Month: March 2025

By Muriel Bristol | March 30, 2025

There would seem to be no business directories at this time. However, here one may find descriptions of several shops or “stands” situated at Milton Three Ponds in the mid to late 1830s.

Trader Stephen M. Mathes, in contemplating closing up his Milton Three Ponds store, called upon his customers to “settle” their accounts. Customer purchases might be made with cash or produce, or on “tick,” i.e., a debtor entry in the storekeeper’s account book.

NOTICE. THE subscriber contemplates closing his business [and] offers his stand for sale, situate in Milton, (at the Three Ponds so called) consisting of a Store, Stable, Dwelling House, Chaise and Wood house, and other out buildings, together with three acres of excelled Land. Said store is 20 by 33 feet, two stories. Stable 26 by 38 feet —Dwelling house 20 by 36 feet, two story’s with an Ell 26 by 38 feet, one story. Said buildings are all in good repair. Also a small Farm situate in said Milton near the old Meeting house formerly occupied by Mr. John Scates, containing 37 acres of mowing, pasturing, wood land and tillage, with a large and convenient dwellinghouse and a small barn thereon. Any person wishing to purchase will do well to call and examine before purchasing elsewhere. STEPHEN M. MATHES. Milton, Aug. 6, 1835. N.B. All persons indebted to the subscriber either by note or account are called upon to pay the same previous to the first day of November next, all demands remaining in my hands at that time will necessarily be left with an attorney for collection. STEPHEN M. MATHES. Milton, Aug. 6, 1835 (Dover Enquirer, August 11, 1835).

Fuller John H. Varney advertised his fulling and clothing business. One might also leave cloth for fulling at the Great Falls store of Parks & Harris or the Dover store of John H. Wheeler. (John Fish had a fulling and clothing business at Milton Three Ponds somewhat earlier).

NOTICE. THE subscriber would inform the public that he carries on the Clothing Business at his old stand in Milton, (Three Ponds) and is now ready to DRESS CLOTH, and he flatters himself that he will do it as well as any one in this vicinity and at short notice. He would also inform that he will take Cloth at the Store of Parks & Harris, Great Falls, and at the Store of John H. Wheeler, Dover, and return it free of expense. JOHN H. VARNEY. Milton, Sept. 10, 1835. 12 (Dover Enquirer, September 22, 1835).

Trader John J. Priest lived in Milton Three Ponds in the early to mid 1830s, and died in Haverhill, MA, in 1836. His widow, Nancy J. (Dickey) Priest, occupied his dwelling house at Milton Three Ponds. The administrator advertised it as situated on a greatly travelled road, and as having potential as either or a tradesman’s shop or tavern, which Three Ponds lacked at that particular time.

Administrators’ Sale of Real Estate. TO be sold at auction by virtue of a Probate license at 10 o’clock A.M. on TUESDAY the 17th day of October next, at Milton (Three Ponds,) the following Real Estate lately owned by John Priest, deceased, to wit: The DWELLING HOUSE now occupied by Mrs. Priest, two good Barns and Shed, with about Five Acres of excellent Land situated in the centre of this thriving village, affording peculiar advantages for a tradesman or tavern keeper (there being none in the village) and situated on a great travelled road, within 50 rods of excellent water privileges, where a considerable machinery is already employed, and more will be. Also about forty acres of wood and pasture land, and seven acres plains Land in said Milton. Also the reversion of the widow’s dower in a new one story dwelling house in the village with about one acre of land. At the same time, the right of making, using and vending “Banderof’s Patent Elevated Bedsteads,” for the use of invalids, in the towns of Lee, Durham, Madbury, Dover, Barrington, Strafford, Rochester, Barnstead, Farmington, Somersworth, New Durham and Milton. Terms liberal and made known at sale. J.A. Richardson, Adm’r. Sept. 20, 1837. 15 (Dover Enquirer, October 3, 1837).

Fuller John H. Varney advertised his fulling services again. On this occasion he explicitly stated his willingness to receive payment in produce.

CLOTH DRESSING. THE subscriber would inform the public that he is about commencing Dressing Cloth at his old stand near the Three Ponds, and he will assure those who call upon him that their work shall be done as well as any other mill in the vicinity and at short notice. Country produce received in payment. JOHN H. VARNEY. Milton, Aug. 13, 1838 (Dover Enquirer, 1838).

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References:

Find a Grave. (2020, September 7). Stephen Meserve Mathes. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/215330464/stephen-meserve-mathes

Find a Grave. (2010, June 2). John J. Priest. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/53174468/john-j.-priest

Find a Grave. (2020, October 20). John Hanson Varney. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/217515882/john-hanson-varney

By Muriel Bristol | March 23, 2025

The following description of Milton Mills appeared as a letter from “S” to the Editor of the Dover Enquirer, dated November 23, 1869. One might compare it to the earlier “Vulpes” letter of 1864. (“Vulpes” being Latin for “Fox,” i.e., Milton Mills merchant Asa Fox).

After some brief notice of the various businesses in Milton Mills, the author focused his attention on various aspects of the E. Brierley & Son mill operation.

LETTER FROM MILTON MILLS. Nov. 23, 1869.
Messrs. Editors: Milton Mills is an extreme eastern village of the frontier town of Milton, lying on the Salmon Falls river. Geographically it is a little obscure, being off the main thoroughfares to and from the great markets. It is about four miles east of Union, the terminus of the Great Falls & Conway Railroad. One of the characteristic beauties is that it is so nicely nestled in among the hills which tower above on every side, save that of the approach from Union or the south side, thus rendering it one of nature’s richest endowed in surrounding scenery, while human skill and enterprise conspire to make it one of the most thrifty villages of its size in this section of the State. It has five or six stores, several mechanic shops, one hotel, “Woolen Factory,” “Flannel Print Works,” and an “Embossing and Press Dyeing Establishment,” together with a water power sufficient to drive the machinery of the mills of any village below it on the river.
I shall speak in detail of only one enterprise – “The Milton Manufacturing Company,” “Print Works, & c.,” – and of one man in it, though in point of manufacturing much might be said of other establishments.
Mr. Edward Brierly is owner, agent and superintendent of the mills, shops and dwellings forming a group in the northerly part of the village. His business comprises felt cloth manufacture, press dyeing, flannel coloring, block printing, together with an extensive work in steam embossing of piano covers, skirts and table covers of every desirable hue and figure, as may be seen in his finishing and casing apartment, some of the new patterns rivalling anything of the kind heretofore in the markets. Mr. B. is not only a skilled dyer but a man who has in times past obtained considerable notoriety in this country and in England for valuable discoveries in the art. His courteous bearing to visitors at his business enables one to feel quite at home while there. He very gentlemanly showed us around his premises, where we gleaned the following statistics, by which the reader can get something of an idea of the capacity of the establishment and magnitude of the business.
A new mill, three stories in height, 106 by 30 feet on the ground, just erected and unoccupied, will not come into account here. one mill, 45 by 36 feet, three stories high, comprises a Card Room, where with one suit 400 pounds of wool is daily made into a batting two yards in width and some thirty yards in length – a huge bobbin for the Felting room, where, from one machine, 450 to 500 yards of felting is daily turned off, – no loom, shuttle, warp or filling in the way of thread being employed. Here also is a rag grinding room, where old rags are dissected and the product made to approximate the woolly textures; and here also is a fulling and scouring department; also all the modern improvements in Press Dyeing, a feature of the art yielding a diversity of plaids, stripes and checks. With the labor of two men 1500 yards of the article is turned off in a day. We might speak of plain flannel dyeing, extensively done here, – of machinery for steam drying, blowing dust from shoddy, wool picking, etc., all of which is done in this mill and of interest to those unacquainted with the process by which felt cloth and plaids are made.
In another mill, 132 by 32 feet on the ground, three stories high, the upper room is used for tenter bars, for drying flannels fresh from the vat. One thousand yards may here be suspended at a time. In the same room, and for drying flannels, are large copper cylinders, heated by steam, around which the cloth is carried by machinery. In the room beneath we find apartments for shearing, burling, & c. The lower room is employed from Embossing. It contains nine embossing presses of three and one-fourth tons weight each, and one of more than five tons, all worked by steam, – Too much space would be required to particularize upon the modus operandi of embossing. The amount of felting weekly embossed and entering into piano and table covers, skirts, & c., exceeds 300 yards, bringing into requisition some 63 plates and affording so many different patterns. These plates are beautifully designed and engraved, of a composition of tin and copper, weighing 75 pounds each, and costing $150 each.
Another mill, 55 by 30 feet, on the ground, is devoted to another branch of business, that of Block Printing. Four hundred table and piano covers of plain wool flannel in scarlet, magenta and blue colors, are the average daily work for four hands.
The mills are all heated by steam, employing for the business, together with that of boiling the dye, & c., two steam boilers of sufficient capacity to drive a fifty horse power engine. The machinery is driven by water power.
At the counting room we gleaned the following items: It costs $100,000 per year to run the business, or about $2,000 per week. For the week ending Nov. 22, the amount in goods turned off from the embossing department and shipped to Boston, was $3,078. About 35 hands are employed. 400 cords of wood are annually consumed about the premises. Jordan, Marsh & Co., Boston, receive the goods. Sterns of Dover, Carter & Brothers of Great Falls, deal largely in the goods, as also do other dry goods men.
Mr. B. is evidently master of his business, and possess[es] a tact to make every branch pay. The whole community around him appreciate his genius and enterprise. With him at the head and Edward James, his son, as accountant and cashier, they may be warranted success. S (Dover Enquirer, December 9, 1869).

