By Muriel Bristol | December 8, 2024
Thomas Leighton was born in Farmington, NH, June 8, 1784, son of James and Abigail (Horne) Leighton.
James Laighton headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Abigail (Horne) Leighton], two males aged 10-15 years [Thomas Leighton and Tristram Leighton], one female aged 10-15 years [Martha Leighton], two males aged under-10 years [Jedediah Leighton and William Leighton], and one female aged under-10 years [Phebe Leighton].
Thos Leigton [Leighton] headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 16-25 years.
Thomas Leighton married (1st) in Berwick, ME, in 1811, Nancy Jones, he of Dover, NH, and she of Berwick, ME. Elder William Chadbourne performed the ceremony. She was born in Berwick, ME, in 1780, daughter of Eliphalet and Ruth (Roberts) Jones. (Her father had been a Sergeant in Capt. Ebenezer Sullivan’s Co., in Col. James Scamman’s Regiment, during the Revolution).
(The children of Thomas and Nancy (Jones) Roberts were: Abigail Leighton (1811–1866), Mary A. Leighton (1814–1853), and Rhoda Ann Leighton (1817–1896)).
Daughter Abigail Leighton was born in Milton, August 31, 1811. Daughter Mary A. Leighton was born in Milton, in 1814.
In a later 1844 lawsuit between the Great Falls Manufacturing Co. and James Worster, regarding the so-called Denbow lot in Milton, there was submitted a recitation of the complex subdivisions of that riverside lot over time. It had belonged in 1795 to Samuel Palmer, who had a one-half interest, as well as Beard Plumer, Sr., and Joseph Plumer, Sr., who each had a one-quarter interest. Palmer had sold his one-half interest to Ivory Hovey in 1802, and that Hovey had sold that one-half interest to Thomas Leighton in 1814. Leighton sold a three-eighths interest to Joseph Plumer, Jr., in 1816, thus retaining a one-eighth interest in the whole (NH Supreme Court. (1851). On his one-eighth share he is said to have erected a cotton mill.
The Leighton privilege was located near the present upper leather board mill, and was one of the earliest in town. At this place in 1816, Thomas Leighton erected a cotton mill which he operated more than twenty years. The other privileges on the river were also utilized at an early date (Mitchell-Cony, 1908).
Daughter Rhoda A. Leighton was born in Milton, February 21, 1817.
Nancy (Jones) Leighton died in Milton, February 2, 1818.
… Thomas [Leighton] had a cotton mill and, as early as 1818, kept a stock of domestic and “West India goods” for sale. This was said to be the first store in this section (Richmond, 1936).
Father-in-law Eliphalet Jones died in 1820.
Thos Leighton signed the April 1820 petition requesting the appointment of James Roberts as a Milton justice-of-the-peace. (See Milton Seeks a Magistrate – 1820).
Gilman Jewett, Thos Leighton, and John Fall witnessed the last will of Lemuel Worster of Milton, yeoman, August 14, 1820 (Strafford County Probate, 29:136).
Thomas Leighton married (2nd) in Milton, September 28, 1824, Hannah Jones, both of Milton. Levi Jones, justice-of-the-peace, performed the ceremony. She was born in Lebanon, ME, in 1795, daughter of Eliphalet and Ruth (Roberts) Jones. (She was a younger sister of his deceased first wife).
(The children of Thomas and Nancy (Jones) Roberts were: Elvira Villars Leighton (1820–1909), Clara Leighton (1822–1824), Cyrus K. Leighton (1824–1872), Betsey Jane “Jane” Leighton (1827–1906), Nancy Jane “Ann” Leighton (1829–1853), and Martha Augusta Leighton (1831–1873)).
Daughter Elvira Villars Leighton was born in Milton, December 20, 1820. Daughter Clara Leighton was born in Milton, in 1822. She died in Milton, in 1824.
Son Cyrus K. Leighton was born in Milton, September 23, 1824.
Thomas Leighton, Daniel F. Jones and Levi Jones witnessed the last will of Susanna [(Allen)] Jones of Milton, widow and relict of Ebenezer Jones, November 3, 1824 (Strafford County Probate, 32:46).
Daughter Betsy Jane “Jane” Leighton was born in Milton, August 19, 1827.
Daughter Abigail Leighton married in Farmington, NH, June 17, 1827, Jeremiah Hussey, both of Farmington, NH. Rev. Nathaniel Berry performed the ceremony.
Mother-in-law Ruth (Roberts) Jones died in 1828.
Daughter Nancy Jane “Ann” Leighton was born in Milton, June 21, 1829.
Daughter Mary [(Leighton)] Ball married (2nd) in Milton, January 29, 1830, Mark Tucker, she of Milton and he of Portsmouth, NH. Rev. Moses Howe performed the ceremony.
Thos Leighton headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 40-49 years, one female aged 40-49 years, one male aged 30-39 years, one male aged 20-29 years, one female aged 10-14 years, one male aged 5-9 years, and two females aged under-5 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Jos Bickford and Amos Bragdon.
