Milton Observer

By Muriel Bristol | July 19, 2026

Joseph Dearborn was born in Greenland, NH, in 1766, son of Abraham and Abigail (Marston) Dearborn.

Abraham Dearborn headed a Greenland, NH, household at the time of the First (1790) Federal Census. His household included two males aged 16-plus years [himself, and Abraham Dearborn, Jr.], one male aged under-16 years [Joseph Dearborn], and three females [Abigail (Marston) Dearborn, Mary Dearborn, and Eleanor M. Dearborn].

Joseph Dearborn married in Portsmouth, NH, in November 1794, Sarah “Sally” Seavey, he of Greenland, NH, and she of Portsmouth, NH. Rev. Samuel Haven performed the ceremony.

(The known children of Joseph and Sarah (Seavey) Dearborn were: Joseph Dearborn, Jr. (1795–1869), Sarah “Sally” Dearborn (1797–), Abigail Dearborn (1799–1878), Abraham Dearborn (I) (1804–1806), and Abraham Dearborn (II) (1808–1835)).

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).

Son Joseph Dearborn, Jr., was born in Wakefield, NH, June 15, 1795.

Daughter Sarah “Sally” Dearborn was born in Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, July 17, 1797. Daughter Abigail Dearborn was born in Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, April 24, 1799.

Joseph Dearborn 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 [Sarah (Seavey) Dearborn], one male aged under-10 years, one female aged under-10 years, and one female aged 45-plus years. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

Joseph Dearborn, as well as his father, Abraham Dearborn, and his brother, Nathaniel Dearborn, all signed the Rochester division petition of May 28, 1802.

Son Abraham Dearborn (I) was born in Milton, December 25, 1804. He died there, in 1806.

Joseph Dearborn and Nathl Dearborn were assessed in Paul Jewett, Esq.’s School District No. 3, in December 1806. (See Milton School Districts – 1806).

Son Abraham Dearborn (II) was born in Milton, August 13, 1808.

Joseph Dearborn 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 [Sarah (Seavey) Dearborn], one male aged 10-15 years [Joseph Dearborn, Jr.], one female aged 10-15 years [Abigail Dearborn], two males aged under-10 years [Abraham Dearborn (II)], and one female aged 45-plus years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Nathl Dearborn and Francis Berry.

Father Abraham Dearborn died in Milton, in 1814. Mother Abigail “Ruth” (Marston) Dearborn died in Milton, in 1814.

Daughter Abigail Dearborn married in Wakefield, NH, February 12, 1818, Nathan Chapman, both of Milton. Rev. Asa Piper performed the ceremony. Chapman was born in Greenland, NH, December 22, 1787, son of Samuel and Lucia (Marston) Dearborn.

Son Joseph Dearborn, Jr., married in Wakefield, NH, November 30, 1823, Harriet Butler Drew, he of Milton and she of Wakefield, NH. Rev. Asa Piper performed the ceremony. She was born in [Rollinsford,] Somersworth, NH, August 2, 1800, daughter of John and Lydia (Butler) Drew.

Son-in-law Nathan Chapman sought to sell his Wakefield, NH, farm, in December 1829, at a cheap price for cash or approved credit.

FARM FOR SALE, PLEASANTLY situated in Wakefield, containing about FIFTY ACRES of excellent LAND, for Mowing, Tillage, and Pasturage – with a fine Orchard that is not excelled by any that is in town; also a good House 38 x 28, well finished, with an excellent Cellar; a Barn 40 x 32, in good repair with a Shed from Barn to House; and a never failing well of water. The above-named Farm will be sold cheap for cash or approved credit. Whoever is wishing to purchase a Farm will do well to call and see for themselves. NATHAN CHAPMAN. Wakefield, Dec. 30, 1829 (Dover Enquirer, January 5, 1830).

Note that the house and barn are said to be connected by a “shed,” so that one might go between them to in order to care for animals without having to go through deep winter snow.

Joseph Dearbon [Dearborn] 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 [Sarah (Seavey) Dearborn], one female aged 50-59 years, and one male aged 20-29 years [Abraham Dearborn (II)]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Francis Chapman and Joanna Tuck.

Joseph Dearbon [Dearborn], Jr, headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 30-39 years [himself], two females aged 30-39 years [Harriet B. (Drew) Dearborn], one female aged 5-9 years [Sarah A. Dearborn], and two females aged under-5 years [Ann E. Dearborn and Martha Dearborn]. Their household appeared in the enumeration after that of Polly Wiggin.

Nathan Chapman headed a Wakefield, 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 [Abigail (Dearborn) Chapman], one female aged 10-14 years, one male aged 5-9 years, and one female aged under-5 years.

Son Abraham Dearborn (II) married, May 6, 1832, Malinda Stillings. She was born in Berwick, ME, January 25, 1814.

Grandson Nathan D. Chapman was born in Milton, January 7, 1833.

Granddaughter Mary A. Dearborn was born in Milton, circa 1834, daughter of Abraham (II) and Malinda (Stillings) Dearborn.

Son Abraham Dearborn (II) died January 23, 1835.

Widowed daughter-in-law Malinda (Stillings) Dearborn married (2nd) in Somersworth, NH, July 15, 1837, Benjamin Randall, she of North Berwick, ME, and he of Somersworth, NH. Rev. Jonathan Woodman performed the ceremony. Randall was born in 1806.

[Died. In Wakefield, Miss Almira Sanborn, daughter of Mr. Nathan Dearborn, aged 16 years (Dover Enquirer, August 21, 1838)].

Granddaughter Sarah Chapman died at Great Falls, Somersworth, NH, in January 1840, aged twenty-one years.

Died. … At Great Falls, Miss Sarah Chapman, daughter of Nathan and Abigail Chapman, aged 21 (Dover Enquirer, February 4, 1840).

Joseph Dearborn 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 70-79 years [Sarah (Seavey) Dearborn]. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John Remick and Joseph Dearborn, Jr.

Joseph Dearborn, Jr., headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 40-49 years [himself], one female aged 40-49 years [Harriet B. (Drew) Dearborn], one female aged 15-19 years, one female aged 10-14 years, one male aged 5-9 years [John C. Dearborn], two females aged 5-9 years [Martha A. Dearborn], and two females aged under-5 years [Elizabeth Dearborn and Hannah J. Dearborn]. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John Dearborn and John Archibald.

Nathan Chapman headed a Somersworth, 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 [Abigail (Dearborn) Chapman], three females aged 20-29 years, two females aged 15-19 years, one female aged 10-14 years [Abigail D. Chapman], and one male aged 5-9 years [Nathan D. Chapman]. Five members of his household were engaged in Manufacture and Trade. (The Chapmans would seem to have been running a rooming house in Somersworth, NH, for young women employed in Manufacture and Trade).

Benjamin Randall headed a Somersworth, NH, 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 [Malinda ((Stillings) Dearborn) Randall], one female aged 5-9 years [Mary A. Dearborn], and two females aged under-5 years [Susan Randall and Sarah E. Randall]. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture.

Sarah (Seavey) Dearborn died in Milton, October 23, 1840.

Jonathan Berry, a farmer, aged forty-six years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Eliza [(Spinney)] Berry, aged forty-six years (b. NH), Joseph Dearborn, a farmer, aged fifty-five years (b. NH), Harriet [(Drew) Dearborn, aged fifty years (b. NH), John Dearborn, aged seventeen years (b. NH), Elizabeth Dearborn, aged fifteen years (b. NH), Hannah J. Dearborn, aged thirteen years (b. NH), and Harriet A. Dearborn, aged seven years (b. NH). Joseph Dearborn had real estate valued at $2,000 and Jonathan Berry had real estate valued at $500. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Nathaniel Dearborn, a farmer, aged eighty-one years (b. NH), and Daniel Guptill, a farmer, aged forty-seven years (b. ME).

Nathan Chapman, a farmer, aged sixty-two years (b. NH), headed a Wakefield, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Abigail [(Dearborn)] Chapman, aged fifty years (b. NH), Abigail D. Chapman, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), and Nathaniel D. Chapman, a farmer, aged eighteen years (b. NH). Nathan Chapman had real estate valued at $1,200.

Benja Randall, a farmer, aged forty-five years (b. ME), headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Betsy [Malinda ((Stillings) Dearborn)] Randall, aged forty-four years (b. ME), Mary Randall [Dearborn], aged eighteen years (b. ME), Sarah Randall, aged sixteen years (b. ME), Clementine Randall, aged fourteen years (b. ME), Susan Randall, aged twelve years (b. ME), William H. Randall, aged ten years (b. ME), Benja C. Randall, aged eight years (b. ME), George A. Randall, aged six years (b. ME), and John Randall, aged three years (b. ME).

Granddaughter Mary A. Dearborn married (1st) in Lebanon, ME, in September 1854, Orin C. Hodgdon. He was born in Lebanon, ME, in 1832.

MARRIAGES. In Lebanon, Me., 15th inst., by Chas. R. Lindsey, Esq., Mr. Orrin C. Hodgdon, to Miss Mary Dearborn, both of Lebanon (Dover Enquirer, September 26, 1854).

Sister Eleanor M. Dearborn died in Portsmouth, NH, January 31, 1855, aged eighty-four years.

DIED. In this city, Miss Eleanor Dearborn, aged 84. Funeral this afternoon at 2 o’clock, from her late residence, 25 Washington street (Portsmouth Daily Chronicle, February 2, 1855).

Son-in-law Nathan Chapman died in Portsmouth, NH, July 1, 1858, aged seventy-one years.

DEATHS. … In Portsmouth, – Mr. Nathan Chapman, aged 71 (Dover Enquirer, August 26, 1858).

Joseph Dearborn, a farmer, aged sixty-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. HIs household included Harriet [(Drew)] Dearborn, aged sixty-one years (b. NH), Fanny Dearborn, aged twenty-two years (b. NH) (b. NH), Hattie Dearborn, aged sixteen years, and Thomas A. Dearborn, aged nine years (b. NH). Joseph Dearborn had real estate valued at $3,000 and personal estate valued at $1,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of J.N. Berry, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH), and Olive Hanson, aged forty-six years (b. NH).

Abby D. [(Dearborn)] Chapman, aged sixty-one years (b. NH), headed a Portsmouth, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. Her household included Abby D. Chapman, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH). Abby Dearborn had real estate valued at $2,800 and personal estate valued at $600. They resided in a two-family residence in the 2d Ward with the household of James M. Taylor, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH).

Benjamin Randall, a farm laborer, aged fifty-three years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Malinda [((Stillings) Dearborn)] Randall, aged forty-six years (b. NH), Susan R. Randall, aged twenty-two years (b. NH), S.E. [Sarah E.] Randall, aged twenty years (b. NH), C. [Clementine] Randall, aged eighteen years (b. NH), Wm. H. Randall, aged fourteen years (b. NH), and Benjamin Randall, aged twelve years (b. NH). Benjamin Randall had personal estate valued at $100. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of George R. Jones, a shoemaker, aged forty-two years (b. NH), and E.H. Twombly, a merchant, aged thirty-two years (b. NH).

Grandson-in-law Orin C. Hodgdon died in Lebanon, ME, September 2, 1863, aged thirty-one years, four days.

Daughter Mrs. Nathan [Abigail (Dearborn)] Chapman appeared in the Portsmouth Directory of 1867, as resident at 8 Vaughan Street.

Grandson Nathan D. Chapman appeared in the Salmon Falls, NH, Directory of 1867, as a machinist, boarding at Miss Dearborn’s. [His cousin,] Miss Abby Dearborn appeared as keeping a boarding house, at 10 Second Street.

Granddaughter Mary (Dearborn) Hodgdon married (2nd) in Farmington, NH, June 20, 1868, Charles E. Ricker, both of Milton. He was a shoemaker, aged thirty-four years, and she was aged thirty-three years. Rev. R.M. Sargeant performed the ceremony. Ricker was born in Milton, in 1833, son of Charles and Mary (Lord) Ricker.

Daughter Mrs. Nathan [Abigail (Dearborn)] Chapman appeared in the Portsmouth Directory of 1869, as resident at 40 Hanover Street. Her daughter, Abby D. Chapman, appeared in another section as a dressmaker, at 40 Hanover Street.

Son Joseph Dearborn, Jr., died in Milton, May 18, 1869, aged seventy-three years, eleven months, and three days.

State of New Hampshire. STRAFFORD, S.S. – The Judge of Probate for said County to the heirs at law of the estate of Joseph Dearborn, late of Milton, in said County, deceased, intestate and to all interested therein, YOU are hereby notified that Harriet Dearborn, Administratrix of the estate of said deceased will exhibit her account of the administration of said estate at a Court of Probate to be holden at Rochester, in said County, when and where you may appear and show cause, if any you have, against the allowance of said account. And it is ordered that said Administratrix give notice by causing the foregoing citation and this order thereon to be published three weeks successively in the Dover Enquirer, printed at Dover in said County, the last publication whereof to be at least one week before said Court. Given at Dover in said County this 10th day of November, A.D. 1870. 41. WM. C. WOODMAN, Register (Dover Enquirer, October 13, 1870).

Harriet B. [(Drew)] Dearborn, aged seventy years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. Her household included Eliza Dearborn, aged thirty-four years (b. NH), Horace E. Dearborn, aged thirteen years (b. NH), John W. Hanson, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH), Hattie A. Hanson, aged twenty-six years (b. NH), Elmer D. Hanson, aged two years (b. NH). Harriet B. Dearborn had real estate valued at $3,000 and personal estate valued at $955. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Jonathan N. Berry, a farm laborer, aged sixty-seven years (b. NH), and a vacant building just before that of Edward R. Hussey, a farm laborer, aged fifty years (b. NH).

Abby [(Dearborn)] Chapman, without occupation, aged seventy years (b. NH), headed a Portsmouth, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. Her household included Abby D. Chapman, a dressmaker, aged forty years (b. NH). They resided in a two-family residence with the household of William B. Hussey, works in shoe shop, aged forty-five years (b. NH).

Benjamin Randall, a farmer, aged sixty-three years (b. NH), headed a Wakefield (“Union P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Melinda [((Stillings) Dearborn)] Randall, keeping house, aged fifty-five years (b. ME), Benjamin Randall, a farm laborer, aged twenty-one years (b. ME), Emma Randall, at home, aged sixteen years (b. ME). Benjamin Randall had real estate valued at $700 and personal estate valued at $255.

Daughter Mrs. Nathan [Abigail (Dearborn)] Chapman appeared in the Portsmouth Directory of 1871, as resident at 40 Hanover Street. Her daughter, Abby D. Chapman, appeared in another section as a dressmaker, at 40 Hanover Street.

Daughter Mrs. Nathan [Abigail (Dearborn)] Chapman appeared in the Portsmouth Directories of 1873, and 1875, as having her house at 33 Hanover Street. Her daughter, Abby D. Chapman, appeared also as a dressmaker, boarding at 33 Hanover Street.

Daughter Mrs. Nathan [Abigail (Dearborn)] Chapman appeared in the Portsmouth Directory of 1877, and, posthumously, in that of 1879, as having her house at 31 Hanover Street. Her daughter, Abby D. Chapman, appeared also as a dressmaker in 1877, but not 1879, boarding at 31 Hanover Street.

Daughter-in-law Malinda ((Stillings) [Dearborn]) Randall died in Union, Wakefield, NH, May 12, 1877, aged sixty-three years, three months, and seventeen days.

DEATHS. In Union, May 12, Melinda, wife of Benj. Randall, aged 63 years, 3 mos., and 17 days (Dover Enquirer, May 17, 1877).

Daughter Abigail “Abbie” (Dearborn) Chapman died of heart disease in Portsmouth, NH, June 22, 1878, aged seventy-nine years, two months. She was married.

Grandson Nathan D. Chapman was a Selectman in Rollinsford, NH, in 1878.

REWARD. WE, the undersigned Selectmen of the Town of Rollinsford, N.H., do hereby offer a reward of TWO-HUNDRED DOLLARS for the detection, or for any information that shall lead to the punishment of the person or persons who set fire to the barn of George L. Wentworth in the village of Salmon Falls Monday evening, Dec. 21, 1878.  GEO. H. YEATON, NATHAN D. CHAPMAN, THOMAS F. HODGDON. Selectmen of the Town of Rollinsford. October 25, 1878 (Dover Enquirer, October 31, 1878).

Harriet [(Drew)] Dearborn, keeping house, aged seventy-eight years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. Her household included her son-in-law, John Butler, a farmer, aged sixty-seven years (b. ME), and her daughter, Abbie C. [(Dearborn)] Butler, keeping house, aged forty-seven years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Edward R. Hussey, and John W. Hanson, a farmer, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH).

Harriet Dearborn of Milton Mills made her last will, September 10, 1884. She devised all her estate, which consisted of any bank money, to her daughter, Hannah J. Converse, whom she appointed also as her sole executor.

In consideration of the kindness and liberality of my daughter, Hannah Jane Converse, I do give and bequithe [bequeath] to her all the money standing in my name in any bank, at my desease [decease], I do so for the express purpose of remunerating my said daughter, Hannah Jane Converse, for her extreme liberality and kindness to me during my life.

Eli Wentworth, John E. Wentworth, and H.T. Robbins signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 102:88).

Daughter-in-law Harriet B. (Drew) Dearborn died in Milton, July 16, 1886, aged eighty-five years. Her last will was proved in a Strafford County Probate Court held in Dover, NH, July 26, 1886 (Strafford County Probate, 102:90).

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Grandson Nathan D. Chapman had his own personal variant on a watch fob fad current in 1904.

The new fad of wearing baggage checks for watch fobs has induced Nathan D. Chapman of the town of Rollinsford to attach to his watch a baggage check that has an interesting history. He has kept it as a civil war souvenir and prizes it highly. The check is marked as follows: on one side is the number “154” and the words “Richmond & Fredericksburg.” On the reverse side is stamped Mr. Chapman’s name and this inscription, “Entered city of Richmond April 3, 1865” (Farmington News, November 4, 1904).

Grandson Nathan D. Chapman died of bronchial asthma and pneumonia at 45 Ham Street in Dover, NH, January 27, 1908, aged seventy-five years, twenty days. He was a widowed master mechanic retired.

DEATH OF NATHAN D. CHAPMAN. Was Aged 75 and Had Brilliant War Record. Nathan D. Chapman, an old and much respected citizen and veteran of the Civil war was mustered out today to join the greater army from which there is no return. Mr. Chapman was aged 75 years. He was born in Milton, N.H., Jan. 7, 1833, and early in life learned the trade of machinist at which he worked until the Civil war broke out. Submissive to the call for volunteers he enlisted as a private in Co. B, 13th Regt., N.H. Vols. Mr. Chapman had a splendid war record. During his term of service he was in the battles of Fredericksburg, Walthall Road, Swift Creek, Kingsland, Drury’s Bluff, Cold Harbor, Battery 5, Petersburg, Fort Harrison, Fair Oaks, Siege of Petersburg, Burnside Mine Explosion, and at the fall of Richmond. His was the first regiment of the army whose colors were brought into the city of Richmond on April 3, 1865. Mr. Chapman was promoted to first lieutenant for his personal bravery. In March, ’65, Lieut. Chapman was granted a furlough of twenty days by General Gibbon for being the best drilled soldier in his division of 8000 men. At the close of the war Mr. Chapman entered the employ of the Salmon Falls Manufacturing Co., where he remained for 31 years, a part of which time he had the position of master mechanic. During his residence in Salmon Falls Mr. Chapman held a number of town offices and in 1878 and ’79 he was a member of the Legislature. In every instance he filled public office with great credit to himself and the town. He severed his connection with the Salmon Falls Manufacturing Co. in 1901 and after living for a time in several places returned to Dover where he resided for a few years with his daughter, Mrs. Horace E. Dearborn, and subsequently with his grandson, Nathan E. Dearborn, of 45 Ham street, an at whose residence he died. Mr. Chapman was a member of Salmon Falls Lodge of Masons and Odd Fellows, and of E.V. Sumner Post, G.A.R. of Fitchburg, Mass. He was twice married, in 1856 to Mary Gardner of Lowell, and in 1868 to Mary E. Rowe of Berwick, Me. The deceased leaves two daughters, Mrs. Horace E. Dearborn of this city and Miss Edith E. Chapman of Cambridge, Mass., and one grandson, who have the sympathy of a host of friends in their bereavement. Mr. Chapman was a good citizen, honest and upright in all his dealings and he will be missed and mourned alike by his comrades and friends who knew and loved him for his sterling qualities. The funeral will be held at the residence of his grandson, Nathan E. Dearborn, 45 Ham street, Thursday afternoon at 2 o’clock (Dover Enquirer, January 28, 1908).

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References:

Find a Grave. (2020, September 17). Nathan D. Chapman. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/215767515/nathan-d-chapman

Find a Grave. (2021, January 17). Abraham Dearborn. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/221190500/abraham-dearborn

Find a Grave. (2021, January 17). Abraham Dearborn [I]. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/221190756/abraham-dearborn

Find a Grave. (2021, January 17). Abraham Dearborn [II]. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/221190786/abraham-dearborn

Find a Grave. (2021, January 17). Joseph Dearborn. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/221190291/joseph-dearborn

Find a Grave. (2021, January 17). Joseph Dearborn, Jr. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/221189350/joseph-dearborn

Find a Grave. (2021, January 17). Sally Dearborn. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/221190728/sally-dearborn

Find a Grave. (2011, February 28). Mary Dearborn Hodgdon-Ricker. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/66265805/mary-ricker

Find a Grave. (2011, February 27). Malinda Stillings [Dearborn] Randall. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/66210695/malinda-randall

 

By Muriel Bristol | July 13, 2026

Daniel Dore was born in Lebanon, ME, January 21, 1754, son of John and Charity (Wentworth) Dore.

(His parent’s children were: Daniel Dore, John Dore, Jonathan Dore, Hannah Dore, Betsy Dore, Charity Dore, Joseph Dore, Benaiah Dore, James Dore, Wentworth Dore, Paul Dore, Sally Dore, Andrew Dore, and Dorothy Dore).

John and Charity (Wentworth) Dore moved [from Newington, NH,] to Lebanon, Maine, and became the parents of fourteen children. The children established a most remarkable record for longevity. Several of them lived to be nearly a hundred, and their ages at death averaged eighty years. Three of the sons were in the Revolution: John, Jonathan and Benaiah. John [Jr.] lived and died at Lebanon, Maine; Jonathan and Benaiah moved to Milton, New Hampshire (Stearns, 1908).

And, as we shall see, Daniel Dore, served also in the Revolution, in 1777, and moved also to Rochester, NH, i.e., Milton as would be, before 1790.

