You will find articles researched by students about the Past, Present and Future of Benton, New Hampshire. The students will also be posting historical and present pictures regarding Benton.
This community was first granted in 1764 as Coventry after the Connecticut home of many settlers, holding the name for over 75 years. In 1839, Governor Isaac Hill proposed renaming the town Benton in honor of Thomas Hart Benton, senator from Missouri. The town was incorporated as such in 1840. Senator Benton was known for championing Western expansion through establishment of express, railroad, navigation and telegraph interests. A prominent natural feature in Benton is Mount Moosilauke, a popular site for hikers.
From http://www.nh.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/99999999/CITYOVERVIEW/747139732/-1/nh_regionalguide_w
-Median house value below state average. -Unemployed percentage significantly below state average. -Black race population percentage significantly below state average. -Hispanic race population percentage significantly below state average. -Median age significantly above state average. -Foreign-born population percentage significantly below state average. -Renting percentage significantly below state average. -Length of stay since moving in above state average. -Institutionalized population percentage significantly above state average. -Number of college students below state average. -Percentage of population with a bachelor's degree or higher significantly below state average.
Economy -The unemployment rate in Benton, NH, is 3.40%, with job growth of 0.90%. Future job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 19.83%.
Benton, NH Taxes -Benton, NH,sales tax rate is 0.00%. Income tax is 0.00%. Benton, NH Income and Salaries -The income per capita is $14,006, which includes all adults and children. The median household income is $37,161. -We're looking for comments about Benton.
The 4802' Mount Moosilauke is located, at least partially, in Benton. Moosilauke has been climbed for nearly 300 years. The mountain has long been a hiking destination, source of timber and winter playground. The summit is bare and has wonderful 360 degree views of the rest of the Whites, Vermont, and even into the Adirondacks on a good day.
This community was first granted in 1764 as Coventry after the Connecticut home of many settlers, holding the name for over 75 years. In 1839, Governor Isaac Hill proposed renaming the town Benton in honor of Thomas Hart Benton, senator from Missouri. The town was incorporated as such in 1840. Senator Benton was known for championing Western expansion through establishment of express, railroad, navigation and telegraph interests. A prominent natural feature in Benton is Mount Moosilauke, a popular site for hikers.
The 4802' Mount Moosilauke is located, at least partially, in Benton. Moosilauke has been climbed for nearly 300 years. The mountain has long been a hiking destination, source of timber and winter playground. The summit is bare and has wonderful 360 degree views of the rest of the Whites, Vermont, and even into the Adirondacks on a good day.
Municipal information Government: Selectmen Planning Board: Elected Police Department: Not full time Fire Department: Not full time Nearest Hospital: Cottage in Woodsville (9 miles)
Election Districts State House District: 13 State Senate District: 2 Executive Council District: 1 U.S. Congress House of Representatives District: 2
Utilities Electric: NH Electric Coop. Gas: None Water Supplier: Private wells Sanitation: Private septic Curbside Trash Pickup: No Telephone: Verizon Cable television service: No
The following is a story found at http://www.thedartmouth.com/article.php?aid=2002041905040, and also covered by Joe Citro in a few of his books. Thomas Benton was born in Benton, N.H., around the middle of the 18th century. An excellent student, by his late teens he was attending medical school in Heidelberg, which at that time was a university of great renown. A bright and aspiring student there as well, he was soon introduced to one Professor Stockmeyer.
Professor Stockmeyer, while brilliant, was viewed as an eccentric by his colleagues. After his death in 1779, the professor left all of his belongings -- including all of his research -- to his young partner, Thomas Benton.
Thomas Benton went on to graduate from medical school. Now Doctor Benton, he lived for some time in London and Boston, but fled both after being accused of or somehow involved in a number of mysterious "disappearances."
Eventually, Doctor Benton returned to the town where he had spent his youth and established a successful medical practice. He practiced medicine for years, and gained the respect and love of the community.
He never aged a single day.
Years passed, and Doctor Benton`s behavior grew more irregular. Benton`s erratic actions led to the failure of his practice and he lost the centricity he once had held in the town. He aged suddenly, with his hair turning white and his skin wrinkling.
Doctor Benton abruptly abandoned his fine house and moved to a shack outside of the town. His only contact with the outside world was a monthly trip to buy food and other supplies. Or so it seemed.
When a group of pranksters tried to scare Doc Benton late one evening, they were greeted by a vision out of a horror story -- a crazed, withering hermit, barely more than a skeleton, bent over tables of bubbling tubes and wicked instruments.
They ran, and the legend of Doc Benton was born.
A short time later, a cow was found dead. The cause of death was a small red swelling, with a white pinprick in the middle, behind the left ear. Next was a horse -- and the marking was the same.
When a local noticed that Doc Benton was no longer visiting town every month, he visited the shack where the old hermit lived.
Inside was Doc Benton, with the same red swelling and white pinprick behind his left ear. Dead.
What happens next is where the legend begins. All that is known for sure is that one night a family in town woke to the screams of its six-year-old child. She had been kidnapped. Four would be rescuers chased a black cloaked figure in the falling snow to the base of the headwall of Moosilauke. There, they found an impossible sight. The black cloaked figure, carrying the child, had ascended the unascendable headwall in the midst of a vicious snowstorm. To the horror of the men below, the figure whirled around and threw his victim into the air.
She fell, screaming, to her death. And who was the figure cloaked in black? All four witnesses agreed -- it was none other than Thomas Benton.
Doc Benton was never seen again, but it is said that he still roams the mountain, and somehow possesses the key to eternal life -- haunted, surely, but eternal.
