Milton Observer

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 withing 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.

---

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.

---

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).

---

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).

---

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.

---

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

By Muriel Bristol | May 10, 2026

Samuel Nute was born in Dover, NH, August 18, 1749, son of Jotham and Mary (Hayes) Nute. He was a namesake for his paternal grandfather, Samuel Nute (1689-1765) of Dover, NH.

Samuel Nute married in Dover, NH, August 21, 1769, Phebe Pinkham. Rev. Jeremy Belkap, D.D., performed the ceremony. She was born in Dover, NH, January 1, 1749, daughter of Samuel and Susannah (Canney) Pinkham (Her mother, Susannah (Canney) Pinkham, had died in Dover, circa 1760)

.… Samuel Nute, who was a native of Dover, and the head of a large family, was an active and influential citizen, living in Milton during his entire married life, and dying at an advanced age (Hurd, Duane H., 1882).

(The known children of Samuel and Phebe (Pinkham) Nute were: Francis Nute (1770–1812), Josiah Nute (c1775–1820), Samuel Nute, Jr. (1776–1836), Jotham Nute (1778–1817), Stephen Nute (1779–1843), Mary T. “Polly” Nute (1779–1861), Nicholas Nute [Sr.] (1781–1862), Susan Nute (c1785–1833), Hayes Nute (c1790–1875), Ezekiel Nute (1794–1859)).

Son Francis Nute was born in Dover, NH, January 21, 1770.

Son Josiah Nute was born in Dover, NH, circa 1775. Son Samuel Nute, Jr., was born in Dover, NH, circa 1776. Son Jotham Nute was born in Dover, NH, in 1778.

Son Stephen Nute was born in Dover, NH, in 1779. Daughter Mary T. “Polly” Nute was born in Dover, NH,  June 23, 1779.

Father-in-law Samuel Pinkham died in Dover, NH, January 28, 1780.

Son Nicholas Nute [Sr.] was born Dover, NH, June 9, 1781.

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

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

… Samuel Nute, a native of Back River, Dover, who settled in what is now Milton, soon after the close of the Revolution. His ancestors were among the early settlers in Dover (Scales, 1914).

Jotham [Nute] with his half-brother Samuel moved [from Dover, NH] in 1784 to tracts of land in the Northeast parish of Rochester which became Nute’s Ridge in Milton and here they cleared space for their future homes from land provided by their father (Pat and Kathie, 2019).

Daughter Susan Nute was born in Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, circa 1785.

Saml Nute headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the First (1790) Federal Census. His household included four males aged 16-plus years [himself, Francis Nute], five males aged under-16 years, and three females [Phebe (Pinkham) Nute, Mary Nute, and Susan Nute]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of [his father] Jotham Nute and Stephen Jinkins [Jenkins]. (See Northeast Parish in the First (1790) Federal Census).

Son Hayes Nute was born in Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, circa 1790.

Son Josiah Nute married in Rochester, NH, September 5, 1792, Rebecca Wentworth, both of Rochester, NH. Rev. Joseph Haven performed the ceremony. She was born in Rochester, NH, daughter of Josiah and Abiah (Cook) Wentworth.

Son Samuel Nute, Jr., married, circa 1792, Hannah Mitchell. She was born in New Durham, NH, circa 1775.

Son Francis Nute married in Madbury, NH, in October 1794, Mary Clements, both of Rochester, NH. Rev. William Hooper performed the ceremony. She was born in Dover, June 14, 1774, daughter of John and Patience (Bunker) Clements.

Son Ezekiel Nute was born in Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, November 20, 1794.

Saml Nute 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 [Phebe (Pinkham) Nute], three males aged 16-25 years, one female aged 16-25 years, one female aged 10-15 years, and two males aged under-10 years. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

Francis Nute headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 16-25 years [Mary (Clements) Nute], two males aged under-10 years [John C. Nute], and one female aged under-10 years [Polly Nute]. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

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

Saml Nute, Jr, headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 16-25 years [himself], one female aged 16-25 years , and three males aged under-10 years. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

Son Stephen Nute married in Rochester, May 26, 1801, Anna Furbush, both of Rochester, NH.

Samuel Nute, and his sons, Francis Nute, and Samuel Nute, Jr., all 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). (Younger half-brother Jotham Nute signed also).

Samuel Nute, Francis Nute, and Samuel Nute, Jr., were 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. (Younger half-brother Jotham Nute and future son-in-law, Samuel Bragdon, signed also).

Samuel Nute, and his son, Nicholas Nute, were assessed in the Milton School District No. 2 of [his younger half-brother,] Lieut. J. Nute in 1806. Sons Francis Nute and Saml Nute, Jur, were assessed in the Milton School District No. 4 of Dudley Burnham. (See Milton School Districts – 1806).

