This history covers the origins of Exeter, New Hampshire, and its existence under the administration of the Massachusetts Government, the New Hampshire Provincial Government, and the New Hampshire State Government; ecclesiastical matters; military actions during the French and Indians wars, the American Revolution, the War of 1812, and the Civil War; schools and academies; and industry (especially mills). Of particular interest to genealogists is the author's work in compiling data from a variety of sources and presenting it in one publication. These data cover information taken from town records, including family registers found in any books, all the marriages and births in the first (oldest) book, and all the deaths (pre-1800) in that same book, as well as excerpts from the records of old Norfolk County, Massachusetts, a list of all the baptisms of children in Exeter performed by Rev. Woodbridge Odlin (1743-1763), and a list of the published marriage intentions in Exeter (1783-1800). Biographical sketches cover judges, lawyers, medical men, and selected families. New full name index.