Years pass, and the tale grows in its telling, resurging after incidents like an incident that occurred in 1860. A cable to the Tip-Top House on Moosilauke`s summit was cut by an unknown hand, and the logger that went out to look for the problem was found dead minutes after he had ventured out into the raging snowstorm.
He had a red swelling with a white pinprick in the middle behind his left ear.
Ask around, and you may hear more recent stories. One is told by Evan Skow `03, who found an old print in the mud from a style of boots that are not worn anymore on an old, unused trail near the summit of Moosilauke while hiking alone. There had been no tracks fifteen minutes earlier.
Look at the records and you will find evidence of the life of Thomas Benton as well as other, more sinister events. Much is known, much can be explained, but there is still much which remains unexplainable. At one time, Thomas Benton did live. Does he still?
Spend a night on the summit of Moosilauke and find out for yourself, or sit by the fire and listen to the tale as it is told. The choice is yours.
Owl's Head Cliff Added to White Mt. National Forest (NH)
The Trust for Public Land (TPL) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) today announced the protection of 360 acres of land, that features the towering granite cliff face called Owl's Head as part of the White Mountain National Forest.
The large parcel of land, located off Route 25 in Benton, New Hampshire, is a popular attraction for rock climbers and hikers and is only one-half mile from the Appalachian Trail. The property is bounded on three sides by the White Mountain National Forest and has over 6,000 feet of frontage along Oliverian Brook. In addition, four fledgling peregrine falcons were observed on the cliff this past year by New Hampshire Audubon, which was more than any other site in the state.
Last fall, at the urging of local citizens, members of the rock-climbing community, and staff of the White Mountain National Forest, TPL negotiated an agreement for the purchase of this important property. On August 30, 2007 TPL purchased the property to temporarily hold it off the market while the Forest Service worked to purchase it. Funding to protect the property was secured through the Land and Water Conservation Fund by the New Hampshire congressional delegation, lead by U.S. Senator Judd Gregg, a member of the Senate Interior Appropriations subcommittee. A grant from the Access Fund, a national nonprofit group dedicated to preserving climbing environments, helped enable TPL to purchase the property.
"The White Mountains represent the beauty that is New Hampshire's natural environment. Today's announcement ensures the public will always be able to enjoy this unique natural resource," said Senator Gregg.
"Protection of acreage at Owl's Head cliff is yet another example of our state's long tradition of land stewardship," said Senator Sununu. "Dedication at the local level, the involvement of many parties, and the utilization of federal Land and Water Conservation Funds were all part of the team effort that helped lead to the preservation of this acreage for residents and visitors for generations to come."
"Protecting our open spaces and natural resources is critical to preserving our quality of life here in the Granite State," Congressman Hodes said. "These forest lands represent not only our cultural heritage, but our way of life. We must work hard to protect the traditional uses of our land that Granite Staters have enjoyed for generations. I applaud The Trust for Public Land and the National Forest Service for partnering to ensure the protection of Owl's Head Cliff."
Josh Kelly from The Trust for Public Land said, "We are very pleased to have permanently protected the Owl's Head Cliff property by adding it to the White Mountain National Forest. TPL has completed over 24 projects with the White Mountain National Forest since 1987 and this property's unique natural and recreational resources make it stand out as a true gem. We are very grateful for the hard work of the New Hampshire congressional delegation for securing critical funding to publicly protect the property."
Forest Supervisor Tom Wagner said, "This land purchase helps protect unique natural resources and recreation opportunities. We've had tremendous support from numerous stakeholders and are excited to add this special area to the White Mountain National Forest."
TPL is a national, nonprofit, land conservation organization that conserves land for people to enjoy as parks, gardens, and other natural places, ensuring livable communities for generations to come. Since 1972, TPL has worked with willing landowners, community groups, and federal, state, and local agencies to complete more than 3,500 land conservation projects in 47 states, protecting more than 2 million acres. In New Hampshire TPL has protected more than 200,000 acres. TPL depends on the support of individuals, foundations, and corporations to fulfill their land for people mission.
1764-Town of Coventry 1777-First Settlers 1786-Willard Survey 1789-Obadiah Eastman became justice peace 1791-88 souls in Benton 1797-Propritors voted tax for roads North and South roads surveyed 1801-First Town Meeting First Methodist preaching (possibly earlier) Meadows Road first used 1802-First known school 1814-First town meeting in north part of town 1818-Last proprietors' meeting 1829-First Coventry representative in General Court 1840-Coventry renamed Benton 1843-Post office established 1846-Union meeting house built 1852-Railroad built 1860-Bunga Road layed out(now in Bath) Tip Top house built 1885-Welch's spruce distillery 1889-(or 1890)Ira Whitcher acquired large Moosilauke tract First town meeting in hall in the Hollow 1898-(-1900) Goudlass quarry opened 1901-L.H. Parkers hotel opened 1902-First telephone 1903- Little Red School house opened on Benton Flats 1905-Whitcher's "Some Things" published 1907-New meeting house replaced burned one 1909-State sanatorium built 1910-Last log drive on the Wild Ammonoosuc 1911-A firewatch tower built on Black Mt. Benton Grange formed 1913-(or earlier)Patron's Creamery opened 1914-National Forest purchased first land 1917-Defense league formed 1920-Last school house on Lower Benton 1923-(or earlier) Oliverian campground opened. 1926-New mill at foot of Bradley Hill 1930-(or later) Benton Flats boarding house burned 1933-Wildwood CCC camp built 1937-Appalachian trail built 1941-Community house built Wildwood CCC torn down 1942-Tip Top house burned 1962-Oliverian dam and highway built 1964-Last school in Benton 1971-Sanatorium closed. Home for elderly opened. 1976-(-1987)Owl's Head stocked with peregrine falcons. 1983-Oliverian campground closed 1988-Oliverian dam rebuilt Source:Still Some More Things About COVENTRY BENTON By: Robert G. Fillion
English - 21% French - 19% Irish - 17% German - 8% Scottish - 6% Swedish - 3% Italian - 3% French Canadian - 2% Polish - 2% Welsh - 2% Canadian - 2% Yugoslavian - 1% Czechoslovakian - 1% Korean - 1% Romanian - 1% Danish - 1% American Indian tribes, specified - 1% All other tribes - 1% Czech - 1% Swiss - 1% Russian - 1%
Population, Year of the First Census Taken: 88 residents in 1790
Population Trends: Only four towns had a smaller numeric population change than Benton, which had a total population change of 67, from 247 in 1950 to 314 in 2000. The largest decennial percent change was 72 percent between 1970 and 1980, a numeric increase of 139. The 2006 Census estimate for Benton was 340 residents, which ranked 223rd among New Hampshire's incorporated cities and towns.
