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CORNELL
UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY

 

FROM

 

 

 

 
Cornell University Libra

Sinan
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

VOLUME XXIII

CONTAINING LIFE SKETCHES OF LEADING CITIZENS OF

HILLSBORO AND CHESHIRE
COUNTIES

NEW HAMPSHIRE

“Biography is the home aspect of history”

BOSTON
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW PUBLISHING COMPANY
1897
I
 

ADaS ¢S3
ATLANTIC STATES SERIES OF BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEWS.

The volumes issued in this series up to date are the following: —

I. Orseco County, New York. XV. OxFoRD AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES,
II. Mapison County, NEw York. MAINE.
III. Broome County, NEw York. XVI. CuMmMBERLAND County, NEw JERSEY.
IV. Corumsra County, New York. XVII. RocxincHam County, New Hamp-
SHIRE.

V. Cayuca County, New York.

- VI. Detaware County, New York XVIII. PLymourH County, MassacHUSETTS.
: ; ;

VII. Livincsron anpb WyomincG CounrigEs, XIX. CampEN anD BuRLINGTON COUNTIES,
New York NEw JERSEY.
XX. SacapaHoc, LIncoLn, KNox, AND

VIII. CLinToN AnD Essex CounTigEs, NEW YorRK.
WaLpo CountTigEs, MAINE.

IX. Hamppen County, MassSacHusETTS.
XXI. SrRAFFORD AND BELKNAP -COUNTIES,

X. FRANKLIN County, MASSACHUSETTS. Sear aoe,

Xi, HAMPSHIRE COUNTY, MassdcHuserts. XXII. SuLLivan and MERRIMACK COUNTIES,
XII. Litcurietp County, CONNECTICUT. New HAMPSHIRE.

XIII. York County, Marne. XXIII. Hirisporo anp CHESHIRE COUNTIES,

XIV. CUMBERLAND County, MAINE. New HampPsuireE.

wv

Norer.— All the biographical sketches published in this volume were submitted to their respective subjects or to the sub-
scribers, from whom the facts were primarily obtained, for their approval or correction before going to press; and a reasonable
time was allowed in each case for the return of the typewritten copies. Most of them were returned to us within the time allotted,
or before the work was printed, after being corrected or revised; and these may therefore be regarded as reasonably accurate.

A few, however, were not returned to us; and, as we have no means of knowing whether they contain errors or not, we
cannot vouch for their accuracy. In justice to our readers, and to render this work more valuable for reference purposes, we have
indicated these uncorrected sketches by a small asterisk (*), placed immediately after the name of the subject. They will all be
found on the last pages of the book.

B. R. PUB. CO.
OcToBER 1, 1897.
PREFACE.

ISTORY sets forth the principal events marking the progress of civilization,

+ deals with the nations and a few great leaders; genealogy offers a study of

dry names and dates; biography, acknowledging its indebtedness to both, has
its own special See concerns itself with the individual, is history intimately
written, shows personal character and action on the stage of existence. The average
newspaper of to-day gives undue prominence to the evil done by men of ill-will or
misguided passion. To the writer of select biographies falls the pleasant task of
setting down what is best deserving of remembrance and emulation in the careers of
workers in various fields of useful activity.

The persons whose life stories are outlined in this volume, present or former
residents of Hillsboro and of Cheshire Counties, have earned the right to be com-
memorated. The accounts here given are of used talents and opportunities, of
industry, energy, and enterprise, far-reaching and to good ends; not of slothfulness,
not of selfishness, knavery, and greed, but of fair dealing, of public spirit, patriot-
ism, self-sacrifice.

Some attention has here been given to tracing lines of descent and kinship,
interesting in themselves and often valuable as showing the transmission of both
physical and mental traits. Every wise generation, it may be said, does its own work
in its own way, and, writing its own records, leaves its reputation and its example
as a legacy to posterity.

B. R. PUB. CO.
OcTOBER I, 1897.
 

HORACE GREELEY.
BIOGRAPHICAL.

yw ORACE GREELEY, printer,
founder of the New York
Tribune, who, after a busy and
useful life of sixty years,
passed to his rest on the 29th
of November, 1872, is still
remembered in this his native
State as a Hillsboro County
boy. A son of Zaccheus and
Mary (Woodburn) Greeley,
the third in a family of seven
children, he was born in Amherst, N.H.,
February 3, 1811.

In place of the tiresome three-brother story
of ancestry soberly repeated by his biog-
raphers, may here be mentioned, on authority
of Savage, the fact that Andrew Greeley, who
came to New England in 1640, and was an
original proprietor of Salisbury, Mass.,
whence he removed to Haverhill, Mass.,
where he died in 1697, was the father of four
sons: Philip, born in 1644; Andrew; Joseph;
and Benjamin, born in 1654. Horace
Greeley has left on record that his father,
grandfather, and great-grandfather, all bore
the name of Zaccheus. A Benjamin Greeley
is elsewhere spoken of as a remoter ancestor,
whence it may be inferred that Horace was of
the sixth generation in descent from Andrew,
the line running thus: Andrew (first); Ben-
jamin (second), born in 1654; Zaccheus
(third); Zaccheus (fourth); Zaccheus (fifth) ;
Horace (sixth). It is a question whether
room should be made for an Ezekiel, who has
been brought forward by some as of this stock,
but whose name appears to have been a mis-
print for the first Zaccheus.

On the maternal side Mr.
Scotch-Irish descent, so called.

 

Greeley was of
His mother

 

was a daughter of David and Margaret (Clark)
Woodburn, and a_ grand-daughter of John
Woodburn, one of the early settlers of Lon-
donderry, N.H., where land was allotted to
him about 1721 in the High Range. David
Woodburn was John Woodburn’s son by his
second wife, Mary Taggart.

Mrs. Mary Woodburn Greeley’s two elder
children had died shortly before the birth of
Horace, so that for some time she gave him
all her care. She had an unusually active
mind, well stored with ballads, stories,
traditions, which she had acquired from her
grandmother, and which she in turn imparted
to the eager child. Nor was this all. She
was a great lover of books; and Horace, who
inherited so many of her mental traits, seems
to have learned to read as naturally and as
easily as he cut his milk teeth, and nearly
as soon, poring over the pages of the big
Bible on the floor when he was but little more
than twenty-four months old, or curiously
studying the newspaper, asking of his mother
question after question about pictures and
letters. At three years of age he could read
ordinary children’s stories, and before he was
six years old he had read the whole Bible.
Ever hungry for books, beginning in his third
winter, which he spent at his grandfather
Woodburn’s, and continuing till his tenth
year, he attended district schools in London-
derry, Amherst, and Bedford, N.H. He early
distinguished himself for his mental abilities
and his attainments in literary lore; and
being as modest as he was capable, and always
social and friendly, he was a favorite with
teachers and fellow-pupils. “Words, words,
words,” were his delight, and he shortly be-
came the champion speller of the schools. To
10 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

make books appeared to him the most desir-
able if not the greatest thing to do on earth.
At six years of age he had fully made up his
mind to bea printer, and the world knows how
well in after life he carried out the plan that
pleased his childish thought. The best books
that he could borrow for miles around were
eagerly read by the light of pine knots in the
evenings at home, their contents stored in his
capacious and retentive memory. As son ofa
hard-working and not “forehanded” farmer,
the little lad helped to do the chores on the
home place; and it is recorded that he was
uniformly faithful in the performance of his
tasks, even when detained an hour from
school, as sometimes happened, in his seventh
year, to ride the horse to plough.

Hopelessly bankrupt, Zaccheus Greeley
early in 1821 removed with his wife and four
children, two boys and two girls, to West
Haven, Vt. They were very poor. Frugal
living and severe toil, clearing wild land and
raising scanty crops, were the order of the day
in the new home.
schooling, and also ended his youthful experi-
ence in farming, which had occupied him
somewhat from his sixth to his fifteenth year.
In the spring of 1826, his tather having de-
cided to remove to Erie County, Pennsylvania,
Horace went to work in East Poultney, Vt.,
to learn the printer’s trade. No stranger
could suspect the coarsely-clad rustic of being
the intelligent, well-informed, and capable
youth that he was; and he made no preten-
sions, but, when asked as to his qualifications,
simply replied that he had “read some.” He
soon showed, however, that he had found the
right place for the exercise and development
of his powers; and in after life he expressed
the opinion that, in “learning a trade under a
good master, most boys may better acquire the
knowledge they need than by spending four
years in college.” His increased opportuni-
ties for reading both books and newspapers
were eagerly improved; and a debating so-
ciety, of which he was an active and valued
member, afforded him further means of cult-
ure. He had a marvellous memory, and early
distinguished himself by his knowledge of po-
litical matters,

Horace there finished his’

 

Leaving East Poultney in June, 1830, he
spent the next twelve-month partly in visiting
his father and mother in Erie County, Penn-
sylvania, partly in working at his trade in
different places, and then took his next deci-
sive step in life, sharing his recent earnings
with his father, and starting afoot for New
York late in July, 1831, with twenty-five dol-
lars in his pocket, and carrying a small bundle
of clothing. Arriving in the great city on
the 17th of August, and applying for work at
a newspaper office next day, he was accused of
being a runaway apprentice. After many dis-
couraging rebuffs he found a job of typeset-
ting, at which by working twelve or fourteen
hours a day, he could earn about five dollars
and fifty cents a week. This was a beginning.
He kept on doing what he could find to do,
and at length with a friend started a printing
business.

In March, 1834, Mr. Greeley and a partner
issued the first number of a weekly paper,
the New Yorker, a very good paper, which
was continued for some years, but did not pay.
In 1838 he was engaged on a salary of one
thousand dollars to edit the Jeffersonian, a
Whig paper, at Albany. In 1840 he estab-
lished the successful Harrison campaign
paper, the Log Cabin, and on April 10, 1841,
he issued the first number of the New York
Tribune, with which his name will always be
connected. In the autumn Thomas McElrath
became his partner and the business manager
of the concern, and from that time on its
financial prosperity was assured. In Septem-
ber the Mew Yorker ended its days, and the
Weekly Tribune took its place. A self-made
man of noble type, Horace Greeley as editor-
in-chief of the Z7ibune for the next thirty
years exerted a masterful influence in many
progressive movements. As Mrs. Stowe
wrote of him, “ When the Rebellion broke out
he stood by the nation to the best of his abil-
ity; and, if he gave mistaken counsels at any
time, his mistakes were the unavoidable re-
sults of his mental organization, and not in
the least due to any conscious swerving from
principle, either in ethics or politics.” The
Tribune’s columns bear witness to his numer-
ous interests and activities, a record which
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW 1

 

 

would fill volumes. A member of Congress,
December 1, 1848, to March 4, 1849, he
showed up the abuses of the mileage system,
and advocated the homestead law. In 1851
he served as one of the jurors at the famous
World’s Fair in London, and in 1859 he made
a fruitful journey of observation across the
continent. Nominated for the Presidency by
the Liberal arftt Democratic parties in 1872,
he gave himself to the work of the campaign
in the spirit of “reunion and fraternity,” and
received over two and a half million votes.
Failing of election, he returned to his news-
paper work. But the end was near. De-
pressed by the loss of his wife and exhausted
by long and wearying labors, he died of in-
flammation of the brain on the 29th of Novem-
ber. The funeral services, held in the
Church of the Divine Paternity, conducted by
the pastor, Dr. Chapin, with a brief address
also by Henry Ward Beecher, were attended
by a large concourse of people, including
President Grant, the Vice-President, and Chief
Justice, and many other persons of distinction
in public and in private life.

Mr. Greeley married in North Carolina, in
1836, Miss Mary Y. Cheney, a Connecticut
school teacher, whose acquaintance he had
made in New York. Four children, two sons
and two daughters, were born to them, but
only the daughters survived their parents.
For many years the summer home of the fam-
ily was at Chappaqua, about thirty-three miles
from the city, on the farm that he bought
early in his married life, and of which he was
very fond.

In religion Mr. Greeley was a Universalist.
He was the author of several books that were
published in his lifetime. Among them may
be named: “Glances at Europe,” “Overland
Journey to San Francisco,” “The American
Conflict,” “What I know of Farming,” and
“Recollections of a Busy Life,” the latter
thus dedicated : —

“To our American boys who, born in pov-
erty, cradled in obscurity, and early called
from school and rugged labor, are seeking to
convert obstacle into opportunity, and wrest
achievement from difficulty, these Recollec-
tions are inscribed by their author.”

 

The many volumes of the 7ridne for which
he was responsible are an evidence of the in-
defatigable labors of “our later Franklin,” as
he was designated by John G. Whittier, and suf-
ficiently attest the claim that has been made,
that he was “perhaps the greatest editor and
certainly the foremost political advocate and
controversialist, if not also the most influential
popular writer, the country has produced.”

 

OHN B. FISK, an influential citizen
of Chesterfield, N.H., widely known
and highly respected as the ‘‘ Veteran
Justice,’’ was born in this town on the

farm which is still his home, on April 10,
1816, son of Thomas and Lucinda (Trow-
bridge) Fisk. The Fisk family, which is of
English origin, has been identified with the
industrial development of different parts of
New England, and has produced men and
women of ability and solid worth. John B,
Fisk is a descendant of Nathaniel Fisk, who
was great-grandson of Robert and Sybil Fisk,
of Broad Gates, England. Nathaniel] settled
in Watertown, Mass., in 1642. His son John
was the father of John Fisk, second, who set-
tled in Shelburne Falls, Mass., and whose
son Isaac died in Framingham. Isaac was the
father of John, third, grandfather of John B.
Fisk. Grandfather Fisk was born in Fram-
ingham, and died there in 1819. He and his
wife, Abigail Howe, had eight children.
Thomas Fisk, above named, son of John
and Abigail, was born in 1774. When about
two years of age he had a severe attack of
scarlet fever, which left him deaf. He con-
sequently never learned to talk, but was able
to read intelligently and to handle numbers
accurately. When fifty years of age he was
admitted to the schoo] for deaf-mutes at Hart-
ford, Conn., where he remained for one year,
making remarkable progress, and learning
much that was of value to him during the rest
of his life. He died on July 25, 1861, at the
age of eighty-seven years. The farm he
bought was then known as the Ezra Davis
farm, and the house built by him in 1807
is the Jast one in Chesterfield on the Hinsdale
side. The place is now known as the ‘‘Fisk

 
12 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

Homestead,’’ a sign on the front of the house
telling its name to the passer-by. When liv-
ing in Dorchester, Mass., in his early years of
activity, Thomas Fisk manufactured playing
cards, being under bonds to the amount of
seven hundred dollars, not to reveal the secret
of the process. After coming to Chesterfield
he engaged in farming, and was successful and
prosperous. His wife, Lucinda, who survived
him for some years, died at the same age
as himself, eighty-seven. The children of
Thomas Fisk were: Thomas T., who was born
November 27, 1806; Lucinda, born March 4,
1809; Mary Ann, born June 28, 1814; and
John B. Thomas T. Fisk resided in Hins-
dale. He was twice married, the first time to
Emily, daughter of Elijah Hildreth, the sec-
ond time to Adeline Goodnow; and his chil-
dren were: George C., Lucius G., Noyes W.,
and Addie E. Lucinda Fisk, now deceased,
married Nathaniel Hildreth, of Charlestown,
Vt. Mary Ann, who married Hosea Newton,
died in Keota, Ia.

John B. Fisk was educated in the district
schools and in the academy at Chesterfield,
and in his early manhood he taught school
during the winter and worked at farming in
the summer. He finally decided to make farm-
ing his occupation, and has since resided in
Chesterfield, with the exception of three years
spent in Hinsdale. He was appointed Justice
of the Peace in 1854, and held the position
until] 1896, when poor health constrained him
to resign his commission. He was also for
twenty-five years a Justice of the Quorum; and,
being for many years the only Trial Justice
in town, he tried many cases, some of them
criminal cases which he sent up to the grand
jury. His title, the ‘‘Veteran Justice,’’ be-
stowed by courtesy, it is thus seen has been
well won. In his official capacity Mr. Fisk
has settled a large number of estates, probably
more than any other man in town, and has
often acted as guardian and trustee. This
business has, in many cases, made it necessary
for him to visit different parts of the country,
and he has been West on eight different trips.
He was for many years agent for the Cheshire
Insurance Company, but gave up the position
twenty years ago.

 

In politics Mr. Fisk was an old-time Whig.
Later he joined the ranks of the Republican
party, and has since been one of the most
loyal members of that organization. He has
been an active political worker, and his views
have carried great influence; but he has not
desired political preferment for himself. He
served the town as Selectman for one year,
and he has been sent as delegate to party con-
ventions times innumerable. When the move-
ment was made to open a_ post-office at
Spofford Lake, Mr. Fisk remonstrated, and his
arguments and statement of facts to Senator
Gallinger were so effective that the movement
fell through. Mr. Fisk is a strong temper-
ance advocate, and is interested in the ad-
vancement of religious work, although he is
not connected with any church.

Mr. Fisk has been twice married. His first
wife, to whom he was married in 1838, was
Arabel Robertson. She died in 1876, having
borne three children, namely: Harrison F. ;
Martha D., who died in 1893; and Frank D.
The second wife, to whom he was married on
November 21, 1877, was Mrs. Pierce, whose
maiden name was Elizabeth Ann Chandler.
Frank D. Fisk is a commercial traveller. He
is married and resides in Brattleboro. Harri-
son resides in Springfield, I]]., and is agent
for a whip-manufacturing concern. Martha
D. was twice married. Her first husband was
Henry C. Walker, of Portsmouth, N.H., a
wealthy man and son of a well-known Ports-
mouth family. He died on January 7, 1874;
and she subsequently married Edward Steb-
bins, now a leading man of Hinsdale.

George C. Fisk, mentioned above, son of
Thomas T., and a nephew of the subject of
this sketch, was born on March 4, 1831, was
married on June 7, 1853, to Maria E. Ripley,
and resides at Brightwood, Mass. He is presi-
dent of the Wason Car Company and of the
Fisk Manufacturing Company, makers of soap
at Springfield, Mass., and president of the
Fisk Paper-Company, of Hinsdale. He has
worked his own way from being clerk in a
store in Hinsdale to be the head of numerous
successful enterprises. A reputed millionaire,
he is considered one of the wealthiest men of
the city of Springfield. He is modest and
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW 13

 

 

simple in his tastes. Noyes, his brother, is
treasurer of the soap company; and Lucius,
another brother, now deceased, was a member
of the same concern.

 

ODNEY JOHNSON, a well-known

real estate owner, lumberman, and

farmer of Goffstown, was born in

this town, November 13, 1824, son

of Ebenezer and Elizabeth McAuley Johnson.

The grandfather, Timothy Johnson, was one

of the first settlers of Goffstown. He took up

new land, and made for himself a home in the

wilds, where there was then abundance of wild

game, and near the present centre of the

town. In the course of time he acquired pos-

session of other tracts of land. He died at

an advanced age, esteemed by every one who

knew him. Of his family of seven children,

two sons and five daughters, none are now
living.

Ebenezer Johnson, the father of the subject
of this sketch, was also interested in real es-
tate and farming, and was skilled in handling
tools. He was a very industrious man and a
member of the Baptist church. Always ac-
tively interested in the welfare of his native
town, he was in early life a Whig and later
a member of the Republican party, which
thereafter had his stanch support until his
death in 1847. His wife, Elizabeth, died at
the age of eighty-seven years in Wisconsin,
where she spent the last years of her life. Of
their six children George died at the age of
seven years, and Susan Newman about the age
of fifty. The four living children are: Sarah
J. Johnson, residing in Prescott, Wis.; Syl-
vanus C. Johnson, whose home is in Clifton,
Wis.; Eliza, who resides in Minneapolis,
Minn., the widow of Levi Bailey; and Rod-
ney Johnson, who grew to manhood and re-
sides in Goffstown, having been educated in
the public schools.

At the age of nineteen Rodney Johnson
was engaged in lumbering and farming for
himself, also dealing in grain and flour. In
1851 he went to California by way of the
Isthmus, being thirty days on the way, and
was there engaged for three years in trade and

 

mining. After a visit to Goffstown he
started in 1854 for Wisconsin, where he be-
came largely interested in real estate and
grain and in the city of Prescott. He did an
extensive business there for a number of
years, shipping large amounts of grain down
the river and to Milwaukee and Chicago.
He returned to Goffstown in 1857, and has
since that time been a permanent resident
here, though he still retains his real estate in-
terests in Wisconsin.

In 1850 Mr. Johnson was married to
Harriet F. Adams, who was born in Bedford,
N.H., daughter of John and Mary (Seaver)
Adams. Isadore Johnson, the eldest of his
three children, born in California, June 22,
1854, now resides with her parents. She has
been the librarian of the Rogers Free Library
since its establishment in 1888 and the or-
ganist of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church for
several years. Ernest Johnson, one of the
sons, born in Prescott, Wis., in 1855, was
married to Miss Carrie Eastman, and has two
children — Howard E. and Rodney A. He is
a lumber merchant and surveyor, and has been
Town Clerk and a member of the School Board
and of the Board of Health in his native town.
He is a communicant of the Episcopal church,
and has membership in the New England
Order of Protection. In 1896 he was Grand
Dictator of the Knights of Honor, and he is
now Past Grand, as well as Grand Representa-
tive to the Supreme Lodge. Frank, the other
son of Rodney Johnson, was born April 7,
1857, at Goffstown. Like his brother, a lum-
ber merchant, he is also interested in farming.
For the last ten years he has been Town
Clerk. He isa Justice of the Peace, belongs
to the Knights of Honor, and is a communi-
cant of the Episcopal church. He was mar-
ried in 1896 to Jessie A. Hawthorne, who was
born in Hopkinton, N.H.

Rodney Johnson, the fortunate father of
these two sons, is a self-made man. He has
always been busily engaged in successful en-
terprises. He is one of the largest real estate
owners in Goffstown, and has been Selectman
for four years, and for many years Supervisor.
In 1868 he was a Representative to the General
Court, being elected on the Republican ticket.
14 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

Mr. Johnson is an active communicant of the
Episcopal church, and was largely instrumen-
tal in having the present church building
erected here. Mrs. Johnson is a grand-daugh-
ter of a Revolutionary veteran. Her grand-
father, William Adams, of the Adams family
of Hillsboro County, served as a soldier for
two years in the struggle for American inde-
pendence. Mrs. Johnson naturally feels much
pride in her ancestry.

de C. EMERSON, who was a lead-

 

 

ing farmer of Weare at one time, was

born in this town, March 23, 1809, son

of Marden and Polly (Dow) Emerson.
He was descended from one of three brothers
named Emerson, who came to this country in
the early period of its history. They settled
in Weare, where the Emersons have since
been a leading family, and remarkable for
their industry and physical strength. Marden
Emerson, born in Weare, February 11, 1781,
died December 18, 1864. On November 15,
1803, he married Polly Dow. She was born
near Georgetown, N.H., July 13, 1782, and
died October 30, 1875.

Jesse C. Emerson grew to manhood in the
town of Weare, receiving his education in the
town schools. Prosperously engaged in gen-
eral agriculture, he was one of the leading
farmers of the district. In religious belief he
was a Congregationalist. His political views
carried him into the Democratic party, with
which he invariably voted. On June 20,
1839, he married Harriet Duke, who was born
in Andover, Mass., December 29, 1816, and
died in Grasmere, March 2, 1895. She was
a daughter of John and Phoebe Holt Duke.
Mr. and Mrs. Emerson had four children —
Louisa P., Emeline, Mary A., and Hattie A.
Louisa P. died at the age of five years; Eme-
line married Albert Tirrell, of Weymouth,
Mass.; Mary A. married Edwin Flanders, of
whom a separate sketch will be found; Hattie
A. resides in Grasmere, a part of the town of
Goffstown, where she has a beautiful home.
A very intelligent lady, she takes much in-
terest in preserving the family history, of
which she may be justly proud. Mr. Emer-

 

son’s death occurred March 27, 1887, in the
house beneath whose roof. he was born.

 

 

lent example, as has been well said,

i of the best type of the village

lawyer, died at his pleasant home in
Drewsville, Cheshire County, N.H., June
10, 1893. Mr. Lovell was born in Drews-
ville, August 30, 1826, and was the second
son of Aldis and Martha (Willard) Lovell.

His father, Aldis Lovell, who was the third
son of Elijah and Abigail G. Lovell, was born
in Rockingham, Vt., August 2, 1789. Until
he was twenty-one years of age Aldis assisted
his father about the farm, availing himself in
the meantime of such educational opportuni-
ties as the little town afforded. But, wearying
of farm life, he determined to seek more con-
genial fields. Deciding to fit himself for the
legal profession, he spent a few terms at the
Chester Academy, and in 1818 went from
there to New Market, N.H., to pursue a
course preparatory for college. Having com-
pleted that course, he entered the law office
of the Hon. Daniel Kellogg, of Saxton’s River,
Vt., and after two years’ close study he was
admitted to the bar at Newfane, Vt. He took
up practice in his native town, but shortly
removed to Drewsville, N.H., where he con-
tinued active in his profession till the time of
his death, which occurred March 12, 1866, his
duties extending into Alstead and other ad-
jacent towns. He was County Solicitor for
ten years, between 1840 and 1850; but, while
he figured prominently in public life, he held
few offices. He is spoken of ‘‘as a lawyer,
honest, and in pursuit of justice untiring.
Nothing would make him more impatient than
to see wrong-doing go unpunished. He was
one who enjoyed a good story, and could tell
one himself.’’ He was a close observer of
human nature, and had the courage of his con-
victions. He married Martha, daughter of
Paul and Martha (Haskell) Willard, and
grand-daughter of Colonel Henry Haskell, of
Revolutionary fame. She was born at Lan-
caster, Mass., May 26, 1799, and died at
Drewsville, N.H., August 12, 1851. The

A” BOLIVAR LOVELL, an excel-

 
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW 15

 

 

children of this union were Aldis, who died in
infancy; Maria, who died in 1836, at the age
of twelve years; Bolivar, the special subject
of this sketch; Henry A., who married
Georgie B., daughter of Ignatius Fellows;
and Willard A., who married Julia A., daugh-
ter of Lyman Chandler.

Bolivar Lovell received a limited educa-
tion in the district schools of the town of
Walpole, and at the age of sixteen was taken
into the employ of Cragin & Hartwell, mer-
chants of Providence, R.J., where he remained
for three years. The young man, however,
had inherited a taste for the law, and he re-
turned home at the age of nineteen to read law
in his father’s office at Alstead. Appointed
Deputy Sheriff at the early age of twenty-one,
he acted in that capacity until the year 1855,
when he was appointed Sheriff for the county
of Cheshire. This office he held for ten
years. In 1862 he was made United States
Assessor of Internal Revenues for the Third
New Hampshire District for eight years. He
was admitted to the Sullivan County bar in
1869, and, entering at once upon the duties of
his profession at Alstead, there acquired a
remunerative practice, and became widely
known. In 1873 and 1874 he was a member
of Governor Cheney's Council, and in 1879
he served on the State Board of Equalization of
Taxes. In 1880 he removed to Drewsville,
where he built himself a handsome residence,
adding a finely equipped office and well-chosen
library.

He married in 1848 Sarah E. B., daugh-
ter of Hope and Fanny (Cooper) Lathrop, of
Drewsville. Mrs. Lovell’s father came origi-
nally from Connecticut. In youth he learned
the plater’s trade in Westminster, Vt., and in
1819 he removed to Drewsville, where he fol-
lowed his trade for a few years, afterward
for a number of years holding the office of
Deputy Sheriff. His next interest was in the
hotel business, and he likewise held the
office of Postmaster for several years. He
was a director of the Connecticut River Bank
at Charlestown, N.H., and was president
of the bank for some years before his death.
Mr. Lathrop was cautious and sagacious in
business, and under his presidency the bank

 

prospered as it had never done before. He
is said to have been a man of more than
ordinary intellectual ability, added to an in-
domitable energy and persistency of character.
He was twice married; and by his first wife,
formerly Miss Fanny Cooper, he had three
daughters — Sarah E. B., Lucia A., and
Fanny. Mrs. Fanny C. Lathrop died June 4,
1837, and Mr. Lathrop married second a
daughter of Thomas Drew, and widow of
Joseph Bond, M.D. His home was in Drews-
ville, where he amassed a large fortune, and
became one of the most prominent men of the
town. Mr. Lovell is survived by his wife,
Mrs. Sarah E. B. Lovell, and three children,
namely: Martha Ellen, who married Dr.
S. T. Smith; Hope L. and Aldis, both of
whom make their home in Drewsville.

Capable and faithful in the discharge of
trusts, liberal-minded, hospitable, uniformly
kind and courteous, Mr. Lovell was much
admired and beloved. However engrossed by
private business or public duties, he was ever
foremost in any movement for the advance-
ment of the schools, the morals of youth, and
the welfare of the community. When his use-
ful and honorable career was closed by death,
the press did not fail to pay tribute to his
memory, one to whom he was well known
writing : —

‘“As sheriff he was a model officer, fear-
less, exact, careful, and courteous, giving to
his office the dignity and character which the
tradition and teaching of our law demand.

‘“‘As a lawyer he was exact, careful, and
painstaking, a wise and prudent counsellor and
a most faithful attorney. He never took upa
case until thoroughly convinced of its merits,
and then strove with all of his characteristic
tenacity and strong will to accomplish his
client’s ends. While his modesty prevented
him from taking the more showy and promi-
nent positions in the trial of causes, our best
lawyers knew when associated with him how
greatly his skilful preparation of the case con-
tributed to their success in the court.

‘‘While his business life was thus faithful
and conscientious, his private life was equally
sweet and true, and his devotion to his family
was as marked as to his clients and friends.’’
16 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

AHLON C. DIX, M.D., of Hins-
dale, N.H., a_ physician well
¢d known throughout Cheshire
County, was born in Troy, Vt.,
, January 12, 1844, son of Samuel and Maria B.
(Church) Dix. Samuel Dix, the son of John,
was born in Reading, Mass. When a young
man he went to Montpelier, Vt., and was
there in association with Mr. Mahlon Cottrill,
connected with the stage line running from
that city to Boston, being thus engaged until
the railroads supplanted the stage-coach. In
politics he was a strong Democrat. He died
in 1872, at the age of seventy-two years, his
wife surviving him ten years. Seven chil-
dren were born to them, namely: Samuel N.,
now living in Montgomery, Vt., a retired
merchant; Mahlon C., the Doctor; Francis F.
(deceased) ; John, a house carpenter, residing
at Lebanon, N.H.; and three who died in
infancy, one being a daughter, Mary Jane.
Mahlon C., the special subject of this
sketch, was educated at the academy in Al-
bany, Vt., where his father had resided for
more than twenty years. While in attend-
ance at the academy, he enlisted in the Fif-
teenth Vermont Regiment, Company I. He
served nine months, and, re-enlisting in 1864,
served until the close of the war, when he
received his discharge at Burlington, Vt.
Though he did not participate in many en-
gagements during the war, his company being
chiefly called to do guard duty, he experienced
many severe marches, most of them made at
night, when much ground had to be covered in
quick time. After his war experience he took
up teaching, spending his summers in work on
farms, and thus, earning and saving, he was
soon able to commence the study of medicine.
He took his first course of lectures in the
medical department of the University of Ver-
mont at Burlington in 1873, and after some
years of study, partly under the tutelage of
Dr. George W. Woodward, of Albany, he
received the degree of Doctor of Medicine
from the University in 1875. During these
years spent in study he was also engaged in
teaching at Albany, at Craftsbury, Westfield,
and North and South Troy, thus earning his
way through college. Though his medical ed-

 

ucation had cost him eighteen hundred dollars,
he was but one hundred dollars in debt when,
August 1, 1875, he began the practice of
medicine at Hinsdale, where he has since
remained.

Dr. Dix has served for seventeen consecu-
tive years on the Hinsdale Board of Educa-
tion, raising the standard of work, and classi-
fying the schools into grades and districts.
He was one of the originators of the high
school, and, with Dr. Leonard, has been in-
fluential in making numerous advantageous
changes in text-books and in other ways.
To-day the standard of all the schools of
Hinsdale is as high as the best in any city,
and the graduates of the high school are ad-
mitted to Dartmouth on the signature of the
principal. In other ways the Doctor has been
influential in the town. Politically, he is a
Democrat, but voted for McKinley in the
recent election. He has been Selectman for
one year. He is a Mason, a member of the
Golden Rule Lodge, No. 77, and has taken
the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite,
thirty-second degree; is a member of the
Order of Red Men, Squakheag Lodge, No.
27; and of Sheridan Post, No. 14, G. A. R.
His preference in religion is for the Congre-
gationalists.

In minor surgery Dr. Dix does much work,
being called to many such cases among the
mill hands of the town; but his principal
practice is in obstetrical cases, of which he
attends at least half that occur in the town.
His services are sought in neighboring towns
throughout the county. He married August
13, 1877, Addie E., daughter of Alfred
Marble, a leading member of the Congrega-
tional Church of Hinsdale, and is at present
senior Deacon. Mrs. Dix is an active mem-
ber of this church. The Doctor and his wife
have no children.

 

ENDRICK KENDALL, of the well-
known firm Kendall, Hadley & Co.,
manufacturers of sashes, blinds,

window frames, etc., at Goffstown, was born
in Mont Vernon, N.H., January 26, 1838, son
of Ira and Cyrene (Batchelder) Kendall. Ira
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW Ly

 

 

Kendall and his wife were also natives of
Mont Vernon. While his regular occupation
was that of farmer, he was often engaged in
settling estates, and he served in a number
of town offices, including that of Selectman.
His life was spent in Mont Vernon, and he
had four children.

Kendrick Kendall lived in Mont Vernon
with his parents during the early years of his
life. He received a fair, general education,
but fitted for no special line of business. On
leaving Mont Vernon, he went to Nashua,
and lived there for a few years. In 1858 he
came to Goffstown, and for ten years was em-
ployed by the sash and blind manufacturers,
William Hadley and his successor, Ded D.
Gregg, acting in the capacity of manager for
a part of the time. The firm of Kendall,
Hadley & Co. was then formed, and the busi-
ness has since been successfully carried on
under this title, though Mr. Hadley is now
deceased. The factory is fitted up with im-
proved machinery, and furnishes continuous
employment for from seventy to seventy-five
men. Much credit is due to Mr. Kendall for
the success with which the enterprise has
been conducted.

In March, 1864, Mr. Kendall was married
to Miss Rebecca Warren, of Goffstown. They
have two sons and a daughter — Frank W.,
Annie M., and Lewis B. Mr. Kendall is an
independent politician. He has served as
Town Treasurer, and in 1875 he was sent as a
Representative to the lower house of the New
Hampshire legislature. He is a member of
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at
Goffstown.

 

OHN G. DODGE, one of the best
known and esteemed residents of Goffs-

town, was born February 17, 1844,

son of John G. and Polly (Tallant)
Dodge. The Dodge family has been identi-
fied with the history of Goffstown ever since
the town was settled. Antipas Dodge, the
great-grandfather of John G., was one of the
interesting characters figuring in the early
history of the town. Born in Old Haverhill
Neck in 1732, he died July 4, 1834, at the

 

advanced age of one hundred and two years.
He served in the French and Indian War, and
in the Revolutionary War at the battle of
Bunker Hill. For his services in the French
and. Indian War he was granted a tract of
land in the Uncanoonuc Mountains, where on
the 4th of March, 1762, he settled near the
site of the village of Goffstown. He came
alone, bringing on his back from Londonderry
besides one bushel of corn— which he had
ground at McGregor’s old mill —a blanket,
an axe, a gun with ammunition, an iron kettle,
and a bag of salt. In this way he entered on
his new estate, and began to make a home in
the wilds. His last days were spent in Goffs-
town, where he made an honored name for his
descendants. The farm settled by Antipas
Dodge continues to the present time in the
family. ¢

James Dodge, who was born on the old
homestead in 1771, like his father was sturdy,
industrious, and progressive. He made many
improvements on the home property, and built
one of the best houses of his time, which still
stands in a good state of preservation. He
was a stanch Presbyterian and a member of
the Democratic party. He had two sons and

three daughters, all now deceased, who
reached maturity. They were: John G.,,
Jerusha L., Maria, Mary, and Daniel G. John

G. Dodge, Sr., passed his entire life on the
old homestead, chiefly occupied in the culti-
vation of its four hundred and twenty-five
acres. He was a Universalist and a Demo-
crat. He died on the 17th of July, 1882; and
his wife, who was a native of Canterbury, died
in 1870. Four daughters of this worthy
couple — Margaret, Jerusha, Mary, and Maria
—are now deceased. Their son James, late
of Pembroke, N.H., died May 11, 1897, at
the age of sixty-seven years and six months.
One daughter, Elizabeth, the wife of William
H. H. Hart, of Goffstown, and John G.
Dodge, Jr., are living.

John G. Dodge, the youngest of his par-
ents’ children, grew to manhood on the old
home farm. After completing the course of
the public schools of his native town, he
studied for a while at New Boston and later
at Boscawen Academy. Then, after teaching
18 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

school for one term, he engaged in farming,
carpentry, and lumbering. At present his
business interests are almost entirely confined
to lumbering and real estate. He still holds
an interest in the Dodge homestead, which is
looked upon by the whole family with
mingled pride and reverence.

Mr. Dodge contracted his first marriage
with Addie M. Travis, who died January 14,
1883. The present Mrs. Dodge was before
marriage Miss Lucy A. Colby, daughter of
George W. Colby. Both she and her husband
are attendants of the Congregational church.
In politics Mr. Dodge, holding to the family
tradition, is a well-known Democrat. He is
a Mason of Bible Lodge at Goffstown; an
Odd Fellow of Webster Lodge, No. 24; and
he belongs to the Knights of Pythias, No. 37,
Advance Lodge; and to Eastern Star, No. 6.
Active and enterprising all his life, Mr.
Dodge has carved his own fortunes. In 1874
he moved from the Dodge homestead into the
village, where he has a happy home with
pleasant surroundings. He takes much inter-
est in the early history of Goffstown.

ILLIAM W. DINSMORE, a leading
resident of Alstead and a native of
this town, was born February 12,

1857, son of John G. and Mary E. (Spencer)
Dinsmore. The great-grandfather, Thomas
Dinsmore, who was the first of the name in
this part of New Hampshire, and who settled
in Alstead as a farmer, took a leading part in
public affairs, and was generally respected.
His wife was a Green. Calvin Dinsmore, the
grandfather, was born in Alstead, and died
there at the age of seventy-five years. He
was a farmer and a blacksmith, and one of the
leading men of the town. He was univer-
sally beloved because of his genial and kindly
manners, and was known by everybody in the
place as ‘‘Uncle Calvin.’’ He was active in
town affairs and one of the liberal supporters
of the Universalist church. His wife, in

 

maidenhood Lucy Walker, was born in Lang-.

don, and lived to be seventy-eight years old.
They had a family of ten children.
John G. Dinsmore, the third child of his

 

parents, was born in Alstead, January 29,
1817, and died December 1, 1892. He
worked as a farmer until he came of age, when
he bought a smithy, and worked at the black-
smith’s trade for twenty-three years. Then
he engaged in the wholesale flour and grain
business, which he carried on for three or
four years, when he was obliged to retire from
active life. He was always interested in public
affairs, and was more or less closely associated
with the administration of the town business.
A member of the Congregational church, he
was an active worker in that body and one of
its generous supporters. His business rela-
tions were always characterized by strict
honesty, and he was everywhere known as a
man of absolute integrity. His wife’s father
had been a director and the president of both
the Charlestown National Bank and the Con-
necticut River National Bank for many years
at the time of his death.

William W. Dinsmore was an only child.
After receiving his education in the town
schools and at Barre Academy, of Barre, Vt.,
he began his business life as clerk in a
grocery store at Keene, where he remained for
two years. At the end of that time he re-
turned to Alstead, and entered the flour and
grain business, in which his father was at
that time engaged. He has remained here
since, assisting his father, who was in feeble
health, in the management of his business in-
terests. Since the death of the latter he has
been engaged in settling the estate and look-
ing out for the property. He is an attendant
of the Congregational church, and takes an
interest in the affairs of that town. He has
held the office of Tax Collector for the past
six years. Mr. Dinsmore married N. Emma
Emerson, of this place, who was born Sep-
tember 15, 1857.

 

AN BUREN MARTIN, a prosperous
farmer of Goffstown, was born on the
farm on which he is now living, Feb-

ruary 26, 1840, son of Francis B. and Betsy
B. (Hadley) Martin. His grandfather, Cap-
tain Joshua Martin, was one of the first set-
tlers here. A hard-working and industrious
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW 19

 

 

man, Captain Martin cleared the place his
grandson occupies. He was a Revolutionary
soldier, and was taken prisoner by the
Indians.

Francis B. Martin, who was born here, July
I, 1792, also followed the life of an agricult-
urist. On December 25, 1817, he married
Miss Betsy B. Hadley, who was born July 1,
1797, being his junior by five years to a day.
He died November 15, 1872, and she, May
10, 1879. Ten children, seven sons and
three daughters, were born to them, as fol-
lows: Abigail H., July 26, 1818; Joshua,
March 5, 1820; Francis, April 24, 1822;
Emily A., November 26, 1823; Richard H.,
December 17, 1825; Joshua (second), Febru-
ary 20, 1828; Luther P., December 23, 1830;
Calvin, August 15, 1833; Elizabeth, Febru-
ary 6, 1837; and Van Buren, February 26,
1840. Three sons and two daughters are now
living — Abigail H., Francis, Calvin, Eliza-
beth, and Van Buren. Both parents were
members of the Congregational church. In
politics the father was a Democrat.

Van Buren Martin has always resided on
the homestead, of which he is the present
owner. Not content with simply caring for
his farm, he has branched out into other lines,
and as a result of his thrift and enterprise
now owns, in addition to the home place, on
which he has made numerous improvements,
two hundred acres in Dunbarton and sufficient
other land in Goffstown to make about three
hundred and fifty acres. On March 30, 1868,
he married Mary Ellen Bucklin, who was born
in Grafton, N.H., March 7, 1842, daughter of
James and Lydia Bucklin. Both her parents
have passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Martin have
had three children, two sons and a daughter.
The daughter, Dora May, born in October,
1871, died November 19, 1893. The sons,
both living at home, are: James F., born
February 19, 1870; and Herbert E., born
June 8, 1879.

Mr. Martin is a Democrat. He is a mem-
ber of Bible Lodge, F. & A. M., at Goffs-
town; of Webster Lodge, No. 24, I. O. O. F.,
at Goffstown; and the encampment at Man-
chester; and of Granite Lodge, No. 3, K. of
P., at Manchester. James F., the older son,

 

is also a member of Bible Lodge, F. & A. M.;
and of Webster Lodge, I. O. O. F. In relig-
ion both parents are liberal.

RANCIS MARTIN, now over seventy-
five years of age, is the oldest living
son of Francis B. and Betsy B. (Had-

ley) Martin. He received a district-school
education. With the exception of three years
spent in Quincy, Mass., he has constantly re-
sided in this his native town. The farm on
which he now lives, and which has been his
home for the past fifty years, contains about
seventy-five acres, and is under good cultiva-
tion. On December 8, 1846, Mr. Martin was
united in marriage with Miss Clarinda Had-
ley, who was born in Goffstown, daughter of
Nathaniel and Hannah Hadley. They have
one son, Henry F. Martin, born April 7,
1848. Henry, who is a well-known and _ suc-
cessful farmer of this town, married Georgia
Austin, of Hookset, N.H. She has borne
him two daughters — Clara May and Jennie
Belle. In political affiliation Francis Martin
is a Democrat. While both he and his wife
hold liberal religious views, they are attend-
ants of the Methodist Episcopal church.

 

 

man of Antrim, was born September 1,

1846, in Lake Village (now Lakeport),

N.H., son of Jonathan K. and Maria
(Annis) Bryer. His grandfather, David
Bryer, a native of Canterbury, N.H., was a
stone mason and a contractor for the erection
of stone walls throughout New Hampshire.
After an industrious and successful business
career David died at the advanced age of
eighty-three years. In politics he was  suc-
cessively a Whig and a Republican. Of his
seven children who reached maturity Julia,
Martha, Mary, and Albert S. are living.
Julia is now the widow of Smith Morrill, late
of Rumney, N.H., and has one child living,
Sarah Morrill. Martha is the wife of Joseph
Thing, of Lakeport, N.H., and has two chil-
dren — Warren and George. Mary married
George Hackett, of Elizabeth City, N.J., and

Je A. BRYER, a leading business
20 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

has two children — George and Ella. Albert
S. married Lucy Hardy, of Groton, N.H.,
and has one child, Ella.

Jonathan K. Bryer, the third child of
David, born in Canterbury, N.H., was a
farmer there for some years. Then he moved
to Groton, where his father bought a large
farm. Here he resided up to the time of his
death, which occurred when he was seventy-
two years old. A man of integrity and untir-
ing industry, he was greatly esteemed by all.
Maria Annis Bryer, the first of his two
wives, bore him six children, of whom Clar-
ence L., John A., David P., Herbert K., and
Charles A. are living. Clarence L. has been
twice married, and became the father of four
children by his first wife; David P. married
Mary Sawyer, of Antrim, and has two chil-
dren — Myrtie and Walter; Herbert K. mar-
ried Lizzie Stacy, of the same town, and has
four children — Bertha, Albert, Grace, and
Mary; Charles A. married a Miss Putney, of

Hebron, N.H., and has five children. Jon-
athan’s second wife was Lydia Fellows
Bryer, who had three children — Annie,

George, and Leon. Annie is now the wife of
Lewis Brown, of Groton, and has one child.
John A. Bryer received his education in
Groton. On March 30, 1864, being then but
seventeen years old, he enlisted as a private
in the Fourth New Hampshire Regiment,
Company I, and thereafter served in the war
until its close, participating in the siege of
Petersburg and the actions at Deep Bottom,
Fort Fisher, and Richmond. He was wounded
by a stray ball at Petersburg, and was dis-
charged July 1, 1865. He then returned to
Groton, and went to farming, and later on
worked in a truss factory for two years and a
half. Subsequently in Haverhill, N.H., he
was for a short time engaged in the black-
smith business, after which he spent one year
and a half in Lebanon and one year in Bris-
tol, N.H. In 1870 he purchased his present
shop in Antrim, where he has since resided.
On June 11, 1869, Mr. Bryer married
Lodemia E., daughter of Able Bailey, of
Groton. They have no children. Mr. Bryer
has been Town Clerk, and is now Second Se-
lectman. He is a comrade of the G. A. R.

 

Post No. 87, Ephraim Weston, of Antrim;
and for twenty years has been a member of
the I. O. O. F. He has taken all the degrees
in Waverly Lodge, No. 59, and occupigd all
of the chairs. Both he and Mrs. Bryer have
been members of the Presbyterian church for
the past twenty years. In politics he is a
Republican. He is highly esteemed and pop-
ular in Antrim.

TEPHEN C. COBURN, an es-
teemed resident of Milford and a
good representative of New Eng-
land’s self-made men, was born No-
vember 19, 1825, in Mont Vernon, N.H., son
of Josiah and Judith (Carlton) Coburn.  Jo-
siah Coburn lived in Dracut, Mass., until ten
years of age. Then he went to Mont Vernon,
where he afterward resided until his death,
which occurred while he was yet in the prime
of manhood. He married Judith Carlton, a
daughter of Deacon John Carlton. Deacon
Carlton fought for independence in the Revo-
lution. He was a lifelong resident of Mont
Vernon, of which his father was a pioneer.
Stephen C. Coburn was an infant when his
father died. He remained with his widowed
mother throughout his boyhood, assisting her
as much as he could in the maintenance of her
family, and obtaining a practical education in
the common and high schools of his native
town. When sixteen years old he began serv-
ing an apprenticeship of three years to shoe-
making with John Mills, of Milford, whither
he removed for that purpose. Having become
an adept at this work, Mr. Coburn followed it
for thirty-five years, the last thirty years of
the time being prosperously engaged as a man-
ufacturer and retailer of boots and shoes in this
town, employing at times as many as twelve
men to assist him in meeting the demands of
his customers. In 1882 he retired to his pres-
ent farm, which contains about sixty acres of
land, and has since devoted his time to farm-
ing pursuits. Mr. Coburn has ever been in-
terested in all enterprises tending to improve
and benefit the town or county. He has given
his hearty support to all such projects, and is
an active worker in the cause of temperance.

 
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW 21

 

 

He has served the community in some of the
most responsible offices. From 1879 until
1883, inclusive, he represented the town in
the State legislature. He was a member of
the Board of Education for four years, and Se-
lectman of Milford for five years, being chair-
man of the Board for all but one year of the
time. He belongs to the local lodge of Odd
Fellows. In politics he is a Republican.
He is a member of the Congregational church.

In 1856, September 11, Mr. Coburn mar-
ried Miss Ann Jane Putnam, a daughter of the
late Aaron K. Putnam, of Wilton, N.H. Mr.
and Mrs. Coburn are the parents of five chil-
dren, namely: Mary E., the wife of Albert
A. Gilson, of Walpole, N.H.; Florence S.,
the wife of William H. Whitmore, of Cleve-
land, Ohio; Grace, the wife of George A.
McIntire, of this town; Stephen C. Coburn,
Jr., of Milford; and Charles H., a resident of
Hanover, N.H.

 

OHN F. BUTLER, M.D., the well-
known physician and surgeon of Ches-
terfield, Cheshire County, N.H., anda
veteran of the Civil War, was born in

Marlow, N.H., June 14, 1831, son of Jona-
than and Martha (Russell) Butler. His
great-grandfather, William Butler, settled in
that part of Gloucester, Mass., which became
known.as Butler’s Point, and is now included
in the town of Essex. He later removed to
Lyndeboro, N.H., where he passed the rest of
his days. He was married late in life, and
the maiden name of his wife was Sarah Per-
kins. Sbe lived to be ninety-two years old.
William and Sarah Butler had three sons,
Jonathan, William, and Jacob, al] of whom
served in the Revolutionary War. Jacob, who
was taken prisoner, died of small-pox while in
captivity in Nova Scotia; and William, who
became a captain, died at sea.

Jonathan Butler, Dr. Butler's grandfather,
was born in Ipswich, Mass., in 1752. He
learned the blacksmith’s trade, and in 1777
settled in Lyndeboro, N.H., where he died
December 5, 1844, aged ninety-two years.
In 1778 he married Lois Kidder, by whom he
had three sons and nine daughters.

 

Jonathan Butler, second, eldest son of Jona-
than, first, and father of Dr. John F. Butler,
was born in Lyndeboro. Whena young man
he settled upon a tract of wild land in Mar-
low, in the northern part of Cheshire County,
where he cleared a farm and spent his active
years in agricultural pursuits. He died July
19, 1843, aged fifty-eight years. His wife
Martha, whom he married in 1807, was a
daughter of Nathaniel Russell, a mechanic
and a hotel-keeper of Wilmington, Mass.
Nathaniel Russell responded to the call to
arms made by the midnight rider from Bos-
ton on the night of the 18th of April,
1775; and, gun in hand, he followed on to
Concord. He served all through the Revolu-
tionary War, and was discharged in the Caro-
linas. Mrs. Martha Russell Butler died Jan-
uary 24, 1856. She and her‘ husband were
born the same year. They were the parents
of eleven children, all born in Marlow, named
as follows: Nathaniel R.; Martha; Susan;
Mary; William; Sarah Jane; Lucinda; Jona-
than Wesley; John F., the subject of this
sketch; and two others who died in infancy.
Nathaniel] R. Butler was early in life engaged
in the shoe business, and also interested in
lumbering. He later went to Ashburnham,
Mass., to rest, and recover his health, and
while there took up farming. He afterward
made a specialty of poultry-raising, supplying
eggs and chickens to hotels at good prices;
and he accumulated considerable property,
He died in Gardner, Mass. Susan Butler be-
came the wife of John Ramsey, and died a few
years after marriage. Mary wedded Francis
Buss, a manufacturer of Acworth, N.H.
William always resided in Marlow, and was
an exceedingly active business man. He be-
came a_ successful cattle and real estate
dealer, and acquired a small fortune. The
last twenty years of his life were passed in
retirement. His widow survives him. Sarah
Jane was the second wife, and is now the
widow, of John Ramsey, late of Orange,
Mass., who was the original manufacturer of
the Ramsey sleigh, and who built the Man-
sion House in Orange. Jonathan Wesley But-
ler died unmarried at the age of twenty-five
years.
22 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

John F. Butler was but twelve years old
when his father died, and was therefore thrown
mainly upon his own resources at an early age.
With the assistance of his mother he managed
to acquire a fair education, and during his
vacations he taught district and writing
schools. He was fitted for college at the
Marlow Academy and at Tubbs Union Acad-
emy in Washington, N.H; but, instead of en-
tering upon a classical course, he began the
study of medicine with Dr. Marshall Perkins,
of Marlow. He later attended lectures at
Dartmouth College. He entered the Tremont
Medical School, Boston, in 1853, and in 1854
was graduated at the Harvard Medical School,
where he was a classmate of ex-Mayor Samuel
A. Green, of Boston. He was among the

eighteen out of a class of twenty-seven who.

passed a favorable examination, and his di-
ploma was signed by Dr. Oliver Wendell
Holmes. While in Boston he had the advan-
tage of practical observation in the different
hospitals, and thus equipped he began the
practice of medicine and surgery in Chester-
field. During the Crimean War Dr. Butler
was offered an opportunity to enter the Rus-
sian service, but, seeing the disadvantages that
an American must labor under in such a posi-
tion, he declined. In the spring of 1864 he
was commissioned by Governor Andrew As-
sistant Surgeon of the Thirty-ninth Regiment,
Massachusetts Volunteers, then attached to the
Fifth Army Corps. While serving in front of
Petersburg, he contracted fever and ague, and
had a thirty days’ furlough, after which he re-
turned to duty. He also served as Surgeon of
the Sixteenth Maine and the Eighty-eighth
Pennsylvania Regiments. After the war he
resumed his practice here, and his professional
labors have since extended over a wide terri-
tory. Not only his skill both as a physician
and surgeon, but his kindly disposition and
deeds of charity commend him to the esteem
and confidence of his fellow-townsmen.

In 1857 Dr. Butler married for his first wife
Julia, daughter of the Rev. Silas Quimby, of
Lebanon, N.H. She died in 1861, and her in-
fant died soon afterward. In 1863 the Doctor
wedded for his second wife Celia A. Brewster,
daughter of John L. Brewster, of Lowell,

 

Mass., and, like his first wife, a graduate of
the New Hampshire Conference Seminary.

Politically, Dr. Butler is a Democrat. He
represented Chesterfield in the legislature
during the years 1874 and 1875, and _ served
upon the committee on the Insane Asylum.
He served on the School Board for twelve
terms, and for many years was Moderator at
town meetings. He is still actively engaged
in his professional work, and has a lucrative
practice.

ILLIAM McQUESTEN, an influen-
tial resident of Merrimac, was
born in Litchfield, this State,

March 15, 1831, son of Henry and Elizabeth
(Chase) McQuesten. He comes of a family
that has long been settled in the State, and
has been closely allied with its growth and
history. His grandfather was a pioneer of
Litchfield, where he was one of the leading
men, and spent a long and useful life. His
son Henry, after he grew to manhood, contin-
ued to reside on the homestead, and engaged
in farming. Henry also did some teaming.
He served the town as Selectman, and held
various minor offices. In politics he was a
Republican, in religion a Universalist. Two
of his tour children are living. They are:
Henry W. McQuesten, living in Merrimac;
and William McQuesten, the subject of this
biography.

William McQuesten, the elder of the two
brothers, is a worthy representative of the
family. His Jife has been varied with inci-
dent and travel, and he has acquired a large
store of general information. His early edu-
cation was received in the schools of his na-
tive town. At the age of fifteen he started in
business, learning at first to bea brickmaker,
and later becoming a boatman on the Merri-
mac River. In 1850, when nineteen years
of age, with the hopefulness of youth, he went
to California in search of gold. In the next
fifteen years he visited various parts of that
State and British Columbia, mining with con-
siderable success. He returned for a short
time to his native town in 1866. Some time
after he opened a general merchandise store in

 

 
 

. TENNEY.

DANIEL W
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW 25

 

 

Cleveland, Ohio, which he conducted until
1869. Then he disposed of the business, and
came back to make his home permanently
where he now resides. He has a fine, hand-
some and home-like residence, and owns
about eighty acres of land.

On November 5, 1868, Mr. McQuesten mar-
ried Lydia J. Reid, a native of Litchfield and
a daughter of William Reid. Subsequently
he wedded Caroline Busswell, of Lebanon,
N.H., and later Miss Elizabeth K. Harriman,
of Haverhill, Mass., who is his present wife.
He has two sons: Carroll L., a farmer of
Merrimac; and Frank, who ,is now preparing
to enter the legal profession. Always inter-
ested in public improvement, Mr. McQuesten
has been prominent in town affairs, and has
served as Selectman and in other offices. In
politics he isa Republican. A religious man,
he is a member and the clerk of the Congrega-
tional church. In 1891 Mr. McQuesten made
a tour in Europe with his wife, visiting the
principal cities, and observing the manners
and customs of foreign people.

 

ANIEL W. TENNEY, a retired
business man of Marlboro and an
©) ex-member of the legislature, was
born in this town, September 12,
1834, son of Calvin and Tabitha (Baker) Ten-
ney. The first of the family to settle in
Marlboro was William Tenney (first), who
came from Littleton, Mass., and was accom-
panied by his son, William Tenney (second).
The maiden name of his wife was Sarah Proc-
tor, and the family became permanently lo-
cated here about the year 1775. William
Tenney (second), Daniel W. Tenney’s grand-
father, after buying lot No. 6 in the second
range, for which he paid thirty pounds, con-
verted it into a good farm. He died Septem-
ber 14, 1823, and his farm: is now owned by
Amos A. Mason.

Calvin Tenney, the father of Daniel W.,
was born in Marlboro, and became one of the
stirring farmers of his day. In the days of
stage-coaches, he kept a hotel for twenty-seven
years, and then moved to the village, where he
spent his last years in retirement. In his

 

 

 

 

 

younger days he took an active part in political
affairs, and held various town offices. lis
wife, Tabitha, belonged toa prominent family,
whose ancestors were early settlers of New
Hampshire. She reared five children;
namely, Cosbie, Goodhue, George W., Henry
C., and Daniel W. Goodhue and Henry C.
are no longer living. Cosbie married Barton
Blodgett, of Marlboro, and has three children.
George W. is married, and resides in West-
moreland, N.H.

Daniel W. Tenney’s education, begun in
the district schools, was completed in an acad-
emy. After entering business as a clerk, he
was later associated with a partner in the dry-
goods trade for about two years. At the end
of that time he went to Greenfield, and was
there employed by Potter & Richardson for a
year. For the succeeding two years he was
engaged in peddling fancy goods upon the road.
Then, selling his outfit, he started in the man-
ufacture of woodenware in Marlboro, a busi-
ness which he followed for several years. He
next formed a stock company, which manufact-
ured blankets and other woollen goods for a
number of years. After this he was associ-
ated with Clinton Collins for two years, and
with Fred Adams for a considerable length of
time. Finally he sold out his interest to
Mr. Adams, and retired from active business
pursuits. Mr. Tenney cast his first Presiden-
tial vote for John C. Fremont in 1856, and
has since been an ardent supporter of the Re-
publican party. Asa member of the Board of
Selectmen he ably assisted in the administra-
tion of the town’s business for a number of
years, and during his two years as a member
of the New Hampshire House of Representa-
tives he carefully guarded the interests of this
locality.

Mr. Tenney married Jane A. Tenney. His
children were: Willie W., born January 18,
1864, who is married and-resides in California;
Jennie May, born May 8, 1865; and Daniel
H., born November 15, 1868, who died March
14, 1888. He is a member of Hugh de
Payens Masonic Commandery, Knights Tem-
plar, of Keene; and he is connected with the
Improved Order of Red Men. Besides attend-
ing the Universalist church, he serves it asa
26 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

member of the Governing Committee. Mr.
Tenney has long occupied a prominent place
among the representative men of Marlboro,
and has always been ready with his aid and in-
fluence to forward measures calculated to be of
benefit to the community. The family live
in a handsome residence, which was erected by
Mr. Tenney in 1894.

RANK J. ROBBINS, a thriving gen-
era] merchant and Postmaster of West
Peterboro, Hillsboro County, was born

in South Antrim, N.H., February 16, 1851,
son of Collins C. and Susan (Hews) Robbins.
His grandfather, Josiah Robbins, was a pros-
perous tiller of the soil in South Antrim; and
he died at an advanced age. He, Josiah, mar-
tied Polly White; and two of their children,
George and Alfred, are now living.

Collins C. Robbins was born in March,
1834. When old enough he obtained employ-
ment in the factory at West Peterboro, and
subsequently became overseer, a position
which he held for several years. Later he es-
tablished a general store, which he conducted
until his death, the latter event occurring De-
cember 5, 1895. Upright in character and
possessing many sterling qualities, he was
well worthy of the esteem in which he was
held by those who knew him. In politics he
was a Republican. He was three times mar-
ried. His first wife, Susan Hews, who was a
native of Littleton, N.H., died in 1857, leav-
ing one son, Frank J., the subject of this
sketch. For his second wife he married
Lotta Hutchinson, by whom he had two chil-
dren: Fred C., who is married, and the
father of two children — Guy and Harry; and
Dora J. His third wife was Lizzie R.
Gowing, who now resides in West Peter-
boro, N.H., and by whom he had one child,
that died in infancy.

Frank J. Robbins was educated in Peter-
boro, and after leaving schoo] he secured em-
ployment in the cotton-mills. He was over-
seer of the dressing-room for a number of
years, but subsequently resigned his posi-
tion to enter his father’s store. After the
death of the elder Robbins he succeeded to

 

_ Webster.

 

the business. He was appointed Postmaster
in 1890, and still retains the office.

On April 10, 1870, Mr. Robbins was united
in marriage with Miss Sarah Stanley, daugh-
ter of Charles Stanley, of this town. Mrs.
Robbins is the mother of one daughter, Susie
G., born August 15, 1873. Politically, Mr.
Robbins acts with the Republican party. He
is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and
stands high as an able business man and a
useful citizen. Both he and his wife are
Unitarians.

BEN WILSON JONES, a well-known
resident of Peterboro, was born in
Gilsum, this State, July 21, 1854,
son of Ebenezer and Rhoda E. (Wilson)
Jones. His grandfather, Amos Jones, who
was born in Royalston, Mass., moved to
Putney, Vt., where he resided until his death
in 1859. Amos was a prominent member of
the Orthodox church, and for many years one
of its deacons. He married a Miss Ester-
brook, and had ten children, of whom Eben-
ezer was the second.

Ebenezer Jones, also a native of Royalston,
born February 18, 1803, learned the clothier’s
trade in Winchendon, Mass. Besides working
at this calling for many years, he also ran an
old-fashioned saw-mill and carding-mill, liv-
ing in Wilton, Antrim, Acworth, Gilsum, and
other places. In Gilsum he remained about
fifteen years, and had a general merchandise
store, carried on under the name of Jones &
He next kept a general merchan-
dise store in Harrisville. In 1860 he came to
Peterboro, and there opened a clothing store,
which he conducted up to within a few years
of his death. Mr. Jones was four times mar-
ried. Mary Ann Prouty became his first
wife and had four children, one of whom,
William H., is living. The second marriage
was contracted with Mary Ann Rice Hart-
well; the third with Rhoda E. Wilson, who
died at the age of twenty-six; and the fourth
with Betsey Robbins Brooks. Mr. Ebenezer
Jones was a member of the Methodist Church
of Gilsum, and was active in all the church
affairs. In politics he was a Republican, and

 
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW 27

 

 

while in Gilsum was sent as Representative
to the legislature in the year 1854. He was
esteemed for his many fine qualities of mind
and heart. His death occurred February 14,

1878.
Eben Wilson Jones attended school in
Peterboro. He began his business career in

an insurance office in Peterboro, where he re-
mained for twelve years. Afterward he
learned the business of land surveyor, which
has been his regular occupation since. In
the spring of 1897 he and Frank G. Clarke
entered into partnership in a general insur-
ance, under the firm name of Frank G. Clarke
& Co. Under President Harrison’s adminis-
tration he held the office of Postmaster, and
won many friends by his genial good nature
and the efficient manner in which he dis-
charged the duties of the position. Mr.
Jones cultivates a small farm, and owns be-
sides a large tract of land. In the spring of
1896 he was appointed a member of the Water
Commission, which office he still holds. He
was Town Treasurer for a number of years
and Selectman fora term. Also he is a mem-
ber of the Library Committee and of the Cem-
etery Committee, and a trustee of Peterboro
Savings Bank. In the Unitarian church he
is an active worker. With his large circle of
personal friends he is a favorite on account
of his genial and kindly temper and an ever-
ready willingness to oblige.

 

HOMAS DINSMORE, a leading farmer
of Alstead and a native of this town,
was born March 4, 1821, son of Calvin

and Lucy (Walker) Dinsmore. His grand-
father, Thomas Dinsmore, born in Ireland, of
Scotch-Irish lineage, was the first of the name
to come to this county, making his way hither
by a trail. Thomas was prominent in the
community, and lived to be about eighty years
old.

Calvin Dinsmore, a native of Alstead, after
leaving school learned the blacksmith’s trade.
He carried on farming and spent his life in
Alstead, where he was familiarly known as
Uncle Calvin. He was active in town affairs
and in all the benevolent and religious move-

 

 

ments in the place. A member of the Univer-
salist church, he was one of its leaders and a
liberal supporter. He was about seventy-five
years old when he died. His wife, Lucy,
died at the age of seventy-eight. Their chil-
dren were: Mary A., Caroline, John, Thomas,
Sumner, Willis, Jane, Ellen, Edmund, and
Elmira. Mary Anne, now deceased, married
Willard Scoville, a farmer of Walpole, this
State. Caroline, who was killed in youth by
a runaway horse, had been a teacher and a
leader in the social and religious circles of the
town. John, who lived in Alstead, married
Lizzie Spencer, a sister of Mr. Spencer, the
wealthy bank president of Boston, and had one
son. Sumner died in infancy. Willis who
lived in Alstead and took care of his parents,
married Elmira Edgerton. Jane married Ad-
dison Brooks, a well-known machinist. Ellen
married James King, of Acworth, a lumber-
man, and has ane child. Edmund, who also
lives at Alstead, married Orrilla Barrett, and
is the father of two children — George and
Elmira. Elmira, the youngest daughter of
Calvin Dinsmore, is now Mrs. Henry Kent, of
Alstead.

Mr. Thomas Dinsmore was educated in Al-
stead and at Marlow Academy. Subsequently
he taught school for six years. Then he went
to Boston, where in 1848 he obtained em-
ployment in a provision store. In 1851 he en-
gaged in business in Quincy Market, where he
remained until 1885, when he returned to Al-
stead, which has since been his residence. His
farm is one of the finest in this part of the
county. While in Boston Mr. Dinsmore took
an active part in city affairs, and held various
offices. He was on the Democratic Ward
Committee for eight years, and was in the
Common Council for two years from Ward Six.
Since coming to Alstead, he has been influ-
ential in bringing about many improvements
in the place. In 1883 he was elected State
Senator. In politics Mr. Dinsmore is a Dem-
ocrat, and he has the distinction of winning
the first Democratic victory gained in this
town in fifteen years.

Mr. Dinsmore’s wife was before her mar-
riage Mary E. Graham, of Boston, born in
November, 1835. Their two children are —
28 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

Arthur T. and Mary A. Arthur Dinsmore,
born in Boston in 1855, was educated in the
grade schools and high school of that city.
After graduating from the latter institution,
be went into business with his father; and
he also ran a hotel] at Alstead for some time.
He is married, and has one daughter —
Agnes, who was born in 1882. Mary A.
Dinsmore married Charles Maynard, a hotel
man, and lives at Walpole, N.H. She has
two children — Maud and Alice.

 

 

OHN HENRY STEELE, Town Clerk

of Peterboro for over twenty-five years,

was born in this town, July 24, 1845,

son of Edwin and Abigail M. (Warren)

Steele. -His great-grandfather, who was a

native of the north of Ireland, emigrated to

America when young, and settled in Salis-

bury, N.C., where he followed the trade of a
brick mason.

John Hardy Steele, the grandfather of John
Henry, was born in Salisbury, January 4,
1789. As he was left an orphan without re-
sources at an early age, his educational oppor-
tunities were necessarily limited. He be-
came a mechanic, and in May, 1811, he settled
in Peterboro, N.H. He worked for Captain
Morrison at the carriage-maker’s trade for a
time, and later was employed as a machinist
at thirteen dollars per month. After a time
he engaged in manufacturing upon his own ac-
count. In 1817 he put in operation the first
power loom in New Hampshire. In 1824 he
began the erection of a cotton-mill in this
town, and after its completion he operated it
until 1845. He was a Democrat in politics;
and his political career, which was in many
respects a nctable one, was begun in some of
the minor town offices. He acted as Modera-
tor at town meetings; was afterward a mem-
ber of the Board of Selectmen; was a Repre-
sentative in the legislature in 1829; was a
Councillor from the Hillsboro District in
1840 and 1841; and was elected Governor in
1844, and re-elected in 1845. He was a self-
made man, and possessed to a high degree the
sterling qualities which invariably character-
ize men of that kind. In religious belief he

 

was a Unitarian. A well-known Mason, he
was the first High Priest of the chapter in
Peterboro. Governor Steele died July 3,
1865. He was twice married. By his first
marriage, which united him with Jane Moore,
there were five children, of whom the sur-
vivors are: John, born December 26, 18rg;
and George, born July 26, 1828. Edwin was
the eldest. George Steele married Charlotte
Lowe, and has two sons—Chester H.
and William L. The second marriage was
contracted with Nancy Moore, a sister of the
Governor's first wife. Her only son, Charles,
who was born January 2, 1834, wedded Mary
J. Swan, and reared three children. These
were: Anna F., born November 21, 1855;
Emma E., born February 28, 1859; and Fred
A., born April 22, 1873.

Edwin Steele, John Henry Steele’s father,
was born in Peterboro, November 12, 1817.
For some years he was employed as an over-
seer in his father’s factory. Afterward he
worked at the carpenter’s trade until his
death, which occurred November 10, 1862, at
the age of forty-five years. A worthy and
useful citizen, he ably served as a member of
the Board of Selectmen, and he had the sincere
esteem of his fellow-townsmen. His wife,
Abigail, who was a native of Dublin, N.H.,
became the mother of four children, two of
whom are living, namely: Jane H., born De-
cember 2, 1839, who married Samuel N.
Porter, and has one son living, Fred Howard;
and John Henry, the subject of this sketch.
Mrs. Edwin Steele lived to be sixty-six years
old.

John Henry Steele attended school in Peter-
boro. While still a young man he was ap-
prenticed to the machinist’s trade. After
working at that calling for some years, he
purchased in 1870 the business that he has
since carried on with success. He deals in
books, stationery, and kindred articles, and as
a business man is prominent and active. Po-
litically, he is a Republican, and he has held
the office of Town Clerk since 1871.

On November 6, 1867, Mr. Steele was
united in marriage with Anna S. Follansbee,
daughter of George F. Follansbee, of this
town. They have had four children, of whom
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIE\W 29

 

 

there are living: Harry Leon, born August
22, 1872; Kate, born December 28, 1874,
now the wife of Arthur M. Einmes, of Gard-
ner, Mass.; and John Dana, born August 12,
1880. Mr. Steele is a past master of Alter-
mount Lodge, No. 26, F. & A. M.; Past
D. D. Grand Master of New Hampshire; Past
High Priest of Peterboro R. A. Chapter, No.
12; and the Grand High Priest of the Grand
Chapter of New Hampshire.

 

ROFESSOR WILLIAM HUTSON
CALDWELL, the well-known agri-
culturist, and the secretary and treas-
urer of the American Guernsey Cattle

Club, is a native of Peterboro, where he now

resides. He was born April 16, 1866, son of
Samuel H. and Eunice (Buss) Caldwell. His
grandfather, Thomas Caldwell, who came

from the Bay State, was one of the first set-
tlers of Peterboro, where he reclaimed a farm.
Thomas married Eliza Cunningham, of whose
children by him two are living. These are:
Eliza C., the widow of Augustus Fuller; and
Joseph, who resides in Republic, Ia. Samuel
Hutson Caldwell, son of Thomas, was born
January 15, 1822, at Peterboro. He learned
the trade of tinsmith, and was in active busi-
ness for himself for twenty-five years, doing a
large amount of work and being very success-
ful. A prominent member of the Unitarian
church, he was the treasurer of the society at
the time of his death. In politics he was a
Republican, and at one time he was Town
Treasurer. Both he and his wife died before
their son William was nineteen months old.
William Hutson Caldwell, after attending
the town schools for a time, was sent to the
famous Allen Brothers’ School at West New-
ton, Mass. From there he entered the Massa-
chusetts Agricultural College in the fall of
1883. He acquitted himself well in college,
and, when graduating with the class of 1887,
was awarded the first Grinnell prize for ex-
cellence in agricultural studies. After grad-
uation he was at once appointed assistant at
the Massachusetts Agricultural Experiment
Station. A year later he was appointed in-
structor in agriculture in the Pennsylvania

 

State College, and in 1893 was made assistant
professor of agriculture in that institution.
Having acquired special knowledge of the
Guernsey breed of cattle, in which had
been interested: from an early date in his pro-
fessional career, he was appointed superin-
tendent of the Guernsey herd at the Chicago
Exposition, and he received leave of absence
from his college that he might attend to his
duties in that capacity. The Cattle Club
also appointed him as their representative on
the committee in charge of the dairy breed
test. This committee embraced professors
from the three leading agricultural collegcs
in the country.

In 1889 Professor Caldwell purchascd
Clover Ridge Farm in his native town, and
stocked it with Guernsey cattle of the finest
strains to be found in the country. The farm
has a delightful location, and commands a
magnificent mountain view. Of its one hun-
dred and forty acres, twenty acres are timber
land, sixty are pasture land abundantly
watered with running brooks, and the _re-
mainder is tillage. On it is a fine orchard of
young trees. The herd consists of butter-
bred cows, full-blood and grade Guernseys.
These have been selected for their large pro-
duction of rich milk. Every animal in the
herd whose milk is sold has been submitted
to the tuberculin test, and is constantly under
veterinary inspection. Professor Caldwell has
great faith in this breed; and the results
he has obtained, as shown by the records of
the milk and butter fat tests, have justified his
expectations. Some cows of the herd have
milked from eighteen to twenty-four quarts a
day, and the milk of one cow that was in the
World’s Fair dairy test yielded four hundred
pounds of butter in a year. The morning’s
milk is sold in the village, and the evening’s
milk is deprived of its cream by means of
the De Laval separator. The calves are
raised on the skim-milk. Besides the Guern-
seys there are choice pens of white and barred
Plymouth Rock fowl of the best stock and
from noted strains.

When Professor Caldwell was elected secre-
tary and treasurer of the American Guernsey
Club in 1894, he resigned his position in
3° BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

Pennsylvania, and has since made his home at
the farm. In his office, which has been fitted
up in his residence, two clerks are kept con-
stantly busy assisting him in the work of the
club. Here are to be found sketches and sta-
tistics regarding all the Guernseys in the
country; and from here is issued the Herd
Register and Breeder's Journal, published
quarterly, of which Professor Caldwell has
editorial charge. Since taking up his perma-
nent residence in Peterboro, Mr. Caldwell has
been brought into closer relation with the
agricultural interests of this section, and has
made his extensive knowledge and great influ-
ence felt in the various organizations. He is
an active member of the grange, and treasurer
of the Peterboro Creamery Company, and is
often called upon to deliver addresses or to
write papers upon his chosen line of work.

On December 25, 1888, Professor Caldwell
was married to Miss Jessie A. Rice, of North
Hadley, Mass. Mrs. Caldwell shares her
husband’s interest in his calling and is his
efficient colaborer in office work. Professor
Caldwell is a Mason of Peterboro Lodge and
a member of the United Order of the Golden
Cross. He is connected with the Unitarian
Society, and is at present clerk of the corpo-
ration.

LIVER KING was a prominent resi-

dent of Alstead for a number of years.

He was born in Langdon, August 3,

1807, son of William and Betsey
(Darby) King. William was the first of the
name to settle in this section of the county.
He was a successful farmer, and he was gener-
ally esteemed. He attended the Universalist
church, and was always ready to support it,
both morally and financially. His ten chil-
dren were: William, Hezekiah, Russel, Oli-
ver, Joel, Harvey, Hiram, Samuel, Betsey,
and George. William, the first child, mar-
ried, had a family of twelve children, and car-
ried on a farm in Alstead. Hezekiah, who
was also a farmer, died in Newbury, Vt.
Russel, likewise a farmer, lived in Haverhill,
N.H., where he married, and reared a family.
Joel died young. Harvey lived in Detroit,

 

 

Mich., where he was proprietor of the Brigh-
ton House, a well-known hotel. He was four
times married. Hiram was a farmer of Ac-
worth, this State, and had two children.
Samuel, a carpenter, resided in Langdon, and
was the father of four children. Betsey mar-
ried a Mr. Evans; and George was a shuemaker
of Brookline, Mass., and the father of two
children.

Oliver King received the fundamentals of a
practical education in the schools of his native
town. After leaving schoo], he went to Bos-
ton, where he undertook contracts for driving
wells. He then returned to New Hampshire,
built a block, and then ran a general store at
Charlestown for over twenty-five years. In
company with Mr. Frank Hadley, he con-
ducted a store in Bellows Falls, Vt., for eight
years. In 1867 he came to Alstead and built
a handsome house, and there resided until his
death in 1874. He was active as a citizen, al-
ways ready to help along in any good cause,
and ever mindful of the comfort and conven-
ience of others. While at Charlestown he
was the Postmaster, in which capacity, by his
kindly and obliging manners, he won many
friends. In Alstead he served as Town Treas-
urer for a number of years. He attended the
Universalist church, and was a liberal contrib-
utor to its many charities.

Mr. King married Sophia Evans, a daughter
of Eli and Sarah (Edson) Evans, of Rocking-
ham, Vt. Her mother was born in Spring-
field, Vt. Mr. and Mrs. King had two chil-
dren — Ellen S. and James F. James, born
August 25, 1838, died September 21, 1840.
Ellen S., born August 17, 1834, at South
Charlestown, married James Milliken, Jr., of
Charlestown, a farmer on an extensive scale
and a prominent man in the town. Their
three children are: Mary M., born May 11,
1855; George K., born September 4, 1857,
who is a member of the Masonic society; and
James F., born November 13, 1860, who was
also a Mason as well as a Knight of Pythias.
James F. Milliken was employed ina store in
Colorado, where he died of consumption in
February, 1897. He was buried under Ma-
sonic auspices. Mary M., only daughter of
James Milliken, Jr., married James Hooper, of
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW 3!

 

 

e

Charlestown, N.H., now a grain merchant in
Chicago, doing a prosperous and extensive
business. They have three children, namely:
Rena A., born September 16, 1882; James
M., born April 16, 1884; and Frances, born
September 18, 1891. George K. Milliken is
superintendent of telephones in'Chicago. He
married Lucy Wilson, of Charlestown, Mass.,
who was born August 10, 1859. Her pater-
nal grandfather was a soldier in the Revolution.

 

ILLIAM A. KNIGHT, one of the
most enterprising among the
younger generation of farmers in

Peterboro, was born in Hancock, N.H., Sep-
tember 10, 1862, son of Deacon Henry and
Ellen B. (Warren) Knight. The first of the
family of whom there is any authentic knowl-
edge was Benjamin Knight, a resident of
Salem, Mass., who was the father of three
sons. Enos Knight, son of Benjamin, born
in Salem in 1730, who settled in Topsfield,
Mass., was three times married. His first
wife, Lois Hawkes Knight, was the mother
of ten children. His second marriage was
contracted with Mrs. Mary Estabrook.
son, Enos (second), the great-grandfather of
William A., was born in Topsfield, September
30, 1752. This Enos was a blacksmith, and
in 1782 he settled in Hancock, N.H., where
he followed his trade in connection with farm-
ing until his death, which occurred June 24,
1824. By his first union, contracted with
Dorcas Noonan, there were five children. On
the second occasion Mrs. Betsey Winslow
Holt, of Deering, N.H., became his wife.

Deacon Aaron Knight, the second child of
the second Enos by his wife, Dorcas, was
born in New Ipswich, N.H., in 1781. In his
day he was one of the stirring farmers of Han-
cock, where he resided for the greater part of
his life. He married Rebecca Adams, who
was born November 15, 1782. Of her cleven
children by him, Henry, the youngest, is the
only one living. Deacon Knight died Sep-
tember 29, 1867, and his wife on February 3,
1854. They were prominent members of the
Congregational church.

Deacon Henry Knight was born in Han-

His .

 

cock, January 11, 1826. He acquired his
education in a common school and at an acad-
emy. He had perfected his plans for the
study of medicine, but was obliged to aban-
don them in order to care for his aged parents.
For some years he taught school when not
busy with his farm duties, and he resided in
Hancock until after his father’s death. In
1868 he moved to Weathersfield, Vt., where
he remained a year. Then he spent eight
years in Franconia, N.H., where he had
charge of the fruit and vegetable farm con-
nected with the Profile House. From Fran-
conia he came to Peterboro. Here, in com-
pany with his son, he ig now carrying on one
of the most productive farms in the town.
He has been a prominent figure in public
affairs, having served as Selectman, Moder-
ator, and Overseer of the Poor, and as a
member of the School Board in Hancock. He
was on the School Committee for some years,
and served in the capacity of Representative
to the legislature from Peterboro. He is a
Deacon of the Congregational church and one
of the most active church workers. in this lo-
cality. His wife, Ellen, a native of Weathers-
field, Vt., whorn he married September 27,
1853, became the mother of seven children.
These were: Charles H., born July 10, 1854,
who wedded Mattie Titus, of Haverhill, N.H.,
and has three children — Kathleen C., Lucile
A., and Christel W.; Edmund W., born
March 12, 1858; Fred A., born July 16,
1860, who died April 11, 1880; William A.,
the subject of this sketch; Mary E., born July
12, 1865; Ella K., born November 18, 1867,
who is now the wife of Richard I. Hallett, of
Reading, Mass., and has one son, Howell K.;
and Anna M., born April 20, 1872, who died
May 4, 1883. The mother died January 20,
1879.

William A. Knight was educated in Peter-
boro. Since leaving school he has devoted
his attention to agricultural pursuits. In
company with his father he carries on general
farming and dairying, and has a paying milk
route in this town. He displays the energy
and progressive tendencies of a young man,
which, aided by his father’s long experience,
insure the best of management; and their
32 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

combined efforts are attended with excellent
results.

On November 9, 1887, Mr. Knight was
joined in marriage with Minnie M. Emery,
daughter of Daniel.and Clara A. (Wilkins)
Emery, of Peterboro. In_ politics, Mr.
Knight is a Republican. Both he and his
wife belong to the local grange, of which he
isa Past Master. Mrs. Knight is a member
of the Congregational church.

 

OBERT LAWRENCE SHIRLEY, an
enterprising young farmer of Goffs-
town, was born on Shirley Hill,
May 12, 1868, son of Colonel Ed-
ward Carlton and Amanda M. (Baldwin) Shir-
ley. James Shirley, from whom the New
Hampshire Shirleys are descended, is sup-
posed to have been born in the Province of
Ulster, Ireland, in 1649. It is also thought
that James may have been born in Scotland,
and that, with his parents, he may have been
among those exiled from Scotland in 1660.
He came to America, arriving in Chester,
Rockingham County, N.H., in 1730. Then
eighty-one years of age, he brought with him
a full-grown family, including three sons —
John, James, and Thomas — and was afterward
engaged in farming, and is said to have lived
to the age of one hundred and five years. His
son Thomas, who was known as Deacon
Thomas Shirley, born in Ireland in 1728,
died in Goffstown in 1808. Thomas was
prominent in church affairs, and, as already
intimated, held the office of Deacon. James,
a son of Thomas, was born in Chester, N.H..,
in 1759, and died in Goffstown, March: 31,
1855. He was one of the first settlers of
Shirley Hill, coming here in 1811. The
first of his two marriages was made with Mary
Moore, daughter of Colonel Daniel Moore,
who was an officer in the Revolutionary War.
Mrs. Abigail McCutchins became his second
wife.

Robert M. Shirley, the seventh son of
James and the grandfather of Robert L. Shir-
ley, born in Chester, June 5, 1808, came to
Goffstown when three years old. In addition
to being a prominent farmer and_ business

 

man, he won quite a reputation for his skill
in curing the disease then called king’s evil.
For his first wife he married Sophia McCutch-
ins, who was born April 15, 1805, and died
December 6, 1870. His second wife was
Lucretia Houston, whose birth occurred July
20, 1820. There were four children by his
first marriage, Edward Carlton being the
third. Edward was born December 5, 1834,
in the house which is now his home. During
his active period he was extensively engaged
in lumbering, and he has still an interest in
a large amount of land. When P. C. Cheney
was Governor of New Hampshire, he served
as Aide-de-camp with the rank of Colonel, by
which title he has since been known. On
New Hampshire Day at the Centennial held
in Philadelphia he was officer of the day.
He was also Assistant Quartermaster on the
staff of Brigadier-general Clough, of the New
Hampshire National Guards. He is a mem-
ber of the New Hampshire Agricultural So-
ciety and of Piscataquis Valley Agricultural
Association. Colonel Shirley’s marriage to
Miss Amanda M. Baldwin took place April
24, 1862. She is a daughter of Deacon
Nahum Baldwin, of Manchester, N.H. The
three children of the union are: Mary V.,
born in 1863, now the wife of Dr. A. G.
Griffin, of Malden, Mass.; Robert Lawrence,
the subject of this sketch; and Florence S.
Shirley, born February 22, 1871.

Robert Lawrence Shirley spent his early
years here in Goffstown. He received his
education in the schools of Goffstown and in
Manchester and at Colby Academy, New
London. Soon after leaving the academy, he
went West, and for two years was engaged in
farming in Union County, Oregon. Then
after visiting the different States along the
western coast he returned in 1891 to Goffs-
town. Since then he has been engaged in
Jumbering and general farming, and now has
the supervision of some six hundred acres of
land owned by himself and his father. On
February 1, 1892, Mr. Shirley married Miss
Bertha M. Shields. She was born in Everett,
Mass., February 22, 1874, daughter of Joseph
and Clara E. (Wellington) Shields. Mr. and
Mrs. Shirley have one son, Thomas E., born
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW 33

 

 

February 10, 1896. Mr. Shirley is a Repub-
lican in his political relations. For the past
three years he has served on the Board of
Selectmen. He belongs to Webster Lodge,
I. O. O. F., of Goffstown. Both he and Mrs.
Shirley are liberals in religion.

HOMAS HAYS, a well-known resident

of Greenville, was born in New Ipswich,

N.H., February 5, 1820, son of
Thomas and Abigail (Wilkins) Hays. He is
the fifth bearer of the name Thomas and a
direct descendant of the first Thomas, who
was of Scotch descent. The latter was quite
an extensive land-owner in Reading, Mass.,
and one of the largest farmers of that town.
Thomas Hays (second), great-grandfather of
the present Thomas, born February 14, 1724,
was a prosperous farmer in Merrimac, N.H.
He wedded Mary Gale, and had a family of
seven children, of whom Thomas (third), the
grandfather, was the.eldest son. The grand-
father, who was a cooper by trade, tilled the
soil of a good farm in Dublin, N.H. The
greater part of his life was spent in that
town. At his death he was seventy-nine
years old. He married Rebecca Pool, a na-
tive of Hollis, N.H., and one of eleven sis-
ters, all of whom attained maturity and had
families. She became the mother of five
children. none of whom are living, and at-
tained the age of eighty-eight years. Thomas
Hays (fourth), was born in Dublin, N.H.
When a young man he becameaclothier. He
finally settled in Maine, where he was en-

 

 

gaged in business for many years. His last
days were passed in Wilton, Me. He wasa
man of considerable prominence in public

affairs, serving as Moderator at town meetings
for a number of years, and he acted as a Jus-
tice of the Peace. In politics he was a Re-
publican. He lived to be eighty-two years
old. His wife, Abigail, who was a daughter
of David Wilkins, of New Ipswich, N.H.,
became the mother of seven children, of whom
Thomas, Mary, Silas, and Caroline A. are
living. Mary wedded for her first husband
Andrew Pray, and by that union has one son,
George H. She is now the wife of Warner

 

Russell, of Mason, N.H. Caroline A. is
the wife of Harris H. Shumway, of Massa-
chusetts. The mother died at the age of
thirty-three years. She was a member of the
Congregational church.

After obtaining his elementary education
in the common schools of Maine, the present
Thomas Hays completed his studies at the
academy in Pittsfield, N.H. Having learned
the carpenter’s trade in Dublin, he took up
his residence in Mason in 1843, and there
steadily worked at his calling for many years.
In 1870 he erected the house he now occupies
in Greenville. He still continues to follow
his trade at intervals. Mr. Hays contracted
the first of two marriages on April 7, 1840,
with Lucy N. Robbins. Of her four children
three are living, namely: Lucy Jane, Lafayette
A., and George A. Lucy Jane married for her
first husband Charles W. Russell, and by that
union has two daughters— Nettie M. and
Clara. For her second husband she married
James Wooley, of Greenville. Lafayette mar-
ried Mrs. Ellen Finn, of Manchester, N.H.
George A. married Miss Mary Welch, of
Providence, R.I., and has one son, John H.
The mother died at the age of sixty years.
On October 16, 1870, Mr. Hays entered his
second marriage with Mrs. Julia A. Saw-
telle Shattuck. She is a daughter of Kings-
ley and Thankful Sawtelle, of this State, and
by her first husband, Ami Shattuck, of Mason,
she has one son, George Edwin Shattuck.
George E. Shattuck married Caroline M.

Locke, of Lowell, Mass., and has one son,
Henry P. In politics Mr. Hays is a Repub-
lican. He has served as a Selectman for a

number of years, was formerly a member of
the School Committee, and has long been rec-
ognized as a leading spirit in local public
affairs. He isa Congregationalist in his re-
ligious belief, and Mrs. Hays is a Baptist.

a M. SMITH, a retired lawyer of
Peterboro and an ex-member of the

~New Hampshire legislature, was
born in Langdon, N.H., January 25, 1838,
son of Orrin and Marinda (Patridge) Smith.

His grandfather, Ezra Smith, who was born

 
34 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

in Winchendon, Mass., September 13, 1778,
settled in Langdon, N.H., and cleared a farm,
which he occupied for the rest of his life.
Ezra possessed much muscular bodily strength
and a vigorous constitution, and was capable
of considerable physical endurance. In poli-
tics he was a Whig and in his religious
views a Congregationalist. His death oc-
curred July 14, 1864. He married Hannah
Henry, who, born in Vermont, August Io,
1779, died June 25, 1850. She was the
mother of five children, none of whom are
living.

Orrin Smith, father of Ezra M., was born
one of twins in Langdon, November 11, 1807.
He was reared to agricultural pursuits, and re-
sided at the homestead for some years after
attaining his majority. In 1862 he came to
Peterboro, and purchased a farm, which he
cultivated with energy during the rest of his
active period. He died August 6, 1883.
Originally a Whig in politics, he later be-
came a Republican. His wife, Marinda,
whom he married June g, 1836, was also one

of twins. Her father was Sylvester Patridge,
of Alstead, N.H. She became the mother of
seven children, six of whom are _ living,

namely: Ezra M., the subject of this sketch;
Irving H., born February 3, 1840; Albert
O., born May 1, 1845; Silas M., born Febru-
ary 21, 1847; Emma R., born December 5,
1850; and Alden E., born April 25, 1853.
Irving H. married Clara L. Grey, of Peter-
boro, and has one daughter, Clara M.; Albert
O. married Josie R. Hovey, of this town, and
has one daughter, Lenora; Silas M. wedded
Marinda K. Parker, of Peterboro; Alden E.
married Aldana C. Andrews, of Westboro,
Mass., and has one daughter, Morgie A. The
mother died December 19, 1886. Both par-
ents attended the Congregational church, of
which the mother was a member.

Ezra M. Smith acquired his early education
in Langdon, and was fitted for college at the
Cold River Union Academy in Alstead. He
subsequently attended the law department of
the University of Albany, New York, and was
graduated February 22, 1861. Settling in
Peterboro soon after, he began the practice of
his profession, and rapidly acquired a large

 

general law business. Alter following his
profession for over thirty years, he retired in
1896. He is now passing his time in super-
intending his farm, which contains one hun-
dred acres. He also owns another tract of
two hundred and twenty acres. In politics he
supports the Republican party, and he was
prominent in public affairs for many years.
He served upon the School Committee for five
years, was Town Treasurer for one term, and
has been Moderator at town meetings for a
number of years. For the past four years he
has served as Selectman, having been previ-
ously a member of that body for nine years in
succession, during which he was chairman for
atime. ‘He was elected to the legislature in
1871 and 1872, and he was a member of the
Constitutional Convention in 1876.

On October 4, 1866, Mr. Smith was united
in marriage with Mary S. Fairbanks. She
was born in Dublin, N.H., February 13,
1845, daughter of Moses A. Fairbanks. Mr.
and Mrs. Smith have; had three children, as
follows: Etta M., born December 2, 1870;
Harlan B., born March 9, 1874, who died
November 21, 1892; and Orrin F., born June
28, 1886. Mr. Smith has occupied the prin-
cipal chairs in Peterboro Lodge, I. O. O. F.,
and is nowa member of the Board of Trustees.
He is also a member of the Knights of Honor,
the Sons of Temperance, and the Patrons of
Husbandry. In the local grange he has been
Master. He is a member of the Congrega-
tional church, of which he was formerly clerk.
Mrs. Smith is a member of the Baptist
church.

 

 

LBERT M. HOWARD, formerly a
prosperous box manufacturer of Win-
chester, Cheshire County, and a

member of the New Hampshire
legislature, was born in Royalston, Mass.,
May 3, 1836, and died April 1, 1892. He
was a son of Ansel and Esther Howard. His
father, who settled in Royalston when a
young man, after residing there for many
years moved to Hinsdale, where he was en-
gaged in the lumber business until his death.
Ansel Howard became the father of eleven
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW 35

 

 

children, of whom Albert M., the subject
of this sketch, was the tenth-born.

Albert M. Howard was educated in Royals-
ton, and when a young man assisted his father
in business. He later entered the employ
of his brother, who was carrying on a bobbin
manufactory in Hinsdale. About 1870 he
purchased the box factory in Winchester then
conducted by Charles W. Scott. He was at
first associated with a partner, the firm being
known as Howard & Chandler; but in 1873
Mr. Howard secured the entire control of the
business by purchasing his partner’s interest,
and subsequently continued it alone. He
manufactured all kinds of wooden boxes, in-
cluding the lock corner box, much used for
packing confectionery and fancy goods; and
he also had facilities for lettering his goods.
He was a trustee of the Winchester Savings
Bank, and was one of the incorporators of the
Electric Light Heat and Power Company.
He was prominent in business circles, and
was instrumental in causing the tannery to be
located in Winchester. Politically, he acted
with the Republican party, but the only
public office he was ever induced to accept
was that of Representative to the legislature,
to which he was elected, and the duties of
which he capably performed for one term.
He was a liberal supporter of the Methodist
Episcopal church.

Mr. Howard married Louise M. Turner, of
Orford, N.H., who survived her husband but
a short time, dying September 12, 1892.
Mr. and Mrs. Howard. were the parents of
one daughter, Minnie Lillian, who married
Alexander Pierce, son of Dr. G. W. Pierce,
of this town. Her husband now conducts
the business so long controlled by the late
Mr. Howard, under the name of the A. M.
Howard Estate.

 

 

LMON TWITCHELL, a general farmer

of Richmond, Cheshire County, and

an ex-member of the New Hampshire
legislature, was born in this town,
November 2, 1844, son of Abner and Adeline
(Aldrich) Twitchell. His great-grandfather,
Abner Twitchell, who was born in Walpole in

 

December, 1753, moved from that town to.
Richmond, where he married his first wife,
Sarah Cass. She died leaving one son,
Daniel, and by his second union there were
two children — Lucy and Sarah.

Daniel Twitchell, Almon  Twitchell’s
grandfather, was born in Richmond, Novem-
ber 26, 1779. He was brought up to till the
soil, and carried on general farming during
the greater part of his life. His wife, whose
name in maidenhood was Rhoda Kelton, was
a daughter of Thomas Kelton, of Warwick,
Mass. She became the mother of five chil-
dren, namely: Jonas, who was born August 8,
1802; Abner; Dulcena, who was born No-
vember 24, 1817, and married Henry B.
Swan; Rhoda, who was born in August, 1820,
and became the wife of David Martin; and
Daniel, who was korn May 28, 1823.

Abner Twitchell, father of Almon, was born
in Richmond, May 4, 1813. He lived with
his parents until his marriage, when he bought
the Captain Crooker farm of one hundred and
forty acres, and resided there until his death,
which occurred February 9, 1869. In poli-
tics he was a Democrat, and he represented
his district in the legislature during two-
terms. In his religious opinions he was a
Universalist. He married Adeline Aldrich,
daughter of Levin Aldrich, and by her had
two children, namely: Adalette V., who mar-
ried L. W. Wright, and resides in Win-
chester, N.H.; and Almon, the subject of this
sketch. Mrs. Abner Twitchell is still living
and resides with her son.

Almon Twitchell, who was educated in the
schools of his native town, after finishing his
studies served an apprenticeship at the stone-
cutter’s trade in Worcester, Mass. Three
years later he returned to Richmond for the
purpose of taking charge of the home farm,
and since the death of his father he has fol-
lowed general farming in connection with his
trade. In politics he is a Democrat, and, al-
though his party is in the minority, he was a
member of the Board of Selectmen from 1879
to 1893 with the exception of one year, was
chairman of that body ten years, served as
Road Commissioner three years, was elected
Town Clerk in 1886 and again in 1897, has
. 36 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

served on the Democratic Town Committee in
different capacities, and represented his dis-
trict in the legislature in 1874. He has acted
as a Justice of the Peace, and attended to the
settlement of estates. He is a member of the
local grange, of which he was one of the or-
ganizers and first Master, and is also con-
nected with the Order of the Golden Cross.

Mr. Twitchell married November 28, 1871,
Sarah H. Starkey, daughter of Edison Starkey,
of Richmond. Mrs. Twitchell’s father was
prominent in public affairs, serving as Select-
man a number of years, as Tax Collector, and
as a member of the legislature.

NOCH C. PAIGE, an enterprising man-

>} ufacturer of Antrim, and a Civil War

veteran, was born in this town, Oc-

tober 20, 1839, son of Tristram B. and

Sophronia (Duncan) Paige. His grandfather,

Jonathan Paige, who was a carpenter by trade,

resided in Deering, N.H., for many years,
and passed his last days in Antrim.

Tristram B. Paige, who was a native of
Deering, learned the carpenter’s trade with
his father. He settled in Antrim, where he
followed that calling until his death, which
occurred when he was fifty-one years old.
His wife, Sophronia, was a daughter of Dea-
con Josiah Duncan, of Antrim. She became
the mother of five children, two of whom are
living, namely: Tristram M., who married
Lizzie Whittemore, of Salisbury, N.H.; and
Enoch C., the subject of this sketch. Mrs.
Tristram B. Paige died at the age of thirty-six
years.

Enoch C. Paige attended school in his na-
tive town. Left an orphan when he was nine
years old, he was obliged to earn his living at
an early age. At first he worked as a farm
hand for some time. Later he engaged in
the manufacture of cribs and cradles. When
eighteen years old he had already begun to
ship his goods to Boston. He continued in
the business until August 13, 1862, when he
enlisted in Company G, Ninth Regiment,
New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry, for ser-
vice in the Civil War. At a later date he
was detached and appointed to a position upon

 

 

 

the staff of General Griffin. He was present
at several battles, and his last active duty was
performed at Jackson, Miss. He was dis-
charged December 18, 1863, on account of ill
health. After recovering his strength he re-
sumed his former occupation, and has since
become well known to the trade as a manu-
facturer of cribs and cradles of a durable as
well as of a superior quality. Politically, he
is a Republican. He scrved with ability as a
Selectman for four years, and he was a mem-
ber of the New Hampshire House of Repre-
sentatives during the years 1882 and 1883.

Mr. Paige has been twice married. On
February 21, 1861, he was united in marriage
with Hattie E. Parmenter, daughter of George
F. Parmenter, of Antrim. She died at the
age of thirty-seven years, leaving three chil-
dren, as follows: Clara E., born July 30,
1862; Bert, born March 3, 1865; and Mor-
ton, born July 15, 1867. Clara E. is the wife
of Charles P. Bryant, of Francestown, N.H.,
and has four children — Pearl, Bessie, Annie,
and Robert. Bert married Grace E. Wilson,
of Bennington, N.H., and had four chil-
dren, of whom an infant survives. Morton
wedded Emma F. Twitchell, of Bennington,
and has two children — Ruth M. and Howard
E. Mr. Paige’s present wife, whom he
wedded February 12, 1880, was before mar-
riage Celia Elizabeth Flemming, of Benning-
ton. By this union there is one son, Paul F.,
born April 13, 1890.

Mr. Paige is connected with the Masonic
fraternity, and has held the principal offices
of Ephraim Weston Post, No. 87, G. A. R.
He is a self-made man, and the energy and
perseverance he has displayed in working his
way forward to prominence in the business
circles of this locality are deserving of much
credit. He has been an Elder of the Presby-
terian church for the past twenty years, and
Mrs. Paige is a member.

 

AMES U. PRINCE, of Amherst, one
of the best known agriculturists of
Hillsboro County, was born here, Au-
gust 30, 1828, son of James and Mary

(Upham) Prince. Lieutenant Joseph Prince,
 

JAMES U. PRINCE.

  
 
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW 39

 

 

his great-grancfather, who was of English
birth, and held his commission as Lieuten-
ant under King George, having received from
the king the grant of a large tract of land ex-
tending through Amherst, Mont Vernon, and
Bedford, came to this country, and _ settled
on the portion of his grant lying in Amherst.
He was.a man of influence, and took a leading
part in the affairs of the town. During the
Indian hostilities he assisted in building tem-
porary block-houses. His son, Abel Prince,
who was born in Amherst, fought in the Rev-
olutionary War. James, who was a son of
Abel, spent his entire life here. He died in
the fifty-ninth year of his age. From both
father and grandfather he inherited a military
spirit, and was for a time an officer in a com-
pany of militia. His marriage with Mary
Upham was blessed by the birth of five chil-
dren, of whom James U. and Lois are living.
Lois is the wife of S. T. Jones, of Kasson,
Minn. The mother died April 4, 1837, aged
thirty-eight.

James U. Prince attended the district school
and a private school for a short time. He
lived on the homestead until middle life.
As his father was for a number of years an
invalid, much responsibility devolved upon
him. In Amherst village, when about forty
years old, he went into the stove and tinware
business, and carried it on for a short time.
It was shortly after that he went to California
on a business trip, going and returning via
the Isthmus route. Subsequently in Man-
chester, N.H., he was the general agent of a
New York nursery company for three years.
He then returned to his farm here in Am-
herst. This place, containing about two hun-
dred acres of land, and which is a part of the
royal grant to Lieutenant Joseph Prince, has
never been out of the possession of the Prince
family.

On October 24, 1850, Mr. Prince married
Miss Louisa J. Osgood. They are the parents
of five children, of whom Wilder J. and Lilla
M. are living. Lilla is the wife of the Rev.
Edwin Ellis, of the Presbyterian church,
who is now State superintendent of Sabbath-
schools in Montana, with headquarters at
Helena. Mr. Prince served for four years

i

 

very acceptably as Selectman. He has a
wide influence inthe grange societies of this
section. A charter member of Souhegan
Grange, he was its first Master. He was also
the first Master of Pomona Grange, Hillsboro
Ccunty, No. 1, of which he was one of the
organizers. When the State grange was or-
ganized, he was elected an officer and a mem-
ber of the Executive Committee. In the days
of the old Hillsboro County Agricultura] So-
ciety he was at one time its president. He
is a director of the Grange State Fair held at
Tilton, N.H., and is also a member of the
New Hampshire State Horticultural Society.
When the town of Amherst held its centennial
celebration, at which Horace Greeley delivered
the oration, Mr. Prince served as marshal. At
the old Hillsboro County agricultural fairs,
held at Milford, he served as marshal and as-
sistant marshal, and was chicf marshal when
the Amherst soldiers’ monument was dedi-
cated. He isa regular attendant of the Con-
gregational church, of which Mrs. Prince is a
member.

 

¢

Boe A. TURNER, formerly a
well-known and highly respected resi-

dent of Alstead, was born here,
March 6, 1846, son of John G. and Maria
(Cobb) Turner. The Turners originated with
three brothers, who came from England. The
grandfather of Edward A. Turner was John,
born in Mansfield, Mass. He spent the most
of his life in Walpole, N.H., and died in Al-
stead in 1860, being the first of the line to
come to this town. His wife, Sibyl Gordon
Turner, a native of Massachusetts, bore him
six children.

John Turner, son of the preceding John
and the father of Edward A., born in Wal-
pole in August, 1810, came to Alstead in
1844. He was a stage driver for years,
in which occupation he gained an extensive
acquaintance, and made many friends. In the
later part of his life he was engaged in farm-
ing. He successively married Maria Cobb
and Ruth Messer. By the first marriage there
were three children — William, Edward A.,
and Edwin O., the last two being twins,
40 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

William died at the age of five and Edwin at
the age of four years.

Edward A. Turner received his early edu-
cation in the schools of his native town.
After leaving school he obtained employment
in a store as clerk, first in Alstead and later in
Bellows Falls, Vt. He afterward owned and
conducted a grocery store in Bellows Falls for
many years, after which failing health obliged
him to give it up. He was a member of the
Board of Selectmen for a number of years,
and was many times the chairman of that
body. He was also Town Treasurer for sev-
eral years, and fulfilled the duties of that re-
sponsible position with rare fidelity and effi-
ciency. Under President Cleveland’s admin-
istration he was Postmaster for four years, and
in 1882-83 he was a member of the State
legislature, where he served on the Commit-
tee on Agriculture. In politics Mr. Turner
was a Democrat. He died June 22, 1891, of
heart disease, while working on the books in
the Selectmen’s office, and was buried with
Masonic rites. In religious belief Mr.
Turner was a Universalist.

Mrs. Olive A. Turner was born in Chester-
field, January 15, 1844, daughter of Alfred
and Emily (Farr) Chamberlain, of Chester-
field. Her father, a farmer, who was born
October 14, 1806, died in November, 1880.
Her mother, born April 25, 1815, is now liv-
ing with Mrs. Turner. The children of Mr.
and Mrs. Turner are: Mabel, Edwin O., and
Lucia E. F. Mabel, born November 1, 1870,
is the wife of Charles E. Murdough, a clerk
in a store of Alstead; Lucia E. F., born De-
cember 18, 1878, is attending school in
Springfield, Mass.; Edwin O. isa clerk in a
store of Holyoke, Mass.

 

NSON SWETT, the efficient Post-
master of Antrim, Hillsboro County,

was born in Windsor, N.H., Feb-

ruary 2, 1845, son of Daniel and

Roxy (Boutelle) Swett. His paternal grand-
father was Samuel Swett, a native of Ports-
mouth, N.H. He, Samuel, was a_ pioneer
settler in Windsor, where he cleared a good
farm. He followed agricultural pursuits

 

during his active period, attaining a fair
measure of success; and he lived to be eighty-
two years old. In politics he was originally
a Whig and in later years a Democrat. He
married Mary Dresser, and she reared four
children, of whom Daniel was the second-
born, but of whom none are now living.

Daniel Swett, father of Anson, was a native.
of Windsor. In 1857 he settled upon.a farm
in Antrim, where he resided for the rest of
his life, and where he was known as an in-
dustrious and successful general farmer. He
died in 1895. His wife, Roxy Boutelle
Swett, who was a daughter of Chandler B.

‘Boutelle, of Antrim, became the mother of

four children, of whom three are living,
namely: Martha; Anson, the subject of this
sketch; and Martin. Martha is the wife of
Charles D. Sawyer, of Antrim, N.H. Martin
wedded Emma Hammell, of Peterboro, N.H.,
and has one son, Frank. Mrs. Daniel Swett
died in 1876. She was a member of the
Presbyterian church.

Anson Swett began his education in Wind-

.sor, and, accompanying his parents to Antrim

when he was twelve years old, completed his
studies in the schools of this town. Whena
young man, he entered the employ of Charles
Holman, of Nashua, for whom he worked as
travelling salesman for twelve years, subse-
quently returning to Antrim, where he has
since remained. Politically, he supports the
Democratic party, and he has held the office
of Postmaster since 1894. He has taken a
prominent part in local public affairs, having
served upon the School Committee seven
years, as Tax Collector three years, and
having been elected to the Board of Select-
men for four terms. His services have proved
beneficial to the town, and the capable manner
in which he has discharged his official duties
has gained for him a high place in the estima-
tion of his fellow-townsmen.

On March 15, 1877, Mr. Swett was united
in marriage with Miss Alice C. Wilkins, daugh-
ter of Charles H. Wilkins, of New Boston.
Mrs. Swett is the mother of three children:
Susie G., born March 8, 1882; Archie M.,
born May 30, 1886; and Mary G., born April
10, 1888. Mr. Swett is connected with the

——
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW a1

 

 

Masonic fraternity and the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows. He and Mrs. Swett are
members of the Presbyterian church.

 

 

cyJ OHN =H. COGGIN, a prominent farmer

and dairyman of Amherst, who has

been identified with the agricultural

interests of Hillsboro County for more
than twoscore years, was born March Io,
1838, in New Boston, N.H., son of Luther
and Mary (Harwood) Coggin. The Coggin
family was first represented in this section of
New Hampshire by Joseph Coggin, Sr., the
great-grandfather of John H. Joseph located
in Mont Vernon at a very early period in its
settlement. His son, also named Joseph, was
the grandfather of John H.

Luther Coggin, who was born in Mont
Vernon, lived in the place of his birth until
after his marriage. Removing then to New
Boston, he was there engaged in farming for
twenty years. At the end of that period he
came to Amherst and bought the property now
owned by his son, John H. Here he was
afterward busily employed in mixed husbandry
until his death on January 18, 1877. In
politics he was a Whig in his earlier years,
and after the formation of the Republican
party he was one of its most loyal adherents.

John H. Coggin is the only surviving mem-
ber of his parents’ family. He received his
early education in the common schools of New
Boston and Amherst, and on his father’s farm
acquired a practical knowledge of agriculture.
In August, 1862, he enlisted for the Civil
War in Company A, Fourteenth New Hamp-
shire Volunteer Infantry, and was first as-
signed to garrison duty in Washington, D.C.
Ten months later, with his regiment, he took
part in the Red River expedition, commanded
by General N. P. Banks, and was afterward
with General Butler in the James River cam-
paign. Subsequently he served under Sheridan
in the Shenandoah Valley and actively partici-
pated in the battles of Winchester, Fisher's
Hill, and Cedar Creek. After receiving his
honorable discharge from the service in
August, 1865, he returned to Amherst, where
he has since been successfully engaged in till-

 

ing the soil. His farm contains one hundred
acres. Jn addition to carrying on general farm-
ing he makes a specialty of producing milk,
having a valuable and profitable dairy. He is
well known and esteemed throughout the dis-
trict for his strict integrity and honorable deal-
ing. During one term Mr. Coggin repre-
sented Amherst in the State legislature, and
for four years he was Selectman of the town,
serving for a part of the time as the chairman
of the Board. Politically, he is a strong Re-
publican. At present he is a Justice of the
Peace for the State of New Hampshire. A
comrade of C. H. Phelps Post, No 43,
G. A. R., he has been Vice-Commander.

Mr. Coggin was first married April 9, 1866,
to Miss Harriet N. Secomb, a daughter of
Daniel Secomb, of Amherst. She died Jan-
uary 8, 1882, leaving two children—Frederick
L. and George W. Mr. Coggin subsequently
married Mrs. Dell Seavey, daughter of Thomas
Wade, a native of Plattsburg, N.Y., and the
widow of the late Benjamin F. Seavey, of
Moore’s, N.Y. Mr. Seavey was a soldier in
the late war, and died after a month’s service.
Mr. and Mrs. Coggin are members of the Con-
gregational church.

 

NDREW MORRISON, a_ prominent

and influential resident of Alstead,

was born in this town, December 9g,

1835, son of Samuel and Eliza

(Buss) Morrison. His grandfather, Samuel
Morrison, born in Hancock, N.H., came when
a young man to Alstead, where he was en-
gaged in making the woodwork of ploughs.
Samuel was an active and enterprising man
and a leader in local affairs. He had a
family of six children; namely, Betsey, Sam-
uel, Benjamin F., Dexter, Sally, and Andrew.
Samuel Morrison (second), the father of
Andrew Morrison, was born in Alstead, Au-
gust 24, 1807, and died November 26, 1886.
Of a mechanical turn, he learned a number of
trades. He was a carpenter, a maker of
pumps and of yokes for oxen, also a mover of
buildings, an excellent layer of stone walls,
and a farmer. He took an active part in local
politics, and served in the legislatures of
42 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

1852, 1853, and 1854. He attended the
Methodist church. Warm-hearted and gener-
ous, he was always ready to do a good turn
for any man. His wife, Eliza, who was bern
in July, 1810, daughter of David and Annie
(Jones) Buss, of Marlow, died November 24,
1886. She was the mother of three beys—
Andrew, George D., and Milan D., all na-
tives of Alstead. George D., born September
23, 1838, lives in Marlow, is a farmer, and
also works at the different trades in which his
father was so skilful. He married Annie
Knights, but has no children. Milan D.,
born October 28, 1843, lives in Carthage,
Me., and has six children.

Andrew Morrison was educated in the coin-
mon schools of his native town. Then he
‘went to work with his father, learning most
of his trades, and becoming a skilled work-
man. When about twenty-five years of age,
he bought the farm which is now his home.
Since then he has bought a number of farms,
which he has traded. He is also a_ broker
and money-lender. Keen in business trans-
actions, he has been quite successful, and has
acquired a handsome fortune. He has been
Selectman a number of times. He was also
Road Agent, and at other times he held most
of the minor offices of the town.

Mr. Morrison married Julia V., who was
born August 4, 1837, daughter of Nelson
Kidder. One daughter, Jennie E., born
March 24, 1862, died June 15, 1877. Nettie
S., born January 18, 1865, is now Mrs. Clin-
ton Gates, of Alstead.

EORGE HARLON PAGE WARE
has been for forty years the black-
smith of Alstead. Born November

28, 1836, in the town of Acworth, he is a son
of Joseph and Susan (Nichols) Ware. His
grandfather, Joseph Ware, Sr., who lived at
Winchester, N.H., of which place he was one
of the early settlers, had, so far as is known,
but one child, the father of George H. P.
Ware.

Joseph Ware, who was born in Winchester
in 1784, went to Acworth, lived there for the
greater part of his life, and died in 1848.

 

 

Besides working at his trade of blacksmith,
he carried on farming to some extent. He
was a devoutly religious man and a Deacon of
the Orthodox church. His wife, Susan, who
was a native of Billerica, Mass., bore him
eight children, three of whom died in in-
fancy. Susan, Joseph, Pamelia, Hannah, and
George H. P. attained maturity. Susan mar-
ried Isaac Kent, who was for many years a
well-known hotel man of Alstead, and had
four children — Elisha, May, Ellen, and Sam-
uel; Joseph Ware, a farmer of Acworth, mar-
ried and had one daughter, Abbie; Pamelia
married Anthony Walker, of Nashua, N.H.,
and had a family of fcur children; Hannah
became Mrs. Henry King, of Boston, and had
two sons.

George H. P. Ware received his early edu-
cation in the public schools of Acworth.
After leaving school he learned the black-
smith’s trade with his wife’s father in Al-
stead. Since then he has been a resident of
Alstead. By his genial manners and his
willingness to oblige he has made many
friends in this section. He takes an inter-
est in public affairs and is often heard
from at town meetings. He has never, how-
ever, aspired to hold office. He attends the ,
Congregational church. Mr. Ware married
Susan Adelaide Spencer, who was born Feb-
ruary 6, 1844, the daughter of James and
Susan (McCrae) Spencer. Mr. Spencer, who
was born May 21, 1819, died February 18,
1883. Mrs. Ware died on September 19,
1887, having been the mother of three chil-
dren —— Frances A., James Walton; and Bertha
Eleanor. Frances A., born in Keene, Feb-
ruary 2, 1870, married Charles F. Pierce, of
Alstead. James W., korn August 24, 1873,
is the clerk at the Commercial House in Bel-
lows Falls, Vt. Bertha Eleanor, born Sep-
tember 12, 1877, is at home with her father
and grandmother.

Mr. Ware is something of an antiquary and
collector. He has a fine collection of rare
old coins, besides a cabinet of: stuffed birds,
mounted by himself. Much originality is
shown in the many odd and beautiful picture
frames he has manufactured from glass, broken
china, crockery, shells, buttons, and various
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW 43

 

 

other materials, which it would seem to be
impossible to work with. His lawns are
perhaps the most original and artistic of any

in the State, considering their size. They
are arranged with various kinds of orna-
mental work, and show great taste and
skill.

 

EORGE ALFRED COCHRAN, a
highly esteemed resident of Antrim
and an ex-membcr of the New

Hampshire legislature, was born in this town,
December 8, 1835, son of Ira and Clarissa
(Taylor) Cochran. His  great-grandfather,
Isaac Cochran, was a native of that part of
Londonderry which is now the town of Wind-
bam. When fifteen years old, Isaac joined
the Continental army as a drummer boy, and
was afterward promoted to the rank of Lieu-
tenant. In 1784 he settled in Antrim, and
acquired possession of the farm upon which
his great-grandson now resides. In the fol-
lowing year he erected the first two-story
house in Antrim, which served asa dwelling
until 1864, when it was replaced by the pres-
ent residence. The old elm-trees now stand-
ing upon the lawn were also set out by him.
He built a grist-mil]l in 1786, and was en-
gaged in conducting it and in farming for the
rest of his life. When he was eighteen years
old he was elected Constable, and he served
as a Selectman and as Moderator for a number
of years. He was an unusually large man,
weighing over three hundred pounds. Besides
his many commendable qualities as a citizen,
he acquired considerable loca] reputation as
a poet. His religious belief was the Presby-
terian, and he acted as Deacon of that church
for many years. He married Ruth Hopkins,
and reared three children. The youngest of
these, James Cochran, the grandfather of the
subject of this sketch, was born in Windham,
N.H. He accompanied his parents to An-
trim when a boy. Reared as a farmer, he
afterward cultivated the homestead land dur-
ing the active period of his life. He also
operated a saw and grist mill. His wife,
Joanna Cressey Cochran, had six children,
of whom the only survivor is Eliza, the widow

 

of Dr. Jacob P. Whittemore, late of Antrim.
She is residing in Concord, N.H., and has
one daughter, Mary, who is the wife of E. C.
Eastman, of Concord, N.H. James Cochran
was a Whig in politics. He lived to be
seventy-nine years old, and his wife died at
fifty-four. They were members of the Presby-
terian Church. Ira Cochran, son of James,
was born at the homestead in Antrim, and
reared to agricultural pursuits. In early man-
hood he spent five years in Boston, employed
as a lawyer’s clerk. The rest of his life was
passed in tilling the soil of the home farm.
He served asa Selectman for two years, and
was Lieutenant of a cavalry company in the
State militia. In his later years he supported
the Republican party. At his death his age
was eighty-eight years and six months. His
wife, Clarissa, who was a daughter of Samuel
Taylor, of Hillsboro, N.H., became the
mother of six children. Of these five are
living; namely, Mary, George A., Clara R.,
Caroline C., and Ann M. Clara R. is the
widow of John A. Whitman, late of Benning-
ton, N.H. Caroline C. married Benjamin P.
Baldwin, of Clinton, Ia., and her children
are Minnie A. and Eva A. Ann M. is the
wife of Charles E. Eaton, of Bennington.
The mother died at the age of sixty years.
She was a member of the Presbyterian church.

George Alfred Cochran acquired his educa-
tion in the schools of New London and Mont
Vernon, N.H. After completing his studies
he gave his attention to general farming. He
succeeded to the homestead, on which he has
continued to reside up to the present time.
A man of well-known integrity and possess-
ing much ability, he has been elected to vari-
ous offices of responsibility and trust. For
thirteen years he was a member of the Board
of Selectmen, serving as its chairman for nine
years. He was Tax Collector and Town
Auditor for a number of terms, and he was
Moderator at town meetings for fourteen
years. In 1870 and 1871 he represented the
district in the legislature, he was County
Commissioner from 1883 to 1889, and he was
a delegate to the Constitutional Convention at
Concord in 1889. For the past thirty years
he has acted asa Justice of the Peace, and
44 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

is at the present time a member of the Board
of Trustees of the Antrim Public Library.

On November 26, 1872, Mr. Cochran was
united in marriage with Etta A. Chapman.
She was born in Windsor, N.H., daughter of
Captain Silas Chapman. Her father, who is
a native of Windsor, after working at his
trade of mason in Boston for some years, re-
turned to the family homestead in Windsor,
where he is now living at the age of ninety-
one years. He was formerly a Captain in the
State militia, and was also prominent in
political affairs, having served as a Selectman,
Tax Collector, and a member of the New
Hampshire House of Representatives. In
politics he is a Democrat. His wife died
at the age of eighty-five years. Of his six
children two others are living—Helen M.
and Joseph C. Mr. and Mrs. Cochran have
no children. Mr. Cochran has been con-
nected with the Masonic fraternity since 1863,
and has occupied nearly all the important chairs
in Harmony Lodge, No. 38, of Hillsboro
Bridge. Mrs. Cochran is a member of the
Presbyterian church.

 

BNER B. CROMBIE, proprietor of

the Windsor Mountain House at

North Branch, in the town of An-

trim, Hillsboro County, was born

in New Boston, N.H., February 28, 1840, son
of Peter and Hannah (Bennett) Crombie.

Robert Crombie, his paternal grandfather,
was a prosperous farmer in New Boston dur-
ing the active years of his life, and he died
there at a good old age. He was a Deacon
of the Congregational church. He married
Lydia Patterson, who lived to be ninety years
old. She was the mother of seven children,
of whom Peter was the third son.

Peter Crombie was a native of New Boston,
He learned the carpenter’s trade, and later
became a prominent contractor and builder in
Nashua, where he was known as a reliable
business man and a good citizen. He carried
on a thriving business until his death, which
occurred in 1852. In politics he was a Whig.
He was a member of the Congregational
church. His wife, Hannah Bennett Crombie,

 

was a daughter of Steven Bennett,’ of New
Boston. She became the mother of five chil-
dren, of whom the only one now living is
Abner B., the subject of this sketch.

Abner B. Crombie was educated in the
schools of New Boston and Nashua and at
the academy in Francestown. He began life
as a clerk in a dry-goods store in Manchester,
where he remained two years, and in 1858 he
came to Antrim. In 1860 he opened a gen-
eral store at North Branch, and continued in
business for two years. He then enlisted as
a private in Company C, Eleventh Regiment,
New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry. He was
later made a Corporal, and served three years
in the Civil War. After his discharge he
went to Rockford, Il]., where he was engaged
in mercantile pursuits for two years, and for
the next three years he resided in Chicago.
Returning to Antrim in 1870, he opened the
Windsor Mountain House, which he carried
on as a summer boarding establishment for
twenty-five years, and he is still the owner of
the property. He is now engaged ‘in general
farming, and cultivates a large tract of land.

Politically, he acts with the Republican party.

He has been a member of the School Board
for the past five years, and for a number of
years has served, and is now serving, as Mod-
erator at town meetings.

On November 29, 1860, Mr. Crombie was
united in marriage with Miss Louise H. Mc-
Ilvaine, daughter of Moody B. McIlvaine, of
Antrim. Mr. and Mrs. Crombie have no
children. Mr. Crombie is a member of Star
in the East Lodge, No. 166, F. & A. M., of
Rockford, Ill. He is a comrade and was ene
of the organizers of Ephraim Weston Post, No.
87, G. A. R., of Antrim, and has been its
Senior Vice-Commander.

 

 

ILLIAM P. COLBURN, of Mil-
ford, a practical and progressive
agriculturist of Hillsboro County,

was born April 18, 1827, on the farm he now
owns and occupies. On the father’s side he
is of English descent. His grandfather, Job
Colburn, was born in Dracut, Mass. His
father, Joseph Colburn, who was also a native
BIOGRAPHICAL

REVIEW 45

 

 

of Dracut, lived in that place until he was
seventeen years old. Then Joseph came with
Captain Moses Nowell, one of the heroes of
Bunker Hill to Milford, arriving here early
in the spring of 1800. Occupied in farming
and becoming one of Milford’s most valued
citizens, he spent the rest of his life here, and
died in 1861. In politics he was a decided
Whig. He married Miss Hannah Spalding,
who was born and reared in Tewksbury, Mass.
Of their children two are now living, namely:
William P., the subject of this sketch; and
Mrs. Julia A. Wiggin, a widow, residing in
San Francisco, Cal.

William P. Colburn acquired his early edu-
cation in the district schools of Milford.
From his earliest years he has made a study
of agriculture. Since succeeding to the
paternal acres, he has carried on general farm-
ing after the most approved manner. He is
a strong Republican in politics. During the
years of 1859 and 1860 he served as Select-
man of the town, and he has also been High-
way Surveyor. For the past five years he
has been a Justice of the Peace. At present
he is actively engaged in the genealogical
work of the town history, now in preparation
for the press.

On March 26, 1850, Mr. Colburn married
Elizabeth M. Clark, who was born in Mil-
ford, October 23, 1826, daughter of Joseph
and Maria B. (Knowlton) Clark, both life-
long residents of this town. Her grandfather,
Richard Clark, was a pioneer settler of Mil-
ford, coming here in the latter part of the last
century, from Tewksbury, Mass. Mrs. Col-
burn’s father, who was born in 1800, died in
1886. He was a Republican in politics and
a worthy member of the Baptist church. Of
the large family of children born to him and
his wife, the following attained maturity:
Elizabeth M., now Mrs. Colburn; Daniel and
Charles A., both residents of Boston, Mass. ;
Frederick W., of South Weymouth, Mass. ;
Mrs. Harriet Swain, a widow, living in Wil-
mington, Mass.; Alma J., the wife of Or-
lando Lawrence, of Lawrence, Mass.; Ben-
jamin F., who died while serving in the late
Civil War; John H., of Boston, Mass.; Mary
S., the wife of Horace Dean, of Lawrence,

 

Mass.; Abbie F., the wife of George Kane,
also of Lawrence, Mass.; and Edward H.,
who resides in Milford. Mr. and Mrs. Col-
burn have had six children, three of whom
have passed to the higher life. The living
children are: Anna L., George W., and
Percy H. Both parents are active Christians
and members of the Baptist church, in which
the father’ has been a Deacon for twenty or
more years. :

 

RANK A. HOLBROOK, an extensive
farmer and dairyman of the town of
Aunherst, who owns and manages a

good farm of one hundred and forty acres,
was born June 30, 1853, in Manchester, N.H.,
son of Francis W. Holbrook. He comes of
noted Revolutionary stock, his great-grand-
father, Elijah Holbrook, having been a
Quartermaster in the Revolutionary army.
His father, who was born, bred, and educated
in Alstead, Cheshire County, subsequently
lived for a time in the city of Manchester.
From Manchester, in 1854, Francis W. Hol-
brook removed to Amherst, giving up his po-
sition in that place as stationary engineer and
night watchman to become a farmer. On
coming to this town, he bought land for agri-
cultural purposes, and from that time until
his death was closely associated with the farm-
ing interests of this community. An exten-
sive reader, he was well posted on all topics
connected with his calling, and for many
years was a well-known writer for agricultural

 

papers. Active in religious work, he was a
consistent member of the Congregational
church. In politics he supported the Repub-

lican party, both by voice and vote. He was
a charter member of the Souhegan Grange,
P. of H. At his death, which occurred De-
cember 14, 1886, Amherst lost a true and
faithful citizen. He married Olivia How-
land. Of their children five are living,
namely: Charles R., of Manchester, N.H.;
Mary O., the wife of George A. Buzzell, of
Bradford, Mass.; Frank A., the subject of
this sketch; George E., of Amherst, N.H.;
and Jennie, the wife of Ola Anderson, of
Concord, N.H.
46 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

A very little lad when brought to Amherst
by his parents, Frank A. Holbrook was reared
and educated in this town. From his earliest
youth he has been identified with the agricult-
ural progress of the town and county in which
he resides. On his farm he carries on general
agriculture and dairying. His dairy yields
him large quantities of milk, which he ships
to Boston. He occupies a foremost position
among the best known and most highly es-
teemed people of Amherst, being public-spir-
ited and enterprising. For three years he
served as Selectman of the town, having been
chairman of the Board for one year of that
period. In politics he is an unswerving Re-
publican, loyal to the best interests of his
party.

On October 5, 1876, Mr. Holbrook was
united in marriage with Miss Marcia E.
Davis, who was born in Greenville, N.H.,
daughter of the late Oliver O. and Elmina
Davis. Her father, who enlisted as a soldier
in the late Civil War, lost his life while in
service, dying at the age of thirty-three years
from the effects of a wound received in battle.
Three of his wife’s brothers, uncles of Mrs.
Holbrook, were also killed in the war. Mrs.
Davis, who is an active woman, though
seventy years of age, makes her home with
Mrs. Holbrook. Mr. and Mrs. Holbrook
have two children — Nellie B. and Walter D.
Both parents are members of the Souhegan
Grange, P. of H.; and of the Order of the
Golden Cross of Amherst. They are commu-
nicants of the Congregational church.

LIVER C. WHITCOMB, senior
member of the firm O. C. Whitcomb

& Co., the well-known box manufact-

urers of Harrisville, was born at
Greenbush, N.Y., February 23, 1844, son of
George and Aurelia (Goddard) Whitcomb.
His grandfather, Ephraim Whitcomb, lived
at Swanzey, N.H., during the greater part of

 

his life, and was probably born there.
Ephraim by occupation was a saddler and
farmer. His children were: George,
Ephraim, Jr., Dorothy, Demerias, and
Esther.

 

George Whitcomb was born at Swanzey in
1812, and died in 1890. His first employ-
ment for wages was in a hotel in Massachu-
setts. From there he went to New York, and
was engaged in railroading, being conductor of
a train. A number of years later he went
to Springfield, Mass., and subsequently to
Keene, N.H., in each of which places he was
employed as a conductor on trains running out
from there. After the death of his father he
returned to Swanzey, and bought the old farm,
where he resided for the remainder of his life.
For twelve years or longer he was sexton at
Swanzey. In politics he was a Democrat.
His religious belief was Universalism. His
wife, Aurelia, was a daughter of Captain Ed-
ward Goddard, of Swanzey. She was the
mother of two children — Oliver C. and Jane
A. Jane died at the age of six years.

Oliver C. Whitcomb attended the public
schools of Swanzey and subsequently Mount
Czesar Academy in that town. After leaving
school he worked for a time at clothes-pin
making, and subsequently manufactured fancy
boxes and toys. After working alone for a few
years, he formed a partnership with Mr. E.
Munsell, of Keene, a partnership that lasted
three years. At the end of that period the
business was moved to Swanzey, and the firm
name became Sprague & Whitcomb. When
the factory was burned in 1882, the firm
dissolved. Mr. Whitcomb subsequently car-
ried on the same business at Troy, N.H., for
a number of years. In 1892 he removed to
Harrisville, the firm being then composed of
himself and Mr. Frank S. Harris, and known
as O. C. Whitcomb & Co. The principal
articles manufactured by this firm are wooden
packing boxes with locked corners, fancy
boxes, children’s tool chests, and a large
variety of toys and novelties. Their goods
are sold all over the United States, and some
are sent abroad, where they compete success-
fully with foreign goods.

Mr. Whitcomb married Ella M. Whitcomb,
who was born in 1846, daughter of Sylvander
L. Whitcomb, of Swanzey. Mr. and Mrs.
Whitcomb attend the Unitarian church, and
contribute liberally toward its support. Mr.
Whitcomb is a Democrat in politics.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW 47

 

 

fT \ANIEL P. KENDALL, who was
born in Mont Vernon, January 3,
9 1823, came of pioneer ancestry.

His paternal grandfather settled in
this section of New Hampshire in the later
years of the eighteenth century. His father,
Daniel Kendall, was a lifelong resident of
Mont Vernon, where he contributed his full
share toward clearing the forest-covered land.
Daniel married Miss Deborah Battles, who
was born in the historic town of Plymouth,
Mass.

Daniel P. Kendall, like most farmers’ sons,
was brought up to agriculture, receiving such
educational advantages as were afforded by
the district schools. To the substantial foun-
dation thus laid, he continually added
throughout his entire life, having been a most
intelligent reader and a keen observer. His
large and well-cultivated farm yielded good
harvests, and his extensive tracts of woodland
furnished ample materia] for lumbering pur-
poses. He was known in Mont Vernon and
surrounding towns as a good: business man,
whose judgment in every-day matters was
rarely at fault. In the seventies he repre-
sented his native town in the State legis-
lature for two terms. In politics he was an
adherent of the Demccratic party. He was a
member of the First Congregational Church
of this town and a liberal contributor toward
its support. Actively interested in the
Patrons of Husbandry, he was a charter mem-
ber of Prospect Grange, No. 22, which he
served for a time as Chaplain. His long and
busy life, which was passed in Mont Vernon,
terminated there, August 26, 1891.

In May, 1851, Mr. Kendall married Miss
Susan Cloutman, daughter of Thomas Clout-
man, of Mont Vernon. She died January 8,

 

 

 

 

1897. They had seven children, of whom
Esther C., William H., and Susie M. are
living. Esther C. is the wife of Alonzo

Carlton, a Deputy Sheriff residing in Goffs-
town, N.H. Susie M. resides on the old
homestead. William H. Kendall is engaged
in general farming, operates a saw-mill, and
conducts an extensive business as a lumber
manufacturer and dealer. He owns three
hundred and fifty acres of land, formerly in-

 

cluded in the home farm. His reputation is
that of a thorough-going and _ progressive
farmer. A strong Republican in politics, he
has taken an active part in local affairs. At
one time he was Road Commissioner. For
six years he was a member of the School
Board, serving as chairman of the Board one-
third of that time. In 1897 he was elected
Selectman of the town. He is a valued mem-
ber of Prospect Grange, No. 22, of Mont
Vernon, in which he has been Master and
Chaplain. In the First Congregational
Church he is now a Deacon, and for several
years has been superintendent of the Sunday-
school connected therewith. He was an ac-
tive member of the Building Committee of
five under whose direction the fine and sub-
stantial house of worship of the society was
recently erected.

 

 

EED P. SALTMARSH, an industri-

ous farmer and respected resident of

Antrim, Hillsboro County, was

born in this town, December 4,

1820, son of Isaac and Phoebe (Stratton) Salt-

marsh. His grandfather, Thomas Saltmarsh,

who was a native of Watertown, Mass., set-

tled in Goffstown, where he tilled the soil

during his active years. He, Thomas, mar-

ried Betsey Abbott, daughter of Edward Ab-
bott, of Concord, N.H.

Isaac Saltmarsh was born in Goffstown in
1779. He settled in Antrim when a young
man, and cleared a farm, which he carried on
for the rest of his life. He was a sturdy
pioneer, who braved the dangers and endured
the hardships of settling in the wilderness,
and by perseverance and hard work produced
bountiful crops upon land which he had re-
claimed by hard and unremitting toil. He
constantly sought to improve the fertility of
his farm, and succeeded in bringing it to a
high state of cultivation. In 1820 he erected
the present residence. He died in 1823,
aged forty-four years. His wife, Phoebe
Stratton Saltmarsh, was a daughter of Jona-
than Stratton, of Marlboro, Mass. She be-
came the mother of seven children, of whom
Reed P., the youngest, is the only one now
48 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

living. Mrs. Isaac Saltmarsh died September
13, 1872, aged eighty-two years. Both par-
ents were members of the Presbyterian church.

Reed P. Saltmarsh was educated in the
common schools, and since completing his
studies has given his attention to general
farming. He has always resided in the house
where he was born, and, having succeeded to
the possession of the homestead, consisting of
thirty-five acres, is still actively engaged in
tilling the soil. Politically, he is a Demo-
crat, and his views upon the subject of religion
are liberal. He is well informed upon all
current topics, and possesses much valuable
information concerning the history of Antrim
and its early residents. Mr. Saltmarsh is un-
married.

 

 

AMES A. BROWN, a prominent and
respected resident of East Alstead, was
born in this town, June 8, 1822, son
of Abijah and Sarah (Shepard) Brown.

His grandfather, Abraham Brown, who was a
native of Grafton, Mass., lived in Alstead, and
there carried on farming. Abraham married
Lucy Golden, also a native of Grafton, whose
children by him were: Sarah, Polly, Abijah,
Abraham, John, Betsey, Israel, David, Jona-
than, Lucy, and Relief. David and Jonathan
were twins.

Abijah Brown, born in Alstead, May 1,
1782, died May 21, 1848. After his school
days ended, he worked on a farm for seven
years, and then bought a farm in Alstead.
Later he bought the old homestead, where he
died. He was a devoted member of the Con-
gregational church and ever ready to work for
its interests. His wife, Sarah, was born in
1782, daughter of Simeon Shepard, of this
town, and died in 1869. Of their seven chil-
dren two died in infancy. The others were:
Gardiner S., Lucy B., Nancy G., James A.,
and Emily. Gardiner S., who, born Septem-
ber 10, 1810, died December 29, 1876, gradu-
ated from Dartmouth College, taught school
for a number of years, and afterward became
a minister. Eventually he studied medicine,
and subsequently practised it in Hartford,
Conn., for twenty-five years. He was _ suc-

 

cessively married to Mary Scranton and Ade-
line Merrill, each of whom bore him one child.
These were: Lucy B., who married N. Hay-
ward, a farmer of Acworth, and had a large
family of children; and Nancy G., who mar-
ried a Mr. Bates, of Swanzey, N.H., the pro-
prietor of a cotton-mill, and had one child,
who died at the age of four months.

James A. Brown was sent to the common
schools of the town. Thereafter he worked
on his father’s farm until some six years ago.
He has been actively interested in local
affairs, and, besides serving in the minor town
offices, he was Selectman for several years.
A Justice of the Peace for a good many years,
he has settled a number of estates. He is an
attendant of the Congregational church and
a liberal giver toward its benevolent enter-
prises. Mr. Brown married Martha A. Ram-
sey, a daughter of James and Nancy Ramsey,
of Alstead. Mrs. Brown was born in Marlow
on April 29, 1823.

 

chant of South Merrimac, born in
Townsend, this State, October 6, 1860,
is a son of William C. and Hannah H.
Morse. The father, a watchmaker and jew-
eller, was in business in Lowell, Mass., at the
time of his death. A native of Dedham,
Mass., he was a man of cheerful disposition
and pleasing address, and had a large circle of
friends and acquaintances. He was skilful at
his trade, and did a large amount of work on
expensive jewelry. His wife, who survives
him, now resides in Lowell. Five of her six
children are living; namely, Carrie E. Weth-
erbee, Clarence D. Morse, James W., Edward
A. L., and Joshua H. The father held lib-
eral views regarding religion. He was nota
member of any church organization, but he
believed in the beneficent work of the churches
and in a broad and charitable Christianity that
expressed itself in daily service to fellow-men.
The profession of a creed he held to be the
smallest part of men’s duty, since creed ex-
presses itself in action far more than in formu-
lated speech.
James W. Morse spent his youth in Han-

de W. MORSE, the popular mer-
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW 49

 

 

over, N.H., and was sent to the public school
in that town and later to a school in Troy,
N.H. He started in business for himself in
life by taking up government Jand in Dakota,
where he remained for four years, engaged in
general farming. Desirous of coming East to
settle, he finally disposed of his Dakota prop-
erty and came to Lowell, Mass., where he se-
cured employment with Lamson & Co. as a
machinist. Mechanical occupations, however,
being less in accordance with his tastes than
mercantile pursuits, he removed in 1887 to
South Merrimac, where he soon started in a
small way the store of which he is at the pres-
ent time proprietor. Since then Mr. Morse
has been highly successful. The increased
volume of his business after a time has com-
pelled him to make additions to the original
building. Giving earnest and constant atten-
tion to his store and never afraid of hard
work, he has certainly earned all the success
he has obtained. His stock is always in prime
condition, and he aims to sel] at fair prices, so
that all his customers may be satisfied. Of
affable manners and always ready to do a
kindly turn, he has a host of friends, and has
won for himself an enviable place in social and
fraternal circles in South Merrimac.

Mrs. Morse has been her husband’s constant
helper, and his success is largely credited by
him to her foresight and practical suggestions.
Their children are: Ernest P., born in 1884;
and Florence E., born in 1886. Mr. Morse is
a member of Granite Lodge, No. 1, of Nashua,
Independent Order of Odd Fellows; also of
the Sons and Daughters of Rebecca. Both he
and his wife are members and attendants of
the Congregational church. He serves the
town as Postmaster, in which capacity he has
won much praise for efficiency. In politics
he is an Independent.

LIVER H. FOSTER, senior member
of the firm Foster Brothers, of Mil-

 

ford, wholesale and retail dealers in
meat and provisions, was born Janu-
ary 16, 1842, in Temple, N.H., son of Joshua
and Mary (Heald) Foster, who were also
natives of Temple. On the father’s side he

 

is of Scotch-Irish extraction. In this country
the Fosters are traced back to Massachusetts,
where they first settled. Members of the fam-
ily were afterward early settlers of Temple.
Mr. Foster’s great-grandfather, Joshua Foster,
was a Revolutionary soldier, as was also his
grandfather, Joshua. The father was a life-
long resident of Temple, and for several years
served as Selectman. In 1857 he was one of
the committee that had charge of the celebra-
tion of the one hundredth anniversary of
Temple. He had a local reputation as a vo-
calist, and took an active interest in social
matters. His living children are: Oliver H.,
Emily J., and Hannah A.

Oliver H. Foster spent his boyhood in his
native town, receiving an English education
in the common schools and Appleton’s Acad-
emy at New Ipswich, N.H. He graduated
from Bryant & Stratton’s Commercial Col-
lege at Manchester, N.H., in April, 1866.
Subsequently for a short time he was en-
gaged in teaching and then in carpentering.
In 1867 he and his brother, Edward E., estab-
lished themselves in the meat and provision
business under the firm name of Foster
Brothers. The brother died May 24, 1897,
since which, having bought the interest of the
heirs in the store, he has conducted it alone,
retaining the firm name. Toward the close of
the Civil War he enlisted for three months in
the Lafayette Artillery of Lyndeboro, N.H.,
and was assigned as a private to garrison duty
at Portsmouth, N.H.

Mr. Foster is a member of the Congrega-
tional church. He is a Republican in poli-
tics. In 1892 he was elected Representative
to the State legislature, and served one term.
He is a member and past commander of Oliver
W. Lull Post, G. A. R., of his town. In the
O. U. A. M. he is Past Counsellor, and Past
Sachem in the Improved Order of Red Men.
He is a trustee of the Milford Savings Bank.
Fond of music, he takes much interest in mu-
sical matters, and is now a member of the Mil-
ford Band. He married Hannah E., daughter
of Charles Wallace, late of Milford. They
have four children: Oliver W., attending
Dartmouth College at Hanover; Arthur J. ;
Elmer J.; and George R. He is a_public-
5°

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

spirited and enterprising man. Both he and
his wife move in the best society of the town.

 

UTHER HEMENWAY, a retired man-
ufacturer of Marlboro and an_ ex-
member of the New Hampshire
legislature, was born in this town,
January 15, 1827, son of Luther and Betsey
(Cummings) Hemenway. His grandparents,
Ebenezer and Ruth (Gates) Hemenway, came
here through the wilderness from Framingham,
Mass., and settled upon a tract of land bor-
dering upon the town of Dublin. Ebenezer
eventually replaced his Jog cabin with a frame
house, which is still standing, and at the time
of his death was the owner of a good farm.
He reared a large family.

Luther Hemenway, who was born in Fra-
mingham, grew to manhood at the homestead.
He learned the blacksmith’s trade, which, be-
sides farming, he followed in the village of
Marlboro for some years. His last days were
passed in Jaffrey, and he lived to be eighty-
five years old. He was interested in military
affairs, and was familiarly known as Captain
Hemenway. In his religious belief he was a
Unitarian. His wife, Betsey, was a daughter
of Amos Cummings. Her family were origi-
nally from Seabrook, N.H. She became the
mother of four children, namely: Charles C.,
who is no longer living; Sarah; Eliza C.; and
Luther. Sarah is the widow of Warren C.
Town, late of Keene, N.H.; and Eliza C.
is the widow of Oliver Jewett, late of Marl-
boro.

Luther Hemenway attended the schools of
Marlboro and Dublin, and completed his stud-
ies at the Melville Academy, Jaffrey, N.H.
He subsequently worked with his father at the
blacksmith’s trade until reaching his majority.
Then he engaged in the manufacture of wooden-
ware at Marlboro, where he conducted a thriv-
ing business for upward of forty years. He
was one of the pioneer box manufacturers in
this locality, and is the owner of a mill situ-
ated on Minnewaw Creek. His business en-
terprises were productive of good financial
results, and he is now living in retirement.
In politics Mr. Hemenway was originally a

 

Democrat, and he cast his first Presidential
vote for Franklin Pierce in 1852. At the
breaking out of the Rebellion he joined the
Republican party, which he has since sup-
ported with vigor. At one time he was the
president of the Republican Club, and he is
now the secretary. He has rendered valuable
service to the community in public capacities.
He was Constable and Fire Warden for a num-
ber of years, has served for several terms as
a Selectman, and was a Representative to
the legislature in 1895. He is connected with
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the
Patrons of Husbandry, and has attended the
Universalist church for the past fifty years.

On December 7, 1853, Mr. Hemenway was
united in marriage with Mary C. Davis,
daughter of Joshua Davis. He has one son —
Frederick D., who married Bertha I. Smith,
and has one daughter — Ruth E. Mrs. Hem-
enway is a devoted member of the Congrega-
tional church.

 

HARLES E. MARSH, Postmaster of
Greenville, an ex-member of the New
Hampshire legislature, and a veteran
of the Civi] War, was born in Gil-
manton, N.H., April 4, 1836, son of Amos
and Susan (Gilman) Marsh. His  grand-
father, Joseph Marsh, who was born in Exe-
ter, N.H., December 20, 1754, followed the
trade of blacksmith. Joseph participated in
the battles of Lexington, Bunker Hill, and
other memorable fights of the Revolutionary
War. About the year 1788 he settled in Gil-
manton, where he worked at his trade for the
rest of his life. He took an active part in
developing the town, and lived to see it be-
come a populous and flourishing community.
Distinguished for his kind and genial disposi-
tion, he was well liked and respected by his
neighbors. He was a member of the Congre-
gational church. His death, occurred March
17, 1839, in his eighty-fifth year. On Sep-
tember 9, 1780, he married Olive Arbuncle,
who was born March 10, 1758. She bore him
eight children, all of whom are now deceased.
The mother was about sixty-eight years old
when she died.
 

LUTHER HEMENWAY.
 
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW 53

 

 

Amos Marsh was born in Gilmanton, N.H.,
July 24, 1799. He learned the blacksmith’s
trade with his father, and followed it through
the active period of his life with a diligence
and industry which enabled him to provide his
family with a comfortable home and a good
practical education. He was an earnest sup-
porter of the abolition movement. In 1854
and the following year so popular was he
that, although Gilmanton contained a Demo-
cratic majority, he was elected to the legislat-
ure. He was a man of few words, and he
weighed them well before giving them utter-
ance. In 1838 he united with the Congrega-
tional church. He died in Gilmanton Iron
Works, October 21, 1877. At his death he
was the oldest native resident of the village.
His wife, Susan, was a native of Gilmanton,
and a daughter of Joseph Gilman. Two of
their children, Joseph Warren and Charles E.,
reached maturity.

Charles E. Marsh acquired his education at
the academies in Pittsfield and Gilford. For
some years after leaving school he was em-
ployed as a clerk in Gilmanton, Laconia, and
Farmington, N.H., and in Lawrence, Mass.
Subsequently for two years he was engaged in
the manufacture of ploughs in Gilmanton. In
1862 he enlisted for service in the Civil War
as a private in Company B, Twelfth Regi-
ment, New Hampshire Volunteers. In the
service, by promotion he attained the rank of
Lieutenant. He was present at the battles
of Fredericksburg and Gettysburg, in both of
which he was wounded. In consequence of
his wounds he was confined for atime in the
Armory Square Hospital at Washington.
After the close of the war he became a mem-
ber of the firm of Dockman & Marsh, and for
three years was engaged in mercantile busi-
ness in Gilmanton. Upon his retirement
from that concern he went to Lowell, Mass.,
where he clerked in a dry-goods store for two
years. He returned to Gilmanton again, and
was Town Clerk for several years. In 1878
he engaged in the printing and _ stationery
business in Greenville, N.H. Eight years
after he was chosen treasurer of the Mason
Village Savings Bank, and in 1889 he was ap-
pointed Postmaster at Greenville, both of

 

which positions he still occupies. He acts
with the Republican party in politics. He
was a member of the New Hampshire House
of Representatives in 1881. He has also
been a member of the School Board, and he
has served as Town Clerk since 1888.

On June 16, 1864, Mr. Marsh was united
in marriage with Laura A. Griffin, daughter
of Joseph Griffin, of Lowell, Mass. His
three children are: Myrtle M., L. Maude, and
Frederick C. He is amember of Fraternity
Lodge, F. & A. M., of Farmington, N.H. ;
and at the present time is Quartermaster of
Herman Shedd Post, No. 27, G. A. R., of
Greenville. Both he and Mrs. Marsh are
Universalists in belief. They attend the
Congregational church, as there is no Univer-
salist church in town.

 

ILLIAM M. PATTEN, a resident
of Bedford and an ex-member of
the New Hampshire House of Rep-

resentatives, was born in this town, October
22, 1840, son of Adam N. and Clarissa
(Hodgman) Patten. The first ancestor of the
family in America was John Patten, a native
of Ireland, who emigrated to Massachusetts in
1728. Ten years later John settled upon a
tract of wild Jand situated in the eastern part
of the township of Bedford, where he was the
second white settler. Having cleared a good
farm from the wilderness, he resided thereon
for the rest of his life, and died in 1746.
His son, Samuel Patten, great-grandfather of
William M., was born in Ireland in 1713.
Samuel came to this country with his father,
assisted in the pioneer work, and was there-
after engaged in farming throughout the re-
mainder of his active period. Joseph Patten,
the grandfather, was a native of Bedford. He
was born in 1758, was an energetic farmer,
and a prominent public official of his day, and
died in 1839. It is stated that seven mem-
bers of the family fought for American inde-
pendence in the Continental army.

Adam N. Patten was born in Bedford, June
19, 1805. In his earlier years he was engaged
in lumbering. Afterward he gave his whole
attention to agriculture, which he prosper-
54 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

ously followed during the rest of his active
years. He was influential in public affairs,
and he represented the district in the legislat-
ure of 1849. In his religious belief he was a
Presbyterian. He died April 15, 1887. His
wife, Clarissa, who was a native of Bedford,
had four children, of whom William M. and
Abigail are living. Abigail, born November
23, 1846, married James E. Gault, of this
town, and has had three children. The
latter were: Clara M., born in April, 1873,
who died January 2, 1888; Lewis, born Janu-
ary 19, 1876; and Abbie, born November 20,
1878. The other children of Adam N. Patten
and his wife were: Joseph, who died in Feb-
ruary, 1834; and Samuel J., born in 1836,
who died June 30, 1858. The wife died Jan-
uary 28, 1866.

William M. Patten was reared a farmer,
receiving his education in the schools of Bed-
ford. He succeeded to the ownership of the
homestead property, and for several years has
conducted a flourishing milk business. He
is an earnest supporter of the Republican
party, has ably filled some of the important
town offices, was Representative to the legis-
lature in 1887, and is at the present time
serving as Moderator at town meetings.

On November 26, 1863, Mr. Patten was
united in marriage with Ellen Whitford.
She was born in Nashua, N.H., April 7,
1842, daughter of George and Sylvia (Stearns)
Whitford, both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs.
Patten have had four children, as follows:
George W., born March 5, 1865, who died
May 30, 1887; Carrie E., born September
13, 1868, who died July 23, 1883; Annie M.,
born August 18, 1872, who died June 28,
1890; and Emma L., born March 29, 1882,
who died January 28, 1889. Both parents
attend the Presbyterian church.

ERBERT J. TAFT, one of the most
active business men of Greenville

ko and an ex-member of the New
Hampshire legislature, was born in

this town, September 1, 1860, son of James
and Mary (King) Taft. His grandfather, also
named James, who was a native of Uxbridge,

 

 

 

Mass., followed the trade of a tanner in his
younger days. Subsequently for several years
the grandfather manufactured cotton goods in
New Ipswich, N.H. From New Ipswich he
moved to Mason Village, now Greenville,
where during the last fifteen years of his life
he was engaged in the provision and grocery
business. He lived to a good old age.

James Taft, the father of Herbert J., was
born and reared in Greenvilie. When a young
man he became associated with his father in
business. Capable and far-sighted, he was
prominent in public affairs, serving as a Se-
lectman, Tax Collector, Town Clerk, and
Deputy Sheriff, and he was Postmaster during
the first administration of President Cleveland.
In politics he supported the Democratic party.
He was highly esteemed as a citizen of more
than ordinary worth and an upright, conscien-
tious business man ; and his death, which
occurred at the age of sixty-one years, was the
cause of general regret. His wife, Mary, who
was a daughter of Colonel] Samuel King, of
Wilton, N.H., became the mother of five chil-
dren; namely, Herbert J., Josephine M.,
Florence E., Winnifred L., and Beatrice K.
The last two were twins. Florence E. is
deceased. Mrs. James Taft, who is a mem-
ber of the Unitarian church, resides at the
homestead.

Herbert J. Taft completed his education at
the New Ipswich Academy, and then studied
law with Wadleigh & Wallace, of Milford,
N.H. Hewas duly admitted to the bar, and
two years later began the practice of his pro-
fession in Greenville. In addition to his gen-
eral Jaw business, he is interested in the man-
ufacture of furniture, lumbering, banking,
insurance, the coal and wood business, and
farming. He is vice-president and a trustee
of the Greenville Savings Bank, a member of
insurance companies, including that of the
Granite State, and owns a large farm contain-
ing between four hundred and five hundred
acres, which is one of the finest pieces of agri-
cultural property in this locality. Politically,
he occupies a prominent position in this town.
He was for seven years a member of the School
Board, and he represented this district in the
legislature in 1890 and 1891. He is a trus-
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW ng

 

 

tee of the Chamberlain Public Library. No
one is more ready with his aid and influence to
forward and assist the general improvement of
the town.

On October 21, 1885, Mr. Taft was united
in marriage with Ida F. Chamberlain, daugh-
ter of James L. Chamberlain, of Greenville.
His only child, James Chamberlain Taft, was
born February 16, 1891. He is a member of
the Masonic Blue Lodge, and of the St.
George Commandery of Knights Templar in
Nashua. He is also connected with the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, and has occu-
pied the important chairs of the lodge in
Greenville. Both he and Mrs. Taft attend
the Congregational church. His business en-
terprise has been very beneficial to the com-
munity.

ILLIAM F. SYMONDS, an ex-
member of the New Hampshire
legislature and one of the most

prominent residents of Hancock, was born in
this town, April 23, 1835, son of Lewis and
Persis (Robinson) Symonds. Joseph Sy-
monds, grandfather of William F., and a na-
tive of Shirley, Mass., came to Hancock when
he was eight years old. In his earlier years
he worked at the trades of carpenter and
blacksmith. He was also engaged in agri-
cultural pursuits. A leading spirit in the
local affairs, he served on the Board of Select-
men, and was a member of the legislature for
five terms. Noted for his honesty, he was
sincerely respected. At his death he was
eighty-three years old. He contracted mar-
riage three times successively with Hannah
Dodge, Esther Baldwin, and Susan Wright.
Of his eight children, all born of his first
wife, none are now living.

Lewis Symonds, who was a lifelong resi-
dent of Hancock, spent his active years in
tilling the soil. Asa general farmer he was
industrious and persevering, and his bountiful
harvests provided ample means for the support
and education of his children. In politics he
was a Democrat, and he represented this town
in the legislature for two terms. He attained
the age of eighty-eight years. His wife, Per-

 

 

sis, became the mother of five children, of
whom William F., Joseph E., Laura, and
Elizabeth are living. Joseph married Sarah
F. A. Little, of Enfield, N.H., and has three
children — Charles H., Mabel L., and Mary
F. Elizabeth is the wife of Owen L. Bou-
telle. Mrs. Lewis Symonds, who is still liv-
ing, and resides in Penacook, is now eighty-
eight years old. She is a member of the
Congregational church.

William F. Symonds was educated in Han-
cock. Since leaving school he has devoted
his time and energies to agriculture. His
natural ability and sound judgment have, how-
ever, called him from the field to various
official positions, and that he has ably and
faithfully served his fellow-townsmen is at-
tested by his long continuance in office. For
eight years he was a member of the Board of
Selectmen. He was elected to the House of
Representatives in 1885 and 1891. He is
now serving his twelfth year in the offices of
Town Clerk and Treasurer. Fora long time
he has been trustee of the Hancock Public
Library. He is also treasurer of the school
district, a Notary Public, and a Justice of the
Peace.

On January 21, 1869, Mr. Symonds was
united in marriage with Abbie M. Washburn,
of Hancock. Mrs. Symonds has had four

children, three of whom are living, namely:

Henry A., born September 23, 1871, who is a
graduate of Dartmouth College; Annie Lizzie,
born November 15, 1874, who graduated at
the Milford High School, and is now a music
teacher; and Herbert W., born June 7, 1876,
who is a graduate of Tufts College. Mr. Sy-
monds takes a liberal view of questions re-
lating to religion. In politics he acts with
the Republican party.

 

AROLINE LESLIE FIELD, an es-
teemed summer resident of Alstead,

and daughter of Seth D. and the

noted authoress, Adeline D. T.
Whitney, was born in Milton, Mass. At one
time her father conducted a large shoe and
leather business in Fulton Street, Boston,
but retired when Mrs. Field was quite young.
56 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

Her mother, who was born in Boston, Septem-
ber 15, 1824, was educated at Mr. George B.
Emerson’s private school in that city and at
Miss Dwight’s Boarding-school at Northamp-
ton. She neither wrote nor published before
her marriage. Her first book was ‘“ Mother
Goose for Grown Folks.” This was followed
by “Boys at Chequasset,” “Faith Gartney’s
Girlhood,” “Gayworthys,” “Leslie Gold-
thwaite,” “Hitherto,” “Patience Strong,”
“We Girls,” “Real Folks,” “Other Girls,”
“Pansies,” “Sights and Insights,” ‘Odd or
Even,” “Cook Book,” ‘ Bonnyborough,”
“Homespun Yarns,” “Ascutney Street,”
“Holy Tides,” “Golden Gossip,” “White
Memories,” “Friendly Letters to Girls,”
“Open Mystery,” and many short sketches
and articles. Mrs. Whitney is a constant
contributor to many of the best periodicals of
the country. Her gifted pen, which has car-
ried instruction and amusement to thousands
of readers, has made her name a household
word.

Mrs. Field inherits much of her mother’s
gift, and has already written a number of
books, including “High Lights,” ‘‘ Poems,”
“Unseen King,” besides many short stories
and poems. Mrs. Field has three sons: Will-
iam L. W., a student in Harvard University;
James Alfred, at Milton Academy, Milton,
Mass. ; and Douglas Grahame, who is also a
student of Milton Academy. Mrs. Field and
her mother first became interested in Alstead
in 1871, when they boarded during the sum-
mer with Mrs. Emily Barnard Gibson, a very
energetic woman, who sent her boys to col-
lege, and kept them there by her own efforts.
Alstead may well feel gratified at having so
distinguished a _ resident. Mrs. Whitney
was so attached to Hillsboro that she desired
a summer home here, and the family now
make this their summer residence.

ELBERN E. KNIGHT, of the
well-known firm Lewis & Knight,

of Alstead, was born in Marlow,

this State, July 8, 1862, son of
Benjamin and Lucy (Barney) Knight. His
grandfather, Ira Knight, who was born in

 

 

Hancock, N.H., excepting ten years spent in
Vermont, lived at Marlow throughout his life-

time. Ira was an industrious farmer and a
good citizen. His wife, who was a Wash-
burn, bore him eight children; namely,

Lewis, Eben, Ira, Nathaniel, Abigail, Susan,
Sarah, and Benjamin. Lewis, who married,
and was a farmer in Marlow for some years,
and served his townsmen as Selectman and as
Representative to General Court, is now re-
tired from active business. Eben, who was a
successful dealer in cattle at Marlow, married,
and had a family. Ira, a farmer and a car-
penter, married and resided in Marlow and
later in Keene. Nathaniel, also a farmer,
married, and reared a family of children.
Abigail married Joseph Clyde, who was born
in Marlow, and now lives at Keene. Susan
became the wife of Samuel Bill, a lumber-
man of Keene, and has a number of children.
Sarah is married and lives in Bennington,

N.H.

Benjamin Knight was born in Marlow, Jan-
uary 12, 1828. After his school days were
over, he learned the tanner’s trade, and after-
ward worked at it for thirty years. He was
then employed in a store for ten years, and
later he engaged in farming. He attends the
Universalist church, and carries into daily
practice the teachings of that denomination.
In politics he is a Democrat, is active in
town affairs, and has held the office of Select-
man. He has had three children — Emma,
Edgar, and Melbern E. The first two died
young.

Melbern E. Knight began his working life
as a teamster, which occupation he followed
for five years. He came to Alstead in 1886,
and worked at teaming with his partner.
Then he went into F. J. Marvin’s general
store, and was there for two years. At the
end of that time the firm of Lewis & Knight,
general teamsters and jobbers and speculators
in Jumber lands, was formed. They also
manage the express business of the town. In
these various lines they carry on a large and
successful business.

On October 3, 1886, he married Etta
Walker, of this town. Mrs. Knight was born
October 3, 1863, daughter of Otis Walker.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW 57

 

 

Mr. Knight is a Democrat in politics and a
member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows. He isa liberal giver to charitable
objects.

 

INNIE E. STACY, of Lyndeboro,
a representative of one of the old-
est families in Hillsboro County,
was born in South Lyndeboro,
N.H., October 12, 1872, daughter of Byron
and Sarah Adeline (Tarbell) Stacy. On the
mother’s side Miss Stacy is a descendant in
the ninth generation of the first Thomas Tar-
bell, who was a native of Groton, Mass. His
wife, Hannah, whom he married June 30,
1666, had four children. Thomas Tarbell
(second), the eldest son, was born July 6,
1667, and died January 24, 1717. On De-
cember 1, 1686, he married Elizabeth Blood,
who bore him ten children. Thomas Tarbell
(third), oldest son of Thomas (second), was
born September 15, 1687. By his first wife,
whose maiden name was Hannah Parker, there
were four children. For his second wife he
married Abigail Parker, who is supposed to
have been a sister of his first wife, and by that
marriage he became the father of eight children.
Thomas Tarbell (fourth), or Captain Tarbell,
the next in line, was the youngest child and
only son of Thomas Tarbell (third) by his first
union. Born February 2, 1719, he resided in
Mason, N.H., was identified with public
affairs, and served as Town Clerk from 1762
to 1773. He died February 9, 1777. On
June 19, 1741, he married Esther Smith, by
whom he became the father of six children.
Thomas Tarbell (fifth), the fifth child of Cap-
tain Thomas, was born in Mason, October 8,
1751. On July 8, 1788, in Mason, he was
united in marriage with Sarah Barrett by the
Rev. Jonathan Searle. He served in the war
of the Revolution. The fifth Thomas Tarbell
was the father of nine children, of whom Joel,
Miss Stacy’s great-grandfather, was the eighth
child. Joel Tarbell was born in Mason, July
9, 1793, and died September 15, 1851. He
married Betsey Shattuck, of Pepperell, Mass.,
and reared three children, of whom Joel H.
was the eldest.

 

Joel H. Tarbell, Miss Stacy’s grandfather,
born. in’ Mason, February 6, 1816, died
February 14, 1891, at South Lyndeboro, N.H.
In early life he settled in Lyndeboro, and was
engaged in agriculture. He later became a
hotel-keeper, in which he continued for seven-
teen years. He then opened a general store in
South Lyndeboro, where he continued in trade
for many years. He held the appointment of
Postmaster for twenty years, was a Selectman
several terms, served as Town Clerk from 1850
to 1857, and for a number of years he was a
Justice of the Peace. He was prominent in
military affairs, and served as Captain of the
Lafayette Artillery Company for fourteen
years. On January 15, 1839, Joe] H. Tarbell
married Fsther Putnam, who became the
mother of three children, namely: Sanford P.,
born July 5, 1839, who died January 7, 1842;
Charles F., born in Lyndeboro, November 19,
1843; and Sarah Adeline. Charles F. en-
tered his father’s store at an early age, and
continued there until his death, which occurred
February 24, 1888. He was an abie and suc-
cessful business man, and highly esteemed by
his fellow-townsmen. He served with ability
as Town Clerk and Tax Collector, and was
twice a candidate for the legislature. On May
18, 1865, he married Emily C. Chamberlin,
daughter of Rufus Chamberlin, of this town.
His children are: Walter S., born January 2,
1867; and Charles H., born June 28, 1874.
Walter S. was married October 30, 1890, to
Lizzie G. Curtis, daughter of Isaiah B. Curtis,
of Lyndeboro. Mrs. Charles F. Tarbell is
still residing here.

On June 29, 1869, Sarah Adeline Tarbell,
daughter of Joel H., was joined in marriage
with Byron Stacy. He died June 3, 1875, and
the only child of their union is Minnie E., the
subject of this sketch. Mrs. Byron Stacy died
September 11, 1882.

 

.-

 

LEXANDER CALDWELL, a paper
manufacturer of Bennington, was born

in Troy, N.Y., November 1, 1853,

son of David and Margaret (An-

drews) Caldwell. His grandfather, Alexander
Caldwell, a native of Scotland, came to this
58 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

country and settled in Tennessee. Alexander
was a paper-maker by trade. He married
Elizabeth Fraser, and had ten children, one of
whom is now living.

David Caldwell was born in Glasgow, Scot-
land, December 30, 1820. He learned paper-
making there, and followed that trade for sev-

eral years before coming to America. In 1852
he crossed the ocean and settled in Troy,
N.Y., remaining there until 1862. Then he

removed to Cohoes, N.Y., continuing to work
at his trade in that place. In 1872 he went to
Unionville, Conn., where he remained for
three years. Later he spent some time in
Holyoke, Mass. From Holyoke he went in
1885 to Higley, Fla., where he purchased an
orange grove, and has since been engaged in
the raising of oranges. In his politics he is
a Republican. He married Margaret An-
drews, and became the father of eight children.
Of these Margaret, Alexander, and David J.
are living. Margaret is the wife of George
Dunn, of Miamisburg, Ohio, and has three
children — William, David, and Alexander.
David J. married Mary Corbin, of Higley,
Fla., and has one child, Alexander. David
Caldwell and his wife are members of the
Baptist church.

Alexander Caldwell received his education
in Troy and Cohoes, N.Y. After leaving
school, being then eighteen years old, he
learned the trade of paper-maker at Cohoes.
After spending a year there, he removed to
Unionville, Conn., where he was employed in
a paper-mill for about four years. He then
worked in the Albion and Chemical Paper
Mills in Holyoke, Mass., where he remained
for several years. In 1881 he removed to
Bennington, and was employed by W. T. Barker
& Co. in their paper-mill. He was serving
in this employment when he was appointed
superintendent, the position he holds at the
present time. He now has entire charge of
these mills, having under his care about forty-
five men. In politics he is a Republican.

On March 24, 1884, he married Alma B.
Proctor, daughter of Luke Proctor, of Benning-
ton. They attend the Congregational church.
Mr. Caldwell is highly respected in Benning-
ton. He is a thorough paper-maker, and has

 

attained his present position through his in-
dustry and integrity.

 

 

[Oy EXBY FORSTER HITCH, a prom-
inent summer resident of Alstead,
Tle ks WAS born in Fairhaven, Mass., oppo-
site New Bedford, and educated in

Jamaica Plain. After leaving school, he
began his business life in Boston, and later
joined the mercantile house in Brazil of which
his father had been the head. Mr. Hitch has
been in that business for forty years, finally
succeeding his father as the head of the con-
cern, and associating with himself in the busi-
ness two of his sons— Allerton Delano and
Joseph C. D. Hitch. Mr. Hitch has three
other children. His home is in New Jersey,
and he takes an active interest in the political
affairs of that State. The American branch of
his house has its office in Front Street, New
York City. The summer residence of Mr.
Hitch in Alstead, large and beautiful, and
situated among the hills of New Hampshire,
is surrounded by beautiful scenery. He is
very much attached to the town and its people.

 

 

 

joc: M. BURNS, an esteemed resi-

 

dent of Milford, is the present worthy

representative of an old and respected

family of Hillsboro County. Born here
December 11, 1819, son of Captain Daniel
Burns, he is a lineal descendant of John Burns,
who emigrated from Scotland to America in
Colonial times, settling with his family in
Milford, on a homestead which has since been
owned and occupied by a Burns. His son,
John Burns (second), reared a large family,
among whom was Daniel Burns, Sr., the pa-
ternal grandfather of James M. Daniel
Burns, Sr., became one of the most influential
men in this part of the county, where he spent
his life. He was familiarly known as Deacon
Burns, having been a pillar of the Congrega-
tional church for many years.

Captain Daniel Burns, likewise a lifelong
resident of this town, was a prosperous farmer,
and for a Jong time the Tax Collector of Mil-
ford. He was Captain of an artillery company
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW 59

 

 

in the State militia. In politics he was very
active. He was a strong temperance man, and
an ardent worker in the anti-slavery ranks. A
consistent member of the Congregational
church, he was for many years the superintend-
ent of its Sunday-school. His death, which
occurred in 1866, was a loss to the entire com-
munity. He married Lydia Sawtelle, who
was born in Brookline, N.H. Of their chil-
dren three are now living, namely: James M.,
the subject of this sketch; Eli S., a resident
of Milford; and Josephine M., the wife of
William L. Taylor, of Bennington, this
county.

James M. Burns was reared and educated in
his native town. In the earlier years of his
life he was engaged in general farming and
lumbering. Beginning in 1848, he was em-
ployed in the carding department of the Sou-
hegan Cotton Mill, of Milford, for ten years,
serving for the greater part of the time in the
capacity of overseer. In 1858 he went to
Holyoke, Mass., where he occupied a similar
position in the Hampden Cotton Mills until
November, 1865. He then returned to Mil-
ford, which has since been hishome. In 1871
he built a house of fifteen rooms, and, after
occupying a part of it for seventeen years, he
sold it for use as a Congregational parson-

age. His present residence was built by him
in 1891. On both occasions he was his own
architect. In politics he is a Republican, and

for one year he served his fellow-townsmen as
Selectman.

Mr. Burns was united in marriage Novem-
ber 30, 1843, with Miss Mary A. Burns,
daughter of the late Captain Peter Burns, and
a sister of Luther M. Burns. They celebrated
their golden wedding on November 30, 1893,
when a houseful of relatives and friends con-
gratulated them on the event. Ketaining the
faith in which they were reared, they are
attendants of the Congregational church.

 

ILMAN F. FARLEY, one of Goffs-
town’s most respected residents, was
born June 30, 1830, in what is now

Manchester, N.H., son of Caleb F. and Sally
(Hastings) Farley. His grandfather, Caleb

 

Farley, who was a cooper by trade and one of
the pioneer settlers of Hollis, N.H., married
Hannah Fletcher, and died when somewhat
over seventy-five years old, in New Boston,
N.H. His son, Caleb F., born in Hollis,
February 15, 1807, was also a cooper in his
early manhood. Later on Caleb became a
farmer, lived in the towns of Dunbarton and
New Boston, and was a well-to-do man. His
wife, Sally, was born in Hopkinton, March
10, 1810. Both she and her husband lived to
be seventy-six years of age. They had three
children — Gilman F., Carrie, and Sarah J.
Carrie became the wife of Deacon Francis O.
Colby, of Goffstown; and Sarah married Cyrus
Goodwin, of New Boston. The father was
liberal in religious belief, and in politics he
was a Republican.

Gilman F. Farley received his education in
a common and private school of Dunbarton,
and grew to manhood there. At first he en-
gaged in general farming, and followed it for
some years. He has now sold the most of
his land, without, however, wholly giving up
his farming interests. He has turned his
attention to teaching, and has been pursuing
that profession for a number of terms. For
two years he has been Selectman, and has been
on the Schoo] Board for the past thirty years.
He is identified with several fraternities,
namely: the I. O. O. F., of Hookset, the
Sisters of Rebecca, the A. O. U. M. at Gras-
mere, the Daughters of Liberty, the K. of P.
at Grasmere, and the Junior Grange, No. 150,
Patrons of Husbandry. Liberal in religion,
he inclines toward the Unitarian denomination.
In politics he is a Democrat.

Mr. Farley was married April 10, 1851, to
Mary Hardy, who was born October 18, 1824,
on the farm he now occupies. She was a
daughter of Nathan and Mary Hardy, and her
father was among the prominent men of his
day in Goffstown. Of her children two died
in infancy. The others are: Frank E., the
eldest, born February 25, 1852, who resides in
Goffstown; Fred S., born July 28, 1853, who
is settled in Tiffin, Ohio; and Addie F., born
May 4, 1858, who became the wife of Andrew
J. Sargent, of Goffstown. Mrs. Farley died
February 5, 1888. Mr. Farley was again mar-
60 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

ried on September 25, 1888, to Mrs. Julia M.
McDuffie, a widow with one child, named
Gracie M. McDuffe.

 

EWIS R. CASS, one of the most ex-
tensive farmers and stock-raisers in
Richmond, Cheshire County, was
born in this town, January 13,
1853, son of Ahaz and Syrena (Richardson)
’ Cass. His grandfather, Martin Cass, was a
grandson of the founder of the family in Rich-
mond. Ahaz Cass, father of Lewis, was for
some years associated with his brother Nahum
in teaming, and after Nahum moved to
another part of the town he continued it alone,
also following general farming. He resided
on what is known as the Hendrick Martin
farm, and was one of the few who could real-
ize good financial returns from the cultivation
of the soil. He was a Democrat in politics,
and served as Selectman for a number of
years, but preferred to devote his chief atten-
tion to his business interests. In character
hospitable, charitable, and public-spirited, he
was a genial host at his own fireside, a friend
of the worthy poor, and was ever ready to
promote by all the means in his power the
welfare of the general community. He took
a deep interest in educational matters, was
well informed upon current topics, and was
for some time president of the Board of Trus-
tees of the library. He was at one time di-
rector of the Union Store, and it was through
his foresight that the’ enterprise was finally
given up. His wife, Syrena Richardson, who
was a daughter of John Richardson, became
the mother of one son, Lewis R., the subject
of this sketch. She was one of fourteen chil-
dren, none of whom are living; and her son
Lewis is the only surviving representative of
the Richardson family. Ahaz Cass died June
9g, 1880, and his wife died October 9, 1889.
Lewis R. Cass was educated in the schools
of his native town, and at an early age be-
came a valuable assistant to his father. He
has resided up to this time on the homestead,
inheriting the estate which his father had ac-
cumulated. The farm is in good condition,
and Mr. Cass occupies a leading position

 

among the dairy farmers and stock-raisers of
this section. In politics he acts with the
Democratic party. He has been Tax Col-
lector three years, and was elected a member
of the Board of Selectmen in 1897. Heisa
charter member of Richmond Grange, Patrons
of Husbandry, and of the local commandery
of the United Order of the Golden Cross, hav-
ing been officially connected with each since
their organization.

Mr. Cass married Annie D. Cook, daughter
of Eben Cook, of this town, and has one
daughter, Anna L.

 

AMES H. BARTLETT, the genial
proprietor of Pleasant View Farm,
Shirley Hill, Goffstown, was born in
Carroll, Coos County, April 2, 1842,

son of Frederick A. and Clarissa (Bacon)
Bartlett. Frederick A. Bartlett, a native of
Unity, N.H., was born in 1809. He settled
ona farm in Littleton, and his life was de-
voted chiefly to agriculture. A very active
worker in the Baptist church, he was chair-
man of the Building Committee under whose
direction the church edifice at Littleton was

erected. In politics he was a Jeffersonian
Democrat. He died in Littleton, January
23, 1871, aged sixty-one years. His wife,

who was born in Littleton, January 29, 18173,
died March 10, 1887, aged seventy-four years.
They had ten children, namely: Warren L.
(deceased), born May 1, 1832; Sarah A.,
born May 1, 1834; George G., born Septem-
ber 6, 1836; James H., the subject of this
sketch; Hosea E., born May 2, 1844; Au-
gustus N. (deceased), born March 5, 1846;
Henry E., born April 18, 1848; ahd three
that died in infancy.

James H. Bartlett grew to manhood in
Littleton, and was educated in the schools of
that town. When a boy of fourteen he began
working out, and gave his father his earnings
until he reached his majority. Then, with
one dollar in money, he started out for him-
self. After spending about ten years em-
ployed in the Manchester mills, he purchased
his first land in Peterboro, N.H. Having
lived there for ten years, he purchased his
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW 61

 

 

‘present place, which has been his residence
since December, 1885. This farm contains
about two hundred acres. A large part of it
affords good pasturage, making it well adapted
to dairying, to which he has given especial
attention. A few years ago he began keeping
summer boarders, and his success in this
line has been very gratifying. The farm,
beautifully situated on Shirley Hill at the
foot of Uncanoonuc Mountain, but five and a
half miles from Manchester, and two miles
from Shirley station, is now a favorite resort
for many. He has enlarged his house, so that
it will now accommodate thirty-two boarders,
and fitted it up with hot and cold water, and
other modern conveniences. The scenery
from the veranda of the house makes the new-
comer feel that Pleasant View Farm has been
rightly named. Among its special attractions
are the beautiful drives.

On July 6, 1864, Mr. Bartlett was united in
marriage with Miss Sabrina M. Cannon, who
was born in Lunenburg, Vt., June 15, 1843,
daughter of Lewiston and Mercy W. (Palmer)
Cannon. Her father died in the Mexican
War. Both her grandfathers and her great-
grandfather Cannon were in the Revolutionary
War, and a brother served in the Civil War.
Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett have one son living,
Walter H., born February 11, 1876, residing
at home. Their daughter, Kitty May, born
January 26, 1868, died October 27, 1870.
In political affiliation Mr. Bartlett is a Dem-
ocrat, and he served as Selectman of Goffs-
town for one term. He is a charter member
of Granite Lodge, No. 3, K. of P., of Man-
chester, and he and his wife are members of
the Patrons of Husbandry at Goffstown. In
his religious views Mr. Bartlett is a liberal,
while his wife isa member of the Methodist
Episcopal church.

 

ARREN SNOW BARROWS. was
highly esteemed in Hinsdale, both
as a citizen and a faithful public

official. Born in Westmoreland, N.H., May
9, 1824, son of Warren and Phila (Smith)
Barrows, he was a descendant in the seventh
generation of John Barrowe, the Pilgrim, who

 

emigrated from Yarmouth, England, in 1637,
settled in Salem, Mass., and afterward removed
to Plymouth, Mass. John’s son Robert re-
mained in Plymouth, Ebenezer settled in
Cumberland, R.I., while Joshua and Benajah
located in Attleboro, Mass. Benajah Bar-
row, who was born in 1683, and died in April,
1754, married Lydia Bucklin, of Attleboro.
John Barrow, eldest son of Benajah, was born
in 1708. His son, John (second), was grad-
uated from Harvard College, and for fifty
years was a teacher in Dighton, Mass. Jo-
seph Barrow, another son of Benajah, was born
in 1713. He married Bethsheba Woodward.
Joseph’s son, Elijah Barrows, with whom the
present form of the name began, was born in
1738. Elijah married Sarah Brown; and his
son, Elijah (second), who was born in Attle-
boro, September 23, 1766, was the grand-
father of Warren S. Barrows. Several mem-
bers of the family became distinguished in
professional] life, among them being the Rev.
E. P. Barrows, a noted professor at Oberlin
Seminary; the Rev. John O. Barrows, at one
time a missionary in Turkey; the late Judge
William G. Barrows, Associate Justice of the
Supreme Judicial Court of Maine; and the
late Hon. George B. Barrows, who at one
time was the president of the Maine Senate.

Elijah Barrows (second) settled in West-
moreland, N.H., as a pioneer, and became a
prosperous farmer. His death occurred Janu-
ary 16, 1840. He married Martha Lucas,
who, born in Middletown, Conn., October
18, 1771, died January 4, 1852. Of their six
children the third, Warren, born in West-
moreland, August 25, 1800, was an industri-
ous farmer and a much respected citizen. He
died July 13, 1868. His wife, Phila, became
the mother of six children, of whom Warren
S., the subject of this sketch, was the second-
born.

Warren S. Barrows acquired such education
as the district-school system of his day
afforded. After completing his studies he
assisted for a time in carrying on the home-
stead farm. When he was nineteen years old
his father gave him his time, and also offered
him a sum of money, with which to make a
start in life. Declining the proffered assist-
62 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

ance, he came to Hinsdale, and obtained em-
ployment at a pail manufactory, carried on by
the late Almon Goodnow. After a time he
became an expert in that business, and made
pails that won a premium at the World’s
Fair in New York City. Later he worked in
Northfield, Winchester, and other places.
Then he returned to Hinsdale, where he
finally became proprietor of the Eagle Iron
Foundry. Ina few years the condition of his
health forced him to give up the enterprise.
Selling out, he engaged in other pursuits, and
gradually acquired a good knowledge of pro-
bate court affairs and the settlement of es-
tates. Afterward, taking up that business as
his regular occupation, he followed it through-
out the rest of his life. In that period he ad-
justed the affairs of over one hundred different
estates, and upon the resignation of Judge
Hardy he was tendered the office of Judge of
Probate, but declined. In July, 1862, he
was appointed the agent of a railroad station,
a position which he held until within a month
previous to his death. For many years he
was the agent for the Cheshire County Mutual
Fire Insurance Company. In politics he was
a Democrat, and for seventeen years he ren-
dered able and’ faithful service to the town as
a member of the Board of Selectmen, act-
ing in the capacity of chairman of the Board
for fifteen years of that time. He was a Jus-
tice of the Peace for thirty years, and he was
appointed Postmaster in 1885, a position he
held at the time of his death.

In 1856 Mr. Barrows was united in mar-
tiage “with Maria L. Walker. She was a
daughter of Samuel Walker and a grand-
daughter of Captain James Walker, a Revolu-
tionary soldier. Mrs. Barrows became the
mother of two daughters; namely, Adelia M.
and L. Phila. Mr. Barrows died at his home
in Hinsdale, October 26, 1888. His daugh-
ter Adelia, who was his assistant in the post-
office, succeeded him there, and has since held
the position by successive reappointments.

The late Mr. Barrows was one of the rare
examples of whole-souled, public-spirited men,
in whom the community unhesitatingly places
its trust. During the exciting times of the
Civil War his position as chairman of the

 

Board of Selectmen caused him to be sought
in an official capacity by volunteers who were
anxious to enlist; and the deep interest he
manifested in their welfare, together with the
many acts of friendship he displayed toward
them, will be long remembered by the
veterans. His acts of charity were numerous
and of a nature agreeable with his generous
character. His loss was keenly felt by the
general community, who as a unit looked
upon him as a sincere friend and an able and
willing counsellor.

 

ILLIAM MATTHIAS KNOWL-
5 TON, of Milford, who is well
known throughout this section of
the State as the treasurer of the Milford
Savings Bank, was born June 4, 1832, just
over the line in Amherst, which is now Mil-
ford. The Knowlton family originated in
England, whence in old Colonial times the
emigrant ancestor came to this country, locat-
ing in Ipswich, Mass. His descendants be-
came scattered throughout New England.
One of them, Colonel Thomas Knowlton, to
whose memory the State of Connecticut in
1895 erected a statue in the city of Hart-
ford, was an officer in the Revolutionary army,
and won fame and honor by his gallant con-
duct on the field of battle. Joseph Knowlton,
the paternal grandfather of William M., re-
moved from Ipswich, Mass., to Amherst,
N.H., where he reared his family and passed
his last years.

Samuel D. Knowlton, son of Joseph and the
father of William M., was a leading citizen in
his time, and for several years was First Lieu-
tenant of a company of light infantry at Mil-
ford. Identified with the Whig party in his
earlier years, he afterward joined the Free
Soil party. A strong abolitionist in prin-
ciples and practice, his home was one of the
stations of the ‘“‘underground railway’’ by
which runaway slaves were conveyed to free-
dom. On December 23, 1877, this good man
died, leaving an honorable record. His wife,
whose maiden name was Nancy Shattuck, was
born in Pepperell, Mass., daughter of Amaziah
Shattuck, who died soon after making his resi-
 

B. FRANK WHITING anv son, PAUL N. WHITING.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW 65

 

 

dence in Milford. Of his children the sur-
vivors are: Mrs. N. Jane Brewer, of Milford;
William M., the subject of this sketch; Mrs.
Harriet A. Fuller, of Milford; Mark D., of
Rochester, N.Y.; and George P., of Cam-
bridgeport, Mass.

William M. Knowlton attended the public
schools of Milford until about sixteen years of
age, when he spent one term at Appleton
Academy in New Ipswich, N.H. He subse-
quently worked for a time in the Souhegan
Cotton Mills of this town, going from here to
the Dwight Cotton Mills in Chicopee, Mass.,
where he was employed in the weaving-room
for six years. Throughout the following three
years he was engaged in the wholesale and
retail wood business at Worcester, Mass., af-
terward spending three years in Camden,
N.Y., asa farmer and lumber dealer. In 1864
be returned to Milford, and for the next twenty
years was general superintendent of the busi-
ness of Andrew Fuller, manufacturer of glass
frames. Resigning his position in 1884, he
was from that time until 1891 successfully en-
gaged in the insurance and brokerage busi-
ness. This he finally abandoned to become
the treasurer of the Milford Savings Bank,
which position he still holds. He has also
been a trustee for nearly twenty-five years.
Mr. Knowlton is active and influential in local
and county affairs. Besides serving two terms
in the lower house of the State legislature, he
has for a number of years been the secretary
and treasurer of the Board of Health. He is
one of the trustees of cemeteries for the town
of Milford. Identified with the Milford Fire
Department for many years, he was a foreman
of it for a large part of the time. He was also
a member of the committee that contracted for
putting in the water-works of the town; was
chairman of the committee for purchasing a
lot on which to erect the present high-school]
building; and was largely instrumental in or-
ganizing the Milford Improvement Society,
which he served as president for the first three
years of its existence, and of which he is now
a director. He is also serving in the capaci-
ties of Justice of the Peace and Notary Public.
Religiously, he attends the Congregational
church.

 

On October 1, 1854, Mr. Knowlton married
Myra J. Brown, daughter of Rufus Brown, of
Lowell, Vt. Born of the marriage were two
children: Hattie E., who died in 1856; and
Belle K., who is now the wife of Fred H.
Goss, of Melrose, Mass., and has one child,
Helen K.

Mr. Knowlton attends the Congregational
church. In the spring of 1865 he joined
Custus Morum Lodge, No. 42, I. O. O. F., of
Milford, of which, having passed through all
the chairs, he has been the treasurer for twenty-
six years and the chairman of the trustees of
the lodge for twenty-nine years. In 1866 he
was made a Mason in Benevolent Lodge, No.
7, and has since passed all the chairs, and has
been the secretary for a number of years. He
is also a member of King Solomon Chapter,
No. 17, R. A. M., in which he has filled all
the chairs; of the St. George Commandery,
No. 8, of Nashua, N.H.; and of the Israel
Hunt Council, of the same city. He likewise
belongs to the Knights of Honor, of Milford,
and for twenty-one years has been the financial
reporter of the lodge. In each and every office
he has served with fidelity and ability, doing
much to promote the interests of each organ-
ization.

 

 

FRANK WHITING, an _ active
agriculturist, dairyman, and fruit-
grower of Amherst, was born here,
April 30, 1856, son of Benjamin B.
and Minday S. (Peaslee) Whiting. The
founder of the family came from England in
the seventeenth century, and, settling in Ded-
ham, Mass., there reared a family. His nu-
merous descendants are now scattered through-
out the Union. Nathanie] Whiting, the pa-
ternal grandfather of B. Frank, was born and
reared in Dedham, Mass. From Dedham,
when he was a young man, he removed to
Washington, N.H., and at a later period set-
tled in the town of Amherst, where he re-
sided until his death at an advanced age.
Benjamin B. Whiting, son of Nathaniel,
was born in Washington, this State. When
four and one-half years old he came with his
parents to Amherst. He was educated in the
66 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

district schools of this town, and on the pa-
rental homestead received a thorough training
in agriculture. Afterward he engaged in
farming, owning and occupying the farm now
managed by his son, B. Frank. He was in-
dustrious and enterprising, and was much re-
spected. In politics he was a Republican,
and-he served acceptably as Selectman of Am-
herst for several terms. By his death, which
occurred on the old homestead, November 28,
1885, his family and friends lost a wise coun-
sellor, and the town one of its most faithful
and valued men. One of his two marriages
was contracted with Minday S. Peaslee, who
became the mother of B. Frank Whiting. He
reared nine children, of whom eight are living.
These are: Mary S., of Waltham, Mass. ;
B. Frank, the subject of this biography; Mrs.
H. Jennie Drucker; Helen P., the wife of
Jesse S. Trow; John; Anna C., the wife of
Harry Boutelle; Harry; and Florence B. In
his earlier years the father was for some time
Captain of the Lafayette Rifles, a military
company, and was well known throughout the
county as Captain Whiting. He was a char-
ter member of Souhegan Grange, No. 10, of
Amherst, and for several years served as its
treasurer.

B. Frank Whiting has spent his life as a
resident of Amherst, gleaning his education in
the public schools. From his earliest youth
he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits
on the farm which he now owns and occupies.
He is a keen, far-sighted business man, prac-
tical and progressive in his views, exercising
good judgment in the fulfilment of his daily
Jabors, and in the management of his three
hundred acres of land has met with a success
corresponding to his expended energy. In
addition to raising the cereals common to this
part of New England, Mr. Whiting pays a
good deal of attention to the culture of small
fruits, and from his large dairy receives a
handsome annual income. He is a pronounced
Republican in politics, and during 1892 and
1893 he was a Selectman of Amherst. In
Souhegan Grange, No. 10, P. of H., of which
he is a member, he has served as Standard
Bearer.

On April 2, 1881, Mr. Whiting married

 

Miss Bessie P. Fuller, who was born in Mer-
rimac, N.H., daughter of Samuel and Abbie
(Hastings) Fuller. Her paternal grandfather,
Israel Fuller, who was born and reared in
Middleton, Mass., in young manhood removed
from there to Merrimac, and thence to Am-
herst. The rest of his life was spent in Am-
herst, of which he was Selectman for nineteen
years. Samuel Fuller resided in Merrimac,
his native town, for many years, and was Town
Treasurer for a prolonged period. Mr. and
Mrs. Whiting are the parents of two bright and
interesting boys—- Frank J. F. and Paul N.

 

 

OHN B. KNIGHT, a leading farmer in
Westmoreland, was born in Putney,
Vt., February 16, 1817, son of Arte-
mus and Olive (Bowen) Knight. Then
grandfather, Samuel Knight, a farmer of Dum-
merston, Vt., had five children — Artemus,
Samuel, Tama, Lucy, and Luke. Artemus
Knight was born in Dummerston, but after his
marriage he resided in Putney, and died there
at the venerable age of ninety-two. He wasa
farmer. In politics he was a Whig, and he
held the office of Selectman in the town fora
time. His wife, Olive, died in 1825, leaving
four children — Susanna, John B., Samuel,
and Lavinia. Samuel married Lucy Hunt-
ington, and died in Putney in 1816. La-
vinia married Paton Chandler, of Saxton’s
River, Vt.

Until twenty-five years of age John B.
Knight assisted his father on the farm. Then
he obtained a position on the Boston &
Worcester Railroad, necessitating his depart-
ure from home. Afterward he spent nine
years in the employ of this road and in that of
the Old Colony. Upon his return home he
took up a farm adjoining his early home,
and cultivated it for six years. Renioving
then to Westmoreland, he bought the farm
which he now occupies. This he has since
enlarged, so that he now owns one hundred and
twenty-five acres of well-cultivated land. For
some years he made a specialty of sheep-rais-
ing, keeping about three hundred sheep. More
recently he has devoted himself to general
farming on a large scale, and by the closest
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW 67

 

 

application to his chosen vocation has become
one of the most prosperous farmers of the
county.

Mr. Knight married Minerva Fitz, daughter
of Rufus Fitz. His children were: Olive,
who died at the age of six years; Mary, who
married Miron Ward; and Frank, who married
Anna Atherton, of Chesterfield, a daughter of
William Atherton, and has five children —
Grace, Susie, John, William, and Robert.
The father has latterly intrusted much of the
care of the farm to his only son.

Mr. Knight is a man of quiet, unostenta-
tious manners, with a liking for hard work.
Giving all his attention and time to his farm,
he has not been actively interested in politics.

 

dent and native of Mont Vernon.

Born October 9, 1821, son of Captain

James T. Trevitt, he came of a family
noted for its patriotism. His great-grand-
father, Richard Trevitt, an Englishman by
birth, emigrated from his native land to Mas-
sachusetts, and located in Marblehead. Subse-
quently, while fighting for his adopted coun-
try, he was killed in the French and Indian
War. His widow with her family afterward
came to Mont Vernon.

Henry Trevitt, son of Richard and grand-
father of John, was ten years old when he
arrived in this town. He continued his resi-
dence in this vicinity until his demise, becom-
ing a most useful and valued citizen, and was
one of the heroes who enlisted from this
county as a soldier of the Revolutionary army.
James T. Trevitt likewise spent his life in
Mont Vernon. Performing his duty as a citi-
zen in times of strife as in those of peace, he
was Captain of a company of soldiers in the
War of 1812. Captain Trevitt married Miss
Sallie Gillis, who was born in Greenfield, this
State. They became the parents of six chil-
dren, of whom three died in infancy. The
others are: Sarah Jane, who married Dr. Syl-
vanus Bunton, and resides in Mont Vernon;
John, the subject of this sketch; and Henry,
a physician in Wilton, N.H.

John Trevitt remained on the home farm

ales TREVITT was a prominent resi-

 

until sixteen years of age, obtaining his ele-
mentary education in Mont Vernon. Then
he went to Columbus, Ohio, where he studied
medicine for three years with his uncle, Will-
iam Trevitt, M.D. He was subsequently
appointed a cadet at West Point Academy,
from which he was graduated in 1844. For
twenty-one years thereafter he served in the
regular army of the United States, receiving
promotion from the rank of Second Lieutenant
to that of Captain. He was taken prisoner at
New Orleans at the outbreak of the Civil War,
but was unconditionally paroled. Captain
John Trevitt settled in his native town after
leaving the army, and from that time until his
death, nearly thirty years, he was one of the
leading residents of Mont Vernon. In that
period he represented the place for two terms
in the State legislature, and he was for several
years a Selectman, serving as chairman of the
Board fora portion of the time. A man of up-
right principles, honest and honorable in all
of his dealings, he commanded the confidence
and esteem of his neighbors; and his death,
March 12, 1892, was mourned as a public loss.

On February 22, 1862, Captain Trevitt mar-
ried Miss Ellen W. Stayner, who was born in
Lyndeboro, N.H., daughter of Henry and Abi-
gail (Raymond) Stayner. Mr. and Mrs. Trev-
itt became the parents of two children,
namely: Lucia E., now the wife of George W.
Auryansen, of Newtcnville, Mass. ; and Mary
V., who resides with her widowed mother on
the old homestead.

 

TORACE T. HARVELL, Select-
man of Amherst and one of the skil-
OR ful and progressive agriculturists of
Hillsboro County, lives on the
homestead where his birth occurred May 27,
1845. This farm was originally owned by his
great-grandfather, Jobn Harvell, who was a
pioneer settler of Amherst. John’s successor
was Joseph Harvell, the grandfather of Horace
T. Joseph's wife helped to organize the first
church of the Baptist denomination in
Amherst.
Captain Thomas M. Harvell, the father of
Horace T., was the next owner of the home-

 
68 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

stead, whereon he spent the larger part of his
life. Hedid a large business in lumbering;
and, until the mill was burned down, he sawed
laths, table legs, shingles, boards, etc. In
his younger days he served as Captain of a
company in the State militia. He was very
popular with all classes, and an active politi-
cian in the Democratic ranks. A prominent
Mason, he was a member of the Milford Mason
Benevolent Lodge and Bible Lodge of Goffs-
town; a charter member of the Souhegan
Grange, of Amherst, in which he had served
as Master; and an active worker in the Hills-
boro County Pomona Grange, of which he had
been treasurer. He did much good for the
different granges of New Hampshire. On two
occasions he was elected Selectman of Am-
herst, and once he was chosen to fill a vacancy
on the same board. He was still a Selectman
when he died, May 26, 1889. The event was
mourned in Amherst as the loss of an es-
teemed and valued citizen. Captain Harvell
married Miss Sarah Manning, who survives
him, being now in her seventy-ninth year.
Her father, Joseph Manning, a native of
Massachusetts, served in the War of 1812. In
one of the engagements he was wounded in the
shoulder, in consequence of which he there-
after received a pension. His wife, in maid-
enhood Nancy Cavanaugh, was born and bred
in Bedford, N.H. Five children were born to
Captain and Mrs. Harvell, namely: Horace
T., the subject of this sketch; Joseph M.,
who married Eliza J. Blood, of Mont Vernon;
Nancy S., the wife of James Riley; Mary J.,
the wife of Leslie S. Bidwell; and John H.,
who married Jessie Carson, of Mont Vernon.

Horace T. Harvell grew to manhood beneath
the parental roof, obtaining a good education
in the Amherst schools. Under his father’s
practical instruction he became familiar with
sawing and farming. Although he was said
to be one of the best sawyers in the vicinity,
an accident disabled him from continuing in
that business, and he thereafter gave his ex-
clusive attention to agriculture. When
twenty-four years old he left home, and sub-
sequently for a period of three years he su-
perintended the Amherst town farm. After-
ward for five years he had the entire charge

 

of the farm of General George Stark in
Nashua, this county. Mr. Harvell now owns
the farm of sixty-five acres on which he was
reared, and is successfully engaged thereon in
general farming. A man of good judgment
and ability, he is often chosen to places of
trust by his fellow-townsmen. He was elected
to the Amherst Board of Selectmen in March,
1894. He was re-elected in 1896, and in
1897 he was chosen First Selectman. Watch-
ful of opportunities to promote the welfare of
his native town and county, Mr. Harvell makes
a most valued town official. In politics he is
a thorough Democrat.

On April 28, 1870, Mr. Harvell married
Miss Lucy A. Burns, a_ successful school
teacher, who was born in Bedford, N.H. She
is a daughter of Wiseman and Eliza (Harris)
Burns, lifelong residents of that place. The
father was familiarly known as Captain Burns,
which rank he reached in the State militia,
having previously been Sergeant and Lieu-
tenant. Mr. and Mrs. Burns had several chil-
dren, four of whom survive, namely: Abbie
J., a popular nurse; Thomas S., who served
all through the last war; William H., a
farmer; and Lucy A., now Mrs. Harvell.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Harvell was
blessed by the birth of three children, of whom
Luly J. died in infancy. Frank H., after
years of suffering with double curvature of the
spine, caused by being gored by a cow when
five years old, died at the age of eighteen.
The surviving child, Thomas W., is now liv-
ing at home. Mr. and Mrs. Harvell attend
the Baptist church.

 

ASON R. HOLMAN, who for over
thirty years has carried on a general
machine business in Hinsdale, was
born in Chesterfield, N.H., March 30,

1831, son of James and Mary (Faulkner) Hol-
man. His father was an adopted son of David
Holman, who was probably a son of Edward
Holman, of Royalston, Mass. David Holman
settled in Chesterfield about the year 180s,
and died there August 17, 1864, aged eighty-
five years. He first married Mehitable Gale,
who died November 19, 1847, aged sixty-four
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW 69

 

 

years. A second marriage was contracted by
him in 1850 with Mrs. Laura Stone Henry,
who died March 21, 1863. He was the father
of one child— Ella F., who, on reaching her
maturity, went to San Francisco, Cal.

James Holman resided in Chesterfield until
his death, which occurred April 28, 1844, at
the age of thirty-five. His wife, Mary, whom
he married in 1824, became the mother of nine
children, as follows: David, born January 5,
1825; Mehitable, October 19, 1826; William,
August 2, 1828; Jason R., the subject of this
sketch; Sarah F., December 26, 1832; Esther
M., January 22, 1834; Cynthia, September
14, 1836; George, August 3, 1838; and
Henry M., May 15, 1840. Mehitable married
Alanson Spaulding. Sarah F. died March 21,
1849. Esther M., who married Charles Miles,
of Stow, Mass., died November 9, 1857.
Cynthia became the wife of Robertus F. Col-
burn. George died March 24, 1863, and
Henry died October 28, 1847. The mother’s
death occurred August 31, 1841.