Jeremiah Huzzey headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included on male aged 20-29 years [himself], one female aged 15-19 years [Abigail (Leighton) Hussey], and two males aged under-5 years [Micajah J. Hussey and James F. Hussey]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Benjamin Adams and Enoch Horne.
Daughter Martha Augusta Leighton was born in Milton, in 1831.
[Francis Looney petitioned to become a naturalized U.S. citizen in a Strafford County Court of Common Pleas, March 24, 1834. He stated that he had been a resident of New Hampshire for “more than” five years. George H. Basbridge and Hiram W. Dawley testified in his favor. Both Brasbridge and Dawley resided in Somersworth, NH. (Looney would take the naturalization oath on May 25, 1842).]
(Francis Looney would seem to have immigrated into the U.S. from England in the late 1820s. He had with him a first wife, a daughter, Margaret Looney, and an older woman, Ann Looney, who were all born in England. He seems to have been based in Somersworth, NH, when he petitioned for naturalization in 1834, and in Milton when he manufactured cotton in Leighton’s mill in and after 1837. His first wife appears to have died and he would marry (2nd) a Leighton daughter).
Thomas Layton’s [Leighton’s] factory was erected in 1816, and was used as a woolen mill until 1837, after which Francis Looney used it for the manufacture of cotton for fourteen years. It was subsequently burned (Scales, 1914).
Father James Leighton died in Farmington, NH, September 25, 1837, aged seventy-eight years.
Died. In Farmington, on the 25th ult., Mr. James Leighton, aged 78 (Dover Enquirer, October 10, 1837).
Thomas Leighton headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one female aged 40-49 years [Hannah (Jones) Leighton], two females aged 20-29 years, one male aged 15-19 years [Cyrus K. Leighton], one male aged 10-14 years, and three females aged 10-14 years [Jane Leighton, Nancy Leighton, and Martha A. Leighton]. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Joshua Jones and Nathaniel Durrell.
Jeremy Hussy headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 30-39 years [himself], one female aged 20-29 years [Abigail (Leighton) Hussey], one male aged 10-14 years [Micajah J. Hussey], one male aged 5-9 years [James F. Hussey], one female aged 5-9 years [Nancy Hussey], and two males aged under-5 years [Stephen Hussey and Charles E. Hussey]. Two members of his household were engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Joseph Goodel and Lemuel Chesley.
Mark Tucker headed a Portsmouth, NH, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], two females aged 20-29 years [Mary A. (Leighton) Tucker], one male aged 20-29 years, one female aged 15-19 years [Augusta Tucker], one female aged 10-14 years [Anna Tucker], two females aged 5-9 years [Mariah A. Tucker and Charlotte E. Tucker], and two males aged under-5 years [Woodward H. Tucker and Alfred W. Tucker]. One member of his household was engaged in Manufacture and Trade.
[Francis Loony headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 30-39 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years, one female aged 10-14 years [Margaret F. Looney], and one female aged 80-89 years. One member of his household was engaged in Manufacture and Trade. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Alexander Goodwin and James Worcester.]
Son-in-law Mark Tucker died in Portsmouth, NH, November 30, 1843, aged fifty-five years.
Deaths. In Portsmouth, … Mr. Mark Tucker, aged 55 (Times & Dover Enquirer, December 5, 1843).
Daughter Elvira V. Leighton married, in 1845, Oliver Pierce. He was born in South Berwick, ME, March 15, 1823, son of Samuel and Polly (Hodsdon) Pierce.
Son Cyrus King Leighton married in Rochester, NH, March 18, 1846, Sophia Martin Hayes, he of Milton and she of Rochester, NH. She was born in Rochester, NH, April 18, 1824, daughter of George and Lydia (Jones) Hayes.
(The children of Cyrus K. and Sophia (Hayes) Leighton were: Thomas K.F. Leighton (1848–), Annie Leighton (1849–), Cora L. Leighton (1854–1897), James A. Leighton (1857–1923), Edwin L. Leighton (1866–1935)).
… Thomas [Leighton] built a house for his son next to his own (Richmond, 1936).
Daughter Mary A. [((Leighton) Ball)] Tucker married (3rd) in Milton, May 6, 1847, Ivory Smart, both of Milton. Rev. Edward F. Abbott performed the ceremony. Smart was born in Ossipee, NH, circa 1821, son of Winthrop and Sally (Hurd) Smart.
Daughter Rhoda A. Leighton married in Dover, NH, February 22, 1848, Francis C. Looney, both of Milton. He was born in England, circa 1802. (This was his second marriage).
MARRIAGES. In this town, by Rev. E.G. Page, Feb. 22, Mr. Francis Looney, to Miss Rhoda A. Leighton, both of Milton (Dover Enquirer, March 7, 1848).
Daughter Martha A. Leighton married in Farmington, NH, March 29, 1850, Lorenzo D. Hayes, both of Milton. G.N. Eastman, J.P., performed the ceremony. Hayes was born in Milton, circa 1823, son of George and Lydia (Jones) Hayes.
