Milton Observer

By Muriel Bristol | October 18, 2026

James Varney was born in Dover, NH, circa 1765, son of James and Abigail (Frye) Varney.

James Varney and his brother, John Varney, have been described as early settlers of West Milton.

This was soon followed by quite a rush of settlers to the west side of the town, Daniel Hayes, Caleb Wakeham, Enoch Varney, Samuel Nute, William Wentworth, William Tuttle, Ichabod Hayes, James Hayes, Ebenezer Coursan, and Stephen Meseron [Meserve] being among the first. Jeremiah Cook, Dudley Burnham, Jotham Nute, Otis Pinkham, Ephraim Plumer, John Twombly, James Varney, John Varney, William Mathes, and others coming soon after.

James Varney married in Rochester, NH, June 7, 1787, Martha Wentworth, he of Dover, NH, and she of Rochester, NH. She was born in Rochester, NH, August 21, 1766, daughter of William and Hannah (Hayes) Wentworth. She was a namesake for her paternal grandmother, Martha (Grant) Wentworth.

(The known children of James and Martha (Wentworth) Varney were: Abigail Varney (1788-1870), Hopley Varney (1792-1854), Ira Varney (1803-1888), “and others”).

Daughter Abigail Varney was born in Rochester, NH, April 21, 1788. [daughter of Jonathan and Martha Varney].

James Varney headed a Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, household at the time of the First (1790) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 16-plus years [himself], two females [Martha (Wentworth) Varney, Abigail Varney], and one male aged under-16 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Ezecal Hays and Jotham Nute. (See Northeast Parish in the First (1790) Federal Census).

Son Hopley Varney was born in Rochester, NH, in 1792.

James Varney headed a Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Martha (Wentworth) Varney], one female aged 10-15 years, one male aged under-10 years, and two females aged under-10 years. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

Son Ira Varney was born in Rochester, NH, in 1803. [son of James and Elizabeth Varney].

James Varney was among the fifty-two Milton petitioners that sought to have Jotham Nute appointed as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, in August 1805.

James Varney was assessed in the Milton School District No. 2 of Lieut. J. Nute in 1806. (See Milton School Districts – 1806).

Daughter Abigail Varney married in Milton, April 24, 1806, Ebenezer Clark, she of Milton and he of Barrington, NH. Wm Palmer, J.P., performed the ceremony. Clark was born in Barrington, NH, March 11, 1783, son of Daniel and Love (Drew) Clark.

James Varney headed a Milton household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one female aged 45-plus years [Martha (Wentworth) Varney], one male aged 16-25 years, two females aged 10-15 years, and one male aged under-10 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Ezekiel Hayes and Wd [Widow] Mary Varney. (See Milton in the Third (1810) Federal Census).

Ebenezr Clerk [Clark] headed a Barrington, NH, household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Abigail (Varney) Clark], one male aged under-10 years, and one female aged under-10 years.

Martha (Wentworth) Varney died after 1810, when she was aged 45-plus years, i.e., born before 1765, but before 1830.

Son Hopley Varney married in Rochester, NH, November 25, 1813, Lydia Varney, both of Milton. She was born in Milton, circa 1790, daughter of Aaron and Anne (Clements) Varney.

James Varney and his son, Hopley Varney, signed the Milton anti-division remonstrance of June 1820 requesting that Milton not be divided in two parts. (See Milton Militia Dispute – 1820).

Son Ira Varney married in Berwick, ME, April 21, 1825, Lydia Jenkins, he of Milton and she of South Berwick, ME. Linzey Wallis, J.P., performed the ceremony. She was born in Durham, NH, circa 1806, daughter of Nathaniel and Sally (Hammett) Jenkins.

Jas Varney headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 70-79 years [himself], and one female aged 20-29 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of J.C. Varney and Ira Varney. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

Hopley Varney headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged one male aged 30-39 years [himself], one female aged 40-49 years, one female aged 15-19 years, one male aged 10-14 years, one female aged 10-14 years, one female aged 5-9 years, and one male aged under-5 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Hayes Nute and J.C. Varney. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

Ira Varney headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 20-29 years [himself], one female aged 20-29 years [Lydia (Jenkins) Varney], and one male aged under-5 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Jas Varney and David Nute. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

James Varney died after 1830, when he was aged 70-79 years (i.e., he was born between 1751 and 1760), but before 1840.

Son-in-law Ebenezer Clark died in Strafford, NH, November 24, 1837, aged fifty-four years.

Harpley [Hopley] Varney headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 40-49 years [himself], one male aged 20-29 years, one female aged 20-29 years, one male aged 10-14 years, and one female aged 60-69 years. Two members of his household were engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Jeremiah Cook and Stephen Twombly.

Ira Varney headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 30-39 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years [Lydia (Jenkins) Varney], one female aged 15-19 years, one male aged 10-14 years, one male aged 5-9 years, one female aged 5-9 years. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John C. Varney and David Nute.

Abigail [(Varney)] Clark, aged sixty-two years (b. NH), headed a Strafford, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. Her household included James B. Clark, a farmer, aged forty-one years (b. NH), Elisabeth [(Nute)] Clark, aged forty-one years (b. NH), Eliza J. Clark, aged fifteen years (b. NH), and Abigail M. Clark, aged thirteen years (b. NH). Abigail Clark had real estate valued at $3,000.

Hopley Varney, a farmer, aged fifty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Lydia [(Varney)] Varney, aged sixty years (b. NH), Caroline Varney, aged thirty-four years (b. NH), James H. Varney, a shoemaker, aged twenty years (b. NH), Joseph Pitman, a farmer, aged forty-four years (b. NH), and Isaac Young, aged fifty-two years (b. NH). Hopley Varney had real estate valued at $1,500. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Joseph Cook, a farmer, aged forty-one years (b. NH), and Isaac Young, a carpenter, aged fifty-two years (b. NH).

Ira Varney, a farmer, aged forty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Lydia [(Jenkins)] Varney, aged forty-four years (b. NH), Nathaniel B. Varney, a shoemaker, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), James B. Varney, a farmer, aged sixteen years (b. NH), Sarah E. Varney, aged eighteen years (b. NH), and Ira C. Varney, aged nine years (b. NH). Ira Varney had real estate valued at $2,500. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Ezekiel Nute, a farmer, aged fifty-six years (b. NH), and John C. Varney, a farmer, aged fifty-four years (b. NH).

Hopley Varney of Milton, husbandman, made his last will, July 24, 1852. He bequeathed two cows and four sheep to his wife, Lydia Varney, to be kept on the farm for her benefit. She was to receive also an annual allotment of twelve bushels of good corn, thirty bushels of potatoes, “and as much garden sauce and cider apples and all other sauce that grows on the farm as is necessary for her.” The “sauce” mentioned here is a 18th and early 19th century Yankee term for root and other vegetables. She was to have also as much of the house and cellar as is necessary for her use and benefit during her widowhood, and wood sufficient for one fire, to be delivered to the house fitted for a stove or fireplace as she may choose. She was to have also the household furniture not otherwise mentioned.

He bequeathed his homestead farm in Milton to his son, James H. Varney. The farm included its buildings, farming utensils, and stock, excepting three cows and fours sheep. He bequeathed $5 to his daughter, Martha Ann Hanson. He bequeathed to his daughter, Caroline Varney, one cow, one bed and bedding, and all the table linen, and bedding she had made for herself, and a decent and handsome maintenance on the farm as long as she remained unmarried. She was to receive $40 should she marry. He bequeathed one cow, three sheep, and two steer to his son, John W. Varney. He named his son, James H. Varney, as executor. Elihu Hayes, Isaac Cook, and Ichabod H. Wentworth signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 66:187).

Hopley Varney died in Milton, February 3, 1854. His last will was proved in a Strafford County Probate Court held in Dover, NH, March 7, 1854 (Strafford County Probate, 66:188).

James V. Clark, a farmer, aged fifty years, headed a Strafford (“Bow Pond P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Elizabeth [(Nute)] Clark, aged fifty years (b. NH), Abbie M. Clark, teacher of common school, aged twenty-two years (b. NH), Joseph A. Clark, aged eleven years (b. NH), Abigail [(Varney)] Clark, aged seventy-two years (b. NH), and Jonathan Witham, a farm laborer, aged twenty years (b. NH). James V. Clark had real estate valued at $4,000 and personal estate valued at $1,000.

Henry Varney, aged thirty years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Lydia [(Varney)] Varney, aged seventy years (b. NH), and Caroline Varney, aged forty-four years (b. NH). He had real estate valued at $2,000 and personal estate valued at $500. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Nathl W. Burnham, a farmer, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), and Joseph Cook, a farmer, aged fifty-one years (b. NH).

Ira Varney, a farmer, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Lydia Varney, aged fifty-four years (b. NH), J.C. I.C.] Varney, a farmer, aged nineteen years (b. NH), and L.J. Tibbetts, aged ten years (b. NH). Ira Varney had real estate valued at $2,000 and personal estate valued at $1,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of William J. Tibbetts, a farmer, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), and Paul Reynolds, a farmer, aged sixty-one years (b. NH).

James V. Clark, a farmer, aged sixty-years (b. NH), headed a Strafford, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Elizabeth [(Nute)] Clark, keeping house, aged sixty-one years (b. NH), Georgie N. Clark, a school teacher, aged eighteen years (b. NH), Abigail [(Varney)] Clark, aged eighty-two years (b. NH), Woodbury M. Bateman, a farm laborer, aged nineteen years (b. NH), Edwin S. Otis, a farm laborer, aged eighteen years (b. NH), and George W. Nelson, at school, aged eight years (b. NH). James V. Clark had real estate valued at $5,000 and personal estate valued at $500.

James H. Varney, a farmer, aged forty years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Lydia [(Varney)] Varney, keeping house, aged eighty years (b. NH), and Caroline Varney, aged fifty-four years (b. NH). James H. Varney had real estate valued at $1,000 and personal estate valued at $712. Lydia Varney had personal estate valued at $220; and Caroline Varney had personal estate valued at $100. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Deborah [(Davis)] Pike, keeping house, aged sixty-nine years (b. NH), and Joseph Cook, a farmer, aged sixty-one years (b. NH).

Ira Varney, a farmer, aged sixty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Lydia [(Jenkins)] Varney, keeping house, aged sixty-four years (b. NH). Ira Varney had real estate valued at $2,000, and personal estate valued at $640. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Chartles E. Ricker, works for shoe factory, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), and David Nute, a farmer, aged seventy-three years (b. NH).

Daughter Abigail (Varney) Clark died of lung fever in Strafford, NH, December 4, 1870, aged eighty-two years. She was a married farmer. (daughter of Jonathan and “Marthar” Varney).

Daughter-in-law Lydia (Varney) Varney died May 2, 1872, aged eighty-one years.

Ira Varney, a farmer, aged seventy-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included Lydia [(Jenkins)] Varney, keeping house, aged seventy-four years (b. NH). They shared a two-family residence with the household of Nathaniel B. Varney, a blacksmith, aged fifty-six years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Eli Varney, a farmer, aged forty-nine years (b. NH), and Samuel Hooper, a farmer, aged seventy-two years (b. ME).

Daughter-in-law Lydia (Jenkins) Varney died in Milton, February 23, 1881, aged seventy-five years and sixteen days.

DEATHS. In Milton, Feb. 23, of paralysis, Lydia, wife of Ira Varney, aged 75 yrs., 16. days (Farmington News, February 25, 1881).

Grandson Ira C. Varney opened a Boston Branch Grocery franchise store in Rochester, NH, in 1881.

GRANITE STATE NEWS. … Ira C. Varney of Farmington, with some Massachusetts parties, has opened a Boston branch store at Rochester (Boston Post, December 1, 1881).

ROCHESTER. A little more than a year ago Ira C. Varney, formerly one of your townsmen, came to this village and opened a Boston Branch Grocery here. At the time most people shook their heads for he had no team and his store was not considered as favorably situated as many others we might mention, and then prominent among the leading groceries were Standley’s, while Biddle’s Boston Branch in Dover was getting into position with their goods marked down, and considering the larger stores and low prices for Mr. Varney to contend with, it was not much wonder that knowing ones shook their heads and said, “short lived, short lived,” but to use Mr. Varney’s own language, he “kept quiet and let the cat jump,” and soon those places which some thought would devour all the smaller ones began to fall in the rear and Mr. Varney began slowly but surely to advance and to-day we believe in the line of a first-class has stands even if not a little in advance of his competitors, and we have now some 12 or 15 groceries in this village that will average as good in all respects as the state affords (January 12, 1883).

Son Ira Varney died of dropsy in Milton, August 29, 1888, eighty-five years, seven months, and twenty-four days. He was a widowed farmer.

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References:

Find a Grave. (2013, August 23). Abigail “Abbie” Varney Clark. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/115921622/abigail-clark

Find a Grave. (2012, April 25). Hopley Varney. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/89126239/hopley-varney

Find a Grave. (2021, July 7). Ira Varney. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/229234499/ira-varney

Find a Grave. (2012, April 24). James Varney, Jr. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/89090906/james-varney

By Muriel Bristol | October 11, 2026

Amos Witham was born in Kittery, ME, in 1742, son of Gattensby and Margaret (Cater) Witham.

Amos Witham married in Kittery, ME, September 6, 1764, Lucy Weeks. She was born in Kittery, ME, in 1739, daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Wilson) Weeks.

(The known children of Amos and Lucy (Weeks) Witham were: John Witham (1765-1847), Josiah Witham (1768-184?), and Obadiah Witham (1771-1841)).

Son John Witham was born in Kittery, ME, circa 1765. Son Josiah Witham was born in Kittery, ME, December 2, 1768. Son Obadiah Witham was born in Kittery, ME, circa 1771.

Amos Witham was one of thirteen Kittery inhabitants residing near Spruce Creek that petitioned the ME legislature, March 28, 1772, seeking fishing regulations at Spruce Creek.

To his Excellency the Governor of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay the Hond his Majestys Council for said Province & the Honb House of Representatives for Said Province in general Assembly Convend the 28th Day of March 1772 The Petition of the Subscribers Inhabitants of the Town of Kittery in the County of York living at and near a place in Said Town called Spruce Creek Humbly Shew That whereas they are Given to understand that a Petition of Some of the Inhabitants of Said Town is preferred to Your Excellency and Honours to have a Prohibition laid on Seining of Shad and alewives in the Said Creek called Spruce Creek upon which they would be glad to observe that to have the Fishing in Said Creek put upon some Regulation Your Petitioners are in no manner averse But they Humbly Concieve that to absolutely Prohibet catching the Said Fish in Scienes [seines] and at the same time to permit the Catching of them in wares [weirs] and Hedges as the manner has been of late would be Inequitable as these wares and Hedges are Usually made and Continued on the Flats or shallows which are claimed as the Property of the Propriators of the Land Contiguous and adjoining their being but one Small Sciene [seine] made use of by a party that has no place Conveniant to Set up a ware [weir] or Hedges for the cetching Said Fish that the distruction of the Fish is much more made by these wares [weirs] than by Seining as they are usually kept up all the fishing Season and take all the Fish that come within them every Tide whereas Seining is generally made in the middle of the River and is only occasionally done to Catch Bait to Carry on the Cod fishery that your Petitioners can not but be apprehensive that the Prayer of the Said Petition before Referrd to notwithstanding the pretences therein made for the Public Good is Principally intended for the Emolument of Individuals and therefore Your Petitioners Humbly hope the thereof will not be Granted THOMS CHASE, RICHD KEATING, JOHN SPINNEY ye 3d, ROBT CUTTS, BRADSTREET CHASE, JOHN SPINAY, JOHN CATOR, PARKER FOSTER, JOHN TOTHERLY, JOHN CHASE, MATTHEW GROVER, WILLIAM FERNALD, AMOS WITHAM (MA General Court, 1886).

Amos Witham would seem to have settled in Rochester’s Northeast Parish, i.e., the Milton Branch and Milton Mills part of what would become Milton, before 1790. (Yet he was not enumerated by name there in the First (1790) Federal Census).

It does not appear that any settlement was made east of the West Branch river prior to about 1785 or 1786, and among the earlier settlers there may be named among others Reuben Jones, Paul Jewett, Amos Witham, the Berrys, the Millers, Ephraim Twombly, Paul Wentworth, Caleb Wingate, David Coursan, John McDuffee, and soon after Hatwell [Hatevil] Nutter, Thomas Applebee, William Applebee, John Hart, John Remick, Jr., Jonathan Dearborn, Joseph Dearborn, and many others (Scales, 1914).

Paul Jewett, Amos Witham, Reuben Jones and others were the first settlers of the section near the West Branch river. They came probably about 1785 or 1786.
Among the first who settled at Three Ponds were Samuel Palmer, [John] Levi Burgen, John Fish, Paul Jewett, Pelatiah Hanscom, Robert McGooch, and others (Hurd, 1882).

Son Josiah Witham married in Wakefield, NH, August 5, 1792, Mehitable “Hittie” Jones. She was born in Berwick, ME, March 20, 1770, daughter of Reuben and Mary “Molly” (Nock) Jones.

Son Obadiah Witham married in Wakefield, NH, in 1800, Nancy Hanson, both of Rochester, NH. Rev. Asa Piper performed the ceremony.

Amos Witham headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus [himself], one female aged 45-plus [Lucy (Weeks) Witham], one male aged 26-44 years  [Obadiah Witham], and one male aged 10-15 years [Joseph Witham]. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

John Witham headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 [Mary (Littlefield) Witham], two males aged 10-15, two males aged under-10 years, and two females aged under-10 years. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

Josiah Witham headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 [Mehitable (Jones) Witham], one male aged 10-15 years, and four females aged under-10 years [Sarah Witham, Mary J. Witham, and Lucy Witham]. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census)

Amos Witham and his sons, John Witham, Josiah Witham, and Obadiah Witham, as well as Ruben Jones, all signed the Rochester Division Petition of May 1802.

Amos Witham, Aron Witham, John Witham, Josiah Witham, Obadiah Witham, and Edmd Witham, were assessed in the Milton School District No. 3 of Paul Jewett Esq.  (See Milton School Districts – 1806).

Amos Witham headed a Milton household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one female aged 45-plus years [Lucy (Weeks) Witham], and one male aged 16-25 years [Joseph Witham]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Stephen Watson and Josiah Witham. (See Milton in the Third (1810) Federal Census).

John Witham headed a Milton household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Mary (Littlefield) Witham], one male aged 16-25 years, one male aged 10-15 years, two females aged 10-15 years, and two females aged under-10 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of James Merry and Stephen Watson. (See Milton in the Third (1810) Federal Census).

Josiah Witham headed a Milton household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 16-25 years [Mehitable (Jones) Witham], three females aged 10-15 years [Sarah Witham, Mary J. Witham], one male aged under-10 years [Reuben J. Witham], five females aged under-10 years [Mehitable Witham, Rhoda Witham, Clarissa Witham]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Amos Witham and Nathl Jewett. (See Milton in the Third (1810) Federal Census).

Obadiah Witham headed a Milton household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Nancy (Hanson) Witham], one female aged 16-25 years, four males aged under-10 years, and one female aged under-10 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Timo Wentworth and Jona Young. (See Milton in the Third (1810) Federal Census).

Lucy (Weeks) Witham died in Milton, April 27, 1823, aged eighty-four years. Amos Witham died in Milton, August 9, 1823, aged eighty-one years.

Son Obadiah Witham published a legal notice, in 1828, acknowledging his own son, Ira L. Witham, to be an emancipated minor.

NOTICE. I, OBADIAH WITHAM, of Milton, N.H., do hereby certify that I have this day given my son Ira L. Witham, his time till he becomes twenty-one years of age; and that he has liberty to act and trade for himself, and that I shall not claim any of his earnings. OBADIAH WITHAM. Witness, John Kimball. Milton, July 16, 1823 .29 (Dover Enquirer, September 8, 1828).

John Witham headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 60-69 years [himself], one female aged 60-69 years [Mary (Littlefield) Witham], one female aged 20-29 years, and one male aged 10-14 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of R.J. Witham and John Witham, Jr. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

Josiah Witham headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 60-69 years [himself], one female aged 60-69 years [Mehitable (Jones) Witham], one female aged 30-39 years, one female aged 20-29 years, and one male aged 10-14 years [Josiah N. Witham]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Amos Witham and R.J. Witham. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

Obediah Witam [Obadiah Witham] headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one female aged 50-59 years [Nancy (Hanson) Witham], two males aged 10-14 years, and one male aged 5-9 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Eph Pickering and Otis Wentworth. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

Son John Witham, Mary [(Littlefield)] Witham; Josiah Witham, Mehitable [(Jones)] Witham; and Nancy [(Hanson)] Witham, were among the the fifty-two members that were dismissed or released from the Acton and Milton Baptist Church, October 28, 1834, in order to found the Milton Baptist Church.

Baptist Church. – Prior to 1834 a church existed, known as the Acton and Milton Baptist Church. This church had a large membership in Milton. On the 28th day of October, in said year, fifty-two members were dismissed from said church, and the 30th day of the same October they organized them into a new church, called the Baptist Church of Milton. The membership was as follows: Charles Swasey, Sarah Swasey, John Shackford, Elizabeth Hart, Ann E. Hart, Hannah Nutter, Ruth Nutter, Samuel S. Hart, Daniel Jones, Nancy Witham, Ira Witham, Nathan Jones, Mehitable Witham, Eunice Swasey, Harriet Fox, Widow Betsey Berry, Susan S. Nutter, Mary Ann Nutter, John Witham, Jr., William S. Nutter, Aaron H. Hadsdan, Nathaniel O. Hart, John Witham, Francis Berry, Josiah Witham, Susan Jones, Martha Witham, Fatima Wallingford, Lydia Jewett, Susan Archabald, Eliza G. Berry, James J. Jewett, Lydia Witham, Nathan Dore, Climena Witham, Alice Hussey, Mary Wentworth, Lydia Fall, Sarah Wentworth, Sally Merrow, Eliza Merrow, Mary Jones, Nancy Jewett, Asa Jewett, Betsey Berry, Mary Witham, Abigail Witham, Deborah Dore, Sarah Berry, Francis Wallingford, Sarah Dore, Elizabeth Nutter. William S. Nutter was chosen clerk, and Charles Swasey and John Witham, Jr., were chosen and ordained as deacons. Of these fifty-two members nine only are now living (Scales, 1914).

Josiah Witham headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 70-79 years [himself], one female aged 60-69 years [Mehitable (Jones) Witham], one female aged 40-49 years [Lucy Witham], one female aged 30-39 years [Mehitable Witham], and one female aged 10-14 years. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of [his sons,] Josiah N. Witham and Reuben J. Witham.

Obidiah [Obadiah] Witham headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 60-69 years [himself], one female aged 60-69 years [Nancy (Hanson) Witham], one male aged 30-39 years, one female aged 20-29 years, and one female aged under-5 years. Two members of his household were engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Phineas Wentworth and Samuel Guptill.

Son Obadiah Witham died in Milton, in June 1841, aged sixty-nine years.

Died. In Milton, Mr. Obadiah Witham, aged 69 (Dover Enquirer, June 22, 1841).

