Month: January 2026

By Muriel Bristol | January 25, 2026

Jonathan Dore was born in Lebanon, ME, in 1757, son of John and Charity (Wentworth) Dore. (He was a sibling of Daniel Dore, Benaiah Dore, Charity Dore, John Dore, Jr., Andrew Dore, Wentworth Dore, and perhaps others).

When he was aged nineteen or twenty years, Jonathan Dore spent several years of Continental land and naval service in the Revolutionary War. He described his military service years later (in March 1833):

I, Jonathan Dore of Milton, testify that in the second summer after the revolutionary war commenced, either in the year 1776 or 1777 as well as I can now recollect, I enlisted a a soldier in Captain John Brewster’s Company of infantry and immediately after I enlisted was marched to Great Island (so called) in Portsmouth harbour and I remained in said Company until the Company marched to the Western part of New York. These became A few old men, and myself and another, on account of our youth, did not accompany Capt. Brewster’s Company; but soon afterwards I was marched to Rhode Island and served in a Company commanded by Captain Grant the remainder of my term of enlistment which was for twelve months.
I next enlisted on board the Continental ship Ranger commanded by Captain Thomas Simpson for one cruise which continued, according to my best recollection, about four or five months.

Jonathan Dore continued with a description of his service at West Point, NY, which took place in 1780, and then his service on the ill-fated Penobscot Expedition, which took place in 1779. Those paragraphs are here rearranged in their correct chronological order.

As soon as I returned home, I enlisted in Captain [John] Goodwin’s Company to go on an expedition to Penobscot river. I was marched to Portland and from thence, in the Company in which I was, was transported to the mouth of the Penobscot river – where after being landed, some skirmishing and other small incidents, the Warren, ship of war, & two or three transports were burned by our own commander, and whether the Maria, another ship of war, whi which accompanied us, was taken by the enemy or burned, I do not recollect. After the shipping was burned our Company was disbanded, and I made the best of my way home, having been absent about two months. During this last mentioned service our Company belonged to a Regiment commanded by Colonel [Samuel] Cobb.

I next enlisted or volunteered from Captain William McDuffee’s Company in Rochester, New Hampshire, as a militia man to go on service to North River in New York. Jonathan Heard, Amos Spencer, Tristram Richards, David Wingate, Stephen Tebbets, Joseph Clark, Benaiah Dore, and one other person whom I do not recollect Paul Ricker, entered as volunteers from the same company.
We performed this tour of service under Captain [Timothy] Emerson of Durham, New Hampshire, for three months, excepting Paul Ricker. We were all then discharged, excepting Paul Ricker, who a short time before was missing, having either deserted or been drowned in the river, it was never ascertained which was the fact.

While I was in the Continental service under my first enlistment for twelve months I think Colonel [Oliver] Titcomb commanded the regiment to which our company belonged while I was in service in Rhode Island.
I do not recollect the name of the Colonel commanding the Regiment in which Captain [Timothy] Emerson’s Company was at West Point.
My present place of residence is Milton in the County of Strafford & State of New Hampshire, and have lived in that portion of territory now called Milton upwards of fifty years. It was formerly a part of the Town of Rochester.
I am now wholly blind and have been so sixteen months and have been partially blind five years. My general health is feeble, and my memory is also much impaired, so that I am not able to state the facts of my service particularly as to dates with much distinctness.

Fellow veteran Ralph Farnham of Shapleigh, ME, now Acton, ME, testified that he and Jonathan Dore had been brought up in the same Lebanon, ME, neighborhood, and that Dore had enlisted in Capt. John Brewster’s Company in spring or summer of 1776, and served at Great Island into 1777, and that they had served together in Capt. Samuel Grant’s Company, in Colonel [Oliver] Titcomb’s Regiment in Providence, RI, in the summer of 1777.

… and we returned back home together to the town of Lebanon in the County of York aforesaid, where we both then lived. Ralph Farnham. Attest Gilman Jewett.

Jonathan Dore’s younger brother, John Dore, Jr., of Lebanon, ME, swore an affidavit regarding the service of his father, John Dore, Sr., and brother, Jonathan Dore, at Great Island, i.e., Newcastle, NH, in 1776-77, and his brother Jonathan’s service at Providence, RI, in 1777.

I, John Dore, of lawful age, living in Lebanon in the County of York and State of Maine, testify that I am the brother of Jonathan Dore, of Milton in the County of Strafford and State of New Hampshire, that I know that my said Brother Jonathan Dore and my father John Dore enlisted into the Revolutionary army in the Company of Capt. John Brewster at an early period of the Revolutionary War, for the period of twelve months, that my said Brother and father both served out their periods of enlistments, – that my father was at home twice during said term of twelve months on furlough, – but my said Brother did not return home until his period of enlistment had expired, – that my father and brother were both stationed at Great Island, near Portsmouth as I was informed at the time, – that I well recollect that my brother left Great Island on an expedition to Rhode Island a short time before his term of enlistment expired, – but my father remained at Great Island, being unable from infirmities to endure the hardships of the expedition, – that I resided during all the time my father and said Brother Jonathan Dore were absent in the service, – in Lebanon aforesaid aforesaid about thirty miles from Great Island and that I often heard from them, – that during the term of their service another brother of ours was at the Island, – and from information I had at the time I well know that both my father and Jonathan Dore aforesaid were stationed on said Island during the time I have above mentioned, and that they served out their whole term of enlistment of twelve months. John {his x mark} Dore. Attest, William Allen.
Strafford, Ss. On the sixteenth day of November A.D. 1829 came John Dore and made oath, that the above affidavit subscribed by him is true. Before me, Wm G. Webster, Justice of the Peace. New Hampshire.

Fellow veteran David Corson of Milton deposed that he and Jonathan Dore had served together on the Continental ship Ranger on a cruise in 1778.

I, David Corson of Milton in the County of Strafford and State of New Hampshire, aged seventy one, depose and say, that in the Fall of the year A.D. 1778 I enlisted on board the Ranger, a Continental Ship, that Jonathan Dore, then of Lebanon of the County of York and then State of Massachusetts, now Maine, belonged to the same ship, Thomas Simpson Commander and Elijah Hall late of Portsmouth deceased first lieutenant, David Callum second & Timothy Mumford sailing master, that some time after our enlistment we sailed from Portsmouth, N.H., on a cruise with the Warren and Queen of France two Continental ships, after cruising for some time we took a British privateer, the next day we came in contact with the Georgia fleet of no less than eleven sail and took seven sail, we then mand [manned] the said British vessels and returned again to Portsmouth aforesaid. I do further depose and say that the said Jonathan Dore is now a resident of Milton aforesaid, that I think he enlisted about the same time I that did, and was with me during the whole Cruise, that from the time of my enlistment was no less than five months. David Corson.
Strafford. August 23rd A.D. 1832. Subscribed and Sworn to before Me, James Roberts Justice of the peace.

Fellow veteran Timothy Roberts of Milton deposed too, September 15, 1832, that he and Jonathan Dore had served together on the Continental ship Ranger in the autumn of 1778.

Fellow veteran Thomas Applebee of Milton deposed, August 23, 1832, that he and Jonathan Dore had served together on the failed Penobscot Expedition of 1779.

I, Thomas Applebee of Milton in the County of Strafford and State of New Hampshire, aged seventy five, testify and say, that in June about the year 1780 [1779] I enlisted in the service of the war of the Revolution for two months under Capt. John Goodwin then of Lebanon in the County of York and then State of Massachusetts, (now Maine) that Jonathan Dore then of Lebanon aforesaid now of Milton in the County of Strafford and State of New Hampshire aforesaid, belonged to the same Company, that we marched by land to Portland, and thence took shipping and sailed to Penobscot river at or near a place then calld Bagaduce Island near where lay some British which made some fires upon us to no effect, we landed and was under General Lovel [Lovell] in the Regiment Commanded by Major Little Field [Littlefield] then acting as Colonel, that after staying a number of weeks and having some small engagements with the enemy, had news that a large British Vessel had Blockaded the Harbor, we then burn several of our own vessels and returned home after having been absent not far from two months, I do further say that said Jonathan Dore was with us all the time aforesaid. Thomas Applebee.
Strafford, Ss. August 23rd A.D. 1832. Personally appeared the within named Thomas Applebee who I know to be a man of general good reputation for truth and veracity and made oath to the within deposition before me ~ James Roberts Justice of the Peace.

Brother Daniel Door (1754-1831) married in Lebanon, ME, November 22, 1781, Dorcas Garland (1760-1836) , both of Lebanon, ME. Rev. Isaac Hasey performed the ceremony. She was born in Durham, NH, in 1760, daughter of Dodivah and Mary Garland. They had sons, George Door (1798-1880) and John Door.

Jonathan Door married in Lebanon, ME, August 22, 1786, Rebecca Garland, both of Lebanon, ME. Rev. Isaac Hasey performed the ceremony. She was born in Durham, NH, in 1760, daughter of Dodivah and Mary Garland.

(The known children of Jonathan and Rebecca (Garland) Door were: Daniel Garland Door (1785-1869), and others [?]).

Jona Door headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the First (1790) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 16-plus years [himself], three males aged under-16 years, and one female [Rebecca (Garland) Door]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Gilbert Pinkham and Daniel Door.

Jona Door headed a Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Rebecca (Garland) Dore], one male aged 16-25 years, one male aged 10-15 years, two males aged under-10 years, and one female aged under-10 years.

Jonathan Dore headed a Milton household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years, one male aged 26-44 years, one female aged 26-44 years, two males aged 16-25 years, three females aged 16-25 years, one male aged 10-15 years, two males aged under-10 years, and one female aged under-10 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of James Robers [Roberts] and Josiah Willey.

Son Daniel G. Door married in Lebanon, ME, February 15, 1810, Margaret “Peggy” Clark. Rev. John Blaisdell performed the ceremony.

Jonathan Dore and his brothers, Daniel Dore and John Dore, were among those that petitioned the NH General Court, in or around June 1814, seeking incorporation of the Milton Congregational Society. (See Milton Congregational Society Petition – 1814).

