This is a transcription of the Stoddard, NH description from New Hampshire As It Is by Edwin A. Charlton; Part II: A Gazetteer of New Hampshire by George Ticknor, Tracy and Sanford Publishers, Claremont, N. H., 1855.
STODDARD
STODDARD, Cheshire county. Bounded north by Washington, east by Windsor and Antrim, south by Nelson and Sullivan, and west by Gilsum and Marlow. Area, 35,925 acres, 1100 of which are covered with water. Distance from Concord, 42 miles, south-west; from Keene, 14, north-east. It is situated on the height of land between the Connecticut and Merrimack Rivers. Such is the location of some of the houses, that the rain falling upon one side of the roof runs into the former river, while that falling upon the other side runs into the latter. The soil is deep, underlaid with clay. It is well adapted to grazing. The south branch of Ashuelot River has its source near the centre of the town. Long Pond, lying partly in this town and partly in Washington, is a pleasant sheet of water, abounding with various kinds of fish. Island Pond includes about 300 acres, and is studded with small islands. Branch River affords many valuable mill privileges.
There are in this town two hotels, three stores, five sawmills, one gristmill, five shingle and clapboard mills, and one pail factory, furnishing employment for 20 men. There are two glass factories, each of which contains eight pot furnaces, which are kept constantly heated during six months in the year. The value of products amounts annually to about $10,000, and consists of window glass and glass ware of various kinds. The whole number of hands employed in the glass works, including both sexes, is 200. There are also three rake manufactories, two extensive tanneries, and three blacksmiths’ shops. Granite of a very fine grain is abundant, and is used largely for building and other purposes.
There are two religious societies-one Congregational and one Universalist-about equal in numbers and wealth. The former was organized September 4, 1787. The late Isaac Robinson D. D., was ordained January 5, 1803, and continued his labors here until July 9, 1854, the time of his death. He was a man of remarkable mental powers, of untiring energy and perseverance. Although he enjoyed but very slight advantages for education, yet by close and unremitted application he became a sound and learned divine, as well as a scholar of unusual attainments in the various departments of science and literature. He was universally beloved, and his death was deeply regretted.
This town was formerly called Limerick. It was incorporated November 4, 1774, when it received the name of Stoddard from Colonel Samson Stoddard, to whom, with others, it was granted. It was settled in June, 1769, by John Taggard and others. The hardships of the first settlers were very great.
Population, 1105.
Number of legal voters in 1854, 250.
Inventory, $399,408.
Value of lands, $242,936.
Stock in trade, $13,006.
Value of mills, $3200.
Money at interest, $36,348.
Number of sheep, 4107.
Do. neat stock, 1056.
Do. horses, 200.