Grandson Ira L. Witham married in Wakefield, NH, November 4, 1843, Climena P. Witham, both of Milton. Rev. Joseph Spinney performed the ceremony.

Son John Witham died in Milton, in February 1847, aged about eighty-two years.

DEATHS. In Milton, Mr. John Witham aged about 82 (Dover Enquirer, March 2, 1847).

Josiah N. Witham, farming, aged thirty-four years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Sarah [(Walker)] Witham, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), Charles Witham, aged ten years (b. NH), Eliza Witham, aged six years (b. NH), Charles Witham, aged three years (b. NH), Mehitable [(Jones)] Witham, aged eighty-two years (b. ME), Lucy Witham, aged fifty years (b. NH), and Martha Witham, aged forty years (b. NH). Josiah N. Witham had real estate value at $3,000. Their household was enumerated between those of Brackett Merrill, a lumber dealer, aged thirty-four years (b. ME), and Asa Jewett, a lumber dealer, aged thirty-five years (b. NH).

Ira L. Witham, a farmer, aged forty years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Climena [(Witham)] Witham, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), Zilpha Witham, aged ten years (b. NH), Nancy E. Witham, aged eight years (b. NH), Cordelia Witham, aged six years (b. NH), and Nancy [(Hanson)] Witham, aged seventy-one years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Asa H. Witham, a farmer, aged thirty-three years (b. NH), and Benjamin Dorr, a farmer aged sixty-three years (b. ME).

J.N. Witham, a farmer, aged forty-four years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills”) household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Sarah A. [(Walker)] Witham, aged forty-six years (b. NH), Charles Witham, aged fourteen years (b. NH), and Mary E. Witham, aged eleven years (b. NH). J.N. Witham had real estate valued at $3,000 and personal estate valued at $1,500. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Nathl Rines, a farmer, aged forty-four years (b. NH), and [his mother,] Mehitable [(Jones)] Witham, aged ninety years (b. NH).

Mehitable (Jones) Witham died of old age in Milton, May 10, 1863, aged ninety-three years. She was a farmer.

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References:

Hurd, Duane H. (1882). History of Rockingham and Strafford Counties. Retrieved from www.google.com/books/edition/History_of_Rockingham_and_Strafford_Coun/juuVEQAAQBAJ?&pg=PA645

MA General Court. (1886). Acts and Resolves, Public and Private, of the Province of Massachusetts Bay. Retrieved from www.google.com/books/edition/The_Acts_and_Resolves_Public_and_Private/bguedZxfwjsC&pg=PA185

Scales, John. (1914). History of Strafford County, New Hampshire and Representative Citizens. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=nGsjAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA508

By Muriel Bristol | October 4, 2026

John Twombly, Jr., was born in Rochester, NH, April 20, 1769, son of James and Tamson (Drew) Twombly.

The next settlement is believed to have been made upon Plumer’s Ridge in 1772 or 1773, or very near that time and probably by Benjamin Scates, Beard Plumer, and his brother Joseph, sons of the Hon. John Plumer, of Rochester, however, were very early settlers, and it has been sometimes questioned whether they were not the first in this locality. James C. Hayes, David Wallingford, William Palmer, Elijah Horn, Moses Chamberlain and others very soon followed and opened up settlements in this neighborhood. This was soon followed by quite a rush of settlers to the west side of the town, Daniel Hayes, Caleb Wakeham, Enoch Varney, Samuel Nute, William Wentworth, William Tuttle, Ichabod Hayes, James Hayes, Ebenezer Coursan, and Stephen Meseron [Meserve] being among the first. Jeremiah Cook, Dudley Burnham, Jotham Nute, Otis Pinkham, Ephraim Plumer, John Twombly, James Varney, John Varney, William Mathes, and others coming soon after (Scales, 1914).

[Father] James Twambly [Twombly] headed a Northwest Parish, Rochester, NH, household at the time of the First (1790) Federal Census. His household included two males aged 16-plus years [himself], three males aged under-16 years, and six females [Tamson (Drew) Twombly]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Richd Randllett and Moses Horne. (See Northeast Parish in the First (1790) Federal Census).

Father James Twombly died in Rochester, NH, April 1, 1798.

John Twombly, Junr, married in Rochester, NH, May 7, 1798, Abigail Meserve, both of Rochester, NH. Rev. Joseph Haven performed the ceremony. She was born in Rochester, NH, circa 1780, daughter of Stephen and Abigail (Yeaton) Meserve.

(The known children of John and Abigail (Meserve) Twombly were: James Meserve Twombly (1798–1885), Stephen Meserve Twombly (1804–1879), Tamson Twombly (1805–1834), John Twombly (1807–1891), Abigail Twombly (1809–1893), Samuel Twombly (1811–1891), Ezra Meserve Twombly (1815–1816), William B. Twombly (1818–1880), and Betsey Meserve Twombly (1820–1904)).

Son James Meserve Twombly was born in Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, November 3, 1798. He was a namesake for his paternal grandfather, James Twombly.

John Twombly headed a Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 16-25 years [Abigail (Meserve) Twombly], one male aged under-10 years [James M. Twombly], and one female aged under-10 years. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

John Twombly signed the Rochester division petition of May 28, 1802.

Son Stephen Meserve Twombly was born in Milton, October 3, 1804. He was a namesake for his maternal grandfather, Stephen Meserve.

Daughter Tamson Twombly was born in Milton, in 1805. She was a namesake for her paternal grandmother, Tamson (Drew) Twombly.

John Twombly, Jur, was assessed in the Milton School District No. 4 of Dudley Burnham in 1806 (See Milton School Districts – 1806).

Son John Twombly, [III], was born in Milton, February 14, 1807. He was a namesake for his father, John Twombly, Jr.

Daughter Abigail Twombly was born in Milton, February 19, 1809. She was a namesake for her mother, Abigail (Meserve) Twombly, and for her maternal grandmother, Abigail (Yeaton) Meserve.

Jno Twambly [Twombly], Jun., headed a Milton household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Abigail (Meserve) Twombly], one male aged 10-15 years, one female aged 10-15 years, two males aged under-10 years, and two males aged under-10 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Oliver Peavey and Wm Tuttle. (See Milton in the Third (1810) Federal Census).

Son Samuel Twombly was born in Milton, August 19, 1811.

Son Ezra Meserve Twombly was born in Milton, February 15, 1815. He died in Milton, in May 1816, aged one year.

Son William B. Twombly was born in Milton, in 1818.

Daughter Elizabeth Meserve “Betsey” Twombly was born in Milton, March 14, 1820.

John Twombly 3rd signed the Milton Anti-Division Remonstrance in June 1820. He signed also the Milton Militia Division Petition of November 1820. (See Milton Militia Dispute – 1820).

Son James M. Twombly married (1st) in the First Congregational Church in Dover, NH, October 2, 1825, Eunice Burrows, he of Milton and she of Dover, NH. Rev. Joseph W. Clary performed the ceremony. She was born in Lebanon, ME, June 4, 1799, daughter of Edward and Margaret (Chamberlain) Burrows.

The U.S. Post Office Department appointed son James M. Twombly as Milton’s fourth Postmaster on September 18, 1827. (See Milton’s First Postmasters (1818-c1840)).

Son J.M. Twombly, W.B. Wiggin, and H. Meserve were Milton Selectmen in 1829. (See Milton Selectmen, 1802-1907).

Son Stephen M. Twombly married (1st) in Farmington, NH, December 20, 1829, Mary T. Howe, both of Milton. Rev. John H. Nutter performed the ceremony. She was born in Milton, October 6, 1809, daughter of Jonathan and Mehitable (Twombly) Howe.

John Twombly headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 60-69 years [himself], one female aged 40-49 years [Abigail (Meserve) Twombly], two females aged 20-29 years, two males aged 15-19 years, one male aged 10-14 years, and one female aged 10-14 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Isaac Young and Stephen Twombly. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

Jas. M. Twombly headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 30-39 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years [Eunice (Burrows) Twombly], one male aged under-5 years, and one female aged under-5 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Steph. Maine [Main] and John Willey. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

Stephen Twombly headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 20-29 years [himself], one female aged 20-29 years [Mary T. (Howe) Twombly]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John Twombly and Nathl Miller. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

Son J.M. Twombly was again a Selectman in 1831, 1832, 1833, 1836, 1840, 1841, and 1842. (See Milton Selectmen, 1802-1907).

Mother Tamson (Drew) Twombly died in Farmington, NH, April 1, 1831.

Daughter-in-law Mary T. (Howe) Twombly died in Milton, October 23, 1831, aged twenty-two years.

DIED. In Milton, on the 23rd inst., Mrs. Mary T. Twombly, daughter of Mr. Jonathan Howe, and wife of Mr. Stephen Twombly, aged 22 years. Although confined over seven months with a distressing complaint of the lungs, she bore it with Christian fortitude and patience; on her dying bed she observed that her greatest fear was she should not have patience to wait for the time of her departure. She frequently asked her friends if they saw any alteration—her aged grandmother informed her that she thought that she was dying. She then told her friends that death was not a terror and that she longed for the time to come. In that distressing scene she exhorted her parents and friends to get religion & be prepared to meet her in the realms above. She observed to her respected husband that it was hard parting, but she hoped that they should meet in heaven. – She retained her senses to the last, and died in the arms of her blest redeemer. Mrs. Twombly was a worthy member of the Christian Church in Milton, and was respected by all her acquaintance. – Com (Dover Enquirer, November, 1, 1831).

Daughter Tamson Twombly died in Milton, January 23, 1834, aged twenty-nine years.

Son Stephen M. Twombly married (2nd) in Milton, March 30, 1834, Mary Anne Goodwin, both of Milton. Edward H. Peavey performed the ceremony. She was born in Middleton, NH, March 18, 1813, daughter of Joseph and Anna (Hanson) Goodwin.

Son Samuel Twombly married in Middleton, NH, April 6, 1834, Lydia Elizabeth York, he of Milton and she of Middleton, NH. Elder William Buzzell performed the ceremony. She was born in Middleton, NH, in 1812, daughter of Thomas and Lydia York.

The Whig partisans of Dover, NH, published a list of those that they had appointed to a “Committee of Vigilance,” February 27, 1836. Stephen Twombly and William B. Wiggin were among the one hundred forty-two men appointed to the committee …

… for the purpose of making suitable preparations for the election in this town, bringing voters to the polls, urging upon them the importance and duty of a prompt attendance, distributing votes on the day of election, and for taking all other necessary and proper measures for securing to the Whig Ticket a full and efficient vote (Dover Enquirer, March 8, 1836).

(See Milton’s Ante-Bellum Party Affiliations).

John Twombly died in Milton, June 1, 1836, aged sixty-seven years, one month, and twenty-one days.

Daughter Betsey M. Twombly married in Hampstead, NH, February 28, 1838, William Minot. He was born in Hampstead, NH, May 23, 1812, son of Martin and Annie (Arnold) Moynit [Minot].

James M. Twambly [Twombly] headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 30-39 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years [Eunice (Burrows) Twombly], one male aged 20-29 years, one male aged 10-14 years, one female aged 10-14 years, one male aged 5-9 years, and one female aged 5-9 years. Two members of his household were engaged in Commerce. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Benjamin E. Willey and Elizabeth Gerrish.

Stephen Twombly headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 30-39 years [himself], one female aged 20-29 years [Mary A. (Goodwin) Twombly], one male aged 15-19 years, one male aged 10-14 years, and one female aged 50-59 years [Abigail (Meserve) Twombly]. Four members of his household were engaged in Manufacture and Trade; and one was engaged in Navigation of Canals, Lakes, Rivers.

John Twombly headed a Manchester, NH, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 30-39 years [himself], two males aged 20-29 years, two females aged 20-29 years [Eunice (Knights) Twombly], one female aged 5-9 years. Three members of his household were engaged in Manufacture and Trade.

Samuel Twambly [Twombly] headed a Middleton, NH, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included 20 male aged 20-29 years [himself], one female aged 20-29 years [Lydia E. (York) Twombly], one male aged 5-9 years, and one female aged under-5 years. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture.

William Minot headed a Hampstead, NH, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 20-29 years [himself], one female aged 20-29 years [Betsey M. (Twombly) Minot], and one female aged under-5 years. One member of his household was engaged in Manufacture and Trade.

Notice. ALL persons are hereby forbid harboring or trusting Stephen Goodwin and his wife, Mary Goodwin, or their children, Eliza Goodwin, Sarah Goodwin, Mary Goodwin and Stephen Goodwin, paupers, on account of the town of Milton, as suitable provision has been made at the Alms house by said town for their support. JAMES M. TWOMBLY, CHARLES SWASEY, EPHRAIM HAYES. Milton, Jan. 2, 1841. 33 (Dover Enquirer, January 26, 1841).

Son William Twombly, 3d, married in Dover, NH, October 3, 1843, Mary W. [Wade] Caverly [both of Dover, NH]. Rev. Hiram Stevens performed the ceremony. She was born in Strafford, NH, March 17, 1819, daughter of Solomon and Sarah (Caswell) Caverly.

James Twombly, a farmer, aged fifty-two years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Eunice [(Burrows)] Twombly, aged fifty-one years (b. ME), Ezra Twombly, a trader, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), Mary A. Twombly, aged seventeen years (b. NH), and John E.B. Twombly, aged fourteen years (b. NH). James Twombly had real estate valued at $3,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of George Worster, a machinist, aged thirty-nine years (b. NH), and Stephen Downs, a farmer, aged forty-one years (b. NH).

Mary M. Pinkham, aged fifty years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. Her household included William B. Twombly, a shoemaker, aged thirty-one years (b. NH), Eliza [(Pierce)] Twombly, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH), Stephen Twombly, a farmer, aged forty-seven years (b. NH), Mary A. [(Goodwin)] Twombly, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), Mary J. Twombly, aged nine years (b. NH), James H. Twombly, aged four years (b. NH), John S. Twombly, aged two years (b. NH), Abigail [(Meserve)] Twombly, aged seventy years (b. NH), Martha [(Sias)] Emery, aged eighteen years (b. NH), and Horace Emery, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH). Stephen Twombly had real estate valued at $3,000. They shared a two-family residence with the household of Henry Downs, a shoemaker, aged thirty years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of James H. Pinkham, a shoemaker, aged twenty-six years (b. NH), and Ira Davis, a shoe manufacturer, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH).

John Twombly, a mason, aged forty-one years (b. NH), headed a Manchester, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Eunice [(Knights)] Twombly, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), Mary J. Twombly, aged eighteen years (b. NH), Abby F. Twombly, aged one year (b. NH), Elizabeth McKape, aged twelve years (b. Ireland), Arthur Crocket, a mason, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), and Charles Elkins, a mason, aged twenty years (b. NH).

Samuel Twombly, a farmer, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Middleton, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Lydia E. [(York)] Twombly, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), John W. Twombly, a shoemaker, aged sixteen years (b. NH), Eliza A. Twombly, aged twelve years (b. NH), William H. Twombly, aged nine years (b. NH), Mary M. Twombly, aged seven years (b. NH), Eri P. Twombly, aged three years (b. NH), Thomas York, a farmer, aged seventy-two years (b. NH), Lydia York, aged sixty-five years (b. NH), and Joana B. York, aged forty-one years (b. NH). Samuel Twombly had real estate valued at $700; and Thomas York had real estate valued at $700.

William Twombly, 3d, a laborer, aged thirty-three years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Mary [(Caverly)] Twombly, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH), Helln [Helen] M. Twombly, aged six years (b. NH), and Edgar H. Twombly, aged four years (b. NH).

William Minot, a shoemaker, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Haverhill, MA, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Betsey [(Twombly)] Minot, aged thirty years (b. NH), Mary F. Minot, aged ten years (b. NH), William H. Minot, aged six years (b. NH), and Ella F. Minot, aged one year (b. MA).

Wm Minot, a shoemaker, aged forty-two years (b. NH), headed a Haverhill, MA, household at the time of the First (1855) MA State Census. His household included Betsy M. [(Twombly)] Minot, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), M.T. Minot, aged fifteen years (b. NH), Wm H. Minot, aged ten years (b. NH), and E.F. Minot, aged seven years (b. MA).

Son-in-law William Minot died in Manchester, NH, in 1857. (William Minot was said to have been one of the finest violinists of his time in Haverhill, MA (History of Bedford, NH, 1903).

Daughter-in-law Mary A. (Goodwin) Twombly died in Milton, March 26, 1858.

Daughter-in-law Eunice (Burrows) Twombly died of consumption in Milton, March 28, 1859, aged fifty-nine years, nine months, and twenty-four days. She was a married farmer.

DEATHS. In Milton, March 28th, Mrs. Eunice Twombly, wife of Mr. James M. Twombly, aged 59 years, 9 months and 24 days (Dover Enquirer, April 28, 1859).

DEATHS. In Milton, March 28, Mrs. Eunice, wife of James M. Twombly, aged 59 years. The deceased was a member of the Congregational church, with which she maintained a Christian walk and fellowship until her death. She was a faithful mother, a kind and affection [affectionate] companion, and a friend to all; truly it may be said that the family circle and community in which she lived have been bereft of a true lover and friend (Dover Enquirer, July 7, 1859).

Abigail (Meserve) Twombly died January 13, 1860, aged seventy-nine years, five months, and eleven days. She [Abigail Twombly] appeared also in the Federal Census Mortality Schedule, as having died of consumption in Milton in January 1860, aged eighty-four years.

James M. Twombly, a farmer, aged sixty years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included John E. Twombly, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), and Abba Twombly, aged twenty-five years (b. NH). James M. Twombly had real estate valued at $6,000 and personal estate valued at $2,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Ira S. Knox, a shoemaker, aged thirty years (b. NH), and Lewis N. Berry, a shoe manufacturer, aged thirty-six years (b. NH).

Lydia (Perkins) Jenness was the widow of Isaac Jenness: MARRIAGES. In Somersworth, Mr. Isaac Jenness to Miss Lydia M. Perkins (Dover Enquirer, January 4, 1853).

Ivory Hayes, a spinner, aged thirty-four years (b. VT), headed a Somersworth, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Mary E. [(Perkins)] Hayes, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH), George Hayes, aged ten years (b. NH), John Hayes, aged thirteen years (b. NH), Lydia [(Perkins)] Jenness, a nurse, aged thirty-one years (b. NH), and Charles G. Jenness, aged seven years (b. NH).

Stephen Twombly, a farmer, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included  James H. Twombly, aged fourteen years (b. NH), John S. Twombly, aged eleven years (b. NH), Mary J. Twombly, aged eighteen years (b. NH), Abba A. Twombly, aged eight years (b. NH), Abba Twombly, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), Sarah A. Brown, aged twenty-six years (b. NH), and Abigail [(Meserve)] Twombly, aged seventy-nine years (b. NH). Stephen Twombly had real estate valued at $4,000 and personal estate valued at $2,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Joseph Cook, a farmer, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), and R.W.L. Pike, a shoemaker, aged fifty-six years (b. NH).

John Twombley, a mason, aged fifty-three years (b. NH), headed a Manchester, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Eunice [(Knights)] Twombley, aged forty-nine years (b. NH), and Abbie F. Twombley, aged eleven years (b. NH). john Twombley had personal estate valued at $200.

Samuel Twombly, a farmer, aged forty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Middleton, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Lydia E.W. [(York)] Twombly, aged forty-eight years (b. NH), Eliza A. Twombly, aged twenty-two years (b. NH), William H. Twombly, a farmer, aged twenty years (b. NH), Melissa Twombly, aged sixteen years (b. NH), Eri P. Twombly, aged thirteen years (b. NH), Thos York Twombly, aged eighty-two years (b. NH), and Joanna Twombly [York], aged fifty-one years (b. NH). Samuel Twombly had real estate valued at $3,000 and personal estate valued at $1,200.

William Twombley, depot master, aged forty-four years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Mary W. [(Caverly)] Twombley, aged forty years (b. NH), Helen M. Twombley, aged sixteen years (b. NH), and Edgar H. Twombley, aged fourteen years (b. NH). William Twombley had real estate valued at $1,000 and personal estate valued at $250. (Henry H. Twombley, a painter, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), resided in the house next door).

Betsey [(Twombly)] Minot, aged thirty-eight years (b. MA [SIC]), headed a Haverhill, MA, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. Her household included Mary F. Minot, aged twenty years (b. MA [SIC]), William F. Minot, aged sixteen years (b. MA [SIC]), Ellen Minot, aged eleven years (b. MA). Betsey Minot had real estate valued at $1,200.

Son James M. Twombly married (2nd), circa 1862-63, [Mrs.] Lydia M. (Perkins) Jenness. She was born in Lancaster, NH, November 30, 1829, daughter of John and Mary (Ela) Perkins.

James Twombly, a farmer, aged seventy-one years (b. NH), headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Lydia [((Perkins) Jenness)] Twombly, keeping house, aged forty-one years (b. NH), and Lillian A. Twombly, aged six years (b. ME). James Twombly had real estate valued at $300 and personal estate valued at $300. (Their entry had an error, by which James Twombly was enumerated as a member of the preceding household of Samuel Knox, a laborer, aged sixty-six years (b. ME), rather than as the head of his own household).

Stephen Twombly, aged sixty-six years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included [his sister] Abagail Twombly, aged sixty-three years (b. NH), Mary J. Twombly, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH), James H. Twombly, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), John S. Twombly, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), Abba N. Twombly, aged eighteen years (b. NH), and James Y. Emery, aged fourteen years (b. NH). Stephen Twombly had real estate valued at $2,500 and personal estate valued at $2,270. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Joseph Cook, a farmer, aged sixty-one years (b. NH), and Samuel Sanborn, a farm laborer, aged seventy-four years (b. ME).

Samuel Twombly, a farmer, aged fifty-eight years, headed a Middleton, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Lydia E. [(York)] Twombly, keeping house, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH), William H. Twombly, works for shoe factory, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH), Mary M. Twombly, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), Eri P. Twombly, works for shoe factory, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), and Joanna B. York, a housekeeper, aged sixty-one years (b. NH). Samuel Twombly had real estate valued at $3,000 and personal estate valued at $557. William H. Twombly had personal estate valued at $2,040, Mary M. Twombly had personal estate valued at $250, Eri P. Twombly had personal estate valued at $700, and Joanna B. York had personal estate valued at $300.

William Twombly, a laborer, aged fifty-three years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Mary [(Caverly)] Twombly, keeping house, aged forty-six years (b. NH), Edgar Twombly, a laborer, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), John Hartford, works in shoe factory, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), and Ellen [(Twombly)] Hartford, at home, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH). William Twombly had real estate valued at $2,000 and personal estate valued at $400.

Wm. B. Lane, a bank clerk, aged thirty-three years (b. NH), headed a Manchester, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Gertrude Lane, aged five years (b. NH), Betsey [(Twombly)] Minot, a housekeeper, aged fifty years (b. NH), and Ella Minot, at home, aged twenty-one years (b. MA). Wm. B. Lane had real estate valued at $4,000 and personal estate valued at $3,000.

Daughter-in-law Eunice (Knights) Twombly died of a liver complaint in Manchester, NH, January 8, 1878, aged sixty-seven years.

Daughter-in-law Mary W. (Caverly) Twombly died in Dover, NH, September 15, 1878, aged fifty-nine years.

