By Muriel Bristol | June 9, 2024
George Henry Plummer was born in Milton, March 27, 1835, son of John J. Sr. and Betsy Q. (Deland) Plummer.
Father John J. Plummer died of hepatitis in Milton, December 1, 1856, aged fifty-six years. He was a farmer. D.T. Parker, M.D., signed the death certificate.
George H. Plumer, a trader, aged twenty-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Betsey [(Deland)] Plumer, aged fifty-four years (b. NH), and John J. Plumer, aged eighteen years (b. NH). George H. Plumer had real estate valued at $3,000 and personal estate valued at $1,000. Their household was enumerated between those of William W. Ricker, a farmer, aged forty-six years (b. NH), and Nathl Roberts, a blacksmith, aged sixty years (b. NH).
[Future father-in-law Ephraim Hayes died in Milton, February 19, 1861].
Betsey Q. [(Deland)] Plummer, aged sixty-five years, headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. Her household included George H. Plummer, a farm laborer, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), and Charles E. Plummer, a farm laborer, aged twenty-three years (b. NH). Betsey Q. Plumer had real estate valued at $2,000 and personal estate valued at $1,025. Their household was enumerated between those of Stephen Nute, a farm laborer, aged forty-nine years (b. NH), and William H.H. Pinkham, a farmer, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH).
The Milton Selectmen of 1871 were Geo. Lyman, John Lucas, and G.H. Plumer. The Milton Selectmen of 1872-73 were Geo. Lyman, Geo. H. Plumer, and T.H. Roberts.
The Milton Selectmen of 1874-77 were Geo. Lyman, Geo. H. Plumer, and J.U. Simes.
Future mother-in-law Rosamond (Dame) Hayes died of paralysis in Milton, November 29, 1874, aged seventy-five years, five months. She was a widow.
George H. Plummer married in Farmington, NH, April 22, 1876, Mary Pierce Hayes, both of Milton. He was a farmer, aged forty-one years, and she was aged thirty-three years. Rev. D.H. Adams performed the ceremony. She was born in Milton, circa 1843, daughter of Ephraim and Rosamond (Dame) Hayes.
Geo. H. Plumer, a farmer, aged forty-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included Mary P. [(Hayes)] Plumer, keeping house, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH). Their household was enumerated between those of William Hurd, a farmer, aged thirty-nine years (b. NH), and Betsy Q. [(Deland)] Plumer, keeping house, aged seventy-five years (b. NH).
Daughter Bessie Agnes Plummer was born in Milton, July 12, 1880.
Mother Betsy Q. (Deland) Plummer died in Milton, February 16, 1882.
The State of New Hampshire. STRAFFORD S.S. – To Ella F. Frost of Wolfeboro, formerly Ella F. Dealand, and all others interested therein: You are hereby notified that George H. Plumer, trustee of the estate of said Ella F. Dealand, has filed his account of his said trusteeship in the probate office for said county, and will exhibit the same at a court of probate to be holden at Dover in said county, on the 1st Tuesday of November next when and where you may appear and be heard on said account. And it is ordered that said guardian give notice by causing the foregoing citation and this order thereon to be published three weeks successively in the Farmington News, a newspaper printed at Farmington, in said county, the last publication whereof to be at least seven days before said court. Given at Dover i said county, this 1st day of October, A.D. 1889. By Order CHARLES S. CLIFFORD, Register (Farmington News, October 11, 1889).
The Milton Selectmen of 1893-94 were Geo. Lyman, G.H. Plummer, and C.W. Lowe. The Milton Selectmen of 1895 were Geo. Lyman, G.H. Plummer, and J.U. Simes.
LOCALS. Mrs. George W. Plummer and her daughter, Miss Bessie Plummer, of West Milton were in Farmington on Monday (May 19, 1899).
WEST MILTON. Miss Sadie Twombly of South Milton is spending the week with Miss Bessie Plummer (Farmington News, September 1, 1899).
WEST MILTON. In the absence of the organist at Nute chapel last Sunday Miss Bessie Plummer presided at the organ both morning and evening services (Farmington News, September 1, 1899).
LOCALS. Mrs. George Plummer and Miss Bessie Plummer of West Milton were in town on Tuesday (Farmington News, October 13, 1899).
