Month: April 2026

By Muriel Bristol | April 19, 2026

Stephen Wentworth [Jr.] was born in Rochester, NH, April 8, 1766, son of Stephen and Mary (Malcolm) Wentworth.

Early in the summer of 1776, Samuel Twombly, a nephew of the first settler, Jonathan Twombly, could have been seen, with a pack well strapped upon his back, wending his way up the side of Teneriffe, to search out a home for his lady love, returning and bringing her to this wild region the next year. Stephen Wentworth very soon became a neighbor of the Twomblys (Hurd, 1882; Scales, 1914).

Stephen Wentworth, Junr, was among the three hundred ten Rochester inhabitants that petitioned the NH legislature, August 30, 1785, seeking repeal of an act requiring milled boards to be square-edged and an inch thick (and other lumber in proportion). Those inhabitants described themselves then as being “largely Concerned in Lumber.” They sought also repeal of an act forbidding transport of lumber to the British West Indies, and seeking the issuance of a new paper money (Hammond, 1884). (See Rochester Lumber Remonstrance – August 1785).

Stephen Wentworth married (1st), November 8, 1787, Olive Rollins, she of Newington, NH. She was daughter of Ichabod and Olive (Nutter) Rollins. (Her father died in Rochester, NH, September 8, 1784).

(The known children of Steven and Olive (Nutter) Wentworth were: Mary “Polly” Wentworth (1790–1882), Judith Wentworth (1792–1867), Dudley Wentworth (1795–1877), Ichabod Wentworth (1797–1883), Stephen Wentworth (1800–1803), Jacob Wentworth (1802–1883), Olive Nutter Wentworth (1805–1881), Abigail Rollins Wentworth (1808-1881), Stephen Wentworth (1811–1847)).

Daughter Mary “Polly” Wentworth was born in Rochester, NH, January 27, 1790.

Daughter Judith Wentworth was born in Somersworth, NH, June 30, 1792.

Son Dudley Wentworth was born in Milton, in 1795. Son Ichabod Wentworth was born in Milton, November 5, 1797. He was a namesake for his maternal grandfather, Ichabod Rollins.

Stephen Wentworth headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Olive (Nutter) Wentworth], one male aged 16-25 years [Dudley Wentworth], two females aged 10-15 years, one male aged under-10 years [Ichabod Wentworth], one female aged under-10 years, and one female aged 45-plus years. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

Son Stephen Wentworth was born in Rochester, NH, circa May 1800.

Stephen Wentworth signed the Rochester Division Petition of May 1802.

Son Jacob Wentworth was born in Milton, September 13, 1802.

Stephen Wentworth was among the “respectable inhabitants & freeholders” that sought a special Town Meeting to reconsider the initial proposed Meeting House site. That special Town Meeting was held at the home of Lieut. Elijah Horn, September 1, 1803, and decided not to change the proposed Meeting House site.

Son Stephen Wentworth died in Milton, in September 1803, aged three years, four months.

Saml Twombly, Jotham Nute, and Stephen Wentworth were one of the nine Milton district school committees in 1804.

Stephn Wentworth purchased Pew No. 10 in the Milton Town House, for $16.25 in 1804. It was situated on the north side of the gallery or balcony floor, between those of Jas Varney, Jr., Pew No. 9, in the northwest corner, and N. Jones, Pew No. 11 (See Milton Town House – 1804).

Daughter Olive Nutter Wentworth was born in Milton, May 20, 1805. She was a namesake for her maternal grandmother, Olive (Nutter) Rollins.

Stephen Wentworth was assessed in the Milton School District No. 5 of John Fishe in 1806 (See Milton School Districts – 1806).

Daughter Abigail Rollins Wentworth was born in Milton, March 17, 1808. She was a namesake for her maternal aunt, Abigail Rollins.

Sephen Wentw [Stephen Wentworth] 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 [Olive (Nutter) Wentworth], two females aged 15-25 years, two males aged 10-14 years, one male aged under-10 years, and two females aged under-10 years. Their household appeared between those of Jno Downs and Saml Twamb [Twombly]. (See Milton in the Third (1810) Federal Census).

Son Stephen Wentworth was born in Milton, November 29, 1811.

Daughter Mary “Polly” Wentworth married in New Durham, NH, November 10, 1811, William Hayes. He was born in Northwest Parish, Rochester, NH, December 22, 1781, son of Daniel and Hannah (Hayes) Hayes.

Mr. Hayes was tall in stature, a man of industrious habits and strictly temperate, an excellent farmer, and possessed of much mechanical skill. He labored under great embarrassment in consequence of an impediment in his speech. He was active in church affairs and was one of the committee that built the first Church in Alton Center. He served his town as selectmen for many years with “sound judgement and sterling integrity” (Richmond, 1936).

Daughter Judith Wentworth married in New Durham, NH, November 11, 1813, James Downs, both of Milton. Rev. Joseph Boodey performed the ceremony. He was born in Rochester, NH, May 16, 1793, son of Moses and Sarah (Tripe) Downs.

Olive (Nutter) Wentworth died May 2, 1815, aged forty-eight years, five months, and twenty-nine days.

Stephen Wentworth married (2nd), in Alton, NH, February 1, 1816, Lydia (Leighton) Place. Rev. John Page performed the ceremony. She was born in Rochester, NH, April 24, 1768, daughter of Amos Leighton.

[Daughter Judith (Wentworth) Downs and her husband, James Downs, lived initially in Vermont and then in Québec, Canada, up to 1830, if not later, before returning to New Hampshire].

Grandson Moses J. Downs was born in Vermont Gore, i.e., Goshen, VT, May 26, 1817, son of James and Judith (Wentworth) Downs. Grandson Henry Downs was born in Barnston, Estrie Region, Québec, Canada, November 11, 1819, son of James and Judith (Wentworth) Downs.

Stephen Wentworth signed the Milton anti-division remonstrance of June 1820. He and his sons, Dudley Wentworth, and Jacob Wentworth, signed also the Milton militia division petition of November 1820. (See Milton Militia Dispute – 1820).

Father Stephen Wentworth died in Rochester, NH, in August 1820. Mother Mary (Malcolm) Wentworth died in Rochester, NH, June 1822.

Stephen Wentworth [Jr.] died in Milton, December 16, 1822, aged fifty-six years.

Granddaughter Olive W. Downs was born in Canada, August 20, 1822, daughter of James and Judith (Wentworth) Downs.

Son Dudley Wentworth married in Milton, in 1823, Lucy Place, both of Milton. Rev. James Walker performed the ceremony. She was born in Alton, NH, July 28, 1798, daughter of Jonathan R. and Lydia H. (Leighton) Place.

Son Jacob Wentworth married (1st) in Milton, June 22, 1828, Sally Hanson. She was born in Alton, April 12, 1801, daughter of Joshua and Hannah (Leighton) Hanson.

Grandson John T.H. Downs was born in Barnston, Stanstead, Québec, Canada, February 18, 1830, son of James and Judith (Wentworth) Downs.

Son Ichabod Wentworth married in New Durham, NH, May 31, 1830, Betsy Clough, he of Alton, NH, and she of Gilmanton, NH. Rev. Nathaniel Berry performed the ceremony. She was born in Gilmanton, NH, October 2, 1798, daughter of Jonathan and Mary (Page) Clough.

William Hayes headed an Alton, 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 [Polly (Wentworth) Hayes], one male aged 15-19 years, one male aged 10-14 years, one female aged 10-14 years, one male aged 5-9 years, and two males aged under-5 years.

Dudley Wentworth 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 [Lucy (Place) Wentworth], one male aged 15-19 years, one male aged under-5 years, and one female aged under-5 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Saml Ricker and Jona Place. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

Ichabod Wentworth headed an Alton, 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 [Betsy (Clough) Wentworth], and one male aged 15-19 years.

Jacob Wentworth headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 20-29 years [himself], one female aged 20-29 years [Sally (Hanson) Wentworth], and one female aged under-5 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Joshua Hanson and John Wentworth. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

Daughter Olive Nutter Wentworth married in Gilford, NH, April 23, 1831, Jeremiah Burnham Mooney, she of Alton, NH, and he of Gilford, NH. He was born in Gilford, NH, May 24, 1805, son of John and Catherine (Roberts) Mooney.