DEATHS. In this city, Oct. 15, Mary W., wife of William Twombly, aged 58 years, 6 months and 21 days  (Dover Enquirer, October 24, 1878).

Son Stephen Meserve Twombly died in Milton, January 26, 1879, aged seventy-four years, three months, and twenty-three days.

DEATHS. In Milton, Jan. 26, Stephen Twombly, aged 75 years and 3 months (Dover Enquirer, January 30, 1879).

James M. Twombly, a farmer, aged eighty-one years (b. NH), headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Lydia M. [((Perkins) Jenness)] Twombly, keeping house, aged sixty-seven years (b. NH), and his daughter, Lillian A. Twombly, at home, aged fifteen years (b. ME).

Fred G. Barney, a clerk in store, aged thirty-two years (b. NH), headed a Manchester, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Abbie F. [(Twombly)] Barney, keeping house, aged thirty-one years (b. NH), his daughter, Florence C. Barney, aged four years (b. NH), and his father-in-law, John Twombly, a retired brick mason, aged seventy-three years (b. NH). They shared a two-family household on Bridge Street with the household of John G. Eveleth, a retired farmer, aged seventy-two years (b. NH).

William H. Minot, a farmer, aged thirty-six years (b. NH), headed a Bedford, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Mary L. [(Walker)] Minot, keeping house, aged thirty years (b. NH), his daughters, Mary F. Minot, at school, aged twelve years (b. NH), Grace G. Minot, at school, aged eleven years (b. NH), and Allice E. Minot, aged six years (b. NH), his aunt, Abagail Twombly, none, aged seventy years (b. NH), and his boarder, Emily J. Cormier, a musician, aged twenty-nine years (b. Canada).

Samuel Twombly, a farmer, aged sixty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Middleton, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Lydia E. [(York)] Twombly, keeping house, aged sixty-six years (b. NH),  his son, John W. Twombly, works for shoe factory, aged twenty-five years (b. NH), and his granddaughter, Lizzie E. Twombly, at school, aged thirteen years (b. NH).

William Twombly, a farmer, aged sixty-five years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his son, Edgar H. Twombly, works in R.R. freight house, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), his help, Ellen [(Twombly)] Hartford, a housekeeper, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), and his boarder, John Hartford, works in shoe factory, aged forty-six years (b. NH). They resided on Silver Street.

Son William B. Twombly died in Dover, NH, July 11, 1880, aged sixty-one years.

DEATHS. In this city, July 17, William B. Twombly, aged 62 years (Dover Enquirer, July 22, 1880).

Son James M. Twombly died in Lebanon, ME, October 25, 1885, ae. eighty-seven years..

Daughter-in-law Lydia E. (York) Twombly died in Haverhill, MA, January 7, 1890.

IN MEMORIAM. We are again called to chronicle the death of another noble, God-fearing woman, Mrs. Samuel Twombly of Middleton, who fell asleep in Jesus the seventh inst. The subject of this notice was a remarkable woman in many respects. In the largest and best sense, she was a true and living christian, a beloved wife, mother, friend and neighbor. Her long life was filled with deeds of love and kindness, and every one felt a thrill of sorrow when the words were spoken in subdued tones “Mrs. Twombly is dead.” The funeral was at her son’s, John Twombly of this village. The immediate relatives were not alone. But He who has said “I am the resurrection and the life,” has inspired our hearts to say “Beautiful twilight, at set of sun; Beautiful goal, with race well run. Beautiful rest, with work well done.” Because we believe these things, we bear our griefs, knowing that He saith, “It is but a little while” and death shall be vanquished, broken families reunited, and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. T.L.C. (Farmington News, January 17, 1890).

Son Samuel Twombly died in Middleton, NH, November 1, 1891, aged eighty years.

DIED. In Middleton, Nov. 1, Samuel Twombly, aged 81 years, 2 months and 11 days (Farmington News, November 13, 1891).

Son John Twombly died of hepatic abscess at 336 Amherst Street in Manchester, NH, December 28, 1891, aged eighty-four years, ten months, and eleven days. He was a mason. F.L. Gray reported the death.

Daughter Abigail Twombly died in Bedford, NH, March 21, 1893, aged eighty-four years.

Lydia M. [((Perkins) Jenness)] Twambly [Twombly], a widow, aged seventy years (b. NH), headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. Her household included her son, Charles G. Jenness, a farm laborer, aged forty-four years (b. NH). Lydia M. Twambly owned their house, free-and-clear. She was the mother of two children, of whom one was still living.

Chas. A. Shannon, a salesman (traveling), aged thirty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Manchester, NH, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Gertrude L. [(Lane)] Shannon, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), his son, Lane W. Shannon, aged two years (b. NH), his mother, Ella F. [(Minot)] Lane, aged fifty-one years (b. MA), and his grandmother, Betsey M. [(Twombly)] Minot, aged eighty years (b. NH).

Daughter Elizabeth M. “Betsey” (Twombly) Minot died in Manchester, NH, January 30, 1904, aged eighty-three years.

Charles G. Jenness, a finisher (shoe factory), aged fifty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal  Census. His household included his mother, Lydia M. [((Perkins) Jenness)] Twombly, aged seventy-nine years (b. NH). Charles G. Jenness rented their house. Lydia M. Twombly was the mother of four children, of whom three were still living.

Daughter-in-law Lydia M. ((Perkins) Jenness) Twombly died of pneumonia in Lebanon, ME, April 8, 1912, aged eighty-two years, seven months, and sixteen days. She was a widowed housekeeper. M.A.H. Hart signed the death certificate.

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References:

Find a Grave. (2012, October 20). Betsey Meserve Twombly Minot. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/99297209/betsey_meserve-minot

Find a Grave. (2012, October 20). Abigail Twombly. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/99297463/abigail-twombly

Find a Grave. (2022, June 8). Ezra Meserve Twombly. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/240434177/ezra_meserve-twombly

Find a Grave. (2022, April 5). James Meserve Twombly. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/238539223/james_meserve-twombly

Find a Grave. (2022, June 8). John Twombly. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/240434225/john-twombly.

Find a Grave. (2016, March 26). John Twombly. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/160036680/john-twombly

Find a Grave. (2022, April 5). Lydia M. Perkins Twombly. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/238539115/lydia-m-twombly

Find a Grave. (2017, June 21). Samuel Twombly. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/180604729/samuel-twombly

Find a Grave. (2022, June 8). Stephen Meserve Twombly. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/240434098/stephen_meserve-twombly

Find a Grave. (2022, June 8). Tamson Twombly. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/240434015/tamson-twombly

Find a Grave. (2017, August 3). William B. Twombly. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/182014364/william_b-twombly

Scales, John. (1914). History of Strafford County, New Hampshire and Representative Citizens. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=nGsjAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA508

By Muriel Bristol | September 27, 2026

Ebenezer Corson was born in Rochester, NH, February 11, 1756, son of Ichabod and Abigail (Roberts) Corson. (David Corson was a younger brother).

[Father] Ichabod Corson, who settled at Rochester, New Hampshire, was a soldier from that town in the French and Indian war in 1759; was an assessor in 1767 and on the committee to recruit volunteers for the continental army in 1779, though in 1775 he had refused to sign the association test. Joshua Corson of the same family was a sergeant and Ebenezer Corson was a private from Rochester in revolution (Cutter, 1912).

Father Ichabod Corson was one of the one hundred and one Rochester, NH, inhabitants that petitioned, February 8, 1762, for Rochester to be represented in the NH Provincial Legislature. Barnabas Palmer, and John Plumer were also among those that signed the petition. (See Rochester Representation Petition – 1762).

Strafford County historian Duane H. Hurd noted the settlements at Plummer’s Ridge, after 1772, of Benjamin Scates, Beard Plumer and his brother Joseph Plumer. He noted further that they were followed by James C. Hayes, David Wallingford, William Palmer, Elijah Horn, Moses Chamberlain, and others.

This was soon followed by quite a rush of settlers to the west side of the town, Daniel Hayes, Caleb Wakeham, Enoch Varney, Samuel Nute, William Wentworth, William Tuttle, Ichabod Hayes, James Hayes, Ebenezer Coursan, and Stephen Merseron [Meserve], being among the first, Jeremiah Cook, Dudley Burnham, Jotham Nute, Otis Pinkham, Ephraim Plumer, John Twombly, James Varney, John Varney, William Mathes, and others coming soon after (Hurd, 1882).

Father Ichabod Corson served on Rochester’s Committee of Correspondence in 1775, and its military recruiting committee in 1778-79.

Ebenezer Corson appeared in a return of the officers and men that enlisted in Capt. John Waldron’s Company, July 3, 1775.

Ebenezer Corson appeared in a pay roll of Capt. James Libbey’s Company, in Col. Stephen Evans’ Regiment, in 1777. Col. Stephen Evans’ Regiment “… marched and joined the Northern Continental Army at Saratoga, September 1777.” British General Burgoyne surrendered on October 17, 1777; Corson was one of several dozen men that left early or “deserted” on or after October 20, 1777, as opposed to those that stayed until December 15, 1777.

Ebenezer Corson married, circa 1782, Elizabeth Ricker. She was born in Somersworth, NH, circa 1753, daughter of Paul and Abigail (Hodgdon) Ricker.

(The known children of Ebenezer and Elizabeth (Ricker) Corson were: Ichabod Corson, Jr. (1781-1869), Joseph Corson (1783–1835), Robert Corson (1787–1836), Hannah Corson, Ebenezer Corson (1797–1835), James Corson (1800–1883), and Elizabeth E. Corson (1809–1896)).

Son Ichabod Corson was born in Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, in 1781. Son Joseph Corson was born in Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, in 1783.

Younger sister Anna Corson married in Rochester, NH, October 7, 1784, Elijah Horn, both of Rochester, NH. Rev. Joseph Haven performed the ceremony (NEHGS, 1907). Horn was born in Rochester, NH, May 4, 1764, son of Peter and Mercy (Wentworth) Horn.

Father Ichabod Cossen and Ichabod Corson, Junr, were among the three hundred ten Rochester inhabitants that petitioned the NH legislature, August 30, 1785, seeking repeal of an act requiring milled boards to be square-edged and an inch thick (and other lumber in proportion). Those inhabitants described themselves then as being “largely Concerned in Lumber.” They sought also repeal of an act forbidding transport of lumber to the British West Indies, and seeking the issuance of a new paper money (Hammond, 1884). (See Rochester Lumber Remonstrance – August 1785).

Son Robert Corson was born in Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, in 1787.

Ichabod Courson headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the First (1790) Federal Census. His household included two males aged 16-plus years [himself], two males aged under-16 years, and two females [Abigail (Roberts) Corson]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John Tebbets and Wentworth Twombly. (See Northeast Parish in the First (1790) Federal Census).

Ebenzr Coarson headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the First (1790) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 16-plus years [himself], three males aged under-16 years [Ichabod Corson, Joseph Corson, and Robert Corson], and three females [Elizabeth (Ricker) Corson]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Benja Foss and Ebenzr Varney. (See Northeast Parish in the First (1790) Federal Census).

Son Ebenezer Corson was born in Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, in 1797. 

Father Ichabod Courson of Rochester, NH, gentleman, made his last will, February 22, 1799. He devised a life estate to his beloved wife, Abigail Courson. Also, two cows and four sheep were to be kept for her summer and winter, one riding horse, suitable for her, and the household furniture. He devised the home farm to his beloved son, Timothy Courson, it being the whole of First Division Lot #34 in Rochester, with buildings. He was to have also all cattle not otherwise disposed, the instruments of husbandry, i.e., the farm tools and equipment, any due debts, and any rest and residue remaining. He devised all the household furniture to his beloved daughters, Keziah Ellis, Elizabeth Richards, Mehitable McDuffee, Anna Horn, and Sarah Wallingford. It was to be equally divided when their mother was done with it. This, together with what he had already given them, would be their full share.

He had vested by deed his sons, Ichabod Courson, Joshua Courson, Ebenezer Courson and Benjamin Courson, with their shares of his estate. He devised his wearing apparel to his sons, Ebenezer Courson and Benjamin Courson, to be equally divided. He devised $1 to his son, David Courson, he having already received his full share. He appointed his son, Timothy Courson, as executor. James How, Jacob Hanson, and Richd Dame witnessed his signature or, rather, witnessed “his mark” (Strafford County Probate, 6: 455).

Ens Ichd [Ensign Ichabod] Corson headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one female aged 45-plus years [Abigail (Roberts) Corson], one male aged 26-44 years, one female aged 26-44 years, two males aged 10-15 years, three females aged 10-15 years, one male aged under-10 years, and two females aged under-10 years. [Ichd Corson, Jr, headed a separate Rochester, NH, household].

Ebener Coarson headed a Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Elizabeth (Ricker) Corson], two males aged 16-25 years, one male aged 10-15 years, one female aged 10-15 years, three males aged under-10 years, and two females aged under-10 years. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

Son James Corson was born in [New Durham,] NH, October 23, 1800.

Father Ichabod Corson died in Rochester, NH, in July 1801. His last will was proved in a Strafford County Probate Court, November 2, 1801 (Strafford County Probate, 6:455).

Ebenezer Corson and his son, Ichabod Corson, [Jr.,] were among the fifty-two Milton petitioners that sought to have Jotham Nute appointed as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, in August 1805.

Son Robert Corson married, circa 1806, Susannah Cook. She was born in Somersworth, NH, circa 1791, daughter of William Cook.

Ebenr Corson and his son, Robert Corson, were assessed in the Milton School District No. 4 of Dudley Burnham in 1806 (See Milton School Districts – 1806).

Daughter Elizabeth E. Corson was born in Brookfield, NH, March 10, 1809.

Ebenezer Corson died, probably in New Durham, NH, in 1810.

Ichabod Corson headed a Brookfield, NH, household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years, two females aged 10-15 years, and two males aged under-10 years.

Ebener Corson headed a New Durham, NH, household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one female aged 45-plus years [Elizabeth (Ricker) Corson], one female aged 16-25 years, one male aged 10-15 years, one female aged 10-15 years, two males aged under-10 years, and one female aged under-10 years.

Joseph Corson headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Lydia (Ricker) Corson], one male aged 10-15 years, one female aged 10-15 years, two males aged under-10 years, three females aged under-10 years, and one female aged 45-plus years [Abigail (Roberts) Corson]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Jacob Ellis and Ichobard [Ichabod] Corson.

Robert Corson headed a New Durham, NH, household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 16-25 years [himself], one female aged 16-25 years [Susannah [(Cook)] Corson], one male aged under-10 years, and one female aged under-10 years.

Mother Abigail (Roberts) Corson died in Rochester, NH, March 20, 1820.

Son Ichabod Corson married in Middleton, NH, May 18, 1828, Sarah “Sally” Ford, both of New Durham, NH. Rev. William Buzzell performed the ceremony.

Postmaster John McDuffee, Jr., published a list of those – including James Corson – that had letters awaiting pickup by them at the Rochester, NH, post office, in January 1829. (Dover Enquirer, January 29, 1829).

Ichabod Corson headed a New Durham, NH, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 40-49 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years [Sally (Ford) Corson], one male aged 5-9 years, one male aged under-5 years, and one female aged under-5 years.

Lydia [(Ricker)] Corson headed a New Durham, NH, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. Her household included one female 40-49 years [herself], one female aged 15-19 years, one male aged under-5 years, and two females aged under-5 years.

Robert Corson headed a New Durham, NH, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 40-49 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years [Susannah [(Cook)] Corson], one male aged 20-29 years, one male aged 15-19 years, one female aged 15-19 years, three males aged 10-14 years, one female aged 5-9 years, and two males aged under-5 years.

James Corson headed a New Durham, NH, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 20-29 years [himself], one female aged 20-29 years, one female aged 10-14 years, and three males aged under-5 years.

The Hon. Nathaniel Upham had died in Rochester, July 10, 1829. His children and grandchildren, petitioned for a division of his land  into their respective one-ninth shares, in March 1832. One of the Rochester, NH, properties was

… twenty acres of land formerly owned by the late Ichabod Corson or by Joseph Corson (Dover Enquirer, March 13, 1832).

Son Robert Corson died in New Durham, NH, circa 1835-36.

Ichabod Corson headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one female aged 40-49 years [Sally (Ford) Corson], one male aged 10-14 years, and one female aged 5-9 years. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture.

Susannah [(Cook)] Corson headed a New Durham, NH, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. Her household included one female aged 40-49 years [herself], one male aged 30-39 years, one male aged 15-19 years, one female aged 15-19 years, two males aged 10-14 years, two males aged 5-9 years. Four members of her household were engaged in Agriculture.

James Corson headed a New Durham, NH, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 30-39 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years, two males aged 10-14 years, one male aged under-5 years, two females aged 5-9 years, and one female aged under-5 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration just before that of Nathaniel Horn (aged 60-69 years).

THIS is to notify the public, especially that part which has practiced coming into the Whortleberry Swamp in Dover and committing depredations, insulting our wives and children, carrying off our tools, destroying our vegetables, throwing down our fences, letting cattle into our fields, and doing many other wrongs, that we shall consider them as trespassers hereafter, unless they first obtain liberty from the owners of the premises. THOMAS CARD, BENJA. A. FORD, DANIEL PINKHAM, ICHABOD CORSON, ENOCH PINKHAM. Dover, Aug. 17, 1841. 10 (Dover Enquirer, August 24, 1841).

Son Ichabod Corson appeared in the Dover, NH Directory of 1843, as a laborer, boarding at Jesse Cook’s. Jesse Cook appeared as a laborer, and proprietor of a boarding house on Main street.

Time Given. I hereby give notice that I have given my son, John Corson, his time to act and trade for himself, and shall claim none of his wages or pay any of his debts from this date. ICHABOD his X mark CORSON. Witness – John Clements. Dover, March 14, 1848. 43 (Dover Enquirer, March 28, 1848).

Ichabod Corson, a farmer, aged seventy years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Sally [(Ford)] Corson, aged fifty-six years (b. NH), and Mary Corson, aged fifteen years. Ichabod Corson had real estate valued at $700.

Susannah [(Cook)] Couson [Courson], aged sixty years (b. NH), headed a New Durham, NH, at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. Her household included Eli Couson [Courson], a farmer, aged nineteen years (b. NH), and Horace Couson [Courson], a farmer, aged sixteen years (b. NH). Susannah Couson had real estate valued at $700.

James Courson, a farmer, aged forty-eight years (b. NH), headed a New Durham, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Abigail [(Horne)] Courson, aged forty-six years (b. NH), Wm Courson, a shoemaker, aged thirty-four years (b. NH), Margarett Courson, aged twenty-six years (b. NH), Nathl Courson, a shoemaker, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), James Courson, a shoemaker, aged twenty years (b. NH), Sarah J. Courson, aged sixteen years (b. NH), Hannah Courson, aged fourteen years (b. NH), Mary Courson, aged nine years (b. NH), Maria Courson, aged seven years (b. NH), and Saphronia Courson, aged four years (b. NH). James Courson had real estate valued at $500.

Ichabod Corson, a farmer, aged seventy-nine years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Sally [(Ford)] Corson, aged sixty-five years (b. NH). Ichabod Corson had real estate valued ay $1,200 and personal estate valued at $500.

Ebenezer Corson, a farmer, aged thirty years (b. NH), headed a New Durham, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Susan [(Cook)] Corson, aged sixty-six years (b. NH). Ebenezer Corson had real estate valued at $600 and personal estate valued at $200.

James Corson, a farmer, aged sixty years (b. NH), headed a New Durham, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Abigail [(Horne)] Corson, aged fifty-eight years (b. NH), Mary Corson, aged eighteen years (b. NH), and Sophronia Corson, aged fourteen years (b. NH). James Corson had real estate valued at $1,000 and personal estate valued at $300.

Son Ichabod Corson died in Dover, NH, August 29, 1861, aged seventy-nine years.

DEATHS. In this city, – 29th ult., Mr. Ichabod Corson, aged 80 years, formerly of New Durham (Dover Enquirer, September 12, 1861).

Daughter-in-law Susanna (Cooke) Corson died of palsy in New Durham, NH, January 2, 1864, aged seventy-two years. She was a widowed housekeeper.

Joseph H. Knowles, works for shoe factory, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Middleton, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Martha J. [(Whitehouse)] Knowles, keeping house, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH), Emma Knowles, aged eight months (b. NH), Susan [(Corson))] Knowles, a house keeper, aged sixty-one years (b. NH), and Lydia [(Ricker)] Corson, aged eighty-nine years (b. NH). Joseph H. Knowles had real estate valued at $500 and personal estate valued at $300.

James Corson, a farmer, aged seventy years (b. NH), headed a New Durham, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Abagail [(Horne)] Corson, keeping house, aged sixty-six years (b. NH), Mary Corson, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH), and Eri Corson, aged nine years (b. NH). James Corson had real estate valued at $1,000 and personal estate valued at $615.

Daughter-in-law Abigail B. (Horne) Corson died in New Durham, NH, September 16, 1870, aged sixty-six years.

Daughter-in-law Lydia (Ricker) Corson died in Middleton, NH, February 11, 1872, aged ninety-two years.

DEATHS. In Middleton, Feb. 11, Mrs. Lydia Courson, aged 92 years (Foster’s Democrat (Dover, NH), February 24, 1872)

Son James Corson married (2nd) in Wolfeboro, NH, May 6, 1874, Eliza Willey, both of New Durham, NH. Rev. William K. Lucas performed the ceremony. Corson was a farmer, aged seventy-one years (b. Milton), and she was a housekeeper, aged sixty-two years (b. Alton). She was born in Alton, NH, circa 1812, daughter of Abigail Bickford.

Ebenezer Corson, a laborer, aged seventy-nine years (b. NH), headed a Wolfeboro, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Elizabath Corson, keeping house, aged seventy-one years (b. NH), his daughters, Abby Corson, at home, aged fifty-four years (b. NH), and Susan A. Corson, at home, aged twenty-six years (b. NH), and his grandson, Frank E. Corson, at school, aged nine years (b. NH).

James Corson, a farmer, aged eighty years (b. NH), headed a New Durham, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Eliza [(Willey)] Corson, keeping house, aged sixty-eight years (b. NH).

Daughter-in-law Eliza (Willey) Corson died in New Durham, NH, June 8, 1882, aged seventy-two years.

Son James Corson died of paralysis in New Durham, NH, February 23, 1883, aged eighty-two years, four months. He was a widowed farmer. Dr. P. Avans Haley signed the death certificate.

Son Ebenezer Corson died in Wolfeboro, NH, September 1, 1886, aged eighty-six years, one month, and twenty-five years.

Betsy E. Corson died of exhaustion from a fracture of the hip in Wolfeboro, NH, January 22, 1896, aged eighty-six years. She was a [widowed?] houseworker. P.B. Stevens, M.D., signed the death certificate.

