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BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
VOLUME XXIII
CONTAINING LIFE SKETCHES OF LEADING CITIZENS OF
CHESHIRE AND HILLSBORO
COUNTIES
NEW HAMPSHIRE
" Biography is tlie home aspect of history "
BOSTON
Biographical Review Publishing Company
1897
ATLANTIC STATES SERIES OF BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEWS.
The volumes issued in this series up to date are the following: —
I. Otsego County, New York.
II. Madison County, New York.
III. iJRooME County, New York.
IV. Columbia County, New York. V. Cayuga County, New York.
VI. Delaware County, New York.
VII. Livingston and Wyoming Counties, New York.
VIII. Clinton AND Essex Counties, New York.
■A-
IX. Hampden County, Massachusetts.
X. Franklin County, Massachusetts.
XI. Hampshire County, Massachusetts.
XII. Litchfield County, Connecticut.
XIII. York County, Maine.
XIV. Cumberland County, Maine.
XV. Oxford and Franklin Counties,
Maine. XVI. Cumberland County, New Jersey.' XVII. Rockingham County, New Hamp- shire. XVIII. Plymouth County, Massachusetts. XIX. Camden and Burlington Counties, New Jersey. XX. Sagad.\hoc, Lincoln, Knox, and Waldo Counties, Maine. XXI. Strafford and Belknap Counties,
New Hampshire. XXII. Sullivan and Merrimack Counties,
New Hampshire. XXIII. Cheshire and Hillsboro Counties, New Hampshire.
Note. — All the biographical sl<etches 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 readeis, and to render this work more valuable for reference puqjoses, 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.
October i, 1S97.
K. R. PUB. CO.
PREFACE.
HISTORY sets forth the principal events marking the progress of civilization, deals with the nations and a few great leaders; genealogy offers a study of drv names and dates ; biography, acknowledging its indebtedness to both, has its own special province, 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 \-arious fields of useful activity.
The persons whose life stories are outlined in this volume, present or former residents of Cheshire and of Hillsboro 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 showinq; 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.
BIOSRAPHIGAL
GRACE GREELEY, printer, founder of the New York Tribune^ who, after a busy and useful life of sixty years, passed to his rest on the 2gth of November, 1872, is still remembered in this his native State as a Hillsboro County boy. A son of Zaccheus and Mary (VVoodburn) Greeley, the third in a family of seven born in Amherst, N. H.,
children, he was February 3, 181 1.
In place of the tiresome three-brother story of ancestry soberly repeated by his biog- raphers, may here be mentionetl, 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 si.xth 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. Greeley was of Scotch-Irish descent, so called. His mother
was a daughter of David and Margaret (Clark) Woodburn, and a grand-daughter of John VVoodburn, 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 VVoodburn'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 Jover of books ; and I lorace, 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 motiier 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 grandfatiicr 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 schoiils. To
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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 be a 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 of a 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. Horace there finished his 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 futther means of cult- ure. He had a marvellous memory, and early distinguished himself by his knowledge of po- litical matters.
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 Jejfersonian^ 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 New 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 Tribune 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
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vvoulil fill volumes. ■ A member of Congress, December i, 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 and 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 'Jribuiu- for which he was resijonsible 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 P'isk, 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 P'alls, Mass., and whose son Isaac died in Framingham. Isaac was the father of John, third, grandfather of John B. Fisk. Grandfather I"'isk was born in Fram- ingham, and died there in i8ig. 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 school for deaf-mutes at Hart- ford, Conn., where he remained for one year, making remarkable jjrogress, and learning much that was of value to him during the rest of his life. He died on July 25, 1S61, 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 1S07 is the last one in Chesterfield on the Hinsdale side. The place is now known as the "Fisk
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, 18 14; 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, la.
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 e.vception 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 jjreferment 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-ofifice 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, 111., 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. Pie 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 F"isk 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
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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.
~|1^0DNEY JOHNSON, a well-known I ^Y^ real estate owner, lumberman, and J_b\ 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 1S47. 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.; PZliza, 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 185 1 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 1 8 50 Mr. Johnson was niarried 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, Jime 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 K. 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 is a 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.
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 veteraii. 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. Johnscin naturally feels much pride in her ancestry.
'ESSE C. EMERSON, who was a lead- ing farmer of VVeare 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 VVeare, 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, 18 16, 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, 18S7, in house beneath whose roof he was born.
the
.., Cheshire County, N.H., June Mr. Lovell was born in Drews-
N. BOLIVAR LOVELL, an e.xcel- ent example, as has been well said, of the best type of the village lawyer, died at his pleasant home in Drewsville, 10, 1893.
