Month: May 2026

By Muriel Bristol | May 31, 2026

Jonathan Twombly was born in Dover, NH, October 21, 1727, son of Samuel and Judith (Hanson) Twombly.

Jonathan Twombly married, circa 1755, Deborah Wentworth. She was born in Somersworth, NH, in April 1738, daughter of Ebenezer and Sarah (Roberts) Wentworth.

(The known children of Jonathan and Deborah (Wentworth) Twombly were: Ephraim [Twombly] Swan (1754-1835), Lydia Twombly (1757–1837), Ebenezer Twombly (1758–1848), Jonathan Twombly (c1761–1842), Elizabeth “Betsey” Twombly (1762–1844), Hannah Twombly (–1769), Judith Twombly (1775–1850), and Rebecca Twombly (1777-1822)).

Son Ephraim Twombly was born in Dover, NH, February 28, 1754. Daughter Lydia Twombly was born in Dover, NH, circa 1757.

Son Ebenezer Twombly was born in Dover, NH, circa 1758. He was a namesake for his maternal grandfather, Ebenezer Wentworth. Son Jonathan Twombly, Jr., was born was born in Dover, NH, circa 1761.

The writer [John Scales] is of opinion that Jonathan Twombly is entitled to the honor of making the first [Milton] settlement near the Twombly brook, and upon the farm now owned by Hon. Luther Hayes, and sometimes called the Bragdon farm, Samuel Bragdon having purchased the farm from a son of Mr. Twombly in about 1800. Mr. Twombly and his wife and some of their children were, no doubt buried upon this farm. An ancient headstone records that Hannah Twombly died in February 1769. She was doubtless a daughter of Jonathan and this is believed to be the oldest grave in Milton (Scales, 1914).

Daughter Elizabeth “Betsey” Twombly was born in the Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, June 4, 1762. (She was said to have been the “first white child” born in what would become Milton).

Daughter Hannah Twombly died in the Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, in February 1769. (Her gravestone is said to be the oldest one in what is now Milton).

Daughter Judith Twombly was born in the Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, in 1775. She was a namesake for her paternal grandmother, Judith (Hanson) Twombly.

Jonathan Twombly 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.

Son Ebenezer Twombly enlisted in Capt. William McDuffee’s Company, in Col. Thomas Tash’s Regiment, in August or September 1776; and he enlisted in Capt. Daniel McDuffee’s Company, in Col. Stephen Evans’ Regiment, in August or September 1777. He fought in the engagements or battles of Stillwater and Saratoga, New York

…on the last of August or first of September in 1776 he enlisted as a Soldier into the Company of Militia Commander William McDuffee which Company belonged to the regiment commanded by Col. Thomas Tash ~ that he enlisted at Rochester in the State of NewHampshire for the term of three months, he immediately Marched as he Supposed for New York and arrived at Peakskill in about twenty days, remained there a Short time, then the Company was ordered to Tallas Point to prevent communication between the inhabitants and three english Ships then lying in the Hudson River. Soon after the Ships Moved up the river, his Company was ordered to Kingferry where he remained untill 1st day of December, from thence he marched to Peakskill and was there discharged the Same day ~

Daughter Rebecca Twombly was born in the Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, in 1777.

In the year 1777 at Rochester aforesaid he again enlisted as a Soldier under Capt. Daniel McDuffee (brother of the afore namd Wm McDuffee) Said Company was attached to the regiment Commanded by Col. Stephen Evans, it was the last of August or first of September that he enlisted for the term of three months, Soon after his enlistment the Company was ordered to March for Bennington in the State of Vermont and their March passed through Keene, N.H., Brattleboro, Vt., to Said Bennington where they remained a few days, from thence they were ordered to Stillwater in the State of New York where he remained in Camp about twenty days. While there they had an engagement or Battle with the British and Indians. I[n] the Battle he took a British Soldier and Conducted him to the Main Guard; Soon after this the British left their encampment & proceeded to Saratoga in the State of New York, his Company followed them to Saratoga and there remained until the Surrender of Gen. Burgoyne ~ they then Marched to Albany in the State of N. York and remained there until the first day of December in the Same year when he was discharged.

Daughter Lydia Twombly married in Wakefield, NH, circa 1778, Nathaniel Balch, Jr. He was born in Haverhill, MA, September 18, 1753, son of Nathaniel and Joanna (Dodge) Balch.

Jonathan Twombly and his son, Ebenezer Twombly, were among the eighty-five Strafford County inhabitants that petitioned, between February and May 1783, for the appointment of Nathaniel Cooper of Dover, NH, as Register of Probate.

Jonathan Twombly, and his sons, Ebenezer Twombly and Ephraim Twombly, were among the three hundred fifteen 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).

Jonathan Twombly was one of eighty-five inhabitants of Dover, Rochester, Somersworth, Barrington, and elsewhere, that proposed, August 30, 1786, that a lottery be held in order to raise the £300 they estimated would be necessary to rebuild the Cocheco Bridge in Dover, NH, which had been swept away by the memorable freshet of October 1785 (Hammond, 1882).

Daughter Elizabeth “Betsey” Twombly married, September 13, 1789, James Chesley Hayes, both of Rochester, NH. Rev. Joseph Haven performed the ceremony. Hayes was born in Dover, NH, January 29, 1760, son of Ichabod and Elizabeth (Hayes) Hayes.

Ephm Twombly headed a Rochester, NH, 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 three females [Deborah (Wentworth) Twombly, Judith Twombly, and Rebecca Twombly]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John Palmer and Timothy Gerrish. (See Northeast Parish in the First (1790) Federal Census).

Son Ebenezer Twombly married in Rochester, NH, December 21, 1790, Dorothy “Dolly” Wentworth, both of Rochester, NH. Rev. Joseph Haven performed the ceremony. She was born in Rochester, NH, December 30, 1761, daughter of Ebenezer and Dorothy (Hartford) Wentworth.

Future sons-in-law Benjamin Twombly and James Twombly were among the forty-seven inhabitants of Lancaster, in Grafton County, NH, that petitioned the NH Legislature, November 22, 1791, seeking to have their portion of the county divided off in order to form a new county – which became Coös County.

Future sons-in-law Benjamin Twombly and James Twombly were among the thirteen inhabitants of Lancaster, Northumberland, Stratford, Dartmouth, Percy, Cockburn, Colebrook, etc., that petitioned the NH Legislature, May 10, 1792, seeking a division of their legislative representative district into two districts. It had been established some seven years earlier for some one hundred fifty inhabitants. The same district had since grown to some three hundred inhabitants, spread over some sixty miles, which distance made it difficult to assemble to choose a representative.

Son Ephraim Twombly were among the twenty inhabitants of Rochester, NH, that petitioned the NH Legislature, June 16, 1792, seeking appointment of Joseph Clark, attorney at law, as justice-of-the-peace. Their petition spoke highly of his ability, integrity, and sobriety, and the need for a justice in the Norway Plains part of town “where said Clark now lives.” (Barnabas Palmer and his son, Barnabas Palmer, Junr, also signed the petition).

Future son-in-law Benja Twombly appeared in a list of inhabitants of the “Uper,” i.e., Upper, part of Coös County, dated October 4, 1792.

Son-in-law Nathaniel Balch, Jr., was killed by a falling tree in Wakefield, NH, in April 1795.

Son Ephraim Twombly married in Madbury, NH, November 21, 1795, Deborah Drew, He of Rochester, NH, and she of Dover, NH. Rev. William Hooper performed the ceremony. She was born in Dover, NH, June 2, 1776, daughter of Elijah and Abigail (Thomas) Drew.

Daughter Judith Twombly married in Rochester, NH, February 28, 1799, Benjamin Twombly [Jr.], she of Rochester, NH, and he of Lancaster, NH. Rev. Joseph Haven performed the ceremony. Benjamin Twombly was born circa 1768, son of Benjamin Twombly.

Much of this Twombly family left the Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, and began moving to Lancaster, NH, around 1800, although they retained some connections with their former residences, family members and neighbors. (Milton would be described later, in June 1823, as being on “the great main road leading from Portsmouth to Lancaster”).

Ephm Twombly headed a Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Deborah (Drew) Twombly], one male aged 16-25 years, one female aged 10-15 years [Cynthia Twombly], one male aged 10-15 years [Jonathan Twombly], two females aged under-10 years [Mary Twombly, and Elizabeth Twombly], one male aged under-10 years [Wilson Twombly], and one female aged 45-plus years [Deborah (Wentworth) Twombly].

Ebener Twombly headed a Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Dorothy (Wentworth) Twombly], one female aged 16-25 years, and three females aged under-10 years [Lucy Twombly, Sophia Twombly, and Eliza Twombly]. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

Jonathan Twombly [Jr.] headed a Lancaster, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years.

James Hayes headed a Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Betsey (Twombly) Hayes], three males aged under-10 years [James Hayes, Hanson Hayes, and Chesley Hayes], one female aged under-10 years [Abra Hayes], and one female aged 16-25 years. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

Benjamin Twombly, Junr, headed a Lancaster, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], two females aged 26-44 years [Judith (Twombly) Twombly], and one female aged under-10 years [Melinda Twombly].

Son Ephraim Twombly and son-in-law, James C. Hayes, signed the Rochester division petition of May 28, 1802.

Son Ebenr Twombly was among the “respectable inhabitants & freeholders” that sought a special Town Meeting to reconsider the proposed Meeting House site, in 1803. He did not subsequently purchase a pew. Son-in-law James C. Hayes purchased Pew No. 23 in the newly-constructed Milton Town House, for $12.50, in 1804. It was situated on the east side of the Gallery balcony, between a vacant pew, Pew No. 22, and that Saml Nash, Pew No. 24. (See Milton Town House – 1804).

The Milton Selectmen of 1805 were Wm. Palmer, Eben. Twombly, and John Remick, Jr.

Daughter Rebecca Twombly married in Lancaster, NH, March 14, 1805, James Twombly, both of Lancaster, NH. Rev. Joseph Willard performed the ceremony. James Twombly was born in Somersworth, NH, January 14, 1769.

Son Jonathan Twombly [Jr.] was one of thirteen residents of Coös County, New Hampshire that petitioned the NH Legislature, in 1805, seeking appointment of a committee to layout a new State Road from Lancaster to Plymouth, running through Whitefield, Bethlehem, Franconia, Pealing, Thornton, and Campton. Their petition was dated Lancaster, July 3, 1805.

Son Jonathan Twombly [Jr.] married, circa 1806, Mary “Polly” Drew. She was born in Dover, NH, May 10, 1768, daughter of Elijah and Abigail (Thomas) Drew.

Son Ephm Twombly and son-in-law Ens. James C. Hayes were assessed in the Milton School District No. 1 of Joseph Plumer in 1806; and son Ens. E. Twombly was assessed in the Milton School District No. 2 of Lieut. J. Nute (See Milton School Districts – 1806).

Son-in-law James C. Hayes died in Milton, February 27, 1809, aged forty-nine years. It would be related, many years later, that he had been killed suddenly …

… by the rolling of a log upon him (Dover Enquirer, April 15, 1845).

Son Ephraim Twombly of Lancaster, NH, changed his name to Ephraim Swan, June 20, 1809.

State of New Hampshire } AN ACT AUTHORIZEING EPHRAIM TWOMBLY AND HIS FAMILY TO ASSUME THE NAME OF SWAN. [Approved June 20, 1809. Original Acts, vol. 20, p. 79; recorded Acts, vol. 18, p. 231]. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives, in General Court convened, that Ephraim Twombly of Lancaster in the County of Coos, be and he hereby is authorized and empowered to assume and bear the name of Ephraim Swan, and the Children of the said Ephraim, are hereby authorized and empowered to assume and bear the name of Swan, instead of that of Twombly, and the name of Swan to annex to each and every of their Children, given or baptismal names instead of the name of Twombly as afore said and by those names respectively, in future shall be called and known, any law usage or custom to the contrary notwithstanding ~ Provided that nothing in this act contained shall impair any contract, or obligation by them or either of them made, or effect any action or suit now pending in any Court of law, within this State, wherein the said Ephraim or either of his Children is a party (NH Secretary of State, 1918).