MARRIAGES. In Gilford, Mr. John Sawyer to Miss Hannah Mooney, both of G. Mr. Jeremiah B. Mooney, of G. to Miss Olive Wentworth, of Alton (Dover Enquirer, May 24, 1831).

William Hayes headed an Alton, 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 [Polly (Wentworth) Hayes], one female aged 30-39 years, one male aged 20-29 years, one female aged 20-29 years, one male aged 15-29 years, and one male aged 10-14 years. Four members of his household were engaged in Agriculture, and one member was engaged in Manufacture and Trade.

James Downs headed a Farmington, NH, 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 [Judith (Wentworth) Downs], one female aged 10-14 years, one male aged 5-9 years, and one female aged 5-9 years. One member of his household was engaged in Manufacture and Trade.

Dudley Wentworth 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 [Lucy (Place) Wentworth], one male aged 10-14 years, one female aged 10-14 years, one male aged 5-9 years, one female aged 5-9 years, one female aged under-5 years, and one female aged 70-79 years [Lydia ((Leighton) Place) Wentworth]. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Samuel Twombly and Daniel Place.

Ichabod Wentworth headed an Alton, NH, 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 [Betsy (Clough) Wentworth], one male aged 20-29 years, one female aged 20-29 years, one male aged 10-14 years, one female aged 5-9 years, one male aged under-5 years, and one female aged under-5 years. Three members of his household were engaged in Manufacture and Trade.

Jacob Wentworth headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 30-39 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years [Sally (Hanson) Wentworth], one female aged 10-14 years, one male aged 5-9 years, one female aged 5-9 years, and one male aged under-5 years. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John Rindal and Joshua Hanson.

Jeremiah B. Mooney headed a Gilford, NH, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 30-39 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years [Olive N. (Wentworth) Mooney], one female aged 15-19 years, one male aged 10-14 years, one female aged 5-9 years, and two females aged under-5 years. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture.

Son Stephen Wentworth married, April 3, 1845, Eleanor Patience Gilman. She was born in Alton, NH, February 17, 1824, daughter of Moses Gilman.

Son Stephen Wentworth died in Sangerville, ME, January 23, 1847, aged thirty-five years.

Daughter Abigail Rollins Wentworth married in Alton, NH, July 27, 1847, Samuel Hayes, she of Alton, NH, and he of Wolfeboro, NH. Rev. John Pinkham performed the ceremony. Hayes was born in Northwest Parish, Rochester, NH, April 18, 1789, son of Daniel and Hannah (Hayes) Hayes.

MARRIAGES. In Alton, Mr. Samuel Hayes, of Wolfborough, to Miss Abigail R. Wentworth of Alton (Dover Enquirer, September 7, 1847).

Daughter-in-law Betsy (Clough) Wentworth died in Alton, NH, October 13, 1849, aged fifty-one years.

DEATHS. In Alton, Oct. 13th, Mrs. Betsy Wentworth, wife of Ichabod Wentworth, aged 51 (Dover Enquirer, November 6, 1849).

Wm Hayes, a farmer, aged sixty-eight years (b. NH), headed an Alton, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Polly [(Wentworth)] Hayes, aged sixty-eight years (b. NH), Ezekiel Hayes, a farmer, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), and Wm Hayes, 2d, a farmer, aged twenty-one years (b. NH). Wm Hayes had real estate valued at $2,500.

James Downs, a shoemaker, aged fifty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Judith [(Wentworth)] Downs, aged fifty-eight years (b. NH), and Mary H. Downs, aged thirty-one years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of George Dorr, a farmer, aged fifty-two years (b. NH), and Michael Lyman, a farmer, aged fifty-two years (b. NH).

Dudley Wentworth, a farmer, aged fifty-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Lucy [(Place)] Wentworth, aged fifty-three years (b. NH), Lucy J. Wentworth, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), Jonathan P. Wentworth, a shoemaker, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), Lydia Wentworth, aged eighteen years (b. NH), Stephen Wentworth, a farmer, aged fifteen years (b. NH), Abigail Wentworth, aged twelve years (b. NH), and Lydia [((Leighton) Place) Wentworth, aged eighty-three years. Dudley Wentworth had real estate valued at $800. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Samuel Twombly a farmer, aged seventy years (b. NH), and Stephen Main, a carpenter, aged forty-nine years (b. NH).

Ichabod Wentworth, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), headed an Alton, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Mary A. Wentworth, aged nineteen years (b. NH), Stephen C. Wentworth, aged fifteen years (b. NH), Elizabeth W. Wentworth, aged twelve years (b. NH), and Abby Wentworth, aged nine years (b. NH). Ichabod Wentworth had real estate valued at $6,000.

Jacob Wentworth, farming, aged forty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Sally [(Hanson)] Wentworth, aged forty-eight years (b. NH), Olive Wentworth, aged twenty years (b. NH), Amory Wentworth, a shoemaker, aged eighteen years (b. NH), Polly Wentworth, aged sixteen years (b. NH), Jacob W. Wentworth, aged ten years (b. NH), and John F. Downs, aged twenty years (b. NH). Jacob Wentworth had real estate valued at $2,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John D. Downs, a farmer, aged thirty-six years (b. NH), and Joshua Hanson, a cooper, aged seventy-four years (b. NH).

Jerem B. Mooney, a farmer, aged forty-five years (b. NH), headed a Gilford, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Olive N. [(Wentworth)] Mooney, aged forty-five years (b. NH), Olive Mooney, aged eighteen years (b. NH), Catharine Mooney, aged thirteen years (b. NH), Ellen Mooney, aged eleven years (b. NH), Charles Mooney, aged eight years (b. NH), Hannah Mooney, aged six years (b. NH), and John Mooney, aged three years (b. NH). Jerem B. Mooney had real estate valued at $2,500.

Samuel Hayes, a farmer, aged sixty-one years (b. NH), headed a Wolfeboro, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Abigail [(Wentworth)] Hayes, aged forty-one years (b. NH). Samuel Hayes had real estate valued at $1,500. Their household appeared in the enumeration just after that of [his son], John R. Hayes, a mason, aged thirty-five years (b. NH).

Patience [(Gilman)] Wentworth, aged twenty-five years (b. NH), headed a Sangerville, ME, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. Her household included Stephen Wentworth, aged three years (b. ME). Patience Wentworth had real estate valued at $75.

Widowed daughter-in-law Eleanor P. (Gilman) Wentworth married (2nd), in 1852, Ira Fish Hayes. He was born in Alton, NH, January 9, 1823, son of William and Mary “Polly” (Wentworth) Hayes.

Son Ichabod Wentworth married (2nd) in Dover, NH, in December 7, 1852, Mrs. Elizabeth A. (Wentworth) Rollins, he of Alton, NH, and she of Dover, NH. She was born in Dover, NH, March 19, 1807, daughter of David and Mercy (Smith) Wentworth. She had married (1st) in Dover, NH, November 27, 1834, Rev. Aaron B. Rawlings [Rollins], who died in Dover, NH, August 30, 1835 (Dover Enquirer, December 2, 1834; Dover Enquirer, September 22, 1835).

MARRIAGES. In Dover … Mr. Ichabod Wentworth of Alton, to Mrs. Elizabeth A.W. Rollins, of Dover (Portsmouth Daily Chronicle, December 13, 1852).

Son-in-law Samuel Hayes died in Wolfeboro, NH, April 22, 1854, aged sixty-six years.

DEATHS. In Wolfeborough, 22d ult., Dea. Samuel Hayes, aged 66 years. He lived peaceably with all men and died lamented (Dover Enquirer, May 9, 1854).

Daughter-in-law Lucy J. (Place) Wentworth died in Milton, June 20, 1855, aged fifty-seven years, ten months, and twenty-two days.

Widowed daughter Abigail R. ((Wentworth) Hayes married (2nd) in Alton, NH, February 15, 1860, John Bickford, she of Wolfeboro, NH, and he of Alton, NH. Rev. R.D. Preston performed the ceremony. Bickford was born in Newington, NH, February 22, 1802, son of Joseph and Susan Bickford.

