By Muriel Bristol | August 27, 2023
John Hanson Varney was born in Milton, August 31, 1794, son of Caleb and Huldah (Hussey) Varney.
Mother Huldah (Hussey) Varney died in Berwick, ME, March 26, 1807.
John H. Varney married, in 1823, Betsy W. Cloutman, he of Milton and she of Rochester, NH. Rev. James Walker performed the ceremony. She was born in Rochester, NH, June 12, 1800.
(The known children of John H. and Betsy W. (Cloutman) Varney were Susan Varney (1824-1895), Caleb Varney (1826-1845), Lydia Varney (1828–1908), Ruth Varney (1830-1913), John Hanson Varney II (1832–1893), and Charles Ayer Varney (1834–1893), Betsy Varney (c1836-), [Baby Girl] Varney (1838-1838), Lindley Hoag Varney (1839-1844), Theron F. Varney (1842-1882), and George H. Varney (1844-1844)).
Daughter Susan Varney was born in Milton, November 8, 1824.
William Sargent succeeded Ira Fish in the fulling mill business in 1820, and carried on the business until 1825, when he was succeeded by John H. Varney, who, after some twenty-two years of successful business, sold out to Joshua Holland in 1847 (Scales, 1914).
Son Caleb Varney was born in Milton, September 16, 1826.
Father Caleb Varney died June 6, 1828.
Daughter Lydia Varney was born in Milton, July 25, 1828. Daughter Ruth Varney was born in Milton, June 16, 1830. Son John H. Varney [Jr.] was born in Milton, March 29, 1832.
John H. Varney and James A. Ricker headed the Milton chapter of the Strafford County Temperance Society in 1833. The Milton chapter had 227 of the 6,423 Strafford County members. Somersworth had 944 members, Dover had 632, New Hampton had 518, Rochester 450, Sanbornton had 380, and other places had fewer members than Milton (NH Temperance Society, 1833).
Son Charles Ayer Varney was born in Milton, May 19, 1834. Daughter Betsy Varney was born in Milton March 18, 1836.
Daughter “Baby Girl” Varney was born in Milton, October 10, 1838. She died the same day. Son Lindley Hoag Varney was born in Milton, November 4, 1839.
John H. Varney 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 [Betsy W. (Cloutman) Varney], one female aged 15-19 years [Susan Varney], one male aged 10-14 years [Caleb Varney], one female aged 10-14 years [Lydia Varney], one female aged 5-9 years [Ruth Varney], two males aged 5-9 years [John H. Varney and Charles A. Varney], one female aged under-5 years [Betsy Varney], one male aged under-5 years [Lindley H. Varney], and one female aged 60-69 years. One member of his household was engaged in Manufacture and the Trades.
Son Theron F. Varney was born in Milton, in 1842.
Milton sent John H. Varney to Concord, NH, as its NH State Representative for the 1841-42 biennium.
On June 30, 1841, Democrat Rep. Albert F. Baker (1809-1841) of Hillsborough, NH, filed a series of five resolutions aimed apparently at asserting New Hampshire’s rights under the U.S. Constitution to extradite accused persons from another state.
Mr. Baker of Hillsborough introduced a Report. Which was read. And the following Resolutions:
Resolved, That the Constitution of the United States was established by the people of the States respectively, the people of each State acting in their sovereign capacity as a party to compact.
Resolved, That each State is sovereign within its own territory, except so far as that sovereignty nay be abridged by the of the powers specified in the Federal constitution.
Resolved, That the Federal Government is limited in its jurisdiction, but within its appropriate sphere, is paramount to the authority of the States.
Resolved, That it is the duty of the Federal Government provide for the faithful observance of the stipulations contained the Federal Constitution.
Resolved, That the refusal of one State to surrender a person charged with the commission of a crime within another State, who shall flee from justice, is an open disregard of the plain letter of the Constitution, subversive of the peace and harmony of the Union, destructive of the ends for which the Federal Constitution was established.
