By Muriel Bristol | June 7, 2021
The In-As-Much Society was a West Milton women’s club. The term inasmuch generally introduces a phrase that
explains the extent to which a prior statement is true. Societies of this sort were usually affiliated with a church parish. It would seem from the articles extracted here that this one was affiliated with West Milton’s Nute Chapel.
One supposes that there were similar women’s societies centered on churches in other parts of Milton. These In-as-Much Society articles appeared in the Farmington News, while those of other such societies appeared less frequently or did not appear at all, largely because West Milton abuts Farmington, NH.
It is difficult to say exactly when the In-As-Much Society might have been established, but its first newspaper notices began in 1903, i.e., during the pastorate of Nute Chapel’s Rev. Robert M. Peacock.
WEST MILTON. Mrs. John Horne and Mrs. Agnes Bean entertained the In as much society Wednesday of last week (Farmington News, September 18, 1903).
Mrs. Agnes G. (Horne) Bean was then a Farmington, NH, schoolteacher, daughter of Mrs. Elizabeth M. (Wiggin) Horne and her husband John W. Horne.
WEST MILTON. The ladies of the In as much society will give a harvest supper at the Nute chapel Friday, Oct. 9 (Farmington News, October 2, 1903).
WEST MILTON. Mrs. J.I. Cook and her daughter, Mrs. T.F. Langley, gave a tea to the Inasmuch society last week (Farmington News, October 23, 1903).
Thomas F. Langley married (2nd) in Milton, September 4, 1900, Mary J. Cook, he of Boston, MA, and she of Milton. He was a widowed painter, aged sixty years, and she was a shoe stitcher, aged thirty-four years. Rev. R.M. Peacock [of the Nute Chapel] performed the ceremony. She was born in Milton, circa 1866, daughter of John I. and Mary A. (Davis) Cook.
WEST MILTON. Mrs. William Swinerton entertained the Inasmuch society last week, in honor of Miss Jessie Russell of Boston who has been spending the summer with her (Farmington News, October 30, 1903).
Marie Debeau married in Cambridge, MA, in 1894, William M. Swinerton. They were recent arrivals from Cambridge, MA, where he had been a stationary engineer.
WEST MILTON. The In as much society met this week Wednesday in the library at the chapel. Further preparations were made for the entertainment and sale which is to be held December 2. There will be domestic, fancy, and candy tables, also ice cream, cake and cocoa (Farmington News, November 20, 1903).
WEST MILTON. At the last meeting of the Inasmuch society, arrangements were made for the Christmas tree and a Christmas tea for all the children of the parish (Farmington News, December 25, 1903).
WEST MILTON. The Inasmuch society met with Mrs. Nellie Hayes Tuesday afternoon. … The Inasmuch society entertained the children Thursday afternoon and evening at the chapel. Games were played until 5.30, when the children marched to the dining room where tables laden with many dainties met the eager eyes of the children. A Christmas cake with the words “Merry Christmas” was on a table in the centre of the room, surrounded by burning candles of all colors. As the children left the dining room they were given a piece of the Christmas cake. In the evening a short program and Christmas tree were very much enjoyed by all (Farmington News, January 1, 1904).
Nellie M. Parmenter married in Farmington, NH, May 8, 1877, Charles H. Hayes, both of Farmington. She was aged twenty years, and he was a widowed [shoe] cutter, aged thirty-two years. Rev. D.H. Adams performed the ceremony. Charles H. Hayes died of pneumonia in Milton, April 22, 1892,aged forty-seven years. [His death certificate gave the year as 1893, incorrectly]. (See Milton’s Nute Chapel Ministers of 1890-21, regarding Hayes’ friendship with Nute pastor Rev. William A. Bacon).
WEST MILTON. The last meeting of the In as much Society was held with Mrs. L.D. Garland. Quite a number were present and work was resumed as usual (Farmington News, January 29, 1904).
Cora B. Goodall married in Rochester, NH, January 6, 1877, Llewelyn D. Garland, he of Milton, and she of Farmington, NH. He was a shoemaker, aged twenty-one years, and she was aged eighteen years. In 1904, Mr. and Mrs. L.D. Garland lived next door to the Hare Road school.
WEST MILTON. The Inasmuch society met with Mrs. John Nute Wednesday of last week (Farmington News, February 19, 1904).
Ellen F. Foss married, circa 1884, John A. Nute. She died of cancer in West Milton, November 10, 1908, aged fifty-three years, five months, and fifteen days.
WEST MILTON. The severe cold and bad traveling of late have interfered somewhat with the meetings of the Inasmuch society. The interest, however, has been kept up. Will meet with Mrs. Nellie Hayes this week, if the weather is favorable (Farmington News, February 26, 1904).