Daniel Door appeared in a “Return of men drafted out of Col. John Frost’s (2nd York Co.) regt., drafted May 7, 1777, endorsed ‘for Rhode Island'” (MA Secretary of State, 1898).

Brother Jonathan Dore, when applying for his own Revolutionary War pension many years later, explained that he had taken the place of his brother, Daniel Dore, on the ill-fated Penobscot Expedition of 1779.

He then returned home & immediately took his brother Daniel Dore’s place in Captain Goodwin’s Company in Colonel Cobb’s regiment, (his said Brother having become disaffected [about] the service) and he marched to Penobscot & remained there about two months when the shipping being burned & after other disasters they were disbanded & he returned home. 

Daniel Dore married in Lebanon, ME, November 22, 1781, Dorcas Garland, both of Lebanon, ME. Rev. Isaac Hasey performed the ceremony. She was born in Rochester, NH, April 7, 1760, daughter of Dodivah and Mary (Carter) Garland.

[Ensign Dodivah Garland had appeared in a “Return of the Field and other Officers in the Regt commanded by Colo John Waldron Stationed at Temple’s farm in Brigadier Genl Sullivan’s Brigade in the Continental Army,” March 6, 1776].

(The known children of Daniel and Dorcas (Garland) Dore were: Mary Dore (1781-1863), Charity Dore (1788-1867), and George Dore (1798-1880)).

Daughter Charity Dorr was born in Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, in September 1788. She was a namesake for her paternal grandmother, Charity (Wentworth) Dore.

John Door headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the First (1790) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 16-plus years [himself], one male aged under-16 years, and two females [Charity (Wentworth) Door]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Nathl Hays and John Door, Junr.

Dodipha [Dodivah] Garland headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the First (1790) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 16-plus years [himself], one male aged under-16 years, and two females [Mary (Carter) Garland]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Nathl Hays and Jona Ellice [Ellis]. (See Northeast Parish in the First (1790) Federal Census).

Daniel Door 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, and one female [Dorcas (Garland) Dore]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Jona Door and David Coarson. (See Northeast Parish in the First (1790) Federal Census).

Daniel Dore was one of twenty-four petitioners from Wakefield, Rochester & Dover, as well as Massachusetts, that signed the Salmon Falls sawmill petition of June 1797. (See Salmon Falls Sawmill Petition – 1797).

Father-in-law Dodivah Garland died April 19, 1798.

Son George Dorr was born in Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, July 7, 1798.

Daniel Door 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 [Dorcas (Garland) Door], one female aged 16-25 years, one female aged 10-15 years [Charity Door], one male aged under-10 years [George Door], and one female aged under-10 years. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

Daniel Dore and his brother, Jonathan Dore, both signed the Rochester Division Petition of May 1802. (See Rochester Division Petition – May 1802). For whatever reason, their brother, Benaiah Dore, did not sign.

Daniel Door and his brother, Jona Door, were assessed in the Milton School District No. 1 of Joseph Plumer in 1806. Brothers Benaiah Dore and Wentworth Dore were assessed in other districts (See Milton School Districts – 1806).

Daniel Dore 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 [Dorcas (Garland) Dore], two females aged 16-25 years [Charity Dore], and one male aged 10-15 years [George Dore]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Josiah Willey and Wentworth Cook. (See Milton in the Third (1810) Federal Census).

Daniel Dore and his brothers, Jonathan Dore and John Dore, were among those that petitioned the NH General Court, in or around June 1814, seeking incorporation of the Milton Congregational Society. (See Milton Congregational Society Petition – 1814).

Son George Dore served in Capt. William Courson’s Milton militia company when it marched to Portsmouth, NH, in September 1814. They were responding to Gov. Gilman’s alarm regarding possible attacks by the British navy. (See Milton in the War of 1812).

Son George Dorr married (1st) in York, ME, May 7, 1820, Jane Frost. She was born in Eliot, ME, March 5, 1796, daughter of Eliot and Jane (Clark) Frost.

Daniel Dore and his son, George Dore, both signed the Milton Anti-Division Remonstrance of June 1820. Jonathan Dore, Daniel G. Dore, Dodovah Dore, and Wentworth Dore also signed (See Milton Militia Dispute – 1820).

Danl Dore 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 70-79 years [Dorcas (Garland) Dore], and one female aged 30-39 years [Charity Dore]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between Danl W. Horne and John Blaisdell. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

Geo Dore 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 [Jane (Frost) Dore], three males aged 5-9 years, and three males aged under-5 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between Simeon Applebe and John Foss (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

Charity Dore headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. Her household included one female aged 20-29 years [herself].

Daniel Dore died in Milton, January 31, 1831.

Dorcas (Garland) Dore died in Milton, March 4, 1836, aged seventy-five years.

George Dore headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 40-49 years [himself], one female aged 40-49 years [Jane (Frost) Dore], three males aged 10-14 years, three males aged 5-9 years, and one male aged under-5 years. Four members of his household were engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Nathaniel Clark and John Blaisdell.

George Dorr, a farmer, aged fifty-two years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Jane [(Frost)] Dorr, aged fifty-four years (b. ME), Wingate Dorr, aged fourteen years (b. NH), and Simon C. Dorr, aged eleven years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Franklin Orange, a farmer, aged forty years (b. NH), and James Downs, a shoemaker aged fifty-nine years (b. NH). (Jonathan Dore, none, aged ninety-three (b. ME), and several younger Dores, resided in the household of Franklin Orange).

War of 1812 Pension records noted that veteran George Dore resided in Strafford County (P.O. at Milton Three Ponds) in 1855.

George Dore, a farmer, aged sixty-one years (b. <blank>), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Jane [(Frost)] Dore, aged sixty-four years (b. NH), Charity Dore, aged seventy-two years (b. NH [SIC]), and Wingate Dore (b. NH), aged twenty-four years. George Dore had real estate valued at $500 and personal estate valued at $300. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Samuel W. Pinkham, a farmer, aged fifty-two years (b. NH), and Eliot F. Dore, a farmer, aged thirty-nine years (b. NH).

Daughter-in-law Jane (Frost) Dorr died in Milton, September 25, 1861.

Son George Dorr married (2nd) in Milton, December 15, 1862, Lydia C. ((Willand) Randall) Legro, he of Milton and she of Kingston, NH. He was a farmer, aged sixty-one years, and she was a widow [of David Legro], aged sixty-four years. It was his second marriage and her fourth marriage. Rev. Ezra Tuttle, a F.W. Baptist clergyman, performed the service. She was born in Rochester, NH, circa 1798, daughter of Enoch and Esther (Cloutman) Willand.

MARRIAGES. In Milton, Dec. 15, by Rev. E. Tuttle, Mr. George Dorr of Milton, to Mrs. Lydia C. Legro of Kingston (Dover Enquirer, December 25, 1862).

Daughter Charity Dore died of consumption in Milton, March 16, 1867, aged seventy-eight years. She was single.

Daughter-in-law Lydia C. ((Willand) Legro) Dorr died in Milton, November 21, 1867, aged sixty-eight years, eleven months.

George Dorr, a farm laborer, aged seventy-one years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Caroline [((Fitzgerald) Henderson)] Dorr, keeping house, aged sixty years (b. ME), and Wingate Dorr, a farm laborer, aged thirty-three years (b. NH). George Dorr had personal estate valued at $106; and Wingate Dorr had real estate valued at $800. Their household appeared in the enumeration between the vacant house after the household of John H. Crane, works for shoe factory, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH), and the household of Stephen D. Dorr, works for shoe factory, aged thirty-six years (b. NH).

SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT. JUDGE DOE PRESIDING. … George Dorr vs. Elliott F. Dorr. This case was to settle the title to a house and a piece of land in Milton, the parties being father and son. The son claimed to have bought the premises more than twenty years ago of the mortgagee, and to have been in possession of them ever since, while the father, as mortgagor, endeavored to show that the son had held possession under him. The jury returned a verdict for the Deft. Copeland for Plf., Hobbs for Deft. (Dover Enquirer, September 14, 1871).

George Dorr married (4th [3rd?]) in Great Falls, [Somersworth,] NH, November 12, 1875 [?], Caroline (Fitzgerald) Henderson, he of Milton and she of Great Falls, NH. James G. Young, J.P., performed the ceremony. She was born in Eliot (or North Berwick), ME, circa 1809, daughter of Edmund and Sally Fitzgerald.

War of 1812 Pension records noted that veteran George Dore resided in Strafford County (P.O. at Milton Three Ponds) in 1878.

George Dorr, a farmer, aged eighty-one years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Caroline [((Fitzgerald) Henderson)] Dorr, keeping house, aged seventy years (b. ME). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Leander Clements, a farmer, aged forty-nine years (b. NH), and Nathan Jones, aged fifty-five years (b. NH).

Son George Dore died of apoplexy in Milton, August 20, 1880, æ. eighty-one years.

DEATHS. … In Milton, Aug. 20, George Dorr, aged 82 years (Dover Enquirer, September 2, 1880).

 Caroline ((Fitzgerald) Henderson) Dorr of Milton received a Bounty Land Warrant (11324-160-155), in 1880, for the War of 1812 service of her deceased husband, George Dorr of Milton. He had been a private, between September 11 and September 29, 1814, in the militia company commanded by Capt. William Courson. They had married in Somersworth, NH, November 12, 1875, and he had died in Milton, August 18, 1880.

Daughter-in-law Caroline ((Fitzgerald) Henderson) Dorr died of paralysis in Milton, August 6, 1884, aged seventy-one years, one month, and fourteen days. She was a widow.

References:

Find a Grave. (2009, September 18). Charity Dorr. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/42115032/charity-dorr

Find a Grave. (2009, September 18). Daniel Dorr. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/42114903/daniel-dorr

Find a Grave. (2009, September 18). George Dorr. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/42114264/george-dorr

MA Secretary of State. (1898). Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors in the Revolution. Boston: Wright & Potter Printing.

Stearns, Ezra H. (1908). Genealogical and Family History of the State of New Hampshire. New York, NY: Lewis Publishing Company.

By Muriel Bristol | July 5, 2026

Hatevil Nutter was born in Newington, NH, December 1, 1748, son of John and Anna (Symes) Nutter.

(Note his Puritan “virtue” name: “Hate-Evil.” It is of a kind with more familiar female ones, such as Faith, Hope, Charity, Chastity, Constance, Prudence, etc.).

Hatevil Nutter married, March 8, 1781, Susanna Shackford. She was born in Dover, NH, December 4, 1756, daughter of Capt. Samuel and Mary E. (Ring) Shackford.

(The known children of Hatevil and Susanna (Shackford) Nutter were William Shackford Nutter (1781–1872), John Nutter (1784–1866), Elizabeth Nutter (1786–1866), Mary Nutter (1788–1863), Ann S. Nutter (1790–1870), Abigail Nutter (1793–1842), and Susan S. Nutter (1802–1882)).

Son William Shackford Nutter was born in Newington, NH, December 23, 1781. Son John Nutter was born in Newington, NH, January 15, 1784. Daughter Elizabeth Nutter was born in Newington, NH, January 29, 1786. Daughter Mary Nutter was born in Newington, NH, in 1788.

Hatevil Nutter, Jr., headed a Newington, NH, household at the time of the First (1790) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 16-plus years [himself], two males aged under-16 years [William S. Nutter and John Nutter], six females [Susanna (Shackford) Nutter, Elizabeth Nutter, Mary Nutter, Ann S. Nutter, Abigail Nutter, and one other], and one slave. (New Hampshire, which had 141,885 persons enumerated in 1790, had one hundred fifty-eight slaves [0.01%]. Newington, NH, which had five hundred forty-two persons, had fourteen slaves [2.6%]. (Milton never had any in any census year)). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Jona Warner Nutter and Valentine Pickering.

Daughter Ann S. Nutter was born in Newington, NH, in December 1790. Daughter Abigail Nutter was born in 1793. Daughter Susan S. Nutter was born in 1802.

Hatevil Nutter headed a Dover, 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 [Susanna (Shackford) Nutter], two males aged 16-25 years [William S. Nutter and John Nutter], two females aged 10-15 years [Elizabeth Nutter, and Mary Nutter], and two females aged under-10 years [Ann S. Nutter, and Abigail Nutter]. His household appeared in the roughly alphabetically arranged enumeration between those of Wm Neal and Paul Nute.

Hatteville Nutter 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 [Susanna (Shackford) Nutter], one male aged 26-44 years [William S. Nutter], one male aged 16-25 years [John Nutter], four females aged 16-25 years [Elizabeth Nutter, Mary Nutter, Ann S. Nutter, and Abigail Nutter], and one female aged under-10 years [Susan S. Shackford]. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Mark Miller and Henry Rines.

Son William S. Nutter married, March 17, 1811, Ruth Wentworth. She was born in Rollinsford, NH, October 22, 1784, daughter of Bartholomew and Ruth (Hall) Wentworth.

Daughter Elizabeth Nutter married in Wakefield, NH, November 17, 1811, John Hart, both of Milton. Rev. Asa Piper performed the ceremony. John Hart was born April 17, 1786.

Son John Nutter signed the June 1814 petition seeking incorporation of the Milton Congregational Society. (See Milton Congregational Society Petition – 1814).

Daughter Ann S. Nutter married in Milton, circa 1820, Gilman Jewett. He was born in Exeter, NH, January 18, 1777, son of Paul and Elizabeth ((Gilman) Gilman) Jewett

Son John Nutter held the office of Milton Town Moderator for a single year around 1825-26.

William Neil of Portsmouth, NH, made his last will, March 22, 1825. He devised to his wife, Margaret Neil, two-thirds of his Portsmouth, NH, dwelling house, outbuildings, and land, which was the same that he had purchased of George Furber, in May 1807. This bequest was to satisfy in full his note to her for $1,400 and any interest accrued. He also devised to her a life estate in all his furniture. He devised to his daughter, Margaret Grieve, widow of Samuel Grieve, the remaining one-third of his dwelling house, outbuildings, and land, along with all the household furniture, that furniture to be delivered after the decease of her mother. He devised $300 to his son-in-law, George Andrews, as well as all the furniture give to his daughter, Mary Sarah Melcher, at the time of the marriage. Andrews was to invest the money and pay Mary Sarah Melcher an annual dividend. If Mary Sarah Melcher should survive her present husband, Daniel F. Melcher. Anything remaining after her decease should be divided among her surviving children. He devised $1 to his son, Thomas Neil. He confirmed his daughter Ann Andrews, wife of George Andrews, on the Dover, NH, house already given to her, as well as an additional $1. He devised to his son, Robert Getty Neil, the balance of his deed account, as well as an additional $1. He devised to his son, Charles Neil, the Portsmouth, NH, house and land on the corner of Broad street, it being the same purchased of George Turner, in October 1820. Charles was also to receive any rest and residue remaining. He named son-in-law George Andrews as executor. Jas. H. Pierrepont, Jno. W. Foster, and Gorge Mancut signed as witnesses (Rockingham County Probate, 48:297).

William Neil died in Portsmouth, NH, in April or May 1825, aged seventy-nine years (Columbian Centinel, May 18, 1825). [“a native of Ireland & for 30 years a Merchant”].

The last will of William Neil, late of Portsmouth, NH, was proved in a Rockingham County Probate court held in Portsmouth, NH, May 17, 1825 (Rockingham County Probate, 48:299).

Son John Nutter married (1st) in Dover, NH, October 17, 1825, Margaret (Neil) Grieve, he of Milton, and she apparently of Dover, NH (Dover Historical Society, 1894). She was born in Portsmouth, NH, circa 1792, daughter of William and Margaret Neil, and was the widow of Samuel Grieve (Rockingham County Probate, 48:297).

Son John Nutter was said to have been a Milton Mills merchant, and post offices were often in storefronts or doctor’s offices. The U.S. Post Office Department appointed him as the first Milton Mills Postmaster on November 13, 1826. He held that office from then through March 1837. Dr. John L. Swinerton succeeded him, although Nutter appears to have returned briefly in 1841-42. (These offices were political plums and these appointment dates suggest that John Nutter was a Democrat, while Dr. John L. Swinerton was a Whig). (See also Milton’s First Postmasters (1818-c1840)).

Daughter Abigail Hubbard married in Milton, January 19, 1827, Aaron Hubbard, she of Milton and he of Shapleigh, ME. Rev. William McKay performed the ceremony. Hubbard was born in Shapleigh, ME, January 26, 1782, son of Aaron and Martha (Nason) Hubbard.

The U.S. Congress expanded the network of “Post Road” routes in 1827. The expanded network included a regular overland connection between Maine points and the Milton Mills post office run by John Nutter. (See Milton in the News – 1827).

Mother-in-law Margaret Neil of Dover, NH, widow of William Neil of Portsmouth, NH, made her last will July 30, 1827. She devised $500 to Charles Neil of Portsmouth, NH, merchant, for the benefit of Robert Neil. She devised $1 to her daughter, Margaret Nutter, wife of John Nutter. She devised $500 to Charles Neil for the benefit of her daughter, Mary Sarah Melcher. He was also to receive her household furniture, after expiration of a life-estate in that furniture to be held by daughter Mary Sarah Melcher. Charles Neil, who was identified as a son of her late husband (rather than herself), was to receive all the rest and residue, and was appointed executor. George Gray, Thomas b. Kittredge, and William N. Andrews signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 42:131).

Mrs. Margaret ((Neil) Grieves) Nutter, “consort of John Nutter & daughter of William and Margaret Neal,” died in Milton, August 27, 1827, aged thirty-five years.

Son John Nutter appeared in a US. Postal Department postmasters list in 1828. He was Postmaster at Milton Mills.

Son John Nutter received a five-year appointment as a Milton justice of the peace, June 17, 1828.

Justices of the Peace. Milton. Jotham Nute, D. Hayes, John Remich, J. Roberts, Hanson Hayes, Stephen M. Mathes, John Nutter, Thomas Chapman (Lyon, 1829).

The Milton Selectmen of 1830 were John Nutter, T.C. Lyman, and Chas. Swasey. (His elder brother, William S. Nutter, was also twice a Milton Selectman, in 1818 and 1833).

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. Milton, Joshua N. Cate, Jotham Nute, Daniel Hayes, John Remich, James Roberts, Hanson Hayes, Stephen M. Mathes, John Nutter, Thomas Chapman, Theodore C. Lyman, Samuel S. Mason, Stephen Drew, Israel Nute (Claremont Manufacturing Company, 1830).

Hateval Nutter headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 80-89 years [himself], one female aged 70-79 years [Susanna (Shackford) Nutter], one female aged 40-49 years [Mary Nutter], one female aged 20-29 years [Susan S. Nutter], and one male aged 15-19 years. His household appeared in the enumeration between those Obediah Whitham and Jas Applebe.

Wm S. Nutter 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 [Ruth (Wentworth) Nutter], one female aged 15-19 years [Mary A. Nutter], two females aged 10-14 years [Elizabeth Nutter and Nancy H. Nutter], one female aged 5-9 years [Ruth H. Nutter], one male aged 5-9 years [William A. Nutter], and one female aged under-5 years [Susan Nutter]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Jas Applebee and Thos Applebee.

John Nutter 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 30-39 years, and one male aged 15-19 years. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Mehitable Swasey and Nathl Jewett.

Paul Jewett headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included two males aged 80-89 years [Paul Jewett], one male aged 50-59 years [Gilman Jewett], one female aged 50-59 years [Ann S. (Nutter) Jewett], one male aged 20-29 years, two males aged 15-19 years [Paul Jewett and Asa Jewett], and one male aged 10-14 years. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Steph. Shorey and Amos Witham. (And on the same page as son Nathl Jewett).

Aaron Hubbard, Esqr, headed an Acton, ME, 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 (Abigail (Nutter) Hubbard], one female aged 20-29 years, one male aged 15-19 years, one male aged 10-14 years, one female aged 10-14 years, one female aged 5-9 years, and two females aged under-5 years.

Hatevil Nutter died, probably in Milton, December 25, 1831, aged eighty-three years.

Former mother-in-law Margaret Neil died in Dover, NH, December 29, 1831, aged seventy-eight years. Her last will was proved in a Strafford County Probate court held in Dover, NH, January 2, 1832 (Strafford County Probate, 42:134).

Son John Nutter married (2nd) in Dover, NH, May 16, 1833, Lydia Hayes, he of Milton and she presumably of Dover, NH. She was born in Dover, NH, March 25, 1784, daughter of Aaron and Deborah (Wingate) Hayes.

Son John Nutter received a five-year renewal appointment as a Milton justice of the peace, June 15, 1833.

Justices of the Peace. Milton – Levi Jones, Daniel Hayes, John Remich, James Roberts, Hanson Hayes, Stephen M. Mathes, John Nutter, Theodore C. Lyman, Samuel S. Mason, Stephen Drew, Israel Nute, John L. Swinerton, Thomas Chapman (Hayward, 1834).

Among the fifty-two founding members of the Baptist Church of Milton, October 28, 1834, were William S. Nutter, Elizabeth [(Nutter)] Hart, Susan S. Nutter, Ruth [(Wentworth)] Nutter, Mary Ann Nutter, Hannah Nutter, and Elizabeth Nutter. William S. Nutter was clerk from its founding through 1837. (He was succeeded in that position by his step-nephew Asa Jewett) (Scales, 1914).

Son John Nutter received $7.51 in 1835, as compensation for his work as Milton Mills postmaster (US Dept. of the Interior, 1835).

Son John Nutter received $12.49 in 1837, as compensation for his work as Milton Mills postmaster (US Civil Service Commission, 1838).

Son William S. Nutter removed from Milton at some time after his resignation as church clerk, in 1837, and his next enumeration in the Federal Census in Waterboro, ME, in 1840.

Son John Nutter received a five-year renewal appointment as a Milton justice of the peace, June 21, 1838.

Mother-in-law Deborah (Wingate) Hayes died in Milton Mills, September 18, 1838.

Son John Nutter received $29.88 up to December 31, 1839, as compensation for his work as Milton Mills Postmaster. J.L. Swinerton took over again and received $6.58 from that point through May 26, 1843 (Claxton & Co., 1843).

The NH Political Manual and Annual Register of 1840 identified Milton’s Justices of the Peace as being Levi Jones, Daniel Hayes, John Remick, JAMES ROBERTS, Hanson Hayes, Stephen M. Mathes, John Nutter, Theodore C. Lyman, Samuel S. Mason, Stephen Drew, John L. Swinerton, Thomas Chapman, Joseph Cook, John J. Plumer, Daniel Hayes, Jr. (McFarland & Jenks, 1840).

