Month: March 2023

By Muriel Bristol | March 26, 2023

Asa Augustus Fox was born in Milton, February 3, 1837, son of Asa and Harriet W. (Plummer) Fox.

Asa Fox, a trader, aged thirty-nine years (b. ME), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Harriet W. [(Plummer)] Fox, aged forty years (b. ME), Charles D. Fox, a carpenter, aged sixteen years (b. NH), Enoch E.W. Fox, a trader, aged fifteen years (b. NH), and Asa A. Fox, aged thirteen years (b. NH). Asa Fox had real estate valued at $2,000. His three sons had all attended school within the last year.

Asa A. Fox married (1st) in Newfield, ME, in 1854, Hannah H. Howe. She was born in Newfield, ME, circa 1831, daughter of Samuel Howe.

(The known children of Asa A. and Hannah (Howe) Fox were Charles D. Fox (1856–1916), and Josephetta Fox (1858–1859)).

Son Charles D. Fox was born in Milton, March 6, 1856. Daughter Josephetta Fox was born in Milton in September 1858. She died in Milton, September 21, 1859, aged one year, and eleven days.

Asa A. Fox, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Milton Mills where his schooling was acquired in the public schools. After his marriage he worked in and was a foreman in the rebuilding of the Pemberton Mill, and for a time worked at carpentering. He became interested in the manufacture of sail clothing, in connection with which he conducted a general store business. He finally closed out that enterprise to start up in undertaking, in which line he built up a lucrative business. He was succeeded in the management of the business in April, 1913, by his son, Charles D. Fox, and the business has been continued with the same success it previously enjoyed. The patronage of this firm extends over a radius of fifteen miles, including Wakefield, Milton, Brookfield, Lebanon, Acton and Newfield. They manufacture caskets to a limited extent, and carry a complete stock of caskets and robes. Asa A. Fox married Hannah Howe, who was born in Newfield, Maine, and was next to the youngest of eight children. Her father, Samuel Howe, died at Newfield, Maine. This marriage was blessed with but two children: Etta, who died at the age of two years and was buried at Milton Mills; and Charles D. (Scales, 1914).

The six-story Pemberton Cotton Mill in Lawrence, MA, collapsed suddenly about 5:00 PM on Tuesday, January 10, 1860, with 670 employees still inside. About 100 of them died and many were seriously injured. Asa A. Fox was said to have been employed as a carpentry foreman in the rebuilding of the “New” Pemberton Cotton Mill, which began in March 1860.

NEWS ITEMS. … The re-building of the Pemberton Mill, at Lawrence, has been contracted for. Mr. Caleb Crosby, of Lowell, is to do the brick work, and it is estimated that two millions of bricks will be used in the construction (Lancaster Examiner (Lancaster, PA), April 4, 1860).

A.A. Fox, a carpenter, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills P.O.”) household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Hannah H. [(Howe)] Fox, aged twenty-five years (b. NH), Charles D. Fox, aged four years (b. NH), and Joseph E. [Josephetta] Fox, aged eleven months (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Asa Fox, a farmer, aged forty-five years (b. NH), and Alfred Fox, a carpenter, aged thirty-five years (b. ME).

The Pemberton mill at Lawrence will soon be completed. It is to be one story higher than before. It will manufacture cotton and woolen goods and employ one thousand hands. We trust the awful lesson taught by the late disaster will not be lost upon the present builder (Fall River Daily Evening News (Fall River, MA), July 21, 1860).

The New Pemberton Mill at Lawrence. The Reporter of the Post has visited Lawrence, and obtained same interesting statistics of the manufacturing interest in that flourishing city. Tbs New Pemberton Mill, which wis commenced last March, is now roofed in, and will be in full operation in January next, giving employment to 1000 hands, male and female, in making ticking, shirting stripes, cotton flannels, cotton pantaloon cloths, cottonades, cotton vesting and ginghams. The mill has been rebuilt in the most thorough manner. It is 84 feet wide, 284 feet deep, 60 feet high to the cornice, and with a double attic 91 feet high to its highest point. It has 480 windows, 4 feet wide and 9 feet high, 4 feet 4 inches apart. The number of brick used is set down to 2,200,000. One contractor supplied 1417 barrels of lime and 521 barrels of cement. The cost of the whole mill, when completed, will exceed $60,000 (Boston Evening Transcript, October 29, 1860).

Asa A. Fox was mentioned in the Vulpes Letter of 1864, as being the express driver for Messrs. Canney & Co., for deliveries in the Milton Mills area. (Canney & Co. appeared in the Boston, MA, directory of 1872, as having their headquarters at 32 Court Square, Boston, and having express agents at Great Falls, Hayes Crossing, Milton Mills, Brookfield, W. Ossipee, Ossipee, Freedom, Conway, Bartlett, and Jackson, NH, as well as Limerick, ME, i.e., all locations near the Great Falls & Conway Railroad).

Asa A. Fox of Milton Mills paid a $2 tax on his carriage, which was valued at $150, in the U.S. Excise Tax of 1864.

Asa A. Fox of Milton Mills paid an $8.33 retail liquor dealer’s tax in the U.S. Excise Tax of 1865. Asa A. Fox paid a $10 retail dealer’s tax in the U.S. Excise Tax of May 1866, as did his father. The younger Fox paid also a $1 tax on his carriage.

Asa A. Fox was the first clerk of the Milton Mills Methodist Church, when it was founded in 1869. (See Milton Mills’ Methodist Ministers of 1869-1904).

Asa A. Fox, a retail grocer, aged thirty-two years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Hannah H. [(Howe)] Fox, keeping house, aged thirty-five years (b. ME), Charles D. Fox, at school, aged fourteen years (b. NH), and Willie C. Simes, at school, aged seven years (b. NH), Asa A. Fox had real estate valued at $3,000 and personal estate valued at $3,800. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Bray U. Simes, a retail grocer, aged sixty-nine years (b. NH), and Samuel B. Philpot, a watchman in wool mill, aged fifty-three years (b. ME).

Asa A. Fox & Co. appeared in the Milton directories of 1871, 1873, 1874, 1875, and 1876, as Milton Mills merchants.

A.A. Fox was a District Deputy Grand Master of the International Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F.) when he wrote of the Miltonia Lodge, No. 52, at Milton Mills, in March 1873.

MILTONIA LODGE, No. 52, MILTON MILLS. A.A. Fox, District Deputy Grand Master. I visited this Lodge March 25th, by invitation. After the usual Lodge business, the ladies were admitted to the hall. The exercises consisted of speaking, singing, and instrumental music. Remarks were made by P.G. IRA Tibbetts, and members of the Lodge, which were full of the spirit of Odd-Fellowship. The brotherhood were then invited to a banquet prepared by the ladies, and all present went to work with willing hearts and hands. D.D. Fox writes: “I witnessed an initiation July 29th, and can truly say they do their work finely. The Lodge is in a prosperous condition. This Lodge is made up of men who are ready for any and every good work, and are sure to succeed in the cause of Friendship, Love, and Truth” (Grand Lodge, 1873).

A.A. Fox’s black gelding horse Jerry ran in the second day’s trotting races at Great Falls Riding Park, Somersworth, NH, October 28, 1874. He would seem to have won the $50 third prize purse.

THE TURF. Great Falls, N.H., Oct. 28. – Second Day’s Trotting at Great Falls Riding Park, Wednesday, Oct. 28, 1874. – Purse $350, for horses that have never heat 2.44; $200 to first, $100 to second, $50 to third; mile beats, best 3 in 5, to harness. J. Golden ns. g. g. Ned, 1,1,2,2; Sam Chase ns. g. g. Honest Harry, 2,2,1,1; A.A. Fox ns. blk. g. Jerry. 3,3,3,3; T.D. Marsh ns. blk. g. Black Ralph, 5,4,4,4; J.M. Drew, ns. ch. g. Dan Bryant, 4. distanced. Time, 2.41, 2.43½, 2.41½, 2.43½. In the third heat the driver of Honest Harry was taken off and H.G. Smith was substituted. Darkness came on before the race was concluded, when it was postponed until Thursday morning at 9 o’clock. Same Day – Purse $250, for horses that never beat 2.50; $125 to first, $75 to second, $50 to third. D.H. Marvell ns. br. g. Union. 1,1,1; C.H. French ns. b. m. Lady French. 2,2,2; Henry Carter ns. s. g. Zebill, 3,3,5; P.D. Braun ns. b. s. Morrill Morgan, 4,4,5; O. Dugan ns. br. g. Major, 6,5,3; B.F. Fiske ns. s. g. Venture, 8,6,6; G. Flanagan ns. blk. g. Bunker Hill, 5, distanced; S. Hayes ns. b. m. Nellie Thayer, 7, drawn; J. Rankin ns. s. m. Fannie Phillips, distanced. Time, 2.48½, 2.48, 2.50. Judges, C.K. Drew. W.W. Smith and Ira Locke. The 2.28 and 2.40 classes will be trotted to-morrow (Boston Post, October 26, 1874).

Son Charles D. Fox and his cousin, Everett F. Fox, both of Milton Mills, were students at the Gorham Seminary, in Gorham, ME, during the 1874-75 academic year. They were both pursuing the Normal Course of studies. (Other options included the Commercial, Classical, Collegiate, and Preparatory courses).

Asa Augustus “Augustus” Fox lost his Milton Mills grocery store to a fire in March 1876. This description contains the additional interesting information that the local Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F.) society rented his store’s second floor as their meeting hall. (See also Milton in the News – 1876).

NEW ENGLAND BY MAIL. Milton Mills, N.H. The store of Augustus Fox at Milton Mills, was destroyed by fire Tuesday night. Loss $6000; insured in the Home, New York, for $4300. The second story was occupied by the Odd Fellows, who lost everything (Boston Globe, March 9, 1876).

I.O.O.F. District Deputy Grand Marshal Edward J. Brierly reported the March 8 loss in a letter and followed that with his annual report.

MARCH 9 – Received a letter from D.D.G.M. [District Deputy Grand Marshal] EDWARD J. BRIERLEY that Miltonia Lodge room was burned. Loss about $500. Saved charter and some of the regalias and working books. This is the only Lodge in the State that I have not visited officially, But I learn by Brother BRIERLEY that they continue to meet, and are preparing a new hall. (See D.D.G.M. BRIERLEY’s report).

MILTONIA LODGE, No. 52, MILTON MILLS. I installed the officers in January and July. Our Lodge has during the past six months labored under unfavorable circumstances, owing to our loss by fire. However, we have met every regular night with fair attendance. By the kindness of Motolinia Lodge, we have done some work. Although we met with quite a loss, we have a better fund in the bank which we shall draw on sparingly as possible in fitting up anew. We are in hopes to occupy our new hall soon and to continue the good work. – Edward J. BRIERLEY, D.D.G.M. (IOOF, 1872-81).

Nevertheless, Asa A. Fox appeared in the Milton directory of 1877, as proprietor of a country store.

Asa A. Fox appeared in a list of subordinate Odd Fellows lodges for the year 1877. He had held the office of “Noble Grand” in the prior term.

MILTONIA LODGE, No. 52, Milton Mills: (Tuesday). First term – Oscar F. Marsh, N.G.; William B. Townsend, V.G.; John E. Leach, R. Sec.; Freeman H. Lowd, Treas.; J.L. Pike, P. Sec. Last term – Asa A. Fox, N.G.; John F. Hurd, V.G.; John E. Leach, Sec; Freeman H. Lowd, Treas. (Grand Lodge, 1872).

The Milton Selectmen of 1878-79 were Chas. C. Hayes, Asa A. Fox, and M.V.B. Cook. (They appeared belatedly as such in the Milton business directory of 1880).

Son Charles D. Fox, Annie M. [(Leighton)] Varney, and Annie E. [(Davis)] Cook were the Milton Superintending School Committee in the Milton Town Report for the Year Ending March 1880, i.e., they had been elected in March 1879.

Asa A. Fox was appointed as a Strafford County Deputy Sheriff in August 1879.

John Greenfield, High Sheriff of this county, has issued a neat and useful roster of county officers, the times of the Supreme and Probate Courts, the Judges of the Supreme Court, & c. We learn from it that he has appointed the following Deputies for this county: Daniel C. Wiggin, James H. Davis, and James W. Hartford, Dover; Wm. Pitt Moses, Gt. Falls; Eben S. Nowell, Salmon Falls; Asa A. Hall, Farmington; Asa A. Fox, Milton Mills; Paul A. Hurd, Rochester; Luther C. Critchett, Strafford; Jonathan Dustin, Barrington. Jailer, Samuel J. Smith of Dover – Dover Inquirer (Farmington News, August 8, 1879).

The Milton Selectmen of 1880 were A.A. Fox, H.B. Scates, and D. Wallingford.

Son C.D. Fox and C.L. Plumer were the Milton Superintending School Committee in the Milton Town Report for the Year Ending March 1881, i.e., they had been elected in March 1880. (This committee had one member less than the usual three committee members). In addition to their roles as school committeemen, each of them taught classes. Charles D. Fox taught the primary students at School District No. 7, i.e., Milton Mills, while Eugene D. Rowell taught higher level students in the same district. Cyrus L. Plumer (1841-1910), who was the Milton Free-Will Baptist minister, taught the higher level students at School District No. 9, i.e., Milton Three Ponds, while Miss Lizzie C. Lyman and Mrs. Amos M. [Clara M. (Mathes)] Roberts taught primary students there in the first and second terms respectively. (Future daughter-in-law Hattie M. Fox taught at School District No. 3, i.e., Jug Hill Road, and would eventually become a junior high school teacher in Lynn, MA).

Asa A. Fox, a carpenter, aged forty-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, Hannah [(Howe)] Fox, keeping house, aged forty-seven years (b. ME), and his son, Charles D. Fox, a school teacher, aged twenty-four years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John Murrow, a wood sawyer, aged fifty-six years (b. Canada), and Abram Sanborn, a watchman in wool mill, aged fifty-eight years (b. NH).

Asa A. Fox appeared in the Milton directories of 1880, 1881, and 1882, as both a carpenter and a merchant. He appeared in the Milton directory of 1884, as a Milton Mills builder, manufacturer of coffins and caskets, and merchant; in that of 1887, as a Milton Mills builder, and in 1889, as a Milton Mills undertaker.

Milton sent Asa A. Fox to Concord, NH, as its NH State Representative for the 1881-82 biennium. His travel allowance was rated at 195 miles (NH General Court, 1881).

In a July 1881 NH House division vote on “An act in amendment of chapter one hundred and nine of the General Laws, making wine, fermented cider, lager beer, ale, and all fermented malt liquors intoxicating within the meaning of the law,” Rep. Fox voted with the seventy-five members that opposed the measure, rather than the eighty-nine members that favored it. Since the measure required a two-thirds majority, it did not pass. (See Milton Under “Semi-Prohibition” – 1855-02).

Mother Harriet (Wood) Fox died in Milton Mills, July 3, 1882, aged seventy-five years.

DEATHS. In Milton Mills, July 3, Mrs. Harriet Wood Fox, aged 75 years (Farmington News, July 14, 1882).

Hannah H. (Howe) Fox died of cancer in Milton, September 15, 1886, aged fifty-five years, two months, and twenty-one days.

Son Charles D. Fox married in Milton, May 19, 1887, Hattie M. Fox, both of Milton. He was a clerk, aged thirty-one years, and she was a lady, aged twenty-eight years. Rev. C.E. Mason performed the ceremony. She was born in Milton, September 27, 1859, daughter of Alfred W. and Elvira W. (Titcomb) Fox.

REAL ESTATE TRANSFRS. Asa Fox to Asa A. Fox, land in Milton, $1500 (Farmington News, July 1, 1887).

Asa A. Fox married (2nd) in Milton, August 20, 1887, Harriet “Hattie” Hart, both of Milton. He was an undertaker, aged forty-nine years, and she was a lady, aged thirty-five years. Rev. C.M. Anderson performed the ceremony. She was born in Milton, April 30, 1852, daughter of Edward F. and Sally (Fox) Hart (and sister of John F. Hart, 2nd).

Father Asa Fox died in Milton, September 29, 1887, aged seventy-seven years, eleven months, and six days.

DIED. Acton – October 1 [SIC], Mr. Asa Fox (Biddeford-Saco Journal, October 8, 1887).

Newfield. Mr. Augustus Fox, undertaker of Milton Mills, N.H., passed through here Saturday with a fine pair of matched horses to deliver a casket at South Parsonsfield (Biddeford-Saco Journal, January 12, 1889).