WEST MILTON. A well-attended meeting of the Inasmuch society was held last week with Mrs. J.I. Cooke and her daughter, Mrs. T.F. Langley. There were two guests, Miss Annie Horne and Miss E. Maude Garland. The music by Miss Horne was very much enjoyed (Farmington News, March 25, 1904).
Hare Road schoolteacher Annie J. Horne was a daughter of Frank and Mary C. (Weeks) Horne. Milton Grammar schoolteacher Ethelyn Maude Garland was a daughter of Llewellyn D. and Cora B. (Goodall) Garland.
WEST MILTON. The Inasmuch society met with Mrs. John Nute last week with a large attendance (Farmington News, April 1, 1904).
WEST MILTON. The Inasmuch society will meet with Mrs. Nellie Hayes this week (Farmington News, April 8, 1904).
WEST MILTON. The Inasmuch society will meet with Mrs. Nellie Hayes this week, Wednesday (Farmington News, April 8, 1904).
WEST MILTON. The Inasmuch society will meet with Mrs. Annie Cooke Wednesday (Farmington News, April 15, 1904).
Annie E. Davis married in Rochester, NH, January 14, 1874, Ira A. Cook, she of Rochester and he of Milton. He was a shoemaker, aged thirty-one years, and she was aged twenty-four years. He died of heart failure in Milton, April 3, 1898, aged fifty-four years, four months, and twenty-one days. In 1900, she lived on the Nute Ridge Road, close to the Nute Chapel.
WEST MILTON. The Inasmuch society will meet with Mrs. Annie Cook, Wednesday. It is hoped there will be a good attendance as there is much work on hand (Farmington News, April 22, 1904).
WEST MILTON. The In as much society will meet again this week with the chairman of work committee, Mrs. Annie Cooke (Farmington News, April 29, 1904).
WEST MILTON. The In as much society will meet at the Nute Library, this week Wednesday. Arbor Day will also be observed by planting trees on the chapel grounds (Farmington News, May 6, 1904).
WEST MILTON. The In as much society met last week Wednesday, at the Nute library; there was a good attendance. Arbor day being observed, three trees were planted on the chapel grounds, Cake and cocoa were served by the ladies (Farmington News, May 13, 1904).
WEST MILTON. The Inasmuch society will meet at Nute library this week Wednesday (Farmington News, May 20, 1904).
WEST MILTON. The Inasmuch Society will meet at the Nute Chapel Wednesday if pleasant, if not Thursday (Farmington News, May 27, 1904).
WEST MILTON. The Inasmuch society met with Mrs. Martin Wentworth last week, Wednesday. There was a good attendance. The reading by one of the members was very much enjoyed. Cake and Cocoa was served (Farmington News, November 11, 1904).
Georgianna Gerrish married in Rochester, NH, November 20, 1886, Martin G. Wentworth, she of Lebanon, ME, and he of Farmington, NH. She was a teacher, aged twenty-one years, and he was a laster, aged twenty-three years. (See Milton’s Nute Ridge Teachers – 1897-47).
WEST MILTON. The ladies of the society are busily engaged in preparing barrels of clothing to be sent to Mrs. Elizabeth Barker at Toccoa, Georgia, for distribution in the mission school of which Mrs. Barker is matron. Many thanks are due Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Brown for their generous hospitality, which was enjoyed by the ladies of the Inasmuch society, Dec. 1. A bounteous dinner was partaken of, after which a reading by one of the members was listened to with much pleasure. Later in the afternoon ice cream was served by Miss Nellie Brown, who so ably assisted in entertaining (Farmington News, December 9, 1904).
Augusta D. Dorr married in Milton, July 3, 1892, John W. Brown, she of Milton and he of Farmington, NH. She was a shoe stitcher, aged twenty-five years, and he was a shoemaker, aged thirty-three years. Miss Nellie Brown was his younger sister.
WEST MILTON. The Inasmuch society was very pleasantly entertained at the home of Mrs. Annie Cook, last week Wednesday. There was a good attendance and all were busily engaged in finishing articles for the sale. Refreshments were served by the hostess. The ladies will hold their annual Christmas sale Dec. 20 if pleasant; if not, the first fair evening. It will open with an entertainment at 7.30, after which all will be invited to the dining room where you will find what you want for Christmas, and something good to eat (Farmington News, December 16, 1904).
WEST MILTON. The roads this winter have made it possible for the In As Much society to hold their meetings each week at the chapel, which they will continue to do indefinitely (Farmington News, January 19, 1906).
WEST MILTON. The In As Much society met at Nute chapel last Wednesday afternoon with the largest attendance of the summer. It is with great pleasure that we mention the fact that five ladies from Brookline joined the circle. The lawn party at Mrs. L.D. Garland’s was a very enjoyable occasion. As the evening was rather cool, the phonograph selections were listened to with much pleasure in the house. Cocoa, candy and fancy articles were sold, thereby making it a financial success for the In As Much society (Farmington News, September 19, 1909).
