Month: July 2024

By Muriel Bristol | July 28, 2024

George Erving Nute was born in Milton, in August 1852, son of John P. and Anna M. (Burrell) Nute.

John P. Nute, a farmer, aged forty-four years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Ann M. [(Burrell)] Nute, keeping house, aged thirty-six years (b. MA), George E. Nute, a farm laborer, aged seventeen years (b. NH), Ida J. Nute, at school, aged thirteen years (b. NH), Edwin E. Nute, at school, aged six years (b. NH), and Sarah Nute, aged seventy years (b. MA). John P. Nute had real estate valued at $1,700 and personal estate valued at $925 years. They shared a two-family house with the household of John S. Remmick, works for shoe factory, aged thirty-three years (b. ME), and Lucy A. [(Wentworth)] Remmick, keeping house, aged forty-one years (b. NH). His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Charles C. Hayes, a mill wright, aged forty-seven years (b. NH), and Jonas S. Laskey, works for shoe factory, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH).

Father John P. Nute died of asthma in Milton, February 5, 1872, aged forty-two years. He was a married farmer.

George E. Nute married (1st) in Nantucket, MA, December 24, 1872, Abby M. Russell, both of Stoughton, MA. He was a laborer, aged twenty years, and she was aged twenty years. Rev. Charles W. Hinch performed the ceremony. She was born in Canton, MA, April 18, 1853, daughter of George L. and Martha A. (Tilden) Russell.

(The child of George E. and Abby M. (Russell) Nute was Edith May Nute (1875-1918)).

Daughter Edith M. Nute was born in Milton, April 11, 1875.

Mother-in-law Martha A. (Tilden) Russell died of paralysis in Stoughton, MA, January 31, 1876, aged forty-eight years, five months, and six days. She was married.

Geo. E. Nute, works in boot shop, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Stoughton, MA, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included Abbie M. [(Russell)] Nute, keeping house, aged twenty-seven years (b. MA), his daughter, Edith M. Nute, attending school, aged five years (b. MA), and his boarders, [brother-in-law] Edgar Russell, works in print office, aged nineteen years (b. MA), and Theophilus Harris, aged seventy-nine years (b. MA).

Father-in-law George L. Russell died of hematemesis in Stoughton, MA, October 9, 1883, aged sixty years. He was a widowed operative.

REAL ESTATE TRANSFERS. W.A. Pulsifer to G.E. Nute, land in Milton, $165 (Farmington News, March 9, 1888).

Daughter Edith M. Nute married in Milton, December 24, 1891, Fred L. Brawn, she of Milton and he of Farmington, NH. She was a shoeworker, aged seventeen years, and he was a box maker, aged twenty-four years. William A. Bacon, J.P., performed the ceremony. Brawn was born in Milton, December 25, 1864, son of Joseph F. “Frank” and Sarah (Emfield) Brawn.

Mother Ann M. (Burrell) Nute suffered an injury on a defective sidewalk in Stoughton, MA. She successfully sued the town for damages in 1891. She lived with her daughter, Mrs. Ida J. (Nute) Dearden, and another son, Edward E. Nute, lived also in Stoughton, MA.

A Verdict Against Stoughton, Mass. DEDHAM, Mass., May 26. – In the Norfolk Superior Civil Court in the case of Mrs. Ann M. Nute vs. the inhabitants of Stoughton, an action of tort to recover $4000 damages for personal injuries received March 16, 1891, by reason of defect in the sidewalk on Wyman street, Stoughton, the jury returned a verdict and awarded her the full sum asked for $4000 (Fall River Daily Evening News, May 26, 1891).

George E. Nute appeared in a published list of letters awaiting pickup at the Farmington, NH, post office.

LOCALS. Advertised letters at the post-office July 1 were: Mrs. George W. Otis, George E. Nute, Mrs. Uriah W. Hill, W.H. Evans (Farmington News, July 2, 1897).

The Milton Selectmen of 1898 were S.W. Wallingford, G.E. Nute, and F.H. Lowd. The Milton Selectmen of 1899 were F.H. Lowd, G.E. Nute, and E.L. Leighton.

George E. Nute, a farmer, aged forty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of twenty-seven years), Abby M. [(Russell)] Nute, aged forty-seven years (b. MA), his daughter, Edith M. [(Nute)] Brawn, aged twenty-five years (b. NH), his son-in-law (of eight years), Fred L. Brawn, aged thirty-three years (b. NH), his grandson, Gordon N. Brawn, aged two years (b. NH), and his boarder, H. Oscar Moorhouse, at school, aged thirteen years (b. MA). George E. Nute owned their farm, with a mortgage. Abby M. Nute and her daughter, Edith M. Brawn, were each the mother of one child, of whom one each had one still living. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Frank R. Cook, a farmer, aged forty-five years (b. NH), and Myra Reynolds, a farmer, aged forty-five years (b. NH).

WEST MILTON. Mrs. George Nute’s sister, Alice, from Massachusetts, is with her for a visit. George Nute recently bought a horse of Allie Laskey at the Branch (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), July 27, 1906).

Mother Ann Melissa (Burrell) Nute died of chronic bronchitis in Stoughton, MA, January 5, 1908, aged seventy-four years, four months, and six days. (Her son, Edward Nute, was the informant). Charles L. Swan, M.D., signed the death certificate. (The earlier date – 1898 – that appears on her Milton Mills gravestone is in error).

MILTON MILLS, N.H. The remains of the late Mrs. Ann Nute were brought here Wednesday of last week and buried in the village. Mrs. Nute has for a number of years made her home with her daughter, Mrs. John Deardon, at Stoughton, Mass., where she died. She leaves a son, George Nute of Milton, and a daughter, Mrs. Dearden, besides numerous grand children (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), January 24, 1908).

WEST MILTON. Cora Garland and Annie Cook recently called at the homes of Henry Hayes and George Nute on Nute’s Ridge (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), March 20, 1908).

WEST MILTON. M.H. Plummer of Rochester was at the home of George Nute recently and. in company with Mr. Nute, tried the sport of hunting over the hills here In Milton (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), March 27, 1908).

George E. Nute, a farmer (general farm), aged fifty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Abbie [(Russell)] Nute, aged fifty-six years (b. MA), his son-in-law, Fred Brawn, a fireman (leatherboard co.), aged [forty-three years] (b. NH). and his daughter, Edith M. [(Nute)] Brawn, [aged thirty-five years] (b. NH [SIC]). George E. Nute owned their farm, free-and-clear. Abbie Nute was the mother of one child, of which one was still living. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Frank A. Canney, a laborer (odd jobs), aged thirty-two years (b. MA), and [his brother,] Edwin E. Nute, a farmer (general farm), aged forty-six years (b. NH).

The Milton Selectmen of 1914 were C.S. Philbrick, R.M. Kimball, and G.E. Nute. Near the beginning of their term the Milton Grammar School building was destroyed in a catastrophic fire on Saturday, April 14, 1914. (See Milton Grammar School Principals – 1893-14).

West Milton. G.E. Nute had an ill turn Sunday (Farmington News, October 2, 1914).

West Milton. G.E. Nute spent the week-end at Lake Winnipesaukee (Farmington News, January 15, 1915).

West Milton. G.E. Nute spent the week-end at Lake Winnipesaukee fishing. He has reported very good catches (Farmington News, February 12, 1915).

West Milton. Mrs. Edith Brawn observed her birthday Sunday. She was visited by friends from Farmington and received numerous gifts, as tokens of esteem and sympathy in her present ill health (Farmington News, April 16, 1915).

A Community Fair was held at the Nute Chapel in West Milton in October 1915. (It was the first on what was hoped would be an annual event). Farmer Andrew L. Felker (1869-1946) of Meredith, NH, and market gardener and florist James A. Fletcher (1837-1917) of Farmington, NH, were judges of vegetables, fruit, and livestock; Mrs. Harry Hurd [Cora P. (Canney) Hurd (1872-1961) of Farmington, NH,] was the judge of dairy products; Mrs. Wilbur Jones [nurse Lydia V. (Stanley) Jones (1888-) of Farmington, NH,] was the judge of fancy work and antiques; and Mrs. S.Y. Meserve [nurse Julia S. (Gilman) Meserve (1859-1928) of Farmington, NH,] was the judge of candy, cooked food, and preserves. The judges awarded prize ribbons to George E. Nute for his potatoes, beans, cucumbers, tomatoes, corn, oats, pears, apples, plums, grapes, and cranberries The Fair included also a concert and field sports (Farmington News, October 15, 1915).

