A New Hampshire Man Gives Thanks: Samuel Lane (1718-1806)

Excerpted from Brown, Jerald E. The Years of the Life of Samuel Lane, 1718-1806: A New Hampshire Man and His World. Hanover, NH: University Press of New England, 2000. Donna-Belle Garvin, Editor.

Deacon Samuel Lane (1718-1806) was a tanner and a cordwainer or shoemaker; he was 75 when he wrote the following in his daybook.  His house, barn and millpond survive in Stratham.  On Public Thanksgiving Day Morning November 21, 1793, Lane wrote:

As I was Musing on my Bed being awake as Usual before Day-light: recollecting the Many Mercies and good things I enjoy for which I ought to be thankfull this day; some of which I have Noted, viz.….

The life and health of myself and my family, and also of so many of my children, grandchildren and great grand children…

For my Bible, and many other good and useful books, Civil and Religious Priviledges, for the ordinances of the gospel; and for my minister.

For my land, house and barn and other buildings…for my wearing clothes to keep me warm...For my Cattle, Sheep & Swine & other Creatures, for my support. 

For my corn, wheat, rye, grass, hay; wool, flax; syder, Apples, Pumpkins…

For my clock & watch to measure my passing time by Day and by Night…

For my Lether, Lamp oyl & Candles, Husbandry Utensils, & other tools of every sort.

Courtesy, New Hampshire Historical Society

For additional images of almanack pages, Lane's tools, family furniture and additional sources, follow link below:
http://www.nhhistory.org/eimages/October2009/lanejournal.html

Editor's Note:
As I continue to delve into the 1793 Montgomery Store Day Book (Haverhill, NH.), you will not be surprised gentle readers, to learn that there is much of comparative value between the lives of these two prominent New Hampshire citizens - one located on the seacoast and one located on the interior.


With this missive, it is our wish at Zephyrs10 that the simple, timeless joys of Thanksgiving continue throughout the year for you, your families and friends.