Daughter B.J. [Betsy Jane] Leighton married in Greenville, RI, July 26, 1850, Levi H. Straw, both of Lowell, MA. He was a bookseller, aged twenty-two years, and she was aged twenty-three years. Rev. George Uhler performed the ceremony. Straw was born in Warner, NH, November 10, 1828, son of Stephen S. and Meriam B. (Bean) Straw.
Daughter [Nancy J.] Ann J. Leighton married in Greenville, RI, July 26, 1850, [Adam] Augustus Putnam, both of Lowell, MA. He was a trader, aged twenty-two years, and she was aged twenty-two years. Rev. George Uhler performed the ceremony. Putnam was born in Lowell, MA, April 5, 1828, son of Adam and Nancy (Puffer) Putnam.
Thomas Leighton, a machinist, aged sixty-four years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Hannah [(Jones)] Leighton, aged sixty-three years (b. ME), Martha A. [(Leighton)] Hayes, aged twenty years (b. NH), Lorenzo D. Hayes, a shoemaker, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH), and Alfred Lucker, aged twelve years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Theodore Lyman, a farmer, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), and Cyrus K. Leighton, a farmer, aged twenty-five years (b. NH).
Jeremy Hussey, a farmer, aged forty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Abigail [(Leighton)] Hussey, aged thirty-nine years (b. NH), Thomas Hussey, a farmer, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), James F. Hussey, a farmer, aged eighteen years (b. NH), Nancy Hussey, aged fifteen years (b. NH), Stephen Hussey, aged thirteen years (b. NH), Charles Hussey, aged ten years (b. NH), John Hussey, aged eight years (b. NH), William Hussey, aged six years (b. NH), Mary E. Hussey, aged three years (b. NH), and Abigail Hussey, aged three months (b. NH). Jeremy Hussey had real estate valued at $700.
Ivory Smart, an engineer, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Portsmouth, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Mary A. [(((Leighton) Ball) Tucker)] Smart, aged thirty-four years (b. NH), Mariah A. Tucker, aged eighteen years (b. NH), Charlott E. Tucker, aged sixteen years (b. NH), Woodard H. Tucker, aged fourteen years (b. NH), Adelaid A. Tucker, aged eight years (b. NH), Fredrick Smart, aged one year (b. NH), and Charlott Dexter, aged sixteen years (b. ME).
Francis Looney, a manufacturer, aged forty-eight years (b. England), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Rhoda A. [(Leighton)] Looney, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), Edwin F. Looney, aged two years (b. NH), Charles H. Looney, aged one year (b. NH), Margaret F. Looney, aged twenty-three years (b. RI), and Ann F. Looney, aged sixty years (b. England). Their household appeared in the enumeration between the households of Cyrus K. Leighton, a farmer, aged twenty-five years (b. NH), and Isaac Worster, a hoe & tool manufacturer, aged forty-eight years (b. NH). (Their enumeration neighbor, Isaac Worster, Jr., was an ardent abolitionist).
Eunice [(Horne)] Knowles, aged forty-three years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. Her household included Wm. F. Knowles, a shoemaker, aged seventeen years (b. NH), Mary F. Knowles, aged fourteen years (b. NH), Oliver Pierce, manufacture, aged twenty-eight years (b. ME), and Elvira [(Leighton)] Pierce, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH).
Cyrus K. Leighton, a farmer, aged twenty-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Sophia M. [(Hayes)] Leighton, aged twenty-six years (b. NH), and Thomas K.F. Leighton, aged two years (b. NH). Cyrus K. Leighton had real estate valued at $6,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Thomas Leighton, a machinist, aged sixty-four years (b. NH), and Francis Looney, a manufacturer, aged forty-eight years (b. England).
Adam Putnam, aged fifty years, headed a Lowell, MA, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Nancy [(Puffer)] Putnam, aged forty-eight years, Augustus Putnam, aged twenty-two years, Caroline E. Putnam, aged seventeen years, and Lucy H. Putnam, aged fifteen years.
Son-in-law Augustus A. Putnam appeared in the Lowell, MA, directory of 1851, as a clerk at 2 American House Block. His brother, Addison Putnam, appeared also, as proprietor of a clothing and furnishing goods store, at 2 American House Block, with his house on Lawrence street, near Church street. Their father, Adam Putnam, appeared as a partner in Putnam & Currier, soap and candle manufacturers, in the rear of Charles street, with his house on Tyler street, at its corner with Lawrence street.
Son-in-law Levi H. Straw appeared in the Lowell, MA, directory of 1851, as a partner in Merrill & Straw, boarding at 37 Boott Corporation [street]. Merrill (Joshua) & Straw (L.H.) appeared as booksellers and publishers, at 23 Central street.
