By Muriel Bristol | August 25, 2024
Benjamin Scates was born in Berwick, ME, February 10, 1750, son of John and Abigail (Hayes) Scates.
Benjamin Scates married (1st), probably in Lebanon, ME, circa 1772, Lydia Jenness. She was born September 6, 1752, daughter of John and Lucy (Norton) Jenness.
(The known children of Benjamin and Lydia (Jenness) Scates were: “Child” Scates (1773-1774), John Scates (1775–185?), Lydia Scates (1777–1820), Hannah Scates (1780–), Lucy Scates (1782–185?), Isaac Scates (1785–182?), Norton Scates (1790-1873), and Benjamin Scates, Jr. (1794–1862)).
Benjamin and Lydia (Jenness) Scates resided in western Lebanon, ME.
He resided in the Salmon Falls River valley on the most westerly farm in town, which he sold to John Cottle [1760-c1832] of Kittery, the first of the name Cottle to come to town. The farm is now (1896) owned by the heirs of Henry Cottle [1834-1894] (Chamberlain, 1897).
A child of Benjamin Scates was buried in Lebanon, ME, January 1, 1774.
Son John Scates was born in Lebanon, ME, December 4, 1774. He was a namesake for both his paternal grandfather, John Scates, and his maternal grandfather, John Jenness. He was baptized in Lebanon, May 7, 1775.
Mother Abigail (Hayes) Scates was ill in the Lebanon, ME, house of her son, Benjamin Scates, February 18, 1776.
Daughter Lydia Scates was born in Lebanon, ME, July 3, 1777.
Benjamin Scates of Lebanon, ME, served for two months, July 10, to September 10, 1779, in Capt. John Goodwin’s company, in Maj. Daniel Littlefield’s detachment of York County militia, in the ill-fated Penobscot Expedition of 1779.
A Massachusetts fleet and expeditionary force sought to overcome a newly established British Fort George at Majabagaduce or Bagaduce, i.e., Castine, ME, on the eastern side of Penobscot Bay in July 1779. (Maine was then a “Province” of Massachusetts).
On July 26, [General] Lovell sent a force of Continental Marines to capture the British battery on Nautilus Island (also known as Banks Island), while the militia were to land at Bagaduce. The marines achieved their objective but the militia turned back when British shot overturned the leading boat, drowning Major Daniel Littlefield and two of his men. Meanwhile, 750 men under Lovell landed and began construction of siege works under constant fire (Buker, 2015).
A British fleet arrived and scattered the Continental fleet in August 1779. The Continental warships fled further up the Penobscot River, where they were scuttled or burned, while the militia-laden transports beached themselves on the western shore of Penobscot Bay and were burned or captured.
The militiamen escaped into the forest and traveled overland back towards the Kennebec River. Another Penobscot veteran, who had been wounded, would recall his own return journey in his later pension application.
After this we took [to] the woods and returned home. We were conducted into the woods by Tories under the appearance of friends. We were in the woods Six days before we found any Inhabitants, suffering sever[e]ly by Hunger & fatigue, travelling thro’ an almost impenetrable Wilderness over swamps, mountains & c. After we got out of the Woods we were five days before we got home.
Daughter Hannah Scates was baptized in Lebanon, ME, May 28, 1780. Daughter Lucy Scates was baptized in Lebanon, ME, September 22, 1782. She was a namesake for her maternal grandmother, Lucy (Norton) Jenness. Son Isaac Scates was baptized in Lebanon, ME, July 17, 1785.
Benjamin Scates settled next on “Miltonridge,” i.e., Plummer’s Ridge, in Rochester’s Northeast Parish, at sometime between 1785 and 1789 (rather than between 1772 and 1773 as stated in the Scales sketch).
Benjamin Scates was, perhaps, the next to make a home in town, settling on Plumer’s Ridge about 1772 or 1773. Beard and Joseph Plumer, sons of John Plumer of Rochester, also settled at the Ridge, and may have been residents here even prior to the arrival of Mr. Scates (Scales, 1914).
Son Norton Scates was baptized in the First (Congregational) Church in Rochester, NH, June 27, 1790.
Benja Scates headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the First (1790) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 16-plus years [himself], three males aged under-16 years (John Scates, Isaac Scates, and Norton Scates), and four females [Lydia (Jenness) Scates, Lydia Scates, Lucy Scates, and Hannah Scates). His household appeared in the enumeration between those of David Wallingford and Joseph Hait.