Son Nicholas Nute married in Rochester, NH, September 4, 1808, Elizabeth Bickford Hayes. She was  born in Rochester, NH, in 1787, daughter of Nathaniel and Elizabeth (Bickford) Hayes.

Son Jotham Nute married in Wolfeboro, NH, November 17, 1808, Olive Tuttle.

Samuel Nute 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 [Phebe (Pinkham) Nute], two females aged 26-44 years, and two males aged 16-25 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Jonathan Nute and Stephen Jenkins. (See Milton in the Third (1810) Federal Census).

Francis Nute headed a Milton household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Mary (Clement) Nute], two males aged 10-15 years [John C. Nute, and Joseph Nute], one female aged 10-15 years [Polly Nute], one male aged under-10 years [Moses Nute], and two females aged under-10 years [Elizabeth Nute, and Sukey Nute]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Saml Nute, Junr, and Daniel Wentworth. (See Milton in the Third (1810) Federal Census).

Josiah Nute headed a Falmouth, ME, 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, and one female aged 16-25 years.

Saml Nute, Junr, 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 45-plus years, three males aged 10-15 years, two males aged under-10 years, and four females aged under-10 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Moses Downs, and Francis Nute. (See Milton in the Third (1810) Federal Census).

Jotham Nute headed a Wolfeboro, NH, household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], two females aged 16-25 years [Olive (Tuttle) Nute], one male aged under-10 years, and one female aged under-10 years.

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

Son Francis Nute died in Milton, July 21, 1812.

Daughter Mary Nute married in Wakefield, NH, December 23, 1813, Thomas Young. He was born in Rochester, NH, October 7, 1784, son of James and Mary (Kimball) Young.

Sons Samuel Nute [Jr.] and Ezekiel Nute marched to Portsmouth, NH, in September 1814, with Capt. William Courson’s Milton militia company. They were responding to Gov. Gilman’s alarm regarding possible attacks by the British navy. (See Milton in the War of 1812).

Sons Jotham Nute, Stephen Nute, and Nicholas Nute, signed a Wolfeboro, NH, remonstrance petition, in June 1815, that opposed allocation of general town religious property and assets to a proposed Congregational Society.

Son Ezekiel Nute married in Rochester, NH, September 19, 1816, Dorcas Worster.

Ezekiel Nute was a good farmer and for many years a deacon in the Congregational Church at Milton. His wife was one of the best of women. They had four sons, the second of whom was named Lewis Worster [Nute] (Scales, 1914).

Daughter-in-law Mary (Clements) Nute died in Milton, November 12, 1816.

Mary (Clements) Nute, was living in Milton, N.H., a widow, in 1812. Administration on the estate of Francis Nute, late of Milton, deceased, was granted 26 April 1816. The real estate was divided to the following heirs, John C. Nute, eldest son, Moses Nute, Francis Nute, Elizabeth Nute, Thomas J. Nute, Polly Nute, Joseph Nute, and Sukey Nute. Since Mary (Clements) Nute receives no land in this division and since the administration was taken out a number of years after her husband’s death, it was probably her death that made an administration necessary. Samuel Nute, Jr., was made guardian, 21 January 1817, of Polly Nute, Elizabeth Nute, Joseph Nute, and Moses Nute, over 14, and Sukey Nute, Thomas-Jefferson Nute, and Francis Nute, under 14, children of Francis Nute, late of Milton, deceased (Strafford County Probate, 19:105, 21:75, :193) (Clement, 1927).

Son Jotham Nute died in Wolfeboro, NH, in 1817, aged thirty-nine years.

Son Hayes Nute married, in 1819, Mehitable Goodwin. She was born in Lebanon, ME, circa 1791, daughter of Thomas and Annie Goodwin.

Samuel Nute of Milton, husbandman, made his last will, January 28, 1820. He devised a one-third share in all his real estate to his beloved wife, Phebe Nute, as long as she remained his widow, changing to a life-estate (with reversion to the executor) should she remarry. He devised forty acres of land in Milton to his son, Hayes Nute. That forty acres had been drawn to the original right of Samuel Hayes and others, and was part of the lot which the testator was then improving, and adjoined the farm where Ezekiel Nute then resided. He devised to his daughter, Susan Nute, the use of a back room in his dwelling house, firewood, and provisions, while she remained single, and $50 if and when she should marry. He devised to his son, Samuel Nute, $1, together with what he had already received. He devised $1 to his daughter, Mary Young. He devised $1 each to his sons, Josiah Nute, Stephen Nute, and Nicholas Nute, together with what they had already received.

