Milton Farmer William Courson (1782-1863)

By Muriel Bristol | March 22, 2026

William Courson was born in NH in 1782.

William Corson married in Wakefield, NH, in August 1804, Sarah “Sally” Roberts, he of Milton and she of Shapleigh, ME. Rev. Asa Piper performed the ceremony.

Ens. W. Corson was assessed in the Milton School District No. 3 of Paul Jewett in 1806. (See Milton School Districts – 1806).

William Courson was among the thirty-five Strafford County inhabitants that petitioned the NH Governor and Executive Council, January 2, 1810, to have Maj. Andrew Wentworth of Somersworth, NH, appointed as Strafford County Sheriff. (See Strafford County Sheriff Petition – January 2, 1810).

Wm Courson headed a Milton household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Sarah (Brown) Corson], one female aged 16-25 years, one male aged under-10 years, and three females aged under-10 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Jona Young and Daniel Grant. (See Milton in the Third (1810) Federal Census).

NH Governor John Taylor Gilman (1753-1828) put out an urgent call (or “Alarm”) for militia, in September 1814.

New Hampshire. Gov. Gilman, of New-Hampshire, has issued a General Order for the whole militia of that state, including Infantry, Cavalry, & Artillery, to hold themselves in readiness to march at a moment’s warning to any part of the State, where their services may be required. – He has also detached and ordered several Companies to march immediately to Portsmouth, for the defence of that town (The Washingtonian (Windsor, VT), September 19, 1814).

The Governor of Newhampshire has ordered 1200 militia to repair to Portsmouth without delay. The citizens of Portsmouth are actively engaged in fortifying and making preparations for defence (Portland Gazette (Portland, ME), September 19, 1814).

SUMMARY. The Governor of New-Hampshire has ordered out 5000 of the militia, to repair, without delay, to Portsmouth, where the citizens are actively engaged in fortifying and making defensive preparations. [Massachusetts] Gov. Strong has ordered 500 troops to Portsmouth, to aid in defending the towns on the Piscataqua River. Maj. Gen. Whiton, of Lee, is to command the troops lately ordered out by Gov. Strong (Pittsfield Sun (Pittsfield, MA), September 22, 1814).

Milton responded by sending a company of militiamen under Captain William Courson. Captain Courson’s company became a part of the Fourth Regiment, NH Detached Militia, which was commanded by Lt. Colonel Isaac Waldron of Barrington, NH. (Also known as Waldron’s Command). (See Milton in the War of 1812).

The field officers of the NH Second Militia Regiment informed the NH State Legislature, June 3, 1818, that some of their officers, including William Courson, Captain of the 7th Company, had moved out of their regiment’s district.

To the Honbl Senate & House of Representatives of the State of New Hampshire.
Respectfully Sheweth
The Undersigned Field Officers of the Second Regt. that John D. Harty, Capt of first Compy, Ephram Nute, Ensign of said Compy, William Courson, Capt. of the 7th Compy, Saml Abbott, second Lt of Artillery, & Ephm Wentworth, Ensign of the Light Infantry, have removed from the limits of this command.
We therefore pray that John D. Harty, Ephraim Nute, William Courson, Samuel Abbott, & Ephm Wentworth may be removed from their respective offices in said Regt. and as in duty bound we pray.
Edwd Sise Colon
A. Peirce Major

Dover June 3, 1818

William Courson headed a Yonkers, Westchester County, NY, 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 [Sarah (Brown) Courson], and one female aged 10-15 years. One member of his household was engaged in Commerce.

Sarah (Brown) Courson appears to have died, probably in Yonkers, NY, sometime between 1820 and 1824. William Courson married (2nd) in Yonkers, NY, September 26, 1824, Elizabeth “Eliza” or “Betsy” Kniffen. She was born in Westchester County, NY, in 1800.

(The known children of William and Elizabeth (Kniffen) Courson were: William J. Courson (1831-1888), and Jacob Courson (1835-1920).

William Courson of Westchester, NY, advertised to creditors that he would return within three months, presumably to settle debts.

Persons advertising in the state paper for the benefit of the insolvent act – Westchester – William Courson, to return within three months, & c. (New York Evening Post (New York, NY), November 18, 1824).

The New York Legislature had authorized construction of the Erie Canal in 1817. It ran 363 miles from the Hudson River, in the east, through Albany, [Fort Plain,] Utica, Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo, NY, to Lake Erie, in the west.  It opened on October 26, 1825.

A grand salute, indeed! “Among the arrangements to celebrate the completion of the Erie canal, in New York, the committee have ordered salutes to be fired from 24 and 32 pounders, to be stationed along the whole line of the canal. from Buffalo to Albany, (365 miles,) which is immediately to be returned from Albany to Buffalo, making a line of fire of more than 700 miles, and which, like the occasion it is to commemorate, has no parallel in ancient or modern times.” So much for the “big ditch” – dug by the people of a state which, thirty-five years ago, had only a fifth rank in the union, and but little exceeded even Maryland in gross population; but which is now the first of all, and, through the perseverance of a few illustrious men, of whom, DeWitt Clinton was a chief – “the rock on which the storm did beat.” [Nites’ Reg. (Poughkeepsie Journal (Poughkeepsie, NY), October 26, 1825).

Son William J. Courson was born in Oneida, NY, in 1831.

William Cureson headed a Westchester, NY, 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 [Eliza (Kniffen) Cureson], one male aged 10-14 years, two females aged 5-9 years, one male aged under-5 years, and one female aged under-5 years.

Son Jacob Courson was born in Oneida, NY, in 1839.

The Erie Canal runs through Montgomery County parallel to the Mohawk River, connecting to the Wood River to the west, which leads to Lake Ontario. Overall, the canal connected Great Lakes shipping with the Hudson River and the port of New York on the Atlantic Ocean. Several towns and villages developed along the canal, as it carried much trade and passenger traffic during its peak years. After the railroad was built through the state, along the same river plain, it superseded the canal, which was filled in some areas (Wikipedia, 2026).

William Courson headed a Montgomery [County], NY, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years [Eliza (Kniffen) Courson], and two males aged 5-9 years. One member of his household was engaged in Manufacture and Trade.

Minden is in western Montgomery County, bordered to the north and northeast by the Mohawk River/Erie Canal, to the west by Herkimer County, to the south by Otsego County, and to the southeast by the town of Canajoharie. The village of Fort Plain is in the eastern corner of Minden, next to the Mohawk River (Wikipedia, 2026).

William Courson, a laborer, aged sixty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Minden, NY, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Betsy [(Kniffen)] Courson, aged fifty years (b. NY), William Courson, a laborer, aged twenty years (b. NY), and Jacob Courson, a laborer, aged fifteen years (b. NY).

William Courson resided in Minden, NY, when filing paperwork associated with his War of 1812 pension. He had two enlistments, one ran between September 11, to September 29, 1814, and the other ran between September 23, to November 20, 1814. (There would seem to be some overlap between these two terms of service).

Son William J. Courson married, circa 1854, Mary Sparks.

William Courson, a farmer, aged seventy-four years (b. NH), headed a Minden, NY, household at the time of the NY State Census of 1855. His household included his wife, Elizabeth [(Kniffen)] Courson, aged fifty-four years (b. Westchester County, NY), and his children, William Courson, a boatman, aged twenty-four years (b. Oneida County, NY), Jacob Courson, a boatman, aged twenty years (b. Oneida County, NY), and Mary [(Sparks)] Courson, aged twenty years (b. Mont. [Montgomery] County). They had a frame house, and had all resided in Minden, NY, for fifteen years, excepting daughter [in-law], Mary [(Sparks)] Courson, who had resided there for twenty years, i.e., her whole life.

William Coursen, a farmer, aged eighty years (b. NH), headed a Minden (Palatine Bridge P.O.), NY, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Betsey [(Kniffen)] Courson, aged sixty years (b. NY), Jacob Coursen, aged twenty-six years (b. NY), Mary [(Sparks)] Coursen, aged twenty-one years (b. NY), Henry Coursen, aged four years (b. NY), Edward Coursen, aged two years (b. NY), and William Coursen, a boatman, aged twenty-six years (b. NY). William Courson had real estate valued at $700 and personal estate valued at $100.