Charles D. Jones partnered with a Mr. Stevens in a Milton Mills shoe shop in 1889.

COUNTY AFFAIRS. Acton. There is to be another shoe shop at Milton Mills. C.D. Fox and Mr. Stevens are the proprietors (Biddeford Daily Journal (Biddeford, ME), April 16, 1889).

The Newfield, ME, obituary of Mary Ann (Bean) Slater mentioned her funeral arrangements having been made in February 1891 by Milton Mills undertaker A.A. Fox.

Newfield. Mrs. Mary Ann, wife of John Slater of Milton Mills, N.H., died Feb. 4th after a painful illness of 4 weeks. Mrs. Slater was the oldest daughter of the late Israel Bean of Limerick and had many friends in this vicinity. Her remains were brought here by Undertaker A.A. Fox and buried in the family lot at Pleasant Hill cemetery Friday afternoon. Mrs. Slater was 60 years of age (Biddeford-Saco Journal, February 14, 1891).

MILTON. At the republican caucus Saturday afternoon, the following delegates were chosen to the different conventions: State – E.W. Fox and Frank Horner; Congressional – R.M. Kimball and C.D. Fox; Senatorial – Luther Hayes and B.B. Plummer; Councillor – Chas. A. Jones and S.W. Wallingford; County – Fred B. Roberts and C.W. Gross; Town Committee – Chas H. Looney, president; B.B. Plummer, secretary; Luther Hayes, C.A. Jones, J.H. Avery, W.H.H. Pinkham, Fred B. Roberts, S.W. Wallingford, Charles D. Fox and Charles W. Gross (Farmington News, September 9, 1892).

Asa A. Fox appeared in the Milton directories of 1894, and 1898, as a Milton Mills builder and undertaker. Son C.D. Fox appeared in the Milton directories of 1894, and 1898, as proprietor of the Central House hotel at Milton Mills.

Hattie H. [(Hart)] Fox of Milton divorced Asa A. Fox in Strafford Superior Court, September 24, 1896. She alleged extreme cruelty (one had to allege something).

LIST OF DIVORCES. The following is the list pronounced upon at the last session of the supreme court: … Hattie H. Fox vs. Asa A. Fox, both of Milton, divorce granted; cause, extreme cruelty; alimony $3500 (Farmington News, October 16, 1896).

Asa A. Fox married (3rd) in Haverhill, MA, March 30, 1897, Sarah E. (Tuttle) Webster, he of Milton and she of Haverhill, MA. He was an undertaker, aged sixty years, and she was a housekeeper, aged sixty years. Rev. L.B. Twitchell performed the ceremony. She was born in Strafford, NH, February 9, 1836, daughter of James and Sally (Middleton) Tuttle. (She was the widow of Charles Webster).

Asa A. Fox of Milton testified in Dover, NH, January 4, 1898, regarding the Jones poisoning murder case of 1897. (See Milton’s Poisoning Murder – 1897).

Asa Fox of Milton, the undertaker who prepared Mrs. Jones’ body for burial, testified regarding the [Utopia brand] embalming fluid used. He said it was an article of commerce, and he used it as prepared (Boston Globe, January 5, 1898).

The Fox family was deeply involved in fin de siècle Pleasant Valley Grange at Milton Mills. Mrs. A.A. Fox of the Pleasant Valley Grange in Milton Mills was among those brought into the NH State Grange session at Mechanics Hall, in Manchester, NH, and instructed in the Degree of Flora, on the evening of December 20, 1899.

Pleasant Valley grange of Milton Mills has elected the following officers: Master, A.A. Fox; overseer, Daniel Philbrick; lecturer, John U. Simes; steward, Albert Wiggin; assistant steward, Rev. A.M. Markey; lady assistant steward, Mrs. Willis Reynolds; chaplain, Rev. E.W. Churchill; treasurer, Jennie Hanson; gate keeper, C.A. Treadwell; Pomona, Ruth Philbrick; Flora, Mrs. C.D. Fox; Ceres, Mrs. A.A. Fox; director, C.D. Fox; lady director, Mrs. Fox; organists, Helen Loud, Grace Loud (Farmington News, December 29, 1899).

Asa A. Fox, an undertaker, aged sixty-three years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills Village”) household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of three years), Sarah E.W. [((Tuttle) Webster)] Fox, aged sixty-three years (b. NH), and his servant, Mary Remick, a house servant, aged twenty-four years (b. NH). Asa A. Fox owned their farm, free-and-clear. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Calvin S. Haines, a hostler, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), and Charles D. Fox, a hotel keeper, aged forty-five years (b. NH).

Charles D. Fox, a hotel keeper, aged forty-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills Village”) household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife Hattie M. [(Fox)] Fox, aged forty years (b. NH), his daughter, Edwina E. Fox, aged six years (b. NH), his servants, Lacy Witham, aged twenty-two years (b. ME), and Adah Renualt, aged twenty years (b. NH), and his boarders, Charles W. Gross, aged fifty-seven years (b. ME), J. Edward La Bonte, aged forty-nine years (b. Canada), Joshua S. Mathews, a shoe factory superintendent, aged fifty-four years (b. MA), [his wife of thirty years,] May Ella [(Cram)] Mathews, aged forty-nine years (b. ME), Harry Hamilton, a shoe puller-over, aged twenty-three years, and John D. Hanson, a hostler, aged fifty years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Asa A. Fox, an undertaker, aged sixty-three years (b. NH), and Maude A. Berry, a housekeeper, aged sixty-five years (b. NH).

Old Folks of Milton Mills and vicinity had their third annual meeting, August 21, at the home of A.A. Fox. In the company were 140 persons, whose ages aggregated 9712 years, and averaged nearly 70 years (Farmington News, August 31, 1900).

Milton delegates for the several conventions are as follows, State convention, Elbridge W. Fox, Freeman H. Lowd. Congressional, Charles H. Looney, Joseph H. Avery. Councillor, Wm. F. Wallace, B.B. Plummer. Senatorial, F.L. Marsh, Charles D. Jones. County, Charles D. Fox, Charles A. Jones (Farmington News, September 7, 1900).

Asa A. Fox appeared in the Milton directories of 1901, and 1904, as a Milton Mills undertaker. Son C.D. Fox appeared in the Milton directory of 1901, as proprietor of the Central House hotel at Milton Mills.

JUBILEES IN SEVERAL TOWNS. Milton Departed from the Beaten Track and Held an Old-Folks Gathering – War Vets Meet at Greenville. … Milton’s celebration took the form of the annual old folks gathering at the residence of Hon. and Mrs. A.A. Fox. Especial invitations were extended to all persons more than 60 years of age resident in Milton, Wakefield, Brookfield and Middleton, N.H., and Acton, Lebanon and Shapleigh, Me. and a very large number of them were accepted. Dinner was served at noon, and in the afternoon there was a program of music, speaking, etc. (Boston Globe, August 21, 1901).

Milton passed under “Local Option” as regards liquor licenses in 1903. A vote of the town had allowed such licenses in 1903 and they were held by Fred M. Chamberlain, whose Phœnix House had a license (Class 1); Charles L. Bodwell, whose Milton Hotel had a license (Class 1); and son Charles D. Fox, whose Central House hotel, at Milton Mills, had a license (Class 1). Such Class 1 licenses would permit liquor sales to hotel guests only (NH License Commissioners, 1904). In the following year a town vote forbid liquor licenses. Liquor license availability would seesaw on and off in Milton for years. Charles D. Fox chose to get out of the hotel business at this time, likely due to the uncertainty. John H. Lord took over management of the Central House hotel for a time.

County Officers. …. Sheriff Parker has appointed the following deputies, all of whom have qualified except Charles D. Fox of Milton Mills, who was not present this morning but will appear later and take the oath of office: Bert Wentworth, Dover; Alphons I. Faunce, Somersworth; Henry F. Walker, Rochester; Frank I. Smith, Rochester; Augustus S. Waldron, Farmington; Arioch W. Griffith, Durham; Elmer Clark, Strafford (Farmington News, April 3, 1903).

Asa A. Fox of Milton made his last will July 3, 1903. He gave to his beloved wife, Sarah W. Fox, “my best wishes for her future happiness and prosperity, agreeable to certain covenant entered into between my said wife and myself prior to our marriage.” He gave, devised and bequeathed all his property, both real and personal, to his beloved son, Charles D. Fox, who he named as executor. John E. Chesley, John D. Hanson, and Owen [Orren] R. Fairfield signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 140:128). John E. Chesley was a Rochester, NH, farmer; John D. Hanson was a Milton hostler; and Orren R. Fairfield was a Kennebunk, ME, painter.

Asa A. Fox and his son, Charles D. Fox, both of Milton Mills, both took and passed the Maine State undertaker examination, May 10, 1904.

Meetings were held for the purpose of examining candidates May 10 and October 5, 1904, and June 22 and December 14, 1905. At each of these meetings, the following instructions were given to the candidates: A list of questions is herewith submitted to you numbered from 1 to 40. The answers are to be made in writing, the figure to be placed before each answer which corresponds to that before its respective question. Two hours will be given within which time the answers the questions will be handed in. The answers may be handed in any time within the two hours when completed, but the candidate when handing in his answers must immediately retire and not re-enter the room. Any candidate leaving the room before his answers have been completed and handed in will not be allowed to return, nor to finish his examination this day. Talk in the room or communications of any kind between candidates will debar from completion of the examination. Satisfactory answers to at least 30 of the questions (75 per cent) will be required. No catch questions are submitted, only those which every practical undertaker should be able to answer. In any answers to questions relating to contagious and infectious diseases, no distinction between the two will be required. They will be considered simply in the sense of dangerous communicable diseases. Each candidate must place his signature to his examination paper (ME State Board of Health, 1906).

Both candidates passed the examination. Son Charles D. Fox received ME State license #83 and Asa A. Fox received #105.

Asa A. Fox of Main street, Milton Mills, appeared in the Red Book automobile directory of 1905, as the owner of a 10 horsepower Pope automobile (Blanchard, 1905). (See also Milton Automobiles in 1906-07).

MILTON MILLS, N.H. Asa A Fox had a very bad spell one day last week and was confined to the house a few days (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), November 17, 1905).

Asa A. Fox appeared in the Milton directories of 1905-06, and 1909, as a merchant of coffins and caskets, an embalmer, and an undertaker. (See also Milton Automobiles in 1909-10).

PERSONAL. Wednesday Mr. A.A. Fox of Milton Mills was in town with a party of friends, in his automobile (Farmington News, August 24, 1906).

MILTON MILLS, N.H. Mr. and Mrs. Asa A. Fox entertained a large party of the members of the A.O.U.W. of Milton with their wives and lady friends on Saturday evening. Mr. and Mrs. Fox also invited in some friends and neighbors to meet with the good people from Milton and a very pleasant and enjoyable evening was passed by all. A number of selections of vocal and instrumental music by our village artists were rendered in a very pleasing manner. Bounteous refreshments were served, and it was generally voted to be one of the best of the many pleasant social evenings we have enjoyed at this home (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), May 24, 1907).

MILTON MILLS. Mrs. Asa A. Fox returned home Saturday from a visit to her sister in Detroit, Mich. (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), September 13, 1907).

Daughter-in-law Hattie M. (Fox) Fox was elected to a three-year term as trustee of the Sunrise Rebekah Lodge in Milton Mills.

MILTON MILLS. Sunrise Rebekah lodge No. 79, I.O.O.F., held a special meeting Monday evening, and elected these officers: N.G., Mrs. Delia M. [(Douglas)] Flye; V.G., Mrs. Mildred T. [(Tibbetts)] Marsh; Sec., Mrs. Marguerite [(Meikle)] Stevens; Treas., Mrs. Rosamond [(Guptill)] Manser; trustee for three years, Mrs. Hattie M. [(Fox)] Fox. These will be installed at the next regular meeting Jan. 8. Miltonia lodge No. 52, I.O.O.F., at its regular meeting Tuesday evening, elected officers as follows: N.G., Daniel Murray; V.G., Chas. S. Philbrick; secretary, John Lewis; treasurer, Forrest L. Marsh; trustee, three years, Oliver C. Titcomb. After the election of officers the initiatory degree was worked on three candidates and this was followed by a supper and a good social time (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), January 10, 1908).

Son Charles D. Fox hosted a Free-Will Baptist reading club meeting in September 1908, whose subject was English Poet Laureate Alfred Lord Tennyson (1809-1892).

MILTON MILLS. The reading club of the Free Baptist young people met at John Lewis’ Friday evening and had an evening with Robert Burns. Friday evening this week the meeting will be at C.D. Fox’s and the subject will be Tennyson (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), October 2, 1908).

Asa A. Fox, an undertaker, aged seventy-three years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills”) household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of twelve years), Sarah W. [((Tuttle) Webster)] Fox, aged seventy-three years (b. NH), and Sadie Willey, a private family servant, aged thirty years (b. NH). Asa A. Fox owned their house, free-and-clear. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Willis A. Meikle, a woolen mill finisher, aged thirty-six years (b. ME), and Charles D. Fox, an undertaker, aged forty-five years (b. NH).

Charles D. Fox, an undertaker, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills”) household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of twenty years), Hattie [(Fox)] Fox, aged forty-eight years (NH), and his daughter, Edwina Fox, aged twenty-seven years (NH). Charles D. Fox owned their house, free-and-clear. Hattie Fox was the mother of one child, of whom one was still living. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Asa A. Fox, an undertaker, aged seventy-three years (b. NH), and Calvin Haynes, a farmer, aged forty-eight years (b. NH). (His paternal uncle, Elbridge W. Fox, a general store proprietor, aged seventy-five years (b. NH), appeared just past Haynes).

MILTON MILLS. Mrs. C.D. Fox had as guests over the end of the week Mr. and Mrs. George [Emma E. (Fox)] Meikle, their two sons, Stanley and Chester, and Miss Dr. Zimmerman, all of New Bedford, Mass. Miss Brenda Meikle, who has been spending a few weeks, returned with her parents Monday. Miss Buffington of New Bedford was also here for a few days (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), September 16, 1910).

Asa A. Fox appeared in the Milton directory of 1912, as a merchant of coffins and caskets, an embalmer, and an undertaker.

Asa A. Fox died of chronic interstitial nephritis at the NH State Hospital in Concord, NH, November 11, 1913, aged seventy-six years, nine months, and eight days. He was an undertaker and had been hospitalized for six months, eight days. A.B. Howard, M.D., signed the death certificate. (Undertakers Kendall & Foster of Concord, NH, managed his funeral).

Son Charles D. Fox was admitted as a new member to the Maine Undertakers’ Association at their convention held in Hampden, ME, August 19, 1915 (Bangor Daily News (Bangor, ME, August 20, 1915).

Son Charles D. Fox suffered from a debilitating and ultimately fatal cancer in the final year of his life.

MILTON MILLS. (Special to the Tribune). Charles D. Fox is suffering from a cancer on his face (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), March 3, 1916).

MILTON MILLS. (Special to the Tribune). Charles D. Fox was taken to Concord to the insane asylum this morning. He was accompanied by Drs. Anderson and Stevens and his nurse (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), March 31, 1916).

Son Charles D. Fox died of exhaustion (and effective psychosis and cancer (one year)) in Concord, NH, March 31, 1916, aged sixty years. A marginal note regarding the cancer adds “Involving upper half of right cheek and lower jaw with enlarged cervical glands.” D.G. McIvor, M.D., of Concord, NH, signed the death certificate.

CHARLES D. FOX – Charles D. Fox, who was taken to Concord last week, died there Friday morning. The remains were brought here and the funeral was held Wednesday P.M. at his home. Mr. Fox leaves a wife and one daughter to mourn his loss. He was a member of the I.O.O.F. and K. of P. and of Lovell Union Grange (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), April 7, 1916).

LOCAL. The local friends of Charles D. Fox, the Milton Mills undertaker, were pained to learn of his death which took place last week Friday. The funeral was held this Wednesday. He is survived by his wife and one daughter (Farmington News, April 7, 1916).

Granddaughter Edwina E. Fox married in Milton Mills, November 21, 1917, Joseph Elijah Wadleigh, she of Milton Mills and he of Wakefield, NH. She was a teacher, aged twenty-four years, and he was a farmer, aged twenty-eight years. Rev. Edwin P. Moulton performed the ceremony (by a special license from the State of New Hampshire). Joseph E. Wadleigh was born in Lynn, MA, September 27, 1889, son of Frank F. and Mary J. (Gilmore) Wadleigh.