Ephraim [Twombly] Swan headed a Lancaster, NH, household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], two females aged 26-44 years [Deborah (Drew) Swan], one male aged 16-25 years, one male aged 10-15 years, one female aged 10-15 years, one male aged under-10 years, two females aged under-10 years, and one female aged 45-plus years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Edward Spauldwin and Isaac Derby.

Joseph Balch headed a Lancaster, NH, 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 [Eliza (Legro) Balch], one male aged 10-15 years, one female aged 10-15 years, and one female aged 45-plus years [Lydia (Twombly) Balch]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Ebenezer Twombly and James Twombly.

Ebenezer Twombly headed a Lancaster, NH, household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 16-25 years [Dorothy (Wentworth) Twombly), two females aged 10-15 years [Lucy Twombly and Sophia Twombly], and three females aged under-10 years [Eliza Twombly and Deborah Twombly]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John Burgin and Joseph Balch.

Jonathan Twombly headed a Lancaster, NH, household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one male aged 26-44 years, one female aged 26-44 years, one female aged 16-25 years, two males aged under-10 years, and three females aged under-10 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Joseph Farnham and Richard White.

Betsy [(Twombly)] Hayes headed a Milton household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. Her household included one female aged 45-plus years [herself], two males aged 16-25 years [James Hayes and Hanson Hayes], one female aged 16-25 years [Abra Hayes], one male aged 10-15 years [Chesley Hayes], and one female aged 10-15 years [Sarah Hayes]. (See Milton in the Third (1810) Federal Census).

Benjamin Twombly headed a Lancaster, NH, household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 16-25 years [Judith (Twombly) Twombly], one female aged 10-15 years [Melinda Twombly], one male aged 10-15 years [Calvin Twombly], two males aged under-10 years [James C.H. Twombly], and three females aged under-10 years [Sally Twombly, Eliza Twombly, and Sophia Twombly]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John More and Jonathan Spaulding.

James Twombly headed a Lancaster, NH, household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years, one female aged 26-44 years [Rebecca (Twombly) Twombly], one male aged under-10 years, and two females aged under-10 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Joseph Balch and James Rorbrooks.

Joseph Balch, Ebenr Twombly, Jonathan Twombly, and James Twombly, were among the thirty-five inhabitants of Barker’s Location, NH, that petitioned the NH legislature, June 12, 1818, for authority to tax land at 5¢ per acre for maintenance of roads. [“Barker’s Location: Triangular portion now of Lancaster north of Jefferson bounded to east by Kilkenny” – Wikipedia].

Ephraim [Twombly] Swan headed a Bloomfield, ME, household at the time of the Fourth (1820) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Deborah (Drew) Swan], one male aged 16-25 years, one female aged 16-25 years, and one male aged 10-15 years. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture.

Joseph Balch headed a Lancaster, NH, 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 [Eliza (Legro) Balch], one male aged 16-25 years, four males aged under-10 years [James H. Balch, Amos Balch, Samuel B. Balch, and Reuben Balch], one female aged under-10 years [Almira Balch], and one female aged 45-plus years [Lydia (Twombly) Balch]. Two members of his household were engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Benjamin Hays, and James Twombly.

Ebenr Twombly headed a Lancaster, NH, household at the time of the Fourth (1820) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one female aged 45-plus years [Dorothy (Wentworth) Twombly], and three females aged 16-25 years. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John Mardin, Jr, and Benjamin Hays.

Jonathan Twombly headed a Lancaster, NH, household at the time of the Fourth (1820) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], two females aged 45-plus years [Mary (Drew) Twombly], one male aged 16-25 years, one male aged 10-15 years, and two females aged 10-15 years. Three members of his household were engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Asa Westan, and William Elliot.

Benjamin Twombly headed a Alexander, NY, household at the time of the Fourth (1820) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Judith (Twombly) Twombly], one male aged 16-25 years [Calvin Twombly], one female aged 16-25 years [Sally Twombly], two females aged 10-15 years [Eliza Twombly, and Sophia Twombly], two males aged 10-15 years [James C.H. Twombly, and Luther Twombly], and one male aged under-10 years [Lyman Twombly]. Three members of his household were engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of William Lee, and Nathan Bardsley.

James Twombly headed a Lancaster, NH, household at the time of the Fourth (1820) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Rebecca (Twombly) Twombly], one male aged 10-15 years, and two females aged 10-15 years. Two members of his household were engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Joseph Balch, and John Mardin, 3d.

Jonathan Twombly was among the Coös County inhabitants that petitioned the NH Governor and Council, June 7, 1820, to have Maj. John W. Weeks of Lancaster, NH, appointed as replacement Coös County Sheriff.

Deborah (Wentworth) Twombly died either in Lancaster, NH, or Milton, NH, in August 1821. (“Mr. Twombly and his wife and some of their children were, no doubt buried upon this [their Milton] farm” (Scales, 1914)).

Daughter Rebecca (Twombly) Twombly died in Lancaster, NH, February 22, 1822, aged forty-four years.

Son-in-law Benjamin Twombly died in Elton, Freedom, NY, April 9, 1829, aged sixty years. (Elton is a village of Freedom, NY).

Jonathan Twombly died either in Lancaster, NH, or Milton, NH, in 1830. (“Mr. Twombly and his wife and some of their children were, no doubt buried upon this [their Milton] farm” (Scales, 1914)).

E. [Twombly] Swan headed a Bloomfield, ME, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 60-69 years [himself]. one female aged 50-59 years [Deborah (Drew) Swan], two males aged 20-29 years, one female aged 15-19 years, and one female aged under-5 years.

Joseph Balch headed a Lancaster, NH, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 40-49 years, one female aged 30-39 years, one male aged 15-19 years, one female aged 15-19 years, one male aged 10-14 years, two male aged 5-9 years, two male aged under-5 years, and one female aged 70-79 years [Lydia (Twombly) Balch].

Ebenezer Twombly headed a Lancaster, NH, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 70-79 years [himself], one female aged 60-69 years [Dorothy (Wentworth) Twombly], two females aged 30-39 years, one female aged 20-29 years, and one male aged 10-14 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Jonathan Twombly and Joseph Twombly.

Jas. Hayes, Jr., 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 40-49 years [Apphia (Card) Hayes], one male aged 20-29 years, one female aged 15-19 years, one male aged 10-14 years [Benjamin F. Hayes], one male aged 5-9 years [Charles C. Hayes], one male aged under-5 years [Cyrus A. Hayes], and one female aged 60-69 years [Betsey (Twombly) Hayes]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Moses Chamberlain and Levi Jones.

Jonathan Twombly headed a Lancaster, NH, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one female aged 60-69 years, two females aged 20-29 years, and one male aged 15-19 years.

Judith [(Twombly)] Twombly headed a Freedom, NY, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. Her household included one female aged 50-59 years [herself], two males aged 20-29 years, three females aged 20-29 years, two males aged 15-19 years. 

James Twombley headed a Lancaster, NH, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one male aged 20-29 years, and two females aged 20-29 years.

Son Ebenezer Twombly of Lancaster, NH, aged seventy-four years, applied for a Revolutionary War pension in Lancaster, NH, September 5, 1832. He included his narrative or declaration – quoted above – that described his service.

He did acknowledge that he did not have the full set of approved documentation. He does not know whether he could procure any positive proof of Service or not. Lancaster where he now resides is over one hundred Miles from the place Where he lived When he enlisted and he has not been able to learn Whether any of those that Served with him are now living and that it would be a great expense to him to obtain their testimony if they are living ~

He did receive ultimately a Revolutionary War Invalid Pension, under the Pension Act of June 7, 1832.

Son Ephraim [Twombly] Swan died in Bloomfield, [Skowhegan,] ME, December 7, 1835, aged eighty-one years, nine months, and nine days.

Ebenezer Twombly headed a Lancaster, NH, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 80-89 years [himself], one female aged 70-79 years [Dorothy (Wentworth) Twombly], two females aged 40-49 years [Lucy (Twombly) Banfield and Sophia Twombly], one female aged 30-39 years [Dorothy Twombly], and three females aged 5-9 years. Revolutionary War pensioner Ebenezer Twombly, aged eighty-one years, resided in the household. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Joseph Balch and Joseph Hanson.

James Hayes 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 50-59 years [Apphia (Card) Hayes], one male aged 15-19 years [Charles C. Hayes], one male aged 10-14 years [Cyrus A. Hayes], one female aged 10-14 years [Sarah C. Hayes], one female aged 5-9 years [Mary J. Hayes], and one female aged 70-79 years [Betsey (Twombly) Hayes]. Three members of his household were engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of David M. Corson and John Nute.

Jonathan Twombly headed a Lancaster, NH, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 70-79 years [himself], one female aged 70-79 years [Mary (Drew) Twombly], one female aged 30-39 years, and one male aged 5-9 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Ivory Stanley and Isaac Derby.

Luther Twombly headed a Freedom, NY, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Census. His household included two males aged 30-39 years [himself], two females aged 20-29 years, two females aged 15-19 years, and one female aged 60-69 years [Judith (Twombly) Twombly]. Two members of his household were engaged in Agriculture.

Alvah Twombly headed a Lancaster, 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 [Orpha Twombly], and one male aged 70-79 years [James Twombly]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of James L. Chase and John Stalbord.

Son Jonathan Twombly [Jr.] died in Lancaster, NH, April 2, 1842, æ 81 years.

Daughter Elizabeth “Betsey” (Twombly) Hayes died in Milton, October 16, 1844, aged eighty-two years.

DEATHS. In Milton, Oct. 16, 1844, widow Betsey Hayes, relict of Mr. James C. Hayes, who was killed suddenly some years since by the rolling of a log upon him, aged 82. She had a long, painful sickness through the operation of a cancer, on the part of the face over the eye, which she endured with the greatest patience, and died in a most desirable state of tranquility and hope. Being an early settler in the town where she had lived so long, and having witnessed the desolations which death had already made among her early associates, she was willing to go hence, especially as she contemplated so calmly an end to the trials and sufferings she had endured and the lasting enjoyment of rest which is provided for the faithful in Christ (Dover Enquirer, April 15, 1845).

Dorothy “Dolly” (Wentworth) Twombly died in Lancaster, NH, August 5, 1848, æ eighty-eight years. Ebenezer Twombly died in Lancaster, NH, August 17, 1848, æ eighty-nine years.

DEATHS. At Lancaster, N.H., Mr. EBENEZER TWOMBLY, one of the earliest settlers, and a soldier of the Revolution, 89 years, 10 mos. His wife also, 86 (Boston Evening Transcript, September 6, 1848).

Revolutionary War pension accounts confirm that Ebenezer Twombly of Lancaster, NH, died on August 17, 1848, in the 3rd quarter of 1848.

James Twombly, a farmer, aged eighty years (b. NH), headed a Lancaster, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Alvah Twombly, a farmer, aged forty-four years (b. N H), and Orpha Twombly, aged forty years (b. NH). Alvah Troambly had real estate valued at $1,000.

Francis W. Snow [Swan], a farmer, aged forty-four years (b. NH), headed a Bloomfield, ME, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Mary A. [(Littlefield)] Snow [Swan], aged thirty-five years (b. ME), Mary J. Snow [Swan], aged nine years (b. ME), Deborah Snow [Swan], aged seven years (b. ME), Martha Snow [Swan], aged four years (b. ME), Francis W. Snow [Swan], aged one year (b. NH), Deborah [(Drew)] [Twombly] Snow [Swan], aged seventy-three years (b. NH), Franklin McKechnie, a farmer, aged forty-five years (b. ME), and Orlando McKechnie, aged fourteen years (b. ME). Francis W. Snow had real estate valued at $2,500.

