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History of Chichester, New Hampshire, USA
Journey back in time to Chichester, New Hampshire, USA
Explore Chichester, New Hampshire, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have Chichester Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!

Chichester, Merrimack, NH
Chichester, New Hampshire is located just east of Concord and was established in 1727 by Governor John Wentworth, along with several surrounding towns such as Epsom, Bow, Barnstead, Canterbury, and Gilmanton. Chichester was named to honor Thomas Pelham Holles, Duke of Newcastle and Earl of Chichester, England, an influential politician during the 18th century who had a great deal to do with the interactions between England and the American colonies.
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Chichester Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards

Chichester, New Hampshire, USA
Postcard
The Lane's
The Lane family has deep roots in Chichester, New Hampshire, dating back to the late 18th century. Deacon Jeremiah Lane, born on January 20, 1768, in Hampton, New Hampshire, relocated to Chichester in 1791. He was a prominent figure in the community, serving as a deacon of the Congregational Church. Jeremiah married Eunice Tilton in 1791, and together they had several children, including Joseph Lane, born on April 18, 1808, in Chichester. Joseph remained in Chichester throughout his life until his passing in 1849.
The Lane family's influence extended beyond religious contributions; they were also engaged in various trades and civic duties. Jeremiah's son, Joshua Lane, born on April 1, 1798, married Abigail Berry and was a farmer in Sanbornton before returning to Chichester. Another son, Jeremiah Lane Jr., born on December 21, 1795, was a shoemaker who settled on a farm in Loudon, New Hampshire. The family's commitment to community service and entrepreneurship played... Read MORE...
Discover Unique Gift Ideas and Genealogy Resources From or Related to CHICHESTER

I Love NEW HAMPSHIRE Mug – Apple Cider Donuts, Pumpkins & Maple Syrup Coffee Cup
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Discover Chichester: History, News, Travel, and Stories

