Haverhill, Massachusetts, USA (Ayers Village)
1845 - HAVERHILL [Pop. 4,336. Inc. 1643.]

The Indian name of this place was Pentucket.

This town was probably named in compliment to the first minister, Mr. Ward, who came from Haverhill in England.

Before the settlement of the boundary line between New Hampshire and Massachusetts, in 1737, Haverhill included a part of Methuen, as well as a part of Salem, Atkinson, and Plaistow, three towns of New Hampshire.

Haverhill was often attacked by the Indians, and few instances of heroism exceed that of Mrs. Dustin, who, in 1697, was captured, but killed nearly all her foes and escaped. In 1708, the French and Indians attacked the town and killed about forty of the inhabitants.

Haverhill is pleasantly situated on the north bank of the Merrimack, which river is navigable only up to this place. A fine bridge connects the town with Bradford.

The chief manufactures are boots and shoes, hats, leather, and woollen goods.

Distance from Salem, 21 miles ; from Boston, 30.

An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

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