Calvin Trumly [Twombly], a farmer, aged forty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Machias, NY, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Eliza Trumly, aged forty-four years (b. NH), Sophia Trumly, aged forty years (b. NH), Luther Trumly, a farmer, aged forty-two years (b. NH), and Jane Trumly, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH). Calvin Trum has real estate valued at $2,740.

Daughter Judith (Twombly) Twomley [Twombly] died of consumption in Machias, NY, June 21, 1850, aged seventy-five years. (Per the Mortality Schedule of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census).

Daughter-in-law Deborah (Drew) [Twombly] Swan died in Bloomfield, [Skowhegan,] ME, February 19, 1855, aged eighty years.

DIED. In Bloomfield, 19th ult., Widow Deborah Swan, aged 80 (Portland Press Herald, March 3, 1855).

Son-in-law James Twombly died of old age in Lancaster, NH, July 28, 1859, aged ninety years, six months, and fourteen days. He was a married farmer.

Daughter-in-law Mary “Polly” (Drew) Twombly died in Carroll, NH, October 20, 1860, aged ninety-two years, five months, and ten days.

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References:

Find a Grave. (2014, November 11). Ephraim [Twombly] Swan. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/138600686/ephraim-swan

Find a Grave. (2015, July 9). Ebenezer Twombly. Retrieved from  www.findagrave.com/memorial/148960148/ebenezer-twombly

Find a Grave. (2015, July 16). Jonathan Twombly. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/149365773/jonathan-twombly

Find a Grave. (2018, May 29). Judith [(Twombly)] Twombly. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/190184907/judith-twombly

Find a Grave. (2015, July 16). Rebecca Twombly Twombly. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/149366017/rebecca-twombly

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By Muriel Bristol | May 24, 2025

Stephen Meserve was born in [Northeast Parish,] Milton, in 1787, son of Stephen and Abigail (Yeaton) Meserve.

(The known children of Stephen and Abigail (Yeaton) Meserve were: Comfort Meserve (1772–1802), Mary Dearborn “Polly” Meserve (1778–1801), Abigail Meserve (1780–1860), Betsey Meserve (c1782–), John Meserve (1785–1871), Stephen Meserve (1787–1850), Hopley T. Meserve (1789–1875), and Samuel Meserve (1791–)).

Father Stephen Meserve died in Rochester, NH, circa 1794.

Sister Mary Dearborn “Polly” Meserve married in Rochester, NH, September 24, 1795, Robert Mathes, both of Rochester, NH. Rev. Joseph Haven performed the ceremony. She was born, probably in Madbury, NH, August 3, 1778, daughter of Stephen and Abigail (Yeaton) Meserve.

Mother Abigail (Yeaton) Meserve died in Rochester, NH, circa 1801.

Sister Mary “Polly” (Meserve) Mathes, died in the Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, February 18, 1801.

Stephen Meserve married (1st) in Milton, March 4, 1810, Susan P. Henderson. She was born in Milton, June 13, 1789, daughter of Samuel and Mary (Burrows) Twombly.

(The known children of Stephen and Susan P. (Henderson) Meserve were: Mary Meserve (c1814-), Seth Meserve (1816–1903), Caroline A. Meserve (1821-1881), Samuel Yeaton Meserve (1823–1918), Susan Meserve (1825-1917), Oliver B. Meserve (1828–1915), Elizabeth A. Meserve (1828-1904), and Mary E. Meserve (1844-1859)).

Daughter Mary Meserve was born circa 1814. Son Seth Meserve was born in Milton, November 1, 1816.

Daughter Caroline A. Meserve was born in Rochester, NH, in 1821. Son Samuel Yeaton Meserve was born in Rochester, NH, March 10, 1823. Daughter Susan Meserve was born in Rochester, NH, August 3, 1825. Son Oliver B. Meserve was born in Rochester, NH, August 1, 1828. Daughter Elizabeth A. Meserve was born in 1828.

Steph. Meserve headed a Rochester, 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 [Susan P. (Henderson) Meserve], one female aged 15-19 years, one female aged 5-9 years, one male aged under-5 years, and one female aged under-5 years.

Daughter Caroline A. Meserve married in Milton, November 24, 1839, Hiram W. Ricker. He was born in Milton, July 26, 1819, son of Thomas and Susan (Varney) Ricker.

Hiram Ricker headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 20-29 years [himself]. one female aged 15-19 years [Caroline A. (Meserve) Ricker], one male aged 10-14 years, and one female aged 40-49 years. Two members of his household were engaged in Agriculture.

Son Seth Meserve married, circa 1842, Mary T. Wentworth. She was born circa 1818.

Daughter Mary E. Meserve was born in 1844.

Son Samuel Yeaton Meserve married (1st) in Middleton, NH, October 16, 1845, Belinda Emily French, both of Middleton, NH. Elder Samuel Bodge performed the ceremony. She was born circa 1823.

Daughter Susan Colby married, circa 1849, William Colby. He was born in Concord, NH, September 12, 1812.

Son Oliver B. Meserve married in Alton, NH, September 14, 1849, Laura J. Thompson, both of Farmington, NH. Rev. H.D. Buzzell performed the ceremony. She was born in Sandwich, NH, June 26, 1830, daughter of Samuel and Betsey (Seavey) Thompson.

Stephen Meserve died of lung fever in Rochester, NH, after an illness of six days, in March 1850, aged sixty-three years. He was a carpenter. (Per the Mortality Schedule of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census).

Daughter Elizabeth A. Meserve married in Boston, MA, November 28, 1850, John H. Robinson, both of Boston, MA. He was a clerk, aged twenty-two years, and she was aged twenty-two years. He was born in Gilmanton, NH, in 1829, son of Finley W. and Priscilla K. Robinson.

Susan [(Henderson)] Meserve, aged sixty years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. Her household included Mary Meserve, aged thirty-six years (b. NH). Susan Meserve had real estate valued at $300. Her household appeared in the enumeration just after that of William Colby, a manufacturer, aged thirty-four years (b. NH)

Seth E. Meserve, a machinist, aged thirty-four years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Mary T. [(Wentworth)] Meserve, aged twenty-six years (b. NH), and George S. Meserve, aged five years (b. NH).

Hiram Ricker, a shoemaker, aged thirty-one years, headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Caroline [(Meserve)] Ricker, aged twenty-nine years, John Ricker, aged nineteen years, Martha Ricker, aged one month (b. NH), Calvin Smith, a shoemaker, aged eighteen years (b. NH), Smith Wentworth, a shoemaker, aged fifteen years (b. NH), and John Wentworth, a shoemaker, aged nineteen years (b. NH). Hiram Ricker had real estate valued at $1,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of James Varney, a farmer, aged sixty years (b. NH), and Lemuel Varney, a farmer, aged eighty-two years (b. NH).

Saml Meserve, a shoemaker, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Belinda [(French)] Meserve, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH), and Charles F. Meserve, aged four years (b. NH). They shared a two-family residence with the household of Joseph Wentworth, a shoemaker, aged twenty-five years (b. NH).

Wm. Colby, a manufacturer, aged thirty-four years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Susan [(Meserve)] Colby, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), and Stephen Meserve, aged five years (b. NH). His household appeared just before that of Susan [(Henderson)] Meserve, aged sixty years (b. NH).

Oliver B. Meserve, a shoemaker, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Laura J. [(Thompson)] Meserve, aged twenty years (b. NH).

Son-in-law Hiram Ricker witnessed the legal emancipation of minor George Wentworth, in Milton, in August 1852.

TIME GIVEN. – This may certify that I have this day given to my son, GEORGE WENTWORTH, his time and declare him free to act and trade for himself. I shall hereafter claim none of his earnings or pay any debts by him contracted. DANIEL WENTWORTH. Witness – Hiram Ricker, Thos. C. Christie. Milton, Aug 10, 1852 (Farmington News, September 12, 1852).

John H. Robinson, a clerk, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Boston, MA, household at the time of the MA State Census of 1855. His household included Elizabeth [(Meserve)] Robinson, aged twenty-five years, and Edward G. Robinson, aged one year (b. MA).

Susan P. (Henderson) Meserve died in Rochester, NH, July 18, 1859, aged seventy years, and eleven days.

Daughter Mary E. Meserve died November 16, 1859, aged fifteen years, five months.

Seth Meserve, a machinist, aged forty-three years (b. NH), headed a Rochester (“Farmington P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Mary T. [(Wentworth)] Meserve, aged forty-two years (b. NH), George S. Meserve, aged fifteen years (b. NH), and John H.A. Meserve, aged four years (b. NH). Seth Meserve had personal estate valued at $300.

Hiram Ricker, a farmer, aged forty-one years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Caroline [(Meserve)] Ricker, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), John S. Ricker, a farmer, aged nineteen years (b. NH), Lizzie Bell Ricker, aged ten years (b. NH), and Susan [(Varney)] Ricker, aged sixty-five years (b. NH). Hiram Ricker had real estate valued at $1,200 and personal estate valued at $500. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Comfort Varney, aged seventy-three years (b. NH), and James Varney, a farmer, aged seventy-two years (b. NH).

Samuel Y. Meserve, a shoemaker, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Berlinda [(French)] Meserve, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), and Charles F. Meserve, aged thirteen years (b. NH). Samuel Y. Meserve had real estate valued at $1,000 and personal estate valued at $100.

William Colby, a manufacturer, aged forty-three years (b. NH), headed a Rochester (“Farmington P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Susan [(Meserve)] Colby, aged thirty-three years (b. NH). William Colby had real estate valued at $500 and personal estate valued at $75.

Oliver B. Meserve, a shoe cutter, aged thirty years (b. NH), headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Laura J. [(Thompson)] Meserve, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH), and Laura A. Meserve, aged six years (b. NH). Oliver B. Meserve had real estate valued at $1,100 and personal estate valued at $300.

John H. Robinson, a liquor dealer, aged thirty years (b. NH), headed a Boston, MA, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Elisabeth [(Meserve)] Robinson, aged thirty years (b. NH), Edward G. Robinson, aged six years (b. MA), Mary G. Robinson, aged one year (b. MA), and Delia Carey, aged twenty-one years (b. Ireland). John H. Robinson had personal estate valued at $5,000. They resided in Ward 11.

Son-in-law John H. Robinson died of kidney disease at 192 West Springfield Street, in the South End, Boston, MA, February 27, 1865, aged thirty-five years. His occupation involved Wines & c., presumably sales of wines.

DEATH OF A MERCHANT. Mr. John H. Robinson, of the firm of Andrews & Robinson, wine merchants in Congress street, died last night after 3 week’s illness. Mr. R. was a very intelligent, active and liberal man, whose frankness and generosity endeared him to a wide circle of friends. He was a member of the Common Council from Ward 6 in 1859. His death will be lamented by all who knew him (Boston Evening Transcript, February 27, 1865).

Son Oliver B. Meserve witnessed a legal renunciation of Dorothy (Ricker) Horne by her estranged husband, David Horne, in Dover, NH, in May 1867.

Notice. WHEREAS my wife, Dorothy Horne, has left my bed and board, without any just cause, I have furnished a house and necessary and suitable provisions for her support, I hereby forbid any person from harboring or trusting her on my account, as I will pay no debts of her contracting after this date. DAVID his x mark HORNE. Witnesses. – Oliver B. Meserve, Joseph Wentworth. Farmington, May 29, 1867 (Dover Enquirer, June 6, 1867).