Luther Nute and Dudley Wentworth, both of Milton, were called as petit jurors for the Strafford County Supreme Judicial Court for the third week of February 1860 (Dover Enquirer, February 23, 1860).

William Hayes, a farmer, aged seventy-eight years (b. NH), headed an Alton, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Polly [(Wentworth)] Hayes, aged seventy years (b. NH), William Hayes, a farmer, aged thirty-one years (b. NH), and Nancy R. [(McDuffee)] Hayes, aged twenty-three years (b. NH). They shared a two-family residence with the household of Ezekiel Hayes, a farmer, aged thirty-four years (b. NH). William Hayes had real estate valued at $2,000 and personal estate valued at $300. William Hayes [Jr.] had personal estate valued at $200.

James Downs, a farmer, aged sixty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Judith [(Wentworth)] Downs, aged sixty-seven years. James Downs had real estate valued at $150 and personal estate valued at $75. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of James Bragdon, a farmer, aged seventy-two years (b. NH), and Eri G. Downs, a farmer, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH).

Dudley Wentworth, a farmer, aged sixty-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Lydia [((Leighton) Place)] Wentworth, aged ninety-three years (b. NH), Lucy J. Wentworth, aged thirty-three years (b. NH) (b. NH), J.P. Wentworth, a shoemaker, aged thirty-one years, Lydia S. Wentworth, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH), and A.R. Wentworth, aged twenty years (b. NH). Dudley Wentworth had real estate valued at $1,500 and personal estate valued at $500; J.P. Wentworth had personal estate valued at $500. Their household was enumerated between those of Benja F. Hayes, a farmer, aged sixty-three years, and Hiram Cook, a farmer, aged fifty-three.

Ichabod Wentworth, a sawyer, aged sixty-two years (b. NH), headed an Alton, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Elizabeth [((Wentworth) Rollins)] Wentworth, aged fifty-two years (b. NH), Stephen C. Wentworth, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), Elizabeth W. Wentworth, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), and Abbie Wentworth, aged nineteen years (b. NH). Ichabod Wentworth had real estate valued at $6,000 and personal estate valued at $500.

Jacob Wentworth, a farmer, aged fifty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Sally (Hanson) Wentworth, aged fifty-nine years (b. NH), and Willard Wentworth, a farmer, aged twenty years (b. NH). Jacob Wentworth had real estate valued at $2,000 and personal estate valued at $700. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Abba B. Downs, aged forty-five years (b. NH), and Henry D. Whitehouse, a farmer, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH).

Jeremiah Mooney, aged fifty-five years (b. NH), headed a Gilford (“Gilfordville P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Olive A. [(Wentworth)] Mooney, aged fifty-five years (b. NH), Ellen Mooney, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), Charles Mooney, aged eighteen years (b. NH), John Mooney, aged thirteen years (b. NH), and Hannah Mooney, aged sixteen years (b. NH). Jeremiah Mooney had real estate valued at $3,000 and personal estate valued at $800.

John Bickford, a farmer, aged fifty-eight years (b. NH), headed an Alton, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Abigail R. [((Wentworth) Hayes)] Bickford, aged fifty-two years (b. NH). They shared a two-family residence with the household of Samuel E. Bickford, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH). John Bickford had real estate valued at $3,000 and personal estate valued at $600.

Ira F. Hayes, a farmer, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Sangerville (“East Sangerville P.O.”), ME, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Eleanor P. ((Gilman) Wentworth) Hayes, aged thirty-six years (b. NH), Ida M. Hayes, aged four years (b. ME), and Stephen Wentworth, aged thirteen years (b. ME). Ira F. Hayes had real estate valued at $7,200 and personal estate valued at $100.

Son Ichabod Wentworth died in Alton, NH, May 8, 1863.

Lydia ((Leighton) Place) Wentworth died of old age in Milton, September 29, 1863, aged ninety-six years, five months, and five days. She was single, i.e., a widow.

Son-in-law William Hayes died in Alton, NH, April 18, 1865, aged eighty-three years, three months, and twenty-six days.

Daughter Judith (Wentworth) Downs died in Lebanon, ME, June 13, 1867.

Daughter-in-law Sally (Hanson) Wentworth died in Milton, May 14, 1869, aged sixty-eight years.

Polly [(Wentworth)] Hayes, keeping house, aged eighty years (b. NH), headed an Alton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. She shared a three-family residence with the households of William Hayes, a farmer, aged forty-one years (b. NH), and Ezekiel Hayes, a farmer, aged forty-four years (b. NH).

James Downs, a farmer, aged seventy-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. James Downs had real estate valued at $300. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Albert Mason, works for shoe factory, aged fifty-two years (b. NH), and Nathan Jones, works for shoe factory, aged forty-five years (b. NH).

Dudley Wentworth, a farmer, aged seventy-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Lucy J. Wentworth, a housekeeper, aged forty-two years (b. NH), Jonathan P. Wentworth, a farm laborer, aged forty years (b. NH), Lydia L. Wentworth, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), and Abbie Wentworth, a teacher, aged thirty years (b. NH). Dudley Wentworth had real estate valued at $1,500 and personal estate valued at $1,722. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Augustus F. Jenkins, a farmer, aged thirty-six years (b. NH), and Benjamin F. Hayes, a farm laborer, aged fifty-three years (b. NH).

Ichabod Wentworth, aged seventy-two years (b. NH), headed an Alton, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Elizabeth A. [((Wentworth) Rollins)] Wentworth, keeping house, aged sixty-three years (b. NH), Susan L. Wentworth, aged sixty-nine years (b. NH), and Willie Wentworth, aged twelve years (b. NH). Ichabod Wentworth had real estate valued at $7,000 and personal estate valued at $1,000.

Jacob Wentworth, a farmer, aged sixty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included John A. Wentworth, a farm laborer, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), Hannah E. [(Gray)] Wentworth, keeping house, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH), Charles W. Wentworth, at school, aged nine years (b. NH), Martin G. Wentworth, at school, aged seven years (b. NH), Mary E. Wentworth, aged four years (b. NH), George A. Wentworth, aged two years (b. NH). Jacob Wentworth had real estate valued at $2,000 and personal estate valued at $1,850; John A. Wentworth had personal estate valued at $175. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of a vacant house, and John F. Downs, works for shoe factory, aged forty years (b. NH).

Jeremiah B. Money [Mooney], a farmer, aged sixty-five years (b. NH), headed a Wolfeboro, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Olive N. [(Wentworth)] Money [Mooney], aged sixty-five years (b. NH), Charles Money [Mooney], a farm laborer, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH), and John Money [Mooney], a farm laborer, aged twenty-three years (b. NH). Jeremiah B. Money [Mooney] had real estate valued at $6,500 and personal estate valued at $805; John Money [Mooney] had real estate valued at $4,000 and personal estate valued at $705.

John Bickford, a farmer, aged sixty-eight years (b. ME), headed a Wolfeboro, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Abagail R. [((Wentworth) Hayes)] Bickford, keeping house, aged sixty-two years (b. NH). John Bickford had real estate valued at $1,400 and personal estate valued at $390.

Ira F. Hayes, a farmer, aged forty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Sangerville, ME, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Patience E. [((Gilman) Wentworth)] Hayes, keeping house, aged forty-six years (b. NH), Ida M. Hayes, at home, aged fourteen years (b. NH), Stephen Wentworth, a day laborer, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), and Patience C. [(Clough)] Gilman, at home, aged seventy-eight years (b. NH). Ira F. Fish had real estate valued at $3,000 and personal estate valued at $600.

Son Jacob Wentworth married (2nd) in Strafford, NH, May 6, 1872, Lucretia Merrill (Pottle) Gray. She was born in Strafford, NH, in 1806.

Minor Editorials. … The Democrats of the Sangerville class in Piscataquis, County, have elected John Burgess to the Legislature by 141 majority over Ira F. Hayes, Republican. Abner Wade, Esq., has made a splendid run for Register of Deeds. Wade run 48 votes ahead of Williams in his own town of Sangerville (Bangor Daily Commercial (Bangor, ME), September 12, 1877).

Son Dudley Wentworth died in Milton, September 15, 1877, aged eighty-two years, seven months, and sixteen days.