Jason R. Holman was thirteen years old
when his father died, leaving his mother with
a Jarge family. He assisted in carrying on
the homestead farm until he was nineteen,
with the exception of a year spent in a bit
factory in Spofford. Then he came to Hins-
dale, and, entering the machine shop of
Messrs. Newhall & Merrill as an apprentice,
he remained with that firm for twelve years.
Having mastered the trade and saved a consid-
erable amount of his earnings, he in 1862 was
enabled to embark in the machine business
with a Mr. Tolman. Three years later his
partner sold his interest to a Mr. Merriman,
after which the business was carried on by
Messrs. Holman & Merriman until 1870.
Since then Mr. Holman has been the sole pro-
prietor. He employs in busy times from six
to nine workmen, and his plant is equipped
with every modern machine, tool, and appli-
ance necessary for a varied line of work. He
gives his personal attention to every detail,
and has excellent facilities for building ma-
chinery or making any kind of a device from a
draft or a pattern.

Mr. Holman has been three times married.
The maiden name of his present wife was

 

Charlotte Ellis. He has two sons, Henry and
Warren, both of whom are machinists. Mr.
Holman has served with ability as a member
of the Board of Selectmen, and he takes a deep
interest in the welfare and prosperity of the
town.

 

Merrimac, is a native of Alexandria,

this State, where he was born Febru-

ary 9, 1821, son of Joseph and Lydia
Foster. Like that of many other men whose
families have been long identified with the
State, the genealogy of Mr. Foster has been
preserved; and he can trace his ancestry back
through several generations. His grand-
father, David Foster, was a soldier in the
second war with England, begun in 1812. A
sturdy pioneer, David lived to the age of
ninety-six years, and dying left to his descend-
ants a name to be proud of. David Foster’s
son, Joseph, grew up a farmer, and resided in
Alexandria. He was zealous in the pursuit of
whatever object he sought to attain. Both he
and his wife were devoted workers in the
Methodist church and regular attendants at
the services. Of his eight children six are
living.

John L. Foster grew to manhood in Alexan-
dria, receiving his education in the district
schools of that town. At the age of eighteen
he started in life for himself by learning the
trade of carriage builder. He received at
first only his board, and was allowed a short
time to attend schoo]. He has successfully
followed this trade in various places for twenty
years, and is widely known as a very skilful
workman. A carriage made in his employer's
shop won first prize at an exhibition in Eng-
land. In 1855 he located in Merrimac per-
manently. Two years later he bought the
farm he now occupies. Having constantly
improved the property since, he now owns one
hundred and twenty-four acres of the best land
in this section of the State. It is claimed
that his land produces more hay to the acre
than any other farm in the vicinity. He has
a comfortable residence and in every way a
happy home.

Jot: L. FOSTER, a leading farmer of
70 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

On March 5, 1861, Mr. Foster was married
to Miss Clara K. Read, daughter of Luther
W. Read, whose biography appears elsewhere
in this work. Their only child, John Frank
Foster, born November 21, 1862, lives at
home busily engaged in farming, an indis-
pensable aid to his father. Mr. and Mrs.
Foster are connected with the Congregational
church and are valued workers in the society.

YRON D. PEASE, M.D., the pop-
ular physician of Greenville, was
born March 11, 1861, at Colebrook,
Conn., son of Luman and Marcia

(Case) Pease, of Temple. His grandfather,
Sylvanus Pease, a well-known farmer of Win-
sted, Conn., was the father of six sons, all of
whom did honorable service in the late war.
Henry R., the eldest, rose to the rank of Cap-
tain, and commanded a colored regiment from
Mississippi. He served throughout the war,
and at its close was appointed State Superin-
tendent of Education in Mississippi, and later
Postmaster of Jackson in the same State. He
became well known in political circles, and
was sent to the United States Senate to finish
out a term as Senator from Mississippi. He
now resides at Watertown, S. Dak. Byron
W., the second son, was a surgeon in the
army. Since his discharge he has been in
active practice as a physician at Thomaston,
Conn. Frank Pease served in the war as a
private, and now lives in Barkhamsted, Conn.,
where he is occupied with farming interests.
Horton, the fourth son, who is now a druggist
in Connecticut, also served as a private. The
other sons of Sylvanus Pease are Robert and
Luman.

Luman Pease, the father of Dr. Pease, was
born in Winchester, Conn. After finishing
his studies in the town schools, he learned the
painter’s trade, and has continued to work at
it since. He lived for a time in Barkham-
sted, and while there was Selectman and held
various other town offices. In 1892 he re-
moved to Temple, this county, and has since
resided there. In politics he is a Democrat.
His three children are: Willie M., a practis-
ing physician in the State of Maine; Byron

 

 

 

D., the subject of this sketch; and a daughter,

Adella M.

Byron Pease received his early education at
Riverton, Conn. When quite young, influ-
enced, doubtless, by the family traditions, he
determined to devote himself to the study of
medicine. With this purpose, he took a
course of study in the University of Vermont.
He graduated from that institution in the class
of 1887, and shortly after located at Monterey,
Mass. He remained there for five years, and
during that time secured the respect of the
townspeople not only as an able physician, but
as an intelligent and active citizen. He
served the community in the capacity of Town
Treasurer and in other offices.

While in Monterey, Dr. Pease married Orra
Belle Rewey, daughter of Albert Rewey, of
Housatonic, Mass. In 1892 he removed to
Greenville, and since coming here he has
gained universal] commendation and a steadily
increasing practice. He is a Republican in
politics, and is always ready to give careful
attention to any question relating to the polit-
ical or civi] interests of the town. A member
of the Masonic fraternity, he belongs to Sou-
hegan Lodge in Greenville; also to Fraternity
Lodge, K. of P., and to Watatick Lodge,
A. O. O. U. W. Dr. Pease is still an active
member of his college society, the Delta Mu of
the University of Vermont. Mrs. Pease is a
member of the Congregational church. While
Dr. Pease is not officially associated with any
church organization, he has a firm belief in the
cultivating influences of a liberal Christianity.

 

ENJAMIN G. HERRICK, of Lynde-
boro, an ex-Commissioner of Hills-
boro County, was born in this town,
May 1, 1836, son of Dr. Israel and

Eliza H. (Burns) Herrick. His great-grandpar-
ents, Edward and Sarah (Kimball) Herrick,
residents of Andover, Mass., reared eight chil-
dren, of whom Edward Herrick (second) was
the sixth child. This Edward, Benjamin G.
Herrick’s grandfather, was born in Andover,
October 9, 1754. He settled in Wilton,
N.H., just after the Revolutionary War, built
a saw and grist mill at Barnes’s Falls, and
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW ii

 

 

there carried on business for the rest of his
life. He served as a soldier in the Revolu-
tionary War. On November 18, 1779, he was
married in Andover to Mary Holt, who was
born November 24, 1755, and with her reared
nine children. He died February 15, 1811,
and his wife died in 1845, over ninety years
old. During her widowhood she received a
pension from the government.

Israel Herrick, who was born in Wilton,
July 9, 1794, studied medicine in Hanover,
N.H., and, having duly graduated, settled in
Lyndeboro. After remaining in Lyndeboro
a few years, he practised his profession in
Milford, Mason, and Deering, N.H., return-
ing to Lyndeboro in 1834. About the year
1840 he changed to the homceopathic system
of medicine. He was the fourth physician to
adopt that school of medicine in the State,
practising therewith successfully for the rest
of his life. His death occurred February 18,
1866. He was an earnest abolitionist and a
strong advocate of temperance. In politics he
supported the Republican party in his later
years, and he was elected to various public
offices. He served asa member of the Board
of Selectmen and as Town Clerk, and he was
a Representative to the legislature for three
terms. His wife, Eliza, whom he married in
Milford, N.H., November 28, 1822, was a
native of that town. She died April 20, 1848.
Of her four children Benjamin G., the subject
of this sketch, is the only survivor. In the
year 1849 Dr. Herrick married Emeline Gray,
of Wilton, for his second wife. She died June
3, 1891. The Doctor and both of his wives
were members of the Congregational church.

Benjamin G. Herrick was educated in
Lyndeboro. Since leaving school, he has
tilled the soil of the home farm. During the
Civil War he enlisted in a company raised in
this town, and served for several months upon
detached duty. Politically, Mr. Herrick is a
Republican. He has been prominent in pub-
lic affairs, and was County Commissioner from
1889 to April 1, 1897.

On January 8, 1861, Mr. Herrick married
Sarah E. Fish, daughter of Nathaniel R. Fish,
of Peterboro, N.H. Mrs. Herrick has had
one son — Willie F., born January 15, 1866.

 

He married Nellie Farnham, of Jyndeboro,
who died May 5, 1897. His children are:
Harry Benjamin, born October 16, 1891; Roy
F., born July 18, 1895; and Bessie E., born
April 5, 1897. Mr. Herrick is connected
with Pinnacle Grange, of which he was for-
merly Master; and his son is now occupying
that chair. He is widely and favorably known
for the ability he displayed as County Com-
missioner, and has a large circle of friends and
acquaintances.

 

HARLES KNIGHT, a thrifty farmer
of Westmoreland, was born here, Au-
gust 2, 1831, son of Luther and
Sally (Aldrich) Knight. The
great-grandfather of Mr. Knight came from
England. The grandfather, Captain Artemus
Knight, settled in Franconia, N.H., but after-
ward moved to the northern part of the town of
Westmoreland, where he took up a farm of
about one hundred and fifty acres, and was
successfully engaged in general farming and
cattle-raising. He married, and had eight
children, of whom Luther, Jonathan, and
Mary remained in the town of Westmoreland.
The other children, excepting Betsey, went
West. Mary married a Mr. Dore. Luther,
the father of Charles Knight, was born in
Franconia. He commanded a company in the
Revolutionary War, in which he served for
seven years. The rest of his life was spent on
the homestead in Westmoreland. He married
Miss Aldrich, who had six children. These
were: Mary, Nelson, Edward, Artemus, Lucy
Ann, and Charles. Mary married Joseph
Heustis, and resided in Boston. Edward died
young. Artemus, who married Harriet Web-
ster, removed to Kansas, where he died.
Charles Knight, beginning very early, as-
sisted his father about the farm until his
health failed, and he was advised to go to the
West for a time by physicians who considered
his case nearly hopeless. Having acted upon
the advice, he subsequently returned in good
health and took up farming on the homestead.
He inherited the farm with his brother Arte-
mus, whose share he afterward bought. He
lives here at the farm, raising cattle and
72 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

sheep as a specialty, and carries on general
farming profitably. A man of genial disposi-
tion, always courteous, and one to make many
friends, he has represented the town in the
legislature, has been Selectman for two years,
and Town Treasurer for the same length of
time. In politics he isa Democrat. He isa
disinterested worker for the public good.

Mr. Knight married Lucy J. Woodward,
daughter of Ezekiel Woodward, of Westmore-
land. His children are: Alice M. and Ida.
Alice married John Dunshee, of Walpole,
N.H. Mr. Dunshee is in the grocery and
provision business and resides in Malden,
Mass. Ida married Frank Wilbur, is living
in North Westmoreland, and has three chil-
dren — Harry, Arthur, and Ralph. Mr. Wil-
bur is a carpenter. Mr. Knight was very
active in war times, using his persuasive
powers in gaining recruits for the army. He
is a member of the Order of the Golden Cross.

 

HARLES H. V. SMITH is actively
identified with the industrial inter-
ests of Hillsboro County, being en-

gaged in the manufacture of house
finishings of all kinds, including hard and soft
foreign and domestic woods, and of box shooks,
in the town of Milford, where he also owns
and manages a fine farm. He was born July
20, 1845, in New Boston, N.H., a son of Luke
Smith, who was a native of Hillsboro, this
State, and a descendant of one of the earliest
settlers of that part of the county. One mem-
ber of the family served in the Revolutionary
War. Luke Smith remained a resident of
Hillsboro until after his marriage with Miss
Wealthy Ayers. He then removed to New
Boston, where he purchased a large mill, and
for many years carried on an extensive busi-
ness as a lumber manufacturer and dealer.
He found a ready market in Manchester, and
oftentimes used six oxen to haul his lumber to
that place. In 1859 he purchased land in Mil-
ford, and was here engaged in general farming
from that time until his death in 1888. Both
he and his wife, who also passed her last years
in this town, were sincere Christians and mem-
bers of the Baptist church. Of their children

 

but two are now living, namely: Mark J., of
Salem, Mass. ; and Charles H. V.

Charles H. V. Smith was but fourteen years
of age when he came with his parents to Mil-
ford, where he has since resided. He com-
pleted his education in the high school here,
and early became familiar with farming pur-
suits, assisting during his earlier years in| the
care of the homestead. This property, of
which he is now the owner, consists of two
hundred acres of land in fair cultivation. In
1894 Mr. Smith, with the enterprise which
has characterized his previous efforts, estab-
lished his present factory, where he is con-
ducting a lucrative business, his prosperity
being the natural result of his energy and
business sagacity. He is active in advancing
the prosperity of the town, giving his ready
aid to all beneficial enterprises; and he was
one of the incorporators of the Milford Build-
ing and Loan Association, of which he is now
a director.

On October 20, 1867, Mr. Smith married
Miss Martha A. Sargent, who was born and
reared in Weare, N.H., and by whom he has
become the father of three children: Charles
L., who died in 1870; Minnie G. ; and George
M. Mr. Smith is connected with several so-
cial organizations of Milford, being a member
of the Order of Odd Fellows, of the Good Fel-
lows, and of the Golden Cross. Politically,
he is an unswerving Republican. He is a
member of the First Congregational Church.

 

@ APTAIN NELSON RICHARDSON,
who resides upon a productive farm in

 

Hinsdale, not far from his  birth-
place, was born February 13, 1817,
son of Jacob and Phcebe (Moore) Peacock

Richardson. His grandfather, Timothy Rich-
ardson, who was a lifelong resident of
Royalston, Mass., reared a large family.

Jacob Richardson was born in Royalston, July
14, 1783. When a young man he took up his
residence in Hinsdale and cultivated a farm
on the Chesterfield road. He married Mrs.
Phoebe Moore Peacock, a widow, who was born
in Hinsdale, January 17, 1777. Her father,
Josiah Moore, kept a tavern on the Chesterfield
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW 73

 

 

road. She became the mother of five chil-
dren, born as follows: Mary Ann, April 8,
1808; Timothy, September 13, 1810; Adeline,
September 4, 1812; Nancy, January 15, 1815;
and Nelson, the subject of this sketch, who is
the only one living. Mary Ann became the
wife of Allan A. Lamott, and died April 6,
1874. Timothy, who married Nancy Hark-
ness, died June 21, 1859. Adeline succes-
sively married Allan Goodnow and Thomas T.
T'isk, and died August 24, 1861. Her last
husband died in the same year. Nancy mar-
ried John Van Mater, of Yellow Springs,
Ohio, and died April 2, 1888. Mrs. Jacob
Richardson spent her last days in Greenville,
Ohio.

Nelson Richardson acquired a_ practical
knowledge of the ordinary branches of study
taught in the district schools, and was reared
upon a farm. When sixteen years old, he be-
came what was known along the river as a
swift-water man, and was engaged for a time
in running a ferry. He also worked upon
farms at twelve and one-half cents a day, ex-
cept in haying time, when he received seventy-
five cents, and as a boy was able to do a man’s
work. He finally began working as a bow
hand upon the freight boats plying between
Bellows Falls, Vt., and Hartford, Conn.
Four years later he became captain, in which
capacity he continued employed, commanding
some of the largest boats upon the river until
the close of navigation in 1847, when the rail-
road destroyed the river boatman’s occupation.
During his life upon the river he had many
trying experiences. It was a saying in those
days that a man was not competent to manage
a boat until he had sunk two or more; but
Captain Richardson was unusually fortunate in
that respect, for he never lost but one, and for
that he was not to blame. He was known as
one of the most expert navigators upon the
Connecticut River in his day, and he is prob-
ably the only surviving captain who ran boats
north of Brattleboro. After the withdrawal of
the boats he worked for a time in the factory
of Ripley Hale & Todd at Hinsdale. In 1856
he purchased the farm upon which he has since
resided. Here he has been successfully en-
gaged in farming. He has also cut a great

 

deal of firewood, which he sold in Brattleboro
and other places at a profit; and he carried on
logging operations to some extent, and sold a
great deal of timber in the stump.  Origi-
nally a Whig, he has been a Republican since
the formation of the party, and was a Free
Soiler. In 1871 and 1872 and in some pre-
ceding year he was a member of the Board of
Selectmen. He has been employed to settle
many estates, and has acted as guardian for
minors and others.

Captain Richardson married Lucinda H.
Barrett, daughter of Rufus and Lucinda (Hig-
gins) Barrett. Her father was born Novem-
ber 22, 1785, and her mother on March 2,
1786. They had eight children, of whom
Lucinda H. was the fifth-born; and two are
living. Rufus Barrett was a son of Philip
Barrett, one of the early settlers of Hinsdale.
Philip Barrett was three times married, and

reared a family of ten children. Rufus and
Lucinda Barrett spent their last days with
their daughter, Mrs. Richardson. Mrs. Rich-

ardson has had no children. Captain Richard-
son is an interesting man and has a wonderful
memory for incidents of the long ago. He
takes a delight in chronological records, which
he has kept for many years, including the
births and deaths of his old friends; and he
has most of the names of Hinsdale’s oldest resi-
dents. He reads without the aid of glasses.
Connected with the Masonic fraternity for
many years, being a charter member of Golden
Rule Lodge, of Hinsdale, he has advanced to
the Royal Arch degree.

 

YP ENRY M. JONES, a former resident
of Hinsdale, was born in Phillips-

- ton, Mass., July 24, 1811, son of

Cyrus and Sally (Barker) Jones.
His father died about the year 1822, and his
mother died in 1841. When eleven years old,
young Henry moved with his mother to Hins-
dale. In his youth he lived for a time with
Squire Hinds, working upon a farm. Whena
young man he learned the carpenter’s trade.
For several] years he was engaged in building,
and he superintended the erection of many
residences in Hinsdale. He later operated a

 
44 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

saw-mil], and still later manufactured tubing
for conducting water from the flume to the
water-wheel. After following the latter busi-
ness successfully for a number of years, he
gave it up and was subsequently engaged in
planing boards for builders, having a shop at
the upper end of Canal Street.

In his younger days a Whig, he later became
a Republican. He served as a Selectman for
a number of terms, was three times elected a
Representative to the legislature, and he was
a member of the Constitutional Convention in
1876. The title of Captain, by which he was
familiarly known, was derived from his long
connection with the Ashuelot Guards, of which
he was the commander. In his business deal-
ings as well as his official life he displayed
sterling integrity, and his ability as a legis-
lator was above the average. He was for
many years an active member of the Congrega-
tional church, and his every-day life gave
ample evidence of his sincerity. His quiet,
unassuming manner and uniformity of dispo-
sition were among the principal traits of his
character. He was always ready with a reason
for his convictions, which he firmly asserted,
but in such an agreeable manner as to gain
the good will rather than the enmity of an op-
ponent. He was, above all, extremely so-
licitous for the welfare of his fellow-men;
and at his death, which occurred in Hinsdale,
when he was seventy-five years old, his many
deeds of kindness were revived in the mem-
ory of the entire community, which sincerely
mourned his demise. :

On December 7, 1842, Mr. Jones was united
in marriage with Julia Worthington Hooker,
daughter of Henry Hooker, of Hinsdale. He
reared three sons, namely: Henry A., born
March 29, 1845; Charles A., born February
25, 1848; and Frederick H., born November
30, 1866. Charles A. Jones, who manufact-
ures and deals in carriages at Keene, N.H.,
married Emeline C. French, December 27,
1888. His mother makes her home with him.
Frederick H. Jones was graduated from the
Hinsdale High School. He then was em-
ployed in a drug store in Keene. Subse-
quently he passed a successful examination be-
fore the Board of Pharmacy in 1885, and in

 

1890 he became a member of the firm of Jones
& O’Brien, of Hinsdale. This concern started
in business as druggists and dealers in clothing
and furnishing goods. In 1894 they annexed
an adjoining store, giving them double the
amount of floor space, and they are now doing
an excellent business. Mr. Jones has charge
of the drug department, while his partner at-
tends to the clothing and furnishings. They
carry a large stock in each line. On January
9, 1894, Mr. Jones married Alice M. Spencer,
daughter of James and Jane Spencer. In Ma-
sonry he is a member of the Blue Lodge of the
chapter and commandery in Keene, and of
Aleppo Temple of the Mystic Shrine in Bos-
ton. In 1896 Mr. Jones made an extended
pleasure trip to the Pacific Coast, visiting va-
rious places in California and Arizona.

ANIEL A. PEABODY, a veteran
soldier of the Civil War and a re-

\©) spected resident of Amberst, was
born in New Boston, N.H., June
29, 1842, son of Francis and Lydia (Peabody)
Peabody. The family come of English ori-
gin. George Peabody, the celebrated London
banker, lately deceased, descended from the
same ancestry. Isaac Peabody, the father of
Francis, was a tailor by trade. He came from
Topsfield, Mass., to New Hampshire in 1775,
first settling in Londonderry. Three years
later he removed to Hudson, subsequently to
Litchfield, and finally, in 1783, to New Bos-
ton, where he died.

Francis Peabody was born February 6, 1793,
in New Boston, which was his home until
1845. He then removed to Amherst, this
State, and resided there until his death in
1872, in the eightieth year of his age. While
a resident of New Boston, he engaged in the
manufacture of sash, blinds, and doors, in
which he was a pioneer. He also did wool
carding and operated a saw-mill, besides car-
rying on farming more or less. After remov-
ing to Amherst, he manufactured shingles.
His business ability caused him to be often
chosen as administrator of estates. At first a
Whig in politics, he later became a Republi-
can and a strong abolitionist. In religious

 

 

 

 

 
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW 75

 

 

belief he was a Congregationalist and an ac-
tive member of the church of that denomination
in Amherst. His wife, whose maiden name
was Lydia Peabody, was a native of Topsfield.
Three of their children are living, namely:
Aaron F., now in Topeka, Kan.; David, in
Denver, Col.; and Daniel A., the subject of
this sketch.

Daniel A. Peabody has been a resident of
Amherst since he was brought here by his
parents at the age of three years. He was
educated in the town schools, and his vaca-
tions were spent in assisting his father with
the farm work. In May, 1861, when nineteen
years old, he enlisted in Company G of the
Second New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry,
which joined the Army of the Potomac. After
serving in the Civil War until the following
July, he was discharged on account of illness.
Two months later he re-enlisted, this time in
Company I, Fifth New Hampshire Volunteer
Infantry, which also became a part of the Army
of the Potomac; and he was subsequently in the
battle of Fair Oaks. The greater part of his
time was spent in the Peninsular Campaign
under General McClellan. He was honorably
discharged in October, 1862, with the rank of
Corporal, to which he had been promoted soon
after his enlistment. Broken down in health,
he returned home, and for a time was some-
what of an invalid. When again able to take
up work, he engaged in farming, which has
been his occupation since. He owns thirty-
three acres of Jand adjoining Amherst village.

On April 6, 1890, Mr. Peabody married
Miss Emma F. Robertson, of Greenfield,
N.H., daughter of James T. and Isabella S.
(Metcalf) Robertson. Her father, now de-
ceased, was born in Greenfield, N.H.; and
her mother in Greenfield, Mass. Three others
of their children are living, namely: John T.
Robertson, of Greenfield, N.H.; Mary E.,
the widow of Frederick C. Thompson, late of
Concord, N.H.; and Hannah J., the wife of
Fred W. Barnes, of Milford, N.H. Mrs. Pea-
body’s paternal grandfather, Thompson Rob-
ertson, was an early settler of Greenfield; and
his wife’s father is said to have cut the first
timber in this part of the town, having come
here before there were any roads. Mrs. Pea-

 

body received her education in the public
schools of Greenfield and at McCollom Insti-
tute, Mont Vernon, N.H. ‘When but sixteen
years old, she began teaching, and subse-
quently followed it, principally in Hillsboro
County, for a quarter of a century. Mr. and
Mrs. Peabody are members of the Congrega-
tional church. He belongs to the Charles H.
Phelps Post, No. 43, G. A. R., and is con-
nécted with the Golden Cross Order. She is
a member of the local Relief Corps. Both are
popular in social circles.

 

OSEPH W. STILES, who owns and
cultivates a large farm in Wilton, was
born where he now resides, December
9g, 1821, son of Asa and Polly (Tapley)

Stiles. The paternal great-grandfather, Asa
Stiles (first), who was a native of Middleton,
Mass., moved to Wilton previous to1782. He
purchased the farm now owned by Joseph W.,
and resided there for the rest of his life. The
maiden name of his wife was Huldah Bixby.
He reared a family of six children, all of
whom were born in Middleton. The eldest,
Asa Stiles (second), grandfather of Joseph W.,
was born in 1765. He was a blacksmith in
Wilton for some years, after which he kept
a store in the north-west part of the town.
He finally engaged in farming, and continued
in that occupation until his death, which oc-
curred in 1832, at the age of sixty-seven years.
He successively married Ruth Stiles, Mrs.
Abigail Harwood Carson, and Mary Dascomb.
He was the father of six children, three by his
first wife and three by his second, all now de-
ceased.

Asa Stiles (third), the eldest child of his
father and Ruth Stiles, was born at the home-
stead in Wilton, April 27, 1794. Having
adopted farming as an occupation at an early
age, he followed it industriously throughout
his active period, on the home farm, to which
he had succeeded. In politics he was a Dem-
ocrat, and he served two years as a Selectman.
His wife, Polly, a daughter of Elihu Tapley,
of Wilton, reared a family cf six children.
Three of these are living — Joseph W., David
T., and Harriet E. David T. married Laura
76 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

H. Capron, of whose eight children by him
Ida M., John A., William A., Charles A.,
and Hattie A. are living. Harriet E. is the
wife of Moses M. Balch, of New Ipswich,
N.H., and her children are: Ann J., Ella M.,
and Abbie L. Asa Stiles (third) died Octo-
ber 2, 1874, aged eighty years, and his wife
died November 15, 1857. They were mem-
bers of the Congregational church.

Joseph W. Stiles was reared and educated in
Wilton. Since reaching manhood he has de-
voted his energies to tilling the soil of the
homestead farm, which he bought of his father.
He owns three hundred acres of desirably lo-
cated land, and raises excellent crops. On
November 29, 1860, he married for his first
wife Nancy Gray, who died in 1888. He con-
tracted a second marriage on November 29,
1889, with Harriet J. Bagley, daughter of
John Bagley, of Amesbury, Mass. Mr. Stiles
is a charter member and has been an officer
of Adrance Grange, No. 20, Patrons of Hus-
bandry. Mrs. Stiles is also a member of that
organization.

DMUND BURKE HULL, Representa-
tive to the legislature from the town
of Bedford, was born in Lempster,

N.H., May 11, 1850, son of Nathaniel B. and
Emeline C. (Moore) Hull. His father, who
was a native of Bennington, Vt., in young
manhood engaged in the hotel business, and
was subsequently the proprietor of several
well-known hostelries in different places dur-
ing his active years. In 1873 Nathaniel
settled in Bedford, where he passed the rest of
his life in retirement, and died February 1,
1881. He gained a high reputation as a ge-
nial and hospitable host; and, wherever he lo-
cated, the patronage of the travelling public
was sure to follow him. He was a worthy,
upright man and a regular attendant of the
Congregational church. The first of his two
marriages was contracted with Lima J. Keyes,
who had two children — Orison N. and Lima
J. Orison N. is now residing in Cowansville,
P.Q. Lima J., who became Mrs. O. F.
Stearns, is no longer living. Emeline C.
Moore, a native of Lempster, became his sec-

 

 

ond wife. Her only child is Edmund B., the
subject of this sketch. She died June 20,
189I.

Edmund Burke Hull began his education in
the schools of Newport, N.H., and completed
it at the Colby Academy in New London.
Then he obtained a position in the Manches-
ter office of the Concord Railroad Company,
the duties of which he discharged to the satis-
faction of his superiors for twelve years. He
then resigned in order to engage in dairy
farming, which he has since followed success-
fully. At the present time he is carrying on
a profitable milk business. He owns a subur-
ban farm of forty acres, which is especially
well adapted to dairy purposes. His various
improvements, both upon the land and build-
ings, have much enhanced the value of the
property since it came into his possession.
As an active supporter of the Republican
party, he has acquired much influence in polit-
ical affairs, and his natural ability makes him
particularly eligible to the public. service.
He was elected to the Board of Selectmen in
1892, was re-elected and served as chairman
in 1893. In the New Hampshire legislature
he is fully realizing the expectations of his
constituents.

On October 9, 1877, Mr. Hull was united in
marriage with Sarah M. Foster. She was born
in Warner, N.H., daughter of the Hon.
George and Salome F. (Little) Foster, who
both belonged to highly reputable families.
Mr. and Mrs. Hull are the parents of two chil-
dren, namely: Harry Foster, born July 24,
1878; and Grace E., born October 14, 1880.
Harry F. is now pursuing a commercial course
in Manchester, and Grace E. is also attending
school. Mr. Hull is connected with the Pa-
trons of Husbandry. Both he and Mrs. Hull
are highly esteemed in this community. The
family attend the Congregational church.

LIJAH BOYDEN, late a prominent resi-

*1 dent of Marlboro, Cheshire County,
was born in this town, August 15,

1814, son of Elijah and Amity (Fisher) Boy-
den. His father, who was a native of Wal-

pole, Mass., followed general farming during

 

iat
 

bowie

by AH Fa
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW 79

 

 

his active years, and also kept a tavern in
Marlboro, where he died in the prime of life.

The subject of this sketch, who was one of
seven children, received his education in the
district schools of this town. After leaving
schoo], he engaged in mercantile pursuits in
Boston, but subsequently returned to Marl-
boro, where he built the Stone Store, now oc-
cupied by Herbert Collins, and carried on a
general mercantile business for some time.
In early life he was also mail agent between
Boston and Burlington. His latter years were
devoted to the transaction of legal business,
he having been a Justice of the Peace since
his twenty-first birthday. He settled many
estates; and, as he was a man of sound judg-
ment, his advice was sought by all classes.
Previous to the Civil War he served as Post-
master, and was honored by a reappointment
to that office. He wasa regular attendant of
the Universalist church for many years, or
until his death, which occurred in his eighty-
first year, November 29, 1894.

In April, 1838, Mr. Boyden was united in
marriage with Miss Anna G. Cummings, a
native of Sullivan, N.H., and a daughter of
the Rev. Charles and Mary (Hemenway) Cum-
mings. The Cummings family were origi-
nally residents of Seabrook, N.H.; and Mrs.
Boyden’s father, who was pastor of a church in
Marlboro for several years, died in 1849. Mr.
and Mrs. Boyden have an adopted daughter —
Amelia B., who married Clark Chandler, and
whose husband died leaving her with one son,
Carl. The latter isa graduate of a Commer-
cial College in Albany, N.Y., and is now
engaged in business in Boston.

 

 

ERTELL L. TALBOT, M.D., a
rising young physician of Peterboro,
Hillsboro County, was born in Mil-
ford, N.H., April 5, 1872, son of

Leroy L. and Eliza A. (Dutton) Talbot. His
great-grandfather, Ezra Talbot, was a lifelong
resident of Brookline, N.H., where he fol-
lowed the carpenter’s trade in connection with
farming during the active period of his life.
Ezra Talbot was a Deacon of the Congrega-
tional church, and he and his wife were the

 

parents of ten children. Samuel] Talbot, Dr.
Talbot’s grandfather, was born in Brookline
in 1810. For some years he followed the
trade of a carpenter, but later in life he en-
gaged in agricultural pursuits. His character
was that of an upright, prudent man, and by
availing himself of every opportunity for ad-
vancement he attained a comfortable pros-
perity. In his later years he acted with the
Republican party in politics. He married
Eliza G. Hodgman, of Merrimac, N.H., and
they reared five children, of whom four are
now living, namely: Sylvanus J., who mar-
ried Abbie Brooks; Ann T., who married
Daniel Hayden, of Hollis, N.H., and has one
daughter, Bertha M.; Leroy L.; and Charles
D. Samuel Talbot lived to be eighty-six
years old, and his wife died at the age of sixty-
three.

Leroy L. Talbot was born in Brookline,
N.H., December 17, 1846. He learned the
cooper’s trade, which he followed in his native
town for a time, in 1870 settling in Milford,
where for ten years he continued in the same
occupation. He then engaged in farming upon
a smal] tract of land in Milford village, where
he still resides. Being naturally energetic
and thrifty, he has become fairly well-to-do.
In politics he acts with the Republican party.
He is a prominent Odd Fellow, belonging to
Milford Lodge, in which he is Past Grand,
and he is also Past Chief Patriarch of the en-
campment. His wife, Eliza A. Dutton Tal-
bot, whom he married in 1870, is a daughter
of Reed Dutton, of Milford. She is the
mother of two children: Bertel] L., the sub-
ject of this sketch; and Carl W., born No-
vember 6, 1886. Mr. and Mrs. Leroy L.
Talbot are members of the Baptist church.

Bertell L. Talbot was graduated from the
Milford High School in 1891. He studied
medicine at the Harvard Medical School, from
which he was graduated with the class of
1896, and after a course of practical observa-
tion at the Boston City Hospital he located
for practice in Peterboro. He has already
secured the good opinion of the community,
and his professional career has opened encour-
agingly and with bright future prospects. On
August 27, 1896, Dr. Talbot was united in
80 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

marriage with Mary E. Otis, daughter of
Charles L. Otis, of Hancock, N.H.

Dr. Talbot is connected with Milford
Lodge, I. O. O. FF. He is a member of the
Baptist church, and Mrs. Talbot is a Congre-
gationalist.

ALTER E. MARSH, a business man
5 of Swanzey, was born in Templeton,
Mass., July 30, 1855, son of James

and Candis C. (Aldrich) Marsh. The father,
who was born in Keene, N.H., December 24,
1823, was left an orphan when young, and his
youth was necessarily spent in struggling for
an existence. In that period he procured em-
ployment in a country store in Grafton, Vt.,
where he labored diligently to obtain a knowl-
edge of business, suffering many hardships and
drawbacks, among which was the failure of
his employer, who owed him a considerable
amount. After a time, however, he opened a
general store in Winchendon, Mass. He also
engaged, on a smal]] scale, in the manufacture
of pails. Enlarging his facilities for carrying
on this business as the demand for his pails in-
creased, the venture turned out very profitably.
Selling his business in Winchendon in 1865,
he came to Swanzey. Here he purchased a
mill, together with other property, and estab-
lished the large pail manufactory which he
has since carried on. For over thirty years he
has been one of the leading manufacturers of
pails in this locality, having a capacity for
filling large orders. His factory, which em-
ploys an average of forty hands, consumes
about two thousand cords of lumber per annum.
Soon after his arrival here he opened a gen-
eral stare, which has become the main source
of supply for a large number of residents in
the locality. Healso owns several tenement
houses, which yield a good income, and his
business career has been exceedingly prosper-
ous. His home is in Keene. In politics he
is a Republican, and for twelve years he was
a prominent member of the School Board.
He has long been identified with the Congre-
gational church as an official, and he is an ear-
nest advocate of the temperance cause. His
wife, Candis C. Aldrich Marsh, is the mother

 

 

of five children; namely, E. James, Emma
A., Amasa A., Walter E., and Alice M.
Emma married W. H. Spalter, of Keene;
Alice M. resides at home; E. James is a resi-
dent of Keene; and Amasa A. Marsh, who
resides in Swanzey, married Alice Scott, of
Chesterfield, N.H., and has two children —
Wanona M. and Margaret.

Walter E. Marsh obtained his elementary
education in the common schools of Keene.
At the age of fourteen he entered the store of
W. H. Spalter as a clerk, continuing in that
capacity for six years. He then took a busi-
ness course at Bryant & Stratton’s Commercial
College, Boston. After this he resumed his
former occupation in Keene, and followed it
until failing health caused him to seek a Jess
confining occupation. He next travelled in
the interest of the Singer Sewing Machine
Company through Cheshire and _ Hillsboro
Counties, was for a time located in Peterboro,
N.H., and was finally placed in charge of the
company’s office at Keene. In 1882 he came
to Swanzey to take charge of his father’s gen-
eral store, which he has since carried on.

Mr. Marsh wedded Jessie H. Tottingham, a
daughter of Charles N. Tottingham, of Keene.
Mrs. Marsh is the mother of three children —
Raymond E., Dorris, and Marion. Mr. Marsh
is an active member of the Republican Town
Committee, and has been President of the Re-
publican Club for the past two years. He was
formerly Postmaster under President Arthur,
and was elected a member of the Board of Se-
lectmen in 1897. He is connected with the
grange.

 

AMES M. LAWS, the popular Town
Clerk of Milford, Hillsboro County,
N.H., and a retail dealer in boots and
shoes, was born in Sharon, N.H., July

31, 1845, son of Archalaus and Isabella
(Hooper) Laws. His father, who was a native
of New Ipswich, N.H., and who followed
farming as his main occupation, died about
1880. His mother was a native of Bridge-
water, Mass.

When the subject of this sketch was but one
year old, he accompanied his parents with the
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW 81

 

 

rest of their family to Milford, and was here
reared to manhood. He received his genera]
education in the public schools of Milford,
and later was graduated at French’s Commer-
cial College in Boston, Mass. For a num-
ber of years he was employed in the factory
of the late Andrew Fuller in the manufacture
of picture frames, and subsequently was ap-
pointed Assistant Postmaster of the Milford
post - office, which position he retained for
about eighteen years. Entering into the boot
and shoe business in May, 1888, he has since
continued thus engaged. He employs two
clerks, carries on an average a stock of ten
thousand dollars’ worth of goods, and does a
thriving and increasing trade.

In 1874 Mr. Laws was elected Clerk of the
town of Milford, and up to the present time
he has been annually re-elected to the same
position by a unanimous vote. For a number
of years he has served as a Justice of the
Peace, and he is also a Notary Public. Mr.
Laws is a Republican in politics. He belongs
to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and
his religious opinions cause him to affiliate
with the Congregational church. He married
Fanny A. Moore, of Windham, Vt., and has
one daughter, Helen M. Another daughter,
Fannie M. by name, has passed away.

Mr. Laws is an enterprising and public-
spirited citizen, and takes a deep interest in
the welfare of the town of Milford. He has
a large circle of friends and acquaintances,
and is highly esteemed in this community.

RANCIS O. COLBY, a farmer of Goffs-
town, was born here, March 8, 1835,
son of Thomas and Mary (Kelly) Colby.

His: great-grandfather, Thomas Colby, was
among the early settlers of Bow, N.H., where
he lived throughout the greater part of his
life. He was a Lieutenant in the Revolution-
ary army. Samuel Colby, son of Thomas and
grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was
born July 22, 1776, and was a farmer in Dun-
barton, N.H., where he lived and died. His
wife, Sarah Partridge Colby, came from Ports-
mouth, N.H.

Thomas Colby, the father of Francis O.,

 

 

was born in Dunbarton, March 11, 1807, son
of Samuel. He learned the shoemaking trade,
but his main business was farming and mill-
ing. He was a sturdy, hard-working man and
a good farmer, and made many of the improve-
ments which still remain on the farm. In
1838 he built a new house, which has since
been remodelled. He was a member of the
Baptist church. In politics he was a Demo-
crat. On April 5, 1834, he married Mary
Kelly, daughter of Samuel Kelly, whose an-
cestors were among the first settlers of Goffs-
town, N.H., coming from Massachusetts.
He died September 11, 1878, and his wife
survived him until June 24, 1890. They had
six children — Francis O., Sarah E., Henry
S., Alfred E., Lewis R., and Mary C. Henry
S., born January 22, 1837, died in August,
1872, in California. Alfred E., born Sep-
tember 30, 1839, died in 1843. Lewis R.,
born August 30, 1841, served in the late war
with the One Hundred and Twelfth Illinois
Regiment, and, after being taken prisoner,
died in Libby Prison in 1862. Mary C., born
October 22, 1845, died May 27, 1888. Sarah
E., who was born September 17, 1843, mar-
ried Orrin T. Clough.

Francis O. Colby, the subject of this sketch,
grew up in Goffstown, where he was educated
in the public schools, and has since carried on
genera] farming. He has added to the farm,
having now about two hundred acres of land,
most of which is under cultivation. He has
also remodelled the buildings, thereby adding
much to the value of the property. Jn politics
Mr. Colby isa Democrat. He is treasurer of
the P. of H. Junior Grange, No. 150, at Gras-
mere, and is also Counsellor of Washington
Lodge, American Mechanics, No. 3.

On October 3, 1865, Mr. Colby married
Carrie Farley, who was born December 28,
1839, daughter of Caleb F. and Sally (Hast-
ings) Farley. Both Mr. Colby and his wife
are members of the Baptist church. He has
been a Deacon of the society for the past
twenty years, and is now also the clerk. Mrs.
Colby is a member of the Daughters of Lib-
erty. They have had two daughters, namely:
Nellie J., born November 9, 1866; and Lillie
May, born December 10, 1870. Lillie May
82 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

married Mr. William H. Beals, and died
October 21, 1891, leaving one daughter — Ra-
mona May, who was born July 26, 1891.
Nellie J. is the wife of Lafayette S. Lakeman,
of Pembroke. They have one son — Harold
P., born June 22, 1896, and they at present
reside with Mr. and Mrs. Colby. Mr. Colby
has been a very active man, and is one of the
most successful farmers of the town.

 

 

boro, an ex-member of the State

k= Senate and a Civil War veteran, was

born in Roxbury, N.H., August 28,
1842, son of Joshua and Eliza (Rice) Davis.
The grandfather, Isaac Davis, who was the
seventh son of a seventh son, came from Mas-
sachusetts to Roxbury among the pioneers of
that town, and cleared a farm from the wilder-
ness. He reared several children, of whom
the sons were Isaac and Joshua.

Joshua Davis settled upon a farm adjoining
the homestead, and was engaged in farming
and butchering during his active years. In-
dustrious and frugal, he became prosperous
and the proprietor of two hundred and fifty
acres of desirable land. His wife, Eliza, who
was a daughter of Benjamin Rice, of Massa-
chusetts, became the mother of eight chil-
dren. These were: Julia A., who married
Albert Wright, and resides in Keene, N.H.;
Mary C., now the wife of Luther Hemmen-
way, of Marlboro; Louisa J., the wife of
W. H. Knight, of Swanzey, N.H.; Almond,
who married Eliza Buckminster, and resides
on the home farm in Roxbury; Lucy R., the
widow of Henry C. Willard, late of Boston;
Miles, who married Susan Woodbury, and re-
sides in Keene; George G., the subject of
this sketch; and Henry J. Davis, who is mar-
ried and resides in Marlboro. Joshua Davis
died in 1862, aged sixty-six, and his wife died
in 1888. They were members of the Congre-
gational church.

George G. Davis was educated in the schools
of Roxbury and Keene. When eighteen years
old he came to Marlboro, where he was em-
ployed by Luther Hemmenway in the manu-
facture of boxes until the breaking out of the

A” GEORGE G. DAVIS, of Marl-

 

 

Civil War. He was one of the first volunteers
for the late war in Company A, Second Regi-
ment, under Captain T. A. Barker; and he
participated in the first battle of Bull Run.
At Williamsburg he was struck in the left
arm by a fragment of a shell, and was after-
ward confined to the hospital by the wound for
about three months. After his discharge he
returned to Marlboro, and in partnership with
Luther Hemmenway manufactured boxes and
toys until 1870. After this he conducted a
country store in company with other persons
for two years and then alone and with suc-
cess for over twenty years. His stock em-
braced everything necessary for farm and do-
mestic use. The business had expanded into
large proportions when, in 18g1, he sold out to
W. S. Garfield. Mr. Davis is president of the
Guarantee Savings Bank of Keene; a director
of the Citizens’ Bank of Keene and National
Bank of Winchester, N.H.; and a director of
the Cheshire County Insurance Company.
Since retiring from mercantile business, he
has had more applications to act as guardian
than he could accept; and as agent for several
well-known insurance companies he transacts a
great deal of business in that line.

Since his retirement Mr. Davis has busied
himself with political affairs and the settle-
ment and care of estates. In politics he isa
Republican. His public services date from
1874, when he was chosen Town Clerk and
Treasurer. The former office he held for
about fifteen years. He is still in charge of
the town’s finances. He has been upon the
School Board for a long series of years, has
ably presided as Moderator of town meetings,
and has rendered valuable services to the town
in other official capacities. In the lower
chamber of the legislature, to which he was
elected in 1879 and 1881, he served upon some
of the important committees. As a member
of the Senate in 1883, he was appointed upon
the Committees on Finance, Banks and
Claims, and chairman of the Committee on
Military Affairs. He was a County Commis-
sioner for three terms, being chairman of the
Board for the greater part of the time; and he
was appointed a member of the State Board of
Charities and Correction by Governor Busiel,
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW &3

 

 

and is now its chairman. The community has
had his services in the capacity of Justice of
the Peace for many years. He was vice-presi-
dent of the committee of arrangements for the
centennial celebration of the town of Marlboro,
read the Declaration of Independence on that
occasion, and also took an important part in
the dedication of the soldiers’ monument.

On January 1, 1866, Mr. Davis married
Maria L. Collins. They have had three chil-
dren, of whom Ernest and Clifton C. died in
childhood. The surviving child is Lester G.
Davis. Both parents are members of the
Congregational church. Mrs. Davis is prom-
inently identified with the society and its aux-
iliary organizations. Although Mr. Davis has
declined the office of Deacon, he takes a deep
interest in the welfare of the society, is one
of its trustees, and was the superintendent
of its Sunday-school for five years. He is
also a trustee of the New Hampshire Home
Missionary Society, a member of the New
Hampshire Club, and a comrade of John
Sedgwick Post, No. 4, G. A. R.

TIS F. SUMNER, a prominent drug-
gist in Goffstown village and the
present Postmaster, was born in Mil-
ford, Mass., December 13, 1851, son
of Sylvanus and Orrisa J. (Gove) Sumner.
Sylvanus Sumner, also a native of Milford,
Mass., born January 25, 1810, followed the
business of a clothier in his earlier life, and
was engaged in general farming in his later
years. In politics he was a Democrat and in
religion a Universalist. He died September
29, 1881, at Weare, N.H. His wife, who was
born in Weare, N.H., March 26, 1819, died
March 26, 1888. They had three sons who
reached maturity, namely: John G., born Au-
gust 18, 1843, a mechanic living in Nashua,
N.H.; Otis F., the subject of this sketch; and
Charles H., born September 26, 1853, nowa
clerk in Lowell, Mass. Almeda, their only
daughter, who was born December 12, 1838,
died March 13, 1842.
Otis F. Sumner acquired his education in
the public schools and at Weare Academy. In
1871 he began learning the drug business.

 

 

Seven years later he started in business for
himself at Goffstown, and now has the leading
drug store in the village. On December 13,
1877, he married Miss Ada A. Butler, of
Goffstown, who was born April 24, 1853.
She died October 30, 1889, leaving no chil-
dren. He contracted a second marriage in
1891 with Miss May F. Merrill, of Manches-
ter, N.H., who was born February 7, 1865.
They have one son — Merrill G. Sumner, born
May 7, 1895.

Politically, Mr. Sumner is a Democrat.
He was Town Treasurer for one term, has been
on the Fire and Water Committees, and has
held other minor offices. On July 21, 1893,
he received the appointment of Postmaster of
Goffstown, and is still serving in that capacity.
He is a thirty-second degree Mason, being a
member of Hillsboro Lodge, I. O. O. F., at
Manchester; Past Master of Bible Lodge,
F. & A. M., of Goffstown; a Royal Arch
Mason of Mount Horeb Chapter; a Knight
Templar of Trinity Commandery; and he
belongs to the Consistory, Scottish Rite, and
the Aleppo Shrine in Boston. He is a Uni-
versalist.

 

ARCELLUS J. POWERS, a well-

known business man of Hillsboro

County, was born in the town of

Hollis, where he now resides,

August 5, 1853. His father, the late Harvey
A. Powers, who died June 11, 1882, was born
in Vermont on February 7, 1817, and came
to New Hampshire, settling in Hollis, about
the year 1851. He was a skilled mechanic,
and was engaged in carpentering and build-
ing. In politics, during the latter part of
his life he was a Democrat. His wife, whose
maiden name was Sarah A. Colburn, was born
in Hollis, July 31, 1820, and died April 9,
1896. Mr. and Mrs. Harvey A. Powers were
Baptists in religious views, and were members
of that church in this town till it disbanded.
They had nine children, one of whom, a
daughter, Francena A., born April 5, 1840,
died August 5 of the same year; and another,
a son, Julius A., born February 11, 1849,
died January 11, 1850. Seven sons. stil]
84 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

worthily bear the family name, as follows:
Alphonso H., born April 5, 1840, a farmer
and a graduate of Bridgewater (Mass.) State
Normal School, now residing at Litchfield,
N.H.; Ozro E., born September 15, 1846,
now in Wallingford, Conn.; Luray C., a
skilled mechanic, born April 7, 1851, resid-
ing in Somerville, Mass. ; Marcellus, special
subject of this sketch; Perley A., born Octo-
ber 8, 1857, a dentist, a graduate of Ann
Arbor (Mich.) Dental College, settled in
Meriden, Conn. ; Lewellyn S., mechanic and
musician, born January 15, 1860, residing at
Brookline, this State; and Jesse B., dentist,
graduate of Baltimore (Md.) Dental College,
born January 1, 1864, a resident of Newton
Centre, Mass.

Marcellus Powers passed his boyhood days
at Hollis, was educated in the public schools
of the town, and at the age of twenty-one
began to learn the business of carriage and
house painting. He has made himself a skil-
ful workman in his department of industry,
and has consequently as many calls for his ser-
vices as he is able to respond to. His time is
fully occupied with looking after his numer-
ous engagements and in giving some attention
to the management of his place and his fruit-
raising business. He owns a small farm,
which contains thrifty growing orchard trees,
principally apple and pear; and he also raises
smal] fruits of various kinds, taking great
interest in this branch of horticulture.

On September 12, 1882, in Farragut, Ia.,
Mr. Powers married Miss Mary S. Perkins, a
lady born in Hollis. This marriage has been
blessed by the birth of four children: Bessie
M., born May 8, 1883; Marion F., born Oc-
tober 23, 1888; Helen T., born December 9,
1891; and Harvey M., born May 31, 1894.
Mrs. Powers's father, John B. Perkins, was
born at Derry, August 13, 1829, and died
February 28, 1880; and her mother, Mrs.
Sophia N. Little Perkins, was born at Atkin-
son, this State, November 29, 1830, and died
August 17, 1894. Mr. Perkins was a very
well-known and universally esteemed man, fol-
lowing various lines of business. For a num-
ber of years he was Deputy Sheriff of Hills-
boro County, and be was also for some time in

 

the custom-house at Boston. The Perkins
children were four in number, namely: Sam-
uel L., born October 26, 1849, a farmer resid-
ing in Nebraska; John W., of Farragut, Ia.,
a farmer, born December 14, 1852; Charles
S., born December 9, 1856, who died Febru-
ary 11, 1884; and Mrs. Powers, who was born
May 1, 1850.

Mr. and Mrs. Powers are members of the
Congregational church. A Democrat in na-
tional politics, Mr. Powers is locally a Pro-
hibitionist. He is vitally interested in all
public movements, and has been chosen to fill
various town offices, including that of Town
Clerk. During the past six years he has been
a member of the School Board, and is now its
chairman. In Aurora Lodge, I. O. O. F., of
Hollis, to which he belongs, he holds the
office of secretary.

ALVIN MERRILL, a well-known resi-
dent of Milford and the representa-

 

tive of the third generation of the

Merrills in this town, was born on
the Merrill homestead, January 13, 1827, son
of Asa and Fannie (Steele) Merrill. The fam-
ily is of English origin, and still keeps the
hereditary coat of arms. Nathan Merrill, the
grandfather of Mr. Calvin Merrill, was one of
the early settlers of Milford, coming here from
Bedford, Mass. In 1787 he purchased what
is now known as the Merrill homestead, and
built there a log cabin. In the following
February he made the place his permanent
residence. He was a soldier of the Revolu-
tionary War, enlisting when a mere youth, but
filled with patriotism, and was one of the
guards detailed for duty at the execution of
Major André. He was an old-school Demo-
crat and a strong anti-slavery man. His
death occurred in 1846. The maiden name of
his wife, who came from Bedford, Mass., was
Susan Bacon. She was a daughter of Eliza-
beth Lane Bacon, who, born in London, Eng-
land, came to Bedford and married a member
of the famous Bacon family that named Bed-
ford after the old city of that name in England.
Nathan Merrill, Jr., the eldest son of Nathan
Merrill, built in New Boston what is alleged
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW 85

 

 

to have been the first stone dwelling in Hills-
boro County. Joshua, the youngest son, in
the capacities of teacher and superintendent
was connected with the public schools of Low-
ell, Mass., for forty five years. Also, for
many years he was a member of the Lowell
city government; and at one time he repre-
sented Lowell in the General Court of Massa-
chusetts. He was a stanch temperance advo-
cate, and was once a candidate on the Prohibi-
tion ticket for Lieutenant Governor of the
State.

Asa Merrill, born in Milford, January 17,
1794, was a farmer and a lifelong resident of
the town. He is said to have been the first
male child born in Milford after its incorpora-
tion. At the Merrill homestead he received
his friends with the hospitality of a gentleman
of the old school. In politics he was a Whig
and Jater a Republican. He was also a Free
Soiler. A constant reader, he kept himself
informed of current events. He married Fan-
nie Steele, a native of Stoneham, Mass., and a
member of the Baptist church. Her father,
James Steele, was an officer in the Continental
army, and took part in the battle of Lexington.
Six of Asa Merrill’s children survive, namely:
Fannie, living on the homestead; Susan, the
wife of Dr. Joseph Mansfield, of Wakefield,
Mass.; Nathan, living in Milford; Calvin,
the subject of this sketch; Henry, of Pepper-
ell, Mass. ; and Mary E., of Milford.

Calvin Merrill resided on the homestead
farm until twenty years of age, when he began
life for himself. In his twenty-first year he
went to Brookline, N.H., where he learned
the cooper’s trade. After working at this for
a short time he spent three years in Roxbury
and Woburn, employed in the manufacture of
patent leather; and then, compelled by ilJness,
he returned to his native town. Upon first
coming back, he resided on the old home farm,
and did some coopering there. Subsequently
he removed to Milford village, and was there
for a time engaged in lumbering, coopering,
and farming. In 1872 he started a coal busi-
ness, which he managed successfully until
1890, when his sons succeeded him under the
name of Merril] Brothers. In connection with
his coal business Mr. Merril] carried on con-

 

siderable trade in ice and grain. These de-
partments are still included in the business of
the Merril] Brothers, whose grain elevator is
near their business office. In politics Mr.
Merrill is a Republican. Both he and his
wife are members of the Baptist church at
Milford.

On May 26, 1857, Mr. Merrill was married
to Lizzie M. Wheeler, of Amherst, N.H.
Her parents, both now deceased, were Daniel
Wheeler, a native of Ambherst, and Martha
G. (Aiken) Wheeler, of Deering. Three
others of their children survive them, namely:
Mrs. Abbie Sawtelle, of Manchester, N.H.;
Fannie R., also of Manchester; and Harry R.,
of Nashua. The children of Mr. and Mrs.
Merrill are: John C., Hattie E., Arthur W.,
and Walter B. Hattie is now the wife of
Walter H. Ware, of Milford.

HOMPSON H. RICHARDSON, who
for many years past has been connected
with the blanket-mi]] in Marlboro, was

born in Baldwin, Me., March 20, 1819, son of
Artemus and Mary (Thompson) Richardson.
He belongs to an old Massachusetts family.
His paternal grandfather, Israel Richardson,
was a son of Thomas Richardson. ‘The mater-
nal grandfather, Thomas Thompson, was a sol-
dier of the Revolution. Artemus Richardson,
who was born in Templeton, Mass., in 1780,
went to Maine in his youth, and there for sev-
eral years was employed by a Congregational
minister. He afterward owned a farm in the
town of Baldwin. This he subsequently sold,
and purchased another in Hiram, Me., where
he spent his last days, and died at the age of
sixty-four years. His wife, Mary, had nine
children — Artemus, Nancy, Johanna, George,
Mary, Thomas, Thompson H., Betsey F., and
Sarah B.

Thompson H. Richardson is the only sur-
viving child of his parents. After receiving
a limited education at the district schools in
Maine, he worked out upon a farm until 1853.
Then he went to California by the Isthmus of
Panama. He spent four years in the mines
of Nevada County. Going thence to Yuba
County, in company with his brothers Artemus

 
86 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

and George, he bought a number of claims
there, remaining seven years, owning at the
same time other claims in the Little York
mine. After eleven years’ absence in the gold
fields Mr. Richardson returned home with his
brother Artemus, having been throughout this
time an industrious and successful miner. He
settled in Marlboro, and was at once employed
in the blanket-mill in that town. He is now
the owner of a handsome residence in the
centre of the town, where he leads a retired
life with his wife and daughter.

Mr. Richardson married Hannah Richard-
son, whose children are: Horatio S. and
Emma A. Horatio S., who is a druggist at
Concord, Mass., married Ella Thurston, and
has one child, Frank N. Emma A. resides at
home. She has great natural talent as an
artist, and her parents possess many beautiful
specimens of her skill. While Mr. Richard-
son has constantly voted the Republican ticket,
he has never cared for public life. He is a
member of the I. O. O. F.

 

 

ROOKS R. CAME, of the firm Brooks

R. Came & Son, agriculturists and

coal dealers of Milford, Hillsboro

County, was born December 5, 1836,

in Moultonboro, Carroll County, this State,
a son of Henry Came, and a descendant of one
of its oldest settlers. Henry Came, also a
native of Moultonboro, was there engaged for
many years in lumbering and farming on the
banks of Lake Winnepesaukee. He married
Mary M. Senter, a daughter of Moses Senter,
who was born in Londonderry, N.H. From
Londonderry, when young men, Moses and his
brother Sam removed to Centre Harbor, and
built a log tavern on the site now occupied by
the fine hotel called the Senter House. Moses
Senter fought in the Revolutionary War, and
afterward drew a pension for his services at
that time. Henry Came and his wife removed
to Amherst, this county, about 1850, and some
time Jater went to Linn County, Iowa, whence
they migrated to Nebraska. He died in Ne-
braska at an advanced age in 1894. His
widow, now in her ninety-fifth year, is still
living there. Five of their children are liv-

 

ing, namely: Brooks R., the subject of this
sketch; Henry F., who lives in Iowa; Charles
F.; Annette M., of Nebraska; and Sarah E.,
the wife of James Schalecka, also of Nebraska.

Brooks R. Came obtained his early educa-
tion in Moultonboro, living there until] four-
teen years of age. He then came with his
parents to this county, and when twenty years
old accompanied them to Iowa, where he re-
sided but two years. Preferring life among his
native hills, Mr. Came returned to Hillsboro
County, and for a number of years was engaged
in the lumber business at Amherst and in
general farming. In 1880 he bought his pres-
ent farm of one hundred and fifty acres in Mil-
ford, where he has carried on mixed husbandry
most successfully, his homestead being one of
the best appointed in the locality. Three
years later, taking into partnership his only
son, Charles B. Came, he began dealing in
coal, in which he has now an extensive trade,
the firm of Brooks R. Came & Son being one
of the best known and most reliable in the
town.

On June 26, 1859, Mr. Came married Miss
Mary A., daughter of the late Porter Duncklee,
of Amherst. Their children are: Charles B.
Came, as previously mentioned; and Frank P.
and Annie Lincoln, both now deceased. In
politics Mr. Came is a Republican. Besides
having served two terms as Selectman of Mil-
ford, he has been Water Commissioner since
the establishment of water-works in the town.

 

DRON WINSHIP, a well-known resi-

dent of Greenville, is a native of
Mason, where he was born January

14, 1833, son of Noah and Abigail

(Blood) Winship. His father, who was a
leading farmer of Mason, also carried on a
saw-mill. Both parents attended the Ortho.
dox church. Noah was an old-time Whig.
He died at the age of seventy-four years, and
his wife at about the same age. He was a
hard-working man, and had the respect of all
his fellow-townsmen. His wife’s father,
Amos Blood, was a soldier in the Revolution-
ary War. Of their large family of children
Eunice, Betsy, and Adron are living. Eu-
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW 87

 

 

nice was successively married to Charles Rob-
bins and David Russell, and has one child by
her first husband, Charles A. Robbins. Betsy
was first married to Brooks Hodgeman, and
had two children — Luella and Marshia. Her
second marriage was contracted with Augustine
Smith, and they have one child, Archie.

Adron Winship when a boy was sent to the
common schools of Mason. After leaving
school, he went to Townsend, Mass., where he
worked in a saw-mill for several years. Sub-
sequently he purchased a farm of about eighty
acres, on which he has since carried on general
farming. He also has a considerable Jumber
business and runs a saw-mill of his own. In
August, 1855, Mr. Winship married Harriet
R. Robbins, of Mason, daughter of William P.
Robbins. Of their nine children five are liv-
ing, namely: Minnie J., born May 24, 1863,
who is the wife of Albert J. Moore, of Dublin,
N.H., and has two children — Milton A. and
Norman G.; Anna L., born August 6, 1866,
who is now Mrs. Charles Barrett, of Worces-
ter, Mass.; Eunice E., born June 11, 1871,
who is married to Dana B. Howe, of Peter-
boro, N.H.; Frances E., born August 2,
1877; and Noah E., born May 7, 1880.

Mr. Winship is a Republican in politics.
He has always been very industrious and is
entirely a self-made man. The goodly amount
of property which he owns has been acquired
through his own energy and hard work. Both
Mr. and Mrs. Winship attend the Methodist
Episcopal church.

 

 

prising merchant and the Postmaster
of Troy, N.H., was born here,
~~ September 1, 1866, son of Samuel
M. and Olive J. (Bowen) Thompson. The
father, who was a mason and a native of Ver-
mont, later in life became a pail turner in the
town of Troy, where he died at the age of fifty-
five years. He fought for three years in the
war of the Rebellion, enlisting as a member
of the Seventh New Hampshire Infantry. In
the service he was promoted to the rank of
First Lieutenant, and assigned to the Four-
teenth New Hampshire Regiment. His five

Armes P. THOMPSON, an enter-

 

 

children were: Mabel F., Fred B., Edgar M.,
Herbert P., and Gertrude M. The elder
daughter is unmarried and resides in Troy.
Fred married Mary Weeks, of Richmond,
N.H., and lives in Peterboro, N.H., where he
dealt largely in hens. Edgar lives in Fitz-
william. He married Lizzie Davis, and is in
the stone business there. Gertrude resides in
Brockton, Mass., the wife of George Rowley.

Herbert P. Thompson pursued the high-
school course at Troy, and then learned chair-
making at Fitzwilliam, where he was employed
at this trade for eight years. In June of 1893
he opened a general store in Troy, and has
conducted it since. His stock is boots and
shoes and medicines. On July 3, 1890, he
married Mary E. Hartley, of Halitax, Eng-
land, and has two children. These are: Har-
riet H., born February 22, 1893; and Edward
W., born February 1, 1895.

Mr. Thompson isa stanch Republican. He
served on the Board of Selectmen for two
years, and is the present appointee to the Troy
post-office. He is a member of the Associa-
tion of the Sons of Veterans and of the
Grange Society.

 

counsellor at law of Peterboro, is a

native of this town, and was born

March 31, 1853. His father, Hubert
Brennan, a native of Lavagh, County Roscom-
mon, Ireland, who was born in 1823, and came
to America in 1845, located in Peterboro in
1851, where he built up an extensive marble
and granite business, and brought a spirit of
enterprise and energy which has added mate-
rially to the industrial advancement of the
town. In 1850 Hubert married Mary Ma-
honey, who was born in Callan, County Kil-
kenny, Ireland, in 1824, and emigrated to
America in 1850. Of the nine children born
to them five are now living, one son and four
daughters.

Mr. James Brennan received his preliminary
education in the common schools and academy
of Peterboro. Then he learned the trade of
marble carving in his father’s shop. In 1880
he went to Baltimore, where he entered the

qi F. BRENNAN, an attorney and
88 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

law school of the University of Maryland, re-
siding in that city for upward of four years,
during which time he was fortunate enough to
be under the tutorship of Charles Poe, one of
the most accomplished lawyers of the State of
Maryland. He graduated in the class of 1884,
receiving the degree of Bachelor of Laws, ahd
was admitted to the New Hampshire bar, Au-
gust 28, 1884. Without loss of time he en-
tered upon the practice of his profession in his
native town, where by his ability and indus-
try he has acquired a lucrative and constantly
increasing practice. In politics he isa Dem-
ocrat. He has never allowed his name to be
used as a candidate for any political office but
once. This was in the year 1886, when he
was nominated at the Democratic convention
for County Solicitor, and in the election fol-
lowing received a very flattering vote, running
far ahead of his ticket. Effective work for
his party has been done by him on the stump
in recent campaigns. He has occupied posi-
tions on the School Board, Library Committee,
and Board of Auditors of Peterboro. In relig-
ious belief he is a Catholic. He has a very
extended acquaintance throughout the State,
possessing a host of friends and the confidence
of the community in which he lives. A lover
of books, he has collected a fine private li-
brary and one of the best law libraries in
Southern New Hampshire. Mr. Brennan is
unmarried.

 

ILLIAM H. W. HINDS, M.D., a
prominent and well-known  physi-

cian and surgeon of Milford, N.H.,

was born August 1, 1833, at Chichester, this
State, coming of substantial Irish and English
stock. His father, Barzillai Hinds, born in
Portland, Me., descended from a family that
came from Ireland to America, and were after-
ward active participants in the struggle of the
colonies for independence. Captain Jacob
Hinds, one of his kinsmen, fought at the
battle of Bunker Hill, being an officer in the
regiment commanded by General John Stark,
whose memory is honored throughout New
England.  Barzillai Hinds married Selura
Aldrich, a native of Bow, N.H., and a de-

 

scendant of a family of well-known English
Quakers.

When William H. W. Hinds was ten years
of age, his parents removed to Boston, Mass.
Here he attended the Otis School and later
the English High School, graduating from the
latter in 1850. He afterward studied for a
year at the New Hampshire Conference Semi-
nary in Northfield. Then he began the study
of medicine with Dr. O. S. Sanders, of Bos-
ton, with whom he remained two and a half
years. Going then to Lowell, Mass., he con-
tinued his studies with Dr.. Daniel Holt fora
year. During this time he had taught schoo]
in the winter seasons, earning enough money
in this way to pay his college expenses.
After taking one course of lectures at the
Dartmouth Medical College, he entered the
Harvard Medical College, from which he
received his degree with the class of 1861.
In the intervals between the lecture courses
he gladly availed himself of every opportunity
for increasing his knowledge of medicine and
surgery. He spent four years as clerk and
medical assistant at the State Almshouse in
Tewksbury, Mass.

In June, 1861, just after his graduation,
Dr. Hinds was appointed by the late Governor
Andrew Assistant Surgeon of the Seventeenth
Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry under Colo-
ne] Amory. Two years later he was promoted
to the post of Surgeon of the Twelfth Massa-
chusetts Volunteer Infantry, known as the
Webster Regiment, having been first com-
manded by Colone] Fletcher Webster, son of
Daniel Webster, the eminent orator and
statesman. He remained with this regiment,
efficiently performing his duties, until it
was mustered out of service, July 9, 1864. In
the following January Dr. Hinds located in
Milford, where he has built up a large and
successful practice, and won a position of in-
fluence and honor among his fellow-townsmen.
In 1875 and 1876 he was a Representative to
the State legislature, and ten years later he
represented the Sixteenth Senatorial District
of New Hampshire in the same body. In pol-
itics the Doctor is a stanch Republican. He
takes an active interest in educational mat-
ters, having been for several terms a member
 

 

JASON H. T. NEWELL.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW ot

 

 

of the School Board of Milford and one of the
trustees of the Milford Free Library. He
likewise served as chairman of the Board of
Health for several seasons. For a number of
years he has been president of the Milford
Savings Bank and of its board of trustees.

Dr. Hinds isa member of the New Hamp-
shire State Homaopathic Medical Society
and senior member of the American Institute
of Homoeopathy, to which he has belonged
more than a quarter of a century. In Masonry
he has taken all the degrees up to, and includ-
ing, the thirty-second; has held all offices of
the local lodge and chapter and commandery ;
and he. was Grand High Priest of New Hamp-
shire for two years. He. also belongs to the
Knights of Honor and the Order of the Golden
Cross; to the Oliver W. Lull Post, No. ry,
G. A. R., of Milford; and to the military
order of the Loyal Legion of*the United
States, being a member of the Boston Com-
mandery of the same. He is a faithful and
active member of the Unitarian church. As
chairman of the church Building Committee,
he gave efficient aid in the erection of the edi-
fice now used as a place of worship by that de-
nomination in Milford.

Dr. Hinds has been twice married. His
first wife, in maidenhood Harriet M. Twiss,
was born in Antrim, N.H. She died Febru-
ary 7, 1871, leaving two sons — Edwin H. and
Dr. W. H. W. Hinds., Jr. The latter is a
practising physician of Milford. The Doc-
tor’s second marriage was made August 17,
1880, with Mrs. Annie M. Price Twiss, of
Plattsburgh, N.Y., who died January 12,
1890.

 

HARLES A. FARRAR, of Troy, is

c the manufacturer of a popular gold and
silver polish. He was born in Fitz-

william, April 24, 1844, son of

Daniel M. and Sophronia (Keith) Farrar.
His grandfather, Daniel Farrar, was a native
of Troy, owned a farm in the southern part of
the town, and died at the age of seventy-five
years. Daniel M. Farrar, son of Daniel, was
a butcher at Fitzwilliam for twenty years, and
supplied meat to Fitzwilliam and Troy. Late

 

in life he built the house now occupied by his
son, Charles A. In company with E. P. Kim-
ball he purchased a mill; and, afterward buy-
ing out his partner, he manufactured tubs ex-
clusively until his last illness. He died
March 28, 1870, at the age of fifty-five years.
By his wife, Sophronia, he had four children
— Daniel W., John L., Charles A., and
Abbie L.

Charles A. Farrar, the sole survivor of his
parents’ family, was educated at Troy while
living in the family of his uncle Leonard.
Afterward he was a butcher in Fitzwilliam for
atime. Then he worked in his father’s mill
until the death of the latter in 1870, when he
took sole charge of the business. The factory
is now devoted to the making of silica, a pol-
ish for gold and silver ware, and which is also
used as a tooth-powder. It is sold in small
packages. The mill turns out about twenty
tons of this article annually.

On April 6, 1865, Mr. Farrar married Char-
lotte E. Bemis, daughter of Sumner Bemis,
of Troy. She was born April 29, 1845.
They have five children, as follows: Mary A.,
born March 11, 1866; Leonard A., born Sep-
tember 28, 1869; Fred J., born July 28, 1871;
Nellie I., born October 28, 1875; and Lottie
B., born June 10, 1877. Mary married Fred
W. Fuller, of Westmoreland. Leonard mar-
ried May Frances Bennett, and is the station
agent at Malden on the Boston & Maine Rail-
road. They have one child--Leonard C.,
born November 13, 1895. Fred J. married
Ida Fuller, and resides in Troy. Lottie has
taught school in Troy as an assistant teacher,
and her sister Nellie is a book-keeper for the
blanket company. Mr. Farrar was a Select-
man in 1869. In politics*he is a Democrat.

 

ASON H. T. NEWELL, an extensive
real estate owner of Hillsboro, N.H.,

was born in this town, August 11,

1816. He was educated in the schools

of Hillsboro, and early took his place among
the world’s workers. He first tried his hand
at farming, but at the age of seventeen turned
his attention to other pursuits, working for a
while at the painter’s and carpenter’s trades,
92 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

and then going to Fitzwilliam, N.H., where
for fourteen months he was employed in the
manufacture of woodenware. On his return to
Hillsboro he worked ina saw-mill. In 1844
he took a new departure, opening a_ general
store in the village, which he conducted for
seven years. Again utilizing his versatile
mechanical ingenuity, he next entered the
jewelry business, and followed it exclusively
for a year. Then once more engaging in
general mercantile business, he carried on both
enterprises for several years. He finally dis-
posed of his stock of general merchandise, but
still continued to carry on the jewelry store;
and for ten years he acted as operator for the
Western Union Telegraph Company and agent
for the American Express Company. In 1870
Mr. Newell went to Effingham Falls, N.H.,
where he manufactured shoe pegs for a time;
and later he built, equipped, and operated a
peg factory in Barnet, Vt. He retired from
active business pursuits some years since, and
is now devoting his time to his real estate
interests in Hillsboro. Asa business man he
always displayed good judgment as well as a
disposition to deal fairly with his customers,
and his various enterprises proved financially
successful.

Politically, he acts with the Republican
party. From 1861 to 1869 he was Postmaster,
the office being located in his jewelry store.
In 1891 he was elected Tax Collector, and has
since discharged his official duties with an
ability and faithfulness heartily appreciated
by his fellow-townsmen.

On December 6, 1838, Mr. Newell was
united in marriage with Lovilla Emery, his
first wife. She died April 9, 1876, leaving
five children. One son, Albert C., born No-
vember 15, 1847, died October 9, 1893. The
other four children are living, namely: Sarah
M., born March 29, 1841; Rosella Ann, born
March 4, 1844; Eva Z., born July 10, 1854;
and Amy N., born February 17, 1857. Sarah
M. Newell is the wife of W. H. Story, of
Hillsboro, and has four children— Amy L.,
Fred G., William O., and Frank S. Rosella
Ann married George W. Anderson, of Provi-
dence, R.I., and has one son living, Richard
R. Anderson. Eva Z. is the wife of Stillman

 

|

C. Davis, of Warner, N.H., and her children
are: C. Burdette (deceased at eight years of
age), Lloyd G., and Stillman C. Davis, Jr.
On September 28, 1876, Mr. Newell wedded
for his second wife Mary Jane Savory, of
Hillsboro. By this union there were no chil-
dren. His present wife, whom he married
January 9, 1883, was Sarah A. Emerson, of
Salem, N.H.

Mr. Newell is prominently identified with
the Knights of Pythias, being a member of the
Grand Lodge and having occupied the impor-
tant chairs of the lodge in Hillsboro. He has
worked his way to a position of comfortable
prosperity through his own ability and pro-
gressive tendencies, is highly esteemed for
his many sterling qualities as a citizen.

 

ton, was born here, November 7, 1818,

son of John and Betsey (Dinsmore)

Dodge. His grandfather, Gideon
Dodge, a native of Beverly, Mass., came here
in 1794, when the place was called Society
Land, purchased a tract of land, and thereon
built a log cabin. Gideon afterward erected
a house, in which he lived for the remainder of
his life. He also erected the first church in
the town, for which he gave the land and the
lumber. A man of good habits and a hard
worker, he acquired a valuable estate, and
served the town in various offices. He mar-

J C. DODGE, a farmer of Benning-

ried Charity Cole, who bore him eight chil-

dren. Both he and she were members of the
Baptist church. He died at the age of sixty-
two years. She survived him, reaching the
advanced age of eighty-five years.

John Dodge, the father of the subject of this
sketch, was born on April 21, 1793, on the
old homestead, where he remained all his life
and carried on general farming successfully
throughout his mature years. In politics he
was a Democrat, and he served Society Land
in the legislature for ten years. He married
Betsey Dinsmore, daughter of Robert Dins-
more, of Society Land, later of Francestown,
N.H. They had eight children, of whom
John C., Gideon, and Mary Jane are living.
Gideon married Sarah Baldwin, of Antrim,
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW 93

 

 

N.H., and is now a widower with three chil-
dren — William B. D., Sarah O., and
Fanny E. Mary Jane is now the wife of
N. W. C. Jameson, of Antrim, and has had
nine children, of whom Nathan C., Charles R.,
Caroline E., Walter D., Jennie M., and Ger-
trude D. are living. The father died Septem-
ber 23, 1865. He was a charter member of
the Congregational church. The death of his
wife, who was a member of the same church,
occurred January 8, 1861.

John C. Dodge received his education in
the public schools of his native town. He has
since carried on general farming, residing on
the old homestead first settled by his grand-
father. In politics he is a Democrat, and has
been quite prominent in the affairs of the
town. He was Selectman for fourteen years,
served in other offices, and was legislative
Representative in 1867 and 1868. He is a
member of Pacific Lodge of Masons in Fran-
cestown, N.H. On February 10, 1846, he
married Lucretia A. Russell, daughter of
Nahum and Lucretia (Johnson) Russell, of
Greenfield, N.H. They had seven children,
six of whom are now living. They are: Mary
F., Martha A., George R., Othniel Dinsmore,
Lucretia R., and John M. Mary F. married
Edward B. Johnson, of Washington, D.C., and
has one child, Clarence R. Martha A. is the
wife of Albert Goodwin, of New Boston,
N.H., and has one child, George. George R.,
who married Caroline Howland, of Boston,
Mass., is the father of two children — George
L. and Gladys. Othniel Dinsmore was mar-
ried to Harriet Howe Mussey, of Bennington,
whose two children by him are: Georgiana I.
and John C. Lucretia is the wife of George
Edward Lewis, of Manchester, N.H., and the
mother of one child, Allen D. John M. mar-
ried Lela Buchanan, of Antrim, who has borne
him two children — Ethel B. and Warren C.

Mr. and Mrs. Dodge are both members of
the Congregational church. Mrs. Dodge is
now the oldest living member. In 1896 they
celebrated their golden wedding, when they
received many valuable gifts in addition to the
congratulations of their friends. Genial and
sociable, they are highly esteemed by their
neighbors.

 

MOS SCRIPTURE, a retired business
man of Greenville, was born in Mason,
N.H., March 16, 1806, son of
James and Lucy (Dakin) Scripture.
His grandfather, James Scripture, was one of
three brothers who emigrated from Wales.
One settled in Nelson, N.H., another in
Hollis, and James located in Mason. He
cleared a farm from the wilderness, and there-
after resided on it until his death, which oc-
curred when he was over ninety years old.
His wife, whose maiden name was Sybil Ship-
ley, lived to about the same age. She was
the mother of nine children, all of whom are
now deceased. The eldest, also named James,
was born in Mason upon the farm which his
father had cleared. He learned the cooper’s
trade, which he followed in connection with
farming. Besides the homestead, which he
inherited, he owned an adjoining farm. He
was unusually prosperous, considering his
limited opportunities. He died at the age of
ninety-four years; and his wife, Lucy, who
was a daughter of Amos Dakin, of Mason,
lived to be ninety-four. They were members
of the Christian church.

Amos Scripture attended school in his
native town. He obtained his first sight of
the world outside Mason while driving an ox
team loaded with barrels made by his father to
Boston and Marblehead, Mass. Whena young
man he went to New Ipswich, N.H., where he
learned the trade of a tinsmith. After work-
ing at it as a journeyman for some time, he
established himself in business in Mason vil-
lage. He dealt in tinware and stoves, and he
also manufactured japanned ware and sold it
throughout the New England States. After-
ward in company with his son, Charles A., he
engaged in the same business in Winchendon,
Mass. ‘Two years later they moved to Nashua,
N.H., and under the firm name of A. Script-
ure & Son they carried on business for four
and one-half years. Then after a business
career of nearly fifty years, in which he had
acquired an ample competence, Mr. Scripture
retired, and has since resided in Greenville.
In politics he is a Republican. He was a
member of the Board of Selectmen and Tax
Collector for a number of years. He is one of
94 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

the oldest members of the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows in this locality. '

In August, 1836, Mr. Scripture wedded for
his first wife Sophronia Barrett, of Mason, who
died at the age of thirty-eight years. By that
union there were two children, of whom
George H., the survivor, married Kate Noone,
of Peterboro, N.H. In 1851 Mr. Scripture
married Alma Russell, of Mason, who lived
to be seventy-one years old. She had two
children, of whom one is deceased. The
other, Charles A., born May 20, 1854, who
was educated in Greenville, beginning at the
age of seventeen was for seven years in the
employ of Brooks & Davis, who ran an express
between this town and Boston, and in the
stove and tinware trade with his father for
about the same length of time. He then re-
turned to Greenville; and, purchasing a half-
interest in the express business with which he
was formerly connected, he continued as one
of its proprietors until it was sold out to the
National Express Company. For the past five
years he has acted as Greenville agent for this
company. On December 25, 1878, he mar-
ried Emma F. Davis, of Fitchburg, Mass.
He has one daughter, Clara Bell. In politics
he is a Republican, while in religion he is a
liberal. Mr. Amos Scripture is a member of
the Christian church in Mason.

 

EVI A. FULLER, a prosperous man-
ufacturer of Marlboro and an_ ex-
member of the legislature, was born
in Troy, N.H., May 4, 1836, son of
Amasa and Hannah (Jackson) Fuller. His
grandfather, Captain Isaac Fuller, who was a
native of Newton, Mass., moved from that
State to Troy, and followed the trade of a car-
penter in that town until, at the age of forty-
five, he lost his life in a severe snowstorm
within sight of his home. Captain Fuller’s
wife, in maidenhood Patty Howe, was a native
of Holden, Mass.

Amasa Fuller, the father of Levi A., was
born in Holden and reared in Troy. After
learning the carpenter's trade, he became quite
an extensive builder in Troy and vicinity, and
also cleared a farm. He acquired consider-

 

able property in Troy, and at the age of sixty
years he improved a water-power at Marlboro
Depot, where he erected a saw and grist mill.
He had also been engaged in the manufacture
of woodenware in Marlboro for some time,
when, in 1865, he sold the factory to his son.
His last days were spent in Swanzey. Amasa
Fuller lived to be eighty-two years old. The
children of his first wife, whose maiden name
was Anna Bemis, are all deceased. Hannah
Jackson Fuller, his second wife, who was a
native of Warrenton, Vt., became the mother
of eight children, of whom Amasa, Levi A.,
and Irwin J. are living. Amasa is a pail
manufacturer in Marlboro, and Irwin J. hasa
woodenware factory in Perry, Ga.

After attending school in Troy and Marl-
boro, Levi A. Fuller was employed in his
father’s factory for some time. At the age of
twenty he went to Fitzwilliam, N.H., where
he manufactured clothes-pins for a number of
years. In 1865 he purchased his father’s
business in Marlboro, and has since given his
attention to its management. He manufact-
ures lumber, chair stock, pail handles, bale
woods, etc., and has a good business.

On February 22, 1860, Mr. Fuller married
for his first wife Elvira L. Bemis, whose chil-
dren by him were: Cora A., who died in in-
fancy; and Elmer A., a resident of Danvers,
Mass., who married Hattie Wilson, of Sulli-
van, N.H., and has one son, Julian. Mrs. E]-
vira Fuller died November 15, 1865. Mr.
Fuller’s second marriage was contracted Octo-
ber 30, 1866, with Emily L. Adams, daughter
of Dr. Willard Adams, of Swanzey. Born of
this marriage are four children — Ida E., Wal-
ter T., Arthur L., and Cora A. Ida E. is
now the wife of Fred Farrar, of Troy, N.H.
Mr. Fuller joined the Congregational church
in 1867, and has acted as a Deacon since 1874.
He has settled many estates, and has been
appointed guardian for children. He is
deeply interested in the general prosperity of
the neighborhood as well as in its moral and
religious welfare, and is connected with the
Patrons of Husbandry. In politics he is a Re-
publican. His first Presidential vote was cast
for Abraham Lincoln in 1860. He was a
member of the Board of Selectmen for a num-
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW 95

 

 

 

 

ber of years, was a delegate to the Constitu-
tional Convention in 1876, was Representative
to the legislature for the years 1873 and 1874;
and he has been on the Board of County Com-
missioners for four years. In the campaign of
1894 he just missed nomination for the State
Senate.

ORREST V. BARRETT, V.S., a
graduate of the Ontario Veterinary
College, who is now practising his

profession with success in Peterboro, Hills-
boro County, was born in Bennington, N.H.,
March 28, 1857. His parents are Lund and
Mary E. (Tirrell) Barrett, the former of
whom is a native of Stoddard, N.H., and the
latter of Keene, this State.

Luther Barrett, grandfather of the subject
of this sketch, was for many years a farmer in
the town of Stoddard, where he died at the
age of sixty-three years. He wedded Mary
Greene, who lived to be seventy years old
She was a member of the Congregational
church. Luther and Mary (Greene) Barrett
were the parents of seven children, four of
whom are living; namely, William A.,
Lund, Elvira, and Alcesta. William A.
wedded Maria Fredenburg, of Stoddard, and
has six children — Ida, Frank, Fred, Charles,
Catherine, and May. Elvira is the widow of
Samuel Wilson, late of Springfield, Mass.,
and has one daughter, Lillia. Alcesta is the
wife of Fred Pitcher, of Keene, and her chil-
dren are: Rosa, Victoria, Viola, Flora, and
Walter, of whom Victoria and Viola are
twins. Lund Barrett, father of Forrest V.,
resided in Stoddard during his earlier years,
but is now a resident of Gilsum, N.H. His
wife, Mary E. Tirrell Barrett, is the mother
of three children, as follows: Elwyn O., who
wedded Matilda Curtis, of Antrim, N.H.,
and has one daughter, Mary; Forrest V., the
subject of this sketch; and Minnie M., wife
of George Leach, of Gilsum, who has two
children — Car] and Helen.

Forrest V. Barrett acquired his early educa-
tion in the schools of Stoddard and Marlow.
Deciding to adopt the profession of a veteri-
nary surgeon, he entered the Veterinary Col-

 

 

 

lege in Toronto, Ont., and was graduated in
1895. He immediately located in Peterboro,
where he has since remained, and he has al-
ready gained a good reputation for skill and
success In his chosen calling.

On March 2, 1881, Dr. Barrett was united
in marriage with Miss Josie E. Scott, daugh-
ter of James H. Scott, of Stoddard. Politi-
cally, he is a Republican. Mrs. Barrett is a
member of the Congregational church.

 

 

HARLES 8S. NESMITH, a prosper-

ous merchant and business man of

Reed’s Ferry, Hillsboro County,

was born in Merrimac, N.H., Sep-

tember 30, 1849, son of Samuel C. and Eliza-

beth (McKeen) Nesmith. Samuel C. Nesmith

was a native of Londonderry, N.H., and his

active life was spent in the employ of the Old

Concord Railroad Company. He died at the

age of forty-seven years. His wife, Elizabeth,

who was born in Nashua, N.H., became the

mother of three sons: Charles S., the subject

of this sketch; William C., a grocery clerk in

Manchester, N.H.; and Edward M., superin-

tendent of a soap manufactory in Boston. The

mother died at about the age of forty-seven
years.

Charles S. Nesmith was educated in the
schools of Merrimac and Nashua. In early
life he worked for the Old Concord Railroad
Company for a time, but finally engaged in the
real estate business at Reed’s Ferry, which he
still carries on. He deals quite extensively in
town lots and agricultural property, owns some
desirably located residences here, and is also
largely interested in timber lands. He is also
engaged in the grocery business as a partner in
the firm of Haseltine & Co. He subscribed
liberally to the capital stock of the Merrimac
Shoe Manufacturing Company, which was or-
ganized in 1895, and he is its treasurer. This
concern employs from forty to fifty hands, and
makes a specialty of ladies’ and misses’ fine
footwear. It is equipped with the latest im-
proved machinery, and is propelled by an ex-
cellent water-power.

Politically, Mr. Nesmith is a Democrat.
He has been Town Treasurer for three years,
96 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

a member of the School Board for an equal
length of time, and for the past eleven years
has acted as sole trustee of the school funds.
He has been a Justice of the Peace for twenty
years. On June 27, 1875, he was joined in
marriage with Ellen E. Worthley, of Bedford,
N.H. Notwithstanding the recent and present
business depression which has been felt in all
parts of the country, his various interests
are in a most flourishing condition, which
speaks well for his ability and good judgment.

EORGE I. CUTLER, M.D., who
has practised his profession in Swan-

zey for over thirty years, was born in
Keene, N.H., December 10, 1833, son of
Gardner C. and Olive H. (Watts) Cutler.
His first American ancestor was James Cutler,
who emigrated from England, and settled in
Watertown, Mass., in 1634. Jonas Cutler,
his grandfather, resided in Hinsdale, N.H.,
for some years, and afterward lived in Guil-
ford and Brattleboro, Vt.

Gardner Chandler Cutler, Dr. Cutler’s
father, was born in Guilford and reared in
Brattleboro. He located upon a farm in
Keene about the year 1832, and some years
later he removed to Charlestown, N.H., where
he was engaged in general farming for some
time. His last days were spent in Alstead,
N.H. His wife, Olive, who was a native of
Charlestown, became the mother of seven chil-
dren, three of whom are living, namely:
George I., the subject of this sketch; Caro-
line A., born August 8, 1842, who married a
Mr. Colburn, and is now a widow, residing in
Alstead; and Sarah E., born July 23, 1845,
who is now the widow of Silas Livergood, and
resides in Iowa Falls, Ia. The others were:
Gardner C., born January 12, 1831, who died
September 4, 1839; Louise M., born Decem-
ber 18, 1836, died September 4, 1839; Olive
Louisa, born March 18, 1840, who died May
12, 1854; and Elizabeth S. P. Cutler, born
November 6, 1848, who died June 15, 1858.

George I. Cutler attended the high schools
of Alstead and Brattleboro, and was a pupil at
the Westminster Seminary for several terms.
Afterward he taught school for a number of

 

 

years until 1860, when he began the study of
medicine with Dr. D. L. M. Cummings.
Later he was under the guidance of Dr.
William M. French in Alstead. He then
completed the course of the medical depart-
ment of the University of Vermont, and grad-
uated with a large class in 1864. In the fol-
lowing February he located in West Swanzey,
where he has since resided. His practice ex-
tends over a wide circuit, embracing the ad-
joining towns. Although several other phy-
sicians have attempted to locate here, he has
maintained his position without difficulty.
In politics he is a Democrat. In 1866 he
was chosen a member of the School Board and
the Superintendent of Schools. The latter
office he held until the old régime gave
place to the new. He is now chairman of the
Board. Under his able direction the old dis-
trict system has been superseded by graded
schools with able instructors. He has been
Town Clerk since 1867, and has acted as a
Justice of the Peace for many years. With
the exception of one year he has served as
superintendent of the library since its estab-
lishment; and during the two terms of Presi-
dent Cleveland’s administration he served as
United States Pension Examining Surgeon
at Keene. He is a member of the New
Hampshire State, Cheshire County, and Con-
necticut River Medical Societies; of Golden
Rod Grange, Patrons of Husbandry; of the
Order of the Golden Cross; and of Social
Friends Lodge, No. 42, F. & A. M., hav-
ing been made a Mason in 1857. Dr. Cutler
married E. Jennie Aldrich, daughter of Arvin
Aldrich, Esq., of East Westmoreland, N.H.
His practice has proved successful financially
as well as otherwise, and he erected his pres-
ent residence in 1894.

 

RANK E. KALEY, the treasurer of
the Morse & Kaley Manufacturing Com-
pany, of Milford, a man of recognized

business ability, and an esteemed resident of
the town, was born March 13, 1856, in Can-
ton, Mass., son of the Hon. Timothy Kaley.

Timothy Kaley, who was born and bred in
Ireland, and came from there to America in
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW 97

 

 

his boyhood, was an energetic, ambitious
youth. Quickly adapting himself to his new
surroundings, he showed aptitude for business
and mechanical employments. In 1840 he
established himself in business at Canton,
Mass., as a manufacturer of knitting yarns of
all kinds, remaining there until 1860. Then
he removed his home and factory to Milford,
N.H., where he was prosperously engaged in
the same occupation until his demise in Sep-
tember, 1882. Beginning with a limited cap-
ital, he gradually increased his business, man-
ufacturing in addition to knitting yarns and
cotton, crochet cotton, crochet cord, embroid-
ery cotton, darning cotton, and mending
worsted.

In politics he was identified with the Re-
publican party, and he served acceptably in
both houses of the State legislature. Good
service was also rendered by him in the tem-
perance cause. He married Miss Sarah
Hersey.

Frank E. Kaley, the only child of Timothy
Kaley, being but four years old when his par-
ents removed to Milford, was reared and edu-
cated in this town. As soon as he was old
enough to be of use, he began working under
his father’s instruction in the latter’s factory,
becoming familiar with the details of its man-
agement. Having in a manner succeeded to
his father’s interests in the same, he is now a
member of the firm above mentioned. The
plant is one of the largest of the kind
in the vicinity. An average of seventy-five
hands are employed, and each month there is
turned out a large quanity of varied goods,
which are well known in the New England
markets. Mr. Kaley, who is held in high
esteem as a business man and a citizen, served
for two terms as a Representative to the State
legislature. He was a member uf Governor
Currier’s staff, with the rank of Colonel.
Earnestly interested in local affairs, he is one
of the organizers of the Milford Building and
Loan Association, which he has since served
as president. He is likewise one of the di-
rectors of the Souhegan National Bank. He
affiliates with the Republican party, and he is
a Mason and an Odd Fellow. On October
12, 1885, Mr. Kaley married Miss Harriet

 

E., daughter of the late William R. Wallace,
of Milford. They have one child, named
Barbara.

 

LBERT M. PHILBRICK, a represent-
ative citizen of Amherst and a well-

known hotel man, was born in
Lempster, this State, August 15,

1846. His parents were Joseph and Clarinda
(Fuller) Philbrick. His mother, now ninety-

one years old, is living at Amherst. The
family came here in 1860. Some years later
the father died, leaving three children.

These were: Sylvia, now Mrs. Welton, of
Amherst; Charles W., who resides in Bos-
ton; and Albert M., the subject of this
sketch.

Albert M. Philbrick attended the public
schools of Amherst and later a private school
in Nashua, receiving a training that fitted
him for practical business life. Beginning
at the age of fourteen years, he worked for
a time as a farm hand. When eighteen
years old he went to Boston, and was em-
ployed as clerk in a grocery store. Some
time after he came back to Amherst, and en-
gaged in lumbering and general agriculture.
He is prominent in social circles and in all
public movements in the town. For four
years he has been Selectman, having been the
chairman of the Board for a part of the time.
He is a member of the Souhegan Grange at
Amherst.

In 1895 Mr. Philbrick leased Hotel Po-
nemah at Milford, and managed it during that
season. In the following year he and Charles
C. Swett, of Boston, purchased the property.
The village of Milford, containing about
thirty-five hundred inhabitants, and only fifty-
one miles distant from Boston, is one of the
most picturesquely situated of the many New
Hampshire towns which are sought in summer
by tourists and pleasure-seekers. It com-
bines the attractions of country life with the
comforts of the town, having an electric light-
ing system, public water-works and drainage,
a public library, and well-kept streets and
fine roads. It is situated in a valley through
which runs the smooth-gliding Souhegan, and
98 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

is surrounded by many beautiful hills, whose
names have become classic in the Jiterature
of America through the poems of Whittier and
the prose of Hawthorne. Hotel Ponemah is
built upon a commanding site on the east side
of Federal Hill, and looks out over as fine a
sweep of landscape as can perhaps be found in
any country the world over. From the tower
on the south may be seen on a clear day, look-
ing northward, the peaks of Old Joe English
in New Boston; the “twin Uncannoonucs,
stately and tall,” in Goffstown; rugged
Chocorua; sloping Kearsarge, “lifting his
Titan forehead to the sun”; Ossipee, Croy-
don, Sunapee, Crochet, and Moosilauke, with
others of less note. On the east are Sugar
Loaf, Agamenticus, Teneriffe, Saddleback,
and others in Maine, with Pawtuckaway in
New Hampshire; on the south, Wachusett,
and, between stretches of green meadow lands,
the blue of lake or stream, or the darker
tinges of forest lands. The hotel was built
in 1882, and has proved to be one of the most
popular summer resorts in this section of the
State. It is eight hundred feet above sea
level, and is surrounded by about four hun-
dred acres of field and woodland, which are at
the disposal of the guests during their stay
here. The famous Milford Spring mineral
water, also known as the Ponemah water,
which is now used exclusively at the Bruns-
wick and Victoria Hotels in Baston, is obtained
from a beautiful spring situated just below
the hotel. Its health-giving properties are
well known, and the guests of the house have
ample opportunity to test it as it comes
sparkling from its secret caverns. At the
bottling-house also are prepared ginger ale,
lemon, orange, and other flavored drinks for
the table service. The hotel itself, especially
attractive in architectural effect, has an artis-
tic setting in its well-kept grounds. It is a
long, three-story house, with a broad veranda
reaching all around it, approached by wide
and comfortable steps on three sides, with a
stairway on the east side leading to the
spring. Inside are wide hallways connecting
the dining-rooms, parlors, reading-rooms, and
office. The parlors are tastefully and luxuri-
ously furnished; and the dining-room is spa-

 

cious, well lighted, and made cheerful on a
cool morning or damp evening by the ruddy
glow from the open fireplaces. Although
fitted with the most approved apparatus for
steam heating, fireplaces, of which there are
about a dozen, constitute one of the satisfying
features of the house. Any one who has
been a guest at a White Mountain hotel knows
the comfortable sensation imparted by a glow-
ing fire in an open grate when the weather
outside is forbidding. The hotel has fifty-five
rooms, and contains all modern appliances for
the comfort of its guests, including gas anda
perfect system of electric bells. As for en-
tertainment there is never any lack of that.
There is every facility for tennis, croquet,
bowling, dancing, driving, golf, etc. Be-
sides the Saturday evening hops, accompanied
by a full orchestra, there is plenty of music
every evening, and usually a dancing party.
Then there are card parties, amateur theatri-
cals, costume parties, and all sorts of impro-
vised house entertainments. Many of the
guests bring their carriages with them for the
season, and there are constant driving parties.
There is a livery stable under the personal
management of Mr. Philbrick, who is con-
stantly planning drives; and the tally-ho is
frequently to be seen, loaded with a jolly
picnic party. One of the pleasant short
drives is that to Amherst station, which is
about two miles distant, the nearest stopping-
place on the Boston & Maine road. Among
the well-known resorts within easy driving
distance are: Purgatory in Mont Vernon,
Bedford’s Ravine in Bedford, Lake Baboosie
and Amherst Springs in Amherst, Lake

‘Potanipo in Brookline, and Miller Park on

Pack Monadnock Mountains. While looking
out so well for the pleasure and amusement of
his guests, Mr. Philbrick has been no less
mindful of their health. The house is pro-
vided with the latest sanitary plumbing, and
has ample protections against fire. The
health-giving winds which sweep down from
the higher New Hampshire hills are a
sufficient defence against all other possibili-
ties of contagion.

Mr. Philbrick’s most valued adviser and
ablest coadjutor is his wife, in maidenhood
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW 99

 

 

Mary E. Ober, to whom he was married July
18, 1866. She is a native of Amherst, and
both her parents were born in this town.
They were John Ober, who died in March,
1867, and Rebecca (Kendrick) Ober, who,
now eighty-six years old, resides with Mrs.
Philbrick, her only surviving child. The
Kendrick family is of English origin. Mrs.
Philbrick’s great - great - grandfather, Benja-
min, was one of two brothers who came to
this country in 1639, and settled in what was
formerly called Monson, now a part of Am-
herst, where Benjamin became owner of large
tracts of land. He was the first Town Clerk
of Amherst. Mr. Philbrick’s only child,
Charles, who was last year graduated from
the Milford schools, is a prime favorite with
the guests by reason of his obliging disposi-
tion and skill in all the outdoor sports and
indoor entertainments.

DWARD P. KIMBALL, of Troy, who

has been a Deputy Sheriff of the county

for nearly fifty-five years, was born

in Hillsboro, N.H., February 23, 1819, son

of Retire and Lucy (Bell) Kimball. The

father, who followed the occupations of tanner,

currier, and shoemaker in Hillsboro Bridge,

and was Colonel of the Twenty-sixth New

Hampshire Regiment of militia, died at the
latter place in 1830.

Young Kimball was educated at the private
schools in the vicinity of bis home. After
the death of his father he went to live with an
uncle, who kept a store, and required him to
sleep in the store at night. After two years
of such hardship he went to Francestown,
where he earned his board by working on a
farm, also gaining some schooling during
this time. He then learned the hat and cap
business in the store of Benjamin F. Gros-
venor at Hillsboro Bridge, and became the fur
buyer for his employer. In 1836 he came to
Troy with Mr. Grosvenor, who opened a hat
and cap store here. At the end of four years
he bought out his employer, and, adding gro-
ceries and general merchandise to his stock,
he has since built up a large and successful
business. In politics he isa Democrat. He

 

 

has been Deputy Sheriff of the county since
1844, he held the office of High Sheriff for
two years, and he was the Postmaster of Troy
under Presidents Pierce and Buchanan.

On July 9, 1844, Mr. Kimball married
Mary A. Fairbanks, of Troy, daughter of
Cyrus Fairbanks. They have three children,
two of whom are now living — Charles and
Warren W. Charles, a resident of Troy,
married Abbie L. Farrar, who is now de-
ceased, and has one daughter, Bessie F.
Warren W. is now a partner in his father’s
business, and has been the Postmaster three
times. Mr. Kimball, Sr., has been Town
Clerk, Treasurer, and Town Agent, and he
rendered valuable service to the town as a
member of a committee appointed to adjust
the village lines, improve the public common,
relocate the town hall, and to transact other
important town business. He has long been
a member of the Masonic order, and is the
only living charter member of the Troy Lodge.

 

J H. ELLIOT, one of the most prom-

inent lumbermen and well-to-do resi-

dents of Greenville, was born in Mason,

N.H., June 16, 1835, son of Joel and
Anna A. (Shedd) Elliot. The paternal grand-
father, Elias Elliot, who was a native of Pep-
perell, Mass., accompanied his father to
Mason when he was fourteen years old, and
there assisted in clearing a farm, which he
subsequently inherited, and became a success-
ful agriculturist. He utilized the water-power
of a brook upon his premises by erecting a
saw and grist mill, in which he manufactured
considerable lumber. He was industrious and
prosperous, and lived to be eighty-eight years
old. His wife, whose maiden name was Ruth
Lawrence, died at about the same age. They
were the parents of seven children.

Joel Elliot, born on the homestead in Mason,
was reared to farm life. Succeeding to the
property, he added much land to the original
tract, and at his death possessed about one
thousand acres. A tireless worker, when not
busy with his regular farm duties he con-
structed stone walls and made other improve-
ments. In politics he was a Democrat. He
100

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

died in February, 1870. His wife, Anna,
who was a daughter of Silas Shedd, of Pepper-
ell, Mass., became the mother of three chil-
dren, of whom Eliza and Joel H. are living.
Eliza married for her first husband Edward
Keyes, of Wilton, N.H. She is now the wife
of William Wright, of Brookline, N.H., and
has two children. The mother died in 1888.
She was a member of the Baptist church.

Joel H. Elliot was educated in the schools
of Mason. When a young man he engaged in
tilling the soi] at the homestead. He resided
there some forty years, and for about twenty
years he worked in a saw-mil] in Mason. In
1875 he erected the residence in Greenville
where he has since lived. He continues to
cultivate the home farm, and also conducts
quite an extensive ]umber business. He owns
about one thousand acres of land in Mason,
besides a farm of two hundred and twenty acres
in Greenville; and he has erected several ten-
ement houses here as an investment. He is
an active business man as well as one of the
wealthiest residents of this town.

On March 26, 1874, Mr. Elliot was united
in marriage with Ellen C. Raddin, daughter
of Joshua H. and Martha J. (Tarbell) Raddin.
Her father, who was a prosperous farmer of
Billerica, Mass., died at the age of sixty-one;
and her mother lived to be seventy-six years
old. They had four children, of whom the
other survivor is Marion, the wife of James F.
Russell], of Wilton, N.H. Both parents were
Baptists in religion. Mr. Elliot acts with the
Republican party in politics. He and Mrs.
Elliot attend the Congregational church.

AMUEL S. SAWYER, an exten-

sive dairyman and cattle dealer of

Antrim and an ex-member of the

New Hampshire legislature, was

born in Bedford, N.H., November 8, 1836,

son of Edmund and Nancy J. (Steele) Sawyer.

His great-grandfather, Enoch Sawyer (first),

who came from Ireland, was one of the early

settlers of Goffstown. Enoch was a prominent

man of that locality in his day, and represented

the district in the General Court. He mar-
ried a lady named Little.

 

 

 

Enoch Sawyer (second), grandfather of Sam-
uel S., was a native of Goffstown. When a
young man he came as a pioneer to Antrim,
and cleared and improved a farm, which he
cultivated for the rest of his active period.
He married Lucy Simonds, and had a family
of six children, of whom Edmund was the
third-born, but none of whom are now living.
Edmund Sawyer was born in Antrim, and
grew to manhood upon the farm. He learned
the blacksmith’s trade, which he afterward fol-
lowed in Bedford and Antrim for more than
forty years. His death occurred in the last-
named town at the age of eighty-six years. By
industry and thrift he acquired a good estate.
He was respected by the entire community as
an upright, conscientious citizen. In his later
years he was a Republican, while in religion
he was a Presbyterian. His wife, Nancy, who
was a daughter of Samuel Steele, of Antrim,
became the mother of two children, namely:
Samuel S., the subject of this sketch; and
Mary F., the wife of D. P. Bryer, of Antrim.
Mrs. Edmund Sawyer died at the age of
seventy-five years.

Samuel S. Sawyer came with his parents
from Bedford to Antrim when he was six
months old. His education, begun in the
schools of this town, was completed at the
Peterboro Academy. After spending a year
engaged in the grocery business in Milford,
Mass., asa member of the firm of Sawyer &
Parmenter, he returned to Antrim and engaged
in farming. For many years he has been en-
gaged in the milk business, and is also an ex-
tensive dealer in cattle. Besides the home-
stead property he owns a valuable farm in
Windsor, N.H. He is one of the most thrifty
and progressive agriculturists in this section.
In politics he isa Republican. For sixteen
years he served the town ably and faithfully in
an official capacity. He was a member of the
Board of Selectmen for ten years, being the
chairman of the Board for five years of the
time. For two years he was Town Treasurer.
He has also served as Supervisor of the Check
List, and he represented the town in the legis-
lature for the years 1879 and 1880.

On May 18, 1861, Mr. Sawyer was united
in marriage with Mary Day, daughter of
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

IOLl

 

 

Robert Day, of Peterboro. Mrs. Sawyer is
the mother of five children — Willis H., Eva
L., Georgianna, Alice B., and Harry G.
Willis H. Sawyer, M.D., who is a graduate of
Tufts College and of the Medical College of
New York, is now practising his profession in
Boston. He wedded Mabel Ladd. Eva L. is
the wife of Watson B. Fearing, of Dorchester,

Mass., and has two children — Ruth and
Ralph. Georgianna is now Mrs. John S.
Nesmith, of Antrim. Alice B. is teaching

school in Hillsboro, N.H. Harry G., who is
unmarried, is engaged in the milk business in
Dorchester, Mass. Mr. Sawyer has been con-
nected with Harmony Lodge, F. & A. M.,
for the past thirty-two years, and has occupied
some of its important chairs.

 

 

RANCIS C. MINOR, a retired wool-
len manufacturer of Gilsum, Cheshire
County, and a veteran of the Civil

War, is a native of Canada, born June 12,
1832. His parents, Robert and Margaret
(Lambert) Minor, were natives of the British
Provinces, as was also his grandfather, Joseph
Minor. The last named was a farmer, and
reared a large family. Robert Minor was an
industrious tiller of the soi] during the active
period of his life. He was the father of four
children — Joseph, Celia, Josephine, and
Francis C.

Francis C. Minor attended schools in Can-
ada and in Northfield, Vt. He learned the
woollen manufacturing business in the Green
Mountain State, and followed it in various
places until 1867 and after that date in Gil-
sum, being associated with the late Robert
Cuthbert. He subsequently became a member
of the Gilsum Woollen Manufacturing Com-
pany, and retained his interest in that concern
until the fall of 1896, when he retired from
business. Mr. Minor enlisted in Company E,
Fifteenth Regiment Vermont Volunteers, with
which he served one year in the Civil War,
participating in the battle of Gettysburg. He
belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic.
He has been active in public affairs, support-
ing the Republican party in politics; and asa
member of the House of Representatives in

 

1879 he served upon the Committee on Reform
Schools. He is connected with the Masonic
fraternity, being made a Mason in De Witt
Clinton Lodge of Northfield, Vt., and belongs
to the Patrons of Husbandry. He is a mem-
ber of the Congregational church.

In 1855 Mr. Minor was joined in marriage
with Emily F. Thompson, who was born in
Gilsum, July 11, 1834, daughter of John and
Sarah (Winchester) Thompson. She has been
the mother of three sons: Frank L., born in
Keene, May 7, 1857; Elmer E., born in
Northfield, Vt., July 2, 1861; and Charles C.,
who was drowned at the age of five years.
Frank L. Minor, who was in the woollen man-
ufacturing business, married Irene Polly, and
died in 1880. Elmer E. Minor, who was
educated at the Kimball Union Academy,
Meriden, N.H., is now engaged in mercantile

business in Gilsum. He married Viola
Pitcher, who was born in Sullivan, N.H.,
March 13, 1868, daughter of Frederick L.
Pitcher, of Keene. He has two children:

Frank C., born in Keene, December 28, 1889;
and Paul L., born in Gilsum, August 22, 1893.

 

o> —.

OSEPH P. TROW, a prosperous and
highly respected agriculturist of Am-
herst, owning and occupying a valuable
homestead property on. Christian Hill,

was born in Mont Vernon, September 26,
1826, son of Joseph Trow, Jr. The Trow
family have been prominently identified with
the industrial interests of Hillsboro County for
many generations. The great-grandfather of
Joseph P. was a pioneer settler of Mont
Vernon; and Joseph Trow, Sr., the grand-
father, it is supposed was a lifelong resident
of that place.

Joseph Trow, Jr., who was born and reared
in Mont Vernon, there spent the remainder of
his life, which lasted more than fourscore
years, chiefly engaged in farming. Widely
known as a man of just and honest principles,
industrious and thrifty, he was held in high
esteem. In politics he was identified with the
Democratic party. He married Sally Perkins,
who was born in Mont Vernon. Her father,
Joseph Perkins, was a soldier in the Revolu-

 
102

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

tionary army and a descendant of one of the
original settlers of that place. Of her chil-
dren three are living, namely: Almira L.,
the wife of Charles Forsaith, of Mont Ver-
non; Henry H., also of Mont Vernon; and
Joseph P., the subject of this biography.

Joseph P. Trow grew to manhood in his
native town, receiving such educational advan-
tages as were afforded the boys of his day, and
assisting in the lighter duties of the farm.
For a short time in his early life he was em-
ployed in the Amoskeag Cotton Mills of Man-
chester, N.H. Afterward he purchased his
present farm of one hundred acres, whereon he
has since successfully carried on general farm-
ing and dairying. He has taken an active and
intelligent part in promoting the best interests
of the town. For four years he served most
satisfactorily as Selectman, being chairman of
the Board throughout the period of his service.
He is a Democrat in his political views.

On January 8, 1856, Mr. Trow married
Miss Foreno F. Underwood, who was born in
Mont Vernon, daughter of the Jate William
and Naomi (Wilkins) Underwood, and a
grand-daughter of Thomas Underwood, an old
and respected resident of that part of Hillsboro
County. Her father, who was born and reared
in Amherst, later became a resident of Mont
Vernon, where his death occurred some time
ago. Her mother, now an active woman of
eighty-three years, contracted a second mar-
riage with John McConihe, of Amherst. Mr.
and Mrs. Trow are the parents of two children,
namely: Clarence L., a resident of Milford,
this county; and George A., who lives on the
home farm. Mrs. Trow has been a true help-
mate and counsellor to her husband. Both she
and Mr. Trow are active members of Souhe-
gan Grange, No. 10, of Amherst.

 

AVID N. HAYDEN, junior partner
in the firm of Hayden Brothers,
Hollis, Hillsboro County, N.H.,
and Representative to the General

Court from this town for the session of 1895-

g6, was born in Hollis, August 1, 1842, son

of Samuel and Harriet (Needham) Hayden.

Mr. Hayden's great-grandfather, Thomas

 

 

 

 

 

Hayden, was a Massachusetts man, living in
the town of Stow, and spent his whole life in
that State.

His son, Josiah, was the founder of the fam-
ily in Hollis, coming here when but five years
old, and growing to be a sturdy frontiersman.
He was a trapper, keen and alert; and during
good seasons the number of pelts dressed by
him ran very high, and brought him large re-
turns. He was also engaged in the making of
pitch and turpentine; and, building a saw-
mil], he laid the foundations of the extensive
milling and lumbering business still so suc-
cessfully carried on by his descendants, a saw-
mill on the same site being now run by Hay-
den Brothers. Josiah Hayden died in Hollis
at the age of fifty-six years. His wife, whose
maiden name was Mary Patch, lived to a good
old age, affectionately cared for by her chil-
dren and grandchildren. Josiah Hayden was
a Whig and a member of the Congregational
church. His sons and grandsons have imbibed
his political principles, and are all good Re-
publicans. They are also Congregationalists
in religion, and most cf them are members of
the church. All of the nine children of Josiah
and Mary Hayden lived to grow to maturity,
and all are now deceased.

Samuel Bailey, of Andover, Mass., great-
grandfather of the Hayden Brothers on the ma-
ternal side, had a son James who was in the
Continental army in 1775. Hearing that there
was to be a battle in the vicinity of Boston on
the 17th of June, he was so worried about his
son that he left his plough in the field, took
his gun and powder-horn, and hastened to the
scene of action, arriving at Bunker Hill just as
the British troops were charging. Without
enlisting, he joined the brave defenders for
the redoubt, and shortly received his death
wound. A neighbor reported that he saw him
lying on the field, his hand upon his side and
the blood flowing through his fingers. He
asked this neighbor, ‘‘How goes the day?”’
‘‘Our men are on the retreat, for we are out of
powder.’’ The dying hero said, ‘‘Take mine.’’
The British occupied the field, and buried Mr.
Bailey there. The son whom the father failed
to see lived through the war, and his musket
and powder-horn are still preserved.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

103

 

 

Samuel Hayden, above named, the eldest
son of Josiah Hayden, occupied the homestead,
and was diligently engaged in farming and
other rural pursuits throughout the greater
part of his long and useful life. He was an
eminently worthy representative citizen of the
town, being a man of high Christian character,
active in the church, and a Captain in the State
militia. The Hon. H. G. Little, of Grinnell,
Ja., in his book, ‘‘Remembrances of Hollis
Seventy Years ago,’’ said of Samuel Hayden,
father of the Hayden Brothers, that ‘‘he was
one of the best specimens of manhood, both
morally and physically ever raised in Hollis.”’
He married Harriet Needham, of Milford,
daughter of Stearns Needham, who was a
member of the old Needham family, and whose
wife was a Bailey. Six children, four sons
and two daughters, were born to Mr. and Mrs.
Samuel Hayden; and all are now living except
John W. Hayden, a soldier in the war of the
Rebellion, who died February 8, 1862, in the
Regimental Hospital, New York City, at
twenty-three years of age. S. Franklin Hay-
den, the eldest child, was in the Fifteenth
New Hampshire Regiment, and was at the
siege of Port Hudson, a sharpshooter. He
lives in Hollis, and is engaged in farming.
Mary Elizabeth Hayden married John L.
Woods, and lives on the Captain Taylor farm
in Hollis. The other daughter, Mrs. Emily
H. Rideout, who was a noted school] teacher
in her younger days, is now living with her
daughter on Winter Hill, Nashua.

Daniel W. Hayden, senior partner in the
firm of Hayden Brothers, is a well-known,
public-spirited citizen. Serving in the Civil
War as a member of the Seventh Regiment,
New Hampshire Volunteers, he was wounded
at the charge of Fort Wagner, and was carried
to the hospital at Hilton Head. Again, at the
battle of Olustee, Fla., he was dangerously
wounded by shell and left on the field for
dead; but after a while he regained conscious-
ness, and was assisted from the field by a Mas-
sachusetts regiment and taken a second time to
the Hilton Head Hospital, where he remained
for several months. He was finally discharged
on account of his wounds. He is Adjutant
and Past Commander of John H. Worcester

 

Post, G. A. R. He has been on the Board of
Selectmen of Hollis. Daniel W. Hayden
married Miss Ann E. Talbot. Of the two
children born to them one, a son named Wil-
lard Bertel, a boy of unusual promise, died
while attending the high school, at the age of
fifteen years and seven months. The other, a
daughter, Bertha M. Hayden, a girl of eigh-
teen, has just graduated from the high school.

David N. Hayden, with whose name this
sketch begins, was born on the old homestead
in Hollis, and was educated in the common
schools of the town and at Nashua Literary
Institute, which he attended when it was under
the charge of David Crosby. In early life Mr.
Hayden was a pigeon trapper, and at times
made as high as one hundred dollars a day.
He is now devoted to the various interests of
Hayden Brothers, including farming, milling,
lumbering, and coopering. They own be-
tween seven and eight hundred acres of Jand in
Hollis and adjoining towns, and with their
saw and grist mills and planing and _ stave
mills carry on an extensive business, employ-
ing from twenty-five to forty men. Mr. Hay-
den has shown much interest in public affairs,
and has been chairman of the Board of Select-
men and Road Commissioner, besides holding
various minor offices. He has just completed
aterm as Representative to the New Hamp-
shire legislature.

 

o

WIGHT WEBSTER STEARNS,
5 formerly the member of the New

 

 

 

 

 

Hampshire legislature from Hins-
dale, was born in this town, Janu-
ary 28, 1830, son of John and Esther (Web-
ster) Stearns. Nathaniel Stearns, his great-
grandfather, who was known as Lieutenant
Stearns, came originally from Hebron,
Conn., and is supposed to have resided in
Northfield, Mass., previous to locating in
what is now Hinsdale. Nathaniel married
Dorcas Sanger, and became the father of ten
children. His eldest son, Walter Stearns,
who was born in 1774, and resided in Hins-
dale for the greater part of his life, in August,
1797, married Theresa Shattuck, a daughter
of Danie] Shattuck. Her grandfather, Daniel
104

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

Shattuck (first), who located on Merry
Meadow, in 1736 built a fort over the brook.
This fort was partially burned by the Indians
in 1746. On September 25, 1753, when the
town of Hinsdale was organized, he was
chosen a Selectman. Daniel Shattuck (sec-
ond), who served as a soldier at Fort Dummer
in 1756, and commanded a company at the
battle of Stillwater in 1777, was twice mar-
ried, and reared seven children. Walter
Stearns was the father of several children; but
only two of his sons, Eliott and John, settled
in Hinsdale.

John Stearns, the father of Dwight W.,
was born in this town, August 10, 1801.
When a young man he bought the Shattuck
farm, a large and productive piece of agricult-
ural property, upon which he resided for over
half a century. He was a successful farmer
and cattle dealer, and widely known through-
out Northern New England as an excellent
judge of horses. At one time he was part
owner of the American House in Brattleboro,
Vt., and of the Ashuelot House in Hinsdale.
When at middle age he had acquired a good
estate. Though not actively concerned in
public affairs, he exercised much influence in
politics, while his business ability was a val-
uable factor in developing the resources of
Hinsdale. For many years his home was
noted in this section for its hospitality and
good cheer; and the genial host, who could
both enjoy and relate amusing stories, was a
general favorite with all who knew him. On
February 25, 1825, John Stearns married
Esther Webster, of Northfield, Mass., a most
estimable lady, and a _ relative of Noah
Webster, the lexicographer. She became the
mother of eight children; namely, Jane R.,
Elvira, Dwight W., Janette, Franklin, New-
ton, Charles, and Ellen. Jane R. married
Leroy Preston, and resides in West North-
field; Elvira is the wife of D. S. Saunderson;
Franklin married Martha Tyler; Janette mar-
ried Leander Thomas; and Ellen is the wife
of George P. Slate. The death of the mother
in 1878 was such a severe shock to her hus-
band that he was unable to recover from its
effects. He gradually withdrew from the
world, rarely leaving his home during the last

 

two years of his life; and he died December
2, 1884.

Dwight Webster Stearns is one of the lead-
ing farmers of Hinsdale. In politics he was
always a Republican. First elected Select-
man in 1863, he afterward held that office for
eighteen consecutive years, serving as chair-
man of the Board for many terms. In this
year, 1897, he is again Selectman. He wasa
member of.the State House of Representatives
in 1889 and 1890, and there served on the
Agricultural College Committee. He has
been a trustee of the Hinsdale Savings Bank
since its organization.

Mr. Stearns married for his first wife Han-
nah Smith, daughter of Daniel Smith, of
Winchester, and became the father of five
children. These are: Edda Esther, who
married Frank R. Stratton; Nellie A., the
wife of Fred A. Adams, of South Vernon;
Dora E., who married Ernest E. Stratton, of
Hinsdale; Willis D., who resides at home;
and Julia E., a graduate of the Moody School,
Northfield, Mass., and now a teacher in the
Springfield High School. Willis D. Stearns,
who is an energetic and progressive young
man, was elected Selectman in 1896. The
mother died in July, 1870.

 

 

ILLIAM HERBERT PRENTISS,
5 of Keene, eldest son of John W.
and Elinor (May) Prentiss, was

born in Keene, N.H., March 22, 1852. His
father died when he was ten years of age. He
attended the common schools in Keene and
subsequently the high schools in Keene and
Greenfield, Mass. After preparing for col-
lege in Ithaca, N.Y., he entered Cornell Uni-
versity, becoming a member of the class of
1874. As the completion of a college course
required expenditures which he could not
otherwise meet, and for which he was unwill-
ing to be indebted to others, he obtained em-
ployment in the office of the Ithaca Democrat,
with the purpose of learning the trade of
printer, through the kindness of his friend,
B. R. Williams, the editor and one of the
proprietors of that paper.

In 1872 circumstances made it expedient
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

105

 

 

for him to return to Keene to live with his
mother, who needed his presence at home;
and soon after, upon the request of his grand-
father, the Hon. John Prentiss, who founded
the New Hampshire Sentivel in 1799, he was
given a position in the job printing depart-
ment of the Senxtzzel establishment. In that
office, supplemented by a short experience in
the establishment of Alfred Mudge & Son,
of Boston, he completed his theoretical know]-
edge of the business of a printer and pub-
lisher. In March, 1880, he purchased a third-
interest in the business of the Sexzzznel Print-
ing Company, and became the city or local
editor of the New Hampshire Sevtzne/, the es-
tablishment presenting to him particularly
pleasing associations from the fact that his
grandfather and his father had been its earli-
est proprietors. On the establishment of the
Keene Eventing Sentinel in 1890, he became
city editor of that paper also, which position,
at this writing, he still holds.

On November 21, 1892, at Swampscott,
Mass., he married Mary Ann Adams, a daugh-
ter of George Frederick Hurd, of that town.
They have one child, Mary Elinor, born De-
cember 30, 1893. Having previously served
Keene in minor town offices, Mr. Prentiss
represented Ward One in the legislature of
188.

 

YRUS PORTER COLBY, an active

and enterprising farmer of Milford,

N.H., and a veteran of the late

Civil War, was born July 31, 1845,

in Sandown, Rockingham County. He is
descended from an old and respected fam-
ily of New England. One of his ancestors,
John Colby, while serving in the French
and Indian War under Colonel Ebenezer
Hinsdale, was captured by the Indians near
Hinsdale Fort on the Connecticut River,
July 22, 1755, and taken by them to Mon-
treal. He was held in captivity, but re-
ceived kindly treatment, until Montreal was
taken by General Amherst in September,
1760. He arrived home in the following Oc-
tober, having in his possession several articles
given him by the Indians, which are still

 

preserved by the family. Two comrades of
John, captured at the same time, were
scalped. The fifth generation of the family
are living in the old house built by this an-
cestor in 1760 and 1761. It is also recorded
of him that he gave the land on which the old
church was built in 1773-74. This building
is still in good repair, and is used every year
for town meeting. John Colby received
no pay for his five years’ service as a soldier.

Amos Colby, the father of Cyrus P., after a
lifelong residence in Sandown, died there,
March 22, 1894, at the age of seventy-one
years. He married Mary A. Sanborn, also a
native of Sandown, and a daughter of John
Sanborn, who served his country in the War
of 1812. She died in early life, leaving sev-
eral children, of whom the survivors are:
Cyrus P., the subject of this sketch; John L.,
of Sandown; and George E., of Salina, Kan.
Cyrus P. Colby was but six years old when his
mother died. From that time until he was
twelve years of age he lived with an aunt in
South New Market, N.H. Going then to the
neighboring town of Danville, he made his
home with an uncle of his mother’s for four
years. On October 12, 1861, he enlisted in
Company B, Seventh New Hampshire Volun-
teer Infantry, and during the greater part of
his term of enlistment, which expired June 6,
1862, he was on guard duty. On March 17,
1864, he re-enlisted, joining Company B,
Third Massachusetts Cavalry, which was
assigned to the Nineteenth Army Corps, under
General N. P. Banks. When the corps re-
turned from the Red River campaign, it was
made a part of Sheridan’s army, which was
then stationed in the Shenandoah Valley.
Mr. Colby subsequently participated in the
battle of Winchester and in the engagements
at Fisher’s Hill and Cedar Creek. At the
latter place he was captured by the Confeder-
ates. He was kept in confinement for five
months, first in Pemberton Prison, then at
Salisbury, N.C., and later at Libby Prison,
from which he was paroled, finally receiving
his honorable discharge from the service, June
10, 1865. While a prisoner he suffered
terrible hardships and privations, which per-
manently undermined his health. After being
106

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

honorably discharged June 10, 1865, he re-
turned to New England, locating in Nashua,
where he worked at the trade of an iron
moulder for several years. For the succeed-
ing five years he was employed as fireman on
the Boston & Albany Railroad between Boston
and Worcester. In 1876 he bought his pres-

ent farm of fifty acres in Milford, and has_

since been profitably engaged in agriculture.
In politics he is a loyal Republican.

On November 28, 1866, Mr. Colby married
Miss Abbie J. Colburn, who was born in Hol-
lis, N.H., daughter of Washington and Relief
(Wright) Colburn, natives respectively of
Milford and Dunstable, Mass. He has now
four children, namely: Grace “E., wife of
Arthur W. Merrill, of this town; Charles H.;
Minnie J.; and Mary B. He belongs to
Granite Lodge, No. 1, I. O. O. F., of
Nashua; is a comrade of O. W. Lull Post,
No. 11, G. A. R.; and he and Mrs. Colby are
charter members of Custos Morum, Rebekah
Lodge, No. 23, of Odd Fellows of Milford.
Both are also active and valued members of
the Baptist church.

RA MONROE, a retired farmer of
Marlboro, Cheshire County, N.H.,
and a veteran of the Civil War, was
born in Marlow, this county, Decem-

ber 17, 1819, son of Isaac and Fanny (Robb)
Monroe. Isaac Monroe, who was a native of
Carlisle, Mass., cleared a farm in Marlow,
where he resided for many years. He was
also at one time a resident of Stoddard, N.H.
He lived to be eighty-four years old. His
wife, Fanny Robb Monroe, whom he married
in Marlow, became the mother of seven chil-
dren, of whom the only survivors are: Isaac
O.; and Ora, the subject of this sketch.

Ora Monroe was educated in the common
schools of Marlow and Stoddard, and for nine
years after the completion of his studies he
was employed as a farm assistant. After his
marriage he bought a farm in Leominster,
Mass., where he resided four years; but, sub-
sequently selling that property, he purchased
a tract of land located upon the Keene road in
the town of Marlow, and upon which he

 

 

erected a set of substantial buildings. This
he occupied but a short time, when he again
sold out and moved to another farm, situated
at Marlow Hill. Here he tilled the soil
successfully for a number of years, when he

| disposed of that farm also, and removed to

Marlow village, where he owned a large tract of
land. He continued to carry on general farm-
ing until 1882, when he retired from active
labor, and, purchasing a pleasantly situated
residence in Marlboro, has since resided here.
During the Civil War Mr. Monroe enlisted as
a private in the Fourteenth New Hampshire
Regiment, with which he served two years
and six months, being honorably discharged
at Washington in April, 1865.

The first of Mr. Monroe’s two marriages was
contracted at the age of twenty-four with
Roxana Fox, who died in Marlow, leaving two
children— Mary E. and Abbie. Mary E.
became the wife of John Stone, who died leav-
ing her with five children. Abbie, who mar-
ried Elmer Dennis, died in Springfield,
Mass., February 4, 1886. Mr. Monroe’s
second wife was before marriage Eunice Mc-
Intire, daughter of David and Eunice (Burnap)
McIntire, her father being a native of Fitch-
burg, Mass., and her mother of Temple, N.H.
Both her parents are now deceased. In 1870
Mr. and Mrs. Monroe adopted Willie Winfield
Cilley, who lived to the age of twenty-five
years and two months, dying November 5,
1890. Mr. Monroe is a Republican in poli-
tics and a Baptist in his religious belief.
He has displayed good judgment in real es-
tate transactions, which, together with his
habits of industry and frugality, have been the
means of his accumulating a comfortable com-
petency; and he is now enjoying the fruits of
his toil.

 

 

HARLES L. WILKINS, of the firm

@/ Wilkins Brothers, the well-known
paper box manufacturers of Milford,

is a native of Amherst, N.H. He

was born April 23, 1861, son of Aaron and
Abbie (McCluer) Wilkins, both also natives
of Amherst. His paternal great-grandfather
was Aaron Wilkins, who came from Middle-
 

ORA MONROE.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

109g

 

 

ton, Mass., to Amherst, and was the first of
the family in that place. Aaron Wilkins
(second), the grandfather, likewise a native
of Amherst, was the father of Aaron S. The
father, who had previously resided in Am-
herst, in 1893 came to Milford, where he now
resides with his daughter, Mrs. F. W.
Sawyer. In politics he is a Republican, and
he was Selectman in Amherst for a time.
His wife, one of whose ancestors was a Revo-
lutionary soldier, bore him six children,
namely: A. Milton, a resident of Amherst;
George H., M.D., a physician in Palmer,
Mass.; Frank, a member of the firm of Ken-
dall & Wilkins, merchants of Milford;
Charles L., the subject of this biography;
Harry A., of the firm Wilkins Brothers; and
Mrs. F. W. Sawyer, of Milford.

Charles L. Wilkins was reared to man’s es-
tate in Amherst, and was educated in the pub-
lic schools of that town. Later he studied for
three years in the McCollom Institute of
Mont Vernon, N.H., and subsequently at-
tended the State Agricultural College at
Hanover. In 1879 he engaged as a clerk with
Cc. E. Kendall & Co., of Milford, and was
with them four years. He went to Florida in
1884, and at Jacksonville was engaged as a
salesman in mercantile business for some
three years. Then he returned to New Hamp-
shire, and had charge of a general store in
Amherst for a number of years. While there
he was Town Treasurer and Town Clerk re-
spectively for two years. In 1891, in com-
pany with his brothers, he purchased the
paper box business of C. A. Adams in Mil-
ford, and the place has since been conducted
by Wilkins Brothers. They manufacture any
and all kinds of paper boxes, with the most
improved machinery.

Mr. Wilkins has been a member of the
Board of Water Commissioners of Milford
since April, 1895. In December of 1896 he
was appointed Registrar of the Board. In
politics he is a Republican. He belongs to
the Masonic lodge of Milford, and, having a

membership in the Milford Odd Fellows, he

has passed through the chairs of Prospect
Hill Encampment. He is a member of the
Congregational church, and takes an interest

 

in everything likely to improve the town.
Mr. Wilkins was married October 8, 1885, to
Fannie H. Spaulding, daughter of W. Spauld-
ing, of Milford, who was a soldier in the Civil
War. They have two children — Charles H.
and Marion W.

 

ENRY F. DODGE, a prominent and

well-known citizen of Mont Vernon,

was born in this town, May 17,

1838, a son of Henry C. and Sophia

(Emerson) Dodge. He is a descendant of an

early settler who located in Beverly, Mass.,

in 1638. Josiah Dodge, the founder of the

family in Hillsboro County, removed from

Beverly in 1772 to that part of Amherst now

within the limits of Mont Vernon. He spent

the remainder of his life in this vicinity, rear-
ing a family of children.

Henry C. Dodge was born and reared in
Mont Vernon, and there spent his long and
useful life. He has ever performed his full
share in promoting the prosperity of his na-
tive town, which he has represented in the
State legislature, and served as Selectman
and chairman of the Selectmen. He is a
stanch Democrat in politics. He is now a
hale and active man of eighty-six years. His
wife, who was born and reared in Marlboro,
this State, is but three years younger. Of
their five children Henry F. and Anna R.
are living. The father was well educated for
a man of his day, and in his earlier years
taught in the public schools of this and sur-
rounding towns. He was also a_ noted
teacher of penmanship, and had evening
classes in this section of the county for many
winters.

Henry F. Dodge completed his early edu-
cation at the Appleton Academy of Mont
Vernon, now known as McCollom Institute,
and of which for a time he has been a trustee.
On reaching man’s estate he chose agriculture
for his occupation, and since 1882 has had
charge of and still owns the old homestead of
the Dodge family, which contains over two
hundred acres. He now resides ona farm of
eighty acres about a mile distant from the
homestead. Of late years he has opened his
110

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

house for the reception of summer boarders,
who at his pleasant home find healthful rest
and recreation from the city’s heat and dust.
Mr. Dodge takes an intelligent interest in the
welfare of his native town and county, aiding
by every means in his power its advancement
and prosperity. For a number of years he
was Selectman of Mont Vernon, serving a
part of the time as chairman of the Board;
and he also represented the town in the State
legislature. He is a prominent member of
the Democratic party, and is identified with
the society of the Golden Cross at Amherst.

On January 7, 1864, Mr. Dodge married
Miss Laura R. Parker, daughter of William
and Sarah Parker. Her father died April 13,
1885, while her mother is now a resident of
New Boston, N.H. Mr. and Mrs. Dodge
have three children: Fannie L., the wife of
William D. Clark, of Amherst; Clara E.;
and Abbie S.

UDLEY HUNTLEY, an _industri-
5 ous farmer and an esteemed resident

 

 

 

 

 

of Marlow, was born in this town,
March 25, 1820, son of Curtis and
Betsey (Lewis) Huntley. The first of his an-
cestors to settle in New Hampshire was
Elisha Huntley, his great-grandfather, who
was a native of Connecticut. The father, who
was born in Marlow in 1790, tilled the soil of
a good farm until his death, which occurred

in 1869. He was the father of eight chil-
dren; namely, Elisha, Nathan, Polly, Nathan
(second), Harriet, Dudley, William, and
Alden.

Dudley Huntley was reared and educated in
Marlow. He worked ina factory in Nashua,
N.H., for a time, and also spent a year or two
in Boston when a young man, but general
farming has been his chief occupation. He
formerly owned and cultivated agricultural
property in Unity and Goshen, N.H. Since
1859 he has resided upon a farm in Marlow,
where he is regarded as one of the most able
and successful farmers.

Mr. Huntley married Mrs. Aurelia M.
Hall Baker, then a widow, who was born
December 25, 1824, daughter of Edward Hall,

 

of Marlow. She became the mother of two
children: Melvin J., born in Unity, August
31, 1853; and Lizzie, born in the same town,
August 9, 1858. Lizzie married Walter
Paige, a well-known resident of Stoneham,
Mass., and her children are Guy and Ralph.
Melvin J. Huntley, having acquired a good
practical education, has devoted his attention
principally to assisting his father upon the
farm. He is energetic and progressive, takes
a lively interest in public affairs, and is con-
nected with the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows. In his religious belief he is a Uni-
versalist. He married Frances R. Dodge,
who was born in 1853, daughter of Rufus
Dodge, of Marlow. Mrs. Dudley Huntley
died February 15, 1894.

EORGE E. CLARKE, of Milford,
Hillsboro County, a successful agri-
culturist, a surveyor, and a dealer in

real estate, was born here, December 18,
1840. He is of English ancestry. His
grandfather, Richard Clarke, was an early set-
tler of Milford. His father, Rufus Clarke,
after spending his eighty-five years of life in
Milford, died on the family homestead, Janu-
ary 10, 1881. Rufus was a farmer and a
lumberman, carrying on an extensive business
for his day, and he was very active in local
and church affairs. He married Frances
Almina Conant, who was also a native of Mil-
ford. Of their three children George E. and
Rufus A. are living. Both parents were
members of the Baptist church.

George E. Clarke was reared to manhood
beneath the parental roof-tree. He received
his elementary education in the common
schools of Milford and Hollis. Afterward he
took a special course in surveying and civil
engineering at the Appleton Academy in
Mont Vernon, this county. Of late years Mr.
Clarke has been much engaged in these occu-
pations. He has carried on an extensive busi-
ness in drawing up legal documents of all kinds,
dealing in real estate, and serves as adminis-
trator, trustee, and guardian, besides success-
fully managing his well-improved farm of one
hundred acres. He is recognized throughout

 
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

IIt

 

 

the community as an intelligent and able
business man, upright and honest in all of his
transactions. Desirous of promoting the wel-
fare of the town, he has served it for several
terms as Selectman. For many years he was
the auditor and a trustee of the Milford Sav-
ings Bank. In politics he is a consistent Re-
publican. He is a member of the Baptist
church.

Mr. Clarke was united in marriage January
6, 1881, with Miss Ermina E. Holt, daughter
of Horace Holt, late of Milford, N.H. Their
pleasant home is an attractive resort for sum-
mer tourists and their large circle of friends
and acquaintances.

 

 

LINTON H. TIRRELL, a widely
known and successful farmer of Goffs-
town, was born here, February 22,
1846, son of Hiram and Martha
(Gilmore) Tirrell. His grandfather, Jesse
Tirrell, was one of the early settlers of the
part of Goffstown called Canada Hill, where
he took up and cleared new lands, making a
comfortable farm, and subsequently spent the
greater part of his life there. His last years
were passed on the farm now owned by Clin-
ton H. Tirrell.

Hiram Tirrell, son of Jesse, a native of
Goffstown, was born in July, 1806. He fol-
lowed the occupations of farmer and lumber-
man. After his marriage he moved to the old
Gilmore farm, which, with the exception of
seven years spent in Boston, was his home for
the rest of his life. In religion he was a
Baptist and in politics a Republican. He
died January 9, 1888. His wife, Martha, a
daughter of Robert Gilmore, who was a pio-
neer of the town, died July 22, 1876. They
had five children, three sons and two daugh-
ters. Three of these children are living,
namely: Jesse W., a farmer of Goffstown;
Caroline, the wife of George C. Baker, of
West Manchester; and Clinton H., the young-
est, and the subject of this biography. The
other two were: Harriett, who died at the age
of nineteen; and Joseph, who died June 17,
1895, aged fifty-seven years.

Clinton H. Tirrell was educated in the com-

 

mon schools of his native town. Farming,
which he has followed very successfully, has
been his principal occupation. He has also
been engaged in the lumbering business, and
for seventeen years he drove a milk route in
Manchester. “He still makes a specialty of
the latter branch of his business. Since the
farm left by his father came into his posses-
sion, he has so enlarged it that it now con-
tains over two hundred and fifty acres, and is
one of the largest estates in the town. The
modern out-buildings, handsome residence,
and other improvements give ample evidence
of able management.

Mr. Tirrell was married June 29, 1875, to
Sarah J. Boynton, daughter of Michael and
Hannah Boynton, of Bedford, both now de-
ceased. Their children are: Lewis O., born
August 19, 1876, now a farmer, and living at
home; and Burton G., born September 3,
1878, at present studying at a business col-
lege. In politics the father is a Republican,
and he belongs to the Junior Grange, No.
150, P. of H., at Grasmere. The mother and
sons are Good Templars. All attend the Bap-
tist church.

 

HARLES O. WHITNEY, one of the
pioneer manufacturers in Marlboro

and an ex-member of the New
Hampshire legislature, is a de-
scendant of John and Eleanor Whitney, who
emigrated from England, and settled at
Watertown, Mass., in June, 1635. John
Whitney’s second wife, whom he married in
Watertown, was Judith Clement Whitney.
Jonathan, son of John and Eleanor Whitney,
was born in England in 1634. On October
30, 1656, he was married in Watertown to
Lydia Jones. Joseph Whitney, son of Jona-
than, was born in Watertown, March 1o,
1672. He married Rebecca Burge, of
Charlestown, Mass., and resided in Pepperell.
Ensign James Whitney, son of Joseph, born in
Pepperell in 1714, settled in Dunstable,
Mass. An account of the manner in which
he was accidentally killed by one of his
neighbors is given in the History of Dun-
stable. John Whitney, grandfather of the
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

subject of this sketch, was born in Dunstable,
April 15, 1745. He fought at the battle of
Bunker Hill in Captain Whitcomb’s company,
which subsequently served in the Continental
army throughout the Revolutionary War.
After the close of hostilities he purchased a
tract of land in Troy, N.H., where he spent
the rest of his life occupied in farming. He
wedded Mary Jones, of Framingham, Mass.,
and died in 1820. |

Charles O. Whitney, who was born in Troy,
N.H., May 4, 1838, left fatherless at the age
of three years, went to live with his uncle, Ira
Godding. When twelve years old the death
of his uncle and aunt threw him upon his own
resources, and he was forced to reside with
such families as were willing to board and
clothe him in return for his labor. His edu-
cational opportunities were limited to a short
attendance at the district school during the
winter season for a few years. At the age of
seventeen he secured employment in a saw and
grist mill. Later he learned the chairmaker’s
trade in Gardner, Mass., where he remained
until the breaking out of the Civil War.
Then he went to Springfield, Mass., and was
there, at the United States Arsenal, em-
ployed in the manufacture of muskets for two
years. He next became associated with his
brother-in-law in the manufacture of chairs
in South Gardner, under the firm name of
Whitney & Bent, and did a profitable business
for about three years. In 1866 he came to
Marlboro, where he with others founded the
' Marlboro Manufacturing Company, and in the
following spring began the manufacture of
horse blankets. Some time later Mr. Whit-
ney withdrew from that enterprise, and, after
erecting a building upon the site of a good
water-power, which he improved, resumed the
manufacture of chairs. Heat length entered
into partnership with Warren H. Clark ; and,
fitting up his mill for the production of horse
blankets, he is now running seven scts of ma-
chinery, and employs over one hundred hands
the year round. This firm also manufactures
satinets, of which, when working to their full
capacity, they turn out three thousand, nine
hundred yards daily.

In politics Mr. Whitney is a Republican.

 

He has served with ability as a Selectman,
was for a number of years a member of the
School Board, and in 1896 was elected to the
legislature from this town. He is connected
with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
and is a regular attendant of the Universalist
church.

INSLOW S. KYES, who was a well-
known merchant of Peterboro and
the treasurer of the Contoocook

Valley Savings Bank, was born in Marlow,
N.H., February 27, 1832, son of Leonard and
Charlotte (Royce) Kyes, of Acworth, N.H.
His grandfather, Asa Kyes, who was a pros-
perous farmer of that town, married Catherine
Blood, of Groton, Mass., and reared eleven
children, none of whom are living.

Leonard Kyes, born January 7, 1804, set-
tled in Peterboro, and for some time was em-
ployed in the cotton-mill at West Peterboro
as a mechanic. Later he was overseer of the
carding-room, and still later of the spinning-
room. While. residing in Acworth he was
Captain of a militia company. He possessed
a high moral character, and was respected by
all who knew him. He died in Peterboro at
the age of sixty-seven years. In politics he
was a Democrat, and a Methodist in his relig-
ious belief. His wife, Charlotte, who was a
daughter of Samuel Royce, of Marlow, became
the mother of two children — Winslow S., the
subject of this sketch; and Diantha A., who
married John F. D’Orsay, of Dorchester.
Diantha has one daughter, Edith N., born
June 27, 1875. Mrs. Leonard Kyes died at
the age of seventy-six years.

Winslow S. Kyes was a year old when his
parents moved to Peterboro. He was edu-
cated in the common schools and at Appleton
Academy in New Ipswich, N.H. Afterward,
while employed in the factory at West Peter-
boro, he attained the position of an overseer,
in which capacity he worked for several years.
After resigning this position he conducted a
grocery store for seven years. In 1880 he
opened a dry-goods store in Peterboro village,
and subsequently he established an undertak-
ing business, both of which he carried on for

 
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

113°

 

 

the remainder of his life. He was also inter-
ested in the Contoocook Savings Bank, of
which he was the treasurer. His natural
energy and ability gave him prominence
among business-men, who regarded him as a
successful merchant. In politics he was a
Democrat. He took an active part in local
public affairs, and was elected a member of
the Board of Selectmen for nine years in suc-
cession. He was a charter member of the
Masonic lodge in Peterboro. In his relig-
ious belief he was a Unitarian, and for some
years was a Deacon and the treasurer of the
local society.

On January 29, 1860, Mr. Kyes was united
in marriage with Catherine Harding, daughter
of James and Catherine (Hosmer) Harding,
respectively natives of Maine and Baldwins-
ville, Mass. Mrs. Kyes is the mother of four
children, namely: Frank W., born December
4, 1860; Katie L., born October 17, 1864;
Gertrude H., born March 23, 1866; and Karl
S., born May 23, 1878. Frank W. married
for his first wife Millie White of Peterboro,
who bore him one son, Herman W. His pres-
ent wife was before marriage Georgia Cald-
well, of Ipswich, Mass. Katie L. is the wife
of George H. Haskell, of Ipswich, and has
one son, Harold K. Gertrude H. is the wife
of Carl H. Foster, of Peterboro, and has one
son, Curtis G. Karl S. is now a student at
the Harvard Dental College. The father
died at his home November 20, 1895, mourned
by all who knew him. Mrs. Kyes has since
conducted the dry-goods and millinery busi-
ness formerly carried on by him, and is well
maintaining the high reputation which the es-
tablishment has had since its opening.

 

EORGE ROBERTSON was one of
the enterprising and public-spirited
men of Hinsdale. He was born in

Hartford, Conn., April 19, 1822, son of Will-
iam and Christina (Ross) Robertson, who
were both natives of Scotland. The father,
born July 21, 1793, learned the paper-maker’s
trade. About one year after his marriage,
which took place February 14, 1817, he
emigrated to Halifax, N.S. Two years

‘maker before reaching his majority.

 

later he went to Hartford, Conn., and in the
autumn of 1823 he removed to Putney, Vt.
In Putney he was engaged in the manufacture
of paper until extreme old age compelled him
to retire. Heand his wife passed their last
days in Hinsdale, where they are remembered
as a charming couple, speaking the Scotch
dialect, which they never sought to overcome.
They were the parents of seven children;
namely, Ann, Marion E., George, John, Jean
N., Edwin R., and Christina C.

George Robertson was reared and educated
in Putney. Employed in his father’s mill
from an early age, he became an expert paper-
While
he and his brother John were still under age,
their father repurchased a mill that he had
formerly owned, and, transferring the prop-
erty to them, thus started them in business as
paper manufacturers. George Robertson re-
sided in Putney until 1849, at which time
he came to Hinsdale, leaving his brother in
charge of the business, but retaining his inter-
est in it until 1856. After locating here he
and others bought a paper-mill, which was
erected by Thomas Cutting in 1845, and began
the manufacture of paper in this town. In
1851 this mill wasidestroyed by fire, but it
was immediately rebuilt, and operated until
again burned in 1863. Another mill built
upon the same site was ready for business in
1865, and was afterward successfully con-
ducted until 1880, when the bursting of what
is known as a rotary bleach again laid the
mill and machinery in ruins. This disaster,
although a serious one, was not sufficient to
dampen the courage of Mr. Robertson, who
commenced the erection of a new mill in the
same fall, and resumed business in the follow-
ing spring, with a building and a plant ca-
pable of turning out in the neighborhood of two
and one-half tons of paper per day. The place
was nearly in good running order when another
accident, of a still more serious nature, over-
took the stout-hearted man. On the afternoon
of May 24, 1882, Mr. Robertson went to
Ashuelot for the purpose of inspecting a new
paper-mill that was in process of erection by
his sons. While standing in close proximity
to the walls, he was struck by a falling der-
114

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

rick, sustaining a fracture of the skull, from
the effects of which he died shortly afterward.
Thus was removed from the community one of
its most useful members in the midst of his
best and busiest years. The late George
Robertson was not only energetic and perse-
vering, but public-spirited as well. He did
not stop to measure the length of his purse
when some worthy object needed aid, such as
starting a deserving young man in life. A
friend who knew him well said of him,
“With him honesty and probity were gar-
ments for every-day use.” For some years
he was superintendent of the Sunday-school
connected with the Congregational church.
In politics he was successively a Whig and a
Democrat, and his public services to the town
were performed with the same energy and ca-
pability which characterized his business oper-
ations. He was a member of the Masonic
fraternity, and took an active part in the coun-
cils of Golden Rule Lodge.

At his death Mr. Robertson left four sons
—Frank W., George A., Edwin C., and
Orren C.—all of whom are engaged in the
paper manufacturing business. Frank and
Edwin are carrying on mills at Ashuelot,
employing an average of twenty hands, and
doing a profitable business. George A. and
Orren C. Robertson are operating the mill in
Hinsdale, where they reside. Edwin Robert-
son has represented Hinsdale in the legislat-
ure, and Frank W. Robertson has served it as
a Selectman. Frank is a member of Golden
Rule Lodge, F. & A. M., of Hinsdale, is
connected with the chapter and commandery in
Keene, and has reached the thirty-second de-
gree. George A. and Orren C. are members
of the Odd Fellows, the F. W. R., E. C. R.,
and are both thirty-second degree Masons.

 

OLONEL FRANK GARDNER
NOYES, a retired lawyer and business

 

man, was born in Nashua, N.H.,
July 6, 1833, son of Leonard W.
and Ann Sewall (Gardner) Noyes. Some of
his ancestors on both his father’s and mother’s
side were Colonial and Revolutionary pa-
triots. His parents were lifelong residents

 

of Nashua. He acquired the elementary part
of his education in private schools. Later he
attended Phillips Academy, Williams and
Union Colleges, and was graduated from
Union University in 1853. He then pursued
a three years’ course at Harvard University
Law School, graduating in 1856, and receiv-
ing the degree of Bachelor of Laws. In the
same year he went to Clinton, Ia., where he
formed a partnership in the law business with
ex-Governor Baker, of New Hampshire. At
the breaking out of the Civil War Mr. Noyes
was appointed Aide-de-camp and Colonel of
Volunteers on the staff of Governor Kirkwood,
of Iowa. In 1862 he was commissioned, by
President Abraham Lincoln, Captain of United
States Volunteers, and attached to the Thir-
teenth Army Corps at St. Louis. He took
part in all the operations against Vicksburg,
and in its final capture, in the battle of
Mobile Bay, and in many minor engagements.
He was twice wounded, and in 1865 was pros-
trated with yellow fever at Galveston, Tex.
He was mustered out at Nashua, N.H., in
1865, having served practically through the
entire war.

In 1867 Colonel Noyes declined his ap-
pointment to the consulate of Panama, as he
was then engaged in settling his father’s es-
tate. In 1869 he engaged in the manufacture
of machinery at Clinton, Ia., with Colonel
Tenbroeck, under the firm name of Tenbroeck
& Noyes. Two years later Mr. Noyes pur-
chased his partner’s interest, after which he
carried on the enterprise alone until 1878.
Then he disposed of the business, and, return-
ing to Nashua, has since lived in retirement.
Colonel Noyes was made a Mason in Western
Star Lodge, No. 100, of Clinton, in 1857,
and has been officially connected with the
chapter and with Holy Cross Commandery,
No. 10, Knights Templar, of Clinton, of
which he has been Captain General for three
years. He takes no active part in public
affairs, and, although he has been frequently
solicited to accept office, has always declined.
He is a comrade of the Grand Army of the
Republic, and was Department Commander of
New Hampshire in 1893.

On December 10, 1851, Colonel Noyes was
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

115

 

 

joined in marriage with Hannah E. Richard-
son, of Tewksbury, Mass., great-grand-niece
of Worcester, the lexicographer. Colonel
and Mrs. Noyes have had seven children, of
whom four are living, namely: Anna Gard-
ner, who is the wife of Sheridan P. Read,
United States Consul at Tien-Tsin, China;
Clara Leonard Hancock, of whom there is no
specia] record; Grace Richardson, the wife of
Leon Mead, of New York, formerly editor of
Truth; and Elizabeth Greenleaf Gardner
Noyes, who is now residing in China.  Polit-
ically, Colonel Noyes is a Democrat. He
has gained wide reputation as a _ public
speaker, and is frequently called upon to
deliver addresses upon political and other
subjects.

 

ANIEL RICHARDSON, a skilful
carpenter and a highly respected
\©) resident of Mont Vernon, was born
in New Portland, Me., February
23, 1837, son of Daniel and Joanna (Quint)
Richardson. On the paternal side he comes
of Irish ancestors, and on the maternal side of
Scotch. Grandfather Richardson served for
seven years in the Revolutionary War, and
fought at Lexington and Bunker Hill. He
also. was with General Putnam in_ the
march to Quebec through Maine, where the
men suffered from cold and starvation. His
grandfather served for three years in the same
war. The father, a native of Maine, was for
nearly half a century a resident of New Port-
land. Thence he removed to Chelmsford,
Mass., where he died. His wife, Joanna,
was born in Stark’s, Me. Her mother was a
second cousin of Lord Norton, of Scotland.
Daniel Richardson was twelve years of age
when he accompanied his parents to Chelms-
ford, Mass. He resided with them until his
seventeenth year, although he practically sup-
ported himself after he was thirteen. He then
went to Vermont. After his marriage he
spent several years in Bradford, Vt., and for
several years following he was a resident of
Hillsboro County, New Hampshire. Then,
removing to Lowell, Mass., he worked for a
time in one of the cotton-mills, but subse-

 

 

 

 

 

quently engaged in business for himself as a
contractor and builder. After living in Low-
ell for about twenty years, he came in 1875
to Mont Vernon, where he has since resided.
While he continues to work at carpentering,
he also carries on farming.

Mr. Richardson was married May 9, 1857,
to Miss Mary E. Twiss, who was born in
Antrim, N.H., daughter of Captain Dimon
and Harriet (Parmenter) Twiss. Her father,
who was born in Beverly, Mass., was Captain
of the old grenadier military company of
Antrim, and for nearly a half a century
carried on blacksmith work in that place.
Her mother was a native of Antrim. Mr.
and Mrs. Richardson are the parents of five
children, of whom Willie F. and Hattie M.
are living.

In politics Mr. Richardson is a Republican.
For many years he has been president of the
Mont Vernon Republican Club, and he is
very active in local affairs. He has served
for one year as Selectman. Both he and his
wife are menbers of Prospect Grange, No.
21, in which he has served for two years each
as Overseer and Master. He and his wife are
also members of the Golden Cross Order.

Pa
HOMAS J. WINN, a member of the
firm of Winn Brothers, of Harrisville,

—- Cheshire County, general storekeepers
and manufacturers of woodenware, was born
in this town, March 23, 1867, son of Edward
and Mary (Kennedy) Winn. His parents
were born in Ireland; and his paternal grand-
father, William Winn, reared a family of six
children, five sons and one daughter. The
sons were named respectively: James, Ed-
ward, William, John, and Thomas.

Edward Winn, father of Thomas J., was ed-
ucated in his native country, and when a
young man he emigrated to the United States.
He first settled upon a farm in Harrisville,
but later engaged in trade, establishing the
large mercantile business now carried on by
his sons, to whom he sold the business some
time ago. He is now living in retirement,
having been a resident of Harrisville for the
past forty years, and is a highly respected

 

 

 
116

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

citizen. His wife, Mary, became the mother
of six children, namely: Thomas J., the sub-
ject of this sketch; Edward F. and Minnie
N. (twins), born April 4, 1869; Michael,
born July 4, 1871; George, born March 10,
1874; and James, born in 1878. Minnie N.
finished her studies at Mount St. Mary’s
Academy, Manchester, and now resides with
her parents.

Thomas J. Winn completed his education
at a commercial college in Manchester, N.H.,
and for four years was engaged in the grocery
business in Fitzwilliam. He also for four
years kept a boot and shoe store in Boston,
and then succeeded to his father’s business in
Harrisville. The firm now consists of
Thomas J., Michael, George, James, and Ed-
ward F. Winn. Thomas J. has charge of the
store, which is heavily stocked with a varied
line of general merchandise; and Edward F.
superintends the mill, which is devoted to
the manufacture of boxes, clothes-pins, and
toys. ;

Mr. Thomas J. Winn married Kate Grimes,
of Troy, N.H. He is an able and energetic
business man, and the firm is conducting a
very profitable enterprise.

 

TON JOHN AUGUSTINE SPALD-
ING, of Nashua, was born in Wil-

 

ton, N.H., May 29, 1837. A son
— of Moses and Anna H. (Kimball)
Spalding, who were residents of Wilton for
many years, he isa direct descendant of Ed-
ward Spalding, one of three brothers who
came from England to this country in the
eighteenth century. Young Spalding was ed-
ucated in the public schools of Wilton and
Crosby’s Academy at Nashua. He went to
work at the age of thirteen in a clothing store
of Lawrence, Mass. Six years later, when he
was only nineteen years old, he started a busi-
ness for himself in Nashua, and successfully
conducted it afterward for about five years.
In 1863 he was appointed cashier of the First
National Bank of Nashua. After faithfully
discharging the duties of that position for
thirty-two years, he was elected to the office
of vice-president. Mr. Spalding is also a

| RANK M. PARKER, Postmaster at
Hillsboro Bridge, was born in Milford,

 

trustee of the City Guarantee Savings Bank,
a director of the Wilton Railroad and of the
Worcester, Nashua & Rochester Railroad,
and a trustee of the State Insane Asylum.
Caring for the interests of others as if they
were his own, throughout his long and suc-
cessful business career he has held the un-
broken confidence of the community. Mr.
Spalding has been honored with election to
several important offices by the Republican
party, and in politics as in business he has
worn his honors with dignity, looking well to
the interests of the people, and performing
conscientiously the duties devolving upon
him. He represented Nashua in the State
legislature in 1865-66, was State Senator in
1878, a member of Governor S. W. Hale’s
Council in 1883-84, and the Mayor of this
city in 1885. He is at present chairman of
the Republican State Central Committee.
He served asa Garfield Presidential Elector,
and was a member of the St. Louis Conven-
tion that nominated Major McKinley in 1896.

On October 13, 1859, in Wilton, Mr.
Spalding was married to Josephine E. East-
man, of Nashua. Of his two children by that
marriage William E. Spalding, of this city,
is the survivor. On November 24, 1878, he
contracted a second marriage with Anna M.
Learned, daughter of Dr. E. T. Learned, of
Fall River, Mass. A thirty-second degree
Mason, he belongs to Rising Sun Lodge, No.
39; to St. George Commandery of Nashua;
and to the Scottish Rite. He is also a mem-
ber of Pennichuck Lodge, No. 44, I. O. O. F.;
and has been Noble Grand and chief officer of
Nashanoon Encampment; and he is a comrade
of the Association of Amoskeag Veterans of
Manchester.

 

N.H., December 8, 1863, son of
George F. and Sarah (Lawrence) Parker
His grandfather, Orrin Prescott Parker, who
was a lifelong resident of Dunstable, Mass.,
followed the occupation of teamster during his
active years, and died at a good old age.

George F. Parker, the father of Frank M.,
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

117

 

 

was born in Dunstable. In his youth he
worked upon a farm in his native town. At
the age of nineteen he went to Milford, N.H.,
where he followed the same occupation for a
time. Later he was employed ina stone quarry.
He afterward opened a quarry upon his own
land, and has been engaged in that business.
He is widely and favorably known as an enter-
prising and reliable business man. He first
married Sarah Lawrence, of Pepperell, Mass.,
who died at the age of thirty-nine years, leav-
ing three children — Jones F., Etta L., and
Frank M. Etta L. is the wife of Ellson D.
Frye, of Wilton, N.H., and has three chil-
dren. Frank M. Parker’s mother was a mem-
ber of the Baptist church.
wife George F. Parker married Ella J. Taylor,
of Amherst, N.H., who has one child, Lizzie
Bell.

Frank M. Parker was educated in Milford.
After leaving school he worked for three
years in the carding-room of the Pine Valley
Mills. He was next employed on the stone
work of the Wilton town hall.  Subse-
quently for a short time he worked in Morse,
Kaley & Co.’s yarn factory. He next entered
the employ of D. Whiting & Sons. After
helping upon their milk train for some time,
he had charge of their grain house in Hills-
boro from 1888 until February 6, 1894, when
he was appointed Postmaster here. In this
capacity he has proved an efficient and courte-
ous Official.

On September 5, 1889, Mr. Parker was
joined in marriage with. Evangeline M. Grace,
of Hillsboro. An upright and progressive
young man, Mr. Parker is esteemed by his
fellow-townsmen. In politics he acts with
the Democratic party. Both he and Mrs.
Parker attend the Congregational church.

 

EORGE E. DOWNES, a successful
business man of Francestown, N.H.,
was born here, January 27, 1830, son

of Edward and Mary (Dennis) Downes. The
paternal grandfather, Edward Downes, Sr., a
farmer of Francestown, married Rhoda. Bill-
ings, of whose five children by him none are
now living.

 

For his second’

 

Edward Downes, Jr., born in Canton,
Mass., was in early life a tanner and currier,
and also worked some at shoemaking. After
following these occupations for many years
in Francestown, he purchased a farm of
about fifty acres, to which he retired in his

later days. He died at the age of eighty-six
years. His wife was sixty-seven when she
died. Of their twelve children, all of whom

grew up, eight are living; namely, Rhoda B.,
Mark, Samuel D., George E., Cynthia F.,
Amasa, Henrietta A., and Harlan P. Rhoda
B. married Charles Parker, of Chelmsford,
Mass., and is now a widow without children.
Mark, married Mary Dyer, of Exeter, N.H.,
and has two children — Abbieand Fred. Sam-
uel D. married Martha Billings, of Deerfield,
Mass., and has one child, William E. Cyn-
thia F. is the widow of Andrew A. Ward, of
Cambridgeport, Mass., and has no children.
Amasa, who served in the Civil War as a pri-
vate in the Thirteenth New Hampshire Regi-
ment, Company B, performing also the duties
of regimental postmaster, now has entire
charge of the general store, in the manage-
ment of which he was formerly a_ partner.
He married Susie Sawyer, of Francestown,
and has two children — Charles and Bertha M.
Harlan P. Downes married Maria Stevens, and
has seven children; namely, Mabel C.,
Charles F., Grace C., Annie A., Addie W.,
Carrie M., and Elsie B.

George E. Downes received his education in
the public school of his native place. After
completing his schooling he went to Nashua,
and worked in the dressing-room of the mill
there for two years. He then returned to
Francestown, and was for about four years
clerk in a general store. Later on he was en-
gaged in the business on his own account for
a short time. In the year 1856, with his
brother, Samuel D., and M. G. Starrett, he
formed the firm Starrett & Downes, which
after a few years became Downes Brothers, who
conducted the business until 1875. Then Sam-
uel and George sold their interest to Amasa.
George continues to work in the store. He
has been Town Treasurer for many years.
He was Town Clerk for a short time, and was
legislative Representative in 1881. Both he
118

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

and his wife became members of the Congre-
gational church some years ago. In politics
he is a Republican. On October 25, 1860, he
married Harriet F. Carter, of Francestown.
She died in 1883, leaving no children.

RED J. HARRIS, who is prosperously

engaged in agriculture in Chesterfield,

was born in that place, October 21,

1870, son of John Harris. He is a descend-

ant of Arthur Harris, who, having come from

England, settled in Duxbury, Mass., in 1640,

became one of the original proprietors of

Bridgewater, Mass., and died in Boston in
1693.

Abner Harris, probably a descendant of
Arthur Harris, on April 28, 1777, purchased
of Simon Davis, of Chesterfield, one hundred
and fifty acres of land, with house and barn,
in the western part of Chesterfield, N.H.
This property was long known as the Harris
farm. Abner was said to be a potter by
trade. His son John in 1783 married Han-
nah, daughter of Benjamin Colburn. She
died April 9, 1839, at the age of seventy-
seven; and he died July 18, 1828, at the age
of seventy-two. _They had eleven children,
of whom John, the eldest, born February 8,
1785, married Luna, daughter of Abel F.
Fletcher. This John was Selectman in 1830—
2, was a Representative to the General
Court in 1849 and 1850, and he died on Feb-
ruary 27, 1856. Of his twelve children John,
the seventh child, born October 20, 1820, first
married in 1844 Mary Ann Chamberlain, who
died July 23, 1863. She was a daughter of
Joshua W. Chamberlain. A second marriage
was contracted June 7, 1864, with Mary J.,
daughter of John Town, of Hardwick, Mass.
Mr. Town was a large farmer, bought and sold
cattle Jargely during war times, and acquired
a comfortable fortune. In politics he was a
stanch Republican. He had two children.
His daughter, Nellie L., who was born Decem-
ber 6, 1873, married Herman Shaw, a meat
merchant in Greenfield, Mass. They have one
child called Marian, born March 28, 1894.

Fred J. Harris, the only son of his father
by his second wife, has inherited the business

 

 

tact and energy of his ancestors. Though
still a young man, he is looked upon as one of
the most enterprising and prosperous farmers
of the community. He succeeded to the es-
tate of his forefathers, a farm containing about
three hundred acres, partly under cultivation.
He owns his own separator, running it with
sheep-power, and disposing of his cream to the
Brattleboro (Vt.) Creamery. He has dealt
some in cattle in the past, and owns a large
tract of timber land, from which in one winter
he cut and hauled twenty-five hundred rail-
road ties. In 1892 he erected one of the
largest and finest barns in the town. The en-
tire estate shows comfort and prosperity.

On July 3, 1889, Mr. Harris married
Hattie L., daughter of Winslow Pattridge, of
Spofford, N.H., by whom he has one child,
John F., born February 1, 1890. He is a
prominent and popular member of the Grange
Association, Pisterine Lodge, No. 145; and
of the Improved Order of Red Men, Pokahoket
Lodge, No. 20.

 

firm Cross & Tolles, wholesale and

retail dealers in lumber at Nashua,

was born in this city, October 17,
1846, son of Horace C. and Sophia A.
(Wright) Tolles. His father was a native of
Weathersfield, Vt., and his mother of West-
ford, Mass. Paternal ancestors of his distin-
guished themselves in the Revolutionary War.
He obtained his education in the Nashua
public schools, completing his studies at the
age of twenty years. For the first three years
of his business career he was employed by his
brother, H. J. Tolles, in a general merchan-
dise store in Dunstable, Mass. After return-
ing to Nashua in 1869, he served as clerk in
the dry-goods house of Crawford & Anderson
for two years and a half. He became asso-
ciated with Mr. John Cross in 1872, under the
style of Cross & Tolles, manufacturers and
retail and wholesale dealers in lumber. This
partnership still continues. In the quarter
of a century that has since elapsed the business
has been efficiently managed, and the plant
very largely increased.

yt: HARKNESS TOLLES, of the
 

JOHN McLANE.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

In politics Mr. Tolles affiliates with the
Democratic party. Mr. Tolles is also inter-
ested in other enterprises. He is a director
of Indian Head National Bank, of the
Nashua Light, Heat and Power Company, of
the Nashua Building and Loan Association,
and of the Lowell Electric Light Corpora-
tion. He is also a trustee of the Nashua
Savings Bank, and he has been the president
of the Nashua Board of Trade for two years.
In politics a Democrat, he was the Mayor of
Nashua in 1886, 1887, and 1888, and he is
now a member of the Board of Education.

On July 8, 1872, Mr. Tolles was married in

this city to Mary E. Cross, of Nashua. They
have one daughter, Marion E. Mr. Tolles
belongs to Penechuck Lodge, No. 44, of

which he is Past Grand; to the United Order
of the Golden Cross, in which he has been
Grand Treasurer of the Grand Commandery of
the State for the past fifteen years; and to the
Royal Society of Good Fellows, holding an
office in the Supreme Assembly.

 

TON. JOHN McLANE, one of the
leading citizens of Milford, Hills-
boro County, N.H., is well known
throughout this section of the State

as a manufacturer of post-office furniture and
equipments, and as president of the Souhegan
National Bank of this place. He was born
February 27, 1852, in Lennox Town, Scotland,
from which place in 1854 his parents, Alex-
ander and Mary (Hay) McLane, brought him
to this country, locating in Manchester, N.H.
Young McLane was subsequently reared in
that city, obtaining his education in the pub-
lic schools. When seventeen or eighteen
years old he turned his attention to mechani-
cal pursuits, for which he had a special apti-
tude. Becoming skilled as a worker in wood,
he labored as a journeyman for several years
in the manufacture of furniture of al] kinds.
In 1876 he established himself in business on
his own account in Milford, this county,
where he has since remained. He began as a
manufacturer of post-office furniture and
equipments, putting to the best possible use
the small capital which he had to invest. By

 

 

a wise management he has built up an exten-
sive and lucrative business, and won for him-
self a firm position among the foremost busi-
ness men of the place. He is also interested
in the Soubegan National Bank, of which he
was a director for many years, and has been
the president since 1891.

A man of ability and integrity, Mr. McLane
is influential in town and county affairs. He
is a Republican in politics and a vigorous
worker for his party. In 1885 and 1887 he
was elected to the lower house of the State
legislature, serving his constituents for two
terms in the capacity of their Representative.
He subsequently served for an equal length of
time as State Senator, being elected in 1891
and 1893, and during both terms he was the
President of the Senate. For many years he
has been Moderator at the annual town meet-
ings.

On March 10, 1880, Mr. McLane married
Miss Ellen L. Tuck, daughter of the late
Eben Tuck, of Milford, N.H. They have
four children; namely, Clinton A., Hazel E.,
John R., and Charles M. Mr. McLane is
prominently connected with the Masonic and
Odd Fellows societies of Milford, and he con-
tributes toward the support of the Congrega-
tional church, of which he is an attendant.
Public-spirited and progressive, he has the es-
teem and confidence of the community in
which he lives.

 

ILLIS E. WHITE, a prominent

5 merchant of Greenville, is a native

of Grafton, Vt., where he was born
December 6, 1854, son of Willard L. and
Elizabeth (Ross) White. His grandfather,
Stephen White, of Grafton, spent about the
whole of his life in that town engaged in agri-
cultural pursuits, and died at the age of
seventy-five years. Stephen married Betsy
Conant, of whose nine children by him four
are now living. These are: Willard White,
the eldest; Henry K., who married Harriet
Moore, of Athol, Mass., and has two children;
Charles S., who married Carrie Merrifield, of
Brookline, Vt., is the father of four children,
and now resides at the old homestead; and
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

Martha, who is the widow of Cornelius Bar-
nard, of Iowa. The mother died at the age of
seventy-three years. Both she and her hus-
band were members of the Baptist church.

Willard White was born February 23, 1824,
in Grafton, on the old homestead. Very early
in life he began to be self-supporting. When
only nine years of age he was employed in a
hotel at Charlestown, N.H., where he contin-
ued to work for several years. When twenty-
one years old he purchased a farm of two hun-
dred and ten acres within a mile and a half
of his father’s estate. Here he lived for
many years, and all his children were born
here. After improving and enlarging the
property he sold it in 1895, and moved into
the village of Grafton, where he now resides.
Besides looking after his personal interests
with commendable care, he served the public
in various capacities. For sixteen years in
succession he was Overseer of the Poor at
Grafton, and for many years was Selectman.
He has also been prominent in promoting
measures for the welfare of the community in
which he lives. Of his four children three
are living. His eldest son, Elbridge W.,
who graduated from Madison University of
Hamilton, N. Y., and is nowaclergyman of the
Baptist denomination, having a pastorate in
Milwaukee, Wis., married Edna Converse, of
Grafton, and has two children— Leon and
Ethel. William E. White, who died July
10, 1894, was twin brother of Mr. Willis
White. Stella E., now Mrs. Eugene Wilbur,
of Hartford, Conn., has five children — Earl,
Daisy, Grace, Jay, and Helen.

Taken severely il] when quite young, Willis
White was unable to do any active work for
many years. He went West, hoping that the
change of climate would be beneficial. Upon
his return, finding it necessary to be in the
open air, he established an itinerary for the
sale of tinware through the State of Vermont.
In the two years during which he was engaged
in that business he made many acquaintances.
Going then to Wales, Mass., he worked as a
weaver in the woollen-mill there for three
years and subsequently as a clerk in a store
of that town. In 1883, coming to Greenville,
he formed a partnership with John B. Martin,

 

under the firm name of Martin & White, and
engaged in a general merchandise business.
After working together for two years, Mr.
White managed the business alone for four

years. Then he took his brother William into
partnership, forming the firm of White
Brothers. At the death of his brother he

again became the sole manager.

On September 25, 1884, Mr. White married
Flora J. Blood, daughter of George L. Blood,
of Greenville. Mr. White is an attendant of
the Congregational church, of which his wife
isa member. In politics he is a Republican.
A member of Souhegan Lodge of Masons,
he is one of the stewards of the fraternity,
and has held various offices therein. He is
also connected with Dinister Hill Lodge,
I. O. O. F., of Greenville.

HOMAS CORNELIUS RAND, son
of Deacon Elisha and Betsey (Hall)
Rand, born in Alstead, resided there

until nearly ten years of age. In the spring
of 1840 his family removed to Keene, where
be was educated by parts in the common
schools, in the old Keene Academy, and in
the printing-office. He entered the office of
the New Hampshire Sentdéve/, November 13,
1843, as an apprentice. From that date to
the present time he has been connected with
that establishment in the various capacities of
paper carrier, compositor, mailing clerk, fore-
man, proof-reader, reporter, editor, and pro-
prietor. Beginning editorial work on July 1,
1865, he continued it without interruption
until November 13, 1893, when he had com-
pleted fifty years’ service in the Sentinel
office. Then he resigned the position of
editor, and has since served in the capacity
of president of the Sentinel Printing Company.
He served as Town Clerk of Keene from 1855
to 1861 and as a member of the Board of Se-
lectmen during the war of the Rebellion. He

 

. has been identified with the Republican party

from its organization. Since 1852 he has
voted at every State and municipal election,
and taken part in every caucus of his party in
his town or ward. He was a delegate to the
National Republican Convention at Cincin-
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

123

 

 

nati in 1876, and he served as alternate in the
St. Louis Convention that nominated William
McKinley for President. On January 28,
1852, he married Mary A. Smith. His only
-son died in 1872, at the age of sixteen years.

 

EDWARD UPTON isthe proprietor

of a well-managed farm of eighty acres

in the town of Amherst. He was born

November 5, 1855, in Concord, this
State. His father, Jeremiah Upton, a native
of Tyngsboro, Mass., went with his parents to
Dunstable, Mass., where he completed his
schooling. Beginning in the first mill of
Lowell, he was employed there and later at
Concord, N.H., as foreman in the coloring de-
partment. Coming to Amherst in 1856, he
bought with his savings the farm on which
his son now lives. Here he labored with un-
ceasing energy, carrying on the usual work of
the thorough farmer until his demise in 1891.
In politics he affiliated with the Republican
party. He was often importuned to accept
public office, but, although few men had a
better knowledge of political matters, he pre-
ferred the quiet of domestic life. He was a
man of liberal views and of deep thought.
While a resident of Lowell, Mass., he united
with the Congregational church. Later he
became an earnest Universalist. He was an
authority on Biblical matters, having read the
book many times, and his wonderful memory
placing its truths at his disposal. His wife,
born in Amherst, whose maiden name was
Elmira Howard, survived him two years, pass-
ing away in 1893. At her death she was the
last surviving Daughter of the Revolution in
this part of New Hampshire. Her father, Jo-
siah Howard, after the close of the Revolu-
tionary War, in which he served, settled in
Amherst while yet a young man. Of her
nine children four are yet living, namely:
Elmira E., the wife of H. I. Upham, of Leom-
inster, Mass.; Harriet P., the wife of H. H.
Parkhurst, of Amherst, N.H.; J. Edward, the
subject of this sketch; and Addie E., the wife
of C. E. Wilkins, of Amherst. The mother,
who was reared in this town, was a school-
mate of Horace Greeley.

 

 

J. Edward Upton was reared and educated
in Amherst, attending the public and high
schools of the town. For several years he
was engaged in teaching in the schools of this
town and in Wilton. In recent years he has
given his attention to fruit farming. He
keeps his land in a good state of cultivation,
and he has met with a fair share of success.
Taking a warm interest in educational mat-
ters, he has been a member of the School
Board. Fraternally, he belongs to the Sou-
hegan Grange of Amherst and to the Golden
Cross.

On October 17, 1882, Mr. Upton married
Miss Etta L. Mace. She was born in Bed-
ford, N.H., daughter of the late John Mace,
who gave his life for the Union in the late
Civil War, having enlisted in a company from
Amherst. Mr. and Mrs. Upton have four
children; namely, Linda P., Chester W.,
Wealtha M., and George Ray.

 

 

EORGE W. AVERILL, an esteemed
resident of Mont Vernon, well known
as. a farmer throughout Hillsboro

County, is a native of this town, born March
10, 1829, and a son of John and Hannah
(French) Averill. John Averill, Sr., the
grandfather of George W., was the first of the
family to establish a home in Mont Vernon.
He was an early settler of this place, and
a prominent and influential citizen. John
Averill, Jr., who was born here, spent his life
in the place. He, too, was prominent in
affairs. He served as Selectman for a num-
ber of years, and was the town’s Representa-
tive in the New Hampshire legislature for one
term. In politics he was a stanch Democrat.
His wife, Hannah, who was born in the part
of Mont Vernon formerly called Lyndeboro,
had four children, of whom Harriet F. is de-
ceased. The others are: Charles F., who
went to California in the early fifties, and has
resided there since; George W., the subject
of this sketch; and Carrie S., the wife of Ben-
jamin F. Davis.

George W. Averill received such educa-
tional advantages as were afforded by the dis-
trict schools of Mont Vernon, which after
124

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

the first few years he attended mainly in the
winter season. His chief occupation has
been farming, for which he has gained a high
reputation. Some years ago, during the
winter seasons, in company with Clark Camp-
bell, the present United States Marshal for
New Hampshire, who lives in Mont Vernon,
he was engaged in lumbering under the firm
name of Averill & Campbell.

In 1857 Mr. Averill married Miss Nancy
Lamson. She was born in Mont Vernon,
daughter of Captain William Lamson, now de-
ceased, who was a Captain in the State mi-
litia. Three children have been born to them,
namely: Ella A., the wife of Henry Robin-
son, of Hancock Junction, N.H.; Carrie F.,
the wife of Charles Trow, of Mont Vernon;
and George F., of the firm Hutchinson &
Averill, grocers of Milford. Mrs. Robinson
is a graduate of McCollom Institute here in
Mont Vernon, and was a student at Wellesley
College for threé years. Subsequently she
went as a teacher to South Africa, in the
school established by Juliet Gilson, a South
African missionary, and taught there for five
years. The Democratic party has in Mr.
Averill a loyal supporter. For a number of
years he served as Selectman. He was Town
Clerk for several years, and he is now a mem-
ber of the Board of Supervisors. When
Prospect Grange was organized, he was a char-
ter member, but is not now connected with
the organization. He is a member of the
Congregational church.

 

AMES’ B. WHIPPLE, a= successful
hotel proprietor of New Boston, was
born February 20, 1838, son of John
and Philantha (Reed) Whipple. His

great-grandfather, also named John, who was
born in Ipswich, Mass., December 30, 1747,
and was one of the very early settlers of New
Boston, married Deliverance Dodge, who was
born February 15, 1746. The grandparents
were sturdy, industrious farming people, and
prosperous for those times. The grandfather
died in New Boston in 1820, and his wife six-
teen years later. Their nine children were
born as follows: Jerusha, October 17, 1768;

 

Stephen, December 16, 1770; Paul, July 11,
1773; John, April 29, 1776; Salome, April
2, 1778; Salome (second), June 21, 1780;
Aaron, September 11, 1782; Aaron (second),
January 13, 1787; and Robert, March 13,
1790. John, Stephen, and Robert were all
physicians. John built the present hotel
at New Boston, and gave the land where the
Baptist church now stands.

Paul Whipple, grandfather of James B.,
was one of the well-known farmers of New
Boston. He spent most of his active life in
that town. His last years were passed in
Barre, Vt., where he died. He married Betsy
Woodbury, who was born at Mont Vernon,
August 17, 1777, daughter of James and Han-
nah (Trask) Woodbury. His death occurred
February 8, 1830, and that of his wife on
June 29, 1839. They had fourteen children,
born as follows: Betsy, May 26, 1796; Lucy,
April 12, 1798; Stephen, March 4, 1800;
Hannah, January 27, 1802; Salome, February
26, 1804; John, August 31, 1806; William
B., May 3, 1808; Aaron, March 1, 1810;
Woodbury M., November 11, 1811; Robert,
May 17, 1813; James R., April 8, 1815;
Isaac A., June 9, 1818; Maria, December 7,
1820; and Fidelia, August 17, 1823. John,
the father of the subject of this sketch, after
being brought up under the care of his uncle
John, the physician, followed the occupations
of farmer and stone mason, and kept a hotel
for a short time in New Boston. He served
his town as Selectman, and was a Captain in
the old militia. In religious belief he was a
Baptist. In politics he was a Democrat until
the formation of the Republican party,
which he thereafter supported. His wife,
Philantha (Reed) Whipple, was born in
Barre, Vt., September 23, 1808, daughter of
Joseph and Elizabeth (Eager) Reed. He
died in New Boston, March 28, 1887, and she
on May 25, 1890. Of their eight children
six are living. They were: Hannah E., Phi-
lantha R., John, James B., Paul, Joseph Reed,
Mary A., and William H. Hannah, born
June 6, 1831, is now the widow of John Mc-
Lane, late of New Boston, and has three chil-
dren — Bessie M., James N., and Reed W.
Philantha, born July 3, 1833, married Dr,
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

125

 

 

William Sellers, of Haverhill, Mass., and has
two children — Maud B. and William Henry.
John, born September 3, 1835, fought in the
Civil War with the Eleventh Regiment, Com-
pany C, New Hampshire Volunteers, and was
one of the victims of Southern cruelty who
died at Andersonville Prison in 1864. James
B., born February 20, 1838, is the proprietor
of the Tavern at New Boston. Paul, born
April 30, 1840, was also in the Civil War
with the Seventh New Hampshire Volun-
teers, and was wounded at Fort Wagner. He
is unmarried, and at present resides in South
Carolina, where he is a large planter. Joseph
Reed, born September 8, 1842, is the well-
known proprietor of Young’s Hotel, the
Parker House, and the new Hotel Touraine,
all of, Boston, Mass. He has been a most
generous patron of his native town. Its rail-
road was obtained through his influence, and
he has been the means of securing the erec-
tion of many of the important buildings. In
addition to giving the town the use of a fine
library he has been a liberal contributor to
the town house, the churches, and_ schools.
He owns the New Boston Creamery, and is
interested in farming. The people of New
Boston are fortunate in counting among their
number one who is so eminently successful
and able, and who is so willing to promote
the welfare of the community. Mary Whip-
ple, born December 11, 1845, is the wife of
Henry C. Sherwin, of Ayer, Mass., and has
one son, Paul. William H., born September
29, 1849, died at the age of six years.

After growing up as a farm boy in New
Boston, James B. Whipple went to Boston,
Mass. Here he gradually worked his way
upward, meeting with an unusual degree of
success. To-day, in the capacity of landlord
of the Tavern, he extends-a genial welcome to
all visitors of New Boston. His house has
all the comforts and conveniences of a city
hotel. In his hands the original building has
been remodelled and enlarged, so that it has
now thirty rooms, and accommodates fifty
guests. All the appointments are of the best
and up-to-date. Attached is a first-class liv-
ery. In association with his brother, J. Reed
Whipple, he has been interested for a number

 

of years in Young’s Hotel, the Parker House,
and the Adams House of Boston. His popu-
larity in his own town was agreeably ex-
pressed in 1895 by a complimentary dinner
tendered him on his fifty-seventh birthday,
when some excellent verses by “J. M. G.”
were read.

REN ALBERT SHERWIN, the
Postmaster of Chesham, Harrisville,

 

 

and a dealer in flour, grain, groceries,

and general merchandise, was born in
Charlestown, N.H., June 14, 1862, son of
Benjamin A. and Clara F. (Towne) Sherwin.
The grandfather, Eben Sherwin, one of trip-
lets, resided at Grafton, Vt., and was father
of four children — Benjamin A., George E.,
Melissa, and Malona.

Benjamin A. Sherwin, a native of New York
State, was born May 11, 1837. When very
young he removed to Vermont, where he lived
until the time came for him to take charge of
his own fortunes. Then he went to Dublin,
where he married and resided most of the time
for a number of years. Subsequently he went
to Charlestown, N.H., but shortly after re-
turned to Dublin. For the last twenty-eight
years he has been in Harrisville, occupied in
farming and milling. He is also interested
with his son in.a large general merchandise
store at Chesham. His wife, Clara, was born
at Nelson, N.H., March 8, 1839, daughter of
Cornelius K. Towne, of Dublin. Her only
child is the subject of this sketch.

Oren A. Sherwin was educated at Chesham,
Harrisville, and at Walpole. After leaving
school he went into business on a small scale.
With the increase of business he increased his
facilities, so that he has now a large and pros-
perous business. His heaviest work is during
the summer, when he caters to a large popula-
tion of summer residents at Silver Lake. Mr.
Sherwin has recently been appointed Post-
master, and in that position is giving entire
satisfaction. Being a man of ability and of
irreproachable habits, he commands the re-
spect of his townsmen. In politics he is a
Republican, and he is an attendant of the Bap-
tist church.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

Mr. Sherwin married Lenora J. Stevens,
who was born April 20, 1870, daughter of
John Stevens, of Nelson. Mr. and Mrs. Sher-
win have two children: Eva Beatrice, who was
born at Chesham on April 12, 1893; and Mil-
dred Lenora, who was born at Chesham on
June 25, 1896.

 

 

RRIN D. PRESCOTT, a leading busi-
ness man of Greenville, is a native of
Mason, this State, where he was born
September 9, 1846, son of Charles and
Lucy Ann (Flagg) Prescott. He is a de-
scendant of the hero of Bunker Hill, who,
wearing a silk dressing-gown, walked around
the defences inspiring his men with courage,
at the same time that he surprised the Red-
coats by his audacious boldness. Another of
his ancestors was William Prescott, the his-
torian. Benjamin Prescott, the grandfather
of Orrin D., was born in 1774, about the time
the Revolutionary War began. He was a
blacksmith by trade, and lived in Westford,
Mass., where he worked in a forge. He was
married in 1799 to Polly Reed, of Westford,
and subsequently became the father of two
children, neither of whom is now living.
Charles Prescott taught school for a num-
ber of terms when a young man. Afterward
he learned the mason’s trade, which he worked
at for many years. He lived for a short time
in New Ipswich, but the greater part of his
life was passed in Mason, where he died at
the age of fifty-eight years. His wife, who
survived him many years, died at the age of
eighty-one. Both were highly esteemed
members of the Christian Church of Mason.
He was a thorough-going Republican, and was
actively interested in all the affairs of the
town. For many years he was a member of
the Board of Selectmen, and at one time he
represented the town in the State legislature.
His children were: Mary A., who is the
widow of James L. Chamberlin, and has one
child, Ida F. (see sketch of H. J. Taft);
Emmeline, who is the wife of Frank L. Pea-
body, of Greenville; Nellie, who married Dr.
E. J. Donnell, of Topeka, Kan.; Charles and
Frederick, who are deceased; Eva F., now

 

Mrs. E. F. Pierce, of Leominster, Mass.; and
Orrin D., the subject of this biography. The
father was successful in business, and left a
goodly property to be divided among his chil-
dren.

' Orrin D. Prescott, the seventh child of his
parents, received his early education in his
native town. Afterward he attended Wil-
braham Academy in Massachusetts and Apple-
ton Academy in New Ipswich. After his
school days were over he worked for James L.
Chamberlin for three years as book-keeper.
In June, 1869, in company with his brother,
Charles B., he purchased a general merchan-
dise store, and carried it on under the firm
name of Prescott Brothers. Charles, besides
serving acceptably as Representative in the
State legislature, was a Selectman for a num-
ber of years. At his death in the following
year, Orrin D. took entire charge of the store,
and has since carried it on alone. In 1883 he
leased the grist-mill formerly owned by James
L. Chamberlin, and he has since done a con-
siderable business in grain.

On December 16, 1886, Mr. Prescott mar-
ried Abbie L. Robbins, of Littleton, Mass.
A Republican in politics, he has been promi-
nent in the town affairs of Greenville, and
was Town Treasurer for a number of years.
He is a Mason of Souhegan Lodge and a
member of Jerusalem Commandery at Fitch-
burg, Mass. He is also a member of Green-
ville Lodge, the I. O. O. F. 7
a. in Brookline, Hillsboro County, was

born in this town, November 15,
1844, son of John and Philomela (Bennett)
Burge. David Burge, his grandfather, who
was born July 16, 1761, was an industrious
farmer of Hollis, N.H. He died March 1,
1816. His wife, Betsey McIntosh Burge,
who was born February 16, 1769, became the
mother of six children, of whom John, J. Pay-
son Burge’s father, was the third-born. Mrs.
David Burge died December 16, 1857.

John Burge was born in Hollis, March 22,
1806. When a young man he settled in

 

PAYSON BURGE, who owns and
occupies the old Burge homestead
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

127

 

 

Brookline, and purchased the farm upon which
his son, J. Payson, now resides. He was an
energetic and successful farmer and a useful
citizen; and his death, which occurred Decem-
ber 24, 1876, was much regretted. His wife,
Philomela, whom he married April 13, 1832,
was a daughter of Deacon Thomas Bennett,
of Brookline, N.H. She became the mother
of three children, namely: Catherine A.,
widow of Raymond J. Pierce, late of Brook-
line; Minerva E, who was born May 15, 1841,
and died November 14, 1842; and J. Payson,
.the subject of this sketch. Mrs. John Burge
died September 22, 1871. She and her hus-
band attended the Congregational church, of
which Mr. Burge became a member in 1842.

J. Payson Burge was educated in his native
town, and since leaving school has given his
attention to agricultural pursuits. He has
hitherto resided at the homestead, and as a
general farmer he is both practical and suc-
cessful.

On June 1, 1870, Mr. Burge married Lucy
C. Wright, daughter of Ozias Wright, of
Brookline. Politically he supports the Re-
publican party. Mr. and Mrs. Burge are
members of the Congregational church.

 

merchant of Harrisville and formerly

a member of the New Hampshire

House of Representatives, was born in
this town, March 17, 1868, son of Henry and
Angeline M. (Hardy) Farwell. His grand-
father, Samuel Farwell, who was a lumber
manufacturer in Harrisville, married Lucinda
Scripture, who bore him ten children; namely,
Henry, Caroline, Mary, Josephine, Charles,
Augusta, John, Frances, and two who died in
infancy.

Henry Farwell, the father of John H., born
in Fitchburg, Mass., and educated in Nelson,
N.H., was for some years engaged in the
manufacture of clothes-pins and lumber with
his brother Charles. He is now living with
his son. His wife, Angeline, who was born
in Hollis, N.H., is a daughter of Page Hardy,
also a native of Hollis. John H., the sub-
ject of this sketch, is their only child.

d= H. FARWELL, an enterprising

 

John H. Farwell acquired his education in
Harrisville. For several years he was station
agent at East Harrisville. Since retiring
from that position he has been engaged in
keeping a general country store in the village.
He is meeting with good success as a mer-
chant, and is popular with his patrons and
the community in general. He represented
Harrisville in the legislature of 1895-96,
serving upon the Committee on Fish and
Game. At present he is Supervisor, and has
been a trustee of the town library for two
years. He is connected with the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, and attends the Con-
gregational church.

Mr. Farwell married Nellie V. Cooper, a
native of Greensboro, Vt., born in October,
1872, daughter of John J. Cooper. Mrs. Far-
well is the mother of two children: Berdia
M., born March 21, 1892; and Adra E., born

May 7, 1893.

 

 

HARLES W. GOWING, formerly Se-
lectman of the town of Dublin, and
extensively engaged in farming and
dairying, was born in this town,
December 21, 1819, son of Joseph and Hep-
zibah (Fairbanks) Gowing. The paternal
grandfather, James Gowing, who was born at
Lynnfield, Mass., January 18, 1736, and died
in Jaffrey, June 6, 1805, came to New Hamp-
shire in 1777. He was a farmer by occupa-
tion. His wife, who was Lydia Wellman be-
fore her marriage, had a family of twelve
children; namely, Lydia, Samuel, James,
Benjamin, William, Aziel, Levi, Rosanna,
Simeon, Thirza, Joseph, and Esther.

Joseph Gowing, born December 12, 1777,
died October 13, 1838. In 1806 he settled in
Dublin, where he became a highly successful
farmer. He was much interested in military
affairs, and was Captain in the State militia.
He attended the Unitarian church. His wife,
Hepzibah, who was born March 31, 1785, died
October 13, 1843. She was the mother of
eight children — Asa F., Joseph M., Zaman
A., Louisa H., Amna A., Charles W., Lavater
L., and Lydia R.

Having attended

school at Dublin and
128

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

Peterboro, Charles W. Gowing worked out at
farming until he was twenty-six years of age.
Then he bought the farm that has since been
his home. He does a large business in poul-
try, hogs, and cattle, and carries on general
farming. He makes a specialty of producing
fine dairy products, which find a ready market
on account of their superior quality. He is
active in town affairs, and has been Selectman
for four years.
resentative to the legislature, and while there
he served on the Committee on Division of
Towns. He is a member of the grange, and
attends the Unitarian church.

Mr. Gowing married Julia Foster, who was
born September 5, 1826, at Walpole, N.H.,
daughter of Ephraim Foster, of Dublin.
They have had three children — Fred C., Mary
A., and George F. Fred C., born in Dublin
on October 23, 1855, since he left school has
been associated with his father in farming.
He is prominent in town affairs, has been Se-
lectman for three years, and the Representa-
tive to the legislature for four years. In
1893-95 he served as chairman of the Legis-
lative Committee on Industrial Schools. Dur-
ing his second term in the legislature he was
a member of the Committee on Appropria-
tions. He isa prominent Granger. He mar-
ried Jennie Newton, of Troy, N.H., who was
born in Marlboro, N.H., September 3, 1855,
daughter of Martin Newton. They have three
children — Alice M., Henry N., and Albert
C.—all born in Dublin. Mary A. Gowing is
now Mrs. James H. Hamill, and resides in
Washington, D.C., where Mr. Hamill is a
book-keeper. They have one child, Charles
B. George F. Gowing died in 1881, seven
teen years of age, having resided with his par-
ents up to that time.

ILLIAM S. WHIPPLE, a wealthy
and influential farmer of Goffstown,
was born here, December 2, 1836,

son of John and Margaret (Annis) Whipple,
the former a native of Bow, N.H., and the
latter of Goffstown. Charles Whipple,
grandfather of William S., served in the
War of 1812.

 

 

In 1879 and 1880 he was Rep-

 

He settled in Goffstown about |

1830 or 1835, and was a sturdy, industrious
farmer there for the remainder of his days.
He was a Baptist in his religious preferences
and a Whig in politics. At his death, when
seventy years old, he left a name highly
respected by his townspeople.

John Whipple, father of the subject of this
sketch, also owned and conducted a farm in
Goffstown, and was also characterized by
steady integrity and application to business.
Both he and his wife were identified with the
Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics
he was a Democrat. He died at the age of
fifty-eight, and his wife lived to be over
seventy. They had eight children, of whom
there are now living: William S., Charles
A., Amos W., and John L., all residents of
Goffstown. Charles is in the west village,
and Amos is on Pattee’s Hill. The others
were: Thomas L., Henry L., Mary F., and
Andrew.

William S. Whipple was educated in the
common schools of his native town. As he
grew to young manhood, he became anxious to
start out for himself. This he did at the age
of nineteen, working on a farm by the month,
receiving for his first month’s wages fourteen
dollars. Thrifty and+ persevering, he was
able to buy his first land, a lot which
covered two hundred acres, in 1871. While
improving this property, he kept adding to it,
so that to-day he owns about five hundred
acres, and is one of the largest land-owners of
this section. His residence is comfortable
and substantial, and his farm buildings are
good ones.

He has always been a busy, energetic
worker, and has risen to his present position
by his own efforts. His creed in religion is
an independent one, and in politics he is
a Democrat. He was Selectman for three
terms, and has been Collector of Taxes, and
held various other minor offices. At present
he is Road Agent of the town. He belongs
to the Patrons of Husbandry and the New
England Benefit Order.

Mr. Whipple was married August 30, 1856,
to Lydia Richards, who was born in Goffs-
town, June 29, 1837, daughter of True and
Sophia (Wright) Richards. Her parents, na-
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

129

 

 

tives respectively of Goffstown and Westfield,
Mass., successively died at the ages of sixty-
three and seventy-six. Mr. Whipple and his
wife have had seven children, one of whom is
deceased. The others were born as follows:
Willie E., in Manchester, April 13, 1861;
Charles H., September 5, 1863; Fred S.,
June 2, 1866; Warren H., October 4, 1868;
Dora E., in Goffstown, January 28, 1875;
and Herman M., in Goffstown, October 10,
1877. Emma J., who was born March 13,
1858, died July 23, 1860.

 

 

LBERT A. JUNKINS, a prominent
farmer of Merrimac, N.H., was born
in Bedford, this State, November
19, 1832, son of Henry and Hannah
(Miller) Junkins. The Junkins family in
America is of Scotch origin, and the branch
in Merrimac came here from York, Me.
Henry Junkins, son of Joseph Junkins, worked
in South Boston at the trade of ship-carpenter
in his earlier years. When about twenty-one
years of age he came to New Hampshire, lo-
cating in this town, and there carried on gen-
eral farming and some milling. He has been
described as a “handy” and industrious man.
He owned the farm where his son now resides,
and died here, November 13, 1881, regretted
by a large circle of friends. His religious
views were broad and charitable. He believed
in the beneficent agency of a liberal Chris-
tianity, and was not allied with any church
organization. His political principles during
the last part of his life, after the breaking up
of the Whig party, were Democratic. He
was twice married, his wives being sisters.
There were three children by the first mar-
riage, and five by the last. Of these Char-
lotte, Increase, Jesse, Albert A., and Mary
are living.

Albert A. Junkins has spent the greater
part of his life in Merrimac. He has kept
his farm of one hundred and sixty-five acres
in a good state of cultivation, and he has made
many improvements upon it.
1856, he was united in marriage with Miss
Eleanor M. Holt, a Vermont lady, who died
in 1880. In 1881 Mr. Junkins married Miss

‘riage and five by the

On May 21,.

 

Clara P. Hill, of Merrimac, who was born
May 20, 1857, daughter of Franklin E. and
Nancy E. (Tidd) Hill. Mr. Junkins is the
father of ten children, five by the first mar-
second. They are:
Mary, James, Henry, Hattie, Alvah, Ernest,
Clair, Morris, Hannah, and Jennie. Mr.
Junkins is a Congregationalist in religious
belief, while his wife is a believer in the
tenets of Christian Science. In politics Mr.
Junkins is a Democrat. He takes a loyal
interest in town affairs. In the office of
Town Treasurer he acceptably served the
community for a period. A self-made man,
he has the satisfaction of knowing that he has
made his own way in the world. He is
highly esteemed in Merrimac.

 

LDEN YOUNGMAN, of South Merri-
mac, was born December 24, 1832,
in Wilmot, Merrimack County, son
of Jabez and Emma _ (Baldwin)
Youngman. Mr. Youngman traces his ances-
try in this country back through a number of
generations represented by sturdy and up-
right men. His paternal ancestor five gener-
ations back was Francis Youngman, who
married Anna Fisher Heath, of Dedham,
Mass. He died in July, 1712, at Roxbury,
Mass. His son Ebenezer, born November 2,
1690, who married Mercy Jones, died before
1734.

Nicholas Youngman, son of Ebenezer and
great-grandfather of Alden Youngman, was
born in 1732 in the city of Boston, and was
living in Dunstable (Pine Hill in Hollis) in
the year 1756. At first he was a weaver by
trade. In later years, after moving to Hollis,
he was engaged in farming. He joined the
Continental army in July, 1776, and subse-
quently fought for independence together
with his sons in Colonel Wingate’s regiment.
He also had sons-in-law in the war.
Mary Wright Youngman, his first wife, be-
longed to the early Wright family of Hamp-
den County and Springfield, Mass. The
Wrights suffered much from the Indian dep-
redations on the frontier. Some of the fam-
ily were carried off by the red men, and
130

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

others died from injuries and exposure.
About twelve years after Mary’s death in
Hollis, in 1802, Nicholas Youngman, then
eighty-two years old, married Lydia Hobart.
He died at the age of ninety-one years, hon-
ored for his devotion to his country and for
his noble life and character. The four sons
who fought in the war were: Ebenezer, John,
Thomas, and Jabez. Ebenezer was killed at
Bunker Hill. Jabez Youngman, the sixth of
Nicholas’s sons and the grandfather of Alden
Youngman, was born in Hollis, March 4,
1764. He married Susannah Powers, and had
a family of twelve children; namely, Jabez,
Jr., Noah, David, Susanna, Hannah, Lucy,
Stephen, Nathan, Willard, Hannah (second),
Alden, and Mary. Jabez Youngman, Jr.,
who was born in Hollis, June 26, 1786, be-
came a prominent man in Merrimack and
Grafton Counties and a successful farmer.
He was in the State legislature for eleven
years in succession, was a member of the Con-
stitutional Convention in 1850, and held
various other offices of trust and responsibil-
ity. In politics he was a Democrat, in re-
ligion a Universalist. His wife, Emma
Baldwin Youngman, who died in 1877, was
the mother of twelve children. Of these
Emma B., Harriet B., and Alden are living.
Alden Youngman has spent his time chiefly
in New Boston, Wilmot, Dorchester, and
Merrimac. His early life was passed in
Dorchester, and he was sent to the public
schools of that town. His chief occupations
have been farming and carpentering and
other mechanical work. In 1884 he came to
Merrimac, where he has a nice home and a
well-cultivated farm of some thirty acres.
He married in 1856 Miss Maria S. Smith,. of
New Boston, daughter of Sandy and Susan
(Eayrs) Smith. She died in 1892, leaving
one son, Charles F. Youngman, who, born in
1858, married Miss Jennie H. Hill. While
in Dorchester Mr. Youngman was Selectman
during three successive years, and since com-
ing here he has served the town for the same
length of time. He is also Justice of the
Peace. In religion he is a Christian Scien-
tist and in politics a stanch Republican.
He has always been an energetic, stirring

 

man, and has made many friends by his affable
manners and obliging disposition.