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 18 18 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
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children of this union were Alclis, who died in infancy; Maria, who died in 1S36, 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 VValpole, and at the age of sixteen was taken into the employ of Cragin & LLartwell, mer- chants of Providence, R.L, 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 Charlestovvn, 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 up a 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."
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BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
AHLON C. DIX, M.D., of Hins- dale, N. H., a physician well 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 1S75. 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 I, 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 liduca- 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. Today 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. jy, 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, 1S77, 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, T838, son of Ira and Cyrene (Batchelder) Kendall. Ira
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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 tovyn. 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 si.v 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 jiar- 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
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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 A 1 stead 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 i, 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-workinjr and industrious
BIOGRAPHICAL RFA'IKW
>9
man, Captain Martin cleared the place his grandson occupies. He was a Revolutionary soldier, and was taken prisoner By TRe Indians.
Francis B. Martin, who was born here, July I, 1793, also followed the life of an agricult- urist. On December 25, 18 17, he married Miss Betsy B. Hadley, who was born July i, 1797, being his junior by five years to a day. He died November 15, 1S72, 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; F"rancis, 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, 1 87 1, 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.
OHN A. BRYER, a leading business man of Antrim, was born September i, 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
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 I'ellows 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 I, 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 lown 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. V. He has taken all the degrees in Waverly Lodge, No. 59, and occupied 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 lifelona: 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 si.xty 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
He has served the community in some of the most responsible offices. From 1879 ^mtil 18S3, 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. Mclntire, 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., and a 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 Esse.x'. 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. She lived to be ninety-two years old. William and Sarah Butler had three sons, Jonathan, William, and Jacob, all of whom served in the Rgyplutionarv War. Jacob, who was taken prisoner, died of small-po.\ 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. When a 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 iSth 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 I"., 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 [trices; 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.
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 e.x-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 ho.spitals, 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, ^nd 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.
m
LLIAM 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 four 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 life 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 be a 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
I
DANIEL W. TENNEY.
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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, 186S, Mr. McOuesten 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 im]3rovement, Mr. McQuesten has been prominent in town affairs, and has served as Selectman and in other offices. In politics he is a 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.
"irXANIEL W. I I business man ^J^J ex-member o
TENNEY, a retired an of Marlboro and an
:f 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 becanie 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. His wife, Tabitha, belonged to a 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 ne.xt 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. P'inally 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. As a 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 as a
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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- eral merchant and Postmaster of West Peterboro, Hillsboro County, was born in South Antrim, N.H., February 16, 185 1, 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- ried 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, 1S95. LTpright 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 school 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
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 Orthodo.x 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 & Webster. He ne.xt kept a general merchan- dise store in Harrisville. In i860 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 whorri, 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
i;iOGR.\rillCAL KK\1E\V
27
while ill Gilsiim was scut as RcprcsL'iitatix'c to the legislature in the year 1X54. He was esteemed for his many fine qualities of mintl and heart. His death occurreil February 14,
Eben Wilson Jones attendetl school in Peterboro. He began his business career in an insurance ofilice in I'eterboro, 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 ofifice 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 i8g6 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 for a 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 t)n account of his genial and kindly temper and an ever- ready willingness to oblige.
HOMAS DINSMORE, a leading farmer of A 1 stead and a native of this town, was born March 4, 1S21, son of Calvin and Lucy (Walker) Uinsmore. 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 sjjent his life in Alstead, where he was familiarly known as Uncle Calvin. He was active in town affairs and in all the benevolent and reliLrious move-
ments in the iilace. A member of the Univer- sal ist 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. 'I'heir chil- dren were: Mary A., Caroline, John, 'I'homas, -Sumner, Willis, Jane, Pollen, lidnumd, and I'^lmira. Mary Anne, now deceased, married Willard .SLoville, a farmer of Walpule, 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 I\]r. -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 P'.lmira I^dgerton. Jane married Ad- dison Pro(jks, a well-known machinist. Ellen married James King, of Acworth, a lumber- man, and has one child. lidmund, who also lives at Alstead, married Orrilla Barrett, and is the father of two children — George and Elmira. Elmira, the youngest daughter of Calvin Uinsmore, is now Mrs. Ilenr)' Kent, of Alstead.