William Courson died in Fort Plain, [Minden,] NY, January 3, 1863.

Son Jacob Courson married, circa 1865, Josephine Bush. She was born in Minden, NY, June 14, 1845, daughter of Adam G. and Harriet J. (Ehle) Bush.

Elizabeth [(Kniffen)] Courson, aged sixty-three years (b. West Chester [County, NY]), headed a Minden, NY, household at the time of the NY State Census of 1865. Her household included her son, Jacob Courson, a boatman, aged twenty-eight years (b. Oneida, NY), and [his] wife, Josephine [(Bush)] Courson, aged nineteen years (b. Montgomery [County, NY]). They shared a three-family residence with the households of Christian Linter, a harness-maker, aged thirty years (b. Germany), and that of her other son, William Courson, a boatman, aged thirty-three years ((b. Oneida, NY).

William Courson, a boatman, aged thirty-three years (b. Oneida, NY), headed a Minden, NY, household at the time of the NY State Census of 1865. His household included his wife, Mary [(Sparks)] Courson, aged twenty-six years (b. Montgomery [County, NY]), and his sons, Henry Courson, aged ten years (b. Montgomery [County, NY]), Edward Courson, aged eight years (b. Montgomery [County, NY]). They shared a three-family residence with the households of Christian Linter, a harness-maker, aged thirty years (b. Germany), and that of his mother, Elizabeth [(Kniffen)] Courson, aged sixty-three years (b. West Chester [County, NY]).

Son William Courson, Jr., testified in a lawsuit that he had been captain of the canal-boat Milton Hoag, on a trip between Fort Plain, in Minden, NY, and New York City, in 1865. The steamboat Ontario took the Milton Hoag in tow, December 4, 1865, in order to bring it across the Hudson River in New York harbor. He was accompanied by his wife and little boy. While being towed, a ferryboat struck and disabled the towed canal-boat. His brother, Jacob Courson, testified also (NY Court of Appeals, 1871).

THE CANAL. … CLEARED, MAY 26. … Mary Ann Clark, Courson, 7400 bu. corn, 500 bush oats, Ft. Plain (Buffalo Daily Republic (Buffalo, NY), May 27, 1869).

THE CANAL. … CLEARED, Oct. 9. … Mary Ann Clark, Courson, 7591 corn, Ft. Plain (Buffalo Daily Republic (Buffalo, NY), October 11, 1869).

Willian Courson, a canal boatman, aged forty years (b. NY), headed a Minden (Fort Plain P.O.), NY, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Mary [(Sparks)] Courson, keeping house, aged thirty-six years (b. NY), Henry Courson, attends school, aged twelve years (b. NY), and Edmond Courson, at home, aged eleven years (b. NY). They shared a two-family residence on Reid Street with the household of Norman Alter, an agent [for] produce buyers, aged thirty-four years (b. NY).

Jacob Courson, a canal boatman, aged thirty-five years (b. NY), headed a Minden (Fort Plain P.O.), NY, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Josephine Courson, keeping house, aged twenty-four years (b. NY), Jennie Courson, at home, aged two years (b. NY), George Courson, at home, aged eight months (b. NY), and Elisabeth [(Kniffen)] Courson, mother, retired, aged sixty-nine years (b. NY).

Canal Arrivals and Clearances. … CLEARED, July 5. … Mary Ann Clark, Courson, 6000 bu. corn, Ft. Plain (Buffalo Post (Buffalo, NY), July 6, 1870).

Canal Arrivals and Clearances. … CLEARED – SEPT. 17-19. … Mary Ann Clark, Courson, 5400 bu. corn, 1597 bu. oats and 100 bu. rye, Fort Plain (Buffalo Post (Buffalo, NY), August 29, 1870).

Canal Arrivals and Clearances. … CLEARED – SEPT. 17-19. … Milton Hoag, Courson, 7500 bu. corn, Fort Plain (Buffalo Post (Buffalo, NY), September 19, 1870).

THE CANAL. … Cleared – Sept. 30. … Mary Ann Clark, Courson, 6500 corn, 1200 oats, Fort Plain (Buffalo Courier Express (Buffalo, NY), October 1, 1870).

PORT OF BUFFALO. … CLEARED – MAY 24-25. … E. Bates, Courson, 8500 corn, Fort Plain (Buffalo Post (Buffalo, NY), May 26, 1873).

PORT OF BUFFALO. … CANAL ARRIVALS AND CLEARANCES … CLEARED – Nov. 11-12. … Rufus Bates, Courson, 8400 corn, Fort Plain (Buffalo Post (Buffalo, NY), November 12, 1873).

William Courson, a mechanic [in] spring & axle works, aged forty-four years (b. Montgomery [County, NY]), headed a Minden, NY, household at the time of the NY State Census of 1875. His household included his wife, Mary [(Sparks)] Courson, aged thirty-eight years (b. Montgomery [County, NY]), and his sons, Henry Courson, a mechanic [in] spring & axle works, aged eighteen years (b. Montgomery [County, NY]), and Edward Courson, aged sixteen years (b. Montgomery [County, NY]). They resided in a framed house valued at $2,000.

Elizabeth [(Kniffen)] Courson, aged seventy-one years (b. Westchester), headed a Minden, NY, household at the time of the NY State Census of 1875. Her household included her son, Jacob Courson, a boatman, aged forty years (b. Oneida, NY), her daughter-in-law, Josephine [(Bush)] Courson, aged twenty-seven years (b. Montgomery [County, NY]), and her grandchildren, Jennie Courson, aged seven years (b. Montgomery [County, NY]), and George Courson, aged five years (b. Montgomery [County, NY]). They resided in a brick house, which was valued at $2,500. Her daughter-in-law’s father, Adam G. Bush, a wagonmaker, aged fifty-two years (b. Montgomery [County, NY]), resided in the frame house next door.

Mrs. Eliza [(Kniffen)] Courson, widow of William Courson, filed for a bounty land warrant in 1878. She resided in Fort Plain, Montgomery County, NY.  Her claim was based upon his service as a Captain in the NH Militia between September 11, 1814 and November 20, 1814. (She herself died “prior to” January 28, 1885).

THE CANAL. CLEARED – Sept. 4. … L.M. Clark, Courson, 8023 corn, Fort Plain (Buffalo Courier (Buffalo, NY), September 5, 1879).

Granddaughter Jennie E. Courson died in Fort Plain, Minden, NY, October 30, 1880, aged thirteen years.

William J. Courson, a laborer, aged fifty years (b. NY), headed a Minden, NY, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Mary [(Sparks)] Courson, keeping house, aged forty years (b. NY), and his son, Edward Courson, at home, aged twenty-one years (b. NY). They shared a two-family residence with the household of Alfred J. Scaplehorn, a laborer, aged twenty-eight years (b. England).

Elizabeth [(Kniffen)] Courson, aged seventy-eight years (b. NY), headed a Minden, NY, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. Her household included her grandson, George Courson, aged ten years (b. NY), her son, Jacob Courson, on the canal, aged forty-five years (b. NY), and her daughter-in-law, Josephine [(Bush)] Courson, on the canal, aged thirty-four years (b. NY).

BOATS CLEARED – AUGUST 2. … L.M. Clark, Courson, 1349 corn (added Fort Plain) (Democrat and Chronicle, August 3, 1881).

Son William Courson had an altercation with another Fort Plain boatman, Linn Bush. Bush was a brother of his sister-in-law, Josephine (Bush) Courson.

Fort Plain. Linn Bush got into an altercation with William Courson, on Monday evening, ending by Bush slapping the former in the face. Bush was arrested and placed in the cooler overnight, and this morning was arraigned before Justice Eldridge and sentenced to [a] $20 fine or thirty days in jail. He preferred the latter (Albany Argus (Albany, NY), June 20, 1883).