Mother Abigail [(Horne)] Leighton of Farmington, NH, made her last will, August 5, 1851. She devised her land and livestock in Farmington, NH, to her son, Tristram Leighton, who was to pay for her funeral and any debts. She devised her best bed, bedstead, and bedding to her granddaughter, Abigail Hussey, wife of Jeremiah Hussey. The bedding consisted of a blue and white counterpane, a green quilt, pair of blankets, pair of sheets, and pair of pillowcases. she bequeathed all her household furniture and wearing apparel to [her daughter,] Patty Ham and Abigail Hussey beforenamed. She devised her gold bead necklace to [her great-granddaughter,] Nancy Hussey, daughter of Jeremiah Hussey. She chose her son, Tristram Hussey, as her executor. She signed with her mark. John W. Varney, James R. Peavey, and Joseph P. Leighton signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 65:356).
Hannah (Jones) Leighton died of stomach cancer in Milton, September 7, 1852, aged sixty-seven years.
Son-in-law Levi H. Straw appeared in the Lowell, MA, directory of 1853, as a partner in Merrill & Straw, with his house on E. Merrimac street, at its corner with High street. Merrill (Joshua) & Straw (L.H.) appeared as booksellers and publishers, at 23 Central street. He was a Ward 6 City Councilor in Lowell, MA, in 1854.
Son-in-law Augustus A. Putnam appeared in the Lowell, MA, directory of 1853, as employed in a clothing and furnishing goods store, at 2 American House Block, with his house at on Lawrence street, near Church street. His father, Adam Putnam, appeared as a partner in Putnam & Currier, soap and candle manufacturers, at Lenton street, in the rear of Charles street, with his house on Lawrence street, near Tyler.
Mother Abigail (Horne) Leighton died in Farmington, NH, April 27, 1853. Her last will was proved in a Strafford County Probate Court held in Farmington, NH, May 1853 (Strafford County Probate, 65:357).
Daughter Nancy J. “Ann” (Leighton) Putnam died in Lowell, MA, June 13, 1853.
DIED. In this city, Nov. 20, Eva St. Clair Smart, aged 2 years and 4 months, daughter of Ivory and Mary A. Smart (Portsmouth Daily Chronicle (Portsmouth, NH), November 23, 1853).
Son-in-law Francis Looney died of laryngitis in Milton, January 24, 1854, aged fifty-one years, six months. D.E. Palmer, M.D., signed the death certificate.
L.H. Straw, bookstore, aged 20-30 years (b. NH), headed a Lowell, MA, household at the time of the MA State Census of 1855. His household included Jane B. [(Leighton)] Straw, aged 20-30 years (b. NH), Frank L. Straw, aged 0-5 years (b. MA), and Infant Straw, aged 0-5 years (b. MA).
Adam Putnam, a soap & candles, aged 50-60 years (b. MA), headed a Lowell, MA, household at the time of the MA State Census of 1855. His household included Nancy [(Puffer)] Putnam, aged 50-60 years (b. MA), Augustus Putnam, 20-30 years (b. MA), Caroline Putnam, aged 20-30 years (b. MA), Lucy Putnam, aged 15-20 years (b. MA); Adison Putnam, aged 30-40 years (b. MA), Hannah [(Tarbell)] Putnam, aged 20-30 years (b. NH), Frank Putnam, aged 5-10 years (b. MA), Lillia Putnam, aged 0-5 years (b. MA), and Adison Putnam, aged 0-5 years (b. MA).
Thomas Leighton appeared in the Milton directory of 1856, as proprietor of a Milton (3 Ponds) grist mill. He appeared also as proprietor of a Milton (3 Ponds) shingle mill.
Son-in-law Levi H. Straw entered into a bookselling and publishing partnership with John A. Kerr (1825-1868), in Detroit, MI, in July 1856.
COPARTNERSHIP NOTICE – THE UNDERSIGNED have, this day, formed a copartnership under the name and style of John A. Kerr & Co. for the purpose of pursuing the business of Publishers, Booksellers and Stationers. The long experience of both parties in the trade, their facilities for importing direct foreign stationery, and their arrangements with eastern publishers and paper manufacturers will enable them to compete with any house in the country, east or west. The trade may depend on finding at this house every article in their line of business, at exactly eastern prices, saving the cost of transportation, to all customers. JOHN A. KERR, LEVI H. STRAW. Detroit, July 28th, 1856 (Detroit Free Press (Detroit, MI), July 31, 1856).
Thomas Leighton appeared in the Milton directory of 1860, as proprietor of a Milton grist mill. His son, Cyrus Leighton, appeared as proprietor of a Milton shingle mill.
Jeremiah Hussey, a farmer, aged fifty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Abigail [(Leighton)] Hussey, aged forty-eight years (b. NH), Micajah Hussey, a shoemaker, aged thirty years (b. NH), James F. Hussey, a shoemaker, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH), Charles E. Hussey, a shoemaker, aged twenty years (b. NH) (b. NH), John Hussey, a shoemaker, aged eighteen years, William Hussey, a shoemaker, aged fifteen years (b. NH), Ellen M. Hussey, aged thirteen years (b. NH), Rosena A. Hussey, aged ten years (b. NH), Abby F. Hussey, aged seven years (b. NH), and Gertrude Hussey, aged two years (b. NH). Jeremiah Hussey had real estate valued at $800 and personal estate valued at $300. James F. Hussey had real estate valued at $100 and personal estate valued at $500. Their household appeared in the enumeration immediately after that of the Farmington “Poor House.”
