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shire. Mr. Weare died on the 18th of January, 1816, at the age of 60 years. Jonathan Weare was the first Justice of the Peace in Andover; and it appears from the town records that at a meeting in 1779 he was selected by the inhabitants to be commissioned by the government as a civil magistrate. This was indeed a high proof of the confidence reposed in his integrity and justice.
Mr. William Blake was a native of Kensington–moved with his father, when a youth, to Exeter–thence came to Andover. He died on the 18th of March, 1812, aged 62 years. Mr. Blake was a man of acute understanding, and in all the transactions of life was exceedingly upright and honorable. He was viewed for many years as one of the fathers of the town.
Many other worthy men, and valuable members of society, have lived and died in Andover, to whose injury should we attempt to pay a just tribute, it would swell this little sketch beyond its intended limits. No invidious feelings have governed the writer, and he trusts the people for whose use and amusement this history is written, will receive it as a respectful offering–as a testimonial of the writer’s best wishes for their permanent welfare. Whatever errors or imperfections they may discover, he hopes will be overlooked, and charged rather to his ignorance than his intentions.
In closing this sketch, it may not be improper to glance at a few things, in which the welfare of every town is alike concerned. As human society springs from the wants of men, so is it strengthened and supported by charity and good feelings. Divisions, or sectional disputes, jealousies, or local rivalries, should always be discountenanced and prevented. If a town is united, it generally prospers.