Susannah [(Shackford)] Nutter headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. Her household included one female aged 80-89 years [herself], three females aged 30-39 years [Mary Nutter, Susan S. Nutter], and one male aged 15-19 years. One member of her household was engaged in Agriculture. Her household appeared in the enumeration between those of Simeon Applebee and Bray Sims.

William S. Nutter headed a Waterboro, ME, 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 [Ruth (Wentworth) Nutter], two females aged 20-29 years [Mary A. Nutter and Elizabeth Nutter], one female aged 15-19 years [Nancy H. Nutter], and one male aged 15-19 years [William A. Nutter]. Two members of his household were engaged in Agriculture.

Son John Nutter 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 [Lydia (Hayes) Nutter], and one female aged 20-29 years. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Gilman Jewett and Samuel S. Hart.

Gilman Jewett headed a Milton [Milton Mills] household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 60-69 years [himself], one male aged 40-49 years, one male aged 30-39 years [Paul Jewett], one female aged 30-39 years [Drusilla (Pickering) Jewett], and one male aged 15-19 years. Three members of his household were engaged in manufacture and the trades, while one member was engaged in agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Charles Swasey and John Nutter. (The household of his son Asa Jewett appeared further down the same page).

Aaron Hubbard, Esqr, headed an Acton, ME, 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 [Abigail (Nutter) Hubbard], one male aged 20-29 years, one male aged 15-19 years, one female aged 15-19 years, one male aged 10-14 years, one female aged 5-9 years, and one female aged under-5 years. Three members of their household were engaged in Agriculture.

Daughter Abigail (Nutter) Hubbard died in Acton, ME, June 21, 1842, aged forty-nine years.

Son John Nutter received a five-year renewal appointment as a Milton justice of the peace, June 24, 1843.

Justices of the Peace. Milton – Levi Jones, Stephen Drew, Daniel Hayes, Hanson Hayes, John Nutter, Theodore C. Lyman, John L. Swinerton, Joseph Cook, John J. Plumer, Daniel Hayes, jr., Enoch Banfield, Daniel P. Warren, Joseph Cook, James Berry, Wm. B. Lyman (NH Register and Farmer’s Almanac, 1844).

Widowed son-in-law Aaron Hubbard married (2nd) in Milton, April 28, 1844, Mary Lindsey, he of Acton, ME, and she of Milton. Rev. Joseph Spinney performed the ceremony.

Justices of the Peace. MILTON – Levi Jones, Stephen Drew, Hanson Hayes, John Nutter, Theodore C. Lyman, John L. Swinerton, Joseph Cook, John J. Plumer, Daniel Hayes, Jr., Enoch Banfield, Daniel P. Warren, James Berry, William B. Lyman, Levi Hayes, Jr., James Furnald (NH Register and Farmer’s Almanac, 1846).

Son John Nutter did not receive another renewal as a Milton justice-of-the-peace. There was instead a marginal notation to the effect that he was “now [of] Rochester.” In the Rochester roster, he received an initial five-year appointment as a Rochester, NH, justice of the peace, June 19, 1848.

Susanna (Shackford) Nutter died in Milton Mills, November 13, 1848, aged ninety-one years.

Lydia (Hayes) Nutter died in Dover, NH, February 21, 1850, aged sixty-six years.

William S. Nutter, a farmer, aged sixty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Waterboro, ME, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Ruth [(Wentworth)] Nutter, aged sixty-five years (b. NH), Mary Ann Nutter, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), Elizabeth [(Nutter)] Ford, aged thirty-four years (b. NH), Elizabeth J. Ford, aged seven years (b. ME), and William A. Nutter, a farmer, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH). William S. Nutter had real estate valued at $1,000.

John Nutter, 3d, 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 [his sister,] Mary Nutter, aged sixty-two years (b. NH). John Nutter, 3d, had real estate valued at $1,500.

John Hart, a farmer, aged sixty-four years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the timer of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Elizabeth [(Nutter)] Hart, aged sixty-four years (b. NH), Elizabeth A. 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. ME), and Edward Hart, a farmer, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH).

Gilman Jewett, a postmaster, aged seventy-three years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Ann S. [(Nutter)] Jewett, aged fifty-nine years (b. NH), Joseph Sharp, a manufacturer, aged forty years (b. England), Hannah Sharp, aged twenty-five years (b. England), Benjamin Sharp, a manufacturer, aged twenty-five years (b. England), Susan A. Hubbard, aged sixteen years (b. ME), [sister-in-law] Susan S. Nutter, aged forty-six years (b. NH), John McDonald, a tailor, aged thirty-five years (b. Scotland), and Joseph Robinson, a manufacturer, aged thirty-six years (b. England). Gilman Jewett had real estate valued at $2,000. Jewett’s household appeared next to that of John Townsend, agent for the Milton Mills Manufacturing Co., aged forty-three years (b. England).

Aaron Hubbard, aged sixty-eight years (b. ME), headed an Acton, ME, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Mary [(Lindsey)] Hubbard, aged fifty-four years (b. ME), Martha A. Hubbard, aged thirteen years (b. ME), and Betsy Need, aged seventy-five years (b. ME).

Son John Nutter, Esq., married (3rd) in Portsmouth, NH, in October 1852, Maria Melcher, he of Rochester, NH, and she of Portsmouth, NH. Rev. Richard S. Rusk performed the ceremony. She was born in Portsmouth, NH, in 1790, daughter of John V. and Mehitable (Whidden) Melcher. (Maria Melcher’s brother, Daniel Fowle Melcher, had been married to Mary Sarah Neil, who was a sister of Nutter’s first wife, Margaret ((Neil) Grieve) Nutter).

MARRIED. In Portsmouth, John Nutter, Esq., of Rochester, to Miss Maria Melcher, only daughter of the late John Melcher, Esq., of Portsmouth (Exeter News-Letter, October 1852).

(“John Melcher, the oldest printer in the Union, died at Portsmouth, N.H. on Sunday morning, June 9, aged 60 years. He was an apprentice to Daniel Fowle, who introduced the first printing press into New Hampshire in 1756, and was proprietor of the Portsmouth Gazette during the revolution, when it was a strong advocate of the rights of the people, as it has been ever since” (Piscataqua Observer, July 4, 1850)).

Justices of the Peace. ROCHESTER – JAMES FARRINGTON – JEREMIAH H. WOODMAN, Stephen M. Mathes, Charles Dennett, Louis McDuffie, John Meader, Watson Hayes, Jonathan Hussey, Moses Roberts, James Tebbets, jr., Samuel Rogers, Daniel J. Parsons, James H. Edgerly, Sam’l Demeritt, Nicholas V. Whitehouse, Jeremiah M. Hackett, Daniel Lothrop, Wm. A. Kimball, Reuben Tilton, Jabez Dame, jr., John Nutter, Joseph Bunton, James Bodge, Samuel Meserve, Aaron P. Wingate (Claremont Manufacturing, 1854).

Son-in-law John Hart died in Milton, February 9, 1854, aged sixty-seven years. (“He was a beloved husband, a kind and affectionate father – a friend to all: and died in the hope of immortality beyond the grave”).

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 (Dover Enquirer, February 14, 1854).

Wm. A. Nutter, a farmer, aged thirty-six years (b. NH), headed a Waterboro, ME, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Sarah [(Wentworth)] Nutter, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH), Catherine Nutter, aged six years (b. ME), Wm. S. Nutter, aged seventy-eight years (b. NH), and Ruth [(Wentworth)] Nutter, aged seventy-four years (b. NH). William A. Nutter had real estate valued at $2,000 and personal estate valued at $500.

John Nutter, aged seventy-six years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH (“Farmington P.O.”), household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Mariah [(Melcher)] Nutter, aged fifty-six years (b. NH), and Mary E. Witham, aged thirteen years (b. NH).

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).

Ann S. [(Nutter)] Jewett, aged sixty [seventy] years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills P.O.”) household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. Her household included [her sisters,] Mary Nutter, aged seventy [seventy-two] years (b. NH), and Susan Nutter, aged fifty [fifty-eight] years (b. NH). Ann S. Jewett had real estate valued at $500 and personal estate valued at $1,000. Her household appeared between those of Joseph P. Swasey, a tailor, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), and Palmuth Came, a laborer, aged seventy years (b. NH).

Aaron Hubbard, a farmer, aged seventy-eight years (b. ME), headed an Acton, ME, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Mary [(Lindsey)] Hubbard, a matron, aged sixty-four years (b. NH). Aaron Hubbard had real estate valued at $2,000 and personal estate valued at $300.

Son in-law Hon. Aaron Hubbard was a Vice President, with Dr. Reuben Buck, of the Milton Mills Birthday Celebration for Ralph Farnham, July 7, 1860.

Son John Nutter, Esq., of Rochester, NH, made his last will, April 12, 1861. He devised to his beloved wife, Mariah M. [(Melcher)] Nutter, during her natural life, the income on $2,000, as well as the income on the house lot and establishment where she lived, “as secured to her by my obligation to her before our marriage.”

He devised $100 to Deborah Lefavour [1816-1866], wife of Robert Lefavour and daughter of Paul Hayes; and $200 to Sarah Boyle, also daughter of Paul Hayes. (These two legacies were to be paid after the death of his wife, Mariah M. Nutter). He devised $200 to William A. Nutter, the amount of his note in favor of John Nutter, after the decease of Mariah M. Nutter, with William A. Nutter paying her interest until her death. He devised $400 to Nancy [(Nutter)] Kimball [1818-1889], wife of William A. Kimball, to be equally divided between her and her three children. [She was a daughter of brother William S. Nutter]. Nancy H. Kimball was to receive also his furniture after the decease of his wife. He devised to John Kimball, son of William A. Kimball, all his books, his portable writing desk, surveying compass, all of the articles in the barn, including saws, planes, augers, axes, and tools. He devised $500 to his three sisters, Mary Nutter, Ann S. Jewett, and Susan S. Nutter, “to be enjoyed by them socially together, and so on to the last survivor.”

He noted that he was omitting bequests to his brother, William S. Nutter, as well as his brother’s children Mary Ann [Nutter], Elizabeth [(Nutter)] Ford, and Sarah [(Nutter)] Philpot; his sister, Elizabeth [(Nutter)] Hart, her sons, Edward Hart, Oliver Hart, William S. Hart, and Cyrus F. Hart, and her daughters, Ann [(Hart)] Gerrish and Susan [(Hart)] Lord; and the daughter of his late sister, Abigail Hubbard. He had assigned to them during his lifetime. He devised a residue to [his nephew,] Samuel Shackford Hart, whom he named as executor.  Silas Hussey, Jr., Daniel Young, and Ben. Hobbs signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate Docket 2652 (Strafford County Probate, 74:204)).

Daughter Mary Nutter died of consumption in Milton, January 19, 1863, aged seventy-four years, four months, and twenty-six days. She was single. (“She rests in hope of a blessed immortality”).

Brother-in-law Maj. Aaron Hubbard died in Acton, ME, February 18, 1863, aged eighty-one years.

Son John Nutter died in Dover, NH, April 15, 1866, aged eighty-two years.

The last will of son John Nutter of Rochester, NH, was proved by Judge D.G. Rollins in a Strafford County Probate court held in Dover, NH, May 1, 1866 (Strafford County Probate Docket 2652 (Strafford County Probate, 74:206)).

Daughter Elizabeth (Nutter) Hart died in Milton, June 19, 1866, aged eighty years, six months.

William A. Nutter, a farmer, aged forty-six years (b. NH), headed a Waterboro (“N. Waterborough P.O.”), ME, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Sarah A. [(Wentworth)] Nutter, keeping house, aged thirty-nine years, Catharine W. Nutter, at home, aged sixteen years (b. ME), Anna B. Nutter, at home, aged seven years, William S. Nutter, a farmer, aged eighty-eight years, and Ruth H. [(Wentworth)] Nutter, at home, aged eighty-six years. William A. Nutter had real estate valued at $2,000 and personal estate valued at $500.

Ann S. [(Nutter)] Jewett, keeping house, aged seventy-eight years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. Her household included [her sister,] Susan S. Nutter, aged sixty-eight years (b. NH), and Mary A. Nutter, a housekeeper, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH). Ann S. Jewett had real estate valued at $600. Her household appeared in the enumeration between those of Hiram Wentworth, a carpenter, aged twenty-six years (b. NH), and Frank Bush, Jr., a woolen mill finisher, aged forty-nine years (b. France).

Daughter Ann S. (Nutter) Jewett died in Milton, November 28, 1870, aged seventy-nine years, eleven months.

Daughter-in-law Ruth (Wentworth) Nutter died in Waterboro, ME, March 5, 1872. Son William S. Nutter died in Waterboro, ME, March 9, 1872, aged ninety years, two months, and seventeen days.

Daughter-in-law Maria M. (Melcher) Nutter died of old age in Portsmouth, NH, September 13, 1873, aged eighty-two years.

Mary A. Nutter, keeping house, aged sixty-seven years, headed a Milton household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included her aunt, Susan S. Nutter, at home, aged seventy-eight years (b. NH). They resided in Milton Mills Village.

Daughter Susan S. Nutter died in Milton, October 1, 1882, aged eighty years, eight months.

---

References:

Claremont Manufacturing Co. (1846). New Hampshire Register and Farmer’s Almanac. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=5ucWAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA102

Claxton, A.B., & Co. (1843). Register of All Officers and Agents, Civil, Military, and Naval, in the Service of the United States. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=2j1FWHpku7QC&pg=RA1-PA32

Dover Historical Society. (1894). Collections of the Dover, N.H., Historical Society. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=Jr0MAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA183

Farmer, John & Lyon, G. Parker. (1844). New-Hampshire Annual Register, and United States Calendar. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=BJIBAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA50 

Find a Grave. (2013, July 29). Elizabeth Nutter Hart. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114576349/elizabeth_hart

Find a Grave. (2013, August 22). Aaron Hayes. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/115883139/aaron-hayes

Find a Grave. (2013, November 7). Abigail Nutter Hubbard. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/119939688/abigail-hubbard

Find a Grave. (2013, July 29). Ann S. Nutter Jewett. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114596973/ann_s_jewett

Find a Grave. (2016, February 5). John Vicker Melcher. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/157842733/john-vicker-melcher

Find a Grave. (2013, September 2). William Neil. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/116431626/william-neil

Find a Grave. (2011, December 31). Hatevil Nutter, III. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/82754846/hatevil-nutter

Find a Grave. (2013, August 22). John Nutter. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/115883330/john-nutter

Find a Grave. (2013, August 22). Lydia [Hayes] Nutter. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/115883372/lydia_nutter

Find a Grave. (2016, February 1). Maria Melcher Nutter. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/157702361/maria-nutter

Find a Grave. (2013, July 25). Margaret Nutter. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114373253/margaret-nutter

Find a Grave. (2012, October 16). Mary Nutter. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/99018792/mary-nutter

Find a Grave. (2012, October 16). Susan S. Nutter. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/99018909/susan-s-nutter

Find a Grave. (2012, July 4). William Shackford Nutter. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/93028556/william-shackford-nutter

Hayward, John. (1834). New-England and New-York Law-register, for the Year 1835. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=RXc8AAAAIAAJ&pg=86

US Civil Service Commission. (1838). Official Register: Persons in the Civil, Military and Naval Service of the United States, and List of Vessels. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=qso-AQAAMAAJ&pg=RA1-PA19

US Dept. of Interior. (1835). Official Register of the United States: Containing a List of Officers and Employees in the Civil, Military, and Naval Service. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=C9k9AQAAMAAJ&pg=RA1-PA20

US Dept. of Interior. (1839). Official Register of the United States: Containing a List of Officers and Employees in the Civil, Military, and Naval Service. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=ytxKAQAAMAAJ&pg=RA2-PA18

US Post Office Department. (1828). List of Post Offices in the United States, with the Names of the Post-Masters. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=KPsCAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA74

By Muriel Bristol | June 28, 2026

David Wallingford was born in Rochester, NH, May 18, 1760, son of Peter and Abigail (Walker) Wallingford.

[Peter Wallingford] inherited the homestead and other land in Rochester [then including Milton], made his will April 17, 1771, which was proved August 24, 1773. His son, David Wallingford, settled upon the lands in Milton, then a wilderness. … (Granite Monthly, May 1888).

… The next settlement [after the initial ones at South Milton] 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 (Scates, 1914).

The NH Secretary of State would certify from Pay Rolls, many years later, the following account of the Revolutionary War service of 2nd Lt. David Wallingford.

… the name of David Wallingford is borne upon “A Muster & Pay Roll of the officers and soldiers raised, mustered & paid by Stephen Evans in the second Regiment in the State of New Hampshire to join the Continental Army in New York pr [per] order dated 16 day of Septemr 1776,” William McDuffee Captain, with an allowance for “advance wages bounty” of £6; billeting £2 13. 4; Sum Total £8 13. 4. …

The NH Secretary of State neglected to include information from another Pay Roll, situated between the two that he did mention. On that Pay Roll Lt. David Wallingford served also between July 5 and July 14, 1777.

Pay Roll of Capt Daniel Emerson’s Company of Militia, which marched from Hollis for Ticonderoga on the Alarm [of] June 1777 & Proceeded as far as Walpole being 65 Miles, where we were ordered to return home by express from Colo Bellows, where we Arrived July 4th. On the fifth we were Ordered to March Again and proceeded as far as Cavendish being 100 Miles. at this place we met Coll Bellows & his men on their Retreat.

But the NH Secretary of State did include information from a third Pay Roll.

And upon a “Pay Roll of John Goss’s Company of militia in Captain [Col. Moses] Nichols’s Regiment in Gen. Starks’ Brigade rais’d & marched to reinforce the Northern Army July 20th 1777″ is borne the name of David Wallingford as 2d Lt. – Time of discharge, Sept. 28; Time in service, 2 months, 9 days.

And Lt. David Wallingford was one of the “several officers” of Col. Moses Nichols’ Regiment in Gen. Stark’s Brigade that received two rations per day between July 18 and September 27, 1777.

David Wallingford married in Rochester, NH, November 8, 1789, Sarah Corson, both of Rochester, NH. Rev. Joseph Haven performed the ceremony. (She would later misreport the year as having been 1790). She was born in Rochester, NH, in 1772, daughter of Ichabod and Abigail (Roberts) Corson. (David Courson was her elder brother).

(The known children of David and Sarah (Corson) Wallingford were: Samuel Wallingford (1790–1826), Peter Wallingford (1794-183?), Abigail Wallingford (1795–1823), Mary Wallingford (1798–1868), and David Wallingford (1801-1878)).

David Wallingford 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], and one female [Sarah (Corson) Wallingford]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Ephm Drew and Benja Scates. (See Northeast Parish in the First (1790) Federal Census).

Son Samuel Wallingford was born in Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, in 1790.

Son Peter Wallingford was born in Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, April 21, 1794.

Daughter Abigail Wallingford was born in Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, in 1795. Daughter Mary Wallingford was born in Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, October 19, 1798.

Father-in-law 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).

David Wallingford 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 [Sarah (Corson) Wallingford], two males aged under-10 years [Samuel Wallingford and Peter Wallingford], and two female aged under-10 years [Abigail Wallingford and Mary Wallingford]. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

Son David Wallingford, [Jr.], was born in Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, 1801.

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

David Wallingford 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 [Sarah (Corson) Wallingford], one female aged 26-44 years, two males aged 16-25 years [Samuel Wallingford and Peter Wallingford], one female aged 16-25 years [Abigail Wallingford], one female aged 10-15 years [Mary Wallingford], and one male aged under-10 years [David Wallingford [Jr.]]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between Edward Ellis and Benj. Scates. (See Milton in the Third (1810) Federal Census).

Son Samuel Wallingford was among those that petitioned the NH General Court, in or around June 1814, seeking incorporation of the Milton Congregational Society. (See Milton Congregational Society Petition – 1814).

Son Samuel Wallingford married in Rochester, NH, November 12, 1815, Sarah “Sally” Worster. She was born in Berwick, ME, July 22, 1793, daughter of Lemuel and Mary (Woodsum) Worcester.

David Wallingford died in Milton, January 18, 1816.

Son Peter Wallingford married in Milton, June 17, 1817, Sarah Sherburn Watson, both of Milton. Levi Jones, J.P., performed the ceremony. She was born in Wakefield, NH, circa 1791-1800.

Peter Wallingford headed a Shapleigh, ME, household at the time of the Fourth (1820) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 16-25 years [Sarah S. (Watson) Wallingford], and one male aged under-10 years. One member of his household was engaged in Commerce.

Son Samuel Wallingford signed the Milton militia division petition of November 1820. (See Milton Militia Dispute – 1820).

Daughter Abigail Wallingford died in Milton, in 1823.

David Wallingford signed the June 1823 petition requesting that Gilman Jewett be appointed as a Milton coroner. (See Milton Seeks a Coroner – June 1823).

Daughter Mary Wallingford married in Milton, in 1825, Nahum Tasker, she of Milton and he of Dover, NH. Rev. James Walker performed the ceremony. Tasker was born in Strafford, NH, December 30, 1803, son of Nahum and Elizabeth Tasker.

Son Samuel Wallingford died in Milton, August 11, 1826.

David Wallingford [Jr.] married in Strafford, NH, September 21, 1828, Mary Ann Tasker, he of Dover, NH, and she of Strafford, NH. Rev. Enoch Place of Strafford, NH, performed the ceremony. She was born in Strafford, in 1805, daughter of Daniel and Sarah “Sally” (Randall) Tasker.

Peter Wallingford headed a New Chester, Grafton County, NH, 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 [Sarah S. (Watson) Wallingford], one male aged 10-14 years, one female aged 5-9 years, and one female aged under-5 years.

Nahum Tasker 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 (Wallingford) Tasker], and two males aged under-5 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Ed. Ellice and Elijah Horne.

David Warringford [Wallingford] 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 A. (Tasker) Wallingford], one male aged 10-14 years, one male aged 5-9 years, one male aged under-5 years [Samuel Wallingford], one female aged 30-39 years, and one female aged 50-59 years [Sarah (Corson) Wallingford]. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of John Lord and Amos Gerrish.

Widowed daughter-in-law Mrs. Sarah “Sally” (Worster) Wallingford married (2nd) in Rochester, NH, November 24, 1831, Col. Levi Jones, both of Milton. Rev. Isaac Willey performed the ceremony (NEHGS, 1908).

Peter Willingford [Wallingford] appeared in the Lowell, MA, directory of 1835, as a stone layer, with his house on Law street.