Sarah E. ((Tuttle) Webster) Fox died of a gangrenous fractured hip in Strafford, NH, July 3, 1918, aged eighty-two years, five months, and three days. The hip had been broken six weeks prior and the gangrene had developed four weeks prior. Stephen Young signed the death certificate.

Ex-wife Harriet A. “Hattie” (Hart) Fox died in Wells, ME, December 13, 1918.

Accounts for Notice. Guardian’s account in estate of Hattie H. Fox, late of Wells (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), February 12, 1919).

Hattie M. [(Fox)] Fox, a widow, aged sixty years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census. Her household included her son-in-law, J. Elijah Wadleigh, an undertaker, aged thirty years (b. MA), her daughter, Edwina F. [(Fox)] Wadleigh, aged twenty-six years (b. NH), and her grandson, Joseph E. Wadleigh, Jr., aged one year (b. NH). Hattie M. Fox owned their farm on School Street, free-and-clear.

Grandson-in-law Joseph E. Wadleigh died of tuberculosis in Milton Mills, May 26, 1920, aged thirty years.

LOCAL. It is with deep regret that local friends of Joseph Elijah Wadleigh learn of his death which occurred at his home at Milton Mills this Wednesday evening. The deceased succumbed to tuberculosis after a long and noble fight with the dread disease. He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Francis Wadleigh, his wife, one son, Joseph E., Jr., and three sisters, Misses Frances and Charlotte Wadleigh of Union and Mrs. Harry A. Nute of Portsmouth (Farmington News, May 28, 1920).

Hattie M. [(Fox)] Fox, a widow, aged seventy years (b. NH), headed a Lynn, MA, household at the time of the Fifteenth (1930) Federal Census. Her household included her daughter, Edwina E. [(Fox)] Wadleigh, a public school teacher, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), and her grandson, Joseph E. Wadleigh, aged eleven years (b. NH). Hattie M. Fox rented their house at 280 Maple Street, for $40 per month. They had a radio set.

Granddaughter Edwina F. Wadleigh appeared in the Lynn, MA, directory of 1935, as the widow of Joseph E. Wadleigh, and a teacher at the Breed Junior High School, with her house at 45 Graves avenue. Her mother, Hattie M. Fox, appeared as the widow of Charles D. Fox, with her residence at 45 Graves avenue.

Daughter-in-law Hattie M. (Fox) Fox died in Lynn, MA, May 30, 1938.

MILTON MILLS, By Alfred W. Lewis. The body of Mrs. Hattie Fox was brought from Lynn, Mass., and services were hold in the Free Baptist Church Thursday. She was the widow of the late Charles D. Fox. She leaves her daughter, Mrs. Edwina Wadleigh and a sister, Mrs. Emma Meikle. She was a member of the Free Baptist Church and Sunrise Rebekah Lodge. The services were under the direction of Frank Spencer with J. Whitfield Qurrie officiating (Farmington News, June 9, 1938).

Edwina [(Fox)] Wadleigh, a teacher, aged forty-six years (b. NH), headed a Lynn, MA, household at the time of the Sixteenth (1940) Federal Census. Her household included her son, Joseph E. Wadleigh, a meat packers’ accountant, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), and her lodger, Winfred Farrar, a General Electric machinist, aged forty-four years (b. NH). She rented their part of a two-family house at 208 Broadway Street, for $50 per month. (Her income was $2,100 per annum, i.e., her housing – without her lodger’s contribution – would have cost 28.6% of her income). They had all resided in the “same place,” i.e., Lynn, MA, in 1935.

MILTON MILLS. Mrs. Edwina Fox Wadleigh and Mr. Farrar of Lynn were Sunday visitors of Mr. and Mrs. Herman L. Buck (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), October 17, 1940).

Edwina [(Fox)] Wadley, a junior high school teacher for the city school department, aged fifty-three years (b. NH), headed a Lynn, MA, household at the time of the Seventeenth (1950) Federal census. Her household included her roomer, Winfred Farrar, a bench worker for an electrical manufacturing company, aged fifty-two years (b. NH).

MILTON MILLS. Mrs. Edwina Wadleigh and Winn Farrell [Farrar] of Lynn, Mass., were Sunday visitors in town (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), August 27, 1953).

Milton Mills. Mr. and Mrs. Willard Clark and H.L. Buck entertained at the Wilson Pond camp Mrs. Arthur Brackett and Mrs. Edwina Wadleigh of Lynn, Mass., Monday (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), August 4, 1961).

Granddaughter Edwina E. (Fox) Wadleigh died in Lynn, MA, October 28, 1961, aged sixty-eight years.

Milton Mills. BY BESSIE M LEWIS. Mrs. Edwina Wadleigh. Mrs. Edwina F. (Fox) Wadleigh, 68, of Lynn, Mass., died Saturday at her home after a brief illness. She was the widow of Joseph E. Wadleigh. Mrs. Wadleigh was born in Milton Mills. She had lived in Lynn for 40 years and retired two years ago after teaching business courses at Breed Junior High School for 39 years. She was a member of Ivy Rebekah Lodge, the National Retired Teachers’ Association, the Washington Street Baptist Church, and the Dorcas Society of the Milton Mills Baptist Church. She was a past matron of the Eastern Star Chapter in Union, N.H. Mrs. Wadleigh is survived by a son, Joseph E. Wadleigh of Saugus, Mass., and five grandchildren. The funeral was held in the Parker Memorial, Lynn, Tuesday afternoon. Services were held in the Milton Mills church Wednesday afternoon. Burial was in the Milton Cemetery (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), November 9, 1961).

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References:

Blanchard, F.S. (1905). Red Book: Interstate Automobile Guide, New England. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=JjpKAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA353

Cohasco, Inc. (n.d.). Catalogue No. 67. Retrieved from cohascodpc.com/cat67/cat67-auction.html

Find a Grave. (2013, July 31). Asa Fox. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114673689/asa-fox

Find a Grave. (2013, July 31). Asa Augustus Fox. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114695724/asa-augustus-fox

Find a Grave. (2013, July 31). Charles D. Fox. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114673535/charles-d-fox

Find a Grave. (2013, July 29). Hattie Hart Fox. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114593469/hattie-fox

Find a Grave. (2013, July 31). Josephetta Fox. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114695839/josephetta-fox

Find a Grave. (2011, October 1). Sarah E. Tuttle Fox. retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/77424094/sarah-e.-fox

Find a Grave. (2013, July 31). Edwina E. Fox Wadleigh. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114673593/edwina-e.-wadleigh

Grand Lodge. (1872). Journal of Proceedings of the R.W. Grand Lodge of the State of New Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=GcuVn6tKSTAC&pg=PA761

ME State Board of Health. (1906). Report of the State Board of Embalming Examiners. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=wZNNAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA252

NH General Court. (1881). Journal of the House of Representatives of the State of New-Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=QzctAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA295

NH State Grange. (1899). Journal of Proceedings of the New Hampshire State Grange, Order Patrons of Husbandry. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=PWMkAQAAMAAJ&pg=RA1-PA82

Wikipedia. (2022, November 19). Pemberton Mill. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pemberton_Mill

By Muriel Bristol | March 19, 2023

Joseph Pearl was born in Farmington, NH, in 1786, son of Ichabod and Mary (Young) Pearl.

The daughters of Ichabod Pearl, the early settler in the Pearl district [of Farmington, NH], were Mrs. [Eliza (Pearl)] Brooks and Mrs. [Patience (Pearl)] Berry of New Durham and Mrs. [Mary (Pearl)] Knight of Farmington, at whose home the little bound boy, Jerry Colbath (afterwards Hon. Henry Wilson), served his time (Farmington News, September 21, 1888).

Ichabod Pearl headed a Farmington, NH, 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 [Mary (Young) Pearl], one male aged 16-25 years [Joseph Pearl], three females aged 16-25 years [Eliza Pearl, Patience Pearl, and Mary Pearl], and one male aged under-10 years.

Joseph Pearl, the second son of Ichabod, was a school teacher in his younger days, and I think he taught twenty winters in succession, often being selected for hard schools, since he was admirably well fitted for the task. Some districts contained scholars who were noted for being very unruly and hard to govern, but Mr. Pearl always gained the mastery over such pupils and, besides, he possessed superior comment sense. He kept the old Middleton Corner school, one winter, which was one of the most difficult in the county, to control, and with his usual good judgment and learning, came off victorious. He was the teacher of the ten rod road school several winters, and he also instructed in the old district school at home, his summers being usually spent in farming on the old estate. He was in person a tall, spare man, full six feet in height, of dignified presence and one of the old-time gentlemen (Farmington News, September 21, 1888).

Joseph Pearl married in Rochester, NH, August 27, 1812, Elizabeth “Betsy” Hayes, he of Farmington, NH, and she of Milton. Rev. Joseph Haven performed the ceremony. She was born in Milton, August 12, 1791, daughter of Daniel and Eunice (Pinkham) Hayes.

When quite a young man he [Joseph Pearl] married Miss Betsy Hayes, a daughter of Daniel Hayes, one of the first settlers of Milton, and they resided for many years on the ancestral estate of the Pearl’s, located on the [New Durham] ridge road, always the abode of plenty, with grassy fields and fruit trees, and the stately English poplar, which well pointed out the place to travelers, since they were lofty “shrubbery,” quite rare in Farmington. I now remember when young that I thought they gave the place wherever planted a character of their own; while I think there were never any such trees at the dock, and why it seemed to me a little curious (Farmington News, September 21, 1888).

The downtown of Farmington, NH, which evidently lacked poplar trees, was known as the “Puddle Dock.”

(The known children of Joseph and Elizabeth (Hayes) Pearl were Daniel Pearl (1813–1882), Rufus K. Pearl (1815–1864), Eliza A. Pearl (1822–1851), Joseph Pearl (1826–1847), and Mary Pearl (1829–1912)).

To Mr. and Mrs. Pearl five children were born, three sons and two daughters (Farmington News, September 21, 1888).

Son Daniel Pearl was born in Farmington, NH, January 18, 1813. Son Rufus K. Pearl was born in Farmington, NH, February 6, 1815.

Daughter Eliza A. Pearl was born in Farmington, NH, in June 1822. Son Joseph Pearl was born in Farmington, NH, in 1826. Daughter Mary Pearl was born in Farmington, NH, April 1, 1829.

Joseph Pearl 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 30-39 years [Elizabeth (Hayes) Pearle], one male aged 15-19 years [Daniel Pearle], one male aged 10-14 years [Rufus K. Pearle], one female aged 5-9 years [Eliza Pearle], one female aged under-5 years [Mary Pearle], one female aged 80-89 years, and one male aged 70-79 years.

Father Ichabod Pearl died in Rochester, NH, March 8, 1832. Mother Mary (Young) Pearl died in Rochester, NH, September 24, 1836.

Son Rufus K. Pearl of Farmington, NH, appeared in an 1839 catalog of Bowdoin College students. He was a “second course,” i.e., second year, medical student, in the February-May semester. His instructor or preceptor was Dr. D.T. Parker. (Later publications would identify him as Rufus King Pearl).

Rufus K. Pearl, the third son, was a well read and able physician, known to Farmington people, as well as others, as “Doctor Pearl.” He was educated at Gilmanton, Hanover, and Brunswick, Me., and studied medicine with Dr. White [Dr. Nahum Wight (1807-1884)] of Gilmanton, commencing the practice of his profession at Rochester village, his office being over the jewelry store of James C. Cole, at that time the watchmaker and jeweler of the town. Along with the practice of medicine he kept a well selected apothecary shop, and dealt out drugs to the villagers, as well as potions to his patients, of whom he had many, yet he was not, singular to relate, a great believer in dosing, and was too much of a man to impose upon the sick to enrich himself (Farmington News, September 21, 1888). 

Son Daniel Pearl married, in 1839, Lydia B. Jones. She was born in New Durham, NH, November 19, 1815, daughter of Samuel and Nancy (Bennett) Jones.

Daniel remained upon the farm which was always his home, he being a respected and influential citizen of Farmington, who was honored during life with offices of trust and importance. I think he was a school teacher in his younger days like his father (Farmington News, September 21, 1888).

Joseph Pearle 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 [Elizabeth (Hayes) Pearle], one male aged 20-29 years [Rufus K. Pearle], one female aged 15-19 years [Eliza Pearle], and one female aged 10-14 years [Mary Pearle]. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture and one member was engaged in a Learned Profession. (His son, Rufus K. Pearl, M.D., was a physician). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Edward Tibbetts and Daniel Hayes.

David Pearle headed a Farmington, 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 [Lydia B. (Jones) Pearl], and one male aged 15-19 years. Two members of his household were engaged in Agriculture.

Son Rufus K. Pearl served on the Superintending School Committee of Rochester, NH, in 1841.

He removed his business to a store erected, I think by himself, on Market street near the present site of Wentworth block, where he remained a while, but finally sold out his stock in trade to D. Hanson, the early druggist, who removed it to his own store on Central square. I think this was about 1844 (Farmington News, September 21, 1888).

Son Rufus K. Pearl married in Alton, NH, June 28, 1841, Hannah B. Huckins, he of Rochester, NH, and she of Alton, NH. Rev. E. Mason performed the ceremony. She was born in Madbury, NH, April 12, 1818, daughter of John D. and Mary (Locke) Huckins.

Daughter Eliza A. Pearl married, in January 1844, Martin L. Hayes. He was born in Farmington, NH, March 26, 1812, son of Ichabod and Deborah (French) Hayes.

Eliza, the eldest [daughter], became the wife of Martin L. Hayes, the early shoe manufacturer, who was a wealthy capitalist and is but quite recently deceased. Mrs. Hayes died after a few years of wedded life (Farmington News, September 21, 1888).

Daughter-in-law Hannah B. (Huckins) Pearl died June 19, 1845, aged twenty-six years.

Dr. Pearl lost his wife, who was a Miss Huckins of Alton, and also two children, when, his health failing, he was obliged to give up his medical practice and leave Rochester. He was greatly depressed by the loss of his family and he spent some time with his father, Joseph Pearl, who was then residing on the old Daniel Hayes place in Milton – his wife’s early home – having given his son, Daniel, the homestead in the Pearl district (Farmington News, September 21, 1888).

Joseph Pearl received a five-year appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, July 6, 1846. Ichabod H. Wentworth and Robert Mathes were appointed also that same day.

Father-in-law Daniel Hayes died in Milton, December 4, 1846.

Son Joseph Pearl, Jr., died in a southern state, July 16, 1847.

Joseph, the eldest [?] son, died young in years, his death occurring in one of the southern states, where he had gone for his health (Farmington News, September 21, 1888).

Daughter Mary Pearl married, April 14, 1850, Alonzo Nute. He was born in Milton, February 12, 1826, son of David and Lavina (Cook) Nute.

Mary, the youngest daughter, is the wife of Hon. Alonzo Nute, and a lady who is well known in society circles. While, if in the happy shapening of events she should become a congressman’s wife, she will fill the high position with her usual charming grace and ease at the nation’s capitol (Farmington News, September 21, 1888).

Joseph Pearl, a farmer, aged sixty-four years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Betsey [(Hayes)] Pearl, aged fifty-eight years (b. NH), James Rowe, a farmer, aged fifteen years (b. NH), and Eunice [(Pinkham)] Hayes, aged eighty-nine years (b. NH). Joseph Pearl had real estate valued at $10,600. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of William W. Cook, a farmer, aged fifty-two years (b. NH), and Richard T. Rollins, a stone cutter, aged forty-seven years (b. NH).

Daniel Pearl, a farmer, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Lydia [(Jones)] Pearl, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), Ann E. Pearl, aged four years (b. NH), Mary Pearl, aged two years (b. NH), John Roe, aged twelve years (b. NH), and Augusta Hayes, aged seventeen years (b. NH). Daniel Pearl had real estate valued at $4,000.

Martin L. Hayes, a shoemaker, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Eliza [(Pearl)] Hayes, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH), Arianna Hayes, aged one year (b. NH), and H.K. [R.K.] Pearl, a merchant, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), and Jonathan Hayes, a shoemaker, aged twenty-five years (b. NH). Martin L. Hayes had real estate valued at $9,000.

With his health somewhat established Dr. [Rufus K.] Pearl moved to the Dock, and was a merchant at Farmington, keeping a country variety store with popular patent medicines, remedies new to the public at the time, concerning the virtues of such he once made the remark: “I keep them for sale but I have very little faith in them.” The doctor’s store was the early Pearl building, erected by Eleazar Pearl, his uncle (Farmington News, September 21, 1888).

