By Muriel Bristol | September 4, 2022
Hopley Meserve was born in Milton, March 31, 1789, son of Stephen and Abigail (Yeaton) Meserve.
(The known children of Stephen and Abigail (Yeaton) Meserve were: Comfort Meserve (1772–1802), Polly Meserve (1778–1801), Abigail Meserve (1780–1860), Betsey Meserve (c1782–), John Meserve (1785–1871), Stephen Meserve (1787–1850), Hopley T. Meserve (1789–1875), and Samuel Meserve (1791–)).
Father Stephen Meserve died in Rochester, NH, circa 1794. Mother Abigail (Yeaton) Meserve died in Rochester, NH, circa 1801.
Hopley Meserve married (1st) in Milton, March 4, 1810, Joanna Twombly. She was born in Milton, June 13, 1789, daughter of Samuel and Mary (Burrows) Twombly.
(The known children of Hopley and Joanna (Twombly) Meserve were: Stephen M.Y. Meserve (1811–1876), Hopley T. Meserve (1813–1889), Charles Y. Meserve (1815–1869), Louisa F. Meserve (1818–1901), Henry H. Meserve (1820–1827), Mary I. Meserve (1824-1849), and John S. Meserve (1827–1897)).
Hopley Meservy 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 [Joanna (Twombly) Meserve], one female aged 10-15 years, and one female aged 45-plus years. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Ephraim Prummer [Plummer] and Daniel Hayes.
Son Stephen M.Y. Meserve was born in Milton, February 26, 1811. Son Hopley T. Meserve was born in Milton, May 11, 1813. Son Charles Y. Meserve was born in Milton, February 2, 1815.
Daughter Louisa F. Meserve was born in Milton, February 14, 1818.
The Milton Selectmen of 1818 were Jas. Roberts, W.S. Nutter, and Hopley Meserve.
The Milton Selectmen of 1819-20 were Hanson Hayes, H. Meserve, and John Remick, Jr.
Son Henry H. Meserve was born in Milton in 1820.
Hopley Meserve was among the seventy-nine Milton inhabitants that petitioned NH Governor Samuel Bell (1770-1850) and his Executive Council, April 3, 1820, seeking appointment of James Roberts as a Milton justice-of-the-peace.
Hopley Meserve was among some eighty-eight Milton men that filed a militia company division petition intended for the November 1820 session of the NH legislature. Captain Jeremy Nute signed this proposal, as did former company officers Elijah Horn, Levi Jones and Jotham Nute, future company officers Theodore C. Lyman and Bidfield Hayes. A division of the company would have obviated the need or desire to divide the town in order to divide the company. (See Milton Militia Division Petitions – November 1820).
The Milton Selectmen of 1821 and 1822 were Jas. Roberts, H. Hayes, and H. Meserve. The Milton Selectmen of 1823 were H. Hayes, H. Meserve, and Jos. Plumer.
Hopley Meserve was among the twenty-three Milton inhabitants that requested appointment of Gilman Jewett of Milton Mills as Milton coroner, June 12, 1823. (See Milton Seeks a Coroner – June 1823).
The Milton Selectmen of 1824 were H. Hayes, H. Meserve, and I.H. Wentworth.
Daughter Mary I. Meserve was born in Milton, June 21, 1824.
Hopley Meserve was one of five inhabitants residing “in the neighborhood of Farmington & Rochester or Chestnut hills so-called” that petitioned in 1825, seeking appointment of Job Varney of Farmington, NH, as a Farmington justice-of-the-peace, in lieu of James Davis, Esq., who had removed from town. Fellow Milton Selectman Hanson Hayes was one of an additional five petitioners that subscribed on the reverse side.
The Milton Selectmen of 1827 were Jas. Hayes, Jr., Thos. Chapman, and H. Meserve.
Son John S. Meserve was born in Milton, May 25, 1827. Son Henry H. Meserve died in Milton, November 13, 1827.
The Milton Selectmen of 1829 were W.B. Wiggin, H. Meserve, and J.M. Twombly.
Hopley Meservy headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 40-49 years [himself], one female aged 40-49 years [Joanna (Twombly) Meserve], three males aged 15-19 years [Stephen M.Y. Meserve, Hopley T. Meserve, and Charles Y. Meserve], one female aged 10-14 years [Louisa Meserve], one female aged 5-9 years [Mary I. Meserve], and one female aged under-5 years. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Moses Nute and Mary Wingate.
The Milton Selectmen of 1831 were J.M. Twombly, Thos. Chapman, and H. Meserve.
The Milton Selectmen of 1833 were J.M. Twombly, W.S. Nutter, and H. Meserve.
Rep. Nathaniel Rogers of Wolfeborough, NH, presented a petition for Hopley Meserve and others to the NH House in June 1834. The petitioners sought to incorporate a stagecoach company.
TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 1834. Mr. Rogers of Wolfeborough, presented the petition of Hopley Meserve and others, for the incorporation of a stage company. Ordered, That it be referred to the committee on incorporations.
On Tuesday, July 1, 1834, Rep. John H. Smith of Rochester, NH, submitted the committee’s report. It was voted that the stagecoach petition be held over for the next legislative session.
Mr. Smith from the same committee, to whom was referred the petition of Hopley Meserve and others, made a report. Whereupon, Resolved, That the further consideration of this petition be postponed to the next session of the Legislature.