 

 

SA H. BULLOCK, one of Richmond’s

most stirring farmers and an ex-mem-

ber of the New Hampshire legislat-

ure, was born in this town, June 9,

1833, son of Asa and Tamason (Cass) Bullock.

The father settled upon a farm in the southern

part of the township, and resided there until

his death, which occurred August 19, 1874.

In politics he was a Democrat. His first

wife, Tamason Cass Bullock, who was a

daughter of Jonathan Cass, died August 28,

1839, leaving one son, Asa H., the subject of

this sketch. His second wife, Amy, daughter

of Robert Swan, died in 1887. She was the

mother of two children— Henry and Eliza-
beth.

Asa H. Bullock was educated in Richmond,
and assisted his father on the homestead until
he was twenty years old. He then bought the
Major John Cass farm, upon which he lo-
cated; and later he acquired the John Starkey
place, which gave him all together an estate
of two hundred acres. He conducts general
farming, dairying, and stock-raising, keeps a
number of excellent cows, and sells a large
amount of cream. Politically, he supports the
Democratic party, and he has devoted much
time to public affairs. He served as Select-
man five years, a part of the time being chair-
man of the Hoard, has been three times elected
to the legislature, served upon the School
Board, has been Moderator at town meetings a
number of years, has presided over the Demo-
cratic Town Committee, is now Supervisor of
the Check List, and has been chosen a dele-
gate to many party conventions. He has been
a trustee of the library since its establish-
ment, was one of the organizers of Richmond
Grange, No. 147, Patrons of Husbandry, in
which he has served as Master and Overseer.
In his religious belief he is a Universalist.

Mr. Bullock married Mary Randall, daugh-
ter of Stephen Randall, of this town, who
bore him five children, as follows: Stephen
A., born February 9, 1857; Luther C., born
December 26, 1858, and died March 11, 1859;
 

JAMES B. MERRILL.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

133

 

 

Mary D., born June 25, 1860, and died De-
cember 20, 1864; Frank R., born October
23, 1861, and died September 8, 1865; and
Myron E., born November 28, 1866, and died
March 30, 1869. The mother died October
2, 1884.

Stephen A. Bullock is now associated with
his father in managing the farm. He occu-
pies a prominent place in political affairs,
being a member of the Democratic Town Com-
mittee; and he has been a Selectman six
years, three of which he was chairman of the
Board. He is a member of Beaver Brook
Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Keene; is a charter
member of the United Order of the Golden
Cross, of which he has been Worthy Com-
mander; and is also connected with the
grange. He married Emma A. Thayer, and
has three children — Frank S., Mary A., and
Lizzie.

LBRIDGE GERRY WOODMAN, a re-
tired manufacturer of Wilton, was born
in Laconia, N.H., May 12, 1814,
son of Daniel and Eunice (Crockett) Wood-
man. His grandfather, Andrew Woodman,
who was a native of Durham, N.H., is said to
have opened the first store in what is now La-
conia. After remaining in business for a
few years, Andrew engaged in farming. He
moved to Boscawen, where he resided for a
time, and his last days were passed with his
son in Laconia. He married Mary Woodman,
and reared a family of seven children, of
whom none are now living. Both parents
lived to a good old age. They were Congre-
gationalists in religion.

Daniel Woodman, the eldest of Andrew’s
children, was born in the part of Meredith
which is now included in Laconia. He
learned the trades of blacksmith, machinist,
and carpenter, becoming a skilful mechanic.
He was afterward employed as a machinist in
building the first cottun factory in Dover,
N.H. Naturally energetic and possessing
more than the ordinary ability in his line of
work, his services were always in demand.
His wife, Eunice, who was a daughter of
Joshua Crockett, of Laconia, became the

 

 

 

mother of seven children, of whom there are
living: Elbridge G., Asa D., and Harriet N.
Asa D. married Sarah Miles, and his children
are: George, Charles, and Sarah. MHarriet N.
is the widow of Elihu Merritt, late of Ando-
ver, N.H. Daniel Wocdman died at the age
of sixty-seven, and his wife lived to be ninety
years old. They attended the Congregational
church.

Elbridge Gerry Woodman was educated in
Meredith. When a young man he began work
in the repair shop of a cotton factory in La-
conia. After finishing his apprenticeship at
the machinist’s trade in Chelmsford, Mass.,
he was for eight years overseer of a part of
the men employed. He then worked in
New York for a year, after which he came to
Wilton, and formed the corporation known as
the Wilton Manufacturing Company, of which
he was superintendent for twenty-two years.
This concern manufactured carpet yarns. He
owned several] shares of the capital stock. In
1874 he retired, having by his industry ac-
quired a comfortable fortune; and he has since
resided here, being one of the trustees of the
Wilton Savings Bank for many years.

On September 3, 1839, Mr. Woodman was
united in marriage with Mary A. Blanchard,
daughter of Luther and Mary (Kenson)
Blanchard, of Milford, N.H. He is highly
respected for his business and social promi-
nence, and his efforts in behalf of the indus-
trial interests of Wilton. Politically, he acts
with the Republican party. Both he and Mrs.
Woodman are members of the Unitarian
church.

 

AMES B. MERRILL, a retired farmer
and influential citizen of Hudson,
Hillsboro County, N.H., was born in
this town, May 6, 1824, son of Ben-

jamin and Sarah (Plummer) Merrill. His
ancestry in this country is traced back to
1634, when Nathaniel Merrill came from Eng-
land to America, and settled in Newbury,
Mass. Here he remained until his death
twenty years later, a progressive pioneer and
universally esteemed. His wife was Susannah
Jourdaine.
134

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

The next in the male line of descent was
Abel Merrill, born at Newbury, 1646. He
married Priscilla Chase, and lived to the age
of forty-three years, dying October 28, 1689.
His eldest son, Abel, Jr., born December 28,
1671, moved to West Newbury after he grew
to maturity, and married January 19, 1694,
Abigail Stevens. He became a very promi-
nent citizen in his new home, and acquired a
large property. He was active in church
affairs and for many years a Deacon. His
death occurred February 6, 1759.

Abel Merrill’s son Nathaniel, born at West
Newbury, March 1, 1712, was graduated at
Harvard in 1732, and became pastor of the
Congregational church at Rye, N.H. Upon
the organization of the Congregational church
at Hudson, then known as Nottingham West,
he accepted a call to that new field of labor,
his installation taking place November 30,
1737. He remained in this charge until his
death in 1796. The Rev. Nathaniel Merrill’s
wife was Elizabeth Sargent. They were the
parents of twelve children.

Nathaniel, Jr., born September 25, 1739,
grew to manhood in Hudson; and on February
25, 1767, he married Olive Lund, of Dun-
stable (now Nashua). Prior to the Revolu-
tionary War he held. a commission as En-
sign under His Majesty, King George III.
of England; but upon the breaking out of
the war he threw up his commission in the
king’s army, and loyally supported the cause
of his native land. It is said that he sold
a part of his farm, taking his pay in Con-
tinental money, which later depreciated in
value to such an extent as to become prac-
tically a total loss. Nathaniel Merrill, Jr.,
died in 1785, leaving a wife and a son Ben-
jamin, then only seventeen years of age, born
in 1768, to care for her in these reduced
circumstances.

Benjamin Merrill worked early and late,
and succeeded in providing a good home for
his mother in her last days. On July 25,
1820, he married Mrs. Sarah Plummer Eaton,
and began housekeeping in the southern part
of the township of Hudson, on the farm that
is now owned by his descendants. He was a
very prominent figure in the religious and

 

public affairs of Hudson, and was for many
years a Deacon of the Presbyterian church.
A man of keen discrimination and unfailing
good judgment, he was often appointed referee ;
and his advice was often sought upon impor-
tant questions and in the settlement of dis-
puted points. Politically, he was a member
of the old Whig party. His death took place
April 25, 1849, at the age of eighty-one
years. His wife died October 25, 1853, aged
seventy-one years. Their four children were:
Benjamin A., Ebenezer B., James B., and
William T. Merrill.

James B. Merrill spent his boyhood days
upon his father’s farm, attending the public
schools and making the most of all educa-
tional opportunities which were offered him.
Early in life he worked at carpentering, and
he continued to follow that occupation for
many years. He has also done a large amount
of general farming. Of amiable disposition
and generous qualities of heart and mind, he
has made many warm and appreciative friends
in the course of his long and useful life, and
has established a reputation for integrity and
good citizenship such as all men _ respect.
Mr. Merrill has now retired from active busi-
ness.

On January 22, 1857, Mr. Merrill was mar-
ried to Miss Persis A. Winn, a lady born in
Hudson and daughter of William and Persis
(Moore) Winn. Two sons and a daughter
have blessed this union, namely: Annie Ger-
trude Merrill; James Everett Merrill, a car-
penter of Hudson, who married Miss Etta S.
Marble, and is the father of Karl E. and Ethel
G. Merrill; and George Anderson Merrill,
who married Emma B. Winn, and has one
son, Winn Merrill.

Mr. and Mrs. James B. Merrill are faithful
and valued members of the Congregational
church. In politics Mr. Merrill is a loyal
Republican, and has held many offices of trust
and responsibility in his native town. He
has been Town Clerk and Treasurer for several
terms, has served as Selectman, and he repre-
sented the town in the State legislature in
1876. Fraternally, Mr. Merrill is a member
of Hudson Grange, P. of H.; and also of the
United Order of the Golden Cross.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

135

 

 

inent physician and surgeon of Keene,

was born in Ogdensburg, N.Y., August

15, 1857, and is a son of Dr. Ira French
Prouty, late of this town. The latter, a son
of Willard and Sally Prouty, of Langdon,
N.H., was born November 9, 1812. In his
boyhood he attended the academies at Bellows
Falls and at Chester, Vt., and later read
medicine with Dr. Lowell, of Chester, and
with Dr. Lawrence, of Saxton’s River. He
graduated from Dartmouth College in 1837,
and he practised successively in Illinois, New
Hampshire, and New York before coming to
Keene in 1863. A popular man in the com-
munity, he was elected to the Board of Educa-
tion for eight years, and was sent to represent
the town in the State legislature, and was on
the Board of Aldermen of the city of Keene.
In the legislature he was active in securing
State aid for Dartmouth College. He married
for his first wife Emily F. Babcock. His sec-
ond wife, Elsie, a daughter of Deacon Luke and
Lydia Joslin, of Stoddard, is now living with
her son, Dr. Ira J. Prouty. Deacon Joslin,
who was one of the early settlers of Stoddard,
came to Keene in 1856.

Ira J. Prouty graduated from the Keene
High School at the age of eighteen years, and
then took a special course at the Massachu-
setts Institute of Technology, preparatory to
studying medicine. He took his medical
course in the University of New York, gradu-
ating in 1882, and immediately settled in
practice at Keene. Since his graduation from
the medical school he has done special post-
graduate work in various hospitals in the
States, and during the winter of 1893-94 in
hospitals of Great Britain and other countries
of Europe. He is especially devoted to sur-
gical practice, and physicians send from long
distances to consult with him on important
cases in surgery. He is a member of the
American Medical Society and of the New
Hampshire Medical Society; also of the Con-
necticut River Valley Medical Society, of
which he has been president. He is often
sent as delegate to other societies outside the
State. Many of the papers read before these
societies by him have been published in vari-

qT JOSLIN PROUTY, M.D., a prom-

 

ous medical and scientific journals. He was
one of the original Board of Trustees of the
Elliott City Hospital and on its first staff of
physicians. He is also secretary of the New
Hampshire Surgical Club. Dr. Prouty has
been city physician of Keene and a member
of the Board of Health, and he has served on
the Board of Education for six years. He is
a member of Beaver Brook Lodge, I. O. O. F.
On July 19, 1882, Dr. Prouty was first mar-
ried to Miss Marietta Humphrey, of Keene.
She became the mother of his son, Ira Hum-
phrey Prouty, who was born April 25, 1885.
Mrs. Prouty died in 1894. A second mar-
riage on June 23, 1896, united the Doctor
with Miss Elizabeth F. Howe, of Dublin,
N.H., who lived only a short time after.

 

©.

JON. JOHN McGAW PARKER, of
9

 

Parker’s Station, Goffstown, is one
= of the most widely known business

men of Hillsboro County. He and
his brother, David A. Parker, were known as
the “lumber kings of Southern New Hamp-
shire.” Born in Goffstown, September 17,
1822, son of William and Hannah (Adams)
Parker, he is a descendant of Josiah Parker,
who came trom England to this country prior
to the year 1700, and settled in Cambridge,
Mass. Josiah’s son Thomas was a preacher
and the first settled minister at Dracut,
Mass., where he died in 1765. John Parker,
son of the Rev. Thomas and the grandfather
of the Hon. John McGaw Parker, was an early
settler and farmer of Litchfield, N.H. He
afterward came to Goffstown, where his death
occurred in 1822. He served in the Revolu-
tionary War.

William Parker, the second son of John,
born in 1775, spent the active years of his life
in Goffstown, extensively engaged in farming,
lumbering, and storekeeping. He died in
Goffstown in 1839, aged about sixty-four
years. In politics he was a Whig, in re-
ligion a Congregationalist, and a member of
the church of that denomination in Goffstown.
For his first wife he married Hannah Aiken,
who died September 30, 1818. His second
and last marriage was with Mrs. Hannah

 
136

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

McGaw, whose maiden name was’ Hannah
Adams. She was born August 22, 1788, in
Derry, N.H., and died February 26, 1869, in
Goffstown, in the eighty-first year of her age.
The children of the first marriage were:
Rodney, George W., Caroline, and Margaret
Ann. Those of the second were: Hannah A.,
born November 13, 1819; John McGaw, the
subject of this sketch; David Adams, born
October 5, 1824; and William Henry, born
August 6, 1831.

John McGaw Parker, the only surviving
child of William Parker, was educated at the
Goffstown common school, at Hopkinton and
Derry Academies, and at the school at Con-
cord, N.H. When seventeen years old he be-
came a clerk in a store in Concord and later
at Goffstown. Beginning in 1843, at the
age of twenty-one, he had been engaged in
business for himself at Goffstown for thirty-
three years when in 1876 he was succeeded
by his sons. In 1848, with his brother,
David A. Parker, he formed a copartnership
in the lumber business, which was continued
until the death of his brother in 1895. Their
extensive and successful enterprises in this
direction caused them to be called the “lum-
ber kings of Southern New Hampshire.”
Since the death of his brother John McGaw
Parker has been busily engaged in settling the
large estate left by the latter and in selling
the lumber in which they had a mutual inter-
est. One of the largest individual land-
owners in Hillsboro County, he continues to
carry on a large business in farming and lum-
bering.

In 1854 Mr. Parker married Miss Letitia
Stintson, daughter of Charles Stintson.
Their three sons—Charles S., Henry W.,
and Frank A. — are bright, wide-awake busi-
ness men. Charles S. and Frank A., the
eldest and youngest, succeeded their father in
the store which he established in Goffstown
in 1843, and which is to-day the leading store
in the place. Henry W. conducts a success-
ful wholesale grocery business in Manchester,
N.H. Parker’s Station, where Mr. and Mrs.
Parker reside, derives its name from the fam-
ily. Mr. Parker is a stanch Republican.
He served as State Senator in 1859-60, and

 

has been successively a member of the Council
of Governor Prescott and Governor Cheney.
For twenty years Mr. Parker has been on the
State Board of Equalization. He holds lib-
eral views regarding religion.

AMUEL C. FOLLANSBEE, who
owns and occupies a desirable farm
situated in the suburbs of Nashua,
was born in Merrimac, N.H., Au-

gust 28, 1816, son of Samuel and Mehitable
(Clifford) Follansbee. His grandfather, also
named Samuel, a native of England, who was
an early settler of Hillsboro County, and re-
sided in Merrimac, joined the Continental
army, and was killed in the Revolutionary
War. The father, who was born in Hillsboro
County, learned the cooper’s trade, and fol-
lowed it for several years. He later becamea
miller, and was also the owner of a good farm
in Merrimac. He was an able business man
and a tireless worker, and was highly re-
spected for his industry and integrity. In
politics he was a Democrat. His last days
were spent upon his farm, and he lived to be
eighty-three years old. His wife, who was a
native of Loudon, N.H., became the mother
of eleven children, four of whom are living,
namely: Samuel C., the subject of this
sketch; Washington W., a resident of Merri-
mac; Franklin W., who resides in Manches-
ter, N.H.; and Lucinda Page, who lives in

 

Boston. The others were: Charles, Arminda,
Clifton, James, Elsie, and two who died
young. Mrs. Samuel Follansbee died at the

age of eighty-one years.

Samuel C. Follansbee was educated in the
schools of Merrimac. After completing his
studies he resided for atime in Nashua. At
the age of seventeen he went to Boston, and
there resided for more than forty years, follow-
ing various lines of business. He finally re-
turned to Nashua, and since 1881 has given
his attention to agricultural pursuits. He
owns a farm of thirty acres, which he has
greatly improved, and it would be difficult to
find in New England a more pleasantly located
rural residence.

Mr. Follansbee is unmarried. He has by
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

137

 

 

his own industry and perseverance obtained a
comfortable competency, and is passing his
declining years in comparative ease. He en-
tertains liberal views in regard to religion,
and in politics he is a Republican.

 

ARL EVANS, M.D., of Winchester,

>} one of the busiest medical practitioners |

in this part of the county, was born
in Brookline, Vt., November 30, 1838, son
of Charles and Philena (Fuller) Evans.
Charles Evans, who was a native and well-to-
do farmer of Royalton, Vt., spent the greater
part of his active life in that State. He was
a man of much natural intelligence and execu-
tive ability, and was a leading spirit among
the Democrats of his locality during the Re-
bellion, availing himself of every opportunity
to discuss the political issues of the day. He
was the father of eight children, of whom
Earl, the subject of this sketch, was the first-
born.

Earl Evans, after completing an academic
course, taught school for a season, and then
began the study of medicine with Dr. Edwin
C. Cross. He studied at the Harvard Medical
School for a time, but got the greater portion
of his professional training at the Berkshire
Medical College, Pittsfield, Mass., where he
was a pupil of Professor H. H. Childs, and
was graduated with high honors. He first
began practice at West Swanzey, then he fol-
lowed his profession in Winchester and after-
ward in Boston; but, finding that the climate
of the New England metropolis was undermin-
ing his health, he decided to settle in the
country, and came to Winchester, where he
has since resided. His practice embraces not
only this but most of the adjoining towns, and
he therefore spends much time in driving.
He has acquired a high place in his profes-
sion, and his reputation extends beyond the
limits of this county and State. He is a
member of the New Hampshire Medical So-
ciety, the Cheshire County Medical Society,
and the Connecticut River Valley Medical So-
ciety; has been a member of the American
Medical Association for the past twenty years;
belongs to the International Association; and

 

in 1890 he was chosen a delegate from the
American Association to the International
Medical Congress at Berlin. He is the propri-
etor of a well-equipped drug store in Winches-
ter, which is managed by an_ experienced
pharmacist, and contains a full line of medi-
cines, chemicals, and kindred articles.

Dr. Evans married Helen E. Buffum, only
daughter of Captain David Buffum, late of
Swanzey. Mrs. Evans’s father, who was a
prominent business man, assisted in raising
Company I, Sixteenth Regiment, New Hamp-
shire Volunteers, and died while serving in
the Civil War. Dr. Evans occupies a hand-
some residence, which he erected in 1876.

 

HARLES F. MELENDY, a well-
known farmer and manufacturer of
the town of Temple, N.H., Hills-
boro County, is a native of Brook-
line, this State, where he was born December
31, 1844, son of Thomas and Mary (Badger)
Melendy. Thomas Melendy, his father, also
a native of Brookline, was a lumberman and
farmer by occupation, and was an industrious
and worthy citizen. Keenly alive to his pub-
lic duties, he took an active interest in both
town and county affairs, and represented
Ward Eight of Nashua in the State legislat-
ure. His death occurred in 1888. Of the
five children born to him only two are now
living: Charles F., of Temple; and Hervey
D. Melendy, of Nashua.

Charles F. Melendy grew to manhood in
Milford, and received his early education in
the district schools and in the high school of
that town. Later he attended Dartmouth Col-
lege with the intention of fitting himself to
be a civil engineer. Owing, however, to poor
health he was obliged to change his plans;
and he engaged in lumbering in his native
town and in Lowell, owning lands also in the
West, principally in Wisconsin. He _ has
done considerable lumbering in Canada, and
he also carries on general farming in Temple.
His most recent enterprise is the wooden box
manufactory at Hudson, where he is at pres-
ent doing a prosperous business, working up
half a million feet of lumber per month. He

@
138

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

cuts annually about four million feet of stand-
ing timber, and employs a force of from
seventy-five to one hundred and twenty-five
men. The box factory has the latest improved
machinery, and his portable saw-mill located
at Wilton is a first-class mill of its kind.

On January 3, 1889, Mr. Melendy was
united in marriage with Miss Eva D. Hutch-
inson, a native of Milford and daughter of
N. C. Hutchinson. Mr. and Mrs. Melendy
have two living children— Adelia R. and
Marion P. A son, Charles F., is now de-
ceased.

Although a believer in the beneficent effects
of a broad Christianity, Mr. Melendy is not
connected with any church. In politics he is
a Republican. He is a member of Benevo-
lent Lodge, No. 7, F. & A. M. Mr. Me-
lendy’s business career may well be taken as
an illustration of what may be accomplished
by thrift and industry, associated with enter-
prise and honesty. He is sole proprietor of
his box-making business, which is the leading
industry in Hudson, and has the satisfaction
of feeling that his success in life has been
won and merited by his own unaided effort.

 

OHN TROW McCOLLOM, a carpen-

ter and highly respected citizen of

Mont Vernon, Hillsboro County, N.H.,

was born in this town, July 28, 1835,

son of Milton and Sophronia (Trow) Mc-

Collom. His father was a descendant of

early Scotch-Irish settlers of Londonderry,

N.H., the records showing that Alexander

McCollom and his wife immigrated to that
place about 1730.

From the History of New Boston we
learn that his son Alexander, second, married
Elizabeth McMurphy (who was of another
Scottish family that came to this country after
having lived for a time in the north of Ire-
land), and in 1758 settled at New Boston,
where at the time of the incorporation of the
town he was chosen Town Clerk. His son
Alexander, third, the next to occupy the home-
stead, was for several years a Selectman of
New Boston. Later he removed to Mont
Vernon, where his declining years were

 

passed, and where he died somewhat more than
fifty years ago. He and his wife, Mary Pat-
terson, reared a large family of children, one
of their sons being Milton, father of the sub-
ject of this sketch. Another son was George
W. McCollom, late of New York City, who,
a few years before his death, gave, in memory
of his wife, a number of thousand dollars as

-an endowment fund to the school at Mont

Vernon, then known as the Appleton Acad-
emy, and since Hourishing under the name of
the McCollom Institute.

Milton McCollom was born in New Boston,
but came a few years later to Mont Vernon.
In early manhood he worked at carpentry, and
subsequently for a score of years he kept an
inn on the Henniker road. He died in 1851.
Four of the children born to him and So-
phronia, his wife, are living, namely: Mary
E., widow of Daniel Baker, residing in
Mont Vernon; Charles R., af Goffstown,
N.H.; John T., of Mont Vernon; and Fannie
E., wife of W. S. A. Starrett, of Mont
Vernon.

John Trow, the younger son, received a fair
common-school education. He was sixteen
years old at the time of his father’s death, and
since then has been practically dependent
upon his own resources. After being em-
ployed for four years at a variety of occupa-
tions, at the age of twenty he began learning
the carpenter’s trade; and for about thirty-
five years he worked summers at his trade,
and winters he did lumbering. He has lived
in Mont Vernon village since 1857, or nearly
forty years.

In 1865, at the age of thirty, Mr. McCollom
married Miss Emily J. Starrett, daughter of
Deacon Joseph A. Starrett, late of Mont
Vernon. She died April 20, 1867, leaving
one daughter, Mary B., who lives in Nashua,
N.H. In 1877 Mr. McCollom married Mrs.
Theresa M. Cristy, who is a daughter of the
late Isaac Smith, of Deering, N.H. There
are no children by this union.

In politics Mr. McCollom is a Democratic
partisan. He has served four years as Select-
man, one of which he was chairman of the
Board, and he has frequently been solicited to
accept other positions of trust. He was a
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

139

 

 

charter member of Prospect Grange, but is
not at present connected therewith. He and
his wife are members of the Congregational
church, and she is an active worker in the
Ladies’ Home Circle of Mont Vernon.

 

 

ARSHALL E. DANA, an enter-
prising farmer of Westmoreland,
was born in Weston, Vt., No-
vember 17, 1851, son of Thomas
and Mary (Chilson) Dana. The father died
in April, 1891, and the mother in 1877.
Their children were: Marian, Wallace, Edgar,
Marshall E., Edna, Stella, Allston W., and
Fenalla. Marian resides at Mount Holly.
Wallace is married, and lives in the same
place. Edgar died at the age of thirty-two.
Edna lives in Topeka, Kan., and is the wife
of Frank Parkhurst. Stella, who married
John Robinson, is no longer living. Allston
W., who is a lawyer of Topeka, Kan., was ed-
ucated at Barre, Vt., and at Tufts College.
During his Junior year at college the town of
Barre, Vt., tendered him the position of prin-
cipal of Barre Academy, an offer signifying
the value set ‘upon his abilities and services.
Mr. Dana accepted, and taught at the academy
for several years. He then took up the study
of law, and removed to Topeka. In due time
he was admitted to the bar, and he has since
acquired an extensive practice in that place.
His sister Fenalla, who also resides in Topeka,
is principal of the grammar school. She grad-
uated from Goddard Seminary at Barre.
Marshall E. Dana received his education at
Mount Holly, the home of his boyhood.
After assisting for a time on his father’s farm
he spent three years employed in the chair
factory owned by ex-Governor Washburn, of
Erving, Mass. Subsequently he returned to
Mount Holly, and worked on his father’s farm
for about six years. Afterward he went to
Keene, where in 1886 he worked in a furni-
ture factory. In the spring of this year Mr.
Dana bought a farm of two hundred and fifty-
six acres in Westmoreland, formerly owned
by Abijah French. He has since become an
extensive farmer, keeping about fifty head of
cattle, with about thirty cows. In_partner-

 

ship with others he has also been profitably
engaged in lumbering. He has been a Select-
man for the past two years, and during the
year of 1896 he was chairman of the Board.
He was formerly a Republican, but, not be-
lieving in a high tariff, he has changed to the
Democratic party. He is a member of Great
Meadow Lodge of the Grange Association,
and also belongs to the Order of the Golden
Cross.

On December 8, 1884, Mr. Dana married
Dora, daughter of Charles and Hannah T.
(Cary) Giffin. Her father, who was_ for-
merly in the grocery and provision business,
now follows the trade of mason. His only
other child, Fred W., died at the age of fif-
teen years. Mr. Dana and his wife have had
four children — Marian Giffin, Charles Giffin,
Burton Giffin, and Floyd Giffin Dana.

DDY B. SWETT, M.D., a_ physician
of Goffstown, was born in Nashua,
N.H., November 3, 1867, son of

Newell S. and Lucy F. (Abbott) Swett.
Newell S. Swett was born in Gilmanton,
N.H., and his wife came from Belvidere,
Mass. He-is now a busy tobacco merchant
in Boston, Mass. In the late war he served
as a sharpshooter with the Army of the Poto-
mac for three years, was wounded at the battle
of the Wilderness, and was discharged in 1864.
He is a member of the G. A. RR. In politics
he is a Republican, and he attends the Baptist
church. He and his wife reside in Boston.
They have two children; namely, Eddy B. and
Arthur N. Arthur has just graduated from
the Medford (Mass.) High School.

Eddy B. Swett grew up in the city of Bos-
ton, where he attended the public schools.
He was also for some time in Medford, Mass.
In 1886 he entered Harvard Medical School,
and, after completing the full course, gradu-
ated in 1889. He then located in Marlboro,
Mass., where he remained two years. From
there he went to Goffstown Centre, now called
Grasmere, where he has since followed his
profession. He is liberal in his religious
views, and in politics is an Independent.
The community has the advantage of his ser-

 
140

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

vices on the Board of Health. He is a mem-
ber of both the Massachusetts and New
Hampshire Medical Societies, and also of the
Manchester Medical Association and Centre
District Medical Society of Concord. He is
also connected with the Odd Fellows of Goffs-
town, Knights of Pythias of Grasmere, Sons
of Veterans and P. of H. at Grasmere.

On June 2, 1892, he married Ettie E. Bal-
lard, who was born in Yonkers, N.Y., August
8, 1869, daughter of Edward O. Ballard, now
of New York City. They have two children:
a little daughter born January 1, 1895; and a
son, born February 12, 1897. The large and
successful practice already acquired by Dr.
Swett furnishes ample justification to predict
a bright future for him. It is entirely of the
character always to be obtained by skill, tact,
and energy. An enthusiast in his profession,
he has the support of the best people in the
district.

 

TEPHEN P. RANDALL, for many
years a prominent and highly re-
Bs:

 

spected resident of Winchester, was

born in this town, July 4, 1810, son
of Stephen and Esther (Hammond) Randall.
His grandfather, Abram Randall, who was
one of the pioneers of Richmond, came here
from Rhode Island, settling in the northern
part of the town. Stephen, one of Abram’s
ten children, settled on Roaring Brook, Win-
chester, where he carried on the business of
cloth-dresser, and managed a large farm until
his death in 1839, at the age of sixty-four
years. He was an active politician, but did
not care to hold office himself. He was twice
married. His first wife, whose maiden name
was Esther Hammond, had seven children.
The second wife, Ascenyth Smith Randall,
bore him five children.

Stephen P. Randall attended the common
schools of his native town. His early advan-
tages for acquiring knowledge were not ex-
tended; but, such as they were, he made the
most of them, and gained a practical working
knowledge, which served as a basis for what
he acquired later in life through observation
and experience. He remained with his father

 

until he was twenty-one years of age, and then
set out for Boston, determined to win for him-
self success, even if he had to begin at the
bottom of the ladder. He secured work at
first in an express office. Here he worked
faithfully, carefully observing how the busi-
ness was conducted. At the end of a year he
started an express business for himself. In
this he was very successful, and there is no
doubt but that he would have continued in it
for many years had not failing health made it
necessary for him to return to country life.
He came back to his native town, which he
had left as a poor boy nine years before,
bought the Judge Weeks place, and settled
upon it as a farmer. He did considerable
cattle-raising, and in all the departments of
his business he met with uniform success.
At one time he was a director of the National
Bank. In politics he was a Democrat, but he
never cared to take an official part in public
life, although he was an active politician.

Mr. Randall married for his first wife
Laura, daughter of Oliver Ward. She was
the mother of his four children — Sarah,
Laura, Augusta, and Adelaide. The last
named is the only child now living. Sarah
died, aged twenty-one years; Laura, aged two;
and Augusta, aged thirty. The mother died
September 29, 1868. For his second wife
Mr. Randall married Mrs. Martha A. Smith,
daughter of Zenas Fairbanks. There were no
children by this marriage. Mr. Randall at-
tended the Universalist church, and gener-
ously contributed to its support. While not
fond of going into society, he delighted in the
companionship of his family and of his
friends. His daughter cherishes many pleas-
ant memories of his affectionate and thought-
ful bearing toward those of his own household,
and of his kindness toward all who might be
in need of sympathy or counsel. He died on
November 23, 1895.

 

ILLIAM STEVENS, for many years

© one of the most influential citizens

of Mont Vernon, was born here,

July 28, 1816, son of Asa and Mary Ann (Ap-
pleton) Stevens. The traditions and geneal-
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

141

 

 

ogy of the family have been preserved since
the time when Colonel Thomas Stevens, of
London, was one of the stockholders in the
Massachusetts Bay Company. Colonel Ste-
vens, who belonged to an old Devonshire fam-
ily, and was an armorer by trade, assisted in
sending out the party of settlers that came
to Salem in 1628 under John Endicott; and
his was one of the signatures on the paper of
instructions given to the emigrants. The
necessary weapons were furnished by him.
His subscription to the company’s capital was
fifty pounds sterling.

In 1660 Colonel Stevens sent three sons
and one daughter to the colony. Cyprian, the
youngest, then only fourteen years of age,
finally settled in Lancaster, Mass., and mar-
ried there a Miss Mary Willard. The young-
est of their five children, Joseph, born in
1682, moved to Salisbury, where he married
Prudence Rice, of that town. Later he took
up land in Rutland, where he was one of the
first five settlers. At that time the depreda-
tions of Indians were constantly occurring.
One day, in Rutland, as Joseph Stevens and
his four sons were making hay, they were sur-
prised by the savages, and two of the boys
were killed. The red men were preparing to
kill the youngest also, Isaac, who was only
four years old, when Phineas, the eldest boy,
who had been taken prisoner, made his cap-
tors understand that he would carry the little
fellow on his back. Although only sixteen
years old, he carried his brother through the
wilds as far as Canada, where they were held
prisoners for nearly a year. At the end of
that time, with great difficulty and only after
the father, who had fortunately escaped at the
time of the raid, had made two journeys to
Canada, they were ransomed. Phineas lived
to become the famous Captain Phineas Ste-
vens, of Charlestown, N.H., who gave his
life for his country in 1756. Isaac, whose
life had been so wonderfully preserved, grew
to manhood, and married in 1743 Mary Hub-
bard, of Rutland. She died three years after
her marriage, leaving a son and a daughter.
In 1748 Isaac entered a second marriage with
Abigail Parling, who bore him three sons
and a daughter.

 

Calvin Stevens, the youngest son of Isaac
by his second wife, born in Rutland, January
27, 1753, married Esther Wilkins, and in
1776 went to Hillsboro, N.H., where he lived
for nearly a half-century. In 1821, four of
his children having settled in Mont Vernon,
he came to this town, and died some years
later. He was a soldier of the Continental
army in the Revolution, and was one of the
heroes of Bunker Hill. In Hillsboro, where
he spent the best part of his life, he was very
prominent in public life. He had a family
of thirteen children; and among his descend-
ants is the Hon. George A. Marden, late
Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Repre-
sentatives, and since a Senator in that State.
Asa, the father of William Stevens, was the
seventh child of Calvin, and was born at
Hillsboro, February 5, 1787. His wife, to
whom he was married in 1811, was a daughter
of the Rev. Joseph Appleton, of Boston, and
a sister of the late Hon. William Appleton,
of that city. After their marriage they set-
tled in Mont Vernon, where seven children
were born to them.

William Stevens was educated in the com-
mon schools of his native town and at the in-
stitution in Hancock, N.H. In 1838 he went
to Illinois. After remaining there for a
time, he came East to Manchester, N.H.,
and worked in the Stark Mills, then managed
by his cousin, John A. Burnham, Esq., late
of Boston. After working in Manchester for
a few weeks, he went to Boston, and was for a
time a salesman in a clothing store. In 1841
he went to New York City, having been
offered employment there by bis brother, who
was carrying on an extensive business in
smoked provisions. In his brother’s employ
he had spent a year and a half, when he
bought stock and started business for himself.
He located successively in Wall Street, Lud-
low Street, and Wooster Street. At this store
in Wooster Street, to which he moved in 1846,
he and his brother Asa, under the firm name
of William & Asa Stevens, carried on an ex-
tensive and prosperous business until June,
1865, when he retired from active business
life, and came to Mont Vernon. Here he
purchased the Stevens homestead, where his
142

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

father had lived, and where he had spent the
early part of his own life, and thereafter made
it his home. In his hands the property was
much improved. <A very popular man, he was
repeatedly a candidate for the legislature.
On one of these occasions, for the first time
in the history of the town, he defeated his
Democratic opponent.

Mr. Stevens married for his first wife
Louisa W. Dye, of Newark, N.J., who be-
came the mother of four daughters — Mary
Ann, Ella, Catherine, and Frances E.
Ann is now the wife of Charles F. Wilkins,
of Omaha, Neb.; and Catherine is the wife of
C. Henry Hobbie, of Omaha. On January 4,
1876, Mr. Stevens married Mrs. Helen L.
Ober Whipple, the widow of John Whipple,
late of New Boston, N.H., who was taken
prisoner in the late war, and died in a
Southern prison. By this marriage Mr.
Stevens has one daughter, Helen Willette,
born September 3, 1880. Mr. Stevens died
January 5, 1887, sincerely regretted by the
townspeople, as well as by his family and
friends.

 

 

OLONEL CHARLES SCOTT, Dep-

uty Sheriff of Hillsboro County and

one of the best known and most

opular residents of Peterboro, is a

native of the town, and was born April 14,
1829, and is a son of William and Phylinda
(Crossfield) Scott. Colonel Scott comes of a
family that has produced gallant soldiers.
His great-grandfather was Major William
Scott, an officer in the Revolution. Major
Scott was born in Townsend, Mass., and
moved from there to Dublin, N.H., at an
early age. On January 1, 1717, he was ap-
pointed Captain of Company 8, in recognition
of his bravery. He served with honorable dis-
tinction, throughout the great conflict, and was
mustered out of the service in 1789. Later
he attained the rank of Major. After the
war he retired to Peterboro, and engaged in
farming. In 1796 he died in Litchfield,
N.Y. His father, Alexander Scott, who was
one of the first five settlers of Peterboro,
coming from the north of Ireland, was of

Mary

 

Scotch-Irish descent. He remained in Peter-
boro only a short time, and then went to Dub-
lin, N.H. About 1749 or 1750, however, he
came back to Peterboro, cleared a large tract
of land, and kept a tavern there for some
time. No record of his death or of his mar-
riage has been found.

Major William Scott had a son, John, who
joined the Continental army when only thir-
teen years of age as a drummer boy, and
served throughout the war. After its close
John returned to Peterboro, cleared a farm,
and resided thereon during the rest of his life,
dying at the age of eighty-two years and nine

months. He was Selectman for ten years,
and in 1840 was one of the Presidential
Electors. In politics a Democrat, he took a

lively interest in town affairs, and was a very
prominent man. He married Bethia Ames,
of Groton, who was a member of the Unita-
rian church. She had nine children, all now
deceased. William, father of Colonel Scott,
was the seventh child of John. His birth
occurred in Peterboro, February 19, 18o1.
He was a farmer, and lived on the old home-
stedd. In politics he was a Democrat, and
he was Selectman of the town for many years
and its Representative in the legislature for
some time. At his death he was only forty-
five years of age. The first of his two mar-
riages was contracted with Phylinda Cross-
field, who bore him nine children; and the
second, with Malinda Ward, who had two
children. The six children of the first mar-
riage now living are as follows: Susan A.,
born July 4, 1825, now the widow of Robert
Orr, of Corinth, Vt.; William H., born July
30, 1826, who married Maria D. Farnham, of
Peterboro; Sophronia D., born June 25, 1827,
now the wife of Dr. John Allyn, of Califor-
nia; Charles Scott, the subject of this sketch;
Phylinda C., born April 26, 1830, now Mrs.
Willey; and Walter, born September 23,
1835, who married Laura M. Day, of Peter-
boro, now the mother of Fred and Charles
Scott. The children of William Scott’s sec-
ond marriage are Mary and John. Mary, born
November 11, 1841, married George H.
Clarke, of Peterboro, and has six children —
George H., Lucinda, Willie, Lotta, Ellen,
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

143

 

 

and Sophronia. Albert S. Scott, the eldest
brother of Colonel Scott, born May 8, 1824,
died August 14, 1877. He was in the
State legislature in 1855-57 and in 1866-67,
and he was Councillor for his district in
1875-76. In 1877 he was trustee of the New
Hampshire Agricultural College at Durham.
He married Annie Sawyer, whose son by him,
William A. Scott, born December 8, 1856, is
living. Colonel Scott’s other brother, Ken-
dall C., born April 26, 1830, who died Janu-
ary 3, 1875, married Lucy Ann Clarke, of
Sharon, N.H. She now makes her home in
Keene, N.H.

Colonel Scott received his early training in
the schools of Peterboro, and then began to
work as clerk in a store of the town, residing
on the home farm. After being here for a
few years he spent two years more in a cabinet
factory, employed in veneering. Later he
purchased the Peterboro Zvanscript, which he
published for three years and a half, and then
sold it to his brother. He was then ap-
pointed Deputy Sheriff and subsequently
Sheriff of the county of Hillsboro, which
office he held for eighteen years. In politics
Colonel Scott is a Republican. He has been
Moderator for over twenty years, and he rep-
resented the town in the legislature of 1874,
1891, and 1893. During the Civil War Colo-
nel Scott enlisted in the Sixth New Hamp-
shire Regiment, went out as Major, and was
appointed as Lieutenant Colonel of the regi-
ment. He had been in the service for a year
and a half, when on account of sickness he
became disabled and was obliged to resign.
After coming back to Peterboro, he was ap-
pointed Deputy Sheriff, and has been in that
position to the present time. He has also
done considerable business as an auctioneer.
Colonel Scott was influential in securing the
introduction of the Peterboro water-works.
In 1896 he was a candidate for State Senator
for aterm of two years, and was elected for
the ensuing session. He has been Judge of
the Police Court since its establishment, a
period of five years. Colonel Scott is a di-
rector of the Bell Factory Corporation, and he
has been the president of the Contoocook Sav-
ings Bank for the last two years.

 

Colonel Scott has been twice married. The
first marriage was contracted with Mary S.
Fuller, of Peterboro, daughter of Charles
Fuller. Their two children died in infancy.
Colonel Scott’s second marriage was with
Charlotte W. Wilkins, daughter of Moses
Wilkins. She is the mother of three chil-
dren, namely: Mary E., born May 13, 1865,
now Mrs. Harry W. Ramsdell, of Nashua,
N.H.; Kate S., born July 2, 1870, now the
wife of Professor L. G. Smith, of Pawtucket,
R.I.; and Emma C., born September 26,

1877.

 

OSES CASS, one of the foremost
citizens and real estate owners of
Richmond, Cheshire County, was
born in this town, February 27,
1850, son of Nahum and Lucina (Cook) Cass.
He is a descendant of Daniel Cass, a Quaker,
who was born in Smithfield, R.I., November
29, 1724, and removed to Richmond as a pio-
neer, bringing his family with him. He
became a large Jand-owner, and was Selectman
and Town Clerk in 1765. He died in Octo-
ber, 1798. His children were: Lemuel,
Joseph, Hannah, Mary, Daniel, Jonathan, Jo-
siah, Sarah B., John, and Mordecai, all of
whom were born in Smithfield except the
youngest two.

Jonathan Cass, the fourth son as _ here
named, great-grandfather of the subject of this
sketch, was born March 31, 1756. He resided
for some time on the farm formerly occupied
by the late Joseph Swan; and a part of his last
years were spent in Fitzwilliam, N.H., but he
died May 11, 1838, in Richmond, aged eighty-
two years. He married for his first wife Zil-
pha, daughter of John Martin, and for his sec-
ond wife Lydia Sargent. By his first marriage
he had nine children; namely, Sarah, Martin,
Provided, Daniel, Mary, Jonathan, Hannah,
Zilpha, and Otis.

Martin Cass, son of Jonathan and Zilpha,
and grandfather of Moses Cass, was born in
Richmond, December 3, 1781. He settled
upon a farm in the north part of the town, and
by his industry became the owner of consider-
able real estate. He died October 20, 1837.
144

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

His wife, Margaret, daughter of Moses Allen,
died May 2, 1865, aged eighty-one years.
Martin and Margaret (Allen) Cass were the
parents of fifteen children; namely, Alvin,
Martin and Margaret (twins), Orace, Sylves-
ter, Josiah B., Augustus, Sarah, Edwin, Wil-
lard, Ahaz, Zephaniah A., Nahum, Moses A.,
and Mary. Of these the only survivor is
Zephaniah.

Nahum Cass, one of the younger sons, father
of Moses, was born in Richmond, September
7, 1823. In early life he was engaged in
teaming and general farming, and he followed
the latter occupation throughout his active
period. He acquired possession of a large
tract of timber land, from which he cut and
hauled the lumber, and was for many years
closely identified with the business interests of
Richmond. He took a leading part in public
affairs, serving as Tax Collector, Constable,
and Moderator at town meetings, and as Jus-
tice of the Peace attending to a great deal of
legal business. He cast his first Presidential
vote for James K. Polk and his last for Grover
Cleveland, having voted the Democratic ticket
at every State election for fifty-one years. In
his religious views a Universalist, he was a
man of strong convictions and of high moral
principles, thoroughly honest and_fair-deal-
ing. Nahum Cass died September 30, 1895.
His first wife, Lucina, daughter of Nicholas
Cook, died June 13, 1853; and on November
23 of the same year he married for his second
wife Martha J., daughter of Luke Aldrich.
He had two children by his first marriage and
three by the second, the record being as fol-
lows: Edmund, who died in infancy; Moses,
the subject of this sketch; Martin, born Au-
gust 16, 1854; Almon, born January 19, 1861;
and Carlon E., born August 4, 1869.

Moses Cass lives at the homestead with his
step-mother, Mrs. Martha J. Aldrich Cass, and
has charge of the estate. He possesses the
untiring energy and industry for which the
family are noted, and does not allow the prop-
erty to deteriorate in value. Conscientious
and upright, a man of progress, especially
interested in educational matters, he has
served as a member of the School Board for
fourteen years, and was re-elected for three

 

years in 1897, has been Tax Collector eight
years, has served upon the Democratic Town
Committee, and has attended many conven-
tions as a delegate. He is Past Chaplain of
Richmond Grange, No. 147, and has been
Worthy Herald and Prelate in the United
Order of the Golden Cross.

 

 

OHN P. FLETCHER, a well-known
agriculturist of Amherst, was born
here, May 28, 1849, son of Robert and
Mary (Cochran) Fletcher. The founder

of the Fletcher family is supposed to have
come from England. The grandfather of John
P. Fletcher was an early settler of Amherst.
Robert Fletcher was born in Phillipston, and
received his education in the public schools.
During the active years of his life he was en-
gaged in farming and lumbering. A cooper by
trade, he also followed that calling as the occa-
sion offered. In politics he was a Republi-
can. He died September 18, 1863. His
wife’s death occurred February 22, 1879.
They had four children, of whom George died
September 16, 1893. Those living are: Har-
riet, the wife of Solomon Prince, of. Amherst ;
Lizzie M., the wife of George F. Stevens, of
Ashburnham, Mass. ; and John P., the subject
of this sketch.

John P. Fletcher, the youngest child, re-
ceived a fair common-school education. Re-
maining with his parents on the farm, he
became familiar with the routine of farm life.
His principal occupation has been farming.
The home farm, of which he is the proprie-
tor, contains one hundred and thirty acres.
At one time for a number of years he manu-
factured and bottled cider. Lately he has
confined his attention to genera] farming, in
which he has been quite successful. He has
the confidence and esteem of the business com-
munity.

 

UTHER W. READ, a prominent resi-
dent of Merrimac, was born in Mason,

N.H., March 8, 1812, son of Asa

and Polly (Wright) Read. Mr.

Read’s grandfather, William Read, com-
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

145

 

 

manded a company of soldiers in the Revolu-
tionary War, composed of men enlisted from
Hollis, Amherst, and the adjacent towns.
Captain Read rendered gallant service through-
out the great conflict, and had the satisfaction
of being present at the surrender of Lord Corn-
wallis at Yorktown. At the close of the war
he came back to his home in Hollis covered
with glory, and lived there for the rest of his
life, dying at a good old age. He was twice
married. His second wife, Hannah, had a
number of children, of whom Samuel was in
the Revolution with his father. Asa Read,
father of Luther, was a farmer, who lived in
Mason and died there at middle age, leaving
a family of seven children. His wife, a
woman of strong character, nobly filled her
dual réle of wife and mother. The children
were: Lucinda, born November 8, 1800; J.
Gilman, born March 6, 1802; Abigail, born
May 8, 1803; Julia, born November 23, 1804;
Asa, born March 16, 1807; and John L., born
February 25, 1810. Luther is the only one
now living.

Obliged to earn his living from an early age,
Luther Read had little opportunity to acquire
an education. When eleven years of age, he
went to work on the farm of Dr. Eastman, of
Hollis, to earn his board and clothes, being
allowed a short time in the year to attend
school. He remained with Dr. Eastman for
‘ about four years, working as a farmer lad,
growing rugged and strong in the open air and
gaining valuable knowledge of all kinds of
farm work, which afterward served him in
good stead. Leaving Hollis, he came to
Merrimac and secured a position on a farm
of one Luther Woods, agreeing to work for
fifty dollars a year and a short allowance of
time to attend school. Upon the death of his
employer two years later, he took a note for
eighty dollars in payment of the wages due to
him; but he was later compelled to close the
account on receiving forty cents on the dollar.
At this rate he was not making much headway
in the world, so he decided to learn the
cooper’s trade, which was then a well-paying
business. Having done so he followed it with
great success for many years. As business
was dull during the summer months, he was

 

able to spend a great deal of time in catching
wild pigeons; and in one season he and another
man, named Jerry Woods, caught over one
thousand and sixteen dozen, which they sold
at from seventy-five to eighty cents a dozen.
Mr. Read continued in this business for nearly
twenty years. His largest single day’s record
was a catch of twenty-two and one-half dozen.

In 1839 Mr. Read made his first and invest-
ment in Merrimac. This property, which he
has enlarged and improved, has been his place
of residence since that time. At present the
farm contains about one hundred and forty
acres, and is in a high state of cultivation.
As he gives personal supervision to everything,
he is sure that nothing suffers for lack of at-
tention, and knows at any moment his exact
resources in any line of marketable goods.

On June 16, 1835, he was united in mar-
riage with Miss Martha Kittredge, of Merri-
mac, daughter of Eri and Lucretia (Woods)

Kittredge. After a married life lasting sixty-
two years Mrs. Read died June 29, 1897.
Three of their four children are living. They

are: Adelaide, who lives in Fitchburg, Mass. ;
Clara, who is the wife of John L. Foster, and
resides in Merrimac; and Luther Read, the
only son, who lives at Thornton’s Ferry.
Mrs. Read, like her husband, was a member
of the Congregational church. In_ politics
Mr. ‘Read is a Democrat.

EORGE SHELDON WILDER, gen-
eral manager of the Merrill & Wil-
der Chisel Manufactory, Hinsdale,

Cheshire County, N.H., was born in Shel-
burne, Mass., March 1, 1828. Son of Samuel
and Sally (Merrill) Wilder, he comes from
long lines of Colonial ancestry.

The early history of the Wilder family dates
from the ascension of the House of Tudor to
the throne of England. Its origin is supposed
to be German; and the first progenitor of whom
authentic information has been obtained was
Nicholas Wilder, a military chieftain, who at
the battle of Bosworth Field in 1485 rendered
valuable aid to Henry, Earl of Richmond, and
after his coronation as Henry VII. received
from that monarch a large estate and a coat of

 
 

 

146 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
arms. This royal. grant was made April 15, | one of the five, grandfather of George S., was
1497. born May 20, 1752. In 1772 he married

Thomas Wilder, the fourth in line from
Nicholas, died in 1634, at his estate in Eng-
land, which was known as Shiplake. Mrs.
Martha Wilder, who is supposed to have been
the widow of Thomas, above named, came to
New England with her daughter Mary in the
ship ‘‘Confidence’’ in 1638. It is thought
that she disposed of the estate Shiplake, in
order to join her children— Thomas, second,
_ Elizabeth, and Edward—vwho, the family
being Non-conformists, had previously taken
refuge in Massachusetts. The town of Hing-
ham, Mass., made grants of land to Edward
and Martha Wilder.

Thomas Wilder, second, of whom the sub-
ject of this sketch is a direct descendant, was
born in 1618. He united with the church in
1640, and was married the same year. In
1651 he was made a freeman in Charlestown,
Mass. ; and in 1659 he acquired a tract of five
hundred acres of land in Lancaster, Mass.,
where he settled. He was a leading. spirit in
the town, and held various positions of trust.
He died in 1667. He was the father of sev-
eral children; and his third son, Nathaniel,
the next in line, was born in 1650.

Nathaniel Wilder was Captain of the militia
company, and was killed while defending the
town during an attack by Indians in 1704. He
married Mary, daughter of Thomas and Mary
Sawyer, in 1673, and had a family of four
sons and three daughters. His son, Nathaniel
Wilder, second, was born in Lancaster, Mass.,
in 1673. He resided until 1743 in that part
of Lancaster which is now Sterling, and
then moved to Petersham, Mass., where he
passed the rest of his life. He possessed a
strongly defined character, and was never
known to fail in anything he undertook. He
was married about the year 1706, and reared a
family of twelve children.

His son, Aholiab, great-grandfather of the
subject of this sketch, was born in Sterling,
February 5, 1717, and when a young man he
settled in Shutesbury, Mass. The Christian
name of his wife was Catharine, but her family
name is unknown. Aholiab and Catharine
Wilder had five children. Samuel Wilder,

 

Rebecca Nims, by whom he had thirteen chil-
dren.

Samuel Wilder, second, son of Samuel and
Rebecca, and the father of George S., was born
in Conway, Mass., July 25,1797. He resided
in his native town until] his marriage, when he
settled in Shelburne, Mass., residing there
until 1837, when he removed to Greenfield,
Mass. His wife, Sally Merrill, whom he
married June 22, 1823, was born in Shelburne,
Mass., October 20, 17096. She became the
mother of three children, namely: Sarah Jane,
born August 20, 1824; George S., the subject
of this sketch; and Sereno Merrill, born Feb-
ruary 14, 1832. Sereno Merrill married for
his first wife Helen M. Thompson and for
his second wife Harriet N. Taylor.

George Sheldon Wilder began his education
in the district schools of Greenfield, and com-
pleted his studies at Williston Seminary,
Easthampton, Mass. In 1844 he entered the
employ of his uncle, Pliny Merril], a black-
smith by trade, who founded the present fac-
tory in Hinsdale. Young Wilder kept the
books and also worked in the factory, thus
obtaining a thorough knowledge of the manu-
facture of chisels and other tools. He made
himself so useful to his uncle that in 1853 he
was given an interest in the business as an
inducement for him to remain. In 1866 fail-
ing health caused him to take a rest, and he
spent a year In travelling through the Western
States. Upon his return he associated him-
self with Francis M. Thompson, and purchased
the factory of his uncle, who then retired
from business. In 1868 Mr. Wilder bought
Thompson’s interest, and carried on the enter-
prise alone until 1870, when he admitted R.
Henry Hopkins asa partner. Two years later
he again succeeded to the entire control of the
enterprise, and conducted it until 1883, at
which time he sold out to some New York
parties, who retained him as superintendent
and general manager. This concern employ
an average of twenty hands, and produce as a
specialty the well-known Merril] & Wilder
standard chisel, which has long enjoyed a high
reputation in the trade.
 

Angel Probie

 
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

149

 

 

Mr. Wilder cast his first vote for the Free
Soil candidates, and has been a stanch Repub-
lican since the formation of the party. He
has served as a member of the Board of Select-
men, and he represented Hinsdale in the legis-
Jature during the years 1869 and 1870. For
twenty years he acted as secretary of the Hins-
dale Savings Bank, which was organized in
1874, and he is at the present time a trustee.
Mr. Wilder is an active member of the Con-
gregational church, and has been treasurer for
twelve years. He was one of the prime
movers in founding the Hinsdale Public Li-
brary, and is now its secretary. He has
served as a Justice of the Peace and Quorum,
also as Notary Public for twenty-three years
past.

Mr. Wilder married for his first wife Eliza
Ann Clark, daughter of Joseph Clark, of Ches-
terfield, N.H.; and his present wife was
before marriage Eunice A. Wellman, daugh-
ter of Alonzo Wellman, of Hinsdale. By his
first union there are two children: George
Fred; and Herbert M., who is employed on
the staff of artists of Harper Brothers, New
York City.

 

EORGE A. AVERY, of Milford, a
well-known dealer in stoves and
ranges, and a plumber and _ tin-

roofer, is a native of Temple, N.H. Born
December 19, 1853, he is a son of Nathan
Avery, late of Temple. The Avery family is
an old one in Hillsboro. Nathan Avery, who
was a farmer by occupation, died about ten
years ago.
George A.
native town.

Avery was brought up in his
When he was fourteen years of
age, he went to Ayer Junction, Mass., and
there learned the trade of tinsmith, steam-
fitter, and plumber. After working at his
trade as a journeyman in Nashua, N.H., for
ten years, he was in business on his own
account at Manchester, N.H., fora short time.
He has been in Milford since March, 1884,
prosperously engaged in plumbing and tin-
roofing, and dealing in stoves, ranges, tin,
copper, water-piping, and household furniture.
Making a specialty of tin-roofing, he employs

 

in that work from two to.five men the year
around. His business stand, which he built
in 1890, is located on Nashua Street. Be-
neath his store is his workshop.

Mr. Avery has made a success in life, and
is carrying on a very lucrative business. He
has risen almost solely by his own efforts.
Public-spirited, as men of his intelligence al-
ways are, he favors every project for the im-
provement of his town. He is married, and
has one son, Charles G. In both the Masonic
and Odd Fellows societies he is an esteemed
member.

 

 

NSEL DICKINSON,. who will be
remembered in Manchester as a suc-
cessful woodenware manufacturer,
was born in Swanzey, N.H., Febru-
ary 22, 1822, son of William and Lucinda
(Gardner) Dickinson. His great-grandfather,
Nathaniel Dickinson, who emigrated from
England early in the seventeenth century,
settled upon a farm in Deerfield, Mass. Na-
thaniel served as a soldier in the Indian War,
and was killed on April 15, 1747, while de-
fending the town of Northfield. His two sons,
Nathaniel and Joseph, left Deerfield after their
father’s death, and, penetrating northward
through the wilderness, located upon a tract of
four hundred acres situated in the southern
part of Swanzey, N.H. Dividing the land
equally, they resided there for the rest of their
lives.

Nathaniel Dickinson (second), the grand-
father of Ansel Dickinson, was twice married.
By his union with Caroline Cummings, of
Swanzey, there were seven children, one of
whom, a daughter, died in infancy. The sons
were: William, Asa, Abel, Uriah, Aaron,
and Nathaniel. William Dickinson tilled the
soil in Swanzey during his active years. He
married Lucinda Gardner, who bore him
eleven children, seven of whom lived to ma-
turity; namely, Erastus, Caroline, Nathaniel,
Arvilla, David S., Ansel, and Rollins.

Ansel Dickinson acquired a common-school
education. At the age of seventeen he en-
gaged in the lumber business with his brother
Erastus in Winchester. That partnership
1590

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

existed until the death of Erastus, after which
Ansel conducted the business during the rest
of his life. Mr. Dickinson owned a large
amount of timber land, which served as a field
for lumbering operations; and for some years
he was profitably engaged’ in making large
quantities of railroad ties. He was the origi-
nal promoter and a stockholder of the Ashuelot
Warp Company, a director of the Winchester
National Bank, also the president of the Se-
curity Savings Bank, a stockholder in the
West Swanzey Woollen Mills; and he founded
the woodenware business in Winchester, which
is still carried on in his name. In politics
he was a Democrat; and, although the town
of Winchester is strongly Republican, it sent
him four times to the legislature, and chose
him a member of the School Board for some
years. In his religious belief he was a Meth-
odist.

The first of Mr. Dickinson’s two marriages
was contracted in 1852 with Jane S. Boelyn,
of Hinsdale, N.H., who lived but a short time
after. The second was made with Mary
Theresa Felch, who has had five sons; namely,
La Fell, Milan A., John H., William Eu-
gene, and Andrew F. La Fell Dickinson is
now managing the manufacturing business in
Winchester, assisted by his brother, John H.
Milan A. has charge of the woollen-mills.
Andrew F. died at the age of eighteen
months. William Eugene is a student at
Bryant & Stratton's Commercial College in
Boston. The father died at his home in Win-
chester, July 31, 1889. He is remembered
for the generosity, without ostentation, with
which he used his large fortune in aiding re-
ligious and charitable societies.

The business now carried on by the Dickin-
son estate has greatly expanded since the death
of its founder. When running on full time,
it employs a force of two hundred men. The
concern owns large tracts of wild land, which
supplies its factories with lumber sawed by
portable mills; and their estimated cut during
the past year was in the neighborhood of five

million feet. They manufacture packing
boxes, tubs, buckets, and several kinds of
pails, which are considered standard goods

throughout the United States, and command

 

a ready sale. They operate three factories,
equipped with improved machinery and lighted
by electric plants, and pay taxes on property
in ten different towns. They carry on three
mills devoted to the woodenware industry, two
in Winchester and one in Ashuelot, where the
main office of the concern is located; and they
own excellent water privileges. After the
death of Mr. Dickinson the Ashuelot Warp
Manufactory was disposed of; but all the
stock in the West Swanzey Woollen Manu-
factory was purchased, and that enterprise has
been managed for the estate by Milan A.
Dickinson since 18g92.

The Dickinson brothers are all capable and
alert young business men, inheriting from
their father those sterling qualities which con-
stituted the principal elements of his success-
ful career; and it is safe to predict that the
enterprises conducted under the style of Ansel
Dickinson & Sons will long continue to hold a
prominent place among the profitable indus-
tries of Winchester and Swanzey. In politics
the Dickinson brothers are earnest supporters
of the Democratic party.

 

HARLES H. RAYMOND, the chair-
man of the Board of Selectmen in
Mont Vernon, was born here on the
old Raymond homestead, his present
residence, February 21, 1846, son of Andrew
W. and Abby (Stevens) Raymond. George
Raymond, the father of Andrew W., born in
Hamilton, Mass., came to this place when ten
years old, his parents settling on the farm
which has since been known as the Raymond
homestead. George became a prominent citi-
zen, and served this town as Selectman, also
as Representative to the State legislature.
Andrew W. Raymond succeeded his father as
owner of the homestead. He, too, became an
influential citizen. He served as Selectman,
and was for two terms a member of the lower
house of the New Hampshire legislature. In
politics he was a Democrat. He died July 5,
1895. He had survived his wife, who died
on February 23, 1883. Of his six children
Mary F., Charles H., George A., Abbie E.,
and John W. are living.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

151

 

 

Charles H. Raymond was educated in the
district school and at Appleton Academy.
With the exception of a short time, when a
young man, spent at shoemaking in Stoneham,
Mass., he has always resided in Mont Vernon.
He is engaged in farming on the homestead,
of which he is the owner. On October 8,
1868, he was united in marriage with Miss
Matilda B. Pillsbury, of Springfield, N.H.
Four children have been born of their union;
namely, Dana C., Wallace A., Ora M., and
Milan H. All are living, and belong to the
fifth generation of Raymonds who have occu-
pied the homestead.

Mr. Raymond is an Independent in poli-
tics. He has served his town as Collector.
He has been Selectman for several terms, and
is the present chairman of the Board. For
several] years he has been a trustee of the Mc-
Collom Institute. Both he and Andrew W.,
his father, were charter members of Prospect
Grange, of which the father was the first Mas-
ter and the son the first treasurer. The son
has also served as Master. Mr. and Mrs.
Raymond are liberal in their religious views.

ILLIAM L. CLEAVES, born in
Mont Vernon, April 11, 1821, was
a lifelong resident of this place.

His father, Joshua Cleaves, who, it is be-
lieved, was also a native of Mont Vernon,
descended from one of the early settlers of
that part of Hillsboro County. Joshua mar-
ried Elizabeth Lincoln, who was born and
reared in Leominster, Mass. William L. was
educated in his native town, first attending
the public schools and later Appleton’s Acad-
emy. He was subsequently engaged for the
rest of his life in farming and lumbering, in
which he had acquired a large business. On
December 8, 1859, he married Miss Harriet
L. Crosby, who was born in Milford, this
county, March 3, 1832, daughter of the late
Rufus Crosby. Mrs. Cleaves was a_ schoo]
teacher before her marriage. She was edu-
cated in her native town and at New Ipswich
and Francestown Academies.

Rufus Crosby was born and reared in Bil-
lerica, Mass., son of Ephraim Crosby. When

 

 

eighteen years of age, he came with his par-
ents from Billerica to Hillsboro County, set-
tling in Milford, his father buying the farm
now owned by Captain E. P. Hutchinson. He
subsequently engaged in agricultura] pursuits,
and after his marriage with Miss Ann Blan-
chard, who was born in Lyndeboro, N.H., he
settled on the farm now occupied by his daugh-
ter, Mrs. Cleaves. He was a skilful farmer, a
valued citizen, and a kind neighbor and friend,
and as such was highly esteemed throughout
the community. In politics he was a consist-
ent Democrat, and in religion he was a faith-
ful member of the Congregational church. Of
the children born to him and his wife the
following survive: Mary A., the wife of
W. W. Howard, of Milford; Rufus P., of
Woburn, Mass.; Mrs. Cleaves; and George.
The father had reached an advanced age when
he died, October 21, 1878. His wife outlived
him a short time, passing away March 19,
1870.

Mr. and Mrs. Cleaves had one child —-Will-
iam Crosby Cleaves, born January 12, 1861,
who resides with his widowed mother. The
father died at his home in Mont Vernon, Sep-
tember 26, 1860. On November 2, 1860, a
few weeks after the death of her husband, Mrs.
Cleaves returned to her old home in Milford,
where she has since resided. She is an active
member of the Congregational church; and she
and her son, William Crosby Cleaves, are
identified with the Granite Grange.

 

ILLIAM A. WHEELER, a pros-
perous farmer and a highly es-
teemed resident of Hancock, was

born in Ashby, Mass., February 20, 1848,
son of John A. and Elmira (Pritchard)
Wheeler. John Wheeler, his grandfather,
cultivated a farm in Ashby, and previous to
the advent of railroads he carted his produce
to the Boston market. Though a busy man all
his life, John reached a good old age. He
was the father of ten children, of whom Cal-
vin, William, Alfred, Newton, Cyrus, and
Frank are living.

John A. Wheeler, William A. Wheeler’s
father, was born in Ashby. He continued to
192

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

reside in his native town until after his mar-
riage, when he moved to Dublin, N.H., where
he followed agriculture for the rest of his life.
He died at the age of forty years. His wife,
Elmira, who was a native of New Ipswich,
N.H., became the mother of eight children,
of whom six are living; namely, Mary, Will-
iam A., Nancy, Nellie, Abbie, and George.
Mrs. John A. Wheeler died at the age of
thirty-nine years. She was a member of the
Universalist church.

William A. Wheeler acquired his education
in the common schools of Dublin, and for sev-
eral years after reaching his majority he was
engaged in agricultural pursuits in that town.
In 1884 he came to Hancock, and purchased a
farm of one hundred and five acres. To this
property he has since added eighty-five acres.
He carries on general farming, and raises
large and superior crops.

On May 13, 1879, Mr. Wheeler married for
his first wife Mary Emerson, of Lowell,

Mass. She died at the age of thirty-three
years, leaving one daughter, Nellie L. She
was a member of the Unitarian church. Mr.

Wheeler’s present wife, whom he wedded
December 13, 1892, was formerly Lavinia John-
son, of Truro, N.S. The children of this mar-
riage are: James P., born September 18, 1893;
and Augustus Herbert, born June 19, 1897. In
politics Mr. Wheeler is a Republican. He is
actively interested in the local grange of the
Patrons of Husbandry, and both he and Mrs.
Wheeler are members of the Presbyterian
church.

 

SA A. WHITMAN, superintendent of

the Cheshire County Farm at West-
moreland, N.H., was born in Lon-

donderry, Vt., Ifebruary 21, 1853,

son of Ara and Alvira (Wheeler) Whitman.
His father is a native of Windham, Vt. By
occupation a farmer, he has been for many
years one of the most respected and honored
citizens of Londonderry in that State, where
he is now (1897) living, at the advanced age
of ninety-three years. A man of exemplary
habits, he is still active, well preserved, and
possessed of all his faculties to a remarkable

 

degree. Well informed and capable, one who
has ever manifested a deep interest in the wel-
fare of his town, he has at different times ably
filled all the more important local offices,
among them that of Selectman, and has repre-
sented his town in General Court three differ-
ent terms. He was prominent in the militia
in the days when military duty was required
by the law of the State, and has held every
office up to that of Major. Never a pompous
man, but always of modest bearing, faithful
to every trust, his neighbors all have the ut-
most confidence in his integrity and judgment,
and in times past have frequently asked him
for advice. He has been twice married, and
by his second wife has had eight children, six
of whom are now living.

Asa A. Whitman attended the district and
graded schools of Londonderry, and assisted
his father on the farm until he had reached his
majority. Not caring for a farmer’s life, he
went to Brattleboro, Vt., and secured a posi-
tion in the asylum known as the “ Retreat.”
There he remained for some years, thoroughly
acquainting himself with the work, which he
found congenial, and making rapid progress,
finally accepting the superintendency of the
kitchen department, and creditably filling the
position until 1883. In that year he was
made superintendent of the Cheshire County
Farm, which he managed for a period of five
years to the general satisfaction of the County
Commissioners and the inmates. He resigned
to make a trip West, where he had some out-
side interests, and was reappointed superin-
tendent of the farm in 1893. He spares no
pains to make the institution comfortable for
the inmates, and has always looked carefully
to the interests of the county. He has taken
a decided interest in produce-raising at the
farm, the gardens furnishing supplies for the
table; and he has also kept a large poultry
yard, exhibiting the results of his industry at
the county fairs, where his poultry has taken
first and second prizes. In the fair of 1896
his produce was a feature, and he has estab-
lished an enviable reputation as a gardener.

No superintendent has given more perfect
satisfaction than has Mr. Whitman. He
believes that discipline is necessary to a suc-
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

153

 

 

cessful management of the place, but under-
stands the needs of the inmates, and encour-
ages the healthy ones to work. We quote
from the report of the Rev. C. A. Tenney, the
farm chaplain, in saying that “from first to
the last the superintendent and matron and
their assistants have shown a most kindly and
friendly interest in the spiritual welfare of
the people. The cordial relations that have
existed between them and the Christian
workers, added to the interest that people
have evinced, have made the work a labor of
love. The efficiency and thoroughness of the
management in providing for the physical and
spiritual comfort of the people accounts for
the general feeling of content that pervades
the institution.”

Mr. Whitman married Stella A. Goodell,
daughter of Wesson S. Goodell, of Marlboro,
Vt. They have one child, a daughter named
Beatrice S. Mr. Whitman is a member of
the Grange of Brattleboro and of the Odd Fel-
lows, and has been a member of Fuller’s
Light Battery. At the time of his appoint-
ment to the superintendency he had been made
Corporal in the Battery, but upon his removal
from Brattleboro he was unable to continue his
connection with the organization.

 

OSES CLARK, one of the best

known residents of Wilton and
the oldest Deputy Sheriff in
point of service in Hillsboro

County, was born in Acworth, N.H., October
17, 1820, son of Samuel and Abigail (Howe)
Clark. He is a lineal descendant of Deacon
James Clark, of Dedham, Mass., and a cousin
of Major Eustace S. Clark, who served in the
Sixth Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteers,
under Genéral B. F. Butler, and was wounded
in one of the battles of the Civil War. The
grandfather, John Clark, was born in London-
derry, N.H., and the greater part of his life
was spent upon a farm in Acworth. He mar-
ried Sarah Gray, and his children were: Rob-
ert, Polly, Samuel, Martha, John, George,
Bradley, Sally, James, Sophia, and Thomas.
Of these the only survivor is Sophia, who is
the widow of Sincere Hutchings, late of

 

Charlestown, Mass., and has two children —
James and Georgia. John Clark died when
about fifty years old, and his wife at the age
of eighty-four.

Samuel Clark, born in Acworth, April 26,
1795, was reared to agricultural pursuits, and
spent the most of his life in his native town.
He died in Unity, N.H., October 19, 1870,
aged seventy-five years, and was buried in
Wilton. Politically, he wasa Democrat. His
wife, Abigail, who was born in Acworth, May
9, 1797, daughter of Asa Howe, became the
mother of ten children, of whom Moses and
Elizabeth are living. Elizabeth married for
her first husband Frank N. Case, and for her
second Mason Guillow. Her daughter,
Emma, by her first husband, was successively
married to Leroy Gates and Irving Moses, and
had one daughter, Stella Gates. Mrs. Samuel
Clark died December 8, 1862, aged sixty-
seven years.

After receiving his elementary education in
the district schools of his native town,
Moses Clark was a student of the Military
and Scientific School in Unity, under the
Rev. A. A. Miner, and of the academy in
Marlow, N.H. Then for several winter terms
he taught school in Marlow, Acworth, and
Unity, devoting his summers to farm work.
After forsaking the teacher’s profession, he
had been for over two years the proprietor of
what was known as the Depot Store, when
failing health compelled him to take a rest.
After his recovery, as a member of the firm
Jones & Clark he manufactured boots and
shoes for about three years. Upon withdraw-
ing from that he became a salesman for the
Acworth Boot and Shoe Company, with which
he was afterward connected for fifteen years,
making his headquarters in Wilton. In 1861
he was appointed Deputy Sheriff, and with the
exception of two years has served in that ca-
pacity ever since, having been commissioned
longer than any other deputy in this county.
For eighteen years he was the treasurer and a
director of the Wilton Savings Bank. In pol-
itics he acts with the Republican party. He
has served as Tax Collectcr for several years.
When it was decided to publish a history of
Wilton, he was made chairman of the commit-
154

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

tee having the matter in charge. He was also
chairman of the committee appointed to pro-
vide for the celebrations of Wilton’s one hun-
dred and fiftieth anniversary. He is still vig-
orous and active, and attends to his official
duties with the spirit and alacrity of a much
younger man.

On May 7, 1846, Mr. Clark contracted his
first marriage with Julia L. Gay, of Acworth,
who was born in Washington, N.H., February
18, 1821, daughter of Abner Gay, of that
town. She became the mother of three chil-
dren, born as follows: Josephine L., February
7, 1847; Frank G., September 10, 1850; and
Ada M., May 8, 1862. Josephine L. is now
the widow of Dr. Willard D. Chase, late of
Peterboro, N.H. Her only daughter, Blanche
M., married Herbert S. Pearie, of New York
City, and has one son, Willard C. Frank G.
Clarke, who is a successful lawyer of Peter-
boro, N.H., and a member of Congress, mar-
ried Fanny Brooks, and has one daughter,
Mabel. Ada M. is the wife of R. M. Nicker-
son, of Boston. The mother died February 3,
1891. She was a member of the Congrega-
tional church. On February 11, 1892, Mr.
Clark married for his second wife Mrs. Han-
nah L. Martin Cram. She was born in
Wilton, July 10, 1844, daughter of Robert
and Caroline F. (McQuesten) Martin. Mr.
Clark is a member of Clinton Lodge, _F. &
A. M., and was its secretary for some years.
Both he and Mrs. Clark are connected with
Advance Grange, No. 20, Patrons of Hus-
bandry of Wilton, and Mrs. Clark is also a
member.

 

RTHUR A. PRATTE, M.D., throat,
ear, and eye specialist, and successor

at Hinsdale, N.H., to the general.

medical practice of Dr. Beland, was

born in Louiseville, Canada, Maskinonge
County, April 27, 1871, son of Louis and
Philomene (Voisard) Pratte. The earliest

ancestor of the family in Canada went there
from the city of Port, France, between 1750
and 1760, being a Captain in the army sent by
the French government to fight against the
English. His three sons— Ernest, Louis,

 

and Ferdinand — followed him, and also took
up arms at Quebec. One was killed outside
the citadel in the engagement on the Plains
of Abraham, which proved fatal to both com-
manders, General Wolfe and General Mont-
calm. The Pratte family became prominent
in Louiseville. Louis Pratte, the Doctor’s
father, was not the immigrant of ‘that name,
but a later descendant of Captain Pratte.
His wife, the Doctor’s mother, was a daugh-
ter of Frangois Voisard, who emigrated from
Switzerland to Canada, and was appointed
Sergeant in the English army in the War
of 1812. Mr. Voisard was a prominent man
in Maskinonge County, was Mayor of the
county one year, was Selectman, and held all
the important offices in the gift of the town.
He owned a tannery which yielded a hand-
some income. During the early part of his
life he belonged to the Liberal party, but
afterward became a Conservative.

Louis Pratte carried on a large market in
his native town, and became one of the pros-
perous citizens of Louisville. He had twelve
children, three of them sons. Five of the
daughters are now dead. The eldest son suc-
ceeded his father in business. The second
son, Dr. Louis Irene Pratte, a graduate of
the Trois Rivieres College and of Laval Uni-
versity Medical College, is in Norwich,
Conn., where he has been settled for seven-
teen years, and has built up a large and lucra-
tive practice.

Arthur A. Pratte completed his preparatory
course at ‘the high school in his native town,
and, entering the Trois Riviéres College, was
graduated, after a four years’ course, with the
degree of Bachelor of Arts. He at once en-
tered the Laval University Medical College
for the four years’ course in medicine, and
at the age of twenty-three received “with
great distinction” his degree of Doctor of
Medicine, attesting the thorough course he
had taken and his high standing in the
classes. During these years of study he was
in constant attendance at the Victoria Hos-
pital, one of the best in Canada, and also at
the Hétel Dieu Notre Dame Hospital, which
is almost as old as the city of Montreal. He
began the practice of his profession at Marl-
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

155

 

 

boro, N.H., where he remained one year, re-
moving then to Hinsdale, to succeed to the
practice of Dr. Beland, who left the town at
that time to remove to Canada. Dr. Pratte
came here in December, 1895, not only fully
equipped for general practice, but also thor-
oughly conversant with diseases of the throat,
the ear, and the eye, and is already well es-
tablished. Dr. Pratte is unmarried. He is
connected with the Society of Foresters of
America and with the St. John Baptiste.

 

 

TON. ORREN C. MOORE, late of
Nashua, N.H., founder of the Dazly
Ge Telegraph and a member of the
Fifty-first Congress, was born in
New Hampton, N.H., August 10, 1839, son of
Jonathan H. and Hannah Van (Sleeper) Moore.
On the paternal side he was of Scotch-Irish
stock, being a lineal descendant of John
Moor, who with his wife Janet came over in
1721, and, settling at Londonderry, N.H.,
bought a farm in the English Range. Their
children were: Deacon William, of Bedford,
N.H.; Elizabeth, who married Nathaniel
Holmes; Colonel Robert, of Londonderry ;
aud Colonel] Daniel, of Bedford, N.H.
Jonathan Holmes Moore, father of Orren
C., was a son of Captain Rebert Moore, of
Bristol, N.H., grandson of Colonel Robert
Moore, of Londonderry, and great-grandson of
‘‘John of the English Range,’’ so called to
distinguish him from another settler in the
town of the same name. Colonel Robert
Moore, great-grandfather of the subject of
this sketch, was born in 1726, and died in
1778. His gravestone and that of his father
and mother may be seen in the old burial-
ground at Derry, N.H. The records show
(see ‘‘New Hampshire Provincial Papers,’’
vol. vii. p. 608) that the Provincial Con-
gress of New Hampshire on September 1,
1775, voted Samuel Hobart, Esq., to be First
Colonel of the Second Regiment of Minute-
men, Robert Moore to be Lieutenant Colonel.
One line of Orren C. Moore’s ancestors on
the paternal side traces directly back to the
Rev. Benjamin Rolfe, an early settled minis-
ter of Haverhill, Mass., who, with his wife

 

 

and youngest child, was killed by the Indians
in 1708.

Orren Cheney Moore was one of a family
of eleven children, and was early obliged to
become self-supporting. When only eleven
years old he moved with his parents to Man-
chester, where, his father having met financial
reverses, he went to work in the cotton-mills
as a mule-boy, the working day then being
fourteen hours long. The circumstances of
the family improving, he left the mills after
a brief period of toil, and entered the North
Grammar School on Spring Street, where he
studied diligently for three years under the
famous teacher Moses T. Brown and one year
under William H. Ward. After that young
Moore spent a year in Holderness, now Ash-
Jand, where he worked in a paper-mill, manag-
ing to attend the village high school, which
was then under the principalship of the Rev.
D. C. Frost, for a few hours in every day.
Here he met as a schoolmate Miss Nancy W.
Thompson, who subsequently became his wife.
When sixteen years old, Mr. Moore went to
La Crosse, Wis., to work at the printer’s trade
for his brother, Frederick A. Moore, who was
publishing the La Crosse Democrat. He
remained there for nearly three years, and he
subsequently worked as a printer in Madison,
Wis., and at Jefferson City, Mo.

Returning to Manchester, he was foreman.
in the office of the Datly American until the:
paper was merged into the .JZ¢érror. During
this time he was in the Common Council of
the city of Manchester, and was in the State
legislature during two sessions. Leaving
Manchester Mr. Moore went to Boston, and,
after being there for a short time, he received
a call to the editorship of the Nashua Weekly
Telegraph. This paper had been founded in
1832 by Alfred Beard, and was first issued
from a building that stood where the Watana-
nock House now stands. Albin Beard, twin
brother of Alfred, bought an interest in the
paper, and from 1839, when the founder died,
till his own death, in 1862, was sole proprie-
tor. Mr. Moore became editor in April,
1864, and continued to conduct the paper
until the establishment changed hands, being
purchased in March, 1865, by White & Berry,
156

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

Dearborn & Berry shortly becoming the
owners and Mr. Dearborn the editor.

Mr. Moore about this time, being made
Register of Probate for Hillsboro County,
took up his residence in Amherst, where the
county records were then kept; and when the
office was moved to Nashua he again made his
home in this city. In November, 1867, Mr.
Moore bought out Mr. Dearborn, and was re-
instated as editor-in-chief of the MVeekly Tele-
graph, the publishing firm being Moore &
Berry till February, 1869, when Clark M.
Langley bought Mr. Berry’s interest. The
first number of the Dazly Telegraph was is-
sued on March 1 of that year. By purchase
of Mr. Langley’s share in 1878 Mr. Moore
became sole proprietor of the paper. In Jan-
uary, 1887, the business was incorporated as
the Telegraph Publishing Company, with Mr.
Moore as manager and treasurer. After a few
more years of useful activity as journalist,
representative in the Legislature, and member
of Congress, followed by a lingering illness
of two years, he died at his home in Nashua,
on May 12, 1893.

In answer to the question, What did he do
worthy of remembrance? we quote the follow-
ing from an appreciative notice of his career
elsewhere published: ‘‘Mr. Moore wielded
no uncertain pen. His voice and the Jele-
graph sounded no false notes. More than this,
his course was never determined by any sordid
considerations. Asa proof of this it is only
necessary to state that during the quarter of
a century and more that Mr. Moore controlled
the utterances of the paper no advertisement
of intoxicating liquor or offensively worded
nostrum appeared in its columns. The policy
of the Zelegraph in all these years has been
thoroughly loyal to the principles of patriotism,
justice, temperance, morality, and religion.
It has supported every measure calculated to
advance the best interests of the city and
State.

‘‘Besides his editorial work Mr. Moore
found time to give much attention to the con-
sideration of public questions. In addition to
services rendered the people of Nashua as a
member of the Board of Education during the
transition from the old to the new methods

 

that have made our schools equal to the best
in the State, Mr. Moore represented Nashua
in the legislature in four sessions — Ward Four
in 1873, 1874, and 1875; Ward Eight in 1887
—and was elected State Senator in 1878 for
two years by a majority of one hundred and
sixty-two over the Governor vote, and that, too,
in a year when the most sanguine member of
his party was expecting defeat. Mr. Moore
served as chairman of the Republican State
Central Committee in what is known as the
Greeley campaign.

“In 1877 Mr. Moore was appointed upon
the Tax Commission of the State, and wrote
the commissioners’ report which was made
to the legislature. Many of the suggestions
of the report have been engrafted upon the
legislation of the State, among these the act
relating to the sworn inventory to property
and the act establishing a State Board of
Equalization.

“In 1884 Governor Hale tendered Mr.
Moore the chairmanship of the new Railroad
Commission. He accepted the appointment,
and for three years gave faithful and indefati-
gable service in carrying forward the work of
the Commission. He was the author of the
report to the legislature, which included the
most careful railroad history which had been
made down to that time.

‘“‘From 1872 till near the close of his life
Mr. Moore took part in every political cam-
paign in the State. His popularity as a
speaker placed him in the front among our
New Hampshire orators, and he addressed
more public meetings in the State than any
other man during this period. His speeches
were always carefully prepared, never repeated
from one campaign to another, and always de-
livered without notes. Among the general
subjects treated were ‘The Constitution of
New Hampshire,’ ‘Problems,’ ‘Fraternal
Societies,’ ‘New England’s Bard,’ ‘The
Railroad Question,’ ‘The Borderland,’ ‘The
Currency Question,’ ‘The National Bank
System.’ He also delivered a large num-
ber of temperance addresses and Memorial
Day orations, the latter always being upon
some special theme in which he sought to im-
press the lesson of loyalty to the flag, and
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

157

 

 

still carry with the lesson something of edu-
cational force.

“In 1880 Mr. Moore proposed to Chairman
Jewell of the Republican National Committee
to go into any Southern district for two weeks
and canvass the Republican cause. The offer
was gladly accepted, and West Virginia was
selected. Mr. Moore opened his campaign
at Harper’s Ferry, and concluded it in Bu-
chanan County in the interior of the State,
where no Northern speaker had appeared up to
that time. He was everywhere kindly and
attentively received, and was welcomed with
delight by the loyal, noble Union men and
women of that patriotic State.

‘“Besides this service to the cause of his
party, in the general policy of which he was
always in the fullest accord, being of the
‘advance guard’ in civil service reform, ballot
reform, and other vital issues, Mr. Moore
travelled thousands of miles and made number-
less campaign speeches in Maine, Massachu-
setts, and Vermont, in addition to his service
in New Hampshire. He also wrote two or
three of the Republican platforms of the State,
served on committees having in charge other
platforms, and made one or two opening ad-
dresses when presiding at State conventions.
In a word, he was one of the hard workers for
the best good of the public, as he understood
the needs and issues of the hour, for more
than a quarter of a century.

‘*In 1888 Mr. Moore was elected to repre-
sent the Second New Hampshire District in
the Fifty-first Congress. He served on the
Pacific Railroad Committee, the District of
Columbia Committee, and on the Committee
on the Enrollment of Bills. His public
speeches included ‘The Revision of the Rules,’
‘Tariff Revision,’ ‘The Anti-lottery Bill,’
‘The Competitive Principle in the Civil Ser-

vice,’ and ‘The Record of the Fifty-first Con-

gress.’

“Of Mr. Moore’s loyalty to all the interests
of Nashua, of his citizenship, of his readiness
to assist every cause that appealed to his
sense of fairness and equity as between man
and man, of his zealous advocacy of the rights
of labor, and his prompt response when called
upon to champion the cause of the oppressed

 

of other lands, the people of Nashua are as
well qualified to sit in judgment as the writer.
We are quite sure that their verdict is: ‘He
has been a faithful servant of the people.’ ”’

On the death of Mr. Moore, May 12, 1893,
as mentioned above, his wife, Mrs. Nancy W.
Moore, succeeded him as manager of the
Telegraph Publishing Company, with her
daughter, Miss Gertrude C. Moore, as treas-
urer.

 

°

 

OHN B. BALDWIN, a_ prosperous
farmer of Wilton, was born in this
town, January 7, 1839, son of Loami
and Charlotte (Bradford) Baldwin. He

is of English origin. His great-grandfather,
John Baldwin, married Isabel Beard, who
reared five children, of whom Timothy, the
grandfather of John B. Baldwin, was the
youngest. Timothy Baldwin settled upon a
farm in Wilton in 1788, and tilled the soil
until his death, which occurred in 1823. He
married Prudence Chapman, and of his eight
children Loami was the last-born.

Loami Baldwin, John B. Baldwin’s father,
was born in Wilton, and grew to manhood
upon the home farm. He followed agricult-
ure with energy during his active years, and
through his industry and good judgment he
attained prosperity. In politics he was a
Democrat. He died March 6, 1860. His
wife, Charlotte, who was a daughter of
Thomas Bradford, of Lyndeboro, N.H., be-
came the mother of four children, two of
whom are living. These are: John B., the
subject of this sketch; and Hannah J., who
married F. A. Richardson, of Lyndeboro,
and has one son, Pearley. Mrs. Loami Bald-
win died May 27, 1882.

John B. Baldwin was reared and educated
in his native town. When a young man he
worked at the butchering business for two
years in East Wilton. He has since given
his attention to general farming, and owns
about fifty acres of fertile land, which is
capable of producing large and superior crops.

Mr. Baldwin has been successively married
to Olivia J. Curtis, Louise E. Perham, and
Martha J. Torrey. Martha J. Torrey Bald-
158

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

win, his present wife, is a native of Maine.
By his second union he has three children,
namely: Lewis H., who married Lena Holt,
of Wilton; Florence L.; and Charles A. Mr.
Baldwin has served upon the School Board
and as Highway Surveyor, therein rendering
valuable service to the town. In politics he
takes a course independent of party.

—e

HARLES O. WOODS, who carries
on a blacksmith shop in Antrim, and
is also engaged in farming, was
born in Windsor, N.H., April 7,
1863, son of Charles A. and Adeline R. (Bar-
ker) Woods. His grandfather, Asa Woods,
who was born in Hollis, N.H., resided in
Nashua for some time, and then settled upon
a farm in his native town. Asa married Polly
Laton, and had a family of five children, four
of whom are living; namely, Mary, Asa,
Charles A., and Frank L. Mary is now the
widow of James Otis, and has one son, Albert.
Asa, Jr., married Ellen Searles, who died
leaving three children. Both his parents lived
to a good old age.
Charles A. Woods was born in Nashua,
November 19, 1831. In his younger days he

 

worked in the mills, and was employed in the.

construction of the, Vermont Central Railroad.
After his marriage he settled upon a farm in
Bennington, N.H., where he resided for a
time. Subsequently he worked in a tannery
of Hillsboro for eight years. Later he was
engaged in farming in Antrim and Hillsboro.
Since 1886 he has resided in Antrim. His
wife was born in Antrim, daughter of Moody
M. Barker. Her grandfather, Captain Peter
Barker, was one of the early settlers of this
town, locating here in 1789, and subsequently
clearing a farm from the wilderness. She
reared two children — Addie E. and Charles
O. Addie E., now the widow of Frank B.
Woodbury, late of Antrim, has two children —
Mark and Valentine. Mrs. Charles A. Woods
died September 23, 1891.

Charles O. Woods attended school in Hills-
boro. When a young man he learned the
blacksmith’s trade in Antrim. Later he pur-
chased the shop of his employer, and there

 

since he has carried on a general horseshveing
and jobbing business. He also superintends
a farm for Mr. W. K. Flint, of Milwaukee,
Wis. On March 28, 1893, he married Grace
E. Downes, daughter of Harlan P. Downes, of
Francestown. Politically, Mr. Woods is a
Republican. For the past three years he has
acted as Police and Truant Officer, and in
1896 he was elected a member of the Board of
Selectmen. Mrs. Woods is a member of the
Congregational church.

 

ARON SMITH, an extensive dairy
farmer of Harrisville, who was for
several years a member of the New
Hampshire legislature, is a native
of this town, born April 17, 1822, son of
Aaron and Ruth (Atwood) Smith, and is a
descendant of Revolutionary patriots. His
great-grandfathers on both sides served in the
struggles for independence. His paternal
great-grandfather, Aaron Smith, who resided
in Needham, Mass., commanded a company at
the battle of Lexington. Abner Smith, the
grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was
also a Revolutionary soldier. After the war
he settled in that part of Dublin which is now
included within the limits of the town of
Harrisville, where he engaged in farming.
The first of his two marriages was made with
Hannah Prentice, who bore him eight chil-
dren; namely, Aaron, Prentice, Beulah,
Elisha, Ira, Abigail, Hannah, and Luther.
Aaron Smith, Sr., was born on the family
homestead, November 5, 1791. He learned
the trade of a potter, and subsequently was
engaged in the manufacture of all kinds of
earthenware until his death, which occurred on
November 20, 1840. He was a member of
the Unitarian church. His wife, Ruth, who
was born in Nelson, N.H., August 15,
1787, daughter of Philip Atwood, became the
mother of six children, of whom the third died
in infancy. The others were: Aaron, George,
Calvin, Jonathan, and Abner. George died at
at the age of twenty-four. Calvin, who is a
box manufacturer in Westboro, Mass., wedded
Mary, daughter of Samuel Parker, of Nelson,
N.H., and has two children. Jonathan and
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

159

 

 

Abner died young. The mother died March
24, 1852:

Aaron Smith was reared and educated in
Harrisville, then a part of Dublin. He sub-
sequently Jearned the potter’s trade with his
father, and followed it afterward until the al-
most universal use of tinware made the manu-
facture of earthen vessels unprofitable. Since
relinquishing his trade, he has given his atten-
tion to dairy farming at the family homestead.
The farm isa large and valuable estate, with
ample pasturage for sheep, the raising of which
he formerly carried on quite extensively.

Mr. Smith married Mrs. Susan M. Brom-
ley, who, born in Nelson, March 9, 1828,
daughter of Colonel Rufus Atwood, of Nelson,
died January 15, 1887. Mr. Smith’s public
services cover a Jong period. He was Select-
man for twenty-one years; a Representative to
the legislature from 1859 to 1870, excluding
the years 1861, 1862, and 1863; and County
Commissioner from 1870 to 1875. He also
served for a time in the capacities of Overseer
of the Poor and member of the School Board,
and he acted as recruiting agent during the
Civil War. One of the organizers of the local
grange, Patrons of Husbandry, he was the first
Master, and he still takes an active interest in
its affairs.

 

 

OSEPH G. CARLTON, a successful
agriculturist and a respected resident
of Mont Vernon, was born here, May
20, 1863, son of John A. and Amanda

(Wilson) Carlton. John Carlton, the father
of John A., was an old-time resident and Se-
lectman of Mont Vernon. John A., who was
born in the town, bas always. lived here.
Amanda, his wife, was a native of Vermont.
She died April 28, 1896, leaving four sons
and two daughters, namely: John W., of Man-
chester; Joseph G., the subject of this biog-
raphy; William S., also of Manchester;
Charles G., a resident,of Nashua; Lilla, the
wife of William Easton, of East Wilton,
N.H.; and Fannie L., the wife of George F.
Averill, of Milford, N.H.

Having completed his education, which was
acquired in the public schools of Mont Vernon,

 

Joseph G. Carlton took up farming, the occu-
pation to which he had been reared. Besides
carrying on general farming, he has a small
fruit business and does some lumbering. The
home farm contains about one hundred acres.
In 1891 he was joined in marriage with Miss
Minnie Spalding, daughter of Otis Spalding,
of Mont Vernon. Three sons have been born
to them; namely, George O., Elmer E., and
Alwin C.

Mr. Carlton is a Republican in politics.
His townsmen have shown their appreciation of
his ability and character by electing him to
important town offices. He was Selectman for
two years; a member of the Schoo] Board for
an equal length of time; and he is now serv-
ing his second year as Road Agent, and holds
the position of Supervisor of the Check List.
He is a member of Prospect Grange, P. of H.

 

RTHUR A. TROW, an enterprising
business‘man of Mont Vernon, was
born in this town, August 9, 1829,
son of Jesse and Nancy (Cochran)
Trow. Joseph Trow, the father of Jesse and
a native of Massachusetts, was one of the fa-
mous minute-men of the Revolution. Joseph
came here some time after the close of the
war. Jesse Trow was born in this town, and
lived here until his death, which occurred in
1867. Hespent his active years in farming
and Jumbering. His wife, Nancy, had nine
children, of whom three sons survive, namely:
George W., a resident of Hudson, N.H.;
Arthur A., the subject of this sketch; and
Daniel W., of Amherst, N.H. At first a
Whig, the father joined the Republican party
after its formation.

After attending the district school in Mont
Vernon, Arthur A. Trow studied for a time at
Appleton Academy. Since then he has been
engaged in farming. He now owns the old
Trow homestead, a farm of about two hundred
acres. He also operates the saw-mill on the
estate, called Trow’s Mill. In years past he
followed lumbering quite extensively.

Mr. Trow was married January 23, 1872, to
Miss Lucretia Rideout, who was born in
Nashua, N.H., daughter of Gardner and
160

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

Lucretia (Wilson) Rideout. Her father was
a native of Hillsboro County, and her mother
was born in Maine. She completed her educa-
tion at Francestown Academy, after which she
taught school for four terms. Mr. and Mrs.
Trow have four children; namely, Charles A.,
Lewis A., Jessie A., and Edward W. Charles
A. graduated from McCollom Institute, Mont
Vernon, and from New Hampshire College of
Agriculture and Mechanic Arts at Durham,
completing his course at the latter institution
in June, 1895. He then took a post-graduate
course in the same college in mining engineer-
ing, and he is now employed in Colorado as a
mining engineer. Lewis A., also a graduate
of McCollom Institute, married Nellie Good-
rich, of North Lyndeboro, and has one child,
Harold O. Jessie A. is the wife of William
Fox, of Mont Vernon; and Edward W. is a
graduate of the International Business College
at Manchester, N.H. In politics Mr. Trow
is a Republican. Mrs, Trow is a member of
the Methodist Episcopal church at Milford.

 

OHN M. FOX, the Town Clerk and an
enterprising merchant of Mont Vernon,
‘ was born in New Boston, this county,
March 5, 1836, son of Ephraim and
Sarah (Parker) Fox. The father, who was
born in Dracut, Mass., came when a young
man to Milford, N.H., where he learned the
trade of a currier and tanner. He resided for
a number of years successively in Milford and
Hillsboro, N.H., and then finally settled in
New Boston, where he died. His wife,
Sarah, was a native of Carlisle, Mass.

During the first fifteen years of his life
John M. Fox lived with his parents at New
Boston. Thereafter he was almost wholly
cast upon his own resources. Having re-
ceived a fair education, he went to Petersham,
Mass., and there was a clerk in a general
store for three years. Then he returned to
New Boston, learned the tailor’s trade, and
worked at it until the Civil War broke out.
On May 9, 1861, he enlisted in Company G,
Second New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry,
for three months. Upon the expiration of
that term he re-enlisted, and was mustered in,

 

 

June 9, 1861, in the same company and regi-
ment, and subsequently served with the Army
of the Potomac, under the command of Gen-
erals McClellan and Grant, participating in
the first and second Bull Run, the seven days’
fight in front of Richmond, the fights at Will-
iamsburg, Yorktown, and others up to Get-
tysburg. During the latter battle he was
detached as clerk for Surgeon-general Mer-
row, the surgeon of the brigade, and after-
ward continued in the hospital department
until his final discharge on June 21, 1864.
Returning then to New Hampshire, he settled
in Mont Vernon, and for a quarter-century
after was successfully engaged in farming.
Under the first administration of President
Cleveland he was appointed Postmaster of
Mont Vernon. In 1887 he purchased the
store he now owns, and started the general
merchandise business, which he has since
carried on with profit.

Mr. Fox was married June 3, 1858, to Miss
Esther D. Fairfield, of New Boston. They
have two children— Eunice A. and William
H. The latter married Jessie Trow. In 1891
Mr. Fox was elected to represent his town in
the lower house of the State Jegislature. He
has served as Town Clerk for more than a
score of years, and is also a Justice of the
Peace and Notary Public. He is a charter
member of Prospect Grange, with which he is
still identified.

 

EONARD B. DOW, of Milford, a
prosperous manufacturer of lumber,
cider, and pure cider vinegar, was
born September 29, 1830, at Pep-
perell, Mass., son of Daniel Dow, Jr. He
comes of patriotic ancestry. His great-grand-
father, Captain Reuben Dow, was an officer in
a company of Hollis militia, under Colonel
Prescott, and fought at Bunker Hill. Like-
wise Captain Dow’s son Daniel, the paternal
grandfather of Leonard B. Dow, served
throughout the entire War of Independence.
Daniel resided for many years in Hollis,
Hillsboro County.
Daniel Dow, Jr., was born in Hollis, where
he subsequently acquired a knowledge of agri-
 

DAVID H. GOODELL.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

163

 

 

culture. Afterward he followed farming in
Pepperell, Mass., living there from early man-
hood until his death at the age of seventy-six
years. After settling in Pepperell he mar-
ried Miss Lucy Smith, of that place, who bore
him several children. Of these but two are
now living, namely: Luther H., of Pepperell;
and Leonard B., the subject of this sketch.
The parents were members of the Congrega-
tional church. In politics the father was a
Democrat.

Leonard B. Dow spent his boyhood on the
family homestead, acquiring his elementary
education in the district schools, and subse-
quently finishing in the high school. When
about seventeen years of age he began work-
ing at the carpenter’s trade, which he after-
ward followed for nine or ten years. In Octo-
ber, 1856, he went to the Indian Territory,
where he was engaged for some time in a gen-
eral mercantile business, handling all kinds
of supplies, and trading with the Choctaw Ind-
ians, having received a license from the gov-
ernment for so doing. After ten years’ ab-
sence he returned to the place of his birth, and
for a few years was there employed as a con-
tractor and builder. In December, 1869, he
became a permanent resident of Milford, set-
tling here in business. In the following year
he built his saw-mill, which he has since suc-
cessfully operated, adding to the manufacture
of lumber that of cider and cider vinegar, in
which he has a substantial trade, his manu-
factures in this line being celebrated for their
excellence and purity. He was Selectman for
twelve years, and for more than half of that
period the chairman of the Board. He is one
of the directors of the Milford Building and
Loan Association. In politics he is inde-
pendent, having the courage of his convic-
tions, voting for the best men and the best
principles, regardless of party restrictions.

On February 22, 1867, Mr. Dow married
Miss Sarah J. Pierce, daughter of Calvin and
Jane (Elliott) Pierce. She was born and edu-
cated in Pepperell, Mass. The children of
Mr. and Mrs. Dow are: Lucy J. and Hattie
P. Both are teachers in Westfield, Mass. —
Lucy in the high school, and Hattie P a
teacher in the graded schools. Mr. Dow at-

 

tends and contributes toward the support of
the Congregational church, of which Mrs.
Dow is an active member.

 

 

ON. CLEMENT J. WOODWARD
was born in Roxbury, Cheshire
County, N.H., September 7, 1850.
His parents removed to Keene, the
county seat, a few miles from his birthplace,
when he was six years of age, and he has since
resided bere. He received his education in
the public schools of Keene, completing a
course at the high school and at Colby Acad-
emy, New London, N.H. Mr. Woodward is
treasurer and manager of the Sentinel Printing
Company, publishers and proprietors of the
Daily and Weekly Sentinel; also a director of
the Keene National Bank. He has been a
member of the Keene city government, repre-
sented his ward in the legislature of 1887-88,
and was a member of the State Senate of
1893-94. He was married October 3, 1877,
and has one son.

X-GOVERNOR DAVID H. GOODELL
was born in Hillsboro, N.H., May 6,
1834, son of Jesse R. and Olive
(Wright) Goodell. His grandfather, David
Goodell, also a native of Hillsboro, was
born September 15, 1774. David followed
agriculture, and was much respected by the
community in which he resided. He married
Mary Raymond, who was born in Mont Ver-
non, N.H., January 18, 1779. They had
three children, who are now deceased. The
youngest was the father of David H. David
Goodell and his wife were both members
of the Baptist church in Hillsboro. In po-
litical belief he was a Democrat. He died
September 22, 1848, and his wife’s death oc-
curred May 17, (864.

Jesse R. Goodell was born in Hillsboro,
February 12, 1807. From his youth he was
engaged in farming on the old homestead
until he was thirty-four years of age. Then
be moved to Antrim, and, having purchased a
farm of one hundred and sixty-five acres, set-
tled down there for the remainder of his days.

 

 
164

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

This place is now the residence of ex-Governor
Goodell. Jesse R. married Olive Atwood,
daughter of Reuben Wright, of Washington,
N.H. They had but one child, the subject
of this article. Both were members of the
Baptist church in Hillsboro and Antrim, and
he was Deacon for many years. He was Se-
lectman of the town of Antrim. A Democrat
in his early manhood, he became a Republican
after the late war. An industrious and up-
right man, strictly correct in his habits, he
was respected by all who knew him. He died
November 6, 1886, and his wife died January
13, 1877.

David H. Goodell began his schooling in
Hillsboro. But seven years of age when
his parents moved to Antrim, he afterward at-
tended school at Hancock, New Hampton In-
stitute, and Francestown, and was a student
at Brown University for about a year and a
half. He also obtained experience and train-
ing of another kind by teaching school at
different times and by working on his father’s
farm, to which latter he gave considerable
attention. Having shown himself a keen busi-
ness man, he was made treasurer of the An-
trim Shovel Company at the age of twenty-
three. In 1857 he became agent for the same
company, which was sold out in 1864. In the
meantime he had turned his attention to the
invention of an apple-parer, and, being wholly
successful in this, he commenced to manu-
facture it in Antrim in 1865. The result was
the formation of the firm D. H. Goodell &
Co., which continued in existence up to 1867.
Misfortune then made its appearance in the
shape of a fire that destroyed the plant, which
was a total loss, as there was no insurance.
Assistance was given him by the firm of
Treadwell & Co., but when they failed, in
1870, he lost everything. Nothing daunted,
however, he borrowed a thousand dollars from
his former customers, Sargent & Co., of New
York City, and in 1871 again began the man-
ufacture of the apple-parers, continuing alone
in the business up to 1875. It should be
mentioned that in 1872 he organized the
Woods Cutlery Company for the manufacture
of cutlery, with a factory at Bennington and
an office at Antrim. Success rapidly fol-

 

lowed; and in 1875 the Goodell Company was
organized, absorbing both the Woods Cutlery
Company and the D. H. Goodell Company.
This firm, which has continued up to the pres-
ent time, has one of the largest manufactories
of cheap cutlery in America, In 1879 the
business had increased so rapidly that they
opened up the old factory in Bennington, en-
larging it and running it in connection with
the works at Antrim. There are about two
hundred and seventy-five hands in the employ
of the company, and ex-Governor Goodell has
been the president and treasurer ever since its
organization.

Mr. Goodell has always been a man of
affairs. Deeply interested in the welfare of
the community, he held various offices pre-
vious to his reaching the gubernatorial chair.
He was Moderator, Town Clerk, and chair-
man of the School Committee. From 1878
to 1885 he was a member of the State Board
of Agriculture, and he was State Repre-
sentative in 1876. He was elected one of
Governor Hale’s Council in 1882 by an
overwhelming vote, and served as such until
1885. In 1888 he was elected Governor of
New Hampshire, in which capacity he served
from 1889 to 1891. From the least important
to the greatest of these offices he has given
evidence of the highest ability.

On September 1, 1857, Mr. Goodell was
married to Hannah Jane Plumer, who was born
at Goffstown, N.H., April] 13, 1835. They
have two children — Dura Dana and Richard
Carter. Dura Dana, born September 6, 1858,
was married August 31, 1886, to Nellie Lau-
retta Little, who was born in Antrim, Novem-
ber 2, 1855. They have one child, Claire
Deane, born November 12, 1887. Richard
Carter, born August 10, 1868, was marricd
August 10, 1892, to Una G. White, who died
April 5, 1895, without children. The ex-
Governor and his wife are both members of
the Baptist church, and he has been a Deacon
in the same since 1886. In politics he has
supported the Republican party since the war.
He isa member of the Antrim Grange. He
has done a great deal for Antrim. Eminently
successful both in his public and private ca-
pacities, his native State and town may justly
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

165

 

 

be proud of him. He is a great temperance
advocate, and has done noble work in the ad-
vancement of that cause.

 

OHN H. LAING, who for many years
has been conneeted with the Gilsum

woollen-mills at  Gilsum, Cheshire
County, N.H., was born in North
Andover, Mass., October 9, 1850. His father

was William Laing, a native of Scotland, and
an expert dyer, who was employed in woollen-
mills in various places, and died in Andover,
Mass. He reared five children, namely:
William; George; Allison; Jeanette; and
John H., the subject of this sketch.

John H. Laing was educated in Keene,
N.H., and Gaysville, Vt. After leaving
school he sailed from Provincetown, Mass., on
a whaling-vessel for a two years’ cruise in
the northern seas, and upon his return he
served an apprenticeship in a woollen factory.
He has been connected with the mills in Gil-
sum since 1873, and is well acquainted with
the business. He is quite active in public
affairs, and has served as Selectman, Tax Col-
lector, and Truant Officer. He is a Master
Mason, and also belongs to the Patrons of
Husbandry.

Mr. Laing married Mary L. Train, of Sax-
ton’s River, Vt. He attends the Congrega-
tional church.

YPON. AMOS J. BLAKE, attorney
and counsellor at law of Fitzwilliam,
Cheshire County, N.H., was born
October 20, 1836, in the neighbor-
ing town of Rindge, which was the birth-
place and lifelong residence of his parents,
Ebenezer and Hepsibeth (Jewett) Blake. His
grandfather, Deacon Eleazar Blake, was born
in Wrentham, Mass., April 1, 1757.

“Bleazar Blake, Wrentham, private, Cap-
tain Samuel Cowell’s company, Colonel John
Smith’s regiment, which marched on the alarm
of April 19, 1775, service eleven days”—
thus begins the long paragraph comprising
his military record, giving names of different
colonels and captains under whom he served,

 

 

 

with dates and periods of enlistment, etc., in
“Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors,” a com-
pilation from the archives prepared and pub-
lished by the Secretary of the Commonwealth,
vol. ii. p. 127, published in 1896.

The following more detailed account of
his army experience is from other sources.
Eleazar Blake participated in the siege of Bos-
ton; and on June 17, the day of the battle of
Bunker Hill, he with others was engaged in
fortifying Prospect Hill, where he witnessed
the desperate engagement. His regiment was
sent to New York in 1777, and, joining the
army under General Gates, participated in the
triumphs of the patriots over General Bur-
goyne, taking an honorable part in the mem-
orable battles of Stillwater and Saratoga.
During the winter of 1777-78 he endured the
miseries of hunger and nakedness at Valley
Forge, and the following spring and summer
he was with the army immediately under the
command of General Washington. In 1780,
then in Colonel Shepard’s regiment, he was
appointed Sergeant, and in 1782 was detailed
Assistant Quartermaster of the Fourth Massa-
chusetts Brigade, in which line of service he
continued until his discharge, June 12, 1783,
at Camp New Windsor, New York, from
whence he travelled on foot a distance of two
hundred and twenty miles to his home in
Wrentham, where he arrived June 21, after an
almost continuous service in the war of more
than eight years.

In the autumn following his discharge
Eleazar Blake, accompanied by his brother
Ebenezer, who had served four years in the
army, visited Coos County, New Hampshire,
where he remained several months, and was
engaged as a school teacher. After a brief
residence in New York, he married November
29, 1785, Jerusha Gerould, daughter of
Gamaliel and Jerusha (Mann) Gerould, of
Wrentham, and settled in Stoddard, N.H. In
1792 he removed to Rindge, where he contin-
ued to reside, following the occupation of a
farmer and wheelwright.

Under the ministry of the eminent Dr. Seth
Payson he was chosen Deacon of the Congre-
gational church, in which capacity he offici-
ated until eighty years of age. The blameless
166

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

character of Deacon Blake, his unimpeachable
integrity, and his Christian counsels will long
be treasured by his. townsmen and acquaint-
ances. He died September 27, 1852, aged
ninety-five years and six months.

Ebenezer Blake, the father of the subject of
this sketch, was the youngest child of Deacon
Eleazar and Jerusha Mann (Gerould) Blake,
and was born in Rindge, November 16, 1800.
His occupation was that of a farmer and car-
penter. He was a man of more than ordinary
intelligence and of sterling character. He
took a deep interest in public affairs, and for
many years held and discharged with fidelity
the duties of a Justice of the Peace, besides
holding other town offices. He died April 8,
1883, aged eighty-three years. He was ad-
mitted a member of the Congregational church
October 26, 1834.

His wife, Hepsibeth, was the daughter of
Amos and Lydia Jewett, of Rindge. She was
a woman of superior endowments, a devoted
wife and mother, uniting exemplary Christian
piety with an unclouded disposition and many
excellences of character. The light of her ex-
ample will long continue to shed its cheerful
rays around the pathway of her surviving chil-
dren. She was admitted a member of the
Congregational church on the same date with
her husband, October 26, 1834. She died
November 10, 1874, aged seventy-two years.

Amos J. Blake was the eighth child and
seventh son of Ebenezer and Hepsibeth Blake.
He attended the common and select schools of
his native town, until, arriving at the age of
seventeen, he determined upon a higher course
of education. Teaching school each winter to
procure the means for continuing his studies,
he pursued a classical course and the higher
branches and mathematics at Mount Czesar
Seminary, Swanzey, N.H., Green Mountain
Liberal Institute, Woodstock, Vt., and at
Appleton Academy, New Ipswich, N.H.
When he left Appleton Academy in July,
1859, he was fitted for college; but, instead of
carrying out his plans in that direction, he
began the study of law in the office of F. F.
Lane at Keene, and remained until February
28, 1861, when he entered the office of D. H.
Woodward. He was admitted to the bar in

 

April, 1862, and a little over a year later,
July 13, 1863, he opened an office in Fitzwill-
iam, where he still continues to engage in ac-
tive practice. He was admitted to practice in
the United States District Court October 1,
1867. He has acted as administrator, ex-
ecutor, trustee of estates of deceased persons,
and guardian, trustee, assignee, and receiver,
in a large number of cases. He has been en-
gaged in several very important cases, to
which he has given his personal attention.

Mr. Blake is a lifelong Republican and
an active supporter of his party, acting as a
speaker in Fitzwilliam and neighboring towns
during political campaigns. On October 13,
1862, he was appointed Assistant Assessor of
Internal Revenue, and held the office until
June, 1871. He was elected Representative
to the New Hampshire legislature in 1872
and 1873, and served during both sessions on
the Judiciary Committee. He was a member
of the convention which met in January, 1889,
to revise the Constitution of the State of New
Hampshire, and was the author of the resolu-
tion to change the time of the meeting of the
legislature from the first Wednesday of June
to the first Wednesday of January biennially.

This resolution was offered to the conven-
tion on Thursday, January 3. The following
day, on motion of Mr. Blake, the convention
resolved itself into a committee of the whole
to take the matter under consideration. Mr.
Blake then spoke briefly upon the resolution,
but in forceful and pertinent language that
riveted the attention of his hearers. He re-
called to their minds that this amendment was
one of the prime objects of the convention,
the question whether it was expedient that
such a convention be held having previously
been submitted to the vote of the people of the
State by an act of the legislature. He laid
special stress on the fact that, since the
change to biennial sessions, so long as the
legislature assembled in June, twice in every
six years a vacancy would occur in the office
of United States Senator, from the 4th of
March to the assembling of the legislature in
the following June; and, instead of being rep-
resented in the United States Senate by a
Senator elected by the legislature of New
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

167

 

 

Hampshire, they would for that intervening
time be represented by a Senator appointed by
the executive. He also called to their mind
the changes in travelling facilities since the
adoption of the State Constitution a hundred
years ago, when members were obliged to
travel on foot or on horseback, and five to
eight days were required by those from distant
towns to reach the capital of the State; and
it would have been almost impossible for them
to travel during the month of January.
Further, as a large majority of the members
of the legislature are farmers, they could
better leave their farms in January than in
June to attend the session of the legislature,
which would generally be expected to adjourn
before the warm summer months. Thus the
sessions would in many instances be shorter,
and considerable expense be saved to the State.
These weighty considerations, thus forcibly
presented, had due effect upon the convention;
and on January 11, 1889, the resolution was
adopted, and the proper changes made to the
Constitution in conformity thereto.

Mr. Blake was appointed State Bank Com-
missioner in 1876, 1877, 1878, and 1879. In
June, 1880, he was appointed and served as
enumerator for the town of Fitzwilliam of the
tenth census of the United States, and in
June, 1890, of the eleventh census. He
served as superintending School Committee
of Rindge for two years prior to his settle-
ment in Fitzwilliam, and has held that office
for eleven years in Fitzwilliam. He has
served many years as Moderator of town meet-
ings, as supervisor of the Fitzwilliam Town
Library, and as president and a trustee of the
Fitzwilliam Savings Bank. He has also held
the office of Selectman of the town for several
years.

Mr. Blake married for his first wife Miss
Lizzie A. Howe, youngest daughter of Dennis
and Lucy (Ball) Howe, of Jaffrey, and for-
merly of Rindge. She died June 22, 1867,
leaving one son, who died September 8, 1867.
He married for his second wife Miss Flora
E. Stone, eldest daughter of Nathan and Mary
Louisa (Miles) Stone, of Fitzwilliam, and has
one son, Leroy Stanley Blake, born Novem-
ber §, 1883.

 

Mr. Blake, outside of his professional read-
ing, is interested in many special studies.
He is deeply versed in geology and kindred
sciences, having made a large collection of
New England minerals. He is an historical
student, versed in antiquarian lore, and is an
authority on local history and genealogy.

For a quarter of a century Mr. Blake has
been identified with the Masonic fraternity,
having joined the Social Friends Lodge, No.
42, at Keene in 1862. He was admitted to
the Monadnock Lodge, No. 80, in Troy in
1866. He has been very active in forwarding
the History of Fitzwilliam, and has rendered
valuable aid in its compilation. He is a
member of the New Hampshire Historical So-
ciety, and also of the Sons of the American
Revolution.

We are indebted to the Granite Afonthly,
vol. x., Nos. 9 and 10, and the Journal of
the New Hampshire Constitutional Conven-
tion, 1889, for a part of the information con-
tained in this sketch.

 

EV. GEORGE F. MERRIAM, who

is well known and highly esteemed

in Greenville, Mason, Temple, and

the surrounding towns, was born

October 20, 1836, son of Deacon Franklin
and Mary Ann (Lane) Merriam. He is a de-
scendant of William Mirriam, of Hadlow,
County of Kent, England, whose three sons
-— Joseph, George, and Robert — emigrated to
Massachusetts soon after the settlement of
Boston. Joseph, who with George located in
Concord, became a freeman of Massachusetts,
March 14, 1639. Directly descended from
him, and also named Joseph, was the great-
grandfather of the Rev. Mr. Merriam. The
connecting links of the intervening gencra-
tions were: John Merriam, who married Mary
Cooper; Joseph Merriam, who married Doro-
thy Brooks; and Nathan Merriam, who mar-
ried Abigail Wheeler. This Joseph Merriam,
born in Concord, Mass., went from that town
to Mason in 1769. Here he cleared a large
tract of land, and founded a home, and made
an honorable name for himself and his de-
scendants. He followed agriculture through-
168

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

out his life, and took an active interest in
town affairs. He was Selectman for many
years, and was the first Representative from
the town of Mason, being sent to the legislat-
ure in 1775. The first of his two marriages
was made with Miss Mary Brooks, of Concord,
who was the mother of all his children, five in
number. The maiden name of his second
wife was Sally Hill. He was a member of
the Congregational church, and he lived to a
good age.

Joseph Merriam, Jr., the eldest child of Jo-
seph and Mary (Brooks) Merriam, was born in
Mason, and there subsequently followed farm-
ing throughout his active years. Like his
father he was very industrious, and was inter-
ested in town affairs. He and his wife, who
were supporters of the Congregational church,
brought up their children in the good old
Puritan fashion. He lived to be about fifty
years old. His wife died about five years
later. There were seven children in this fam-
ily, four boys and three girls, five of whom
reached adult age. Franklin Merriam, son of
Joseph Merriam, Jr., was born in Mason in
1809. He was a farmer and a very prominent
man in the town of Mason. Of unquestioned
integrity and highly esteemed, he was often
called upon to take charge of the legal settle-
ment of estates. He was Selectman for a
number of years in Mason and Temple. The
latter part of his life was spent in Greenville,
where he died at the age of eighty years. A
firm believer in the Whig principles, upon the
formation of the Republican party he joined
the young organization, and was thereafter a
stanch supporter of it. He married Mary
Lane, daughter of Samuel Lane, of Bedford,
Mass., and to them four children were born.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Merriam were members of
the Congregational church, and Mr. Merriam
was for many years a Deacon of the society.
He was also superintendent of the Sunday-
school for many years in Temple, and was one
of the first Deacons of the Greenville church.

It is hardly to be wondered at that George
Merriam, the eldest child of Franklin Merriam,
should feel himself called to the ministry.
Removing with his parents to Temple in his
eleventh year, George attended school there

 

for a time, and later fitted for college at New
Ipswich, Appleton Academy. In 1861 he
graduated from Amherst College, and began
his theological studies at Princeton Theologi-
cal Seminary in New Jersey. After remain-
ing here for one year he went to Union Theo-
logical Seminary at New York City, where he
graduated in May, 1864. He was also a
student of Bellevue Medical College, New
York, for one year. In 1864 Mr. Merriam
entered upon his present pastorate. On the
gth of October of that year he preached his
first sermon at Mason, and March 9 of the fol-
lowing year he was ordained pastor of the
Second Congregational Church of Mason.
From April 15, 1883, to December 15, 1891,
Mr. Merriam was pastor of the New Ipswich
Congregational Church, also supplying the
pulpits of the Mason Congregational Church
and the Methodist church in New Ipswich.
When the town of Greenville was set apart
from Mason and incorporated as a separate
township, Mr. Merriam was the first man
chosen to represent it in the State legislature,
after which he was twice re-elected. He was
also a member of the Constitutional Conven-
tion, and was Town Clerk of Greenville from
1875 to 1877. For a number of years past he
has been the secretary of the Mason Village
Savings Bank, and he is also a trustee and a
member of the Finance Committee of that cor-
poration. In his denomination Mr. Merriam
has been prominent. He has been three
times a member of the National Congrega-
tional Council, as well as Moderator of the
State General Association; and for the past
twenty years he has been scribe of Hollis As-
sociation. He has also written frequently for
the public press, and he is the author of a
published History of Greenville and of several
memorial tributes.

On August 11, 1868, Mr. Merriam was
married to Elizabeth, daughter of Henry and
Elizabeth (Bisland) McGown. Their four
children — Franklin H., Mary E., George E.,
and Joseph E. — fitted for college at New Ips-
wich, Appleton Academy; and the youngest
two boys graduated from Phillips Andover
Academy in the class of 1892. Franklin
Henry Merriam, the eldest child, born March
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

169

 

 

14, 1870, is now a student in the Harvard
Medical School, with the purpose of becoming
a physician. Mary Elizabeth, the only daugh-
ter, born July 18, 1871, is a graduate of
Middlebury College, class of 1895. George
Ernest, born May 4, 1873, graduated in June
of last year from Amherst College, and is now
preparing at Union Theological Seminary to
follow his father’s profession. The youngest
child, Joseph Edwin, born July 7, 1876, is
also a graduate of Amherst College, and now
a student at Boston University Law School.

 

 

RTHUR A. WOODWARD, a pros-
perous general merchant and Post-
master of Swanzey, Cheshire
County, was born in this town,
December 2, 1858. His grandfather, John
Woodward, who was the first of the family to
settle in Swanzey, devoted the greater part of
his active period to agricultural pursuits.
Ezekiel P. Woodward, father of Arthur A.,
was reared to farm life in this town, and re-
sided here until his death, which occurred
March 25, 1897. He was a Democrat in poli-
tics, took an active interest in the welfare of
the town, and was highly esteemed by his fel-
low-townsmen.

Arthur A. Woodward began his education
in the schools of his native town, and later
attended Comer’s Commercial College at Bos-
ton. He then entered a store in Springfield
as a clerk, but after remaining there for a
short time returned to Swanzey, and carried on
a farm here for about eight years. In 1891 he
purchased the business of A. B. Read, dealer
in general merchandise, which he has since
conducted with profitable results. His in-
creasing trade made it necessary some time ago
for him to enlarge his floor space; and by
making additions, in which he placed his dry-
goods and boot and shoe departments, he ob-
tained ample room for the display of his vari-
ous lines of goods. He now employs two
assistants, and his patrons come from Middle-
ton, Marlboro Depot, and Richmond. Mr.
Woodward possesses the qualities of thrift,
industry, and business foresight in a degree
that accounts for his increasing success. He is

 

active in town affairs, and is ever ready with
his aid and influence to forward any measure
for the public good. He has been Tax Col-
lector three years, Supervisor of the Check List
six years, was Selectman in 1896, and has
been Postmaster five years. He is a member
of Monadnock Lodge, F. & A. M., of Troy,
N.H., has occupied al] the important chairs in
the Order of the Golden Cross, and belongs to
Golden Rod Grange, Patrons of Husbandry.

Mr. Woodward married Nancie M. Hol-
brook, daughter of Chiron Holbrook, of Swan-
zey, and he has two children—- Leon A. and
Mary IE. Heand Mrs. Woodward attend the
Congregational church.

 

 

RTHUR W. HOLBROOK, First Se-
lectman and a rising young farmer of
Bedford, was born upon the farm
where he now resides, August 17,

1862, son of James and Harriet (Drew) Hol-
brook. Five generations of the family lived
in the same house, and three of these were
born there. John Holbrook, great-grandfather
of Arthur W., joined the Continental army
when he was sixteen years old, and _ subse-
quently served in the Revolutionary War. In
February, 1803, John moved his family from
Brookline, Mass., to Bedford, where he ac-
quired a tract of land located upon the hill
which has since borne his name. Here he
cleared and improved the farm now owned by
his great-grandson. He was a prominent man
of Bedford in his day, and as a supporter of the
Democratic party was one of the Presidential
Electors who cast the vote of New Hampshire
for Andrew Jackson. In his religious views
he was a Presbyterian. At his death he was
seventy-eight years old. He married Sarah
Griggs, a native of Massachusetts, who lived to
a good’ old age. Their children were: Peggy,
John, Ralph, Ebenezer, Sarah, Thomas G.
Abiel, Joseph, and Polly.

Thomas G. Holbrook, grandfather of Arthur
W., was born in Brookline, Mass., April 20,
1801. He succeeded to the possession of the
farm and cultivated it with energy during his
active years. In politics he was a Whig, and
he represented his district in the legislature

)
170

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

for two terms. For many years he acted asa
Deacon of the Baptist church. He died July
4, 1888, aged eighty-seven years. He was
twice married. His first wife, whose maiden
name was Asenath Riddle, died June 23, 1845,
aged forty-four. His children by her were:
George, James, Albert R., and Silas. Of
these the only survivor is George, who was
born April 22, 1830, an esteemed citizen of
Manchester. He is a Deacon of the Merri-
mack Street Baptist Church, and has repre-
sented his district in the State Senate, besides
serving in other offices. He married Emma
Brown, whose only child by him — George H.
Holbrook, born August 7, 1858-—jis now the
teller of the Manchester Bank. Albert R.,
born March 21, 1837, who was not married,
died September 1, 1864, shot by a sharp-
shooter before Petersburg. Silas, born No-
vember 11, 1839, who served in the Civil War
with the First New Hampshire Battery, re-
ceived two wounds, one of which indirectly
caused his death, May 4, 1880. He married
Lucy S. Crosby, whose only child by him,
Albert A., went to Arizona, where he married
and subsequently died, leaving no children.
James Holbrook, Arthur W.  Holbrook’s
father, was born at the homestead on Hol-
brook Hill, August 22, 1832. When a young
man he learned the carpenter’s trade, and
settling in Manchester he followed that call-
ing until a short time previous to his death,
which occurred when he was thirty-three years
old. An industrious, upright man, who had
gained the esteem and good wil] of all with
whom he came in contact, his untimely death
was sincerely regretted. In politics he acted
with the Republican party. In his religious
belief he was a Baptist. His wife, Harriet,
who was born in New Hampshire, September
21, 1837, became the mother of two sons.
These were: Frank T., barn in 1857, who
died November 22, 1866; and Arthur W., the
subject of this sketch. Mrs. James Holbrook
resides at 299 Manchester Street, Manches-
ter, N.H.

Arthur W. Holbrook was reared on the
homestead in Bedford, and his schooling was
completed at the Normal Institute at Reed’s
Ferry. He inherited the farm of seventy-one

 

acres, and he is carrying on general farming
with energy and success. The land is remark-
able for its fertility, while the healthfulness
of its situation leaves nothing to be desired.
On May 5, 1886, Mr. Holbrovk was united
in marriage with Adella S. Mason. She was
born in Burke, N.Y., November 5, 18509,
daughter of Nathan and Clarinda (Howell)

Mason. Mrs. Holbrook is the mother of two
sons: Chester M., born April 4, 1887; and
Harold A., born November 11, 1890. Mr.

Holbrook served upon the School Board for
one year. He is now a member of the Board
of Health, and is serving his third year as
Selectman. In politics he is a Republican.
Mr. and Mrs. Holbrook belong to the Baptist
church in Manchester, but they attend the
Bedford church mostly.

 

ALPH HOLBROOK, a_ well-known
and substantial farmer of Amherst,
was born in Bedford, N.H., January
14, 1838, son of Ralph and Lucy
(Dodge) Holbrook. Deacon John Holbrook,
father of Ralph, Sr., was one of the Andrew
Jackson Presidential Electors. He also served
in the Revolutionary War. Ralph, Sr., was
born in Roxbury, Mass., in 1794. In 1803,
when nine years of age, he went with his
parents to Bedford, where he spent the re-
mainder of his life, and died in 1866. His
wife, Lucy, who was born in New Boston in
1802, lived to the advanced age of ninety-three
years and six months. Ralph and Lucy Hol-
brook had seven children, of whom three are
living, namely: Mary W., the widow of
Thomas Rawson, of Beloit, Wis. ; Lydia D.,
the wife of Joseph Wight, of Belfast, Me. ;
and Ralph, the subject of this biography.
Griggs Holbrook, who served in the Civil
War, was taken prisoner by the Confederates,
and died in Andersonville Prison.

Ralph Holbrook obtained his education in
the district schools of Bedford. The early
years of his life were spent on a farm, and
since starting for himself he has been engaged
in farming. After his marriage he lived in
Bedford for several years. Then he removed
to Northfield, Vt., where for a number of years
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

171

 

 

he followed both farming and lumbering. He
subsequently returned to Bedford. In 1884 he
came to Amberst and settled on the farm
where he now lives.

Mr. Holbrook was married on March 27,
1867, to Mrs. Henrietta Parkhurst, who was
born in Chelsea, Mass., daughter of Granville
and Hannah (Flutchins) Parker. Her first hus-
band, Charles N. Parkhurst, died December 17,
1862, in Falmouth, Va., of typhoid fever. He
was a Union soldier in Company A of the Tenth
New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry. Gran-
ville Parker was born in Sharon, N.H., and
his wife in Rumford, Me. When a child,
Mrs. Holbrook went with her parents to New
Boston, N.H. After living there until she
was ten years old, she came to Amherst with
her parents, who settled on the farm which is
now her home. They lived here for eleven
years, and then moved to another farm in this
neighborhood. Mr. Parker died in 1894, aged
seventy-four years. His wife, who is now
eighty-four years old, lives in Goffstown,
N.H. In politics he was a Democrat. He
was a member of Souhegan Grange; also of
Hillsboro County Pomona Grange, which he
served as Master. Five others of his seven
children are living, namely: Granville and
Arthur H., residents of Goffstown; Frank 'E.,
of Wakefield, Mass. ; Charles O., of Manches-
ter, N.H.; and Ella M., the wife of Frank B.
Hazen, of Goffstown. George, the eldest
child, died in 1884, aged forty-two. Mr. and
Mrs. Holbrook have two daughters: Cora E.,
who is a teacher and lives at home; and Annie
M., a book-keeper at Goffstown. [In politics
Mr. Holbrook is a stanch Democrat. Both
be and his wife are members of the Baptist
Church of New Boston, N.H.

 

 

ILLIAM W. HOWARD, an exten-
sive and enterprising agriculturist
and fruit-grower, residing in the

town of Milford, was born October 18, 1826,
in Lyndeboro, N.H., son of Samuel Howard.
The Howard family are of English extraction.
According to tradition, it was first represented
in this country by three brothers of that name,
who came from old England to New England

 

at an early date, locating in. Massachusetts.
From one of these brothers, Silas Howard, the
founder of the family in Hillsboro County was
descended. Silas Howard was a soldier in the
Revolutionary War. After its close he re-
moved from his home in the town of Westford,
Mass., to that part of Lyndeboro now included
within the limits of Milford, and where his son
Samuel was born.

Samuel Howard inherited the patriotic
spirit of his ancestors. As a soldier in the
War of 1812, he participated in six of the
more important battles and in several slight
skirmishes. He was a farmer by occupation,
owning and managing the homestead now oc-
cupied by his son, William W. He married
Sally Ames, of this town, who had six chil-
dren by him, namely: William W., the sub-
ject of this sketch; Albert L., also of
Milford; Sarah A., who died in 1866; Maria
T., of Milford; Frances, the widow of the late
Levi Holt, of this place; and Samuel A., of
Boston, Mass. The father died in 1861, and
the mother in 1867. Both were members of
the Congregational church. In politics the
father was a Republican.

After attending first the common schools of
Lyndeboro for a time, William W. Howard
became a student at the Francestown Acad-
emy. Upon leaving the academy, he taught
school for a brief period. Since that time,
with the exception of three years spent in Bos-
ton as an employee in the patent leather fac-
tory of his uncle, R. W. Ames, he has been
engaged in agricultural pursuits. Before the
homestead farm on which he resides ceased to
be a part of Lyndeboro, Mr. Howard served
that town as Selectman for five years. Since
it became a part of Milford, in the sixties, he
has represented this place in the State legis-
lature for three years. He was a member of
the State Constitutional Convention of 1880.
On this farm, which contains one hundred and
twenty-five acres of good land, he carries on
general farming, paying especial attention to
the culture of fruit. He has also devoted a
portion of his time to Jumbering, meeting with
a good degree of success in each branch of
industry. In politics he and his sons are Re-
publicans. Mr. Howard is a member of Gran-
172

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

ite Grange, No. 7, of Milford, which he has
served as Master; and he has also been Mas-
ter of Hillsboro County Pomona Grange, No.
1, fora year. He is a consistent member of
the Congregational church.

In 1850 Mr. Howard married Mary A.
Crosby, daughter of Rufus and Ann Crosby,
late of Milford, N.H. Of this union three
children have been born, namely: Mary E.,
who died in 1851; Alonzo W.; and William
Rufus. The youngest son, who assists in the
care of the home farm, is engaged to a consid-
erable extent in lumbering. He is now a
Representative to the State legislature; a
member of Granite Grange, of which he has
been Master; and he belongs to the Costos
Morum Lodge, J. O. O. F., of Milford.

 

OSEPH FORTIER, the proprietor of a
general merchandise store in Marlboro,
was born in St. Fordieaux, Canada,
April 30, 1860. The father, Telesphor

Fortier, who was born in the same province,
came to this country a number of years ago,
and began as a Jaborer in Ashuelot, N.H.
He now repairs boots and shoes in Marlboro.

Joseph Fortier received his education in the
New Hampshire schools. At the age of six-
teen years he worked in the neighboring mills
and at farm work. Coming to Marlboro in
1883, he was employed for two seasons in the
quarry. He then built himself a residence
and kept a pool-room there for three years.
His next enterprise was a bakery, which he
carried on for about two years. In 1891 he
opened a general merchandise store, which
he still conducts. He is also interested in
the water-works of the town.

In 1883 Mr. Fortier married Melvina
Demars, whose children by him are: Eddie
G., Henry G., Dennis, and Cora, all natives
of Marlboro, Mr. Fortier was made a citi-
zen of the United States in 1882. In politics
he follows an independent course. In relig-
ious belief he is a Catholic. He is a member
of the Independent Order of Foresters and of
the Society of St. John the Baptist. Mr.
Fortier has won the esteem and good will of
his neighbors by his genial manners and

 

straightforward dealing, and may be fairly re-
garded as a representative citizen of Cheshire
County.

 

 

AVID HEALD, tthe well-known
member of the firm French & Heald,

o) furniture manufacturers of Milford,
, is a native of Nelson, N.H. Born
October 6, 1832, son of Oliver and Martha
(Wright) Heald, he is of English extraction.
One of his ancestors was a pioneer settler of
Temple, N.H. Oliver Heald, familiarly
known as Major, was a soldier in the War of
1812. He was a Selectman of NeJson and
served in some other offices there. His wife
traces her ancestry to Henry Dunster, an Eng-
lishman, who was the first president of Harvard
College. Of the children of this couple three
survive, namely: the Rev. Albert Heald, of
Peterboro, N.H.; Henry, of Amherst, N.H. ;
and David, the subject of this sketch.

Mr. Heald spent his early boyhood in his
native town, receiving a practical business
education. After he attained the age of four-
teen, he learned the furniture manufacturing
trade. At the age of seventeen he came to
Milford and worked as a journeyman at this
trade for a number of years. In 1856 he started
out for himself on a smal] scale as a furniture
manufacturer, first employing a few hands.
The business has so increased since that the
firm of French & Heald now employs about
one hundred hands. For a quarter of a century
Mr. Heald was sole proprietor. In 1888 he
admitted as a partner C. H. French, of Mal-
den. J. W. Howard, who joined with them
at the same time, withdrew after five years,
since which the firm has borne the above
name. They manufacture chamber suites, side-
boards, book-cases, chiffonniéres, etc., and con-
fine their attention wholly to the wholesale
trade. The factory is well equipped with
modern machinery, which is run entirely by
steam.

Mr. Heald has always taken an active inter-
est in the educational affairs of his town, and
was for several years on the Schoo] Board,
being chairman of the Building Committee
which had charge of the erection of the fine

 

 

 

 
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

173

 

 

school building in Milford. For one term he
was State Representative from his town. He
is a Prohibitionist in politics and a member
of the Baptist church. He has been twice
married. His first wife had six children,
five of whom are living, namely: Edward S.,
the general manager of the furniture factory ;
Frank H., the superintendent of the shipping
department of the factory; Florence H., the
wife of Charles F Morse, a civil engineer at
Malden, Mass.; Mary S., the wife of Freder-
ick S. Hutchinson, of the firm Hutchinson &
Averill, grocers of Milford; and Harriett L.,
who is at home.

 

EWIS GOODALL, a retired lawyer,
now residing upon a farm in Deering,
was born in this town, August 27,
1818, son of Robert and Elizabeth
(Loveren) Goodall. He is a descendant of
Robert Goodall, who was born in England in
1604, and came to this country among the
early colonists. This ancestor’s wife was
named Katharine. A descendant of his, Sam-
uel Goodall, became the father of eight chil-
dren by his wife, Anna. Another Robert
Goodall, eldest child of Samuel and Anna
Goodall, and great-grandfather of the subject
of this sketch, resided in Salem, Mass. He
married for his first wife Lizzie Wallace, who
bore him two children. For his second wife
he married Mrs. Mary Fowler, who had four
children.

Stephen Goodall, born in Salem, the eldest
child of Robert and Mary Goodall, was the
grandfather of Lewis. In early life he moved
to Weare, N.H. Some time after his mar-
riage he settled in Deering, where he passed
the rest of his life in agricultural pursuits.
At his death he was sixty-five years old. He
wedded Mary Greenleaf in Weare. Of their
eight children the second son, Robert, Lewis
Goodall’s father, was born in Weare, and
reared upon the homestead farm. Besides
carrying on a farm, he followed the wheel-
wright’s and carpenter’s trades. A leading
spirit in public affairs, he served as a Select-
man and in other town offices, and he was
elected to the legislature several times. He

P. are living.

 

married Elizabeth Loveren, of Deering, of
whose five children by him Lewis and Frank
He lived to be sixty-five years
old, and his wife died at eighty-nine. She
was a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church.

Lewis Goodall began his education in his
native town. Later he attended schools in
Newbury, Vt., Concord, N.H., and the Pem-
broke Academy. His lega] studies were pur-
sued in the office of Franklin Pierce, who was
afterward President of the United States.
After his admission to the bar he went to
Manchester, where he formed a_ partnership
with William C. Clarke, under the firm name
of Clarke & Goodall. This firm was dissolved
a short time later, and Mr. Goodall practised
alone for some time. In 1849 he went to
California, where he spent six years. in mining.
Upon his return East he settled at the home-
stead in Deering.

On May 6, 1857, Mr. Goodall was joined in
marriage with Emma J. Whittle, daughter of
Thomas Whittle, of Deering, N.H. She bore
him three children, of whom the only one
living is Mary E., the wife of Henry E. Mar-
tin, of Goffstown. Mr. Goodall’s son, Robert,
who married Anna Forsaith, left two sons —
Lewis W. and Arthur E., who are residing
with their grandfather. Mrs. Goodall died at
the age of fifty-seven years. In politics Mr.
Goodall is a Republican. He was Town
Clerk for a time. He has been a Justice of
the Peace for many years, and he is a member
of White Mountain Lodge, I. O. O. F., of
Concord.

 

HRISTOPHER A. MASON, an en-
terprising lumberman of Hinsdale, is

a native of Surry, N.H. Born No-
vember 15, 1829, he is a son of
Elijah and Mary (Allen) Mason. His grand-

father, Elijah Mason (first), who moved from
Ashburnham, Mass., to Walpole, N.H., and
resided upon a farm in that town for the rest
of his life, married a Miss Bond and reared
four children— Samuel, Peter, Elijah, and
Hannah. Samuel carried on a farm in Wal-
pole until his death; Hannah died at the age
174

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

of twenty-two years; and Peter died in Surry
at an advanced age.

Elijah Mason, the father of Christopher A.,
who was born in Ashburnham, accompanied
his parents to Walpole when he was eight
years old. He resided there until] reaching
the age of thirty, when he removed to a farm
in the southern part of Surry, where the rest
of his life was passed. Hedied December 24,
1881, aged eighty-seven years. He took an
active part in civil and military affairs, and
was prominent among the representative men
of Surry in his day. In politics he was a Re-
publican. He was a strong, healthy man,
never having suffered from illness until a day
or two before his death, up to which he read
without the aid of glasses. From the time of
his majority he was never absent from a State
or Presidential election, and he followed the
Whig element into the ranks of the Republi-
can party. His wife, Mary, was a daughter of
Abel Allen, who served as a soldier in the
Revolutionary War. She became the mother
of five children — Elijah B., Christopher A.,
Columbus A., William P., and Allen PP.
Elijah B. is residing at the homestead in
Surry. Columbus A., the twin brother of
Christopher, is the superintendent of the
cemeteries in Keene, N.H. William P. lives
in Surry. Allen P., who served through the
Civil War, having learned the printer’s trade
in Keene, has carried on that business in Bos-
ton for many years.

Christopher A. Mason acquired a good prac-
tical education in his native town, and re-
mained at home until he was twenty-one. In
1852 he went to Keene and formed a partner-
ship with his brother. They engaged quite
extensively in logging, buying timber lands
and hauling lumber to market, and taking con-
tracts for constructing and repairing thorough-
fares. In the fall of 1864 Christopher A.
Mason moved to ITinsdale, and in the follow-
ing year purchased the Sargent farm on the
Chesterfield road, about one mile from the
village. He also bought large tracts of wild
land, from which he cut and hauled the tim-
ber, and previous to the use of coal he dida
large business in furnishing wood for fuel to
mills and residences. At the present time he

 

owns about fourteen hundred acres of timber
land. He cuts an average of three hundred
thousand feet of lumber annually, and he em-
ploys, when his business is pressing, from
twelve to fifteen men. He has furnished the
lumber for the erection of many buildings.
Upon his farm he has some of the finest stock
to be found in this locality, and his draught
oxen have taken premiums at several agricult-
ural fairs.

Mr. Mason has been twice married. His
first wife, Mary L. Nash Mason, who was a
daughter of David Nash, of Alstead, N.H.,
died in 1863, leaving one daughter — Hattie
J., who married Valmore E. Aldrich. Mr.
Mason’s second marriage was contracted with
Harriet E. Baker, a daughter of David Baker,
of Keene. She is a descendant of Thomas
Baker, who came from England, and was liv-
ing in Topsfield, Mass., in 1665. He was a
military officer. Thomas Baker (third) settled
in Keene about the year 1760. He was a
tanner by trade, and carried on the business of
tanning, shoemaking, and farming. He had
two sons and six daughters, was a good citizen,
and officiated as Justice of the Peace for many
years. His son, Thomas (fourth), then in his
ninth year, accompanied his parents to Keene,
learned the shoemaker’s trade, and worked for
his father. This Thomas married Mrs. Bet-
sey K. Abbott, a native of Wilton, N.H.,
who bore him two sons and four daughters. In
1807, after the death of his parents, the family
located on a farm at West Keene. He sur-
vived his wife, and died April 4, 1842, aged
eighty-nine years and eight months. Thomas
Baker (fifth) married Huldah Dwinell, of
Keene, in 1821, and settled in Glover, Vt.
David, the second son, who remained on the
homestead, married Amanda H. Ellis, of
Keene, and had eight children — Emily F.,
George H., Sanford K., Diantha H., Mary
A., Charles W., Harriet E., and John W.
David Baker died April 20, 1868, aged
seventy-two years and eight months. By his
second union Mr. Mason has three children;
namely, Mary H., Elizabeth K., and Francis
E. Mary H. is the wife of Albert L. Hall.
Elizabeth K. is residing at home. Francis E.
was graduated from Dartmouth College with
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

175

 

 

the class of 1895, and is now a teacher in the
Hinsdale High School.

In politics Mr. Mason is a Republican.
He is at the present time serving as Road
Agent, a position which his former experi-
ence as a contractor in Keene makes him es-
pecially qualified to fill, and which has enabled
him to save much money for the town.

 

ILLIAM TITUS, the librarian of
5 the Hancock Public Library, was
born in Walpole, N.H., December
31, 1828, son of John and Susan (Wellington)
Titus. His grandfather, Asa Titus, who was
a native of Connecticut, followed agriculture
in his earlier years. Asa was afterward for
many years an operative in a woollen-mil] in
Walpole. He became an expert in the manu-
facture of cloth, and finally acquired possession
of the mills, which he carried on for the rest of
his life. He married a lady named Graves, of
Walpole, and reared a family of six children,
al] of whom are now deceased.

John Titus, the eldest son of Asa, was a
native of Walpole. After spending some
time at farming exclusively, he learned the
shoemaker’s trade, and thereafter followed
both throughout the rest of his active period.
He died at the age of seventy-six. In politics
he was a Democrat. His wife, Susan, was a
daughter of a Revolutionary- soldier, who in
his later years received a pension from the
government. She became the mother of five
children, of whom John, William, and Sarah
M. are living. John married Elmira Ballou,
of Walpole, and has two children — Clara and
Elmira. Sarah M. is the wife of William
Ward, of Walpole, and her children are Wal-
lace and William. Mrs. John Titus died at
the age of sixty-eight years. She was a mem-
ber of the Baptist church.

William Titus attended school in his native
town for the usual period. Then he went to
Keene, N.H., where he was employed at the
Cheshire House for five years. From Keene
he went to Peterboro, and for the succeeding
nineteen years was connected with French’s
Hotel. In 1877 he came to Hancock to act as
clerk for A. D. Tuttle, who carried on a store

 

 

in which the post-office was located, and was
employed in this capacity until] his employer's
death. Since then he has looked after the
property left by Mr. Tuttle. He has also
been the librarian of the Hancock Public Li-
brary since its establishment in 1883.

On April 2, 1860, Mr. Titus wedded Mar-
gette White, daughter of Isaac and Augusta
(Evelith) White, of Nelson, N.H. Their
only child, Helen S., is now the wife of Pro-
fessor John G. Thompson, the principal of the
Normal School in Fitchburg, Mass., and has
three children — Harold I., Carl] T., and Ar-
nold. Mr. Titus occupies a residence which
he purchased some time previous to settling
here. He is connected with the local grange
of the Patrons of Husbandry. Politically, he
acts with the Democratic party. Mrs. Titus
is a member of the Congregational church.

 

MARTIN MORSE, M.D., a rising
young physician and surgeon of
9 | °  Peterboro, was born in Stoddard,

— N.H., January 23, 1872, son of Ed-
ward and Josephine (Upton) Morse, of that
place. His grandfather, Nathaniel Morse, a
lifelong resident of Stoddard and a shoemaker
by trade, carried on considerable farming, was
one of the most respected men of this town,
and died in middle age. His wife, who sur-
vived him many years, was ninety years old at
her death. Edward Morse, one of the eight
children of Nathaniel, was born in Stoddard,
October 4, 1832. After his schoo] days
ended, he spent a few years engaged in farm-
ing in that town. Later he moved to Nashua,
N.FI., and went into the real estate business,
which he has since followed very successfully.
Of unquestionable integrity in business and
with a genial disposition, he has won the re-
spect of the public and made many personal
friends. He is wel] known not only in busi-
ness circles, but in the social and intellectual
life of Nashua.

Dr. Morse received his public-school educa-
tion in Nashua. He was then sent to Phillips
Academy at Exeter and later to Amherst Col-
lege. Graduating from Amherst, he entered
Boston University School of Medicine, where

 
176

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

he received his doctor's degree in 1896. In
the same year he began the practice of his
profession in Peterboro. Though only a little
more than a year has elapsed since he began
the practice of his profession, and although the
field was already occupied by a number of skil-
ful physicians, Dr. Morse has rapidly gained
since then his share of the practice, and has
performed several creditable cures.

On June 3, 1896, shortly after his gradua-
tion, Dr. Morse was united in marriage with
Miss Bessie Austin Newell, of Salem. Dr.
and Mrs. Morse attend the Unitarian church,
and lend a generous support to every move-
ment for progress or reform. Dr. Morse is an
Independent in politics. He belongs to the
Peterboro lodges of Masons and Odd Fellows,
and takes an active interest in the work of
both organizations.

ANIEL W. BURNS, .a successful
iS contractor and builder of Milford,

 

 

 

 

 

 

was born here, December 18, 1835,
son of John and Susan (Daniels)
Burns. The father, familiarly known as Dr.
John, was ason of Daniel Burns, and a life-
long resident of Milford. After spending
his younger days in farming he took up the
manufacture of proprietary medicines. He
was a Republican from the formation of that
party, and was a very enthusiastic supporter
of the anti-slavery movement. His death oc-
curred in the seventies. He was one of the
forty persons who built the Orthodox ¢hurch
in Milford. His wife, whose maiden name
was Susan Daniels, was a native of Brookline,
N.H. Their children are: Susan E., the
widow of Eben Converse, late of Kingston,
N.H.; Marinda A., the wife of Handel A.
Smith, of Milford; Daniel W., the subject of
this sketch; and Maria A., the widow of Hez-
ekiah P. Hamblett, also living in Milford.
Daniel W. Burns grew to manhood here in
Milford. He left the public schools at the
age of fifteen years, and was subsequently an
attendant of New Hampton (N.H.) Academy
fora time. When about seven years old he
began learning the trade of a carpenter at
Winchester, Mass., where he was employed

 

more or less for three years. Later for a
short time he worked at his trade in Nashua,
N.H., and then went to Boston, Mass. Here
he was employed for ten years as a journey-
man by William Barton, a well-known con-
tractor and builder of that city, assisting in
the erection of a number of fine buildings.
Then, purchasing the business of Mr. Barton,
he and John D. Wester, under the firm name
of Wester & Burns, had carried it on for about
a year when Mr. Burns sold his interest in it
to Mr. Wester. After this he was engaged in
building by contract independently, also deal-
ing quite extensively in real estate until 1874,
when he returned to Milford. He has since
resided here upoh a farm of one hundred and
twenty acres, profitably occupied in mixed
husbandry.

In 1860 Mr. Burns was united in marriage
with Miss Sarah C. Kendall, a native of
Hollis, N.H., and a daughter of Willard
Kendall. Of their three children Willard
W. has passed away. Those living are:
Ulysses L., a merchant of Boston, Mass.; and
Gertrude M., a teacher in the grammar school
of South Chatham, Mass. Mr. Burns has al-
ways been a Republican in politics.

LLON A. SAFFORD, a_ well-known
resident of Chesterfield, was born here
March 19, 1849, son of Watson and
Catharine (Hildreth) Safford. The great-
grandfather, Ebenezer Safford, a farmer, came
here from Warwick, Mass., about the year
1780, and settled on what is known as Dudley
Farm. In 1783 he married Molly Hastings,
daughter of Josiah Hastings. She died Au-
gust 28, 1810. He contracted a second mar-
riage with Lydia Holton, of Dummerston, Vt.
His death occurred in 1843. His children
were: Luke, born in 1783, who died in Ban-
gor, N.Y.; Roswell, born November 18,
1784; and Ebenezer, born October 2, 1787.
Ebenezer Safford, the grandfather of ElJon
A., was a blacksmith by trade, and always re-
sided in Chesterfield. He married in 1809
Dolly Farr, a daughter of Wilheim Farr. She
died May 18, 1852, and he on December 29,
1870. Their six children were: Mary T.,

 
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

177

 

 

born in December, 1809, who married Will-
iam Hadley; Norman E., born May 17, 1811;
Lydia P., who died in 1880; Watson, born
February 24, 1819; Oliver H., born Decem-
ber 23, 1820; Otis, born November 13, 1822,
who married Mary Winslow in March, 1868.
Watson Safford on September 27, 1843, mar-
ried Catharine Hildreth, a daughter of Elijah
Hildreth. She died March 7, 1882. His
children were: Leavitt W., born November
10, 1844, who on March 29, 1869, married
Hattie E., daughter of Corlis Hinds, who is
engaged extensively in the milk business in
Keene, N.H.; Ellon A., the subject of this
sketch; Charles W., born June 25, 1854, a
mechanic in Hinsdale, N.H.; Frank L., born
July 27, 1857, a carpenter by trade, and also
engaged in the meat business in Hinsdale;
and Eddie A., born December 28, 1861, who
died March 13, 1869.

Ellon A. Safford was educated in the dis-
trict schools of Chesterfield and at Chester-
field Academy. Ambitious, like other intelli-
gent young men, and anxious to begin in a
growing town, he went to Keene, and became
a clerk in a bakery store. In less than a
year, however, he was obliged by illness to
return home. Desiring outdoor employment
for the sake of his health, he engaged in car-
pentering and farming on a small scale. In
this way he has made a comfortable living
since, although in this small town he does
not receive large contracts. He has inter-
ested himself in public affairs, and believes
in the growth of the town. He is a Republi-
can in politics, and he does what he can to
promote the welfare of the townspeople, es-
pecially their moral and educational interests.
On the Board of Selectmen for the past three
years, he is now the chairman of that body.
He was Tax Collector for four years. Always
faithful to his party and to the trust placed in
him, he has been a delegate in many different
conventions.

On February 14, 1871, Mr. Safford married
Rosetta M. Holman, a daughter of William
Holman. Her grandfather was James, who
was an adopted son of David Holman. Her
mother, who was a daughter of Josiah Higgins,
had five children, namely: Rosetta M., born

 

May 5, 1853; Franklin, born December 30,
1854; Frederick W., born September 30,
1856; George A., born October 26, 1858;
and Helen L., born March 6, 1861, who died
August 3, 1877. Mr. Safford and his wife
have one child.

EORGE H. DODGE, who is engaged
in the manufacture of lumber in

Hancock, was born in’ Antrim,
N.H., March 3, 1863, son of John and Sarah
J. (McVennon) Dodge. His great-grand-
father, Amos Dodge (first), born in Wenham,
Mass., July 11, 1754, on May 15, 1778, mar-
ried Lydia Batchelder, who was born April 9,
1756. The fourth of their eight children,
Amos Dodge (second), was born in Wenham,
November 22, 1784. In his early life this
Amos was a fisherman. After his marriage he
bought a large farm in Antrim, N.H., where
he followed agriculture for the rest of his
active years. He was one of the stirring
farmers of his day, and highly esteemed for
his upright character. On January 4, 1815,
he married Patty White, who bore him two
children — Amos and John. Amos Dodge
(third) wedded Mehitable R. Weston, and has
three children living — George W., Della J.,
and Flora S. His father died July 11, 1862,
and his mother, July 18, 1874, aged eighty-
seven years. Both parents were members of
the Presbyterian church.

John Dodge, who was born in Antrim,
March 9g, 1816, learned the brick mason’s
trade, which he followed in: connection with
agriculture during his active years. He
owned a good farm in Antrim, where he tilled
the soil successfully until he moved to Mar-
low, where his last days were spent. He
served as a Selectman in Antrim for three
years, and was a member of the House of Rep-
resentatives from Marlow for the years 1872
and 1873. In politics he was a Democrat.
He was widely known as an able business man
and a worthy citizen, and had a large number
of personal friends and acquaintances. John
Dodge died January 8, 1874, leaving a good
estate. He was a member of the Presbyterian
church. On January 19, 1842, he married

 
178

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

Sarah J. MeVennon, who, born February 10,
1825, daughter of James McVennon, comes
of Scotch-Irish ancestry. She became the
mother of three children, namely: Mary M.,
born July 10, 1843; Sarah I., born Septem-
ber 11, 1855; and George H., the subject of
this sketch. Mary M. is the wife of Addison
Warner, of Minneapolis, Minn., and her chil-
dren are: Beth, Belle, Harold D., and Fred
G. Sarah I. wedded Milan F. Jones, of
Keene, N.H. The mother is still living,
and resides in Hancock.

George H. Dodge was educated in the
schools of Marlow. When a young man he
went to Keene, where he remained for three
years, working in a-tannery and driving a
team. He next came to Hancock, where he
purchased a general store, and afterward car-
ried it on for eight years. For two years and
a half he drove a stage, and carried the mail
from Hancock to Alstead. He bought his
present saw-mill in 1896, and, having put in
improved machinery, began the manufacture
of lumber. There are many indications that
this will be a most successful enterprise.

On June 30, 1887, Mr. Dodge was joined in
marriage with Alice R. Pike, daughter of
Samuel K. Pike, of Newbury, N.H. In Han-
cock Mr. Dodge has been Postmaster for about
four years. Politically, he is a Republican.
He is connected with the Patrons of Hus-
bandry, having held some of the offices in the
local grange; and he and Mrs. Dodge attend
the Congregational church. An active man
with progressive ideas, his many friends are
justified in predicting for him a prosperous
future.

OPHAR WILLARD, a retired man-
ufacturer of Harrisville and an ex-
member of the New Hampshire leg-

islature, was born in this town when
it was included as a part of the town of Dub-
lin, October 5, 1828, son of Levi and Irene
(Knights) Willard. His grandfather, Elijah
Willard, who was a native of Massachusetts
and a Revolutionary soldier, became a Baptist
minister, and was pastor of a church in Dublin
for many years. Elijah was twice married.

 

 

His first marriage was contracted with Phoebe
Archer, who had by him fourteen children.
The maiden name of his second wife was
Betsey Knights.

Levi Willard, who was born in Dublin in
1796, was reared to agricultural life, and
eventually became the owner of a large farm
in his native town. He was one of the able
general farmers and extensive cattle dealers of
his day. A man of character and sound judg-
ment, he was elected to the Board of Select-
men and to other offices, which he filled ac-
ceptably. In religion he was a Baptist. He
died in 1860. His wife, Irene, who was
born in Sudbury, Mass., in 1808, became the
mother of thirteen children; namely, Annis,
Solon, Zophar, David, Rachel, Marshall,
Charles J., Emily, Harriet, Levi, Benjamin,
Milton B., and Jennie I. Of these Levi died
in the army; Annis, Rachel, Marshall,
Charles J., and Emily are also deceased;
Solon, David, and Milton B. reside in Harris-
ville; Harriet married for her second husband
Charles Nye; Benjamin resides upon a farm
in Dublin, and is a general contractor and
cattle dealer; and Jennie I. is the wife of
Martin M. Mason, a prosperous farmer of
Dublin. The mother died in 1894.

Zophar Willard was educated in the schools
of Dublin and Harrisville. Subsequently he
was employed in teaming between this town
and Keene for about twenty-five years, after
which he engaged in the manufacture of wood-
enware, and carried on a prosperous business
for about thirty years, or until his retirement
in 1896. He was formerly one of the owners
of the Cheshire Woollen Mills. His reputa-
tion was that of an active and successful busi-
ness man. He rendered valuable service to
the town as a Selectman; he was a Represent-
ative to the legislature in 1893 and 1894,
where he served on the Labor Committee; and
he is one of the leaders of the Republican
party in this section.

Mr. Willard married Betsey H. Culver, of
Dublin. Her grandfather was a Revolution-
ary patriot. Her father, Rev. Lyman Culver,
who was born in Wilmington, Conn., in 1791,
died in 1870. Mrs. Willard’s mother, in
maidenhood Fanny Hovey, was born in Man-
 

DENMAN THOMPSON.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

181

 

 

chester-by-the-Sea, Mass., in 1796, and also
died in 1870. Mrs. Willard has been the
mother of three children, namely: Addie E.,
born in Dublin, January 1, 1856; Levi A,
born September 22, 1861, who died in Febru-
ary, 1888; and Fanny B., born in December,
1863, who died March 16, 1886. Addie E.
married for her first husband Nathaniel
Wheeler. She is now the wife of Frank S.
Harris, of this town. While unconnected
with any church, Mr. Willard liberally con-
tributes to several church societies. He has
been a member of the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows for many years.

 

 

ENMAN THOMPSON, a resident of
Swanzey, is one of the best known
American comedians of the present
day. His quaint yet truthful por-

traiture of Joshua Whitcomb has made him

famous from Maine to Texas, from the Atlantic
seaboard to the Golden Gate. Born October

15, 1833, in his father’s log cabin at Beech-

wood, Erie County, Pa., son of Captain Rufus

Thompson, he descends in a direct line from

one of the original settlers of Swanzey. In

May, 1735, the General Court of Massachu-

setts granted to sixty pioneers the site of the

present town of Swanzey. The original sur-
vey divided the grant into sixty-three lots of
three or four acres each, the extra lots being

set aside for the purposes respectively of a

parsonage, a meeting-house, and a_ school-

house. The sum of money obtained from the
grantees, who each paid five pounds, was used
to defray the expenses of the survey and for
the erection of a meeting-house. One of the
requirements was that each grantee should
settle upon his lot within three years from the
date of the document making the grant, and
should continue to reside there for at least two
years. The town record shows that lot No.

16 was reserved for school purposes, lot 47 for

a place of public worship, and lot 48 for the

minister's residence. Of the others, lot 43

was assigned to John Thompson, from whom

Denman Thompson is descended.

The Thompsons have been identified with

Swanzey, and taken an active part in the town

 

 

 

 

 

government, down to the present generation.
In the spring of 1831 Captain Rufus Thomp-
son, who, like his father, was a native of New
Hampshire, went West, where he hoped to find
a wider and more promising field for an ener-
getic New England farmer. He located in
a settlement called Beechwood, about three
miles from the site of the present town of
Girard, Pa., then occupied by the primitive
dwellings of a dozen hardy pioneers like him-
self, and erected the log cabin beneath whose
humble roof his distinguished son was born.
After a manful struggle to wrest a farm from
the wilderness here, he yielded to a longing
for his New England home, and returned to
Swanzey in 1847. In his younger days he was
a carpenter; and, he being considered a good
mechanic, his services were in constant de-
mand by his neighbors. This occupation, as
well as that of farming, enabled him to pro-
vide his family with the comforts if not the
luxuries of life. Indebted to nature for a
strong constitution, which derived increased
vigor from long-continued outdoor employ-
ment, he is still healthy and active, though
now past his eightieth birthday.

Denman Thompson’s youth was character-
ized by a love for outdoor sports, and his
naturally frank disposition and open-hearted
generosity made him a favorite with his rural
playmates. He attended Mount Czsar Semi-
nary for three winter terms, his summers being
spent in assisting his father at carpenter work.
When seventeen years old, he determined to
seek his fortune in Boston. He entered the
amusement world as property boy with Tryon’s
Circus, with which he remained through the
ensuing season. In the winter of 1850 he
made his first appearance upon any stage at the
Howard Athenaeum, Boston, as a supernumer-
ary in ‘‘Macbeth’’ during an engagement of
Charlotte Cushman. This brought yourg
Thompson into contact with a profession that
has dazzled many young men and women, who,
expecting to become stars at a stride, were
doomed to a bitter disappointment. From
Boston young Denman went to New York
City, where he was for a time employed as
doorkeeper, lecturer, and general factotum
in a small art museum on lower Broadway.
182

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

Soon tiring of that occupation, he went to
Lowell, Mass., and became a clerk in a dry-
goods store kept by his uncle, D. D. Baxter.
In 1852 he played his first speaking part, that
of Osman in ‘'The French Spy,’’ a military
drama, at the Lowell Lyceum. From the
Spindle City he went to Worcester, Mass.,
as a full-fledged professional actor, and was
soon able to engage for a responsible line of
business. After playing with stock compa-
nies in Cleveland and other cities, as well as
with travelling companies under the manage-
ment of James Lingard, George Kames, and
the late William Henderson, he in 1854
joined the company at the Royal Lyceum
Theatre, Toronto, Can., then managed by
John Nickinson. There he became a great
favorite both in Irish parts and as a dancer.
Not taking into account absences necessitated
by short engagements elsewhere, he remained
in Toronto until 1868. That he rose to bea
capable actor is shown by the fact that some of

his favorite parts were: Salem Scudder in
“The Octoroon,’’ Myles Na Coppaleen in
“The Colleen Bawn,’’ Barney in ‘‘Peep

O'Day,’’ and Uncie Tom in ‘‘Uncle Tom’s
Cabin.”’

Early in the seventies the name of Denman
Thompson in the réle of Joshua Whitcomb
began to appear upon tbe play-bills of the

higher class vaudeville theatres of the country. —

In those days it was a mere character sketch,
but the people appreciated it and wanted to
see more of the quaint old Jackson Democrat.
The sketch went through several changes; or,
rather, it was expanded from time to time
until it blossomed forth into a well-defined
drama of New England life. In -1875, while
playing at the Coliseum in Chicago, Mr.
Thompson became acquainted with J. M.
Hill, a native of Maine and an enterprising
merchant. This gentleman was so favorably
impressed with the future prospects of Joshua
Whitcomb as a money winner that he later
relinquished his mercantile business to join
fortunes with the comedian as manager and
partner. This association continued for six
years, during which time their relations were
of the most amicable nature. There never
existed a single written agreement of any

 

kind between them. ‘‘The Old Homestead,’’
which followed ‘‘Joshua Whitcomb,’’ and
which was written jointly by Mr. Thompson
and George W. Ryer, was presented by Mr.
Thompson, not alone in long and oft-repeated
engagements in large cities, but in every town
of the United States possessing a theatre or a
hall with stage accommodations. Asa result,
the impersonator of Joshua Whitcomb is a
wealthy man.

While a member of the stock company in
Toronto, Mr. Thompson’s generous, not to say
reckless disposition, caused him to live far in
advance of his means; and as a result he was
obliged to leave the city considerably in debt.
Upon his first visit there as a star, he publicly
advertised for all creditors to present their
accounts for settlement, although these claims
were outlawed. On that occasion he paid the
sum of one thousand nine hundred dollars.
An incident that caused much merriment at
the time is worthy of mention. The comedian
had been settling some claims with an air of
quiet satisfaction, when a party appeared with
a bill for cannons. After a hearty laugh Mr.
Thompson remarked: ‘‘Well, boys, I may be
responsible for many funny purchases in my
day; but I’]l swear I never bought cannons.
No, sir, Tam not blood-thirsty enough for that.
I draw the line on cannons.’’ Mr. Thompson
was married in Toronto, and his three children
were born in that city.

 

AMUEL D. DOWNES, treasurer
of the Francestown Savings Bank
of Francestown, Hillsboro County,
N.H., his native place, was born

on April] 25, 1827, son of Edward, Jr., and
Mary (Dennis) Downes. He is one of a fam-
ily of twelve children, eight of whom are now
living. His paternal grandparents, Edward

‘and Rhoda (Billings) Downes, had five chil-

dren, the youngest of whom was his father,
Edward Downes, Jr.

At the age of nineteen years Samuel D.
Downes, having received his education in the

‘common schools and at the Francestown Acad-

emy, went into a general store as clerk.
After continuing thus engaged for three years,
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

183

 

 

he was for two years in partnership with his
employer, under the firm name of R. Brad-
ford & Co., and subsequently he was in the
same business by himself for one year. He
then took a partner, M. G. Starret, the firm
name being Starret & Downes. In a short
time his brother was admitted into partner-
ship, the firm continuing under the same
name; and in 1858 he and his brother bought
out Mr. Starret’s interest, and went on as the
Downes Brothers. No change was made until
1875, when the firm was dissolved; and two
years later Mr. Downes became treasurer of
the Francestown Savings Bank, in which posi-
tion he has remained ever since.

Mr. Downes was married March 26, 1851,
to Martha T., daughter of Timothy Billings,
of South Deerfield, Mass. They have one
son, William E. He married Emma F.
Tuttle, of Antrim, N.H., who died leaving
three children-— Nellie E., William D., and
Wilbur T.

Mr. Downes has a remarkable business abil-
ity, which has won him a high reputation.
He represents one of the prominent families
of this locality, and personally is an influen-
tial and much respected citizen. In politics
a Republican, he was Town Clerk for eight
years, Postmaster for the same length of time,
and was State Representative, 1869-70. He
is a Mason, belonging to Pacific Lodge, No.
45, F. & A. M., of Francestown, in which he
has been Chaplain for many years. Both he
and his wife are members of the Congrega-
tional church.

 

$09 $$ —$

HARLES W. FORSAITH, farmer

and Jumberman, Representative to the

State legislature from Deering,

Hillsboro County, N.H., for the

present term, 1897-98, was born in this town,

September 9, 1862, son of Matthew and E]-

zira (Wilkins) Forsaith. He belongs to a

family that has been identified with public

affairs in the town of Deering from its settle-

ment, members of four generations having

served as Selectmen, and of three generations
having represented it in the legislature.

The first ancestor to settle here was Matthew

 

Forsaith (first), great-grandfather of the subject
of this sketch; and he came from Derry, N.H.
Matthew Forsaith, first, cleared and improved
the farm that is stil] the family homestead,
and was one of the prominent men of his day.
He lived to be eighty-four years old, and
accumulated considerable property as the
result of his industry and business ability.
He served not only as a Selectman and in
other town offices, but as one of the earliest
Representatives of Deering to the General
Court. He married a Miss McClure, and had
eight children, David Forsaith, grandfather
of Charles W., being the second.

David Forsaith was born in Deering, and
spent his active years in tilling the soil of the
homestead farm. In politics a supporter of
the Democratic party, he rendered long and
valuable service to the town as a Selectman.
He lived to the age of eighty years, but his
wife, Nancy Mills, died at fifty-four. Both
were members of the Congregational church.
Of their family of twelve children seven are
living; namely, Sarah, David, Jr., Matthew,
John, Warren, Squires, and Horace. Sarah is
the widow of Horace Gove, late of Deering,
and her children are: Sarah, Laura, Elzira, and
George. David, Jr., married Nancy Burnham,
and she died leaving two children — Alonzo
and Emma. Squires married Nellie Colby,
and has three children — Frank, Nellie, and
Belle. Horace married Sophia Gage, and has
one child, George.

Matthew Forsaith, Charles W. Forsaith s
father, was born at the homestead, April 3,
1826. He began life as a farmer, and later
engaged in lumbering, which he has carried
on extensively and successfully. Besides the
homestead property, which now consists of four
hundred acres, he owns a great deal of timber
land containing valuable stumpage. In_poli-
tics he acts with the Democratic party. He
has for many years heen a leading spirit in
local public affairs, having served as a Select-
man for fifteen years, being at the present time
a member of the Board; and he ably repre-
sented this town in the legislature for the
years 1870 and 1871, and again in 1885 and
1886. His wife, formerly Elzira Wilkins,
whom he married in 1850, became the mother
184

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

of seven children. Two of these are living,
namely: Charles W., the subject of this
sketch; and Julia F. Mrs. Forsaith died at
the age of forty-four years. She was a mem-
ber of the Congregational church.

Charles W. Forsaith was reared and edu-
cated in Deering, and since leaving school has
devoted his time to farming and to lumbering,
in which he is interested with his father. He
is engaged in various business speculations, in
which he has acquired success financially, and
he owns some valuable real estate. He also
assists the elder Forsaith in managing his
affairs and looking after his property. Mr.
Charles W. Torsaith is the fourth of the fam-
ily in direct line to sit upon the Board of
Selectmen, having served in that capacity for
four terms; and he is at the present time a
member of the House of Representatives. As
a business man he is alert, judicious, and ex-
ceedingly progressive, and the good name so
highly prized by his ancestors has in him a
safe custodian. He is unmarried. He and
his father are active and influential members
of Wolfe Hill Grange, Patrons of Husbandry,
of Deering.

ILLIAM FRANCIS FRENCH, a
prominent resident and a_ well-
known apothecary and hardware

merchant of Milford, was born here, June 21,
1854, son of Francis J. and Betsey (Robinson)
French, his father being a native of Milford
and his mother of Rhode Island. The French
family is one of the oldest in Milford. His
grandfather, Josiah, was also born in this
town. The father was for many years engaged
in the tannery business in the town. He was
also a Representative to the State legislature,
and in his time was an active and energetic
man. He died when William F. was about
sixteen years old.

William Francis French was brought up in
the town of his birth and received a good edu-
cation, graduating from the high school at the
age of éighteen. He then became a dry-goods
clerk in the employment of Marcellus J. Gray,
a merchant of Milford, with whom he remained
for nearly three years. In March, 1875, he

 

 

entered the employ of D. S. Burnham, who
was in the drug and hardware business, with
whom he remained for fourteen years, much of
the time being manager of the store. He
bought out Mr. Burnham on March 15, 1880,

a short time before Mr. Burnham's death,
and has been the sole proprietor since. He
has been very successful in the business. He

is at present a trustee of the Milford Savings
Bank, an active member of the Baptist church,
and the president of the Milford Free Library.
In politics he supports the Republican party.

On September 27, 1883, Mr. French mar-
ried Josephine M. Stevens, daughter of Sam-
uel Stevens, of Milford. They have three
daughters; namely, Ruth D., Katherine S.,
and Miriam J.

ARIUS FARWELL, one of the best
known dairy farmers of Harrisville

\2) and an ex-member of the New
Hampshire legislature, was born in
this town, February 8, 1809, son of Samuel
and Eunice (Stoddard) Farwell. His great-
grandfather, Samuel Farwell, who emigrated
from England in the seventeenth century, set-
tled in Marblehead, Mass. John Farwell, the
grandfather, who was ‘a native of that town,
moved his family to Cheshire County, locating
among the pioneers. The maiden name of his
wife was Sarah Pickett, and his children were:
Mary, Samuel, Foster, Sarah, Susannah,
Mariam, and Betsey.

Samuel Farwell, who was born in Marble-
head, September 27, 1769, and was brought up
to farming, profitably followed that occupation
during his active years, and died in that part
of Nelson which now forms a part of the town
of Harrisville, March 12, 1839. He pos-
sessed much natural ability, and figured quite
conspicuously in local public affairs. His
wife, Eunice, who was a daughter of Richard
and Rachel (Hill) Stoddard, became the
mother of twelve children, born as follows:
Lucretia, March 19, 1796; Eunice, August
31, 1797; Silas, May 28, 1799; Samuel,
March 13, 1801; Mary, February 19, 1803;
Henry, August 6, 1805; John, June 15, 1807;
Darius, the subject of this sketch; Sarah,

 

 

 

 

 
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

185

 

 

January 29, 1811; Addison, May 7, 1813;
Amanda, May 20, 1815; and Electa, March
1, 1817. Lucretia, who became the wife of
Samuel Derby, died May 13, 1863. Eunice,
who died February 7, 1871, was the wife of
Philip Atwood. Silas, who died September
13, 1877, successively married Priscilla Elliot
and Mrs. Minerva Russell. Samuel, who
married Lucinda Scripture, died August 29,
1857. Mary, who was the wife of James
Adams, died April 17, 1842. Henry, who
wedded Maria Lawrence, died August 24,
1885. John, who is residing at Bluff City,
I]]., married for his first wife Calista Curless
and for his second Julia Blanden. Sarah,
who died November 19, 1892, was the wife of
Robert Lougee, of Boston. Addison, who
wedded Melvina Hayford, died July 18, 1858.
Amanda, who never married, died January 11,
1848; and Electa died December 17, 1841.

Darius Farwell was educated in Nelson.
For two years after finishing his studies he
resided in Malden, Mass. In 1835 he took
charge of the home farm, caring for his parents
during their declining years. Eventually he
succeeded to the ownership of the property.
For many years he was an extensive stock-
raiser, but of late his farm has been devoted
to dairying and general products. He served
with ability as Selectman, Treasurer and Col-
lector, Moderator, member of the School
Board, and in 1861 and 1862 legislative Rep-
resentative. In the legislature he served on
the Committee on Mileage. He is a member
of the Congregational church, and for twenty-
five years was connected with the Sunday-
school] as superintendent and teacher.

In 1836 Mr. Farwell was united in marriage
with Mary Bryant, who was born in Nelson,
April 12, 1815, daughter of Benjamin and
Sally (Barrett) Bryant. Mrs. Farwell has had
eight children, namely: Sarah J., born Janu-
ary 8, 1839, who married Wellington Seaver;
Corbin C., born February 18, 1841, who mar-
ried Delia L. Yardley; Cortis S., born Febru-
ary 27, 1843, who died September 25, 1845;
Calvin W., born August 29, 1845, who mar-
ried Ella J. Gilbert, and resides in Keene;
Amanda E., born March 16, 1849, who mar-
ried Reuben A. Dunn, and has three children

 

— Arthur G., Mary A., and Bessie E.— mak-
ing the fifth generation who have lived on the
Farwell homestead; Electa M., born May 16,
1852, who married James E. Ruffle, and re-
sides in Nelson, N.H.; Mary Ada, born Oc-
tober 21, 1854, who died August 9, 1890;
and Fred C., born December 18, 1856. Fred
C. married for his first wife Genevieve Farmer,
who died in 1895. The maiden name of his
present wife was Lena Moore. Mr. and Mrs.
Farwell] fittingly observed, in 1886, the golden
anniversary of their wedding; and the occasion
of the sixtieth anniversary received the marked
attention due to such an unusual event. Their
daughters were al] school teachers previous to
marriage, and four of their grandchildren are
now engaged in that calling.

 

ICHARD B. HILLMAN, one of the
leading business men of Pelham,
Hillsboro County, was korn’ in
Rockland, Me., June 19, 1835, son
of Whitten and Harriet (Barnard) Hillman.
His father was a native of Farmington, Me ,
who at an early age adopted a seafaring life,
and subsequently became a ship-master. He
died at the age of sixty-two years. Mrs.
Harriet B. Hillman, who was a native of East
Thomaston, Me., now known as Rockland, be-
came the mother of two children: Mary F.,
who resides in this town; and Richard B.
She lived to be eighty-une years old.

Richard B. Hillman was educated in the
common schools of Rockland, and after finish-
ing his studies he followed the sea for about
five years. He then learned the carpenter’s
trade, and in 1861 settled in Pelham, where
he has since resided. For fifteen years he
did a large lumber business, and for many
years he has carried on business successfully
as a carpenter, besides operating a cider-mill.
He also makes and repairs heavy carriages.
He is a leading spirit in local affairs, and has
served with ability in various town offices.
For several years he has been a member of the
Board of Selectmen, of which he was chair-
man one term, and in 1885 he represented
Pelham in the legislature. In politics he is
a Republican.
186

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

In January, 1856, Mr. Hillman was united
in marriage with Julia Augusta Spear, who
was born in Rockland, September 6, 1832.
She is the mother of two children: Frank H.,
born in Pelham, August 4, 1859; and Helen
Gertrude. Frank H. Hillman, who is asso-
ciated with his father in business, is one of
the stirring and wide-awake business men of
Pelham. He is connected with the Indepen-
dent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to the
encampment, and belongs to the Pilgrim
Fathers, the Patrons of Husbandry, and the
Ancient York Lodge, F. & A. M., of Lowell,
Mass. On August 18, 1886, he married
Alice M. Greeley, of this town, and they
have four children — Blanche N., Carl R.,
Mary S., and Fred H. Helen Gertrude Hill-
man married Henry M. Currier, of Pelham,
and has one son, Richard H.

Mr. Richard B. Hillman is well advanced
in Masonry, being a member of Ancient York
Lodge, F. & A. M., of Lowell, and the chap-
ter, R. A. M.; Ahasuerus Council and Pil-
grim Commandery, K. I. He is also a mem-
ber of Merrimac Lodge, I. O. O. F., the
Patrons of Husbandry, and the Pilgrim
Fathers. He and Mrs. Hillman attend the
Congregational church.

ROOKS MILES HEALD, one of

the best known residents of Temple,

Hillsboro County, and an ex-member

of the New Hampshire legislature,

was born upon the farm he now occupies,
March 23, 1833, son of James and Maria
(Davis) Heald. The family is one of the
oldest in the town, the Heald farm having
been cleared from the wilderness by Deacon
Peter Heald, a native of Townsend, Mass.,
who was one of the first settlers here, and is
said to have erected the first farm buildings
in Temple. By his union with his first wife,
Sarah, he had two children; and by his second
wife, Rebecca Russell, he had six children.
Peter Heald, Jr., son of Deacon Heald, and
great-grandtather of the subject of this sketch,
was the first white male child born in Temple.
He occupied the farm which his father had
improved, and, marrying, reared a family of

 

 

ten children, one of them being a son James,
the next in this line.

James Heald, grandfather of Brooks M.,
succeeded to the possession of the old home-
stead, and, cultivating the soil, managed the
property until his death. He married Sarah
Walker, and had a family of seven children,
none of whom are now living. He died when
but thirty-seven years of age, survived by his
wife, who lived to be eighty-six. She was a
member of the Congregational church.

James Heald, the second of the name, Mr.
Brooks M. Heald’s father, was born March 6,
1799. Inheriting the homestead, as a general
farmer he was quite successful, and during his
occupancy he added one hundred acres to the
estate. He was aman of excellent judgment
and practical ideas, and stood high in the
estimation of the community. In politics he
was in his later years a Republican. His
wife, Maria Davis, whom he wedded May 12,
1825, was a daughter of Jonas Davis, of
Temple. She became the mother of seven
children, four of whom are living, namely:
James D., born June 8, 1830; Brooks M., the
subject of this sketch; Elmina S., born Febru-
ary 16, 1839; and Ellen F., born April 3,
1843. James D. Heald married Augusta
Wolcott. Ellen F. is the wife of Roswell E.
Bliss, of Belding, Mich., and has one daugh-
ter, Bertha M. James Heald, the father, died
February 1, 1875, his wife having died Sep-
tember 9, 1857. They were Adventists in
their religious views.

Brooks Miles Heald was graduated at the
Westfield (Mass.) Normal School in 1862.
In 1864 he enlisted as a volunteer in the
Lyndeboro Heavy Artillery, and was stationed
for some time in Portsmouth. In his young
manhood he taught seventeen terms of school
in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, but
since the death of his father he has devoted his
time to general farming at the homestead.
He owns in all about two hundred and fifty
acres of land, and he represents the fifth gen-
eration of the family to occupy the homestead.
He is a Republican in politics, and his public
services have been of a nature to commend him
to the respect and esteem of his fellow-towns-
men. He was a member of the Schocl Board
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

187

 

 

for some time, was a Selectman five years, and
in 1883 represented this town in the legis-
lature.

On June 4, 1884, Mr. Heald was united in
marriage with Lelia Rockwood, daughter of
Alanson P. and Maria (Fiske) Rockwood, of
Upton, Mass. He is a charter member and
was for some years secretary of the Miller
Grange in Temple. Mr. and Mrs. Heald are
members of the Seventh Day Advent church.

 

@ ? AMUEL DANA BEMIS, one of
the best known residents of Harris-

Ve ville and an ex-member of the
legislature was born in this town,

February 8, 1833, son of Thomas and Anna
(Knight) Bemis. James Bemis, the father of
Thomas and a native of Weston, Mass., when
a young man settled in Cheshire County. He

enlisted in Marlboro, N.H., for service in-

the Revolutionary War, and his last days were
spent upon a farm in this town. He married
Lois Walker, and his children were: Thomas,
Hannah, Josiah, Eli, Mercey, and James.
Thomas Bemis, who was born in Marlboro,
May 7, 1793, successfully followed general
farming during the active period of his life,
and died October 6, 1878. He was a member
of the Baptist church. His wife, Anna, who
was a native of Sudbury, Mass., became the
mother of four children; namely, Elbridge
G., George W., Elizabeth J., and Samuel D.
Elbridge G. Bemis was a successful wooden-
ware manufacturer in Harrisville for some
years, and afterward resided in Richmond.
At one time he was a Selectman of this town,
and he served in the same capacity and in
other town offices in Richmond, and was
elected a Representative to the legislature.
He married Lavina Symonds, of Rindge,
N.H., and one child survives. George W.
Bemis, who was also in the woodenware busi-
ness, wedded Mary Smith, of Harrisville, and
had a family of six children. Elizabeth J.
married Sylvester T. Symonds, of Rindge.
Samuel Dana Bemis was educated in West-
minster, Vt., and in Hancock, N.H. For
some years he was engaged with his brothers
in manufacturing woodenware. After relin-

 

quishing the business he bought a farm, which
he has since cultivated. He also undertakes
the settlement of estates, and has devoted
much time to public affairs. He served as a
Selectman for twenty years, acting as chair-
man of the Board for the greater part of the
time. He was a member of the School Board
for nine years, County Auditor for eight
years, a member of the House of Representa-
tives in 1872, a delegate to the Constitutional
Convention in 1876, and he now serves as
Moderator at town meetings. Jor many years
he has been identified with al] matters of pub-
lic importance, and he is connected with the
Patrons of Husbandry.

Mr. Bemis married Calista M. Russell.
She was born in Harrisville, June 23, 1841,
daughter of James L. Russell. Their only
child is Bernard F., born December 28, 1868.
Bernard F. Bemis completed his education at
the Cushing Academy, Ashburnham, Mass.,
and is now a valuable assistant to his father.
He has been a Selectman for the past three
years. He married Sadie B. Starkey, who
was born in Peterboro, N.H., March 6, 1872.

 

OHN F. BALL, one of the leading
farmers of Temple, Hillsboro County,
was born on the homestead where he
now resides, July 12, 1821, son of John

and Bridget (Parkhurst) Ball. His grand-
father, James Ball, was a lifelong resident of
Temple, and followed the useful occupation
of farming, dying at the age of fifty-seven
years. He was a man of upright principles
and considerable force of character, and was
a Deacon of the Congregational church. His
six children all lived to maturity, but all are
now deceased. John, father of the subject of
this sketch, was the only son.

John Ball was born in Temple, and at an
early age he began to acquire a knowledge of
agriculture. His life was chiefly devoted to
farming, in which occupation he was fairly
successful. He was active in local public
affairs, and served as Town Treasurer for a
number of years. When a young man he
united with the Congregational church. He
dicd at the age of seventy-eight years. His
188

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

wife, Bridget Parkhurst Ball, whom he mar-
ried December 4, 1803, was a native of
Sharon, N.H., and she became the mother of
eight children, of whom two are _ living,
namely: Joel; and John F., the subject of this
sketch. Joel Ball married Adeline Searle, of
Temple, who died leaving one daughter, Mary.
Mrs. John Ball lived to be eighty-three years
old.

John F. Ball acquired a common-school edu-
cation, and when young began to assist his
father in carrying on the farm. He succeeded
to the ownership of the property, which con-
tains one hundred and fifty acres of excellent
tillage land, and his crops are usually bounti-
ful and of a superior quality. His many com-
mendable traits of character have gained for
him the respect of his neighbors, and he has
the reputation of being one of the most ca-
pable farmers of the town of Temple. Mr.
Ball is unmarried. Politically, he acts with
the Republican party, and in his religious
opinions is a Congregationalist.

ILLIAM FRANK WINN, a pros-
perous farmer of Hudson, Hillsboro
County, was born in this town,

March 24, 1839, son of Abiathar and Mary
(Harris) Winn. His grandfather, Reuben
Winn, was also a native of Hudson, and fol-
lowed the carpenter’s trade here in connection
with farming. He lived to be fifty-six years
old.

Abiathar Winn, father of William F., was
born in Hudson in January, 1800. He was a
lifelong resident of this town, and followed
the clothier’s trade for some years, subse-
quently engaging in agriculture. He was a
Democrat, politically. His wife, Mary
Harris Winn, who was a native of Beverly,
Mass., became the mother of six children, all
of whom grew to maturity, and three of whom
are now living, namely: Harriet M.; Will-
iam F., the subject of this sketch; and Willis
O. The others were: Willard O., who died
very suddenly of heart-disease, July 5, 1897;
Mary J.; and Jackson A. Abiathar Winn
lived to be sixty-seven years old, his wife
dying at the age of sixty. They were Bap-

 

 

tists in religious opinions, but attended the
Methodist Episcopal church.

William Frank Winn was reared and edu-
cated in Hudson, and the greater part of his
life has been passed upon the farm he now
cultivates. His homestead property consists
of eighty acres of excellent tillage land, which
he devotes to general farming, and he also
owns other real estate.

On December 23, 1862, Mr. Winn was
joined in marriage with Lucy M. Richardson.
Mrs. Winn was born in Woburn, Mass., June
29, 1842, a daughter of Elijah and Lorania
Richardson, neither of whom is living.
She is the mother of five children — Fred E.,
Emma B., Jennie C., Susie M., and Leon E.

Mr. Winn has served as a member of the
Board of Selectmen four terms, and he ably
represented this town in the legislature in
1885. Politically, he supports the Republican
party. He is connected with the Order of
the Golden Cross and with the Patrons of
Husbandry. He is a stirring and progressive
farmer, and is stil] actively engaged in at-
tending to his every-day duties. Both he and
his wife are members of the Congregational
church.

 

OHN A. BALCH, Town Clerk of An-
trim, Hillsboro County, was born in
this town, February 28, 1860, son of
James T. and Lois (Robbins) Balch.

His grandfather, Varion Balch, a prosperous
farmer of Francestown, N.H., married Mary
Thompson, and they reared six children, of
whom James T. was the third-born. Of these
the only survivor is William, who married
first Sarah A. Hoyt and second Hannah Wors-
ter, and resides in Nashua, N.H.

James T. Balch, father of John A, was
born in Francestown, March 16, 1817. In
early life he followed farming, and later
worked in a shovel factory in Antrim. He
finally entered the employ of the Goodell Cam-
pany, and was second hand in their factory for
a number of years. In his later years an ar-
dent Republican, he helped to organize the
Republican party in Antrim, and held several
positions of trust in that town, including
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

189

 

 

that of Highway Surveyor. He died January
28, 1888. His wife, Lois Robbins Balch,
who was a daughter of Josiah Robbins, of An-
trim, became the mother of four children,
three of whom are living; namely, Charles
F., William A., and John A. She died Feb-
ruary II, 1892. She was a member of the
Methodist Episcopal church.

John A. Balch acquired his education in
the schools of Antrim. For eight years he
was employed in a printing office, and during
the succeeding four years he worked for the
Goodell Company. In 1890 he purchased a
boot, shoe, and variety store, which he carried
on until 1897, and then sold out. Politically,
he is a Republican. He has been Town
Clerk since 1893, and has also served capably
in other offices.

On July 3, 1882, Mr. Balch was united in
marriage with Miss Lena L. Tenney, daughter
of Milton Tenney, of Antrim. Mrs. Balch is
the mother of three children, as follows: Ivon
A., born January 12, 1884; Ina L., born May
28, 1885; and Alfred T., born April 4, 1888.

Mr. Balch is connected with Waverly
Lodge, No. 59, I. O. O. F., of Antrim, and
is sitting as Vice-Grand at the present time.

RANK C. FARWELL, a rising young
business man of Harrisville, was born
in this town, January 9, 1863, son of

Charles and Hannah J. (Knowles) Farwell.
The grandfather, Samuel Farwell, who was
engaged in milling and teaming in Harrisville,
married Lucinda Scripture, and became the
father of eight children. These were: Henry,
Caroline, Mary, Josephine, Charles, Augusta,
John, and Francis.

Charles Farwell was born in Nelson, N.H.,
January 12, 1837. After finishing his studies
at the Jaffrey High School, he learned wood-
turning, and in company with his brother
Henry engaged in the manufacture of wooden
novelties, such as clothes-pins, pill bottles,
chair and door knobs, and chair rounds, and
is still carrying on a flourishing business. He
served as a Selectman for several terms, and
was a member of the New Hampshire House
of Representatives in 1891. He is connected

 

 

with the Masonic fraternity and the Indepen-
dent Order of Odd Fellows. His wife, Han-
nah, who was born in Sharon, N.H., May 30,
1835, has been the mother of four sons, two of
whom are living. These are: Frank C., the
subject of this sketch; and Lewis, born in
November, 1871. Arthur H. died at the age
of two, and William died at the age of eight
years. Lewis Farwell, who is now the rail-
road station agent at East Harrisville, married
Lena M. Hill. She was born in Newton,
Mass., daughter of David V. Hill, now of
Somerville.

Frank C. Farwell received his general edu-
cation in the common schools. After leaving
the Harrisville High School, he pursued a
commercial course at Eastman’s Business Col-
lege, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Afterward he was
in the employ of the Boston & Maine Railroad
Company for three or four years. He is now
engaged in business with his father. For two
years he was a police officer. At the present
time he isa member of the Board of Select-
men. He is connected with the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, and attends the Con-
gregational church.

Mr. Farwell married C. Lillian Hill, who
was born in Newton, Mass., daughter of
David V. Hil]. Mrs. Farwell has had five
children, as follows: Lester, born in March,
1890, who died at the age of three months;
Florence, born May 15, 1891; Ethel, born
June 29, 1893; Harold, born in 1895, who
died April 3, 1897; and Alta, born June 20,
1897.

 

 

OHN WILSON, who owns one of the
most productive farms in Pelham,
Hillsboro County, was born in this
town, June 25, 1829, son of David and

Sarah (Young) Wilson. His grandfather,
also named David Wilson, was an early set-
tler in Pelham, and followed farming here for
the rest of his life. He died at a good old
age.

David Wilson, father of John, was born in
Pelham, and followed his father’s occupation,
tilling the soi] energetically and with pros-
perous results until his death, which occurred
1go

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

when he was fifty years old. His wife, Sarah,
who was a native of Pelham, became the
mother of seven children, three of whom
are living, namely: Mrs. Sarah Wilson, a
widow, who resides in Pelham; Mrs. Martha
Gardner, of Salem, N.H.; and John, the sub-
ject of this sketch. The others were: David,
Aaron, Allen, and Polly. The mother lived
to be eighty-six years old.

John Wilson was educated in the schools
of his native town. He worked at the car-
penter’s trade in Methuen, Mass., for some
time, and then followed the trade of a baker
in Lawrence for five years. Subsequently
buying a piece of land in Atkinson, N.H..,
he resided there for thirteen years, and he
then moved to his present farm in Pélham.
He owns one hundred acres of well-located
land, the commodious and substantial build-
ings on which were erected by him. Asa
general farmer he has been very successful,
and his crops are usually large and of a su-
perior quality.

In 1849 Mr. Wilson was united in marriage
with Jane H. Butler, of Pelham, and they
have one son, Alton, born July 13, 1854.

Politically, Mr. Wilson supports the Re-
publican party, and while residing in Atkin-
son he served upon the Board of Selectmen.
His character is of a nature to command the
respect of his neighbors and fellow-townsmen,
and he is regarded as one of the representa-
tive men of Pelham. His son, Alton Wil-
son, who is unmarried, resides on the home-
stead, and renders valuable assistance in
carrying on the farm. He belongs to the
Patrons of Husbandry.

 

 

OSEPH A. HALL, one of the most

prominent business men of Brookline |
and an ex-member of the New Hamp-.

shire legislature, was born in this town,
October 18, 1828, son of Joseph and Abiah
(Shattuck) Hall. The  great-grandfather,
William Hall (first), who came from Massa-
chusetts, was among the early settlers of the
town. He was the father of seven children, of
whom William Hall (second) was the eldest.
Grandfather Hal] was one of the able farmers

 

of his day, and was prominent in political and
religious affairs. Of his twelve children two
are living, namely: Elizabeth J*., born Octo-
ber 6, 1813; and Pliny J., born October 8,
1818. Elizabeth F. is now the widow of
Jeremiah Baldwin, late of Hancock, N.H.,
and has one daughter living, Lizzie J. Bald-
win. Pliny J. is the widow of Henry K.
Kemp, and has two sons— Henry W. and
William.

Joseph Hall was born in Brookline, March
12, 1795. He learned the cooper’s trade, but
his principal occupation was farming, which
he followed industriously and with success on
the family homestead. In politics he was a
Republican. His activity in local affairs ex-
tended over a long period, during which he
served as a Selectman and in other town
offices. His wife, Abiah, who was a daughter
of Jonathan Shattuck, of Pepperell, Mass.,
became the mother of six children, of whom
Joseph A., Catherine E., and Charles P. are
living. Catherine E. married for her first
husband John A. Gutterson, of Milford, who
was the father of her son, Henry A. She is
now the wife of Joseph A. Hovey, and has two
children — George M. and Martha E. Mr.
Hovey died July 6, 1897. Charles P. Hall
married Anna Green, of Brookline, and has
one son, Frank D. Joseph Hall lived to be
eighty-seven years old, and his wife died at
seventy-seven. They were both members of
the Congregational church, of which he was
the sexton for many years.

Joseph A. Hall was educated in the schools
of this town. At first he engaged in the
butchering business, which he followed
steadily for seven years. Then he turned his
attention to other pursuits, sti]l continuing to
carry on the former business to some extent.
For eighteen years he was a member of the
firm of J. A. Hall & Brother, but he is now
carrying on the business alone. Beginning
about thirty years ago, he has been profitably
engaged in manufacturing barrels and handling
all kinds of building material. He owns
about two thousand acres of land in Hillsboro
and the adjoining counties. In politics he is a
Republican; and, besides serving the town in
some of its important offices, he represented it
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

Igt

 

 

with marked ability in the legislature during
the years 1867 and 1868.

On July 1, 1851, Mr. Hall was joined in
marriage with Mada M. Foster, daughter
of Abel Foster, of Brookline. Of his four
children three are living, namely: Henry A.,
born August 21, 1857; Alpha A., born April
11, 1859; and Winnie M., born April 20,
1861. Henry A. married Belle C. Hobart, of
Brookline, and has one daughter, Blanche W.
Winnie M. is the wife of Horace H. Nye,
of Keene, and has two children — Ralph H.
and Mada. Alpha A. Hall was elected Town
Clerk at the age of twenty-two years, and
served three terms. He was a member of the
Board of Selectmen for three years, and in
1895 he was again elected Town Clerk, in
which office he is now ably serving the com-
munity. In 1894 he was elected a member of
the legislature for two years. He is widely
and favorably known as a business man and as
Justice of the Peace. He married for his first
wife Nellie Fletcher, of Hollis, N.H. The
maiden name of his present wife, who is a
native of this town, was Della R. Peacock.
They have three children— Fred A., Harry
M., and Forace R. Mr. Joseph A. Hall is
connected with the Order of the Golden Cross
and with the grange in Brookline. He is an
active member of the Congregational church.
Besides serving the church as sexton, a posi-
tion so long occupied by his father, he has
been the superintendent of the Sunday-school
for the past twelve years, in the course of
which he has been absent but four Sundays.

 

ARREN “PRATT, a respected resi-
dent of New Ipswich, born Novem-
ber 17, 1820, ig a native of Fitz-

william, N.H., and a son of Reuben and Ruth
H. (Stone) Pratt. The great-grandfather,
Reuben Pratt, who was one of the pioneer
settlers of Fitzwilliam, went there from West-
boro, Mass., in 1768, and cleared a tract of
land in order to found a home for himself and
his family. He had nine children, of whom
Joseph, the grandfather of Warren Pratt, was
the eldest. Joseph Pratt, who was born Au-
gust 19, 1769, in Fitzwilliam, followed the

 

 

occupation of farmer. He married Sarah
Hunt, and became the father of seven children,
none of whom are now living.

Reuben Pratt, the eldest son of Joseph
Pratt, born in Fitzwilliam, September 22,
1793, was also a farmer. Tle died at the age
of fifty-nine years, and his wife at the age of
sixty-seven years. Both were members of
the Unitarian church. Of their five children
Warren and Elizabeth are living. Elizabeth
is the widow of James M. Ingalls, and has one
child, Sarah E. Reuben Pratt was a Whig.
For a number of terms he was Selectman of
his town. A very progressive man, he suc-
ceeded well in business.