Alonzo Nute, a shoemaker, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Mary [(Pearl)] Nute, aged twenty-two years. They shared a two-family residence with the household of Jeremy O. Nute, a shoemaker, aged twenty-two years (b. NH). Each householder had real estate valued at $500. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of David T. Parker, a physician, aged thirty-seven years (b. VT), and Geo. F. Tibbetts, a blacksmith, aged twenty-six years (b. NH).

J. Pearl appeared in the NH Register of 1851, as being postmaster at Chestnut Hills. James M. Twombly was postmaster at Milton and Gilman Jewett was postmaster at Milton Mills (Claremont Mfg. Co., 1851).

Joseph Pearl received a renewal five-year appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, June 27, 1851.

Daughter Eliza A. (Pearl) Hayes died in Farmington, NH, November 4, 1851.

The NH Annual Register & US Calendar of 1853 identified Milton’s Justices of the Peace as being Stephen Drew, John L. Swinerton, Joseph Cook, John J. Plumer, Daniel Hayes, Jr., Daniel P. Warren, James Berry, Ichabod H. Wentworth, Joseph Pearl, Robert Mathes, Elias S. Cook, David Wallingford, John E. Goodwin, Charles C. Hayes, Jas. Jewett, Thos. Y. Wentworth, Asa Fox, James Connor, and Eli Wentworth (Lyon, 1853).

Rufus K. Pearl and his brother-in-law, Martin L. Hayes, were among eight original incorporators of the Farmington Bank, July 15, 1854.

AN ACT to incorporate the Farmington Bank. SECTION 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened. That Hiram Barker, George M. Herring, John Barker, George L. Whitehouse, Rufus K. Pearl, Josiah B. Edgerly, Martin L. Hayes, and Mark Demeritt, and their associates, successors, and assigns, be and they hereby are, created and made a corporation by the name and style of the Farmington Bank, and shall so continue from the first day of August, A.D. 1854, until the expiration of twenty years next following, and by that name shall be and hereby are made capable in law to sue and be sued, plead, and be impleaded, defend and be defended, in any court of record or any other place whatever; and also to make, have and use a common seal, and the same at pleasure to break, alter or renew; and also to ordain, establish and put in execution such by-laws, ordinances and regulations (not repugnant to the laws of this State) as to them shall appear necessary or convenient for their regulation and government, and for the prudent management of the affairs of said corporation; subject always to the rules, restrictions, limitations and provisions hereinafter prescribed … (NH Secretary of State, 1854).

Joseph Pearl received a renewal five-year appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, June 24, 1856. Ichabod H. Wentworth and Robert Mathes were appointed also that same day.

Joseph Pearl, a farmer aged seventy-three years (b. NH), headed a Milton “W. Milton P.O.”) household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Betsey [(Hayes)] Pearl, aged sixty-eight years (b. NH), and Eunice [(Pinkham)] Hayes, aged ninety-nine years (b. NH). Joseph Pearl had real estate valued at $4,000 and personal estate valued at $5,000. Their household appeared first in the enumeration, and was followed by Ephraim Hayes, a farmer, aged fifty-five years (b. NH).

Daniel Pearl, a farmer, aged forty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Lydia B. [(Jones)] Pearl, aged forty-four years (b. NH), Ann E. Pearl, aged fourteen years (b. NH), Ellen Pearl, aged ten years (b. NH), Ida Pearl, aged five years (b. NH), and George Webb, a farm laborer, aged sixty-four years (b. NH). Daniel Pearl had real estate valued at $4,000 and personal estate valued at $2,000.

Rufus K. Pearl, a retired physician, aged forty-five years (b. NH), headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Alonzo Nute, a shoe manufacturer, aged thirty-four years (b. NH), Mary P. Nute, aged thirteen [thirty-one] years (b. NH), Eugene P. Nute, aged eight years (b. NH), Alonzo E. Nute, aged seven years (b. NH), William H. Worster, a jeweler, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), Fanny Worster, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), and Sarah Hayes, aged twenty-three years (b. NH).

His health again failing, he retired from an active business career, independently well off financially, and at his pleasant home on Main street, now the residence of Hon. Alonzo Nute, he quietly passed the remainder of his days. His garden was a pleasurable satisfaction to him, and he enjoyed sitting in the shade of the beautiful trees and spent many hours in silent contemplation of the beauties of Nature spread out before him (Farmington News, September 21, 1888).

Martin L. Hayes, a shoe manufacturer, aged forty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Arianna Hayes, aged eleven years (b. NH), Mary Varney, aged forty years (b. NH), and Jonathan R. Hayes, aged thirty-five years (b. NH). Martin L. Hayes had real estate valued at $26,400 and personal estate valued at $15,500. Mary Varney had personal estate valued at $1,200 and Jonathan R. Hayes had real estate valued at $2,000.

MILTON. Justice, State, John E. Goodwin. Justice, Quorum. Eli Wentworth. Justices, John L. Swinerton, Daniel P. Warren, Joseph Pearl, Robert Mathes, Elias S. Cook, David Wallingford, Charles C. Hayes, Thomas Y. Wentworth, Asa Fox, Daniel E. Palmer, Joseph Plumer, Luther Hayes, Ezra H. Twombly, Joseph Mathes, Elbridge W. Fox, Charles Jones (Farmer, 1860).

Joseph Pearl received a renewal five-year appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, June 15, 1861. Robert Mathes received his renewal that same day.

Mother-in-law Eunice (Pinkham) Hayes was feted at a one-hundredth birthday party celebration at the homestead in Milton, in June 1861. (See Milton in the News – 1861).

Mother-in-law Eunice [(Pinkham)] Hayes died of old age in Milton, March 27, 1863, aged one hundred-one years, eight months, and thirteen days.

Mrs. Eunice Hayes died at Milton, N.H., on the 27th of last March, at the age of 102. She left 181 descendants, was born on Friday – consecrated to God in baptism on Friday – married on Friday – moved into Milton on Friday – her husband died on Friday – and she died on Friday, as she often affirmed she should (Wood County Reporter (Grand Rapids, WI), May 7, 1863).

Joseph Pearl paid a $1 tax on his two-horse carriage in the U.S. Excise Tax of May 1864.

Son Rufus K. Pearl of Farmington, NH, made his last will May 4, 1864. He bequeathed ten shares of Farmington Bank capital stock to his beloved mother, Betsy Pearl, wife of Joseph Pearl of Milton. He bequeathed $2,500 to his beloved brother, Daniel Pearl of Farmington, NH. He bequeathed the “homestead where I now live,” and ten shares of Farmington Bank capital stock to his beloved sister, Mary P. [(Pearl)] Nute, wife of Alonzon Nute of Farmington, NH. He bequeathed $200 each to Lucy [(Huckins)] Chamberlain, wife of Durrell S. Chamberlain of Alton, NH, and Mary E. [(Huckins)] Berry, wife of Edwin Berry of Alton, NH, they being sisters of his [late] beloved wife. He bequeathed all the rest and residue to his beloved father, Joseph Pearl of Milton. He named his father, Joseph Pearl of Milton, and his brother, Daniel Pearl of Farmington, NH, as joint executors. Joshua P. Richardson, Jeremy O. Nute, and William L. Berry signed as witnesses (Stafford County Probate Docket 2340).

Son Rufus K. Pearl died in Farmington, NH, June 13, 1864, aged forty-nine years. His last will was proved in a Strafford County Probate Court held in Rochester, NH, in July 1864 (Stafford County Probate Docket 2340).

DIED. In Farmington, June 13, Rufus R. Pearl, M.D., aged 49 years (Portland Daily Press (Portland, ME), June 25, 1864).

… Scholarly and refined, his death was a great loss to his friends (Farmington News, September 21, 1888).

Joseph Pearl paid a $1 tax on his carriage in the U.S. Excise Tax of 1866.

Joseph Pearl would have been reappointed to his post as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, in or after June 1866. He may have been ill at that time, and his instead, his prior appointment bore a marginal note to the effect that he was “dead.”

Joseph Pearl of Milton made his last will, August 10, 1866. He bequeathed all of his household furniture, provisions, and produce to his beloved wife, Betsy Pearl, as well as two good cows, to be kept for her winter and summer during her natural life on his Farmington, NH, farm to be given to his son, Daniel Pearl. She was to receive an annual one-sixth share of the produce grown there, and the use of a good steady horse and carriage, and the southerly room in the two-story part of the house and chamber over it. That room should have a fireplace or wood stove and a supply of wood. She would also receive five shares of capital stock in the Farmington Bank and $500.

He bequeathed ten shares of capital stock in the Farmington Bank to his daughter, Mary P. Nute, who was also to have a life estate in the building and lot occupied by the Farmington P.O., and which he had purchased from John Barker. She was to pay maintenance and taxes but retain any profits or rents.

He bequeathed two shares each of capital stock in the Farmington Bank to his grandchildren, Arianna P. Hayes (with Martin L. Hayes as her trustee), Eugene P. Nute, and Alonzo Irving Nute (with Alonzo Nute as their trustee), Ann Eliza Pearl, Ella Pearl, and Ida Pearl (with their father, Daniel Pearl, as their trustee). Grandsons Eugene P. Nute and Alonzo Irving Nute were to have a one-half share each in the Farmington building and lot after their mother’s decease.

He bequeathed two shares each of capital stock in the Farmington Bank to his daughter-in-law, Lydia B. Pearl. He bequeathed to his son, Daniel Pearl, the 185-acre home farm in Farmington, NH, being the same deeded to him by his honored father, Ichabod Pearl, and a 72-acre lot in Alton, NH (bounded on one side by M.L. Hayes). He bequeathed to his son-in-law, Alonzo Nute, another 300 acres in four separate lots in Woodstock, NH. All the rest and residue were to be divided between his wife, Betsy Pearl, his daughter, Mary P. Nute, and his son, Daniel Pearl, who was also appointed executor. J.D. [John D.] Lyman, J.W. Hayes, and Martin L. Hayes signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 80:55 (Strafford County Probate Docket 2819)).

Elizabeth “Betsy” (Hayes) Pearl died of consumption in Farmington, NH, December 17, 1866, aged seventy-five years.

Joseph Pearl died of consumption in Farmington, NH, March 13, 1867, aged eighty years, eight months. His last will was proved in a Strafford County Probate court held in Farmington, NH, in April 1867 (Strafford County Probate, 80:57 (Strafford County Probate Docket 2819)).

David Pearl, a farmer, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Farmington (“Gonic P.O.”), NH, household at the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Lydia [(Jones)] Pearl, keeping house, aged fifty-four years (b. NH), Anna E. Pearl, at home, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), Ella Pearl, at home, aged twenty years (b. NH), and Ida Pearl, at home, aged fifteen years (b. NH). Daniel Pearl had real estate valued at $5,000 and personal estate valued at $13,000.

Martin L. Hayes, shoe manufactory, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Farmington (“Gonic P.O.”), NH, household at the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Mary D. Varney, a housekeeper, aged forty-eight years, and Jonathan R. Hayes, shoe manufactory, aged forty-seven years.

Alonzo Nute, a shoe manufacturer, aged forty-four years (b. NH), headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. Mary P. [(Pearl)] Nute, aged forty-one years (b. NH), Eugene P. Nute, at home, aged eighteen years (b. NH), Irvin A. Nute, at home, aged sixteen years (b. NH), and Sarah Card, a domestic servant, aged twenty years (b. NH). Alonzo Nute had real estate valued at $17,000 and personal estate valued at $2,500.

In 1874, the wooden factory of Alonzo Nute, opened in 1849 by Nute Bros., was destroyed by fire; but with the energy and determination for which he was noted, Mr. Nute began the construction of a new factory, with the result that a large brick building, 32×185 feet, four stories high, was erected in a very short time, on the site of the factory which had been burned. After 1875, Eugene P. and A. Irving Nute became their father’s partners (Mitchell-Cony, 1908). 

Son-in-law Martin L. Hayes died in Farmington, NH, June 24, 1879, aged sixty-seven years, three months, and eight days.

Martin Luther Hayes. There is no man who has lived in our town during the last twenty-five years, and is an observer of the constant changes in our population, who does not view with astonishment the rapidity with which death is doing its work in our community, especially among the leading citizens of twenty-five years ago. Our little village has again been summoned to take a final parting with another of our most honored and distinguished citizens. In the death of Martin L. Hayes our town loses one to whom it owes a debt of gratitude. Mr. Hayes was really the pioneer of the shoe business in our town. He commenced the manufacture of shoes here nearly forty years ago, and for a long time, until the business became an established fact in our village, he baffled with all the trials and inconveniences of the locality at that time when we had no railroad nearer than Dover. Much more was due to Mr. Hayes than to any other man for the energy, patience, and perseverance he displayed in establishing the shoe business in our village. He was free from that selfishness which so often characterize business men, and was always ready to lend a helping hand to those he considered worthy of trust and confidence. There are many business men now living in our midst who have received aid and encouragement at his hands. He was always ready to do all he could to advance the interests of his friends, and all such as he considered worthy of his confidence. He was a warm friend, a good townsman, and kind neighbor. A man of the strictest integrity and high moral character. His loss will long be felt in our little village. Let our business men emulate his many virtues, and strive as far as possible to repair the loss we have sustained. We who were his companions many years ago as well as in later years, will join in according to the deceased the place of honor among those who have contributed to the advancement and prosperity of Farmington. A Citizen (Farmington News, June 27, 1879).

Daniel Pearl, a farmer, aged sixty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Liddia B. [(Jones)] Pearl, keeping house, aged sixty-four years (b. NH), his daughters, Ella Pearl, a school teacher, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH), and Ida Pearl, and home, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), and his boarder, Orren Tibbetts, a laborer, aged twenty-three years (b. NH).

Alonzo Nute, a shoe manufacturer, aged fifty-three years (b. NH), headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Mary [(Pearl]] Nute, keeping house, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), his children, Eugene P. Nute, a shoe manufacturer, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH), and Alonzo I. Nute, a shoe manufacturer, aged twenty-six years (b. NH), and his servants, Sarah Wentworth, a servant, aged twenty years, and Benjamin B. Horne, a servant, aged thirty-nine years (b. NH).

Son Daniel Pearl died of a colon stoppage in Farmington, NH, April 18, 1882, aged sixty-nine years, three months. Dr. D.T. Parker signed the death certificate. (Dr. Parker had been the preceptor for brother Rufus K. Pearl).

DEATHS. In Farmington, April 18, Mr. Daniel Pearl, aged 69 years and 3 months (Farmington News, April 21, 1882 (This notice was accompanied by a lengthy and interesting obituary)).

Son-in-law Alonzo Nute died in Farmington, NH, December 24, 1892, aged sixty-six years.

HON. ALONZO NUTE DEAD. Passed Away at His Home in Farmington, N.H., Yesterday Morning. Farmington, N.H., Dec. 24. Hon. Alonzo Nute died early this morning. The funeral will take place Tuesday. Alonzo Nute was born Feb. 12, 1826, in Milton, N.H., on the old Nute farm, which has been in the family since 1786. He entered the army in 1861 as quartermaster of the 6th New Hampshire Regiment, but was afterwards detached and placed on the staff of Gen. R.C. Hawkins, 9th New York Zouaves. In politics he was a Republican, and represented this town in the Legislature in 1866. He served as State Senator in 1867-68. and was a member of the 51st Congress, defeating Hon. Luther F. McKinney, the present representative from this district. In 1850 he married Mary, daughter of Joseph and Betsey Peace [Pearl], who, with two sons, Eugene P. and Alonzo Irving, survive him. His death was caused by blood poison and malaria (Boston Globe, December 25, 1892).

Daughter-in-law Lydia B. (Jones) Pearl died of pneumonia in Farmington, NH, September 25, 1895, aged seventy-nine years, ten months, and six days. J.S. Elkins, M.D., signed the death certificate.