Daughter Louisa F. Meserve married (1st) in Milton, October 27, 1834, David M. Davis, both of Milton. Rev. Jacob Davis of Barnstead, NH, performed the ceremony.
Son Hopley T. Meserve married (1st), circa 1835, Almira Lydston. She was born in Litchfield, ME, circa 1814, daughter of John and Abigail (Cole) Lydston.
Son Charles Y. Meserve married in Wolfeboro, NH, July 10, 1836, Elizabeth March “Betsy” Roberts. She was born in Middleton, NH, December 3, 1813, daughter of John and Polly (Davis) Roberts.
Son Stephen M.Y. Meserve married in Rochester, NH, December 31, 1837, Mary Jane Stackpole, he of Rochester, NH, and she of Dover, NH. She was born in Portsmouth, NH, in 1820, daughter of Otis and Dorcas (Lord) Stackpole.
Son Charles Y. Meserve acquired a Rochester, NH, hotel in 1838 and he and his brother, Stephen M.Y. Meserve, ran it until it was sold to another party in 1843.
Lowell Kenney came from Salem, Mass., and opened “Kenney’s Tavern” in 1824. Charles Y. Meserve bought it in 1838, and at a supper which he gave to his friends on the occasion the Hon. J.H. Woodman proposed the name “Langdon House,” by which it was afterwards known. His brother Stephen Meserve followed him, and in 1843 Capt. Ephraim Richardson bought it, and conducted the business on strictly temperance principles for seventeen years. He leased the place for three years, and then in 1863 sold it to Mr. Dodge. The Wallaces soon after bought it, and the place is occupied by their business. The “Langdon House” did a large business before the time of railroads, frequently putting up from seventy-five to one hundred yoke of cattle, besides twenty to thirty horses in a single night. It was for some years “the head-quarters during the sessions of court, of the judges, lawyers, and leading men.” The regimental muster was held for many years on the parade back of this hotel (McDuffee, 1892).
Son Hopley T. Meserve removed to Charlestown, MA, at some time before 1840. Over time his parents and most of his siblings would follow him there.
Hoply Meserve headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one female aged 50-59 years [Joanna (Twombly) Meserve], one female 15-19 years [Mary I. Meserve], one male 10-14 years [John S. Meserve], one female 80-89 years. Two members of his household were engaged in Agriculture. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Joseph Goodwin and Sarah Matthews [or Mathes].
Stephen M.Y. Meserve headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included two males aged 20-29 years, one male aged 15-19 years, one female aged 15-19 years, and one female aged under-5 years. Two members of his household were engaged in Agriculture.
H.T. Meserve headed a Charlestown, MA, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 20-29 years, one female aged 20-29 years, one male aged under-5 years, and one female aged under-5 years. One member of his household was engaged in Commerce.
David M. Davis headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 20-29 years [himself], one female aged 20-29 years [Louisa F. (Meserve) Davis], one female aged 5-9 years [Caroline Davis], and one male aged under-5 years. One member of his household was engaged in Commerce.
Charles Y. Meserve of Rochester, NH, was Lt. Colonel of the 39th Regiment of NH Militia in 1842.
39th Regiment – Colonel Jeremiah Roberts Farmington; Lt. Colonel Charles Y. Meserve, Rochester; Major Enoch W. Chase, Rochester; Adjutant James H. Edgerly, Rochester; Quartermaster George N. Eastman, Farmington (Farmer & Lyon, 1842).
Son Hopley T. Meserve appeared in the Charlestown, MA, directory of 1842, as a trader in West India goods at 5 Elm Street, with his house at the same address.
Hopley Messerve appeared in the Charlestown, MA, directory of 1845, as a trader on Bartlett street, at its corner with School street. His son, Hopley T. Messerve, appeared also as a trader on Bartlett street, at its corner with Green street.
Son-in-law David M. Davis of Rochester, NH, made his last will, November 27, 1845. He bequeathed all his household furniture of every description to his wife, Loiza Davis. She was to receive also all the rest and residue of his estate, while she remained his widow, for the purpose of bringing up his children, Caroline M. Davis, Cynthia J. Davis, and John H. Davis. Should she still be a widow when they reached their majority, she would share out the estate with them, i.e., she would receive a share, but should she remarry, she would share out the estate among the children only. David M. Davis signed his will with an “X.” James C. Cole, Henry Walker, Jr., and Stephen M. Mathes signed as witnesses. His will was proved at a Strafford County Probate court held in Rochester, NH, February 3, 1846 (Strafford County Probate, 60:222).
Hopley Meserve appeared in the Charlestown, MA, directory of 1848, as a trader on Bartlett street, at its corner with Green street, with his house at the same address. His son, Hopley T. Meserve, appeared also as a stabler on B. Hill, i.e., Bunker Hill, opposite Green street, with his house at the corner of Green and B. Hill streets. Another son, Charles Y. Meserve, appeared as having his house at the corner of Green and Bartlett streets.
Daughter Louisa F. (Meserve) Davis married (2nd), April 29, 1849, Stephen M. Mathes. He was born in Milton, April 3, 1797, son of Robert and Polly (Meserve) Mathes. (He had been married three times before. They were cousins, both being grandchildren of Stephen and Abigail (Yeaton) Meserve).