Daughter Abigail R. [((Wentworth) Hayes)] Bickford of Wolfeboro, NH, made her last will, June 29, 1878. She devised a life estate in one bed and bedding to her beloved husband (“if he survives me”), with a reversion to her granddaughter Martha A. Libby. She devised all the rest and residue of her estate, be it real, personal, or mixed to that same granddaughter, Martha A. Libby. She appointed Daniel A. Wiggin as her executor. Benjamin F. Burleigh, xxx Burleigh, and Mary E. Burleigh signed as witnesses (Carroll County Probate Packets, 38-3).

Son-in-law Jeremiah B. Mooney died in Wolfeboro, NH, October 3, 1878, aged seventy-three years.

Son-in-law John Bickford died in Wolfeboro, NH, April 29, 1880, aged seventy-eight years.

DEATHS. In Wolfeborough, April 29, John Bickford, aged 78 years (Dover Enquirer, May 13, 1880).

Ezekiel Hayes, a farmer, aged fifty-four years (b. NH), headed an Alton household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Lydia A. [(French)] Hayes, keeping house, aged forty-eight years (b. NH), his son, Herbert E. Hayes, at home, aged eighteen years (b. NH), his mother, Polly [(Wentworth)] Hayes, a widow, aged ninety years, (b. NH), and his servant, Herbert F. Young, aged thirteen years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration just after that of his brother, William Hayes, a farmer, aged fifty-one years (b. NH).

James Downs, a widower, aged eighty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his daughter, Mary H. Downs, aged fifty years (b. Canada (East)). James Downs had scrofula. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Eri G. Downs, a farmer, aged fifty-nine years (b. NH), and Albert Mason, a farmer, aged fifty-nine years (b. NH).

Ichabod Wentworth, a farmer, aged eighty-two years (b. NH), headed an Alton, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Elisabeth A. [((Wentworth) Rollins)] Wentworth, keeping house, aged seventy-two years (b. NH), his sister-in-law, Susan L. Wentworth, aged seventy-four years (b. NH), and his adopted son, William Allen, in college, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH).

Jacob Wentworth, at home, aged seventy-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Lucretia [((Pottle) Gray)] Wentworth, keeping house, aged seventy-four years (b. NH). Jacob Wentworth had catarrh and heart trouble. They shared a two-family residence with the household of his son, John A. Wentworth, a farmer, aged forty-eight years (b. NH). Their households appeared in the enumeration between those of John F. Downs, a farmer, aged fifty years (b. NH), and John B. Varney, a farmer, aged fifty-four years (b. ME).

Olive N. [(Wentworth)] Mooney, aged seventy-five years (b. NH), headed a Wolfeboro, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. Her household included her son, Charles Mooney, a farmer, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), her daughter-in-law, Laura H. [(Cate)] Mooney, keeping house, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH), her grandson, Arthur C. Mooney, attending school, aged four years (b. NH), her daughter-in-law [stepdaughter?], Kate Mooney, at home, aged two years (b. NH), her grandson, Charles W. Mooney, aged eight months (b. NH), and her son, John Mooney, a shoemaker, aged thirty-three years (b. NH).

Abagail R. [((Wentworth) Hayes)] Bickford, a widow, aged seventy-two years (b. NH), headed a Wolfeboro, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. (John Bickford, a farmer, aged seventy-eight years, appeared in the Mortality Schedule of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census, in Wolfeboro, NH, as having died of a heart complaint, in April 1880).

Ira F. Hayes, a farmer, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Sangerville, ME, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Eleanor P. [((Gilman) Wentworth)] Hayes, keeping house, aged fifty-six years (b. NH), and his daughter, Ida M. Hayes, a school teacher, aged twenty-four years (b. NH).

Piscataquis. … Ira F. Hayes, Esq., of Sangerville, is afflicted with a cancer, which recently made its appearance upon the lower side of the right ear (Bangor Daily Whig and Courier (Bangor, ME), March 12, 1881).

Daughter Abigail R. ((Wentworth) Hayes) Bickford died of pneumonia in Wolfeboro, NH, October 18, 1881, aged seventy-three years.

Daughter Olive Nutter (Wentworth) Mooney died in Alton, NH, December 6, 1881.

Daughter Polly (Wentworth) Hayes died of old age in Alton, NH, September 9, 1882, aged ninety-two years, aged seven months, and thirteen days.

Son-in-law James Downs died in Lebanon, ME, October 3, 1882, aged eighty-nine years.

Son Jacob Wentworth died in Milton, April 17, 1883, aged eighty years, seven months, and four days.

Daughter-in-law Lucretia M. ((Pottle) Gray) Wentworth died in Milton, July 14, 1888.

Daughter-in-law Elizabeth A. ((Wentworth) Rollins) Wentworth died of pneumonia in Alton, NH, June 11, 1894, aged eighty-seven years, two months, and twenty-two days.

SANGERVILLE. … Ira F. Hayes, who lives at South Sangerville, is suffering greatly from the effects of a cancer. He went to Bangor to have an operation performed and it was thought to be successful for some time but the trouble has come on again (Bangor Commercial (Bangor, ME), October 16, 1897).

Ira F. Hayes died of cancer in Sangerville, ME, November 11, 1897.

SANGERVILLE. Sangerville lost a good citizen in the death of Ira F. Hayes who died at his residence at South Sangerville, Thursday morning, Nov. 11. Mr. Hayes has suffered greatly from cancers which grew on his face. He went to Bangor to have them removed and it was hoped the operation was successful. The humor was still there, however, and was the cause of his death. Hayes was an honest man, a good neighbor and almost an ideal man in his home relations. He was a justice of the peace for a long time and was an excellent justice. Mr. Hayes also served on the board of selectmen and as in everything else he was faithful in performing his duty. He was one who believed in justice before generosity. Mr. Hayes left a wife and daughter, Mrs. Ida Rich, to mourn his departure. The funeral was held Saturday from his late residence where he had lived the greater part of his life. The interment was at South Sangerville cemetery (Bangor Weekly Commercial (Bangor, ME), November 26, 1897)).

Daughter-in-law Eleanor P. ((Gilman) Hayes) Fish died in Sangerville, ME, in 1903.

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References:

Find a Grave. (2011, February 26). Judith Wentworth Downs. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/66172379/judith-downs

Find a Grave. (2010, July 3). Polly Wentworth Hayes. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/54421098/polly-hayes

Find a Grave. (2014, July 19). Olive Nutter Wentworth Mooney. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/133047947/olive_nutter-mooney

Find a Grave. (2013, October 6). Dudley Wentworth. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/118278747/dudley-wentworth

Find a Grave. (2014, August 16). Ichabod Wentworth. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/134412353/ichabod-wentworth

Find a Grave. (2012, October 7). Jacob Wentworth. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/98441473/jacob-wentworth

Find a Grave. (2013, October 6). Stephen Wentworth. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/118280043/stephen-wentworth

Find a Grave. (2013, October 6). Stephen Wentworth. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/118280566/stephen-wentworth

Find a Grave. (2010, September 20). Stephen Wentworth. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/59073213/stephen-wentworth

Hurd, Duane H. (1882). History of Rockingham and Strafford Counties, New Hampshire, with Biographical Sketches of Many of its Pioneers and Prominent Men. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=ta0AEQAAQBAJ&pg=PA645

Richmond, Katherine F. (1936). John Hayes of Dover, New Hampshire. Tyngsboro, MA: Katherine F. Richmond.

Scales. John. (1914). History of Strafford County, New Hampshire and Representative Citizens. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=nGsjAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA509

By Muriel Bristol | April 12, 2025

Enoch Varney was born in Dover, NH, circa 1752, son of James and Abigail (Frye) Varney.

Strafford County historian Duane H. Hurd noted the settlements at Plummer’s Ridge in Milton, after 1772, of Benjamin Scates, Beard Plumer and his brother Joseph Plumer. He noted further that they were followed by James C. Hayes, David Wallingford, William Palmer, Elijah Horn, Moses Chamberlain, and others.