(A young man named “Linn” Bush, of Fort Plain, had posted bail earlier, in 1874, for having allegedly stolen a codfish (Utica Daily Observer (Utica, NY), August 15, 1874)).

Mrs. Eliza [(Kniffen)] Courson died in 1884. (She is buried in Fort Plain, [Minden,] NY).

Canal Clearances. BUFFALO, Sept. 8-9. … L.M. Clark, Courson, 8019 corn, Fort Plain (Democrat and Chronicle, September 10, 1885).

The Canals – CLEARED – October 7. … L.M. Clark, Courson, 7850 bu. wheat, do [Troy] (Buffalo Courier (Buffalo, NY), October 8, 1885).

Son William J. Courson died in Fort Plain, [Minden,] NY, June 28, 1888, aged fifty-seven years.

Nicholas Sparks, a clerk (store work), aged sixty-one years (b. NY), headed a Minden, NY, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his stepson, Willliam Sparks, a salesman & notary, aged thirty-four years (b. NY), and his sister, Mary [(Sparks)] Coursen, a widow, aged fifty-six years (b. NY). Nicholas Sparks owned their house on Canal Street, free-and-clear. Mary Courson was the mother of one child, of which one was still living.

Grandson Edward Courson died in August 1902, aged forty-three years.

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS AND BUILDING OPERATIONS. … HUDSON COUNTY REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS. … Conveyances. … KEARNY. Davis av., w. side, lot 66, blk. 42, on map of N.J. Land Co., Geo. B Courson et ux to Jacob Courson et ux (Jersey Observer & Jersey Journal (Jersey City, NJ), June 8, 1910).

Daughter-in-law Mary (Sparks) Courson died in Minden, NY, in 1911, aged seventy-two years.

Daughter-in-law Josephine (Bush) Courson died in Jersey City, NJ, March 29, 1917, aged seventy-nine years, nine months, and fifteen days.

NELLISTON. Late Mrs. Jacob Courson Had Lived in Jersey City Many Years. Nelliston, April 4. – Mrs. Jacob Courson died in a hospital in Jersey City after a week’s illness of stomach trouble. Mrs. Courson’s maiden name was Josephine Bush and she was the daughter of the late Adam and Jane Bush and was born in Fort Plaine 73 years ago. She married Jacob Courson about 53 years ago and moved to Jersey City where she has since resided. Her brother, George Bush, died in Flint, Mich., about 4 months ago and she was the last survivor of a large family of children. Besides her husband she is survived by one son, George Bush Courson, and a granddaughter, Miss Elsie Courson of Arlington, N.J. The remains were brought here Saturday and interment was made in the Fort Plain Cemetery (April 1917).

DIED. COURSON. On March 29, 1917, Josephine Corson, the beloved wife of Jacob Courson, aged 72 years. Funeral at her son’s residence, George B. Courson, 387 Davis Avenue, Arlington, N.J., on Friday, March 30, at 8 P.M. Interment at Fort Plain, N.Y. (Jersey Journal, March 30, 1917).

Hudson County Courts. Henry Minch, Peter Fox, John Wright and Jacob Courson, all boat captains, declared that they did not vote at the special election, although their names were marked on the poll books as voting. Each characterized their names on the signature poll books as forgeries (Hudson Observer (Jersey City, NJ), January 22, 1918).

Jacob Courson, retired, aged eighty-two years (b. NY), headed a Kearney, NJ, household at the time of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census. His household included his son, George Courson, a millwright ([—] manufacturer) aged fifty-one years (b. NY), and his daughter-in-law, Minnie Courson, none, aged fifty years (b. PA). They shared a two-family residence at 349 Davis Street with the household of Samuel Gray, a comb maker (comb manufacturer), aged sixty-seven years (b. MA).

Son Jacob Courson died in Kearny, NJ, April 9, 1920, aged eighty-two years.

WILLS FILED WITH COUNTY SURROGATE. Jacob Courson, Arlington; died April 9, 1920; will executed August 1917; George B. Courson, 389 Davis avenue, Arlington, executor and sole legatee (Hudson Observer, April 24, 1920).


References:

Find a Grave. (2018, January 21). Jacob Courson. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/186779629/jacob-courson

Find a Grave. (2018, January 21). William Courson. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/186779569

Find a Grave. (2009, October 5). William J. Courson. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/42743921/william_j-courson

National Archives and Records Administration. (n.d.). Index to the Compiled Military Service Records for the Volunteer Soldiers Who Served During the War of 1812. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration. M602, 234 rolls.

NH General Court. (1818). Journal of the House of Representatives. Retrieved from www.google.com/books/edition/Journal_of_the_House_of_Representatives/vjVJAQAAMAAJ

NY Court of Appeals. (1871). New York Court of Appeals. Records and Briefs. Retrieved from www.google.com/books/edition/New_York_Court_of_Appeals_Records_and_Br/Qp7lzL9vHNQC?hl=en&pg=RA10-PA30

Wikipedia. (2026, March 10) Erie Canal. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erie_Canal

Wikipedia. (2025, November 8). Low Bridge (Song). Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Low_Bridge_(song)

Wikipedia. (2026, January 8). Minden, New York. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minden,_New_York

Wikipedia. (2026, February 22). Montgomery County, New York. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montgomery_County,_New_York

Wikipedia. (2026, February 16). Yonkers, New York. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yonkers,_New_York

Youtube. (2015, May 19). Erie Canal. Retrieved from www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcwHz6bCnEg

Milton Carpenter Shadrach Hurd (1776-1860)

By Muriel Bristol | March 15, 2026

Shadrach Hurd was born in Rochester, NH, July 24, 1776, son of Joseph and Sarah (Dore) Hurd.

Shadrach Hurd married September 7, 1797, Lydia Hoyt. She was born in Rochester, NH, in 1778, son of Benjamin and Sarah (Downing) Hoyt. (Her father, who died in Rochester, NH, in March 1794, had served as a Corporal in Capt. John Brewster’s Company, in Col. Pierce Long’s NH Regiment, in 1776-77).

(The known children of Shadrach and Lydia (Hoyt) Hurd were: Samuel Hurd (1798-1886), Lydia Hurd (1804-1891), Caroline Hurd (1806-1834), Mary Hurd (1809-1885)).

Son Samuel Hurd was born January 1, 1798.

Shadrach Heard headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 16-25 years [himself], one female aged 16-25 years [Lydia (Hoyt) Hurd], and one male aged under-10 years [Samuel Hurd]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Pelatiah Hanscomb and Robert Hart. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

Shadrach Hard signed the Rochester Division Petition of May 1802.

[Shadrach Hurd resided in the Northeast Parish of Rochester, NH, at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census and when he signed the Rochester Division Petition, i.e., he resided then in that part of Rochester that became Milton, but he was living in Rochester proper by the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census].

Daughter Lydia Hurd was born in Rochester, NH, June 11, 1804. Daughter Caroline Hurd was born in Rochester, NH, in 1806. Daughter Mary Hurd was born in Rochester, NH, in 1809.

Shadrach Herd headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Lydia (Hoyt) Hurd], one male aged 101-5 years [Samuel Hurd], and three females aged under-10 years [Lydia Hurd, Caroline Hurd, and Mary Hurd].

Daughter Lydia Hurd married in Rochester, NH, in 1823, Benjamin Jellerson. He was born in Rochester, NH, March 16, 1802, son of Mary Earl.

Son Samuel Hurd married in Rochester, NH, in 1824, Mehitable D. Trask. She was born in Rochester, NH, December 1, 1795, daughter of Capt. David and Mehitable (Dwight) Trask.

Benj. Jelerson headed a Wakefield, NH, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 20-29 years [himself], two females aged 20-29 years [Lydia (Hurd) Jellerson], one male aged under-5 years, and one female aged under-5 years.