Seth Meserve, an iron machinist, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), headed a Rochester (“Gonic P.O.), NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Mary T. [(Wentworth)] Meserve, keeping house, aged fifty years (b. NH), George S. Meserve, an iron machinist, aged twenty-five years (b. NH), and John W. Meserve, at home, aged fourteen years (b. NH). Seth Meserve had personal estate valued at $300.

Hiram W. Ricker, works for shoe fact., aged fifty years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Caroline M. [(Meserve)] Ricker, keeping house, aged forty-eight years (b. NH), Alvah C. Burrows, works for shoe fact., aged twenty-nine years (b. ME), Lizzie B.S. [(Ricker)] Burrows, a housekeeper, aged twenty years (b. NH), Minnie E. Burrows, aged two years (b. NH), Willie S. Burrows, aged one month (b. NH, in May), and Susan Wingate, aged seventy-five years (b. NH). Hiram W. Ricker had real estate valued at $1,000 and personal estate valued at $1,227. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of William F. Tibbetts, works for shoe fact., aged thirty-two years (b. ME), and Paul Reynolds, a farmer, aged seventy-two years (b. NH).

Saml I. Meserve, aged forty-five years (b. NH), headed a Rochester (“Gonic P.O.”), NH, at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Malinda [Belinda (French)] Meserve, keeping house, aged forty-six years (b. NH), and Chas F. Meserve, works for shoe mfty, aged twenty-three years (b. NH). Saml I. Meserve had personal estate valued at $300. They shared a two-family residence with the household of Lyman Parsons, a carpenter, aged fifty years (b. NH).

William Colby, works in w [woolen] mill, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Rochester (“Gonic P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Susan [(Meserve)] Colby, keeping house, keeping house, aged forty-four years (b. NH).

Oliver B. Messerve, a shoemaker, aged forty-two years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Sarah J. [(Thompson)] Messerve, keeping house, aged forty years (b. NH), Abbie L. Messerve, attending school, aged seventeen years (b. NH), Samuel Stevens, a carpenter, aged fifty years (b. NH), David M. Smith, a ship carpenter, aged thirty-eight years (b. ME). Oliver B. Messerve had personal estate valued at $200. David M. Smith has personal estate valued at $800.

Elizabeth [(Meserve)] Robinson, keeping house, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Boston, MA, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. Her household included Edward G. Robinson, attending school, aged fifteen years (b. MA), Mary C. Robinson, attending school, aged eleven years (b. MA), Alice E. Robinson, attending school, aged ten years (b. MA), Ellen M Robinson, attending school, aged five years (b. MA), and John W. Butterfield, a lawyer, twenty-eight years (b. NH). Elizabeth Roinson had real estate valued at $14,000 and personal estate valued at $10,000. John W. Butterfield had personal estate valued at $2,500. They resided in Ward 11.

Daughter-in-law Belinda (French) Meserve died in Lynn, MA, March 16, 1876, aged fifty-three years.

Seth Meserve, a machinist, aged sixty-three years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Mary T. [(Wentworth)] Meserve, keeping house, aged sixty-two years (b. NH), and his son, John W. Meserve, aged twenty-four years (b. NH). They shared a two-family residence on Main Street with the household of Alfred W. Mason, a dyer in a woolen mill, aged seventy-two years (b. NH).

Hiram W. Ricker, a farmer, aged sixty years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Caroline M. [(Thompson)] Ricker, at home, aged fifty-nine years (b. NH). Caorline M. Ricker had rheumatism. They shared a two-family residence with the household of Alvah G. Burroughs, a farmer, aged thirty-nine years (b. ME). Their households appeared in the enumeration between those of Robert W.L. Pike, works on farm, aged fifty-six years (b. NH), and Paul Reynolds, a farmer, aged eighty years (b. NH).

Samuel Y. Meserve, works on McKay machines, aged fifty-six years (b. NH), boarded in the Salem, MA, household of Seth W. French, aged seventy-eight years (b. NH). Seth W. French resided at 11 Tremont Street. (The household of his son, Chas. F. Meserve, runs McKay machine, aged thirty-three years (b. NH), and his wife, Adeline Meserve, keeping house, aged twenty-eight years (b. MA), shared a two-family household at 5 Tremont Street).

William Colby, a repairer of clocks, aged sixty [sixty-eight] years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Susan [(Meserve)] Colby, keeping house, aged fifty-two years (b. NH).

Oliver B. Merserve, a shoe cutter, aged fifty years, headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Laura J. [(Thompson)] Merserve, keeps house, aged forty years (b. NH). They resided on Fourth Street.

Elizabeth A. [(Meserve)] Robinson, keeping house, aged forty-five years (b. NH), headed a Roxbury, Boston, MA, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. Her household included children, Edward G. Robinson, at home, aged twenty-six years (b. MA), Mary G. Robinson, at home, aged twenty-one years (b. MA), Alice E. Robinson, at home, aged twenty years (b. MA), and Helen M. Robinson, at home, aged sixteen years (b. MA). They resided at 1 Howland Street.

Daughter Caroline A. (Meserve) Ricker died of rheumatism in Milton, July 2, 1881, aged sixty years, three months, and four days. She was a married housekeeper. Herbert F. Pitcher, M.D., signed the death certificate.

Son Samuel Yeaton Meserve married (2nd) in Danvers, MA, August 25, 1882, Julia S. Gilman. She was born in Danvers, MA, March 26, 1859, daughter of Stephen F. and Amanda M. (Cross) Gilman.

Son-in-law William Colby died in Rochester, NH, May 25, 1886, aged seventy-three years, eight months, and thirteen days.

Son Oliver B. Meserve served as an Alderman in Dover, NH, in 1889.

Son-in-law Hiram W. Ricker died in Milton, October 26, 1892, aged seventy-three years, three months.

Daughter-in-law Mary T. (Wentworth) Meserve died in Rochester, NH, April 10, 1894.

Lorenzo Fall, a farmer, aged sixty-three years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of thirty-six years), Lurana [(Otis)] Fall, aged fifty-six years (b. ME), and his boarder, Seth Meserve a widower, aged eighty-four years (b. NH). Lurana Fall was the mother of ten children, of whom seven were still living. Lorenzo Fall owned their farm on the Main road, free-and-clear.

Samuel Y. Messervy, a shoe stitcher, aged seventy-seven years (b. NH), headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of nineteen years), Julia S. [(Gilman)] Messervy, a nurse, aged forty-two years (b. MA), his children, Susie R. Messervy, in school, aged seventeen years (b. MA), and Carl G. Messervy, in school, aged eleven years (b. NH), and his mother-in-law, Amanda M. Gilman, aged sixty-three years (b. MA). Samuel Y. Messervy rented their house at 11 Orange Street.

Susan [(Meserve)] Colby, aged seventy-four years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. She owned her house, free-and-clear.

Oliver Meserve, a landlord, aged seventy-one years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of fifty years), Laura A. [(Thompson)] Meserve, aged sixty-nine years (b. NH), his boarders, Bertha B. Avery, a stitcher (shoe fcty), aged twenty-eight years (b. ME), and Donald B. Avery, aged five years (b. ME), his grandson, Frank P. Hayes, aged sixteen years (b. MA), and his lodger, Peter D. Allen, a trimmer (shoe fcty), aged forty years (b. NH). Oliver B. Meserve owned their house at 12½ [Broadway Street], free-and-clear.

John Marshall, a clerk, aged twenty-eight years (b. MA), headed a Boston, MA, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of two years), Helen M. [(Robinson)] Marshall, aged thirty years (b. MA), and his mother-in-law, Elizabeth A. [(Meserve)] Robbinson, aged seventy years (b. NH). Elizabeth A. Robbinson was the mother of four children of whom three were still living. They resided in an apartment at 87 Munroe Street.

Son Seth Meserve died of heart disease in Rochester, NH, October 28, 1903, aged eighty-six years, eleven months, and twenty-eight days. He was a widowed machinist.

ROCHESTER. … The citizens were shocked this morning to learn of the sudden death of Seth Meserve, one of our oldest and most respected citizens, at the home of his son, John Meserve, of Haven Hill. He will be greatly missed by all. Mr. Meserve has made his home with his son for several years. Yesterday afternoon he went out feeling as well as usual and after remaining out for some time Mrs. Meserve became worried that something was wrong with him, and went out to look for him. After hunting for some time she went to find her husband who was in the field at work, but she was unable to find him as he had gone off with a load. While hunting in the field a little girl who had come up to call on an errand noticed Mr. Seth Meserve laying down between the wheels of a work cart and a pile of wood and she at once notified the family who found he was dead. As soon as could be word was sent to the city, but it was too late for medical aid. An inquest was deemed unnecessary and Undertaker Edgerly was sent for and took charge of the body. Mr. Meserve has long been troubled with heart disease, and this was the cause of his death. Mr. Meserve was born in this city and was the son of Stephen and Susan (Henderson) Meserve, and has lived here most of the time. He attended the public schools of this city and then learned the trade of machinist. He was employed as a machinist at the old Norway Plains mills in this city for over 50 years and retired at the time that the mills closed business here, after which he lived with his son. He was a man that was well liked by all who knew him, always kind hearted and willing to help in case of need. His age was 86 years, 11 months and 28 days. He leaves one son. The funeral will be held at the home of his son, John W., on Haven Hill next Saturday afternoon at 1 o’clock. Rev. L.R. Danforth, pastor of the Methodist church, will officiate. Interment will be in the Rochester cemetery (Foster’s Daily Democrat (Dover, NH), October 29, 1903).

Daughter Elizabeth A. (Meserve) Robinson died of a cystic kidney (with abscess) at 87 Monroe Street, in Roxbury, Boston, MA, December 31, 1904, aged eighty years. She was a widow. C. Edwin Miles, M.D., signed the death certificate.

HIGHLAND DISTRICT. The funeral of Mrs. Elizabeth A. Robinson, widow of J.H. Robinson, who died last Saturday, in her Suth year. after a brief Illness, was held from her home, 87 Munroe st. this afternoon. The services, which were largely attended by friends and relatives, were conducted by Rev. Charles L. Page of the Dudley-st Baptist church, and the interment was in Forest Hills (Boston Globe, [Monday,] January 2, 1905).

The Boston Globe published a profile in 1909, on son Samuel Y. Yeaton, who was said to have been the first man to operate the McKay shoe stitching machine.

FIRST OPERATOR. S.Y. Merserve Was Taught by Inventor. Introduced McKay Stitching Machine Into Shoe Factories. Samuel Y. Meserve, one of the oldest residents of Farmington, N.H., claims the distinction of being the first man to operate the McKay stitching machine, which for many years has been one of the indispensable appliances of well-equipped shoe factories. There have been conflicting claims as to the first McKay operator, but Mr. Meserve is evidently able to establish his claim to be ahead of all others, as he was taught to operate the machine by the inventor, he says, and for more than three years thereafter he was employed by the manufacturers of the McKay machine as a traveling instructor. There are several persons living in Farmington, who are ready to vouch for the truth of Mr. Meserve’s statements. Mr. Meserve has had a long and eventful career as a shoe man. He was born at Rochester, March 10, 1823, the son of Stephen Meserve, a carpenter. When a young man, he began learning shoemaking and he followed the trade continuously until his retirement a few years ago. He was employed in shops at Rochester, Farmington, Lynn and Natick. While at Natick, he worked for Henry Wilson, afterward vice president of the United States, who was then operating a small shop there, and he boarded at Mr. Wilson’s about six months. It was while working at the John Hurd factory in Farmington, in December, 1861, that Mr. Meserve learned to operate the McKay machine. Lyman R. Blake of Abington, Mass., the inventor of the machine giving him the necessary instruction. About this time firm of Bates & McKay, who bought the patent of Mr. Blake, began manufacturing the machine, Mr. Meserve being employed by them as their instructor. In June, 1862, Mr. Meserve was sent to Lynn. and the first man there to learn to operate the McKay stitcher was Ansol Libbey at the shop of Stephen Oliver & Co. Mr. Libbey was the first Lynn man, says Mr. Meserve, to operate the machine. For three years afterward Mr. Meserve acted as instructor for Bates & McKay, traveling throughout New England and the middle west. His business was exclusively instructing operators and caring for McKay machines installed in the various shops adopting them. He later returned to Farmington, where he has since resided. Mr. Meserve has been twice married. He is well preserved and enjoys good health (Boston Globe, July 4, 1909).