This was soon followed by quite a rush of settlers to the west side of the town, Daniel Hayes, Caleb Wakeham, Enoch Varney, Samuel Nute, William Wentworth, William Tuttle, Ichabod Hayes, James Hayes, Ebenezer Coursan, and Stephen Merseron [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 (Hurd, 1882).

Enoch Varney married, circa 1788, Abigail Hanson. She was born in Dover, NH, December 10, 1760.

(The known children of Enoch and Abigail (Hanson) Varney were: Annie Varney (1789-1863), Hannah H. Varney (1795-1847), Mary Varney (1801-1893), and Clarissa Varney (1804-1889)).

Daughter Annie Varney was born in Rochester, in 1789.

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

(The Society of Friends “disowned” uncle Benjamin Varney (1759-1826), April 20, 1782; uncle Ebenezer Varney (1761-185?), in March 1791; and aunt Elizabeth Varney (1765-185?), in September 1791 (NH Gen. Record, January 1910)).

Daughter Hannah H. Varney was born in Rochester, NH, in 1795.

Enoch Varney headed a 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 26-44 years, one male aged 16-25 years, and four females aged under-10 years. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

Daughter Mary Varney was born in Rochester, NH, in 1801.

For whatever reason, Enoch Varney did not sign the Rochester Division Petition of May 1802. (His father would devise Rochester property to him only later in that year).

Father James Varney of Dover, NH, husbandman, made his last will, November 9, 1802. He devised all his property in Dover, NH, as well as the Thatch Bed at Fresh Creek, to his son, Isaac Varney. He devised a one-third share in two hundred fifty acres of land in Rochester, NH, where he now lives, to his son, Enoch Varney, as well as $45. He devised a featherbed, bedstead and cords, with a sufficiency of bedding for all seasons, and $60, to his daughter Eunice Varney. She was also to have a room in his dwelling house, with a fireplace, a cellar privilege for the keeping of “sauce,” and a sufficiency of firewood, cut and delivered at the door during her singleness of life, and an annual supply of ten bushels of corn, ten bushels of potatoes, ten pounds of flax, and one hundredweight of pork. (The “sauce” to be stored by daughter Eunice Varney would have meant – in the Yankee dialect sense of the term – garden greens and vegetables, including root vegetables such as potatoes, turnips, and carrots).

Father James Varney devised $35 to his sons, Robert Varney, Thomas Varney, James Varney, John Varney, Moses Varney, and Aaron Varney, or their legal representatives. He devised to his wife, Abigail Varney. She was to have two cords of word, cut and corded at her door, for so long as remained his widow. She was to have also one-third of his income and full improvement of the household furniture (excepting that given to daughter Eunice Varney), with an equal division of that furniture among his children after her decease. He named his son, Isaac Varney, as executor. He signed with an “X.” Tobias Tuttle, Moses Wingate, and John Wingate signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 8:327).

The last will of father James Varney was proved in a Strafford County Probate Court, January 8, 1803 (Strafford County Probate, 8:329).

Daughter Clarissa Varney was born in Rochester, NH, in 1804.

Enoch Varney, Captn D. Hayes, and Saml Nute served on one of Milton’s nine district school committees in 1804. (See Milton School Committees – 1804).

Enoch Varney died in Milton, January 1, 1806, aged fifty-two years, one month.

Daughter Annie Varney married in Rochester, NH, June 2, 1825, William Varney, she of Milton and he of Farmington, NH. He was born in Rochester, NH, December 23, 1783, son of Caleb and Huldah (Hussey) Varney (NH Genealogical Society, 1903).

Daughter Clarissa Varney married in Dover, NH, January 25, 1827, Samuel Hanson, 2nd. Rev. Joseph W. Clary performed the ceremony. Hanson was born in Dover, NH, May 24, 1789, son of John and Marcy Hanson.

William Varney headed a Farmington, 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 [Annie (Varney) Varney], one male aged under-5 years, one female aged under-5 years, and one female aged 60-69 years.

Samuel Hanson headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 40-49 years [himself], one female aged 20-29 years [Clarissa (Varney) Hanson], one male aged 10-14 years, two males aged under-5 years, one female aged 30-39 years, one male aged 20-29 years, and one female aged 70-79 years.

William Varney headed a Farmington, NH, 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 [Annie (Varney) Varney], one male aged 30-39 years, one male aged 20-29 years, one female aged 15-19 years, one male aged 10-14 years, one female aged 10-14 years, one female aged 5-9 years, and one female aged 50-59 years. Three members of his household were engaged in Agriculture; and one member of his household was engaged in Manufacture and Trade.

Samuel Hanson headed a Dover, NH, 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 [Clarissa (Varney) Hanson], two males aged 10-14 years, one male aged 5-9 years, two females aged 5-9 years, one male aged under-5 years, one female aged under-5 years, and one female aged 70-79 years. Three members of his household were engaged in Agriculture.

Abigail (Hanson) Varney died in Milton, August 2, 1846, aged eighty-five years, eight months.

Daughter Hannah H. Varney died in Milton, May 8, 1847, aged fifty-two years, and twenty-three days.

Cocheco Railroad. – The annual meeting of this corporation was held in this town on Wednesday last, and very fully attended by the stockholders. The first annual report of the Directors (which will be found on our first page) presents a very favorable statement of the condition of the Company. The following board of Directors for the ensuing year was chosen, viz. William Hale, Jr., George Mathewson, Daniel Osborne, Joseph H. Smith, Dover; John Greenfield, Rochester; William Varney, Farmington; Samuel Downing, Jr., New Durham. At a meeting of the Directors, Wm. Hale, Jr., was chosen President, Andrew Peirce, 3d, Treasurer and Agent, and Charles W. Woodman, Clerk (Dover Enquirer, September 26, 1848).

Wm Varney, a farmer, aged sixty-six years (b. NH), headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Anna [(Varney)] Varney, aged sixty-one years (b. NH), Ebenr Varney, a farmer, aged eighty-eight years (b. NH), Job Varney, a farmer, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), Mary Varney, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), Hannah Varney, aged seventeen years (b. NH), John Stanton, a farmer, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH) (b. NH), Adeline Nute, aged twenty-seven years, Elizabeth Downs, aged fifty-nine years (b. NH), and Thomas Murphy, a farmer, aged twenty-three years (b. NH). Wm Varney had real estate valued at $20,000.

Samuel Hanson, a farmer, aged sixty-one years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Clarissa [(Varney)] Hanson, aged forty-five years (b. NH), John C. Hanson, a farmer, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), James D. Hanson, a farmer, aged twenty-one years (b. NH),  Mary E. Hanson, aged nineteen years (b. NH), Hannah C. Hanson, aged seventeen years, Daniel E. Hanson, a farmer, aged fifteen years (b. NH), David S. Hanson, aged thirteen years (b. NH), Clara A. Hanson, aged eleven years (b. NH), and Mary Varney, aged forty-nine years (b. NH). Samuel Hanson had real estate valued at $4,000.

William Varney, a farmer, aged seventy-six years (b. NH), headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Anna [(Varney)] Varney, a farmer, aged seventy years (b. NH), Job Varney, aged thirty-four years (b. NH), Roxanna A. Nute, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), and Elisabeth Downs, aged sixty-eight years (b. NH). William Varney had real estate valued at $11,900 and personal estate valued at $16,102. Job Varney had personal estate valued at $2,000; and Elizabeth Downs had personal estate valued at $700.

Samuel Hanson, a farmer, aged seventy-one years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Clarissa [(Varney)] Hanson, aged fifty-six years (b. NH), John C. Hanson, a carpenter, aged thirty-three years (b. NH), Hannah C. Hanson, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH), Daniel E. Hanson, a carpenter, aged twenty-six years (b. NH), David S. Hanson, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), Clara A. Hanson, aged twenty-two years (b. NH), and Mary Varney, aged sixty years (b. NH). Samuel Hanson had real estate valued at $4,000 and personal estate valued at $500. John C. Hanson had real estate valued at $650 and personal estate valued at $100; and Daniel E. Hanson had real estate valued at $300. David S. Hanson had personal estate valued at $25.

Daughter Annie (Varney) Varney died of dropsy in Farmington, NH, November 14, 1863, aged seventy-four years, one month, and twelve days. She was a married farmer.