Resolved, That the Executive of this State be requested to transmit to the Executive of the several States, to be laid before their respective Legislatures, and to our Senators and Representatives in Congress to be laid before that body, a copy of the above report and of these resolutions.
(Rep. Baker was a brother of Mary Baker Eddy, founder of the Christian Science Church, and a protégé of then U.S. Senator Franklin Pierce. Although young, Rep Baker did not live out his term: “Albert Baker, a prominent lawyer and politician of New-Hampshire, died at Hillsborough on the 17th [October 1841], aged thirty-one years” (The Liberator, October 29, 1841)).
A number of amendments to the various parts of the overall resolution were all defeated on voice votes (no individualized voting records). Whig Rep. William W. Stickney (1827-1888) of Newmarket, NH, proposed that additional clarifying language should be added:
Provided however, that these resolutions are to have no reference whatever to the conduct of the Governors of the States of Maine and Georgia.
The Stickney motion failed also on a voice vote, but it does make one wonder if these specified Governors might otherwise be considered to be extradition targets. Edward Kent was the Whig Governor of Maine, and he had played a role in both instigating and resolving the so-called Aroostook War of 1838-39.
Rep. Jacob Morrill (1812-1864) of Somersworth, NH, proposed that a sixth supplementary resolution (modeled after the US. Second Amendment) be appended to the five that has passed already:
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives, That a well-regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.
The House Speaker ruled that adding the sixth resolution would be out of order. A roll call vote was taken as to whether it was actually in order and whether it should pass. Rep Varney voted with the 51 members [23.5%] that voted against the additional resolution, rather than with the 166 members [76.5%] that voted in favor of it. So, the sixth resolution passed to be added to the original five others.
On Friday, June 23, 1843, the NH House took up Rep. Goodwin’s bill to authorize the NH State Treasurer “… to receive the portion of the proceeds of the sales of the public lands in the United States treasury assigned to the State of New Hampshire.” A motion was put forward to indefinitely postpone this bill. Rep. Varney voted with the minority of 101 members [45.7%] that opposed postponement, rather than the majority of 121 members [54.3%] that opposed postponement.
On Tuesday, June 27, 1843, the Committee on Military Affairs put forward as inexpedient to legislate a bill “… amending the law relative to unconditional exempts from military duty, as to embrace all persons conscientiously scrupulous of bearing arms.” Rep. Varney voted with the minority of 61 members [27.6%] that favored the conscientious objection bill, rather than the majority of 160 members [72.4%] that opposed it.
Son George H. Varney was born in Milton, May 24, 1844. He died in Milton, July 30, 1844, aged two months.
Son Caleb Varney died due to a fire in Milton, November 18, 1845. (See Milton in the News – 1845).
FIRE AND LOSS OF LIFE. A correspondent of the Bee at Rochester, N.H., writes that a fire broke out on the 17th at Milton Three Ponds, which consumed the new and excellent yarn mill of Messrs. A.S. Howard & Co. – Loss about §12,000, and no insurance. A very worthy young man, the son of John H. Varney, who was a watchman in the mill, was burnt to death (Baltimore Daily Commercial, November 24, 1845).
John H. Varney died of rheumatic fever in Milton, in January 1850, aged fifty-five years.
Daughter Ruth Varney married in Milton, March 5, 1850, James W. Nutter, both of Milton. Rev. James Doldt performed the ceremony. Nutter was born in Milton, May 26, 1829, son of Matthias and Sarah (Wentworth) Nutter. (His father was a War of 1812 veteran).
Betsey W. [(Cloutman)] Varney, aged forty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. Her household included Susan Varney, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), Lydia Varney, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), Ruth [(Varney)] Nutter, aged twenty years (b. NH), John H. Varney, a shoemaker, aged eighteen years (b. NH), Charles A. Varney, a shoemaker, aged sixteen years (b. NH), Betsey Varney, aged fourteen years (b. NH), Theron F. Varney, aged eight years (b. NH), James W. Nutter, a shoemaker, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), George Scates, a trader, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), John G. Drew, a manufacturer, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH), and John W. Nutter, a shoemaker, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH). Betsy W. Varney had real estate valued at $2,000. James W. Nutter had real estate valued at $1,000. George Scates had real estate valued at $2,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Ira Knox, a shoemaker, aged twenty years (b. ME), and Noah Warren, a shoemaker, aged twenty-four years (b. NH).