Ivory Smart, a ship carpenter, aged thirty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Portsmouth, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Mary A. [(((Leighton) Ball) Tucker)] Smart, aged forty-two years (b. NH), Adaline A. Tucker, aged eighteen years (b. NH), Frederick S. Smart, aged eleven years (b. NH), and Anna A. Smart, aged three years (b. NH). Ivory Smart had real estate valued at $1,000 and personal estate valued at $200. They shared a two-family residence with Ellen Tucker, aged nineteen years (b. England).
Rhoda A. [(Leighton)] Looney, aged forty-three years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. Her household included Edwin F. Looney, aged twelve years (b. NH), Charley H. Looney, aged ten years (b. NH), David J. Corson, a shoemaker, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), Jane [(Warren)] Corson, aged thirty-four years (b. NH), Charles M. Corson, aged eight years (b. NH), and Samuel Corson, aged six months (b. NH). Rhoda A. Looney had personal estate valued at $200. Their household was enumerated between those of Oliver Pierce, a shoemaker, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), and Jacob P. Whitehouse, a shoemaker, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH).
Oliver Pierce, a shoemaker, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Alvira [(Leighton)] Pierce, aged thirty-nine years (b. NH), and George Pierce, aged four years (b. NH). Oliver Pierce had personal estate valued at $400. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John B. Varney, a shoemaker, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), and Rhoda A. Looney, aged forty-three years (b. NH).
Cyrus Leighton, a farmer, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Sophia [(Hayes)] Leighton, aged thirty-six years (b. NH), Frank Leighton, aged twelve years (b. NH), Anna Leighton, aged nine years, (b. NH), Cora L Leighton, aged five years (b. NH), James Leighton, aged three years (b. NH), Emma F. Palmer, aged eleven years (b. NH), and Arthur W. Roberts, aged twelve years (b. NH). Cyrus Leighton had real estate valued at $5,000 and personal estate valued at $3,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Moses Downs, a farm laborer, aged sixty-two years, and several unoccupied buildings, with that of L.L. Leighton, a shoemaker, aged thirty years (b. NH), just beyond.
Noah D. Lapham, a bookkeeper, aged thirty-two years (b. NY), headed a Detroit, MI, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Mariah Lapham, aged thirty years (b. NY), Edwin Lapham, aged four years (b. MI), Phebe E. Shurtor, a servant, aged eighteen years (b. NY), Mary Flannigan, a servant, aged twenty-one years (b. Ireland), Levi H. Straw, a laborer, aged thirty-two years (b. MA [SIC]), Jane [(Leighton)] Straw, aged thirty-four years (b. MA [SIC]), and Minnie Straw, aged three years (b. MI). Noah D. Lapham had personal estate valued at $500.
Thomas Forsaith, a salesman, aged twenty-two years (b. ME), headed a Chicago, IL, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Augustus Putnam, a merchant, aged twenty-eight years (MA). Thomas Forsaith had personal estate valued at $25.
L.D. Hayes, a shoemaker, aged thirty-six years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Martha A. [(Leighton)] Hayes, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH), Eugene A. Hayes, aged nine years (b. NH), Kirk B. Hayes, aged seven years (b. NH), and Frederick Hayes, aged five years (b. NH). L.D. Hayes had personal estate valued at $500. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of William P. Tuttle, a miller, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), and William Wentworth, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH).
Son-in-law Levi H. Straw appeared in the Boston, MA, directory of 1861, as an employee of Janes, Smith & Co., at 142 Washington street, with his house at 160 Springfield street. Janes, Smith, & Co. appeared as merchant tailors, at 142 Washington street.
Son-in-law Levi H. Straw was inducted into the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts, October 7, 1862.
Son-in-law Ivory Smart enlisted as a fireman second class in the U.S. Navy, October 30, 1862. At that time, the State of New Hampshire made an initial disbursement of $72 in aid for his family, who were identified as being his wife Mary A. [(Leighton)] Smart, aged forty-nine years, and children Fred Smart, aged thirteen years, and Alma A. Smart, aged five years. He was forty-one years old, stood 5’6″ tall, had blue eyes, dark brown hair, and a light complexion, and had been an engineer at the time of his enlistment.
Son-in-law Ivory Smart, a fireman first class, was directed to the U.S. Navy Hospital at Norfolk, VA, April 19, 1863, due to his having contracted a case of bronchitis. His clothing and effects were cataloged as being a hammock, a mattress, and a blanket, a coat, a jacket, four trowsers, two drawers, five shirts, five flannel shirts, four stockings, two boots and shoes, one handkerchief, and one cap. His ship was named, somewhat ironically given his birthplace, as the U.S.S. Ossipee.