West Milton. G.E. Nute spent the week-end at Lake Winnipesaukee, fishing (Farmington News, January 28, 1916).

West Milton. G.E. Nute spent the week-end at Lake Winnipesaukee (Farmington News, February 18, 1916).

West Milton. G.E. Nute has purchased a horse (Farmington News, April 14, 1916).

West Milton. Gordon Brawn of Athol, who has been spending a few days with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Brawn, returned to Massachusetts on his motorcycle Memorial Day. During the first two hours of the trip he covered 80 miles (Farmington News, July 16, 1916).

West Milton. G.E. Nute has received bis threshing machine and is threshing grain (Farmington News, September 8, 1916).

West Milton. G.E. Nute and E.E. Nute spent several days the past week at the lake, fishing (Farmington News, March 16, 1917).

Abbie Mansfield (Russell) Nute died of a cerebral hemorrhage on Nute Ridge Road in Milton, July 29, 1917, aged sixty-four years, three months, and eleven days. She had resided there for thirty-five years, i.e., since circa 1881, with her previous residence having been in Stoughton, MA. M.A.H. Hart, M.D., signed the death certificate.

IN MEMORIAM. Mrs. Nute. The death of Mrs. Abbie M. Nute, wife of George E. Nute, which occurred at her home at Nute Ridge at a late hour Sunday night caused a season of mourning throughout the community. The end came suddenly at the age of 64 years, after only two days’ illness of a paralytic shock. The deceased was born in Canton, Mass, the daughter of George and Martha (Tilden) Russell. She has been a resident of this town 35 years and had won a universal friendship. She was wholly devoted to her home and family and her death has fallen with a deep shadow which has cast a gloom over this circle, consisting of the bereaved husband, one daughter, Mrs. Fred Brawn; a sister, Mrs. Alice Pope of Avon, Mass.; three brothers, Walter, Herbert and Edgar Russell, all of St0ughton, Mass.; and one grandchild, Gordon N. Brawn, who resides at the Nute home. Funeral was held from the home Wednesday afternoon at 1 o’clock, with Rev. D.A. Gammon officiating. The remains were taken to Milton Mills for interment in the family lot. Following is the list of floral tributes: Wreath of roses, marked “Wife,” from husband; pillow, marked “Mother,” Mr. and Mrs. Fred Brawn; spray rose, Gordon Brawn; anchor, Mr. and Mrs. E.E. Nute; spray white roses, Mr. and Mrs. Taylor, Manchester; large spray white asters, brothers and sister, Stoughton, Mass.; spray purple asters, Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Pratt, Stoughton; spray pink carnations, Mrs. Sophia Dearden, Stoughton; spray white asters, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Parker, Stoughton; wreath, marked “Auntie,” nieces and nephews; spray pink carnations, Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Fall; spray mixed flowers, Mrs. Rogers and family; wreath sweet peas, girls of Thayer-Osborne stitch room; double spray sweet peas, Inasmuch society; double spray sweet peas, John and Nellie Brown; spray, Emma Barber (Farmington News, August 3, 1917).

West Milton. Mrs. Fred Brawn is critically ill at her home (Farmington News, October 4, 1918).

Daughter Edith M. (Nute) Brawn died of influenzal pneumonia on Nute Ridge Road in Milton, October 5, 1918, aged forty-three years, five months, and twenty-four days. She had been sick for eleven days. She was a married housekeeper. P.G. Greeley, M.D., of Farmington, NH, signed the death certificate. (See Milton in the News – 1918).

In Memoriam. Mrs. Edith M. Brawn. In the untimely death of Mrs. Edith M. Brawn, which occurred at the home of her father, George E. Nute, at Nute Ridge early last Saturday morning, the community and the little family circle was most sadly afflicted. Mrs. Brawn succumbed to pneumonia after ten days’ illness of influenza, at the age of 43 years. She was a native and lifelong resident of Milton, with the exception of about three years spent in Massachusetts. The deceased was the only child of George E. and Addie M. Nute. Since the death of her mother, a year and a half ago, she had kept the home for her father and presided over the duties of the household with the same care and regard for those about her that was characteristic of her well-ordered life. For several years she was employed in the stitching department of the Thayer Osborne Shoe company and was recognized as one of the most skilled and competent operators in her line of work. During her employment in Farmington, she made many friends who unite with those in her native town in expressing the loss which all have sustained in her passing. She was an indefatigable worker and possessed those attributes of kindness and charity that many have cause to remember as memorials to the life that has answered the final summons. Mrs. Brawn was united in marriage to Fred Brawn 26 years ago last December. She is survived by her husband, one son, Gordon N. Brawn of Portsmouth, and her father. She was a valued member of the Rebekah lodge at Milton Mills. Funeral was held from the home Tuesday afternoon at 1.30 o’clock, with Rev. Ballantine officiating. Burial was in the family lot at Pine Grove cemetery. Bearers were members of the immediate family. Following is the list of floral tributes: Pillow of ferns and roses, marked ”Wife,” Fred L. Brawn; crescent on stand, roses, ferns and asters, marked “mother,” Mr. and Mrs. Gordon N. Brawn; wreath of roses, marked “Daughter,” George E. Nute; wreath of roses, pinks and ferns, Mr. and Mrs. E.E. Nute; large anchor, roses, pinks and ferns, Mrs. Rodger and family; large spray gladioli and ferns, Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Fall; wreath, pinks, asters and galax, from relatives in Brockton, Mass.; wreath of pinks and ferns, from relatives in Stoughton, Mass; wreath on stand, roses and ferns, from shopmates and friends in Farmington; pillow of roses, lilies and galax, Sunrise Rebekah lodge, No. 79, Milton Mills; wreath, galax and ferns, Ronald McGregor and family; spray gladioli and ferns, John Brawn, Nellie Brawn, Miss Gertrude Burd; wreath, galax and ferns, Mr. and Mrs. Taylor, Manchester; crescent, galax, pansies and ferns, Mr. and Mrs. Fred McGregor and family; spray asters and pinks, Henry B. Hayes; spray gladioli, Mr. and Mrs. J.G. Collin, Mr. and Mrs. Charles T. Burnham (Farmington News, October 11, 1918).

George E. Nute acted as executor and then administrator of the estate of his recently deceased daughter, Edith M. (Nute) Brawn, a victim of the Spanish Flu epidemic.

EXECUTOR’S NOTICE. The subscriber has been duly appointed by the Judge of Probate for the County of Stratford, executor of the last will and testament of Edith M. Brawn, late of Milton, in said County, deceased, intestate. All persons having claims against said estate are requested to exhibit them for adjustment, and all indebted to make payment. November 14, A.D., 1918. George E. Nute, Executor (Farmington News, November 15, 1918).

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. Strafford, SS. Court of Probate. To the heirs at law of the estate of Edith M. Brawn, late of Milton, in said County, deceased, intestate, and to all others interested therein. Whereas George E. Nute, administrator of the estate of said deceased, has filed in the Probate office for said County the account of his administration of said estate: You are hereby cited to appear at a Court of Probate to be holden at Somersworth, in said County, on the 18th day of February next, to show cause, if any you have, why the same should not be allowed. Said administrator is ordered to serve this citation by causing the same to be published once each week for three successive weeks 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, in said County, this 21st day of January, A.D. 1919. By order of the Court, WILLIAM W. MARTIN, Register (Farmington News, January 24, 1919).

WEST MILTON. George E. Nute and his brother Ed and a party of friends are enjoying the ice fishing at the lake (Farmington News, March 14, 1919).

George E. Nute married (2nd) in Farmington, NH, March 29, 1919, Emma M. Barber, both of Milton. He was a widowed farmer, aged sixty-five years, and she was a domestic, aged seventeen years. Samuel S. Parker, J.P., performed the ceremony. She was born in Newport, NH, in 1901, daughter of William J. and Melvinia S. (Babbitt [Barbeaux]) Barber.

George E. Nute, a farmer (owner), aged sixty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census, His household included his wife, Emma M. [(Barber)] Nute, aged eighteen years (b. NH). George E. Nute owned their farm on Nute’s Ridge, free-and-clear. His house appeared in the enumeration between those of Henry B. Hayes, a farmer (owner), aged sixty-six years (b. NH), and Albert J. Goodwin, a teamster (owner), aged sixty years (b. ME).