Daughter Susan Varney married, circa 1858, Brackett F. Avery. He was born in Wolfeboro, July 23, 1828, son of Walter and Sally (Cotton) Avery.
Son Charles A. Varney married, circa 1858, Sophia J. Nute. She was born in Milton, April 27, 1842, daughter of John C. and Sarah A. (Varney) Nute.
Betsey [(Cloutman)] Varney, aged fifty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. Her household included Lydia Varney, aged thirty-one years (b. NH), Theron F. Varney, a shoemaker, aged eighteen years (b. NH), and Moses L.F. Smith, a shoemaker, aged twenty-one years (b. NH). Betsy Varney had real estate valued at $2,000 and personal estate valued at $700. Her household appeared between two unoccupied houses (just after that of Ezra Tuttle, a clergyman, aged forty-three years (b. NH)), and John M. Varney, a carpenter, aged forty years (b. NH).
Brackett F. Avery, a farmer, aged thirty-one years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Susan V. [(Varney)] Avery, aged thirty-four years (b. NH), and John H. Avery, aged one year (b. NH). Brackett F. Avery had real estate valued at $2,500 and personal estate valued at $700. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Eli C. Rankin, a farmer, aged forty years (b. NH), and Eli Fernald, a whitesmith, aged thirty-three years (b. ME).
James W. Nutter, a cordwainer, aged thirty-one years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Ruth [(Varney)] Nutter, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH). James W. Nutter had personal estate valued at $100. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of D.P. Warren, a shoe manufacturer, aged forty-four years (b. NH), and Saml A. Kimball, a shoemaker, aged fifty-five years (b. NH).
John H. Varney, a shoemaker, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Nancy J. Varney, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), M.C. Blackwell, a shoemaker, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), George H. Staples, a shoemaker, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), Wallace Smith, a shoemaker, aged twenty-six years (b. NH), Mellissa Smith, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH), Samuel Clements, a shoemaker, aged twenty-six years (b. NH), Elisha B. Watson, a shoemaker, aged twenty-two years (b. NH), Charles E. Whitehouse, a shoemaker, aged twenty years (b. NH), John S. Varney, a shoemaker, aged twenty-five years (b. NH), John M. Brackett, a shoemaker, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), George W. Brackett, a shoemaker, aged nineteen years (b. NH), Daniel J. Chamberlin, a shoemaker, aged nineteen years (b. NH), John Robinson, a shoemaker, aged sixteen years (b. NH), Charles A. Varney, a shoemaker, aged twenty-six years (b. NH), and Sophia J. [(Nute)] Varney, aged nineteen years (b. NH). John H. Varney had personal estate valued at $300. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of George W. Tasker, a shoemaker, aged thirty years (b. NH), and H. Wentworth, a shoe manufacturer, aged forty-one years (b. NH).
Milton sent son Charles A. Varney and Enoch W. Plumer to Concord, NH, as its NH State Representatives for the 1861-62 biennium.
On July 3, 1861, the NH House took up “An Act for the Remodeling of the Militia.” Rep. James Emery of Tamworth, NH, moved to have the bill postponed to another session, which motion failed.
The bill being still upon its second reading, on motion of Mr. Goodall the House reconsidered the vote whereby it rejected the amendment of Mr. Bingham, to insert the word “white,” after “able-bodied,” on last line of page 6.
Rep. Varney and Rep Plumer both voted with the majority of 221 members [87.4%] that favored the amendment, rather than with the 32 members [12.6%] that opposed the amendment. The amended version received its third (and final) reading, passed the House, and proceeded to the NH Senate.
