Milton Farmer Joseph C. Wentworth (1801-1863)

By Muriel Bristol | October 26, 2025

Joseph Cook Wentworth was born in Milton, September 24, 1801, son of Ichabod and Kezia (Cook) Wentworth.

Joseph C. Wentworth married in New Durham, NH, May 22, 1825, Tryphena Burnham Roberts, he of Milton and she of Farmington, NH. Rev. Joseph Boodey performed the ceremony. She was born in Farmington, NH, April 8, 1802, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth “Betty” (Dame) Roberts.

(The known children of Joseph C. and Tryphena B. (Roberts) Wentworth were: Leah Hayes Wentworth (1826-1848), George Washington Wentworth (1827–1884), Joseph Henry Wentworth (1829–1831), Susan E. Wentworth (1832-1929), Abigail Amanda Wentworth (1834–1912), and Augusta Adeline Wentworth (1834–1873)).

Daughter Leah Hayes Wentworth was born in Milton, June 27, 1826. Son George Washington Wentworth was born in Milton, December 22, 1827.

Son Joseph Henry Wentworth was born in Milton, November 22, 1829. He died August 17, 1831.

Jos. C. Wentworth headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 20-29 years [himself], one female aged 20-29 years [Tryphena (Roberts) Wentworth], one female aged under-5 years [Leah H. Wentworth], two males aged under-5 years [George W. Wentworth, and Joseph H. Wentworth], and one female aged 10-14 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Eph. Wentworth and Richd Plummer.

Daughter Susan E. Wentworth was born in Milton, June 13, 1832.

Mother Kezia (Cook) Wentworth died in Milton, April 4, 1833, aged seventy years.

Died. In Milton, April 4th inst., Kezia, wife of Ichabod Wentworth, aged 70 years. She was in apparent good health at 9 o’clock and before 10 she expired. Printers in Maine and Mass., are requested to notice the above (Dover Enquirer, April 16, 1833; Kennebec Journal (Augusta, ME), April 24, 1833).

Father Ichabod Wentworth died in Milton, April 16, 1834.

Daughter Abigail Amanda Wentworth was born in Milton, November 8, 1834. Daughter Augusta Adeline Wentworth was born in Milton, November 8, 1834.

Joseph C. Wentworth was Quartermaster of the 39th NH Militia Infantry Regiment in 1837. Noah Place [of Rochester, NH,] was its Colonel, Daniel Pearl [of Farmington, NH,] was its Lt. Colonel, Jeremiah Roberts [of Farmington, NH,] was its Major, and Charles T. Meserve [of Rochester, NH,] was its Adjutant (Claremont Manufacturing Co., 1837).

Joseph C. Wentworth 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 [Tryphena (Roberts) Wentworth], one female aged 10-14 years [Leah H. Wentworth], one male aged 10-14 years [George W. Wentworth], and three females aged 5-9 years [Susan E. Wentworth, Abigail A. Wentworth, and Augusta A. Wentworth]. Two members of his household were engaged in Manufacture & Trades. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Hannah Varney and Asa M. Durrell. (See Milton Occupations – 1840).

Father-in-law Joseph Roberts died in Farmington, NH, January 15, 1841. Mother-in-law Elizabeth (Dame) Roberts died in Farmington, April 15, 1841.

Died. In Farmington, April 15th, Mrs. Elizabeth Roberts, aged 76, widow of the late Mr. Joseph Roberts (Dover Enquirer, June 8, 1841).

Daughter Leah H. Wentworth married, probably in West Milton, September 14, 1844, John E. Goodwin. He was born in Middleton, NH, September 14, 1820, son of Deacon Joseph and Anna (Hanson) Goodwin. (Joseph and Anna Goodwin would be in 1827 two of the ten founding members of Milton’s Christian Church, in which Joseph Goodwin would be a deacon).

Daughter Leah H. (Wentworth) Goodwin died in Milton, September 22, 1848, aged twenty-two years, eight months, and thirteen days.

DEATHS. In Milton, Sept. 20th, Mrs. Leah H., wife of Mr. John E. Goodwin, and daughter of Mr. Joseph C. Wentworth, aged 22 years, 8 months and 13 days (Dover Enquirer, September 26, 1848).

Son George W. Wentworth married, in 1849, Rebecca Twombly. She was born in Middleton, NH, June 26, 1830, daughter of Samuel and Sophia D. (Fish) Twombly.

Widowed son-in-law John E. Goodwin married (2nd), March 11, 1849, Eliza A. Hayes. She was born in Milton, July 23, 1825, daughter of Ichabod and Sarah “Sally” (Card) Hayes.

Daughter Susan E. Wentworth married in Milton, September 8, 1849, Charles H. Goodwin, both of Milton. Rev. J.T. Colby performed the ceremony. He was a son of Deacon Joseph and Anna (Hanson) Goodwin (and brother of John E. Goodwin).

MARRIAGES. In Milton, Sept. 9th, by Eld. J.T.G. Colby, Mr. Charles H. Goodwin to Miss Susan E. Wentworth (Dover Enquirer, October 23, 1849).

Joseph C. Wentworth, a farmer, aged forty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Triphine [(Roberts)] Wentworth, aged forty-eight years (b. NH), George W. Wentworth, a shoemaker, aged twenty-two years (b. NH), Rebecca [(Twombly)] Wentworth, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), Adaline A. Wentworth, aged sixteen years (b. NH), Abigail Wentworth, aged sixteen years (b. NH), James C.S. Hodgdon, a shoemaker, aged sixteen years (b. NH), and Joseph P. Horn, a shoemaker, aged fifteen years (b. NH). Joseph C. Wentworth had real estate valued at $2,500. George W. Wentworth had real estate valued at $376. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of James Sanborn, a wheelwright, aged fifty-five years (b. ME), and Richard Plumer, a farmer, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH).

John E. Goodwin, a shoe manufacturer, aged thirty years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Eliza [(Hayes)] Goodwin, aged twenty-five years (b. NH), Joseph H. Goodwin, aged three years (b. NH), and Leah H. Goodwin, aged two years (b. NH). John E. Goodwin had real estate valued at $3,000. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Charles H. Goodwin, a trader, aged twenty-five years (b. NH), and Shepherd Goodwin, a shoemaker, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH).

Joseph C. Wentworth of Milton was selected as a petit juror for January term of the Strafford Court of Common Pleas, (Dover Enquirer, January 28, 1851).

Daughter Abigail A. Wentworth married in Milton, November 10, 1853, Brackett W. Clark, she of Milton and he of Wolfeborough, NH. He was born in Milton, June 19, 1829, son of Enoch M. and Sarah P. (Hayes) Clark.

Daughter August A. Wentworth married in Milton, November 10, 1853, John Colbath. He was born in Barnstead, NH, December 26, 1828.

MARRIAGES. In Milton, Nov. 10th, by Eld. J.T.G. Colby, Mr. John Colbath of Barnstead, to Miss Augusta A. Wentworth of Milton (Dover Enquirer, November 22, 1853).

The Milton Selectmen of 1855 were Jos. Sayward, Lewis Plummer, and J.C. Wentworth.

TOWN OFFICERS. Milton – Ezra K. Twombly, Town Clerk; Joseph Sayward, Lewis Plumer, Joseph C. Wentworth, Selectmen (Dover Enquirer, March 22, 1855).

The Milton Selectmen of 1856 were Jos. Sayward, J.C. Wentworth, and D. Wallingford, Jr.

TOWN OFFICERS. MiltonJoseph Mathes, Town Clerk; Joseph Sayward, Joseph C. Wentworth, David Wallingford, jr., Selectmen (Dover Enquirer, March 27, 1856).

Joseph C. Wentworth, a farmer, aged fifty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Tryphena [(Roberts)] Wentworth, aged fifty-eight years (b. NH). Joseph C. Wentworth had real estate valued at $3,000 and personal estate valued at $1,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of James Sanborn, a farmer, aged sixty-five years (b. ME), and Richard Plumer, Jr., a farmer, aged thirty-four years (b. NH).