IN MEMORIAM. The decease of Mrs. Lydia Jones Pearl, on Wednesday of last week removes from her family and the circle of her associates a wise and steadfast parent and friend. She was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Jones, the latter born Bennett, of New Durham Ridge, and was the widow of Mr. Daniel Pearl. It has been only as a wife, mother, relative, and friend that Mrs. Pearl’s life has been passed, for her home was her kingdom and from it went forth her kindnesses in thought and deed, in countless directions, and known infrequently to other than those who were benefited by them. A quiet and dignified manner, a cheerful habit of speech, and a constant consideration of the privileges of all around her, were characteristics of the nearly four score years of her age, and the text “She hath done what she could,” commented upon by the Rev. S.H. Goodwin at her funeral on Saturday, was eminently appropriate. Of the ten children born to Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Pearl only three survive their parents; Mrs. Breslauer of Lawrence, Mass.; Mrs. John S. Roberts of the homestead farm known for decades as the “Pearl place,” where the long married life of the deceased lady was spent and where she died, and Mrs. Jos. Harding whose home is a short distance beyond the house where she was born. Mrs. Pearl leaves also several grandchildren and two sisters, Mrs. Caverno of Lee and Mrs. Harrison Waldron of this town, besides many less near of kin. Mrs. Kimball and Mrs. Putnam sang two fitting selections at the funeral, and the interment was made in the family burying ground, in charge of Mr. B.F. Perkins (Farmington News, October 4, 1895).

Cousin Preston A. “Pet” Pearl (a grandson of Joseph Pearl’s brother, Eleazar Pearl) died in Farmington, NH, August 28, 1898. His obituary mentioned the Pearl family as a whole near the end.

A brother of Eleazar was Joseph Pearl, whose descendants are well known residents of the vicinity of this town. The family always has been characterized by strong individuality and by an especially acute artistic sense and dexterity of touch in artistic work, with other notable qualities (Farmington News, September 2, 1898).

This family-wide appraisal was repeated to some extent in an obituary of “Pet” Pearl’s father, Levi Pearl (1836-1899), in the following year.

Thrift, artistic perception, financial ability, and other notable qualities have been characteristic features of the Pearls from first to last, and there have been with them also the hereditary forces of families with whom they have intermarried (Farmington News, March 31, 1899).

Eugene P. Nute, a U.S. marshal, aged forty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of nineteen years), Nellie S.P. [(Parker)] Nute, aged forty-two years (b. NH), his children, Stanley P. Nute, in school, aged thirteen years (b. NH), Harry A. Nute, in school, aged nine years (b. NH), Molly Nute, in school, aged seven years (b. NH), his mother, Mary P. [(Pearl)] Nute, aged seventy-one years (b. NH), and his brother, Irving H. Nute, a farmer, aged forty-six years (b. NH). They shared a two-family residence with the household of Frank E. French, a livery keeper, aged forty -eight years (b. NH). Nellie S.P. Nute was the mother of four children, of whom three were still living. Mary P. Nute was the mother of two children, of whom two were still living.

Eugene P. Nute, a U.S. marshal, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of twenty-eight years), Nellie S.P. [(Parker)] Nute, aged fifty-two years (b. NH), his children, Stanley P. Nute, an insurance co. cashier, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), Harry A. Nute, aged nineteen years (b. NH), Molly Nute, aged seventeen years (b. NH), his brother, Alonzo I. Nute, a farmer (own farm), aged fifty-five years (b. NH), and his mother, Mary P. [(Pearl)] Nute, an invalid, aged eighty-one years (b. NH). Eugene P. Nute owned their house on North Main Street, free-and-clear. Nellie S.P. Nute was the mother of four children, of whom three were still living. Mary P. Nute was the mother of two children, of whom two were still living.

Daughter Mary (Pearl) Nute died of old age and chronic debility on North Main Street in Farmington, NH, June 28, 1912, aged eighty-three years, two months, and twenty-eight days. She was a widow, who had resided “nearly all her life” in Farmington, NH. Lawrence R. Clapp, M.D., of Farmington, NH, signed the death certificate.

Mrs. Nute. Mrs. Mary Pearl Nute, widow of Alonzo Nute, entered into rest eternal last Saturday afternoon, June 28, after five years illness and suffering, aged 84 years. Mrs. Nute was born in Farmington on the farm now occupied by her niece, Mrs. Ella Pearl Roberts. She was the daughter of Joseph and Betsy (Hayes) Pearl. When about ten years of age she removed with her parents to the Pearl farm in West Milton, now owned by her son, E.P. Nute. Mrs. Note was educated in her home and at Gilmanton Academy. On April 14, 1850, she was united in marriage with Hon. Alonzo Nute and, save for the years spent in Washington during Mr. Nute’s services as congressman, she had lived in her home on Main street continuously for sixty years, where none ever entered without a cordial welcome, nor departed without feeling the warmth of a genuine hospitality; even strangers felt the charm of her innate courtesy and sunny temperament. It can be truly said that a noble woman has passed to her reward. Mrs. Nute bore up under her great sufferings with rare fortitude, making few complaints during the many months in which she was confined to her bed, helpless; and although fully aware that her life was near its close, she bravely awaited and even seemed anxious for the termination of the struggle. The deceased is survived by two sons, United States Marshall Eugene P. Nute, and Alonzo L. Nute, with whom she lived, the wife of the former having been untiring in her love and devotion during the protracted illness of Madam Nute An own daughter could not possibly have done more. A great affection always existed between the two. There are left alos three grandchildren: Stanley Pearl Nute of Detroit, Michigan, and Harry and Miss Molly Nute who live at home. Mr. Alonzo Nute is unmarried. Mrs. Nute was a member of Congregational church and was very active in all that was good, ever ready to perform a kind deed of charity until prevented by ill health. The funeral was held from the home on Tuesday afternoon at 1.30 o’clock, the Rev. J.D. Smiley of tbe First church officiating, with Norman Otis in charge of arrangements. The residence was well filled with relatives and friends who came to pay their last regards to one whom they ever have respected and esteemed. There was a magnificent floral tribute. Burial was in the family lot in Pine Grove cemetery beside the remains of her husband. Bearers were the two sons, and Harry, the grandson, and Ned L. Parker. Singing was by Mrs. Putnam, Mrs. Pearl, Vivian Libby and Ernest Kimball (Farmington News, July 5, 1912).

---

References:

Claremont Manufacturing Company. (1851). NH Register and Farmer’s Almanac. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=rgEXAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA159

Farmer, John. (1860). NH Annual Register, and United States Calendar. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=mkA4AQAAMAAJ&pg=PA56

Find a Grave. (2016, September 13). Daniel Hayes. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/169872705/daniel-hayes

Find a Grave. (2014, September 21). Eliza Pearl Hayes. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/136230036/eliza-hayes

Find a Grave. (2012, May 15). Mary Pearl Nute. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/90155970/mary-nute

Find a Grave. (2014, September 21). David Taylor Parker. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/136228668/david-taylor-parker

Find a Grave. (2015, July 12). Daniel Pearl. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/149127384/daniel-pearl

Find a Grave. (2015, July 12). Joseph Pearl. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/149129593/joseph-pearl

Find a Grave. (2015, July 12). Rufus K. Pearl. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/149131944/rufus-k-pearl

Mitchell-Cony. (1908). Town Register: Farmington, Milton, Wakefield, Middleton, Brookfield, 1907-8. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=qXwUAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA31

NH Secretary of State. (1854). Laws of New Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=6ZRGAQAAIAAJ&pg=PA1465

By Muriel Bristol | March 12, 2023

Charles Swasey was born in Dover, NH, June 12, 1798, son of Nathaniel and Sarah A. (Somerby) Swasey.

Charles Swasey married, circa 1818, Eunice Paul. She was born April 3, 1791, daughter of Josiah and Mary (Roberts) Paul.

(The known children of Charles and Eunice (Paul) Swasey were Eunice C. Swasey (1819-1885), Henry Somerby Swasey (1820-1874), Mary E. Swasey (1822-1882), Abigail P. Swasey (1823-1848), Joseph P. Swasey (1824-1915), Clara E. Swasey (1828-1867), Charles E. Swasey (1829-1907), Reuben B. Swasey (1832-34), Sarah Swasey (1834-1852), and George A. Swasey (1835-1895)).

Daughter Eunice C. Swasey was born in Milton in 1819. Son Henry Somerby Swasey was born in Milton Mills, December 5, 1820. Daughter Mary E. Swasey was born in Milton, August 7, 1822. Daughter Abigail P. Swasey was born in Milton, October 8, 1823. Son Joseph P. Swasey was born in Milton, December 10, 1824. Daughter Clara E. Swasey was born in Milton, circa August 1828. Son Charles E. Swasey was born in Milton, November 14, 1829.

Charles Swasey 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 [Eunice (Paul) Swasey], one female aged 20-29 years, two males aged 5-9 years [Henry S. Swasey and Joseph P. Swasey], two females aged 5-9 years [Mary E. Swasey and Abigail P. Swasey], two females aged under-5 years [Clara E. Swasey], and one male aged under-5 years [Charles E. Swasey]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Richd Walker and Danl Hatch.

Son Reuben B. Swasey was born in Milton, circa June 1832. He was a namesake for Dr. Reuben Buck. He died January 8, 1834, aged one year, six months, and seventeen days. Daughter Sarah Swasey was born in Milton, in 1834.

Charles Swasey and Sarah Swasey were founding members of the Acton & Milton Mills Free-Will Baptist Church in October 1834.

Son George A. Swasey was born in Milton, in 1835.

Charles Swasey 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 [Eunice (Paul) Swasey], one male aged 20-29 years, two males aged 15-19 years [Henry S. Swasey and Joseph P. Swasey], two females aged 15-19 years [Mary E. Swasey and Abigail P. Swasey], one male aged 10-14 years [Charles E. Swasey], two females aged 10-14 years [Clara E. Swasey], one female aged 5-9 years [Sarah Swasey], one male aged 5-9 years [George A. Swasey]. Five members of his household were engaged in Manufacture and Trades. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Stephen Shaw and Gilman Jewett.

He [Son Joseph P. Swasey] worked in his father’s bakery until 19 years of age [1843], followed his trade in Dover, Somersworth and Rochester, and taught singing school there and in other towns (Swasey, 1910). 

Milton sent Charles Swasey to Concord, NH, in that same election, as its NH State Representative for the 1844-45 biennium. He served on the Elections Committee.

On July 2, 1845, the NH House was to vote on an anti-slavery and anti-Texas annexation resolution.

… on the passage of resolutions instructing the Senators and requesting the Representatives in Congress from this State to oppose the annexation of Texas to the United States while slavery exists therein, and to urge the passage of a law, abolishing slavery in the District of Columbia, and wherever else Congress may have jurisdiction.

Rep. Laban Sawyer of Atkinson, NH, who was a Whig, moved that the whole matter be indefinitely postponed. Rep. Swasey voted with the minority that opposed postponing the matter. (The Mexican War (1846-48) would begin the following year).

Another resolution sought to condemn the Rhode Island government for its treatment of Thomas W. Dorr and his adherents. There had been two competing state constitutional conventions in 1840. One had passed a widespread expansion of suffrage, while the other passed a much more limited partial expansion. (Rhode Island was the last state still using its colonial charter, which limited the franchise to landowners). Dorr himself preferred an expansion which would have included even blacks, but even those favoring widespread expansion balked at going that far.

In competing elections, Thomas W. Dorr was elected in 1841 under the widespread expansion of the “People’s Party” convention, while Whig Samuel W. King was elected under the more limited expansion of the “Law & Order Party” convention. King declared martial law. Dorr fled seeking support in neighboring states and returned with an armed force in 1842, which dispersed before the far greater numbers of the official militia. Gov. King eventually tried and condemned Gov. Dorr to life in prison for treason in 1843.

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened, That the statements contained in the preamble and resolutions of the legislature of this State, at its session in November, 1844, relating to the unjust and tyrannical treatment of Thomas Wilson Dorr, by the authorities of Rhode Island are true; that they are fully sustained by the evidence in the case, and by the records of the court before whom he was tried; and that the Assembly of Rhode Island never can, by resolutions denunciatory of this or any other legislature, wipe out from the page of history the deep stain which must ever attach itself to that State, until full and complete justice be done to that much injured individual.

Rep. Swasey voted with the minority that opposed the resolution condemning the actions of the official Rhode Island government.

Daughter Eunice C. Swazey of Milton was one of thirty-six female students in the Teachers Seminary and Carroll Literary Institute, in Effingham, NH, in 1844-45. (James J. Jewett and David Jewett, of Milton Mills were among the seventy-four male students).

The Seminary is located in Effingham, N.H., and, by means of Stages, enjoys a direct communication with Dover and Great Falls. Its romantic and retired situation entitles it to the consideration of parents, intending to educate their children. Far removed from the temptations peculiar to large villages, situated in the midst of a quiet, orderly and pious community and surrounded by some of the most romantic scenery in New England, it becomes at once a delightful and safe retreat for the student (Dover Gazette, 1845).

Son Henry S. Swasey married in Wakefield, NH, November 25, 1847, Mary Kimball. She was born in Wakefield, NH, June 28, 1826, daughter of Noah G. and Dorothy (Johnson) Kimball.

Daughter Abigail P. Swasey married, probably in Acton, ME, October 20, 1848, Jacob Brackett. He was born in Acton, ME, December 26, 1820, son of Jacob and Hannah (Wentworth) Brackett.

Daughter Mary E. Swasey married in Milton, October 11, 184[?], Isaac H. Fall, she of Milton and he of Lebanon, ME. Rev. William Copeland performed the ceremony. He was born in Lebanon, ME, September 26, 1819, son of Daniel and Lucy Fall.

Daughter Eunice C. Swasey married in Milton, January 16, 1850, Jeremiah C. Buck, she of Milton, and he of Acton, ME. Rev. B.F. Hubbard performed the ceremony.

Charles Swasey, a baker, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Eunice [(Paul)] Swasey, aged fifty-nine years (b. NH), Joseph Swasey, a tailor, aged twenty-five years (b. NH), Clarissa Swasey, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), Charles E. Swasey, a baker, aged twenty years (b. NH), Sarah Swasey, aged sixteen years (b. NH), and George A. Swasey, aged fourteen years (b. NH). Charles Swasey had real estate valued at $1,700. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Asa Jewett, a lumber dealer, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), and James Marsh, a shoemaker, aged thirty-nine years (b. ME).

Jeremiah C. Buck, a physician, aged thirty years (b. ME), headed an Acton, ME, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Eunice [(Swasey]] Buck, aged twenty-four [thirty-one] years (b. NH). (See Milton Mills’ Buck Family of Physicians (1819-1885)).

Noah Kimball, a farmer, aged sixty-one years (b. NH), headed a Wakefield, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Henry Swasey, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH), a farmer, Mary [(Kimball)] Swasey, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), Abby A. Swasey, aged one year (b. NH), John Swasey, a farmer, aged twenty-six years (b. NH), Alonzo Swasey, a farmer, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), and Harriet Swasey, aged eighteen years (b. NH). Noah Kimball had real estate valued at $2,000.

Daniel Fall, a farmer, aged sixty years (b. ME), headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Lucy [(Moody)] Fall, aged fifty-eight years (b. ME), Isaac Fall, a carpenter, aged thirty-one years (b. ME), Mary E. [(Swasey)] Fall, aged twenty-six years (b. ME), Mary E. Fall, aged twenty-five years (b. ME), Charles D. Fall, aged nine months (b. ME), and Gardener Ramsdell, aged eighteen years (b. ME). Daniel Fall had real estate valued at $2,000. (Daniel Fall’s daughter, Mary E. Fall, who was the younger of the two Mary E. Falls, would marry in Lebanon, ME, August 28, 1850, Samuel G. Chamberlain, i.e., only twenty-five days after this census entry).

William Brackett, a farmer, aged thirty-four years (b. ME), headed an Acton, ME, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Jacob Brackett, a farmer, aged twenty-nine years (b. ME), and Hannah [(Wentworth)] Brackett, aged seventy-three years (b. ME). William Brackett had real estate valued at $2,500.

Son Joseph P. Swasey married in Dover, NH, November 27, 1850, Mary E. Varney, he of Milton and she of Dover, NH. He was aged twenty-five years, and she was aged twenty-two years. Rev. Oliver Ayer performed the ceremony. She was born in Dover, NH, May 3, 1828, daughter of George and Anna (French) Varney.

Son Charles Emerson Swasey married, December 31, 1851, Susan Gresham Buck. She was born in Milton, June 27, 1825, daughter of Dr. Reuben and Alice (Jaquith) Buck.

Daughter Sarah Swasey died September 9, 1852.

Daughter Clara E. Swasey married, circa 1852, William Buzzell Reynolds. He was born in Union, Wakefield, NH, circa 1830, son of Samuel and Hannah (Raymond) Reynolds.