Son-in-law William Varney died of a heart complaint in Farmington, NH, November 24, 1863, aged seventy-nine years, eleven months, and three days. He was a married farmer.

DEATHS. In Farmington, Nov. 14, Anna Varney, aged 74 yrs., 1 month, 12 days – Nov. 24, Friend William Varney, aged 79 yrs., 11 mos., 3 days; husband and wife (Dover Enquirer, December 3, 1863).

Letter from Farmington. FARMINGTON, Nov. 27, 1863. To-day the flag here floats at half-mast from the flag-staff for Friend William Varney, who gave the noble tree for the mainmast, in being buried. Thirteen days since William, and Anna his wife, were  both living at their well known and hospitable home upon the beautiful Chestnut hills, where Caleb, the father of William, settled mor than fourscore years ago. Now both are gone. – Anna died after a somewhat protracted sickness and on the tenth day after her death her husband fell dead in his own house. He head just brought in a basket of chips and said to his son Job, “I think thee must get the next basket of chips for I feel a pain in my side,” and immediately fell dead. He was for many years our wealthiest farmer and an active business men [man] for about half a century. – He helped hold up the Cocheco Railroad in its darkest hours. Many a disciple of Christ, after the manner of William Penn, shall miss his well known home. He has left, we judge, some sixty thousand dollars to three worthy hours. They were well known and long shall we miss them. J. (Dover Enquirer, December 3, 1863).

Samuel Hanson, a farmer, aged eighty-one years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Clarisa [(Varney)] Hanson, keeping house, aged sixty-seven years (b. NH), David Hanson, a laborer, aged thirty-four years (b. NH), and Mary Varney, without occupation, aged sixty-nine years (b. NH). Samuel Hanson had real estate valued at $4,700 and personal estate valued at $1,400.

Son-in-law Samuel Hanson died in Dover, NH, December 12, 1871, aged eighty-two years.

DEATHS. In Dover, Dec. 12, Mr. SAMUEL HANSON, aged 82 years, 6 mos. (Portsmouth Daily Chronicle, December 20, 1871).

He [Samuel Hanson] inherited the paternal acres, and spent his entire life on the estate, and was engaged in farming and carpenter’s work throughout his active period. An upright, hard-working man, and prudent in his habits, he was eighty-two years old when he died here [Dover], December 12, 1871. Samuel Hanson never knew a sick day until his last illness, which was brief (Biographical Review, 1897).

David G. Hanson, a farmer, aged forty-three years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his mother, Clarisa [(Varney)] Hanson, keeping house, aged seventy-six years (b. NH), his sisters, Clara A. Hanson, a housekeeper, aged forty-one years (b. NH), and Hannah C. [(Hanson)] Canney, a tailoress, aged forty-seven years (b. NH), his aunt, Mary Varney, a housekeeper, aged eighty years (b. NH), and his servants, Charles J. Manning, a farm laborer, aged nineteen years (b. NY), and William H. Davis, a farmer laborer, aged eighteen years (b. NH).

Daughter Clarissa (Varney) Hanson died in Dover, NH, September 8, 1889, aged eighty-four years.

Daughter Mary Varney died of pneumonia in Dover, NH, March 8, 1893, aged ninety-two years, five months, and fifteen days. She was a single houseworker.

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References:

Biographical Review. (1897). Biographical Review: Contain Life Sketches of Leading Citizens of Belknap and Strafford Counties, New Hampshire. Retrieved from www.google.com/books/edition/Biographical_Review/C2sjAQAAMAAJ

Find a Grave. (2016, July 13). Clarissa Varney Hanson. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/166922988/clarissa-hanson

Find a Grave. (2011, December 31). Enoch Varney. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/82753957/enoch-varney

Find a Grave. (2012, April 24). Hannah H. Varney. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/89090791/hannah_h-varney

Find a Grave. (2016, July 31). Mary Varney. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/166923364/mary-varney

NH Genealogical Society. (1903, October). Friends Records, Dover, N.H., Monthly Meeting. Retrieved from www.google.com/books/edition/The_New_Hampshire_Genealogical_Record/M9M5AQAAMAAJ

By Muriel Bristol | April 5, 2026

Timothy Ricker was born in Rochester, NH, in 1758, son of Ebenezer and Patience (—-) Ricker.

Timothy Ricker enlisted in Rochester, NH, in the Spring of the Year 1776, in Capt. John Brewster’s Company, in Col. Pierce Long’s Regiment, at Seavey’s Island, in Kittery, ME. He then served five months in Capt. John Drew’s Company, in Col. Wyman’s regiment, at Fort Ticonderoga, in New York.

Timy Ricker appeared in a muster roll of Capt. James Carr’s Company, in Col. Nathan Hale’s 2nd NH Battalion, for February 1778. William Palmer was in the same company (although he was listed in that same muster roll as “sick in camp”).

… he enlisted for three years in the company commanded by Capt. Carr in Colo Hale’s Regiment N.H. line, the last of June or first of July 1777, that he continued in that Regiment for about one year until he went into Washington’s life guard ~ he continued in the said Washington’s life guard until his discharge about April or May 1780 by Colo Henry Dearborn.

Timothy Ricker transferred or was “seconded” to the Corps of Guards, or Washington’s Life Guards, while at Valley Forge, in March 1778. One had to be between 5’8″ and 5’10” tall to be a Guard. He would be remembered over a century later – at the Milton Centennial – as having been “… of such a magnificent physique that he served as one of the body guards of the great Washington himself” (Dover Enquirer, August 30, 1902).

The size of Washington’s Life Guard was increased on 1 March 1778. In addition to Captain Caleb Gibbs, who remained Commandant, Lieutenant Henry Philip Livingston was selected to permanently replace Lieutenant George Lewis. 1st Lieutenant Benjamin Grymes of Grayson’s Continental Regiment, 2nd Lieutenant William Colfax of the 1st Connecticut Regiment, and Surgeon Samuel Hanson (son of Continental Congress President John Hanson), were assigned to the Life Guard. The rank and file included four Sergeants and three Corporals, two drummers, a fifer and 136 privates (Wilson, 2023).

… In May of 1778, General Washington attached Captain Gibbs and 100 Life Guards to the force led by Major General, the Marquis de Lafayette. The combined force numbered 2,400 men. Their primary mission was to gather intelligence on the British positions around Philadelphia. Several severe skirmishes resulted, and the Life Guard proved their worth in the line of battle (Wilson, 2023). 

Timothy Ricker of Rochester, of “Dover” [i.e., Strafford] County, appeared in a list of New Hampshire men serving in Major Caleb Gibbs’ Corps of Guards, March 15, 1779. Daniel Cook, also of Rochester, served in the same Corps of Guards.

In or after April 1779, Sgt. Timothy Ricker returned home on furlough, during which time an army doctor examined him for rheumatism and lameness at Exeter, NH, and Col. Henry Dearborn granted him a medical discharge.

AUGUST 6th 1779. Ordered the R.G. [Receiver General] to pay Timothy Ricker of Capt. Kar’s [Carr’s] Compy & Danl Cook of Capt. Rowel’s Compy both soldiers of Colo Reid’s Regt in the Contl Service – Fifty Dollars Each to Enable them, to join their Command, at Genl Washington’s head Quarters, (they being part of his Guard) for which they are to be Accountable, as so much rec’d respectively towards the depreciation of the paper Currency, – their Situation being such, that they have not been in the way to draw any thing out of the State Store (NH General Court, 1916).

The “Amt of Depreciatn,” or loss due to monetary inflation, on the military wages paid Private Timothy Ricker, of the Capt. James Carr’s Fourth Company, in Col. George Reid’s Second Regiment, in the years 1777, 1778, and 1779 was calculated to have been $169.15 (NH General Court, 1886).

Timothy Ricker of Rochester, “Dover” [i.e., Strafford] County, appeared as one of the soldiers who had been attached to Major Caleb Gibbs’ Corps of Guards, in a list compiled in August 1780.

War Office, August 21, 1780. The foregoing return of the Officers & Men (of the additional and Independent Corps belonging to the State of New Hampshire, is a true copy taken from the original return filed in this office – under the resolution of Congress of March the 15th 1779. Ben Stoddert, Secy.