Daughter Mary I. Meserve died of consumption in Charlestown, MA, May 11, 1849, aged twenty-four years, ten months, and twenty days.
Hopley Meserve received payment of $75.70 from the Charlestown, MA, almshouse for delivery of milk in 1849. H.T. Meserve received $44.70 and John S. Meserve received $2.32, both also for milk delivered to the almshouse (Charlestown, MA, 1846).
Son John S. Meserve married (1st) in Charlestown, MA, May 9, 1850, Ruth M. Brooks, both of Charlestown, MA. He was a trader, aged twenty-two years, and she was aged twenty-two years. Rev. Joseph Banfield performed the ceremony. She was born in Thetford, VT, in 1828, daughter of Charles and Mary (Bruce) Brooks.
Hopley Meserve, W.I. [West India] goods, aged sixty-one years (b. NH), headed a Charlestown, MA, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Joanna Meserve, aged sixty-one years (b. NH), John S. Meserve, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), Ruth M. [(Brooks)] Meserve, aged twenty-two years (b. VT), Amanda C. Brooks, aged eighteen years (b. VT), and Joseph H. Brooks, a clerk, aged nineteen years (b. VT).
Stephen M.Y. Meserve, a manufacturer, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Mary J. [(Stackpole)] Meserve, aged thirty-two years (b. NH), Sarah J. Meserve, aged ten years (b. NH), Walter S. Meserve, aged five years (b. NH), and Mary J. Meserve, aged four months (b. NH).
Hoply T. Meserve, none [no occupation], aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Charlestown, MA, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Almira [(Lydston)] Meserve, aged thirty-six years (b. ME), John L. Meserve, aged fourteen years (b. NH), Almira Meserve, aged eleven years (b. MA), Georgeanna Meserve, aged seven years (b. MA), Charles H. Meserve, aged four years (b. MA), and Mary Butler, aged twenty years (b. NH). Hoply T. Meserve had real estate valued at $7,000.
Charles Y. Meserve, a baker, aged thirty-six years (b. NH), headed a Charlestown, MA, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Betsey M. [(Roberts)] Meserve, aged thirty-six years (b. NH), and Ellen J. Meserve, aged seven years (b. NH). They shared a two-family residence with the household of Lyman Brown, a teamster, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH).
Stephen M. Mathes, a merchant, aged fifty-three years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Louisa [((Meserve) Davis)] Mathes, aged thirty-two years (b. NH), Mandana Mathes, aged sixteen years (b. NH), Stephen Mathes, aged fourteen years (b. NH), Clara W. Mathes, aged two years (b. NH), Caroline Davis, aged fifteen years (b. NH), Cynthia Davis, aged eleven years (b. NH), and John Davis, aged seven years (b. NH). Stephen M. Mathes had real estate valued at $3,000.
Son-in-law Stephen M. Mathes‘ shop goods sustained considerable damage in a large fire at Rochester. NH, in August 1851.
LARGE FIRE AT ROCHESTER, N.H. We learn by an extra from the office of the Great Falls Sketcher that a fire occurred in Rochester, N.H., on the 20th inst., which destroyed property to the amount of $15,000. It commenced in the stable of Jonathan T. Dodge, adjoining the Rochester Hotel, and destroyed the hotel, stable, and out-buildings, with their contents; the house occupied by Lorenzo D. Day, and some of his furniture; a shop occupied by Mr. Day as a marble manufactory; a blacksmith’s shop owned by Joseph Richardson, and occupied by Mr. Dicy; the barn and out-buildings, also a portion of the house of Benjamin Barker, Esq., and a horse and two carriages belonging to D.J. Parsons. The estimated losses are as follows; Mr. Dodge, $10,000, insured $3,000; Mr. Day, $700, no insurance; Mr. Barker, $2500, insured $1,800. Considerable damage was sustained by Messrs. Jones & Co., and S.M. Mathes & Co., in the removal of their stock of goods, but they were well insured. The fire was set by one Ezekiel Tebbets, about 19 years of age, who admitted his guilt, and has been lodged in Dover jail for trial (Boston Evening Transcript, August 22, 1851).
Hopley Meserve appeared in the Charlestown, MA, directory of 1852, as proprietor of H. Meserve & Son (John S.), purveyor of W.I. [West India] goods, at Barlett street, at its corner with Green street, and his house at Bunkerhill street, at is corner with Elm street. Hopley T. Meserve had his house at Elm street court. Charles Y. Meserve was a dry goods merchant, with his house at 7 Elm street. John S. Meserve (H. Meserve & Son) had his house on Bunkerhill street, at its corner with Elm street.
Joanna (Twombly) Meserve died of consumption on Bunker Hill Street in Charlestown, MA, February 22, 1852, aged sixty-two years, eight (and one-third) months.
Hopley Meserve married (2nd) in Charlestown, MA, December 19, 1852, Sally P. (Mooney) Smith, both of Charlestown, MA. He was a trader, aged sixty-three years, and she was aged fifty-three years. (She was the widow of James Smith). Rev. H.E. Hempstead performed the ceremony. She was born in Sandwich, NH, circa 1799, daughter of Benjamin and Polly P. (Graves) Mooney.
H. Meserve and John S. Meserve were among the one hundred seventy-three citizens and non-resident taxpayers of Charlestown, MA, that petitioned, April 13, 1853, for an altering, widening and extension of Monument Avenue to Main Street. The street in question bounded the recently completed Bunker Hill Monument, which had been under construction between 1823 and 1843 (Charlestown, MA, 1854).