Son Theron F. Varney of Milton, aged nineteen years, enlisted in Co. D of the Second NH Volunteer Infantry Regiment, in Dover, NH, May 10, 1861, for the term of three years. He was mustered in as a Corporal at Portsmouth, NH, June 1, 1861, and he was promoted to Sergeant, August 11, 1862. (See Milton in the 2nd NH Regiment – 1861-65).
Son John H. Varney of Milton, aged twenty-nine years, enlisted in Co. H. of the Sixth NH Volunteer Infantry Regiment, November 4, 1861. He mustered in as a Private, November 28, 1861, was promoted to Sergeant, November 30, 1861. (See Milton in the 6th NH Regiment – 1861-65).
Sgt. John H. Varney was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant of Co. K of the Sixth NH Volunteer Infantry Regiment, February 1, 1863.
Sgt. Theron F. Varney deserted in Concord, NH, May 25, 1863, and was reported as such under the President’s proclamation in 1865. He was discharged at Galloup’s Island in Boston, MA, May 15, 1865.
2nd Lt. John H. Varney was promoted to 1st Lieutenant of Co. C of the Sixth NH Volunteer Infantry Regiment, February 1, 1864. He was discharged January 5, 1865.
ORIGINAL AND SELECTED. The shoe manufactory of Robert Mathews, at Milton Mills, N.H., together with the store and house of James W. Nutter, and the store of E.H. Twombly, were destroyed by fire on Monday last (Portland Daily Press (Portland, ME), March 30, 1864).
Betsey W. [(Cloutman)] Varney, aged seventy years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. Her household included Mary Cofren, aged seventy-four years (b. NH). Betsey W. Varney had real estate valued at $1,000 and personal estate valued at $200. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Amos O. Duntley, works for shoe factory, aged twenty-six years (b. NH), and Daniel Jenness, a farm laborer, aged sixty-two years (b. NH).
Brackett F. [Walter] Avery, a farmer, aged seventy-four years (b. ME), headed a Wolfeboro (“North Wolfeboro P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Walter F. [Brackett F.] Avery, a farmer, aged forty-two years (b. NH), Susan V. [(Varney)] Avery, keeping house, aged forty-five years (b. NH), Harry L. Avery, at home, aged six years (b. NH), Sally C. Avery, at home, aged three years (b. NH), and John W. Avery, at home, aged ten months (b. NH). Betsey W. Varney had real estate valued at $2,000 and personal estate valued at $818.
James W. Nutter, a farmer, aged forty-one years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Ruth V. [(Varney)] Nutter, keeping house, aged forty years (b. NH). James Nutter had real estate valued at $1,000 and personal estate valued at $340. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Rebecca Nute, keeping house, aged sixty-two years (b. NH), and John E. Twombly, a retail grocer, aged thirty-four years (b. NH).
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John H. Varney, works in shoe factory, aged forty years (b. MA [SIC]), headed a Haverhill, MA, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Nancy J. Varney, aged thirty-three years (b. MA).
Charles A. Varney, dry goods & groceries, aged thirty-six years (b. NH), headed a Wakefield (“Union P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Sophia J. [(Nute)] Varney, keeping house, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH). Charles A. Varney had personal estate valued at $2,075.
Theron F. Varney married in Haverhill, MA, December 21, 1876, Emma Florence (Millett) Cushman. He was a shoe cutter, aged thirty-four years, and she was a widow, aged twenty-seven years. Rev. A.E. Drew performed the ceremony. She was born in Minot, ME, June 16, 1849, daughter of Edmund and Sally (Chase) Millett. (Her first husband, Lorenzo Cushman, had died in Haverhill, MA, February 15, 1871).
Betsy W. (Cloutman) Varney died in Milton, March 18, 1879.
Brackett F. Avery, a farmer, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included Susan V. [(Varney)] Avery, keeping house, aged fifty-five years (b. NH), Harry L. Avery, at school, aged sixteen years (b. NH), Sally C. Avery, at school, aged thirteen years (b. NH), and John W. Avery, at school, aged ten years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of George M. Corson, a farmer, aged thirty-eight years (b. ME), and William H. Ricker, a farmer, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH).