Gorden Brawn, a machinist (navy yard), aged twenty-two years (b. NH), headed a Portsmouth, NH, household at the time of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Martha [(Rodgers)] Brawn, aged twenty-two years (b. Scotland), his father, Fred L. Brawn, a laborer (ship yard), aged fifty-five years (b. NH), and his lodgers, Andrew Murphy, a waiter (restaurant), aged thirty-four years (b. Greece), Theodore P. Lambros, a salesman (restaurant), aged thirty-four years (b. Greece), and John Tsitouros, a cook (restaurant), aged twenty-five years (b. Greece). Gordon Brawn rented their apartment at 64 Cabot Street. Martha Brawn had immigrated in 1910.

WEST MILTON. George Nute and wife spent the week-end at Ogunquit. Mr. Nute greatly enjoys fishing (Farmington News, October 20, 1922).

George Nute, a farmer (general farming), aged seventy-eight years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifteenth (1930) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of eleven years), Emma [(Barber)] Nute, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH), and his boarder, Harlan Lamper, a laborer (farming), aged thirty-nine years (b. NH). George Nute owned their farm on Nute’s Ridge [which was not valued]. They had a radio set. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Fred Downs, a laborer (ice house), aged forty-nine years (b. NH), and Douglas Blanchard, a farmer (general farm), aged thirty-five years (b. NY).

Gordon N. Brawn, a machinist (navy yard), aged thirty-two years (b. NH), headed a Portsmouth, NH, household at the time of the Fifteenth (1930) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of twenty years), Martha R. [(Rodgers)] Brawn, aged thirty-two years (b. Scotland), his children, Winifred M. Brawn, aged ten years (b. NH), Gordon F. Brawn, aged four years (b. NH), and Janet E. Brawn, aged one year (b. NH), and his father, Fred L. Brawn, aged sixty-three years (b. NH). Gordon N. Brawn owned their house at 24 Melbourne Street, which was valued at $5,000. They had a radio set.

Son-in-law Fred L. Brawn died of arteriosclerosis at 24 Melbourne Street in Portsmouth, NH, May 19, 1930, aged sixty-five years, four months, and twenty-four days. He was a widowed stationary engineer.

DEATH RECORD. FRED L. BRAWN. Former resident of Altoona, died at the home of a son, Garden Brawn of Portsmouth, N.H., on May 19. He was born in Farmington, N. H., in 1867, a son of Joseph F. and Sarah (Emphfield) Brawn, former residents of Juniata. Surviving are the son at whose home he died, three grandchildren, and four sisters, Mrs. William Taneyhill, Mrs. D.A. McCracken and Mrs. R.A. Davis, all of this city, and Mrs. Ida Cherry of Trafford, Pa. Mr. and Mrs. Davis and Mr. and Mrs. McCracken have just returned home after attending the funeral (Altoona Mirror (Altoona, PA), May 26, 1930).

WEST MILTON. Mrs. George Nute entertained relatives over the week-end (Farmington News, April 22, 1932).

George E. Nute died of apoplexy on Nute Ridge Road in Milton, November 17, 1933, aged eighty-two years, three months, and twelve days. He was a married farmer. M.A.H. Hart, M.D., signed the death certificate.

IN MEMORIAM. George E. Nute. In the death of death of George E. Nute, which occurred at his home at Nute Ridge, West Milton, last Friday, the town of his birth and lifelong residence lost one of its most estimable citizens. The deceased was an uncomplaining sufferer through four years of illness, during which he was cared for most tenderly by his wife. He was 82 years old his last birthday and was born in Milton Mills, the son of John P. and Ann (Burrell) Nute. He shared his birthright with one brother, Edward Nute, whose death occurred several years ago. Mr. Nute had been a resident of West Milton for over 60 years and was universally known in the town he had served as selectman and as a man identified with politics and civic affairs. He was the last of his family. During a short period of his life, he was connected with the shoe business in Stoughton, Mass., and during this time he affiliated with Stoughton Lodge of Odd Fellows. For many years he was one of the successful milkmen of the village and for most of his active lifetime he followed the occupation of farming. Subsequent to the death of his first wife, which occurred in 1917, he married Miss Emma Barber, who survives him. He also leaves a grandson, Gordon Brawn of Portsmouth, and three [great-] grandchildren. The funeral services were held from the home Tuesday afternoon, with Rev. E. Lincoln Bigelow, pastor of Nute chapel, officiating. Remains were taken to Milton Mills for burial, and bearers were Leon Knox, Arthur Jewell, Percy Place and George Hackett, representing the Odd Fellows (Farmington News, November 24, 1933).

Horace A. Wentworth and Emma M. (Barber) Nute oversaw the Hare Road summer house of Hollis E. Goodwin, a Dover, NH, box manufacturer.

WEST MILTON. Horace Wentworth and Mrs. Emma M. Nute have entered the employ of Mr. and Mrs. Holie Goodwin at the summer home of the latter on the Hare road (Farmington News, May 18, 1934).

Father-in-law William J. Barber died of bronchial asthma in Newport, NH, April 10, 1935, aged fifty-seven years, five months, and nine days. He was a married shoemaker.

Emma M. (Barber) Nute married (2nd) in Newport, NH, July 2, 1938, Horace A. Wentworth, both of Milton. She was a widowed shoeworker, aged thirty-six years, and he was a divorced millwright, aged forty-four years. Rev. Frank R. Doore performed the ceremony.

WEST MILTON. Mrs. Horace Wentworth recently was hostess to a wedding party from Newport, among whom were several former residents of our community, Mrs. William Barber, her three daughters, Clementine, Evelyn and Lena, and two sons, Charles and Ray (Farmington News, January 19, 1940).

Horace Wentworth, a repairman (leatherboard), aged fifty years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixteenth (1940) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Emma [((Barber) Nute)] Wentworth, a stitcher (shoe shop), aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), and his daughter, Geneva Wentworth, aged eight years (b. NH). Horace Wentworth owned their house on Nute Ridge Road, which was valued at $450. They had all resided in the “same place,” i.e., Milton, in 1935. Their house appeared in the enumeration between those of Martin G. Wentworth, a farmer, aged seventy-seven years (b. NH), and E. Lincoln Bigelow, aged fifty-two years (b. MA).

Mother-in-law Melvina S. (Barbeaux) Barber died of hypertensive heart disease in Unity, NH, April 1, 1940, aged sixty-three years, and twenty-two days. She was a widowed housewife. H.C. Sanders, M.D., signed the death certificate.

WEST MILTON. Horace Wentworth has been on the sick list and in care of a physician (Farmington News, August 4, 1944).

Horace A. Wentworth, a farmer (farm), aged fifty-six years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventeenth (1950) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Emma M. Wentworth, a fancy stitcher (shoe factory), aged forty-eight years (b. NH), and his daughter, Geneva M. Wentworth, aged seventeen years (b. NH). They resided in the “1st house on right” on Nute Ridge Road (when “Proceeding South on Nute Ridge road from intersection of Nute Ridge Road and Farmington Rd”).

Grandson Gordon N. Brawn died in Laconia, NH, October 10, 1959, aged sixty-one years.

Recent Deaths and Funerals. GORDON N. BRAWN. PORTSMOUTH, N.H. – Gordon Nute Brawn, 61, of Alton Bay, formerly of this city, died Saturday at the Laconia Hospital. A native of Milton, N.H., he was born Nov. 30, 1897, son of Frederick E. and Edith Nute Brawn. He had been employed at the Kittery Naval Shipyard for many years, retiring in 1949. Mr. Brawn was a former member of Osgood Lodge, I.O.O.F., and the North Congregational Church, both of this city. Mr. Brawn is survived by his wife, Mrs. Anna Brawn two daughters, Mrs. James P. Healy, this city, and Mrs. Joseph W. Saurman, Eliot; a son Gordon F., this city, and 11 grandchildren (Portland Press Herald (Portland, ME), October 11, 1959).

Horace A. Wentworth died of coronary thrombosis in Milton, February 26, 1962, aged sixty-eight years. He was a married millwright (fibre mill). His widow was Emma M. Barber. George G. McGregor, M.D., signed the death certificate.

DEATHS. HORACE A. WENTWORTH. West Milton – Horace A. Wentworth, 68, was stricken last Monday with a fatal heart attack while shovelling snow for a neighbor. He was born in Albany, Aug. 7, 1893. He leaves his wife, Mrs. Emma M. (Barber); two sons, Harry W. of No. Rochester, Donald W. of Rochester; one daughter, Geneva Wheeler of Laconia; two brothers, Russell and Grover Wentworth of Rochester; four sisters; Mrs. Eunice Jackson of West Milan, Mrs. Francina Beane of West Milan, Mrs. Hattie Wentworth of Littleton, Mrs. Zelma Bunner of Rochester, 13 grandchildren, one great grandchild, several nieces and nephews. Mr. Wentworth has been a resident of West Milton for the past 43 years, coming here from West Milan. He was a mill wright by trade and worked at the Spaulding Fiber Co., in North Rochester before his retirement. Funeral will be conducted at the Peaslee Funeral Home, 32 Central st., Farmington, Thursday, 2 p.m. with the Rev. Robert Dugan of the True Memorial Baptist church in Rochester officiating. Burial will be in Milton Mills in the Spring (Farmington News, March 1, 1962).