Son-in-law Oliver Pierce, a shoemaker, aged thirty-nine years (b. ME), registered for the Class II military draft in Milton, in June 1863. (See Milton Class II Draft List – 1863).
Son Cyrus Leighton, a farmer, aged thirty-six years (b. NH), registered for the Class II military draft in Milton, in June 1863. (See Milton Class II Draft List – 1863).
Son-in-law Levi H. Straw of Malden, MA, a merchant, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), registered for the Class II military draft in Malden, MA, July 1, 1863.
Levi H. Straw of Boston, MA, made his last will, May 6, 1864. He left all his estate, real personal and mixed, to his beloved wife Jane L. Straw. He intentionally omitted his children and other kin, trusting that his wife would do for their children what she in her discretion deemed best. He named her also as executrix and requested that she be freed from requirements for surety bonds. A.J. Cass, D. Edwin Conery, and William A. Richardson signed as witnesses (Worcester County Probate, 455:342).
Son-in-law Jeremiah “Jeremy” Hussey died of consumption in Farmington, NH, September 27, 1864, aged sixty-four years. He was a single [?] farmer.
Levi H. Straw, a bookseller, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Boston, MA, household at the time of the 1865 MA State Census. His household included Jane L. [(Leighton)] Straw, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), Frank L. Straw, aged fourteen years (b. MA), Wm. R. Straw, aged ten years (b. MA), Mary H. Straw, aged seven years (b. MI), Maria A. Straw, aged six months (b. MA), and Annie Ferrill, a servant, aged twenty-two years (b. Nova Scotia).
Son-in-law Levi H. Straw of Boston, MA, was Treasurer of the Suffolk and Oil Creek Petroleum Co. of Boston, MA, in April 1865 (Portland Daily Press (Portland, ME), April 22, 1865).
Son-in-law Levi H. Straw of Lowell, MA, was admitted to membership in the Ancient York Lodge of Masons, May 3, 1865. The Ancient York Lodge was based in Lowell, MA.
Thomas Leighton died of old age in Milton, March 26, 1866, aged eighty-one years.
Daughter Mary A. (Leighton) Smart died in Portsmouth, NH, May 4, 1866, aged fifty-two years. She was married.
The NH legislature passed an act incorporating a Rochester, NH, chapter of the I.O.O.F. Son-in-law Lorenzo D. Hayes was named as one of the original incorporators.
CHAPTER 4376. AN ACT to incorporate Norway Plains Encampment, No. 7, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Rochester. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives, in General Court convened: SECTION 1. That David Legro, John Crockett, Lorenzo D. Hayes, John S. Parsons, John O. Howard, George B. Roberts, Alvah M. Kimball and Thomas Brown, their associates and successors, be, and they hereby are made a body corporate by the name of Norway Plains Encampment, No. 7, I.O. of O.F., for such charitable and benevolent purposes as said corporation may from time to time designate; and by that name may sue and be sued, prosecute and defend to final judgment and execution, and shall be vested with all the powers and privileges, and subject to all the liabilities of corporations of a similar nature, and may take and hold real and personal estate by donation, bequest or otherwise, for the purposes of said corporation, to an amount not exceeding six thousand dollars, and the same sell or otherwise dispose of at pleasure. SEC. 2. The first three persons above named, or any two them, may call the first meeting of said corporation, by giving notice to each of the persons named in this act, eight days at least prior to said meeting. SEC. 3. The Legislature may alter, amend or repeal the provisions of this act, whenever, in their opinion, the public good may require it .SEC. 4. This act shall take effect from and after its passage. Approved July 3 1866 (NH Secretary of State, 1866).
Daughter Abigail (Leighton) Hussey died of consumption in Farmington, NH, November 2, 1866, aged fifty-six years. She was married.
Son-in-law Augustus A. Putnam died in Chicago, IL, June 24, 1868, aged forty years.
DEATH OF A.A. PUTNAM. – We regret to announce the sudden death of Mr. Augustus A. Putnam. He came to this city ten years ago, and for many years past has had a large clothing establishment on Randolph street. Tuesday morning he suddenly became very sick, and was taken to the residence of his father-in-law, Mr. Alexander Bishop. He remained there in an insensible condition until yesterday morning, when he died. He was highly esteemed and had many friends (Chicago Tribune, June 25, 1868).
DIED. At Chicago, 24th ult., AUGUSTUS A. PUTNAM, 40, formerly of Lowell (Springfield Daily Republican (Springfield, MA), July 3, 1868).
Son-in-law Levi H. Straw appeared in the Boston, MA, Directory of 1869, as being employed at Wm. C. Morey & Co,, at 153 Congress street, with his house at Hyde Park, MA. Wm C. Morey & Co. (Wm. C. Morey, Jr. & Levi H. Straw) appeared as brokers in hides and goatskins, at 153 Congress street.