Brierley daughter. Agnes J. Brierley married in Milton, June 7, 1870, Henry H. Townsend, she of Milton Mills and he of Boston, MA. (He was a member of Milton Mills’ Townsend blanket factory family).

MARRIED. In Milton, June 7, by Rev. N.D. Adams, Mr. Henry H. Adams, of Boston, Mass., and Miss Agnes J. Brierly, daughter of Edward Brierly, Esq., of Milton Mills (Dover Enquirer, June 19, 1870).

The E. Brierley & Son mill described above in the 1869 Milton Mills description were destroyed in a fire on Thursday, June 12, 1873.

MILTON MILLS. – The extensive woolen mill of Edward Brierley was destroyed Thursday afternoon last. The fire took in the card-room, under the cards. It had three sets of machinery on felting. The mill, dye-house and printery were wholly consumed, The stock, excepting “stock in process,” was saved. The mills run by water, with steam auxiliary. Loss estimated at $45,000. Insurance, $29,000. (Dover Enquirer, [Thursday,] June 19, 1873).

A destructive fire happened at Milton Mills on Thursday of last week. The extensive woolen mills of Edward Brierly with contents, were all burned. The loss is nearly $100,000. Insured for about $25,000. The fire originated in the attic amongst a lot of rags, by spontaneous combustion (Dover Enquirer, [Saturday,] June 21, 1873).

But the E. Brierley & Son mill began reconstruction in the following month and would restart its operations by October of the following year.

Messrs. Edward Brierly & Son of Milton Mills are putting in the foundations of a first class Felt Mill, which is to take the place of one recently burned. It will be 112 feet long, 5 stories high and basement, with ell 60 by 45 feet, lined with brick and covered with corrugated iron, and will be situated on the Maine side of the river. A citizens meeting was called to see what could be done in helping to rebuild the mill, and a subscription was opened and $1500 pledged toward the $3000 proposed to be raised. The firm courteously declined receiving anything. Having grown up with the place, they are ready to try again (Dover Enquirer, July 25, 1873).

(See also news articles of 1873, regarding the fire, and news articles of 1874, regarding the reconstructed mill).

The long-term financial “Panic of 1873” took hold in America in September 1873.

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References:

Wikipedia. (2025, March 15). Panic of 1873. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panic_of_1873

By Muriel Bristol | December 1, 2024

Lewis D. Reed was born in Dover, NH, circa 1824.

Lewis D. Reed married in Dover, NH, September 10, 1845, Annette W. Randall, both of Dover, NH. Rev. Seth Perkins performed the ceremony. She was born in Lebanon, ME, circa November 1826, daughter of Arthur and Patience (Young) Randall.

Daughter Georgianna W. Reed was born in Somersworth, NH, October 28, 1845.

Lewis D. Reed, a painter, aged twenty-five years (b. ME), headed  Somersworth, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Annette W. Reed, aged twenty-three years (b. ME), and Georgiana Reed, aged five years (b. NH).

An L.D. Reed of Great Falls, i.e., Somersworth, NH, appeared as an endorser in an advertisement for Allied Ointment and Humor Syrup in November 1855. It was said to have cured him of a cancer, which had eaten through his lip.

THE GENUINE Allied Ointment and Humor Syrup!! THESE medicines are a sure and certain remedy for all kinds of humors, of however long standing, and when used according to directions, will effect a permanent cure in a short time, and with less expense than any other remedy. It is a scientific compound, eradicating disease and improving the health with a certainty beyond precedent or parallel. They cure Salt Rheum, Scrofula, Erysipelas, White Leprosy, Cancerous Humors, Ring Worm, Scald Head, Burns, Scalds, Chilblains, Piles, Barber’s Itch, old Mercurial and Fever Sores, removes Pimples, Eruptions, Moth and Mildew from the face, leaving the skin soft and smooth, without mark or scar. It draws Humors from the Stomach, Lungs, Head, and Eyes, improves the sight, when troubled with humors, and at once removes the difficulty. It is recommended by persons of the highest respectability, such as Mayor Warren, Dea. W.M. Kimball, A.W. Stearns, A.T. Sanborn, S.I. Thompson, J.H.C. Hayes, editor of Lawrence Courier, and host of others who know of its efficacy (Union & Journal (Biddeford, ME), November 16, 1855).

Dudley Gilman appeared in the New England Business Directory of 1860, as proprietor of the Milton Mills Hotel.

(Dudley Gilman, a farmer, aged thirty-two years (b. ME), headed an Acton, ME, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Lydia [(Hussey)] Gilman, a lady, aged thirty-one years (b. ME), and Dorcas [(Hurd)] Gilman, a house maid, aged fifty-six years (b. ME). Dudley Gilman had real estate valued at $2,500 and personal estate valued at $500).

L.D. Reed, a landlord, aged thirty-one years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills P.O.”) household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Annetta [(Randall)] Reed, aged thirty-three years (b. NH), Georgiana W. Reed, aged fourteen years (b. NH), Wm. B. Reynolds, a physician, aged thirty-two years (b. NH), C. Parker, a pedlar, aged fifty-five years (b. NH), John Colley, a pedlar, aged thirty years (b. NH), Ed D. Colby, a pedlar, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), Thos. Christie, a bread pedlar, aged thirty-nine years (b. NH), George Moulton, an expressman, aged forty-five years (b. NH), and H. Livingston, a pedlar, aged forty-three years (b. NH). Their household, which was labeled as being the Milton Mills Hotel, appeared in the enumeration between those of John L. Swinerton, a physician, aged fifty-five years (b. NH), and E. Osgood, a blacksmith, aged fifty-four years (b. NH).

The Milton Mills birthday celebration held for Revolutionary veteran Ralph Farnham, on July 7, 1860, was hosted by Lewis D. Reed at his Milton Mills Hotel. He supplied the feast and made one of the many toasts (Dover Enquirer, July 19,1860).

L.D. Reed of Milton paid $10 in tax for his 8th Class tavern license and $20 for his retail liquor license in the U.S. Excise Tax of 1862. (See Milton’s US Excise Tax of 1862).

Lewis D. Reed, a hotel keeper, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), registered for the Class II military draft in Milton in June 1863. (See Milton Class II Draft List – 1863).

L.D. Reed of Milton paid a $6.33 tax on his 7th Class hotel license, and $13.33 on his retail liquor license in the U.S. Excise Tax of 1863. (See Milton’s US Excise Tax of 1863).

Daughter Georgia W. Reed married in Wakefield, NH, January 22, 1868, Oscar F. Marsh, she of Acton, ME, and he of Milton. Rev. Joel A. Steel performed the ceremony. Marsh was born in Milton Mills, January 23, 1846, son of John and Asenath I. (Runnells) Marsh.

The Milton business directory of 1868 listed the former Milton Mills hotel as being then the Central House hotel and its new manager as being Ira Miller. It was mentioned in December 1869, as one of the businesses situated in the village of Milton Mills. (As were the several Brierley Mills and the Milton Manufacturing Co.),

… It has five or six stores, several mechanics shops, one hotel, “Woolen Factory,” “Flannel Print Works,” and an “Embossing and Press Dyeing Establishment,” together with a water power sufficient to drive the machinery of any village below it on the river (Dover Enquirer, December 9, 1869).

Lewis D. Reed died of delirium tremens in Milton, NH, in the year ending March 31, 1870, aged fifty-one years. He was a married merchant.