Emma M. ((Barber) Nute) Wentworth died in 1979, aged seventy-seven years.

References:

Find a Grave. (2024, June 12). Edith May Nute Brawn. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/271436738/edith-may-brawn

Find a Grave. (2024, June 12). Gordon Nute Brawn. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/271436841/gordon_nute_brawn

Find a Grave. (1913, July 31). George E. Nute. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114692762/george-e-nute

Find a Grave. (1913, July 31). John P. Nute. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114692589/john-p-nute

Find a Grave. (2013, July 31). Emma M. Barber Wentworth. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114692952/emma_m_wentworth

By Muriel Bristol | July 14, 2024

Joseph Cook was born in Milton, in 1809, son of Jeremiah and Hannah (Wentworth) Cook. (His father signed the Rochester Division Petition, in 1802; recommended that Lt. Jotham Nute be appointed justice, in 1805; and signed the Milton Anti-Division Remonstrance, in 1820).

Jeremiah Cook headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one female aged 50-59 years [Hannah (Wentworth) Cook], one male aged 20-29 years [Joseph Cook], one male aged 15-19 years, one female aged 15-19 years, and one male aged 10-14 years. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Hiram Cook and Timo Brewster.

Joseph Cook married (1st), circa 1834, Rebecca L. Ricker. She was born in Rochester, NH, December 10, 1816, daughter of Charles and Mary (Lord) Ricker. (Her father served in the War of 1812; signed the Milton Anti-Division Remonstrance, in 1820; was one of the nine incorporators of the Milton Social Library, in 1822; and headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

(The children of Joseph and Rebecca L. (Ricker) Cook were Frances Jane Cook (1835-1921), Mary Ann Cook (1837-1904), Martin Van Buren Cook (1838-1891), and Joseph Winslow Cook (1841-1847)).

Daughter Frances J. Cook was born in Milton, October 22, 1835.

The Milton Selectmen of 1836 were J.M. Twombly, Jas. Berry, and Jos. Cook.

Joseph Cook received an initial five-year appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, May 19, 1836.

The Milton Selectmen of 1837 were Jas. Berry, Jos. Cook, and J.H. Varney.

Daughter Mary Ann Cook was born in Milton, April 13, 1837.

Son Martin Van Buren Cook was born in Milton, November 16, 1838. He was a namesake for the eighth U.S. President, Martin Van Buren, who held that office between 1837 and 1841. Joseph Cook was presumably an admirer and likely a Democrat.

Jeremiah Cook headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 60-69 years [himself], one female aged 60-69 years [Hannah (Wentworth) Cook], one male aged 30-39 years [Joseph Cook], one female aged 20-29 years [Rebecca L. (Ricker) Cook], one male aged 10-14 years, two females aged under-5 years [Mary A. Cook and Frances J. Cook], and one male aged under-5 years [Martin V.B. Cook]. Three members of his household were engaged in Agriculture. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Nathaniel Burnham and Hopley Varney.

Son Joseph Winslow Cook was born in Milton, February 3, 1841.

Joseph Cook received a renewal five-year appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, May 17, 1841.

Rebecca L. (Ricker) Cook died in Milton, April 24, 1843, aged twenty-six years, five months, and fourteen days.

Joseph Cook married (2nd) in Milton, December 28, 1843, Lydia Blaisdell, both of Milton. Rev. Jacob Davis performed the ceremony. She was born in Lebanon, ME, May 1, 1807, daughter of Enoch Jr. and Olive (Nason) Blaisdell. (Her birth date has been calculated from her age at death).

Mother Hannah (Wentworth) Cook died in Milton, November 29, 1845, aged sixty-nine years.

Joseph Cook received a five-year renewal appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, May 15, 1846.

Son Joseph Winslow Cook died in Milton, August 25, 1847, aged six years, two months. He was “accidently shot dead by his uncle” (Wentworth, 1878). (His paternal uncles were William W. Cook (1798-1874), Hiram Cook (1810-1873), Elias S. Cook (1815-1868), and Ezra T. Cook (1817-1897)).

The Milton Selectmen of 1848 were Asa Jewett, Jos. Cook, and Jos. Mathes. The Milton Selectmen of 1849 were Jos. Mathes, C.C. Hayes, and Jos. Cook.

Joseph Cook, a farmer, aged forty-one years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Lydia [(Blaisdell)] Cook, aged forty-two years (b. NH), Jeremiah Cook, a farmer, aged seventy-five years (b. NH), Frances J. Cook, aged fifteen years (b. NH), Mary Cook, aged thirteen years (b. NH), and Martin V.B. Cook, aged eleven years (b. NH). Joseph Cook had real estate valued at $3,000. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Samuel W. Pinkham, a farmer, aged forty-one years (b. NH), and Hopley Varney, a farmer, aged fifty-eight years (b, NH).

Joseph Cook received a five-year renewal appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, May 17, 1851.

Father Jeremiah Cook died of heart disease in Milton, December 1, 1851, aged seventy-seven years.

Father-in-law Enoch Blaisdell, Jr., died in Lebanon, ME, September 21, 1852, aged seventy-eight years.

Joseph Cook received a five-year renewal appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, May 17, 1854. (This renewal came early, after the lapse of only three years).

Daughter Frances J. Cook married in Milton, December 15, 1858, Simon Wentworth, she of Milton, and he of Rochester, NH. She was aged twenty-three years, and he was a farmer, aged thirty-five years. Rev. James Doldt performed the ceremony. He was born in Rochester, NH, October 13, 1823, son of Beard and Sarah (Roberts) Wentworth.

In his boyhood Simon Wentworth attended the public schools of Milton, where he was well drilled in the elementary branches. Between the school sessions he obtained a practical knowledge of agriculture under the instruction of his parents. Since coming into possession of the ancestral acres, he has carried on general farming, lumbering and dairying with signal success. Having acquired more land by purchase, he is now the owner of four hundred acres lying in Rochester, Milton, and Lebanon. In 1853 he was appointed depot master at Hayes Crossing, a position which he still holds. He was also Postmaster at North Rochester for twenty years (Biographical Review, 1897). 

Joseph Cook received a five-year renewal appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, June 17, 1859.

Joseph Cook was an incorporator of the First Christian Society of Milton, when the NH Legislature authorized it in June 1860. (This was the Christian Church of which Daniel B. Goodwin (1811-1888) would be the Elder).

CHAPTER 2429. AN ACT to incorporate the First Christian Society in Milton. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
SECTION 1. That Ichabod H. Wentworth, Joseph Cook, Isaac C. Young, Jonathan Howe, and Joseph Goodwin, and other proprietors and pew-holders in the Union Christian Chapel in Milton, their associates, successors, and assigns, be, and are hereby incorporated and made a body politic and corporate, under the name of the First Christian Society in Milton, with all the powers and privileges necessary and proper for effecting the object of their incorporation, and are authorized to ordain and establish such by-laws and regulations not repugnant to the constitution and laws of this State, as they may think proper, for the election and government of the officers and members, and the management of the property of said society.
SEC. 2. Said society may take, hold, and possess by purchase, gift, devise, or otherwise, any real and personal property to the amount of three thousand dollars, the major part whereof being now invested in the meeting-house now occupied by the First Christian Society (so called) in Milton, with the land upon which the same is situated, for the purpose of maintaining a house of public worship, and other buildings connected therewith, and for the support of public worship therein. … (NH Secretary of State, 1860).

Joseph Cook, a farmer, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton P.O.”) household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Lydia [(Blaisdell)] Cook, aged fifty-three years (b. NH), M.V.B. Cook, a farmer, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), M.A. Cook, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), and Joseph Kenney, a farm laborer, aged twenty-one years (b. NH). Joseph Cook had real estate valued at $6,000 and personal estate valued at $3,000. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Henry Varney, a farmer, aged thirty years (b, NH), and Stephen Twombly, a farmer, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH).