Hapeley Meserve, a grocer, aged sixty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Charlestown, MA, household at the time of the First (1855) MA State Census. His household included Sarah P. [((Mooney) Smith)] Meserve, aged fifty-six years (b. NH), Charles W. Smith, a clerk, aged seventeen years (b. NH), Nelson Jaquith, a carpenter, aged twenty-four years (b. ME), William Freece, a trader, aged twenty-two years (b. NH), William H. Brown, and apprentice, aged twenty years (b. NH), and Amelia Boynton, aged nineteen years (b. NH).
Haply T. Meserve, a baker, aged forty-two years (b. NH), headed a Charlestown, MA, household at the time of the First (1855) MA State Census. His household included Almira [(Lydston)] Meserve, aged forty-one years (b. ME), John L. Meserve, aged nineteen years (b. NH), Almira Meserve, aged sixteen years (b. MA), Georgeanna Meserve, aged twelve years (b. MA), Charles H. Meserve, aged nine years (b. MA), and Julia Kelly, aged twenty-three years (b. Ireland).
Charles Y. Meserve, a trader, aged forty years (b. NH), headed a Charlestown, MA, household at the time of the First (1855) MA State Census. His household included Betsey M. [(Roberts)] Meserve, aged forty-one years (b. NH), and Amanda Dodge, aged twenty-eight years (b. VT).
John S. Meserve, a trader, aged twelve [twenty-eight] years (b. NH), headed a Charlestown, MA, household at the time of the First (1855) MA State Census. His household included Ruth M. [(Brooks)] Meserve, aged twenty-seven years (b. VT), Adda M. Meserve, aged four years (b. MA), and Mary Meserve, aged two months (b. MA).
Hopley Meserve appeared in the Charlestown, MA, directory of 1856, as proprietor of H. Meserve & Son (John S.), grocers at 167 Bunkerhill street, with his house at 165 Bunkerhill street. Hopley T. Meserve appeared as a broker (in Boston), with his house at Lincoln place. Charles Y. Meserve was a dry goods merchant, with his house at 72 School street. John S. Meserve (H. Meserve & Son) had his house on 61 Pearl street.
MARRIED. In Charlestown, 2d inst., by Rev. Mr. Miner, Mr. John H. Blodgett to Miss Almira Meserve (New England Farmer (Boston, MA), March 8, 1856).
Daughter-in-law Ruth M. (Brooks) Meserve died of consumption at 58 Elm Street in Charlestown, MA, January 2, 1857, aged twenty-eight years, seven months, and nineteen days.
Son-in-law Stephen M. Mathes died in Rochester, NH, May 13, 1857, aged sixty years, one month.
Son John S. Meserve married (2nd) in Boston, MA, April 7, 1858, Pamelia E. Boynton, both of Charlestown, MA. He was a trader, aged thirty-one years, and she was aged twenty-three years. Rev. S. Streeter performed the ceremony. She was born in Meredith, NH, circa 1834, daughter of David and Mary C. Boynton. (She had resided – as Amelia Boynton – in the household of Hopley Meserve in 1855).
Hopley Meserve, a grocer, aged seventy-one years (b. NH), headed a Charlestown, MA, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census, His household included Sarah P. Meserve, aged sixty-one years (b. NH). Hopley Meserve had real estate valued at $3,000.
Stephen M.Y. Meserve, an overseer in factory, aged forty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Rochester “Farmington P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Mary J. [(Stackpole)] Meserve, aged forty-three years (b. ME), Sarah J. Meserve, aged twenty years (b. NH), Walter L. Meserve, aged fourteen years (b. NH), Mary F. Meserve, aged ten years (b. NH), Ida V. Meserve, aged eight years (b. NH), Augustus Tucker, aged twenty-six years (b. NH), Cora Tucker, aged one year (b. NH). Stephen M.Y. Meserve had real estate valued at $1,000 and person estate valued at $200.
Hoply T. Meserve, a money broker, aged forty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Charlestown, MA, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Almira [(Lydston)] Meserve, aged forty-six years (b. ME), Chas. H. Meserve, aged fourteen years (b. MA), and Sarah A. Smith, aged twenty-three years (b. MA). Hoply T. Meserve had real estate valued at $6,000.
Chas Y. Meserve, a clerk, aged forty-five years (b. NH), headed a Charlestown, MA, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Betsey M. [(Roberts)] Meserve, aged forty-six years (b. NH). They shared a two-family residence with the household of Bernard Grogan, a blacksmith, aged thirty-eight years (b. NY).
Louisia F. [((Meserve) Davis)] Mathes, aged forty-two years (b. NH), headed a Rochester (“Farmington P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. Her household included George F. Mathes, aged four years (b. NH). Louisia F. Mathes had real estate valued at $666 and personal estate valued at $500.
John S. Meserve, a trader, aged thirty-two years (b. NH), headed a Charlestown, MA, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Pamelia [(Boynton)] Meserve, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH), Addie M. Meserve, aged eight years (b. MA), Frank W. Meserve, aged one year (b. MA), and Clementina A. Boynton, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH). John S. Meserve had personal estate valued at $1,000.
