Milton Observer

By Muriel Bristol | April 19, 2026

Stephen Wentworth [Jr.] was born in Rochester, NH, April 8, 1766, son of Stephen and Mary (Malcolm) Wentworth.

Early in the summer of 1776, Samuel Twombly, a nephew of the first settler, Jonathan Twombly, could have been seen, with a pack well strapped upon his back, wending his way up the side of Teneriffe, to search out a home for his lady love, returning and bringing her to this wild region the next year. Stephen Wentworth very soon became a neighbor of the Twomblys (Hurd, 1882; Scales, 1914).

Stephen Wentworth, Junr, 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).

Stephen Wentworth married (1st), November 8, 1787, Olive Rollins, she of Newington, NH. She was daughter of Ichabod and Olive (Nutter) Rollins. (Her father died in Rochester, NH, September 8, 1784).

(The known children of Steven and Olive (Nutter) Wentworth were: Mary “Polly” Wentworth (1790–1882), Judith Wentworth (1792–1867), Dudley Wentworth (1795–1877), Ichabod Wentworth (1797–1883), Stephen Wentworth (1800–1803), Jacob Wentworth (1802–1883), Olive Nutter Wentworth (1805–1881), Abigail Rollins Wentworth (1808-1881), Stephen Wentworth (1811–1847)).

Daughter Mary “Polly” Wentworth was born in Rochester, NH, January 27, 1790.

Daughter Judith Wentworth was born in Somersworth, NH, June 30, 1792.

Son Dudley Wentworth was born in Milton, in 1795. Son Ichabod Wentworth was born in Milton, November 5, 1797. He was a namesake for his maternal grandfather, Ichabod Rollins.

Stephen Wentworth headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Olive (Nutter) Wentworth], one male aged 16-25 years [Dudley Wentworth], two females aged 10-15 years, one male aged under-10 years [Ichabod Wentworth], one female aged under-10 years, and one female aged 45-plus years. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

Son Stephen Wentworth was born in Rochester, NH, circa May 1800.

Stephen Wentworth signed the Rochester Division Petition of May 1802.

Son Jacob Wentworth was born in Milton, September 13, 1802.

Stephen Wentworth was among the “respectable inhabitants & freeholders” that sought a special Town Meeting to reconsider the initial proposed Meeting House site. That special Town Meeting was held at the home of Lieut. Elijah Horn, September 1, 1803, and decided not to change the proposed Meeting House site.

Son Stephen Wentworth died in Milton, in September 1803, aged three years, four months.

Saml Twombly, Jotham Nute, and Stephen Wentworth were one of the nine Milton district school committees in 1804.

Stephn Wentworth purchased Pew No. 10 in the Milton Town House, for $16.25 in 1804. It was situated on the north side of the gallery or balcony floor, between those of Jas Varney, Jr., Pew No. 9, in the northwest corner, and N. Jones, Pew No. 11 (See Milton Town House – 1804).

Daughter Olive Nutter Wentworth was born in Milton, May 20, 1805. She was a namesake for her maternal grandmother, Olive (Nutter) Rollins.

Stephen Wentworth was assessed in the Milton School District No. 5 of John Fishe in 1806 (See Milton School Districts – 1806).

Daughter Abigail Rollins Wentworth was born in Milton, March 17, 1808. She was a namesake for her maternal aunt, Abigail Rollins.

Sephen Wentw [Stephen Wentworth] headed a Milton household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Olive (Nutter) Wentworth], two females aged 15-25 years, two males aged 10-14 years, one male aged under-10 years, and two females aged under-10 years. Their household appeared between those of Jno Downs and Saml Twamb [Twombly]. (See Milton in the Third (1810) Federal Census).

Son Stephen Wentworth was born in Milton, November 29, 1811.

Daughter Mary “Polly” Wentworth married in New Durham, NH, November 10, 1811, William Hayes. He was born in Northwest Parish, Rochester, NH, December 22, 1781, son of Daniel and Hannah (Hayes) Hayes.

Mr. Hayes was tall in stature, a man of industrious habits and strictly temperate, an excellent farmer, and possessed of much mechanical skill. He labored under great embarrassment in consequence of an impediment in his speech. He was active in church affairs and was one of the committee that built the first Church in Alton Center. He served his town as selectmen for many years with “sound judgement and sterling integrity” (Richmond, 1936).

Daughter Judith Wentworth married in New Durham, NH, November 11, 1813, James Downs, both of Milton. Rev. Joseph Boodey performed the ceremony. He was born in Rochester, NH, May 16, 1793, son of Moses and Sarah (Tripe) Downs.

Olive (Nutter) Wentworth died May 2, 1815, aged forty-eight years, five months, and twenty-nine days.

Stephen Wentworth married (2nd), in Alton, NH, February 1, 1816, Lydia (Leighton) Place. Rev. John Page performed the ceremony. She was born in Rochester, NH, April 24, 1768, daughter of Amos Leighton.

[Daughter Judith (Wentworth) Downs and her husband, James Downs, lived initially in Vermont and then in Québec, Canada, up to 1830, if not later, before returning to New Hampshire].

Grandson Moses J. Downs was born in Vermont Gore, i.e., Goshen, VT, May 26, 1817, son of James and Judith (Wentworth) Downs. Grandson Henry Downs was born in Barnston, Estrie Region, Québec, Canada, November 11, 1819, son of James and Judith (Wentworth) Downs.

Stephen Wentworth signed the Milton anti-division remonstrance of June 1820. He and his sons, Dudley Wentworth, and Jacob Wentworth, signed also the Milton militia division petition of November 1820. (See Milton Militia Dispute – 1820).

Father Stephen Wentworth died in Rochester, NH, in August 1820. Mother Mary (Malcolm) Wentworth died in Rochester, NH, June 1822.

Stephen Wentworth [Jr.] died in Milton, December 16, 1822, aged fifty-six years.

Granddaughter Olive W. Downs was born in Canada, August 20, 1822, daughter of James and Judith (Wentworth) Downs.

Son Dudley Wentworth married in Milton, in 1823, Lucy Place, both of Milton. Rev. James Walker performed the ceremony. She was born in Alton, NH, July 28, 1798, daughter of Jonathan R. and Lydia H. (Leighton) Place.

Son Jacob Wentworth married (1st) in Milton, June 22, 1828, Sally Hanson. She was born in Alton, April 12, 1801, daughter of Joshua and Hannah (Leighton) Hanson.

Grandson John T.H. Downs was born in Barnston, Stanstead, Québec, Canada, February 18, 1830, son of James and Judith (Wentworth) Downs.

Son Ichabod Wentworth married in New Durham, NH, May 31, 1830, Betsy Clough, he of Alton, NH, and she of Gilmanton, NH. Rev. Nathaniel Berry performed the ceremony. She was born in Gilmanton, NH, October 2, 1798, daughter of Jonathan and Mary (Page) Clough.

William Hayes headed an Alton, 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 [Polly (Wentworth) Hayes], one male aged 15-19 years, one male aged 10-14 years, one female aged 10-14 years, one male aged 5-9 years, and two males aged under-5 years.

Dudley Wentworth 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 [Lucy (Place) Wentworth], one male aged 15-19 years, one male aged under-5 years, and one female aged under-5 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Saml Ricker and Jona Place. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

Ichabod Wentworth headed an Alton, 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 [Betsy (Clough) Wentworth], and one male aged 15-19 years.

Jacob Wentworth 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 [Sally (Hanson) Wentworth], and one female aged under-5 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Joshua Hanson and John Wentworth. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

Daughter Olive Nutter Wentworth married in Gilford, NH, April 23, 1831, Jeremiah Burnham Mooney, she of Alton, NH, and he of Gilford, NH. He was born in Gilford, NH, May 24, 1805, son of John and Catherine (Roberts) Mooney.

MARRIAGES. In Gilford, Mr. John Sawyer to Miss Hannah Mooney, both of G. Mr. Jeremiah B. Mooney, of G. to Miss Olive Wentworth, of Alton (Dover Enquirer, May 24, 1831).

William Hayes headed an Alton, 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 [Polly (Wentworth) Hayes], one female aged 30-39 years, one male aged 20-29 years, one female aged 20-29 years, one male aged 15-29 years, and one male aged 10-14 years. Four members of his household were engaged in Agriculture, and one member was engaged in Manufacture and Trade.

James Downs headed a Farmington, NH, 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 [Judith (Wentworth) Downs], one female aged 10-14 years, one male aged 5-9 years, and one female aged 5-9 years. One member of his household was engaged in Manufacture and Trade.

Dudley Wentworth 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 [Lucy (Place) Wentworth], one male aged 10-14 years, one female aged 10-14 years, one male aged 5-9 years, one female aged 5-9 years, one female aged under-5 years, and one female aged 70-79 years [Lydia ((Leighton) Place) Wentworth]. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Samuel Twombly and Daniel Place.

Ichabod Wentworth headed an Alton, NH, 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 [Betsy (Clough) Wentworth], one male aged 20-29 years, one female aged 20-29 years, one male aged 10-14 years, one female aged 5-9 years, one male aged under-5 years, and one female aged under-5 years. Three members of his household were engaged in Manufacture and Trade.

Jacob Wentworth 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 (Hanson) Wentworth], one female aged 10-14 years, one male aged 5-9 years, one female aged 5-9 years, and one male aged under-5 years. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John Rindal and Joshua Hanson.

Jeremiah B. Mooney headed a Gilford, 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 [Olive N. (Wentworth) Mooney], one female aged 15-19 years, one male aged 10-14 years, one female aged 5-9 years, and two females aged under-5 years. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture.

Son Stephen Wentworth married, April 3, 1845, Eleanor Patience Gilman. She was born in Alton, NH, February 17, 1824, daughter of Moses Gilman.

Son Stephen Wentworth died in Sangerville, ME, January 23, 1847, aged thirty-five years.

Daughter Abigail Rollins Wentworth married in Alton, NH, July 27, 1847, Samuel Hayes, she of Alton, NH, and he of Wolfeboro, NH. Rev. John Pinkham performed the ceremony. Hayes was born in Northwest Parish, Rochester, NH, April 18, 1789, son of Daniel and Hannah (Hayes) Hayes.

MARRIAGES. In Alton, Mr. Samuel Hayes, of Wolfborough, to Miss Abigail R. Wentworth of Alton (Dover Enquirer, September 7, 1847).

Daughter-in-law Betsy (Clough) Wentworth died in Alton, NH, October 13, 1849, aged fifty-one years.

DEATHS. In Alton, Oct. 13th, Mrs. Betsy Wentworth, wife of Ichabod Wentworth, aged 51 (Dover Enquirer, November 6, 1849).

Wm Hayes, a farmer, aged sixty-eight years (b. NH), headed an Alton, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Polly [(Wentworth)] Hayes, aged sixty-eight years (b. NH), Ezekiel Hayes, a farmer, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), and Wm Hayes, 2d, a farmer, aged twenty-one years (b. NH). Wm Hayes had real estate valued at $2,500.

James Downs, a shoemaker, aged fifty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Judith [(Wentworth)] Downs, aged fifty-eight years (b. NH), and Mary H. Downs, aged thirty-one years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of George Dorr, a farmer, aged fifty-two years (b. NH), and Michael Lyman, a farmer, aged fifty-two years (b. NH).

Dudley Wentworth, a farmer, aged fifty-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Lucy [(Place)] Wentworth, aged fifty-three years (b. NH), Lucy J. Wentworth, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), Jonathan P. Wentworth, a shoemaker, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), Lydia Wentworth, aged eighteen years (b. NH), Stephen Wentworth, a farmer, aged fifteen years (b. NH), Abigail Wentworth, aged twelve years (b. NH), and Lydia [((Leighton) Place) Wentworth, aged eighty-three years. Dudley Wentworth had real estate valued at $800. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Samuel Twombly a farmer, aged seventy years (b. NH), and Stephen Main, a carpenter, aged forty-nine years (b. NH).

Ichabod Wentworth, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), headed an Alton, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Mary A. Wentworth, aged nineteen years (b. NH), Stephen C. Wentworth, aged fifteen years (b. NH), Elizabeth W. Wentworth, aged twelve years (b. NH), and Abby Wentworth, aged nine years (b. NH). Ichabod Wentworth had real estate valued at $6,000.

Jacob Wentworth, farming, aged forty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Sally [(Hanson)] Wentworth, aged forty-eight years (b. NH), Olive Wentworth, aged twenty years (b. NH), Amory Wentworth, a shoemaker, aged eighteen years (b. NH), Polly Wentworth, aged sixteen years (b. NH), Jacob W. Wentworth, aged ten years (b. NH), and John F. Downs, aged twenty years (b. NH). Jacob Wentworth had real estate valued at $2,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John D. Downs, a farmer, aged thirty-six years (b. NH), and Joshua Hanson, a cooper, aged seventy-four years (b. NH).

Jerem B. Mooney, a farmer, aged forty-five years (b. NH), headed a Gilford, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Olive N. [(Wentworth)] Mooney, aged forty-five years (b. NH), Olive Mooney, aged eighteen years (b. NH), Catharine Mooney, aged thirteen years (b. NH), Ellen Mooney, aged eleven years (b. NH), Charles Mooney, aged eight years (b. NH), Hannah Mooney, aged six years (b. NH), and John Mooney, aged three years (b. NH). Jerem B. Mooney had real estate valued at $2,500.

Samuel Hayes, a farmer, aged sixty-one years (b. NH), headed a Wolfeboro, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Abigail [(Wentworth)] Hayes, aged forty-one years (b. NH). Samuel Hayes had real estate valued at $1,500. Their household appeared in the enumeration just after that of [his son], John R. Hayes, a mason, aged thirty-five years (b. NH).

Patience [(Gilman)] Wentworth, aged twenty-five years (b. NH), headed a Sangerville, ME, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. Her household included Stephen Wentworth, aged three years (b. ME). Patience Wentworth had real estate valued at $75.

Widowed daughter-in-law Eleanor P. (Gilman) Wentworth married (2nd), in 1852, Ira Fish Hayes. He was born in Alton, NH, January 9, 1823, son of William and Mary “Polly” (Wentworth) Hayes.

Son Ichabod Wentworth married (2nd) in Dover, NH, in December 7, 1852, Mrs. Elizabeth A. (Wentworth) Rollins, he of Alton, NH, and she of Dover, NH. She was born in Dover, NH, March 19, 1807, daughter of David and Mercy (Smith) Wentworth. She had married (1st) in Dover, NH, November 27, 1834, Rev. Aaron B. Rawlings [Rollins], who died in Dover, NH, August 30, 1835 (Dover Enquirer, December 2, 1834; Dover Enquirer, September 22, 1835).

MARRIAGES. In Dover … Mr. Ichabod Wentworth of Alton, to Mrs. Elizabeth A.W. Rollins, of Dover (Portsmouth Daily Chronicle, December 13, 1852).

Son-in-law Samuel Hayes died in Wolfeboro, NH, April 22, 1854, aged sixty-six years.

DEATHS. In Wolfeborough, 22d ult., Dea. Samuel Hayes, aged 66 years. He lived peaceably with all men and died lamented (Dover Enquirer, May 9, 1854).

Daughter-in-law Lucy J. (Place) Wentworth died in Milton, June 20, 1855, aged fifty-seven years, ten months, and twenty-two days.

Widowed daughter Abigail R. ((Wentworth) Hayes married (2nd) in Alton, NH, February 15, 1860, John Bickford, she of Wolfeboro, NH, and he of Alton, NH. Rev. R.D. Preston performed the ceremony. Bickford was born in Newington, NH, February 22, 1802, son of Joseph and Susan Bickford.

Luther Nute and Dudley Wentworth, both of Milton, were called as petit jurors for the Strafford County Supreme Judicial Court for the third week of February 1860 (Dover Enquirer, February 23, 1860).

William Hayes, a farmer, aged seventy-eight years (b. NH), headed an Alton, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Polly [(Wentworth)] Hayes, aged seventy years (b. NH), William Hayes, a farmer, aged thirty-one years (b. NH), and Nancy R. [(McDuffee)] Hayes, aged twenty-three years (b. NH). They shared a two-family residence with the household of Ezekiel Hayes, a farmer, aged thirty-four years (b. NH). William Hayes had real estate valued at $2,000 and personal estate valued at $300. William Hayes [Jr.] had personal estate valued at $200.

James Downs, a farmer, aged sixty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Judith [(Wentworth)] Downs, aged sixty-seven years. James Downs had real estate valued at $150 and personal estate valued at $75. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of James Bragdon, a farmer, aged seventy-two years (b. NH), and Eri G. Downs, a farmer, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH).

Dudley Wentworth, a farmer, aged sixty-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Lydia [((Leighton) Place)] Wentworth, aged ninety-three years (b. NH), Lucy J. Wentworth, aged thirty-three years (b. NH) (b. NH), J.P. Wentworth, a shoemaker, aged thirty-one years, Lydia S. Wentworth, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH), and A.R. Wentworth, aged twenty years (b. NH). Dudley Wentworth had real estate valued at $1,500 and personal estate valued at $500; J.P. Wentworth had personal estate valued at $500. Their household was enumerated between those of Benja F. Hayes, a farmer, aged sixty-three years, and Hiram Cook, a farmer, aged fifty-three.

Ichabod Wentworth, a sawyer, aged sixty-two years (b. NH), headed an Alton, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Elizabeth [((Wentworth) Rollins)] Wentworth, aged fifty-two years (b. NH), Stephen C. Wentworth, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), Elizabeth W. Wentworth, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), and Abbie Wentworth, aged nineteen years (b. NH). Ichabod Wentworth had real estate valued at $6,000 and personal estate valued at $500.

Jacob Wentworth, a farmer, aged fifty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Sally (Hanson) Wentworth, aged fifty-nine years (b. NH), and Willard Wentworth, a farmer, aged twenty years (b. NH). Jacob Wentworth had real estate valued at $2,000 and personal estate valued at $700. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Abba B. Downs, aged forty-five years (b. NH), and Henry D. Whitehouse, a farmer, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH).

Jeremiah Mooney, aged fifty-five years (b. NH), headed a Gilford (“Gilfordville P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Olive A. [(Wentworth)] Mooney, aged fifty-five years (b. NH), Ellen Mooney, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), Charles Mooney, aged eighteen years (b. NH), John Mooney, aged thirteen years (b. NH), and Hannah Mooney, aged sixteen years (b. NH). Jeremiah Mooney had real estate valued at $3,000 and personal estate valued at $800.

John Bickford, a farmer, aged fifty-eight years (b. NH), headed an Alton, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Abigail R. [((Wentworth) Hayes)] Bickford, aged fifty-two years (b. NH). They shared a two-family residence with the household of Samuel E. Bickford, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH). John Bickford had real estate valued at $3,000 and personal estate valued at $600.

Ira F. Hayes, a farmer, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Sangerville (“East Sangerville P.O.”), ME, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Eleanor P. ((Gilman) Wentworth) Hayes, aged thirty-six years (b. NH), Ida M. Hayes, aged four years (b. ME), and Stephen Wentworth, aged thirteen years (b. ME). Ira F. Hayes had real estate valued at $7,200 and personal estate valued at $100.

Son Ichabod Wentworth died in Alton, NH, May 8, 1863.

Lydia ((Leighton) Place) Wentworth died of old age in Milton, September 29, 1863, aged ninety-six years, five months, and five days. She was single, i.e., a widow.

Son-in-law William Hayes died in Alton, NH, April 18, 1865, aged eighty-three years, three months, and twenty-six days.

Daughter Judith (Wentworth) Downs died in Lebanon, ME, June 13, 1867.

Daughter-in-law Sally (Hanson) Wentworth died in Milton, May 14, 1869, aged sixty-eight years.

Polly [(Wentworth)] Hayes, keeping house, aged eighty years (b. NH), headed an Alton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. She shared a three-family residence with the households of William Hayes, a farmer, aged forty-one years (b. NH), and Ezekiel Hayes, a farmer, aged forty-four years (b. NH).

James Downs, a farmer, aged seventy-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. James Downs had real estate valued at $300. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Albert Mason, works for shoe factory, aged fifty-two years (b. NH), and Nathan Jones, works for shoe factory, aged forty-five years (b. NH).

Dudley Wentworth, a farmer, aged seventy-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Lucy J. Wentworth, a housekeeper, aged forty-two years (b. NH), Jonathan P. Wentworth, a farm laborer, aged forty years (b. NH), Lydia L. Wentworth, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), and Abbie Wentworth, a teacher, aged thirty years (b. NH). Dudley Wentworth had real estate valued at $1,500 and personal estate valued at $1,722. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Augustus F. Jenkins, a farmer, aged thirty-six years (b. NH), and Benjamin F. Hayes, a farm laborer, aged fifty-three years (b. NH).

Ichabod Wentworth, aged seventy-two years (b. NH), headed an Alton, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Elizabeth A. [((Wentworth) Rollins)] Wentworth, keeping house, aged sixty-three years (b. NH), Susan L. Wentworth, aged sixty-nine years (b. NH), and Willie Wentworth, aged twelve years (b. NH). Ichabod Wentworth had real estate valued at $7,000 and personal estate valued at $1,000.

