville from Dublin, 4 miles and back, once a week. Holderness Centre from Holderness, 4 miles and back, once a weak. Hudson from Nashua, 3 miles and back, three times a week. Jackson from Lower Bartlett, 5 miles and back, twice a week. Landaff from Bath, 4½ miles and back, twice a week. Londonderry from Derry, 4 miles and back, three times a week. Loudon Ridge from Gilmanton, 3 miles and back, twice a week. Lyndeboro from South Lyndeboro, 3 miles and back, twice a week. Milton Mills from Milton, 5 miles and back, three times a week. Nelson from Nelson Factory, 3 miles and back, twice a week. New Durham from Farmington, 5 miles and back, once a week. North Londonderry from Manchester, 6 miles and back, twice a week. North Salem from Salem, 4 miles and back, once a week. North Sandwich from Centre Sandwich, 6½ miles and back, once a week. North Weymouth from Quincy, 3 miles and back, three times a week. Orfordville from Orford, 2 miles and back, three times a week. Poplin from Raymond, 4 miles and back, once a week. Roxbury from Keene, 5 miles and back, once a week. Rye from Portsmouth, 5½ miles and back, twice a week. South Bradford from Bradford, 2½ miles and lack, twice a week. South Kingston from Newtown, 4 miles and back, twice a week. Surry from Keene, 6 miles and back, twice a week. Sutton from Warner, 9 miles and back, three times a week. West Boscawen from Boscawen, 7 miles and back, twice a week. West Windham from Windham, 3½ miles and back,  twice a week (Washington Union, December 31, 1848).

This was likely the final post office route proposals for route 236, as defined above. The Portsmouth, Great Falls and Conway railroad would reach South Milton, by 1850, and Union, by 1855. Thereafter, mail for Milton would come by train.

Likely, the special route from Milton to Milton Mills became instead a special route from Union station to Milton Mills.

See also Milton in the News – 1827, Milton in the News – 1839, and Milton’s First Postmasters (1818-c1840)

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Previous in sequence: Milton in the News – 1845; next in sequence: Milton in the News – 1853

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