John E. Goodwin, a shoe manufacturer, aged forty years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“West Milton P.O.”) household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Eliza [(Hayes)] Goodwin, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), J.H. [Joseph H.] Goodwin, aged fourteen years (b. NH), L.H. [Leah H.] Goodwin, aged twelve years (b. NH), L.M. [Laura M.] Goodwin, aged nine years (b. NH), A.B. [Alice E.] Goodwin, aged seven years (b. NH), and J.F. [John F.] Goodwin, aged three years (b. NH). John E. Goodwin had real estate valued at $7,000 and personal estate valued at $5,000. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of George F. Nute, a shoe cutter, aged thirty-two years (b. NH), and his brother, Daniel B. Goodwin, a farmer, aged forty-nine years (b. NH).

George Wentworth, a boot & shoe maker, aged thirty-two years (b. NH), headed a St. Louis, MO, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Rebecca [(Twombly)] Wentworth, aged thirty-one years (b. NH), Wilber Wentworth, aged eight years (b. MA), Nelly Wentworth, aged three years (b. MA), and Helen Murphy, a servant, aged ten years (b. Ireland). George Wentworth had real estate valued at $10,000 and personal estate valued at $5,000. They shared a two-family residence with the household of Jane Hodgdon, a clerk, aged twenty-six years (b. NH).

C.H. Goodwin, a shoe manufacturer, aged thirty-five years (b, NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Susan E. [(Wentworth)] Goodwin, aged twenty-five years (b. NH), and Abba A. Goodwin, aged six years (b. NH). C.H. Goodwin had real estate valued at $1,500 and personal estate valued at $600. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of George W. Goodwin, a merchant, aged forty-two years (b. NH), and an unoccupied building, with Isaac Hayes, a farmer, aged seventy-three years (b. NH), just beyond.

Bracket W. Clark, a shoe cutter, aged thirty years (b. NH), headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Abby A. [(Wentworth)] Clark, aged twenty-four [twenty-six] years (b. NH), William B. Clark, aged five years (b. NH), and Cara F. Clark, aged four years (b. NH). Bracket W. Clark had real estate valued at $1,600 and personal estate valued at $200.

John Colbath, a shoemaker, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), headed a Somersworth, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Augusta [(Wentworth)] Colbath, aged thirty [twenty-six] years (b. NH), and <blank> Plummer, a shoemaker, aged twenty-five years (b. Unknown). John Colbath had personal estate valued at $100.

Eliza A. (Hayes) Goodwin died in Milton, October 15, 1861, aged thirty-six years.

DEATHS. In West Milton, Oct. 15, Eliza Hayes, wife of John E. Goodwin, Esq., aged 36 years (Dover Enquirer, October 17, 1861).

Widowed son-in-law John E. Goodwin married (3rd) in Concord, NH, May 7, 1862, Pamelia N. (Davis) Pinkham, he of Milton, and she of Concord, NH. He was a shoemaker, aged forty-one years, and she was aged thirty-three years. Rev. E.E. Cummings performed the ceremony.

Joseph C. Wentworth died of lung fever in Milton, February 26, 1863, aged sixty-one years, five months.

State of New Hampshire. STRAFFORD, SS. The Judge of Probate for said County to the heirs at law of the estate of Joseph C. Wentworth, late of Milton, in said County, deceased, intestate, and to all interested therein. YOU are hereby notified that Tryphena B. Wentworth, administratrix of the estate of said deceased, will exhibit her account of the administration thereof, at a Court of Probate to be holden at Farmington in said county on the first Tuesday of Sept. next, when and where you may appear and shew cause, if any you have, against the allowance of said account. And it is ordered that the said Administratrix give notice, by causing the foregoing citation and this order thereon, to be published three weeks successively in the Dover Enquirer, printed at Dover, in said County, the last publication whereof to be at lease [least] thirty days before said Court. Given at Dover, in said County, this 5th day of May, A.D. 1864. ASA FREEMAN, Register. 1 (Dover Enquirer, June 2, 1864).

Son-in-law Brackett W. Clark died in Farmington, NH, May 2, 1865.

FATAL ACCIDENT. Mr. Brackett W. Clark, of Farmington, was suddenly killed on Tuesday, in J.W. Waldron’s mill in that town, by falling onto the machinery, or by being caught in it, while oiling. He leaves a widow and three children (Dover Enquirer, [Thursday,] May 4, 1865).

Daughter-in-law Rebecca (Twombly) Wentworth died in Haverhill, MA, January 28, 1868.

Son George W. Wentworth married (2nd) in Middleton, NH, June 3, 1869, Eliza A. Twombly, he of Haverhill, MA, and she of Middleton, NH. He was a lumber dealer, aged forty-one years, and she was aged twenty-nine years. Rev. Seth Swayer performed the ceremony.  She was born in Middleton, NH, in 1840, daughter of Samuel and Lydia E. “Eliza” (York) Twombly.

John E. Goodwin, a shoe manufacturer, aged forty-seven years, headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Pamelia [((Davis) Pinkham)] Goodwin, keeping house, aged forty-two years (b. NH), Henry Goodwin, a bookkeeper, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), Alice Goodwin, attending school, aged seventeen years (b. NH), Fremont Goodwin, attending school, aged thirteen years (b. NH), Erie Pinkham, works in shoe factory, aged twenty-two years (b. NH), and Lovey Ricker, teaching school, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH).

George Wentworth, no employment, aged forty-two years (b. NH), headed a Haverhill, MA, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Elisa [(Twombly)] Wentworth, keeps house, aged thirty years (b. NH), Nellie Wentworth, attends school, aged thirteen years (b. MA), and Wilbert Wentworth, no employment, aged eighteen years (b. MA).

Charles Goodwin, a wholesale shoe store salesman, aged forty-five years (b. NH), headed a Boston, MA. household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Susan [(Wentworth)] Goodwin, keeping house, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), Abbie A. Goodwin, at school, aged sixteen years (b. NH), and Tryphonia [(Burnham)] Wentworth, at home, aged sixty-eight years (b. NH). They shared a two-family residence with the household of Josiah Vinton, a drill-maker, aged forty-six years (b. ME).

Abbie A. [(Wentworth)] Clark, works in shoe factory, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. Her household included Willie B. Clark, attending school, aged fourteen years (b. NH), Cora F. Clark, attending school, aged thirteen years (b. NH), George W. Wingate, works in shoe factory, aged forty-one years (b. NH), and Charles Merrifield, a bookkeeper, aged twenty-three years (b. NH). Their household appeared next in the enumeration to that of [brother-in-law] John Colbath, works in shoe factory, aged forty-one years (b. NH).

John Colbath, works in shoe factory, aged forty-one years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Augusta A. [(Wentworth)] Colbath, keeping house, aged thirty-five years (b. NH). John Colbath had real estate valued at $400. Their household appeared next in the enumeration to that of [sister-in-law] Abbie A. Clark, works in shoe factory, aged thirty-five years (b. NH).

Daughter Augusta A. (Wentworth) Colbath died in Dover, NH, February 2, 1873.

DEATHS. In this city, Feb. 2, Augusta A., wife of John Colbath, aged 38 years (Dover Enquirer, February 8, 1873).

Son-in-law John E. Goodwin tried to set up a factory in Milwaukee, WI, but then changed his mind.

Well, we have a bit of news from way out west. Brother John E. Goodwin has sort of broken up business in Milwaukee, owing to a little unpleasantness which arose between him and the lager beer Dutchmen in an round about the Shoe factory. Somehow these Dutchmen didn’t take to John and John didn’t take to them. It was an untaking time all round, which caused disagreeable feelings to arise in Bro. Goodwin’s heaving bosom and he concluded to “pull up stakes” and leave those Dutchmen alone in their glory. And then it came to pass that Bro. Goodwin had some machinery, pegging machines, &c., inside that factory that he wanted to get out. And then these obstreperous stuck their noses into his business again and wouldn’t let him go in to take his things out unless they went with him to see that John acted with perfect Christian honesty and decorum and didn’t put his hands on anything to which he had no lawful claim. But John overcame these meddlesome boobies at last, and his machines are safely out of reach of all such avaricious “cusses.”
But Bro. Goodwin and all those fine fellows who went on this Western speculation with him, are out of business just now, and are waiting, like old Micawber, for something to turn up. One of them, Mr. Wentworth, has arrived safely back to the bosom of old Dover, and the rest are expected by and by. This is a changing world. Even a man’s religious principles are not absolutely a permanent fixture. We are told that Bro. Goodwin was a devout Freewill Baptist when he bade farewell to his old home here on the Cocheco. But through some mysterious influence he became metamorphosed into a first rate Methodist after reaching the broad prairies of the West.
This is nothing whatever against him, because any of our fellow mortals has the right to be a Methodist or anything else he likes. – Change rather indicates a capacity in one to overcome one’s prejudices. Now our advice to Bro. Goodwin is that he return straightway and dwell amongst us again. We will kill the fatted calf and then “let us eat and be merry”(Dover Enquirer, December 23, 1873).

