This is a transcription of the Winchester, NH description from A Gazetteer of New Hampshire Containing Descriptions of all the Counties, Towns and Districts in the State by John Hayward, John P. Jewett (publisher), Boston, 1849.
WINCHESTER
CHESHIRE CO. The face of this town is diversified with hills and valleys. The soil is of an excellent quality, furnishing in abundance all the agricultural products natural to this section of the country. Ashuelot River passes through the centre of this town, affording a great hydraulic power; it is bordered on each bank by extensive intervales, of a fertility rarely excelled.
There are other small streams running in various directions, through the town, affording facilities for water power.
The centre village is on the southeast bank of the Ashuelot, and the principal street, running parallel with its border, has a number of dwelling houses, meeting-houses, an elegant district school house, and various manufactures. At the lower end of the village, the street is adorned with a beautiful row of native ever-green trees, which extend nearly half a mile. This village is very handsome.
Two miles west is another manufacturing village, containing one large woollen factory, one cotton factory, one satinet factory, &c.
In the south-east part of the town is another manufacturing village. There are other manufacturing villages in the town.
This town was sacked by the Indians, and the inhabitants taken prisoners, or driven off, in 1745 or 1746, and did not return under about five years, to resume the settlement of the place.
Boundaries. North by Chesterfield and Swanzey, east by Richmond, south by Warwick and Northfield, in Mass., and west by Hinsdale.
First Settlers. Josiah Willard and others, settled about the year 1732.
First Ministers. Rev. Joseph Ashley, ordained in 1736; removed in 1747. Rev. Micah Lawrence, ordained in 1764; dismissed in 1777. Rev. Ezra Conant, settled in 1788; dismissed in 1806.
Productions of the Soil. Indian corn, 9,899 bushels; potatoes, 28,618 bushels; hay, 3,440 tons; wool, 9,175 lbs.; maple sugar, 10,615 pounds.
Distances. Thirteen miles south-west from Keene, sixty-five south-west from Concord. This town will soon be accommodated with a railroad.