County of Strafford, Ss. On this 23rd day of October 1829 personally appeared in open court being a Court of Record in said County, Jonathan Dore resident in said County, aged Seventy three years, who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the Acts of Congress, of the 18th March 1818, and the first of May 1820, that he the said Jonathan Dore enlisted for the term of twelve months some time in the summer of 1776 in the State of New Hampshire in the Company commanded by Captain John Brewster in the Regiment commanded by Colonel [Pierce] Long in the line of the State of New Hampshire on the Continental establishment; that he was stationed at Great Island where said Company continued until the Spring of 1777, at which time the principal part of said Company under command of said Brewster marched on to the frontier in the Western part of New York & joined the army under Gen. Gates; the remaining part of said Brewster’s Company in which he was included continued at the Island until sometime during the summer of that year, at which time he marched to Providence in Rhode Island under the command of Captain Grant and composed a part of Colonel Titcomb’s regiment and continued in the Service near Providence until his term of Service enlistment expired and he was discharged at said Providence.  In the fall of 1777 he enlisted on board the Ranger, a Continental Ship, and served aboard said Ship about four months during which time she took the Georgia fleet of Seven sail out of Eleven. In the Spring of 1778 [July 9, 1780] he enlisted for three months under Captain Emerson and went to West point on the North river and was there at the time General Arnold attempted to betray that fortress ~ when after serving the term of his enlistment he was discharged ~ He then returned home & immediately took his brother Daniel Dore’s place in Captain Goodwin’s Company in Colonel Cobb’s regiment, (his said Brother having become disaffected [about] the service) and he marched to Penobscot & remained there about two months when the shipping being burned & after other disasters they were disbanded & he returned home. 

Jonathan Dore submitted the following property schedule or inventory, as a part of his October 1829 Revolutionary War pension application.

A Schedule of Jonathan Dore Property ~ to wit, 42 acres of Land with a Small house & barn on the same ~ 2 steers, 2 cows, 1 heifer & calf, 7 Sheep, 1 hog & three Shoats, a few articles of house hold furniture & a few farming tools. Jonathan {his x mark} Dore.

Jona Dore headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 70-79 years [himself], one female aged 60-69 years [Rebecca (Garland) Dore], and one female aged 20-29 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John Dore and Danl G. Dore.

Danl G. Dore headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 40-49 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years [Margaret (Clark) Dore], and one male aged 5-9 years [Brackett Dore]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Jona Dore and Danl W. Horne.

Rebecca (Garland) Dore died after 1830.

Jonathan Dore appeared in the NH Revolutionary War Pension Roll, as having been paid a Private & Seaman’s semi-annual pension allotment of $36.33½, in two semi-annual (March and September) payments, from an initial (retroactive) payment from March 1831 through to September 1848.

Jonathan Dore headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 80-89 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years, and one male aged 20-29 years. One Revolutionary veteran, Jonathan Dore, aged eighty-two years, was recorded in his household. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture; and one member of his household was Blind. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John M. Dore and Samuel Clement.

DEATHS. In this town, Sunday the 12th inst., of Lung fever, Mrs. Lydia M., widow of Mr. Nathaniel Clark, late of Milton aged 62 years. Also on the same day, of Consumption, Mrs. Lydia Ann, daughter of the above, and wife of Mr. Jonathan Dorr, aged 20 years (Dover Enquirer, November 21, 1848).

Jonathan Dore appeared in the NH Revolutionary War Pension Roll, as having been paid a Private & Seaman’s semi-annual pension allotment of $36.33½, in two semi-annual (March and September) payments, from March 1849 through to March 1851.

Franklin Orange, a farmer, aged forty years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Mary [(Runnells)] Orange, aged forty years (b. NH), Jonathan Dore, none, aged ninety-three years (b. ME), Elliott F. Dore, a farmer, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH), Adaline [(Harris)] Dore, aged twenty-two years (b. MA), and Elliott E. Dore, aged one year (b. MA). Franklin Orange had real estate valued at $800. Elliot F. Dore had real estate valued at $1,000. Jonathan Dore was blind. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Levi Dorr, a farmer, aged forty-three years (b. NH), and George Dorr, a farmer, aged fifty-two years (b. NH).

Daniel W. Horne, a blacksmith, aged forty-one years (b. ME), headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Sarah A. [(Dorr)] Horne, aged thirty-nine years (b. ME), Elijah Horne, a blacksmith, aged nineteen years (b. ME), Henry Horne, a shoemaker, aged sixteen years (b. ME), James W. Horne, aged thirteen years (b. ME), George S. Horne, aged five years (b. ME), Daniel G. Dorr, a farmer, aged sixty-seven years (b. ME), and Margaret [(Clark)] Dorr, aged sixty-five years (b. ME). Daniel W. Horne had real estate valued at $1,600. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Joseph Saywords, a joiner, aged thirty years (b. ME), and Edward Cowell, a farmer, aged eighty-four years (b. NH).

Jonathan Dore died in 1851. The NH Revolutionary War Pension Roll recorded no payments after March 1851, although the Roll did not include his death date, as it did for many pensioners.

Granddaughter Sarah A. (Dore) Horne died in 1855.

Daniel W. Horn, a smith, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), headed a Lebanon (“West Lebanon P.O.), ME, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Rachel D. [(Berry)] Horn, aged forty-four years (b. NH), James W. Horn, aged sixteen years (b. ME), Sarah Horn, aged three years (b. ME), Mary A. Horn, aged five months (b. ME), Daniel Dore, a laborer, aged seventy-six years (b. ME), Margaret [(Clark)] Dore, aged seventy-one years (b. ME), and Tamsund Bery, aged fifty years (b. NH). Daniel W. Horn had real estate valued at $2,000 and personal estate valued at $500.

Daughter-in-law Margaret (Clark) Dore died in Lebanon, ME, October 18, 1867. Son Daniel G. Dore died of ascetes in Lebanon, ME, December 28, 1869, aged eighty-four years.

Grandson-in-law Daniel W. Horne died March 7, 1876.

---

References:

Find a Grave. (2013, May 8). Daniel G. Dore. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/110231183/daniel-g.-dore

By Muriel Bristol | January 18, 2026

Asa Piper was born in Acton, ME, March 7, 1757, son of Josiah and Sarah (Davis) Piper.

Rev. Asa Piper, the first minister of Wakefield, was born at Acton, Ms. [Massachusetts], March 9, 1757. His father, Josiah Piper, a respectable farmer, discovering an early inclination in this his youngest son, for reading and the acquisition of knowledge, with that prompt and noble spirit which characterizes so many of the laborious cultivators of the soil in New England, was induced to commit him to the tuition of the Rev. Mr. Swift, the minister of the parish, who like many other excellent clergymen of the past generation, to whom the country will never know its obligations, in the absence of academies fulfilled the double office of minister and preceptor; and not a few were the young men from his own parish and the neighboring towns, whom he prepared for college.

Entering Harvard University at the commencement of the revolutionary war, Mr. Piper graduated in the year 1778. The time of his conversion he could never determine; definite as was the period, the manifestations of the spiritual life were so gradual and silent, that he could only say, in referring to the subject: “Whereas once I was blind, now I see.”

After leaving the university, he pursued the study of theology with Rev. Mr. Adams, the successor of Mr. Swift; and from the association with which Mr. Adams was connected, received a licence to preach the gospel; though the date cannot be ascertained. For several years subsequent to his licensure, he preached in various towns in Massachusetts; but the longest period at Wellfleet on Cape Cod.

When he came to Wakefield, N.H., the town, like most of the region, was but recently settled, and hardly had put off its savage dress. With the fortitude and self-denial of the ministers of that day, he did not refuse to share in the toils the deprivations and sufferings incident to those who entered the unbroken forests, amidst which they erected habitations for themselves, and a house for the worship of God.

Asa Piper appeared in an 1834 list of ministers as having been first “settled,” in Wakefield, NH, September 22, 1785 (American Education Society, 1834).

Sept. 22, 1785, he was ordained the first minister of the town, and pastor of a church, which was gathered on the same day, consisting of five males and four females. For a settlement, the town granted him a lot of land, on which he lived with another tract remote from inhabitants, and useful only for its fuel and timber. His salary was stipulated at $250; which was poorly and irregularly paid, inconsiderable as it was. He continued to discharge his duties as the minister of the town, for twenty-five years (American Education Society, 1839). 

Asa Piper graduated from Harvard College in Cambridge, MA, with its class of 1788. He was member of the Phi Beta Kappa [ΦΒΚ] fraternity.

Asa Piper married (1st), April 6, 1788, Mary Cutts. She was born in Portsmouth, NH, January 4, 1766, daughter of Judge Edward and Elizabeth (Gerrish) Cutts.

Mr. Piper was married to Mary Cutts, daughter of Hon. Edward Cutts of Kittery, Me., who was for many years Judge of Probate for the County of York. With her he continued in the marriage state for fifteen years, when she deceased. Their children were eight, five of whom arrived to manhood, and who, with one exception, have for years been professors of religion, which they have adorned and promoted by a consistent life (American Education Society, 1839).

(The known children of Asa and Mary (Cutts) Piper were: Elizabeth Gerrick Piper (1789–1881), Edward Cutts Piper (1790–1881), Mary Ann Piper (1792–1885), Sarah Little Piper (1794–1831), and Asa Leonard Piper (1798–1844)).

Daughter Elizabeth Gerrick Piper was born in Wakefield, NH, July 11, 1789.

Asa Piper headed a Wakefield, NH, household at the time of the First (1790) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 16-plus years [himself] and three females [Mary (Cutts) Piper and two others]. His household appeared between those of Saml Sherburne and Thoms Cloutman.

Son Edward Cutts Piper was born in Wakefield, NH, December 30, 1790.

Daughter Mary Ann “Marianne” Piper was born in Wakefield, NH, October 14, 1792.

Daughter Sarah Little Piper was born in Wakefield, NH, August 14, 1794.

Son Asa Leonard Piper was born in Wakefield, NH, May 20, 1798.

Rev. Asa Piper performed the Wakefield, NH, marriage of Caleb Wingate and Elizabeth “Betsy” Palmer, both of Rochester, NH, October 31, 1799.

Rev. Asa Piper performed the Wakefield, NH, marriage of Noah Robinson, of Wakefield, NH, and “Mrs. Polly” Jewett, of Rochester, NH, in 1800. (She was a sister of Gilman Jewett and Nathaniel Jewett).

Mary (Cutts) Piper died in Wakefield, NH, January 10, 1802.

Asa Piper married (2nd), in 1802, Sarah Little. She was born in Kennebunk, ME, April 26, 1765, daughter of Rev. Daniel Little.

In the year 1802, Mr. Piper married for his second wife, Sarah Little, daughter of Rev. Daniel Little of Kennebunk, Me., who deceased in the year 1827 (American Education Society, 1839).