Median contract rent in 2007: $510 (lower quartile is $327, upper quartile is $541)
Median gross rent in Benton, NH in 2007: $632
Housing units in Benton with a mortgage: 21 (2 second mortgage, 2 home equity loan, 0 both second mortgage and home equity loan) Houses without a mortgage: 14
Education attainment for females 25 years and older:
* No schooling: 6 * Nursery to 4th grade: 0 * 5th and 6th grade: 0 * 7th and 8th grade: 23 * 9th grade: 0 * 10th grade: 5 * 11th grade: 6 * 12th grade, no diploma: 9 * High school graduate (or equivalency): 23 * Less than 1 year of college: 10 * Some college more than 1 year, no degree: 22 * Associate degree: 10 * Bachelor's degree: 6 * Master's degree: 2 * Professional school degree: 0 * Doctorate degree: 0
There are 91 households out of which 30.8% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.0% are married couples living together, 6.6% have a female householder with no husband present, and 34.1% are non-families. 28.6% of all households are made up of individuals and 11.0% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.43 and the average family size is 2.95.
Region: White Mountains County: Grafton Distance from: o Manchester, NH: 96 miles o Boston, MA: 148 miles o New York, NY: 335 miles o Montreal, Quebec: 260 miles
The 4802' Mount Moosilauke is located, at least partially, in Benton. Moosilauke has been climbed for nearly 300 years. The mountain has long been a hiking destination, source of timber and winter playground. The summit is bare and has wonderful 360 degree views of the rest of the Whites, Vermont, and even into the Adirondacks on a good day.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 125.3 km² (48.4 mi²). 124.7 km² (48.2 mi²) of it is land and 0.6 km² (0.2 mi²) of it is water, comprising 0.48% of the town. The highest point in Benton is Mount Moosilauke (4,802 feet / 1,464 meters above sea level).
FRED HEATH Conviction date not reported 632-A:2, II Aggravated Felonious Sexual Assault (Victim under 13 y.o.) Offender's age at conviction not reported 393 High Street, Benton, NH 03785 MIGUEL SANCHEZ Conviction date not reported 632-A:2, II Aggravated Felonious Sexual Assault (Victim under 13 y.o.) 632-A:3, III Felonious Sexual Assault (Victim under 13 y.o.) Offender's age at conviction not reported 393 High Street, Benton, NH 03785
* In family households: 160 (36 male householders, 16 female householders)
44 spouses, 45 children (43 natural, 0 adopted, 2 stepchildren), 0 grandchildren, 0 brothers or sisters, 2 parents, 7 other relatives, 10 non-relatives
* In nonfamily households: 55 (34 male householders (29 living alone)), 8 female householders (6 living alone)), 13 nonrelatives * In group quarters: 92 (86 institutionalized population)
Size of family households: 27 2-persons, 11 3-persons, 8 4-persons, 4 5-persons, 2 7-or-more-persons.
Size of nonfamily households: 35 1-person, 4 2-persons, 3 4-persons.
44 married couples with children. 9 single-parent households (3 men, 6 women).
Black Mountain Tower circa 1944 (Photo courtesy Iris Baird)
Town: Benton County: Grafton Mountain or Hill: Black Mountain Height above sea level: 2768 FT Tower Structure Height: 28 FT Latitude: 44-04-41 Longitude: 71-55-29 First date of operation: 1911 Operating Agency: White Mtn. Nat. Forest Type: Steel Tower
Government: Selectmen Planning Board: Elected Police Department: Not full time Fire Department: Not full time Nearest Hospital: Cottage in Woodsville (9 miles)
Electric: NH Electric Coop. Gas: None Water Supplier: Private wells Sanitation: Private septic Curbside Trash Pickup: No Telephone: Verizon Cable television service: No
Patten-North Haverhill Library is a Public library. This library is the central facility for the library system that serves North Haverhill, NH. The collection of the library contains 24200 volumes. The library circulates 4700 items per year. The library serves a population of 4677 residents .
