This is a transcription of the Keene, 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.
KEENE
CHESHIRE CO. Keene is one of the most flourishing towns in New Hampshire.
The soil is of various kinds, and generally good.
Ashuelot River has its source in a pond in Washington, and discharges itself into the Connecticut at Hinsdale, twenty miles distant from Keene.– Keene has been called one of the “prettiest villages in New England;” and president Dwight, in his travels, pronounced it one of the pleasantest inland towns he had seen.
The principal village is situated on a flat, east of the Ashuelot, nearly equidistant from that and the upland. It is particularly entitled to notice for the extent, width, and uniform level of its streets. The main street extending one mile in a straight line, is almost a perfect level, and is well ornamented with trees. The buildings are good and well arranged; some of them are elegant.
Keene has ever been an important site for inland trade; but since the construction of the Cheshire Railroad, which passes through the centre of the town, great additions to its business must be the consequence. It is the county town.
The usual scourge, which attended the frontier settlements, visited this town. In 1745 the Indians killed Josiah Fisher, a deacon of the church: in 1746, they attacked the fort, the only protection of the inhabitants. They were, however, discovered by Capt. Ephraim Dorman in season to prevent their taking it. He was attacked by two Indians, but defended himself successfully against them, and reached the fort. An action ensued, in which John Bullard was killed; Mrs. M’Kenney who being out of the fort, was stabbed and died; and Nathan Blake taken prisoner, carried to Canada, where he remained two years. Mr. Blake afterwards returned to Keene, where he lived till his death, in 1811, at the age of ninety-nine years and five months. When he was ninety-four he married a widow of sixty. The Indians burnt all the buildings in the settlement including the meeting-house. The inhabitants continued in the fort until April, 1747,when the town was abandoned. In 1753 they returned, and recommenced their settlements. In 1755 the Indians again attacked the fort. Their number was great, and the onset violent, but the vigilance and courage of Capt. Syms successfully defended it. After burning several buildings, killing cattle, &c., they withdrew. They again invaded the town, but with little success.-See Note 11.
Col. ISAAC WYMAN, an active and influential man, marched the first detachment of men from this town, in the war of the revolution, and was present at the battle of Breed’s Hill.
Manufactures. This place has become quite a manufacturing town. Among the
most important manufactures, is that of window glass, of a superior quality,
the most important materials for which are found in this town.
Boundaries. North by Surry and Gilsum, east by Sullivan and Roxbury, south by Swanzey, and west by Chesterfield and Westmoreland.
First Settlers. Jeremiah Hall, Elisha Root, Nathaniel Rockwood, Josiah Fisher, and Nathan Blake, in 1734.
First Ministers. Rev. Jacob Bacon, ordained in 1738; left in 1747. Rev. Ezra Carpenter settled in 1753; left in 1760. Rev. Clement Sumner, ordained 1761; left in 1772. Rev. Aaron Hall, settled in 1778; died in 1814.
Productions of the Soil. Indian corn, 9,402 bushels; potatoes, 41,800 bushels;
hay, 3,568 tons; wool, 7,687 lbs.; maple sugar, 16,128 pounds.
Distances. Fifty-five miles to Concord by stage, and about four hours’
ride to Boston by railroad.–See Hayward’s Book of Reference.