From The Gazetteer of the State of New Hampshire (in three parts), compiled from the best authorities, by Eliphalet Merrill and the Late Phinehas Merrill, Esq., Printed by C. Norris & Co., Exeter, NH, �1817, pg 160
Part Two of Gazetteer:
MASON - a township in Hillsborough county, was incorporated in 1768, and in 1810 contained 1,077 inhabitants. It is bounded N. by Wilton, E. by Milford and Brookline, S. by the state line, which separates it from Ashby and Townsend in Mass., and W. by New Ipswich, containing 18,860 acres. Several small streams rise here and water the town, on which are many valuable mill seats. The village here is called Souhegan village and contains 10 or 12 dwelling houses and 2 stores. The 3d N.H. turnpike passes through the S.W. corner of the town. The soil here is generally deep and loamy, suitable to orchards and grain. The surface is rough and stony. Mason contains a meeting house, a large grain mill, and several other mills, and a cotton factory of 500 spindles. Rev. J. Searles the first minister in this place was ordained in 1772, and was succeeded by Rev. E. Hill in 1790, who is still in office. Elder W. Elliot is settled over a Baptist church in this town.
A species of ochre is found here, which in its natural state gives a good yellow, and after being burned yields a chocolate colour. In the northern part of the town is a remarkable gulf. A channel was dug to run a small stream through a hill for the purpose of carrying of a small mill. Before it was completed, a sudden freshet raised the water in one night so as to carry off the earth to the depth of 60 feet.
E.H.
Submitted by T.C. Parziale 5/30/00
Mason