Genealogical and family history of the state of New Hampshire : a record of the achievements of her people in the making of a commonwealth and the founding of a nation Vol 1

INTRODUCTORY

THE present work, "Genealogical and Family History of the State of New Hampshire, '' presents in the aggregate an amount and variety of genealogical and personal information and portraiture unequalled by any kindred publication. Indeed, no similar work concerning New Hampshire Families has ever before been presented. It contains a vast amount of ancestral history never before printed. The object, clearly defined and well .digested, is threefold;

First. To present in concise form the history of New Hampshire Families of the Colonial Days.

Second. To preserve a record of the prominent present-day people of the State. Third. To present through personal sketches the relation of its prominent families of all times to the growth, singular prosperity and widespread influence of New Hampshire.

The reading public of New Hampshire, as well as other States, has long been familiar with the historical and genealogical work of Mr. Ezra S. Stearns. He has contributed much to the perfection of family history embodied in many of local histories published by various towns of the State, begide those published wholly from his pen. His

latest work of this character, the History of Plymouth in two handsome volumes, has received many encomiums from press and critical literary authorities. The work herein embodied may be justly regarded as the crowning effort of a life devoted largely, in the midst of other public services, to genealogical research. His pains and tireless efforts in the interest of accuracy and thoroughness are well known and need no sponsor. His efforts have been seconded by several able assistants, including Miss Frances M. Abbott, of Concord; tiist Mecciue Place oi Lctibiaiurc at Concord, 1783. J. C Jeuuings, of Wayne, Maine I



INTRODUCTORY

James A. Ellis and Francis L. Gownen, of Boston, genealogists, and many others, to whom thanks are hereby tendered.

It is to be regretted that indifference or unwise prejudices on the part of a very few have interfered with a proper representation of their families, but it is confidently asserted that this work covers all that can be reasonably expected from finite efforts. No matter has been printed that was not first submitted to persons most interested for revision and correction, and many articles have been submitted to several individuals in order to secure most complete criticism and revision. In some cases family traditions have been put forward, and in these there is sometimes conflict; where such was the only authority, effort has been made to reconcile as far as possible.

There are numerous oluminous histories of the State, making it unnecessary in this work to even outline its annals. What has been published, however, relates principally to civic life. The amplification necessary to complete the picture of the State, old and nowaday, is what is supplied by these Genealogical and Family Memoirs in more ample degree than heretofore. In other words, while others have written of '.'the times," the province of this work is a chronicle of the people who have made New Hampshire what it is.

Unique in conception and treatment, this work constitutes one of the most original and permanently valuable contributions ever made to the social history of an American commonwealth. In it are arrayed in a lucid and dignified manner all the important facts regarding the ancestry, personal careers and matrimonial alliances of those who, in each succeeding generation, have been accorded leading positions in the social, professional and business life of the State. NorJias it been based upon, neither does it minister to, aristocratic prejudices and assumptions. On the contrary, its fundamental ideas are thoroughly American and democratic. The work everywhere conveys the lesson that distinction has been gained only by honorable public service, or by usefulness in private station, and that the development and prosperty of the State of which it treats has been dependent upon ...