Timothy Ricker married in Rochester, NH, February 14, 1780, Lois Plumer, both of Rochester, NH. Rev. Joseph Haven performed the ceremony.

(The known children of Timothy and Lois (Plumer) Ricker were: Amos Ricker (1781-1800), Lydia Ricker (1783-187?), Stephen Ricker (1785-1812), Luther Ricker (1799-1871), Louisa Ricker (1802-), Timothy Ricker (1803-1847), and George Ricker (1806-1820)).

Son Amos Ricker was born in Rochester, NH, in 1781. Daughter Lydia Ricker was born in Rochester, NH, in 1783.

The NH President, as its Governor was formerly termed, and his Counsel ordered the NH Treasurer to pay Timothy Ricker £4 16s, October 14, 1784, “for Depreciation in 1780” (Batchellor, 1891).

Son Stephen Ricker was born in Rochester, NH, in 1785.

Timothy Ricker was among the three hundred ten Rochester inhabitants that petitioned the NH legislature, August 30, 1785, seeking repeal of an act requiring milled boards to be square-edged and an inch thick (and other lumber in proportion). Those inhabitants described themselves then as being “largely Concerned in Lumber.” They sought also repeal of an act forbidding transport of lumber to the British West Indies, and seeking the issuance of a new paper money (Hammond, 1884). (See Rochester Lumber Remonstrance – August 1785).

Timothy Ricker headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the First (1790) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 16-plus years [himself], two males aged under-16 years, and three females. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those Ebenzr Ricker and Saml S. Wentworth. (See Northeast Parish in the First (1790) Federal Census).

Son Luther Ricker was born in Rochester, NH, in 1800. Son Amos Ricker died in 1800.

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

Daughter Louisa Ricker was born in Milton, in 1802. Son Timothy Ricker [Jr.] was born in Milton, NH, in 1803. 

[The 1803 death date on the Timothy Ricker gravestone in the Samuel Plummer graveyard would seem to be in error. The stone’s style would seem to be of a later date, even a relatively modern one. Other supporting evidence for the inscribed date remains to be seen. On the contrary, his appearance in subsequent Federal Census records, in the 1818 and 1820 pension applications, and in his Dover Enquirer obituary of October 1831, would all seem to have him living well past 1803].

Daughter Lydia Ricker married in Rochester, NH, November 13, 1803, Joseph Corson. He was born in 1783, son of Ebenezer and Elizabeth (Ricker) Corson.

Son George Ricker was born in Milton, in 1806.

Timo Ricker was assessed in the Milton School District No. 5 of John Fishe in 1806 (See Milton School Districts – 1806).

Timothy Ricker headed a Milton household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one female aged 45-plus years, three males aged under-10 years, and one female aged under-10 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Clement Hayes and John Ricker. (See Milton in the Third (1810) Federal Census).

Joseph Corson headed a Middleton, 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 (Ricker) Corson], two males aged under-10 years, and one female aged under-5 years.

Son Stephen Ricker drowned at the Portsmouth Navy Yard, in Portsmouth, NH, in 1812.

Son Timothy Ricker [Jr.] served as a musician, i.e., a fifer or drummer, in Waldron’s Command, defending Portsmouth, NH, in 1814, during the War of 1812.

On April 7, 1818, Timothy Ricker, a resident of Milton, aged fifty-nine years, swore before Judge Richard Dame …

… that he, the said Timothy Ricker, enlisted in the Town of Rochester in the county aforesaid in the Spring of the Year 1776 in the company commanded by Captain John Brewster in the regiment commanded by Colonel Pierce Long in the Newhampshire line in which Coy he continued a while and then served five months in the Company Commanded by Captain John Drew in Colonel Wyman’s regiment. And in the month of May 1777 again enlisted in the Company Commanded by Captain James Carr in the regiment Commanded by Colonel Hale and continued in said Coy until May 1778 and then became a Soldier in General Washington’s life Guard in which station he continued until April 1779. Then enlisted in said Service as a Sergeant during the war, and soon after obtaining a furlough he went home was taken ill with the rheumatism and lameness and went to Exeter in the State of Newhampshire and consulted with the General Doctor, he understood him to be and Colonel Henry Dearborn who was then at Exeter, and was by the said Doctor and Col. Dearborn concluded unfit for duty, and was by said Dearborn discharged at Exeter aforesaid after having served in the revolutionary war upwards of three years. He was at the battle of Hubbarton [Hubbardton], at Moose Creek near Fort Edward, and at Stillwater, at the taking of Gen. Burgoyne, & The Guard in which he last inlisted was commanded by Major Gibbs and Captain Livinston ~ and that he is in reduced circumstances and stands in need of the assistance of his country for Support, that he has lost his discharge and has no other evidence now in his power of his said Service except the depositions herewith forwarded.

Daniel Cook of Wakefield, NH, swore in an affidavit, April 13, 1818, that he had well known Timothy Ricker.

I, Daniel Cook of Wakefield in the County of Strafford and State of New Hampshire, testify & say that I was in the war of the revolution in the service of the United States the most of the war. I very well knew Timothy Ricker now of Milton in said County. He was a soldier in said Army in Capt. James Carr’s Company in the Second New Hampshire regiment. I know he served nearly three years in said service and was discharged at Exeter, as I understand, and verily believe, by Col. Henry Dearborn, in consequence of a lameness in the knee. Before he left the army he & I were selected for and became a part of Gen. Washington’s life guard. Daniel Cook.

James Roberts, “one of the [Milton] Selectmen,” and John Fish, “Justice of the peace,” both swore that they knew Timothy Ricker and were acquainted with his reduced circumstances. His name was inscribed on the pension roll of New Hampshire at the rate of $8 per month, commencing April 7, 1818.

Jonathan Downing of Durham swore in an affidavit, September 2, 1818, that he had well known Timothy Ricker.

I, Jonathan Downing of Durham in the County of Strafford and State of New Hampshire, testify & say that I was a soldier in the army of the revolution & in the second New Hampshire regiment. I served during the war eight years & eight days. I was sergeant major a part of the time. I very well knew Timothy Ricker now of Milton in said State and he was a soldier in said regiment, I think In Capt. James Carr’s company. Said Ricker was enlisted for three years ~ And while we lay at Valley Forge adjutant William Bell told me he had orders to draft two men out of said regiment of a particular height for General Washington’s guard and I mentioned said Ricker & one Daniel Cook & they were accordingly detached for that service ~ And I often afterwards saw him in the army in the uniform of the guards and I have no doubt he served in said guard. I am confident he served in the army more than one year and think he served until nearly the end of his term, when he was either lame or sick & had as I understood leave to come home ~ Jonathan Downing.

[The uniform of Washington’s Life Guard consisted of blue coats, captured white breeches dyed with coffee, captured red waistcoats, black half-gaiters, brown boots, and captured British dragoon helmets with a blue turban, white cockade and white feather. They were armed with French Charlesville muskets and bayonets (Wilson, 2023)].

Former Captain James Carr (1748-1829) of Somersworth, NH, swore in an affidavit, September 5, 1818, that he well remembered Timothy Ricker.

I, James Carr of Somersworth in the County of Strafford and State of New Hampshire, testify and say that in the years 1777 & 1778 and for sometime before and after I had the honour of commanding a company of infantry in the second New Hampshire Regiment commanded by Col. George Reid in the late army of the revolution. and well remember that Timothy Ricker now of Milton in the said County did belong to my company. I have this day examined some returns of my company (which returns I presume came to my hands after I was a major while acting as Colonel commandant of said regiment, for I cannot recollect how they did come into my hands), and in the returns of my company dated April 4, 1778 & May 2d 1778 under the column of three years men I find this “Timothy Ricker Genl life g[u]ard.” I know the handwriting of those who made & verified these returns & have no doubt said Returns are genuine & true ~ James Carr.

Timothy Ricker of Strafford County, a veteran of the N.H. Line, was entered on the Revolutionary pension roll, January 26, 1819.

Timothy Ricker signed the Milton Anti-Division Remonstrance of June 1820. (See Milton Militia Dispute – 1820).