Rev. Asa Piper performed the marriage ceremony of Benjamin Scates and Rebecca Ham in Wakefield, NH, September 11, 1803.

Rev. Asa Piper performed the marriage ceremony of Joshua G. Hall and Betsy Plumer in Wakefield, NH, September 9, 1807.

Some of the missionaries in the following list were employed only for a portion of the year from two to six months, and were paid fifty dollars a month. This was the case with most of the missionaries employed in various parts of the District of Maine previous to 1820. Others were engaged in missionary service the whole year, but were only in part supported by the funds of this Society. Some were employed only one year; others were annually re-appointed for a series of years; and with some of these there appears to have been an occasional intermission, when for several years they were not appointed. It was found that a table containing these minute facts would be somewhat complicated. The following list merely gives the names of the persons who have at any time been employed by the Society as missionaries, or school teachers, or agents, with the field of their labor, and the date of their first appointment. …
1805 – Rev. Asa Piper, Rev. Mr. Jewett, and Rev. Elisha Parish, Maine (Society for Propagation of the Gospel, 1887).  

Rev. Asa Piper performed the Wakefield, NH, marriage of Nathaniel Jewett and Nancy J. Rogers, both of Milton, March 18, 1810.

Rev. Asa Piper headed a Wakefield, NH, 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 [Sarah (Little) Piper], one male aged 26-44 years, one female aged 26-44 years, one male aged 16-25 years, one female aged 16-25 years, one male aged 10-15 years, one female aged 10-15 years, and one female aged under-10 years.

… at the close of which [twenty-five year] period, 1810, he relinquished his contract with the town, reserving to himself the use of the parsonage with such privileges as he was entitled to enjoy by his continued relation as pastor of the church. His ministry was attended with peculiar trials and embarrassments. In the region generally, as well as in his own town, there was little unity of religious faith, little liberality in sustaining the institutions of the gospel, and but the feeblest spirit of education. An intelligent and able ministry was not appreciated; the most ignorant assumed the office of teachers; and as an inevitable consequence, there was an almost universal outbreak of extravagance and fanaticism. Immediate inspiration was claimed from heaven; and some substantiated their commission as approved ministers of the gospel, by appealing to the fact that they could preach, whilst the world knew that they could not read. It is delightful to witness the improved state of things in the entire region; academies are springing into existence around the beautiful lake of Winnipiscogee, and in the winding vallies formed by its mountains and hills; the spirit of education is becoming universal, among the very classes which once found a sufficient reason for discarding a minister, in the fact that he had been to college, and learned Latin, and was even suspected of having studied Greek; and as a consequence of this improvement in knowledge, religious extravagance is becoming obsolete; the claim to inspiration is abandoned; and they are demanded for teachers to others, who have first been taught themselves. On the day Mr. Piper dissolved his connection with the town, he presented a communication which was entered on the records, from which the following is an extract. “At the time of my induction into the important and solemn office of a religious teacher in this place, the people were few in number; they had but imperfectly subdued the wilderness, and fears were entertained by some that the people would not be able to fulfil their engagements, without bringing poverty and distress upon themselves. But a view of the present state of the town, will show how groundless were these fears. Instead of those temporary humble cottages first erected, and which they would now hardly think sufficient to shelter their herds, you behold comfortable and even elegant habitations. Thus has a kind Providence blessed us; and thus is there exhibited to my eyes irresistible proof that what I have received from the town, has not impoverished them. In justice to myself, I must say I have ever cherished a lively sympathy with the people, and made it my constant endeavor to lighten the burden, and not to forget the poor and unfortunate; ‘in all their afflictions I was afflicted'” (American Education Society, 1839).

Neighboring Milton built its Town House in 1804. It paid temporary “supply” ministers to preach there until it established its own Congregational Society. It paid Rev. Asa Piper of Wakefield, NH, for occasional preaching between 1810 through 1813. (See Milton Town House – 1804 and Milton Congregational Society Petition – 1814).

… The town [of Milton] voted to accept this report. But Mr. Nason did not settle there; he and others conducted services in the meeting-house from time to time, but not regularly as settled ministers. The town accounts show that prior to 1805 the following persons had been paid to preach: Reuben Nason, $82; Mr. Brown, $4; Mr. Bunt, $24; Mr. Pillsbury, $55; Captain Plumer for boarding the ministers, $33; in 1805 the town paid Christopher Page for preaching, $84; Reuben Nason, $34.15; in 1806 paid John Darrance for preaching, $54; in 1807 paid him for preaching, $21; in 1808 paid Mr. Preston for preaching, $5; in 1808 Mr. Papkin for preaching, $30; in 1810 Asa Piper for preaching, $30; in 1811 Asa Piper, $2.50; Mr. Godiny for preaching, $5; in 1812 Asa Piper, $23; Mr. Thurston, $3; in 1813 Asa Piper, $4.50; and Israel Briggs for preaching, $33 (Scales, 1914).

Rev. Asa Piper performed the Wakefield, NH, marriage of John Hart and Elizabeth Nutter, both of Milton, November 17, 1811. (She was a sister of William S. Nutter and John Nutter).

Rev. Asa Piper performed the Wakefield, NH, marriage of Isaac Scates and Betsy Worster, both of Milton, December 1, 1811.

Daughter Marianne Piper married (1st) in Wakefield, NH, January 10, 1814, Peter Horne, both of Wakefield, NH. Her father, Rev. Asa Piper, performed the ceremony. He was born in Wakefield, NH, May 22, 1784, son of Daniel W. and Charity (Place) Horne.

Daughter Elizabeth G. Piper married in Wakefield, NH, January 21, 1814, Porter Kimball Wiggin, both of Wakefield, NH. Her father, Rev. Asa Piper, performed the ceremony. He was born in Exeter, NH, February 17, 1789, son of Joseph and Mehitable (Kimball) Wiggin.

The First Parish of Belfast was organized in 1811. Rev. Alfred Johnson was then the pastor and continued as such until his formal resignation October 2, 1813. From the time of his resignation to the year 1818 there was no regular preaching maintained by the Congregationalists, except that in 1815 the parish voted to hire the Rev. Asa Piper to preach two months (Republican Journal (Belfast, ME), July 27, 1911).

Rev. Asa Piper performed the Wakefield, NH, marriage of Isaac Hayes and Nancy Palmer, both of Milton, March 9, 1815.

After his connection with the town had ceased, Mr. Piper continued his labors, till the last fifteen years of his life, when an asthmatic affection prohibited his performing more than occasional services, with the exception of two or three terms of missionary labor in the State of Maine. His preaching was nearly confined to his former parish, and was almost gratuitous (American Education Society, 1839).

Wakefield, NH, joined neighboring Milton in a dispute over their militia territory in May 1820. Luther Dearborn (1771-1844) of Wakefield, NH, and John Remick, Jr. (1777-1840) of Milton, were said to have headed their respective lists of petitioners. (Remick was a Milton selectman and both men were justices-of-the-peace in their respective towns). Wakefield’s lifelong Congregational minister, Rev. Asa Piper, is said to have been a proponent of division. (See Milton Militia Dispute – 1820).

Son-in-law Peter Horne died in Wakefield, in 1820. Widowed daughter Marianne ((Piper) Horne married (2nd) in Wakefield, NH, September 7, 1821, Jonathan Pollard.

Daughter Sarah Little Piper married in Wakefield, NH, November 17, 1823, Lewis (or Louis) Dearborn. He was born in Wakefield, NH, December 17, 1794, son of Luther and Sally (Pike) Dearborn.

Sarah (Little) Piper died in Wakefield, NH, October 15, 1827.

Son Edward C. Piper married in Wakefield, NH, May 18, 1828, Sarah Swasey, both of Wakefield, NH. She was born March 18, 1790.

MARRIAGES. In Wakefield, by Rev. Mr. Piper, Mr. Edward C. Piper, to Mrs. Sally Swasey, all of Wakefield (Strafford Enquirer, June 3, 1828).

Sept. 17, 1828, Rev. Samuel Nichols was ordained as his colleague; during whose ministry of five years, he had the pleasure of seeing the church enlarged and strengthened which he had planted under so many discouragements forty-three years before. After the dismission of Mr. Nichols, Mr. Piper occasionally officiated to the church and society, till they were provided with a pastor in the Rev. Nathaniel Barker (American Education Society, 1839).

Rev. Asa Piper performed the Wakefield, NH, marriage of Henry Wiggin and Deborah Hurd, in September, 1829.

Asa Piper headed a Wakefield, NH, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 70-79 years [himself], one female aged 70-79 years [Sarah (Little) Piper], one female aged 40-49 years, two males aged 30-39 years, one male aged 10-14 years, two females aged 10-14 years, one female aged 5-9 years, and one female aged under-5 years. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Lewis Dearborn and Benj. H. Whitehouse.

Porter K. Wiggin headed a Wakefield, NH, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 40-49 years [himself], one female aged 40-49 years [Elizabeth G. (Piper) Wiggin], one male aged 15-19 years, one female aged 10-14 years, one female aged 5-9 years. and one male aged under-5 years. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Jere. Dearborn and Mark Fernald.

Lewis Dearborn 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 30-39 years [Sarah L. (Piper) Dearborn], one male aged 15-19 years, and one male aged 5-9 years [George L. Dearborn].

Daughter Sarah L. (Piper) Dearborn died in Wakefield, NH, November 19, 1831, aged forty years.

DIED. At Great Falls, on Friday, the 18th inst., Mrs. Sarah Dearborn, aged 40 years, wife of Mr. Lewis Dearborn, and daughter of the Rev. Asa Piper, of Wakefield, N.H. (Dover Enquirer, November 29, 1831).

Rev. Asa Piper died in Wakefield, NH, May 17, 1835, aged seventy-four years.

Died. In Wakefield, very suddenly, on the 17th ult., Rev. ASA PIPER, aged 74 years. He was born in Acton, Mass., entered Harvard University in 1774, and graduated in 1778 — While in college he was an excellent scholar, and sustained an unspotted character. He retained his pastoral relation with the Church over which he was placed for the space of fifty years. He preached his fortieth anniversary sermon. As a preacher of the Gospel he was sound in doctrine. His creed was the bible, or orthodoxy and charity united. His feelings were candid and liberal towards those who embraced different opinions; though he adhered to ‘the faith once delivered to the saints.’ He was for the space of 36 years, an active member of the New Hampshire Missionary Society He performed a mission in the state of Maine, to great acceptance. He preached to his people frequently after his dismission from the congregation, and retained his pastoral relation to the church until his death. His first wife was a daughter of Edward Cutts, Esq., of Kittery. His second wife was the only daughter of the Rev. Daniel Little, of Kennebunk. They were both excellent women. He frequently expressed a desire that he might be preserved from painful and protracted sickness. He died in an instant. While the bereaved children are ready to exclaim, “My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and the horsemen thereof,” may they catch the falling mantle and learn to die. [Great Falls Jour. (Dover Enquirer, June 2, 1835).