Jacob Wentworth, a farmer, aged sixty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included John A. Wentworth, a farm laborer, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), Hannah E. [(Gray)] Wentworth, keeping house, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH), Charles W. Wentworth, at school, aged nine years (b. NH), Martin G. Wentworth, at school, aged seven years (b. NH), Mary E. Wentworth, aged four years (b. NH), George A. Wentworth, aged two years (b. NH). Jacob Wentworth had real estate valued at $2,000 and personal estate valued at $1,850; John A. Wentworth had personal estate valued at $175. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of a vacant house, and John F. Downs, works for shoe factory, aged forty years (b. NH).

Jeremiah B. Money [Mooney], a farmer, aged sixty-five years (b. NH), headed a Wolfeboro, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Olive N. [(Wentworth)] Money [Mooney], aged sixty-five years (b. NH), Charles Money [Mooney], a farm laborer, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH), and John Money [Mooney], a farm laborer, aged twenty-three years (b. NH). Jeremiah B. Money [Mooney] had real estate valued at $6,500 and personal estate valued at $805; John Money [Mooney] had real estate valued at $4,000 and personal estate valued at $705.

John Bickford, a farmer, aged sixty-eight years (b. ME), headed a Wolfeboro, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Abagail R. [((Wentworth) Hayes)] Bickford, keeping house, aged sixty-two years (b. NH). John Bickford had real estate valued at $1,400 and personal estate valued at $390.

Ira F. Hayes, a farmer, aged forty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Sangerville, ME, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Patience E. [((Gilman) Wentworth)] Hayes, keeping house, aged forty-six years (b. NH), Ida M. Hayes, at home, aged fourteen years (b. NH), Stephen Wentworth, a day laborer, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), and Patience C. [(Clough)] Gilman, at home, aged seventy-eight years (b. NH). Ira F. Fish had real estate valued at $3,000 and personal estate valued at $600.

Son Jacob Wentworth married (2nd) in Strafford, NH, May 6, 1872, Lucretia Merrill (Pottle) Gray. She was born in Strafford, NH, in 1806.

Minor Editorials. … The Democrats of the Sangerville class in Piscataquis, County, have elected John Burgess to the Legislature by 141 majority over Ira F. Hayes, Republican. Abner Wade, Esq., has made a splendid run for Register of Deeds. Wade run 48 votes ahead of Williams in his own town of Sangerville (Bangor Daily Commercial (Bangor, ME), September 12, 1877).

Son Dudley Wentworth died in Milton, September 15, 1877, aged eighty-two years, seven months, and sixteen days.

Daughter Abigail R. [((Wentworth) Hayes)] Bickford of Wolfeboro, NH, made her last will, June 29, 1878. She devised a life estate in one bed and bedding to her beloved husband (“if he survives me”), with a reversion to her granddaughter Martha A. Libby. She devised all the rest and residue of her estate, be it real, personal, or mixed to that same granddaughter, Martha A. Libby. She appointed Daniel A. Wiggin as her executor. Benjamin F. Burleigh, xxx Burleigh, and Mary E. Burleigh signed as witnesses (Carroll County Probate Packets, 38-3).

Son-in-law Jeremiah B. Mooney died in Wolfeboro, NH, October 3, 1878, aged seventy-three years.

Son-in-law John Bickford died in Wolfeboro, NH, April 29, 1880, aged seventy-eight years.

DEATHS. In Wolfeborough, April 29, John Bickford, aged 78 years (Dover Enquirer, May 13, 1880).

Ezekiel Hayes, a farmer, aged fifty-four years (b. NH), headed an Alton household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Lydia A. [(French)] Hayes, keeping house, aged forty-eight years (b. NH), his son, Herbert E. Hayes, at home, aged eighteen years (b. NH), his mother, Polly [(Wentworth)] Hayes, a widow, aged ninety years, (b. NH), and his servant, Herbert F. Young, aged thirteen years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration just after that of his brother, William Hayes, a farmer, aged fifty-one years (b. NH).

James Downs, a widower, aged eighty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his daughter, Mary H. Downs, aged fifty years (b. Canada (East)). James Downs had scrofula. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Eri G. Downs, a farmer, aged fifty-nine years (b. NH), and Albert Mason, a farmer, aged fifty-nine years (b. NH).

Ichabod Wentworth, a farmer, aged eighty-two years (b. NH), headed an Alton, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Elisabeth A. [((Wentworth) Rollins)] Wentworth, keeping house, aged seventy-two years (b. NH), his sister-in-law, Susan L. Wentworth, aged seventy-four years (b. NH), and his adopted son, William Allen, in college, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH).

Jacob Wentworth, at home, aged seventy-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Lucretia [((Pottle) Gray)] Wentworth, keeping house, aged seventy-four years (b. NH). Jacob Wentworth had catarrh and heart trouble. They shared a two-family residence with the household of his son, John A. Wentworth, a farmer, aged forty-eight years (b. NH). Their households appeared in the enumeration between those of John F. Downs, a farmer, aged fifty years (b. NH), and John B. Varney, a farmer, aged fifty-four years (b. ME).

Olive N. [(Wentworth)] Mooney, aged seventy-five years (b. NH), headed a Wolfeboro, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. Her household included her son, Charles Mooney, a farmer, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), her daughter-in-law, Laura H. [(Cate)] Mooney, keeping house, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH), her grandson, Arthur C. Mooney, attending school, aged four years (b. NH), her daughter-in-law [stepdaughter?], Kate Mooney, at home, aged two years (b. NH), her grandson, Charles W. Mooney, aged eight months (b. NH), and her son, John Mooney, a shoemaker, aged thirty-three years (b. NH).

Abagail R. [((Wentworth) Hayes)] Bickford, a widow, aged seventy-two years (b. NH), headed a Wolfeboro, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. (John Bickford, a farmer, aged seventy-eight years, appeared in the Mortality Schedule of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census, in Wolfeboro, NH, as having died of a heart complaint, in April 1880).

Ira F. Hayes, a farmer, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Sangerville, ME, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Eleanor P. [((Gilman) Wentworth)] Hayes, keeping house, aged fifty-six years (b. NH), and his daughter, Ida M. Hayes, a school teacher, aged twenty-four years (b. NH).

Piscataquis. … Ira F. Hayes, Esq., of Sangerville, is afflicted with a cancer, which recently made its appearance upon the lower side of the right ear (Bangor Daily Whig and Courier (Bangor, ME), March 12, 1881).

Daughter Abigail R. ((Wentworth) Hayes) Bickford died of pneumonia in Wolfeboro, NH, October 18, 1881, aged seventy-three years.

Daughter Olive Nutter (Wentworth) Mooney died in Alton, NH, December 6, 1881.

Daughter Polly (Wentworth) Hayes died of old age in Alton, NH, September 9, 1882, aged ninety-two years, aged seven months, and thirteen days.

Son-in-law James Downs died in Lebanon, ME, October 3, 1882, aged eighty-nine years.

Son Jacob Wentworth died in Milton, April 17, 1883, aged eighty years, seven months, and four days.

Daughter-in-law Lucretia M. ((Pottle) Gray) Wentworth died in Milton, July 14, 1888.

Daughter-in-law Elizabeth A. ((Wentworth) Rollins) Wentworth died of pneumonia in Alton, NH, June 11, 1894, aged eighty-seven years, two months, and twenty-two days.

SANGERVILLE. … Ira F. Hayes, who lives at South Sangerville, is suffering greatly from the effects of a cancer. He went to Bangor to have an operation performed and it was thought to be successful for some time but the trouble has come on again (Bangor Commercial (Bangor, ME), October 16, 1897).

Ira F. Hayes died of cancer in Sangerville, ME, November 11, 1897.

SANGERVILLE. Sangerville lost a good citizen in the death of Ira F. Hayes who died at his residence at South Sangerville, Thursday morning, Nov. 11. Mr. Hayes has suffered greatly from cancers which grew on his face. He went to Bangor to have them removed and it was hoped the operation was successful. The humor was still there, however, and was the cause of his death. Hayes was an honest man, a good neighbor and almost an ideal man in his home relations. He was a justice of the peace for a long time and was an excellent justice. Mr. Hayes also served on the board of selectmen and as in everything else he was faithful in performing his duty. He was one who believed in justice before generosity. Mr. Hayes left a wife and daughter, Mrs. Ida Rich, to mourn his departure. The funeral was held Saturday from his late residence where he had lived the greater part of his life. The interment was at South Sangerville cemetery (Bangor Weekly Commercial (Bangor, ME), November 26, 1897)).

Daughter-in-law Eleanor P. ((Gilman) Hayes) Fish died in Sangerville, ME, in 1903.

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References:

Find a Grave. (2011, February 26). Judith Wentworth Downs. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/66172379/judith-downs

Find a Grave. (2010, July 3). Polly Wentworth Hayes. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/54421098/polly-hayes

Find a Grave. (2014, July 19). Olive Nutter Wentworth Mooney. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/133047947/olive_nutter-mooney

Find a Grave. (2013, October 6). Dudley Wentworth. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/118278747/dudley-wentworth

Find a Grave. (2014, August 16). Ichabod Wentworth. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/134412353/ichabod-wentworth

Find a Grave. (2012, October 7). Jacob Wentworth. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/98441473/jacob-wentworth

Find a Grave. (2013, October 6). Stephen Wentworth. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/118280043/stephen-wentworth

Find a Grave. (2013, October 6). Stephen Wentworth. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/118280566/stephen-wentworth

Find a Grave. (2010, September 20). Stephen Wentworth. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/59073213/stephen-wentworth

Hurd, Duane H. (1882). History of Rockingham and Strafford Counties, New Hampshire, with Biographical Sketches of Many of its Pioneers and Prominent Men. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=ta0AEQAAQBAJ&pg=PA645

Richmond, Katherine F. (1936). John Hayes of Dover, New Hampshire. Tyngsboro, MA: Katherine F. Richmond.

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

By Muriel Bristol | April 12, 2025

Enoch Varney was born in Dover, NH, circa 1752, son of James and Abigail (Frye) Varney.

Strafford County historian Duane H. Hurd noted the settlements at Plummer’s Ridge in Milton, 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).

Enoch Varney married, circa 1788, Abigail Hanson. She was born in Dover, NH, December 10, 1760.

(The known children of Enoch and Abigail (Hanson) Varney were: Annie Varney (1789-1863), Hannah H. Varney (1795-1847), Mary Varney (1801-1893), and Clarissa Varney (1804-1889)).

Daughter Annie Varney was born in Rochester, in 1789.

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

(The Society of Friends “disowned” uncle Benjamin Varney (1759-1826), April 20, 1782; uncle Ebenezer Varney (1761-185?), in March 1791; and aunt Elizabeth Varney (1765-185?), in September 1791 (NH Gen. Record, January 1910)).

Daughter Hannah H. Varney was born in Rochester, NH, in 1795.

Enoch Varney 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 26-44 years, one male aged 16-25 years, and four females aged under-10 years. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

Daughter Mary Varney was born in Rochester, NH, in 1801.

For whatever reason, Enoch Varney did not sign the Rochester Division Petition of May 1802. (His father would devise Rochester property to him only later in that year).

Father James Varney of Dover, NH, husbandman, made his last will, November 9, 1802. He devised all his property in Dover, NH, as well as the Thatch Bed at Fresh Creek, to his son, Isaac Varney. He devised a one-third share in two hundred fifty acres of land in Rochester, NH, where he now lives, to his son, Enoch Varney, as well as $45. He devised a featherbed, bedstead and cords, with a sufficiency of bedding for all seasons, and $60, to his daughter Eunice Varney. She was also to have a room in his dwelling house, with a fireplace, a cellar privilege for the keeping of “sauce,” and a sufficiency of firewood, cut and delivered at the door during her singleness of life, and an annual supply of ten bushels of corn, ten bushels of potatoes, ten pounds of flax, and one hundredweight of pork. (The “sauce” to be stored by daughter Eunice Varney would have meant – in the Yankee dialect sense of the term – garden greens and vegetables, including root vegetables such as potatoes, turnips, and carrots).

Father James Varney devised $35 to his sons, Robert Varney, Thomas Varney, James Varney, John Varney, Moses Varney, and Aaron Varney, or their legal representatives. He devised to his wife, Abigail Varney. She was to have two cords of word, cut and corded at her door, for so long as remained his widow. She was to have also one-third of his income and full improvement of the household furniture (excepting that given to daughter Eunice Varney), with an equal division of that furniture among his children after her decease. He named his son, Isaac Varney, as executor. He signed with an “X.” Tobias Tuttle, Moses Wingate, and John Wingate signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 8:327).

The last will of father James Varney was proved in a Strafford County Probate Court, January 8, 1803 (Strafford County Probate, 8:329).

Daughter Clarissa Varney was born in Rochester, NH, in 1804.

Enoch Varney, Captn D. Hayes, and Saml Nute served on one of Milton’s nine district school committees in 1804. (See Milton School Committees – 1804).

Enoch Varney died in Milton, January 1, 1806, aged fifty-two years, one month.

Daughter Annie Varney married in Rochester, NH, June 2, 1825, William Varney, she of Milton and he of Farmington, NH. He was born in Rochester, NH, December 23, 1783, son of Caleb and Huldah (Hussey) Varney (NH Genealogical Society, 1903).

Daughter Clarissa Varney married in Dover, NH, January 25, 1827, Samuel Hanson, 2nd. Rev. Joseph W. Clary performed the ceremony. Hanson was born in Dover, NH, May 24, 1789, son of John and Marcy Hanson.

William Varney headed a Farmington, 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 [Annie (Varney) Varney], one male aged under-5 years, one female aged under-5 years, and one female aged 60-69 years.

Samuel Hanson headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 40-49 years [himself], one female aged 20-29 years [Clarissa (Varney) Hanson], one male aged 10-14 years, two males aged under-5 years, one female aged 30-39 years, one male aged 20-29 years, and one female aged 70-79 years.

William Varney headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one female aged 40-49 years [Annie (Varney) Varney], one male aged 30-39 years, one male aged 20-29 years, one female aged 15-19 years, one male aged 10-14 years, one female aged 10-14 years, one female aged 5-9 years, and one female aged 50-59 years. Three members of his household were engaged in Agriculture; and one member of his household was engaged in Manufacture and Trade.

Samuel Hanson headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years [Clarissa (Varney) Hanson], two males aged 10-14 years, one male aged 5-9 years, two females aged 5-9 years, one male aged under-5 years, one female aged under-5 years, and one female aged 70-79 years. Three members of his household were engaged in Agriculture.

Abigail (Hanson) Varney died in Milton, August 2, 1846, aged eighty-five years, eight months.

Daughter Hannah H. Varney died in Milton, May 8, 1847, aged fifty-two years, and twenty-three days.

Cocheco Railroad. – The annual meeting of this corporation was held in this town on Wednesday last, and very fully attended by the stockholders. The first annual report of the Directors (which will be found on our first page) presents a very favorable statement of the condition of the Company. The following board of Directors for the ensuing year was chosen, viz. William Hale, Jr., George Mathewson, Daniel Osborne, Joseph H. Smith, Dover; John Greenfield, Rochester; William Varney, Farmington; Samuel Downing, Jr., New Durham. At a meeting of the Directors, Wm. Hale, Jr., was chosen President, Andrew Peirce, 3d, Treasurer and Agent, and Charles W. Woodman, Clerk (Dover Enquirer, September 26, 1848).

Wm Varney, a farmer, aged sixty-six years (b. NH), headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Anna [(Varney)] Varney, aged sixty-one years (b. NH), Ebenr Varney, a farmer, aged eighty-eight years (b. NH), Job Varney, a farmer, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), Mary Varney, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), Hannah Varney, aged seventeen years (b. NH), John Stanton, a farmer, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH) (b. NH), Adeline Nute, aged twenty-seven years, Elizabeth Downs, aged fifty-nine years (b. NH), and Thomas Murphy, a farmer, aged twenty-three years (b. NH). Wm Varney had real estate valued at $20,000.

Samuel Hanson, a farmer, aged sixty-one years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Clarissa [(Varney)] Hanson, aged forty-five years (b. NH), John C. Hanson, a farmer, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), James D. Hanson, a farmer, aged twenty-one years (b. NH),  Mary E. Hanson, aged nineteen years (b. NH), Hannah C. Hanson, aged seventeen years, Daniel E. Hanson, a farmer, aged fifteen years (b. NH), David S. Hanson, aged thirteen years (b. NH), Clara A. Hanson, aged eleven years (b. NH), and Mary Varney, aged forty-nine years (b. NH). Samuel Hanson had real estate valued at $4,000.

William Varney, a farmer, aged seventy-six years (b. NH), headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Anna [(Varney)] Varney, a farmer, aged seventy years (b. NH), Job Varney, aged thirty-four years (b. NH), Roxanna A. Nute, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), and Elisabeth Downs, aged sixty-eight years (b. NH). William Varney had real estate valued at $11,900 and personal estate valued at $16,102. Job Varney had personal estate valued at $2,000; and Elizabeth Downs had personal estate valued at $700.

Samuel Hanson, a farmer, aged seventy-one years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Clarissa [(Varney)] Hanson, aged fifty-six years (b. NH), John C. Hanson, a carpenter, aged thirty-three years (b. NH), Hannah C. Hanson, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH), Daniel E. Hanson, a carpenter, aged twenty-six years (b. NH), David S. Hanson, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), Clara A. Hanson, aged twenty-two years (b. NH), and Mary Varney, aged sixty years (b. NH). Samuel Hanson had real estate valued at $4,000 and personal estate valued at $500. John C. Hanson had real estate valued at $650 and personal estate valued at $100; and Daniel E. Hanson had real estate valued at $300. David S. Hanson had personal estate valued at $25.

Daughter Annie (Varney) Varney died of dropsy in Farmington, NH, November 14, 1863, aged seventy-four years, one month, and twelve days. She was a married farmer.

Son-in-law William Varney died of a heart complaint in Farmington, NH, November 24, 1863, aged seventy-nine years, eleven months, and three days. He was a married farmer.

DEATHS. In Farmington, Nov. 14, Anna Varney, aged 74 yrs., 1 month, 12 days – Nov. 24, Friend William Varney, aged 79 yrs., 11 mos., 3 days; husband and wife (Dover Enquirer, December 3, 1863).

Letter from Farmington. FARMINGTON, Nov. 27, 1863. To-day the flag here floats at half-mast from the flag-staff for Friend William Varney, who gave the noble tree for the mainmast, in being buried. Thirteen days since William, and Anna his wife, were  both living at their well known and hospitable home upon the beautiful Chestnut hills, where Caleb, the father of William, settled mor than fourscore years ago. Now both are gone. – Anna died after a somewhat protracted sickness and on the tenth day after her death her husband fell dead in his own house. He head just brought in a basket of chips and said to his son Job, “I think thee must get the next basket of chips for I feel a pain in my side,” and immediately fell dead. He was for many years our wealthiest farmer and an active business men [man] for about half a century. – He helped hold up the Cocheco Railroad in its darkest hours. Many a disciple of Christ, after the manner of William Penn, shall miss his well known home. He has left, we judge, some sixty thousand dollars to three worthy hours. They were well known and long shall we miss them. J. (Dover Enquirer, December 3, 1863).

Samuel Hanson, a farmer, aged eighty-one years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Clarisa [(Varney)] Hanson, keeping house, aged sixty-seven years (b. NH), David Hanson, a laborer, aged thirty-four years (b. NH), and Mary Varney, without occupation, aged sixty-nine years (b. NH). Samuel Hanson had real estate valued at $4,700 and personal estate valued at $1,400.

Son-in-law Samuel Hanson died in Dover, NH, December 12, 1871, aged eighty-two years.

DEATHS. In Dover, Dec. 12, Mr. SAMUEL HANSON, aged 82 years, 6 mos. (Portsmouth Daily Chronicle, December 20, 1871).

He [Samuel Hanson] inherited the paternal acres, and spent his entire life on the estate, and was engaged in farming and carpenter’s work throughout his active period. An upright, hard-working man, and prudent in his habits, he was eighty-two years old when he died here [Dover], December 12, 1871. Samuel Hanson never knew a sick day until his last illness, which was brief (Biographical Review, 1897).

David G. Hanson, a farmer, aged forty-three years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his mother, Clarisa [(Varney)] Hanson, keeping house, aged seventy-six years (b. NH), his sisters, Clara A. Hanson, a housekeeper, aged forty-one years (b. NH), and Hannah C. [(Hanson)] Canney, a tailoress, aged forty-seven years (b. NH), his aunt, Mary Varney, a housekeeper, aged eighty years (b. NH), and his servants, Charles J. Manning, a farm laborer, aged nineteen years (b. NY), and William H. Davis, a farmer laborer, aged eighteen years (b. NH).

Daughter Clarissa (Varney) Hanson died in Dover, NH, September 8, 1889, aged eighty-four years.

Daughter Mary Varney died of pneumonia in Dover, NH, March 8, 1893, aged ninety-two years, five months, and fifteen days. She was a single houseworker.

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References:

Biographical Review. (1897). Biographical Review: Contain Life Sketches of Leading Citizens of Belknap and Strafford Counties, New Hampshire. Retrieved from www.google.com/books/edition/Biographical_Review/C2sjAQAAMAAJ

Find a Grave. (2016, July 13). Clarissa Varney Hanson. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/166922988/clarissa-hanson

Find a Grave. (2011, December 31). Enoch Varney. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/82753957/enoch-varney

Find a Grave. (2012, April 24). Hannah H. Varney. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/89090791/hannah_h-varney

Find a Grave. (2016, July 31). Mary Varney. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/166923364/mary-varney

NH Genealogical Society. (1903, October). Friends Records, Dover, N.H., Monthly Meeting. Retrieved from www.google.com/books/edition/The_New_Hampshire_Genealogical_Record/M9M5AQAAMAAJ

By Muriel Bristol | April 5, 2026

Timothy Ricker was born in Rochester, NH, in 1758, son of Ebenezer and Patience (—-) Ricker.