Oscar F. Marsh, a finisher in woolen mill, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Georgia W. [(Reed)] Marsh, keeping house, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), and Annette W. [(Randall)] Reed, aged forty [forty-three] years (b. ME). They shared a two-family residence with the household of Fanny Robinson, keeping house, aged fifty-four years (b. ME).

Annette W. [(Randall)] Reed married (2nd) in Haverhill, MA, May 3, 1875, Charles E. Newhall, she of Milton Mills, NH, and he of Haverhill, MA. He was a peddler, aged thirty-six years, and she was aged thirty-five years. Rev. James Crowley performed the ceremony. Newhall was born in Berkley, MA, February 13, 1838, son of Shepherd and Laurella Newhall.

Annett W. Newhall of Haverhill, MA, made her last will, July 15, 1876. She devised one-half of her estate to her daughter, Georgia W. Marsh, and she devised a life-estate in the remaining one-half of her estate to her husband, with reversion to her daughter after his decease. She appointed her beloved husband, Charles E. Newhall, as her executor. Charles E. Newhall signified his approval of her making this will, and of its contents. Wm Taggart, Thos. H. West, and W.J. Splaine witnessed her signature (Essex County Probate, 514:38).

Charles E. Newhall appeared in the Haverhill, MA, directory of 1878, as a dealer in patent medicine, with his house on Race street, near Keely street.

Charles E. Newhall, patent medicines, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Haverhill, MA, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census, His household included his wife, Harriet S. [Annette W.] Newhall, aged thirty-four years (b. NH). They resided on Race St.

Oscar F. Marsh, works in felt mill, aged thirty-three years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Georgiana W. [(Reed)] Marsh, keeping house, aged thirty-three years (b. NH), and his son, Forrest L. Marsh, at home, aged seven years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John W. Prescott, a stable keeper, aged thirty-two years (b. NH), and Daniel D. Stevens, a farmer, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH).

Charles E. Newhall appeared in the Haverhill, MA, directories of 1885, and 1887, as a dealer in patent medicines, with his house on Race street, near Keely street.

Charles E. Newhall appeared in Haverhill, MA, in the surviving Veterans Schedule of the Eleventh (1890) Federal Census. He had served as a private for three years, two months in the 13th Indiana Infantry, between [November] 1861 and February 1864.

Charles E. Newhall appeared in the Haverhill, MA, directory of 1892, as manager at 23 Locust street, with his house at 73 Race street. Annette W. Newhall appeared also as working in the dining room at 23 Locust street (P.T. Scribner & Co.), with her house at 73 Race street. Phillip T. Scribner and Charles E. Newhall were partners in a dining room at 23 Locust street.

FIGHTING OLEOMARGARINE. Haverhill Restaurant and Hotel Keepers Given a Surprise Party. HAVERHILL, Jan. 25 – Seven restaurants and hotel keepers were surprised this morning at being summoned to appear before the police court next Tuesday to answer to a charge of serving oleomargarine to their boarders in place of butter. The parties are M.A. Simonds, two counts; J.B. Shute, two counts; J. Demars, two counts; Fred A. Thurston, two counts; Carrie S. Severance, P.T. Scribner, F.H. Dawes, two counts, and E.N. Bourque. The warrants were sworn out by George M. Whittaker of Boston, and evidence was secured by George M. Baldwin, who has been in this city for several days. The state board of agriculture, it is said, stands back of the cases, and will make similar moves against hotels and restaurant proprietors in other cities (Boston Globe, January 25, 1895).

Annette W. ((Randall) [Reed]) Newhall died of heart disease in Haverhill, MA, April 2, 1895, aged sixty-eight years, six months, and twenty-five days.

SALEM, Sept. 10 – In the Essex county probate court today the following wills were proved. Adaline Ayer of Methuen, Eliza Connors of Lawrence, Mary P. Elliot of Lawrence, Mary B. Jones of Haverhill. Julius Koehler of Lawrence, Annette W. Newhall of Haverhill, John W. Richardson of North Andover, David Smith of Lawrence and Richard Stulch of North Andover. Letters of administration were granted on the estates of Betsey Dyer of Newburyport, Charles W. Mansur of Lawrence, George W. Pelten of Amesbury, Joseph L. Tappen of Newbury and Joseph Burroughs of Salem (Boston Globe, September 10, 1895).

Oscar F. Marsh, a blanket finisher, aged fifty-four years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills Village”) household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of thirty-two years), Georgia [(Reed)] Marsh, aged fifty-four years (b. NH), his son, Forrest L. Marsh, an attorney, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH), and his daughter-in-law, Mildred J. [(Tebbetts)] Marsh, aged twenty-two years (b. ME). Oscar F. Marsh rented their house. Georgia Marsh was the mother of one child, of whom one was still living. Their house appeared in the enumeration between those of George E. Simes, a carpenter, aged sixty-seven years (b. NH), and Calvin S. Haines, a hostler, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH).

Charles E. Newhall died of cirrhosis of the liver in Chelsea, MA, June 2, 1902, aged sixty-four years, three months, and twenty days. He was a lumber dealer.

Mr. Charles E. Newhall, a veteran of the Civil War, died at the Soldiers’ Home, Chelsea, this noon. Mr. Newhall was a native of Berkley, Mass., and was sixty-three years old. He served during the war as a private in Company H, Thirteenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He was admitted to the home on Jan. 22, 1902, from Haverhill, Mass. (Boston Evening Transcript, June 2, 1902).

Daughter Georgia W. (Reed) Marsh died of an unknown chronic disease (and aortic insufficiency) in Milton Mills, December 29, 1918, aged seventy-three years, two months, and one day. She had been resident in Milton Mills for fifty-nine years, having come there from Somersworth, NH. Frank S. Weeks, M.D., signed the death certificate.

Oscar F. Marsh, a state road patrolman, aged seventy-two years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills Village”) household at the time of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census. His household included his son, Forrest L. Marsh, aged forty-seven years (b. NH), his daughter-in-law, Mildred T. [(Tebbetts)] Marsh, aged forty-two years (b. ME), and his grandchildren, Doris L. Marsh, aged eighteen years (b. NH), and Ronald T. Marsh, aged ten years (b. NH). Oscar F. Marsh owned their house on Main Street, free-and-clear. Their house appeared in the enumeration between those of Frederick H. Simes, a woolen mill superintendent, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), and Eugene W. Emerson, a druggist (owner), aged sixty-three years (b. NH).

Son-in-law Oscar F. Marsh died of a cerebral hemorrhage in the Hayes Hospital on Summer Street in Dover, NH, December 13, 1928, aged eighty-two years. He had been there for six months. James J. Buckley, M.D., signed the death certificate.

ACTON. The funeral of Oscar Marsh was held at the Free Baptist Church last Sunday (Sanford Tribune & Advocate (Biddeford, ME), [Thursday,] December 20, 1928).

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References:

Find a Grave. (2016, September 11). Dudley Gilman. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/169751646/dudley-gilman

Find a Grave. (2013, August 14). Georgia W. Reed Marsh. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/115493729/georgia-w-marsh

By Muriel Bristol | March 9, 2025

Larkin A. Lang was born in Bridgton, ME, February 17, 1822, son of Darius and Mary “Polly” (Emerson) Lang.

Father Darius Lang died in Bridgton, ME, February 21, 1833, aged fifty-eight years.

Polly Lang headed a Bridgton, ME, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. Her household included one female aged 50-59 years [Herself], two males aged 20-29 years [Robert A. Lang and Thomas Lang], one female aged 20-29 years [Rachel Lang], one male aged 15-19 years [Larkin A. Lang], one female aged 15-19 years, and one female aged under-5 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Theodore E. Lang and Moses Bisbee.

Larkin A. Lang married in Conway, NH, October 9, 1845, Harriet M. Leavitt, both of Conway, NH. Elder John Brook performed the ceremony. She was born in Conway, NH, September 12, 1819, daughter of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Hutchins) Leavitt.

(The known children of Larkin A. and Helen W. Leavitt) Lang were: Eugene David Lang (1850–1941), Helena Lang (1852–), Lizzie Mary Lang (1855–1921), Hattie A. Lang (1858–1931), Lillian Loretta Lang (1860–1922), Laura E. Lang (1863–1946)).

