We think of Julia Ward Howe at Oak Glen, a house that is still standing. Julia had a house in Lawton’s Valley before that. 1853 was her first summer in Portsmouth. Julia lived in Boston, but she had deep Rhode Island roots. There was a water powered mill near by where the local farmers brought their corn to be ground. Julia found this place an inspiration. Her poem, “In My Valley” was her first writing in the new house. She wrote: “My first writing in the new house, where may God help and bless us all. May no dark action shade our record in this house, and if possible, no surpassing sorrow.” Read the poem here: In my valley-From sunset ridge: poems, old and new
In 1865 Julia’s husband Samuel sold the Lawton Valley house. By 1870 the bought Oak Glen which was a short way from Lawton’s Valley. Julia would live at Oak Glen until her death there in 1910.
portsmouthhistorynotes 
May 10, 2017 @ 23:44:54
Lawton Valley is a favorite of mine; it was quite a discovery when we traced our surname back to Thomas Lawton who settled in Portsmouth ca. 1639. I’ve only visited once, making my way through a cemetery (with many Lawton’s) at the foot of Lawton Valley Reservoir, then across and down to the glen, the ruins of the dam and foundation of the mill that once housed Julia Ward Howe. The last time I checked the land was owned by Raytheon. I’d love to have historical archaeology done there, and have the glen in public ownership. It is a microclimate (according to a document done by Raytheon employees some years ago) that has a number of outstanding specimens of local flora. It would be great if you could post, as well, an “as it is now” photo. Thanks for remembering the place. Stephen Lawton