Police Department:Part-time Fire Department:Contracted out Town Fire Insurance Rating:10 Emergency Medical Service:Private Nearest Hospital(s) Cottage Hospital, Woodsville:12 miles Staffed Beds:25
UTILITIES Electric Supplier NH Electric Coop; PSNH Natural Gas Supplier None Water Supplier Private wells
Sanitation Private septic Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant No Solid Waste Disposal Curbside Trash Pickup None Pay-As-You-Throw Program No Recycling None
Telephone Company Verizon Cellular Telephone Access Yes Cable Television Access No Public Access Television Station No High Speed Internet Service: Business unknown Residential unknown
Schools students attend: Grades K-12 are tuitioned to Haverhill Cooperative (Bath, Benton, Haverhill, Piermont, Warren) District: SAU 23 Career Technology Center(s): River Bend Career and Technical Center, Bradford VT Region: 04
Educational Facilities Elementary Middle/Junior High High School Private/Parochial Number of Schools
Grade Levels
Total Enrollment
NH Licensed Child Care Facilities, 2007: Total Facilities: 0 Total Capacity: 0 Nearest Community/Technical College: Laconia; Berlin Nearest Colleges or Universities: Granite State College-Littleton, Woodsville; Plymouth State University
oad Access US Routes State Routes 112, 116 Nearest Interstate, Exit I-91 (VT), Exit 17 Distance 13 miles Railroad No Public Transportation No
Nearest Public Use Airport, General Aviation Dean Memorial, Haverhill Runway 2,500 ft. asphalt Lighted? Yes Navigational Aids? No Nearest Airport with Scheduled Service Lebanon Municipal Distance 47 miles Number of Passsenger Airlines Serving Airport 1
Driving distance to selected cities: Manchester, NH 95 miles Portland, ME 113 miles Boston, MA 145 miles New York City, NY 307 miles Montreal, Quebec 179 miles
Fire Department:(No fire department in Benton, NH) Closest: Woodsville Fire Department, Pike Fire Department, Lincoln Town Fire Department,Woodstock Fire Department, Lisbon Fire Department, Sugar Hill Fire Department, Francoina Fire Department, Littleton Fire Department
60 comments:
This community was first granted in 1764 as Coventry after the Connecticut home of many settlers, holding the name for over 75 years. In 1839, Governor Isaac Hill proposed renaming the town Benton in honor of Thomas Hart Benton, senator from Missouri. The town was incorporated as such in 1840. Senator Benton was known for championing Western expansion through establishment of express, railroad, navigation and telegraph interests. A prominent natural feature in Benton is Mount Moosilauke, a popular site for hikers.
From http://www.nh.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/99999999/CITYOVERVIEW/747139732/-1/nh_regionalguide_w
Benton is a town in Grafton County, New Hampshire, United States. The population was 314 at the 2000 census
-Median house value below state average.
-Unemployed percentage significantly below state average.
-Black race population percentage significantly below state average.
-Hispanic race population percentage significantly below state average.
-Median age significantly above state average.
-Foreign-born population percentage significantly below state average.
-Renting percentage significantly below state average.
-Length of stay since moving in above state average.
-Institutionalized population percentage significantly above state average.
-Number of college students below state average.
-Percentage of population with a bachelor's degree or higher significantly below state average.
Benton fatal accident list for 2005
Sep 22, 2005 09:30 AM, Sr-16, Lond Pond Rd Vehicles: 1, Persons: 2, Fatalities: 1
Benton fatal accident list for 2000:
Sep 3, 2000 09:45 AM, Long Pond Road, Vehicles: 1, Persons: 3, Fatalities: 1
Economy
-The unemployment rate in Benton, NH, is 3.40%, with job growth of 0.90%. Future job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 19.83%.
Benton, NH Taxes
-Benton, NH,sales tax rate is 0.00%. Income tax is 0.00%.
Benton, NH Income and Salaries
-The income per capita is $14,006, which includes all adults and children. The median household income is $37,161.
-We're looking for comments about Benton.
The 4802' Mount Moosilauke is located, at least partially, in Benton. Moosilauke has been climbed for nearly 300 years. The mountain has long been a hiking destination, source of timber and winter playground. The summit is bare and has wonderful 360 degree views of the rest of the Whites, Vermont, and even into the Adirondacks on a good day.
Source:
http://www.newhampshire.com/nh-towns/benton.aspx
There is lot of info at this website...
http://www.nh.gov/nhes/elmi/htmlprofiles/benton.html
Benton is a town in Grafton County, in the Lebanon metro area.
The community was named after Thomas Hart Benton, U.S. senator from Missouri
The latitude of Benton is 44.103N. The longitude is -71.902W.
It is in the Eastern Standard time zone. Elevation is 2,182 feet.
The population, at the time of the 2000 census, was 314.
Found:
http://www.epodunk.com/cgi-bin/genInfo.php?locIndex=18817
Benton was incorporated in 1764.
This community was first granted in 1764 as Coventry after the Connecticut home of many settlers, holding the name for over 75 years. In 1839, Governor Isaac Hill proposed renaming the town Benton in honor of Thomas Hart Benton, senator from Missouri. The town was incorporated as such in 1840. Senator Benton was known for championing Western expansion through establishment of express, railroad, navigation and telegraph interests. A prominent natural feature in Benton is Mount Moosilauke, a popular site for hikers.
Found:
http://www.nh.gov/nhes/elmi/htmlprofiles/benton.html
Benton is located in the White Mountains.
The 4802' Mount Moosilauke is located, at least partially, in Benton. Moosilauke has been climbed for nearly 300 years. The mountain has long been a hiking destination, source of timber and winter playground. The summit is bare and has wonderful 360 degree views of the rest of the Whites, Vermont, and even into the Adirondacks on a good day.
Found:
http://www.newhampshire.com/nh-towns/benton.aspx
The town of Benton has the population of 314. Well thats what it was last in 2007.
Municipal information
Government: Selectmen
Planning Board: Elected
Police Department: Not full time
Fire Department: Not full time
Nearest Hospital: Cottage in Woodsville (9 miles)
Election Districts
State House District: 13
State Senate District: 2
Executive Council District: 1
U.S. Congress House of Representatives District: 2
Utilities
Electric: NH Electric Coop.