WEST MILTON. The Inasmuch society will meet at Nute chapel in the library now on during the summer every Wednesday afternoon at 2 o’clock (Farmington News, April 22, 1910).
WEST MILTON. The Inasmuch society met last week with Mrs. Sam Gale. It was a roll call. It being the first meeting of the new year there was a special program. Instrumental and vocal music, and a reading by Mrs. Gale. The president, Mrs. Longley, read a very interesting letter from the former pastor’s wife, Mrs. R.M. Peacock (Farmington News, January 13, 1911).
Annie B. Varney married in Lynn, MA, June 12, 1894, Samuel Gale, 3rd, both of Lynn, MA. She was an operative, aged twenty-three years, and he was a printer, aged thirty-three years. In 1912, their house was on the Hare Road, third from the Farmington Road.
WEST MILTON. The ladies of the Inasmuch society met with Mrs. Peirce last Wednesday. An unusually large number was present and a most enjoyable afternoon was spent in sewing and sociability. Mr. Hayes entertained the company with choice selections on the phonograph. Cake, cocoa, and fruit were served by the hostess, assisted by Mrs. Nellie Hayes. A novel and very pleasing feature of the occasion was the sled ride given the ladies by Mr. I.W. Hayes. It was a kindly act and thoroughly appreciated by them. They wish through this medium to extend their thanks to him (Farmington News, March 31, 1911).
Clara N. “Nettie” Giles married in Northwood, NH, October 30, 1888, Charles S. Pierce, she of Epsom, NH, and he of Des Moines, IA. She was aged twenty-seven years, and he was a shoemaker, aged twenty-one years. She resided in 1910 in the Nute Ridge home of her nephew, Henry B. Hayes. Sleigh driver Ira W. Hayes had a farm on the Hare Road.
WEST MILTON. The Inasmuch society met with Mrs. L. [S.] Gale last week. It was roll call and all responded with a reading or quotation very fitting to the Easter season. lee cream and cake were served by the hostess, assisted by Miss Nellie Hayes (Farmington News, April 21, 1911).
West Milton. The Inasmuch society met with Mrs. Annie Cook last week. Sandwiches, cake and lemonade were served by the hostess, assisted by Mrs. Longley (Farmington News, May 19, 1911).
Mrs. Longley and her husband lived with her parents, John I. and Mary A. (Davis) Cook, on the Hare Road, sixth from the Farmington Road, in 1912.
West Milton. The Inasmuch society will meet at the chapel, in the library, during the summer (Farmington News, June 23, 1911).
West Milton. The Inasmuch society met with Mrs. G.H. Hurd this week Wednesday. The hostess served delicious refreshments. Organ selections by Mesdames Gale and Longley were listened to with much pleasure (February 2, 1912).
Cora E. (Whitten) Brown married in Farmington, NH, April 7, 1887, George H. Hurd, both of Farmington, NH. She was a shoe-fitter, aged twenty-eight years, and he was a shoemaker, aged fifty-five years.
West Milton. A Valentine social, under the auspices of the Inasmuch society, was held at the home of Mrs. L.D. Garland, Wednesday, Feb. 14. A very pleasing program, consisting of readings, recitations and music was rendered by ladies of the society under the direction of Miss Nellie Hayes. The rooms were very tastefully decorated with emblems suggestive of St. Valentine. Home-made food and candy found ready sale and netted a goodly sum for, the treasury. An expression of regret in not being able to attend the social was received from Miss Florence Colbath of Haverhill, Mass., a former resident. The company dispersed at a late hour after spending an enjoyable evening (Farmington News, February 23, 1912).
Florence A. Colbath was born in Farmington, NH, May 10, 1856, daughter of Richmond E. and Hannah (Parker) Colbath. She boarded with farmer Demeritt Goodall in the Downingville part of West Milton in 1900, where her occupation was given as “invalid.”
West Milton. The Inasmuch society met with Mrs. Gale last Wednesday afternoon. There was a good attendance and the work committee kept all busy. Refreshments were served by the hostess. Piano selections were listened to with much pleasure (Farmington News, April 19, 1912).
West Milton. There is to be a lawn party given by the Inasmuch society next Tuesday evening at the home of Miss E.D. Lindsay. In connection with this there will be aprons, ice cream and cake for sale. A general good time is looked forward to. Auto parties will receive special attention (Farmington News, July 12, 1912).
Miss Elizabeth D. Lindsay purchased a summer home on the Hare Road, near Nute Ridge Road, in West Milton in 1905. (See Milton and the Rusticators). She was born in Scotland, circa 1869, and lodged in Boston, MA, during the winters, working there as a dressmaker.
West Milton. The Inasmuch society, had a very interesting meeting at the library last Wednesday afternoon. There was a large attendance which was pleasing to the work committee as there is a large number of orders to fill for our summer guests (Farmington News, September 27, 1912).