Warren Pratt was sent to school when a Jad.
Afterward he learned the blacksmith’s trade,
which he worked at for a short time. Later
he was in the jewelry business for about seven
years. In 1854 he came to New Ipswich.
Here, on account of failing eyesight, he had
to give up his jewelry business. Beginning in
1861, he ran a saw-mill, and manufactured
cigar boxes for about twenty-four years. The
first of his two marriages was contracted with
Susan C. Bayard, of Fitzwilliam. Of her
four children by him William H., born June
27, 1853, is living. She was a member of the
Baptist church, and she died at the age of
thirty-one years. His second marriage was
made with Seraph FE. Miles, of Royalston,
Mass., who died August 12, 1887. Mr. Pratt
is a prominent Republican in this locality.
He was sent to the State legislature in 1885
and 1887. An esteemed member of the Ma-
sonic order, he belongs to Bethel Lodge, No.
24, New Ipswich, of which he was Master for
Six years in succession.

 

YPENRY EDGAR MESSENGER, a
thriving farmer of Stoddard and a

L veteran of the Civil War, was born

in this town, September 27, 1845,

son of Silas and Arvilla R. (Copeland) Mes-
senger. The father, who was born in Stod-
dard in 1805, learned the carpenter’s trade
when a young man, and afterward followed it
until his death, which occurred in 1873. He
left a good farm to his sons, and the reputation

 
192

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

of a skilful and reliable mechanic and a worthy
member of the community. In his religious
belief he was a Universalist. His wife, Ar-
villa, who was born in 1809, became the
mother of nine children; namely, Mary A.,
Alma L., Erskine S., Addison C., Edson W.,
Henry E., Alice, George, and Helen A.

After leaving school, Henry Edgar Messen-
ger was employed in a mill for two years. He
then learned the barber’s trade in Manchester,
N.H. Subsequently he enlisted in the Sec-
ond Regiment, United States regular army.
Later he re-enlisted in the Eighteenth New
Hampshire Volunteers, and served for two
years and eight months in the Civil War. He
participated in the battles of the Wilderness,
Five Forks, Petersburg, and Appomattox, was
wounded three times, and now receives a pen-
sion. After his discharge from the army he
resumed his trade, which he followed in vari-
ous places until about five years ago, when he
bought a farm in Stoddard, where he has since
resided. In politics he isa Republican. He
has served as Selectman and Town Clerk, and
last year he was a candidate for the legislature.
He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and
a comrade of the Grand Army of the Republic,
and he attends religious service at the Con-
gregational church.

Mr. Messenger married Savona Stevens, who
was born in February, 1845, daughter of John
Stevens, of Stoddard. Mrs. Messenger is the
mother of four children: Fred S., born in
Stoddard; Mary I., born in Conway, Mass. ;
and Daisy S. and Edna L., born in Athol,
Mass. Fred S., who is a barber in Athol, is
married and has one child. Mary I. married
T. Newey, of Athol, and bas four children.
Daisy S. resides in Athol; and Edna L. is
living with her parents in Stoddard.

LLIOT WEBSTER BAKER, who
conducts a successful fire and life in-
surance agency in Antrim, was born

in Jaffrey, N.H., September 1, 1846, son of
Asa and Hannah (Moore) Baker.  Asa’s
father, Bezaleel Baker, who was a native of
Westminster, Mass., settled in Marlboro,
N.H., at the age of twenty-one. There Beza-

 

 

leel cleared a farm, and spent the rest of his
active life occupied in farming and shoemak-
ing. A sturdy and industrious pioneer and
an earnest advocate of temperance, he lived to
a good old age. His wife, whose maiden
name was Abigail Woods, bore him eight
children.

Asa Baker, who was a native of Marlboro,
spent his earlier years upon the homestead
farm. About the year 1837 he moved to
Jaffrey, where he purchased a farm, and there-
after was prosperously engaged in agriculture
until his death, which occurred when he was
sixty-six years old. He was one of the able
and thrifty farmers of Jaffrey in his day, and
left a good estate. In politics he was a Re-
publican, and he served with ability as a mem-
ber of the Board of Selectmen. Hannah
Moore Baker, his wife, who was a daughter
of John and Hannah (Fitch) Moore, of Sharon,
N.H., became the mother of four children, of
whom there are living: Sumner A., who
wedded Myra Coombs, of Winchester, N.H.;
Edwin C., who married Julia Paul, of Swan-
zey, N.H.; and Elliot W., the subject of this
sketch. Mrs. Asa Baker died at the age of
forty-eight years. She was a member of the
Congregational church.

Elliot Webster Baker attended school in his
native town. When a young man he went to
Antrim, where he was employed by the Good-
ell Company for twelve years. In 1872 he
engaged in the fire and life insurance business,
and has since represented the New Hampshire
Fire Insurance Company. He is also agent for
several other well-known companies, including
the Mutual Life of New York City. From
1889 to 1894 he was Postmaster, and he has
acted as a Justice of the Peace and Notary
Public for many years. He is a firm supporter
of the Republican party, and is actively inter-
ested in local affairs.

On February ro, 1878, Mr. Baker was
united in marriage with Julia V. McCoy, of
Peterboro, N.H. They have two children:
Albert A., born August 15, 1885; and Loren
T., born August 18, 1889. An enterprising
and progressive business man, and possessing
many commendable qualities, Mr. Baker is
held in high regard. He is connected with
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

193

 

 

the Order of the Golden Cross at Hillsboro
Bridge, and both he and Mrs. Baker are mem-
bers of the Baptist church.

HOMAS JONES, a general farmer of
Amherst, belongs to a very numerous
section of English-speaking people.

A standard authority, referring to the early
inhabitants of New England who bore the
name of Jones, says: “Once the Welsh alone
enjoyed it, but it has gone abroad upon all
the winds.” The subject of this biography
comes of an old New England family. His
earliest ancestor in this district was Nathan
Jones, who married Elizabeth Coburn in Dra-
cut, Mass., in October, 1743, and removed to
Amherst (now Mont Vernon) in 1760. Na-
than’s son Peter, born in Amherst, June 16,
1767. married Betsey Woodbury, June ‘5,
1787. She was a daughter of Peter Wood-
bury and Mrs. Elizabeth Dodge Ray, and
an aunt of Judge Levi Woodbury. Peter
Woodbury, who in his early years was for
some time engaged in seafaring, came to Am-
herst (now Mont Vernon) in 1773. That he
enjoyed the confidence of his townsmen is ev-
idenced by the public offices intrusted to him.
He was Selectman for several years, Repre-
sentative to the General Court in 1776-77,
and a member of the convention that framed
the first Constitution of New Hampshire.
Among the names appended to a declaration
of association to resist with arms the en-
croachments of English Parliament, started
in Ambherst, April 10, 1776, and sent
through the State for signature, the Revolu-
tion then being imminent, that of Peter
Woodbury was the fifth. For thirty-eight
years Peter Jones and his wife, Betsey, lived
on the Jones homestead, two miles above Am-
herst village, removing to Amherst in the
spring of 1825.

Colonel Levi Jones, son of Peter, was born
in Mont Vernon, January 9, 1790. He was
prominent in military affairs, holding the
rank of Colonel of the militia, and the broad
fields in front of the old home were the scene
of many a drill. In politics he was a Demo-
crat, but a strong anti-slavery man. On June

 

 

II, 1815, he was married to Sophia, daughter
of Thomas and Tabitha (Wilkins) Gilmore, a
lady of rare worth and great strength of char-
acter. Ardent patriotism characterized her
family. Her father died in the service of
his country at Burlington, Vt., in 1814; while
both her grandfathers were Captains in the
Revolution, and fought in the battle of
Bunker Hill. Captain James Gilmore re-
turned to his home after independence had
been won, and lived to a good age; but
her maternal grandfather, Captain Daniel
Wilkins, who was in Colonel Bedel’s regi-
ment, which surrendered to the British and
Indians at the “Cedars” in May, 1776, died
at Crown Point in the following July. The
maternal great-grandfather of Mrs. Sophia
Jones, the Rev. Daniel Wilkins, was the first
minister of Amherst in the days when the
office was no sinecure. It is said that but
for his wise counsels Souhegan West would
have ceased to be. He found a true helpmeet
in his wife, who was Sarah Fuller, of Middle-
ton, Mass., a kinswoman of Margaret Fuller
Ossoli and an aunt of General Rufus Putnam,
the pioneer settler of Marietta, Ohio. Of the
twelve children born to Colonel Levi and
Sophia (Gilmore) Jones, three are now living,
namely: Thomas, the subject of this sketch;
Harriet Newell, the widow of Dr. William E.
Rogers, late of Ashland, Mass.; and Margaret
Jane Waldron, the widow of Daniel R.
Brandt, late of Brooklyn, N.Y.

Thomas Jones, the only living son of Colo-
nel Jones, was born in Amherst, February 3,
1826. He grew to manhood on the farm
where he now lives, receiving his education
in the public schools of the town. At nine-
teen years of age he went to Lowell, Mass.,
and entered the employ of the Lawrence Cor-
poration, large cotton manufacturers, and
worked in their mills for nearly four years.
His eldest brother, Peter Woodbury Jones,
who was a railroad contractor, induced
Thomas to leave Lowell and join him at Ith-
aca, N.Y., where he was employed on the con-
struction work of the Ithaca & Oswego Rail-
road. From there he went to Pennsylvania,
and was employed by Peter as superintend-
ent of construction on a road between Great
194

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

Bend and Scranton, and then on one between
Scranton and Delaware Water Gap — divisions
of the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Rail-
road. Subsequently for a time he held the
position of paymaster of the Southern Di-
vision of this railroad, after which he took a
contract for laying the rails on the Warren
Railroad, from Delaware River to New Hamp-
ton. Upon the completion of this he returned
to the old homestead in Amherst, where he
has since resided. Here, besides carrying
on general farming, he has given special
attention to breeding and raising Hambleto-
nian and Clay horses, in which occupation he
has been very successful.

In politics Mr. Jones has always been a
Republican. He served the town for four
years as Selectman, and for two terms was its
Representative to the New Hampshire legis-
lature. A conservative gentleman. of the
highest integrity, he has the respect of his
fellow-citizens to a marked degree. He takes
an active interest in everything calculated to
promote the welfare of his native town.

DWIN D. STEVENS, M.D., a physi-
cian of Francestown, was born in Mont-
gomery, Mass., son of the Rev. Na-
thaniel F. and Mary E. (Dearborn) Stevens.
The grandfather, Augustus N. F. Stevens, a
native of Hartland, Vt., was there engaged as
a school teacher in early life. When he mar-
ried he went to Northfield, Vt., where he
cleared land, and established his new home.
He was a successful school teacher for many
years. The latter years of his life were spent
on the old homestead at Hartland, Vt., where
he died in 1894, at the age of ninety-three.
He married Sarah Dodge, and they had nine
children, of whom Mariette, Andrew J., and
Samuel are living.

Nathaniel F. Stevens was born in North-
field, Vt. He received his education in the
seminary at Newbury, Vt., and at the Bos-
ton University, from which he duly grad-
uated. He then studied in the Theological
School, and was first settled as a Methodist
clergyman in Hudson, Mass. He continued
preaching throughout the remainder of his

 

 

 

life. He married Mary E. Dearborn, daugh-
ter of Edwin Dearborn, of Pembroke, N.H.
They had four children— Alice M., Edwin
D., Eugene F., and Olin W. The Rev. Na-
thaniel Stevens died at the age of forty-nine
years. His wife resides with her son in
Francestown.

Edwin D. Stevens, the subject of this
sketch, was a student at the Powers Institute
at Bernardston, Mass., and later of the Mont-
pelier Seminary. He continued at the Boston
University, graduating from the medical
school in June, 1895. In December, 1895,
he settled in Francestown,’ N.H., where he
entered upon his profession. Dr. Stevens is
unmarried.

 

son of Camillus and Betsey (Britton)

Hall, is well known in Cheshire County

as one of the well-to-do farmers of
Westmoreland, his native town. He owns
and occupies the farm on which his mater-
nal grandfather, Seth Britton, who was one
of the original grantees of Westmoreland, set-
tled in 1772.

There were four other emigrants bearing
the name of Britton who came at that time,
one being William. Another fought in the
Revolution, and died in service; and two were
girls, one of whom married a Leach, and the
other, a sister of Seth, married Mr. Wood-
ward, and lived on an adjoining farm. Seth
Britton married first Miss Bailey, who died
after a short wedded life, leaving one child,
Hulda, who married Amasa Chaffin. His
second wife was a widow, Mrs. Ranstead, by
whom he had three children, namely: Nellie,
who married a Robbins; Hannah, who mar-
ried Seth Hall; and Betsey, who married
Camillus Hall. Seth Britton bore the title
of Colonel, and was prominent in military
matters in the town. A part of the homestead
was inherited by Mrs. Betsey B. Hall, and
she bought the rest of the farm from the other
heirs.

Camillus Hall was a carpenter by trade
and a captain in the militia. By his wife,
Betsey, he had twelve children, as follows:

a ee HALL, born December 4, 1823,
 

WILLIAM AMES
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

197

 

 

Camillus, Huldah, Adeline, Harriett, Osmon,
Gordon, Jasper, Didana, Amasa, Corren,
Emma, and Manford. Amasa, Didana, and
Manford died young; Harriett married Alfred
Nash, and died comparatively early in life;
Camillus married Alice Clough; Huldah
married Stephen Barnes, of New York; Ade-
line married Clark Phillip, of Greenbush,
N.Y.; Osmon married Harriet Britton; Gor-
don married Susan Patten; Didana died
young; Corren married Rose Miller; Emma
married Frank Stewart, of New York.

Jasper Hal] has spent his life upon the farm
of his ancestors. Since his marriage he has
taken entire charge of the farm, which con-
sisted originally of one hundred acres, and
now contains three hundred and fifty acres.
Besides extensively carrying on general farm-
ing, Mr. Hall in his most vigorous and active
period was during winters engaged in lumber-
ing, often in a single season hauling from
eight hundred to nine hundred cords of wood
to the railroad for transportation. Formerly
a strong Whig and an old admirer of Horace
Greeley, he was zealous in the cause of Know
Nothingism in its day, and is now an ardent
Republican. He has always worked more for
his party than for his own advancement, but
has held many minor offices in the town, and
has been Selectman for four years. He has
been many times a delegate to various con-
ventions. He never has believed in secret
orders.

At the age of twenty-seven years Mr. Hall
married Susan Poland, daughter of Nathaniel
and Lucinda (Wilson) Poland. Mrs. Hall’s
paternal grandfather was Benjamin Poland,
who came from Massachusetts and settled in
Langdon, N.H., where he was a prominent
Democrat. He lived to the age of eighty-
three. His wife, Sarah Kimball, was a
daughter of Colonel George Kimball. Their
children were: Nathaniel, the father of
Susan; Anna, who married Edmund Holden;
Willard, who died early in life; Horace, who
married Martha Clapp, of Chester; and
Susan, who died young. Nathaniel Poland
was born in Acworth, N.H., but in his boy-
hood removed to Langdon. He married Lu-
cinda, the daughter of Joseph and Janette

 

(Pinkerton) Wilson. Joseph Wilson was a
farmer of Acworth, and had children as fol-
lows: Melintha, who married Zenus Slader;
Lucinda; Betsey, who married David Morri-
son; Norman, who married Caroline Dickey;
Gardner, who married Martha Fay; and
James, who went to Michigan, and died there.
After his marriage Nathaniel Poland returned
to Acworth, where he died at the age of
thirty-three, leaving three daughters: Sarah
Ann, who died at the age of fifteen; Lucretia
J., who married Emory Britton, of Westmore-
land, and had seven children; and Susan, who
became the wite of Jasper Hall, as mentioned
above.

Mr. and Mrs. Hall have three sons — Her-
bert, Victor, and Clinton. Herbert Hall is
the foreman of the electric car station in
Cambridgeport, Mass. He married Laura
Wilbur. Victor also is employed in Cam-
bridge by the Street Railway Company.
Clinton resides at the family homestead, and
now carries on his father’s farm. He is a
prominent member of the grange, has been its
secretary, and has served on different commit-
tees. He is also chairman of the Board of
Selectmen. He has dealt largely in the past
in horses, buying horses that had been over-
worked in the street car service, feeding them,
and selling again. He now makes a specialty
of new milk, and deals largely in cows.

> ILLIAM AMES, agent of the Phe-
nix and Union Manufacturing Com-
panies of Peterboro, was born No-

vember 3, 1827, a native of Haverhill, N.H.,
and a son of William Ames. William Ames,
first, died previous to the birth of his son and
namesake; and the mother survived but a short
time after the latter event.

The subject of this sketch was thus left in
infancy to the care of others, and as soon as he
was able he was obliged to contribute to his
own support. He first worked in the logging
camps of the upper Connecticut River, where
he was employed three years. Going thence
to Boston, he removed after a short sojourn
there to Canton, Mass., where he found work
in the carding-room of a cotton-mil]l. Two

 
198

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

years later he went to Newburyport, Mass.,
where he was employed as a spinner for twelve
years. Subsequently he was similarly em-
ployed for a short time in a mill in Gloucester,
N.J., still later becoming the agent of a fac-
tory in Philadelphia. He remained in the
Quaker City thus employed for sixteen years,
and in 1880 came to Peterboro to accept a
similar position with the Phoenix Manufactur-
ing Company. He was later appointed agent
of the Union Manufacturing Company of West
Peterboro, and is at the present time the rep-
resentative of both concerns. He occupies a
position of high standing among the business
men of this town, is a director of the Peterboro
National Bank, and as a result of his ability is
well-to-do.

Mr. Ames married for his first wife Annie
A. Adams, of Gilmanton, N.H. She died in
1878, aged forty-eight years, leaving one
daughter — Emma, who married William
Knowles, of Philadelphia. Mr. Ames married
second Mary L. Flint, of Roxbury, Vt. One
son, Francis W., was the result of this union.

In politics Mr. Ames is a Republican, and
though he takes an active interest in public
affairs and the general welfare of the commu-
nity, he has never aspired to public office.
He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and
holds liberal opinions upon religious subjects.

YRUS FRANKLIN BURGE, a prom-

inent citizen and local historian of

the town of Hollis, N.H., is the

eldest son of the late Cyrus and

Joanna (Cummings) Burge. Both Mr.

Burge’s father and paternal grandfather were

born on the homestead where he now lives,

and where he himself was born. Mr. Burge’s

great-great-grandparents on his father’s side
were Josiah and Susan (Jaquith) Burge.

Their son Ephraim was born in 1738 in
Westford, Mass., whence he came to Hollis
in 1760, and bought the Burge farm. He was
an enterprising farmer and a strictly orthodox
Congregationalist of the old school. Ephraim
Burge served in the Revolutionary War, and
was Second Sergeant in Captain Daniel Emer-
son, Jr.’s, company, which marched to aid in

 

 

the defence of Fort Ticonderoga, June 20,
1777. He was a member of the Hollis
Minute-men in 1777, and was one of the
town’s enrolling officers and committee-men
in 1780-81 and 1783. He died June 21, 1784,
aged forty-six. In 1762 he married Anna
Abbot, daughter of Benjamin Abbot, born Oc-
tober 27, 1746.

Their eldest son, Ephraim, Jr., better
known as Deacon Ephraim Burge, was born at
Hollis in 1764. He engaged in farming and
the making of cooperage stock, and spent his
life on the old homestead. Like his father,
he was a Congregationalist. Deacon Burge’s
wife was Patty Baldwin, daughter of Colonel
Nahum Baldwin, of Amherst, who commanded
a regiment in the Revolutionary War, and was
Treasurer of Hillsboro County for several
years. She was the mother of six children —
Ephraim, Martha, Anna, Clarissa, Cyrus, and
Emma.

Cyrus Burge, the second son, born in 1804,
married Joanna Cummings, daughter of
Samuel and Joanna (Wyman) Cummings, of
Hudson, N.H. He was a well-known farmer,
and spent his active life in this region upon
the farm bequeathed to him by his ancestors.
Following in the footsteps of his forefathers,
he was a constant attendant at the services of
the Congregationa] church. He was a teacher
in the common schoo] in his native town, in
Bedford and Francestown, N.H., and for years
a Sunday-school teacher. In politics he was
a Whig and a Republican. Cyrus Burge had
the following children: Cyrus Franklin, sub-
ject of this sketch, born January 17, 1838;
Edward Augustus, born July 4, 1839, now a
real estate dealer in Chicago, I]].; Charles
Henry, born July 23, 1841, a real estate dealer
in Topeka, Kan. ; George Abbot, born March
5, 1843, an auctioneer in Nashua, N.H., and
livery-sale stables and auctioneer, Boston,
Mass. (residence, Courtland Street, Nashua);
Martha Joanna, born January 5, 1845, a
teacher in Dunstable, Rockport, and Boston,
Mass., also in New Hampshire and Connecti-
cut; and Clarissa Abby, born March 21,
1849, a teacher in New Hampshire, Boston
and other places in Massachusetts, and Se-
dalia, Mo., and now living in Chicago.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

199

 

 

Cyrus F. Burge grew to manhood in Hollis,
and was educated in the public schools of this
towbp and at Reed’s Ferry and Nashua, N.H.
Later he took a commercial course in Boston.
In his early manhood he taught school in his
native State, Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota.
He was connected with the Mississippi Ma-
rine Brigade, Brigadier-genera] A. W. Ellet,
U. S. V., from April to November, 1864, and
then, after voting in IJ]linois at the second
election of Lincoln, came back to New Hamp-
shire to meet George A., the returning vet-
eran of Company H, Seventh New Hampshire
Regiment. The various lines of business to
which the life of Mr. Burge has been devoted
have brought him in contact with a large num-
ber of men of widely different types of charac-
ter, and have introduced him to many sides
of the mercantile and industrial affairs of the
world, thus giving him a large experience of
human nature and much general information
upon a wide range of topics. For two years
Mr. Burge was travelling agent in Missouri
for the Fairbanks Scales Company. For a
number of years he was a journalist, and was
connected with newspapers in Kansas City,
Mo., and elsewhere, writing over the signa-
ture of ‘‘Observator.’’ In 1873, owing to the
advancing age of his parents, Mr. Burge came
back to Hollis to take charge of the farm, and
has since remained here, engaged in general
farming.

On March 17, 1880, he married Mrs. Mary
S. (Pierce) Lewis, a native of Pepperell,
Mass., widow of Albert Lewis, formerly of
Lynn, Mass. Like his ancestors, a member
of the Congregational church, Mr. Burge is
an active Y. M. C. A. and Sunday-school
worker. In politics a Republican (1859-86)
he is now an active Prohibitionist, being a
member of the State Committee for Hillsboro
County; and three times he has been candi-
date for Senator on the Prohibition ticket.
Mr. Burge has for some years past been greatly
interested in the early history of the town and
vicinage, has collected many interesting and
instructive facts concerning the genealogy of
the old families, and is probably as well in-
formed on these.points as any one else in this
section. He has a small, well-selected 1i-

 

brary, ever open to the use of the youth and
citizens of the town by loan.

 

 

EMUEL FULLER, a farmer of Am-
herst, N.H., is a lineal descendant
of Thomas Fuller, who came from
England to Boston, Mass., in No-
vember, 1638, on a tour of observation, not
intending to take up his residence perma-
nently in this country. He purchased three
hundred acres of land in that part of Salem
which was afterward incorporated as Middle-
ton, and there built him a house. He was
one of the first to petition for a church in
Salem village, and, after its organization,
was chosen one of the committee to carry on
its affairs. According to Mr. Upham’s ‘‘His-
tory of Salem Witchcraft,’’ he belonged toa
company of troopers formed for defence, and
had the rank of Sergeant in 1656 and of Lieu-
tenant in 1865. He married June 3, 1643,
Elizabeth Tidd, a daughter of John and Mar-
garet Tidd, of Woburn, Mass. Their de-
scendants have been numerous, and many of
them were men and women of note in the
times in which they lived.

Lemuel Fuller, the only son of Dan-
iel Fuller, Jr., and Sarah Patterson Rolfe,
was born February 10, 1839, in Hudson,
N.H., which was also the birthplace of his
father and for many years the home of his
paternal grandfather, Danie] Fuller. Left
fatherless at the age of five years, Lemuel with
his mother removed to Londonderry, where he
spent his youth and early manhood. After
obtaining his education in the schools of the
town, he began the battle of life on his own
account, working for his first employer three
years, a term of service whose length was
speaking evidence of his fidelity and ability.
Having acquired a thorough knowledge of the
various branches of agriculture, Mr. Fuller
was subsequently superintendent of the farm
of the Hon. Nathan Parker, of Manchester,
N.H., whose farming estate was located in
Litchfield. Going from there to Merrimac,
he had charge of the town farm for three
years, performing his duties in a most trust-
worthy manner. Later he purchased a farm in
200

BIOGRAPHICAL] REVIEW

 

 

the same town, and lived thereon until 1881,
when he came to Amherst and bought his
present farm, which he is conducting after the
most approved methods, carrying on general
farming, lumbering, and dairying with satis-
factory results.

Mr. Fuller is a self-made man in the broad-
est sense of the term, in that he has risen by
his own energy and persistent effort to the
position of influence he now occupies. Since
becoming a citizen of Amherst he has identi-
fied himself with its leading interests, being
in favor of all movements calculated to im-
prove the community in which he resides.
He has served as Selectman of Amherst three
years, having been chairman of the Board two
years. He takes an active part in religious
work, and isa valued member of the Congre-
gational church.

Mr. Fuller was married December 24,
1868, to Miss Emeline Perry, who was born
in Newburyport, Mass., January 14, 1845, a
daughter of William Langlands and his wife,
Catherine (Campbell) Langlands, of Campbel-
town, Argyllshire, Scotland, the former of
English and the latter of Scottish parentage.
Mr. and Mrs. Fuller have four children, as
follows: Emma F., now the wife of Charles
A. Rogers, of Amherst; Dana L. ; Walter P. ;
and Sarah F.

 

torney and counsellor at law of Peter-

boro and an ex-member of the New
Hampshire legislature, was born

October 19, 1832, in Williamstown, Vt., son
of Alvah and Laura (Burnham) Hatch. His
grandfather, Asa Hatch, a native of Alstead,
N.H., was a pioneer in Williamstown; and
Judah Hatch, a brother of Asa, was one of the
first settlers of Bethel, Vt. At the age of fif-
teen Asa joined the Continental army from
Alstead, N.H., and served as an orderly under
a commissioned officer in the Revolutionary
War. For his services then he afterward re-
ceived a pension from the United States
government. He improved a good farm in
Williamstown, where he resided for the rest
of his life, and he lived to be eighty-eight

| ILEY BURNHAM HATCH, an at-

 

years old. In politics he was a Whig. By
his two marriages he was the father of twenty-
three children, nineteen of whom reached ma-
turity. Sixteen of the number, all now de-
ceased, were the children of his first wife,
who came from Alstead, N.H., and whose
maiden name was Jane Black. Fourteen of
these grew up, including Alvah, the eleventh-
born. The second marriage was contracted
with Laura Hyde, of whose seven children by
him five grew up, one of whom, Stearns C.
Hatch, is living in Indiana.

Alvah Hatch was born in Williamstown,
August 6, 1798. He resided in his native
town until 1850, when he moved to a farm in
Barre, Mass., where he died June 6, 1868.
An industrious and progressive man, he stood
high in the esteem of the community. He
supported the abolition movement, acted with
the Free Soil party, and joined the Republi-
can party at its formation. His religion was
the Baptist. His first marriage was made
with Laura Burnham, born in Williamstown,
Vt., April 22, 1805. She was a daughter of
Rufus Burnham, of Williamstown, who was
born in Windham, Conn. Of her ten children
four attained maturity; and Riley B., the sub-
ject of this sketch, is the only survivor. She
died November 26, 1846. Alvah’s second
wife, whose maiden name was Esther Gates,
had no children.

Riley B. Hatch was fitted for college at
New Salem (Mass.) Academy and at Saxton’s
River, Vt., and was subsequently graduated
from Middlebury College with the class of
1857. He afterward taught school for a time
in sundry places, including a year spent in
the capacity of Principal of the Peterboro
Academy. After pursuing his law studies
in the office of Governor George A. Ramsdell
in Peterboro, he was admitted to the bar in
September, 1862. Since that time he has
acquired a large general practice. For ten
years he was the treasurer of the Peterboro
Savings Bank. He was a trustee of the Con-
toocook Valley Savings Bank for some time,
and he was for several years the clerk and
treasurer of the Monadnock Railroad. In
politics he actively supports the Republican
party. He was a delegate to the Constitu-
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

201

 

 

tional Convention held in 1889. In the ca-
pacities of member of the School Board and
trustee of the Public Library he has rendered
valuable services to the town. A member of
the New Hampshire House of Representa-
tives in 1868, 1869, 1893, and 1894, he ably
served on the Judiciary Committee and Com-
mittee on Revision of Statutes, and was chair-
man of the Committee on Elections.

Mr. Hatch has been twice married. His
first wife, Ellen M. (Nichols) Hatch, a
daughter of Levi Nichols, of Peterboro,

whom he married April 10, 1860, died April
24, 1861. On November 26, 1863, he con-
tracted his second marriage with Ellen M.
Barber, daughter of John W. Barber, of Peter-
boro. She has had five children, of whom Ida
F. and Ellen M. are living. Mr. Hatch isa
Past Master of the Masonic lodge in Peter-
boro and a member of the Peterboro Royal
Arch Chapter. In religious belief he is a
Congregationalist.

 

 

YP IRAM WEBSTER ELDREDGE, the
proprietor of the Antrim Reporter,

 

was born in South Harwich, Mass.,
WW October 12, 1865, son of Daniel
Webster and Eliza Ann (Small) Eldredge.
His grandfather, James Eldredge, was a sea-
faring man and a fisherman for the most of
his life. He always resided on Cape Cod,
where his later years were spent in tilling
the soil. With his wife, whose maiden name
was Reliance Hopkins, he reared two chil-
dren, neither of whom is now living.

Daniel Webster Eldredge, who was born
in Chatham, Mass., and began to follow the
sea when very young, became the master of a
vessel engaged in the fishing industry in Mas-
sachusetts Bay. He died in early manhood,
aged thirty-four years. His wife, Eliza Ann,
is a native of Harwich and a daughter of
Hiram Small. She has had three children, of
-whom Effie Mabel and Hiram W. are living.
Effie Mabel is the wife of Eugene C. Ellis, of
East Wareham, and has two children — Harold
Mervin and Eugene Webster. Mrs. Daniel
W. Eldredge resides in Chatham, Mass., and
is now the wife of Captain Luther Eldredge,

 

her second husband. She is a member of the
Methodist Episcopal church.

Hiram Webster Eldredge was educated in
the schools of his native town. After com-
pleting his studies he learned the printer’s
trade, and for four years was employed in the
office of the Harwich J/udependent. He then
went to the city of Rockville, Conn., where
he was foreman on the Tolland County Leader
foratime. From Rockville he went to Barn-
stable, Mass., and was there employed by the
publishing firm of F. B. & F. P. Goss. In
November, 1892, he came to Antrim, and pur-
chased the Reporter and the job printing busi-
ness connected therewith. These he has
successfully conducted since. The Antrim
Reporter, which is a great benefit to the resi-
dents of this section, is constantly increasing
in popularity.

On January 24, 1889, Mr. Eldredge was
united in marriage with Rebecca M. Snow,
daughter of Henry M. Snow, of St. Augus-
tine, Fla. Mrs. Eldredge is the mother of
three children, as follows: Henry Burr, born
in Barnstable, March 14, 1891; Cranston
Daniel, born in Antrim, December 3, 1893;
and Mabelle, born in Antrim, July 8, 1896.

In politics Mr. Eldredge is a Republican.
He has held the office of Chaplain of Waver-
ley Lodge, No. 59, I. O. O. F., of Antrim;
is connected with Hand in Hand Rebekah
Lodge, No. 29, also of this town; and with
Commandery No. 639, United Order of the
Golden Cross of Hillsboro Bridge. Both
he and Mrs. Eldredge are members of the
Methodist Episcopal church.

 

 

ICHAEL KENNEDY, a prosper-

ous farmer of Harrisville, is a

native of County Kilkenny, Ire-

land. Born in October, 1848,

he-is a son of William and Julia (Broderick)
Kennedy. His grandfather was William
Kennedy, who died in Ireland, and had three
sons. Of these William Kennedy, the father
of Michael, after spending the greater part of
his life in his native land, came with his fam-
ily to America at the age of sixty-seven
years. He located in Harrisville, where he
202

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

spent his remaining years. His wife, Julia,
bore him eight children, three of whom died
in infancy. Those who attained maturity
were: John, David, Mary, Ann, and Michael.

Michael Kennedy came to America with
his parents in 1865, being then seventeen
years of age. For the greater part of the time
that has since elapsed he has resided in
Lowell, Mass., and at Harrisville. During
the last twenty years he has been a successful
farmer in Harrisville, where he has won the
respect and good will of all who have come in
contact with him. He has been actively in-
terested in the affairs of the town, and has
served his townsmen with credit in various
positions of responsibility. He married Mary
Burns, who was born in 1848, daughter of
John Burns, of Ireland. They have had five
children, namely: Mary A. and Julia A.,
who were born at Marlboro, N.H., and now
reside with their parents; William M., born
at Harrisville, who died at the age of seven-
teen; Lizzie, born at Harrisville, who lived
only nine months; and Katie R., now a
young miss of thirteen years, who was also
born in Harrisville.

Mr. Kennedy is a man of sound judgment,
and a thorough American. He is devoted to
his family, and is never so happy as when en-
joying the companionship of his domestic
circle. Through his own efforts, aided by his
careful business methods, by thrift and strict
honesty, he has acquired a comfortable com-
petency, and stands as a good type of the self-
made man.

 

tired hotel-keeper of Peterboro,
ss Hillsboro County, N.H., was born
in Jaffrey, Cheshire County, Jan-
uary 21, 1826, son of Whitcomb and Mary
(Kendall) French, and is a descendant of early
New England colonists.
The founder of the family in America was
probably Richard French, who settled in
Cambridge, Mass., and in 1652 was one of

)] ENRY KENDALL FRENCH, a re-
9

 

the grantees of the “Farms,” so called, soon |

named Billerica.
Lieutenant Joseph French, son of Richard,

 

married Elizabeth Knight, daughter of Philip
and Margery Knight, of Charlestown, and was
a prominent citizen of Concord, Mass., where
he appears as early as 1674. He wasa Se-
lectman in 1689, and was one of the original
members of the early church in that part of
Concord afterward the town of Bedford. Jo-
seph’s family consisted of eight children,
one of them being Jonathan, born in 1690,
who by his wife, Elizabeth, had a son,
John, born in 1727. John French settled
in Hollis, N.H. He married Mary Whit-
comb, of Bolton, who bore him eleven chil-
dren.

Their eighth child, Whitcomb French,
first, was born October 26, 1767. He settled
in Dublin, N.H., where he tilled the soil,
and dealt quite extensively in cattle. He
was prominent in public affairs, serving asa
Selectman in Dublin. In his religious views
he was a Congregationalist. He died in
Keene, N.H., at the age of seventy-six years.
His wife, Sally Patrick, who was born in
Fitchburg, Mass., November 6, 1772, lived
to be ninety-two years old. She was the
mother of nine children, the only one of
whom now living is Malancy French, born
February 11, 1810.

Whitcomb French, second, son of Whit-
comb French, first, and father of Henry K.,
was born in Dublin, July 9, 1794. At the
age of seventeen he began driving a stage in
Vermont, and carried many passengers during
the War of 1812. He subsequently followed
agricultural pursuits in Dublin for a time,
but in 1822 he purchased the stage line be-
tween Keene and Jaffrey. He later became
proprietor of other lines, and in 1830 went
to Keene, where he could have a general over-
sight of the various routes under his control.
In the spring of 1832 he sold out, and, after
carrying on the livery business in Keene and
a hotel in Fitzwilliam for a short time, he in
February, 1833, removed to Peterboro. He
was the proprietor of French’s Hotel in this
town until some time in 1849, when he re-
tired toa farm. Some years afterward he re-
moved to the village. He died June 1, 1882.
Whitcomb French was one of the most popu-
lar stage drivers of his day, and was also a
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

203

 

 

successful business man. In politics -he was
originally a Whig and later a Democrat.
He held a Colonel’s commission in the State
militia, and for many years was prominent in
military affairs. He married November 27,
1817, Mary Kendall, a daughter of Joel Ken-
dall, of Dublin. She became the mother of
eight children, as follows: Eliza G., born
September 2, 1818; Edson Granville, who
married Relief Walker, of Vermont, and died
leaving one son, Fred W., born July 109,
1847; Mary S., born December 4, 1823;
Henry K., the subject of this sketch; Mar-
shal W., born September 4, 1827; Charles D.,
born March 29, 1830; Sarah F., born Feb-
ruary 22, 1832; and William P., born June 4,
1841. Eliza G. is now the widow of Jesse
Little, and resides in Salt Lake City, Utah.
She has had eleven children, five of whom
are living; namely, Ann, Jedediah, Fred,
George, and Alice. Marshal W. French mar-
ried Lizzie T. Wales, of Palmer, Mass., and
has one son, Samuel W., of Newtonville,
Mass. Charles D. married Nancy L. Hol-
brook, of Peterboro, and has three children -—
Henry E., Minnie M., and Kate H. Will-
iam P. French married Helen A. Shearer, of
Palmer, and has four children; namely, Wil-
lis S., Scott M., John F., and Clara. Mrs.
Mary Kendall French died in November, 1881.
Henry Kendall French began to assist his
father at an early age, and he may be said
to have grown up in the stage and hotel busi-
ness. In 1845 he commenced driving a stage
between Keene and Nashua, and he continued
thus employed until he succeeded his father
as proprietor of French’s Hotel, Peterboro, in
1849. In October, 1852, he sold the busi-
ness, and for the next five years was engaged
in running an express between Peterboro and
Boston. In 1857 he resumed the proprietor-
ship of the hotel, which he purchased of his
father, and carried it on successfully until
1879, when he sold the property to its present
owner, Thomas B. Tucker. Mr. French is
now residing at the old Wilson place, which
is owned by the B. P. Cheney estate. Beau-
tiful for situation, commanding an extensive
view, this farm is one of the finest pieces of
agricultural property in New Hampshire.

 

Mr. French’s first wife, Harriet N. Gray,
whom he married July 9, 1850, was born in
Wilton, N.H., August 21, 1829. She died
October 13, 1852, leaving one son, Frank G.,
born June 10, 1852, who died July 18, 1886.
On November 20, 1855, Mr. French married
Sarah Amanda Adams, who was born in
Mason, N.H., July 10, 1834. Mr. and Mrs.
French have been bereft of two children since
the death of his eldest son, namely: Charles
H., born December 22, 1856, who died Feb-
ruary 2, 1895; and Hattie A., born August
27, 1858, who died October 24, 1887. They
have one son now living, George A., born
September 22, 1860.

Mr. French has attained a substantial busi-
ness success, and there is probably not a man
in this locality who enjoys a wider or more
cordial circle of acquaintances.

 

AMES S. PARTRIDGE, a leading
farmer of East Alstead and a promi-
nent resident of the town of Alstead,
was born here, December 29, 18109,

son of Theron and Lydia (Wentworth) Part-
ridge. The paternal grandfather, Sylvester
Partridge, born February 20, 1766, was a
farmer, spent his life in this town, and was
esteemed as an active and progressive citizen.
He was several times married, and had a large
family of children. His last marriage was
contracted with the widow Tay.

Theron Partridge, who was born May 20,
1788, died in February, 1858. He was a
farmer and school teacher, a man of much
ability and very active in local matters. He
was always ready to work for the advancement
of any measure he felt to be for the good of
the town or for the welfare of his fellow-
townsmen, and he never regretted time spent
in the interests of progressive or important
enterprises. He was Selectman of the town
for a time. An exemplary member of the
Congregational church, he was known for his
charity and the integrity of his life. His
wife, Lydia, born March 23, 1791, daughter
of Asa Wentworth, died July 20, 1857, hav-
ing been the mother of three children. These
were: Willard W., Alfred W., and James S.,
204

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

al] of whom were born in Alstead. Willard
W., a teacher of music, resided in New York,
Burlington, Vt., and in Cleveland, Ohio, and
died in the latter city. He married a Miss
Smith, and had several children. Alfred W.
Partridge, a farmer of Alstead, married Calista
Newton, of Worcester, Vt., and has two
daughters. He taught for about one hundred
terms of singing-school.

The early life of James S. Partridge was
spent on his father’s farm. He received the
elements of a practical education in the town
schools. For a while he was employed in
Faneuil Hall Market, Boston. With the
exception of that period his life has been
devoted to agricultural pursuits. He is an
active member and Deacon of the Congrega-
tional church.

Mr. Partridge has been twice married. On
the first occasion he wedded Harriett Kent, a
daughter of Asa Kent, of Alstead. She was
born in 1821, and died May 6, 1870. Her
three children were: Charles W., Ella L.,
and Lilla C. Charles W., born June 29,
1848, lives in Lawrence, Mass., a successful
dentist of that city. He married May, daugh-
ter of Dr. Palmer, of Fitchburg, Mass., and
they have one child, Harriett. Ella L., born
May 18, 1850, is the wife of G. G. Banks, a
well-to-do man of this town. Lilla C., born
May 18, 1853, married H. F. Newell, of
Keene, N.H., who is a carpenter. On No-
vember 14, 1871, Mr. Partridge married for
his second wife Mrs. Julia A. Whittemore,
who is now living.

AVID MARDEN, a farmer of New
Boston, was born in that town, No-

©) vember 11, 1820, son of Greenough
and Sibyl (Hadley) Marden. His
grandfather, Lemuel Marden, who was born in
Massachusetts, August 30, 1745, became a
resident of New Boston about 1789, settling
near the centre of the town. Having spent
the greater part of his life in farming, Lemuel
died June 19, 1819. His wife, Hannah
(Greenough) Marden, born May 21, 1750,
passed away October 12, 1843, aged ninety-
three years. They had eight children —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Greenough, Solomon, Samuel, Francis, Jona-
than, Hannah, Sarah, and Mehitable. Green-
ough Marden was born in Bradford, Mass.,
October 17, 1772. He was a farmer and
bricklayer, and he spent the most of his life
in New Boston, in the southern part of which
he owned land. A hard-working and industri-
ous man, he was successful in his business.
In politics he was a Democrat, and he invari-
ably voted with his party. He was an attend-
ant of the Presbyterian church. On October
10, 1802, he married Sibyl Hadley, who, born
in West Nottingham, N.H., August 24, 1780,
died April 13, 1866. His death occurred
June 9, 1865. They had nine children,
namely: Lemuel, born September 17, 1803,
who died June 26, 1889; Levi, born February
13, 1805, who died October 14, 1832; John
L., born October 20, 1807, who died February
13, 1814; Lyman, born November 13, 1809,
who died September 20, 1892; Cynthia, born
March 5, 1812, who died February 13, 1814;
Sibyl, born February 20, 1815, who died De-
cember 23, 1889; Abigail, born November 17,
1817, who died December 15, 1896; David,
the subject of this sketch; and William G.,
born August 3, 1823, who died May 1, 1802.

David Marden attended the schools of his
native town for the usual period. After liv-
ing at home with his parents until he was
twenty-one years of age, he went into genera]
farming, being employed in the town for nine
years. He then went West to Trenton, Dodge
County, Wis., where he took up land, and re-
mained there some sixteen years, during which
time he followed the occupation of general
farmer. Having sold his Western property,
he removed to Mont Vernon, N.H., where he
lived for five years. On May 4, 1872, he re-
turned to his native town, where he has since
resided. Besides a good farm of about eighty-
four acres, on which are substantial buildings,
he owns other property. In his politics he is
a Democrat, and he has been Selectman of the
town for six years, and was Justice of the
Peace for five years.

On September 11, 1851, Mr. Marden was
married to Belinda M. Simonds, who was born
in Antrim, N.H., July 11, 1824, daughter of
Benjamin and Betsey Simonds. Mr. and Mrs.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

205

 

 

Marden have three children— Sibyl B.,
Minetta C., and George D. Sibyl B. and
Minetta C. reside with their parents. George
D., who lives in his native town, carries on a
lumber-mill, and deals largely in lumber.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Marden are attendants of
the Baptist church. Mr. Marden has ceased
farming for the last four years, but he still
resides on the old place, and enjoys the re-
spect of all the citizens of the town.

RANK M. FORRISTALL, a _ promi-
nent resident and business man of Al-
stead, was born here, April 22, 1857,
son of Joseph P. and Mary A. (Flint) Forri-
stall. His grandfather, John Forristall, born
in Troy, N.H., who was a road contractor and
farmer, and lived for the greater part of his
life in Winchendon, Mass., held the rank of
Captain in the militia. John married Mary
Parker, and they had four children — Joseph
P., John M., Charles E., and Roswell M.
John M. lived in Winchendon,~ carrying on
the same business in which his father had
been engaged, and becoming a contractor ona
large scale. Charles E. also lived in Win-
chendon, and was a carpenter and builder.
He married and had one child. Roswell M.,
who lives in the same town, and is engaged in
the same business, is also married.

Joseph P. Forristall, the eldest son of
John, born October 24, 1816, died March 26,
1897. After finishing his education in the
town schools at Winchendon, he went to
Orange, Mass., where he learned the trade of
millwright, and remained for nine years. In
1848 he came to Alstead, and bought a mill,
which he operated during the rest of his life.
He was highly respected in the town. In
1867 and 1868 he was sent as Representative
to General Court, where he discharged his
duties efficiently. His wife, Mary, who was
born November 1, 1818, and now resides with
Frank M. Forristall, had three children. Of
these one died in infancy, and George P. died
at the age of seven years.

Frank M. Forristall was educated in the
common schools and at Bernardston Academy
in Massachusetts, then came with his father to

 

 

 

Alstead, and worked with him in the milling
business as long as the elder Mr. Forristall
lived. Snce then he has continued the busi-
ness, carrying out the plans of his father.
He was Selectman of the town for three
terms, and he is the Representative in the
State legislature for 1896-97, serving on the
Agricultural College Committee. Mr. Forris-
tall attends the Congregational church, and is
an active member of the grange and of the Order
of the Golden Cross. The first of his two
marriages was contracted with Julia M. Clapp,
a daughter of Alfred Clapp, of Huntington,
Mass. Born August 13, 1856, she died July
26, 1894. Her children were: Leslie P.,
born May 4, 1879; Florence M., born July
26, 1881; Ralph W., born October 14, 1888;
and Lena J., born July 22, 1894, who died
November 26, 1894. His second marriage
was made with Mary S. Cater, who was born
August 2, 1874, daughter of George E. Cater,
of Alstead.

 

OHN SCOTT, editor and proprietor of

the Peterboro Jeekly Transcript, and

a veteran of the Civil War, was born

in this town, September 9, 1844, son

of William and Malinda (Ward) Scott. His

father was a native of Peterboro, and an

account of the family history may be found

in a sketch of Colonel Charles Scott, which
appears elsewhere in this work.

John Scott’s opportunities for attending
school in his boyhood were very limited, as
circumstances made it necessary for him to
earn his own living while still a mere child.
At the age of nine years he entered a cotton-
mill in this town as a bobbin boy, and five
years later he had advanced to the position of
second hand in the carding-room of the
Phoenix factory. At the age of fifteen he be-
came an apprentice in the office of the Peter-
boro Transcript, which was then published by
his brother, Kendall C. Scott; and here he
learned the printer’s trade. In July, 1864,
he enlisted as a private in Troop G, First
New Hampshire Cavalry, and was soon made
a Corporal. He was wounded in the left foot
while on picket duty in Maryland, and dur-
206

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

ing his four months’ confinement in the hos-
pital in Washington was promoted to the rank
of Sergeant. He was later made Quarter-
master Sergeant, which rank he held when he
was mustered out. Jn September, 1865, he
became a partner with his brother in the pub-
lication of the Zranscript, and a short time
later Kendall C. Scott sold his interest to
Joseph Farnum. The firm of Farnum & Scott
then conducted the paper for twenty-four
years, or until the death of Mr. Farnum, in
1890, since which time Mr. Scott has been its
editor and proprietor. The Transcript is a
lively, interesting, and up-to-date newspaper,
and Mr. Scott neglects no favorable oppor-
tunity of increasing its usefulness and advanc-
ing its circulation. He also does a profitable
job printing business. An unswerving Re-
publican in politics, he takes a leading part in
local affairs, and in 1887 and 1888 he ably
represented this town in the legislature.

On May 1, 1866, Mr. Scott was united in
marriage with Lucinda C. Forbush, a daughter
of Luke O. Forbush, of Peterboro, and has
had a family of four children, of whom but
one is now living, Mabel S., born August 1,
1872. She married Dr. Fred S. Piper, of
this town, and is the mother of one child, a
daughter — Dorothy G., born November 19,
1893.

Mr. Scott is a member of Altamont Lodge,
No. 26, F. & A. M., and of Peterboro Lodge
No. 15, I. O. O. F. He is also Past Com-
mander of Aaron F. Stevens Post, No. 6,
G. A. R. He and his wife attend the Uni-
tarian church.

 

SCAR H. BRADLEY, M.D., well
known as a medical practitioner in

Jaffrey and the surrounding towns,
February 10, 1826, in
Louisville, Ky., son of James and Jane
(Holmes) Bradley. The father, who was a
native of either New Hampshire or Vermont,
and who was a mechanic in Londonderry,
N.H., for some time prior to his marriage,
afterward spent ten years in Louisville, Ky.,
then settled in Vermont, where he died at the
age of seventy-five years. His wife, a daugh-

 

was. born

 

ter of Jonathan Holmes, of Londonderry, was
the mother of six children — Nathaniel, Mar-
garet, Mary Ann, Albert, Oscar, and Laura
—of whom Dr. Bradley is the sole survivor.

Oscar H. Bradley studied for atime at the
Black River Academy in Ludlow, Vt., where
President Tucker, of Dartmouth College, was
one of his classmates. He began to read
medicine with Dr. Twitchell, of Keene, N.H.
Subsequently he pursued his studies at Bur-
lington, Vt., and at the Dartmouth Medical
College, receiving his diploma from the last-
named institution in due course. Since then
he has followed his profession in this town,
acquiring a large practice, and being for years
the only physician here. Naturally of keen,
analytic abilities, his diagnosis of symptoms
is almost unfailing; while his sympathy for
his patients and his ready appreciation of
their needs have often been of more value than
the medicine administered. He is now grad-
ually retiring from active practice, having
acquired a competency that enables him to
enjoy a well-earned rest. Dr. Bradley has
been interested in various things outside his
professional cares. He was one of the most
influential promoters of the Monadnock Rail-
road, and was one of its directors until the
road was bought out by the Fitchburg line.
He was the prime mover in establishing the
Monadnock Savings Bank, of which he has
been the president for the past thirty years.
He is also a director of the National Bank.
The Doctor has been a member of the Ma-
sonic organization for forty years.

Dr. Bradley married Julia A. Spaulding,
who was born in March, 1831, daughter of
Daniel Spaulding, of Fitzwilliam, N.H. His
children are: Daniel E. and Mark S. Daniel,
born in May, 1861, who, after graduating at
Dartmouth College, took a special course in
engineering, is now the general superin-
tendent of the Berlin Bridge Works at Berlin,
Conn. He married Anna Sampson, of North-
field, Vt., and has three children — Lucille,
Marguerite, and Edith. Mark S. Bradley
was born at Jaffrey in 1868. He graduated
from Yale College and the College of Physi-
cians and Surgeons at New York City, took
two years’ work in the Charity Hospital of
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

207

 

 

New York, and then located at South Man-
chester, Conn., where he became a leading
physician, and has an extensive practice. At
this writing he is travelling in Europe.

 

 

HARLES HENRY CUTLER, M.D.,

a popular physician of Peterboro and

a son of Dr. John H. Cutler, was

born here, September 9, 1867.

His grandfather, John Cutler, who was a
farmer of Rindge, N.H., lived to an advanced
age. John Cutler’s first wife died young.
His second wife, whose maiden name was
Marinda Wright, is still living. His chil-
dren, besides Dr. John H. Cutler, are: Au-
gusta, now Mrs. Sandford; Anna; and Emily.

Dr. John H. Cutler was born in Rindge.
After attending the schools of that town for
the usual period, he was prepared for college
in the Pittsfield School of Pittsfield, Mass.
Afterward he graduated from the School of
Medicine connected with the University of
Vermont at Burlington, and settled in Green-
ville, N.H., where he practised for a short
time. At the breaking out of the late war he
was commissioned as surgeon, and served for
some time in the Union army. Coming later
to Peterboro, he remained here in active prac-
tice up to 1889, when the condition of his
health obliged him to retire. In politics he
is a Republican, and he has served the town
as a member of the School Board, a Repre-
sentative to the State legislature, and as a
member of the Board of Health. He is a
comrade of Aaron F. Stevens Post, No. 6,
G. A. R., of Peterboro; and a Mason of Peter-
boro Lodge. His wife, whose maiden name
was Martha L. Ryan, is a member of the Con-
gregational church. Their children are:
Samuel R., Charles H., Castella, Annie L.,
and M. Evangeline.

Charles Henry Cutler attended the Peter-
boro schools, and later Cushing’s Academy at
Ashburnham, Mass., where he fitted for col-
lege. He graduated from the Burlington
Medical School in the class of 1892, and
shortly after opened practice in Peterboro.
In the brief period that has since elapsed, he
bas won for himself quite a reputation for skill]

 

and ability in his professicn. In 1896 he
married Helen N. Bissell, daughter of Edgar
N. Bissell, of Shoreham, Vt. In politics Dr.
Cutler isa Republican, in religion an Epis-
copalian. He isamember of Peterboro Ma-
sonic Lodge and of the Sons of Veterans
organization. At present he is surgeon of
the State Division of the New Hampshire
Sons of Veterans.

 

ON. SAMUEL UPTON, now living
in retirement in his pleasant home
in Goffstown village, was born in
Wilmot, Merrimack County, Sep-
tember 12, 1824, son of Daniel and Asenath
(Teel) Upton. The Upton family is traced
to sturdy English stock. John Upton, the
American progenitor, came to this country
from England. Daniel Upton, born March
6, 1783, in Ashby, Mass., residing in Wil-
mot for the greater part of his life, followed
the trade of carpenter, and was also engaged
in general farming. An honest, temperate,
and industrious man, he was a member of the
Congregational church, and in politics he
supported the Republican party. The first of
his two marriages was contracted with Re-
becca Teel, and the second with Asenath
Teel, his first wife’s sister. Asenath, born
in Goffstown, May 5, 1799, died December
26, 1869. Daniel’s death occurred Novem-
ber 4, 1856. There were fourteen children
by the two marriages, four by the first, and
ten by the last. Seven of the number are
still living, namely: Martha N., the wife of
Charles Griffin, of Lowell, Mass.; Asenath,
the wife of Amos P. Stevens, of Wilmot,
N.H.; Elvira, the wife of Mr. Stevens, of
Meriden, Ia.; Harriet J., the wife of George
W. Prescott, of Meriden, Ia.; Eliza F., the
wife of E. R. Poor, of Goffstown; Samuel
Upton, the subject of this sketch; and J.
Kendrick Upton, a resident of Washington,
D.C. The deceased were: Rebecca J., Dan-
iel, Mary C., Betsy, Lydia A., Elmira, and
Emily A. Rebecca J. married James F. Tay-
lor; Mary C. married A. J. George; Lydia A.
married G. W. Prescott; and Emily A. died
unmarried,
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

Samuel Upton passed the early years of his
life in Wilmot, his native town. His educa-
tion was begun in the public schools of that
place. Afterward he went to the academy at
New London for one term, and then took a
complete course at Kimball Union Academy,
Meriden, N.H., paying his way by teaching
and doing such other work as he could obtain
in vacation time. He successfully followed
the occupation of teacher for several terms in
district and high schools, and in academies at
Ashby, Mass., Corinth, Vt., and Deering,
N.H. His ambition, however, was to be-
come a lawyer, and in the spring of 1851,
when twenty-seven years of age, he entered
the law office of Butterfield & Hamlin. He
completed his law studies in the office of D.
& D. J. Clark in Manchester, N.H., in the
spring cf 1852. After his admission to the
bar in September, 1854, he opened an office
in Manchester. Here three years later he
was appointed a Justice of the Police Court,
which office he held until 1874, a period of
seventeen years. In 1855-56 he represented
old Ward Five of Manchester in the legislature;
he served on the School Board from Ward Four
for three years; and in December, 1863, Pres-
ident Lincoln appointed him Commissioner
of the Board of Enrolment for the Second
Congressional District, the duties of which
position he efficiently discharged until the
close of the war. In 1875 Judge Upton left
Manchester, and settled in Cherokee County,
Iowa, in the hope that the change would prove
beneficial to his wife’s health and enable
him to free himself from politics. Here,
with his brother-in-law, G. W. Prescott,
under the firm name of Prescott & Upton,
he conducted a general store for a time. In
1883 he returned to New Hampshire, and set-
tled in Goffstown. After two years spent in
business in Goffstown he again took up legal
work to some extent for a short time, and
then practically retired from active business.

On June 17, 1857, Judge Upton married
Miss Jennie L. Meriam, who was born in
Harvard, Mass., daughter of Jonas Meriam.
They have one daughter, Fannie S. Upton.
Judge Upton is a stanch Republican. He is
a member of Mechanics Lodge, I. O. O. F.,

 

at Manchester; and of Bible Lodge, F. &
A. M., at Goffstown. While in the West he
did effective work in the cause of temper-
ance, and was active in Sunday-school teach-
ing. Since coming to Goffstown he has iden-
tified himself with the Congregational church
here, and is now the superintendent of its
Sunday-school. For the Jast twelve years he
has been a member of the School Board.
When the water system was put into the vil-
lage he acted as Water Commissioner. He is
a trustee of the Public Library. Of a frank
and genial nature, the Judge has a large circle
of friends.

 

NOW, of Jaffrey, founder of the
= firm of Goodnow Brothers & Co.,

and an ex-member of the New
Hampshire Senate, was born in Winchendon,
Mass., March 1, 1851, son of William Everett
and Abigail (Beaman) Goodnow. His father
was the only son of William Goodnow, of
Camden, Me., and was one of a family of

AS WALTER LUCIUS GOOD-

 

three, the daughters being Jerusha and
Pamelia.
William Everett Goodnow was born in

Camden, Me., July 9, 1812. When a young
man he settled upon a farm in Princeton,
Mass., where he resided a number of years;
and he then engaged in the lumbering busi-
ness in this State. He has been a resident of
Jaffrey since 1856, and, although he is now in
his eighty-sixth year, he manages two large
farms, and is exceedingly active for one of his
age. He has been a Deacon of the Baptist
church for upward of fifty years, and takes a
deep interest in religious and benevolent
work. His wife, Abigail Beaman, who was
born in Princeton, Mass., in 1818, daughter
of Gamaliel Beaman, became the mother of
five children: William S.; Cordelia L.;
Walter L., the subject of this sketch; Way-
land H.; and Windsor H. William S. Good-
now, who is a merchant in Peterboro, N.H.,
has been twice married, and has one son by
his first union. His second wife was Mrs.
Nellie Fish, born Howard. Cordelia i535
who died in 1865, was the wife of Newhall
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

209

 

 

Flint, of Lyme, N.H. Wayland H. is a
member of the firm of Goodnow Brothers &
Co., and resides in Jaffrey. Windsor H.
Gooduow, who is also a member of the firm,
and has charge of their store in Keene, N.H.,
married Anna Putnam, and has three chil-
dren.

Walter Lucius Goodnow was educated in
the schools of Lyme and Jaffrey, N.H., and
after completing his studies he began his busi-
ness career as a clerk in a store in Fitzwill-
iam, remaining there three years. He next
went to Fitchburg, Mass., where he was
employed in the same capacity a year; and in
September, 1873, he formed a partnership
with Peter Upton and Benjamin Pierce, under
the firm name of W. L. Goodnow & Co. That
concern carried on a general store in Jaffrey
until 1875, when Mr. Goodnow purchased the
interests of his partners, and associated him-
self with Alvin J. Bemis. The partnership
continued under the name style until 1881,
when he bought Mr. Bemis out, and after that
he conducted business alone until 1891. The
W. L. Goodnow Company was then formed,
and continued in business until 1894, when
the present firm of Goodnow Brothers & Co.
was established. This concern own five large
stores, located as follows: one in East Jaffrey,
one in Peterboro, one in West Swanzey, one
in Keene, and one in Winchester. They are
doing an extensive general mercantile busi-
ness, besides handling quantities of hay and
grain, and operating a grist-mill in Jaffrey.
Mr. Goodnow has represented his district in
the lower house of the State legislature, and
has served one term in the Senate. While
serving as a Representative in 1889-91, he
was a member of the Committees on Banks
and Insurance; and in the Senate in 1893-94
he was assigned to the Committees on Banks,
Labor, and Soldiers’ Home. He has been a
director of the First National Bank since
1885, and is actively interested in developing
the business resources of this section. Mr.
Goodnow has advanced in Masonry to the Com-
mandery, is connected also with the Patrons
of Husbandry, and the United Order of the
Golden Cross. In his religious views he is a
Baptist.

 

Mr. Goodnow’s first wife, Emma S. Bemis,
whom he married in July, 1874, died the day
following the marriage ceremony. She was
the daughter of Alvin J. Bemis, later his
business associate. For his second wife he

married M. Adelaide Upton, born in Jaffrey,

November 4, 1856, daughter of the Hon, Peter
Upton. Mr. and Mrs. Goodnow have three
children now living, as follows: Jessie E.,
born November 10, 1879, a graduate of Cush-
ing Academy, Ashburnham, Mass.; Hazel
M., born October 17, 1882; and Ruth L.,
born December 12, 1886. Their youngest
child, Ralph W., born June 27, 1890, died in
infancy.

 

and highly respected citizen of Hills-

boro County, residing in Milford, was

born in Amherst, N.H., September 16,
1819, son of Joseph and Sarah (Richardson)
Crosby.

The Crosby family is of English origin.
Joseph Crosby, son of Josiah, who was an early
settler of Hillsboro, was born in Milford,
N.H. He was a farmer by occupation, and
lived fora time in Jaffrey and later in Am-
herst. He was residing in the former place
when the Revolutionary War began. He at
once enlisted, and was one of those who par-
ticipated in the battle of Bunker Hill. The
son still has the old powder-horn used by his
father. Joseph Crosby lived to be nearly
ninety, dying October 9, 1842, in his nineti-
eth year. In politics he was a Whig, in re-
ligion a member of the Congregational church.

Joseph Fitch Crosby, the only survivor of
the seven children born to Joseph and Sarah
Crosby, spent the early years of his life on a
farm in Amherst. He attended the public
schools of that place, and was for a time a
student at a private school in Milford. He
now owns a one-hundred-and-twenty-acre farm
in Milford, besides forty acres of land in the
town of Amherst. Jn connection with farm-
ing, he has been engaged in quarrying granite.
He assisted in building the fine stone bridge
which spans the Souhegan River at Milford.
He also contracted for and furnished the

de FITCH CROSBY, a venerable
210

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

stone used in the construction of the Amherst
High School.

On March 28, 1847, Mr. Crosby married
Miss Helen M. Averill, who was born in Mont
Vernon, a daughter of James J. Averill, a
former resident of that place, but who is now
deceased. The Averill family is one of the
oldest in Hillsboro County. Mr. and Mrs.
Crosby had two children; namely, Grace H.
and Kate Belle. The latter has passed away.
Mrs. Crosby died November 14, 1879.

Mr. Crosby is a stanch Democrat. While
not caring for official honors, he commands the
respect and confidence of his townsmen, who
fee] that his influence will be given to the sup-
port of any worthy object.

OHN B. JONES, of Goffstown, a car-
penter by trade, who is also success-
fully engaged in farming, was born
August 2, 1840, in Manchester, Hills-

boro County, son of Eliphalet and Abigail C.
(Butler) Jones. Phillip Jones, the great-
grandfather of John B., was a pioneer farmer
of Goffstown, where he reclaimed from the
wilderness the farm upon which he afterward
lived. His son, Eliphalet, Sr., who was en-
gaged in farming, and also owned and con-
ducted the saw-mill known as the Jones Mill,
died here when about seventy-seven years of
age. The grandmother, Polly Ladd Jones,
who was born in Dunbarton, also lived to a
good age.

Eliphalet Jones, Jr., learned the trade of a
mason, and afterward worked at it besides con-
ducting a farm. He died January 3, 1883,
sixty-nine years of age. His wife, Abigail,
who was a Baptist, died April 28, 1885, aged
sixty-six years. In politics he was a Republi-
can from the formation of the party. In his
earlier days he was a Universalist, but after-
ward he became a Spiritualist. Of his seven
children, four sons and three daughters, five
are living, namely: John B., the subject of
this sketch; Abbie S. Jones, born April 12,
1846, residing in Goffstown; Moody B., born
April 12, 1848, engaged in farming in Dun-
barton; Albert E., born August 27, 1853,
a farmer and a mason in Dunbarton; and

 

 

 

Henry C., born March 5, 1859, who is the
proprietor of a hotel at York Beach, Me.
Lydia M., born December 20, 1842, who mar-
ried Daniel L. Woodbury, died May 10, 1896;
and Lizzie S. Jones, born October 7, 1856,
died February 14, 1867.

John B. Jones grew to manhood and was
educated here in Goffstown. When twenty-
two years old, he began learning the trade of a
carpenter, which, more or less, he has since
followed. In 1872, when about thirty-two
years old, he purchased the farm he now owns.
This he has since conducted, making a spe-
cialty of dairying, keeping grade Holstein
cattle principally. On August 25, 1863, he
enlisted in Company B, First New Hampshire
Regiment of Heavy Artillery, under Captain
Ira McBarton, and subsequently served in the
Civil War until its close. He was honorably
discharged September 11, 1865. On May 7,
1864, while in the army, he was promoted for
faithfulness in the performance of duty to the
rank of Corporal.

On October 4, 1876, Mr. Jones was mar-
ried to Sophronia Johnson. They had one
son — Joseph Clinton Jones, born January 26,
1880, who died October 3, 1884. Mr. Jones
is an adherent of the Republican party. In
religion he is a Universalist. He is a mem-
ber of the Bible Lodge, No. 93, F. & A. M.,
of Goffstown, and a comrade of Louis Bell
Post, G. A. R., of Manchester.

 

 

RS. STEPHEN KIMBALL, a well-

known resident of Alstead, was

born December 9, 1814, daughter

of John and Luna Fletcher Harris.

In early life she attended the public schools.
Upon reaching womanhood, she married Law-
son Robertson. Mr. Robertson, a native of
Chesterfield, N.H., who was born April 23,
1811, died October 31, 1863. A man _ of
great energy and business ability, he became
one of the wealthy merchants of Chesterfield
and later of Alstead. Not allowing his per-
sonal affairs to absorb his attention to the ex-
clusion of everything else, he took an active
part in town affairs. Whatever measure he
believed to be for the benefit of the town asa
 

LAWSON ROBERTSON.
 

STEPHEN KIMBALL.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

215

 

 

whole received at once not only his cordial
support, but his active co-operation. His
business career had given him the best pos-
sible training for the public service, and he
was chosen to fill about every office in the
gift of the town, including those of Selectman
and Town Treasurer. Personal considerations
were never allowed to interfere in any way
with his official duties, and he had the good of
his townsmen always at heart, considering
himself the servant of the public. He wasa
member of the Universalist church, and his
life beautifully illustrated the teachings of
that body in that he desired to do good to all
men.

Mr. Robertson and his wife had four chil-
dren, namely: Herman, born October 1g,
1838, who died December 30, 1868; Stella,
born September 18, 1841, who died July 16,
1843; Edward H., born June 19, 1844, who
died February 12, 1849; and Frank H., born
June 18, 1853, who was a merchant, and died
February 3, 1886.

Mrs. Kimball’s second husband, to whom
she was married on July 28, 1870, after nearly
seven years of widowhood, was the late Ste-
phen Kimball, who for more than a quarter of
a century was an esteemed resident of this
town. Mr. Kimball, a native of Chesterfield,
born in December, 1808, died June 4, 1896.
He removed to Aistead at the time of his mar-
riage, and became active in town affairs and
prominent as a Republican. Of a genial,
warm-hearted nature, ever ready to oblige, and
deeming no sacrifice for principle or for honor’s
sake too great, he won general esteem and the
friendship of a wide circle of friends.

 

 

LIVER TENNEY, a prominent resi-

dent of New Ipswich, was born here,

July 6, 1846, son of Barnard and Har-

riet (Wallace) Tenney. The paternal

grandfather, John Tenney, who was a native

and a leading farmer of Littleton, Mass., mar-

ried Lucy Read. Of their eight children,

Barnard, the fifth son, is the only one now
living.

Barnard Tenney, born at Littleton, May 16,

1809, is still living, being now eighty-eight

 

years old. His wife died in her sixtieth year.
In early life he learned the cooper’s trade.
When thirty years old, he came to New Ips-
wich and purchased a farm of one hundred and
fifty acres, the cultivation of which thereafter
occupied his time. In addition to this estate,
he owns other property. Having given close
attention to his affairs throughout his life, he
has been quite prosperous. He is now enjoying
the fruits of his early industry. Of his four
children Oliver is the only survivor.

After obtaining a good training in the dis-
trict schools of New Ipswich, Oliver Tenney
worked at farming with his father. Heis now
the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of
land. Besides carrying on general farming, he
transacts a large business in lumbering. In
January, 1885, he married Ella F. Hale, who
was born March 17, 1859, daughter of Julius
A. Hale, of Rindge, N.H. Their first child,
Hattie E., was born June 6, 1886. Four
others followed, namely: Wallace O., born
July 10, 1889; Wilbur H., born June 20,
1892; Alice F., born February 20, 1894; and
Ruth Marion, born November 16, 1896.

In religion both Mr. and Mrs. Tenney are
liberals, and they attend the Baptist church.
In politics Mr. Tenney is a Democrat. For
some years past he has been Selectman of the
town. He is one of the leading farmers of
this section of the State and a man of high
character and reputation.

YJ ERBERT S. HUTCHINSON, M.D.,
one of the foremost physicians and

9 - surgeons of Milford, N.H., isa fine
representative of the native-born
citizens of the town, where his birth occurred
September 15, 1849. He is of English ances-
try, being descended from a family of Hutch-
insons that trace their lineage back to the
eleventh century. The founder of the family
in Milford was Elisha Hutchinson, who came
to New Hampshire from a part of old Salem
(now Danvers), Mass. Selecting a tract of
land north of the Souhegan River, he made
a clearing, built a log house, and thereafter
was engaged in farming. He left two sons —
Jesse and Andrew —to each of whom he be-

 

 
216

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

queathed one-half of his estate. Jesse was the
father of the celebrated ‘‘Hutchinson Family’’
of singers, so widely and justly celebrated for
their musical] abilities.

Andrew Hutchinson, the paternal grand-
father of the Doctor, was a prominent man in
the town. He was very active in the building
of the Baptist church, being master workman,
and subsequently served as Deacon of the
church for many years. He reared a numerous
family of daughters and sons. His son, Still-
man Hutchinson, was a lifelong resident of
Milford, being here engaged in agricultural
pursuits during his active years. Stillman
was a man of sterling integrity and untiring
industry. He married Emeline Gove, who
was born in Weare, N.H. They had four
children, of whom Dr. Hutchinson is the
youngest.

Herbert S. Hutchinson obtained his ele-
mentary education in Milford, being gradu-
ated from the high school with an excellent
record for scholarship. When twenty-one
years of age, he entered Dartmouth College,
and during the time he was there he taught
school] in the winter seasons to defray his ex-
penses, and at the same time kept up with his
class in his studies. He graduated from that
institution with the degree of Bachelor of Arts
in 1875. After continuing his pedagogical
labors for a time in New England, in the
spring of 1876 he took a course of lectures at
the Maine Medical College in Brunswick.
Going then to Toledo, Ohio, he accepted the
position of principal of the Mitchell High
School, of which he had charge two years.
By this time he had saved some money; and
he went to New York as a student in the
Bellevue Hospital College, from which he
was graduated March 1, 1880. The Doctor
began the practice of his profession in Fran-
cestown, N.H., continuing prosperously en-
gaged there for five years. On May 1, 1885,
he returned to his native town, where by his
skill in his profession he has built up a fine
practice and won in an eminent degree the
confidence of the community.

Dr. Hutchinson was for a number of years
a member of the Milford Town Board of
Health. Politically, he is a stanch Republi-

 

can; and, socially, he is prominently identified
with the Odd Fellows Order, taking an active
interest in promoting the good of the society.
He is likewise a member of the New Hamp-
shire Medical Society. The Doctor was mar-
ried July 17, 1883, to.Miss Harriet A. Wil-
son, daughter of the late Elias Wilson, of
Francestown, N.H. Their children are:
Herbert L. and Rollo W.

EORGE CARPENTER, who occupies
one of the oldest farms in Swanzey,
Cheshire County, N.H., was born

where he now resides, September 13, 1828,
son of the Hon. Elijah and Fanny (Partridge)
Carpenter. His first American ancestor was
William Carpenter, who arrived from Eng-
land in 1638, and moved from Weymouth to
Rehoboth, Mass., in 1643.

The Rev. Ezra Carpenter, a descendant of
William and great-grandfather of the subject
of this sketch, was born in Rehoboth, April
I, 1698, and was graduated at Harvard Col-
lege in 1720. He was installed pastor of the
church in Hull, November 24, 1725, and
preached there until November 23, 1746. In
1753 he was called to Swanzey; and on Octo-
ber 14 of that year the churches of Keene and
Swanzey were united, with the Rev. Ezra
Carpenter as pastor. After the church union
was discontinued seven years later, he re-
mained as pastor of the church in Swanzey
until 1765. He died at Walpole, N.H., Au-
gust 26,1785. In Swanzey he resided. upon
the farm that is now occupied by his great-
grandson, and he is said to have at one time
owned slaves. He married Elizabeth, daugh-
ter of the Rev. Thomas Greenwood, and
reared a family of eight children.

Greenwood Carpenter, George Carpenter’s
grandfather, was born in Hull, March 31,
1733. He was twice married, and was the
father of thirteen children, three by his first
wife, Sarah Leathers, and ten by his second
wife, Susan Hammond, of Swanzey, Elijah,
Mr. George Carpenter’s father, being among
the latter.

Elijah Carpenter was born at the homestead
in Swanzey, December 23, 1779. He in-

 
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

217

 

 

herited the ancestral farm, which he culti-
vated during his active years, and by industri-
ous toil and sagacious management made his
one hundred and fifty acres of land yield him
a good income. He was an upright, con-
scientious man, adhering closely to the Golden
Rule; and through his natural ability and
legal knowledge he acquired a wide influence
among his fellow-townsmen. He was a memn-
ber of the legislature for a number of terms,
was a State Senator one year, served as High
Sheriff for ten years, and as Deputy Sheriff
until he was about eighty years old. He was
spoken of and addressed as Squire Carpenter,
and while holding the office of High Sheriff
he carried a sword at court, as was customary
in those days. He married Fanny Partridge,
who was born in Montague, Mass., November
I, 1787. Of their seven children one died
young, and two in middle life. The sur-
vivors are: a son, George, the subject of this
sketch; and three daughters, one of whom re-
sides in Denver, Col., aged eighty; another
in Iowa, aged seventy-eight; and the third in
Wisconsin, aged seventy-five years.

George Carpenter was reared and educated
in his native town. He has resided at the
homestead most of his life, caring for his par-
ents in their declining years; and he takes
much pride in keeping the ancestral acres ina
good state of cultivation and the buildings in
excellent repair. The farm is a landmark in
the town, as a fort for the defence of the set-
tlers once stood upon it, and also the first
meeting-house, which was built of logs, and
the first framed meeting-house. The present
residence, which was remodelled from the sec-
ond house built on the farm, bears evidence
of its antiquity, being about ninety years old;
and the old-fashioned outside door is hung on
solid barn-door hinges. In politics Mr. Car-
penter was formerly a Democrat, but in 1878
he joined the Greenback movement, and he is
now a prominent supporter of the People’s
party. In 1882 he was nominated for Repre-
sentative to Congress, and in 1884 and again
in 1886 he was a candidate for Governor.

Mr. Carpenter married Lucy J. Whitcomb,
born at Saxton’s River, Vt., daughter of
Colonel Carter and Lucy (Baker) Whitcomb.

 

Mrs. Carpenter was educated in Mount Czesar
Seminary, Swanzey, under the direction of
Professor Joseph C. Barrett and the Rev.
S. H. McCollester, D.D., and has since taken
the full Chautauqua course. She has acquired
considerable reputation as a writer of prose
and poetry, and many of her compositions have
found their way into print. She is a charter
member of Golden Rod Grange, has filled the
office of lecturer for the Cheshire County
Pomona Grange, and is an active member of
the Daughters of the American Revolution.
After the Mount Czesar Seminary building
was abandoned as a school, Mr. Carpenter in
1885 purchased and presented it to the Mount
Ceesar Union Library Association, to be used
as a library. Mrs. Carpenter takes a deep
interest in the undertaking, acting as presi-
dent of the Board of Trustees; and through
the efforts of this worthy couple the library
is already well filled with standard works.
There is a museum of antiquarian relics also
connected with the institution, that already
contains nearly twelve hundred articles of in-
terest and value.

 

HARLES H. HADLEY, one of the
oldest and best known residents of
Goffstown, was born here, October

20, 1823, son of Plummer and

Polly (Hadley) Hadley, and grandson of
Plummer, Sr., and Mehitable (Messec) Had-
ley. The grandfather came to Goffstown from
Hampstead, N.H., and settled in the western
part of the town on a tract of unimproved
land. After making a clearing and building
a log house, he went back to Hampstead, mar-
ried Miss Mehitable Messec, and returned
with his bride to the home he had prepared.
Her wedding present, a heavy draft chain
used in logging, proved very useful in the
work of clearing their land. He was very
successful, and added to his original purchase
from time to time. He served in the Revo-
lutionary War and in the War of 1812, and
died here in Goffstown when about eighty
years of age. After the death of his first wife
he entered a second union with Miss Nabby
Stevens, who had no children. The children
218

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

of his first marriage were: Plummer, Nathan-
iel, Richard, Betsy, Sally, and Mehitable.

Plummer Hadley, Jr., who was born No-
vember 9, 1771, became a_ representative
farmer of this town and a large land-owner.
In politics he was a Democrat, but was not an
office-seeker, devoting his time exclusively to
his farm. In religion he was a member of the
Congregational church. He died on the farm
his father gave him, January 25, 1861.. His
wife died January 31, 1856. They had twelve
children, born as follows: Clifton, November
27, 1804; Peter E., September 27, 1806;
Mary, January 31, 1808; Amiline, July 27,
1809; George P., November 29, 1811; Will-
iam, September 11, 1813; Martha, January 3,
1815; Clark, August 21, 1816; Eliza, Janu-
ary 28, 1819; Sarah J., March 27, 1821;
Charles H., October 20, 1823; and Ann M.,
August 17, 1825. Of these the survivors are:
Clark, a resident of West Manchester;
Martha, now living on the old farm in Goffs-
town; and Charles H., the subject of this
sketch.

Charles Henry Hadley received his educa-
tion in the district schools. In his early days
he engaged in mechanical labor. For the
past fifteen years he has resided here, occupied
in general farming. Besides the old home
farm, which was inherited from their father,
he and his sister own a large tract of
land. In politics Mr. Hadley is a Democrat.
He is a member of Bible Lodge, F. & A. M.,
at Goffstown. Both he and Martha are attend-
ants of the Congregational church.

 

EORGE W. COLBY, an esteemed
resident of Goffstown, and a native
of Lowell, Mass., was born February

6, 1830, son of Jonathan G. and Asenath
(Morrill) Colby. Samuel Colby, the father
of Jonathan G., served in the War of 1812.
He was a carpenter by trade, and he followed
that occupation during his active life in
Unity and Weare, N.H. Jonathan G. learned
blacksmithing when a young man, and worked
at that trade for a time. He afterward took
up shoemaking, which he also followed for a
period. The greater part of his life was spent

 

in Weare. In politics he was a Jacksonian
Democrat, and he served the community as
a Representative to the legislature and as
Selectman. He died at Weare, December 30,
1843. His wife, Asenath, died March 25,
1848. They had three sons, namely: An-
drew J., born May 15, 1834, who died April
16, 1853; George W., the subject of this
sketch; and Charles W. born March 14, 1831.

George W. Colby was about twelve years
old when his father died. The early years of
his life were spent in Weare, Manchester, and
Concord. He attended school in the differ-
ent places, finishing with the high school at
Concord. When eighteen years old he be-
came a carpenter’s apprentice. Having
learned the trade, he has since become a
master workman. After his marriage he set-
tled in Weare, where he carried on busines-
until 1882, erecting many of the best builds
ings in the town and vicinity, including the
Union Congregational Church edifice at
Weare. About fifteen years ago he came to
Goffstown, where he has continued in the
building business. He gives employment to
from four to twelve workmen, according to
the contracts on which he is engaged. His
work is principally in Goffstown, New Boston,
and vicinity. He has a nice residence in
Goffstown.

On March 3, 1857, Mr. Colby married
Melissa Cilley, who was born in Weare, Oc-
tober 10, 1830. She is a daughter of Amos
W. and Mehitable (Melvin) Cilley, both of
whom have passed away. Mr. and Mrs.
Colby have two daughters, namely: Elvira
J., who married Almus W. Morse, of East
Manchester, and has one daughter, Ada B.;
and Lucy A., the wife of John G. Dodge, of
Goffstown. Constantly active in politics,
Mr. Colby is now the president of the Lin-
coln Republican Club. In 1872-73, while a
resident of Weare, he was a legislative Rep-
resentative at Concord. He held the office of
Selectman five years, and he served as Moder-
ator for ten years. In Goffstown he has been
a Selectman for three years, and assisted ma-
terially in the establishment of the fire and
water system. On April 1, 1897, he was ap-
pointed Deputy Sheriff; and he is a prominent
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

219

 

 

member of Bible Lodge, F. & A. M., and be-
longs to Mount Horeb Chapter, R. A. M.
He has also membership in Webster Lodge,
No. 24, I. O. O. F., of which he is a Past
Grand and District Deputy; and in Uncanoo-
nuck Lodge, P. of H. Both he and Mrs.
Colby are attendants of the Congregational
church.

 

URT BACON, carpenter, stone
mason, and farmer, a prominent cit1-
zen of Jaffrey, N.H., was born in
this town on February 13, 1851, son

of Charles and Eliza J. (Leathers) Bacon.
He belongs to one of the old families of
Jaffrey, and is a scion of Colonial and patriotic
stock, being a great-grandson of Oliver Bacon,
born probably in Plymouth, Mass., in 1755,
who is mentioned in Heitman’s ‘‘Register of
the Officers of the Continental Army during
the Revolutionary War,’’ as Sergeant, Second
New Hampshire Regiment, in 1777; Ensign,
1781; and Lieutenant, April 13, 1782, to
close of the war; and who died in 1835.
Lieutenant Bacon’s name also occurs in the
State papers of New Hampshire Revolutionary
rolls. His father was the Rev. Jacob Bacon,
graduate-of Harvard College, 1731.

Mr. Burt Bacon’s grandfather, Jacob Bacon,
son of Oliver, was among the well-known citi-
zens of this town in the early half and middle
of the century. He was a farmer by occupa-
tion and in religious faith a Universalist.
His wife was before her marriage a Sawyer.
They had four children — Oliver, Martha,
Charles, and Rebecca.

Charles Bacon, the father, above named,
was born in September, 1815. He received
his school training in the public schools of the
town; and, when it came time for him to de-
cide what should be his work in life, he chose
to follow in the footsteps of his father and to
become a farmer. He married Eliza Jj.,
daughter of James Leathers, of Peterboro,
this State; and she bore him six children, four
of whom are living, the son Burt being the
only one residing in Jaffrey. The following
is a brief record of his brothers and sisters:
Frank died at the age of four, and Omar at the

 

age of eight years; Abbie J. has been twice
married, is now Mrs. Winslow Chaffin, and
lives at Worcester; Hattie and Fred also re-
side at Worcester, the former unmarried.
Fred is married and has one child. Mrs.
Charles Bacon died in 1897, the present year.

Burt Bacon attended the common schools, and
after completing his studies worked for a time
in general merchandise stores in Peterboro,
N.H., and Worcester, Mass. Subsequently
he was employed in a shop at Worcester,
Mass., and then he came to Jaffrey and bought
a farm. Since settling in Jaffrey, he has
worked at carpentering and stone masonry, and
has also continued to carry on agricultural
labors. Mr. Bacon has been quite active in
town affairs. He is now holding the office of
Selectman, and has been in the same position
several times before. Any movement for the
improvement of the town or for the general
welfare of the public finds in him a ready
champion, and he never allows personal pref-
erence or private considerations to interfere
with his judgment in looking after the in-
terests of the town. In politics he is a Re-
publican.

Mr. Bacon married Emma F., daughter of
David A. Coburn, of Jaffrey. She was born
in 1852 at Lowell, Mass., and died in Novem-
ber, 1896, having been the mother of five chil-
dren; namely, Maud E., Alice E., David C.,
Charles W., and Burt, Jr. All these children
are living at home with their father. Mr.
Bacon is a Free Mason and an active member
of the grange, and has been through the chairs
of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
He attends the Universalist church.

 

ARREN J. AYER, a well-known

© merchant of Manchester, also en-
gaged in farming in Goffstown, was

born here, June 25, 1847, son of Robert and
Elizabeth J. (Paige) Ayer. Robert Ayer, a
native of Haverhill, Mass.; born August 14,
1791, spent the earlier years of his life en-
gaged in mercantile business in different
places. From 1841 to 1853 he conducted a
store in Manchester. In the following year he
purchased and settled on a farm in Goffstown,
220

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

where he afterward carried on general farming.
He was twice married, his first union being
with Miss Louisa Sanborn, of Kingston,
N.H., who bore him six children. By his
last wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth
J. Page, and who died February 10, 1893,
there were four children. The surviving chil-
dren are: Benjamin F., of Chicago, Ill.; Em-
ily J., the widow of D. C. Warner, M.D., late
of Plaistow, N.H.; and Warren J. and Clara
I. Ayer, who live together. The others were:
Andrew J., Horace G., George, and three that
died in infancy.

Warren J. Ayer grew to manhood in Man-
chester, acquiring his education in the schools
of Manchester, Goffstown, and at Henniker
Academy. Beginning his career as a workman
in a sash and blind factory, he was for ten
years employed at different kinds of mechani-
cal labor. In 1879 he engaged in business on
his own account in Merrimac, N.H., where
he remained until 1893. Then he came to
Manchester and started the general store he
now conducts. He deals principally in farm
produce and groceries. He also carries on a
farm that he owns in Goffstown, where the
family spend the summer, their winter home
being the residence which he owns at West
Manchester. The farm home commands one
of the finest views in Hillsboro County.
Looking from it, before one lies the city of
Manchester; near at hand are snug farm-
houses, woodlands, and cultivated fields; be-
yond are streams and villages. On a clear
day the White Mountains may be seen, while
in other directions smaller ranges are nearly
always visible. There is a good orchard on
the farm, and many choice varieties of fruit
are grown.

On May 21, 1871, Mr. Ayer and Miss Hat-
tie Hart, of Amherst, Me., were united in
marriage. They have two sons and three
daughters — Mary L., Frances P., Clara J.,
George W., and Thomas P. Mr. Ayer has
always been a Republican partisan. He isa
member of the Golden Cross Order at Merri-
mac, also of the Patrons of Husbandry at
Grasmere. In religious belief he is a Congre-
gationalist, and he has been a Deacon in the
church of that denomination at Merrimac.

 

A zealous church worker, he is superintendent
of the South Main Street Congregational Sun-
day-school, Manchester. Mr. Ayer is also a
member of the West Central Congregational
Club.

 

ANDEL A. SMITH, a well-known
citizen of Milford, was born in
this town, February 1, 1830. His
grandfather, Sylvanus Smith, who
was a farmer by occupation, came here from
Shirley, Mass. With him was Abbott Smith,
then four years old, who subsequently en-
gaged in the same occupation as his father.
Abbott married Betsey Gray, of Wilton,
N.H., daughter of Joseph and Chloe (Abbot)
Gray. Joseph Gray, who was known as Ad-
jutant Gray, served with that rank in the
Revolutionary War.

Handel A. Smith is a son of Abbott Smith.
He was brought up in Milford on his father’s
farm, attending the public schools, where he
acquired the most of his education. After-
ward, through an extensive reading, he largely
increased his knowledge. At the age of
twenty he obtained employment on the Boston
& Lowell Railroad, where he remained but a
limited period. Owing to his father’s iJl
health and subsequent death he returned to
Milford, and took charge of the homestead
farm, which was sold shortly-after. He then
came to Milford village, where for a short
time he was engaged in the manufacture of
shoes. He next took up farming in the town
of Milford, but soon resumed shoemaking in
the village. After this he was employed as a
clerk in various lines of business for a num-
ber of years, but since 1894 he has been prac-
tically retired. At present he is a trustee of
the Milford Savings Bank.

Mr. Smith was married June 6, 1855, to
Marinda A. Burns, a native of Milford. She
is a daughter of the late John Burns, of Mil-
ford, who died in 1875. Mr. Burns had three
other children, namely: Susan E., now the
widow Converse, of East Kingston, N.H.;
Daniel W., a resident of Milford; and Maria
A., the widow Hamblett, of Milford. Mrs.
Smith is a distant connection of Prudence
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

221

 

 

Cummings of Revolutionary fame, who, when
defending the bridge at Pepperell, Mass.,
captured Captain Whiting, the Tory, who was
carrying despatches for the British.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith had two children —
Edwin H. and Charles W.—both of whom
are deceased. Mrs. Smith is a member of the
Congregational church. Mr. Smith is a Re-
publican in politics. He is a public-spirited
man, and is always ready to assist in improv-
ing his native place. Both he and his wife
are highly esteemed in Milford.

 

OHN B. BISHOP, a stirring and suc-
cessful business man of Hillsboro
County, is well performing his part in
developing the native resources of this

part of New Hampshire, owning and working
a granite quarry in the town of Milford, be-
sides which he makes a specialty of handling
the “light new Westerly granite.” He was
born January 11, 1857, in the Province of
Quebec, Canada, which was also the birth-
place of his parents, John B. and Adelaide
Bishop, the former of whom, now past seventy
years of age, is a resident of Milford, while
the latter is no longer living.

John B. Bishop, Jr., resided in the Province
of Quebec until fourteen years old, when he
came with his parents to Milford, N.H.
Here he completed his school studies, and at
the age of fifteen. years began the battle of life
on his own account. He worked for many
years during seed-time and harvest as a farm
laborer, while in the winter seasons he was
engaged as a wood-chopper. In 1881 he
began working as a quarryman, being em-
ployed for some time in getting out stone,
and later working at stone cutting. In 1886
Mr. Bishop purchased the thirty-five acres of
land on which his quarry is located, and which
he has since operated with profitable financial
results. Among the manufactures of granite
for which he is famed are edgestones,
window-sills, flagging, and general building
materials. He has been, in truth, the archi-
tect of his own fortunes, his present prosperity
being entirely due to his own persistent
energy and wise foresight.

 

December 25, 1880, Mr. Bishop married
Miss Stephanie Belanger, of South Lyndeboro,
N.H., and they have one child, a daughter
named Eugenia. Politically, Mr. Bishop sup-
ports the principles of the Republican party
by voice and vote. Religiously, he is a mem-
ber of the Roman Catholic church.

LVIN JOSIAH BEMIS, for many
years a leading business man of
Jaffrey, N.H., where he is still a

resident, was born in the adjoining

town of Dublin on August 18, 1821, son of
Josiah and Sybil (Emery) Bemis. His pater-
nal grandfather was James Bemis, who was
born at Marlboro, N.H., and lived in that
town until he was eighteen years of age, when .
he ran away, and became a soldier in the Con-
tinental army during the war of the Revolu-
tion. After the war he settled in Dublin,
where he spent the remainder of his life. He
was a farmer and highly respected. At one
time he served as Sheriff. He was twice
married, his first wife being Hannah, daugh-
ter of Jonathan Frost, and his second wife
Lois Walker. By the second marriage were

‘eight children; namely, Hannah, James,
Lois, Thomas, Josiah, Betsey, Eli, and
Mercy.

Josiah Bemis, father of Alvin J., was born
in Dublin, N.H., on August 20, 1795, and
died on March 12, 1852. He was a lifelong
farmer and shoemaker, and a member of the
Baptist church. His first wife was Esther
Riggs. His second was Sybil Emery, daugh-
ter of William Emery, of Jaffrey. Mrs.
Sybil Emery Bemis was born on March 25,
1794, and died on December 21, 1832. Her
two children were: Alvin J. and James E.
Bemis. James E., the younger son, who was
born in Dublin, N.H., in 1824, died in May,
1896. He was married, but had no children.
He resided for some forty years at Jaffrey, en-
gaged in the manufacture of woodenware.

Alvin J. Bemis attended the public schools
of the town of Dublin, and began his working
life by learning the trade of making pails at
Hinsdale, N.H. He was at Hinsdale for
about two years, and he subsequently worked
222

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

for two years in a box shop at Jaffrey. In
company with his brother he then began mak-
ing woodenware at Jaffrey, and was for forty-
one years successfully engaged in that busi-
ness. In addition to this he carried on for
about six years, in partnership with Walter L.
Goodnow, a large general store, his interest
in which he sold out to Mr. Goodnow in 1881.

Mr. Bemis married May Greenwood, daugh-
ter of Daniel Greenwood, of Marlboro. She
was born on December 22, 1823, and has been
the mother of two daughters; namely, Mary
J. and Emma S. Mary J. Bemis was born at
Jaffrey on October 5, 1845, and died in 1873.
She married in 1865 Fred Prescott, and be-
came the mother of a daughter, Mabel, who
was born on August 26, 1866. Mabel Pres-
cott married Will C. Coolidge, of Boylston,
Mass. They have three children, namely:
Alvin J., born August 5, 1889; Winifred,
born April 22, 1891; and Doris, born May
II, 1895. Emma S. Bemis was born on June
21, 1853, and was married to Walter L. Good-
now on July 25, 1874, the day previous to her
death.

Mr. Bemis has been a trustee of the Savings
Bank for some years. An energetic, enter-
prising, and capable man of business, one who
has been an important factor in developing
the industrial interests of Jaffrey, he is a
highly esteemed citizen.

°

RANK O. LAMSON, the present
treasurer of the Mont Vernon (Hills-
boro County) School Board, and a rep-

resentative citizen of this town, was born
here, October 20, 1858, ason of William O.
and Orindia (Odell) Lamson.

His great-grandfather was a pioneer in Mont
Vernon, settling on the farm where the sub-
ject of this sketch now resides, when it was
covered with timber. This farm has since re-
mained in the family, William, son of the
pioneer, succeeding him in its ownership, and
he in turn being succeeded by William O.,
the father of Frank O. William O. Lamson
was educated in the common schools of Mont
Vernon. He was successful as an agricultu-
rist, and during the winter season was for

 

 

 

many years engaged also in lumbering. For
some years he was a member of Prospect
Grange of Mont Vernon. He died July 12,
1896, his wife, Orindia, having passed away
many years before, November 24, 1874.
Five of their children are living, namely:
Harriet F., wife of Henry Kelso, of New Bos-
ton, N.H.; Mariette A., a resident of Mont
Vernon; Ellen O., wife of Lendall Dodge,
of New Boston; Ida H., wife of Woodbury L.
Perham, of Wilton, N.H.; and Frank O.
The father was a stanch Republican, po-
litically.

Frank O. Lamson grew to manhood on the
homestead, and was educated in the public
schools of Mont Vernon and at McCollom In-
stitute. The homestead, of which he has be-
come the owner, contains over two hundred
acres of land, and he carries on general farm-
ing with excellent success.

On January 9, 1890, Mr. Lamson married
Miss Marcia E. Batchelder, who was born in
Mont Vernon, daughter of George G. and
Mary E. Batchelder. Her father has passed
away, but her mother survives, and is a resi-
dent of Mont Vernon. Mr. and Mrs. Lamson
have a son and a daughter, namely: Albert B.,
born July 31, 1891; and Ella M., born
March 5, 1895.

Mr. Lamson is a Republican in politics.
He has served in various town offices. He
has been Selectman, was six years on the
School Board, a portion of the time as treas-
urer and as chairman, and has served as Road
Commissioner. He is a member of Prospect
Grange.

EORGE A. PORTER, a prosperous
farmer of Marlboro, was born upon

the farm he now owns and occupies,
January 9, 1828, son of Levi W. and Sally
(Sawyer) Porter. His grandfather, Asa Por-
ter, who was born in Weymouth, Mass., No-
vember 3, 1756, served in the Revolutionary
War, participating in several of the famous
battles. Asa came here about the year 1780,
and for a time resided in a dugout, called the
tomb. Later he bought a tract of wild land,
now known as the farm of the late Fuller

 
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

223

 

 

Clark. This he cleared and cultivated, and on
it erected a house, which is still standing.
His death occurred December 1, 1852, at the
age of ninety-six years. He married Eunice
Williams, who, born in Groton, Mass., July
23, 1760, died December 18, 1821, aged sixty-
one years, four months, and twenty-six days.

Levi W. Porter, a native of Marlboro, born
March 21, 1795, was reared to agricultural
pursuits. After his marriage he settled upon
the farm where his son now resides, tilled the
soil successfully during the rest of his active
period, and kept a hotel in the days when
stages ran from Keene to Boston. He served
on the Board of Selectmen for several years,
represented his district in the legislature for
three terms, was highly esteemed by his fel-
low-townsmen, and died April 6, 1867. His
wife, Sally, who was a native of Sharon,
N.H., and a daughter of Moses Sawyer, be-
came the mother of three sons. Thege are:
Moses S., who resides in Leominster, Mass. ;
Levi W., a resident of the same place, who is
engaged in a manufacturing industry; and
George A., the subject of this sketch. Mrs.
Levi W. Porter died August 19, 1866, aged
sixty-eight years, ten months, and eight days.

After acquiring his education in a district
school and an academy, George A. Porter
taught schoo] at Jaffrey, N.H., for one term.
When his mother died, he bought the home
farm, and he has since carried it on success-
fully. Besides the homestead of one hundred
and sixty acres and fifty acres of adjoining
land, he owns some valuable timberland near
the village, and three houses in the village,
which he rents to advantage. His ability and
interest in the welfare of the town are appre-
ciated. He served upon the Board of Select-
men during the Civil War, was Collector for
one year, and he is a member of the local
grange, Patrons of Husbandry.

On October 24, 1861, Mr. Porter married
Lucy A. Smith, who was born June 22, 1839,
daughter of Joseph and Anna M. (Gates)
Smith, of Fitchburg, Mass. She is the
mother of two sons: George Wilbur, who is
employed on the electric street railway of
Fitchburg; and Joseph Warren, who resides
at home with his parents. In politics Mr.

 

Porter is a Republican, and he cast his first
vote for General Winfield Scott in 1852.
The family attend the Congregational church.

 

OHN M. BURNS, a well-to-do agri-
culturist of the town of Milford, was
born May 17, 1829, on the old Burns
homestead, where he now resides, son

of the late Captain Peter and Sallie (Dunck-
lee) Burns. The Burns family from which
he springs was prominent for many years in
Scotland, and was distinguished by a coat of
arms. A more extended account of this fam-
ily will be found in the biography of Luther
M. Burns.

Mr. Burns was reared to man’s estate on
the home farm, receiving his education in the
district school. Then he learned the trade of
millwright, which he afterward followed for
many years in New England. In 1861 he
went to Pittsburg, Pa., and was there identi-
fied with a company engaged in the manufact-
ure of flax machinery. In Pittsburg he in-
vented and manufactured a machine, said to
be the first of its kind, for spinning flax tow.
Returning then to Milford, Mr. Burns was
here employed for a time as a builder and con-
tractor. In 1871 he went to Boston, Mass.,
where he was subsequently employed for sev-
eral years in the construction department of
the Boston & Lowell Railroad, superintend-
ing in that period the erection of the com-
pany’s large passenger station. From Boston
Mr. Burns went to Manchester, this State,
having accepted the position of superintendent
of the construction department of the Amos-
keag Mills. Since his retirement from me-
chanical occupations some time ago, he has
made his home in Milford, living on the old
homestead of which John Burns, his ancestor
some five generations removed, was the origi-

nal owner. This property contains sixty-five
acres of land. He also owns village property
in Milford. In politics he is identified with

the Republican party.

Mr. Burns was united in marriage April 15,
1852, with Miss Adaline F. Wyatt. She is
a daughter of Foster and Mary (Gregg) Wyatt,
and a sister of the wife of Luther M. Burns,
224

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

his brother, whose marriage took place at
the same time. Samuel Wyatt, the paternal
grandfather of Mrs. Burns, was Lieutenant of
a company in the Revolutionary War. Mr.
and Mrs. Burns have but one child, Willis L.
Burns, who resides with his parents on the
home farm, assisting in its management. A
young man of unusual ability and intelli-
gence, Mr. Willis L. Burns represented the
town in the State legislature for two terms.
He married Miss Amanda M. McDougal, and
has three children — Margie I., Daisy M.,
and Gladys A.

HOMAS D. WINCH, a well-known
merchant of Peterboro, was born in
Sullivan, this State, October 10, 1847,

son of Thomas and Clarissa (Towne) Winch.
His grandfather, who was a farmer of Sulli-
van, had seven children that reached maturity.
Thomas Winch, born in Sullivan in 181s,
was chiefly engaged in farming. From Sulli-
van he removed to Langdon in 1854; and he
died in Marlow, N.H., at the age of eighty-
one. His wife still lives in Marlow. In re-
ligious belief Mr. Winch was a Congregation-
alist, and his daily life evidenced the fact that
he practised as well as believed in the Golden
Rule. Previously a Whig, he became a Repub-
lican upon the formation of that party, and
thereafter ardently supported its principles.
He was Selectman of Langdon for a time, and
also represented it in the legislature in 1861—
62. Of his four children three are living,
namely: Charles, who married Abbie Hub-
bard, and has five children; George, who mar-
ried a Miss Holden, and has one child; and
Thomas D., the subject of this sketch. After
graduating from Dartmouth College, George
took up the profession of teacher, and for the
last four years has been master of a grammar
schco] in Manchester, N.H.

After leaving the schools of Langdon,
Thomas D. Winch worked for two years ina
general merchandise store of Peterboro, and
for one year each respectively in a store at
Ayer Junction and one in Keene, N.H. Fol-
lowing this, he went to Marlow, N.H., and
started in business under the firm name of

 

 

Towne & Winch. Having remained there two
years, he returned to Peterboro in 1872, and
was engaged in a milling business up to 1884.
Then, after a year spent in Boston, he formed
with Mr. M. E. Field the partnership that
still exists. Messrs. Winch & Field conduct
a general merchandise store, to which the
exceptional quality of their goods and their
accommodating business methods have at-
tracted a large number of customers.

On June 15, 1870, Mr. Winch married Jo-
sephine A. Nichols, daughter of Luther
Nichols, of Peterboro. Mr. Winch is a Uni-
tarian in religious belief. In politics he isa
Republican. He belongs to Golden Cross of
Peterboro. Both he and Mrs. Winch are
ever ready to aid any movement for the gen-
eral good.

HO.

 

OHN A. BOUTELLE, an experienced
agriculturist and a capable business
man of Amherst, was born November
1, 1836, in Antrim, N.H., son of the

late James C. Boutelle, Jr. His grandfather,
James C. Boutelle, Sr., was for many years
an esteemed resident of Antrim. The father
was born and reared in Antrim. In 1844 he
removed to Milford, this county, where he
died while yet in the vigor of manhood, March
27, 1855. He left with their mother five
children, of whom James C., of Milford, and
John A. are living.

John A. Boutelle received his school educa-
tion in Hillsboro County. He was eight years
old when he accompanied his parents to Mil-
ford. At the age of sixteen, soon after the
death of his father, he came to Amherst,
where he has since resided. Beginning life as
a laborer, he saved his money until he had
sufficient to warrant him in buying the one
hundred acres constituting his present home-
stead. Since then he has carried on mixed
husbandry and lumbering with signal success.
By his honorable methods of business he has
won the esteem of all with whom he has come
in contact. Mr. Boutelle is an adherent of the
Republican party. He is a member of Souhe-
gan Grange of Amherst and of the Masonic
Lodge of Milford.
 

ZACHARIAH SHATTUCK
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

227

 

 

On October 27, 1860, Mr. Boutelle married
Miss Chastina Duncklee, daughter of Porter
and Mary A. (Buxton) Duncklee. Both par-
ents of Mrs. Boutelle were born and reared in
Milford, and there spent nearly a half-century.
About 1849 they removed with their family
to Amherst, where they spent their remaining
years.
for fifty years, they celebrated their golden

wedding. Shortly after they died, the hus-
band in 1884, and the wife in 1887. Of their
children three others are living, namely:

Mrs. Caroline McGaffey, of Milford; Kate A.,
of the same town; and Mary A., the wife of
Brooks R. Came. Carrie L., the only child of
Mr. and Mrs. Boutelle, died January 26,
1884, leaving one child — Lizzie Boutelle
MacKay, who lives with her grandparents.

RANK S. HARRIS, of Harrisville,
the well-known manufacturer of boxes
and woodenware novelties, was born

March 16, 1862, at Troy, N.H., son of Will-
jam A. and Sarah E. (Fife) Harris. His
grandfather, Stephen Harris, who was born in
Richmond, N.H., removed when a lad with
his parents to Swanzey. Subsequently Ste-
phen became a resident of Troy, where he
spent the rest of his life. He was engaged in
agricultural pursuits. His children were:
Elisha, Stephen, Jr., Willard, William A.,
Lucy Emeline, and Lydia.

William A. Harris, born at Swanzey, Au-
gust 29, 1825, died July 10, 1885. He
was a farmer and a painter, and he spent
the greater part of his active business life
in Troy. He served the town as Selectman
and Tax Collector, and was a constant at-
tendant at the services of the Universalist
church. His wife, Sarah, a daughter of
Timothy Fife, of Troy, was born May 23,
1826, and died July 28, 1897. She was the
mother of five children, namely: William
F., who died in infancy; Fred A., born
May 13, 1856; Will H., born Septem-
ber 18, 1857; Aurilla M., born October 2,
1859; and Frank S., born March 16, 1862.
Fred A., who resides at Keene, where he is
employed in a box manufactory, married Ida

 

 

When they had been husband and wife:

 

E. Bliss, of Jacksonville, Vt. She was born
August 11, 1857, and is the mother of three
children. Will H. resides at East Sullivan,
N.H1., and is engaged in milling and farming.
He married Lizzie M. Davis, of Stoddard,
who was born March 12, 1858, and has two
children. Aurilla M., now residing in Troy,
has been on the School Board of that place
for some time, and devotes considerable atten-
tion to school affairs.

Frank S. Harris began to work for his liv-
ing asatelegraph operator and assistant sta-
tion agent at Troy on the Fitchburg Railroad.
After five years spent in that position he en-
gaged in his present business with O. C.
Whitcomb. In 1892 the business was re-
moved from Troy to Harrisville, where it is
at present located. Messrs. Harris & Whit-
comb manufacture blocked-corner wooden
packing boxes, fancy boxes, children’s tool
chests, scholars’ companions, and many toys
and novelties. Their goods are sold all over
the United States, and some are sent to for-
eign markets. Mr. Harris married Addie
Eleanor Willard, who was born in January,
1857, daughter of Zophar Willard, of Harris-
ville. She and her husband attend the Con-
gregational church. Mr. Harris is a member
of the fraternity of Free & Accepted Masons.

ACHARIAH SHATTUCK, an _ ex-
tensive farmer and a lifelong resident

of Nashua, who died February 20,

1893, was born January 24, 1816.

His parents, Abel and Alice L. Shattuck,
resided in Nashua for the greater part of their
lives. Abel Shattuck was for many years
engaged in mercantile business in this town,
and also carried ona farm. He was an able,
energetic business man, and his sturdy adhe-
rence to principles of honesty and integrity was
appreciated and commended by his fellow-
townsmen. His last days were passed upon
his farm. He was the father of four sons and
three daughters. The only one of his chil-
dren now living is his son, George Shattuck,
a resident of Pepperell. The others were:
Joseph, Mary, Abel G., Sophronia, Esther
S., and Zachariah, the subject of this sketch.

 

 
228

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

Zachariah Shattuck was reared at the home-
stead, and his education was acquired in the
schools of Nashua. At an early age he began
to assist in the work of the home farm, and the
practical training he received in his youth was
the means of his attaining marked proficiency
in agricultural pursuits. Succeeding to the
possession of the homestead, which contains
four hundred acres of excellent pasturage and
tillage land, he devoted himself diligently to
its management. His progressive tendencies
led him to enhance its value by the introduction
of improvements; and he not only erected the
present substantial residence, but remodelled
the other buildings. He was regarded as one
of the leading farmers and representative men
of this community; and his death, which oc-
curred in his seventy-eighth year, was the
cause of sincere regret. He possessed to a
high degree sterling characteristics that neces-
sarily won the esteem and admiration of his
neighbors and business associates, and his
family have every reason to be proud of his
honorable record. Politically, he supported
the Republican party. He was an attendant of
the Congregational church.

On February 22, 1870, Zachariah Shattuck
was united in marriage with Matilda P. Chase.
She was born in Milford, N.H., November 24,
1843, and is a daughter of the late Jonathan
and Diana Chase. Four children were born
to Mr. and Mrs. Shattuck. One died in in-
fancy. The living are: Lillian M., Edward
Z., and Alice L., all of whom are residing at
home with their mother. Mrs. Shattuck pos-
sesses much energy and executive ability. She
still occupies the homestead, and manages the
farm with the assistance of her son.

 

HARLES P. JEFTS, the chairman

of the Board of Selectmen of Stod-

dard, was born in this town, March

23, 1848, son of Gilbert and Eliza

(Eaton) Jefts. Jonathan Jefts, the father of

Gilbert, resided in Stoddard, and was a well-

to-do farmer and a member of the Masonic

fraternity. By his wife, Nancy Richardson

Jefts, he was the father of four children —
Jonathan, Gilbert, Betsey, and Salome.

 

Gilbert Jefts, who was born in Stoddard,
February 22, 1802, tilled the soil in his na-
tive town during the greater part of his life,
and was highly esteemed for his many com-
mendable qualities. Though not an aspirant
to public office, it was his custom to freely
express his views at town meetings, and his
counsel was generally considered both sound
and practicable. His religious belief was
the Universalist. He died October 1, 1880.
Eliza Jefts, his wife, who was born in Sulli-
van, N.H., June 10, 1806, became the mother
of nine children; namely, Harvey, Lucretia,
Merrill, Cyrus, Lucinda, George R., Eliza,
Charles P., and another child who died in in-
fancy. Harvey and Lucretia died young;
Merrill died at the age of twenty years; and
Lucinda, who died in August, 1870, at the
age of thirty-three years, married George
Friend, of Marlow, N.H., and had one daugh-
ter, Jennie B. Cyrus Jefts, who owns and
operates a saw-mill in Ashburnham, Mass.,
married Roxana Blodgett, and has four chil-
dren — Fred A., Charles I., Walter E., and
Adella M. George Jefts, a farmer of Stod-
dard, married Elizabeth Carr, and has had
seven children — Hermon E., Mary L., Anna
G., Henry N., Walter M., Hiram L., and
John L. Eliza is the wife of Riley Barrett,
one of the successful agriculturists of this
town, and has one son, Martin H. Mrs. Gil-
bert Jefts died July 7, 1892.

Charles P. Jefts was educated in the com-
mon schools of his native town. When his
studies were completed he went to Marlboro,
Mass., where he was employed in a shoe
factory for some time. Upon his return to
Stoddard he engaged in farming, an occupa-
tion he has since followed energetically and
with success. He also manufactures shingles.
In politics he is a Democrat. He has served
the town as Supervisor, and he has been a
member of the Board of Selectmen for four
years, and is now the chairman of the Board.

Mr. Jefts married Hannah M. Carr, cf
Stow, Mass., and now has six children.
These are: Emma L., who is residing at
home; Stella C., a tailoress in Keene, N.H.;
Hattie L., a graduate of Cushing Academy,
and a school teacher in Swanzey, N.H.;
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW 229

 

 

Eugene R., a student at the Durham Agri-
cultural College; Ida F., an artist and deco-
rator of pottery, residing in Keene; and Alva
C., who resides at home. The family attend
the Methodist Episcopal church.

 

 

RTHUR H. MILLER, an influential

business man of Peterboro, and son of

the late John R. Miller and his

wife, Ellen, was born in Peterboro,

January 5, 1863. His grandfather, Jesse

Miller, born in Peterboro, July 6, 1791, was

engaged in agricultural pursuits throughout

his life, and died September 6, 1885, at the

age of ninety-four years. Jesse’s wife, in

maidenhood Asenath Bonner, who was born
May 28, 1796, died March 10, 1868.

John R. Miller, son of Jesse and Asenath
Miller, was born November 6, 1828. He re-
ceived his education in the town schools. At
the age of fifteen he commenced to learn the
printer’s trade in the office of the New Hamp-
shire Courier at Concord. Having done so,
he returned to Peterboro, entered the employ
of a printer named S. P. Brown, and subse-
quently succeeded to the business. In com-
pany with K. C. Scott, he issued the first
number of the Contoocook 7ranscript on the
27th of May, 1849, and afterward printed it
for two years. At the end of that time he
sold out to his partner, and went to Western
New York, where he worked as a journeyman
printer. In December, 1851, after returning
to Peterboro, he purchased the only drug
store in the town at that time. This he there-
after conducted until his death in 1896. Mr.
Miller was appointed Justice of the Peace in
1863, and in 1868 he was qualified to serve in
the same capacity throughout the State. In
1891 he was appointed Associate Justice of
the Police Court established in that year in
Peterboro. On August 17, 1861, Mr. Miller
was made Postmaster of Peterboro, which
office, by reappointment, he held until Jan-
uary 14, 1892. He was for many years a
prominent Odd Fellow, and held many impor-
tant offices in that order. In 1889 he was a
delegate to the New Hampshire Constitu-
tional Convention. For several years he was

 

Librarian of the town, and was one of the
trustees of the Peterboro Savings Bank.
Actively interested in town affairs, he served
in the capacities of Auditor, member of the
School Board, and Supervisor of Schools. In
politics, he was a Republican; in religious
belief, a Congregationalist. He was twice
married. His first wife, Allura A. Moors
Miller, at her death left a son, Edward E.,
born August 23, 1853, now residing in
Rochester, N.Y., who married Mary Bolton,
and has three children — Allura A., Lotta,
and John P. She had another child, Francis
A., born June 17, 1858, who died July 25,
1858. The second wife, who is now living
in Peterboro, had two children: Arthur H.,
the subject of this biography; and Harry E.,
born June 10, 1867, who married Nellie J.
Holden, of Saxton’s River, Vt., and has three
children — Mona G., Olive G., and Earl V.
Arthur H. Miller began his business life as
an assistant in his father’s drug store. He
was admitted as partner in 1885, when the
firm name was changed to that of J. R. Miller
& Son. Since the death of his father he has
continued the business alone. Mr. Miller is
unmarried. Following the example of his
father, he is a stanch supporter of Repub-
lican principles. He is an esteemed Mason
of the Peterboro lodge. Cordial, warm-
hearted, and generous, and of unquestioned
integrity, he has many friends, and is re-
garded as one of the rising men of the town.

 

RA W. JACKMAN, who operates a
saw and grist mill in Hillsboro, was

‘ born in Bradford, N.H., March 3, 1844,
son of Stephen and Sarah (Hoyt) Jack-
man. His grandfather, Humphrey Jackman,
who was born July 16, 1761, moved from Bos-
cawen, N.H., to Bradford during the latter
part of the last century, and was engaged in
farming for the rest of his active period. An
active and intelligent citizen, he was highly
esteemed by his neighbors, and was Justice
of the Peace for many years. He took a deep
interest in religious matters, and was a
Deacon of the Congregational church. His
death occurred July 10, 1840. He married
230

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

Judith Pettengill, who was born July 23,
1761, and died July 30, 1842. They were the
parents of nine children, of whom Stephen
was the eighth-born. None of them are now
living.

Stephen Jackman, father of Ira W., was
born in Boscawen, September 13, 1799. He
followed the stone mason’s trade in early life,
but during the greater part of his active years
he was engaged in tilling the soil. One of
the prosperous residents of Bradford in his
day, he enjoyed the respect and esteem of
those who knew him for his true and upright
character. He was an active member of the
Congregational church. He died September
16, 1868. His first wife, Sarah Hoyt, who
was a daughter of Daniel Hoyt, of Hillsboro,
died at the age of forty years. She was the
mother of six children, of whom two are liv-
ing, namely: Ira W., the subject of this
sketch; and Daniel H., who married Alma
Graham, of Chicago, I]l., and has one daugh-
ter, Myrtle A. Stephen Jackman married,
second, a sister of his first wife, and she died
leaving no children.

Ira W. Jackman was educated at Bradford
Centre, and after leaving school he was for a
time engaged in farming. When nineteen
years old he came to Hillsboro, and at the age
of twenty-one purchased an interest in a saw-
mill, which he operated for four years. For
the succeeding ten years he was employed in
the hosiery-mill carried on by ex-Governor
Smith, and he was subsequently engaged in
the same business at Laconia for five years.
In 1881 he, in company with his brother John,
bought the saw and grist mill which he is
now carrying on, and since his partner’s death
he has conducted the mills alone. He deals
quite extensively in lumber and grain, and is
doing a very profitable business. Politically,
he acts with the Republican party. He was
chairman of the Board of Selectmen in 1880,
and is at the present time serving as Supervisor
of the Check List.

Mr. Jackman has been twice married. His
first wife was in maidenhood Ella V. Ells-
worth, of Gilmanton, N.H. For his second
he wedded Mrs. Nellie Perkins Nichols, of
Hillsboro. Mrs. Jackman had two children

 

by her first husband, of whom one is now liv-
ing. Mr. and Mrs. Jackman have no children
of their own, but have adopted Bertha V. Jack-
man, a daughter of Mr. Jackman’s brother,
Humphrey, who died in 1883.

Mr. Jackman is connected with Valley
Lodge, I. O O. F., with the Knights of
Pythias, and is treasurer of the Commandery
of the Golden Cross, all of Hillsboro. He is
prominent among the business men of this sec-
tion, and his progressive tendencies are recog-
nized and appreciated by his fellow-townsmen.
He and his wife are members of the Congre-
gational church.

 

r ENNIS R. CHASE, a prominent
resident of East Deering, was born
5) upon the farm he now owns and oc-

cupies, February 1, 1849, son of
Herod and Hannah (Gove) Chase. His
grandfather, Moody Chase, was a prosperous
farmer of Deering in his day, his death occur-
ring September 22, 1859, at the age of
seventy-nine years. The maiden name of his
wife was Susan Locke, and he had a family of
fourteen children, of whom the only survivors
are Rhoda and Lovina.

Herod Chase, father of Dennis R., was
born in East Deering in 1806. He was an
energetic and useful citizen, and served as a
member of the Board of Selectmen for a num-
ber of years. In politics he was a Republi-
can. He was the first Postmaster in East
Deering, and held the appointment for nine-
teen years, at his death being succeeded by his
son Dennis. His wife, Hannah Gove Chase,
who was a daughter of Robert Gove, of Weare,
N.H., became the mother of five children, two
of whom are living, namely: John F.; and
Dennis R., the subject of this sketch. John
F. wedded Mary Almy, a native of Massachu-
setts, and has two children — Almy and Frank
S. Herod Chase lived to be eighty-three
years old, and his wife died at the age of fifty-
four. They were members of the Society of
Friends.

Dennis R. Chase acquired a good educa-
tion in his native town. He taught school
for fifteen winters, his summers being devoted

 

 

 

 
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

231

 

 

to farming. He and his brother own the
homestead property of one hundred and twenty
acres. He also owns the place where he lives,
together with other real estate, and as a gen-
eral farmer he is able and prosperous. He
also carries on a general store, and is agent
for fertilizers, farm machinery, and other agri-
cultural stores.

On February 7, 1870, Mr. Chase was joined
in marriage with Mary A. Wilson, daughter
of Clark Wilson, of Weare. He has four
children, as follows: Hannah A., born Feb-
ruary 24, 1877; Etta L., born February 24,
1880; Warren H., born February 1, 1882;
and Carrie E., born March 26, 1886.

Politically, Mr. Chase affiliates with the
Republican party, and he has held various po-
sitions of public trust.
father as Postmaster, he continued in that
office until 1893, and was in turn succeeded by
his wife. Thus the office has remained in the
family since its establishment. Mr. and Mrs.
Chase are charter members of Wolf Hill
Grange, Patrons of Husbandry, with which
they have been officially connected, and are
very active in its affairs. They attend the
Friends’ Monthly Meeting at Weare, of which
Mr. Chase has been clerk for seventeen years.

EORGE P. LITTLE, of the firm of
Putney & Little, general  store-

keepers at Antrim, Hillsboro County,
was born in this town, October 4, 1845, son
of William P. and Mary J. (Burns) Little.
His grandfather, William Little, who was a
native of Hillsboro, N.H., moved to Antrim
in 1815. He, William, followed shoemaking
for a time, and later built a tannery, which
he carried on for the rest of his active years,
dying December 18, 1869. He was an Elder
of the Presbyterian church. His first wife,
in maidenhood Abigail Wells, of Goffstown,
N.H., died February 1, 1846, aged sixty-
eight years. She was the mother of ten chil-
dren, of whom William P. was the eldest.
But two are living; namely, Sylvester and
Frederick I.
William P. Little, father of George P., was
born in Antrim, and for a number of years

 

After succeeding his.

 

was engaged in shoemaking. In later life he
kept a hotel in the northern part of this town,
and was thus employed at the time of his
death, which occurred September 1, 1869, at
the age of fifty-two years. He was a Demo-
crat in politics and a Presbyterian in re-
ligion. His wife, Mary J. Burns Little,
whom he married November 12, 1844, was
born in Antrim, May 24, 1820. She is still
living, and is the mother of three children, as
follows: George P., the subject of this sketch;
Mary J.; and Ella E. Mary J. married first
Frank Dunlap, of Antrim, who died leaving
her with two children — Belle and Jeanette.
She married, second, Richard Flynn, of Pitts-
field, Ill., and by this union has one son,
Bernard. Ella E. Little married George Per-
kins, of Antrim, and her children are: Carl
and Mary.

George P. Little was educated in Antrim,
and became proficient in music, which he
taught for five years. Establishing himself in
mercantile business in North Antrim, he re-
mained there until 1890, then becoming asso-
ciated with IL. W. Putney, and carrying on
business under the firm name of Putney &
Little. Since the death of Mr. Putney he has
continued the business without change of
style, Mrs. Putney retaining her husband’s
interest in the concern. Politically, Mr.
Little is a Prohibitionist. He has served as
Town Treasurer one year and as Selectman
two years, and the community has profited
by the ability and good judgment he dis-
played while in office. On March 30, 1870,
Mr. Little was united in marriage with Mary
A. MclIlvin, of Antrim. He is an Elder of
the Presbyterian church, of which Mrs. Little
is a member.

 

HARLES E. COOKE, formerly a lead-

ing resident of Alstead, was born in

this town, August 4, 1823, son of

Arva and Rhoda (Willard) Cooke.

Like most of the families living in this part
of New Hampshire, the Cookes are of English
origin. The first of the name in Alstead was
Josiah, the grandfather of Mr. Charles E.,
who came from Covington, Conn., and settled
232 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

on a farm. His wife, Sarah Emerson Cooke,
bore him five children.

Arva Cooke, the second of his parents’ chil-
dren, was born in Alstead in 1795, and died
in 1844. He was educated in the common
schools. After reaching manhood he engaged
in farming, which he followed throughout the
rest of his life. He was a prominent man,
and took an interest in all public matters.
The town had the advantage of his services in
the capacity of Selectman for several terms.
HIe was one of those old-time men of whom
it used to be said, “His word is as good as
his bond.” His wife, Rhoda, who belonged
to Langdon, was born in 1797, and died in
1844. Their children were: Josiah W., Har-
riet A., Charles E., Henry C., and Rhoda E.,
all born in Alstead. Harriet married Sterl-
ing G. Anderson, a carpenter of this place,
and has one son. Josiah W., who was a farmer
and a teacher, married Rosette M. Harrington,
of this town, and has one daughter. Henry
C. was an importer of millinery stock in Bos-
ton. His wife, Ellen A. Doolittle Cooke, has
had no children. Rhoda E. married James
Easterbrooks, a painter of Newton Upper Falls,
Mass., and had a number of children.

Charles E. Cooke was sent to school in his
native town, then to Marlow, and later to
Keene. After finishing his studies he was en-
gaged for a number of years in farming.
Then he started a milling business, having a
grist and saw mill. Subsequently he manu-
factured agricultural implements very success-
fully for thirty years. He was Town Treas-
urer for a time, Selectman for seven terms,
Justice of the Peace for eighteen years, and
legislative Representative in 1863, 1864, and
1865.

Mr. Cooke has been twice married. His
first marriage was made with Luthera Holt, of
Goshen, whose children by him are: Charles
H., Harriet A., and Oliver A. In 1869 he
contracted a second marriage with Mrs. Maria
H. Beckwith, who was born August 18, 1832.
There were no children by this marriage.
Charles H. Cooke, the eldest son, born Sep-
tember 27, 1850, received his education in
the schools of Marlow, and then learned the
foundry business with his father, in which he

 

has since been engaged. Asa citizen he has
well sustained the family traditions. He has
been on the School Board for a number of
terms. He is a member of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows. By his wife, Adella
Lewis Cooke, he has been the father of four
children — Lena E., Charlotte L., Etta E., and
Lewis Clyde. Lena, born June 23, 1877, was
educated in the town schools and at Cushing
Academy at Ashburnham, Mass. She is a
singer of unusual power and_ sweetness.
Charlotte L., born February 18, 1880, who
was also educated at Cushing Academy, is now
a teacher in the public schools of Alstead.
Etta E., born in December 25, 1882, is a pupil
inthe Alstead schools. Lewis Clyde was born
June 28, 1890. Harriet A. Cooke, born April
4, 1853, married S. S. Wilder, of Hadley,
Mass., and has three children, born as fol-
lows: Alberta L., October 7, 1872; Elizabeth,
October 15, 1877; and Richard H., Novem-
ber 22, 1879. Oliver A. Cooke, Mr. Cooke’s
youngest child, born January 19, 1857, is a
book-keeper with a Boston firm dealing in
bookbinders’ supplies. He is married, and
has one child living, Harry A. Cooke.

ILAS MUNROE SMITH, a suc-
cessful merchant of Peterboro and
uh

 

a member of the New Hampshire

legislature, was born in Langdon,
N.H., February 21, 1847, son of Orrin and
Marinda (Patridge) Smith. His paternal
grandparents were Ezra and Hannah (Hersey)
Smith, the former of whom was born in Win-
chendon, Mass., September 13, 1778, and the
latter in Vermont, August 10, 1779. They
settled in Langdon, and were prosperous farm-
ing people. Orrin Smith was born in Lang-
don, November 11, 1807. On June 9, 1836,
he wedded Marinda Patridge, daughter of Syl-
vester Patridge, of Alstead, N.H.; and it isa
somewhat noteworthy fact that he and his
wife were each one of twins. He resided in
Langdon for many years, or until 1862, when
he moved to a farm in Peterboro, and re-
mained here for the rest of his life. He was
a well-to-do agriculturist, and owned a farm
of two hundred and twenty-five acres in this
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

233

 

 

town, besides valuable real estate in Iowa.
He lived to be seventy-six years old, and his
wife died at the age of seventy-three. They
were the parents of seven children, six of
whom are living, namely: Ezra M.; Ervin
H.; Albert O.; Silas M., the subject of this
sketch; Emma R.; and Alden E.

Silas M. Smith began his education in the
schools of Langdon, and at the age-of nine-
teen entered mercantile business in Peterboro
asaclerk. Shortly afterward he attended the
McCollom Institute at Mont Vernon, N.H.,
where his studies were completed, he then re-
turning to Peterboro. He continued as clerk
for his former employer, G. T. Wheeler,
until 1869, at which time he purchased the
business which he has since conducted with
very satisfactory results. He deals in hard-
ware, paints, oils, groceries, and similar mer-
chandise; and, although the business is car-
ried on under the name of Smith Brothers, he
is the sole proprietor. He is also a director
of the bell factory in this town. In politics
he is a Republican. He served as Tax Col-
lector for one year, and in 1896 was elected a
Representative to the legislature.

On November 23, 1871, Mr. Smith was
joined in marriage with Marinda K. Parker,
daughter of John Parker, of Peterboro; and he
has had three children. Of these the only
survivor is Arthur Parker, born in August,
1872. He studied two years in Dartmouth
College, is a graduate of Peterboro Academy,
and is now assisting his father in business.

Mr. Smith belongs to the Knights of Honor
of Peterboro. He is a prominent member of
the Congregational church, serving upon the
financial and other committees, and is super-
intendent of the Sunday-school. Mrs. Smith
is a member of the same church.

 

SAAC SMITH, one of the leading
farmers of Deering, Hillsboro County,
N.H., son of Isaac and Pamelia (Stevens)
Smith, was born in this town, Novem-

ber 23, 1826. His great-grandfather, Ichabod
Smith, was an early settler in Deering, and
here cleared a farm upon which he resided for
the rest of his life.

 

Isaac Smith, first, grandfather of the subject
of this sketch, improved the farm that is now
occupied by his grandson, and he cultivated it
for many years. He afterward moved to a
farm in Antrim, N.H., and remained for a
short time, but passed his last days in Deer-
ing, where he died at the age of seventy-five
years. He married Nancy Codman, who bore
him eleven children, none of whom are now
living.

Isaac Smith, second, the eldest of the
eleven, and father of the present Isaac Smith,
was born in Deering, November 30, 1791.
He was a lifelong resident of this town, and
his active years were spent in carrying on the
homestead farm. A stirring farmer and a use-
ful citizen, he gained the respect and esteem
of his fellow-townsmen through his many
estimable qualities. In politics he was a
Democrat, and for several years he ably served
as Collector of Taxes. He married Pamelia
Stevens, a daughter of Calvin Stevens, of
Mont Vernon, N.H., and they had ten chil.
dren, five of whom are living, namely: Will-
iam Turner; Isaac, the subject of this sketch;
Francis G.; Theresa M.; and George D.
The others were: Matilda K., Nancy S., Cal-
vin S., Esther P., and Ellen M.

Matilda K. Smith, whose death occurred at
Mont Vernon, N.H., about twelve years ago,
married Alvah B. Loveren, of Deering, and
had five children, namely: Alvah Dexter and
Clara M., who both died when quite small;
and Edgar H., Arthur D., and Charles I.,
who lived to manhood. Charles I. Loveren
was a jeweller by trade and got up’ several
patents, one a diamond- setting machine of
great value. He lived and did business in
New York for several years. Overwork at
length bringing on a mental trouble, he was
taken to the Asylum for the Insane at Worces-
ter, Mass., where he died November 7, 18094,
leaving a widow and one daughter, Anna Ger-
trude. Edgar H. Loveren and his wife, for-
merly Lizzie Fillebrown, of Nashua, N.H.,
now reside in Boston, where he is engaged in
some business for the city. They have one
son. Arthur D. Loveren, who is a mason by
trade, married Mrs. Emily DeWolf, and had
two daughters. Nancy S. Smith married
234

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

Robert P. Tuten, of Cambridge, Mass., who
died after eleven years of wedded life, leaving
her with seven children, the youngest of
whom, Altia, then two months old, died three
days later. The other six — Edward, Maria
N., Susan R., Sarah T., Robert, and Esther
P.— are all] living. Edward Tuten resides in
Bellefonte, Pa., and has one son. Maria N.,
now the widow of Alonzo Bruce, of Mont Ver-
non, N.H., had three children, two sons and a
daughter, but the daughter died quite young.
Susan R. and Sarah T., both unmarried, the
former a dressmaker, the latter cashier of a
bank, live together in Ayer, Mass. Robert is
married, lives in Michigan, and is editor of a
paper; and Esther P. is matron in a home in
New York City. Mrs. Nancy S. Tuten died
at her son’s, in Bellefonte, in 1883. Calvin
S. Smith, who-married Maria Jewett, of Cam-
bridge, Mass., died in March, 1888, leaving
two sons— Herbert L. and Lyman J., both of
whom are married. They are employed on
the railroad — Herbert as an engineer, residing
in Concord, N.H., and Lyman as a brakeman,
his home being at Hillsboro Bridge, N.H.
Esther P. Smith married Adam Dickey.
They settled in Manchester, N.H., and were
the parents of five children — Carrie A., Maria
E., William Albert, Theresa, and Laura Jo-
sephine. Theresa Dickey died when about
two years old. W. Albert married Stella
Peaslee, of Weare, N.H. He hasa home near
his father’s, and is foreman of a department in
the bobbin shop. Maria Dickey is a teacher
in the Vaney School at West Manchester.
The three girls live together with their father,
their mother having died some fifteen years
ago. Theresa M. Smith married January 1,
1857, William Dickey, who died a few years
later at their home in Medford, Mass. Her
second husband, Deacon Cristy, of New Bos-
ton, N.H., after their marriage bought a place
in Mont Vernon, N.H., where he died. She
is now the wife of John T. McCollom, of that
town. She never had any children. George
D. Smith married Maggie Baker, of Boston,
and had four children, namely: Minnie Grace,
who died of consumption when twenty-six
years old; Gertrude, who married James Cole,
of Boston, and has three children, two girls

 

and a boy; Walter Eugene, now fireman on
some railroad leading out of Boston; Harlan
Chester, who married Etta Dutton, of Deer-
ing, N.H., May 31, 1897, and is now living
in Boston. Ellen M. Smith died when but
two years and a half old. William Turner
Smith wedded Mary Ann Morgan, of Henni-
ker, N.H. They had a son, named Orren.
He was engaged in a paper-mill owned by his
father-in-law, when one day, as he was showing
a man about the place, his clothing caught in
the shafting, and, carrying him over, injured
him so that he died. Francis G. Smith mar-
ried Mary A. Peasley, of Deering, and has
three children — Mary, Francis, and Annie.
Mrs. Pamelia Stevens Smith died at the age of
sixty-four years and twenty-eight days. Her
husband, Isaac Smith, second, died at the age
of sixty-three years.

Isaac Smith, third, was educated in the
schools of Deering and Francestown, and re-
sided at home until he was seventeen years
old. At that age he went to Boston, where he
was employed for a few months as assistant in
a store, and was then engaged five years with
the New England Glass Company, after which
he returned to his native town and bought the
homestead property. He later engaged in
general mercantile business at Deering Centre,
where he remained in trade two years. He
then turned his attention to agricultural pur-
suits, and taught school during the winter for
a number of years. He owns four hundred
and thirty-five acres of land, which affords him
ample pasturage facilities, and for many years
past he has carried on an extensive dairy. He
keeps a large number of cows, and ships his
milk to Boston.

Mr. Smith has long been identified with the
public affairs of Deering, and the ability and
faithfulness with which he has discharged the
duties of the various offices intrusted to him,
have won the confidence and appreciation of
his fellow-citizens. He has served, in all, five
years as a member of the Board of Selectmen,
as Superintendent of Schools six years, and as
a member of the Board of Education for seven
years. He has also acted as Moderator at town
meetings for eighteen years, and represented
the town in the legislature for three sessions.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW 235

 

 

On February 25, 1858, Mr. Smith was
joined in marriage with Josephine Whittle,
daughter of William and Eliza Whittle, of
Deering. Three children have been born of
this union; namely, Ermin H., Verto, and
Effie E. Ermin H. Smith married Mrs.
Anna Forsaith Goodall, and they have a home
in West Manchester. Verto is unmarried,
and is a paper-hanger in Boston. Effie E. is
the wife of Carlton C. Eaton, of Francestown,
and has one daughter, Statira H. Mrs. Smith is
a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

HARLES F. PIERCE, a well-known
business man of Alstead, and a native

 

of this town, was born February 2,
1861, son of Orville W. and Lydia
(Flanders) Pierce. His grandfather was
Jacob Pierce, a cabinet-maker and prominent
citizen of Alstead. Jacob’s children were:
Jacob, Orville W., Daniel, Tryphena, Try-
phosa, Sarah, Electa, and Samuel. Daniel
became a farmer of Chesterfield, married Miss
Elmira Black, of New York State, and had
three sons—- Henry D., David H., and Will-
iam H. Tryphena married Willard Booth,
now a farmer of Ashby, Mass. Tryphosa died
young; Sarah became Mrs. Leonard Pierce, of
Langdon; and Samuel died in the army.
Orville W. Pierce, born in Alstead, Decem-
ber 6, 1807, died May 3, 1880. He became
a mason by trade and followed that occupation,
together with farming, throughout his life.
He was an expert accountant, and did consid-
erable book-keeping. A Universalist in re-
ligious belief, he took a deep interest in
church work. He first married Amanda Tem-
pleton, of Acworth, who bore him eight chil-
dren; namely, Melissa A., Jacob S., Franklin
O., Mary A., Orilla, George H., Sarah E.,
and Harriet A. He contracted a second mar-
riage subsequently with Mrs. Lydia Flanders
Burroughs, a widow who was born in Newbury-
port, Mass., January 14, 1818, and died June
26, 1891. She had two children — Clemen-
tine and Charles F. Melissa A. Pierce mar-
ried Henry Nevers, of Claremont, and died in
1855, when about twenty-four years of age.
Mary A. married Charles Gates, a teamster of

 

New Hampshire, and became the mother of
three children: Lillian A., who married
Frank Hadley, of Bellows Falls; Minnie O.,
who became the wife of George Shuman, of
Walpole; and C. Fred, who is now deceased.
Orilla died in 1862, when about twenty years
of age. Hattie married W. F. Inman, of
Providence, R.I., a hydraulic engineer and
contractor for water-works, and has one child,
E. Jesse. Jacob S., a farmer by occupation,
married Mary O. Ray, of Walpole, and by her
had one daughter — Hattie E., who married
Henry Huey. He was a resident successively
of Langdon and Walpole. He enlisted in the
Fourteenth New Hampshire Infantry during
the war, and died from the effect of the hard-
ships endured while in the service. Franklin
O., after serving for three months with the
Fourth Massachusetts Regiment, re-enlisted
in the Fourteenth New Hampshire Regiment,
receiving the rank of Sergeant. In the mem-
orable battle of Winchester, disabled by
wounds in both feet, he would have been taken
prisoner had not gallant Phil Sheridan saved
the day by turning defeat into victory and re-
covering the lost ground on which the wounded
hero was lying. He married Mrs. J. Tram
Messinger, whose children by him are: Mabel
A., who married Frank Proctor; George F. ;
and Jennie E. The wounds received by him
in the war resulted in the loss of a foot.
George H., who was a blacksmith in the
State of Illinois, died in February, 1877.
He married Clara Lease, of Urbana, II]., and
had one son, Arthur. Sarah, who married her
brother-in-law, Charles Gates, of Walpole, and
had one child, Benjamin F. S., died in 1877.
Clementine A., the only daughter of Mr. Or-
ville Pierce by his second marriage, died at
the age of fourteen years.

Charles F. Pierce was sent when a lad to
the town schools. Afterward he worked at
farming for a number of years. During the
past seven or eight years he has successively
carried on a saw and grist mill. He is al-
ways to be found on the side of progress and im-
provement, and is much respected. His wife’s
name before her marriage was Frances A.
Ware. She was born in Keene, this county,
February 2, 1868.
236

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

EORGE H. CURRIER, one of the
leading farmers and best known resi-
dents of Pelham, was born where he

now resides, May 29, 1836, son of Simeon
and Emily (Hall) Currier. The great-grand-
father, Nathaniel Currier, was an early settler

in Pelham, where he cleared and improved a |

good farm. John Currier, the grandfather,
a lifelong resident of this town, was a sturdy
and industrious tiller of the soil.

Simeon Currier was born in Pelham, Octo-
ber 19, 1803. In his early years he followed
the trade of stone-mason in Lowell, Mass., but
the greater portion of his life was spent in till-
ing the soil of the homestead property. Besides
making other improvements.on the estate, he
raised and remodelled the residence. He also
owned other real estate. At one time he was
a musician in the State militia. In politics
he supported the Democratic party. He died
February 3, 1881. His wife, Emily, whom
he married November 9, 1826, was born in
Dracut, Mass., March 29, 1806. She became
the mother of six children, four of whom are
living, namely: George H., the subject of
this sketch; Elmira E., wife of George E.
Mitchell, of Medford, Mass.; Sybil A., the
wife of David Gage, of Oakland, Cal.; and
Helen A., who is residing in Pelham. The
others were: Jesse H., who died at the age of
fourteen; and Amos Alonzo, who died, aged
fifty-six years. Mrs. Simeon Currier is still
living, and is exceedingly bright and active
for one so venerable in years.

George H. Currier was educated in the
common schools of Pelham and at Phillips
Academy of Andover, Mass. With the ex-
ception of three years spent in a mercantile
business in Boston, he has given his attention
to agricultural pursuits at the homestead,
which fell to his possession. Politically, he
isa Democrat. A Selectman during the ex-
citing times of the Civil War, he was both
energetic and efficient in procuring recruits
and also substitutes for drafted men. He
served upon the Board for eleven years, for
several years in the capacity of chairman.
He was a Representative to the legislature in
1866, 1873, and 1874; he has been a member
of the Board of Supervisors and of the School

 

Board; he was formerly a trustee of the Pel-
ham Public Library; and he is now Collector
of Taxes.

On December 18, 1862, Mr. Currier was
united in marriage with Aroline Marsh,
daughter of Joseph Marsh, of Pelham. Mrs.
Currier has had four children —Henry M.,
Arthur G., Harry E., and Lillian M. Harry
E. died at the age of nineteen months.
Henry M. married Gertrude H. Hillman, and
has one son, Richard H. Arthur G. married
Jessie W. Smith, of Lowell. Mr. Currier is
connected with the order of the Pilgrim
Fathers and is Master of Pelham Grange,
Patrons of Husbandry.

RANKLIN G. WARNER, M.D., a
rising young physician of Antrim,
Hillsboro County, N.H., was born in

Chestertown, N.Y., January 18, 1863, son of
Daniel and Lizzie (Jeffs) Warner. He is of
the eighth generation in descent from William
Warner’, a native of England, who came to
America and located in Ipswich, Mass., in
1637.

William Warner‘ died in April, 1642. He
had three children, two sons and a daughter;
namely, John, Daniel, and Abigail. Jobn
Warner’, son of William, was born in England
in April, 1616. He came to America with
his father in 1637, and lived for a time in
Hadley, Mass., probably also in Dunstable and
Pepperell, as children were born in these
towns. He died May 17, 1692. He had nine
children, seven sons and two daughters: Sam-
uel, John, Mark, Nathaniel, Daniel, Mehit-
abel, Eleazer, Priscilla, and Joseph.

Samuel Warner3, son of John?, was born in
Dunstable, Mass., in 1640, and died April 3,
1683. He married Minerva Swan on October
21, 1662, and seven children were born to
them; namely, Samuel, John, Dorothy, Sarah,
Eleazer, Priscilla, and Richard. Richard
Warner‘, son of Samuel3, was born in Pepper-
ell, Mass., May 13, 1676, and died in 1767,
He had five children: Joseph, who died in
infancy; Richard; Mary; Eunice; and Joseph.
Joseph Warner, son of Richard+, was born in
Pepperell, Mass., in 1745, and died in 1817.

 
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW 237

 

 

He had eight children, five sons and three
daughters; namely, Richard, Joseph, John,
Daniel, Samuel, Sally, Betsey, and Prudence.

Daniel Warner®, son of Joseph5 and grand-
father of Franklin G. of this sketch, was born
June 8, 1784, in Townsend, Mass. He spent
his life as an agriculturist. By his first wife,
Ruth Emery, whom he married on February
14, 1805, he had one child, Daniel. By his
second wife, Betsey Hasley, whom he mar-

ried March 21, 1821, he had six; namely,
Nancy, Mary, Ruth, Charles, Lydia, and
Henry.

Daniel Warner’, son of Daniel®, was born
June 17, 1806, in Townsend, Mass. He
settled upon a farm in Chestertown, N.Y., and
tilled the soil with prosperous results until his
death, which occurred October 12, 1881, in
his seventy-sixth year. In October, 1841, he
married Lizzie Jeffs, a native of Townsend,
born August 15, 1827. She died November
9, 1865, aged thirty-eight years. She was a
member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Their six children are all living; namely,
Adeline, Charles, Luther, Giles, William, and
Franklin George.

Adeline. Warner®, born August 6, 1844,
married Alfred Slocum, August 6, 1860, and
has five children: Mary; Amanda; Abby, born
in 1867; Andrew, born in 1870; and Archie,
born in 1878. The eldest child, Mary Slo-
cum, born in 1861, married George Fish in
1877, and has five children: Harmon, born
in 1878; Frank, born in 1881; Leon, born in
1883; Allen, born in 1885; and Bertha, born
in 1887. Amanda, the second child of Alfred
and Adeline Slocum, born in 1864, married
Eugene Perry in 1880, and has four children:
Louise, born in 1880; Vernis, born in 1882;
Swaine, born in 1885; and Harry, born in
1895.

Charles Warner’, born January 29, 1847,
was married in 1870 to Mary McLamee, of
North Creek, N.Y., and has six children:
Nettie, born in 1872; Annie, born in 1874;
Harvey, born in 1876; Cora, born in 1886;
Harley, born in 1888; and Dora, born in
1891. Luther Warner’, born December 27,
1850, married Adelaide Mead, of Chestertown,
N.Y., in 1872, and has one child -—- Harry

 

Mead Warner, born in 1873. Giles Warner’,

born December 10, 1855, married Emma
Mead, of Chestertown, N.Y., in 1877, and
has three children: Mattie, born in 1878;

Dora, born in 1880; and Lewis, born in 1883.
William Warner® was born October 10, 1858.

Franklin George Warner’, the special sub-
ject of this sketch, son of Daniel’, acquired his
early education in Glens Falls, N. Y., and was
graduated at the University of Vermont in
1888. His professional studies were com-
pleted at the medical department of the Al-
bany University in 1892; and, locating in An-
trim during that year, he has been in practice
here since. His ability as a physician has
manifested itself in successful treatment of the
many difficult cases that have been intrusted
to his charge, and he now has a large and lu-
crative practice.

On November 6, 1895, Dr. Warner was
joined in marriage with Nettie M. Heritage,
of Amesbury, Mass. She was born in Provi-
dence, R.I., March 11, 1870, and is a daugh-
ter of George Heritage. Dr. and Mrs. War-
ner have one son— Stanley George Warner?,
born July 6, 1897, in Antrim, N.H.

Politically, the Doctor acts with the Dem-
ocratic party. He is now serving upon the
Board of Health of the town of Antrim.
Without seeking public notice outside of his
professional work, he has become exceedingly
popular, and as a citizen is regarded with cord-
ial respect and esteem. Dr. Warner united
with the Methodist Episcopal church at We-
vertown, N.Y., and his wife is a member of
the Congregational church in Newport, N.H.

HARLES A. STEELE, a_ well-in-
formed and prosperous farmer of Hud-
son, was born here, October 25,

1860, son of Charles and Martha A.
(Boyd) Steele. His great-great-grandfather,
William Steele, was a native of Scotland,
whence he came to America about the year
1720, and settled in Hillsboro County some
time between then and 1730. William took
up wild land, which he cleared and subse-
quently cultivated with success. His wife,
whose maiden name was Janette Mulligan,

 
238

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

came to this country in the same vessel with
him. They reared a family of seven children,
five sons and two daughters. The sons were:
John, Samuel, Moses, William, and Joseph.
Samuel was killed at Crown Point in the Rev-
olutionary War. Moses settled in Hillsboro,
and William in Hudson, N.H. Of the daugh-
ters, only Mary’s name is known. William
and Janette Steele spent their last years and
died on the farm where they settled. The
next in line was William, who lived with his
parents until their death, carrying on the farm,
of which he afterward became the owner. His
wife, in maidenhood Mary Barrett, had nine
children; namely, Rhoda, William, Osgood,
James, Hannah, Margaret, Mary, Moses, and
Daniel.

James Steele, the grandfather of Charles
A., was considered one of the best farmers in
the town of Hudson. He also occupied the
old Steele farm, owning all together about five
hundred acres, a portion of which was then
within the limits of Londonderry. He was
well-informed on current events, and took an
active part in town affairs. He married Miss
Hannah Palmer, and ten children were born of
the union. Five of these died in childhood;
namely, Sarah, Almira, Harriet, Almira (sec-
ond), and Kimball. The others, who all at-
tained maturity, were: Charlotte P., Charles,
Almira, James H., and Moses. Of these
James H. is living. The father died on the
home farm, July 5, 1868, and his wife on Jan-
uary I, 1852. Charles Steele, born in Hud-
son, May 12, 1821, was an energetic, upright
man and a respected and influential citizen.
He owned a portion of the homestead, on
which he spent his life, successfully engaged
in general farming and lumbering. Owing to
his business ability and judgment he was
elected by his townsmen to a number of offices,
including that of Selectman. In politics he
was a Democrat, in religion he was a Meth-
odist. His wife, Martha, was born in London-
derry, N.H., September 25, 1821, daughter
of Robert and Mary (Town) Boyd. He died
April 21, 1890. They had six children, of
whom Hannah E., born July 1, 1853, died
March 10, 1873. The others are: Harriet,
born July 10, 1844, who is the wife of John

 

N. Martin, and lives in Melrose, Mass. ;
Mary M., born September 30, 1846, who mar-
ried Charles W. Spaulding, and lives in Hud-
son; Martha, born April 13, 1849, who is the
wife of James M. Crowell, of Windham,
N.H.; Charlotte N., born May 16, 1856, who
is unmarried, and lives with her younger
brother; and Charles A., the subject of this
sketch. The mother resides with her son,
Charles A.

Charles A. Steele received his early educa-
tion in the town and district schools. After-
ward he attended the Nashua Literary Institute
for a time and the Pinkerton Academy in
Derry for two terms. He has followed the
calling of his forefathers, and to-day owns the
old Steele homestead, which he has had prac-
tically in his charge since he was seventeen
years of age. In addition he owns a tract of
about five hundred acres in this and adjoining
towns, and has an interest in much more. Be-
sides carrying on the farm, he also does some
teaming.

On December 27, 1882, Mr. Steele was
joined in marriage with Miss Lottie A. Rey-
nolds, who was born in Windham, October
10, 1859, daughter of Hiram and Mary (Pres-
cott) Reynolds. Four children have been
born of the union, namely: Lena M., on Oc-
tober 27, 1883; Nellie Ida, January 9, 1885;
Charles L., June 28, 1888; and Myra C., born
November 4, 1890. In politics Mr. Steele is
a Democrat. Besides serving in minor offices,
he was Selectman for three terms.

 

ATHAN WHITNEY, a prominent citi-

zen of Bennington, N.H., was born in
Westminster, Mass., July 20, 1828,

son of Smyrna and Ruth (Whitney)

Whitney. His genealogy is traced back to
John Whitney, the Puritan emigrant, who was
the first of his name in America, having settled
in Watertown, Mass., before 1635. John
Whitney’s first wife, Elinor, bore him eight
sons, and died May 11, 1659, aged fifty-four
years. His second marriage was made with
Judith Clement. Made a freeman March 3,
1635, he was Selectman of the town from 1638
to 1655, was made Constable January 1, 1641,
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

239

 

 

and was the Town Clerk in 1655. His death
occurred June 1, 1673. The Whitney Gene-
alogy, by Frederick Clifton Pierce, treats fully
of the subject.

Samuel Whitney, the grandfather of Nathan,
was a farmer in Westminster all his life. He
married Thankful Wilder, and they had four
children. Samuel died in Westminster in
1812. Smyrna, his eldest son, who was born
in Westminster, March 5, 1786, took up
farming in early life. He was, however,
fitted for college at New Ipswich Academy,
and later on engaged in schoo] teaching. He
finally settled down to farming on the old
homestead, and became one of the successful
and prominent men of the place. He was
Selectman for many years, and belonged to the
Congregational church. His wife, Ruth, who
was a daughter of Nathan Whitney, of West-
minster, had seven children, of whom Charles
H., Nathan, and George E. are living.
Charles H., by his first marriage, which was
contracted with Abbie A. Tolman, of Fitch-
burg, Mass., became the father of two chil-
dren — Mary A. and Hattie C. His second
wife, who came from Dublin, N.H., and
whose maiden name was Isabelle H. Hayes,
bore him one child, Millie M. George E.
Whitney first married Sarah Tolman, of Ash-
burnham, Mass., who died leaving two chil-
dren — Frederick W. and Emma L. By his
second marriage, contracted with Lura L.
Nims, of Roxbury, N.H., there were four
children — Charlotte R., Mary B., Ida N.,
and Ralph E.

Nathan Whitney was educated in the schools
and academy of his native place. After leav-
ing school, he worked on the farm for some
time. Then he was employed by his brother
in the paper-mill at North Reading, Mass.
At the end of eight years he went to Fitch-
burg, where he spent two years, but remained
still in the employment of his brother. Then
in Claremont, N.H., he hired the Jarvis Paper
Mill, and there, with stock furnished by his
brother, manufactured paper at so much a ton
until 1866. In that year he went to Benning-
ton, N.H., his brother furnished the mill and
stock, and he manufactured paper, as before,
at a specified rate. Two years later a stock

 

company was formed, and he was appointed
manager. In 1872 he engaged in the manu-
facture of sashes, doors, and blinds at Keene,
N.H., retaining his residence in Bennington.
Beginning in 1878, he manufactured wood
pulp for about six years. Later he turned his
attention again to farming for a while. At
present he limits himself to a general over-
sight of all his business interests.

Mr. Whitney was first married November
27, 1850, to Mary S. Tolman, of Troy, N.H.
Of their children Frank E. and Carrie Louise
are living. Frank E. married Grace M.
Chase, of Rochester, N.H. Carrie Louise
became the wife of Charles H. Hadley, of
Brooklyn, N.Y., and they have five children
now living — Grace L., Bessie E., Charles H.,
Ruth W., and John C. Mrs. Whitney died
March 23, 1861. Mr. Whitney contracted a
second marriage November 30, 1864, with
Charlotte M. Belcher, a native of Stockbridge,
Vt. They have two children— William B.
and Edward S. Mr. Whitney and all his
family are members of the Congregational
church, in which he has been Deacon for
eleven years. ,

 

LFRED SAWYER, a well-known dairy

farmer and prominent man of affairs

in East Jaffrey, Cheshire County,

N.H., was born in Sharon, Hillsboro

County, this State, August 12, 1831, son of

Josiah and Margaret (French) Sawyer. His

paternal grandfather also bore the name of Jo-

siah. He was a native of Sharon, and the

active years of his life were there spent in till-

ing the soil. The maiden name of his wife

was Martha Wyman, and their children were:
Josiah, Polly, and Sally.

Josiah Sawyer, second, father of Alfred
Sawyer, was born July 7, 1800, in Sharon,
but grew to manhood in Jaffrey, where he was
engaged in farming during the greater part of
his life. His death, which occurred on Sep-
tember 14,. 1864, was caused by an accident.
He was esteemed as a capable, well-to-do
farmer and useful citizen. His wife, Mar-
garet, who was born in Jaffrey, December 18,
1794, daughter of Thomas French, and died
240

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

January 1, 1882, was the mother of eight chil-
dren, as follows: Cummings; Emily C.;
George W.; Alfred, the subject of this sketch;
Lydia A.; Adeline H.; Leonard F.; and
Levi B.

Alfred Sawyer was reared and educated in
Jaffrey, and remained at the parental home-
stead for five years after his marriage. He
then bought the property which he now occu-
pies. Aside from general farming, extensive
dairying, and stock-raising, he has done more
probate business than any other man in Jaffrey,
settling a large number of estates. Politi-
cally, he is a Republican. He was a Select-
man eleven years, has served as Supervisor and
Overseer of the Poor, has been Justice of the
Peace twenty-five years, chairman Board of
Trustees of Public Library, trustee of the
Savings Bank, and, while a Representative in
the legislature, in 1874 and 1875, was a
member of the Committee on Mileage. He
was actively concerned in establishing the pub-
lic library, and is deeply interested in for-
warding all public improvements. He attends
the Congregational church.

Mr. Sawyer married Lucy M. Parker, who
was born in Nelson, N.H., July 9, 1829,
daughter of Nathaniel B. Parker, of that town.
Two children were the fruit of this union,
namely: a daughter, Mary A., born Septem-
ber 30, 1855; and a son, Clifton A., born
September 11, 1861. Mary A. Sawyer is the
wife of Will J. Mower, of this town. Clifton
A. Sawyer married Jennie M. Hale, of
Rindge, N.H. Their children are: Bernice
L. and Roscoe A. Mrs. Sawyer’s death oc-
curred January 19, 1892.

ERTRAM ELLIS, one of Keene’s
present Representatives in the New

 

Hampshire legislature, is a son of

Moses and Emily (Ferrin) Ellis.
Born in Boston, Mass., November 26, 1860,
he came with his parents to Keene in 1863.
His early education was obtained in the public
schools of Keene. In the class of 1884 he
graduated from Harvard University, and in the
class of 1887 from Harvard Law School. He
was a clerk in the law offices of Evarts,

 

Choate & Beaman in New York City from the
summer of 1887 to the summer of 1888, and
practised law in Denver, Col., from 1888 to
1890. From Denver he returned to Keene in
July of the latter year. He became interested
in the Sen¢znel newspaper as one of the propri-
etors in 1893, and in the same year became
the editor of the daily and weekly editions of
the paper, namely —the Keene Lvening Sen-
tanel and the New Hampshire Sezd¢znel.

A Republican in politics, Mr. Ellis was the
president of the Young Men’s Republican
Club of Keene for five years. He has served
as a member of the Board of Education and a
trustee of the Elliot City Hospital in Keene,
was Aide-de-camp on the staff of Governor
Busiel in 1895-96,-and is the Representative
of Ward 4 in the present legislature. Mr.
Ellis is also the secretary for New Hampshire
of the Harvard Law School Association. On
June 20, 1894, he was united in matrimony
at Minneapolis, Minn., with Miss Margaret
Louise Wheeler.

 

EIL McLANE, formerly a manufact-

urer of sashes and blinds at New Bos-

ton, now living in retirement, was

born in Francestown, N.H., Janu-

ary 19, 1816, son of John and Elizabeth (Mc-
Collum) McLane. His grandfather, Malcolm
McLane, a native of the parish of Learcastle,
County Argyle, Scotland, was born in Janu-
ary, 1745. Malcolm married Isabelle Living-
ston, who was born in the same place in 1755.
They came to America in November, 1773,
and landed at Boston. The wife’s father,
John Livingston, had previously settled in
New Boston, and was one of the earliest resi-
dents of the district. Pressed into military
service at the time of the French and Indian
War, John Livingston spent seven years in
the army, and was at the taking of Quebec.
In 1768 he located in New Boston, and there
passed the remainder of his life. He owned a
great deal of property and was a wealthy man,
ranking as one of the leading citizens of the
town. Malcolm McLane lived in New Boston
and also in Francestown, chiefly, however, in
the latter, and was known as a stirring, indus-
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW 241

 

 

trious man and a stanch Presbyterian. His
wife died in Francestown in 1804, aged forty-
eight years; and he died in the same town in
January, 1831, aged eighty-six years. Their
children, all of whom attained maturity, were:
John, Jane, Daniel, Nancy, Neil, Mary, Isa-
belle, and Archibald.

John McLane, who was a farmer by occupa-
tion, spent an active life in Francestown,
Newport, and Fairlee, Vt. A man of charac-
ter and education, he was County Judge in
Orange, Vt., and was at different times State
Representative and Selectman, besides serving
in certain minor offices. In religious belief
he was a Congregationalist. Actively inter-
ested in politics, he was a Democrat up to a
late period of his life, when he became a zeal-
ous Free Soiler. He died in Fairlee in 1851,
at the age of sixty-seven; and his wife died in
New Boston, in 1882, aged ninety-one years.
Of their fourteen children, all of whom grew
up, five are living, namely: Neil, the eldest
and the subject of this sketch; Charles, who
lives in Goffstown; Rodney, who resides in
New Boston; Nancy, also a resident of the
latter place; and Robert E., who lives in
Phillipston, Mass.

Neil McLane resided in Francestown until
1845, living for a part of the time with his
grandfather, who died when the boy was but
fifteen. His opportunities for obtaining an
education and a start in life were very limited.
He spent six years working on a farm for ten
or twelve dollars a month after attaining his
majority. Then locating in New Boston, he
and his brother Rodney engaged in the manu-
facture of sashes, doors, and blinds. Though
they began in a humble way, they prospered
steadily, and soon had a large factory anda
thriving business. They conducted the indus-
try until 1887, when they disposed of it and
retired. Mr. McLane has been Justice of the
Peace for forty years, and was a member of
the Constitutional Convention of 1888-89.
In politics he has been a Republican since the
formation of the party. In religious belief he
is a Congregationalist, and both he and his
wife have been members of the Presbyterian
Society in New Boston for forty-five years.

Mr. McLane was married August 14,

 

1849, to Sarah C., daughter of John and Dor-
cas (Cleaves) Kelso. She was born in the
place where she now lives, August 20, 1816.
Her father was born in New Boston, July 14,
1771, and her mother in Mont Vernon, March
16, 1773. Her grandfather, Daniel Kelso,
was one of the first settlers of New Boston,
and a soldier in the French and Indian War.
Marian Augusta, the only child of Mr. and
Mrs. McLane, born in New Boston, May 24,
1854, is now the wife of John H. Clark, who
was born in Lyndeboro, December 25, 1838.
Mr. McLane and his wife are the oldest
couple living in the town to-day, and are
highly esteemed by the community. His suc-
cess in life has been well earned by his enter-
prise and industry. Having read extensively
on many subjects, he is to-day one of the
best-informed men in his town. He keeps
well posted on all matters of current interest,
and is well in touch with the history of the
world. An excellent historical account of
New Boston, written by him, was published
in the History of Hillsboro County in 1885.

ODNEY McLANE, mentioned above

as brother of Neil, was born in Fran-
cestown, July 18, 1820, and grew to

manhood in that place and in New-

port. He received his education in the com-
mon school. After working at farming for
some time, the partnership with his brother in
the sash and blind business was formed in
1846, under the firm name of N. & R. Mc-
Lane. He was married November 17, 1853,
to Adaline, daughter of Caleb and Hannah
(Fletcher) Farley. Her father was born in
Hollis, where the Farley family are old set-
tlers; and her mother in old Dunstable, Mass.
The eight children of her parents included
two pairs of twins. Five of the number are
living. Mr. and Mrs. McLane have one son
— Charles Sumner, born November 15, 1854,
now a resident of Kansas City, Mo., where he
is a successful lawyer. He fitted himself for
the profession by reading Jaw with Senator
Wadleigh, of Milford. He married Agnes A.
Bear, of Kansas City. Mr. McLane has been
Selectman, and also Town Treasurer, for a
240

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

number of years. He is a charter member of
Pacific Lodge, No. 49, F. & A. M., at Fran-
cestown. Both he and his wife are liberal in
religious belief, and attend the Presbyterian
church. In political affairs he has been a
Republican since the formation of the party
which he helped to organize.

 

AVID A. McCOLLUM, a highly
respected farmer of New Boston,
N.H., was born in Mont Vernon,
August 2, 1823, son of Rodney and

Naomi (Wilson) McCollum. He is a de-

scendant on the paternal side of Alexander

McCollum, who was born in Londonderry,

Ireland, and came to this country about the

year 1730. Alexander’s son, also named

Alexander, who was born in Londonderry,

N.H., about 1758, settled in New Boston, lo-

cating in a spot situated one mile east of the

old Presbyterian church. He was a thrifty
farmer, was the first Town Clerk of the place,
and died there in 1768. The next in descent,
likewise named Alexander, was the grand-
father of the subject of this sketch. Born in

New Boston, April 22, 1766, he was a farmer

and mechanic, was in comfortable circum-

stances, and served the commmnity as Select-
man for a number of years. He married Mary

Patterson, who was born November 12, 1772.
Rodney McCollum, born March 27, 1793,

was an industrious farmer in New Boston and

Mont Vernon. He was also in trade for a few

years in the former place, and he taught

schoo] fora time. He was a member of the

Presbyterian Society, and during the latter

part of his life he was a Republican in poli-

tics. His wife, Naomi, who was born Sep-
tember 12, 1794, had three children — David

A., Arabella, and Mary R. Arabella, born

August 27, 1827, married George Foster

Allen, of Manchester, Mass., where she now

resides. Mary R., who was born October 23,

1835, died unmarried, November 8, 1886.

The father’s death occurred February 22,

1886, and the mother’s, January 1, 1873.
David A. McCollum received the education

afforded by the common schools of New Bos-

ton. After leaving school he was employed

 

 

 

 

 

in the capacity of clerk in Boston, Mass., for
three years. Then he returned to his native
place, since which he has been engaged in
farming. In 1862, after spending many
years in New Boston, he moved to the farm
where he now lives, occupied in farming and
carpenter’s work. In 1864 he enlisted in
Company B, Eighteenth Regiment, New
Hampshire Volunteers, and was in several en-
gagements, including that at Fort Stedman
and the attack on St. Petersburg. He was
disabled in service, and never fully recovered.
At the close of the war in 1865 he received
an honorable discharge. He belongs to
Charles Stinson Post, G. A. R., at Goffstown;
and he and his wife are members of the
Patrons of Husbandry, Joe English Grange, at
New Boston. They are both Presbyterian in
religious views, and in politics Mr. McCollum
is a Republican.

Mr. McCollum was married April 5, 1859,
to Martha Sarah Cochrane. Born in New
Boston, January 29, 1827, she died August 8,
1865, leaving two sons. These were: Henry
B., born May 27, 1860, who now lives in
Manchester, Mass.; and Rodney C., born
January 13, 1863, who died March 11, 1889.
Mr. McCollum was married a second time on
June 27, 1889, to Susan Beans, who was born
in Annapolis, N.S., May 8, 1846. Her par-
ents, Michael and Jerusha Beans, are both
now deceased. Mrs. McCollum was formerly
the wife of Christopher Randell, and has one
daughter. The latter, Mrs. Jennie Butter-
field, the wife of Benjamin Butterfield, now
living in Mont Vernon, has two children —
Clarence F. and Bertha. Mr. McCollum has
been successful in his farming, and now owns
about one hundred and seventy acres of land.
He is one of the oldest residents of the town,
and has the respect of all.

 

URTIS A. WOOD, M.D., a promi-
nent farmer of Dublin, was born in

this town, April 7, 1846,.son of
Augustine and Elizabeth (Richard-

son) Wood. His grandfather, Solomon Wood,
a native of Hancock, N.H., who was also a
farmer, early in life came to Dublin, where he
 

CURTIS A. WOOD.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

245

 

 

resided until his death. Solomon’s wife,
Achsah, a daughter of Thaddeus Mason, bore
him four  children—Emily, Augustine,
George, and Curtis.

Augustine Wood, born in Dublin, Febru-
ary 7, 1812, died in January, 1891. He lived
on the old homestead, and like his father fol-
lowed the occupation of farming. He was
well informed on all questions of public im-
portance, and was warmly interested in public
affairs. He displayed an active interest in
the affairs of his town, and served as Road
Agent for a number of years. His religious
affiliations were with the Congregational
church. His wife, Elizabeth, who was born
June 6, 1820, daughter of Abijah Richardson,
Jr., of Dublin, and is still living, had two
children — Curtis A. and Samuel R. Samuel
R., who was a native of Dublin, born in June,
1850, died at the age of twenty-four years.

Curtis A. Wood received his early educa-
tion in the common schools of Dublin and at
New Ipswich and Kimball Union Academies.
Subsequently he completed the course of Dart-
mouth College in the department of medi-
cine, and graduated in the class of 1877.
Shortly afterward he settled for the practice
of his profession at Greenville, N.H., where
he remained a number of years. Four years
ago he settled on his fine farm of three hun-
dred acres in Dublin, and has since carefully
superintended that property. Mr. Wood
married Ida L. Benson, of Norridgewock, Me.,
who was born in September, 1860. They
have one son, Ralph Curtis, who was born at
Greenville on November 18, 1885. Dr.
Wood is a member of the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows, and he attends the Congrega-
tional church. The Doctor is still in active
practice, and doubtless will give his entire
time to his profession when relieved of the
care of this large estate.

 

EACON THOMAS RAMSEY
COCHRANE, one of the leading
9) farmers of New Boston, was born
here, May 22, 1832, son of William

C. and Harriet (Crombie) Cochrane. The
Cochranes are descended from James Coch-

 

 

 

 

 

rane, of Londonderry, Ireland, who came to
America about the year 1720, and died in
Topsham, Me. After his death his family
moved to Londonderry, N.H. His wife,
whose maiden name was Letitia Patten, had
four children— Thomas, Peter, Mary, and
another whose name is unknown.

Thomas Cochrane, the next in the line of
descent, born in Londonderry, Ireland, in
1703, was the first settler on the farm where
Deacon Cochrane now lives, having located
there about the year 1748. A sturdy, enter-
prising farmer, owning about nine hundred
acres of land, he was one of the prominent
men of his town in those days. He was the
first Deacon of the Presbyterian church in the
town, and he was elected the first Town Mod-
erator and the first Selectman at a town meet-
ing held in his house, March 10, 1763. He
married Jeanette Adams, who died June 7,
1784, aged seventy-six years. His death oc-
curred November 20, 1791, at the age of
eighty-nine. His son James, the great-grand-
father of the subject of this sketch, married
Christiana Aiken, and died at the age of forty.
The next in the line was Thomas Cochrane,
born March 25, 1759, on Cochrane Hill, in
the westerly part of New Boston. He became
a prominent farmer and a leading man; and he
owned the present Cochrane farm, to which he
added other land, so that at his death it con-
tained between three and four hundred acres.
The present homestead was built by him. On
April 13, 1784, he married Margaret Ramsey,
who was born in Londonderry, December 29,
1762, and died July 21, 1829, aged sixty-six
years. He was also Deacon of the Presby-
terian church, and in politics was a Whig.
He died December 30, 1852. His eight chil-
dren were born as follows: James, December
4, 1785; Lydia, March 15, 1788; Mary C.,
April 24, 1793; Anna, July 1, 1795; Nancy,
November 16, 1797; Letitia, November 13,
1799; William C., June 3, 1802; and Mar-
garet R., September 23, 1804. None of
these are now living. A more detailed ac-
count of the family may be found in the
History of New Boston.

William C. Cochrane, who was born on the
old homestead, became a stirring, progressive
246

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

farmer. A man of cultivated tastes, he was
especially fond of music. His genial disposi-
tion and affable manners rendered him very
popular. He was a Presbyterian in religious
belief, and in politics he adhered to the Re-
publican party after its formation. In the old
militia he was a drummer. He was a great
lover of horses. His first wife, Harriet,
whom he married April 26, 1831, was born in
New Boston, April 26, 1806, and died Au-
gust 16, 1839. Marriage was made June 2,
1840, with Ann Clark. She was born Feb-
ruary 5, 1810, and now resides in Goffstown.
He died August 15, 1882. By the first wife
there were four children — Thomas Ramsey,
John C., Lydia C., and Margaret A. John
C., who gained a wide reputation as an archi-
tect, drew the plans for the State House of
Springfield, Ill., and the Iowa State House;
and he had charge of many other important
structures. Born November 8, 1833, he died
December 13, 1887. Lydia, who was born
August 31, 1835, became the wife of the Rev.
W. R. Cochrane, D.D., of Antrim, N.H.
Margaret, born January 17, 1837, died March
17, 1841. By the second wife there were
also four children; namely, Mary A., Mar-
garet R., Anna C., and William C. Mary,
born March 2, 1841, married A. M. Campbell,

of Goffstown; Margaret, born February 12,”

1845, died August 8 of the same year; Anna,
born August 30, 1846, became the wife of
Deacon F. T. Moore, of Goffstown; William
C., the twin brother of Anna, died April 10,
1847.

Thomas Ramsey Cochrane received his edu-
cation in a common and a private school, and
grew up in New Boston. At the age of nine-
teen he went to Nashua, and there learned the
sash, door, and blind business. Compelled to
withdraw from that occupation by a bronchial
trouble, he returned in 1854 to the homestead
of his grandfather, where he has since resided.
He carries on general farming, making a spe-
cialty of the milk trade. In connection with
the latter he keeps from twenty to twenty-five
head of stock of the best milch breeds. With
a liking for good horses, he has some superior
animals. He has an excellent farm, on which
he has made many improvements, and owns in

 

all about one hundred and seventy-five acres.
The homestead, standing on a noble elevation,
commands one of the grandest views of a
beautiful country. He was the first Republi-
can Selectman of the town, and held the office
for four years. He was on the School Board
for three years, and he has been Moderator at
the town meeting, and served in other minor
offices. He has been Deacon and clerk of
the church for many years, and is now also its
treasurer. He belongs to the Patrons of Hus-
bandry, Joe English Grange, in which he has
been Master.

Deacon Cochrane was married January 1,
1863, to Almira F. French, who was born in
Bedford, May 1, 1835, daughter of Leonard
C. and Annis (Campbell) French. Their only
son, Thomas Edward, born June 30, 1864,
who is unmarried and resides with them, has
held several town offices, and is the youngest
Selectman that served on the Board. The
Deacon, always an active, industrious man,
represents an element of strength in the com-
munity, and is to be depended on in any enter-
prise for the advancement of the town’s wel-
fare. Of a cordial and affable address, he is a
favorite with all.

 

 

Boston, was born March 15, 1839, in

Lyndeboro, Hillsboro County, son of

Andrew and Hannah E. (Chenery)
Fuller. His grandfather, one of the early
settlers of Lyndeboro, remained there until his
death. Andrew Fuller was born in Lynde-
boro, March 16, 1790. He was a good farmer
and a hard worker, and he spent his last years
in active life in Lyndeboro, where he died
February 1, 1872, at the age of eighty-one
years. He was liberal in his religious views,
and his politics were those of the Democrats.
He married Hannah E. Chenery, who was born
in Watertown, Mass., May 20, 1800, and died
June 30, 1859. They had nine children;
namely, John C., Hannah M., Eliza A., Mary
J., George R., William H., Moses C., John
A., and Sarah E. John C., Hannah M.,
George R., and Sarah E. are deceased. Eliza
A. lives in Manchester, N.H. ; Mary J. lives

d= A. FULLER, a farmer of New
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

247

 

 

in Somerville, Mass. ; and William H. lives
in Billerica, Mass.

John A. Fuller, the subject of this sketch,
spent his younger days in Lyndeboro, where
he received his education. He afterward
moved to New Boston, where he has since
remained. He has been engaged in general
farming very successfully, and now owns over
one hundred and eighty acres of land, the most
of which is under cultivation. At the present
time he is also engaged in the grocery busi-
ness. In his politics he is a Democrat,
while his religious views are liberal.

On May 21, 1865, Mr. Fuller married Ella
M. Wright. She was born in Milford, N.H.,
September 22, 1847, daughter of James R.
and Elizabeth P. (Peabody) Wright. Mr.
Wright, who was born in Milford, November
21, 1821, now resides in New Boston with his
daughter, Mrs. Fuller. Mrs. Wright was
born in Milford, February 3, 1828, and died
October 25, 1887. Besides Mrs. Fuller they
had another daughter, now the widow of Otis

M. Holt. Mr. and Mrs. Fuller have one son
—Fred A. Fuller, born March 22, 1866.
He married April 25, 1888, Minnie L.

Stevens, of Francestown, and now has two sons
— Arthur C. and Fenton Wright.

ETER UPTON, one of the most
prominent and influential citizens of

Jaffrey, N.H., president of the Na-

tional Bank in East Jaffrey, was born

in Tyngsboro, Mass., on October 1, 1816, son
of Jonathan and Nancy (Whittemore) Upton.
His grandfather, Joseph Upton, son of Joseph,
Sr., and Abigail (Gray) Upton, of the North
Parish of the old town of Reading, Mass., now
North Reading (and great-grandson of John,
Sr., the first American ancestor of the family,
who died at an advanced age in 1699, in Read-
ing, North Parish, where he was an extensive
landholder), was born in 1725, and died in
1810. He was a farmer and settled at Tyngs-
boro, Mass. Jonathan, father of Peter Upton,
was born at Reading, Mass., on March 16,
1780, and died on August 16, 1839. He lived
at Tyngsboro during the greater part of his
life, but his last years were spent at Dunstable.

 

 

He was a farmer by occupation. His wife,
Nancy, who was a native of Malden, Mass.,
was born on September 25, 1786, and died in
Nashua, N.H., on September 10, 1851. She
was the mother of the following children:
Nancy, Joseph, Jonathan R., Mary, Abigail,
Sarah W., Peter, Ebenezer, John G., Andrew
and Susanna, who both died in infancy, and
Julia A. Peter and Julia, now Mrs. Avery, are
the only living members of this large family.
Peter Upton received his early education at
schools in Tyngsboro, Dunstable, and at Pep-
perell Academy, all in Massachusetts, and at
the New Ipswich Academy, in New Ipswich,
N.H. He began his business life as clerk in
a store at the last-named place, and remained
there until 1837, when he came to Jaffrey.
Here he was employed for two years as a clerk
for Hiram Duncan, and at the end of that time
was taken into the business as equal partner
with Mr. Duncan. <A year later the senior
partner died, and the management of the busi-
ness devolved upon Mr. Upton, who remained
in it until 1851, when he sold a part of his in-
terest in the business to one of his clerks, Mr.
Charles H. Powers, who subsequently became
wel] known as a politician. In January of that
year the Monadnock Bank, now the Monad-
nock National Bank, was organized; and Mr.
Upton has been connected with it ever since in
one capacity or another. He was cashier for
thirty years and treasurer of the Monadnock
Savings Bank for twenty-six years, resigning
the last-named position only two years ago.
For the past seventeen years he has been presi-
dent of the National Bank. He was a di-
rector of the Monadnock Railroad from the
time of its organization unti] it became a part
of the Fitchburg system. Mr. Upton has been
active in town affairs, and has served as Town
Treasurer for two years, declining to serve
longer, and was“Postmaster for twenty-four
years. In politics he has always been a stanch
Republican. He represented the town in the
legislature of 1848, 1849, and 1850, and was a
member of Governor Currier’s Council, June,
1885-87. He attends the Congregational
church, and is a liberal supporter of its varied
activities. -Mr. Upton has taken great interest
in building up and improving the town of
248

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

Jaffrey; and for more than fifty years nearly
all of the new public buildings and many pri-
vate ones have been to a greater or less extent
the results of his plans and efforts.

Mr. Upton married Sarah M. Duncan,
daughter of Hiram Duncan, his first partner.
Mrs. Upton was born on July 8, 1833. She
is the mother of three children, all of whom
were born in Jaffrey. They are: Mary A.,
born November 4, 1856; Hiram D., born
May 5, 1859; and Alice W., born July 3,
1863. Mary A., a graduate of the Union
School in Lockport, N.Y., married Walter L.
Goodnow, a progressive and wealthy merchant.
Mr. and Mrs. Goodnow reside in Jaffrey, and
have three children, all born in this town,
namely: Jessie E., born November 10, 1879;
Hazel M., born October 17, 1882; and Ruth
L., born December 12, 1886.

Hiram D. Upton was graduated at Dart-
mouth College in the class of 1879. At the
age of twenty-one years he became cashier of
the bank of which his father is president, and
that position he held for five years. He now
resides at Manchester, N.H., where he has
been very prominent in politics. He was
Speaker of the House of Representatives of
the State in 1889, and he was for several years
treasurer of a large loan company in Manches-
ter. He married Annie E. Perkins, daughter
of Dr. Perkins, of Marlow, N.H., and is the
father of six children, namely: Donald P. and
Lloyd P., both born in Jaffrey, the former on
October 18, 1882, and the latter on December
10, 1883; Hiram D., born December 21,
1886; Irene, born November 26, 1888; Mar-
guerite, born October 3, 1890; and Dorothy,
born August 29, 1892. The four last named
were born at Manchester.

Alice W. Upton was graduated at Wellesley
College in the class of 1883, and subsequently
married Sumner B. Pearmain, of Chelsea, son
of William R. Pearmain, cashier of the First
National Bank of Chelsea. Mr. Pearmain, a
graduate of Harvard, class of 1883, isa partner
in the firm of Pearmain & Brooks, brokers, at
53 State Street, Boston, and a member of the
Boston and New York Stock Exchanges. Mr.
and Mrs. Pearmain have three children: Will-
iam R., born in Chelsea on March 17, 1888;

 

John D., born in Chelsea on March 12, 18901;
and Margaret, born in Boston on February 24,

1893.

OUIS C. BILLINGS, a member of the
firm of the Morse, Kaley Manufactur-
ing Company, and the superintend-
ent of its cotton-mills at Milford,
was born February 9, 1835, in Canton, Mass.,
son of Jarvis and Sarah (Spaulding) Billings.
His grandfather, Major Isaac Billings, was a
Revolutionary soldier, and is said to have been
of English descent. Jarvis Billings, who was
a native of Canton, Mass., in his younger
years was a school] teacher for a time after the
death of Major Billings. He died when his
son was but fourteen years of age. The home
having been then broken up, Louis C. took up
his residence with his uncle, Uriah Billings,
of Canton, Mass., for a short time. Until he
was seventeen years of age he was engaged in
various employments. Then he began learn-
ing the trade of pattern-maker at Canton with
Lyman Kinsley, another uncle, with whom he
remained three years. Subsequently he was
a foreman in Kinsley’s Rolling Mill for a
time. Later he was engaged in pianoforte-
making, which he followed up to 1860. In
this year he came to Milford and entered the
employ of Morse, Kaley & Co., cotton manu-
facturers of Milford. Here he was made
superintendent of the mill plant, which posi-
tion he has retained up to the present time.
Several years ago, after the death of the Hon.
Timothy Kaley, a member of the firm, the
firm name was changed to the Morse, Kaley
Manufacturing Company, and Mr. Billings was
admitted to partnership.

Mr. Billings married for his first wife Eme-
line B. Kaley, daughter of the Hon. Timothy
Kaley. His children by her are now deceased.
Sarah E. Foss, of Lowell, Mass., subsequently
became his second wife. By her he has three
children — Ethel L., Walter L., and Warren
C. Ethel is now the wife of J. T. Young, of
Milford. Mr. Billings has frequently de-
clined town offices. He is a Republican in
politics. Both he and his wife attend the
Unitarian church. He is a member of the

 

 
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW 249

 

 

Masonic organization at Milford. <A self-
made man, he is justly esteemed by the com-
munity. Mr. Billings was a member of the
Building Committee who had charge of the
erection of the high school building, which he
practically superintended. At the Columbian
Exposition he served acceptably as judge in
the machinery and manufacturing departments
of Machinery Hall.

EORGE F. BEMIS, station agent,
and for eleven years Postmaster at

Chesham, in Harrisville, was born in
this town, July 16, 1853, son of George W.
and Mary A. (Smith) Bemis. His grand-
father, Thomas Bemis, a stirring farmer of
this town, was twice married. By his union
with Anna Knight, a native of Sudbury,
Mass., Thomas was the father of four children
— Elbridge G., George W., Samuel D., and
Elizabeth J.

George W. Bemis, the father of George F.,
was born in Dublin, N.H. He passed the
greater part of his life in Harrisville, was con-
nected with the woodenware industry of the
town, died, and was buried here with Masonic
rites. He was a Baptist in his religious be-
lief, and he contributed liberally toward the
support of the church. His wife, Mary, who
was a daughter of Ira Smith, of this town, be-
came the mother of six children; namely,
Charles A., Sarah R., George F., James T.,
Mary A., and Ira A. The mother is now de-
ceased.

George F. Bemis was educated in his native
town. After completing his studies, he be-
came connected with his father’s woodenware
factory. Succeeding to the business after the
death of the elder Bemis, he continued to carry
it on for a number of years. Finally he aban-
doned it to enter the railroad service. He was
employed in various other capacities previous
to his appointment to that of station agent in
Harrisville. He is also the agent for the
American Express, carries on a thriving livery
business, and does contract work. Public
affairs receive from him the attention of an in-
telligent citizen, and he is a regular attendant
of the Baptist church.

 

 

 

Mr. Bemis married Emma J. Smith, who
was born in Westmoreland, N.H., March 25,
1853, and was an adopted daughter of Ira P.
Smith, of Harrisville. Mrs. Bemis is the
mother of six children; namely, Carl H.,
George W., Perley S., Caspar C., James E.,
and Grover C. Carl H., who was born Janu-
ary 10, 1872, is now an express messenger, and
resides in Springfield, Mass. He married
Nellie L. Howe, daughter of Lambert L.
Howe, and has three children — Howard H.,
Chessie, and Agnes. George W., who was
born March 29, 1875, is now a clerk in a gro-
cery store in Dublin, N.H. He wedded A.
Maud Atwell, daughter of Horace F. Atwell,
of West Somerville, Mass., and has two sons
— Gordon and George A.

 

RANKLIN P. COLBURN, a retired
cooper and well-known farmer of Hollis,
was born here, September 5, 1831, son

of Daniel and Sally (Farley) Colburn. He
comes of a family that is one of the oldest in
Hollis, and whose representatives have always
been leading people of the town. Lieutenant
Robert Colburn, of the third generation back,
who came to Hollis from Billerica, Mass., and
married Elizabeth Smith, died in 1783. The
next in line, Nathan Colburn, the grandfather
of Franklin P., was also a soldier, and fought
in the War of the Revolution. By profession
a land surveyor, he was also engaged in farm-
ing, and lived in Hollis with his wife, Abigail
Shattuck Colburn.

Daniel Colburn, who was born in 17096,
learned the cooper’s trade, which he subse-
quently followed to some extent. He also
owned and conducted a farm in the western
part of the town on what is known as Proctor’s
Hill. Sturdy, industrious, and enterprising,
he was liberal in religious views, and in poli-
tics first an old-time Whig and then a Repub-
lican. He died in Hollis in 1866. His
wife’s death occurred June 23, 1889. Of
their four children Franklin P. is the only
one living. The daughter, Lorinda, who mar-
ried Joseph Parker, died November 8, 1870.
Luke married Pluma R. Brown, and died in
1887. Daniel Webster, the youngest, born in
250

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

1839, was a corporal in the Seventh New
Hampshire Regiment, Company H, during the
Civil War, and died in service in 1863.

Franklin P. Colburn passed his boyhood in
his native town, receiving his education in the
district schools. When seventeen years old,
he learned the cooper’s trade with his father,
and subsequently worked at it for twenty years.
In 1868 he discontinued it on account of fail-
ing health, and moved to the farm where he is
now living, which was his wife’s ancestral
home. He has about one hundred and forty
acres of land, raises vegetables and fruit, and
markets choice varieties of apples and peaches.
His peach orchard, of fine growing young
trees, covers three acres. He does also con-
siderable dairy business, keeping from fifteen
to twenty head of cattle.

On May 29, 1856, Mr. Colburn married
Mary Ann Hardy, youngest daughter of Moses
and Rebecca (Farley) Hardy. On the father’s
side she is of Scotch ancestry and is a descend-
ant of Phineas Hardy, who came to Hollis
from Bradford, Mass., and who served with his
four sons in the Revolution. Moses Hardy,
who followed coopering and farming, was held
in high esteem by the community. Mrs. Re-
becca Richardson, the wife of Charles Richard-
son, of Hollis, is the only other child of his
living. Of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Col-
burn, Lura, Josephine, and Freddie Barton are
deceased. The others are: Frank E., Charles
W., Bertha Louise, Minnie Adelaide, and
Walter Herbert. Frank Colburn is a whole-
sale fruit merchant doing business both in
domestic and foreign produce in New York
City. He married Miss Anna Dimond, and
has two children — Adelaide and Frank, Jr.
Charles is partner with his brother Frank.
Bertha Louise is a teacher of elocution and
physical culture; Minnie Adelaide is also a
teacher; and Walter Herbert, the youngest,
is a practising dentist in New York City.
Both parents are members of the Congrega-
tional church of Hollis and able and devoted
workers in the various departments of church
work. In politics Mr. Colburn is a Republi-
can. He is alsoa member of Hollis Grange,
and takes much interest in the work of that
organization.

 

merly a prominent resident of Milford.

Born in Kingsey, P.Q., Canada,

on March 1, 1815, he was a son of

Robert Howison, a sea captain and a native of
Glasgow, Scotland. His mother, Nancy Wad-
leigh Howison, was of English parentage.
Robert Raney was the third of eleven children.
His parents, not being blessed with a super-
abundance of this world’s goods, found it hard
to meet the wants of the children growing up
around them. Robert, compelled by the ne-
cessity of providing for himself, came to the
States at the early age of fourteen. In 1834
he was working in a saw-mill in Stoddard,
N.H. WHusbanding his earnings, he was con-
tinually looking forward for opportunities of
bettering himself; and in 1842 he moved to
Hancock, this State, and purchased an interest
in a livery stable. A few months later he
secured control of the Forest stage line from
Peterboro to Wilton and Nashua. From 1842
unti] 1868 he had control of much of the stage
business from Peterboro, Hancock, and Stod-
dard to the point of railroad connection with
Boston. Moreover, not having confined his
operations to passenger traffic, in company
with Colonel Hiram T. Morrill, of Nashua,
now deceased, he had charge of the expressing
between Boston and these towns, which under
their management attained large proportions.
Mr. Howison also had government contracts
for the distribution of the mails through the
country traversed by his stage routes, and the
Milford branch is still conducted under his
name. In 1865, joining interests with the
late John Marvell, of Milford, he engaged in
lumbering and the real estate business. The
partnership lasted upward of twenty-five years,
and the business grew steadily. He also
owned the Howison Hotel in Milford, now
leased to George V. Tarleton. In business
he displayed a marked ability in the handling
of financial matters, and such conservative
judgment that no losses were incurred by
rash ventures. He was one of the incor-
porators of the Souhegan National Bank, es-
tablished in 1856, a member of its board
of directors until 1876, and he was the pres-
ident for seven years. The prosperity and

I OBERT RANEY HOWISON was for-
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

251

 

 

high standing of that institution are largely
due to him. He was also a trustee of the
Milford Savings Bank for a number of years.

While in politics Mr. Howison was a loyal
Republican, he invariably declined public
office. He was a member of the Construction
Committee of the town house in 1870, and
was subsequently on the Building Committee
of the Unitarian church, assisting largely in a
financial way. At no other time did he take
an active personal part in public affairs. He
was always ready in a quiet way to aid any
worthy enterprise designed for the improve-
ment of the town and the elevation of society.
For two years previous to his death Mr.
Howison’s health was gradually failing; but
his faculties were active up to within an hour
of his death, and it seemed impossible that the
end should be so near. He died February 2,
1895, in the eightieth year of his age, leaving
to his posterity a name that was a synonyme for
successful enterprise and honorable dealing.

In 1842 Mr. Howison married Elvira L.
Mellen, of Stoddard, N.H., who died in 1850.
She bore him three children, who lived but a
short time, the eldest dying in her ninth year.
In 1852 he married Caroline H. Johnson, of
Milford, who has four children. These are:
Josephine H., the wife of John B. Dayfoot, of
Cambridge, Mass.; and William R., Arthur
W., and James J. Howison, who are residents
of Milford. Arthur W. continues in part the
lumbering and real estate business established
by his father and Mr. John Marvell, and is an
influential man in his native town. He wasa
member of the Board of Selectmen of Mil-
ford for one year, and for the past three years
he has served upon the School Board.

 

SATAH WHEELER, Representative to
the New Hampshire legislature from
Greenville, was born in Temple, N.H.,
February 7, 1824, son of Nathan and

Rachel (Cummings) Wheeler. The paternal
grandfather, Nathan Wheeler (first), who fol-
lowed the trade of a mason in early life, spent
his last days upon a farm in Temple, attaining
the age of eighty-four years. He was a Whig
in. politics and a Congregationalist in relig-

 

ious belief. By his wife, Lydia Adams
Wheeler, he was the father of four children,
none of whom are living.

Nathan Wheeler (second), the father of
Isaiah, was born in either Temple or New
Ipswich, N.H. In his younger days he was
a merchant in Lyndeboro, N.H. He finally
settled in Temple, where the rest of his active
period was devoted to agricultural pursuits.
A business man of ability and good judgment,
as well as a thoroughly practical agriculturist,
he acquired considerable property. In politics
he was originally a Whig, but later he acted
with the Republican party. Besides holding
some of the important town offices, he repre-
sented his district in the legislature for a num-
ber of terms. For many years he acted as a
Deacon of the Congregational church, and he
organized the first Sunday-school connected
with that society in Temple. <A diligent Bib-
lical student, he memorized a great deal of the
Scriptures, and was considered a reliable au-
thority upon scriptural subjects and on relig-
ious subjects in general. His frank and hon-
orable methods in business inspired confidence,
and a trust confided to him was never betrayed.
His generous, benevolent, and sympathetic
nature was easily touched by the misfortunes
of others; and many deeds of charity com-
mended him to his neighbors and fellow-towns-
men. He was one of the early members of the
American Board of Foreign Missions, and con-
tributed liberally toward its support. When
he died he had attained the age of one hundred
years, lacking but twenty days. Although
totally blind during the latter part of his life,
he retained his interest in religious matters
and his position as Deacon of the church until
the last. His first wife, Rachel Cummings
Wheeler, who was a native of Temple, died at
the age of fifty-seven years. She was the
mother of eight children, of whom the only
survivor is Isaiah, the subject of this sketch.
His second marriage was contracted with Olive
Damon, a native of Ashby, Mass., who had
no children.

Isaiah Wheeler acquired a good education,
having attended the academies in New Ipswich
and Hancock, N.H. For several winters he
taught school in Temple, Nashua, and Wilton,
to
wn
te

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

spending the rest of the year in agricultural
pursuits. In 1884 he moved to Greenville.
He was afterward engaged in lumbering and
manufacturing for eight years. Although he
is still interested in lumber operations, he is
at present giving his principal attention to the
cultivation of a good farm. On February 17,
1848, he was united in marriage with Eliza-
beth Gutterson, daughter of Josiah and Phoebe
(Buss) Gutterson, of Milford. Of the four chil-
dren born to them Lizzie A., Charles T., and
Walter M. are living. Charles married Lena
Kimball, of this town, and has one child,
Doris M.

In politics Mr. Wheeler is a Republican.
He was for several years a member of the
Board of Selectmen in Temple, and he repre-
sented that town in the legislature for three
terms. Since coming to Greenville, he has
been prominent in public affairs, and he was
sent by it to the legislature in 1896. During
his first term in the House of Representatives
he secured the incorporation of the Greenville
Savings Bank, of which he is now a vice-pres-
ident. Both he and Mrs. Wheeler are mem-
bers of the Congregational church.

ANIEL W. TROW, a representative
agriculturist of Amherst, is carry-
\) ing on an extensive and lucrative
business as a general farmer and
milk producer and dealer. He was born in
the neighboring town of Mont Vernon, March
11, 1835, a son of Jesse Trow. His grand-
father, Joseph Trow, an old and honored settler
of the county, was the founder of the family in
this locality. Jesse Trow was born and reared
in Mont Vernon, where he spent a long and
useful life, dying there in May, 1866. He
was engaged in tilling the soil during his ac-
tive years, and also carried on a good business
in lumbering for some time. He held an as-
sured position among the most respected mem-
bers of the community. He married Nancy
Cochran, who was born in Amherst. Of the
children born to them there are now living:
George W., of Hudson, N.H.; Arthur A., of
Mont Vernon; and Daniel W., the subject of
this sketch.

 

 

 

 

 

‘schools of Mont Vernon, and

 

Daniel W. Trow was educated in the public
he also re-
ceived a thorough drilling in all branches of
agriculture under the instruction of his par-
ents. In 1861, about two years after his mar-
riage, Mr. Trow removed to Amherst, settling
on his present homestead, which contains about
one hundred acres of land, suitable for general
farming and grazing purposes. Here he has
followed agriculture industriously, enlarging
and extending his operations from year to year,
and in late years making a specialty of dairy-
ing. He has taken an active part in public
affairs, serving as Chairman of the Board of
Selectmen for three years of the four during
which he was a member, as Road Agent fora
time, and representing Amherst in the State
legislature for a year. In politics he affiliates
with the Republican party.

On June 12, 1859, Mr. Trow married Mary
E. Shepard, who was born in this town. She
is a daughter of Samuel and Mary A. (Ober)
Shepard, and a grand-daughter of Lummus
Shepard, who was for many years a well-known
resident of Amherst. Mrs. Trow’s parents,
who were born and reared in Amherst, died
here before reaching the prime of life, the
mother passing away when Mrs. Trow-was but
seven years old, and the father five years later.
Mr. and Mrs. Trow have three children —
Jesse S., Katie E., and Emma E. Jesse lives
in Mont Vernon; and Emma is the wife of
Arthur G. Burns, of Lowell], Mass. Both par-
ents are members of the Order of the Golden
Cross, of Amherst; and Mrs. Trow is an active
worker in the Woman’s Relief Corps, to which
she belongs.

ARREN A. FRENCH, a leading
farmer, of Alstead, is a native of
this town andason of Charles F.

and Aurelia W. (Horton) French. The fam-
ily is of English origin. Its genealogy is
traced to Thomas French, who died in Eng-
land in 1§99. Lieutenant William French,
who was the first of the name in this country,
came to America in the ship “Defence” in
1635, and settled in Cambridge, Mass. Sam-
uel, one of his descendants, was in the Revo-

 
BlOGRAPEHECAL

 

lutionary War, and fought at Bennington and
at Siuratoga.  Crandbather French was) Free-
dom, born July 5, 1707, at Hollis, NEL, and
diced October t2, 1867, at Nashua, where he
resided, Ife successively married Sarah
Moore and Tliaanah Bowers. “Uhe latter died
March 6, 1865. Phe children of the first
marriage were: Charles I., May, and Carrie;
and those of the second, Sarah, John, and
Lucy.

Charles ff. French, born at Hollis, June 20,
1820, dicd in May, 1886. After his school
days ended he went to Vermont and learned
the cooper’s trade, being naturally of a ome-
chanical turn of mind. Ife then removed to
Ilollis, where he remained for several years.
From Ttollis he came to Alstead, where he
purchased a farm, and was cneaged in agri-
cultural pursuits for the remainder of his life.
Always ready to expend time and effort in the
specding of any good cause, he was looked
up Co as seman of sincerity and worthy of con-
fidence. Tle was an active member of the
Methodist church, and lived up to the doe-
trines he professed. Ibis wife, Aurelia, a
daughter of William Elorton, of Montgomery,
Vt., was born in 1827, and dicd in) rSot.
They hada family of nine children; namely,
Ilenry C., Roena Aurelia, Albert M., George
William, Laura V., Frank I, Warren A.,
Carrie A., and Bonnte Belle. Penury ©., born
February 28, 1845, died February 6, 1863,
while a soldier in the service of his country.
Rocna Aurelia, bora March o, 1848, married
Gieorge I. Cater, a prosperous farmer of this
town, and has a number of children. Albert
M., born November 28, 1850, who is engaged
in) farming in) Alstead, married Edith Ty
Tlayward, a daughter of Claudius Hayward,
of Gilsum. George W., born December 27,
1852, who is employed in a factory in Con-
necticut, marricd Sarah Tlowe, of New Hamp-
shire, and has two children. Laura V., born
May to, 18§5, is the wife of Frank Clark, a
prominent farmer of this town, and has a num-
ber of children. Frank I., born February
1g, E858, who lives at Gilsum, married Etta
Grant, a daughter of Elenry Grant, and has
two children, Carrie A., born November 12,
i862, is Mrs. Henry Wellman, of sAlstead,

 

REV LEW 253

and the mother of two children. | Bonnie
Belle, born August 7, 1865, married Charles

Hodgkins, of Surry.

After attending the common schools tor the
usual period, Warren A. lrench worked as a
farmer until his marriage, with the exception
of a period during which he was employed in
a wood shop. After his marriage he bought
a farm, which he has since carried on success-

fully. He takes an active part in town
affairs, Last year he was nominated for Se-
Iectman, but was defeated. Ile is an Odd

Fellow, a prominent member of the grange,
and he belongs also to the United Order of
American Mechanics, to the Order of the
Golden Cross, and to that of the Fraternal
Helpers.

On April 4, 1883, Mr. French was united
in marriage with Etta Emmons, who was born
September 23, 1855, daughter of David
Iemmons, of Bristol, N.If. Mr. and Mrs.
French have two children: Grace, born April
18, 1886; and Ruby, born July 20, 1887.
Both parents attend the Congregational
church. Mr. French is a self-made man.
Ilaving started in life penniless and in debt
for his farm, he now has a large dairy farm
with forty head of fine Jerseys, and ships milk
every day to Boston, where he controls a
milk route in that city.

ee

RTHUR J. BELDING, a prominent
farmer of Hast s\Istead, was born in
Sandisfield, Miass., February 22,
S44, son of Buel C. and llizabeth
(Barber) Belding. “The paternal grandfather,
James Belding, lived at Sandisfield, where he
was a farmer and drover, and served the com-
munity in the capacities of Selectman and in
other offices. His wite was Betsey French
Belding, and she bore him four children —
Buel ©., Honly ..,. lary ., and one that
dicd in infancy. ;

Buel C. Belding, who was born at Sandis-
field in 1812, died im 1882. After leaving
school, he farmed with his father for several
years, and then bought a farm. After a time
he sold out and went to the southern part
of Vermont and thence to Chesterfield, this
254

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

State. His wife, Elizabeth, who was born in
1814, daughter of Luke Barber, of Canton,
Conn., died in 1882. Husband and wife were
buried together on the same day. They had
five children— Arthur J., Helen E., Edgar
C., Katie J., and Carrie E. Helen E. mar-
ried Willis Ober, of Athens, Vt., and has one
child. Edgar C., who is a carriage painter
and lives in Drewsville, N.H., married Susan
Boutwell. Katie J. is the wife of Frank
Leach, a farmer of Hinsdale, N.H.; and
Carrie E. married Herbert Buswell, a mer-
chant of Vermont, and has two children.

