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 177
Part Two of Gazetteer:
PELHAM - in Rockingham county, was incorporated in 1746, and in 1810, it contained 998 inhabitants; bounded N. by Windham and Salem, S. E. and S. by Dracut, (Mass.) and W. by Nottingham West. Its area is 16,333 acres of which 280 are water. There are here two ponds, Island pond of about 178 acres, and Gumpas pond of about 100. Beaver river flows through the town and receives the waters of these ponds. The surface of the town is generally even, although there are several swells of valuable land.
Rev. James Hobbe was ordained here in 1765, and was succeeded by Rev. James Moody. Rev. John Church, the present minister, was settled in 1798. There is here 1 meeting house, 3 grain mills, 3 sawmills, 1 clothing mill, a carding machine, and 3 trading stores. During the ten years ending in 1808 the number of deaths in this town was 121, of which 32 were of consumption.
Submitted by T.C. Parziale 5/30/00
Pelham