Asa, Reuben, and Jude Hatch, brothers, all of whom had served in the Revolution, came to Alstead, from Tolland, Conn., at an early day. Azel, son of Reuben, was seven years of age when his parents came here, and subsequently located on road z5, upon the farm now occupied by his grandson, also named Azel. He held a captain’s commission during the war of 1812. His wife, Rhoda Williams, bore him twelve children, ten of whom attained a mature age, and six of whom are now living. He bore an active part in town affairs, was selectman twenty-seven years, representative five years, a justice of the peace, etc. He died at the age of ninety-two years. Azel, Jr., born on the old homestead in 1817, has been superintendent of school committee, justice 0f the peace, moderator forty years, clerk of the Congregational society twenty years, secretary of the Sabbath school forty-two years, and superintendent of the same twenty-seven years. When Reuben came here from Tolland, he brought a colony of bees, descendants of which are still on the farm in possession of Azel, Jr.