Lang, Rev. Larkin A., son of Darias and Mary (Emerson) Lang, was born at Brighton, Me., Feb. 17, 1822. He studied at Conway, N.H., in 1841-42. Converted in March, 1837, he was licensed at Conway in 1845, and ordained the same year by the Conway Q.M. During a pastorate of sixteen years at Conway, he enjoyed frequent revivals, baptizing about one hundred and twenty. At present he is a member of the Boston church, residing at Lynn, Mass., and is engaged in the practice of medicine. In September, 1845, he married Harriet W. Leavitt. They have five children (Burgess & Ward, 1889).

Son Eugene David Lang was born in Bridgton, MA, February 17, 1850.

Larken A. Lang, a farmer, aged twenty-nine years (b. ME), headed a Conway household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Harriet [(Leavitt)] Lang, aged thirty years (b. NH), and David E. Lang, aged five months (b. NH). Larken A. Lang had real estate valued at $800.

Mother-in-law Elizabeth (Hutchins) Leavitt died of stomach cancer in Conway, NH, in November 1850, aged seventy-five years.

Daughter Helena Lang was born in 1852.

Mother-in-law Mary “Polly” (Emerson) Lang died in Bridgton, ME, April 14, 1852, aged seventy years. (Sleep on sweet souls, your rest has come, Your sufferings are all o’er. No pain can reach your gentle breasts. But bliss forever more).

Father-in-law Jonathan Leavitt died in Conway, May 4, 1853.

Daughter Mary “Lizzie” Lang was born in Gorham, ME, circa January 1855. Daughter Harriet A. “Hattie” Lang was born in 1858.

Larkin A. Long, a F.B. clergyman, aged thirty-eight years (b. ME), headed a Hiram, ME, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Harriet [(Leavitt)] Long, aged thirty-nine years (b. NH), David Long, aged ten years (b. ME), Helena Long, aged eight years (b. ME), Mary Long, aged five years (b. ME), and Hattie Long, aged one year (b. ME). Larkin A. Lang had personal estate valued at $150.

Daughter Lillian Loretta Lang was born in Hiram, ME, September 4, 1860.

Daughter Laura E. Lang was born in Eaton, NH, November 26, 1863. Her father was a preacher.

Larkin A. Lang received a five-year appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, in 1867. The roster included a marginal note to the effect that he was “gone,” i.e., left town prior to the renewal date of 1872.

Larkin A. Lang appeared in the NH Business Directory of 1868, as a F.B. clergyman at West Milton.

MILTON. Justices – Charles Jones, Luther Hayes, State; Elbridge W. Fox, Joseph Plumer, Ebenezer Wentworth, Charles A. Cloutman, Asa Jewett, Joseph Cook, Robert Mathes, Ira C. Varney, George Lyman, George W. Peavey, Martin V.B. Cook, John T. Hersey, George W. Tasker, Edward W. Fox, Ezra H. Twombly, Thomas H. Roberts, John U. Şimes, Larkin A. Craig [Lang] (McFarland & Jenks, 1869).

Son Eugene D. Lang married, circa 1869, Angelina A. “Angie” Brown. She was born in Hiram, ME, April 13, 1851, daughter of Simon and Sarah (Stanton) Brown. (Her father was a wheelwright).

Luther [Larkin] A. Lang, a clergyman, aged forty-nine years (b. ME), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal census. His household included Harriette [(Leavitt)] Lang, keeping house, aged forty-nine years (b. NH), Eugene D. Lang, works for shoe manufactory, aged twenty years (b. ME), Lizzie M. Lang, at home, aged fifteen years(b. ME), Hattie A. Lang, at home, aged twelve years(b. ME), Lillian L. Lang, at home, aged nine years (b. ME), Laura E. Lang, at home, aged six years (b. NH), and Angie A. [(Brown)] Lang, aged nineteen years (b. ME). Luther A. Lang had personal estate valued at $1,000.

Larkin A. Lang appeared in the Lynn, MA, directories of 1871, and 1873, as a clergyman, with his house at 3 Henry street.

Daughter Lizzie M. Lang married in Lynn, MA, December 23, 1873, George A. Noyes, both of Lynn, MA. He was a shoemaker, aged twenty-one years, and she was aged nineteen years. Larkin A. Lang performed the ceremony. George A. Noyes was born in Lynn, MA, June 22, 1852, son of George C. and Martha (Estes) Noyes.

Larkin A. Lang appeared in the Lynn, MA, directory of 1875, as a partner in Lang & Noyes, grocers at 6 Ingalls street, with his house at 6 Ingalls street. His partner and son-in-law, Geo. A. Noyes, appeared as resident at 9 Goodwin’s court.

Larkin A. Lang appeared in the Lynn, MA, directory of 1876, as having his house at 22 Silsbee street. Son Eugene D. Lang appeared as a shoemaker, with his house at the rear of 130 Union street.

WANT POSITIONS. – The following are the individuals who have petitioned the new City Government for positions on the police force. This does not by any means include all the candidates for a position on the force: Samuel E. Marsh, Daniel Higgins, Thomas Twisden. George W. Hamilton, George A. Noyes, Stephen E. Welch, Charles McDonald and Nelson A. Doe. Charles H. Stickney is very anxious for the position of Constable to serve civil processes, and Isaac M. Oliver wouldn’t object to the position of Milk Inspector (Boston Globe, January 8, 1877).

Larkin A. Lang appeared in the Lynn, MA, directory of 1878, as a clergyman, with his house at 10 Red Rock street. Son Eugene D. Lang appeared as a shoemaker, with his house at 12 Ellis street.

Larkin A. Lang appeared in the Lynn, MA, directory of 1880, as a clergyman, with his house at 23 Buffum. Son Eugene D. Lang appeared as a shoemaker, with his house at 62 Jackson street.

Daughter Lillian L. Lang married (1st) in Lynn, MA, April 28, 1880, Sumner B. Brackett, both of Lynn, MA. He was a shoe manufacturer, aged twenty-one years, and she was aged nineteen years. Rev. L.A. Lang performed the ceremony. Brackett was born in Lynn, MA, April 11, 1858, son of Herman and Naomi (Bartlett) Brackett.

Marriages. BRACKETT-LANG. – In Lynn, April 28, by Rev. S.A. Lang, Sumner B. Brackett and Miss Lillian L. Lang, both of Lynn (Lynn Daily Item (Lynn, MA), April 29, 1880).

NEW ENGLAND NEWS. Lynn, Mass. Howard Temple of Honor, No. 10, has elected officers as follows: W.C.T. – Henry B. Goodridge; W.V.T. – William F. Wells; W.R. – G.N. Goodridge; W.A.R. – G.A. Black; W.T. – H.J.B. Hudson; W.F.R. – J.B. Scully; Chaplain – Rev. L.A. Lang (Boston Evening Transcript, April 30, 1880).

Eugene D. Lang, works in shoe factory, aged thirty years (b. ME), headed a Lynn, MA, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Angie A. [(Brown)] Lang, dressmaking, aged twenty-eight years (b. ME), and his children, Rosa H. Lang, at school, aged seven years (b. NH), Sarah L. Lang, aged two years (b. NH). They resided at 62 Jackson Street.

George A. Noyes, a police officer, aged twenty-eight years (b. MA), headed a Lynn, MA, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Lizzie M. [(Lang)] Noyes, keeping house, aged twenty-five years (b. ME), and his children, L. Ednar Noyes, aged five years (b. MA), and Flora L. Noyes, aged two years (b. MA). They resided at 3 Goodwin’s Court.

[One may note the that the non-rhotic pronunciation of “Edna” has been recorded faithfully as “Ednar.” (It is sometimes said that Yankees drop their r’s – they pahk the cah at Hahvahd Yahd – but save them up and use them at the end of other words)].

LYNN. Notes. At rollcall of the police last evening, City Marshal Shaw issued a general order, in which officers John A. Burrows and George A. Noyes were detailed to see that the liquor law is not violated. All officers will be held responsible for the liquor business transacted upon their respective beats (Boston Evening Transcript, May 2, 1882).

Harriet W. (Leavitt) Lang died of consumption in Lynn, MA, November 23, 1885, aged sixty-four years.

DIED. Lynn, Mass. – Nov. 23d, Mrs. Harriet Lang, formerly of Bridgton (Lewiston Sun-Journal (Lewiston, ME), December 7, 1885).

Daughter Laura E. Lang married in Lynn, MA, January 26, 1887, Frank Russell, both of Lynn, MA. He was a ticket agent, aged twenty-nine years, and she was at home, aged twenty-three years. Rev. L.A. Lang performed the ceremony. Russell was born in Ipswich, MA, May 5, 1857, son of Foster P. and Augusta (Dodge) Russell.