Chichester was granted in 1727
On May 20, in the year 1727, John Wentworth, Lieutenant Governor under the
Crown of the Province of New Hampshire granted to Nathaniel Gookin (Googins) and others an area covering sixty-four square miles in the interior of New Hampshire. The name appearing on the document was Chichester.
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On May 20, in the year 1727, John Wentworth, Lieutenant Governor under the
Crown of the Province of New Hampshire granted to Nathaniel Gookin (Googins) and others an area covering sixty-four square miles in the interior of New Hampshire. The name appearing on the document was Chichester.
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The population of Chichester in 1775 was 418 people.
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Benjamin Emery established a general store in Chichester in 1817.
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The Methodist Society was formed in Chichester in 1830
The present Methodist Church building was erected in the summer of
1833 and completed on November 23rd of that year free of debt.
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The present Methodist Church building was erected in the summer of
1833 and completed on November 23rd of that year free of debt.
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In 1838 the Congregational Church was built in Chichester.
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1839 - Chichester
Chichester, New Hampshire
Merrimack county, is situated 8 miles E. from Concord. It was granted May 20, 1727, to Nathaniel Gookin and others, but the settlement was not commenced until 1758, when Paul Morrill settled in the woods. The soil is good, and richly repays the cultivator. There is little waste land, nor are there any considerable elevations. The east part of the town is watered by the Suncook river, which affords it mill seats and some productive intervale.—Population, 1830, 1,084. In various parts of the town are still to be seen traces of Indian settlements; and implements of stone, chisels, axes, &c, have frequently been found. The vicinity was once the residence of a powerful tribe, the Penacooks, and their plantations of corn, &c., were made on the banks of the Suncook.
The New England Gazetteer containing descriptions of all the states, counties and towns in New England: also descriptions of the principal mountains, rivers lakes, capes, bays, harbors, islands and fashionable resorts within that territory. By John Hayward, author of the Columbian Traveller, Religious Creeds, &c. &c. Boston: John Hayward. Boyd & White, Concord, N.H. 1839
Chichester, New Hampshire
Merrimack county, is situated 8 miles E. from Concord. It was granted May 20, 1727, to Nathaniel Gookin and others, but the settlement was not commenced until 1758, when Paul Morrill settled in the woods. The soil is good, and richly repays the cultivator. There is little waste land, nor are there any considerable elevations. The east part of the town is watered by the Suncook river, which affords it mill seats and some productive intervale.—Population, 1830, 1,084. In various parts of the town are still to be seen traces of Indian settlements; and implements of stone, chisels, axes, &c, have frequently been found. The vicinity was once the residence of a powerful tribe, the Penacooks, and their plantations of corn, &c., were made on the banks of the Suncook.
The New England Gazetteer containing descriptions of all the states, counties and towns in New England: also descriptions of the principal mountains, rivers lakes, capes, bays, harbors, islands and fashionable resorts within that territory. By John Hayward, author of the Columbian Traveller, Religious Creeds, &c. &c. Boston: John Hayward. Boyd & White, Concord, N.H. 1839
1854 - Chichester
Chichester, a post- township of Merrimack county, New Hampshire, 6 miles N. E. of Concord. Population, 997.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.
Chichester, a post- township of Merrimack county, New Hampshire, 6 miles N. E. of Concord. Population, 997.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.
In 1855 the Ladies Benevolent Society of the Congregational Church was organized in Chichester.
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In 1857 a Union store building was erected at Chichester Centre, near the Methodist meeting house.
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Kelly Corner school house was built in Chichester in 1879 at a cost of $655
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1888 - Chichester Grange established
It was in March of 1888 that a paper was circulated by Walter Langmaid to see how many were interested in organizing a Grange in Chichester. Forty five men and women attended the meeting and became charter members. It was voted to call the organization Chichester Grange No. 132 and to hold meeting on the first and third Wednesdays of each month.
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It was in March of 1888 that a paper was circulated by Walter Langmaid to see how many were interested in organizing a Grange in Chichester. Forty five men and women attended the meeting and became charter members. It was voted to call the organization Chichester Grange No. 132 and to hold meeting on the first and third Wednesdays of each month.
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1895 - Chichester
Chich’ester, a post-hamlet of Merrimack co., N.H., in Chichester township, on the Suncook Valley Railroad, 8 miles E.N.E. of Concord. The township is drained by the Suncook River. Pop. 871.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
Chich’ester, a post-hamlet of Merrimack co., N.H., in Chichester township, on the Suncook Valley Railroad, 8 miles E.N.E. of Concord. The township is drained by the Suncook River. Pop. 871.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
1899 - Chichester Public Library established
The first proposal for a town library was in the warrant of the Town Meeting in 1896. It was defeated, and defeated again in 1897 and 1898. In 1899, "Article 2", To see if the town will vote to accept the provisions of Chapter 118, laws of 1895 relating to Free Public Libraries, was adopted. Charles H. Carpenter, Otis T. Maxfield, Frederick B. Shaw, Charles E. Garvin, Albert S. Dame and Walter S. Langmaid were named library commissioners. The appropriation of the town required by the law was $56.70 and the state books to the value of $100.
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The first proposal for a town library was in the warrant of the Town Meeting in 1896. It was defeated, and defeated again in 1897 and 1898. In 1899, "Article 2", To see if the town will vote to accept the provisions of Chapter 118, laws of 1895 relating to Free Public Libraries, was adopted. Charles H. Carpenter, Otis T. Maxfield, Frederick B. Shaw, Charles E. Garvin, Albert S. Dame and Walter S. Langmaid were named library commissioners. The appropriation of the town required by the law was $56.70 and the state books to the value of $100.
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On August 10, 1901 a group of Chichester citizens chosen by the Grange met in the Grange Hall to consider Old Home Week.
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1905 - Chichester Telephone Company established
Early in 1905 a group of Chichester men met to "agree to associate as a body corporate and politic under the public statutes of the State of New Hampshire for the purpose of building, constructing, owning, acquiring and operating a telephone system in the town of Chichester and vicinity in said state."
The name Chichester Telephone Company was chosen as the authorized capital
stock was decided upon, divided into shares and subscribed to by those present.
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Early in 1905 a group of Chichester men met to "agree to associate as a body corporate and politic under the public statutes of the State of New Hampshire for the purpose of building, constructing, owning, acquiring and operating a telephone system in the town of Chichester and vicinity in said state."
The name Chichester Telephone Company was chosen as the authorized capital
stock was decided upon, divided into shares and subscribed to by those present.
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1936 - Chichester Fire Department established
On January 29, 1936 some of the citizens of Chichester interested in forming a fire department met at the Town Hall to organize the Chichester Volunteer Fire Department.
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On January 29, 1936 some of the citizens of Chichester interested in forming a fire department met at the Town Hall to organize the Chichester Volunteer Fire Department.
http://www.chichesternh.org/
1964 - Carpenter Memorial Park established in Chichester
This fifty acre park was given to the town in 1964 by the late Charles N.
Batchelder, grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Carpenter, for whom the park is named.
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This fifty acre park was given to the town in 1964 by the late Charles N.
Batchelder, grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Carpenter, for whom the park is named.
http://www.chichesternh.org/
Here are some of the best places to go and things to do in Chichester, New Hampshire:
Chichester Town Forest: Start your visit to Chichester with a stroll through the Chichester Town Forest. This natural gem offers walking trails, picnic areas, and a peaceful environment. It's an excellent spot for hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying the changing seasons.
Chichester Heritage Commission Museum: If you're interested in the history of the town, be sure to check out the Chichester Heritage Commission Museum. It's a small but fascinating museum that showcases artifacts and exhibits related to the town's history, including farming, education, and local industries.
Bear Brook State Park: Just a short drive away from Chichester, Bear Brook State Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The park covers over 10,000 acres and offers hiking, biking, fishing, and swimming during the summer months. In the winter, it's a popular destination for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
Horseback Riding: Chichester and its surrounding areas have several equestrian facilities... Read MORE...
Chichester Town Forest: Start your visit to Chichester with a stroll through the Chichester Town Forest. This natural gem offers walking trails, picnic areas, and a peaceful environment. It's an excellent spot for hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying the changing seasons.
Chichester Heritage Commission Museum: If you're interested in the history of the town, be sure to check out the Chichester Heritage Commission Museum. It's a small but fascinating museum that showcases artifacts and exhibits related to the town's history, including farming, education, and local industries.
Bear Brook State Park: Just a short drive away from Chichester, Bear Brook State Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The park covers over 10,000 acres and offers hiking, biking, fishing, and swimming during the summer months. In the winter, it's a popular destination for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
Horseback Riding: Chichester and its surrounding areas have several equestrian facilities... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Chichester Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Chichester, New Hampshire, USA
We currently have information about 28 ancestors who were born or died in Chichester.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
Ancestors Who Were Married in Chichester, New Hampshire, USA
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