Nearly ten years ago a history of old Kittery was begun by' Dr. William B. Lapham, encouraged by John F. Hill, now Governor of Maine. Dr. Lapham collected much useful material and outlined some chapters of the proposed work. All his material has been utilized, but no line of this book was written by him. His arrangement and style of expression could not be made to harmonize with the author's plan and language, yet due credit is cheerfully accorded to the memory of Maine's leading local historian, whose town histories and historical essays are well known. The death of Dr. Lapham caused his material to be laid aside a few years. About three years ago, by the encouragement of Governor Hill, the author was induced to begin anew the history of old Kittery and her families. The sources of information are sufficiently pointed out in foot notes and the preface to the genealogical notes. The many helpers have been indicated in like manner.