West Milton. The Inasmuch society met at the home of Mrs. Edwin Tripp last Wednesday afternoon. The work of tacking comforters was resumed and good progress was made. At the close of the work the hostess, assisted by Miss Abbie Howe, served bountiful and dainty refreshments to all present and a delightful social hour followed. A large attendance of members was on hand (Farmington News, October 24, 1913).
After the March 1899 death of his first wife, Edwin Tripp married (2nd) in Rochester, NH, April 30, 1901, Mattie G. “Geneva” Berry, he of Milton, and she of Rochester, NH. He was a shoecutter, aged twenty-eight years, and she was at home, aged twenty-nine years. In 1912, Miss Mary A. “Abbie” Howe had a house with her father on the Middleton road in West Milton; the Tripps lived with them.
West Milton. The I.A.M. society met at the home of Mrs. L.D. Garland last Wednesday afternoon. A large attendance of members and the fine entertainment and refreshments furnished by the hostess were special features of the session. … The Inasmuch society has arranged for an elderly people’s meeting to be held at the home of Mrs. L.D. Garland this Friday afternoon from 2 until 4. The purpose of the affair is to afford an opportunity to all those who are ordinarily confined at home, by reason of infirmities or otherwise, of enjoying the social intercourse of their neighbors and friends. An appropriate program has been prepared, consisting of music, social entertainment, remarks by Rev. D.A. Gammon, pastor of Nute chapel, and refreshments under the auspices of the Aid. Everything will be absolutely gratis and in addition an automobile will be furnished for safe conveyance to and from the destination. An urgent invitation is extended to the elderly residents of the parish and to all those who do not have a frequent opportunity of joining their neighbors and friends. In case the weather is unfavorable the meeting will be postponed (Farmington News, August 21, 1914).
West Milton. In consequence of the small attendance occasioned by the unfavorable weather which prevailed during the afternoon set for the elderly people’s at the home of Mrs. L.D. Garland a few weeks ago, another meeting was called last Monday afternoon at the dame hour and place. An automobile was furnished by the Inasmuch society for conveyance and the elderly people of the community were well represented Able remarks appropriate to the occasion were made by the pastor of Nute chapel, Rev. D.A. Gammon, and the remainder of the afternoon was occupied with a social session, singing and refreshments, consisting of ice cream and assorted cake, after which the members of the society choir were conveyed to the home of Mrs. Hannaniah Thurston where several hymns were rendered and prayer offered by Mr. Gammon. The guests were transported to their homes shortly before six o’clock, all having enjoyed a very pleasant afternoon (Farmington News, September 14, 1914).
Hananiah is, as we might guess, a Biblical name. Hananiah Thurston appeared in the Milton directory of 1912, as a farmer, with his house on the Cross road from the Middleton ridge road to Hare road. (That is to say, on what is now Thurston Road).
West Milton. The I.A.M. society met with Mrs. D.A. Gammon Wednesday afternoon. … The I.A.M. society met with Mrs. Cora Hurd last Wednesday afternoon, the occasion being saddened from the fact that in all probability this was the last time Mrs. Hurd would entertain the members in her home. The roll call was held and each member responded with an appropriate quotation. At the close the session refreshments were served by the hostess to the large number of guests which were present. … Mrs. Cora Hurd has been selling out her household effects the past two weeks, preparatory to breaking up and selling her home on the Hare road. Mrs. Hurd has been a resident of the community for many years and a host of friends must regret the condition of her health, which has necessitated the contemplated change of residence. Wherever Mrs. Hurd may go, the good wishes and hope of old friends and neighbors for her immediate improvement will abide with her (Farmington News, June 11, 1915).
Mrs. Hurd died of uteric sarcoma in Rochester, NH, January 9, 1916, aged fifty-seven years, and twenty-six days.
West Milton. The third annual summer sale under the auspices of the I.A.M. society was held in the barn at the home of Miss E.D. Lindsay on Tuesday evening. The stable, which has been fitted up especially for social purposes, presented a pretty spectacle in the light of Jap lanterns which dimly illuminated the decorations of bunting and boughs. A large table, upon which were displayed aprons, mystery boxes and home-made candy, found ready and busy patronage, the sale of its wares netting the society a substantial sum. After the sale a graphophone concert was given, followed by games and indoor amusements, in which old and young participated until a late hour. Upwards of fifty were present and enjoyed the festivities (Farmington News, September 3, 1915).
West Milton. The social and annual Christmas sale, held under the auspices of the I.A.M. society at the home of Mrs. L.D. Garland recently, met with its usual popular success and the heavy patronage cleaned up the entire stock of articles for sale. In connection with the sale, a short program, consisting of vocal and instrumental music, was presented. Delicious refreshments were served by the hostess (Farmington News, December 31, 1915).
West Milton. The regular meeting of the I.A.M. society was held with Mrs. J.I. Cook last Wednesday afternoon, with a large attendance and an interesting program (Farmington News, June 23, 1916).