Mr. Thomas Uinsmore was educated in .Al- stead and at Marlow Academy. Suhsecpiently he taught school for si.\ years. Then he went to Boston, where in 1848 he obtained em- ployment in a provision store. In 185 i he en- gaged in business in Ouincy 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 jiart of the county. While in Boston, Mr. IJinsmore 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 Si.x. Since coming to Alstead, he has been influ- ential in bringing about many improvements in the place. In 1S83 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 tliis 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 —
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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, he 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 1S82. Mary A. Dinsmore married Charles Maynard, a hotel man, and lives at VValpole, 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, 181 1, 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 notable 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 1 84 1 ; 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, i8r9; 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, 1S59; and I'reil A., born April 22, 1873.
Edwin Steele, John Henry Steele's father, was born in Peterboro, November 12, 181 7. 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, wdio 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 lie 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 I". I-'ollansbee, of this town. They have had four chiklren, of whom
BIOGRAI'HICAL RKVIKW
29
tlierc are living: Marry Leon, born August 22, 1S72; Kate, born December 28, 1874, now tlie wife of Arthur M. Enimes, of Gard- ner, Mass.: and John i;)ana, 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 tiie 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 Hay 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, la. 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 sjiecial knowledge of the Guernsey breed of cattle, in which he had been interested from an early date in his pro- fessional career, he was appointeil superin- tendent of the Guernsey herd at the Chicago Ivxposition, 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 colleges in the country.
In 1889 Professor Cahlwell [jurchascd 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 l)rooks, 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. livery 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 pf 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
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BIOGRAI'JIICAL REVIEW
Pennsylvania, and has since made his home at the farm. In his office, which has been fitted up in his residence, two cleri<s are kept con- stantly busy assisting him in the work of the club. Here are to be fountl sketches and sta- tistics regarding all the Guernseys in the country; and from here is issued the //ivv/ Rigistcr and Breeders Jonrnal, published quarterly, of which Professor Caldwell has editorial charge. Since taking up his perma- nent residence in Peterboro, Mi-. 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. Pie 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 iladley, 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.
LIX'I'lk 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, antl 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 ISiigh- ton Plouse, 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 shoemaker 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 school, he went to J-ios- 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. P'rank 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, 1 838, died September 21, 1849. 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, i860, who was also a Mason as well as a Knight of Pythias. James Y. Milliken was employed in a 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
JiKXIRAl'IHCAL RFA'IEW
Cliarlestown, N. H., now a grain merchant in Ciiicago, doing a prosperous and extensive business. They have three children, namely: Rena A., born September i6, 18S2; James M., born April 16, 1S84; and Frances, born September 18, 1S91. George K. Milliken is superintendent of telephones in Chicago. He married Lucy Wilson, of Charlestovvn, Mass., who was born August 10, 1S59. fler pater- nal grandfather was a soldier in the Revolution.
ILLIAM A. KNIGHT, one of the most enterprising among the younger generation of farmers in Petcrboro, was born in Hancock, N.H., Sep- tember 10, 1862, son of Deacon Henry and Kllen 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, sen 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. His 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 Knos 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 eleven children by him, Henry, the youngest, is the only one living. Deacon Knight died Sep- tember 29, 1S67, and his wife on February 3, 1854. They were prominent members of the Congregational church.
Deacon Henrv Knight was bf)rn in Han-
cock, January 11, 1826. He acquired his education in a common school ami 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. F'or 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 eigiit years in F'ranconia, 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 is 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., whom 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. ; Fldmund W. , born March 12, 1858; Fred A., born July 16, 1S60, who died April 11, 1880; William A., the subject of this sketch; Mary E., born July 12, 1865; Ella K., born November 18, 1S67, 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
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BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
combined efforts are attended with excellent results.
On November 9, 1S.S7, I\Ir. Knight was joined in marriage with Minnie M. Hmery, 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 is a Past Master. Mrs. Knight is a member of the Congregational church.
lOHKRT LAWRENCE SHIRLEY, an enterprising young farmer of Goffs- \[s\ 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 181 1. 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. Eor 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 chiklren by his first marriage, Edward Carlton being the third. Edward was born December 5, 1834, in the liouse 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 Maiden, Mass. ; Robert Lawrence, the subject of this sketch; and P'lorence 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 iSgi to Goffs- town. Since then he has been engaged in lumbering and general farming, and now has the supervision of some six hundred acres of land owned by himself and his father. On February i, 1892, Mr. Shirley married Miss Bertha M. Shields. .She was born in Everett, Mass., February 22, 1S74, daughter of Joseph and Clara E. (Wellington) Shields. Mr. and Mrs. Shirley have one son, Thomas E. , born
BIOGRAl'HICAL REVIEW
33
Kcbniary lo, 1896. Mr. Shirley is a Repub- lican in his political relations. For the past three years lie has served on tiie Hoard of Selectmen. He belongs to Webster Lodge, I. O. O. F., of GotTstovvn. Both he and Mrs. Shirley are liberals in religion.