The City of Lowell, MA, paid $152 to the firm of Wallingford & Cass, for laying the cellar wall of the Poor Farm barn in 1836. It paid an additional $6.92 to Chandler Cass and $4.25 to Peter Wallingford for labor (City of Lowell, 1837).

Chandler Cass appeared in the Lowell, MA, directory of 1837, as a stone layer, with his house on Pleasant street, in Belvidere.

Peter Wallingford appeared in the Lowell, MA, directory of 1838, as a stone layer, with his house on Cen [Central] street, Chap. H. [Chapel Hill]. Chandler Cass appeared as a stone layer, with his house on Ham street, near the old Burying Ground.

Peter Wallingford appeared in the Lowell, MA, directory of 1839, as a stone layer, with his house on George street. Chandler Cass appeared as a stone layer, with his house near the Low bleachery.

Peter Wallingford appeared in the Lowell, MA, directory of 1840, as a stone layer, with his house on Church street. Chandler Cass now worked for the Low bleachery.

Nahum Tasker 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, two males aged 10-14 years, two females aged 5-9 years, and one female aged under-5 years. Oner member of his household was engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of David Wallingford and Benjamin Scates.

David Wallingford 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 [Mary A. (Tasker) Wallingford], one male aged 15-19 years, one female aged 15-19 years, one female aged 5-9 years [Eliza J. Wallingford], one male aged 5-9 years [George S. Wallingford], one male aged under-5 years [Samuel W. Wallingford], and one female aged 60-69 years [Sarah (Corson) Wallingford]. Two members of his household were engaged in Agriculture. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Amos Gerrish and Nahum Tasker.

William B. Martin, a trader, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), headed a Somersworth, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Clara [(Wallingford)] Martin 24, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), Abby S. Martin, aged one year (b. NH), and Sarah S. [(Watson)] Wallingford, aged fifty-two years (b. NH). William B. Martin had real estate valued at $675.

Nathum Tasker, a farmer, aged forty-six years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Mary [(Wallingford)] Tasker, aged fifty years (b. NH), George Tasker, a shoemaker, aged twenty years (b. NH), Abby A. Tasker, aged fifteen years (b. NH), Clary Tasker, aged twelve years, and Hiram Tasker, aged nine years (b. NH). Nahum Tasker had real estate valued at $500. Their household appeared in the enumeration between Joseph Plumer, a farmer, aged thirty years (b. NH), and Sally Jones, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH).

David Wallingford, a farmer, aged forty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Mary [(Tasker)] Wallingford, aged forty-five years (b. NH), Eliza J. Wallingford, aged seventeen years (b. NH), George S. Wallingford, aged fourteen years (b. NH), Samuel W. Wallingford, aged twelve years (b. NH), Mary E. Wallingford, aged nine years (b. NH), Sarah Wallingford, aged five years (b. NH), David W. Wallingford, aged two years (b. NH), and Sarah [(Corson)] Wallingford, aged seventy-eight years (b. NH). David Wallingford had real estate valued at $1,500. Sarah Wallingford had real estate valued at $600. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Francis D. Horn, a shoe manufacturer, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), and Enoch Plummer, a farmer, aged thirty-five years (b. NH).

Sarah (Corson) Wallingford filled out the following form, March 17, 1855, in order to claim a Revolutionary War widow’s pension or bounty land warrant.

… Sarah Wallingford, aged Eighty-three years, a resident of Milton in the State of New Hampshire, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of David Wallingford deceased, who was a Private in the <blank> Company commanded by Captain Stephen Evans Wm McDuffee in the New Hampshire Regiment of Militia commanded by <blank> [Stephen Evans] in the war with Great Britain declared by the United States on the in 1775 day of A.D. 18775 that her said husband Enlisted at Rochester on or about the first day of September A.D. 1776 for the term of four months and continued in actual service in said war for four months and was honorably discharged at the <blank> on the <blank> day of <blank> A.D. 1777. And also served in Capt. John Gosses [Goss’] Company of Militia & Col. Nichols’ Regt. & Gen. Starks Brigade as 2d Lieut. from July 20 A.D. 1777 to Sept. 28 A.D. 1777 as will appear by the Certificate of the Secretary of the State of New Hampshire dated Mar. 22d 1855 and which is attached to this Claim for Pension. She further states that she was married to the said David Wallingford in Rochester on the Eighth day of November A.D. 1790 [1789] by one Joseph Haven a Clergyman and that her name before said marriage was Sarah Courson that her husband died at Milton on the 18th day of January A.D. 1816 and that she is now a widow.

She signed as Sarah Wallingford. Her surviving son, David Wallingford, and next-door neighbor, Enoch W. Plummer, signed as witnesses, before James B. Shapleigh, J.P.

John Scates and William Palmer [Jr.], both residents of Milton and who were both aged more than sixty years, swore, on June 19, 1855, that they had known both the said David Wallingford and his wife, Sarah Wallingford. They had lived in their immediate neighborhood for a long time before and up to the death of David Wallingford, which had occurred in January 1816. They had visited him in his last sickness and had attended his funeral. In his lifetime he had been among their most intimate acquaintances, as she had been in the period since his death.

Nahum Tasker, a farmer, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Mary [(Wallingford)] Tasker, aged sixty years (b. NH), Clara W. Tasker, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), Hiram H. Tasker, aged nineteen years (b. NH). Nahum Tasker had real estate valued at $600 and personal estate valued at $500. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those J.D. Horne, a shoemaker, aged forty-five years (b. NH), and David Wallingford, a farmer, aged fifty-nine years (b. NH).

David Wallingford, a farmer, aged fifty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Mary A. [(Tasker)] Wallingford, aged fifty-four years (b. NH), Saml. W. Wallingford, a farmer, aged twenty-two years (b. NH), Mary E. Wallingford, aged eighteen years (b. NH), Sarah A. Wallingford, aged fourteen years (b. NH), David W. Wallingford, aged twelve years (b. NH), Emma F. Wallingford, aged ten years (b. NH), and Sarah [(Corson)] Wallingford, aged eighty-eight years (b. NH). David Wallingford had real estate valued at $3,000 and personal estate valued at $900. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Nahum Tasker, a farmer, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH), and Benja Scates, a farmer, aged seventy years (b. NH). (The household of David Wallingford, Jr., a farmer, aged forty-one years (b. NH), appeared below that of Benja Scates).

Sarah (Corson) Wallingford died of consumption in Milton, March 22, 1864, aged ninety-two years, six months. She was single, i.e., widowed.

Daughter Mary (Wallingford) Tasker died in Milton, January 5, 1868.

William B. Martin, an expressman, aged forty-four years (b. NH), headed a Somersworth, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Clara M. [(Wallingford)] Martin, keeping house, aged forty-four years (b. NH), Emma Martin, at home, aged nineteen years (b. NH), Willie Martin, works in hardware store, aged seventeen years (b. NH), Sarah Martin, at home, aged fifteen years (b. NH), Irene Martin, aged ten years (b. NH), and Sarah [(Watson)] Wallingford, no occupation, aged seventy-three years (b. NH).

David Wallingford, a farmer, aged sixty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Mary A. [(Tasker)] Wallingford, keeping house, aged sixty-six years (b. NH), David W. Wallingford, a farm laborer, aged twenty-two years (b. NH), and Mary J. [(Tuttle)] Wallingford, a housekeeper, aged nineteen years (b. NH). David Wallingford had real estate valued at $4,000 and personal estate valued at $982. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Charles Bragdon, a farmer, aged fifty-four years (b. NH), and Peleg B. Trask, works in shoe factory, aged thirty-two years (b. ME).

Son David Wallingford died in Milton, July 20, 1878, aged seventy-six years. He had been a farmer. He was said also to have been a widower. His will was proved in Strafford County Probate court held in Dover, NH, August 5, 1879 (Strafford County Probate, 89:493; Strafford County Probate Docket 4941).

DEATHS. In Milton, July 20, David Wallingford, Esq., aged 78 years and 3 months (Dover Enquirer, July 24, 1878).

Widowed son-in-law Nahum Tasker married (2nd) in Milton, October 26, 1879, Mary [((Clark) Peavey)] Hanson, he of Milton, and she of Barrington, NH. He was a farmer, aged seventy-five years, and she was a widow, aged sixty-eight years. Rev. B. McDaniel performed the ceremony. She was born in Barrington, NH, December 23, 1808, daughter of Martha Clark.

Nahum Tasker, a farmer, aged seventy-six years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Census. His household included his wife (of within the year), Mary [(((Clark) Peavey) Hanson)] Tasker, keeping house, aged seventy years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Thomas P. French, works on shoes, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH), and George L. Hersom, works on shoes, aged forty-four years (b. NH).

[Mrs. Mary (((Clark) Peavey) Hanson) Tasker died October 12, 1883, aged seventy-four years].

Daughter-in-law Mary Ann (Tasker) Wallingford died in Milton in 1887.

Son-in-law Nahum Tasker died of kidney disease in Milton, July 12, 1888, aged eighty-four years, six months, and twelve days. He was a married farmer.

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References:

City of Lowell. (1837). First Annual Report of the Receipts and Expenditures of the City of Lowell. Retrieved from www.google.com/books/edition/Annual_Report_of_the_Receipts_and_Expend/dkMwAQAAMAAJ?&pg=PA17

Find a Grave. (2023, August 29). Mary Wallingford Tasker. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/258882181/mary-tasker

Find a Grave. (2017, October 15). Abigail Wallingford. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/184325066/abigail-wallingford

Find a Grave. (2017, October 16). David Wallingford, Jr. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/184326191/david-wallingford

Find a Grave. (2016, May 26). David Wallingford, Sr. Retrieved at www.findagrave.com/memorial/163318058/david-wallingford

Find a Grave. (2017, October 16). Samuel Wallingford. Retrieved from  www.findagrave.com/memorial/184333199/samuel-wallingford

Granite Monthly. (1888, May). Zimri S. Wallingford. Retrieved from www.google.com/books/edition/The_Granite_Monthly/55MbAQAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=PA161

 

By Muriel Bristol | June 21, 2025

William Applebee was born in Durham, NH, circa 1772, son of Hawley and Hannah (Welch) Applebee.

William Applebee and his elder brother, Thomas Applebee, would seem to have settled in Rochester’s Northeast Parish, i.e., the Milton Branch and Milton Mills part of what would become Milton, circa 1797.

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.

William Applebee (“Applebe”) married in Shapleigh, ME, March 20, 1800, Phebe Merrow, he of Rochester, NH, and she of Shapleigh, ME. Elder Loren Lord performed the ceremony.

(The known children of William and Phebe (Merrow) Applebee were Simon Applebee (1800-1850), Samuel W. Applebee (1802-1846), Anna Applebee (180?-), Charlotte Applebee (180?-), and Almira Applebee (181?-)).

William Applebee headed a North 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 [Phebe (Merrow) Applebee], and one male aged under-10 years [Simon Applebee]. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

William Applebee did not sign the Rochester Division Petition of May 1802. (See Rochester Division Petition – May 1802).

Willm Appleby and his elder brother, Thomas Appleby, were assessed in the Milton School District No. 1 of Joseph Plumer in 1806. (See Milton School Districts – 1806).

William Applebee 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 [Phebe (Merrow) Applebee], one male aged 10-15 years [Simon Applebee], one male aged under-10 years [Samuel W. Applebee], and two females aged under-10 years [Anna Applebee and Charlotte Applebee]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Henry Rines and Thos Applebee. (See Milton in the Third (1810) Federal Census).

Son Simeon Applebee signed the Milton Militia Division Petition of November 1820. (See Milton Militia Dispute – 1820).

Son Samuel W. Applebee married in Danville, ME, July 11, 1823, Sally [D.] Pulsifer, he of New Hampshire and she of Minot, ME. N.F. Ingersoll, Esq., J.P., performed the ceremony. She was born in Minot, ME, May 4, 1804, daughter of Samuel and Abigail (Nason) Pulsifer.

William Applebee of Milton made his last will, May 6, 1825.

I give and bequeath all my property both real and personal to my wife Phebe excepting one dollar to each of my Children, Viz., Simeon, Samuel, Annah, Charlotte and Almira.

He appointed his wife Phebe Applebee as executor. Charles Powers, Thomas Applebee, and Stephen Drew signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 32:1).

William Applebee died in Milton, May 7, 1825, ae. fifty-three years. His last will was proved in a Strafford County Probate Court held in Wolfeboro, NH, May 24, 1825 (Strafford County Probate, 32:1).

Son Simeon Applebee married (1st), before 1826, Adah Applebee. She was born in Berwick, ME, circa 1802, daughter of Levi and Eunice (Goodwin) Applebee.

Daughter-in-law Adah [(Applebee)] Applebee died in Milton, November 3, 1826, aged twenty-four years, six months, and thirteen days.

Son Simeon Applebee married (2nd) in Somersworth, September 14, 1828, Mrs. Joanna Applebee, he of Milton and she of Berwick, ME. Rev. James Davis performed the ceremony.

Simeon Applebe headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 20-29 years [himself], two females aged 20-29 years [Joanna (Applebee) Applebee], one female aged 10-14 years, one male aged 5-9 years, two females aged under-5 years, and one female aged 50-59 years [Phebe (Merrow) Applebee]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John Rinds [Rines] and Geo. Dore (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

S.W. Applebee headed a Somersworth, NH, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 20-29 years [himself], two females aged 20-29 years [Sally D. (Pulsifer) Applebee], one female aged 15-19 years, one female aged 5-9 years, one male aged under-5 years, and two females aged under-5 years.

Son Samuel W. Applebee attended the Union Methodist Church (in the then Milton circuit) and was a steward of that church in 1839.

A [Methodist] church was at Union village for many years in active operation. Milton circuit, October, 1831. A.H. Houghton, preacher in charge, J. Worster, assistant circuit preacher, held quarterly meetings at Milton, Union village, Brookfield and Wakefield. October, 1832, Wolfeborough, Milton Mills, Milton Three Ponds, Brookfield. John Adams, L.E. Gordon, assistant. 1833, July. Circuit divided into Milton and Wakefield circuits; quarterly meeting at new meeting house; John Adams and Moses Chase, preachers. 1834, last quarterly conference at the old meeting-house in centre of the town. 1839, Joseph Smith, preacher; Elisha Mills, local preacher and class leader at Union; stewards, Thomas Chapman, Luther Wentworth, Joseph Walker, Samuel Applebee (Merrill, 1889). 

Phebe (Merrow) Applebee died in Milton, in 1840.

Simeon Applebee headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 40-49 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years [Joanna (Applebee) Applebee], one male aged 15-19 years, one female aged 10-14 years, one male aged 5-9 years, two females aged 5-9 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 James Applebee and Susannah Nutter.

Samuel W. Applebee 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 [Sally D. (Pulsifer) Applebee], one male aged 20-29 years, two females aged 15-19 years, one male aged 10-14 years, and two males aged 5-9 years. Two members of his household were engaged in Manufacture and Trade. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Noah Robinson and Ebenezer Rines.

Elder brother Thomas Applebee died in Milton, March 2, 1841, aged eighty-four years, and four months.

Died. In Milton, Thomas Applebee, in a fit of appoplexy, aged 84 years and 4 months (Times & Dover Enquirer, April 6, 1841).

Son Samuel W. Applebee died in Milton, October 16, 1846, aged forty-four years, eight months. (“Friends nor Physicians could not save, my mortal body from the grave. Nor can the grave confine me here, when Christ my savior doth appear”).

Daughter-in-law Joanna (Applebee) Applebee died in Milton, in December 1849, aged forty-two years.

Son Simeon Applebee died of consumption in Milton, May 12, 1850, aged forty-nine years, ten months. He was a tanner.

Sally [(Pulsifer)] Applebee, aged forty-six years (b. ME), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. Her household included William Applebee, a farmer, aged twenty years (b. NH), Thomas W. Applebee, a shoemaker, aged sixteen years (b. NH), George Stover Applebee, aged four years (b. NH), Sarah Henshaw, aged sixteen years (b. England), Richard Greenwich, a manufacturer, aged thirty-three years (b. England), Abby Roberts, aged fifteen years (b. ME), Timothy Folly, a manufacturer, aged twenty-three years (b. Ireland), Thomas Butler, a farmer, aged forty years (b. ME), Hannah [(Lord)] Butler, aged forty-two years (b. ME), Adaline Butler, aged seventeen years (b. ME), Wentworth Butler, aged fourteen years (b. ME), Hannah Butler, aged twelve years (b. ME), Melvesta Butler, aged four years (b. NH), and Crista Butler, aged two years (b. NH). Sally Applebee had real estate valued at $900. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Benjamin Hubbard, a Bap. clergyman, aged thirty years (b. ME), and Albert Robinson, a farmer, aged thirty-three years (b. NH).

State of New-Hampshire. To the Judge of Probate in the County of Strafford in the State of New Hampshire. RESPECTFULLY represents Francis D. Horn of Milton, in said county, that at a Probate Court holden at Dover, in said county, on the fifth day of August, A.D. 1851, he was duly appointed Guardian of Samuel W. Applebee, Laura F. Applebee, Eunice A. Applebee, Theodore S. Applebee, Sarah E. Applebee, and Simeon H. Applebee, minors and heirs of Simeon Applebee, late of said Milton, deceased; that said Samuel W. Applebee has now arrived at the age of twenty one years; that said Laura F. Applebee has deceased; and that his own private business renders it improper for him any longer to remain guardian of said Eunice A., Theodore S., Sarah E., and Simeon H. He therefore prays that he may be removed from his said trust at his own request. Dated this fourth day of September, A.D. 1855. FRANCIS D. HORN (Dover Enquirer, September 27, 1855).

State of New-Hampshire. STRAFFORD, S.S. – To Samuel W. Applebee, Eunice A. Applebee, Theodore S. Applebee, and Simeon H. Applebee, all of Milton; in said county, wards of Francis D. Horn; the heirs of Laura F. Applebee, deceased, late ward of said Horn; and to all other persons interested, YOU are hereby notified that said Francis D. Horn, Guardian, will exhibit his account of his Guardianship at a Court of Probate to be holden at Somersworth in said county on the first Tuesday of November next, when and where you may appear and be heard on said account. And it ordered that said Guardian give notice, by causing said citation and order thereon to be published three weeks successively in the Dover Enquirer, printed at Dover, in said county, the last publication whereof to be at least thirty days before said court. Given at Dover in said county this 4th day of September, A.D. 1855. By order, JOHN H. WHITE, Registrar (Dover Enquirer, September 27, 1855).

Salley [(Pulsifer)] Applebee, aged fifty-six years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. Her household included George S. Applebee, aged twenty-five years (b. NH), Richard Ham, a factory operative, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of E. Whitesides, aged fifty years (b. NH), and Polley Fox, aged sixty-six years (b. NH).

Widowed daughter-in-law Sally D. (Pulsifer) Applebee married (2nd), after April 1863, Amos Witham. He was born in Milton, circa 1803, son of Obediah and Nancy (Hanson) Witham. (Witham’s first wife, Abigail (Earl) Witham, died of consumption in Milton, April 7, 1863, aged sixty-three years, eleven months).

Amos Whitham, a farm laborer, aged sixty-six years (b. ME), headed an Acton, ME, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Salley D. [((Pulsifer) Applebee)] Whitham, keeping house, aged sixty-six years (b. ME), [her grandson,] George W. Applebe, aged nine years (b. ME), Henry Mcdougle, works in w [woolen] mill, aged forty-four years (b. Scotland). Amos Witham had real estate valued at $375 and personal estate valued at $185. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John Brackett, a carpenter, aged fifty-eight years (b. NH), and William McGibon, a block printer, aged forty-six years (b. Scotland).

Daughter-in-law Sally D. ((Pulsifer) Applebee) Witham died, probably in Acton, ME, after June 1870, where and when she had been enumerated with her husband and an Applebee grandson.

[My own attempt at reading her “broken and badly deteriorated” gravestone inscription suggests “SALLY D. / Consort of / Samuel W. Applebee / and wife of / Amos Witham / DIED / <illegible date> / <illegible age>”].

Amos Witham died, probably in Acton, ME, after June 1880, where and when he had been enumerated – but without his wife of 1870 – in the Tenth (1880) Federal Census.

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References:

Find a Grave. (2011, December 4). Samuel W. Applebee. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/81530853/samuel-w.-applebee

Find a Grave. (2011, October 7). Simeon Applebee. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/77786360/simeon-applebee

Find a Grave. (2011, December 4). William Applebee. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/81531292/william-applebee

Merrill, Georgia D. (1889). History of Carroll County, New Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=nQE2AQAAMAAJ&pg=PA503

Scales, John. (1914). History of Strafford County, New Hampshire and Representative Citizens. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=nGsjAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA509

Wikipedia. (2026, April 30). Minot, Maine. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minot,_Maine

Wikipedia. (2026, May 26). Poland, Maine. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poland,_Maine

By Muriel Bristol | June 14, 2026

Samuel Bragdon was born in Wells, ME, in 1771.

Samuel Bragdon bought a farm, in or about 1800, from a son of the original Milton settler, Jonathan Twombly. (It would be owned later by Bragdon’s son-in-law, Luther Hayes).

The writer [John Scales] is of opinion that Jonathan Twombly is entitled to the honor of making the first settlement near the Twombly Brook, and upon the farm now owned by Hon. Luther Hayes, and sometimes called the Bragdon farm, Samuel Bragdon having purchased the farm from a son of Mr. Twombly in about 1800 (Scales, 1914). 

Samuel Bragdon married (1st), circa 1800, Elizabeth Clements. She was born in Somersworth, NH, June 7, 1771, daughter of James and Sarah (Ricker) Clements.

(The known children of Samuel and Elizabeth (Clements) Bragdon were: John Bragdon (1801–1860), Moses Bragdon (c1803-), Samuel Bragdon (1805–1820), Sarah Bragdon (1806-1893), and James Clements Bragdon (1810-1834)).

Son John Bragdon was born in the Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, in 1801.

Samuel Bragdon did not sign the Rochester Division Petition of May 1802.

Son Moses Bragdon was born in Milton, circa 1803.

Samuel Bragdon was among “a number of respectable inhabitants & freeholders” that sought a special Town Meeting to reconsider the proposed Meeting House site. They thought that the site should be instead ninety or a hundred rods lower down, on the south side of the brook at the head of the Northwest Pond. The special Town Meeting was held at the home of Lieut. Elijah Horn, September 1, 1803, and that meeting decided not to change the proposed Meeting House site.

Samuel Bragdon was among the greater Rochester inhabitants that signed one of two remonstrance petitions, of June 1804, which opposed incorporating a private company to construct and maintain a turnpike, i.e., a toll road, from Dover, NH, through the Norway Plains [in Rochester, NH], to Sandwich, NH.