Beard Wentworth, a farmer, aged sixty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Rochester (“Farmington P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Simon Wentworth, a farmer, aged thirty-six years (b. NH), Frances J. [(Cook)] Wentworth, aged twenty-five years (b. NH), Sarah A. Wentworth, aged eighteen years (b. NH), and Parker Lord, aged thirteen years (b. MA). Beard Wentworth had real estate valued at $3,500 and personal estate valued at $500.

The Milton Selectmen of 1861 were Jos. Plumer, M.W. Shapleigh, and Jos. Cook. The Milton Selectmen of 1862 were Jos. Cook, Geo. Lyman, and J.N. Witham.

Joseph Cook received a five-year renewal appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, July 2, 1866. (This renewal came late, after the elapse of seven years).

Justices. Milton. Charles Jones, Luther Hayes, Elbridge W. Fox, Joseph Plumer, Ebenezer Wentworth, Ezra H. Twombly, Joseph Mathes, Charles A. Cloutman, Asa Jewett, Elias S. Cook, Joseph Cook, Robert Mathes, Eli Fernald, Asa Jewett, Daniel S. Burley, Ira C. Varney, George Lyman, George W. Peavey (Briggs & Co., 1868).

Brother Elias S. Cook died of consumption in Milton, April 6, 1868. He was a married farmer.

Joseph Cook, a farmer, aged sixty-one years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Lydia Cook, keeping house, aged sixty-three years (b. ME), Mary A Cook, a teacher, aged thirty-two years (b. NH), Martin V.B. Cook, a farm laborer, aged thirty years (b. NH). Joseph Cook had real estate valued at $5,000 and personal estate valued at $1,765. Martin V.B. Cook had real estate valued at $800 and personal estate valued at $300. Their household was enumerated between those of James H. Varney, a farmer, aged forty years (b. NH) and Stephen Twombly, a farmer, aged sixty-six years (b. NH).

Simon Wentworth, a farmer, aged forty-six years (b. NH), headed a Rochester (“Gonic P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1870) Federal Census. his household included Frances [(Cook)] Wentworth, keeping house, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), Elmer E. Wentworth, at home, aged nine years (b. NH), and Walter Wentworth, at home, aged seven years (b. NH). Beard Wentworth had real estate valued at $2,500 and personal estate valued at $800.

Son Martin V.B. Cook married in Wakefield, NH, December 27, 1870, Lizzie S. “Sarah” Sanborn, he of Milton and she of Acton, ME. He was a farmer, aged thirty-two years, and she was aged thirty-two years. Rev. Nathaniel Barker performed the ceremony. She was born in Acton, ME, September 11, 1838, daughter of Luther and Abigail (Berry) Sanborn.

Joseph Cook received a five-year renewal appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, July 12, 1871.

Brother Hiram Cook died of dropsy in Milton, September 16, 1873, aged sixty-three years, eleven months. He was married. Brother William W. Cook died of dropsy in Milton, July 7, 1874, aged seventy-five years, eight months. He was married.

Joseph Cook received a renewal appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, June 20, 1876.

MILTON. Justices. Luther Hayes, C.H. Looney, E.W. Fox, State; Joseph Mathes, Joseph Cook, George Lyman, G.W. Peavey, J.S. Hersey, J.N. Sims, B.B. Plummer, B.P. Roberts (Tower, 1876).

Joseph Cook received his last five-year renewal appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, April 10, 1877. (This renewal came early, after the lapse of only ten months).

Joseph Cook, a farmer, aged seventy-one years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Lydia Cook, keeping house, aged seventy-three years (b. ME), his son, Martin V.B. Cook, a farmer (b. NH), aged forty-one years, his daughter-in-law, Sarah E. [(Sanborn)] Cook, keeping house, aged forty-one years (b. ME), and his granddaughter, Bertha Cook, aged three years (b. NH). Their household was enumerated between those of James H. Varney, a farmer, aged fifty years (b. NH), and Deborah Pike, keeping house, aged seventy-nine years (b. NH).

George F. Richardson, a station agent, aged forty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Mary A. [(Donnell)] Richardson, millinery store, aged thirty-five years (b. ME), his servant, Mary A. Cook, a housekeeper, aged thirty-seven [forty-seven] years (b. NH), and his boarders, James E. Tebbetts, retail hardware, aged twenty-four years (b. ME), and Charles L. Tebbetts, retail hardware, aged twenty-one years (b. ME). They resided on Wakefield Street.

Simon Wentworth, a farmer, aged fifty-six years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Frances J. [(Cook)] Wentworth, keeping house, aged forty-five years (b. NH), his sons, Elmer E. Wentworth, clerk in store, aged nineteen years (b. NH), Walter S. Wentworth, at home, aged seventeen years (b. NH), and Fred B. Wentworth, at home, aged fifteen years (b. NH), and his boarder, Joseph M. Noyes, at home, aged sixty-three years (b. MA).

Joseph Cook of Milton made his last will, September 12, 1881. He devised to his beloved wife, Lydia Cook, all his household goods, bedsteads, bedding, and other furniture. He devised $5 to his daughter, Frances J. Wentworth, wife of Simon Wentworth of Rochester, He devised $200 to his daughter, Mary Ann Cook of Milton. He devised all his lands in Milton to his son, Martin V.B. Cook of Milton, provided “he shall support, on all the said premises, my said wife, Lydia Cook, during her natural life, in a manner suitable to her condition, kindly providing for her wants in sickness and in health, this to be in lien and in full satisfaction of all her rights of dower and homestead in said premises.” He named his son, Martin V.B. Cook, as executor. Lewis R. Wiggin, George A. Eastman, and Harry C. Waldron signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 105:534).

Lydia (Blaisdell) Cook died of congestion of the lungs in Milton, October 28, 1890, aged eighty-three years, five months, and twenty-seven days. She was a married housekeeper.

DIED. In Farmington, Oct. 29, Lydia Cook, aged 83 years, 5 months and 27 days (Farmington News, October 31, 1890).

Son Martin V.B. Cook died of Bright’s Disease in Milton, December 21, 1891, aged fifty-three years, and one month. J.E. Scruton, M.D., of Union, [Wakefield,] NH, signed the death certificate.

MILTON. Joseph Cook is improving (Farmington News, January 22, 1892).

Joseph Cook of Milton of necessity made a codicil to his 1881 last will, January 22, 1892. He acknowledged the decease of his son and designated executor, Martin V.B. Cook, and redirected his share to his daughter-in-law, Sarah E. Cook, and to his granddaughter, Bertha Cook, who were the widow and daughter of Martin V.B. Cook. He named Charles C. Hayes of Milton to be replacement executor. Ira A. Cook, Moses Sanborn, and Thomas J. Horne signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 105:536).

MILTON. Mr. Joseph Cook had a granite slab taken to the Pride shop and lettered for himself and wives and it will be placed in the family burial lot (Farmington News, June 17, 1892).

Joseph Cook died of cystitis in Milton, August 13, 1892, aged eighty-three years, two months. He was a widowed farmer. John P. Elkins, M.D., signed the death certificate.

LOCALS. Joseph Cook of West Milton died last Friday at his home (Farmington News, August 19, 1892).

The  last will of Joseph Cook and its codicil were proved in a Strafford County Probate Court held in Farmington, NH, August 16, 1892 (Strafford County Probate, 105:538).

Brother Ezra T. Cook died of pneumonia in Bethlehem, NH, February 9, 1897, aged seventy-nine years, eleven months. He was a married farmer. G.F. Abbott, M.D. signed the death certificate.

WEST MILTON. The M.V.B Cook place is said to have been sold to Mr. Kimball and spring work is being done there (Farmington News, May 20, 1898).

WEST MILTON. Messrs. Downing, Emery and Curtis are cutting wood on the M.V.B. Cook place (Farmington News, March 24, 1899).

Daughter Mary Ann Cook of Rochester, NH, made her last will, July 18, 1899. She devised all her worldly goods to her sister, Frances J. Wentworth of Rochester, NH, whom she also named as executor. Chas A. Buck, Eugene L. Hutchins, and John L. Copp signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 121:150).

Simon Wentworth, a farmer, aged seventy-six years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of forty years), Frances [(Cook)] Wentworth, aged sixty-four years (b. NH), his son, Walter S. Wentworth, a farm laborer, aged thirty-six years (b. NH), his sister-in-law, Mary A. Cook, a servant, aged sixty-three years (b. NH), his servant, Hosea Sherry, a farm laborer, aged fifty years (b. NH), and his boarders, John Newbury, a station agent, aged twenty-four years, Huntly Spaulding, leatherboard mfg., aged thirty years (b. MA), John H. Dresser, a station agent, aged fifty-three years (b. MA), Rolland Spaulding, leatherboard mfg., aged twenty-seven years (b. MA), Fred B. Braley, a carpenter, aged thirty-one years (b. NH), Seth A. Moulton, a draughtsman, aged twenty-four years (b. MA), and Peter Virgin, a carpenter, aged forty-seven years (b. VT). Simon Wentworth owned their farm, free-and-clear. Frances Wentworth was the mother of three children, of whom three were still living.