… His death was sudden, occasioned by a disorder of the heart, May 17, 1835, in the 79th year of his age. The talents of Mr. Piper were of a respectable order, though his support and situation were unfavorable to their cultivation; he was particularly fond of historical studies; and the benevolent disposition and good sense he uniformly exhibited, secured to him the confidence and respect of those who knew him. Sound in his views of the gospel, he commended his principles by an exemplary life; and great as were the discouragements which attended his ministry, the advance of education in the town, which now enjoys the advantages of an established and flourishing academy; the more liberal views entertained of the proper support of the ministry; the perpetuation of the glimmering light of truth in his parish and region, till under the less embarrassed labors of his successors, it has become strong and clear, evince that he did not labor in vain, and spend his strength for nought (American Education Society, 1839).

Widowed son-in-law Lewis Dearborn married (2nd) in Somersworth, NH, December 20, 1837, Hannah D. Locke, both of Somersworth. Rev. Alfred Goldsmith performed the ceremony.

Married. At Great Falls, Mr. Lewis Dearborn, to Miss Hannah Locke (Dover Enquirer, December 26, 1837).

Son-in-law Porter K. Wiggin died in Wakefield, NH, April 30, 1840.

Elizabeth [(Piper)] Wiggin headed a Wakefield, NH, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. Her household included one female aged 50-59 years [herself], one male aged 30-39 years, one male aged 20-29 years, one female aged 20-29 years, one male aged 15-19 years, and one male aged 5-9 years. Her household appeared in the enumeration between those of Jeremiah Dearborn and Asa Dow. (Her household appeared on the same page as that of her brother, Edward C. Piper).

Edward C. Piper headed a Wakefield, NH, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one female aged 50-59 years [Sarah (Swasey) Piper], one male aged 30-39 years, one female aged 20-29 years, one female aged 15-19 years, one male aged 5-9 years, and one female aged 90-99 years. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Benjamin H. Whitehouse and David Page. (His household appeared on the same page as that of his widowed sister, Elizabeth Wiggin). Two members of hos household were engaged in Agriculture.

Mary Ann [((Piper) Horne)] Pollard headed a Lowell, MA, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. Her household included one female aged 40-49 years [herself], one male aged 20-29 years, one female aged 20-29 years, one female aged 15-19 years, one male aged 10-14 years, one male aged 5-9 years, and one female aged 60-69 years. Three members of her household were engaged in Manufacture and the Trades.

Lewis Dearborn headed a Somersworth, NH, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household contained one male aged 30-39 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years [Hannah D. (Locke) Dearborn], one female aged 20-29 years, and one female aged under-5 years. One member of his household was engaged in Manufacture and the Trades.

Son Asa Leonard Piper (1798–1844) died in Wakefield, NH, November 2, 1844.

Deaths. In Wakefield, Mr. Leonard Piper, son of the late Rev. Asa Piper (Dover Enquirer, November 12, 1844).

J.K. Wiggins, a clerk, aged twenty-five years, [b. NH,] headed a Boston, MA, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Chas. P. Wiggins, a clerk, aged eighteen years, [b. NH,] Sarah Wiggins, aged thirty years, [b. NH,] and “Mrs.” [Elizabeth G. (Piper)] Wiggins, aged fifty years [b. NH].

Edward C. Piper, a farmer, aged sixty years (b. NH), headed a Wakefield, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Sarah [(Swasey)] Piper, aged sixty years (b. NH), and Joseph F. Piper, a farmer, aged seventeen years (b. NH). Edward C. Piper had real estate valued at $2,000.

Mary C. [(Horne)] Smith, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), headed a Lowell, MA, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. Her household included Mary Ann [((Piper) Horne)] Pollard (b. NH), aged fifty-seven years, John Pollard, a pump maker, aged twenty-two years (b. NH), Caroline Pollard, aged twenty-six years (b. NH), Mary F.A. Smith, aged four years (b. MA), Wm. F. Sherman, a manufacturer, aged twenty-four years (b. MA), Reuben R. Mosey, a manufacturer, aged twenty-four years (b. MA), Amos Colby, a pump maker, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), Job C. Cross, an operator, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), and “Mr.” Lee, an operator, aged forty years (b. VT). Mary C. Smith had real estate valued at $1,500.

John K. Wiggin, engravings, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), headed a Boston, MA, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Mary J. [(Perry)] Wiggin, aged thirty-three years (b. MA), Bertha Wiggin, aged six months (b. MA), Elizabeth [(Piper)] Wiggin, aged seventy years (b. NH), Sarah M. Wiggin, aged forty-four years (b. NH), Lazarus Murad, a gentleman, aged thirty-two years (b. Judea), Charlie Coffin, a clerk, aged seventeen years (b. MA), George A. Allen, a clerk, aged seventeen years (b. MA), and Mary A. Brigham, aged twenty-five years (b. NH). Edward C. Piper had real estate valued at $13,000 and personal estate valued at $6,000. (J.K. Wiggin had vouched for Lazarus S. Murad at his Boston naturalization, May 15, 1858).

Edward C. Piper, a farmer, aged sixty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Wakefield (“Union P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Sarah [(Swasey)] Piper, aged seventy years (b. NH), Edward C. Piper, a machinist, aged thirty years (b. NH), Henrietta Piper, aged thirty years (b. ME), George F. Piper, a farmer, aged twenty-six years (b. NH), Carrie A. Piper, aged six years (b. MA), and Sarah E. Piper, aged four years (b. ME). Edward C. Piper had real estate valued at $2,500 and personal estate valued at $800.

Daughter-in-law Sarah (Swasey) Piper died January 13, 1866.

Son-in-law Lewis Dearborn died of pleurisy and hydrothorax at 16 Ashland Place in Boston, MA, July 22, 1870, aged seventy-five years, seven months.

DIED. In this city, 22d inst., Mr. Lewis Dearborn (New England Farmer (Boston, MA), July 30, 1870).

John K. Wiggin, a retail book seller, aged forty-five years (b. NH), headed a Boston, MA, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Mary J. [(Perry)] Wiggin, keeping house, aged forty-two years (b. MA), Bertha L. Wiggin, at school, aged ten years (b. MA), Elizabeth G. [(Piper)] Wiggin, no occupation, aged eighty-one years (b. NH), Sarah M. Wiggin, a housekeeper, aged fifty-four years (b. NH), Mary Gage, a school teacher, aged forty years (b. ME), Elmira J. Paul, a school teacher, aged thirty-nine years (b. NH), Nelson M. Holbrook, an author, aged fifty-six years (b. NY), Elizabeth Holbrook, no occupation, aged thirty-nine years (b. NY), and Nelson Holbrook, Jr., at home, aged three years (b. MA). John K. Wiggin had real estate valued at $15,000 and personal estate valued at $5,000. (The unfortunate Nelson J. Holbrook, Jr., was identified as being “idiotic”).

Edward C. Piper, a farmer, aged seventy-nine years (b. NH), headed a Wakefield, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included George F. Piper, a farmer, aged thirty-six years (b. NH), Mary E. Piper, keeping house, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH), Ada Piper, at home, aged three years (b. NH), Idella Piper, at home, aged one month (b. NH), and Mary Peorea, a housekeeper, aged sixty-eight years (b. NH). Edward C. Piper had real estate valued at $3,000 and personal estate valued at $1,190.

Amos Colby, a pump maker, aged fifty-four years (b. NH), headed a Lowell, MA, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Mary C. [(Horne) Smith)] Colby, keeping house, aged fifty-five years (b. NH), Edwin A. Colby, at school, aged sixteen years (b. MA), and Mary Ann [((Piper) Horne)] Pollard, no occupation, aged seventy-eight years (b. NH).

Daughter Mary Ann (Piper) Pollard died of old age in Malden, MA, December 4, 1879, aged eighty-seven years, one month, and twenty-seven days.

Mary [(Perry)] Wiggan, aged fifty-two years (b. MA), headed a Boston, MA, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. Her household included her daughter, Bertha Wiggan, aged twenty years (b. NH), her sister, Sarah Wiggan, aged sixty-four years (b. NH), and her mother, Elizabeth [(Piper)] Wiggan, aged ninety years (b. NH). Her household was at 70 West Cedar Street.

George F. Piper, a farmer, aged forty-six years (b. NH), headed a Wakefield, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Mary E. Piper, keeping house, aged thirty-six years (b. NH), his children, Ada F. Piper, at school, aged twelve years (b. NH), and Della Piper, at school, aged eleven years (b. NH), his father, Edward C. Piper, aged eighty-nine years (b. NH), and his niece, Carrie A. Piper, a house worker, aged twenty-six years (b. MA).

Son Edward Cutts Piper died of senility and gangrene in Wakefield, NH, February 27, 1881, aged ninety years, two months. J.E. Scruton, M.D., signed the death certificate.

Recent Deaths. Deacon Edward C. Piper died at Wakefield, N.H., Feb. 27, aged ninety years and two months. He was the son of Rev. Asa Piper, who was a native of Mass., a graduate of Harvard and a settled minister of the Congregational order at Wakefield for fifty years. The subject of this notice was fitted for college at Phillips Exeter Academy, entered Harvard at an early age, and remained there three years, when ill health compelled him to relinquish hard study. He retired to the old homestead, where the remainder of his life was spent (Boston Evening Transcript, March 15, 1881).

Daughter Elizabeth G. (Piper) Wiggin died of paralysis at 40 West Cedar Street in Boston, MA, May 30, 1881, aged ninety-one years, eleven months.