Timothy Ricker enlisted in Rochester, NH, in the Spring of the Year 1776, in Capt. John Brewster’s Company, in Col. Pierce Long’s Regiment, at Seavey’s Island, in Kittery, ME. He then served five months in Capt. John Drew’s Company, in Col. Wyman’s regiment, at Fort Ticonderoga, in New York.

Timy Ricker appeared in a muster roll of Capt. James Carr’s Company, in Col. Nathan Hale’s 2nd NH Battalion, for February 1778. William Palmer was in the same company (although he was listed in that same muster roll as “sick in camp”).

… he enlisted for three years in the company commanded by Capt. Carr in Colo Hale’s Regiment N.H. line, the last of June or first of July 1777, that he continued in that Regiment for about one year until he went into Washington’s life guard ~ he continued in the said Washington’s life guard until his discharge about April or May 1780 by Colo Henry Dearborn.

Timothy Ricker transferred or was “seconded” to the Corps of Guards, or Washington’s Life Guards, while at Valley Forge, in March 1778. One had to be between 5’8″ and 5’10” tall to be a Guard. He would be remembered over a century later – at the Milton Centennial – as having been “… of such a magnificent physique that he served as one of the body guards of the great Washington himself” (Dover Enquirer, August 30, 1902).

The size of Washington’s Life Guard was increased on 1 March 1778. In addition to Captain Caleb Gibbs, who remained Commandant, Lieutenant Henry Philip Livingston was selected to permanently replace Lieutenant George Lewis. 1st Lieutenant Benjamin Grymes of Grayson’s Continental Regiment, 2nd Lieutenant William Colfax of the 1st Connecticut Regiment, and Surgeon Samuel Hanson (son of Continental Congress President John Hanson), were assigned to the Life Guard. The rank and file included four Sergeants and three Corporals, two drummers, a fifer and 136 privates (Wilson, 2023).

… In May of 1778, General Washington attached Captain Gibbs and 100 Life Guards to the force led by Major General, the Marquis de Lafayette. The combined force numbered 2,400 men. Their primary mission was to gather intelligence on the British positions around Philadelphia. Several severe skirmishes resulted, and the Life Guard proved their worth in the line of battle (Wilson, 2023). 

Timothy Ricker of Rochester, of “Dover” [i.e., Strafford] County, appeared in a list of New Hampshire men serving in Major Caleb Gibbs’ Corps of Guards, March 15, 1779. Daniel Cook, also of Rochester, served in the same Corps of Guards.

In or after April 1779, Sgt. Timothy Ricker returned home on furlough, during which time an army doctor examined him for rheumatism and lameness at Exeter, NH, and Col. Henry Dearborn granted him a medical discharge.

AUGUST 6th 1779. Ordered the R.G. [Receiver General] to pay Timothy Ricker of Capt. Kar’s [Carr’s] Compy & Danl Cook of Capt. Rowel’s Compy both soldiers of Colo Reid’s Regt in the Contl Service – Fifty Dollars Each to Enable them, to join their Command, at Genl Washington’s head Quarters, (they being part of his Guard) for which they are to be Accountable, as so much rec’d respectively towards the depreciation of the paper Currency, – their Situation being such, that they have not been in the way to draw any thing out of the State Store (NH General Court, 1916).

The “Amt of Depreciatn,” or loss due to monetary inflation, on the military wages paid Private Timothy Ricker, of the Capt. James Carr’s Fourth Company, in Col. George Reid’s Second Regiment, in the years 1777, 1778, and 1779 was calculated to have been $169.15 (NH General Court, 1886).

Timothy Ricker of Rochester, “Dover” [i.e., Strafford] County, appeared as one of the soldiers who had been attached to Major Caleb Gibbs’ Corps of Guards, in a list compiled in August 1780.

War Office, August 21, 1780. The foregoing return of the Officers & Men (of the additional and Independent Corps belonging to the State of New Hampshire, is a true copy taken from the original return filed in this office – under the resolution of Congress of March the 15th 1779. Ben Stoddert, Secy.

Timothy Ricker married in Rochester, NH, February 14, 1780, Lois Plumer, both of Rochester, NH. Rev. Joseph Haven performed the ceremony.

(The known children of Timothy and Lois (Plumer) Ricker were: Amos Ricker (1781-1800), Lydia Ricker (1783-187?), Stephen Ricker (1785-1812), Luther Ricker (1799-1871), Louisa Ricker (1802-), Timothy Ricker (1803-1847), and George Ricker (1806-1820)).

Son Amos Ricker was born in Rochester, NH, in 1781. Daughter Lydia Ricker was born in Rochester, NH, in 1783.

The NH President, as its Governor was formerly termed, and his Counsel ordered the NH Treasurer to pay Timothy Ricker £4 16s, October 14, 1784, “for Depreciation in 1780” (Batchellor, 1891).

Son Stephen Ricker was born in Rochester, NH, in 1785.

Timothy 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).

Timothy Ricker headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the First (1790) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 16-plus years [himself], two males aged under-16 years, and three females. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those Ebenzr Ricker and Saml S. Wentworth. (See Northeast Parish in the First (1790) Federal Census).

Son Luther Ricker was born in Rochester, NH, in 1800. Son Amos Ricker died in 1800.

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

Daughter Louisa Ricker was born in Milton, in 1802. Son Timothy Ricker [Jr.] was born in Milton, NH, in 1803. 

[The 1803 death date on the Timothy Ricker gravestone in the Samuel Plummer graveyard would seem to be in error. The stone’s style would seem to be of a later date, even a relatively modern one. Other supporting evidence for the inscribed date remains to be seen. On the contrary, his appearance in subsequent Federal Census records, in the 1818 and 1820 pension applications, and in his Dover Enquirer obituary of October 1831, would all seem to have him living well past 1803].

Daughter Lydia Ricker married in Rochester, NH, November 13, 1803, Joseph Corson. He was born in 1783, son of Ebenezer and Elizabeth (Ricker) Corson.

Son George Ricker was born in Milton, in 1806.

Timo Ricker was assessed in the Milton School District No. 5 of John Fishe in 1806 (See Milton School Districts – 1806).

Timothy 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, three males aged under-10 years, and one female aged under-10 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Clement Hayes and John Ricker. (See Milton in the Third (1810) Federal Census).

Joseph Corson headed a Middleton, NH, household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself]], one female aged 26-44 years [Lydia (Ricker) Corson], two males aged under-10 years, and one female aged under-5 years.

Son Stephen Ricker drowned at the Portsmouth Navy Yard, in Portsmouth, NH, in 1812.

Son Timothy Ricker [Jr.] served as a musician, i.e., a fifer or drummer, in Waldron’s Command, defending Portsmouth, NH, in 1814, during the War of 1812.

On April 7, 1818, Timothy Ricker, a resident of Milton, aged fifty-nine years, swore before Judge Richard Dame …

… that he, the said Timothy Ricker, enlisted in the Town of Rochester in the county aforesaid in the Spring of the Year 1776 in the company commanded by Captain John Brewster in the regiment commanded by Colonel Pierce Long in the Newhampshire line in which Coy he continued a while and then served five months in the Company Commanded by Captain John Drew in Colonel Wyman’s regiment. And in the month of May 1777 again enlisted in the Company Commanded by Captain James Carr in the regiment Commanded by Colonel Hale and continued in said Coy until May 1778 and then became a Soldier in General Washington’s life Guard in which station he continued until April 1779. Then enlisted in said Service as a Sergeant during the war, and soon after obtaining a furlough he went home was taken ill with the rheumatism and lameness and went to Exeter in the State of Newhampshire and consulted with the General Doctor, he understood him to be and Colonel Henry Dearborn who was then at Exeter, and was by the said Doctor and Col. Dearborn concluded unfit for duty, and was by said Dearborn discharged at Exeter aforesaid after having served in the revolutionary war upwards of three years. He was at the battle of Hubbarton [Hubbardton], at Moose Creek near Fort Edward, and at Stillwater, at the taking of Gen. Burgoyne, & The Guard in which he last inlisted was commanded by Major Gibbs and Captain Livinston ~ and that he is in reduced circumstances and stands in need of the assistance of his country for Support, that he has lost his discharge and has no other evidence now in his power of his said Service except the depositions herewith forwarded.

Daniel Cook of Wakefield, NH, swore in an affidavit, April 13, 1818, that he had well known Timothy Ricker.

I, Daniel Cook of Wakefield in the County of Strafford and State of New Hampshire, testify & say that I was in the war of the revolution in the service of the United States the most of the war. I very well knew Timothy Ricker now of Milton in said County. He was a soldier in said Army in Capt. James Carr’s Company in the Second New Hampshire regiment. I know he served nearly three years in said service and was discharged at Exeter, as I understand, and verily believe, by Col. Henry Dearborn, in consequence of a lameness in the knee. Before he left the army he & I were selected for and became a part of Gen. Washington’s life guard. Daniel Cook.

James Roberts, “one of the [Milton] Selectmen,” and John Fish, “Justice of the peace,” both swore that they knew Timothy Ricker and were acquainted with his reduced circumstances. His name was inscribed on the pension roll of New Hampshire at the rate of $8 per month, commencing April 7, 1818.

Jonathan Downing of Durham swore in an affidavit, September 2, 1818, that he had well known Timothy Ricker.

I, Jonathan Downing of Durham in the County of Strafford and State of New Hampshire, testify & say that I was a soldier in the army of the revolution & in the second New Hampshire regiment. I served during the war eight years & eight days. I was sergeant major a part of the time. I very well knew Timothy Ricker now of Milton in said State and he was a soldier in said regiment, I think In Capt. James Carr’s company. Said Ricker was enlisted for three years ~ And while we lay at Valley Forge adjutant William Bell told me he had orders to draft two men out of said regiment of a particular height for General Washington’s guard and I mentioned said Ricker & one Daniel Cook & they were accordingly detached for that service ~ And I often afterwards saw him in the army in the uniform of the guards and I have no doubt he served in said guard. I am confident he served in the army more than one year and think he served until nearly the end of his term, when he was either lame or sick & had as I understood leave to come home ~ Jonathan Downing.

[The uniform of Washington’s Life Guard consisted of blue coats, captured white breeches dyed with coffee, captured red waistcoats, black half-gaiters, brown boots, and captured British dragoon helmets with a blue turban, white cockade and white feather. They were armed with French Charlesville muskets and bayonets (Wilson, 2023)].

Former Captain James Carr (1748-1829) of Somersworth, NH, swore in an affidavit, September 5, 1818, that he well remembered Timothy Ricker.

I, James Carr of Somersworth in the County of Strafford and State of New Hampshire, testify and say that in the years 1777 & 1778 and for sometime before and after I had the honour of commanding a company of infantry in the second New Hampshire Regiment commanded by Col. George Reid in the late army of the revolution. and well remember that Timothy Ricker now of Milton in the said County did belong to my company. I have this day examined some returns of my company (which returns I presume came to my hands after I was a major while acting as Colonel commandant of said regiment, for I cannot recollect how they did come into my hands), and in the returns of my company dated April 4, 1778 & May 2d 1778 under the column of three years men I find this “Timothy Ricker Genl life g[u]ard.” I know the handwriting of those who made & verified these returns & have no doubt said Returns are genuine & true ~ James Carr.

Timothy Ricker of Strafford County, a veteran of the N.H. Line, was entered on the Revolutionary pension roll, January 26, 1819.

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

The pension records of some Revolutionary veterans bear the notation that their pensions had been “suspended” under the act of May 1, 1820. Timothy Ricker’s record was not so annotated but his pension does seem to have been suspended. Based upon what followed, his claim evidently lacked sufficient evidence of infirmity or need.

Timothy Ricker was said to be a farmer who was totally unable to pursue his calling. He described his immediate family in July 1820 as then consisting of …

His wife Lois is aged 59 years, capable of labour as common for persons of her age ~ one Daughter aged eighteen years can earn her own living, named Louisa ~ One Son aged 14 years named George works at farming ~ one grand son named Stephen Ricker at 8 years not capable to earn his own living ~

He assessed his whole estate and income in July 1820 as being …

• • … namely 18 acres of land in said Milton with a very poor and small house and hovel thereon part under improvement valued at one hundred and four dollars ~ $104.00
  • Value of Personal estate ~ Viz. ~ one cow $15 ~ 15.00
  • one horse valued at four dollars ~ 4.00
  • one sley [sleigh] at ~ 8.00
  • a few old chairs, some Iron and hollow ware not worth more than ~7.00
  • [Subtotal] 158.00
  • two Swine ~ 3.50
  • [Total] $161.50
  • Deduct 36.50
  • $125.00
  • That the income of all my real & personal estate is not over $20 pr year.
  • Th[at] my said real Estate is Mortgaged to the amount of $66.59 and that I am owing other honest debts to the amount of $105.10

Simon Chase of Milton swore an affidavit regarding his neighbor’s infirmity, August 5, 1820.

Simon Chase of Milton in the County of Strafford and State of New Hampshire testify and say that I am well acquainted with Timothy Ricker of the said Milton, that I know him to be very infirm, that he has the Rheumatism in his knee & has had that or some other complaint or disorder in the knee ever since I knew him & has been ever since I knew him lame by reason thereof. I have been acquainted with him & lived near to him many years. I further testify that the joints of his fingers are very much afflicted, appear to be out of place & he has often told me in consequence of said complaints & from a very generally diseased constitution he is unable to labour. A few days since a report was carried into the village where he lives that he was stricken from the roll of pensioners, immediately upon that report reaching the village his creditors pushed him & took from him what little property he had except his cow and the trifling articles of furniture ~ and I verily believe if he should not obtain his pension he must be immediately supported by the town. Simon Chase.

(The pension legislation of 1832 would be somewhat less stringent regarding pensions for the few remaining Revolutionary veterans).

Son Luther Ricker married in Middleton, NH, April 6, 1828, Loisa Witham, both of New Durham, NH. William Buzzell performed the ceremony. She was born in Farmington, NH, March 29, 1810, daughter of Nathaniel Hannah (Runnells) Witham.

Joseph Corson headed a Rochester, NH, 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 [Lydia (Ricker) Corson], one male aged 20-29 years, two females aged 20-29 years, one female aged 15-19 years, and two males aged 10-14 years.

Luther Ricker headed a New Durham, NH, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 20-29 years [himself], one female aged 20-29 years [Louisa (Witham) Ricker], one male aged 5-9 years, and two male aged under-5 years.

Timothy Ricker died in Milton, in 1831, aged about seventy-two years.

DIED. In Milton, Mr. Timothy Ricker, aged about 72 – a Revolutionary pensioner (Dover Enquirer, October 11, 1831).

The Revolutionary pension rolls record his biennial disbursement for March 1831, but not that of September 1831. His file contains the notation “dead. See letter to P. Agt Jan. 28, 1834.” There was no indication that a widow’s pension succeeded his veteran’s pension. (The pension system would change in 1832).

Son-in-law Joseph Corson died in 1835.

Luther Ricker headed a New Durham, NH, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 30-39 years, one female aged 30-39 years, one male aged 15-19 years, two males aged 10-14 years, one male aged 5-9 years, and two females aged under-5 years. Four members of his household were engaged in Agriculture.

Timothy Ricker [Jr.] headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His house included one male aged 40-49 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years, one male aged 15-19 years, one female aged 15-19 years, one female aged 10-14 years, one male aged 5-9 years, one male aged under-5 years, and one female aged under-5 years. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture.

Son Timothy Ricker, Jr., died in 1847.

Susan [(Corson)] Knowles, aged forty-three years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. Her household included Lydia [(Ricker)] Corson, aged sixty-eight years (b. NH), and Joseph H. Knowles, aged nine years (b. NH). Susan Knowles had real estate valued at $100. Their household appear4ed in the enumeration between those of Hiram Gerrish, a farmer, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), and James Rand, a farmer, aged seventy-three years (b. NH).

Luther Ricker, a farmer, aged fifty years (b. NH), headed a New Durham, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Louisa [(Witham)] Ricker, aged forty-four years (b. NH), and Joseph Ricker, aged eight years (b. NH). Luther Ricker had real estate valued at $150.

Lydia [(Ricker)] Corson, aged seventy-eight years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. Her household included Susan Corson [Knowles], aged fifty years (b. NH), and Joseph Corson [Knowles], a shoemaker, aged seventeen years (b. NH). Lydia Corson had real estate valued at $500. Their household appeared in the enumeration between an unoccupied house (just past that of Hiram Gerrish, a farmer, aged forty-eight years (b. NH)), and Stephen Downing, a shoemaker, aged thirty-two years (b. NH).

Stephen Ricker, a weaver, aged fifty-two years (b. NH), headed a Vernon, NY, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Catherine Ricker, aged forty-two years (b. NY), Franklin Ricker, aged twelve years (b. NY), Isabel Ricker, aged ten years (b. NY), Jerome Ricker, aged eight years (b. NY), Adelaide Ricker, aged five years (b. NY), Allie Ricker, aged one year (b. NY), and Joan [(Whitehouse)] Ricker, aged sixty-eight years (b. NH).

Luther Ricker, aged sixty years (b. NH), headed a New Durham, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Louisa [(Witham)] Ricker, aged fifty-two years (b. NH). Luther Ricker had real estate valued at $200 and personal estate valued at $100.

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

Daughter-in-law Louisa (Witham) Ricker died in Farmington, NH, August 7, 1870.

Son Luther Ricker died of dropsy in Farmington, NH, March 28, 1871, aged seventy-one years. He was a single farmer.

Daughter-in-law Joanna (Whitehouse) Ricker died in Oneida Castle, NY, in 1872.

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References:

Batchellor, Albrt S. (1891). Early State Papers of New Hampshire. Retrieved from www.google.com/books/edition/Early_State_Papers_of_New_Hampshire/ewEw-S0CAtAC?pg=PA239

Find a Grave. (2011, September 26). [Maj.] James Carr. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/77117657/james-carr

Find a Grave. (2005, September 15). [Maj.] Caleb Gibbs. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/11755784/caleb-gibbs

Find a Grave. (2022, December 6). Luther Ricker. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/246223382/luther-ricker

Find a Grave. (2020, November 11). Timothy Ricker. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/218416011/timothy-ricker

Godfrey, Carlos E., M.D. (1904). The Commander-in-Chief’s Guard, Revolutionary War. Retrieved from www.google.com/books/edition/The_Commander_in_chief_s_Guard_Revolutio/viwRAQAAMAAJ

NH General Court. (1886). Rolls of the Soldiers in the Revolutionary War, May 1777, to 1780.

NH General Court. (1916). Laws of New Hampshire. Retrieved from www.google.com/books/edition/Laws_of_New_Hampshire_Including_Public_a/VqkwAQAAMAAJ?&pg=PA751

Wikipedia. (2026, January 11). Battle of Hubbardton. Retrieved from  en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Hubbardton

Wikipedia. (2026, January 11). Battles of Saratoga. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battles_of_Saratoga

Wilson, Raymond C. (2023). Washington’s Life Guards. Retrieved from readerslibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/Washingtons-Life-Guards.pdf

 

By Muriel Bristol | March 22, 2026

Wentworth Cook was born in Rochester, NH, in 1775, son of Joseph and Hannah (Young) Cook.

Wentworth Cook married in Rochester, NH, December 27, 1798, Mehitable Roberts. She was born in Rochester, NH, in 1781.

(The known children of Wentworth and Mehitable (Roberts) Cook were: Betsy Cook (1800–1890), John Cook (1807–1854), Franklin C. Cook (1819–1887), Joseph R. Cook (1821–1868)).

Daughter Betsy Cook was born in Rochester, NH, June 5, 1800.

Wentworth Cook 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 [Mehitable (Roberts) Cook], one male aged under-10 years, one female aged under-10 years [Betsy Cook].

Mother Hannah (Young) Cook died in Rochester, January 23, 1805.

Wentworth Cook was assessed in the Milton School District No. 5 of John Fishe in 1806. (See Milton School Districts – 1806).

Son John Cook was born in Middleton, NH, August 26, 1807.

Wentworth Cook headed a Milton household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 16-26 years [Mehitable (Roberts) Cook], two males aged under-10 years, and three females aged under-10 years. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Daniel Dore and Nathl Pinkham. (See Milton in the Third (1810) Federal Census).

Son Franklin C. Cook was born in Chittenden County, VT, in 1819.

Wintworth Cook headed a Colchester, VT, 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 [Mehitable (Roberts) Cook], one male aged 16-25 years, one female aged 16-25 years, two males aged 10-15 years, and two males aged under-10 years. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture.

Son Joseph R. Cook was born in Colchester, VT, in 1821.

Father Joseph Cook died in Milton, June 18, 1822.

NOTICE. IS hereby given that I have given to my son, JOSEPH COOK, his time, to act for himself, after this date. WENTWORTH COOK. Colchester, March 15, 1830 (Burlington Weekly Free Press (Burlington, VT), April 16, 1830).