Local. The West Milton Inasmuch society will hold its midsummer sale at Nute chapel, Wednesday afternoon and evening, July 4th. A fine assortment of aprons and mystery boxes prepared by the ladies, cake, home-made candies, lemonade and ice cream will be sold. In the evening an illustrated lecture on the beautiful scenery of the White mountains will be given by Rev. D.A. Gammon. Everyone is cordially invited (June 29, 1917).
West Milton. The Inasmuch society met on Wednesday of last week with Mrs. Gammon at the parsonage. There was a good attendance and progress was made on a puff. Mrs. Gammon served some most delicious sweet apples (Farmington News, December 14, 1917).
West Milton. The Inasmuch society met this week with Mrs. Nellie Hayes. Owing to the severe weather the past winter, it has been impossible to meet (Farmington News, April 12, 1918).
WEST MILTON. The first meeting of the season of the In-as-much Circle was held at the home of Mrs. L.D. Garland on Wednesday afternoon of last week when a pleasant hour was enjoyed by those present. This Wednesday the ladies were invited to meet with Mrs. Marie Swinerton (Farmington News, October 3, 1919).
WEST MILTON. The In-as-much Circle met at the home of Mrs. Annie E. Cooke, Wednesday afternoon of this week (Farmington News, October 17, 1919).
WEST MILTON. Last week the In-as-much circle held a meeting at the home of Mrs. Fannie Pinkham. This Wednesday the ladies met with Mrs. Nellie Hayes (Farmington News, December 12, 1919).
Fannie Isabelle Hayes married in Milton, June 29, 1909, Harry Wilbur Pinkham, both of Milton. She was a teacher, aged twenty-seven years, and he a farmer, was aged thirty-six years. (She was a daughter of Charles H. and Nellie M. (Parmenter) Hayes (See Milton’s Nute Ridge Teachers – 1897-47)). Rev. Robert M. Peacock performed the ceremony.
WEST MILTON. The In-as-much circle held its meeting on Wednesday afternoon of last week at the home of Mrs. Hannah Thurston. The room occupied by the “shut in,” where the guests were cordially welcomed, was very attractive with new paint and paper in cool and restful tints, while bouquets of cut flowers added fragrance and cheer, and the feeling was shared by all that, these material things, combined with the sunny presence of the invalid went far toward “brightening her corner.” A short devotional service was held, after which the report of the last meeting was read and it being the usual roll, those present responded with quotations. The circle presented Mrs. Thurston with a box of dainty articles. for which she returned hearty thanks. Delicious refreshments of fancy wafers, assorted cake and lemonade were served by Mrs. Thurston’s granddaughter, Mrs. Blanche Walker, and the little gathering broke up at the close of the afternoon, thus pleasantly spent (Farmington News, August 20, 1920).
Mrs. Blanche W. (Thurston) Walker was a daughter of Charles H. and Urania (Beal) Thurston and granddaughter of Hananiah B. and Caroline A. (Stockbridge) Thurston. Mrs. “Hannah” Thurston was an error for Mrs. Hananiah B. Thurston, i.e., Mrs. Caroline A. (Stockbridge) Thurston. Hananiah B. Thurston died of angina pectoris in Milton’s “West Side,” October 27, 1922, aged eighty-six years, eleven months, and sixteen days; and his wife, Caroline A. (Stockbridge) Thurston, died of arthritic rheumatism there, July 24, 1926, aged eighty-six years, seven months, and seven days. (Dr. M.A.H. Hart attended upon their final illnesses).
WEST MILTON. The Inasmuch society met with Mrs. Lola Hyland at the home of Henry Hayes last Wednesday afternoon. Work and a social program were the order of the session (Farmington News, February 11, 1921).
Lola Montez Hill married in Manchester, NH, November 23, 1898, Nelson Stevens Hyland, both of Manchester, NH. She was aged thirty years, and he was an engineer, aged thirty-three years.
WEST MILTON. The Inasmuch society held at Nute chapel Tuesday of last week, Washington’s birthday, was a success in all directions. About 45 gathered there in the fore part of the day. At noon a fine collation, with hot coffee, was served to the men, of whom quite a number had been invited. A pile of unfitted wood back of the chapel was attacked by the men present, sawed and put under cover. Each seemed eager to outdo the other in the amount of work done. A business meeting was held indoors by the ladies and selections in accordance with the day observed were rendered. An original poem by our pastor’s wife was read which all pronounced first-class. It was voted to give the sum of five dollars to the Hoover Relief association. On the whole, it was a very profitable meeting (Farmington News, March 4, 1921).
The pastor’s wife was Mrs. Abbie V. (Hartland) Bennett. The pastor, Rev. George A. Bennett, died in Milton, NH, October 12, 1921, aged sixty-eight years and one day.