Lydia Varney, keeping house, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. Her household appeared in the enumeration between those of Fred P. Jones, a farmer, aged twenty years (b. NH), (who shared a two-family residence with the household of [her brother-in-law,] James W. Nutter, a farmer, aged fifty-one years (b. NH),) and Joseph Plumer, a farmer, aged sixty years (b. NH).
James W. Nutter, a farmer, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Ruth V. [(Varney)] Nutter, a housekeeper, aged forty-nine years (b. NH). They shared a two-family residence with the household of Fred P. Jones, a farmer, aged twenty years (b. NH).
John H. Varney, a retired shoe manufacturer, aged forty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Haverhill, MA, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Nancy J. Varney, aged forty-four years (b. MA), and his niece, Fannie E. Holland, aged fourteen years (b. ME). They resided at 21 Nichols Street.
Charles A. Varney, an excelsior manufacturer, aged forty-six years (b. NH), headed a Wakefield, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Sophia J. [(Nute)] Varney, keeping house, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH).
Theron F. Varney, a shoe cutter, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Haverhill, MA, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included Emma F. [((Millett) Cushman)] Varney, keeping house, aged twenty-nine years (b. ME), and Bessie F. Varney, aged two years (b. MA). They resided at 63 High Street.
Haverhill Politics. [Special Despatch to The Boston Globe.] HAVERHILL, December 4. – At a citizens municipal convention held in City Hall last night Hon. Moses Howe was nominated for mayor and John H. Varney for alderman at large. The aldermanic ticket is to be completed tomorrow evening and the election on Tuesday bids fair to be a lively one (Boston Globe, December 5, 1881).
John H. Varney was an at-large City Alderman in Haverhill, MA, in 1882. (The other six aldermen represent one of the city’s six Wards).
Theron F. Varney died of heart disease in Haverhill, MA, May 26, 1882, aged forty-three years, three months, and four days.
The following inventories have been filed at the Probate Court, Salem: Henry Shoof, Newburyport, $48,560.97; Thomas H. Frothingham, Salem, $155,939.27; Edward F. Couch, Newburyport, $9297.13; Benjamin T. Blake, Salisbury, $12,055; Theron F. Varney, Haverhill, $4010.71; Thomas Brackett, Salem, $13,009.65 (Boston Evening Transcript, July 5, 1882).
Son Charles A. Varney and Charles H. Hayes (1849-1916) moved to Haverhill, MA, in 1884, and there formed a box-making company under the name Varney & Hayes. (Hayes was a son of Luther and Louise A. (Bragdon) Hayes (see South Milton’s High Sheriff Luther Hayes (1820-1895))).
Son Chas. A. Varney (Varney & Hayes) appeared in the Haverhill, MA, directory of 1885, as a box mnfr. at 30 Granite street, with his house at 375 Washington street. The firm of Varney and Hayes (Chas. A. Varney and Chas. H. Hayes) appeared as mnfrs of paper and wooden boxes, at 30 to 36 Granite street.
Daughter-in-law Emma F. Varney appeared in that same Haverhill, MA, directory of 1885, as the widow of Theron F. Varney, with her house at 119 Main street. Son John H. Varney appeared also, as having his house on Main street, at its junction with Northern avenue.
FEMALE HELP WANTED. WANTED – At once, 10 experienced girls to make paper boxes; good wages. VARNEY & HAYES, Haverhill, Mass. (Boston Globe, February 6, 1886).
MALE HELP WANTED. WANTED – A good man to fit wooden boxes; also a good first-class nailer on shoe boxes; apply at once. VARNEY & HAYES, Haverhill. Mass. Sud7t my4 (Boston Globe, May 5, 1890).
MACHINERY. FOR SALE – A good second-hand 150-horse power steam engine of the Swamscott Machine Co. make, still in first-class running order; can be seen running any time within the next 6 weeks; also all the connection to connect it with boilers. VARNEY & HAYES, Haverhill, Mass. dSu10t s23 (Boston Globe, September 23, 1890).
Son-in-law James W. Nutter died December 21, 1892, aged sixty-three years, six months, and twenty-five days.