John E. Goodwin, works in shoe factory, aged fifty-eight years (b. NH), headed a North Brookfield, MA, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Pamelia N. [((Davis) Pinkham)] Goodwin, keeping house, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), his son, John F. Goodwin, works in shoe factory, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), and his daughter-in-law, V. Belle [(Sanborn)] Goodwin, at home, aged eighteen years (b. NH).

Geo W. Wentworth, a trader, aged fifty-two years (b. NH), headed a Haverhill, MA, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Eliza A. Wentworth, a housekeeper, aged forty-two years (b. NH), his children, Wilbert G. Wentworth, an engineer, aged twenty-seven years (b. MA), and Nellie K. Wentworth, keeps house, aged twenty-one years (b. MA), his brother-in-law, Eri P. Twombly, a leather cutter, aged thirty years (b. NH), Fred Batchelder, a bookkeeper, aged twenty-five years (b. MA), Fred Peverly, a shoemaker, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), and Maggie Norton, a shoe stitcher, aged twenty-eight years (b. MA). They resided at 89 Emerson Street.

Chas. H. Goodwin, a commercial traveler, aged fifty-six years (b. NH), and his wife, Susan E. [(Wentworth)], aged forty-six years (b. NH), were two of the ten boarders in the Somerville, MA, household of Nathaniel Millikin, a R.R. freight clerk, aged fifty-three years (b. ME), at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census.

Abbie A. [(Wentworth)] Clark, a tailoress, aged forty-four years (b. NH), boarded in a Dover, NH, house with Helen P. Robinson, keeps boarders, aged forty-five years (b. NH), at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. Mrs. Robinson had four boarders in her house at 20 Orchard Street.

John Colbath, works in shoe manufactory, aged fifty years (b. NH), boarded in a Dover, NH, house with Jacob M. Willey, works in shoe manufactory, aged forty-seven years (b. NH), at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. Mr. Willey resided on Second Street.

Tryphena B. (Roberts) Wentworth died of heart disease in Haverhill, MA, July 17, 1882, aged eighty years.

DEATHS. In Somerville, Mass. July 17, Triphina, widow of Joseph Wentworth, formerly a resident of Milton, aged 80 yrs. (Farmington News, July 21, 1882).

Son George W. Wentworth died in Haverhill, MA, April 20, 1884, aged fifty-six years.

Death of a Well-Known Manufacturer. George W. Wentworth, a prominent business man and extensive shoe-box manufacturer in Haverhill, died Sunday night at the age of 56. He was a member of the Board of Aldermen in 1877, and a veteran Odd Fellow. He leaves a widow, son and daughter (Lynn Item (Lynn, MA).

Daughter Abigail A. ((Wentworth) Clark) married (2nd) in Malden, MA, November 5, 1889, Mark Harden, she of Somerville, MA, and he of Malden, MA. She was a dressmaker, aged forty-eight years, and he was a clerk, aged forty-seven years. He was born in Williamston, VT, circa 1842, son of Isaac F. and Siloma  F. Harden.

MALDEN. A very interesting event at the residence of Mrs. Charles H. Goodwin, on Tuesday evening, was the marriage of Mrs. Abbie A. Clark of Somerville to Mark Harden, formerly of Augusta, Me. The ceremony was performed by Rev. W.P. Odell. The couple were the recipients of some very handsome presents. Mr. Harden, who was recently in the employ of the Internal Revenue Department of the government, now holds a responsible position with Bradstreet’s mercantile agency at St. Louis, in which city he and his bride will reside (Boston Globe, November 7, 1889).

Son-in-law John E. Goodwin died of heart disease in Malden, MA, May 29, 1893, aged seventy-two years, eight months, and seventeen days. He had been a shoe manufacturer.

Daughter-in-law Eliza A. (Twombly) Wentworth died in Middleton, NH, February 4, 1896.

MIDDLETON. The sad news of the death of Mrs. Eliza A. Wentworth, widow of the late Geo. Wentworth of Haverhill, Mass , on Tuesday the 4th, was a severe shock to the citizens of this town, as she was a lady whom everyone respected and loved for her excellent virtues and moral worth as well as for her philanthropic and kind disposition. Her health has been gradually failing for a number of years and she has been in the habit of visiting at the home of her brother, Eri P. Twombly of this town, and frequently made that her home during the hottest part of the summer, returning to her home in Haverhill to spend the winter. Her husband died a few years ago leaving leaving her in competent circumstances financially. She was the daughter of the late Samuel Twombly and leaves two brothers, Eri P. and William H. She possessed a good education and although she was not a professor of religion to our knowledge, her high moral virtues and kindred accomplishments made her an exemplary lady in the superlative degree. She was about 60 years or age. Her friends and relatives have the sympathy of the entire community. The funeral took place at the house of her brother Eri on Friday, Feb 7 (Farmington News, February 14, 1896).

Frederick G. Nickerson, a R.R. auditor, aged forty-four years (b. MA), headed a Malden, MA, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of twenty-one years), Abbie A. [(Goodwin)] Nickerson, a music teacher, aged forty-six years (b. NH), his daughter, Florence A. Nickerson, aged twenty years (b. MA), his boarders, Charles H. Goodwin, insurance, aged seventy-five years (b. MA [SIC]), [his wife of fifty years,] Susan E. [(Wentworth)] Goodwin, aged sixty-six years (b. MA [SIC]), and his servant, Katie Waldron, aged twenty-four years (b. Ireland). Frederick G. Nickerson rented their house at 29 Spring Street. Abbie A. Nickerson and Susan E. Wentworth were each the mother of one child, each of whom was still living.

Mark Harden, a reporter, aged fifty-seven years (b. VT), and his wife (of ten years), Abbie [((Wentworth) Clark)] Harden, a seamstress, aged sixty-four years (b. NH), were lodgers in the Boston, MA, household of Florence A. Russell, a housekeeper, aged forty-four years (b. ME), at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. Florence A. Russell rented their house at 36 Harvard Street, in which she had eleven lodgers and one boarder.

Horace N. Colbath, a farmer, aged sixty-five years (b. NH), headed a Barnstead, NH, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of forty years), Lucinda I. Colbath, aged fifty-six years (b. NH), his daughter, Helen M. [(Colbath)] Morrison, aged thirty-six years (b. NH), his son-in-law (of sixteen years), Charles H. Morrison, a farm laborer, aged forty-three years (b. NH), his granddaughter, Grace H. Morrison, aged twelve years (b. NH), and his brother, John Colbath, a farm laborer, aged seventy-one years (b. NH). Horace N. Colbath owned their farm, free-and-clear. Lucinda I. Colbath was the mother of three children, of whom one was still living. Helen M. Morrison was the mother of one child, of whom one was still living.

Son-in-law Charles H. Goodwin died of old age in Malden, MA, May 25, 1904, aged seventy-nine years, eight months, and fourteen days. He had been a retired merchant.

Frederick O. Nickerson, an accountant (B&M Railroad), aged fifty-five years (b. MA), headed a Malden, MA, household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910 Federal Census. His household included his wife (of thirty-three years), Abbie [(Goodwin)] Nickerson, aged fifty-six years (b. NH), and his mother-in-law, Susan E. [(Wentworth)] Goodwin, aged seventy-six years (b. NH). They shared a two-family residence with the household of Edward S. King, an adjuster lawyer (life insurance co.), aged thirty-five years (b. MA), and his wife, Florence A. [(Nickerson)] King, aged thirty years (b. MA). Frederick O. Nickerson and Edward S. King both rented their house at 25 Garland Avenue. Abbie Nickerson was the mother of one child, of whom one was still living. Susan E. Goodwin was the mother of one child, of whom one was still living.

