Joseph Atherton, son of Oliver, of Howard, Mass., came to this town about 1794, and located upon what is now known as “Atherton hill.” He held many of the town offices and was highly respected. He died April 4, 1839. He married Hannah Farnsworth, in 1771, who bore him eight children: Nathaniel, Oliver, Arathusa, Sally, Humphrey, Fanny, Rachel and Lucy. William, son of Nathaniel, born December 18. 1826, married Hannah M. Pierce, and resides on road 13. Maria, daughter of Oliver, resides on road 28.