He devised $1 each to his grandchildren who were the children of his son, Francis Nute, late of Milton, deceased. They were identified as John C. Nute, Moses Nute, Elizabeth Pinkham, Mary Nute, Joseph Nute, Susan Nute, Thomas Jefferson Nute, and Francis Nute. He devised $1 each to his grandchildren who were the children of his son, Jotham Nute, late of Wolfeborough, deceased. They were identified as Ezekiel Nute, Susan Nute, Josiah Nute and Jotham Nute.

He devised all the residue and remainder of his estate, both real and personal, including lands buildings, stock, farming utensils, money, notes, goods and chattels of every kind, to his son, Ezekiel Nute, whom he named also as executor. He was to pay the debts, charges, and legacies, as well as the maintenance of his sister, Susan Nute. Levi Jones, B.U. Jenkins, and Dorcas Bragdon signed as witnesses. (Strafford County Probate, 34:22).

Son Josiah Nute died in Falmouth, ME, between January and August 1820 (Pat and Kathie, 2019).

[Grandson] Samuel Nute headed a Poland, ME, 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 [Betsy (Fickett) Nute], one male aged under-10 years [Orsamus Nute], one female aged under-10 years, and one female aged 45-plus years [Rebecca (Wentworth) Nute]. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture.

Samuel Nute, Samuel Nute, Jr, Hayes Nute, and Ezekiel Nute, signed the Milton anti-division remonstrance of June 1820 requesting that Milton not be divided in two parts. (See Milton Militia Dispute – 1820).

(The identities of the several Samuel Nutes are a little indistinct. Our subject made his last will in January 1820, which would not be proved until March 1826. He might have been alive to sign this militia petition. However, he may have died already and the petitioning Samuel Nute might have been his son, Samuel Nute, Jr. (1776-1836), who had become the eldest Samuel Nute through the death of our subject. And the petitioning Samuel Nute, Jr., might have been one of the local grandsons of our subject, who had risen likewise in seniority to become the Junior. Is the Milton Anti-Division petition signature above similar to that of either the elder or junior Samuel Nute on the Rochester Division petition of 1802?)

Samuel Nute, Jr, and Ezekiel Nute signed also the Milton militia division petition of November 1820.

Samuel Nute died in Milton, between the time when he wrote his last will, in January 1820, and the time that will was proved in a Strafford County Probate Court held in Sanbornton, NH, March 2, 1826 (Strafford County Probate, 34:24).

(Samuel Nute of Milton should not be confused with Captain Samuel Nute of Dover, who died in March 1828, was buried in Dover, NH, and who left a widow, Sarah (Miller) Nute. DEATHS. In this [Dover] town, Capt. Samuel Nute, an officer of the revolution (Dover Enquirer, April 1, 1828)).

Daughter Susan Nute married in Rochester, NH, November 23, 1826, Samuel Bragdon, both of Milton. (She was his third wife). Charles Baker performed the ceremony. He was born in Berwick, ME, in April 1771, son of John and Sarah (Abbott) Bragdon.

Daughter-in-law Rebecca (Wentworth) Nute died in Woodstock, ME, circa 1828.

Saml Nute [Jr.] headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one female aged 50-59 years, one male aged 15-19 years, and one female aged 10-14 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Timo Brewster and John C. Nute. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

Stephn Nute headed a Wolfeboro, NH, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 40-49 years [himself], one female aged 50-59 years, one male aged 20-29 years, two females aged 20-29 years, one male aged 15-19 years, one female aged 15-19 years, one male aged 10-14 years, and one female aged 10-14 years.

Thos Young 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 50-59 years [Mary (Nute) Young], two females aged 10-14 years, and one female aged 5-9 years.

Nicholas Nute headed a Wolfeboro, 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 [Elizabeth B. (Hayes) Nute], one female aged 20-29 years, one female aged 15-19 years, one female aged 10-14 years, one male aged 5-9 years, and one male aged under-5 years.

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).

Hayes Nute 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 [Mehitable (Goodwin) Nute], and one male aged 5-9 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Jas Downs and Hopley Varney. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

Ezekl Nute 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 [Dorcas (Worster) Nute], one male aged 15-19 years, one female aged 15-19 years, two males aged 10-14 years, one male aged 5-9 years, and one male aged under-5 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Jotham Nute and John Jenkins. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

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

Son Samuel Nute, Jr., died May 7, 1836.

Stephen Nute headed a Wolfeboro, NH, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one female aged 60-69 years, one female aged 40-49 years, one male aged 20-29 years, one female aged 20-29 years. Two members of his household were engaged in Agriculture.

Thomas Young headed a Wakefield, NH, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one female aged 60-69 years [Mary (Nute) Young], and three females aged 20-29 years. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture.

Nicholas Nute headed a Wolfeboro, NH, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one female aged 50-59 years [Elizabeth B. (Hayes) Nute], one male aged 15-19 years, and one male aged 10-14 years. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture.