Edwin H. Harnden, a bookkeeper (manufacturing), aged sixty-two years, headed a Cambridge, MA, household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of thirty-seven years), Josephine J. [(Gerry)] Harnden, aged sixty years (b. MA), and his lodger, Abbie A. ((Wentworth) Clark) Harden, a seamstress (tailoring), aged seventy-five years (b. NH). They shared a two-family residence with the household of Alfred N. Harden, a carpenter, aged thirty-five years (b. MA). They both rented their portions of a house at 190 Elm Street. Josephine J. Harden was the mother of one child, of whom one was still living. Abbie A. Harden was the mother of three children, of whom two were still living,

John Colbath, own income, aged eighty-one years (b. NH), headed a Barnstead, NH, household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. He shared a two-family residence with the household of Horace N. Colbath, own income (invalid), aged seventy-five years (b. NH). They both owned their farm, free-and-clear.

Daughter Abigail A. ((Wentworth) Clark) Harden died of chronic interstitial nephritis at 71 Irving Street in Somerville, MA, March 6, 1912, aged seventy-six years, four months, and two days. Charles H. Thomas, M.D. signed the death certificate.

DEATHS. HARDEN – In Somerville, March 6, Abbie A., widow of Mark Harden, 76. Funeral services will be held at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Lemont P. Hatch, 43 Davenport st., North Cambridge, Friday, March 2:30 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Farmington and Dover, N.H., papers please copy (Boston Globe, March 7, 1912).

Son-in-law John Colbath died in Barnstead, NH, April 7, 1915.

In Memoriam. John Colbath. John Colbath, a prominent citizen of Barnstead, was stricken with apoplexy April 5 and died the day following. He remained unconscious till death. Mr Colbath was born December 26, 1828, on the farm where he died. In 1847 he went to West Milton and entered the employ of John E. Goodwin to learn the shoe business. In 1853 he became a partner in the firm of G.W. Wentworth and company, shoe manufacturers, keeping, as was then customary, a grocery store. He was appointed postmaster and so remained until the business part of the village was swept by fire, which destroyed their shoe factory and store and the Goodwin factory and store. Afterwards he entered the employ of Oliver Hill at Great Falls where he remained until 1858 when he became foreman of the Alex Strong shoe firm at Dover. He remained there 13 years. He was a member of the city council and in 1876 was elected a representative from Ward 2, then a strong Republican ward. His wife having died, he came to Farmington and entered the employ of John F. Cloutman. In 1890 he returned to Barnstead and since had been living with bis brother, Horace N. Colbath, at the old homestead, which has been in the family 125 years. By industry and frugality he acquired a competency which for these years he enjoyed. He was the oldest member of the North Barnstead Congregational church and was a member of Fraternal Lodge, No. 71, A.F.&A.M., of Farmington. The funeral took place Saturday, April 10. Rev. J.A. Pogue, former pastor of North Barnstead church, now of Boston, spoke. Burial was here in Farmington (Farmington News, April 23, 1915).

Sarah [Susan E.] [(Wentworth)] Goodwin, aged eighty-three [eighty-eight] years (b. NH), was a lodger in the Malden, MA, household of Varia Penney, a nurse (private hospital), aged fifty-four years (b. MA), at the time of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census. Viola Penney had six lodgers in her rented house at 10 Arthur Street.

Daughter Susan E. (Wentworth) Goodwin died in Malden, MA, April 22, 1929, aged ninety-six years.


References:

Claremont Manufacturing Co. (1837). NH Annual Register. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=3wEXAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA66

Find a Grave. (2022, November 23). Abigail Amanda Wentworth Clark. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/245884008/abigail_amanda-clark

Find a Grave. (2017, June 19). Augusta Adeline [Wentworth] Colbath. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/180530108/augusta_adeline-colbath

Find a Grave. (2008, August 25). Leah Hayes Wentworth Goodwin. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/29302943/leah-hayes-goodwin

Find a Grave. (2020, January 5). Susan E. [Wentworth] Goodwin. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/205974079/susan-e-goodwin

Find a Grave. (2013, October 6). George Washington Wentworth. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/118276120/george-washington-wentworth

Find a Grave. (2017, June 19). Joseph C. Wentworth. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/180532486/joseph-c-wentworth

Find a Grave. (2017, June 19). Joseph Henry Wentworth. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/180532910/joseph_henry-wentworth

Milton Farmer Enoch Banfield (1809-1848)

By Muriel Bristol | October 19, 2025

Enoch Banfield was born in Wolfeborough, NH, November 15, 1809, son of Tobias and Elizabeth A. (Whidden) Banfield.

Tobias Banfill headed a Portsmouth, NH, household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one male aged 10-15 years, three males aged under-10 years, and one female aged under-10 years.

Enoch Banfield of Wolfeborough, NH, was a student at the newly established Wolfeborough & Tuftonborough Academy in 1823. There were forty-four students (thirty-eight males students and six female students) (Parker, 1901; Granite Monthly, 1920).

Tobias Banfield headed a Wolfeborough, NH, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one female aged 50-59 years [Eliza A. (Whidden) Banfield], one female aged 15-19 years [Caroline Banfield], one female aged 10-14 years [Almira Banfield], and one male aged 5-9 years.

Enoch Perkins and Enoch Banfield were appointed local Deputy Sheriffs in Tamworth, NH, in 1835, under Strafford County Sheriff Benning W. Jenness (Farmer & Lyon, 1836).

DEPUTY SHERIFFS. – The following are the Deputy Sheriffs now in office under the appointment of B.W. JENNESS, Esq., Sheriff of Strafford County. … Tamworth, Enoch Perkins; … Wolfeborough, Enoch Banfield (Dover Enquirer, 1835).

Tobias Banfield headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 60-69 years [himself], one female aged 60-69 years [Eliza A. (Whidden) Banfield], one male aged 30-39 years [Enoch Banfield], and two females aged 20-29 years [Caroline Banfield and Almira Banfield]. Two member of his household were engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Daniel Goodwin and Jacob Nute.

Enoch Banfield received his first appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, December 14, 1840.

The Milton Selectmen of 1842 were J.M. Twombly, R.J. Witham, and Enoch Banfield.

TOWN OFFICERS. Milton. Robert Mathes, Town Clerk; James M. Twombly, Reuben J. Witham, Enoch Banfield, Selectmen (Dover Enquirer, March 15, 1842).

Enoch Banfield married in Tuftonborough, NH, in November 1844, Elizabeth L. Place. She was born in Alton, NH, February 21, 1823, daughter of David and Susan (Perkins) Place.

Marriages. By the same [Rev. Joseph Banfield], Enoch Banfield, Esq., of Boston, to Miss Elizabeth L. Place, of Milton, N.H. (Dover Enquirer, November 19, 1844).

Enoch Banfield died in Dover, NH, July 26, 1848, aged thirty-nine years.

DEATHS. In Dover, N.H. 26th ult., Mr. ENOCH BANFIELD, recently of Boston, 39 (Boston Evening Transcript, August 2, 1848).

Tobias Banfield, none, aged seventy-five years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Elisabeth [(Whidden)] Banfield, aged seventy-one years. Tobias Banfield had real estate valued at $500. Their household appeared in the enumeration next to that of Joshua Banfield, a grocer, aged forty-seven years (b. NH).

John W. Varney, a shoemaker, aged thirty-three years (b. NH), headed a Milton houshold at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Lydia W. [(Hatch)] Varney, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH), and Elizabeth L. [(Place)] Banfield, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Joseph B. Wakeham, a shoemaker, aged twenty-six years (b. NH), and Albert Corson, a shoemaker, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH).

Mother Elizabeth (Whidden) Banfield died of old age in Farmington, NH, December 17, 1859, aged eighty-one years. She was married.

DEATHS. In Farmington, 17th inst., Mrs. Elizabeth, wife of Mr. Tobias Banfield. She was born in Portsmouth, Oct. 18, 1779. Mr. and Mrs. B. were married by the late Rev. Samuel Haven, D.D., of Portsmouth, consequently they have lived together 61 years. Her end was peaceful and happy (Dover Enquirer, December 29, 1859).

Father Tobias Banfield died of old age in Farmington, NH, February 27, 1860, aged eighty-five years.