The Hoover Relief association was the American Relief Association, of which future president Herbert Hoover was director. It provided food and other relief to twenty-three countries suffering from the aftereffects of WW I and the Russian Revolution. (Due to monetary inflation over the intervening years, the same $5 donation, if then in the form of a $5 half-eagle coin, would have today a spot value of nearly $500 in inflated Federal Reserve notes).
WEST MILTON. The Inasmuch society will meet at the home of Mrs. E. Kelley Friday afternoon of this week. All members are requested to be present as there is work of importance in making preparations tor the coming sale, the date of which will be given in our items next week (Farmington News, December 1, 1922).
WEST MILTON. The ladies of the Inasmuch society will hold a social and sale at Nute chapel Thursday evening, Aug. 23. Aprons, fancywork, home-cooked food and ice cream will be on sale. See and patronize the white elephant table. A good program of entertainment will be given. No admission; you are welcome (August 17, 1923).
WEST MILTON. A social held in place of the Inasmuch society, and also in honor of several birthdays which occur about this time, was held at the home of E. Kelley on Tuesday evening (Farmington News, September 23, 1923).
WEST MILTON. The Inasmuch society met at the home of Mrs. E. Kelley on Wednesday of last week, with eight members and one guest present. The matter relative to a sale was discussed and was left in the hands of the president to make arrangements. It will be a sale of fancy work, aprons and home-cooked food, which seems to be in demand nowadays. The date will be announced later (Farmington News, October 19, 1923).
WEST MILTON. The Inasmuch society met this Wednesday at the home of Mrs. Esther Swinerton in Farmington. The ladies are preparing for a sale of articles on hand, made by their industry during the last few months. The sale will be held at Nute chapel the date to be announced later (Farmington News, June 27, 1924).
Esther M. Blaisdell married in Milton, December 24, 1899, Herbert B. Swinerton, she of Farmington, NH, and he of Milton. She was a lady, aged nineteen years, and he was a shoemaker, aged twenty-one years. They resided in Mt. Vernon Street in Farmington, NH, in 1920.
WEST MILTON. On the evening of July eighth the Inasmuch society will hold at Nute Chapel an ice cream and strawberry social, in connection with a sale of aprons and many other useful articles made by the ladies of the society. An entertainment will be prepared by the committee on music, and pains will be made to have all in first-class order. The proceeds are to be used in carrying on the benevolent work of the society (Farmington News, July 4, 1924).
WEST MILTON. The Inasmuch society met at the home of Mrs. Teresa Tibbetts this Wednesday (Farmington News, August 1, 1924).
Theresa Victoria Stevens married in Somerville, MA, November 12, 1910, Chris Henry Tibbetts, she of Somerville, MA, and he of Milton. She was a schoolteacher, aged twenty years, and he was a farmer, aged twenty-two years. In 1930, they lived on the King’s Highway in Milton.
WEST MILTON. A meeting of the Inasmuch society was held at the home of Nellie Hayes this Wednesday (Farmington News, April 3, 1925).
WEST MILTON. The Inasmuch society held its sale last Thursday evening, with a fair attendance and a good sale. Owing to the shower of Wednesday, it was postponed (Farmington News, July 31, 1925).
WEST MILTON. The Inasmuch society met this Wednesday at the home of Mrs. Annie Cook (Farmington News, September 25, 1925).
WEST MILTON. The Inasmuch society held a meeting this week at the home of Mrs. Teresa Tibbets (Farmington News, October 22, 1926).
LOCAL. Annual harvest supper will be held at Nute chapel, Nute Ridge, auspices Inasmuch society Thursday, Nov. 3, at 6.30 p.m. Supper followed by entertainment. Admission to all 35c (Farmington News, October 28, 1927).
WEST MILTON. The In-as-much society met with Mrs. E.H. Kelley, Wednesday afternoon. The program included the making of dust caps (Farmington News, January 4, 1929).
Elvah M. Hayes married in Wakefield, MA, in 1916, Edward H. Kelley. She was born in Farmington, NH, December 22, 1878, daughter of Charles H. and Nellie M. (Parmenter) Hayes.
WEST MILTON. The In-as-much society will meet all day next Wednesday at the home of Mrs. L.D. Garland (Farmington News, January 11, 1929).
WEST MILTON. The Inasmuch society will meet at the Nute chapel parsonage next Wednesday afternoon (Farmington News, February 8, 1929).
WEST MILTON. A lawn social sale and entertainment will be held at the Nute chapel Wednesday afternoon and evening, August 21, under the auspices of the In-as-much society (Farmington News, August 16, 1929).
WEST MILTON. The last meeting of the Inasmuch society was held Wednesday afternoon, with Mrs. T.J. Poelman at the parsonage (Farmington News, February 7, 1930).
Mrs. Helen F. (Guptill) Poelman was the wife of Rev. T.J. Poelman of the Nute Chapel (See Milton’s Nute Chapel Ministers of 1922-53).