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References:

Cutter, William R., A.M. (1912). Genealogical and Family History of Central New York. Retrieved from www.google.com/books/edition/Genealogical_and_Family_History_of_Centr/Ru0pAQAAMAAJ?pg=PA652

Find a Grave. (2024, March 14). Ebenezer Corson. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/267233245/ebenezer-corson

Find a Grave. (2018, August 30). Ichabod Corson. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/192689781/ichabod-corson

Find a Grave. (2013, May 26). James Corson, Sr. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/111205230/james-corson

Wikipedia. (2026, August 3). Battles of Saratoga. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battles_of_Saratoga

 

 

 

By Muriel Bristol | September 20, 2026

John McDuffee was born in Rochester, NH, April 10, 1753, son of Capt. William and Martha (Allen) McDuffee.

John McDuffee appeared as a Private in a Return of Capt. David Place’s Company, on Seavey’s Island [in Kittery, ME], November 5, 1775.

Father William McDuffee was among the one hundred ninety-eight men who signed the Revolutionary Association Test in Rochester, NH, June 1, 1776. (James McDuffee signed also).

WE, the Subscribers, do hereby solemnly engage, and promise, that we will, to the utmost of our Power, at the Risque of our Lives and Fortunes, with ARMS, oppose the Hostile Proceedings of the British Fleets, and Armies, against the United American COLONIES (Batchellor, 1910).

Twenty-two Rochester men “refused” to sign. Another twenty-two Rochester Friends, i.e., “Quakers,” did not “choose” to sign, i.e., they were conscientious objectors.

Father William McDuffee commanded a company in Col. Stephen Evans’ Regiment in 1776. William Palmer, Ebenezer Twombly, and David Wallingford served in his company.

Meanwhile, John McDuffee served in Captain John Drew’s Company, in Col. Isaac Wyman’s Regiment, in 1776, when they marched to a site overlooking Lake Champlain in what is now Orwell, VT. They constructed a fortification there, which they named “Mount Independence,” after hearing news of the Declaration of Independence.

John McDuffee served a month or so at Portsmouth harbor in early 1777, with Captain John Hayes’ Company. He served again later that year in Capt. Daniel McDuffee’s Company, in Col. Stephen Evans’ Regiment. (Capt. Daniel McDuffee was his paternal uncle). They “… marched from the State of New Hampshire and joined the northern Continental Army at Saratoga, [in] September 1777.” They participated in the Battle of Bemis Heights (or Second Saratoga), October 7, 1777. British General John Burgoyne surrendered his army, October 17, 1777. John McDuffee was paid £6 17s 6d for his service between September 8, 1777, and November 15, 1777.

John McDuffee was paid £4 8s for his service as a Private in Captain Peter Drowne’s Company, in Lt. Col. Stephen Peabody’s Regiment, at Providence, RI, between July 11, and September 26, 1778. They served in the Battle of Rhode Island, on August 29, 1778. He served also in the same Company from November 17, 1778, until the expiration of their service, and was allowed a day’s wage for every twenty miles of travel back to their homes, as well as an additional 1¢ per mile. He was discharged at Exeter, NH, January 6, 1779.

It does not appear that any settlement was made east of the West Branch river prior to about 1785 or 1786, and among the earlier settlers there may be named among others Reuben Jones, Paul Jewett, Amos Witham, the Berrys, the Millers, Ephraim Twombly, Paul Wentworth, Caleb Wingate, David Coursan, John McDuffee, and soon after Hatwell [Hatevil] Nutter, Thomas Applebee, William Applebee, John Hart, John Remick, Jr., Jonathan Dearborn, Joseph Dearborn, and many others (Scales, 1914).

Father William McDuffee was among the three hundred ten Rochester inhabitants that petitioned the NH legislature, August 30, 1785, seeking repeal of an act requiring milled boards to be square-edged and an inch thick (and other lumber in proportion). Those inhabitants described themselves then as being “largely Concerned in Lumber.” They sought also repeal of an act forbidding transport of lumber to the British West Indies, and seeking the issuance of a new paper money (Hammond, 1884). (See Rochester Lumber Remonstrance – August 1785).

Capt. Peter Drown, John McDuffee’s former company commander at the Battle of Rhode Island, was murdered, February 4, 1788, while trying to break up a fight at Randall’s Tavern in New Durham, NH.

PORTSMOUTH, February 8. The following tragical circumstance occurred at New Durham, on Monday last: A number of persons had assembled at Mr. Randall’s tavern up on business; among others present were, Col. [Thomas] Tash, Capt. Peter Drown, a son of Col. Tash’s, and an Elisha Thomas (formerly of Durham, but late a resident in the above town.) Thomas had got into a dispute with one of the persons present [Abraham Libby], and having taken a stone into his fist, was dealing his blows with a great deal of avidity, when Capt. Drown, pained at a fight so inhuman, slipped in between them, and taking Thomas at one side of the room, endeavoured, by soft words, to cool down his resentment, and to dissuade him from persevering in a conduct so alarming. – But alas what was the consequence! – O virtue, where was thy shield! Justice where was thy arm! – At this instant when this good man was acting the part of a mediator, Thomas drew a knife and plunged [it] into his breast; – the wound was mortal – Captain Drown survived it but a few hours, and then expired. – Thus fell, in the cause of humanity, Capt. Drown, in the meridian of his days: a most amiable and deserving man, esteemed and admired by his acquaintance, revered and respected by his friends. As soon as Thomas had committed the horrid deed, he put himself in a posture of defence, and threatened instant death to any person who should dare to approach him – a son of Col. Tash endeavoured to seize him – but, receiving several wounds, he was obliged to desist. Thomas made his escape: but was apprehended and committed to the goal [gaol] in Dover, on Wednesday evening. Thomas had received several favours from Capt. Drown — was greatly indebted to him for his assiduity in procuring him a pension for the loss of his thumb, while in the late continental army (Eastern Herald (Portland, ME), February 28, 1788).

(Elisha Thomas was hanged for his murder of Capt. Peter Drown, in Dover, NH, June 3, 1788. It is said to have been Dover’s first hanging execution (NH Historical Society, n.d.)).

Wm Duffee [McDuffee] headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the First (1790) Federal Census. His household included three males aged 16-plus years, and four females. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Joseph Heard and Saml Chamberlain. (See Northeast Parish in the First (1790) Federal Census).

John McDuffee headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the First (1790) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 16-plus years [himself]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Jona Geoch and Ebenzr Kent. (See Northeast Parish in the First (1790) Federal Census).

John McDuffee, Jr., married in Rochester, NH, January 24, 1793, Elizabeth Fitzgerald, both of Rochester, NH. Rev. Joseph Haven performed the ceremony.

Wm McDuffee headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one female aged 45-plus years [Martha (Allen) McDuffee], one female aged 26-44 years, one male aged 16-25 years, one female aged 16-25 years, and one female aged under-10 years.

John McDuffee headed a Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Elizabeth (Fitzgerald) McDuffee], one male aged under-10 years, and one female aged under-10 years [Lucy McDuffee]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Simon Brawn [Brown] and Wm Griffis. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

Father William McDuffee of Rochester, NH, made his last will, July 6, 1801. He devised one-third of his neat produce to his well beloved wife, Martha McDuffee. He devised $1 to his beloved son, John McDuffee. He devised forty acres of land purchased from David Leighton to his beloved son, James McDuffee, it being the land on which he now lives; he devised to him also the adjoining thirty-seven acres purchased from Ebenezer Place. He devised $1 to his beloved son William McDuffee. He devised the homestead farm to his beloved son, Samuel McDuffee, including all the buildings, farming utensils, and ten acres of land. He had purchased it of Boardman and others, it having been formerly owned by Abner Dame.

He devised two cows and half of the household furniture to his beloved daughter, Sarah McDuffee. She was to have the remaining furniture after the decease of her mother, and she was to have the use of one-quarter of his house and garden while she remained unmarried. He devised $5 each to his beloved daughters, Mary, Jane, and Hannah. He devised two cows and half of the household furniture to his beloved daughter, after the decease of her mother, and she was to have the use of one-quarter of his house and garden while she remained unmarried.

He named his beloved son, Samuel McDuffee, as executor. Joseph Haven, Mary Haven, and John Haven signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 9:6).

Father Capt. William McDuffee died in Dover, NH, July 9, 1804, aged seventy-five years. His last will was proved in Strafford County Probate Court held in Dover, NH, August 15, 1804 (Strafford County Probate, 9:8).

John McDuffee was assessed in the Milton School District No. 1 of Joseph Plumer in 1806. (See Milton School Districts – 1806).

Uncle Daniel McDuffee died in Rochester, NH, February 26, 1807, aged sixty-eight years. (He had commanded a company, in September 1777, which he led to join the northern Continental Army at Saratoga, NY. His nephew, John McDuffee, had marched with him).

Mother Martha (Allen) McDuffee died in Rochester, NH, January 1, 1808, aged seventy-eight years.

Jno McDuffee headed a Milton household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], and one female aged 45-plus years [Elizabeth (Fitzgerald) McDuffee]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of David Corston and Abigail Hanson. (See Milton in the Third (1810) Federal Census).

Daughter Lucy McDuffee married in Wakefield, NH, September 3, 1813, John Richards, both of Rochester, NH. Rev. Asa Piper performed the ceremony. John Richards was born in Rochester, NH, in 1783, son of John and Sarah (Bickford) Richards.

John McDuffee headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 70-79 years [himself], and one female aged 60-69 years [Elizabeth (Fitzgerald) McDuffee]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Israel Nute and Thos P. Ricker. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

John Richards headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 40-49 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years [Lucy (McDuffee) Richards], one female aged 15-19 years, one male aged 10-14 years, one female aged 10-14 years, one female aged 5-9 years, and one female aged under-5 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Sarah McDuffee and Jas Clark.

John McDuffee of Milton made a sworn declaration of his Revolutionary War service, September 14, 1832, order to claim a Revolutionary War Veteran’s Pension. In it, he specified his birthplace, birthdate, service record, and the battles in which he had participated, such as the Battle of Bemis Heights or Second Saratoga, on October 7, 1777, and the Battle of Rhode Island, on August 29, 1778.

DECLARATION. In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State of New Hampshire, County of Strafford, Ss. } At a Court of Probate holden in Wakefield in said County.
On this 14 day of Sept., 1832, personally appeared before the Judges of the Court of Probate, in open Court, John McDuffee, a resident of Milton in the County of Strafford, and State of New-Hampshire, aged 79 years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. that he enlisted in the army of the United States in the year 1775 with Capt. Brewster and served in the New Hampshire regiment of the Militia line, under the following named officers: that is to say ~ He enlisted for two months in the fall of the year 1775 and served that time in Portsmouth, N.H. that the officers of his Company were Capt. John Brewster & Lt. Paul Nute, the ensign’s name not now recollected ~ that said Company was attached to the Regiment commanded by Joshua Wingate ~ that in the month of July 1776 according to the best of his recollection he again enlisted into the service for five months and served said time out ~ that he served in Capt. John Drew’s Company attached to Col. Wyman’s regiment of the New Hampshire troops ~ that they marched thro’ Concord, N.H., Charlestown, then called No. 4, passed into Vermont and arrived at Mount Independence, where they were stationed during most of said service ~ that after his time was out he returned home ~ that in 1777 in the spring, the time not exactly recollected, he enlisted to go to the Fort in Portsmouth Harbour for one month and he did go and served that time out, and returned home ~ that he served said term or engagement in a Company of Militia under the command of Capt. John Hayes ~ that in the same year – 1777 – he again enlisted for three months and served that time out ~ that he did duty during that time in the company of Capt. Daniel McDuffee, attached to the regiment of Col. Stephen Evens of the New Hampshire troops ~ that they marched thro’ Peterborough, Keen, Chesterfield &c. in New Hampshire, passed thro’ Brattleborough, Bennington &c. in Vermont to Saratoga in New York and that he was in the battle of 7th October 1777 – and that at the expiration his said time he returned home ~ that in 1778 he again enlisted for six months and served that time out at Rhode Island ~ that he did this duty as a soldier in the Company commanded by Capt. Peter Drown attached to the regiment of Col. Stephen Peabody of the New Hampshire troops ~ that he was in the battle which took place there in August of that year and was there when General [John] Sullivan retreated from the Island ~ that after his time was out and returned home ~ and that he never had any written discharge at any time ~
He further says that he was, according to the best information he has, born in Rochester in said County of Strafford, April 10, 1753 ~ that he resided there in the time of the Revolution and has resided in said Rochester and Milton taken from said Rochester ever since – and that he has no record of his age ~

John McDuffee, of Strafford County, NH, aged eighty-one years, appeared in the Pension Roll of 1835. He had been entered on the Pension Roll, December 3, 1832, as a former Private in the NH Militia. He was to received $57.11 per annum, and had received  $171.33, since including retroactive payments from March 4, 1831.

John Richards headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one female aged 40-49 years [Lucy (McDuffee) Richards], one female aged 20-29 years, one female aged 15-19 years, one female aged 5-9 years, one male aged 80-89 years [John McDuffee], and one female aged 70-79 years [Elizabeth (Fitzgerald) McDuffee]. “John McDuffee,” aged “87” years, was a Revolutionary pensioner residing in the household. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Phineas Hoit and Samuel Foss.

John McDuffee died in Rochester, NH, January 10, 1843, aged eighty-nine years.

His widow, Elizabeth (Fitzgerald) McDuffee of Rochester, NH, applied, July 4, 1843, for a Revolutionary War Veteran’s Widow’s Pension.

Declaration. In order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 7, 1838.
State of New Hampshire. Strafford County, Ss.
On this fourth day of July 1843 personally appeared before the Court of Probate in and for said County this day sitting at Rochester Elizabeth Betsey McDuffee, a resident of said Rochester in the County of Strafford and State of New Hampshire, aged seventy-four years, who, being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 7, 1838.
That she is the Widow of John McDuffee, who was a Soldier in Captain John Drew’s Company in 1776, in Captain John Hayes’ Company in 1777, in Captain Danl McDuffee’s Company in 1777, and Captain Peter Drown’s Company in 1778, all in the New Hampshire Militia as set forth in his declaration for which he drew a pension at the rate of $57.11 per annum.
She further declares that she was married to the said John McDuffee on the twenty-fourth day of January seventeen hundred and ninety-three and that her husband, the aforesaid John McDuffee, died on the tenth day of January, 1843, and that she has remained a Widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereunto annexed.
Elizabeth “her X mark” McDuffee. Stephen Demerritt, B.W. Jenness } Witness to her signature.
Sworn to and subscribed this day and year last above written. Before me. B.W. Jenness, Judge Probate.

Elizabeth (Fitzgerald) McDuffee died in Rochester, NH, August 4, 1844, aged eighty years.

Daughter Lucy (McDuffee) Richards of Rochester, NH, made further declarations, June 5, 1846.

County of Strafford, Ss. Court of Common Pleas. Clerk’s office. I, John H. Smith, Clerk of said Court, hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been filed in this office, that Lucy Richards of said Rochester is the only child and legal heir of John McDuffee and Elizabeth McDuffee, both late of said Rochester and both deceased, and that said Elizabeth died at said Rochester, August 4th, 1844. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this fifth day of June, A.D., 1846. John H. Smith, Clerk.

John Richards, a farmer, aged sixty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Lucy [(McDuffee)] Richards, aged sixty-six years (b. NH), Mary Richards, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), and Charles Richards, aged three years (b. NH).

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References:

Find a Grave. (2015, March 10). Capt. Daniel McDuffee. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/143594061/daniel-mcduffee

Find a Grave. (2015, May 27). John McDuffee. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/147051222/john-mcduffee

Find a Grave. (2009, November 19). Cpt. William McDuffee. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/44559126/william-mcduffee

NH Historical Society. (n.d.). “Life and Dying” Speech of Elisha Thomas, 1788, June 3. Retrieved from www.nhhistory.org/object/261706/life-and-dying-speech-of-elisha-thomas-1788-june-3

Scales, John. (1914). History of Strafford County, New Hampshire and Representative Citizens. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=nGsjAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA508

Wikipedia. (2026, August 29). Battle of Rhode Island. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Rhode_Island

Wikipedia. (2026, September 8). Battles of Saratoga. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battles_of_Saratoga

Wikipedia. (2026, August 9). [Col.] Isaac Wyman. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac_Wyman

Wikipedia. (2026, July 8). Mount Independence (Vermont). Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Independence_(Vermont)

By Muriel Bristol | September 13, 2026

William Berry was born in Greenland, NH, circa January 1755, son of Francis and Comfort (Neal) Berry).

William Berry married, circa 1775, Elizabeth Wiggin. She was born circa 1759.

(The known children of William and Elizabeth (Wiggin) Berry were: James F. Berry (1777-) and Joseph Berry (1778-1855)).

Son James F. Berry was born in 1777. Son Joseph Berry was born in 1778.

Father Francis Berry of Greenland, NH, made his last will July 14, 1786. He specified that “she,” i.e., his widow, Comfort (Neal) Berry, was to have “only her legal Dower in my Estate.” His daughter, Ann Ayers, was to have a cow or so much money as necessary to purchase one, apart from what she had received already. His daughter, Comfort Ayers, was to have furniture for housekeeping equal to what her sister, Ann Ayers, has already had, as well as a cow or the purchase price of a cow. His daughter, Elizabeth Berry, was to have comfortable support while she remains single and, should she marry, she was to have necessary housekeeping articles and a cow.

His son, Samuel Berry,

… not being so capable of managing for himself, shall have a necessary support – food, clothing, lodging, & in case of sickness, physick and necessary attendance suitable to his condition, provided for him out of the income of my Estate, during his natural life.

All the rest of his estate, both real or personal, and whether in Greenland, Wakefield, or elsewhere, he bequeathed equally to his three sons, William, Francis, and James Berry, whom he appointed as joint executors. Rev. Samuel McClintock, Job Chapman, and James Ayers signed as witnesses. His will was proved in a Rockingham Probate Court, December 20, 1786 (Rockingham County Probate, Case 5227).

William Berry would seem to have settled in Rochester’s Northeast Parish, i.e., the Milton Branch and Milton Mills part of what would become Milton, before 1790.

It does not appear that any settlement was made east of the West Branch river prior to about 1785 or 1786, and among the earlier settlers there may be named among others Reuben Jones, Paul Jewett, Amos Witham, the Berrys, the Millers, Ephraim Twombly, Paul Wentworth, Caleb Wingate, David Coursan, John McDuffee, and soon after Hatwell Nutter, Thomas Applebee, William Applebee, John Hart, John Remick, Jr., Jonathan Dearborn, Joseph Dearborn, and many others.

Wm Berry headed a Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, at the time of the Second (1790) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 16-plus years [himself], and two females [Elizabeth (Wiggin) Berry]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of James Berry and Amos Whitehouse. (See Northeast Parish in the First (1790) Federal Census).

William Berry headed a Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Elizabeth (Wiggin) Berry], one male aged 16-25 years, and one male aged under-10 years. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

William Berry and his sons, James Berry and Joseph Berry, signed the Rochester Division Petition of May 1802. (See Rochester Division Petition – May 1802).

Son James F. Berry married, circa 1802, Betsey Pollard. She was born in Shapleigh, ME, in 1776.

Son Joseph Berry married (1st) in Rochester, NH, April 22 1802, Mary “Polly” Berjin [Bergin], both of Rochester, NH. Rev. Joseph Haven performed the ceremony. She was born in the Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, May 28, 1778, daughter of John and Abigail (Berry) Bergin (Lancaster, NH, Vital Records).

Will Berry and his sons, James Berry and Joseph Berry, were assessed in Paul Jewett, Esq.’s School District No. 3, in December 1806. (See Milton School Districts – 1806).

William Berry and his sons, James Berry and Joseph Berry, were among the thirty-five Strafford County inhabitants that petitioned the NH Governor and Executive Council, January 2, 1810, to have Maj. Andrew Wentworth of Somersworth, NH, appointed as Strafford County Sheriff. (See Strafford County Sheriff Petition – January 2, 1810).

Wm Berry headed a Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Elizabeth (Wiggin) Berry], one female aged 10-15 years, and one male aged under-10 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Joseph Bery [Berry] and Isaac Brackett. (See Milton in the Third (1810) Federal Census).

James Berry headed a Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years, one male aged 10-15 years, one male aged under-10 years, and four females aged under-10 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Francis Berry and Joseph Bery [Berry]. (See Milton in the Third (1810) Federal Census).

Joseph Bery [Berry] headed a Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years, one female aged 26-44 years, one male 16-25 years, one female aged 10-15 years, two males aged under-10 years, one female aged under-10 years, and one female aged 45-plus years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of James Berry and William Berry. (See Milton in the Third (1810) Federal Census).

Daughter-in-law Mary (Bergin) Berry died in Milton, March 19, 1813.

Son Joseph Berry married (2nd) in Lebanon, ME, December 1, 1814, Abigail “Nabby” Fall. She was born in Lebanon, ME, July 9, 1786, daughter of Ebenezer and Mary (McCrellis) Fall.

Wm Berry headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 70-79 years [himself], one female aged 60-69 years [Elizabeth (Wiggin) Berry], one male aged 20-29 years, and one female aged 20-29 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Joanna Tuck and Elizabeth Berry. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

Elizabeth [(Pollard)] Berry headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. Her household included one female aged 50-59 years [herself], one female aged 20-29 years, and one male aged 10-14 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Elizabeth Berry and Joseph Berry. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

Joseph Berry headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one female aged 40-49 years [Abigail (Fall) Berry], one female aged 30-39 years, one male aged 20-29 years, one female aged 20-29 years, two males aged 10-14 years, one female aged 10-14 years, one female aged 5-9 years, one female aged under-5 years, and one female aged 80-89 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Elizabeth Berry and Simeon Wiggin. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

Widow Betsey [(Pollard)] Berry as well as Francis Berry, Eliza G. [(Jewett)] Berry, Betsey Berry, and Sarah Berry, were all founding members of the Acton & Milton Mills Free-Will Baptist Church in October 1834.

William Berry headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 80-89 years [himself], and one female aged 80-89 years [Elizabeth (Wiggin) Berry]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Joseph Hussy and Jonathan Berry.

Jonathan Berry headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 20-29 years, one female aged 20-29 years, one female aged 30-39 years, and one female aged 60-69 years [Betsey (Pollard) Berry]. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of William Berry and Jonathan Berry, Jr.

Joseph Berry headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 60-69 years [himself], one female aged 50-59 years [Abigail (Fall) Berry], one female aged 20-29 years, one female aged 15-19 years, two males aged 15-10 years, one male aged 5-9 years. Three members of his household were engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John Berry and Simeon Wiggin.

Elizabeth (Wiggin) Berry died in Milton, July 16, 1841.

Died. In Milton, Mrs. Elizabeth Berry, wife of Mr. William Berry, aged 82 (Dover Enquirer, October 19, 1841).

Daughter-in-law Abigail (Fall) Berry died in Milton, June 18, 1846.

William Berry died in Milton, October 8, 1846, aged ninety-one years, nine months.

DEATHS. In Milton, Oct. 8th, Mr. William Berry, aged 91 years and 9 months (Dover Enquirer, November 24, 1846).

Son Joseph Berry  married (3rd) in Wakefield, NH, December 31, 1846, Nancy (Hanson) Witham, both of Milton. Rev. Joseph Spinney performed the ceremony.

Jonathan Berry, a farmer, aged thirty-two years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Betsey [(Pollard)] Berry, aged seventy-four years (b. NH). Jonathan Berry had real estate valued at $500. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John Berry, a farmer, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), and Joseph Berry, a farmer, aged seventy-two years (b. NH).