Gas: None
Water Supplier: Private wells
Sanitation: Private septic
Curbside Trash Pickup: No
Telephone: Verizon
Cable television service: No
Found:
http://www.nh.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/99999999/CITYOVERVIEW/747139732/-1/nh_regionalguide_w
There's some really good info on this website...
http://www.vitalrec.com/nhtowns1.html
but I didn't know what to add in here, so just look at the website.
Of 2008, the population in Benton is 333.
According to this website....
http://www.nh.gov/municipal/benton.html
There is a website with names of the people in a cemetary in Benton. It gives the information of when they were born and when they died.
Website:
http://ftp.rootsweb.ancestry.com/pub/usgenweb/nh/grafton/cemeteries/benton/westcem.txt
The People and Families of Benton
In Benton, about 40% of adults are married.
Wealth and Education
In 2000, Benton had a median family income of $40,417.
Political Inclinations
More campaign money flowed to the Republican party than to competing parties.
Benton Housing
As of 2000, the share of housing units in Benton that were owner-occupied was 89%.
Commuting
In Benton, 92% of commuters drive to work.
Found:
http://www.citytowninfo.com/places/new-hampshire/benton
Location Description:
The following is a story found at http://www.thedartmouth.com/article.php?aid=2002041905040, and also covered by Joe Citro in a few of his books.
Thomas Benton was born in Benton, N.H., around the middle of the 18th century. An excellent student, by his late teens he was attending medical school in Heidelberg, which at that time was a university of great renown. A bright and aspiring student there as well, he was soon introduced to one Professor Stockmeyer.
Professor Stockmeyer, while brilliant, was viewed as an eccentric by his colleagues. After his death in 1779, the professor left all of his belongings -- including all of his research -- to his young partner, Thomas Benton.
Thomas Benton went on to graduate from medical school. Now Doctor Benton, he lived for some time in London and Boston, but fled both after being accused of or somehow involved in a number of mysterious "disappearances."
Eventually, Doctor Benton returned to the town where he had spent his youth and established a successful medical practice. He practiced medicine for years, and gained the respect and love of the community.
He never aged a single day.
Years passed, and Doctor Benton`s behavior grew more irregular. Benton`s erratic actions led to the failure of his practice and he lost the centricity he once had held in the town. He aged suddenly, with his hair turning white and his skin wrinkling.
Doctor Benton abruptly abandoned his fine house and moved to a shack outside of the town. His only contact with the outside world was a monthly trip to buy food and other supplies. Or so it seemed.
When a group of pranksters tried to scare Doc Benton late one evening, they were greeted by a vision out of a horror story -- a crazed, withering hermit, barely more than a skeleton, bent over tables of bubbling tubes and wicked instruments.
They ran, and the legend of Doc Benton was born.
A short time later, a cow was found dead. The cause of death was a small red swelling, with a white pinprick in the middle, behind the left ear. Next was a horse -- and the marking was the same.
When a local noticed that Doc Benton was no longer visiting town every month, he visited the shack where the old hermit lived.
Inside was Doc Benton, with the same red swelling and white pinprick behind his left ear. Dead.
What happens next is where the legend begins. All that is known for sure is that one night a family in town woke to the screams of its six-year-old child. She had been kidnapped. Four would be rescuers chased a black cloaked figure in the falling snow to the base of the headwall of Moosilauke. There, they found an impossible sight. The black cloaked figure, carrying the child, had ascended the unascendable headwall in the midst of a vicious snowstorm. To the horror of the men below, the figure whirled around and threw his victim into the air.
She fell, screaming, to her death. And who was the figure cloaked in black? All four witnesses agreed -- it was none other than Thomas Benton.
Doc Benton was never seen again, but it is said that he still roams the mountain, and somehow possesses the key to eternal life -- haunted, surely, but eternal.
Years pass, and the tale grows in its telling, resurging after incidents like an incident that occurred in 1860. A cable to the Tip-Top House on Moosilauke`s summit was cut by an unknown hand, and the logger that went out to look for the problem was found dead minutes after he had ventured out into the raging snowstorm.
He had a red swelling with a white pinprick in the middle behind his left ear.
Ask around, and you may hear more recent stories. One is told by Evan Skow `03, who found an old print in the mud from a style of boots that are not worn anymore on an old, unused trail near the summit of Moosilauke while hiking alone. There had been no tracks fifteen minutes earlier.
Look at the records and you will find evidence of the life of Thomas Benton as well as other, more sinister events. Much is known, much can be explained, but there is still much which remains unexplainable. At one time, Thomas Benton did live. Does he still?
Spend a night on the summit of Moosilauke and find out for yourself, or sit by the fire and listen to the tale as it is told. The choice is yours.
Found:
http://www.strangeusa.com/ViewLocation.aspx?locationid=56754
Owl's Head Cliff Added to White Mt. National Forest (NH)
The Trust for Public Land (TPL) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) today announced the protection of 360 acres of land, that features the towering granite cliff face called Owl's Head as part of the White Mountain National Forest.
The large parcel of land, located off Route 25 in Benton, New Hampshire, is a popular attraction for rock climbers and hikers and is only one-half mile from the Appalachian Trail. The property is bounded on three sides by the White Mountain National Forest and has over 6,000 feet of frontage along Oliverian Brook. In addition, four fledgling peregrine falcons were observed on the cliff this past year by New Hampshire Audubon, which was more than any other site in the state.
Last fall, at the urging of local citizens, members of the rock-climbing community, and staff of the White Mountain National Forest, TPL negotiated an agreement for the purchase of this important property. On August 30, 2007 TPL purchased the property to temporarily hold it off the market while the Forest Service worked to purchase it. Funding to protect the property was secured through the Land and Water Conservation Fund by the New Hampshire congressional delegation, lead by U.S. Senator Judd Gregg, a member of the Senate Interior Appropriations subcommittee. A grant from the Access Fund, a national nonprofit group dedicated to preserving climbing environments, helped enable TPL to purchase the property.