Daughter-in-law Laura J. (Thompson) Meserve died of senility and an accident to her hip at 12½ Broadway Street in Dover, NH, March 31, 1910, aged seventy-nine years, nine months, and five days. She was a married housewife.

Death of Mrs. Oliver B. Meserve. Mrs. Laura J., wife of Oliver B. Meserve, passed away at her home, No. 12½ Broadway, yesterday afternoon, aged 79 years, nine months and five days. Mrs. Meserve was born in Sandwich on June 26, 1830, but has been a resident of this city for forty years, coming here from Sandwich. She was a kind Christian woman beloved by many friends and was possessed of all those qualities which go to male a thoroughly good woman. She is survived by a husband and one daughter, Mrs. Auren W. Hayes, one brother, George Thompson of Sandwich, two grandchildren, Frank P., Hayes and Mrs. Maurice A. Gibbs and three great grandchildren to all of whom sympathy is extended. The funeral services will be held at her late home on Saturday afternoon at 2 o’clock, and will be private (Foster Daily Democrat (Dover, NH), April 1, 1910).

Karl G. Meserve, a cutter (shoe factory), aged twenty-one years (b. NH), headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of two years), Hildred C. [(Peterson)] Meserve, aged nineteen years (b. Canada (Eng.)), his children, Lawrence K. Meserve, aged one year, eight months (b. NH), and Robert Meserve, aged one month (b. NH), his father, Samuel Y. Meserve, aged eighty-seven years (b. NH), and his mother [Samuel Y. Meserve’s wife of thirty years], Julia [(Gilman)] Meserve, aged fifty-one years (b. MA). Karl G. Meserve rented their house on Glen Street. Hildred C. Meserve has immigrated in 1893 and had become naturalized in 1907.

Susan [(Meserve)] Colby, a widow, aged eighty-four years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. She rented her house on Maple Street. She was the mother of one child, of whom none were still living.

Oliver B. Meserve, own income, aged eighty-one years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. His household included his roomer, Nellie Rines, a housekeeper (private family), aged seventy-three years (b. ME). Oliver B. Meserve owned their house at 12½ Broadway Street, free-and-clear.

Son Oliver B. Meserve died of pneumonia at Wentworth Hospital in Dover, NH, August 20, 1915, aged eighty-seven years, and nineteen days. He was a widowed retiree.

Death of Oliver B. Meserve. ExAlderman Oliver B. Meserve, one of our oldest and most highly respected citizens, passed away at the Wentworth hospital last evening, aged 87 years, and 19 days. ExAlderman Meserve was the son of Stephen and Susan (Henderson) Meserve and was born in Wochester [Rochester], Aug. 1, 1828, being the youngest of a family of nine children. Mr. Meserve’s ancestors came from England at an early date and were among the first residents of Portsmouth. His grandfather, Stephen Meserve, was born in this city but afterward moved to Rochester (now Milton) in 1787. Mr. Meserve attended school in his boyhood in Rochester, Milton and Farmington and made the latter town his place of residence until 1862 when he moved to Sandwich [in] this state where he was proprietor of the Union House up to 1865 when he again returned to Farmington, and for a time was engaged in the grocery business under the firm name of A.B. Meserve Company. In 1868 he came to this city to accept a position as foreman in the shoe factory of John H. Hurd, the father of Hon. Clarence L. Hurd and where he remained for many years, retiring about the year 1888. In 1889 he was a member of the Board of Aldermen of this city. He attended the Baptist church in the various places in which he resided. In 1849 he was married to Laura J. Thompson, a daughter of Samuel Thompson, a worthy and respected citizen of Sandwich. Mrs. Meserve passed away quite a few years ago. Mr. Meserve was a quite reliable citizen and a man who was interested in the welfare and advancement of the community in which he lived. All who knew him respected and esteemed him for his many good qualities and he leaves many friends to mourn his death. He is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Auren W. Hayes, one brother, Samuel Meserve of Farmington, one sister, Mrs. Susan Colbath of Rochester. The funeral services will be held at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. A.W. Hayes, 654 Central avenue on Monday afternoon at 2 o’clock. Friends are invited without further notice (Foster’s Daily Democrat, August 21, 1915).

Daughter Susan (Meserve) Colby died of senility on May Street in Rochester, NH, November 26, 1917, aged ninety-two years, two months, and twenty-three days. She was a widowed retiree.

Death of Mrs. Colby. Mrs. Susan Colby, aged 92 years, died at the home of her granddaughter, Mrs. Henry A.W. Bliss, last night after a several weeks’ illness. The deceased was a native of this city, the daughter of Stephen and Susan Henderson Colman [Meserve] and had resided in this city all of her life. For many years she was a constant attendant at the First Methodist church. A brother, S.Y. Meserve, aged 94 years of Farmington and two grandchildren, Joseph Colby of the United States Army and Mrs. Henry Bliss of this city survive her. The funeral arrangements are in charge of Undertaker R.M. Edgerly and the date of the funeral will be announced later (Dover Enquirer, November 26, 1917).

Son Samuel Yeaton Meserve died in Farmington, NH, July 9, 1918, aged ninety-five years.

In Memoriam. Mr. Meserve. In the death of Samuel Yeaton Meserve, which occurred at his home on Church street last Tuesday evening, Farmington lost its oldest resident and one of the most respected men of the community. The end came at the age of 95 years and three months. Since he observed his 91st birthday, Mr. Meserve had been the holder of the Post cane, a distinction in which he took much pride, although he was not restricted to its use by infirmities until within a few months. Early last fall he became afflicted with an affection of the nerves of the face which, no doubt, brought about other complications that hastened the end. He was born in Rochester in 1823, the third son in a family of nine children born to Stephen and Susan (Henderson) Meserve, the former of Milton and the latter of Gonic. After receiving a meager schooling, he went to Natick, Mass., when 14 years old to learn the shoemaking trade. While serving his apprenticeship he worked with the late Vice President Henry Wilson and always referred with pride to incidents of their close association. He became most proficient in his occupation and it is not strange that he was selected as one of the pioneer operators when machinery began to make its advent in the manufacture of boots and shoes. So far as records account, he was the first man to operate a McKay stitching machine, a line of work that he continued for the remainder of his active life. Although he worked In several shoe towns of New England, Farmington was his home and here he centered a keen interest. In affairs of local moment it may be said truly that Mr. Meserve’s life covered the greatest inventive period of the age and it was a privilege to hear him recount his recollections of the advancement of science and mechanic arts, in which his memory served him most accurately. During his early days he came to Farmington and united in marriage with Miss Belinda French, who passed away many years ago. In 1882 he married Miss Julia Gilman, making a most happy union that brought for him in his declining days a constant and devoted care for which he returned a sacred worship. In politics Mr. Meserve was a democrat but in local affairs he entertained the most liberal and progressive views that earned him a universal fellowship. Faithful and loyal as a friend, just and equitable to all, he has finished a well rounded career with honor. He leaves bis wife, a daughter, Mrs. Norman L. Otis of this village, two sons, Charles F. of Lynn, Mass., and Karl G. of Worcester, and five grandchildren. Funeral will be held from the home Friday afternoon at 1.30 o’clock, with Rev. J.G. Haigh officiating. Interment will be in the family lot at Pine Grove cemetery (Farmington News, July 12, 1918).

Daughter-in-law Julia S. (Gilman) Meserve died in Farmington, NH, December 21, 1928.

IN MEMORIAM. Mrs. Julia Meserve. Mrs. Julia Meserve, widow of Samuel Y. Meserve, whom she survived about ten years, passed away at the home of her daughter and husband, Mr. and Mrs. Norman L. Otis, last Friday afternoon at the age of 70 years. Mrs. Meserve had been in failing health tor several years, but complications which developed about three months ago, hastening the end, and the last two weeks her indomitable courage was forced to yield to an invalid condition, although she was not wholly confined to her bed. After all, the end came very suddenly to close a life that had earned repose after a long and faithful period of usefulness. The deceased was a native of Danvers, Mass., and one of five children born to Stephen and Amanda (Cross) Gilman. About 47 years ago she united in marriage with Mr. Meserve and since that time had resided in Farmington. Subsequent to the death of her husband she spent considerable time with employment in Rochester and Alton where she leaves many devoted friends who Join with those of the local circle in a sincere sense of loss. For many years she was a devout member of the Congregational church of this village, where her active influence was a helpful factor, and her passing will cast a shadow of deep and lingering sorrow. This life was an outstanding example of patience, Christian courage and faithfulness to all with whom it came in contact. Moreover, its gentleness will persuade a lasting memory of nobility that withstood the tests of time and life’s rendering complex. Besides a host of friends whose attentions followed her to the last, she is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Norman L. Otis of this village, one son, Carl Gilman Meserve of Oswego, N.Y., one brother, Ruel P. Gilman of Revere, Mass., five grandchildren, Miss Esther E. Otis and Miss Evelyn N. Otis of Farmington, Lawrence, Robert and Franklin Meserve, and one great granddaughter, Roberta Meserve, of Worcester, Mass. Funeral was held from the home Monday afternoon at 1.30, with Rev. W.D. Callendar, pastor of the Baptist church, officiating, and remains were taken to Farmington cemetery (Farmington News, December 28, 1928).

CARD of THANKS. In grateful appreciation of all the kindness and sympathy expressed by our friends in words and deeds during our recent sorrow. Mr. and Mrs. Norman L. Otis and family, Mr. and Mrs. Carl G. Meserve and family (Farmington News, December 28, 1928).

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References:

Find a Grave. (2012, June 2). Susan Meserve Colby. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/91238455/susan-colby

Find a Grave. (2022, August 20). Mary E. Meserve. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/242826547/mary_e-meserve

Find a Grave. (2011, February 15). Oliver B. Meserve. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/65692376/oliver_b-meserve

Find a Grave. (2017, June 20). Samuel Yeaton Meserve. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/180572961/samuel_yeaton-meserve

Find a Grave. (2015, September 17). Seth Meserve. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/152428799/seth-meserve

Find a Grave. (2022, August 20). Stephen Meserve. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/242826594/stephen-meserve

Find a Grave. (2014, September 17). Caroline A. (Meserve) Ricker. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/136013894/caroline_a-ricker

Find a Grave. (2022, September 22). Elizabeth A. Meserve Robinson. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/243770539/elizabeth_a-robinson

 

By Muriel Bristol | May 17, 2026

Lemuel Ricker was born in Somersworth, NH, October 18, 1747, son of Ephraim and Sarah (Wentworth) Ricker.

Father Ephraim Ricker was one of the “pressed men” in a militia company headed by Capt. Job Clements of Dover, NH, in 1748 (during King George’s War (1744-48)). Governor Wentworth had instructed Capt. Clements …

… to impress or inlist into His Majesty’s service thirty five effective men – and with them, in the neighborhood of Rochester, which scouting you are to repeat as often as you shall judge it for the safety and protection of the inhabitants (McDuffee, 1892).

Lemuel Ricker married in Dover, NH, December 31, 1771, Dorothy “Dolly” Nock, he of Somersworth, NH, and she of Dover, NH. Rev. Dr. Jeremy Belknap performed the ceremony. She was born in Somersworth, NH, circa 1750, daughter of Samuel and Abigail (Ricker) Nock. (Her sister, Sobriety Nock, had married his brother, Moses Ricker in June 1762). [The surname “Nock” was an alternate form of “Knox”].