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. Two members of his household were engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Silas Tuttle and Joseph Watkins.

Hayes Nute 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 40-49 years [Mehitable (Goodwin) Nute], one female aged 15-19 years, and one male aged 10-14 years. Two members of his household were engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of William Huntress and Wentworth Dore.

Ezekiel Nute 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 [Dorcas (Worster) Nute], one male aged 15-19 years, and one male aged 10-14 years. Three members of his household were engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of David Nute and John Jenkins.

Son-in-law Samuel Bragdon died in Milton, December 11, 1840, aged sixty-nine years, ten months.

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

Son Nicholas Nute “emancipated” his minor son, Nicholas Nute, Jr., in Wolfeboro, NH, February 10, 1842.

Notice. NOTICE is hereby given that I, the undersigned, have this day given to my son, NICHOLAS NUTE, the remainder of his minority, to act and trade for himself; that I shall claim none of his earnings nor pay any debts of his contracting after this date. NICHOLAS NUTE. Witness, Samuel Nute, Wolfborough, Feb. 10, 1842 (Dover Enquirer, February 15, 1842).

Son Stephen Nute died in Wolfeboro, NH, October 28, 1843.

Daughter-in-law Anna [(Furbush)] Nute of Wolfeborough, NH, made her last will, September 15, 1845. She devised $1 each to her sons, Moses Nute, Stephen Nute, and Francis Nute; and she devised $1 each to her daughters, Anne Avery, Dorcas Avery, and Sophia Scegel. She devised all the residue and remainder to her two daughters, Sally Nute and Hannah Nute. Aaron Roberts, James Thurston, and Livermore Moulton signed as witnesses (Carroll County Probate, 7:466).

Daughter-in-law Anna (Furbush) Nute died in Wolfeboro, NH, December 2, 1847, aged seventy-three years. Her last will was proven in a Carroll County Probate Court held in Ossipee, NH, December 14, 1847 (Carroll County Probate, 7:466).

Phebe (Pinkham) Nute died in Wakefield, NH, April 8, 1848.

Thomas Young, a farmer, aged sixty-five years (b. NH), headed a Wakefield, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Mary [(Nute)] Young, aged seventy-five years (b. NH). Mary You ng was “blind.” They shared a two-family residence with the household of Thomas Danforth, a famer, aged twenty-three years (b. NH).

Nicholas Nute, a farmer, aged sixty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Wolfeboro, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Elizabeth [(Hayes)] Nute, aged sixty-two years (b. NH), Elizabeth Nute, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), Samuel Nute, a farmer, aged thirty-nine years (b. NH), Olive [(Watson)] Nute, aged thirty-eight years, Mary Nute, aged eleven years (b. NH), and Charles G. Nute, aged one year (b. NH). Nicholas Nute had real estate valued at $600.

Hayes Nute, a farmer, aged sixty-one years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Mehitable [(Goodwin)] Nute, aged fifty-five years (b. ME), Richard R. Cotton, a shoemaker, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH), Abigail A. [(Nute)] Cotton, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH), and James Dean, a shoemaker, aged fifteen years (b. NH). Hayes Nute had real estate valued at $150. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of James B. Downs, a farmer, aged forty-five years (b. NH), and Mary Drew, aged sixty-five years (b. NH).

Ezekiel Nute, a farmer, aged fifty-six years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Dorcas [(Worster)] Nute, aged fifty-three years (b. ME), Samuel F. Nute, a farmer, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), and Warren W. Bodge, a farmer, aged twenty years (b. NH). Ezekiel Nute had real estate valued at $4,500. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John C. Wentworth, a laborer, aged twenty-seven years (b. ME),  and Ira Varney, a farmer, aged forty-seven years (b. NH).

Son Ezekiel Nute of Milton made his last will, February 28, 1859. He devised to his beloved wife, Dorcas Nute, all of his household furniture, and suitable maintenance for so long as she remained his widow. He devised $150 to his son, Cyrus W. Nute. He devised $300 to his son, Samuel F. Nute, which was to be paid three months after the death of his current wife, Josephine Nute, but that said money was to be paid instead to the executor should said son predecease his wife. He devised $25 to Thomas Jefferson Nute. He devised $100 to the Milton Congregation Society, for a fund to be loaned by them and the interest directed to preaching of the Gospel in Milton. He devised all the rest and residue to his son, Lewis W. Nute, whom he named as executor. Joseph Pearl, John C. Varney, and Ira Varney signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, :237).

Son Ezekiel Nute died in Milton, April 14, 1859, aged sixty-four years, four months, and fourteen days. His last will was proved in a Strafford County Probate Court held in Dover, NH, May 3, 1859 (Strafford County Probate, :239).