"The White Mountains represent the beauty that is New Hampshire's natural environment. Today's announcement ensures the public will always be able to enjoy this unique natural resource," said Senator Gregg.
"Protection of acreage at Owl's Head cliff is yet another example of our state's long tradition of land stewardship," said Senator Sununu. "Dedication at the local level, the involvement of many parties, and the utilization of federal Land and Water Conservation Funds were all part of the team effort that helped lead to the preservation of this acreage for residents and visitors for generations to come."
"Protecting our open spaces and natural resources is critical to preserving our quality of life here in the Granite State," Congressman Hodes said. "These forest lands represent not only our cultural heritage, but our way of life. We must work hard to protect the traditional uses of our land that Granite Staters have enjoyed for generations. I applaud The Trust for Public Land and the National Forest Service for partnering to ensure the protection of Owl's Head Cliff."
Josh Kelly from The Trust for Public Land said, "We are very pleased to have permanently protected the Owl's Head Cliff property by adding it to the White Mountain National Forest. TPL has completed over 24 projects with the White Mountain National Forest since 1987 and this property's unique natural and recreational resources make it stand out as a true gem. We are very grateful for the hard work of the New Hampshire congressional delegation for securing critical funding to publicly protect the property."
Forest Supervisor Tom Wagner said, "This land purchase helps protect unique natural resources and recreation opportunities. We've had tremendous support from numerous stakeholders and are excited to add this special area to the White Mountain National Forest."
TPL is a national, nonprofit, land conservation organization that conserves land for people to enjoy as parks, gardens, and other natural places, ensuring livable communities for generations to come. Since 1972, TPL has worked with willing landowners, community groups, and federal, state, and local agencies to complete more than 3,500 land conservation projects in 47 states, protecting more than 2 million acres. In New Hampshire TPL has protected more than 200,000 acres. TPL depends on the support of individuals, foundations, and corporations to fulfill their land for people mission.
Found:
http://www.tpl.org/tier3_cd.cfm?content_item_id=22015&folder_id=258
1764-Town of Coventry
1777-First Settlers
1786-Willard Survey
1789-Obadiah Eastman became justice peace
1791-88 souls in Benton
1797-Propritors voted tax for roads
North and South roads surveyed
1801-First Town Meeting
First Methodist preaching
(possibly earlier) Meadows Road first used
1802-First known school
1814-First town meeting in north part of town
1818-Last proprietors' meeting
1829-First Coventry representative in General Court
1840-Coventry renamed Benton
1843-Post office established
1846-Union meeting house built
1852-Railroad built
1860-Bunga Road layed out(now in Bath)
Tip Top house built
1885-Welch's spruce distillery
1889-(or 1890)Ira Whitcher acquired large Moosilauke tract
First town meeting in hall in the Hollow
1898-(-1900) Goudlass quarry opened
1901-L.H. Parkers hotel opened
1902-First telephone
1903- Little Red School house opened on Benton Flats
1905-Whitcher's "Some Things" published
1907-New meeting house replaced burned one
1909-State sanatorium built
1910-Last log drive on the Wild Ammonoosuc
1911-A firewatch tower built on Black Mt.
Benton Grange formed
1913-(or earlier)Patron's Creamery opened
1914-National Forest purchased first land
1917-Defense league formed
1920-Last school house on Lower Benton
1923-(or earlier) Oliverian campground opened.
1926-New mill at foot of Bradley Hill
1930-(or later) Benton Flats boarding house burned
1933-Wildwood CCC camp built
1937-Appalachian trail built
1941-Community house built
Wildwood CCC torn down
1942-Tip Top house burned
1962-Oliverian dam and highway built
1964-Last school in Benton
1971-Sanatorium closed. Home for elderly opened.
1976-(-1987)Owl's Head stocked with peregrine falcons.
1983-Oliverian campground closed
1988-Oliverian dam rebuilt
Source:Still Some More Things About COVENTRY BENTON
By: Robert G. Fillion
English - 21%
French - 19%
Irish - 17%
German - 8%
Scottish - 6%
Swedish - 3%
Italian - 3%
French Canadian - 2%
Polish - 2%
Welsh - 2%
Canadian - 2%
Yugoslavian - 1%
Czechoslovakian - 1%
Korean - 1%
Romanian - 1%
Danish - 1%
American Indian tribes, specified - 1%
All other tribes - 1%
Czech - 1%
Swiss - 1%
Russian - 1%
Found:
http://www.epodunk.com/cgi-bin/genealogyInfo.php?locIndex=18817
Villages and Place Names: Boutin Corner, Coventry
Population, Year of the First Census Taken: 88 residents in 1790
Population Trends:
Only four towns had a smaller numeric population change than
Benton, which had a total population change of 67, from 247 in 1950 to 314 in 2000.
The largest decennial percent change
was 72 percent between 1970 and
1980, a numeric increase of 139. The
2006 Census estimate for Benton was
340 residents, which ranked 223rd
among New Hampshire's incorporated
cities and towns.
Population density: 7.1 people per square mile
(very low).