(Two of the three Spaulding Brothers, and a draftsman from Ira W. Jones’s office, as well as the two carpenters, were all boarding in the Wentworth home at Hayes Crossing in North Rochester during the construction of the nearby third Spaulding leatherboard mill in North Rochester).

William F. Cutts, a farmer, aged sixty-nine years (b. ME), headed a Milton household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his sister-in-law, Sarah E. [(Sanborn)] Cook, a housekeeper, aged sixty-one years (b. ME). William F. Cutts owned their farm, free-and-clear. Their household was enumerated between those of Lincoln Goodwin, a farmer, aged thirty-nine years (b. ME), and Arastus B. Shaw, a carpenter, aged fifty-nine years (b. NH).

MILTON. The buildings of Simon Wentworth of North Rochester, consisting of house and two barns, were destroyed by fire last Thursday night, about midnight. The fire caught from a defective chimney in the ell. The furniture was saved, also the horses, cattle and farming implements. Loss $3000; insured for $1000 (Farmington News, 1904).

Daughter Mary Ann Cook died of apoplexy, i.e., a stroke, in North Rochester, NH, September 17, 1904. M.A.H. Hart, M.D., signed the death certificate. Her last will was proved in a Strafford County Probate court held in Dover, NH, November 1, 1904 (Strafford County Probate, 121:151).

UNION. J. Frank Farnham and wife are entertaining their son and his wife of Haverhill, Mass., also Mrs. Farnham’s brother, Charles Cutts with his two daughters, and Mrs. Lizzie Cook of Merrimac, Mass. (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), November 26, 1906).

UNION. Mrs. Lizzie Cook returned to her home in Merrimack last week (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), February 16, 1906).

UNION. Mrs. J. Frank Farnham and Mrs. Lizzie Cook were in Rochester last Friday (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), February 8, 1907).

UNION. Mrs. G. Frank Farnham, Mrs. Myra Adams and Mrs. Lizzie Cook spent a day at York beach recently (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), September 27, 1907).

Son-in-law Simon Wentworth died of acute indigestion on Wakefield Street in North Rochester, NH, December 6, 1907, aged eighty-four years, one month, and twenty-three days. He was a married farmer. M.A.H. Hart, M.D., signed the death certificate.

RECENT DEATHS. Simon Wentworth. Simon Wentworth one of the oldest citizens and for forty years, till about four years ago, station agent for the Boston & Maine at Hayes, now Rochester, N.H., died Saturday afternoon at his home there, aged 84. He was born in North Rochester and always lived there. In connection with his occupation as station agent, he was engaged in farming and did a prosperous lumber business. In 1861-62 he served as a selectman. He was a member of Humane Lodge of Masons, and a charter member of the Rochester Fair Association. He is survived by his wife and three sons, Walter, of Rochester, Fred B., of Boston, and Elmer E., of Springvale (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), December 13, 1907).

ACTON. Martin V.B. Sanborn and his sister, Mrs. Lizzie Cook, former residents of this place, were here making calls on old friends last week. Mr. Sanborn has not been here for 18 years, and finds many his neighbors have passed to the other shore (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), September 25, 1908).

MILTON MILLS. Mrs. Lizzie Cook, of Union, was a visitor to Miss Mary A. Berry’s last week (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), December 18, 1908).

MILTON MILLS. The officers of Sunrise Rebekah Lodge, I.O.O.F., were installed last Wednesday evening by P.N.G. Hattie M. Fox, assisted by Past Noble Grands Mary Sanborn, Lizzie Cook, Sadie M. Stevens, Alice S. Lewis, P.G.O.C. Titcomb and Forrest Marsh. The officers are as follows: N.G. Mildred T. Marsh; V.G. Marguerite M. Stevens; Sec. Olive A. Horne; Treas. Hattie M. Fox; War. Asenath Longley; Con. Helen G. Fox; I.G. Florence Warnock; O.G. Mary Hawksworth; Chap. Hannah R. Lowe; R.S.N.G. Mary R. Sanborn; L.S.N.G. Annette Page; R.S.V.G. Alice S. Lewis; L.S.V.G. Helen C. Small. After the installation coffee and cake were served (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), January 29, 1909).

WEST MILTON. J. Frank Farnham, wife and daughter Hazel, of Union, accompanied by Mrs. Lizzie Cook, called at the home of Annie Cook last Sunday afternoon. The latter is the widow of the late Martin V.B. Cook (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), November 26, 1909).

Walter S. Wentworth, a farmer, aged forty-six years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. His household included his mother, Frances J. [(Cook)] Wentworth, aged seventy-four years (b. NH). Walter S. Wentworth owned their farm in East Rochester village, free-and-clear. Frances J. Wentworth was the mother of three children, of whom three were still living.

J. Frank Farnham, an excelsior manufacturer, aged fifty years (b. ME), headed a Wakefield (“Union Village”) household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Ora E. [(Cutts)] Farnham, aged fifty-one years (b. ME), his daughter, Hazel A. Farnham, aged sixteen years (b. NH), and his boarder, Sarah L. [(Sanborn)] Cook,  a widow (own income), aged seventy years (b. NH). Ora E. Farnham was the mother of two children, of whom two were still living. Sarah L. Cook was the mother of three children, of whom none were still living.

UNION. Mrs. Lizzie Cook is visiting friends in Massachusetts (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), December 16, 1910).

Daughter-in-law Lizzie S. “Sarah” (Sanborn) Cook died of interstitial nephritis in Union, Wakefield, NH, June 4, 1914, aged seventy-five years, eight months, and twenty-three days. She had been resident there for twenty years, with her previous residence in neighboring Milton. Charles C. Rogers, M.D., of Farmington, NH, signed the death certificate.

West Milton. The old friends and neighbors of former resident Mrs. Sarah Elizabeth Cook were grieved to learn of her death, which occurred at the home of her niece and husband, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Farnum of Union last Thursday morning. Death followed a short illness at the age of 76 years. The deceased was born in Acton, Me., the daughter of Luther and Abbie (Berry) Sanborn. She was the widow of Martin V.B. Cook, whom she survived about twenty-two years. Mrs. Cook passed many years at the old Cook homestead, now owned by C.P. Grace. She was a woman of gentle and motherly kindness, possessed of a Christian character and the attributes of a high and noble purpose. Many among us have reason to remember her by these qualities. Funeral was held from the home last Sunday afternoon, with a large attendance of relatives and friends and a profusion of beautiful floral tributes (Farmington News, June 12, 1914).

Frances J. [(Cook)] Wentworth, aged eighty-three years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census. Her household included her housekeeper, Nellie E. Swain, a housekeeper (private family), aged fifty years (b. MA). Frances J. Wentworth owned their house in the North Rochester District, free-and-clear. Her household appeared in the enumeration next to that of Rolland H. Spaulding, a manufacturer (own mill), aged forty-six years (b. MA).

Daughter Frances J. (Cook) Wentworth died of carcinoma of the scalp (and old age) on Wakefield Street in Rochester, NH, June 7, 1921, aged eighty-five years, seven months, and twelve days. M.A.H. Hart, M.D., signed the death certificate.

References:

Biographical Review. (1897). Biographical Review. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=C2sjAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA132

Find a Grave. (2015, July 18). Enoch Blaisdell, Jr. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/149424361/enoch-blaisdell

Find a Grave. (2022, July 11). Jeremiah Cook. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/241512490/jeremiah_cook

Find a Grave. (2022, July 11). Joseph Cook. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/241512377/joseph-cook

Find a Grave. (2022, July 11). Joseph [Winslow] Cook. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/241513101/joseph_cook

Find a Grave. (2013, August 13). Martin V.B. Cook. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/115375461/martin-v.b-cook

Find a Grave. (2022, July 11). Mary Ann Cook. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/241513054/mary_ann_cook

Find a Grave. (2013, August 13). Bertha Cook Drawbridge. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/115375165/bertha-drawbridge

Find a Grave. (2016, November 29). Frances Jane Cook Wentworth. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/173321648/frances_jane_wentworth

Wentworth, John. (1878). Wentworth Genealogy. Boston, MA: Little, Brown and Co.