Hopley Meserve likely knew the last veteran of the 1775 Battle of Bunker Hill, Ralph Farnham of Acton, ME, and Milton Mills, NH, who was fêted at Charlestown, MA, in October 1860.
Hopley Meserve, a grocer, aged seventy-six years (b. Milton, NH), headed a Charlestown, MA, household at the time of the Second (1865) MA State Census. His household included Sarah P. [((Mooney) Smith)] Meserve, aged sixty-six years (b. Sandwich, NH).
Hapely T. Messerve, aged fifty-two years (b. Milton, NH), headed a Charlestown, MA, household at the time of the Second (1865) MA State Census. His household included Almira [(Lydston)] Messerve, aged fifty-one years (b. Litchfield, ME), Charles H. Messerve, a milkman, aged nineteen years (b. Charlestown, MA), and Sophia Leeder, a servant, aged nineteen years (b. England).
C.Y. Messerve, a broker, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), headed a Charlestown, MA, household at the time of the Second (1865) MA State Census. His household included Betsey [(Roberts)] Messerve, aged fifty years (b. NH), C.H. Pierce, a merchant, aged thirty-four years (b. Otisfield, ME), and Josephine Pierce, a teacher, aged thirty years (b. Livermore, ME).
John S. Messerve, a grocer, aged thirty-seven years (b. Milton, NH), headed a Charlestown, MA, household at the time of the Second (1865) MA State Census. His household included Amelia [(Boynton)] Messerve, aged thirty-two years (b. Holderness, NH), Addie M. Messerve, aged fourteen years (b. Charlestown, MA), and Frank W. Messerve, aged six years (b. Charlestown, MA).
Charles Y. Meserve sued John S. Andrews in a store rental contract dispute in or after May 1865.
Contract. The declaration alleged that the parties agreed that the plaintiffs should permit the defendant to use and occupy their shop in Boston, and should render certain services to him in his business, and in consideration thereof he should pay them rent, and for repairs and furniture, and also a quarter of the net profits of the business’ that the plaintiffs faithfully performed their part of the agreement, and there were net profits resulting from the business; but that the defendant refused to pay the plaintiffs anything (MA Supreme Judicial Court, 1872).
Charles Y. Meserve of Charlestown, MA, made his last will, April 27, 1869. He bequeathed Maine land to his beloved wife, Betsy M. Meserve. This included a one hundred eighty-acre township lot (#138) in Wellington, Piscataquis County, ME; and two lots in Philips, Franklin County, ME. He bequeathed to her also his interest in the Col. Marston red store in Philips, ME. Finally, he bequeathed to her all the rest and residue of his estate, including his horse, carriage, household furniture, carpets, bedding, books, pictures, wearing apparel, etc. N.D. Wetmore, Charles P. Brooks, and Amanda Dodge signed as witnesses (Franklin County Probate, 31:326).
Son Charles Y. Meserve died of consumption at 35 Russell Street in Charlestown, MA, May 8, 1869, aged fifty-four years, three months, and six days. He was a merchant.
Hopley Messerve of Charlestown, MA, made his last will, April 9, 1870. He bequeathed his bible and walking cane to his son, Stephen M.Y. Messerve. He bequeathed $1 to his son, Hopley T. Messerve. He bequeathed a silver spoon marked “Y” to Betsy M. Messerve, widow of his son, Charles Y. Messerve. He bequeathed a silver spoon marked “J.M.” to Louisa F. Matthews [Mathes]. He bequeathed a French Crown [coin] to John S. Messerve. He bequeathed the rest and residue of his estate to his executor, after the decease of his beloved wife, Sarah P. Messerve, who was to have the interest on it during her life. He appointed Oliver H.P. Smith of Charlestown, MA, as his executor. Leonard Spinney, Merrill A. Green, and William C. Smith signed as witnesses (Suffolk County Probate, 483:65).
Theophilus F. Bennett, a teamster, aged forty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Charlestown, MA, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Susan M. [(Smith)] Bennett, keeping house, aged forty-nine years (b. NH), James S. Bennett, a bookkeeper, aged twenty-two years (b. MA), Theste S. [(Carey)] Bennett, at home, aged twenty-two years (b. MA), Sarah M. Bennett, at home, aged nineteen years (b. MA), Hopley T. Meserve, retired, aged eighty-five years (b. NH), and Sarah [((Mooney) Smith)] Meserve, aged seventy years (b. NH). Theophilia F. Bennett had real estate valued at $9,000 and personal estate valued at $4,000.
Stephen Messerve, work for shoe mfty., aged fifty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Rochester (“Gonic P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Mary J. [(Stackpole)] Messerve, keeping house, aged fifty-three years (b. ME), Sarah J. [(Messerve)] Parcker, aged thirty years (b. NH), Walter S. Messerve, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), M. Isable Messerve, aged nineteen years (b. NH), Ida V. Messerve, aged seventeen years (b. NH), and Estta Parcker, aged eight years (b. NH). Stephen Messerve had real estate valued at $1,500 and personal estate valued at $300.
Betsy M. [(Roberts)] Meserve, keeping house, aged fifty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Charlestown, MA, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. Her household included Daniel P. Warren, aged fifty-three years (b. NH), Irene Warren, keeping house, aged forty-two years (b. NH), Edgar B. Warren, attending school, aged eighteen years (b. NH), and Ennie Warren, attending school, aged thirteen years (b. NH). Betsy M. Meserve had real estate valued at $3,000.