George H. Plumer, a farmer, aged sixty-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of twenty-four years), Mary P. [(Deland)] Plumer, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH), and his daughter, Bessie A. Plumer, aged nineteen years (b. NH). George H. Plumer owned their farm, free-and-clear. Mary P. Plumer was the mother of one child, of whom one was still living. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of William H.H. Pinkham, a farmer, aged fifty-nine years (b. NH), and Lizzie W. Hatch, a farmer, aged seventy-nine years (b. NH).
George H. Plumer served on the invitation committee for the Milton Centennial celebration in 1902.
Old Home at Milton. Many readers of the News are interested in the centennial celebration of the incorporation of the town of Milton, which is to take place August 30. The invitation committee is Robert M. Looney, Elbridge L. Avery, George H. Plumer, Albert O. Mathes. The exercises will be held on the grounds of the Nute High School, and will be of great interest. The speech of welcome will be made by Albert O. Mathes, treasurer of the Strafford bank in Dover, and the main address will be given by Arthur T. Smith, ex principal of the Nute High School. Mr. Mathes will arrange a room, with quaint old-time furnishings, and will be responsible for any, treasures kindly lent to him for this purpose. Articles may be put in the hands of Amos M. Roberts at Milton. The people have decided to have a parade in connection with their celebration and have appointed the following committee, Will Hall, G.H. Jordan, Joseph Avery, G.E. Wentworth, M.G. Pinkham, F.E. Marsh, Mrs. J.B. Hart, Miss Elfrida Peacock, Susan Haley, Ruth Hall, Fannie L. Hayes, Mrs. H.S. Mason, Mr. Samuel Drew, Mrs. A.A. Fox. The press committee are Walter E. Looney, M.W. Dickey and Harry B. Amey (Farmington News, August 22, 1902).
Daughter Bessie A. Plumer visited Boston, MA, several weeks before her wedding.
WEST MILTON. Miss Bessie Plumer has returned from her visit to Boston (Farmington News, June 12, 1903).
Daughter Bessie A. Plummer married in Milton, June 30, 1903, Bertrand Eri Twombly, both of Milton. She was a lady, aged twenty-two years, and he was a mill employee, aged twenty-five years. Rev. Myron P. Dickey performed the ceremony. Twombly was born circa 1878, son of James H. and Ellen H. (Wentworth) Twombly.
WEST MILTON. Mrs. G.H. Plummer and Mrs. B.E. Twombly have been spending a few days in Wakefield (Farmington News, October 16, 1903).
WEST MILTON. Mrs. Bertrand Twombly has been visiting relatives in Lee (Farmington News, March 23, 1906).
George H. Plumer, a farmer (general farm), aged seventy-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of thirty-four years), Mary [(Deland)] Plumer, aged sixty-seven years (b. NH), his daughter, Bessie A. [(Plummer)] Twombly, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH), and his grandsons, Leslie B. Twombly, aged five years (b. NH), and Allen S. Twombly, aged eleven months (b. NH). George H. Plumer owned their farm, free-and-clear. Mary P. Plumer was the mother of one child, of whom one was still living. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John S. Haines, a farmer (general farm), aged sixty-three years (b. NH), and W.H.H. Pinkham, a farmer (general farm), aged sixty-nine years (b. NH).
West Milton. The sickness which has prevailed the past fortnight at the home of G.H. Plummer is slightly abated and the afflicted members of the family are now improving (Farmington News, April 4, 1913).
West Milton. George H. Plummer, who has been in a critical condition the past week, suffering from a leaky valve of the heart, is thought to be slightly improved (Farmington News, September 17, 1915).
West Milton. Many friends are pleased to learn that George H. Plummer is recovering from his recent severe illness and unless complications take place is expected to get up again (Farmington News, October 1, 1915).
George H. Plummer died of mitral regurgitation on the Hare Road in [West] Milton, October 5, 1915, aged eighty years, six months and nine days. He was a married farmer and lifelong resident. Charles C. Rogers, M.D., signed the death certificate.