Daughter Mary Hurd married (1st) in Rochester, NH, November 7, 1830, Thomas C. Thurston, she of Rochester, NH, and he of Brookfield, NH. Rev. Samuel Norris performed the ceremony. Thurston was born in 1808.

MARRIED. In Rochester, Mr. Thomas C. Thurstin, of Brookfield, to Miss Mary Hurd, of Rochester (Dover Enquirer, November 23, 1830).

Shada Hurd headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one female aged 50-59 years [Lydia (Hoyt) Hurd], and one female aged 20-29 years [Caroline Hurd].

Mother-in-law Sarah Hoyt, widow of Sgt. Benjamin Hoyt, appeared on the Revolutionary War Pension Roll, and received a semi-annual pension payment of $27.837, between March 4, 1831 and September 1843.

Daughter Caroline Hurd died in Rochester, NH, January 17, 1834.

Son-in-law Thomas C. Thurston died in Dover, NH, in 1839.

Died. In this town, Mr. Thomas C. Thurston, of Wakefield (Dover Enquirer, December 17, 1839).

Sarah [(Downing)] Hoyt headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. Her household included one female aged 90-99 years [herself], and one female aged 60-69 years [daughter Sarah Hoyt]. Revolutionary War pensioner Sarah Hoyt, i.e., she herself, appeared in her household.

Shadrach Hurd headed a Rochester, NH, 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 [Lydia (Hoyt) Hurd]. One member of his household was engaged in Manufacture and Trade.

Samuel Hurd headed a Leicester, MA, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 40-49 years [himself], one female aged 40-49 years [Mehitable D. (Trask) Hurd], one female aged 15-19 years, one female aged 10-14 years, two females aged 5-9 years, and one male aged under-5 years. One member of his household was engaged in Manufacture and Trade.

Mother-in-law Sarah [(Downing)] Hoyt of Rochester, NH, made her last will, August 2, 1840. She devised all her property, both real and personal, to her daughter, Sally Hoyt, whom she named also as executor. She left nothing to her other children, Benjamin Hoyt, Lydia Hurd, wife of Shadrach Hurd, George Hoyt, John D. Hoyt, Charles Hoyt, and Samuel Hoyt, and the children of her son, Dennis Hoyt, and daughter, Temperance Haynes.

I do not think it proper to give any thing to the amount of my property being very small and property belonging to my said daughter Sally Hoyt, who has taken care of me in my old age.

She signed with an “X.” Noah Tibbets, Sally Hoyt, 2d, and John D. Hoyt witnessed her signature (Strafford County Probate, 59:541). 

Daughter Mary (Hurd) Thurston married (2nd) in Somersworth, NH, February 18, 1841, David P. Hartford. He was born in Lebanon, ME, April 7, 1817, son of Eliakine and Charity (Cook) Hartford.

Mother-in-law Sarah [(Downing)] Hoyt died in Rochester, NH, December 31, 1843, aged ninety-five years.

Sister-in-law [daughter of mother-in-law Sarah (Downing) Hoyt, and her executor] Sarah “Sally” Hoyt of Rochester, NH, single-woman, made her own last will, January 6, 1844. She sought to have a gravestone placed at her grave and placed also at the graves of her Father and Mother, her sister Polly, and her brothers Benjamin and Israel, as well as fencing the family plot in Charles Hoyt’s Field. She devised on one-half of her “meat” of every kind to her brother, John S. Hoyt, and $10 to his wife, Sarah Hoyt. She devised $1 to her brother, Charles Hoyt. She devised one cow to Mary Hartford, daughter of Shadrach Hurd, and one bed to Mary Caroline Thurston, daughter of said Mary Hartford. She devised all the rest, residue and remainder to Lydia Hurd, wife of Shadrach Hurd, whom she named as executor. She signed with an “X.” John F. McDuffee, Benjamin Horne, and Charles Dennett witnessed her signature (Strafford County Probate, 59:543).

Sister-in-law Sarah “Sally” Hoyt died soon afterwards in Rochester, January 11, 1844, aged seventy years.

DEATHS. In Rochester, Dec. 31st, widow Sarah Hoyt, aged 95 years. – Jan. 11, Miss Sarah Hoyt, aged 7o (Dover Enquirer, January 20, 1844).

The last wills of mother-in-law Sarah (Downing) Hoyt and her daughter, Sarah “Sally” Hoyt, were proved in a Stafford County Probate Court held in Rochester, NH, February 6, 1844 (Strafford County Probate, 59:542-4).

Shadrach Hurd, a carpenter, aged seventy-three years, headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Lydia [(Hoyt)] Hard, aged seventy-one years. Shadrach Hurd had real estate valued at $400.

Samuel Hurd, a card maker, aged fifty-two years (b. NH), headed a Leicester, MA, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included M.D. [(Trask)] Hurd, aged fifty-five years (b. MA), Ellen D. Hurd, aged eighteen years (b. MA), Abby D. Hurd, aged sixteen years (b. MA), Albert L. Hurd, aged thirteen years (b. MA), and James Murphey, a laborer, aged seventeen years (b. Ireland). Samuel Hurd had real estate valued at $5,000.

Benjamin Jelerson, a farmer, aged forty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Lydia [(Hurd)] Jelerson, aged forty-six years (b. NH), and Samuel Jelerson, a farmer, aged nineteen years (b. NH). Benjamin Jelerson had real estate valued at $1,500.

David P. Hartford, a wood turner, aged thirty-three years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Mary [((Hurd) Thurston)] Hartford, aged forty-one years (b. NH), and John G.C. Thurston, a wood turner, aged seventeen years (b. NH), Mary C. Thurston, aged fourteen years (b. NH), Sarah F. Hartford, aged eight years (b. NH), David F. Hartford, aged six years (b. NH), and Thomas F. Hartford, aged four years (b. NH). David P. Hartford had real estate valued at $800.

Lydia (Hoyt) Hurd died August 9, 1850.

PROLIFIC PUMPKIN SEED. SAMUEL HURD, Esq., of Leicester, exhibited at the horticultural exhibition in this last fall, 19 sweet pumpkins weighing 110 pounds, which, with two that were not ripened, grew upon a vine measuring with its branches, 190 feet in length – and the whole is the product of one seed. I purchased the above pumpkins of Mr. Hurd, and have used them through the winter, eating the last of them, last week. They were of the most delicious flavor. I have saved the seeds, and they number 10,341 good seeds. E.H. Worcester, March 12, 1859 (New England Farmer (Boston, MA), March 26, 1859).

Shedrick Hurd, aged eighty-four years (b. NH), headed a Rochester (“Farmington P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included David P. Hartford, a bobbin maker, aged forty-three years (b. NH), Mary [((Hurd) Thurston)] Hartford, aged fifty years (b. NH), Mary [(Thurston)] Folsom, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), Charles G. Horney, a shoe cutter, aged thirty-three years (b. NH), Sarah F. Horney, aged eighteen years (b. NH), David F. Hartford, a bobbin maker, aged sixteen years (b. NH) (b. NH), Thomas T. Hartford, aged fourteen years, and George E. Folsom, aged three years (b. NH). David P. Hartford had real estate valued at $1,000 and personal estate valued at $460. Charles G. Horney had personal estate valued at $200.

Samuel Hurd, a card maker, aged sixty-one years (b. NH), headed a Leicester, MA, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Mehit. D. [(Trask)] Hurd, aged sixty-four years (b. MA), Abbie L. Hurd, aged twenty-four years (b. MA), Albert S. Hurd, a card maker, aged twenty-three years (b. MA), John B. Morse,  a domestic, aged seventeen years (b. MA), and Bridget Johnson, a domestic, aged eighteen years (b. Ireland). Samuel Hurd had real estate valued at $3,100 and personal estate valued at $1,400.

Benjamin Jelerson, aged fifty-eight years (b. ME), headed a Rochester (“Farmington P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Lydia [(Hurd)] Jelerson, aged fifty-six years (b. NH), Lydia Drew, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), and Abby Betson, aged twenty-six years (b. MA). Their household appeared in the enumeration next to that of Samuel Jelerson, a farmer, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH).