---

References:

American Education Society. (1839, November). American Quarterly Register. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=qgJKAAAAMAAJ&pg=RA1-PA130

Find a Grave. (2012, June 19). Sarah Little Piper Dearborn. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/92207738/sarah-little-dearborn

Find a Grave. (2012, June 19). Rev. Asa Piper. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/92206616/asa-piper

Find a Grave. (2012, June 19). Asa Leonard Piper. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/92207837/asa-leonard-piper

Find a Grave. (20212, June 19). Edward Cutts Piper. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/92206936/edward-cutts-piper

Find a Grave. (2021, September 29). Mary A. Piper Pollard. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/232538141/mary-a-pollard

Find a Grave. (2012, June 24). Elizabeth Gerrich Piper Wiggin. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/92467327/elizabeth-gerrich-wiggin

Scales, John. (1914). History of Strafford County, New Hampshire. Retrieved from www.google.com/books/edition/History_of_Strafford_County_New_Hampshir/nGsjAQAAMAAJ?&pg=PA513

Society for Propagation of the Gospel. (1887). Society for Propagating the Gospel Among the Indians and Others in North America, 1787-1887. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=ZmUsAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA40

Stamp Auction Network. (2022). Early Boston Postal History: War of 1812. Retrieved from stampauctionnetwork.com/Y/y12159.cfm

By Muriel Bristol | January 11, 2026

Robert McGeoch was born in Berwick, ME, December 18, 1777, son of Alexander and Olive (Goodwin) McGeoch. (Robert McGeoch had younger brothers Jno [John] McGeoch, born in Berwick, ME, July 3, 1779, and James McGeoch, born in Berwick, ME, May 21, 1781).

Robert McGeoch was remembered as an early settler at Milton Three Ponds who, together with James Hartford, built an early tavern there in the 1780s. The apparent incongruity in these accounts is that both he and Hartford would have been children, toddlers even, at that time.

Among the first who settled at Three Ponds were Samuel Palmer, Levi Burgen, John Fish, Paul Jewett, Pelatiah Hanscom, Robert McGeoch, and others. … The old tavern-house at Three Ponds, burnt a few years ago, was built by Robert McGeoch in 1786 or 1787, and was perhaps the first tavern in town (Hurd, 1882).

The first tavern was erected probably by James Hartford and Robert McGeoch shortly after 1780, the exact date being placed by various persons from 1783 to 1787 (Dover Enquirer, August 30, 1902).

Alexr McGeoch headed a Berwick, ME, household at the time of the First (1790) Federal Census. His household included two males aged 16-plus years [himself], six males aged under-16 years [Robert McGeoch, John McGeoch, James McGeoch, Alexander McGeoch, and George McGeoch], and three females [Olive (Goodwin) McGeoch and Roxana K. McGeoch]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Clark Gerrish and Nathl Nason.

Alexander McGouch headed a Berwick, ME, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one female aged 45-plus years [Olive (Goodwin) McGeoch], three males aged 16-25 years [Robert McGeouch, John McGeoch, and James McGeoch], one female aged 16-25 years, one male aged 10-15 years [Alexander McGeoch], one female aged 10-15 years [Roxana K. McGeoch], two males aged under-10 years [George McGeoch and Daniel G. McGeoch], and one female aged under-10 years [Mary McGeoch]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Tilly Wintworth [Wentworth] and Nathaniel Nayson.

Mother Olive (Goodwin) McGeoch died in Berwick, ME, in 1800.

Robert McGeoch married in Berwick, ME, November 9, 1800, Jane “Jenny” Plaisted [both of Berwick, ME]. Rev. John Thompson performed the ceremony. She was born in Berwick, ME, September 30, 1778, daughter of John and Martha “Patty” (Lord) Plaisted.

(The known children of Robert and Jane C. (Plaisted) McGeoch were: Daughter-1, Daughter-2, Martha McGeoch (1806-), Sarah McGeoch (1814-1897), Harriet McGeoch (1822-)).

Robert McGeoch’s remembered association with a Milton Three Ponds tavern, whether it was as a builder or proprietor, probably the latter, would seem to have taken place actually in the eighteen “aughts,” i.e., after his 1800 marriage in Berwick, ME, and before his 1810 enumeration in the Federal Census there.

It [the old tavern-house at Three Ponds] was situated on land about where the present railway station now stands, the ground of the buildings extending a considerable distance along the river bank there. The hotel itself was about 76 feet long and possessed the characteristics in which the host was wont to revel in the olden days. There was the broad generous hall with capacious bar room at the left, boasting the huge fireplace with its yule-tide logs. Benjamin Palmer was the first inn-keeper (Dover Enquirer, August 30, 1902).

Robert McGeoch and James McGeoch signed the Rochester Division Petition of May 1802. Nicholas Hartford, father of the Milton Three Ponds tavern’s putative co-builder, James Hartford, signed just below Robert McGeoch.

Robert McGeoch purchased Pew No. 24 in the Milton Town House, for $55 in 1804. It was situated on the south side of the ground floor, between those of D. Corson, Pew No. 23, and the Front Door (See Milton Town House – 1804).

Brother George McGeoch died in Berwick, ME, September 8, 1805. Brother John McGeoch died in Shapleigh, ME, in 1808.

Robert McGeoch was assessed in the Milton School District No. 5 of John Fish in 1806 (See Milton School Districts – 1806).

Between 1820 and 1830, this old tavern became one of the stations of the stage lines to the White Mountains, and as the postoffice was situated there, all mail for the North from Dover and beyond was sorted and placed in pouches for the three northern stage roads, Ossipee and Conway, Parsonsfield and Fryeburg, Milton Mills, Acton and Shapleigh (Maine). Thus by a curious coincidence, the site of the station in olden times is yet that of the railroad station for the village today. The coaches arrived there at about twelve o’clock, so that dinner was served to all before the journey was resumed. Thus for a part of the day the village bustled with activity, the excitement continuing for a length of time proportionate to the importance of the news received. The  various events of the day were, of course, discussed with dignity and authority by the old Solons and Oracles about the tavern fireplace (Dover Enquirer, August 30, 1902).

Alexr McGeouch headed a Berwick, ME, household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], two males aged 16-25 years [himself], and two females aged 16-25 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John Brock and James McGeouch.

Robert McGeouch headed a Berwick, ME, household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Jane (Plaisted) McGeoch], three females aged under-10 years [Martha McGeoch], and one female aged 45-plus years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of James Tebbets and Joseph Prime, Esqr.

Robert McGeoch appeared in a muster roll of Capt. Densmore’s company, December 31, 1813, as a private on the flotilla, on Lake Champlain, during the War of 1812.

Daughter Sarah McGeoch was born in Berwick, ME, January 27, 1814.

Robert McGeoch enlisted in the 33rd U.S. Infantry Regiment in Berwick, ME, February 28, 1814, for the duration of the war. He was thirty-six years of age, and stood 5′ 10¼” tall, with gray eyes, dark hair, and a light complexion. He appeared in duty rosters of Lt. Stephen Woodman’s company, dated February 16, 1815, February 28, 1815, and April 30, 1815; and muster rolls dated June and July 1815. He was discharged at Plattsburgh, NY, June 27, 1815, his term of enlistment having expired.

South Berwick, ME, was set off or divided from Berwick, ME, in 1814. As subsequent mentions place various McGeoch family members and events in South Berwick, ME, it seems likely that they had always lived in the southern part of Berwick, ME, i.e., in that part which became South Berwick, ME.

Brother Henry McGeoch died in South Berwick, ME, November 9, 1816.

Alexander McGeoch headed a South Berwick, ME, household at the time of the Fourth (1820) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one female aged 45-plus years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Hope Nason and Ebenezer Garland.

Robert McGeoch headed a South Berwick, ME, household at the time of the Fourth (1820) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Jane (Plaisted) McGeoch], two females aged 10-15 years, and two females aged under-10 years [Sarah McGeoch]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of William Chadwick and William Lord.

Father-in-law John Plaisted died in South Berwick, ME, February 8, 1824. Father Alexander McGeoch died in South Berwick, ME, December 22, 1824.

Laws of the U. States. BY AUTHORITY. AN ACT to establish certain, Post Roads, and to discontinue others. Sect. 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, That the following Post Roads be established: In New Hampshire – From Dover, by Rochester, Milton, Wakefield, Ossipee east of the lake, and Eaton, to Conway (Eastern Argus (Portland, ME), July 7, 1825).

Jane [(Plaisted)] McGeoch headed a Somersworth, NH, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. Her household included one female aged 50-59 years [herself], one female aged 20-29 years, and one female aged 15-19 years.

Jane [(Plaisted)] McGeoch headed a Canton, MA, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. Her household included one female aged 50-59 years [herself], one female aged 30-39 years, and one female aged under-5 years. One member of her household was engaged in Agriculture.

Daughter Sarah McGooch married in Dedham, MA, November 6, 1842, Amos Macomber, both of Dedham, MA. He was born in Milton, MA, circa 1813, son of Ichabod and Althea D. (Sumner) Macomber.

Daughter Harriet McGooch married in Dedham, MA, October 22, 1844, Harford Barton, both of Dedham, MA. He was a spinner, aged twenty-seven years, and she was a weaver, aged twenty-four years. [Methodist] Rev. Henry P. Hall performed the ceremony. Barton was born in Wrentham, MA, September 9, 1816, son of Nathan B. and Unity “Eunice” (Richardson) Barton.

Daughter Martha McGeoch married in Dorchester, MA, October 12, 1845, Elijah Bird, both of Dorchester, MA. He was a widowed papermaker, aged fifty-four years (b. Dorchester, MA), and she was single, aged thirty-nine years. He was born in Dorchester, MA, circa 1791, son of Samuel and Susanna Bird. J.S.J. Gridley performed the ceremony.

Mother-in-law Martha (Lord) Plaisted died in South Berwick, ME, March 28, 1847.

Elijah Bird, a laborer, aged fifty-nine years (b. MA), headed a Dorchester, MA, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Martha [(McGeoch)] Bird, aged forty-seven years (b. ME), Angeline McGough [McGeoch], aged thirteen years (b. MA), and Jane Scott, aged twenty-three years (b. Nova Scotia). Elijah Bird had real estate valued at $1,200.

Amos Macomber, a farmer, aged thirty-nine years (b. MA), headed a Dedham, MA, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Sarah [(McGeoch)] Macomber, aged thirty-five years (b. ME), Sarah A. Macomber, aged six years (b. ME), and Worthy W. Macomber, aged three years (b. MA). Amos Macomber had real estate valued at $650.

Harford Barton, a papermaker, aged thirty-six years (b. MA), headed a Dorchester, MA, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Harriet [(McGeoch)] Barton, aged thirty-two years (b. ME), Anson Barton, aged three years (b. MA), Alfred Barton, aged two years (b. MA), and Jane C. [(Plaisted)] McGeoch, aged seventy-one years (b. MA).