Son John H. Varney died of “suicide by shooting in head” in Haverhill, MA, January 28, 1893, aged sixty years, ten months. He was a shoe manufacturer.
PERSONAL. Charles A. Varney, late a member of the paper and wooden box manufacturing firm of Varney & Hayes, Haverhill, Mass., was stricken with apoplexy last night. Mr. Varney retired from business about a year ago (Boston Evening Transcript, June 1, 1893).
Son Charles A. Varney died of a cerebral softening and cerebral hemorrhage in Haverhill, MA, June 2, 1893, aged fifty-nine years, thirteen days. He was a manufacturer.
Funeral of Charles A. Varney. Milton, N.H., June 5. The funeral of Charles A. Varney, who died in Haverhill, Mass., was held at the Congregational church this afternoon. The services were conducted by Rev. Mr. Dickey, and were largely attended. Unity lodge of Freemasons was present and escorted the remains to the Milton cemetery, performing their burial service previous to the interment (Boston Globe, June 6, 1893).
Daughter Susan V. (Varney) Avery died of cardiac dropsy (and complications) in Milton, January 2, 1895, aged seventy years, one month, and twenty-five days. W.F. Wallace, M.D., signed the death certificate.
Daughter-in-law Emma F. Varney appeared in the Haverhill, MA, directory of 1897, as the widow of Theron F. Varney, with her house on Wellington avenue.
Daughter-in-law Emma F. ((Millett) [Cushman)] Varney married (3rd) in Haverhill, MA, February 9, 1898, Harry S. Brannan, both of Haverhill, MA. He was a decorator, aged forty-two years, and she was at home, aged forty-five years. Rev. David F. Ayers performed the ceremony. Brannan was born in Frederickton, New Brunswick, Canada, circa 1853, son of James W. and Hannah F. (Battie) Brannan.
Ruth [(Varney)] Nutter, a homekeeper, aged sixty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Village”) household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. She rented her house. She was a widow, who had been the mother of four children, of whom none were still living. Her household appeared in the enumeration between those of Lydia Varney, a homekeeper, aged seventy-one years (b. NH), and Ralph M. Kimball, a janitor, aged forty years (b. NH).
Harry Brannon, a decorator & painter, aged forty-seven years (b. Canada), headed a Haverhill, MA, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of two years), Emma F. [(((Millett) Cushman) Varney)] Brannon, aged forty-eight years (b. ME), and his step-children, Bessie F. Varney, aged twenty-one years (b. MA), Lindley H. Varney, at college, aged twenty years (b. MA), and Chas. A. Varney, at school, aged eighteen years (b. MA). Harry S. Brannan owned their house at 27 Wellington Avenue, free-and-clear. He was a naturalized citizen, having immigrated in 1865. Emma F. Brannon was the mother of four children, of whom four were still living.
Daughter Lydia Varney died December 2, 1908.
Brackett F. Avery, a farm laborer, aged seventy-one years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton 3-Ponds”) household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal census. His household included his daughter, Sallie C. Avery, aged thirty-two years (b. NH). Brackett F. Avery owned their house, free-and-clear.
Brackett F. Avery, a farmer, aged eighty-one years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton 3-Ponds”) household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal census. His household included his daughter, Sallie Avery, aged forty-two years (b. NH). Brackett F. Avery owned their farm, free-and-clear. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of James P. Willey, an odd jobs machinist, aged fifty-three years (b. NH), and Henry S. Mason, a dry good storekeeper, aged forty-four years (b. NH).
Ruth [(Varney)] Nutter, a widow, aged seventy-nine years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton 3-Ponds”) household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. She owned her house, free-and clear. Her household appeared in the enumeration between those of Samuel G. Blaisdell, a homekeeper, aged thirty-four years (b. NH), and John Varney, a shoe shop foreman, aged forty years (b. NH).
Son-in-law Brackett F. Avery died in Milton Mills, May 30, 1911.