John S. Meserve, a grocer, aged forty-four years (b. NH), headed a Charlestown, MA, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Permelia E. [(Boynton)] Meserve, keeping house, aged forty-one years (b. NH), Addie M. Meserve, a dressmaker, aged nineteen years (b. MA), Frank W. Meserve, at school, aged eleven years (b. MA), and Grace E. Meserve, aged two years (b. MA). John S. Meserve had real estate valued at $8,000 and personal estate valued at $2,500.
Daughter-in-law Almira (Lydston) Meserve died of cancer at 1 Lincoln Place in Charlestown, MA, September 18, 1871, aged fifty-seven years, six months, and fourteen days.
DIED. 18th inst., Almira, wife of H.T. Meserve, 57 yrs. 6 mos. (New England Farmer (Boston, MA), September 30, 1871).
Hopley Meserve appeared in the Charlestown, MA, directory of 1872, as a grocer at 62 Elm street, with his house at 63 Elm street. His son, Hopley T. Meserve was employed at 83 Sudbury street, Boston, MA, with his house at 1 Lincoln place. Mrs. Charles Y. Meserve ahd her house at 35 Russell street. John S. Meserve was a grocer at 211 Bunker Hill street, with his house at 209 Bunker Hill street.
SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT. FOR SUFFOLK COUNTY BEFORE JUDGE ENDICOTT. New juries were empanelled, Charles H. Doten being chosen foreman of the first jury, and Hopley T. Meserve of the second. No cases were ready for trial and the court adjourned until 9 o’clock, this morning (Boston Globe, May 21, 1874).
TO BE LET. TO LET – In Charlestown, 2, 4, 5 or 6 rooms, convenient for housekeeping. Apply to H.T. MESERVE, 27 Elm St., upstairs, room 5 (Boston Globe, May 30, 1874).
Voters in Charlestown, in Middlesex County, MA, chose to accept annexation by the neighboring city of Boston, in Suffolk County, MA, in October 1873. The independent city government of Charlestown shut down in 1874.
Hopley T. Meserve died of pneumonia at his home at 63 Elm Street, Boston, MA, December 21, 1875, aged eighty-six years, nine months, and twenty-one years.
DEATHS. At Charlestown, Dec 21, Hapley Meserve, 86 (Boston Post, December 24, 1875; New England Farmer (Boston, MA), January 1, 1876).
COMMONWEALTH of MASSACHUSETTS, SUFFOLK, SS. PROBATE COURT. To the Heirs-at-Law, Next of Kin, and all other persons interested in the Estate of HOPLEY MESERVE, late of Boston, in said County, deceased. Greeting: Whereas, a certain Instrument purporting to be the last will and testament of said deceased has been presented to said Court, for probate, by OLIVER H.P. SMITH, of said Boston, who prays that letters testamentary may be issued to him, the executor therein named; you are hereby cited to appear at a Probate Court to be held at Boston, in said County of Suffolk, on MONDAY, the seventeenth day of January, A.D. 1876, at ten o’clock in the forenoon, to show cause, if any you have, against the same. And said petitioner is hereby directed to give public notice thereof, by publishing this citation once a week, for three successive weeks, in the newspaper called the Boston Post, printed at said Boston, the last publication to be two days, at least, before said Court. Witness, ISAAC AMES, Esquire, Judge of said Court, this twenty-seventh day of December, in the year one thousand eight hundred and seventy-five. P.R. GUINEY, Register. d28 lt&M2w (Boston Globe, January 3, 1876).
Son Stephen M.Y. Meserve died in Rochester, NH, in 1876, aged sixty-four years.
Son Hopley T. Meserve headed a petition to the Boston Board of Aldermen, in May 1876, seeking crosswalks from Elm Street to Lincoln Place in Charlestown.
Proceedings of the Board of Aldermen. May 22, 1876. Hopley T. Meserve, et al., for crosswalks from Elm street to Lincoln place, Charlestown.
Son Hopley T. Meserve married (2nd) in Boston, MA, September 16, 1877, Lydia (Thomas) Ellis, both of Boston, MA. He was a gentleman, aged sixty-four years, and she was aged sixty-four years. (She was the widow of Freeman Ellis (1801-1872)). W.T. Stowe performed the ceremony. She was born in [Hanson] Pembroke, MA, February 17, 1813, daughter of Shadrach and Lydia (Keene) Thomas.
MARRIAGES. MESERVE-ELLIS. – In Charlestown District, 16th inst., by the Rev. William T. Stowe, Mr. Hopley T. Meserve to Mrs. Lydia Ellis (Boston Globe, September 20, 1877).
Delinquent taxpayers in Boston, MA, were noticed to bring their accounts up to date in 1878. Separate properties of John S. Meserve and Betsy M. (Roberts) Meserve were mentioned as being abutters.
SUPPLEMENT. CITY COLLECTOR’S NOTICE. The list of estates in Wards 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22, to be sold for taxes August 30, 1878, will be found in the Boston Daily Advertiser and Daily Evening Traveller of this date; those of Wards 23, 24 and 25 to be sold August 31, 1878 in the Boston Morning Globe and Boston Evening Transcript.