Arthur J. Belding received his early educa-
tion in the schools of Otis, Mass. Before he
was of age, he bought a farm. Later he went
to Spencer, Mass., and was the proprietor of a
hotel there for twelve years. At the end of
that time he came to Alstead, and has since
been engaged in general farming here. He
has taken a warm interest in the progress of
the town. He has been Selectman for three
years, and always takes a leading part in
the discussion of all important questions that
come up for discussion before the town meet-
ings. He attends the Congregational church.
Mr. Belding married Miss Ida H. Warner,
who was born in July, 1857.

OHN H. GOODRICH, a _ prominent
citizen of Lyndeboro and an ex-Rep-

 

resentative to the New Hampshire

legislature, was born in this town,
March 28, 1835, son of John C. and Pamela
(Atwood) Goodrich. He is a descendant of
William Goodrich, an early New England
colonist, who, born in England, probably
about the year 1600, was living in Watertown,
Mass., in 1636. Of his five children by his
wife, Margaret, the second, Jeremiah Good-
rich, was born March 6, 1638. He wedded
Mary Adams, and reared a family of seven
children, of whom Philip was the fourth child.
Philip Goodrich, born November 23, 1669,
was one of the first settlers in Lunenburg,
Mass., where he built the third frame house in
1724. He was the first Deacon of the church
in Lunenburg, and was the first of the settlers
to be buried there after his death on January

 

16, 1729. He wedded Mehitable Woodman,
and of his twelve children Benjamin was the
eldest. Benjamin Goodrich, born in Lunen-
burg, February 3, 1701, died April 19, 1773.
On April 8, 1730, he married Sarah Phelps,
of Lancaster, who, born in 1700, died June 19,
1776. Their seventh child, Sewall, born July
7, 1743, studied for the ministry, and, gradu-
ating from Harvard College in 1764, became
one of the earliest preachers in Lyndeboro,
where he settled in 1768. He was ordained
pastor of the Congregational church, Septem-
ber 7 of that year, and had preached here for
over forty years, when he died March 14,
1809, at the age of sixty-six years. The Rev.
Sewall Goodrich married Pha:be Putnam, Feb-
ruary 7, 1769. Born November 26, 1752,
she died June 23, 1832. She became the
mother of eleven children.

Benjamin Goodrich, the third child of the
Rev. Sewall Goodrich and the grandfather of
John H., was a lifelong resident of Lynde-
boro, and spent his active years in tilling the
soil. In politics he supported the Whig
party, and he served as a member of the Board
of Selectmen for eight years. He was a
Deacon of the Congregational church for more
than thirty years. The maiden name of his
wife was Sarah Clark. Of his eight children
the only survivor is Phoebe M., the widow of
Abram Patch, late of Danvers, Mass. The
eldest, John C. Goodrich, the father of John
H., was born in Lyndeboro, August 15,
1803. He was reared to agricultural pursuits,
and afterward prosperously cultivated a farm
during his active period. He was elected
Representative to the legislature for the years
1864 and 1865, and ably fulfilled the duties of
that position. He was deeply interested in
the moral and religious welfare of the com-
munity, and acted as a Deacon of the Congre-
gational church for thirty-six years. John C.
Goodrich died January 30, 1882. His wife,
Pamela, whom he married December 4, 1833,
was a daughter of Paul Atwood, of Lynde-
boro. She became the mother of three chil-
dren— John H., Mary P., and Sarah M.
Mary P. is the wife of George H. Stevens, of
Milford, N.H. Sarah M. is now Mrs. D. E.
Proctor, of Wilton, N.H., and has had five
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW 255

 

 

children, of whom Frank E., Mary P., George
S., and Fred W. are living. Mrs. John C.
Goodrich died December 11, 1887.

John H. Goodrich was educated in the
schools of Lyndeboro. His principal occupa-
tion through life has been general farming.
He is one of the stirring farmers and repre-
sentative citizens of the town, and his pros-
perity is the result of industry and persever-
ance. He enlisted for service in the Civil
War in 1864, was stationed at Fort Constitu-
tion for ninety days, and is now a member of
the Lafayette Artillery. He was Selectman
for one year, has been a member of the Board
of Education since 1890, took the last census
of the town, and-has acted as a Justice of the
Peace for the past thirty years. In 1857 he
was appointed the first Postmaster at North
Lyndeboro, which office he retained until
elected to the legislature in 1879, when his
wife succeeded him. He is also a member of
the committee selected to compile and publish
a history of the town of Lyndeboro.

On January 15, 1874, Mr. Goodrich mar-
ried Addie R. Rowe, who was born in Boston,
Mass., November 6, 1836. Their two chil-
dren were born: John Robert, on October 31,
1874; and Millie A., September 9, 1876.
Millie A. is now the wife of Lewis A. Trow,
of Mont Vernon, N.H., and has one son,
Harold A., who was born January 10, 1897.
Mr. Goodrich is a Past Master of Pinnacle
Grange, of Lyndeboro, Patrons of Husbandry,
and was its secretary for eighteen years.

RRIN T. CLOUGH, a successful and
progressive farmer of Goffstown, was

 

born in Dunbarton, N.H., October

12, 1842, son of Luther and Mary
(Colby) Clough, the former a native of Bow,
N.H., and the latter of Dunbarton. Jona-
than Clough, the grandfather of Orrin T., and
an early settler of Bow, was a farmer there
throughout the greater part of his life, and
died at an advanced age. His son Luther,
also a farmer, who made use of progressive
methods in his work, lived mainly in the
town of Bow, and died there at the age of
seventy-seven. Luther’s wife, Mary, was

 

sixty-two years of age at the time of her death.
Of their seven children, all of whom reached
maturity, three are living. These are: Otis
J., a mechanic, residing in Lynn, Mass.;
Seth, also a mechanic, residing in Manches-
ter, N.H.; and Orrin, the subject of this
sketch, and who is the second in age.

Orrin T. Clough received his education in
the common schools of Bow, and in that town
grew to manhood. At first he worked as a
mechanic for twenty years. For several years
of that period he was exclusively employed in
carriage-making. Anxious to buy a farm, he
worked hard, and saved his earnings, so that
he was able to purchase the place where he
now lives in Goffstown, in 1886. It isa fine
farm of fifty-seven acres, and shows that no
pains have been spared in the matter of im-
provements and the employing of modern
methods. Everything looks well kept, and
gives evidence that the owner is a practical
farmer and one up to the times. The stone
fences and excellent out-buildings are
matched by the neat, comfortable dwelling.
A great part of the work is done by means of
machinery. He carries on general farming,
never having made a specialty of any one
branch.

In 1866 Mr. Clough was married to Sarah
E. Colby, who was born in Goffstown in
1843, daughter of Thomas and Mary (Kelly)
Colby. Representatives of the Colby family
were among the early settlers of both Bow
and Goffstown, and the name is a well-known
one. Mr. and Mrs. Clough have no children.
Mr. Clough is bound to no particular belief
in religious matters. He is identified with
the Patrons of Husbandry of Grasmere, and in
politics is a Democrat.

EORGE W. BARKER, an enterpris-
ing dairyman and cattle dealer of

Harrisville, was born in Nelson,
N.H., December 15, 1844, son of Chauncey
and Lucinda (Bryant) Barker. His grand-
father, Thaddeus Barker, was a prosperous
farmer of Nelson, where he was Selectman and
Town Clerk, and served in other public offices.
Thaddeus married Betsey Robbins, and be-

 
256

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

came the father of seven children — Joel,
Chauncey, Orin, Thaddeus, Sophia, Daphne,
and Maria.

Chauncey Barker, a native of Nelson, born
in September, 1809, was reared to farming.
When a young man he engaged in teaming,
and afterward for several years drove a six-
horse team from Nelson, Harrisville, and
Dublin, to Boston, transporting goods to and
from these places. He also drove cattle to
Brighton, Mass., and was subsequently em-
ployed in butchering. His wite, who was
before marriage Lura Bryant, was born Febru-
ary 13, 1817, in the part of Nelson now a part
of Harrisville, daughter of Benjamin Bryant.
She became the mother of thirteen children,
five of whom are living, namely: George W.,
the subject of this sketch; Daniel W., a
thriving farmer of Keene, who married Sarah
Sheldon, of Nelson, and has a family; Thad-
deus W., who married Rose Hardy, and owns
a good farm in Nelson: Ida, the wife of
George L. Tatro, of Manchester, N.H.; and
Edgar C., who was born in Nelson in 1854,
and is one of the able farmers and prominent
residents of Harrisville. The others were:
Laura, Lura, Belle, Fanny, Addie, Winnie,
Eva, and Edna. Lura died at the age of eigh-
teen years; Winnie did not live to maturity;
Eva married Edwin Knights, of Hancock,
N.H., and died at the age of twenty-two; and
Edna, now deceased, married Henry Stevens,
of Nelson, who also died.

Chauncey Barker's opportunities for acquir-
ing an education were limited to a few weeks’
attendance each year in boyhood at the old
red school-house, after the hay crop had been
harvested. Ambitious to advance, however,
by a judicious use of his leisure hours, he ob-
tained a good, practical education. While he
does not pretend to be a poet, he sometimes
courts the muse; and his following description
in rhyme of the old-fashioned district school
will be understood and appreciated by some of
the Review's older readers who have been
there: —

‘: The school-house, built upon the hill,
One might suppose the blood would chill, —
Seats with benches on three sides;
In front a row of smaller seats besides ;

 

A fireplace, too, both wide and high;
Andirons with backlogs and fore-sticks high,
The school-house was always painted red.
The master’s rod the scholars much did dread.

* To build the fire and make it burn
Each boy was forced to take his turn,
Also to learn to read and spell.
The Assembly's Catechism was learned as well;
Tables of numbers, Arabic and Roman,
Emphasis. cadence. pauses,
Comma, period, and colon.
The slate and pencil then were used
To work out sums the most abstruse.
The rule and plummet next we meet
To mark the lines upon each sheet.
The spelling-school was held at night,
With tallow candles shining bright;
And, when the master had gone away,
The boys and girls would stay awhile to play.
They were healthy, robust, and bold,
They feared not storm nor cold.
Many a good, great man will now declare
His success in life was aided there.”

George W. Barker was educated in the
schools of Nelson and Harrisville. In early
life he was engaged in driving cattle from this
section to Brighton, Mass. Since relinquish-
ing that occupation he has given his attention
to dairy farming, stock-raising, and butcher-
ing. He keeps from twenty to thirty-five
head of cattle and thirteen horses, sells large
quantities of milk, and furnishes the markets
with native beef, which brings him a good
price. He has acceptably filled the more im-
portant town offices. In his religious beliet
he is a Congregationalist. Mr. Barker mar-
ried Julia Albee, who was born in Morgan,
Vt., in August, r844. He has no children.

 

APTAIN THEODORE COLE, for

a number of years a seafaring man,

well skilled in the art of naviga-

tion, and late a retired ship-master,

residing in his native town, Westmoreland,
Cheshire County, N.H., was born on May
11, 1813. He was a son of Asa Cole, who
was born in Harvard, Mass., December 8,
1768. Asa Cole was left fatherless at an
early age, and the years of his life between
seven and fourteen were spent with his aunt,
Mrs. Chamberlain, in Westmoreland. When
a young man he learned the trade of mill-
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

259

 

 

wright, and, following his trade for some
years, he built the Pierce mills in the
south part of Westmoreland. He was man-
ager of the mills for four years, until they
were sold in 1814, after which he spent a
summer in Boston. In the fall he removed
to Gouldsboro, Me., in the hope of improving
his failing health, but in vain. He returned
to Westmoreland in 1816, and died a few
weeks later, leaving a widow and eleven chil-
dren. Mrs. Cole made a home for the chil-
dren until] they were able to care for them-
selves, Theodore being one of the youngest of
the family. The children were: Asa, Rich-
ard Goldsmith, Sarah, Benjamin Franklin,
Nancy Goldsmith, Philena, John, Susan Er-
mina, William, Theodore, and Charles Henry.
John and Charles also followed the sea with
success, each becoming the master of a
vessel.

Theodore Cole at the age of nine years
went to live with the family of Abijah
French, a farmer and lumberman of West-
moreland. There he stayed for about ten
years, working on the farm throughout the
summer, and finding time for district school
in the winter. When he was twenty-two years
old he went to New Bedford, Mass., en-
gaged as a seaman under the well-known
master, Captain James Maxfield, and made his
first voyage, which lasted eighteen months.
In 1837 he sailed under Captain Shubael
Hawes on a two years’ cruise around the world.
In 1839 he made a second prolonged voyage
under the same captain, reaching home in
January, 1842. By diligent and prompt at-
tention to his duties he early won the ap-
proval of his employers, and prepared the way
for promotion; and at the age of thirty he had
twice circumnavigated the globe. In May,
1843, he began his third voyage around the
world as master of the ship ‘‘Parachute,’’ re-
turning to New Bedford in July, 1845. Mar-
ried shortly after, he continued to follow the
sea until 1851, when he returned from his
last voyage, whose duration was two years and
a half, and in which his wife had accompanied
him. Mrs. Cole was rejoiced when the hills
and spires of New Bedford again came into
view.

 

Captain Cole, being naturally an energetic
man, on giving up his maritime profession en-
gaged at once in manufactures and merchan-
dising in Brattleboro, Vt., where he remained
until 1859, when he removed to Westminster,
Vt., and purchased a farm. There he lived
for nine years, identifying himself with the
affairs of the town, which he represented in
the legislature in 1862. Leaving Westminster,
he spent nine years in Waverley village, Bel-
mont, Mass., in order to educate his children.
In 1875 he enjoyed a pleasure trip to Colo-
rado, Wyoming, and California, and after that
he made his home in Westmoreland as long
as he lived, employing his leisure time in
farming, and interesting himself in politics.
He was a member of the New Hampshire leg-
islature in 1882. He died July 2, 1885.

Captain Cole, it is said, was a ship-master
of pronounced ability; and as a merchant and
farmer, too, he impressed others with a sense
of his fitness to lead and direct, and, being
a man of extensive and accurate knowledge,
gained by experience and reading, was an im-
portant factor in the community where he re-
sided. He joined the Congregational church
in 1876, and always contributed liberally to
its support.

Captain Cole was married in August, 1845,
to Livilla Gleason, daughter of Captain Wil-
son Gleason, a lifelong resident of Westmore-
land. Her grandfather, Fortunatus Gleason,
was an early settler in the town, coming
hither from Massachusetts. Captain Gleason
was a prominent man in military matters.
He was the owner of a farm, and, until the
railroads were started, he dealt extensively in
cattle, driving them to Brighton, Mass., a
lucrative business in those days. He was not
an office-seeker, but devoted himself to busi-
ness —a man of good judgment and firm char-
acter. He was a liberal contributor to the
Universalist church, of which he was a mem-
ber. He was also connected with the Ma-
sonic order. His wife was Lucy Atherton,
daughter of Joseph. They had ten children,
as follows: Lucy Atherton, born April 19,
1814, who died at the age of twenty-one
years; Jerome W., born April 25, 1816;
Livilla (Mrs. Cole), born March 21, 1818;
260

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

Clementia, born October 28, 1819, who mar-
ried Charles S. Childs; Joseph H., born in
1821, who married Lizzie Mason; Fortuna-
tus, born in 1822, who married Mary Foster;
Albert Jackson, born December 10, 1824;
Sarah Ann, born March 19, 1826, who mar-
ried William Cleland; Lorin, who died in in-
fancy; Lorin W., born April 20, 1828, who
married for his first wife Eunice Bennett, and
whose second wife’s given name was Georgie.

The children of Captain and Mrs. Cole were
as follows: Frank Theodore, William Henry,
Lucy Anna, Sarah Gleason. Frank Theodore
Cole, the eldest, was born in Brattleboro, Vt.,
June 22, 1853. After attending the high
school at Belmont, Mass., he continued his
preparation for college at Phillips Academy,
Andover, Mass., where he went in 1870,
and at the Williston Seminary, Easthamp-
ton, Mass., where he was graduated in June,
1873. He entered Williams College the
same year, and received his degree of Bachelor
of Arts in 1877. In the fall he entered Co-
lumbia College Law School in New York City,
teaching in private schools when not in atten-
dance at lectures. He was graduated in 1879,
was admitted to the Kings County bar, New
York, and, going to Columbus, Ohio, in the
same year, was admitted to the bar in Febru-
ary, 1880, when he at once began to practise in
partnership with a classmate and friend, Mr.
Byron Collins. He eventually gave up his
law practice to accept the principalship of
the Latin school in that city, and has held
this responsible position, efficiently discharg-
ing its duties, for several years past. He is
very active and prominent in local public
matters and in charitable enterprises.

William Henry, the second child, was
born August 19, 1854. He attended a com-
mercial college in Boston, and was employed
asa clerk for a few years, but finally became
a wheat farmer on the San Joaquin River. In
1886 he returned East and settled on a farm
in Westminster, Vt. He married Addie M.
Greene, daughter of the Rev. James B.
Greene, of San Joaquin, Cal. His children
are: Edith J., Mabel Ruth, Theodore F., and
Lawrence. Lucy Anna, the third child of the
Captain, was born February 29, 1856, and

 

died March 7, 1856. The other daughter,
Sarah G., was born February 15, 1857, and
died April 30, 1874. She was an accom-
plished young girl, adding to a good education
a generous musical culture, and was possessed
of rare personal qualities.

RANKLIN HADLEY, of the firm
Alvin Hadley & Co., manufacturers of
sashes and blinds at Goffstown, Hills-

boro County, was born in Goffstown, Decem-
ber 16, 1835, son of Nathaniel and Frances
(Jones) Hadley. He is descended from Plum-
mer Hadley, who was born in 1738 in Hamp-
stead, N.H., and who in early manhood came
to Goffstown, and settled on what has since
been known as Hadley Hill. Plummer Had-
ley died here, September 12, 1814. He was
in the Revolutionary War, and, according toa
family tradition, left his plough in the field
to go to defend his country.

Nathaniel Hadley, Sr., son of Plummer and
grandfather of Franklin Hadley, born in
Goffstown, spent his life in this town. He
was a thrifty, industrious farmer, and he died
at the age of seventy-six years. His wife,
whose maiden name was Hannah Martin, died
at the age of seventy-four. Of their five chil-
dren who reached maturity, the only survivor
is Clarinda, the wife of Francis Martin, resid-
ing in Goffstown. Nathaniel Hadley, Jr.,
succeeded his father in the ownership of the
old Hadley homestead, and was a successful
farmer. In political affiliation he was a Dem-
ocrat; and, while not a church member, he
was a regular attendant of the Congregational
church. He lived to be eighty-two years old,
and Frances, his wife, lived to be seventy-six.
Of their five children Francina, who married
Tru Colby, of Dunbarton, died in January,
1892. The others are: Franklin, the subject
of this sketch; Celia, the wife of Daniel W.
Hoitt, of Goffstown; Sylvia, the wife of John
Q. Perley, of Goffstown; and Caroline, the
wife of Darwin M. Poore, of Manchester.

After obtaining his education in the Goffs-
town schools and Hopkinton Academy, Frank-
lin Hadley, the eldest of his parents’ chil-
dren, began his career as a sash and blind

 
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

261

 

 

manufacturer. That was in 1856, when he
was twenty-one years old, and he has been in-
terested in the business ever since. At the
present time he is the general superintendent
of the establishment of Alvin Hadley & Co.
This is a first-class factory. It is provided
with water-power and the most improved ma-
chinery, and it furnishes regular employment
to between forty and forty-five men.

Mr. Hadley was married January 12, 1860,
to Sabra B. Hadley, daughter of Luther and
Mary (Barr) Hadley. They have one daugh-
ter, M. Etta Hadley. In politics Mr. Hadley
is a Republican. He served as Town Clerk
for three years, and he was a Representative
to the legislature at Concord for 1878. He
and his wife are attendants of the Congrega-
tional church.

ARREN W. EMORY, a well-known
merchant of Rindge, Cheshire
County, and an ex-member of the

legislature, was born in this town, February
12, 1837, son of Derostus W. and Mary
(Pierce) Emory. The family name as spelled
by his early ancestors, who resided chiefly in
Newbury, Mass., was Emery; but his great-
grandfather, John, who was born in Topsfield
in 1750, and settled in Rindge in 1771,
changed the spelling to Emory. John Emory
resided in the south-west part of this town
for the rest of his life after settling here,
and died March 26, 1839, aged eighty-eight
years. He married Elizabeth Perkins, of
Topsfield. Captain Stephen Emory, grand-
father of Warren W., was born in Rindge,
May 13, 1778. For many years he was en-
gaged in the manufacture of boxes and drums.
He was frequently elected to serve on the
Board of Selectmen and to other town offices,
and he held the rank of Captain in the State
militia. He lived to reach his ninety-sixth
year, and at the time of his death was the old-
est inhabitant of the town by over five years.
He was three times married. His first wife,
whose maiden name was Betsey Wood, died
March 2, 1807. His second wife was in
maidenhood Polly Ingalls, and his third
Hephzibah Buswell.

 

 

Derostus W. Emory, Warren W. Emory’s
father, was a lifelong resident of Rindge, in
which town his active years were devoted to
general farming. He died in his eighty-sixth
year. His wife, Mary Pierce Emory, who
was a daughter of Benjamin Pierce, of Rindge,
became the mother of seven children; namely,
George A., Julia A., Derostus P., Eliza J.,
Albert A., Mary Anna, and Warren W.
George A., Derostus P., Eliza J., and Mary
Anna reside in East Jaffrey, N.H.; Albert A.
is a resident of West Rindge village; Julia
A. is no longer living.

Warren W. Emory was educated in the
schools of his native town, and followed agri-
culture until reaching the age of thirty years.
He then entered mercantile business, in which
he has been engaged for the last thirty years.
His present store at Rindge Centre was
erected by him some twenty years ago. Mr.
Emory has taken an active part in local
affairs. He was Assistant Postmaster for six
years, Postmaster for eighteen years, Town
Clerk for twenty-eight years, and Town Treas-
urer for twenty-two years. He represented
his district in the State legislature for the
years 1875 and 1876, and in January, 1889,
he served asa delegate to the Constitutional
Convention. Politically, he is a Republican,
and he cast his first Presidential vote for
Abraham Lincoln in 1860. He is connected
by membership with the Masonic fraternity,
the United Order of the Golden Cross, and
the Patrons of Husbandry. He is a Baptist
in religious belief. +

In November, 1860, Mr. Emory married for
his first wife Caroline Lake. In 1868 he
married for his second wife her cousin Abbie
T. Lake, daughter of John Lake. He has one
daughter, Edith, who is the wife of Harlan A.
Stearns, of Rindge.

 

leading farmers of Hollis, was born
here, December 31, 1825, son of
James and Dorcas (Moore) Wheeler,
both natives of Hollis. Thaddeus Wheeler
was one of the pioneer settlers of Hollis,
where he carried on farming and coopering.

qs E. WHEELER, one of the
262

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

He was a member of the Board of Selectmen
and served in various other positions of public
trust. A strong man physically, he lived to
a good age. His five sons and one daughter
are now deceased.

James Wheeler, a son of Thaddeus and the
father of Jackson E., spent his boyhood on his
father’s place. As he grew to manhood, he
adopted the occupation previously engaged in
by his father; namely, farming and coopering.
He was a vigorous, enterprising man, able to
represent worthily his father, both in character
and ability. He lived a long and honored
life, dying at the age of eighty-four years.
His wife died at the age of eighty-seven. In
politics Mr. Wheeler was a Democrat. He
served the town as Selectman and as its Repre-
sentative in the State legislature. Always
interested in military affairs, and especially in
the drill, he was appointed a Major in the
State militia, in which capacity he distin-
guished himself on several occasions. Of his
children, James W. and Louisa M. are de-
ceased. The six living are: Mary A., Eme-
line, Jackson E., Hannah, Charles H., and
George F.

Jackson Wheeler grew to manhood in Hol-
lis, receiving his education in the public
schools. Living upon the old farm, to which
he succeeded, he has made many improvements,
including new and substantial buildings. He
keeps a herd of twenty cattle, of full-blooded
Holstein breed, and does considerable dairy
business. Like his father, Mr. Wheeler is a
Democrat and a stanch supporter of his party.
In religion he holds liberal views. He is a
member of Hollis Grange, and takes an active
interest in the meetings and discussions of that
body. The townspeople respect him, not so
much for his position as land-owner as for his
good judgment and business sagacity.

 

 

inent resident of Antrim, was born
in Acton, Me., November 6, 1856,
~ son of the Rev. William and Har-
riet (Brown) Hurlin. His parents were
both born in England, and came to America
about the year 1849. William Hurlin, at

AY ALBERT HURLIN, a prom-

 

 

first a Free Will Baptist minister, became a
Baptist, and for many years preached in vari-
ous places in Vermont, New Hampshire, and
Maine. In 1866 he settled in Antrim, and
remained there about seven years. About
twenty years ago he gave up regular preach-
ing, and returned to Antrim to reside perma-
nently. He has been the secretary of the
New Hampshire Baptist State Convention for
years. A man of sterling worth, he is highly
esteemed. His wife bore him twelve chil-
dren, of whom there are living: Harriet,
Elizabeth, Sarah, John M., Sophia, Henry
Albert, and Clara. Harriet is the wife of Ira
Palmer, of East Sumner, Me., and has three
children — Frank, Arthur, and Gertrude;
Elizabeth is the wife of B. S. Buckminster,
of Antrim, and has no children; Sarah mar-
ried O. J. Lincoln, of Santa Cruz, Cal., and
has two children — Mabel and Robert; John
married Mary Brown, of Boston, Mass., and
has two children — Howard and Edna; Sophia
is the wife of Samuel R. Robinson, of An-
trim, and has three children — Fred, Carl,
and Don; Clara is the widow of John G. Ab-
bott, and resides with her children, Charles
and Robert, in Antrim.

Henry Albert Hurlin came with his parents
to Antrim when he was nine years of age.
He attended school here until he was about
seventeen, working for wages, however, dur-
ing his vacations, after he was fourteen, in
the employment of D. H. Goodell & Co. In
1876 he went to Boston, and remained there
four years, during which time he worked at
the carpenter’s trade, and also for his brother
in the provision business. On January 1,
1880, he returned to Antrim, and again en-
tered the employ of Goodell & Co., this time
as clerk, which position he occupies at the
present time. He is now a stockholder and
secretary of the company, and is a most valu-
able assistant of ex-Governor Goodell, being,
in short, his right-hand man. He now repre-
sents the town of Antrim in the House of
Representatives, having been elected in 1896.
In politics he is a supporter of the Republi-
can party. He has been one of the Super-
visors of the Check List since 1892, and is
now chairman of the Board. Both he and his
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

263

 

 

wife are members of the Baptist church, and
he has been quite an active and influential
worker in the same. At the present time he
is one of the Deacons, serves on the Standing
Committee, and is superintendent of the Sun-
day-school.

Mr. Hurlin has been married twice. By
his first marriage, which took place October
24, 1882, he was united to Carrie A. Lincoln,
of Boston, Mass. She died a year later, leav-
ing one child, Herbert, who also died April
I, 1896. Mr. Hurlin was again married Oc-
tober 6, 1887, to Mary M. Gibney, of An-
trim, whose living children by him are:
Ralph G. and William H. A man of high
integrity and self-made, Mr. Hurlin has many
friends, and is warmly esteemed.

 

farmer of Greenville, was born Octo-
Le ber 31, 1844, at Pepperell, Mass.,

son of Lyman and Rachel F. (With-
ington) Newell. The paternal grandfather,
William Newell, was a well-known carpenter
and farmer of Mason, N.H. Born August 8,
1772, he died at the age of sixty-five years.
His wife, Betsy Hodgeman Newell, died at
the age of seventy. Both attended the Con-
gregational church. They reared ten chil-
dren, three of whom are now living. These
are: Betsy, born August 9, 1815, who is the
widow of Elisha Withington, and has two
children — Harrison E. and George A.;
Thirzy, born September 28, 1817, who is the
widow of Ira B. Foster, and has two children
— Ellen and Sophronia; and Lydia, who is
the wife of Abel Adams.

Lyman Newell, the fourth child of Will-
iam Newell, was born November 15, 1808.
A farmer by occupation, he spent the latter
part of his life in Westminster, Mass., where
he died at the age of eighty-six years. His
six children were: Malissa, William, Henry,
Augustus, John, and Zulima. Malissa is the
widow of Daniel P. Blake, and has one child,
Lotta M. William died from the effect of
wounds received in the late war, leaving two
children — Albion and Harry. Augustus
married Abbie Smith, and has three children

A= L. NEWELL, a prominent

 

 

— Georgia, Maude, and Fred. John is the
busband of Cora Daniels, and the father of
four children — Mabel, Charles, Blanche, and
Frank. Zulima, now Mrs. Warren Wise,
was twice married. Her first husband was
George Jennings, who was the father of her
daughter Mary. Her daughter Marion was
born of her second marriage. Lyman Newell
and his wife were members of the Congrega-
tional church. In politics he was a Repub-
lican.

Henry Newell received a good public-school
education, and has since devoted himself to
agriculture. He has a farm of about eighty
acres of good tillage Jand in Greenville. In
September, 1869, he married Eliza J. Rus-
sell, daughter of the late Moses Russell and
Betsy (Dunster) Russell, of Greenville. Mr.
and Mrs. Newell have had no children. They
have an adopted son, William L. Newell,
who was born in Marlboro, Mass., son of
Thomas Livermore, a soldier of the late war.
Mr. Livermore died when his son was very
young, and in June, 1895, Mr. and Mrs.
Newell legally adopted him. Mr. Newell is
a Republican in politics. Both he and his
wife are members of the Congregational
church of Greenville.

 

_———t—-

 

OSES RUSSELL, for many years

one of the most highly respected

citizens of Hillsboro County,

Greenville, where he spent the

greater part of his long and useful life, was

born in the adjacent town of Mason, December

2, 1793. He was a son of Hubbard and
Sarah (Warren) Russell.

The Russell family is of English descent.
Richard Russell, who came to this country
and settled at Charlestown, Mass., in 1640,
was Treasurer of the colony for twenty years.
William Russell, with his wife Martha and
their son Joseph, born in England about 1636,
came over and settled at Cambridge between
1640 and 1645. Other children were born to
them at Cambridge. Jason Russell, of the
fourth generation in descent from William,
and grandfather of Moses Russell, was an ex-
tensive landholder and one of the leading men
264

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

at Menotomy, as West Cambridge, now Ar-
lington, Mass., was then called. He lost his
life in the early days of the struggle for inde-
pendence, being killed at his own door on
April 19, 1775, by the British troops as they
were returning from the battle of Lexington.
His age was fifty-nine years. A part of the
Jason Russell house at Arlington is still
standing. He left six children, of whom
Hubbard, father of Moses Russell, was the
third.

Hubbard Russell removed in 1772 to
Mason, N.H., where he was a shoemaker and
farmer, and lived to be eighty-eight years old.
He was a Congregationalist, and greatly de-
voted to the church, being a regular attendant
at all the services. For years he was a town
office holder. He married Sarah Warren, and
twelve children were born to them, none of
whom are now living.

Moses Russell devoted his attention to
farming. He was an active member of the
Congregational church in Greenville and a
prominent and influential citizen. He mar-
ried Betsey Dunster, daughter of Jason Duns-
ter, a soldier in the Revolutionary War and a
lineal descendant of Henry Dunster, who
came from England in 1640, and was the first
president of Harvard College. Moses Russell
and his wife both died in Greenville in 1885,
he at the age of ninety-one, and she at the age
of eighty-four years. They were the parents
of four children, two sons and two daughters,
but only the daughters, Julia A. and Eliza J.,
survive. Isaiah D., the elder son, died in
Worcester, Mass., in 1887. He married N.
Maria Wentworth, by whom he had a son and
daughter. The son, Charles Addison Russell,
now resides in Connecticut, where in 1885 and
subsequently he held the position of Secre-
tary of State. For the past six years he has
been in the National Congress. The daugh-
ter, Annie M., is now Mrs. Marble. Addi-
son Russell, the younger son of Moses and
Betsey (Dunster) Russell, died in Worcester,
Mass., in 1875. His wife, whose maiden
name was Carrie E. Carey, died in 1882.
Julia A. Russell is the widow of Henry H.
Savin, and has five children, namely: Abbie
J., now Mrs. Allen; George H.; Willie H.;

 

Flora, now Mrs. Noyes; and Lillian, now
Mrs. Williams. Eliza J. Russell is the wife
of Henry L. Newell, of Greenville, N.H.

YMAN DAVIS, a_ well-known black-
smith and wheelwright of East Sulli-
van, Cheshire County, and an ex-
member of the New Hampshire
legislature, was born in Stoddard, this county,
September 25, 1845, son of Marcus and Lydia
L. (Wilson) Davis. He is a grandson of Asa
Davis, a native of Massachusetts, who when a
young man settled upon a farm in Stoddard,
and resided there for the rest of his life. Asa
Davis married a Miss Hodgeman, and reared
a family of seven children; namely, Marcus,
Asa, Alden, Isaiah, Sarah, Nancy, and Lizzie.
Marcus Davis, father of Lyman, was born
in Stoddard, May 4, 1807, and spent the
greater portion of his life on the homestead.
He became a well-to-do farmer, and was a
highly respected citizen. He died December
2, 1859. His wife, Lydia, who is still liv-
ing, was born August 10, 1814, a daughter of
Colonel William Wilson, of Stoddard. She
became the mother of five children, as follows:
Elvira, who married D. W. Rugg, a prosper-
ous farmer of Sullivan, and died leaving one
son; Albert, a resident of Nelson, who mar-
ried Rosette Town, and has one daughter;
Henry Davis, an account of whom may be
found elsewhere in this work; Lyman, the
subject of this sketch; and Martha, who is
the wife of Leslie H. Goodnow, the Postmas-
ter and Town Treasurer of Sullivan.

Lyman Davis finished his studies at the
Marlow Academy, and for a few years after
leaving school he was engaged in agricultural
pursuits. He learned the trades of black-
smith and wheelwright with Ellery E. Rugg,
of Sullivan, and for nearly thirty years has
been actively and profitably employed thereat
in this town. He has served as Selectman
five or six terms, is at present Tax Collector
and Moderator at town meetings; and while
Representative to the legislature in 1893 he
was a member of the Committee on Manufact-
uring. He is connected by membership with
the Patrons of Husbandry, and the United

 
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

265

 

 

Order of the Golden Cross and attends the
Congregational church.

Mr. Davis married Nettie E. Eveleth, born
April 28, 1848, a daughter of Charles Eve-
leth, of Keene.

LBRIDGE CUMMINGS, for thirty-one
years the station agent at Fitzwilliam
Depot, was born in Marlboro, Chesh-
ire County, N.H., August 6, 1827. His par-
ents were Amos and Mary (Hastings) Cum-
mings. His paternal grandfather, Amos
Cummings, Sr., was born in Topsfield, Mass.,
and was an early settler of Marlboro, where he
lived for some time in a log house two miles
north of the village. Cutting down trees and
splitting rails was a part of his pioneer work.
As soon as he was able to do so, he went back
to Topsfield, and returned with a wife on
horseback. Afterward he built a frame house,
and he died there in the seventy-fourth year
of his age. A brother of Amos Cummings,
Sr., was the first settled minister in Marlboro.
His older brothers were soldiers in the Revo-
lutionary War.

Amos Cummings, Jr., lived on the home-
stead most of his life, and died in Marlboro
village. He held many prominent offices in
the gift of the town, was sent as a Represent-
ative to the General Court, and was Justice of
the Peace for many years. He married Mary
Hastings, and by her had five children, as fol-
lows: Eliza, Nancy, Eleanor J., Maria, and
Elbridge. Eleanor and Maria are married,
and both reside in Keene, N.H. Nancy is
also married, and her husband spent many
years in the compilation of the Cummings
Genealogy.

Elbridge, the youngest child of his parents,
was educated at the academy at Keene.
After leaving school he was variously em-
ployed until he was appointed the station
agent at Fitzwilliam Depot, which position he
held so long and faithfully. He was also one
of the first Postmasters here, being appointed
in 1864, and serving in this capacity until
1884. In 1892, retiring from the railway
service, he bought a fine residence near the
station, and has since continued to make his

 

 

home in this place. Mr. Cummings has an
interest in a woodenware-mill in the town at
the present time. He married first Lydia B.
Clapp, and after her death he married in 1891
Elizabeth N. Whitney. By his first wife he
has one child, a daughter, who married
Walter J. Whitcomb, and resides in New
York City.

Mr. Cummings is a Republican in politics.
He represented his town in the legislature
in 1876, and has served three years on the
School Board. He is a Mason and a member
of the grange.

 

EED W. McLANE, a farmer and
business man of New Boston, and a
son of John and Hannah (Whipple)
McLane, was born here, August 8,
1860. [Extended accounts of the McLane
and Whipple families will be found in the
biographies of Neil McLane and James B.
Whipple respectively.] John McLane, who
was born in Francestown, spent the greater
part of his life in New Boston. He was an
industrious mechanic, being specially expert
at carpenter’s work. In religion he was a
liberal and in politics a Republican. He
died August 16, 1892. His wife, who sur-
vives him, resides in New Boston. They had
five children, of whom Willie died at the age
of eleven, and one in infancy. Those living
are: Mrs. Bessie Warren, the widow of
Ephraim Warren; James N., a blacksmith of
New Boston; and Reed W., the subject of
this sketch. James N. is one of the most
energetic and progressive business men of the
town. Besides conducting his shop, which
has a thriving trade, he is also extensively
engaged in lumbering.

Reed W. McLane grew to manhood in his
native place, and was educated in the town
schools. He has been engaged in various en-
terprises during his life. At present he car-
ries on grist-milling, and also does custom
work. He has built up a thriving industry,
and has a first-class mill with improved ma-
chinery. He also carries on general farming,
and deals in coal. He is a member of the
I. O. O. F., Webster Lodge, of Goffstown,
266

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

and belongs to the Knights of Pythias, No.
37. In religion he is an independent thinker,
and in politics he is a Republican. Mr.
McLane was married May 6, 1885, to Ada, a
native of Weare, N.H., and a daughter of
George F. and Mary A. Saltmarsh. They
have no children.

 

SA B. LYFORD, of Milford, formerly
a well-known business man, now liv-
ing here in retirement, was born in
Calais, Washington County, Vt.
February 19, 1826, son of David and Susan
(Wells) Lyford. The father, whose family
was of English origin, was a native of Cabot,
Vt. The mother, who came of Scotch people,
was a native of Woodstock, in the same State.
David Lyford was a carpenter, and also at one
time carried on farming on a small scale in
Woodbury, Vt. In the War of 1812, in
which he was a soldier, he was on duty at
Plattsburg. He also belonged to a company
of militia, of which he was successively the
Lieutenant and Captain. After receiving the
latter command, he was familiarly known as
Captain Lyford.

After reaching the age of ten years, Asa B.
Lyford lived for a time with an uncle, Jona-
than Lyford, in Calais. Subsequently, until
seventeen years old, he worked on farms and
at mechanical labor. During the next two
years he was a clerk in a store. Then he
went to South Reading, now Wakefield,
Mass., and became a travelling salesman.
Some time after he entered the employment of
the Merrimac Manufacturing Company, cotton
manufacturers of Lowell, Mass. Beginning
here as an ordinary hand in the carding de-
partment, he was later made overseer, a posi-
tion that he afterward filled for over twenty-
six years. In all he worked for this company
for forty years. Resigning his position as
overseer, he went into a mercantile business
here at Milford, in company with Frederick
J. Kendall, under the firm name of Lyford &
Kendall. After nine years he sold his inter-
est to his partner, and has since lived retired.
He began his education in the district schools
of his native county. Later in Lowell he was

 

an attendant of the evening school. Beyond
this the lessons he has learned have been
chiefly those taught by experience.

Mr. Lyford was united in marriage with
Miss Jane Dunlap, of Antrim, N.H. Her
father, Thomas Dunlap, now deceased, was a
prominent resident of Antrim, which he
served as Selectman and as legislative Repre-
sentative. Three children were born to Asa
B. and Jane Lyford, namely: Clara J., now
the wife of Frederick J. Kendall; Mary B.,
the wife of Charles H. Combs; and George
C., who died some time ago. Asarule Mr.
Lyford supports the Democratic party. He
is identified with the Masonic order. Both he
and Mrs. Lyford are esteemed members of the
First Congregational Church of Milford.

EORGE PATTEE, a prominent farmer
of Goffstown, was born in this town,
September 11, 1850, son of Jabez B.

Pattee and his wife, Lorinda. His great-
great-grandfather, the first John Pattee, was
one of the earliest settlers of Goffstown.
Coming here in the early days of the settle-
ment, he took up new land, and founded a
home and a name for his descendants. The
second John Pattee, who was born in 1771,
lived on the same farm, and became a large
land-owner and an influential man. He
owned what is now known as Pattee’s Hill,
and was for many years a Justice of the
Peace. He was a Universalist in religious
belief and a Whig in politics. His death
occurred March 28, 1829, and that of his wife,
Rebecca Ferren Pattee, August 3, 1854.

John Pattee (third), grandfather of George
Pattee, was a well-to-do farmer, and owned
the farm where his son Jabez now lives. In
religion he was a Universalist and in politics
a Whig. He died October 30, 1832. His
wife, Abagail Burnham Pattee, whose death
occurred August 5, 1843, bore him seven
children, of whom Julia, Joseph R., Sabra,
and William M., are deceased. The others
are: Sally E., who resides in Dunbarton, the
widow of John Burnham; John C., who lives
at Burnett Junction, Wis.; and Jabez, the
eldest, who resides in Goffstown. Jabez

 

 
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

267

 

Pattee has owned his farm for the last fifty
years, and has always been a progressive and
enterprising farmer. He is a strong Repub-
lican, and he was a member of the Constitu-
tional Convention held in 1876. In 1847 he
married Lorinda Jones, daughter of Amos
and Rebecca (Diamond) Jones, who came to
Goffstown from Derry, Mass. Jabez and his
wife are Universalists, and Mr. Pattee is a
charter member of the Uncanoonuck Grange.
Two married daughters of theirs, Mrs. Will-
iam U. Carlton and Mrs. J. H. Stiles, live
in Goffstown. George Pattee completed the
course of the graded and high schools of
Goffstown. He has a farm of one hundred
and twenty-five acres, and makes a specialty
of producing milk. His residence commands
a fine view of the Uncanoonuck Mountains,
whose summits offer the first sight of land to
morning steamers bound for Boston. The es-
tate, which he has occupied since 1874, adjoins
that of his father. He has been a member
of the Board of Selectmen for three years, the
chairman for two years, and the Supervisor
for six or eight years. He is now a member
of the School Board, and takes an active part
in town affairs.

Mr. Pattee’s first marriage was contracted
with M. Louise Hazen, who died in 1882,
leaving two children — Bertha M. and Ina.
In 1883 he was married again to Lizzie H.
Rowe, who lived for six years, and left a son,
Carl B., born October 12, 1888. Miss Julina
Rowe, who became Mrs. Pattee in 1890, is
the daughter of Ezariah and Elvira (Baker)
Rowe. Both Mr. and Mrs. Pattee attend the
Congregational church. Mr. Pattee has been
for five years Master of Uncanoonuck Grange,
No. 40, and is a member of I. O. O. F.,
Webster No. 24, at Goffstown.

EORGE H. WILSON, a prominent
farmer of New Boston and a de-
scendant of one of the early settlers

of this place, was born here, August 22, 1840,
son of Robert and Fannie (Jones) Wilson.
Samuel Wilson, the father of Robert, came to
New Boston in the early days of its settle-
ment, locating in the northern part of the

 

 

-his parents

 

town, where he cleared a farm. He served
in the War of 1812. His religious views
were liberal. He lived to be one hundred
and one years old, and even in his last years
was unusually active. He went fishing after
he passed the century milestone. His wife,
Hannah Wilson, was about eighty-one years of
age when she died. They had six children —
James, Joseph, Robert, William, Jane, and
Elizabeth.

Robert Wilson, the third son of Samuel,
born in New Boston in 1792, became a suc-
cessful farmer and large land-owner. He
also did a successful business in teaming and
lumbering. From his father he inherited a
rugged constitution, and throughout his life
hardly knew what it was to be sick. He died
suddenly after a hard day’s work, at the age of
eighty-four years. His wife, Fannie, died at
eighty-seven. They were the parents of
eleven children, of whom ten reached matu-
rity, and seven are still living. The latter
are: Fannie, Daniel, Hannah, Hiram, An-
drew C., George H., and Newman J. The
deceased were: Margaret, Mary, Rebecca,
and Sarah. Sarah’s death occurred when she
was five years old.

After receiving his education in the schools
of New Boston, George H. Wilson took up
the occupation of general farmer, which he
has since followed, adding thereto those of
stock dealing and lumbering. He lived with
until twenty-seven years old.
The first land he purchased was a twelve-acre
lot, and the next, acquired in 1868, the farm
of one hundred and twenty-five acres on
which he now resides. He has since bought
other lands, and now owns about three hundred
and fifty acres in New Boston, besides one of
the finest farms in Middleton, Essex County,
Mass. He deals in cattle, and, making a
specialty of the production of milk, he keeps
a herd of thirty-five cows.

On April 14, 1864, Mr. Wilson married
Miss R. Helen Woodbury. She was born in
New Boston, April 14, 1844, daughter of
Joshua E. and Rachel (Walker) Woodbury.
Mr. Wilson is liberal in his religious views,
while he contributes toward the support of the
Presbyterian church. He is a Democrat in
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

politics. In 1896 he was the candidate of his
party for Town Representative, but, the Re-
publicans being in the minority, he failed of
election,

 

HARLES W. FASSETT, a promi-

nent resident of East Jaffrey, N.H.,

well known as a farmer, horticultu-

rist, and public cfficial, is a native

of Cheshire County. He was born in Troy,

on December 3, 1848, son of Joseph W. and

Sarah A. (Putney) Fassett. His grandfather

Fassett, who was a farmer and lumber dealer,

was born in Fitzwilliam, N.H. He married

Tabitha Wright, and had a family of nine

children, named as follows: Tabitha, Ben-

jamin, Joseph W., Gardner, Ephraim, Luther,
Danvers, Catherine, and Lois.

Joseph W., father of the subject of this
sketch, was born in Fitzwilliam on June 6,
1822. He received his education in the
public schools of Jaffrey, and after his school
days were ended worked at brickmaking for
several years. He subsequently became a
farmer, and engaged in agricultural pursuits
up to the time of his death, which occurred
in 1891. In religion he was a Congregation-
alist. He was very active in town affairs,
and held many public offices, being Selectman
for twenty-five years and Overseer of the Poor
for many years. He was also a Justice of the
Peace and for two terms Representative to
the State legislature. He married Sarah A.
Putney, daughter of Ezra Putney, of Putney,
Vt. She was born on the 25th of August,
1821. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph W. Fassett had
three children; namely, Charles W., Abbie
Ann, and Frank P. Abbie Ann, now de-
ceased, married Alvin Simons, and lived at
Fitchburg, Mass. Frank P. died in infancy.
There is also an adopted son, Henry J., who
is married, and lives at Wellesley, Mass.
He has no children.

Charles W. Fassett was educated in the
public schools of Jaffrey and at a business
college in Manchester, N.H. Entering upon
the work of life as travelling salesman for a
business house, and being thus employed for
one year, he then engaged in farming and

 

gardening, which occupation he has followed
up to the present time. Enterprising, dili-
gent, and painstaking, he makes a specialty
of small fruits, which he cultivates with much
success. Like his father, he has been and is
active in town affairs, having held the office
of Selectman for two years, that of Tax Col-
lector for five years, and of Supervisor for a
number of years.

He married Adelia P. Upton, a daughter of
Thomas Upton, of Jaffrey. She was born on
January 14, 1851. Mrs. Fassett’s paternal
grandfather, Eli Upton, who lived in Peter-
boro, N.H., was of the sixth generation in
descent from John Upton, the immigrant pro-
genitor of the New England family of Uptons
(see large volume entitled “Upton Family
Records,” by the Hon. William H. Upton,
of Walla Walla, Wash.), the line being that
of William?, the second of the five sons who
married and left posterity. Mr. and Mrs.
Fassett have one son, Fred W., born in
Jaffrey on December 22, 1879, who is now
attending school in his native town. The
family attend the Congregational church.
Mr. Fassett is an Odd Fellow and a member
of the grange.

 

OBERT CRISTY, who was a native of

New Boston and one of the benefac-

tors of the town, was born Novem-

ber 30, 1803, son of Jesse and

Olive (Waterhouse) Cristy. His grandfather,
Deacon Jesse Cristy, came from Londonderry
with his wife, Mary Gregg Cristy, and set-
tled on Clark Hill, the estate known as
Whipple farm being his first home in New
Boston. Subsequently Deacon Cristy sold
his farm to John Whipple, and removed to
that part of the town since known as Paper-
mill Village, where he erected the mills from
which it takes its name. He was chosen
Deacon of the Presbyterian church during the
ministry of the Rev. Solomon Moore. His
wife, who was a woman of unusual size,
weighing between three and four hundred
pounds, reared a large family of children.
These were: Jean, Peter, Samuel, John,
Mary, Elizabeth, James, Mary Ann, Jesse,
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

269

 

 

Robert, Anna, and William. The eldest
daughter married James Wilson, and lived on
the Peter Jones farm. Several of the sons
removed to New Brunswick after the war of
the Revolution. Robert went to Ohio after
the death of his mother, and was accompanied
by his father, who died at his home there.
Jesse, whose wife died about 1806, had four
children -—~ Abigail, John, Melinda, and Rob-
ert. Later in life he became an invalid, and
was unable to care for all his children.

Robert Cristy was placed in the family of
Mr. Henry at the early age of three years.
Subsequently he lived with different families
in the town until able to care for himself.
Then he went to Goffstown, and remained
there until about eighteen years old. When
twenty-one years of age, having learned the
trades of wheelwright and mason, he found
his way to Dover, with only fifty cents in his
pocket. Here he soon obtained employment
with the Cocheco Manufacturing Company.
Afterward by prudence and industrious habits
he accumulated a fortune of one hundred
and twenty-five thousand dollars. In his will
he left to his native town one hundred shares
of Boston & Maine stock, the income to be
used for the support of common schools in
New Boston, English branches to be taught
exclusively. His second gift was a bequest
of ten shares of Fitchburg stock, the income
of which was to be used for the support of
preaching in the Presbyterian church; and the
income of his last gift, ten shares of the same
stock, was left for the support of the deserving
poor of the church. He died at the age of
eighty-nine, leaving no children, an only
child having died in infancy. He was twice
married. His second marriage was contracted
with the widow Demerrit, who died before
his decease. Mr. Cristy was a strong aboli-
tionist, and it is said that he helped many a
fugitive on his way to freedom.

DWIN FLANDERS, a farmer of Goffs-
town, was born in this town, July 1,
1845, son of Gideon and Betsey

(Little) Flanders. He belongs to the seventh

generation descended from Stephen Flanders,

 

 

who came from England in 1638, and located
in Salisbury, Mass. Stephen spent the re-
mainder of his life in Salisbury, engaged in
farming, and died there in 1684. The next
in line was Stephen (second), a native of
Salisbury, born in 1646, who died in 1744.
His son, Stephen (third), born in 1672, was
followed by Asa, who was born in 1707, and
lived in South Hampton. Asa’s children
were: Stephen, Simon, and David. Stephen
and David were soldiers in the Revolutionary
War.

Simon Flanders, the grandfather of Edwin
Flanders, born February 26, 1750, in South
Hampton, was among the early settlers of
Goffstown, to which he came about the year
1770. He located in the northern part of the
town, where he took up new land, and carried
on general farming. He was a Universalist
in religion. His death occurred April 26,
1836. He married Hannah Leavitt, who was
born December 26, 1753, in Rockingham
County, and died January 3, 1847. They had
ten sons, who all grew to manhood except one.
All are now deceased. They were born as
follows: Asa, November 27, 1773; Isaac,
April 2, 1777; Phillips, March 24, 1779;
Jonathan, December 2, 1781; Simon, Febru-
ary 20, 1785; Isaac (second), July 22, 1787;
Leavitt, November 15, 1789; Gideon, Novem-
ber 8, 1791; James, December 12, 1795; and
David, May 13, 1799. Gideon Flanders, who
resided throughout his life in Goffstown, kept
a store for a number of years. His main
business, however, was general farming. He
owned and resided on the homestead which is
now occupied by his son. He was Selectman
for a time, and was also in the legislature for
two terms; he was a Republican from the date
of the formation of that party; and he was an
attendant at the Congregational church. His
wife, Betsey Little Flanders, had four chil-
dren, namely: Mary, born September 11,
1828, now deceased, who married Clark Had-
ley; Elizabeth, born March 7, 1834, who died
November 30, 1852; Sarah, born August 21,
1841, who is now living in Goffstown; and
Edwin, the subject of this sketch.

Edwin Flanders grew to manhood in Goffs-
town, and was educated in Meriden at Kim-
270

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

ball Union Academy. In August, 1863, he
enlisted in Company B, First New Hamp-
shire Heavy Artillery, under Captain Barton,
but was in no active engagements. He was on
service until September, 1865, when he was
honorably discharged. After his return from
the war he operated a grist and feed mill lo-
cated at Grasmere, and was also engaged in
general farming. He still carries on the
latter, owning the old homestead of his father,
which contains about one hundred and fifty
acres. In his political views he is a Republi-
can, and he has invariably voted with his
party. He is greatly interested in educa-
tional matters, and has served three terms on
the School Board.

In September, 1873, Mr. Flanders married
Mary A. Emerson, who was born in Weare,
N.H., in March, 1842, daughter of Jesse and
Harriet (Duke) Emerson. Mr. and Mrs.
Flanders have no children. They are both
members of the Congregational] church in the
town. Mr. Flanders is regarded as an author-
ity on questions of historical interest.

 

RTHUR L. MAXFIELD, for many
years a leading resident of Win-
chester, was born in Gilmanton,

N.H., now Belmont, on August 31,

1818. His early life was devoted to agricult-
ural pursuits, for which he always had a
strong liking. He was still in his youth
when he went to Lowell, and secured work in
a cotton-mill as bobbin boy. His attention
to his work and observant habit won for him
the respect of his fellow-workmen and the ap-
proval of his employers, and he was soon pro-
moted. In time he became overseer of the
mill in which at first he had occupied so
humble a position. He subsequently was
overseer in mills at Hallowell, Me., and at
Chicopee Falls, Mass.; and for fifteen years he
held the reponsible position of paymaster and
book-keeper in the Hampden Mills at Hol-
yoke, Mass. He left the latter position to
organize and build the Holyoke Warp Com-
pany’s mills, which he successfully managed
as agent for several years. In 1869 Mr. Max-
field returned to New Hampshire in order to

 

take a position as superintendent of the Strat-
ton Mills at West Swanzey. Here he soon
resumed the warp business. In 1872 he sold
out and removed to Ashuelot, where he en-
gaged again in the warp business. So suc-
cessful was this enterprise that the Ashuelot
Warp Company was formed. Of this company
Mr. Maxfield was partner and subsequently
the sole proprietor. The business increased
to large proportions, and at the time of Mr.
Maxfield’s death, which occurred on August
24, 1890, it had for several years been worth
from one hundred and twenty-five thousand
dollars to one hundred and fifty thousand
dollars annually. Two sons, S. Willis and
Fred G. Maxfield, were associated in the busi-
ness, and since the death of their father have
continued it. The financial depression has
affected this as nearly all other lines of
manufacture, but the Maxfield Brothers expect
to be at the front in their line of goods when
business shall revive.

Mr. Maxfield was a man of strong constitu-
tion and a great worker. Perhaps in these
two facts lies much of the secret of his suc-
cess. No man in his employ worked so hard
as he did. Requiring but a comparatively
small amount of sleep, he would often be at
his office at four o’clock in the morning, alert,
active, and ready to look after any loose de-
tails, to oversee the books, or to plan new
ways for extending his business. He was a
loyal Republican, but, although an active
worker in his party, he never cared for office
for himself. He was a radical temperance
man, and gave the whole weight of his manly
aggressiveness in combating the liquor evil.
Always outspoken on any question of prin-
ciple, he was especially so on this, and he
never lost an opportunity to promulgate what
he believed to be the truth. In religious
views he was a Baptist and his simple-hearted
yet firm faith has encouraged and uplifted
many a faint heart. He was preparing for
church on Sunday morning when the summons
to take a longer journey came to him.

Mr. Maxfield was the father of nine chil-
dren, seven of whom are living. These are:
Anna, Ella, Susie, G. A. Maxfield, Willis,
Fred G., and Sadie. Sadie lives in Provi-
 

DANA B. GOVE.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

273

 

 

dence, R.I. Anna is a_ successful music
teacher and organist, and resides in Holyoke,
Mass. Ella began teaching school in Hol-
yoke at the age of fifteen, and continued in that
profession until her marriage with Dr. G. W.
Davis. After her marriage she began the
study of medicine, graduated from the
Women’s College at Philadelphia, and is now
a practising physician in Holyoke, her hus-
band being deceased. Susie is a well-known
school teacher in Holyoke. Dr. G. A. Max-
field is a prominent dentist of that city and a
lecturer in one of the New York City Dental
Colleges; and he invented some dental appli-
ance, which is meeting with a large sale. He
1s married, and has onechild. S. Willis Max-
field is the executive member of the Ashuelot
Warp Manufacturing Company, and thoroughly
understands all the details of the manufacturing
process, as well as the mechanism of the ma-
chinery. In politics he is a stanch Republi-
can. He has been for ten years on the Re-
publican Executive Committee, and he was
for a time vice-president of the organization.
Enterprising, progressive, and wide-awake, he
is one of the popular young men in town and
a leader in social and business circles. He
is a Master Mason and a member of Cheshire
Royal Arch Chapter, No. 4, at Keene.

 

ANA BUZZELL GOVE, who was
for many years successfully en-
©) gaged in legal practice in Lowell
and Boston, is now residing on the
old Gove homestead in Weare, Hillsboro
County, N.H., giving his attention to agricult-
ural pursuits. Mr. Gove was born in South
Weare, October 20, 1821, son of Jesse and
Rhoda (Atwood) Gove. His father, Jesse
Gove, born in 1796, son of Daniel Gove, learned
the trade of a clothier, and successfully fol-
lowed that line of business. He was drowned
while skating in 1822, when about twenty-six
years of age. Rhoda Atwood Gove, his wife,
a native of Weare, also died at an early age.
Dana B. Gove was an only child, and, being
left an orphan when but a little over a year
old, was taken care of for some time by his
grandmother Gove. Later he lived with his

 

 

 

 

 

uncles, Ebenezer and Asa Gove. His school-
ing was received in the different places in
which he had a home, and at Clinton Grove
Academy, Weare. Learning the shoemaker’s
trade, he followed it for a while in youth and
early manhood, but subsequently took up the
study of Jaw in Lowell, Mass., with Robert b.
Caverly, was admitted to the bar, and began
practising in Lowell. He afterward opened
an office in Boston. An able lawyer, he de-
voted many years to his profession, and before
his retirement had acquired a large clientage.
During the latter part of his legal career he
was assisted by his sons, whom he received
into partnership, under the firm name of D. B.
Gove & Sons, and who now carry on the busi-
ness. In 1885 he returned to Weare, his na-
tive town, and has since been profitably en-
gaged in general farming at the old Gove
homestead. He has remodelled the buildings,
and made numerous other improvements on
the place, which comprises about two hundred
acres, and affords a beautiful landscape view,
including on a clear day the White Mountains,
grandly looming up in the distance.

Mr. Gove was married June 13, 1849, to
Miss Susan Morse, who was born in Crafts-
bury, Orleans County, Vt., November 13,
1823, daughter of Leonard and Elizabeth
Morse. Five children have been born to
them, and three, two sons and a daughter, are
living, namely: Horace D. Gove, a lawyer in
Boston; Jesse M. Gove, who is engaged in
the practice of law with his brother, is mar-
ried, and has two sons — Dana B. and Edward
J.; and Anna Gove Richardson, M.D., a prac-
tising physician, wife of Oscar Richardson,
of Boston. In political views Mr. Gove is a
Republican. He and his wife are members of
the Congregational church.

 

OHN W. STORY, a retail Jumber
dealer of Goffstown, was born in this
town, July 7, 1849, son of Alfred and
Sarah (Little) Story. Nehemiah Story,

the father of Alfred, came here from Essex,
Mass., about the year 1800, settling on a
small farm in the central part of the town.
An energetic man, he became influential in
274

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

the community. In religious belief he was a
Congregationalist. He had two sons and two
daughters, of whom the only survivor is Han-
nah, now Mrs. Colburn, of New Boston.
Emily married Luther Sargent. The sons
were Alfred and William.

Alfred Story began his business career as a
tradesman, and for about ten years had a store
in Newport, N.H. He subsequently engaged
in lumbering, and for a number of years did a
large business in this line, being one of the
largest dealers in Hillsboro County. He
bought many wood lots from which he cut the
lumber, and he owned a considerable amount
of other real estate. Besides attending to his
personal affairs, he was frequently employed
to settle estates. During the greater part of
his life he made his home in Goffstown. He
died here, May 23, 1892, survived by his
widow, Sarah Little Story, who continues to
reside here. He took much interest in local
affairs, served his town as Selectman and
Town Treasurer, and was for several terms in
the New Hampshire legislature. Of his three
children Charles A. died September 10, 1872,
aged twenty-five years. The others are: John
W. and Mardie L. Story.

After obtaining his education, which was
completed in the Francestown and New Lon-
don Academies, John W. Story dealt in dry
goods and groceries in Goffstown for about
eleven years. Selling out then, he took up
the retail lumber business, in which he is now
engaged. He keeps a large supply of build-
ing and finishing lumber, and has a good
trade, having but little competition. He also
has a lumber yard at Henniker, N.H.

Mr. Story was married November 5, 1871,
to Miss Annie Austin, who was born in Goffs-
town, daughter of Daniel B. and Zebia
Austin. Mr. Austin, born April 5, 1828, isa
carpenter by trade. Mrs. Austin is a native
of New Boston, born January 25, 1831.
Three of their five children are living,
namely: Mrs. Story; Morris Austin, of Man-
chester; and Mabel. The last named is the
wife of Arthur Pattee, of Goffstown. Jennie,
who married Edward E. Lawrence, died at
the age of twenty-two years; and Miltimore
died when four years of age. In politics Mr.

 

Story is a Democrat. Fraternally, he is a
member of Webster Lodge, No. 24, I. O. O. F.,
of Goffstown; and of the Benevolent and Pro-
tective Order of Elks, of Manchester. In 1884
he was appointed Postmaster, and served four
years. His religious views are liberal. Mrs.
Story is a member of the Congregational
church. They reside in Goffstown village,
and have a very pleasant and attractive home.

 

lector of Harrisville and a highly re-
spected resident of the town, was born
November 3, 1823, in County Tyrone,
Ireland, son of Thomas and Jane (Pendleton)
Rutherford. His grandfather, John Ruther-
ford, had four children-— Joseph, Thomas,
Jane, and Margaret. Thomas, who was born
at Dumfries, Scotland, in 1790, died in
1860. He came to America when a young
man, and settled in Lowell, Mass., where he
worked as stone mason and bricklayer. His
wife, Jane, a native of Scotland, was the
mother of eight children — Allen, John, Mary
Ann, Eliza, Jane, Robert, George, and Joseph.
John Rutherford received his early school-
ing in Ireland. When a young man he came
to America with his parents, and shortly after
went to work in a woollen-mill in Lowell.
After spending fifteen years in the mill, he
came to Harrisville to take charge of the spin-
ning-room in the mill here, and he afterward
managed it for about fourteen years. Mr.
Rutherford has been active in public affairs,
and has faithfully served the town in various
important positions. He has been Overseer
of the Poor and policeman, and for the last
eight years he has been Collector of Taxes.
Mrs. Rutherford, whose maiden name was
Diana L. Clarry, was born at Brooks, Me., on
April 6, 1831. She has had five children;
namely, George, Frank, May, Charles, and
Fred. George, born at Lowell in 1865, is en-
gaged in railroading on the Boston & Maine
Railroad. He is unmarried. Frank, who
was born at Nelson in 1869, resides at Syra-
cuse, N.Y., where he is engaged in the study
of law. May, who was born at Harrisville in
1867, is now Mrs. John Carroll, has three

J: RUTHERFORD, the Tax Col-
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

275

 

 

children, and resides at Northfield, Mass.
Fred, born at Nelson in 1871, is also em-
ployed on the Boston & Maine Railroad.
Charles, who was born at Nelson in 1873, is
attending school at Montpelier, Vt. Frank
and Charles are, like their father, members of
the Masonic organization and of the Indepen-
dent Order of Odd Fellows. Fred belongs to
the Knights of Pythias and the Odd Fellows.
Mr. Rutherford, Sr., is a member of the Con-
gregational church.

EORGE W. MUZZEY, a representa-
tive man of New Boston, where he
~ carries on a successful business in
farming and lumbering, was born in Weare,
N.H., July 18, 1841, son of John D. and
Louise (Goodale) Muzzey. His paternal
great-grandfather was one of the first settlers
of Weare. The son of this pioneer, Thomas,
who was born there, and followed the occupa-
tion of farmer, became a leader in town
affairs. He was Selectman and legislative
Representative, besides being for many years
a Justice of the Peace. When he died he was
seventy-seven years old. He married Polly
Paige, a native of Henniker, who was more
than seventy years old at her death. In re-
ligion both were Universalists. He was a
Democrat in politics. Of their six children,
all of whom attained maturity, Mrs. Julia
Herrick, of Illinois, is the sole survivor.
The others were: Page, Phoebe, John D.,
Emily, and Melissa.
John D. Muzzey, born April 19, 1812, was
a native of Weare, where his boyhood and ac-
tive period were spent. He was profitably
engaged in farming and in the business of
butcher. During the last fourteen years of
his life he resided at the home of his son in
New Boston, where he died July 14, 1886.
In religion and politics he adhered to the
principles supported by his father, being a
Universalist in the former and a Democrat in
the latter. Louise Goodale Muzzey, his
wife, who survives him, is now in her eighty-
fifth year, having been born in Deering,
N.H., July 28, 1812. She lives with her son.
George W. Muzzey, the only child of his

 

 

parents, was educated in the district schools
of Weare. He has since given his attention
to general farming and lumbering. Coming
to New Boston in 1873, he purchased the farm
where he now lives, and which is known as
the old Shirley farm. He conducts it chiefly
as a dairy farm, having a good herd of cattle
and improved facilities for dairying. He
also has some good horses. The farm con-
tains about one hundred and_ seventy-five
acres. Though he superintends the work
connected therewith, his time is principally
given to his saw-mill and lumber business.

On August 29, 1864, Mr. Muzzey was mar-
ried to Miss Edna J. Shirley, who was born
on this farm December 17, 1842, daughter of
John and Anna (Dodge) Shirley. John Shir-
ley, born in Derry, N.H., in 1800, died in
1856, and his wife, who was born in New Bos-
ton in 1803, died in 1882. He was a brick-
maker by trade, and he also followed farming.
He was bound out in boyhood; but, although
he began his career without pecuniary re-
sources, he had a goodly fund of energy that
enabled him to become the owner of the Shir-
ley farm. He was an attendant of the Baptist
church and in politics a Democrat. Mr. and
Mrs. Shirley had four children, all of whom
are living, namely: Rachel, the widow of
William Woodbury, late of New Boston, who
died February 12, 1897; Elizabeth, now liv-
ing in Manchester, N.H., the widow of Josiah
Philbrick; John Shirley, of La Crosse, Wis. ;
and Mrs. Muzzey. Mr. and Mrs. Muzzey
have no children. In politics Mr. Muzzey is
a Democrat. In religion he isa Universalist.
Both he and Mrs. Muzzey are members of Joe
English Lodge, No. 53, Patrons of Hus-
bandry.

AVID A. PARKER, who, with his
brother, J. M. Parker, conducted a

| 9 store at Parker’s Station, Goffstown,
for forty years, also carrying on a
very extensive lumber business, was born
here, October 5, 1824, son of William and
Hannah Adams (McGaw) Parker. Before the
dawn of the eighteenth century Josiah Parker,
from whom this family is descended, came

 

 

 

 

 
276

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

from England and settled in Cambridge,
Mass. Thomas, his son, was the first settled
minister at Dracut, Mass., where he died in
1765. Ason of Thomas, the grandfather of
David A., settled in Litchfield, N.H. Will-
iam Parker, the father of David A., was born
in Litchfield in 1775. He was twice married,
first to Hannah Aiken, who died September
30, 1818. His second marriage was made
with Hannah Adams McGaw, who, born
August 22, 1788, died February 26, 1869.
The children of the first union were: Rodney,
George W., Caroline, and Margaret Ann.
Those of the second were: Hannah A., born
November 15, 1819; John McGaw, born Sep-
tember 17, 1822; David Adams, the subject
of this sketch; and William Henry, born Au-
gust 6, 1831.

David Adams Parker was educated in the
public schools of this place and at a private
academy. Owing to the death of his father
he started upon his business career when but
fifteen years old. Beginning in 1847, he and
his brother, John McGaw Parker, kept the
store established by their father at Parker’s
Station for forty years. They were also part-
ners in a large lumber and mercantile busi-
ness, and were the leading men in this line in
Southern New Hampshire. David always re-
sided at Parker’s Station, where he owned a
substantial residence. He was twice married,
first to Emily S. Palmer, of Manchester, who
died in October, 1865, leaving two children.
Mr. Parker’s son, William A., died Septem-
ber 19, 1887, leaving a widow, who lives in
Goffstown, and two children — David W. and
Olive A. Alice S., his daughter, is the wife
of Irving A. Porter, of West Medfield, Mass.
Mr. Parker’s second marriage was contracted
December 6, 1867, with Mrs. Olive A.
Hall Cogswell, widow of Daniel A. Cogs-
well, of Ipswich, Mass. She was born in
South Reading, now Wakefield, Mass., March
27, 1839, daughter of William and Olive S.
(Patch) Hall, who were natives respectively
of Newton, Mass., and South Reading. The
father died April 20, 1891, and the mother on
August 23, 1847. Three of their children
are living, namely: William, a resident of
Allston, Mass.; Edward, in Wenham, Mass. ;

 

and Mrs. Parker. There were no children
by Mr. Parker’s second union. He died at
his residence at Parker’s Station, May 26,
1895. His widow, who continues to live at
the homestead, is a capable business woman.
Since her husband’s death she has had charge
of certain matters relating to the settlement
of his estate.

Mr. Parker was a Republican voter, but
would accept no official position. He was a
man of rare business capacity, and was a Trus-
tee of the Guarantee Savings Bank at Man-
chester from its organization. Though nota
church member, he, as well as his wife, was
a constant attendant at the Congregational
church.

 

HARLES F. APPLETON, a leading
farmer and the present Representative

lo of Dublin in the New Hampshire
legislature, was born in this town

on April 6, 1856, son of Jesse R. and Abbie
S. (Mason) Appleton. His grandfather,
Francis Appleton, died in Dublin, after
spending the greater part of his life here.
Francis was a highly successful farmer and
one of the most progressive in the district.
In religious belief he was a Unitarian, and he
was a Deacon of the church. He married
May Ripley, whose children by him, in addi-
tion to one or two that died in infancy, were:
Ashley, Gilman, Jesse R., Serena, and Sophia
Mary. Jesse R. Appleton, born at Dublin,
April 25, 1808, who resided all his life on the
old homestead, was a highly successful farmer.
He was active in town affairs, and repre-
sented the town in the legislature in 1871 and

1872. In the Unitarian church he was also
a Deacon. His first wife, Louisa Mason
Appleton, bore no children. His second

wife, Abbie S., a daughter of Calvin Mason,
of Dublin, was the mother of two children:
Ellen R., who died at the age of six years;
and Charles F.

Charles F. Appleton received a practical
education in the common schools of Dublin.
After leaving school he went to work at farm-
ing on the old homestead, where he has re-
mained to the present time. For the past
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

277

 

 

twenty years he has owned the farm, and has
managed it alone. On the property, which
contains about two hundred acres, he carries
on general farming, and at the same time pays
considerable attention to dairying. In poli-
tics Mr. Appleton is a Republican. He has
served on the Board of Selectmen for the past
three years, and is at present the chair-
man of the Board. He has also been Town
Auditor for a number of years, and he was
Supervisor for four years. He is now the
Representative to General Court.

Mr. Appleton married Lillian G. Jones,
who was born in 1858, daughter of Corydon
Jones, of Dublin. Mr. and Mrs. Appleton
have two children living — Ellen E. and
Arthur T. A son, Martin, died in infancy.
Mr. Appleton attends the Unitarian church.
He is a prominent and active member of the
local grange. ‘

*

 

 

ENDELL DODGE, a prominent and
enterprising farmer of New Boston,

and ason of Elzaphan and Levina

(Dodge) Dodge, was born on the

farm where he now lives, May 28, 1838. He
is descended from early settlers of Massachu-
setts. His paternal grandfather, John Dodge,
of Wenham, Mass., lived and died in New
Boston. The maternal grandfather, Antipas
Dodge, born in New Boston, was a son of
Benjamin Dodge, a sea captain, who located
among the first settlers of the place, near the
centre of the town. Both father and son were
farmers, and they lived and died on the farm.
E:lzaphan Dodge, who was born in Wenham,
Mass., December 26, 1790, came to New Bos-
ton about the year 1816, and there lived for
the remainder of his life. He purchased the
present Dodge farm from one William Mc-
Millan,-and worked hard to improve it, which
he succeeded admirably in doing. He was a
remarkable man in some respects, holding
strong opinions much ahead of his time. For
instance, he was an earnest temperance man,
and he was one of the first to espouse the anti-
slavery cause. These peculiarities rendered
him somewhat unpopular, especially as he was

wholly fearless in expressing his views; but

 

his sincerity won respect, and he lived to see
some of his ideas put into practice. For
many years he was a Deacon of the Presby-
terian church. His wife, Levina, who was
born in New Boston, March 1, 1797, died
March 10, 1891, at the advanced age of
ninety-four years. He died at the old home-
stead, April 4, 1857, leaving the record of an
industrious and conscientious man. Of their
ten children, who all attained maturity, Anna,
Elnathan, Uziel, Willard, Edwin, Sarah, and
Maria are now deceased. Those living are:
Mrs. Mary A. Ross, born March 27, 1831,
now of Danvers, Mass.; Allen, born Decem-
ber 27, 1836, now of Lowell, Mass.; and
Lendell, the subject of this biography.

Lendell Dodge obtained his education in
the New Boston schools. Since then he has
devoted his life to general farming and dairy-
ing. He owns an excellent farm of over two
hundred acres of good land. The original
estate left him by his father was smaller.
Besides enlarging it, he has considerably en-
hanced its value by improvements. He hasa
comfortable residence and good out-buildings.
The dairy arrangements are in accordance
with the most advanced ideas. He keeps
twenty-five head of graded Jerseys, and does
an extensive business in butter and cream.
The farm-house has a picturesque location,
and commands a beautiful view. Mr. Dodge
has been Supervisor of the Check List, and
also a member of the School Board. His re-
ligious beliefs are those of the Presbyterian
faith, and his family are members of that
church. In politics he and his sons are Re-
publicans. Both he and Mrs. Dodge are
charter members of Joe English Grange, Pa-
trons of Husbandry.

Mr. Dodge was married December 25, 1871,
to Ellen O., daughter of William O. and
Orinda (Odell) Lamson, who was born in
Mont Vernon, December 4, 1851. The Lam-
sons are an old family of the latter place.
Mr. Lamson, who was a farmer there through-
out his mature life, died July 17, 1896; and
his wife’s death occurred November 24, 1874.
Mr. and Mrs. Dodge have two children —
William O. and Edwin H. A daughter, Ella
May, born to them August 2, 1878, died Janu-
278

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

ary 27, 1879. William O., who was born
September 26, 1872, is associated with his
father in business, and lives at home. He
was married November 27, 1895, to Cora L.

Fisk. Both he and his wife are members of
the Joe English Grange, Patrons of Hus-
bandry. Edwin H., born April 26, 1874,

who also resides at home, is a clerk in At-
wood’s store in New Boston, and is likewise a
member of the Joe English Grange. One of
the leading farmers of the community now,
Mr. Dodge, Sr., has earned his position by
his industry and enterprise.

RANK J. WILSON, a farmer of high
standing in Antrim, was born in that
town, March 13, 1850, son of James M.
and Achsah (Boutelle) Wilson. His grand-
father, Jesse Wilson, who was born in Pelham,
N.H., followed the trade of carpenter for some
years. In his latter days Jesse was engaged
in farming in Antrim. He married Patty
Hall, of whose seven children by him the
youngest was James M. None of them are
now living. Jesse Wilson died at the age of
forty-two, while his wife lived to be sixty-two
years old.

James M. was born in Antrim, and lived
there all his life. An industrious and suc-
cessful farmer, his life was an exemplary one,
and he was highly respected by all who knew
him. He was a Democrat in politics. His
wife was a member of the Presbyterian church.
She died at the age of forty-nine, and he at
the age of seventy-two. Of their seven chil-
dren five are living; namely, Aurella, James
H., Abbie S., Frank J., and George C. Au-
rella is the wife of Allen J. Skinner, of
Springfield, Mass., and they have one child
living, Arthur J. James H. married Sarah
Tucker, of Lockport, N.Y., who has had no
children. Abbie S. is the wife of James
Gove, of Antrim, and has three children —
Harry J., Walter Samuel, and Willie B.
George C. married Lillian Lewis, of Spring-
field, Mass., and has three children — Bertha,
Raymond, and Lewis.

Frank J. Wilson went to the common
schools in his native town, and after leaving

 

 

school took up farming, which he has fol-
lowed to the present time. He now owns and
lives on the farm where he was born. The
property embraces one hundred and twenty-
nine acres. Besides this he has about seventy
acres of other land. He has been very suc-
cessful in general farming, and is a most pop-
ular and influential citizen. Both he and his
wife are members of the Presbyterian church,
and he is an Elder of that society. In poli-
tics he is a Democrat, and he belongs to the
grange of Antrim. Mr. Wilson was married
September 14, 1880, to Junia Barker, daugh-
ter of Alvin Barker, of Antrim, and they have
two children — Ida M. and Achsah M.

 

UTHER A. BLOOD, a native and

prominent resident of Mason, was
born October 23, 1831, son of
Calvin and Inda (Blood) Blood,

both of the same place. Amaziah Blood, the
grandfather of Luther, was a farmer and a
resident of Groton, Mass. His wife, whose
maiden name was Hannah Green, had two
children, neither of whom is now living.
The younger, Calvin, who was born in Gro-
ton, and who came to Mason when about
twenty years of age, in the course of time
purchased a farm in order to devote himself
to agriculture. He died at the age of eighty-
nine years. In politics he was a Democrat.
His wife, Inda, was eighty-three years old at
her death. Both were members of the Chris-
tian Church of Mason, and they brought up
their eight children in good old Puritan
fashion. Of the latter, three are now living,
namely: Zoa G., who is the wife of George
Barrett, of Wilton, N.H., and has four chil-
dren — Everet, Wilbur, Oldis, and Elsie;
Luther A., the subject of this sketch; and
Laura J., who is the wife of Henry G. Shat-
tuck, of Brookline, N.H., and has three chil-
dren.

Luther A. Blood was educated in the pub-
lic schools. At an early age he learned the
trade of carpenter, and thereafter followed it
for several years. At the present time he is
a farmer. Besides a farm, containing about
one hundred acres of tillage land, he owns
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW 279

 

 

about two hundred acres of other land. In
1862, on the last day of December, Mr. Blood
married Harriet A. Blood, daughter of Isaiah
Blood, of Townsend, Mass. The eldest of
their four children, Lillian, is now the wife
of Frank Marshall, of Hull, Mass. The others
are: Eda M., Kittie Belle, and Abbie B.

Both Mr. Blood and his wife hold liberal
views in religious matters. In politics he is
a Democrat. He has held the office of Se-
lectman and also of Tax Collector in his na-
tive town for a number of years. At pres-
ent he is a trustee of the library and of the
school fund. He is one of the leading men of
Mason, and is highly esteemed by all who
know him.

 

.

 

EV. CHARLES BROWN ELDER,
the pastor of the Unitarian church at
Keene, was born February 16,
1856, in the city of Portland, Me.
He attended the Portland High School, win-
ning while there a “Brown Medal.” Gradu-
ating in the class with him was Lieutenant
Peary, since so widely famous as an explorer
in the Arctic regions. While a student of
Brown University, Mr. Elder determined to
devote his lifeto the ministry. He graduated
when twenty-one years old, and in the follow-
ing September entered Harvard Divinity
School, from which he graduated with the
class of 1880. He was ordained to the minis-
try at Neponset, Mass., and preached there
for the ensuing four years. He was then
called to South Boston, where he remained
four years, during which his work was pleas-
ant though arduous, and he was able to unite
the two societies of that place under one pas-
torate. In the fall of 1889 Mr. Elder was in-
stalled at Keene. Since his coming, the so-
ciety has increased in influence, and Mr.
Elder has found zealous helpers and harmoni-
ous conditions.

The Unitarian Society of Keene was estab-
lished March 18, 1824; and the original
church structure, which stood on the present
site of Chamberlain’s store, was erected in
1830. In 1868 it was remodelled and rededi-
cated. The present artistic structure, stand-

 

ing at the corner of Washington and Taler
Streets, was dedicated January 24, 1895. Its
erection, together with that of the parish
house, cost thirty-two thousand dollars. The
main church building, forty-three feet by
ninety feet, is constructed of Roxbury granite,
and has a slate roof. The parish house,
which is connected as an L, is fifty-six feet
by thirty feet, and contains kitchen, dressing-
rooms, and an assembly-room. In the church
are three handsome memorial tablets. The
bell is the one that was donated to the old
society. About two hundred and fifty fami-
lies are connected with this church organiza-
tion, and the society is popular and prosper-
ous. It is one of the largest of the denom-
ination in the State, and makes liberal con-
tributions to all charitable and benevolent
objects. Some of the ablest men Keene has
known have been connected with the organiza-
tion. One of the former ministers, the Rev.
William O. White, now living in Erookline,
Mass., venerable in years, was in charge for
twenty-seven years. The Rev. Abiel Abbott
Livermore, now deceased, was for thirteen
years pastor of this church. Both of these
clergymen exerted great influence in the com-
munity. Under the society’s auspices is the
Unitarian Club, embracing about seventy-five
of the most prominent business men of the
city. The club, which meets once in every
month during the fall and winter, aims to en-
courage friendly relations among Unitarians,
and to promote the general interests of the
denomination.

Mr. Elder’s wife, in maidenhood Miss Al]-
mira Adie Brown, of Providence, R.I., is his
active assistant in church work. She is the
mother of Marion, Christine, and Marjorie
Elder. Mr. Elder’s vacations have been
largely spent in travel, by which he has been
able to secure that liberal culture so essential
to breadth of view and large charity. He has
visited Europe twice, and has journeyed in
France, Germany, Holland, and England.
His parishioners and the people of Keene,
generally, have been able to follow his travels
in thought, as he has often spoken in his Sun-
day evening discourses of the various places
of interest visited by him.
280

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

REDERICK J. LAWRENCE, a prom-
inent farmer of Jaffrey, Cheshire
County, N.H., was born in this town

on October 13, 1851, his parents being John
S. and Eliza (Emery) Lawrence. His grand-
father was Ithamar Lawrence, who was born
in this State and lived and died in Jaffrey, a
farmer by occupation. He had a family of
three children.

John S. Lawrence, father of Frederick J.,
was born in Jaffrey, was educated in the town
schools, and here spent all his life engaged
in farming. He was noted for honesty and
fair dealing, and as being a man who could
always be depended upon to keep his word.
His wife, Eliza, was a daughter of Ralph
Emery, of Jaffrey. She was the mother of
three children; namely, Corrie E., Ella F.,
and Frederick J. Corrie E. Lawrence mar-
ried Lucius A. Cutter, a prosperous farmer
of Jaffrey. Ella F., who is now deceased,
was the wife of Albert A. French, also of
Jaffrey.

Frederick J. received his education in the
Jaffrey schools, and being the only son of his
parents, on arriving at man’s estate, naturally
settled down to farming on the old home-
stead, where he may be found at the present
time. Proprietor of a farm of about three
hundred acres, he carries on a large business
in general agriculture. During the summer
the Lawrence dwelling is opened as a board-
ing-house, and guests from Boston and other
cities come here year after year to seek rest
and recuperation. Mr. Lawrence is active
in town affairs. He has served as Selectman
for six years, has also served as Supervisor,
and has held minor offices. In 1892 he rep-
resented Jaffrey in the legislature, where he
was a member of the Committee on Agri-
culture.

Mr. Lawrence married Clara A. Cutter,
daughter of Nehemiah Cutter, of Jaffrey.
She was born on June 14, 1851. Mr. and
Mrs. Lawrence have one son, Loren W., who
was born on November 12, 1877. He is with
his father on the farm.

Mr. Lawrence is a prominent member of
the grange, and is known throughout the
county and State. He was first Master of

 

the local lodge. He is also a member of the
Order of the Golden Cross. He and his fam-
ily are members of the Congregational church,
and are generous supporters of that body, both
morally and financially.

EONARD ROBERTSON, an energetic
farmer and a respected resident of
Goffstown, was born March 8,
1832, on the farm he now occupies
on Shirley Hill, son of Gilman and Relief
(Wyman) Robertson. Gilman Robertson, a
native of Amherst, N.H., born in 1800,
came to this farm before his marriage, some
time between 1821 and 1823. Besides gen-
eral farming he made a specialty of hop-
raising, at which he was quite successful,
becoming one of the largest hop raisers in
this section. He served the town in the
capacities of Selectman and Representative
in the New Hampshire legislature. In poli-
tics he was a Jacksonian Democrat, while in
religion he was a liberal. He died here
January 7, 1872. His wife, Relief Wyman
Robertson, who was a native of Goffstown,
died November 16, 1891. Their children
were: Noel, who died when sixteen months
old; Leonard, the subject of this sketch; and
Gilman F., born February 2, 1837, a farmer
and saw-mill owner of Goffstown.

Leonard Robertson grew to manhood on
the home farm, receiving his education in the
town schools and at New London Academy.
General farming and lumbering have been the
chief occupation of his mature years, and he
now owns three hundred acres of land in New
Boston, Bedford, and Goffstown.

On November 26, 1857, Mr. Robertson
married Elizabeth Hatch, who was_ born
August 24, 1832, in England, whence she
came to Canada with her parents when a little
child. Two daughters have been born of the
union, namely: Emma E., on September 26,
1858, who is now the wife of William Mc-
Dougal, of Goffstown; and Nettie J., on Au-
gust 31, 1866, who is the wife of George L.
Eaton, of Grasmere, and has one son, Will-
iam R., born September 5, 1896. Mr. Rob-
ertson has always supported the Republican

 
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

281

 

 

party. He acceptably filled the office of
Selectman for two terms, and in 1879 he
represented the town in the New Hampshire
legislature. Mr. and Mrs. Robertson are not
identified with any religious body, but con-
tribute toward the support of the Baptist
church here.

BEN L. BARTLETT, a successful
farmer of New Boston and a son of
Danieland Anar (Loveren) Bartlett,

was born in Deering Hillsboro County, No-
vember 23, 1835. His grandfather, Daniel
Bartlett, who was among the early settlers of
Deering anda farmer of high standing there,
died on the old homestead when about ninety-
three years of age. Of Grandfather Bartlett’s
eight children his daughter Eleanor is living.
The others were: John, Daniel, Caleb, Josiah,
Abigail, Dolly, and Harvey.

Daniel Bartlett, Jr., the father of the sub-
ject of this sketch, born in Deering, July 1,
1800, was also a farmer, owning Jand in Deer-
ing. He was a highly respected, industrious
man, a Universalist in religious belief, and in
politics a Democrat. He married Anar
Loveren, who, born February 11, 1802, died
July 16, 1884. His death occurred August
13, 1849. They had six children; namely,
Reuben L., Abigail, Elmeda and Climena
(twins), Eben L., and Mary. Reuben L.,
born January 21, 1822, died November 10,
1847. Abigail, born February 10, 1824, is
now the widow of John M. Wallace, and lives
in New Boston. The twins were born No-
vember 25, 1827. Elmeda became the wife
of William Orne, of New Boston. Climena
was twice married, first to Joseph M. Orne,
who died. Her second husband was Milton
J. Wallace, of New Boston. Mary, born Jan-
uary 13, 1844, died seven days after.

Eben L. Bartlett spent his boyhood in
Deering till he was fifteen years of age. He
received his education in that town, in Han-
cock, and in Saxtonville, Vt. After complet-
ing his schooling, he was engaged in teaching
for a short time, and then worked at various
occupations for a number of years. Later on
he became interested in farming, and located

 

 

 

in New Boston, buying an estate of sixty-five
acres, known as the Deacon Bennett farm.
He has since enlarged the farm and made
improvements. At present be owns about
one thousand acres in New Boston and Deer-
ing. The old Bartlett home in Deering,
which is also his, has been in the possession
of the family for over a hundred years. He
resided for thirty-five years on the farm in
New Boston where his son now lives, and still
owns the property. Both he and Mrs. Bart-
lett are Universalists, and he is a Democrat
in politics. He has been Collector and Town
Agent for several years.

Mr. Bartlett was married March 4, 1855, to
Abbie M. Hall, who was born in New Boston,
January 15, 1836, daughter of Nathan and
Lucy (Dodge) Hall. Mr. Hall, born in
Brookfield, Mass., was a farmer and black-
smith, while his wife was a native of Amherst,
N.H. She died March 7, 1855, and he, No-
vember 16, 1877. Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett
have one son, Daniel H., who is a farmer,
and lives in New Boston. Daniel has been
twice married, first to Nettie Tewksbury,

who died. For his second wife he married
Lydia A. Jones. He has had three children,
namely: Ernest A., born September 25,

1876; Linnie A., who died when nine years
old; and Fred D., who died at the age of
four months. The elder Mr. Bartlett and
his wife lost three children. These were:
Fred and Frank, twins, who died aged re-
spectively four and ten months; and Lucy A.,
who died at the age of sixteen years.

 

 

OSES FREEMAN FOSTER, a
prominent resident of the town of

Milford, having an interest in

various cotton-mills in New

England, the West, and the South, was born
here, January 6, 1832, a son of Moses and
Fannie (Coggin) Foster. (An extended ac-
count of his ancestry will be found in the
biography of his brother, John E. Foster, on
another page.) He remained with his parents
until about seventeen years old, attaining a
practical education in the public schools and
at the Literary and Scientific Institute which
to
w
te

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

flourished for a time in Hancock, this State.
He then entered the Milford cotton-mill, be-
ginning in the lowest department, and during
the three years that he remained there became
familiar with the work of various rooms.
Going then to Hampden County, he continued
his residence in that part of the State for four
years, being employed in the mills of Chico-
pee, Holyoke, and Indian Orchard. From
Indian Orchard he went to Cannelton, Ind.,
where he was employed as overseer in a
cotton-mill for two years. Returning to New
England after this, he was for a time em-
ployed in the Pemberton Mills at Lawrence,
Mass. In 1858 he accepted the position of
overseer in the Augusta Cotton Factory at Au-
gusta, Ga., and afterward held it throughout
all the troublous times of the Civil War. On
leaving there he was superintendent of the
Franklin Factory in Cincinnati, Ohio, for a
year. Again returning to New England, Mr.
Foster was for a year connected with the Kit-
son Machine Works of Lowell, Mass., as
agent and draughtsman, making his residence
in Milford. He was subsequently employed
by William C. Langley & Co., of New York
City, to look after their mill property in
South Carolina. While there he organized
the Langley Manufacturing Company | in
Langley, S.C., for the manufacture of cotton
goods, becoming financially interested in the
factory, and for eighteen years serving in the
capacity of superintendent of the entire busi-
ness, having from three to four hundred hands
under his control. He also assisted in organ-
izing the Sibley Manufacturing Company at
Augusta, Ga., becoming a stockholder and one
of the original directors. In 1886 he returned
to his native town, where he owns a homestead
of one hundred acres, and which has practi-
cally been his home since then. Subse-
quently he helped to organize the Denison
Cotton Manufacturing Company at Denison,
Tex., furnishing the plans for the mills,
superintending their construction, and for a
time acting as the general manager of the busi-
ness, in which he has a financial interest.
Mr. Foster’s success in his various undertak-
ings may be attributed solely to his enterprise
and persistence, having been obliged to work

 

his way from an inferior position as a mill
hand.

In 1860, September 13, Mr. Foster was
united in marriage with Miss Adelaide L.
Doane, of Lawrence, Mass. Their only child,
Fannie D., was born during the residence of
her parents in Georgia. Mr. Foster has
served as Selectman of Milford for one year.
In politics he is a Democrat, with Indepen-
dent proclivities. He is a prominent member
of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Benev-
olent Lodge, No. 7, of Milford; to King Sol-
omon Chapter, also of this town; and to St.
George’s Commandery of Nashua.

DWARD WILCOX, who has for many
years been identified with the manufact-
uring interests of Swanzey, Chesh-
ire County, was born in Gilsum, N.H., De-
cember 31, 1824, son of Edmund and Abi-
gail Willey (Sanger) Wilcox. The family is
probably of Scotch origin; and the subject of
this sketch is a descendant of Obadiah Wilcox,
who was born in Guilford, Conn., in 1717.
He was the first of the name to settle in
Gilsum, and he died there in 1796. He was
the father of Eleazar, who was born in Guil-
ford in 1749, and died in 1823. Edmund
Wilcox, sixth child of Eleazar, was born in
Gilsum, May 25, 1793. He married Abigail
Willey Sanger, and had a family of four chil-
dren, namely: Valeria; Sarah; Leonard; and
Edward, the subject of this sketch. Edmund
Wilcox died August 7, 1825, having passed
his entire life of but little over thirty-two
years in his native town.

Edward Wilcox began his studies in the dis-
trict schools, and completed his education at
the Hancock Academy. He was engaged in
mechanical and business pursuits until 1861,
when he embarked in the manufacture of
clothes-pins at Swanzey; and here in 1874 he
engaged in the manufacture of boxes. He
was for a short time associated with a partner,
under the firm name of Bigelow & Wilcox, but
afterward carried on business alone until ad-
mitting his son, Allen C., to partnership in
1884, since which time the firm has been E.
Wilcox & Son. They manufacture all kinds

 

 
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

283

 

 

of wooden boxes, including the lock-corner
box, and employ an average of ten men.
They own timber land, from which they haul
considerable lumber, and they also buy of
other operators.

In politics Mr. Wilcox is a Republican,
with independent views. He served as a Se-
lectman from 1880 to 1883, and was a mem-
ber of the House of Representatives in 1878,
the last annual session of the legislature. He
is a charter member of the local commandery
of the Order of the Golden Cross, and was its
first Commander.

Mr. Wilcox married Eliza A. Heywood,
daughter of Thomas P. Heywood, formerly of
Troy, N.H. Mrs. Wilcox’s father was for
some years engaged in business in Vermont,
and his last days were passed in retirement in
Swanzey. He reared a family of three sons
and two daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox
have had six children.

Allen C. Wilcox, who is associated with
his father in business, was a Selectman from
I8gI to 1896, being chairman of the Board for
the years 1894 and 1895, was elected Repre-
sentative to the legislature in 1893, and was
chosen a member of the School Board for three
years in 1896. In politics he is a Republi-
can. Hehas occupied the important chairs in
the Order of the Golden Cross and the local
grange. He is an earnest advocate of temper-
ance, and attends the Congregational church.
Allen C. Wilcox married Addie M. Lyman,
daughter of Leonard Lyman, of Swanzey, and
has two children — Florence C. and Grace I.

 

AMES McCURDY was a_ prominent
farmer of New Boston. A native of
Londonderry, N.H., he was born in
July, 1776, son of John and Nancy

(Cochrane) McCurdy. His great-grandfather,

also named James, who was born in London-

derry, Ireland, came to America, and was one

of the first settlers of Londonderry, N.H.

Robert, the grandfather, married Agnes

Christie. Their son, John, who spent the

greater part of his life in Londonderry, which

is now called Derry, served as a soldier in the

Revolutionary War. In his latter years he

 

moved to New Boston, where he lived during
the rest of his life. His wife, Nancy, died
about the year 1779, and he contracted a sec-
ond marriage with a Miss Kelso. By the first
wife there were two children: James, the sub-
ject of this sketch; and John, who was born
in 1778. The offspring of the second wife
were: Jesse, Robert, and Nancy. The father
died in 1824, at the age of seventy-nine years.

At the age of nine James McCurdy lived on
a farm, doing what work a boy of that age
could do. He was witha Mr. Kelso till he
was about eighteen or twenty years of age, re-
ceiving only his board and scanty clothing in
compensation for his labor. It need hardly be
said that his opportunities for an education
were decidedly limited. After leaving Mr.
Kelso, he learned the blacksmith’s trade,
which he followed off and on for the greater
portion of his life. He bought his first land
where his daughter, Miss A. E. McCurdy,
now lives. It was only half a lot, but he
added to it, and subsequently became a large
land-owner. He spent the rest of his life on
the place, in a comfortable and commodious
residence, which he erected there. He was
an attendant at the Presbyterian church, and
in politics during his latter years he was a Re-
publican.

Mr. McCurdy was married in April, 1813,
to Elizabeth C. Moore, who was a native of
New Boston. Her father, Solomon Moore,
born in the north of Ireland, was of Scotch
descent. A graduate of Glasgow University,
he came to this country, settling in New Bos-
ton as the first minister in the town. His
wife, whose maiden name was Ann Davidson,
was a daughter of William Davidson, one of
the first settled ministers in Londonderry,
N.H. It is said that, on the arrival of Pastor
Moore and his wife, the people of the town
were so rejoiced that they carried her in
triumph to her new home there. James Mc-
Curdy died October 4, 1857. His life was an
example of what determination and persever-
ance can do. Starting a poor boy, he was at
his death the owner of more than three hun-
dred acres of land. The entire north side of
Joe English Hill was his property. His wife
died April 28, 1876. Their children were:
284

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

Solomon M., who was born October 22, 1814,
and died March 16, 1896, in New Boston;
Witter S., born April 19, 1817, who is a
real estate man in Lawrence, Kan.; John,
born February 6, 1819, who died in Nevada,
September 3, 1895; James was born October
21, 1821, who died March 10, 1896; Jesse,
born September 21, 1824, who was an enter-
prising, retired business man, and now lives
in Lawrence, Kan.; and Ann Elizabeth, who
was born February 18, 1827. Ann Elizabeth
McCurdy has always lived on the old home
place. She has a beautiful home here. Joe
English Hill, the highest in the town, is
largely her property. It is a lovely wooded
eminence named after the Indian, Joe Eng-
lish, who was a true and trusted friend to the
early settlers of New Boston, and who finally
lost his life by his efforts in behalf of his
white friends. A more extended account of
this interesting place may be found in the
History of New Boston.

 

OHN E. FOSTER, a skilful and suc-
cessful agriculturist of the town of
‘Milford, was born May 17, 1824, on
the farm where he now resides, son of

Moses and Fannie (Coggin) Foster. The
Foster family, which is of English origin, was
first represented on American soil by one
Reginald Foster, who, with his family, emi-
grated to Massachusetts in 1630. His son,
Abraham, was born in Devonshire, England,
in 1622. The next in line of descent was
Caleb Foster, born in Ipswich, Mass., who
was followed by Jonathan Foster, Sr., and
Jonathan Foster, Jr., both also natives of Ips-
wich. Then came Moses Foster, Sr., the pa-
ternal grandfather of John E. He removed
from Massachusetts to New Hampshire, locat-
ing in Milford, being the founder of the fam-
ily here.

Moses Foster, Jr., spent his entire life in
Milford, having been a well-to-do farmer and
an influential citizen of his day. He was a
public-spirited man, libera] in his views con-
cerning local matters. On the formation of
the Free Soil party he became one of its most
ardent supporters. He was a member of the

 

Baptist church. A man of good habits, he
had a long life, and died in 1874. Of the
children born to him and his wife, there are
still living: the Rev. Joseph C. Foster, D.D.,
of Randolph, Mass.; John E.; Moses F.; and
Benjamin F.

John E. Foster was reared to man’s estate
on the homestead, obtaining his elementary
education in the public schools of this town,
and at the Literary and Scientific Institute of
Hancock, N.H. For about three years after
his graduation he was engaged in teaching,
spending his first year in Amherst and the
remainder of the time in Woodford County,
Illinois. Since that time he has been chietly
engaged in the pursuit of agriculture. Fora
number of years he transacted probate busi-
ness for Hillsboro. He has a well-equipped
farm of seventy-five acres, which he has man-:
aged in an able and systematic manner. Hav-
ing taken much interest in local history, he
is well informed on the subject, and has
largely contributed to the new history of Mil-
ford. In politics he is a stanch Republican,
and for four years he served his fellow-towns-
men as Selectman.

On February 15, 1848, Mr. Foster was mar-
ried to Miss Sophia P. Farley, daughter of
Jesse and Mary (Phelps) Farley. Both her
parents, who were natives of Hollis, N.H.,
where they spent their lives, died when she
was very young, leaving ten children. Of
these John, Alfred, and Jefferson are living,
all residents of Hollis, their native town.
Benjamin Farley, the great-grandfather of
Mrs. Foster, was one of the earliest pioneers
of Hollis, having removed there from Bedford,
Mass., when the land was in its primeval
wildness. Possessing much force of charac-
ter, he had considerable influence in the com-
munity, which he served in various official
capacities, and he was prominent in church
work. Mr. and Mrs. Foster have two chil-
dren, nameiy: George E., who is a graduate
of Cornell University, resides in Ithaca,
N.Y., and is the manager and editor of the
Ithaca Democrat, a leading local journal; and
Flora S., the wife of George N. Woodward,
of Milford. Both Mr. and Mrs. Foster are
members of the Milford Congregational
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

285

 

 

Church, of which he has been Deacon for a
quarter of a century.

 

 

KORGE G. PAGE, a leading dairy-
man of Swanzey, was born in this
town on March 13, 1852, son of

Leander Page. His great-great-grandfather
was among the earliest settlers of Swanzey,
coming here when there were no roads, and
when men found their way through unbroken
forests, inhabited by savage animals, and per-
haps by hostile Indians. A barrel, brought
here on horseback by this early ancestor, and
preserved in the family for several genera-
tions, was destroyed, much to the regret of
Mr. Page, on March 17, 1894, at the time
when his barn was burned. Ezekiel Page,
grandfather of George G., was a man of me-
chanical and inventive genius. He invented
a spinning-wheel, which was looked upon as a
marvellous production. He also made many
barrels, which he easily disposed of among his
neighbors; and he made a rude kind of buggy,
which, though not so graceful as those now in
use, was braced thoroughly, and was strong
and durable. Samuel Page, the great-grand-
father of George G. Page, built the first
house, a part of which is the L of the present
house. :

Leander Page, the father of George G., was
born on the old homestead, and died there in
June, 1893. He was a very industrious man,
and was engaged chiefly in buying and sell-
ing cattle and in raising stock. In politics
he was successively a Whig and a Republi-
can. His health failing, he gave the charge
of the farm to his son George. Leander had
a family of ten children. One of his sons,
Charles E., is at West Swanzey; another,
Henry, who resides in Marlboro, N.H., is in
the meat business. The daughters are: Mrs.
Lillian Dickinson, who resides in Providence;
Mrs. Ida Spofford, who lives at Winchendon,
Mass.; Mrs. Sarah L. Cloudman lives in
Alexandria, N.H.; and Elsie and Clara live
in Keene.

George G. Page attended the common
schools in the Swanzey district, and subse-
quently assisted his father on the farm. He

 

was but twenty-one years of age when he re-
ceived the entire charge of the farm. After
the death of his father he bought the property.
It then embraced about one hundred and sixty
acres. Mr. Page has since added pasture
lands, and it now contains about two hundred
acres. Making a specialty of the milk busi-
ness, he has acquired a profitable milk route
between Swanzey and Keene, the best people
there being his customers. He keeps about
twenty-five head of cattle, of which about
twenty are milch cows. Many old articles of
furniture, such as chairs, clocks, etc., which
have the marks of use and age, are cherished
for their history and associations. His chil-
dren are the fifth generation of Pages that have
been born in the old house.

Mr. Page married Alice C. Eastman, a
daughter of George W. Eastman, and four
children have been born to him; namely,
Guy C., Ernest E., Leander, and Arthur G.
He is a member of Golden Rod Grange of
Swanzey and of the United Order of Pilgrim
Fathers of Keene. In politics he is a Repub-
lican. He has never sought office, and he re-
fused to serve as Road Agent for the town
when he was elected some four years ago. He
has, however, charge of the roads in this sec-
tion of the town. The destruction of his barn
three years ago was a heavy loss to him, but
he has well recovered from it since. He
makes friends readily, and his genial manners
have been important factors in bringing about
his success.

 

HARLES S. PARKER, an esteemed

resident of Milford, was born Septem-

ber 15, 1843, in Ambherst, this

county, son of Thomas B. Parker.

He is of English ancestry and the representa-

tive of a prominent pioneer family of Hollis,

Hillsboro County. His paternal grandfather,
Josiah Parker, was a native of Hollis.

Thomas B. Parker, who was also born in
Hollis, removed in his boyhood with his par-
ents to Amherst, which remained his place of
residence until his death at an advanced age
in August, 1892. He was endowed by nature
with great mechanical and constructive talent,
286

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

becoming proficient in the use of tools of all
kinds. For many years he carried on cooper-
ing in connection with general farming, being
skilful and successful in each industry. He
was a strong Democrat in politics. Though
often solicited by his many friends to accept
important offices of trust in the town, he per-
sistently refused, preferring the quietude of
his home circle, although he did at times at-
tend county conventions as a delegate. Pos-
sessed of much musical talent, having a re-
markably rich, strong, and flexible voice, he
was for many years the leader of the choir of
the Baptist church. Held in high regard for
his many sterling qualities of head and heart,
his death was mourned in Amherst as the loss
of a most valued member of the community.
Of his union with Miss Mary Hildreth, of
Amherst, five children were born, two of
whom survive their parents. These are:
Henry M., of Amherst; and Charles S., the
subject of this sketch.

Charles S. Parker was reared to manhood on
the parental homestead, acquiring a practical
education in the district schools of Amherst.
Inheriting the mechanical skill for which his
father was noted, he was engaged in mechani-
cal pursuits to a large extent during his
earlier years, working both in wood and iron
with equal dexterity. For over thirty years
he made casks. He also manufactured vine-
gar, having all modern appliances for that
purpose. He, however, made farming his
chief occupation, and still owns the old home-
stead of one hundred acres, which he managed
with good success. In 1894 he removed to
Milford, building a commodious residence in
the village on Amherst Street, where he now
resides, occupying a place of prominence
among the foremost citizens of the town.
While living in his native town, Mr. Parker
served as Selectman for four years, and for a
long time he was Town Auditor. In politics
he is independent, voting according to the dic-
tates of his conscience.

On April 28, 1880, Mr. Parker married
Miss Hattie M. Grater, who was born in Am-
herst, a daughter of the late James Grater, of
that place. Of this union two children were
born — Leon H. and Minnie C. The latter

 

died August 6, 1884. On January 26, 1896,
the devoted wife and tender mother was taken
from the home circle.

 

 

HARLES B. DODGE, a capable and
enterprising business man of Milford,
is well-known as a dealer in paints,
oils, varnishes, artists’ supplies,
hardware, glassware, besides carrying house
and picture mouldings, and framing pictures to
order. He was born September 15, 1849, in
Nashua, this county, son of Charles Dodge.
The father was born in Peterboro, N.H.,
where his father, Moses Dodge, familiarly
known as Captain Dodge, was for many years
a prominent resident. Charles Dodge grew
to manhood in his native town, but subse-
quently moved to Nashua, where he was over-
seer of the spinning department in the Indian
Hill Cotton Mills for a long time. In 1853
he went to Mexico, accepting the position of
agent for the large cotton-mill established at
Tizapan, about eleven miles from the city of
Mexico, where he still resides, being now an
active man, though seventy-six years old.
His wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth
Saunders, spent her entire life in Nashua,
dying there in 1856, not many years after her
marriage.

Charles B. Dodge was a pupil in the public
schools of Nashua until thirteen years old.
Then he was sent to Mont Vernon to complete
his education in what was then known as Ap-
pleton Academy, but is now called McCollom
Institute. When sixteen years old he went
with his father to Mexico, where he lived two
years, seeing much of the country, and acquir-
ing a knowledge of the habits and customs of
the people. Returning then to the United
States, Mr. Dodge again became a resident of
Hillsboro County. Securing a situation with
H. H. Bragg, a manufacturer of fancy boxes,
he worked as an employee for three years,
learning the details of the business, showing
such ability that he was then promoted to the
office of superintendent of the factory. This
responsible position he held through the vari-
ous changes in the proprietorship for a period
of twenty-four years. The last firm was
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

287

 

 

Conant Brothers & Bragg Company, who
closed the factory in 1894.

The first of Mr. Dodge’s three marriages
was contracted with Miss Henrietta Bragg,
daughter of H. H. Bragg, late of Boston,
Mass. She lived but a few years after their
union. On the second occasion he married
Miss Nellie S., daughter of the late George
Fitch, of Concord, N.H. She died April
I5, 1882, leaving one daughter, Beatrice.
On December 21, 1883, Mr. Dodge con-
tracted his third marriage with Miss Lizzie
E., daughter of Charles Spalding, of Milford.
Mr. Dodge is active in Masonic circles, being
a member of Benevolent Lodge of Milford;
and of King Solomon’s Chapter, R. A. M.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Dodge are held in high re-
gard throughout the village of Milford, their
attractive home being a centre of social
activity.

 

 

APPLETON SKINNER, an es-
teemed resident and a prosperous agri-
culturist of Amherst, is the owner of
a well-stocked farm. He was born

October 17, 1830, in Reading, Middlesex
County, Mass., son of Joshua F. Skinner.
The Skinner family is of English origin. Its
members were strong adherents of Cromwell
during his protectorate. It was first repre-
sented in New England by three brothers who
emigrated to this country. Two of them sev-
erally settled in New York and Vermont.
The other, from whom J. Appleton Skinner is
descended, located in Woburn, Mass.  Jo-
seph Skinner, the paternal great-grandfather
of J. Appleton, and a lifelong resident of the
Bay State, served as a soldier in the Revolu-
tionary War. His son, Captain Samuel
Skinner, the next in line of descent, was an
officer in the War of 1812, commanding a
company of Massachusetts militia from Lynn-
field, Mass., and being on duty at a fort in
Salem, Mass.

Joshua F. Skinner, born in 1806 in Lynn-
field, Mass., was engaged in shoemaking in
Reading foratime. From Reading, in 1840,
he came with his family to Amherst, and was
here engaged at his trade, and to some extent

 

in farming, until his demise in 1883. His
wife, whose maiden name was Mary J. Pea-
body, was born in Mont Vernon, N.H. Of
their children, besides J. Appleton, there is
living Julia A., the wife of Jobn A. Boynton,
of Nashua, N.H. The father in his younger
days was identified with the Democratic party.
Afterward he espoused the cause of the Free
Soilers, and from the formation of the Repub-
lican party he was one of its firmest sup-
porters.

J. Appleton Skinner was a sturdy lad of ten
years when he came with his parents from
Reading, Mass., to Amherst. Having com-
pleted his schooling in this town, he began to
earn his living at the age of fifteen years.
He worked first in a cotton-mill of Milford,
this county, and subsequently was similarly
employed in Ware and Palmer, Mass. He
then turned his attention to shoemaking, con-
tinuing at that trade in Massachusetts in
different towns for several years. Returning
to Amherst in 1854, he resumed his trade for
a time, and then became an employee in a
whip factory. On August 15, 1862, cheer-
fully responding to his country’s call, he en-
listed in Company H, Tenth New Hampshire
Volunteer Infantry, and subsequently served
with it, first in the Ninth and later in the
Eighteenth Army Corps. With his brave
comrades he fought in many of the more im-
portant battles of the war, including the en-
gagements at Fredericksburg, Suffolk, Drury’s
Bluff, Hill’s Point, Cold Harbor, Walthall,
Petersburg, Swift’s Creek, Fort Harrison, the
second battle of Fair Oaks, and Kingsland;
and he was one of the first to enter Richmond
after its evacuation by General Lee. For two
years of his term Mr. Skinner was a member
of the brigade band. On June 21, 1865, he
was mustered out of service, subsequently re-
ceiving his honorable discharge at Concord,
N.H.

After his return to civil life he was for a
time employed at a stove foundry in Amherst.
Afterward he secured a situation with the
Francestown Soapstone Company, then lo-
cated in Milford. The company subsequently
built a large establishment at Nashua, N.H.,
of which Mr. Skinner was superintendent for
288

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

ten years. Resigning this position in 1876,
he again returned to Amherst, where he has
since been actively engaged in agricultural
pursuits. He has a farm of one hundred or
more acres. In addition to general farming,
he is somewhat interested in raising small
fruit, and makes a specialty of dairying, ship-
ping his milk to Manchester, N.H. In poli-
tics he is a stanch Republican. While in
Nashua he was a member of the City Council
for two years, and was also identified with the
Board of Trade of that city. Mr. Skinner is
a member of the Masonic fraternity, the Odd
Fellows order, and the Knights of Pythias, all
of Nashua. He is prominent in Grand Army
circles, belonging to the C. H. Phelps Post,
No. 43, G. A. R., of Amherst, and having
served as Quartermaster of the New Hamp-
shire State department.

On October 8, 1850, Mr. Skinner married
Miss Caroline S. Winn, who was born in
Wilton, N.H. She is a daughter of Silas
and Dorcas (Woods) Winn, natives respec-
tively of Woburn and Lexington, Mass. Mr.
Skinner had two children— Carrie F. and
Willie C., who died successively in 1854°and
1864.

 

inent business man of Marlow, and
ably served the public in the capac-
— ities of State Senator and member
of the Executive Council. Born September
6, 1816, in Nelson, N.H., he was a son of
Pious U. and Sally (Whitney) Burnap. The
paternal grandfather, John Burnap, was a
prosperous farmer of Nelson in the early days
of that town. By his wife, Mary Hayward
Burnap, he became the father of five children;
namely, John, Eli, Pious U., Molly, and
Amos.

Pious U. Burnap, born in Nelson, February
5, 1775, was engaged in farming and manu-
facturing from early manhood until his death,
which occurred August 11, 1827. He was
one of the leading residents in his day. His
wife, Sally, who was born June 26, 1778, be-
came the mother of twelve children, born as
follows: John, April 4, 1803; Upton, June

A JAMES BURNAP was a prom-

 

 

20, 1804; Josiah, August 26, 1805; Eli,
February 15, 1807; Polly, September 20,
1808; Nancy, May 13, 1810; Mary, June 26,
1812; Lura, April 3, 1814; James, the sub-
ject of this sketch; George, July 15, 1818;
and Laura and Loren, twins, October 13,
1819. The mother died February 26, 1846.

James Burnap attended school in Nelson,
and learned the tanner’s trade with his uncle,
Asa Spaulding. He worked for a time in
Reading and Danvers, Mass., and was also
employed as a journeyman in Charlestown,
N.H. On December 21, 1837, he settled in
Marlow, where, in company with his brother
Josiah, he was engaged in the tanning busi-
ness until the firm dissolved in 1856. Sub-
sequently, after carrying on business alone for
three years, Mr. Burnap admitted to partner-
ship J. M. Howard, with whom he was asso-
ciated for a few years. Then, purchasing his
partner’s interest, he conducted business alone
until his retirement, which took place in May,
1891. His tannery supplied the principal in-
dustry in Marlow, affording employment to a
large force of men, and was the means of
building up and maintaining the prosperity of
the village. He was president of the Guar-
anty Savings Bank, and a director of the Citi-
zens’ National Bank of Keene, and the owner
of several farms. He was a member of the
Board of Selectmen for a time, a Representa-
tive to the legislature in 1861 and 1862, a
State Senator in 1876 and 1877, and a mem-
ber of the Governor’s Council in 1879 and 1880.
He also served in other important town
offices, and acted as a Justice of the Peace.
He was connected with the Masonic frater-
nity, and for two years was Master of the local
grange of the Patrons of Husbandry. As an
active member of the Methodist Episcopal
church he contributed generously toward its
support, and was a trustee for over thirty years.

Mr. Burnap wedded Mary A. Gilman, who
was born October 24, 1819, daughter of Emer-
son and Delia (Way) Gilman, of Lowell,
Mass. The only child of the union is Sarah
Abbie, born in Marlow, September 22, 1847.
Mrs. Burnap died September 1, 1890. After
surviving his wife more than four years, Mr.
Burnap died October 28, 1894.
os
he

 

JAMES BURNAP.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

2gI

 

 

Miss Sarah Abbie Burnap was educated in
the public schools of Marlow and at the New
Hampshire Conference Seminary, Tilton.
She resided with her parents as long as they
lived. Since the death of her father much of
the care of his large estate has devolved upon
her, and she has displayed business ability of
a high order. She is an active member of the
Methodist Episcopal church, and has been
officially connected with the grange.

RANKLIN FIELD, a retired farmer of
Peterboro and an ex-member of the
New Hampshire legislature, was born
in this town, May 1, 1819, son of William
and Mary (McAllister) Field. The grand-
father, John Field, who was born in Braintree,
Mass., April 10, 1752, moved with his family
to Peterboro in 1786. He followed his call-
ing of tanner in this town during the rest of
his active period, and died January 8, 1826.
He married Ruth Thayer, and had a family of
eight children, none of whom are living. His
wife lived to the advanced age of ninety-four
years. Both were Presbyterians in religious
belief.

William Field, the father of the subject of
this sketch, was born in Braintree, November
18, 1781. He accompanied his parents to
Peterboro; and when a young man he engaged
in farming, and followed it industriously
thereafter as long as his strength permitted.
When he died at the age of eighty years, he
left a good estate. He was a member of the
Presbyterian church. His wife, Mary, who
was a native of Peterboro, became by him the
mother of fifteen children. Of these five are
living; namely, Catherine, Franklin, Ruth,
Albert, and Lois. Catherine is the widow of
Horace Huse, late of Missouri, and has eight
children — Horace, Catherine, Mary, Jo-
sephine, Ella, Richard, Kirk, and Fremont.
Albert has been twice married. By his first
union, contracted with Mehitable Perkins, there
is one daughter, Lizzie. The maiden name
of his second wife was Augusta Russell.
Lois is the widow of George Pierce. Mrs.
William Field died at the age of sixty-seven
years.

 

 

 

Franklin Field was educated in Peterboro.
After leaving school he began to serve an ap-
prenticeship at the machinist’s trade, which,
after following it as a journeyman in Nashua,
N.H., Lowell, Mass., and other places for
some years, he finally abandoned. In 1849
he purchased a farm in Peterboro, and tilled
the soil successfully as a general farmer for |
considerably more than forty years. In 1896
he retired from active labor, and is now oc-
cupying a comfortable home in the village.
Politically, he is a Republican. He has
served as Road Surveyor for a number of
terms, was a Selectman three years, and he
represented this town in the legislature in
1875 and 1876.

On January 19, 1847, Mr. Field was joined
in marriage with Luvia Miner, daughter of
William Miner, of Lyman, N.H. To Mr.
and Mrs. Field have been born six children,
of whom William F., Martin E., Forest G.,
and Walter are living. William married
Augusta Russell, of Lyndeboro, N.H., and
has one son, Arthur R.; Martin married
Jennie E. Hadley, of Peterboro; Forest mar-
ried Clara Morse, of Marlboro, Mass.; and
Walter E. married Genevieve Little, of Peter-
boro. Mr. Field isa Past Master of Peterboro
Grange. For several years he has acted as a
Deacon of the Unitarian church. Mrs. Field
is a member of the same church.

 

ILAN A. DICKINSON, general
manager of the West Swanzey

woollen manufactory, was born

in that part of the town of Win-

chester called Ashuelot, November 2, 1871,
son of Ansel and Mary Theresa (Felch) Dick-
inson. His father was the founder of the
large business interests carried on in Swanzey
and Winchester by the firm of Ansel Dickin-
son & Sons, and an extended account of his
career may be found elsewhere in this volume.
Milan A. Dickinson was graduated from the
Winchester High School in 1889; and imme-
diately afterward he joined his brothers, La
Fell and John H. Dickinson, in looking after
the large business enterprises left by their
father, who died July 31 of that year. The
292

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

elder Dickinson was a heavy stockholder in
the West Swanzey Woollen Manufacturing
Company, which made a specialty of produc-
ing flannel shirtings of a superior quality;
and his successors, the firm of Ansel Dickin-
son & Sons, having purchased the entire plant,
the subject of this sketch assumed the manage-
ment of the enterprise in 1892. The mills
furnish employment to about seventy-five hands
when running, and, when they closed on ac-
count of the recent business depression, were
manufacturing flannels and cheviots. Mr.
Dickinson has given much time and attention
to the mechanical as well as the business part
of the enterprise; and, as he hasa natural taste
for mechanics, he is himself able to take apart
and readjust the intricate machinery used in
the establishment. The property includes,
besides the two brick buildings, four and three
stories high respectively, the box factory of
C. S. Russell, a shop used by Snow & Rus-
sell, and the Whitcomb Mill. With the re-
turn of business prosperity the woollen-mills
will resume operations, and the present man-
ager is looking forward to busy times in the
near future. Politically, Mr. Dickinson is a
Gold Democrat. He has resided in West
Swanzey since taking charge of the woollen-
mills, is actively interested in the industrial
development and general prosperity of the
town, and, although a young man, has already
acquired much influence in town affairs.

On December 16, 1896, Mr. Dickinson was
united in marriage with Miss Josie E. Taylor,
daughter of Charles W. Taylor, of this town.

 

AMES SHELDON, one of Wilton’s
representative farmers, was born upon
the farm where he now resides, July
12, 1825, son of Samuel and Betsey

(Simonds) Sheldon. His great-grandfather,
Samuel Sheldon (first), who is thought to have
been a native of Reading, Mass., moved his
family from that town to Wilton in 1770, and
was among the first settlers here. Samuel was
identified with the early development of agri-
culture in Wilton, and took a prominent part
in church affairs. The maiden name of his
wife was Sarah Wellman; and he hada family

 

of eight children, of whom Samuel (second),
was the second child. He died December 24,
1832, aged ninety-two. His wife’s death oc-
curred January 7, 1826, when she was eighty
years old.

Samuel Sheldon (second), James Sheldon’s
grandfather, was born in Reading in 1767.
He was reared to farm life in Wilton, and fol-
lowed agriculture during his active years.
He was a Democrat in politics and a Uni-
tarian in his religious belief. He married
Phoebe Keyes; who bore him twelve children.
Of these the survivors are: Abiel W. Shel-
don, born in April, 1817; and Lucy, who was
born August 5, 1806. Lucy is now the widow
of Joseph Barrett Howard, and has four chil-
dren — Carrie, Lucy, Ada, and Maria. Sam-
uel Sheldon (second) died May 21, 1847,
and his wife on November 21, 1821, aged
fifty years. Samuel Sheldon (third), James
Sheldon’s father, was born at the old home-
stead in Wilton, March 16, 1794. In early
life he worked at the mason’s trade during the
summer season, and followed shoemaking in
the winter. In 1830 he purchased the farm
which is now owned by his son, and the rest
of his active period was spent in tilling the
soil. By industry and thrift he acquired con-
siderable property. He attended the Unita-
rian church. In politics he was a Democrat,
and he served as a member of the Board of
Selectmen in 1846 and 1847. He died April
20, 1873, aged seventy-nine years. His wife,
Betsey, who was a daughter of Eliphalet
Simonds, of Milford, N.H., had four children,
two of whom are living. These are: Betsey
Ann, the widow of Sumner Hazelton; and
James, the subject of this sketch. The
mother died July 6, 1856.

James Sheldon acquired his education in
Wilton. Since leaving school he has been
engaged in general farming. He succeeded
to the possession of the home farm. The es-
tate, which contains three hundred acres, is
kept in a high state of fertility. Politically,
he acts with the Democratic party. While
serving as a member of the Board of Select-
men in 1888 and 18809, he officiated as its
chairman. On December 22, 1847, he was
joined in marriage with Nancy Morse, daugh-
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

293

 

 

ter of Hazen Morse, of Chester, N.H. Mrs.
Sheldon is the mother of three children,
namely: John A., born December 11, 1848;
Samuel J., born October 16, 1850; and Hattie
F. John A. married Alice Gray, of Wilton,
and has four children — Grace A., William
A., Fanny B., and Charles E. Samuel J.
married Clara Curtis, who is now deceased.
Hattie F. is the wife of Henry E. Payson, of
Pembroke, N.H., and has one daughter,
Clara B.

Mr. Sheldon is connected with the Patrons
of Husbandry, and in 1888 and 1889 was
Master of Adrance Grange, No. 20. In 1892
he was Master of Hillsboro County, Pomona
Grange, No. 1. He is regarded as one of the
most able farmers in Wilton, and is highly
esteemed as a citizen. Both he and Mrs.
Sheldon attend the Unitarian church.

 

ARK MERRITT HADLEY, a
prominent resident of Hillsboro,
was born in Deering, N.H., No-
vember 14, 1839, son of Enoch
and Mary Ann (Buzzel Bailey) Hadley. His
great-grandfather, Captain George Hadley,
who served as an officer in the Revolutionary
War, afterward settled in South Weare, N.H.,
where he resided for the rest of his life.
Captain Hadley was a prosperous farmer, and
he figured prominently in military affairs.
Enoch Hadley (first), the grandfather of the
subject of this sketch, a native of South
Weare, followed agriculture in that town for
some years. He subsequently moved to a
farm in Deering, where he continued to till
the soil for the rest of his active period,
spending his last days upon his farm. He
married Abigail George, and reared a family
of five children, of whom Enoch (second) was
the only son.

Enoch Hadley (second), Mark M. Hadley’s
father, was born in Deering. The greater
part of his life was devoted to general farming
in his native town. He was quite prominent
in public affairs, serving as a Selectman for a
number of terms. In his later years he was a
Republican in politics, and he worshipped at
the Free Will Baptist church. His last days

 

were passed in West Andover, N.H., and he
lived to be about seventy years old. He mar-
ried for his first wife Mrs. Mary Ann Bailey
Buzzel, who died at the age of thirty-three
years. She left two children— Mark M. and
Captain Elbridge D. Hadley. The latter was
in the Civil War, and was wounded by a bullet,
which has not been extracted. He married
Mary Borne, and resides in Des Moines, Ia.
Enoch’s second marriage was made with Mary
Ann Gove, of Deering, of whose four children
by him Enoch C. is living. She resides in
West Andover.

Mark Merritt Hadley acquired his educa-
tion in the common schools and at a private
academy. After finishing his studies he
bought a farm in Deering, which he cultivated
for three years. Then he was engaged in a
general merchandise business at Hillsboro
Bridge as a member of the firm of Newman &
Hadley. Withdrawing from this firm three
years later, he purchased a store at East
Washington, where he conducted a mercantile
business for six years, serving as Postmaster
for a part of the time. In Hillsboro, at the
end of that period, he bought a farm, which
he carried on for twelve years. While so
doing he also taught school every winter. In
1886 he purchased the Hillsboro Messenger
and job printing establishment at Hillsboro
Bridge, and conducted both until September,
1896, when he sold out to parties from Bos-
ton, Mass. Politically, he acts with the Re-
publican party. He has been Town Treas-
urer and Tax Collector, and was a member of
the School Board for several years.

On March 3, 1862, Mr. Hadley was joined
in marriage with Abbie J. Carr, daughter of
Robert Carr, of Hillsboro. Mrs. Hadley is
the mother of three children — Alma C., Clif-
ton H., and Harrison C. The last two are
twins. Alma C. is the widow of Bela A.
Wellman, late of Allegheny City, Pa., and
has one daughter, Mabel A. Clifton H. mar-
ried Grace A. Winn, of Somerville, Mass.,
and has one daughter, Barbara. Harrison C.
married Ella Robbins, of Hillsboro. Mr.
Hadley was made a Mason in 1863, and is
now a member of Harmony Lodge, No. 38, of
which he acted as Master for two years. He
294

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

was Master of Valley Grange for six years,
and the secretary four years. For a number
of years he acted as drum-major for the Hills-
boro Mechanics’ Band. He also served for
several years as Associate Justice of the
Police Court of Hillsboro. Both he and Mrs.
Hadley attend the Methodist Episcopal
church.

ANIEL T. BUTTRICK, who is
identified with the mercantile in-

©) terests of Hillsboro County as a
lumber dealer, having his residence
in the town of Milford, was born November
15, 1831, in Londonderry, Rockingham
County, son of Nathan Buttrick. Nathan
Buttrick, born in Pelham, N.H., was there
brought up a farmer, which calling he fol-
lowed throughout the rest of his life. From
Pelham he removed to Londonderry, going
thence to Derry, and eventually to Brookline.
In Brookline he spent his declining years,
and died at the age of eighty-three. His first
wife, Catherine Witherspoon Buttrick, the
mother of Daniel T., was born in Vermont.
She died while the family were living in
Nashua, N.H., leaving one other child, who
is Barnett C. Buttrick, of Nashua. The father
subsequently married Mrs. Willoughby, of
Brookline, N.H.

Daniel T. Buttrick obtained his early edu-
cation in the district schools of Londonderry.
His schooling was continued for four years in
Derry, to which place the family removed
when he was twelve years old. He afterward
remained with his parents until he attained
his majority. Then, lured by the flattering
prospects of making a speedy fortune in the
gold fields of the Far West, he went to San
Francisco by the Isthmus, starting from New
York City, and accomplishing the journey
in thirty days. He stayed there less than two
years, being a part of the time employed in
gold mining and the remainder in carpenter-
ing. Returning then to the old Granite
State by the Nicaragua route, which took
him through Central America, he settled in
Amherst. Here in 1854 he established him-
self in the lumber business, which he carried

 

 

 

 

 

 

on in that vicinity for five years. In 1859
Mr. Buttrick transferred his business interests
to Milford, and since that time has been ex-
tensively engaged in lumbering in this and
adjacent towns. In addition, he has carried
on general farming toa limited extent, meet-
ing with signal success in this as in the other
undertaking.

Mr. Buttrick was united in marriage, Janu-
ary 26, 1859, with Miss Sarah J., daughter of
Elbridge and Sarah (Bonney) Hall, of Nashua. |
Of the four children born to them a son died
in infancy, and a daughter, Helen L., passed
away March 13, 18809, at the age of twenty-
nine years. The others are: Mabel A., who
is the wife of Frank H. Stanyan, of West
Medford, Mass.; and Kate T., the wife of
Herbert F. Keeler, of Milford, N.H.  Politi-
cally, Mr. Buttrick is a sound Republican.
He is a member of Granite Grange, No. 7,
of Milford.

 

HARLES L. BEMIS, Postmaster of
Marlboro, Cheshire County, was born
in this town, June 6, 1854, son of
Luther G. and Abbie H. (Cutter)
Bemis. His paternal great-grandfather was
Jonathan Bemis; and his paternal grandfather,
whose Christian name was Luther, married
Sally Farrar. Luther G. Bemis, father of
Charles L., was born in Troy, N.H. At an
early age he began the manufacture of wooden-
ware, and he continued in that business in
Marlboro for many years. He married Abbie
H. Cutter, a native of Jaffrey, N.H., and she
is the mother of three children, namely:
Charles L., the subject of this sketch; Fred-
erick C.; and Louisa A. Frederick C. mar-
ried Minnie G. Harvey, and resides in Keene.
Louisa A., who became the wife of J. L.
Hardy, died leaving one daughter — Bessie B.
Mr. and Mrs. Luther G. Bemis are living in
Marlboro.

Charles L. Bemis acquired his education in
the schools of this town. After finishing
his studies he worked in a woodenware factory
for some time. At the age of twenty-four he
entered the store of Clinton Collins, where he
was employed for the succeeding five years; and
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

29.5

 

 

he afterward worked for George G. Davis until
January 1, 1890, when he was appointed Post-
master of Marlboro, the duties of which position
he‘has capably performed up to the present time.
Mr. Bemis cast his first Presidential vote for
Rutherford B. Hayes, in 1876, and he has
since supported the Republican party. He
has been Supervisor of the Check List fourteen

years. He is a member of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, and of the local
grange, No. 118, Patrons of Husbandry. On

March 13, 1877, he was joined in marriage
with Sarah Amelia Gould, a daughter of
Henry Gould.

UTHER. M. BURNS, residing on
Union Street, in the’ town of Mil-
ford, N.H., was born here, January

28, 1827, son of Captain Peter and
Sallie J. (Duncklee) Burns. He is a descend-
ant of the family from which the world-famed
poet, Robert Burns, sprung. The first of his
ancestors to locate in America was one John
Burns, who came to Milford directly from
Scotland, bringing with him his family. His
son, John, who was the next in line of descent,
had a son, John, who was a life-long resident
of Milford and the grandfather of Luther M.
Captain Peter Burns, the father of Luther
M., was born, lived, and died in Milford. In
the War of 1812 he commanded a company of
light artillery. He was an industrious, hard-
working man, acquiring a goodly amount of
this world’s goods, having been engaged in
agricultural pursuits for many years, and also
during the later years of his life was employed
in granite quarrying. He lived to the ripe
old age of seventy-seven years, passing away
at the old homestead, October 18, 1865. To
him and his wife, whose maiden name was
Sallie J. Duncklee, several children were born,
the following of whom survive their parents:
Mary A., the wife of James Burns, of Milford;
Alvira, the wife of John Towne, of Milford;
Luther M., the subject of this sketch; and
John M., of whom an account will be found
elsewhere in this work.
Luther M. Burns inherited from his ances-

 

tors the habits of thrift and industry charac-

 

teristic of the Scotch race. After leaving the
district schools of his native town, he began in
earnest the battle of life. He labored with
persistent energy on the homestead farm, and,
as he accumulated money, invested it in land,
being now the owner of three hundred acres,
lying mostly in Milford. Until 1874 Mr.
Burns was actively engaged in general farm-
ing. At that time he removed to his present
home in the village, and has since dealt in
real estate to some extent. As a man and a
citizen he is held in high regard by his fellow-
townsmen, whom he served five years as Select-
man, having been chairman of the Board for
one year. In politics he is an unswerving
Republican, sustaining the principles of that
party by voice and vote.

Mr. Burns was united in marriage, April
15, 1852, with Miss Sarah J. Wyatt, who was
born in Amherst, N.H. Her parents, Foster
and Mary (Gregg) Wyatt, were natives, re-
spectively, of Amherst and New Boston, N.H.
Mr. Wyatt was a prominent resident of his
native town, which he served for a number of
years in the capacity of Selectman. Both he
and his wife are now deceased. They had
several children, of whom four are living,
namely: Harriet, of Milford; Mary A., the
widow of the late Ephraim Jones, of Amherst;
Adaline, the wife of John M. Burns, of Mil-
ford; and Sarah J., now Mrs. Luther M.
Burns. Mr. and Mrs. Burns have one child,
Fred L., a civil engineer, who is at present
in New York City.

DWARD ADAM COBURN, who con-
ducts a flourishing blacksmith and
wheelwright business in East Jaffrey,
Cheshire County, was born in Lowell, Mass.,
April 8, 1857, son of David and Emeline
(Abbott) Coburn. His father was born in
Dracut, Mass., April 28, 1814; and his pater-
nal grandfather followed the shoemaker’s
trade in connection with farming in that
town. The latter married Lydia Fox, and
their children were: Herbert, Maria, Phineas,
David, Clarissa, and Mercy.
David Coburn, father of Edward A., com-
pleted his studies at Phillips Academy, An-

 
296

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

dover, Mass. He learned the blacksmith’s
trade in Pelham, N.H.; and, after following it
subsequently in Lowell until 1858, he then
moved to Sharon, N.H., where he remained
about four years. In 1862 he settled in East
Jaffrey, where he conducted business as a
blacksmith for the rest of his life, which ter-
minated in 1887. He was a Democrat in pol-
itics and a Universalist in his religious be-
lief. He married Emeline Wells Abbott, a
native of Maine, born September 16, 1822,
and a daughter of John Abbott, of Sidney,
that State. They had six children, namely:

William; Frank H.; Charles; Emma; Ed-
ward A., the subject of this sketch; and

Flora G. The mother died November 22,
1896.

Edward Adam Coburn, after beginning his
education in the schools of Jaffrey, pursued
more advanced studies at the academy in New
Ipswich. Having learned the blacksmith’s
and wheelwright’s trades, he succeeded to the
business formerly carried on by his father,
and is now profitably engaged therein. He is
connected by membership with the Masonic
fraternity, the Ancient Order of United Work-
men, and the Patrons of Husbandry.

Mr. Coburn married Eva Hanscomb, who
was born in Kinsey, P.Q., November 25,
1855, daughter of Theodore Hanscomb, of
Jaffrey. Mrs. Coburn is the mother of three
children: Marion, born June 12, 1882; Guy,
born March 19, 1887; and Bernice, born
June 8, 1891.

 

and milk dealer of Goffstown, was born

in this town on the old Paige farm, July

14, 1829, son of John G. and Nancy M.
(Campbell) Paige. James Paige, the great-
grandfather, one of the early settlers of Goffs-
town, lived here until his death. He came
from England with two sons, who also settled
in Goffstown. Benjamin Paige, a native of
Goffstown, and the father of John G., followed
farming throughout his active life. His wife,
whose maiden name was Polly Goff, was a
kinswoman of the Goffs from whom the place
obtained its name. He lived to be over

Poo J. PAIGE, a successful farmer

 

seventy years old, and she was nearly the
same age when she died.

The birth of John G. Paige occurred here,
June 10, 1803. He was an energetic and re-
spected farmer. His wife, Nancy, was born
in Acworth, Sullivan County, December 3,
1805. In politics he was a Republican. In
religion both he and his wife were members of
the Congregational church. They had eight
children, six sons and two daughters. Of
these three sons and one daughter have died,
and three sons and one daughter are living.
They were: Isaac J., the subject of this
sketch; Francis N., born July 10, 1831, who
died February 10, 1856; Frank J., born Feb-
ruary 3, 1833, who served in the Northern
army during the last year of the Civil War;
Harland, born September 16, 1836, who
served for three years in the war, and died
January 3, 1866; Henry C., born January 7,
1839, who served throughout the war, and
died April 16, 1866; David A., born March
30, 1842, who also served throughout the war;
Martha J., born November 23, 1843, who died
in September, 1889; and Sarah A., born July
29, 1846.

Isaac J. Paige received a district-school
education. At the age of nineteen he went to
Manchester, N.H., and there was watchman
for the Stark Corporation for five years, and
was employed in their cloth room for two
years. Returning then to Goffstown, he
bought land. After cultivating this purchase
for two years, he sold it and purchased an-
other place that he carried on for five years.
At the end of that time he disposed of his
second purchase, and bought the interest of
the other heirs to the old Paige estate and re-
sided on it for five years. Then he sold out
to his brother, David A., who now occupies
the place. From Goffstown he now removed
to Acworth, there purchased a farm and re-
sided on it for five years. Returning to
Goffstown after that, he entered Austin’s sash
and blind factory, in which he worked for
three years. Subsequently he worked for
Kendall, Hadley & Co., following the busi-
ness about twenty years. In 1893 he again
took up farming, and now he has a milk route
in the village.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

207

 

 

On June 17, 1851, Mr. Paige married Jane
R. Curtis, who was born in Lyme, N.H., Au-
gust 10, 1833, daughter of Ebenezer and Mary
(Kendrick) Curtis. Mr. Curtis was born in
Granville, Vt., November 27, 1800, and Mrs.
Curtis in Lyme, N.H., May 10, 1804. He
died in Goffstown, September 7, 1864, and
she at Rye Beach, June 16, 1878. Mr. and
Mrs. Paige have three sons and a daughter —
George W., Frank E., Willey P., and Lottie
E. — all of whom live in Goffstown. George
W., born December 29, 1852, was married
May 20, 1876, to Harriet Simons, and has
two sons and a daughter — Natt I., Willie A.,
and Lena A. Frank E., born August 23,
1854, married on August 26, 1876, Miss Josie
Perkins, and has a son and daughter — Guy F.
and Laura J. Willey P., born May 27, 1856,
married first on January 10, 1882, Miss Susie
E. McLane, who died September 16, 1892.
He made a second marriage June 27, 1894,
with Miss Mary E. McLane, his first wife’s
sister. He has two children — Zetta McLane
and Charles P. Lottie E. Paige, born Janu-
ary 24, 1862, was married October 3, 1888,
to James E. Dow, and has two children —
Elmer C. and Frank H.

In politics Mr. Paige is an independent.
He is a member of Bible Lodge, F. & A. M.;
and of Webster Lodge, I. O. O. F. Mrs.
Paige and he belong to Uncanoonuck Grange,
P. of H., the Rebecca Lodge, and the Eastern
Star Lodge. Both are members of the Con-
gregational church.

 

YLVESTER O. DAVENPORT,
owner of one of the fine estates of
Hinsdale, was born September 16,
1829, son of James and Jerusha

(Stebbins) Davenport. His grandfather,
Charles Davenport, who belonged to an old
Kentucky family, came to Vermont, settling

in Dummerston. He was a farmer. His
children were: James, Charles, William,
John, and Lydia, all born in Vermont.

Charles remained in Vermont. William and
John went to Arkansas. William had seven
sons, all of whom fought on the Confederate
side during the late war. John never mar-

 

ried. He was engaged in business on the
Mississippi River, and met his death by an
explosion on his steamboat. Lydia married
Arad Fesendon, and resided in Guilford, Vt.
Charles, the son of James, studied surgery
with the late Dr. Boyden, of Hinsdale, and in
a New York school, and practised in Missis-
sippi. He was a surgeon in the Confederate
army.

James Davenport, father of the subject of
this sketch, removed to Hinsdale, N.H., and
bought a farm here, which is now owned by
Hoyt Day. In addition to his farming he
kept high-blooded stock, and his entire life
was devoted to business. Though interested
to have the town grow and prosper, he stead-
ily declined office, and when chosen Select-
man refused to serve. He was a member of
the Congregational church. He died Septem-
ber 16, 1852, his wife, a daughter of Elihu
Stebbins, surviving him thirteen years. Six
of their seven children have also departed this
life, the record being as follows: James H.
died at the age of twenty-four; Lockhart died
at the age of sixty; Jerusha was but twenty-
four at the time of her death; Charles was
forty-two; William was but twenty-four ;
John married Lydia Doolittle, and died at the
age of twenty-eight years.

Sylvester O., now the only survivor, was
apprenticed to J. B. Merrill, the blacksmith,
at the age of sixteen, and served at the forge
four years. At the age of twenty he went to
California, and worked at his trade in the
mining districts. A short time later, taking
passage for Australia, he was shipwrecked on
the Pacific coast, near the Isthmus, and re-
turned to Hinsdale, N.H. The next eight
years of his life were spent in the employ of
Mr. Merrill in manufacturing chisels and car-
penter tools. He then bought the old home-
stead, and turned his attention to farming for
five years, at the end of that time selling to
Sereno Higgins, and buying his present estate
on the river road, formerly known as the
Smith place. It was not a large farm, but
Mr. Davenport has added considerably to the
acreage; and the residence and grounds are
kept up with great taste and care. He makes
a specialty of raising tobacco for the market,
298

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

and also sells large quantities of milk to the
trade.

Mr. Davenport has been a Selectman for
three terms; and in 1893 he represented his
town in the legislature, and served on the
Committee on Military Claims. He is a
strong temperance man, and while in office
worked incessantly for this noble cause. He
is a member of the Congregational church; a
member of the Grange Mantasquet, No. 133,
and has been Master of the society for three
years; has belonged to the Masonic order for
the past forty years; is a member of the Hugh
de Payens Commandery, K. T., at Keene, N.H.
He has been twice married. His first wife
was Ellen Haile, daughter of the late ex-
Governor Wilfiam Haile; and by her he has
one child, Gertrude, who married Edmund P.
Dole. His second wife, the present Mrs.
Davenport, is Juliette, daughter of Nahum
Nimbs, of Sullivan, N.H.

EORGE LANGDELL, an influential
farmer of New Boston, was born in

this town, January 8, 1842, son of

Samuel and Caroline (Fisher) Langdell.
Livermore Langdell, the father of Samuel,
born in Beverly, Mass., came in 1771 to New
Boston, and settled on a farm in the west part
of the town. He had previously been the
commander of a vessel. When the Baptist
church was established here, he was elected one
of its first Deacons. He died in 1826. The
maiden name of his wife was Abigail Dodge.
Samuel Langdell, the youngest of the twelve
children of Livermore and Abigail Langdell,
was born in New Boston, July 14, 1804. He
became the owner of the farm that his father
settled, and, like him, was a man of integrity
and much business capacity. In 1855-56 he
was a member of the State legislature, and he
served the town as Selectman and in other
capacities. He wasa Baptist in religion and
a Democrat in politics. Caroline Fisher
Langdell, his wife, who was born in Frances-
town, N.H., April 5, 1806, died May 17,
1876, and he on January 23, 1890. They
had nine children, of whom five reached ma-
turity. These were: Asenath, now deceased;

 

 

 

Elzaphan, residing in Milford; Jacob, in New
Boston; George, the subject of this sketch;
and Adoniram J., a resident of Muddy, Ia.
George Langdell received his education in
the town schools and at Mont Vernon Acad-
emy. He has carried on general farming,
making a specialty of dairying. His farm in-
cludes the land first purchased by him in 1868,
containing one hundred acres. He has erected
on it a new house and out-buildings. In poli-
tics Mr. Langdell favors Prohibition princi-
ples. He was Selectman in 1873, 1874, and
1875; and he was Tax Collector for two years.
Mr. Langdell was married June 6, 1868, to
Miss Lydia S. McNeil. She was born in New
Boston, January 29, 1840, daughter of Deacon
Peter and Mary S. (Stiles) McNeil. Her
grandfather, Deacon William McNeil, was one
of the first settlers of New Boston. Both he
and his son, Peter, were sturdy farmers.
Peter, born December 5, 1787, who died in
1849, aged sixty-two years, married on Sep-
tember 23, 1818, Mary S. Stiles. She was
born in Amherst, N.H., in 1798, and died
in 1882. They had eleven children, of whom
there are living: Mary J., Hannah E., Will-
iam, Cyrus G., John, James, Rachel P., Peter
P., and Lydia S. Two daughters have died
— Abbie S. and Harriet N. Mrs. Langdell
taught school for fourteen years in New
Hampshire, Missouri, and Indiana. She has
two sons — Harry W. and Samuel F. Harry,
born May 4, 1871, who is a machinist in
Malden, Mass., married Mary Patch, and has
two sons — George W. and Frank H.; and
Samuel, born January 8, 1876, is engaged in
farming in New Boston. Both Mr. and Mrs.
Langdell are members of the Baptist church.

E RANK BLAISDELL, M.D., a highly
successful physician and surgeon, who
for a score of years or more has been in

continuous practice in Goffstown, was born

here, May 28, 1852, son of Stephen and

Amanda (Marshall) Blaisdell. Dr. Blaisdell

represents the eighth generation descended

from Ralph Blaisdell, who, born in England,
settled in Salisbury, Mass., about the year

1640. Beginning with Ralph, the other

 
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

299

 

 

lineal representatives were: Henry (first),
John, Henry (second), Henry (third), Henry
(fourth), Stephen, and Frank.

Henry Blaisdell (third), who was born in
Amesbury, Mass., was a pioneer settler of the
eastern part of Goffstown. Henry Blaisdell
(fourth), born here April 5, 1769, who was a
farmer by occupation, married Jane Taggart,
a native of Hookset, N.H., born May 8,
1777. His twelve children are deceased.
He died November 2, 1838, and his wife, Jan-
uary 4, 1858. In politics he was a Demo-
crat, in religion a Congregationalist. Stephen
Blaisdell, who was born in Goffstown, learned
the harness-maker’s trade, and thereafter fol-
lowed it throughout the remainder of his life.
He was a great lover of music, and for years
was the leader of the Congregational church
choir. His wife, Amanda, was a native of
East Weare, N.H. Both are now deceased.
Their children, three sons and a daughter, are
all living, namely: George C., a physician
and surgeon at Contoocook, N.H.; Edwin A.,
who has a general store at Goffstown; Frank,
the subject of this sketch; and Louisa A., the
wife of John L. Whipple, of this place.

On completing the course of the public
schools, Frank Blaisdell entered the Sweden-
borgian Academy, Contoocook, and was there
fitted for college under Professor Thomas B.
Richardson. In 1872, having decided upon
a professional career, he began the study of
medicine at Manchester, N.H., under Dr.
George E. Hersey and Professor Lyman B.
How, of that city, and subsequently pursued
it under the tutorship of Professor Carlton P.
Frost, of Hanover, N.H. He next attended
two courses of lectures at Dartmouth Medical
College; and he graduated from that institu-
tion in November, 1876, after four years of
medical study. He chose his native town as
his field of practice, and his success here has
proved the wisdom of his choice. He is par-
ticularly interested in surgery and operative
obstetrics, and in 1879 he introduced the use
of wood pulp for splints. He has also en-
tered the field of medical literature, and
among his published writings is a paper on
“Obstetrics”; the Report of the State Board
of Health of New Hampshire, 1884; Transac-

 

tions of the New Hampshire Medical Society,
1886; and a paper on “Effect of Ensilage
upon Milk.”

On August 29, 1877, Dr. Blaisdell was
united in marriage with Miss Anna I. White,
of Goffstown. They have three sons — Arthur
George, Percy Newton, and Willie Edwin
Blaisdell. The Doctor is a Republican in
politics. Since 1890 he has been a member
of the Board of Education, and since 1892 he
has been president of the town Board of
Health. In 1895 he was appointed physician
and surgeon in charge of the New Hillsboro
County Almshouse and Hospital, and he is
associate physician and surgeon to Elliott
Hospital, Manchester, N.H. He is also
medical examiner for a number of life insur-
ance companies. Fraternally, he is a mem-
ber of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows
and the Knights of Pythias. He has also
membership in the Centre District Society,
the New Hampshire Medical Society, the
American Medical Association, the Manches-
ter Medical Association, and Manchester Med-
ical Club. Dr. Blaisdell is a member of the
Congregational church.

 

TOT AY R. CHASE, a progressive
farmer of Lyndeboro and a member
[ls of the New Hampshire House of
— Representatives, was born in
Worcester, Mass., November 3, 1865, son of
Rufus P. and Mary A. (Blanchard) Chase.
He is a descendant of Aquilla Chase. His
grandfather, Jacob K. Chase, was a native of
Massachusetts; and he resided in Newbury-
port, of that State. Jacob married Elsie
Hodges, of whom three children were born;
namely, Rufus P., Jacob D., and Caroline W.
Chase.

Rufus P. Chase was born in Newburyport,
April 1, 1804. He learned the trade of a
shoemaker, and afterward followed that call-
ing in Worcester for several years. Subse-
quently he removed to a farm in Lyndeboro,
where he passed his last days, and died De-
cember 7, 1876, aged seventy-two years. He
first married Emily Peck, of whose four chil-
dren by him Walter P. and Fred M. are liv-

 

 

 
300

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

ing. He contracted a second marriage with
Mary A. Blanchard, a daughter of Asa
Blanchard, of Lyndeboro. She also bore him
four children, of whom two survive. These
are: Harry R., the subject of this sketch;
and Homer F., who married Ada E. Cross, of
Methuen, Mass., and has one child, Gladys
Parker Chase, born April 28, 1897. Mrs.
Rufus P. Chase, now sixty-one years old, is
residing with her son at the homestead. She
attends the Congregational church.

Harry R. Chase attended the public schools
of Worcester until he was ten years old, at
which time his parents moved to Lyndeboro.
The death of his father forced him to begin
work at an early age, and his youth was spent
in assisting upon the farm. When old enough
he took charge of the homestead, and has
since managed the property with energy and
good judgment. He has seventy acres of
fertile land, which he devotes to general farm-
ing, making a specialty. of fruit culture and
poultry, and dealing in milk.

Mr. Chase actively supports the Republican
party. For four years he served as a member
of the Board of Selectmen, and he was elected
a Representative to the legislature in 1896.
He has occupied the principal chairs of Laurel
Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Wilton, and was for-
merly District Deputy. His industry and
progressive tendencies are heartily commended
by his neighbors, and his fellow-townsmen
place the fullest confidence in him as their
Representative at Concord. Mr. Chase is un-
married. He attends the Congregational
church.

 

AMES D. CUTTER, a prominent resi-
dent of Stoddard, was born in this
town, October 11, 1844, son of Xeno-
phon and Nancy H. (Alds) Cutter.

He is of Scotch ancestry. His grandfather,
Moody Cutter, familiarly known by his fel-
low-townsmen as Judge Cutter, was a lawyer,
and resided upon a farm in Stoddard for the
greater part of his life. Moody reared six
children; namely, Henrietta, Emily, Marietta,
Frederick, Ferdinand, and Xenophon.
Xenophon Cutter, a native of New Ipswich,

 

N.H., born in 1808, in his young manhood
worked upon the Lowell Railroad, and later
carried on a farm in Windsor, N.H.  After-
ward he returned to Stoddard, was engaged in
butchering for some time, then entered the
glass business, and died in 1850. His wife,
Nancy, who was born in 1811, daughter of
Isaac Alds, of Antrim, N.H., became the
mother of six children — John M., Emily A.,
Sarah Jane, Albert O., James D., and Charles
X. John M., who followed the trade of a
glass-blower, married Mary A. Mullen, of
Ellenville, N.Y., had one son, Horatio S.,
and was drowned in Philadelphia in 1857.
Emily A. married Horatio R. Smith, of
Keene, N.H., who was also a glass-blower.
Her only daughter died in infancy. Sarah
Jane married William Gibney, a native of New
York City, and a glass-blower, and has three
children— Charles, William, and Nettie.
Albert O., who is a prosperous farmer of An-
trim, married Ruby Wyman, and has three
children — Alberto, Clara, and Charles.
Charles X., who resides upon a farm in Stod-
dard, married Frankie Glover, who died
April 16, 1890, leaving four children — Mary
J., Morris J., Frederick C., and Orlow A.
Mrs. Xenophon Cutter died October 27, 1884.

James D. Cutter was educated in the com-
mon schools of Stoddard and at the Marlow
Academy. Afterward he learned the glass-
blower’s trade, and followed it in Connecticut
and in Boston. Later he resided in Lynde-
boro and Antrim, N.H., and since 1875 he
has been engaged in farming and butchering
in Stoddard. In politics he is a Democrat.
For a number of years he has been a leading
spirit in public affairs, serving with ability
as Selectman, Supervisor, Tax Collector, and
Road Agent. He is connected with the
Patrons of Husbandry, and attends the Con-
gregational church.

Mr. Cutter married Laurette L. Herrick,
who was born in Windsor, N.H., December
22, 1850, daughter of Nathaniel B. and El-
vira Herrick, of Antrim. Mrs. Cutter died
December 28, 1889, leaving the following
children: Arthur E., born in Stoddard, Au-
gust 10, 1870; Emma E., born in Antrim,
June 23, 1873; John Walter, born September
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

301

 

 

16, 1875; Alice, born March 13, 1878; Ber-
tha, born September 30, 1883; and Leon J.,
born April 2, 1887. The last four are natives
of Stoddard. Arthur E. Cutter married Helen
A. Robb, of Stoddard, is engaged in teaming
in Stoddard, and is the present Road Agent.
Emma E. is the wife of Fred Shoults, who is
in the cutlery business in Antrim. John
Walter is collector for an ice company in New
York City. Alice, Bertha, and Leon J. are
residing at home.

 

ARRISON E. HERRICK, a well-
known farmer and prominent citizen
of Merrimac, was born on the es-
tate where he now resides, Septem-
ber 30, 1849, son of Isaiah and Sarah Ann
Putnam (Gage) Herrick. The paternal grand-
father, Daniel L. Herrick, who was a native
of Massachusetts, came to New Hampshire,
and settled in Merrimac about the year 1802.
A cooper by trade, he was engaged in that
business here, and did some general farming.
Esteemed for his excellent judgment and fine
character, he was Selectman for a number of
terms, besides serving in various minor public
offices as well. At the same time he trans-
acted considerable probate business, including
the settlement of estates. In politics he be-
longed to the old-time Whig party, and he
was a member of the Congregational church.
He died at the age of eighty-seven years.
His wife, Hannah Weston Herrick, who
came from Amherst, died at the age of eighty-
nine. Their children —Thirza, Franklin,
Isaiah, and Anstress — who attained maturity,
are now deceased.

Isaiah Herrick was born and spent his life
on the farm. In his early days he worked at
the wheelwright’s trade. Afterward he was
engaged in general farming. He was inter-
ested in politics as a Republican. While a
man of excellent character, and believing in
the beneficent effects of a broad and charitable
Christianity, he was not connected by mem-
bership with any church. In 1840 he built
the house now standing upon the estate. His
wife, who survives him, has won a host of
friends by her unfailing good nature and kind-

 

liness. She lives with her son on the old
home to which she came when she was first
married. Besides Harrison E., she has a
daughter, Miss Elizabeth Gage Herrick, who
resides with her.

After leaving the common schools of his
native town, Harrison E. Herrick went to
work on his father’s farm, which to-day he
owns and occupies. Always alive to ques-
tions touching the general welfare, and fully
recognizing his duties as a citizen, he has
taken an active part in public affairs. He
has served on the Board of Selectmen and in
other offices. In the Board of Selectmen he
discharged the duties of chairman to the satis-
faction of the entire community. At the late
election he was chosen Representative to the
legislature on the Republican ticket for the
session of 1897-98. He is a member of the
P. of H., Thornton Grange, No. 31, of Merri-
mac. An earnest Christian he is a religious
man and a member of the Congregational
church.

 

 

LIVER CARTER, one of the oldest
residents of Amherst, was born in
Wilmington, Mass., June 5, 1810, son
of Oliver and Betsy (Gardner) Carter.

According to family tradition he is a de-
scendant of one of three brothers named Car-
ter who settled in Wilmington. His father
was a son of Nathan Carter.

Young Carter was educated in the common
schools of Wilmington, which he attended
mainly in the winter. He ceased to attend
school at the age of sixteen years. When
about twenty years old he went to Andover,
Mass., where he worked as a farm hand about
two years and a half, and then returned to
Wilmington. He subsequently became an
employee in the construction department of
the Boston & Lowell Railroad as a_ stone
mason. Some time after he held a similar
position with the Boston & Maine Railroad,
working on the line between Malden and
New Market. He afterward followed his

trade in Concord and later in Nashua. From
Nashua he came to Amherst in 1849, and
bought the farm on which he now lives. He
302

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

has about three hundred acres of land, and
carries on mixed farming.

Mr. Carter’s first marriage was contracted
November 10, 1836, with Miss Sarah Good-
hue. She bore him four children, of whom
two are living—Elizabeth and James O., both
residents of Northwood Narrows, N.H._ Eliz-
abeth is now the widow of Henry S. Emerson.
The mother died August 5, 1875. On Feb-
ruary 21, 1883, the father was married to his
present wife, Ida Jennison Carter, who was
born in Wendell, Mass. Mr. Carter isa Re-
publican in politics. He has never served in
office, though often solicited to do so. While
not caring for positions of public trust, he
takes much interest in whatever will elevate
or improve the condition of the community.
Mrs. Carter is a member of the Baptist church.

 

DDISON KNIGHT was well known
throughout Milford and Nashua asa
man of superior business ability and
integrity. He was born June 16,
1823, in Hancock, N.H., son of Asa and
Melinda (Adams) Knight, both natives of
the Granite State. In 1832 he came with his
parents to Milford; and here, after finishing
his studies in the district schools, he learned
the trade of a cabinet-maker, at which he
worked for a number of years. When about
thirty years old he removed with his family to
Nashua, N.H., accepting a situation with the
Jackson Manufacturing Company, cotton man-
ufacturers, remaining in their employ for
more than three decades. Beginning first in
their mechanical department as a carpenter, he
was soon made overseer of their yards, and
subsequently promoted to the office of superin-
tendent of their mills. In this capacity Mr.
Knight served with credit to himself and
profit to the company, winning the respect and
good will of both his employers and the em-
ployees until 1885, when he retired from busi-
ness. In 1886 he came to Milford, where he
spent the remainder of his life. By thrift and
industry he acquired a good deal of property.
He was made a Mason while residing in
Nashua.
On October 3, 1844, Mr. Knight married

 

Miss Margaret Chase, a daughter of Nathaniel
and Lydia (Crooker) Chase. Both parents
were natives of New Hampshire. The mother
was born and bred in Londonderry. Mr.
Knight died at his home in Milford, January
4, 1887. The event was mourned by the
townspeople as the loss of a worthy citizen.
Since the death of her husband Mrs. Knight
has continued her residence in Milford, having
a pleasant and attractive home on Amherst
Street. She is a woman of refinement, noted
for her hospitality and benevolence, and is
a regular attendant of the Unitarian church,
believing fully in the fatherhood of God and
the brotherhood of man.

 

YRUS S. MOORE, American Ex-
press agent at Marlboro Depot,
Cheshire County, was born in Jaf-
rey, this county, July 5, 1832, son
of Luke and Mary (Baker) Moore. The
paternal grandfather, John Moore, was a
native and lifelong resident of Sharon,
N.H., where he carried on a farm. The
maiden name of his wife was Hannah Fitch.
Luke Moore, father of the subject of this
sketch, was reared to agricultural pursuits,
and cultivated a farm of seventy-five acres in
Jaffrey for a number of years. He later
moved to Marlboro, where he resided until
his death, which was caused by an accident.
His wife, Mary, who survived him, became
the mother of two sons: Loren L., who died
in Leominster, Mass., leaving a wife and one
child; and Cyrus S.

Cyrus S. Moore was educated in the public
schools of Marlboro. Being left fatherless at
the age of fourteen, he obtained employment
in a pai] manufactory, where he worked for
about four years; and for the succeeding three
years he followed the carpenter’s trade. He
was then appointed station agent at Marlboro
Depot, the responsible duties of which posi-
tion he capably performed for over thirty years.
Subsequently he drove a stage and carried
the mail from Marlboro Depot to Marlboro
Centre. He was in the grocery business for
about a year and a half, and has been agent for
the American Express Company since 1857.
 
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

395

 

 

Mr. Moore served two terms as Selectman,
and is now a Police Officer and Deputy
Sheriff, having held the latter office several
years. He is connected by membership with
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and
the Patrons of Husbandry, and he is also a
member of the Congregational church, in
which he has held the position of chorister
many years.

Mr. Moore has been three times married.
His first wife, who was in maidenhood Caro-
line A. Farrar, became the mother of three
children — Frederick Sidney, Lizzie Caroline,
and Albert Loren. Frederick S., who is no
longer living, wedded Mary A. Hall, of Wal-
pole, and was the father of two children —
Charles E. and Carrie M. Lizzie Caroline
married F. E. Adams, and has three children.
Albert Loren married Sarah J. Goldsmith.
Mr. Moore’s first wife died March 14, 1866.
His second wife was Mrs. Hattie Frost Har-
rington, daughter of Sumner Frost, of Derby,
Vt. She died January 16, 1885. On De-
cember 29, 1885, he married Mrs. L. E,
Smith Blodgett, a native of Westminster,
Mass.

Politically, Mr. Moore is a Republican, and
cast his first Presidential vote for J. C.
Fremont in 1856.

EORGE E. HOLBROOK, one of
the foremost agriculturists of Am-

herst, Hillsboro County, was born in
this town, November 12, 1854, son of Francis
W. and Olivia C. (Howland) Holbrook. [Fur-
ther information regarding his ancestry will
bé found in the biography of his brother,
Frank A. Holbrook.] He obtained his early
education in the public schools of his native
town. Afterward he attended McCollom In-
stitute at Mont Vernon, N.H., for a_ time.
From his earliest youth he has made farming
his chief occupation, first assisting in the
care of the home farm, and then working with
persevering energy in the improvement of his
own estate. He owns two hundred acres of
land, which he has brought toa fair state of
cultivation. Besides tilling the soil to great
advantage, he carries on a substantial busi-

 

 

ness as a milk producer, and pays considerable
attention to fruit-growing. Mr. Holbrook is
in hearty sympathy with al] movements tend-
ing to improve and elevate the mental, moral,
and religious status of his native town and
county. In politics he is identified with the
Republican party, and for several years he has
been Moderator at the annual town meetings.
He belongs to the A. O. U. W., of Manches-
ter, N.H., and is a prominent member of the
Souhegan Grange, No. 10, of Amherst, of
which he was Master for two years. When
twelve years of age Mr. Holbrook united with
the Congregational church, of which he has
since been a devoted member. For a short
time he served as Deacon. During his life he
bas been influential] in Sunday-school work,
and for three years acted as superintendent of
the Sunday-schoo] connected with his church.
He was also largely instrumental in the organ-
ization of the Y. P. S. C. E. of this place,
and during the most of the time since its for-
mation has been the president of the society.

Mr. Holbrook has been twice married. His
first wife, whose maiden name was Cora B.
Fisher, died March 5, 1894, leaving him two
children — Bertha M. and Jennie E. On May
7, 1896, he married Mrs. Lestina A. Richard-
son, who was born in East Alstead, N.H., a
daughter of John W. and Eveline F. (Brig-
ham) Sawyer, of Alstead.

EORGE ALLEN RAMSDELL, Gov-

ernor of New Hampshire (1897-

~ 98), was born in Milford, N.H.,

March 11, 1834. His first ancestors in

America upon both sides were English emi-

grants, and among the early settlers of Mas-
sachusetts.

In 1815 his grandfather, Captain William
Ramsdell, then of Salem, Mass., purchased
the farm in Milford, which has been the home
of the family for more than eighty years, and
is now owned by Governor Ramsdell and his
brother.

The subject of this sketch attended the
public schools in his native town, then took a
preparatory course at McCollom Institute,
Mont Vernon, and completed one year’s study

 

 
306

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

at Amherst College. He subsequently re-
ceived the degree of Master of Arts from
Dartmouth College. Upon the completion of
his legal studies he opened an office at Peter-
boro, N.H., where he remained six years, and
until he was appointed clerk of the Supreme
Court for the county of Hillsboro, which oc-
casioned his removal to Nashua, where he
now resides. During his long term of ser-
vice as clerk he acted as auditor, master in
chancery, and referee in a large number of
suits. His service as a trier of causes has
never been exceeded by any member of the
bar excepting the judges of the courts of the
State. In 1893, six years subsequent to his
retirement from the clerkship, he was ten-
dered a seat upon the bench of the Supreme
Court of the State.

During the thirty years of his residence in
the city of his adoption he has filled many
positions of influence. For ten years he was
a member of the Board of Education, and for
twice that time he has been trustee of the
Public Library. In 1869-71 he was a mem-
ber of the legislature; in 1876 a member of
the Constitutional Convention; and in 18g91-
92 a member of the Executive Council. For
five years he was president of the Board of
Trustees of the State Industrial School, and
he has at times filled other public offices of
trust. His law business is at present con-
fined to office and probate practice.

Among the positions of private trust which
he holds may be enumerated: president of the
First National Bank and treasurer of the City
Guaranty Savings Bank in Nashua, director
in the Nashua Manufacturing Company and
the Jackson Company, the leading industries
of his city. He is also a director in the Wil-
ton and Peterboro Railroads; but, as these
roads are under a long lease, no demand is
made upon his time by reason of his connec-
tion with them.

Governor Ramsdell is a member of the First
Congregational Church and Society, and was
one of the promoters of the erection in 1893
of the stone church of the parish, which is
not excelled by any structure of the kind in
the State. He is also a thirty-second degree
Scottish Rite Mason. Mr. Ramsdell is one

 

of the most unpretentious citizens of his city.
He has a pleasant home on Concord Street,
where, with his wife and two children — two
having established homes of their own — he is
enjoying the latter half of a life which from
the beginning has been one of ceasless care
and labor. Mr. Ramsdell’s political life com-
menced with the organization of the Republi-
can party, and during the forty years of its
existence he has been a consistent member.
He was elected Governor, November 3, 1896,
by a plurality of more than twenty thousand
votes. His vote was larger than that attained
by any gubernatorial candidate during the en-
tire history of the State, and his vote in his
own city was larger than that received by any
man at any election, save William McKinley.

INGATE M. DARRAH, of Bedford,
who is in the roofing business in
Manchester, was born in the former

place, May 31, 1831, son of Isaac and Rachel
(Watts) Darrah. The grandfather, James
Darrah, who was an early settler of London-
derry, N.H., moved to Hillsboro County,
where the greater part of his life was passed.
He was a stirring farmer and the proprietor
of a saw and grist mill in Bedford. His last
days were spent upon the farm which is now
occupied by his grandson, and he died Feb-
ruary 27, 1829. His wife died May 7, 1836.

Isaac Darrah, a native of Hillsboro County,
born December 17, 1786, settled upon a farm
in Bedford, and followed agriculture for the
rest of his active period. He died November
13, 1867. In politics he was originally a
Whig and later a Republican. He was an
active member of the Baptist church. His
wife, Rachel, who was born August 23, 1795,
on territory now within the limits of Manches-
ter, became the mother of nine children, three
of whom are living. The latter are: Sarah
S., who resides in Manchester; Wingate M.,
the subject of this sketch; and Calista J., who
is residing in Iowa. The others were:
Martha W., Mary A., Rufus T., Juliet, Isaac
W., and John S. Isaac W. was also a resi-
dent of Manchester. The mother died May 7,
1863.

 

 
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

3°7

 

 

Wingate M. Darrah attended the common
schools of Bedford and the Normal Institute
at Reed’s Ferry. After beginning life as a
farmer, he later entered the railway service,
and in time worked his way forward from the
post of a section hand to that of locomotive
engineer. He relinquished the latter occupa-
tion to engage in the roofing business in Man-
chester, which he has followed for the past
twenty-five years, making a specialty of gravel
and slate roofs. He has acquired a high rep-
utation for skilful work, and he is widely
known as a reliable business man. He also
owns and cultivates the homestead property of
three hundred acres. The property has been
greatly improved in his hands, and his resi-
dence is one of the finest in Bedford.

On July 27, 1856, Mr. Darrah was united
in marriage with Sarah E. Batchelder. She
was born in New Market, N.H., July 6, 1838,
daughter of Samuel and Eliza J. (Durgin)
Batchelder. Mr. and Mrs. Darrah have seven
children living, namely: Walter E., of Con-
cord; Fred C., of Manchester; George W., of
Merrimac; Minnie W., of Concord; and
Jennie E., Mertie M., and Sadie M., who
are residing in Bedford. In politics Mr.
Darrah supports the Republican party. He
is highly esteemed, both in Manchester and
Bedford, by a large circle of friends and ac-
quaintances. His success in business is espe-
cially meritorious, as it has been attained
solely through his own energy and ability.

 

ASON ADAMS CARPENTER,

the Representative of Surry in the

New Hampshire legislature, was

born in this town, December 5,

1845, son of William and Abigail (White)

Carpenter. Ezra Carpenter, William’s father,

was a prosperous farmer of Surry, served the

town in various offices, and was a member of

the Methodist Episcopal church. His family

consisted of seven children; namely, Willard,

William, Betsey, Nancy, John, Ruth, and
another child who died in infancy.

William Carpenter, also a native of Surry,

was born January 26, 1814. He was a stir-

ring farmer and a lifelong resident of this

 

town. For some years he was influential in
the local government, serving as a Selectman,
Highway Surveyor, and in other offices. He
united with the Methodist Episcopal church.
His death occurred in 1890. He married
Abigail White, who was born in Gilsum,
N.H., December 25, 1820. Her children
were: Luman M., Josephine A., Ellen M.,
Jasper A., Frank D. W., Mason A., Eugene
R., Hattie M., Marrietta C., Flora A., Mer-
rill D., Le Forest J., Mira A., Martha, and
Fred. Mrs. William Carpenter died July 20,
1887.

Mason Adams Carpenter was reared and ed-
ucated in Surry, and served the customary
apprenticeship at the carpenter’s trade. He
has long been prominent in this section as a
reliable contractor and builder, and has car-
ried on a large business in that line. Valu-
able service has been rendered by him to the
town in the capacities of Selectman, Town
Treasurer, Road Agent, and legislative Rep-
resentative. In the legislature of 1889 he
was assigned to the Industrial Schools Com-
mittee, and in the last session of the House
he was a member of that on the Division of
Towns.

Mr. Carpenter married Mary E. Pool, who
was born in Lowell, Mass., September 9,
1847, daughter of Samuel Pool. Mrs. Car-
penter is the mother of three children, born as
follows: Arthur M., October 19, 1868; Maud
L., January 24, 1872; and Gertrude J., Au-
gust 1, 1874. Arthur M., who is engaged in
farming in Keene, married Eva Edgell, and
has two children. Maud L. is the wife of
George N. Conley, a storekeeper in Surry,
and has three children. Gertrude J. married
Herbert R. Crane, of this town, and has
three children.

EORGE E. BALES, a _ prominent
lawyer of Wilton and its present

Representative in the State legislat-
ure, was born here, September 14, 1862, son
of Charles A. and Frances M. (Hardy) Bales.
The paternal grandfather, John Bales, who
was an industrious blacksmith of Wilton, mar-
ried Milly Shattuck, and became the father of

 

 
308

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

Of these Jane B., Joanna B.,
Jane B. is the

ten children.
and Charles A. are living.

wife of William Brown, of Greenfield, N.H.;.

and Joanna B. is the widow of Daniel Ames,
and has one daughter, Minnie A.

Charles A. Bales, George E. Bales’s father,
was born in Wilton, February 24, 1835.
When a young man he learned the black-
smith’s trade, which he has followed success-
fully up to the present time. The first of his
three marriages was contracted with Frances
M. Hardy, a native of Greenfield, and whose
only child is George E., the subject of this
sketch. The second marriage was made with
Sarah Brown, of Temple, N.H., who had one
daughter, Bessie F. The third marriage of

Charles A. Bales united him with Mary C.°

Campbell, of New Boston, who bore him one
son, Harold C.

After obtaining his elementary education in
the schools of Wilton, George E. Bales at-
tended the academy in Francestown for a
year. Then he entered Phillips Exeter Acad-
emy, from which he was graduated in 1883.
He next completed a course at Harvard Uni-
versity, after which he commenced the study
of law in’ Boston with ex-Governor Brackett.
He graduated from the Boston University
Law School with the class of 1888, and in
September of that year he opened an office in
Wilton. On January 1, 1889, he was elected
treasurer of the Wilton Savings Bank, a posi-
tion he still holds. He has been Tax Col-
lector for some time, Town Treasurer for six
years, and a member of the School Board for
seven years. He was elected State Repre-
sentative in 1894 and 1896, each time for the
term of two years, and served upon the Judi-
ciary and other important committees. He
has been trustee of the public library for sev-
eral years. Politically, he is a Democrat, and
he was a delegate to the last national conven-
tion of his party in Chicago.

On October 16, 1889, Mr. Bales was united
in marriage with Abbie M. French, a daugh-
ter of Francis B. French, of Wilton. Both
he and Mrs. Bales attend the Unitarian
church. Mr. Bales is connected with Clinton
Lodge, No. 52, F. & A. M., of which he
was Master for three years; and with King

 

Solomon Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, of
Milford. He is also a member of Laurel
Lodge, No. 78, I. O. O. F. While attending
to his public duties, Mr. Bales conducts an
extensive law business, and is one of the busi-
est men in Wilton.

UGENE C. HUBBARD, the present
>| Representative of Amherst in the New
Hampshire legislature, is one of the
most thrifty and prosperous agriculturists of
this section of Hillsboro County. Born July
19, 1855, in Charlestown, Mass., he was
legally adopted by the late William H. Hub-
bard, when about five years of age. William
H. Hubbard, who was born and reared in Am-
herst, at the death of his father, Amos Hub-
bard, became the possessor of the paternal
homestead. There he was engaged in agri-
cultural pursuits during his active years, and
he died in 1888. He was a strong Republi-
can in politics. A charter member of Sou-
hegan Lodge, No. 10, P. of H., of Amherst,
he was prominent in the management of the
society, and filled with fidelity the various
offices of the grange. He married Betsey H.
Russell, a daughter of Otis Russell, of Marl-
boro, Mass. She survives her husband, mak-
ing her home in the village of Amherst, being
now past seventy years of age.

Eugene C. Hubbard received his prelimi-
nary education in the common schools of Am-
herst. Then he attended the McCollom In-
stitute in Mont Vernon for three years.
Beginning when a boy to assist in the labors
incidental to farm life, he has since been en-
gaged in agricultural pursuits. Under his
judicious management the Hubbard home-
stead, to which he has succeeded, and which
contains two hundred acres of land, compares
favorably in point of cultivation and improve-
ments with any estate in the vicinity. Be-
sides carrying on general farming he is exten-
sively engaged in raising various kinds of
fruit. A shrewd man of business, endowed
with a clear intellect and much force of char-
acter, he is recognized as a serviceable guar-
dian of the interests of the town and county.
For four years he served with credit to him-

 
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

399

 

 

self and to the satisfaction of his constitu-
ents as Selectman of Amherst, having been
chairman of the Board for two years. In
1896 he was chosen as the town’s Representa-
tive in the legislature. In politics he is a
stanch Republican. He is a member of Sou-
hegan Grange, No. 10, P. of H.

On March 19, 1878, Mr. Hubbard married
Miss Addie F. Noyes, a daughter of Freder-
ick Noyes, of Amherst. -Mr. and Mrs. Hub-
bard have a family of three interesting chil-
dren — Fred W., Emma G., and Bertha A.

LARENCE E. MORRISON, of the
Granite State Evaporating Company,

 

 

Marlow, was born in this town,

September 17, 1867, son of James
H. and Sylvia M. (Corey) Morrison. The
Morrisons, who are of English origin, trace
their descent to two brothers, who came to
this country in 1719, and settled in London-
derry, N.H. Clarence E. Morrison’s great-
grandfather, Samue] Morrison, resided in Al-
stead, N.H. The grandfather, Benjamin F.
Morrison, who was born in that town, June 29,
1813, spent the most of his life in Cheshire
County. When a young man he drove a
stage. He was later employed as a mechanic
in the construction of locomotives and in the
capacity of locomotive engineer. On Febru-
ary 9, 1837, he married Sophia Dodge, of
Springfield, Vt., who bore him two children
— James H. and Frances A.

James H. Morrison, born in Marlow, Au-
gust 10, 1840, learned the currier’s trade, and
afterward followed it for the rest of his life.
He was an upright, conscientious citizen. In
public affairs he was quite active, and ren-
dered efficient services to the town as a mem-
ber of the School Board. He died June 3,
188t. His first marriage was contracted July
4, 1864, with Sylvia M. Corey. She was born
December 14, 1838, daughter of Nathan Corey,
of Washington, N.H., and died August 20,
1872. On May 15, 1873, a second marriage
united him with Mrs. Frances M. (Harris)
Gould. By his first union he was the father
of four children, namely: Frank E., born

March 16, 1865; Clarence E., the subject of

 

this sketch; and Lillie and Leslie, twins, who
died in infancy. Frank E. Morrison was
employed at cabinet-making for two years.
Subsequently he was employed in the capac-
ity of clerk in hotels at Lawrence, Boston,
Portland, Me., and New York City. He is
now an advertising agent, with headquarters
in New York, and one of the proprietors of
the Granite State Evaporating Company.

After attending school in Marlow, Clarence
E. Morrison completed his education with a
commercial course at Eastman’s Business Col-
lege in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Subsequently
he was employed at a tinware factory in Mar-
low for ten years. Then he and his brother,
Frank E. Morrison, bought the establishment,
and formed the Granite State Evaporating
Company. This firm makes sap evaporators,
feed boilers, cookers, and syrup cans, and
butter pails for creamery use. Their goods,
some of which are protected by patents, are
the latest improvements in this line. They
are extensively used and greatly appreciated
by maple sugar manufacturers and farmers,
who derive much benefit from the saving of
time and expense accomplished by their intro-
duction. The company’s office in New York
is located in Rooms 1, 2, and 3 of 500
Temple Court.

On December 24, 1892, Mr. Morrison was
united in marriage with Elizabeth M. Duffy,
who was born in Hillsboro, N.H., April 22,
1874, daughter of Nicholas Duffy, of Win-
chester, N.H. He has been Secretary of
Forest Lodge, I. O. O. F. He attends the
Methodist Episcopal church.

RANKLIN HARTSHORN, a promi-
nent and prosperous business man of
Milford, was born September 6, 1833,

in Amherst, son of Jotham and Elizabeth
(Blodgett) Hartshorn. The paternal grand-
father, Edward Hartshorn, was a boy of ten
years when he removed from Reading, Mass.,
with his parents to Amherst, which was after-
ward his permanent home. Jotham Hartshorn
was a lifelong resident of Amherst, where he
died in 1878. He worked at the carpenter’s
trade in his earlier life. Afterward he was

 

 
310

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

engaged in agricultural pursuits, and eventu-
ally established a successful business in the
manufacture of lumber. Besides serving as
Selectman in Amherst for many years, he
represented the town in the State legislature
for three terms.

Franklin Hartshorn obtained a good com-
mon-school education in Amherst and Mil-
ford. At the age of twenty years, after assist-
ing on the home farm for a time, he became
associated with his father in the lumber busi-
ness, to which he has since devoted much of
his time and attention. On the death of his
parents he assumed the sole charge of both the
mill and the homestead property. Ons the
latter, which contains about two hundred
acres of land, he carries on farming with
profit. In the lumber business his dealings,
both wholesale and retail, are quite extensive.

On February 2, 1860, Mr. Hartshorn mar-
ried Miss Elizabeth P. Knight, a daughter of
the late Jonathan Knight, of Amherst, N.H.
Of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Harts-
horn, Lucy A., Hattie M., and Levi J. are
living. Lucy is now the wife of A. M. Wil-
kins, of Amherst. Mr. Hartshorn is an ac-
tive Republican in politics, and he served for
one term in the State legislature as a member
of the lower house.

 

goods merchant of Milford, the vice-
= president of the Souhegan National
Bank, and the president and treas-
urer of the Milford Granite Company, was born
December 16, 1852, in Nashua, N.H., son of
Hiram and Lucy (Fales) Barber. His great-
great-grandfather, Captain Robert Barber, who
held a captain’s commission under George
ITI. in the Colonial troops, and was afterward
a soldier in the Revolutionary army, was one
of the pioneers of Canaan, Grafton County,
where he and his descendants labored indus-
triously in clearing and improving a tract of
land. Hiram and Lucy Barber were both na-
tives of Canaan.
Henry H. Barber lived in Nashua until
about four years old. Then his parents re-
moved to De Kalb County, Illinois, going

Ate H. BARBER, a leading dry-

 

 

thence to Chicago, where they resided for a
time. They subsequently returned to New
Hampshire, locating in Canaan, where Henry
H. Barber, the subject of this sketch, ac-
quired his education in a private academy.
On leaving the Canaan Academy, he began
his active career as a clerk in the retail dry-
goods house of Taylor & Norwell, of Nashua,
remaining there a number of years. In 1878
he came to Milford, having bought out the
firm of Gray & Howard, dry-goods merchants.
Commencing on a moderate scale, he has now
an extensive department store, which he is
successfully conducting on safe business prin-
ciples, employing from twelve to fifteen clerks
to attend to his large number of patrons. He
is also the treasurer and manager of the Mil-
ford Granite Company, which is one of the
largest concerns in the quarry and granite-
cutting business in New England. Known
for a man of foresight and good practical
sense, he has been made the president of the
Milford Board of Trade and a trustee of the
Milford Savings Bank.

Mr. Barber was united in matrimony with
Miss Fostina M. Dodge, a daughter of Alva
H. Dodge, of Antrim, N.H. He is now the
father of one daughter, Ethelyn F. Barber.
In politics he is a steadfast Republican, tak-
ing a decided interest in local affairs, and he
has served as Representative in the State
legislature for two years. A Mason of the
Milford Lodge, he is a member of St. George
Commandery of Nashua, and he has taken the
degrees of the Scottish Rite. He has also
membership in the I. O. O. F.

 

AVID ONSLOW SMITH, M.D., a
well-known medica] practitioner of
&) Hudson, was born here, November
12, 1823. His grandfather, Page
Smith, a Massachusetts man by birth, in his
earlier years settled in Hudson, where he car-
ried on farming interests throughout the rest
of his life. Page Smith attained the age
of ninety years. His wife, Lydia Hazelton
Smith, born March 31, 1757, passed away
on the 4th of April, 182r.
Alvan Smith, son of Page Smith, was en-

 

 

 

 
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

311

 

 

gaged in farming, and taught school for many
years. A very popular teacher, he was much
sought for as master for the winter terms and
for schools difficult of management. His farm
in Hudson was under good cultivation, and he
was recognized as one of the most progressive
farmers in the town. He served the commu-
nity for several terms as Selectman, and was
also Superintendent of Schools. His relig-
ious views were liberal. In politics at first a
Whig, he joined the Republican party at its
formation. His death occurred in Hudson,
January 11, 1879. The first of his two mar-
riages was contracted with Patty Robinson,
who was the mother of Dr. David Onslow
Smith. His second wife was Chloe Smith.

Dr. Smith’s boyhood was spent in Hudson.
He obtained his education in the town
schools, the Nashua Seminary, and Pinkerton
Academy, Derry. When twenty-three years
of age he began to study medicine with Dr.
H. M. Hooke, a practising physician of Hud-
son. Later he took a professional course of
study in the Harvard Medical School, from
which, after four years of training, both in
the theory and the practice of medicine, he
graduated in 1850. Thereupon he located in
his native town, where he has been engaged
in active practice since. Within the past
few years he has turned over to his son the
heavier part of his work. As a physician
Dr. Smith has won for himself a reputation
for skill and ability over a wide territory.

On August 30, 1855, Dr. Smith was mar-
ried to Mary H. Greely, who was born Octo-
ber 30, 1832, daughter of Reuben Greely.
Mrs. Smith died December 27, 1867, leaving
five children, namely: Minnie E., born June
5, 1856, now Mrs. William H. Bruce, of Gro-
ton, Mass., and the mother of four children —
Winfred, Ethel K., Margaret, and Harry
Bruce; Edmund G., born October 10, 1857,
who died March 29, 1869; Mattie R., born
July 21, 1859, who now resides in Hudson;
Herbert L., born January 9, 1862, a physi-
cian in the city of Boston, who married Lottie
De Wolf, and has two children — Theodora L.
and David O.; and Henry O., born December
18, 1864, now practising medicine at Hudson,
who married Marcia Dearing, and has one son,

 

Deering Greely Smith. Dr. Smith contracted
a second marriage, March 12, 1874, with Han-
nah P. Haselton, who was born in Hudson,
September 20, 1835, daughter of Luther
Haselton. In politics he is a Republican.
He served for many years on the School
Board, and was a member of the last Consti-
tutional Convention of the State. In relig-
ious faith he is a Baptist.

ERSONS BARTLETT, the senior
member of the firm P. Bartlett &
Son, of Milford, manufacturers of
woollen hosiery, is well known in
business and social circles, and highly re-
spected for his sterling qualities. Born Au-
gust 13, 1832, in the town of Morgan, Vt., he
is a son of Zenas Bartlett, who is said to have
been the second white child born in that
place. The father, who was a farmer by occu-
pation, spent a portion of his life in Morgan,
which he represented for two terms in the
Vermont Jegislature. He died in Milford, at
the age of eighty-eight years, four months,
twenty-eight days. His wife, in maidenhood
Betsey Piper, was likewise a native of the
Green Mountain State. They had a family of
four children, of whom the subject of this
sketch was the second-born.

Persons Bartlett was educated in the public
schools of his native town. At the age of
twenty years he began to learn the shoe-
maker’s trade, and afterward worked at it for
twenty-five years in Stoughton and Randolph,
Mass. He then engaged in business for him-
self as a shoe manufacturer, continuing in
Massachusetts until his removal to Lakeport,
N.H., where he conducted a shoe and hosiery
factory for some years. On December 1,
1886, Mr. Bartlett transferred his manufactur-
ing interests to Milford, this county, where
he has devoted his attention exclusively to
woollen hosiery. He is conducting an exten-
sive and profitable business, employing in
busy seasons one hundred and forty hands.
On August 2, 1862, he enlisted in Compan
E, Thirty-fifth Massachusetts Volunteer In-
fantry, which was assigned to the Army of
the Potomac, under General Burnside. He

 
312

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

participated in the battles of South Mountain
and Antietam, being wounded in the latter en-
gagement. In January, 1863, he was honor-
ably discharged from the service. In politics
he is a Republican. In 1890 and 1891 he was
a Representative to the State legislature. He
is a Mason and an Odd Fellow, and is likewise
affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, with
the Order of the Golden Cross, and with the
Pilgrim Fathers. He is an active and faith-
ful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church
of Milford and the superintendent of the Sun-
day-school connected therewith.

The first of Mr. Bartlett’s two marriages
was contracted with Ann Capen, of Stoughton,
Mass., who died July 10, 1890. She left
three children, namely: Lucy J., the wife of
A. E. Goodwin, of New York City; Fred B.,
the junior member of the firm P. Bartlett &
Son, and who in 1895 and 1896 was a Repre-
sentative in the New Hampshire legislature;
and Annie, the wife of Jarvis Stowell, of Mil-
ford. Born of the second marriage, which
was made with Miss Abbie R. Lowe, of Am-
herst, Mr. Bartlett has one child, Bertha.

EORGE E. FARLEY, of Amherst,
one of the enterprising agriculturists
of Hillsboro County, was born Feb-

ruary 6, 1849, in Hollis, N.H., a son of
Enoch Farley, and a descendant of a pioneer
settler of that place. His grandfather, Enoch
Farley, Sr., a lifelong resident of Hollis, was
wel] known and respected in the district.
The father, a man of sound judgment and
much executive ability, served as Selectman of
Hollis for a number of years, and during the
late war was a recruiting officer at Concord,
N.H. He subsequently removed to Nashua,
this county, where he was Street Commis-
sionér for a number of terms, and where he
died in 1886. In politics he was an unswerv-
ing Democrat. His wife, whose maiden name
was Harriet E. Baker, was born and reared in
Sullivan, N.H. They reared four children;
namely, George E., Luke A., Hattie E., and
Lizzie G. Farley.

George E. Farley grew to man’s estate in
his native town, attending the district schools

 

 

of Hollis, the high school of Milford, and the
McCollom Institute of Mont Vernon. After
leaving the latter institution, he taught school
for one year in the town of Brookline, this
State. Going then to Nashua, he began life
as a Clerk in the furniture store of John Cog-
gin, remaining in that capacity until familiar
with the business in all of its details. Then,
in company with his brother, Luke A. Farley,
he bought out his employer, and, until the
dissolution of the firm, carried on a successful
business under the name of Farley Brothers.
In 1879 Mr. Farley removed to Amherst, hav-
ing bought the farm where he now resides,
and has since carried on an extensive business
in general agriculture and lumbering, besides
serving as Justice of the Peace and doing
much work in the probate line.

On May 20, 1875, Mr. Farley married Miss
Mary E. Harmon, daughter of the late Ivory
and Almeda (Hobson) Harmon, of Nashua.
They have one child, George W. Farley.
Since becoming a citizen of Amherst, Mr.
Farley has identified himself with the leading
interests of the town, and encouraged and sup-
ported all beneficial enterprises. For four
years he has served acceptably as Selectman
of the town. In politics he is a stanch Re-
publican. He is a member of Souhegan
Grange and of the Order of the Golden Cross,
both of Amherst.

 

HARLES F. DODGE, who owns and
conducts one of the finest farms in

New Boston, was born on this place,

July 2, 1838, son of Solomon and

Mary (Dodge) Dodge. His paternal great-
grandfather, also named Solomon, who was an
early settler, and the grandfather, Solomon
(second), were influential men in the town,
and followed farming as an occupation. The
father, who was born here February 27, 1808,
having likewise spent his active years in agri-
cultural pursuits, died March 11, 1881, aged
seventy-three years. Mary, his wife, who was
born February 20, 1803, died at sixty-five.
He was a member of the Baptist church, and
she of the Presbyterian. In politics he was a
Republican. He represented New Boston in
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

313

 

 

the State legislature and in the Board of Se-
lectmen for a time. Of his six sons Solo-
mon, Charles F., William B., and Edward
B. are living. The deceased are: Julian P.
and Ernest A.

Charles F. Dodge was educated in the
schools of New Boston and at New London
Academy. His chief occupation has been
general farming, in which he has been suc-
cessful. The old home farm, on which he
resides, has become noted as one of the best
in the State and county. He has a nice
house, good barns and out-buildings. He
owns sufficient other land to make about three
hundred acres all together. The home place
is conducted principally as a dairy farm, with
about forty head of cattle, chiefly Holsteins.

In January, 1872, Mr. Dodge married Miss
Emma J. Wallace, who was born in Manches-
ter, N.H., daughter of John and Abbie Wal-
lace. They have four children living — Jessie
E., Winifred, Mary A., and Gracie W.
They buried their fifth child, Julian P. Dodge.
In politics Mr. Dodge is a Republican. He
has served acceptably as Selectman and on the
School Board, and he is a member of the
Baptist church.

EORGE C. WARREN, an enterpris-
ing general farmer and Jumberman of

New Boston, was born here, July 30,
1847, on the old Warren farm, son of John B.
Warren and a descendant of one of the earliest
families here. [A brief account of the fam-
ily’s early history will be found in the biog-
raphy of James Warren.] After obtaining his
elementary education in the common schools,
young Warren attended Francestown Academy,
and later Appleton Academy, now the McCol-
lom Institute of Mont Vernon. In early man-
hood he taught school for two winters. He
came to the village of New Boston in 1872,
and, in company with C. H. Dodge, forming
the firm of Dodge & Warren, afterward con-
ducted a general store for several years.
Then, selling his interest in the store to Mr.
Dodge, he took up lumbering, which he has
since followed at intervals. He has also since
then worked for Mr. Dodge in the capacity

 

 

of clerk for three years. During the past four
years Mr. Warren has carried on quite an
extensive business in lumbering. His custom
is to buy standing timber, and then cut and
manufacture it into different kinds of lumber.
In the busy season he employs from twenty to
twenty-five men. He owns about four hun-
dred acres of land in Hillsboro County. Be-
sides his general farming and lumbering Mr.
Warren attends to a milk route in New Bos-
ton. The place on which he lives is known
as the D. B. Lovering farm.

On August 19, 1875, Mr. Warren and Miss
Abbie E. Lovering were united in marriage.
She was born in Deering, N.H., August 7,
1852, daughter of Daniel B. and Elsie G.
(Eastman) Lovering. Her father, who was a
prosperous farmer, was born in Deering, and
died in New Boston in 1891. Her mother
died in 1871. Mr. and Mrs. Warren have one
daughter — Elsie G. Warren, who was born in
New Boston, May 14, 1879. In his political
relations Mr. Warren isa Democrat. He has
been Town Treasurer for several years, a mem-
ber of the School Board for three years, and
he has served as Supervisor and in minor
offices. The home of the family, situated on
one of the picturesque hills that surround New
Boston, is a beautiful place in the summer
season. Mr. Warren is highly esteemed in
the community.

 

ing manufacturer of Swanzey, Cheshire

County, and a member of the New

Hampshire legislature, was born in
this town, November 17, 1859, son of Richard
R. and Mary (Applin) Ramsdell. His grand-
father, Elisha Ramsdell, was a native of Rich-
mond, N.H., but some time after marriage he
removed to Swanzey.

Richard R. Ramsdell, father of James M.,
was born in Richmond, and came to Swanzey
with his parents when he was three years old.
At an early age he Jearned pail-making, and
after working for others for some years he
became associated with his father in the manu-
facture of small toy pails. They started on a
limited scale in a building on Bridge Brook,

Jon: M. RAMSDELL, an enterpris-
314

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

and after carrying on the business there for
some time they in 1871 bought a factory for-
merly used for that purpose in East Swanzey.
They added the manufacture of large pails and
buckets to their enterprise; and, as the demand
for these articles increased, they purchased
another mill but a short distance from the
lower factory, and conducted a thriving busi-
ness. Richard R. Ramsdell died in 1894.
He was a member of Company I, Sixteenth
New Hampshire Regiment, and served nine
months in the Civil War. His first wife,
Mary Applin, died in 1871, leaving four chil-
dren, namely: James M., the subject of this
sketch; Richard R.; Lizzie E.; and Angie
M. His second wife, whose maiden name was
Mary Dodge, and who, surviving him, resides
at the home farm, is the mother of two chil-
dren — Ethel and Alice.

James M. Ramsdell was educated in his
native town, and after leaving school he
entered his father’s factory for the purpose of
learning the business. He later bought the
interest of his uncle, and, in company with
his father, carried on the enterprise under
the firm name of J. M. Ramsdell. Since the
death of his father James M. has had the
entire control of the business, and it has in-
creased in many ways. He now manufactures
lard tubs, in addition to the other articles; and
the goods are disposed of in New York, Phila-
delphia, St. Louis, Baltimore, and Boston.
The lower mill was destroyed by fire some
time since; and, instead of rebuilding, an addi-
tion was made to the upper mill, where he
now employs from fifteen to twenty men. He
owns a tract of land, the timber from which he
cuts and hauls to his factory; and he also buys
from other operators.

Politically, Mr. Ramsdell is a Republican,
and in the last session of the legislature he was
assigned to the Committee on Normal Schools.
He is a member of Monadnock Lodge, F. &
A. M., of Troy, N.H.; of Pakuoig Lodge,
I. O. O. F.; is Commander of the local com-
mandery of the United Order of the Golden
Cross; and was formerly a member of the
Sons of Veterans.

Mr. Ramsdell married Hattie R. Alexander,
daughter of Calvin Alexander, of Troy, N.H.

 

Mr. and Mrs. Ramsdell are the parents of three
children; namely, Blanche, Ruth, and Faith.

The family reside upon the estate formerly
known as the Applin place. They attend the
Congregational church.

 

ONAS CUTTER, for the past thirty
years proprietor of the Cutter House
in Jaffrey, formerly kept by his father,
the late Ethan Cutter, was born in this

town, December 9, 1833. He is a represent-
ative of a well-known Jaffrey family which
has been identified with the hotel business
here for three generations, and members of
which have been prominent in local public
affairs. John Cutter, Mr. Cutter’s grand-
father, a native of Woburn, Mass., settled in
Jaffrey in 1789 or about that time, and fol-
lowed the trade of a tanner and currier. He
married Abigail Demary, who was of French
ancestry, and they had the following children:
John, Jonas, Benjamin, Ethan, Ermina, Cyrus,
Esther, Nathaniel, Hepsy, Emeline, Paulina,
and Abigail.

Ethan Cutter, father of Jonas, was born in
Jaffrey, April 11, 1795. He carried ‘on the
hotel of which his son is now proprietor for
upward of forty years, having taken possession
of it in 1826. He was widely and favorably
known throughout this section both as a genial
host and an able public official. He occupied
various public positions of trust, including
those of Postmaster and Town Treasurer,
which he held for many years. He was a
charter member and once Master of Charity
Lodge, F. & A. M., of Jaffrey. Ethan
Cutter died October 24, 1889, in his ninety-
fifth year. Nancy S. Blodgett, his wife,
whom he married January 16, 1827, was a
daughter of Timothy Blodgett, of Fitzwilliam,
N.H. She became the mother of two chil-
dren: Elizabeth S., born December 24, 1827;
and Jonas, the subject of this sketch. Eliza-
beth S. is the widow of George F. Lawrence,
a native of Jaffrey, formerly a fruit and prod-
uce dealer in Boston, and she is residing in
that city with her two children: George E.,
born May 24, 1860; and Nancy B., born
March 13, 1864.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

315

 

 

Jonas Cutter has been in the hotel business
since completing his education, and in 1867
he became proprietor of the noted summer
hostelry that had long been carried on by his
father. The house is situated on elevated
ground at the foot of Mount Monadnock, a
magnificent view of which is to be obtained
from the veranda, and for invigorating air
and wild, picturesque scenery this locality is
unsurpassed.

Mr. Cutter married Lydia Valeria Eveleth,
who was born in Dublin, N.H., April 3, 1832,
daughter of Joseph Eveleth. Mrs. Cutter has
been the mother of two children: Isabella V.,
born July 13, 1854, who died August 31,
1869; and Mortimer E., born June 5, 1856.

Mortimer E. Cutter finished his studies at
the New Ipswich Academy, and for a time was
engaged in the stage and livery business in
Jaffrey. He afterward became proprietor of
the Granite State House, East Jaffrey, later
was for two years proprietor of a hotel in
Greenville, N.H., and is now carrying on the
Hotel Winchendon, Winchendon, Mass. He
married Nellie Platts, of that town, and has
one daughter, Edith I.

