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Libraries
Philbrick-James Library
4 Old Center Road, South
Deerfield, NH
03037-1410
Hours: Mon, Fri. 6:30-8:30
Tues: 9-5
Wed: 1-5, 6:30-8:30
Thurs: 1-5
Sat:9-3
DIRECTIONS
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A Brief History of Deerfield
The first minister was Reverend Timothy
Upham (Congregational), ordained in 1773, and died in 1811. A Freewill
Baptist church was formed in 1799. The first settlers were John Robinson,
Jacob Smith, Isaac Shepard and Benjamin Batchelder in 1756. The first
parish (town) meeting was held at the house of Samuel Leavitt, Wadleigh
Cram, was chosen moderator, Thomas Simpson clerk, Samuel Leavitt, John
Robinson and Eliphalot Griffin selectmen.Among the early settlers were
Josiah Prescott, John James, Nathaniel Weare, David Haines, Samuel Hilton,
Jeremiah Eastman and Thomas Jeaness. The town was a favorite resort
for deer, and while a petition for a charter was pending, a Mr. Bachelder
and Josiah Prescott killed a deer and presented it to Gov. Wentworth,
and he granted the charter under the name of Deerfield. During the French
and Indian War, the inhabitants lived in garrison, but no serious injury
was ever experienced from the Indians. Major John Simpson, of Deerfield,
fired the first gun on the American side, at the battle of Bunker Hill.
Col. Stark instructed the men in his line not to fire until the British
had arrived at a certain point designated by him, which was within 40
paces of the American works. But when the red coats had advanced to
within the distance the major (then a private), called a good shot for
a deer, he could not withstand such a good chance, and fired and dropped
his man. On this the fire commenced along the whole line. When Simpson
was reproved for disobeying orders, he replied, he could not help firing
when game, which he was after, came within gun shot. Major Simpson died
Oct. 28, 1825. The names of 18 persons from this town are preserved.
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DEERFIELD CEMETERIES
Inscriptions and photos
RAND
CEMETERY
DOW-WIGGIN
CEMETERY
EASTMAN
CEMETERY
STEARNS
CEMETERY
PARADE
CEMETERY at A Very Grave Matter
The Town of Deerfield has Cemetery Inscriptions
available at the local library and at the NH
Historical Society
1790
Census for Deerfield, NH
FAMILY HISTORIES
7 generations of the
Sargent
Record
Sargent
family by Water Clark
Descendants
of Isaac Willey
Descendants
of Leonard Weeks
Philbrick
Family
This page was created and August 22, 1997 by Elaine Merrell
Transferred March 15, 2007 c/o T.J. Rand
If you know of any additions or corrections please let me know. Thanks.
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Welcome
to Deerfield, New Hampshire 