In celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence, and in collaboration with the Office of Mayor Chuck Grassie, Rochester Colonial Moments, a historical series highlighting notable moments from Rochester’s past, is brought to you by Patrick O. Connelly, Rochester, New Hampshire, historian.

Monday, July 20, 2026

“The final draws for chartered land, Divisions Three and Four, were executed in 1753, 1754, and 1762. By 1765, following the end of hostilities with the Eastern Indians and the French removal from interest in the area, a brisk land transfer market had emerged. These divisions later formed the core of the towns of Farmington in 1798 and Milton in 1802.

The key position of town meeting moderator was filled most often by founding settler Timothy Roberts (1737–1754), Squire John Plummer (1764–1794), and James Knowles (1765–1789). These names are also found among the most highly taxed and most successful leaders in the town.”

Patrick O. Connelly is a historian, researcher, and author whose work focuses extensively on the colonial history and development of Rochester, New Hampshire. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with degrees in History and French, Connelly has spent decades researching Rochester’s earliest records, maps, land divisions, and settlement history.

Connelly is the author of two comprehensive works on Rochester’s colonial history: Rochester, New Hampshire: Territory to Township, 1620–1799 and In Their Own Words: Transcription and Research of the Original Records of Colonial Rochester, New Hampshire, 1722–1799. Both books are available through his website at RNHCC.com.