Harford Barton, a miner, aged thirty-six years (b. MA), appeared in San Joaquin, CA, at the time of the CA State Census of 1852. His last residence was in Massachusetts.

[Granddaughter Angelia Amanda McGeoch married in Dorchester, MA, December 13, 1854, George H. Bird, both of Dorchester, MA. He was a carpenter, aged twenty-six years, born Dorchester, MA, son of Elijah and Priscilla [(Leonard)] Bird, and she was aged eighteen years, born Canton, MA, daughter of Martha McGeoch. Rev. Stephen Cushing, pastor of the Dorchester Methodist Episcopal Church, performed the ceremony].

Elijah Bird, a farmer, aged sixty-four years (b. MA), headed a Dorchester, MA, household at the time of the First (1855) MA State Census. His household included Martha [(McGeoch)] Bird, aged fifty-three years (b. ME), George H. Bird, a mechanic, aged twenty-seven years (b. MA), and Angelia A. [(McGeoch)] Bird, aged eighteen years (b. MA).

Amos Macomber, a cloth finisher, aged forty-two years (b. MA), headed a Dedham, MA, household at the time of the First (1855) MA State Census. His household included Sarah [(McGeoch)] Macomber, aged forty-one years (b. MA), Sarah A. Macomber, aged eleven years (b. MA), Worthy W. Macomber, aged eight years (b. MA), John L. Macomber, aged five years (b. MA), and Harriet J. Macomber, aged nine years [months] (b. MA).

Elijah Bird, a farmer, aged sixty-nine years (b. MA), headed a Dorchester, MA, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Martha [(McGeoch)] Bird, aged fifty-seven years (b. ME). Elijah Bird had real estate valued at $1,300 and personal estate valued at $200. Their household appeared in the enumeration just before that of George Bird, a carpenter, aged thirty-two years (b. MA).

Amos Macomber, a wool dyer, aged forty-six years (b. MA), headed a Dedham [Mill “Village P.O.”], MA, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Sarah [(McGeoch)] Macomber, aged forty-four years (b. MA [SIC]), Sarah A. Macomber, aged sixteen years (b. MA), Worthy Macomber, aged twelve years (b. MA), and Harriet I. Macomber, aged five years (b. MA). Amos Macomber had real estate valued at $800.

Elijah Bird, a farmer, aged seventy-four years (b. MA), headed a Dorchester, MA, household at the time of the Second (1865) MA State Census. His household included Martha [(McGeoch)] Bird, aged sixty-two years (b. ME). Elijah Bird was both a ratable poll and a legal voter.

Amos Macomber, an operative, aged fifty-two years (b. MA), headed a Dorchester, MA, household at the time of the Second (1865) MA State Census. His household included Sarah [(McGeoch)] Macomber, a housekeeper, aged fifty years (b. ME), Worthy W. Macomber, a laborer, aged seventeen years (b. MA), Hattie Macomber, aged ten years (b. MA), Oliver Lovell, a soldier, aged thirty years (b. MA), and Sarah Abba [(Macomber)] Lovell, a housekeeper, aged twenty-one years (b. MA).

George H. Bird, a wheelwright, aged forty-two years (b. MA), headed a Boston (“Milton P.O.”), MA, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Amanda A. [(McGeoch)] Bird, keeping house, aged thirty-three years (b. MA), Ida A. Bird, at home, aged five years (b. MA), Elijah Bird, a laborer, aged eighty years (b. MA), and Martha [(McGeoch)] Bird, no occupation, aged seventy years (b. ME). George H. Bird had real estate valued at $3,000 and personal estate valued at $300.

Amos Macomber, works in woolen mill, aged fifty-seven years (b. MA), headed a Hyde Park (“Dedham P.O.”), MA, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Sarah [(McGeoch)] Macomber, keeping house, aged fifty-six years (b. ME), and Worthy W. Macomber, an express driver, aged twenty-three years (b. MA). Amos Macomber had real estate valued at $1,200.

FIRE. About ten o’clock last evening a fire broke out in a building on River street, in the Dorchester District, owned by George H. Bird, and occupied by Wallis H. Gilbert, painter, and Taber & Bennett, as an ale depot. Mr. Gilbert’s loss was estimated at $500, and the total loss $1000. No insurance (Boon Evening Transcript, November 19, 1870).

Son-in-law Amos Macomber died of metastasis of the brain in Hyde Park, MA, May 12, 1880, aged sixty-seven years, seven months, and twenty-two days. He was a farmer.

Geo. H. Bird, a carriage builder, aged fifty-two years (b. MA), headed a Boston, MA, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Angelina A. [(McGeoch)] Bird, keeping house, aged forty-three years (b. MA), his son-in-law, Alma Nickerson, works in planing mill, aged nineteen years (b. MA), his daughter, Ida A. [(Bird)] Nickerson, aged fifteen years (b. MA), and his mother-in-law, Martha [(McGeoch)] Bird, aged seventy-seven years (b. ME).

Daughter Martha (McGeoch) Bird died of bronchitis and heart disease on River Street in Mattapan, Boston, MA, February 22, 1891, aged eighty-eight years, five months, and fourteen days. She was a widow, born in Maine.

DEATHS. BIRD. In this city, Feb. 22, Martha, widow of Elijah Bird, 88 yrs. (Boston Globe, February 25, 1891).

Daughter Sarah (McGeoch) Macomber died of paralysis and old age in Dedham, MA, March 3, 1897, aged eighty-two years, seven months, and twenty-eight days. She was the widow of Amos Macomber.

---

References:

Find a Grave. (2017, February 20). Sarah McGooch Macomber. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/176525951/sarah-macomber

Find a Grave. (2017, June 25). John Plaisted. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/180719761/john-plaisted

Hemenway, Abby M. (1871). Vermont Historical Gazetteer. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=eJUbAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA392

By Muriel Bristol | January 4, 2026

Isaac Hasey was born in Cambridge, MA, July 23, 1742, son of Abraham and Jemima (Felch) Hasey.

Abraham Hasey married, January 17, 1739-40, Jemima, daughter of Samuel Felch of Reading, who had recently come to Cambridge. She was born in the former town January 21, 1718. Hasey owned a small piece of property on the Watertown road, adjoining John Vassall, and was taxed 1/ 9 for it in 1770. After the death of his benefactor however he had to realize on it (Cambridge Historical Society, 1915).

Isaac Hasey attended Harvard College, from which he graduated in 1762.

Isaac Hasey, undoubtedly his [Abraham Hasey’s] son, enjoyed, probably through the kindness of Henry Vassall, the college education (class of 1762) which the Colonel himself never had the advantage of. His lowly social position is shown by his “placing” in the class, the last among fifty-one. Nevertheless the boy had good stuff in him, and after proceeding “A.M.” [Artium Magister or Master of Arts] became the first minister of Lebanon, Maine (Cambridge Historical Society, 1915).

Isaac Hasey taught school in York, ME, in 1764, and preached in Towah or Towbrook, [i.e., Lebanon,] ME. (His future wife, Rebecca Owen, taught also in York, ME).

During a part of this first year [1764] he was also engaged teaching school in the town of York. His custom was ride from York on Saturday, and return on Monday. His preaching was so acceptable to the people that they appealed to the proprietors to secure his permanent settlement among them. In 1765 they entered into such contract with him. June 26, 1765, he was ordained. The following persons composed the council: Rev. Mr. Pike, of Somersworth, Rev. Mr. Lyman and Rev. Mr. Langton, of York, Rev. Mr. Stevens and Rev. Mr. Chase, of Kittery, and the Rev. Mr. Foster, of Berwick. This council met in the house of Ephraim Blaisdell. As there was then no church in town their first work was to organize one. Besides Mr Hasey, five other males became members of it. After this business of organization, the council to the meeting-house for the public exercises of the ordination. This house, erected in 1753, was forty feet in length, thirty feet wide, and two stories high. It was furnished with two rows of benches, one for the men and for the women (York County Conference, 1876).

Isaac Hasey was ordained in Towah or Towbrook, [i.e., Lebanon,] ME, June 26, 1765, as the first settled minister of its First (Congregational) Church.

This ancient church as appears by the record on exhibition there, was incorporated in June 1765, being now [1875] just one hundred and ten years old, and in the first eighty-eight years of its life had but four pastors – the first, Rev. Isaac Hasey, commenced his labors at the age of 24, devoting his life for forty-seven years to their service, dying in 1812 at the age of 71, and buried, “There, where a few torn shrubs the place disclose, The village preacher’s modest mansion rose.” He was succeeded by Rev. Paul Jewett, followed by James Weston in 1824, and by Joseph Loring up to 1853 – since this last date the changes in the pulpit have been numerous (Portland Daily Press (Portland, ME), June 7, 1875).

Rev. Isaac Hasey married in Towah, [i.e., Lebanon,] ME, August 22, 1765, Rebecca Owen. Rev. Isaac Lyman, of York, ME, performed the ceremony. He was aged twenty-three years, nineteen days; and she was aged thirty-one years, two months, and ten days. She was born in Boston, MA, May 31, 1734, daughter of William Owen.

(The known children of Isaac and Rebecca (Owen) Hasey were: Isaac Hasey (1766–1852), Rebecca Hasey (1767–1859), Mary Hasey (1769–1848), Benjamin Hasey (1771–1851), William Hasey (1774–1820), Hannah Owen Hasey (1776–182?), Sally Hasey (1779–1854)).

Eleven-year-old Rebekah Owen (1734-1811) made this sampler with a central motif of Adam and Eve with the coiled serpent around an apple tree from the Garden of Eden while at home in Malden, Massachusetts, or at a girls’ school in nearby Boston. The border motifs and other elements of the composition bear similarities to other samplers made in schools of the period. The sampler is connected with York through Rebekah’s older sister, Mary (1727-1793), who was married to the local shipowner and merchant Edward Emerson, Sr. (1726-1806). The Emersons, who resided in what is now the Emerson-Wilcox House of the Museums of Old York, took in Rebekah after the death of her parents in 1754. She taught school in York and eventually married the Reverend Isaac Hasey (1742-1812), the first minister of Towbrook (Lebanon), Maine, in 1765″ (Murphy, 2008).

Son Isaac Hasey, Jr., was born in Towah, [i.e., Lebanon,] ME, June 21, 1766.

Massachusetts incorporated the 1733 land grant known as Towwoh Plantation under the name of Lebanon, Maine, June 11, 1767. (Maine was then a “province” of Massachusetts). Its name is said to have been given it by its ordained minister, Rev. Isaac Hasey.