Russell-Lang. Frank Russell, assistant at the ticket office, Central station, and Miss Laura E. Lang, were married Wednesday evening, at the residence of the bride’s sister, Mrs. George A. Noyes, 9 Ingalls street. The ceremony was performed by Rev. L.A. Lang, and witnessed by numerous friends and relatives, a number being from Ipswich, where Mr. Russell’s parents reside. The happy couple received many valuable presents. They will reside in Swampscott (Lynn Daily Item (Lynn, MA), January 27, 1887).

REAL ESTATE TRANSFERS. The following transfers of real estate in this county have been recorded at the Registry of Deeds. … Bridgton – Eugene D. Lang to Angie A. Lang, $600 (Portland Daily Press (Portland, ME), July 7, 1888).

Larkin A. Lang appeared in the Lynn, MA, directory of 1890, as a clergyman, with his house at 103 Empire street. Son Eugene D. Lang appeared as a shoemaker, with his house at 16 Jackson street. Son-in-law Sumner B. Brackett appeared as a stockfitter, with his house at 93 President street. Son-in-law Frank Russell appeared as a ticket agent at Central depot, with his house at 220 Chatham street.

Real Estate Transfers. The following transfers of real estate in the county have been recorded at the registry of deeds: Bridgton – Edward McNully to Larkin A. Lang, $30. North Gray – Cushman Hall to Caroline H. Hall, $1. Yarmouth – Millard F. Lovell to John H. Dow, $560 (Portland Daily Press (Portland, ME), August 30, 1890).

Daughter Hattie A. Lang married in Lynn, MA, April 29, 1891, J. [John] Otis Watts, both of Lynn, MA. He was a clerk, aged thirty-five years, and she was at home aged thirty-three years. Rev. Larkin A. Lang performed the ceremony. Watts was born in Lynn, MA, circa 1856, son of William and Susan (Devlin) Watts.

Marriages. WATTS-LANG. – in Lynn, April 29, by Rev. L.A. Lang, J. Otis Watts and Miss Hattie A. Lang, daughter of the officiating clergyman (Lynn Daily Item (Lynn, MA), May 1, 1891).

COURT CASES AT LAWRENCE. Milk Inspector White Held to the Grand Jury In $1000. Lawrence, Oct 10 – The superior court opened at 10 o’clock this morning without the formality of prayer. Samuel W. Hopkinson of Bradford was chosen foreman of the first jury and Larkin A. Lang of Lynn of the second. The first defendant placed on trial was Frederick J. Marshall of Newburyport, charged with robbing one John Riley, on Aug. 2, securing from him a pocketbook and $3.50 in money. The continued cases of alleged blackmail against milk inspector William P. White came up in the police court for trial this morning. Only one case was tried, that to which George Taylor, a Methuen milkman. made the charge. Taylor testified that White took a sample of milk from his wagon Sept. 18. He subsequently visited the inspector’s office at city hall and was informed that his milk was below the standard. White, however, the witness claimed, agreed to drop this case if Taylor would pay him $15 for the analysis. White denied the allegation in toto. The court considered that there was sufficient cause to believe the defendant guilty, and bound him over to the grand jury. Examination was waived in the other case, and sureties were fixed at $1000 each case. Dennie Callahan was arrested here today, being wanted in Haverhill upon the charge of forgery (Boston Globe, October 10, 1893).

Larkin A. Lang appeared in the Lynn, MA, directory of 1894, as a clergyman, boarding at 4 Poplar street.

Rev. Larkin A. Lang died of cancer in Lynn, MA, June 23, 1894, aged seventy-one years, five months, and four days. He was a minister.

RECENT DEATHS. Rev. Larkin A. Lang, a clergyman of the Free Baptist faith, died at the residence of his son-in-law, J. Otis Watts, 4 Poplar street, at 7.15 A.M., to-day, after a five months’ illness of rose cancer, aged 71 years. Deceased wan born in Bridgton, Me., where be received his education in the common schools, after which he took an academical course. He was a farmer for a number of years in early life, previous to his entering the ministry. He supplied pulpits of his own denomination in Maine for a number of years before coming to Lynn, but far as known was never settled a pastor. He has resided in Lynn for more than 20 years, with the exception of year, when he accepted a call to become pastor of a Free Baptist Church in Halifax, N.8. He returned to Lynn after a year’s absence and has resided here ever since. Mr. Lang was married some 25 years ago, to Harriet W. Leavitt, of Conway, N.H., but has been a widower for eight years. He leaves one son, E.D. Lang, of Sandy Creek, Me., and four daughters, Mrs. George A. Noyes, Mrs. J.O. Watts, Mrs. Sumner B. Brackett and Mrs. Frank Russell, of Lynn. The funeral will be held from the High Street Baptist Church, at 3 P.M. (Lynn Daily Item (Lynn, MA, June 23, 1894).

Funeral of Rev. L.A. Lang. The funeral of Rev. Larkin A. Lang was held from the High Street Baptist Church at 3 p.m. to-day. Rev. J.M. Louden of the Shawmut Avenue Free Baptist Church of Boston, of which deceased was a member, officiated at the services, being assisted by Rev. W.J. Twort, pastor of the church. The remains were encased in a handsome cloth-covered casket the inscription on the plate being: | JUNE 23, 1894. LARKIN A. LANG. 71 YEARS 5 MONTHS AND 4 DAYS. | There were numerous floral offerings, consisting of pillows, wreaths, ferns, casket bouquets and lilies, all of which were very beautiful. The services were opened by the singing of the hymn, “Asleep in Jesus,” by a quartette of the High Street Church choir. consisting of Miss E. Maude Emlyn, soprano, Mrs. Belle Bray, alto, Rich Irvine, tenor, and Harry E. Young, bass. Rev. Mr. Louden read appropriate selections from the Scripture which he followed with a brief eulogy of the deceased as a “Christian and a minister,” which was very sympathetic. The quartette then sang “When the Mists Roll Away,” also “Some Sweet Day.” Concluding prayer was offered by Rev. W.J. Twort. The burial was in the family lot in Pine Grover Cemetery (Lynn Daily Item (Lynn, MA), June 25, 1894).

Eugene D. Lang, a farmer, aged fifty years (b. ME), headed a Bridgton, ME, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of twenty-eight years), Ann J. [(Brown)] Lang, aged fifty-one years (b. ME), and his mother-in-law, Sarah Brown, a widow, aged eighty-three years (b. ME). Eugene D. Lang owned their farm, free-and-clear. Ann J. Lang was the mother of two children, of whom two were still living. Sarah Brown was the mother of ten children, of whom six were still living.

Geo. A. Noyes, harness fasteners manufacturer, aged forty-seven years (b. MA), headed a Lynn, MA, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of twenty-six years), Lizzie M. [(Lang)] Noyes, aged forty-five years (b. ME), and his daughter, Ida M. Noyes, a bookkeeper, aged nineteen years (b. MA). Geo. A. Noyes owned their house at 17 Ingalls Street, with a mortgage. Lizzie M. Noyes was the mother of three children, of whom three were still living.

Joseph [John] O. Watts, a Lynn Water Works fireman, aged forty-four years (b. MA), headed a Lynn, MA, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of nine years), Hattie A. [(Lang)] Watts, aged forty-one years (b. ME). Joseph O. Watts rented their apartment at 4 Poplar Street.

Sumner Brackett, a stock fitter shoes, aged forty-one years (b. MA), headed a Lynn, MA, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of twenty years), Lillian [(Lang)] Brackett, aged thirty-nine years (b. ME), and his children, Walter E. Brackett, a stock fitter shoes, aged eighteen years (b. MA), Fred H. Brackett, at school, aged sixteen years (b. MA), George S. Brackett, at school, aged twelve years (b. MA), and Eloa May Brackett, at school, aged ten years (b. MA). Sumner Brackett rented their house at 97 President Street. Lillian Bracket was the mother of five children, of whom four were still living.

Frank Russell, a B&M railroad Union state clerk, aged forty-three years (b. MA), headed a Lynn, MA, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. his household included his wife (of thirteen years), Laura E. [(Lang)] Russell, aged thirty-six years (b. NH). Frank Russell rented their apartment in a three-decker house at 81 Empire Street.

MAINE GOSSIP. It isn’t in the story books alone that the happy reunions take place, after many years. Mrs. Eugene Lang of Bridgton was overjoyed the other day when a supposed peddler at her door proved to be her brother whom she had not seen for over 30 years. Both she and her husband recognized him after a good look and it was a happy occasion for all (Kennebec Journal (Augusta, ME), November 27, 1901).