Joseph Berry, a farmer, aged seventy-two years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Nancy [((Hanson) Witham)] Berry, aged seventy-one years (b. NH), Charles Berry, a farmer, aged nineteen years (b. NH), and William Berry, a farmer, aged forty-seven years (b. NH). Joseph Berry had real estate valued at $2,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Jonathan Berry, a farmer, aged thirty-two years (b. NH), and Thomas L. Pickering, a carpenter, aged thirty-one years (b. NH).

Son Joseph Berry died in Milton, August 24, 1855.

Betsey [(Pollard)] Berry, aged eighty-three years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills P.O.”) household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. Her household included Salley Berry, aged five years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Jona Berry, a farmer, aged forty-two years (b. NH), and Thomas L. Pickering, a farmer, aged forty years (b. NH).

Daughter [-in-law] Betsey [(Pollard)] Berry died of dysentery in Milton, August 23, 1864, aged eighty-seven years, eleven months.

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References:

Find a Grave. (2018, October 13). Joseph Berry. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/193945977/joseph-berry

By Muriel Bristol | September 6, 2026

Henry Miller was born April 7, 1775, son of Mark and Susannah (Downing) Miller.

Father Mark Miller would seem to have settled in Rochester’s Northeast Parish, i.e., the Milton Branch and Milton Mills part of what would become Milton, before 1790.

It does not appear that any settlement was made east of the West Branch river prior to about 1785 or 1786, and among the earlier settlers there may be named among others Reuben Jones, Paul Jewett, Amos Witham, the Berrys, the Millers, Ephraim Twombly, Paul Wentworth, Caleb Wingate, David Coursan, John McDuffee, and soon after Hatwell Nutter, Thomas Applebee, William Applebee, John Hart, John Remick, Jr., Jonathan Dearborn, Joseph Dearborn, and many others.

Father Mark Miller headed a Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, household at the time of the First (1790) Federal Census. His household included four male aged 16-plus years [himself], three male aged under-16 years, and three females [Susannah (Downing) Miller]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Joseph Chapman and Beniah Dore.

Henry Miller married in Lebanon, ME, June 28, 1799, Mary “Polly” Rines. Rev. Isaac Hasey performed the ceremony.

(The children of Henry and Mary (Rines) Miller were: Susannah Miller [1800-180?], Richard Miller (1801–1891), Judith Abbie Miller (1803–1891), Joseph Miller (c180?-1878), Paulina Miller (1809–1897), Mary F. Miller (1811–1892), Henry S. Miller (1817–1850)).

Henry Miller headed a Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 16-25 years [himself], one female aged 16-25 years [Mary (Rines) Miller], and one female aged under-10 years [Susannah Miller?]. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

Son Richard Miller was born in Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, August 4, 1801.

Uncle Richard Miller signed the Rochester Division Petition of May 1802. (See Rochester Division Petition – May 1802). For whatever reason, other Millers, including Henry Miller, did not sign.

Daughter Judith Abbie Miller was born in Milton, July 7, 1803.

Henry Miller and his brother, Benja Miller, were assessed in the Milton School District No. 1 of Joseph Plumer in 1806. Mark Miller, Jur, and Bartholomew Miller were assessed in the Milton School District No. 3 of Paul Jewett Esq.  (See Milton School Districts – 1806).

Daughter Paulina Miller was born in Milton, October 19, 1809.

Henry Miller headed a Milton household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Mary (Rines) Miller], one female aged 10-15 years, two males aged under-10 years, and two female aged under-10 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Benaiah Dore and Joseph Rines. (See Milton in the Third (1810) Federal Census).

Daughter Mary F. Miller was born in Milton, May 26, 1811.

Henry Miller served in Capt. William Courson’s Milton militia company when it marched to Portsmouth, NH, in September 1814 (See Milton in the War of 1812).

Daughter Judith Miller married in Milton, November 23, 1823, Pelatiah Laskey, both of Milton. John Remick, Jr., Justice of the Peace, performed the ceremony. He was born in Lee, NH, July 4, 1803, son of Jonathan and Comfort (Jones) Laskey.

Daughter Paulina Miller married in Milton, February 18, 1828, Bartholomew Miller, she of Milton and he of Berwick, ME. John Remick, Justice of the Peace, performed the ceremony.

Son Richard Miller married in Shapleigh, ME, April 27, 1829, Paulina Buzzell. She was born in Acton, ME, December 28, 1801, daughter of James and Tabitha “Tabithy”(Allen) Buzzell.

Richard Miller, father of James A., was born in Milton and reared to agricultural pursuits. For many years he owned and cultivated a good farm in New Durham; but the last five years of his life were spent in Farmington, N.H. In politics he voted with Democratic party. He married Paulina Bussell, a native of Acton, Me., and reared a family of six children, all of whom are living. Richard Miller died at the age of ninety years, four months, and twenty-one days (Bio. Review Pub. Co., 1897).

Henry Miller headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one female aged 50-50 years [Mary (Rines) Miller], one female aged 30-39 years, two males aged 20-29 years, two females aged 20-29 years, one female aged 15-19 years, one female aged 10-14 years, and one female aged under-5 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Richd Miller and Comfort Laskey. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

Richd Miller headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 20-29 years [himself], one female aged 20-29 years, and one male aged 10-14 years. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

Pelatiah J. Laskey headed a New Durham, NH, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 40-49 years [himself], one female aged 20-29 years [Judith (Miller) Laskey], two males aged 15-19 years, and one male aged 10-14 years.

Daughter Mary F. Miller married in New Durham, NH, July 4, 1836, Alfred S. Willey. He was born in New Durham, NH, March 20, 1815, son of Bartholomew and Duroy (Rankin) Willey.

Married. In New-Durham, Mr. Alfred Willey to Miss Mary Miller (Dover Enquirer, July 19, 1836).

Henry Miller headed a New Durham, NH, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 60-69 years [himself], and one female aged 60-69 years [Mary (Rines) Miller]. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture.

Richard Miller headed a New Durham, NH, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 30-39 years, one female aged 30-39 years, one male aged 20-29 years, one male aged 15-19 years, one female aged 15-19 years, two males aged 5-9 years and one female aged under-5 years. Two members of his household were engaged in Agriculture.

Peltiah J. Elaskey [Laskey] headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 30-39 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years [Judith A. (Miller) Laskey], one male aged 15-19 years, two males aged 10-14 years, two males aged 5-9 years, one male aged under-5 years, and one female aged under-5 years. Four members of his household were engaged in Agriculture. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of John Nute and Comfort [(Jones)] Laskey.

Alfred Willey headed a New Durham, NH, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 20-29 years [himself], one female aged 20-29 years [Mary F. (Miller) Willey], one male aged under-5 years, and two females aged under-5 years. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture.

DEATHS. In New Durham, Mrs. Miller, wife of Mr. Richard Miller, aged about 40 (Dover Enquirer, April 18, 1848).

Henry Miller, a farmer, aged seventy-six years (b. NH), headed a New Durham, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Mary [(Rines)] Miller, aged eighty-two years (b. NH), and Susan Willey, aged thirteen years (b. NH).

Richard Miller, a farmer, aged forty-nine years (b. NH), headed a New Durham, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Paulina [(Buzzell)] Miller, aged forty-nine years, Joseph Miller, a farmer, aged nineteen years (b. NH), James Miller, a farmer, aged sixteen years (b. NH), Caroline Miller, aged fifteen years (b. NH), Paulina Miller, aged thirteen years (b. NH), Mary Miller, aged eleven years (b. NH), and Ricd R. Miller, aged five years (b. NH). Richard Miller had real estate valued at $3,000.

Pelatiah Laskey, a farmer, aged fifty years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Judith [(Miller)] Laskey, aged forty-five years (b. NH), Warren P. Laskey, a farmer, aged seventeen years (b. NH), Joseph Laskey, aged fourteen years (b. NH), Sarah A. Laskey, aged twelve years (b. NH), and Mary J. Laskey, aged seven years (b. NH). Pelatiah Laskey had real estate valued at $1,600. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Stephen Nute, a farmer, aged fifty-two years (b. NH), and Comfort [(Jones)] Laskey, aged seventy-four years (b. NH).

Bartholomew Miller, a stone cutter, aged forty-six years (b. NH), headed a Middleton, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Paulina [(Miller)] Miller, aged forty-two years, Mary J. Miller, aged eighteen years (b. NH), George Bell Miller, aged thirteen years (b. NH), Joseph C. Miller, aged twelve years (b. NH), Richard H. Miller, aged eight years (b. NH), Harriet L. Miller, aged five years (b. NH), Mark D. Miller, aged two years (b. NH), and Richard Miller, a carpenter, aged sixty-two years (b. NH). Bartholomew Miller had real estate valued at $400. Richard Miller’s condition was “insane.”

Alfred Willey, a shoemaker, aged thirty-five years (b. [NH]), headed an Alton, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Mary [(Miller)] Willey, aged thirty-eight years (b. [NH]), Charles H. Willey, aged twelve years (b. [NH]), Mary J. Willey, aged ten years (b. [NH]), John Willey, aged eight years (b. [NH]), Louisa Willey, aged six years (b. [NH]), and Peletiah Willey, aged four years (b. [NH]).

Henry Miller died in New Durham, NH, April 7, 1852, aged seventy-six years, nine months, and one day.

DEATHS. In New Durham, April 7th, Mr. Henry Miller, aged 76 years, 9 months, 1 day (Dover Enquirer, May 11, 1852).

Son-in-law Pelatiah J. Laskey died in Milton, December 26, 1856, aged fifty-three years, six months.

DEATHS. In Milton, Dec. 26th, Peletiah J. Laskey, aged 53 years and 6 months (Dover Enquirer, January 8, 1857).

Mary (Rines) Miller died in New Durham, NH, September 17, 1859.

Richard Miller, a farmer, aged fifty-nine years (b. NH), headed a New Durham, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Paulina [(Buzzell)] Miller, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH), Caroline Miller, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), Elizabeth Miller, aged twenty years (b. NH), Mary A. Miller, aged eighteen years (b. NH), Richard R. Miller, aged fifteen years (b. NH), and Mary Miller, aged eighty-seven years (b. NH). Richard Miller had real estate valued at $3,500 and personal estate valued at $1,000.

Joseph Willey, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills P.O.”) household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Mary [(Laskey)] Willey, aged eighteen years (b. NH), Judith (Miller) Laskey, aged fifty-six years (b. NH), John Rines, a farm laborer, aged seventy years (b. NH), S. Foss, aged seventy years (b. NH), and an infant female, aged three months (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John Nute, a farmer, aged sixty years (b. NH), and Jonas Laskey, a farmer, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH).

B. [Bartholomew] Miller, a farmer, aged fifty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Middleton, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Plena [Paulina] [(Miller)] Miller, aged fifty-two years (b. NH), Geo. B. Miller, a farm laborer, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), Joseph C. Miller, a farm laborer, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), Richard H. Miller, a farm laborer, aged nineteen years (b. NH), Harriet Lette, aged fifteen years (b. NH), Mark D. Lette, aged ten years (b. NH), and J. Waldron, a farm laborer,  aged nineteen years (b. NH).

Alfred S. Willey, a farm laborer, aged forty-three years (b. NH), headed a New Durham, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included4 Mary A. [(Miller)] Willey, aged forty-five years (b. NH), Abba F. Willey, aged eight years (b. NH), Pelatiah Willey, aged thirteen years (b. NH), and Louisa R. Willey, aged sixteen years (b. NH).

Richard Miller, a farmer, aged sixty-eight years (b. NH), headed a New Durham, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Paulina [(Buzzell)] Miller, keeping house, aged sixty-eight years (b. ME), Richard R. Miller, a farm laborer, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), Henry B. Miller, at home, aged eleven years (b. NH), and Florance A. Miller, at home, aged nine years (b. NH). Richard Miller had real estate valued at $3,000 and personal estate valued at $750.

Joseph F. Willey, a farmer, aged thirty-four years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Mary [(Laskey)] Willey, keeping house, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), Fred W. Willey, at school, aged four years (b. NH), Judith [(Miller)] Laskey, aged sixty-two years (b. NH), and John Rines, aged eighty-one years (b. NH). Joseph F. Willey had real estate valued at $2,000 and personal estate valued at $540. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Andrew Simons, a farmer, aged sixty-three years (b. NH), and a vacant residence, with that of Mary Young, keeping house, aged forty-seven years (b. NH), just beyond.

Alfred S. Willey, a farm laborer, aged fifty-five years (b. NH), headed a New Durham, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Mary F. [(Miller)] Willey, keeping house, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH), Franklin P. Hayes, a blacksmith, aged seventeen years (b. NH), and Abbie F. [(Willey)] Hayes, a housekeeper, aged seventeen years (b. NH). Alfred S. Willey had real estate valued at $400.

Richard Miller, at home, aged seventy-eight years (b. NH), headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Paulina [(Buzzell)] Miller, keeping house, aged seventy-eight years (b. ME), his daughters, Caroline Miller, at home, aged forty-two years (b. NH), and Mary Miller, works in shoe shop, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), and his grandson, Benjamin Miller, attending school, aged sixteen years (b. NH).

Paulina [(Miller)] Miller, aged seventy years (b. NH), headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. Her household included her son, Joseph Miller, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), her grandsons, Henry Miller, aged thirteen years (b. NH), and John Miller, aged ten years (b. NH), and her boarders, Dudley Colbath, works in shoe shop, aged forty-one years (b. NH), Sarah Colbath, works in shoe shop, aged twenty-five years (b. NH), Albert Colbath, aged four years (b. NH), Seth Colbath, works in shoe shop, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH), Emily Colbath, works in shoe shop, aged twenty-six years (b. NH), Frederick Colbath, aged seven years (b. NH), and Grace Colbath, aged four years (b. NH).

Alfred S. Willey, a farmer, aged sixty-five years (b. NH), headed a New Durham, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Mary F. [(Miller)] Willey, keeping house, aged sixty-seven years (b. NH). Alfred S. Willey suffered from dropsy.

Son-in-law Alfred S. Willey died in New Durham, NH, September 23, 1880.

DEATHS. In New Durham, Sept. 22, Alfred S. Willey. aged 65 years and 6 months(Dover Enquirer, September 30, 1880).

Daughter-in-law Pauline (Buzzell) Miller died of cholera morbus in Farmington, NH, September 11, 1888, aged eighty-six years, eight  months, and thirteen days.

DEATHS. In Farmington, Sept. 11, Paulina, wife of Richard Miller, aged 86 years, 8 months and 12 days (Farmington News, September 14, 1886).

Daughter Judith Abbie (Miller) Laskey died in Milton Mills, October 25, 1891.

Son Richard Miller died in Farmington, NH, December 25, 1891, aged ninety years.

LATEST GLEANINGS. Mr. Richard Miller, aged ninety, one of the oldest citizens of Farmington, N.H., died last night (Boston Evening Transcript, December 26, 1891).

Daughter Mary F. (Miller) Willey died in New Durham, NH, February 4, 1892.

NEW DURHAM. … Mrs. Mary F. Willey, widow of the late Alfred S. Willey, died Feb. 3, and was buried the following Saturday by the side of her husband in the Russel R. Miller cemetery (Farmington News, February 19, 1892).

Daughter Paulina (Miller) Miller died of paralysis in Farmington, NH, November 5, 1897, aged eighty-eight years, twenty-three days. She was a houseworker.

---

References:

Find a Grave. (2012, November 11). Judith Abbie Miller Laskey. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/100511532/judith-abbie-laskey

Find a Grave. (2024, June 12). Henry Miller. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/271626713/henry-miller

Find a Grave. (2014, September 26). Richard Miller. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/136459170/richard-miller

Find a Grave. (2023, July 9). Mary F. Miller Willey. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/256485884/mary_f-willey

 

By Muriel Bristol | August 30, 2026

Ebenezer Jones Mathes was born in Milton, April 3, 1810, son of Robert and Sally (Jones) Mathes. He was a namesake for his maternal grandfather, Ebenezer Jones.

Mother Sally (Jones) Mathes died in Milton, August 22, 1822, aged forty-four years, one month, and nineteen days.

Ebenezer J. Matthews [Mathes] married (1st) in Boston, MA, August 16, 1835, Emily E. Shed. Rev. Joy H. Fairchild performed the ceremony. She was born in Hollis, NH, February 25, 1814, daughter of John and Lucy ((Farley) Jewett) Shed.

Ebenezer J. Matthews, formerly of Milton, N.H., married in South Boston, Sunday, Emily E. Shed, formerly of Hollis, N.H. (Columbian Centinel (Boston, MA), August 19, 1835).

Emily E. (Shed) Matthews [Mathes] died in Boston, MA, December 15, 1836, aged twenty-two years.

Ebenezer J. Matthews [Mathes] married (2nd) in South Boston, MA, April 29, 1838, Phidelia Davis. Rev. William Jackson performed the ceremony. She was born in Vermont, November 13, 1819.

Ebenezer J. Matthews married in South Boston, Fidelia Davis (Columbian Centinel (Boston, MA), May 2, 1838).

(The known children of Ebenezer J. and Phidelia (Davis) Mathes were: Emily Elizabeth Shed Mathes (1839-1839), Sarah French Mathes (1842-1873), Maria Louise Mathes (1845-1917), and Emma Jane Mathes (1847-1915)).

Daughter Emily Elizabeth Shed Matthews [Mathes] was born in Boston, MA, circa March 1839. She was a namesake for her father’s first wife. She died in South Boston, MA, October 7, 1839, aged seven months.

Emily Elizabeth Shedd Matthews, only child of Ebenezer J. and Fidelia Matthews, d. at So. Boston, Oct. 7th, aged 7 mos. (Columbia Centinel (Boston, MA), October 9, 1839).

Ebenezer J. Matthews [Mathes] appeared in the Boston, MA, directories of 1839 and 1840, as a housewright, boarding in the rear of 2nd Street, near F Street.

Father Robert Mathes died in Milton, March 13, 1840, aged sixty-eight years.

Died. In Milton, on the 13th inst., at the residence of his son, Elder Robert Mathes, aged 68 (Dover Enquirer, March 31, 1840).

Ebenr Matthews [Mathes] headed a Ward 12, Boston, MA, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 30-39 years [himself], one female aged 20-29 years [Phidelia (Davis) Mathes], and one female aged 30-39 years. One member of his household was engaged in Manufacture and Trade.

Ebenezer J. Matthews [Mathes] appeared in the Boston, MA, directory of 1842, as a housewright, boarding in the rear of 2nd Street, near E Street.

Daughter Sarah French Matthews [Mathes] was born in Boston, MA, in 1842.

The Democrat party of Boston, NH, nominated Ebenezer J. Matthews [Mathes] as a candidate for Ward 12 Inspector, in December 1842. (Ward 12 comprised “all S. Boston”).

WARD TWELVE. For Warden – William P. Loring. Clerk – John F. Abbot. Common Council – Eben Jackson, Solon Jenkins, Romanus Emerson, Charles Mead. School Committee – Charles C. Shackford, William Butters. Overseer of the Poor – James D. Blacker. Inspectors-Daniel B. Haynes, Thomas J. Bryant, George B. Bradford, Ebenezer J. Matthews, Jasper H. Eaton (Boston Post, December 12, 1842).

Daughter Maria Louisa Mathes was born in Rochester, NH, July 29 1845. Daughter Emma Jane Mathes was born in Rochester, NH, November 27, 1847.

Eben J. Mathes, a merchant, aged forty years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Fidelia [(Davis)] Mathes, aged thirty years (b. VT), Sarah F.W. Mathes, aged eight years (b. MA), Maria Louisia Mathes, aged five years (b. NH), and Emma Jane Mathes, aged two years (b. NH). Eben J. Mathes had real estate valued at $2,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John Parsons, a manufacturer, aged forty-six years (b. NH), and Stephen M. Mathes, a merchant, aged fifty-three years (b. NH).

Ebenezer J. Mathes received an initial appointment as a Rochester, NH, justice-of-the-peace, July 13, 1855.

Brother Stephen M. Mathes died in Rochester, NH, May 13, 1857, aged sixty years.

Foreclosure of Mortgage. BE it known, – that on the thirty-first day of July A.D. 1857, I, as surviving Partner of the late firm of S.M. Mathes & Co., of Rochester in the County of Strafford and State of New Hampshire, and for myself, made a peaceable entry upon and took possession of a tract of land situated in said Rochester and bounded Easterly by land of Charity Jenness, Westerly by land of Seth Jenness, Northerly by land of William Danforth, and Southerly by the highway, conveyed to me, the said Ebenezer J. Mathes and one Stephen M. Mathes, late of said Rochester now deceased, and late partners doing business at said Rochester under the firm name of S.M. Mathes & Co., in mortgage by George W. Hurd and Susan K. Hurd, wife of said George W Hurd, formerly of said Rochester, now of Milton in said County, by their deed, dated the twenty-eighth day of September, A.D. 1855, recorded in Strafford County Records, Book 218, page 122, for condition broken and for the purpose of foreclosing the right in equity of said George W. Hurd and Susan K. Hurd, to redeem the same an the same time publicly declared the purpose and object of said entry and of the possession so taken. EBENEZER J. MATHES. Rochester, August 10, 1857. 16 (Dover Enquirer, September 10, 1857).

Ebenezer J. Mathes, aged fifty years (b. NH), headed a Rochester (“Farmington P..O.”), NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Phidelia [(Davis)] Mathes, aged forty years (b. VT), Sarah F. Mathes, a common s. [school] teacher, aged eighteen years (b. MA), Maria L. Mathes, aged fifteen years (b. NH), and Emma J. Mathes, aged twelve years (b. NH). Ebenezer J. Mathes had real estate valued at $1,000 and personal estate valued at $13,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Betsey Lyman, aged seventy-seven years (b. NH), and Josiah B. Kimball, a shoe manufacturer, aged twenty-six years (b. MA). The household of widowed sister-in-law Louisa F. [((Meserve) Davis)] Mathes, aged forty-two years (b. NH), lay just below that of Josiah B. Kimball in the enumeration.

Ebenezer J. Mathes received a ten-year reappointment as a Rochester, NH, justice-of-the-peace, June 19, 1860.

Ebenezer J. Mathes appeared in the Rochester, NH, directory of 1867, as a Rochester justice-of-the-peace

ROCHESTER. Incorporated May 10, 1722, included the territory of the towns of Farmington and Milton. Population – 1775, 1548; 1790, 2857; 1820, 2471; 1850, 3006; 1860, 3384. … Justices – Daniel J. Parsons, Cyrus K. Sanborn, Charles S. Whitehouse, William Rand, Jacob H. Ela, Joseph H. Worcester, Nicholas V. Whitehouse, John Legro, State; James H. Edgerly, Quorum; James Tebbetts, John P. Trickey Silas Hussey, jr., Ebenezer J. Mathes, Enoch Whitehouse, Simon Wentworth, Jeremiah D. Evans, Ira Doe, Henry Nye, Wm. K. Kimball, Charles Brown, James Farrington, Alvah M. Kimball, Charles Dennett, Reuben Tilton, George F. Guppy, Noah Tebbetts, Henry W. Locke.