By Muriel Bristol | July 7, 2024

Josiah Norton Witham was born in Milton, November 25, 1815, son of Josiah and Mehitable (Jones) Witham.

Josiah N. Witham married in Milton, May 31, 1838, Sarah A. Walker, both of Milton. Rev. John French performed the ceremony. She was born in Milton, April 20, 1814, daughter of Joseph and Sally (Pray) Walker.

Josiah N. Witham headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 20-29 years [himself], and one female age 20-29 years [Sarah A. (Walker) Witham]. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in enumeration between those of Levi Wentworth and [his father,] Josiah Witham.

Josiah N. Witham, farming, aged thirty-four years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Sarah [(Walker)] Witham, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), Charles Witham, aged ten years (b. NH), Eliza Witham, aged six years (b. NH), Charles Witham, aged three years (b. NH), Mehitable [(Jones)] Witham, aged fifty-two years (b. ME), Lucy Witham, aged fifty years (b. NH), and Martha Witham, aged forty years (b. NH). Josiah N. Witham had real estate value at $3,000. Their household was enumerated between those of Brackett Merrill, a lumber dealer, aged thirty-four years (b. ME), and Asa Jewett, a lumber dealer, aged thirty-five years (b. NH).

The Milton Selectmen of 1853 were Eli Wentworth, J.S. Hersey, and J.N. Witham. The Milton Selectmen of 1854 were J.S. Hersey, J.N. Witham, and Lewis Plummer.

J.N. Witham, a farmer, aged forty-four years, headed a Milton (“Milton Mills”) household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Sarah A. [(Walker)] Witham, aged forty-six years (b. NH), Charles Witham, aged fourteen years (b. NH), and Mary E. Witham, aged eleven years (b. NH). J.N. Witham had real estate valued at $3,000 and personal estate valued at $1,500. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Nathl Rines, a farmer, aged forty-four years (b. NH), and Mehitable [(Jones)] Witham, aged ninety years (b. ME).

The Milton Selectmen of 1862 were Jos. Cook, Geo. Lyman, and J.N. Witham. The Milton Selectmen of 1863 were Geo. Lyman, J.N. Witham, and T.H. Roberts.

According to Scale’s History of Strafford County, the Methodist Church of Milton Mills organized itself in June 1869 and erected its “neat and tasty” meeting-house in 1871. J.N. Witham was chosen to be both a steward and trustee.

The Methodist Church of Milton Mills was organized in June, 1869. The first officers were Asa A. Fox, clerk, John Brackett, treasurer, Harris Brown, sexton, Alpheus Remick, collector; Stewards A.B. Shaw, John Brackett, E.C. Abbott, S.F. Rines, W. Hapgood, J.N. Witham, B.S. Butler, H.L. Mitchell, A.A. Plumer; trustees, A.B. Shaw, B.S. Butler, J.B. Dow, J. Brackett, S.F. Rines, J. Lewis, J.N. Witham, G.E. Hart, W. Patten (Scales, 1914).

Lura Agnes Booth was born in Milton Mills, September 5, 1864, daughter of British natives George (b. England) and Belle Booth (b. Scotland). (Her father, George Booth, remains a bit of a mystery. A Bella Booth, was born in Scotland in 1832, had immigrated circa 1865, and resided as a widow in the Strafford County Farm and House of Correction form at least 1900 through her death there, October 14, 1925, aged ninety-five years). Josiah N. and Sarah A. (Walker) Witham adopted Lura A. Booth, at sometime between her birth in 1864 and her appearance in their household in 1870.

Josiah N. Witham, a farmer, aged fifty-four years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Sarah A. [(Walker)] Witham, keeping house, aged fifty-six years (b. NH), Lura Booth, aged six years (b. NH), and Allen Randall, a farm laborer, aged forty years (b. NH). Josiah N. Witham had real estate valued at $3,000 and personal estate valued at $1,072. Theirs was a two-family residence, which they shared with the household of Lucy Witham, keeping house, aged seventy-two years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Joseph Coleman, a carpenter, aged seventy-nine years (b. NH), and Olive L. Remmick, keeping house, aged seventy-nine years (b. ME).

Josiah N. Witham, went as Representative of the Unity Lodge, No. 62, to a semi-annual communication meeting of the M.W. Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New Hampshire, which was held in Concord, NH, December 28, 1875. Champlain L. Smith, went also as the proxy for Worshipful Master (M.W. Grand Lodge, 1876).

Josiah N. Witham went again as Representative of the Unity Lodge, No. 62, to a annual communication meeting of the M.W. Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New Hampshire, which was held in Concord, NH, May 17, 1876. Charles C. Hayes attended also as Worshipful Master, and Daniel S. Burleigh as proxy for the Senior Warden (M.W. Grand Lodge, 1876).

Josiah N. Witham, a farmer, aged sixty-four years, headed a Milton household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Sarah A. [(Walker)] Witham, keeping house, aged sixty-four years (b NH), and his adopted daughter, Lura A. Witham, works in felt mill, aged seventeen years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Samuel F. Rines, a blacksmith, aged sixty-two years (b. NH), and Fred P. Jones, a farmer, aged twenty years (b. NH).

Josiah N. Witham of Milton made his last will in Wakefield, NH, December 7, 1882. He devised all his real and personal property to his beloved wife, Sarah A. Walker. Should she die before the will came into effect, his property would be split between Lura A. Booth and the Methodist Episcopal Church of Milton Mills. Booth was to get all of the real estate and one-half of the household goods and personal property. The church was to get the other half of the personal property and create a fund with the proceeds to maintain worship. He appointed John U. Simes as his executor and also revoked a prior will of February 15, 1875. Daniel S. Burley, Sophia J. Varney, and Charles A. Varney signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 102:81).

Josiah N. Witham died of enteritis in Milton, June 22, 1884, aged sixty-eight years, eight months, and three days. He was a married farmer. His last will was proved in a Strafford County Probate court held in Dover, NH, in July 1884 (Strafford County Probate, 102:83).

Adopted daughter Lura A. Booth married (1st) in Wakefield, NH, August 13, 1890, Edwin C. Barnes, she of Milton and he of Chelsea, MA. She was a lady, aged twenty-six years, and he was an accountant, aged sixty-four years. Rev. Joseph Spinney performed the ceremony. Barnes was born in Boston, MA, July 24, 1826, son of Edwin and Betsy L. (Lincoln) Barnes.

Son-in-law Edwin C. Barnes of Chelsea, MA, made his last will, May 22, 1891. He devised to his wife, Lura A. Barnes, his house and land at 139 Chestnut Street in Chelsea, which he had received by the will of his former wife, Harriette C. Barnes (back in 1888). She was also to receive “… all my household furniture including bedding, carpets, silver ware, silver-plate, china, glass, ornaments, piano, books, pictures, and all household effects, together with the fuel and consumable supplies that may be in my house at the time of my decease, excepting however, certain articles hereinafter bequeathed to my sons.” He devised also to her his gold watch and chain and all the wearing apparel of his former wife.

Barnes devised also to his sons, Henry C. Barnes, Arthur M.L. Barnes, and Edwin S. Barnes. Son Henry C. Barnes received the large worsted picture of “Peter the Great Saved by His Mother,” a large silver pitcher, and his grandfather’s Masonic regalia. Son Arthur M.L. Barnes received a worsted picture of “Feeding the Horses,” and a silver cream pitcher present to his grandfather by the St. Andrew’s Lodge of Boston, MA. Son Edwin S. Barnes received two worsted pictures, one of a child in a carriage with a dog, the other of a Scottish peasant’s house interior, as well as a gold watch and chain and silver-keyed cocoa flute. He devised all the rest and residue of his estate in shares to his wife, Lura A. Barnes (4/10), sons Henry C. Barnes and Arthur M.L. Barnes (1/10 each), and Edwin S. Barnes (4/10) and a trust fund (Suffolk County Probate, 664:46).

Son-in-law Edwin C. Barnes died of cirrhosis of the liver in Boston, MA, November 15, 1892, aged sixty-six years, four months. He was a married bookkeeper. His will was proved in Suffolk County Probate court, December 1, 1892 (Suffolk County Probate, 664:46).

Death of Edwin C. Barnes. Mr. Edwin C. Barnes, one of the oldest residents of Chelsea, and a life-long Democrat, died at his residence, 139 Chestnut st., yesterday. In former years he was one of the most prominent members of the city government. Was a member of the council in 1866-67, an alderman in 1868-74, and was the first Democratic candidate for mayor. He was ill but a few weeks, and death was due to dropsy and heart failure (Boston Globe, November 16, 1892).