WEST MILTON. The Inasmuch society met with Mrs. Mary Varney, March 26 (Farmington News, March 28, 1930).
Mary J. Moore married in Lowell, MA, November 7, 1900, William J. Varney, both of Lowell, MA. Both were mill operatives, aged twenty-one years.
WEST MILTON. The In-as-much society met with Mrs. E.H. Kelley May 23. Mr. and Mrs. E.H. Kelley and Mrs. Nellie Hayes motored to Rye Thursday, May 22, and visited Mrs. Kelley’s aunt, Mrs. Laura A. Locke. Mrs. Locke returned with them and is visiting Mrs. Hayes for a few days (Farmington News, May 30, 1930).
Laura Anne Hayes married, Match 6, 1879, John Elvin Locke. She and Nellie M. (Parmenter) Hayes’s husband, Charles H. Hayes, were children of Ichabod and Hannah R. (Jenkins) Hayes.
WEST MILTON. The Inasmuch society met with Mrs. Doria Nute Wednesday, June 11 (Farmington News, June 13, 1930).
Deloria “Doria” Ferland married in Milton, December 23, 1922, Ray H. Nute, she of Farmington, NH, and he of Milton. She was a shoeworker, aged twenty-two years, and he was a shoemaker, aged twenty-four years. Rev. Newell W. Whitman performed the ceremony. In 1930, they lived on the Hare Road in West Milton.
WEST MILTON. The Inasmuch society met with Mrs. Esther Swinerton, Wednesday, July 16 (Farmington News, July 18, 1930).
WEST MILTON. The Inasmuch society met last week with Mrs. Curtis (Farmington News, August 22, 1930).
WEST MILTON. The Inasmuch society will meet this week at the home of Mrs. Geneva Tripp (Farmington News, September 19, 1930).
WEST MILTON. The Inasmuch society met with Mrs. Theresa Tibbets this Wednesday (Farmington News, October 3, 1930).
WEST MILTON. The Inasmuch society held a pie social at Nute chapel Wednesday evening (Farmington News, November 7, 1930).
WEST MILTON. The pie social held at Nute chapel last Wednesday evening under the auspices of the Inasmuch society was quite largely attended in spite of the stormy night. Games were enjoyed by all and pie and coffee were served for refreshments (Farmington News, November 14, 1930).
WEST MILTON. The Inasmuch society met this Wednesday with Mrs. Hayes (Farmington News, January 2, 1931).
WEST MILTON. On Monday evening the In-as-much society sponsored a social and sale of fancy articles at Nute chapel. There was a good attendance and a most delightful evening was recorded (Farmington News, July 3, 1931).
WEST MILTON. The In-as-much society met with Mrs. Nellie Hayes, Wednesday afternoon (Farmington News, May 19, 1933).
WEST MILTON. The In-as-much society met last Wednesday for an all-day session at Nute chapel and repaired the hymn books (Farmington News, July 21, 1933).
WEST MILTON. The In-as-much society met on Tuesday at the chapel (Farmington News, August 30, 1935).
WEST MILTON. The In-as-much society met at the chapel Wednesday and cleaned the dining hall and kitchen (Farmington News, September 20, 1935).
WEST MILTON. The In-as-much society recently met at Nute chapel and made a decided improvement in the appearance of the paint work and chairs in the dining ball by applying paint and varnish (Farmington News, October 25, 1935).
WEST MILTON. As is its custom, the In-as-much society presented Christmas tokens to all the shut-ins of the community (Farmington News, January 3, 1936).
WEST MILTON. Since our last newsletter a hard wood floor has been laid in Nute chapel, the same having been financed by Nute Ridge Grange. In addition to improvements made in the dining hall, the In-as-much society is improving the condition of the pew cushions, and a meeting was held Wednesday at the home of Mrs. Elvah H. Kelley in connection with the project (Farmington News, April 17, 1936).
WEST MILTON. The In-as-much society staged the leading event of the week when members gathered at the home of Mrs. Cora B. Garland, Thursday, September 15, and sprung a surprise party in honor of her eightieth birthday, to which relatives and friends participated. Among the relatives were representatives of four generations, which included Mrs. Garland, her daughter, Mrs. John Gilman, Sr., of Laconia, a grandson, John Gilman, 2nd, of West Milton, and a great grandson, John Gilman, Jr., also of West Milton. Prominent among the friends and neighbors was Mrs. Ellen Haynes of West Milton who is in her eighty sixth year. Mrs. Garland has been a resident of our community for many years, and has taken a leading part, (which she continues to do at the present time) in all of the organized activities. She is a veteran member of the the In-as-Much society, Nute Ridge Grange and Community Fair association, and has stood ready at all times to lend a helping hand in trying to make our community a better place in which to live (Farmington News, September 23, 1938).
