This is a transcription of the Alstead, 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.
ALSTEAD
ALSTEAD, Cheshire county. Bounded north by Acworth, east by Marlow, south by Gilsum, and west by Walpole. It is 12 miles south-east from Charlestown, and 56 west from Concord. It is well watered by several small streams. Cold River passes through the north-west part, and some of the branches of the Ashuelot take their rise here. Warren’s Pond, a beautiful sheet of water, abounds with pickerel, perch, and several other kinds of fish. The soil is strong and fertile. There are 5 meeting houses and 1 academy in this town. A paper-mill establishment, with a capital of $7000, does a flourishing business.
There are several small manufacturing establishments of various kinds; all of which are in prosperous operation, and give an air of business and enterprise to this pleasant village. Alstead was formerly called Newton, and was granted, August 6, 1763, to Samuel Chase and others. In 1771 there were 25 families, besides 10 bachelors who cultivated their lands and prepared their own meals. The first Congregational church was organized in 1777. Rev. Jacob Mann, the first pastor, was settled in February, 1782; dismissed in 1789. Rev. Samuel Meade was settled in 1791; dismissed in 1797.
General Amos Shepard, for many years a member of the General Court of New Hampshire, and president of the Senate seven years, was a resident of this town, and was one of its most prominent citizens from 1777 to the time of his decease in 1812. Upright and just in all his dealings, he secured the respect and confidence of all who knew him. Industrious, persevering, and economical, he acquired a handsome fortune, which enabled him to pass his last days in ease and quiet.
Population, 1425.
Number of polls, 336.
Amount of inventory, $529,420.
Number of sheep, 5731.
Do. neat stock, 1384.
Do. horses and mules, 348.