Son George A. Swasey married, circa 1858, Elizabeth M. “Lizzie” Fernald. She was born in Rochester, NH, in 1839, daughter of Joseph and Mary “Polly” (Nichols) Fernald.

Daughter Abigail P. (Swasey) Brackett died, probably in Lebanon, ME, April 20, 1858 [?]. (Her family monument might seem to be a later replacement of an earlier individual stone date, which would have her marrying after her death. It would seem to be inaccurate in saying “1848.” Her widower married (2nd), June 7, 1859, Belinda B. Folsom).

Charles Swasey of Milton made his last will April 8, 1860. He devised to his beloved wife, Eunice [(Paul)] Swasey, his eight shares of stock in the Rochester Bank, and a life estate in his household furniture, which should pass eventually to his seven children. He bequeathed $300 to his daughter, Clara E. Reynolds, wife of William B. Reynolds, and $100 to each of his other daughters, Mary E. Fall, wife of Isaac H. Fall, and Eunice C. Buck, wife of Jeremiah C. Buck. He bequeathed the rest and residue to his four sons, Henry S. Swasey, Joseph D. Swasey, Charles E. Swasey, and George A. Swasey. He appointed his son, Henry S. Swasey, as executor. William K. Reynolds, Bray U. Simes, and James Berry signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 70:259).

Charles Swasey died in Milton, April 16, 1860, aged sixty-one years, ten months, and four days. His last will was proved in Dover, NH, May 1, 1860 (Strafford County Probate, 70:259).

Eunice [(Paul)] Swasey, aged sixty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. Her household included Clara [(Swasey)] Reynolds, aged thirty years (b. NH), Everett G. Reynolds, aged seven years (b. NH), Horatio Reynolds, aged five years (b. NH), Charles E. Swasey, a medical student, aged thirty years (b. NH), Susan G. [(Buck)] Swasey, aged thirty-one years (b. NH), and Sarah J. Swasey, aged three years (b. NH). Eunice Swasey had personal estate valued at $1,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of George A. Swasey, a house carpenter, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), and Asa Fox, a farmer, aged forty-five years (b. NH).

He [Charles E. Swasey] was educated in his native town and at New Hampton, N.H. Literary Institute; moved to Philadelphia, Pa., 1852, and took a medical course in the University of Pennsylvania, 1861 (Swasey, 1910).

(Son-in-law William Buzzell Reynolds, a physician, aged thirty-two years (b. NH), was a guest in the Milton Mills Hotel at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census (He appeared also with his wife and family in the Milton household of his mother-in-law, Eunice (Paul) Swasey, aged sixty-nine years (b. NH))).

Jeremiah C. Buck, a physician, aged thirty-eight years (b. ME), headed an Acton, ME, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Eunice C. [(Swasey)] Buck, a lady, aged thirty-three [forty-one] years (b. NH), Abby D. Buck, aged nine years (b. ME), Hattie A. Buck (b. ME), aged eight years, and Charles S. Buck, aged six years (b. ME). Jeremiah C. Buck had real estate valued at $1,000 and personal estate valued at $1,000. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of William W. Reynolds, a shoemaker, aged thirty-two years (b. ME), and John Brackett, a mechanic, aged forty-nine years (b. NH).

H.S. [Henry S.] Swasey, a farmer, aged thirty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Mary K. [(Kimball)] Swasey, aged thirty-four years (b. NH), Abba A. Swasey, aged eleven years (b. NH), M. Fransette Swasey, aged nine years (b. NH), and Eunice M. Swasey, aged five years (b. NH). H.S. Swasey had real estate valued at $1,200 and personal estate valued at $800. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Palmouth Carne, a house laborer, aged seventy years (b. NH), and an unoccupied house, with that of Joseph Sharp, aged forty-five years (b. England), just beyond.

Isaac H. Fall, a carpenter, aged forty years (b. NH), headed a Lebanon (“Lebanon Centre”), ME, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Mary [(Swasey)] Fall, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), Charles D. Fall, aged ten years (b. ME), John H. Fall, aged six years (b. ME), and Frederick Fall, aged three years (b. ME). Isaac H. Fall had real estate valued at $2,000 and personal estate valued at $400.

Joseph P. Swasey, a tailor, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Mary E. [(Varney)] Swasey, aged thirty-three years (b. NH), Frank A. Swasey, aged nine years, and Clarrissa H. Swasey, aged six years (b. NH). Joseph P. Swasey had real estate valued at $1,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John Townsend, a woolen manufacturer, aged fifty-two years (b. NH), and Anne S. Jewett, aged sixty years (b. NH).

George A. Swasey, a house carpenter, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Elizabeth [(Fernald)] Swasey, aged twenty-one years (b. NH). George A. Swasey had personal estate valued at $800. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of William Simes, a house carpenter, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), and Eunice [(Paul)] Swasey, aged sixty-nine years (b. NH).

Sons Henry S. Swasey, a farmer, aged forty-two years, and Joseph P. Swasey, a tailor, aged thirty-eight years, both of Milton, registered for the Class II military draft in Milton in June 1863. Sons-in-law Jacob Brackett, a farmer, aged forty-two years, and Jeremiah C. Buck, a physician, aged forty-one years, both of Acton, ME, registered in Acton, ME. Son-in-law Isaac H. Hall, a farmer, aged forty-two years, of Lebanon, ME, registered in Lebanon, ME.

Son-in-law William Buzzell Reynolds, was a physician, aged thirty-three years, when he enlisted at Milton as a sergeant in the US Army, October 4, 1861. He was in Company F of the 2nd US Sharpshooter Regiment, as of November 26, 1861; promoted to Assistant Surgeon, December 5, 1861; and Surgeon, August 12, 1863. He mustered out January 12, 1865.

At the breaking out of the Civil War he [Charles E. Swasey] offered his services in any N.H. Regt. as surgeon. In 1862 he went to Washington, D.C., as “contract surgeon.” He was commissioned by President Lincoln, assistant surgeon in U.S. Vol., with rank of first lieutenant, rising to major and still later commissioned by President Johnson as Brevet Lt. Col., U.S.V. He was in service in Columbia College Hospital and subsequently in care of wounded officers quartered in Frederick, Md., after the battle of Gettysburg, and at Ft. Smith, Ark., where he was in charge of several hospitals. He was appointed director and medical purveyor of the district of the frontier, including western Arkansas and the Indian Territory. He was “mustered out” Oct. 17, 1865, when in charge of the U.S. General Hospital at Little Rock, Ark. (Swasey, 1910).

Eunice (Paul) Swasey died in Milton February 29, 1864, aged seventy-two years, eleven months.

William B. Reynolds, a surgeon, aged thirty-six years (b. ME), headed a Lawrence, MA, household at the time of the Second (1865) MA State Census. His household included Clara E. [(Swasey)] Reynolds, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), Edward Reynolds, aged twelve years (b. NH), Horatio Reynolds, aged eight years (b. NH), Joseph D. Hall, a carpenter, aged thirty-one years (b. NH), Sarah Hall, aged thirty-one years (b. NH), and Sarah Nichols, an operative, aged twenty years (b. NH).

Daughter Clara E. (Swasey) Reynolds died of paralysis at 169 Essex Street in Lawrence, MA, May 14, 1867, aged thirty-eight years, eight months, and fourteen days. (She was a daughter of Charles and Eunice Swasey).

Son Charles E. Swazey appeared in the Milton business directories of 1868, and 1869-70, as a Milton Mills physician.

Jeremiah C. Buck, a physician, aged forty-eight years (b. ME), headed an Acton, ME, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Eunice C. Buck, keeping house, aged forty-four years (b. NH), Abby D. Buck, a schoolteacher, aged nineteen years (b. NH), Hattie A. Buck, aged seventeen years (b. ME), Charles S. Buck, aged sixteen years (b. ME), and Willie C. Buck, aged three years (b. ME). Jeremiah C. Buck had real estate valued at $1,000 and personal estate valued at $1,000. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Lorenzo D. Goodwin, a farmer, aged thirty-two years (b. ME), and Joshua Sanborn, a farmer, aged forty-three years (b. ME).

Henry S. Swasey, a baker, aged forty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Somersworth (“Great Falls P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Mary K. [(Kimball)] Swasey, keeping house, aged forty-three years (b. NH), Belle Swasey, at home, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), Mary F. Swasey, a school teacher, aged eighteen years (b. NH), Eunice M. Swasey, at school, aged fourteen years (b. NH), Henry H. Swasey, aged five years (b. NH), and Everhard G. Reynolds, an apprentice to a dentist, aged seventeen years (b. NH). Henry S. Swasey had real estate valued at $3,000 and personal estate valued at $300.

Isaac H. Fall, a carpenter, aged fifty years (b. NH), headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Mary E. [(Swasey)] Fall, keeping house, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), Charles D. Fall, an apprentice carpenter, aged twenty years (b. ME), John H. Fall, an apprentice carpenter, aged sixteen years (b. ME), and Fred S. Fall, aged thirteen years (b. ME). Isaac H. Fall had real estate valued at $3,000 and personal estate valued at $1,000.

Chas. E. Swazey, a physician, aged forty years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Sussie G. [(Buck)] Swazey, keeping house, aged forty-four years (b. ME), and Sarah J. Swazey, at home, thirteen years (b. PA). Chas. E. Swazey had personal estate valued at $3,000. They shared a two-family residence with the household of Alfred F. Marsh, an orthodox minister, aged thirty-three years (b. MA).

Joseph P. Swasey, a tailor, aged thirty-six [forty-six] years (b. NH), headed a Somersworth, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Mary E. [(Varney)] Swasey, keeping house, aged thirty-four [forty-four] years (b. ME), Frank Swasey, aged ten [twenty] years (b. NH), and Clarence Swasey, aged six [sixteen] years (b. NH). Joseph P. Swasey had personal estate valued at $200.

William B. Reynolds, a physician, aged forty-one years (b. ME), headed a Wakefield, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included [his second wife,] Mattie E. [(Lincoln)] Reynolds, keeping house, aged twenty-four years (b. MA), and Horatio Reynolds, at home, aged seven years (b. NH). William B. Reynolds had personal estate valued at $230.

Geo. A. Swasey, a carpenter, aged thirty-four years (b. NH), headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Eliza M. [(Fernald)] Swasey, keeping house, aged thirty-one years (b. ME), and Harvey Swasey, aged two years (b. ME).

Son-in-law J.C. Buck appeared in the Milton business directories of 1871, 1873, 1874, 1875, 1876, 1877, and 1880 as a Milton Mills physician.

Son Henry Somerby Swasey died of apoplexy on Beacon Street in Somersworth, NH, April 30, 1874, aged fifty-three years, four months, and twenty-five days. He was a trader, who had resided in Somersworth, NH, for ten years, i.e., since circa 1864, with his previous residence having been in Milton Mills. His father had been a baker and trader. Elisha C. Andrews, Somersworth City Clerk, signed the death certificate.

Son-in-law Isaac H. Fall died in Lebanon, ME, September 24, 1876, aged fifty-seven years.

DIED. FALL. – In Lebanon, Me., Isaac H. Fall, Esq., 57 years (Boston Globe, October 31, 1876).

Son-in-law William B. Reynolds died of rheumatism of the heart at 2 Pearl Street in Lynn, MA, January 11, 1877, aged forty-eight years, five months. He was a physician.

LYNN. ABOUT TOWN. The flag flying at half-mast at the headquarters of General Lander Post, No. 5, Grand Army, indicated the death of Dr. William B. Reynolds, a prominent member of the organization, yesterday morning (Boston Globe, January 12, 1877).

Jeremiah C. Buck, a physician, aged fifty-eight years (b. ME), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills Village”) household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Eunice C. [(Swasey)] Buck, keeping house, aged fifty-three years (b. NH), and his children, Hattie A.W. Buck, a music teacher, aged twenty-seven years (b. ME), Charles S. Buck, a bookkeeper, aged twenty-six years (b. ME), and Willie C. Buck, at school, aged thirteen years (b. ME). Census enumerator John U. Simes listed their household between those of Benjamin G. Adams, superintendent of the woolen mills, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH), and Asa Jewett, a trader and farmer, aged sixty-five years (b. NH).

Mary [(Varney)] Swasey, keeping house, aged fifty-three years (b. NH), headed a Somersworth, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. Her household included her children, Belle Swasey, works in milliner shop, aged thirty years (b. NH), Francis Swasey, school teacher, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH), and Herbert Swasey, at school, aged fifteen years (b. NH)

Charles D. Fall, a farmer, aged thirty years (b. ME), headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Mary [(Barker)] Fall, keeping house, aged twenty-eight years (b. ME), his son, Charles B. Fall, at home, aged one year (b. ME), his mother, Mary [(Swasey)] Fall, keeping house, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH), and his brother, John H. Fall, a farmer, aged twenty-six years (b. ME).

Chas. E. Swasey, a doctor, aged fifty years (b. NH), headed a Somersworth (“Village of Great Falls”), NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Susan G. [(Buck)] Swasey, keeping house, aged fifty-five years (b. ME), and his daughter, Leddie J. Swasey, at home, aged twenty-three years (b. PA).

He [Charles E. Swasey] was in practice in his native town four years and city physician of Somersworth eight out of twelve years of its corporate existence (Swasey, 1910).

He [Charles E. Swasey] was a member of Edward Royal Arch Chapter Masons and of the G.A.R., of which he was commander of the post. He was a member of N.H. and Strafford County Medical Society. In religious faith he was a Congregationalist and an active member and supporter of the church in Somersworth (Swasey, 1910).

Joseph Swasey, a tailor, aged fifty years (b. ME), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Mary E. [(Varney)] Swasey, aged fifty-two years (b. ME), and his children, Clarence Swasey, a watchmaker, aged twenty-two years (b. NH), Frank Swasey, works in shoe factory, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), and Annie F. Swasey, at school, aged ten years (b. NH), and his servant, Lovey Moulton, aged sixty years (b. NH). Mary E. Swasey was sick with “paralysis.”

George A. Swasey, a house carpenter, aged forty-three years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Lizzie M. [(Fernald)] Swasey, keeping house, aged forty-one years (b. NH), and his son, Harry C. Swasey, aged twelve years (b. ME). They resided on Portland Street.

Son-in-law J.C. Buck appeared in the Milton business directories of 1881, 1882, and 1884, as a Milton Mills physician.

MARRIAGES. BARNET-SWASEY – At Great Falls, N.H., Dec. 14, by Rev. S.W. Webb, R.A. Barnet of Boston to Sarah Jessie, daughter of Dr. Charles E. Swasey of Great Falls (Boston Post, December 21, 1881).

Daughter Mary E. (Swasey) Fall died in Lebanon, ME, May 30, 1882, aged fifty-nine years, nine months, and twenty-three days.

Son-in-law Jeremiah C. Buck died in Milton, March 15, 1885. Daughter Eunice (Swasey) Buck died in August 1885.

Daughter-in-law Elizabeth M. (Fernald) Swasey died in Lebanon, ME, January 27, 1887.

Son Charles E. Swasey, M.D., was one of seventeen physicians that signed a testimonial in favor of Prof. George O. Brown, O.S., in October 1894. Prof. Brown prescribed spectacles, i.e., eyeglasses.

PROF. BROWN, O.S., Is about to make his annual visit here. After 20 years of successful practice it is hardly necessary for more than an announcement of his office hours, &c., and yet it may be said that the general effect of Eye troubles is only beginning to be understood. Head and nervous troubles that are occasioned by the eye cannot exist under the influence of his prescription spectacles, and in most every cases perfect and comfortable vision can be had. Don’t be discouraged because you have failed to get good results in the past, he guarantees perfect satisfaction or no charge.
TESTIMONIAL. Knowing the great number of people, both old and young, who are suffering from uncorrected or partially corrected errors of refraction, accommodation and muscular incoordination, and realizing that none but a specialist can with safety prescribe spectacles under such conditions, we take pleasure in recommending Geo. H. Brown, O.S., to any who are complaining from any of the diseases or defects he treats.
Wm. G. Perry, M.D., Exeter, N.H.; C.J. Emery, M.D., Biddeford, Me.; Dr. Basford, Biddeford, Me.; J.E.L. Kimball, M.D., Saco, Me.; Chas. Blazo, M.D., Rochester, N.H.; Levi G. Hill, M.D., Dover, N.H.; Wm. O. Junkins, M.D., Portsmouth, N.H.; Dr. C.W. Clement, Manchester, N.H.; C.P. Gage, M.D., Concord, N.H.; Geo. B. Twitchell, M.D., Keene, N.H.; J.B. Hyland, M.D., Keene, N.H.; A.W. Abbott, M.D., Laconia, N.H.; J.H. Sanborn, M.D., Franklin, N.H.; J.P. Osborne, M.D., Tilton, N.H.; W.H. Aldrich, M.D., Marlboro, N.H.; O.H. Bradley, M.D., East Jeffery, N.H.; C.E. Swasey, M.D., Somersworth, N.H. oct10 eodtf (Portland Day Press (Portland, ME), October 14, 1893).