WEST MILTON. The weekly meeting of the In-as-Much society was held Tuesday at the home of Mrs. Alfred Langfell (Farmington News, November 29, 1938).
WEST MILTON. The meeting of the In-As-Much society was held Wednesday at the home of Mrs. Alfred Langfell (Farmington News, February 24, 1939).
There does not seem have been any news items regarding the In-as-Much Society during the 1940s. (At least none in the surviving issues of the Farmington News).
WEST MILTON. The Inasmuch society will meet at the home of Mrs. Esther Swinerton on Friday, December 22, at 1.30, to fill Sunshine baskets and candy boxes for the tree. Also at this time they will have a Christmas party (Farmington News, December 22, 1950).
WEST MILTON. The Inasmuch society met at the home of Mrs. Esther Swinerton for a Christmas party and to fill sunshine baskets and candy boxes for the children. After exchanging gifts, delicious refreshments of ice cream, cookies and tea were served by the hostess (Farmington News, December 29, 1950).
MILTON. Milton – The late Mrs. Esther Swinerton was memorialized in the June meeting of the West Milton In-As-Much club, Meeting was held in the home of Marion Bruce (Farmington News, June 28, 1956).
Mrs. Esther (Blaisdell) Swinerton of Milton died of a pulmonary embolism (following a ruptured appendix) in Frisbie Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NH, May 16, 1956, aged seventy-five years. “She was active in church, and community and grange affairs” (Farmington News, May 17, 1956).
Marion Agnes Cole married in Milton, July 10, 1947, Kenneth Raymond Bruce, she of East Rochester, NH, and he of Milton. She was a mill worker, aged twenty-two years, and he was a carpenter, aged thirty years. Rev. Ralph V. Townsend performed the ceremony.
MILTON. Greta Walsh will be hostess to the In-As-Much club on Aug 13 at West Milton (Farmington News, August 9, 1956).
Greta M. Benjamin married Adelbert Walsh. He appeared in the Cambridge, MA, directory of 1954, as a carpenter in Dedham, MA, with his house at 7 Hancock place in Cambridge.
Thereafter the In-As-Much Society appeared in the Farmington News in church notices.
NUTE CHAPEL. West Milton. Walter H. Dryer, Pastor. Sunday school at 9:45. Sunday services at 11. Youth Fellowship, 5:45 p.m. Evening services at 7. Prayer meeting, Wednesdays, at 7:30. First monthly Fellowship supper this Friday at 6:30; Hymnsing follows supper. Tuesday, Inasmuch society (Farmington News, September 5, 1957).
The last mention of West Milton’s In-As-Much Society in the Farmington News dates from April 1965.
NUTE CHAPEL. Tuesday, April 13th: 7:00 PM – In As Much Society meets at the chapel (Farmington News, April 8, 1965).
References:
Find a Grave. (2014, September 25). Agnes Gertrude Horne Bean. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/136414516/agnes-gertrude-bean
Find a Grave. (2015, May 31). Florence A. Colbath. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/147227967/florence-a.-colbath
Find a Grave. (2016, September 19). Annie E. Davis Cook. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/170190957/annie-e-cook
Find a Grave. (2013, September 7). John I. Cooke. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/116670032/john-i-cooke
Find a Grave. (2015, August 24). Fanny Isabel Hayes Downing. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/151180169/fannie-isabel-downing
Find a Grave. (2014, September 14). Cora Belle Goodall Garland. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/135905561/cora-belle-garland
Find a Grave. (2016, September 14). Ira Wesley Hayes. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/169917279/ira-wesley-hayes
Find a Grave. (2015, May 30). Nellie M. Parmenter Hayes. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/147186219/nellie-m.-hayes
Find a Grave. (2014, September 25). Elizabeth M. Wiggin Horne. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/136413931/elizabeth-m.-horne
Find a Grave. (2019, November 20). Lola M. Hill Hyland. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/204868673/lola-m-hyland
Find a Grave. (2010, June 6). Elvah Hayes Kelley. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/53324509/elvah-kelley
Find a Grave. (2016, February 16). Laura Ann Hayes Locke. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/158247440/laura-ann-locke
Find a Grave. (2020, March 21). Blanche W. [((Thurston) Walker)] Myers. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/208569843/blanche-w-myers
Find a Grave. (2015, July 9). Doria Ferland Nute. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/148952357/doria-nute
Find a Grave. (2016, October 1). Ellen Foss Nute. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/170750147/ellen-nute
Find a Grave. (2012, February 15). Clara Nettie Giles Pierce. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/85027080/clara-nettie-pierce
Find a Grave. (2020, February 24). Caroline A. Stockbridge Thurston. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/207382001/carolyn-a-thurston
Find a Grave. (2015, June 5). Mattie Geneva Tripp. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/147491064/mattie-geneva-tripp
Wikipedia. (2021, April 4). American Relief Association. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Relief_Administration
Milton Observer 