The town, incorporated in 1767, is believed to have been named by Rev. Isaac Hasey, one of the town’s first learned men who claimed the town’s tall white pines reminded him of the Biblical description of the cedars of Lebanon (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), July 2, 1992).

Daughter Rebecca Hasey was born in Lebanon, ME, October 11, 1767. Daughter Mary Hasey was born in Lebanon, ME, August 16, 1769.

Son Benjamin Hasey was born in Lebanon, ME, July 5, 1771. Son William Hasey was born in Lebanon, ME, April 12, 1774.

Rev. Isaac Hasey’s diaries are a frequently cited source on Lebanon, ME, and its vicinity, during the Revolutionary War.

Abstracts Relating to the Revolutionary War, from Rev Isaac Hasey’s Diaries, 1775-1783. By George Walter Chamberlain. In Collections Maine Historical Society, Second Series, IX, 132. 1898.

Isaac Hasey, a parson in Lebanon, Maine, was awakened at four o’clock the same morning [April 20, 1775] to learn ” news of ye Regulars fighting.” To his mind this was “good news” and he busied himself to assist in mustering “ye Minute Men” to march the next day (Brown, 2020).

Daughter Hannah Owen Hasey was born in Lebanon, ME, May 8, 1776. 

Rev. Isaac Hasey performed the marriage ceremony of Samuel Twombly, Jr. [III], and Mary “Molly” Burrows, in Lebanon, ME, December 21, 1777.

Daughter Sally Hasey was born in Lebanon, ME, June 27, 1779.

Wakefield, NH, sought to “settle” a minister in their town in 1782. Its town meeting voted

…. to keep Thursday, 12th day of instant September, as a Day of Fasting and Prayer for Direction in the calling and settling of a minister.” “Voted also to invite the Rev. Messrs. James Pike, Jeremy Belknap, Joseph Haven, Isaac Hasey, Nehemiah Ordway, to assist and advise on that occasion” (Wakefield First Church, 1886).

Wakefield, NH, ultimately “called” Rev. Asa Piper, who was ordained and “settled” there in September 1785.

The diary of Parson Hasey gives this condensed report: “September 22, 1785. Chiefly clear; rode to ordination at Wakefield. Newhall prayed; Adams preached; Hasey prayed and charge; Haven right hand; Ripley last prayer. Sept. 23, rode home, A.M., Mr. Spring with me (Wakefield First Church, 1886).

Thomas Jefferson – then a Virginia delegate to the U.S. Congress (under the Articles of Confederation) – asked his NH legislative acquaintances, John Sullivan and William Whipple, for information about moose, in late 1783 to early 1784. Sullivan in turn asked Isaac Hasey and Gilbert Warren for information, and returned their replies to Jefferson in the fall of 1784 (Gish & Klinghard, 2017). Jefferson received appointment as Minister Plenipotentiary to France in May 1784.

The Massachusetts legislature passed a bill, in January 1786, authorizing Lebanon, ME, to assess and collect a ministerial property tax. It told of Rev. Isaac Hasey’s original settlement in 1765 and the towns’ contractual arrangements with him. The town’s account with Rev. Hasey had fallen into arrears, around 1782, and it sought authority to collect a ministerial tax in order to pay their minister (University Press, 1893).

Mother Jemima (Felch) Hasey died July 28, 1786.

Mr. [Benjamin] Hasey, like his father and uncle, was a graduate of Harvard, being of the class of 1790, of which one member still survives, the venerable Josiah Quincy, the oldest living graduate, who, at the age of ninety, is in possession of the ripe faculties which have given a luster to his name and age. Mr. Hasey received his preliminary education at Dummer Academy under the tuition of the celebrated Master Moody, and entered college in 1786 (Willis, 1863).

Daughter Rebecca Hasey married in Lebanon, ME, January 26, 1789, Thomas Millett Wentworth. Rev. Isaac Hasey performed the ceremony. He was born in Dover, NH, February 19, 1753, son of Col. John and Abigail (Millett) Wentworth.

Thomas Millet [Wentworth], Col. John’s (4) son, went to Lebanon, Maine, when quite young to superintend a farm for his father. This was in South Lebanon. Here the Rev. Isaac Hasey was preaching, and keeping his now famous diaries. Mr. Hasey had a daughter, Rebecca, and Thomas Millet fell in love with her and it must have been mutual, for they were married Jan. 26, 1789. I believe Lebanon was to Somersworth, what Barrington was to Portsmouth and early Dover; a place to send the overflow of sons. Thomas Millet lived in South Lebanon many years, and finally bought the three hundred acre farm above Lebanon Centre, almost to the Acton line. This farm included some of the ponds at Milton on the west, and Mt. Towwow on the east (Metcalf & McClintock, 1927).

He [Thomas M. Wentworth] was a member of the Massachusetts legislature in 1788, which ratified by that State the Constitution of the United States. The vote stood 187 ayes to 168 nays; Mr. Wentworth voted in the negative. He represented Lebanon in the Massachusetts Legislature (while Maine was a district) seventeen years. He was one of the wealthiest men in the county (Wentworth Genealogy).

Revd Isaac Hasey headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the First (1790) Federal Census. His household included four males aged 16-plus years [Rev. Isaac Hasey, Isaac Hasey, Benjamin Hasey, and William Hasey], and five females [Rebecca (Owen) Hasey, Mary Hasey, Hannah Hasey, and Sally Hasey]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Joseph Farnham, Esqr, and Joseph Hardisen.

Thomas M. Wintworth [Wentworth] headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the First (1790) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 16-plus years [himself], one male aged under-16 years, and two females [Rebecca (Hasey) Wentworth and Theodosia Wentworth]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Richd Furbush and Edward Burrows.

Daughter Mary Hasey married in Dover, NH, April 20, 1793, Ezra Kimball, Jr. Rev. Isaac Hasey performed the ceremony. Kimball was born circa 1764.

Soon after leaving college [in 1790], he [Benjamin Hasey] entered the office of the late Judge Thacher in Biddeford as a student, and was admitted to practice in April, 1794. In June of the same year, he established himself at Topsham, where he continued to reside until his death, March 24, 1851, a period of fifty seven years, a single, as well as a singular man. The only lawyers in Lincoln, exclusive of Kennebec County, when he commenced practice there, were Langdon, Lee, and Manasseh Smith, all in Wiscasset (Willis, 1863).

Rev. Isaac Hasey performed the marriage ceremony between Thomas Applebee (“Appleby”) and Judith Rines in Lebanon, ME, January 12, 1797.

Daughter Hannah Owen Hasey married in Lebanon, ME, February 23, 1800, Dr. Nathaniel Adams. Rev. Isaac Hasey performed the ceremony. Adams was born in Portland, ME, in 1778, son of Benjamin and Miriam (Watson) Adams.

Isaac Hasey headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one female aged 45-plus years [Rebecca (Owen) Hasey], two males aged 16-25 years [Benjamin Hasey and William Hasey], one female aged 16-25 years [Sally Hasey], and one female 10-15 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Reuben Hull Copp, and Richard Furbush.

Thomas M. Wentworth headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Rebecca (Hasey) Wentworth], one female aged 16-25 years, one male aged 10-15 years, one female aged under-10 years [Theodosia Wentworth], and two males aged under-10 years [Thomas M. Wentworth, Jr., and Isaac H. Wentworth]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Gershom Lord and Nathaniel Whitehouse.

Ezra Kimball, Jr, headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Mary (Hasey) Kimball], two males aged 16-25 years, one female aged 16-25 years, and one female aged under-10 years [Maria Kimball].

Nathaniel Adams headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 16-25 years [himself], one female aged 16-25 years [Hannah O. (Hasey) Adams]. Their housheold appeared in the enumeration between those of Jedediah Wentworth and Edmund Cowill [Cowell].

Son-in-law Ezra Kimball, died of a putrid fever in Dover, NH, October 13, 1801, aged thirty-seven years.

Isaac Hasey of Lebanon, ME, subscribed to Rev. Roswell Messinger’s religious dissertation Sentiments on Resignation, when it was published in 1807 (Messenger, 1820).

For sale by Daniel Johnson, AT THE PORTLAND BOOKSTORE, Sentiments on Resignation, By the Rev. ROWELL MESSINGER, of York. THE following general character of the work is given by the Rev. Dr. HEMMENWAY: “The Sentiments on Resignation, are, like the celebrated Night Thoughts, effusions of a heart exercised with sore affliction. The author, soon after his settlement in the gospel ministry, with agreeable prospects of usefulness and comfort, had his prospects darkened by distressing calamities, which issued at length in a total privation of his sight. On this occasion, his mind was turned, with peculiar attention, to the great duty of Resignation to the will of God. Finding light arising upon him in darkness from his meditations on this subject benevolence prompted a desire that others might partake with him, in the instruction and consolation he had found in time of need. With this view he has, notwithstanding the obvious difficulties and disadvantages he must have been under, in being obliged to make use of borrowed pens, offered his thoughts to the consideration of the public. the perusal of the sentiments here exhibited, we doubt not but that the pious and devout christian will find much agreeable entertainment, with seasonable edifying instruction. If any should think the language more highly ornamented with the flowers and figures of rhetoric, than is suited to the understanding of the lower class of readers, it should also be considered that persons of a more elegant taste have as much need as any, to exercise and cultivate “Sentiments of Resignation,” and should therefore be furnished with instructions on the subject in a manner, suited, by striking the fancy, to engage the attention and touch the heart. Upon the whole, whatever defects or inadvertencies a critical eye may discern, in this performance, we think they are less and fewer than one would have expected, when the circumstances above mentioned are considered; and that the work will do the author honor, and we trust will be extensively useful (Portland Gazette, July 6, 1807).

Revd Isaac Hasey headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], two females aged 45-plus years [Rebecca (Owen) Hasey and Polly Hasey], one female aged 26-44 years, and two males aged 16-25 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of William Furbush and Thos M. Wentworth, Esqr.

Thos M. Wentworth, Esqr, headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Rebecca (Hasey) Wentworth], one female aged 16-25 years [Theodosia Wentworth], two males aged 10-15 years [Thomas M. Wentworth, Jr., and Isaac H. Wentworth], and one female aged under-10 years [Sally Wentworth]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of [her father,] Revd Isaac Hasey and John Nock.

