1653 – “We have here a plot of onions, garlic, and coleworts, all of which Brother Francis tends with diligence, even in frost. The Lord has blessed our increase.” — Portsmouth Church Records, New Hampshire Provincial Papers, Vol. 2.
1668 – “Mistress Trueworthy hath an agreeable garden in which she raiseth lettuce, cabbages, and balm for teas. She hath likewise a bed of calendula for the sick.” — Letter from William Wentworth to his cousin in Boston, March 1668, in Collections of the New Hampshire Historical Society, Vol. 4.
1674 – “At Exeter, several women have cultivated fine plots of maize, beans, and herbs near their homes. A few raise tansy and comfrey, for which there is some trade.” — John Josselyn, New-England’s Rarities Discovered, 1674.
1690 – “The garden of Mr. Richard Hilton in Dover contains fruit-bearing trees, two plots of onions and leeks, and rosemary growing under glass jars. It is a matter of pride to his wife.” — Governor’s Report on Husbandry, New Hampshire Colonial Records, Vol. 3.
1701 – “Mistress Hannah Chase, of Hampton, hath sent several bundles of sage and hyssop to Portsmouth, where they were sold dear. She keeps a fine plot of medicinals.” — Journal of Nathaniel Weare, 1701, in New Hampshire Genealogical Record, Vol. 9.
1715 – “At the parsonage garden in Exeter, they grow not only turnips and cabbage, but also feverfew and borage, which the pastor's wife distills into cordials.” — Rev. Ward Clark, Notes and Letters, 1715, held at the New England Historic Genealogical Society.
1732 – “In Rye, Mistress Abigail Foss plants valerian and tansy in beds edged with boxwood. Her peppermint cordial is famed among neighbors.” — Entry from Josiah Bartlett’s Commonplace Book, 1732, Bartlett Manuscript Collection, New Hampshire State Archives.
1759 – “In the garden of Colonel Meserve, roses and rosemary are thriving, with neat parterres of balm, marjoram, and savory. His lady entertains guests with herb jellies.” — Portsmouth Mercury, June 1759.
1764 – “Mrs. Sarah Pickering’s garden contains lavender, bergamot, and horehound. She makes syrups and electuaries for winter ailments, sold at the town market.” — Advertisement in the New Hampshire Gazette, October 1764.
1775 – “Our women tend gardens as well as any men plow fields. I saw ten plots of beans, lettuces, and cucumbers in just one hamlet.” — Continental Army soldier’s letter from near Exeter, May 1775, in Revolutionary War Manuscripts, Library of Congress.