MOM AS 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), greatgrandfather of the present Thomas, born February 14, 1724, was a prosjierous 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 became a clothier. He finally settled in Maine, where he was en- gaged in business for many years. His last days were passed in Wilton, Me. He was a 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, '^'^'l 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 si.\ty years. On October 16, 1870, Mr. Hays entered his second marriage with Mrs. Julia A. Savv- telle Shattuck. She is a daughter of Kings- ley and Thankful Sawtelle, of this State, and by her first husband, Ami Shattuck, of Mast-n, 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 is a Congregationalist in his re- ligious belief, and Mrs. Hays is a Baptist.
ZRA M. SMITH, a retired lawyer of Peterboro and an e.\-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
BIOGRAPH IC AL R FA' 1 K.W
ill 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 religinus views a Congregationalist. His death oc- curred July 14, 1864. He married Hannah Henry, who, born in Vermont, August 10, 1779, died June 25, 1850. She was the mother of five children, none of whom arc 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 1S62 he came to Peterboro, and purchased a farm, which he cultivated with energy during the rest of his active period. He died August 6, 1S83. Originally a Whig in politics, he later be- came a Repuijlican. His wife, Marinda, whom he married June 9, 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 i, 1S45; 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 ¥.. married Aldana C. Andrews, of Westboro, Mass., and has one daughter, Morgie A. The mother died December 19, 1886. Both par- ents attended tlie 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 rapitlly acquired a large
general law business. After following his profession for over thirty years, he retired in 1896. He is now passing his time in super- intending ills 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 jiublic 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. P'or 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 a time. He was elected to the legislature in 1 87 1 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, 1S45, daughter of Moses A. Fairbanks. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have had three children, as follows: Etta M., born December 2, 1870; Harlan P., born March 9, 1874, wiio died November 21, 1892; and Orrin F., born June 28, 1 886. Mr. Smith has occupied the prin- cipal chairs in Peterboro Lodge, I. O. O. F., and is now a member of the Board of Trustees. He is also a member of the Kniglits 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 meml^er of the Baptist church.
LBERT M. HOWARD, formerly a prosperous bo.\ manufacturer of \Vi_n- chester, Cheshire County, and a member oT FITe New Hampshire legislature, was born in Royalston, Mass., May 3, 1836, and died April i, 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
1!I()(;RA1'111CAI, rf.vikw
35
chiklrcii, (if whom Albert I\I., the siiljject of this sketch, was the tenth-born.
Albert M. Howard was echicatetl in Royals- ton, and when a young man assisted his father in business. He later entered the emjiloy of his brother, who was carrying on a bobijin manufactory in Hinsdale. About itSjo 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 1.S73 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 [lacking confectionery and fancy goods; and he also had facilities for lettering his goods. He was a trustee of the Winchester Savings i5ank, and was one of the incorporators of the I'^lectric 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 ofifice 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 Riciimond, 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 marrietl 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, 1S17, and married Henry H. Swan; Rhoda, who was born in August, 1820, and became the wife of David Martin; and Daniel, who was horn May 28, 1823.
Abner Twitchell, father of Almon, was born in Richmond, May 4, 1S13. 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 aiiiirenticeship 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
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JUOGRAI'HICAL REVIEW
served on the Democratic Town Committee in different cajiacities, 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. Starivcy, 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, Jonatlian 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, wlio was a native of Deering, learned the carpenter's trade with his father. He settled in Antrim, where he followed tliat calling until his death, which occurreti 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.fl. ; ami Enoch C, the subject of this sketch. Mrs. Tristram 15. 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 liis 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 scrverl 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 18S3.
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 P'rancestown, 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 PZlizabeth P'lemming, of Benning- ton. By this union there is one son, Paul P\, born April 13, i8go.
Mr. Paige is connected with the Masonic fraternity, and has held the principal offices of P:phraim 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 lilcler of the Presby- terian church for the past twenty years, and Mrs. Paige is a member.
fAMES U. PRINCE, of Amherst, one of the best known agriculturists of Hillshoro County, was born here, Au- gust 30, 1S28, son of James and Mary (Upham) Prince. Lieutenant Joseph Prince,
JAMES U. PRINCE.