The pension records of some Revolutionary veterans bear the notation that their pensions had been “suspended” under the act of May 1, 1820. Timothy Ricker’s record was not so annotated but his pension does seem to have been suspended. Based upon what followed, his claim evidently lacked sufficient evidence of infirmity or need.

Timothy Ricker was said to be a farmer who was totally unable to pursue his calling. He described his immediate family in July 1820 as then consisting of …

His wife Lois is aged 59 years, capable of labour as common for persons of her age ~ one Daughter aged eighteen years can earn her own living, named Louisa ~ One Son aged 14 years named George works at farming ~ one grand son named Stephen Ricker at 8 years not capable to earn his own living ~

He assessed his whole estate and income in July 1820 as being …

• • … namely 18 acres of land in said Milton with a very poor and small house and hovel thereon part under improvement valued at one hundred and four dollars ~ $104.00
  • Value of Personal estate ~ Viz. ~ one cow $15 ~ 15.00
  • one horse valued at four dollars ~ 4.00
  • one sley [sleigh] at ~ 8.00
  • a few old chairs, some Iron and hollow ware not worth more than ~7.00
  • [Subtotal] 158.00
  • two Swine ~ 3.50
  • [Total] $161.50
  • Deduct 36.50
  • $125.00
  • That the income of all my real & personal estate is not over $20 pr year.
  • Th[at] my said real Estate is Mortgaged to the amount of $66.59 and that I am owing other honest debts to the amount of $105.10

Simon Chase of Milton swore an affidavit regarding his neighbor’s infirmity, August 5, 1820.

Simon Chase of Milton in the County of Strafford and State of New Hampshire testify and say that I am well acquainted with Timothy Ricker of the said Milton, that I know him to be very infirm, that he has the Rheumatism in his knee & has had that or some other complaint or disorder in the knee ever since I knew him & has been ever since I knew him lame by reason thereof. I have been acquainted with him & lived near to him many years. I further testify that the joints of his fingers are very much afflicted, appear to be out of place & he has often told me in consequence of said complaints & from a very generally diseased constitution he is unable to labour. A few days since a report was carried into the village where he lives that he was stricken from the roll of pensioners, immediately upon that report reaching the village his creditors pushed him & took from him what little property he had except his cow and the trifling articles of furniture ~ and I verily believe if he should not obtain his pension he must be immediately supported by the town. Simon Chase.

(The pension legislation of 1832 would be somewhat less stringent regarding pensions for the few remaining Revolutionary veterans).

Son Luther Ricker married in Middleton, NH, April 6, 1828, Loisa Witham, both of New Durham, NH. William Buzzell performed the ceremony. She was born in Farmington, NH, March 29, 1810, daughter of Nathaniel Hannah (Runnells) Witham.

Joseph Corson 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 (Ricker) Corson], one male aged 20-29 years, two females aged 20-29 years, one female aged 15-19 years, and two males aged 10-14 years.

Luther Ricker headed a New Durham, NH, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 20-29 years [himself], one female aged 20-29 years [Louisa (Witham) Ricker], one male aged 5-9 years, and two male aged under-5 years.

Timothy Ricker died in Milton, in 1831, aged about seventy-two years.

DIED. In Milton, Mr. Timothy Ricker, aged about 72 – a Revolutionary pensioner (Dover Enquirer, October 11, 1831).

The Revolutionary pension rolls record his biennial disbursement for March 1831, but not that of September 1831. His file contains the notation “dead. See letter to P. Agt Jan. 28, 1834.” There was no indication that a widow’s pension succeeded his veteran’s pension. (The pension system would change in 1832).

Son-in-law Joseph Corson died in 1835.

Luther Ricker headed a New Durham, NH, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 30-39 years, one female aged 30-39 years, one male aged 15-19 years, two males aged 10-14 years, one male aged 5-9 years, and two females aged under-5 years. Four members of his household were engaged in Agriculture.

Timothy Ricker [Jr.] headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His house included one male aged 40-49 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years, one male aged 15-19 years, one female aged 15-19 years, one female aged 10-14 years, one male aged 5-9 years, one male aged under-5 years, and one female aged under-5 years. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture.

Son Timothy Ricker, Jr., died in 1847.

Susan [(Corson)] Knowles, aged forty-three years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. Her household included Lydia [(Ricker)] Corson, aged sixty-eight years (b. NH), and Joseph H. Knowles, aged nine years (b. NH). Susan Knowles had real estate valued at $100. Their household appear4ed in the enumeration between those of Hiram Gerrish, a farmer, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), and James Rand, a farmer, aged seventy-three years (b. NH).

Luther Ricker, a farmer, aged fifty years (b. NH), headed a New Durham, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Louisa [(Witham)] Ricker, aged forty-four years (b. NH), and Joseph Ricker, aged eight years (b. NH). Luther Ricker had real estate valued at $150.

Lydia [(Ricker)] Corson, aged seventy-eight years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. Her household included Susan Corson [Knowles], aged fifty years (b. NH), and Joseph Corson [Knowles], a shoemaker, aged seventeen years (b. NH). Lydia Corson had real estate valued at $500. Their household appeared in the enumeration between an unoccupied house (just past that of Hiram Gerrish, a farmer, aged forty-eight years (b. NH)), and Stephen Downing, a shoemaker, aged thirty-two years (b. NH).

Stephen Ricker, a weaver, aged fifty-two years (b. NH), headed a Vernon, NY, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Catherine Ricker, aged forty-two years (b. NY), Franklin Ricker, aged twelve years (b. NY), Isabel Ricker, aged ten years (b. NY), Jerome Ricker, aged eight years (b. NY), Adelaide Ricker, aged five years (b. NY), Allie Ricker, aged one year (b. NY), and Joan [(Whitehouse)] Ricker, aged sixty-eight years (b. NH).

Luther Ricker, aged sixty years (b. NH), headed a New Durham, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Louisa [(Witham)] Ricker, aged fifty-two years (b. NH). Luther Ricker had real estate valued at $200 and personal estate valued at $100.

Joseph H. Knowles, works for shoe factory, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Middleton, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Martha J. Knowles, keeping house, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH), Emma Knowles, eight months (b. NH), Susan [(Corson)] Knowles, a housekeeper, aged sixty-one years (b. NH), and Lydia [(Ricker)] Corson, aged eighty-nine years (b. NH). Joseph H. Knowles had real estate valued at $500 and personal estate valued at $300.

Daughter-in-law Louisa (Witham) Ricker died in Farmington, NH, August 7, 1870.

Son Luther Ricker died of dropsy in Farmington, NH, March 28, 1871, aged seventy-one years. He was a single farmer.

Daughter-in-law Joanna (Whitehouse) Ricker died in Oneida Castle, NY, in 1872.

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References:

Batchellor, Albrt S. (1891). Early State Papers of New Hampshire. Retrieved from www.google.com/books/edition/Early_State_Papers_of_New_Hampshire/ewEw-S0CAtAC?pg=PA239

Find a Grave. (2011, September 26). [Maj.] James Carr. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/77117657/james-carr

Find a Grave. (2005, September 15). [Maj.] Caleb Gibbs. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/11755784/caleb-gibbs

Find a Grave. (2022, December 6). Luther Ricker. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/246223382/luther-ricker

Find a Grave. (2020, November 11). Timothy Ricker. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/218416011/timothy-ricker

Godfrey, Carlos E., M.D. (1904). The Commander-in-Chief’s Guard, Revolutionary War. Retrieved from www.google.com/books/edition/The_Commander_in_chief_s_Guard_Revolutio/viwRAQAAMAAJ

NH General Court. (1886). Rolls of the Soldiers in the Revolutionary War, May 1777, to 1780.

NH General Court. (1916). Laws of New Hampshire. Retrieved from www.google.com/books/edition/Laws_of_New_Hampshire_Including_Public_a/VqkwAQAAMAAJ?&pg=PA751

Wikipedia. (2026, January 11). Battle of Hubbardton. Retrieved from  en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Hubbardton

Wikipedia. (2026, January 11). Battles of Saratoga. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battles_of_Saratoga

Wilson, Raymond C. (2023). Washington’s Life Guards. Retrieved from readerslibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/Washingtons-Life-Guards.pdf