Median contract rent in 2007: $510 (lower quartile is $327, upper quartile is $541)
Median gross rent in Benton, NH in 2007: $632
Housing units in Benton with a mortgage: 21 (2 second mortgage, 2 home equity loan, 0 both second mortgage and home equity loan)
Houses without a mortgage: 14
Education attainment for females 25 years and older:
* No schooling: 6
* Nursery to 4th grade: 0
* 5th and 6th grade: 0
* 7th and 8th grade: 23
* 9th grade: 0
* 10th grade: 5
* 11th grade: 6
* 12th grade, no diploma: 9
* High school graduate (or equivalency): 23
* Less than 1 year of college: 10
* Some college more than 1 year, no degree: 22
* Associate degree: 10
* Bachelor's degree: 6
* Master's degree: 2
* Professional school degree: 0
* Doctorate degree: 0
Median 2007 house value for:
* White Non-Hispanic householders: $145,138
Housing units in structures:
* One, detached: 106
* Mobile homes: 39
* Boats, RVs, vans, etc.: 2
Median worth of mobile homes: $121,970
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities: 12%
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities: 7%
There are 91 households out of which 30.8% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.0% are married couples living together, 6.6% have a female householder with no husband present, and 34.1% are non-families. 28.6% of all households are made up of individuals and 11.0% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.43 and the average family size is 2.95.
found:
http://www.nationmaster.com/encyclopedia/Benton,-New-Hampshire
Where is Benton?
Region: White Mountains
County: Grafton
Distance from:
o Manchester, NH: 96 miles
o Boston, MA: 148 miles
o New York, NY: 335 miles
o Montreal, Quebec: 260 miles
Found:
http://www.nh.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/99999999/CITYOVERVIEW/747139732/-1/nh_regionalguide_w
The 4802' Mount Moosilauke is located, at least partially, in Benton. Moosilauke has been climbed for nearly 300 years. The mountain has long been a hiking destination, source of timber and winter playground. The summit is bare and has wonderful 360 degree views of the rest of the Whites, Vermont, and even into the Adirondacks on a good day.
The People and Families of Benton
In Benton, about 40% of adults are married.
Wealth and Education
In 2000, Benton had a median family income of $40,417.
Political Inclinations
More campaign money flowed to the Republican party than to competing parties.
Benton Housing
As of 2000, the share of housing units in Benton that were owner-occupied was 89%.
Commuting
In Benton, 92% of commuters drive to work.
There is only 1 business in Benton.
Thats Coventry Garage.
Males: 151 (43.9%)
Females: 193 (56.1%)
Median resident age: 48.0 years
Found:
http://www.city-data.com/city/Benton-New-Hampshire.html
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 125.3 km² (48.4 mi²). 124.7 km² (48.2 mi²) of it is land and 0.6 km² (0.2 mi²) of it is water, comprising 0.48% of the town. The highest point in Benton is Mount Moosilauke (4,802 feet / 1,464 meters above sea level).
The People and Families of Benton
In Benton, about 40% of adults are married.
Wealth and Education
In 2000, Benton had a median family income of $40,417.
Political Inclinations
More campaign money flowed to the Republican party than to competing parties.
Benton Housing
As of 2000, the share of housing units in Benton that were owner-occupied was 89%.
Commuting
In Benton, 92% of commuters drive to work.
Found:
http://www.citytowninfo.com/places/new-hampshire/benton
FRED HEATH Conviction date not reported
632-A:2, II Aggravated Felonious Sexual Assault (Victim under 13 y.o.)
Offender's age at conviction not reported
393 High Street, Benton, NH 03785
MIGUEL SANCHEZ Conviction date not reported
632-A:2, II Aggravated Felonious Sexual Assault (Victim under 13 y.o.)
632-A:3, III Felonious Sexual Assault (Victim under 13 y.o.)
Offender's age at conviction not reported
393 High Street, Benton, NH 03785
Population
1980 330
1985 328
1990 330
1995 337
2000 314
2001 320
2002 324
2003 316
2004 317
2005 325
Household type by relationship
Households: 215
* In family households: 160 (36 male householders, 16 female householders)
44 spouses, 45 children (43 natural, 0 adopted, 2 stepchildren), 0 grandchildren, 0 brothers or sisters, 2 parents, 7 other relatives, 10 non-relatives
* In nonfamily households: 55 (34 male householders (29 living alone)), 8 female householders (6 living alone)), 13 nonrelatives
* In group quarters: 92 (86 institutionalized population)
Size of family households: 27 2-persons, 11 3-persons, 8 4-persons, 4 5-persons, 2 7-or-more-persons.
Size of nonfamily households: 35 1-person, 4 2-persons, 3 4-persons.
44 married couples with children.
9 single-parent households (3 men, 6 women).
Found:
http://www.city-data.com/housing/houses-Benton-New-Hampshire.html
First ancestries reported:
* English: 61
* French (except Basque): 48
* Irish: 39
* United States or American: 24
* German: 21
* Scottish: 20
* Italian: 10
* Other groups: 10
* Swedish: 9
* Polish: 7
* Canadian: 6
* French Canadian: 5
* Yugoslavian: 5
* Welsh: 4
* Romanian: 3
* Czech: 2
* Czechoslovakian: 2
* Russian: 2
* Swiss: 2
* Iranian: 1
Found:
http://www.city-data.com/housing/houses-Benton-New-Hampshire.html
New Hampshire Fire Towers
Black Mountain Tower
Black Mountain Tower circa 1944
(Photo courtesy Iris Baird)
Town: Benton
County: Grafton
Mountain or Hill: Black Mountain
Height above sea level: 2768 FT
Tower Structure Height: 28 FT
Latitude: 44-04-41
Longitude: 71-55-29
First date of operation: 1911
Operating Agency: White Mtn. Nat. Forest
Type: Steel Tower
Town of Benton
Marjorie Robitzer, Selectman
221 Coventry Road
Benton, NH 03785
I'm not finding the town manager. But I have found the Selectman.