Benjamin Scates was one of one hundred eighty-three inhabitants of Dover, Rochester, Somersworth, Barrington, and other places that petitioned the NH legislature, in January 1791, seeking a replacement Cocheco River bridge near the lower falls at Dover, NH. It would connect again the public road running from Portsmouth to Rochester and the “Upper Towns.” Prior bridges had been swept away by freshets in 1772 and 1785. Since the most recent bridge loss in the “memorable” freshet of October 1785, which took out many bridges, those seeking to cross the river at Dover had been obliged to travel much greater distance – and that involving a large hill – to the lower bridge near the landing.
… But in addition to these inconveniencies it Very frequently happens from the great Quantity of Lumber hauled to the landing that the lower road is in fact so Crowded with Teams that it is Difficult for horses & almost impracticable for Carriages to pass that way.
The petitioners suggested a lottery to finance the new bridge. They estimated its cost at about £300. Beard Plumer, Ezekiel Hayes, and John Plumer signed also.
Son Benjamin Scates, Jr., was baptized in the First (Congregational) Church in Rochester, NH, April 10, 1794.
Mrs. Sophia ((Cushing) Hayes) Wyatt, a Milton schoolteacher for ten years starting in 1796, would include Benjamin Scates in her 1854 recollection of Milton’s early town fathers. (See also Milton Teacher of 1796-1805).
This [Milton] town was formerly a part of Rochester, where Messrs. Joseph Plumer, Bard Plumer, William Palmer, Benjamin Scates and their associates went boldly into the forest and commenced cutting down sturdy oaks, in a pleasant place now called Miltonridge, which was detached from Rochester and incorporated, June 11th, 1802. Those worthy gentlemen, with industry and application, soon made noble farms, early became wealthy and independent (Wyatt, 1854).
Daughter Lydia Scates married in Rochester, NH, November 14, 1797, Frederick Cate, both of Rochester, NH. Rev. Joseph Haven performed the ceremony. Cate was born in 1775.
Son John Scates married (1st) in Rochester, NH, November 25, 1798, Mary “Polly” Worster, both of Rochester, NH. Rev. Joseph Haven performed the ceremony. She was born 178?, daughter of Lemuel and Mary (Woodsum) Worster. (She was a sister of Isaac Worster and Betsy Worster).
Daughter Lucy Scates was married in Rochester, NH, May 9, 1799, Richard Horne, both of Rochester, NH. Rev. Joseph Haven performed the ceremony. Horne was born in Rochester, NH, March 17, 1777, son of Peter and Mercy (Perley) Horne.
Benjn Scates headed a Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus [himself], one female aged 45-plus [Lydia (Jenness) Scates], two females aged 10-15 years, one female aged 10-15 years [Hannah Scates], two males aged 10-15 years [Isaac Scates and Norton Scates], and one male aged under-10 years [Benjamin Scates, Jr.]. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).
John Scates headed a Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 16-25 years [Mary (Worster) Scates], one male aged 16-25 years, one male aged 10-15 years, one female aged 10-15 years, and one male aged under-10 years [Zimri Scates]. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).
Frederick Cate headed a Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 16-25 years [himself], one female aged 16-25 years [Lydia (Scates) Cate], and two males aged under-10 years [Luther Cate and Frederick Cate, Jr.] (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).
Richd Horn headed a Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 16-25 years [himself], one female aged 16-25 years [Lucy (Scates) Horn], one male aged 10-15 years, and one male aged under-10 years (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).
[Dadavah Scates headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Lydia ((Hersom) Manning) Scates], one female aged 10-15 years, and two males aged under-10 years [John Scates and Zimri Scates].
(Dodavah Scates was a younger brother of Benjamin Scates. He was born in Berwick, ME, June 18, 1768, son of John and Abigail (Hayes) Scates)].
Lydia (Jenness) Scates died in Milton, after 1800, but before May 16, 1802. (Recorded in Lebanon, ME).
Benjamin Scates, his son, John Scates, and his sons-in-law, Frederick Cate and Richard Horn, all signed the Rochester Division Petition of May 28, 1802.
Benjamin Scates married (2nd) in Wakefield, NH, September 11, 1803, Rebecca Ham, both of Milton. Rev. Asa Piper performed the ceremony. She was born in Dover, NH, daughter of Dodavah and Lydia (Plummer) Ham. (She was a sister to Deborah (Ham) Palmer, second wife of William Palmer).