More Diphtheria at Somersworth, N.H. SOMERSWORTH, N.H., Dec. 22 – Diphtheria has again broken out here, and six houses are quarantined. Dr. C.E. Swasey has been appointed sanitary officer, to make a thorough investigation and endeavor to prevent the spread of the disease, from which a score of children have died in the past three months (Boston Globe, December 22, 1894).

Son George A. Swasey died of apoplexy in Rochester, NH, December 27, 1895, aged fifty-nine years, aged nine months, and eleven days. (He was a carpenter (and his father was a baker). Burt Andrews, M.D., signed the death certificate.

Daughter-in-law Mary E. (Varney) Swasey died of paralysis in Rochester, NH, April 3, 1899, aged seventy years, eleven months, and seventeen days.

Mary R. [(Kimball)] Swasey, aged seventy-three years (b. NH), headed a Somersworth, NH, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. Her household included her daughter, Mary F. Swasey, a bank bookkeeper, aged forty-nine years (b. NH). Mary R. Swasey owned their house on Beacon Street, free-and-clear. She was the mother of four children, of whom four were still living.

Charles E. Swasey, a physician, aged seventy years (b. NH), headed a Somersworth, NH, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of forty-seven years), Susan G. [(Buck)] Swasey, aged seventy-five years (b. ME). Charles E. Swasey rented their house on High Street. Susan G. Swasey was the mother of one child, of whom one was still living.

George M. Garland, a shoe crimper, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of zero years), Annie F. [(Swasey)] Garland, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH), and his father-in-law, Joseph Swasey, a tailor, aged seventy-five years (b. NH). George M. Garland rented their house at 6 Charles Street. Annie F. Garland was the mother of no children.

Son-in-law Jacob Brackett died of Bright’s disease in Acton, ME, February 3, 1902, aged eighty-one years, one month, and eight days. Charles W. Gross, M.D., signed the death certificate.

Acton, Me. Mr. Jacob Brackett, a life-long resident, died at his residence Sunday, the 2nd, after a long and painful illness. Funeral from the F.W. Baptist church Wednesday. His age was 81 years. He leaves a widow, one son, Elmer who lives on the farm, and one daughter, Lillian, to mourn their loss They have the sympathy of many friends (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), February 7, 1902).

South Acton. One of our aged townsmen, Mr. Jacob Brackett, passed away Monday morning, Feb. 3, after a long and painful suffering caused by dropsy. Funeral services were held Wednesday, Feb. 5 (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), February 14, 1902).

Son Joseph Swasey gave an address at the Milton centennial, August 30, 1902. (See Milton’s Centennial and Report of the Milton Centennial Committee).

The Milton Centennial … Other numbers were a poem by the Rev. Frank Haley, M.D.; an address by Joseph Swasey; the singing of old hymns with the violin played by Miss Annie B. Kimball, and an ancient cello played by Sumner Hodgdon; a masterly oration by Arthur Thad Smith of the Harvard Law School, ex-principal of the Nute school; a bright little speech by Mayor W.G. Bradley of Rochester; prayer and benedictions by Revs. J.N. Lowell of Haverhill, Mass., and John Manter of Rochester (Farmington News, September 5, 1902).

Son Charles E. Swasey died of apoplexy in Somersworth, NH, May 30, 1907, aged seventy-seven years, six months, and sixteen days. He was a physician and surgeon.

Funeral of Dr. C.E. Swasey. SOMERSWORTH, N.H., June 2 – The funeral of Dr. Charles E. Swasey was held this afternoon at his late residence on High st. Rev. Alfred C. Fulton of the First Congregational church officiating. Libanus lodge of Masons performed the Masonic burial service. Delegations were present from the Strafford district medical society and the Grand Army. The burial will be in the family lot at Milton Mills tomorrow afternoon (Boston Globe, June 3, 1907).

Daughter-in-law Susan G. (Buck) Swasey died in Somersworth, NH, January 18, 1908.

MILTON MILLS. Mrs. Susan Swasey, widow of the late Dr. Charles Swasey, died at Somersworth Saturday last, aged 81 years. The deceased was one of the large family of nine children of the late Dr. Reuben and Alice J. Buck of this village and Acton, and is a twin sister of Mrs. Sarah, wife of E.W. Fox who, with Dr. Horatio Buck of Springfield, Ill., are the only survivors of the nine. The remains were placed in the receiving tomb at Somersworth Tuesday. She leaves one daughter, Mrs. Robert Barnet (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), January 31, 1908).

George M. Garland, a shoe shop lining cutter, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of ten years), Annie F. [Swasey] Garland, aged thirty-nine years (b. NH), and his father-in-law, Joseph Swasey, aged eighty-five years (b. NH). George M. Garland rented their house at 100 Charles Street. Annie F. Garland was the mother of no children.

He [Joseph P. Swasey] is an active member of the Baptist Church and has always maintained strict honesty and integrity of character. He now lives (1907) with his daughter, Mrs. Geo. W. Garland, in Rochester, N.H. (Swasey, 1910).

Mary (Kimball) Swasey died of chronic peritonitis at 7 Maple Street in Somersworth, NH, March 25, 1911, aged eighty-four years, four months, and twenty-five days.

MILTON, N.H. The Old Folks club had their annual dinner at A.O.U.W. hall Wednesday. Stephen D. Wentworth and Joseph Swasey of Rochester attended. The age has been 70 years or older. This year they voted to admit those of 60 years (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), August 22, 1913).

Joseph P. Swasey died of valvular heart disease on Charles Street in Rochester, NH, July 30, 1915, aged ninety years, seven months, and twenty days. (He was retired (and his father was a baker). He had resided in Rochester, NH, for forty-four years, i.e., since circa 1871, with his previous residence having been in Somersworth, NH. W.J. Roberts, M.D., signed the death certificate.

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References:

Find a Grave. (2013, August 10). Abigail P. Swasey Brackett. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/115210256/abigail-p-brackett

Find a Grave. (2013, July 31). Eunice C. Swasey Buck. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114692030/eunice-c-buck

Find a Grave. (2015, May 24). Mary E. Swasey Fall. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/146922758/mary-elizabeth-fall

Find a Grave. (2013, July 29). Clara Ellen Swasey Reynolds. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114610064/clara-ellen-reynolds

Find a Grave. (2013, July 31). Deacon Charles Swasey. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114689671/charles-swasey

Find a Grave. (2017, August 5). George A. Swasey. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/182085050/george-a-swasey

Find a Grave. (2017, September 16). Henry S. Swasey. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/183446712/henry-s-swasey

Find a Grave. (2015, November 11). Joseph P. Swasey. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/154868305/joseph-p-swasey

Find a Grave. (2013, July 21). Reuben B. Swasey. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114689770/reuben-b-swasey

Find a Grave. (2013, July 31). Sarah Swasey. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114689825/sarah-swasey

NH General Court. (1844). Journal of the House of Representatives of the State of New-Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=UPxBAQAAMAAJ&pg=RA1-PA5

NH General Court. (1845). Journal of the House of Representatives of the State of New-Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=5CowAQAAMAAJ&pg=RA2-PA4

Swasey, Benjamin F. (1910). Genealogy of the Swasey Family. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=MxBWAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA377

Wikipedia. (2022, July 18). Dorr Rebellion. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorr_Rebellion

Wikipedia (2022 February 20). Thomas Wilson Dorr. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Wilson_Dorr

By Muriel Bristol | March 5, 2023

Milton’s Three-Ponds village had its own fire “precinct” at least as early as 1879 (when its firemen’s dinners and balls began to be reported), and likely before. Prior to this it relied upon bucket brigades, as well as the Milton factories that had their own fire equipment, or calls upon the Rochester, NH, fire companies, which had to travel some distance.

MILTON. Precinct meeting was held in the Institute Saturday the 20. The following officers were elected: Charles Ricker, Moderator; George Tasker, Clerk; Bracket Avery, Charles Ricker, Charles H. Looney, Engineers. They also voted to raise a sum of money not exceeding $60.00 to be expended for hose & c. Then last year’s report was read and accepted. They then retreated to the Post-office where a treat was awaiting them (Farmington News, March 26, 1880).

The fire precinct acquired at some point its own hand tub fire engine, the “Tri-Echo.” It had been built as the “Torrent” by Boston’s Hunneman & Company in 1826 for the town of Hingham, MA. (Its Hunneman serial number was #116 and its piston size was 4″).

The hand fire engines, or hand tubs, as they are now called, have been used in this and many other countries from the earlier times described above down almost to the present, and even to-day many a small country town has its “Columbia” or its “Reliance,” which, drawn by all the male inhabitants, dashes to the fire and there, under the combined efforts of fifty men working on the brakes, throws one or more creditable streams of water on the flames. These engines consisted generally of two or more single-acting plungers of large diameter, and were fitted with large air chambers to make the discharge continuous. The plungers derived their motion from levers so connected to long handles or brakes that from fifty to seventy men could take hold at once. When working at their best, a stream of water could be thrown a distance of over two hundred feet (Schulman, 1923).

William C. Hunneman (1769-1856), the builder of the Torrent/Tri-Echo hand tub, began his career as an apprentice coppersmith for Paul Revere (1734/35-1818) and went on to become a highly successful manufacturer of hand tub fire engines. (His sons, Samuel H. Hunneman (1800-1869), and William C. Hunneman, Jr. (1801-1846), worked with him).

The distinguishing feature of this engine was the long stroke in distinction to the short quick stroke of other styles. These engines were exceedingly popular and very powerful, and on account of the prominence of Boston in those days in foreign business some of these engines were sent to the West Indies, China and Manilla. Some of them are still in use in this country, although about seventy years old (Honeyman, 1909).

Hingham sold their Hunneman-brand “Torrent” hand tub to the Great Falls Manufacturing Co., of Somersworth, NH, probably when Hingham acquired their upgraded “Torrent #2″ in 1846 (its Hunneman serial number was #291 and its piston size was 5½”).  Great Falls Manufacturing later sold their Torrent to either a Milton manufacturer, or to the new Milton fire precinct when it was established. Milton’s new-to-them “small” hand tub was renamed as the “Tri-Echo,” i.e., an earlier name for the Milton Three Ponds (Handtub Junction, 2022).

The Milton Town Report of 1880 listed a payment of $96 to B.F. Avery for the Fire Co. (This report was for the “Year Ending” in March of 1880, so most of it pertains to 1879. The same would be the case for all of the reports that follow). In 1881 a Special Tax of $60 was collected for Special Fire District No. 9 and paid over to B.F. Avery. (The District No. 9 designation aligned with that of School District No. 9). The tax was “special” in the sense that it was levied on School/Fire District No. 9 residents only.

MILTON. On Wednesday eve the alarm of fire was given but it proved to be the burning out of a chimney. … Thursday a fire broke out at the Portsmouth ice stack. The hay used for packing caught by a spark from a passing locomotive. Our fire company was soon on the spot, and it was soon checked with very little loss to the Co. (Farmington News, April 9, 1880).

MILTON. Our fire company gave a supper on Tuesday evening April 12. A good number were present and about 105 took supper, which was gotten up in fine style. Fine music was furnished by Clemond Brothers String Band, and it was the boss time of the season (Farmington News, April 29, 1881).

In 1883 a Miscellaneous Bill of $75 was paid over to B.F. Avery for the “fire district, as per the vote of the town.” In 1884 a Special Tax of $80 was paid over to Brackett F. Avery for the Milton fire district. In 1885 a Special Tax of $90 was paid over to Brackett F. Avery for the Milton fire district.

In 1887 a Special Tax of $200 was paid over to Walter B. Grant for the Milton fire district.

In 1888 a Special Tax of $100 was paid over to B.F. Avery for the Milton fire precinct. In 1889 a Special Tax of $120 was paid over to the Milton fire precinct. In 1890 a Special Tax of $170 was paid over to the Milton fire precinct.

Cisco W. Hart, a son of Milton merchant John F. Hart, was elected moderator for the Milton fire precinct meeting in March 1890.

MILTON. The annual meeting of Milton fire precinct Saturday evening resulted in election of the following officers: Moderator, Cisco W. Hart; clerk, William T. Wallace; fire wards, Brackett F. Avery, Charles E. Ricker, John H. Maddox (Farmington News, March 21, 1890).

The Milton Baptist Church building was totally consumed by fire in December 1890. The parsonage remained standing,

MILTON. The fire fiend made its appearance in our village, last Friday night, and totally destroyed the Freewill Baptist church. Flames were discovered issuing from the front windows about 11:30. A large crowd collected but the fire had secured so strong a hold that it was impossible to save anything from the building.  The attention of the engine company was directed to the parsonage, and aided by the coating of snow and ice on the roof, that escaped destruction. Rev. Mr. Manter and family occupied the house and the larger portion of their furniture was removed until the immediate danger was over, when willing hands speedily returned them. The cause of the fire is unknown. There had been no fire in the furnace since the previous Sunday, and for the meeting that evening there was but a light wood fire, which was practically out when the house was left. The loss will not be far from $4,000, and there was no insurance on the building or contents. Much credit is due the members of the fire department for their labors, and the thanks of Mr. Manter and his family are exten[d]ed to all who assisted them on the occasion. The Baptist society have accepted the offer of Burley & Usher and will hold their regular Sunday services in the packing room of the shoe factory, commencing next Sunday (Farmington News, [Friday,] December 12, 1890).

In 1891 a Special Tax of $105 was paid over to B.F. Avery, treasurer of the Milton fire precinct. In 1892 a Special Tax of $110 was paid over to B.F. Avery for the Milton fire precinct.

In 1894 a Special Tax of $320 was paid over to John H. Maddox for the Milton fire precinct. In 1895 a Special Tax of $120 was paid over to J.H. Maddox for the Milton fire precinct.

LOCALS. Carleton’s orchestra plays at the Milton fire company’s ball Friday evening. … A number from here [Farmington] will attend the ball given by the Tri-Echo fire company of Milton (Farmington News, January 19, 1894).

The Tri-Echo Fire Association (later to be the Milton Fire Department) was a private fire association having its sixth annual ball at the A.O.U.W. Hall in January 1895. (One might calculate that its first annual ball would have been held in 1889 and that it can be seen that the fire precinct predated that first ball by at least ten years).

MILTON. Tri-Echo Fire Association of Milton will give its sixth annual ball at the A.O.U.W. hall, in that place, Friday evening of this week (Farmington News, January 25, 1895).

In 1896 a Special Tax of $120 was paid over to John Maddox for the Milton fire precinct. In 1897 a Special Tax of $145 was paid over to John Maddox for the Milton fire precinct. In 1898 a Special Tax of $150 was paid over to John Maddox for the Milton fire precinct. In 1899 a Special Tax of $150 was paid over to John Maddox for the Milton fire precinct.

In 1900 a Special Tax of $150 was paid over to John Maddox for the Milton fire precinct. In 1901 a Special Tax of $100 was paid over to John Maddox for the Milton fire precinct. In 1902 a Special Tax of $150 was paid over to John H. Maddox for the Milton fire precinct.

FIRE AT MILTON. The town of Milton was visited by a bad fire at an early hour Wednesday morning when the large leather board and shoe findings factory, owned by the Milton leather board company, was totally destroyed. The loss will be a bad blow to the people as well as the owners. The alarm was given at 7.45 and the Milton fire department responded promptly but the fire had such a start that their work amounted to but little. A man by the name of Dresser, who was among the last to get out of the mill, was badly burned about the head and arms, and was taken to his home in Lebanon, Me., after having his wounds dressed by Dr. Hart. The cause of the fire is supposed to be due to an overheated pulley, but the owners were unable to state [for] sure. The loss is estimated at about $60,000 and is well covered by insurance. The machinery, which was of the latest improved pattern, is wholly destroyed, also the boiler and engine. The employees feel their loss badly as some valuable watches and clothes were destroyed, besides being thrown out of work. the factory was a good one having been built about 12 years. It was two stories high, 185 feet long and 52 feet wide, with a boiler room 40×60, two stories in height. At this time business was rushing, a day and night crew being employed, in all about 80 hands. A large amount of stock was on hand (Farmington News, January 10, 1902).