DEATHS. In Farmington, on the 27 ult., Mr. Tobias Banfield, aged 85 years and 7 months. Mr. B. was born in Portsmouth, Aug. 3, 1774. In the year 1814 he together with his father, mother and his own children then born, moved to Wolfeborough; but for several years last past has resided with his children in Milton, Dover, and Farmington. He had for some length of time been convinced that his stay upon earth would be short. But death to a great extent had been shorn of its terrors. He had believed and trusted in Him, who had said, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live again.” – Com. Will Portsmouth papers please copy (Dover Enquirer, March 1, 1860).

Josiah Witham, a farmer, aged forty-one years, headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Susan P. [(Place)] Witham, aged thirty-six years, Charles C. Witham, aged ten years, John W. Witham, aged seven years, Laura P. Witham, aged five years, Josiah D. Witham, aged two years, David Place, a laborer, aged sixty-eight years, and Elizabeth [(Place)] Banfield, aged thirty-seven years. Josiah Witham had real estate valued at $2,000 and personal estate valued at $600. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John W. Varney, a farmer, aged forty-two years (b. NH), and Stephen Maine, a farmer, aged sixty years (b. NH).

Susan [(Place)] Witham, keeping house, aged forty-six years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. Her household included John W. Witham, a farm laborer, aged seventeen years (b. NH), Laura S. Witham, aged fifteen years (b. NH), Josiah Witham, a farm laborer, aged twelve years (b. NH), Lizzie B. Witham, at school, aged nine years (b. NH), Carrie B. Witham, at school, aged six years (b. NH), and Elizabeth L. [(Place)] Banfield, aged forty-seven years (b. NH). Susan Witham had real estate valued at $1,000 and personal estate valued at $328. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John L. Varney, works for shoe factory, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), and Lydia W. [(Hatch)] Varney, keeping house, aged forty-eight years (b. NH).

Brother Joseph Banfield died of old age at 143 Walnut Avenue in Boston, MA, November 22, 1875, aged seventy-six years, two months, and six days. He was a married clergyman.

DEATHS. At Boston Highlands, 22 inst., Joseph Banfield, 76 yrs. (Boston Evening Transcript), November 22, 1875).

Sister Caroline (Banfield) Hersey died in Milton, March 1, 1881.

Sister Almira B. (Banfield) Nute died of paralysis in Dover, NH, April 15, 1890, aged seventy-three years, and twenty-six days. She was a widowed housekeeper. D.S.P. Chamberlain, M.D. signed the death certificate.

Susan [(Place)] Witham, a farmer, aged seventy-six years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. Her household included her sister, Lizzie [(Place)] Banfield, aged seventy-seven years (b. NH). Susan Witham owned their farm, free-and-clear; she was the mother of seven children, of whom four were still living. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Lizzie W. Hatch, a farmer, aged seventy-nine years (b. NH), and Edwin Kenney, a dealer [in] carriages, aged sixty-two years (b. ME).

Brother-in-law Thomas P. Place died in South Portland, ME, March 13, 1903, aged eighty-four years.

Thomas P. Place. A man who had lived more than eighty-four years without once having forfeited the respect of his neighbors and friends was Thomas Perkins Place of South Portland who finished his journey on the afternoon of March 13, and holding his hand as he entered the valley of shadows was a sister eighty years of age. On the other side of that dark river another sister, eighty-two years old, she went into the beyond three weeks ago, awaited his coming. The good man died and the world is the better for his having lived in it. Mr. Place was born in Alton Corner, N.H., and from home went to Boston where he engaged in business, and, as a pleasure, joined one of the famous fire companies whose pride in the “hand tub” was the one boast outside the home circle. In 1844 Mr. Place married Mary Fuller of Natick, who died one year later, and with the mother was taken the baby of his youth. Two years later he married Lydia A. Cole of Limerick, by whom he had eight children, all of whom are now living: Charles Place, of Jersey City, Mrs. Oliver McDonald of South Portland, George Place of Cape Elizabeth, Mrs. Harriet Beal of Portland, John Place of South Portland, James and Stephen Place of Portland and Mrs. Wendall Carter of South Portland. Immediately after the big fire Mr. Place came to Portland when carpenters were in demand, and, later, was a member of the Portland police force for many years. During three years prior to the purchase by Henry St. John Smith, he had charge of the Safford farm, after which he settled in what is now known as South Portland Heights. He was a member of Freedom lodge, No. 42, F.&A.M. His wife died in 1899 and in addition to his immediate family he leaves two sisters, one, Mrs. Elizabeth Banfield, eighty years of age, and other, Mrs. Susan P. Witham, seventy-nine years old, both of New. Hampshire. A good man gone to the final settlement of his worldly accounts and one who will live long in the memory of all who were so fortunate as to have known him (Portland Sunday Telegram (Portland, ME), March 15, 1903).

John Haines, a farmer (general farm), aged sixty-three years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of sixteen years), Ellen E. [(Varney)] Haines, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH), and his aunt, Elizabeth [(Place)] Banfield, aged eighty-seven years (b. NH). John Haines owned their farm, free-and-clear. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Harry Perkins, portable saw mill, aged thirty-three years (b. NH), and George H. Plumer, a farmer (general farm), aged seventy-five years (b. NH).

Elizabeth L. (Place) Banfield died of pneumonia in Milton Mills, January 21, 1915, aged ninety-one years, eleven months. She was a widow. E.C. Perkins, M.D. signed the death certificate.

References:

Farmer, James & Lyon, G. Parker. (1836). NH Annual Register. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=kHYBAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA44

Find a Grave. (2013 September 3). Enoch Banfield. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/116484889/enoch-banfield

Find a Grave. (2013, September 3). Tobias Banfield. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/116484797/tobias-banfield

Granite Monthly. (1920). Wolfeborough Celebrates Its One Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=w55PAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA380

Parker, Benjamin F. (1901). History of Wolfeborough (New Hampshire). Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=tObqwKRR5yMC&pg=PA404

Milton Farmer Josiah Witham (1768-184?)

By Muriel Bristol | October 12, 2025

Josiah Witham was born in Kittery, ME, December 2, 1768, son of Amos and Lucy (Weeks) Witham.

Father Amos Witham of Kittery, ME, has been said to have settled in the Northeast Parish of Rochester, NH, i.e., Milton, “probably” circa 1785-86. (He was not enumerated in the First (1790) Federal Census).

Paul Jewett, Amos Witham, Reuben Jones and others were the first settlers of the section near the West Branch river. They came probably about 1785 or 1786.
Among the first who settled at Three Ponds were Samuel Palmer, Levi Burgen, John Fish, Paul Jewett, Pelatiah Hanscom, Robert McGooch, and others (Hurd, 1882).

Rheuben Jones headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the First (1790) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 16-plus [himself], two males under-16 years [John Jones and Nathan Jones], and three females [Mary (Nock) Jones, Mehitable Jones, and Elizabeth Jones].

Josiah Witham married in Wakefield, NH, August 5, 1792, Mehitable “Hittie” Jones. She was born in Berwick, ME, March 20, 1770, daughter of Reuben and Mary “Molly” (Nock) Jones.

(The children of Josiah and Mehitable (Jones) Witham were Sarah Witham (1794–1847), Mary Jones Witham (1797–1878), Lucy Witham (1798-1871), Reuben Jones Witham (1801-1845), Mehitable Witham (1803–1881), Rhoda Witham (1806–1869), Clarissa Witham (1810–), and Josiah Norton Witham (1815-1884)).

Daughter Sarah “Sally” Witham was born in Rochester Northeast Parish, December 1, 1794. Daughter Mary Jones Witham was born in Rochester Northeast Parish, July 14, 1797. Daughter Lucy Witham was born in Rochester Northeast Parish, March 26, 1798.

Amos Witham headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus [himself], one female aged 45-plus [Lucy (Weeks) Witham], one male aged 26-44 years [Obadiah Witham], and one male aged 10-15 years [Joseph Witham].

Reubin Jones headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus [himself], one female aged 45-plus [Mary (Nock) Jones], one male aged 16-25 years [Joshua Jones], two females aged 16-25 years [Elizabeth Jones and Martha Jones], and one male aged 10-15 years [Nathan Jones].

Josiah Witham headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 [Mehitable (Jones) Witham], one male aged 10-15 years, and four females aged under-10 years [Sarah Witham, Mary J. Witham, and Lucy Witham].

Son Reuben Jones Witham was born in Milton, December 4, 1801. He was a namesake for his maternal grandfather, Reuben Jones.