Benj Scates headed a Milton household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Rebecca (Ham) Scates], one female aged 16-25 years [Hannah Scates], one male aged 16-25 years [Isaac Scates], and one female under-10 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of David Wallingford and James Twombly.
Jno Scates headed a Milton household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Mary (Worster) Scates], one female aged 16-25 years, one male aged 10-15 years [Zimri Scates], and one male aged under-10 years [Alvah Scates]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Daniel Palmer and Edward Ellis.
Frederick Cate headed an Ossipee, NH, household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Lydia (Scates) Cate], one female aged 16-25 years, one male aged 10-15 years [Luther Cate], two males aged under-10 years [Frederick Cate, Jr., and Isaac Cate], and two females aged under-10 years [Lydia Cate].
Richard Horne headed a Milton household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Lucy (Scates) Horne], one male aged 10-15 years, and one female aged under-10 years. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Abigail Hanson and Saml Cate.
Son Isaac Scates married in Wakefield, NH, December 1, 1811, Betsy Worster, both of Milton. Rev. Asa Piper performed the ceremony. She was born in Berwick, ME, May 10, 1785, daughter of Lemuel and Mary (Woodsum) Worster. (She was a sister of Isaac Worster and Mary (Worster) Scates).
Son Norton Scates married in Rochester, NH, November 22, 1812, Hannah Cook, both of Rochester, NH. Rev. Joseph Haven performed the ceremony. She was born in Rochester, NH, circa 1792.
Rebecca (Ham) Scates died, probably in Milton, before February 1814.
Deacon Benjamin Scates, aged sixty-two years, of Milton, married (3rd) in Portsmouth, NH, February 2, 1814, Miss Abigail Folsom, aged forty-two years, of Portsmouth, NH, after a courtship of three weeks (NY Weekly Museum, February 26, 1814). Rev. Joseph Walton performed the ceremony. She was born in Dover, NH, April 13, 1772, daughter of Josiah and Elizabeth (Gilman) Folsom.
The Milton Selectmen of 1814 were Isaac Worster, T.C. Lyman, and Isaac Scates. (Isaac Worster was a brother-in-law of Isaac Scates).
Benjamin Scates, and his sons, John Scates, Isaac Scates, and Norton Scates were among those that petitioned the NH General Court, in or around June 1814, seeking incorporation of the Milton Congregational Society. (See Milton Congregational Society Petition – 1814).
Son Norton Scates marched with Milton’s militia company, in September 1814, when it was called up during the War of 1812. (See Milton in the War of 1812).
Benjamin Scates, Isaac Hayes, and Levi Jones signed as witnesses to the last will of William Palmer, April 21, 1815 (Strafford County Probate, 14:127 ).
Benjamin Scates and Abigail [(Folsom)] Scates were among the nine original members of Milton’s First (Congregational) Church. He was its first deacon, as well as its first clerk. (See Milton’s Congregational Ministers of 1815-26).
Dea. B. Scates lived beloved by all, a worthy exemplary Christian (Wyatt, 1854).
Son Isaac Scates was among the ten Milton inhabitants that petitioned the NH General Court, in 1816, seeking a road weight limit. There were also four petitioners from Middleton, six from Rochester, and nine from Farmington, NH. (See Milton Road Weight Petition – 1816).
Son Benjamin Scates, Junr, married in Rochester, NH, January 27, 1820, Lovey Lyman, both of Milton. Rev. Joseph Haven performed the ceremony. She was born in Rochester, NH, February 11, 1800, daughter of Theodore C. and Dorothy (Allen) Lyman.
Benjamin Scates (second) was a lifelong resident of this town, and followed the carpenter’s trade in connection with farming during the active period of his life. In politics he was a Whig. He died at the age of sixty seven years. His wife, Lovey Lyman Scates, who was a native of Milton, became the mother of eight children, only two of whom are living, namely Henry B., the subject of this sketch, and Sophia L. who resides in Boston (Biographical Review, 1897).
Daughter Lydia (Scates) Cate died, presumably in Ossipee, NH, in 1820.
Benjamin Scates, his sons, John Scates, Isaac Scates, and Benjamin Scates, Jnr, and his son-in-law, Richard Horn, all signed the Milton Anti-Division Remonstrance of June 1820. Benjamin Scates, his sons, John Scates, Isaac Scates, his son-in-law, Richard Horn, and Alvah Scates, all signed the Milton Militia Division of November 1820. (See Milton Militia Dispute – 1820).