Shadrach Hurd died in Rochester, NH, August 19, 1860.

Daughter-in-law Mehitable D. (Trask) Hurd died in Boston, MA, November 9, 1866.

DEATHS. [In this city,] 9th inst. at 127 Newton street, Mehitable D., wife of Samuel Hurd, of Leicester (Boston Evening Transcript, November 10, 1866; New England Farmer (Boston, MA), November 17, 1866).

Son Samuel Hurd married (2nd) in Leicester, MA, August 17, 1868, Emily Boyden, both of Leicester, MA. He was a card manufacturer, aged seventy years, and she was aged fifty-five years. Rev. John Nelson performed the ceremony. She was born in Paris, ME, December 26, 1812, daughter of Alvan and Mary H. (Woodward) Boyden.

Samuel Hurd, a farmer, aged seventy-two years (b. NH), headed a Leicester, MA, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Emily B. [(Boydon)] Hurd, keeping house, aged fifty-seven years (b. ME). He shared a two-family residence with the household of Wm. F. Halman, a card manufacturer, aged forty-three years (b. MA), Ellen D. [(Hurd)] Halman, no occupation, aged thirty-eight years (b. MA), Hattie S. Halman, at school, aged nine years (b. MA), and Katie Sullivan, a domestic servant, aged fifteen years (b. MA). Samuel Hurd had real estate valued at $8,000 and personal estate valued at $7,500. Wm. F. Halman had personal estate valued at $7,300.

Benj. Jellerson, a farmer, aged sixty-eight years (b. ME), headed a Rochester (“Gonic P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included  Lydia [(Hurd)] Jellerson, aged sixty-six years (b. ME), and Charles Dockham, aged four years (b. ME). They shared a two-family residence of Samuel Jellerson, works for shoe mfy., aged thirty-nine years (b. NH). Benj. Jellerson had personal estate valued at $600.

Thos. T. Hartford, shoe pattern[s], aged twenty-four years, headed a Boston, MA, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Mary C. [(Richardson)] Hartford, at home, aged twenty-three years (b. MA), Winnie C. Hartford, at home, aged three years (b. MA), Mary [((Hurd) Thurston)] Hartford, keeping house, aged sixty-two years (b. NH), Geo. E. Furbush, wholesale grocery, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH), Mary C. [((Thurston) Folsom)] Furbush, no occupation, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH), Geo E. Furbush, attending school, aged twelve years (b. NH), Mary A. Furbush, at home, aged three months (b. NH), Agustus Zaddock, clerk in clothing store, aged twenty-six years (b. Canada), and Sarah F. [(Hartford)] Gallop, no occupation, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH).

LEICESTER. Samuel Hurd has sold the Zolva Greene farm for $1500 (Springfield Daily Republican (Springfield, MA), April 10, 1872).

Samuel Hurd, a farmer, aged eighty-two years (b. NH), headed a Leicester, MA, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Emily B. [(Boyd)] Hurd, keeping house, aged sixty-six years (b. ME), his daughter, Ellen D. [(Trask)] Holman, school committee, aged forty-eight years (b. MA), his son-in-law, William F. Holman, a nurse, aged fifty-two years (b. MA), and his granddaughter, Hettie L. Holman, aged nineteen years (b. MA). They resided “On Main Road in Village of Leicester Going From West to East.”

Benjamin Jellerson, a farmer, aged seventy-eight years (b. ME), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Lydia [(Hurd)] Jellerson, aged seventy-six years (b. ME). They shared a two-family residence of Samuel Jellerson, works in shoe shop, aged forty-eight years (b. NH). They resided on Wakefield Street.

Zadoc S. Gallup, a clothier, aged thirty-eight years (b. Canada), headed a Salem, MA, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Sarah [(Hartford)] Gallup, keeping house, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), his mother-in-law, Mary [((Hurd) Thurston)] Hartford, aged seventy years (b. NH), and his servant, Mary Kelley, a servant, aged eighteen years (b. MA). They resided on St. Peter’s Street.

Daughter Mary [((Hurd) Thurston)] Hartford died of la grippe in Salem, MA, February 28, 1885, aged eighty-six years.

General News. Benjamin Jellerson of Rochester, N.H., 83, patronized a barber Saturday for the first time (North Star (Danville, VT), June 19, 1885).

Son Samuel Hurd died in Leicester, MA, November 2, 1886.

Son-in-law Benjamin Jellerson died in Rochester, NH, October 16, 1889, aged eighty-seven years.

SOMEWHAT PERSONAL. Benjamin Jellerson of Rochester, N.H., died Tuesday morning, Oct. 16th, after a short illness at the advanced age of 87 years. He was one of the oldest and most respected citizens of Rochester. He leaves a wife and two sons, one of whom is Mr. Chas. T. Jellerson of Lewiston (Lewiston Sun-Journal (Lewiston, ME), October 16, 1889).

Son-in-law David P. Hartford died in Lebanon, ME, April 17, 1891.

Daughter Lydia (Hurd) Jellerson died of asthenia of old age in Rochester, NH, December 25, 1891, aged eighty-seven years, six months, and fourteen days. She was a widow.

Daughter-in-law Emily (Boyden) Hurd died in Newfane, VT, February 26, 1893, aged eighty years.

NEWFANE. The deep snow in our village has been unbroken this winter until the cemetery burial of Mrs. Emily B. Hurd on Tuesday. Mrs. Hurd was for several years before her marriage connected with the boarding house department of Leicester academy, where she developed a good business capacity and was much respected. For a few years past, since her widowhood, her home has been with her sister, Mrs. Nancy Sibley, on Newfane hill. Death released her at the age of 80 from the rapid decline of years. The funeral service was attended Rev. Mr. Wiswell of Hartford Theological seminary. Mrs. Lee of Boston, one of last summer boarders at Worster’s hotel, was a step-daughter of Mrs. Hurd (Vermont Phoenix (Brattleboro, VT), March 3, 1893).


References:

Find a Grave. (2018, December 19). Mary Hurd Hartford. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/195453919/mary-hartford

Find a Grave. (2009, November 19). Benjamin Hoyt. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/44559097/benjamin-hoyt

Find a Grave. (2022, August 19). Caroline Hurd. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/242795955/caroline-hurd

Find a Grave. (2014, August 23). Samuel Hurd. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/134786726/samuel-hurd

Find a Grave. (2018, September 25) Shadrach Hurd. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/193401194/shadrach-hurd

Find a Grave. (2017, October 4). Lydia Hurd Jellerson. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/184002580/lydia-jellerson

West Milton Farmer Amos Bragdon (1758-1844)

by Muriel Bristol | March 8, 2026

Amos Bragdon was born in York, ME, September 19, 1758.

Amos Bragdon enlisted in Capt. Eleazar Simpson’s York, ME, militia company, in April 1780. He served eight months in Capt. Andrew [Pepperell] Fernald’s company at Robinson’s Farm, at West Point, NY, at Gen. Benedict Arnold’s headquarters. He was a member of Gen. Arnold’s “life guard,” i.e., his bodyguard detachment, at the time of Arnold’s infamous “treachery and desertion.”

Extract of a letter from camp, Tapan, Sept. 26, “Lost to every sentiment of honor, and disgraced by the inordinate thirst for gold, gen. Arnold has gone over to the enemy. He was to have surrendered the important post of West Point, and entrapped the commander in chief [George Washington], who lodged at the post on the intended night of execution. I am unacquainted with the particulars of the discovery.
The substantial facts are, that major Andre, the British adjutant gen. who had been with gen. Arnold, and had obtained a plan of the works, and an exact state of them from him; on his return to make his report, about Tarrytown, he was taken by three militia men, and delivered to col. Sheldon’s regt. of horse.