Daughter Sarah F. Mathes married in Somerville, MA, April 14, 1870, George W. Carr, she of Rochester, NH, and he of Somerville, MA. He was a carpenter, aged twenty-seven years, and she was aged twenty-seven years. He was born in Chester, NH, circa 1842, son of John and Rebecca Carr. Rev. A.F. Marsh performed the ceremony.

Ebenezer J. Mathes received a five-year reappointment as a Rochester, NH, justice-of-the-peace, June 16, 1870.

Eben J. Mathes, agent, life insurance co., aged sixty years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Phidelia [(Davis)] Mathes, keeping house, aged fifty years (b. VT), Maria L. Mathes, aged twenty-five years (b. NH), and Emma J. Mathes, aged twenty-three years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration just before that of his son-in-law, George W. Carr, a carpenter, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH).

George W. Carr, a carpenter, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Sarah F. [(Mathes)] Carr, keeping house, aged twenty-eight years (b. MA). Their household appeared in the enumeration just after that of her father, Eben J. Mathes, agent, life insurance co., aged sixty years (b. NH).

Daughter Emma J. Mathes married in Rochester, NH, August 11, 1870, Isaac A. Varney, both of Rochester, NH. He was a shoemaker, aged twenty-two years, and she was aged twenty-two years. He was born in Lebanon, ME, October 15, 1848, son of Moses E. and Sarah Ann (Blaisdell) Varney. Rev. A.F. Marsh performed the ceremony.

MARRIED. In Rochester, Aug. 11, Mr. Isaac Varney and Miss Emma J. Mathes, both of Rochester (Dover Enquirer, August 25, 1870).

Daughter Sarah F. (Mathes) Carr died in Rochester, NH, June 11, 1873, aged thirty years.

DEATHS. In Rochester, 11th inst., Sarah F., wife of Geo. W. Carr, and daughter of E. Mathes, Esq., aged 30 yrs, 11 mos. (Dover Enquirer, June 19, 1873).

Ebenezer J. Mathes was elected President of the N.P. [Norway Plains] Savings Bank, in December 1873.

PERSONAL. E.J. Mathes is elected President of the N.P. Savings Bank of Rochester, N.H., in place of John McDuffe, resigned (Boston Globe, December 5, 1873).

NORWAY PLAINS SAVINGS BANK – ROCHESTER. Incorporated 1851. Charter perpetual. President – EBENEZER J. MATHES. Treasurer – FRANKLIN MCDUFFEE. Salary, $1,500. Bond $50,000, a copy of which is on file in office of secretary of state. Date of bond, August 4, 1869. Bond deposited with president for safe keeping. Clerk – George McDuffee. Trustees – Ebenezer J. Mathes, Stephen D. Wentworth, John McDuffee, John Legro, Thomas C. Davis, Charles Greenfield, Enoch Whitehouse. Examination, January 30, 1874 (Bank Commissioners’ Report, 1874).

Phidelia (Davis) Mathes died in Rochester, NH, November 17, 1874, aged fifty-five years, four months.

DEATHS. In Rochester, Nov. 17, Phidelia, wife of Ebenezer J. Mathes, Esq., aged 55 years, 4 days (Dover Enquirer, November 19, 1874).

Ebenezer J. Mathes received a ten-year reappointment as a Rochester, NH, justice-of-the-peace, May 12, 1875.

Eben J. Mathes married (3rd) in Rochester, NH, December 1, 1875, Martha A.  Edgerley. She was born in Somersworth, NH, in 1828, daughter of Thomas T. [Tash] and Sally (Roberts) Edgerley. He was aged sixty-five years and she was aged forty-seven years.

MARRIAGES. In Rochester, Dec. 1, by Rev. A.J. Quick, Eben J. Mathes and Miss Martha A. Edgerly, both of Rochester (Dover Enquirer, December 9, 1875).

Son-in-law George W. Carr died in Rochester, NH, February 16, 1879, aged thirty-four years.

Martha A. (Edgerley) Mathes died of a supposed cancer of stomach in Rochester, NH, May 5, 1880, aged fifty-one years, ten months. She was a married housekeeper. Horace L. Worcester signed the death certificate.

DEATHS. In Rochester, May 3, Martha A., wife of [E.] J. Mathes, Esq., aged 51 years (Dover Enquirer, May 13, 1880).

Eben J. Mathes, an insurance agent, aged seventy years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his daughter, Marie L. Mathes, aged thirty-four years, and his granddaughter, Louise R. Carr, aged seven years (b. NH). They shared a two-family residence with the household of Isaac A. Varney, a house carpenter, aged thirty-one years (b. ME). His household included his wife, Emma J. [(Mathes)] Varney, keeping house, aged thirty-two years (b. NH), his daughters, Edith P. Varney, aged eight years (b. NH), and Grace C. Varney, aged seven years (b. NH), and his boarder, Wilber Cole, a house carpenter, aged forty-seven years (b. ME). They resided on Wakefield Street.

Ebenezer Jones Mathes married (4th) in Rochester, NH, September 22, 1881, Betsey Moody ((Horn) Howard. She was born in Lebanon, ME, November 23, 1829, daughter of Capt. Richard and Narissa Clara (Jones) Horne. She was the widow of John O. Howard.

Ebenezer J. Mathes received his final reappointment as a Rochester, NH, justice-of-the-peace, May 26, 1885.

Brother Robert Mathes died of valvular heart disease in Milton, July 31, 1894, aged eighty-two years, one months, and sixteen days. William F. Wallace, M.D., signed the death certificate.

HERE AND THERE. Mr. Robert Mathes of Milton died on Tuesday evening at the age of eighty-two years. He was a notable figure of Milton and was one of the best-informed men in the county, concerning local history. He had a quick and correct memory, and was an extensive reader of the best authors of the past and present, enjoying also the conversation of bright people. He had been out of health a long time and suffered intensely at times. He was of colonial family and had may interesting recollections of former days at his tongue’s end, and possessed some prized relics of a time long past. Mr. Mathes leaves a widow, a daughter, Mrs. Amos M. Roberts, two sons, Albert O. Mathes of the Strafford bank at Dover, and Dana Mathes of Oakland, California, and two grand-daughters Miss Lura Mathes of Dover, and Miss Molly Mathes of California, besides a brother, Mr. Eben Mathes of Rochester, and hosts of friends (Farmington News, August 3, 1894).

Ebenezer J. Mathes died of chronic bronchitis in Rochester, NH, October 16, 1894, aged eighty-four years, six months, and thirteen days. He was a married retiree.  R.T. Burleigh reported the death.

Betsey M. [((Horn) Howard] Mathes, a widow, aged seventy years (b. ME), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. Her household included her daughter, Josephine Howard, asst. librarian (city), aged twenty-seven years (b. NH), and her lodger, Frances Hussey, a dressmaker, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH). Betsey M. Mathes was the mother of one child of whom one was still living. (See Rochester Social Library – 1792).

Isaac Varney, a janitor (school), aged fifty-one years (b. ME), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Emma J. [(Mathes)] Varney, aged fifty-two years (b. NH), his daughter, Edith [(Varney)] Jacobs, a bookkeeper, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH), his son-in-law, William Jacobs, a clerk (drug), aged twenty-nine years (b. NH), and his daughters, Martha E. Jacobs, aged seventeen years (b. NH), Edna D. Jacobs, at school, aged twelve years (b. NH), and Sarah F. Jacobs, at school, aged nine years (b. NH). Isaac A. Varney owned their house at 41 Wakefield Street, free-and-clear.

Louisa Mathes, aged fifty-four years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. She owned her house at 43 Wakefield Street, free-and-clear.

Son-in-law Isaac A. Varney died of pneumonia at 41 Wakefield Street in Rochester, NH, February 29, 1904, aged fifty-five years. He was a married janitor. Charles Blazo, M.D., signed the death certificate.

Death of Two Very Esteemed Citizens. … Isaac A. Varney, a much respected citizen, died at his home on Wakefield street, corner of Summer, yesterday afternoon after a week’s illness of pneumonia. He will be missed greatly. Mr. Varney was born in Lebanon, Me., and was the son of Moses E. and Sarah A. (Blaisdell) Varney, and he attended school at that place. After becoming of age he moved to this city and learned the carpenter trade which he followed for several years. About ten years ago he accepted a position as janitor of the high school building which he has held ever since. During the construction of the new building on Wakefield street he helped arrange the same. He has been truant officer. In 1891 he was elected councilman from Ward 5 and served his city well. He had married to his last wife 34 years. He was a member of Humane Lodge, No. 21, A.F. & A.M, Temple R.A. Chapter and Palestine Commandery. He leaves a wife and five children, two sisters and one brother. The funeral will be held on Thursday afternoon at the late home, and the Knights Templar will do escort duty and perform their ceremonies. Rev. Henry A. Blake, pastor of the Baptist church, will officiate. The remains will be placed in the tomb at the Rochester cemetery. His age was 55 years (Foster’s Daily Democrat (Dover, NH), March 1, 1904).

Betsey [((Horn) Howard)] Mathes, aged eighty years (b. ME), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. Her household included her daughter, Josephine Howard, a bookkeeper (grocery), aged thirty-seven years (b. NH). They rented their portion of a two-family house at 11 Chestnut Street.

Emma J. [(Mathes)] Varney, a widow, aged sixty-two years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. Her household included her daughters, Edith P. [(Varney)] Jacobs, a cashier (clothing store), aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), Mattie E. [(Varney)] Wood, a bookkeeper (telephone co.), aged twenty-six years (b. NH), Sarah F. [(Varney)] Clark, aged nineteen years (b. NH), and her sons-in-law, William Jacobs, a clerk (bank), aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), Charles M. Wood, a bookkeeper (foundry), aged twenty-seven years (b. NH), and William D. Clark, a manager (rendering co.), aged twenty-one years (b. NH). Emma J. Varney owned their house at 41 Wakefield Street, free-and-clear.

M. Louise Mathes, own income, aged sixty-four years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. She owned her house at 41 Wakefield Street, free-and-clear.

Daughter Emma J. (Mathes) Varney died of an intestinal obstruction at 41 Wakefield Street in Rochester, NH, May 12, 1915, aged sixty-seven years, five months, and fifteen days. She was a widowed housewife.

Death Of Mrs. Emma J. Varney. Rochester, May 12. Mrs. Emma J. Varney, aged 67 years, widow of the late Isaac Varney, died at her home on Wakefield street this morning after a week illness due to a complication of diseases. Up to one week ago, Mrs. Varney was about the house enjoying the best of health and attending to her household duties. The deceased was the daughter of Eben J., and Phidelia Davis Mathes and was born and reared in this city. Rochester has been her home for many years and she has lived to see the city grow to its present size and business activity  Many years ago she was united in marriage to the late Isaac Varney, who for years was employed at the Allen school building as janitor. Mrs. Varney was a lady of a naturally quiet and unassuming disposition and she possessed an excellent character, very affable attainments of culture and refinement and a firm Christian character that she greatly endeared herself to a wide circle of relatives and friends Many years ago she identified herself with the First Congregational church in this city and has tried in her every day life to live the life of a Christian in every sense. She is survived by a sister, Miss Emma [Maria] L. Mathes of this city and five daughters, Mrs. William E. Jacobs of this city, Mrs. W.A. Rogers of Allston, Mass., Mrs. C.M. Wood of this city, Miss Edna D. Varney of Allston and Mrs. William D. Clark of Manchester  (Foster’s Weekly Democrat, May 14, 1915).

Daughter-in-law Betsy M. “Bessie” ((Horn) Howard) Mathes died of senility and arterio-sclerosis on Chestnut Street in Rochester, NH, July 14, 1916, aged eighty-six years, seven months, and twenty-one days. She was the widow of Eben J. Mathes. Louis L. Gilman reported the death.

Death of Mrs. Betsey M. Mathes. Rochester, July 15. Mrs. Betsey M. Mathes, aged 86 years, widow of the late Ebenezer Mathes, died at her home, 10 Chestnut street, yesterday afternoon after a long illness. The deceased was born in Center Lebanon, Me., in 1829 and was the daughter of Richard and Melissa (Hill) Horne. Forty-six years she has been a resident of this city. She was a member of the First Methodist church of this city and is survived by a daughter, Josephine Howard, with whom she resided. The funeral services will be held at her late home tomorrow afternoon, Rev. Joseph Simpson, pastor of the First Methodist church officiating. Undertaker R.M. Edgerly is in charge of the funeral arrangements (Foster’s Daily Democrat (Dover, NH), July 15, 1916).

Daughter M. [Maria] Louise Mathes died of influenza at 41 Wakefield Street in Rochester, NH, October 3, 1917, aged seventy-two years, three months, and four days. Charles Blazo, M.D., signed the death certificate.

Death of Miss Louise Mathes. Miss Louise Mathes, aged 72 years, died at her residence on Wakefield street yesterday afternoon after more than a week’s illness. The deceased was a native of this city, the daughter of Ebenezer J. and Phidelia Davis Mathes and had resided here all of her life. For years she has been a member of the First Congregational church and was a constant attendant there as long as her health permitted. Her nearest surviving relatives are six nieces, Mrs. Stanley Wesley of Wrentham, Mass., Mrs. Warren Rogers of Allston, Mrs. William E. Jacobs of this city, Miss Edna D. Varney of Allston, Mrs. Charles M. Wood of this city and Mrs. William D. Clerk of Manchester. The date of the funeral has not been decided upon (Foster’s Daily Democrat (Dover, NH), October 4, 1917).

---

References:

Find a Grave. (2017, February 13). Sarah F. Mathes Carr. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/176304774/sarah-f.-carr

Find a Grave. (2015, July 15). Betsey Moody “Bessie” Horn Mathes. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/149312387/betsey_moody-mathes

Find a Grave. (2015, July 15). Ebenezer Jones Mathes. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/149312469/ebenezer-jones-mathes

Find a Grave. (2017, February 13). Emily E. Shed Mathes. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/176303299/emily_e-mathes

Find a Grave. (2017, February 13). Emily E.S. Mathes. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/176305617/emily-e._s.-mathes

Find a Grave. (2015, July 15). Maria Louise Mathes. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/149316438/maria_louise-mathes

Find a Grave. (2017, February 13). Martha A. Edgerly Mathes. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/176304278/martha_a-mathes

Find a Grave. (2017, February 13). Phidelia A. Davis Mathes. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/176303800/phidelia_a-mathes

Find a Grave. (2015, July 15). Emma Jane Mathes Varney. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/149314721/emma_jane-varney

By Muriel Bristol | August 23, 2026

John Hart was born in Newington, NH, April 17, 1786, son of Nathaniel and Lois (Nutter) Hart.

It does not appear that any settlement was made east of the West Branch river prior to about 1785 or 1786, and among the earlier settlers there may be named, among others, Reuben Jones, Paul Jewett, Amos Witham, the Berrys, the Millers, Ephraim Twombly, Paul Wentworth, Caleb Wingate, David Coursan, John McDuffee, and soon after Hatwell Nutter, Thomas Applebee, William Applebee, John Hart, John Remick, Jr., Nathaniel Dearborn, Joseph Dearborn, and many others (Hurd, 1882).

John Hart was assessed in the Milton School District No. 1 of Joseph Plumer in 1806. (See Milton School Districts – 1806).

John Hart was among the thirty-five Strafford County inhabitants that petitioned the NH Governor and Executive Council, January 2, 1810, to have Maj. Andrew Wentworth of Somersworth, NH, appointed as Strafford County Sheriff. (See Strafford County Sheriff Petition – January 2, 1810).

John Hart married in Wakefield, NH, November 17, 1811, Elizabeth Nutter, both of Milton. She was born in Newington, NH, January 29, 1786, daughter of Hatevil and Susannah (Shackford) Nutter. Rev. Asa Piper performed the ceremony.

(The known children of John and Elizabeth (Nutter) Hart were: Edward F. Hart (1812–1885), Ann Elizabeth Hart (1813–1883), Samuel Shackford Hart (1815–1892), Nathaniel Oliver Hart (1817–1875), William Nutter Hart (1819–1900), Cyrus Frink Hart (1821–1902), John Nutter Hart (1823–1846), Susan Shackford Hart (1827–1905)).

Son Edward F. Hart was born in Milton, March 5, 1812.

Daughter Ann Elizabeth Hart was born in 1813. Son Samuel Shackford Hart was born in Milton, in 1815.

Brother Edward Hart died in Milton, February 20, 1815, aged thirty-one years.

Son Nathaniel Oliver Hart was born in February 17, 1817.

Mother Lois (Nutter) Hart died in Milton, April 21, 1817.

Son William Nutter Hart was born in Milton, June 1, 1819.

Son Cyrus Frink Hart was born in Milton, June 3, 1821. He was a namesake for Cyrus Frink, husband of his maternal aunt, Abigail Simms (Nutter) Frink. Frink had been a Colonel in the War of 1812, and had completed the Piscataqua Bridge, in 1818.

Son John Nutter Hart was born in Milton, August 15, 1823. Daughter Susan Shackford Hart was born in Milton, July 25, 1827.

John Heart [Hart] headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 40-49 years [himself], one female aged 40-49 years [Elizabeth (Nutter) Hart], one male aged 15-19 years, one female aged 15-19 years, two males aged 10-14 years, two males aged 5-9 years, and one female aged under-5 years, and one female aged 50-59 years [Mehitable Hart]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Hawley Applebe [Applebee] and Samuel N. Chamberlain.

Elizabeth [(Nutter)] Hart, her children, Ann E. Hart, Samuel S. Hart, and Nathaniel O. Hart, and son-in-law, Aaron H. Hodsdon, were among the fifty-two members that were dismissed or released from the Acton and Milton Baptist Church, October 28, 1834, in order to found the Milton Baptist Church.

Baptist Church. – Prior to 1834 a church existed, known as the Acton and Milton Baptist Church. This church had a large membership in Milton. On the 28th day of October, in said year, fifty-two members were dismissed from said church, and the 30th day of the same October they organized them into a new church, called the Baptist Church of Milton. The membership was as follows: Charles Swasey, Sarah Swasey, John Shackford, Elizabeth Hart, Ann E. Hart, Hannah Nutter, Ruth Nutter, Samuel S. Hart, Daniel Jones, Nancy Witham, Ira Witham, Nathan Jones, Mehitable Witham, Eunice Swasey, Harriet Fox, Widow Betsey Berry, Susan S. Nutter, Mary Ann Nutter, John Witham, Jr., William S. Nutter, Aaron H. Hadsdan, Nathaniel O. Hart, John Witham, Francis Berry, Josiah Witham, Susan Jones, Martha Witham, Fatima Wallingford, Lydia Jewett, Susan Archabald, Eliza G. Berry, James J. Jewett, Lydia Witham, Nathan Dore, Climena Witham, Alice Hussey, Mary Wentworth, Lydia Fall, Sarah Wentworth, Sally Merrow, Eliza Merrow, Mary Jones, Nancy Jewett, Asa Jewett, Betsey Berry, Mary Witham, Abigail Witham, Deborah Dore, Sarah Berry, Francis Wallingford, Sarah Dore, Elizabeth Nutter. William S. Nutter was chosen clerk, and Charles Swasey and John Witham, Jr., were chosen and ordained as deacons. Of these fifty-two members nine only are now living (Scales, 1914).

Nathaniel O. Hart of Milton was in the Senior English Department at the New Hampton Academical & Theological Academy, in New Hampton, NH, in 1837. Benjamin F. Hayes of Milton, and Samuel D. Kenney of Rochester, NH, were students in that same department. Lydia S. Jewett of Milton was a Junior in the Female Department. Charles P. Hubbard of Acton, ME, was a student in the Classical Department.

ADMISSION. Application for admission should be made personally, or by letter, to the Principal. None will be admitted, who have not entered upon their eighth year.
PLAN. It is designed that the students shall be divided into five distinct departments;  the Theological, embracing such students as are engaged in studies preparatory to the ministry, under the direction of the Principal – the Classical, consisting of students in the Latin and Greek languages, instructed by a professor exclusively devoted to them – the Senior English, comprising young gentlemen in the common and higher branches of English Literature, the Mathematics and Natural Science, under the Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy – the Junior English, including lads from 8 to 15 years of age, in the appropriate branches of English education, under the immediate care of a tutor – and the Female Department, being a distinct branch of the Institution, under the general superintendence of the Principal, but instructed usually by four ladies, one of whom sustains the chief responsibility of management and instruction. …
[Instruction will be given by LECTURES in Physiology, Chemistry, Botany, Geology and Mineralogy, which may be attended by any of the students in the Senior English and Theological Departments].

Samuel S. Hart married (1st) in Acton, ME, June 9, 1838, Rachel F. Buck, he of Milton, and she of Acton, ME. She was born in Wilmington, MA, December 13, 1815, daughter of Dr. Reuben and Alice (Jaquith) Buck.

MARRIED. In Acton, Mr. Samuel S. Hart, of Milton, to Miss Rachel F. Buck (Portland Press Herald (Portland, ME), June 27, 1838).

Son Nathaniel O. Hart appeared in the Boston, MA, directory of 1840, as a housewright, boarding at 1 Portland street.

John Hart headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one female aged 50-59 years [Elizabeth (Nutter) Hart], one male aged 20-29 years, one female aged 20-29 years, one male aged 15-19 years, one female aged 10-14 years, and one female aged 60-69 years [Mehitable Hart]. Three members of his household were engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Samuel Chamberlain and Thomas Applebee.

Samuel S. Hart headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 20-29 years [himself], one female aged 20-29 years [Rachel F. (Buck) Hart], and one male aged under-5 years [Henry C. Hart]. One member of his household was engaged in Manufacture and Trade. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John Nutter and Ezekiel Merrow.

Ann E. Hart married in Milton, October 1, 1840, Aaron H. Hodsdon, both of Milton. Rev. Theodore Stevens performed the ceremony.

William N. Hart married in Milton, October 30, 1841, Olive F. Gowen. She was born in Sanford, ME, June 21, 1821.

Son Nathaniel O. Hart appeared in the Boston, MA, directory of 1842, as employed at Patch & Hart, with his house at 57 Salem street. Patch (Franklin) & Hart (N.O.) appeared as housewrights, in Charlestown, with their house, i.e., Franklin Patch’s house, at 17 Province House court.

Son Edward F. Hart married in Acton, ME, September 24, 1843, Sally T. Fox, he of Milton Mills, and she of Acton, ME. Elder J. Fullonton performed the ceremony. She was born in Acton, ME, July 3, 1820, daughter of Jonathan and Betsey (Wentworth) Fox.

Marriages. In Acton, Me., by Eld. J. Fullonton, Mr. Edward Hart, of Milton, N.H., to Miss Sally Fox (Dover Enquirer, October 10, 1843).

Son Edward Hart was called as a potential juror for the murder trial of Andrew Howard, who was accused of the Meaderboro Murder of 1843. During the voir dire process, NH Attorney General Walker asked all potential jurors the same question: “Have you such conscientious scruples in regard to the right of Government to take human life as to refuse to give a verdict that may?” In answer to a subsequent question, Edward Hart replied that he had not formed an opinion regarding the case. Nevertheless, he was excluded from the jury via a peremptory challenge (Dover Enquirer, August 20, 1844)).