Adopted daughter Lura A. (Booth) Barnes married (2nd) in Milton, November 1, 1899, John J. Howland, Jr., she of Milton and he of Carroll, NH. She was a lady, aged thirty-four years, and he was a hotel proprietor, aged thirty-nine years. Alba M. Markey, J.P., performed the ceremony. Howland was born in Canada, circa 1860, son of John and Catherine (Dillon) Booth.

Sarah A. [(Walker)] Withum, a homekeeper, aged eighty-six years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills Village”) household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. Her household included her son-in-law, John J. Howland, a day laborer, aged forty years (b. Canada), and her adopted daughter, Lura A. [((Booth) Barnes)] Howland, aged thirty-six years (b. NH). Sarah A. Withum owned their house, free-and-clear. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Leonard Reed, a wool picker (factory), aged forty-six years (b. ME), and Crosby H. Prescott, a hotel headwaiter, aged forty-nine years (b. ME).

Sarah A. (Walker) Witham of Milton made her last will, September 10, 1900. She devised $1 each to her nieces and nephews, George M. Walker, Aza Walker, Charles Walker, Reuben Walker, John Walker, Frank Walker, Clarrie Lord, Angie Hanson, Mary Shaw, Emma Morey, Nellie Gifford, Martha Foss, Louisa Gaynor, and Eliza A. Walker. She devised $100 to the Milton Mills Methodist Episcopal Church for repairs to the church and parsonage, as might be needed. She devised all the rest and residue of her real estate, personal property, and bank accounts to her adopted daughter, Lura A. Howland, who she also named as executrix. Hiram Wentworth, Frank D. Stevens, and Ira Miller signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 119: 416).

Son-in-law John J. Howland appeared in the Milton directory of 1902, as a hotel clerk, with his house at 23 Western av., Milton Mills.

Sarah A. Witham died of exhaustion (and an abdominal tumor) in Milton Mills, December 17, 1902, aged eighty-eight years, eight months. She was a widowed housekeeper. W.E. Pillsbury, M.D., signed the death certificate.

The last will of Sarah A. Walker was proved in a Strafford County Probate court held in Dover, NH, January 6, 1903 (Strafford County Probate, 119: 417).

Son-in-law John J. Howland appeared in the Milton directories of 1905, and 1909, as a hotel clerk at Crawford House, with his house at 23 Western av., Milton Mills.

(A John Howland was enumerated in the Crawford Grant as a hotel painter, aged twenty-eight [eighteen] years (b. Canada), in 1880. John J. Howland was resident in Carroll, NH, and had just attained the statutory twenty-one years of age, when he was naturalized in Lancaster, NH, in November 1881. At the time of his 1899 marriage certificate, he resided still in Carroll, NH. It seems more likely that he clerked for – and seasonably commuted to – the Crawford House at Crawford Notch, rather the Crawford House in Boston, MA. (Both were accessible by train)).

John J. Howland, Jr., a hotel clerk, aged fifty years (b. Canada), headed a Milton household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of ten years), Lura A. [(Booth)] Howland, aged forty-two years). John J. Howland, Jr., owned their house, free-and-clear. Their house appeared in the enumeration between those of Joseph Hanscom, a sawmill master, aged twenty-nine years (b. ME), and Nicholas Mucci, a general store proprietor, aged forty (b. Italy).

Son-in-law John J. Howland appeared in the Milton directory of 1912, as a hotel clerk at Crawford House, with his house at 23 Western av., Milton Mills.

MILTON MILLS. (Special to The Tribune). The Ladies’ Aid of the Methodist church met with Mrs. Fannie Emerson Wednesday of last week. The new officers for the ensuing year were elected: Mrs. Sarah L. Jewett, president; Mrs. Lura Howland, vice president; Mrs. Annie Sibley, secretary; Mrs. Fannie Emerson, treasurer. The next meeting will be held with Mrs. James Lewis (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), May 5, 1916).

Son-in-law John Howland, Jr., died December 17, 1916, aged fifty-six years. (He was buried in Milton Mills).

Son-in-law John J. Howland appeared posthumously in the Milton directory of 1917 as a hotel clerk, with his house at 23 Western av., Milton Mills.

Lura A. [((Booth) Barnes)] Howland, aged fifty-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census. She owned her house on Western Avenue, free-and-clear. Her household appeared in the enumeration between those of Freeman H. Lowd, a lumberman (owner), aged sixty-six years (b. ME), and Harriet Farnham, aged eighty-four years (b. NH).

Lura A. Howland appeared in the Milton directories of 1927, and 1930, as having her house at Milton Mills.

Lura [((Booth) Barnes)] Howland, aged sixty years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills Village”) household at the time of the Fifteenth (1930) Federal Census. She owned her house on Western Avenue (near Willey Hill Road), which was valued at $1,200. She did not have a radio set. Her household appeared in the enumeration between those of Herbert Goldthwait, a laborer (odd jobs), aged forty-two years (b. MA), and Freeman Lowd, aged seventy-six years (b. ME).

MILTON MILLS. Mrs. Lura Howland is in Boston visiting friends (Farmington News, November 2, 1934).

MILTON MILLS. Mrs. Lura Howland has gone to Boston to visit friends for a few weeks (Farmington News, February 15, 1935).

Lura A. Howland appeared in the Milton directory of 1936-37, as having her house at Milton Mills.

Lura A. [((Booth) Barnes)] Howland, aged seventy-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills Center”) household at the time of the Sixteenth (1940) Federal Census. Laura A. Howland owned her house, which was valued at $1,000. She had resided in the “same house” in 1935. Her household appeared in the enumeration between those of Harry P. Fletcher, a painter (own shop), aged forty-seven years (b. ME).and Halton R. Hayes, a blanket mill proprietor, aged forty-seven years (b. NH).

Mrs. Carr G. Horn of Portland, ME, gave a silver tea benefit for the Sunday School of the Acton Corner Community Church, at her summer house in Horn’s Mills in Acton, ME, in August 1941. It was said to be one of the most important social events of the season. Among those present were Mrs. Marguerite Stevens, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred W. Lewis, Mrs. Fannie A. Langley, Mrs. Delia M. Flye, and Mrs. Lura A. Howland, all of Milton Mills (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), August 21, 1941).

Lura A. Howland, of 35 Daniel Street, Portsmouth, NH, attended a cooking school class given by Miss Ruth Bean on April 7, 1943. She was one of twenty-five attendees that won a market bag door prize (Portsmouth Herald, April 8, 1943).

Adopted daughter Lura A. ((Booth) Barnes) Howland died of arteriosclerotic heart disease in the Portsmouth Hospital in Portsmouth, NH, March 9, 1950, aged eighty-five years. She was a widowed home keeper. John J. Doyle, M.D., signed the death certificate.

Deaths and Funerals. Mrs. Lura Howland. Mrs. Lura Agnes Howland, 85, of 35 Daniel street, a resident of this city for the past four months, died today at Portsmouth hospital. The widow of the late John Howland, she was born in Milton Sept. 5, 1864. She was a member of the Milton Mills Methodist church and its Women’s Society of Christian Service and the Milton Mills Rebekah lodge (Portsmouth Herald, March 9, 1950).

Deaths and Funerals. Mrs. Lura A. Howland. Funeral services for Mrs. Lura Agnes Howland of 35 Daniel street were held at the Milton Mills Methodist church yesterday. The Rev. Roland L. Thornton pastor of the Methodist church, Sanbornville, officiated, assisted the Rev. Buell Maxfield of the Milton Mills Baptist church. Mrs. Abbie Anderson was organist. Included in the attendance were members of the church, the Women’s Society of Christian Service headed by Mrs. Grace Taylor, and more than 20 members of Sunrise Rebekah lodge of Milton Mills headed by Mrs. Virginia Mee, noble grand. Bearers were John Horne, Halton Hayes, Frank Goodwin, William Madden, Charles Langley and George Longley. Temporary interment was in the receiving vault in South cemetery, Portsmouth. Burial will take place later in the family lot in Milton Mills (Portsmouth Herald, March 13, 1950).

References:

Find a Grave. (2013, July 31). Lura A. Howland. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114677309/lura-a-howland

M.W. Grand Lodge. (1876). Proceedings of the M.W. Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New Hampshire. O.H. Rittner: Manchester, NH

Wikipedia. (2022, September 12). Crawford House (Crawford Notch, New Hampshire). Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crawford_House_(Crawford_Notch,_New_Hampshire)