Amos Witham and his sons, Josiah Witham, John Witham, and Obadiah Witham, as well as Ruben Jones, all signed the Rochester Division Petition of May 1802.

Daughter Mehitable Witham was born in Milton, November 5, 1803. Daughter Rhoda Witham was born in Milton, February 11, 1806.

Amos Witham headed a Milton household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one female aged 45-plus years [Lucy (Weeks) Witham], and one male aged 16-25 years [Joseph Witham]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Stephen Watson and Josiah Witham.

Reuben Jones headed a Milton household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one female aged 45-plus years [Mary (Nock) Jones], one female aged 26-44 years, and one male aged under-10 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Thomas Remick and Nathan Jones.

Josiah Witham headed a Milton household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 16-25 years [Mehitable (Jones) Witham], three females aged 10-15 years [Sarah Witham, Mary J. Witham], one male aged under-10 years [Reuben J. Witham], five females aged under-10 years [Mehitable Witham, Rhoda Witham, Clarissa Witham]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Amos Witham and Nathl Jewett.

Daughter Clarissa Witham was born in Milton, May 6, 1810.

The Milton Selectmen of 1812-13 were Ichabod HayesJas. Roberts, and Josiah Witham.

The Milton Selectmen of 1815-17 were Jas. Roberts, Josiah Witham, and Jos. Walker.

Father-in-law Reuben Jones died in Milton, NH, circa 1815, aged sixty-seven years.

Son Josiah Norton Witham was born in Milton, November 25, 1815.

Josiah Witham and his sons, Josiah Witham and Reuben J. Witham, signed the Milton Militia Division petitions of November 1820. (See Milton Militia Division Petitions – November 1820 and Milton Militia Dispute – 1820).

Daughter Sarah Witham married in Milton, December 20, 1820, James Sanborn. John Remick, Jr., J.P., performed the ceremony. Sanborn was born in Acton, ME, October 20, 1795, son of Joseph and Sarah (Veasey) Sanborn.

Josiah Witham was an original incorporator of the Milton Social Library, in June 1822.

Mother-in-law Mary “Molly” (Nock) Jones died in Lebanon, ME, December 8, 1822, aged seventy-two years.

Mother Lucy (Weeks) Witham died in Milton, April 27, 1823, aged eighty-four years. Father Amos Witham died in Milton, August 9, 1823, aged eighty-one years.

Daughter Mahitable Witham married in Milton, December 23, 1824, John Sanborn, she of Milton and he of Shapleigh, ME. John Remick, J.P., performed the ceremony. Sanborn was born in Acton, ME, April 18, 1800, son of Joseph and Sarah (Veasey) Sanborn.

Son Reuben J. Witham married in Milton, July 4, 1825, Mercy Walker. Rev. Herschel Foster performed the ceremony. She was born in the Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, August 23, 1801, daughter of Joseph and Sally (Pray) Walker.

Daughter Mary J. Witham married in Milton, April 23, 1826, Levi Wentworth, both of Milton. James Roberts, J.P., performed the ceremony. Wentworth was born in Milton, July 4, 1801, son of Samuel and Sarah (Stone) Wentworth.

Daughter Rhoda Witham married in Milton, June 8, 1826, John Jones, she of Milton and he of Wakefield, NH. John Remick, J.P., performed the ceremony. Jones was born in Lebanon, ME, in 1801, son of John Jones.

Josiah Witham headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 60-69 years [himself], one female aged 60-69 years [Mehitable (Jones) Witham], one female aged 30-39 years, one female aged 20-29 years, and one male aged 10-14 years [Josiah N. Witham]. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Amos Witham and R.J. Witham.

Levi Wentworth headed an Ossipee, NH, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 20-29 years [himself], one female aged 20-29 years [Sarah (Witham) Wentworth], two females aged under-5 years [Martha Wentworth and Clarissa Wentworth], and one male aged under-5 years [Reuben J. Wentworth].

R.J. Witham headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 20-29 years [himself], and one female aged 20-29 years [Mercy (Walker) Witham]. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Josiah Witham and John Witham.

John Sanborn, Jr., headed a Wakefield, NH, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 30-39 years [himself], one female aged 20-29 years [Mehitable (Witham) Sanborn], one male aged 15-19 years, and one female aged under-5 years.

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

Josiah Witham headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 70-79 years [himself], one female aged 60-69 years [Mehitable (Jones) Witham], one female aged 40-49 years [Lucy Witham], one female aged 30-39 years [Mehitable Witham], and one female aged 10-14 years. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of [his sons,] Josiah N. Witham and Reuben J. Witham.

Levi Wentworth had 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 40-49 years [Mary J. (Witham)] Wentworth], two females aged 10-14 years [Martha Wentworth and Clarissa Wentworth], one male aged 10-14 years [Eli Wentworth], one male aged 5-9 years [Reuben J. Wentworth], one female aged 5-9 years [Mary E. Wentworth], and one male aged under-5 years [Moses Wentworth]. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Benjamin Witham and Josuah N. Witham.

Ruben J. Witham headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 30-39 years [himself], and one female aged 30-39 years [Mercy (Walker) Witham]. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of [his father,] Josiah Witham and Nathan Jones.

John Jones headed a Wakefield, NH, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 40-49 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years [Rhoda (Witham) Jones], two females aged 10-14 years, three males aged 5-9 years, two males aged under-5 years, one female aged under-5 years. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture.

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

The Milton Selectmen of 1841 were J.M. Twombly, R.J. Witham, and Ephm. Hayes. The Milton Selectmen of 1842 were J.M. Twombly, R.J. Witham, and Enoch Banfield.

Son-in-law John Jones died in Wakefield, NH, in 1845.

Son Reuben J. Witham made his last will, September 23, 1845. He devised his lands, excepting the homestead formerly occupied by his father and its lot, to his wife, Mercy Witham. He devised $50 to his mother, Mahitable Witham. He devised his horses, horse carriages, and farming tools to his wife, Mercy Witham, his sisters, Lucy Witham and Martha Witham, and his mother, Mahitable Witham. He devised the rest and residue of his estate to his brother, Josiah N. Witham, whom he also named as executor. Nathan Jones, Cyrus F. Hart, and James Berry witnessed his signature (Strafford County Probate, 61:219).

Son Reuben J. Witham died in Milton, October 26, 1845 , aged 43 years, ten months, and twenty-two days.

DEATHS. In Milton, Oct. 26, Mr. Reuben J. Witham, aged about 44 (Dover Enquirer, November 18, 1845).

The last will of Reuben J. Witham was proved in a Strafford County Probate Court held in Rochester, NH, February 3, 1846. Nathan Jones, Cyrus F. Hart, and James Berry witnessed his signature (Strafford County Probate, 61:220).

Daughter Sarah (Witham) Sanborn died in Milton, October 22, 1847, aged fifty-two years, ten months, and twenty-one days.

Widowed son-in-law James Sanborn married (2nd) September 12, 1849, Mary Wentworth. She was born in Milton, September 4, 1798, daughter of Ephraim and Susanna (Cook) Wentworth.

Daughter-in-law Mercy (Walker) Witham married (2nd) in Milton, December 25, 1850 [1849?], Joseph Coleman (per Joseph Coleman’s War of 1812 Pension File). He was born in Newington, NH, 1791, son of Joseph and Mary (Godwin) Coleman. (His first wife, Olive C. (Adams) Coleman, had died in Portsmouth, NH, June 3, 1850).

Father-in-law Joseph Walker died of lung fever in Milton, January 22, 1850, aged eighty-one years. He was a farmer. His last will was proved in Strafford County Probate court held in Dover, NH, February 5, 1850 (Strafford County Probate, 61:414).

James Sanborn, a wheelwright, aged fifty-five years (b. ME), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Mary [(Wentworth)] Sanborn, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), Martha Sanborn, aged fifteen years (b. ME), Susan Perkins, aged forty-four years (b. NH), Luther H. Perkins, aged one year (b. NH), and Laura H. Perkins, aged one year (b. NH). James Sanborn had real estate valued at $1,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Remington Hutchins, a carpenter, aged forty-eight years (b. NH), and Joseph G. Wentworth, a farmer, aged forty-eight years (b. NH).