The owners and occupants of the following described parcels of real estate, situated in the City of Boston, in the County of Suffolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the public, are hereby notified that the Taxes thereon severally assessed for the years hereinafter specified, according to the list committed to me as Collector of Taxes for said city by the Assessors of Taxes, remain unpaid, and that said parcels of real estate will be offered at public auction for sale at the office of McCLELLAN & KNIGHTS, Room No. 10, Old State House, in said city of Boston, on THURSDAY, August 29, 1878, at 9 o’clock A.M., for the payment of said taxes, together with the costs and charges thereon, unless the same shall be previously discharged. …
WARD THREE. Samuel L. Fillebrown—House and about 1300 feet of land, numbered 79 Elm street, formerly Charlestown, between estates of John S. Meserve and George P. Sanborn, tax for 1877, $34.06
WARD FOUR. Sewell D. Tibbetts— House and about 1069 feet of laud, numbered 37 Russell street, formerly Charlestown, between an estate of Betsey M. Meserve and another estate of said Tibbetts, tax for 1877. $45.85 (Boston Post, August 5, 1878).
Mary J. [(Stackpole)] Meserve, keeping house, aged sixty years (b. ME), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. Her household included her son, Walter S. Meserve, at home, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), her daughters, Ida V. Meserve, at home, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH), Sarah J. Tucker, works in woolen mill, aged forty years (b. NH), and her granddaughter, Etta Tucker (b. NH), at home, aged seventeen years, her son-in-law, Asa G. Rosenburg, a music teacher, aged forty-two years (b. NY), and her daughter, Bell M. Rosenburg, at home, aged thirty-two years (b. NH). She shared a two-family dwelling with the household of Martha F. Stevens, keeping house, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH). Both Mary J. Meserve and Sarah J. Tucker were widows.
Hoply T. Meserve, a retired broker, aged sixty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Charlestown, MA, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Lydia [((Thomas) Ellis)] Meserve, keeping house, aged sixty-seven years (b. MA). They resided at 27 School Street.
Betsey M. [(Roberts)] Meserve, aged sixty-six years (b. NH), headed a Charlestown, MA, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Fedeal Census. Her household included Amanda Dodge, a seamstress, aged fifty years (b. VT).
Loisa F. [((Meserve) Davis)] Mathes, at home, aged sixty-four years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. She shared a two-family residence on Wakefield Street with the household of Caroline E. Barker, keeping house, aged forty-seven years (b. NH).
John S. Messerve, hardware store, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), headed a Charlestown, MA, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Fedeal Census. His household included his wife, Amelia [(Boynton)] Messerve, keeping house, aged forty-six years (b. NH), and his children, Addie M. Messerve, a telephone agent, aged twenty-seven years (b. MA), Frank W. Messerve, an overseer in workshop, aged twenty-one years (b. MA), and Grace E. Messerve, at home, aged twelve years (b. MA). They resided at 209 Bunker Hill Street.
Probate Court for Suffolk County. In the Probate Court today, before Judge McKim, the wills of Lewis Stockbridge, Ann Davis, Emily Hall, Sarah Dreyer, William H. Gorman, Maria T. Sullivan, Mellish I. Motte and Mary Minot were probated. Letters of administration were taken out on the estates of John O’Brien, Samuel Pratt, Hogan Basford, Hopley Meserve, John Cassidy, Abraham Belcker, Patrick Gaffey, Ellen Kelley. Ruth C. Lyman and John Preston (Boston Globe, March 13, 1882).
… When Company C Cavalry, the old Prescott Light Guard of Charlestown, was disbanded, they had a lot of property which was sold, and each retiring officer received a present, Mr. J.S. Meserve of the company received an elegant clock. Today at the dinner of Company F Cavalry he was present, and presented the clock to the company in a neat speech, to which Captain Fletcher responded in an appropriate manner. The clock is circular in form, surmounted by a gilt eagle, with a row of stars around it and two crossed sabres beneath with the inscription bearing the words, “Presented by J.S. Meserve of Company C to Company F, Massachusetts Cavalry.” It will be placed in the armory of the company at Westford (September 16, 1882).
MARRIAGES. MESERVE-WADSWORTH – At Saxonville, 2d inst., by Rev. F.P. Sutherland of Natick, Frank W. Meserve of Charlestown to Alice B. Wadsworth of Saxonville (Boston Evening Transcript, September 5, 1885).
Carpentry and machine tools were advertised for sale from the address of Betsy M. (Roberts) Meserve, widow of son John S. Meserve.
FOR SALE. 2 second-hand foot-power lathes. With chucks and tools; 4-set die plates, and taps, 5 guns, 1 spyglass, chest carpenter’s tools. Apply to MESERVE, 77 Elm st., Charlestown, 3t* d28 (Boston Globe, December 28, 1886).
Daughter-in-law Lydia (Thomas) Meserve died of acute lung congestion at 27 Elm Street in Boston, MA, September 6, 1887, aged seventy-four years, six months, and twenty-three days.
DEATHS. MESERVE – At Charlestown, 6th inst., Lydia, wife of H.T. Meserve, 74 yrs., 6 mos. (Boston Evening Transcript, September 7, 1887).
Son Hopley T. Meserve died of paralysis in his home at 27 Elm Street in Boston, MA, August 19, 1889, aged seventy-six years, three months.
DEATHS. MESERVE – At Charlestown, 16th [19th] inst., Hopley T. Meserve, 77th year (Boston Evening Transcript, August 20, 1889).