(The seated jurors were Foreman William B. Smith of Dover, NH, David Young of Barrington, NH, John S. Shaw of Durham, NH, Job Thompson of Lee, NH, Moses Place of Middleton, NH, Thomas Tash, Jr., of New Durham, NH, Joseph Berry, Jr., of New Durham, NH, George Wentworth of Somersworth, NH, John R. Wentworth of Somersworth, NH, James Coleman of Somersworth, John B. Foss of Strafford, NH, and Stephen Young of Strafford, NH (Dover Enquirer, August 20, 1844)).

Son Nathaniel O. Hart married in Chelsea, MA, October 17, 1844, Almira Marshall White. Rev. Aaron Stow performed the ceremony.

Son John N. Hart died in Milton, December 17, 1846.

Aaron H. Hodsdon of Milton, cordwainer, made his last will, March 10, 1849. He bequeathed all of his real and personal property to his beloved wife, Ann E. Hodsdon. He appointed his friend, Jeremiah C. Buck, as executor. Aaron Hubbard, Benjamin Brackett, and Jeremiah C. Buck signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 65:107).

Aaron H. Hodsdon died in Milton, October 26, 1849, aged thirty-three years. His last will was proved in a Strafford County Probate Court held in Rochester, NH, December 4, 1849 (Strafford County Probate, 65:108).

Father Nathaniel Hart died in 1850.

John Hart, a farmer, aged sixty-four years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Elizabeth [(Nutter)] Hart, aged sixty-four years (b. NH), Elizabeth A. [(Hart)] Hodgdon, aged thirty-six years (b. NH), Susan S. Hart, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), and Mehitable Hart, aged seventy-three years (b. NH). John Hart had real estate valued at $3,000; Elizabeth A. Hodgdon had real estate valued at $700. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Hawley Applebee, a farmer, aged sixty-one years (b. NH), and Edward Hart, a farmer, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH).

Edward Hart, a farmer, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Sarah [(Fox)] Hart, aged thirty years (b. ME), Mary E. Hart, aged five years (b. NH), and Sarah E. Hart, aged three years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John Hart, a farmer, aged sixty-four years (b. NH), and James Applebee, a farmer, aged forty-nine years (b. NH).

Samuel S. Hart, a carpenter, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Rachel F. [(Buck)] Hart, aged twenty-five years (b. NH), Henry C. Hart, aged nine years (b. NH), Lydia H. Hart, aged six years (b. NH), Caroline B. Hart, aged four years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Gilman Jewett, a postmaster, aged seventy-three years (b. NH), and Benjamin Hubbard, a Bap. clergyman, aged thirty years (b. ME).

Nathaniel O. Hart, a housewright, aged thirty-three years (b. NH), headed a Chelsea, MA, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Almira M. [(White)] Hart, aged twenty-eight years (b. MA), Charlotte R. Hart, aged four years (b. MA), Emma L. Hart, aged one year (b. NH), and Minerva Owen, aged fifteen years (b. ME). Nathaniel O. Hart had real estate valued at $3,300.

William N. Hart, a shoemaker, aged thirty years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Olive F. [(Gowen)] Hart, aged twenty-nine years (b. ME), Margaret E. Hart, aged five years (b. NH), Horace G. Hart, aged one year (b. NH), Peter Campnell, a shoemaker, aged twenty-one years (b. NH). William N. Hart had real estate valued at $800. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John March, a farmer, aged fifty-two years (b. ME), and Samuel Wallingford, a farmer, aged sixty years (b. ME).

Cyrus F. Hart, a farmer, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Lydia [(Witham)] Hart, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), Clara J. Hart, aged three years (b. NH), Lydia Witham, aged fifty-two years (b. ME), and Naomi Witham, aged nineteen years (b. NH).

John Hart died in Milton, February 9, 1854, ae. sixty-eight years.

DEATHS. In Milton, … – Also on the 8th inst., Mr. John Hart, aged about 70 years, a substantial and worthy citizen, beloved and respected by all who knew him. – Few men have so many friends or would be so deeply mourned. – Com (Dover Enquirer, February 14, 1854).

Son Samuel S. Hart acted as administrator of the estate of Gilman Jewett, who died in Milton, May 24, 1856, aged seventy-nine years.

Administrator’s Notice. THE subscriber hereby gives notice that he has been duly appointed administrator of the estate of GILMAN JEWETT, late of Milton, deceased, intestate. All persons indebted to said estate are requested to male immediate payment, and all having claims to present them to the subscriber for adjustment. SAMUEL S. HART, Administrator. Milton, Aug. 7, 1856. 12 (Dover Enquirer, August 14, 1856).

Daughter Susan S. Hart married (1st), circa 1858, William Hiram Lord. He was born circa March 1834, son of Hiram and Hannah (Goodwin) Lord.

Elizabeth [(Nutter)] Hart, aged seventy-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. Her household included Mehitable Hart, aged eighty-four years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Edward Hart, a farmer, aged forty-eight years (b. NH), and Alpheus Remick, a farmer, aged forty-five years (b. NH).

Edward Hart, aged forty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Salley [(Fox)] Hart, aged forty years (b. ME), Mary E. Hart, aged fifteen years (b. NH), Sarah E. Hart, aged fourteen years (b. NH), Harriet Hart, aged eight years (b. NH), John F. Hart, aged five years (b. NH), and George E. Hart, aged eight months (b. NH). Edward Hart had real estate valued at $6,000 and personal estate valued at $2,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of James Applebee, a farmer, aged fifty-nine years (b. NH), and Elizabeth Hart, aged seventy-five years (b. NH).

John Gerrish, a farmer, aged forty-nine years (b. ME), headed an Acton, ME, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Ann E [((Hart) Hodsdon)] Gerrish, a seamstress, aged forty-six years (b. NH), and John E. Gerrish, aged fourteen years (b. ME). John Gerrish had real estate valued at $1,200 and personal estate valued at $550.

S.S. [Samuel S.] Hart, a farmer, aged forty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Rachel [(Buck)] Hart, aged forty-four years (b. NH), H.C. [Henry C.] Hart, aged fifteen years (b. NH), L.H. [Lydia H.] Hart, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), C.B. [Caroline B.] Hart, aged sixteen years (b. NH), J.R. [John R.] Hart, aged nine years (b. NH), A.E. [Alice E.] Hart, aged five years (b. NH), and Charles B. Hart, aged four years (b. NH). S.S. Hart had real estate valued at $5,000 and personal estate valued at $100. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Polley Fox, aged sixty-six years (b. NH), and Asa Jewett, a farmer, aged forty-five years.

Nathaniel O. Hart, aged forty-two years (b. NH), headed a Boston, MA, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Almira M. [(White)] Hart, aged thirty-eight years (b. MA), Charlotte H. Hart, aged thirteen years (b. MA), Emma Hart, aged eleven years (b. MA), Nathaniel S. Hart, aged six years (b. MA), and Mary MacIntire, a domestic, aged twenty-eight years (b. Ireland). Nathaniel O. Hart had personal estate valued at $1,000.

William Hart, aged forty-one years (b, NH), headed a Sanford (“Springvale P.O.”), ME, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Olive F. [(Gowen)] Hart, aged thirty-eight years (b. ME), Margaret E. Hart, aged fourteen years (b. NH), Horace G. Hart, aged eleven years (b. NH), Cora A. Hart, aged one year (b. ME), and Charles H. Dow, a jour. shoemaker, aged nineteen years (b. ME).

Cyrus F. Hart, aged thirty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills P.O.”) household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Mary J. Hart, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), Clara J. Hart, aged fourteen years (b. NH), A.F. Hart, aged nine years (b. NH), Mary Bell, aged seven years (b. NH), and Lydia Witham, aged sixty-seven years (b. NH). Cyrus F. Hart had real estate valued at $1,500 and personal estate valued at $500. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of William Wentworth, a farmer, aged twenty-five years (b. NH), and David Jewett, aged thirty-five years (b. NH).

William Lord, a farmer, aged twenty-six years (b. ME), headed an Acton, ME, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Susan [(Hart)] Lord, a seamstress, aged thirty years (b. NH), and Elisebeth A. Lord, aged ten months (b. ME). William Lord had real estate valued at $800 and personal estate valued at $350.

Maternal uncle John Nutter, Esq., of Rochester, NH, made his last will, April 12, 1861. While he explicitly omitted his sister, Elizabeth [(Nutter)] Hart, her sons, Edward Hart, [Nathaniel] Oliver Hart, William S. Hart, and Cyrus F. Hart, and her daughters, Ann [(Hart)] Gerrish and Susan [(Hart)] Lord. He had assigned to them already during his lifetime. He did devise a residue to his nephew, Samuel Shackford Hart, whom he named as executor (Strafford County Probate Docket 2652 (Strafford County Probate, 74:204)).

Son Samuel S. Hart was one of six petitioners requesting, in October 1861, that the Selectmen of Acton, ME, lay out a road.

To Hon. Court of County Commissioners for the County of York, to be held at Alfred, within and for said County, on the 2d Tuesday of October, A.D. 1861: RESPECTFULLY show the undersigned, that a petition by us signed, praying for the Selectmen of the town of Acton, in said County, to lay out a townway for the inhabitants of said town, beginning at or near the apple tree standing by the road-side near the dwelling-house of Aaron Witham, in said town, and thence running Northerly over lands of Samuel S. Hart, Aaron Witham, James Berry, Asa Jewett, and Luther and John Wiggin, to the Salmon Falls river, near a hemlock tree marked X, in said town, and the Selectmen aforesaid, having unreasonably neglected and refused to lay out the townway as aforesaid, as will appear by our petition to them to lay out the same dated September 2d, A.D. 1861, we, the petitioners aforesaid, are aggrieved, and request your honorable board to proceed and act thereon as is provided by the Statutes of the State of Maine in such cases. SAMUEL S. HART, and 6 others (Union & Journal (Biddeford, ME, October 18, 1861).

Son Nathaniel O. Hart created the shelving in a new warehouse building in Boston, MA, 1862.

THE STORES OF JAMES M. BEEBE AND W.F. WELD. Articles have heretofore appeared, descriptive of the architecture of this most elegant and noble warehouse – a monument to the liberality and good taste of its owners, Messrs. James M. Beebe and William F. Weld. In early autumn of the last year, the northeasterly portion of the edifice, belonging to Mr. Weld, and measuring 62 feet on Winthrop square and 112 feet on Devonshire street, was leased and has since been occupied by Messrs. Parker, Wilder & Co. and Anderson, Sargent & Co. … The shelving, as well as all other carpenters’ work of the store, including the counting rooms previously described, are all the work of Mr. Nathaniel O. Hart. Few opportunities like that of which we write occur in the practice of a contractor to display thorough mechanical skill, and Mr. H. has most satisfactorily succeeded. (Boston Evening Transcript, April 2, 1862).

Sister Mehitable S. Hart died in Milton, November 12, 1862, ae. eighty-six years, five months.

Son-in-law William H. Lord registered for the Class I military draft in Acton, ME, in June 1863. He was a married farmer, aged twenty-nine years (b. ME).

Elizabeth (Nutter) Hart died in Milton, June 19, 1866.

Son Nathaniel O. Hart appeared in the Boston, MA, directory of 1869, as a carpenter at 75 Wareham street, Box 22, State street, with his house on Moreland street, near Warren street.

Son Samuel S. Hart was active in the Prohibition cause in the East Rochester, NH, of 1869. (See Milton Under “Semi-Prohibition” – 1855-02).

ROCHESTER … The citizens of East Rochester met in the vestry on Sunday evening, Oct. 31, to devise means to prevent the sale of intoxicating liquors in the village. Remarks were made by Rev. Mr. Cushman, and by Messrs. John Hall, S.S. Hart, L. Harrington, C.F. Horne and others, after which the following resolutions were adopted:
Resolved, that we, the citizens of East Rochester, in public meeting assembled, having the best interest and prosperity of this village at heart, and believing that it is our duty and right to protect ourselves and families from the effects of rum drinking, by preventing the sale of the same in this village – will do everything in our power to prevent the sale of Rum, Ale, Beer, or any kind of intoxicating liquor, in this place.
Resolved, That we will use all honorable means to furnish evidence which will convict and bring to punishment any person who shall sell intoxicating liquor in this place; and we pledge ourselves to prosecute any person who may attempt to sell it here against the laws of New Hampshire (Dover Enquirer, November 11, 1869).

Edward Hart, a farmer, aged fifty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Sally [(Fox)] Hart, keeping house, aged forty-nine years (b. ME), and Sarah E. Hart, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), Harriet A. Hart, aged seventeen years (b. NH), John F. Hart, a farm laborer, aged fifteen years (b. NH), and George E. Hart, at school, aged ten years (b. NH). Edward Hart had real estate valued at $5,000, and personal estate valued at $1,900. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Samuel G. Chamberlain, a farmer, aged forty-two years (b. NH), and James Applebee, a farmer, aged sixty-nine years (b. NH).

John Gerish, a farmer, aged fifty-nine years (b. ME), headed an Acton, ME, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Lizzie A. [((Hart) Hodsdon)] Gerish, keeping house, aged fifty-six years (b. NH), Joseph H. Gerish, aged eleven years (b. ME), and William G. Morse, works in saw mill, aged thirty-nine years (b. ME). John Gerish had real estate valued at $1,800 and personal estate valued at $700.

Saml S. Hart, a grocer, aged fifty-four years (b. NH), headed a Rochester “Gonic P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Rachel [(Buck)] Hart, keeping house, aged fifty-three years (b. NH), Kitty Hart, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), John R. Hart, a trader, aged twenty years (b. NH), Alice Hart, at home, aged seventeen years (b. NH), and Charles Hart, aged fourteen years (b. NH). Saml S. Hart had real estate valued at $4,000 and personal estate valued at $500.

William N. Hart, a shoemaker, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), headed a Somersworth, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Olive F. [(Gowen)] Hart, keeping house, aged forty-nine years (b. ME), Maggie E. Hart, a cloak maker, aged twenty-five years (b. NH), Horace G. Hart, a painter, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), Cora E. Hart, attending school, aged eleven years (b. ME), and Charles Wimpfheimer, a retail fancy goods dealer, aged forty years (b. Holland). William N. Hart had real estate valued at $2,000 and personal estate valued at $500.

Cyrus F. Hart, a farm laborer, aged forty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Lydia [(Witham)] Hart, keeping house, aged forty-six years (b. NH), Addie F. Hart, a dressmaker, aged eighteen years (b. NH), Mary B. Hart, works in woolen mill, aged seventeen years (b. NH), Lydia E. Hart, aged three years (b. NH), Lydia Witham, aged seventy-seven years (b. ME), Robert Taylor, printer in mill, aged twenty-nine years (b. England), and James Mcnulty, aged thirty-six years (b. Scotland). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Ebenezer Osgood, aged sixty-two years (b. NH), a blacksmith, and James Berry, a farmer, a farmer, aged sixty-five years (b. NH).

William H. Lord, a farmer, aged thirty-six years (b. ME), headed an Acton, ME, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Susan S. [(Hart)] Lord, keeping house, aged forty-two years (b. NH), and John H. Lord, aged eight years (b. ME). William H. Lord had real estate valued at $800 and personal estate valued at $375.

Son-in-law William H. Lord died in Lebanon, ME, May 14, 1871, aged thirty-seven years, two months.

DIED. Lebanon. – May 14th, Mr. William H. Lord, aged 37 years (Lewiston Sun-Journal (Lewiston, ME), June 2, 1871).

Sons C.F. [Cyrus F.] Hart and Edward Hart were selected as Strafford County petit jurors for the third week of September 1871 (Dover Enquirer, September 21, 1871).

Rogues stole silverware from the Moreland Street house of son Nathaniel O. Hart, in March 1873.

Police Notes. … The house of Mr. Nathaniel O. Hart, of Moreland street, was entered by rogues, on Tuesday night, and robbed of about one hundred dollars’ worth of silver ware (Boston Globe, March 14, 1873).

Other rogues stole the horse and sleigh of son Nathaniel O. Hart in Boston, MA, ten months later, in January 1874.

THE CITY. NOTES OF THE DAY ABOUT TOWN. … James Doyle and James Nichols, on a complaint charging them with stealing a horse and sleigh, valued at $362, the property of Nathaniel O. Hart, are held in $1000 each (Boston Globe, January 23, 1874).

Daughter-in-law Rachel F. (Buck) Hart died in Rochester, NH, June 2, 1874, aged fifty-eight years.

DEATHS. In Rochester, – June 2, Mrs. Rachel F., wife of S.S. Hart, aged 58 years (Dover Enquirer, June 11, 1874).

Son Samuel S. Hart received a single vote in a recount and investigation of a disputed election for State Representative, in June 1874. Charles F. Caverly was declared to be the winner, with 463 out of 1,919 total votes (Dover Enquirer, June 25, 1874).

Son Nathaniel O. Hart died of heart disease (fatty degeneration of heart & embolism in leg) at 22 Moreland Street in Roxbury, MA, July 2, 1875, aged fifty-eight years, aged fifty-eight years, four months, and thirteen days. He was a married builder.

RECENT DEATHS. Nathaniel O. Hart, president of the Mechanics’ Savings Bank and deacon of the Dearborn-street Chapel, died suddenly of heart disease at his house, 22 Moreland street, Highland District, last night. Mr. Hart was fifty-eight years of age (Boston Evening Transcript, July 3, 1875).

Daughter Mrs. Susan S. [(Hart)] Lord married (2nd) in Berwick, ME, December 31, 1875, Samuel Poindexter, she of Acton, ME, and he of Limerick, ME. Rev. P.W. Perry performed the ceremony. He was born in Cornish, ME, circa 1820, son of Rev. Samuel and Catherine (Morrill) Poindexter.

MARRIED. … Berwick – Dec. 31st, Mr. Samuel Poindexter, of Limerick, and Miss Susan S. Lord of Action [Acton] (Lewiston Sun-Journal (Lewiston, ME), January 18, 1876).

MARRIED. In Berwick, Dec. 31st, Rev. Samuel Poindexter, of Limerick, and Mrs. Susan S. Lord of Acton (Brunswick Times-Record (Brunswick, ME), January 21, 1876).

Widowed daughter-in-law Mrs. Nathaniel O. Hart appeared in the Boston, MA, directories of 1876, and 1877, as having her house at 22 Moreland street.

Son S.S. [Samuel S.] Hart was a Surveyor of Wood and Lumber in Rochester, NH, in 1876.

Son Samuel S. Hart married (2nd) in Rochester, NH, January 3, 1877, Mrs. Mary E. [(Tibbetts)] Hodgdon. She was born in Rochester, NH, circa 1820.

MARRIAGES. In Rochester, Jan. 3, by Rev. A.J. Quick, Mr. Samuel S. Hart, Esq., and Mrs. Mary E. Hodgdon (Dover Enquirer, January 11, 1877).

Son S.S. [Samuel S.] Hart was a Surveyor of Wood and Lumber in Rochester, NH, in 1880.

Edward Hart, a farmer, aged sixty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Sally [(Fox)] Hart, aged fifty-nine years (b. NH), and his children, Hattie H. Hart, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH), John F. Hart 2d, aged twenty-five years (b. NH), and George E. Hart, aged twenty years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Samuel G. Chamberlain, a farmer, aged fifty-three years (b. NH), and David Philbrick, a farmer, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH).

John Gerrish, a farmer, aged sixty-nine years (b. ME), headed an Acton, ME, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Elizabeth [((Hart) Hodsdon)] Gerrish, keeping house, aged sixty-six years (b. NH), his sister-in-law, Susan S. [((Hart) Lord)]] Poindexter, a housekeeper, aged fifty-two years (b. NH), and his nephew, John H. Lord, a farm laborer, aged eighteen years. John Gerrish has kidney disease; Elizabeth Gerrish had drops & heart disease.

[Despite having married Rev. Samuel Poindexter in 1875, Susan S. [((Hart) Lord)]] Poindexter appeared as her sister’s Acton, ME, housekeeper in June 1880 (as above). Meanwhile her husband headed a Limerick, ME, household (as below) – with his wife Susan. She and her estranged husband divorced in January 1882].

Samuel S. Hart, a farmer, aged sixty-five years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Mary E. [(Hodgdon)] Hart, keeping house, aged sixty years (b. NH).

Almira M. [(White)] Hart, keeping house, aged fifty-eight years (b. MA), headed a Boston, MA, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. Her household included her daughter, Emma L. Hart, a correspondent, aged thirty-one years (b. MA), her son, Nathaniel S. Hart, a bookkeeper, aged twenty-six years (b. MA), her daughter-in-law, Annie C. [(Littlefield)] Hart, at home, aged twenty-two years (b. MA), her daughter, Almira E. Hart, at home, aged nineteen years (b. MA), her sister, Sarah E. White, at home, aged sixty-three years (b. MA), and her servant, Maude Trusty, a servant, aged thirty-six years (b. MD). They resided at 22 Moreland Street.

William N. Hart, aged sixty years (b. NH), headed a Berwick, ME, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Olive F. [(Gowen)] Hart, aged fifty-nine years (b. ME), and his daughter, Cora A. Hart, aged twenty-one years (b. ME).

Cyras [Cyrus] F. Hart, a farmer, aged fifty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Lydia [(Witham)] Hart, keeping house, aged fifty-six years (b. NH), and his daughter, Lizzie L. Hart, at school, aged twelve years (b. NH). They shared a two-family residence with the household of Hiram Wentworth, a carpenter, aged thirty-six years (b. NH). Their households appeared in the enumeration between those of Isaac B. Dore, a day laborer, aged fifty-five years (b. NH), and Ezra Farnham, an expressman, aged forty-eight years (b. ME).

Samuel Poindexter, a clergyman, aged fifty-nine years (b. ME), headed a Limerick, ME, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Susan [((Hart) Lord)]] Poindexter, keeping house, aged fifty-two years (b. ME), and his children, Marshall Poindexter, driving coach, aged twenty-three years (b. ME), Katie Poindexter, teacher of public school, aged twenty-one years (b. ME), Willis S. Poindexter, a student, aged nineteen years (b. ME), Addie M. Poindexter, aged fifteen years (b. ME), and Lillian A. Poindexter, aged eleven years (b. ME).

Daughter Susan E. [S.?] Poindexter and her husband, Samuel Poindexter, divorced in York County, ME, in January 1882.

Son S.S. [Samuel S.] Hart was a Surveyor of Wood and Lumber in Rochester, NH, in 1882.

York Co. S.J. Court. … Tuesday, Sept. 16th. … Susan S. Poindexter, vs. Elizabeth A. Gerrish. Assumpsit on a note for $100 given by deft. In May 1881, and also for 68 weeks labor doing housework at $2 per week. The defendant, who has deceased since the action was brought, was a sister of the plf. Verdict for plf. $274.52 (Lewiston Sun-Journal (Lewiston, ME), September 17, 1884).

Son Edward F. Hart died in Milton Mills, May 12, 1885, aged seventy-three years, two months, and seven days.

