History of Benton New Hampshire

Some Things about Coventry-Benton, New Hampshire was published in 1905 as a modest attempt to preserve historical information about one of New Hampshire’s smallest towns. Rather than a comprehensive town history, it presents a compiled set of facts, recollections, and traditions relating to Coventry-Benton from its founding through the late nineteenth century. The author noted that the work was assembled at intervals and printed in limited quantity, and that it was intended chiefly for those with personal ties to the town.

The volume covers proprietary origins, settlement, population changes, civic and religious developments, schools, military service, cemeteries, and vital records. It also includes a brief discussion of the town’s potential as a future summer resort. While printed without literary pretensions, the book preserves material of historical and genealogical interest, including names, family connections, and local institutions. Illustrations depicting plans of the town, prominent residents, public buildings, and scenic locations supplement the text.

Only two hundred copies were produced, and the printing process resulted in a substantial errata section. Despite these limitations, the volume remains a useful record of Coventry-Benton and of the people who lived there or retained lasting associations with it.

About Benton and Coventry

Benton, located in Grafton County, New Hampshire, was incorporated in 1764 under the name Coventry, later renamed Benton in 1840 in honor of Missouri Senator Thomas Hart Benton. First settled in the 1760s, it lies within the White Mountains and includes parts of the White Mountain National Forest, with the Appalachian Trail traversing its territory. Early land grants and proprietary records are housed in Grafton County registries, with vital records typically beginning in the early 1800s, though some church and town records may date earlier. The town is bordered by the Wild Ammonoosuc River, historically important for local industry and transport. Benton was once inhabited by the Abenaki people, and its mountainous terrain limited large-scale settlement but preserved small agrarian communities. Researchers should consult Grafton County deeds, probate records, and town meeting minutes for genealogical information.

Some things about Coventry-Benton, New Hampshire

I. The Proprietary, 1–15
II. The First Settlement, 16–34
III. Later Comers and Growth, 35–65
IV. Coming and Going, 66–113
V. The Benton of Recent Years, 114–123
VI. Religious and Social Life, 124–142
VII. Town Meetings and Politics, 143–202
VIII. The Schools, 203–209
IX. The Militia and Soldiers, 210–218
X. The Cemeteries, 219–236
XI. Births, Marriages and Deaths, 237–276
XII. A Future Summer Resort, 277–281
XIII. Some More Things, 282–290

Errata, 291–292
Index, 294–313