Son Samuel Bragdon [Jr.] was born in Milton, in January 1805.

Samuel Bragdon was assessed in the Milton School District No. 2 of Lieut. J. Nute in 1806.

Daughter Sarah Bragdon was born in Milton, November 30, 1806. She was a namesake for her maternal grandmother, Sarah (Ricker) Clements, who died in Somersworth, NH, December 12, 1806.

Saml Bragdon 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 [Elizabeth (Clements) Bragdon], one female aged 16-25 years, two males aged under-10 years [John Bragdon, and Samuel Bragdon, Jr.], and two females aged under-10 years [Sarah Bragdon]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John Ricker and Richard Waker [Walker]. (See Milton in the Third (1810) Federal Census).

Son James Clements Bragdon was born in Milton, circa 1810. He was a namesake for his maternal grandfather, James Clements.

Elizabeth (Clements) Bragdon died in Milton, September 12, 1812, aged forty-one years, three months.

Samuel Bragdon married (2nd) in Alton, NH, September 5, 1813, Lydia Walker, both of Milton. Rev. John Page performed the ceremony. She was born in Rochester, NH, in 1779, daughter of Richard and Sarah (Wentworth) Walker.

(The known children of Samuel and Lydia (Walker) Bragdon were: Betsey Bragdon (1818–1864), Louisa Adeline Bragdon (1820–1859)).

James Clements of Somersworth, NH, made his last will, October 30, 1816. In it he included bequests for his Bragdon grandchildren, i.e., the children of his deceased daughter, Elizabeth (Clements) Bragdon.

Item. I give to my grandson [and namesake] James Bragdon one good bed and beding [bedding] and all that belongs to it, to him his heirs and assigns. ~ also twenty dollars.
Item. I give and bequeath to my grandchildren John Bragdon Moses Bragdon Samuel Bragdon and Sarah Bragdon four dollars each to be paid within seven years after my decease, or when they are twenty one years of age, …

James Clements appointed his son, Abner Clements, as executor. He died in Somersworth, NH, May 22, 1821, and his will was proved in Strafford County Probate Court, June 15, 1821 (Strafford County Probate, 28:25).

Daughter Betsy Bragdon was born in Milton, in 1818. Daughter Louisa Adeline Bragdon was born in Milton, April 20, 1820.

Samuel Bragdon signed the April 1820 petition requesting the appointment of James Roberts as a Milton justice-of-the-peace. (See Milton Seeks a Magistrate – 1820).

Samuel Bragdon signed the Milton Anti-Division Remonstrance of June 1820. (See Milton Militia Dispute – 1820).

Son Samuel Bragdon, Jr., died in Milton, July 22, 1820, aged fifteen years, six months.

Lydia (Walker) Bragdon died in Milton, July 10, 1826, aged forty-seven years.

Samuel Bragdon married (3rd) in Rochester, NH, November 23, 1826, Susan Nute, both of Milton. Charles Baker performed the ceremony. She was born in Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, circa 1785, daughter of Samuel and Phebe (Pinkham) Nute.

Son John Bragdon married in Somersworth, NH, January 25, 1828, Lydia J. (Horne) Varney, he of Milton, and she of Somersworth, NH. Rev. Elihu Scott performed the ceremony. She was the daughter of Richard and Lucy (Scates) Horne, and widow of Beard Varney.

Daughter Sarah Bragdon married in Lebanon, ME, September 20, 1828, Richard Shapleigh, she of Milton, and he of Lebanon, ME, He was born in Lebanon, ME, July 31, 1795, son of Nicholas and Dorcas (Stacey) Shapleigh.

Saml Bragdon 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 [Susan (Nute) Bragdon], one male aged 20-29 years, one female aged 20-29 years, one male aged 15-19 years, one male aged 10-14 years, and two females aged 10-14 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Silas Tuttle and Isaac Wentworth. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

Richard Shapleigh headed a Lebanon, ME, 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 [Sarah (Bragdon) Shapleigh], one male aged 5-9 years, one female aged 5-9 years, and one female aged 60-69 years. 

Susan (Nute) Bragdon died in Milton, January 18, 1833.

Samuel Bragdon married (4th) in Somersworth, NH, in December 1833, Lydia Clements, he of Milton, and she of Somersworth, NH. She was born in 1780, daughter of James and Sarah (Ricker) Clements (and a younger sister of his first wife, Elizabeth (Clements) Bragdon).

Married. In Somersworth, Mr. Samuel Bragdon, of Milton, to Miss Lydia Clements, of Somersworth (Dover Enquirer, December 24, 1833).

Son James Clements Bragdon died May 28, 1834, æ. 24 years.

(“In memory of JAMES C., son of Samuel & Elizabeth Bragdon, died May 28, 1834, Ae 24 yrs.” “Gravestones in the old Somersworth graveyard, now in Rollinsford, N.H.” (Holman, 1927)).

Daughter Betsy Bragdon married, probably in Milton, circa 1837-38, Theodore Lyman. He was born in Milton, August 23, 1812, son of Theodore C. and Dorothy (Allen) Lyman.

Saml Bragdon of Milton made his last will, May 5, 1838. He devised to his beloved wife, Lydia Bragdon, and his youngest daughter, Louisa Bragdon, one-half the present homestead farm and buildings; also one-half the Wakeham lot, adjoining land of Jacob Varney and lately owned by John C. Freeman; and also one-half of the lot purchased from Hiram Varney. The said several parcels were to be held in common and undivided with his son, John Bragdon.

His said wife, Lydia Bragdon, and daughter, Louisa Bragdon, were to have also a forty-seven-acre tract in Milton that adjoined land of John Jenkins, Isaac Copp, and Beard Wentworth.

He devised also to his eldest son, John Bragdon, $200, to be paid from the stock then on hand. His son, Moses Bragdon, was to have $200. His daughter, Sarah Shapleigh, wife of Richard Shapleigh, was to have $400. His daughter, Betsey Lyman, wife of Theodore Lyman, was to have $400. His youngest daughter, Louisa Bragdon, was to have $400, but also two good feather beds and bedding.

It was his will and order that the farming utensils be kept on the farm, to be used by his son, John Bragdon, and his wife, Lydia Bragdon, for the purpose of carrying on the same. He left all the rest and residue to his beloved wife, and he appointed Stephen M. Mathes as executor. Joseph Walker, Isaac Wentworth, and Joshua A. Hanson signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 59:338).

Samuel Bragdon 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 [Lydia (Clements) Bragdon], one male aged 30-39 years, one female aged 30-39 years, one female aged 15-19 years, one male aged 10-14 years, and one female aged 10-14 years. Three members of his household were engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Silas Tuttle and Joseph Walker.

Richard Shapleigh headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years [Sarah (Bragdon) Shapleigh], one male aged 15-19 years [Edwin Shapleigh], one female aged 15-19 years [Lavina Shaplleigh], one male aged 5-9 years [Samuel B. Shapleigh], and one female aged under-5 years [Shuah E. Shapleigh]. Two members of his household were engaged in Agriculture.

Theodore Lyman 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 [Betsy (Bragdon) Lyman], one male aged 15-19 years, and one male aged under-5 years [Andrew R. Lyman]. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Theodore C. Lyman and William B. Lyman.

Samuel Bragdon died in Milton, December 10, 1840, aged “about” seventy-one years.

Died. In Milton, 10th inst., Mr. Samuel Bragdon, aged about 71 years (Dover Enquirer, December 22, 1840).

Samuel Bragdon’s last will was proved in a Strafford County Probate Court held in Somersworth, NH, December 22, 1840 (Strafford County Probate, 59:338).

Louise Adeline Bragdon married in Milton, February 4, 1841, Luther Hayes, she of Milton, and he of Rochester, NH. Rev. E. Nason performed the ceremony. Hayes was born in Lebanon, ME, January 12, 1820, son of George and Lydia (Jones) Hayes.

Married. In Milton, Mr. Luther Hayes, of Rochester, to Miss Louisa A. Bragdon, of Milton (Dover Enquirer, March 9, 1841).

He [Luther Hayes] married Louisa Bragdon, a daughter of Samuel Bragdon, of Milton, and removed to that town, where he has since resided, being extensively engaged in farming and in lumber business (Granite Monthly, 1879).

Theodore Lyman and Betsy (Bragdon) Lyman were charter members of a Freewill Baptist Church that held its inaugural meeting in their South Milton home, May 5, 1843. He became its deacon.

John Bragdon, a farmer, aged forty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Lydia [((Horn) Varney)] Bragdon, aged forty-nine years (b. NH), Betsey A. Bragdon, aged seven years (b. NH), Richard Horn, a farmer, aged seventy years (b. NH), Lucy [(Scates)] Horn, aged sixty-eight years (b. NH), Lucy J. Varney, aged twenty-five years (b. NH), Jonas M. Varney, a farmer, aged twenty-one years (b. NH). John Bragdon had real estate valued at $1,500. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Isaac Wentworth, a carpenter, aged sixty-seven years, and Giles Burrows, a farmer, aged twenty-six years (b. NH).

Richard Shapleigh, a farmer, aged fifty-four years (b. ME), headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Sarah [(Bragdon)] Shapleigh, aged forty-four years (b. ME), Samuel Shapleigh, aged fourteen years (b. ME), Elizabeth Shapleigh, aged twelve years (b. ME), Ellen J. Shapleigh, aged eight years (b. ME), and Lydia [(Clements)] Bragdon, aged seventy years (b. ME). Richard Shapleigh had real estate valued at $1,800.

Theodore Lyman, a farmer, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Betsey [(Bragdon)] Lyman, aged thirty-two years, Andrew R. Lyman, aged eleven years (b. NH), and Samuel Lyman, aged nine years (b. NH). Theodore Lyman had real estate valued at $3,500. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Luther Hayes, a lumber dealer, aged thirty years (b. NH), and Thomas Leighton, a machinist, aged sixty-four years (b. NH).

Luther Hayes, a lumber dealer, aged thirty years (b. NH [SIC]), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Louisa A. [(Bragdon)] Hayes, aged thirty years (b. NH), Lydia E. Hayes, aged eight years (b. NH), Clara A. Hayes, aged six years (b. NH), Louisa Hayes, aged four years (b. NH), and Charles H. Hayes, aged one year (b. NH). Luther Hayes had real estate valued at $3,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Abigail Tuttle, aged seventy-two years (b. NH), and Theodore Lyman, a farmer, aged thirty-two years (b. NH).

Lydia (Clements) Bragdon died in Milton, October 23, 1855.

Granddaughter Betsey A. Bragdon died of measles in Milton, March 27, 1856, aged twelve years. D.E. Palmer, M.D., signed the death certificate.

Daughter-in-law Lydia J. ((Horne) Varney) Bragdon died in Milton, January 28, 1857, aged fifty-five years.

Daughter Louise A. (Bragdon) Hayes died of inflammation in Milton, December 21, 1859, aged thirty-nine years, seven months, and twenty-four days. She was married. (Per the Mortality Schedule of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census (“consumption”)).

DEATHS. In Milton, Mrs. Louisa, wife of Luther Hayes, Esq, aged about 39 years (Dover Enquirer, January 5, 1860).

John Bragdon, a farmer, aged sixty years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Clara Varney, aged one year (b. NH). John Bragdon had real estate valued at $2,000 and personal estate valued at $200. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Jonas M. Varney, a farmer, aged thirty-one years (b. NH), and Eri Wentworth, a farmer, aged forty-three years (b. NH).

Richard Shapleigh, a farmer, aged sixty-four years (b. ME), headed a Lebanon (“Lebanon Centre P.O.”), ME, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Sarah [(Bragdon)] Shapleigh, aged fifty-two years (b. NH), Samuel B. Shapleigh, a law student, aged twenty-five years (b. ME), Sherah E. Shapleigh, aged twenty years (b. ME), Alice J. Shapleigh, aged eighteen years (b. ME), and Henry Lock, a farm laborer, aged fifty-nine years (b. NH). Richard Shapleigh had real estate valued at $2,500 and personal estate valued at $500.

Theodore Lyman, a farmer, aged forty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Betsey [(Bragdon)] Lyman, aged forty-two years (b. NH), Andrew R. Lyman, a farmer, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), and Ann F. Emerson, aged fifteen years (b. NH). Theodore Lyman had real estate valued at $6,000 and personal estate valued at $1,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Luther Hayes and Henry B. Scates.

Son John Bragdon died in Milton, September 16, 1860, aged fifty-nine years.

DEATHS. In Milton, 16th inst., John Bragdon, aged 59 years (Dover Enquirer, September 27, 1860).

Daughter Betsy (Bragdon) Lyman died of dropsy in Milton, September 22, 1864, aged forty-six years, three months, and nine days. She was married.

DEATHS. In South Milton, 21st ult., Mrs. Betsy Lyman, wife of Theodore Lyman, Esq., aged 46 years (Dover Enquirer, October 6, 1864).

Son-in-law Richard Shapleigh died of hypertrophy of the heart in Lebanon, ME, December 8, 1869, aged seventy-four years. He was a married farmer. (Per the Mortality Schedule of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census).

Probate Notices. RICHARD SHAPLEIGH, late of Lebanon, deceased. Petition for probate of will presented by Sarah Shapleigh, the executrix therein named (Union and Journal (Biddeford, ME), January 14, 1870).

Sarah [(Bragdon)] Shapleigh, keeping house, aged sixty-three years (b. NH), headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. Her household included Sherah E. Shapleigh, at home, aged thirty-three years (b. ME), and John Roberts, a farm laborer, aged seventy-eight years (b. NH). Sarah Shapleigh had real estate valued at $2,500 and personal estate valued at $1,300.

Theodore Lyman, a farmer, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Susan Jenness, a housekeeper, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH). Theodore Lyman had real estate valued at $4,000 and personal estate valued at $7,655. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Henry B. Scates, a dealer in wood & lumber, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), and a vacant building. (Hiram V. Wentworth, a shoe manufacturer, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), resided just beyond the vacant building).

Son-in-law Theodore Lyman attended the Republican County Convention, as the Milton Delegate.

MILTON DELEGATES. The following is a list of Delegates chosen to the various Republican Conventions, from Milton: State – Ira Miller, Charles H. Looney. Congressional – Bard B. Plummer, Charles W. Tasker. Councillor – Luther Hayes, Henry B. Scates. Senatorial – George Lyman, Joseph H. Avery.  County – Theodore Lyman, Joseph Plummer (Dover Enquirer, September 2, 1880).

Sarah [(Bragdon)] Shapeleigh [Shapleigh], aged seventy-three years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. Her household included her son, Samuel B Shapeleigh, a farmer, aged forty-five years (b. ME). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Mary J. Duntley, keeping house, aged forty years (b. NH), and Hazen Duntley, a blacksmith, aged seventy-five years (b. NH).

Theodore Lyman, a farmer, aged sixty-seven years (b. NH) headed a Milton household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his housekeeper, Susan A. Jenness, a housekeeper, aged thirty-nine years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of James O. Reynolds, a shoe manufacturer, aged fifty-four years (b. NH), and George Lyman, a farmer, aged fifty-two years (b. NH).

Son-in-law Theodore Lyman died of heart disease & dropsy in Milton, August 1, 1891, aged seventy-eight years, eleven months, and nine days. He was a widowed farmer. J.W. Lougee, M.D., signed the death certificate.

Daughter Sarah (Bragdon) Shapleigh died of erysipelas in Milton, December 26, 1893, aged eighty-seven years, one month, and twenty-six days. She was a widow. M.A.H. Hart, M.D., signed the death certificate.

Son-in-law Luther Hayes died of chronic cystitis in Milton, March 28, 1895, aged seventy-five years, two months, and sixteen days. M.A.H. Hart, M.D., signed the death certificate.

LOCALS. Luther Hayes of Milton died at his home Thursday morning, of last week, aged 75 years. He has been a very prominent political character, having held the offices of state senator, representative to the general court, high sheriff, deputy sheriff and county commissioner. His funeral occurred Sunday, under the auspices of Paternal Lodge of this place, a large delegation being present (Farmington News, April 5, 1895).

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References:

Find a Grave. (2013, September 20). John Bragdon. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/117394442/john-bragdon

Find a Grave. (2013, September 20). Samuel Bragdon. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/117393846/samuel-bragdon

Find a Grave. (2021, August 12). Samuel Bragdon [Jr.]. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/230653433/samuel-bragdon

Find a Grave. (2011, September 29). James Clements. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/77343433/james-clements

Find a Grave. (2011, March 26). Louisa Adeline Bragdon Hayes. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/67475807/louisa-adeline-hayes

Find a Grave. (2013, August 15). Betsy Bragdon Lyman. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/115540264/betsey-lyman

Find a Grave. (2011, February 26). Sarah Bragdon Shapleigh. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/66176250/sarah-shapleigh

By Muriel Bristol | May 31, 2026

Jonathan Twombly was born in Dover, NH, October 21, 1727, son of Samuel and Judith (Hanson) Twombly.

Jonathan Twombly married, circa 1755, Deborah Wentworth. She was born in Somersworth, NH, in April 1738, daughter of Ebenezer and Sarah (Roberts) Wentworth.

(The known children of Jonathan and Deborah (Wentworth) Twombly were: Ephraim [Twombly] Swan (1754-1835), Lydia Twombly (1757–1837), Ebenezer Twombly (1758–1848), Jonathan Twombly (c1761–1842), Elizabeth “Betsey” Twombly (1762–1844), Hannah Twombly (–1769), Judith Twombly (1775–1850), and Rebecca Twombly (1777-1822)).

Son Ephraim Twombly was born in Dover, NH, February 28, 1754. Daughter Lydia Twombly was born in Dover, NH, circa 1757.

Son Ebenezer Twombly was born in Dover, NH, circa 1758. He was a namesake for his maternal grandfather, Ebenezer Wentworth. Son Jonathan Twombly, Jr., was born was born in Dover, NH, circa 1761.

The writer [John Scales] is of opinion that Jonathan Twombly is entitled to the honor of making the first [Milton] settlement near the Twombly brook, and upon the farm now owned by Hon. Luther Hayes, and sometimes called the Bragdon farm, Samuel Bragdon having purchased the farm from a son of Mr. Twombly in about 1800. Mr. Twombly and his wife and some of their children were, no doubt buried upon this farm. An ancient headstone records that Hannah Twombly died in February 1769. She was doubtless a daughter of Jonathan and this is believed to be the oldest grave in Milton (Scales, 1914).

Daughter Elizabeth “Betsey” Twombly was born in the Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, June 4, 1762. (She was said to have been the “first white child” born in what would become Milton).

Daughter Hannah Twombly died in the Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, in February 1769. (Her gravestone is said to be the oldest one in what is now Milton).

Daughter Judith Twombly was born in the Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, in 1775. She was a namesake for her paternal grandmother, Judith (Hanson) Twombly.

Jonathan Twombly was among the one hundred ninety-eight men who signed the revolutionary Association Test in Rochester, NH, June 1, 1776.

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.

Son Ebenezer Twombly enlisted in Capt. William McDuffee’s Company, in Col. Thomas Tash’s Regiment, in August or September 1776; and he enlisted in Capt. Daniel McDuffee’s Company, in Col. Stephen Evans’ Regiment, in August or September 1777. He fought in the engagements or battles of Stillwater and Saratoga, New York

…on the last of August or first of September in 1776 he enlisted as a Soldier into the Company of Militia Commander William McDuffee which Company belonged to the regiment commanded by Col. Thomas Tash ~ that he enlisted at Rochester in the State of NewHampshire for the term of three months, he immediately Marched as he Supposed for New York and arrived at Peakskill in about twenty days, remained there a Short time, then the Company was ordered to Tallas Point to prevent communication between the inhabitants and three english Ships then lying in the Hudson River. Soon after the Ships Moved up the river, his Company was ordered to Kingferry where he remained untill 1st day of December, from thence he marched to Peakskill and was there discharged the Same day ~

Daughter Rebecca Twombly was born in the Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, in 1777.

In the year 1777 at Rochester aforesaid he again enlisted as a Soldier under Capt. Daniel McDuffee (brother of the afore namd Wm McDuffee) Said Company was attached to the regiment Commanded by Col. Stephen Evans, it was the last of August or first of September that he enlisted for the term of three months, Soon after his enlistment the Company was ordered to March for Bennington in the State of Vermont and their March passed through Keene, N.H., Brattleboro, Vt., to Said Bennington where they remained a few days, from thence they were ordered to Stillwater in the State of New York where he remained in Camp about twenty days. While there they had an engagement or Battle with the British and Indians. I[n] the Battle he took a British Soldier and Conducted him to the Main Guard; Soon after this the British left their encampment & proceeded to Saratoga in the State of New York, his Company followed them to Saratoga and there remained until the Surrender of Gen. Burgoyne ~ they then Marched to Albany in the State of N. York and remained there until the first day of December in the Same year when he was discharged.

Daughter Lydia Twombly married in Wakefield, NH, circa 1778, Nathaniel Balch, Jr. He was born in Haverhill, MA, September 18, 1753, son of Nathaniel and Joanna (Dodge) Balch.

Jonathan Twombly and his son, Ebenezer Twombly, were among the eighty-five Strafford County inhabitants that petitioned, between February and May 1783, for the appointment of Nathaniel Cooper of Dover, NH, as Register of Probate.

Jonathan Twombly, and his sons, Ebenezer Twombly and Ephraim Twombly, were among the three hundred fifteen 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).

Jonathan Twombly was one of eighty-five inhabitants of Dover, Rochester, Somersworth, Barrington, and elsewhere, that proposed, August 30, 1786, that a lottery be held in order to raise the £300 they estimated would be necessary to rebuild the Cocheco Bridge in Dover, NH, which had been swept away by the memorable freshet of October 1785 (Hammond, 1882).

Daughter Elizabeth “Betsey” Twombly married, September 13, 1789, James Chesley Hayes, both of Rochester, NH. Rev. Joseph Haven performed the ceremony. Hayes was born in Dover, NH, January 29, 1760, son of Ichabod and Elizabeth (Hayes) Hayes.

Ephm Twombly headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the First (1790) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 16-plus years [himself], one male aged under-16 years, and three females [Deborah (Wentworth) Twombly, Judith Twombly, and Rebecca Twombly]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John Palmer and Timothy Gerrish. (See Northeast Parish in the First (1790) Federal Census).

Son Ebenezer Twombly married in Rochester, NH, December 21, 1790, Dorothy “Dolly” Wentworth, both of Rochester, NH. Rev. Joseph Haven performed the ceremony. She was born in Rochester, NH, December 30, 1761, daughter of Ebenezer and Dorothy (Hartford) Wentworth.