Town of Benton
Marjorie Robitzer, Selectman
221 Coventry Road
Benton, NH 03785
Found:
http://www.nh.gov/nhes/elmi/htmlprofiles/benton.html
Government: Selectmen
Planning Board: Elected
Police Department: Not full time
Fire Department: Not full time
Nearest Hospital: Cottage in Woodsville (9 miles)
Utilities
Electric: NH Electric Coop.
Gas: None
Water Supplier: Private wells
Sanitation: Private septic
Curbside Trash Pickup: No
Telephone: Verizon
Cable television service: No
Town of Benton Web site: Not available
Benton Town Hall
221 Coventry Road
Benton, NH 03785
(603) 787-6541 or 787-6053
Haverhill Cooperative School District
http://www.sau23.k12.nh.us/
Patten-North Haverhill Library is a Public library. This library is the central facility for the library system that serves North Haverhill, NH. The collection of the library contains 24200 volumes. The library circulates 4700 items per year. The library serves a population of 4677 residents .
In Benton there are no libraries. So the closest library is in Haverhill.
There are no library's in Benton, but the closest one is in North Haverhill.
Police Department:Part-time
Fire Department:Contracted out
Town Fire Insurance Rating:10
Emergency Medical Service:Private
Nearest Hospital(s)
Cottage Hospital,
Woodsville:12 miles
Staffed Beds:25
Police Department Part-time
Fire Department Contracted out
Town Fire Insurance Rating 10
Emergency Medical Service Private
Nearest Hospital(s) Distance Staffed Beds
Cottage Hospital, Woodsville 12 miles 25
UTILITIES
Electric Supplier NH Electric Coop; PSNH
Natural Gas Supplier None
Water Supplier Private wells
Sanitation Private septic
Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant No
Solid Waste Disposal
Curbside Trash Pickup
None
Pay-As-You-Throw Program
No
Recycling
None
Telephone Company Verizon
Cellular Telephone Access Yes
Cable Television Access No
Public Access Television Station No
High Speed Internet Service:
Business
unknown
Residential
unknown
Found:
http://www.nh.gov/nhes/elmi/htmlprofiles/benton.html
Schools students attend: Grades K-12 are tuitioned to Haverhill Cooperative (Bath, Benton, Haverhill, Piermont, Warren) District: SAU 23
Career Technology Center(s): River Bend Career and Technical Center, Bradford VT Region: 04
Educational Facilities Elementary Middle/Junior High High School Private/Parochial
Number of Schools
Grade Levels
Total Enrollment
NH Licensed Child Care Facilities, 2007: Total Facilities: 0 Total Capacity: 0
Nearest Community/Technical College: Laconia; Berlin
Nearest Colleges or Universities: Granite State College-Littleton, Woodsville; Plymouth State University
Found:
http://www.nh.gov/nhes/elmi/htmlprofiles/benton.html
oad Access US Routes
State Routes 112, 116
Nearest Interstate, Exit I-91 (VT), Exit 17
Distance 13 miles
Railroad No
Public Transportation No
Nearest Public Use Airport, General Aviation
Dean Memorial, Haverhill
Runway
2,500 ft. asphalt
Lighted?
Yes Navigational Aids? No
Nearest Airport with Scheduled Service
Lebanon Municipal Distance 47 miles
Number of Passsenger Airlines Serving Airport 1
Driving distance to selected cities:
Manchester, NH
95 miles
Portland, ME
113 miles
Boston, MA
145 miles
New York City, NY
307 miles
Montreal, Quebec
179 miles
Municipal Parks
YMCA/YWCA
Boys Club/Girls Club
Golf Courses
Swimming: Indoor Facility
Swimming: Outdoor Facility
Tennis Courts: Indoor Faclity
Tennis Courts: Outdoor Facility
Ice Skating Rink: Indoor Facility
Bowling Facilities
Museums
Cinemas
Performing Arts Facilities
Tourists Attractions
Youth Organizations (i.e., Scouts, 4-H)
Youth Sports: Baseball
Youth Sports: Soccer
Youth Sports: Football
Youth Sports: Basketball
Youth Sports: Hockey
Campgrounds
X Fishing/Hunting
X Boating/Marinas
X Snowmobile Trails
Bicycle Trails
Cross Country Skiing
Beach or Waterfront Recreational Area
Overnight or Day Camps
Nearest Ski Area(s): Loon & Cannon Mtns
Other: Hiking; White Mountain National Forest
Police Department: New Hampshire State Police
Fire Department:(No fire department in Benton, NH) Closest: Woodsville Fire Department, Pike Fire Department, Lincoln Town Fire Department,Woodstock Fire Department, Lisbon Fire Department, Sugar Hill Fire Department, Francoina Fire Department, Littleton Fire Department
Electric: New Hampshire Electric Coopertive Inc., Dish Network, and others (unknown)
Water and Sewage: Private
BENTON BIBLE CHAPEL
ROYAL ARCH MASONS OF NEW HAMPSHIRE GRAND LODGE
Found:
http://www.charity-charities.org/charities/NH/Benton.html
Room Nurses
C & D Clovers 4 H Club
Friends Of New Hampshire Libraries
Haverhill Heritage Inc
Haverhill Historical Society
Haverhill Library Association
Haverhill Medical Rescue Unit
Haverhill Recreation Assoc
New Hampshire Congress Of Parents And Teachers
New Hampshire Holstein Friesian Club Inc
There are charities in Haverhill NH.
Found:
http://www.charity-charities.org/charities/NH/Haverhill.html
Local Charities:Benton Bible Church, Royal Arch Masons Of New Hampshire Grand Lodge, and American Alliance For Health Physical Education Rec & Dance
Benton Police Department
Chief of Police
Stefan Cimikowski
Found:
http://www.usacops.com/nh/p03785/index.html
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