State of New Hampshire. STRAFFORD, SS. – The Judge of Probate for said county to the heirs of law of the estate of Ezekiel Nute, late of Milton, in said County, deceased, testate, and to all interested therein; you are hereby notified that Lewis W. Nute, Executor of the will of said deceased, will exhibit his account of the administration thereof at a Court of Probate to be holden at Somersworth, in said County, on the first Tuesday of June next, when and where you may appear and shew cause, if any you have, against the allowance of said account. And it is ordered that the said administrator 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 thirty days before said Court. Given at Dover, in said County, this third day of April, A.D. 1860. ASA FREEMAN, Register. 46 (Dover Enquirer, April 5, 1860).

William Powell, a trader, aged fifty-eight years (b. England), headed a Wakefield, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Susan N. [(Young)] Powell, aged forty-two years (b. NH), Thomas Young, aged seventy-five years (b. NH), and Mary [(Nute)] Young, aged eighty-five years (b. NH). William Powell had real estate valued at $700 and personal estate valued at $500. Thomas and Mary Young were both “blind.”

Nicholas Nute, a farmer, aged seventy-nine years (b. NH), headed a Wolfeboro (“North Wolfeborough P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Elizabeth [(Hayes)] Nute, aged seventy-two years (b. NH), Samuel Nute, a farmer, aged forty-nine years (b. NH), Olive [(Watson)] Nute, housework, aged forty-eight years (b. NH), Mary M. Nute, a tailoress, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), and Charles G. Nute, aged eleven years (b. NH). Samuel Nute had real estate valued at $800 and personal estate valued at $325.

Russel F. Cotton, a shoemaker, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Abigail [(Nute)] Cotton, aged thirty-nine years (b. NH), E.F. Cotton, aged nine years (b. NH), David P. Cotton, aged three years (b. NH), Hayes Nute, aged seventy-five years (b. NH), and Mehitable [(Goodwin)] Nute, aged seventy years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Simon T. Downs, a farmer, aged twenty-five years (b. NH), and Daniel Hill, a farmer, aged sixty-three years (b. NH).

Paul Reynolds, a farmer, aged sixty-one years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“West Milton P.O.”) household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Salley [(Raulett)] Reynolds, aged sixty-two years (b. NH), Ida Herrick, aged five years (b. NH), Ada Herrick, aged two years (b. NH), and Dorcas [(Worster)] Nute, aged sixty-two years (b. NH). Paul Reynolds had real estate valued at $1,500 and personal estate valued at $300. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Ira Varney, a farmer, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH), and William Chamberlin, a farmer, aged thirty years (b. NH).

Daughter Mary T. “Polly” (Nute) Young died in Wakefield, NH, January 9, 1861, aged seventy-seven years, seventeen days. She was married.

DEATHS. In Wakefield, Mrs. Young, wife of Thomas Young, aged 85 years (Dover Enquirer, January 24, 1861).

Son Nicholas Nute [Sr.] died in Wolfeboro, NH, February 9, 1862.

Letter from Milton. MILTON (3 Ponds), Jan. 24, 1862. Mr. Editor – Having been detained in this village throughout the day, owing to business relations, I concluded to step in with the mass on the occasion of the dedication of the new Church edifice (Mr. Doldt’s) erected by his Church and Society, who gratefully acknowledge liberal donations from Amos M. Roberts, James Jones, Beard Plummer, T.C. Lyman, Lewis Nute, Esq.’s, and the late Dea. Ezekiel Nute, all of whom are residents of this town; also from Thomas M. Wentworth, Esq. of Maine, Richard Shapleigh of Boston, Mass., and from sources in Concord and Portsmouth, the names of whom I did not learn. I am unable to give you the order of exercises. There was quite a large delegation of clergymen present, among whom was Rev. Mr. Richardson of your city, who delivered one of the finest discourses, it has ever been my opportunity to listen to. Mr. Richardson is a stranger to me, and apparently a young man, yet I should judge would now occupy a high position in the clerical profession. The other exercises of the pulpit were exceedingly well performed by the several clergymen present, especially the dedicatory prayer by Rev. Mr. Holmes of Eliot, Me., which was of rare excellence. The music was an exceptionable, and I believe under the direction of Mr. Nutter. The building is decidedly one of the finest that I see generally in a country village, and reflects much credit on those interested in its erection, especially on Col. E.W. Plummer as chairman of the building committee, whose untiring zeal and energy, is highly commendable, and last but not least, are the inside fixtures, furnished by the ladies, and which are seldom surpassed in a country village, and it rarely has fallen to my privilege to have passed a couple of hours more pleasantly than on this occasion. That abundant success may always attend the First Congregational Church and Society of old Milton, in not only the evident desire of its donors, but is the sincere wish of A TRAVELLING AGENT (Dover Enquirer, February 6, 1862).

