This is a transcription of the Alstead, NH description from A Gazetteer of New Hampshire Containing Descriptions of all the Counties, Towns and Districts in the State by John Hayward, John P. Jewett (publisher), Boston, 1849.
Alstead
CHESHIRE CO. This town is well watered by small streams. Cold River passes through the north-west part; and some of the branches of the Ashuelot River have their sources in this town. There are a number of ponds, the principal of which is Warren’s Pond;–length 250 rods, breadth 150. Perch and pickerel are here caught in great abundance. The soil is strong and productive, and the farms generally well cultivated. Manufactures flourish in this town, and great attention is paid to education. Alstead was originally called Newton.
General Amos Shepard, who was for many years a member of the General Court of this State, and President of the Senate from 1797 to 1804, resided in this town, and was one of its principal inhabitants from 1777 to the time of his death, Jan. 1, 1812. By his persevering industry, his economy and correctness in business, and at the same time, by a rigid adherence to uprightness and integrity in his dealings with his fellow men, he acquired a handsome fortune, and was in many things, a pattern worthy of imitation. See N. 2.
Boundaries. East by Marlow, south by Gilsum, west by Walpole and Langdon, and north by Acworth and Langdon.
First Settlers. Samuel Chase with sixty-nine others settled here in 1763.
First Ministers. Rev. Jacob Mann, ordained in 1782; dismissed in 1789. Rev. Samuel Mead, ordained in 1791; dismissed in 1797. Rev. Levi Lankton, ordained in 1789; dismissed in 1828.
Productions of the Soil. Indian corn, 5,460 bushels; potatoes, 58,843 bushels; hay, 3,382 tons; wool, 11,440 lbs; maple sugar, 11,617 pounds.
Distances. Twelve miles south-east from Charlestown, fourteen north from Keene, and fifty-six west by south from Concord.