Future sons-in-law Benjamin Twombly and James Twombly were among the forty-seven inhabitants of Lancaster, in Grafton County, NH, that petitioned the NH Legislature, November 22, 1791, seeking to have their portion of the county divided off in order to form a new county – which became Coös County.

Future sons-in-law Benjamin Twombly and James Twombly were among the thirteen inhabitants of Lancaster, Northumberland, Stratford, Dartmouth, Percy, Cockburn, Colebrook, etc., that petitioned the NH Legislature, May 10, 1792, seeking a division of their legislative representative district into two districts. It had been established some seven years earlier for some one hundred fifty inhabitants. The same district had since grown to some three hundred inhabitants, spread over some sixty miles, which distance made it difficult to assemble to choose a representative.

Son Ephraim Twombly were among the twenty inhabitants of Rochester, NH, that petitioned the NH Legislature, June 16, 1792, seeking appointment of Joseph Clark, attorney at law, as justice-of-the-peace. Their petition spoke highly of his ability, integrity, and sobriety, and the need for a justice in the Norway Plains part of town “where said Clark now lives.” (Barnabas Palmer and his son, Barnabas Palmer, Junr, also signed the petition).

Future son-in-law Benja Twombly appeared in a list of inhabitants of the “Uper,” i.e., Upper, part of Coös County, dated October 4, 1792.

Son-in-law Nathaniel Balch, Jr., was killed by a falling tree in Wakefield, NH, in April 1795.

Son Ephraim Twombly married in Madbury, NH, November 21, 1795, Deborah Drew, He of Rochester, NH, and she of Dover, NH. Rev. William Hooper performed the ceremony. She was born in Dover, NH, June 2, 1776, daughter of Elijah and Abigail (Thomas) Drew.

Daughter Judith Twombly married in Rochester, NH, February 28, 1799, Benjamin Twombly [Jr.], she of Rochester, NH, and he of Lancaster, NH. Rev. Joseph Haven performed the ceremony. Benjamin Twombly was born circa 1768, son of Benjamin Twombly.

Much of this Twombly family left the Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, and began moving to Lancaster, NH, around 1800, although they retained some connections with their former residences, family members and neighbors. (Milton would be described later, in June 1823, as being on “the great main road leading from Portsmouth to Lancaster”).

Ephm 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 26-44 years [Deborah (Drew) Twombly], one male aged 16-25 years, one female aged 10-15 years [Cynthia Twombly], one male aged 10-15 years [Jonathan Twombly], two females aged under-10 years [Mary Twombly, and Elizabeth Twombly], one male aged under-10 years [Wilson Twombly], and one female aged 45-plus years [Deborah (Wentworth) Twombly].

Ebener 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 26-44 years [Dorothy (Wentworth) Twombly], one female aged 16-25 years, and three females aged under-10 years [Lucy Twombly, Sophia Twombly, and Eliza Twombly]. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

Jonathan Twombly [Jr.] headed a Lancaster, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years.

James Hayes 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 [Betsey (Twombly) Hayes], three males aged under-10 years [James Hayes, Hanson Hayes, and Chesley Hayes], one female aged under-10 years [Abra Hayes], and one female aged 16-25 years. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

Benjamin Twombly, Junr, headed a Lancaster, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], two females aged 26-44 years [Judith (Twombly) Twombly], and one female aged under-10 years [Melinda Twombly].

Son Ephraim Twombly and son-in-law, James C. Hayes, signed the Rochester division petition of May 28, 1802.

Son Ebenr Twombly was among the “respectable inhabitants & freeholders” that sought a special Town Meeting to reconsider the proposed Meeting House site, in 1803. He did not subsequently purchase a pew. Son-in-law James C. Hayes purchased Pew No. 23 in the newly-constructed Milton Town House, for $12.50, in 1804. It was situated on the east side of the Gallery balcony, between a vacant pew, Pew No. 22, and that Saml Nash, Pew No. 24. (See Milton Town House – 1804).

The Milton Selectmen of 1805 were Wm. Palmer, Eben. Twombly, and John Remick, Jr.

Daughter Rebecca Twombly married in Lancaster, NH, March 14, 1805, James Twombly, both of Lancaster, NH. Rev. Joseph Willard performed the ceremony. James Twombly was born in Somersworth, NH, January 14, 1769.

Son Jonathan Twombly [Jr.] was one of thirteen residents of Coös County, New Hampshire that petitioned the NH Legislature, in 1805, seeking appointment of a committee to layout a new State Road from Lancaster to Plymouth, running through Whitefield, Bethlehem, Franconia, Pealing, Thornton, and Campton. Their petition was dated Lancaster, July 3, 1805.

Son Jonathan Twombly [Jr.] married, circa 1806, Mary “Polly” Drew. She was born in Dover, NH, May 10, 1768, daughter of Elijah and Abigail (Thomas) Drew.

Son Ephm Twombly and son-in-law Ens. James C. Hayes were assessed in the Milton School District No. 1 of Joseph Plumer in 1806; and son Ens. E. Twombly was assessed in the Milton School District No. 2 of Lieut. J. Nute (See Milton School Districts – 1806).

Son-in-law James C. Hayes died in Milton, February 27, 1809, aged forty-nine years. It would be related, many years later, that he had been killed suddenly …

… by the rolling of a log upon him (Dover Enquirer, April 15, 1845).

Son Ephraim Twombly of Lancaster, NH, changed his name to Ephraim Swan, June 20, 1809.

State of New Hampshire } AN ACT AUTHORIZEING EPHRAIM TWOMBLY AND HIS FAMILY TO ASSUME THE NAME OF SWAN. [Approved June 20, 1809. Original Acts, vol. 20, p. 79; recorded Acts, vol. 18, p. 231]. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives, in General Court convened, that Ephraim Twombly of Lancaster in the County of Coos, be and he hereby is authorized and empowered to assume and bear the name of Ephraim Swan, and the Children of the said Ephraim, are hereby authorized and empowered to assume and bear the name of Swan, instead of that of Twombly, and the name of Swan to annex to each and every of their Children, given or baptismal names instead of the name of Twombly as afore said and by those names respectively, in future shall be called and known, any law usage or custom to the contrary notwithstanding ~ Provided that nothing in this act contained shall impair any contract, or obligation by them or either of them made, or effect any action or suit now pending in any Court of law, within this State, wherein the said Ephraim or either of his Children is a party (NH Secretary of State, 1918).

Ephraim [Twombly] Swan headed a Lancaster, NH, household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], two females aged 26-44 years [Deborah (Drew) Swan], one male aged 16-25 years, one male aged 10-15 years, one female aged 10-15 years, one male aged under-10 years, two females aged under-10 years, and one female aged 45-plus years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Edward Spauldwin and Isaac Derby.

Joseph Balch headed a Lancaster, 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 [Eliza (Legro) Balch], one male aged 10-15 years, one female aged 10-15 years, and one female aged 45-plus years [Lydia (Twombly) Balch]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Ebenezer Twombly and James Twombly.

Ebenezer Twombly headed a Lancaster, NH, 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 [Dorothy (Wentworth) Twombly), two females aged 10-15 years [Lucy Twombly and Sophia Twombly], and three females aged under-10 years [Eliza Twombly and Deborah Twombly]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John Burgin and Joseph Balch.

Jonathan Twombly headed a Lancaster, NH, household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one male aged 26-44 years, one female aged 26-44 years, one female aged 16-25 years, two males aged under-10 years, and three females aged under-10 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Joseph Farnham and Richard White.

Betsy [(Twombly)] Hayes headed a Milton household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. Her household included one female aged 45-plus years [herself], two males aged 16-25 years [James Hayes and Hanson Hayes], one female aged 16-25 years [Abra Hayes], one male aged 10-15 years [Chesley Hayes], and one female aged 10-15 years [Sarah Hayes]. (See Milton in the Third (1810) Federal Census).

Benjamin Twombly headed a Lancaster, NH, 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 [Judith (Twombly) Twombly], one female aged 10-15 years [Melinda Twombly], one male aged 10-15 years [Calvin Twombly], two males aged under-10 years [James C.H. Twombly], and three females aged under-10 years [Sally Twombly, Eliza Twombly, and Sophia Twombly]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John More and Jonathan Spaulding.

James Twombly headed a Lancaster, NH, household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years, one female aged 26-44 years [Rebecca (Twombly) Twombly], one male aged under-10 years, and two females aged under-10 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Joseph Balch and James Rorbrooks.

Joseph Balch, Ebenr Twombly, Jonathan Twombly, and James Twombly, were among the thirty-five inhabitants of Barker’s Location, NH, that petitioned the NH legislature, June 12, 1818, for authority to tax land at 5¢ per acre for maintenance of roads. [“Barker’s Location: Triangular portion now of Lancaster north of Jefferson bounded to east by Kilkenny” – Wikipedia].

Ephraim [Twombly] Swan headed a Bloomfield, ME, household at the time of the Fourth (1820) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Deborah (Drew) Swan], one male aged 16-25 years, one female aged 16-25 years, and one male aged 10-15 years. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture.

Joseph Balch headed a Lancaster, NH, household at the time of the Fourth (1820) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Eliza (Legro) Balch], one male aged 16-25 years, four males aged under-10 years [James H. Balch, Amos Balch, Samuel B. Balch, and Reuben Balch], one female aged under-10 years [Almira Balch], and one female aged 45-plus years [Lydia (Twombly) Balch]. Two members of his household were engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Benjamin Hays, and James Twombly.

Ebenr Twombly headed a Lancaster, NH, household at the time of the Fourth (1820) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one female aged 45-plus years [Dorothy (Wentworth) Twombly], and three females aged 16-25 years. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John Mardin, Jr, and Benjamin Hays.

Jonathan Twombly headed a Lancaster, NH, household at the time of the Fourth (1820) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], two females aged 45-plus years [Mary (Drew) Twombly], one male aged 16-25 years, one male aged 10-15 years, and two females aged 10-15 years. Three members of his household were engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Asa Westan, and William Elliot.

Benjamin Twombly headed a Alexander, NY, household at the time of the Fourth (1820) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Judith (Twombly) Twombly], one male aged 16-25 years [Calvin Twombly], one female aged 16-25 years [Sally Twombly], two females aged 10-15 years [Eliza Twombly, and Sophia Twombly], two males aged 10-15 years [James C.H. Twombly, and Luther Twombly], and one male aged under-10 years [Lyman Twombly]. Three members of his household were engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of William Lee, and Nathan Bardsley.

James Twombly headed a Lancaster, NH, household at the time of the Fourth (1820) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Rebecca (Twombly) Twombly], one male aged 10-15 years, and two females aged 10-15 years. Two members of his household were engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Joseph Balch, and John Mardin, 3d.

Jonathan Twombly was among the Coös County inhabitants that petitioned the NH Governor and Council, June 7, 1820, to have Maj. John W. Weeks of Lancaster, NH, appointed as replacement Coös County Sheriff.

Deborah (Wentworth) Twombly died either in Lancaster, NH, or Milton, NH, in August 1821. (“Mr. Twombly and his wife and some of their children were, no doubt buried upon this [their Milton] farm” (Scales, 1914)).

Daughter Rebecca (Twombly) Twombly died in Lancaster, NH, February 22, 1822, aged forty-four years.

Son-in-law Benjamin Twombly died in Elton, Freedom, NY, April 9, 1829, aged sixty years. (Elton is a village of Freedom, NY).

Jonathan Twombly died either in Lancaster, NH, or Milton, NH, in 1830. (“Mr. Twombly and his wife and some of their children were, no doubt buried upon this [their Milton] farm” (Scales, 1914)).

E. [Twombly] Swan headed a Bloomfield, ME, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 60-69 years [himself]. one female aged 50-59 years [Deborah (Drew) Swan], two males aged 20-29 years, one female aged 15-19 years, and one female aged under-5 years.

Joseph Balch headed a Lancaster, NH, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 40-49 years, one female aged 30-39 years, one male aged 15-19 years, one female aged 15-19 years, one male aged 10-14 years, two male aged 5-9 years, two male aged under-5 years, and one female aged 70-79 years [Lydia (Twombly) Balch].

Ebenezer Twombly headed a Lancaster, NH, 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 [Dorothy (Wentworth) Twombly], two females aged 30-39 years, one female aged 20-29 years, and one male aged 10-14 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Jonathan Twombly and Joseph Twombly.

Jas. Hayes, Jr., 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 40-49 years [Apphia (Card) Hayes], one male aged 20-29 years, one female aged 15-19 years, one male aged 10-14 years [Benjamin F. Hayes], one male aged 5-9 years [Charles C. Hayes], one male aged under-5 years [Cyrus A. Hayes], and one female aged 60-69 years [Betsey (Twombly) Hayes]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Moses Chamberlain and Levi Jones.

Jonathan Twombly headed a Lancaster, NH, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one female aged 60-69 years, two females aged 20-29 years, and one male aged 15-19 years.

Judith [(Twombly)] Twombly headed a Freedom, NY, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. Her household included one female aged 50-59 years [herself], two males aged 20-29 years, three females aged 20-29 years, two males aged 15-19 years. 

James Twombley headed a Lancaster, NH, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one male aged 20-29 years, and two females aged 20-29 years.

Son Ebenezer Twombly of Lancaster, NH, aged seventy-four years, applied for a Revolutionary War pension in Lancaster, NH, September 5, 1832. He included his narrative or declaration – quoted above – that described his service.

He did acknowledge that he did not have the full set of approved documentation. He does not know whether he could procure any positive proof of Service or not. Lancaster where he now resides is over one hundred Miles from the place Where he lived When he enlisted and he has not been able to learn Whether any of those that Served with him are now living and that it would be a great expense to him to obtain their testimony if they are living ~

He did receive ultimately a Revolutionary War Invalid Pension, under the Pension Act of June 7, 1832.

Son Ephraim [Twombly] Swan died in Bloomfield, [Skowhegan,] ME, December 7, 1835, aged eighty-one years, nine months, and nine days.

Ebenezer Twombly headed a Lancaster, NH, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 80-89 years [himself], one female aged 70-79 years [Dorothy (Wentworth) Twombly], two females aged 40-49 years [Lucy (Twombly) Banfield and Sophia Twombly], one female aged 30-39 years [Dorothy Twombly], and three females aged 5-9 years. Revolutionary War pensioner Ebenezer Twombly, aged eighty-one years, resided in the household. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Joseph Balch and Joseph Hanson.

James Hayes headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 40-49 years [himself], one female aged 50-59 years [Apphia (Card) Hayes], one male aged 15-19 years [Charles C. Hayes], one male aged 10-14 years [Cyrus A. Hayes], one female aged 10-14 years [Sarah C. Hayes], one female aged 5-9 years [Mary J. Hayes], and one female aged 70-79 years [Betsey (Twombly) Hayes]. Three members of his household were engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of David M. Corson and John Nute.

Jonathan Twombly headed a Lancaster, NH, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 70-79 years [himself], one female aged 70-79 years [Mary (Drew) Twombly], one female aged 30-39 years, and one male aged 5-9 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Ivory Stanley and Isaac Derby.

Luther Twombly headed a Freedom, NY, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Census. His household included two males aged 30-39 years [himself], two females aged 20-29 years, two females aged 15-19 years, and one female aged 60-69 years [Judith (Twombly) Twombly]. Two members of his household were engaged in Agriculture.

Alvah Twombly headed a Lancaster, 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 [Orpha Twombly], and one male aged 70-79 years [James Twombly]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of James L. Chase and John Stalbord.

Son Jonathan Twombly [Jr.] died in Lancaster, NH, April 2, 1842, æ 81 years.

Daughter Elizabeth “Betsey” (Twombly) Hayes died in Milton, October 16, 1844, aged eighty-two years.

DEATHS. In Milton, Oct. 16, 1844, widow Betsey Hayes, relict of Mr. James C. Hayes, who was killed suddenly some years since by the rolling of a log upon him, aged 82. She had a long, painful sickness through the operation of a cancer, on the part of the face over the eye, which she endured with the greatest patience, and died in a most desirable state of tranquility and hope. Being an early settler in the town where she had lived so long, and having witnessed the desolations which death had already made among her early associates, she was willing to go hence, especially as she contemplated so calmly an end to the trials and sufferings she had endured and the lasting enjoyment of rest which is provided for the faithful in Christ (Dover Enquirer, April 15, 1845).

Dorothy “Dolly” (Wentworth) Twombly died in Lancaster, NH, August 5, 1848, æ eighty-eight years. Ebenezer Twombly died in Lancaster, NH, August 17, 1848, æ eighty-nine years.

DEATHS. At Lancaster, N.H., Mr. EBENEZER TWOMBLY, one of the earliest settlers, and a soldier of the Revolution, 89 years, 10 mos. His wife also, 86 (Boston Evening Transcript, September 6, 1848).

Revolutionary War pension accounts confirm that Ebenezer Twombly of Lancaster, NH, died on August 17, 1848, in the 3rd quarter of 1848.

James Twombly, a farmer, aged eighty years (b. NH), headed a Lancaster, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Alvah Twombly, a farmer, aged forty-four years (b. N H), and Orpha Twombly, aged forty years (b. NH). Alvah Troambly had real estate valued at $1,000.

Francis W. Snow [Swan], a farmer, aged forty-four years (b. NH), headed a Bloomfield, ME, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Mary A. [(Littlefield)] Snow [Swan], aged thirty-five years (b. ME), Mary J. Snow [Swan], aged nine years (b. ME), Deborah Snow [Swan], aged seven years (b. ME), Martha Snow [Swan], aged four years (b. ME), Francis W. Snow [Swan], aged one year (b. NH), Deborah [(Drew)] [Twombly] Snow [Swan], aged seventy-three years (b. NH), Franklin McKechnie, a farmer, aged forty-five years (b. ME), and Orlando McKechnie, aged fourteen years (b. ME). Francis W. Snow had real estate valued at $2,500.

Calvin Trumly [Twombly], a farmer, aged forty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Machias, NY, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Eliza Trumly, aged forty-four years (b. NH), Sophia Trumly, aged forty years (b. NH), Luther Trumly, a farmer, aged forty-two years (b. NH), and Jane Trumly, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH). Calvin Trum has real estate valued at $2,740.

Daughter Judith (Twombly) Twomley [Twombly] died of consumption in Machias, NY, June 21, 1850, aged seventy-five years. (Per the Mortality Schedule of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census).

Daughter-in-law Deborah (Drew) [Twombly] Swan died in Bloomfield, [Skowhegan,] ME, February 19, 1855, aged eighty years.

DIED. In Bloomfield, 19th ult., Widow Deborah Swan, aged 80 (Portland Press Herald, March 3, 1855).

Son-in-law James Twombly died of old age in Lancaster, NH, July 28, 1859, aged ninety years, six months, and fourteen days. He was a married farmer.

Daughter-in-law Mary “Polly” (Drew) Twombly died in Carroll, NH, October 20, 1860, aged ninety-two years, five months, and ten days.

---

References:

Find a Grave. (2014, November 11). Ephraim [Twombly] Swan. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/138600686/ephraim-swan

Find a Grave. (2015, July 9). Ebenezer Twombly. Retrieved from  www.findagrave.com/memorial/148960148/ebenezer-twombly

Find a Grave. (2015, July 16). Jonathan Twombly. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/149365773/jonathan-twombly

Find a Grave. (2018, May 29). Judith [(Twombly)] Twombly. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/190184907/judith-twombly

Find a Grave. (2015, July 16). Rebecca Twombly Twombly. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/149366017/rebecca-twombly

Hammond, Isaac W. (1884). Town Papers. Documents Relating to Towns in New Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=-4dQAQAAIAAJ&pg=PA341

NH Secretary of State. (1918). Laws of New Hampshire. Retrieved from www.google.com/books/edition/Laws_of_New_Hampshire_Second_constitutio/bL5GAQAAIAAJ?pg=PA801

Wentworth, John. (1878). Wentworth Genealogy. Retrieved from www.google.com/books/edition/The_Wentworth_Genealogy/PypAAAAAYAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&bsq=%22jonathan%20twombly%22

Wikipedia. (2026, May 18). Battles of Saratoga. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battles_of_Saratoga

Wikipedia. (2026, April 1). Freedom, New York. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom,_New_York

Wikipedia. (2026, April 2). Machias, New York, Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machias,_New_York

Wikipedia. (2026, May 26). Skowhegan, Maine. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skowhegan,_Maine

By Muriel Bristol | May 24, 2025

Stephen Meserve was born in [Northeast Parish,] Milton, in 1787, son of Stephen and Abigail (Yeaton) Meserve.

(The known children of Stephen and Abigail (Yeaton) Meserve were: Comfort Meserve (1772–1802), Mary Dearborn “Polly” Meserve (1778–1801), Abigail Meserve (1780–1860), Betsey Meserve (c1782–), John Meserve (1785–1871), Stephen Meserve (1787–1850), Hopley T. Meserve (1789–1875), and Samuel Meserve (1791–)).

Father Stephen Meserve died in Rochester, NH, circa 1794.

Sister Mary Dearborn “Polly” Meserve married in Rochester, NH, September 24, 1795, Robert Mathes, both of Rochester, NH. Rev. Joseph Haven performed the ceremony. She was born, probably in Madbury, NH, August 3, 1778, daughter of Stephen and Abigail (Yeaton) Meserve.

Mother Abigail (Yeaton) Meserve died in Rochester, NH, circa 1801.

Sister Mary “Polly” (Meserve) Mathes, died in the Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, February 18, 1801.

Stephen Meserve married (1st) in Milton, March 4, 1810, Susan P. Henderson. She was born in Milton, June 13, 1789, daughter of Samuel and Mary (Burrows) Twombly.

(The known children of Stephen and Susan P. (Henderson) Meserve were: Mary Meserve (c1814-), Seth Meserve (1816–1903), Caroline A. Meserve (1821-1881), Samuel Yeaton Meserve (1823–1918), Susan Meserve (1825-1917), Oliver B. Meserve (1828–1915), Elizabeth A. Meserve (1828-1904), and Mary E. Meserve (1844-1859)).

Daughter Mary Meserve was born circa 1814. Son Seth Meserve was born in Milton, November 1, 1816.

Daughter Caroline A. Meserve was born in Rochester, NH, in 1821. Son Samuel Yeaton Meserve was born in Rochester, NH, March 10, 1823. Daughter Susan Meserve was born in Rochester, NH, August 3, 1825. Son Oliver B. Meserve was born in Rochester, NH, August 1, 1828. Daughter Elizabeth A. Meserve was born in 1828.