West Milton. George Henry Plummer, aged 80 years, six months and nine days, died at his home on the Hare road Tuesday evening, after an illness of four weeks. He had been in failing health for four years, due to valvular heart trouble, but the final cause of death was senile debility. Death came suddenly as he seemed to be improving until an hour before the end. Mr. Plummer was born in West Milton in the home where his death occurred. He was the eldest son in a family of six children born to John and Betsey (Dealand) Plummer. He was among the oldest residents of the town and he and his sister, Mrs. Mary Ann Howe, aped 83, were the oldest on this side of the town. The deceased was a highly respected citizen, a man of sound and equitable judgment and his counsel often sought. He was devoted to home and family and found his life work here. He had served his town in the capacity of selectman for seven consecutive years, followed later by a term of three years. He was a veteran Odd Fellow, having been a member of Woodbine Lodge for 41 years, holding various offices during that time. Mr. Plummer is survived by the widow, Mrs. Mary P. Plummer, the companion of 39 years; also by one daughter, Mrs. Bertrand E. Twombley, who resided with him; one brother, Charles Plummer of Farmington; one sister, Mrs. Mary Ann Howe of this town; two grandchildren, Leslie B. and Allen S. Twombley. The funeral will be held from the home Saturday afternoon at 1.30 o’clock, Rev. D.A. Gammon officiating. Arrangements will be in charge of officers and members of Woodbine Lodge. The Odd Fellows quartet will render selections and the bearers will be members of the order, burial will be made in the family cemetery near the homestead (Farmington News, October 8, 1915).
Mary P. (Hayes) Plummer died of mitral regurgitation on the Hare Road in [West] Milton, November 2, 1916, aged seventy-three years, six months, and ten days. She was a widowed housewife and lifelong resident. Charles C. Rogers, M.D., signed the death certificate.
Mrs. Plummer. During the hour of noon last Thursday a great sorrow fell upon the dwellers of this community when it was learned that Mrs. Mary P. Plummer had answer the call of the pale boatman. The end came after several years of failing health and two months of intense suffering from heart trouble, at the age of 73 years. She was the widow of George H. Plummer, whom she survived about one year. She was the daughter of Ephraim and Rosamand (Dame) Hayes and was a native of West Milton where she passed her entire life. For forty years she had resided in the home where her death occurred. The deceased was naturally an accomplished woman and after acquiring the best education which the schools of her day afforded, she taught with much credit in the schools of Milton, Farmington, Wakefield and Dover for a period of eleven years, relinquishing the profession to become the wife of Mr. Plummer in 1876. Since that time she had unsparingly lavished her devotion upon the duties of wife and mother until the hearth that is so sadly bereaved by her passing now seems desolate without the hallowed presence that made for it the name of home. A woman of sterling worth, gentle, yet firm in the application of right, a possessor of unflagging Christian faith, a friend to all, an enemy to none – such a personality cannot pass without the hearts of all who knew her being touched with a sincere sense of loss, mingled with genuine sympathy for, those who are left. The deceased united with the Congregational church of this town in 1870 and remained steadfast to this faith until the end. She leaves a daughter, Mrs. Bertrand E. Twombly who resided with her; one brother, John P. Hayes of this town; two grandchildren, Leslie B. and Allen S. Twombly; one nephew, Prof. Charles E. Locke of Boston. Funeral was held from the home Monday afternoon at 1.30 o’clock, with Rev. D.A. Gammon officiating. Two favorite selections, “Beautiful Isle of Somewhere,” and “Home at Last,” were rendered by Mrs. C.B. Canney and Mrs. Annie E. Cook. Burial was made in the Hayes cemetery. The bearers were George Nute, Henry Hayes, G.D. Canney and John Haynes (Farmington News, November 10, 1916).
Charles H. Pittman (1844-1926), a Farmington, NH, realtor, acting as administrator of the estate of the late George H. Plummer, auctioned off Plummer’s Hare Road woodlot in February 1917.