Son-in-law Thomas Young died in Wakefield, NH, October 10, 1864, aged eighty years.

Daughter-in-law Elizabeth B. (Hayes) Nute died in Wolfeboro, NH, November 29, 1868.

Daughter-in-law Dorcas (Worster) Nute died in Milton, December 11, 1869.

Richard R. Cotton, works for shoe factory, aged forty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Abbie A. [(Nute)] Cotton, keeping house, aged forty-nine years (b. ME), Emma M. Cotton, aged nineteen years (b. NH), David P. Cotton, works for shoe factory, aged sixteen years (b. NH), Benjamin D. Cotton, works for shoe factory, aged thirteen years (b. NH), Hayes Nute, aged eighty years (b. NH), and Mahitable [(Goodwin)] Nute, aged seventy-seven years (b. ME). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of x and James B. Downs, a farmer, aged sixty-four years (b. NH). Richard R. Cotton had real estate valued at $300 and personal estate valued at $100. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Jeremiah O. Drew, a farm laborer, aged sixty-six years (b.  NH), and James B. Downs, a farmer, aged sixty-four years (b. NH).

Son Hayes Nute died of old age in Milton, March 3, 1875, aged eighty-five years, seven months. He was married. (The original record has a question mark after the 1875).

Abby C. [(Nute)] Cotton, keeping house, aged fifty-nine years (b. ME), headed a Milton household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. Her household included her son, Benj. D. Cotton, works on shoes, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), and her mother, Mehitable [(Goodwin)] Nute, at home, aged eighty-eight years (b. ME). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Thomas Tuttle, a carpenter, aged seventy years (b. NH), and James B. Downs, a farmer, aged seventy-five years (b. NH).

Daughter-in-law Mehitable (Goodwin) Nute died of heart disease in Milton, May 2, 1881, aged ninety years. She was a widowed housekeeper. Herbert F. Pitcher, M.D., signed the death certificate.

DEATHS. In Milton, May 2, Mrs. Hayes Nute, aged 88 years and 3 months (Farmington News, May 6, 1881).

---

References:

Clement, Percival Wood. (1927). Ancestors and Descendants of Robert Clements. Philadelphia, PA: Patterson & White Co.

Find a Grave. (2021, August 12). Susan Nute Bragdon. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/230650732/susan-bragdon

Find a Grave. (2016, September 14). Ezekiel Nute. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/169916392/ezekiel-nute

Find a Grave. (2011, May 24). Jotham Nute. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/70322451/jotham-nute

Find a Grave. (2011, June 4). Nicholas Nute. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/70856313/nicholas-nute

Find a Grave. (2024, April 7). Rebecca Nute. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/269187768/rebecca-nute

Find a Grave. (2011, May 24). Stephen Nute. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/70323299/stephen-nute

Find a Grave. (2008, July 17). Mary Young. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/39569524/mary-young

Hurd, Duane H. (1882). History of Rockingham and Strafford Counties, New Hampshire. Retrieved from www.google.com/books/edition/History_of_Rockingham_and_Strafford_Coun/juuVEQAAQBAJ?pg=PA657

Pat and Kathie. (2019, July 21). The Mystery of 4th GGF Josiah Nute (1775-1820). Retrieved from patandkathie.blogspot.com/2019/07/the-mystery-of-josiah-nute.html

By Muriel Bristol | April 26, 2026

Bard Plummer was born in Milton, August 16, 1817, son of Joseph and Sarah (Brown) Plummer.

He followed a business career that took him to many interesting places over the course of his life.

Anna D. Smith married in Sprague, WA, July 30, 1882, B.C. [Byron C.] Vanhouten, both of Spokane, WA.

B.C. [Byron C.] Vanhouten, an auditor, aged thirty-six years (b. NY), headed a Spokane, WA, household at the time of the Washington Territorial Census of 1885. His household included Anna D. [(Smith)] Vanhouten, aged thirty years (b. NC).

SUIT FOR DIVORCE. Anna Van Houten Asks the District Court for a Decree of Separation. The divorce case of Mrs. Anna Van Houton against her husband, B.C. Van Houten, occupied the attention of the district court yesterday, and was still unfinished when the court adjourned last evening. Mr. Griffitts conducted the case for the complainant, and Mr. Graves appeared for the defendant. The main effort of the plaintiff was to secure alimony, and the evidence on both sides was to show the possessions of each. The complaint stated that the defendant had no money or property when he married the plaintiff, but the latter contradicted this assertion when placed on the stand by adding that “he had nothing to speak of.” She also added cruelty and sued for the recovery of money which she claimed to have loaned her husband. The defendant’s answer was to the effect that he had several thousand dollars in land and money when he married Mrs. Van Houten, and his possessions in real estate and other respects, clear of encumbrances, amounted to about $8,000. Mrs. Van Houten told her story in very forcible manner, and emphasized her remarks by frequent gesticulations with fore finger pointing at the questioning attorney, Mr. Graves. The case was continued until to-day (July 3, 1888).