Levi Wentworth, a farmer, aged fifty years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Mary [(Witham)] Wentworth, aged fifty-two years (b. NH), Reuben Wentworth, a farmer, aged sixteen years (b. NH), Mary E Wentworth, aged fifteen years (b. NH), Moses Wentworth, aged fourteen years (b. NH), Sarah E. Wentworth, aged nine years (b. NH), and Hiram Wentworth, aged seven years (b. NH). Levi Wentworth had real estate valued at $200. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Nancy Jewett, aged sixty years (b. NH), and John Archibald, a farmer, aged fifty-four years (b. NH).

Joseph Coleman, a joiner, aged fifty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Portsmouth, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Mercy [((Walker) Witham)] Coleman, aged forty-eight years (b. NH), Eliza Ann Coleman, aged nine years (b. NH), Alena Coleman, aged seven years (b. NH), and Olvia Manson, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH). They shared a two-family house with the household of Wiley Coleman, a joiner, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH).

John Sanborn, a farmer, aged fifty years (b. MA), headed a Brookfield, NH, household, at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Mehitable [(Witham)] Sanborn, aged forty-six years (b. MA [SIC]), Mehitable Sanborn, aged twenty-two years (b. NH), Lovey Sanborn, aged fifteen years (b. NH), Eliza Sanborn, aged ten years (b. NH), and Almira Sanborn, aged ten years (b. NH). John Sanborn had real estate valued at $1,000.

Rhoda [(Witham)] Jones, aged forty-five years (b. NH), headed a Wakefield, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. Her household included Reuben Jones, aged twenty-two years (b. NH), Martha Jones, aged twenty years (b. NH), Hiram Jones, aged eighteen years (b. NH), John Jones, aged sixteen years (b. NH), Josiah Jones, aged fifteen years (b. NH), Mahala Jones, aged fourteen years (b. NH), Matilda Jones, aged eight years (b. NH), and Ellen Jones, aged four years (b. NH). Rhoda Jones had real estate valued at $1,000.

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

Mercy (Walker) Witham married (2nd) in Milton, December 25, 1850 [1849?], Joseph Coleman (per Joseph Coleman’s War of 1812 Pension File). He was born in Newington, NH, 1791, son of Joseph and Mary (Godwin) Coleman. (His first wife, Olive C. (Adams) Coleman, had died in Portsmouth, NH, June 3, 1850).

James Sanborn, a farmer, aged sixty-five years, headed a Milton (“West Milton P.O.”) household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Mary [(Wentworth)] Sanborn, aged sixty-one years. James Sanborn had real estate valued at $1,800 and personal estate valued at $300. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of James Stanton, a farmer, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), and Joseph G. Wentworth, a farmer, aged fifty-nine years (b. NH).

Mehitable [(Jones)] Witham, aged ninety years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills”) household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Lucy Witham, aged sixty-two years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of [her son,] J.N. Witham, a farmer, aged forty-four years (b. NH), and Lyman Wentworth, a farm laborer, aged fifty-eight years (b. NH).

Levi Wentworth, aged fifty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills”) household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Mary [(Witham)] Wentworth, aged sixty-four years (b. NH), Mary E. Wentworth, aged twenty-five years (b. NH), and Edgar Wentworth, aged four years (b. NH). Levi Wentworth had real estate valued at $500 and personal estate valued at $200. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of David Jewett, a farmer, aged thirty-five years, and E. Wentworth, Jr., a farmer, aged thirty years.

Joseph Coleman, a farmer, aged sixty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills P.O.”) household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Mercy [((Walker) Witham)] Coleman, aged fifty-eight years (b. NH). Joseph Coleman had real estate valued at $400 and personal estate valued at $100. (The resided in close proximity to the household of her brother-in-law, J.N. Witham, a farmer, aged forty-four years (b. NH).

John Sanborn, farming, aged sixty years (b. ME), headed a Wakefield (Union P.O.), NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Mehitable [(Witham)] Sanborn, aged fifty-six years (b. NH), Lovey Sanborn, works in hotel, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), Eliza Sanborn, works on shoes, aged twenty years (b. NH), and Elmira Sanborn, works on shoes, aged twenty years (b. NH). John Sanborn had personal estate valued at $200.

Hiram Jones, a farmer, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Wakefield, NH household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Rhoda [(Witham)] Jones, aged fifty-three years (b. NH), Josiah Jones, a machinist, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), Mahala Jones, a factory operative, aged twenty-two years (b. NH), Matilda F. Jones, a houseworker, aged eighteen years (b. NH), and Ellen M. Jones (b. NH), aged fourteen years. Hiram Jones had real estate valued at $1,200 and personal estate valued at $500.

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

Mehitable (Jones) Witham died of old age in Milton, May 10, 1863, aged ninety-three years. She was a farmer.

Son-in-law Levi Wentworth died of consumption in Milton, June 18, 1866. He was a married farmer.

Mother-in-law Sarah “Sally” (Pray) Walker died of old age in Milton, April 18, 1867, aged ninety years, six months. [Her gravestone says 1868]. She was a widow.

Daughter Rhoda (Witham) Jones died of apoplexy in Wakefield, NH, in July 1869, aged sixty-three years. She was a widowed housekeeper.

Daughter-in-law Mercy ((Walker) Witham) Coleman died in 1869. (Her second husband’s War of 1812 pension records note that she had predeceased him, who died in 1878).

James Sanborn, a wheelwright, aged seventy-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Polly [(Wentworth)] Sanborn, keeping house, aged seventy-two years (b. NH). James Sanborn had real estate valued at $1,000 and personal estate valued at $355. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of James Stanton, a farmer, aged forty-eight years (b. NH), and George H. Hurd, works for shoe factory, aged forty-one years (b. NH).

John Sanborn, a farm laborer, aged seventy years (b. ME), headed a Wakefield (“Union P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Lovey Sanborn, keeping house, aged thirty-four years (b. NH). John Sanborn had personal estate valued at $140.

Mary [(Witham)] Wentworth, keeping house, aged seventy-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. Her household included Sarah E. Wentworth, aged thirty years (b. NH), and Edgar A. Wentworth, works in felt mill, aged fourteen years (b. NH). Sarah E. Wentworth had real estate valued at $325 and personal estate valued at $140. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of William Brierley, works in felt mill, aged forty-two years (b. England), and Joseph Coleman, a carpenter, aged seventy-nine years (b. NH).

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

Joseph Coleman, a carpenter, aged seventy-nine years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included [his daughter,] Olivia Manson, keeping house, aged forty-eight years (b. New Brunswick). Joseph Coleman had real estate valued at $500 and personal estate valued at $200. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Mary Wentworth, keeping house, aged seventy-five years (b. NH), and [his brother-in-law,] Josiah N. Witham, a farmer, aged fifty-four years (b. NH).

Daughter Lucy Witham died of paralysis in Milton, March 14, 1871, aged seventy-three years, eight months.

Son-in-law John Sanborn died, April 20, 1876, aged seventy-six years.

Son-in-law James Sanborn died of a fever in Milton, June 21, 1877, aged eighty-two years, eight months, and twenty days. He was a married farmer.

Daughter Mary J. (Witham) Wentworth died of apoplexy in Wakefield, NH, February 20, 1878, aged eighty-two years. She was a widowed housekeeper.

Joseph Coleman died of paralysis and old age in Portsmouth, NH, May 26, 1878, aged eighty-seven years. He was a carpenter.

Lovie Sanborn, keeping house, aged forty-four years (b. NH), headed a Wakefield, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. Her household included her mother, Mehitable [(Witham)] Sanborn, a widow, aged seventy-six years (b. NH), and her boarder, Henry W. Burnham, works in felt mill, aged twenty-one years (b. NH). Mehitable Sanborn was said to be “insane,” presumably suffering from some form of senile dementia.

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

Daughter Mehitable (Witham) Sanborn died in Wakefield, NH, in 1881, aged seventy-seven years.

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

COUNTY AFFAIRS. Acton. J.E. Sanborn has moved from Mass. to his father’s and Reuben Archibald has moved from Milton Mill into the Josiah Witham house (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), February 5, 1885).