(The known children of Lemuel and Dorothy (Nock) Ricker were: Jedediah Ricker (1773–1841), Dorothy Ricker (1774–), Joanna Ricker (1776–1855), Ezekiel Ricker (1778–1815), Abra Ricker (1779–), Sarah Wentworth Ricker (1780–), Dorcas Ricker (1780–1860), Hannah Ricker (1782–1829), Samuel Ricker (1783–186?)).

Father Ephraim Ricker of Strafford County, husbandman, made his last will February 17, 1773. He devised the improvement, i.e., the use and improvement, of one-half his homestead – the dwelling house and barn – to his dearly beloved [wife], Sarah Ricker, during her widowhood, and a life-estate in one-third if she were to remarry. (The so-called “widow’s third”). She was also to have a life-estate in all of the household goods. He devised £5 each to his beloved sons, Jonathan Ricker, Nicholas Ricker, Moses Ricker, Lemuel Ricker, and Ezekiel Ricker, the latter receiving also a yoke of steer. He devised all of his real and personal estate, excepting the items mentioned to his beloved son Aaron Ricker. He devised £2 each to his beloved daughters, Tamsin Tibbetts, Eleanor Ricker, Dorcas Clements, Mary Stanton, Sarah Clements, and Miriam Ricker. His six daughters were also to receive all the household goods after the decease of his wife. He appointed his son, Aaron Ricker, as executor. Ephraim Ricker signed with “his mark.” Mary Nock (“her mark”), Deborah Ricker, and Elizabeth Randel signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 1:19).

Son Jedediah Ricker was born in Somersworth, NH, March 2, 1773.

Father Ephraim Ricker died in Somersworth, NH, December 20, 1773, aged seventy-eight years. His last will was proved in a Strafford County Probate Court held in Dover, NH, February 9, 1774 (Strafford County Probate, 1:23).

Daughter Joanna Ricker was born August 11, 1776. Son Ezekiel Ricker was born March 22, 1778.

Mother Sarah (Wentworth) Ricker died in Dover, NH, in December 1778.

Daughter Sarah Wentworth “Sally” Ricker was born in 1780. Daughter Dorcas Ricker was born September 23, 1781. Daughter Abra Ricker was born in 1783. Son Samuel Ricker was born in 1783.

Brother Ezekiel 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).

Lem Ricker headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the First (1790) Federal Census. His household included two males aged 16-plus years [himself and Jedediah Ricker], three males aged under-16 years [Ezekiel Ricker, Samuel Ricker], and five females [Dorothy (Nock) Ricker, Joanna Ricker, Abra Ricker, Sarah W. Ricker, and Dorcas Ricker]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Clement Hayes and Ephm Plummer. (See Northeast Parish in the First (1790) Federal Census).

Lemuel Ricker 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 45-plus years [Dorothy (Nock) Ricker], one male aged 26-44 years [Jedediah Ricker], two males aged 16-25 years [Ezekiel Ricker and Samuel Ricker], two females aged 16-25 years [Joanna Ricker and Abra Ricker], and two females aged 10-15 years [Sarah W. Ricker and Dorcas Ricker]. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

Daughter “Mrs.” Joanna Robinson married in Rochester, NH, December 31, 1800, John Robinson, she of Rochester, NH, and he of Farmington, NH. William Palmer, J.P., performed the ceremony.

Limuel Ricker, and his son, Jerediah Ricker, signed the Rochester, NH, division petition of May 28, 1802, seeking the establishment of the town of Milton from Rochester, NH’s Northeast Parish. (See Rochester Division Petition – May 1802).

Son Jedediah Ricker married in Rochester, NH, February 19, 1803, Sarah Lord, both of Milton. Rev. Joseph Haven performed the ceremony. She was born in Lebanon, ME, in 1784, daughter of William W. and Mary ((Garland) Allen) Lord.

Son Samuel Ricker was one of fifty-two Milton petitioners that sought to have Jotham Nute appointed as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, in August 1805.

Daughter Abra Ricker married in Milton, July 26, 1806, Israel Daniels, she of Milton and he of Madbury, NH. William Palmer, J.P., performed the ceremony.

Saml [Leml] 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 [Dorothy (Nock) Ricker], two males aged 26-44 years [Jedediah Ricker and Samuel Ricker], two females aged 16-25 years [Sarah (Lord) Ricker and Dorcas Ricker], and one male aged under-10 years [Ezekiel Ricker]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Benj. Foss and Jno Downs. (See Milton in the Third (1810) Federal Census).

John Roberson headed a Farmington, 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 [Joanna (Ricker) Robinson], one female aged under-10 years [Nancy J. Robinson], and one male aged under-10 years [Lemuel Robinson].

Israel Daniels headed a Brookfield, NH, household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 16-25 years [Abra (Ricker) Daniels], one male aged under-10 years, and one female aged under-10 years.

Son Samuel Ricker married in Milton, October 13, 1813, Polly Foss.

Lemuel Ricker of Milton, husbandman, made his last will, July 15, 1815. He devised to his well beloved wife, Dolly Ricker …

… as much room in my dwelling house and cellar as will be convenient and necessary to do all her work and keep her warm and comfortable at all seasons. I also giver her twelve bushels of good corn, twelve pounds of flax and twenty bushels of potatoes with all necessary things to make her comfortable both in health and in sickness, to have one cow and two sheep kept for her own use and benefit all which articles are to be provided and kept for her yearly and every year during her natural life.

Lemuel Ricker devised a cow to each of his daughters, Joanna Robinson, Dorcas Ricker, Abra Daniels, Sally Ricker, and Hannah Ricker. Sally Ricker and Hannah Ricker were each to have a convenient room in his dwelling house and his kitchen furniture, for so long as they remained single. He devised to his two sons, Jedediah Ricker and Samuel Ricker, all his freehold estate, including land, buildings, and whatever other property not otherwise devised. He also named them as joint executors. Lemuel Ricker signed with “his mark.” Samuel Twombly, Levi Jones, and Samuel Twombly, 2d, signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 29:19).

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

Lemuel Ricker and his sons, Jedediah Ricker, and Saml Ricker, signed the Milton Anti-Division Remonstrance of June 1820. Lemuel Ricker and his son, Samuel Ricker, signed also a Milton Division Petition of November 1820. (See Milton Militia Dispute – 1820).

Lemuel Ricker died in 1822. His last will was proved in a Strafford County Probate Court held in Rochester, NH, April 27, 1822 (Strafford County Probate, 29:20).

William W. Lord of Milton, yeoman, made his last will, December 17, 1822. He devised a life estate in his real estate to his beloved wife, Mary Lord, with the reversion after her death or remarriage to his grandson, James A. Ricker. He devised a cow and three sheep to his daughter, Molly Ricker, who was also to received one-half of his furniture after his wife’s decease, excepting one feather bed and bedding which he reserved for the said James A. Ricker. He devised a decent comfortable living at his house to his daughter Jane Lord, while she remained single, and a cow, three sheep, and the residue of the furniture thereafter. He devised $1 to his grandson, Ezekiel Ricker, together with what had already been given to his late mother, Sally Ricker. He devised $1 each to his grandsons, Aaron Downs and Simon E. Downs, together with what had been already given to their late mother, Rebecca Downs. He devised all the rest and residue of his real and personal estate to his grandson, James A. Ricker, whom he named as joint executor with his wife, Mary Lord. Timothy Roberts, Rebecca H. Roberts, and James Roberts signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 41:273).

Daughter Dorcas Ricker was an initial member of Milton’s First Christian Church, when it was organized in March 1827. Son Samuel Ricker was one of the church’s first deacons. (See Milton’s Christian Church Elders – 1827-1845).

According to Scales’ History of Strafford County:

The “First Christian Church” [in Milton] was organized March 3, 1827, with ten members as follows, viz., Hapley Meserve, Joseph Goodwin, Anna Goodwin, Joanna Meserve, Eliza Rines, Abigail Burnham, Ruth Burnham, Mary Burnham, Dorcas Ricker, Mary Howe.

The first deacons were Hapley Meserve and Samuel Ricker, and the first clerk was Hapley Meserve.

Daughter Hannah Ricker died in Milton, February 17, 1829.

DIED. In Milton, N.H., on the 17th Feb. last, Miss Hannah Ricker, daughter of Mr. Lemuel Ricker, late of Milton (Dover Enquirer, April 7, 1829).

Jedediah Ricker headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], two females, a aged 40-49 years [Sarah (Lord) Ricker], and one female aged 80-89 years [Dorothy (Nock) Ricker]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Sally Downs and Joshua Hanson. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

John Robinson headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 60-69 years [himself], one female aged 50-59 years [Joanna (Ricker)] Robinson], one male aged 20-29 years, and one female aged 20-29 years.

Israel Daniels headed a Dover, NH, 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 [Abra (Ricker) Daniels], one female aged 20-29 years, one female aged 15-19 years, one male aged 10-14 years, one male aged 5-9 years, one male aged under-5 years, and one female aged under-5 years.

Saml Ricker headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], two females, a aged 40-49 years [Sarah (Lord) Ricker], and one female aged 80-89 years [Dorothy (Nock) Ricker]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Sally Downs and Joshua Hanson. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

Dorothy (Nock) Ricker died in Milton, November 26, 1831, aged eighty-four years.

DIED. In Milton, on the 26th Nov., Mrs. Dorothy, widow of Mr. Lemuel Ricker, aged 84 years (Dover Enquirer, December 20, 1831).

Brother Ezekiel Ricker died in Farmington, NH, December 5, 1833, aged sixty-nine years.

Died. In Farmington, Mr. Ezekiel Ricker, aged 69 years (Dover Enquirer, March 4, 1834).

Son Jerediah Ricker occupied a farm slated to be sold at auction on Saturday, April 22, 1837.

A Farm at Auction. WILL be sold at public auction on the premises, on SATURDAY the 22d day of April next at one of the clocks in the afternoon (unless previously disposed of at private sale) the farm now occupied by Jerediah Ricker situate in Milton, on the Teneriff road, so called, containing about 100 Acres of EXCELLENT LAND suitably divided into mowing, tillage and pasturing, about forty acres of which is covered with an excellent growth of Hard Wood.
The buildings are new consisting of house 26 by 34 ft. and Barn 30 by 36 feet. There is a good orchard and a well of water on said farm. Any person wishing a good bargain in a farm will do well to call and examine the same.
Conditions liberal and made known at the place of sale. For particulars enquire of Joseph Gerrish, Great Falls, Jerediah Ricker on the premises, or the subscriber.
STEPHEN M. MATHES. Milton, March 14, 1837 (Dover Enquirer, March 21, 1837).

In February or March, 1838, “Sarah W. Ricker, and 97 others, women of Milton, N.H.,” signed a memorandum, i.e., a petition, opposing the U.S. House of Representatives resolution of the 21st of December, 1837 (The Liberator, June 15, 1838). (See Milton and Abolitionism).

John Robinson headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 70-79 years [himself], one female aged 60-69 years [Joanna (Ricker)] Robinson], one male aged 30-39 years, one female aged 20-29 years, one female aged 5-9 years, and two males aged under-5 years. Two members of his household were engaged in Agriculture.

Samuel Ricker headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. Their household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one female aged 50-59 years, one male aged 20-29 years, one female aged 20-29 years, one male aged 15-19 years, and one female aged 15-19 years. Two members of his household were engaged in Agriculture. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Samuel Foss and Thomas Edgerly.

Died. In Biddeford, Mr. Jerediah Ricker, formerly of Milton, aged 69 (Dover Enquirer, September 28, 1841).

