The assistance of the following persons is cheerfully acknowledged: William D. Roak, who for many years has been collecting material for a History of Durham; Benjamin F. Nason, who preserved in writing valuable traditions; Dr. David B. Strout, who left several historical manuscripts; Charles W. Webber, whose capacious memory holds most of the lore and family history of So. Durham; Josiah H. Williams, whose historical sketch in Androscoggin County Atlas has been helpful; William H. Thomas, whose aid in business management has been of great value; and a very large number of others, whose letters have contained useful information and encouragement. Not the least important and interesting feature of this volume is the portraits and illustrations, which have largely been furnished by the generosity of friends. The endeavor has been to present as good results as the art of the engraver could produce from defective daguerreotypes, tin-types and photographs collected. The credit is due to the Suffolk Engraving Company of Boston. It is believed that the History will be of especial service to Genealogists, since all the births, marriages and deaths found in Durham Town Records down to 1840 are either interwoven with the genealogies or appended at the end of the volume. This may save many a journey to Durham and much labor to the Town Clerk. Special effort has been made to secure accuracy and fulness. In a few cases the Town Records have been corrected by indisputable evidence from private sources.