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BIOGRAl'lIICAL REVIEW
39
his grtat-granclfather, who was of English birth, aiui hcltl his commission as Lieuten- ant under King George, having received from tiic king the grant of a large tract of land ex- tending through Amherst, Mont Vernon, and Bedford, came to this country, and settletl 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 WarT 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 cf militia. His marriage with Mary Upham was blessed by the birth of five chil- dren, of whom James U. and Luis are living. Lois is the wife of S. T. Jones, of Kasson, Minn. The mother died April 4, 1S37, 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
very acceptably as Selectman. He has a wide influence in the grange societies of this section. A charter member of Souhcgan Grange, he was its first Master. He was also the first Master of Pomona Grange, Hillsboro Ccunty, No. i, 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 Agricultural So- ciety he was at one time its president. He is a director of the Grange State Lair jield at Tilton, N.IL, 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 chief marshal when the Amherst soldiers' monument was dedi- cated. He is a regular attendant of the Con- "■regational church, of which Mrs. Prince is a member.
3JDWARD 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 Englaml. The grandfather of Edward A. Turner was John, bnrn in Mansfield, Mass. He spent the most of his life in Walpole, N.H., and died in Al- stead in 1S60, 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, 1 8 10, 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.
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lUOGRArillCAL REVIEW
VVilliani tlied 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 iiis 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. lie 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 1S82-83 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 ICmily (Farr) Chamberlain, of Chester- field. Her father, a farmer, who was born October 14, i8o6, 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 i, 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. is a 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 Ro.xy (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, Ro.vy 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 Sweft died in 1S76. She was a member of the Presbyterian church.
Ansun 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. When a 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 ofifice 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., horn May 30, 1886; and Mary G., born April 10, 1888. Mr. Swett is connected with the
1!K)(;RA1'111(AL RE\1K\\'
Masonic fraternity and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He and Mrs. Swett are members of the Presbyterian church.
OHN 11. COGGIN, a prominent farmer and dairyman of Amherst, who has been identified with the agricidtLual interests of Hillsboro County for more than twoscore years, was born March lo, 1838, in New J5oston, N. 11., 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, w^as 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 mi.xed husbandry until his death on January 18, 1877. hi 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, 1S62, 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. In addition to carrying on general farm- ing he makes a specialty of producing "Ynilk, having a valuable and profitable dairy. He is well known and esteemed througliDut the dis- trict for his strict integrity anil 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 Ajiril 9, 1866, to Miss Hariiet N. Secomb, a daughter of Uaniel Secomb, of Amherst. She died Jan- uary 8, 1882, leaving two children — P'rederick 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.
(Buss) Morrison. His grandfather, Samuel Morrison, born in Hancock, N. IL, 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 si.\ children; namely, Betsey, Sam- uel, Benjamin F., De.xter, Sally, and Andrew. Samuel Morrison (second), the father of Andrew Morrison, was born in Alstead, Au- gust 24, 1807, and died November 26, 1S86. 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 servetl in the legislatures of
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
1852, 1853, and 1854. Me attended the Methodist church. Warm-hearted and gener- ous, he was always ready to do a good turn for any man. Mis wife, I'21iza, who was born in July, iSio, daughter of David antl Annie (Jones) l^uss, of Marlow, died November 24, 1886. Slie was the mother of three boys — 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 tratles 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 com- 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 whicli 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 ofifices of the town.
Mr. Morrison married Julia V., who was born August 4, 1837, daughter of Nelson Kidder. ' One daughter, ■ Jennie K. , born March 24, 1S62, died June 15, 1S77. Nettie S., born January 18, 1865, is now Mrs. Clin- ton Gates, of Alstead.
/ ^Teorge harlon page ware
\ '3 I has been for forty years the black- smith of Alstead. Born November 28, 1836, in the town of Acworth, he is a son of Josejjh 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 184S.
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 Orthodo.x church. His wife, Susan, who was a native of Hillerica, Mass., bore him eight children, three of whom died in in- fancy. Susan, Joseph, Pamelia, Hannah, antl 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 chikhen; Hannah became Mrs. Henry King, of Boston, and had two sons.
George H. P. Ware received his early eilu- 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 aiul 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, 18 19, died February i8, 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 Keenc, Feb- ruary 2, 1870, married Charles F. Pierce, of Alstead. Jaines W. , born August 24, 1873, is the clerk at the Commercial House in Bel- lows P'alls, Vt. Bertha P^leanor, 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
lilOGKAI'HICAL REVIKW
43
other materials, which it would seem to be impossible to work witli. 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 ami skill.