Steph. Meserve 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 40-49 years [Susan P. (Henderson) Meserve], one female aged 15-19 years, one female aged 5-9 years, one male aged under-5 years, and one female aged under-5 years.

Daughter Caroline A. Meserve married in Milton, November 24, 1839, Hiram W. Ricker. He was born in Milton, July 26, 1819, son of Thomas and Susan (Varney) Ricker.

Hiram Ricker 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 15-19 years [Caroline A. (Meserve) Ricker], one male aged 10-14 years, and one female aged 40-49 years. Two members of his household were engaged in Agriculture.

Son Seth Meserve married, circa 1842, Mary T. Wentworth. She was born circa 1818.

Daughter Mary E. Meserve was born in 1844.

Son Samuel Yeaton Meserve married (1st) in Middleton, NH, October 16, 1845, Belinda Emily French, both of Middleton, NH. Elder Samuel Bodge performed the ceremony. She was born circa 1823.

Daughter Susan Colby married, circa 1849, William Colby. He was born in Concord, NH, September 12, 1812.

Son Oliver B. Meserve married in Alton, NH, September 14, 1849, Laura J. Thompson, both of Farmington, NH. Rev. H.D. Buzzell performed the ceremony. She was born in Sandwich, NH, June 26, 1830, daughter of Samuel and Betsey (Seavey) Thompson.

Stephen Meserve died of lung fever in Rochester, NH, after an illness of six days, in March 1850, aged sixty-three years. He was a carpenter. (Per the Mortality Schedule of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census).

Daughter Elizabeth A. Meserve married in Boston, MA, November 28, 1850, John H. Robinson, both of Boston, MA. He was a clerk, aged twenty-two years, and she was aged twenty-two years. He was born in Gilmanton, NH, in 1829, son of Finley W. and Priscilla K. Robinson.

Susan [(Henderson)] Meserve, aged sixty years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. Her household included Mary Meserve, aged thirty-six years (b. NH). Susan Meserve had real estate valued at $300. Her household appeared in the enumeration just after that of William Colby, a manufacturer, aged thirty-four years (b. NH)

Seth E. Meserve, a machinist, aged thirty-four years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Mary T. [(Wentworth)] Meserve, aged twenty-six years (b. NH), and George S. Meserve, aged five years (b. NH).

Hiram Ricker, a shoemaker, aged thirty-one years, headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Caroline [(Meserve)] Ricker, aged twenty-nine years, John Ricker, aged nineteen years, Martha Ricker, aged one month (b. NH), Calvin Smith, a shoemaker, aged eighteen years (b. NH), Smith Wentworth, a shoemaker, aged fifteen years (b. NH), and John Wentworth, a shoemaker, aged nineteen years (b. NH). Hiram Ricker had real estate valued at $1,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of James Varney, a farmer, aged sixty years (b. NH), and Lemuel Varney, a farmer, aged eighty-two years (b. NH).

Saml Meserve, a shoemaker, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Belinda [(French)] Meserve, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH), and Charles F. Meserve, aged four years (b. NH). They shared a two-family residence with the household of Joseph Wentworth, a shoemaker, aged twenty-five years (b. NH).

Wm. Colby, a manufacturer, aged thirty-four years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Susan [(Meserve)] Colby, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), and Stephen Meserve, aged five years (b. NH). His household appeared just before that of Susan [(Henderson)] Meserve, aged sixty years (b. NH).

Oliver B. Meserve, a shoemaker, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Laura J. [(Thompson)] Meserve, aged twenty years (b. NH).

Son-in-law Hiram Ricker witnessed the legal emancipation of minor George Wentworth, in Milton, in August 1852.

TIME GIVEN. – This may certify that I have this day given to my son, GEORGE WENTWORTH, his time and declare him free to act and trade for himself. I shall hereafter claim none of his earnings or pay any debts by him contracted. DANIEL WENTWORTH. Witness – Hiram Ricker, Thos. C. Christie. Milton, Aug 10, 1852 (Farmington News, September 12, 1852).

John H. Robinson, a clerk, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Boston, MA, household at the time of the MA State Census of 1855. His household included Elizabeth [(Meserve)] Robinson, aged twenty-five years, and Edward G. Robinson, aged one year (b. MA).

Susan P. (Henderson) Meserve died in Rochester, NH, July 18, 1859, aged seventy years, and eleven days.

Daughter Mary E. Meserve died November 16, 1859, aged fifteen years, five months.

Seth Meserve, a machinist, aged forty-three years (b. NH), headed a Rochester (“Farmington P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Mary T. [(Wentworth)] Meserve, aged forty-two years (b. NH), George S. Meserve, aged fifteen years (b. NH), and John H.A. Meserve, aged four years (b. NH). Seth Meserve had personal estate valued at $300.

Hiram Ricker, a farmer, aged forty-one years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Caroline [(Meserve)] Ricker, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), John S. Ricker, a farmer, aged nineteen years (b. NH), Lizzie Bell Ricker, aged ten years (b. NH), and Susan [(Varney)] Ricker, aged sixty-five years (b. NH). Hiram Ricker had real estate valued at $1,200 and personal estate valued at $500. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Comfort Varney, aged seventy-three years (b. NH), and James Varney, a farmer, aged seventy-two years (b. NH).

Samuel Y. Meserve, a shoemaker, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Berlinda [(French)] Meserve, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), and Charles F. Meserve, aged thirteen years (b. NH). Samuel Y. Meserve had real estate valued at $1,000 and personal estate valued at $100.

William Colby, a manufacturer, aged forty-three years (b. NH), headed a Rochester (“Farmington P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Susan [(Meserve)] Colby, aged thirty-three years (b. NH). William Colby had real estate valued at $500 and personal estate valued at $75.

Oliver B. Meserve, a shoe cutter, aged thirty years (b. NH), headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Laura J. [(Thompson)] Meserve, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH), and Laura A. Meserve, aged six years (b. NH). Oliver B. Meserve had real estate valued at $1,100 and personal estate valued at $300.

John H. Robinson, a liquor dealer, aged thirty years (b. NH), headed a Boston, MA, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Elisabeth [(Meserve)] Robinson, aged thirty years (b. NH), Edward G. Robinson, aged six years (b. MA), Mary G. Robinson, aged one year (b. MA), and Delia Carey, aged twenty-one years (b. Ireland). John H. Robinson had personal estate valued at $5,000. They resided in Ward 11.

Son-in-law John H. Robinson died of kidney disease at 192 West Springfield Street, in the South End, Boston, MA, February 27, 1865, aged thirty-five years. His occupation involved Wines & c., presumably sales of wines.

DEATH OF A MERCHANT. Mr. John H. Robinson, of the firm of Andrews & Robinson, wine merchants in Congress street, died last night after 3 week’s illness. Mr. R. was a very intelligent, active and liberal man, whose frankness and generosity endeared him to a wide circle of friends. He was a member of the Common Council from Ward 6 in 1859. His death will be lamented by all who knew him (Boston Evening Transcript, February 27, 1865).

Son Oliver B. Meserve witnessed a legal renunciation of Dorothy (Ricker) Horne by her estranged husband, David Horne, in Dover, NH, in May 1867.

Notice. WHEREAS my wife, Dorothy Horne, has left my bed and board, without any just cause, I have furnished a house and necessary and suitable provisions for her support, I hereby forbid any person from harboring or trusting her on my account, as I will pay no debts of her contracting after this date. DAVID his x mark HORNE. Witnesses. – Oliver B. Meserve, Joseph Wentworth. Farmington, May 29, 1867 (Dover Enquirer, June 6, 1867).

Seth Meserve, an iron machinist, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), headed a Rochester (“Gonic P.O.), NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Mary T. [(Wentworth)] Meserve, keeping house, aged fifty years (b. NH), George S. Meserve, an iron machinist, aged twenty-five years (b. NH), and John W. Meserve, at home, aged fourteen years (b. NH). Seth Meserve had personal estate valued at $300.

Hiram W. Ricker, works for shoe fact., aged fifty years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Caroline M. [(Meserve)] Ricker, keeping house, aged forty-eight years (b. NH), Alvah C. Burrows, works for shoe fact., aged twenty-nine years (b. ME), Lizzie B.S. [(Ricker)] Burrows, a housekeeper, aged twenty years (b. NH), Minnie E. Burrows, aged two years (b. NH), Willie S. Burrows, aged one month (b. NH, in May), and Susan Wingate, aged seventy-five years (b. NH). Hiram W. Ricker had real estate valued at $1,000 and personal estate valued at $1,227. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of William F. Tibbetts, works for shoe fact., aged thirty-two years (b. ME), and Paul Reynolds, a farmer, aged seventy-two years (b. NH).

Saml I. Meserve, aged forty-five years (b. NH), headed a Rochester (“Gonic P.O.”), NH, at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Malinda [Belinda (French)] Meserve, keeping house, aged forty-six years (b. NH), and Chas F. Meserve, works for shoe mfty, aged twenty-three years (b. NH). Saml I. Meserve had personal estate valued at $300. They shared a two-family residence with the household of Lyman Parsons, a carpenter, aged fifty years (b. NH).

William Colby, works in w [woolen] mill, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Rochester (“Gonic P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Susan [(Meserve)] Colby, keeping house, keeping house, aged forty-four years (b. NH).

Oliver B. Messerve, a shoemaker, aged forty-two years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Sarah J. [(Thompson)] Messerve, keeping house, aged forty years (b. NH), Abbie L. Messerve, attending school, aged seventeen years (b. NH), Samuel Stevens, a carpenter, aged fifty years (b. NH), David M. Smith, a ship carpenter, aged thirty-eight years (b. ME). Oliver B. Messerve had personal estate valued at $200. David M. Smith has personal estate valued at $800.

Elizabeth [(Meserve)] Robinson, keeping house, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Boston, MA, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. Her household included Edward G. Robinson, attending school, aged fifteen years (b. MA), Mary C. Robinson, attending school, aged eleven years (b. MA), Alice E. Robinson, attending school, aged ten years (b. MA), Ellen M Robinson, attending school, aged five years (b. MA), and John W. Butterfield, a lawyer, twenty-eight years (b. NH). Elizabeth Roinson had real estate valued at $14,000 and personal estate valued at $10,000. John W. Butterfield had personal estate valued at $2,500. They resided in Ward 11.

Daughter-in-law Belinda (French) Meserve died in Lynn, MA, March 16, 1876, aged fifty-three years.

Seth Meserve, a machinist, aged sixty-three years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Mary T. [(Wentworth)] Meserve, keeping house, aged sixty-two years (b. NH), and his son, John W. Meserve, aged twenty-four years (b. NH). They shared a two-family residence on Main Street with the household of Alfred W. Mason, a dyer in a woolen mill, aged seventy-two years (b. NH).

Hiram W. Ricker, a farmer, aged sixty years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Caroline M. [(Thompson)] Ricker, at home, aged fifty-nine years (b. NH). Caorline M. Ricker had rheumatism. They shared a two-family residence with the household of Alvah G. Burroughs, a farmer, aged thirty-nine years (b. ME). Their households appeared in the enumeration between those of Robert W.L. Pike, works on farm, aged fifty-six years (b. NH), and Paul Reynolds, a farmer, aged eighty years (b. NH).

Samuel Y. Meserve, works on McKay machines, aged fifty-six years (b. NH), boarded in the Salem, MA, household of Seth W. French, aged seventy-eight years (b. NH). Seth W. French resided at 11 Tremont Street. (The household of his son, Chas. F. Meserve, runs McKay machine, aged thirty-three years (b. NH), and his wife, Adeline Meserve, keeping house, aged twenty-eight years (b. MA), shared a two-family household at 5 Tremont Street).

William Colby, a repairer of clocks, aged sixty [sixty-eight] years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Susan [(Meserve)] Colby, keeping house, aged fifty-two years (b. NH).

Oliver B. Merserve, a shoe cutter, aged fifty years, headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Laura J. [(Thompson)] Merserve, keeps house, aged forty years (b. NH). They resided on Fourth Street.

Elizabeth A. [(Meserve)] Robinson, keeping house, aged forty-five years (b. NH), headed a Roxbury, Boston, MA, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. Her household included children, Edward G. Robinson, at home, aged twenty-six years (b. MA), Mary G. Robinson, at home, aged twenty-one years (b. MA), Alice E. Robinson, at home, aged twenty years (b. MA), and Helen M. Robinson, at home, aged sixteen years (b. MA). They resided at 1 Howland Street.

Daughter Caroline A. (Meserve) Ricker died of rheumatism in Milton, July 2, 1881, aged sixty years, three months, and four days. She was a married housekeeper. Herbert F. Pitcher, M.D., signed the death certificate.

Son Samuel Yeaton Meserve married (2nd) in Danvers, MA, August 25, 1882, Julia S. Gilman. She was born in Danvers, MA, March 26, 1859, daughter of Stephen F. and Amanda M. (Cross) Gilman.

Son-in-law William Colby died in Rochester, NH, May 25, 1886, aged seventy-three years, eight months, and thirteen days.

Son Oliver B. Meserve served as an Alderman in Dover, NH, in 1889.

Son-in-law Hiram W. Ricker died in Milton, October 26, 1892, aged seventy-three years, three months.

Daughter-in-law Mary T. (Wentworth) Meserve died in Rochester, NH, April 10, 1894.

Lorenzo Fall, a farmer, aged sixty-three years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of thirty-six years), Lurana [(Otis)] Fall, aged fifty-six years (b. ME), and his boarder, Seth Meserve a widower, aged eighty-four years (b. NH). Lurana Fall was the mother of ten children, of whom seven were still living. Lorenzo Fall owned their farm on the Main road, free-and-clear.

Samuel Y. Messervy, a shoe stitcher, aged seventy-seven years (b. NH), headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of nineteen years), Julia S. [(Gilman)] Messervy, a nurse, aged forty-two years (b. MA), his children, Susie R. Messervy, in school, aged seventeen years (b. MA), and Carl G. Messervy, in school, aged eleven years (b. NH), and his mother-in-law, Amanda M. Gilman, aged sixty-three years (b. MA). Samuel Y. Messervy rented their house at 11 Orange Street.

Susan [(Meserve)] Colby, aged seventy-four years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. She owned her house, free-and-clear.

Oliver Meserve, a landlord, aged seventy-one years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of fifty years), Laura A. [(Thompson)] Meserve, aged sixty-nine years (b. NH), his boarders, Bertha B. Avery, a stitcher (shoe fcty), aged twenty-eight years (b. ME), and Donald B. Avery, aged five years (b. ME), his grandson, Frank P. Hayes, aged sixteen years (b. MA), and his lodger, Peter D. Allen, a trimmer (shoe fcty), aged forty years (b. NH). Oliver B. Meserve owned their house at 12½ [Broadway Street], free-and-clear.

John Marshall, a clerk, aged twenty-eight years (b. MA), headed a Boston, MA, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of two years), Helen M. [(Robinson)] Marshall, aged thirty years (b. MA), and his mother-in-law, Elizabeth A. [(Meserve)] Robbinson, aged seventy years (b. NH). Elizabeth A. Robbinson was the mother of four children of whom three were still living. They resided in an apartment at 87 Munroe Street.

Son Seth Meserve died of heart disease in Rochester, NH, October 28, 1903, aged eighty-six years, eleven months, and twenty-eight days. He was a widowed machinist.

ROCHESTER. … The citizens were shocked this morning to learn of the sudden death of Seth Meserve, one of our oldest and most respected citizens, at the home of his son, John Meserve, of Haven Hill. He will be greatly missed by all. Mr. Meserve has made his home with his son for several years. Yesterday afternoon he went out feeling as well as usual and after remaining out for some time Mrs. Meserve became worried that something was wrong with him, and went out to look for him. After hunting for some time she went to find her husband who was in the field at work, but she was unable to find him as he had gone off with a load. While hunting in the field a little girl who had come up to call on an errand noticed Mr. Seth Meserve laying down between the wheels of a work cart and a pile of wood and she at once notified the family who found he was dead. As soon as could be word was sent to the city, but it was too late for medical aid. An inquest was deemed unnecessary and Undertaker Edgerly was sent for and took charge of the body. Mr. Meserve has long been troubled with heart disease, and this was the cause of his death. Mr. Meserve was born in this city and was the son of Stephen and Susan (Henderson) Meserve, and has lived here most of the time. He attended the public schools of this city and then learned the trade of machinist. He was employed as a machinist at the old Norway Plains mills in this city for over 50 years and retired at the time that the mills closed business here, after which he lived with his son. He was a man that was well liked by all who knew him, always kind hearted and willing to help in case of need. His age was 86 years, 11 months and 28 days. He leaves one son. The funeral will be held at the home of his son, John W., on Haven Hill next Saturday afternoon at 1 o’clock. Rev. L.R. Danforth, pastor of the Methodist church, will officiate. Interment will be in the Rochester cemetery (Foster’s Daily Democrat (Dover, NH), October 29, 1903).

Daughter Elizabeth A. (Meserve) Robinson died of a cystic kidney (with abscess) at 87 Monroe Street, in Roxbury, Boston, MA, December 31, 1904, aged eighty years. She was a widow. C. Edwin Miles, M.D., signed the death certificate.

HIGHLAND DISTRICT. The funeral of Mrs. Elizabeth A. Robinson, widow of J.H. Robinson, who died last Saturday, in her Suth year. after a brief Illness, was held from her home, 87 Munroe st. this afternoon. The services, which were largely attended by friends and relatives, were conducted by Rev. Charles L. Page of the Dudley-st Baptist church, and the interment was in Forest Hills (Boston Globe, [Monday,] January 2, 1905).

The Boston Globe published a profile in 1909, on son Samuel Y. Yeaton, who was said to have been the first man to operate the McKay shoe stitching machine.

FIRST OPERATOR. S.Y. Merserve Was Taught by Inventor. Introduced McKay Stitching Machine Into Shoe Factories. Samuel Y. Meserve, one of the oldest residents of Farmington, N.H., claims the distinction of being the first man to operate the McKay stitching machine, which for many years has been one of the indispensable appliances of well-equipped shoe factories. There have been conflicting claims as to the first McKay operator, but Mr. Meserve is evidently able to establish his claim to be ahead of all others, as he was taught to operate the machine by the inventor, he says, and for more than three years thereafter he was employed by the manufacturers of the McKay machine as a traveling instructor. There are several persons living in Farmington, who are ready to vouch for the truth of Mr. Meserve’s statements. Mr. Meserve has had a long and eventful career as a shoe man. He was born at Rochester, March 10, 1823, the son of Stephen Meserve, a carpenter. When a young man, he began learning shoemaking and he followed the trade continuously until his retirement a few years ago. He was employed in shops at Rochester, Farmington, Lynn and Natick. While at Natick, he worked for Henry Wilson, afterward vice president of the United States, who was then operating a small shop there, and he boarded at Mr. Wilson’s about six months. It was while working at the John Hurd factory in Farmington, in December, 1861, that Mr. Meserve learned to operate the McKay machine. Lyman R. Blake of Abington, Mass., the inventor of the machine giving him the necessary instruction. About this time firm of Bates & McKay, who bought the patent of Mr. Blake, began manufacturing the machine, Mr. Meserve being employed by them as their instructor. In June, 1862, Mr. Meserve was sent to Lynn. and the first man there to learn to operate the McKay stitcher was Ansol Libbey at the shop of Stephen Oliver & Co. Mr. Libbey was the first Lynn man, says Mr. Meserve, to operate the machine. For three years afterward Mr. Meserve acted as instructor for Bates & McKay, traveling throughout New England and the middle west. His business was exclusively instructing operators and caring for McKay machines installed in the various shops adopting them. He later returned to Farmington, where he has since resided. Mr. Meserve has been twice married. He is well preserved and enjoys good health (Boston Globe, July 4, 1909).

Daughter-in-law Laura J. (Thompson) Meserve died of senility and an accident to her hip at 12½ Broadway Street in Dover, NH, March 31, 1910, aged seventy-nine years, nine months, and five days. She was a married housewife.

Death of Mrs. Oliver B. Meserve. Mrs. Laura J., wife of Oliver B. Meserve, passed away at her home, No. 12½ Broadway, yesterday afternoon, aged 79 years, nine months and five days. Mrs. Meserve was born in Sandwich on June 26, 1830, but has been a resident of this city for forty years, coming here from Sandwich. She was a kind Christian woman beloved by many friends and was possessed of all those qualities which go to male a thoroughly good woman. She is survived by a husband and one daughter, Mrs. Auren W. Hayes, one brother, George Thompson of Sandwich, two grandchildren, Frank P., Hayes and Mrs. Maurice A. Gibbs and three great grandchildren to all of whom sympathy is extended. The funeral services will be held at her late home on Saturday afternoon at 2 o’clock, and will be private (Foster Daily Democrat (Dover, NH), April 1, 1910).

Karl G. Meserve, a cutter (shoe factory), aged twenty-one years (b. NH), headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of two years), Hildred C. [(Peterson)] Meserve, aged nineteen years (b. Canada (Eng.)), his children, Lawrence K. Meserve, aged one year, eight months (b. NH), and Robert Meserve, aged one month (b. NH), his father, Samuel Y. Meserve, aged eighty-seven years (b. NH), and his mother [Samuel Y. Meserve’s wife of thirty years], Julia [(Gilman)] Meserve, aged fifty-one years (b. MA). Karl G. Meserve rented their house on Glen Street. Hildred C. Meserve has immigrated in 1893 and had become naturalized in 1907.

Susan [(Meserve)] Colby, a widow, aged eighty-four years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. She rented her house on Maple Street. She was the mother of one child, of whom none were still living.

Oliver B. Meserve, own income, aged eighty-one years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. His household included his roomer, Nellie Rines, a housekeeper (private family), aged seventy-three years (b. ME). Oliver B. Meserve owned their house at 12½ Broadway Street, free-and-clear.

Son Oliver B. Meserve died of pneumonia at Wentworth Hospital in Dover, NH, August 20, 1915, aged eighty-seven years, and nineteen days. He was a widowed retiree.