In the bottom of one of his boots, letters and plans were discovered, which unfolded the hellish scheme. It soon took wind, and was reported to gen. Arnold, and just before his excellency arrived at the place, the gen. went on board his barge, pushed down the river, and made his escape to the Vulture sloop of war, that lay opposite to Tarallal’s Point. Tom Smith’s brother was an accomplice, and has gone off likewise.
Mrs. Arnold is at West Point, or Robinson’s house, in a very distressed situation; major Parkes is with her. The enemy’s whole force, except a final garrison, had embarked yesterday, and the plan was to have been executed last night.”
Extract of another letter from the same place, dated Sept. 27: “Since writing you yesterday, I am informed that it was Joe and not Tom Smith, who acted as an accomplice in this horrid plot. He is taken, and with major Andre, I suppose, will grace a gallows this day.
No other particulars have come to my knowledge. The commander in chief is still at West Point, providing for its security, and searching the treason to the bottom” (Pennsylvania Post (Philadelphia, PA), September 30, 1780).

Amous Bragdon headed a Sanford, 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 one female [Mary (—-) Bragdon]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John Stanyan and John Sampson.

(The known children of Amos and Mary (—-) Bragdon were: Ivory Bragdon (1797-1875)).

Son Ivory Bragdon was born in York, ME, May 18, 1797.

Mary (—-) Bragdon died, probably in York, ME, before 1810.

Amos Bragdon headed a York, ME, household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one male aged 16-25 years [Ivory Bragdon], one female aged 16-25 years, one female aged 10-15 years, and two males aged under-10 years.

Amos Bragdon married (2nd) in Berwick, ME, November 25, 1812, Sarah Lord, he of York, ME, and she of Berwick, ME. Rev. Joseph Smith performed the ceremony.

[… [Sarah Lord] further declares that she was married to the said Amos Bragdon on the twenty fifth day of November 1812 in Berwick State of Maine by Revd Joseph Smith Minister of the Gospel].

(The known children of Amos and Sarah (Lord) Bragdon were: Charles Bragdon (1816-1893)).

Son Charles Bragdon was born in Milton, May 18, 1816.

Amos Bragdon settled in Milton, “about fifteen years” before September 1832, i.e., circa 1817.

Son Ivory Bragdon married (1st) in Milton, March 5, 1820, Zilpah Ricker, both of Milton. Levi Jones, J.P., performed the ceremony. She was daughter of John and Elizabeth (Pinkham) Ricker. (Her name appeared variously as Zilpha, Zylphia, etc.).

Son Ivory Bragdon signed the April 1820 petition requesting the appointment of James Roberts as a Milton justice-of-the-peace. (See Milton Seeks a Magistrate – 1820).

Son Ivory Bragdon signed the Milton anti-division remonstrance of June 1820.  (See Milton Militia Dispute – 1820).

Amos Bragdon headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one female aged 40-49 years, one male aged 10-14 years, and one female aged 10-14 years. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Thos Leighton and Ich Hayes, Jr. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

Ivory Bragdon headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 30-39 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years [Zylpha (Ricker) Bragdon], one male aged 5-9 years [Zimri Bragdon], one female aged 5-9 years [Nancy Bragdon], two males aged under-5 years [George W. Bragdon], and one male aged 80-89 years. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of John Willey and Jas Downs. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

Amos Bragdon was inscribed on the Revolutionary pension roll, March 4, 1831, at the rate of $26.67 per annum; and received his pension certificate, April 19, 1832. (The pension rolls record his receipt of payments through March 1844. Those rolls end by noting that he “Died 23d Augt 1844,” after receiving his final “4 Quarter 1844” payment).

Amos Bragdon of Milton, aged seventy-four years, described his Revolutionary service before a judge in Rochester, NH, September 15, 1832, …

That he enlisted in the army of the United States in the year 1780 with Capt. A. Simpson and served in the militia regiment of the Massachusetts line, under the following named officers: that is to say – For the month of April in said year 1780 – he was residing in the town of York in the territory now the the State of Maine, but then a part of Massachusetts, that he in the month of April of that year enlisted under Eleazar Simpson to serve eight months, as a soldier and served that time, that said service was performed at and in the vicinity of West Point in the state of New York – that the officer of his Company while in actual service was Capt. Andrew Furnald and Lieutenant Wenchell, but the name of the ensign is not recollected – that they were stationed a part of the time at a place called Robinson’s Farm where was General [Benedict] Arnold’s quarters – and that he was one of his life guard at the time of his treachery and desertion – that after his time was out he returned home but never had any written discharge.
He further says that according to his [best] information he was born in the town of York aforesaid on the 19th Sept. 1758 – that he has no record of his age – that after his return from the army he resided in said town of York until about fifteen years ago since which time he has resided in Milton.

Daughter-in-law Zylphia (Ricker) Bragdon died in Rochester, NH, on December 20 of some year between 1834 and 1839. (Her gravestone is broken, such that the year is illegible).

Amos Bragdon headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 70-79 years [himself], and one female aged 50-59 years. His household included a “Pensioner for Revolutionary or Military Services,” i.e., himself, aged seventy-eight years. It appeared in the enumeration between those of Benjamin F. Wentworth and John McMillan. (See Milton in the Sixth (1840) Federal Census).

Ivory Bragdon headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 40-49 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years, one male aged 15-19 years [Zimri Bragdon], two females aged 5-9 years [Mary E. Bragdon], and one female aged 70-79 years. Two members of his household were engaged in agriculture.

Son Ivory Bragdon married (2nd) in Rochester, NH, April 16, 1840, Betsy Whitehouse, both of Rochester, NH. Rev. Francis V. Pike performed the ceremony.

NOTICE. This certifies that I have given my son, Zimri Bragdon, his time, and that I shall claim none of his earnings nor pay any debts of his contracting, after this date. IVORY BRAGDON. Witness – J.H. Henderson, N.V. Whitehouse. Rochester, August 12, 1840. 10 (Dover Enquirer, August 18, 1840).

Amos Bragdon died in Milton, August 23, 1844, aged eighty-six years.

[… and that her husband the said Amos Bragdon died in Milton in said County and State of New Hampshire on the twenty third day of August one thousand eight [hundred] and forty four].

Son Ivory Bragdon married (3rd), circa 1845, Mary [—–].

DEATHS. In Exeter, … A child of Mr. Ivory Bragdon, aged about 1 year (Dover Enquirer, May 4, 1847).

Daughter-in-law Mary [(—–)] Bragdon died in Exeter, NH, September 22, 1849, aged forty-seven years.

Ivory Bragden, a shoemaker, aged fifty-three years (b. ME), headed an Exeter, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Elizabeth Bragden, aged eight years (b. NH), Emily Bragden, aged seven years (b. NH), Helen Bragden, aged seven years (b. NH), Lydia R. Lowell, aged forty-two years (b. ME), Elodia C. Lowell, aged four years (b. MA), and Mary Bragden, aged forty-seven years (b. NH). Ivory Bragden had real estate valued at $600. They shared a two-family residence with the household of Christoper Staples, a laborer, aged thirty-nine years (b. NH).

Charles Bragdon, a shoemaker, aged thirty-three years (b. NH), resided in the Milton household of Robert J. Clark, a farmer, aged fifty-nine years (b. NH), at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census.

Son Ivory Bragdon married (4th) in Rowley, MA, September 28, 1850, Lydia R. [(Clough)] Lowell, both of Exeter, NH. He was a shoemaker, aged fifty-three years, and she was aged forty-two years. She was born in Maine, daughter of Simon and Sarah Clough. Rev. Leonard Withington performed the ceremony.

Son Charles Bragdon married in Rochester, NH, November 15, 1852, Eliza A. Sanborn, both of Milton. Rev. H.H. Hartwell performed the ceremony. She was born in Acton, ME, May 18, 1830, daughter of William and Sally (Crockett) Sanborn.

Ivory Bragdon, a shoemaker, aged sixty-three years (b. ME), headed an Exeter, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Lydia R. [((Clough) Lowell)] Bragdon, aged fifty-two years (b. ME), and Ivory A. Bragdon, aged nine years (b. NH). Ivory Bragdon had real estate valued at $800 and personal estate valued at $60.