Wintworth Cook headed a Colchester, VT, 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 [Mehitable (Roberts) Cook], one male aged 20-29 years [John Cook], one male aged 15-19 years, one male aged 10-14 years [Franklin C. Cook], one male aged 5-9 years [Joseph R. Cook], and one male aged under-5 years [Berwick Cook].

Wentworth Cook died in 1830.

Son John Cook married in Goshen, VT, February 3, 1833, Charlotte Bridge Mead. She was born in Goshen, VT, September 3, 1814.

Mehitable (Roberts) Cook died in Colchester, VT, August 3, 1844.

Son Franklin C. Cook married in Ashtabula, OH, February 27, 1849, Roxana (Webb) Smith, widow of Noah Smith. She was born in Trumbull, OH, in 1819, daughter of Elizabeth B. (Phillips) Webb.

Harry Densmore, a farmer, aged fifty years (b. VT), headed a Colchester, VT, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Betsey [(Cook)] Densmore, aged fifty years (b. NH), Elvira [(Baker)] Alexander, aged thirty-two years (b. VT), Wm N. Densmore, a farm labr, aged twenty years (b. VT), Harriet Densmore, aged eighteen years (b. VT), Julius F. Densmore, aged fourteen years (b. VT), Lucia Densmore, aged ten years (b. VT), and Harry M. Densmore, aged seven years (b. VT). Harry Densmore had real estate valued at $3,000.

William Mead, a farmer, aged sixty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Salt Creek, OH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Dorcas [(Hamlin)] Mead, aged sixty-three years (b. MA), Charles Mead, a farmer, aged twenty-seven years (b. VT), Susannah [(Collins)] Mead, aged eighty-eight years (b. MA), Charlotte [(Mead)] Cook, aged thirty-five years (b. VT), Charlotte Mead, aged sixty-three years (b. NH), Amanda Brown, aged twenty-one years (b. VT), Frederick Cook, aged twelve years (b. VT), Julia Cook, aged eight years (b. OH), John H. Cook, aged five years (b. OH), and Henry C. Mead, a carpenter, aged twenty-one years (b. VT). William Mead had real estate valued at $3,000.

Franklin Cook, a farmer, aged thirty-one years (b. VT), headed a Trumbull, OH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Roxana [((Webb) Smith)] Cook, aged thirty-one years (b. NY), Caroline Smith, aged ten years (b. OH), Jefferson Smith, aged eight years (b. OH), Harriet Cook, aged three years (b. OH), and Winthrop Cook, aged five months (b. OH). Franklin Cook had real estate valued at $700.

Son John Cook died in Bloomfield, OH, October 1, 1854.

Widowed daughter-in-law Charlotte B. (Mead) Cook married (2nd) in Franklin County, OH, April 3, 1855, Albert G. Welch, both of Franklin County, OH.

Harry Dinsmore, a farmer, aged sixty-one years (b. VT), headed a Colchester, VT, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Betsy [(Cook)] Dinsmore, aged sixty years (b. NH), William Dinsmore, a farm laborer, aged twenty-three years (b. VT), Harry Dinsmore, aged seventeen years (b. VT), Hezekiah Cook, a farm laborer, aged fifty-five years (b. NH), and Elizabeth Smith, aged fifteen years (b. VT). Harry Dinsmore had real estate valued at $3,600 and personal estate valued at $800.

Albert G. Welch, a farmer, aged fifty years (b. VA), headed a Jackson, IA, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Charlotte B. [((Mead) Cook)] Welch, aged forty-six years (b. VT), John H. Cook, aged sixteen years (b. OH), Fanny Welch, aged ten years (b. KY), and Lillia M. Welch, aged four months (b. IA). Albert G. Welch had real estate valued at $1,500 and personal estate valued at $350.

Franklin Cook, a farmer, aged forty-one years (b. VT), headed a Trumbull, OH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Roxana [((Webb) Smith)] Cook, aged forty-one years (b. NY), Winthrop Cook, aged ten years (b. OH), Ralph Cook, aged eight years (b. OH), Emma Cook, aged six years (b. OH), and Harriett Cook, aged thirteen years (b. OH). Franklin Cook had real estate valued at $2,580 and personal estate valued at $700.

Son Joseph R. Cook died in Colchester, VT, November 2, 1868, aged forty-seven years.

Henry Densmore, a farmer, aged seventy years (b. VT), headed a Colchester (“Winooski P.O.”), VT, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Betsey [(Cook)] Densmore, aged sixty-nine years (b. NH), Harry M. Densmore, a farm laborer, aged twenty-five years (b. VT), and Charlie Smith, a farm laborer, aged thirteen years (b. VT). Henry Densmore had real estate valued at $8,000 and personal estate valued at $1,200.

Albert G. Welch, a farmer, aged sixty years (b. VA), headed a Jackson, IA, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Charlotta Welch, keeping house, aged fifty-six years (b. VT), Lilly Welch, at home, aged ten years (b. IA), Lola Welch, at home, aged four years (b. IA), and Carle Wilson, a farm laborer, aged twenty-four years (b. Denmark). Albert G. Welch had real estate valued at $2,500 and personal estate valued at $1,300.

Franklin Cook, a farmer, aged fifty-two years (b. VT), headed a Trumbull, OH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Roxana [((Webb) Smith)] Cook, keeping house, aged fifty-two years (b. NY), Winthrop Cook, aged twenty years (b. OH), Ralph Cook, aged eighteen years (b. OH), and Emma Roy Cook, aged sixteen years (b. OH). Franklin Cook had real estate valued at $7,000 and personal estate valued at $1,500.

Albert Galitin Welch died in Winterset, IA, June 11, 1872, aged sixty-two years, one month, and fourteen days.

Betsy [(Cook)] Densmore, keeping house, aged seventy-eight years (b. NH), headed a Colchester, VT, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. Her household included Orson Caswell, a farmer, aged fifty-six years (b. VT), Harriet E. [(Latham)] Caswell, keeping house, aged fifty-two years (b. VT), Ethel P. Caswell, aged nineteen years (b. VT), and Guy L. Caswell, aged twelve years (b. VT).

Charlotte [((Meade) Cook)] Welch, keeping house, aged sixty-six years (b. VT), headed a Winterset, IA, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. Her household included her daughters, Lillie Welch, at home, aged twenty years (b. IA), and Helen C. Winchester, at home, aged thirty-eight years (b. VT). They resided on Court Avenue.

Frank Cook, a farmer, aged sixty years (b. VT), headed a Trumbull, OH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Roxana [((Webb) Smith)] Cook, aged sixty years (b. NY). They shared a two-family residence with the household of Winthrop B. Cook, a farmer, aged twenty-nine years (b. OH). The household of Winthrop B. Cook included his wife, Retta Cook, keeping house, aged twenty-seven years (b. OH), daughter Tilla Cook, aged seven years (b. OH), and laborer Herman Prentice, works on farm, aged fifteen years (b. OH).

Charlott Bridge [((Mead) Cook)] Welch, keeping house, aged seventy years (b. VT), headed a Winterset, IA, household at the time of the 1885 IA State Census. Her household included Charlott H. [(Cook)] Winchester, a widow, aged forty-five years (b. VT). They resided on Court Avenue.

Son Franklin C. Cook died in Trumbull, OH, September 21, 1887.

Daughter-in-law Charlotte B. ((Meade) Cook) Welch died in Los Angeles, CA, March 26, 1888, aged seventy-three years.

Daughter Betsy (Cook) Densmore died in Colchester, VT, January 16, 1890, aged eighty-nine years.

NORTH DUXBURY NOTINGS. … Mr. and Mrs. Harry Densmore went to Colchester last Saturday, to attend the funeral of his mother (Argus and Patriot (Montpelier, VT), January 22, 1890).

COLCHESTER CHIT-CHAT. … The widow of the late John Monty and the widow of the late Harry Densmore have recently died. Mrs. Densmore was born in 1801 (Argus and Patriot (Burlington, VT), February 5, 1890).

Probate Court. … Betsey Densmore’s estate, Colchester, appointment of Adolphus M. Wheeler, Colchester, administrator, and Frank S. Collins and H.V. Horton, Colchester (Burlington Free Press (Burlington, VT), February 13, 1890).

Daughter-in-law Roxana ((Webb) Smith) Cook died in Trumbull, OH, March 27, 1898.

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References:

Find a Grave. (2013, August 3). Berwick Cook. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114834133/berwick-cook

Find a Grave. (2019, January 28). John Cook. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/196433279/john-cook

Find a Grave. (2009, November 30). Joseph R. Cook. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/44955898/joseph-r.-cook

Find a Grave. (2008, March 10). Mehitabel Roberts Cook. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/25190229/mehitabel-cook

Find a Grave. (2008, March 10). Betsy Cook Densmore. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/25190191/betsey-densmore

Find a Grave. (2007, March 23). Charlotte Bridge Mead Cook Welch. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/18567203/charlotte-b.-cook

By Muriel Bristol | March 22, 2026

William Courson was born in NH in 1782.

William Corson married in Wakefield, NH, in August 1804, Sarah “Sally” Roberts, he of Milton and she of Shapleigh, ME. Rev. Asa Piper performed the ceremony.

Ens. W. Corson was assessed in the Milton School District No. 3 of Paul Jewett in 1806. (See Milton School Districts – 1806).

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

Wm Courson headed a Milton household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Sarah (Brown) Corson], one female aged 16-25 years, one male aged under-10 years, and three females aged under-10 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Jona Young and Daniel Grant. (See Milton in the Third (1810) Federal Census).

NH Governor John Taylor Gilman (1753-1828) put out an urgent call (or “Alarm”) for militia, in September 1814.

New Hampshire. Gov. Gilman, of New-Hampshire, has issued a General Order for the whole militia of that state, including Infantry, Cavalry, & Artillery, to hold themselves in readiness to march at a moment’s warning to any part of the State, where their services may be required. – He has also detached and ordered several Companies to march immediately to Portsmouth, for the defence of that town (The Washingtonian (Windsor, VT), September 19, 1814).

The Governor of Newhampshire has ordered 1200 militia to repair to Portsmouth without delay. The citizens of Portsmouth are actively engaged in fortifying and making preparations for defence (Portland Gazette (Portland, ME), September 19, 1814).

SUMMARY. The Governor of New-Hampshire has ordered out 5000 of the militia, to repair, without delay, to Portsmouth, where the citizens are actively engaged in fortifying and making defensive preparations. [Massachusetts] Gov. Strong has ordered 500 troops to Portsmouth, to aid in defending the towns on the Piscataqua River. Maj. Gen. Whiton, of Lee, is to command the troops lately ordered out by Gov. Strong (Pittsfield Sun (Pittsfield, MA), September 22, 1814).

Milton responded by sending a company of militiamen under Captain William Courson. Captain Courson’s company became a part of the Fourth Regiment, NH Detached Militia, which was commanded by Lt. Colonel Isaac Waldron of Barrington, NH. (Also known as Waldron’s Command). (See Milton in the War of 1812).

The field officers of the NH Second Militia Regiment informed the NH State Legislature, June 3, 1818, that some of their officers, including William Courson, Captain of the 7th Company, had moved out of their regiment’s district.

To the Honbl Senate & House of Representatives of the State of New Hampshire.
Respectfully Sheweth
The Undersigned Field Officers of the Second Regt. that John D. Harty, Capt of first Compy, Ephram Nute, Ensign of said Compy, William Courson, Capt. of the 7th Compy, Saml Abbott, second Lt of Artillery, & Ephm Wentworth, Ensign of the Light Infantry, have removed from the limits of this command.
We therefore pray that John D. Harty, Ephraim Nute, William Courson, Samuel Abbott, & Ephm Wentworth may be removed from their respective offices in said Regt. and as in duty bound we pray.
Edwd Sise Colon
A. Peirce Major
Dover June 3, 1818

William Courson headed a Yonkers, Westchester County, NY, 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 [Sarah (Brown) Courson], and one female aged 10-15 years. One member of his household was engaged in Commerce.

Sarah (Brown) Courson appears to have died, probably in Yonkers, NY, sometime between 1820 and 1824. William Courson married (2nd) in Yonkers, NY, September 26, 1824, Elizabeth “Eliza” or “Betsy” Kniffen. She was born in Westchester County, NY, in 1800.

(The known children of William and Elizabeth (Kniffen) Courson were: William J. Courson (1831-1888), and Jacob Courson (1835-1920).

William Courson of Westchester, NY, advertised to creditors that he would return within three months, presumably to settle debts.

Persons advertising in the state paper for the benefit of the insolvent act – Westchester – William Courson, to return within three months, & c. (New York Evening Post (New York, NY), November 18, 1824).

The New York Legislature had authorized construction of the Erie Canal in 1817. It ran 363 miles from the Hudson River, in the east, through Albany, [Fort Plain,] Utica, Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo, NY, to Lake Erie, in the west.  It opened on October 26, 1825.

A grand salute, indeed! “Among the arrangements to celebrate the completion of the Erie canal, in New York, the committee have ordered salutes to be fired from 24 and 32 pounders, to be stationed along the whole line of the canal. from Buffalo to Albany, (365 miles,) which is immediately to be returned from Albany to Buffalo, making a line of fire of more than 700 miles, and which, like the occasion it is to commemorate, has no parallel in ancient or modern times.” So much for the “big ditch” – dug by the people of a state which, thirty-five years ago, had only a fifth rank in the union, and but little exceeded even Maryland in gross population; but which is now the first of all, and, through the perseverance of a few illustrious men, of whom, DeWitt Clinton was a chief – “the rock on which the storm did beat.” [Nites’ Reg. (Poughkeepsie Journal (Poughkeepsie, NY), October 26, 1825).

Son William J. Courson was born in Oneida, NY, in 1831.

William Cureson headed a Westchester, NY, 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 [Eliza (Kniffen) Cureson], one male aged 10-14 years, two females aged 5-9 years, one male aged under-5 years, and one female aged under-5 years.

Son Jacob Courson was born in Oneida, NY, in 1839.

The Erie Canal runs through Montgomery County parallel to the Mohawk River, connecting to the Wood River to the west, which leads to Lake Ontario. Overall, the canal connected Great Lakes shipping with the Hudson River and the port of New York on the Atlantic Ocean. Several towns and villages developed along the canal, as it carried much trade and passenger traffic during its peak years. After the railroad was built through the state, along the same river plain, it superseded the canal, which was filled in some areas (Wikipedia, 2026).

William Courson headed a Montgomery [County], NY, 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 [Eliza (Kniffen) Courson], and two males aged 5-9 years. One member of his household was engaged in Manufacture and Trade.

Minden is in western Montgomery County, bordered to the north and northeast by the Mohawk River/Erie Canal, to the west by Herkimer County, to the south by Otsego County, and to the southeast by the town of Canajoharie. The village of Fort Plain is in the eastern corner of Minden, next to the Mohawk River (Wikipedia, 2026).

William Courson, a laborer, aged sixty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Minden, NY, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Betsy [(Kniffen)] Courson, aged fifty years (b. NY), William Courson, a laborer, aged twenty years (b. NY), and Jacob Courson, a laborer, aged fifteen years (b. NY).

William Courson resided in Minden, NY, when filing paperwork associated with his War of 1812 pension. He had two enlistments, one ran between September 11, to September 29, 1814, and the other ran between September 23, to November 20, 1814. (There would seem to be some overlap between these two terms of service).

Son William J. Courson married, circa 1854, Mary Sparks.

William Courson, a farmer, aged seventy-four years (b. NH), headed a Minden, NY, household at the time of the NY State Census of 1855. His household included his wife, Elizabeth [(Kniffen)] Courson, aged fifty-four years (b. Westchester County, NY), and his children, William Courson, a boatman, aged twenty-four years (b. Oneida County, NY), Jacob Courson, a boatman, aged twenty years (b. Oneida County, NY), and Mary [(Sparks)] Courson, aged twenty years (b. Mont. [Montgomery] County). They had a frame house, and had all resided in Minden, NY, for fifteen years, excepting daughter [in-law], Mary [(Sparks)] Courson, who had resided there for twenty years, i.e., her whole life.

William Coursen, a farmer, aged eighty years (b. NH), headed a Minden (Palatine Bridge P.O.), NY, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Betsey [(Kniffen)] Courson, aged sixty years (b. NY), Jacob Coursen, aged twenty-six years (b. NY), Mary [(Sparks)] Coursen, aged twenty-one years (b. NY), Henry Coursen, aged four years (b. NY), Edward Coursen, aged two years (b. NY), and William Coursen, a boatman, aged twenty-six years (b. NY). William Courson had real estate valued at $700 and personal estate valued at $100.

William Courson died in Fort Plain, [Minden,] NY, January 3, 1863.

Son Jacob Courson married, circa 1865, Josephine Bush. She was born in Minden, NY, June 14, 1845, daughter of Adam G. and Harriet J. (Ehle) Bush.

Elizabeth [(Kniffen)] Courson, aged sixty-three years (b. West Chester [County, NY]), headed a Minden, NY, household at the time of the NY State Census of 1865. Her household included her son, Jacob Courson, a boatman, aged twenty-eight years (b. Oneida, NY), and [his] wife, Josephine [(Bush)] Courson, aged nineteen years (b. Montgomery [County, NY]). They shared a three-family residence with the households of Christian Linter, a harness-maker, aged thirty years (b. Germany), and that of her other son, William Courson, a boatman, aged thirty-three years ((b. Oneida, NY).

William Courson, a boatman, aged thirty-three years (b. Oneida, NY), headed a Minden, NY, household at the time of the NY State Census of 1865. His household included his wife, Mary [(Sparks)] Courson, aged twenty-six years (b. Montgomery [County, NY]), and his sons, Henry Courson, aged ten years (b. Montgomery [County, NY]), Edward Courson, aged eight years (b. Montgomery [County, NY]). They shared a three-family residence with the households of Christian Linter, a harness-maker, aged thirty years (b. Germany), and that of his mother, Elizabeth [(Kniffen)] Courson, aged sixty-three years (b. West Chester [County, NY]).

Son William Courson, Jr., testified in a lawsuit that he had been captain of the canal-boat Milton Hoag, on a trip between Fort Plain, in Minden, NY, and New York City, in 1865. The steamboat Ontario took the Milton Hoag in tow, December 4, 1865, in order to bring it across the Hudson River in New York harbor. He was accompanied by his wife and little boy. While being towed, a ferryboat struck and disabled the towed canal-boat. His brother, Jacob Courson, testified also (NY Court of Appeals, 1871).

THE CANAL. … CLEARED, MAY 26. … Mary Ann Clark, Courson, 7400 bu. corn, 500 bush oats, Ft. Plain (Buffalo Daily Republic (Buffalo, NY), May 27, 1869).

THE CANAL. … CLEARED, Oct. 9. … Mary Ann Clark, Courson, 7591 corn, Ft. Plain (Buffalo Daily Republic (Buffalo, NY), October 11, 1869).

Willian Courson, a canal boatman, aged forty years (b. NY), headed a Minden (Fort Plain P.O.), NY, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Mary [(Sparks)] Courson, keeping house, aged thirty-six years (b. NY), Henry Courson, attends school, aged twelve years (b. NY), and Edmond Courson, at home, aged eleven years (b. NY). They shared a two-family residence on Reid Street with the household of Norman Alter, an agent [for] produce buyers, aged thirty-four years (b. NY).

Jacob Courson, a canal boatman, aged thirty-five years (b. NY), headed a Minden (Fort Plain P.O.), NY, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Josephine Courson, keeping house, aged twenty-four years (b. NY), Jennie Courson, at home, aged two years (b. NY), George Courson, at home, aged eight months (b. NY), and Elisabeth [(Kniffen)] Courson, mother, retired, aged sixty-nine years (b. NY).

Canal Arrivals and Clearances. … CLEARED, July 5. … Mary Ann Clark, Courson, 6000 bu. corn, Ft. Plain (Buffalo Post (Buffalo, NY), July 6, 1870).

Canal Arrivals and Clearances. … CLEARED – SEPT. 17-19. … Mary Ann Clark, Courson, 5400 bu. corn, 1597 bu. oats and 100 bu. rye, Fort Plain (Buffalo Post (Buffalo, NY), August 29, 1870).

Canal Arrivals and Clearances. … CLEARED – SEPT. 17-19. … Milton Hoag, Courson, 7500 bu. corn, Fort Plain (Buffalo Post (Buffalo, NY), September 19, 1870).

THE CANAL. … Cleared – Sept. 30. … Mary Ann Clark, Courson, 6500 corn, 1200 oats, Fort Plain (Buffalo Courier Express (Buffalo, NY), October 1, 1870).

PORT OF BUFFALO. … CLEARED – MAY 24-25. … E. Bates, Courson, 8500 corn, Fort Plain (Buffalo Post (Buffalo, NY), May 26, 1873).

PORT OF BUFFALO. … CANAL ARRIVALS AND CLEARANCES … CLEARED – Nov. 11-12. … Rufus Bates, Courson, 8400 corn, Fort Plain (Buffalo Post (Buffalo, NY), November 12, 1873).

William Courson, a mechanic [in] spring & axle works, aged forty-four years (b. Montgomery [County, NY]), headed a Minden, NY, household at the time of the NY State Census of 1875. His household included his wife, Mary [(Sparks)] Courson, aged thirty-eight years (b. Montgomery [County, NY]), and his sons, Henry Courson, a mechanic [in] spring & axle works, aged eighteen years (b. Montgomery [County, NY]), and Edward Courson, aged sixteen years (b. Montgomery [County, NY]). They resided in a framed house valued at $2,000.