/^TlToRGK ALFRED COCHRAN, a y '•) I highly esteemed resident of Antrim and an ex-member 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- ham. When fifteen years old, Isaac joined the Continental army as a drummer boy, and was afterward promoted to the rank of Lieu- tenant. In 17S4 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 as a 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-mill 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 local 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 survivt>r 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. P^astman, 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 lioston, employed as a lawyer's clerk. The rest of his life was passed in tilling the soil of the home farm. He served as a 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, la., and her children are Minnie A. and Eva A. Ann M. is the wife of Charles E. I{aton, 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 ofifices 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, antl he was Moderator at town meetings for fourteen years. In 1870 and 1S71 he reinesented the district in the legislature, he was County Commissioner from 1SS3 to 1889, and he was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention at Concord in i88g. For the past thirty years he has acted as a Justice of the Peace, and
44
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
is at the present time a member of tiie Board of Trustees of tiie Antrim Public Library.
On November 26, 1872, Mr. Cochran was united in marriage with Etta A. Chapman. She was horn in Windsor, N. H., daughter of Cajitain 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 si.x 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.
(sTX'^NER 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 acailemy in Francestown. He began life as a clerk in a dry-goods store in Manchester, where he remained two years, and in 185S he came to Antrim. In i860 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, 111., 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, i860, Mr. Crombie was united in marriage with Miss Louise H. Mc- Ilvaine, daughter of Moody B. Mcllvaine, of Antrim. Mr. and Mrs. Crombie have no children. Mr. Crombie is a member of Star in the liast Lodge, No. 166, F. & A. M., of Rockford, III. He is a comrade and was one 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 [jrogressive 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
BIOGRAPH I CA I, R KV I VAX
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 Hunker Hill to Milford, arrivins^ here early in the spring of 1800. Occupied in farming and becoming one of Rlilford'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 ilistrict 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 ap[iroved manner. He is a strong Republican in politics. During the years of 1859 and i860 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 iSoo, 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 Fawrence, 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, IVLass ; and lulward H., who resides in Milford. Mr. and Mrs. Col- burn have hail si.x children, three of whom have passetl to the higher life. The living children are: Anna L. , George W., and Percy IL Both parents are active Christians and members of the l?aptist church, in which the father has been a Deacon for twenty in- more years.
RANK A. HOLBROOK, an extensive farmer and dairyman of the town of Amherst, who owns and manages a good farm oT one hundred and forty acres, was born June 30, 1853, in Manchester, N.H., son of P'rancis W. Holbrook. He comes of noted Revolutionary stock, his great-grand- father, Elijah Holbrook, having been a C>uartermaster in the Revolutionary army. His father, who was born, bred, and eilucated in Alstcad, Cheshire County, subsequently lived for a time in the city of Manchester. P'rom Manchester, in 1854, P'rancis 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 jjosted 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.
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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, 1S76, 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 jirobably 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 1S12, 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 se-xton at Swanzey. In politics he was a Democrat. His religious belief was Lhiiversalism. 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 Caesar 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
ir~NANlKL r. KICNUAI.L, who was
I 1 born in Mont Vernon, January 3,
^|v97 1823, came of jiioneer ancestry. ' His paternal grantifather 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 ot 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 material 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 Democratic 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, 1S51, 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 lanil, formerly in-
cluded in the home farm. 11 is rei)nlaliim is that of a thorough-going and progressive farmer. A strong Republican in ])olitics, he has taken an active part in Idcal affairs. At one time he was Road Commissioner. I''or six years he was a member of the School Board, serving as ch.iirman of the Hoard 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 h'irst 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.
SALTMARSH, an industri- ous farmer and respected resident of Antrim, Hillsboro County, was born in this town, December 4, 1820, son of Isaac and Plxebe (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, Phoibe 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
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BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
living. Mrs. Isaac Saltmarsh died September r3, 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 tarming. 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 A 1 stead, was born in this town, June 8, 1822, son of Abijah and Sarah (Shepard) Brown. H is 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 i, 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 i86g. Of their seven chil- dren two died in infancy. The others were: Gardiner S. , Lucy B. , Nancy G., James A., and P]mily. Gardiner S. , who, born Septem- ber 10, 1 8 10, 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, 1S23.