ABOUT THE CITY. A Large Mortgage. Anna D. Van Houten mortgaged her property in River Front addition yesterday to Asa D. Morse for the sum of $18,500 (Spokesman-Review (Spokane, WA), April 12, 1891).

No. 3,620 – Cambridgeport National Bank vs. Anna D. Van Houten; suit to enforce payment of two promissory notes for $3,161.34 and $64 respectively. Attachment issued against the defendant. Hamilton & Plummer attorneys for plaintiff (Spokesman-Review (Spokane, WA), August 5, 1892).

In one of the final phases he was a businessman in the greater Boston, MA, area. Here, for better or worse, he introduced two of his acquaintances to each other.

BROKE HER $30,000 HEART. Tale of a Spokane Damsel and a Guileless Millionaire. HE SAYS IT IS CLEAR BLACKMAIL. Rich Asa Morse of Cambridge Makes Liberal Loans to Miss Van Houten on Western Town Lots and Is Confronted With Breach of Promise Suit When He Tries to Foreclose.

[Special to the EXAMINER]. BOSTON, October 5, – Miss Anna D. Van Houten, Spokane, who is said to be both young and fair, has had her heart broken and feelings lacerated to the extent of $30,000, s0 she alleges.

She has been deceived by Asa P. Morse of Cambridge, against whom she has now entered suit, claiming the above damages upon a breach of promise to marry. The plaintiff sets forth that she had known the defendant several years, and that the defendant made an avowal of his affection and asked her to marry him. She accepted him on the same day, and they were, satisfaction of both, as far as the plaintiff has been able to observe, engaged. They continued for some time to occupy the relations to each other of engaged people, but s0 far the plaintiff asserts the defendant has refused and neglected to carry out his expressed intentions.

RICH AND PIOUS WIDOWER. The defendant is about sixty years of age, An ex-State Senator, for eighteen years a member of the School Committee of the University City, and there is a school building there bearing his name. He is a widower of a good many years’ standing, and has a large and beautiful estate at Cambridge, occupying with its house, stables and extensive grounds, an entire square.

He is an attendant at the Episcopal church. Mr. Morse is very sensitive about the notoriety he has been brought into, and to the EXAMINER correspondent to-day declared that the whole affair was a blackmailing scheme.

“This woman has swindled the out of $26,000,” he said, “and now when I endeavor to recover it she sues me for breach of promise. I have been swindled out of money on loans several times, but never had the swindlers turn about and blackmail me.

SHE WAS STUDYING MUSIC. Miss Van Houten is about thirty-three years old, and is now, I believe in Portland, Or., having left Boston six months ago. Her home is at Spokane. I first met her in July, 1890, and was introduced to her by a friend of mine, Bard Plummer, in whom I had every confidence. At that time the lady was studying music and elocution in Boston. She represented herself to me as an ardent Christian woman and devout Episcopalian. Plummer introduced her to me as a wealthy Western lady of refinement and holding real estate on the Pacific Coast. She was represented as without means and desiring some one to negotiate some mortgages. I did not want to take them and considered it a long while, but finally in November, 1890, I decided to make personal loan to her.

“She had a deed of four lots of land at Spokane, but the man from whom she purchased the land held a mortgage on it. Miss Van Houten was extremely anxious to obtain some money, as the mortgagee was about to sell the property at auction. I investigated and found the lots to be worth $60,000, and so I loaned her $5,000 and accepted a mortgage on the lots.

WORKED HIM FOR $18,500. “I saw very little of her during the next three months, and then she came to me in regard to a building which she proposed to put up on the lots. She wanted me to advance the money necessary to erect a large brick building and take a mortgage on the building. I had been assured by Plummer that she was perfectly honorable and her means and social standing were beyond question, and, as I found the lots all right, I thought it a good investment; so I agreed in the spring of 1891 to loan her the money for the buildings.

The contracts were made out by me and forwarded to her agent, and the building commenced. I sent a check for the amount necessary to begin the work, and then provided additional sums as fast as the work progressed to such stages as called for advances, according to contract.

“As soon as she received the contractor’s request for these part payments she would come to me and for the money, and I promptly wrote a check for the required amounts. In this way I paid out $18,500 before the building was completed.

THEN THEY GREW FRIENDLY. “Our business acquaintance became more intimate as she gave me charge of her property and gave me power of attorney. I visited her at 44 Mt. Vernon street a number of times when she wished to consult me upon business and on several occasions she sent down word that she was ill and required me to come up to her. I have then gone there, looked over her papers and consulted about the western property. In the course of our business relations she wrote upon such and such matters, or asking my advice on certain questions.