Daughter Ruth V. Nutter appeared in the Milton directory of 1912, as the widow of James W. Nutter, with her house at 17 Charles street, on the hill.
Daughter Ruth (Varney) Nutter died of uterine carcinoma in Milton, May 16, 1913, aged eighty-two years, eleven months. James J. Buckley, M.D., signed the death certificate.
Sophia J. Varney, aged seventy-seven years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census. She owned her house at 12 Heaton Street.
Daughter-in-law Emma F. (((Millett) Cushman) Varney) Brannan died in Haverhill, MA, March 18, 1921.
Daughter-in-law Sophia J. (Nute) Varney died of valvular heart disease at 12 Heaton Street in Rochester, NH, July 12, 1927, aged eighty-five years, two months, and fifteen days. Edson M. Abbott, M.D., signed the death certificate.
References:
Find a Grave. (2020, August 18). Susan Varney Avery. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/214558939/susan-avery
Find a Grave. (2020, September 7). Ruth Varney Nutter. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/215338010/ruth-nutter
Find a Grave. (2020. October 20). Baby Girl Varney. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/217521753/baby_girl-varney
Find a Grave. (2020. October 20). Caleb Varney. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/217521120/caleb-varney
Find a Grave. (2020, October 20). Charles A. Varney. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/217522900/charles-ayer-varney
Find a Grave. (2020, October 20). George H. Varney. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/217522181/george-h-varney
Find a Grave. (2020, October 20). John Hanson Varney. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/217515882/john-hanson-varney
Find a Grave. (2020, October 20). John Hanson Varney [II]. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/217524488/john-hanson-varney
Find a Grave. (2020, October 20). Lindley Hoag Varney. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/217521291/lindley-hoag-varney
Find a Grave, (2020, October 20). Lydia Varney. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/217521839/lydia-varney
Find a Grave. (2020, October 20). Theron F. Varney. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/217524163/theron-f-varney
Longyear. (1868, July 1). Albert Baker: Inspired Politician. Retrieved from www.longyear.org/learn/research-archive/albert-bakers-political-career/
NH General Court. (1841). Journal of the House of Representatives of the State of New-Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=iP5BAQAAMAAJ&pg=RA1-PA4
NH General Court. (1843). Journal of the House of Representatives of the State of New-Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=pvtBAQAAMAAJ&pg=RA1-PA14
NH General Court. (1861). Journal of the House of Representatives of the State of New-Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=DRUtAQAAMAAJ&pg=RA1-PA146
NH General Court. (1862). Journal of the House of Representatives of the State of New-Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=MQ8tAQAAMAAJ&pg=RA1-PA208
NH Temperance Society. (1833). Annual Report, 1833. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=7joZAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA16
Luther B. Roberts appeared in the Portland, ME, directory of 1899, as an insurance agent, boarding at 311, Cumberland ave.
SOCIAL LIFE AND GOSSIP. The Calendar Club was attractively entertained Friday afternoon by Mrs. Fred S. Woods of Deering street, the meeting being held in honor of Miss Eva J. Roberts, whose marriage takes place early in October. The afternoon was passed socially and the guest of honor received the cordial good wishes of her fellow club members being presented with a handsome piece of cut glass. Refreshment dainties were tastefully served, the spirit of the occasion being suggested by the decoration of wedding bells in gilt, tied with blue ribbon representing the club colors. Those present on this occasion were Mrs. Francis Cummings, Miss Alice M. Fernald, Mrs. T. Richard Pye, Miss Luenna F. Sands, Miss Clara L. Schumacher, Mrs. E. Leland Stone, Miss Annie G. Weeks, the hostess, Mrs. Woods, and the honor guest, Miss Roberts. The club is to study Shakespeare this season and very attractive programs were distributed at this meeting (Portland Sunday Telegram (Portland, ME), September 22, 1912).