DIED. In Biddeford, Mr. Jedediah Ricker, formerly of Milton, N.H., aged 69; Miss Ellen Ayres, formerly of Boothbay, Me., aged 22; an infant daughter of Thomas J. Goodwin, Esq. (Portland Press Herald (Portland, ME), October 5, 1841).

George W. Foss, a farmer, aged thirty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Sally W. [(Robinson)] Foss (b. NH), aged thirty-nine years, and Joanna [(Ricker)] Robinson, aged seventy-six years (b. NH). George W. Foss had real estate valued at $200.

James A. Ricker, a farmer, aged forty-six years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Eleanor [(Chamberlain)] Ricker, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), Josiah C. Ricker, aged three years (b. NH), and Dorcus Ricker, aged seventy years (b. NH). James A. Ricker had real estate valued at $1,500. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Hanson Hayes, a farmer, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH), and Luther Stevens, a farmer, aged forty-five years (b. NH).

Samuel Ricker, a farmer, aged sixty-six years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Polly [(Foss)] Ricker, aged sixty-three years (b. NH), Asenath A. Ricker, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), Wentworth R. Ricker, a farmer, aged twenty-five years (b. NH), Maria V. Ricker, aged eighteen years (b. NH), and Alpheus Ricker, aged four months (b. NH). Samuel Ricker had real estate valued at $1,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Samuel Foss, a farmer, aged forty-five years (b. NH), and James D. Downs, a farmer, aged thirty-six years (b. NH).

Daughter Joanna (Ricker) Robinson died in Farmington, NH, in 1855.

Daughter-in-law Polly (Foss) Ricker died of influenza in Milton, January 27, 1856, aged sixty-nine years. D.E. Palmer, M.D., signed the death certificate.

Daughter Dorcas Ricker died June 9, 1860.

Wentworth R. Ricker, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), headed a Constable, NY, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Lucy E. [(Stebbins)] Ricker, aged thirty-three years (b. NH), Emerita Ricker, aged three years (b. NH), and Samuel Ricker, aged seventy-seven years (b. ME). Wentworth R. Ricker had personal estate valued at $1,000. Wentworth R. Ricker had real estate valued at $500 and personal estate valued at $100.

Son-in-law John Robinson died in Farmington, NH, October 1, 1861.

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References:

Find a Grave. (2020, October 21). Mary [(Foss)] Ricker. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/217546892/mary-ricker

McDuffee, Franklin. (1892). History of the Town of Rochester, New Hampshire, from 1722 to 1890. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=RY0-AAAAYAAJ&pg=PA31

Wikipedia. (2024, March 22). King George’s War. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_George%27s_War

By Muriel Bristol | May 10, 2026

Samuel Nute was born in Dover, NH, August 18, 1749, son of Jotham and Mary (Hayes) Nute. He was a namesake for his paternal grandfather, Samuel Nute (1689-1765) of Dover, NH.

Samuel Nute married in Dover, NH, August 21, 1769, Phebe Pinkham. Rev. Jeremy Belkap, D.D., performed the ceremony. She was born in Dover, NH, January 1, 1749, daughter of Samuel and Susannah (Canney) Pinkham (Her mother, Susannah (Canney) Pinkham, had died in Dover, circa 1760)

.… Samuel Nute, who was a native of Dover, and the head of a large family, was an active and influential citizen, living in Milton during his entire married life, and dying at an advanced age (Hurd, Duane H., 1882).

(The known children of Samuel and Phebe (Pinkham) Nute were: Francis Nute (1770–1812), Josiah Nute (c1775–1820), Samuel Nute, Jr. (1776–1836), Jotham Nute (1778–1817), Stephen Nute (1779–1843), Mary T. “Polly” Nute (1779–1861), Nicholas Nute [Sr.] (1781–1862), Susan Nute (c1785–1833), Hayes Nute (c1790–1875), Ezekiel Nute (1794–1859)).

Son Francis Nute was born in Dover, NH, January 21, 1770.

Son Josiah Nute was born in Dover, NH, circa 1775. Son Samuel Nute, Jr., was born in Dover, NH, circa 1776. Son Jotham Nute was born in Dover, NH, in 1778.

Son Stephen Nute was born in Dover, NH, in 1779. Daughter Mary T. “Polly” Nute was born in Dover, NH,  June 23, 1779.

Father-in-law Samuel Pinkham died in Dover, NH, January 28, 1780.

Son Nicholas Nute [Sr.] was born Dover, NH, June 9, 1781.

Strafford County historian Duane H. Hurd noted the settlements at Plummer’s Ridge, 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).

… Samuel Nute, a native of Back River, Dover, who settled in what is now Milton, soon after the close of the Revolution. His ancestors were among the early settlers in Dover (Scales, 1914).

Jotham [Nute] with his half-brother Samuel moved [from Dover, NH] in 1784 to tracts of land in the Northeast parish of Rochester which became Nute’s Ridge in Milton and here they cleared space for their future homes from land provided by their father (Pat and Kathie, 2019).

Daughter Susan Nute was born in Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, circa 1785.

Saml Nute headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the First (1790) Federal Census. His household included four males aged 16-plus years [himself, Francis Nute], five males aged under-16 years, and three females [Phebe (Pinkham) Nute, Mary Nute, and Susan Nute]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of [his father] Jotham Nute and Stephen Jinkins [Jenkins]. (See Northeast Parish in the First (1790) Federal Census).

Son Hayes Nute was born in Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, circa 1790.

Son Josiah Nute married in Rochester, NH, September 5, 1792, Rebecca Wentworth, both of Rochester, NH. Rev. Joseph Haven performed the ceremony. She was born in Rochester, NH, daughter of Josiah and Abiah (Cook) Wentworth.

Son Samuel Nute, Jr., married, circa 1792, Hannah Mitchell. She was born in New Durham, NH, circa 1775.

Son Francis Nute married in Madbury, NH, in October 1794, Mary Clements, both of Rochester, NH. Rev. William Hooper performed the ceremony. She was born in Dover, June 14, 1774, daughter of John and Patience (Bunker) Clements.

Son Ezekiel Nute was born in Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, November 20, 1794.

Saml Nute 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 45-plus years [Phebe (Pinkham) Nute], three males aged 16-25 years, one female aged 16-25 years, one female aged 10-15 years, and two males aged under-10 years. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

Francis Nute 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 16-25 years [Mary (Clements) Nute], two males aged under-10 years [John C. Nute], and one female aged under-10 years [Polly Nute]. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

Josiah Nute 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 16-25 years, and one male aged under-10 years. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

Saml Nute, Jr, 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 , and three males aged under-10 years. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

Son Stephen Nute married in Rochester, May 26, 1801, Anna Furbush, both of Rochester, NH.

Samuel Nute, and his sons, Francis Nute, and Samuel Nute, Jr., all signed the Rochester, NH, division petition of May 28, 1802, seeking the establishment of the town of Milton from Rochester, NH’s Northeast Parish. (See Rochester Division Petition – May 1802). (Younger half-brother Jotham Nute signed also).

Samuel Nute, Francis Nute, and Samuel Nute, Jr., were 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. (Younger half-brother Jotham Nute and future son-in-law, Samuel Bragdon, signed also).

Samuel Nute, and his son, Nicholas Nute, were assessed in the Milton School District No. 2 of [his younger half-brother,] Lieut. J. Nute in 1806. Sons Francis Nute and Saml Nute, Jur, were assessed in the Milton School District No. 4 of Dudley Burnham. (See Milton School Districts – 1806).

Son Nicholas Nute married in Rochester, NH, September 4, 1808, Elizabeth Bickford Hayes. She was  born in Rochester, NH, in 1787, daughter of Nathaniel and Elizabeth (Bickford) Hayes.

Son Jotham Nute married in Wolfeboro, NH, November 17, 1808, Olive Tuttle.

Samuel Nute 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 [Phebe (Pinkham) Nute], two females aged 26-44 years, and two males aged 16-25 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Jonathan Nute and Stephen Jenkins. (See Milton in the Third (1810) Federal Census).

Francis Nute 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 [Mary (Clement) Nute], two males aged 10-15 years [John C. Nute, and Joseph Nute], one female aged 10-15 years [Polly Nute], one male aged under-10 years [Moses Nute], and two females aged under-10 years [Elizabeth Nute, and Sukey Nute]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Saml Nute, Junr, and Daniel Wentworth. (See Milton in the Third (1810) Federal Census).

Josiah Nute headed a Falmouth, ME, household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years, and one female aged 16-25 years.

Saml Nute, Junr, 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 45-plus years, three males aged 10-15 years, two males aged under-10 years, and four females aged under-10 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Moses Downs, and Francis Nute. (See Milton in the Third (1810) Federal Census).

Jotham Nute headed a Wolfeboro, NH, household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], two females aged 16-25 years [Olive (Tuttle) Nute], one male aged under-10 years, and one female aged under-10 years.

Stephen Nute headed a Wolfeboro, 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, two males aged under-10 years, and three females aged under-10 years.

Son Francis Nute died in Milton, July 21, 1812.

Daughter Mary Nute married in Wakefield, NH, December 23, 1813, Thomas Young. He was born in Rochester, NH, October 7, 1784, son of James and Mary (Kimball) Young.

Sons Samuel Nute [Jr.] and Ezekiel Nute marched to Portsmouth, NH, in September 1814, with Capt. William Courson’s Milton militia company. They were responding to Gov. Gilman’s alarm regarding possible attacks by the British navy. (See Milton in the War of 1812).

Sons Jotham Nute, Stephen Nute, and Nicholas Nute, signed a Wolfeboro, NH, remonstrance petition, in June 1815, that opposed allocation of general town religious property and assets to a proposed Congregational Society.

Son Ezekiel Nute married in Rochester, NH, September 19, 1816, Dorcas Worster.

Ezekiel Nute was a good farmer and for many years a deacon in the Congregational Church at Milton. His wife was one of the best of women. They had four sons, the second of whom was named Lewis Worster [Nute] (Scales, 1914).

Daughter-in-law Mary (Clements) Nute died in Milton, November 12, 1816.

Mary (Clements) Nute, was living in Milton, N.H., a widow, in 1812. Administration on the estate of Francis Nute, late of Milton, deceased, was granted 26 April 1816. The real estate was divided to the following heirs, John C. Nute, eldest son, Moses Nute, Francis Nute, Elizabeth Nute, Thomas J. Nute, Polly Nute, Joseph Nute, and Sukey Nute. Since Mary (Clements) Nute receives no land in this division and since the administration was taken out a number of years after her husband’s death, it was probably her death that made an administration necessary. Samuel Nute, Jr., was made guardian, 21 January 1817, of Polly Nute, Elizabeth Nute, Joseph Nute, and Moses Nute, over 14, and Sukey Nute, Thomas-Jefferson Nute, and Francis Nute, under 14, children of Francis Nute, late of Milton, deceased (Strafford County Probate, 19:105, 21:75, :193) (Clement, 1927).

Son Jotham Nute died in Wolfeboro, NH, in 1817, aged thirty-nine years.

Son Hayes Nute married, in 1819, Mehitable Goodwin. She was born in Lebanon, ME, circa 1791, daughter of Thomas and Annie Goodwin.

Samuel Nute of Milton, husbandman, made his last will, January 28, 1820. He devised a one-third share in all his real estate to his beloved wife, Phebe Nute, as long as she remained his widow, changing to a life-estate (with reversion to the executor) should she remarry. He devised forty acres of land in Milton to his son, Hayes Nute. That forty acres had been drawn to the original right of Samuel Hayes and others, and was part of the lot which the testator was then improving, and adjoined the farm where Ezekiel Nute then resided. He devised to his daughter, Susan Nute, the use of a back room in his dwelling house, firewood, and provisions, while she remained single, and $50 if and when she should marry. He devised to his son, Samuel Nute, $1, together with what he had already received. He devised $1 to his daughter, Mary Young. He devised $1 each to his sons, Josiah Nute, Stephen Nute, and Nicholas Nute, together with what they had already received.