FIRE AT MILTON. The houses of the Boston Ice Company at Milton were entirely consumed by fire last Saturday evening. The fire started about 6.30 o’clock. The buildings were struck by lightning during a severe electric storm. People who saw the lightning strike say that a ball of fire descended upon the house situated upon the southerly side next to the boiler house. This portion of the building being empty the flames spread rapidly through the dry timbers until the encountered the houses filled with ice when their progress was slower. The ice was being taken out at the time. There were twelve houses in all, having the largest capacity of any in this vicinity. The fire company responded at once and prevented a spread of fire to buildings situated on the other side of the track. On account of this disaster the train on the Northern division B&M was delayed for some time, owing to nearness of houses to track. The property is supposed to be well insured. In the houses were 80,000 tons of ice valued at $2.50 a ton which is a total loss. The twelve buildings destroyed were valued at $7,000, while the machinery in the boiler house was worth some $5,000. This would make the total loss some $80,000. The superintendent speaks highly of the Milton fire department (Farmington News, May 30, 1902).

The Milton Hose Company with its Tri-Echo hand tub fire engine, participated in the Milton Centennial parade on Saturday, August 30, 1902. (See Milton’s Centennial).

In 1903 a Special Tax of $120 was paid over to J.H. Maddox for the Milton fire precinct. In 1904 a Special Tax of $120 was paid over to J.H. Maddox for the Milton fire precinct. In 1905 a Special Tax of $130 was paid over to the Milton fire precinct.

In 1906 a Leslie B. Snow was paid $39.25 for acting as counsel to the Milton Selectmen in regard to the legality of the old fire precinct in the Milton Three Ponds district. I.W. Jones was paid $14.25 for his services as engineer running lines around the fire precinct. J.H. Avery and C.A. Jones were paid $7 each for their services and expenses laying out the fire precinct.

NEWS OF THE STATE. The large farm buildings owned and occupied by Jacob Staples about two miles above Milton on the road to Union and Milton Mills, were totally destroyed by fire early Sunday morning, with entire contents. It is supposed to have been the work of an incendiary, and officers are on the hunt to find the guilty party. Eight weeks ago Mr. Staples had a set of building burned, and in both cases there was no insurance.  In the first fire the loss was about $2000, and a large amount of live stock was burned. Mr. Staples then bought the buildings across the way, and newly furnished them. In the barn there were about 20 tons of new hay, 3 valuable horses, 20 hens, and some young stock, which were all burned. New farming tools and machinery were also destroyed. Loss set at $2500. The officers have clews and an arrest is likely to follow (Farmington News, August 3, 1906).

Fred Howard was paid $15 for his services at the Staples fire and for the use of his teams. M.M. [Mylo M.] Sinclair was paid $2.25 for his services at the Staples fire. J.H. Avery was paid $15 for his services in investigating the Staples fire. The March election of 1907 contained a Warrant Article regarding an addition to an existing building for fire purposes. The sum of $339.50 was raised for the Milton fire district.

ARTICLE 15. To see if the town will vote to permit the Milton Fire District to erect an addition to the building in said District, for fire purposes.

In 1908 $202 was raised for the Milton fire district.

MILTON. There were two alarms of fire in this village last week, both of which caused considerable excitement. Both fires were soon extinguished, however. The alarm Friday was for the home of Charles Welch, near the paper mill, and the report at first was that the paper mill was on fire. The fire Saturday was at the Boston ice houses, which were struck by lightning six years ago and burned to the ground. The fire Saturday, however, was put out before the “Tri-Echo” reached the scene of action (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), [Friday,] August 28, 1908).

8439. Milton, N.H. June 10, 1909. Paper Mill. This was an old, basement and two-story, frame mill of joist construction. Elevators and stairs, of which there were several, were all open. Boiler house was brick, adjoined main building, and not cut off. Raw stock was waste paper, wood and sulphite pulp, with the former stored in large quantities, loose and in bales through all parts of the buildings without regard for cleanliness. Cause of fire unknown. Plant totally destroyed except storehouse, which was saved by good work of country fire department with small hand tub. Mill was shut down for repairs. These were completed and work was to have been resumed the following morning. Night watchman went away for the day, and was to report at or before 7 p.m. but did not. The superintendent claims to have made a round at 7 p.m., and saw nothing out of the way, after which he went home to supper leaving mill alone. At about 8.30 he started for the mill to see if the watchman was on duty, and discovered the fire and gave the alarm by whistle at near-by mill, after trying to enter mill which he was unable to do on account of smoke. By the time the fire department arrived (ten minutes), the mill was afire nearly all over. This mill had a fair sprinkler equipment (wet system, Grinnell glass disc, pipe sizes 1, 2, 3, installed 1901, spacing good), so far as it covered, but boiler house and other important portions were not equipped. Water supply was an 8,100-gallon gravity tank, and poor rotary pump. Inspector visited the risk the day previous to the fire and found the gravity tank empty and pump out of commission. Superintendent stated that tank was filled on the same afternoon, but no one could be found who noticed any water coming from sprinklers during the fire, although several employees entered the building attempting to save personal belongings. Rotary fire pump was of no value and no attempt was made to start it. Loss about $60,000. Summary: Defective and incomplete sprinkler protection (National Fire Protection Association, 1909).

In 1909 $132 (and an added percentage [7.1%] of $9.32) was raised for the Milton fire district. Hazen Plummer “and others” were paid $27, and B.B. Plummer was paid $44.85, for Fighting Fires “on mountain.” C.A. Jones “and others” were paid $34 for Fighting Fires “at West Milton.” The district schools at Milton and Milton Mills were equipped with fire extinguishers and fire escapes.

In 1910 a Special Tax of $132 was paid over to Hazen W. Downs, treasurer, for the Milton fire district. Fred P. Jones was paid $5 for his services as fire warden. George M. Corson, William Plummer, Fred W. Drew, Charles E. Varney, and James Blouin were paid 75¢ each for “watching fire, Silver street.” In 1911 a Special Tax of $182 was paid over to Hazen W. Downs, treasurer, for the Milton fire district. Fred P. Jones, fire warden, and eighty-eight others, were paid $88 in total ($1 each) for fighting a forest fire “below Farmington Road,” on April 17, 1910.

Motorized fire trucks began to replace hand tubs in surrounding local towns, such as Alton, NH, which appropriated $1,000 for a chemical fire truck in March 1911 (Farmington News, March 17, 1911).

Fire in Milton. Fire early Wednesday destroyed the big mill of the Milton Leather Board Company and caused a loss that will reach $100,000. Fifty employes of the concern were thrown out of work by the fire. Starting from a cause not yet determined, the blaze spread with great rapidity and soon the whole mill was enveloped. The fire brigade of the mill assisted the Milton fire department in fighting the flames, but the building was doomed from almost the start of the fire. When the fire was discovered six persons were working in the mill and they escaped and gave the alarm. The president of the company owning the mill is S. Frank Dawson of Milton, and Seth F. Dawson of Lawrence is treasurer. Partial insurance (Farmington News, March 22, 1912).

In 1912 $182 was paid over to the Milton fire district. In 1913 $557 was paid over to the Milton fire district. In 1914 $252 was paid over to the Milton fire district.

Report of the School Board. … The complete destruction by fire on April 4th [1914] of the Milton village grammar school building with its entire contents was most lamentable; but our tax-payers came loyally to the front and voted to empower the school board to hire by note, twenty thousand dollars, to be used, in addition to the three thousand dollars received for insurance on the old school property, for the erection and equipment of a new school building. The result is we now have a beautiful, thoroughly modern, fire-proof structure of cement and brick that has no superior in any town of the size and valuation of Milton, in New Hampshire.

In 1915 $150 was paid over to the Milton fire district.

The Hotel Milton burnt in a multi-building fire that originated in a neighbor’s barn in 1915. The whole southern end of town was threatened, until the fire crew from the Dawson Manufacturing Company, i.e., the Milton Leather-Board Company, and their “force pump” contained the fire. Their “force pump” was likely also a hand-tub fire engine.

MILTON, N H. LOSS $10,000. Hotel and Dwelling Go – Others Damaged – Doors of Barn in Which Fire Started Found Locked. Special Dispatch to the Globe. MILTON, N.H., Nov. 11 – The large Hotel Milton, its outbuildings, including a commodious stable, the home of Charles Ricker and a barn owned by Edward Bodwell were destroyed by fire and several houses damaged early this evening. The town was threatened with one of the worst fires for years and at one time the entire lower part of the town was in danger. Milton has no fire protection and it was only through the kindness of the Dawson Manufacturing Company in extending the use of its force pump, also the absence of wind, that the flames were controlled. The fire originated in Edward Bodwell’s barn on Charles st. near the hotel, and was discovered about 6 p.m. by James Miller and Thomas Pinkham. The cause of the fire is a mystery, as the doors were locked and no one had been in the building during the day. The hotel is one of the oldest landmarks in town, formerly owned by Mrs. Harry Grover of Dover, but now by the Strafford National Bank of Dover. It was unoccupied, having been so since the town voted no-license, four years ago. Scott Dore, a fire fighter, fell 25 feet from the roof of Stephen Dixon’s residence to the ground, receiving many bruises and a bad shaking. The total damage is estimated at about $10,000. The loss on the hotel property is about $9000, insured; on Bodwell barn, $200, insured; Charles Ricker’s residence, $200, insured: Stephen Dixon’s house, $100, insured; houses of George Greenwood and Fred Welch, $100, insured. Charles Varney lost $100 worth of hay in Bodwell barn. The hotel will not be rebuilt (Boston Globe, November 12, 1915).

MILTON HOUSE BURNED. The Milton House, at Milton, a two story and a half, 50 room, wooden structure, untenanted during the past year, was burned to the ground last Thursday night, entailing a loss estimated at $10,000. The fire started at about six o’clock in a nearby shed and spread quickly to a barn and then to the hotel. The structure was soon a mass of flames, Hand tubs soon drained nearby wells and but for the assistance of two lines of hose from the Dawson mills, it is said that the flames might have spread to nearby dwellings. The Milton House was built some 25 years ago by the late Horace Drew of Middleton (Farmington News, November 19, 1915).

Dover, NH, acquired a new auto fire truck in August 1915 (Farmington News, August 13, 1915). Alton, NH, purchased another fire truck in March 1917 (Farmington News, March 2, 1917).

In 1917 $182 was paid over to Harry D. Coles, treasurer of the Milton fire district. In 1918 $200 was paid over to H.D. Coles, treasurer of the Milton fire district. In 1919 $200 was paid over to H.D. Coles, treasurer of the Milton fire district. In 1920 $300 was paid over to H.D. Coles, treasurer of the Milton fire district.

Neighboring Farmington, NH, appropriated “not more than $2,000” for a “combination chemical fire truck” in April 1922 (Farmington News, April 14, 1922).

Milton appropriated money to purchase its own “triple combination” fire car in March 1928. After this acquisition, its Tri-Echo hand tub would be stored away in a barn loft.

[Article] 7. By petition of Harry D. Coles and nineteen others: To see if the town will vote to purchase a Combination Pump, Chemical and Hose-car for extinguishment of fires in said town, raise, appropriate or hire on notes of the town a sum of money not exceeding forty-five hundred dollars ($4,500) to pay for the same together with the necessary equipment, and pass any other vote or votes relative thereto.

LOCAL. It is learned here with interest that the town of Milton voted the purchase of an up-t0-date and highly efficient fire truck at its annual meeting Tuesday (Farmington News, March 16, 1928).

But the Tri-Echo hand tub would be taken out of storage for a “last hurrah” during the Milton fire department strike of April-May 1932.

FIREMEN STRIKE WHEN PAY IS CUT. Old Hand Tub Placed in Commission At Milton, N.H., as Emergency Measure. MILTON, N.H., April 15. Incensed because their pay has been cut to $3 a year and 50 cents an hour “fighting time,” the 15 members of the Milton Fire Department, with the exception of Chief Frank McIntire, have walked out on strike. Chief McIntire has announced his intention of joining the strikers tomorrow and, until the bitter differences between the firemen and the Selectmen has been ironed out, the town will be virtually without protection. No one in Milton, save the three engineers who are out on strike, knows how to operate the new combination chemical pump and the Selectmen, in desperation, have ordered the old hand tub out of retirement. Taken From Barn Loft. It was resurrected from a barn loft today. The cobwebs were dusted off and it was put in readiness for immediate use. From the ranks of the older townsmen a crew of volunteers, familiar with the working of the hand-tub, was recruited and in an emergency, they will be called upon to perform yeoman service. The Selectmen have found plenty of volunteers who are willing to help and the town, as a whole, feels confident that it will be able to handle the situation until the salary problem has been amicably settled. At present the firemen and Selectmen are deadlocked on the issue. Neither group will give way an inch in the conflict which had its inception at the town meeting on March 8 when no provision was made for the firemen who have always received $20 a year and 50 cents an hour fighting time. The Selectmen claimed to have found, upon consulting the statute books of the State, that, unless other provisions were made, the yearly salary of firemen in small towns was to be fixed at $3 a year and 50 cents an hour for actual firefighting. Consult Attorney. They also claimed that the town records include no law calling for a special appropriation for firemen’s salaries and that, therefore, they could not legally pay the firemen more than the stipulated $3 a year. The Board of Selectmen, comprised of Charles Philbrick, chairman; Louis Tibbetts and Leroy Ford, notified the firemen, all of whom, with the exception of Chief McIntire, are call men, that henceforth they would receive only $3 a year for keeping Milton safe from the ravages of the brush fire and the house fire. A protest was made at once and the Selectmen were asked to reconsider their action. They hastily consulted a lawyer in Rochester, who informed them with legal emphasis that every dollar over $3 a year that you pay those firemen will have to come out of your own pockets. Extra Precautions. When this ultimatum was delivered to the firemen they walked out of the station. Their formal resignations were handed to the Selectmen with a notice that they were to become effective at once. Chief McIntire also tendered his resignation but stated that it would not become effective until tomorrow. The Selectmen cannot see how under the law they can make any concessions to the firemen and the latter will not listen to any proposition which does not sound like $20 a year. In the meantime, all townspeople are expected to take extra precautions against fire that might endanger the safety of Milton’s 1200 or more residents. The last serious fire in the town destroyed the Milton Ice House last Summer. The firemen did good work on that occasion but the townspeople believe that, given a less threatening fire, the volunteers and their trusty hand tub will do as creditably (Boston Globe, April 16, 1932).

MILTON, N.H., April 16 (A.P.) – Milton citizens are fixing up the old hand tub in case of fire because Milton now has no fire department and no one knows how to run the single piece of modern apparatus. The 15 call men resigned because no appropriation was made to pay them the customary twenty dollars a year (Portland Evening Express (Portland, ME), April 16, 1932).

MILTON, N.H. FIRE DEP’T ENDS STRIKE. Milton, N.H., May 3 – (AP) – Milton had a fire department tonight for the first time in two weeks, but they had to pay up to get the boys back. At a special town meeting today Chief Frank McIntire was voted $40 a year salary, two assistants were voted $35 and $25 and 12 men, $20 a year and $.50 an hour when fighting fires. A town meeting in March adjourned without voting the salaries and selectmen found they could not legally pay the men more than $3. The entire fire department struck two weeks ago. No harm was done, however, because Milton hasn’t had a fire since the strike (Lewiston Daily Sun (Lewiston, ME), May 4, 1932).

Chief Engineer Frank B. McIntire reported in 1934 that the Milton Fire Precinct – as distinct from the Milton Fire Department – had an engine house and lot ($1,500), one hand tub ($25), one 40-ft. extension ladder ($25), one 30-ft. straight ladder, two tables and twenty chairs ($10), one box stove ($10), and 500 feet of hose ($250), totaling $1,830. (The Milton fire department had its own fire station building, which was separate from that owned by the Milton fire precinct).

The hand tub last appeared in a precinct inventory that appeared in the Town Report of 1936, as being still worth $25.

Milton Three Ponds’ “Tri-Echo” hand tub engine is said to have been demolished in 1941, likely in a WW II scrap metal drive (Handtub Junction, 2022).

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References:

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Honeyman, A. Van Doren (1909). The Honeyman Family in Scotland and America. Plainfield, NJ: Honeyman’s Publishing House.

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