Charles Bragdon, a factory operative, aged forty-four years (b. NH), headed a Wolfeboro, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Eliza A. [(Sanborn)] Bragdon, aged thirty years (b. ME), Charles H. Bragdon, aged six years (b. NH), George E. Bragdon, aged four years (b. NH), Sarah E. Bragdon, aged one year (b. NH), and Sarah [(Lord)] Bragdon, house work, aged seventy-nine years (b. ME). Charles Bragdon had real estate valued at $500 and personal estate valued at $100.

Sarah [(Lord)] Bragdon was inscribed on the Revolutionary pension roll, July 27, 1868, at the rate of $96.00 per annum; and she received her pension certificate, November 21, 1868.

Sarah “Sally” (Lord) Bragdon died of consumption in Milton, March 13, 1870, aged ninety years. Per the mortality schedule of the Ninth (1870) Census, she was a widowed housekeeper, aged eighty-nine years, that died of consumption in March.

Ivory Bragdon, a farmer, aged seventy-three years (b. ME), headed a Brentwood, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Lydia R. [((Clough) Lowell)] Bragdon, keeping house, aged sixty years (b. ME), and Augustus I. Bragdon, blacksmith trade, aged nineteen years (b. NH). Ivory Bragdon had real estate valued at $1,400 and personal estate valued at $300.

Charles Bragdon, a farmer, aged fifty-four years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Eliza A. [(Sanborn)] Bragdon, keeping house, aged forty years (b. ME), Charles H. Bragdon, a farm laborer, aged fifteen years (b. NH), George E. Bragdon, at home, aged fourteen years (b. NH), Sarah E. Bragdon, at home, aged eleven years (b. NH), and Mary A. Bragdon, aged four years (b. NH). Charles Bragdon had real estate valued at $1,050 and personal estate valued at $470. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of James H. Horne, a farmer, aged seventy-seven years (b. NH), and David Wallingford, a farmer, aged sixty-nine years (b. NH).

Son Ivory Bragdon died of a bowel disease in Brentwood, NH, August 3, 1875, aged seventy-eight years, two months, and fifteen days. He was a married farmer. Moses W. Caverly, M.D., signed the death certificate.

… Moses Varney, Ivory Bragdon, Richard and Jothan Boise, John Ricker, Joseph Bickford, and Richard Horne, tended the grist mill where young Colbath, afterward Henry Wilson, Vice President of the United States, and many who were never Vice Presidents. came to mill. Not a descendent of all these remain in the district, save Mrs. Geo. H. Jones and her children, who are descendants of Richard Horne (Dover Enquirer, August 16, 1877).

Charles Bragdon, a laborer, aged sixty-four years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Eliza A. [(Sanborn)] Bragdon, keeping house, aged fifty years (b. ME), and his children, Charles H. Bragdon, works in shoe shop, aged twenty-six years (b. NH), George E. Bragdon, works in shoe shop, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), and Mary A. Bragdon, at home, aged fourteen years (b. NH). They resided on Portland Street.

Daughter-in-law Lydia R. ((Clough) Lowell) Bragdon died of a chronic bowel inflammation in Kingston, NH, August 20, 1884, aged seventy-seven years. She was a widowed housekeeper. T.O. Reynolds, M.D., signed the death certificate.

Son Charles Bragdon died of stomach cancer in Rochester, NH, June 14, 1893, aged seventy-seven years, and twenty-six days. He was a married farmer. R.V. Sweet, M.D. signed the death certificate. (The certificate noted that his father, i.e., Amos Bragdon, had been “crippled in battle”).

Charles Pearl, a shoe trimmer, aged forty-six years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of twenty years), Nellie S. [(Bragdon)] Pearl, aged forty-one years (b. NH), and his children, Roy F. Pearl, aged fifteen years (b. NH), Olin H. Pearl, at school, aged eleven years (b. NH), Carl Pearl, at school, aged six years (b. NH), and Ruth M. Pearl, aged four months (b. NH), and his mother [-in-law], Eliza A. [(Sanborn)] Bragdon, a widow, aged seventy years (b. ME). Charles Pearl rented their house at 4 Union Street. Nellie S. Pearl was the mother of five children, of whom four were still living.

EAST ROCHESTER. … There is an unusually large number of dead letters at the post office this week. Following are the letters: Mrs. Seward Poorall, Bert Young, Elizabeth Viant, Perley C. Stone, Miss Edith Tebbetts, Miss Mabel Ross, Mrs. Lulu Howe, Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Shorey, Eli Adjutant, and Mrs. Eliza A. Bragdon (Dover Enquirer, May 9, 1901).

Daughter-in-law Eliza A. (Sanborn) Bragdon died of senility at the Strafford County Farm in Dover, NH, March 8, 1910, aged seventy-nine years, ten months, and eight days. She was a widow.


References:

Find a Grave. (2010, March 22). Ivory Bragdon. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/50055793/ivory-bragdon

Find a Grave. (2010, March 22). Mary Bragdon. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/50055800/mary-bragdon

Find a Grave. (2011, April 3). Zylphia Ricker Bragdon. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/67867864/zylphia-bragdon

Find a Grave. (2023, January 27). Capt. Andrew Pepperell Fernald. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/248984348/andrew_pepperrell-fernald

West Milton Farmer Caleb Wakeham (1754-183?)

By Muriel Bristol | March 1, 2026

Caleb Wakeham, Jr., was born in Durham, NH, in 1754, son of Caleb and Mary Wakeham.

Father Caleb Wakeham, Sr., …

… sold the [Durham, NH] homestead of thirty-two acres to Samuel Smith, 8 July 1757. According to Tate’s Journal he perished in a storm, 20 Oct. 1770. He had son, Ebenezer, baptized 12 Oct. 1753, and probably son Caleb, who married at Rochester, 16 Oct. 1777, Sarah Clements.

… This was soon followed by quite a rush of settlers to the west side of town, Daniel Hayes, Caleb Wakeham, Enoch Varney, Samuel Nute, William Wentworth, William Tuttle, Ichabod Hayes, James Hayes, Ebenezer Coursan,  and Stephen Meserve being among the first; Jeremiah Cook, Dudley Burnham, Jotham Nute, Otis Pinkham, Ephraim Plumer, John Twombly, James Varney, John Varney, William Mathes, and others coming soon after (Scales, 1914).

Caleb Wakeham’s West Milton homestead was described by a realtor as having been built in 1776.

The Caleb Wakeham Estate homestead, built in 1776 & on 3+ picturesque acres surrounded by rock walls, is a stunning testament to history (Zillow, 2024).

Caleb Wakeham was among the one hundred ninety-eight men who signed the revolutionary Association Test in Rochester, NH, June 1, 1776.

WE, the Subscribers, do hereby solemnly engage, and promise, that we will, to the utmost of our Power, at the Risque of our Lives and Fortunes, with ARMS, oppose the Hostile Proceedings of the British Fleets, and Armies, against the United American COLONIES (Batchellor, 1910).

Twenty-two Rochester men “refused” to sign. Another twenty-two Rochester Friends, i.e., “Quakers,” did not “choose” to sign, i.e., they were conscientious objectors.

Caleb Wakeham married in Rochester, NH, October 16, 1777, Sarah Clements, both of Rochester, NH. Rev. Joseph Haven performed the ceremony.

(The known children of Caleb and Sarah (Clements) Wakeham were Caleb Wakeham (177?-), Miriam Wakeham (c1780-182?), Benjamin Wakeham (1786-), Mary “Polly” Wakeham (1788-1854), Jonathan Wakeham (-), Ephraim Wakeham (-), and Ebenezer Wakeham (c1796-1860)).

Caleb Wankerum [Wakeham] headed a Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, household at the time of the First (1790) Federal Census. His household included one male [himself] aged 16-plus years, two males aged under-16 years, and two females. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Enoch Varney and Tobias Ricker.