Son-in-law Frederick Cate signed an 1820 petition addressed to the NH Governor and Council, requesting the appointment of Daniel Smith as an Ossipee justice-of-the-peace. Their petition described Ossipee, NH, as being large in territory and containing 1,205 people, but having only two justices-of-the-peace.
Lemuel Worster of Milton, yeoman, made his last will, August 14, 1820. He devised to his wife, Lydia Worster, one cow and one hog, “now in my possession,” all the furniture formerly belonging to her, all the bedding made in the house during her residence with him, provided she relinquish her dower rights, and $25. He devised $1 to his son, Isaac Worster; one bed and bedding to his daughter, Lydia Worster; and all the rest and residue to be equally divided among his children, excepting the aforementioned son, Isaac Worster. He named [sons-in-law] John Scates and Isaac Scates as his executors. Gilman Jewett, Thos Leighton, and John Fall signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 29:136).
Lemuel Worster died in Milton, August 14, 1820. His will was proved in a Strafford County Probate court held in Rochester, NH, November 29, 1820 (Strafford County Probate, 29:136).
Benjamin Scates, Theodore C. Lyman, and Joseph Plumer, Jr., signed as witnesses to the last will of Joseph Plummer, March 12, 1821 (Strafford County Probate, 24:506).
Son Norton Scates occupied the “Fish house” in Milton, in the early 1820s, after the death of John Fish. (See Milton Fuller & Trader John Fish (1766-c1819)). He was Milton’s second Postmaster, between 1822 and 1826. (See Milton’s First Postmasters (1818-c1840)).
ANACK’S DIARY. Eri N. Scates died at Ossipee. He was a son of Captain Norton Scates and was born in Milton at the “Fish house,” where his father dwelled and kept the post office in the early twenties (Farmington News, July 28, 1899).
Son John Scates was an original incorporator of the Milton Social Library, in June 1822.
Abigail (Folsom) Scates died in Milton, April 14, 1825, aged fifty-three years.
Son-in-law Frederick Cate of Ossipee, NH, made his last will September 10, 1825. He devised a life estate to his wife, Hannah Cate, with reversion to his three sons. He devised $ each to his eldest son, Luther Cate, and his second son, Frederick Cate. He devised all the rest and remainder to his youngest son, Isaac Cate, whom he also named as executor. Moses Colby, Samuel Quarles, and William Smith signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 34:40).
Son-in-law Frederick Cate died in Ossipee, NH, in or around September 1825. His last will was proved in a Strafford County Probate Court held in Ossipee, NH, May 1, 1826 (Strafford County Probate, 34:41).
The NH Senate, acting on a report from Lawrence Morrill, Captain-General of the NH State Militia, voted, June 27, 1826, to withdraw the commission of Norton Scates, Captain of the Fourth Company, Thirty-ninth Regiment, and that of Benjamin Scates, Jr., 2nd Lieutenant of the Cavalry Company, Thirty-ninth Regiment. They had “removed from the limits of their respective commands.” (Norton Scates appeared, for a time at least, in neighboring Middleton, NH). The NH House of Representatives concurred with the NH Senate (NH House, 1826). (Hanson Hayes was the NH State Representative of that biennium).
Daughter-in-law Mary (Worster) Scates died January 28, 1828.
Benj Scates headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 70-79 years [himself], one female aged 40-49 years [Abigail (Folsom) Scates], one male aged 10-14 years [Isaac S. Scates], one female aged 5-9 years [Clarissa Scates], and one male aged under-5 years [George W. Scates]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of [his son,] Benj Scates, Jr., and Ed. Ellice (and not far from that of Elijah Horne).
John Scates headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], two females aged 20-29 years [Maria Scates and Lydia Scates], one male aged 15-19 years, and one male aged 10-14 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Wm Jones and David M. Cosan [Corson].
Richd Horn headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], and one female aged 40-49 years [Lucy (Scates) Horn]. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of John Foss and Steph. Henderson.
Norton Scates headed a Middleton household in that same Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 40-49 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years [Hannah (Cook) Scates], one male aged 20-29 years, one male aged 10-14 years [Thomas L. Scates], one male aged 5-9 years [Eri N. Scates], and one female aged 5-9 years.