Wd Mary [(Hasey)] Kimball headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. Her household included one female aged 26-44 years [herself], one female aged 16-25 years [Maria Kimball], and one female aged 10-15 years [Abigail G. Kimball].

Doctr Nathl Adams headed a Lebanon, ME, 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 [Hannah O. (Hasey) Adams], and three males aged under-10 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Elihu Hayes and Edmund Cowell.

Rebecca (Owen) Hasey died in Lebanon, ME, December 10, 1811, aged seventy-seven years. Rev. Isaac Hasey died in Lebanon, ME, October 17, 1812, aged seventy-one years.

Son Benjamin Hasey joined with other MA State Representatives G.W. Wallingford, Samuel A. Bradley, Ebenezer Inglee, John G. Deane, Joel Miller, and Samuel Stephenson, in June 1816, in publishing their remonstrance against a proposed separation of the Province of Maine from its parent Commonwealth of Massachusetts. (Maine would become a separate State in 1820).

Mr. [Benjamin] Hasey represented his town in the legislature of Massachusetts several years before the separation; but he had no taste for politics, and he withdrew from all public employment. He was fifteen years one of the trustees of Bowdoin College. Reserved and retired in his habits, he became more so as he left the common highway so much frequented by lawyers and politicians. It was not unnatural that a man of his sensitive nature should have shrunk from scenes which are often contaminated by low intrigues and self-seeking arts. Of the most rigid integrity, regular and quiet in all his modes of thought and action, nothing disturbed him more than the cant of demagogues. As may be supposed, he was strongly conservative, – change was distasteful to him. This may be a reason why he never married. For more than thirty-eight years he boarded in the same family, and for many years he occupied the same office, to which he daily resorted until within a few days of his death, in the same manner as when he was in practice. But with all his peculiarities, he was ever to be relied upon; his word was sacred, his act just, his deportment blameless. As a counsellor, his opinions were sound and much valued, and for many years he had an extensive practice in the counties of Lincoln and Cumberland. We remember the prim, snug-built, and neatly dressed gentleman, with his green satchel in hand, according to the usage of that day, taking his seat at the bar, and waiting calmly for the order of his business: he rarely appeared as an advocate, his natural diffidence and reserve disqualifying him for any display. Many years before his death he left the active duties of the profession; the innovations which were taking place in the manners and course of practice at the bar, were ill suited to his delicate and conservative feelings. The want of ancient decorum and respect, the absence of forensic courtesy, fretted upon his nerves. The abolishing of special pleading annoyed him, and the revision and codification of the statutes thoroughly confused his habitual notions of practice, displaced his accustomed authorities and cast him afloat in his old age on what seemed a new profession. He lived in the past and believed in it, and strove as much as mortal could to keep himself from the degeneracy of modern ideas. Mr. Hasey, at the time of his death, was the oldest surviving lawyer in the State; when he commenced practice the whole number was but seventeen, all of whom he survived except Judge Wilde, who had removed from the State (Willis, 1863).

Thomas M. Wentworth, Esqr, headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Fourth (1820) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one female aged 45-plus years [Rebecca (Hasey) Wentworth], one female aged 26-44 years [Theodosia Wentworth], one male aged 16-25 years [Thomas M. Wentworth, Jr.], and one female aged 10-15 years [Sally Wentworth]. Two members of his household were engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Miss Sally Hasey and John Door.

Dr Nathl Adams headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Fourth (1820) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one female aged 45-plus years [Hannah O. (Hasey) Adams], one male aged 16-25 years, one male aged 10-15 years, one male aged under-10 years, and two females aged under-10 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Joseph Gerrish and Joshua Hodsdon.

Miss Sally Hasey headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Fourth (1820) Federal Census. Her household included one female aged 45-plus years [herself], one female aged 26-44 years, one female aged 16-25 years, one female aged 10-14 years, and two males aged 45-plus years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Billy M. Furbish and Thomas M. Wentworth, Esqr.

Son William Hasey died in Lebanon, ME, December 31, 1820, aged forty-six years.

Daughter Sally Hasey married in Lebanon, ME, January 1821, Rev. Joseph Hilliard.

Widowed son-in-law Dr. Nathaniel Adams married (2nd) in South Berwick, ME, November 13, 1822, Ann Jenkins, he of Lebanon, ME, and she of Berwick, ME. Rev. Joshua Chase performed the ceremony.

Thomas M. Wentworth headed a Lebanon, ME, 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 [Rebecca (Hasey) Wentworth], and one male aged 70-79 years [Isaac Hasey, Jr.]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Charles Blaisdell and Thomas Legro, Jr.

Joseph Hilliard headed a Berwick, ME, 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 [Sally (Hasey) Hilliard], one male aged 30-39 years, one female aged 20-29 years, one female aged 15-19 years, one female aged 10-14 years, and one male aged 5-9 years.

Son-in-law Dr. Nathaniel Adams died in Somersworth, NH, October 30, 1830, aged sixty-two years.

Granddaughter Mary E. Adams married in Portsmouth, NH, Samuel Williams, of Hartford, CT.

MARRIED. In Portsmouth, Mr. Samuel Williams, of Hartford, Conn., to Miss Mary E. Adams, daughter of the late Nathaniel Adams, Esq. (Dover Enquirer, October 25, 1831).

Son Benjamin Hasey, Esq., of Topsham, ME, appeared in the ΦΒΚ [Phi Beta Kappa] Fraternity Catalog of 1833, as a  surviving member of Harvard University’s Class of 1790.

Granddaughter Martha C. Adams married in Portsmouth, NH, Dudley Buck, of Hartford, CT.

Married. In Portsmouth, Dudley Buck, Esq., of Hartford, Conn., to Miss Martha C. Adams, daughter of the late Nathaniel Adams, Esq. (Dover Enquirer, September 19, 1837).

Benjamin Hasey headed a Topsham, ME, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 60-69 years [himself]. One member of his household was engaged in a Learned Profession or as an Engineer.

Thomas M. Wentworth headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 80-89 years [himself], one female aged 70-79 years [Rebecca (Hasey) Wentworth], and one female aged 30-39 years [Theodosia Wentworth]. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of George Tibbetts and Jesse Furbush.

Joseph Hilliard headed a Berwick, ME, 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 [Sally (Hasey) Hilliard], and one female aged 20-29 years.

Son-in-law Thomas M. Wentworth died in Lebanon, ME, November 23, 1841, aged eighty-nine years.

Died. At Lebanon, Nov. 22, Thomas Wentworth, Esq., aged 89 years (Dover Enquirer, November 30, 1841).

Daughter Mary (Hasey) Kimball died in Dover, NH, April 29, 1848, aged seventy-eight years.

DEATHS. 29th ult., Mrs. Mary Kimball, widow of the late Ezra Kimball, aged 78 (Dover Enquirer, May 2, 1848).

Thomas M. Wentworth, [Jr.,] a farmer, aged fifty-three years (b. ME), headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Rebecca [(Hasey)] Wentworth, aged eighty-two years (b. ME), Andrew Goodnage, none, aged eighteen years (b. ME), Daniel Fall, aged fourteen years (b. ME), and Isaac Hasey, none, aged eighty-three years (b. ME). Thomas M. Wentworth had real estate valued at $15,000.

Benjamin Hasey, a lawyer, aged seventy-nine years (b. ME), resided in the Topsham, ME, household of Susan Purinton, aged seventy-seven years (b. NH), at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census.

Son Benjamin Hasey died in Topsham, ME, March 24, 1851, aged seventy-nine years.

Obituary Notice. DIED at Topsham, Me., March 24, 1851, BENJAMIN HASEY, Esq., aged 79  (Little & Brown, 1852).

The Hon. Frederic Allen, his cotemporary in Lincoln County, has furnished the following well-considered estimate of Mr. [Benjamin] Hasey’s character and standing: “He was well versed in the principles of the common law. His reading was extensive, both legal and miscellaneous. His memory was tenacious, his habits studious. In his person, though very small in stature, he was of the most perfect formation, and always most neatly attired. He had much good sense, was a strict adherent to the old federal party, from whose leading opinions, so long as the party had a distinctive existence, he never wavered, and had little charity for those who did. He was not much employed as an advocate: he generally argued not over one case a year, and that was done very well. His address to the jury was brief, free from all repetition or copious illustration. He left the world in the same apparent quietude in which he had lived, leaving a name much honored, and a character highly respected” (Willis, 1863). 

State of Maine. LINCOLN, SS. At a Probate Court held at Wiscasset, on the 5th day of January, A.D. 1852. Ordered, that Thomas M. Wentworth, administrator of the estate of Benjamin Hasey, late of Topsham, in said County, deceased, notify the heirs at law and creditors of said deceased, and all persons interested, that his first account of administration on the estate of said deceased will be offered for allowance at a Probate Court at Wiscasset, on the first Monday of February next, when and where they may be present if they see cause. Notice to be given by publishing an attested copy of this order in the Eastern Times, printed in Bath, three weeks successively, before said Court of Probate. Given under my hand this fifth day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-two. ARNOLD BLANEY, Judge of Probate. Copy attest – EDWIN S. HOVEY, Reg. (Eastern Times (Bath, ME), January 15, 1852).

Son Isaac Hasey, Jr., died in Lebanon, ME, April 22, 1852, aged eighty-five years.

Daughter Sally (Hasey) Hilliard died in Berwick, ME, July 14, 1854, aged seventy-five years.

DEATHS. In Berwick, Me., July 14th, Mrs. Sally Hilliard, wife of the late Rev. Joseph Hilliard, aged 75 years (Dover Enquirer, July 18, 1854).

Daughter Rebecca (Hasey) Wentworth died in Lebanon, ME, September 8, 1859.

Marriages and Deaths. WENTWORTH, Mrs. Rebecca, Sept. 8th, at Lebanon, Me.; born 11th Oct. 1767, aged ninety one years and 11 months; dau. of Rev. Isaac Hasey, the first settled minister of Lebanon, Me. He was born in Cambridge, Mass., graduated at Harvard College, 1762, and m. Rebecca Owen, born at Boston, 1733. She was the widow of Hon. Thomas Millet Wentworth, who died 3rd Nov. 1841, aged eighty-eight yrs. He was the son of Col. John Wentworth, of Somersworth, N.H., by his second wife, Abigail Millet, and grandson of Capt. Benjamin, by his wife, Elizabeth Leighton. Capt. Benjamin was son of Ezekiel, and grandson of Elder William, the immigrant settler. J.W. (NEHGR, January 1860).

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