References:

Find a Grave. (2018, April 15). Mehitable Witham Sanborn. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/188842301/mehitable-sanborn

Find a Grave. (2015, September 6) Sally Witham Sanborn. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/151911464/sally-sanborn

Milton Farmer Reuben J. Witham (1801-1845)

By Muriel Bristol | October 5, 2025

Reuben Jones Witham was born in the Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, December 4, 1801, son of Josiah and Mehitable “Hitty” (Jones) Witham. He was a namesake for his maternal grandfather, Reuben Jones.

Reuben J. Witham’s Witham and Jones grandfathers were said to have been among the first settlers of the Milton “Branch” section about 1785.

Paul Jewett, Amos Witham, Reuben Jones and others were the first settlers of the section near the West Branch river. They came probably about 1785 or 1786 (Mitchell-Cony Company, 1908).

Reuben J. Witham’s father, Josiah Witham, as well as both his grandfathers, Amos Witham and Ruben Jones, all signed the Rochester, NH, division petition of May 28, 1802, seeking the establishment of the town of Milton from Rochester, NH’s Northeast Parish. (See Rochester Division Petition – May 1802).

Reuben J. Witham, and his father, Josiah Witham, signed the Milton Militia Division petitions of November 1820. (See Milton Militia Division Petitions – November 1820 and Milton Militia Dispute – 1820).

Paternal grandfather Amos Witham died in Milton, August 9, 1823.

Reuben Jones Witham married in Milton, July 4, 1825, Mercy Walker. Rev. Herschel Foster performed the ceremony. She was born in the Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, August 23, 1801, daughter of Joseph and Sally (Pray) Walker.

R.J. Witham headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 20-29 years [himself], and one female aged 20-29 years [Mercy (Walker) Witham]. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Josiah Witham and John Witham.

Whig party adherents from the various Strafford County towns sent delegates to meet in Conventions in Rochester, NH, January 16, 1838, for the purpose of nominating Whig candidates for the various offices.

Whig Ticket. AGAINST – Extravagance and Corruption; Against the interference of the Executive or the Office Holders in Elections; Against unnecessary expenditures of the People’s Money; Against Monopolies, Political Pet Banks, Sub Treasury Projects, Rag Money, Executive Usurpations, Vetoes in advance, and the Reign of Humbug and Experiment. FOR – Reducing our State Expenditures to an economical and republican standard; For bringing State Prison Bondsmen and Treasury Peculators to an account; For repealing unnecessary, vexatious and anti-republican laws; For Retrenchment, Economy and Reform, and for a salutary and Constitutional administration of the Government in all departments (Dover Enquirer, January 23, 1838).

The main Strafford County Whig Convention convened at Jonathan T. Dodge’s Inn in Rochester, NH, at 10 AM, but subsequently moved to the Strafford County Court in Rochester, NH. Dodge’s Inn was then the regional stagecoach hub. (See Milton on the Mail Stage Line – 1830). Strafford County delegates came also from towns now a part of Carroll County, which was a later creation. The Milton delegates were Stephen M. Mathes and Edward Hart.

The delegates for the subsequent NH Senate District 5 candidate selection met separately at the Strafford County Court in Rochester, NH. The Milton delegates were Reuben J. Witham and Asa Fox. The Hon. Andrew Pierce of Dover, NH, was chosen as the Whig candidate for the NH Senate District 5 race (Dover Enquirer, January 23, 1838). Rep. Andrew Pierce would lose to George Nutter by 2,357 votes [48.8%] to 2,470 votes [51.1%] when the election took place (Dover Enquirer, May 28, 1839). (See Milton’s Ante-Bellum Party Affiliations).

Ruben J. Witham headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 30-39 years [himself], and one female aged 30-39 years [Mercy (Walker) Witham]. One member of his household was engaged in agriculture. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Josiah Witham and Nathan Jones.

The Milton Selectmen of 1841 were J.M. Twombly, R.J. Witham, and Ephm. Hayes. [In the following newspaper accounts R.J. Witham was misread in 1841 as R. Whitehouse, and  Robert Mathes‘ terms as Town Clerk do not seem to match those in other sources].

TOWN OFFICERS. Milton. Robert Mathes, Town Clerk; James M. Twombly, R. Whitehouse, E. Hayes, Selectmen (Dover Enquirer, March 23, 1841).

The Milton Selectmen of 1842 were J.M. Twombly, R.J. Witham, and Enoch Banfield.

TOWN OFFICERS. Milton. Robert Mathes, Town Clerk; James M. Twombly, Reuben J. Witham, Enoch Banfield, Selectmen (Dover Enquirer, March 15, 1842).

Reuben J. Witham made his last will, September 23, 1845. He devised his lands, excepting the homestead formerly occupied by his father and its lot, to his wife, Mercy Witham. He devised $50 to his mother, Mahitable Witham. He devised his horses, horse carriages, and farming tools to his wife, Mercy Witham, his sisters, Lucy Witham and Martha Witham, and his mother, Mahitable Witham. He devised the rest and residue of his estate to his brother, Josiah N. Witham, whom he also named as executor. Nathan Jones, Cyrus F. Hart, and James Berry witnessed his signature (Strafford County Probate, 61:219).

Reuben J. Witham died in Milton, October 26, 1845 , aged 43 years, ten months, and twenty-two days.

DEATHS. In Milton, Oct. 26, Mr. Reuben J. Witham, aged about 44 (Dover Enquirer, November 18, 1845).

The last will of Reuben J. Witham was proved in a Strafford County Probate Court held in Rochester, NH, February 3, 1846 (Strafford County Probate, 61:220).

Father-in-law Joseph Walker died of lung fever in Milton, January 22, 1850, aged eighty-one years. He was a farmer.

DEATHS. In Milton, 22d u’t., Mr. Joseph Walker, aged 81 years (Dover Enquirer, February 5, 1850).

His last will was proved in Strafford County Probate court held in Dover, NH, February 5, 1850 (Strafford County Probate, 61:414).

Mercy (Walker) Witham married (2nd) in Milton, December 25, 1850 [1849?], Joseph Coleman (per Joseph Coleman’s War of 1812 Pension File). He was born in Newington, NH, 1791, son of Joseph and Mary (Godwin) Coleman. (His first wife, Olive C. (Adams) Coleman, had died in Portsmouth, NH, June 3, 1850).

Joseph Coleman, a joiner, aged fifty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Portsmouth, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Mercy [((Walker) Witham)] Coleman, aged forty-eight years (b. NH), Eliza Ann Coleman, aged nine years (b. NH), Alena Coleman, aged seven years (b. NH), and Olvia Manson, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH). They shared a two-family house with the household of Wiley Coleman, a joiner, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH).

Joseph Coleman, a farmer, aged sixty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills P.O.”) household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Mercy [((Walker) Witham)] Coleman, aged fifty-eight years (b. NH). Joseph Coleman had real estate valued at $400 and personal estate valued at $100. (The resided in close proximity to the household of her brother-in-law, J.N. Witham, a farmer, aged forty-four years (b. NH).

Mother Mehitable (Jones) Witham died in Milton, May 10, 1863.

Mother-in-law Sarah “Sally” (Pray) Walker died of old age in Milton, April 18, 1867, aged ninety years, six months. [Her gravestone says 1868]. She was a widow.

Mercy ((Walker) Witham) Coleman died in 1869. (Her husband’s War of 1812 pension records note that she had predeceased her second husband, who died in 1878).

Joseph Coleman, a carpenter, aged seventy-nine years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included [his daughter,] Olivia Manson, keeping house, aged forty-eight years (b. New Brunswick). Joseph Coleman had real estate valued at $500 and personal estate valued at $200. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Mary Wentworth, keeping house, aged seventy-five years (b. NH), and [his brother-in-law,] Josiah N. Witham, a farmer, aged fifty-four years (b. NH).

Joseph Coleman died of paralysis and old age in Portsmouth, NH, May 26, 1878, aged eighty-seven years. He was a carpenter.

OBITUARY. JOSEPH COLEMAN of Portsmouth, N.H., a soldier of the War of 1812, died recently, aged 87 years. He served in a New Hampshire company which was ordered to the defence of Portsmouth harbor (Boston Post, June 4, 1878).


References:

Find a Grave. (2016, July 3). Joseph Coleman. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/166367181/joseph-coleman

Find a Grave. (2010, June 5). Joseph Walker. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/53278620/joseph-walker

Find a Grave. (2013, September 24). Sally Pray Walker. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/53279078/sally-walker