Kilkenny

A. N. Brackett's Description – Settled Portions Attached to Jefferson

A. N. Brackett, in 1820, gave this description of Kilkenny, which will do for to-day as well: "Kilkenny is bounded westerly by Lancaster and Jefferson and Piercy, northerly by Stratford, easterly by Paulsburgh, Maynesborough and Durand, and southerly by ungranted land and that which will never be granted, as nature has said that the White Mountains shall be the common property of mankind, unless indeed they contain treasures within their bowels which have never been discovered. This town now contains very few inhabitants, and they are very poor, and for aught that appears to the contrary they must remain so, as they are actual trespassers on that part of God's heritage which he designed for the residence of bears, wolves, moose and other animals. It is possible, however, that an exception favorable to the south part of the town may be made."

This southern portion, with all the settlers, has been attached to Jefferson, which see. The town is covered with immense timber on which the Kilkenny Lumber Co. is preparing for extensive logging operations. The Pilot range (Pilot and Willard mountain) includes a large portion of Kilkenny. They receive their name from a hunter named Willard, who was once lost on this mountain, while out hunting with his dog. His camp was on the east side; he noticed the dog left him each day, as he supposed in pursuit of game, but towards night he would return. At last Willard resolved to follow; he set out with the dog, and after three days of hunger and fatigue, was brought back to his camp by his faithful guide and companion.

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Extracted 2022 Nov 07 by Norma Hass, from History of Coos County, New Hampshire by Georgia D. Merrill, published in 1888, page 426.

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