REDERICK H. COLONY, an enter-
prising business man of Wilton, Hills-
boro County, was born in Keene,

N.H., February 3, 1850, son of Henry and
Mary Louise (Hayward) Colony. His grand-
father, Josiah T. Colony, was a resident of
Keene.

Henry Colony, who was a native of Keene,
in early life worked at the glass-blower’s and
carpenter's trades. Later he was the propri-
etor of a general store, and still later he was
engaged in the manufacture of woollen goods.
In the latter business, which he carried on
for many years, he was very successful and
. acquired a handsome fortune. Born March
23, 1823, he died July 18, 1884, at the age of
sixty-one years. Asa supporter of the Dem-
ocratic party he ably filled various town
offices. A prominent Mason, he was a mem-
ber of Keene Lodge. His wife, Mary Louise,
became the mother of six children, of whom
Frank H., Frederick H., James, and Mary

 

 

are living. Frank H. married for his first
wife Marie E. Coffin. By his second wife,
whose maiden name was Madeline E. Cameron,
there are three children — Frank, John, and
Eleanor. James married Clara B. Wilber, of
Adams, Mass., and has three children — Mary,
James, and Murray. Mary L. is the wife of
James S. Wilkins, of Keene, and has two chil-
dren— Mary L. and James S. Mrs. Henry
Colony died at the age of fifty-eight years.
She was a member of the Unitarian church.

Frederick H. Colony acquired his education
in Harrisville, N.H. After completing his
studies he was appointed assistant teller at the
Keene National Bank, and remained there for
two years. He then became book-keeper in
the office of his father’s mill at Harrisville,
where he continued until 1880. Then he en-
gaged in the woollen manufacturing business
upon his own account in Harrisville, Keene,
and South Adams, Mass. In 1883 he came

to Wilton, where, in company with his
brothers, under the firm name of Colony
Brothers, the firm manufactured woollen

goods upon quite an extensive scale until a
short time since.

On October 15, 1879, Mr. Colony was
united in marriage with Lucy H. Grant, a
daughter of Erastus Grant, of Lyme, N.H.
Mrs. Colony is the mother of two children;
namely, Henry G. and Louise G.

In politics Mr. Colony is a Democrat, and
his religious belief is the Unitarian creed.
He is a member of Keene Lodge, of the
Temple F. & A. M.

 

MASA B. DAVIS, one of Hinsdale’s

energetic farmers and best known cit-

izens, was born in Winchester,

N.H., July 7, 1824, son of Jona-

than and Betsey (Burt) Davis. His grand-

father, Oliver Davis, was a lifelong resident

of Leominster, Mass., and was twice married.

While he was serving as a soldier in the Ind-

ian War, a bullet from an Indian rifle passed

completely through his body, making an ugly
wound, which never healed.

Jonathan Davis was born in Leominster.

Removing from Leominster, he located in the
316

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

south-west part of Winchester, and tilled the
soil until his death, which occurred about the
year 1832. He married for his first wife
Hephzibah Pratt, and for his second wife
Betsey Burt, daughter of Amasa Burt, of
Winchester. His children by his first union
were: Reuel, Hephzibah, Jonathan, Adeline,
and Maria; and of these Reuel and Maria are
living. His second wife became the mother
of five children, namely: Lucius; Amasa B.,
the subject of this sketch; Pratt; Elizabeth;
and Cyrus. Lucius Davis engaged in the
meat business in Shelburne Falls, Mass., and
died in that town. Pratt died young. Eliza-
beth is the widow of Leander Felt, and re-
sides in Winchester; and Cyrus Davis, who
married Mary Gilmore, is a dentist in this
town.

Amasa B. Davis was left fatherless at the
age of eight years, and the farm was for a
time rented. He attended school in Win-
chester; and, when old enough to undertake
the management of affairs, he and his brother,
Lucius, took charge of the farm, thus provid-
ing a comfortable home for their mother. In
1858 Mr. Davis exchanged the homestead for
his present farm of eighty acres, which is lo-
cated upon the river road in Hinsdale, and
was formerly owned by Sylvanus Barrett.
Aside from general farming he for years trans-
acted a profitable business in the fruit trade,
buying apples all over the country; and for
some time he was engaged in the woodenware
business. He has also attended to consider-
able probate business, and settled several es-
tates. Politically, he is a Republican, and
has taken an active part in public affairs.
He was a Selectman three years, and repre-
sented his district in the legislature in 1851-
52. He is connected with Golden Rule
Lodge, F. & A. M., and the Sons of Temper-
ance, and was formerly president of a temper-
ance club in this town. In his religious
belief he is a Congregationalist, and is an
active member of that church.

On May 27, 1851, Mr. Davis married for
his first wife Juliet, daughter of Asael
Lyman. She died October 11, 1852; and on
February 6, 1856, he was joined in marriage
with Julia Cook, daughter of Aaron Cook, of

 

Hadley, Mass. Mrs. Julia C. Davis has been
the mother of three children: Abbie, who died
at the age of six months; Frank A.; and
Frederick C. Frank A. Davis, who assists
his father upon the farm, married L. Jeanette
Morse, daughter of Sidney Morse, of Winches-
ter; Frederick C. Davis, who is a clerk in a

clothing store in Hartford, Conn., married
Alice M. Clough.

EORGE W. HASLET, a prominent
citizen of Hillsboro, was born in

Boston, Mass., October 24, 1859,
son of George and Eliza (Hamilton) Haslet.
The father, who was born in Hallowell, Me.,
in early life learned the trade of architect and
builder, and followed it in Hallowell and
Portland for some time. About the year
1858 he went to Boston, and there spent the
remainder of his life. He was engaged in the
same business there, but retired from active
occupation several years before his death.
His wife, Eliza, was born in Searsmont, Me.,
daughter of Richard Hamilton, of Hallowell,
who was an officer in the Revolutionary War.
All their children are living; namely, Hollis
M., Mary J., Abbie C., Adelia E., and
George W. The father, who was a very suc-
cessful builder, erected some fine buildings in
Boston. He was a Mason of the thirty-second
degree, an original member of Boston Consist-
ory, Scottish Rite, and he belonged to Boston
Commandery, Knights Templars. In politics
he was a Republican. He died at the age of
sixty-four. His widow resides with her son
at Hillsboro. She is a member of the First
Methodist Episcopal Church of Somerville,
Mass.

George W. Haslet attended school in Bos-
ton and Somerville, Mass. Atter completing
his education he went to work for Rufus S.
Frost & Co., dry-goods commission merchants
of Boston, with whom he remained three
years. In 1880 he went to Hillsboro, and ac-
cepted a position as book-keeper for the Hills-
boro woollen-mill. After some time spent in
that capacity he became the superintendent,
which position he still occupies. The mill
employs about one hundred and eighty hands,

 
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

317

 

 

and turns out woollen goods of all grades.
Mr. Haslet is also interested in the First
National Bank of Hillsboro, of which he is
the vice-president.

In October, 1885, Mr. Haslet was married
to Mary G. Dutton, of Hillsboro, who died in
February, 1887. In politics he is a Republi-
can. He is a member of the School Board
and a trustee of the Fuller Public Library,
and he was for six years the Fire Com-
missioner for the village. A thirty -second
degree Mason, he belongs to Mount Horeb
Commandery, Knights Templars, and is the
secretary and a Past Master of Harmony
Lodge of Hillsboro. In religion he is a
Congregationlist. No man is more highly
esteemed in Hillsboro.

7ULLIVAN H. McCOLLESTER,
o D.D., a clergyman of the Univer-

 

salist denomination, who has won

honorable distinction as a preacher,
an educator, a lecturer, and an author, was
born in Marlboro, Cheshire County, N.H.,
where he now resides, December 18, 1826,
son of Silas and Achsah (Holman) McColles-
ter. His great-grandfather, Isaac McAllister
(as the name was formerly spelled), was one of
the original settlers of this town, and was the
father of the first white child born here.
There were twelve children in the parental
family, ten of whom, seven daughters and
three sons, grew to maturity. The daughters
all married. One son, John Q. A. McColles-
ter, M.D., is a prominent medical practitioner
in Waltham, Mass.; and another, Sumner L.,
is a manufacturer in North Lawrence, N.Y.

A country lad, brought up on a farm, ac-
quiring in the fields habits of industry and
application, Sullivan Holman McCollester
eagerly availed himself of the opportunities
for study afforded by the winter schools of his
native town, which fortunately were of a
character to increase while they fed his pas-
sion for knowledge and his desire for thorough
mental training; and, when he had mastered
the different branches there taught, he contin-
ued to advance in the paths of learning by at-
tending successively select schools and vari-

 

ous academies and seminaries, finally finishing
his preparation for college at Melrose Semi-
nary, Brattleboro, Vt. Genial and compan-
ionable, as well as ambitious and studious, he
was a general favorite with teachers and fel-
low-pupils. At the age of eighteen, at Rich-
mond, N.H., he began the work of his first
profession, that of teaching, his pay being
nine dollars per month. His next school was
in Walpole, where he taught four winter
terms. Entering Norwich (Vt.) University
in the winter of 1847, he pursued the full
classical course, and was graduated in 1851.
To fit himself for the Christian ministry, he
then spent two years as a student at the Cam-
bridge Divinity School, pursuing his Greek
under Professor Felton; and on leaving Cam-
bridge he was for some time principal of the
Walpole (N.H.) Academy.

In 1853, at Swanzey, N.H., where for five
years he had charge of Mount Caesar Semi-
nary, he began his career as a preacher of the
gospel, founding two churches and laboring
successfully in behalf of religion, morality,
and education. During the next four years
he was pastor of a Universalist Society at
Westmoreland and one at West Chesterfield,
where he awakened great religious interest,
also teaching a select school a part of the
time. His influence in the cause of education
was greatly extended through his election to
the office of Schoo] Commissioner for Cheshire
County, which he held till 1859, and his ap-
pointment as president of the State Board of
Commissioners, in which capacity he visited
schools, delivered lectures, and held teachers’
institutes. For eight years, beginning in
April, 1861, Dr. McCollester was principal
of Westbrook Seminary at Deering, Me.; but
in this period he was obliged to take a respite
from his twofold toils, which, together with
the severity of the climate, had begun to im-
pair his health. He accordingly, in company
with his wife, made his first trip abroad, 1866
—67, visiting Great Britain, Ireland, Belgium,
France, Germany, Switzerland, and _ Italy.
When he left Westbrook, it is said, “the
school was the largest it has ever been, and
also in the best financial condition, and the
church founded there by him had grown to a
318

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

large and respectable religious body, so that,
in connection with the seminary, the parish
was strong enough to build a beautiful and
commodious church edifice. During these
years Dr. McCollester had wrought with fidel-
ity, perseverance, and faithfulness in this field;
and it was with the profoundest regrets of the
trustees and friends of the seminary that his
resignation was accepted.”

For three years, beginning with the fall of
1869, he had pastoral charge of the Universal-
ist church in Nashua, N.H., a happy and pros-
perous settlement, his connection with the so-
ciety being regretfully,severed that he might
accept an urgent call to the presidency of
Buchtel College, Akron, Ohio. Here, again,
as teacher, preacher, organizer, he proved em-
phatically the right man in the right place,
faithful and efficient. After six years of un-
wearied service as president of the new col-
lege, giving it a good start, he resigned his
position on account of physical disability,
and went abroad with his family. On his re-
turn, his health being far from firm, he settled
on his farm, the old paternal homestead in
Marlboro. His next ministerial labors were
in Bellows Falls, Vt., where as a pioneer in
the faith, working three years, he founded a
strong church, and was instrumental in build-
ing an elegant church edifice, and in Dover,
N.H., where in January, 1883, he began his
labors to revive Universalism, resigning in
October, 1885, having placed the church on a
strong footing.

Dr. McCollester aided in the legislative act
which provides for County School Boards,
and aims not only to raise the general tone of
all schools maintained at public expense, but,
by the introduction and compulsory pursuit of
such studies in the outlying schools as will
place them upon a par with the graded schools
of the cities, to enable their pupils to enter
the high schools without further preparation.
He was associated with Neal Dow in temper-
ance work more than forty years ago, and has
never relinquished his efforts in that direc-
tion. He delivered the first crusading tem-
perance address ever heard in Akron, Ohio, in
1874, and joined the Reform Club of that city
in their labors in the streets, halls, and

 

churches, at home and abroad. In politics
he isa temperance Republican, and does not
believe that a clergyman should refrain from
publicly uttering his political convictions.
As a member of the legislature in 1889, he
was chairman of the Standing Committee on
Education.

Dr. McCollester has been an extensive
traveller, having made no less than five trips
across the Atlantic, and has been once round
the globe. He has visited the Far East and
the Holy Land, has stood upon the site of
Babylon and Nineveh, and took a six-hundred-
mile journey down the Tigris River upon a
raft made of inflated goatskins overlined with
sycamore timbers. While abroad he corre-
sponded for the Boston Journal, the Transcript,
the Portland Zvanscript, the New Hampshire
Sentinel, the Cheshire Republican, the Con-
cord Monitor, the Dover Republican, the De-
troit Free Press, the Chicago Universalist, the
Gospel Banner, and the Christian Leader. He
is the author of “After Thoughts of Foreign
Travel,” “Babylon and Nineveh,” “Around
the Globe,” and has just published a work en-
titled “Wonder-Land,” a story of Mexico,
Old and New. He has also written for the
religious and educational journals and news-
papers, and is kept constantly busy in supply-
ing pulpits, delivering lectures, and officiat-
ing at weddings and funerals. Of the latter
he has attended more than a thousand. His
entire active period has been devoted to what
he considers the most useful objects in life,
and at present he is giving special attention
to the improvement of the public schools in
his native town and the establishment of a
high school. He has in many ways witnessed
the good results of his labors.

He is a member of the Masonic fraternity,
being connected with the Blue Lodge in Win-
chester, N.H.; the chapter in Portland, Me.;
and Hugh de Payens Commandery, Knights
Templars, of Keene. He was a member of
the first lodge of Odd Fellows organized in
Keene, and is also a member of the Indepen-
dent Order of Good Templars and the Sons of
Temperance.

“Dr. McCollester in his ministerial ser-
vice,” it has been well said, “has enjoyed a
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

319

 

 

marked degree of success. Wherever he has
wrought in this direction, he has left rich
fruits of consecrated efforts. It has seemed
to be his lot to start new religious enterprises,
to organize new elements, and stimulate them
with love to God and man, having started and
organized no less than five different churches,
and aided or been instrumental in building
five church edifices. As a preacher he is
earnest, clear, and persuasive. His hearers
feel his honesty and sincerity. He leaves no
uncertainty as to his convictions and belief,
which is in the widest Christian liberty. An
able man, strong in mind, strong in self-con-
trol, strong in will, and strong in sympathy,
true to all, without deceit or hypocrisy, he is
loved most by those who know him best. In
college and church he has proved himself a
successful organizer and builder in mental and
spiritual things. He has been, and is now, a
power in the Universalist denomination.”

Dr. McCollester married November 23,
1852, Sophia F. Knight, daughter of Joel
Knight, of Dummerston, Vt. “Mrs. McCol-
lester, a woman adorned with genial social
qualities, quick sympathies, and all the
graces of the true woman, has been a compan-
ion, helper, and comforter to her husband
through all the labors and trials of their life.
Of their five children only one survives, the
Rev. S. Lee McCollester, who is also a Uni-
versalist clergyman,” a graduate of Tufts Col-
lege and Divinity School, and is now a suc-
cessful and popular preacher, and pastor of the
Church of Our Father, Detroit, Mich.

 

©.

AYMOND J. PIERCE was a highly
esteemed resident of Brookline. Born

in Lyndeboro, N.H., July 21,

1833, he was a son of James and

Lucy (Wheeler) Pierce. His grandfather,
Eleazar Pierce, was a prosperous farmer and
lifelong resident of Hollis, N.H. James
Pierce, who was born in Hollis, September
13, 1799, in his young manhood came to
Brookline, where he followed the cooper’s
trade in connection with farming, and resided
for the rest of his life. A man of admirable
character, he stood high in the esteem of

 

 

the community. In politics he acted with the
Democratic party. At his death, which oc-
curred May 5, 1884, he was eighty-five years
old. His wife, Lucy, whom he married July
31, 1828, was born March 2, 1805, daughter
of Ebenezer Wheeler, of Brookline. She be-
came the mother of four children, of whom
two are living, namely: Cornelia, who is now
the widow of James T. Willoby, late of
Hollis, and has two children— Fred and
Elsie; and Jennie, the wife of Bryant Wal-
lace, of Nashua, N.H. Mrs. James Pierce
died July 12, 1885, aged eighty years. She
was a member of the Congregational church.

Raymond J. Pierce was educated in the
schools of Lyndeboro and Brookline. After
leaving school he learned the trade of a
cooper, and subsequently followed it through-
out the rest of his life. On April 8, 1858,
he wedded Catherine A. Burge, who survives
him. She was born in Brookline, December
28, 1833, daughter of John and Philomela
(Bennett) Burge. [An account of her ances-
try will be found in the biography of Payson
Burge.] Mrs. Pierce is the mother of four
children, born’ as follows: Nellie K., April
26, 1859; Emma A., September 10, 1860;
Edward R., June 28, 1863; and Effa A., July
7, 1866.

Nellie K. Pierce married Arthur Winslow,
a mason of Milford, N.H., and has had five
children, namely: Wallace A., born August
29, 1885, who died May 14, 1889; Walter
C., born in Milford, September 7, 1886;
Warren A., born June 29, 1881; Waldo E.,
born September 7, 1893; and Marion A.,
born October 15, 1895. Emma A. Pierce,
who is the wife of George G. Clarke, of
Townsend, Mass., has four children, born as
follows: Adabelle P., in Brookline, October
26, 1881; Helen G., in Brookline, September
7, 1883; Edith L., also in Brookline, July
19, 1885; and Arline C., in Townsend, June
21, 1896. Effa A. Pierce married Henry C.
Hall, a native of Brookline, now a carpenter
in Leominster, Mass. Her children were:
Raymond H., born in Leominster, December
22, 1889, who died June 16, 1896; and Robert
W., also a native of Leominster, born Janu-
ary 10, 1894, who died June 26, 1896, of
320

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

diphtheria. Edward R. Pierce is a prosper-
ous farmer of Brookline and a _ prominent
member of the grange. Mr. Raymond J.
Pierce died at his home in this town, Febru-
ary 27, 1869, aged thirty-five years. Pos-
sessed of many manly characteristics, he was
much esteemed in the community, and his un-
timely death was generally deplored. In pol-
itics he was a Republican, and he was a mem-
ber of the Congregational church. Mrs.
Pierce, who survives her husband, is also a
member of the Congregational church, and
has the sincere respect of all who enjoy the
privilege of her acquaintance.

 

LONZO A. WARE, whose portrait is

here shown, late Supervisor of Public

Schools in Swanzey, N.H., where he

died February 8, 1895, was born in

Swanzey, September 1, 1825. His parents

were Jonathan D. and Alice (Hamblet) Ware.

His father was born February 23, 1797, and

was the son of Zenas Ware; and his mother
was a daughter of Josiah Hamblet.

Jonathan D. Ware and Alice Hamblet were
married November 30, 1824. They had four
children, namely: Alonzo A., the subject of
this sketch; Daniel H., born March 9, 1827,
who died in 1857; Alice M., born May 30,
1829; and Mary L., born December 4, 1830.
On October 20, 1858, Alice M. Ware was
married to the Rev. E. S. Adams, of Gilsum,
N.H.; and on August 31, 1854, Mary L.
Ware was married to Franklin Downing.
Jonathan D. Ware died October 23, 1876.

Developing at an early age a taste and
capacity for learning, Alonzo A. Ware at-
tended select schools in Swanzey, Keene,
Troy, and Jaffrey, N.H., and at Saxton’s
River, Vt.; and, having completed his pre-
paratory studies at Mount Caesar Academy in
his native town, he entered actively into
educational work, and taught twenty-nine
terms of schoo] in various parts of Cheshire
County. In 1852 he was appointed an official
at the House of Correction in Boston, where
he remained for a time, and whence he re-
turned to the old home town Swanzey, where
he always kept his residence. He resumed

 

school-teaching, but later turned his attention
to civil engineering and legal business, such
as the writing of deeds, wills, mortgages, the
transfer of property, and the settlement of
estates. His advice and counsel were sought
for and followed by his fellow-townsmen, who
had the highest estimation of his ability and
integrity; and he acted as administrator of
ninety-seven different estates. He was a mem-
ber of the first Board of Trustees of the Win-
chester Security Savings Bank, and was
elected its president in 1889. He was a
ready and interesting writer upon a varied line
of subjects, was the owner of a large private
library, which absorbed the greater part of his
leisure time, and he took a deep interest in
the town library. As Deacon and _ superin-
tendent of the Sunday-school of the Congrega-
tional church, he rendered much valuable aid
in advancing the moral and religious welfare
of the town. In 1872, 1873, and 1874 he was
upon the Board of County Commissioners.
For a number of years he was a Selectman,
and it was during his twenty-fifth year as
Supervisor of Public Schools that his death
occurred suddenly, while attending to his official
duties. A citizen of exceptional worth and
influence, held in universal respect, his unex-
pected decease was a severe blow to the entire
community.

Mr. Ware was twice married. His first
wife, Julia A. Kingman, was born February
28, 1826, daughter of Eliphalet Kingman, of
Winchester, and died March 6, 1892. She
had been the mother of two children — Arthur
K. Ware and Julia M. Ware, who both died
of scarlet fever and were buried together.
Mr. Ware’s second wife, who survives him,
was before marriage Marietta A. Newell.
She was born in Alstead, March 15, 1854,
daughter of Daniel P. and Betsey (Downing)
Newell. Her father was born in the same
town, February 13, 1814, and died July 12,
1878. Mr. Newell was an industrious and
prosperous farmer, and was an active member
of the Congregational church. His wife,

Mrs. Betsey D. Newell, now living, was born

in Marlow, N.H., February 26, 1817, daugh-
ter of James Downing, also of Marlow. She
has had four children; namely, George F.;
 

 

 

GEORGE S. BUTLER.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

323

 

 

Harlan A.; Hiram F.; and Marietta, who
since the death of her husband, the late
Alonzo A. Ware, resides in East Sullivan,
N.H. Mrs. Ware was educated at the Marlow
Academy, and for twenty-three years was a
teacher in the public schools of this county.
She attained a high reputation as an able
instructor and disciplinarian, and her retire-
ment from educational work was the cause of
general regret.

 

AJOR GEORGE S. BUTLER, an
enterprising lumber dealer of Pel-
ham and an ex-member of the New
Hampshire Senate, was born in
this town, June 26, 1848, son of David and
Mary Ann (Russell) Butler. The family is of
English and Irish origin. John Butler (first),
who was the first of the family to settle in Pel-
ham, was born July 22, 1677, son of James
Butler, of Lancaster, Mass. He established
himself here in 1721, and died in 1756. By
his wife, Elizabeth Wilson Butler, he became
the father of John Butler (second), who was
born June 22; 1706.

David Butler (first), son of the second John
and great-grandfather of the subject of this
sketch, was born in Pelham, December 7,
1743. He served as an officer in the Revolu-
tionary War, and was a member of the As-
sembly in 1780 and 1781. On June 20, 1772,
he married Rebecca Chase. His son, Isaac
Butler, the grandfather of George S., was born
in Pelham, March 13, 1774. Isaac, who was
a prosperous farmer and a lifelong resident of
this town, married Nancy Chaplin, who was
born in Lunenburg, Mass., October 13, 1786.
His son, the second David Butler and the
father of George S., was born in Pelham, De-
cember 16, 1809. He was for many years
identified with the lumber and agricultural in-
dustries of Pelham, and was widely known in
connection with the State militia, in which
he held a Captain’s commission. Originally
a Whig in politics, he later became a Repub-
lican. He attended religious service at the
Congregational church. When he died, April
10, 1885, he was seventy-six years old. His
wife, Mary Ann, who was born in Carlisle,

 

Mass., 1804, died February 7,

1854.

Major George S. Butler carries on a profit-
able lumber business, is a well-known insur-
ance agent, and also owns and cultivates a
good farm. A Republican in politics, he is
one of the most active leaders of his party
in Pelham. He has served as chairman of
the Board of Selectmen for two years, was
Representative to the legislature in 1882 and
1883, and a member of the State Senate for
the years 1889 and 1890. For the past seven
years he has been the chairman of the Board
of Education, also the Moderator, the chair-
man of the Board of Trustees of the Pelham
Public Library, and a Justice of the Peace
and Notary Public since 1883.

On June 24, 1874, Major Butler was joined
in marriage with Abbie E. Spear. She was
born in Rockland, Me., July 1, 1848, daugh-
ter of Harvey H. and Jane (Spofford) Spear.
Her mother, the only surviving parent, re-
sides in Pelham. Major and Mrs. Butler have
had four children, namely: George E., born
November 6, 1875, who died May 14, 1895;
Bessie F., born June 4, 1877, who died July
3, 1878; Nettie G., born December 4, 1881;
and Russell D., born June 22, 1884.

Major Butler is connected with Centreville
Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Lowell, and is a mem-
ber of the encampment and of the Patriarchs
Militant. He has also membership in the
Royal Arcanum, the Pilgrim Fathers, the
Massachusetts Society, Sons of the American
Revolution, and Pelham Grange, No. 244,
Patrons of Husbandry. Major and Mrs But-
ler attend the Congregational church. Major
Butler has been connected with the latter so-
ciety for twenty years, serving as chairman
of its Board of Trustees and Assessors for
the past five years.

October 3,

 

ORRIS CHRISTIE, M.D., a well-

known physician of Antrim, was

born in this town, August 29,

1832, son of Josiah Warren and

Mary (Bell) Christie. The grandfather, Sam-
uel Christie, who was born in New Boston,
N.H., in 1764, settled in Antrim in 1788,
324

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

and cleared a large tract of land for agricult-
ural purposes. He tilled the soil energeti-
cally for the rest of his life, and for several
years he kept the tavern in this town. He
married Zibiah Warren, of New Boston, and
had a family of eight children, all of whom are
now deceased. His death occurred October
25, 1818, and that of his wife in 1813. Both
were members of the Presbyterian church.

Josiah Warren Christie, Dr. Christie's
father, was born in Antrim, November 6, 1793.
When a young man he learned the carpenter’s
trade, which he followed to some extent; but
the greater part of his time and attention was
devoted to the care of his property. He was
one of the prominent and influential citizens
of Antrim in his day, and he served upon the
Board of Selectmen in 1845. In politics he
acted with the Democratic party, and he was
an earnest advocate of temperance. On March
16, 1824, he married for his first wife Fanny
Boyd, who bore him two children, neither of
whom is living. On March 11, 1830, he
wedded Mary Bell, a daughter of John Bell,
of Antrim. She became the mother of two
children, namely: Morris, the subject of this
sketch; and Mary A., who is now the widow
of Thomas B. Bradford, late of Francestown.
Josiah W. Christie died April 30, 1862, and
his second wife on March 4, 1890. She was
a member of the Presbyterian church.

Morris Christie acquired his early education
at the academies in Francestown, Washington,
and Hopkinton, N.H. Subsequently he
attended medical lectures at Dartmouth Col-
lege, and was graduated from the University of
New York City in 1859. The following year
was spent at the Charity Hospital on Black-
well’s Island, where he gained much practical
experience. On May 1, 1860, he located for
practice in Antrim. In the period of profes-
sional activity that has since elapsed, he has
won a high reputation for skill and reliability,
and acquired a large and lucrative practice.

On July 22, 1863, Dr. Christie was united
in marriage with Susan S. Hill, of Johnson,
Vt., a daughter of George W. Hill, who was
a brother of ex-Governor Hill of New Hamp-
shire. Mrs. Christie has had two children,
one of whom died in infancy. The other,

 

George W., who was born August 5, 1868,
died December 12, 1885. In politics Dr.
Christie is a Democrat. He was for some
time a member of the School Board, and was
formerly a trustee of the water-works. Be-
sides attending to his professional duties he
has settled many estates, and has acted as a
Justice of the Peace for the past fifteen years.
Both he and Mrs. Christie are members of the
Presbyterian church.

 

 

ILLIAM L. ROBINSON, an enter-

prising agriculturist of Mont Ver-

non, was born in this town, June 1,

1863, son of the late Jesse O. Robinson. His

paternal grandfather, Jesse Robinson, many

years ago came to Mont Vernon from Bedford,

Mass., when a young man, and here became a

Jandholder and a householder, identifying him-

self with the industrious farmers of the com-
munity.

Jesse O. Robinson spent his entire life in
Mont Vernon, receiving his education in the
public schools. From early manhood farming
and lumbering were his principal occupations.
Endowed with the thrifty and economical
habits characteristic of the New England
people, he acquired considerable property. He
died in November, 1887. As a man and as
a citizen he was held in high regard by his
neighbors and friends, who never questioned
his integrity or doubted his word. He wasa
Republican in politics and a member of the
Congregational church of Amherst. His wife,
in maidenhood Laura Frye, was born in Ver-
mont, May 14, 1824. She still continues
her residence on the homestead where she and
her husband passed so many happy years of
peace and contentment. Of their children
four are now living, namely: George A., of
Marlboro, Mass.; Helen E., of Amherst,
N.H.; William L., the subject of this biogra-
phy; and Jennie B., who resides with her
mother and brother on the old home farm.

William L. Robinson was reared on the
homestead, acquiring his education in Mont
Vernon, having first attended the district
school and later the McCollom Institute.

_ Having paid good heed to the parental instruc-
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

tions given him in agriculture during his
youthful days, he obtained a practical knowl-
edge of its different branches, and on the
death of his father was competent to assume
the management of the family estate. Since
then he has successfully carried on general
farming, lumbering, and dairying. His farm
of three hundred acres is considered one of the
finest in this vicinity. He takes an intelligent
interest in everything pertaining to the wel-
fare of his town. In March, 1896, he was
chosen Selectman for a year, having been the
Republican candidate for that important office.

 

LVAN W. BALL, formerly an enter-
prising manufacturer of Winchester,

was born in Warwick, Mass., De-

cember 12, 1818. At the age of

thirteen years he came to Winchester for the
purpose of taking employment in the store of
his brother, David Ball, in the village of Ash-
uelot. In 1840 he became a partner in the
business. Both he and his brother were en-
gaged in mercantile business in connection
with the manufacture of tubs and pails until

1858. Then they dissolved partnership, and
Alvan W. conducted the enterprise alone
until] 1866. He then became associated in

business with Wright Wood, and was also a
member of the firm of Ball, Pratt & Turner,
manufacturers of Union beaver cloths. Sell-
ing out his interest in the last-named firm in
1873, he established the firm of Ball & Scott,
manufacturers of cotton warp and fancy cloths.
Some time later he disposed of his various
business interests, and passed the rest of his
life in retirement. His last days were spent
upon the Capron farm, which he cultivated
as a means of keeping himself busy. He died
September 9, 1885, in his sixty-seventh year,
regretted as a severe loss to the community.
He was public-spirited and progressive. He
helped in many ways to develop the industrial
resources of the town. Politically, he acted
with the Republican party, and he ably repre-
sented this district in the legislature for a
number of terms. While one of the pillars of
the Universalist church, he donated the ground
for the Catholic church in Ashuelot. He was

 

one of the directors of the old public library.
The worthy poor and other deserving objects
were frequently benefited by his benevolence.

In 1845 Mr. Ball was first wedded to Jane
Capron, who became the mother of one son,
John P. Ball. His second marriage was con-
tracted on December 20, 1857, with Mrs.
Mary E. Emerson Ramsdell, a daughter of
Daniel I. Emerson. By her former marriage
she had one daughter — Ella M., who married
W. D. Ripley. By Mr. Ball she had two
children, namely: Benjamin Franklin, born
January 10, 1861, who died April 16, 1864;
and Florence E. Florence married Fred Emes
Carpenter, a son of Joseph and Elmira (Mar-
tin) Carpenter. An active and promising
young business man, he died September 24,
1888. John P. Ball, Mr. Ball’s son by his
first wife, began life as a clerk for Wright
Wood. In 1877 he became associated with
J. E. Felch in conducting a general store in
Ashuelot. Seven years later he went to An-
sonia, Conn., where he was for a time engaged
in the hardware business with his brother-in-
law, Fred E. Carpenter. Then, returning to
Winchester, he became a member of the firm
of Taylor & Ball, who continued in business
for a year and a half. In February, 1880,
W. D. Ripley purchased Mr. Taylor's interest ;
and the firm of Ball & Ripley have since car-
ried on a flourishing wholesale and retail busi-
ness, dealing in flour, grain, feed, hardware,
groceries, paints, oils, etc. John P. Ball mar-
ried Miss M. B. Clark, a daughter of Eli
Clark, of Roxbury, N.H., and has two chil-
dren — Sylvia and Katherine. Mrs. Alvan
W. Ball and her daughter, Mrs. Carpenter,
reside together and occupy a handsome resi-
dence in the village.

RANK AMIDON, an extensive lumber
manufacturer of Richmond, was born
in this town, June 16, 1839, son of

Cyril and Adeline (Weeks) Amidon. The
grandfather, Jeremiah Amidon, who was born
March 31, 1780, moved in 1816 from Ux-
bridge, Mass., to Swanzey, N.H., whence in
1819 he came to Richmond. His occupation
was farming, and in 1841 he bought the Simon

 
326

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

Cook place. He married Abigail] Harwood,
who was born March 30, 1781, and by her
became the father of three sons and three
daughters. His death occurred December 14,
1865, and that of his wife on August 16,
1871.

Cyril Amidon, who was born April 2, 1812,
learned the cooper’s trade, which he has since
followed. Also, for many years he was en-
gaged in the manufacture of hogsheads for
molasses and sugar. In politics he is a Demo-
crat, and he served as Tax Collector for many
years. His wife, Adeline, whom he married
November 27, 1834, was a daughter of Richard
Weeks. She became the mother of six chil-
dren, namely: Alonzo, born August 16, 1835,
who died January 16, 1838; Frank, the sub-
ject of this sketch; Andrew, born February
14, 1840; Julia, born July 4, 1843; Henry,
born April 28, 1845; and Estella, born Au-
gust 20, 1850, who died September 21, 1867.
Mrs. Cyril Amidon died October 27, 1895.

After leaving the common schools, Frank
Amidon assisted his father in the manufacture
of hogsheads for some time. Subsequently
entering the lumber business, he soon became
an extensive manufacturer, and has been en-
gaged in it since. His practice is to transport
his machinery to the scene of his logging
operations, where the timber is sawed into
building materials and box stock. In this way
he cuts an average of two and one-half million
feet annually, including spruce, ash, beech,
birch, and maple, a large amount of which is
supplied to box manufacturers. He employs a
large number of men and horses, and during
the last seven or eight years his output has
been steadily increasing in spite of the busi-
ness depression. His business constitutes an
important industry in Richmond. He is also
interested in the Winchester Savings Bank, of
which he is a director. Politically, he acts
with the Democratic party. Excepting the
period during which he was Road Agent, his
enterprises have prevented him from taking
any active part in public affairs. He is con-
nected with the local grange, Patrons of Hus-
bandry.

Mr. Amidon’s first marriage was contracted
with Hattie J. Whipple, a daughter of Silas

 

and a grand-daughter of Otis Whipple. Born
of that union are two daughters, namely: Inez,
the wife of Andrew Lyman; and Emma E.,
who is also married. The mother died in
1876. A second marriage on November 14,
1881, united Mr. Amidon with Lydia Barrus,
a daughter of Alvan Barrus, and a successful
school-teacher. The present Mrs. Amidon has
had two children— Evelyn and Clifton F.
The latter died at the age of two years.

REDERICK T. SAWYER, the Treas-
urer of the town of Milford and the
cashier of the Souhegan National

Bank, was born May 13, 1819, in Bradford,
Merrimack County, N.H. It is supposed that
he is of German extraction. His father, Jabez
Sawyer, who was born in Salem, Mass., mar-
ried Miss Hannah Emerson, of Newbury,
Mass., and settled in Bradford, this State,
where both he and his wife, the mother of
Frederick T., spent their remaining years.
Frederick T. Sawyer grew to man’s estate
in his native town, where he started in life on
his own account as clerk in a general store.
In 1840 he went to Nashua, N.H., being there
engaged in a similar capacity for a number of
years. Subsequently, forming a copartnership
with a Mr. Roby, under the style of Roby &
Sawyer, he established himself in business in
Chelmsford, Mass., as a manufacturer of
scythes. In 1854 Mr. Sawyer came to Mil-
ford, and was there employed for two years in
the capacity of station agent on the Nashua &
Lowell Railroad. Then, in company with the
late William R. Wallace, he opened a store
for the sale of general merchandise, where
they had a thriving business for some years
under the firm name of Wallace & Sawyer.
On the dissolution of this frm Mr. Sawyer
was appointed cashier of the Souhegan Na-
tional Bank, an office which he has since filled
with credit to himself and to the satisfaction
of the bank officials. He has also been a
director of the bank for a long time. Since
1872 he has been treasurer of the town of
Milford, an office for which he has proved him-
self well fitted. In politics he is a strong
advocate of the principles of the Republican

 
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

327

 

 

party, and in 1864 and 1865 he represented
Milford in the State legislature. For many
years he has been Notary Public, and he has
likewise served as Justice of the Peace.

In December, 1859, Mr. Sawyer married
Miss Sarah Lovejoy, of Amherst, N.H.
Their children are: Bertha C., who is the
wife of Professor D. S. Blanpied, a teacher of
music in the Vermont Seminary at Montpelier,
Vt.; Frederick W., the assistant cashier in
the Souhegan National Bank; Chester A., a
resident of Milford; and Gertrude, who is a
kindergarten teacher in Brooklyn, N.Y.

 

 

 

OSES LOVEJOY was formerly one
of Wilton’s thrifty farmers. Born
in this town, December 27, 1807,
son of Moses and Nancy (Tarbell)
Lovejoy, he was a grandson of Moses Lovejoy
(first), an early settler of Wilton, who there
converted a tract of wild land into a good farm,
and with his wife, Dorcas Holt Lovejoy,
reared a family of five children. The second
Moses Lovejoy, who was a lifelong resident of
Wilton, profitably tilled the soil during his
active years, thereby acquiring considerable
property. An upright, conscientious man, his
death in 1846 was mourned by all who knew
him. His wife, Nancy Tarbell] Lovejoy, a
daughter of Samuel Tarbell, of Mason, N.H.,
became the mother of four children, all of
whom are now deceased.

The third Moses Lovejoy, and the subject of
this sketch, was the eldest child of his parents.
He was reared to agriculture, which was
his occupation through life. When fourteen
years of age he took charge of the homestead,
which now consists of five hundred acres, and
resided there until 1842. He then sold the
property and moved to the farm of one hundred
acres now occupied by Mrs. Lovejoy, and there
continued to carry on general farming for
many years. In politics he was a Democrat,
and he served with ability as a member of the
Board of Selectmen for eight years. The cap-
tain of a mounted company in this town, he
took a lively interest in military affairs for
many years. His religious belief was that of
the Baptist denomination.

 

On October 2, 1838, Mr. Lovejoy was
united in marriage with Lucy C. Gray, who
was born in Wilton, daughter of Henry and
Susan (Merrill) Gray. Mrs. Lovejoy has had
six children, of whom Lucy A., Abbie N.,
Susan Ella, and Ida N. attained maturity.
Lucy married George Parkhurst, of Wilton,
and died leaving three children — Samuel,
Francis A., and Angie. Abbie N. was the
wife of N. H. Whitney, of Fitchburg, Mass.
Her children are: Lucy M. A., who married
Edmund M. Purdy, of Wilton, and has three
children — Moses M., Margaret A., and Man-
ning W.; and Harry H., who married Anna
Coffin, of Townsend, Mass., and has one
daughter — Haze] G. Susan Ella died June
23, 1870. Ida N. Lovejoy became the wife of

. W. Major, and died leaving one son,
Charles W.

Mr. Lovejoy, the subject of this sketch,
died February 9, 1891, at the age of eighty-
three years, leaving his widow in comfortable
circumstances. While Mrs. Lovejoy has had
the misfortune to lose all her children, she is
surrounded by loving friends who regard her
with the most sincere affection.

 

>

ZRA M. GAY, Jr, a well-known and
highly esteemed citizen of Milford,
was born December 12, 1836, in

Hookset, Merrimack County, this State, com-
ing from honored Massachusetts ancestry. On
both the paternal and maternal sides he is of
Revolutionary stock, several members of the
Gay family having been among the heroes of
the Revolutionary War; while Dr. Mann, who
won fame as a soldier in the glorious struggle
of the colonies, was his great-uncle, having
been a brother of his father’s mother.

Ezra M. Gay, Sr., a native of Wrentham,
Mass., was practically thrown upon his own
resources at the age of seven years. Begin-
ning at the age of fourteen, he served an
apprenticeship of seven years to the trades of
carpenter and machinist. Subsequently for a
long period he was employed at the Amos-
keag Manufacturing Company’s mills at Man-
chester, this State. Later, in company with
Major George Daniels, he had charge of the
328

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

cotton-mill in Milford that is now owned
and managed by the Morse & Kaley Manufact-
uring Company. His connection with this
factory lasted until his health gave out and
he was forced to resign. Thenceforth he lived
in retirement until his death, which occurred
in 1889, the ninetieth year of his age. A
man of sterling integrity, he was highly re-
spected. Though often importuned to accept
local offices of trust, he steadily declined. In
politics he was at first a Whig. He joined
the Republican party at its formation, and
thereafter was one of its most faithful ad-
herents. He married Miss Clarissa Farley,
who, it is supposed, was born in Hollis, this
county, and who died in 1876. Their only
child is the subject of this sketch.

Ezra M. Gay, Jr., has lived in Milford since
his infancy, his parents having settled here in
1837. After obtaining the rudiments of
knowledge in Milford, his education was com-
pleted at Appleton’s Academy in New Ips-
wich, N.H. Jn politics he affiliates with the
Republican party, having never swerved from
the principles in which he was reared.

BEN C. TOLMAN, an enterprising
business man of Nelson and an ex-
: member of the New Hampshire leg-

islature, was born in this town, December 6,
1831, son of Cyrus and Lucy (Abbott) Tol-
man. His grandfather, Ebenezer Tolman,
who was a native of Fitzwilliam, N.H., par-
ticipated in the battle of Bunker Hill, and
served elsewhere, under General Arnold, in
the War of Independence. Ebenezer afterward
settled upon a farm in Nelson, arriving here
June 3, 1793; and the rest of his life was spent
in this town. The maiden name of his wife
was Clark, and his children were: Ebenezer,
George, Betsey, Cynthia, William, Cyrus,
and Mary.

Cyrus Tolman, the father of Eben C., was
born in Nelson in the year 1800. He was
engaged in agricultural pursuits from an early
‘age, and was a member of the Congregational
church. His wife, Lucy, who was born in
Tyngsboro, Mass., August 15, 1797, daughter
of Nathaniel Abbott, became the mother of

 

 

 

five children — Eben C., Mary E., Melancey
E., Lucy M., and Orson C. Mary E. married
Lyman A. Tenney, and lives in Antrim, N.H.
Melancey E. died at the age of two years.
Lucy M., who married George W. Osgood, of
this town, is now deceased. Orson C., a vet-
eran of the Civil War, and the owner of a farm
in Nelson, has served upon the Board of Se-
lectmen, was Supervisor for a time, is a com-
rade of the local post of the Grand Army of
the Republic, and a member of the Congrega-
tional church. He married Emily Parker, of
Manchester, N.H., and has three children.
Cyrus Tolman died in 1857, and his wife on
November 5, 1864.

Eben C. Tolman was engaged in the manu-
facture of clothes-pins and other articles fora
number of years. Since then he has been
quite extensively occupied in lumbering in
addition to conducting a farm. He served
with ability as a Selectman and Moderator at
Town Meetings for a number of years, and he
was elected to the legislature in 1879. An
energetic and progressive business man, he
takes a deep interest in the town’s welfare.
He is connected with the local grange.

Mr. Tolman married Ellen J. Rugg, who
was born in Sullivan, N.H., May 17, 1836,
daughter of Martin Rugg. Mrs. Tolman
previous to her marriage was a_ successful
schoo] teacher for several years, and held the
responsible office of superintendent of schools
in this town. She is the mother of two chil-
dren, namely: Ellen Gertrude, born May 14,
1862; and Wilmer C., born April 18, 1870.
Ellen Gertrude married Henry Corey, a manu-
facturer of Springfield, Mass., and has two
children -—- Kenneth Tolman Corey and Donald
Clark Corey. Wilmer C., who resides at
home, married Etta M. Milton, daughter of
William Milton, of Hampton Falls. Mr. and
Mrs. Tolman attend the Congregational church.

 

 

prosperous farmer and a highly es-
teemed resident of Peterboro, was
born in Brookline, Mass., April 23,
1820, son of John and Lucretia (Thayer) Ells-
worth. His father, a native of Pownal, Vt.,

J T. ELLSWORTH, who was a
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

329

 

 

born May 17, 1777, was for many years
engaged in general farming in Hardwick,
Mass. John Ellsworth afterward moved from
the latter town to Barre, and later to Worces-
ter, Mass., where he died April 30, 1862.
His wife, who, born in Pownal, Vt., July 29,
1787, died in Barre, January 9, 1856, was the
mother of nine children, none of whom are
living.

John T. Ellsworth acquired a good practical
education. When a young man, he worked at
mattress-making in Rochester, N.Y. Later
he attempted to learn the machinist’s trade in
Chicopee, Mass., but was prevented by feeble
health from completing his apprenticeship.
He then engaged in agricultural pursuits in
Hardwick, where he resided for some years.
From Hardwick he moved to Barre, where he
bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres,
and was thereafter engaged in agriculture for
thirty years. In 1888 he came to Peterboro
and purchased a valuable piece of agricultural
property, containing two hundred and eighty
acres. This he managed for the rest of his
life, which terminated at his home in Peter-
boro, October 1, 1894, when he was over
seventy-four years old. Intelligent, progres-
sive, and an industrious man, he acquired a
good estate. He was a regular attendant of
the Congregational church, and aided liberally
in its support. In politics he acted with the
Republican party.

The first of Mr. Ellsworth’s two marriages
was contracted May 1, 1849, with Maria Law-
rence, daughter of Moses Lawrence, of Hard-
wick, Mass. She had three children, of
whom one died in infancy. The others are:
Emory A., born August 3, 1852; and John
E., born in Hardwick, June 21, 1854. Emory
A. Ellsworth, who graduated from the Massa-
chusetts Agricultural College in the class of
1871, and is now a civil engineer and architect
in Holyoke, Mass., married Lucy Bradford, of
Florence, Mass., and has three children —
Edith, Frank, and Henry. John E. Ells-
worth, who attended school in Barre, has given
his attention to farming. He assisted his
father while he lived, and is now managing the
property with ability. On March 16, 1886,
he married Susie T. Haire, daughter of Bar-

 

tholomew Haire, of Barre, and has three chil-
dren, namely: John T., born August 12, 1887;
Edna J., born February 26, 1890; and Lau-
rence E., born November 27, 1892. Both
parents are connected with Peterboro Grange,
and are members of the Congregational church.
Mrs. Maria Ellsworth died September 15,
1856. Her husband’s second marriage was
made June 30, 1858, with Emma M. Fales,
of Petersham, Mass. The widow, who re-

sides at the homestead in  Peterboro, is
highly esteemed in the community. She
is an active member of the Congrega-

tional church.

ARREN E. FOSTER, a rising
5 young business man of Wilton,
Hillsboro County, was born in Mil-

ford, N.H., July 1, 1867, son of Samuel K.
and Hattie E. (Hood) Needham Foster. His
grandparents were Isaac and Jane (Allds)
Foster, the former of whom was a prosperous
farmer of Mont Vernon, N.H. Isaac Foster
died April 10, 1872, aged eighty-one years,
and his wife, February 9, 1874, aged seventy-
two years. They were the parents of five
children, of whom Samuel K. was the young-
est. The only survivor is Harriet J., widow
of John Goss, late of Milford, N.H., and the
mother of six children -— Clara, Ella, Frank,
John, George, and Adelaide.

Samuel K. Foster, father of Warren E., was
born in Nashua, N.H. He learned the stove
and plumbing business in Milford, and car-
ried it on for a short time in that town. Re-
moving in 1867 to Wilton, he here conducted
a large and profitable enterprise in that line
for the rest of his life. He died November
20, 1892, aged fifty-four years. He was an
industrious and progressive business man, and
well liked personally, winning the esteem of
all with whom he came in contact. In poli-
tics he was a Democrat. His wife, Hattie,
who is a daughter of Jeremiah Hood, of Bil-
lerica, Mass., was first married to Lucius R.
Needham, now deceased. She became the
mother of five children by her second hus-
band, of whom four are living, namely: War-
ren E., the subject of this sketch; Eugene

 
33°

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

S.; Fred K.; and Hattie L. Eugene S.
wedded Maud L. French, of Wilton, and his
children are: Leo R. and Grace E._ Fred K.

married Bertha Allshaw, of Lowell, Mass.,
and has one son, Byron. Hattie L. is the
wife of John H. Peterson, of Wilton. Mrs.

Samuel K. Foster is still living, and resides
in Wilton. She attends the Unitarian
church.

Warren E. Foster began his education in
the schools of Wilton, and completed his
studies at the Mont Vernon Academy in 1886.
He learned the plumber’s trade of his father,
and since 1892 has carried on the business
upon his own account. He deals in stoves,
tinware, hardware, and similar articles, and
does all kinds of plumbing and repairing. On
June 12, 1894, Mr. Foster was joined in mar-
riage with Ethel J. Bailey, daughter of Free-
man Bailey, of Wilton. Politically, Mr.
Foster is a Democrat. He is Supervisor of
the Check List, and has served as Town Clerk
since 1892. He is connected with Laurel
Lodge, No. 78, I. O. O. F., of which he was
treasurer for two years, and he was for three
years secretary of the Order of Pilgrim
Fathers. He and his wife attend the Unita-
rian church.

 

HARLES D. HOLT, one of the pres-

ent Representatives of Milford, in the

lower house of the State legislat-

ure, and a member of the firm of

Holt Brothers, retail dealers in meats and
provisions, is a native of Wilton, N.H. Born
November 29, 1857, he isa son of James H.
and Nancy (Pierce) Holt, the former a native
of Temple, N.H., and the latter of Jaffrey,
N.H. The genealogy of the Holt family is
traced to one of three brothers of that name
who came from England, and settled in An-
dover, Mass. James H. Holt was prominent in
the local grange. After residing for a time in
Temple, N.H., he settled in Wilton in 1863,
and there was engaged in farming and manu-
facturing until his death on December 11,
1894. Of his five children three are living —
Nathaniel K., Charles D., and Emma R.
Emma is the wife of J. Edward Taylor, of

 

New Ipswich, N.H. The others were: Sam-
uel P., who served in the Civil War with
Company A, Fourteenth New Hampshire Vol-
unteer Infantry, was wounded at the battle
of Cedar Creek, and died from the effects of
the wound; and James A., who became prom-
inent in Wilton, was a self-made man, and a
Deacon of the Baptist church at Wilton
Centre.

Charles D. Holt was brought up in his na-
tive town, receiving his education mainly in
the Wilton public schools. Afterward for
six years he was an employee of Haywood
Brothers & Co., chair manufacturers at Gard-
ner, Mass. He then came to Milford, N.H.;
and on February 1, 1887, he and his brother
purchased the meat business of E. F. Trow &
Son. Since that time the store has been very
successfully conducted under the firm name of
Holt Brothers.

In politics Mr. Holt is a Republican. On
November 3, 1896, he was elected Represent-
ative from Milford to the State legislature.
He is a member of the Odd Fellows of Mil-
ford and an attendant at the Baptist church.
His residence is at 47 Elm Street. The place
was purchased by him in the fall of 1887 from
S. B. Emerson, formerly a resident of Mil-
ford. By energy and fidelity in business he
has acquired the confidence of the community.
Thoroughly alive to the interests of his town,
all progressive movements receive his sympa-
thy and support.

AVID L. DANIELS, of Milford,
the senior member of the well-
®) known firm D. L. Daniels &

Co., granite and marble monument
makers and dealers, was born December 28,
1863, in London, England, son of John and
Sarah (Harris) Daniels. The father, with his
wife, emigrated in 1871 to the Province of
Quebec, Canada, where he afterward followed
the occupations of carpenter and farmer.

Until he was twenty years old Mr. Daniels
remained in Canada, obtaining his education
in the common schools. In 1883 he came
to the States, locating at first in Lowell,
Mass., where he learned the trade of a granite

 

 

 

 

 
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

331

 

 

cutter, remaining there until 1890. Then he
removed to Milford, and started in business
for himself. On January 1, 1896, the pres-
ent firm of D. L. Daniels & Co. was organ-
ized. Since then both the wholesale and re-
tail trade of this wide-awake firm has greatly
increased, being now one of the most lucrative
in the vicinity.. An average of ten men are
kept busily employed in filling orders from all
parts of the State, where their goods meet
with a ready sale.

Mr. Daniels is a thirty-second degree
Mason. He is also an Odd Fellow and a
member of other local orders. In politics he
is a steadfast Republican. He and Mrs.
Daniels are the parents of one child, H. Ger-
trude Daniels, now four years old.

DWARD ALEXANDER, of Winches-

>| ter, who was a railroad station agent
here for more than forty years, and

at one time a member of the New Hampshire
legislature, was born September 6, 1814, in
the house where he now resides. A son of
Luther and Eunice (Ripley) Alexander, he is
a descendant in the seventh generation from
the founder of the family, John Alexander.
This ancestor, who prior to 1644 emigrated
from Scotland to Windsor, Conn., brought
with him his three sons — George, John, and
Thomas. George Alexander settled in North-
ampton, Mass., in 1673. His son John, who
was born in 1645, and accompanied his father
to Northampton, at a later date located in
Northfield, Mass. Ebenezer Alexander (first),
son of John, born in Northfield in 1684, was
prominent in both civil and military affairs,
and became noted as a soldier under Sir Will-
iam Pepperell and Governor Shirley. He
served as Ensign under Captain Thomas
Wells and as Lieutenant under Captain Ben-
jamin Wright, in the expedition against Cape
Breton. For gallant conduct displayed at the
capture of Louisburg he was commissioned
Captain by Sir William Pepperell. He ac-
companied Governor Shirley’s expedition to
Canada, and when sixty-four years old he led
a company of rangers through the woods in
search of Indians. For a period of forty years

 

 

he was a Deacon of the church in Northfield.
On October 10, 1709, he married Mehitable
Buck, with whom he lived happily for fifty-
seven years. He died January 22, 1768, and
his wife on March 6, 1767, aged eighty-three
years.

Ebenezer Alexander (second), great-grand-
father of the subject of this sketch, was born
in Northfield in 1714. In company with sev-
eral other pioneers he came to the valley of
the Ashuelot in 1734, and established a set-
tlement. When a log meeting-house was
erected in 1735, he was made the first Deacon.
The entire settlement, including the meet-
ing-house, was burned in 1745. In 1737
Deacon Alexander was united in marriage
with Abigail Rockwood, whose children by
him were: Abigail, born July 20, 1738, who ;
died May 19, 1739; Reuben, born February
17, 1740; Asa, born October 7, 1742, who
died November 4, 1811; Abigail (second),
born August 30, 1745, who died in 1806;
John, born August 29, 1748, who died De-
cember 6 of the same year; and Ann, born
July 12, 1753, who died in 1776. Deacon
Alexander died July 29, 1788, and his wife on
March 27 of the same year. Reuben Alex-
ander, Edward Alexander’s grandfather, was a
native of Winchester. He was a Selectman
in 1773, took the census of Winchester in
1775, was a Representative to the General
Court in 1776, and he also acted as a Justice
of the Peace. He served as Captain in Colo-
nel Samuel  Ashley’s regiment, which
marched from Cheshire County at the request
of Major-general Gates, to re-enforce the
American army at Ticonderoga. At a later
date he held the rank of Colonel. He died
May 19, 1811. In 1764 he married Sarah
Foster. His children were: Caleb, born May
19, 1765, who died April 14, 1838; Sarah,
born June 26, 1767, who died November 27,
1801; Miriam, born September 2, 1771, who
died October 3, 1809; Edward, born Decem-
ber 22, 1773, who died October 19, 1806;
Foster, born July 3, 1775, who died August
2, 1841; Luther, born July 1, 1778; Elijah,
born February 21, 1782, who died May 13,
1860; and another child, who died in infancy.
Foster Alexander, who became a prominent
332

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

lawyer, erected in 1803 the house in which
the subject of this sketch now resides, and
afterward sold it to his brother Luther.

Luther Alexander, who was born and reared
in Winchester, when a young man engaged in
trade. He was for a time associated with
John Capron in the manufacture of linseed
oil at Ashuelot, and later carried on a potash
factory upon the ground now occupied by the
tannery. He was Captain of the first military
company organized in Winchester, and the
ground in front of his house was used to drill
his command. When he died, August 1,
1821, he was forty-three years old. His wife,
Eunice, whom he married May 12, 1805, be-
came the mother of four children, namely:
George, born February 26, 1806, who was
drowned at sea, February 13, 1824; Sarah,
born March 5, 1808, who died April 4, 1810;
Edward, the subject of this sketch; and
Luther, born January 31, 1819, who died May
4, 1829.

Edward Alexander was educated in the
schools of Winchester. For some time after
the completion of his studies he was employed
as a clerk in a grocery store in Swanzey.
Upon his return to his native town he engaged
in mercantile business for himself, and later
became associated with his brother-in-law,
John G. Capron, in running a line of freight
boats between Hartford and the towns along
the Connecticut River. That firm, which
was known as Capron & Alexander, continued
to transport merchandise until the. building of
the railroad, when they went out of business.
For the next few years Mr. Alexander was en-
gaged in the lumber trade. When the Ashue-
lot Railway was completed, he was appointed
station agent in Winchester, a position which
he held from 1851 to 1894. At the age of
eighty years he retired from active business
pursuits. In politics he followed the major-
ity of the Whigs into the ranks of the Repub-
lican party, which he has since consistently
supported, excepting the occasion when he
voted for Horace Greeley in 1872. He served
as a member of the Board of Selectmen for
fourteen years in all, and was the chairman
for a large share of the time. While filling
that office during the Civil War, his duties

 

were both numerous and exacting. He was
Town Treasurer for three years, and he ably
represented his district in the legislature for
two terms. He was a trustee of the Ashuelot
Savings Bank during its existence and one of
the incorporators of the Security Savings
Bank. He is connected with the Masonic
fraternity and the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, and he is the oldest living member
of the Universalist Society in Winchester.

On October 9, 1839, Mr. Alexander was
joined in marriage with Lucy M. Capron, who
was born August 19, 1817, and was a sister of
John G. Capron, his former business associate.
Mrs. Alexander became the mother of three
children, born as follows: George E., June
18, 1844; Jane Grace, October 26, 1848; and
Eugene L., May 26, 1853. George E. is now
head carpenter at the Boston City Hospital,
and has charge of all repairs at that institu-
tion. Eugene L. resides upon the home farm,
and is engaged in farming and the milk busi-
ness. Mrs. Alexander died January 19, 1896.

ISS JANE GRACE ALEX-
ANDER, of Winchester, N.H.,
known as being the first woman
in the United States to be ap-
pointed treasurer of a bank, was born in Win-
chester on October 26, 1848. She was edu-
cated in the public schools of her native town,
and subsequently became a successful teacher.
Early in life she began to assist her father
at keeping books, and later assumed the active
management of his affairs. Her work for her
father was so efficient that it brought recogni-
tion from the cashier of the Winchester Na-
tional Bank; and in 1871 she entered the bank
as book-keeper, and gradually assumed the
position of assistant cashier, which office she
has since held. Her ability, good judgment,
and integrity gained for her the confidence
of the bank officials to such a degree that in
1881 she was elected treasurer of Winchester
Security Savings Bank; and she has held that
position to the present time, ably doing the
duties which come to her, and commanding
the respect of those with whom she works.
In the town Miss Alexander is looked up to
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

333

 

 

as a leader in various lines. She is a member
of the Universalist church, and has for fifteen
years been superintendent of the Universalist
Sunday-school. In this work she takes a deep
interest, believing that her duties as superin-
tendent should be performed in as prompt and
business-like a manner as those of her official
position at the bank. In all church matters
she takes a leading part, and is always ready
with contributions of time and money, as well
as with counsel and timely suggestion. Nat-
urally gifted with leadership qualities, Miss
Alexander is generally appealed to for moral
support for any movement that needs the help
of a powerful hand to push it along. She is
a trustee and treasurer of the public library
and treasurer of the school district. She be-
longs to the Order of the Eastern Star, and
was the first Worthy Matron of Electa Chap-
ter of Winchester. As her life has been
largely occupied with business pursuits, Miss
Alexander has developed a self-reliance and
strength of character which many women do
not possess; but she has at the same time pre-
served other admirable qualities, being sym-
pathetic and tender-hearted and devoted to her
home and to home ties.

The Alexander homestead is one of the
landmarks of Winchester. The dwelling is a
large old-fashioned house built in the Colonial
style, set on a smooth lawn several rods back
from the main street; and many beautiful old
maples arch over the winding carriage drive.
Across the road, with no houses between to
cut off the view, flows the Ashuelot River, its
banks guarded by a row of majestic pines.
Inside the house are many interesting relics
and antiquities. There are fireplaces with
wood jambs, carved by hand in the style of
the past century; and above one of these there
is a painting on the wall, which some ruth-
less hand has covered with modern house
paper. There is a piano whose yellow keys
and cracked tone show that it was old when
our mothers were young. But the most inter-
esting article of all is an old-fashioned secre-
tary that has been in the family for one hun-
dred years, and evidently has a history.

One day while Miss Alexander’s mother
was dusting this heirloom after it had been re-

 

turned from a cabinet-maker’s shop, where it
had been sent for repairs, she noticed what
seemed to her a slight difference in the look
of its internal arrangements, and upon closer
examination discovered a secret drawer which
had been so deftly constructed as to escape all
previous observation, the dust of years having
covered the two pins that served as fastenings.
These pins she removed; and the drawer,
being opened, disclosed seventy-five dollars in
gold, which had been so long undisturbed
that their weight had imprinted into the
wood bottom of the drawer their exact size
and many of their most salient mint features.
The coins were American half-eagles, and
eagles as fresh as though just from the mint,
and bore dates from 1795 to 1814. Who of
Miss Alexander’s ancestors made use of this
secret receptacle is unknown, and is in all
probability to remain so. Miss Alexander’s
father, Edward Alexander, a capable and in-
telligent gentleman eighty-four years of age,
who has always resided at the old family home-
stead, never heard even in the remotest man-
ner a suggestion as to anything of a secret
character attaching to this or any other arti-
cle of his parents’ household furniture.

 

| OLLIS F. TOWNE, the proprietor
of the largest general store in Mar-
9 = low, was born in Stoddard, N.H.,

December 3, 1857, son of Frank
and Ann M. (Thompson) Towne. His grand-
father, Ebenezer Towne, was a_ prosperous
farmer and a highly respected resident of Stod-
dard. He was the father of five children;
namely, Hollis, Frank, Sylvia, Lucy, and
another child who died in infancy.

Frank Towne, a native of Stoddard, born in
1823, after following the trade of a stone mason
in Boston for some time, returned to Stoddard,
and was there engaged in farming for the rest
of his life. His honorable, upright character
gained for him the esteem and confidence of
his fellow-townsmen; and his death, which
occurred at Sunapee, N.H., May 4, 1876, was
sincerely regretted by the entire community.
He was a member of the Christian church.
Annie M. Thompson Towne, his first wife,

 
334

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

who died August 19, 1869, was a daughter of
Nathaniel Thompson, of Stoddard. She had
three children --- Cynthia A., Hattie F., and
Hollis F. The second wife, whose maiden
name was Martha Whittemore, had two chil-
dren, namely: Lilla, who resided in Sunapee;
and Myrtie, who died after her marriage, leav-
ing two children. Cynthia married John
Whipple, a well-to-do farmer of Sunapee, and
had two children— Annie and William.
Hattie F. married Perley W. Fox, of Marlow,
and died, also leaving two children — Emma
and Carl.

Hollis F. Towne acquired his education in
Stoddard. After leaving school he was fora
time engaged in scythe-making, and then
worked at the carpenter’s trade. Subse-
quently he purchased his present store in
Marlow, and is now conducting the largest
general mercantile establishment in Cheshire
County outside of Keene. He was Road Agent
foratime. He is now Town Treasurer.

In 1881 Mr. Towne married Luetta J. Low-
ell. She was born March 27, 1862, daughter
of Romulus Lowell, who came of a highly
reputable family in Marlow, and died August
28, 1890. Mrs. Towne was educated at the
academy. She is a fashionable and artistic
milliner, and carries on a profitable business
in Marlow and Gilsum. Mr. and Mrs. Towne
have one daughter — Winifred E., born in
Stockbridge, Vt., August 14, 1883, who is now
attending the high school in Rutland, Vt.
She is a particularly bright and lovable girl
and a good scholar. She is highly esteemed by
her teachers and schoolmates. Mr. Towne is
a prominent Odd Fellow, and is active in the
Patrons of Husbandry.

YPENRY N. GRAY, of Wilton, was
born in this town, January 4, 1827,

son of Calvin and Clarissa (King)

Nee Gray. The great-grandfather, Tim-
othy Gray, who was born in Andover, Mass.,
in 1719, came to Wilton as a pioneer, and
there cleared a farm. He was a sturdy and
highly respected citizen, and acted as a Dea-
con of the Unitarian church. Joseph Gray,
the grandfather, who was born in Wilton in

 

 

 

1761, at the age of sixteen enlisted in the
Third New Hampshire Regiment, was _pres-
ent at the siege of Ticonderoga, and served in
the Revolutionary War until its close. After
the cessation of hostilities he returned to Wil-
ton, where he was engaged in farming for the
rest of his active period, and died in 1846.
He married Chloe Abbott, a daughter of Jer-
emiah Abbott. By her he was the father of
thirteen children, all now deceased. He was
a member of the Unitarian church.

Calvin Gray, the seventh child of Joseph,
was born in Wilton, October 28, 1801. After
learning the blacksmith’s trade, he followed it
at what is known as Gray’s Corner until his
death, which occurred December 15, 1856.
He was a hard-working man. In politics
originally a Whig, he later became a Republi-
can. He served in the State militia as Adju-
tant of the Twenty-second Regiment. His
wife, Clarissa, who was a daughter of Benning
King, of Wilton, became the mother of three
children, of whom Henry N. is now living.
She died August 8, 1885. Both parents were
Unitarians.

Having obtained his education in the com-
mon schools, Henry N. Gray learned the
blacksmith’s trade in his father’s shop, and
afterward worked at it for fifty years. At the
end of that period his health obliged him to
relinquish it; and he has since resided upon
his farm of one hundred and seventy-five acres,
enjoying the comfortable competence he
acquired by his industry. On January 3,
1854, he was united in marriage with Mary A.
Heath, of Barre, Mass., a daughter of Joseph
Heath. Of this union three children were
born, and two are living —- E]la H. and Will
H. Ella, who is the widow of William H.
Putnam, late of Wilton, has had seven chil-
dren, namely: Clytie G., born December 16,
1876; Henry H., born August 17, 1878;
Hattie Lavina, born May 10, 1880; George
Newton, born August 2, 1882, who died Sep-
tember 14 of the same year; Mary Isabel,
born September 18, 1883; Eva Heath, born
August 31, 1884; and Alice King, born
November 26, 1886. Will H. Gray wedded
Minnie A. Follansbee, of Wilton, and has one
son — Frank N., born July 21, 1886.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

335

 

 

Mrs. Henry N. Gray died December 10,
1888. She was a member of the Unitarian
church. Mr. Gray is also a communicant of
that society. In politics he is a Republican.
A Mason of Clinton Lodge, No. 52, he is an
honorary member of the Royal Arch Chapter,
and belongs to Advance Grange, No. 20,
Patrons of Husbandry. He is sincerely re-
spected by the entire community.

EORGE F. SPAULDING, one of the
leading farmers of Merrimac, was

born here, February 12, 1833, son of
Captain Ira and Eliza J. (Atwood) Spaulding.
His great-grandfather and grandfather were
Revolutionary soldiers. The father, who was
born in the same house in Merrimac, Novem-
ber 30, 1794, went to Salem, Mass., at the
age of fourteen years, and lived there for six
years. At the end of that time he returned to
the original farm, and was afterward success-
fully engaged in farming, lumbering, and the
real estate business. In politics he was a
Whig, took an interest in all questions touch-
ing the public weal, and was active in public
affairs. In the State militia he held the rank
of Captain. Captain Spaulding died in 1855.
Nancy Moore, of Bedford, N.H., became his
first wife on May 17, 1821. She was the
mother of William M., Ephraim H., and
Nancy I. Nancy is now Mrs. William Kim-
ball, of Boston. Captain Spaulding’s second
marriage was contracted with Eliza J. Atwood,
who was born June 25, 1805. Her children
were: Eliza J. ; George W. ; George Franklin;
Betsy C., who is now a resident of Nashua;
Catherine M., the wife of Chauncy Keeler, of
Beloit, Wis.; Eleanor M., now Mrs. Albert
Gay, of Boston; and Henry H., who is de-
ceased. Mrs. Eliza Spaulding died in 1886
at Beloit, Wis., where she had gone on a visit
to her daughter.

George Franklin Spaulding grew to man-
hood in Merrimac. He was educated in the
common schools of Merrimac and Nashua, the
Merrimac Norma] Institute, and at Appleton
Academy at Mont Vernon. With a large
amount of general information he began his
business life asa farmer. Farming and lum-

 

 

 

bering have since been his chief occupations.
On his farm of four hundred acres there is a
tasteful and homelike residence.

Mr. Spaulding married Eunice Augusta
Parker, a lady of superior intellectual equip-
ment, refined tastes, and rare social graces.
Mrs. Spaulding is a daughter of the late Cap-
tain Nathan Parker, who was an influential
resident of Merrimac for many years, and
owned a line of river boats plying between
Concord and Boston. Captain Parker’s first
wife, Dorcas Danforth Parker, was the mother
of Eliza, Sophronia, Mary, and Matthew
Parker. The children of his second wife,
Caroline E. Stevens Parker, were: Nathan D.,
Eunice A., Annette I., Nathan A., Sarah A.,
William F., Caroline E., Martha G., Frank
E., and Charles E. Parker. Mr. and Mrs.
Spaulding have lost their son Frank, who died
before reaching his third year. Their Jiving
children are: Caribel F. and Clarence G.,
both born in Merrimac.

Mr. Spaulding is a Republican in politics,
and takes an active part in town affairs. He
has been Selectman, and has filled other
offices. Both he and his wife, together with
the children, are members and regular attend-
ants of the Congregational church in this
town. Mr. Spaulding is a Knight Templar of
St. George Commandery at Nashua.

 

LBERT B. DAVIDSON, a successful
farmer and a prominent resident of
Temple, was born in the town of

Horton, N.S., October 15, 1846.

His father, Asa W. Davidson, also a native
of Nova Scotia, born December 19, 1813, who
was a prosperous farmer during his active
period, spent his lifetime in his native prov-
ince and died at the age of eighty years.
Asa’s first wife, in maidenhood Caroline Z.
Rand, whom he married November 25, 1839,
was a daughter of Thomas Rand. She had
five children, of whom Eleazar W., Albert B.,
and Martha Ann are living. lEleazar W.
wedded Margaret White, and has four children
— Martha A., Jennie M., Frederick H., and
Arthur C. Martha Ann is the wife of Will-
iam H. H. Smith, and her children are:
336

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

Edith and Ear] Smith. On July 25, 1854,
Asa W. Davidson married Margaret Lockhart,
who bore him four children; namely, Jehiel
M., Minnie C., Margaret E., and Asa W.

Albert B. Davidson was educated in the
schools of Nova Scotia. Since then he has
given his attention to agricultural pursuits.
In 1873 he settled upon a farm in Temple.
He subsequently sold this property and pur-
chased his present farm of two hundred acres,
where he has since resided. His success in
life is no less the result of his persevering
industry than of his capability. Politically,
he isa Republican. For some years he served
upon the School Board and as Highway Sur-
veyor, and in 1896 he was elected Selectman.

On December 6, 1871, Mr. Davidson was
joined in marriage with Frances M. Deller, a
native of Nova Scotia. She is the mother of
eight children, born as follows: Bessie M.,
August 13, 1872; Caroline M., February 2,
1874; William H., October 28, 1875; Everett
W., June 29, 1877; Albert E., February rr,
1879; Sarah F., January 7, 1881; Samuel D.,
April 11, 1883; and Annie M., February 6,
1888. Caroline M. is the wife of the Rev.
Frederick P. Johnson, of Hyde Park, Mass.,
and has two daughters: Ruth, born December
25, 1895; and Mary, born July 29, 1897.
Mr. and Mrs. Davidson are members of the
Congregational church.

 

Amherst, was born in the house where

he now resides, in 1828, son of Ninian

C. and Abigail (Brooks) Dodge. The
Dodge family is one of the oldest and most
prominent in Hillsboro County. The first
bearer of the name in this section of the coun-
try came to the State from Beverly, Mass.
The Dodge genealogy is traced from Richard
Dodge, of Somersetshire, England, who came
over in 1638, and settled with the Salem
Colony in Massachusetts. Mr. Dodge's
grandfather, Simon Dodge, who lived in New
Boston, N.H., was a soldier in the Revolu-
tionary War, and was granted a pension by the
government on account of meritorious service
therein. Ninian Clarke Dodge was born in

ie B. DODGE, a leading citizen of

‘Dorcas (Holt) Livermore.

 

New Boston, May 24, 1796. He became a
student at Salisbury Academy, and_ spent
much time in teaching school. In 1822 he
came to Amherst, and for several years was
clerk in the Registry of Deeds of Hillsboro
County. He was a well-informed man, and
had the respect of all who had the good fortune
to know him. He died in Boston at the Marl-
boro Hotel, December 17, 1829, leaving one
son, Jsaac B. His wife, Abigail, who was a
daughter of Isaac Brooks, of Amherst, died
in January, 1872.

Isaac B. Dodge received his early education
in the common schools of his native town and
in the private subscription schools which were
organized there. He has been a student all
his life, aiming to keep himself thoroughly
informed on all questions of interest before
the public. He takes much interest in anti-
quarian research, and is quite an authority in
certain lines. Agriculture, however, has been
his chief occupation. He owns a farm at Am-
herst village, where he enjoys a quiet life.
He has served three successive years on the
Board of Selectmen, and for a part of that
time was chairman of the body. He repre-
sented Amherst in the General Court for two
years. In 1880 he was Census Enumerator for
the town. All propositions for the public
good interest him keenly. He is public-
spirited, and may always be counted on for
support to any benevolent or social reform.
In Masonry he has taken the thirty-second
degree, and he belongs to the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows in Milford. He is a
life member of the New Hampshire Bible So-
ciety, the New Hampshire Historical Society,
and the Boston Young Men's Christian Union.
Mr. Dodge is a pleasing writer, and has gained
considerable local reputation.

YTENRY H. LIVERMORE, an enter-
prising lumber manufacturer of Wil-

ton, was born in this town, Febru-

ary 8, 1848, son of Jonathan and
He is a great-
grandson of the Rev. Jonathan Livermore,
who was a native of Northboro, Mass., and
the first settled Congregational minister in

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

ISAAC B. DODGE.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

339

 

 

Wilton. Jonathan Livermore (second), grand-
father of Henry H., was a prosperous farmer
and a lifelong resident of this town. He
was prominent in the old State militia, in
which he served as a Lieutenant; and in poli-
tics he was a Federalist and a Whig. Asa
citizen he was upright, conscientious, and pro-
gressive, and he was an active member of the
Congregational church. He married Abigail
Abbott, and was the father of two children, of
whom Jonathan (third) was the eldest. He
lived to be seventy-five years old. His wife
died at thirty-two.

Jonathan Livermore, third, Henry H. Liver-
more’s father, was born in Wilton, and grew
to manhood as a farmer. He tilled the soil
successfully during his active period, and was
also engaged in mill business. For many
years he was a Deacon of the Unitarian
church. He was highly respected for his com-
mendable qualities. In politics he was a
Republican. He was interested in the mi-
litia, serving as Captain of the Seventh Com-
pany, Twenty-second Regiment, in 1832, of
the Third Company in 1834, and was a mem-
ber of the Miller Guards in 1845. At his
death he was seventy-eight years old. His
wife, Dorcas, who was a daughter of Daniel
Holt, of Wilton, became the mother of five
children, three of whom are living, namely:
Abigail A., the wife of Eliphalet P. Dascomb,
of Wilton; Mary A., the wife of Martin A.
Rockwood, of Brookline, N.H.; and Henry
H., the subject of this sketch. Abiel A.
enlisted in Company B, Eighth Regiment,
New Hampshire Volunteers, in the fall of
1861, and served with the regiment until June
14, 1863, when he was wounded and taken
prisoner in the assault on Port Hudson, and
died three days before the surrender of that
place. Mrs. Dorcas Livermore lived to be
seventy-eight years old.

Henry H. Livermore attended school in his
native town. At an early age he began work
ina saw-mill. While still a young man, he
bought an interest in his father’s mill and en-
gaged in the manufacture of lumber. He has
since followed that business in connection with
farming. Besides a farm of seventy-five acres,
which he cultivates with good results, he

 

owns a tract of timber land containing one hun-
dred acres. Politically, he is a Republican,
and he served as a member of the Board of
Selectmen for two years. He takes an active
interest in all measures calculated to promote
the industrial and general interests of the
town.

On March 23, 1879, Mr. Livermore was
joined in marriage with Martha E. Boynton,
daughter of Oliver Boynton, who was a native
of Temple, N.H. Mrs. Livermore is the
mother of three children, two living — Abiel
A. and Olive B. Both parents are active
members of Adrance Grange, No. 20, Patrons
of Husbandry, in which Mr. Livermore has
served as Overseer and Chaplain. They at-
tend the Unitarian church.

 

EUBEN LEANDER ANGIER, the
owner of a large granite quarry in
Fitzwilliam, N.H., was born in this
place, February 2, 1842, son of
Reuben and Eliza Ann (Bowen) Angier. His
grandfather, Abel Angier, was an early settler
of Fitzwilliam, which is in the south-eastern
part of Cheshire County. In middle life,
however, he spent two years in Northern I]li-
nois, going there from Albany, N.Y., in an
emigrant wagon long before the days of rail-
roads. Upon returning to Fitzwilliam, he
bought the old Tower farm, where he spent
his last days with his family, attaining the
advanced age of eighty-six years. His son
Reuben, the father of Reuben L., became
a successful farmer. He assisted his father,
Abel, in buying the Tower farm, and upon
his father’s death bought out the other
heirs. He died in 1881, in the seventy-
fourth year of his age, leaving a large acreage
to his son. He had been a Selectman, and
had he been a supporter of the popular party
would undoubtedly have been elected a Rep-
resentative to the legislature. By his wife,
Eliza Ann, he had two children —-a son, Reu-
ben Leander; and a daughter, Lydia A., who
died at the age of sixteen years.
At twenty-one Reuben L. Angier, having
acquired his education in the Fitzwilliam
school, No. 8, and at the select school in the
340

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

village, commenced quarrying granite, which
he found in abundance upon his farm, con-
tinuing this industry as well as his farming
with great success. He is now one of the
best known quarrymen in this section of the
State. Going out of the business in Fitz-
william some time ago, he opened a quarry
in Barre, Vt., and, after working it success-
fully for a time, sold it at a handsome profit.
Until 1892 he both quarried and finished the
granite, but since that date he has quarried
only. He still carries on a general farming
business, and raises annually a large crop of
potatoes. He married Laura E. Thompson,
daughter of Ozias H. Thompson, of Barre,
Vt. Their children are: Rollin Leander,
Frank T., and Fanny Belle.

Mr. Angier was for some time vice-presi-
dent of the Fitzwilliam Savings Bank, and is
now the president of the bank. He is a
Democrat in politics, and has served for many
years as a Selectman of the town. He was
last chosen First Selectman, but declined to
serve.

 

LAKE ANTHONY T. HARWOOD,

M.D., a successful physician of

Hillsboro, was born February 3,

1851, in Bath, Somersetshire, Eng-

land, son of Colonel Edward and Annie
(Blake) Harwood.

The paternal grandfather, John Harwood,
who was a famous woollen manufacturer in
his day, and who for many years supplied the
British army with scarlet cloth, had four chil-
dren, of whom Edward was the youngest; and
none are living.

Edward Harwood entered the British army
when young, subsequently rose in it to the
rank of Colonel, and remained in the service
until his death, which occurred when he was
seventy years old. His wife, a native of
Ireland, was about fifty-eight when she died.
They had sixteen children, of whom the sur-
vivors are: Antonia, John Arthur Powles
Kite, Julian T., Gertrude, Blake Anthony
T., Katharine Ann, and McDonald. Of
these, two are residing in the United States.
The others are in England. Julian T., of

children.

 

Augusta, Me., wedded Margaret Shean, of

that city; and his children are: Arthur,
Annie, Mary, Edward, Kate, Nellie, and
Joseph. Antonia is now the widow of Alex-

ander Frothingham, and has three children
living — Alexander, Antonia, and Annie.
Gertrude is the wife of Henry S. Sherry.
Katharine Ann married George A. Askcoll,
and has seven children; and McDonald, who
is also married, has three children. Dr. Har-
wood’s parents were communicants of the
Church of England.

After receiving his early education in
London, Blake A. T. Harwood studied at
Brighton College and then at Hurst Pierpont
St. John College, from which he graduated in
1869. In the fall of 1872 he came to
America and settled in Augusta, Me. His
medical studies were commenced at the Uni-
versity of the State of Vermont, where he
pursued a three years’ course. Subsequently
he attended the Dartmouth College Medical
School, the Bellevue Hospital Medical
School of New York City, and the Uni-
versity of Ilinois. He received an honorary
degree from a medical college, in which he
was professor of the diseases of women and
On February 14, 1896, he located
in Hillsboro, where he has already acquired a
large practice.

On January 21, 1876, Dr. Harwood was
united in marriage with Annie Gilley, a
daughter of James Gilley, of Augusta, Me.
She was a great-granddaughter of John Gilley,
who was one of the first settlers of Augusta.
John Gilley is said to have reached the very
remarkable age of one hundred and twenty-
four years and eleven months. Mrs. Harwood
is the mother of two children—Georgia Maude
and Sadie Belle. Georgia Maude is now the
wife of Russell Brennan, of Hillsboro.

Having spent a great deal of time in pre-
paring himself for the medical profession, and
availed himself of every opportunity offered
him for acquiring knowledge, Dr. Harwood
enters upon his life work well provided with
the elements of success. His skill has been
demonstrated upon several occasions, much to
the relief and satisfaction of the suffering;
and he is highly esteemed, both profession-
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

341

 

 

ally and socially. He has not been natural-
ized, preferring to remain a subject of Great
Britain. Both he and Mrs. Harwood attend
the Episcopal church.

 

EWIS H. STARK, a representative
business man of Goffstown, was born
here, December 8, 1841, son of
Rodney G. and Sarah J. Stark.
His grandfather, Thomas Stark, son of Will-
iam, was a brother of the General Stark of
Revolutionary fame. Rodney G. Stark was
born in Dunbarton, N.H., whence he came to
Goffstown. Having previously learned the
trade of a tailor, he followed that occupation
after coming to this place. When he died
here, he was between sixty-six and sixty-seven
years of age. His wife, Sarah J., who was a
native of Manchester, N.H., lived to be about
the same age. She was a member of the Con-
gregational church, and he was a Universalist
in belief. In politics he was a Republican.
Of their six children four are living, namely:
Mary, the wife of Henry W. Hadley, living
in San Diego, Cal.; Lewis H., the subject of
this sketch; William F., a resident of Cam-
bridge, Mass.; and Phillip G., a resident of
Manchester.

During his early years Lewis H. Stark
lived in Goffstown. He subsequently went to
New York State to complete his education,
the foundation of which had been laid in the
schools of his native town. In 1861, having
returned to Goffstown, he enlisted in the band
of the Third New Hampshire Regiment, with
which he served a year in the late war, and
was then discharged by an act of Congress.
He re-enlisted in 1864 in the Camp Corps
Band at Hilton Head, and thereafter served
until honorably discharged at the close of the
war. After his return to Goffstown he be-
came the junior partner of the firm Kendall,
Hadley & Co., which was organized in 1868.
For nearly thirty years this firm has carried
on a prosperous business in the manufacture
of window frames, sashes, blinds, etc.

Mr. Stark was married April 4, 1866, to
Miss Clara A. Abbott, who was born in Ben-
nington, N.H., daughter of Samuel Abbott.

leWhen he died, January 30,

 

They have four children — Anna J., Frank
A., Henry H., and Frederick L.—all living
in Goffstown. Anna is the wife of Frank A.
Parker. Mr. Stark is a stanch Republican in
politics. In 1877 he was a member of the
New Hampshire legislature. He has also
been active in local educational matters. He
is a member of Charles Stinson Post,
G. A. R., and the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows. Both he and Mrs. Stark are attend-
ants of the Congregational church.

 

 

ANIEL TWITCHELL SABEN,
5 formerly a well-known lumber man-

 

 

 

 

ufacturer in Winchester, was born
here, January 26, 1819, son of Ben-
edict and Hannah (Twitchell) Saben. His
grandfather, Israel Saben, who was born in
Rehoboth, Mass., September 14, 1749, resided
in Uxbridge, Mass., for a time. Israel, who
was a Quaker, joining a party of that sect
from Rhode Island, came to Cheshire County
with them as their preacher. He arrived at
Winchester about the year 1782, and shortly
afterward moved to Richmond, where he built
a large two-story house. He cultivated a farm
during the rest of his active period, and was a
leader among the large Society of Friends that
had been established in Richmond. He mar-
ried Beulah Albee, who had lived in the fam-
ily of an Orthodox minister, and was well edu-
cated; and she in turn imparted much of her
knowledge to her husband. Israel Saben died
about the year 1827, and his wife died in
1826. They were the parents of thirteen chil-
dren, among whom were: Timothy, Chloe,
Simeon T., Alfred, Lydia, Darling, Mary,
Moses, and Benedict.

Benedict Saben, who was born in Richmond,
May 6, 1792, settled upon a farm in Winches-
ter, where he resided for the rest of his life,
chiefly occupied in farming and teaming. He
was noted for his knowledge of the Scriptures.
1868, he was
seventy-five years old. His wife, Hannah
Twitchell, whom he married’ March 20, 1818,
was born in Winchester, December I1, 1799,
daughter of Daniel Twitchell. Her grand-
father, who was noted for his physical
342

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

strength, was treacherously murdered by the
Indians; and her father died in 1811. She
became the mother of seven children; namely,
Daniel T., Eunice, Amy A., Arnold B., Em-
erson O., Caroline A., and Jonas M. Eunice
married Henry Felton, of Jamaica, Vt.; Amy
A. married William Mack, of Boston; Caro-
line A. married David Crane, a lawyer; and
Emerson O. married Angela Eddy, and is in the
trucking business in Boston. Arnold B. went
to Sacramento, Cal., where he remained for
some time, and died in Empire City, Nev.
He was a prosperous business man, and served
upon the Board of County Commissioners in
Nevada. The maiden name of his wife was
Viola Lindsay. Jonas M. married Josephine
Kelly. Mrs. Benedict Saben died November
22, 1881.

Daniel Twitchell Saben acquired his educa-
tion in Winchester. When a young man he
was engaged in tilling the soil for a time.
He later began the manufacture of pail staves,
which he carried on successfully for years.
During the late war he was an extensive
manufacturer of ship pins. In his saw-mill,
located near his farm, in addition to manufact-
uring lumber, he did custom planing and ran a
grist-mill. He also did carpenter’s work, and
cultivated a farm. After a very busy career
he retired in 1894. He was the owner of large
tracts of timber land, and of a farm containing
two hundred acres. In politics he was a Re-
publican. In religion he was a Universalist,
and he was a leader of the church choir
for forty years. In his younger days he taught
a singing-school. Mr. Saben died May 25,
1897. Of a noble character, he was always a
stanch friend. None knew him but to love and
trust him. Noted for his sound judgment, his
opinion was much appreciated. No one could
be with him long without learning something.
He was always thoughtful of others, and had
hosts of friends.

On September 17, 1845, Mr. Saben was
united in marriage to Sophronia Shaw King-
man. She had taught school for several years,
and was a lovely and talented woman. The
only child of the marriage, Flora Saben,
became the wife of Fred F. Twitchel, a
merchant of St. Albans, Vt., and died in De-

 

cember, 1895, leaving four children. On De-
cember 18, 1895, Mr. Saben was again united
in marriage to Mrs. Clara F. Weeks, daughter
of Mr. Charles Norwood, of Richmond, N.H.

 

EWETT E. BUFFUM, farmer, is a
resident of Westmoreland, Cheshire
County, N.H., where he was born July
5, 1822, son of Erasmus and Hepsy

(Thayer) Buffum. He is of the seventh gen-
eration in descent from Robert Buffum, who
came from Yorkshire, England, and settled
in Salem, Mass., where his name was recorded
in 1638. The immigrant died in 1679, leav-
ing seven children. His son Caleb, born in
Salem in 1650, married Hannah, daughter of
Joseph Pope, and died in 1731. Their son,
Benjamin, born in 1686, married a Buxton, by
whom he had Joseph, born in 1717, who mar-
ried Margaret Osborne, and died in 17096.
Joseph, Jr., son of Joseph and Margaret
Buffum, born in Smithfield, R.I., in 1754,
emigrated to Westmoreland, N.H., in 1784,
and took up a farm in the southern part of the
town. He married Sally, daughter of Elias
Haskell, of Lancaster, Mass., and had seven
sons, of whom it was said that they were
“strong mentally as well as physically."’
Mr. Joseph Buffum, Jr., died in 1829, in
Westmoreland, his wife surviving him nine-
teen years. He was a man of ‘‘strong mind,
persistent will, and good common sense.’’
His children were: Joseph, third, a man of
great ability, who graduated from Dartmouth
College, studied law and practised, was a
member of Congress in 1818, at one time held
the position of Postmaster at Keene, N.H.,
and died unmarried; Sewell, who married
Fanny Atherton, of Chesterfield, and removed
to Boston, Mass.; Erasmus; William, who
married Mary Ann Gordon, of Sterling,
Conn., and settled in Walpole, N.H.; Solon,
who died at the age of nineteen years; David,
known as Colonel Buffum, who married Mary
Bellows, daughter of the Hon. Thomas Bel-
lows, and became a prominent citizen of Wal-
pole; and Haskell, the fifth son, born Sep-
tember 29, 1795, who married Salome Wood,
daughter of Jonathan Wood, for many years a
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

343

 

 

Justice of the Peace. Haskell Buffum was a
man who improved all his opportunities for
learning and for usefulness. He was much
given to thought, and a lover of books. He
took an active interest in the welfare of the
town, was a Selectman and Representative,
and always actively interested in military
matters, holding the commission of Ensign.
At the time of his death he was the oldest
citizen of the town.

Erasmus Buffum, son of Joseph, third, and
the father of the subject of this sketch, mar-
ried a daughter of Daniel Thayer, a Revolu-
tionary soldier who drew a pension. They had
eight children, two of whom died in infancy.
The others were: Solon, Sarah, James, Jewett
E., Mary, and Alba. The father died in
1872. Solon Buffum went to New York City
at the age of sixteen. He married Adaline
Daul. Sarah Buffum died at the age of
twenty-four years. James married Louisa
Howe, and died in 1887 in Westmoreland.
Mary married a Mr. Ingalls, both now de-
ceased. Alba (deceased) lived in New York
City.

aoe E. Buffum remained on his father’s
farm until twenty-one years of age. He then
spent one year in a market in Boston, after
which he returned to Westmoreland, and has
since remained in this town. His family has
always been distinguished for strength of
mind, indomitable will, and sterling common
sense; and Mr. Buffum has inherited these
traits very fully. His energy and influence
have been felt in the town for many years.
He has held the various offices of trust, has
been Selectman and Justice of the Peace for
many years, and during the war he was a
recruiting officer. He has always voted the
Democratic ticket, and his work in the politi-
cal field will not soon be forgotten by his
fellow-citizens.

He married Clarissa E., daughter of E]-
bridge and Betsey (Gleason) Chickering.
Mrs. Buffum's grandfather, Timothy Chicker-
ing, came to Westmoreland from Massachu-

setts and settled on the river side. He had
seven children— Luther, Rhoda, Lavinia,
Thankful, Alvin, Elbridge, and Samuel.

Rhoda Chickering married Mr. Wright, and

 

lived in St. Johnsbury; Lavinia married Mr.
Melvin, and lived in the same place; Alvin
married Eunice Gleason, and lived in West-
moreland; Samuel married Clarissa Hastings,
of Westmoreland. Elbridge Chickering, the
father of Mrs. Buffum, died at the age of
sixty-three. His wife, Mrs. Buffum’'s mother,
was a daughter of Benjamin Gleason. Their
nine children were: Caroline, Clarissa E.
(Mrs. Buffum), Ransom, Holland, Elbridge,
Jr., Shubael, and three who died in infancy.
Caroline Chickering married Lambert Shaw,
and went to Worcester. Ransom Chickering
married Julia Gilkerson, and lived in Brock-
port, N.Y. Holland Chickering lived in
California, and married Alcesta Chamberlain.
Elbridge Chickering, Jr., married Elsie Al-
drich. Shubael died in California.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Buffum are:
Solon E., E. Clayton, J. Colburn, H. Clem-
ent, Alice Clara, and James Alba, triplets
having once been born to them and once twins.
Solon E., the eldest, married Addie Foster;
Alice C. married Edward H. Fletcher; and
J. Alba married Adine Cole.

ENJAMIN PIERCE, the well-known
manufacturer and financier of Ches-

 

terfield, N.H., was born in Smith-

field, R.I., on February 26, 1814,
son of George and Sophronia (Mann) Pierce.
His grandfather, also named Benjamin Pierce,
was a prominent Rhode Island Quaker and a
leading farmer of Smithfield. He was over
six feet in height, and as noble in heart and
mind as in physical proportions. He married
Abigail Buffum, aunt to Joseph Buffum, mem-
ber of Congress from New Hampshire and a
prominent lawyer. Benjamin Pierce, first,
had five children — George, Hannah, Clarinda,
Rhoda, and Louisa. Hannah married Isaac
Tabor, a man of sterling character, superin-
tendent for many years of Slater’s store, and
had five children; Clarinda Pierce married
Otis Martin, and lived in Smithfield; Rhoda
married Nathaniel Inman, son of an old and
noted Rhode Island family; and Louisa be-
came the wife of Edward Cranston, a well-
to-do citizen.
344

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

George Pierce departed from family tradi-
tions in religious affiliations, and did not go
through life as a Quaker. Whena young man
he emigrated to Chesterfield with his wife,
coming here because Joseph Buffum, a relative,
was settled in a neighboring town. He bought
a farm in East Chesterfield about the year
1816, and remained a few years, at the end of
that time going back to Smithfield. In 1825
he returned to Chesterfield, and remained here
during the rest of his life, a highly respected
and influential citizen. He died August 14,
1876, at the age of eighty-three years. His
wife, Sophronia Mann, whom he married on
the Fourth of July, 1810, lived to be one hun-
dred and two years old lacking one month.
She was a lover of children, and could enter-
tain them even in old age. The family of
eleven, whom she and her husband reared,
were all taught to be self-respecting and self-
supporting.

Benjamin, the subject of this sketch, was
the third child. <A brief record of his brothers
and sisters is as follows: Adeline, the eldest,
married Freeman Chase, of Athol, Mass, ;
Gilbert, born August 11, 1812, married Mary
Ann Stimpson, of Athol; George, born May
30, 1816, married Betsey Sherman; Diana,
born January 3, 1818, was twice married, the
first time to Mr. Scott and the second time
to Ora Blodgett; Marshall M., born December
4, 1819, died May 6, 1847; Mary T., born
March 4, 1822, married for her second hus-
band Asnah Alger, of Winchendon, Mass. ;
John H., born January 13, 1824, married
Elizabeth Chandler; Joseph W. was born Sep-
tember 18, 1825; Louisa B., born December
31, 1827, married Estey Farr; and Hannah
Maria, born Oetober 10, 1829, married Will-
iam Atherton. Adeline, Mary, Benjamin,
and Maria are now the only survivors.

Benjamin Pierce received his early educa-
tion in the public schools of Smithfield and at
Chesterfield Academy. He began his working
life as a teacher, and was most successful both
as a disciplinarian and as an instructor. He
always had the good will of his pupils, and
cannot remember ever having been obliged to
chastise any one of them for being refractory.
While teaching day school, he also taught

 

evenings for a part of the time. On giving
up teaching, he went into the employ of Oliver
B. Huggins, manufacturer, as travelling agent
for the sale of bits and augers. He made
short trips at first, but gradually extended
them into Canada, where he would buy furs,
and upon his return would sell them in Boston
at a great profit. He was always on the alert
for business openings and gave the strictest
attention to details. In 1852 his employers
failed; and Mr. Pierce, having by industry
and economy saved a considerable sum _ of
money, bought the factory and applied himself
with his usual concentration and executive
ability to building a business for himself on
a firm and safe basis. In a short time every-
thing was running smoothly, and he was able
to enlarge the business. Of a mechanical turn
of mind and of keen and quick perceptions, he
made improvements in the machinery, and,
being able to grasp readily any of the sugges-
tions of others, was soon making new and im-
proved articles in his lines. He always kept
his own books and looked after the details of
the business; and to this personal supervision
and care, coupled with wise economy, is
chiefly due, no doubt, the success he has met
with. He made spinning-wheels, which were
sent into many States and were sold at high
prices, there being comparatively little com-
petition in the manufacture. Mr. Pierce trav-
elled considerably in the interests of his busi-
ness, and gradually became a note broker on
quite an extensive scale. He has bought and
sold many notes, and much of his handsome
fortune has been acquired by these sagacious
transactions. He still continues in this line
of business, and is considered one of the
shrewdest financiers in New England. Mr.
Pierce’s career has been a somewhat remark-
able one. There are few men who accumulate
over a half-million of dollars while residing
in a small town far from the great commercial
centres, or who have the keen business insight
which enables them by unaided personal effort
to acquire so large a fortune. The business
prosperity of Chesterfield has been increased
in all lines by having this thriving manufac-
tory here, which employs so large a force of
workmen and disburses so much money. Mr.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

345

 

 

Pierce became interested in the manufacture
of chisels in Hinsdale, selling stock on com-
mission and having the general superintend-
ency of the business, carrying this on: for
thirteen years in addition to his factory in
Chesterfield. In 1852 Mr. Pierce was Select-
man of the town.

On November 15, 1842, Mr. Pierce married
Caroline Amelia, daughter of Jesse Gale.
She died October 30, 1882, having been the
mother of six children, as follows: Frederick
B., born April 20, 1845; Caroline Maria, born
October 18, 1850; Helen (Nellie K.), born
January 25, 1853; Grace M., born December
30, 1854, who died October 3, 1873; Mary
and Alice, both of whom died young.  Fred-
erick B. Pierce married Emma F., daughter
of Josiah W. Cook, and has two children —
Maud and Frank M. Caroline M. married
J. Lyman Bliss, and resides at Atchison, Kan.
Her husband is deceased, leaving to her care
their one child, a daughter Grace. Helen
(Nellie K.) married D. Dunham, of Hinsdale,
N.H. In 1870 Frederick began the manufact-
ure of the same kind of goods which had been
made by his father. Since 1875 he has been
manufacturing brush handles and spinning-
wheels at Spofford. Mr. Benjamin Pierce
sold out his business in 1882 to Mr. Currier,
ex-Mayor of Newburyport.

 

EUBEN SPAULDING, a retired me-
chanic of Hudson, was born in this
town, July 1, 1811, son of Reuben
and Hannah (Barrett) Spaulding.
He is the fourth representative of the family
in a direct line to bear that name. The
genealogy of the Spauldings is traced to three
brothers who emigrated from England, and
settled in Chelmsford, Mass. The first Reu-
ben Spaulding was an early settler of Hudson,
while Reubens, second and third, were life-
long residents. Some of the Spauldings
served in the Revolutionary War, and each
generation has given industrious and capable
men and loyal citizens to the country.
The father of the subject of this sketch, and
the third bearer of his name, was a prosperous
farmer during his active years.

 

At the ap- |

proach of old age he retired, and lived with
his son in Nashua for some time. His last
days were passed in Hudson. At his death he
was eighty-two years old. He served as a
Lieutenant in the State militia. In politics
he acted with the Whig party, and in his re-
ligious belief he was a Unitarian. His wife,
Hannah, who was a native of Hudson, became
the mother of six children, two of whom are
living, namely: Reuben, the subject of this
sketch; and Jane, who married Greeley N.
Cressey, and lives in Contoocook, N.H. The
others were: Susan Morse, Hannah Hale,
Sarah Morse, and Elizabeth. Elizabeth died
at the age of eight years. Mrs. Hannah
Spaulding lived to be eighty-five years old.
She attended the Congregational church.

The present Reuben Spaulding grew to
manhood in Londonderry and Hudson, acquir-
ing his education in the common schools.
At the age of nineteen he began to learn the
carpenter’s trade, which he subsequently fol-
lowed as a journeyman for some years. He
was afterward employed in the Indian Head
machine shops as a pattern-maker for fourteen
years, and he worked in the same capacity in
the railroad shops of Lowell and Nashua for
twenty-one years. He retired from active
occupation several years ago. In 1858 he
entered upon his present farm, which has been
his residence since. The property, which is
desirably located, and contains one hundred
and twenty acres of land, is now managed by
Mr. Spaulding’s son.

On January 17, 1839, Mr. Spaulding’s first
marriage was contracted with Emily Brooks,
a native of Townsend, Mass., who died July
26, 1849. Mrs. Sarah Spaulding, his present
wife, whom he married October 15, 1851, was
a daughter of Captain Thomas L.aton, of
Nashua. Two children were born of each
marriage, namely: Reuben L., in Nashua,
February 3, 1844; George E., July 20, 1848;
Charles Laton, April 5, 1854; and Sarah
Maria, July 12, 1858. Reuben L. is married
and has two children— Edward A. and Emily.
George E. died June 11, 1849. Charles
Laton is a prosperous farmer and market gar-
dener in Hudson. He is also married, and his
children are: Helen C. and Harold M,
346

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

Sarah Maria, who is the wife of John C.
Groves, lives in Hudson, and has two children
— Reuben S. and Robert L. In politics Mr.
Spaulding is a Republican. He served with
ability as a Selectman in Nashua, and was for
two years a member of the Board in this town.
He attends the Episcopal church. A self-
made man, he has fully earned the rest he is
enjoying.

 

[LES BENTON TUTTLE, one of
Antrim’s successful farmers and
an ex-member of the legislature,
was born in this town, June 22,
1845, son of Isaac and Sophronia (Chase)
Tuttle. His grandfather was Benjamin
Tuttle, a native of Littleton, Mass., who
removed to Hillsboro at the age of fourteen
years, and there followed agriculture until his
death, which occurred when he was seventy-
four years old. In politics he was a Demo-
crat, and for several years he served as a Se-
lectman and as Overseer of the Poor. He was
highly esteemed as an honest, upright, and
industrious man. He attended the Baptist
church. By his wife, a native of Antrim,
whose maiden name was Annie McAllis-
ter, he became the father of twelve chil-
dren, five of whom reached maturity, and
Alonzo is the sole survivor. Alonzo married
Charlotte Jones, of Hillsboro, and has two
children — George H. and Charlotte. Mrs.
Annie Tuttle died at the age of seventy-two
years. She was a member of the Baptist
church.

Isaac Tuttle, the third child of Benjamin,
was born in Hillsboro, June 7, 1813. He
learned the brickmaker’s trade, which he fol-
lowed in Nashua for some years. In 1840 he
bought the farm in Antrim now owned by his
son. He tilled the soil industriously for the
rest of his active years, and died June 16,
1895, leaving considerable property. He sup-
ported the Democratic party in politics, His
wife, Sophronia, whom he married November
19, 1840, was born in Hillsboro, daughter of
James Chase. She has had three children;
namely, Miles B., Lucy A., and Lucetta A.
Lucy A. is the wife of Jotham S. Moore, of

 

Hillsboro, and has two sons— Ralph H. and
Charles J. Lucetta A. married Frank D. Ap-
pleton, of West Deering. The mother resides
with her son in Antrim.

Miles Benton Tuttle began his education
in the schools of Antrim, and completed his
studies at the academy in Francestown. He
was engaged in farming for a time, and then
went upon the road as a travelling salesman
for eight years. Eventually he returned to
the homestead, where he resumed farming, and
for several years produced quite a quantity of
milk. He is now giving his principal atten-
tion to buying and selling cattle. On Septem-
ber 29, 1869, he was united in marriage with
Lizzie A. Marshall, daughter of Sumner O.
Marshall, of Hillsboro. Mrs. Tuttle is the
mother of twins, Isaac M. and James C., born
October 19, 1879.

Mr. Tuttle has rendered efficient services to
the town, and his political supporters have
had every reason to be satisfied with him.
As a Democrat he was elected to the Board of
Selectmen in 1875 and 1876, and he repre-
sented this town in the legislature in 1890
and 1891. The measure of success he has
won is due largely to his fair dealing, for
which he is sincerely esteemed in the town.

 

AMES C. HILDRETH, a popular and
enterprising merchant of Hollis, was
born here, May 26, 1846, son of Amos
and Mary E. (Stearns) Hildreth. His

great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather,
Captain Daniel Bailey and son, who bore the
same name, were Revolutionary soldiers, par-
ticipating in the battle of Bunker Hill and in
all the subsequent battles in which the Hollis
company was engaged. Mr. Hildreth has the
musket that his great-grandfather carried in
these battles. The father, who was born at
Westfield, Mass., spent the greater part of his
life in Harvard, Mass., and died there at the
age of seventy-two years. His wife was a
native of Winchendon, Mass.

In the district schools of Hollis, where he
received his early education, James C. Hil-
dreth was a favorite with his young compan-
ions, and early gave evidence of the energy
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

347

 

 

and alertness that have since characterized his
business life. His first salary was earned in
the capacity of clerk for William A. Trow,
with whom he remained several years, gaining
valuable experience. Later he opened a job
printing-office and established the Hollis
Times, which he conducted successfully for
six years. Then the pressure of other duties
compelled him to discontinue the publication
of the Zzmes, but he continued the printing-
office. In 1890 he opened a store in Hollis.
This has since acquired so large a business
that it is now claimed to be the leading store
in the town. Mr. Hildreth intends always to
carry only first-class stock and to charge only
fair prices, so that buyer and seller are bene-
fited. A tireless worker, he is constantly
busy. He is assisted by his son, who has now
become an essential factor in the management
of the business. Prior to Mr. Cleveland’s
inauguration he was Postmaster of the town.

Mr. Hildreth married a Hollis lady, Miss
Mary S. Colburn, daughter of Abel and Susan
Colburn. Mr. and Mrs. Hildreth have one
son — Albert F., above alluded to, who is his
father’s right-hand man in business. Mr.
Hildreth is always actively interested in any
question which may arise concerning in any
way the welfare of the town; and he takes due
interest in political affairs, though his many
business engagements prevent him from accept-
ing any political office. He is a charter mem-

ber of Golden Cross and also of Hollis
Grange. Of the former order he is Past Com-
mander.

 

ARREN H. BUTLER, an exten-
sive dairy farmer of Chesterfield,
the chairman of the Board of County

Commissioners and an ex-member of the New
Hampshire legislature, was born in this town,
October 6, 1847, son of Marshall and Luthera
B. (Hubbard) Butler. The great-grandfather,
Josiah Butler, who resided in Hinsdale, was a
nephew of Colonel Josiah Willard, one of the
original proprietors of the town of Chester-
field. Colonel Willard was a prominent man
in the Connecticut valley in his time. These
were the days when the settlers were often

 

called from their field labors to defend their
families from the attacks of the Indians.

John Butler, grandfather of Warren H., was
born in Hinsdale, February 5, 1786. In
1825 he settled upon a farm in the southern
part of Chesterfield. Besides cultivating a
farm, he was engaged extensively in logging,
rafting his timber down the Connecticut
River to Springfield and Hartford. His last
days were spent in retirement; and at the time
of his death, which occurred in 1884, he was
the oldest man in Chesterfield. His first
marriage was contracted in 1810 with Gratia
Hubbard, a daughter of Ephraim Hubbard.
On January 30, 1856, a second marriage united
him with Lydia Crowningshield, who was born
in Hinsdale, January 21, 1811. His first
wife had eight children, as follows: Marshall,
born May 9, 1811; Warren, born August 15,
1812, who died August 19, 1831; Josiah,
born January 4, 1815, who died in September,
1862; Ephraim H., twin brother of Josiah;
Erastus, born May 12, 1816; Maria, born
April 14, 1817; Roswell, born August 15,
1822; and Otis, born June 3, 1826. Maria
became the wife of Samuel Thomas, of Hins-
dale.

Marshall Butler, who was a native of Hins-
dale, and moved with his parents to Chester-
field, followed the lumber business in com-
pany with his father. He died in the prime
of life on November 18, 1855. He was quite
prominent in military affairs as Captain of
a local light infantry company. His wife,
Luthera, was a daughter of Captain Jacob P.
Hubbard, a prosperous farmer of Chesterfield.
She became the mother of four children, as
follows: Lucius M., born April 9, 1838; Ann
S., born January 11, 1842; Helen P., born
March 24, 1845; and Warren H., the subject
of this sketch. Lucius M., who is a master
mechanic on the New York, New Haven, &
Hartford Railroad, has four children — Her-
bert, Abbott, Nellie, and Earl. Ann S. mar-
ried Frederick L. Stone, a prominent farmer
and business man of Ambherst, Mass. Her
children are: Winthrop E., Harland F., Law-
son, and Helen. Winthrop E. Stone, who
graduated from the Massachusetts State Agri-
cultural College at Amherst, spent two years
348

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

in Germany, and is now the vice-president of
Purdue University, Indiana; and Harland F.
Stone, a graduate of Amherst, is now pursu-
ing a course at the Columbia Law School.
Helen P. Butler is the wife of George Howe,
a native of Hinsdale and a machinist by
trade. They reside in Agawam, Mass., and
have two children—Bernice L. and Murray R.

But eight years old when his father died,
Warren H. Butler had not the thorough train-
ing which is prompted by paternal love and
solicitude. He was educated in the district
schools and at the old Chesterfield Academy,
and assisted in carrying on the homestead
farm for some time. Subsequently he bought
the Nat Hildreth farm of one hundred acres,
and engaged energetically in its cultivation.
In 1877 he had the misfortune of losing his
buildings by fire; but he immediately rebuilt,
and has since been occupied in dairy farming,
which he carries on upon a large scale. In
politics he is a Republican and one of the
leaders of that party in this section. He has
been a delegate to several county and State
conventions, and was instrumental in securing
the nomination of ex-Governor Goodell. Dur-
ing nine of the ten years he spent in the
Board of Selectmen he was its chairman.
He was elected to the legislature in 1889, and
was a member of the Committee on County
Affairs. He has also served as both County
and Town Auditor, Moderator at town meet-
ings, and Deputy Sheriff. He was first
elected County Commissioner in 1893. Since
then he has been twice re-elected, and holds
office now for the term ending in 1899. Also
a Justice of the Peace and Quorum, he has
settled many estates, and acts as administrator
and guardian.

On February 14, 1871, Mr. Butler was
united in marriage with Elenora F. Barrett,
of Chesterfield. She is a daughter of George
W. and Emily (Wilson) Barrett, and a grand-
daughter of John H. and Charlotte (Thomas)
Barrett. Her maternal grandparents were
Wheaton and Sally (Taft) Wilson, of Dum-
merston, Vt. Mr. and Mrs. Butler have one
daughter, Gladys, who was born July 23, 1880.
Mr. Butler is, without doubt, one of the best
known men in Cheshire County. His ability

 

has been tested to its fullest capacity by the
various political complications which he has
satisfactorily adjusted, and his public services
are heartily appreciated by the voters through-
out the county. He belongs to the Improved
Order of Red Men of Keene, N.H.

 

 

ESSE W. TIRRELL, a prominent and
enterprising farmer of Goffstown, was
born here, December 13, 1840, son of
Hiram and Martha J. (Gilmore) Tir-

rell. The part of Goffstown known as Canada
Hill was a waste when Jesse Tirrell, Hiram’s
father, settled there. By hard work he con-
verted a tract into a good farm, upon which he
prosperously spent the remainder of his life.
He and his wife both died at an advanced age.
Hiram was born in the old Tirrell homestead
in July, 1806; and his wife, Martha, was born
on the very same farm, March 18, 1807. She
was a daughter of Robert Gilmore, who also
bore an honored name among the old-time in-
habitants of the town. Hiram Tirrell was a
farmer and lumberman. Excepting a_ resi-
dence of seven years in Boston, his life was
spent on the Gilmore farm. In religion he
was a Baptist. At his death, which occurred
January 9, 1888, he left a reputation for
scrupulous integrity. His wife died July 22,
1876. Of their three sons and two daughters
there are now living: Jesse W., the subject of
this sketch; Caroline, the wife of George C.
Baker, of West Manchester; and Clinton H.,
whose biography will be found elsewhere in
this work. The others were: Harriett G.,
who died at the age of nineteen; and Joseph,
who died June 17, 1895, aged fifty-seven.
Jesse W. Tirrell received his education in
the town schools. Farming and teaming have
been his principal occupations since. He
spent two years each successively in the em-
ploy of Hillsboro and Merrimack Counties in
the capacity of assistant superintendent of the
county farms. The well-kept farm of about
seventy acres on which he now lives was
purchased by him in 1868. He has been
Road Agent, was Selectman for two years,
and he was in the State legislature in 18o9r.
He is a member of the Baptist church, and has
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

349

 

 

been Deacon of the church
Centre for five years.
the Republican party.
Mr. Tirrell was first married November 17,
1866, to Mrs. Ellen (Gile) Mason, a native of
Wolcott, Vt., who died August 19, 1871.
He entered a second marriage October 8,
1872, with Flora L. Griffith, a native of
Livermore, Me., who died March to, 1884.
On May 18, 1887, he contracted a third mar-
riage, by which he was united to Mattie T.
Emerson. She was born in Auburn, N.H.,
October 6, 1838, daughter of David and Eliza
(Caleff) Emerson. Mr. Tirrell has two chil-
dren — Irving H. and May B. Irving, who
was born November 12, 1870, lives at St.
Albans, Vt., being employed by the great
Chicago meat firm of Swift & Co., in whose
employ he has been for nine years. May B.,
born April 17, 1875, resides at home with her
parents, She graduated from the Normal
School at Plymouth, N.H., and has taught
school for several terms in her native town.

in Goffstown
In politics’ he follows

 

OHN E. BRUCE, a well-known resi-
dent of Milford, is a native of Mont
Vernon, N.H. Born November 4,
1817, he is a son of John and Dolly

(Durant) Bruce the former a native of Mont
Vernon and the latter of Dracut, Mass. The
founder of the family came from Scotland,
where the name, since the days of Robert
Bruce, has been inseparably associated with
self-sacrificing patriotism. Mr. Bruce is a
grandson of the first minister who settled in
Mont Vernon, the Rev. John Bruce of the
Congregational denomination. The father of
Mr. Bruce was a farmer and for many years a
Justice of the Peace in Mont Vernon. He
also served as Treasurer of Hillsboro County,
throughout which he had an extended acquaint-
ance. His death occurred in 1872.

Mr. Bruce was brought up in his native
place. He received the ordinary education
afforded by the common school, supplemented
by a term at Phillips Academy at Andover,
Mass., and a short course at Appleton Acad-
emy, New Ipswich, N.H. For a brief time
afterward he was engaged in teaching school.

 

When twenty-three years of age he turned his
attention to mercantile life, taking charge of
a general store in Mont Vernon and conducting
it for about five years. In 1848 he came to
Milford and kept a similar store here for a
number of years. He subsequently formed a
partnership with H. M. Tyler, under the name
of Bruce & Tyler, who carried on the business
until 1862, when they separated. On October
1, 1896, Mr. Bruce, who had continued in
business at the same stand, sold out to S. Car-
roll Coburn, the present owner. In the legis-
lature of 1856-57 he served as Representa-
tive from Milford. He has been Town Clerk
and Town Treasurer, he is a Justice of the
Peace, and he was Deputy Sheriff for several
years. Also, for about nine years, he was Se-
lectman of Milford, serving for much of the
time in the capacity of chairman of the Board.
He is identified with both the Masonic and
Odd Fellows orders.

Mr. Bruce married Sarah J. Whittemore, of
Mont Vernon, and has five children. These
are: Charles E., president of the Seamless
Hosiery Company of Rochester, N.Y.; Jo-
sephine E., a teacher in the high school at
Medford, Mass.; Ella A., the wife of N. W.
Robinson, of Milford; Emily F., the wife of
Judge W. H. Sanborn of the United States
Circuit Court of St. Paul, Minn. ; and Sarah
W., the wife of E. A. MacCrillis, of Milford,
N.H. A man of unquestioned integrity and
sound judgment, Mr. Bruce has often been of
service to his townsmen.

 

 

OEL WELLINGTON, of Rindge, an
extensive manufacturer and an ex-mem-
ber of the New Hampshire legislature,
was born in this town, July 7, 1831,

son of Captain Leonard and Lucinda (Page)
Wellington. The Wellingtons are the de-
scendants of Roger Wellington, who, born in
England about the year 1610, emigrated to
this country when a young man, and was
among the first settlers of Watertown, Mass.
Captain Leonard Wellington, who was a native
of Jaffrey, N.H., located in Rindge in 1803.
While a hatter by trade, he carried on general
farming, and was employed quite extensively
35°

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

as an auctioneer. He served in Captain
Gregg’s company during the War of 1812,
and died May 22, 1849. He successively
married Eunice Earl, Dorcas Priest, and Lu-
cinda Page.

Joel Wellington was educated in the district
schools. Since reaching manhood, he has been
engaged in the manufacture of lumber and
woodenware. He was for some years asso-
ciated with others, but in 1871 became the
sole proprietor. Besides his large box manu-
factory he also conducts a general store. He
represented this district in the legislature of
1873-74, and was again elected in 1893. For
several years he was Selectman, and he has
been a Justice of the Peace since 1871. He
cast his first Presidential vote for General
Scott in 1852, and has supported the Republi-
can party since its formation.

On November 30, 1854, Mr. Wellington
was joined in marriage with Harriet E. Rams-
dell, a daughter of Amos Ramsdell. Mrs.
Wellington has been the mother of three chil-
dren, one of whom died in infancy. The sur-
vivors are: Herbert D. and Arthur J., both
of whom are connected with their father’s

business. Herbert D. Wellington married
Harriet A. Wright, and has one daughter,
Bertha E. Arthur J. Wellington married

Susie E. Lloyd, and his children are: Ida
Maud, Alice Georgie, Beatrice Agnes, and
Ralph A. J. Wellington. Mr. Wellington is
connected with the Masonic fraternity, the
Order of the Golden Cross, and the Patrons of
Husbandry. His religious belief is that of
the Methodists.

 

 

UCIAN D. TINKER, of Marlow, an
enterprising dealer in drugs and med-

icines, was born in this town, Octo-

ber 20, 1847, son of Lauren and

Hannah C. (Glidden) Tinker. The first of
the name to settle in Marlow was Elijah
Tinker, Lucian D. Tinker’s grandfather, who
came from Connecticut, and followed general
farming here for the rest of his life. He
married Elizabeth Comstock, and with her
reared four children — Lauren, Nathan, Leon-
ard, and Lucinda. Nathan, who was in the

 

meat business in New London, Conn., married
Mary Stone, and had two children. Leonard,
who resided upon a farm in Nashua, N.H.,
married for his first wife Mary Gee, who
bore him five children. His second marriage
was made with Rebecca Roby. Lucinda
Tinker became the wife of Dexter Bradford, a
farmer of Charlestown, N.H., and had one
daughter.

Lauren Tinker, born in 1809, was an indus-
trious farmer. Also an estimable citizen, it
was his custom to clearly and forcibly express
his opinions on matters of public importance
at town meetings, and he served as a Select-
man for a number of terms. He was an active
member of the Christian church, was deeply
interested in charitable and religious work,
and a close student of the Bible. At his
death, which occurred in 1895, he was about
eighty-six years old. His wife, Hannah, born
in Unity, N.H., November 22, 1811, was a
daughter of Colonel Ezra Glidden, a well-
known resident of that town in his day. She
became the mother of four children, born as
follows: Alva G., August 17, 1838; Milan
L., June 23, 1843; and Lucius Duett and
Lucian Duane, who were twins, October 20,
1847. Alva G., who lost an arm while serv-
ing in the Civil War, and is now residing in
Milford, N.H., was formerly in the stove and
tinware business. He married Mrs. Nellie
Tinker, the widow of his brother, Milan L.
Milan L. Tinker, who was a farmer in Mar-
low, enlisted in the Union army for service
in the Civil War, and died at Alexandria,
Va., August 3, 1864. He married Nellie
Dunkley. Lucius D., who is a teamster in
Nashua, married Etta A. Keyes, and has one
daughter, Nettie H. Mrs. Lauren Tinker
died in June, 1871.

After acquiring his education in Marlow,
Lucian D. Tinker was for some years engaged
in teaming. Afterward he followed farming
in Alstead for four years and in Marlow for
seven years. Then he resumed his former oc-
cupation of teamster, and had worked at it for
seven years, when he bought the drug store
formerly carried on by E. N. Howe. This
store he has since prosperously conducted.
Mr. Tinker was Postmaster four years, has
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

35!

 

 

been Second Selectman for five years, and is
the Town Treasurer. He has occupied the
principal chairs in the local lodge of Odd Fel-
lows, and he is connected with the Patrons of
Husbandry. In religious belief he is a Meth-
odist.

Mr. Tinker married Addie G. Brown. She
was born in Alstead, February 28, 1857,
daughter of Nathaniel Brown, who was then
seventy-five years old. Mr. Brown, born in
1782, died in 1876. The maiden name of his
first wife was Clarinda Huntley. His second
wife, Eleanor L. Gee Brown, who was born
September 17, 1815, died August 4, 1881.

 

RLANDO WARREN SPAULDING,
a prosperous general farmer and _ pro-
prietor of one of the best known sum-
mer boarding-houses in Pelham, Hills-
boro County, was born in this town, April 8,
1839, son of Abram and Elizabeth (Gibson)
Spaulding, The father was a native of Bil-
lerica, Mass., born May 15, 1800, and in his
earlier years was a mill operator. In 1837 he
settled in Pelham, where he followed agricult-
ure for the rest of his life. He was one of
the able farmers and useful citizens of the
town, and served with ability as a member of
the Board of Selectmen. In politics origi-
nally a Whig, he joined the Republican party
on its formation. He attended the Congrega-
tional church. His death, which occurred
March 8, 1876, when he was seventy-five years
old, was much regretted. His wife, Elizabeth
Gibson Spaulding, wasa native of Pelham; and
her birth took place upon the farm which is
now owned by her son, Orlando W., April 6,
1806. She became the mother of nine chil-
dren —- Abram, Mary E., Lydia M., George,
Orlando W., Clara A., Edward, Henry A.,
and Hannah A. Of these the only survivors
are: Orlando W., the subject of this sketch;
Clara A.; and Hannah A. The mother died
September 18, 1880.

Orlando Warren Spaulding was educated in
the schools of Pelham, and when a young man
he worked upon farms in this neighborhood.
For two years he was engaged in the wood
business in Lawrence, but his principal occu-

 

pations have been farming and lumbering. In
1867 he bought the homestead farm of one
hundred and fifty acres, upon which he has
since resided. He tills the soil during the
summer season, and in winter he carries on
lumbering operations. For several years past
his farm has been a favorite resort for summer
boarders; and its pleasant and airy location,
from which on a clear day may be seen in the
distance the cities of Nashua, Lowell, An-
dover, and Boston, makes it especially adapted
to that purpose. There is a constant demand
upon him for rooms during the heated term,
and the number of his guests is only limited
by his accommodations.

On June 25, 1863, Mr. Spaulding was united
in marriage with Mary P. Hamblett, of Meth-
uen, Mass., daughter of Amos and Nancy
(Marsh) Hamblett. Both her parents are now
deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Spaulding have no
children living. Politically, Mr. Spaulding is
a Republican, and he has ably served the town
as a member of the Board of Selectmen. He
is connected by membership with the Pilgrim
Fathers, and with Pelham Grange, Patrons of
Husbandry.

 

*.

 

OHN J. RUEFER, of the firm of Hagen

& Ruefer, piano manufacturers, Peter-

boro, is a native of Germany, where he

was born June 9, 1863, son of Adam

and Zirhr (Dora) Ruefer. The father, also a

native of Germany, born in 1834, who was at

first a farmer, later conducted a graining-mill,

and afterward engaged in the manufacture of

bricks. He came to America, but after about

three years returned to his native land, where

he is still living. Of his four children three
are deceased.

John Ruefer was educated in Germany.
Upon leaving school, he learned the trade of
cabinet-maker and worked at it in Germany
for five years. After coming to this country
in 1881, he learned the general trade of car-
penter in New York City and later that of
piano key maker, at which he worked up to
1884. Then he formed a partnership with his
brother, Sebastian, and Charles Hagen, under
the name of the New York Piano Key Com-
352

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

pany, and engaged in the manufacture of piano
keys in the city of New York up to 1895,
when they removed to Peterboro. In 1893
also the partnership of Hagen & Ruefer was
forméd for the manufacture of pianos. Al-
though these pianos are a recent make, they
have gained a reputation, which is constantly
widening, for brilliancy of tone and admirable
workmanship. Both partners are expert and
skilled workmen, and personally superintend
every department of their factory. Under
their constant watchfulness it is impossible for
any instrument to leave their warehouse imper-
fectly. finished.

Mr. Ruefer was married October 25, 1884,
to Barbara Endres, of Germany. They have
three children — Edwin, Lillian, and Emma.
Mr. Ruefer is energetic, progressive, and of
unimpeachable integrity. His hospitality,
which is a heritage from his German ancestry,
has won him many friends; and his genial
nature makes him popular in the town.

 

NDREW J. CROOKER, Hillsboro’s
Representative in the New Hamp-
shire legislature and a veteran of
the Civil War, was born in Bath,
Me., March 29, 1832, son of Robert and Sarah
(Hall) Crooker, both also natives of Bath.
The paternal grandfather, Moses Crooker,
whose father was lost at sea, in consequence
of that misfortune began to work for his living
at an early age. He acquired the _ black-
smith’s trade, which he followed in Bath for
many years, and died at the age of fifty-six.
His wife, whose maiden name was McFarland,
bore him seven children.

Robert Crooker, the eldest child of Moses,
enlisted in the Maine Volunteers for service
in the War of 1812, when he was fourteen
years old, and was detailed to serve as cap-
tain’s waiter. After leaving the army he fol-
lowed the sea, became a ship-master, and was
for a number of years engaged in the West
India trade, making a specialty of bringing
tropical fruits to the United States. At the
age of sixty he retired from the sea; and, pur-
chasing a farm in Wrentham, Mass., he tilled
the soil for the rest of his active period. His

 

last days were spent with his son in Hillsboro,
and he lived to be eighty-seven years old.
In his later years he voted with the Republi-
can party. His wife, Sarah, became the
mother of eight children, of whom the only
survivors are: Andrew J. and Jane. Mrs.
Robert Crooker died at the age of eighty-six
years.

After acquiring his education in Canter-
bury, N.H., Andrew J. Crooker went to Bos-
ton, learned the ship-joiner’s trade, and after-
ward followed that calling for three years.
Then he came to Hillsboro, and in 1862 en-
listed as a private in Company D, Eleventh
Regiment, New Hampshire Volunteers, for
service in the Civil War. He participated in
the battle of Fredericksburg, the sieges of
Vicksburg and Jackson, Miss., the Wilderness
campaign, and the capture of Petersburg. He
was wounded in the left shoulder at Freder-
icksburg, and while in front of Petersburg was
struck in the right side by a minie ball.
These injuries were of a more or less serious
nature, and he now receives a pension. He
was discharged on June 1, 1865. Returning
to Hillsboro, he engaged in agricultural pur-
suits, and some time later bought his present
farm, which contains two hundred acres of ex-
cellent land. He carries on general farming,
and is regarded as one of the progressive and
successful agriculturists of thistown. In pol-
itics he is a Republican. He served as clerk
of the School Board for a number of years,
and was elected Representative to the legis-
lature in 1896.

On September 1, 1856, Mr. Crooker was
joined in marriage with Lucy A. Jones,
daughter of John Jones, of Roxbury, Mass.
Mrs. Crooker is the mother of six children;
namely, Lizzie, Robert G., Harriett G., Lucy
M., Sarah J., and Andrew P. Lizzie is now
the wife of Fred B. Putnam, of Wilton, N.H.,
and has three children — Edith, Fred E., and
Ida. Robert G. married Edna Horn, of-Man-
chester, N.H., and has two children — Hattie
and Ethel. Harriett G. married W. F. West,
of Hillsboro. Lucy M. is now Mrs. James
O. Carr, of Antrim, N.H., and her children
are: Andrew J. and Aura. Sarah J. married
Frank L. Straw, of Contoocook, N.H., and
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

353

 

 

has two children — Lucy and Bernice. An-
drew P. wedded Mary Woods, of Hillsboro.
Mr. Crooker has occupied the important chairs
of Valley Lodge, No. 43, I. O. O. F., and is
a Past Commander of Post No. 25, G. A. R.,
of this town.

EORGE G. TOLFORD, senior mem-
ber of the firm of Tolford & Math-
ews, Wilton, was born in Bedford,

N.H., July 17, 1860, son of Elbridge G. and
Nancy Jane (Stewart) Tolford. His great-
grandfather, Major John Tolford, who was a
Scotch-Irishman, emigrated to America in
1729, and settled in Chester, N.H., where he
cleared a farm and tilled the soil for the rest
of his active period. Born in May, 1700,
John died May 10, 1790. He married Jean,
daughter of Alexander McMurphy, and be-
came the father of nine children. Hugh, the
seventh child, who, born December 22, 1747,
died April 25, 1823, married Elizabeth,
daughter of the Hon. Matthew Patten, and be-
came the father of four children.

William Tolford, the second child of John
and the grandfather of George G., was born
in Chester, October 2, 1795. For several
years he carried on a farm in that town. Sub-
sequently he moved his family to Bedford,
where he continued to follow agriculture for
the rest of his life; and he died May 9, 1867.
He married Sally Patten, a grand-daughter of
the Matthew Patten who was one of the origi-
nal surveyors of the State of New Hampshire.
William and Sally Tolford reared two sons —
Elbridge G. and Dewitt C. Dewitt C. Tol-
ford afterward married Mrs. Kate Feales.
Elbridge G. Tolford, the father of George G.,
was born in Bedford, May 9, 1829, and was
reared to agriculture, which he still follows
in that town. He owns a good farm, and is
one of the best known residents of Bedford.
He was for two years a member of the Board
of Selectmen, serving as its chairman one
year. In politics he is a Democrat. His
wife, Nancy, who was a daughter of Moses
Stewart, of Amherst, N.H., became the
mother of three children — George G., Frank
W., and William M. Frank W. married

 

 

Jennie Lampher, a native of Vermont, and
has two children— Annie and Doris. Will-
iam M. married Sophia Jones, of Malden,
Mass., and has one child, Helen. Mrs. El-
bridge G. Tolford died at the age of forty
years.

George G. Tolford resided at home until he
was twenty years old. Then he went to New
Boston, where he was engaged in farming for
six years. From New Boston he came to Wil-
ton, and for four years was employed by S. H.
Dunbar in the meat business. In 1890 the
present firm of Tolford & Mathews was estab-
lished, and has since conducted a thriving
business in meat and provisions. An active
supporter of the Democratic party, he takes a
lively interest in local affairs. He has been
chief of the fire department for three years,
and he was elected a Selectman in 1895, and
is now serving his third term.

On October 27, 1886, Mr. Tolford was
joined in marriage with Emma Flynn, of
Jersey City, N.J. Mrs. Tolford is now the
mother of two children —Carl S. and Eliza-
beth C. Mr. Tolford is at the present time
Junior Warden of Clinton Lodge, F. & A. M.,
of Wilton, and is a member of King Solomon
Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, of Milford,
N.H. He is also connected with Laurel
Lodge, I. O. O. F., of this town. He has
made his way in life through his own exer-
tions, and is highly esteemed as an upright,
business man.

 

OCKWELL F. CRAIG, an enterpris-

ing lumber manufacturer of Marlow

and a member of the New Hamp-

shire legislature, was born in Rye-

gate, Vt., April 30, 1852, son of Robert M.

and Nancy (Keenan) Craig. His grandfather,

John Craig, was a lifelong resident of Rye-
gate, and a miller by occupation.

Robert M. Craig, who also spent his life in
Ryegate, owned and industriously cultivated a
good farm until his death, which occurred in
the prime of life. He married Nancy Keenan,
who was born March 19, 1826, daughter of
Daniel Keenan, a native of the Scotch High-
lands. Left with eight children by the death
354

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

of her husband, she sold the property in Rye-
gate, and moved to another farm in Topsham,
Vt. This, with the assistance of her eldest
sons, she carried on until 1862, when they en-
listed for service in the Civil War. She then
disposed of the property, and took up her resi-
dence in the village, where she died in Janu-

ary, 1880. Her children were: Parker,
Daniel, Martha, Albert, William P., Mar-
garet J., Rockwell F., and Ella M. Parker

died in infancy; Daniel died in Libby Prison;
Martha died aged seventeen years; Albert,
who is employed in a whetstone factory in
Woodsville, N.H., married Kate Haslett, and
has two children; William P. was killed in
the late war; Margaret lives in Lowell,
Mass.; Ella M. is the wife of Forest R. Mills,
the overseer of the Old Colony Boiler Works,
and resides in Wollaston, Mass.

After leaving the schools of Topsham, Vt.,
Rockwell F. Craig was employed in a saw-
mill until he was sixteen years old. He then
entered the railroad service, and in time be-
came a locomotive engineer. In the latter ca-
pacity he was employed for thirteen years by
the Northern New Hampshire and the Mexi-
can Central Railroads. About eleven years
ago he left the railway service, and, locating
in Lempster, N.H., he was for five years en-
gaged in the manufacture of card backs, chair
stock, and lumber for building purposes.
From Lempster he moved to Marlow, where
he has prosperously carried on the same _ busi-
ness for the past six years. After having
been Supervisor and legislative Representa-
tive of Lempster, he is now serving Marlow
in the same capacities. In the legislature he
has been a valuable member of the Committee
on State Prison. In the Masonic fraternity
he has advanced to the Commandery, being a
member of Hugh de Payens Knights Templar.
He also belongs to the Brotherhood of Loco-
motive Engineers and the Patrons of Hus-

bandry. In religious faith he is a Presby-
terian.
Mr. Craig married Lizzie A. Buzwell,

daughter of Daniel B. Buzwell, of Acworth,
N.H. Mrs. Craig is the mother of two chil-
dren, namely: Willie P., born September ro,
1876; and Jennie E., born October 25, 1878.

 

Willie P. is attending Cushing Academy,
Ashburnham, Mass; and Jennie E. is resid-
ing at home.

 

ON. T. NELSON HASTINGS, a
prominent citizen of Cheshire
County, New Hampshire, residing
in Walpole, State Senator for the
biennial term, 1897-98, was born in Cam-
bridge, Mass., May 23, 1858, son of T. Nel-
son, Sr., and Harriett M. (Holland) Hast-
ings. His paternal grandfather, Thomas
Hastings, was a very successful merchant,
and resided in East Cambridge, Mass. He
was for a number of years in business with
Thomas Dana, under the firm name of Hast-
ings & Dana, wholesale grocers. Thomas
Hastings’s first wife was the first adult buried
in Mount Auburn Cemetery, since so famous
as the burial-place of Lowell, Longfellow, and
a host of other distinguished Americans.

Mr. T. Nelson Hastings, Sr., who died when
his son Nelson was only nine months old,
was a man of much influence, and was for years
a member of the Commercial Exchange in
Boston, residing in Cambridge. By his first
wife, Emma Coffin, he had three sons; and
by his second wife, Harriett M. Holland, he
had two sons— Edward H. and T. Nelson
Hastings. Edward H. Hastings died March
4, 1889, in Walpole, where he was at the
time visiting. He was interested in the
Electric Motor Company of Philadelphia.
His wife was Mary H., daughter of Tyler B.
Gaskell, a well-known hotel man of Boston.

Mr. Hastings’s great-grandfather on his
mother’s side was Dr. Abraham Holland, a
graduate of Dartmouth College, and the third
physician to practise in Walpole. A man of
much prominence in his profession, he prac-
tised medicine in this town for forty years.
His son Ephraim, born in 1790, was in the War
of 1812. He kept the Phoenix Hotel at
Keene, and Holland’s Coffee House in Boston.
He married Nancy, the daughter of the Rev.
Samuel Mead, and had eight children, namely:
Henry E.; Harriett M., born March 18,
1826; Edward M.; Daniel D.; Orlando S.;
Frederick H.; George B.; and William W.
 

=)

N HASTING

T. NELSO
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

357

 

 

Henry E. Holland studied medicine, and was
a surgeon in the Civil War.

Upon the death of her husband Mrs. Har-
riett M. Hastings removed with her children
to Walpole, where her son, T. Nelson, the
subject of this sketch, acquired his element-
ary education in the public schools. He
afterward attended Warren Academy at Wo-
burn, Mass., and later the Massachusetts In-
stitute of Technology, where he pursued a
course in architecture. From 1882 to 1888
Mr. Hastings lived on North, now Massachu-
setts, Avenue, in Cambridge, and was engaged
in various business enterprises in Boston.
In 1882 he built the Bijou Theatre in that
city, and conducted it with George Tyler as
stage manager. Later he sold it to Mr.
Whipple, who in turn sold it to Mr. B. F.

Keith. While owner of the Bijou, Mr. Hast-
ings introduced Edison’s electric lighting
system. Being a warm personal friend of

Mr. Edison and having the fullest confidence
in his ability, he became a pioneer in intro-
ducing his new invention to the public, put-
ting in over seven hundred lights. He also
placed in the theatre six magnificent chande-
liers that had been made to be sent to Egypt.
During this time, also, Mr. Hastings was in-
terested in the Boston Tobacco Company, and
was for three years its president.

He was a charter member of the old Boston
Bicycle Club, and at the first bicycle race ever
held in Suffolk County, at Chestnut Hill, he
took the first prize. Mr. Hastings is six feet,
four inches in height, and he rode a sixty-inch
wheel, making a striking and handsome figure.
In 1880, with four other members, he made a
cycling trip abroad. This was the first trip
of the kind; and the “Fortunate Five,” as
they were termed, were entertained, officially
and individually, by the members of the Bi-
cycle Club of London, then composed exclu-
sively of men of wealth and of noble family.
The five were féted and lionized and invited
to state residences and to palaces, and were
made members of the Bicycle Touring Club of
England. They remained three months in
England, from May, 1880, to August of the
same year. Mr. Hastings’s companions were:
Dr. F. A. Adams, of Worcester; Frank W.

 

Weston, formerly called “Papa Weston”; Joe
Deane, a lawyer of Boston; and George C.
Thomas, of Philadelphia. Mr. Hastings ex-
tended the trip, making a pleasure tour in
Germany and Switzerland and other coun-
tries, not carrying with him his wheel.

Mr. Hastings is an earnest Republican, and
was elected to the Senate on the Republican
ticket, receiving the largest vote in town, this
including, of course, many Democratic votes.
Since taking his seat, he has been made chair-
man of the Committee on Agriculture, secre-
tary of the Education Committee, and sec-
retary of the Committee on Incorporations,
and a member of the Committee on Labor.
He is extremely popular on account of his
genial and amiable qualities and his liberal
hospitality, and with his commanding height
and presence he makes a notable figure at the
State Capitol. Mr. Hastings is a good judge
of horse flesh, and is said to be one of the
most skilful of four-in-hand whips, his four
beautiful coal black horses constituting one of
the finest four-in-hand teams in the State.
This has been seen on many occasions at
fairs, where it has always made one of the
chief features of interest.

Since Mr. Hastings took up his residence
in Walpole in 1888, he has taken a most ac-
tive interest in the affairs of the town, and
has identified himself in every way with its
social and educational life. He has been a
member of the School committee for some
years. The grading of the yard in front of
the school building which joins his property
was done at his expense. He is a liberal sup-
porter of the Unitarian church in Walpole,
and is chairman of its Executive Committee.
For a while he sang in the church choir, and
he has assisted materially in placing the
church finances in good condition. He was
an interested mover in placing in the church
the three-thousand-dollar organ, which was
the gift of Mr. G. A. Stearns, and in raising
the salary of the minister. He is a loyal and
active member of the Masonic fraternity.

On July 14, 1882, Mr. Hastings married
Amy, daughter of Hudson E. Bridge, who
was born on the site of the present town
library of Walpole, which was erected and
358

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

given the town in his honor. Mr. Bridge
taught school in Walpole when a young man,
and then removed to St. Louis. He saw the
possibilities of the growing city, and, taking
advantage of business opportunities, he be-
came one of its wealthiest manufacturers.

He was twice married, first to Isabella Hol-.

land, by whom he had two children — Isa-
bella and Emma; and, second, to Hellen
Holland, sister of the first Mrs. Bridge. By
the second wife were four children — Hudson
E., Harrison P., Mary, and Amy. Hudson
E. Bridge, who now has a handsome summer
residence at Walpole, is president of the
Bridge & Beech Manufacturing Company of
St. Louis. He married Helen Durkee, of St.
Louis. Harrison P., deceased, married Caro-
line G. Tobey, of Walpole, who survives him.
Mary married N. C. Chapman, of St. Louis.
Mrs. Amy Bridge Hastings died April 3, 1895,
and as a memorial to her Mr. Hastings has
had erected the beautiful Parish House for the
Unitarian Society. This is a handsome two-
story building well equipped for social pur-
poses in every needed detail, having among
other conveniences a stage with curtain and
scenery arranged in the best possible man-
ner. This house was designed by Mr. Hast-
ings, and was dedicated January 29, 1806.

Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs.
Hastings, and four of them are now living;
namely, Thomas N., Jr., Hudson Bridge,
Russell, and Henry Winthrop.

r AVID ATWOOD PAIGE, a highly
5 respected citizen of Goffstown,

Hillsboro County, residing on the
old Paige farm, where he was born
March 29, 1844, is a son of John Goff and
Nancy Miller (Campbell) Paige.

The Paiges came originally from England.
James Paige, the progenitor of the Goffstown
branch of the family, which is one of the old-
est in Hillsboro County, is said to have had
two brothers, one of whom settled with him in
this town. The farm now owned by David
Atwood Paige is the one that was cleared by
James Paige, who was his great-grandfather,
it having always remained in the possession

 

 

 

 

 

| Regiment.

 

of the descendants. James Paige was in the
Revolutionary War; and Jonathan Paige, one
of his sons, was in the War of 1812.

Benjamin Paige, son of James and father of
John Goff Paige, was born in Goffstown, and
spent his life here as an agriculturist. He
succeeded his father, James, in the ownership
of the homestead. His wife, whose maiden
name was Betsey Goff, was a kinswoman of
the Goffs for whom this place was named.
John Goff Paige, who was born about the year
1803, remained with his parents; and his life
was spent on this farm, which he carried on
after his father gave up active labor. Being
industrious, and possessing good business
ability, he was successful in his chosen voca-
tion. In politics he was a Republican, in re-
ligion a Congregationalist and a member of
the church. He died here in 1859, aged fifty-
six years, survived by Nancy M., his wife,
who died in 1880, aged seventy-three years.
They had eight children, of whom four are liv-
ing, namely: Isaac J., in Goffstown; J.
Frank, in Keene, N.H.; David A., in Goffs-
town; and Sarah A,, in Templeton, Mass.
The deceased are: Francis N., Martha J.,
Harlan E., and Henry C. The two last
named were in the Union army during the
Rebellion, Harlan E. being a member of
Company E, Fourth New Hampshire Regi-
ment; and Henry C., of Company H, Third
New Hampshire Regiment. Both died from
the effects of their service.

David Atwood Paige was educated in the
public schools of Goffstown, including the
high school. When about seventeen years
old, in August, 1861, he enlisted with his
brother, Henry C., under Captain Robert C.
Dow, in Company H, Third New Hampshire
He was in many battles, the prin-
cipal ones being: Secessionville, Charleston,
siege of Morris Island, Fort Sumter, Fort
Wagner, James Island, Bluffton, and Hilton
Head, all in South Carolina; Laurel Hill,
Chapin Farm, Thatcher’s Run, Deep Run,
Deep Bottom, Petersburg, and Bermuda Hun-
dred, in Virgina; and Port Fisher, Wilming-
ton, N. E. Creek, and Goldsboro, in North
Carolina. He was wounded four times, first
at Secessionville, twice at Morris Island, and
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

359

 

 

fourth at Drury’s Bluff, Va. Made a prisoner
at Pinckney Island, South Carolina, on Au-
gust 21, 1861, he was taken first to McPher-
sonville, from there to Hardyville, thence to
Columbia, and finally to Libby Prison, Rich-
mond. He was paroled in October, 1862, and
exchanged the following December, having
been a prisoner about four months. He was
honorably discharged on August 2, 1865,
after the close of the war. Returning to
Goffstown, he bought the home farm, which
contains about: one hundred acres, and has
since resided here. He has built a new set
of buildings from plans made by himself
and under his superintendence. Mr. Paige
has been in the employ of the Manchester
Locomotive Works for the past twenty-seven
years, and is now foreman of the wood depart-
ment at Manchester.

On New Year’s Day, 1873, Mr. Paige was
joined in marriage with Miss Ella F. Har-
rington, who was born in Manchester, N.H.,
August 13, 1854, a daughter of Samuel C.
and Nancy (Hastings) Harrington. Her
father was born November 3, 1816, in New
York State, and died at Manchester, Novem-
ber 19, 1879. He was a shoemaker by trade,
but spent the last years of his life in farm-
ing. In politics he was a Republican, in
religion a zealous Methodist; and he was also
an active temperance worker. Mrs. Paige’s
mother was born in Bristol, N.H., October
23, 1817, and is now living. She married
Samuel C. Harrington, November 24, 1842,
and had five children, of whom Charles M.
and Iziana V. have passed away. The living
are: Charles M. Harrington, of Augusta,
Ga.; Ella F., Mrs. Paige; and Josephine A.,
wife of Myron Browley, of Plymouth, N.H.
Mr. and Mrs. Paige have six children living,
namely: Josephine E., born June 12, 1874;
David E., a member of the P. of H., born
October 4, 1876; Jennie M., born June 30,
1879; Flora A., born March 16, 1883; Flor-
ence E., born October 28, 1886; and Bertha
R., born September 10, 1888. Edith J.,
born May 10, 1885, died July 11, 1885.
David E., the only son, now carries on the
home farm.

Mr. Paige

is a Republican in_ politics.

 

Fraternally, he is a member of Bible Lodge,
F. & A. M., at Goffstown, of which he has
been Master; Lewis Bell Post, No. 3,
G. A. R., at Manchester, of which he has
been Commander; Security Lodge, No. 8,
A. O. U. W., at Manchester; and the Man-
chester War Veterans, of which he was Cap-
tain three years, and has held all the other
offices.

ARDNER CALEB HILL, M.D., a
well-known physician of Keene, was
* born in Winchester, this county,
March 20, 1829. His parents were Caleb and
Polly (Howard) Hill, of that place. Caleb
was a son of Jonathan Hill, who moved from
East Douglas, Mass., to Winchester, where
he married a Miss Combs, who was a resident
of that place. When Caleb married Polly
Howard, who was a grand-daughter of one of
the pioneer settlers, he went to live on her
father’s farm. Well-known and esteemed in
that section of the country, his death at the
age of fifty-eight years, caused by injuries re-
ceived in an accident, was regretted by the
community. He had seven children — Maria,
Sophia, Gardner C., Jonathan O., Elmina,
Maria (second), and Laura.

Gardner C. Hill passed his boyhood on the
home farm in Winchester, receiving his early
education in the common schools of that town
and in a private school. Later he studied at
Chesterfield Academy, Mount Caesar Semi-
nary, and Saxton’s River Seminary, Vermont.
Like many of our professional men born a half-
century or more ago, he began life as a schoo]
teacher, and taught for about twenty terms in
Swanzey, Keene, and Winchester. His last
engagement was in the old Winchester High
School, where he had formerly been a student.
While teaching he read medicine with Dr.
Comings, of West Swanzey. Subsequently
be completed the course of Castleton Medical
College, Vermont, and graduated from that in-
stitution in the class of 1856. He began the
active practice of medicine at Warwick, Mass.,
where he remained for ten years. In 1866 he
took a post-graduate course at Harvard Medi-
cal Schoo], and in the summer of 1867 he

 
360

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

came to Keene and opened an office. Dr.
Hill is a member of the State Medical Soci-
eties of both Massachusetts and New Hamp-
shire, of the Cheshire County Medical Society,
and of the Connecticut River Valley Medical
Association. He has retained an active in-
terest in all matters pertaining to public in-
struction, and has been constantly connected
in some official capacity with the public
schools. He was on the School Board in
Warwick, and has been on that of Keene for
the past twenty years more or less. He twice
resigned the office, but subsequently resumed
in compliance with urgent solicitation. Fora
number of years Dr. Hil] has been city and
county physician, one of the medical staff of
Elliot City Hospital since that institution
started, and the secretary of the Keene Board
of Examining Surgeons of Pensions. A loyal
Republican, he has served his party as a dele-
gate to State conventions. For some years he
was County Commissioner and County Treas-
urer, respectively. In these two positions he
made a large acquaintance and gained many
friends. He is president of the Republican
Club of Ward Four, and has been for two years
the president of the Common Council, repre-
senting Ward Four.

The Doctor first married Miss Rebecca F.
Howard, of Walpole. She was educated at
the Female Seminary in Newbury, Vt., and
afterward taught in the high-grade schools.
After her marriage she read medicine with
her husband, and in 1863 graduated at the
Woman’s Medical College in Boston. She
became devoted to the practice of medicine
and assisted Dr. Hill. Her death from con-
sumption terminated an unusually successful
career. Dr. Hill was married a second time,
in 1893, to Miss Carrie R. Hutchins, also a
native of Walpole and a teacher. Miss
Hutchins had been educated at Keene, and
had taught school for some terms. During
the two years preceding her marriage she was
assistant cashier in the bank. Dr. and Mrs.
Hill are identified with the First Church,
and are active promoters of every good cause.
They have had two adopted children: Will-
iam H. Hill, of Keene; and Rebie E., now
deceased.

 

HARLES BOYNTON GOODWIN,
one of the most influential men of
Mason, was born in_ Brookline,
N.H., January 17, 1851, son of the
late Rev. Daniel Goodwin and his wife, Martha
(Boynton) Goodwin. He traces his descént
back through four or five generations. His
great-great-grandfather, Daniel Goodwin, who
came to this country from England, settled in
Newburyport, Mass. His great-grandfather,
David Goodwin, who went from Rowley,
Mass., to Londonderry, N.H., in the year
1787, settled there as a farmer. David's
wife, in maidenhood Mehitable Jackson, had
seven children. Joshua, grandfather of Mr.
Charles Goodwin, was the fifth.

Joshua Goodwin, the fifth child of David,
born in Rowley, July 30, 1779, was a farmer
of Londonderry. He was also a shoemaker,
and he worked at that trade at various times.
A devoted and active member of the Presby-
terian church, he served in the capacity of
Deacon for many years. He was one of the
old-time Whigs and a stanch supporter of his
party. The first of bis three marriages was
contracted with Rebecca Jones, who bore him
two sons. His second wife, Elizabeth, a sis-
ter of Rebecca, had three children, among
whom was the Rev. Daniel Goodwin. His
third marriage was made with Annie Melvin,
a widow, who had no children.

The Rev. Daniel Goodwin was born January
25, 1809, at Londonderry. He was finely
educated and a college graduate. After at-
tending the common schools, he took a course
in the academy at Derry, N.H., and subse-
quently graduated from Dartmouth College in
the class of 1835, and from Andover Theologi-
cal Seminary in 1838. Settling for his first
pastorate in Brookline, N.H., he was ordained
there February 27, 1839, and afterward
preached there until 1855. Then he came to
Mason, where he was pastor of the Congrega-
tional church for eighteen years. His death
occurred on December 30, 1893. The Rev. Mr.
Goodwin always took an active part in the civil
affairs of the town. In 1885-86 he was a
member of the State legislature. For nine
years he was Town Clerk. He was the Post-
master and a Justice of the Peace for twenty
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

361

 

 

years, and he also served as Notary Public and
Superintendent of the Town Schools. Like his
father, the Deacon, the Rev. Daniel Goodwin
was thrice married. Julia Ann Shute Good-
win, the first wife, bore him four children —
Sarah D., Lucy E., Julia A., and Daniel D.
Sarah D. is the widow of Charles W. Tarbell,
of Brooklyn, N.Y., and had two daughters —
Sarah G. and Alice F., of whom Sarah G. is
the wife of the Rev. C. F. H. Crathern, of
Braintree, Mass., and Alice F. died June 18,
1887. Julia A. died at Mason, October 28,
1894. She was for some time a resident in
the South, where she taught music and other
branches of education, under the auspices of
the American Missionary Association, and
had returned home on account of ill health.
Daniel D. Goodwin, who died May 24, 1884,
was a member of the legislature in' 1883. For
about six years he carried on an extensive
business in horns and hides in Colorado. He
spent his last years in Mason. Lucy E.
taught school for several years in Greenville
and in the South, under the auspices of the
American Missionary Association, and now
resides with her brother, Charles Boynton
Goodwin. Mrs. Julia Ann Shute Goodwin
died at the age of thirty-six. She was a mem-
ber of the Congregationa] church at Brookline,
N.H. The Rev. Mr. Goodwin's second wife,
Martha Boynton Goodwin, and the mother of
the subject of this sketch, was a daughter of
Major Eli Boynton, of Pepperell, Mass., and
was the mother of three children, one of
whom is now deceased. Henry A. is married
to Emma F. Childs, and has five children;
namely, Martha L., Ethel M., Otis D., Dan-
iel, and Ruth. Residing at Hollis, N.H.,
he is an extensive farmer, has served as Se-
lectman, is now serving on the School Board,
and is a member of the Congregational church.
Mrs. Martha Goodwin died at the age of sixty-
two years. The Rev. Mr. Goodwin’s third
marriage was contracted with Mrs. Lucy I.
Boynton, a widow of Pepperell, Mass., and a
member of the Congregational church. She
now resides in Pepperell, Mass.

Charles Boynton Goodwin has been a farmer
all his life. Educated in the public schools
of Brookline and Mason, he afterward worked

 

with his father, and is now a self-made man.
He is owner of many broad acres and
very prominent in all town affairs. He has
held several minor offices, was a member of
the School Board for a number of years, and
has been chosen Town Clerk annually since
1883. In 1892 he was Selectman, and he has
held the office of Postmaster since 1888. Mr.
Goodwin is unmarried.

ARZILLA RICHARDSON, a former
railroad man, later a farmer and real

 

 

estate dealer of Alstead, in the

northern part of Cheshire County,
was born on February 7, 1833, in Keene,
N.H., his present place of residence. His
parents were Barzilla and Lydia (Foster)
Richardson.

It is a matter of history that three Richard-
son brothers — Ezekiel, Samuel, and Thomas
— were among the early colonists of Massa-
chusetts, Ezekiel coming over in 1630, it is
thought, in Governor Winthrop’s fleet, and at
first making his home in Charlestown, Sam-
uel and Thomas coming later, probably in
1636, and all three settling in Woburn, being
with a few others, in 1642, founders of the
church and town.

The Richardson Memorial volume of nine
hundred and forty-four pages, by Vinton, says
that the family is doubtless of Norman origin,
and, quoting Burke’s ‘‘Landed Gentry,’’ adds,
“Tt was settled in Norfolk, in Yorkshire,
Durham, and perhaps other counties in Eng-
land, as early as the sixteenth century, and
had already arrived at eminence.’’

Samuel Richardson, from whom Mr. Bar-
zilla Richardson, of Keene, is lineally de-
scended, was born in England about 1610, and
died March 23, 1658. He was Selectman in
Woburn for six years, 1644, 1645, 1646, 1649,
1650, and 1651; and in 1645, it is said, he
paid the highest tax in the town. His son
Stephen was born in 1649; and Stephen’s son,
Stephen, Jr., born in 1675 or 1676, was the
father of Dr. Amos Richardson, born in Bil-
lerica, Mass., in 1710. The next in this line
was the Doctor’s son Eri, born about 1740,
at Pelham, Mass., who married Sarah Durant
362

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

in 1762, and was the first of the name to settle
in Keene, N.H. His eldest child, Amos,
second, grandfather of the subject of our
sketch, was born at Keene, February 27, 1764.
He was the strongest man in the State,
weighed more than two hundred and _ fifty
pounds, was six feet tall, and very broad
across the shoulders. He had a very large
and muscular arm, with a hand not much
longer than an ordinary man’s hand, but wide
across the back and very thick. In the year
1804 a meeting-house was being built in
Swanzey, N.H., sixty feet in length and
thirty-five feet in width. On the second day,
in raising the second story, and in laying the
beams of green timber, which were thirty-six
feet long and eight by eight inches at the
ends and eleven by eight inches in the
centre, the master builder called upon Amos
the giant, who was standing near, to assist.
He moved it all alone amid the cheers of the
astonished crowd. Amos Richardson married
Phoebe Hill, and they had a family of ten
children, all of whom were born in Swanzey.
They were as follows: Josiah, born June 16,
1788; Abel, born August 22, 1790; Barzilla,
Sr.; Aaron, born August 17, 1794;- Levi,
born 1796; Ruel, 1798; Amos, 1800; David,
1802; Charlotte, 1804; and Betsey, 1806.
Barzilla Richardson, Sr., father of the sub-
ject of this sketch, was born in Keene, June
21, 1792, and died April 19, 1850. He was
educated in the schools of Swanzey, and after
leaving school was a contractor and farmer,
carrying on an extensive business. He mar-
ried Lydia, daughter of Joel Foster, of Swan-
zey, in 1813, and she died June 22, 1880.
Their children were ten in number, namely:
Amos, born in 1815; Phoebe, born in 1817;
Martha, in 1819; Joel, in 1823; Aaron, in
1825; Eri, in 1827; David, in 1829; Sarah,
in 1831; Barzilla, in 1833; and Lydia A., in
1836. Of these ten there were, until recently,
six strong sons, whose combined weight was
over twelve hundred pounds, and who, with the
husbands of four daughters, entered the rail-
road business when all were still young men,
and made it their life work. The years of
their employment amounted to a total of three
hundred, an average of thirty years for a man.

 

Amos, the eldest son, after leaving school,
began work, in 1831, on the Boston & Worces-
ter Railroad, and in 1833 was track layer on
the Boston & Albany Railroad. In 1849 he
took charge of the building and laying of the
tracks of the Cheshire Railroad, and was the
first roadmaster of that road. Afterward he
was roadmaster for. one of the Western rail-
roads. His first wife was Lucretia Albee,
and his second wife was Juliette Turner.
He had a family of six children, two by the
first and four by the second marriage...

Phoebe Richardson married Charles Lakin,
of Keene, and had three children. Mr. Lakin
assisted in constructing the Boston & Worces-
ter Railroad in 1832, and after that he was
troadmaster of a Western road for thirty-one
years. Martha Richardson became the wife
of George W. Perry, who was for some time a
master mechanic on the Cheshire road, and
later was employed in a like capacity on the
Delaware & Wilmington road, retiring after
thirty-five years of service. Joel F. Richard-
son was in the employ of the Boston & Albany
for twelve years, being roadmaster and con-
tractor; and he afterward built eighteen miles
of road to Cincinnati. He was a very valuable
man, as superintendent receiving a salary of
five thousand dollars a year. He married
Mary Avery, of Grafton, who bore him five
children.

Aaron Richardson was first fireman on the
Cheshire road, and after firing for four months
was put in charge of an engine. Later he
was engineer on the 8.30 train out of Bellows
Falls, and was known as one who was ex-
tremely careful, and yet whose train was al-
ways on time. He retired from the Illinois
Central after twenty-one years of service. He
married Maria E. Belding; and their home is
in Hopkinton, Ia. They have six children.

Eri Richardson was twenty-six years in the
railroad business. He was in the track de-
partment for many years, and for the last ten
years of his service was a successful contrac-
tor and builder. Twenty years ago he in-
vested fifty thousand dollars in Sioux City,
Ia., where he now resides, and a larger amount
in Western lands. He is president of a bank
and a large stockholder, and has been very
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

363

 

 

prominent in the public affairs of Sioux City.
He and his wife, formerly Eliza A. Thurston,
have a family of six children.

David Richardson began his working life at
the age of seventeen years, and is now in his
fiftieth year of railroading. For nine years he
was master of a road and for ten years general
roadmaster. He is a large man, weighing
about two hundred and fifty pounds. He re-
sides in Indianapolis, where he is railroad yard-
master. He has been three times married,
and has a family of several children. His
first wife was Alvira Torrey, the second was
Margaret S. Ray, and the third Mrs. Sarah
J. Thomas. /

Sarah Richardson married Niles Aldrich,
who was conductor on the Cheshire road for
ten years and was for many years locomotive
engineer, making, all told, a service of about
forty years. They have had one son. Lydia
married George Cole, engineer on the Chesh-
ire road and on the New York Central, work-
ing for twenty-two years. They have one
child.

Barzilla Richardson was educated in the
schools of Keene, and, beginning his working
life at the age of nineteen, engaged for twenty
years in railroading, being engineer, con-
ductor, and having charge of construction on
the Cheshire and on the Union Pacific, South

~Pacific, and Illinois Central roads. By his
industry and good business ability he ac-
quired a competence, of which he is well de-
serving. Since retiring from railroad work,
in which he was considered one of the most
skilful men, he has dealt in real estate, and
has done some farming.

On February 20, 1856, Mr. Richardson
married Sarah M. Goodnow, who has been
the mother of five children — Ada, Sarah,
Frank W., Jennie F., and Walter B. Ada,
born November 30, 1857, is now Mrs. George
Howe, of Keene, and mother of two children
— Catherine and Phillip. Sarah, born Octo-
ber 17, 1859, lives at Keene. Frank W.,
born December 29, 1861, was drowned in his
fourth year. Jennie F., born February 26,
1863, married Jere Weldman, who is City
Clerk of Keene, Military State Inspector, and
a member of the Governor’s staff. They have

 

one son, Richard. Walter B. Richardson,
born July 2, 1865, is a florist, residing at
Keene, N.H. He is married, but has no chil-
dren.

 

EED P. WHITTEMORE, of An-
trim, the local agent of the American
Express Company, was born in this
town, September 4, 1816, son of
Jacob and Rebecca (Bradford) Whittemore.
The father, who was born in Greenfield, N.H.,
October 12, 1770, spent the greater part of
his life in Antrim. He was not only a pros-
perous farmer, but his natural ability and
sound judgment were made use of by his fel-
low-townsmen in important public offices.
They sent him to the legislature for the years
1818-19, 1838-39, and 1840. He was ap-
pointed High Sheriff of Hillsboro County,
August 9, 1827, and reappointed in 1831; and
in 1836 or 1837 he was made Judge of the
Court of Common Pleas, in which capacity he
served to the legal limit. In politics he was a
Democrat. He died October 14, 1860. His
wife, Rebecca, became the mother of six chil-
dren, of whom Reed P. is the only one now
living. She reached the age of eighty years.
Both parents were members of the Congrega-
tional church at Hillsboro Bridge.

Reed P. Whittemore was educated in the
schools of his native town. Afterward he
taught school for two terms in Antrim and for
the same Jength of time in Hillsboro. From
that time unti] he was sixty years old he was
engaged in farming in this town. Three years
later he moved to the village, where he has
since run the stage from the village to the
depot. He has carried the United States
mail since 1878, and for several years he has
been the agent of the American Express Com-
pany.

On February 10, 1842, Mr. Whittemore
married Sarah E. Dodge, of Bennington, N.H.
Of the three children born to him Charles
A. and George R. are living. Charles A.
Whittemore is associated with his father in
business, and drives the stage. He married
Annie Woodbury, of Francestown, and has
four children — Edwin J., William R., Martha
364

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

E., and Philip. George R., who lives in
Dorchester, Mass., married Helen Grimes, of
Hillsboro, and has one child, Henry E.
Maria C. Whittemore, the third child, mar-
ried Rodney Smith, and died August 6, 1887,

leaving a daughter, Ida F. Smith. Mrs.
Whittemore died September 15, 1889.  Po-
litically, Mr. Whittemore is a Democrat. He

served upon the Board of Selectmen for ten
years, represented the town in the legislature
in 1857 and 1858, and also served in the ca-
pacity of Moderator at town meetings. Still
smart and active, he attends to business every
day. He is a member of the Presbyterian
church, as was also his late wife.

R. CLARENCE JEAN ALLEN, a
medical practitioner of Peterboro,

 

 

 

 

 

was born July 24, 1853, in Pomfret,
Vt., son of Edwin and Ruth (Keith)
Allen. His great great - grandfather was
Elnathan Allen, who came from Connecticut,
the first of the family to settle in Pom-
fret. Elnathan’s son Gilbert, who cleared
and cultivated the farm now occupied by
Edwin Allen, was a_ successful trader in
cattle, horses, and sheep, acquired a comfort-
able competence, was prominent in town
affairs, and served in sundry public offices.
By his wife, Lucy Winchell Allen, he was
the father of five children, of whom Harry and
Maria are living. John Allen, grandfather of
Dr. Allen, married Eliza Fuller. Of their
children Edwin, Henry C., Truman, Edgar,
and James attained maturity.

Edwin Allen is a farmer, and lives on the
old homestead where his father, himself, and
his son were born. He owns one hundred
and fifty acres of land, called the Highland
Farm, and makes a specialty of producing a
fine brand of creamery butter, having a large
herd of Jersey cattle and every facility in the
way of improved apparatus. His butter is
widely known and eagerly sought for on ac-
count of its fine quality. At the present time
he is one of the most successful farmers in
the district. His success has been due to his
industry and energy, coupled with good judg-
ment and unquestionable integrity. Both he

 

and his wife are members of the Universalist
Church of East Barnard, Vt., which he serves
in the capacity of trustee. In politics he is
an influential Republican, and he has been
Constable and Tax Collector of the town for
thirty years.

Clarence J. Allen went to school in Pom-
fret and then to the Green Mountain Perkins
Academy at South Woodstock, Vt. After-
ward he graduated in both courses at the Ver-
mont State Normal School at Randolph in
1873. He then taught school in the State of
Illinois for ten years, during a part of which
time he was also studying medicine. Subse-
quently he took a course of medical lectures
at the Dartmouth Medical College, and two
courses in the medical department of the Uni-
versity of Vermont at Burlington. After
graduating in 1884, he located in Waitsfield,
Vt., where he practised for five years. He
then went to New York City, and took a post-
graduate course at the Post-graduate Medical
School. From New York, in June, 1889, he
came to Peterboro, where he has followed his
profession up to the present time. In 1891
he took another post-graduate course at the
Massachusetts General Hospital, and in 1893
and 1895 still further courses at the Boston
City Hospital.

On August 31, 1875, Dr. Allen was mar-
ried to Eva O. Joslyn, of Waitsfield, Vt.,
daughter of Cornelius E. Joslyn. Dr. and
Mrs. Allen have one child, Clare Jean, who
was born June 1, 1880. They are members
and regular attendants of the Congregational
church. In politics Dr. Allen is a Republi-
can, and he takes much interest in town
affairs. He has been chairman of the Board
of Health for three years, and for five years
secretary of the Library Committee in Peter-
boro, which is said to be the oldest free public
library in the world. Dr. Allen is a member
of the Order of American Mechanics, and has
served in all the chairs of that fraternity.
He is also a member of the American Medical

Association, and of the Vermont, New
Hampshire, and Cheshire County Medical
Societies. He is medical examiner of the

New York Life and of the Mutual Life Insur-
ance Companies of New York, of the National
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

365

 

 

Insurance Company of Vermont, of the Union
Mutual of Portland, Me., and of the North-
western of Wisconsin. The lucrative practice
acquired by Dr. Allen since coming to Peter-
boro is still increasing. He has many
friends, who admire him for his personal qual-
ities as well as for his professional skill and
knowledge.

 

YMAN K. SAWTELLE, a_ well-
known citizen of East Jaffrey, N.H.,
formerly connected with milling
interests, was born in Lyndon, Vt.,
on April 11, 1842, son of Kinsley and Thank-
ful (Watkins) Sawtelle. His paternal grand-
father, Hezekiah Sawtelle, of Rindge, N.H.,
born February 26, 1761, a descendant of Rich-
ard Sawtelle, one of the first settlers of Gro-
ton, Mass., was a soldier in the Revolutionary
War, and was wounded. He was twice mar-
ried, and had a large family of children, all by
his first wife, Sarah Russell.

Kinsley Sawtelle, son of Hezekiah, was
born at Rindge, N.H., on July 14, 1799. He
acquired a practical education in the common
schools, and subsequently learned the shoe-
maker's trade, and worked at it during the
remainder of his life, at one time employing
a large number of men. He lived at Barnet,
Wells River, and at Lyndon, Vt. His wife,
Thankful, who was born at Wendell, Mass.,
on February 21, 1801, died at Mason, N.H.,
on November 10, 1862. She was the daugh-
ter of Stephen Watkins, of Wendell, Mass.,
who served as a soldier in the Revolution and
also in the War of 1812, in that war receiving
a wound in the leg. Kinsley and Thankful
Sawtelle were the parents of twelve children,
as follows: Lyman K., Sarah J., Stephen E.,
Julia A., Lucius E., Julia A., Horace C.,
Charles H., Mary A., Emily E., Lyman K.,
and Henry J. The father died on January 8,
1864.

The eldest son, the first Lyman K., was
born at Wendell, Mass., on November 2, 1820,
and died at Lyndon, Vt., on January 28, 1834.
Sarah J. Sawtelle was born at Greenwich,
Mass., on May 22, 1822, married Helon Car-
penter, and resides at Springfield, Vt.  Ste-

 

phen E., who was born at Troy, N.H., on May
29, 1824, was married, and died on May 24,
1896. By occupation he was a railroad en-
gineer, and he ran the first engine he ever saw.
Julia A. was born at Keene, N.H., on May 7,
1826, and died on the second day of August of
the following year. Lucius E. was born at
Lyndon, Vt., on May 12, 1828. Julia A.,
second, was born at Lyndon on April 18,
1830, is now Mrs. Thomas Hayes, and resides
at Greenville, N.H. By a former husband she
is the mother of one son, George Edwin Shat-
tuck, of Salem, Mass., inspector of cloth.
Horace C., who was born at Lyndon on July
22, 1832, resides at Brooklyn, N.Y., and is
employed by the Buttrick Pattern Company.
Charles H. was born at Lyndon, on Septem-
ber 29, 1834, and died in February, 1883.
Mary A. was born at Lyndon, on May 29,
1837, and died on April 17, 1896. She was
the wife of Charles Howard, of Westminster,
Mass., who is assistant superintendent of the
Philadelphia & Baltimore Railroad. Emily
E., who was born at Lyndon, on June 30,
1839, is now the wife of Samuel Oliver, an
engineer, and resides at Athol, Mass. Henry
J. was born at Lyndon, on July 2, 1845, is
married, and resides at Northampton, Mass.,
where he has a meat market.

Lyman K. Sawtelle, the sixth son and
eleventh child, was educated at Greenville and
at Mason, N.H. He began to work in a cot-
ton-mill at Greenville when only nine years of
age, and remained there until he reached the
highest position. For twelve years he had
charge of the cloth room, size room, and dye
room; and he was overseer for many years.
In 1876 he removed to Jaffrey, where, having
bought a farm, he remained twelve years, run-
ning his saw-mill. When the mill was
started in East Jaffrey, he took charge of the
same department that he had had charge of at
Greenville. Eight years ago Mr. Sawtelle
sold his farm to Mr. Gay, a wealthy New York
gentleman; and since that time he has been
acting as superintendent of the farm for Mr.
Gay, who has expended about forty thousand
dollars, and made large improvements on the
estate.

Mr. Sawtelle married Mary J. Whitehead,
366

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

who was born in Newton, England, on Octo-
ber 23, 1844, daughter of John Whitehead.
Mr. and Mrs. Sawtelle have three children —
Henry H., May E., and Herbert C. Henry
H. Sawtelle, who was born in Springfield,
Mass., on April 21, 1865, resides in this
town, and is engaged in running a lumber-
mill. He and his wife, Emily Goodrich, have
three children living — Robert H., Harold H.,
and Edna M.— and have been bereft of one, a
son named Loring K. May E. Sawtelle, who
was born at Greenville, N.H., on April 6,
1869, married Willard N. Sawyer, a mechanic
of Winchendon, Mass., and has two children
— Nettie M. and Ruth G. Herbert C., born
in Greenville on May 10, 1871, is agent for
Mr. Gay’s farm. He is unmarried.

During the last year of the Civil War Mr.
Sawtelle was a member of Company C, Third
Regiment, Vermont Infantry, Second Corps,
Second Division of the Army of the Potomac.
He now draws a pension for rheumatism,
caused by exposure and hardships while in the
service. He belongs to George B. McClellan
Post, G. A. R., No. 88, of Jaffrey, N.H. He
is also a member of Charity Lodge, No. 18,
F. & A. M., of East Jaffrey; King Solomon
Chapter, R. A. M., No. 17, of Milford, N.H;
and Commandery No. 149, of the Order of the
Golden Cross, at East Jaffrey. While living
in Greenville, Mr Sawtelle served for a num-
ber of years as Chief of Police and as District
Clerk. He has never aspired to political
preferment, but is actively interested in pub-
lic affairs, and has served on the School Board
of Jaffrey with credit to himself and the town.
He attends the Universalist church.

 

LBERT H. TAFT, M.D., a physician

of high standing in Winchester,
Cheshire County, N.H., and a
Civil War veteran, was born in

Nelson, N.H., December 23, 1837, son of
Nathan and Achsa (Hardy) Taft. His great-
grandfather Taft, who served in the Revolu-
tionary War, was a native of Massachusetts;
and Nathan Taft, Dr. Taft’s grandfather,
moved from Templeton, Mass., to Nelson, of
which town he was a pioneer. He cleared a

 

large farm, which he cultivated with energy
during the rest of his active years, and was
one of the leading men of Nelson in his day,
serving as a Representative in the legislature.
He lived to be about ninety years of age.
The maiden name of his wife was Betsey Bol-
ton, and their children were: Betsey, who
died young; Nathan, Jr.; Jerusha, who mar-
ried Ira Robbins; Lavinia, who married
Thomas Baker; Asa, who wedded Nancy
Burnap; and Hollis Taft. Of these the only
survivor is Hollis, a resident of Keene, who
married Cynthia Adams, and has celebrated
his golden wedding.

Nathan Taft, Jr., Dr. Taft’s father, was
born in Nelson, May 7, 1798. He became
one of the stirring farmers and highly re-
spected citizens of that town. He was three
times married. His first wife, who was be-
fore marriage Sarah H. Barstow, died Septem-
ber 22, 1830; his second wife, Achsa Hardy,
died February 19, 1849; and his third wife,
Achsa Beal, died October 10, 1869. His
children, three by his first and four by his
second union, were: Betsey B., born June 29,
1826, who died July 31, 1844; Sarah A., born
June 22, 1827, died May 5, 1872; Elbridge
H., who was born July 29, 1830, and died in
Keene, May 22, 1897; Edward N., born De-
cember 2, 1833; Curtis, born October 14,
1835; Albert H., M.D., the subject of this
sketch; and Hardy S., born March 21, 1841.
Sarah A. Taft married David A. Felt, El-
bridge wedded Mary Baker, and Hardy mar-
ried Susan Flint. Edward N. Taft enlisted
in Company A, Second Regiment, New
Hampshire Volunteer Infantry, for service in
the Civil War, and was killed in the battle of
Williamsburg, May 5, 1862. He was a brave
soldier, and the Grand Army of the Republic
Post in Winchester was named in his honor.

Albert H. Taft received his early education
in public and private schools, attended the
Marlow Academy for one term, and finished
his youthful studies at Kimball Union Acad-
emy, Meriden, N.H. On July 29, 1862, he
enlisted as a private in Company E, Ninth
New Hampshire Infantry, with which he
served until November 13, 1863, when he was
discharged on account of impaired health.
 

 

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW 367
He had seen much hard service, and had risen | at the hospital on Long Island, Boston
to the rank of Corporal, having participated in | Harbor.
the battles of South Mountain, Antietam, and Dr. Taft has displayed his mechanical

Fredericksburg, besides taking part in many
skirmishes. Though suffering much from ex-
posure, he had continued to report for duty
until the state of his health became so alarm-
ing as to compel him to lay down his musket
and seek medical aid. After recuperating he
volunteered to do hospital duty, and continued
in that branch of the service until the close of
the war. A single incident of his army life
sufficiently attests the sterling qualities of
this citizen soldier, his readiness to do or die.
During the battle of Antietam volunteers were
called for to discover the whereabouts of the
enemy on the left. Private Taft and his com-
rades attending to that perilous duty narrowly
escaped capture, and, returning, reached their
regiment in season to furnish the desired in-
formation and participate in the charge that
followed.

Upon his return to Nelson he began the
study of medicine under Drs. Nehemiah
Rand and G. B. Twitchell. He afterward
attended lectures at Dartmouth College, and
later he entered the Maine Medical School
connected with Bowdoin College, where he
was graduated in 1867. After residing in
Hancock, N.H., for five years, Dr. Taft in
1872 was induced to take the practice of a
well-known physician in Winchester, where
he has since remained; and his professional
labors have proved both successful and re-
munerative.

On August 15, 1866, Dr. Taft married
Mary L. Atberton, who was born in Win-
chester, January 10, 1845, daughter of Jona-
than B. and Mary (Reed) Atherton. Mrs.
Taft has been the mother of four children, as
follows: Albert A., born in Hancock, Octo-
ber 26, 1867; Harry A., who was born in the
same town, June 22, 1871, died June 28,
1872; Arthur Reed, born in Winchester, Oc-
tober 2, 1873, died February 10, 1876; and
De Forrest R., born in Winchester, July 17,
1875. Albert A. Taft, who was graduated
from the Dartmouth College Medical School,
has been in attendance at St. Elizabeth’s
and the Carney Hospitals, Boston, and is now

7, 1876.

 

genius to good advantage by inventing a jack
for the raising of carriages, and his patent is
considered valuable. His improvement in
certain surgical appliances has been indorsed
by competent authorities or surgeons in Bos-
ton, but he has not thought it worth while to
secure a patent. The Doctor is a member of
the New Hampshire State and Cheshire Medi-
cal Societies; is a Past Master of Philesian
Lodge, No. 40, F. & A. M.; the Order of the
Golden Cross; and the Patrons of Husbandry.
He was the first Commander of Edward N.
Taft Post, No. 19, G. A. R., of which he has
held all of the important offices, and has con-
tributed liberally toward the relief fund. He
served as Superintendent of Schools while re-
siding in Hancock, and has rendered able ser-
vice upon the School Board in Winchester for
eight years, having been its chairman two
terms. He united with the Congregational
church while attending school in Meriden,
and his family also are members.

ILLIAM W. BUTLER, who occu-
pies one of the oldest settled farms
in Pelham, was born September 30,

1838, in the house he now occupies, son of
Phineas and Betsey (Wyman) Butler. The
Butler farm is a part of the original tract
purchased of Joseph Blanchard in 1732 by
Samuel Butler, the great-grandfather of the
subject of this sketch. Samuel Butler, who
was its first settler, made the original clearing,
and erected the first house upon this property.
{For a further account of the family’s ances-
tors, see the biography of George S. Butler. ]
Caleb Butler, the grandfather, cultivated the
property during the active period of his life.
Phineas Butler, born March 29, 1791, was a
sturdy and industrious general farmer. He
succeeded to the homestead. In his religious
views he was a Congregationalist; and, polit-
ically, he acted with the Republicans during
the latter years of his life. He died August
The first of his two marriages was
contracted with Sarah Barker, a daughter of

 
368

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

Deacon Benjamin Barker. Born of that union
were seven children, as follows: Benjamin,
August 29, 1819; Sarah A., February 14,
1821; Asenath B., November 23, 1822; Jus-
tin E., January 30, 1825; Reuben M., March
24, 1827; John M., July 26, 1829; and Henry
F., born January 4, 1831. Of these the only
survivor is Sarah A., who is now Mrs. Brown,
and resides in Lowell, Mass. The second
wife was Betsey Wyman Butler, who, born
in Pelham, March 3, 1799, died April 22,
1874. Her only child is William W., the
subject of this sketch.

William W. Butler began his education in
the schools of Pelham, and finished his studies
at Phillips Andover Academy. He has been
engaged in tilling the soil since he reached
manhood, and is now the owner of the home-
stead farm, which contains two hundred
acres. Since the property came into his
hands he has remodelled the buildings, and
kept the soil in the high standard of fertility
for which the place has long been noted. His
residence occupies an excellent location upon
high ground, overlooking the surrounding
country.

On November 2, 1859, Mr. Butler was
united in marriage with Abbie L. Coburn.
She was born in Pelham, May 15, 1837,
daughter of Gilbert and Cynthia (Spalding)
Coburn, who were natives respectively of Pel-
ham and Merrimac. Gilbert Coburn, born
June 12, 1797, was a sturdy farmer, and ably
represented his district in the legislature for
two terms. In politics he was a Democrat.
He died January 12, 1863, aged sixty-five
years, seven months. His wife passed her
last days with her daughter, Mrs. Butler, and
died November 5, 1888, aged eighty-four
years, seven months. They were members of
the Congregational church. Mr. and Mrs.
Butler have three children, namely: Arthur
M., born July 9, 1869; Clarence E., born
January 3, 1872; and Otis W., born March 6,
1874.

In politics Mr. Butler is independent. A
thirty-second degree Mason, he is a member
of Ancient York Lodge of Lowell, Lowell
Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, Ahasuerus
Council of Royal and Select Masters, Pilgrim

 

Commandery of Knights Templar, and the
Massachusetts Consistory. He is also con-
nected with the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows and the Pilgrim Fathers. After a
very busy life he partially retired from active
labor some time ago. He attends the Con-
gregational church, of which Mrs. Butler is
a member.

 

 

inent citizen of Jaffrey and one of the

Board of County Commissioners for

Cheshire County, was born at Nel-

son, N.H., on October 25, 1835, his parents
being Herbert and Sally (Livermore) Kit-
tredge. His grandfather, Joshua Kittredge,
was born at Tewksbury, Mass.; and, having
grown to manhood, he went to Nelson in the
year 1797. A farmer by occupation, he also
ran a saw-mill, and did considerable lumber-
ing. He was twice married. By his second
marriage there were nine children — namely,
Charlotte, Abel, Herbert, Mary, Nancy,
Emily, Joshua, Harriet, and Stephen; and by
the first, three, whose names are not known.

Herbert Kittredge was born in Nelson in
April, 1800. Receiving his education at the
district school, he remained at the parental
home; and, when his father’s strength failed
by reason of advancing years, he assumed the
management of the farm and the care of his
father’s interests. He carried on general
farming, but made a specialty of raising pota-
toes and barley. He was a member of the
Congregational church and a liberal supporter
of its varied activities. He died in February,
1855. His wife, Sally, who was a daughter
of William Livermore, of Alstead, N.H., was
born in 1807, and died in 1877. Their seven
children were named as follows: Harriet E.,
William, Russell H., Helen, Edwin L., Mary
J., and Sarah A.

Russell H., now the only surviving member
of the family, attended the public schools of
Nelson in his childhood and youth, and at the
time of his father’s last illness was preparing
for college. Summoned to his father’s death-
bed, he gave him the promise that he would
remain on the farm and look out for his

I USSELL H. KITTREDGE, a prom-
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

369

 

 

mother and sister. This promise he faith-
fully kept, remaining on the farm until 1877,
when he came to Jaffrey, which has since been
his home. Mr. Kittredge while in Nelson
held every public office in the gift of his
townspeople. He was Selectman in 1869,
1870, 1871, 1872, and 1873; and in 1874-75
he represented the town in the legislature,
being there a member of the Committees on
Insurance and on Roads and Bridges. Since
coming to Jaffrey, Mr. Kittredge has con-
tinued his interest in public affairs; and here
he served by appointment as Overseer of the
Poor and Selectman for eight years succes-
sively. He is at the present time County
Commissioner, now serving his second term
of two yearseach. Mr. Kittredge is a leading
member of the grange. In religion he is a
Congregationalist.

Mr. Kittredge married Laura F. Holmes,
of Nashua, N.H., who was born March 21,
1836. They have five children; namely, Her-
bert W., Alfred B., Charles R., Mary L., and
Fanny H., all of whom were born in Nelson.
Herbert W. Kittredge is a graduate of Dart-
mouth College. He lives at Westfield,
Mass., where he is principal of the high
school. He married Isabelle Thatcher.
Their two children are: Russell D. and Helen
L. Alfred B. Kittredge, who is unmarried,
was graduated at Yale College, and is now a
prominent lawyer at Sioux Falls, S. Dak. He
is a Republican, as are all the men of this
family, and an advocate of sound money. He
was elected to the first State Senate, and in-
troduced the first State bill. He is present
chairman of the National Republican Commit-
tee, representing South Dakota. Charles R.
Kittredge went into a large general store in
Jaffrey at the age of seventeen, and remained
for five or six years. He then worked for a
number of years for a wholesale grocer in
Bosten, and two years ago he was elected
treasurer of the Monadnock Savings Bank of
East Jaffrey. Heis a Free Mason. He mar-
ried Ida F. Fillebrown, of Somerville, Mass.,
and has two children — Florence and Marion.
The family attend the Baptist church. Mary
L. is the wife of Charles B. Hall, who is the
storekeeper in the Fitchburg Railroad shop at

 

Keene, N.H. Mr. and Mrs. Hall have one
child, Edward Hall. Fanny H. Kittredge
resides with her parents.

 

 

EORGE W. MASON, a leading citi-
zen of Harrisville, extensively en-
gaged in farming and teaming, was

born November 13, 1828, in Dublin, N.H.,
son of Samuel and Annie (Kendall) Mason.
His grandfather, Samuel Mason, Sr., who was
a prominent farmer of Dublin and a Captain
of the militia, married May Willard, daugh-
ter of Elijah Willard, and became the father
of a number of children.

Samuel Mason, the father of George W.,
born in Sullivan, N.H., spent the greater
part of his life in Harrisville and Dublin,
engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was a
member of the Baptist church. His wife,
Annie, became the mother of eight children;
namely, Samuel K., Stephen S., Almira A.,
Elijah W., George W., Mary A., Joel F.,
and James A. Samuel K. resided in Boston,
and was there engaged in a grain and provi-
sion business. He married Maria Whitte-

more, who bore him three children. Stephen
S., who resides at Harrisville, and is a

teacher of music, married Lucy Ann McCol-
lester, of Marlboro, N.H., and has eleven
children. Almira A. married Ebenezer Rus-
sell, a farmer and miller, and has been the
mother of five children. Elijah W. married
Clarissa Cobb, of Maine, and by her has seven
children. May A. married Solon Willard, a
Dublin farmer, and has four children. Joel
F., who is a farmer of Marlboro, married
Caroline Richardson, and has three children.
James A. resides at Keene, and carries on a
farm. His wife, Sara Richardson Mason,
has made him the father of two children.
George W. Mason was educated at the
Marlboro High School and at the Hancock
Academy. After leaving school, he worked
in a mill until he bought a farm for himself.
This was forty-two years ago, since which he
has carried on general farming and done a
large amount of teaming. He was Tax Col-
lector for a good many years, and he served as
a delegate in the Constitutional Convention
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

37°
of 1889. He is a member of the Baptist | of faithful service he retired to his farm of
church. Mr. Mason married Lois A. Parker, | two hundred acres in this town, and has since

a daughter of Josiah Parker, of Nelson, born
in 1834. Mr. and Mrs. Mason have two boys:
George G., who married Marian L. Wood-
ward, of Westmoreland, and resides with his
parents; and Bonner D., who is book-keeper
for a hardware firm in Boston.

 

PR
HOMAS A. MERRILL, one of the

J best known residents of Deering, Hills-

—- boro County, was born in this town,
March 17, 1817, son of Enos and Annie
(Gregg) Merrill. His grandfather was Thomas
Merrill, a native of South Hampton, N.H.,
and one of the pioneers of Deering. Thomas
Merrill cleared and improved a farm, upon
which he resided for many years; and he made
such good use of his resources as to accumu-
late a considerable amount of property. The
latter part of his life was passed in Weare,
N.H.; and he lived to the age of seventy-nine
years, eleven months, and fourteen days. He
was a Deacon of the Congregational church,
and presented the society in Deering with the
land upon which to erect a church edifice.
The Christian name of his wife was Lydia;
and they reared five children, of whom Enos
was the third-born, but none of whom are
living.

Enos Merrill, father of Thomas A., was
born in Deering, and his active years were
spent upon a farm in this town. He was an
industrious man and a citizen of much worth
to the community. In politics he was a
Whig. Hedied in Weare, January 3, 1836.
His wife, Annie Gregg Merrill, of this town,
became the mother of seven children, of whom
Thomas A., the subject of this sketch, was
the only son and is the sole survivor. Mrs.
Enos Merrill passed away two years before her
husband, dying February 4, 1834. She was a
member of the Congregational church.

Thomas A. Merrill started in life for him-
self at a very early age, and was employed in
the construction of the Boston & Lowell Rail-
road. He entered the service of the company
as a common laborer, and subsequently held
several positions of trust. After many years

 

 

been profitably engaged in tilling the soil.
He retains much of his youthful activity, and
is fully capable of attending to his every-day
duties about the place.

On November 21, 1843, Mr. Merrill was
joined in marriage with Lucinda Wilkins,
daughter of John Wilkins, of Deering; and
of the four children born of this union three
are living: Edwin A., Annie L., and Warren
W. Edwin A. married Emma Wooley, of
Westmoreland, N.H. Warren W. married
Eliza Osgood, of Nashua, N.H., and has three
children -— Elmer W., Leonard A., and Emma

May. Politically, Mr. Merrill is a Demo-
crat. The family attend the Congregational
church.

 

[ \ ANIEL MARSHALL, one of the
most prominent residents of Pel-
©) ham and an ex-member of the New

Hampshire legislature, was born in
this town, November 19, 1816, son of Isaac
and Mehitable (Tenney) Marshall. Isaac
Marshall, who was a native of Chelmsford,
Mass., settled in Pelham in 1790, and for
many years after cultivated the farm upon
which his son Daniel now resides. An ener-
getic and industrious farmer, he was quite
prosperous. In politics he was a Democrat,
and he held liberal opinions on questions of
religion. He was twice married, and was the
father of eleven children, six by his first
union and five by his second. Of: these
Daniel, the subject of this sketch, is the only
one now living. Isaac Marshall lived to be
eighty-two years old. Mehitable Marshall,
who was his second wife, and a native of Pel-
ham, died at seventy.

Daniel Marshall was brought up to farming,
receiving his education in the common
schools. While agricultural pursuits have
been his chief occupation in life, he has been
aman of affairs, and has engaged in various
business enterprises. Possessing excellent
judgment in the handling of property, he is
frequently called upon to settle estates. So
far he has carefully and faithfully executed

 

 

 

 
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

371

 

 

seventy-five such trusts. He is the owner
and the occupant of a good farm of two hun-
dred acres, with substantial and commodious
buildings.

On January 9, 1838, Mr. Marshall was
united in marriage with Hannah Jane Camp-
bell, who was born in Windham, N.H., Au-
gust 3, 1817. Mrs. Marshall has had five chil-
dren, two of whom died young. The others
are: Mrs. Louisa Bell, of Lowell; and Will-
iam C. and Moses R., both residents of La-
conia, N.H. At one time the family circle
included Isaac, an adopted son, who now lives
near by. Mr. Marshall acts with the Demo-
cratic party in politics, and was for many
years a prominent and influential factor in the
local organization. For ten years or more he
served as a member of the Board of Select-
men, was twice elected to the legislature, and
has acted as a Justice of the Peace for fifty
years. Heand Mrs. Marshall are among the
very few couples in this vicinity who have
lived to celebrate the golden anniversary of
their wedding.

 

DWARD M. SMITH, the well-known
lawyer of Alstead, Cheshire County,
N.H., and a prominent insurance
agent, was born in this town, February 6,
1838, son of Alden and Lurinda (Partridge)
Smith. The family came originally from
England; and the first of the name to settle in
this vicinity was Ezra, Mr. Edward Smith’s
grandfather, who made his home in Langdon,
Sullivan County, only a few miles from Al-
stead. He was a man of sound judgment and
good business ability, a leading farmer and
active as a citizen. He owned a large farm,
and had a fine herd of cattle. In religion he
was a Congregationalist, and liberally assisted
in the support of the church and of its varied
activities. His wife was a Miss Henry,
daughter of a prominent family. She bore
him four children — Nancy, Orrin and Alden
(twins), and Franklin.

Nancy Smith married Joseph Tarbell, a
shoemaker and mason, who bought a farm at
Langdon, where he lived until his death.
Their two children were Alvira and Abbie,

 

the first named of whom lives in Lowell,
Mass., and the last in Langdon. Orrin Smith
married Marinda Partridge, of Alstead. He
was a farmer, living first in Langdon, and re-
moving from there to Peterboro, where he
died: He hada family of seven children —
Ezra M., Irving H., Hattie M., Silas, Albert
O., Emma, and Alden. Franklin, youngest
son of Grandfather Smith, was a farmer of
Bradford, N.H., and was twice married. His
first wife was Clarissa Kenney, by whom he
had four children — Melvin, Kendall, Clar-
issa, and Charles; and his second wife was a
Nashua lady.

Alden Smith, above named, son of Ezra,
was born in Langdon, November 12, 1807.
After receiving his education in the schools
of his native town, he worked as a bridge
builder at Fitchburg, Mass. He shortly con-
tracted typhoid fever, and this so undermined
his constitution that he never afterward had a
well day. He settled at Alstead, where he
spent his remaining years engaged in farm-
ing. A devoted member of the Congrega-
tional church, he was teacher in the Sunday-
school and was superintendent. In spite of
poor health he held many town offices, and
filled them in acreditable and entirely satis-
factory manner. He died in September,
1845. His wife was a daughter of Sylvester
Partridge, a leading and wealthy citizen of
Alstead. She was born October 25, 1814,
and died on November 14, 1883. Her grand-
father was a Sergeant in the Revolutionary
War, and lost his life in the service of his
country. Mr. and Mrs. Alden Smith had four
children — Edward M., Melissa M., Alvah
W., and Alden E. Melissa, born March
22, 1840, died May 4, 1886. She was a
finely educated woman, having graduated at
Tilden Seminary, N.H., and then studied at
Fort Edward Institute. She taught most suc-
cessfully for thirty terms in Massachusetts and
in New Hampshire. This was before her
marriage to a Mr. Joslin, a merchant of Mar-
low. Alvah W., born September 18, 18.42,
is a farmer of Alstead. Alden E., Jr., born
November 4, 1845, died April 20, 1849, from
the effects of an accident, being run over by a
team.
372

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

Edward M. Smith in his youth prepared for
college at the Alstead High School, and later
graduated from the Albany Law School. In
1860 he read law in the office of Dearborn &
Scott, of Peterboro, N.H., and was afterward
admitted to the Cheshire bar by examination.
Sickness prevented him from actively engag-
ing in business for three years, and at the end
of that time he located for the practice of his
profession in Alstead, where he has since
made his home. Being the only lawyer in the
town, he has acquired an extensive practice,
and is yearly consulted by a large number of
clients. His business in settling and apprais-
ing estates takes him all over the State; and
he has considerable to do at Keene, the county
seat. Fora while he had a practice in towns
in Sullivan County in addition to this in Al-
stead; but, the demands upon his time being
numerous and exhausting, he discontinued
that.

Mr. Smith has long been prominently iden-
tified with all the town affairs, and has taken
an active part in securing many measures
which he believed to be for the benefit of the
town or for the convenience of the towns-
people. For eleven years he held the office of
Tax Collector, and for seven years was chair-
man of the School Board. In 1888-89 he rep-
resented Alstead in the legislature, being the
first Republican sent from this town in twenty
years; and while there he was a member of
the Committee on the Revision of the Laws,
this committee being composed of ten lawyers.
Mr. Smith is now Town Moderator. His
political principles are Republican. He is
one of the oldest insurance agents in the
State, having begun to engage in this busi-
ness in 1869, and has represented the North
American, /étna, Franklin, Niagara, Fitch-
burg, Granite State, and other companies.

Mr. Smith married S. Fanny Washburn, of
Peterboro, this State, who was born December
18, 1853. Mrs. Smith’s father, Harrison D.
Washburn, was born at Peterboro, April 25,
1816; and her mother, whose maiden name
was Betsey M. White, was the daughter of
William M. White, of that town, and grand-
daughter of David and Betsey (Miller) White,
all of Peterboro. Mrs. Betsey Miller White,

 

grandmother of Mrs. Washburn and great-
grandmother of Mrs. Smith, was a daughter of
William and Jane (Todd) Miller, and was a
cousin of General James Miller, of Peterboro,
who distinguished himself by gallant services
in the War of 1812, was afterward Governor
of the Territory of Arkansas, and later, from
1824 for the period of twenty-four years, was
Collector of Customs for the district of Salem
and Beverly, Mass. Mrs. Smith was a suc-
cessful school teacher before her marriage.

im ANIEL WHITCOMB, a well-known
Cheshire County farmer, an octo-
| genarian, who has spent forty-five
years of his life in Fitzwilliam,
his present place of residence, was born in the
adjoining town of Richmond, N.H., October
I, 1817, son of Jacob and Phillis (Sweet)
Whitcomb. His grandfather, Oliver Whit-
comb, was born in Harvard, Mass. When a
young man he came to Fitzwilliam, and, set-
tling near the Richmond line, took up land
which he cleared, building a log house and
later a frame dwelling, which still stands and
is occupied by a member of the Whitcomb
family. His wife, Lucy Patch, of Littleton,
Mass., lived to be one hundred and two years
of age, lacking one month. Their son Jacob
was a farmer all his life, owning a place in
Richmond. He married Phillis Sweet, the
daughter of Anthony Sweet, and reared the
following children: Jacob, Hannah, Daniel,
Anthony S., Isaac, and Cynthia. Isaac died:
in childhood, and all are now deceased except
two, namely: Anthony, who married a Miss
Fisher; and Daniel, the second-born son, who
is the special subject of this notice.

Daniel Whitcomb was educated in the
district schools of Richmond and Fitzwilliam,
and early engaged in the hereditary occupation
of farming. Coming to Fitzwilliam in 1852,
he bought his present place of fifty acres, on
which he at once began to make improve-
ments. Diligent and thrifty, he repaired the
house and built two new barns, providing him-
self with excellent facilities for carrying on
his business of general farming. He married
Mary Taylor Lyon, but has no family.

 

 

 

 

 

 
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

373

 

 

Mr. Whitcomb is an independent voter,
uniformly casting his ballot for the candidate
whom he considers the best man for office.
His first vote at a Presidential election was
for Willidm Henry Harrison in 1840. Mr.
Whitcomb was a Selectman for seven years,
and during six years of this period was chair-
man of the Board. For two years in the six-
ties he was Representative in the legislature,
and he served as Supervisor from 1878 to 1884.

 

OHN C. BUTTERFIELD, who fol-
lows the occupations of brick mason
and farmer in the town of Antrim, was
born here, January 2, 1838, son of

Chandler and Naomi (Robinson) Butterfield.
William Butterfield, grandfather of John C.,
was a carpenter, and followed his trade for
some years in Washington, N.H. He subse-
quently removed to a farm in Antrim, and re-
sided here for the rest of his life, dying at the
age of seventy-five years. He was twice mar-
ried, his first wife, whose maiden name was
Lavinia Case, dying in 1836. She was the
mother of seven children, of whom Chandler
was the eldest, and three are now living;
namely, John C., Hannah, and Eliza.

Chandler Butterfield was born in Washing-
ton, December 17, 1812. At an early age he
accompanied his parents to Antrim, where he
was reared to agricultural pursuits, being
thereafter engaged in general farming to the
end of his days. His wife, Naomi, was a
daughter of John Robinson, of Hudson, N.H.
She had three children, of whom the only one
now living is John C., the subject of this
sketch. Chandler Butterfield died at the age
of seventy-one years, and his wife at the age
of eighty-two.

John C. Butterfield was educated in Antrim,
and when his studies were completed he
served an apprenticeship at the brick mason’s
trade in Natick, Mass. Having succeeded to
the ownership of the homestead farm of one
hundred acres, he now divides his time be-
tween tilling the soil and working at his
trade.

