32
��THE GRANITE MONTHLY.
��tion underwent the old house then ! As the sunshine played like a halo over it, the homestead had the double charm of being both historic and beautiful. To see it as I did on that May morning, its gray walls rising amid the green trees, the sunlight breaking through the foliage and falling in patches on its front, and on the shady masses of shrubbery ; and to think of the noble men and the fair women who have passed beneath its doorways, of the scenes it has witnessed of joy and of sorrow, of the varied life it has known and shared, all crowding upon the sight and sinking deep into the heart, its memory will be enduring.
At the rear extends the ell and shed, and in former times a large barn stood back of them. It was taken down only a few years ago. An old coach, cumbrous ami large, with seats for six, that was used by Gov. John Taylor Gil- man, and possibly by Gol. Nicholas, was once sheltered here, and is still remem- bered by the " oldest inhabitant." The last known of the carriage, was in the possession of Hon. John Broad- head, member of congress. A big elm, twenty feet in circumference, whose limbs sheltered the old house in the time of the Revolution, was cut down several years ago. From the root has grown a shoot that is now a tall and thrifty tree.
After the death of Nicholas Gilman, the old house became the property of his oldest son, John Taylor Gilman, who resided in it until his marriage with his third wife. John Taylor was the most prominent of the three brothers. He was born Dec. 19, 1753. His early education was scant, being no more than what the common schools of Exeter afforded at that time. At an early age he became interested in ship building, an industry that was then actively engaged in by many of the citizens of Exeter. The elder
��Gilman was a wealthy and enterprising man, owner of a large estate and a store. In connection with navigation, young Gilman now and then busied himself with agriculture and trade.
One of the schoolmates of John Tay- lor Gilman was Miss Deborah Folsom. She was the daughter of Gen. Nathaniel Folsom, the rival of Gen. Stark, and a famous Revolutionary worthy. Born the same year that Gilman was, Miss Folsom was, during the few years prior to the revolution, the reputed belle of Exeter. The two families were inti- mate, John Taylor soon became an an- nounced suitor, and a few months be- fore that affair at Concord Bridge, "Where the embattled farmers stood and fired the shot heard round the world," they were married. When the revolution broke out. John Tavlor Gilman was only twenty-two years old.
On the morning of April 20, 1775, at day-break, the news arrived at Exeter of the battle at Concord. With all the alacrity and ardor of a youthful patriot, the young husband gathered a company and marched for Cambridge, which place he reached at noon of the next day. Mr. Gilman, however, did little military service. He was needed at home. He acted as commissary in supplying the three regiments of the State, at Cambridge. In 1779, he was elected a member of the N. H. legis- lature, and subsequently served upon the committee of safety. In 1 780 he was the sole delegate from New Hamp- shire to attend the convention at Hart- ford. He was absent six weeks from home, riding on horseback and paying his own expenses, as there was not sufficient money in the State treasury to defray them. This period was known as the " dark days." The crops of the farmers had been unfavorable, and destitution and distress pervaded the army. There was no money nor credit in either department.
��[CONCLUDED IN NOVEMBER NUMBER.]
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