REAL ESTATE. MEADOW AND WOOD LOT at AUCTION. By virtue of a license from the Hon. Judge of Probate for the County of Strafford, the subscriber will sell at Public Auction on Saturday, February 3rd, at 2 o’clock p.m., in his office at the Odd Fellows Block, Farmington, N.H., a certain tract of land belonging to the estate of the late George H. Plummer, deceased, situate in West Milton in said County of Strafford, containing about twenty-five acres, bounded and described as follows: Bounded on the East by the Hare Road, so called, on the South by land of Mrs. Clara Burleigh; on the West by land of Walter Amazeen and on the North by land of Harry Pinkham and Fred Marcil, and known as Plummer’s meadow and woodlot. Said lot consists of a meadow of about eight acres, estimated to cut from eight to ten tons of good quality hay, and the balance of the lot is covered with a good growth of pine, maple, birch and poplar, estimated to be from 150 to 200 cords of wood, in addition to the pine growth, and is only two and one-half miles from Farmington Village. All parties wishing to purchase will be shown over the lot, before the day of sale, by calling at the late residence of George H. Plummer at West Milton. Terms: Ten per cent at sale; the balance within thirty days. C.H. PITMAN, Administrator. Farmington, N.H., January 24, 1917 (Farmington News, January 26, 1917).
Bertrand E. Twombly, a farmer (owner), aged forty-two years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Bessie P. [(Plummer)] Twombly, aged thirty-nine years (b. NH), and his sons, Leslie P. Twombly, aged fifteen years (b. NH), and Allen S. Twombly, aged ten years (b. NH). Bertrand E. Twombly owned their farm on the Hare Road, with a mortgage. Their household was enumerated between those of Fannie D. Pinkham, a farmer (owner), aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), and Arthur H. Nute, a farmer (owner), aged sixty-eight years (b. NH).
WEST MILTON. Miss Smith, who recently purchased the George Plummer farm, is about to make alterations and improvements on the buildings (Farmington News, September 16, 1924).
WEST MILTON. Charles Plummer is working on the shed of Miss Smith, at the late George Plummer farm (Farmington News, September 11, 1925).
Bertrand E. Twombly, a carpenter (house), aged fifty-two years (b. NH), headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Fifteenth (1930) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of twenty-seven years), Bessie P. [(Plummer)] Twombly, aged forty-nine years (b. NH), and his sons, Leslie Twombly, a clerk (post office), aged twenty-five years (b. NH), and Allan S. Twombly, a salesman (drug store), aged twenty years (b. NH). Bertrand E. Twombly rented their house at 52 Glen Street, for $13 per month. They had a radio set.
PERSONAL. Mrs. Bertrand E. Twombly is restricted to her home suffering from typhoid fever (Farmington News, February 6, 1931).
PERSONAL. Mrs. Bertrand E. Twombly, who is suffering from typhoid fever, was taken to the Huggins hospital in Wolfeboro last Friday (Farmington News, February 13, 1931).
LOCAL. Bertrand E. Twombly was called to Amherst, Sunday, by the death of his sister, Mrs. Florence A. Going. The deceased was born in South Milton, the daughter of James H. and Ellen (Wentworth) Twombly. She is survived by her husband, Charles W. Going, a son, two daughters, a sister and three brothers. Funeral was held in Amherst, Monday, and the remains were brought to Rochester for burial (Farmington News, January 13, 1939).
Bertran Twombly, a truck driver (town work), aged sixty-three years (b. NH), headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Sixteenth (1940) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Bessie [(Plummer)] Twombly, a houseworker, aged sixty years (b. NH), and his son, Leslie Twombly, a postal clerk (post office), aged thirty-six years (b. NH).
Son-in-law Bertrand E. Twombly died in Farmington, NH, April 22, 1948, aged seventy years.