(^AMES W. MORSE, the popular mer- chant of South Merrimac, born in Townsend, this State, October 6, i860, 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 not a 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-
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
49
over, N.H., and was sent to the public school ill that town and later to a school in Troy, N.ll. He started in business for himself in life b)' taking up government land 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 sell 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 hel]ier, and his success is largely credited by him to her foresight and practical suggestions. Their children are : Ernest P., born in 1S84; and Florence E. , born in 1886. Mr. Morse is a member of Granite Lodge, No. i, 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 (Heakl) L^oster, 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 I-'ostcr. was a Revolutionary soldier, as was also his grandfather, Joshua. I'he lather was a lifc- 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, 1S66. 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-
BIOGRATHICAL RKVIEW
siiiritcd and enterprising man. liulh he and his wife niDve in the best society of the town.
■r^UTllI':R HEMENWAY, a retired man- Ijl iifacturer of Marlboro and an e,\- JLJf ^ member of the New Hampshire legislature, was born in this town, January 15, 1827, son of Euther and ]5etsey (Cumniings) Hemenway. His grandparents, Ebenezer and Ruth (Gates) Hemenway, came here through the wilderness from Eramingham, Mass., and settled upon a tract of land bor- dering upon the town of Dublin. Ebenezer eventually replaced his log 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.
Euther Hemenway, who was born in Era- 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, lietsey, was a daughter of Amos Cummings. Her family were origi- nally from Seabrook, N. ff. She became the mother of four children, namely: Charles C, who is no longer living; Sarah; Eliza C. ; and Euther. 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 bo.x 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 l^residential 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 Eire 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 Universal ist 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.
HAREES E. MARSH, Postmaster of Greenville, an ex -member of the New
Hampshire legislature, and a veteran of the Civil War, was born in Gil- manton, N.H., April 4, 1836, son of Amos and Susan (Gilnian) Marsh. His grand- father, Joseph Marsh, who was born in E.\e- ter, N.H., December 20, 1754, followed the trade of blacksmith. Josejjh participated in t^ie battles of Lexington, Bunker Hill, and
other memorable fights of the Revolutionary AVar. 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 '7. '839. i" 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.
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LUTHER HEMENWAY.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIKW
S3
Amos Marsh was born in Gilinanton, 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 faniil}' 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 oUlest 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 a time 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 dj-y-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. lie 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 a member 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- sal ist 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 land 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 171 3. 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 liedfortl, 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. anil Abigail are living. Abigail, born November 23, 1846, married James K. 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, 1 866.
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 (S.tearns) 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.
T0TERBERT J. TAFT, one of the most
l-^-l active business men of Greenville
Ijs I and an e.x-member of the New
Hampshire legislature, was born in
this town, September i, i860, 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. P^rom New Ipswich he moved to Mason Village, now Greenville, where durin"g the last fifteen years of his lite 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 Greenville. 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. F'lorence 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. He was duly admitted to the bar, and two years later began the practice of his pro- fession in Greenville. In addition to his gen- eral law 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
SS
tee of the Chamberlain I'ublic Librai)'. 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. Mis only child, James Chamberlain Taft, was horn I^'ebruary 16, 1S91. 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 (ireenville. 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, FZsther 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. As a 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 ciiililren, of whom William I'"., Joseph E., Laura, and Elizabeth are living. Josc]jh married Sarah F. A. Little, of Enfield, N.H., and lias three children — Charles H., Mabel L., and Mary F. Elizabeth is the wife of Owen L. Bou- telle. Mrs. Lewis Symontis, who is still liv- ing, and resides in Penacook, is now eighty- eight years old. She is a member of tlie 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. F"or a 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.
lAROLINE 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. I'ield 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 Lisights," "Odd or Even," "Cook Book," "Bonnyborough," "Homespun Yarns," " Asciitney 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 1 87 1, 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.
lELBERN 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, 182S. 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 Mclbern 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. Mar\'in'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 lumber 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 RIWIEVV
57
Mr. Knight is a Democrat in politics and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a liberal giver to charitable objects.
I^INNIE E. STACY, of Lyndebnro, a representative of one (jf the old- est families in Hillsboro County, was born in South Lyndeboro, N. II., October 12, 1S72, daughter of Byron and Sarah Adeline (Tarbell) Stacy. On the mother's side Miss .Stacy is a descendant in the ninth gcneratinn 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, 17 17. On De- cember I, 1 686, 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 ne.xt in line, was the youngest child and only son of Thomas Tarbell (third) by his first union. Born February 2, 17 19, he resided in Mason, N. H., was identified with public affairs, and served as Town Clerk from 1762 to 1773- He died February g, 1777. On June 19, 1741, he married Flsther .Smith, by whom he became the father of si.\ children. Thomas Tarbell (fifth), the fifth child of Cap- tain Thomas, was born in Mason, October 8, 175 1. On July 8, 17S8, 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, 185 1. He married Betsey Shattuck, of Pepperell, Mass., and reared three children, of whom Joel H. was the eldest.