Rhoda A. [(Leighton)] Looney, keeping house, aged fifty-three years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. Her household included Charles H. Looney, works for shoe factory, aged twenty years (b. NH), and Ann F. Looney, aged sixty [74] years (b. England). Rhoda A. Looney had real estate valued at $500 and personal estate valued at $200. Their household appeared in the enumeration between the households of Oliver Pierce, a shoe finisher, aged forty-nine years (b. ME), and Thomas P. French, works in shoe factory, aged forty-five years (b. NH).
Oliver Pierce, a shoe finisher, aged forty-nine years (b. ME), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Elvira [(Leighton)] Pierce, keeping house, aged forty-nine years (b. NH), and George Pierce, at school, aged fourteen years (b. MA). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Eliza A. Fernald, keeping house, aged forty-eight years (b. NH), and Rhoda A. [(Leighton)] Looney, keeping house, aged fifty-three years (b. NH). Oliver Pierce had real estate valued at $600 and personal estate valued at $200.
Cyrus Leighton, works in stave mill, aged forty-six years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Sophia M. [(Hayes)] Leighton, keeping house, aged forty-six years (b. NH), Frank Leighton, works for shoe factory, aged twenty-two years (b. NH), Cora L. Leighton, aged fifteen years (b. NH), James A. Leighton, at school, aged thirteen years (b. NH), and Edwin L. Leighton, aged four years (b. NH). Cyrus Leighton had real estate valued at $1,500 and personal estate valued at $435. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Thomas P. French, works for shoe factory, aged forty-five years (b. NH), and Chester H. Fernald, a cooper, aged thirty-seven years (b. ME).
Lorenzo D. Hayes, works in shoe manufactory, aged forty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Rochester (“Gonic P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Martha [(Leighton)] Hayes, keeping house, aged forty years (b. NH), Eugene A. Hayes, works in shoe manufactory, aged nineteen years (b. NH), Kirk V. Hayes, works in shoe manufactory, aged eighteen years (b. NH), Frederick Hayes, at school, aged sixteen years (b. NH), and Lilley J. Hayes, at school, aged nine years (b. NH). Lorenzo D. Hayes had personal estate valued at $150.
Son-in-law Lorenzo D. Hayes died in 1871.
Son-in-law Levi H. Straw appeared in the Boston, MA, directories of 1872, and 1873, as a real estate agent, at 13 Doane street, room 1. He appeared also in the Boston business directories of 1873, as a real estate agent, at 27 Beacon street.
Son Cyrus K. Leighton died of a fever in Milton, July 22, 1872, aged forty-seven years, nine months, and twenty-nine days. He was a married farmer.
Daughter Martha A. (Leighton) Hayes died August 4, 1873.
Son-in-law Levi H. Straw died of heart disease in Newton, MA, November 18, 1875, aged forty-seven years, eight days. He was a married broker.
SUDDEN DEATH. – Mr. Levi H. Straw, a real estate broker, residing in Newton, on reaching the city yesterday morning was suddenly taken ill with an ill turn and carried to an apothecary store, where he expired in a few moments. He was a nephew of ex-Gov. Straw, of New Hampshire (Boston Globe, November 19, 1875).
His last will of 1864 was proved in Worcester County Probate Court, December 7, 1875. His widow, Jane L. Straw of Grafton, MA, was appointed executrix and posted a $20,000 bond (Worcester County Probate, 390:744).
Son-in-law Ivory Smart appeared in the Boston, MA, directory of 1877, as an engineer, with his house at the rear of 1463 Washington street.
Charles H. Looney, postmaster, aged thirty years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton 3-Ponds”) household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Emma E. Looney, keeping house, aged twenty-five years (b. NH), his children, Ned F. Looney, aged seven years (b. NH), and Walter E. Looney, aged two years (b. NH), his mother, Rhoda A. [(Leighton)] Looney, keeping house, aged sixty-three years (b. NH), his aunt, Ann F. Looney, at home, aged eighty-four years (b. England), and his help, Eliza A. Galnagh, a housekeeper, aged sixty-two years (b. ME). Their household appeared in the enumeration between the households of Eliza A. Fernald, keeping house, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH), and Frank Leighton, works on shoes, aged thirty-two years (b. NH). (Housekeeper Eliza A. Galnagh was the mother of the little girl whose pet dog had killed her other pet, a pet chicken, in 1869).
Oliver Pierce, works in woolen mill, aged sixty years (b. ME), headed a Milton (“3 Ponds Village”) household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Elvira [(Leighton)] Pierce, keeping house, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Amasa Dorr, works on farm, aged sixty-five years (b. ME), and Thomas P. French, works on shoes, aged aged fifty-seven years (b. NH).
Frank Leighton, works on shoes, aged thirty-two years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“3 Ponds Village”) household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his mother, Sophia [(Hayes)] Leighton, keeping house, aged fifty-six years (b. NH), and his brother, Edwin L. Leighton, at school, aged fourteen years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Charles H. Looney, postmaster, aged thirty years (b. NH), and Augustus Collamy, a shoe finisher, aged thirty-two years (b. NH).
Jane [(Leighton)] Straw, keeping house, aged fifty-two years (b. NH), headed a Hyde Park, MA, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. Her household included her daughter, Nettie Straw, at school, aged fifteen years (b. MA).