MEMORIAM. Bertrand E. Twombly. Bertrand Eri Twombly, aged 70, a resident of this town for about 25 years, died at his home last Thursday morning, April 22, following several years of failing health, the last week of which he was confined to his bed. He was born In Milton September 17, 1877, the son of James H. and Ellen (Wentworth) Twombly, and was the oldest of a family of three boys and two girls. Most of his life was spent in and around Milton where he attended the public schools. He was variously employed in the industries of this section. For a number or years, he worked for the Spaulding Fibre company North Rochester and later moved to this town and was employed in Giles and Langley lumber and box operations. During his later years he was employed as a carpenter and before ill health forced his retirement several years ago was employed by the town of Farmington. He was particularly interested in farming from his youth and when a young man was quite interested in poultry raising. He was not particularly active in the public affairs in this community but manifested a great interest in all local happenings. He leaves his wife, Mrs. Bessie Plummer Twombly, two sons, Leslie B. of Farmington and Allen S. of Rye, one sister, Miss Sara J. Twombly of Rochester, two brothers, John H. of Windsor, Vt., and Archie P.W. of Waltham, Mass., four nieces and two nephews. Funeral services were held Sunday at 1.30 p.m. at the Norman L. Otis funeral parlor with Rev. A. Aubert officiating. Bearers were Frank E. Webster, Charles W.T. Willson, Carl B. Canney, Charles T. Hayes. Burial was in Rochester cemetery. Following is a list of the flowers at the funeral: Basket, husband, Mrs. Bessie P. Twombly; pillow, father, Mr. and Mrs. Leslie B. Twombly, Mr. and Mrs. Allen S. Twombly; spray, Miss Sara Twombly, Archie P.W. Twombly; spray, Mr. and Mrs. John H. Twombly; bouquet, Mr. and Mrs. John H. Twombly, Jr.; spray, Mr. and Mrs. Reginald Going; spray, Charles E. Locke; basket, neighbors; spray Central street neighbors; spray, Mr. and Mrs. Herbert L. Higgins; spray, Mr. and Mrs. Soloman A. Higgins and Lawrence Higgins; spray, Farmington postoffice; spray, Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Otis and Brenda Otis; spray, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Beane; spray, Will L. Peavey and Miss Isadore Peavey (Farmington News, April 30, 1948).
CARD OF THANKS. We wish to extend our sincere thanks to all our neighbors and friends for their kindness and expressions of sympathy during our recent great loss. We especially thank Dr. J.L. McLaughlin, Dr. J. Shagoury, all those who gave such beautiful flowers and all those who offered cars for the funeral. Mrs. Bertrand E. Twombly, Mr. and Mrs. Leslie B. Twombly, Mr. and Mrs. Allen S. Twombly, Miss Sara Twombly, Mr. and Mrs. John H. Twombly, Archie P.W. Twombly (Farmington News, April 30, 1948).
Daughter Bessie A. (Plummer) Twombly died of a gastrointestinal hemorrhage at Frisbie Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NH, May 24, 1948, aged sixty-seven years, ten months, and twelve days. She was a widowed housewife, resident at 52 Glen Street, Farmington, NH. Charles J. Shagoury, M.D., signed the death certificate.
IN MEMORIAM. Mrs. Bessie E. Twombly. A long period of failing health ended by the death of Mrs. Bessie P. Twombly, which occurred Monday evening, May 24, at the hospital in Rochester, where she had been a patient about three weeks. Mrs. Twombly survived her husband slightly more than one month. About six months ago she and Mr. Twombly went to the home of their local son and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Leslie B. Twombly, to spend the winter, and though she was able to be about town occasionally, she continued in frail health. She made a great effort to overcome her disabilities and always exhibited much appreciation for all of the devoted care so freely given. Mrs. Twombly was born In West Milton on July 13, 1880, the only child of George H. and Mary P. (Hayes) Plummer, and her earlier years were spent in her native town. She attended the school in her community and later attended Nute high school in Milton, but being naturally student and ardent reader, she acquired an education that gave her much pleasure throughout her life. On June 30, she was married to the late Bertrand E. Twombly and twenty-five years ago she and her husband removed to Farmington. Mrs. Twombly become a member of the Baptist church and was very active in its work long as her health permitted. Aside from these associations, she found her chief interests in her home and among her many friends. Much sympathy is expressed for two sons, Leslie B. Twombly of this town and Allan S. Twombly of Rye. The only other surviving relatives are several cousins. Funeral services will be held on Friday afternoon at 1.30 at the Otis funeral home and burial will be in the Plummer family burying ground at West Milton. Bearers will be Charles W.T. Willson, John P. Hurd, Carl B. Canney and Charles T. Hayes (Farmington News, May 28, 1948).
References:
A Cappella Hymns. (2019, March 2). Beautiful Isle of Somewhere. Retrieved from www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJ-3GVWnSFc
Baptist Musical Virtual. (2021, May 16). Home at Last. Retrieved from www.youtube.com/watch?v=xb_lSMYgTFw
Find a Grave. (2015, February 18). Ephraim Hayes. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/142785044/ephraim-hayes
Find a Grave. (2012, October 6). Bessie Agnes Plumer Twombly. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/98390671/pl
Find a Grave. (2012, October 6). George Henry Plummer. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/98389703/pl
Find a Grave. (2012, October 6). John James Plummer. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/98387760/john-james-plumer
Milton Observer 