Benj Scates, Jr., headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 30-39 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years, one male aged 5-9 years, one female aged 5-9 years, one male aged under-5 years, and one female aged under-5 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Amos Gerrish and [his father,] Benj Scates.
Son Norton Scates appeared in the Dover, NH, directory of 1833, as a clerk at Sam’l Thayer’s, and board-house, north of Ela’s tavern, on Main street. Samuel Thayer appeared as proprietor of a provisions store, near Ela’s tavern, with his house on Main street, north of that tavern. ELA’S TAVERN appeared on Main street, with N.W. Ela as proprietor.
Benjamin Scates died in Milton, August 9, 1833, aged eighty-three years (Columbian Centinel (Boston, MA), August 24, 1833).
Daughter-in-law Hannah (Cook) Scates died January 9, 1836.
Son Norton Scates married (2nd), intentions filed in Dover, NH, October 17, 1838, Lyntha Langton (City of Dover, 1927). (Her name is given usually as “Lynthia”).
(The last will of Samuel Langton of Portsmouth, NH, mariner, which was dated November 1, 1806, devised to his wife, Olive [(Libby)] Langton, his daughter, Linthya Langton, and his son, Samuel Lee Langton. The testator died February 6, 1807, and his will was proved in a Rockingham County Probate Court, February 18, 1807 (Rockingham County Probate, 37:341). His daughter was born in Kittery, ME, March 14, 1787).
Daughter-in-law Betsy (Worster) Scates died in Milton, November 12, 1839.
Son John Scates married (2nd), circa 1840, Abigail Walker, both of Milton. She was born in the Northeast Parish of Rochester, NH, February 25, 1799, daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Pray) Walker.
John Scates headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 60-69 years [himself] and one female aged 40-49 years [Abigail (Walker) Scates]. One member of his household was engaged in Manufacture and the Trades. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of James Pinkham and Maria Henderson.
Richard Horn headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 60-69 years [himself], and one female aged 50-59 years [Lucy (Scates) Horn]. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of John Wentworth and William Foss.
Norton Scates headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years [Lynthia (Langton) Scates], and two females aged 15-19 years. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture.
Benjamin Scates [Jr.] headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 40-49 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years [Lovey (Lyman) Scates], one male aged 15-19 years. one female aged 15-19 years, one male aged 10-14 years, one female aged 10-14 years, two males aged 5-9 years, one female aged 5-9 years, and one male aged under-5 years. Four members of his household were engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Nahum Tasker and John Lord.
Son Norton Scates appeared in the Dover, NH, directory of 1843, as a laborer, with his house on Main street.
Son Norton Scates appeared in the Dover, NH, directory of 1848, as a keeper at N. & J. Young’s storehouse, with his house on Water street. Nathaniel and Jeremy Young were tanners and curriers.
Daughter-in-law Lynthia (Langton) Scates died August 28, 1848.
Son Norton Scates married (3rd) in Rochester, NH, October 29, 1849, Hannah Emerson Mathes. She was born in Milton, April 8, 1804, daughter of Robert and Sarah (Jones) Mathes.
John Scates, a tailor, aged seventy-five years (b. ME), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Abigail [(Walker)] Scates, aged fifty-one years (b. NH). John Scates had real estate valued at $300. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Martha A. Towle, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), and David Washburn, a shoe manufacturer, aged thirty-five years (b. MA).
John Bragdon, a farmer, aged forty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Lydia [(Horn)] Bragdon, aged forty-nine years (b. NH), Betsey A. Bragdon, aged seven years (b. NH), Richard Horn, a farmer, aged seventy years (b. NH), Lucy [(Scates)] Horn, aged sixty-eight years, Lucy J. [(Bragdon)] Varney, aged twenty-five years (b. NH), Jonas M. Varney, a farmer, aged twenty-one years (b. NH). John Bragdon had real estate valued at $1,500. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John Wentworth, a carpenter, aged sixty-seven years, and Giles Burrows, a farmer, aged twenty-six years (b. ME).
Norton Scates a laborer, aged fifty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Hannah [(Mathes)] Scates, aged forty-six years (b. NH), and William Scates, aged ten years (b. NH).
Benjamin Scates, a farmer, aged fifty-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Lovey [(Lyman)] Scates, aged fifty years (b. NH), and Theodore Scates, aged twelve years (b. NH). Benjamin Scates had real estate valued at $1,700. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of James H. Horn, a farmer, aged fifty-seven years, and James R. Horn, a shoe manufacturer, aged twenty-four years (b. NH).