“I replied. Gradually this developed into a pleasant social correspondence. I suppose she will produce my letters. I don’t care; they were written in a Christian spirit. In the middle of the summer she invited me down to see her rooms, and one Sunday I went to spend the day with her. I met a number of people I knew and introduced her to them. Now when I look back on it I see how she was pulling wires to make it appear I was paying attentions to her.

NOW HE SEES IT ALL. “In October came the first act, when she applied once more for money and was given $3,000, she sending me her note. When it fell due she made no effort to pay it, and did not pay even the interest on it. When I was about to foreclose I found her $16,000 lots were assessed at $2,500. I saw the swindle then at once, but simultaneously with the discovery she disappeared from here for eight months.

“I have not seen her since. I shall contest this suit, and she may be imprisoned for obtaining money under false pretenses.”

Bard Plummer, the mutual friend, scoffs at the idea of blackmail and declares to all appearances they were engaged, and that Morse brought flowers to her daily and escorted her to theatres and suppers. He says Morse’s two daughters were the cause of the breakup, and that when Miss Van Houten was out off by him she consulted Bishop Brooks and Dr. Peabody as to what she should d0. L.M. Child and E.O. Achem are counsel for plaintiff, and Mr. Achem promises a sensation when the case comes to trial (San Francisco Examiner (San Francisco, CA), October 6, 1892).

Motions and Demurrers. Cambridgeport National Bank vs. Annie D. Van Houten; motion to set aside and quash summons for publication and the return thereon overruled and defendant given to next law day to plead (Spokane Review (Spokane, WA), November 1, 1892).

B.C. [Byron C.] Van Houten married next in Tacoma, WA, July 12, 1893, Clara M. [(Gilloland)] Kent, both of Pierce County, WA.

MARRIED AT THE TACOMA. Senator Van Houton and Mrs. Kent Wedded Yesterday Morning. A surprise to the friends of both the bride and groom was the marriage of State Senator Byron C. Van Houton of Spokane and Mrs. Clara M. Kent of this city at the Tacoma hotel yesterday morning. The ceremony was performed by Rev. F.B. Cherington in parlor B and was witnessed by a few friends. Mr. B.E. Barinds of Spokane acted as best man, and State Senators Ide of Spokane and Van Deventer of King county were of the party. After a wedding breakfast at the hotel the newly married couple left for Spokane, where they will reside. Senator Van Houten, in addition to being leading politician of Spokane county, is high in the councils of the party, is a director of a bank in Spokane, is interested in a number of commercial enterprises, and is considered a wealthy man. The bride for some years has been in the employ of the United States marshal’s office as stenographer and deputy clerk of the United States circuit court. She formerly was in the land office at Spokane (Tacoma Daily Ledger Tacoma, WA), July 13, 1893).

Byron C. Van Houten appeared in the Spokane, WA, directory of 1893, as Vice President of the Citizens National Bank, and Secretary and Treasurer of the Spokane Furniture Company, with his residence at the corner of Gordon avenue and Lidgerwood, Lidgerwood Park, telephone 587.

Baird Plummer, a landlord, aged eighty-two years (b. NH), was one of three lodgers in the Boston, MA, household of William Childs, a lawyer, aged fifty-one years (b. NY).

Byron C. Vanhouten died in Seattle, WA, January 25, 1904, aged fifty-five years.

Byron C. Van Houten. SEATTLE, Jan. 26. – Ex-State Senator Byron C. Van Houten died in this city last night of general paresis, after an illness of two weeks. He was 65 years old and was a pioneer of the Coast. He came to Oregon by stage 34 years ago and ran a store at Eugene for several years. He came to this state in 1881 and represented Spokane in the first three state Legislatures; He had lived in Seattle three years and was a mining broker (Oregonian (Portland, OR), January 27, 1904).

Anna D. [(Smith)] Van Houten, aged fifty years (b. England), was the resident hotel matron at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, at the time of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census. The hotel stood on Sunset Boulevard.

Anna D. (Smith) Van Houten died in Los Angeles, CA, August 27, 1923, aged sixty-six years.

DEATHS. VAN HOUTEN. Aug. 27, Anna D. Van Houten, aged 66 years. Funeral, 2 p.m. Thursday, from the M.E. Church, on N. Kingsley Drive, near Santa Monica Boulevard. J.H. Riedeman in charge (Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA), August 29, 1923).

---

References:

Find a Grave. (2015, June 8). Asa Porter Morse. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/147597725/asa-porter-morse

Find a Grave. (2015, August 25). Bard Plummer. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/151225373/bard-plummer

Find a Grave. (2012, April 19). Anna Vanhouten. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/88764072/anna-vanhouten