Elizabeth [(Kniffen)] Courson, aged seventy-one years (b. Westchester), headed a Minden, NY, household at the time of the NY State Census of 1875. Her household included her son, Jacob Courson, a boatman, aged forty years (b. Oneida, NY), her daughter-in-law, Josephine [(Bush)] Courson, aged twenty-seven years (b. Montgomery [County, NY]), and her grandchildren, Jennie Courson, aged seven years (b. Montgomery [County, NY]), and George Courson, aged five years (b. Montgomery [County, NY]). They resided in a brick house, which was valued at $2,500. Her daughter-in-law’s father, Adam G. Bush, a wagonmaker, aged fifty-two years (b. Montgomery [County, NY]), resided in the frame house next door.

Mrs. Eliza [(Kniffen)] Courson, widow of William Courson, filed for a bounty land warrant in 1878. She resided in Fort Plain, Montgomery County, NY.  Her claim was based upon his service as a Captain in the NH Militia between September 11, 1814 and November 20, 1814. (She herself died “prior to” January 28, 1885).

THE CANAL. CLEARED – Sept. 4. … L.M. Clark, Courson, 8023 corn, Fort Plain (Buffalo Courier (Buffalo, NY), September 5, 1879).

Granddaughter Jennie E. Courson died in Fort Plain, Minden, NY, October 30, 1880, aged thirteen years.

William J. Courson, a laborer, aged fifty years (b. NY), headed a Minden, NY, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Mary [(Sparks)] Courson, keeping house, aged forty years (b. NY), and his son, Edward Courson, at home, aged twenty-one years (b. NY). They shared a two-family residence with the household of Alfred J. Scaplehorn, a laborer, aged twenty-eight years (b. England).

Elizabeth [(Kniffen)] Courson, aged seventy-eight years (b. NY), headed a Minden, NY, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. Her household included her grandson, George Courson, aged ten years (b. NY), her son, Jacob Courson, on the canal, aged forty-five years (b. NY), and her daughter-in-law, Josephine [(Bush)] Courson, on the canal, aged thirty-four years (b. NY).

BOATS CLEARED – AUGUST 2. … L.M. Clark, Courson, 1349 corn (added Fort Plain) (Democrat and Chronicle, August 3, 1881).

Son William Courson had an altercation with another Fort Plain boatman, Linn Bush. Bush was a brother of his sister-in-law, Josephine (Bush) Courson.

Fort Plain. Linn Bush got into an altercation with William Courson, on Monday evening, ending by Bush slapping the former in the face. Bush was arrested and placed in the cooler overnight, and this morning was arraigned before Justice Eldridge and sentenced to [a] $20 fine or thirty days in jail. He preferred the latter (Albany Argus (Albany, NY), June 20, 1883).

(A young man named “Linn” Bush, of Fort Plain, had posted bail earlier, in 1874, for having allegedly stolen a codfish (Utica Daily Observer (Utica, NY), August 15, 1874)).

Mrs. Eliza [(Kniffen)] Courson died in 1884. (She is buried in Fort Plain, [Minden,] NY).

Canal Clearances. BUFFALO, Sept. 8-9. … L.M. Clark, Courson, 8019 corn, Fort Plain (Democrat and Chronicle, September 10, 1885).

The Canals – CLEARED – October 7. … L.M. Clark, Courson, 7850 bu. wheat, do [Troy] (Buffalo Courier (Buffalo, NY), October 8, 1885).

Son William J. Courson died in Fort Plain, [Minden,] NY, June 28, 1888, aged fifty-seven years.

Nicholas Sparks, a clerk (store work), aged sixty-one years (b. NY), headed a Minden, NY, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his stepson, Willliam Sparks, a salesman & notary, aged thirty-four years (b. NY), and his sister, Mary [(Sparks)] Coursen, a widow, aged fifty-six years (b. NY). Nicholas Sparks owned their house on Canal Street, free-and-clear. Mary Courson was the mother of one child, of which one was still living.

Grandson Edward Courson died in August 1902, aged forty-three years.

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS AND BUILDING OPERATIONS. … HUDSON COUNTY REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS. … Conveyances. … KEARNY. Davis av., w. side, lot 66, blk. 42, on map of N.J. Land Co., Geo. B Courson et ux to Jacob Courson et ux (Jersey Observer & Jersey Journal (Jersey City, NJ), June 8, 1910).

Daughter-in-law Mary (Sparks) Courson died in Minden, NY, in 1911, aged seventy-two years.

Daughter-in-law Josephine (Bush) Courson died in Jersey City, NJ, March 29, 1917, aged seventy-nine years, nine months, and fifteen days.

NELLISTON. Late Mrs. Jacob Courson Had Lived in Jersey City Many Years. Nelliston, April 4. – Mrs. Jacob Courson died in a hospital in Jersey City after a week’s illness of stomach trouble. Mrs. Courson’s maiden name was Josephine Bush and she was the daughter of the late Adam and Jane Bush and was born in Fort Plain 73 years ago. She married Jacob Courson about 53 years ago and moved to Jersey City where she has since resided. Her brother, George Bush, died in Flint, Mich., about 4 months ago and she was the last survivor of a large family of children. Besides her husband she is survived by one son, George Bush Courson, and a granddaughter, Miss Elsie Courson of Arlington, N.J. The remains were brought here Saturday and interment was made in the Fort Plain Cemetery (April 1917).

DIED. COURSON. On March 29, 1917, Josephine Corson, the beloved wife of Jacob Courson, aged 72 years. Funeral at her son’s residence, George B. Courson, 387 Davis Avenue, Arlington, N.J., on Friday, March 30, at 8 P.M. Interment at Fort Plain, N.Y. (Jersey Journal, March 30, 1917).

Hudson County Courts. Henry Minch, Peter Fox, John Wright and Jacob Courson, all boat captains, declared that they did not vote at the special election, although their names were marked on the poll books as voting. Each characterized their names on the signature poll books as forgeries (Hudson Observer (Jersey City, NJ), January 22, 1918).

Jacob Courson, retired, aged eighty-two years (b. NY), headed a Kearney, NJ, household at the time of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census. His household included his son, George Courson, a millwright ([—] manufacturer) aged fifty-one years (b. NY), and his daughter-in-law, Minnie Courson, none, aged fifty years (b. PA). They shared a two-family residence at 349 Davis Street with the household of Samuel Gray, a comb maker (comb manufacturer), aged sixty-seven years (b. MA).

Son Jacob Courson died in Kearny, NJ, April 9, 1920, aged eighty-two years.

WILLS FILED WITH COUNTY SURROGATE. Jacob Courson, Arlington; died April 9, 1920; will executed August 1917; George B. Courson, 389 Davis avenue, Arlington, executor and sole legatee (Hudson Observer, April 24, 1920).

---

References:

Find a Grave. (2018, January 21). Jacob Courson. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/186779629/jacob-courson

Find a Grave. (2018, January 21). William Courson. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/186779569

Find a Grave. (2009, October 5). William J. Courson. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/42743921/william_j-courson

National Archives and Records Administration. (n.d.). Index to the Compiled Military Service Records for the Volunteer Soldiers Who Served During the War of 1812. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration. M602, 234 rolls.

NH General Court. (1818). Journal of the House of Representatives. Retrieved from www.google.com/books/edition/Journal_of_the_House_of_Representatives/vjVJAQAAMAAJ

NY Court of Appeals. (1871). New York Court of Appeals. Records and Briefs. Retrieved from www.google.com/books/edition/New_York_Court_of_Appeals_Records_and_Br/Qp7lzL9vHNQC?hl=en&pg=RA10-PA30

Wikipedia. (2026, March 10) Erie Canal. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erie_Canal

Wikipedia. (2025, November 8). Low Bridge (Song). Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Low_Bridge_(song)

Wikipedia. (2026, January 8). Minden, New York. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minden,_New_York

Wikipedia. (2026, February 22). Montgomery County, New York. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montgomery_County,_New_York

Wikipedia. (2026, February 16). Yonkers, New York. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yonkers,_New_York

Youtube. (2015, May 19). Erie Canal. Retrieved from www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcwHz6bCnEg

By Muriel Bristol | March 15, 2026

Shadrach Hurd was born in Rochester, NH, July 24, 1776, son of Joseph and Sarah (Dore) Hurd.

Shadrach Hurd married September 7, 1797, Lydia Hoyt. She was born in Rochester, NH, in 1778, son of Benjamin and Sarah (Downing) Hoyt. (Her father, who died in Rochester, NH, in March 1794, had served as a Corporal in Capt. John Brewster’s Company, in Col. Pierce Long’s NH Regiment, in 1776-77).

(The known children of Shadrach and Lydia (Hoyt) Hurd were: Samuel Hurd (1798-1886), Lydia Hurd (1804-1891), Caroline Hurd (1806-1834), Mary Hurd (1809-1885)).

Son Samuel Hurd was born January 1, 1798.

Shadrach Heard 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 [Lydia (Hoyt) Hurd], and one male aged under-10 years [Samuel Hurd]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Pelatiah Hanscomb and Robert Hart. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

Shadrach Hard signed the Rochester Division Petition of May 1802.

[Shadrach Hurd resided in the Northeast Parish of Rochester, NH, at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census and when he signed the Rochester Division Petition, i.e., he resided then in that part of Rochester that became Milton, but he was living in Rochester proper by the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census].

Daughter Lydia Hurd was born in Rochester, NH, June 11, 1804. Daughter Caroline Hurd was born in Rochester, NH, in 1806. Daughter Mary Hurd was born in Rochester, NH, in 1809.

Shadrach Herd headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Lydia (Hoyt) Hurd], one male aged 101-5 years [Samuel Hurd], and three females aged under-10 years [Lydia Hurd, Caroline Hurd, and Mary Hurd].

Daughter Lydia Hurd married in Rochester, NH, in 1823, Benjamin Jellerson. He was born in Rochester, NH, March 16, 1802, son of Mary Earl.

Son Samuel Hurd married in Rochester, NH, in 1824, Mehitable D. Trask. She was born in Rochester, NH, December 1, 1795, daughter of Capt. David and Mehitable (Dwight) Trask.

Benj. Jelerson headed a Wakefield, 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 [Lydia (Hurd) Jellerson], one male aged under-5 years, and one female aged under-5 years.

Daughter Mary Hurd married (1st) in Rochester, NH, November 7, 1830, Thomas C. Thurston, she of Rochester, NH, and he of Brookfield, NH. Rev. Samuel Norris performed the ceremony. Thurston was born in 1808.

MARRIED. In Rochester, Mr. Thomas C. Thurstin, of Brookfield, to Miss Mary Hurd, of Rochester (Dover Enquirer, November 23, 1830).

Shada Hurd headed a Rochester, NH, 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 [Lydia (Hoyt) Hurd], and one female aged 20-29 years [Caroline Hurd].

Mother-in-law Sarah Hoyt, widow of Sgt. Benjamin Hoyt, appeared on the Revolutionary War Pension Roll, and received a semi-annual pension payment of $27.837, between March 4, 1831 and September 1843.

Daughter Caroline Hurd died in Rochester, NH, January 17, 1834.

Son-in-law Thomas C. Thurston died in Dover, NH, in 1839.

Died. In this town, Mr. Thomas C. Thurston, of Wakefield (Dover Enquirer, December 17, 1839).

Sarah [(Downing)] Hoyt headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. Her household included one female aged 90-99 years [herself], and one female aged 60-69 years [daughter Sarah Hoyt]. Revolutionary War pensioner Sarah Hoyt, i.e., she herself, appeared in her household.

Shadrach Hurd headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 60-69 years [himself], one female aged 60-69 years [Lydia (Hoyt) Hurd]. One member of his household was engaged in Manufacture and Trade.

Samuel Hurd headed a Leicester, MA, 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 [Mehitable D. (Trask) Hurd], one female aged 15-19 years, one female aged 10-14 years, two females aged 5-9 years, and one male aged under-5 years. One member of his household was engaged in Manufacture and Trade.

Mother-in-law Sarah [(Downing)] Hoyt of Rochester, NH, made her last will, August 2, 1840. She devised all her property, both real and personal, to her daughter, Sally Hoyt, whom she named also as executor. She left nothing to her other children, Benjamin Hoyt, Lydia Hurd, wife of Shadrach Hurd, George Hoyt, John D. Hoyt, Charles Hoyt, and Samuel Hoyt, and the children of her son, Dennis Hoyt, and daughter, Temperance Haynes.

I do not think it proper to give any thing to the amount of my property being very small and property belonging to my said daughter Sally Hoyt, who has taken care of me in my old age.

She signed with an “X.” Noah Tibbets, Sally Hoyt, 2d, and John D. Hoyt witnessed her signature (Strafford County Probate, 59:541). 

Daughter Mary (Hurd) Thurston married (2nd) in Somersworth, NH, February 18, 1841, David P. Hartford. He was born in Lebanon, ME, April 7, 1817, son of Eliakine and Charity (Cook) Hartford.

Mother-in-law Sarah [(Downing)] Hoyt died in Rochester, NH, December 31, 1843, aged ninety-five years.

Sister-in-law [daughter of mother-in-law Sarah (Downing) Hoyt, and her executor] Sarah “Sally” Hoyt of Rochester, NH, single-woman, made her own last will, January 6, 1844. She sought to have a gravestone placed at her grave and placed also at the graves of her Father and Mother, her sister Polly, and her brothers Benjamin and Israel, as well as fencing the family plot in Charles Hoyt’s Field. She devised on one-half of her “meat” of every kind to her brother, John S. Hoyt, and $10 to his wife, Sarah Hoyt. She devised $1 to her brother, Charles Hoyt. She devised one cow to Mary Hartford, daughter of Shadrach Hurd, and one bed to Mary Caroline Thurston, daughter of said Mary Hartford. She devised all the rest, residue and remainder to Lydia Hurd, wife of Shadrach Hurd, whom she named as executor. She signed with an “X.” John F. McDuffee, Benjamin Horne, and Charles Dennett witnessed her signature (Strafford County Probate, 59:543).

Sister-in-law Sarah “Sally” Hoyt died soon afterwards in Rochester, January 11, 1844, aged seventy years.

DEATHS. In Rochester, Dec. 31st, widow Sarah Hoyt, aged 95 years. – Jan. 11, Miss Sarah Hoyt, aged 7o (Dover Enquirer, January 20, 1844).

The last wills of mother-in-law Sarah (Downing) Hoyt and her daughter, Sarah “Sally” Hoyt, were proved in a Stafford County Probate Court held in Rochester, NH, February 6, 1844 (Strafford County Probate, 59:542-4).

Shadrach Hurd, a carpenter, aged seventy-three years, headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Lydia [(Hoyt)] Hard, aged seventy-one years. Shadrach Hurd had real estate valued at $400.

Samuel Hurd, a card maker, aged fifty-two years (b. NH), headed a Leicester, MA, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included M.D. [(Trask)] Hurd, aged fifty-five years (b. MA), Ellen D. Hurd, aged eighteen years (b. MA), Abby D. Hurd, aged sixteen years (b. MA), Albert L. Hurd, aged thirteen years (b. MA), and James Murphey, a laborer, aged seventeen years (b. Ireland). Samuel Hurd had real estate valued at $5,000.

Benjamin Jelerson, a farmer, aged forty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Lydia [(Hurd)] Jelerson, aged forty-six years (b. NH), and Samuel Jelerson, a farmer, aged nineteen years (b. NH). Benjamin Jelerson had real estate valued at $1,500.

David P. Hartford, a wood turner, aged thirty-three years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Mary [((Hurd) Thurston)] Hartford, aged forty-one years (b. NH), and John G.C. Thurston, a wood turner, aged seventeen years (b. NH), Mary C. Thurston, aged fourteen years (b. NH), Sarah F. Hartford, aged eight years (b. NH), David F. Hartford, aged six years (b. NH), and Thomas F. Hartford, aged four years (b. NH). David P. Hartford had real estate valued at $800.

Lydia (Hoyt) Hurd died August 9, 1850.

PROLIFIC PUMPKIN SEED. SAMUEL HURD, Esq., of Leicester, exhibited at the horticultural exhibition in this last fall, 19 sweet pumpkins weighing 110 pounds, which, with two that were not ripened, grew upon a vine measuring with its branches, 190 feet in length – and the whole is the product of one seed. I purchased the above pumpkins of Mr. Hurd, and have used them through the winter, eating the last of them, last week. They were of the most delicious flavor. I have saved the seeds, and they number 10,341 good seeds. E.H. Worcester, March 12, 1859 (New England Farmer (Boston, MA), March 26, 1859).

Shedrick Hurd, aged eighty-four years (b. NH), headed a Rochester (“Farmington P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included David P. Hartford, a bobbin maker, aged forty-three years (b. NH), Mary [((Hurd) Thurston)] Hartford, aged fifty years (b. NH), Mary [(Thurston)] Folsom, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), Charles G. Horney, a shoe cutter, aged thirty-three years (b. NH), Sarah F. Horney, aged eighteen years (b. NH), David F. Hartford, a bobbin maker, aged sixteen years (b. NH) (b. NH), Thomas T. Hartford, aged fourteen years, and George E. Folsom, aged three years (b. NH). David P. Hartford had real estate valued at $1,000 and personal estate valued at $460. Charles G. Horney had personal estate valued at $200.

Samuel Hurd, a card maker, aged sixty-one years (b. NH), headed a Leicester, MA, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Mehit. D. [(Trask)] Hurd, aged sixty-four years (b. MA), Abbie L. Hurd, aged twenty-four years (b. MA), Albert S. Hurd, a card maker, aged twenty-three years (b. MA), John B. Morse,  a domestic, aged seventeen years (b. MA), and Bridget Johnson, a domestic, aged eighteen years (b. Ireland). Samuel Hurd had real estate valued at $3,100 and personal estate valued at $1,400.

Benjamin Jelerson, aged fifty-eight years (b. ME), headed a Rochester (“Farmington P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Lydia [(Hurd)] Jelerson, aged fifty-six years (b. NH), Lydia Drew, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), and Abby Betson, aged twenty-six years (b. MA). Their household appeared in the enumeration next to that of Samuel Jelerson, a farmer, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH).

Shadrach Hurd died in Rochester, NH, August 19, 1860.

Daughter-in-law Mehitable D. (Trask) Hurd died in Boston, MA, November 9, 1866.

DEATHS. [In this city,] 9th inst. at 127 Newton street, Mehitable D., wife of Samuel Hurd, of Leicester (Boston Evening Transcript, November 10, 1866; New England Farmer (Boston, MA), November 17, 1866).

Son Samuel Hurd married (2nd) in Leicester, MA, August 17, 1868, Emily Boyden, both of Leicester, MA. He was a card manufacturer, aged seventy years, and she was aged fifty-five years. Rev. John Nelson performed the ceremony. She was born in Paris, ME, December 26, 1812, daughter of Alvan and Mary H. (Woodward) Boyden.

Samuel Hurd, a farmer, aged seventy-two years (b. NH), headed a Leicester, MA, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Emily B. [(Boydon)] Hurd, keeping house, aged fifty-seven years (b. ME). He shared a two-family residence with the household of Wm. F. Halman, a card manufacturer, aged forty-three years (b. MA), Ellen D. [(Hurd)] Halman, no occupation, aged thirty-eight years (b. MA), Hattie S. Halman, at school, aged nine years (b. MA), and Katie Sullivan, a domestic servant, aged fifteen years (b. MA). Samuel Hurd had real estate valued at $8,000 and personal estate valued at $7,500. Wm. F. Halman had personal estate valued at $7,300.

Benj. Jellerson, a farmer, aged sixty-eight years (b. ME), headed a Rochester (“Gonic P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included  Lydia [(Hurd)] Jellerson, aged sixty-six years (b. ME), and Charles Dockham, aged four years (b. ME). They shared a two-family residence of Samuel Jellerson, works for shoe mfy., aged thirty-nine years (b. NH). Benj. Jellerson had personal estate valued at $600.

Thos. T. Hartford, shoe pattern[s], aged twenty-four years, headed a Boston, MA, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Mary C. [(Richardson)] Hartford, at home, aged twenty-three years (b. MA), Winnie C. Hartford, at home, aged three years (b. MA), Mary [((Hurd) Thurston)] Hartford, keeping house, aged sixty-two years (b. NH), Geo. E. Furbush, wholesale grocery, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH), Mary C. [((Thurston) Folsom)] Furbush, no occupation, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH), Geo E. Furbush, attending school, aged twelve years (b. NH), Mary A. Furbush, at home, aged three months (b. NH), Agustus Zaddock, clerk in clothing store, aged twenty-six years (b. Canada), and Sarah F. [(Hartford)] Gallop, no occupation, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH).

LEICESTER. Samuel Hurd has sold the Zolva Greene farm for $1500 (Springfield Daily Republican (Springfield, MA), April 10, 1872).

Samuel Hurd, a farmer, aged eighty-two years (b. NH), headed a Leicester, MA, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Emily B. [(Boyd)] Hurd, keeping house, aged sixty-six years (b. ME), his daughter, Ellen D. [(Trask)] Holman, school committee, aged forty-eight years (b. MA), his son-in-law, William F. Holman, a nurse, aged fifty-two years (b. MA), and his granddaughter, Hettie L. Holman, aged nineteen years (b. MA). They resided “On Main Road in Village of Leicester Going From West to East.”