Son-in-law Ivory Smart died of cellulitis and erysipelas at the City Hospital in Boston, MA, June 16, 1884, aged sixty-three years. He was a widowed engineer.
DIED. SMART. – In this city, 16th inst., Ivory Smart, 66 years (Boston Globe, June 21, 1884).
Son-in-law Oliver Pierce died of consumption in Milton, June 24, 1885, aged sixty-nine years, nine months, and ten days. He was a married farmer.
Daughter Jane L. Straw appeared in the Hyde Park, MA, directory of 1893, as the widow of Levi H. Straw, with her house at 42 Beacon street. William R. Straw appeared as an engineer, boarding at 42 Beacon street.
Daughter Jane L. Straw appeared in the Hyde Park, MA, directory of 1895, as the widow of Levi H. Straw, with her house at 42 Beacon street. William R. Straw appeared as a civil engineer, boarding at 42 Beacon street. Antionette M. Straw appeared, with her house at 42 Beacon street.
Daughter Rhoda A. (Leighton) Looney died of apoplexy in Milton, June 23, 1896, aged seventy-nine years, thee months, and twenty-eight days. She was a widow. M.A.H. Hart, M.D., signed the death certificate.
HERE AND THERE. The funeral of Mrs. Rhoda Leighton Looney of Milton, the widow of the late Francis Looney, formerly of England, took place at the home of her son, the Hon. C.H. Looney, on Wednesday. Among relations present were Mr. J.V. Hussey and his daughter, Mrs. Ned I. Parker of this town (Farmington News, June 1896).
Elvira V. [(Leighton)] Pierce, a home keeper, aged seventy-nine years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. She owned her house in Milton Village, free-and-clear. Her household appeared in the enumeration between those of Charles Tasker, a shoe cutter (uppers), aged forty years (b. NH), and Charles H. Looney, aged fifty years (b. NH).
Sophia [(Hayes)] Leighton, a home keeper, aged seventy-six years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. Her household included her son, Edwin L. Leighton, a shoe laster, aged thirty-four years (b. NH), and her daughter-in-law (of eight years), Carrie [(Remick)] Leighton, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH). Sophia Leighton was the mother of five children, of whom two were still living. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Charles H. Looney, aged fifty years (b. NH), and Stephen Bean, a farm laborer, aged seventy-two years (b. NH).
Jane L. [(Leighton) Straw, a widow, aged seventy-three years (b. NH), headed a Hyde Park, MA, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. Her household included her children, William R. Straw, a civil engineer, aged forty-five years (b. NH), and Antoinnette M. Straw, a clerk, aged thirty-five years (b. MA). Jane L. Straw owned their house at 42 Beacon Street, with a mortgage. She was the mother of four children, of whom three were still living.
Daughter-in-law Sophia M. (Hayes) Leighton died of apoplexy in Milton, May 20, 1905, aged eighty-one years, twenty-eight years. She was a widow.
Daughter Jane (Leighton) Straw died of influenza on North Road, in Bedford, MA, February 21, 1906, aged seventy-eight years, six months, and two days. Fred S. Piper, M.D., signed the death certificate.
DEATHS. STRAW – At Bedford, Mass., Feb. 21, Jane L., widow of Levi H. Straw, formerly of Hyde Park, Mass., in her 79th year. Funeral private, at the Chapel, Mt. Hope Cemetery, Saturday at 12 M (Boston Evening Transcript, February 23, 1906).
Daughter Elmira [Elvira] V. (Leighton) Pierce died of senility in Milton, March 30, 1909, aged eighty-eight years, three months, and ten days. She was a widow. M.A.H. Hart, M.D., signed the death certificate.
MILTON. Mrs. Almira Pierce passed away at her home on Main street Thursday afternoon. Her age was not far from ninety years. Mrs. Pierce was born in Milton and had always lived very near her childhood home. She was the daughter of Thomas Leighton (Farmington News, April 2, 1909).
References:
Find a Grave. (2021, November 21). Sophia Martin Hayes Leighton. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/234210927/sophia-martin-leighton
Find a Grave. (2022, April 27). Rhoda A. Leighton Looney. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/239267663/rhoda_a_looney
Find a Grave. (2020, September 8). Elvira Villars Leighton Pierce. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/215359687/elvira_villars_pierce
Find a Grave. (2018, August 18). Betsy Jane Leighton Straw. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/192356331/betsey_jane_straw
Mitchell-Cony. (1908). Town Register Farmington, Milton, Wakefield, Middleton, Brookfield, 1907-8. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=qXwUAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA108
NH Secretary of State. (1866). Laws of the State of New Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=o5ZGAQAAIAAJ&pg=PA3384
NH Supreme Court. (1851). Reports of Cases Argued and Determined in the Superior Court of Judicature for the State of New-Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=k1ktAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA446
Wikipedia. (2024, November 25). Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_and_Honorable_Artillery_Company_of_Massachusetts
Milton Observer 