BRIDGTON. Mrs. Sarah (Stanton) Brown, widow of the late Simon Brown of Hiram, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Eugene Lang of Bridgton Wednesday, aged eighty-six years. She leaves several sons and daughters among the farmer being two veterans of the Civil war (Lewiston Sun-Journal (Lewiston, ME), February 6, 1903).

BRIDGTON. Eugene Lang and wife have moved from this village back to their home in the Creek (Lewiston Sun-Journal (Lewiston, ME), October 17, 1907).

Eugene D. Lang, a farmer (general farm), aged sixty years, headed a Bridgton, ME, household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of forty-two years), Angie A. [(Brown)] Lang, aged fifty-nine years (b. ME). Eugene D. Lang owned their farm, free-and-clear.

George A. Noyes, a variety store storekeeper, aged fifty-seven years (b. MA), headed a Lynn, MA, household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of thirty-six years), Lizzie M. [(Lang)] Noyes, aged fifty-five years (b. ME), his son-in-law (of nine years), Olin C. Blaisdell, a clothing store salesman, aged thirty-four years (b. ME), and his daughter, Ida M. [(Noyes)] Blaisdell, aged twenty-nine years (b. MA). George A. Noyes owned their house at 17 Ingalls Street, with a mortgage. Lizzie M. Noyes was the mother of three children, of whom three were still living.

Otis J. Watts, a city fireman, aged fifty-four years (b. MA), headed a Lynn, MA, household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of nineteen years), Hattie A. [(Lang)] Watts, aged fifty-one years (b. ME), and his boarder, Elsie G. Rockwell, a grocery store bookkeeper, aged nineteen years (b. NH). Otis J. Watts rented their apartment at 50 Rutland Street.

Lillian L. [(Lang)] Brackett, a widow, aged forty-nine years (b. ME), headed a Lynn, MA, household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. Her household included her children, Walter W. Brackett, a General Electric tinsmith, aged twenty-nine years (b. MA), Fred F. Brackett, a machine company machinist, aged twenty-five years (b. MA), George S. Brackett, a dining room cook, aged twenty-two years (b. MA), Elsie M. Brackett, a drapery saleswoman, aged twenty years (b. MA), and her lodger, Charles A. Fisher, a General Electric machinist, aged fifty-three years (b. ME). Lillian L. Brackett rented their apartment at 54 North Franklin Street. She was the mother of five children, of whom four were still living.

Frank Russell, a steam railroad bookkeeper, aged fifty years (b. MA), headed a Lynn, MA, household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of sixteen [twenty-three] years), Laura [(Lang)] Russell, aged forty-six years (b. MA [SIC]). Frank Russell rented their apartment in a three-decker house at 81 Empire Street.

WATTS NAMED JANITOR. Engineer for 20 Years at the Lynn Pumping Station Goes to the Police Station. LYNN, Dec 21 – J. Otis Watts, an engineer at the Walnut-st. pumping station, was today appointed a janitor of the central police station on Sutton st., to succeed Lawrence O’Connor, who was obliged to give it up as he was not on the civil service list. Mr. Watts is a native of this city and has been employed at the pumping station tor 20 years. He is an Odd Fellow, a member or other organizations, is married and resides at 50 Kirkland st., West Lynn. He will be at the police station from midnight until 8 a.m. Since Mr. O’Connor got through the work has been done by reserve policeman Staples. The appointment was made by Herbert Bayard, superintendent of buildings (Boston Globe, December 22, 1910).

Son-in-law George A. Noyes was excused from jury service in the Ettor trial in October 1912. Joseph J. Ettor of New York, NY, had been an I.W.W. (“Wobbly”) leader in the so-named “Bread and Roses” strike that had resulted in the death of striker Anna LoPizzo. Ettor was charged as an accomplice to murder.

ELEVEN ETTOR JURORS. … James G. Tuttle of Salem was opposed to capital punishment and excused. George A. Noyes of Lynn, had formed and expressed an opinion and has advocated abolition of the death penalty, excused (Boston Transcript, October 15, 1912).

Daughter Lillian L. (Lang) Brackett married (2nd) in Lynn, MA, April 9, 1913, Charles A. Fisher, both of 54 North Franklin Street, Lynn, MA. Both were divorcees. He was a machinist, aged fifty-seven years, and she was a housekeeper, aged fifty-two years. Rev. Lewis Malvern performed the ceremony. Fisher was born in Bangor, ME, circa 1855, son of Anson and Frances E. (Hall) Fisher.

Son-in-law George A. Noyes died in Lynn, MA, May 29, 1918.

DEATHS. – In Lynn, May 29, George Noyes, 65 yrs. Funeral services will be held at his late residence, 17 Ingalls street, on Saturday, 2.30 PM. Relatives and friends invited (Lynn Daily Item (Lynn, MA), May 31, 1918).

Angeline A. (Brown) Lang died of a cerebral hemorrhage at Sandy Creek in Bridgton, ME, May 4, 1918, aged sixty-seven years, and twenty-one days. Augus A. Hubb, M.D., signed the death certificate. She had resided in Bridgton, ME, for thirty-one years, i.e., since circa 1887, with her previous residence having been in Lynn, MA, for twenty years, i.e., circa 1866-1886.

Daniel J. Ward, a farmer (own farm), aged forty-five years (b. ME), headed a Bridgton, ME, household at the time of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Sadie E. [(Lang)] Ward, aged forty-two years (b. MA), and his father-in-law, Eugene D. Lang, a widower, aged seventy-one years (b. ME). Daniel J. Ward owned their farm on the Sandy Creek Road, free-and-clear.

Lizzie M. [(Lang) Noyes, a widow, aged sixty-four years (b. ME), headed a Lynn, MA, household at the time of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census. Her household included her daughter, Ida M. [(Noyes)] Blaisdell, a steam railroad accountant, aged thirty-nine years (b. MA), and her grandson, Ralph N. Hubbard, a machine manufacturing machinist, aged twenty years (b. MA). Lizzie M. Noyes owned their house at 17 Ingalls Street, with a mortgage.

John O. Watts, a police station janitor, aged sixty-four years (b. MA), headed a Lynn, MA, household at the time of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of twenty-nine years), Hattie A. [(Lang)] Watts, a shoe factory dresser, aged sixty-one years (b. ME). John O. Watts rented their apartment at 56 Hanover Street.

Charles A. Fisher, an auto accessories machinist, aged sixty-three years (b. ME), headed a Cambridge, MA, household at the time of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Lillian L. [((Lang) Brackett)] Fisher, aged fifty-eight years (b. ME), his stepdaughter, Elsie M. Brackett, a variety store general clerk, aged twenty-nine years (b. MA), and his lodger, Lawrence S. Judge, an auto accessories time clerk, aged twenty-nine years (b. ME). Charles A. Fisher rented their house on Charles Street.

Frank Russel, a steam railroad clerk, aged sixty-two years (b. MA), headed a Lynn, MA, household at the time of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Laura [(Lang)] Russel, aged fifty-six years (b. NH). Frank Russell rented their apartment in a three-decker house at 81 Empire Street.

Daughter Lizzie M. (Lang) Noyes died in Lynn, MA, in April 1921.

FUNERAL SERVICES MRS. LIZZIE M. NOYES. Flowers in abundance were a tribute of esteem to the memory of Mrs. Lizzie M. Noyes, widow of George A. Noyes, for whom funeral services were held at her late, residence, 17 Ingalls street, Monday afternoon, at 2.30 o’clock. Rev. Lewis Malvern, D.D., assisted by Rev. Thomas Cain, pastor of the Essex Street Union Baptist church, officiated. Mrs. Isabelle Bubier Ramsdell sang ‘I Need Thee Every Hour,’ “In the Garden,” “Face to Face.” The officers of Myrtie Rebekah lodge read the ritualistic service of the order. Included among the many floral tributes was a large standing crescent from the Myrtle Rebekah lodge. The burial was in Pine Grove cemetery (Lynn Daily Item (Lynn, MA), April 7, 1921).

Daughter Lillian L. ((Lang) Brackett) Fisher died in Lynn, MA, July 26, 1922, aged sixty-one years.