COMMONWAELTH OF MASSACHUSETTS. – SUFFOLK, ss. -PROBATE COURT. To the heirs-at-law, next of kin and all other persons interested in the estate of HOPLEY T. MESERVE, late of Boston, in said county, deceased. Greeting: Whereas, a certain instrument purporting to be the last will and testament of said deceased has been presented to said court for probate by GEORGE H. PENDERGAST of said Boston, who prays that letters testamentary may be issued to him, the executor therein named, without giving a surety or sureties on his official bond; You are hereby cited to appear at a Probate Court to be held at Boston, in said county of Suffolk, on Monday, the twenty-third day of September, A.D. 1881, at ten o’clock in the forenoon, to show cause, if any you have, against the same. And said petitioner is hereby directed to give public notice thereof by publishing this citation once a week for three successive weeks, in the newspaper called the Boston Post, printed at at said Boston, the last publication to be two days, at least, before said court. Witness, John W. McKim, Esquire, Judge of said court, this fourth day of September, in the year one thousand eight hundred and eighty-nine. ELIJAH GEORGE, Register (Boston Post, September 6, 1889).
CHARLESTOWN HOME FOR AGED MEN AND COUPLES. Incorporated 1889 to receive a bequest of real estate valued at $10,000 from Hopley T. Meserve (died 1889), to maintain a Home for aged Protestant couples of American birth and a Home for aged Protestant men of American birth, to be located in Charlestown. The Home cannot be opened until it has received considerable gifts. Treasurer, Nelson Bartlett, 54 Monument ave. (Old Corner Bookstore, 1891).
Machine and other tools were advertised for sale again from the address of Betsy M. (Roberts) Meserve, widow of son John S. Meserve.
MACHINERY. FOR SALE. Foot lathe, 42-in. bed, 2-in. swing, universal chuck and small tools; also 2 small universal chucks, lot taps and dyes, milling tools, hand planer, etc. Apply MESERVE, 77½ Elm st., Charlestown. 2t* f26 (Boston Globe, February 27, 1890).
Sarah P. ((Mooney) Smith) Meserve died of peritonitis at 63 Elm Street in Charlestown, MA, January 29, 1897, aged ninety-seven years, seven months, and thirteen days.
CHARLESTOWN. Last Monday Mrs. Sarah P. Meserve, 97, widow of Hoply Meserve, fell down in her home on Green st. and injured her hip. Although the physicians did all possible toward her recovery she died last night (Boston Globe, January 30, 1897).
The Winchester Home for Aged Women, in Charlestown, has just added to its holdings on Elm st. there, by the purchase from the owner of the valuable parcel adjoining the home, numbered 25 to 27 Elm st. The grantor was the estate of Hopley T. Meserve. There is a large brick house on the corner of Lincoln pl., standing on about 2940 square feet of land, the whole taxed for $9o00. Of this amount the land is taxed for $3700. The price paid is private, but was away above the total taxed value (Boston Globe, December 17, 1899).
Daughter-in-law Pamelia E. (Boynton) Meserve died in Boston, MA, February 8, 1900.
DEATHS. MESERVE – At Charlestown, Feb. 8, Pannella E. Meserve (Boston Evening Transcript, February 9, 1900).
Probate Notices. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the subscribers have been duly appointed administrator of the estate of PAMELIA ESTHER MESERVE, late of Boston, in the County of Suffolk, deceased, intestate, and have taken upon themselves that trust by giving bonds, as the law directs. All persons having demands upon the estate of said deceased are required to exhibit the same, and all persons indebted to said estate are called upon to make payment to F.W. MESERVE, GRACE MESERVE, administrators, 209 Bunker Hill street, Boston. March 8, 1900. mh 6.18.20: (Boston Evening Transcript, March 6, 1900).
Daughter-in-law Betsy M. (Roberts) Meserve died of an enlarged heart in Boston, MA, April 11, 1900, aged eighty-six years, four months, and two days.
Daughter-in-law Mary J. [(Stackpole)] Meserve, a widow, aged eighty-two years (b. ME), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. Her household included her daughter, Ida Meserve, aged forty-four years (b. NH). Mary J. Meserve owned their house, free-and-clear. She was the mother of four children, of whom two were still living.
George F. Mathes, local agent of the B&M R.R., aged forty-four years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of twenty-three years), Fannie A. Mathes, aged forty-five years (b. NH), his son, Charles A. Mathes, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), and his mother, Louise F. [((Meserve) Davis)] Mathes, a widow, aged eighty-two years (b. NH). George F. Mathes rented their house at 24 Sixth Street. Fannie A. Mathes was the mother of one child, of whom one was still living; Louise F. Mathes was the mother of four children, of whom two were still living.
Louisa F. Mathes died of senility at 24 Sixth Street in Dover, NH, December 7, 1901, aged eighty-three years, ten months, and twenty-three days. She had resided in Dover, NH, for four years, i.e., since circa 1896-97. Her previous residence had been Rochester, NH.
Daughter-in-law Mary J. (Stackpole) Meserve died of gastritis on R.R. Avenue in Rochester, NH, April 7, 1903, aged eighty-three years. She had resided in Rochester, NH, for fifty-six years, i.e., since 1846-47, with her previous residence having been Portsmouth, NH. D.L. Stokes, M.D., signed the death certificate.
References:
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Milton Observer 