Benjamin Jellerson, a farmer, aged seventy-eight years (b. ME), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Lydia [(Hurd)] Jellerson, aged seventy-six years (b. ME). They shared a two-family residence of Samuel Jellerson, works in shoe shop, aged forty-eight years (b. NH). They resided on Wakefield Street.

Zadoc S. Gallup, a clothier, aged thirty-eight years (b. Canada), headed a Salem, MA, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Sarah [(Hartford)] Gallup, keeping house, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), his mother-in-law, Mary [((Hurd) Thurston)] Hartford, aged seventy years (b. NH), and his servant, Mary Kelley, a servant, aged eighteen years (b. MA). They resided on St. Peter’s Street.

Daughter Mary [((Hurd) Thurston)] Hartford died of la grippe in Salem, MA, February 28, 1885, aged eighty-six years.

General News. Benjamin Jellerson of Rochester, N.H., 83, patronized a barber Saturday for the first time (North Star (Danville, VT), June 19, 1885).

Son Samuel Hurd died in Leicester, MA, November 2, 1886.

Son-in-law Benjamin Jellerson died in Rochester, NH, October 16, 1889, aged eighty-seven years.

SOMEWHAT PERSONAL. Benjamin Jellerson of Rochester, N.H., died Tuesday morning, Oct. 16th, after a short illness at the advanced age of 87 years. He was one of the oldest and most respected citizens of Rochester. He leaves a wife and two sons, one of whom is Mr. Chas. T. Jellerson of Lewiston (Lewiston Sun-Journal (Lewiston, ME), October 16, 1889).

Son-in-law David P. Hartford died in Lebanon, ME, April 17, 1891.

Daughter Lydia (Hurd) Jellerson died of asthenia of old age in Rochester, NH, December 25, 1891, aged eighty-seven years, six months, and fourteen days. She was a widow.

Daughter-in-law Emily (Boyden) Hurd died in Newfane, VT, February 26, 1893, aged eighty years.

NEWFANE. The deep snow in our village has been unbroken this winter until the cemetery burial of Mrs. Emily B. Hurd on Tuesday. Mrs. Hurd was for several years before her marriage connected with the boarding house department of Leicester academy, where she developed a good business capacity and was much respected. For a few years past, since her widowhood, her home has been with her sister, Mrs. Nancy Sibley, on Newfane hill. Death released her at the age of 80 from the rapid decline of years. The funeral service was attended Rev. Mr. Wiswell of Hartford Theological seminary. Mrs. Lee of Boston, one of last summer boarders at Worster’s hotel, was a step-daughter of Mrs. Hurd (Vermont Phoenix (Brattleboro, VT), March 3, 1893).

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References:

Find a Grave. (2018, December 19). Mary Hurd Hartford. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/195453919/mary-hartford

Find a Grave. (2009, November 19). Benjamin Hoyt. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/44559097/benjamin-hoyt

Find a Grave. (2022, August 19). Caroline Hurd. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/242795955/caroline-hurd

Find a Grave. (2014, August 23). Samuel Hurd. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/134786726/samuel-hurd

Find a Grave. (2018, September 25) Shadrach Hurd. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/193401194/shadrach-hurd

Find a Grave. (2017, October 4). Lydia Hurd Jellerson. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/184002580/lydia-jellerson

By Muriel Bristol | March 1, 2026

Caleb Wakeham, Jr., was born in Durham, NH, in 1754, son of Caleb and Mary Wakeham.

Father Caleb Wakeham, Sr., …

… sold the [Durham, NH] homestead of thirty-two acres to Samuel Smith, 8 July 1757. According to Tate’s Journal he perished in a storm, 20 Oct. 1770. He had son, Ebenezer, baptized 12 Oct. 1753, and probably son Caleb, who married at Rochester, 16 Oct. 1777, Sarah Clements.

… This was soon followed by quite a rush of settlers to the west side of town, Daniel Hayes, Caleb Wakeham, Enoch Varney, Samuel Nute, William Wentworth, William Tuttle, Ichabod Hayes, James Hayes, Ebenezer Coursan,  and Stephen Meserve being among the first; Jeremiah Cook, Dudley Burnham, Jotham Nute, Otis Pinkham, Ephraim Plumer, John Twombly, James Varney, John Varney, William Mathes, and others coming soon after (Scales, 1914).

Caleb Wakeham’s West Milton homestead was described by a realtor as having been built in 1776.

The Caleb Wakeham Estate homestead, built in 1776 & on 3+ picturesque acres surrounded by rock walls, is a stunning testament to history (Zillow, 2024).

Caleb Wakeham 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.

Caleb Wakeham married in Rochester, NH, October 16, 1777, Sarah Clements, both of Rochester, NH. Rev. Joseph Haven performed the ceremony.

(The known children of Caleb and Sarah (Clements) Wakeham were Caleb Wakeham (177?-), Miriam Wakeham (c1780-182?), Benjamin Wakeham (1786-), Mary “Polly” Wakeham (1788-1854), Jonathan Wakeham (-), Ephraim Wakeham (-), and Ebenezer Wakeham (c1796-1860)).

Caleb Wankerum [Wakeham] headed a Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, household at the time of the First (1790) Federal Census. His household included one male [himself] aged 16-plus years, two males aged under-16 years, and two females. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Enoch Varney and Tobias Ricker.

Son Ebenezer Wakeham was born in Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, circa 1796.

Caleb Wakeham headed a Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one female aged 45-plus years, one female aged 26-44 years, one male aged 16-25 years, one female aged 16-25 years, one male aged 10-15 years, two females aged 10-15 years, three males aged under-10 years, and one female aged under-10 years. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

Miriam Wentworth married in Rochester, NH, October 21, 1802, Daniel Wentworth, both of Milton. He was born in Milton, May 6, 178?, son of Samuel and Sarah (Stone) Wentworth.

Caleb Wakham [Wakeham] 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. (Samuel Nute, Francis Nute, and Samuel Nute, Jr., Jotham Nute, and Samuel Bragdon, signed also).

Caleb Wakeham, Benjamin Wakeham, and Jonathan Wakeham were among the fifty-two Milton petitioners that sought to have Jotham Nute appointed as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, in August 1805.

Caleb Wakeham, Jona Wakeham, Benja Wakeham, and Ephm Wakeham were assessed in the Milton School District No. 4 of Dudley Burnham in 1806 (See Milton School Districts – 1806).

Son Caleb Wakeham married in Lee, NH, in 1808, Olive Edgerly, he of Milton, and she of Durham, NH. Rev. John Edgerly performed the ceremony.

Caleb Wakeham headed a Milton household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], two females aged 45-plus years, one male aged 16-25 years, two female aged 16-25 years, two males aged 10-15 years, one male aged under-10 years, and one female aged under-10 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Wm Matthews and Benj. Wakeham. (See Milton in the Third (1810) Federal Census).

Benj. Wakeham headed a Milton 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 [Mary (Wentworth) Wakeham], one male aged under-10 years [Hezekiah Wakeham], and one female aged under-10 years [Drusilla Wakeham]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Caleb Wakeham and Ephraim Prumer [Plumer].

Mary “Polly” Wakeham married in Milton, October 25, 1812, James Goodwin. He was born June 24, 1790.

Mother Sarah (Clements) Wakeham died in 1817.

Ebenr Wakeham, James Goodwin, and Daniel Wentworth, all signed the Milton Anti-Division Remonstrance of June 1820. Caleb Wakeham, Charles Wakeham, Ebenr Wakeham, Danl Wentworth, and James Goodwin all signed the Milton Militia Division of November 1820. (See Milton Militia Dispute – 1820).

Daughter Miriam (Wakeham) Wentworth died in Milton, 182? Widowed son-in-law Daniel Wentworth married (2nd) in Milton Mill, January 10, 1824, Mary Cowell, he of Milton and she of Lebanon, ME. Levi Jones, J.P., performed the ceremony.

Caleb Wakeham headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 80-89 years [himself], one female aged 60-69 years, one male aged 20-29 years, and one female aged 20-29 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Eben. Wakeham and Rose Roberts. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

Danl Wentworth 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 [Mary (Cowell) Wentworth], one male aged 5-9 years, and two males aged under-5 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Jas. Goodwin and Andrew Dore.

Eben. Wakeham 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, two males aged 5-9 years, one male aged under-5 years, and one female aged 70-79 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Ira Howe and Caleb Wakeham.

Charles Wakeham died in Milton, in 1831, aged thirty years.

DIED. In Milton, Mr. Charles Wakeham, aged 30 (Dover Enquirer, March 29, 1831).

Daniel Wentworth 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 [Mary (Cowell) Wentworth], and one male aged under-5 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of James H. Twombly and Hazen Duntley.

Ebenezer Wakeham 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 [Mary (Goodwin) Wakeham], two males aged 15-19 years, one male aged 10-14 years, and one male aged 5-9 years. Four members of his household were engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Jonathan How and Elias S. Cook.

Daniel Wentworth, a farmer, aged sixty-nine years (b. ME), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Mary [(Cowell)] Wentworth, aged fifty-four years (b. ME), and George Wentworth, aged thirteen years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Joshua Jones, a farmer, aged sixty-one years (b. NH),  and Asa T. Waler, a farmer, aged forty-five years (b. NH).

Simeon S. Wakeham, a shoemaker, aged twenty-two years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Ebenezer Wakeham, none, aged fifty-two years (b. NH), Mary [(Goodwin)] Wakeham, aged fifty years (b. NH), James H. Wakeham, a shoemaker, aged seventeen years (b. NH), and Samuel P. Deland, a shoemaker, aged sixteen years (b. NH). Simeon S. Wakeham had real estate valued at $700. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Ira F. How, a farmer, aged forty-three years (b. NH), and Joseph B. Wakeham, a shoemaker, aged twenty-six years (b. NH).

Elishu H. Hersom, a carpenter, aged thirty-eight years (b. ME), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Mary G. [(Ellis)] Hersom, aged thirty-two years (b. NH), George L. Hersom, a shoemaker, aged fifteen years (b. ME), and Polly [(Wentworth)] Wakeham, aged fifty-eight years (b. NH). Elishu H. Hersom had real estate valued at $1,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Ira Roberts, a carpenter, aged forty years (b. NH), and Betsy Hanscomb, a aged seventy-one years (b. NH).

Mary “Polly” (Wakeham) Goodwin died in Newmarket, NH, December 17, 1854.

Grandson Simeon S. Wakeham died in Milton, March 26, 1859, aged thirty-one years. He was a son of Ebenezer and Mary (Goodwin) Wakeham.

DEATHS. In Milton, March 26th, Simeon S. Wakeham, aged 31 years (Dover Enquirer, April 7, 1859).

Son-in-law Daniel Wentworth died in Milton, in April 1859.

Ebenezer Wakeham, a shoemaker, aged sixty-two years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Mary [(Goodwin)] Wakeham, aged sixty-one years (b. NH). Ebenezer Wakeham had real estate valued at $200. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Mary A. Wakeham, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), and Henry Wakeham, a shoemaker, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH).

E.H. Hersom, a farmer, aged forty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Mary [(Ellis)] Hersom, aged forty-two years (b. NH), Charles E. Hersom, aged nine years (b. NH), and Mary [(Wentworth)] Wakeham, aged seventy-one years (b. NH). E.H. Hersom had real estate valued at $1,200 and personal estate valued at $200. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of B.F. Plumer, a shoemaker, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), and an unoccupied building  next to Charles E. Ricker, a shoemaker, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH).

Son Ebenezer Wakeham died of consumption in Milton, October 22, 1860, aged sixty-three years. He was a married farmer.

Daughter-in-law Mary (Goodwin) Wakeham died in Milton, December 5, 1860, aged sixty-two years. She was a widowed farmer.

Grandson James H. Wakeham died in Portsmouth, VA, September 5, 1863, aged thirty-one years.

DEATHS. At Portsmouth, Va., 5th inst., James Henry Wakeham, 31. He belonged in Milton and was an excellent soldier of our 13th Regt. (Dover Enquirer, October 1, 1863).

Son-in-law James Goodwin died June 23, 1869.

Elihu H. Hersam, a carpenter, aged fifty-six years (b. ME), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of he Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Mary G. [(Ellis)] Hersam, keeping house, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), Charles E. Hersam, at school. aged eighteen years (b. NH), and Mary [(Wentworth) Wakeham, aged eighty-one years (b. NH). Elihu H. Hersam had real estate valued at $1,000 and personal estate valued at $400. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Charles C. Ricker, works for shoe factory, aged thirty-six years (b. NH), and John H. Glidden, a shoe finisher, aged forty-four years (b. NH).

Daughter-in-law Mary (Wentworth) Wakeham died in Dover,  NH, November 25, 1874

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References:

Stackpole, Everett S., and Thompson, Lucien. (1914?). History of the Town of Durham, New Hampshire (Oyster River Plantation).

By Muriel Bristol | February 22, 2026

James Merrow was born in Somersworth, NH, in 1765, son of Jonathan Jr. and Phebe (Heard) Merrow.

James Merrow married in Shapleigh, ME, February 10, 1791, Sarah “Sally” Rogers, both of Shapleigh, ME. Rev. Loren Lord performed the ceremony. She was born in Rochester, NH, in 1774, daughter of Capt. William and Susanna “Susie” (Moore) Rogers.

(The known children of James and Sarah (Rogers) Merrow were: John Merrow (1791–1868), [Deacon] Daniel Merrow (1793–1873), James Merrow, Jr. (1795–1870), [Deacon] Robert Merrow (1797–1878), Sarah R. Merrow (1804–1879), Ezekiel Merrow (1804–1857), Offin P. Merrow (1810–1853), Nathaniel J. Merrow (1812–186?), Elizabeth “Eliza” Merrow (1814–1858), Noah Webber Merrow (1817–1897). Some sources include also a Charles Merrow and an Alexander Merrow).

Son John Merrow was born in Milton Mills, March 15, 1791. Son Daniel Merrow was born in Milton Mills, January 8, 1793. Son James Merrow, Jr., was born in Milton Mills, May 1, 1795. Son Robert Merrow was born in Milton Mills, in 1797.

James Mirrow [Merrow] headed a Milton household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 16-25 years [Sarah (Rogers) Merrow], and five males aged under-10 years [John Merrow, Daniel Merrow, James Merrow, Robert Merrow]. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

James Merrow signed the Rochester Division Petition of 1802.

Daughter Sarah R. Merrow was born in Milton Mills, in 1802. Son Ezekiel Merrow was born in Milton Mills, in 1804.

James Merrow was assessed in the Milton School District No. 3 of Paul Jewett in 1806 (See Milton School Districts – 1806).

Son Alexander Merrow was born in Milton Mills, circa 1806. Son Offin B. Merrow was born in Milton Mills, August 10, 1810.

James Merrow was among thirty-five Strafford County inhabitants that petitioned the NH Governor and Executive Council, January 2, 1810, to have Major Andrew Wentworth, of Somersworth, NH, appointed as Strafford County Sheriff. A competing petition that circulated later in the month sought instead reappointment of the incumbent sheriff, Col. James Carr, also of Somersworth, NH. (See Strafford County Sheriff Petition – January 2, 1810 (and Strafford County Sheriff Petition – 1810)).

James Merry [Merrow] headed a Milton household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Sarah (Rogers) Merrow], two males aged 16-25 years [John Merrow and Daniel Merrow], two males aged 10-15 years [James Merrow and Robert Merrow], two males aged under-10 years [Ezekiel Merrow and Alexander Merrow], and two females aged under-10 years [Sarah Merrow]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Jere. Goodwin and John Witham. (See Milton in the Third (1810) Federal Census).

Son Nathaniel J. Merrow was born in Milton Mills, in 1812. Daughter Elizabeth “Eliza” Merrow was born in Milton Mills, August 11, 1814.

Son James Merrow, Jr., who served as a private, marched to Portsmouth, NH, in September 1814, with Capt. William Courson’s Milton militia company during the War of 1812. (See Milton in the War of 1812).

Son Daniel Merrow married in South Wakefield, NH, November 17, 1816, Sarah Blaisdell “Sally” Garland. She was born in Wakefield, NH, April 27, 1797, daughter of Capt. John G. and Sarah (Blaisdell) Garland.

Son John Merrow married, probably in Lancaster, NH, in 1817, Arvilla Gilman. She was born June 29, 1797.

Son Noah Webber Merrow was born in Milton Mills, May 16, 1817.

Son James Merrow [Jr.] married in New Gloucester, ME, in 1819, Eleanor Skinner. She was born in Wakefield, NH, May 11, 1797.

Daughter Sarah R. Merrow married in Milton, August 8, 1824, Silas Bunker, she of Milton and he of Tuftonboro, NH. John Remick, J.P., performed the ceremony. Bunker was born in Barnstead, NH, October 26, 1778, son of John and Polly Bunker.

Son Ezekiel Merrow married in Shapleigh, ME, August 22, 1825, Clarissa Roberts, he of Milton and she of Shapleigh, ME. John Bodwell, J.P., performed the ceremony. She was born in Acton, ME, in May 1806, daughter of Jedediah and Elizabeth “Betsy” (Goodwin) Roberts.

Son Robert Merrow married (1st) in Ossipee, NH, February 16, 1829, Lovina Garland. She was born in South Wakefield, NH, in 1795, daughter of Capt. John G. and Sarah (Blaisdell) Garland.

Jas Merrow 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 50-59 years [Sarah (Rogers) Merrow], one male aged 15-19 years, and two males aged 10-14 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Benj. Witham and Nathan Jones. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

John Merrow headed a Lancaster, 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 [Arvilla (Gilman) Merrow], one male aged 10-14 years, one female aged 10-14 years, one male aged 5-9 years, one female aged 5-9 years, one female aged under-5 years, and one female aged 80-89 years.

James Merrow headed a New Gloucester, ME, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 40-49 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years [Eleanor (Skinner) Merrow], one female aged 20-29 years, two females aged 15-19 years, one male aged 10-14 years, one female aged 5-9 years, and one female aged under-5 years.

Daniel Merrow headed an Ossipee, 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 B. (Garland) Merrow], one male aged 5-9 years [James Merrow], and one male aged under-5 years [Daniel Merrow].

Robt Merrow headed an Ossipee, 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 [Lovina (Garland) Merrow], one male aged 10-14 years, one male aged 5-9 years, and one female aged under-5 years.

Silas Bunker headed a Gilmanton, NH, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 40-49 years [himself], one female aged 20-29 years [Sarah R. (Merrow) Bunker], one female aged 5-9 years, and one male aged under-5 years.

Ezekiel Merrow 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 30-39 years [Clarissa (Roberts) Merrow], and one male aged under-5 years [Moses H. Merrow]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Thos Remick and Jere Goodwin. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

Daughter-in-law Lovina (Garland) Merrow died in Ossipee, NH, April 26, 1832.

Son Robert Merrow married (2nd) in Tuftonboro, NH, February 21, 1833, Hannah B. Graves, he of Ossipee, NH, and she of Tuftonboro, NH. Rev. John Walker performed the ceremony. She was born in Tuftonboro, January 14, 1808, daughter of Abram B. and Phebe (Dennett) Graves.

Son Offin B. Merrow married in Alton, NH, February 24, 1833, Salome Jones, both of Alton, NH. Rev. H.D. Buzzell performed the ceremony. She was born in Alton, NH, March 30, 1810, daughter of Jonathan H. and Mary (Watson) Jones.

Married. In Alton, Feb. 24th, Mr. Offin Merrow, to Miss Salome Jones (Dover Enquirer, March 12, 1833).

Sally Merrow and Eliza Merrow were among the fifty-two members that were dismissed or released from the Acton Milton Baptist Church, October 28, 1834, in order to found the Milton Baptist Church.

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

Daughter Elizabeth Merrow married in Gray, ME, January 7, 1839, Samuel Rowe. He was born in Meredith, NH, April 3, 1809, son of Joseph H. and Sarah (Jenness) Rowe.

Son Nathaniel J. Merrow married in Charlestown, MA, July 25, 1839, Nancy Bell Vennard, he of Charlestown, MA, and she of Newcastle, NH. She was born in Newcastle, NH, June 30, 1817, daughter of George and Dorothy Watkins Clifford (Bell) Vennard.

Son Noah W. Merrow married in Gray, ME, May 3, 1840, Mary Ann Rowe. She was born in Gilford, NH, September 14, 1815, daughter of Joseph H. and Sarah (Jenness) Rowe.

Married. In Gray … Also, by Rev. J.M. Durgin, Noah Merrow to Miss Mary Ann Rowe, all of G. (Portland Press Herald (Portland, ME), May 7, 1840).

James Merrow headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 80-89 years [himself] one female aged 50-59 years [Sarah (Rogers) Merrow], and one male aged 20-29 years. Two members of his household were engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Lydia Witham and Thomas Remick.

John Merrow headed a Lancaster, NH, 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 [Arvilla (Gilman) Merrow], one female aged 15-19 years [Jerusha A. Merrow], two males aged 5-9 years [James H. Merrow and Charles S. Merrow, and one male aged under-5 years [John G. Merrow]. Six members of his household were engaged in Agriculture.

Daniel Merrow headed an Ossipee, NH, 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 [Sarah B. (Garland) Merrow], one male aged 15-19 years [James Merrow], one male aged 10-14 years [Daniel Merrow], and two females aged 5-9 years [Abigail Merrow and Lovina Merrow]. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture.