RECENT DEATHS. Mrs. Lillian Fisher, 61, wife of Charles A. Fisher, died Wednesday afternoon at her late residence, 30 High street, after a short illness. Born in Hiram, Me., the deceased moved to Lynn more than 25 years ago and had resided here up to the time of her death. She was a member of the Washington Street Baptist church and Beulah Rebekah lodge. Besides her husband she leaves three sons, Walter E., Fred H. and George M. Brackett, and one daughter, Miss Elsie M. Brackett, by former marriage (Lynn Daily Item (Lynn, MA), July 27, 1922).

Daniel J. Ward, a farm owner (farming), aged sixty-five years (b. ME), headed a Bridgton, ME, household at the time of the Fifteenth (1930) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Sadie E. [(Lang)] Ward, aged sixty-four years (b. MA), and his father-in-law, Eugene D. Lang, a widower, aged ninety years (b. ME). Daniel J. Ward owned their farm on the Sandy Creek Road, free-and-clear.

J. Otis Watts, aged seventy-four years (b. MA), headed a Lynn, MA, household at the time of the Fifteenth (1930) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of thirty-six years), Hattie A. [(Lang)] Watts, aged seventy-one years (b. ME). J. Otis Watts rented their apartment at 40 Jackson Street, for $12 per month. They did not have a radio set.

Frank Russell, a railroad cashier, aged seventy-two years (b. MA), headed a Lynn, MA, household at the time of the Fifteenth (1930) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of forty-two years), Laura [(Lang)] Russell, aged sixty-six years (b. NH). Frank Russell rented their apartment 56A Broad Street, for $43 per month. They had a radio set.

Daughter Hattie A. (Lang) Watts died Lynn, MA, February 10, 1931. Son-in-law John Otis Watts died in Lynn, MA, in December 1931.

Recent Deaths. MRS. HATTIE. A. WATTS, 72, wife of J. Otis Watts, died suddenly Friday at her home 40 Jackson street, from a heart attack. She had been in her usual good health when suddenly stricken and she died within a few minutes. She was born in Hiram, Me., the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Larkin A. Lang, but, had lived in Lynn the greater part of her life. She was member of Myrtle Rebekah lodge, I.O.O.F., and the Essex Street Baptist church. Besides her husband she leaves sister, Mrs. Laura Russell, of Lynn, and a brother, E.D. Lang, of Antrim, N. H.; three nieces and three nephews (Lynn Daily Item (Lynn, MA), February 24, 1931).

REALTY TRANSFERS. Eugene D. Lang to Sarah E. Ward, both of Bridgton, land and buildings at Bridgton (Portland Evening Express (Portland, ME), June 20, 1935).

Frank (Laura) Russell appeared in the Lynn, MA, directory of 1941, as residing at 4 Grand View avenue.

Son-in-law Frank Russell died in Lynn, MA, April 26, 1941, aged eighty-three years.

RECENT DEATHS. Frank Russell. Frank Russell, 83, for more than 50 years employed by the Boston & Maine railroad company as a ticket seller, died Saturday at 4 Grand View avenue. He was born at Ipswich and had lived in Lynn for 60 years. He was a member of Golden Fleece lodge, A.F. & A.M.; Sutton Royal Arch Chapter, and Glenmere lodge, Odd Fellows. He leaves his widow, Mrs. Laura E. Russell of Lynn and a sister, Miss Annah Russell of Ipswich (Lynn Daily Item (Lynn, MA), April 28, 1941).

Son Eugene D. Lang died in Bridgton, ME, August 2, 1941, aged ninety-one years.

BRIDGTON. … Funeral services for Eugene D. Lang, 91, who died Saturday at the home of his daughter Mrs. Daniel Ward, South Bridgton, were held from the Potter funeral home, Monday afternoon, conducted by the Rev. L.C. Harnish. Interment was in South High Street Cemetery. Mr. Lang was born in Bridgton, the son of Larkin Lang. He made his home with his daughter and husband in late years (Portland Evening Express (Portland, ME), [Tuesday,] August 5, 1941).

Daughter Mrs. Laura Russell appeared in the Lynn, MA, directory of 1945, as residing at 43 Atlantic street.

Daughter Laura E. (Lang) Russell died in Lynn, MA, October 17, 1946, aged eighty-three years.

DEATHS. Mrs. Laura E. Russell. Following an illness of many years, Mrs. Laura E. Russell, 83, of 3 Chatham street, died Thursday at Lynn Hospital. She was the widow of Frank Russell. Born in New Hampshire, she lived in Lynn 75 years. She was a member of Myrtle Rebekah Lodge, and the First Universalist Church. She leaves three nieces. Services will be tomorrow at 1.30 PM at the Parker Memorial, 35 Franklin street (Lynn Daily Item (Lynn, MA), October 18, 1946).

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References:

Burgess, Gidon A., and Ward, John T. (1889). Free Baptist Cyclopaedia. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=3GXiAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA330

Find a Grave. (2010, November 12). Sumner Bartlett Brackett. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/61629962/summer-bartlett-brackett

Find a Grave. (2011, October 21). Lilliam L. [(Lang)] Brackett Fisher. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/78867646/lillian-l.-fisher

Find a Grave. (2011, October 21). Rev. Larkin A. Lang. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/78867922/larkin-a.-lang

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Find a Grave. (2011, October 21). Lizzie M. Noyes. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/78868288/lizzie-m.-noyes

Find a Grave. (2011, October 21). Frank Russell. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/78868031/frank-russell

Find a Grave. (2011, October 3). Laura E. Russell. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/77565478/laura-e.-russell

Find a Grave. (2011, October 21). Hattie A. Watts. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/78868250/hattie-a-watts

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McFarland & Jenks. (1869). Political Manual and Annual Register for the State of New Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=K0A4AQAAMAAJ&pg=PA100

Wikipedia. (2023, March 27). 1912 Lawrence Textile Strike. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1912_Lawrence_textile_strike

Wikipedia. (2023, April 2). Rhoticity in English. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhoticity_in_English

By Muriel Bristol | March 2, 2025

Milton Mills celebrated the 104th birthday of Ralph Farnham of neighboring Acton, ME, on July 7, 1860.

Ralph Farnham was born in Lebanon, ME, July 7, 1756, son of Paul and Elizabeth (Dore) Farnham.

Ralph Farnham of York County enlisted in Capt. Phillip Hubbard’s Company, in Col. James Scammon’s MA Regiment, May 15, 1775. (Maine then being a “province” of Massachusetts).

Our company met a Berwick Landing – from there we marched to Cambridge, Mass., where we joined the Army and Colo James Scammon’s Regiment of Infantry. Our Lieut Colo was Johnson Moulton from York, our Major was Daniel Wood of said Berwick, Gen. Heath commanded our Brigade.

His unit served in the Battle of Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775, and, thereafter, for the remainder of the year 1775, in the Siege of Boston.

We remained at Cambridge till the last day of December 1775, when our enlistment was out and was dismissed. I was an inhabitant of Lebanon in said County of York when I enlisted. I served as a private soldier.

He enlisted again as a Sergeant in Capt. Samuel Grant’s Company, in Col. Oliver Titcomb’s Regiment.

In the year 1777, I enlisted a second time in the War of the Revolution under Capt Samuel Grant, the first Lieut I cannot recollect, the second Lieut was a Mr Billings from Kittery. I joined the company at Providence, Rhode Island. We joined Colo Titcomb’s Regiment. Our Lieut Colo and Major took a part of the Regiment and went down near Newport. Gen. Spencer commanded in chief. I remained in Providence aforesaid three months. We were called Militia men from York. I served in this campaign as a Sergeant. I enlisted under Capt Grant in May 1777 and was dismissed in August at Providence.

He enlisted for a third time as a Sergeant in Capt. Elisha Shapleigh’s Company in September 1777.

In about two weeks after I got home from Providence I enlisted under Capt Elisha Shapleigh from Kittery in the month of Sept 1777 to go up to meet Gen Burgoyne. I joined the Company at Bennington, Vermont. Our first Lieut was Jonathan Davis of said Lebanon, our second Lieut was a Mr Hummons from Bennington. We was marched to Manchester and from there to Polbert [?] and from there to Still Water where we joined the Army and Colo Joseph Stevens’ Regiment. Our Major was a Mr Littlefield from Wells. […] was Brigade guard. [Major] Gen […] and Gen Lincoln. I was at the taking of Burgoyne. I served as a Sergeant under Capt Shapleigh during this campaign, from Saratoga we went to Albany, where we stopped some time and from there went across the river 14 miles and then back to Albany. Our Company was ordered to take some prisoners to Hartford, Conn., where we was dismissed. I served in this campaign near four months.