Joel II. Tarbell, Miss Stacy's grandfather, born in Mason, I'ebruary 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, Joel H. Tarbell married Esther 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 ig, 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 able and suc- cessful business man, and highly esteemed by his fellow-townsmen. He served witli ability as Town Clerk and Ta.\ Collector, and was twice a candidate for the legislature. On May 18, 1865, he married Emily C. Chamber] in, 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 Lyndehoro. 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, 1S75, and the only child of their union is Minnie E., the subject of this sketch. Mrs. Byron Stacy died September 1 1, 1882.
LEXANDER CALDWELL, a pai.er manufacturer of Bennington, was born in Troy, N.Y., November i, 1853, son of David and Margaret (An- drews) Caldwell. His grandfather, Alexander Caldwell, a native of Scotland, came to this
S8
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
country and settled in Tennessee. Alexander was a paper-maker by trade. He married Elizabeth Eraser, 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 1S85 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.
FRY FORSTER HITCH, a prom- nent summer resident of Aistcnd,
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.
AMES M. BURNS, an esteemed resi- dent of Milford, is the present worthy representative of an old and respected famil)' 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 [la- 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 long time the Tax Collector of Mil- ford. He was Captain of an artillery company
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liKKlRArillCAL KE\ IKW
59
ill 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 Rrookline, 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, 1S65. He then returned to Mil- ford, which has since been his home. In 1871 he built a house of fifteen rooms, and, after occu])ying a part of it for seventeen years, he sold it for use as a Congregational parson- age. PI is present residence was built by him in iSgt. 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. Retaining the faith in which they were reared, they are attendants of the Congregational church.
rm
ILMAN F. FARLEY, one of GofTs-
\ •) I 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.II., married Hannah Fletcher, and died when somewhat over seventy-five years old, in \ew Boston, N.H. His son, Caleb V., born in Hollis, February 15, 1 807, 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. I lis wife, Sally, was born in Hojikinton, March 10, 1 8 10. Both she and her husband lived to be seventy-si.v years of age. They had three children — Gilman F'., Carrie, and Sarah J. Carrie became the wife of Deacon Francis O. Colby, of Goffstovvn ; 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 School 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. L^. 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 L^nitarian denomination. In politics he is a Democrat.
Mr. P"arley 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-
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BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
I'ied on September 25, 1888, to Mrs. Julia M. McDiiffie, a widow with one eliild, named Gracic M. McDuffie.
lliVVIS R. CASS, one oi tiie most ex- tensive farmers and stocl<-raisers in Richmond, Cheshire County, was born in this town, January 13, 1853, son of Ahaz and Syrena (Richardson) Cass. Mis grandfather, Martin Cass, was a grandson of the founder of the family in Rich- mond. Ahaz Cass, father of Lewi.s, 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 9, 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 ilairy 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 Hoard of Selectmen in 1897. He is a 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 dautrhtcr, Anna L.
son
AMES H. BARTLETT, the genial proprietor of Pleasant V^iew Farm, Shirley Hill, Goffstown, was born in Carroll, Coos County, April 2, 1842, of Frederick A. and Clarissa (Bacon) Bartlett. Frederick A. Bartlett, a native of Unity, N.H., was born in 1809. He settled on a 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, 1813, died March 10, 18S7, aged seventy-four years. They had ten children, namely: Warren L. (deceased), born May i, 1832; Sarah A., born May i, 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; and 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
BIOGRAl'HICAL REVIEW
6i
present place, which has been his residence since December, 18S5. 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 i<eeping 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 VV. (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, 1S68, 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 is a 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 Phi la (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 rcmoveii 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 173S. lilijah 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-
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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. In a 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 afTairs 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- ju.sted the affairs of over one hundred different estates, and upon the resignation of Judge Hardy he was tendered the ofifice 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. F""or 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- riage with Maria L. Walker. She was a daughter of Samuel Walker "and a grand- daughter of Cai^tain James Walker, a Revolu- ,tionary soldfen Mrs. Barrows became the Inother 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