Robert Merry [Merrow] headed a Tuftonboro, NH, 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 [Hannah B. (Graves) Merrow], two males aged 15-19 years, one female aged 10-14 years, and one male aged 5-9 years. Three members of his household were engaged in Agriculture.

Silas Bunker headed a Gilmanton, NH, 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 R. (Merrow) Bunker], one female aged 15-19 years, one male aged 10-14 years, one male aged 5-9 years, and one female aged 5-9 years. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture.

Ezekiel Merrow 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 [Clarissa (Roberts) Merrow], one male aged 15-19 years [Moses H. Merrow], one female aged 5-9 years [Eliza J. Merrow], and one male aged 5-9 years [John F. Merrow]. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Samuel L. Hart and Asa Jewett.

Offin Merro [Merrow] headed an Alton, NH, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 20-29 years [himself] one female aged 30-39 years [Salome (Jones) Merrow], one male aged 5-9 years [James S. Merrow], and one female aged under-5 years. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture.

Daughter-in-law Clarissa (Roberts) Merrow died in Brighton, MA, July 3, 1849, age forty-three years.

DEATHS. In Brighton, Mass., July 3, of Consumption, Mrs. Clarissa, wife of Mr. Ezekel [Ezekiel] Merrow of Milton Mills, N.H., aged 43 years (Dover Enquirer, July 17, 1849).

Grandson James Merrow married in Ossipee, NH, September 16, 1849, Caroline Wingate.

MARRIAGES. In Ossipee, by Rev. Horace Wood, Mr. James Merrow, to Miss Caroline Wingate (Dover Enquirer, October 16, 1849).

John Merrow, a farmer, aged fifty-nine years (b. ME), headed a Lancaster, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Arvilla [(Gilman)] Merrow, aged fifty-two years (b. NH), Jerusha Merrow, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), James H. Merrow, a laborer, aged eighteen years (b. NH), Charles B. Merrow, a laborer, aged sixteen years (b. NH), and John G. Merrow, aged ten years (b. NH). John Merrow had real estate valued at $1,000.

Daniel Merrow, a farmer, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH), headed an Ossipee, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Sarah B. Merrow, aged fifty-three years (b. NH), Abigail C. Merrow, aged eighteen years (b. NH), Louisa J. Merrow, aged fifteen years (b. NH), and John G. Merrow, aged thirteen years (b. NH). Daniel Merrow had real estate valued at $1,000.

James Merrow, a tailor, aged fifty-five years (b. ME), headed a Gray, ME, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Elanor [(Skinner)] Merrow, aged fifty-three years (b. ME), and Martha Merrow, aged twenty-one years (b. ME). James Merrow had real estate valued at $500.

Robert Merrow, a farmer, aged fifty-three years, headed a Tuftonboro, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Hannah [(Graves)] Merrow, aged forty-two years, Daniel Merrow, a farmer, aged twenty-five years, Emily Merrow, aged twenty-one years, and Edwin Merrow, a farmer, aged seventeen years. Robert Merrow had real estate valued at $1,000.

Silas Bunker, a tailor, aged sixty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Gilmanton, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Sarah R. [(Merrow)] Bunker, aged fifty years (b. NH), James Bunker, a farmer, aged twenty-two years (b. NH), Lyntha Bunker, aged seventeen years (b. NH), and Hiram Bunker, aged fourteen years (b. NH). Silas Bunker had real estate valued at $700.

Offin Merrow, a farmer, aged thirty-nine years, headed an Alton, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Salome [(Jones)] Merrow, aged forty years, James Merrow, aged sixteen years, Mary A. Merrow, aged thirteen years, and Clara A. Merrow, aged three years.

Nathaniel Merrow, a blacksmith, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Charlestown, MA, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Nancy B. [(Vennard)] Merrow, aged thirty-one years (b. NH), Annabell Merrow, aged six years (b. MA), and Nathaniel Merrow, aged seven months (b. MA). They shared a two-family residence with the household of Jonathan T. Chapman, an engineer, aged forty years (b. VT).

Samuel Roe, a stone mason, aged forty-five years (b. ME), headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Eliza [(Merrow)] Roe, aged forty years (b. ME), Clinton Roe, aged ten years (b. ME), Joseph Roe, aged eight years (b. ME), Willington Roe, aged six years (b. ME), Eliza Roe, aged four years (b. ME), and Sarah Roe, aged two years (b. ME). Samuel Roe had real estate valued at $1,000.

Noah Merrow, a marble worker, aged thirty-three years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Mary A. [(Rowe)] Merrow, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), Rufus R. Merrow, aged six years (b. NH), Sumner Merrow, aged four years (b. NH), Millet W. Merrow, aged two years (b. NH), James Merrow, a farmer, aged eighty-six years (b. NH), and Sarah [(Rogers)] Merrow, aged seventy-seven years (b. NH). Noah Merrow had real estate valued at $1,800. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Beniah Dore, a farmer, aged eighty-five years (b. ME), and John Stoat, a manufacturer, aged thirty-five years (b. Scotland).

James Merrow died in Milton Mills, March 28, 1851, aged eighty-six years.

DEATHS. At Charlestown, 29th ult., NATHANIEL J., son of Nath’l and Nancy B. Merrow, 7 yrs. 7 mos. 6 ds. (Boston Evening Transcript, August 1, 1851).

Daughter-in-law Eleanor (Skinner) Merrow died in Boston, MA, November 29, 1852.

DEATHS. 29th ult., at the residence of her son, Mrs. ELEANOR, wife of James Merrow, of Gray, Me. [New Hampshire papers please copy.] (Boston Evening Transcript, December 10, 1852).

Son Offin B. Merrow died in Alton, NH, July 15, 1853, aged forty-two years, eleven months.

DEATHS. In Alton, July 15, Mr. Offin Merrow, aged 42 years, 11 months (Dover Enquirer, August 2, 1853).

Widowed daughter-in-law Salome (Jones) Merrow married (2nd) in New Durham, NH, March 25, 1855, David Henry Chesley. He was born in Barnstead, NH, May 9, 1799.

Daughter-in-law Sarah B. (Garland) Merrow died in Ossipee, NH, January 7, 1856.

Son Ezekiel Merrow died in Acton, ME, October 7, 1857, aged fifty-three years.

Son Nathaniel Merrow appeared in the Charlestown, MA, directory of 1858, as a blacksmith, with his house at 13 Franklin street.

Daughter Elizabeth (Merrow) Rowe died in Lebanon, ME, December 13, 1858, aged forty-four years.

FIRE IN GRAY. – A large barn, belonging to Henry Pennell, Esq., Sheriff of the County, in Gray, was burned down yesterday afternoon. A new buggy wagon with the harness, and a valuable horse, belonging to Mr. James Merrow, were consumed with the barn. It is not known how the fire originated. The loss is estimated at $600. No insurance. – Argus (Bangor Daily Whig & Courier (Bangor, ME), December 22, 1859).

John Mero [Merrow], a farmer, aged sixty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Lancaster, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Arvilla [(Gilman)] Mero, aged sixty-two years (b. NH), Jerucia Mero, aged thirty-one years (b. NH), John G. Mero, aged twenty years (b. NH), and Chas Mero, aged twenty-six years (b. NH). John Mero had real estate valued at $1,000 and personal estate valued at $500.

Daniel Merrow, a farmer, aged sixty-six years (b. NH), headed an Ossipee (“Ossipee Centre P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included James Merrow, a farmer, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), Caroline [(Wingate)] Merrow, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), Sarah M. Merrow, aged nine years (b. NH), Lilla C. Merrow, aged seven years (b. NH), John W. Merrow, aged three years (b. NH), George B. Merrow, aged one year (b. NH). James Merrow had real estate valued at $1,000 and personal estate valued at $521.

John Merrill, a farmer, aged twenty-nine years (b. ME), headed a Gray, ME, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Martha [(Merrow)] Merrill, aged thirty-one years (b. ME), Harriett Merrill, aged five years (b. ME), James Merrow, a tailor, aged sixty-five years (b. ME), Eliza Rowe, aged fourteen years (b. ME), and Walter Sweetser, aged fourteen years (b. ME). John Merrill had real estate valued at $2,000 and personal estate valued at $800. James Morrow had personal estate valued at $1,000.

Robert Merrow, a farmer, aged sixty-two years (b. NH), headed a Tuftonboro, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Hannah [(Graves)] Merrow, aged fifty-three years (b. NH), Albert Merrow, aged eleven years (b. NH), Isetta Peavey, serving, aged forty years (b. NH), and Oliver N. Graves, a farm laborer, aged forty-four years (b. NH). Robert Merrow had real estate valued at $1,500 and personal estate valued at $300.

Silas Bunker, a tailor, aged seventy-five years (b. NH), headed a Gilmanton (“Gilmanton Iron Works P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Sally [(Merrow)] Bunker, aged fifty-three years, and Esther Rowe, aged seven years. Silas Bunker had real estate valued at $600 and personal estate valued at $100.

Henry Chesley, a farmer, aged sixty-one years (b. NH), headed a Barnstead, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Salome [((Jones) Merrow)] Chesley, a cooper, aged fifty years (b. NH), David G. Chesley, aged thirty-six years (b. NH), Isaac Chesley, aged thirty-three years (b. NH), and Clara Merrows, aged eleven years (b. NH). Henry Chesley had real estate valued at $1,500 and personal estate valued at $800.

Samuel Rowe, a farmer, aged forty-five years (b. NH), headed a Lebanon (“West Lebanon P.O.”), ME, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Samuel C. Rowe, a shoemaker, aged twenty years (b. ME), Joseph Rowe, aged eighteen years (b. ME), George Rowe, aged sixteen years (b. ME), Eliza Rowe, aged fourteen years (b. ME), Esther Rowe, aged eight years (b. ME), Judson Rowe, aged four years (b. ME), John A. Fall, aged sixteen years (b. ME). Samuel Rowe had real estate valued at $2,000 and personal estate valued at $200.

Noah Merrow, a farmer, aged forty-three years (b. NH), headed an Acton, ME, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Mary A. [(Rowe)] Merrow, a seamstress, aged forty-four years (b. NH), Rufus R. Merrow, a farm laborer, aged fifteen years (b. NH), Sumner Merrow, aged thirteen years (b. NH), Millet W. Merrow, aged eleven years (b. NH), James W. Merrow, aged nine years (b. NH), Sarah J. Merrow, aged seven years (b. NH), Mary G. Merrow, aged four years (b. NH), and Sarah [(Rogers)] Merrow, a matron, aged eighty-six years (b. NH). Noah Merrow had real estate valued at $1,000 and personal estate valued at $400.

Son Alexander Merrow died of ansarca in the Regimental Hospital, November 10, 1862. He was a Private in Co. I of the 8th NH Volunteer Regiment. A.J. Thompson, Regimental Surgeon, signed the ledger.

Daughter-in-law Nancy B. [(Vennard)] Merrow appeared in the Charlestown, MA, directory of 1864, as a widow, with her house at 93 Pearl street.

Sarah (Rogers) Merrow died in Acton, ME, January 9, 1864, aged eighty-nine years.

Daughter-in-law Nancy B. [(Vennard)] Merrow appeared in the Charlestown, MA, directory of 1866, as a widow, with her house at 19 Walker street.

Son John Merrow died in Lancaster, NH, July 15, 1868.

Daughter-in-law Nancy B. [(Vennard)] Merrow appeared in the Charlestown, MA, directories of 1869, and 1870, as a widow, with her house at 13 Lexington street.

Daughter-in-law Hannah B. (Graves) Merrow died in Tuftonboro, NH, July 18, 1869.

John Merrow, a farmer, aged thirty years (b. NH), headed a Lancaster, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Arvilla [(Gilman)] Merrow, keeping house, aged seventy-two years (b. NH), and Jerushia Merrow, without occupation, aged forty years (b. NH). John Merrow had real estate valued at $1,000 and personal estate valued at $700.

James Merrow, a farmer, aged forty-six years (b. NH), headed an Ossipee (“Moultonborough P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Caroline W. [(Wingate)] Merrow, keeping house, aged forty years (b. NH), Sarah M. Merrow, without occupation, aged nineteen years (b. NH), Lilla C. Merrow, without occupation, aged seventeen years (b. NH), John W. Merrow,  at home, aged thirteen years (b. NH), George B. Merrow, at home, aged eleven years (b. NH), James D. Merrow, aged nine years (b. NH), Charles H. Merrow, aged five years (b. NH), Freddie Merrow, aged one year (b. NH), Daniel Merrow, a hoop maker, aged seventy-six years (b. NH), John Price, without occupation, aged twenty-five years (b. New Brunswick). James Merrow had real estate valued at $2,000 and personal estate valued at $1,200.

William F. Lovejoy, a hotel keeper, aged forty-four years (b. ME), headed a Gray, ME, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Martha A. [(Hilt)] Lovejoy, keeping house, aged thirty-four years (b. ME), Ferrin Lovejoy, attending school, aged twelve years (b. ME), Clinton C. Lovejoy, attending school, aged eight years (b. ME), Amasa P. Lovejoy, a clerk in hotel, aged thirty-two years (b. ME), Gardiner P. Lovejoy, works on farm, aged eighteen years (b. ME), James Merrow, a tailor, aged seventy-five years (b. NH), Maria Vanbuskirk, a housekeeper, aged fifty-four years (b. ME), and Emily R. Blake, a housekeeper, aged twenty-three years (b. ME). William F. Lovejoy had real estate valued at $4,000 and personal estate valued at $3,000. James Merrow had personal estate valued at 1,000.

Robert Merrow, a farmer, aged seventy years (b. NH), headed a Tuftonboro, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Albert Merrow, a farmer, aged twenty years (b. NH). Robert Merrow had real estate valued at $800.

Silas Bunker, a tailor, aged eighty-six years (b. NH), headed a Gilmanton (“Lower Gilmanton P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Sarah R. [(Merrow)] Bunker, keeping house, aged sixty-six years (b. NH), Henry P. Thompson, works on farm, aged forty-six years (b. NH), Betsey J. [(Bunker)] Thompson, keeping house, aged forty-five years (b. NH), and Silas L. Thompson, aged seven years. Silas Bunker had personal estate valued at $200. Henry P. Thompson had real estate valued at $1,000 and personal estate valued at $300.

Henry Chesley, a farmer, aged seventy-one years (b. NH), headed a Barnstead, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Salome [((Jones) Merrow)] Chesley, keeping house, aged sixty years (b. NH), and his son, Isaac Chesley, a farm laborer, aged forty-two years (b. NH). Henry Chesley had real estate valued at $800 and personal estate valued at $1,850. Salome Chesley had personal estate valued at $550. Isaac Chesley had real estate valued at $150 and personal estate valued at $250.

Samuel Rowe, a farmer, aged sixty-five years (b. NH), headed a Brighton, VT, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Elsie [(Ewens)] Rowe, keeping house, aged forty-five years (b. VT), Judson Rowe, aged fourteen years (b. VT), S.C. Rowe, a farm laborer, aged thirty-one years (b. VT), Mary Rowe, aged five years (b. VT), and Willie Ewins, aged twelve years (b. VT). Samuel Rowe had real estate valued at $2,500 and personal estate valued at $800.

Noah Merrow, a farmer, aged fifty-three years (b. ME), headed a Acton, ME, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Mary A. [(Rowe)] Merrow, keeping house, aged fifty-four years (b. NH), James W. Merrow, aged nineteen years (b. NH), Sarah J. Merrow, aged seventeen years (b. NH), and Mary S. Merrow, aged fourteen years (b. NH). Noah Merrow had real estate valued at $1,200 and personal estate valued at $432.

Son-in-law Silas Bunker died of old age in Gilmanton, NH, in 1870, aged ninety years.

Son James Merrow, Jr., died in Gray, ME, December 19, 1870, aged seventy-five years, seven months.

DIED. In Gray, Dec. 20, Mr. James Merrow, aged 75 years, 7 months (Portland Daily Press, December 22, 1870).

Son Daniel Merrow died in Ossipee, NH, September 1, 1873.

Son Robert Merrow died in Tuftonboro, NH, April 17, 1878.

Daughter Sarah R. (Merrow) Bunker “French” died of cancer in Barnstead, NH, April 11, 1879, aged seventy-five years. She was a married housewife.

John G. Merrow, a farmer, aged forty years (b. NH), headed a Lancaster, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his sister, Jerusia Merrow, keeping house, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), and his mother, Arvilla [(Gilman)] Merrow, at home, aged eighty-three years (b. NH).

Henry Chesley, a farmer, aged eighty-one years (b. NH), headed a Barnstead, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Saloam [Salome] [((Jones) Merrow)] Chesley, keeping house, aged seventy years (b. NH), and his son, Isaac Chesley, a farmer, aged fifty-two years (b. NH).

Samuel Rowe, a marble worker, aged seventy years (b. NH), headed a Brighton, VT, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Elsie [(Ewens)] Rowe, boarding, aged fifty-eight years (b. VT), [his son,] George W. Rowe, aged thirty-seven years (b. ME), his [son’s] wife, Jane Rowe, keeping house, aged thirty-seven years (b. Canada), and his [son’s] children, George A. Rowe, aged twelve years (b. NH), Ellen Rowe, aged eleven years (b. NH), Wallace J. Rowe, aged six years (b. ME), Alba Rowe, aged five years (b. NY),  and Mabel Rowe, aged two years (b. NH).

Noah Merrow, a farmer, aged sixty-three years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills Village”) household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Mary [(Rowe)] Merrow, keeping house, aged sixty-four years (b. NH), and his children, Sumner Merrow, works on farm, aged thirty-two years (b. NH), and Mary E. Merrow, at home, aged nine years (b. ME).Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Sophia E. Reynolds, aged fifty years (b. ME), and Asenath [(Runnells)] Marsh, keeping house, aged sixty-one years (b. ME).

[Nathaniel J. Merrow died of pneumonia in the City Hospital in Boston, MA, January 9, 1884, aged seventy-two years. He was a widowed janitor].

Daughter-in-law Arvilla (Gilman) Merrow died in Lancaster, NH, October 30, 1886.

Daughter-in-law Nancy B. (Vennard) Merrow died in Taunton, MA, October 23, 1888.

CURRENT EVENTS. Twelve charitable institutions have received over $11,000 each from the trustees of the estate of the late Nathaniel Merrow of Boston, making a total bequest of over $135,000 (Lewiston Sun-Journal (Lewiston, ME), August 5, 1889).

Son-in-law Samuel Rowe died of old age in Island Pond, Brighton, VT, February 5, 1892, aged eighty-two years, ten months, and two days.

Since our last issue two of our oldest citizens have passed away, Samuel Rowe and Phineas Cole, both over 80 years of age. Both have been quite infirm and feeble for some time, especially Mr. Cole. Mr. Rowe was last in the village just before Christmas, and made his usual visit to the drug store, and leaving it he remarked to Mr. J.W. Thurston, “Well, I’ll go home, and I don’t think you will ever see me here again.” The deceased men will be held in kindly remembrance, particularly by those who best knew them in their years of active and useful life. Funeral services of Mr. Rowe were held last Sunday at the Episcopal Church, and of Mr. Cole on Monday, conducted by Rev. N.M. Learned (Essex County Herald (Island Pond, VT), February 12, 1902).

Daughter-in-law Salome ((Jones) Merrow) Chesley died in Farmington, NH, February 27, 1892.

HERE AND THERE. Mrs. G.E. Amazeen mourns the loss of her mother, Mrs. Chesley, whose death took place last Saturday (Farmington News, [Friday,] March 4, 1892).

Son Noah W. Merrow died in Milton, October 7, 1897.

Ann E. [(Downs)] Duntley, a home keeper, aged fifty-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. Her household included her sons, Clarence W. Duntley, a farm laborer, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH), and Herbert A. Duntley, a leatherboard dryer, aged eighteen years (b. NH), and her mother-in-law, Mary [(Rowe)] Merow, aged eighty-four years (b. NH). Ann E. Duntley owned their farm, free-and-clear. She was the mother of six children, of whom five were still living. Mary Merow was the mother of one child, of whom one was still living. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Daniel Gilbert, a day laborer, aged thirty-four years (b. NH), and Sarah E. Plummer, a home keeper, aged sixty-three years (b. NH).

Daughter Mary Ann (Rowe) Merrow died of malignant la grippe in Milton Mills, January 2, 1905, eighty-nine years, three months, and nineteen days. She was a widowed housewife.

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References:

Find a Grave. (2013, September 11). Sarah Merrow Bunker. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/116897398/sarah-bunker

Find a Grave. (2016, May 19). Ezekiel Merrow. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/162819227/ezekiel-merrow

Find a Grave. (2013, August 28). James Merrow [Jr.]. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/116195692/james-merrow

Find a Grave. (2015, July 9). John Merrow. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/148953792/john-merrow

Find a Grave. (2013, August 11). Noah Merrow. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/115266426/noah-merrow

Find a Grave. (2014, August 24). Offin P. Merrow. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/134815569/offin-p-merrow

By Muriel Bristol | February 15, 2026

Richard Munson was born in Kittery, ME, April 28, 1741, son of John Jr. and Anna ((Griffith) Rice) Munson.

Richard Munson married (1st), circa 1761, Mary Munson. She was born October 27, 1745.

(The known child of Richard and Mary (Munson) Munson was: Samuel Munson (c1765-)).

Son Samuel Munson was  born in NH, circa 1765.