On June 3, 1863, Mr. Butterfield was joined
in marriage with Miss Roansa Robb, of An-

 

trim. Her parents, John and Roxanna
(Woodward) Robb, had a family of five chil-
dren, of whom three are living, namely: Roxy
A.; John A.; and Roansa, now Mrs. Butter-
field. Mr. and Mrs Butterfield have four chil-
dren — John A., George W., Mason C., and
Carrie M. George W. married Elvira Hil-
dreth, of Antrim, and has one son, Raymond
F. Mason C. married Florence Story, of this
town, and has one son, Max A.

Politically, Mr. Butterfield is a Democrat,
and, although deeply interested in public

affairs, has never sought or held office. He
is a member of Waverly Lodge, No. 59,
I. O. O. F., of Antrim. Mr. and Mrs.

Butterfield attend the Congregational church.

 

ARON RISING GLEASON, M.D.,

of Keene, N.H., is a native of War-

ren, Vt. Born June 1, 1835, he isa

son of Captain Windsor and Sophia

Gleason. The father, who was a farmer, set-
tled finally in Canaan, N.H., where he died
at the age of eighty-three. The mother died
when her son Aaron was ten years old. His
step-mother, whose maiden name was Elmira
Silsby, and who survived her husband, gave
Aaron kindly care. The genealogy of the
Gleasons, who came here from Langdon, is
traced back through six generations to Thomas
Gleason, who settled in Sudbury, Mass., in 1673,
and afterward moved to Framingham. His son,
Isaac, had a son named Isaac, who married
Thankful Wilson, and died in1777. The third
Isaac, son of Isaac and Thankful Gleason, mar-
ried Mary Nixon, and settled in Langdon,
N.H. Their son, Captain Windsor Gleason,

‘by his wife, Sally Gleason, became the father

of Windsor Gleason, our subject’s father.
Aaron R. Gleason lived with his parents
successively at Warren, Vt., Acworth, Alstead,
and Gilsum, N.H. He received his early
education in the public schools and an acad-
emy. When twenty years of age he entered
on the profession of teacher, and followed it
until he was thirty, one of his last schools
being that conducted by Dr. S. H. McAllis-
ter, D.D., in South Westmoreland. He was
teaching in New Salem, Mass., when the
374

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

Civil War began. Having read medicine
with Dr. Kimball D. Webster, of Gilsum,
and Dr. George B. Twichell, of Keene, and
attended a course of lectures at Burlington,
Vt., in 1858, he was nearly ready to enter
the profession of physician, when he en-
listed September 11, 1861, at Keene, in
Company F of the New Hampshire Second
Regiment, under Major Fred A. Barker, the
present Postmaster of Keene. Being a medi-
cal student, he was assigned to the medical
hospital department; and in the fall of 1863
he was transferred to Campbell Hospital,
D.C., where he remained until the close of
the war, being acting Assistant Surgeon.
While here, during the fall of 1863 and spring
of 1864, he had opportunity to still further
pursue his studies at “Georgetown Medical
College, where he finally received his degree.
The surgeon in charge at Campbell Hospital,
Jed. H. Baxter, an old friend and classmate of
Dr. Gleason, at the time of his death was Sur-
geon-general. Dr. Gleason was appointed As-
sistant Surgeon of the Fourteenth New Hamp-
shire Regiment, but, having already received
his appointment at Campbell Hospital, de-
clined.

At the close of the war, relieved from his
pressing duties, and wishing to further qualify
himself for the medical profession, Dr. Glea-
son took a course in the College of Physicians
and Surgeons of New York City, and in 1886
at the Post-graduate College in that city.
On January 11, 1866, he came to New Hamp-
shire and began practice at Fitzwilliam, where
he remained for twenty-one years. In the fall
of 1886 he came to Keene, where he has been
in active practice ever since. At present he
is serving on the Pension Examining Board
of Cheshire County. He is a member of the
State Medical Society and the Cheshire County
Medical Society ; also of the Connecticut River
Valley Medical Association, Vt., of which he
has been the chairman; and of the County
Medical Society, of which he is now the sec-
retary; and a member of the I. O. R. M., of
the I. O. O. F., and of the G. A. R.

Dr. Gleason was married January 19, 1869,
at Gilsum, to Miss Marietta E. Webster, only
child of Dr. Kimball D. Webster, of that

 

place, who is still in active practice at the age
of eighty-six. Maude Webster Gleason is the
only child of Dr. and Mrs. Gleason. The
family attend the First Church. In politics
the Doctor is a Republican. In 1881 he
served in the State legislature for the town
of Fitzwilliam, and was a member of the Com-
mittees on Education and Insane Asylum.
He was on the Schoo] Board for eighteen years
in Fitzwilliam, and he has been a member of
the City Council of Keene two years. He is
also serving in the present legislature from
Ward Two of Keene.

LIJAH ALEXANDER, who during his

“| life was an esteemed citizen of Win-
chester, Cheshire County, was born

in this town, February 21, 1782, and very
early in life developed the strong traits of
character which had marked his ancestors.
He prepared to enter Dartmouth College at
an early age, but was prevented from doing so
by the failing health of his father. Devoting
himself to business pursuits, he became largely
interested in mills and manufactories through-
out his section and in various public works,
building bridges, highways, developing water-
power, and in other ways contributing to the
advancement of the community, a cause which
he had always at heart. He held many town
offices, and represented his native town of
Winchester for many terms in the legislature
of the State. In character he was thoroughly
upright and honorable, and eminently just in
all his dealings with others in all the relation-
ships of life, both public and private. Actu-
ated by true Christian principle, he was truly
a “gentleman of the old school”; and his na-
tive refinement and courtesy, together with
his great kindness of heart, gained for him
the sincere respect and esteem of all with
whom he came in contact, and it might be
said that his friends included the entire com-
munity in which he lived. His death, which
occurred May 13, 1860, was widely and deeply
regretted. «
Mr. Alexander married in 1812 Mrs. Sarah
H. Viall, of Sudbury, Mass., a lady of rare
graces of mind and heart, and universally be-

 
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

375

 

 

loved, who proved a fitting helpmeet to him
through all the happy years of their married
life. Mrs. Alexander died August 26, 1868.
The children of Elijah and Sarah H. (Viall)
Alexander were: Reuben, Mary A., Maria,
William V., Emma M., Fannie H., Sarah P.,
George W., Louis L., Lambert P., Ellen N.,
and Ada J.

Of the four sons who survived their father
the eldest, Reuben, was inspector at the
Armory in Springfield, Mass., for many years.
He died in 1890. The second son, William
V. Alexander, held office in the treasury de-
partment of the custom-house in New York
City from the administration of President
Lincoln to his own death, which occurred in
1885. The third son, George W., served
under General Grant at Vicksburg, Miss.,
where he lost his life in defence of the Union.
The fourth son, Louis L. Alexander, is identi-
fied with mining interests in California, of
which State he has been an honored citizen
since 1850. Mr. Alexander’s daughters were
several of them of marked ability. The eld-
est, Mrs. Mary Alexander Giles, was an
honored and eminently successful teacher for
almost fifty years.

 

 

AMES B. GREELY, M.D., for the

past fifteen years a resident of Merri-
mac, was born July 18, 1830, in
Nashua, N.H., on the old Greely
farm, son of Colonel Joseph and Hannah
(Thornton) Greely. The Greely family,

which is a very old one in this State, settled
in Hudson. In 1620, seven generations
back from Dr. Greely in the male line, was
born Andrew Greely, who married Mary
Gold. His son Joseph, born in 1652, married
Martha Wilford. Joseph’s son Benjamin, born
in 1700, married Ruth Whittier. Benjamin’s
son Samuel, born in 1725, commanded a com-
pany in the Revolutionary War, and was at
Bunker Hill and at Lexington. His wife was
Esther Cunningham Greely. The next in
line was Joseph, who, born in Hudson in
1756, died May 13, 1840, was grandfather
of Dr. Greely. He also fought at Bunker
Hill, and there received a gunshot wound.

 

2

His wife was Sarah Greely, to whom he was
married March 7, 1780. His son, Colonel
Joseph Greely, married Hannah, a daughter of
James Thornton, Esq., and a grand-daughter
of Judge Matthew Thornton, who was one of
the signers of the Declaration of Indepen-
dence.

James B. Greely grew to manhood in
Nashua. At the age of twenty he began to
fit himself for the medical profession. He
first read medicine with Dr. Moore, of Nashua.
Later he entered Dartmouth College, where
he studied for three years. In 1856 he gradu-
ated from the University of Vermont at
Woodstock, and afterward took a post-graduate
course in the Harvard Medical School. He
then went abroad to continue his studies, and
was gone for thirteen months. For a part of
this time he was a member of the household of
Dr. James Y. Simpson, of Edinburgh, Scot-
land, after which he studied on the continent.
After returning to America, he entered upon
his profession at Nashua, and was in active
practice until the war broke out in 1861.
Then, prompted by his patriotism, he accepted
a commission as Assistant Surgeon in the New
Hampshire Battalion of the New England
Cavalry, and later in the same year was
made Surgeon. At the second Battle of Bull
Run he received injuries which disabled him

for life. He was honoraby discharged, and
returned to Nashua, hoping to resume his
practice. The effects of his wounds rendered

him unable to carry out this purpose, and he
was obliged to renounce a career for which he
was in every way qualified. While many men
sacrificed their lives in the war, many others
sacrificed what was equally dear to an ambi-
tious man — his hopes of a useful and success-

ful career. Dr. Greely afterward moved to
Merrimac, where he has™since made _ his
home. It is one of the compensations of his

life that he has been able to see his sons grow
up to fill the position which he had hoped to
fill himself.

On June 24, 1858, Dr. Greely was married
to Miss Arabella McGaw Wood, daughter of
the Rev. Henry and Harriet T. (McGaw)
Wood, of Hanover. The Rev. Henry Wood
was a chaplain in the United States Navy and
376

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

also United States Consul at Beirut, Syria,
under the administration of President, Pierce.

Dr. and Mrs. Greely have had three sons.
Dr. Harry W. Greely, the eldest, died at Nor-
folk, Va., aged twenty-five years. Dr. James
T., who is now city physician at Nashua,
N.H., married Florence Richardson,, daughter
of the Rev. Cyrus Richardson, of Nashua.
Dr. Guy Greely is at Thornton’s Ferry with
his parents, and is practising his profession.
The father holds liberal views on religious
subjects. In politics he is a Republican, and
he has represented the town in the legislature.
A thirty-second degree Mason, he isa member
of Rising Sun Lodge of Nashua. He is also
a comrade of John Foster Post, G. A. R., of
Nashua.

 

of East Sullivan and a member of
the Board of Selectmen, was born

in Stoddard, N.H., May 5, 1841,
son of Marcus and Lydia L. (Wilson) Davis.
His grandfather, Asa Davis, who was a native
of Massachusetts, settled when a young man
upon a farm in Stoddard, and resided there for
the rest of his life. He was active in public
affairs, and was one of the stirring men of his
day. With his wife, whose maiden name was
Hodgeman, he reared seven children; namely,
Sarah, Marcus, Asa, Nancy, Alden, Isaiah,
and Lizzie, all of whom were born in Stod-
dard.

Marcus Davis, born May 4, 1807, who was
for some years employed as a farm assistant,
finally settling at the homestead, became a
well-to-do farmer, and died December 2, 1859.
His wife, who was born August 10, 1814,
daughter of Colonel William Wilson, of Stod-
dard, became the mother of five children —
Elvira, Henry Davis, Albert, Lyman, and
Martha. Elvira, who is no longer living, was
the wife of D. W. Rugg, of Sullivan, and left
one son, who is an industrious farmer in Sul-
livan, married Rosetta Town, and has one
daughter. Martha married Leslie H. Good-
now, the present Postmaster and Town Treas-
urer of Sullivan. Lyman Davis, in early life a
farmer, learned the trades of blacksmith and

AC DAVIS, a prosperous farmer

 

 

wheelwright, and has since carried on busi-
ness in Sullivan. He was Selectman for sev-
eral years; a Representative to the legislature
in 1893, serving on the Committee on Manu-
factures; is connected with the Order of the
Golden Cross and the Patrons of Husbandry;
and attends the Congregational church. He
married Nettie E. Eveleth, who was born
April 28, 1848, daughter of Charles Eveleth,
of Keene.

Henry Davis was educated in Stoddard.
After his father’s death the management of
the home farm devolved upon him. At a later
date he moved to East Sullivan, where he has
since resided, and where he has become one of
the most able and prosperous farmers in the
locality. Formerly he raised sheep, but of
late he has given his principal attention to
dairying. He has served as Road Agent, and
is now rendering efficient service to the town
as a member of the Board of Selectmen. He
is actively interested in the Patrons of Hus-
bandry, and is Master of the local grange. In
religious belief he is a Congregationalist.
Mr. Davis married Emma S. Rugg, who was
born June 18, 1846, daughter of Martin Rugg,
of Sullivan. His only child, Lester F., born
April 7, 1877, now assists his father on the
farm.

 

NDREW NICHOLS SHEPARD, of
Milford, was born in Lyndeboro,
N.H., July 22, 1818, of poor but
respectable parents. His father
was of English origin, being a direct descend-
ant of Colonel John Shepard, who was one of
the first settlers of that part of the town of
Amherst, N.H., which is now Milford. Colo-
nel Shepard, who was the great-grandfather
of Andrew, moved from Concord, Mass., to
Amherst in 1741, and became one of the most
prominent and useful citizens of that town.
He built the first mills there and the first
bridge across the Souhegan River.

When Andrew was two years old, his father,
who was a blacksmith by trade, moved his
family to Francestown, and shortly after to
Bedford, N.H. Here Andrew remained during
his boyhood, in the summer assisting on his
 

ANDREW N. SHEPARD.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

379

 

 

grandfather’s farm or in his father’s shop, and
in the winter attending schoo]. When seven-
teen he went to Woburn, Mass., to learn the
currier’s trade, serving as an apprentice under
Deacon B. F. Thompson, of that town, for
three and a half years. At the end of this
time he started out into the world for himself
with a capital of three hundred dollars, which
he had saved by overwork and the strictest
economy. The overwork affecting his health,
and business being dull, he next tried his hand
at school-teaching, successfully conducting a
difficult school through one term. Afterward
for many years Mr. Shepard was interested in
the various branches of the leather business.
His first venture as a journeyman currier was
at Charlestown, Mass., where he worked for a
short time. From Charlestown he returned
to the employ of Deacon Thompson, who was
then located in that part of Woburn that was
afterward known as Winchester, whom he al-
ways respected as a conscientious, Christian
man. After atime Deacon Thompson offered
him a partnership; but Mr. Shepard, preferring
a certainty to an uncertainty, declined, and re-
mained several years with Deacon Thompson
as a journeyman. At length he drifted into
real estate business, which was then in its
infancy in Winchester, doing something in in-
surance at the same time, and was for several
years the agent for the Middlesex Mutual
Company, of Concord, Mass. He built several
houses in Winchester, and was eminently suc-
cessful in his investments.

In 1860 Mr. Shepard associated himself
with Mr. F. W. Perry, of Winchester, in the
leather business. This firm of Shepard &
Perry had a currier’s shop in Winchester and
a store on Pearl Street, Boston, where they
sold not only their own products, but consign-
ments received from parties in other places on
commission. In 1861 they bought the Munroe
tannery at Woburn, and in 1868 they united
with Mosley & Dunn in building a large tan-
nery at Winchester. Mr. Shepard soon sold
his interest in the last-named tannery to the
other partners, and bought Mr. Perry’s interest
in the Munroe tannery. Then, uniting with
Messrs. Samuel and Andrew Pierce, under the
firm name of A. N. Shepard & Co., he did his

 

part in conducting a successful business for
several years, besides selling for others on
commission. This connection was terminated
when an accident disabled him for active work.
He sold out his interest in the business to the
other members of the firm. Before he had fully
recovered from his lameness, he was induced
by Butler, Dunn & Co., a large commission
house on Congress Street, Boston, to take a
tannery with them in Hudson, Mass., for a
term of years. The partnership entered into
with them was successful, and at its expiration
Mr. Shepard was urged to continue for another
term of years. Notwithstanding the strong
inducements presented to him, he preferred to
join with a Mr. Ellis in refitting an old tannery
in Lowell, Mass. This firm had a store on
Purchase Street, Boston, and continued for
some time in business. At length, on ac-
count of his health and increasing years, Mr.
Shepard concluded to retire from active busi-
ness; and he sold out his interest. Since
that time he has been more or less interested
in real estate and stocks. He has been a
very successful business man, and his ventures
have almost always proved fortunate.

In 1850 Mr. Shepard married Mrs. Harriet
W. Brcewn, a young widow with two daughters.
This marriage did not prove a happy one.
After a number of years there was a separa-
tion and then a divorce. In 1893 Mr. Shep-
ard married Mrs. Lucy A. Sawtelle, daughter
of Wilder and Julia Ann (Clarke) Read. He
has no children. Being fond of books and
study, Mr. Shepard made the most of his
meagre opportunities to acquire knowledge.
The greater part of his education was obtained
at the district school in Bedford, N.H. Later
he attended the academy at Woburn, Mass., for
three months while serving his apprentice-
ship. With this his schoo] education was fin-
ished; but he has been a student all his life,
gathering information from nature, men, and
books. Although not an extensive traveller,
he has seen something of the West and South.
He has been twice through a portion of the
Western States, visiting Wisconsin, Minnesota,
and Michigan, with a view to investing in
land, but each time returned with a determi-
nation to confine his real estate investments to
380

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

New England. He has made three trips to
Florida and other parts of the South for the
twofold purpose of health and_ pleasure.
Being very fond of gunning, he derived much
enjoyment from these Southern journeys, hunt-
ing alligators, wild turkeys, ducks, and a
variety of small game. During one of these
trips he made the shot of his life, with which
he brought down three wild turkeys. For six
or seven years he belonged to the Shooting
Club of Milford, N.H.

In politics Mr. Shepard was first a Whig
and then a Republican. He always favored
the anti-slavery cause, and was a thorough
temperance man, while he has never been a
politician, his forte being business. Being of
a diffident, retiring disposition, he has never
sought office. At one time, however, he was
Assessor in the town of Winchester, where he
lived for forty years. He was also a Justice
of the Peace for Middlesex County, Massachu-
setts, for fourteen years, receiving his com-
mission from Governor Andrew and its re-
newal from Governor Washburn. At present
he is a trustee of the City Guaranty Savings
Bank, of Nashua, N.H., and of the Riverside
Cemetery, in Milford, N.H, When seventeen
years of age Mr. Shepard united with the
Presbyterian church in Bedford, N.H. In
Woburn, where there was no Presbyterian so-
ciety, he entered into relationship with the
Congregational church, and he has been a
Congregationalist since. For many. years he
was connected with the church of that denomi-
nation in Winchester, Mass., holding offices of
trust in both the church and parish. Later
he belonged to the First Congregational
Church in Nashua. At present he is con-
nected with the church of that denomination
in Milford. In a quiet way he has constantly
helped by his influence and contributions, not
only the church in which he worshipped, but
others needing aid. Mr. Shepard has always
been a great lover of music, and now, though
seventy-eight years of age, is an enthusiastic
and skilful player on the flute. For twenty
years he was an active member of the church
choir in Winchester, Mass., assisting some-
times with his voice and sometimes with his
flute.

 

While not rich, Mr. Shepard has a compe-
tency. He has a pleasant home in Milford,
which he built in 1890. For forty years he
resided in Winchester; but for the last fifteen
or sixteen years he has lived in Amherst,
Nashua, or Milford, near the home of his boy-
hood. Though seventy-eight years old, Mr.
Shepard is still active and vigorous, visiting
Boston once or twice a week to attend to his
interests in real estate and stocks.

EORGE H. LEACH, who carries on
a prosperous mercantile and lumber
business in Gilsum, Cheshire County,
N.H., was born in Chesterfield N.H., Decem-
ber 17, 1851, son of Lewis and Emily (Hill)
Leach. His paternal grandfather, Josiah
Leach, who was a native of Westmoreland,
N-H., resided upon a farm in Swanzey, N.H.
By his first wife, Lois Britton, who was born
in Westmoreland, he had three children —
Laura, Lyman, and Lewis; and by his second
wife, Sarah Ochington, of Swanzey, N.H., he
had five children — Thomas G., Charles A.,
Leonard W., Lorilla E., and Lucy A. Lewis
Leach was born in Westmoreland, December
25, 1811. He spent his life partly in that
town and partly in Chesterfield, N.H., and was
engaged as a farmer and general jobber. His
wife, formerly Emily Hill, who was born in
Swanzey, February 13, 1813, became the
mother of eight children, namely: Josiah;
Bradley; Charles; George H., the subject of
this sketch; Maria E.; Jane; Charles, second;
and Irving. The father, Lewis Leach, died
January 13, 1870. The mother, Mrs. Emily
H. Leach, is still living.

George H. Leach was educated in the
schools of Chesterfield and Westmoreland, and
for some time was engaged in farming and
teaming. He finally located in Gilsum,
where he is engaged in the lumber business,
and also keeps a general store. He is a capa-
ble and successful business man, and his nat-
ural energy and ability have been employed to
the advantage of his fellow-townsmen, who
elected him to the Board of Selectmen. He
has also served as Road Agent, and was nomi-
nated for Representative to the legislature in

 

 
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

381

 

 

1893. He is connected with the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows and the Patrons of Hus-
bandry, and is prominent in both orders.

Mr. Leach married Minnie M. Barrett, who
was born in 1864, daughter of Lund and Mary
Barrett. Mr. and Mrs. Leach have two chil-
dren: Carlton B., born in 1885; and Helen
M., born in 1887.

 

 

AMES P. TODD, one of the leading
farmers and business men of New
Boston, was born in this town, Novem-
ber 24, 1822, son of Samuel and Betsey

(Starrett) Todd. He is a descendant of Colo-
nel Andrew Todd, who commanded a regi-
ment in the Continental army during the
Revolutionary War. Colonel Todd, who was
the first ancestor of the family to settle in
Hillsboro County, resided upon a farm in
Peterboro until his death. His son, James
Todd (first), great-grandfather of the subject
of this sketch, and a farmer in Peterboro for
the greater part of his life, spent his last days
in Francestown, and was buried in Peterboro.

James Todd (second), grandfather of James
P., was a native of Peterboro. When a young
man he settled in Francestown; and he fol-
lowed agricultural pursuits with prosperity,
and was one of the stirring men of his day.
He served as a member of the Board of Se-
lectmen, and was very active in public affairs.
In politics he was originally a Whig and
later a Democrat. In his religious views he
was a Congregationalist. He lived to be
seventy-seven years old. His first marriage
was contracted with Unity Page, a native of
Goffstown, N.H., who died at the age of
forty-four years. For his second wife he
wedded Mrs. Sarah (Miller) Duncan, of Peter-

boro. By his: first wife there were twelve
children; namely, Nabby, Anna, Samuel,
William, Mary, Jane, Robert, Nathaniel,

James, Eli, Roxanna, and one who died in in-
fancy. Those of his second were: John and
Sarah. Samuel Todd was born in Frances-
town, November 14, 1788. In early life he
became familiar with the shoemaker’s and
blacksmith’s trades, and in 1816 he settled
upon the farm in New Boston where his son,

 

James P., now resides. Samuel Todd died
October 6, 1880. His wife, Betsey, whom
he married June 7, 1814, was born in New
Boston March 20, 1793. She became the
mother of ten children, as follows: a son, who
was born October 27, 1815, and died Decem-
ber 27 of the same year; Mary S., born Sep-
tember 28, 1816, who died August 22, 1841;
Harriet A., born September 14, 1818, who
lives in Nashua, N.H., and is now the widow
of David Grigg; Mark, born September 16,
1820, who died in August, 1860; James P.,
the subject of this sketch; Davis S., born
October 25, 1824, who resides in New Boston;
Caroline S., born September 26, 1827, who
married Horace Langdell, and died November
I, 1855; John M., born November 22, 1820,
who died September 6, 1832; Sarah E., born
August 9, 1833, who is now Mrs. George
Upham, of Nashua; and John M. (second),
born September 6, 1835, who is residing in
New Boston. The mother died June 23, 1880.

James P. Todd acquired a common and high
school education, and when a young man he
taught school. At the age of fourteen he was
capable of earning good wages as a farm as-
sistant, and his summers were passed in work-
ing upon farms in his neighborhood. He
managed the home farm for four years, and in
1850 he went to California by way of the
Isthmus, and was there profitably engaged in
mining for two years. After his return he
settled at the homestead, and worked at the
blacksmith’s trade, engaged extensively in lum-
bering, and built a cotton-batting mill, which
he carried on until it was destroyed by fire.
At present his attention is devoted to lumber-
ing and dairy farming. He has enlarged and
improved the homestead farm, keeps from fif-
teen to twenty cows, and has remodelled the
old residence, which was erected in 1810.
Politically, he acts with the Democratic party,
and he served with ability as Selectman for
four years, besides holding other town offices.

On December 30, 1852, Mr. Todd was
united in marriage with Desire A. Loring.
She was born in New Boston, October 27,
1832, daughter of John and Desire (Fuller)
Loring. Her mother was born in Frances-
town, N.H., December 4, 1802. Her pater-
382

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

nal grandfather, John Loring (first), was a na-
tive of Salem, Mass., and her grandmother,
whose maiden name was Hannah Morse, was
bern in Methuen. John Loring (second),
Mrs. Todd’s father, served as a soldier in the
War of 1812. He followed agriculture indus-
triously in New Boston for the greater part of
his active period, and died March 24, 1868.
His wife died September 18, 1861. Their
eight children were: Lorinda, born October
22, 1823, who is now the wife of Stephen F.
Burnham, of Manchester, N.H.; John E.,
born July 11, 1826, who died in 1853;
Daniel F., born July 10, 1828, who died in
1838; Aaron, born August 6, 1829, who died
in California, August 6, 1854; Desire A.,
who is now Mrs. Todd; George F., born June
8, 1834, who is now a resident of Wyoming;
Sarah E., born July 14, 1838, who died in
1844; and Hannah Catherine, born July 14,
1841, who is the wife of Elizaphan Langdell,
of Milford, N.H.

Mr. and Mrs. Todd have had twelve chil-
dren, namely: John L., born October 10,
1853, who died aged one month; Alice M.,
born October 6, 1854; Arthur J., born De-
cember 6, 1856; George L., born June 17,
1859; Caroline E., born July 29, 1862;
Frank P., born October 17, 1863; John L.,
born December 1, 1866, who died at the age
of two years and eight months; Perley A.,
born January 19, 1868; Emma D., born July
7, 1870; a son born March 28, 1871, who
died in infancy; Sadie A., born February 2,
1875; and Adelaide B., born November 15,
1877. Alice M. is the wife of Moses Dane,
of New Boston. Arthur J. Todd, M.D., who
graduated at the Homceopathic Medical
Schcol, Boston, is now practising in Man-
chester, N.H., is one of the Board of State
Medical Examiners, and is president of the
New Hampshire Homceopathic Medical Soci-
ety. The Rev. George L. Todd, who gradu-
ated from Amherst College and the Theologi-
cal Seminary in Auburn, N.Y., is now pastor
of a church in Merrimac, Mass. He was the
founder and first president of La Paz Bolivian
National College, and was Vice-Consul Gen-
eral to Bolivia under President Cleveland.
Caroline E. is the wife of George W. Bridges,

 

and resides in Brookline, N.H. Frank P.,
M.D., received his medical education in Bos-
ton, and is now a homceopathic physician in
Danielsonville, Conn. Perley A. resides at
home, and is now serving as Tax Collector.
Emma D. is now Mrs. Walter H. Spaulding,
of Peterboro, N.H. Sadie A. and Adelaide
B. are residing at home. The family attend
the Presbyterian church, and Mr. Todd has
been an Elder for the past thirty years. His
success in life is the result of energy and per-
severance, and he stands high in the commun-
ity as an able business man and an upright
citizen.

 

AMES MANNING HOWARD, a re-
tired tanner and well-to-do resident of
Marlow, was born in Langdon, Sulli-
van County, N.H., April 7, 1830, son

of Nathan and Phoebe (Miller) Howard. The
family originated, we are told, in either
Aylesford or Maidstone, County of Kent,
England; and Thomas Howard, the American
ancestor, who was a tailor by trade, it is said,
settled at Ipswich, Mass., in 1634. Stephen
Howard, great-grandfather of the subject of
this sketch, was born in Ipswich, and died in
Chaplin, Conn., in 1848. James M. Howard’s
grandfather, Stephen Howard, second, who
was born in Hampton, Conn., August 6, 1763,
became a pioneer_in Alstead, N.H., and
built the first saw and grist mill in that
town. He died November 3, 1857. He
married Polly Jewett, a native of Coventry,
Conn., and reared four children, namely:
Nathan; Betsey, born December 5, 1791;
Polly, born January 10, 1795; and Sophia,
born February 2, 1808, all now deceased.

Nathan Howard, father of James M., was
born in Hampton, Conn., February 9, 1789.
At the age of twenty-one he settled in Al-
stead, where he followed farming and teaming
the rest of his life, and died November 3,
1857. He married Phoebe Miller, born in
Acworth, N.H., February 16, 1794, daughter
of James and Mary (Livermore) Miller; and
she died in Alstead, April 13, 1830.

James Manning Howard was left motherless
when but six days old, and he was reared in
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

383

 

 

the family of Leonard Whitney, of Acworth.
He attended common schools and the Marlow
Academy, and when fourteen years old began
life for himself as a farm assistant. At the
age of seventeen he came to Marlow, where he
learned the tanner’s trade under the direction
of James Burnap, and later became foreman.
He was connected with the tannery until its
close in 1892, and at one time was a partner
in the business. Mr. Howard is a self-made
man, and has reached a position of affluence
through his industry and thrift. He is highly
esteemed by his business associates as well as
those who have worked under him, and it is
greatly to his credit that he always gave the
highest wages the business would permit. He
was, above all, charitable and considerate, and
many instances could be related of his kind-
hearted and generous disposition. He has
served upon the School Board and in other
town offices, is interested in the business
prosperity of Marlow, and is connected with
the Masonic fraternity and the Patrons of
Husbandry. He is a liberal contributor
toward the support of the Methodist Episcopal
church, and is a member of the Board of
Stewards.

Mr. Howard married Lucretia A. Mitchell,
born in Manchester, N.H., August 4, 1832,
daughter of Ansel and Melinda (Flanders)
Mitchell. Mrs. Howard died May 16, 1890.

 

 

 

TON. MURRAY DAVIS was a well-
known figure in public affairs at
Chesterfield for some time before
— the year 1888. Born here, Decem-
ber 16, 1845, son of Charles M. and Deborah
H. (Cobleigh) Davis, he is a descendant of
Amos Davis (first), one of the original propri-
etors of Westmoreland, N.H. Amos Davis
(second), who was a native of Westmoreland
settled in Chesterfield about the year 1770,
locating upon land situated one mile west of
Centre Village. He resided here for the rest
of his life, and died August 1, 1794. He
married Sarah Metcalf; and of his eleven chil-
dren Ezra Davis, great-grandfather of the sub-
ject of this sketch, was his third child.
Ezra Davis, who was born in Westmore-

 

 

land, November 9, 1761, grew to manhood on
a farm in Chesterfield, tilled the soil with
energy during his active years, and died Au-
gust 23, 1840. He married Amy, daughter of
Warren Snow, and reared a family of six chil-
dren, of whom Russell, the third-born, was
grandfather of Murray Davis. Russell Davis,
a lifelong resident of Chesterfield, died Octo-
ber 22, 1859. He married Thirza, daughter
of John Veazey, of Westmoreland; and
Charles M. was the second-born of their chil-
dren. Charles M. Davis was born in Chester-
field, April 11, 1818. He was a sturdy, in-
dustrious farmer through life, and was
esteemed as a worthy, upright man. He died
in the prime of life, June 30, 1849. His
wife, Deborah, whom he wedded March 9g,
1842, was a daughter of Jonathan Cobleigh.
She became the mother of two sons, namely:
Murray, the subject of this sketch; and
Charles M., born November 14, 1849.

Murray Davis was reared and educated in
Chesterfield. When sixteen years old he en-
listed as a private in Company F, Fourteenth
Regiment, New Hampshire Volunteers. He
served until September 19, 1863, when he re-
ceived a severe grapeshot wound in his left leg
at the battle of Winchester. He laid upon
the field three days before medical aid reached
him, and then it was found necessary to am-
putate the limb. He was discharged, and in
1866 he bought the farm in Chesterfield,
which is now owned by his son, Frank M.
The property was considered of but little
value at the time, but by industry and perse-
verance he revived its fertility, and brought
it to a high standard of cultivation. Upon
Republican nominations Mr. Davis was regu-
larly elected to the Board of Selectmen for
upward of fifteen years. He also served as
Town Treasurer and Moderator for a number
of terms. In 1881 he was chosen to represent
this town in the legislature, and in 1885 he
was elected State Senator. While a member
of the lower house, he took an active part in
securing the passage of the bill providing for
the support of aged or disabled soldiers at
their homes, instead of sending them to the
county farm. In the Senate he occupied a
seat near to that of the Hon. William E.
384

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

Chandler, now United States Senator from
New Hampshire. He was a forcible speaker,
and always studied a measure before advocat-
ing or opposing it. His work in both houses
was deserving of the highest praise. It is
told of him that, when having drawn a seat in
the front row, and some of the older members
offered to buy it, proffering him a good price,
he declined to sell, saying, “I like a good seat
just as well as anybody else.” During the
contest between the Boston & Maine and the
Concord & Montreal Railroad Companies he
was offered a liberal compensation by one of
the opposing corporations, to go to Concord
and assist in lobbying their bill through, but
he declined the proposition.

On June 6, 1866, Mr. Davis married Elvira
E. Farr, daughter of Parker Farr, of West
Chesterfield. Mrs. Davis has had three chil-
dren — Frank M., Celia E., and Maud M.
Celia E. is the wife of Charles Winn, and re-
sides in Brattleboro, Vt. Frank M. Davis,
born December 29, 1868, passed his youth in
working on the farm and attending school. He
also learned the carpenter’s trade, and fol-
lowed it for a time; and in 1893 he purchased
the property of his mother, and is now en-
gaged in general farming. He is energetic
and progressive, and, although one of the
youngest farmers in town, is already well ad-
vanced upon the road to prosperity. In 1897
he was elected a member of the Board of Se-
lectmen. On November 11, 1891, he wedded
Annie P. Davenport, daughter of Edgar Dav-
enport, and now has two children— Murray and
Gladys A. He is an active member of the
Patrons of Husbandry, and was formerly Over-
seer of the local grange. Mr. Davis, Sr.,
died in Chesterfield, March 20, 1888. Mrs.
Davis has continued to reside at the home-
stead, and with the assistance of her son has
since carried on the farm.

EORGE SAMUEL TUCKER, pro-
prietor of Tucker’s Tavern, Peter-

boro, was born in Henniker, N.H.,

July 12, 1858, son of Thomas Brown and
Susan Rebecca (Clarke) Tucker. In regard

to the genealogy of the family, upon which

 

 

Mr. Tucker has for some time been engaged,
the facts obtained up to the present time are
chiefly as follows: Ezra Tucker was born in
Poplin, N.H., now Fremont, and moved to
Salisbury, N.H., prior to the Revolutionary
War. He was the father of eighteen chil-
dren, twelve sons and six daughters. The
average length of the lives of the sons was
seventy years, and each lived to have great-
grand-children. Nathan Tucker, great-grand-
father of the subject of this sketch, was born
in Poplin, October 18, 1764. His first wife
was Lydia Stevens; and his second, Mary
Welch, of Canaan, N.H. By his first mar-
riage he had six children, and by his second
union there were two.

Caleb Tucker, grandfather of George Sam-
uel, was born in Salisbury, November 6, 1789,
and was the fourth son by his father’s first
wife. He was a prosperous tiller of the soil
during the active period of his life, and he
died in Wilmot, N.H., March 29, 1834. On
December 26, 1811, he married Dorothy
Bean, second daughter of Jeremiah and Me-
hitable (Garland) Bean, of Salisbury. Ten
children were the fruit of this union, and the
following are living, namely: Lydia C., born
August 20, 1825, now the wife of John Gove;
Charles W., born March 9, 1828; and Thomas
Brown, George Samuel Tucker’s father, who
is the youngest.

Thomas Brown Tucker was born in Wilmot,
August 17, 1830. He attended the common
schools until he was fifteen years old, and
then began to serve an apprenticeship at the
machinist’s trade in Manchester, N.H. From
that city he went to Providence, R.I., where
he gradually rose to the position of superin-
tendent of the works in which he was em-
ployed, but was at length forced to resign on
account of failing health. During the inter-
vening period he engaged as a merchant in
Rhode Island, but about 1857 he returned to
New Hampshire, and succeeded Hiram Bell
in the management of the old National Hotel
at Henniker. Returning in 1859 to his old
business as a maker of fine tools and builder
of machinery in Providence, he remained there
some years when he was again compelled by
ill health to return to his native State, and
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

385

 

 

immediately purchased and carried on the
Kearsarge House at Warner for six years.
During the succeeding seven years he ran the
Washington House in Pittsfield, ‘N.H.; and,
then removing to Peterboro, he was engaged
in the same business here for many years, or
until the transferring of same to his son. He
is widely and favorably known as a genial
and agreeable -host, who succeeded in keeping
a model house for the entertainment of the
public, and has been equally successful finan-
cially. He owns some of the most important
buildings, together with much valuable land
in this town, and has been a director of its
Savings Bank. In politics he is a Democrat.
While residing in Pittsfield, he held many
positions of trust, Sheriff, County Commis-
sioner, etc. He has since been active in local
public affairs in Peterboro, and is at the pres-
ent time president of the Board of Water
Commissioners. His wife, Susan Rebecca
Clarke, is a daughter of Samuel C. Clarke, of
Narragansett Pier, R.I. They have reared
but one son, George Samuel, the subject
of this sketch. Thomas B. Tucker is now liv-
ing in retirement, and is highly esteemed by
his fellow-townsmen as well as by a large cir-
cle of friends and acquaintances throughout
the State.

George Samuel Tucker was educated in
Providence, R.I. The feeble condition of his
father’s health, however, caused him to dis-
continue his studies; and heat once joined his
father in the hotel business, which relation
has been uninterrupted, with the exception of
the two years during which he was engaged in
the completion of Dartmouth College’s new
hotel and its management. Since the elder
Tucker’s retirement he has managed Tucker’s
Tavern with an ability which has not only
kept up the high reputation of the house, but
has greatly increased its regular patronage.
He has improved the property by introducing
all modern conveniences; and Peterboro has
every reason to be proud of its only hotel, as
the very best of its class.

Mr. Tucker married Evelyn Genevieve
Barker, of Boston, on December 25, 1887,
and has one daughter, Marguerite Clarke.

Politically, Mr. Tucker is a Democrat. He

 

is an Odd Fellow and a member of the en-
campment. His enterprise and progressive
tendencies are heartily appreciated, and as a
business man and a citizen he occupies an im-
portant place in the community. Mr. and
Mrs. Tucker attend the Unitarian church.

 

HARLES A. BLAKE, proprietor of

the Nubaunsit House at Harrisville,

Cheshire County, and an extensive

contractor, was born in Nashua,

N.H., November 19, 1853, son of Asa and

Rosetta (Swingington) Blake. His grand-

father, Asa Blake, first, who was a lifelong

resident of Canada, reared a family of chil-

dren, by name as follows: Andrew, Lewis,
Asa, Annie, Eunice Polly.

Asa Blake, second, father of Charles A., is
a native of Canada, but the greater part of his
life has been spent in the United States. He
has been a resident at different times of
Nashua, Greenfield, and other places, but for
the past seventeen years has been engaged in
teaming in East Jaffrey, N.H. He married
Rosetta Swingington, daughter of Job Swing-
ington, of Lyndeboro, N.H., and she became
the mother of five children— Charles A.,
George, William, Sarah, and Mary. George
died at the age of twenty-two years; William
is a dyer ina mill in Jaffrey; Sarah married
Charles Bartlett, who is connected with the
cutlery works in Bennington, N.H.; Mary is
the wife of A. Burpee, principal dyer in the
factory in Jaffrey. Mrs. Asa Blake is no
longer living.

Charles A. Blake attended schools in
Lyndeboro and Greenfield, N.H., and in Lan-
caster, Mass. He was engaged in farming
and teaming for three years, and for the suc-
ceeding six years he carried on the fish busi-
ness in Greenfield and Jaffrey. He next en-
gaged in the jobbing business, which he
followed in Jaffrey until 1881, when he came
to Harrisville, and purchased the Nubaunsit
House. He has since conducted the hotel
and livery business in connection with jobbing
and contracting, and his various enterprises
keep him constantly busy. In politics he isa
Democrat, and as Highway Surveyor he has
386

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

kept the roads in first-class condition. He is
connected with the Knights of Pythias, the
Improved Order of Red Men, and the For-
esters.

Mr. Blake married Miss Eva J. Sawyer,
daughter of Silas W. and Charity (Scott)
Sawyer, of Francestown, N.H.; and Mrs.
Blake is the mother of three children—Ernest
C., Edith V., and Harold Leroy —all of
whom were born in Harrisville.

 

ILAS HARDY, attorney-at-law and
merchant of Keene, N.H., is a son
of the late Captain Noah and
Jerusha (Kimball) Hardy, of Nel-

son, N.H., and was born in that town, April
3, 1827. Mr. Hardy’s paternal grandfather,
who was also named Noah Hardy, removed
from Hollis, N.H., to Nelson just after the
Revolution, and became Deacon of the Ortho-
dox church. Early in the war, when but a
mere lad, he had enrolled as a minute-man in
the Cavalry Reserve at Hollis. He was
called out twice to go to Bennington and once
to Rhode Island, but did not participate in
actual battle. His wife, Sarah Spofford, was
a descendant of John Spofford, of Rowley,
Mass., who emigrated from Yorkshire, Eng-
land, in 1638, and is the ancestor of the
Spoffords of the United States and Canada.
The old Spofford farm at Georgetown is still
in the family, and periodical reunions are held
there. Both of Mr. Silas Hardy’s parents
were born in Nelson, and both died there, the
father at the age of seventy-three, the mother
at the age of sixty-three.

Mr. Hardy’s maternal grandfather, David
Kimball, of Boxford, Mass., served in the
Revolutionary War. He enlisted at Boxford
in April, 1777, in a Massachusetts regiment,
and, serving three years in Captain Daniel
Lane’s company under Colonel Ichabod Alden,
was in the battle of Stillwater, and wintered
at Valley Forge. At the expiration of three
years he again entered the army as a substi-
tute for six months, and served under Captain
Wilder in Colonel Michael Jackson’s Massa-
chusetts regiment. He was present in camp
at West Point at André’s capture, being on

 

detail at Washington’s headquarters, and saw
Washington when he read the paper taken from
André’s boot. His name was entered on the
pension list in 1820, and his record is on file
at the pension office. David Kimball mar-
ried Lydia Simmons, of Boxford, whose father
and brother were killed at the battle of
Bunker Hill. Mr. Kimball settled in Nelson
soon after the close of the war.

Noah Hardy, father of Silas Hardy, was
first a farmer; but, owing to the loss of a leg
in an accident, he learned the shoemaker’s
trade. He had ten children, seven of whom
are now living, the youngest being sixty-six
years old. All but two of them reside in
Cheshire County. One, George G., served
in the late war in Company G, Sixteenth
Regiment, New Hampshire Volunteer Infan-
try, and died in the service. Frank B. was
in same service.

Silas Hardy, the eighth child born to his
parents, spent his early life on the farm and
in the shop. Owing to the large family and
the financial condition of his father he was
put out toa farmer at the age of eleven, for
one year, for twenty-five dollars. Every sea-
son after that till of full age he worked away
from home, his earnings amounting to over
seven hundred dollars. The people among
whom he lived were honest and industrious,
but illiterate; and all the opportunity he had
for improvement and education was a winter
term of eight to twelve weeks in country
schools, yet the winter before his full age he
taught a district school. The next four years
he spent in hard work and in teaching and
fitting for college, receiving no outside aid.
In 1852, being twenty-five years old, he en-
tered the Sophomore class in Dartmouth Col-
lege, graduating in 1855, having the honor ‘of
being one of the speakers at Commencement.
In his class were the Hon. Nelson Dingley, of
tariff fame; Judge Field, of the Massachusetts
Supreme Court; Judges Allen and Ladd, late
of the New Hampshire Supreme Court. Mr.
Hardy was principal of Foxcroft Academy,
Me., one year after graduation, when he en-
tered the office of the Hon. Levi Chamberlain
as a law student, where his office now is,
in Cheshire Bank Building. He served as an
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

387

 

 

engrossing clerk of the New Hampshire leg-
islature in 1860 and 1861.

In September, 1858, he was admitted to the
bar in Sullivan County, and began the practice
of law at Keene. For five years— from
March, 1859, to 1864— he was Register of
Probate, and from 1864 to 1874 Judge of Pro-
bate. Since that time he has confined himself
to his regular practice, serving a large number
of clients. He has always taken an interest
in public affairs, has served the city in various
official positions, and has been connected with
banking institutions. Mr. Hardy has done a
large amount of business as pension attorney;
and many a veteran in this section of the
State, and many widows and orphans of vet-
erans, have occasion to be grateful to him. He
has been a Republican since the organization
of the party in 1856, and has voted for all its
Presidential nominees. He has attended most
of the State conventions and many lesser
conventions. He has been City Solicitor, and
has served for four years on the School Board
in the Union District. During the last six
years he has conducted a dry-goods business,
in addition to attending to his professional
duties. He has always been in vigorous
health, and never used tobacco or spirituous
liquors.

On December 31, 1863, Mr. Hardy was
married to Josephine M. Kingsley, a graduate
of Mount Holyoke Seminary, class of 1857,
and daughter of Alonzo and Sophia Kingsley.
Mrs. Hardy died June 10, 1871, Jeaving one
son, Ashley K. Hardy, then ten weeks old,
who has received his father’s unremitting care.
He was instructed by his father until he went
into the Keene High Schoo] at the age of six-
teen, and when he entered college he was able
at once to take a leading position. He was
graduated in 1894 as one of the leaders in his
class, both in scholarship and in personal in-
fluence, being valedictorian of his class. He
has since finished a three years’course in phi-
lology in Leipzig University, Germany, having
spent the first year in the University of Ber-
lin, and is to be Instructor in German at Dart-
mouth College the coming year. To Miss
Esther Hills, who was to him a foster-mother
from infancy to manhood, he is indebted for

 

much that he is. Her care, teaching, and con-
stant watching were to him invaluable. The
ties of parent and child still bind them
together.

LI C. CURTIS, an extensive dairy
farmer of Lyndeboro and an ex-Repre-
sentative to the New Hampshire leg-

islature, was born in this town, May 3, 1821,
son of Eli Curtis (second) and Sarah (Lor-
ing) Curtis. His great-grandfather, who, it
is said, was a native of the northern part of
England, came to America about 1725. The
paternal grandfather, Eli Curtis (first), was
born in Reading, Mass., in 1754, and was sub-
sequently engaged in farming at Middleton,
that State. In May, 1796, he moved to Beach
Hill, which was formerly a part of Lyndeboro,
but is now included in the town of Mont
Vernon. He finally removed to another farm
in Lyndeboro, and resided here until his death,
which occurred when he was eighty years old.
He was a Whig in politics and a Presbyterian
in his religious belief. He married Susan
Wilkins. Of her four children by him Eli
(second) was the oldest. None are living.

Eli Curtis (second), the father of Eli C.,
was born in Reading, Mass., in 1784, and
came with his parents to Lyndeboro at the age
of twelve years. He established the first saw-
mill here, and was also engaged in tilling the
soil. His prosperity was earned by hard work.
He was one of the five residents of this town
who voted for the Free Soil candidates, and
he became a Republican at the formation of
that party. He married Sarah Loring, of
New Boston, N.H., a daughter of William
Loring, son of John Loring, who came from
England in the army of General Wolf in 1750,
and participated in the capture of Quebec.
She became the mother of twelve children, of
whom Eli C., Betsey Ann, and William W.
are now living. Betsey Ann is the widow of
Robert Lynch, late of Lyndeboro, and her
children are: Lillian and Herbert. William
W. married Deborah Parker, of this town, and
his children are: Abbie F., Charles P., and
Willis C. Eli Curtis (second) lived to be
ninety-two years old, dying August 6, 1876;

 
388

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

and his wife attained the age of eighty-eight.
They were members of the Congregational
church.

Eli C. Curtis attended school in Lyndeboro.
When his studies were completed, he began
work in his father’s mill. Later he engaged
in the manufacture of lumber and firewood.
After doing a large and profitable business for
many years in these industries, he finally re-
tired to his farm. He owns about six hundred
acres, which give him ample room for pastur-
age, and he is one of the largest milk dealers
in this locality.

On November 24, 1845, Mr. Curtis was
joined in marriage with his cousin, Betsey
Ann Curtis, a daughter of Asher Curtis, of
this town. His children are: Isaiah B.,
Clara A., and S. Kate. The last named, who
has taught school successfully in this county,
is now the wife of Albert E. Swinington, of
Lyndeboro, and has one child, E. Clarabel.
She is active in the Patrons of Husbandry,
and is at the present time District Deputy of
the State grange. Clara, who is no longer liv-
ing, was formerly a school teacher, and became
the wife of Samuel Sheldon, of Wilton. In
politics Mr. Curtis isa Republican. He served
with ability upon the Board of Selectmen,
and he represented this town in the legislature
during the years 1872 and 1873. Heisa Past
Master of Pinnacle Grange, and is officially
connected with the Congregational church, of
which his wife is a member. Mr. Curtis is
widely known in musical circles throughout
Hillsboro County, where he has taught singing-
schools for upward of forty years. He is es-
pecially interested in all educational advance-
ment. Both he and his family have generously
given time and money to assist in all move-
ments of that kind.

 

BNER FROST, an esteemed resident

of the part of Weare called Riverdale,

was born in Tewksbury, Mass., Jan-

uary 4, 1814, son of Aaron and Su-

sanna (Stearns) Frost. Aaron Frost, a native
of Tewksbury, was a wheelwright by trade,
and also followed farming. The greater part
of his life was spent in Tewksbury. His last

 

years were passed in the home of his son,
Abner, in Lowell, where he died at the age of
eighty-six years. Susanna, his wife, who was
also born in Tewksbury, died there at the same
age. Both were members of the Congregational
church. In politics, he was first a Whig and
later a Republican. They had ten children,
of whom three are now living: Aaron, residing
in Tewksbury; Abner, the subject of this
sketch; and Beulah, the widow of Isaac Hunt.
Abner Frost remained with his parents during
his early years, and was educated in the district
school. After attaining the age of eighteen,
he learned the blacksmith’s trade, and followed
it for a short time. Then he served an ap-
prenticeship to cabinet-making in Charles-
town, Mass., and subsequently followed that
trade in various places, in the last of which,
Lowell, Mass., he remained for about twenty
years. In May, 1866 or 1867, he came to
Riverdale, then called Oil Mills, and there
for a number of years conducted a general
store. Afterward for seventeen years he was
employed as station agent on the North Weare
Railroad, now a part of the Boston & Maine
system. He has now practically retired from
active business.

In 1837 Mr. Frost married Miss Mary Liv-
ingston, who was born in Tewksbury, Mass.
She died February 24, 1887, aged sixty-eight
years, four months, and one day. Four chil-
dren were born of the union, namely: Freder-
ick, who died in infancy; Carrie A., who mar-
ried Arthur Black, and died, leaving four
children — Ellen C., Carrie E., Walter A.,
and Ruth M.; Ellen J., who is the wife of
William Pierce, of West Auburn, Mass., and
has one son, Frederick A.; and M. Serena,
the wife of John C. Hoyt, of Riverdale, and
the mother of four daughters— Alice M.,
Carrie G., Maud L., and Edith L. Mr. Frost
is a stanch Republican. In Lowell he was
a member of the Board of Aldermen for two
years, and also served for a time as Surveyor
of Wood and Lumber. He has held the Jatter
office here in Weare, was a Representative to
the New Hampshire legislature for two years,
was Postmaster for about sixteen years, and he
has been a Justice of the Peace for many years.
He is the senior member of Oberlin Lodge,
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

389

 

 

No. 28, I. O. O. F., of Lowell; and he is a
communicant of the Baptist church, of which
his wife was also a member. Mr. Frost has
a nice residence in Riverdale.

 

 

born here, September 2, 1822, son of

Samuel and Jane (Wells) Poor. His

grandfather, Samuel Poor, who was born
December 13, 1758, in Rowley, Mass., lived
there throughout the greater part of his life,
chiefly engaged in general farming. A Revo-
lutionary soldier, he served with General Gage
in New York, and was present at the surrender
of General Burgoyne. He died August 21,
1841. His wife survived him until April 21,
1853.

Samuel Poor, son of Grandfather Poor and
the father of the subject of this sketch, born
in Hookset, N.H., April 9, 1787, settled in
Goffstown about the year 1815, when the land
was in rather a wild state. He engaged in
lumbering and general farming, and built the
present dwelling. He was a member of the
First Congregational Church at Manchester.
In politics he was a Republican, and always
voted with that party. On August 3, 1816,
he married Jane Wells, who was born in
Goffstown, March 25, 1796. He died October
20, 1882, having lived but a little more than
two months after his wife’s death, which had
occurred on the twelfth of the preceding
August. They had seven children, of whom
Trad, Jane, Louisa, and Asa are living. The
others —— Samuel, Julia Ann, and Daniel — are
deceased. Jane married a Mr. Pike, and at
present is living in Goffstown; Louisa married
Mr. Gould, and lives in Providence, R.I. ; and
Asa lives in the State of Vermont.

Irad Poor remained in Goffstown until. his
majority, receiving his education in the dis-
trict schools of Goffstown. He then went to
Manchester, and was there employed by the
Stark Manufacturing Company in the capacity
of watchman, for several years. He was next
engaged in the confectionery business until
1861, when he sold out and moved to the
homestead where he was born, and which has
been his home since. Here he has carried on

qe POOR, a farmer of Goffstown, was

 

general farming, kept a dairy, and acquired a
profitable milk business. Besides improving
the buildings, he has added more Jand to the
farm, which now contains about one hundred
and fifty acres, mostly under cultivation. In
politics he is a Republican, and he has accept-
ably served in the capacity of Selectman.

On May 4, 1847, Mr. Poor married Fannie
George, who was born in Goffstown, January
13, 1829. She is the only surviving child of
Nathaniel and Judith (Coggin) George, both
of whom are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs.
Poor have had seven children — Fannie M.,
Frank I., Emma J., Tilon M., Flora M., Ella
A., and Cora M. Fannie M. married a Mr.
Marsh, and died, leaving a son, Joseph Marsh.
Frank J. is deceased. Emma married Mr.
Richards, and has two children — Ertell and
Lena. Tilon M. remains at home and assists
in carrying on the farm. He is a member of
the O. U. A. M., Washington Council, No. 3.
Flora married Mr. Austin, and has three chil-
dren — Herbert, Everett, and Ralph. Ella
married Mr. Pollard, and has one son, Her-
mon. Mr. and Mrs. Poor, accepting no creed,
are members of no church. Both are highly
respected in the town.

 

HARLES H. MARTIN, a farmer of
Goffstown, was born here, June 8,

1846, son of Elnathan W. and
Annie (Wells) Martin. His great-
grandfather was Joshua Martin. His grand-

father, Caleb Martin, who was born on the old
homestead in this town, owned and _ success-
fully conducted a good farm. Caleb married
Polly Whitney, and lived to the advanced age
of eighty years.

Elnathan W. Martin, born October 20,
1812, son of Caleb, spent most of his life on
the old homestead, chiefly engaged in general
farming. In religion he was a Congregation-
alist. He held no public offices, but in poli-
tics he was a Republican, and he was one of
the first to start the organization of the party
in his town. He married Annie Wells, who,
born in Goffstown, December 15, 1820, died
June 7, 1882. His death occurred March 21,
1883. They had six children; namely, Mary
39°

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

A., Charles H., Etta F., Hattie A., Selwin
T., and Hattie E. Mary A. and Selwin T.
are residing in Goffstown. Hattie E., Etta
F., and Hattie A. are deceased.

Charles H. Martin was educated in the dis-
trict schools of the town. He has followed
the business of general farming, besides at-
tending to a milk route in the city of Man-
chester, for the last twenty-two years. He
owns a good farm of one hundred and twenty-
five acres, on which are substantial buildings.
In politics he is a Republican, and he has
been Selectman for a number of years. He
is a member of the Junior Patrons of Hus-
bandry, Grange No. 150, at Grasmere. On
December 31, 1881, he married Angie M.
Richardson, who was born in New London,
N.H., April 4, 1853, daughter of James and

Mary E. (Armour) Richardson. Mrs. Rich-
ardson died December 31, 1891. Mr. Rich-
ardson now lives with his daughter, Mrs.

Mr. and Mrs. Martin have no chil-
dren. They are members of the Methodist
Episcopal church. Active and enterprising,
Mr. Martin is one of the leading men in the
town.

Martin.

 

 

AMES S. PROUTY, a prominent busi-
ness man and real estate dealer of Al-
stead, Cheshire County, was born in
South Acworth, N.H., on January 27,

1856. His parents were Samuel W. and Sarah
(Stearns) Prouty. His paternal grandfather
was Willard Prouty, a well-known farmer of
this section, whose life was spent partly at
Langdon and partly in Acworth. He married
Sally French, and they had a family of six
children, Samuel] W., above named, who was
born in Langdon in December, 1815, being
the second.

Samuel W. Prouty was in a general store
for a number of years, and later was interested
in a paper-mill. During the rest of his active
life he was engaged in the cattle business,
and by his own thrift and enterprise he ac-
cumulated a considerable property. Always
so closely occupied by his own personal inter-
ests as to have no time for political affairs,
he never cared to hold office. He died in

 

September, 1871. His wife, formerly Sarah
Stearns, of Langdon, who was born in 1819,
died in 1889, leaving one son, James S., of
Alstead. Mr. Prouty’s parents were regular
attendants of the Congregational church.

James S. Prouty was an only child, and was
educated in the schools of Alstead and in Bos-
ton, Mass. After his school days were over,
he went into the post-office for a time, and
later was clerk in a boot and shoe store at
Fitchburg, Mass. He was then clerk in
Town’s Hotel, at Bellows Falls, Vt., for ten
years; and after that time, while his mother
lived, he was busy looking out for her busi-
ness interests. Since the death of his mother
Mr. Prouty has continued to care for his prop-
erty, and has dealt considerably in cattle and
horses and in real estate. He takes an active
interest in town affairs, and has been Select-
man for a number of years, being at present
chairman of the Board. In 1895 he was
sent to the legislature to represent the town,
and served on the Committee on Educational
Matters.

Mr. Prouty married Emily D., daughter of
Samuel C. and Martha M. Savory, of this
town. Mrs. Prouty was born in November,
1865. Mr. Prouty and his wife attend the
Congregational church, and are always ready
to aid in any of the benevolent enterprises of
that society.

OL. WILLIAM DUMOND SWART,

is a self-made man, who has won his

way to eminence in political, finan-

cial, and social affairs. A son of

William R. and Eliza (Dumond) Swart, long

residents of Margaretville, N.Y., he was born
in that town, July 9, 1856.

Colonel Swart’s ancestors, both paternal
and maternal, came from Holland, and were
among the earliest European settlers of New
York State, locating at and near Kingston on
the Hudson River. His great-grandfather,
Tunis Swart, son of Samuel Swart, lost his
entire possessions at the time the British
burned the city of Kingston during the Revo-
lutionary War; and his son, Samuel Swart,
grandfather of Colonel Swart, served through-

 
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

391

 

 

out the War of 1812 with honor and distinc-
tion.

On the maternal side, tracing back from
the ninth generation, we come to Walerandt
Du Mont, who was married in Kingston, Janu-
ary 13, 1664, to Margaret Hendricks, and who
was at that time one of the Military Council,
serving on the staff of the Noble Lord Di-
rector-general Stuyvesant in the Netherland-
ish service, and stationed at Kingston, N.Y.

William Dumond Swart acquired his edu-
cation in the public schools of Margaretville
and the Wesleyan Academy at Wilbraham,
Mass., finishing his studies at the age of eigh-
teen. Soon aiter leaving school he obtained
a clerkship in the wholesale dry-goods house
of Evans, Peak & Co., of New York City;
and he was with this firm about five years and
subsequently with Bates, Reed & Cooley for
two years. In 1881 he engaged in the decora-
tive art business in Newark, N.J., and his en-
terprise was crowned with marked success.
He was in this business about seven years,
and then travelled for pleasure for two years
through the United States. In February,
1890, he located in Nashua, N.H., engaging
in the retail lumber business with Charles A.
Roby, under the firm name of Roby & Swart.
Two years later this firm purchased the edge-
tool works in this city, and added a wood-
working plant; and in 1894 they consolidated
their retail business with that of F. D. Cook
& Co., the united firms being incorporated
under the name of the F. D. Cook Lumber
Company. The consolidation was for retail
purposes only. The firm of Roby & Swart re-
tained the manufacturing and wholesale busi-
ness under the corporate name of the Roby
& Swart Manufacturing Company. Colonel
Swart is a director in the F. D. Cook Lumber
Company, a director and treasurer in the Roby
& Swart Manufacturing Company, director in
the Nashua Machine Company and the
Nashua Trust Company, and a director and
treasurer of the Nashua Building Company.
He was elected to the presidency of the
Nashua Board of Trade three times in succes-
sion, in 1893, 1894, and 1895. In politics
he is astanch Republican. He had been in
Nashua but three years when he was elected to

 

the Common Council, in which he served in
1893, 1894, and 1895, occupying the presi-
dent’s chair the last two years. In 1895 he
resigned to accept the position of Fire Com-
missioner, which he still holds. In January,
1897, Governor Ramsdell appointed him a
member of his staff, with rank of Colonel,
which position he now occupies.

He was married in Nashua, October 7,
1890, to Miss Lizzie A. Roby, daughter of
Luther A. Roby, of this city, and has two
children — Elizabeth and William Roby
Swart. In society circles; Colonel Swart is
very prominent and popular. He isa member
of Rising Sun Lodge, F. & A. M.; Aaron P.
Hughes Council, St. George’s Chapter and
Commandery; E. A. Raymond Consistory;
and the Aaron P. Hughes Lodge of Perfection,
Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, having
taken thirty-two degrees in Masonry. He is
one of the directors of the First Congrega-
tional Society.

 

 

APTAIN OSCAR I. CONVERSE,
United States Army, retired, is a
native of Rindge, and was born
August 9, 1843. He is a son of
Captain Ebenezer H. and Sarah (Darling)
Converse. His grandfather was Joshua, only
son of Zebulon Converse. In 1845 Joshua
Converse purchased the mills at what is now
known as Converseville, where he engaged in
the manufacturing of lumber and woodenware,
and was later associated in business with his
sons, Zebulon and Omar D. Converse. He
increased the water-power facilities by con-
structing, mainly at his own expense, a reser-
voir, which was regarded at the time as a
great public improvement, and is still the
source of much benefit to the locality. For
seventeen years he served upon the Board of
Selectmen, was a member of the legislature
in 1840 and 1841, and a delegate to the Con-
stitutional Convention in 1850. Joshua Con-
verse married for his first wife Polly Piper,
who died leaving thirteen children; and for
his second wife he married Polly Kimball.
Captain Ebenezer H. Converse, father of
Captain Oscar I., was born November 14, 1811;
392

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

and with the exception of a few years spent in
New Ipswich, N.H., he has resided in Rindge
for the greater part of his life. He early took
a lively interest in military affairs, having
been Commander of the Rindge Light Infantry
from 1834 to 1837; and at the breaking out of
the Rebellion he promptly raised a company
for the Sixth New Hampshire Regiment. He
was commissioned Captain, and in the autumn
of 1861 marched to the front, where he ren-
dered efficient services for a year, at the expi-
ration of which time he resigned his com-
mand. In October, 1835, he married Sarah
Darling, daughter of Jewett B. and Hannah
(Murdock) Darling, of Winchendon, Mass.
She became the mother of four children,
namely: Morton E.; Nettie S.; Oscar I., the
subject of this sketch; and Clarence Converse.

Oscar I. Converse was educated in the com-
mon schools of his native town. When seven-
teen years old he enlisted as a private in a
battery of New Hampshire Light Artillery,
and on May 26, 1863, was discharged on ac-
count of physical disability. In July, 1864,
he was commissioned Second Lieutenant in
the First New Hampshire Cavalry, with
which he served until June 10, 1865, when he
was promoted to the rank of First Lieuten-
ant, and mustered out. In February, 1866,
he entered the regular army, being commis-
sioned as Second Lieutenant, and engaged in
active service upon the frontier. In the fol-
lowing May he was made First Lieutenant.
While serving in Arizona, he was severely
wounded in the leg and shoulder during a
desperate encounter with the Apache Indians,
and for meritorious conduct upon the field was
promoted to the rank of Captain. His wound
was of such a serious nature as to incapacitate
him for active service, and he was placed upon
the retired list. He was one of the youngest
commissioned officers in the regular army;
but his knowledge of military affairs, unques-
tionable ability, and bravery in action gained
for him the confidence of his superiors and
the respect of his brother officers. After his
retirement he received a Jeave of absence, and
visited Europe with a view of obtaining a
permanent cure for his disabled shoulder, re-
maining abroad for nearly five years. He is

 

now serving as a United States Inspector of
Emigration and Acting Commissioner, being
stationed at Quebec summers and at Halifax,
N.S., during the winter season. Politically,
he is a Republican, and in 1865 was elected
to the New Hampshire House of Representa-
tives, serving on the Committee on Railroads.
He is a member of the Loyal Legion, and is a
comrade of the Grand Army of the Repub-
lic.

While Commander of the United States Mil-
itary Post at Walla Walla, Wash., Captain
Converse was united in marriage with Coralie
S. Mix, daughter of the Hon. James D. Mix,
of that place. Their only son, Ralph Con-
verse, is now a medical student at McGill Col-
lege, Montreal. Mrs. Converse is a native of
New Orleans, La., a graduate of the College
of California, and has been highly cultivated
in vocal music by the celebrated master, Cav.
Francesco Lamperti, of Milan, Italy; and, al-
though she made a successful début in grand
opera at Arezzo, Italy, she has never become
a professional cantatrice.

 

DWARD HARDY, a prominent farmer
and dairyman of Hollis, was born in
this town, August 6, 1825, son of
Amos and Mary (Cummings) Hardy. His
great-grandfather, Phineas Hardy, came here
from Bradford, Mass., in 1751. The Hardy
family, of whom there are many representa-
tives in this section, are of Scotch ancestry.
The Hardys of Hollis have been largely
farmers. Mr. Edward Hardy’s father and
grandfather were coopers and farmers, and
both spent their lives in Hollis. Amos
Hardy was well known and respected through-
out the county. He was a Republican in pol-
itics, in religion a Congregationalist. He
lived to be eighty-three years of age, and his
wife lived to be seventy-one. Their children
were: Frances A., Daniel, Harriet, Edward,
William, Horace, and George. Only four of
these are now living.

Edward Hardy grew to manhood in Hollis,
and was educated in the public schools of the
town. When a young man he learned the
cooper’s trade under his father’s instruction.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

393

 

 

Subsequently he was extensively engaged in
that line of business. In recent years he has
carried on general farming. His farm of one
hundred and fifty acres comprises orchards,
tillage land, and pasture. His dairy products
are of a high order, and he obtains large crops
of fruit, particularly of apples. Last year he
shipped one thousand barrels of apples to
Liverpool, had besides two hundred barrels of
first quality, hand-picked apples for the home
markets, and about a hundred barrels more of
windfalls. His cattle are fine stock of cele-
brated Holstein breed. Mr. Hardy has lived
on the farm since 1850, and he has made
many improvements, both by fertilizing and
the erection of substantial buildings.

In 1850 Mr. Hardy married Louisa M.
Wheeler, a native of Hollis, born in 1828,
and a daughter of Major James Wheeler.
Mrs. Hardy died September 20, 1881, leaving
one son, Charles E., who lives with his father.
Charles Hardy, who managed a milk business
in Nashua for a number of years, now devotes
his whole time to assisting in the care of his
father’s farm. He is married, and has two
children — Harold and Louisa. He _ repre-
sented the town in the legislature of 1897.
In politics he is a Democrat. He is a member
of the grange, and also belongs to the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows. He is now in
Mexico, engaged with other parties in clearing
up six hundred acres of land, on which they in-
tend to cultivate coffee and the rubber plant.
Mr. Edward Hardy has always been interested
in the civil and political affairs of Hollis. He
has served the town as Selectinan, and also as
Town Treasurer. He is a Democrat in poli-
tics, and liberal in religious faith. He is a
member of the grange, and he has been greatly
interested in the work of that organization.

 

EBSTER L. RIXFORD, a well-

known citizen of Winchester, N.H.,

was born in this town on August 6,

1848, son of Lucius and Adeline J. (Cook)
Rixford. The family is an old one in Win-
chester, and from the time its first representa-
tive settled here has been one of the most
prosperous in town. About 1782, before any

 

roads were laid out in this region, three Rix-
ford brothers — William, Henry, and Simon
—came from Grafton, Mass., to Winchester.
Their father, whose name was William, and
who may be here called William, first, was
probably born in England. Simon, one of the
brothers, did not permanently settle here.
William, second, and his wife, Lucy Wilson,
of Northboro, Mass., with their infant son
Luther, came on horseback. They settled on
the homestead now occupied by J. L. Reno
Putnam. The first season a log cabin was
built, and about ten acres of land were
cleared. This early period was one of great
privation and anxiety. Bears and wolves
often prowled around, hungry for sheep or for
human flesh; and, to add to the difficulty of
procuring proper food, all grain to be ground
must be taken to Northfield, Mass., where was
the nearest grist-mill. The children of Will-
iam and Lucy Rixford were: Luther, Lucy,
Ephraim, William (third), Sally, Artemas,
Harriet, Solomon, and Finis. Luther mar-
ried Sally Hawkins, and was the first settler
in the village of Ashuelot, and subsequently
became one of the firm of Rixford, Fairbanks
& Allen, manufacturers of cotton yarn. He
also made scythes. After-a time he removed
to Highgate, Vt., where he carried on the
last-named business, and where he died.

William, third, brother of Luther, and
better known as Captain William, married
Betsey, daughter of Lieutenant Amos Willard,
and settled upon the homestead in the log
house in which he was born. In 1812 he
helped his father in building the house in
which his son Willard now resides. Captain
William Rixford was a successful farmer and
a man highly esteemed as a citizen. He died
on the homestead at the age of sixty-nine
years. He had three sons and three daugh-
ters, namely: Eliza; Emily; William, fourth,
and Willard, who were twins; Harriet; and
Lucius. Willard Rixford, who resides on the
Rixford homestead, married Rhoda Coombs,
and has had a family of five children. J. L.
Reno Putnam, above mentioned, married his
grand-daughter, Nellie R. Rixford.

William, fourth, son of Captain William,
married Sarah J. Cook in 1845, and brought
394

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

her to live at the old home. He formed a
business association with his brother Lucius,
which lasted until the death of the latter on
December 1, 1882. For many years the two
brothers worked together, and their lives were
so closely and so harmoniously blended that a
sketch of the career of one necessarily in-
cludes an account of the other. They had
large farming interests, and besides did an ex-
tensive business in buying and fattening cattle
for sale. They were known as _ successful
cattle dealers, progressive farmers, and citi-
zens who by their upright living reflected
credit upon the town and could always be
counted upon to look out for her welfare.

Lucius Rixford, who was born on April 23,
1818, married on November 8, 1842, Adeline
J. Cook, daughter of John Cook and sister of
his brother William’s wife; and the two fam-
ilies lived together on the Rixford farm for
about twenty years. At the end of that time,
upon the death of their father-in-law, they re-
moved to the John Cook farm. Here they
lived for the ensuing eighteen years. A year
after the death of Lucius, William moved to
the fine residence near the village which is
now occupied by his widow, who has no chil-
dren living. William was four years Select-
man and two years Representative. He was
a member of the Universalist church. In
politics he was a stanch Republican. Lucius
was Representative for one term and was ac-
tive in town affairs. During the time of the
Know Nothings he was a Republican, but
afterward joined the Democratic party, to
which he ever after remained loyal. One of
his favorite sayings was “Only fools don’t
change in politics.” Both brothers were
directors in the bank for many years, and were
men of wide influence. Lucius is survived
by two children: Sarah E., born September
17, 1843; and Webster L.

Webster L. Rixford, who worthily repre-
sents a family that has produced men of such
sterling character, is popular in the town, and
is actively interested in its social and business
life. He is well informed on matters of pub-
lic interest, and possesses much of the shrewd
and keen business judgment for which his
father and uncles have been so remarkable.

 

After leaving school he went to farming with
his father and uncles, and subsequently en-
gaged in butchering and the meat business,
which he carried on successfully for twelve
years. He then added a stock of groceries,
and for eight years longer carried on this busi-
ness most successfully, making twenty years
in all. He employed two men, but did the
butchering himself. During the latter part of
this time he occupied a place in the village
which he had built for the purpose, a large
block. But this was burned, and Mr. Rixford
never rebuilt. In 1888 he sold the land.
The same year in which he went out of busi-
ness he was appointed Deputy Sheriff, and
that position he has occupied ever since, its
duties claiming a large share of his attention.
For fifteen years he has been a policeman.
He is public-spirited, and is liberal in his
support of any good cause. He has been
prominently identified with the Republican
party as one of its leading men in this town,
and since 1891 has been Tax Collector. He
is now janitor of the town hall and town li-
brary, the Universalist church, and the school-
house. He is a member of Pokahonet Tribe,
No. 20, of the Order of Red Men at Keene,
N.H.

Mr. Webster L. Rixford married Emma F.,
daughter of Fred and Emmeline Robertson.
Two children have been born to them;
namely, Willie L. and Emma Frances. Mr.
Rixford resides near his aunt, Mrs. William
Rixford, with whom his sister Sarah makes
her home.

 

sociate Justice of the Supreme Court
of New Hampshire, is a native of
— Henniker, this State, born May 2,
1847, son of Jonas and Mary (Darling) Wal-
lace. His father was a well-known merchant
of Henniker, and his ancestors on the paternal
side were among the pioneer settlers of Lon-
donderry, N.H. When a lad he attended the
common schools and academy of his native
town, and at the age of sixteen years entered
Dartmouth College. He was there graduated
in the class of 1867, and shortly afterward

A ROBERT M. WALLACE, As-

 
 

 

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW 395
began the study of law in the office of Mason |a farm in Francestown, N.H., he resided
W. Tappan, of Bradford, who afterward be- | there until 1856. Then after a residence

came attorney-general of New Hampshire.
Having read law for three years, he was ad-
mitted to the bar in 1870, and he remained
with Mr. Tappan for a short time subse-
quently. In 1872 he came to Milford, and
formed a partnership with United States Sen-
ator Bainbridge Wadleigh, with whom he was
professionally associated until the latter’s re-
moval to Boston, since which time he has
practised alone. In 1877-78 Mr. Wallace
represented the town in the State legislature.
In 1889 he was a member of the Constitu-
tional Convention. In 1883 he was appointed
County Solicitor for Hillsboro County, which
position he held during the succeeding ten
years; and at the end of that time, in 1893,
he was appointed by Governor John B. Smith
as Associate Justice of the Supreme Bench of
New Hampshire. Mr. Wallace was united in
marriage in August, 1874, with Miss Ella M.
Hutchinson, daughter of the late A. F.
Hutchinson, of Medford. Three children
have blessed their union— Edward D., Robert
B., and Helen.

 

OHN M. COLLINS, proprietor of the

old Governor Steele estate in Peter-

boro, was born in Francestown, N.H.,

May 31, 1852, son of John M. and

Abbie S. (Dean) Collins. His grandfather,

also named John M. Collins, some years after

reaching manhood removed from Braintree,

Mass., his native town, to Hancock, N.H.,

where he engaged in farming. From Han-

cock he subsequently removed to Francestown,

where he cleared a farm from the wilderness,

and resided for the rest of his life, which

closed at the age of eighty-seven years. He

married Betsey Brackett, who became the

mother of eight children, none of whom are

living. She died at the age of sixty-nine
years.

John M. Collins, second, father of the sub-
ject of this sketch, was born in Hancock,
N.H., October 4, 1801. Having acquired a
good education, he taught school in New Jersey
for some time. Subsequently, settling upon

 

of two years in Hancock he moved in 1858
to Peterboro and purchased the Governor
Steele estate, consisting of one hundred and
twenty acres. The rest of his life was spent
in tilling the soil, and he died September
16, 1880. In politics he was a Republican.
He took an active part in public affairs, serv-
ing three years as Selectman, and representing
Francestown in the legislature in 1854 and
1855. In his religious belief he was a Con-
gregationalist. His wife, Abbie S. Dean,
who is a daughter of Nathan Dean, of Dover,
Vt., became the mother of two children: John
M., the subject of this sketch; and Lizzie A.,
who was born August 17, 1854. The last
named married her cousin, George H. Collins,
and now resides in Waltham, Mass. Mrs.
Abbie S. Collins died March 21, 1897, at the
age of eighty-two years.

John M. Collins, who is the third represent-
ative of the family in direct line to bear that
name, acquired his education in the schools
of Peterboro. Since the completion of his
studies he has given his attention to farming,
and has managed the estate since his father’s
death with ability and success.

On June ro, 1885, Mr. Collins was joined
in marriage with Mrs. Lizzie F. (Knight)
Perham, daughter of Isaac S. Knight, of
Tyngsboro, Mass. He has one son, Harold
D., born June 26, 1886. Politically, Mr.
Collins acts with the Republican party.

 

tor of Sullivan and an ex-member
of the legislature, was born in Gil-
W— sum, N.H., March 18, 1859, son of
George and Marcia J. (Wright) Hubbard.
The grandfather, Daniel Hubbard, was a pros-
perous farmer of Walpole, N.H. The maiden
name of his wife was Catherine Griffin, and
their children were: Leonard C.; Willard and
William, twins; Daniel; Catherine; George;
Albert; Levi; Henry; and Fred.

George Hubbard, father of Henry W., was
born in Walpole, N.H., November 18, 1827.
He served as a soldier in the Mexican War,

YPENRY W. HUBBARD, Town Audi-
9

 
396

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

and after his return from the army he fol-
lowed the cooper’s trade for a short time. He
subsequently located upon a farm in Westmore-
land, from whence he moved to Gilsum, where
he remained eight years. He then followed
farming in Keene for two years, after which
he came to Sullivan; and for the past twenty-
eight years he has tilled the soil successfully
in this town. His wife, Marcia, was born in
March, 1838, a daughter of Jesse D. and Abi-
gail (Mosley) Wright. She became the
mother of three children: Arthur J.; Henry
W., the subject of this sketch; and Emma J.
Arthur J. Hubbard is a vocalist and music
teacher in Cambridge, Mass. ; and his sister,
Emma J., who is unmarried, resides with him.

Henry W. Hubbard was educated in the
schools of Gilsum, Sullivan, and Keene. He
has always resided with his parents, and he
assists his father in carrying on the farm.
He is active and prominent in public affairs,
having served as a Selectman three years and
as Auditor during the past four years. He
is a member of the Board of Health, and,
while Representative to the legislature in
1877, was upon the Committee on Public
Improvements. He is connected by member-
ship with the local grange, Patrons of Hus-
bandry, and is deeply interested in the welfare
of that order. He attends the Congregational
church.

ALTON H. ALDRICH, M.D., who
has practised his profession suc-
cessfully in Marlboro for the past

ten years, was born in Swanzey, N.H., July
2, 1854, son of George H. and Hannah A.
(Thompson) Aldrich. His parents were born
in Swanzey, as was also his grandfather, Paul
F. Aldrich. The latter was a_ prosperous
farmer and cattle dealer, who drove many
herds of cattle to the stock-yards in Brighton,
Mass., and whose last years were spent at the
home of one of his sons in Brighton.

George H. Aldrich, Dr. Aldrich’s father,
was in early life a mechanic, and formerly
worked in the mills in this locality. For
some years past he has been engaged in the
fire and life insurance business in Keene. He

 

 

married Hannah A. Thompson, a daughter of
Alvah Thompson, of Swanzey, and they reared
seven children; namely, Walton H., Herbert

'C., Edwin T., Edith L., Eugene L., Emma

M., and Sidney C. Walton H. and Emma
M., who is the wife of Dr. A. M. Doolittle,
a druggist, live in Marlboro; and the others
are residents of Keene.

Walton H. Aldrich passed some time in
Wisconsin during his boyhood. He attended

-the district schoo] in Troy, N.H., graduated

at the high schoo] in the same place, and then
pursued the course of study at the Agricultural
College, at that time in Hanover, N.H., where
he received the degree of Bachelor of Science.

: He was a student at the Dartmouth Medical

School for one term; and, after continuing his
studies in the office of Drs. Ira and F. W.
Russell, Winchendon, Mass., for two years,

“he entered the medical] department of the Uni-

versity of the City of New York, and was
there graduated with the degree of Doctor of
Medicine in 1880. Locating at Gilsum,
N.H., in the same year, he shortly removed to
Rindge, this State, where he resided for seven

_ years; and since 1887 he has practised in

Marlboro. Dr. Aldrich is widely and favor-
ably known, both as an able physician and a
public-spirited citizen. He occupies a sub-
stantial granite residence on the old Green-
wood estate in the centre of the village. He
is a member of the American Medical Asso-
ciation, the New Hampshire State, Cheshire
County, and the Connecticut River Medical
Societies, is connected with the Order of the
Golden Cross, is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal church, and in politics he acts with
the Republican party. During the Presiden-
tial term of President Harrison he served on
the Board of Pension Examiners for Cheshire
County.

Dr. Aldrich married Eliza J. Wilder, daugh-
ter of Mark Wilder, of Peterboro, N.H.
Three children — Nellie E., George H., and

‘Ethel J. —have been born to Dr. and Mrs.

Aldrich; and besides these they had an
adopted daughter, named Emma A. Stannard,
who died at the age of six years. Nellie E.
Aldrich is now attending Wesleyan Academy
at Wilbraham, Mass.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

397

 

 

EORGE W. PIERCE, M.D., is a
prominent physician and surgeon of

Winchester, a veteran of the Civil

War, and an ex-member of the New Hamp-
shire Senate. Born in this town, April 24,
1833, he is a son of Dr. Hosea and Verlina
(Putnam) Pierce. The father, who was a na-
tive of New Salem, Mass., settled in Win-
chester in 1828, and followed the medical pro-
fession with success until his retirement in
1857. A skilful and reliable physician of the
old school, he is spoken of in the highest
terms by the older residents, who remember
well his unselfish devotion to his duties. For
many years he was a leading spirit in local
public affairs. In politics he was  succes-
sively a Whig and a Republican; and he served
as a Representative in the State legislature,
and was the Postmaster for four years. After
transferring his practice to his son, he en-
gaged in the drug business as a means of keep-
ing himself busy; and his store was frequently
the scene of impromptu political discussions
during the long winter evenings. He was not
only noted for his professional ability, but by
his genial disposition and generous hospitality
he gained the esteem of all with whom he
came in contact. His death, which occurred
March 24, 1893, was the cause of general re-
gret. He was connected with the Odd Fel-
lows and the Masons, and was. buried with
Masonic rites. His children are: George W.,
E. Proctor, and J. Warren. E. Proctor Pierce,
M.D., served as a medical officer during the
late war, and is now practising his profes-
sion in Springfield, Mass. J. Warren Pierce
studied dentistry, and practised it until he
entered the army, where he served as a Lieu-
tenant in the Thirty-fifth Regiment, United
States C. T. Volunteers. After his return he
was for some time engaged in a mercantile
business in Claremont, N.H. Later he bought
a farm in Cornish, where he is still residing.
George W. Pierce became familiar with
drugs and their use at an early age. While
still a boy, he was instructed by his father in
the manner of compounding medicine, and
previous to the completion of his studies he
was able to attend to minor surgical cases.

His early education was acquired in the dis- |

 

trict schools, Townsend (Vt.) Academy, the
Keene High School, the academy in Shel-
burne Falls, Mass., and at the New England
Institute for Young Men in New York City.
The knowledge of medicine and experience in
practice obtained under the guidance of his
father greatly facilitated his medical studies
at the Berkshire Medical School, Pittsfield,
Mass., from which he graduated in 1854.
After graduation he immediately became as-
sociated with his father. He eventually took
charge of the entire practice, and attended
to it without interruption until 1864. Then
he enlisted as Assistant Surgeon of the
First New Hampshire Cavalry, in which he
was later promoted to the rank of Surgeon.
In an engagement fought at Back Roads in the
Shenandoah Valley he received five sabre
wounds; and, being left upon the field for
dead, he was captured by the enemy, who
conveyed him to Libby Prison. Later he
obtained his liberty, and rejoined his regi-
ment. After his discharge at the close of the
war he resumed his practice in this town.

A physician and surgeon of recognized abil-
ity, the services of Dr. Pierce are in constant
demand in Winchester and the surrounding
towns, and he is frequently called to distant
localities for consultation. Outside his pro-
fession he is the president of the Ashuelot
Valley Electric Heat and Power Company, he
was at one time chief partner in the S. M.
Kendrick Steam Mill Company, and he is ex-
tensively interested in real estate. He is a
member of the New Hampshire State, the
Cheshire County, and the Connecticut River
Valley Medical Societies, in all of which he
takes an active interest. Politically, Dr.
Pierce is a Republican. He has rendered
valuable services to the town as a member of
the Schoo] Board, and is at the present time
the chairman of that body. While serving in
the legislature during the session of 1875, he
served upon the Committee of Election. As
a member of the Senate in 1891, he was chair-
man of the Committee on Railroads, and he
had charge and successfully carried through
the bills authorizing the Boston & Maine and
the Concord & Montreal Railroads to increase
their capital stock. He is the president of
398

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

the Winchester Republican Club, has been a
member of the State Republican Committee
for the past thirty years, has been a dele-
gate in many county and State conventions,
and in 1896 was elected Moderator of
town meetings for two years. He served as
Surgeon- general upon Governor Currier’s
staff, was in April of the present year se-
lected by Governor Ramsdell as a trustee of
the State Lunatic Asylum, and for the past six
years has been the president of the board of
trustees of the Winchester Public Library.
The Doctor has prepared historical sketches
of Winchester for Child’s Cheshire County
Gazetteer, the Granite State monthly magazine,
and the History of Cheshire and Sullivan
Counties. He is a Past Commander of the
local Grand Army post.

Dr. Pierce wedded Maria C. Follett, a
daughter of William Follett, who was formerly
a successful hotel-keeper and _ prosperous
farmer of this town. Mrs. Pierce is the
mother of four children, namely: Alexander
F., who married Minnie H. Howard, only
daughter of the late Albert M. Howard;
Susan P., who is the wife of Walter O. Steb-
bins, a merchant of Hinsdale, N.H.; Abbie
M., who is the wife of Edward C. Thompson,
of Winchester; and Philip W., who resides
with his parents.

EORGE R. PERRY, a well-known

resident of Westmoreland, Cheshire

County, N.H., where he has long

taken a prominent part in town affairs, was

born in Brookline, Vt.; April 16, 1826, son of

Dr. William and Susan (Reed) Perry. His

grandfather was William ‘Perry, one of the

first settlers on West Hill in Putney, Vt.,
where the Doctor was born.

When a young man Dr. William Perry set-
tled in Brookline, Vt.; and afterward he re-
moved to Newfane, Vt., where he died. He
was a physician of high standing, with a large
country practice, necessitating long rides on
horseback. He was a strong Democrat in
politics; he held many town offices, and served
as a Representative to the General Court; and
he was a man of decided opinions, but one who

 

 

made many friends. He died at the age of
sixty-six. His wife, Susan, was a daughter of
Timothy Reed. They had nine children,
namely: Cheseldon, a prosperous hotel man;
Caroline, who married David Sherwin;
Thatcher; Jane, who married Thomas Wake-
field, a lawyer of Boston, Mass.; George R.,
of Westmoreland; Lura, who died unmarried;
Bertrand, who married Leavitt Wellman;
Crogan, who died young; and John, who went
into the hotel business.

George R. Perry was educated in Brookline,
Vt., and at the Townshend Academy. Upon
finishing his studies he learned the carpen-
ter’s trade, and for some time also he drove
the stage. After his marriage he removed to
Westmoreland, and took up agricultural pur-
suits. He owns at the present time one hun-
dred and twenty-five acres of land, and carries
on general farming. Mr. Perry is a leading
Republican, public-spirited and liberal in his
views and a favorite with his townspeople.
He has held office in the town almost continu-
ously since his first appointment to a position
of trust. He has been Selectman for six
years, clerk of his. school district for thirty-
three years, and is at the present time a trus-
tee of the town. He has been Moderator,
Supervisor, delegate to different conventions,
and a member of various important commit-
tees.

He married in November, 1847, Jane M.,
daughter of Amos Blodgett, of Brattleboro,
Vt. Three children were born of this union,
namely: Addie F., who married Hibbard C.
Black, of Putney, Vt.; Jennie L., who mar-
ried George E. Corser, of Holyoke, Mass.
and Kate W., who lives at home with her
father. Mrs. Perry died June 22, 1896. In
her death Mr. Perry lost a helpmate who had
made his home one of the truest happiness, a
woman of rare virtues, and a devoted wife and
tender mother.

 

 

HARLES H. HARTSHORN, who
conducts a thriving general mercantile
business in Greenville, Hillsboro

County, was born in this town, Sep-

tember 13, 1854, son of James and Mary
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

399

 

 

(Sawtelle) Hartshorn. His great-grandfather
was an Englishman who emigrated to America
and settled in Wilton, N.H., where he cleared
a farm. Samuel Hartshorn, grandfather of
Charles H., was born in Wilton, February 18,
1788, and was a farmer and lifelong resident
of that town. He died in the prime of life,
December 3, 1831. His wife, Mary Tarbell
Hartshorn, was born in Mason, N.H., Febru-
ary 8, 1793. They had four children, none
of whom are now living. The mother died at
the age of eighty-three years. She and her
husband were Congregationalists in religion.

James Hartshorn, who was the youngest
child of his parents, was born in Wilton, May
26, 1829. Leaving school at the age of
seventeen, he went to Manchester, N.H.,
where he served an apprenticeship at the
tinsmith’s trade, which he followed for some
time in that city. He finally settled in Green-
ville, where he conducted a tinware business
for several years. He subsequently opened a
general store, and also dealt quite extensively
in carriages. In his business career he was
associated at different times with others, but
during the last few years of his life he carried
on business alone. He had a wide reputation
for honest dealings and was respected for
his many sterling qualities. He was a Repub-
lican in politics, and attended the Congrega-
tional church. His death occurred July 6,
1891. His wife, Mary Sawtelle Hartshorn,
whom he married April 8, 1851, is a daughter
of William Sawtelle, of Mason. She has had
two children, one of whom is no longer living;
and she now resides with her son, Charles
H., the subject of this sketch.

Charles H. Hartshorn completed his school
life at Appleton Academy in New Ipswich,
N.H., and immediately began to assist his
father in business. When the latter's health
failed he took the entire charge of the store,
and after the death of the elder Hartshorn he
settled the estate. Since 1891 he has been
sole proprietor of the store, and he has main-
tained the high reputation it acquired under
his father’s management. He is rapidly ex-
panding the business into much larger propor-
tions, and he is regarded as one of the leading
merchants of this locality.

On November 30, 1876, Mr. Hartshorn was
united in marriage with Nellie Medora Nut-
ting, daughter of Joel Nutting, of Groton,
Mass. He has one son, Linus E., who was
born October 22, 1877. In politics Mr. Harts-
horn is a Republican. He is connected by
membership with the Masonic fraternity and
with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
of Greenville. He and his wife attend the
Congregational church.

EORGE F. BARNARD, a prominent

dairy farmer of Bedford, Hillsboro

County, and formerly a member of

the New Hampshire legislature, was born in

this town, September 8, 1848. His parents

were Daniel and Martha D. (Riddle) Barnard,

the former of whom was a native of Weare,

N.H. The mother was born upon the farm

in Bedford now owned and occupied by her
son, the subject of this sketch.

Daniel Barnard learned the carpenter’s
trade when a young man, and subsequently
followed it in connection with farming. The
greater part of his life was passed at the farm
on Bedford Hill, and he died at the age of
sixty-four years. He was a citizen of ability
and worth, and served as Town Treasurer and
Postmaster for a number of years. In politics
he was a Democrat. In his religious belief
he was a Presbyterian. His wife, Martha,
reared nine children, seven of whom are liv-
ing; namely, David, Hugh, Martha, Mar-
garet, Quincy, Eliza, and George F. The
two deceased are: Mary J. and Henry. Mrs.
Martha D. Barnard lived to be sixty-nine
years old.

George F. Barnard was reared and educated
in Bedford, and he has resided since his birth
upon the farm he now cultivates. He owns
one hundred and sixty acres of fertile land,
which is especially valuable on account of its
elevation; and the farm residence can be seen
for many miles. Asa dairy farmer he is un-
usually successful, and has a large and profit-
‘able milk trade. Politically, he is a Demo-
crat. He served as a member of the Board of
Selectmen two years, as Town Treasurer one

 

 

 

| year, and was Representative to the legislat-
400

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

ure in 1889. In each official capacity he
labored diligently for the best interests of the
town.

On December 24, 1873, Mr. Barnard was
united in marriage with Sarah L. Moore, who
was born in Bedford, December 9, 1849,
daughter of William and Mary A. Moore.
Her father, who was a native of this town,
followed the trade of a brickmaker in connec-
tion with farming; and her mother was a na-
tive of Pelham, N.H. Neither is now liv-
ing. Mr. and Mrs. Barnard have had two
children, namely: Harry G., who was born
September 18, 1878, and died April 5, 1892;
and Alice Leone, born October 7, 1883. Mr.
Barnard belongs to Hillsboro Lodge,
I. O. O. F., of Manchester; Thomas Savage
Commandery, No. 192; United Order of the
Golden Cross of Bedford; and to Narragansett
Grange, No. 46, Patrons of Husbandry. He
occupies a leading position among the repre-
sentative agriculturists of Bedford, and both
the Barnard and Moore families are prominent
in this locality. Mr. and Mrs. Barnard attend
the Presbyterian church.

A: C. MORRILL, senior mem-

 

ber of the firm of Morrill & Mer-
= rill, Hillsboro, and formerly Rep-
resentative to the State legislature,
was born in Warner, N.H., May 14, 1833,
son of John and Rebecca (Call) Morrill. The
father, who was an industrious farmer, spent
the active period of his life in Warner, and
lived to the age of about eighty-three years.
His wife, Rebecca, who was a native of War-
ner, became the mother of nine children, of
whom four are now living, namely: Nancy S.,
Sarah, Henry C., and Fanny. Nancy S. mar-
ried Nathaniel Loud, a late resident of Stone-
ham, Mass. Sarah is the widow of Samuel
Webster, late of Methuen, Mass., and has two
children — Carrie and Emma. Fanny became
the wife of George Barnett, of Penacook, who
is now deceased; and her children are Ida and
Charles. Mrs. Rebecca Call Morrill died at
the age of seventy-five. She was a member of
the Methodist Episcopal church.
Henry C. Morrill was educated in his native

 

 

town of Warner, and was brought up to farm
life and labor. He subsequently entered the
service of the Claremont & Contoocook Rail-
road as a fireman, and in course of time be-
came a locomotive engineer. After continu-
ing in the service for twenty-five years he
resigned. While in the employ of the rail-
road company he had settled in Hillsboro. In
1875 he formed a partnership with Mr. Frank
E. Merrill, of this town, under the firm name
of Morrill & Merrill, and they have since
carried on a general store here. In politics
he is a Democrat. He was elected to the
legislature in 1877, and re-elected in 1878;
and he was a member of the Board of Select-
men in 1895.

On November 2, 1854, Mr. Morrill wedded
Mary M. Smiley, of Hillsboro, by whom he
has one daughter, Emily Belle, who is now
the wife of Frank E. Merrill, Mr. Morrill’s
business associate. Mr. Morrill belongs to
Harmony Lodge, F. & A. M., in which he has
held various offices, and to Valley Lodge,
I. O. O. F., of Hillsboro, in which he has
occupied the principal chairs. He was for-
merly a member of the Brotherhood of Loco-
motive Engineers, and was very active in the
local organization. He is a man of much
business ability, and is regarded as one of
the progressive citizens of Hillsboro.

RANK E. MERRILL, a member of
the firm of Morrill & Merrill, who
carry on an extensive general mercan-

tile business in Hillsboro, was born in this
town, February 17, 1854, son of William and
Mary C. (Clark) Merrill. Daniel Merrill,
Mr. Merrill’s grandfather, was a prosperous
farmer of Hillsboro, and in his day was one
of the representative citizens of this town.
He died at the age of sixty years. By his
wife, Abigail, he had a family of seven chil-
dren, of whom William was the fourth-born.
But three are now living — Alvah, William,
and Luke. Alvah married Caroline Gregg,
of Deering, N.H.; and his only surviving
daughter, Emma, is now the wife of John H.
Locke, of Zealand, Coos County, N.H. Luke
married Pamelia Wood, of Henniker, N.H.,
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

401

 

 

and has three children — Etta M., Ida F., and
George W.

William Merrill, Frank E. Merrill’s father,
was born in Hillsboro. He was reared to
farm life, has followed agricultural pursuits
from his boyhood, and is now residing at the
homestead. He has figured prominently in
local affairs, having served as a Selectman,
and having represented this town in the legis-
lature. In politics he is a Democrat. His
wife, Mary, was a daughter of Seth Clark, of
Hillsboro. She became the mother of seven
children, of whom four are living; namely,
Daniel C., Frank E., Flora E., and Hattie E.
Daniel C. married Melissa Severance, of
Hillsboro, and has three children — Estella,
William, and George. Flora E. is the wife
of Salisbury Bickford, of Bethelem, N.H.,
and her children are: Mabel, Mamie, and
Howard. Hattie E. married Charles W. Gil-
christ, of Somerville, Mass.

Frank E. Merrill acquired his education
in the schools of his native town, and at an
early age he displayed a taste and a capacity
for mercantile pursuits. In 1875 he became
associated in business with his father-in-law
under the firm name of Morrill & Merrill,
and they carry a large and varied line of gen-
eral merchandise. Politically, he is a Demo-
crat. He was Town Clerk for twelve years,
and at the present time is serving as a member
of the School Board. He is proficient in
vocal music, and has led the choir of the
Methodist Episcopal church for the past
twenty-three years.

On June 16, 1875, Mr. Merrill was united
in marriage with Emily Belle Morrill, a na-
tive of Hillsboro, and daughter of Henry C.
Morrill, his business partner. He is highly
esteemed as an enterprising and progressive
business man, and both he and Mrs. Merril]
occupy a prominent social position.

ILLIAM S. LEONARD, M.D.,
the oldest physician of Hinsdale,
N.H., is the only son of the Rev.

Levi W. Leonard, D.D., and Elizabeth (Mor-
ison) Smith, and was born in Dublin, N.H.,
October 13, 1832. His grandfather, Jacob

 

 

Leonard, was a lifelong resident of Bridge-
water, Mass., and a Revolutionary soldier.
Dr. Leonard’s father was a Unitarian clergy-
man of distinction and an eminent scholar of
his day. He was instrumental in establishing
the first free public library in the United
States at Dublin in 1825, and was the author
of several valuable educational text-books,
among them the “North American Spelling-
book” being best known.

William S. Leonard prepared for college at
Phillips Exeter Academy. During his college
course and afterward he taught schools in
New Hampshire and Massachusetts. He pur-
sued his preliminary medical studies under
Professor Albert Smith, of Peterboro, N.H.,
and graduated from Dartmouth College
with the class of 1856, and from the Dart-
mouth Medical School in 1860, having taken
high rank in both his classical and profes-
sional studies. In the autumn of 1860 he
became associated in practice with Dr. Fred-
erick Boyden, who was at that time the only
physician in Hinsdale; and, as Dr. Boyden
was interested in various outside business en-
terprises during the last ten years of his life,
Dr. Leonard eventually succeeded to his en-
tire practice. He has had an extensive clien-
tage throughout this section, and acquired a
reputation as a skilful and successful physi-
cian. As a member of the New Hampshire
State Medical Society he was twice chosen
a delegate to the Dartmouth Medical School,
and in 1887 he delivered the annual address
at commencement. He has served with abil-
ity upon the Board of Education in Hinsdale,
and for many years has been identified with
the public library of histown. In July, 1897,
he was appointed by the Commissioner of Pen-
sions as Examining Surgeon for Pensions upon
the Keene Board. The Doctor possesses lit-
erary taste and ability far beyond that of the
ordinary professional man, writes much for
the loca] newspapers, and has been for several
years the regular Hinsdale correspondent of
the Springfield Republican.

On April 30, 1861, Dr. Leonard married
Martha E. Greenwood, a daughter of Jackson
Greenwood, of Dublin. There have been
born to them seven children, four of whom
402

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

died in infancy or early childhood. The liv-
ing are: Frederick S. Margaret E., and W.
Jackson Leonard. Frederick S., is a member
of the firm of Barrett & Leonard, printers,
Springfield, Mass. Margaret E. has been a
teacher in the high schools of Winchester and
Hinsdale, likewise instructor in Latin and
English literature at the Prospect Hill Sem-
inary in Greenfield, Mass., for two years, and
and is highly spoken of as an accomplished
scholar and excellent teacher. She is at
present a member of the Senior class (1897) at
Radcliffe College. W. Jackson Leonard de-
veloped artistic tastes at an early age; and,
after studying at Cowles Art School in’ Bos-
ton, he spent two years abroad, during which
time he was a student at Julien’s Art School
in Paris, and visited Florence and other art
centres. Since his return he has devoted his
time principally to artist pursuits. It may
be said of Dr. Leonard that he is of a genial
nature, looks upon the bright and mirthful
side of life, always has a good word and a
cheery smile for his patients, and believes in
“the hearty laugh that doeth good like a
medicine.” Increasing years have not made
him morose or dogmatic; but he keeps fresh
and young in all his feelings and sympathies,
the friend and companion of old and young
alike, and makes no claim to being anything
more or better than an alert, wide-awake, pro-
gressive country doctor.

EORGE SIMONS, the senior partner
in the firm of George Simons & Son,
who manufacture ladies’ fine shoes in

North Weare, was born May 13, 1828, in the
part of Weare called Riverdale, son of Chris-
topher and Nancy (Lock) Simons. His grand-
father, John Simons, who was an early settler
in Weare, spent the active period of his life in
tilling the soil.

Christopher Simons, a native of Weare, was
a prominent business man of this place. Be-
sides carrying on Jumber operations, he was
largely interested in the manufacture of lin-
seed oil. He was instrumental in building up
Oil Mills, which took its name from his
works; and he also cultivated a farm. In

 

 

politics he was a Democrat, and in his relig-
ious belief he was a Universalist. He died at
the age of seventy-eight years. His wife,
Nancy, who was a native of Deering, N.H.,
became the mother of nine children, eight of
whom grew to maturity, and four are living.
The latter are: Clarissa, born January 2, 1806,
who is now Mrs. Richards, and lives in River-
dale; James, born December 26, 1808, who
resides in the same village; Harrison, born
July 14, 1813,. who is also a resident of River-
dale; and George, the subject of this sketch.
The others were: Hiram, who died at the age
of seventy-eight; Louis, who died at eighty;
Langdon and Lorinda, both of whom died at
twenty; and Eliza Ann, who died at the age
of three and one-half years. The mother lived
to be seventy-eight years old.

George Simons received his elementary edu-
cation in the town schools. Subsequently,
after attending the Lebanon Academy for two
terms, he was obliged to give up studying on
account of poor health. His first employment
for salary was that of clerk in the store of “his
brother Louis. At a later date he purchased
the business and carried it on for a year, when
it was destroyed by fire. On February 1,
1853, he resumed business at Weare Centre,
where he conducted a general store until 1876.
Then he disposed of the store and engaged in
building, general farming, and fruit growing.
He has dealt largely in apples, and, having
made pomology a special study, has contrib-
uted articles upon that subject to various
agricultural journals. Since 1891 he has been
at the head of the firm of George Simons &
Son, shoe manufacturers. This business was
established in North Weare by J. W. Hanson
in 1865, and the factory is now employing an
average of twenty-five workmen. In politics
he acts with the Democratic party. He was
Postmaster for eight years. He has served as
Town Clerk, Treasurer, and Collector, and he
is now Agent of the town funds. He is con-
nected with Wyoming Grange, Patrons of
Husbandry.

On September 30, 1854, Mr. Simons was
united in marriage with Mary C. Bagley, who
was born in Nashua, N.H., September 4,
1834, and died in June, 1870. On February
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

403

 

 

5, 1880, he wedded for his second wife Elsie
Dearborn. She was born in South Weare,
April 8, 1836, daughter of Moses and Betsey
(Philbrick) Dearborn. By his first union
there were three sons, namely: George F.,
born August 31, 1856; Louis C., born July
11, 1858; and Frank N., barn December 10,
1866. Louis C. died February 23, 1861.
George F. Simons, who died December 31,
1890, was one of the leading young business
men of Weare, and served for a time as Post-
master and Town Treasurer. He wedded Mari-
anna Gove, and left two children — George C.
and Elmore G. Frank N. Simons fitted for
his collegiate course at the Dean Academy,
Franklin, Mass., and was graduated from
Tufts College with the class of 1889. For a
year and a half after completing his studies
he was a designer in the toy works at Leom-
inster, Mass. In 1891 he engaged in the
shoe manufacturing business with his father.
He is now the general manager, and the enter-
prise is rapidly developing under his charge.
In October, 1892, he was joined in marriage
with Mabel A. Colby, who was born in Weare,
March 16, 1868, daughter of Stephen P. Colby.
His religious creed is the Universalist. In
politics he is an active Democrat, and he has
been Town Clerk for two terms. Mr. Simons,
senior, has been the clerk and treasurer of the
Universalist society since 1859, and he is ac-
tive in Sunday-school work. Taking a deep
interest in agricultural questions, he is a mem-
ber of Wyoming Grange, Patrons of Hus-
bandry.

ILLIAM ATHERTON, farmer, be-
longs to one of the oldest families
of Chesterfield, N.H. He was born

here December 18, 1826, son of Nathaniel
and Charlotte (Fletcher) Atherton. The first
American ancestor of the family, James Ather-
ton, settled in Milton, Mass., where he was
taxed from 1678 to 1703.

Joseph Atherton, one of his descendants, and
a son of Oliver Atherton, was born at Harvard,
Mass., August 15, 1750. He married in
1771 Hannah Farnsworth of Groton, Mass. ;
and on June 28, 1794, he purchased a tract of

 

 

land in Chesterfield, and settled here. ‘‘The
field on which he lived, and on which he built
a mansion-like dwelling, is now called Ather-
ton Hill.’’ Joseph Atherton was Selectman
in 1798, 1799, 1809, and 1811; and he repre-
sented the town in the State legislature in
1817. He died April 4, 1839, ‘‘honored and
respected by his neighbors and townsmen.’’
His wife died in Chesterfield April 15, 1835.
Their children were: Nathaniel, father of
William; Oliver, born August 4, 1774; Are-
thusa, born May 15, 1778; Sally, born March
30, 1780; Humphrey, born May 4, 1783, who
graduated at Dartmouth in 1806, and went to
Philadelphia, where he became an eminent
awyer; Rachel, born June 8, 1787; and Lucy,
born October 23, 1791. Nathaniel, the eldest
child, married first, in 1801, Jemima Daniels,
of Westmoreland, who died April 4, 1817.
His second wife, Mrs. Charlotte Fletcher,
widow of Abel Fletcher, and daughter of
Ephraim Hubbard, died February 9, 1848. Na-
thaniel Atherton settled on the paternal farm
in Chesterfield, and died here August 4,
1855. His children were: Emily, born Janu-
ary 13, 1803; Persis, born August 15, 1804;
Nathaniel D., born August 13, 1806; Are-
thusa, born January 6, 1808; Joseph, born De-
cember 14, 1810; Humphrey, born January 19,
1815; George, born March 23, 1817; Char-
lotte, born October 9, 1819; Otis, born April
19, 1821; Hannah F., born July 25, 1823;
William, born December 18, 1826, as above
mentioned; and Rachel, born August 27, 1829.

Like his ancestors, Mr. William Atherton
has taken an active interest in public matters,
and has served his town faithfully and effi-
ciently. He was Selectman in 1876, 1877,
and 1878, Supervisor in 1880, Selectman in
1885, 1886, and 1887. He is a strong Re-
publican and one of the representative men of
Chesterfield, a man of integrity, practical] abil-
ity and good judgment, and much esteemed.
His life has been spent upon the farm inher-
ited from his father. He married Hannah
Maria, daughter of George Peirce, March 10,
1852. Their children are: John W., born
December 26, 1852, who married Emma Bart-
lett, of Westmoreland; Joseph A., born March
9, 1856, who married Clara A. Whipple, of
404

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

Orange, Mass.; Anna M., born April 5, 1859,
who married Frank Knight, son of John B.,
of Westmoreland; Fred E., the youngest son,
born December 6, 1860, who married Laura
Chamberlain, daughter of Samuel Chamber-
lain, and has one child.

Mr. Fred E. Atherton, after acquiring his
education in the schools of Chesterfield, taught
for some time in the district schools of Keene,
Chesterfield, and Westmoreland. In 1882 he
gave up teaching, and went to Orange, where
he became a clerk in the dry-goods store of
George A. Whipple. Capable and faithful, he
was soon made manager of the store; and he re-
mained there until, his health giving out, he
was obliged to relinquish his position. He re-
turned to his father’s farm in 1890 to regain
his health, and has since engaged in farming
with his father. He is a Republican and ac-
tive in politics. He is popular with his
townspeople, and is now (1897) serving his
third term as Selectman.

 

AMES KNOWLTON, an active busi-
ness man of Marlboro, Cheshire County,
was born in Dublin, N.H., December
20, 1828. He is a son of Luke and

Mercy (Bemis) Knowlton, and a grandson, on
the paternal side, of Deacon John and Eliza-
beth (Wright) Knowlton. Deacon John
Knowlton, who was a native of Massachusetts,
became one of the early settlers in Dublin.
He was a blacksmith, and followed his trade
in Haverhill, Mass. For many years he was
Deacon of the Baptist church.

Luke Knowlton, father of James, was born
in Dublin, N.H., August 1, 1801. He was
in early life a farmer, but eventually became
a stone mason and stone cutter. Settling in
Marlboro in April, 1849, he continued in
business here until his death, which occurred
in 1883. He was widely and favorably known
throughout this section as an energetic and re-
liable business man, and for many years he
occupied the substantial stone house situated
opposite the Frost Free Library. He held
the rank of Captain in the Dublin Grena-
diers, which then formed a ‘part of the State
militia. His wife, Mercy, whom he married

 

December 28, 1826, was born September 12,
1804, and was'a daughter of James Bemis.
She proved a faithful wife and a kind, affection-
ate mother. Her father was a patriot soldier
in the Revolutionary War, enlisting at the age
of eighteen, and serving three years. His
father was much opposed to his enlisting, be-
cause of his youth; but one day, while chop-
ping wood near the road, a party of men came
along who were going to join the army at
Boston. They told him of the battle of Lex-
ington, and the news so increased his ardor for
serving his country that he struck his axe into
a stump, declaring that he would never take it
out until he had struck a blow for American
liberty. [le joined the party, and reached the
headquarters of the army just in time to take
part in the battle of Bunker Hill. Luke
and Mercy (Bemis) Knowlton were the parents
of six children, namely: James, the subject of
this sketch; Luke; Eli B.; Charles; Caroline
E.; and Sarah A. Caroline is no longer liv-
ing. Charles died in the army during the
Civil War. Eli B. resides in Marlboro.
Sarah A. is the widow of the late William M.
Mason, formerly a prosperous merchant in
Marlboro; and Luke, who isa veteran of the
Civil War, is now associated with his brother
James in business.

James Knowlton has been actively identified
with the business interests of Marlboro since
early manhood. In politics he is a Republi-
can and in his religious views a Universalist.
He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, and is highly respected in business
and social circles.

On May 23, 1854, Mr. Knowlton was united
in marriage with Emily L. Mason, a native of
Dublin, and a daughter of Dexter and Abigail
(Adams) Mason.

 

AMES M. PERKINS, a prosperous
general merchant of Marlow, Cheshire
County, and an ex-member of the

_ legislature, was born in this town

September 11, 1853, son of Dr. Marshall and
Harriet (Fiske) Perkins. James Perkins, his
paternal grandfather, removed from Leomins-
ter, Mass. to Croydon, Sullivan County,
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

405

 

 

N.H., where he was for many years engaged
in the manufacture of lumber and the carding
of wool. The maiden name of his wife was
Annie French, and they were the parents of
four children.

Marshall Perkins, M.D., was born in Croy-
don, N.H., in May, 1823. He became a stu-
dent at Dartmouth College; and, subsequently
completing a medical course in Boston, he lo-
cated in Marlow, where he has since resided.
He has been quite active in political affairs,
was Superintendent of Schools and served as
Moderator at town meetings for many years.
His wife, Harriet Fiske Perkins, who was
born in 1833, daughter of Amos Fiske, of
Marlow, became the mother of nine children,
namely: James M, the subject of this
sketch; Annie E.; Hattie F.; Waldo H.;
Mattie; Daniel; Kate; Charles; and Jessie —
all of whom were born in Marlow. Annie E.
married Hiram D. Upton, a native of Jaffrey,
this county, and a banker; and she has six
children. Hattie F. is the wifeof Dr. Abram
Mitchell, of Lempster, N.H., and has three
children. Waldo H., who is associated with
his brother James M. in business, married
Marion G. Russell, of this town, and has one
son — Marshall C. Mattie died at the age of
two years, and Daniel at the age of nine.
Kate, who was graduated from the Manchester
High School, and taught for some time, is
now residing at home. Charles is engaged in
business in Manchester, and Jessie is attend-
ing school at Saxton’s River, Vt.

James M. Perkins was educated in the
schools of Marlow, and for several years after

the completion of his studies he was engaged.

in agricultural pursuits. Some five years ago
he became associated with his brother Waldo
in mercantile business in Marlow, and the
concern carries on a large general store, which
is well stocked with merchandise. Mr. Per-
kins has served as a Selectman two years,
as Town Treasurer for a similar period, has
been Town Clerk for the past three years,
and was Representative to the State legislat-
ure in 1895, during which time he served
upon the Committee on Insane Asylums.
He is connected with the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows, Forest Lodge, of which he

 

has been Noble Grand; and the Patrons of
Husbandry, Excelsior Grange, No. 136, of
which he has been Master for two years. He
attends the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr.
Perkins married Gertrude Friend, who was
born in November, 1874, a daughter of Will-
iam Friend, of Washington, N.H. Mrs. Per-
kins is the mother of one son—J. Fiske
Perkins, born February 1, 1896.

 

 

EVI FRANKLIN LOWELL, general
manager for the firm of Fessenden &

Lowel], Merrimac, was born Janu-

ary 6, 1839, in Rindge, N.H., son
of Nathaniel and Phidelia (Fisher) Lowell, of
that town. The father followed the trades of
carpenter and wheelwright for many years.
He was always kept busy, and was noted for
his industry and his willingness to oblige.

Levi F. Lowell grew to manhood in Rindge
and in Fitzwilliam, N.H., receiving his edu-
cation in district schools. When very young
he became self-supporting, working at what-
ever he could find to do. Sttbsequently he
engaged in the milling business at Brookline,
N.H., and later on became interested in the
manufacture of lumber. In 1864 he associ-
ated himself in business with Mr. Fessenden
for the manufacture of barrels and Jumber.
The business was brought in 1873 to Reed’s
Ferry, where it has become very prosperous.
When first started here it was conducted on a
small scale, employing only fifteen men. At
the present time about seventy hands are em-
ployed, and the annual output of manufactured
products amounts to over three million feet.
The business stands to-day as a leading indus-
try in the town of Merrimac. The factory is
supplied with the most improved machinery.
The timber used is taken from large tracts of
timber land owned by the firm. Mr. Lowell
has the genera] supervision of the business.

On January 2, 1866, Mr. Lowell married
Miss Hannah B. Hutchinson, who is a
native of Brookline, N.H. Her children are:
Mabel L. and Bertha L. Lowell. In religious
belief Mr. Lowell is a Congregationalist and
an active worker in the church of which he is
amember. In politics he is a believer in the
406

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

principles of Republicanism and a_ stanch
supporter of the party. His interest in town
affairs has been active, and he has appreciated
the vital importance of civic responsibility.

He was Selectman of the town for three years,.

and in 1885-86 he represented the commu-
nity in the State legislature. He is a member
of North Star Lodge, Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, at Townsend, Mass.,
Thornton Grange, P. of H., at Merrimac.

ARREN ALDEN, Selectman of
© Alstead, was born in this town
January 25, 1819, son of Alvin and

Elizabeth (Allen) Alden. He is a lineal de-
scendant of John and Priscilla Alden, who
came in the “Mayflower.” Great-grandfather
Alden was a Colonel in the Revolutionary
War and a man of great courage and ability.
Moses Alden, the grandfather, born in Need-
ham, Mass., was the first of the name to settle
in Alstead. He was a farmer by occupation,
and had the following-named children: Reu-
ben, Alvin, Moses, Dexter, William, Maria,
Elizabeth, and Sally. Reuben was a farmer
at Woburn, Mass., and the father of six chil-
dren. Moses, who went to the West and set-
tled there as a farmer, married and had a
family. Dexter became a hotel man in Low-
ell, Mass., and had a family of four children.
William, who was a shoemaker and resided in
Oneida, N.Y., did not marry. Maria became
Mrs. John Blanchard, of Boston. Elizabeth
married the Rev. Warren Wilbur, of Maine,
a clergyman of the Methodist Episcopal
church. Sally lived at Alstead all her life,
and did not marry.

Alvin Alden, the father of Warren Alden,
born at Needham, Mass., in 1791, came when
quite young to New Hampshire with his father.
He was sent to school at Keene, N.H. After-

 

ward he was engaged for some time in farming |

for his father. He then bought a farm in Al-
stead and spent the remainder of his life here.
He was active in town affairs and in all relig-
ious matters, being a Deacon of the Baptist
church and a leader in that society. In poli-
tics he was a Democrat. He.was nominated
for legislative Representative, but was de-

and of

 

feated. His wife, Elizabeth, who was a native
of Surry, N.H., became the mother of five
children — Warren, William, Mary, Sarah,
and Louisa. William lived at home and was
working in a factory at the time of his death,
which occurred in his twenty-third year.
Mary married Silas K. Vilas, a prominent
druggist of this town and an influential man.
Mr. Vilas’s son is the proprietor of the Fifth
Avenue Hotel in New York. Sarah, who
lived and died at home, never married. Lou-
isa married Elisha Kempton, of Newport,
N.H., a prominent man, now Reyistrar of
Probate. They have three children — Mary,
Alvin, and William.

Warren Alden began his working life as
a farmer, first on his father’s farm and then
working out for twelve years. He then
bought a farm. Later he purchased his
father’s farm, where he now resides. For
the past two years he has been Selectman,
and he is a member of the grange and a reg-
ular attendant of the Congregational church.

Mr. Alden married Lucy Slader, a daughter
of Colonel Jesse Slader, of Acworth, who has
served in the State legislature both as Repre-
sentative and Senator. Mrs. Alden is a de-
scendant of Samuel] Slader, who settled in
Hingham, Mass., in 1725, and was there mar-
ried, December 7, 1727, to Mary Wilder,
daughter of Jabez Wilder. He subsequently
removed to Connecticut with his wife and
three sons— Edward, Samuel, and Thomas.
The sons fought in the Revolutionary War,
Thomas and Samuel serving in the Third
Connecticut Regiment, which was adopted as
Continental, and during the siege of Boston
was stationed in General Putnam’s centre
division at Cambridge. Mr. and Mrs. Alden
have had four children — Mary E., W. Wal-
ter, Willie E., and Elizabeth E. L., all na-
tives of Alstead. Mary E., born August 9,
1853, was educated in the town schools, and

, subsequently taught. school for a few years
| previous to her marriage.

On December 7,
1893, she was married to Milan F. Green,
of Alstead, son of Jonas Green. He is a
farmer, Selectman, a granger, and a member
of the Masonic order. W. Walter, born Au-
gust 15, 1856, died in 1870. Willie E., twin
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

407

 

 

brother of Walter, died at the age of seven.
Elizabeth, born January 19, 1858, who was
educated in Alstead and in the high school
at Newport, N.H., had taught school success-
fully for eighteen years, when the failure of
her health compelled her to take an extended
rest.

 

 

HARLES HAGEN, of the firm Hagen

& Ruefer, Peterboro, makers of organs

and pianos, was born in Germany,

February 14, 1848. His father,

Conrad Hagen, who was a shoemaker by trade,

also served in the capacity of musical director

whenever the occasion arose. Conrad died in

1863; and his wife, whose maiden name was
Maria Rief, died in 18go.

Charles Hagen received his education in
Germany. After leaving school he was ap-
prenticed in a cabinet-manufacturing concern,
where he remained nearly three years, learning
the trade. Then he served an apprenticeship
in an organ and piano factory, after which in
1864 he came to America, settling in New
York City. Here for a time he worked at
cabinet and pattern making, and also from
1869 to 1871 he bottled soda waters. Subse-
quently he got into the business of piano-
making, working for such well-known firms as
Decker Brothers, Albert Weber, and Steinway
& Son, acquiring in various departments a
thorough knowledge of the art, and sometimes
serving in the capacity of foreman. In 1884
Mr. Hagen entered into a partnership with
John and Sebastian Ruefer in New York City,
under the firm name of the New York Piano
Key Company, for the purpose of manufactur-
ing piano keys. In 1895 the plant was moved
to Peterboro, where a prosperous business has
been done since. In 1893 Mr. Hagen and
John Ruefer formed a partnership for the man-
ufacture of the Hagen & Ruefer pianos; and
they are stil] interested in the two enterprises,
both of which are carried on in Peterboro.
They generally employ about fifty workmen,
while in busy seasons from one hundred to one
hundred and fifty men are necessary.

On January 6, 1870, Mr. Hagen married
Miss Emilie Miller, daughter of Car] Miller,

 

of Germany. Their children are: Charles,
who married a Peterboro lady; Henry, who
married Lizzie Jens, of Germany, and has one
child, Pauline; Margaret; Herman; and
Annie. Mr. Hagen, though still retaining
his love for Germany and for German institu-
tions, has become thoroughly Americanized,
and is a loyal citizen of the Jand of his adop-
tion. In politics he is an Independent. He
isa Mason of New York Lodge and a mem-
ber of the A. O. U. W. of New York City.

LBERT BRADSHAW EATON, a
leading business man of Mason, and
son of Amos and Hephzibah L.
(Simons) Eaton, was born April
10, 1852, in Lunenburg, Mass. His grand-
parents, Joseph and Betsy (Sheldon) Eaton,
went from Reading, Mass., to Ashby in the
same State, where they settled upon a farm.
Amos was the fourth of their six children, all
of whom are now deceased. Grandfather
Eaton was sixty-seven years old at the time of
his death, and his wife attained the age of
sixty-four.

Amos Eaton, who was born in Ashby,
learned the trade of a carpenter, at which he
worked for many years. Later he did a large
amount of stone work in the towns of Ashby
and Fitchburg. The latter part of his life
was spent in Lunenburg, where he conducted
a farm. Amos Eaton was twice married.
By his first wife, whose maiden name was
Abigail Sherwin, there were three children,
of whom Alonzo is now living. His second
wife, Hephzibah, bore him five children, of
whom three survive. These are: Albert B.,
the subject of this biography; Julius, who
married Mary Ann Huntley: and Herbert A.,
who married Annie J. Allen, and has five
children — Charles A., Clarence H., Arthur
C., Winnifred C., and May C. Mrs. Hephzi-
bah Eaton, who is a native of Groton, Mass.,
is now living at West Townsend, Mass.

After leaving school Mr. Albert Eaton
taught school for a time. Then he learned
harness-making, beginning at the bottom of
the ladder. Since then he has worked his
way upward to his present position of propri-

 

 
408

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

etor of a harness shop in Greenville. Mr.
Eaton is also profitably engaged in farming
on his estate in Mason containing forty-five
acres of land. Here he makes a specialty of
poultry and butter, and has always a large
flock of poultry. On June 3, 1874, he was
married to Miss Flora J. Whitney, a daughter
of Milo L. Whitney, of Hookset, N.H. Their
children are: Tracy A. and Orin W.

Mr. Eaton is a member, trustee, and the
clerk of the Baptist church. He takes an
earnest interest in politics, voting the Re-
publican ticket. On the School Board he
served for six years, and he has been Justice
of the Peace for some time. The fraternities
in which he has membership include the
Greenville Masonic Lodge, Commandery No.
499 of the United Order of the Golden Cross,
in which he has held the highest offices, and
Lodge No. 20, Ancient Order of United
Workmen.

 

APTAIN EDMUND P. HUTCHIN-
SON, who has been identified with
the leading interests of Milford for
more than half a century, first as a
merchant and later as an agriculturist, is one
of the oldest native-born residents of the town.
Born November 1, 1818, son of Reuben
Hutchinson, he is descended from Nathan
Hutchinson, one of five brothers who came
to New Hampshire in Colonial days. Of the
latter, two located in the town of Milton,
Strafford County. Nathan and the other two
came to Milford. His son, Reuben, who was
a native of Milford, lived here all his life-
time, chiefly occupied in clearing and culti-
vating his land. His wife, whose maiden
name was Lucy Hutchinson, was likewise a
native of this town. She bore him eleven
children, of whom three are now living,
namely: Captain Hutchinson, the subject of
this biography; Rebecca P., the wife of
C. C. Shaw; and Janet, the widow of the late
John Marvell, of Milford. The father was a
Jacksonian Democrat. He attended the Bap-
tist church.
After receiving his elementary education in
the common schools of Milford, Edmund P.

 

Hutchinson attended a denominational school
in Hancock, N.H., controlled by the Baptists.
He assisted on the homestead farm after attain-
ing his majority. When about twenty-two
years old he was commissioned a Captain in
the Fifth Regiment of the New Hampshire
militia, and for four years thereafter was en-
gaged in mustering and training militia men.
In 1844 Captain Hutchinson embarked in the
hotel business at Wilton, N.H., in company
with S. N. and T. C. Center, and followed
it for three years under the firm name of
S. N. Center & Co. Returning then to
Milford, he kept a grocery store for a time.
In 1851 the Captain purchased his father’s
farm, the latter having been then somewhat
enfeebled by age, although he enjoyed many
years of life after that time, having lived
until after the close of the Rebellion. From
that time until the present Captain Hutchin-
son has been profitably engaged in general
farming after the most approved methods.
He has one hundred and fifty acres of land,
which in point of improvements and appoint-
ments compares favorably with any estate in
this locality. He has also carried on an ex-
tensive auctioneer business for forty-five years.

The marriage of Captain E. P. Hutchinson
with Miss Maria L. Center was performed
April 6, 1846. Mrs. Hutchinson was born
in Greenfield, this State, daughter of Jonas
and Sarah (Tay) Center, both of whom were
natives of Woburn, Mass. When she was a
child of four years, her parents removed to
Wilton, Hillsboro County, where she lived
until after her marriage. Four children have
been born to Captain and Mrs. Hutchinson, of
whom Frank E. and Francella M. are living.
The Captain is quite prominent in Masonic
circles, belonging to Clinton Lodge, F. &
A. M., of Wilton, and to King Solomon’s
Chapter, R. A. M., of Milford. In politics
he is a stanch supporter of the Democratic

party.

 

 

ILL J. MOWER, one of the most
prosperous farmers of East Jaffrey,

Cheshire County, was born in this

town, June 23, 1855, son of Liberty and Mary
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

409

 

 

Ann (Buss) Mower. His grandfather, Josiah
Mower, who was a native of Topsfield, Mass.,
came to Jaffrey in early life, and followed
general farming here for the rest of his active
years. Josiah reared a family of six children;
namely, Liberty, Josiah, Gilman, Watson,
Rebecca, and Sarah.

Liberty Mower, father of Will J., was born
in Jaffrey, January 27, 1803. He resided in
Massachusetts a few years, but the greater
part of his life was spent upon a farm in his
native town; and he died in 1888. He was
active in military affairs, being known as
Captain Mower; and he was a Deacon of the
Congregational church. He married for his
first wife Emily Buss, and for his second,
Mary Ann Buss, both of whom were daughters
of Samuel Buss, of Jaffrey, the second wife
being born in 1817. Mrs. Mary Ann Mower
became the mother of three children — Ellen
E., Samuel H., and Will J., the subject of
this sketch. Ellen E who married William

Moore, resides in Peterboro, N.H., and has |

four children. Samuel H., who lives in
Jaffrey, married Vinnie Carter, and has had
three children, one of whom, a daughter, sur-
vives. The mother, Mrs. Mower, died in
1889.

Will J. Mower acquired his education in
his native town, and since early manhood has
given his attention to farming. He is en-
gaged chiefly in dairying, and is one of the
largest milk dealers in this section. He is
also a leading spirit in public affairs, having
served as Selectman, Town Auditor, and in
other town offices. He is connected with the
Patrons of Husbandry. In religion a Con-
gregationalist, he is a member of that church.

Mr. Mower married Mary A. Sawyer, who
was born September 30, 1855, a daughter of
Alfred Sawyer, of Jaffrey.

REEMAN W. RUSSELL, an esteemed
resident of Deering, was born in Wash-
ington, N.H., October 26, 1829, son

of Amos and Sarah (Meades) Russell. His
grandfather was Ephraim Russell, a native of

Cambridge, Mass., who was engaged in farm-
ing, and kept a store in that town. Ephraim

 

| nities, and acquired a good estate.

 

married a Miss Frost, of Cambridge, who bore
him nine children, none of whom are living.
Amos Russell, the youngest child of Ephraim,
was born in Cambridge, August 18, 1791.
When a young man he went to Mason, N.H.
A short time later he and his brother Stephen
took up a farm in Washington, erected a saw
and grist mill, and tilled the soil for the rest
of his active period. His death occurred Oc-
tober 30, 1883, at the age of ninety-two years
and two months. An industrious and ener-
getic man, he made the most of his opportu-
In politics

he was a Whig. In the capacity of Selectman

| of the town and that of its Representative to

the legislature he labored diligently for the
general welfare of the community. For many
years he was Deacon of the Christian church.
His wife, Sarah, was a daughter of Stephen
Meades, one of the first settlers in Washing-
ton, where he took up and cleared a quarter-
section of government land. She became the
mother of six children, of whom Hiram, Free-
man W., George, and Elvira R. are living.
Hiram married Lucy Miller, of Washington,
and has one son, Arthur M. George, who has
been three times married, by his first wife,

| Mary Ann Huntly Russell, has two children —

Georgina and Marrian. His second and third
marriages were contracted, respectively, with
Juliette Chappell and Nancy Farnsworth, of
Washington. Elvira R. Russell is the wife of
Stephen M. Farnsworth, of Washington; and
her children are: Eldora and Evis. Mrs.
Nancy Russell died March 2, 1875, aged
seventy-nine years. She was a member of the
Congregational church.

Freeman W. Russell completed his educa-
tion at Tubbs Academy in Washington.
Then he went to Nashua, N.H., where he was
employed in a grocery store for four years.
From Nashua he went to Boston; and, after
clerking in a wholesale grocery store there for
two years, he spent the next four years selling
agricultural implements through the Western
States. After his marriage, in partnership
with Leander Willey, forming the firm of
Russell & Willey, he did a good business in
fruit for twenty-eight years. Withdrawing
from that concern, he was for several years
410

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

travelling representative for Sawtelle & Pratt,
of Boston, importers and wholesale dealers in
foreign and domestic fruits. Then he retired
to the old and pleasant homestead of his wife,
remodelled and fitted the buildings to their
convenience and taste, and has resided there
since. His other improvements have made
the place one of the best tilled farms in the
town. On April 20, 1858, he was united in
marriage with Lucinda Q. Mills, of Deering.
In politics he is a stanch Republican and a
firm believer in the tariff. Both he and Mrs.
Russell are members of the Congregational
church.

 

NDREW J. WALBRIDGE, a promi-

nent business man of Peterboro and

a member of the firm Walbridge &

Taylor, was born in Randolph, Vt.,

July 1, 1845, son of Hiram and Lucy M.
(Fisk) Walbridge. The first of the name in
this country was Henry Walbridge, of Nor-
wich, Conn., a seventh son. The town records
of Preston, Conn., show that on the 25th
of December, 1688, Henry Walbridge was
married to Anna Ames, of that place. Both
be and his brother William, of Devonshire,
England, took part in the Monmouth Rebellion
against King James IJ., and on its failure
fled to this country. Thirteen of the family
are known to have fought in the Revolutionary
War. Prominent among these was General
Ebenezer Walbridge, of Bennington, Vt. Five
of the family served in the War of 1812, while
thirty-three of the name fought for the Union
in the war of the Rebellion. Henry’s son,
Ames, was the father of Eliezer, who, born
about the year 1743, married Abigail Wash-
burne, and in 1787 removed to Randolph, Vt.,
where he spent the rest of his life. Eliezer’s
son, William Walbridge, the grandfather of
Andrew J., owned and cultivated a good farm
in Brookfield, Vt., and lived to an advanced
age. William successively married Hannah
and Fanny Parish, who were sisters. By the
first marriage he had three children — Will-
iam, Hiram, and Hannah. His second wife
bore him seven children, of whom three died
in childhood. Two of his children are now

 

living, namely: Lucinda, who is the widow of
Otis W. Smith, and resides in Brookfield, Vt. ;
and Fanny, the wife of the Rev. William S.
Palmer, D.D., of Norwich, Conn.

Hiram Walbridge, the father of Andrew J.,
was born in Brookfield, Vt. When a young
man he setted in Randolph, where he was en-
gaged in farming until 1850. Then he moved
to Roxbury, Vt., and there resided for the rest
of his life. He died at the age of eighty-four
years. In politics he was a Democrat, and for
many years he acted asa Justice of the Peace.
He was an estimable and worthy man, and his
prosperity was the result of industry and toil.
His wife, Lucy M., who was a daughter of
Ezra Fisk, of Killingly, Conn., became the
mother of five sons — Charles D., the Rev.
William Henry, George L., Andrew J., and
Albert D. Charles D. married Vilora M.
Wiley, of Roxbury, for his first wife, of whose
children Charles L. is living. For his second
wife he married Mrs. Carrie Butler Ward, who
bore him three children, namely —— Winnifred,
Ethel, and Victor. The Rev. William Henry
Walbridge, who served in the Civil War with
the Sixteenth Massachusetts Battery, is now a
Unitarian minister in Rochester, N.H. He
married Fanny Burnham, who died leaving
three children — Elmer B., Charles F., and
Lucy M. George L. married Celia A. Pren-
tiss, of Waitsfield, Vt., and has two children
—Edith and Mattie. Albert D., who was
born in June, 1849, died in March, 1876. He
married Jennie S. Smith, of Roxbury, who is
now the wife of Judge Zed S. Stanten, of that
town. Mrs. Hiram Walbridge lived to be
sixty-three years old.

Andrew J. Walbridge was educated in the
schools of Roxbury. After completing his
studies, he was for five years employed in
farming. He next entered the service of the
Vermont Central Railroad Company as assist-
ant station agent in Roxbury, and continued
in that capacity for two years. Beginning in
1872, he was a clerk in a general store of Rox-
bury for ten years. In 1882 he came to Peter-
boro, and formed a partnership with his present
business associate, Mr. E. H. Taylor, under the
firm name of Walbridge & Taylor. They carry
a large stock of general merchandise, and have
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

411

 

 

had a thriving trade since starting in business.
In 1888 they bought the old stone grist-mill,
which they have improved and are now oper-
ating. They also have erected and carry on
a shoe factory.

On June 15, 1880, Mr. Walbridge was joined
in marriage with Hattie J. Burnham, daughter
of Edwin P. Burnham, of Roxbury, by whom
he has become the father of two children.
These are: Carey A., born May 14, 1882; and
Robert E., born August 2, 1888. In politics
Mr. Walbridge acts with the Republican party,
is quite prominent in public affairs, and has
been a Water Commissioner since the organi-
zation of the Board in 1896. He is a trustee
of Peterboro Lodge, No. 15,1. O. O. F. One
of the progressive men of Peterboro, he fully
merits the esteem in which he is held. Mr.
Walbridge attends the Unitarian church.

 

OHN Q. A. CALDWELL, a farmer
of New Boston, was born here, Novem-
ber 9, 1824, son of Samuel and Sarah
B. (Sprague) Caldwell. His grand-

father, David Caldwell, with his brother
Matthew, was one of the early settlers of the
town, in the eastern part of which they took
up wild land. David Caldwell, who was a
sturdy man, lived toa fairage. His son Sam-
uel was born in New Boston in 1793, where he
spent his life. He was Captain of the old
artillery company there, and a prominent
He married Sarah B.

man in the town.
Sprague. At his death he was but thirty-six
years old. His wife lived to the advanced age

of ninety-one years, six months, and twenty-
four days. They had four children — Martha
M., John Q. A., Sarah E., and Samuel B.
Martha M. married a Mr. Butterfield, and
died at the age of sixty-eight years. Sarah E.
married George Butterfield, and at present is
residing in Bedford. Samuel B. died in Cali-
fornia about the year 1851.

John Q. A. Caldwell was educated in the
schools of his native town. He has since
followed general farming and resided on the
home farm, which has been in the family since
the early settlement of the town. His mother
remained there with him until her death. He

 

has remodelled and enlarged the buildings.
The farm, now containing about two hundred
and sixty acres of land, is one of the most pict-
uresque places in the town. In politics he is
a Democrat, but has never held public office.

On October 2, 1856, Mr. Caldwell married
Mercie J. Hall, who was born in Chester,
N.H., February 6, 1829, daughter of Moses
and Mary (Cochran) Hall. Her grandfather
married Lois Atwood, of Haverhill, who was
a sister of Moses Atwood, of whom Harriett
Newell, one of the first missionaries to go to
India from this country, wasa daughter. Mrs.
Caldwell’s mother was a sister of the Hon.
Clark B. Cochran, of Albany, N.Y., who
was formerly a member of Congress. She was
educated at Atkinson Academy and Meredith
Bridge. They have four children, as follows:
George Q., born June 29, 1857; Lizzie Re-
becca, June 30, 1859; Mary A., July 24,
1861; and Helen M., June 16, 1865. The
son completed his education at McCollom
Institute at Mont Vernon, and the daugh-
ters at Pinkerton Academy at Derry, N.H.
George Q. married Mary A. Whittemore, and
is the father of four children — Charles B.,
Quincy J., Mabel A., and William B. Lizzie
Rebecca is the wife of Fred S. Pillsbury, of
Derry, N.H., and they have had two children
— Hobart B. and Lillian M. The latter is
now deceased. Mary A. married George Hall,
of Pittsfield, N.H., and they have three chil-
dren — Quincy R., Everett, and Ruth. Helen
married Edward Davis, and at present is re-
siding in Raymond, having one child, Helen
Beatrice. Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell both attend
the Congregational church. A Caldwell fam-
ily together with the Campbells and Warrens
were among the very first settlers of New Bos-
ton. Mr. Caldwell is one of the most re-
spected citizens of the town.

 

)PENRY HOOKER, who lived to be
past ninety years of age, a venerable
ot and much respected citizen of Hins-

dale, N.H., was born July 5, 1791,
in Charlestown, N.H., son of Seth and Abi-
gail (Gay) Hooker. His father was a son of
the Rev. John Hooker, who was born in 17209,

 
412

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

(Yale College, 1751), and was pastor of the
Congregational church in Northampton, Mass.,
from December, 1753, till his death from
small-pox in February, 1777. The inscription
on his monument says, ‘‘In him an excellent
and cultivated genius, engaging manners, and
the temper of the gospel combined to form an
able and faithful minister, and to render him
exemplary and beloved in all the relations of
life.’’ [See Sprague’s ‘‘Annals of the Amer-
ican Pulpit,’’ vol. i. ]

The Rev. John Hooker was a grandson of
the Rev. Samuel
Conn., and great-grandson of the Rev. Thomas
Hooker, the founder of the Connecticut Col-
ony, and pastor of the First Church at Hart-
ford, 1636-47. This distinguished divine,
as is wel] known to all who are familiar with
the early history of New England, took a
prominent part in affairs of Church and State.
His death from an epidemic in July, 1647,
was much lamented. He was eulogized as the
‘incomparable Hooker,’’ a ‘‘great light,’’ a
‘*man in whom learning and wisdom were
tempered with zeal, holiness, and watchful-
ness.’’ [See Sprague’s ‘‘Annals,’’ vol. i., also
‘*Thomas Hooker,’’ in ‘‘Makers of America’’
Series.] Asa pioneer of civil and religious
freedom his memory is justly honored.

Seth Hooker, son of the Rev. John Hooker,
followed the life of a farmer. He was a
worthy citizen, and held a high place in the
esteem of his fellow-townsmen. His wife,
Abigail, was a daughter of the Rev. Bunker
Gay, the first settled minister at Hinsdale,
N.H. Their children were: Sally Gay,
Henry, Abigail P., George, Delia, and Bunker
G. Henry Hooker worked for many years at
the wheelwright’s trade, but finally gave it up
for farming. He was a prominent member of
the Congregational church. He married Octo-
ber 23, 1816, Mary Daggett, of Westmoreland,
by whom he had the following children:
Amelia P., who died in infancy; Julia W.,
who married Henry M. Jones; George Pren-
tice; Charles Gay; Anson Cary; Henry Clay;
Almira A.; and Minnie S.

George P. Hooker, a farmer and a repre-
sentative citizen of Hinsdale, has held many
town offices.

Hooker, of Farmington,

 

HOMAS A. HASTINGS, one of the
representative business men of East
Sullivan, Cheshire County, was born in

Sullivan, this county, August 25, 1850, son of
William and Lestina (Emerson) Hastings.
His grandfather, Benjamin Hastings, who
came from Massachusetts, settled in Sullivan,
and was an industrious farmer.

William Hastings, father of Thomas A.,
was born in Bolton, Mass., and reared in the
town of Sullivan, this county, where he subse-
quently cultivated a farm. His family con-
sisted of eleven children; namely, Experience,
Nancy, Mary, Lestina, Almeda, Arvilla,
Benjamin, Thomas, Thomas A., William, and
another who died in infancy.

Thomas A. Hastings received his elementary
education in the schools of Sullivan, and com-
pleted his studies at the academy in Marlow.
He then engaged in the manufacture of lum-
ber, including building material and chair
stock, which business he still follows, besides
operating a grist-mill. Aside from his manu-
facturing enterprises he carries on a large
farm, and is an extensive raiser of cattle. He
is connected with the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, the Improved Order of Red
Men, the Knights of Pythias, and the Patrons
of Husbandry. In his religious belief he is a
Congregationalist.

Mr. Hastings married Ida P. Hale, who was
born June 30, 1857, at Littleton, Mass.,
daughter of Cummings Hale, of Weston, Vt.
Mrs. Hastings is the mother of seven children
—Benjamin A., Lestina P., William A.,
Harry C., Nettie A., Mary A., and Nellie M.

LIVER H. HIGGINS is a well-known
business man and town officer of Hins-
dale, Cheshire County, N.H. He was
born in Dummerston, Vt., January 13,

1828, son of Alpheus, Jr., and Rebecca
(Thomas) Higgins. His grandfather, Al-
pheus, Sr., formerly lived in Hartland, Vt.,
whence he removed to Dummerston, and after-
ward to Londonderry, in the same State, where
he died. He had six children — Alpheus,
Harvey, Horace, Nancy, Julia, and Pheebe.
His son Alpheus was born in Hartland,

 
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

413

 

 

April 14, 1800. He was a stone mason by
trade, but engaged variously in farming, lum-
bering, and jobbing in Dummerston, where he
lived for twenty-eight years. He was an old-
line Whig and afterward a Republican, but
never sought office. He was a member of the
Congregational church in Hinsdale, where he
lived from 1833 until 1852, and to which place
he returned about 1862, and remained until
the time of his death, August 10, 1876.

He married a daughter of Daniel Thomas,
who belonged to an old Hinsdale family.
They had six children, namely: James, born
January 12, 1821, who married first January
22, 1854, Hannah Berry, and second October
I, 1873, Eunice Thomas, and died December
22, 1892; Henry, born January 8, 1824, who
married November 26, 1851, Typhena D.
Wood, and died June 19, 1894; Oliver H.;
Newman L., born January 5, 1833, who mar-
ried November 1, 1855, Ann L. Hunt; Almira
M., born May 25, 1836, who married Decem-
ber 5, 1855, William W. Perkins; and Ellen
Frances, who was born September 29, 1839,
and died June 5, 1878, having married Sep-
tember 22, 1864, J. S. Adams, who had been
secretary of the State Board of Education of
Vermont, and who died in Florida. It is a
coincidence that the four boys were born in
the month of January, their birthdays occur-
ring between the fifth and thirteenth days.
The mother was born May 13, 1801. She
died March 5, 1883.

Oliver H., the third son, worked on his
father’s farm until twenty-two years of age,
learning from him much of the stone mason’s
work. After marriage he moved with his wife
to Somerset, Vt., then a new country, where
they lived for two years, making their home in
a log house. Mr. Higgins there took up land
to the extent of one hundred and fifty acres,
twenty of which had been chopped over and
burned. Removing thence to Mendon, Vt., he
engaged in lumbering in the woods for a year’s
time. He subsequently tried life in Illinois,
working at the carpenter’s trade; but ague at-
tacked him, and he returned to Vermont, going
into the tannery in Rutland, and spending two
years there. He finally settled permanently
in Hinsdale, and has since given his attention

 

to various kinds of business, including general
jobbing, such as stone work and moving build-
ings. Asa contractor, employing from eight
to twenty men, he has been extensively en-
gaged on work requiring the skill of a stone
mason, constructing abutments of bridges and
laying the foundations of the best buildings of
the place, among them the town hal] and some
of the largest mills, similar structures in other
towns also bearing witness to his diligence
and capacity. Mr. Higgins was in the livery
business for eighteen years, and he carried on
the ice business formerly owned by Mr. N. M.
Worden for one year, and in company with
Mr. Worden he bought lots extensively for
lumber; in fact, he has been engaged in the
lumber business in the winter time for more
than twenty years.

He married April 9, 1850, Harriet A.
Fisher, born in Hinsdale, April 25, 1831,
daughter of Danie] and Rhoda (Peck) Fisher,
of Westminster, Vt. Her father was born
August 12, 1796. He had three children —
Harriet A., John R., and Mira P. John R.,
born November 18, 1832, married first Deney
D. Davis, November 29, 1854, married second
Abbie L. Nichols, September 5, 1867, and
married third July 4, 1878, Elizabeth N.
Lock. Mira P. Fisher, born November 28,
1839, married Clement S. Miner, August 28,
1858, and died January 11, 1891.

Mr. and Mrs. Higgins have had four chil-
dren — Alfred H., Orson S., Hattie C., and
Rest A. Alfred H. Higgins, born in Somer-
set, Vt., March 17, 1851, married July 8,
1874, Cora Noyes, and is now living in Den-
ver, Co]. Orson S., born in Mendon, Vt., May
28, 1854, married May 31, 1877, Ida M. Sli-
field, and is now farming in Hinsdale. Hat-
tie C., born in Hinsdale, March 23, 1860,
married C. Herbert Bolton, and died April 6,
1890. Rest A., born in Hinsdale April 6,
1865, married May 1, 1889, Ralph E. Metcalf.

Mr. Higgins has been highly influential in
town affairs, having held the office of Select-
man for some years. He served on the build-
ing committee for the town hall, and, serving
as Highway Surveyor for a longer period than
any other man in town, has done much work in
road building and repairing. He takes an ac-
414

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

tive interest in the affairs of the Congrega-
tional church, and has been sexton of the
Cemetery Association for fifteen years past.

 

ERLEY W. DODGE,* a well-known '
citizen of Amherst, N.H., was born

in this town on March 28, 1839.

He comes of good stock on both the
paternal and maternal sides, being descended
from two of Hillsboro County’s honored and
respected families.

Mr. Dodge’s father, the late Perley Dodge,
was born May 17, 1799, in Francestown,
N.H., son of William and Rachel (Poland)
Dodge, substantial members of the farming
community in which they lived. When six-
teen years old he left home to continue his
higher education, and in 1824 was graduated
at Union College, Schenectady, N.Y. He
subsequently studied law with Titus Brown,
of Francestown, and later with Nehemiah
Eastman, of Farmington, this State. Ad-
mitted to the New Hampshire bar in October,
1827, he immediately began the practice of
his profession with his former instructor,
Titus Brown, at Francestown and New Bos-
ton, their partnership continuing until 1832.
In that year he removed to Amherst, where he
resided until his demise, April 1, 1888, build-
ing up an excellent practice, and establishing
a reputation for professional skill and knowl-
edge second to none other in this section of
the State. In 1839 he was appointed Clerk
of Hillsboro County, a position which he
faithfully and ably filled until March, 1857,
during that long term of service taking every
verdict from the jury with one exception, the
omission on that occasion having been caused
by his illness. Resuming his private practice
in 1857, he continued actively engaged during
the remainder of his years, his record from his
admission to the bar until his death showing
that he attended every court of record in the
county during his years of professional labor.
He was a calm, dignified, plain-spoken man,
possessing much firmness and decision of char-
acter, and endowed with a clear judgment and
comprehensive intelligence, conservative in
his views, and ever in hearty sympathy with

 

whatever tended to elevate the mental and
moral tone of the community in which he
lived and of society in general. In politics
he was a Democrat. He was elected from
Amherst as a Representative to the General
Court in 1837 and again in 1853 and 1854,
in 1853 serving as chairman of the Committee
on Banks and the following year as chairman
of the Committee on Railroads.

Perley Dodge married May 31, 1831, Miss
Harriet Woodbury, daughter of the late Hon.
Peter Woodbury, of Francestown, N.H., and
a sister of the late Judge Levi Woodbury, of
Portsmouth. Of this union were born three
children: Martha W., Perley W., and Charles
W., now a merchant in Nashua. The mother
died February 11, 1887. Charles W. Dodge,
an enterprising and public-spirited man, was
for some time one of the foremost citizens of
Amherst and for many years a member of the
Society for Village Improvement. He was en-
gaged in mercantile pursuits in Amherst and
in New Boston prior to his removal to Nashua,
and in both places served as Postmaster. In
politics, like his father and brother, he affili-
ates with the Democratic party.

Perley W. Dodge attended the public
schools of Amherst until twelve years old,
when he was sent from home to further con-
tinue his studies, first at the academy in
Francestown, then in New Ipswich, and sub-
sequently at Comer’s Commercial College of
Boston, Mass., where he was graduated.
When about eighteen years old he became a
clerk for Mr. C. B. Tuttle, of this town, re-
maining with him for atime, and then going
to Boston, where he became clerk and book-
keeper for a mercantile house. Mr. Dodge
subsequently returned to Amherst, and for some
fifteen years assisted his father in a clerical
capacity, and during the season opened his
house for the reception of summer boarders.

On August 13, 1863, Mr. Dodge married
Miss Sophia E. Phelps, daughter of the late
Horace Phelps, of Amherst, N.H. They have
one son, Charles P. Dodge, a resident of
Chester, Vt. Mrs. Dodge is a woman of rare
ability and influence, and is prominently
identified with the Woman’s Relief Corps,
having been president of the C. H. Phelps
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

4s

 

 

W. R. C.; and for a year she had the dis-
tinction of serving as president of the New
Hampshire State W. R. C. She is also a
member of the Order of the Golden Cross, and
for a number of years has been a member of
the Amherst Board of Education. Mr.
Dodge is a member of the Amherst Grange.
Mr. and Mrs. Dodge attend the Congrega-
tional church. Both are held in high estima-
tion throughout the community; and their
pleasant home is the centre of social activity,
being an attractive place of resort for their
large circle of friends and acquaintances.

 

AMES A. CRAIG, M.D., a popular

physician of Westmoreland, was born

in Hebron, N.Y., March 19, 1859,

son of James and Mary (White) Craig.

The father, having begun on a small scale,

ultimately acquired what is claimed to have

been the largest commission business in the

place and considerable rea] estate. A leading

Democrat, he was quite influential in politics.

By his first wife, Mary White Craig, he be-

came the father of James A. His second wife

bore him two sons—John P. and Robert
Henry.

After graduating from the Hebron High
School, James A. Craig prepared for college
at the Fort Edward Institute. He entered
the University of Vermont at Burlington in
1876, and graduated in 1880 with the degree
of Bachelor of Arts. Entering the Medical
School connected with that University in 1881,
he graduated with honors in 1885. Then he
came to Westmoreland, succeeding to the prac-
tice of Dr. George Chamberlain, who removed
to Nebraska. Since then he has much in-
creased the already large practice of his pred-
ecessor.

On October 21, 1885, Dr. Craig married
Emma L. Dixon, a daughter of Henry Dixon,
of Argyle, N.Y. ; and during Mrs. Craig’s life
no party was considered complete without the
Doctor and his wife. The Doctor, who has
shown an aptitude for the mimic stage, has
taken the lead in arranging and rehearsing
dramatic entertainments. The death of his
wife in 1896, a severe blow to her large circle

 

of friends, was an irretrievable loss to him.
By him she had two children — Meeda J. and
Lyle Linwood. He is a member of the
Cheshire County Medical Society, of the New
Hampshire State Medical Society, and of the
Connecticut River Valley Medical Society.
He has served for seven years on the School
Board, has been its chairman for two years,
and is the Master of Westmoreland Grange,
Patrons of Husbandry. His townspeople
would gladly honor him with any office in
their power, were he not so valuable to them
as a physician and as a member of the School
Board. Feeling a deep interest in the schools
of the town, he has given much thought to the
best way of raising their standard.

 

ATHANIEL TAY McINTIRE, one of

the best known and most highly re-
spected citizens of Lyndeboro,

N.H., Deacon of the Congrega-

tional church, and sometime Treasurer of the
town, was born here November 26, 1822, son
of Elias and Elizabeth (Buxton) McIntire.
His parents were natives of North Reading,
Mass., where Philip McIntire, the founder of
this branch of the family, was an early settler.

Philip McIntire had a son David, who in
1712 married Martha Graves. Their son,
David, Jr., married Margaret Buxton, of Mid-
dleton, Mass., and was the father of Elias
McIntire, Sr., who married for his first wife
Bethiah, daughter of Jabez Hayward, of An-
dover, Mass., and for his second wife a Miss
Underwood, by whom he had eight children.
He settled in Stoddard, N.H.

Elias, Jr., only son of Elias, Sr., and Be-
thiah (Hayward) McIntire, was born on No-
vember 24, 1782. Being very young when his
mother died, he was brought up in the family
of an uncle, Nathaniel Tay. He was mar-
ried April 5, 1806, to Elizabeth Buxton,
daughter of Stephen, Jr., and Phebe (Stearns)
Buxton, and grand-daughter of Stephen, Sr.,
and Mary (Damon) Buxton, all of North
Reading.

Stephen Buxton served five days as a private
in Captain John Bachellor’s company, which
marched from Reading at the time of the Lex-
416

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

ington alarm, and, enlisting directly after,
April 24, 1775, in the same company, was
in service as a Revolutionary soldier three
months and fourteen days.

After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Elias McIntire,
Jr., went to live in Fitchburg, Mass., whence
they removed to Amherst, N.H.; and on Jan-
uary I, 1820, they settled in Lyndeboro,
where he bought the Kidder place, and for
considerably more than half a century was ac-
tively engaged in farming. During the first
year or two, until the stage route was changed,
he also kept a tavern. After a season of re-
tirement from daily toil and cares he departed
this life August 3, 1879, aged ninety-six
years. His wife, who was born June 8, 1786,
died April 22, 1866. They were faithful
members of the Congregational church. A
man of strong religious convictions and of
high moral principles, he was one of the earli-
est to join the temperance ranks and abstain
from the use of spirituous liquor. Six chil-
dren were reared by Elias and Elizabeth Mc-
Intire, Nathaniel T., the fifth-born, being the
only survivor. His brothers and sisters, who
all married and had children, were: E. How-
ard; Caroline, Mrs. Kittredge; Jane, Mrs.
Wood; Rachel, Mrs. Todd; and Harvey
Graves McIntire, M.D., late a practising phy-
sician in Concord, N.H.

Nathaniel T. McIntire, who is a farmer
by occupation, has passed all his life at the
old homestead, beautiful for situation, on the
side of Lyndeboro Mountain, where he was
born. He has a good farm of about two hun-
dred acres, tillage, woodland, and pasture
land, with a maple orchard and an apple or-
chard bearing abundant fruit in its season.
One tree has become locally famous as yield-
ing a curious duplex or double-flavored apple,
one side sour and the other side sweet.

Mr. McIntire was married April 12, 1848,
to Elizabeth Bruce, daughter of James Bruce,
of Mont Vernon, N.H., and grand-daughter of
the Rev. John Bruce, a native of Marlboro,
Mass. (Dartmouth College, 1781), the first
settled minister of Mont Vernon. Mr. and
Mrs. McIntire have three children: Mary C.,
born February 28, 1851; Lois E., born Octo-
ber 11, 1854; and Herbert Bruce McIntire,

.Reed and Betsey Levourbeau.

 

M.D., born July 3,°1857. Mary C. is the
wife of Jay M. Gleason, of Mont Vernon,
N.H., and the mother of two children: Er-
nest, now a Senior at Dartmouth College;
and Marion E. Herbert B. McIntire was
graduated at the medical department of the
University of the City of New York in 1882,
and is successfully engaged in the practice of
his profession in Cambridge, Mass. He mar-
ried Mary Ida Woodward, of Marlow, N.H.
They have one child, Ruth.

Mr. and Mrs. Nathaniel McIntire are mem-
bers of the Congregational church, of which he
has been a Deacon since 1860. Upright and
honorable in his dealings, sagacious and pru-
dent -in counsel, he is a man of influence
in town and church affairs. In politics he
is a Republican, as his father was after the
dissolution of the Whig party. For fifteen
years Deacon McIntire held the office of Town
Treasurer, and for several years he served as
Selectman. He was a charter member of the
grange.

RED A. WRIGHT, a prominent resi-
dent of Alstead Centre and a dealer
in real estate, was born in Keene, Feb-

ruary 14, 1857, son of George and Helen S.
(Bundy) Wright. His grandfather, Caleb
Wright, who was born in Walpole, N.H.,
moved to Keene early in life and died there.
Caleb carried on a saw and grist mill, did
much general farming, and traded quite ex-
tensively in Canadian horses, buying for the
Boston markets. By his enterprise and gen-
eral business capacity he acquired considera-
ble property. | He successively married Sarah
His first wife
had fifteen children, of whom two daughters
died young. The others were: Calvin, Eliza,
Lorena, Caroline, Emmeline, Lucy, Mary
Ann, Ellen, Martha, Charles, George, Dan-
iel, and Fanny. Caroline and Emmeline
were twins. Fanny married Willard Gay, of
Swanzey; and Dr. George W. Gay, of Boston,
is theirson. The thirteen named are all liv-
ing, the oldest being eighty years of age, and
the youngest fifty. There has been no death
in the family for a period of fifty-three years.

 
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

407

 

 

George Wright, born in Keene in 1828,
who has been a farmer throughout his active
period, now resides at Gilsum. He has been
more or less closely connected with town
affairs, and has been, and is still, a very pro-
gressive and enterprising man. Like his
father, he has done some trading in good
stock. He is a member and a regular attend-
ant of the Congregational Church of Gilsum,
and belongs to the local grange. His first
marriage was made with Helen, a daughter of
Allen Bundy, of Keene, and the second with
Jane E., a daughter of William Smith, of
Springfield, Vt. The first wife, who was
born in 1837, and died in 1860, had two chil-
dren — Fred A. and George E. The second
wife has had two sons — James W. and John
L. George E. Wright, born in September,
1859, lives in Alstead and works with his
brother, Fred A. He is a machinist by trade,
and was for some time employed at Lynn,
Mass. His wife, in maidenhood Lenna
Carer, has one daughter, Della M. James
W. Wright, who is chef in a large hotel of
Keene, married Minnie Damon, and has no
children. John L., who lives in Chelsea,
Mass., has been on the staff of the Boston
Globe for many years, and is also the editor of
the Chelsea Gazette.

Fred A. Wright was educated in the
schools of Keene and Gilsum. After leav-
ing school he learned the trade of machinist
at Bellows Falls, where he stayed for six
years. Hethen went to Peterboro and from
there to Surry, this State, where he was on a
farm, taking care of his wife’s mother for a
year. Seven years ago he came to Alstead,
and has since been associated with real estate
agents of Boston and New York in selling
and renting summer residences. He is inter-
ested in the firm of P. F. Leland, of 113 Dev-
onshire Street, Boston, and carries on a suc-
cessful business, being known as a man who
represents things exactly for what they are,
and as handling the best real estate in this
section. He married Hattie A. Streeter,
who was born July 3, 1851, daughter of Wil-
lard and Mary (Carpenter) Streeter, of Surry.
Mr. Streeter was born April 4, 1817, and
died April 28, 1878. His wife, born January

 

24, 1812, died October 8, 1888. Their two
children were: Hermon O. and Hattie A.
Mr. and Mrs. Wright attend the Congrega-
tional church.

 

 

AMES O. REED, Jr.,* a highly es-
teemed citizen of Mason, N.H., was
born in New Ipswich, March 11, 1858,
and is the son of James O. and Caroline
R. (Hildreth) Reed.

Mr. Reed’s great-grandfather, Oliver Reed,
was a farmer of Westford, Mass., and lived
and died in that place. His children by his
wife, Abigail, daughter of Samuel Reed,
were four in number, the eldest and the only
son was Oliver, Jr., grandfather of the subject
of this sketch. Oliver Reed, Jr., was a tanner
by occupation He lived at Townsend Harbor
and was a successful man in his day. He
died when fifty-seven years old; and his wife,
Letty Wilson, died at the age of seventy-six
years. They had five children, three of whom,
a son and two daughters, are now living.

The son, James O. Reed, Sr., was born at
Townsend Harbor, Mass., October 16, 181g.
In his early days he was a clerk in a country
store, and after gaining some business experi-
ence in that way he went to Boston and
worked in the flour and grain business for a
year. He then removed to Stoddard, N.H.,
and went into trade, remaining there three
or four years, going at the end of that time
to New Ipswich, where he stayed until 1872.
In that year he came to Mason, and in 1879
he purchased the estate upon which he now re-
sides. Mr. Reed owns a farm of about a hun-
dred acres and other land besides. While
living in New Ipswich he was Collector of
Taxes. He is a member of Bethel Lodge,
F & A. M., of New Ipswich.

James O. Reed, Jr., was educated in the
common schools at Mason and the academy
at New Ipswich, and has supplemented his
early training by reading and observation.
He has always been interested in agriculture,
and has taken part in the affairs of the town.
In 1893-94 he served as Representative to
the State legislature, and he has been Select-
man since 1884 with the exception of two
 

 

418 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
years. He is at the present time chairman | kins. Both her parents were natives of this
of that body, and has been for the last seven | town. Her great-great-grandfather, James

years. In 1881 Mr. Reed planted four acres
with Concord grape-vines, and now raises
grapes for marketing. He also carries on
considerable lumbering business.

 

LARK CAMPBELL,* a_ prominent

citizen of Mont Vernon and the pres-

ent United States Marshal for New

Hampshire, is a native of New Bos-

ton, Hillsboro County, N.H., where his birth

occurred March 17, 1836. His parents were
Daniel and Sabrina (Moor) Campbell.

The Campbell family are of Scotch-Irish
descent. Robert Campbell, the great-grand-
father of Clark, came from Townsend, Mass.,
to New Boston, where he was one of the early
settlers. He served in the Revolutionary
War, and, while near Ticonderoga, was taken
and held prisoner for atime. Thomas, son of
Robert, was born in New Boston, and spent
his life there. He married Ann Clark. His
son Daniel became one of the leading farmers
of New Boston. He was a Democrat in politi-
cal views. He held a larger part of the town
offices, representing New Boston in the New
Hampshire legislature a number of years, and
serving as Selectman for quite a length of
time, besides offices of minor importance.
His first wife, Sabrina Moor Campbell, was,
like himself, a native of New Boston.

In early boyhood Clark Campbell attended
the common schools of New Boston; and the
knowledge thus acquired was supplemented by
a brief course at Appleton Academy, or Mc-
Collom Institute, as it is now known, in Mont
Vernon. The first business in which he en-
gaged was the manufacture of sash and blinds
at Goffstown, and later, on he conducted a
grocery and meat business at Mont Vernon and
Milford. Since 1870 he has resided in Mont
Vernon altogether, successfully carrying on a
variety of enterprises, keeping hotel, and doing
lumbering and farming.

In his twenty-seventh year, on November 27,
1862, Mr. Campbell married Miss Ann A.
Perkins, who was born in Mont Vernon, a
daughter of Hiram and Sophia (Lamson) Per-

 

Woodbury, is said to have been the first white
settler in Mont Vernon. Mr. and Mrs. Camp-
bell have but one child living, namely — Alice
P., a graduate of Wellesley College, now en-
gaged asa teacher in the high school at Mil-
ford.

Mr. Campell has served as Representative
from Mont Vernon to the New Hampshire leg-
islature. For twenty-two successive years he
has been Treasurer of the town, and he has
also served for several years as Town Clerk.
In 1894 he was appointed United States Mar-
shal, and is still serving in that capacity. He
is a member of the Masonic lodge at Milford.
Before her marriage Mrs. Campbell was a
school teacher, and taught eleven terms in suc-
cession here in Mont Vernon. She also taught
in other places, including Goffstown, Bedford,
and Wilton, N.H., and East Boston, Mass.
Since her marriage she has continued her in-
terest in educational matters, and is now serv-
ing her third term as a member of the School
Board. She is a member of the Congrega-
tional church. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell and
daughter have a large circle of friends, and are
prominent in social circles.

 

 

AMES E. RUFFLE, a successful farmer
of Nelson, Cheshire County, was born
in Keene, N.H., November 16, 1849,
son of William and Abigail (Tufts)
Ruffle. The father, who was born in England
in 1805, and was one of a large family of
children, was a glass-maker by trade. Upon
his arrival in America he settled in Keene,
where he died in 1855. His wife, Abigail,
daughter of Zachariah Tufts, of Keene, be-
came the mother of thirteen children; namely,
William, Isabelle, Charles, George, Sarah,
Mary, Samuel, Benjamin, Isabelle (second),
Henrietta, Josiah, Harriet, and James E.
James E. Ruffle was educated at Keene.
After completing his studies, he worked for
a time as a mechanic in Stoddard and Harris-
ville, N.H. He then purchased his present
farm in Nelson, where he has since resided,
industriously and successfully occupied in
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

419

 

 

farming. He is active in public affairs,
has been Surveyor, Supervisor, a member of
the Prudential Committee, and a Selectman
for a number of years. He attends the Con-
gregational church.

Mr. Ruffle married Electa M. Farwell,
who was born May 16, 1852, daughter of Da-
rius and Mary (Bryant) Farwell, of Harris-
ville. Mrs. Ruffle’s parents, now eighty-eight
and eighty-two years old respectively, cele-
brated in 1896 the fiftieth anniversary of their
marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Ruffle have been the
parents of four children, as follows: Idella G.,
born September 28, 1876, who died May 7,
1894; an infant son, born October 14, 1878,
who died October 29, 1878; Ada B., born
October 2, 1880, who resides at home; and
Emo, born September 17, 1884.

 

AJOR JAMES C. FARWELL, a
prosperous general merchant of
Chesterfield, a veteran of the
Civil War, and a member of the
New Hampshire legislature, was born in this
town November 17, 1832, son of Alfred and
Cordelia (Scott) Farwell. He is a descendant
of Oliver Farwell, who settled in Chesterfield
between the years 1770 and 1776. Oliver’s
son, Benjamin Farwell, the great-grandfather
of the subject of this sketch, located here about
the year 1780. Preston Farwell, Major Far-
well’s grandfather, followed the carpenter’s
trade in this town during his active years.
Alfred Farwell, born January 7, 1800, son
of Preston, was a lifelong resident of Chester-
field. When a young man he learned the car-
penter’s trade. He was a very capable me-
chanic, and also possessed good business
ability, which he applied to wool-carding and
lumbering with profitable results. While fol-
lowing his trade, he assisted in erecting the
Union church. He was one of the most prom-
inent Universalists of this section. Being
an excellent musician, he took an active part
in the musical portion of the church services.
His wife, Cordelia, whom he married October
1, 1828, was a daughter of Rodolphus Scott.
She became the mother of three children, as
follows: Alfred A., who died March 4, 1862;

 

James C., the subject of this sketch; and Cor-
delia M., who married George R. Carpenter.
James C. Farwell attended school in his na-
tive town. At the age of sixteen he became
a clerk for R. B. Griswell, of Holyoke, Mass.
A short time later he went to Ohio, where he
engaged in the clothing business on his own
account. When nineteen years old he was
the proprietor of two stores located in adjoin-
ing towns. He sold out his entire business in
1853, after which he was engaged in the same
way in Shakopee, Minn., for four years. In
1857 he moved to Henderson, Minn., where
he conducted business until the breaking out
of the Civil War. Mr. Farwell was one of
the first to volunteer for the defence of the
Union. He enlisted for three years as a pri-
vate in the First Minnesota Regiment, which
was mustered in April 29, 1861, and partici-
pated in the first battle of Bull Run. He has
a record of having been present at one hundred
different engagements, including some of the
most decisive battles of the war. Although he
served throughout the entire conflict, he es-
caped bodily injury, and his name was not
once entered upon the sick list. His rise from
the ranks to the command of his company was
rapid, he receiving each successive promotion
for gallant conduct upon the field; and he
earned the reputation of being a discreet as
well as a brave officer. During the action at
Boydton Plank Road, Va., October 28, 1864,
the battalion he was commanding was through
some mistake left in a dangerous position un-
supported; but through his usual presence of
mind and bravery he not only extricated his
command from its perilous position, but with
it at the same time captured four hundred
prisoners, a force greatly outnumbering his
own. For this display of gallantry he was
summoned to the tent of General Hancock,
who complimented him highly; and as a re-
sult Captain Farwell received from the War
Department the brevet of Major, signed by
President Lincoln, with the advice and con-
sent of the House and Senate, and dated Octo-
ber 28, 1864. At the expiration of his first
term of service there were but one hundred
and fifty of the original quota of the First
Regiment left. Major Farwell re-enlisted with
420

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

the majority of the survivors; and, reporting
for duty at Washington, he was commissioned
Senior Captain and ordered to join the Army
of the Potomac, with which he served until the
close of the war. After his discharge he re-
turned to Chesterfield, and opened a general
merchandise store at Factory Village, which he
has since prosperously conducted.

Mr. Farwell married Sarah Gay, a daughter
of William Gay. They have had four chil-
dren, namely: Addie M., born September 6,
1858, who is the wife of Frederick M. Hamil-
ton; James F., born August 14, 1860, who
died June 17, 1863; James Frederick, born
December 14, 1865, who is now in business
with his father; and William C., born October
22, 1868. Mr. Farwell is a Republican in
politics, and was the Postmaster of the town
for twenty consecutive years. Although averse
to the proposal on account of his business, he
was persuaded in 1896 to accept the nomina-
tion for Representative to the legislature.
This was equivalent to an election. During
the last session of that body his able commit-
tee work did much to promote educational in-
terests. He joined the association that erected
Village Hall in 1869, acted as its secretary
and the janitor of the building for ten years,
and was a Jeading spirit in dramatic entertain-
ments given for the purpose of clearing the
building from debt. When twenty-one years
old he was made a Mason in Ohio, and he
is now a life member of the Royal Arch
Chapter in Keene.

LISHA A. ann NATHAN MILLER
WORDEN, constituting the firm of
Worden Brothers, of Hinsdale, book-

sellers, stationers, newsdealers, and jewellers,
were both born in this town, the former Feb-
ruary 27, 1840, and the latter December 4,
1844. Sons of the late Kimball C. Worden,
they are descended from Peter Worden, who
came from Clayton, Lancashire, England, and
was among the very earliest settlers in the
section of Cape Cod lying directly north from
the Island of Nantucket. John Worden, of the
sixth generation from Peter in direct male
line, lived in Hopkinton, Mass., in Exeter,

 

 

N.H., and in Richmond and Charlestown. He
married Dorothy Satterly. Nathan, their son,
born in 1749, in Rhode Island, married Amy
Waters, and, after the death of her father, re-
moved about 1778 to Westmoreland, N.H.,
where his grandmother, one of the earliest
settlers of the town, owned a large tract of
land. From 1778 to 1786 he farmed for her,
and worked at the mason’s trade. In 1786 he
removed to Chesterfield, and began farming for
himself. For fifteen years he was the Baptist
minister in Chesterfield, extending his labors
into Keene, N.H., and Dummerston, Vt. He
was a noted man of prayer, of great personal
worth, and much beloved. He died October 1,
1804, at the age of fifty-five. When told that
his death was near, he called to his bedside
members of his church and personal friends,
sang with them familiar hymns, named a text,
preached a sermon of exhortation, gave a part-
ing clasp of the hand, and quietly passed away.
His son Henry, born May 25, 1782, the fourth
of ten children, married Polly Waldo, who was
born August 17, 1786, and died November 18,
1829. Henry Worden died December 7,
1833. His twelve children were as follows:
Kimball] C., born January 15, 1807; Larkin,
born December 1, 1808, who died May 9,
1837; Allen, born April 8, 1810; Mary M.,
born July 8, 1811; Elisha, born June 4, 1813;
Amanda, born March 2, 1815; Diantha, born
September 20, 1816; Charles, born June 1,
1818; Salmon, born January 18, 1820; Eliza,
born October 3, 1821; Martha, born May 9,
1823; and Lucian, born September 5, 1826,
who died in September, 1827.

Kimball] C. Worden came to Hinsdale when
a young man, and was engaged as an employee
in a mil] and as a river captain. His first
wife was Belinda Thomas, who was born Janu-
ary 22, 1815, and died May 17, 1864; and his
second wife was Mrs. Maria Blanchard. The
children of Kimball C. Worden were: Lucian,
born July 4, 1835; Elisha A., born February
27, 1840; Diantha B., born February 16,
1842; and Nathan M., born in December,
1844.

At the age of sixteen years Elisha A. Wor-
den secured employment in Governor Haile’s
mill, where he worked for four years, receiving
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

421

 

 

very small wages. In 1861 he enlisted in a
company of sharpshooters and went to the
front; but, being taken seriously il], he was
obliged to return home, and suffered a long
convalescence. The next year he went to work
in the factory of Bishop & Boyden, and later
went to Franklin, where for fifteen months
he had charge of the finishing-room in the
mills of Taylor Brothers. Becoming known
as thoroughly competent and trustworthy, he
was offered a lucrative position in Warsaw,
I}l.; and, going to that place, he took charge
of the finishing-room of a large mill, and re-
mained for some years, receiving excellent
wages. He felt himself, however, capable of
doing even better. While in Franklin he had
turned his attention to soap-making, and he
became convinced that he could engage in the
manufacture of that article with entire success.
He suggested the plan to his brother, Nathan
M., and invited him to join in partnership.
The matter was carefully considered by both
men, and they finally decided to make the ex-
periment. They were obliged to give up the
positions they were then holding and to: start
in an entirely new venture. There was risk,
but both brothers were ambitious to make the
business succeed. Jt was in 1870 that they
started the manufacture, and for seventeen
years Mr. Elisha Worden worked early and
late to insure its success. He drove a team
through the surrounding country and towns,
collecting materials and selling soap, and
making it his one idea to succeed. In 1871
the Messrs. Worden purchased the River
Tavern property, and moved the plant to that
place, where the industry has been continued
to the present time.

Nathan Miller Worden in his boyhood at-
tended the district school on Streeter Hill
for a few terms, and partial terms in the village
school-house, which stood on the site now oc-
cupied by Masonic Hall; and, although the
educational methods and appliances of those
days were not models, his mental faculties
were trained, and he acquired sufficient know]-
edge to serve as an equipment for the begin-
ning of his active career. He started in life
as a farmer;s boy, working for the late Edward
S. Perham for very small wages. About the

 

time of the opening of the Civil War he found
a place in the Haile factory, where he worked
for two years at fifty cents a day, boarding
himself, Elisha then being. in the army. At
the end of two years Nathan went into the
mill of Boyden & Amidon, formerly Bishop &
Boyden, now C. J. Amidon & Sons. Here he
worked for eight years, spending the last five
as overseer in the finishing-room. He then
went into business with his father-in-law, the
late N. E. Pratt, learning the painter’s trade,
at which he worked until 1870, when he went
into the soap manufactory.

Worden Brothers have been engaged in
many enterprises in this town, and have been
uniformly successful in al] their undertakings.
They were the first to introduce the ice busi-
ness in this town, building up a good trade,
and then selling out at a good profit. They
have bought and sold some real estate. Mr.
Elisha A. Worden now owns six or more
houses, which he rents. When some years ago
the question of disposing of the old town hall
was before the town, Worden Brothers bought
the Oliver Adams place on Main Street, where
the town hall now stands, moved the house to
its present site, remodelled it, together with
the livery stable, and made stores and shops.
Here they resided for five years, moving thither
from the old homestead farm on the river road,
and for two years conducting a restaurant in the
block, selling it later to M. V. Colton, and later
disposing of the entire property. In 1881 they
built two commodious houses on lower Main
Street, and one of these has since been the
home of Mr. N. M. Worden. In 1885 Worden
Brothers bought the drug store founded in
1872 by Dr. L. A. Lamson. Mr. N. M.
Worden represented the firm, and took into
company F. H. Jones, now of Jones & O’Brien.
This partnership existed for about four and
one-half years, when Mr. Jones retired; anda
little later the plant was sold to Taylor,
Stebbins & Co. After the death of Mr. Tay-
lor the Wordens bought back the property,
and it continues to-day under their manage-
ment. They had previously bought out the
jewelry and news-room business conducted by
Will Streeter, and had carried it on in the
Town Hall Block. About four years ago Mr.
422

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

N. M. Worden purchased this of his brother;
and the business, which has since been carried
on by his son-in-law, Mr. C. J. Bronson, is
now merged into the spacious store in Todd's
Block. This establishment is, without doubt,
the largest of its kind in South-western New
Hampshire. It occupies the whole lower part
of the recently enlarged Todd’s Block, and
embraces under one roof a well-appointed
drug department, an extensive hardware store
with spacious store-rooms, a section for books,
periodicals, and newspapers, and a large line of
jewelry and fancy goods. Each department is
in charge of competent persons, there being
employed on the floor at the present time six
attendants, besides two heads of the firm.
The store is heated by steam and lighted by
gas manufactured on the premises.

The Messrs. Worden are members of many
fraternal societies, being Masons, Knight
Templars, Odd Fellows, and Red Men. Mr.
N. M. Worden is alsoa Granger. He has oc-
cupied a]] the chairs in the Masonic body ex-
cept the Master’s chair, and was for a year
Senior Deacon. He is a member of the Maine
Life Insurance Company, of the New York
Mutual Life Insurance Company, and of the
New Hampshire Provident Mutual Relief As-
sociation, also of the Masonic Accident Asso-
ciation. Mr. N. M. Worden has served the
town seven years as Selectman, and for six
years was chairman of the Board. The first
year of his holding this position he brought
out a new system of keeping the reports, the
old method seeming to him to be unsatisfac-
tory and imperfect. The method that he has
devised makes the work much more simple,
and the accounts can be readily followed. His
reports were universally conceded to be the
best ever given out; and Mr. Worden keeps
the accounts now for his own satisfaction, and
is thoroughly informed on all questions per-
taining to the finances of the town. He also
served the town as a member of the Building
Committee at the time of the erection of the
town hall previous to 1880, as one of the
directors of the Savings Bank, and as a pro-
moter of the Hinsdale Bridge.

Mr. Nathan Miller Worden and Helen M.,
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Norton E. Pratt,

 

were married on March 7, 1866. They have
one child, a daughter, Jennie E., who married
Clinton J. Bronson, formerly of Ashfield,
Mass., and has two children—-Carleton A.
and Blanche U. Mr. Elisha Worden married
Mary Stevenson; and after her death he mar-
ried Nellie, daughter of Elisha Hunt, who was
a public-spirited and leading citizen in this
town and for a number of years Sheriff of
the county.

ICTOR L. PARKER,* foreman of the
weaving department of the Columbia
Manufacturing Company, of Green-

ville, N.H., was born in the old Bay State,
in the city of Lawrence, September 21, 1855,
the son of Samuel E. and Cordelia (Mullin)
Parker. Mr. Parker comes of a family that
helped to swell the numbers of the Union
Army during the recent struggle between the
North and South, four of his father’s brothers
having fought in the great conflict from the
beginning until the close.

His father, Samuel E. Parker, is a well-
known engineer, now living in Leominster,
Mass. He was born in Chelmsford, that State,
and began his business career as a contrac-
tor and builder, making his home in South-
boro, Mass. Later he was foreman of the
card room in the woollen factory at Cordaville,
Mass., holding this position for many years.
Mr. Samuel E. Parker has been twice married.
His first wife, Cordelia Mullin, lived to be
thirty-seven years old. She was the mother
of five children, four of whom survive her.
They are: Frederick K., who married Sybil
Bennett, of Biddeford, Me., and is the father
of George and Helen Parker; Victor L. ; Clara
N., wife of Roger Hunt, of Southboro, Mass. ;
and Mary, now Mrs. Del Robinson, of West-
boro, Mass., who is the mother of two children
— Austin E. and Hazel A. Mr. Parker's
second wife, formerly Miss Margaret Boyle, is
the mother of Walter Parker, who is married
to Ethel Montgomery. Mr. Samuel E. Parker
is a leading Republican in Leominster. He
has been police officer for a number of years.

Victor L. Parker was educated in the
Southboro schools, and then went to Worces-

 
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW 4

be

3

 

 

ter, Mass., where he learned the machinist’s
trade. After leaving Worcester, he was em-
ployed for thirteen years in the weaving de-
partment of the cloth manufactory in Wal-
tham, and in 1889 came to Greenville,
N.H., having been engaged by the Columbia
Manufacturing Company as foreman of their
weaving department. Since his residence in
this town Mr. Parker has gained universal es-
teem, and has secured a permanent footing in
social and educational circles of the town.
He is now a member of the School Board of
Greenville, and has been Chief of the Fire
Department for the last year.

On August 9, 1878, Mr. Parker was married
to Miss Lois J. Cheney, daughter of Henry N.
Cheney, of Holden, Mass. Three children
have come to grace their home — Grosvenor
H., Mary E. C., and Eva I. A. In politics
Mr. Parker isa Republican. He is a member
of the Masonic fraternity, and belongs to
Souhegan Lodge of Greenville. Mr. Parker
is a member of the Methodist church.

 

HARLES FREEMAN HOLT,* an
enterprising lumber manufacturer of
Antrim, Hillsboro County, and a
veteran of the Civil War, was born
in this town, July 27, 1841, son of Harvey and
Minda (Gregg) Holt. He now occupies the
farm on which his father, who was a native of
Wilton, settled in 1828. Harvey Holt erected
a saw-mill on his land, which he carried on in
connection with farming for the rest of his ac-
tive years; and he lived to the age of seventy-
seven. He was an industrious man and a
citizen of much worth to the community. His
wife, Minda Gregg, was a daughter of David
Gregg, an early settler in Antrim. She be-
came the mother of five children, three of
whom are living, namely: Mary G.; Charles
F., the subject of this sketch; and Margaret
J., now the wife of Lorenzo Grace, of Lowell,
Mass. Margaret J. has been twice married.
Her first husband, Charles F. Storey, died in
the army, leaving her with one son, Charles F.
Mrs. Minda G. Holt died at the age of seventy-
six years. She was a member of the Presbyte-
rian church.

 

Charles Freeman Holt acquired his early
education in the schools of Antrim, and was
for a time thereafter employed in a wood-
working shop. In 1860 he went to Boston,
where he worked in a store, and while there
attended an evening school. In 1861 he en-
listed as a private in Company G, Second
Regiment, New Hampshire Volunteers. He
participated in the first battle of Bull Run,
was through the Peninsular Campaign under
General McClellan, and in the second battle
of Bull Run was seriously wounded, no less
than five bullets having struck him. His face
was badly lacerated, and he lost all of his
front teeth. He was sent to the hospital in
Washington, where he remained for six weeks,
and was then discharged on account of physical
disability, after having served a year and a
half. Coming home and recovering his
strength, he was for a time employed at Foster
& Brook’s cradle factory; and later, going to
Boston, he worked in Faneuil Hall Market
four years. He then settled permanently at
the Antrim homestead, which he now owns.
He carries on logging operations, manufactures
lumber in his saw-mill, and cultivates a small
farm. He owns besides that about four hun-
dred acres, and is the proprietor of the Lake
House, which entertains summer boarders dur-
ing the season.

On November 26, 1863, Mr. Holt was joined
in marriage with Emeline W. Smith, his first
wife, who was a native of Antrim. She
died October 5, 1882, leaving seven children;
namely, Charles L., Nellie J., William A.,
Carrie M., Arthur L., Alfred G., and Emeline
S. Charles L. married Laura Sawyer, of An-
trim; Nellie J. is the wife of William French,
of Milford, N.H.; and Carrie M. married
Willard Merrill, of Lyndeboro, N.H., and has
two children. On April 12, 1892, Mr. Holt
married for his second wife Fanny A. Blunt,
daughter of Alfred Blunt, of Boston.

Politically, Mr. Holt is a Republican. He
served as a Constable for several years, and
was Deputy Sheriff for some time. He isa
comrade of Ephraim Weston Post, No. 87,
G. A. R., of this town, and is a member of
the Congregational church, in which he takes
an active interest.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

424
ARTIN L. RICHARDSON, a lead- | for sawing wood before coal came to be exclu-

ing farmer of Alstead and a native | sively used for fuel. He then went to farming

of this town, was born October | in Alstead, and has been in that business ever

20, 1840, son of William and | since. He is active as a citizen, and has held

Ruth (Hemmenway) Richardson. William | nearly every position in the bestowal of the

Richardson, Sr., born in Sutton, Mass., Octo-
ber 9, 1758, moved to Alstead in 1765, being
the first of the family to settle here. He fol-
lowed the occupation of farmer, was a soldier
in the Revolution, and died here March 2,
1833, having lived for about three-quarters of
acentury. In 1784 he was married to Lavina
Taft, who, born in 1763, died in 1841. Their
children were: Calvin, born April 16, 1785,
who died October 23, 1852; Betsey, born
November 8, 1789, who died December 27,
1857; Luther, born January 28, 1792, who
lived in Ohio, and died there a wealthy man;
Anne, born March 9, 1794; William, born
February 28, 1796, who died March 17, 1877;
Sarah, born March 20, 1799, who died May 5,
1862; Philena, born May 9, 1801, who is liv-
ing in Michigan; Lois, born April 7, 1803,
who died in March, 1895; and Lemuel, born
July 25, 1807, who died February 27, 1883.
Luther was actively interested in politics, and
has two sons who are in the national House of
Representatives — one from Tennessee and the
other from Michigan.

William Richardson, the father of Mr. Mar-
tin L. and the fifth child of his parents, was
born and educated in the town of Alstead, and
lived here as a farmer all his life. He was
an upright and honored citizen and a devoted
member of the Methodist church. His wife,
Ruth, who was born April.5, 1801, daughter
of Ebenezer Hemmenway, of Marlboro, N.H.,
died April 9, 1875. Their four children were:
Mary M., Sarah E., Martha J., and Martin L.
Mary M., born August 12, 1836, resides in
Alstead. Sarah E., born June 7, 1838, mar-
ried Willard Evans, a farmer, now of West-
moreland, and had a family of three children.
Martha J., born May 20, 1843, is now Mrs.
Erastus P. Kidder, of Alstead, and the mother
of two children.

Martin L. Richardson was educated in the
town schools. He began to work for wages as
an employee of the Cheshire Railroad, where
he remained for ten years, having the contract

‘tilling the soil.

 

town. He has been Selectman since 1887.
He has served in the State legislature, and was
a member of the Committee on Roads, Bridges,
and Canals. In politics he is a Democrat.
While liberal in religion he aids in the sup-
port of the various churches. He belongs to
the Masonic society. He married Bridget
Conley, of Keene, N.H. Mr. and Mrs. Rich-
ardson have no children.

ANIEL J. BROWN,®* of the firm of.

Brown Brothers, engaged in busi-

ness at Greenville, N.H., was born

in this town, February 22, 1863.

His parents, Robert and Hannah (Gainey)

Brown, now living in Greenville, are both na-

tives of Ireland; and his grandfather, Robert

Brown, Sr., was a prosperous farmer and cattle

dealer of that country. He died in Ireland at

a good old age. He was twice married; and

his only son, Robert, Daniel J. Brown’s father,
was the child of his second wife.

Robert Brown, the second of the name, im-
migrated to the United States when a young
man, first settling in Haverhill, Mass., and
later moving to Greenville. Some time after
coming here he went to California, where he
remained five years; and, returning then to
this town, he has since been engaged here in
His wife, Hannah Gainey,
is the mother of four children, namely: Rob-
ert, third; Nellie; Annie; and Daniel J., the
subject of this sketch. Annie is the wife of
Ralph H. Morrill, a nephew of Senator Mor-
rill, of Vermont, and has three children —
Charles H., Robert H., and Ulysses S.  Rob-
ert Brown, second, is still active at the age of
sixty years, and his wife is now sixty-five.
Her mother, who lived to be over one hundred
years old, reared a family of fourteen children,
six of whom emigrated to this country. One
resides in California, two are in Milford, N.H.,
and three are living in Greenville.

Daniel J. Brown finished his education at

 

 

 

 

 

 
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

425

 

 

Appleton Academy, New Ipswich. In April,
1879, he formed a partnership with his brother
Robert, under the firm name of Brown Brothers,
and has since been engaged in the retail pro-
vision business. They were for some time
quite extensive dealers in cattle, but of late,
have given their whole attention to the store,
and are doing a large and profitable business.
During the late Presidential campaign Mr.
Daniel J. Brown supported the free coinage of
silver. He is active in local political affairs,
and was elected a member of the Board of Se-
lectmen in 1896. He is a member of the
Ancient Order of Foresters, being connected
with the Court at Milford, N.H.

Messrs. Daniel J. and Robert Brown are ac-
tive and progressive young men. By close
attention to business, which they began upon
a smal] scale, and by promptness and courtesy
they have gained the esteem and confidence of
their many patrons.

 

LEXANDER CUTHBERT, of the Gil-

sum Woollen Manufacturing Company,

is a native of Scotland. Born Oc-

tober 20, 1838, he is a son of

Robert and Winifred (Creighton) Cuthbert.
The father, who in early life was a woollen
manufacturer of Scotland, emigrated to the
United States. He was first employed as a
wool sorter and carder at Sutton’s Mills, North
Andover, Mass., where he remained a number
of years. Subsequently for some time he
was engaged in the manufacture of woollens in
Vermont. Finally he and his son, Alexander,
purchased the property where the Gilsum
Woollen Company is now located. After his
son’s withdrawal from the concern some time
later he was associated with F. C. Minor and
John Gould. In 1880 the Gilsum Woollen
Manufacturing Company, comprising F. C.
Minor, Herbert E. Adams, Robert Polzer,
Augustus Polzer, and Alexander Cuthbert,
was organized. Robert Cuthbert continued in
active business until his death, which occurred
in 1889. A skilful woollen manufacturer, he
was familiar with the sorting and treatment of
the raw material as well as the weaving and
finishing of the various kinds of goods. He

 

was also an able business man. While taking
a keen interest in politica] affairs, he never
aspired to public office. In his religious be-
lief he was a Congregationalist, and he was a
member of the local society and a liberal
contributor to its support. His first marriage
was made with Winifred Creighton, who was
born in Scotland. Her children by him were:
Alexander, John, Ann, James, Robert, Mar-
garet, and Betsey. John, who was a spinner
by trade, served in the Civil War, and was
killed at the battle of Gettysburg. Ann mar-
ried Samuel W. Dart, of Gilsum, and has a
family. James, who is married and hasa family,
is a machinist in the United States Navy Yard
at Washington, D.C. Robert, Jr., who lives
in Keene, N.H., also has a family. Margaret
married Horace Coolidge, of Erving, Mass;
and Betsey died in infancy. The father
married for his second wife Margaret Hunter,
also a native of Scotland, who became the
mother of two children. These were: George,
who died at the age of nine years; and
Christine, who married Dr. Johnson, of
Erving, Mass., and has one child.

Alexander Cuthbert began his education in
Scotland, and completed it in Lawrence, Mass.
Afterward he served an apprenticeship under
his father in the Sutton Mills, at Andover,
and started in wool-carding for himself in
Gaysville, Vt., and subsequently was in busi-
ness in Keene, Marlboro, and Swanzey. Then
he joined with his father in Gilsum, and he is
now a member of the Gilsum Woollen Manu-
facturing Company. He is connected with the
United Order of the Golden Cross and the
Masonic fraternity. A member of the Meth-
odist Episcopal church, he is also a generous
supporter of other religious societies.

Mr. Cuthbert married Alison Lang, who was
born in Scotland, March 11, 1834. She has
been the mother of eight children, as follows:
Mary J., born in Woodstock, Vt., February 9,
1861, who died in 1865; Winford B., born in
Woodstock, January 18, 1863; Robert W.,
born in Gaysville, Vt., January 26, 1865, who
died in the same year; James W., born in
Keene, N.H., June 25, 1866; George H.,
born in Gilsum, June 5, 1869; Annie L., born
in Marlboro, March 31, 1872; Frank W., born
426

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

in Marlboro, March 12, 1874, who died March
9g, 1895; and Charles H., born May 29, 1882.
Winford B. married John E. Isham, and has
two children— Hazel and Mildred. James
W., who married Bertha Nichols, died in
1892, leaving two children— Dorothy and
James. George H. married Blanche Gould,
and is a merchant in Salisbury, Mass. Annie
L. and Charles H. reside with their parents.

 

 

prising basket manufacturer of Peter-
boro, N.H., and a veteran of the

Civil War, was born in Whiting,
Vt., November 22, 1841, son of Daniel K. and
Nancy (Pierce) Needham. His great-grand-
father, Joseph Needham, who went from Brim-
field, Mass., to Whiting, Vt., as a pioneer,
cleared the farm which is now owned by his
grandson, Daniel K. Needham. He erected
the first house in that town, and it is still
standing.

Benjamin Needham, grandfather of Henry
B., was a prosperous farmer, and occupied the
homestead in Whiting until his death, which
occurred when he was sixty-nine years old.
His wife lived to be about sixty-four. Both
were members of the Baptist church. They
were the parents of five children, of whom
Daniel K. is the youngest; and he is the only
one living.

Daniel K. Needham, Henry B. Needham’s
father, was born in April, 1813, at the home-
stead in Whiting, Vt., which he now owns and
occupies. He has always resided in Whiting,
and has been one of the ablest farmers in that
vicinity. He is now eighty-four years old.
He is a Republican in politics, and is lib-
era] in his religious views. For many years
he was a Justice of the Peace. His wife, who
was before marriage Nancy Pierce, died in
November, 1896, aged eighty-one years. She
was the mother of ten children, two of whom
are living, namely: Henry B., the subject of
this sketch; and Frank S.

Henry B. Needham in his boyhood attended
the common schools of his native town. When
a young man he worked in a woollen-mill in
Warren, Mass., for six months, and was sub-

Ate B. NEEDHAM,* an enter-

 

 

sequently employed the same length of time in
Leominster, Mass. In 1861 he enlisted as a
private in the First New Hampshire Cavalry,
and served in the Civil War until honorably
discharged on account of physical disability.
For four years he worked on a milk car run-
ning from Greenville, N.H., to Boston. At
length, coming to Peterboro somewhat more
than twenty years ago, he here engaged in
basket-making, working for other parties until
1891, at which time he began business on his
own account. Starting upon a limited scale,
with but one assistant, he gradually increased
his facilities as trade advanced; and in 1893
he built his present factory, which is equipped
with improved machinery and appliances. He
now employs sixteen hands, and manufactures
baskets of every description. In politics he is
a Republican, and has been Chief of the Fire
Department for the past four years.

Mr. Needham’s first wife, Ann M. Johnson,
whom he married in 1867, died at the age of
forty-three years. His present wife was be-
fore marriage Sophia A. Taggart, of Peterboro.
Mr. Needham is a member of Peterboro Lodge,
F. & A. M., and a comrade of A. F. Stevens
Post, G. A. R. Mrs. Needham is a member
of the Congregational church.

 

ELSON WILLIAM RICE, the owner

of a well-cultivated farm in Troy, was

born in Winchendon, Mass., April

17, 1837, son of Luke and Chloe

(Alger) Rice. The grandfather, Benjamin
Rice, who was a native of Spencer, Mass.,
settled in Winchendon, where he cleared a
farm, built a log house, and in after years
erected a good frame dwelling. He was a
Lieutenant in the Revolutionary army, and par-
ticipated in the battle of Bunker Hill. At
his death he was ninety-six years old. By his
wife, Ruth Budge Rice, there were five chil-
dren. His son, Luke, who inherited the farm
and lived there all his life, erected new build-
ings and otherwise improved the property.
He married Chloe Alger, of a well-known
Bridgewater family, ‘and died at the age of
eighty-six years. His children were: Eliza
Jane, John, Mary, Lois, Otis G., Nelson W..,
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

427

 

 

and Edwin W. Eliza Jane, John, Lois, and
Otis G. are now deceased. Mary, who resides
in Gardner, Mass., is the wife of Horace Sib-
ley and the mother of two children — Mary
Jane and Joel H. Sibley. Edwin W., who
married Sibyl Whitney, owns and conducts
the homestead farm, which he has increased
from its original size of eighty acres to one
hundred and sixty acres.

Nelson W. Rice was educated at Winchen-
don. Afterward he worked in a mill there
until the Civil War began. On September
16, 1861, he enlisted for three years in the
Third Vermont Infantry, Company D, under
Captain F. C. Harrington. For atime, while
stationed with the company at the “Penin-
sula,” he was very ill in the hospital there.
After serving nine months, he was honorably
discharged, June 4, 1862. Upon returning to
civil life he worked in a wooden-mill at Roy-
alston for a time, and spent a short period at
Winchendon. In 1868 he took up his resi-
dence in Swanzey, N.H., where he was em-
ployed in the mills for twelve years. He was
also engaged in the lumber business on his
own account for two years. He came to Troy
in 1884, bought a farm on West Hill, repaired
the house, and has there lived for the past
thirteen years.

Mr. Rice married Jennie N. Brooks, a
daughter of Sewell and Eliza (Forristall)
Brooks, of Fitzwilliam and Princeton. They
have had two children, of whom Ella Jane
died at the age of five years. Chloe E., the
surviving child, married John F. Hale, and
has five children — Elmer F., Jennie E., Mel-
vin N., Retta May, and Edwin E. Mr. Rice
has always been a Republican, and he cast his
first Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in
1860.

 

LBERT F. NIMS, a well-to-do resident

of Walpole, Cheshire County, was

born in Sullivan, N.H., April 14,

1838, son of Frederick and Harriet
(Wardwell) Nims. The early ancestors of
the family were residents of Deerfield, Mass.
David Nims, great-grandfather of the subject
of this sketch, settled in Keene, N.H., in

 

1737; and when that town was incorporated
he was chosen Scribe, or Town Clerk. He
filled the offices of Clerk and Treasurer for
upward of twenty years, acted as Moderator
at town meetings, and was prominent among
the early settlers. He received a grant of
land, upon which he resided for the rest of his
life; and he died July 31, 1803. He reared
several children, and his son Asahel was
killed in the battle of Bunker Hill.

Philander Nims, Albert F. Nims’s grand-
father, was a native of Sullivan, and resided
there for many years, afterward removing to
Roxbury, N.H., where he remained until his
death. He was an industrious farmer. He
married a Miss White, daughter of Colonel
White, who commanded a regiment and served
seven years in the war for independence. He
and his wife reared a large family of children,
all of whom were born in Sullivan. One of
their sons, Ormond F. Nims, was the organ-
izer and commander of Nims Battery, of Bos-
ton, which rendered efficient service in the
war of the Rebellion.

Frederick Nims, father of Albert F., was
reared to farm life. He was extensively en-
gaged in agriculture and cattle dealing for
many years, and was one of the leading citi-
zens of Sullivan in his day. He served as a
Selectman for a number of years, and for
over six years was a Captain in the State
militia. He died in 1871. His wife, Har-
riet Wardwell, was a daughter of Ezra Ward-
well, of Nelson, N.H. She became the
mother of four sons and four daughters, as
follows: Juliette; Albert, the subject of this
sketch; George; Marshall; Francis; Octavia;
Abbie; and Althea. Juliette married Joseph
Nims. George is a real estate dealer in
Keene. Marshall is agent for the Swift Beef
Company, and has charge of their business
and property in Maine, New Hampshire, and
Vermont. Francis is in the lumber business
in Keene, and holds a Lieutenant Colonel’s
commission in the State militia. Octavia
became the wife of Charles Brooks, but is no
longer living. Abbie married Flavel Beal,
and resides in Keene. Althea died at the age
of fourteen years.