Son Ebenezer Wakeham was born in Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, circa 1796.

Caleb Wakeham headed a Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one female aged 45-plus 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, two females aged 10-15 years, three males aged under-10 years, and one female aged under-10 years. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

Miriam Wentworth married in Rochester, NH, October 21, 1802, Daniel Wentworth, both of Milton. He was born in Milton, May 6, 178?, son of Samuel and Sarah (Stone) Wentworth.

Caleb Wakham [Wakeham] was among the greater Rochester inhabitants that signed one of two remonstrance petitions, of June 1804, which opposed incorporating a private company to construct and maintain a turnpike, i.e., a toll road, from Dover, NH, through the Norway Plains [in Rochester, NH], to Sandwich, NH. (Samuel Nute, Francis Nute, and Samuel Nute, Jr., Jotham Nute, and Samuel Bragdon, signed also).

Caleb Wakeham, Benjamin Wakeham, and Jonathan Wakeham were among the fifty-two Milton petitioners that sought to have Jotham Nute appointed as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, in August 1805.

Caleb Wakeham, Jona Wakeham, Benja Wakeham, and Ephm Wakeham were assessed in the Milton School District No. 4 of Dudley Burnham in 1806 (See Milton School Districts – 1806).

Son Caleb Wakeham married in Lee, NH, in 1808, Olive Edgerly, he of Milton, and she of Durham, NH. Rev. John Edgerly performed the ceremony.

Caleb Wakeham headed a Milton 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, one male aged 16-25 years, two female aged 16-25 years, two males aged 10-15 years, one male aged under-10 years, and one female aged under-10 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Wm Matthews and Benj. Wakeham. (See Milton in the Third (1810) Federal Census).

Benj. Wakeham headed a Milton household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 16-25 years [himself], one female aged 16-25 years [Mary (Wentworth) Wakeham], one male aged under-10 years [Hezekiah Wakeham], and one female aged under-10 years [Drusilla Wakeham]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Caleb Wakeham and Ephraim Prumer [Plumer].

Mary “Polly” Wakeham married in Milton, October 25, 1812, James Goodwin. He was born June 24, 1790.

Mother Sarah (Clements) Wakeham died in 1817.

Ebenr Wakeham, James Goodwin, and Daniel Wentworth, all signed the Milton Anti-Division Remonstrance of June 1820. Caleb Wakeham, Charles Wakeham, Ebenr Wakeham, Danl Wentworth, and James Goodwin all signed the Milton Militia Division of November 1820. (See Milton Militia Dispute – 1820).

Daughter Miriam (Wakeham) Wentworth died in Milton, 182? Widowed son-in-law Daniel Wentworth married (2nd) in Milton Mill, January 10, 1824, Mary Cowell, he of Milton and she of Lebanon, ME. Levi Jones, J.P., performed the ceremony.

Caleb Wakeham headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 80-89 years [himself], one female aged 60-69 years, one male aged 20-29 years, and one female aged 20-29 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Eben. Wakeham and Rose Roberts. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

Danl Wentworth 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 [Mary (Cowell) Wentworth], one male aged 5-9 years, and two males aged under-5 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Jas. Goodwin and Andrew Dore.

Eben. Wakeham headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 30-39 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years, two males aged 5-9 years, one male aged under-5 years, and one female aged 70-79 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Ira Howe and Caleb Wakeham.

Charles Wakeham died in Milton, in 1831, aged thirty years.

DIED. In Milton, Mr. Charles Wakeham, aged 30 (Dover Enquirer, March 29, 1831).

Daniel Wentworth headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one female aged 40-49 years [Mary (Cowell) Wentworth], and one male aged under-5 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of James H. Twombly and Hazen Duntley.

Ebenezer Wakeham headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 40-49 years [himself], one female aged 40-49 years [Mary (Goodwin) Wakeham], two males aged 15-19 years, one male aged 10-14 years, and one male aged 5-9 years. Four members of his household were engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Jonathan How and Elias S. Cook.

Daniel Wentworth, a farmer, aged sixty-nine years (b. ME), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Mary [(Cowell)] Wentworth, aged fifty-four years (b. ME), and George Wentworth, aged thirteen years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Joshua Jones, a farmer, aged sixty-one years (b. NH),  and Asa T. Waler, a farmer, aged forty-five years (b. NH).

Simeon S. Wakeham, a shoemaker, aged twenty-two years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Ebenezer Wakeham, none, aged fifty-two years (b. NH), Mary [(Goodwin)] Wakeham, aged fifty years (b. NH), James H. Wakeham, a shoemaker, aged seventeen years (b. NH), and Samuel P. Deland, a shoemaker, aged sixteen years (b. NH). Simeon S. Wakeham had real estate valued at $700. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Ira F. How, a farmer, aged forty-three years (b. NH), and Joseph B. Wakeham, a shoemaker, aged twenty-six years (b. NH).

Elishu H. Hersom, a carpenter, aged thirty-eight years (b. ME), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Mary G. [(Ellis)] Hersom, aged thirty-two years (b. NH), George L. Hersom, a shoemaker, aged fifteen years (b. ME), and Polly [(Wentworth)] Wakeham, aged fifty-eight years (b. NH). Elishu H. Hersom had real estate valued at $1,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Ira Roberts, a carpenter, aged forty years (b. NH), and Betsy Hanscomb, a aged seventy-one years (b. NH).

Mary “Polly” (Wakeham) Goodwin died in Newmarket, NH, December 17, 1854.

Grandson Simeon S. Wakeham died in Milton, March 26, 1859, aged thirty-one years. He was a son of Ebenezer and Mary (Goodwin) Wakeham.

DEATHS. In Milton, March 26th, Simeon S. Wakeham, aged 31 years (Dover Enquirer, April 7, 1859).

Son-in-law Daniel Wentworth died in Milton, in April 1859.

Ebenezer Wakeham, a shoemaker, aged sixty-two years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Mary [(Goodwin)] Wakeham, aged sixty-one years (b. NH). Ebenezer Wakeham had real estate valued at $200. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Mary A. Wakeham, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), and Henry Wakeham, a shoemaker, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH).

E.H. Hersom, a farmer, aged forty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Mary [(Ellis)] Hersom, aged forty-two years (b. NH), Charles E. Hersom, aged nine years (b. NH), and Mary [(Wentworth)] Wakeham, aged seventy-one years (b. NH). E.H. Hersom had real estate valued at $1,200 and personal estate valued at $200. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of B.F. Plumer, a shoemaker, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), and an unoccupied building  next to Charles E. Ricker, a shoemaker, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH).

Son Ebenezer Wakeham died of consumption in Milton, October 22, 1860, aged sixty-three years. He was a married farmer.

Daughter-in-law Mary (Goodwin) Wakeham died in Milton, December 5, 1860, aged sixty-two years. She was a widowed farmer.

Grandson James H. Wakeham died in Portsmouth, VA, September 5, 1863, aged thirty-one years.

DEATHS. At Portsmouth, Va., 5th inst., James Henry Wakeham, 31. He belonged in Milton and was an excellent soldier of our 13th Regt. (Dover Enquirer, October 1, 1863).

Son-in-law James Goodwin died June 23, 1869.

Elihu H. Hersam, a carpenter, aged fifty-six years (b. ME), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of he Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Mary G. [(Ellis)] Hersam, keeping house, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), Charles E. Hersam, at school. aged eighteen years (b. NH), and Mary [(Wentworth) Wakeham, aged eighty-one years (b. NH). Elihu H. Hersam had real estate valued at $1,000 and personal estate valued at $400. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Charles C. Ricker, works for shoe factory, aged thirty-six years (b. NH), and John H. Glidden, a shoe finisher, aged forty-four years (b. NH).

Daughter-in-law Mary (Wentworth) Wakeham died in Dover,  NH, November 25, 1874


References:

Stackpole, Everett S., and Thompson, Lucien. (1914?). History of the Town of Durham, New Hampshire (Oyster River Plantation).