Death of Oliver B. Meserve. ExAlderman Oliver B. Meserve, one of our oldest and most highly respected citizens, passed away at the Wentworth hospital last evening, aged 87 years, and 19 days. ExAlderman Meserve was the son of Stephen and Susan (Henderson) Meserve and was born in Wochester [Rochester], Aug. 1, 1828, being the youngest of a family of nine children. Mr. Meserve’s ancestors came from England at an early date and were among the first residents of Portsmouth. His grandfather, Stephen Meserve, was born in this city but afterward moved to Rochester (now Milton) in 1787. Mr. Meserve attended school in his boyhood in Rochester, Milton and Farmington and made the latter town his place of residence until 1862 when he moved to Sandwich [in] this state where he was proprietor of the Union House up to 1865 when he again returned to Farmington, and for a time was engaged in the grocery business under the firm name of A.B. Meserve Company. In 1868 he came to this city to accept a position as foreman in the shoe factory of John H. Hurd, the father of Hon. Clarence L. Hurd and where he remained for many years, retiring about the year 1888. In 1889 he was a member of the Board of Aldermen of this city. He attended the Baptist church in the various places in which he resided. In 1849 he was married to Laura J. Thompson, a daughter of Samuel Thompson, a worthy and respected citizen of Sandwich. Mrs. Meserve passed away quite a few years ago. Mr. Meserve was a quite reliable citizen and a man who was interested in the welfare and advancement of the community in which he lived. All who knew him respected and esteemed him for his many good qualities and he leaves many friends to mourn his death. He is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Auren W. Hayes, one brother, Samuel Meserve of Farmington, one sister, Mrs. Susan Colbath of Rochester. The funeral services will be held at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. A.W. Hayes, 654 Central avenue on Monday afternoon at 2 o’clock. Friends are invited without further notice (Foster’s Daily Democrat, August 21, 1915).

Daughter Susan (Meserve) Colby died of senility on May Street in Rochester, NH, November 26, 1917, aged ninety-two years, two months, and twenty-three days. She was a widowed retiree.

Death of Mrs. Colby. Mrs. Susan Colby, aged 92 years, died at the home of her granddaughter, Mrs. Henry A.W. Bliss, last night after a several weeks’ illness. The deceased was a native of this city, the daughter of Stephen and Susan Henderson Colman [Meserve] and had resided in this city all of her life. For many years she was a constant attendant at the First Methodist church. A brother, S.Y. Meserve, aged 94 years of Farmington and two grandchildren, Joseph Colby of the United States Army and Mrs. Henry Bliss of this city survive her. The funeral arrangements are in charge of Undertaker R.M. Edgerly and the date of the funeral will be announced later (Dover Enquirer, November 26, 1917).

Son Samuel Yeaton Meserve died in Farmington, NH, July 9, 1918, aged ninety-five years.

In Memoriam. Mr. Meserve. In the death of Samuel Yeaton Meserve, which occurred at his home on Church street last Tuesday evening, Farmington lost its oldest resident and one of the most respected men of the community. The end came at the age of 95 years and three months. Since he observed his 91st birthday, Mr. Meserve had been the holder of the Post cane, a distinction in which he took much pride, although he was not restricted to its use by infirmities until within a few months. Early last fall he became afflicted with an affection of the nerves of the face which, no doubt, brought about other complications that hastened the end. He was born in Rochester in 1823, the third son in a family of nine children born to Stephen and Susan (Henderson) Meserve, the former of Milton and the latter of Gonic. After receiving a meager schooling, he went to Natick, Mass., when 14 years old to learn the shoemaking trade. While serving his apprenticeship he worked with the late Vice President Henry Wilson and always referred with pride to incidents of their close association. He became most proficient in his occupation and it is not strange that he was selected as one of the pioneer operators when machinery began to make its advent in the manufacture of boots and shoes. So far as records account, he was the first man to operate a McKay stitching machine, a line of work that he continued for the remainder of his active life. Although he worked In several shoe towns of New England, Farmington was his home and here he centered a keen interest. In affairs of local moment it may be said truly that Mr. Meserve’s life covered the greatest inventive period of the age and it was a privilege to hear him recount his recollections of the advancement of science and mechanic arts, in which his memory served him most accurately. During his early days he came to Farmington and united in marriage with Miss Belinda French, who passed away many years ago. In 1882 he married Miss Julia Gilman, making a most happy union that brought for him in his declining days a constant and devoted care for which he returned a sacred worship. In politics Mr. Meserve was a democrat but in local affairs he entertained the most liberal and progressive views that earned him a universal fellowship. Faithful and loyal as a friend, just and equitable to all, he has finished a well rounded career with honor. He leaves bis wife, a daughter, Mrs. Norman L. Otis of this village, two sons, Charles F. of Lynn, Mass., and Karl G. of Worcester, and five grandchildren. Funeral will be held from the home Friday afternoon at 1.30 o’clock, with Rev. J.G. Haigh officiating. Interment will be in the family lot at Pine Grove cemetery (Farmington News, July 12, 1918).

Daughter-in-law Julia S. (Gilman) Meserve died in Farmington, NH, December 21, 1928.

IN MEMORIAM. Mrs. Julia Meserve. Mrs. Julia Meserve, widow of Samuel Y. Meserve, whom she survived about ten years, passed away at the home of her daughter and husband, Mr. and Mrs. Norman L. Otis, last Friday afternoon at the age of 70 years. Mrs. Meserve had been in failing health tor several years, but complications which developed about three months ago, hastening the end, and the last two weeks her indomitable courage was forced to yield to an invalid condition, although she was not wholly confined to her bed. After all, the end came very suddenly to close a life that had earned repose after a long and faithful period of usefulness. The deceased was a native of Danvers, Mass., and one of five children born to Stephen and Amanda (Cross) Gilman. About 47 years ago she united in marriage with Mr. Meserve and since that time had resided in Farmington. Subsequent to the death of her husband she spent considerable time with employment in Rochester and Alton where she leaves many devoted friends who Join with those of the local circle in a sincere sense of loss. For many years she was a devout member of the Congregational church of this village, where her active influence was a helpful factor, and her passing will cast a shadow of deep and lingering sorrow. This life was an outstanding example of patience, Christian courage and faithfulness to all with whom it came in contact. Moreover, its gentleness will persuade a lasting memory of nobility that withstood the tests of time and life’s rendering complex. Besides a host of friends whose attentions followed her to the last, she is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Norman L. Otis of this village, one son, Carl Gilman Meserve of Oswego, N.Y., one brother, Ruel P. Gilman of Revere, Mass., five grandchildren, Miss Esther E. Otis and Miss Evelyn N. Otis of Farmington, Lawrence, Robert and Franklin Meserve, and one great granddaughter, Roberta Meserve, of Worcester, Mass. Funeral was held from the home Monday afternoon at 1.30, with Rev. W.D. Callendar, pastor of the Baptist church, officiating, and remains were taken to Farmington cemetery (Farmington News, December 28, 1928).

CARD of THANKS. In grateful appreciation of all the kindness and sympathy expressed by our friends in words and deeds during our recent sorrow. Mr. and Mrs. Norman L. Otis and family, Mr. and Mrs. Carl G. Meserve and family (Farmington News, December 28, 1928).

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References:

Find a Grave. (2012, June 2). Susan Meserve Colby. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/91238455/susan-colby

Find a Grave. (2022, August 20). Mary E. Meserve. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/242826547/mary_e-meserve

Find a Grave. (2011, February 15). Oliver B. Meserve. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/65692376/oliver_b-meserve

Find a Grave. (2017, June 20). Samuel Yeaton Meserve. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/180572961/samuel_yeaton-meserve

Find a Grave. (2015, September 17). Seth Meserve. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/152428799/seth-meserve

Find a Grave. (2022, August 20). Stephen Meserve. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/242826594/stephen-meserve

Find a Grave. (2014, September 17). Caroline A. (Meserve) Ricker. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/136013894/caroline_a-ricker

Find a Grave. (2022, September 22). Elizabeth A. Meserve Robinson. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/243770539/elizabeth_a-robinson

 

By Muriel Bristol | May 17, 2026

Lemuel Ricker was born in Somersworth, NH, October 18, 1747, son of Ephraim and Sarah (Wentworth) Ricker.

Father Ephraim Ricker was one of the “pressed men” in a militia company headed by Capt. Job Clements of Dover, NH, in 1748 (during King George’s War (1744-48)). Governor Wentworth had instructed Capt. Clements …

… to impress or inlist into His Majesty’s service thirty five effective men – and with them, in the neighborhood of Rochester, which scouting you are to repeat as often as you shall judge it for the safety and protection of the inhabitants (McDuffee, 1892).

Lemuel Ricker married in Dover, NH, December 31, 1771, Dorothy “Dolly” Nock, he of Somersworth, NH, and she of Dover, NH. Rev. Dr. Jeremy Belknap performed the ceremony. She was born in Somersworth, NH, circa 1750, daughter of Samuel and Abigail (Ricker) Nock. (Her sister, Sobriety Nock, had married his brother, Moses Ricker in June 1762). [The surname “Nock” was an alternate form of “Knox”].

(The known children of Lemuel and Dorothy (Nock) Ricker were: Jedediah Ricker (1773–1841), Dorothy Ricker (1774–), Joanna Ricker (1776–1855), Ezekiel Ricker (1778–1815), Abra Ricker (1779–), Sarah Wentworth Ricker (1780–), Dorcas Ricker (1780–1860), Hannah Ricker (1782–1829), Samuel Ricker (1783–186?)).

Father Ephraim Ricker of Strafford County, husbandman, made his last will February 17, 1773. He devised the improvement, i.e., the use and improvement, of one-half his homestead – the dwelling house and barn – to his dearly beloved [wife], Sarah Ricker, during her widowhood, and a life-estate in one-third if she were to remarry. (The so-called “widow’s third”). She was also to have a life-estate in all of the household goods. He devised £5 each to his beloved sons, Jonathan Ricker, Nicholas Ricker, Moses Ricker, Lemuel Ricker, and Ezekiel Ricker, the latter receiving also a yoke of steer. He devised all of his real and personal estate, excepting the items mentioned to his beloved son Aaron Ricker. He devised £2 each to his beloved daughters, Tamsin Tibbetts, Eleanor Ricker, Dorcas Clements, Mary Stanton, Sarah Clements, and Miriam Ricker. His six daughters were also to receive all the household goods after the decease of his wife. He appointed his son, Aaron Ricker, as executor. Ephraim Ricker signed with “his mark.” Mary Nock (“her mark”), Deborah Ricker, and Elizabeth Randel signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 1:19).

Son Jedediah Ricker was born in Somersworth, NH, March 2, 1773.

Father Ephraim Ricker died in Somersworth, NH, December 20, 1773, aged seventy-eight years. His last will was proved in a Strafford County Probate Court held in Dover, NH, February 9, 1774 (Strafford County Probate, 1:23).

Daughter Joanna Ricker was born August 11, 1776. Son Ezekiel Ricker was born March 22, 1778.

Mother Sarah (Wentworth) Ricker died in Dover, NH, in December 1778.

Daughter Sarah Wentworth “Sally” Ricker was born in 1780. Daughter Dorcas Ricker was born September 23, 1781. Daughter Abra Ricker was born in 1783. Son Samuel Ricker was born in 1783.

Brother Ezekiel Ricker 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).

Lem Ricker headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the First (1790) Federal Census. His household included two males aged 16-plus years [himself and Jedediah Ricker], three males aged under-16 years [Ezekiel Ricker, Samuel Ricker], and five females [Dorothy (Nock) Ricker, Joanna Ricker, Abra Ricker, Sarah W. Ricker, and Dorcas Ricker]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Clement Hayes and Ephm Plummer. (See Northeast Parish in the First (1790) Federal Census).

Lemuel Ricker 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 [Dorothy (Nock) Ricker], one male aged 26-44 years [Jedediah Ricker], two males aged 16-25 years [Ezekiel Ricker and Samuel Ricker], two females aged 16-25 years [Joanna Ricker and Abra Ricker], and two females aged 10-15 years [Sarah W. Ricker and Dorcas Ricker]. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

Daughter “Mrs.” Joanna Robinson married in Rochester, NH, December 31, 1800, John Robinson, she of Rochester, NH, and he of Farmington, NH. William Palmer, J.P., performed the ceremony.

Limuel Ricker, and his son, Jerediah Ricker, signed the Rochester, NH, division petition of May 28, 1802, seeking the establishment of the town of Milton from Rochester, NH’s Northeast Parish. (See Rochester Division Petition – May 1802).

Son Jedediah Ricker married in Rochester, NH, February 19, 1803, Sarah Lord, both of Milton. Rev. Joseph Haven performed the ceremony. She was born in Lebanon, ME, in 1784, daughter of William W. and Mary ((Garland) Allen) Lord.

Son Samuel Ricker was one of fifty-two Milton petitioners that sought to have Jotham Nute appointed as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, in August 1805.

Daughter Abra Ricker married in Milton, July 26, 1806, Israel Daniels, she of Milton and he of Madbury, NH. William Palmer, J.P., performed the ceremony.

Saml [Leml] Ricker 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 [Dorothy (Nock) Ricker], two males aged 26-44 years [Jedediah Ricker and Samuel Ricker], two females aged 16-25 years [Sarah (Lord) Ricker and Dorcas Ricker], and one male aged under-10 years [Ezekiel Ricker]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Benj. Foss and Jno Downs. (See Milton in the Third (1810) Federal Census).

John Roberson headed a Farmington, 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 [Joanna (Ricker) Robinson], one female aged under-10 years [Nancy J. Robinson], and one male aged under-10 years [Lemuel Robinson].

Israel Daniels 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 16-25 years [Abra (Ricker) Daniels], one male aged under-10 years, and one female aged under-10 years.

Son Samuel Ricker married in Milton, October 13, 1813, Polly Foss.

Lemuel Ricker of Milton, husbandman, made his last will, July 15, 1815. He devised to his well beloved wife, Dolly Ricker …

… as much room in my dwelling house and cellar as will be convenient and necessary to do all her work and keep her warm and comfortable at all seasons. I also giver her twelve bushels of good corn, twelve pounds of flax and twenty bushels of potatoes with all necessary things to make her comfortable both in health and in sickness, to have one cow and two sheep kept for her own use and benefit all which articles are to be provided and kept for her yearly and every year during her natural life.

Lemuel Ricker devised a cow to each of his daughters, Joanna Robinson, Dorcas Ricker, Abra Daniels, Sally Ricker, and Hannah Ricker. Sally Ricker and Hannah Ricker were each to have a convenient room in his dwelling house and his kitchen furniture, for so long as they remained single. He devised to his two sons, Jedediah Ricker and Samuel Ricker, all his freehold estate, including land, buildings, and whatever other property not otherwise devised. He also named them as joint executors. Lemuel Ricker signed with “his mark.” Samuel Twombly, Levi Jones, and Samuel Twombly, 2d, signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 29:19).

Son Jedediah Ricker signed the April 1820 petition requesting the appointment of James Roberts as a Milton justice-of-the-peace. (See Milton Seeks a Magistrate – 1820).

Lemuel Ricker and his sons, Jedediah Ricker, and Saml Ricker, signed the Milton Anti-Division Remonstrance of June 1820. Lemuel Ricker and his son, Samuel Ricker, signed also a Milton Division Petition of November 1820. (See Milton Militia Dispute – 1820).

Lemuel Ricker died in 1822. His last will was proved in a Strafford County Probate Court held in Rochester, NH, April 27, 1822 (Strafford County Probate, 29:20).

William W. Lord of Milton, yeoman, made his last will, December 17, 1822. He devised a life estate in his real estate to his beloved wife, Mary Lord, with the reversion after her death or remarriage to his grandson, James A. Ricker. He devised a cow and three sheep to his daughter, Molly Ricker, who was also to received one-half of his furniture after his wife’s decease, excepting one feather bed and bedding which he reserved for the said James A. Ricker. He devised a decent comfortable living at his house to his daughter Jane Lord, while she remained single, and a cow, three sheep, and the residue of the furniture thereafter. He devised $1 to his grandson, Ezekiel Ricker, together with what had already been given to his late mother, Sally Ricker. He devised $1 each to his grandsons, Aaron Downs and Simon E. Downs, together with what had been already given to their late mother, Rebecca Downs. He devised all the rest and residue of his real and personal estate to his grandson, James A. Ricker, whom he named as joint executor with his wife, Mary Lord. Timothy Roberts, Rebecca H. Roberts, and James Roberts signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 41:273).

Daughter Dorcas Ricker was an initial member of Milton’s First Christian Church, when it was organized in March 1827. Son Samuel Ricker was one of the church’s first deacons. (See Milton’s Christian Church Elders – 1827-1845).

According to Scales’ History of Strafford County:

The “First Christian Church” [in Milton] was organized March 3, 1827, with ten members as follows, viz., Hapley Meserve, Joseph Goodwin, Anna Goodwin, Joanna Meserve, Eliza Rines, Abigail Burnham, Ruth Burnham, Mary Burnham, Dorcas Ricker, Mary Howe.

The first deacons were Hapley Meserve and Samuel Ricker, and the first clerk was Hapley Meserve.

Daughter Hannah Ricker died in Milton, February 17, 1829.

DIED. In Milton, N.H., on the 17th Feb. last, Miss Hannah Ricker, daughter of Mr. Lemuel Ricker, late of Milton (Dover Enquirer, April 7, 1829).

Jedediah Ricker headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], two females, a aged 40-49 years [Sarah (Lord) Ricker], and one female aged 80-89 years [Dorothy (Nock) Ricker]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Sally Downs and Joshua Hanson. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

John Robinson headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 60-69 years [himself], one female aged 50-59 years [Joanna (Ricker)] Robinson], one male aged 20-29 years, and one female aged 20-29 years.

Israel Daniels headed a Dover, NH, 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 [Abra (Ricker) Daniels], one female aged 20-29 years, one female aged 15-19 years, one male aged 10-14 years, one male aged 5-9 years, one male aged under-5 years, and one female aged under-5 years.

Saml Ricker headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], two females, a aged 40-49 years [Sarah (Lord) Ricker], and one female aged 80-89 years [Dorothy (Nock) Ricker]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Sally Downs and Joshua Hanson. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

Dorothy (Nock) Ricker died in Milton, November 26, 1831, aged eighty-four years.

DIED. In Milton, on the 26th Nov., Mrs. Dorothy, widow of Mr. Lemuel Ricker, aged 84 years (Dover Enquirer, December 20, 1831).

Brother Ezekiel Ricker died in Farmington, NH, December 5, 1833, aged sixty-nine years.

Died. In Farmington, Mr. Ezekiel Ricker, aged 69 years (Dover Enquirer, March 4, 1834).

Son Jerediah Ricker occupied a farm slated to be sold at auction on Saturday, April 22, 1837.

A Farm at Auction. WILL be sold at public auction on the premises, on SATURDAY the 22d day of April next at one of the clocks in the afternoon (unless previously disposed of at private sale) the farm now occupied by Jerediah Ricker situate in Milton, on the Teneriff road, so called, containing about 100 Acres of EXCELLENT LAND suitably divided into mowing, tillage and pasturing, about forty acres of which is covered with an excellent growth of Hard Wood.
The buildings are new consisting of house 26 by 34 ft. and Barn 30 by 36 feet. There is a good orchard and a well of water on said farm. Any person wishing a good bargain in a farm will do well to call and examine the same.
Conditions liberal and made known at the place of sale. For particulars enquire of Joseph Gerrish, Great Falls, Jerediah Ricker on the premises, or the subscriber.
STEPHEN M. MATHES. Milton, March 14, 1837 (Dover Enquirer, March 21, 1837).

In February or March, 1838, “Sarah W. Ricker, and 97 others, women of Milton, N.H.,” signed a memorandum, i.e., a petition, opposing the U.S. House of Representatives resolution of the 21st of December, 1837 (The Liberator, June 15, 1838). (See Milton and Abolitionism).

John Robinson headed a Farmington, NH, 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 [Joanna (Ricker)] Robinson], one male aged 30-39 years, one female aged 20-29 years, one female aged 5-9 years, and two males aged under-5 years. Two members of his household were engaged in Agriculture.

Samuel Ricker headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. Their household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one female aged 50-59 years, one male aged 20-29 years, one female aged 20-29 years, one male aged 15-19 years, and one female aged 15-19 years. Two members of his household were engaged in Agriculture. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Samuel Foss and Thomas Edgerly.

Died. In Biddeford, Mr. Jerediah Ricker, formerly of Milton, aged 69 (Dover Enquirer, September 28, 1841).

DIED. In Biddeford, Mr. Jedediah Ricker, formerly of Milton, N.H., aged 69; Miss Ellen Ayres, formerly of Boothbay, Me., aged 22; an infant daughter of Thomas J. Goodwin, Esq. (Portland Press Herald (Portland, ME), October 5, 1841).

George W. Foss, a farmer, aged thirty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Sally W. [(Robinson)] Foss (b. NH), aged thirty-nine years, and Joanna [(Ricker)] Robinson, aged seventy-six years (b. NH). George W. Foss had real estate valued at $200.

James A. Ricker, a farmer, aged forty-six years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Eleanor [(Chamberlain)] Ricker, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), Josiah C. Ricker, aged three years (b. NH), and Dorcus Ricker, aged seventy years (b. NH). James A. Ricker had real estate valued at $1,500. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Hanson Hayes, a farmer, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH), and Luther Stevens, a farmer, aged forty-five years (b. NH).

Samuel Ricker, a farmer, aged sixty-six years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Polly [(Foss)] Ricker, aged sixty-three years (b. NH), Asenath A. Ricker, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), Wentworth R. Ricker, a farmer, aged twenty-five years (b. NH), Maria V. Ricker, aged eighteen years (b. NH), and Alpheus Ricker, aged four months (b. NH). Samuel Ricker had real estate valued at $1,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Samuel Foss, a farmer, aged forty-five years (b. NH), and James D. Downs, a farmer, aged thirty-six years (b. NH).

Daughter Joanna (Ricker) Robinson died in Farmington, NH, in 1855.

Daughter-in-law Polly (Foss) Ricker died of influenza in Milton, January 27, 1856, aged sixty-nine years. D.E. Palmer, M.D., signed the death certificate.

Daughter Dorcas Ricker died June 9, 1860.

Wentworth R. Ricker, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), headed a Constable, NY, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Lucy E. [(Stebbins)] Ricker, aged thirty-three years (b. NH), Emerita Ricker, aged three years (b. NH), and Samuel Ricker, aged seventy-seven years (b. ME). Wentworth R. Ricker had personal estate valued at $1,000. Wentworth R. Ricker had real estate valued at $500 and personal estate valued at $100.

Son-in-law John Robinson died in Farmington, NH, October 1, 1861.

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References:

Find a Grave. (2020, October 21). Mary [(Foss)] Ricker. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/217546892/mary-ricker

McDuffee, Franklin. (1892). History of the Town of Rochester, New Hampshire, from 1722 to 1890. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=RY0-AAAAYAAJ&pg=PA31

Wikipedia. (2024, March 22). King George’s War. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_George%27s_War