REAL ESTATE TRANSFERS. The following real estate transfers in York county for the fortnight ending Sept. 8, bave been recorded at the Register of deeds office: … ACTON – Aug. 27. Samuel S. Hart of Rochester, N.H., to Aaron Witham of Milton, N.H., real estate in Acton for $1. (Union & Journal (Biddeford, ME), September 18, 1885).

Daughter Ann E. ((Hart) Hodsdon) Gerrish died in Acton, ME, August 30, 1889.

Former son-in-law Samuel Poindexter of Shapleigh, ME, lost several cattle to poisoning in October 1889.

THE HERDS OF MAINE. … October 25th. Commissioners Harris and Bailey visited the farm of Rev. Samuel Poindexter at Shapleigh, who had lost several head of cattle, and reported others sick with the same symptoms. A post mortem on an ox that had recently died, disclosed the fact that it was a case of poisoning, and the history of the previous cases all go to confirm the same diagnosis. No appraisal (Kennebec Journal (Augusta, ME), March 12, 1890).

Son-in-law John E. Gerrish died in Acton, ME, January 22, 1890, aged forty-three years.

DIED. … GERRISH. In Acton, Jan. 23, John E. Gerrish, aged 43 years (Biddeford-Saco Journal (Biddeford, ME), January 31, 1890).

Mary E. [((Tibbetts) Hodgdon)] Hart died of La Grippe in Rochester, NH, December 30, 1891, aged seventy-one years, nine months, and twenty-two days. She was a married housewife. Hubbard Dearborn [?] signed the death certificate.

Son Samuel S. Hart died of softening of the brain in Rochester, NH, December 22, 1892, aged seventy-seven years. He was a widowed farmer. C.T. Hubbard, M.D., signed the death certificate.

Daughter-in-law Sally (Fox) Hart died of La Grippe in Milton, May 22, 1897, aged seventy-six years, ten months, and nineteen days. She was a [widowed] housewife. Charles W. Gross, M.D., signed the death certificate.

Cyrus F. Hart, a farmer, aged seventy-eight years, headed a Milton household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Lydia [(Witham)] Hart, aged seventy-six years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Hiram Young, a farmer, aged forty-six years (b. ME), and Hiram Wentworth, a carpenter, aged fifty-six years (b. NH). Cyrus F. Hart owned their farm, free-and-clear.

John H. Lord, restaurant, aged thirty-eight years (b. ME), headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of twelve years), Hattie B. Lord, aged thirty-eight years (b. ME), his son, William C. Lord, in school, aged seven years (b. ME), his mother, Susan S. [(Hart)] Lord, aged seventy-two years (b. NH), and his boarder, Walter S. Howard, a cook, aged forty-eight years (b. NH). Hattie B. Lord was the mother of two children, of whom one was still living; Susan S. Lord was the mother of two children, of whom one was still living. John H. Lord rented their house on N. Main Street.

Son William N. Hart died in Berwick, ME, February 4, 1900.

Son Cyrus F. Hart died of paralysis & fatty generation of the brain in Milton Mills, July 27, 1902, aged eighty-one years, one months, and twenty-four years. He was a married farmer. W.E. Pillsbury, M.D., signed the death certificate

Daughter-in-law Olive F. (Gowen) Hart died in Berwick, ME, December 12, 1902.

Daughter Susan S. (Hart) Lord died of senile debility in Milton Mills, November 17, 1905, ae. seventy-eight years, three months, and twenty-two days. She had lived in Milton Mills for two years, with her previous residence having been in Farmington, NH. She was a divorcée (and also said to be the widow of Samuel Poindexter). F.S. Weeks, M.D., signed the death certificate.

Daughter-in-law Lydia (Witham) Hart died of La Grippe and pneumonia in Milton Mills, February 1, 1907, aged eighty-three years, four months, and five days. She was a widowed housewife. Charles W. Gross, M.D., signed the death certificate.

NEWS FROM NEIGHBORING TOWNS. Mrs. Lydia Hart, widow of the late Cyrus F. Hart, is also very low and it is thought, cannot possibly survive many days (Sanford Journal (Biddeford, ME), February 8, 1907).

---

References:

Find a Grave. (2021, May 7). Ann E. Gerrish. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/226598855/ann-e-gerrish

Find a Grave. (2009, April 14). John Edwin Gerrish. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/35886139/john-edwin-gerrish

Find a Grave. (2013, July 29). Cyrus Frink Hart. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114576192/cyrus-frink-hart

Find a Grave. (2013, July 29). Edward Hart. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114576298/edward-hart

Find a Grave. (2013, July 29). Edward F. Hart. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114576402/edward_f-hart

Find a Grave. (2013, July 29). John Hart. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114593599/john-hart

Find a Grave. (2013, July 29). John Nutter Hart. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114593790/john_nutter-hart

Find a Grave. (2013, July 29). Lois Nutter Hart. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114593855/lois-hart

Find a Grave. (2013, July 29). Mehitable S. Hart. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114594917/mehitable-s-hart

Find a Grave. (2015, February 26). Nathaniel Oliver Hart. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/143108646/nathaniel_oliver-hart

Find a Grave. (2013, July 29). Samuel Shackford Hart. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114577285/samuel_shackford-hart

Find a Grave. (2016, June 11). William Nutter Hart. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/164483594/william-nutter-hart

Find a Grave. (2013, July 29). Aaron H. Hodsdon. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114596082/aaron-h-hodsdon

Find a Grave. (2013, July 29). Susan Shackford Hart Lord. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114597145/susan-shackford-lord

By Muriel Bristol | August 16, 2026

William Wentworth was born in Rochester, October 20, 1730, son of Ephraim and Martha (Grant) Wentworth.

William Wentworth married in Dover, NH, in 1754, Hannah Hayes. She was born in Portsmouth, NH, January 5, 1734, daughter of Ichabod and Abigail (Evans) Hayes.

(The known children of William and Hannah (Hayes) Wentworth were: Mary Wentworth (1756–1836), Ichabod Wentworth (1759–1834), William Wentworth (1761–1795), Abigail Wentworth (1764–1838), Martha Wentworth (1766–179?), Sarah Wentworth (1770–1852), Ephraim Wentworth (1773–1846), and Hannah Wentworth (1778–1845)).

Daughter Mary Wentworth was born in Rochester, NH, October 8, 1756.

Son Ichabod Wentworth was born in Rochester, NH, February 25, 1759. He was a namesake for his maternal grandfather, Ichabod Hayes.

Son William Wentworth [Jr.] was born August 15, 1761.

Daughter Abigail Wentworth was born June 2, 1764. She was a namesake for her maternal grandmother, Abigail (Evans) Hayes.

Daughter Martha Wentworth was born August 21, 1766. She was a namesake for her paternal grandmother, Martha (Grant) Wentworth.

Daughter Sarah Wentworth was born September 26, 1769.

Son Ephraim Wentworth was born June 16, 1773. He was a namesake for his paternal grandfather, Ephraim Wentworth.

[William Wentworth] was at the battle of Bunker Hill, and served more or less through the war of the Revolution (Wentworth, 1878).

Hannah Wentworth was born in Rochester, NH, March 22, 1778.

William Wentworth appeared in a muster roll of Major Amos Morrill’s Company, in the 2nd NH Battalion, November 2, 1780. The muster roll ran from July to October 1780. It had marginal notes about Constitution Isle and Fishkill, NY.

Wm Wentworth [Went appeared in a pay abstract of Capt. Moses Duston’s Company, in Lt. Col. George Reid’s 2nd NH Regiment. The abstract concerned January 1781.

William Wintworth [Wentworth] appeared in a pay abstract of Capt. Moses Duston’s Company, in Lt. Col. George Reid’s 2nd NH Regiment. The abstract ran from February to April, 1781.

“In 1781 the towns of Wakefield and Somersworth (N.H.) had a controversary as to which town he [William Wentworth] should be credited” (Wentworth, 1878).

Somersworth, July 3, 1781. These May Certify the Mens Names under Written Belongs to and Enlisted for the town of Somersworth for During the War for three years Returnd from the Army Last March during the War, Vizt George Fall, Edward Grant, John Smith, Ebenr Whitehouse, John Canney, William Wentworth, Saml Grant, Cato Wallingford, James Marden. New Recruits for three years Joseph Tate, Benja Tate, Tobias Cole, Paul Yeaton. Total Thirteen. Errors Excepted. Ebenr Ricker, Benja Quimby } Select Men.

William Wentworth appeared in a pay abstract of Capt. Moses Duston’s Company, in the 2nd NH Regiment. The abstract concerned January 1782. Marginal notes mentioned detachments at Schenectady, Fort Herkimer, Fort Dayton, Albany, and New Windsor, NY.

Will Wentworth appeared in a pay abstract of Capt. Moses Duston’s Company, in the 2nd NH Regiment. The abstract concerned February 1782. Marginal notes mentioned detachments at Schenectady, Fort Herkimer, Fort Dayton, Albany, and New Windsor, NY.

Daughter Abigail Wentworth married, circa 1784, George Yeaton, he of Wolfeboro, NH. He was born circa 1760.

Strafford County historian Duane H. Hurd noted the settlements at Plummer’s Ridge, after 1772, of Benjamin Scates, Beard Plumer and his brother Joseph Plumer. He noted further that they were followed by James C. Hayes, David Wallingford, William Palmer, Elijah Horn, Moses Chamberlain, and others.

This was soon followed by quite a rush of settlers to the west side of the town, Daniel Hayes, Caleb Wakeham, Enoch Varney, Samuel Nute, William Wentworth, William Tuttle, Ichabod Hayes, James Hayes, Ebenezer Coursan, and Stephen Merseron [Meserve], being among the first, Jeremiah Cook, Dudley Burnham, Jotham Nute, Otis Pinkham, Ephraim Plumer, John Twombly, James Varney, John Varney, William Mathes, and others coming soon after (Hurd, 1882).

William Wentworth was among the three hundred ten Rochester inhabitants that petitioned the NH legislature, August 30, 1785, seeking repeal of an act requiring milled boards to be square-edged and an inch thick (and other lumber in proportion). Those inhabitants described themselves then as being “largely Concerned in Lumber.” They sought also repeal of an act forbidding transport of lumber to the British West Indies, and seeking the issuance of a new paper money (Hammond, 1884). (See Rochester Lumber Remonstrance – August 1785).

Daughter Martha Wentworth married in Rochester, NH, June 7, 1787, James Varney, she of Rochester, NH, and he of Dover, NH. He was born in Dover, NH, circa 1765, son of James and Abigail (Frye) Varney

Son Ichabod Wentworth married (1st), circa 1788, Mercy Wentworth. She was born circa 1768, daughter of [his uncle,] Ephraim Wentworth.

Son William Wentworth [Jr.] married, circa 1788, Jemima Dearborn, of Hampton, NH. She was born August 15, 1761.

Wm Wentworth headed a Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, household at the time of the First (1790) Federal Census. His household included two males aged 16-plus years [himself], four females, and two males aged under-16 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Wm Henderson and Timo Roberts. (See Northeast Parish in the First (1790) Federal Census).

Ichabod Wentworth headed a Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, household at the time of the First (1790) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 16-plus years [himself], one female, and one male aged under-16 years [Jonathan Wentworth]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of James Goodwin and Enoch Varney. (See Northeast Parish in the First (1790) Federal Census).

Wm Wintworth [Jr.] headed a Parsonsfield, ME, household at the time of the First (1790) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 16-plus years [himself], one female [Jemima (Dearborn) Wentworth], and two males aged under-16 years.

George Eaton [Yeaton] headed a Wolfeboro, NH, household at the time of the First (1790) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 16-plus years [himself], and three females [Abigail (Wentworth) Yeaton].

James Varney headed a Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, household at the time of the First (1790) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 16-plus years [himself], two females [Martha (Wentworth) Varney], and one male aged under-16 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Ezecal Hays and Jotham Nute. (See Northeast Parish in the First (1790) Federal Census).

Son Ichabod Wentworth married (2nd) in Rochester, NH, March 10, 1791, Keziah Cook, he of Rochester, NH, and she of Somersworth, NH. She was born in Somersworth, NH, circa 1763.

Daughter Sarah Wentworth married in Rochester, NH, January 1, 1793, Dudley Burnham, both of Rochester, NH. He was born in Somersworth, NH, August 15, 1762, son of Nathaniel and Mehitable (Colbath) Burnham.

Daughter Mary Wentworth married in Rochester, NH, October 1, 1793, John Varney, both of Rochester, NH.

Son William Wentworth [Jr.] died in Parsonsfield, ME, May 6, 1795.

Son Ephraim Wentworth married, April 7, 1796, Susannah Cook, she of Middleton, NH. She was born May 6, 1794.

Daughter Hannah Wentworth married in Rochester, NH, March 22, 1798, Jeremiah Cook, both of Rochester, NH.

Widowed daughter-in-law married (2nd), April 15, 1798, Joshua Palmer, of Parsonsfield, ME.

William Wentworth died in Milton, October 20, 1798.

John Varney headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Mary (Wentworth) Varney], and one female aged 16-25 years. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

Ichd [Ichabod] Wentworth headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Keziah (Cook) Wentworth], one male aged 10-15 years, two males aged under-10 years, and three females aged under-10 years. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

James Varney headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Martha (Wentworth) Varney], one female aged 10-15 years, one male aged under-10 years, and two females aged under-10 years. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

Dudley Burnham headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 16-25 years [Sarah (Wentworth) Burnham], three females aged under-10 [Mehitable Burnham and Hannah Burnham] and one male aged under-10 years [Dudley Burnham, Jr.]. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

Ephm Wentworth headed a Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years, one male aged undr-10 years, and two females aged under-10 years. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

Jeremiah Cook headed a Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 16-25 years [Hannah (Wentworth) Cook], one male aged under-10 years, and one female aged under-10 years. (See South Milton Farmer Samuel Bragdon (1771-1840)). (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

Son-in-law John Varney died in Milton, July 11, 1806, ae. fifty-seven years, six months.

Hannah (Hayes) Wentworth died in Milton, August 11, 1808.

Wd [Widow] Mary [(Wentworth)] Varney headed a Milton household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. Her household included one female aged 45-plus years [herself], and one female aged under-10 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of James Varney and Jonathan Nute. (See Milton in the Third (1810) Federal Census).

Ichabod Wentw [Wentworth] headed a Milton household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one female aged 45-plus years [Keziah (Cook) Wentworth], one female aged 16-25 years, three males aged 10-15 years, and one female aged 10-15 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Ephraim Wentw [Wentworth] and John Meservy. (See Milton in the Third (1810) Federal Census).

Geo. Yeaton headed a Wolfeboro, NH, household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one female aged 45-plus years [Abigail (Wentworth) Yeaton], one male aged 16-25 years, one female aged 16-25 years, one male aged 10-15 years, two females aged 10-15 years, three males aged under-10 years, and two females aged under-10 years.

James Varney headed a Milton household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one female aged 45-plus years, one male aged 16-25 years, two females aged 10-15 years, and one male aged under-10 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Ezekiel Hayes and Wd [Widow] Mary [(Wentworth)] Varney. (See Milton in the Third (1810) Federal Census).

Dudley Burnham headed a Milton household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Sarah (Wentworth) Burnham], one female aged 16-25 years [Mehitable Burnham], one male aged 10-15 years [Dudley Burnham, Jr.], one female aged 10-15 years [Hannah Burnham], four females aged under-10 years [Abigail Burnham, Ruth Burnham, Mary Burnham], and one male aged under-10 years [Nathaniel W. Burnham]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John Drew and Joseph Cook. (See Milton in the Third (1810) Federal Census).

Ephraim Wentw [Wentworth] headed a Milton household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years, one female aged 16-25 years, two females aged 10-15 years, three males under-10 years, and two females aged under-10 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Nathl Whitehouse and Ichabod Wentw [Wentworth]. (See Milton in the Third (1810) Federal Census).

Jere. Cook headed a Milton household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Hannah (Wentworth) Cook], one male aged 10-15 years, one female aged 10-15 years, two males aged under-10 years, and one female aged under-10 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Daniel Wentworth and John Drew. (See Milton in the Third (1810) Federal Census).

William Wentworth signed the Milton anti-division remonstrance of June 1820 requesting that Milton not be divided in two parts. He signed also the Milton militia division petition of November 1820. (See Milton Militia Dispute – 1820).

Son-in-law Dudley Burnham died in Milton, April 29, 1826.

Son-in-law James Varney died in Milton, December 16, 1828.

To the Honorable Daniel C. Atkinson, the Judge of Probate within and for the County of Strafford – SHOWS KEZIAH VARNEY, administratrix of the goods and estate of JAMES VARNEY, jr., late of Milton, in said county, deceased, that the personal estate that was of the said James, at the time of his decease, is insufficient to answer the debts due from said estate, and the expenses of administering, by the sum of three hundred dollars:- Therefore, your petitioner prays your honor to grant her license to sell so much of the real estate that was of the said James at the time of his decease, including the reversion of her dower therein, and also including one quarter of the reversion of the dower of one Abigail Varney, relict of Enoch Varney, late of said Milton, deceased, as will be sufficient to raise said sum of three hundred dollars, for the purpose aforesaid – Said real estate is all in said Milton. And as in duty, &c., &c. KEZIAH VARNEY. Milton August 10, 1830 (Dover Enquirer, July 31, 1830).

J.C. [John C.] Varney headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 30-39 years [himself], one female aged 20-29 years [Hannah (Varney) Varney], one male aged 10-14 years [Seth Varney], one female aged 5-9 years [Mary A. Varney], one male aged under-5 years [George W. Varney], one female aged under-5 years [Hannah A. Varney], and one female aged 70-79 years [Mary (Wentworth) Varney]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Hopley Varney and Jas [James] Varney.

Ichd Wentworth headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 70-79 years [himself], one female aged 60-69 years [Keziah (Cook) Wentworth], and one female aged 30-39 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Ichd H. Wentworth and Edward Tibbetts. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

Geo. Yeaton headed a Wolfeboro, NH, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 70-79 years [himself], one female aged 50-59 years [Abigail (Wentworth) Yeaton], one male aged 30-39 years, one female aged 20-29 years, and one female aged 10-14 years.

Jas [James] Varney headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 70-79 years [himself], and one female aged 20-29 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of J.C. Varney and Ira Varney. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

Sarah [(Wentworth)] Burnham headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. Her household included one female aged 60-69 years [herself], one female aged 30-39 years, one male aged 20-29 years, one female aged 20-29 years, and one male aged 10-14 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Hannah Pinkham and Isaac Young. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

Eph. Wentworth headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one female aged 50-59 years, one female aged 30-39 years, one male aged 20-29 years, and one female aged 20-29 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Abigail Varney and Jos. C. Wentworth. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

Jeremiah Cook headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one female aged 50-59 years [Hannah (Wentworth) Cook], one male aged 20-29 years, one male aged 15-19 years, one female aged 15-19 years, and one male aged 10-14 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Hiram Cook and Timo Brewster. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

Daughter-in-law Keziah (Cook) Wentworth died in Milton, April 4, 1833.

Son Ichabod Wentworth died in Milton, April 16, 1834.

Daughter Mary (Wentworth) Varney died October 2, 1836.

Daughter Abigail (Wentworth) Yeaton died of old age in Wolfeboro, NH, March 11, 1838, aged seventy-three years. She was a married housekeeper.

Hannah [(Yeaton)] Furber headed a Wolfeboro, NH, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. Her household included one female aged 50-59 years, one female aged 20-29 years, one female aged 15-19 years, one male aged 10-14 years, and one male aged 80-90 years [George Yeaton]. Her household included [her father,] George Yeaton, a Revolutionary pensioner, aged eighty years.

Nathaniel Burnham headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 30-39 years [himself], two females aged 20-29 years [Ruth E. (Davis) Burnham and Mary Burnham], one male aged 20-29 years, one male aged 5-9 years, and one female aged 70-79 years [Sarah (Wentworth) Burnham]. Two members of his household were engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Isaac C. Young and Jeremiah Cook.

Ephraim Wentworth headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 60-69 years [himself], one female aged 60-69 years, and one female aged 40-49 years. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Moses Nute and Hannah Varney.

Jeremiah Cook headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 60-69 years [himself], one female aged 60-69 years [Hannah (Wentworth) Cook], one male aged 30-39 years, one female aged 20-29 years, one male aged 10-14 years, one male aged under-5 years, and two females aged under-5 years. Three members of his household were engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Nathaniel Burnham and Harpley [Hopley] Varney.

Son-in-law George Yeaton died of old age in Wolfeboro, NH, November 22, 1845, aged eighty-five years. He was a farmer.

DEATHS. In Wolfeborough, Nov. 23d, Mr. George Yeaton, a Revolutionary Pensioner, aged 83 (Dover Enquirer, December 16, 1845).

Daughter Hannah (Wentworth) Cook died in Milton, November 29, 1845.

Son Ephraim Wentworth died in Milton, October 17, 1846, aged seventy-three years, four months.

Daughter-in-law Susanna (Cook) Wentworth died in Milton, September 6, 1848, ae seventy-five years, four months.

Daughter-in-law Jemima ((Dearborn) Wentworth) Palmer died in Parsonsfield, ME, February 3, 1849.

Sarah [(Wentworth)] Burnham, aged eighty years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. Her household included Mehitable Burnham, aged fifty-six years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Mary Young, aged forty-nine years (b. NH), and James H. Pinkham, a shoemaker, aged twenty-six years (b. NH).

Joseph Cook, a farmer, aged forty-one years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Lydia Cook, aged forty-two years (b. NH), Jeremiah Cook, a farmer, aged seventy-five years (b. NH), Frances J. Cook, aged fifteen years (b. NH), Mary Cook, aged thirteen years (b. NH), and Martin V.B. Cook, aged eleven years (b. NH). Joseph Cook had real estate valued at $2,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Samuel W. Pinkham, a farmer, aged forty-one years (b. NH), and Hopley Varney, a farmer, aged fifty-eight years (b. NH).

Son-in-law Jeremiah Cook died of heart disease in Milton, December 5, 1851, aged seventy-six years, one month, and twenty-five days.

DEATHS. In Milton of disease of the heart, Dec. 5th, Mr. Jeremiah Cook, aged 76 years, 1 month and 25 days (Dover Enquirer, December 23, 1851).

Daughter Sarah (Wentworth) Burnham died in Milton, January 22, 1852.

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References:

Find a Grave. (2019, May 6). Sarah Wentworth Burnham. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/198913637/sarah-burnham

Find a Grave. (2022, July 11). Hannah Wentworth Cook. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/241512591/hannah-cook

Find a Grave. (2011, December 31). Mary Wentworth Varney. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/82754041/mary-varney

Find a Grave. (2011, December 31). Ephraim Wentworth. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/82754520/ephraim-wentworth

Find a Grave. (2011, December 31). Ichabod Wentworth. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/82754387/ichabod-wentworth

Find a Grave. (2011, December 31). William Wentworth. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/82754465/william-wentworth

Find a Grave. (2015, July 3). Abigail Wentworth Yeaton. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/148615496/abigail-yeaton

Wentworth, John. (1878). Wentworth Genealogy. Boston, MA: Little, Brown & Co.

Wikipedia. (2025, July 31). Fort Dayton. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Dayton

Wikipedia. (2025, December 31). Fort Herkimer. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Herkimer