Richard Munson married (2nd) in Portsmouth, November 2, 1768, Susannah Cane. She was born in NH, circa 1740, daughter of James and Rebecca (Lamb) Cane.

(The known children of Richard and Susannah (Cane) Munson were: William Munson (1766-1830), Polly Munson (c1769-1857), Theodore Munson (1775-1839), and Daniel Munson (1778-1841), Sally Munson (c1791-184?)).

Son William Munson was born in Portsmouth, NH, May 15, 1766.

Son Theodore Munson was born November 7, 1775.

Richard Manson [Munson] 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).

William Munson headed a Colchester, VT, household at the time of the First (179o) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 16-plus years [himself]. (The town’s total population consisted of forty-two males aged 16-plus years, forty males aged under-16 years, and fifty-five females).

According to a 1938 Burlington Free Press article, William Munson came to Colchester as early as 1790 from Dover, New Hampshire, with twelve cents in his pocket and an axe over his back. According to Becky [Munson], however, William Munson came to Colchester in 1791 from Portsmouth, Maine [New Hampshire, and lived by the Winooski Falls part of town. (Winooski Fall was part of Colchester until 1922). There he met his wife, Ama Brownell (called Amy). There is agreement that William first worked for Ira Allen in his sawmill and that he was soon working for himself clearing land and building mills. Two of his brothers – Theodore (who later moved to Illinois with several other Munsons) and Daniel – also came to Vermont, along with their sister, Mary, who never married (Schaefer, 2009).

Son William Munson was elected as town constable at the inaugural town meeting of Colchester, VT, held March 18, 1793.

Son William Munson married in Colchester, VT, March 23, 1795, Ama “Amy” Brownell. She was born in Little Compton, RI, February 17, 1778, daughter of Ichabod and Elizabeth (Stanley) Brownell.

Richd Monson 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 [Susannah (Cane) Munson], one female aged 26-44 years, two males aged 16-25 years, and one female aged 16-25 years. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

William Munson headed a Colchester, VT, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one male aged 26-44 years, one female aged 16-25 years, and three females aged under-10 years.

New Advertisements. COLCHESTER. WHEREAS the Legislature of the State of Vermont, at their session at Newbury, in the county of Orange, in October 1801, granted a tax of four cents on each acre of land (public lands excepted) in the town of Colchester in the county of Chittenden, for the purpose of making and repairing roads and building bridges in said town. These are therefore to notify the proprietors and land owners of said town of that they have liberty to work out their respective proportion of the said tax on the roads and bridges in said town, in the months of June and July next, by applying to the subscribers in said town, who are appointed a Committee to superintend the expenditure the tax. Given under our hands at said Colchester this 9th day of March, 1802. BENJ. BOARDMAN, WILLIAM MUNSON, ELI BAKER } Committee (Vermont Journal (Windsor, VT), March 30, 1802).

Albert O. Mathes, who had been active in the Milton Centennial celebration, highlighted son Theodore Munson’s mercantile activities at the time of Milton was established. (The “tavern of old stage times,” situated opposite his “small country store,” would be supplanted later by the PGF&C Railroad station).

We are indebted to Albert O. Mathes (30 March 1906) for a glimpse of Theodore’s vocation in Milton namely: He had a small country store, opposite the tavern of old stage times; he was there in 1800-01-02; he sold out, and went to Wakefield, N.H., where he was in trade in 1803 (Munson, 1910).

Son Theodore Munson married (1st) [in Rochester, NH], December 5, 1802, Ann Cloutman. “Parson” Haven performed the ceremony. She died of “consumption following an abscess,” November 28, 1803.

Richard Manson [Munson] and his son, Daniel Manson [Munson], were among the “respectable inhabitants & freeholders” that sought a special Town Meeting to reconsider the initial proposed Meeting House site. That special Town Meeting was held at the home of Lieut. Elijah Horn, September 1, 1803, and decided not to change the proposed Meeting House site.

Son D. [Daniel] Monson purchased Pew No. 5 in the Milton Town House, for $12.25 in 1804. It was situated on the west side of the gallery or balcony floor, between those of S. Palmer, Pew No. 4, and G. Gerrish, Pew No. 6 (See Milton Town House – 1804).

Son Theodore Manson [Munson] married (2nd) in Wakefield, NH, November 13, 1804, Lydia Philbrook, both of Wakefield, NH. Rev. Asa Piper performed the ceremony. She was born in Wakefield, NH, April 10, 1783, daughter of Eliphalet and Sarah (Balch) Philbrook.

Richard Manson [Munson] was one of fifty-two Milton petitioners that sought to have Jotham Nute appointed as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, in August 1805.

Richard Monson, and his son, Lt. D. [Daniel] Monson, were assessed in the Milton School District No. 2 of Lieut. J. Nute in 1806 (See Milton School Districts – 1806).

Colchester, VT, elected son William Munson as its VT State Assemblyman, i.e., state representative, in September 1806 (Vermont Gazette (Windsor, VT), September 15, 1806).

Son William Munson received appointment as a VT Justice-of-the-Peace, in 1809.

Justices of the Peace. Colchester – Wm Munson, Francis Child, Roger Enos, Simeon Hine (Rutland Weekly Herald (Rutland, VT), November 1, 1809).

Richard Manson [Munson] headed a Colchester, VT, household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], two females aged 26-44 years, one female aged under-10 years, and one “other free person.”

Wilm Munson headed a Colchester, VT, household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included two males aged 45-plus years [himself], one female aged 45-plus years, one female aged 26-44 years, one male aged 16-25 years, two females aged 16-25 years, two females aged 10-15 years, and two males aged under-10 years.

Theodore Manson [Munson] headed a Kittery, ME, household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years, and two females aged 10-15 years.

Grandson William B. Munson (1801-1892) recollected much later the arrival of his paternal grandparents in Colchester, after the 1810 Census. (He would have been about nine or ten years of age).

“I remember my grandfather. He was a small man, and an old man when he came” to Colchester, “about 1810. I have very frequently heard them [his ancestors and their collaterals] speak of The Three Ponds;” a term designating Milton and still in use thereabout (Munson, 1910).

Grandson William B. Munson remembered too his paternal uncle, Theodore “Uncle Thode” Munson, who arrived in Colchester about the same time.

William B. testified concerning his “Uncle Thode” that he was habitually mirthful, jocose and full of anecdote (Munson, 1910).

Son William Munson received reappointment as a VT Justice-of-the-Peace, in 1812.

BURLINGTON, THURSDAY, OCT. 9, 1812. Appointments by the Vermont Legislator [Legislature]. … CHITTENDON COUNTY. … Justices of the Peace. … Colchester, Wm. Munson, Francis Childs, William Hine, Berachias Farnham (Sentinel & Democrat, October 29, 1812).

Richard Munson died in Colchester, VT, August 13, 1813, aged seventy-two years.

Son William Munson testified in an interesting electoral dispute over how the Vermont soldiers visiting from a nearby military encampment – this being during the War of 1812 – had voted in a State election at his Colchester tavern, in 1813.

The affidavit of one William Munson, a tavern-keeper, was first exhibited. He testifies that a party of soldiers came to the polls, commanded in their march from camp and on their return, by Major M’Neil of New-Hampshire. When so large a number of soldiers were permitted to go from the camp, it was very proper that they should be commanded by some officer; and it was very prudent to select one from another state, who could not feel so much interested in the politics of this state, as to attempt to use any improper influence with those under his command. This deponent says the officers were active in writing so he was himself; so was every leading federalist in the state. He testifies that “Democratic votes, exclusively, were distributed among the soldiers.” It was impossible that he could have ascertained this. He would not have had time to examine the vote of each soldier, if they had been better pleased with his society, than it appears they were. If he had the impudence to look over the officers, while they were writing, he could not have ascertained what kind of votes they were all writing, at one and the same time. But we know that Democratic votes were not exclusively distributed among the soldiers. It appears by the testimony of the Hon. Heman Allen, Esq., one of the magistrates of Colchester, that the votes of the soldiers were counted by themselves, and that there were Federal votes among them. The story that the soldiers were compelled to vote, or that they all did vote for the Democratic ticket, sworn to by Munson, and so often repeated, is not true. He must have labored under a mistake. Mr. Munson also testifies that he sent persons to distribute Federal votes among the soldiers, and that “they soon returned and said they dare not offer them, for the soldiers told them there would be difficulty.” It appears that he then went himself, and that Maj. M’Neil “said he hoped the citizens would not go near the soldiers, for that there might be some difficulty, and he should be sorry to have a quarrel between the soldiers and the citizens.” Though Munson’s agents for distributing votes had returned to him with apprehensions of difficulty with the soldiers, yet he now says, “I had not observed any misunderstanding on the part of the citizens.” What he means by this, after what he had said before, I am unable to say. It appears by this part of the testimony that the soldiers resented the improper interference of a tavern-keeper, and would not receive his votes. Probably they thought he would have been better employed in making something for them to drink, than in imposing his votes upon them. The officers did not wish to see their soldiers engaged in a quarrel, and very discreetly advised him and his agents not to go near them. It appears that four gallons of rum were distributed among the soldiers. After marching eight miles they actually needed some refreshment; and when divided among two hundred, four gallons would be a small portion to each individual. It was probably not half so much as those in the house drank.
He testifies that “there was no examination whatever by the select-men and civil authority of the town, whether the soldiers were residents in this state, or not; or whether they had previously been made freemen in any town in this state.” It was impossible for him to know what was not done, as well as others could tell what was done. He might not see what others saw and did. He might have been, and probably was, in his bar, making grog, while the officers of Colchester were doing their duty. For it appears, by the testimony of Judge Allen, that a particular enquiry was made whether they were citizens of Vermont; and that none but those, who belonged to the state, and were legally qualified, were permitted to vote. It appears, also, that Major M’Neil, as well as the other officers, knew these to be Vermont soldiers, and said that he would vouch for all his men. A proper inquiry was instituted – the Vermont soldiers were well known- there could not have been, and there evidently was not any deception.
He also testifies, that “no inquiry was made as to their names, their residence, or their moral characters.” The law did not require a roll of their names to be kept; their place of residence was known to be in Vermont, which was sufficient; and this is the first time that I ever heard, that the magistrates of a town, at Freeman’s-meeting, sat as Judges to decide on the moral characters of the voters. I will be satisfied with those in authority if they faithfully discharge their duty. I ask for no works of superarrogation [supererogation]. it appears that the civil officers of Colchester did more than their duty. In order to give better satisfaction, they administered the oath to those, who were already freemen. This was something like renewing an oath of allegiance. Though not absolutely necessary, it was highly proper at such a time. It also appears that the laws were not read particularly to the soldiers. They were read at the opening of the meeting, and it appears from the testimony of Judge Allen, that some soldiers were present. The laws are required to be read at the opening of the meeting, and at no other time. At our meetings, there are generally very few, if any, present, during the reading of the laws. It often happens that the Town Clerk is obliged to read them, as Dean Swift read his prayers to his dearly beloved Rodger. There would be as much propriety in a clergyman’s making his prayer a second time, because some of the congregation were not present at the usual hour, as there would be in reading the laws a second time.
It also appears from his testimony, as well as from that of all the others, that the soldiers were dismissed at the time of voting, that they voted like other citizens, and that no one controuled [controlled] them. Thus nothing appears in the testimony of their principal witness, which would invalidate the votes, or impeach the magistrates of Colchester (National Standard (Middlebury, VT), December 29, 1813).

William Munson headed a Colchester, VT, household at the time of the (1820) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one female aged 45-plus years [Ama (Brownell) Munson], one female aged 26-44 years, three males aged 16-25 years, three females aged 16-25 years, one female aged 10-15 years, three males aged under-10 years, and three males aged under-10 years. Three members of his household was engaged in Agriculture; and one member of his household was engaged in Commerce. One member was a foreigner not naturalized.

Theodore Munson headed a Colchester, VT, household at the time of the (1820) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Lydia (Philbrook) Munson], one male aged 10-15 years, one female aged 10-15 years, two males aged under-10 years, and one female aged under-10 years. One member of his household was engaged in Commerce.

Daniel Munson headed headed a Colchester, VT, household at the time of the (1820) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], three females aged 45-plus years [Ruth (Culver) Munson, Polly Munson, and Sally Munson]. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture.

Son Daniel Munson married in Colchester, VT, May 27, 1822, Ruth Culver, both of Colchester, VT. Her brother, Phineas Culver, performed the ceremony.

MARRIED. In Colchester, on the 27th ult., by Elder Phineas Culver, DANIEL MUNSON, Esq., to Miss RUTH CULVER, both of that place (Sentinel & Democrat (Burlington, VT), June 28, 1822).

Susannah (Cane) Munson died in Colchester, VT, August 4, 1825.

Notice IS hereby given, that I have given my son, Wm. MUNSON, 2nd, his time, with permission to transact business for himself, after this date. THEODORE MUNSON. Colchester Sept. 29, 1828. 40 (Sentinel & Democrat (Burlington, VT), October 3, 1828).

William Munson headed a Colchester, VT, household at the time of the (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 60-69 years [himself], one female aged 70-79 years [Ama (Brownell) Munson], two females aged 50-59 years, four males aged 40-49 years, one female aged 30-39 years, five males aged 20-29 years, two females aged 20-29 years, three females aged 15-19 years, and one male aged 5-9 years.

Theodore Munson headed a Colchester, VT, household at the time of the (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one female aged 40-49 years [Lydia (Philbrook) Munson], 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.

Daniel Munson headed a Colchester, VT, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], two females aged 50-59 years [Ruth (Culver) Munson and Sally Munson], one female aged 30-39 years [Polly Munson], one female aged 10-14 years [Wealthea Munson], and two males aged 5-9 years [Richard Munson and George Munson].

Son William Munson died in Colchester, VT, June 28, 1830, aged sixty-four years.

Died. In Colchester, on Monday last, WILLIAM MUNSON, Esq. aged 64 years, one of the earliest settlers of that town, and a most worthy man. His funeral was attended with Masonic honors (Burlington Free Press, July 2, 1830).

Stephen A. Greene sued Munson & Munson, in January 1837, in order to eject them from Lot No. 4 in Colchester, VT. Some thirty years previously, i.e., circa 1804, Benjamin Boardman had sold thirty-two acres, out of a total fifty-four and one-half acres, to the plaintiff’s father, Thomas Greene. He sold the remainder to William Munson. (Munson had died back in 1830, and the defendants, Munson & Munson, would seem to be his heirs).

That afterwards, in 1804, said Boardman deeded to said Thomas Greene thirty-two acres of said pitch, and, in the year 1811, deeded the remainder to William Munson, whose title is held by defendants. In the year 1834, Thomas Greene, deeded the thirty-two acres to plaintiff. The plaintiff and his father have continued to occupy the whole Winslow pitch, of fifty four acres, until very recently, when the defendants entered into possession of the part deeded to Wm. Munson, and are still in possession of the same, claiming to hold it adversely to plaintiff (VT Supreme Court, 1838).

Son Theodore Munson died in Rushville, IL, May 26, 1839.

Ami [(Brownell)] Munson headed a Colchester, VT, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. Her household included one female aged 60-69 years [herself], and one female aged 20-29 years [Clarissa A. Munson], and one female aged 80-89 years.

Daniel Munson headed a Precinct 4, Schuyler County, IL, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 40-49 years [himself], and one female aged 50-59 years [Lydia (Philbrook) Munson]. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture.

Daniel Munson headed a Colchester, VT, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 60-69 years [himself], one female aged 60-69 years [Sally Munson], one female aged 50-59 years [Ruth (Culver) Munson], one female aged 40-49 years [Polly Munson], one male aged 15-19 years [Richard Munson], and one male aged 10-14 years [George Munson]. Three members of his household were engaged in Agriculture.

Son Daniel Munson died in Colchester, VT, August 23, 1841, aged sixty-five years.

Died. In Colchester, Vt., Augt. 30, Daniel Munson, aged 65. Printers in Ohio are requested, & c. (Burlington Free Press Burlington, VT), September 17, 1841).

Daughter-in-law Ama “Amy” (Brownell) Munson died in Colchester, VT, March 22, 1844, aged sixty-six years.

Died. At Colchester, on the, night of the 22d inst., very suddenly, Mrs. AMA MUNSON, widow of the late William Munson, Esq., Colchester, aged 66 years. In the death of Mrs. Munson her children can truly say they have lost a kind mother and one of the best of counsellors; and the community in which she lived sustains the loss of a worthy member of society (Burlington Free Press (Burlington, MA), March 29, 1844).

Four years after the  death of son Daniel Munson, late of Colchester, VT, deceased, an attempt was made to resolve his apparently insolvent estate. The appointed probate commissioners were to meet at the dwelling of his widow, Ruth (Culver) Munson.

Daniel Munson’s Estate. WE the Subscribers, having been appointed by the Honorable the Probate Court for the District of Chittenden, commissioners to receive, examine and adjust the claims and demands of all persons, against the estate of DANIEL MUNSON, late of Colchester, in said District, deceased, represented insolvent, and also all claims and demands exhibited in offset thereto; and six months from the day of the date hereof, being allowed by said Court for that purpose, we do therefore hereby give notice, that we will attend to the business of our appointment, at the dwelling of widow Ruth Munson, in Colchester, in said District, on the first Mondays of December and February next, at 10 o’clock, A.M., on each of said days Dated this 19th day of September, A.D. 1845. THOMAS BROWNELL, BRIGHAM C. WRIGHT } Comm (Burlington Free Press (Burlington, VT), October 24, 1845).

Daniel Munson, a farmer, aged forty-four years (b. VT), headed a Rushville, IL, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Rosanna [(Costine)] Munson, aged twenty-four years (b. MD), Charles Munson, aged three years (b. IL), George Munson, aged one year (b. IL), and Lydia [(Philbrook)] Munson, aged sixty-five years (b. NH). Daniel Munson had real estate valued at $7,500.

George Munson, a farmer, aged twenty-five years (b. VT), Harriet [(Strong)] Munson, aged twenty-five years (b. VT), Ellen Munson, aged three years (b. VT), Wm Munson, aged two years (b. VT), Warren Munson, aged three months (b. VT), and Polly Munson, aged eighty-one years (b. NH). George Munson had real estate valued at $1,250. They shared a two-family residence with the household of Lorin Morton, a carpenter & joiner, aged thirty-eight years (b. VT).

Daughter Polly Munson died in Colchester, VT, December 28, 1857, aged eighty-eight years, three months, and twenty-three days.

DIED. In Colchester, Dec. 28, Miss Polly Munson aged 87 years (Burlington Free Press (Burlington, VT), January 8, 1858).

Proctor P. Newcomb, a merchant, aged fifty-four years (b. MA), headed an Augusta, IL, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Sarah [(Monson)] Newcomb, aged fifty-six years (b. NH), Proctor P. Newcomb, a merchant, aged twenty-six years (b. IL), William Newcomb, a clerk, aged nineteen years (b. IL), John Newcomb, a clerk, aged sixteen years (b. IL), Lydia [(Philbrook)] Munson, aged seventy-six years (b. NH), Abby London, a teacher common school, aged twenty-two years (b. VT), and Mary Munson, aged fourteen years (b. IL). Proctor P. Newcomb had real estate valued at $6,000 and personal estate valued at $8,745.

Daughter-in-law Lydia (Philbrook) Munson died May 14, 1866, aged eighty-two years.

Charlotte C. [(Cooke)] Gale, keeping house, aged fifty years (b. VT),  headed a Colchester, VT, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. Her household included her son, Cameron C. Gale, a farmer, aged twenty-three years (b. VT), her mother [-in-law], Ruth [(Knight)] Gale, aged eighty-seven years (b. VT), and Ruth M. [(Culver)] Munson, boarding, aged eighty-eight years (b. VT).

Daughter-in-law Ruth (Culver) Munson died in Colchester, VT, January 27, 1883, aged ninety-three years.

COLCHESTER CHIT-CHAT. Widow Ruth Munson died a week ago last Saturday, aged 93 years. Nathaniel Culver, her father, and her brother Phineas were Baptist preachers of note in earlier times. Daniel Manson, her husband, died in 1842 [1841]. The funeral took place on Sunday, in charge of Charles Collins. Rev. C.S. Hurlburt preached from the words, “How old art thou?” (Argus & Patriot (Montpelier, VT), January 31, 1883).

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References:

Find a Grave. (2008, March 10). Daniel Munson. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/25168897/daniel-munson

Find a Grave. (2012, December 12). Lydia Philbrook Munson. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/102081650/lydia-munson

Find a Grave. (2008, March 10). Richard Munson. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/25169514/richard-munson

Find a Grave. (2008, March 10). William Munson. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/25169603/william-munson

Munson, Myron A. (1896). Munson Record: A Genealogical and Biographical Account of Captain Thomas Munson (a Pioneer of Hartford and New Haven) and His Descendants. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=cIU_AAAAYAAJ&pg=PA1127-IA1

Munson, Myron A. (1910). Portsmouth Race of Monsons-Munsons-Mansons: Comprising Richard Monson (at Portsmouth, N.H., 1663) and His Descendants. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=m2s6AAAAMAAJ&pg=PA21

Scaefer, Inge. (2009). Chronicles of Colchester. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=n9l_CQAAQBAJ&pg=PT11

VT Supreme Court. (1838). Reports of Cases Argued and Determined in the Supreme Court of the State of Vermont. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=OCkEAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA37

Wikipedia. (2025, September 5). Colchester, Vermont. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colchester,_Vermont