Albert F. Nims began his education in the
428

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

schools of Sullivan, and completed his studies
at Phillips Andover Academy. For a time
he gave his attention to teaching and farming,
but was later engaged in lumbering and build-
ing. He bought wild land, from which he cut
and hauled the timber, manufacturing it in
his own mills, owning one for fiye years in
Cavendish, Vt., and afterward a plant at Wal-
pole, N.H. For about thirty years he has
lived in Walpole, and he has erected upward of
forty tenements. He owns four hundred and
fifty acres of woodland in this town and six
hundred acres in Cavendish. When he moved
to Walpole, he purchased a part of the Chapin
farm, one of the best pieces of agricultural
property in this section; and this, together
with the portion inherited by his wife, gives
him a large estate for a homestead.

April 7, 1870, Mr. Nims was united in
marriage with Cynthia M. Chapin, daughter
of Levi Chapin, Jr., of Walpole. Her grand-
father, Levi Chapin, first, who improved the
Chapin farm, was engaged in the shipping of
timber. He went to Virginia in the interest
of an improved water-wheel, which was his
own invention, and died there. He was the
father of five sons and one daughter — Nathan-
iel, Levi, Jr., Herman, Jonathan, Philip, and
Rhoda. Levi and Jonathan bought the home-
stead, which they divided; and both became
prosperous farmers and stock-raisers. They
resided here all their lives. Levi Chapin
(second) married Cynthia Smith, daughter of
Ebenezer Smith, of Langdon, and had a family
of three children, namely: Philip, who died
February 22, 1841, at the age of twelve years;
Thomas, who died in Florida, March 7, 1855,
aged twenty-five; and Cynthia M., who is now
Mrs. Nims. Mr. and Mrs. Nims have one
daughter, Mary Chapin, born October 23,
1871. She married June 17, 1897, Almon I.
Bolles, of Bellows Falls, Vt.

Politically, Mr. Nims is a Democrat. He
has rendered able services to the town of Wal-
pole as a Selectman and as a member of the
School Board, and he was his party’s candi-
date for the State Senate in 1897. Asa busi-
ness man he is enterprising, energetic, and
progressive, and his ability is appreciated by
his fellow-townsmen.

 

HARLES HENRY MERRILL, the
superintendent of the Stoddard Lum-
ber Company’s plant and a mem-
ber of the New Hampshire legislat-
ure, was born in the town of Baltimore, Vt.,
October 24, 1861, son of Richard and Eliza-
beth (Hall) Merrill. His grandfather, Isaac
Merrill, a native of Massachusetts, followed
general farming in that State during his ac-
tive period. Isaac reared four children —
Richard, Samuel, Electa, and Elizabeth.
Samuel was a prosperous farmer in Massa-
chusetts; Electa married Thomas Eustis, of
Nashua, N.H., and had a family of four chil-
dren; and Elizabeth died young. |

Richard Merrill, Charles H. Merrill’s
father, was born in Effingham, Mass., Novem-
ber 23, 1828. He was an engineer, and in
early life settled in Windsor, Vt., where he
died in 1877. His wife, Elizabeth, who was
born in Massachusetts in May, 1829, daughter
of Frederick Hall, died in 1876. She became
the mother of four children — Samuel E.,
Charles H., Fanny A., and Bessie A. Sam-
uel E. Merrill was formerly a station agent
on the Fitchburg railroad and afterward as-
sistant superintendent of the Eastern Division
of the Atchison, Topeka & Sante Fé railroad.
Fanny A. married Alexander Dunn, a railroad
man of Brattleboro, Vt., and has four children.
Bessie A. married Frank Smith, of Charles-
town, N.H., and has one child.

Charles Henry Merrill was educated in
Windsor, Vt. For some time after complet-
ing his studies he drove a team in Springfield,
Mass. He later studied mechanical engineer-
ing, was for two years employed upon the rail-
way between Springfield and Hartford, and,
after passing a successful examination in Chi-
cago, received the certificate of a locomotive
and marine engineer. In 1886 he entered
the employ of the Stoddard Lumber Company,
and was later advanced to the responsible

position of superintendent of the plant. This
firm ships lumber in large quantities. Mr.
Merrill has served as Road Agent. In the

last session of the legislature, of which he.
was a member, he was assigned to the Com-
mittee on Roads. He has held important
chairs in the local grange, Patrons of Hus-
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

429

 

 

bandry, and is a liberal contributor to the
Congregational church.

Mr. Merrill married for his first wife Myrtie
B. Green, of Windsor, Vt. His present wife,
whose maiden name was Myra L. Robb, is a
native of Richmond, N.H. She was born
January 16, 1859, daughter of Christopher
Robb, a successful business man and a promi-
nent resident of Stoddard. Mr. Merrill has
one daughter by his first union — Lillian E.
Merrill, born in April, 1884, who is now at-
tending St. Mary’s Academy, Manchester.

 

ARSHALL H. NUTTING,* son

of Luther and Ruth (Adams) Nut-

ting, and a prominent farmer of

the town of Mason, Hillsboro

County, N.H., is the third of his line to live

in Mason. He was born April 21, 1832.

His grandfather, Oliver Nutting, was one of

the sturdy, hard-working, and progressive pio-

neers, and was very successful for his times.

He cleared a Jarge tract of land, established a

home, and made an honorable name for him-

self and his descendants. He died in 1844

at the age of seventy-five years. His wife,

Naomi Blood, died at the advanced age of

ninety-eight years. She was a well-known

member of the Baptist church. They reared
eight children.

Luther Nutting, the eldest of the family,
was born in Mason. He was a stone cutter
by trade, and also owned a farm of many
acres, and was very industrious throughout his
life. He made good profits in his business,
and was a very prominent citizen of the town.
He lived to be seventy-nine years old, and
his wife lived to an advanced age. They had
ten children, five of whom are still living,
and are as follows: Edwin L.; May E., now
Mrs. Elbridge Stanley, of Fitchburg, Mass. ;
Marshall H.; Leander; and Romanzo L., who
married Mattie Welch, of Clinton, Mass.

After leaving school, Marshall Nutting
began to work in the cotton-mill at Mason
Village, now Greenville, and remained there
a number of years. Later he bought the farm
where he now resides, and since that time he
has engaged exclusively in agricultural pur-

 

suits. On November 30, 1854, he married
Theresa Merrill, daughter of Calvin Merrill,
of Turner, Me. Four children were born to
them. One has died, the surviving are ‘as
follows: Ida, wife of Edward Gray, of Lowell,
Mass., and mother of one daughter, Belle;
Howard J.,, of Greenville, N.H., who mar-
ried Abbie Bennett, and has three children
— Evelyn M., Harold, and Edna; and Her-
man S., of Melrose, Mass., who married Ada
Harrison, and has one daughter, Ella. Mr.
Marshall H. Nutting and his wife are both
members of the Baptist church, and Mr.
Nutting is a Republican in politics. A man
of integrity, diligent in business, he is well
known and highly respected.

 

HARLES WHITMAN WHITNEY,
the proprietor of the largest wholesale
dry-goods establishment in Troy,
was born here, November 26, 1827,
son of Dr. Charles W. and Mary (Griffin)
Whitney. The grandfather, Dr. Isaiah Whit-
ney, was an early settler of Rindge, N.H.,
and practised medicine there all his life, liv-
ing toa great age. His wife’s maiden name
was Whitman. His son, Charles W. Whit-
ney, also followed the medical profession, vis-
iting his patients sometimes on snow-shoes
and sometimes on horseback. Dr. Charles
was a member of the New Hampshire Medical
Society. His wife, Mary, was a daughter of
Deacon Griffin, of Fitzwilliam. They had
three children — Samuel G., Charles Whit-
man, and Mary J. Samuel is a farmer of
Sylvania, Ohio. Mary, the only daughter,
married Dr. Richardson, of Marlboro, who is
now deceased. She resides in Troy.

Charles Whitman Whitney was sent to
Francestown, N.H., to complete his educa-
tion. He began business in the store of his
brother Samuel in Troy. Subsequently he
was with John Whittemore at Fitzwilliam for
three years, and during half that time was
a partner in the concern. He then went to
Boston as clerk in the wholesale dry-goods
store of McGilvary, Wyman & Co. Three
years later, returning to Troy, he clerked for
D. W. Farrar, and during war times he was
430

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

commissary clerk on the James River. After
the war he bought out Mr. Farrar, and has
since resided here, carrying on the largest
retail business in the vicinity. He was Post-
master of Troy for nearly twenty-five years.

Mr. Whitney married Sarah Frances Tay-
lor, and has three children— Ella F., Cora
M., and Charles W. Whitney, Jr. Cora M.
married Dr. Stone, of this town, and has one
daughter, Mildred. Charles, who is an elec-
trician in Arlington, married Lizzie Hayward,
and has a daughter, Doris. Ella F. married
George Fred Kimball, of Troy, who is now
deceased. Mr. Whitney, Sr., is a Republican,
has been Moderator of the town, and served in
the legislature for two terms. He was Master
of Monadnock Lodge, F. & A. M., for five
years; a member of the Cheshire Royal Arch
Chapter and a Knight Templar; and the dis-
trict Deputy Grand Lecturer of the Order of
the Golden Cross.

LOISE M. PIERCE, who has been for
many years a devoted worker in the
educational field, and who is now a

member of the School Board of Jaffrey, was
born here, February 2, 1839, daughter, of
Reuben and Cordelia (Jewell) Pierce. Her
grandfather, Zebadiah Pierce, who, born in
1785, died March 12, 1828, lived at Jaffrey
for the greater part of his life, occupied in
farming. Zebadiah married Phoebe Tyler,
who was born in 1786 and died in 1869.
They had three children — Reuben, Rebecca,
and Almira.

Reuben Pierce was born at Leominster,
Mass., on December 9, 1808, and died on
May 2, 1888. He came from Leominster to
Jaffrey when a child, and was educated in the
town schools here. After having engaged in
farming for a few years, he took up the
butcher’s trade, and followed that during the
remainder of his life. In politics he was a
Republican, and he took an active part in local
affairs. A member of the Congregational
church and a quiet, unassuming man, he was
widely respected for his sincerity of character.
His wife, Cordelia, who was born on August
20, 1808, daughter of Jacob Jewell, of Jaffrey,

 

 

 

died on July 20, 1890. Their children are —
Eloise M. and Delia Jewell Pierce. Delia,
born on February 20, 1850, who was educated
in the town schools, and resided with her par-
ents until] they died, lives with her sister.

After receiving her education at Jaffrey and
Rindge, Eloise M. Pierce engaged in school-
teaching at Rindge. Afterward she taught
for five terms at Jaffrey, which she then left
for Pepperell, Mass. Upon her return to Jaf-
frey she took charge of a select school, and
conducted it for sometime. She subsequently
taught at Rindge, Jaffrey, Townsend, Win-
chendon, Mass., and in the grammar school at
West Boylston, Mass. From West Boylston
she returned to Winchendon, Mass., and taught
in the grammar schools of that place for sixty-
two terms, an unusually long period of service
in one school. Upon the death of her parents
she returned to Jaffrey, in order to be with her
sister. Here she has taught the grammar
school for sixteen terms, has been for six
years on the School Board, and has served as
its chairman. Always mindful of the larger
motives of education, she has sought to develop
the individuality of her pupils and to train
each one for what he seemed best fitted. Her
long experience in the school-room has quali-
fied her to give practical and wise advice as a
member of the administrative board, as well
as counsel and’ sympathetic support to the
teachers, whose difficulties and trials she fully
understands.

 

AMES DAVIS, the well-known mana-
ger of the mica mines in Alstead, was
born in Springfield, Vt., on February
28, 1850, son of Franklin and Caroline

(Coburn) Davis. His paternal grandfather,
who was a resident of West Townsend, Mass.,
and a cooper by trade, was twice married, and
had a large family of children. Franklin
Davis was born in West Townsend in 1815,
and died in 1883. He was educated in Town-
send, and after leaving school began his
working life as a teamster, being employed on
the route from Townsend to Boston. After
he became of age, he also kept a livery stable,
and owned a stage route. He subsequently
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

431

 

 

removed to Springfield, Vt., and followed his
vocation between that place and Boston before
the railroad was built. He also did a large
amount of teaming and contract work for the
Cheshire Railroad Company during the con-
struction of the road. He was interested in
politics and active in local affairs. For many
years he was captain of a fire company. He
was a very generous man, and was noted for his
liberal charities; and he attended and_ sup-
ported the Universalist church. His wife,
Caroline, was born in West Townsend, in
1813, and died in 1878. Their seven chil-
dren were: Caroline, Frank B., Anna M.,
Nellie C., Gertrude, James, and Luty. Caro-
line, who lives in Brookline, Mass., married
Alvin C. Mason, who has been in the foundry
business at Chicago for the past twenty-five
years. They have two children. Frank B.
lives in Chicago, where he is interested in the
foundry business. He has been twice mar-
ried, and has four children by his present wife,
whose maiden name was Georgiana Taunt.
Anna M. married D. A. Brown, of Brookline,
Mass., manager of the Eastern Branch of
H. W. John’s Asbestos Company, of New
York, and also manager of Bell’s Asbestos
Mining Company, of Canada. They have
three children. Nellie C. has been twice
married, her present husband being Judge
Frank Ives, of Crookston, Minn. She has no
children. Gertrude became the wife of Lean-
der M. Haskins, of Rockport, Mass., who is
engaged in the wholesale fish business. Luty
died at the age of eleven years.

James Davis was educated in the common
schools of Springfield, Vt., and in the high
school of Roxbury, Mass. He learned the
trade of machinist at Springfield, Vt., serv-
ing an apprenticeship of two years and a half,
and then went to Chicago, Ill., where he was
foreman and superintendent in his brother-in-
law’s machine shop and foundry. He re-
mained in this position about thirteen years,
and was then engaged for some two years in
the livery business in South Boston. In 1884
he came to Alstead, and bought a farm for the
purpose of prospecting for mica. He was suc-
cessful in his search, and now has a large and
productive mine, and excellent business pros-

 

pects ahead. Mr. Davis has been active in
town affairs since coming here. He was Se-
lectman in 1889, Census Enumerator in 1890,
and Representative to General Court in 1892-
93, being on the Committee on Division of
Towns. He is a Republican, politically.
He is much interested in the grange, and was
Master of the Gilsum Grange. Mr. Davis mar-
ried Rosalie P. Guillow, who was born Decem-
ber 9, 1850, daughter of John Guillow, of Gil-
sum, N.H. He has two children: John F.,
who was born at Chicago, I]]., in 1873, and is
interested with his father in the mine; and
Gertrude F., who was born in South Boston
in 1876 and resides with her parents.

 

IRAM P. CLARK,* of Francestown,
N.H., a cooper by trade, was born in
this town, March 11, 1818, and is
now in his eightieth year. His
father, Daniel] Clark, was also born in Frances-
town, and was educated in the public schools.
He carried on general farming, also working
at the soapstone quarry for some time. He
was highly respected by all who knew him.
In politics he was a Democrat, and he was a
Captain in the old State militia. He married
Irene Fisher, of Francestown, N.H. They
bad six children, five of whom are now living,
as follows: Aaron F.; Hiram P., the subject
of this sketch; Irene; Pacific L.; and Orrisa.
Captain Daniel Clark died at the age of sixty-
two years.

Hiram P. Clark, after receiving his educa-
tion in the schools of his native town, went to
work in a saw-mill. He also learned the
cooper’s trade, and was engaged in making
small kits, pails, and similar ware for many
years; and besides this he worked on soap-
stone for some time. In -politics he is a
Democrat, and has been Selectman for about
ten years. He has also been prominent in
military affairs, having been Captain of the
Francestown Light Infantry and later Colonel
of the Twenty-sixth New Hampshire Regiment
for many years. He was a charter member of
the Francestown Grange, in which he has held
high office.

Mr. Clark has been married three times.
432

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

By his first wife, Susan Jane MclIlrain, he had
one child, Charles H., who married Fanny
Woods, of New Boston, N.H., they having
one child, Della. By his second wife, Orrisa
A. Manning, of Francestown, Mr. Clark had
one child, Annie S. By his third wife, for-
merly Laura J. Dean, he has no children.
Mr. and Mrs. Clark are both members of the
Congregational church. Mr. Clark has been
successful in his business, and is a much re-
spected citizen of the town.

 

leat

HOMAS ANNETT, an enterprising
business man of East Jaffrey and an
ex-member of the New Hampshire leg-
islature, was born in Fredericton, N.B., De-
cember 1, 1831. His parents were John and
Eleanor (Spencer) Annett, natives of New
Brunswick, the former of whom was born in
1795 and died in 1843, and the latter was born
in 1805 and died in 1848. John Annett was
the father of seven children, Thomas, the sub-
ject of this sketch, being the eldest. He was
in his twelfth year when his father died, and
from that time he earned his own living. In
1849 he went to Massachusetts, where he found
employment by means of which he earned
enough to pay his expenses at Westminster
Academy for a time. Subsequently he found
employment in a woodenware factory at
Rindge, N.H. In 1858 he established him-
self in business at East Jaffrey, where he is
still conducting a flourishing enterprise, and
his sons are associated with him. He was
elected to the House of Representatives in
1879, was re-elected in 1881; and, aside from
carefully guarding the interests of this section,
he rendered efficient services as a member of
the Committees on National Affairs, Finance,
Manufactures, and the State Library. He is
a member of the Masonic fraternity, and he

attends the Congregational church.

Mr. Annett married for his first wife Sarah
M. Raymond, who was born in Rindge, N.H.,
in March, 1834, daughter of Joel Raymond.
She died in 1867; and he married for his sec-
ond wife Mary Helen Bancroft, daughter of
James Bancroft, of Rindge. By his first union
he had five children, namely: Maria, born Jan-

 

 

uary 6, 1860, who is now the wife of Edwin
C. Fletcher, of Jaffrey, and has three children;
Albert, born August 3, 1861, now associated
with his father in business; Anna S., born in
1862, who married William H. Pratt, foreman
in Hayward’s chair factory, Gardner, Mass. ;
Asahel S., born November 27, 1864, now asso-
ciated with his father in business; and Arthur,
born March 10, 1867, who is also in partner-
ship with his father. Mr. Annett’s children
by his second union are: Sarah E., born July
20, 1870, now residing in Portsmouth, Ohio;
Elsie C., born August 3, 1873; Marietta, born
July 10, 1875; Markwell, born in 1877, who
died in infancy; and Cecil, born August 6,
1879. Albert Annett is a trustee of the
Conant High School, and was Representative
to the legislature in 1891. He is a prominent
Mason, being a Past Master of the Blue
Lodge and a member of the Grand Lodge of
New Hampshire.

 

ON. HENRY ABBOTT, a well-
known citizen of Cheshire County,
residing in Winchester, was born in
Keene, this State, on October 5,
1832, son of Daniel and Polly (Brown)
Abbott. His descent from George Abbot,
who was one of the first settlers of Andover,
Mass., in 1643, is thus given in the genealogi-
cal register of his descendants: George’,
Thomas’, George?, Daniel#, Daniels, Daniel®,
Henry Abbott?. Some branches of the family
spell the name with one and some with two
t’s. Besides George, of Andover, there were
other early emigrants named Abbot.

Mr. Henry Abbott’s grandfather, Daniel
Abbott, of the fifth generation in this line, was
a tailor by trade and lived at Surry, having
removed thither from Concord. His wife,
Lucy Harvey, daughter of Captain Thomas
Harvey, bore him four children — Betsey,
Lucy, Daniel, and Lyna. The family were
Methodists. Lyna Abbott married Joseph
Allen, and was the mother of the late Judge
Allen, of Claremont, N.H. Daniel Abbott,
father of the subject of this sketch, was one of
the leading citizens of Surry. He was Select-
man for many years, and represented the town
 

 

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW 433
twice in the legislature. He was also Justice | Bank, which he has ever since retained. He
of the Peace, and acted as guardian and admin- | is now trustee and cashier, and is looked

istrator in the settlement of many estates. In
politics he was a Whig and later a Republi-
can. He died in 1870. His children were
as follows: John, who died when sixteen years
old; Mary, who died at the age of six; Charles,
who resides in Keene, George, who is a promi-
nent citizen of Joliet, Ill.; Thomas H., who
died in his fifty-eighth year; Henry, now of
Winchester; Joseph B., who died in 1891;
Milton, who lived only two years; and Mary
Ann, who resides in Keene. Joseph B. Ab-
bott was a very prominent man in public life.
He was largely engaged in legal work, princi-
pally in the settlement of estates. During the
Civil War he was Special Relief Agent of the
United States Sanitary Commission, stationed
at Washington, D.C. His wife is deceased,
but two children survive him, namely: Leon
M. Abbott, a well-known lawyer of Boston;
and a daughter, who is the wife of Dr. Edwin
E. Davis, of Quincy, Mass.

Henry Abbott was educated in the district
schools of his native town and in the academies
at Marlow, Westminster, and Saxton’s River.
At eighteen years of age he was for a short
time engaged in travelling in Virginia for a
publishing house. He then taught school for
a time at Warsaw, Pa., and subsequently be-
came clerk for a lumber company at Ridgway,
Pa. After being there for two years, he re-
turned to Keene, and became clerk in the store
of Charles Bridgeman, later becoming a mem-
ber of the firm of Nims, Gates & Abbott,
dealers in general merchandise. At the end
of a year Mr. Abbott sold his interest in the
firm, and, going to Washington, D.C., entered
the service of the Sanitary Commission, re-
maining there during the winter. In the
spring he joined the Ninth Army Corps, under
General Grant, in the ‘‘ Burnside troops,’’ and
was placed in charge of the Sanitary Corps as
distribution war agent of the United States
Sanitary Commission. At the end of nine
months, being in poor health, he returned
home, expecting to go back as soon as he
should be able to assume his duties again;
but during his convalescence he accepted the
position of cashier in the Winchester National

 

upon as a financier whose judgment is to be
respected. His services to the bank have won
for him warm encomiums for ability, and the
confidence of the public in his entire trust-
worthiness is evidenced by the many responsi-
ble positions he is called upon to fill.

Ever since he first came to Winchester, Mr.
Abbott has taken as keen an interest in the
welfare of the town as if he had been born and
reared here. He has served as Town Treasurer
for over thirty years and as Moderator for eleven
years, successively, a longer period of service
in that position than can be shown by any
other citizen of the town. A zealous Republi-
can, he has served as chairman of the Execu-
tive Committee, and was a member of the
Constitutional Convention of 1890. He has
attended other conventions, both county and
State, without number. In these his influence
is always powerful. Mr. Abbott was chair-
man of the High School Board for the first
three years after its organization. He has
been Notary Public for over thirty years. In
1869 and in 1870 he represented Winchester
in the legislature. During his first term he
was chairman of a special committee to ex-
amine State prison, and was a prominent
member of the Committee on Railroads.
During the second year he was chairman of
the Insurance Committee, this being the first
insurance committee formed in the House.
In 1873 and in 1874 Mr. Abbott was in the
State Senate, and while a member of that
body he served on the Committees on Banking
and Finance and on the Judiciary. He was an
indefatigable worker, and by his able efforts
helped to secure the passage of several impor-
tant bills. Among these were, while he was
a member of the House, a bill to tax foreign
insurance companies and a bill to secure the
appointment of one insurance commissioner;
and while he was in the Senate, a bill to com-
pel all banks to lay aside five per cent. of
their deposits. Mr. Abbott is representative
of a number of well-known insurance com-
panies, and has an office at the bank for the
transaction of insurance business.

In extemporaneous speech-making he is
434

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

original and ready, and as a stump speaker
has taken part in every Presidential campaign
from Lincoln’s first to McKinley’s. He has
also delivered a number of memorial addresses,
some of which have been printed. Among them
may be named a very able address delivered at
the dedication of a monument in the Surry
burying-ground to Captain Thomas Harvey, a
Revolutionary patriot and an ancestor of Mr.
Abbott, and the one made upon the occasion of
the presentation of a library to the town of
Uxbridge, Mass., erected in memory of the
father and mother of President Thayer.
When memorial services were held in Win-
chester in honor of Lincoln, and also when the
Grant memorial services were held, Mr. Abbott
presided.

Mr. Abbott married Harriet M. Crane, who
died in August, 1888. His two children are:
a daughter married to A. J. Barber, a lawyer
of Oshkosh, Wis. ; and Kate, the wife of Ned
C. Wardwell, of Hartford, Conn.

Mr. Abbott was one of the organizers of the
New Hampshire Business Men’s Club, which
meets in Boston, and which was founded for
the purpose of bringing about a closer acquaint-
ance among the business men of the State.
He was for a time the only member from
Cheshire County. The town library, built at
a cost of fifteen thousand dollars, was erected
largely through the efforts of Mr. Abbott and
a few other interested persons. Mr. Conant
in his will left a bequest of fifty thousand
dollars to maintain the same. Its erection
was at first opposed by some of the towns-
people; but, as the work progressed, and es-
pecially since the structure is completed, these
objections have been overcome, and the origi-
nal promoters have reason to be gratified that
they worked so earnestly, even in the face of
opposition. Mr. Abbott is an active Mason.

“He isa member of Philesian Lodge, and was
its Master many years; also a member of the
chapter and commandery at Keene.

LI S. CLEVELAND,* one of the repre-

>| sentative men of Brookline, Hillsboro
County, N.H., was born in this

town, December 22, 1827. His parents were

 

 

John and Susannah (Torrance) Cleveland,
well-known residents of Brookline in their
day; and his father was a native of Franklin,
Mass.

John Cleveland settled upon a farm in this
town when a young man, and engaged in cul-
tivating the soil and in other rural occupa-
tions, managing his property with such energy
and good judgment as to realize excellent
financial results. He and his wife reared a
family of five children, the only one of whom
now living is Eli S., the subject of this
sketch. John Cleveland died at the age of
seventy-two; and his wife, surviving him, lived
to be eighty-two years old. They were mem-
bers of the Baptist church, and were much re-
spected in the community where they dwelt.

Their son, Eli S., in his boyhood years at-
tended the common school, and at an early age
began to assist in carrying on the farm. He
inherited the homestead, and tilled the soil
as a general farmer until 1890, when he sold
his farm and retired from active labor. He
is now residing in the village and enjoying a
well-earned rest.

On July 3, 1875, Mr. Cleveland was joined
in marriage with Mrs. Ada Elkins, born
Kline, who was a native of Jay, N.Y. Cora
F. Elkins, a daughter by her first husband,
was Mrs. Cleveland’s only child.

Mr. Cleveland is well preserved and has
the activity of a much younger man. Al-
though he takes no part in public affairs, he
is deeply interested in the welfare of the
town, and fully merits the esteem in which
he is held by his fellow-townsmen.

 

OSEPH H. TARBELL,* a prominent
farmer of Mont Vernon, Hillsboro
County, N.H., was born in Exeter,
Rockingham County, August 25, 1822,

and is now in his seventy-sixth year. His
parents were William and Lydia (Spaulding)
Tarbell.

When but four years old Joseph H. Tarbell
was bereft of his father. He was then taken
into the family of Colonel Benjamin Hutchin-
son, of Milford, with whom he remained until
his eighteenth year. He received a good dis-
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

435

 

 

trict-schoo] education, but was unable to pur-
sue his studies further. Natural business
tact, observation, and experience have, how-
ever, largely compensated for his want of book
knowledge; and his career has been a success-
ful one. He remained in Milford until about
twenty-five years old, then came to Mont
Vernon, where he has since made his home.
He had previously worked three seasons in
Milford as a farm hand at fifteen dollars per
month and board. His farm in Mont Vernon
contains about two hundred acres, and he here
carries on general farming with profit.

Mr. Tarbell was married August 23, 1844,
to Miss Harriet N. Hopkins. She was born
in Mont Vernon, and is a daughter of James
Hopkins. Mr. and Mrs. Tarbell have two
children, a son and a daughter, namely:
George F., who lives in Mont Vernon; and
Emma J., wife of Charles L. Perham, of
Lyndeboro, N.H. In politics Mr. Tarbell is
a Republican. He has served one term as
Selectman of Mont Vernon.

 

ENRY W. WELLINGTON, a suc-
cessful lumberman and manufacturer
of Rindge, was born in this town,
November 6, 1850, son of Gilman
P. and Mary A. (Jones) Wellington. Gilman
P. Wellington was a son of Captain Leonard
Wellington by his third wife, whose maiden
name was Lucinda Page. For an account of
the early ancestry of the family, the reader
is referred to a sketch of Joel Wellington,
which appears elsewhere in the REvizw.
Gilman P. Wellington, father of Henry W.,
was a lifelong resident of Rindge, and fol-
lowed brick-making in connection with farm-
ing. He married Mary A. Jones, daughter of
Asa and Rachel (Saunders) Jones. Her
grandfather, Asa Jones, first, who was a native
of Concord, Mass., participated in the battle
of Bunker Hill. He served three years ina
Massachusetts regiment during the Revolu-
tionary War, and dying at an advanced age,
August 17, 1846, was buried with military
honors. Gilman P. Wellington and his wife
became the parents of three children, namely:
Henry W., the subject of this sketch; Frank

 

E.; and Addie F. Frank E. Wellington,
who resides in Leominster, Mass., married
Nellie Weston, and has one child — Curtis
F. Wellington. Addie F. resides in Rindge.

Henry W. Wellington was educated in the
common schools and at Appleton Academy.
He was for a time employed in farming, but
later worked at the carpenter’s trade, and
finally engaged in lumbering and manufactur-
ing. He cuts a considerable amount of spruce
and pine lumber annually, and operates a
steam mill. His business enterprise is of
much benefit to the town, as he furnishes em-
ployment to a large number of men; and he
takes a lively interest in the general welfare
of the community. He cast his first Presi-
dential vote for Horace Greeley in 1872, isa
Democrat with independent proclivities, and
at the last election he supported the Prohibi-
tion candidate. He has been a Selectman,
and in that capacity rendered excellent ser-
vice to the town.

Mr. Wellington married Augusta L. Love-
joy, daughter of James Lovejoy, of Rose,
N.Y., and has two children — Meda A. and
Clifton G. Mr. and Mrs. Wellington are
members of the Congregational church.

 

 

ATHAN F. LANGDELL, an esteemed
general farmer of New Boston, was

born in this town, November 22,

1822, son of Livermore and Fanny

(Fisher) Langdell. Something of the early
history of the Langdell family, which is one
of the oldest in New Boston, appears on an-
other page of this work in the sketch of
George Langdell. Livermore Langdell was
born and grew to manhood in New Boston,
which was also the scene of his active business
career. In 1833 he bought the farm now oc-
cupied by his son, and resided there through-
out the remainder of his life. A member of
the Baptist church society, he served in the
capacity of Deacon. Jn politics he was a
Democrat. He died at the advanced age of
eighty-six years and six months. His wife,
Fanny, who was born in Francestown, lived to
be sixty-seven years old. They had seven
children, of whom Amos A. and Niles have
436

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

passed away. The others are: Nathan F.,
Horace, Fannie, Jane, and Henry F.

Nathan F. Langdell, the eldest of his par-
ents’ children now living, has resided fifty-five
years in New Boston, twenty years of his life
having been spent in Lyndeboro and Frances-
town. He was educated in the district
schools. Since then he has devoted his life
to general farming on the old home farm.
The estate, containing about eighty acres, has
a good residence and out-buildings. He was a
Lieutenant in the old State militia, of which
organization he is one of the few officers now
living. Mr. Langdell has twice married, first
on December 14, 1854, to Annie F. Smith,
a native of New Boston, who died August 15,
1856. He was again married May 14, 1857,
to Hannah A. Loveren, who was born in Deer-
ing, N.H., May 5, 1831, daughter of Hilliard
and Hannah (Goodale) Loveren. Born of this
marriage are a son and two daughters. The
son, Hilliard L., died at the age of twenty-one
years. Ann F. and Julia L., the daughters,
are both unmarried. Mr. and Mrs. Langdell
are liberal in their religious views, while in
politics he is a Democrat.

OHN W. PRENTISS, one of the suc-
cessful farmers of Walpole, N.H., was
born here, November 20, 1857, son of
John Williard Prentiss. His grand-

father, Samuel Prentiss, who came from New
Boston, N.H., to Walpole about the year
1819, took up a good farm, afterward called
the Prentiss place, and died there at the age
of eighty-four. Samuel was a Democrat and
a church member. He married Lydia Clark,
by whom he became the father of four sons
and two daughters. These were: Polly, who
married Gardner Watkins, of Walpole; Nancy,
the youngest, who married Mark Chase, of
Boston, a policeman there; John Williard,
who married Emeline Slade, daughter of Allen
Slade, of Alstead, N.H.; Ephraim, who mar-
ried Olive Hixon; Theron, who married Maria
Seavy, and settled in Biddeford, Me; Samuel,
who married Cornelia Ruggles, removed to
Reading, Mass., and served in the army during
the late war, with his son Harley, who enlisted

 

 

at the age of sixteen. John Williard Prentiss
was born in Alstead, October 20, 1810. As
soon as he had attained his majority, he went
to Boston, and there learned to stain wall-
paper and the trade of paper-hanging, follow-
ing his trade for fifteen years. After this he
returned to Walpole, where he married, and
in 1866 again went to Boston for five years.
In 1871 he settled upon the farm that he after-
ward cultivated until his death, which oc-
curred in October, 1887. Of his six children
Nancy died at the age of twelve years, Ella
and Emma died in infancy, Walter died
young, Fred is a blacksmith in Walpole, and
John W. is the subject of this sketch.

John W. Prentiss, Jr., received his early
education in the public schools of Boston,
Mass. Later on he attended the Walpole
Academy, and at the same time assisted his
father on the farm. At the age of twenty
years he began to teach school at Alstead,
continuing for about seven years in the towns
of Alstead and Walpole. Afterward he bought
a farm of one hundred and thirty acres in the
valley, called the Walpole town farm, later
adding thereto three hundred and twenty acres.
On this property he has since carried on the
dairy business, also dealing extensively in
live stock, and spending a large part of the
year in lumbering. In his lumber business he
buys for the local and outside markets, em-
ploying at times a force of thirty men. In
1894 his establishment was burned; but his
house and other buildings were soon rebuilt,
and he is again prosperous. Popular with both
political parties, he has been frequently elected
to office without a contest. He has been Se-
lectman for ten years, and the chairman of the
Board for nine years. He was for three years
Tax Collector. He was elected Road Agent
in 1896; and in that capacity, as in the others,
he gave entire satisfaction. Road-scrapers
were introduced during his term in office, and
several bridges of iron and stone were erected.
He has recently been elected to the legislat-
ure for two years, and now fills the office of
County Auditor. It is worthy of notice that,
while Mr. Prentiss has never canvassed for
votes or in any way solicited office, he has
never been defeated in an election.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

437

 

 

Mr. Prentiss married Miss Katie Fisher,
whose great-grandfather, Moses Fisher, was
an early settler of Walpole. The estate of
Moses was left to his son, Isaac, who left it to
his son, Andrew, the father of Mrs. Prentiss.
Andrew Fisher married Clarissa Mellish, and
had seven children — Willie, Ada, Irvin, Ed-
ward, Katie, Carrie, and Albert L. Of these
Ada, Albert L., and Mrs. Prentiss are the only
survivors. Mr. and Mrs. Prentiss have had
three children, namely: Flora M., born March
26, 1884; John W., born July 17, 1889; and
Ethel M., born September 6, 1890

 

ONAS DAMON, a prominent wooden-
ware manufacturer of Fitzwilliam, was
born in Gardner, Mass., January 21,
1830. A son of John and Ruth (Sawin)
Damon, he is a descendent of an old New Eng-
land family whose founder was an Englishman.
His grandfather, also named John Damon, a
farmer of Westminster, Mass., lived for some
years in Fitchburg, Mass., and died in the
home of his son at the age of eighty years.
John Damon, the father of Jonas, was a lum-
berman engaged in supplying stock to chair
factories. Hecame to this town from Gard-
ner, bought two large wood lots, and built here
the house which his son Jonas now occupies
and an old-fashioned saw-mill, such as served
before the days of circular saws. It is claimed
that his business was the most extensive of the
kind in the vicinity. At his death he was
fifty years old. He was one of the early stock-
holders who built the Cheshire Branch Rail-
road, which supplanted the old stage line that
used to run by his home. He first married
Ruth Sawin, who became the mother of his
three children —- Catherine, George, and Jonas.
Catherine died at the age of nineteen years.
A second marriage united him to Selina Par-
ker, a sister of Squire Parker, of Fitzwilliam.
His son, George, who resides in Fitchburg,
married Rosanna Proctor, and has four chil-
dren — Frank, Elizabeth, Adeline, and John.
Jonas Damon, the youngest child of his
parents, after a short period spent in the dis-
trict school, worked for his father in the saw-
mill until the death of the latter. Jonas and

 

George Damon then took the business, buying
that part of it left to their step-mother, and en-
gaged in the manufacture of butter tubs, pails,
and other kinds of wood work, obtaining their
timber from a large acreage of wooded land,
purchased by them for that purpose. Mr.
Jonas Damon repaired the old house, and has
now a fine residence near the Massachusetts
State line.

Mr. Damon married Ellen Parks, a daugh-
ter of Phineas Parks, of Winchendon, Mass.,
and now has eight children — Walter, Fred,
Elmer, Isaac, Clarence, Lillian, Justin, and
Harry. Six of the children still reside at
home. Walter, the first-born, married Irene
Goodrich, of Troy, and has two boys — Jonas
and Elmer. He is in business and resides in
Rindge. Fred is in Walter’s employ. Elmer
married Mary Shley, and is book-keeper for a
provision dealer in Phillipsburg, N.J. Mrs.
Damon died in 1885. Mr. Damon is a mem-
ber of the Unitarian church. In politics he is
a Republican. He has represented the town
in the legislature; has served for two years on
the School Board; is the present Town Sur-
veyor; and he has been chosen Selectman, but
has declined to serve.

HINEAS AIKEN READ,* a pros-
perous farmer and an extensive real
estate owner of Litchfield, N.H.,
was born in this town, May 1, 1816,
son of William and Mary (Aiken) Read. His
grandfather Read, who also was named Will-
iam, and was a native of Westford, Mass.,
settled in Litchfield when a young man. He
was one of the pioneers of the town, and
cleared a farm, which is still known as the
Read homestead. He was one of the enter-
prising men and representative citizens of his
day, and for some time served as Deputy °
Sheriff. He established Read's Ferry, which
he operated for many years; and in other ways
he displayed a deep interest in the welfare and
progress of the town. He reared a family of
three sons and three daughters.
William Read, second, father of Phineas A.,
was born at the homestead in Litchfield, and
grew to manhood as a farmer. He ran the

 

 
438

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

ferry during his active years, and carried on
general farming with energy and success. For
many years he was a Deacon of the Congrega-
tional church, and as an upright, conscien-
tious man he always enjoyed the good-will of
his neighbors and fellow-townsmen. His po-
litical views were originally those which
formed the basis of the Whig party, and in his
later years he was a Republican. Deacon
Read lived to be seventy years old. He was
twice married, and by his union with Lillian
Norris, his first wife, there were eight chil-
dren; namely, Nathaniel, William, Robert,
Francis, Henry, Polly, Louisa, and Lillian,
none of whom are living. For his second
wife he wedded Mary Aiken, a native of Bed-
ford, N.H., and the only child of that union
is Phineas A., the subject of this sketch.
Mrs. Mary Aiken Read lived to be seventy-
seven years old.

Phineas Aiken Read was educated in the
district school, and at an early age began to
assist his father in tilling the soil. The farm
he now occupies is not the Read homestead,
but was owned by his father; and he has re-
sided here since he was thirteen years old.
After the death of his mother he succeeded to
its possession, and the active period of his life
has been devoted to its cultivation. Asa gen-
eral farmer he has been industrious and
thrifty; and, having invested his surplus capi-
tal in real estate, he is at the present time
one of the largest land-owners in Litchfield.

Mr. Read married Selina D. Burnham, who
was born in Amherst, N.H., November 9,
1810. Mrs. Read became the mother of seven
children, as follows: Mary J., born December
27, 1837; William T., born February 9, 1840;
Walter H., who was born May 29, 1842, and
died January 5, 1892; George M., born Au-
gust 5, 1844; Rachel B., born September 2,
1847; Nellie M., born March 22, 1850; and
Phineas A., Jr., born August 8, 1853. Mary
J. Read resides in Manchester, N.H., Will-
iam T. is in California, Phineas A., Jr., lives
in Londonderry, N.H., and the others are
residing at home. Mrs. Read died February
19, 1888.

Mr. Read followed the majority of the old
Whig element into the ranks of the Republi-

 

can party, and has since been a firm supporter
of its principles. He has always taken a
lively interest in local public affairs, and has
served with ability asa member of the Board
of Selectmen. He is widely known as a
worthy, upright man and a useful citizen.
His sons, who are residing at home, assist in
carrying on the farm; and they also are owners
of valuable real estate in this town.

 

RTHUR MANNING DOOLITTLE,

an enterprising druggist of Marlboro,

Cheshire County, was born in Man-

chester, N.H., November 22, 1868,

son of Joseph S. and Amanda H. (Beebe)

Doolittle. His paternal grandfather, Hiram

Doolittle, was a prosperous farmer of Win-

chester, N.H. Hiram Doolittle married

Lucy Hazelton, daughter of Dr. John Hazel-

ton, a Vermont surgeon, who served in his

professional capacity in the Revolutionary
War.

Joseph S. Doolittle, father of Arthur M.,
was born in Winchester, N.H.; and his first
stipendiary employment, after leaving school,
was as a sash, blind, and door maker. This
he relinquished, however, to join the nation’s
defenders in the great Civil War, serving three
years as a private in Company G, Fourteenth
New Hampshire Regiment, and being wounded
at the battle of Winchester. At the close of
the war he entered the service of the Man-
chester & Lawrence Railway Company as a
conductor, which position he held for fifteen
years. Subsequently he was engaged for some
time in the hotel business at the Weirs. He
is now engaged in business in Harrisville,
this county, but is a resident of Marlboro.
His wife, Amanda, who is a daughter of Hora-
tio K. Beebe, reared three sons — Irving W.,
Joseph Warren, and Arthur M. Irving W.
is manager of the Hotel Throop at Topeka,
Kan. Joseph is in the brokerage and real
estate business in New York City, and re-
sides in Montclair, N.J.

Arthur Manning Doolittle received his ele-
mentary education in the public schools of
Manchester, and subsequently completed his
studies with a two years’ course at an academy
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

439

 

 

in Tilton, N.H. After spending a year ina
wholesale dry-goods store in Boston, he in
1890 purchased his present store, to which
he has since given his close attention.  Polit-
ically he is a Republican, and cast his first
vote for Benjamin Harrison in 1892. He is
a member of the Congregational church of
this village, of which also he is the organist.
On March 10, 1890, Mr. Doolittle married
Miss Emma M. Aldrich, daughter of George
H. Aldrich, of Keene, N.H., by whom he
has two children— Herman A. and Dorothy
A. Mr. Doolittle is eligible to membership
in the Society of the Sons of the American
Revolution, as his ancestors, on both the
paterna] and maternal sides, fought for Amer-
ican independence.

EORGE E. COLBY,* a farmer of
Antrim, N.H., was born in Benning-
ton, N.H., September 30, 1838.
He received his early education at Benning-
ton, and after his school followed the carpen-
ter’s trade. He was but thirteen years of age
when his father diéd; and at the age of twen-
ty-one years he went to Lowell, Mass., where
he worked at his trade, being employed in
wood-work and repairing in the Middlesex
Mills of that city. He remained in Lowell
for five years, and in the last part of the time
he did general work as carpenter in the Chase
Mills. He then removed to Bennington, and
engaged in general farming, having land in
Bennington and Antrim to the amount of one
hundred and fifty acres. He has been very
successful in his farming, which he carries
on at the present time, being energetic and
progressive.

He is a member of Oblin Lodge, No. 28,
I. O. O. F., of Lowell, Mass. In politics he
is an Independent. He has been Tax Col-
lector of Bennington for two years. Mr.
Colby married Almira Harriman, of Conway,
N.H., and they have three children — Fred-
erick H., Anna, and Alma. Frederick H.
married Bertha Weeks, of Peterboro, N.H.,
by whom he has one child, Paul. Mr. and
Mrs. Colby are both members of the Metho-
dist church. Mr. Colby and his wife have

 

 

adopted a child, William. Mr. Colby is an
industrious, self-made man and a highly re-
spected citizen of the town.

RANK LESLIE BRAGDON,* a well-
-known boot and shoe manufacturer of
Peterboro, Hillsboro County, N.H.,

was born in East Corinth, Me., on May 27,
1857, son of Edwin and Susan P. (French)
Bragdon. His great-grandfather was Aaron
Bragdon, a soldier in the Revolutionary War.
His grandfather, Stephen Bragdon, born at
Kennebeck, Me., was a farmer in East Cor-
inth, and carried on also a considerable ]um-
bering business. He was a member of the
Free Will Baptist church and a Deacon of
that society for many years. In politics a
Democrat, he was sent as Representative to
the State legislature; and he also served sev-
eral terms as Selectman, being an eminently
useful and highly esteemed citizen. He mar-
ried a Miss Butterfield, and she became the
mother of eight children, two of whom are
now living, namely: Joseph, who married
Mary Huse, and is the father of six children
— Joshua, Jason, Adrian, Lucy, Abbie, and
Minnie; and Edwin Bragdon, the father of
Mr. Frank Bragdon.

Edwin Bragdon was born in Kennebeck,
Me., August 25, 1825, and became a farmer
and a lumberman in East Corinth. About
twenty-three years ago he removed to Lynn
and engaged in the carriage business, which
he has continued down to the present time.
He has been a successful business man, and is
an honored citizen. Three of his children
are living: De Witt C., who is married to
Bessie J. Wallace; Delia, wife of Solomon
B. Lewis; and Frank L., of Peterboro.

After receiving his school training in his
native town and in Lynn, Frank L. Bragdon
learned the shoe cutter’s trade at Lynn. This
he followed for twelve years, and in 1884 he
came to Peterboro, where he worked for G. S.
Stockwell for nine years, and in 1893 began
the manufacture of misses’, children’s, and
infants’ shoes. The business has increased
yearly, and about seventy workmen are now
employed. Mr. Bragdon’s wife is a partner

 
440

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

in the business, which is carried on under the
name of Frank L. Bragdon & Co.

Mr. Bragdon’s first marriage took place
May 29, 1878. His first wife was Lynda E.
Magee, of Lynn, and she bore him five chil-
dren, three of whom are living: Henry C.,
born May 1, 1879; Bessie A., born August 1,
1884; and Charles H., born July 24, 1888.
The present Mrs. Bragdon, whom he married
November 25, 1891, was formerly Miss Emma
J. Nahor, of Peterboro.

Mr. Bragdon is a member of Monodock
Lodge, I. O. U. A., of Peterboro, and in poli-
tics isa Republican. He attends the Congre-
gational church, and is always ready to give
both moral and financial support to any worthy
object. Energetic and enterprising, he is one
of the leading business men of Peterboro.

 

one of the largest farmers and stock-
raisers in East Sullivan and an ex-
- member of the New Hampshire
Senate, was born in this town, July 18, 1836,
son of Harrison and Sophia (Beverstock)
Rugg. The grandfather, Elijah Rugg, who
was a native of Lancaster, Mass., came to
Sullivan when a young man, and was there
for several years engaged in farming. He
finally returned to Massachusetts, where he
resided for the rest of his life. His children
were: Elijah, Harrison, Martin, Lucy, and
Mira.

Harrison Rugg, born June 27, 1791, in
Lancaster, Mass., was educated in Sullivan,
and was employed as a farm assistant until he
acquired the property his son now owns. A
stirring farmer and a highly respected citizen,
he took an active part in both civil and mili-
tary affairs, and was Captain in the State
militia. In religion he was a Congregational-
ist, and he frequently contributed to chari-
table and other worthy objects. He died May
25, 1859. His wife, who was born in Al-
stead, N.H., April 30, 1808, and is a daugh-
ter of Daniel Beverstock, resides with her son
at the homestead. Although now in her nine-
tieth year, she is still active both physically
and mentally, and employs the principal part

YPON. DANIEL WILLARD RUGG,
9

 

 

of her time in reading. She has been the
mother of six children; namely, Emily S.,
Horace K., Gardner H., Daniel W., Edward
E., and Edna A. L. Emily S. married Dan-
ie] Towne, of Sullivan, and is no longer liv-
ing. Horace K. served in the Sixteenth New
Hampshire Regiment during the Civil War,
and is now a well-to-do farmer in Acworth,
N.H. He successively married Clarissa
Keith and Mary Chatterton, the latter of
Acworth, both now deceased. There was one
child by each union. Gardner H. went to
Illinois, where he enlisted for. service in the
Civil War, and subsequently died at his home
from disease contracted in the army. He
married Lizzie Turner, and left two children.
Edward E. is a prosperous resident of Keene,
N.H., where he follows the occupations of
carpenter, blacksmith, engineering, and
farmer. He first married Sabrina Barrett.
The maiden name of his second wife was Ella
Foster. Edna A. L. Rugg, born December
19, 1857, died January 1, 1870.

Daniel Willard Rugg began his education
in Sullivan, advanced by attending the high
school in Nelson, and completed his studies
at the Marlow Academy. He assisted in car-
rying on the home farm until the death of the
elder Rugg, since which time he has managed
it, and is also engaged in the lumbering busi-
ness. His property, which contains four hun-
dred acres, comprising tillage, pasture, and
woodland, is desirably located and very pro-
ductive. He has a large dairy, is noted asa
breeder of fancy stock, and his oxen are fa-
mous throughout this entire section of the
country. For a number of years he has been
a member of the Board of Selectmen. He has
served as Moderator at town meetings for
many consecutive years, has ably performed
the duties of Road Agent, and he was elected
to the House of Representatives in 1885 and
to the State Senate in 1889. He is promi-
nently identified with the Patrons of Hus-
bandry, having been Master of the Cheshire
County Grange and a member of the Execu-
tive Committee of the State grange; and he
is connected with the United Order of the
Golden Cross. While a stanch Unitarian in
religious belief, he attends the Congregational
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

441

 

 

church. Mr. Rugg married for his first wife
Elvira Davis, a daughter of Marcus Davis, of
Stoddard, N.H. His second wife was before
marriage Rosabelle S., daughter of Asa Davis,
of the same town. Arthur H. Rugg, his son
by his first union, born September 26, 1863,
attended the Marlow and Hancock Academies.
With the exception of a year spent in the
grain business at Keene, Arthur has assisted
his father upon the farm since completing his
education. He has served several terms as
Selectman, and is now Town Clerk, and is one
of the progressive young men of Sullivan.
He is Master of Honor Bright Grange, Patrons
of Husbandry, and a member of the United
Order of the Golden Cross. He married
Alice M. Tarbox, daughter of Charles A.
Tarbox, of Nelson, and has one daughter,
Helen T., born October 22, 1895.

 

 

TON. BENJAMIN F. CUTTER, a
resident of Jamaica Plain, Boston,
Mass., who spends his summers in
— Jaffrey, N.H., was born in this
town on March 17, 1827, son of Benjamin and
Grata (Hunt) Cutter. His paternal grand-
father, John Cutter, born in Woburn, Mass.,
in 1765, settled in Jaffrey about the year
1789, having previously married in Rindge,
N.H., Abigail Demary, of that town, daughter
of John Demary, who was born in Boston of
French parentage. John Cutter was engaged
in the business of tanner and currier through-
out his active life. Heand his wife, Abigail,
had a family of twelve children, namely:
John, born in 1788; Jonas; Benjamin; Ethan;
Ermina; Nathaniel; Hepsy; Emeline; Cyrus;
Esther; Paulina; and Abigail.

Benjamin, father of the subject of this
sketch, was born in Jaffrey, January 8, 1793.
After his school days were ended he became,
like his father, a tanner and currier, and fol-
lowed this line of work until he retired from
active toils and cares. He was a very suc-
cessful business man, and was interested in
town affairs, holding the office of Town Clerk
for thirty years. He was also a Justice of
the Peace and president of the Monadnock
National Bank. He married Grata Hunt,

 

 

daughter of Nathan Hunt, a Revolutionary
pensioner of this town, by occupation a farmer
and tavern keeper. Five children blessed
this marriage, their names being as follows:
Sarah A., Ermina, Adaliza, Julius, and Ben-
jamin F. Mr. Benjamin Cutter was a Mason,
having joined that order in 1827. His relig-
ion, it is said, was the Golden Rule; and he
was a man who was highly respected by all
who knew him for his integrity and upright
life. He died in August, 1885. Mrs. Cutter
was born on June 26, 1793, and died in No-
vember, 1871.

Benjamin F. Cutter, the subject of this
sketch, was educated in the district schools
and at Melville Academy in Jaffrey. After
leaving school he went to New York City,
where at seventeen years of age he was a
clerk in a trimming and small-wares store.
This position he occupied for two years, at
the end of which time he went to Boston and
entered the employ of a wholesale house, im-
porters of fancy goods and toys, remaining in
their service until 1849, when he became a
member of the firm which was known as Hol-
man, Holden & Cutter, and subsequently
Holden & Cutter. Under the latter name the
firm had continued in business for fourteen
years when it was changed to Cutter & Aus-
tin. Five years later the book-keeper was
admitted to partnership, the firm then being
Cutter, Austin & Co., afterward becoming
Cutter, Hyde & Co., which continued until
1874, when Mr. Cutter retired from the
business. Actively interested in municipal
affairs and in the welfare and progress of
the community, Mr. Cutter was trustee of the
Jamaica Plain Savings Bank, and served on
the School Committee for several years. In
1863 he served in the Massachusetts legislat-
ure as a Representative; in 1883 he was in
the Senate, representing the Eighth Suffolk
District; and in 1885 he was one of the Al-
dermen of Boston.

Mr. Cutter married Mary E. Capen, who
was born December 28, 1833, daughter of
Josiah Capen, of Boston, a carriage manu-
facturer. They have three children living;
namely, Annie O., Harry H., and Mabelle E.
Annie O. Cutter, born in Boston on January
442

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

23, 1855, married Edward L. Hersey, who is
engaged in the rubber business in New York
City. Of the six children born to Mr. and
Mrs. Hersey four are living, as follows: E.
Langdon, Winthrop O., Marguerite, and Mil-
dred; and two, Marion and Edith, are de-
ceased. Marion married Walter L. Wither-
bee, who was engaged in the fruit business,
and lived in California. There were no chil-
dren by this marriage. Harry H. Cutter, born
in 1860, is an electrician at Foxboro, Mass.
He is married and has one child, Raymond.
Mabelle E. Cutter, born December 2, 1871,
is at home with her parents. Mr. Cutter is
a member of the Congregational Church of
Jamaica Plain. As a Mason he is a member
of St. John’s Lodge, F. & A. M., St. Paul’s
Royal Arch Chapter, and Boston Comman-
dery, K. T., Boston. He is also a member of
the Bostonian Society and of the New Hamp-
shire Club.

 

 

LBERT B. LAWRENCE,®* superin-
tendent of the Goodell] Cutlery Works
at Bennington, N.H., was born in
Newburyport, Mass., December 31,
1845. His parents were Edwin and Mary S.
(Ranney) Lawrence. His father, a printer
by trade, resided for a number of years in
Salem, Mass., where he was engaged as a
printer on the Salem Avening Journal. He
married Mary S. Ranney, and they had one
child — Albert B., the subject of this sketch.
Mr. Edwin Lawrence died in Salem. His
wife was a member of the Episcopa] church.
She died at the age of forty-six years.

Albert B. Lawrence attended school in his
native town; and after completing his educa-
tion be went to Marlboro, N.H., where he
learned the trade of a machinist, which he fol-
lowed for about one and one-half years. He
then went to Boston, Mass., where he was
engaged for one year in the picture-frame and
photograph business. In April, 1864, he
enlisted in the Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry,
Company K; and, serving as a private for
twenty-two months, he was in many notable
engagements, going through the Petersburg
campaign under General B. F. Butler. After

 

returning from the war, he went to Antrim,
N.H., where he was employed in the cutlery
shop of Samuel Baldwin, remaining there for
one year andahalf. Later he was employed
by W. D. & E. F. Woods in the same town
for eight years. In 1875, at the time of the
formation of the Goodell Company, he went
to work for them, and some time later was
appointed superintendent of the factory at
Bennington, which position he holds at the
present time.

He is a Republican in his political views,
has been Tax Collector for a number of years,
and at the present time is a member of the
School Board. He is a member of Altamont
Lodge, No. 26, F. & A. M., of Peterboro;
and of Waverley Lodge, No. 59, I. O. O. F.,
of Antrim; is also connected with Ephraim
Weston Post, G. A. R., of Antrim. In 1864
he married Frances S. Holmes, of Stoddard,
N.H. Of the two children born to them, but
one, a daughter, Edith L., is now living.
Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence are both members of
the Congregational church. Mr. Lawrence
is a hard-working man, and by his efficiency
has attained the responsible position which he
now holds, having full charge of the cutlery
department at Bennington of the Goodell Com-

pany.

 

LFRED G. TWISS,* a prosperous

farmer of Hollis and a veteran of

the Civil War, was born in this

town, April 26, 1822, son of John

and Lucy (Green) Twiss. His great-grand-

father was an early settler here; and his grand-

father, Asahel Twiss, was a native of Hollis.

Asahel Twiss was an industrious farmer
through life, and died at a good old age.

John Twiss, father of Alfred G., was born
in Hollis, and was reared to agricultural pur-
suits. He became the owner of a large farm,
which he carried on energetically and with
good results, and he was one of the progres-
sive residents of Hollis in his day. He was
a Universalist in his religious views, and in
politics he went from the Whig party to the
Republican ranks. His wife, Lucy Green,
was born in Groton, Mass. Her father,
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

443

 

 

Eleazar Green, a Revolutionary patriot, par-
ticipated in the battle of Bunker Hill. She
became the mother of ten children, of whom
four are living, namely: Benjamin A., of
Nashua, N.H.; Alfred G., the subject of this
sketch; Mrs. Herman Williams, of Pepperell;
and Charles K., who resides in Dunstable.
John Twiss lived to be seventy-six years old,
but his wife died at the age of sixty-three.

Alfred G. Twiss in his childhood attended
school in the Brimstone district, as it was
called, of his native town; and at an early
age he began to make himself useful upon the
farm. When a young man he went to Cape
Cod, Massachusetts, where for sixteen years he
was engaged in the culture of cranberries,
planting many bogs. In 1862 he enlisted as a
private in Company I, Thirty-third Regiment,
Massachusetts Volunteers, for service in the
Civil War, and took part in the battle of Chan-
cellorsville and the seven days’ fight. Sus-
taining a serious bodily injury while in the
army, he was honorably discharged in 1865.
He then went back to Orleans, Barnstable
County, Mass., where he continued to reside
until 1866 or 1867, when he returned to Hollis.
Here he has since been engaged in general
farming. He owns a good farm of about
thirty-five acres, and his crops are always
large and of a superior quality.

Mr. Twiss married Priscilla Gould, a native
of Orleans, and has three children living,
namely: Emma, wife of Frank N. Morse, of
Penacook, N.H.; Franklin F., who resides
in Hollis; and Sarah Nichols, who lives in
Penacook. Mr. Twiss is a liberal in religion,
and in politics a Democrat.

Franklin F. Twiss was born in Barnstable
County, Massachusetts, January 5, 1856. He
began his education in Brewster, Mass, and
his studies were completed in the schools of
Hollis. While yet a boy he began to earn
wages, which he gave to his father, and con-
tinued to do so until he arrived at his major-
ity. Being naturally industrious and frugal
in his habits and of a saving turn, he was not
long in accumulating a sum sufficient to buy
a farm of forty acres; and he is now actively
engaged in tilling the soil.
December, 1882, Eliza Freeman, a native of

He married in:

 

Orleans, Mass., and has one daughter — Bertha
May. Politically, he acts with the Democratic

party.

 

 

HARLES E. SLATE, First Select-
man of Winchester and an ex-member
of the New Hampshire legislature,
was born in Thorndike, Mass., May
14, 1847, son of Obed Slate, Jr., and Sarah
(Colton) Slate. His grandfather, Colonel
Obed Slate, who was born April 6, 1778,
resided for the greater part of his life in Hins-
dale, where for years he was the only person
qualified to do legal business. Colonel Slate
served as a Selectman for a number of terms,
was Representative to the legislature for thir-
teen years, and acted as a Justice of the Peace.
His title of Colonel was acquired by Jong ser-
vice in the old State militia. He married
Susan Doolittle, who, born April 15, 1784,
daughter of Captain Otis Doolittle, became the
mother of eleven children. These were:
Hoit, born October 21, 1804, who died No-
vember 12, 1838; Sarah, born June 15, 1808,
who married Erastus Cooper, and died March
3, 1887; Elvira, born September 28, 1810,
who wedded Moses Morse, of Belchertown,
Mass., and died February 19, 1889; Obed,
born June 30, 1812; George, born August 15,
1814, who now resides in Bellows Falls, Vt. ;
John B., born July 16, 1816, who died De-
cember 10, 1890; Miranda, born June 17,
1818, who became Mrs. Hastings, and died
June 12, 1840; Susan, born April 17, 1820,
who died May 22, 1846; Orrin, born August
24, 1822, who now resides in Belchertown;
Willard, born December 3, 1825, who died
August 31, 1866; and Charles, who died at
the age of seven years. Colonel Slate died
March 28, 1862, and his wife on February 25,
1853.

Obed Slate, Jr., was reared and educated in
Hinsdale. When a young man he learned a
trade in Ithaca, N. Y., where he resided fora
time. He also kept a hotel in Thorndike,
Mass., for about four years. Afterward he
settled at the homestead in Hinsdale, where
he was engaged in general farming until his
death, which occurred July 27, 1869. He
444

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

acted asa Justice of the Peace, and, like his
father, attended to much legal business, in-
cluding the settlement of estates. In politics
he supported the Republican party. He was
elected a Selectman several times, he repre-
sented the town in the legislature for two
terms, and he was at one time Collector of
Internal Revenue for this district. His wife,
Sarah, who was a native of Wilbraham, Mass.,
and a daughter of Edward Colton, became the
mother of four children-——- Charles E., Annie
Augusta, George M., and Susan, all born in
Hinsdale. Annie Augusta married Augustus
B. Ross, and resides in Miller’s Falls, Mass.
George M. Slate, who is a graduate of the
Philadelphia Dental School, having practised
dentistry for some time in Brooklyn, N.Y., is
now following his profession in Sydney, Aus-
tralia, where he has also quite a reputation as a
horseman. At one time he was American
Vice-Consul in Sydney. He married Hattie
Denning, of Springfield, Mass., and has a
family. Mrs. Obed Slate married for her sec-
ond husband Elisha Hutchins, of Winchester,
N.H.

Charles E. Slate was educated in the schools
of Hinsdale and at Powers Institute, Bernards-
ton, Mass. He assisted in carrying on the
homestead farm until after the death of his
father. For the succeeding four years he was
engaged in the cultivation of tobacco. After
the estate was settled, he came to Winchester,
and has since followed general farming. He
is widely known throughout this section as an
efficient musician and instructor of brass
bands, having been connected with upward of
twenty-four different organizations, and the
leader of the Winchester Brass Band since its
establishment. The latter, which has the
reputation of being a first-class country band,
during political campaigns is frequently en-
gaged for torchlight processions in Keene and
adjoining towns. Mr. Slate is a skilful cornet
player, as well as a leader of bands and orches-
tras. The members of his family are also
capable musicians, each playing a different
instrument, constituting a home orchestra,
which is a source of much pleasure to the
entire neighborhood. During the seasons of
1882, 1883, 1884, and 1885 he managed the

’ chester.

 

Mount Monadnock Hotel for Batchelder
Brothers; and his efforts in providing for the
comfort and enjoyment of its patrons were
highly appreciated.

Mr. Slate married Jennie M. Putnam, a
daughter of Amos A. Putnam, who was for
many years a prominent business man of Win-
Mr. Slate’s children are: Fred C.,
Daisy P., and John O. In politics he is a
Republican, and figures prominently as a
leader in the local party organization. He
was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Board
of Selectmen and Assessors in 1894, has been
re-elected several times to the same position,
and is now serving his fourth term as chair-
man. He has served on the Board of Over-
seers of the Poor for five terms; and he was in
the legislature in 1881, and served on the
Committee on Finance. He filled the office of
Postmaster with marked ability for nearly four
years under the Harrison administration, and
he has recently been appointed to the same
office by the McKinley administration. A
Justice of the Peace, he saves the town consid-
erable expense in the taking of depositions of
paupers, and his town reports are remarkably
clear and accurate. He has been chosen a
delegate to various district, county, and State
conventions, and he assisted in nominating
Governor Haile. He is a member of Cheshire
Lodge, No. 82, I. O. O. F., and was a charter
member of the local grange, Patrons of Hus-
bandry.

qe L. HARDY,* of Wilton, Hills-

 

 

boro County, a well-known builder, an
ex-member of the New Hampshire leg-
islature, and a pensioned veteran of the
Civil War, was born in Hollis, N.H., Septem-
ber 8, 1825, son of James and Mary (Smith)
Hardy. His grandfather Hardy served asa
soldier in the Revolutionary War, and _par-
ticipated in the battle of Bunker Hill. The
greater part of his life was passed upon a farm
in Hollis, and he lived to be over ninety years
old. In his religious views he was a Congre-
gationalist. He was the father of nine chil-
dren, none of whom are living.
James Hardy, father of James L., was born
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

445

 

 

in Hollis, and when a young man he learned
the stone-cutter’s trade. He was employed
at the United States Navy Yard in Charles-
town, Mass., for a time, and also worked at
his trade in Nashua, N.H. His last days
were spent in Hollis, and he died at the age
of forty-two years. In politics he was origi-
nally a Whig and later a Democrat. In mili-
tary affairs he was actively interested, and
held a Captain’s commission in the State
militia. He attended the Congregational
church. His wife, Mary, who was a daughter
of Daniel Smith, of Hollis, became the mother
of nine children, of whom the only survivor
is James L., the subject of this sketch. Mrs.
Mary Smith Hardy died at the age of thirty-
nine years.

James L. Hardy removed with his parents
to Nashua when he was ten years old, and his
education was completed in that town. After
the death of his parents he began work as an
apprentice at the carpenter’s trade, serving
three years in Amherst and Manchester,
N.H.; and later he was employed as a jour-
neyman in Lawrence, Mass., by one man for
eight years. At the expiration of that period
he bought a small farm in Amherst, N.H.,
and for some time thereafter he was engaged
in tilling the soil in connection with follow-
ing his trade. On October 20, 1861, he
walked to Manchester, a distance of twenty-
five miles, for the purpose of enlisting for ser-
vice in the defence of the Union, and enrolled
his name in Company E, Eighth Regiment,
New Hampshire Volunteers. He was shortly
made Sergeant of his company; and on April
14, 1862, he was commissioned Second Lieu-
tenant, being the first to receive a commission
from the ranks. He was transferred to Com-
pany A, and saw considerable active service
at the front, being in the battle of Georgia
Landing, La., in October. He resigned his
commission in December, 1862. After the
war he settled in Wilton, where he resumed
his trade, and engaged as a contractor and
builder. He erected the Unitarian church
and the town house, besides several residences,
and is considered one of the most able and
trustworthy builders in this section of the
county.

 

In politics Mr. Hardy is a firm supporter
of the Democratic party. He was for several
years Chief Engineer of the Wilton Fire De-
partment; and he represented this district in
the legislature for the years 1871, 1885, and
1891. He has been an exceedingly active
man; but his constitution was considerably
affected by exposure during the war, and he
now draws a pension from the government.

On March 30, 1863, Mr. Hardy was joined
in marriage with Elvira S. Noyes, of Amherst,

 

daughter of Arnet Noyes. Mr. and Mrs.
Noyes attend the Unitarian church.
MOS ADAMS PUTNAM, now of

Warwick, Mass., was for many years

a prominent figure in the public

affairs of Winchester, N.H. Born

in Winchester, April] 11, 1824, he is a son of
Amos and Susan Rebecca (Wheeler) Putnam.
His maternal grandfather, who was of good

fighting stock, served with honor in the
struggle for American independence. The
paternal grandfather, Amos [Putnam (first),

who was a native of Danvers, Mass., in his
younger days moved to Fitchburg, Mass., and
there worked for some time at his trade, that
of a carpenter. He came to Winchester in
1818, settling upon land in the south-western
part of the town, and carried on general farm-
ing for the rest of his life. He was also a
soldier in the Revolution, and participated in
the battle of Bennington. In his religious
views he was a Universalist, and he was ac-
tively connected with the church in Fitchburg.
The maiden name of his wife was Lydia
Hovey, and his children were: Amos, Lydia,
Polly, Samuel, Sarah, Elizabeth, and Susan.
Lydia became the wife of Captain George
Tufts. Polly successively married a Mr.
Reed and a Mr. Garfield. Amos, who suc-
ceeded to the homestead, made a specialty of
fattening cattle and hogs for market. He
married Susan Rebecca Wheeler, of Ashby,
Mass., and they had seven children, namely:
Albert, who married Emeline Smith, and re-
sides in Winchester; Amos A., the subject of
this sketch; Harriet, the wife of Smyrna Ban-
croft; James, who married Jane Whipple;
446

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

Mary Ann (now deceased), who married
Nathan B. Hammond; Eri, who married Lucy
Holton, and is now deceased; and Susan, who
married Isaac Smith, and is now also deceased.

Amos Adams Putnam and his brother James,
who both remained upon the homestead to care
for their parents, after the death of their father
purchased the interests of the other heirs to
the property. In 1865 Amos A. sold his
interest in the property to James, and bought
of William and Lucius Rixford a farm of one
hundred and ten acres, situated upon the road
to Chesterfield factory. On this estate, to
which he added seventy acres of adjoining
land, he carried on general farming and cattle-
raising until 1887, when he engaged in the
milk business. In May, 1893, he moved to
Warwick, Mass., on account of failing health,
where he now occupies a small farm of thir-
teen acres near Warwick village, leaving his
Winchester property in charge of his son. In
politics Mr. Putnam isa Democrat. Although
‘that party did not predominate in Winchester
at the time, he was chosen Selectman for nine
years, and for three years of that period was
chairman of the Board of Selectmen and an
Overseer of the Poor. He was a member of
the legislature in the last annual session, was
in the first biennial] session in 1879, and was
again a member in 1885-86. While in the
legislature he served on the Finance and Re-
trenchment and Reform Committees, and was
the clerk of the latter committee. He was a
Justice of the Peace from 1870 to 1885, dur-
ing which time, being conversant with legal
formalities and the modes of procedure, he
settled several] estates.

On February 17, 1845, Mr. Putnam was
united in marriage with Nancy B. Robbins,
who was born in Hinsdale, N.H., October 25,
1823, daughter of John Robbins. Of their
nine children five are living, namely: Jennie
M., born March 19, 1847, who is now the wife
of Charles E. Slate; N. Maria, born May 23,
1850, who is now the widow of Willard H.
Snow, having one son; Addie C., born May 9,
1856, who married C. A. Williams, and has
had seven children; Jesse R., born March 30,
1862, who married Nellie Rixford, and has one
son; and George Henry, born January 14

?

 

1864, who married Harriet J. Freeman, and
has two children. The others were: John A.,
born April 29, 1848, who died June 22, 1873;
Sarah E., born April 7,1852, who died Janu-

| ary II, 1861; George A., born June 24, 1854,

who died May 25, 1857; and Henry S., born
April 10, 1858, who died July 1, 1860. Mrs.
Putnam died June 13, 1896. Mr. Putnam’s
interest in anything ancient and _ historical,
especially if connected with his own family
history, has led him to preserve a note, of
which the following is a copy, given by his
grandfather, Amos Putnam (first), to the Se-
lectmen of Fitchburg, Mass., for the purpose
designated : —
“ FITCHBURG, August ye 24, 1777.

‘‘Received of the Selectmen of Fitchburg,
the towns property, one Gun, valued at six
pounds, which I promise to Return to the se-
lectmen of ye town when I return from the
Draft which I am now Drafted, in order to go
to Bennington to the assistance of Col. Seth
Warner, or pay the above said sum upon my
return, unless lost in action with the Enemy.

‘Witness my Hand,
Amos Putnam.’’

Mr. Putnam, without any solicitation on his
part, was given a commission as Adjutant of
the Sixth Regiment of the militia of the State
of New Hampshire, with the rank of Captain,
the commission bearing date of June 7, 1854,
and being signed by Governor Noah Martin.
Mr. Putnam held this commission until the
old militia law was repealed, some three or
four years later.

 

ATHAN A. BROWN,* a prosperous
agriculturist residing in the town of
Temple, Hillsboro County, was born

in Antrim, N.H., May 25, 1833,

son of Isaac and Sarah (Flagg) Brown. His
paternal grandfather, Stephen Brown, was a
native of Sudbury, Mass., born August 11,
1769. In 1808 he removed his family to
Temple, and for the rest of his life he was
there engaged in tilling the soil. He was
industrious and successful, and one of the
highly respected citizens of his day. On
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

447

 

 

October 15, 1793, he married Eunice Proctor,
who was born February 16, 1772. Stephen
Brown died December 14, 1851, aged eighty-
two years; and his wife, who lived to be over
ninety-one years old, died August 11, 1863.
They were members of the Congregational
church. None of their twelve children are
now living.

Isaac Brown, Nathan A. Brown’s father,
was born in Sudbury, July 10, 1794. He was
one of twins, but his brother died young.
Isaac accompanied his parents to New Hamp-
shire, and when a young man settled in An-
trim, where he carried on general farming
energetically and with good results. About
the year 1849 he removed to Temple, where
he continued to till the soil for the rest of his
active period; and he died April 13, 1879. In
politics he was originally a Whig and later a
Republican. His wife, Sarah Flagg, whom
he married December 30, 1818, was a daugh-
ter of Josiah Flagg, of Mason, N.H. She
became the mother of a large family of chil-
dren, six of whom grew to maturity, and four
are living, namely: MHarriet; Mary Ann;
Adna; and Nathan A., the subject of this
sketch. Harriet is the widow of the Rev.
Joseph B. Hill, late of Mason, and has three
children — Charles E., Wilton B., and Joseph
A. Mary Ann is the wife of James H. Wal-
ton, of Temple, and has one daughter, Sarah
E. Adna married for his first wife Mary
Newton, of Antrim, and for his second wife
Fanny Wilson, of Littleton, N.H., and he has
two children — Walter W. and Belle. Mrs.
Sarah F. Brown died in 1883. She was a
member of the Congregational church.

Nathan A. Brown was educated in the com-
mon schools, and at the age of sixteen he came
with his parents to Temple. Since leaving
school he has been engaged in farming, and
in 1870 he bought the property he now owns
and cultivates. He later added fifty acres to
his original purchase, and now owns one hun-
dred acres of fertile land, which is desirably
located.

On September 19, 1857, Mr. Brown was
joined in marriage with Sarah, daughter of
Artemas Brown, of Antrim. He is justly
regarded as one of the most practical] farmers

 

of Temple, and is highly esteemed for his
integrity and other sterling qualities. He is
a Republican in politics and a Congregation-
alist in his religious views.

ILBUR L. PHELPS,* a prominent
business man of New Ipswich, was
born in this town, August 28, 1867,

and is the son of Lorenzo C. B. and Helen M.
(Judkins) Phelps.

Mr. Phelps’s paternal grandfather, Simeon
Phelps, married Lucinda Putnam, and they
had four children, two of whom are now living,
namely: Lucy A., the widow of Daniel Pratt,
and Lorenzo C. B., the father of the subject of
this sketch. Grandfather Phelps was a
farmer in Sutton, Mass., living there from his
birth to his death; and in Sutton his son
Lorenzo was born.

After his school days were over, Lorenzo
went to Keene, N.H., then to Peterboro, and
finally settled in New Ipswich, where he
worked for John Kingsley, of the express com-
pany running from New Ipswich to Boston, as
express messenger for many years. Later he
engaged in the livery business for himself in
New Ipswich, which he continued until about
ten years ago, when advancing years and poor
health compelled him to retire from active
work. He now enjoys the results of his
former industry. Mr. Lorenzo C. B. Phelps
has been twice married, his first wife being
Mary J. Miller, of Peterboro, N.H., who died
at the age of twenty-three years, leaving no
children. His second wife, formerly Helen
M. Judkins, is the mother of Mr. Wilbur L.
Phelps. She was married to Mr. Phelps
October 17, 1854, in Boston, the ceremony
being performed by the late Rev. Dr. A. A.
Miner. Wilbur L. is the only living child.
Mr. and Mrs. Lorenzo C. B. Phelps are both
members of the Baptist church. In_ politics
he is a Democrat. He is well known and
highly respected in New Ipswich.

Wilbur Phelps was educated in the district
schools, and began the work of life by being
employed for about two years by H. R.
Wheeler in a general store. He then went to
Boston for a time; and, returning to New Ips-

 
448

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

wich in 1889, he purchased his present busi-
ness stand.

Mr. Phelps’s popularity is attested by the
various offices he has held. In 1893 he was
chosen Town Clerk, and has held that position
up to the present time. Since 1895 he has
been Town Treasurer. On April 26, 1892,
he married Miss Abbie L. Balch, daughter of
Moses Balch, of this place.

OHN BLISS, an expert woollen manu-
facturer and overseer of one of the
mills in Gilsum, Cheshire County,
N.H., was born in this town, October

25, 1848, son of Cyrus and Sarah C. (Nash)
Bliss. He is a grandson of the first settled
physician in Gilsum and a descendant of
Colonial ancestry. The immigrant founder of
the family in New England, Thomas Bliss,
who was born in Belstone Parish, Devonshire,
England, in 1585, located at Braintree, Mass.,
in 1635. In 1640 he settled in Hartford,
Conn., and resided there the rest of his life.
Samuel Bliss, a son of Thomas, was born in
Belstone Parish, England, in 1624, and died
in Springfield, Mass., March 23, 1720. Jon-
athan Bliss, a grandson of Thomas, was born
in Springfield, Mass., January 5, 1672, and
died in East Windsor, Conn., about 1740.
Jonathan Bliss, second, great-grandson of
Thomas and great-grandfather of the subject
of this sketch, was born in Windsor, Conn.,
January 4, 1712, and died in April, 1799.
He was a pioneer settler in Gilsum and prob-
ably the first one. His son, Dr. Abner Bliss,
John Bliss’s grandfather, was born in Tolland,
Conn., November 29, 1752. He accompanied
his parents to Gilsum, was the first physician
of the town, and practised medicine until his
death, which occurred May 29, 1812. He was
the father of ten children; namely, Naomi,
Ruth, Abner, Lucinda, Sybil, Levi, Sally,
John, Nancy, and Cyrus.

Cyrus Bliss, father of John Bliss, was born
in Taunton, Mass., April 16, 1798. He was
reared and educated in Gilsum, where he re-
sided for the rest of his life; and his active
years were spent in farming. He united with
the Christian church, of which he was elected

 

 

Bishop, April 7, 1828; and he was sincerely
esteemed for his high moral character and
earnest piety. Cyrus Bliss died July 24,
1872. His first wife, Nancy Dean, born in
1807, daughter of David Dean, of Taunton,
Mass., died April 17, 1836. Sarah Chastina
Nash, his second wife, who was born in 1827,
daughter of Levi and Martha D. (Miller)
Nash, died September 6, 1849. Cyrus Bliss
was the father of nine children, seven by his
first marriage and two by his second, namely:
Cyrus R., born June 19, 1826; John N.;
Hannah and two others who died in infancy ;
Eunice M., born June 2, 1831; Nancy C.,
who died young; Nancy L., born April 8,
1846, who died May 19, 1852; and John, the
subject of this sketch. Cyrus R. Bliss, who
is a farmer and lumberman of Gilsum, has
been married three times. Eunice M., who
died in September, 1894, was the wife of
Nathaniel Heath, of Stoddard, N.H., and left
a family.

John Bliss was educated in Gilsum, and
after finishing his studies he learned the
woollen manufacturer’s trade. He has plied
his calling in New Hampshire, Vermont,
Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania,
and has held the position of superintendent of
different factories. For the past eight years
he has occupied his present position in Gil-
sum. He is thoroughly conversant with the
business; and, being a practical mechanic, he
designs and makes any kind of a device or
piece of machinery he desires to use. He is
a thirty-second degree Mason, a Knight
Templar, and is also connected with the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, the Rebekahs,
the Improved Order of Red Men, the Order of
American Mechanics, and the Daughters of
Liberty.

Mr. Bliss has been twice married. His
first wife was Fanny M. Austin, born August
8, 1854, daughter of Thomas and Mary T.
(Green) Austin, of Warrenville, Conn. She
died March 14, 1879. His present wife was
before marriage Agnes L. Busia, born April
25, 1860, daughter of John and Louisa (Sa-
voice) Busia.

Mr. Bliss is interested in orange growing in
Florida, and owned a nice grove of two hun-
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

449

 

 

dred trees, which were killed down to the
ground by the great freeze-up in February,
1895. The loss was nearly total; but the
trees are sprouting up again, and it is hoped
they will fully recover their former condition
after a few years.

Two of Mr. Bliss’s ancestors were soldiers
in the Revolutionary War; namely, his
mother’s grandfather and _ great-grandfather,
James and Abraham Nash, of Taunton, Mass.
Abraham Nash was in General Ward’s di-
vision at the siege of Boston in 1775-76; and
his son, James Nash, was in service from 1776
to the close of the war.

 

ENRY W. FLETCHER,
superintendent for the Cheshire
Improvement Company, Rindge,
N.H., was born in Bennington,
Hillsboro County, December 8, 1851, son
of Samuel W. and Emily T. (Brooks)
Fletcher. The first American ancestor of
the family was Robert Fletcher, an English-
man, it is thought from Yorkshire, who with
his three sons — Luke, William, and Samuel
—came to this country in 1630 and settled in
Concord, Mass., where he died April 3, 1677.
Walter Fletcher, grandfather of the subject
of this sketch, born in Westford, Mass., in
1805, as we learn from the Fletcher Geneal-
ogy, was of the seventh generation in descent
from the immigrant. He married for his first
wife Mary Chamberlain.

Their eldest son, Samuel W., Henry W.
Fletcher's father, was born in Westford, Jan-
uary 24, 1829. He came to Rindge when a
young man, and here began his business
career. Later for some years he resided
successively in Bennington, N.H., and in
Haverhill, Mass, whence he returned to this
town, where he was a prosperous merchant for
a number of years, also serving as Postmas-
ter. He afterward removed to Newton, Mass.,
where he spent the rest of his life, continuing
in mercantile business. His first wife, Emily
T. Fletcher, born Brooks, whom he married
in Rindge, Apri] 25, 1850, was a daughter of
Joseph and Emily T Brooks. She died
when her only son, Henry W., the subject of

general

 

this sketch, was six months old; and Samuel
W. Fletcher married her sister, Caroline M.
Brooks.

Henry W. Fletcher completed his education
at the New Ipswich Academy. After teaching
two terms of school he was for a time engaged
with his father in trade at Rindge Centre and
at West Rindge, and for a year was engaged
in the manufacture of pails at West Rindge.
About 1890 he became connected with the
Cheshire Improvement Company, at that time
engaged in raising thoroughbred Jersey cattle
and horses upon a large scale, controlling seven
thousand acres of land, and employing one
hundred and fifty men. This concern has a
lumber-mill, a brickyard, and a stone quarry;
and for the past four years Mr. Fletcher has
been general superintendent of the enterprise.
He has served as a Selectman for six years in
succession, was formerly Tax Collector and
at one time Postmaster, and was Census Enu-
merator in 1890.

On September 8, 1875, Mr. Fletcher was
joined in marriage with Anna C. Norcross, of
Rindge, daughter of Joshua Norcross, and a
great-grand-daughter of Jeremiah Norcross, a
Revolutionary soldier. Four children have
been born to Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher, namely:
Eva A. and Charles W., both graduates of
the Winchendon High School; Alice E., who
died aged fifteen months; and Sidney N., now
attending school in Rindge. Charles W.
Fletcher entered Dartmouth College in the
autumn of the present year, 1897. Mr.
Fletcher is connected with the Order of the
Golden Cross, and is a member of the Congre-
gational church, of which he is clerk.

 

EWIS G. HILDRETH, M.D.,* a
physician of Bennington, Hillsboro
County, N.H., was born in White-

field, Coos County, N.H., February

3, 1868. His parents were George and Alvira
(Ingram) Hildreth. His paternal grandfather,
Stephen Hildreth, was born in Lisbon, N.H.,
where he lived the greater part of his life,
and carried on general farming. He married
Amanda Holmes, and they had five children,
three of whom are now living; namely, Mary,
450

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

Carrie, and Edwin. He died at the age of
seventy-four years; and his wife, Dr. Hil-
dreth’s grandmother, now makes her home at
Whitefield, N.H.

George Hildreth, father of the subject of
this sketch, was born in Whitefield, N.H.,
and resided there during his life, engaged in
general farming, in which he was very suc-
cessful. He died at the age of thirty-one
years; and his wife, formerly Miss Alvira
Ingram, was about the same age at the time
of her death. Their children were: Lewis
G., Elwin, Sydney, and Gertrude.

Lewis G. Hildreth, the subject of this
sketch, received his early education in his
native town, graduating from the high school.
He then entered the medical department of
the University of Wooster, Cleveland, Ohio,
and took one course, after which he went to
the Kentucky School of Medicine, Louisville,
Ky., where he was graduated. Shortly after-
ward he settled at Glen Station, Carroll
County, N.H., remaining for one year; and
in 1893 he removed to Bennington, where he
has practised with good success up to the
present time. He has been a member of the
School Board fer the last three years, is also
one of the library trustees and a member
of the Board of Health. In politics he isa
Democrat. He is also a member of White
Mountain Lodge of Masons, No. 84, of
Whitefield. On June 17, 1896, he was mar-
ried to Florence A. Russell, daughter of Aus-
tin N. Russell. Mrs. Hildreth is a member
of the Congregational church.

 

yYPIRAM C. NEWTON, editor and pub-
lisher of the monthly sheet known
as the Home Companion, was born
~~ in Marlboro, N.H., December 8,
1845, son of Martin Luther and Mary Ann
(Crombie) Newton. His father was the
grandson of Luther Newton, who was a son
of Seth Newton, of Southboro, Mass.
Luther Newton removed with his wife in
May, 1788, from Southboro to Marlboro,
N.H., where he resided for a time on a farm
now owned by the heirs of the late Rufus
S. Frost. He purchased a lot of land, and

 

 

erected with his own hands a compact and
well-finished log house, located near what
was known for many years as the Newton
Meadow, but which is now a pond. He was
very industrious, and with his great strength
and power of endurance was able to accom-
plish more work than most men. His land
was rather poor, and he was obliged to work
out by the day in order to procure the neces-
saries of life for his family. His evenings
were spent making shingles and doing other
work about his premises; and he was subse-
quently able to buy another piece of land,
upon which he made a clearing and built the
house on what is known as the Newton place,
removing to it in 1797. About the same
time he brought on his shoulder quite a long
distance a young elm, which he set out within
a few feet of the house, and which has grown
to be the large tree now to be seen there,
spreading its long branches over the house
and dooryard. His wife, Miriam, was no less
diligent. To clothe her family she worked
at dressmaking and millinery for the neigh-
bors, taking her pay in spinning and weaving.

Luther Newton died November 19, 1820,
at the age of sixty-nine; and his son Calvin
came into possession of the home farm,
Miriam Newton, the widowed mother, resid-
ing there until her death, which occurred
September 22, 1852, at the age of eighty-
eight. The Newtons have generally been
a long-lived race. Luther Newton’s grand-
mother lived to be one hundred and six and
his great-grandmother one hundred and twelve
years of age.

Calvin Newton resided on the home farm
until the spring of 1857, removing at that
time to West Swanzey, where he lived four-
teen years, until the fall of 1871, at which
time he came to Troy, where he made his
home with his son, Martin L., until his
death, December 16, 1873, at the age of
eighty-three. He was five times married.
The Troy History, recently published, speaks
of him as follows: —

“Calvin, the father of Martin, was a man
of much ability and dignity of character. He
was for many years one of the foremost citi-
zens of the town, respected for his general
 
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

451

 

 

knowledge and sound judgment; and his farm
became a model one for the times. He en-
joyed the good opinion of his townsmen as an
honest and enterprising man.” When about
fifty years of age, as he was one day leading a
horse to plough, he was struck in the ankle
by the horse’s foot, which proved a serious
accident, lockjaw for a time being feared, but
prevented. Ever after he had a bad leg, was
lame and unable to do much work, although
he continued to live there.

His son, Martin L., came into possession
of the farm in the spring of 1845, and there
resided and carried it on, working hard to im-
prove its condition until the spring of 1866,
when he sold it to George Thatcher, still re-
siding on the place until the spring of 18609,
when he removed about a mile distant, to
what was known as the Alton Thatcher place,
where he lived one year. In the spring of
1870 he came to Troy, purchasing of Ira G.
Starkey the place where he ever afterward re-
sided until his death, which occurred Decem-
ber 26, 1895, at the age of seventy-five. Like
his ancestors, Martin L. Newton was a tall,
large, muscular man, and in his younger days
performed a large amount of work. He was
considered one of the best farmers in Marl-
boro, and by industry, economy, good calcula-
tion, and the assistance of a helpful wife, who
was also a hard worker and good calculator, he
accumulated considerable property. He was
much like his father and grandfather in
methods, despising hypocrisy and false pre-
tence, and being opposed to extravagance and
outside show, but in favor of having the com-
forts of life and paying for the same. He was
considered a square man in his dealings, and
paid his honest debts, his financial motto
being, “Live within your means, and pay as
you go.” The New Hampshire Sentznel pub-
lished a very lengthy and touching notice of
his life at the time of his death.

February 14, 1845, Martin Luther Newton
married Mary Ann Crombie, of Hancock, who
became the mother of Hiram C. Newton.
She died April 12, 1847; and he married sec-
ond, May 14, 1848, Sarah M. Strong, daugh-
ter of Richard and Sally Strong, of Dublin.

Hiram C. Newton was educated at the

 

Marlboro Depot district school. He was born
and brought up on his father’s farm, where
he worked hard until he was twenty-three
years old. For the next year or two he
worked winters sawing wood in Marlboro vil-
lage and elsewhere, chopping, etc., and in the
summer, on the highway, at farm work,
shovelling gravel, on the quarry, or wherever
he could get work. In the fall of 1870 he
came to Troy, and engaged as night watch-
man in the Troy blanket-mills, following this
business for two years. In April, 1872, he
published the first number of the Home Com-
panion, the first paper ever published in Troy.
It was announced in this issue to be published
quarterly at twenty-five cents per year. At
the end of three months, when it became time
to print the second number, the expenditure
had been over one hundred dollars more than
the receipts, and the prospect was such that
many would have given up the venture; but
Mr. Newton was naturally persevering, and
went into the work with a determination to
succeed if possible, and, by giving strict at-
tention to business and working hard, he made
a success of it. In connection with publish-
ing the paper, he advertised in the same
notions and novelties, such as could be sent
by mail, and also advertised both paper and
notions in the magazines; and for a while he
did a good mailing business, sending goods
to all parts of the country, his postage at one
time amounting to more than all the rest of
the town.

This business becoming unprofitable after
two or three years, on account, partly, of
being overdone, he hired rooms in the old
academy building, and put in a class of goods
more suitable for home trade. In this he was
quite successful for several years, until the
business depression came on. During all the
time from April, 1872, to the present he has
published the Companion, most of the time
after the first two years as a monthly. For
about six years of this time he published the
local news in it; but, on account of the extra
expense required and small amount of re-
ceipts, the town being small, he lost six hun-
dred dollars in this undertaking in the six
years, besides much extra time spent. He
452

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

then discontinued the local department, with
the honor of having published the first and
only local paper ever published in Troy. In-
stead of a local sheet the Companion is now a
literary paper, adapted to all classes and all
places. Mr. Newton also sends out several
teams with the Boston Sunday papers to the
neighboring towns, his territory extending
from Peterboro to Westport, and including
Dublin, Harrisville, and Marlboro. A few
years ago he bought the Whittemore granite
quarry which had not been much worked up
to that time, and sold it to parties who began
quarrying stone. They in turn sold it to
other parties who built a stone shed capable
of accommodating one hundred stone cutters.
Thus a new industry was founded in Troy,
which has been of great benefit to the town.

Mr. Newton has shown himself to be per-
severing in all his undertakings. In politics
he is a Republican, and cast his first Presi-
dential vote for General U. S. Grant in 1868.
Mr. Newton belongs to no church and to no
secret society, being, as he himself expresses
it, only “a member of the great human race”
and, we may be permitted to add, “in good
standing.” Upon his father’s death in De-
cember, 1895, he inherited the homestead in
Troy, the dwelling being a fine stone house
situated near the Fitzwilliam road; and here,
in accordance with his father’s wishes, his be-
loved mother makes her home with him.

 

the well-known woollen manufacturer
_ of Gilsum, a former member of the

New Hampshire Senate, was born
December 15, 1841, in Oxford, Mass. His
parents, Stephen and Anastasia (Murphy)
Collins, were natives of Ireland; and his
grandfather, John Collins, was a woollen man-
ufacturer of Cork. He emigrated with his
.family to the United States in 1830, settling
at Webster, Mass.

Stephen Collins, son of John, was born in
Dublin, Ireland, June 24, 1811. He accom-
panied his parents to this country, and, having
learned the woollen manufacturing business,
was employed for a number of years in fac-

PON. JOHN STEPHEN COLLINS,
9

 

 

tories in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and
Connecticut. Afterward, in company with
his sons, he started a factory in Brattleboro,
Vt., a venture that proved disastrous. He,
however, paid every dollar of his indebted-
ness; and, accumulating more capital, he and
his sons again established themselves in busi-
ness at Gilsum, where they became successful
manufacturers of beaver cloth, worsted, and
other woollen goods. Stephen Collins retired
from business in 1873, and removing to Bos-
ton, Mass., resided there the rest of his life.
He was a man highly esteemed for his upright
character and honorable business methods.
Michael Collins, elder son of Stephen, fin-
ished his education at Holy Cross College,
Worcester, Mass., and started in the woollen
manufacturing. business with his father and
brother. He later engaged in business on his
own account in Springfield, Vt., where he
remained three years; was next located at
Harrisville, N.H., the same length of time;
and then established himself in Dracut,
Mass., where he is now proprietor of an ex-
tensive woollen plant. The village of Col-
linsville, which has sprung up around his
factory, was named for him; and he has ac-
quired a high reputation, not only for his
business ability, but for his liberality and
benevolence. He-is a thirty-second degree
Mason. Mrs. Stephen Collins, who is still
living, resides in Gilsum, and is remarkably
bright and active at the age of eighty-six
years.

John Stephen Collins began his education
in Stafford Springs, Conn., and completed it
in Worcester, Mass. He became thoroughly
familiar with the woollen manufacturing in-
dustry under the direction of his father, with
whom he was associated in business; and since
the death of the elder Cellins he has carried
on the plant in Gilsum. His factory produces
beaver cloth and worsted goods of a superior
quality, which are marketed in Boston and
New York; and his business ability is of
much benefit to the community.

Mr. Collins is actively interested in public
affairs. He served as Town Treasurer, and is
a member of the School Board, ably repre-
sented his district in the legislature in 1871
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

453

 

 

and 1872, was a State Senator in 1885 and
1886, and again a member of the lower house
in 1889, during which session he was assigned
to the Committee on Judiciary.

RANKLIN B. HEALD,* a prominent
resident of Greenville, Hillsboro
County, N.H., and for many years

an influential factor in public affairs, was
born in West Townsend, Mass., August 20,
1829, son of Josiah G. and Mary (Chicker-
ing) Heald. His paternal grandfather was
Colonel Thomas Heald, a native of Concord,
Mass. Thomas Heald and his brother Timo-
thy purchased a tract of land in New Ipswich,
N.H., and in 1770 Thomas bought Timothy’s
share. He erected a tavern, which he carried
on for many years in connection with farm-
ing. He was a man of sterling ability and
good educational attainments. He com-
manded the militia forces in New Ipswich
and vicinity at the time of the Concord fight,
and was Captain of a company at the capture
of Ticonderoga and through the campaign
which resulted in the surrender of General
Burgoyne. He was soon after promoted to
the rank of Colonel. After the close of
the war he resumed agricultural pursuits in
New Ipswich, and resided there until his
death, which occurred August 20, 1806. By
his wife, Sybil, who died in 1788, he had
five children; and by his second wife, Delia
Blanchard, he had four children, among
whom was Josiah G. Heald, father of Frank-
lin B.

Josiah G. Heald was born in New Ipswich,
and when a young man he learned the trade
of clothier. He plied his calling in Town-
send for some time, and it was customary in
those days for the farmers in the vicinity to
bring their wool to him to be made into cloth.
In 1839 he moved to Greenville, where the
rest of his life was spent, and for a few years
he worked in a satinet factory here. He was
prominently identified with political affairs in
Townsend, and ably filled some of the town
offices. As a Representative to the General
Court of Massachusetts he was one of the first
to support a bill for the suppression of the

 

 

liquor traffic, and the cause of temperance
had in him an earnest and willing advocate.
He was also one of the first supporters of the
abolition movement in this section. Josiah
G. Heald died at the age of fifty-eight years.
Liberal in his religious belief, he was a man
of high moral principles and upright life, and
was highly respected. His wife, Mary, was a
daughter of Abner Chickering, of New Ips-
wich, and a sister of Jonas Chickering, the
founder of the famous pianoforte manufactory
which bears that name. Abner Chickering
was for many years a scythe maker in Mason,
now Greenville; and the entire family were
musical, with the single exception of Mary.
Josiah G. and Mary C. Heald were the par-
ents of nine children, two of whom are living,
namely: Franklin B., the subject of this
sketch; and Edwin, who is married and has
one daughter, Emma. Mrs. Mary C. Heald
lived to be a little more than sixty years of
age. She was a member of the Congrega-
tional church.

Franklin B. Heald resided in Townsend
until he was nine years old, at which time
his parents moved to Greenville, and he was
educated in the common schools. At the age
of seventeen he went to Manchester, N.H.,
where he worked for the Amoskeag Manufact-
uring Company a time; but failing health pre-
vented him from remaining in that business.
He spent two years travelling through the
Western States for the benefit of his health,
and, returning to Greenville in 1852, has re-
sided here for the greater portion of the time
since. He has interested himself in business
and financial enterprises, which have profited
by his ability; and he was treasurer of the
Greenville Savings Bank during the first six
years of its existence.

In politics he acts with the Republican
party, and his public services have been of a
nature to gain the esteem and confidence of
all classes, irrespective of politics. He was
a Selectman in Mason before the town was
divided, and is still serving in that capacity
in Greenville. He was appointed Postmaster
in 1865, holding the office for over twelve
years in Mason and Greenville, was Tax Col-
lector two years, superintended the erection
454

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

of the town hall in 1876, and has had charge
of the construction of other public works.

On April 1, 1865, Mr. Heald was joined in
marriage with Mrs. Emeline E. Livingston,
born Pritchard, of New Ipswich. They have
one daughter, Myrtie E. Mr. Heald has been
a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows since he was twenty-one years old.

 

 

ESLIE H. GOODNOW, Postmaster

and Town Treasurer of East Sulli-

van, Cheshire County, N.H., was

born in Sullivan, July 16, 1848,

son of Caleb and Mary L. (Buss) Goodnow.

His grandfather, Daniel Goodnow, who was

a native of Nelson, N.H., settled in Rox-

bury, N.H., when a young man, and there

followed the business of a carpenter and

builder. His last days, however, were spent

in Sullivan. The maiden name of his wife

was Polly Belden. Their children were:

Caleb; Mary M., who married Abijah H.

Raymond, a farmer and miller in Westmin-

ster, Mass., and has a family; and Lucy A.,
who died young.

Caleb Goodnow, father of Leslie H. Good-
now, was born in Roxbury, N.H., August 23,
1820. He was a miller and a millwright,
and carried on business in Keene and Sullivan
during the active period of his life. He
served as a Representative in the legislature,
and was Postmaster in Sullivan for a number
of years. While living in Keene he was
Councilman one year from Ward Two. In his
religious views he was a Congregationalist.
His wife, Mary L. Buss, who was a native of
Marlboro, N.H., became the mother of six
children, namely: Charles F.; Ella M. and
a twin sister (both deceased); Leslie H., the
subject of this sketch; Daniel W.; and Fanny
L. Charles F. Goodnow resides in Philadel-
phia, and is agent for Dr. Daniel’s veterinary
preparations. He married Julia A. Johnson,
and has two children. Ella M. was the wife
of Marshall W. Nims, now of Concord, and
at her death left one child. Daniel W. Good-
now, who is a member of the firm of Goodnow
& Whitcomb, furniture dealers at Keene,
married Ella M. Nims, of that city, and has

 

a family. Fanny L. Goodnow married M. W.
Hubbard, a prosperous farmer of Sullivan,
and has three children.

Leslie H. Goodnow completed his educa-
tion at Powers Institute, Bernardston, Mass.
After working at the carpenter’s trade a year,
he learned the milling business, which he
has since followed in East Sullivan. He
manufactures chair stock in connection with
his other business, and is one of the stirring
men of this locality. He has been Town
Treasurer for the past twelve years, has ren-
dered valuable service in behalf of education
as a member of the School Board, and has
satisfactorily filled the office of Postmaster
for a number of terms. He is favorably
known throughout the county as an excellent
musician and teacher of singing-schools, is
a leader of the choir at the Congregational
church, and was a director of the Sullivan
band and orchestra during the existence of
those organizations.

Mr. Goodnow married Martha Davis, who
was born October 10, 1850, daughter of Mar-
cus Davis, of Stoddard, N.H. Mrs. Goodnow
is the mother of two children: Minnie L.,
born December 25, 1876, who was graduated
at the Keene High School, and is now teach-
ing in Keene, N.H.; and Walter L., born
July 21, 1884. Mr. Goodnow is a member
of the local commandery of the United Order
of the Golden Cross.

 

LEXANDER C. HATCH,* superin-
tendent of the Howard Furniture Com-

pany’s manufactory, Wilton, was

born in East Harvey, Vt., January

23, 1849, son of Charles P. and Lydia (Tay-
lor) Hatch. His great-grandfather, John
Hatch, Sr., who was a native of Connecticut
and was a farmer and a surveyor, migrated to
Vermont, and there laid out the town of Nor-
wich, where he resided for the rest of his life.
John Hatch, Jr., grandfather of Alexander
C., was born in Litchfield, Conn., and accom-
panied his parents to Vermont. In young
manhood he engaged in agricultural pursuits in
Norwich, but later became a hotel-keeper, and
was prominent in the public affairs of that
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

455

 

 

town. He married a Miss Ainsworth, and
had a family of nine children, of whom Charles
P. was the eighth-born. John Hatch, Jr.,
lived to be ninety-one years old, and his wife
also attained a good old age.

Their son Charles was born in Norwich and
reared to agricultural pursuits. He _ settled
upon a farm in Hardwick, Vt., where he
spent his active years in tilling the soil, being
known as a prosperous farmer and a useful cit-
izen. In politics he was a Democrat. His
wife, Lydia Taylor, a native of Hardwick,
was the daughter of John Taylor, who com-
manded a company and was killed in the War
of 1812. She became the mother of fourteen
children, ten of whom are living; namely,
Egbert B., Frances, Marshall, Emily, Flor-
ence, Clarence, Alexander C. (the  sub-
ject of his sketch), George W., John, and
Josephine. Egbert B. married Laura Butter-
field, who died leaving two children — Luella
and Lida. Frances married her cousin,
Elias W. Hatch, and has five children. Mar-
shall wedded Alma Clark, and has two sons.
Emily is the wife of Harry J. Bedea, and has
five children. Florence married H. M.
Fretts, and has one son, Charles. Clarence
married a Miss Davidson, and has four sons.
George W. married a Miss Bedea, and has
five children. John married Zoe Beedy, and
has three children. Josephine is the wife of
John Brown, and has one child. Charles P.
Hatch died at the age of sixty-one years, and
his wife died at the same age. She was a
member of the Congregational church.

Alexander C. Hatch was educated in Hard-
wick; and after completing his studies he
began to learn the trade of door, sash, and
blind making in Burlington, Vt., remaining
there for a year. He then went to Lebanon,
N.H., where he was engaged in the manufact-
ure of furniture for eleven years; and, going
from Lebanon to Keene, N.H., he was gen-
eral manager of ex-Governor Samuel Hale's
shop for four years. For the succeeding
twelve years he carried on a furniture manu-
factory upon his own account in Nashua, N.H. ;
and in 1892 he became superintendent of the
Howard Furniture Company’s factory in Wil-
ton, where he has since resided. He has

 

under him about forty workmen, and his long
experience in the business makes him espe-
cially competent to fill the responsible position
he now holds.

Mr. Hatch and Mary S. Miller, of Hyde
Park, Vt., were married on January I, 1870.
Eleven children have been born to them, and
nine are now living; namely, Ida M., Fred
C., Ernest A., George W., Charles E., Wal-
ter R., Josiah G., Florence I., and John B.

Politically, Mr. Hatch supports the Demo-
cratic party, but his assiduous devotion to his
business prevents him from taking any active
part in public affairs. He is deeply interested
in the general welfare of the town, and is
highly respected as a worthy, upright citizen.
Mrs. Hatch is a member of the Baptist church.

RWIN D. WILDER,®* a stirring farmer

of Lyndeboro, Hillsboro County, was

born in the adjoining town of New

Boston, October 14, 1828, son of Cyrus and

Nancy (Erwin) Wilder. His paternal grand-

father, John Wilder, who resided in Dublin,

N.H., was for a number of years engaged in

teaming between that town and Boston. He

died in Dublin at the age of forty-six years,

having been the father of nine children, Cyrus
being the sixth child.

Cyrus Wilder, father of Erwin D., was
born in Dublin in October, 1790. In his
earlier mature years he followed the carpen-
ter’s trade in Vermont and in New York State;
and after his marriage he settled in New Bos-
ton, where he was engaged in his calling for
the rest of his life. He lived to be sixty-
six years old. He served in the War of 1812,
and was in the battle of Plattsburg. In poli-
tics he was a Democrat. He and his wife,
Nancy Erwin, who was a daughter of David
Erwin, of New York State, reared seven chil-
dren, of whom four are living, namely: James
M.; Alfred C.; Erwin D., the subject of this
sketch; and William W. Alfred C. married
Naomi McConihe, of Mont Vernon, N.H.,
and has four children — Fred, Walter, George,
and Harry. William W. wedded for his first
wife Mary Flanders, of Newton, N.H., and by
that union has three children — Flanders,

 
456

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

Lizzie, and Mary. For his second wife he
married Mrs. Frances Page Kent, of Kingston,
N.H. Mrs. Nancy E. Wilder lived to be
ninety years old. She was a member of the
Presbyterian church.

Erwin D. Wilder grew to manhood in New
Boston, and at the age of seventeen began to
learn the carpenter’s trade, working with his
father. In 1867 he settled in Lyndeboro,
where he continued to follow his trade until
about two years ago. Soon after settling here
he bought seventy-five acres of land, to which
he has since added fifty acres; and he is now
devoting his time exclusively to agricultural
pursuits,

On January 11, 1854, Mr. Wilder married
Sarah E. Kendall, daughter of Peter and
Elizabeth (Messer) Kendall, of Dunstable,
Mass. Mr. and Mrs. Wilder have four sons,
as follows: Alfred E., Charles F., Arthur W.,
and William C. Alfred E. married Lotta
Andrews, of New Boston, and has one daugh-
ter, Mary E. Charles F. wedded Mary F.
Whittier, of Newton, N.H., and has three
children —- Howard E., Mabel E., and Wal-
lace W. Arthur W. married Clare E. Peas-
lee, of Newton, and his children are: Erwin
S. and Esther W. William C. married Adria
A. Holt, of Lyndeboro, and has no children.

Politically, Mr. Wilder is a Democrat, and
he served with ability as a Selectman in 1895.
He and his wife have been connected with
the Lyndeboro Grange for the past twenty
years, and he has held various offices of trust.
Mrs. Wilder is a member of the Congrega-
tional church.

 

 

active business men in Harrisville,
~ was born in Marlboro, N.H., May 22,
1839, son of Thomas and Lucretia B. (Lewis)
White. The family ancestry is traced to
William White, the ‘‘Mayflower’’ Pilgrim,
and directly to Peregrine White, distinguished
in history as the first white child born in the
Plymouth Colony. The first ancestor to settle
in Cheshire County was William White, a
native of Bolton, Mass., and a rope-maker by
trade. He located in Marlboro, which has

ieee ,
7 HOMAS H. WHITE, one of the most
Zt

 

 

been the birthplace of five generations of the
family. Thomas White (first), the grand-
father of the subject of this sketch, and a life-
long resident of Marlboro, cultivated the home-
stead farm during his active period. Of an
even and kindly disposition, he won the sin-
cere admiration of his neighbors, and was
never known to have an enemy. He married
Rebecca Metcalf, daughter of Asa Metcalf,
who was a native of Roxbury, N.H., and a
Revolutionary soldier. One of her children
died in infancy. The others were: Lorenzo,
Sophia, Thomas, and Rebecca. Lorenzo was
an industrious farmer of Marlboro, and the
father of twelve children. Sophia, who mar-
ried Luther Converse for her first husband and
Samuel Blodgett for her second, had four chil
dren by her first union. Rebecca married for
her first husband Edmund Needham and for
her second Luke Blodgett.

Thomas White (second), Thomas H.
White's father, was born at the homestead,
January 2, 1818. Whena young man he was
in business in Montreal, Canada, for a time,
after which he returned to Marlboro, pur-
chased the homestead, and became a prosperous
farmer, owning five hundred acres. For about
twenty-five years he was a travelling salesman.
He was Tax Collector of Marlboro a number of
years. A man of high principles, he was one
of the first in this town to support the cause of
abolition, and he was an earnest advocate of
temperance. He was a member of the Meth-
odist church and a liberal contributor toward
the support of religious and charitable work.
His last years were devoted to compiling
the White Genealogy, a work of nearly four
hundred pages, the proof of which he lived to
see. He died November 22, 1895. His wife,
Lucretia, was born February 5, 1816, daugh-
ter of John and Lucretia (Bemis) Lewis, of
Roxbury, N.H. She became the mother of
twelve children, born as follows: Thomas
Herbert, the subject of this biography; Homer
Edwin, June 12, 1840; Asa Metcalf, Novem-
ber 17, 1841; Rodolphus Isaiah, May 11,
1843; Arthur Amasa, November 22, 1846;
Sarah Angeline, January 24, 1849; John
Milton, January 7, 1850; Ashley Newell,
August 2, 1851; Augustus A., October 23,
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

457

 

 

1852; Leslie Leman, May 21, 1854; Sarah
Angeline (second), March 29, 1856; and Mary
Clough, November 8, 1858. Homer E. is in
the insurance business in Boston, and resides
in Malden, Mass. He married Abbie Ellis,
and has one son, a dentist, who married, has
one son, and also resides in Malden. Asa M.,
who served in the late war, received in the
battle of Williamsburg a severe wound, from
which he never fully recovered, and died May
4, 1891. He wedded Mary I. Knight, and
left two children — Homer A. and Bertrand A.
Rodolphus J. died in the army, December 20,
1861. Arthur A. died at the age of eighteen
years and six months. Sarah (first) died at
the age of six weeks, and Augustus A. died
aged four months. John M., who is a sales-
man residing in Lowell, Mass., married for
his first wife Etta S. Smith, of Marlboro,
N.H. They had an adopted son, Harry Her-
bert, who married Cora A. Dustin. They
have three children, and reside on the old
homestead. John M. White married for his
second wife Mrs. Emma Dustin, of Lowell,
Mass., who has two children— Cora and
George. Ashley N. White, who is overseer
in a mill at Marlboro, married Julia E. Clark,
and has four children — Arthur N., Perley C.,
Ruby T., and Ethel Lucretia. Leslie L.,
who is a prosperous farmer of Marlboro, mar-
ried Hattie Knight, and is the father of seven
children — Grace H., Lewis A., Winfred L.,
L. Blanche, Ernest D., Bernard, and Hazel
M. Sarah A. (second), who resides in Marl-
boro, has been twice married, and her first hus-
band was Lucius Ormsby. She is now the
wife of George W. Shattuck, and has two chil-
dren — George A. and Forest L. Mary C. is
the widow of Frederick T. Jewett, late of
Harrisville, and has three children — Mamie
L., Ethelyn L., and Fred T. Mrs. Lucretia
White died August 14, 1876.

Thomas H. White completed his education
at the New Hampshire Conference Seminary
in Tilton, and for some time after was a trav-
elling salesman. He was engaged in the
pottery business in the early sixties, and for a
year and more manufactured woodenware. He
next took a position in the freight department
of the Cheshire Railroad in Keene. This he

 

held until taken down with typhoid fever.
Not recovering strength after four months, he
gave up the situation. Then, purchasing a
farm in Marlboro, he was engaged in tilling
the soil for some time, until he resumed his
former occupation of salesman. After travel-
ling in the interest of a nursery for ten years,
he engaged in that business upon his own
account, and profitably carried it on for a
number of years. In politics Mr. White isa
Republican. One of the most active workers
in the local party organization, he has been a
member of the Republican Club for the past
thirty years. For five years he served as a
member of the Board of Selectmen, and he has
been a Justice of the Peace for some time.
When proposed as a candidate for the legislat-
ure, he lacked but four votes of election. He
is a Royal Arch Mason and an advanced Odd
Fellow; and he is connected with the Im-
proved Order of Red Men, the Knights of
Honor, the Knights of Pythias, the Patrons of
Husbandry, and several minor organizations.
He is a charter member and was the Second
Master of Silver Lake Grange; and he was the
First Master of Cheshire County Pomona
Grange for two years and Lecturer for one
year. While serving as Deputy, he has
organized and reorganized seventy-three sub-
ordinate granges, and assisted in the organiza-
tion of six Pomona Granges.

Mr. White married Fidie E. Bancroft, who
was born in Nelson, N.H., June 15, 1839.
She was a daughter of Joel and Julia Bancroft,
who were lifelong residents of the town.
Mrs. White has had two children: Leslie R.,
born August 16, 1864, who died March 13,
1889; and Bertha C., born May 22, 1870,
who is a school teacher and assisted her grand-
father in the work of the White Genealogy.

 

R. WILLIAM C. BARRETT,* the
popular dentist of Winchester,
©) N.H., well known throughout Chesh-
ire County, was born in Hinsdale,

on July 14, 1837, son of John and Sybil (Doo-
little) Barrett. His grandfather, Captain
John Barrett, was a native of Hinsdale; but
before the War of 1812 he had removed to

 

 

 

 
458

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

Canada. Upon the breaking out of hostili-
ties he was given the choice between taking
up arms against the States and leaving Canada.
A loyal patriot, he refused to fight against his
native land, and exchanged his fine farm for a
borse and team, with which he conveyed his
family and few household goods to the States.
He died at Hinsdale. He and his wife, who
was a Miss Leach before marriage, had a large
family of children.

John Barrett, above named, one of their
sons, followed the river as his father had
done, running a line of boats between Bellows
Falls and Hartford. His wife, Sybil, was
descended from the famous Rev. Benjamin
Doolittle, who was such a prominent figure in
the early history of Northfield, Mass. The
Doolittle family is said to be of Norman
French extraction, and to have gone to Eng-
land with William the Conqueror. Its repre-
sentatives early came to America, and de-
scendants of these pioneers have been among
the leading and progressive men of New Eng-
land. The Rev. Benjamin, who was the
great-great- grandfather of Dr. Barrett’s
mother, was pastor of the church in North-
field from 1718 to 1748 or 1749. He was a
native of Wallingfield, Conn., and was gradu-
ated at Yale in 1716. Not only was he edu-
cated for the ministry, but he had a good
knowledge of medicine and surgery, and in
time came to have an extensive practice,
people going to consult him from long dis-
tances.

After seventeen years of his pastorate had
elapsed, a feeling of disaffection arose among
certain of his parishioners, who claimed that he
inclined toward Arminianism. Although this
breach was afterward healed and the good man
reinstated in the regard of his beloved parish,
it created great disturbance at the time.
Only last year a letter written by the Rev.
Mr. Doolittle to three members of his church,
suggesting ways in which an adjustment of the
trouble might be secured, was found, and
brought to light for the first time. Written
over one hundred and fifty years ago, it is of
curious interest at the present day. Mr. Doo-
little was a man of liberal views and seem-
ingly far ahead of the spirit of his times.

 

From the Rev. Benjamin to Captain Otis
Doolittle, father of Mrs. Barrett, the descent
is through Lucius and Oliver. Oliver came
to Hinsdale among the early settlers, and be-
came very prominent in the town. His wife
was Sybil Field, of Northfield. Captain Otis
Doolittle, a farmer, who was born in 1770,
and died in 1854, was quite a military man,
and was a leader in both church and town af-
fairs. His wife was Sophia, daugher of Will-
iam Shattuck, descended from a well-known
family. She was married when only thirteen
years and three months old, and before her
twentieth birthday was the mother of five chil-
dren. She lived to be eighty-seven years of
age. Captain Otis was a Democrat. He
was called the wealthiest man in Hinsdale in
his time, and was the largest land-owner in the
county. The will, which he dictated when old
and feeble, and which covers sixteen pages of
foolscap, is considered a remarkable instru-
ment. Sybil, mother of Dr. Barrett, was the
fifth child of Captain Doolittle. John and
Sybil Barrett were the parents of three chil-
dren; namely, Sylvanus O., John A., and
William C. Sylvanus died leaving one son,
since deceased, and a daughter. His wife was
Sabrina Caswell, of Montague, Mass. John
A. married Clara Thayer, and resides in
Erving, Mass., engaged in the lumber busi-
ness. He runs three and sometimes four
portable mills.

William C. Barrett was educated in the
public schools of Hinsdale, N.H. He assisted
at farm labor until 1859, and then went West
and spent some time at Battle Creek, Mich.,
and in I]linois. In 1863 he returned to Win-
chester and took up the study of dentistry with
Dr. Ira W. Russell, who was in practice in
Winchester. After studying for two years he
began practice for himself. He was in Mon-
tague, Mass., for five years and in Hinsdale
for three years. Dr, Barrett has unusual in-
ventive and constructive genius. The quality
of work done in his office in filling, extract-
ing, or in artificial make, is always excellent.
Probably no dentist has ever had so large a
share of the patronage of the people here as
Dr. Barrett; and not only are the people of the
town sensible of the value of his work, but his
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

459

 

 

renown has gone abroad, and patients come to
him from long distances. As his eyesight is
not now as good as it has been, he now leaves
some of the finer work to his son Clinton, who
is in company with him.

Dr. Barrett married Ellen C., daughter of
Jacob Rich, who was a miller, one of the typi-
cal New England kind and a most worthy
man. The Doctor and his wife have one son,
Clinton H., named above, and have been be-
reft of two daughters: Addie E., who was born
May 2, 1864, and died on April 19, 1884;
and Effie G., who was born January 27, 1875,
and died on December 27, 1894, each aged
twenty years lacking one month. Clinton
Barrett, who was born March g, 1866, is, like
his father, endowed with remarkable mechan-
ical genius, and is also a fine mathematician.
He prepared for college at Winchester High
School and subsequently entered Dartmouth.
While he was on his third year there his sister
Addie died, and her loss was such a grief to
him that he gave up his studies for a time and
decided to go into business life. He had pre-
viously intended to study engineering. Later
he studied dentistry with his father, and was
admitted to the practice of that profession in
the State of New Hampshire by examination.
For a time he did designing and pattern-mak-
ing, but subsequently came back to Winches-
ter; and since January 18, 1894, he has been
settled here. Some years ago he invented a
miller’s platform, such as is now used all over
the country; but not having sufficient capital at
that time he did not develop it. Fifteen
years later some one else used a like model.
He has used with flattering success the hyper-
dermic process for the painless extraction of
teeth. Patrons have even come from New
Haven to have teeth extracted, and in this way
the reputation of both father and son has been
widely extended and their practice greatly
increased. ‘Ihe best people in Winchester and
the surrounding country are their patrons.
Dr. Clinton Barrett also makes a specialty of
very nice and finished artificial work. Dr.
Clinton Barrett married Katie B. Doolittle,
and has had three children — Alice Addie; an
infant who died at the age of sixteen months;
and Max Clinton. He is a member of the

 

Order of the Golden Cross, and is Senior War-
den of Philesian Lodge, No. 4o, F. & A. M.

Dr. William C. Barrett is a young man for
his age. He has been Master of Philesian
Lodge twice, and is still active in that body.
In politics he is a Republican, and was a
member of the State convention that nomi-
nated Governor Sawyer. The Doctor is a
great reader, and never happier than when
indulging in the perusal of one of his favorite
books. He has a well-selected library, and it
is by far the largest in town.

? AMUEL ANDERSON,* of  Peter-

boro, N.H., well known as a

builder, not only in Hillsboro

County but throughout the New

England States, was born in New York City,

March 14, 1845. His parents, William and

Sarah (Anderson) Anderson, were both born

in Scotland. His father, who was a_ shoe-

maker by trade, died at the age of thirty-five

years; and his mother, long surviving her

husband, lived to her seventy-third year, the

latter part of her life being spent at Peterboro.

Of her five children three are now living,

namely: Sarah J., wife of Charles Chaplin;

John, who married Martha Johnson; and Sam-
uel, of Peterboro, above named.

Samuel Anderson went to school in New
York City, and then worked in a cotton-mill in
Massachusetts, and afterward learned the car-
penter’s trade at Shirley, Mass., where he
resided till 1875. Going to Clinton, Mass.,
in that year, he there worked at his trade, being
employed by the Lancaster Mills Corporation
for sixteen years, or up to 1891. While
doing this, he was also for two years managing
contract work and building outside the mill,
devoting some time to architectural wood-
work. Jn 1892 Mr. Anderson came to Peter-
boro, opened a shop, and began taking contract
work. He has built many public buildings as
well as private residences, among them being
the asylum and superintendent’s house at
Goffstown for the county of Hillsboro and a
school-house for the town of Henniker. At
present he is engaged in building a school-
house at South Framingham, Mass., and vari-

 

 
460

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

ous other structures in different parts of the
New England States. Since coming to Peter-
boro, Mr. Anderson’s son has been in partner-
ship with him, the firm name being S. Ander-
son & Son. In the shop they employ about
twelve workmen, and the outside force numbers
about forty more.

In 1866 Mr. Anderson was married to
Annie J. Cunningham, of Lowell, Mass.
Four children have been born to them, two of
whom are living: Archibald M., who married
Gertrude Martin, of Peterboro, and is in busi-
ness with his father; and Harry C.

In politics Mr. Anderson is a Democrat.
He has always been interested in the public
and social life of the town in which he has
lived. While in Clinton he was engineer of
the Fire Department for two years and Road
Commissioner for three years, and while at the
Lancaster Mills he was foreman of the con-
struction department of all the buildings. He
is a member of Lancaster Lodge, I. O. O. F.,
No. 89, and has passed through all the chairs.
He is also a member of the encampment in
Peterboro. Through his own industry and
push Mr. Anderson has attained business pros-
perity, and asa man of unimpeachable integ-
rity he enjoys the confidence and esteem of an
extended circle of acquaintances.

 

LBERT BEARD, a well-to-do citizen
of Wilton, Hillsboro County, now
retired from active business, was
born in Boston, Mass., January 31,
1841, son of Luke and Hannah W. (Perkins)
Beard. The father was a resident of the New
England metropolis, where he established,
and for many years carried on, a_ successful
bottling business, which was located on How-
ard Street, near the old Howard Theatre. He
had a summer residence at Wilton, and he
died leaving a large estate. His wife, Han-
nah, was a daughter of Mark D. Perkins, of
Mont Vernon, N.H. They had five children,
of whom but two are now living: Albert, the
subject of this sketch; and Emily, wife of
Nathan B. Boutwell, of Cambridge, Mass.,
who has one child, Horace K.
Albert Beard attended schoo] in Cambridge,

‘dren — James and Clara.

 

Mass., until reaching the age of thirteen years,
when he accompanied his mother to Wilton,
N.H., his father having died some time pre-
viously. His studies were completed at the
Appleton Academy at Mont Vernon. After a
period of some years, during which he was
variously employed, he engaged in the boot and
shoe business in Nashua, in which he was so
successful that at the end of ten years he found
himself in a position to retire with a com-
petence. He now occupies his father’s old
residence in Wilton, which with the accom-
panying grounds constitutes a fine estate. Mr.
Beard was married January 3, 1865, to Miss
Jennie L. Williams, daughter of Bradford
Williams, of Taunton, Mass. He has one
daughter — Stella Pratt, who was born in Mil-
ford, N.H. Mr. Beard isa member of Clin-
ton Lodge, F. & A. M., of Wilton; and of
Penacook Lodge, No. 44, I. O. O. F., of
Nashua, of which he was formerly treasurer.
He is. one of the most respected residents of
the town, as he is one who can always be de-
pended upon to perform his full duty as a man
and as a citizen.

 

AMES PIERCE,* the superintendent of

the Cheshire Woollen Mill of Harris-

ville, was born in Salem, Mass., June 4,

1846, son of Leonard and Mary (Oakes)

Pierce. His grandfather, Leonard Pierce,
who at one time was a resident of New Bedford,
Mass., moved from there to Amherst, Mass.
Leonard was the father of four children;
namely, Lorin, Leonard, Lydia, and La Prelat.
Leonard, Jr., a native of Bedford, Mass., born
in 1822, was reared and educated in Amherst,
Mass., and learned the wheelwright’s trade.
After residing in Salem for atime, he returned
to Amherst, where he was engaged in the gro-
cery business until his retirement, which took
place some ten years ago. He has long been
active in both the political and religious af-
fairs of Amherst, and he is a Deacon of the
Methodist Episcopal church. His wife, Mary,
who was born in Salem in 1822, daughter of
John Oakes, became the mother of two chil-
Clara, a native of
Salem, born in May, 1854, married Henry W.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

46r

 

 

Warren, of Amherst, Mass., and has two chil-
dren — Walter and Harry.

James Pierce acquired his education in the
schools of Salem and Amherst. When _ his
studies were completed, he entered a cotton-
mill in Brookfield, Mass., with the view of
learning the trade. Subsequently, not liking
the business, he sought other employment, and
for about three years worked in a woollen-mill
near Fitchburg, Mass. He followed the same
occupation in Holyoke, Mass., for a year, was
employed in Connecticut some three years, and
then in Dédham, Mass., for seven years. He
was later connected with mills in Delaware
and Virginia; was for two years agent for the
Knowles Loom Works of Worcester, Mass. ;
and held a responsible position in a large
woollen-mill in Tennessee for five years.
About the year 1892 he came to Harrisville
as superintendent of the Cheshire Mill.
Since taking charge of this enterprise, he has
introduced various improvements, including
better machinery and the construction of a
new dam, thereby making the Cheshire one of
‘the most successful factories of its size in the
country.

Mr. Pierce married Emily M. White, who
died leaving two children — Waterman J. and
Julia. Julia resides with her father in Harris-
ville. Waterman J. Pierce, born in Salem,
Mass., May 1, 1865, was educated in Dedham
and Boston, and learned the woollen manufact-
uring business under the direction of his
father. He has been superintendent of mills
in Westerly, R.I., and Pittsfield, Me., and is
now assistant superintendent of the Cheshire
Mill. He married Frances McCrosson, who

was born in Chester, Pa., in September, 1866, |

and has three children — Ivy Frances, Marga-
ret E., and Gordon. Mr. Pierce, Sr., and his
son are Republicans in politics.

 

AMUEL B. BLOOD,* a_ well-
known farmer of Hollis and one of
the most highly respected citizens of
the town, was born in the old Bay

State at Charlestown, December 12, 1822, son

of James and Mary (Jones) Blood. Mr.

Blood’s grandfather was Peter Blood, born in

a

 

Dunstable, Mass., a sturdy, active man and
one held in universal esteem. He died at the
age of eighty years. His son James, father of
Mr. Samuel Blood, was born at Dunstable, and
was for many years a cooper in that town. He
was a Jarge-hearted man, devoted to his family,
and always interested in any good cause.
Seven of his eight children grew to maturity,
and two of them are now living; namely, Sam-
uel and Orville T.

The boyhood of Samuel Blood was spent in
his father’s family at Dunstable, Mass.,
where he attended the common schools and
gathered such knowledge as might be obtained
from them. When about sixteen years of age
he came to Hollis, and here the active part of
his life has been passed. At first he worked
out for different farmers, his labors in the
tields varying with the successive seasons;
also for some time he was engaged in burning
charcoal, which then was quite an industry.
He was always thrifty as well as industrious;
and, early determining to own some day a home
of his own, he constantly kept this end in
view. The first land he invested in was a
forty-four-acre lot in Hollis. This he after-
ward sold, and bought in its place the land
upon which he now lives. -This was in 1855.
Mr. Blood’s farm now embraces one hundred
acres; and he has placed it in a good state of
cultivation, also raising general farm and
garden produce. He has worked hard, and
has every year been making improvements on
the farm. In 1855 Mr. Blood brought his
bride to the new home. She was before her
marriage a Miss Sally Wheeler, and was a
native of this town. Her parents were Amos
and Mary (Rideout) Wheeler. Mr. and Mrs.
Blood have four children, three sons and one
daughter, namely: Mary F., of Hollis;
Charles M., of Pepperell; Fred C. and Will-
iam J., both of Hollis.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Blood are devoted mem-
bers of the Congregational Church of Hollis.
In political principles Mr. Blood is a Demo-
crat. The success in life of men of this
stamp, who carve out for themselves positions
of influence and respect in the community in
which they live, forms a valuable object Jes-
son to the younger men who are coming up, and
462

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

must always be to them a source of inspiration
and courage.

ORDON WOODBURY is a_ native
of New York State, and was born

in New York City, September 17,
1863. Mr. Woodbury’s father was born in
Bedford, and lived there during early life.
Dr. Peter Perkins Woodbury settled there in
1820 on what was known as the Rowe place.
Later he moved nearer to the centre of the
town.

Freeman P. Woodbury was a business man
in New York City, and carried on a large ex-
port trade. He retired from business about
1880. After his retirement he spent a large
part of his time in Bedford. Mr. Woodbury
died in New York City in 1886. His widow
resides in Bedford now. MHer four children
are: Dr. John Woodbury, a physician in
New York; Helen, wife of Dr. W. S. Sea-
mans, of New York; Mr. Gordon Woodbury
and his brother Thornton, who is associated
with him in the management of the Manches-
ter Union. Mr. Woodbury’s wife was, be-
fore her marriage, Miss Charlotte E. Woodbury.

[Autobiog.]

 

 

 

HARLES B. HOPKINS,* one of the
foremost citizens of Hinsdale, N.H.,
was born in the neighboring town
of Chesterfield on May 16, 1855,
his parents being Richard Henry and Ellen
M. (Newton) Hopkins. His  great-grand-
father, Richard Hopkins, was a resident of
Chesterfield as early as 1787. He was a
farmer by occupation and a man highly re-
spected. He married Lucy Fairbanks, a rel-
ative of the noted scale manufacturers. She
died on October 23, 1855, aged eighty-three
years. Their children were named as follows:
Jonathan, Richard, Rufus, Henry, Lucy, Car-
oline, Weston, Betsey H., Thornton, Samuel
F., and Elliot B.

Richard (second), grandfather of Mr. Charles
Hopkins, was born on May 1, 1793, and died
on January 26, 1864. He was a lifelong res-
ident of Chesterfield, and was engaged for
some years in the manufacture of wheel heads

 

at Factory Village. His brothers, Elliot P.
and Samuel F., were also engaged for a time
in the same industry, and were among the
first to manufacture these articles. - Richard
Hopkins, second, was a very enterprising man,
and took an active part in public affairs, serv-
ing as Selectman. He died in 1864; and his
wife, Emeline, daughter of Reuben Lewis,
died on March 11, 1877. Their children
were: Harriet F., Emeline L., Sarah W.,
and Richard Henry.

Richard Henry Hopkins, born on May 9,
1831, resided in Chesterfield until 1870, when
he removed to Hinsdale. Ambitious and en-
ergetic, early in life he decided to become a
mechanic. He served an apprenticeship with
Newhall & Merrill at Hinsdale, and had mas-
tered the trade before he reached his twenty-
first birthday. His father and uncles had
been engaged in manufacturing for some time;
and, as Factory Village was an enterprising
place, he returned to Chesterfield, and began
the manufacture of bits and augers, which
proved to be a successful venture. For a
while he was in company with Benjamin
Pierce. He subsequently formed a partner-
ship with Horace Howe for the purpose of
making doors, window sashes, and _ blinds.
In 1870 he returned to Hinsdale, and in com-
pany with George S. Wilder engaged in the
manufacture of chisels and carpenter’s tools.
Two years later this partnership was dissolved,.
as Mr. Hopkins thought he saw a better open-
ing for business. He went into company with
George C. Fisk, and started the business of
which his son is now the well-known agent.
This undertaking prospered, and its founders
received rich returns for their intelligent ex-
penditure of capital and of effort.

Richard H. Hopkins married Ellen M.
Newton, who was born on October 20, 1831.
She died on September 26, 1875, having been
the mother of the following-named children:
Charles B.; Isabel, who died on September
6, 1858; Herbert H.; Hattie E., who died
on August 18, 1865; Clara E.; and George
C. Herbert is in the creamery business in
Illinois. George C. was for some time teller
in the First National Bank at Greenfield,
Mass.; but since June, 1897, he has been
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

463

 

 

in company with his brother Herbert in the
creamery business, which is in a highly pros-
perous condition. The father was honored by
his fellow-townsmen with election to various
positions of responsibility. He was Select-
man of Chesterfield in 1858 and 1859, and
Representative in 1865 and 1866. Any call
for assistance which reached him was met
with a ready response, and he was most gen-
erous in helping forward any worthy cause.
He and bis wife were faithful leading mem-
bers of the Congregational church, in their
lives exemplifying their belief that the pros-
perity of the church depends in large measure
upon the ready support its members give it,
both morally and financially. Mr. Richard
H. Hopkins died on February 21, 1877.
Charles B. Hopkins, having profited by all
the instruction that could be obtained in the
common schools of Chesterfield and Hinsdale,
went into the paper-mill to work under his
father, and soon became familiar with all the
details of the business. Shortly after, his
father died; and Mr. Fisk, being for a while
sole proprietor of the business, recognized the
young man’s business capacity, and appointed
him agent for the concern. Since Mr. Hop-
kins has thus been officially connected with
the manufactory, it has more than doubled its
output, and the quality of the goods produced
has kept pace with the increase in quantity.
Few people are, perhaps, aware that there are
almost as many varieties of paper as there are
of textile fabrics, and that they differ as widely
in weight, strength, and utility, the demand
for some kinds being almost unlimited, while
others, used for special purposes, are almost
unknown to the general public. Tissue
papers are more or less familiar to every one;
but it is not so generally known that the pro-
ductions of different manufacturers differ
greatly in quality, some being of uniformly
superior merit as regards texture, strength,
beauty, and evenness of coloring, while others
are quite the reverse. The fine manilla tissue
papers made by the Fisk Paper Company are
conceded by the consumers of the trade to
rank second to none; and, as the company have
facilities which enable them to fill orders
promptly, and quote the lowest market rates,

 

it is not surprising that their productions
should be in great demand. The company
operate a complete plant of the most im-
proved machinery, and employ twelve or fif-
teen workmen. Their trade in the United
States extends to California; and orders are
received chiefly by mail, as the manufacturers
sell direct to the retail trade. Mr. Fisk re-
sides at Brightwood, Mass., and devotes most
of his time to looking after the interests of
the Wason Manufacturing Company, of which
he is president. He makes only occasional
visits to Hinsdale to keep in touch with the
business here. Hence it is evident that its
great success in recent years has been due
almost entirely to the able management of
Mr. Hopkins.

Mr. Hopkins is prominently identified with
the social interests of Hinsdale, and is a well-
known Republican. He is not an aspirant for
political office, but has served on the School
Board for six years, and was a member of the
Constitutional Convention. He has also been
on the Republican State Committee, and has
taken part in numerous State and county
conventions. Through his efforts the last
Senatorial Convention was held in Hinsdale.
Mr. Hopkins inherits a generous nature from
his father. Any good cause finds always in
him a warm champion; and he is ever ready
to contribute for public celebrations, athletic
sports, or other public movements. He is an
active Mason, and is a member of the com-
mandery and chapter at Keene, of Aleppo
Shrine, Boston, also of the Red Men and
Foresters of America.

 

INTHROP KNIGHT,* a venerable
resident of Troy, Cheshire County,

N.H., long in business as a carpen-

ter and wheelwright, was born in Sudbury,
Mass., September 9, 1816, and comes of old
Massachusetts stock. His father, Joel
Knight, who was the son of John, and was a
farmer and miller of Sudbury, served in the
War of 1812, being stationed at Fort Hill,
Boston. He died at the age of forty years.
By his wife, formerly Betsey Gibbs, of
Framingham, he had fourteen children, twins
 

464 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

having been born to them three times. The
only survivors of this large family are Will-

iam, Betsey, and Winthrop. William Knight.

lives in Minnesota, and Betsey in Springfield,
Vt.

Winthrop Knight first went to school in
Sudbury, and was eight years old when he
came to Cheshire County, New Hampshire, to
live with a man in Dublin, where he remained
for six years. He then learned the  shoe-
maker’s trade, and afterward did shop carpen-
ter’s work, such as making sashes and doors,
also wheelwright work. Opening a shop in
Troy in 1839, he has here carried on business
ever since. He has added a grist-mill to his
place, has repaired his house and built a new
shop, and also built his own water-power since
he came here. He married first, April 7,
1840, Lydia Fuller. One of their children,
a daughter, Frances E., died in infancy; a
son, Arthur P., married Ella Wright, and
has two children — Ralph and Mildred. Mr.
Knight married for his second wife Mrs. Bet-
sey Clark Starkey. By a previous marriage
the present Mrs. Knight has two children —
Mary J. Haskell and Warren B. Starkey. Mr.
and Mrs. Knight are connected with the Bap-
tist church. Mr. Knight has always been an
active business man, is now one of the few
survivors of a past generation, and is revered
by all his townspeople. A decade or two ago
he knew every resident in this vicinity. He
is a Republican in politics, his first Presiden-
tial vote having been cast in 1840 for the suc-
cessful Whig candidate, William Henry Har-
rison.

YJ ARRIS HALE,* one of the best
known residents of Rindge, was born

2 in this town, August 10, 1813, son

of Emerson and Jennie (Foster)
Hale. He is a descendant in the sixth gen-
eration of Captain Thomas Hale, who was
born in Newbury, Mass., February 11, 1658,
and appears to have enjoyed considerable dis-
tinction, as he served as a Civil Magistrate
for many years. Captain Thomas Hale was
also a man of means; and his name is found
among those of the early proprietors of Lunen-

 

 

 

burg, as having purchased a lot of land in that
town for his son, Joshua. He married Sarah
Northend, daughter of Ezekiel and Edna
(Lambert) Northend. Their son, Moses
Hale, first, was born in Newbury in 1702.
He married Elizabeth Wheeler, daughter of
Jethro and Hannah (Frence) Wheeler; and
they resided in Rowley, Mass. Moses Hale,
second, great-grandfather of the subject of
this sketch, was born in Rowley, February
18, 1731. He was one of the early settlers
in Hampstead, N.H., but later moved to
Rindge, where he became prominent in public
affairs. He was a Selectman in 1772, was
elected Coroner of Cheshire County in July,
1776, and was afterward County Treasurer.
He died March 2, 1799. The maiden name
of his wife was Abigail Emerson. Moses
Hale, third, Harris Hale’s grandfather, was
born about the year 1760. In 1777 he joined
General Stark’s brigade, with which he fought
in the Revolutionary War; and after his dis-
charge from the army he became a prosperous
farmer in Rindge. He was twice married.
His first wife was in maidenhood Sibyl
Adams, of Chelmsford, Mass. ; and his second,
before her union with him, was Mrs. Sibyl
Howe Sawtell.

Emerson Hale, Harris Hale’s father, was
born March 20, 1783, and was .a lifelong
and prominent resident of Rindge, being for
many years a prosperous merchant in the
middle village. His wife, Jennie Foster
Hale, became the mother of five children;
namely, John F., Moody, Ruby, Jemima, and
Harris. John F. and Moody are now deceased.

Harris Hale was educated in the schools of
his native town, and began active life as a
farmer. He also carried on lumbering opera-
tions for several years, and at one time owned
considerable land, but has in recent years
disposed of his real estate. He had charge of
the town farm for a number of years, and as
a business man has been both active and suc-
cessful. He has been frequently elected to
important town offices, in which his ability
and integrity were exercised to the advantage
of the community; and his public services
have been appreciated by his fellow-towns-
men. In politics he is a Democrat, and cast
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

465

 

 

his first Presidential vote for Martin Van
Buren. Mr. Hale married Eliza Kimball,
and has no children.

DWIN I. WELLINGTON,* an enter-
prising farmer and business man of
Rindge, was born in this town, June
29, 1860, son of Ivers and Mary (Townsend)
Wellington. His grandfather was Liberty
Wellington, of Ashby, Mass.; and he is a
descendant of Roger Wellington, one of the
early settlers of Watertown.

Ivers Wellington, Edwin I. Wellington’s
father, was born in Ashby, January 12, 1812.
He was a farmer and a lumberman, and resided
in Rindge from 1857 until his death, which
occurred when he was eighty years old. Asa
man of excellent business ability and sound
judgment his opinion and advice were fre-
quently solicited both in public and private
matters, and his upright character was recog-
nized and appreciated by his fellow-townsmen.
Mary Townsend Wellington, his wife,
whom he married January 6, 1857, was a
daughter of Joshua Townsend. She became
the mother of two sons— Cyrus W.; and
Edwin I., the subject of this sketch.

Edwin I. Wellington attended the common
and high schools; and, after completing his
studies, he turned his attention to agriculture.
He was for some time superintendent of the
farm belonging to the Cheshire Improvement
Company. The winter of 1882 and 1883 he
spent in Florida. Becoming associated with
his father in farming and lumbering, he took
charge of the estate after the elder Welling-
ton’s death; and in 1891 he bought of O. D.
Converse the mill which he is now operating.

On December 23, 1885, Mr. Wellington
was united in marriage with Emma A. Wel-
lington, daughter of Cecil and Eunice (Shep-
ard) Wellington. Previous to her marriage
Mrs. Wellington was a_ successful school
teacher. She has been the mother of five
children, three of whom are living; namely,
Lila S., Mary E., and Olive E. The two
deceased are Mark E., who was drowned July
28, 1897; and Thursa, who died in infancy.

Mr. Wellington has always declined to ac-

 

 

cept public office. When requested to become
a member of the School Board in 1892, he

proposed his wife as being better qualified for

the position; and Mrs. Wellington was elected,
and is now serving her second terrn of three
years. She is a member of the Congrega-
tional church. Mr. Wellington is Master of
Marshall P. Wilder Grange, No. 134, Patrons
of Husbandry, of which his wife also is a
member. In politics he is a Republican,
and cast his first Presidential vote for James
G. Blaine in 1884.

 

LBERT L. RUSSELL,* of Harris-

ville, Cheshire County, an expert

electrician and formerly a member

of the Western Electric Company,

was born in this town, July 16, 1844, son of

James and Annie P. (Mason) Russell. His

grandfather was Jonathan Russell, a native

of Roxbury, N.H., who passed much of his

life in Harrisville, and was the father of two
sons — Lyman and James.

James Russell, father of Albert L., was
born in Harrisville in 1812. He was engaged
in farming and contracting, and his upright
character and amiable disposition made for
him many friends. Quiet and unassuming,
he avoided public life, preferring to devote
his entire energy to his private business
affairs. He was a member of the Methodist
Episcopal church, and sang in the choir for
many years. He married Annie P. Mason,
who was born in Harrisville in 1824, a daugh-
ter of Samuel Mason. She became the mother
of five children, as fellows: Calista, who mar-
ried Samuel D. Bemis, of this town; Albert
L., the subject of this sketch; Edward G.,
who died at the age of twenty-one years;
Edson, who died at twenty-three; and Adney,
who resides in Harrisville. James Russell
died in 1858; and his wife survived him
thirty-five years, dying in 1893.

Albert L. Russell was educated in the
schools of Harrisville and Dublin, this county,
and after finishing his studies was for a short
time engaged in farming. About the year
1863 he went to Boston, where he became
connected with the manufacture of electrical
466

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

appliances, and acquired a thorough knowl-
edge of electrical science. He had much to
do with the manufacture of the first telephone
instruments under the Bell patents, and was
employed in the construction of the first ex-
perimental line, which ran from the factory to
the residence of Mr. Charles Williams, in
Somerville. About 1883 he became a mem-
ber of the Western Electric Company, which
manufacture the Bel] Telephone instruments,
and have offices in Chicago, New York, and
Berlin. He remained with that concern until
about four years ago, when he retired, and has
since resided in Harrisville. He owns and
cultivates a good farm, and also operates a saw-
mill.

Mr. Russell married Emma F. Williams,
who was born in Somerville, Mass., in 1842,
a daughter of Charles Williams. Mrs. Rus-
sell has had three children: Grace, who died
at the age of six years; Edward G., who re-
sides at home; and Percy, who married Ger-

trude Derby, and has one child. Percy Rus-
sel] resides in Harrisville. Mr. Russell is a
member of the Royal Arcanum. He attends

the Universalist church.

 

ATHAN GRAY WOODBURY,* for

a number of years one of Cheshire
County’s most energetic and suc-

cessful business men and manu-

facturers, was born in Augusta, Me., April 16,
1823, and died at his home in Keene, Decem-
ber 28, 1896. He was the eldest son of
Nathan and Clarinda (Whitney) Woodbury.
When he was about three years old, the fam-
ily removed to Massachusetts, where they re-
mained until 1834, when they settled on a
farm in Rindge, Cheshire County, N.H. On
reaching the age of nineteen years, young
Nathan purchased his time of his father, and
went to Winchendon, where he worked ona
farm until attaining his majority. He then
learned the trade of box-making with Edwin
Parks, of that place, and subsequently went
into that business in company with his
brother-in-law, Samuel Page, at Fitzwilliam,
this county. Although beginning with but
a small amount of capital, the venture proved

 

a success. At the end of nine months Mr.
Woodbury became the active proprietor, Mr.
Page, however, still retaining a financial in-
terest in the concern.

In 1847, at the age of twenty-four, Mr.
Woodbury went to Richmond, where he bought
the Enos Holbrook trip-hammer shop, upon a
water-power about two miles from the Four
Corners, on the road to Winchendon. An
old farm-house was included in the purchase.
The shop was rigged over into a saw-mill;
and Mr. Woodbury got men and teams, and
began clearing off a wood lot, cutting up the
timber and manufacturing pails. He boarded
his men, doing the cooking and washing him-
self, drove one of his teams, and always made
it a point to haul as many or more loads every
day himself than were drawn by any man he
hired. In due time he built quite a large
saw-mill and pail factory on the pond, which
he carried on until 1870. He was successful
in business, and before long became known
as a man who had money to lend. In that
way he was able to help many of his fellow-
townsmen during the war, when funds were
scarce. Soon after coming to Richmond he
married Angelia Bryant, of that town, who
died July 16, 1894. They had one son, who
lived to be eleven years of age.

In 1870 Mr. Woodbury moved to Keene,
and bought the old Page mill on upper Wash-
ington Street, where he began making pails,
afterward extending his shops from time to
time. He built a large two-story shop, and
equipped it with a full line of machinery for
the manufacture of furniture soon after coming
to Keene; and this he carried on until it was
destroyed by fire in 1875. Mr. Woodbury’s
loss was about ten thousand dollars. He car-
ried no insurance.

Soon after the fire he formed a copartner-
ship with Oscar J. Howard, establishing the
furniture store of Woodbury & Howard, which
soon grew to be the largest retail furniture
establishment in Keene. This business has
since been continued by the same partners;
and at certain hours of the day Mr. Woodbury
could almost invariably be found in the store,
it being his custom to keep in touch person-
ally with all the business which he carried on.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

467

 

 

Not long after coming to Keene he built
the two-story wooden mill on the corner of
Armory and Spruce Streets, which was rented,
first as a soap factory and afterward as a glue
factory. He equipped this mill with steam-
power several years ago, and converted it into
a pail manufactory, since which time it has
been kept continually in operation. His
mills on Washington Street were also kept
busy, although recently the water-power has
grown poor, so that they could not be op-
erated as much as formerly.

Mr. Woodbury’s last purchase for manufact-
uring purposes was the Foster tannery prop-
erty on Beaver Street. The buildings have
been largely refitted, the steam-power put in
order, a large circular saw-mill set up, anda
modern dry house and pail machinery added,
converting the old tannery into a useful man-
ufactory. The real estate belonging to the
property has been added to and improved,
the old swamp in the rear drained and filled,
and the owner was making preparations to
open streets in the rear of the mill.

Mr. Woodbury employed in manufacturing
from sixty to one hundred and twenty-five
men usually, including his choppers and
teamsters, his force being always largest in
the fall and winter. He looked after every
part of his business personally, kept no clerks
and few books, and relied on his memory for
details, which he always had so well in hand
that no customer, debtor, or employee could
often get the better of him. If aman gave
out anywhere on the works, Mr. Woodbury
would usually take his place until he came
back or until another person was hired. His
purchases of timber were extensive, including
tracts worth as much as ten thousand dollars,
for which he was as ready to pay cash as for
smaller ones; and he has for years been one
of the largest and most successful pail man-
ufacturers in New England. He did not take
kindly to trusts or combines, but usually put
his goods on the market and sold them at a
profit, regardless of competition. Mr. Wood-
bury’s real estate in Keene includes a large
number of houses and much valuable prop-
erty.

While living in Richmond, Mr. Wood-

 

bury held numerous offices of trust, serving
as Moderator frequently, as Town Clerk for
a number of years, and as Representative for
several terms. In politics he was a Demo-
crat. He was chosen a member of the Com-
mon Council of the first city government of
Keene. He was a director of the Keene
National Bank and a trustee of the Keene
Guaranty Savings Bank.

In January, 1896, Mr. Woodbury married
for his second wife Mrs. Mary (Parks)
Wilder, a friend of his youth, who sur-
vives him, together with one brother, An-
drew C., of Winchendon, and four sisters,
Mrs. Laurette W. Parks, Mrs. Clarinda A.
Sargent, Mrs. Maria A. Wallace, of Win-
chendon, and Mrs. Lucinda B. Newman, of
Keene.

 

AVID STEVENS,* one of the stir-
ring farmers and best known resi-
SS) dents of Bedford, Hillsboro County,
N.H., son of Moody M. and Eunice
(Chandler) Stevens, was born June 7, 1823,
upon the farm where he now resides. His
grandfather, David Stevens, first, whose birth
took place May 23, 1755, served asa soldier
in the Revolutionary War, and fought in the
battle of Bunker Hill. He was one of the
first settlers in that part of Bedford in which
the Stevens farm is located; and he resided
here for the rest of his life, his death occur-
ring December 23, 1819. His wife, Judith,
whom he married December 15, 1778, was
born March 5, 1750, and died September 15,
1826. She had nine children.

Moody M. Stevens, son of David, first, was
born at the homestead in Bedford, June 4, 1781.
He acquired a good education, and in his earlier
mature years was engaged in teaching school.
He eventually succeeded to the ownership
of the homestead property, and became one
of the prosperous farmers of his day. He
was a Whig in politics until the formation of
the Republican party, of which he became an
earnest supporter. He served as a Selectman
for a number of years, was Town Clerk one
year, and he represented this town in the leg-
islature. For many years he was a Deacon of

 

 

 

 
468

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

the Presbyterian church. Moody M. Stevens
died June 16, 1870, having long survived his
wife, Eunice Chandler, a native of Duxbury,
Mass., who died in August, 1851. They had
ten children, nine of whom grew to maturity;
and David, the subject of this sketch, is the
only one now living.

David Stevens was educated in the district
schools of Bedford and at the academy in
Francestown. He has followed agricultural
pursuits at the homestead since his youth,
and under his management the farm of one
hundred and fifty acres has been made to
yield a good profit annually. A Republican
in politics and a member of the Presbyterian
church, he is regarded with the utmost
esteem and confidence by his neighbors and
fellow-townsmen. Mr. Stevens is unmarried.
He is energetic, capable of much hard work,
and his activity is still unabated.

OSEPH L. STARKEY, a thriving
dairy farmer of Swanzey, was born in
Richmond, N.H., October 17, 1854.
His father was Joseph Starkey, a na-

tive of Richmond. His grandfather, Henry
Starkey, was also a native of that town.
Henry Starkey settled in Swanzey about sixty
years ago, and was engaged in the manufacture
of shooks in connection with farming. He
acquired the title of Colonel in the State
militia, and was a man highly esteemed for
his sterling traits of character. Politically,
he acted with the Democratic party, and his
religious belief was that of the Universalists.
He reared a family of six children, as follows:
John W., who was formerly in the hotel busi-
ness in Massachusetts, and died in Keene,
N.H.; Alvin, who died in Michigan; Henry,
who also died in Michigan; William, who is
engaged in the manufacture of woodenware in
that State; Lucy, who resides with her
brother William; and Joseph.

Joseph Starkey, father of Joseph L., was
reared to manhood partly in Richmond and
partly in Swanzey. Some time after his mar-
riage he removed to the mining districts of
Pennsylvania, where he died.

Joseph L. Starkey was left an orphan at the

 

 

age of ten years, the death of his mother hav-
ing occurred five years previous to that of his
father. He was reared and educated. by his
grandfather, and after the latter’s death he
inherited the farm jointly with his aunt.
Subsequently purchasing her interest in the
property, he has since carried it on success-
fully, being engaged both in general farming
and dairying. It contains two hundred and
twenty-five acres of excellent land, including
tillage, pasture, and wood land; and he owns
another farm in Richmond. Mr. Starkey is
a prominent citizen of his town. He served
as Selectman five years, during the last of
which he was chairman of the Board; and he
was Road Agent until declining to serve
longer. In politics he is a Democrat. He
has been called upon to appraise several
estates, has been delegate to several party
conventions, and exercises a potent influence
in local affairs. He married Miss Addie
Harris, daughter of Warren Harris, of Swan-
zey, and has two children — Gladys and Myrtle.

EORGE H. SNOW,”* recently Post-
master of Winchester and formerly

a member of the New Hampshire
legislature, was born in Athol, Mass., Janu-
ary 24, 1849, son of John H. and Louisa
(Hamilton) Snow. His great-grandfather was
an early settler in Winchester; and his grand-
father, Samuel Snow, who was a native of
this town, followed general farming during
his active years. Samuel Snow was the
father of seven children — Hannah, John H.,
George C., Erastus E., Emily, William, and
Willard. George C. is a prosperous farmer of
this town. Erastus E., who was formerly
cashier of the Winchester Bank, went to Grin-
nell, Ta., where he engaged in banking, and
is now retired. Emily married Warren La-
zell. Willard died in Chicopee Falls, Mass.
John H. Snow, father of George, was born in
Winchester, and learned the cabinet-maker’s
trade in Athol, Mass. He was for some years
associated with his brother Willard in carry-
ing on business in Winchester, but eventually
returned to Athol, where he resided for the
rest of his life. His wife, Louisa, who was a

 
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

469

 

 

daughter of Jesse Hamilton, became the mother
of two children: Everett, who resides in Athol;
and George H., the subject of this sketch.
George H. Snow resided in Winchester
from the time he was seven years old until his
death, and was educated in the common
schools. He began life asa clerk in the gro-
cery store of F. Weeks, with whom he re-
mained seventeen years; and in 1884 he
engaged in business for himself. He con-
ducted a clothing store in the Bowers Block
for a year, and for the next eight years had
charge of a store owned by Chase & Richard-
son, of Keene. He next engaged in business

with S. H. Holton, with whom he was asso-

ciated a year. Then selling out to his partner,
he devoted his time to his official duties. Po-
litically, he was a Democrat. He served as
Town Clerk for thirteen years, receiving the
support of both parties, was Selectman one
year, served as Moderator, was janitor of the
town hall for three years, and during his two
terms in the legislature he was a member of
the Committee on Ways and Means. Hewas
at one time secretary of the Democratic Club,
and he acted as delegate to many party conven-
tions. While managing the Winchester store
of Chase & Richardson, he was appointed
Postmaster, and was reappointed in 1893. He
was actively interested in the growth and pros-
perity of the town, and was a stockholder in the
Winchester Creamery Association. He wasa
member of Philesian Lodge, No. 48, F.& A. M.,
and of the Improved Order of Red Men. Mr.
Snow died suddenly and unexpectedly at Sara-
toga, N. Y., August 29, 1897.

He married Addie C. Raymond, daughter
of Stephen Raymond, of Winchester; and
Mrs. Snow is the mother of two children —
George R. and Florence M.

 

AMES WARREN, proprietor of the
Maple Ridge Farm in New Boston,

N.H., was born in this town, August

26, 1842, son of John B. and Lovina
(Wilson) Warren. His  great-grandfather,
Josiah, was one of the early settlers of New
Boston, and was a Revolutionary soldier,
He, together with a Mr. Campbell and a Mr.

 

Caldwell, was taken prisoner by the Indians;
but they were subsequently released. They
returned home in time for the June election,
which was called the Puritan election. The
descendants of these three families have com-
memorated the above incident for many years
by periodical reunions. Josiah Warren lo-
cated in the eastern part of the town, where
members of the family still bold land. He
died at an advanced age. Captain Robert
Warren, the grandfather, was a thrifty farmer
of this town, and was Captain in the old State
militia. His children, nine in number, were
as follows: John B., born July 13, 1801;
Elizabeth, born January 25, 1803; Zibiah,
born March 27, 1805; Ephraim, born October
20, 1807; Daniel, born October 15, 1809;
Mary G. C., born January 13, 1812; Mary
G. C., second, born March 18, 1814; Robert
F., born February 22, 1816; and Naomi, born
February 21, 1818.

John B. Warren, father of the subject of
this article, was born in New Boston, and was
a farmer and lumberman. An enterprising
and progressive man and a diligent worker,
he was quite successful for his times, and was
an influential citizen. He served as Select-
man in histown. In religious matters he was
an independent thinker, and in politics he
was a Democrat. He died December 8, 1885.
His wife, Lovina, was born January 1, 1808,
and died July 16, 1882. Their children were:

Ira, Almus, Matilda, James, George, and
Annis. Ira, born August 2, 1837, died Octo-
ber 4, 1838. Almus, born February 25, 1839,

is now a farmer of this town. Matilda, born
October 7, 1840, died December 21 of that
year. George was born July 30, 1847, and is
a lumberman and farmer of New Boston.
Annis, born March 31, 1850, is now deceased.

James Warren grew to manhood in his na-
tive town, and received a common-school edu-
cation. He has followed general farming,
and has also of late years made a specialty of
taking summer boarders. His property con-
sists of an excellent farm of two hundred and
fifty acres, which he has greatly improved, and
the buildings of which he has remodelled quite
extensively. The farm is one of the finest in
the town, and is very picturesquely situated.
— Rev.

470 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

He can accommodate from twenty-five to thirty
guests. He is an active, successful man and
a good manager. He is a member of Joe
English Grange, Patrons of Husbandry. Both
hé and his wife are members ot the Presby-
terian church at New Boston, and in politics
he is a Democrat.

Mr. Warren was married March 16, 1869,
to Sarah A., who was born in Londonderry,
N.H., November 25, 1839, daughter of Sen-
ter and Olivia (Flint) Farley. He has six
children: Lilla F., born February 20, 1870;
Addie ]., born December 26, 1871; Cora W.,
born June 29, 1875; John B., born December
8, 1877; Fred M., born October 31, 1879;
and Lizzie M., born January 8, 1882.

OLOMON D. ATWOOD,* the
leading merchant in New Boston,

 

 

N.H., was born in Hillsboro, N.H.,

May 7, 1839, the son of the Rev.
John and Lydia (Dodge) Atwood. His pater-
nal grandfather was John Atwood, who married
a Miss Blodgett, of Hudson. Their son, the
John Atwood, was born in Hudson,
N.H., October 3, 1797. He _ pursued his
theological studies at Waterville College,
which he entered in 1817. He _ was _ or-
dained as pastor of the Baptist church in New
Boston in 1825, and closed his labors here in
1836. Later he held the office of Representa-
tive from the town of Hillsboro and vicinity
for five years, and afterward he was State
Treasurer for six years. While residing in
Concord, he was chaplain of the State prison;
and in 1850 he was nominated by the Demo-
crats for Governor, but his name was recalled
on account of his anti-slavery opinions. No-
vember 28, 1826, he married Lydia Dodge,
daughter of Deacon Solomon Dodge, of New
Boston. In his later years the Rev. John
Atwood returned to New Boston, and carried
on general farming until his death, which
occurred April 28, 1873. He was the father
of eight children, as follows: Lydia D., Sarah
E., John B., Roger W., Ann J., Mary F.,
Solomon D. (the subject of this sketch), and
John H. Of these children John H. and
John B. died in infancy. Sarah E. married

 

John L. Blair, and resides in Alton, II].
Ann J. married the Rev. J. L. A. Fish, and
died March 15, 1874, at Duluth, leaving two
children — J. Leroy and Alice B. Roger W.

-married Emily Larcom, and they also live in

Alton, Jl]. Lydia D. is at present residing
in New Boston, and Mary F. is deceased.

Solomon D. Atwood, the subject of this
sketch, was the youngest of his father’s family,
and has lived in New Boston since the age of
eleven years. He received his education in
the district schools of the town, at New London,
and at Colby University. At the age of twenty-
one he engaged in mercantile business in New
Boston in company with Joseph K. Whipple,
now of Chelsea, Mass., this firm continuing
for a term of eight years. Afterward for
about four years the style was Atwood &
Kelso. The buildings were then destroyed by
fire, and Mr. Atwood for a while carried on
the business under the firm name of Atwood
& Co. Again in 1887 he suffered severely by
fire, this time losing his entire stock. Di-
rectly after he went to Auburn, Me., and
established himself in trade. A few years
later he returned to New Boston, where he
has since been successfully engaged in busi-
ness. Mr. Atwood owes his present position
entirely to the good offices of Mr. J. Reed
Whipple, of Boston, Mass., who assisted him
in the hour of adversity, thereby proving him-
self to be a true friend. Mr. Atwood has
been Postmaster in the town for many years,
his first appointment to this office having been
under Abraham Lincoln.

He has been a member of the Republican
State Committee, but is not one who has taken
any active part in political life as an office-
holder. In 1864 he married Florence A.
Dodge, of Francestown, born in 1843, a
daughter of Isaac Dodge. Mr. and Mrs. At-
wood are both members of the Baptist church,
in which he has been very active, having been
superintendent of the Sabbath-school for a
number of years. They have had ten children,
as follows: John, Lillie, Myrtie M., Emily
M., Roger D., Annie A., Florence F., Solo-
mon R., Howard D., and Ruby M._ Of these
Myrtie M. married a Mr. Eastman; Emily mar-
ried a Mr. Skinner, and is now deceased, as
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

a7t

 

 

are also John, Lillie, and Roger. Mr. Atwood
is now the pioneer tradesman of the town, and
is to-day carrying on its leading business.

 

of Hinsdale, N.H., State Senator
= from the Fourteenth District, is a
native of this place. He was born
February 17, 1841, son of Lemuel Liscom,
second, and Emmerancy (Horton) Liscom.
The family is of English origin, and the
name was originally spelled Liscomb.
Mr. Liscom’s grandfather, Lemuel, first,
born in old Dorchester, Mass., came with
five children to Hinsdale, among the early
inhabitants. He was a farmer, and dealt ex-
tensively, for those times, in horses. His
wife was Submit Barret, to whom he was mar-
-ried September 26, 1796; and their children
were as follows: Polly, born January 4, 17098;
Lemuel, born October 9, 1799; Gratia, born
July 20, 1801; Philip, born June 29, 1803;
John, born January 6, 1806; Levi, born June
6, 1808; Sophronia, born August 24, 1810;
Charles, born September 24, 1813; and Sam-
uel, who was born February 19, 1816, and
died in November, 1835. Polly married
Henry Reed, of Brattleboro, Vt. ; Gratia be-
came Mrs. Arms; and Sophronia married a
Crosby. Grandfather Liscom died July 7,
1836, at the age of sixty-seven; and his wife
died October 25, 1839, aged sixty-four.
Lemuel Liscom, second, above named, was
born in Vernon, Vt. He remained with his
parents until reaching his majority, when he
went to Boston and engaged with Lyman &
Ralston, the first firm in that city to deal in
coal. Later Mr. Liscom started an indepen-
dent coal business, being the second in that
line in Boston. He had coal brought down
the mountains in Pennsylvania from the Le-
high mines. People were slow at first to be-
lieve in the power of coal, supposing it to be
nothing but a stone; and Mr. Liscom had a
process served on him. He, however, con-
vinced them of its heat-producing power, and,
continuing in the business for about eight
years, accumulated a smal] fortune. On ac-
count of the poor health of his wife he re-

A LEMUEL FRANK LISCOM,*

 

 

moved to Hinsdale and carried on farming
until his death, which occurred July 5, 1886.
He took a strong and active part in the public
affairs of the town, was Selectman during sev-
eral terms, and held various other public
offices. He was a Whig in politics and later
a Republican. He was a devoted member of
the Baptist church, as was also his wife, Em-
merancy, who was a daughter of Hezekiah
Horton. She was of Scotch and English
descent and kin to Lord Burnham, at one time
a member of Parliament. Mrs. Liscom was
born on October 19, 1807. Her children were
as follows: Sarah Jane, born March 12, 1834;
Charles Horton, born January 2, 1836, died
February 24, 1863, in Arlena, Ark., of
wounds received at the battle of Vicksburg;
Samuel Elliot, born May 24, 1837; Julia
Elizabeth, born September 28, 1838; Lemuel
Frank, born February 17, 1841; Emmerancy,
born May 28, 1842; Lucy Rebecca and Lu-
cius Gray, twins, born August 28, 1843;
Henry Cabot, born May 4, 1846; and Emma
Isabella, born May 18, 1850. Charles H.
Liscom was a coal and real estate dealer at
Clinton, Ia., and went out in the Twenty-sixth
Towa Regiment. Samuel E. was three years
in the war. He enlisted from Hinsdale, in
Company H of the New Hampshire Volun-
teers, was in active service in a number of
battles, and at Opikam Creek was seriously
wounded in the head and in the leg. Lucius
removed to Port Hudson, Mich., and is now in
the employ of the Grand Trunk Railroad.
Henry is a lumber dealer, and resides in
Brattleboro, Vt.

Lemuel F. Liscom, familiarly known as
L. Frank, completed his educational course at
Kimball Union Academy in 1860. He then
assisted his father on the farm, and on August
II, 1862, enlisted in the Union army. He
was much of the time on duty at the national
capital, and was also at Harper’s Ferry, in
the Red River expedition at Petersburg, and
with General Sheridan in the Shenandoah Val-
ley. He was one of the soldiers present at the
capture of Jefferson Davis, there having been
sent a body of infantry from the East and
of cavalry from the West to make the pursuit
and capture. Mr. Liscom was discharged at
472

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

Savannah, Ga., July 8, 1865, retiring from the
service with the rank of Orderly Sergeant.
Returning North, he went to Boston, where
he secured employment in the shops of the
National Bridge Company, for which business
he had been partially fitted by the course in
engineering taken at the academy. He worked
in the engineering department and in the office
of the company, and secured a thorough mas-
tery of the details of the business. He was
employed by the Keystone Bridge Company,
by the Edgmore Bridge Company, and by
others. He became superintendent of con-
struction, and in that position had charge of
the building of the train-houses of the Boston
& Albany road, of the Boston & Providence,
and of the Boston & Lowell. He put the first
iron on the Vermont Central road at Dog
River, and had charge of the making of many
railroad bridges. Mr. Liscom was receiving
a salary of two thousand five hundred dollars,
and had fine prospects of advancement; but his
father was reaching the age when working days
were over, and, as some one was needed to look
after the home interests, he resigned his posi-
tion in Boston in 1880, at the dictates of filial
duty, and returned to Hinsdale, where he has
since been engaged in farming and in lumber-
ing. Before this he had bought up tracts of
timber lands, and had already quite extensive
lumber interests. He finally bought out his
father’s property and started a saw-mill. He
now makes a specialty of raising hay and to-
bacco, raising eleven tons of the last-named
staple in 1895.

In the term of 1891-92 and again in 1893—
94 Mr. Liscom served as a Representative in
the State legislature, and in 1897 took his
seat in the Senate, having been elected on the
largest majority vote ever cast in the district,
a vote far exceeding that cast for governor.
His opponent was Daniel W. Patten, of West-
moreland. While in the legislature Mr. Lis-
com formed the first ‘‘Farmers’ Council’’ ever
held in this State, a society whose object is to
give weight to the influence of the farmer
through systematic organization. He was one
of the first to advocate moving the Agricult-
ural College to Durham, in order to gain the
fund of Benjamin Thompson, and has been a

 

warm friend to the college in the matter of
securing appropriations and other advantages.
During his first term in the house he was
clerk of the Committee on Roads, Bridges, and
Canals, and.in the second term Chairman of
the Public Improvements Committee. As a
Senator he 1s chairman of the Committee on
Claims. While in the legislature Mr. Lis-
com introduced a bill providing for an electric
road from Hinsdale to Brattleboro, Vt., and
used every effort to secure its passage. It was
defeated, however, through the influence of the
railroad; but, on its being a second time intro-
duced, both parties agreed to refer its decision
to the Supreme Court. In the Senate Mr.
Liscom has. introduced a bill to give the Con-
necticut River Water Power Company fran-
chise to build a water system between Brattle-
boro and Hinsdale. He is earnest in advocat-
ing this measure, and intends to make a hard
fight for it. He is known as a strictly tem-
perate man himself, and works faithfully to
secure the legislation desired by his constitu-
ents.

Senator Liscom married Dolly Amelia,
daughter of Orrin T. Mason, of New York,
a woman of most lovable and noble character,
now deceased. She had great artistic ability,
and continued her art studies and painting dur-
ing her married life. She left two children:
Flora Dolly, born in Truthville, N.Y., Janu-
ary 22, 1875; and Mary Edith, born in Hins-
dale, October 31, 1878.

Senator Liscom is a member of the Masonic
Commandery in Keene, N.H.; of Sheridan
Post, No. 14, G. A. R.; of the Order of Red
Men; and of the grange.

 

 

AMES S. ELLINWOOD,* a represent-
ative of an old Deering family and an
ex-member of the New Hampshire
legislature, was born in this town, De-

cember 30, 1820, son of John and Ruth
(Baker) Ellinwood. His grandfather, Roland-
son E]linwood, was probably a native of Am-
herst, N.H., as he was reared in that town and
followed agricultural pursuits there for some
years. He finally moved to Deering, and
cleared a part of the farm which is now occu-
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

473

 

 

pied by his grandson. He lived to be eighty
years old; and his wife, whose maiden name
was Hildreth, also lived to a good old age.
He was a member of the Congregational
church. His family consisted of three chil-
dren, of whom John was the second in order of
birth, and none are living to-day.

John Ellinwood, father of James S., was
born in Amherst, and came to Deering when
he was nineteen years old. He learned the
trade of brick and stone mason, which he fol-
lowed for some time in Boston; but the latter
part of his life was spent at the homestead.
He was possessed of much natural energy, and
was very successful considering his opportuni-
ties. In politics he was a Democrat. John
Ellinwood lived to be eighty-two years old.
His wife, Ruth Baker, was a native of New-
bury, N.H., daughter of a Revolutionary sol-
dier. She became the mother of seven chil-
dren, two of whom are living, namely: James
S., the subject of this sketch; and Ruth
Sophia, who is the widow of Luther Cheney,
late of Deering, and who has three children—
Sophia, Leona, and Morris. Mrs. Ruth B.
Ellinwood died at the age of seventy-two
years. She was a member of the Baptist
cburch.

James S. Ellinwood was educated in Deer-
ing, and when a young man _ learned the
mason’s trade with his father. He followed it
more or less up to within a few years, when he
turned his attention to agricultural pursuits;
and he is now tilling the soi] at the homestead.

On November 25, 1851, Mr. Ellinwood was
joined in marriage with Rachel G. Turner,
daughter of Caleb Turner, of Antrim, N.H.
Nine children have been born to them, and
six are living; namely, Frank P., Mary S.,
Clara E., Lizzie S., Clark S., and Scott L.
Frank P. wedded Maria Bartlett, of Deering,
and has five children — Willis, Charles, Maud,
Ethel, and Nellie. Clara E. is the wife of
Myron E. Johnson, of Hancock, N.H., and
their children are: Bertie and Lester.

Politically, Mr. Ellinwood is a Democrat.
He has served as a Selectman for nine years,
was Superintendent of Schools two years, and
he ably represented Deering in the State legis-
lature for the years 1862 and 1863. He takes

 

much interest in the general welfare of the
community, and is much esteemed by his
neighbors and fellow-townsmen.

 

 

ANIEL G. SMITH, an enterprising
farmer of New Boston, was born on
2) his present farm, July 13, 1836, son
of Thomas and Annie L. (Gove)
Smith. The Smiths are one of the oldest
families here. John Smith, the paternal
great-grandfather of Daniel G., settled in the
north-west part of the town in the year 1734.
Having much business ability, he was a pro-
gressive farmer, and became one of the wealthy
men of New Boston. He built one of the first
sawmills erected in the town.

Thomas Smith, the grandfather, married a
lady of Beverly, Mass., who, born May 1,
1774, died October 8, 1851. Their children
were: Susanna, Ann, John, Esther, Thomas,
William, Moses B., Rachel, Clarinda, Ivers,
George W., Ethan, and Sarah. The father’s
death occurred May 1, 1854. Thomas Smith,
the father of Daniel G., born in New Boston,
April 8, 1801, chose the occupation of a
farmer, and succeeded his father in the owner-
ship of a portion of the old homestead. Also
inheriting much business capacity, he was
enterprising and successful. In religion he
was liberal. In politics he was faithful to the
Democratic principles held by his father. His
wife, Annie, who was born in Weare, Febru-
ary 6, 1805, had two children, namely: Ann
F., born May 26, 1836, who married Nathan
Randall, and died at the age of twenty-seven
years; and Daniel G., the subject of this
sketch. Thomas Smith died in New Boston
in 1879, and his wife in 1874.

Danie] G. Smith has always lived on the
farm which is now his home. The knowledge
obtained by him in the district school was
supplemented by that received in a few terms
spent in Derry, N.H. Since he succeeded to
the farm, he has carried on general farming
successfully. Having added to the land owned
by his father, he now has about three hundred
and sixty acres, the largest farm in this vicin-
ity. The residence, barns, and out-buildings
are well kept; and everything about the place

 

 

 

 
474

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

 

 

indicates good management. In politics Mr.
Smith is a Republican; and, besides serving
the community in some minor offices, he repre-
sented New Boston in the legislature of 1889.

On December 26, 1865, Mr. Smith was
united in marriage with Miss Marietta Wood-
bury, daughter of Benjamin S. and Sarah
(Jones) Woodbury. Her grandfathers, Will-
iam Woodbury and Joshua Jones, were both in
the Revolutionary War. The former was a
shoemaker by trade, and also followed farming.
He died in New Boston at a good age. Ben-
jamin S. Woodbury was born in Beverly,
Mass., whence he came here with his father.
He followed general farming as an occupation,
served the town in the capacities of Selectman
and Tax Collector, and owned the place on
which A. C. Wilson resides. In religion he
was liberal, in politics a Democrat. He died
December 26, 1846; and his wife’s death oc-
curred in November, 1884. They had eleven
children, of whom Benjamin F., Lucetta, and
Eliza J. are deceased. Lucetta married Bixby
Simons, and Eliza J. married Montiville
Brown. The others are: Mrs. Sabrina Phil-
brick, William, Joshua A., Harriett R., Fran-
ces A., Marietta, Jones Woodbury, and Levi
P. Woodbury. Harriett married Thomas
Holmes, and Frances A. is the wife of Esquire
Eastman. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents
of four children, two of whom are _ living.
Byron, their only son, born September 23,
1870, is clerking in a furniture store in Man-
chester. Evelyn M., their surviving daugh-
ter, born November 14, 1872, lives at home.
Annie died when a year and a half old, and
Elsie at twenty-five. The latter was the wife
of Henry Eastman. Mr. Smith and his wife
hold liberal views regarding religion. They
enjoy the respect and confidence of a large
circle of friends and acquaintances.

i AVID ROYCE,* a well-known citi-
5 zen of East Alstead, N.H., by trade

 

 

 

 

 

 

a blacksmith and shoemaker, was
born in this town, February 3, 1828,
his parents being Samuel and Mary (Buss)
Royce. His grandfather, Samuel Royce, Sr.,
was a farmer and lived in Marlow. He had

 

a large family of children, of whom Samuel,
Jr., father of Mr. David Royce, was one of the
oldest. Samuel Royce, Jr., was a farmer of
Alstead, coming to this town when very
young. His wife, Mary, was born in Marlow
in 1805, and diedin 1891. Their five children
were: Calista, Elisha, David, Eliza, and Anne.
Elisha Royce died at the age of twenty-one.
Eliza married a Mr. Elliot, a farmer of
Walpole. Anne married Charles Elliot, of
Marlow, and had a large family of children.
Mr. David Royce learned the trade of car-
riage-maker and blacksmith, and also did some
shoemaking and carried on a farm, living
nearly all his life in Alstead, where he was
highly esteemed as a citizen and beloved by
a large number of warm personal friends.
Mr. Royce married Clarissa Kidder, and she
bore him five children -- Herbert, Miland,
Ella, Addie, and Edward E. NHerbert Royce
lives at Walpole, and is engaged in carpen-
tering and in farming. He married Ella
Cook, and has three children — Lottie, Nella,
and John. Miland is a carpenter and farmer
of Walpole. His wife was before her mar-
riage Nellie Fuller. Ella Royce married
Charles Towle, of Walpole, a farmer and a
carpenter. They have three children -— Harry,
Fred, and Elsie. Addie died at the age of
thirty-two years. She never married. Ed-
ward E., born in August, 1870, has always

 

 

lived on the home farm with his father. He
is unmarried.
OHN LOVEJOY,* a venerable and

highly esteemed citizen of Milford,

Hillsboro County, N.H., residing at

the corner of Union and Orange
Streets, retired for some years past from
active business, was born February 24, 1815,
in Hebron, N.H. His parents were Stephen
and Sallie (Flint) Lovejoy.

Samuel Lovejoy, father of Stephen, was a
native of Massachusetts and a Revolutionary
soldier. Stephen Lovejoy was born in Pep-
perell, Mass. He was a blacksmith, and
worked at his trade for many years, making
his home in Hebron. Late in life he came
to Milford, and he here passed his declining
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

475

 

 

years. Sallie Flint Lovejoy, his wife, was
a native of Lyme, N.H.

John Lovejoy remained in Hebron with his
parents up to fourteen years of age, when he
came to Milford to live with his uncle, Will-
iam Lovejoy, of whose family he was a mem-
ber until his uncle’s death, which occurred in
the seventies. The uncle wasa builder of turn-
pike roads, and also followed farming. John
Lovejoy received a district schooling at Hebron
and in Milford, making good use of such op-
portunities as were offered for obtaining an
education. The active years of his life were
mostly spent in farming, in connection with
which he at one time engaged in lumbering.

When about twenty-six years of age, on
January 19, 1841, Mr. Lovejoy married Miss
Elizabeth Lovejoy, daughter of William and
Sallie (Fessenden) Lovejoy, of Milford. Her
father was born in Pepperell, Mass. ; but when
two years old he came to Milford with his
parents, who were early settlers here. Her
mother was a native of Lexington, Mass. Mr.
and Mrs. Lovejoy have two sons, namely: John
A., a veteran of the Civil War, now living in
Claremont, N.H.; and Fred W., a successful
physician at Pepperell, Mass.

Mr. Lovejoy is a stanch adherent of the
Republican party. He and his wife are earn-
est Christians and members of the Congrega-
tional church.

 

 

ICHARD FRETTS, late a_ highly
esteemed citizen of Hillsboro County,
died at his home in Merrimac
June 30, 1890. He was born in

this town, May 29, 1827, son of Henry
and Joanna (Barnes) Fretts. His father
was a native of Andover, Mass., and his
mother was born in Merrimac. Henry
Fretts came to Merrimac when a young man,
and settled upon a farm. He was a shoe-
maker, and continued to follow his trade in
connection with farming, his life being one
of industry and prosperity. In his religious
views he was a Congregationalist. He died
at the age of sixty-five years. His wife,
whose maiden name was Joanna Barnes, lived
to the advanced age of ninety-six years. She

 

was the mother of six children, of whom the
only survivor is Mrs. Emeline Leverett, of
New Bedford, Mass. The others were: Har-
riet M.; Lorena; George; Richard, the sub-
ject of this sketch; and Catharine.

Richard Fretts acquired a district-school
education, and from his youth was engaged
in tilling the soil. He owned a good farm
of eighty-eight acres, which he carried on
with unusual energy and ability, being natu-
rally vigorous and active. He possessed to
a high degree those sterling qualities which
are the essential elements of good citizenship,
was deeply interested in all measures calcu-
lated to improve the general welfare of the
community, and he was regarded as an honest,
upright man. Politically, he acted with the
Republican party. In religious matters he
took particular interest, and was a Deacon of
the Congregational church for many years, or
until his death.

On March 8, 1862, Mr. Fretts was joined
in marriage with Lucy A. Green. She was
born in Litchfield, N.H., March 7, 1835,
daughter of Hartwell W. and Sarah Green.
Her father was born in Carlisle, Mass., May
5, 1809; and her mother was born in Jaffrey,
N.H., September 22, 1804. Hartwell W.
Green, in early life a boatman, settled in
Merrimac in 1838, and here spent the rest of
his active period as a farmer, his death occur-
ring July 30, 1889. His wife died January
15, 1879. Both were members of the Congre-
gational church. They were the parents of
six children, and two of the family are
living, namely: Lucy A., who is now Mrs.
Fretts; and Harrison F. Green, of Merrimac.
The others were: Mary R., George H. and
Albert (twins), and Charles N. Mr. Fretts
was the father of three children, namely:
Emma J., born February 14, 1865, who mar-
ried June 22, 1897, Charles A. Kilborn, of
Webster, N.H.; Henry A., born September -
10, 1866; and Laura E., born September 5,
1871. The mother, Mrs. Fretts, has contin-
ued to reside at the homestead since the death
of her husband, and has displayed remarkable
energy and good judgment in the management
of the farm. She is a member of the Congre-
gational church.
INDEX.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

 

 

 

 

PAGE PAGE PAGE
A Bartlett, James H. . . . . 60] Butler, Warren H. HG a BAY
Abbott, Henry . . . . . 432] Bartlett, Persons : 311 | Butler, William W.. . . . 367
Alden, Warren . . . 406| Beard, Albert . . 460| Butterfield, John C. . . . . 373
Aldrich, Walton H.. . . 396| Belding, ArthurJ. . . . . . 253} Buttrick, Daniel T. . » 294
Alexander, Edward : . 33t| Bemis, AlvinJ. . . . ~ 221
Alexander, Elijah . . . 374| Bemis, Charles L. . . . 294
Alexander, J.Grace. . . . . 332|Bemis,George F. . . . + 249 c
Allen, Clarence J. : . . 364} Bemis, Samuel D. . . . . 187
Ames, William . . . . 197| Billings, LouisC. . . . . 248] Caldwell, Alexander. lee. Goa
Amidon, Frank ... . . 325|Bishop,JohnB. . . . . . 221| Caldwell, JohnQ. A. . . . Atl
Anderson, Samuel . . . . 459 | Blaisdell, Frank . . . . 298] Caldwell, William H. . . . . 29
Angier, Reuben L. . . . « 339] Blake, Amos J. . . . . . 165}|Came, Brooks R.. ya oe 86
Annett, Thomas . . « . « 432] Blake, Charles A. . . 385) Campbell, Clark . . . . . « 418
Appleton, Charles F. . . . 276|Bliss,John. . . . . 448| Carlton, Joseph G. . oe 4 19
Atherton, William . . . . 403} Blood, Luther A... . 278|Carpenter, George . + a + 216
Atwood, Solomon D. . . . . 470) Blood, Samuel B. . . . 461 | Carpenter, Mason A. . 307
Averill, George W. . . 123] Boutelle, John A. . . . 224|Carter, Oliver. . sae ek BOE
Avery, George A. . . . . 149| Boyden, Elijah . . : 76 | Cass, Lewis R. . 60
Ayer, Warren J. . 219] Bradley, Oscar H. é . . 206|Cass, Moses . . e GOR 8 1g
Bragdon, Frank L. . . . 439] Chase, Dennis R. oa 230
Brennan, James F. ait .  87| Chase, Harry R.. bo 299
Brown, Daniel J. . . . 424) Christie, Morris oe BB,
B Brown, James A . . . 48] Clark, Hiram P. i: ter. oo oy CABT
Bacon, Burt. . . . . . 219}Brown, Nathan A. . . . 446|Clark, Moses’... . . 153
Baker, Elliot W. . . . . . 192)Bruce,JohnE. . . . » . 349)Clarke, George E. . . . 110
Balch, John A... : . 188] Bryer, John A. . . 19|Cleaves, William L.. . . . . USE
Baldwin, John B.. . . 157| Buffum, Jewett E. . . . 342}Cleveland, EiS.  . . . 434
Bales, George E. ; . . 307] Bullock, Asa H. . . 130] Clough, Orrin T. oe lag! BBG
Ball, Alvan W. . . : . 325| Burge, Cyrus F. . ‘ . 198| Coburn, Edward A. . 295
Ball, John F. . . . . . . 187}Burge,J. Payson. . . 126] Coburn, StephenC.. . . . . ~ 20
Barber, Henry H. : . 310] Burnap, James. . 288|Cochran, George A. . . 2.) 43
Barker, George W. . 255) Burns, Daniel W. ‘ . 176] Cochrane, Thomas R. . . 245
Barnard, George F. . . 399| Burns, James M. . 58|Coggin, JohnH.  . . .  4t
Barrett, Forrest V. . 95| Burns, John M. ‘ 223| Colburn, Franklin P. . . . . 249
Barrett, William C. . 457| Burns, Luther M._ . . 295) Colburn, William P. . 44
Barrows, Warren S. 61 | Butler, George S. ‘ 323 | Colby, Cyrus P. ‘ c 105
Bartlett, Eben L. . 281]| Butler, John F. .  21|Colby, Francis O. . eit oe OSE
478

INDEX

 

 

Colby, George E.
Colby, George W.
Cole, Theodore
Collins, John M. .
Collins, Jobn S.
Colony, Frederick H.
Converse, Oscar I.
Cooke, Charles E.
Craig, James A.
Craig, Rockwell F.
Cristy, Robert .
Crombie, Abner B. .
Crooker, Andrew J. .
Crosby, Joseph F.
Cummings, Elbridge
Currier, George H. .
Curtis, Eli C. .
Cuthbert, Alexander
Cutler, Charles H.
Cutler, George I.
Cutter, Benjamin F.
Cutter, James D. .
Cutter, Jonas

D

Damon, Jonas .
Dana, Marshall E.
Daniels, David L.
Darrah, Wingate M.

Davenport, Sylvester O.

Davidson, Albert B.
Davis, Amasa B.
Davis, George G.
Davis, Henry .
Davis, James .
Davis, Lyman .
Davis, Murray
Dickinson, Ansel .
Dickinson, Milan A.
Dinsmore, Thomas
Dinsmore, William W.
Dix, Mahlon C.
Dodge, Charles B.
Dodge, Charles F.
Dodge, George H.
Dodge, Henry F.
Dodge, Isaac 13.
Dodge, John C.
Dodge, John G.
Dodge, Lendell

PAGE

439
218

256
395
452
315
391
231
4ts
353
268

44
352
209
265
236
387
425
207

96
44!
300
314

437
139
330
306
297
335
315

82
376
430
204
383
149
291

27

18

16
286
B12
177
109
336

92

17
277

 

Dodge, Perley W.
Doolittle, Arthur M.
Dow, Leonard RB.
Downes, George E. .
Downes, Samuel D..

E

Eaton, Albert B. .
Elder, Charles B.
Eldredge, Hiram W.
Ellinwood, James S.
Elliot, Joel H. .
Ellis, Bertram .
Ellsworth, John T.
Emerson, Jesse C.
Emory, Warren W. .
Evans, Earl

Farley, George E.
Farley, Gilman F.
Farrar, Charles A.
Farwell, Darius
Farwell, Frank C.
Farwell, James C.
Farwell, John H.
Fassett, Charles W. .
Field, Caroline L.
Field, Franklin

Fisk, John B. .
Flanders, Edwin .
Fletcher, Henry W..
Fletcher, John P.

Follansbee, Samuel C. .

Forristall, Frank M.
Forsaith, Charles W.
Fortier, Joseph
Foster, John E.
Foster, John L.
Foster, Moses F.
Foster, Oliver H.
Foster, Warren FE.
Fox, John M. .
French, Henry K.
French, Warren A. .
French, William F.
Fretts, Richard
Frost, Abner

PAGE
414
438
160
117
182

407
279
201
472

99
240
328

14
261
137

312
59
gl

184

189

419

127

268
55

291
Il

269

449

144

136

205

183

172

284

281

49
329
160
202
252
184
475
388

 

Fuller, John A.
Fuller, Lemuel
Fuller, Levi A.

G

Gay, Ezra M., Jr.
Gleason, Aaron R.
Goodall, Lewis
Goodell, David H.
Goodnow, Leslie H.
Goodnow, Walter L.
Goodrich, John H.
Goodwin, Charles B.
Gove, Dana B. ‘
Gowing, Charles W.
Gray, Henry N.
Greeley, Horace .
Greely, James B. .

H

Hadley, Charles H. .
Hadley, Franklin
Hadley, Mark M.
Hagen, Charles
Hale, Harris

Hall, Jasper

Hall, Joseph A.
Hardy, Edward
Hardy, James L. .
Hardy, Silas
Harris, Frank S. .
Harris, Fred J.

Hartshorn, Charles H. .

Hartshorn, Franklin
Harvell, Horace T. .

Harwood, Blake A. T. .

Haslet, George W. .
Hastings, T. Nelson
Hastings, Thomas A.
Hatch, Alexander C.
Hatch, Riley B.
Hayden, Daniel W.
Hayden, David N.
Hays, Thomas
Heald, Brooks M.
Heald, David . -
Heald, Franklin B. .
Hemenway, Luther .

PAGE
246
199

94

327
373
173
163
454
208
254
360
273
127
334

375

217
260
293
407
464
194
190
392
444
386
227
118
398
309

340
316
354
412
454
200
103
102

33
186
172
453

50
 

 

INDEX 479
PAGE PAGE PAGE
Herrick, Benjamin G. 70 | Kittredge, Russell H. 368 | McLane, Reed W. 265
Herrick, Harrison E. 301 | Knight, Addison 302 | McLane, Rodney 241
Higgins, Oliver H. 412 | Knight, Charles 71| McQuesten, William 22
Hildreth, James C. . 346 | Knight, John B. 66 | Melendy, Charles F. 137
Hildreth, Lewis G. . 449 | Knight, Melbern E. . 56] Merriam, George F. 167
Hill, Gardner C.. . 359| Knight, William A. . 31 | Merrill, Calvin 84
Hillman, Richard B. 185 | Knight, Winthrop 463 | Merrill, Charles H. . 428
Hinds, William H. W. . 88 | Knowlton, James . 404 | Merrill, Frank E. 400
Hitch, Henry F. . . 58| Knowlton, William M. . 62] Merrill, James B. 133
Holbrook, Arthur W. 169| Kyes, Winslow S. 112] Merrill, Thomas A. . 370
Holbrook, Frank A. 45 Messenger, Henry E. Igt
Holbrook, George E. 305 Miller, Arthur H. 229
Holbrook, Ralph . 170 Minor, Francis C. Io
Holman, Jason R. 68 i Monroe, Ora 106
Holt, Charles D. 330 | Laing, John H. 165 | Moore, Cyrus S. 302
Holt, Charles F. . 423 | Lamson, Frank O. 222 | Moore, Orren C. 155
Hooker, Henry 4tr | Langdell, George 298 | Morrill, Henry C. 400
Hopkins, Charles B. 462 | Langdell, Nathan F. 435 | Morrison, Andrew 41
Howard, Albert M. . 34| Lawrence, Albert B . 442 | Morrison, Clarence E. . 309
Howard, James M. 382 | Lawrence, Frederick J. 280 | Morse, H. Martin 175
Howard, William W. 171 | Laws, James M. 80 | Morse, James W. 48
Howison,: Robert R. 250| Leach, George H. 380 | Mower, Will J. 408
Hubbard, Eugene C. 308 | Leonard, William S. 401 | Muzzey, George W. . 275
Hubbard, Henry W. 395 | Liscom, Lemuel F. 471
Hull, Edmund B. 76| Little, George P. . 231
Huntley, Dudley . 110] Livermore, Henry H. 336 N
Hurlin, Henry A. ‘ 262 | Lovejoy, John . 474
Hutchinson, Edmund P. 408 | Lovejoy, Moses 327 | Needham, Henry B. 426
Hutchinson, Herbert S. 215 | Lovell, Bolivar 14| Nesmith, Charles S. 95
Lowell, Levi F. 405 | Newell, Henry L. 263
Lyford, Asa B. 266 | Newell, Jason H. T. gt
Newton, Hiram C. 450
J Nims, Albert F. . 427
Jackman, Ira W. 229 M Noyes, Frank G. . 114
Jefts, Charles P. . 228 Nutting, Marshall H. 429
Johnson, Rodney 13 | Marden, David 204
Jones, Eben W. . 26 | Marsh, Charles E. 50
Jones, Henry M. . 73 | Marsh, Walter E. 80 2
Jones, John B. 210| Marshall, Daniel . 370
Jones, Thomas 193 Martin, Charles H. . 389 Page, George G.. 285
Junkins, Albert A. 129 | Martin, Francis 19| Paige, David A. . 358
Martin, Van Buren . 18 | Paige, Enoch C. 306
Mason, Christopher A. 173 | Paige, Isaac J. 296
Mason, George W. . 369 | Parker, Charles S. 285
K Maxfield, Arthur L.. ‘ 270 | Parker, David A. 275
Kaley, Frank E. . 96] McCollester, Sullivan H. . 317| Parker, Frank M. 116
Kendall, Daniel P. 47 McCollom, John T. . 138} Parker, John M. . 135
Kendall, Kendrick 16| McCollum, David A. 242| Parker, Victor L. . 422
Kennedy, Michael 201 | McCurdy, James . 283 | Partridge, James S. 203
Kimball, Edward P. 99| McIntire, Nathaniel T. 415 | Pattee, George 266
Kimball, Mrs. Stephen 210| McLane, John . 121 | Patten, William M. 53
King, Oliver 30| McLane, Neil . 240 | Peabody, Daniel A. . 74

 

 
480

INDEX

 

 

Pease, Byron D. .
Perkins, James M.
Perry, George R.
Phelps, Wilbur L.
Philbrick, Albert M.
Pierce, Benjamin .
Pierce, Charles F.
Pierce, Eloise M.
Pierce, George W.
Pierce, James .
Pierce, Raymond J. .
Poor, Irad

Porter, George A.
Powers, Marcellus J.
Pratt, Warren .
Pratte, Arthur A.
Prentiss, John W.
Prentiss, William H.
Prescott, Orrin D.
Prince, James U..
Prouty, Ira J. .
Prouty, James S. .
Putnam, Amos A.

R

Ramsdell, George A.
Ramsdell, James M.
Rand, Thomas C.
Randall, Stephen P.
Raymond, Charles H.
Read, Luther W. .
Read, Phineas A.
Reed, James O., Jr.
Rice, Nelson W. .
Richardson, Barzilla
Richardson, Daniel .
Richardson, Martin L. .
Richardson, Nelson .

Richardson, Thompson H.

Rixford, Webster L.
Robertson, George .
Robertson, Leonard
Robbins, Frank J. :
Robinson, William L. .
Royce, David .
Ruefer, John J.

Ruffle, James E.

Rugg, Daniel W.
Russell, Albert L.
Russel], Freeman W.

PAGE
7O
404
398
447
97
343
235
430
397
460
319
389
222
83
IgI
154
436
104
126
36
135
390
445

395
313
122
140
150
144
437
417
426
361
115
424

72

393
113
280

26
324
474
351
418
440
465
409

 

Russell, Moses
Rutherford, John

Saben, Daniel T.
Safford, Ellon A..
Saltmarsh, Reed P. .
Sawtelle, Lyman K. .
Sawyer, Alfred
Sawyer, Frederick T.
Sawyer, Samuel S.
Scott, Charles .
Scott, John
Scripture, Amos .
Shattuck, Zachariah .
Sheldon, James
Shepard, Andrew N.
Sherwin, Oren A.
Shirley, Robert L.
Simons, George
Skinner, J. Appleton
Slate, Charles E. .
Smith, Aaron .
Smith, Charles H. V.
Smith, Daniel G. .
Smith, David O. .
Smith, Edward M.
Smith, Ezra M.
Smith, Handel A.
Smith, Isaac

Smith, Silas M.
Snow, George H.
Spalding, John A.
Spaulding, George F.
Spaulding, Orlando W.
Spaulding;*Reuben .
Stacy, Minnie E. .
Stark, Lewis H.
Starkey, Joseph L.
Stearns, Dwight W.
Steele, Charles A.
Steele, John H.
Stevens, David
Stevens, Edwin D.
Stevens, William
Stiles, Joseph W.
Story, John W.
Sumner, Otis F. .
Swart, William D.
Swett, Anson .

PAGE
263
274

341
176

47
365

239 |,

326
Too
142
205

93
227
292
376
125

32
402
287
443
158

72
473
310
371

33
220
233
232
468
116
335
351
345

57
34!
468
103
237

28
467
194
140

75
273

83
390

40

 

Swett, Eddy B.
Symonds, William F.

Taft, Albert H.

Taft, Herbert J.
Talbot, Bertell L.
Tarbell, Joseph H.
Tenney, Daniel W. .
Tenney, Oliver
Thompson, Denman

Thompson, Herbert P.

Tinker, Lucian D.
Tirrell, Clinton H.
Tirrell, Jesse W.
Titus, William
Todd, James P.
Tolford, George G.
Tolles, James H..
Tolman, Eben C.
Towne, Hollis F..
Trevitt, John
Trow, Arthur A.
Trow, Daniel W. .
Trow, Joseph P. .
Tucker, George S.
Turner, Edward A. .
Tuttle, Miles B. .
Twiss, Alfred G.
Twitchell, Almon

U

Upton, J. Edward
Upton, Peter
Upton, Samuel

Ww

Walbridge, Andrew J.
Wallace, Robert M.
Ware, Alonzo A. .
Ware, George H. P.
Warner, Franklin G.
Warren, George C.
Warren, James
Wellington, Edwin 1.

Wellington, Henry W. .

Wellington, Joel

PAGE
139
55

366
54
79

434
25

215

181
87

350

1II

348

175

381

353

118

328

333

159
252
IoI
384

39
346
442

35

123
247
207

410
394
320

42
236
313
469
465
435
349
INDEX

481

 

 

Wheeler, Isaiah
Wheeler, Jackson E.
Wheeler, William A.
Whipple, James B.
Whipple, William S.
Whitcomb, Daniel
Whitcomb, Oliver C.

White, Thomas H. .

White, Willis E. .
Whiting, B. Frank
Whitman, Asa A.
Whitney, Charles O.

Whitney, Charles W.

Whitney, Nathan

PAGE
251
261
I5t
124
128
372
46
456
121
65
152
TIT
429
238

 

Whittemore; Reed P.
Wilcox, Edward .
Wilder, Erwin D.
Wilder, George S.
Wilkins, Charles L.
Willard, Zophar
Wilson, Frank J.
Wilson, George H.
Wilson, John
Winch, Thomas D. .
Winn, Thomas J.
Winn, William F.
Winship, Adron
Wood, Curtis A. .

PAGE
363
282
455
145
106
178
278
267
189
IIS
188
86
242

 

Woodbury, Gordon
Woodbury, Nathan G.

Woodman, Elbridge G.

Woods, Charles O. .

Woodward, Arthur A. .

Woodward, Clement J.
Worden, Elisha A.
Worden, Nathan M.
Wright, Fred A. .

Y;

Youngman, Alden

PAGE

466
133
158
169
163
420
420
416

129
PORTRAITS.

 

 

Ames, William
Boyden, Elijah (steel)
Burnap, James
Butler, George S.

Cule, Theodore (steel) .

Dic’-inson, Ansel (steel)
Dod, ec, Isaac B. .
Goodel!, David H.
Gove, Dana B.

Greeley, Horace .

PAGE
196
77
289
322
257
148
337
162
272

PAGE

Hastings, T. Nelson 355
Hemenway, Luther 51
Kimball, Stephen 213
McLane, John . 120
Merrill, James L. 132
Monroe, Ora 107
Newell, Jason H. T. go
Newton, Hiram C. : laces 450
Prince, James U. : 37
Ramsdell, George A. (steel) . 304

Robertson, Lawson .

Shattuck, Zachariah

Shepard, Andrew N.

Tenney, Daniel W.

Thompson, Denman

Ware, Alonzo A.

Whiting, B. Frank, and child,
Paul N.

Wood, Curtis A.

PAGE
211
226

377

7

180
320

64
243
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