Son-in-law Richard Horne died in Milton, February 16, 1854.
Daughter-in-law Lovey (Lyman) Scates of Milton made her last will, September 1, 1855. She devised all of her real estate to her beloved husband, Benjamin Scates, and her beloved son, Theodore C. Scates, to be held by them in common, provided they provide a suitable home for her beloved daughter, Roxanna A.L. Scates, with food, clothing, medicine (in case of illness), and entire control of the West room, so long as she remains unmarried, during the lifetime of the said Benjamin Scates. Her daughter was also to receive one horse, a pair of oxen, during her father’s lifetime, with them passing on to Theodore C. Scates after the decease of Benjamin Scates.
She devised to her husband, Benjamin Scates, a life interest in the annual interest on a principal amount of $200, for payment of taxes on the farm. She devised $100 to her daughter, Roxanna A.L. Scates, above and beyond the home mentioned, and her father’s $200 principal amount after his decease. She devised a Bible to her beloved son, Henry B. Scates, he having already had a portion of her estate. She devised $100 to her beloved son, Rufus H. Scates, and $100 each to her beloved daughters, Sophia L. Harrington and Lydia J. Harrington. She devised all the rest and residue to her beloved son, Theodore C. Scates, whom she also named as executor. Daniel P. Warren, R.A. Lyman, and S.E. Lowd signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 69:296).
Daughter-in-law Lovey (Lyman) Scates died September 15, 1855, aged fifty-five years. Her last will was proved in a Strafford County Probate Court held in Dover, NH, October 2, 1855 (Strafford County Probate, 69:298).
John Scates appeared in the New England Business Directory and Gazetteer of 1856, as a clothing dealer and tailor, at Milton Three Ponds.
Daughter-in-law Abigail (Walker) Scates died in Milton, January 30, 1858.
Son Benjamin Scates was one of the original twelve members of the Milton Free-Will Baptist Church when it was reorganized May 17, 1860. (See Milton’s Free-Will Baptist Ministers of 1860-81).
Norton Scates, a merchant, aged seventy years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Hannah [(Mathes)] Scates, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH). Norton Scates had real estate valued at $1,000 and personal estate valued at $400.
Benja Scates, a farmer, aged seventy years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. Benja Scates had real estate valued at $800 and personal estate valued at $200. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of David Wallingford, a farmer, aged fifty-nine years (b. NH), and David Wallingford, Jr., a farmer, aged forty-one years (b. NH).
Son Benjamin Scates, Jr., died of consumption in Milton, November 10, 1862, aged sixty-seven years, ten months. He was a single [widowed] farmer.
Norton Scates, a laborer, aged eighty-one years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Hannah [(Mathes)] Scates, keeping house, aged sixty-seven years (b. NH), and Albert Mathes, a savings bank clerk, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH). Norton Scates had real estate valued at $1,200 and personal estate valued at $500. (See Milton in the News – 1903 for more details regarding her nephew, Albert O. Mathes (1842-1907)).
Son Captain Norton Scates died in Dover, NH, August 28, 1873.
Daughter-in-law Hannah E. Scates appeared in the Dover, NH, directory of 1880, as a widow, boarding at Mrs. S. J. Bliss’. Sarah J. Bliss appeared as a widow, with her house on Portland street.
Sarah J. [(Mathes)] Bliss, keeping house, aged sixty-two years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. Her household included [her granddaughter,] Annie M. Bliss, at school, aged ten years (b. NH), and her boarders, Hannah E. (Mathes) Scates, aged seventy-six years (b. NH), and Albert O. Mathes, a bank clerk, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH).
Daughter-in-law Hannah E. (Mathes) Scates died of uremia in Dover, NH, May 16, 1882, aged seventy-eight years, one month, and eight days.
References:
Biographical Review. (1897). Biographical Review. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=C2sjAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA308
Buker, George E. (2015). The Penobscot Expedition. Downeast Books.
Chamberlain, George W. (1897). Soldiers of the American Revolution of Lebanon, Maine. Weymouth &Braintree Publishing Co.: Weymouth, ME
City of Dover. (1927). Annual Report of the Receipts and Expenditures for the Municipal Year 1926, Together with Department Reports. Dover, NH: George J. Foster & Co.
Find a Grave. (2023, September 28). Benjamin Scates. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/260134198/benjamin-scates
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