Former Member of Legislature Dead. Luther B. Roberts, 87, formerly of Portland, from which he was Representative to the State Legislature in 1915-16, died Saturday at his home in Milton Mills, N.H. He was a grandson of John Roberts, who fought in the Battle of Bunker Hill. He was born in Waterboro, Sept. 13, 1845, and married Miss Nellie C. Berry 25 years later. In 1878 he was member of the New Hampshire Legislature. Mr. Roberts came to Portland more than 55 years ago and resided here over 40 years, being engaged in insurance and real estate work. He was a member of the Common Council of Portland in 1900-01 and again in 1905-06. Before leaving this City some 15 years ago he was member of the executive committee, the Thomas Brackett Reed Memorial Association, and was affiliated with the Knights of Pythias and Masons. Funeral services will be at his residence at 2 p.m. Tuesday (Portland Evening Express (Portland, ME), August 7, 1933).
Ann E. (Lowe) Simes died of apoplexy in Milton Mills, February 26, 1905, aged sixty-six years, three months, and two days. 
Novel Features at Wedding of Miss Marjorie Simes and Ralph Nickerson – Will Go on Auto Tour. A wedding that was characterized by unique features took place last evening in the Grecian ball room at Hotel Somerset, the bride being Miss Marjorie Ellis Simes and the groom Ralph D. Nickerson. The bride’s parents are Mr. and Mrs. Charles Simes of 180 St. Paul st., Brookline, and the groom is a son of Mr. and Mrs. William H. Nickerson of 31 Winchester st., the same town. The ceremony was performed at 8 p.m. by Rev. Thomas Van Ness of the Second Church, Copley sq. The bride wore white duchesse satin trimmed with old point lace, a tulle veil and old point lace cap crowned with orange blossoms. Her bouquet was of lilies of the valley. A sister of the bride, Mrs. Robert H. Harding of Allston, was maid of honor. Her gown was of bordered cream chiffon over yellow satin, trimmed with duchesse point lace. She carried a shoulder basket filled with tea roses. Of the bridesmaids, Misses Gladys Hayden of Dorchester, Gertrude Arnold of Hyde Park and Pauline Conant of Somerville, wore yellow de chine trimmed with shadow lace and rose chiffon. Misses Gladys Wales of Newtonville, Ruth Spindler of Council Bluffs, Ia., and Caroline B. Bentley of Somerville wore lavender gowns of similar design. Each carried a bouquet of sweet peas. A brother of the groom, William H. Nickerson, was best man and the ushers were H. Russell Burbank of Providence, Julian Leonard of Middleboro, Walton White of Wakefield, G.W. Aldrich, Jr., of Rochester, N.Y. E.C. Cottle of Winchester and Earl Arnold of Stoneham. A novelty in the ceremonial was the way in which the procession moved up the aisle toward the altar, improvised of Southern huckleberry vine and white field daisies. To the march from “Lohengrin,” the ushers and bridesmaids, paired off together, advanced, each having hold of a long white ribbon. which was borne along by all in common till the foremost had reached the altar. Then the ushers and bridesmaids stopped and faced each other on each side the aisle, the ribbons which they held forming a double barrier extending from the door to the altar. Through this passage advanced the groom and best man, the maid of honor and the bride and her father, who gave her away. As soon as the principals in the ceremony had passed the bridesmaids and ushers dropped the streamers and ranged themselves in a semicircle on each side of the altar, while the streamers were drawn forth through the door. A reception, collation and finally a dance followed the ceremony in the ballroom, which was beautifully adorned with palms, ferns, lavender, sweet peas and yellow marguerites. The bride and groom were assisted in receiving by their parents. Mrs. Simes wore brocaded satin, with marquisette draperies and pearl garniture. Mrs. Nickerson wore lavender crepe meteor, with lace paniers. Each carried a bouquet of sweet peas to match her gown. On their return from a trip through the White Mountain region in their automobile, Mr. and Mrs. Nickerson will pass the Summer at the Simes country place at North Falmouth (Boston Globe, June 2, 1912).
Son Charles F. Simes died of chronic myocarditis at Alden Park Manor in Philadelphia, PA, August 21, 1928, aged seventy years, three months, and twenty-three days. He was a confectioner. W. Lawrence Cahill, M.D., signed the death certificate.
Milton Observer 