I was born in said Lebanon in the year 1756, where I remained till I moved where I now live [in Acton, ME,] in 1779. I never received any written discharge.

Ralph Farnham married, probably in Acton, ME, circa 1780, Mehitable Bean. She was born in 1765. Mehitable (Bean) Farnham died in Acton, ME, March 8, 1842, aged seventy-six years.

John Farnham, a farmer, aged sixty-three years (b. ME), headed an Acton, ME, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Fanny Farnham, a matron, aged fifty-eight years (b. ME), James M. Farnham, a shoemaker, aged twenty-three years (b. ME), William P. Farnham, a shoemaker, aged twenty-one years (b. ME), and Ralph Farnham, a Revl Soldier, aged one hundred three years (b. ME). John Farnham had real estate valued at $2,500 and personal estate valued at $625. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Dummer Farnham, a farmer, aged sixty-four years (b. ME), and Woodman Miller, a farmer, aged fifty years (b. ME).

Ralph Farnham was the last surviving veteran of the Battle of Bunker Hill.

Celebration at Milton Mills. The inhabitants of Milton Mills and vicinity met at that place, July 7th, to celebrate the anniversary of the birth of RALPH FARNHAM, who on that day attained the extraordinary age of 104 years. The presence of the aged veteran gave unusual interest, who notwithstanding his more than five score years, enjoyed the exercises of the occasion with as much enthusiasm as any who participated in the event. A procession was formed at the Milton Mills Hotel, and he, seated in a carriage at the head of the procession, proceeded to the Union Meeting House – the connoisseur of all eyes – the embodiment of patriotism – the Christian Knight and Soldier – the last survivor of the terrible fight at Bunker Hill! – Tears were in the eyes of many as the aged veteran descended from his carriage and walked up the aisle of the church with much of the dexterity of youth, and took his seat in a finely decorated chair in front of the audience. The meeting was then organized by the choice of the following officers, viz: Joseph Townsend, President; Dr. Reuben Buck, Hon. Aaron Hubbard, Vice Presidents; W.W. Reynolds, Esq., Dr. Wm. B. Reynolds, Secretaries; Capt. Asa Fox, Marshall; Dr. Wm. B. Reynolds, Toastmaster. Rev. Theodore Stevens, of Berwick, was then introduced, who addressed the audience in a speech of thrilling eloquence, reviewing in part the life of the aged veteran, and some of the incidents of “the time that tried men’s souls” – of the time when the immortal Warren is supposed to have said, “Stand! the ground’s your own, my braves! Will ye give it up to slaves? Will ye look for greener graves? Hope ye mercy still? What’s the mercy despots feel? Hear it in yon cannon’s peal! See it on yon bristling steel! Ask it, ye who will! At the close of the oration, the Rev. Mr. Emerson, of Acton, addressed a few appropriate remarks, followed by Rev. Mr. Taggart, of Union. Hon. J.D. Lyman, of Farmington, was then called for, who addressed the audience with his usual ability. The exercises were closed by music by the Milton Mills Quadrille Band, who furnished appropriate music for the occasion. A procession was then formed and under the direction of the Marshall, marched to Reed’s Hall, to partake of refreshments, prepared by Mr. Reed of the Milton Mills Hotel, for the occasion. The tables did not literally groan, but had they the organs of speech, they would have uttered complaints louder than did the cannon, planted on a high eminence a little distance off, which every minute uttered its hoarse voice in honor of the aged hero. 104 guns were fired, the number of his years, and as the last uttered its hoarse music over the hills and through the valleys, a most earnest and hearty wish arose from the assembled multitude, that he might be spared yet a little longer, as a connecting link between the past and present centuries. After an invocation by Dr. R. Buck, Mrs. John Townsend presented him with a magnificent bouquet, prepared expressly for the occasion, prefacing it with a few appropriate remarks. After doing the most ample justice to the superb supper furnished by Mr. Reed, who spared no pains or expense to render it a success, the Toast Master proposed the following toasts and sentiments: By E.W. Fox – May our Legislators and Statesman ever follow the example of our aged veteran, in fighting for freedom throughout our glorious country. This was responded to with marked success by Hon. John D. Lyman of Farmington. His speech was pithy and to the point, and the audience showed their appreciation of it by hearty cheers. The signers of the Declaration of Independence, and the Heroes of the Revolution. John R. Palmer, of Milton, was called for, who made an elegant and polished response. Dr. Reuben Buck, of Acton, was called for, and made an emphatic appeal to the young, ever to follow in the footsteps of our venerable father and friend, who has outlived his revolutionary compatriots, and whose longevity is mainly attributable to virtue, morality and religion. By W.W. Reynolds – The inalienable rights of man – Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness – above all parchment. By Joseph P. Swasey – The last American survivor of the battle of Bunker Hill – may the day of his death be as triumphant as the cause for which he fought. By J.N. Witham – The orator of the day – his appreciation of the man, whose anniversary we this day celebrate, tells that the Orator and the Patriot took their inspiration from the same burning altar. By Joseph Townsend – The orator of the day – Like the veteran patriot of ’76, always willing to sacrifice pleasure for right, liberty and religion. By W.B. Reynolds – Our venerable guest – The Christian Knight and Soldier – may we follow his footsteps and practice his virtues. By Capt. Asa Fox – As the star decks the evening sky and guides the weary traveller on his way, so we may be guided by the genius of American Liberty, to that concentration of political happiness which is the just reward of Patriots, Philanthropists and men. By Mrs. John Townsend – England and America – united by the hands of their fir daughters. This was responded to by the President in a short and neatly-turned speech. Dr. D.T. Parker, of Farmington, was next called up, who made a speech with his characteristic humor, and some of his hits at fashionable follies called down storms of applause. By Lewis D. Reed – The Press – may we closely Review our past life, Advertise the merit of friends and foes, be earnest Enquirers after truth, place a Sentinel over our passions, and ever be Travellers in the path of justice and right. At this point the exercises closed amid the booming of cannon and ringing of bells, and all seemed pleaded at the success of the celebration. Many thanks to the Democratic party at Rochester, for the loan of their cannon, and to A.A. Perkins, Esq., Supt. of the G.F. & C.R.R., for passing the same over the road without charge. – such liberality deserves commendation and hearty thanks (Dover Enquirer, July 19, 1860).

After his Milton Mills birthday party, Ralph Farnham was invited to return to Bunker Hill in October, 1860.(See Milton in the News – 1860).

In his letter accepting the invitation, he states that he was eighteen years of age when he enlisted in the American army, and he adds: “It seems strange that out of all who were at Bunker Hill, I alone should be living. It appears to me, though so long ago, as if it were but yesterday. I can remember the particulars of the march after I enlisted – how the people cheered, and when near Andover, Col. Abbot came out and said, ‘Well done my lads,’ and sent out cider and grog in pails. We got to Cambridge the day before the battle. O, it was a terrible affair to me, for it was the first time I ever engaged in fighting. I served with the army through three campaigns, and was present on guard, when Burgoyne surrendered. I don’t think I deserve aby special praise for the part I took in the Revolution. I felt and acted only as others” (Boston Courier, October 1860).

Ralph Farnham died of dropsy in Acton, ME, December 26, 1860, aged one hundred four years, five months, and nineteen days.

RECENT DEATHS. The venerable Ralph Farnham, the last survivor of the battle of Bunker Hill, died yesterday morning, at the residence of his son, in Acton, Me., aged one hundred and four years, five months, and nineteen days. The funeral will be on Friday, at 1 o’clock. The thousands who saw this veteran soldier during his recent visit to Boston, will ever retain pleasant memories of his appearance, vivacity and cheerfulness (Boston Evening Transcript, December 27, 1860).

(Daughter Joanna Farnham died of lung fever in Boston, MA, March 1, 1877, aged eighty-one years, eleven months. The story of her passing, and the discovery of her “nesting” trunks, became a viral story that was copied many times across the whole country. (It was even revived as late as 1894 (See Milton in the News – 1877)).

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References:

Clarence, C.W. (1860, September 20). A Biographical Sketch of the Life of Ralph Farnham of Acton, Maine. Retrieved from www.loc.gov/resource/gdcmassbookdig.biographicalsket00clar/?sp=11

Find a Grave (2010, July 22). Joanna Farnham. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/55312457/joanna-farnham

Find a Grave. (2006, March 27). Mehitable Bean Farnham. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/13754776/mehitable-farnham

Find a Grave. (2006, March 27). Ralph Farnham. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/13754805/ralph-farnham