He devised $1 each to his grandchildren who were the children of his son, Francis Nute, late of Milton, deceased. They were identified as John C. Nute, Moses Nute, Elizabeth Pinkham, Mary Nute, Joseph Nute, Susan Nute, Thomas Jefferson Nute, and Francis Nute. He devised $1 each to his grandchildren who were the children of his son, Jotham Nute, late of Wolfeborough, deceased. They were identified as Ezekiel Nute, Susan Nute, Josiah Nute and Jotham Nute.

He devised all the residue and remainder of his estate, both real and personal, including lands buildings, stock, farming utensils, money, notes, goods and chattels of every kind, to his son, Ezekiel Nute, whom he named also as executor. He was to pay the debts, charges, and legacies, as well as the maintenance of his sister, Susan Nute. Levi Jones, B.U. Jenkins, and Dorcas Bragdon signed as witnesses. (Strafford County Probate, 34:22).

Son Josiah Nute died in Falmouth, ME, between January and August 1820 (Pat and Kathie, 2019).

[Grandson] Samuel Nute headed a Poland, ME, household at the time of the Fourth (1820) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Betsy (Fickett) Nute], one male aged under-10 years [Orsamus Nute], one female aged under-10 years, and one female aged 45-plus years [Rebecca (Wentworth) Nute]. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture.

Samuel Nute, Samuel Nute, Jr, Hayes Nute, and Ezekiel Nute, signed the Milton anti-division remonstrance of June 1820 requesting that Milton not be divided in two parts. (See Milton Militia Dispute – 1820).

(The identities of the several Samuel Nutes are a little indistinct. Our subject made his last will in January 1820, which would not be proved until March 1826. He might have been alive to sign this militia petition. However, he may have died already and the petitioning Samuel Nute might have been his son, Samuel Nute, Jr. (1776-1836), who had become the eldest Samuel Nute through the death of our subject. And the petitioning Samuel Nute, Jr., might have been one of the local grandsons of our subject, who had risen likewise in seniority to become the Junior. Is the Milton Anti-Division petition signature above similar to that of either the elder or junior Samuel Nute on the Rochester Division petition of 1802?)

Samuel Nute, Jr, and Ezekiel Nute signed also the Milton militia division petition of November 1820.

Samuel Nute died in Milton, between the time when he wrote his last will, in January 1820, and the time that will was proved in a Strafford County Probate Court held in Sanbornton, NH, March 2, 1826 (Strafford County Probate, 34:24).

(Samuel Nute of Milton should not be confused with Captain Samuel Nute of Dover, who died in March 1828, was buried in Dover, NH, and who left a widow, Sarah (Miller) Nute. DEATHS. In this [Dover] town, Capt. Samuel Nute, an officer of the revolution (Dover Enquirer, April 1, 1828)).

Daughter Susan Nute married in Rochester, NH, November 23, 1826, Samuel Bragdon, both of Milton. (She was his third wife). Charles Baker performed the ceremony. He was born in Berwick, ME, in April 1771, son of John and Sarah (Abbott) Bragdon.

Daughter-in-law Rebecca (Wentworth) Nute died in Woodstock, ME, circa 1828.

Saml Nute [Jr.] 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 50-59 years, one male aged 15-19 years, and one female aged 10-14 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Timo Brewster and John C. Nute. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

Stephn Nute headed a Wolfeboro, NH, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 40-49 years [himself], one female aged 50-59 years, one male aged 20-29 years, two females aged 20-29 years, one male aged 15-19 years, one female aged 15-19 years, one male aged 10-14 years, and one female aged 10-14 years.

Thos Young headed a Wakefield, NH, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 40-49 years [himself], one female aged 50-59 years [Mary (Nute) Young], two females aged 10-14 years, and one female aged 5-9 years.

Nicholas Nute headed a Wolfeboro, NH, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 40-49 years [himself], one female aged 40-49 years [Elizabeth B. (Hayes) Nute], one female aged 20-29 years, one female aged 15-19 years, one female aged 10-14 years, one male aged 5-9 years, and one male aged under-5 years.

Saml Bragdon headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 60-69 years [himself], one female aged 40-49 years [Susan (Nute) Bragdon], one male aged 20-29 years, one female aged 20-29 years, one male aged 15-19 years, one male aged 10-14 years, and two females aged 10-14 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Silas Tuttle and Isaac Wentworth. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

Hayes Nute 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 [Mehitable (Goodwin) Nute], and one male aged 5-9 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Jas Downs and Hopley Varney. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

Ezekl Nute 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 [Dorcas (Worster) Nute], one male aged 15-19 years, one female aged 15-19 years, two males aged 10-14 years, one male aged 5-9 years, and one male aged under-5 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Jotham Nute and John Jenkins. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

Daughter Susan (Nute) Bragdon died in Milton, January 18, 1833.

Son Samuel Nute, Jr., died May 7, 1836.

Stephen Nute headed a Wolfeboro, NH, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one female aged 60-69 years, one female aged 40-49 years, one male aged 20-29 years, one female aged 20-29 years. Two members of his household were engaged in Agriculture.

Thomas Young headed a Wakefield, NH, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one female aged 60-69 years [Mary (Nute) Young], and three females aged 20-29 years. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture.

Nicholas Nute headed a Wolfeboro, 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 [Elizabeth B. (Hayes) Nute], one male aged 15-19 years, and one male aged 10-14 years. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture.

Samuel Bragdon headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 70-79 years [himself], one female aged 60-69 years [Lydia (Clements) Bragdon], one male aged 30-39 years, one female aged 30-39 years, one female aged 15-19 years, one male aged 10-14 years, and one female aged 10-14 years. Two members of his household were engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Silas Tuttle and Joseph Watkins.

Hayes Nute 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 [Mehitable (Goodwin) Nute], one female aged 15-19 years, and one male aged 10-14 years. Two members of his household were engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of William Huntress and Wentworth Dore.

Ezekiel Nute 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 [Dorcas (Worster) Nute], one male aged 15-19 years, and one male aged 10-14 years. Three members of his household were engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of David Nute and John Jenkins.

Son-in-law Samuel Bragdon died in Milton, December 11, 1840, aged sixty-nine years, ten months.

Died. In Milton, 10th inst., Mr. Samuel Bragdon, aged about 71 years (Dover Enquirer, December 22, 1840).

Son Nicholas Nute “emancipated” his minor son, Nicholas Nute, Jr., in Wolfeboro, NH, February 10, 1842.

Notice. NOTICE is hereby given that I, the undersigned, have this day given to my son, NICHOLAS NUTE, the remainder of his minority, to act and trade for himself; that I shall claim none of his earnings nor pay any debts of his contracting after this date. NICHOLAS NUTE. Witness, Samuel Nute, Wolfborough, Feb. 10, 1842 (Dover Enquirer, February 15, 1842).

Son Stephen Nute died in Wolfeboro, NH, October 28, 1843.

Daughter-in-law Anna [(Furbush)] Nute of Wolfeborough, NH, made her last will, September 15, 1845. She devised $1 each to her sons, Moses Nute, Stephen Nute, and Francis Nute; and she devised $1 each to her daughters, Anne Avery, Dorcas Avery, and Sophia Scegel. She devised all the residue and remainder to her two daughters, Sally Nute and Hannah Nute. Aaron Roberts, James Thurston, and Livermore Moulton signed as witnesses (Carroll County Probate, 7:466).

Daughter-in-law Anna (Furbush) Nute died in Wolfeboro, NH, December 2, 1847, aged seventy-three years. Her last will was proven in a Carroll County Probate Court held in Ossipee, NH, December 14, 1847 (Carroll County Probate, 7:466).

Phebe (Pinkham) Nute died in Wakefield, NH, April 8, 1848.

Thomas Young, a farmer, aged sixty-five years (b. NH), headed a Wakefield, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Mary [(Nute)] Young, aged seventy-five years (b. NH). Mary You ng was “blind.” They shared a two-family residence with the household of Thomas Danforth, a famer, aged twenty-three years (b. NH).

Nicholas Nute, a farmer, aged sixty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Wolfeboro, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Elizabeth [(Hayes)] Nute, aged sixty-two years (b. NH), Elizabeth Nute, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), Samuel Nute, a farmer, aged thirty-nine years (b. NH), Olive [(Watson)] Nute, aged thirty-eight years, Mary Nute, aged eleven years (b. NH), and Charles G. Nute, aged one year (b. NH). Nicholas Nute had real estate valued at $600.

Hayes Nute, a farmer, aged sixty-one years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Mehitable [(Goodwin)] Nute, aged fifty-five years (b. ME), Richard R. Cotton, a shoemaker, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH), Abigail A. [(Nute)] Cotton, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH), and James Dean, a shoemaker, aged fifteen years (b. NH). Hayes Nute had real estate valued at $150. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of James B. Downs, a farmer, aged forty-five years (b. NH), and Mary Drew, aged sixty-five years (b. NH).

Ezekiel Nute, a farmer, aged fifty-six years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Dorcas [(Worster)] Nute, aged fifty-three years (b. ME), Samuel F. Nute, a farmer, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), and Warren W. Bodge, a farmer, aged twenty years (b. NH). Ezekiel Nute had real estate valued at $4,500. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John C. Wentworth, a laborer, aged twenty-seven years (b. ME),  and Ira Varney, a farmer, aged forty-seven years (b. NH).

Son Ezekiel Nute of Milton made his last will, February 28, 1859. He devised to his beloved wife, Dorcas Nute, all of his household furniture, and suitable maintenance for so long as she remained his widow. He devised $150 to his son, Cyrus W. Nute. He devised $300 to his son, Samuel F. Nute, which was to be paid three months after the death of his current wife, Josephine Nute, but that said money was to be paid instead to the executor should said son predecease his wife. He devised $25 to Thomas Jefferson Nute. He devised $100 to the Milton Congregation Society, for a fund to be loaned by them and the interest directed to preaching of the Gospel in Milton. He devised all the rest and residue to his son, Lewis W. Nute, whom he named as executor. Joseph Pearl, John C. Varney, and Ira Varney signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, :237).

Son Ezekiel Nute died in Milton, April 14, 1859, aged sixty-four years, four months, and fourteen days. His last will was proved in a Strafford County Probate Court held in Dover, NH, May 3, 1859 (Strafford County Probate, :239).

State of New Hampshire. STRAFFORD, SS. – The Judge of Probate for said county to the heirs of law of the estate of Ezekiel Nute, late of Milton, in said County, deceased, testate, and to all interested therein; you are hereby notified that Lewis W. Nute, Executor of the will of said deceased, will exhibit his account of the administration thereof at a Court of Probate to be holden at Somersworth, in said County, on the first Tuesday of June next, when and where you may appear and shew cause, if any you have, against the allowance of said account. And it is ordered that the said administrator give notice, by causing the foregoing citation and this order thereon, to be published three weeks successively in the Dover Enquirer, printed at Dover, in said County, the last publication whereof to be at least thirty days before said Court. Given at Dover, in said County, this third day of April, A.D. 1860. ASA FREEMAN, Register. 46 (Dover Enquirer, April 5, 1860).

William Powell, a trader, aged fifty-eight years (b. England), headed a Wakefield, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Susan N. [(Young)] Powell, aged forty-two years (b. NH), Thomas Young, aged seventy-five years (b. NH), and Mary [(Nute)] Young, aged eighty-five years (b. NH). William Powell had real estate valued at $700 and personal estate valued at $500. Thomas and Mary Young were both “blind.”

Nicholas Nute, a farmer, aged seventy-nine years (b. NH), headed a Wolfeboro (“North Wolfeborough P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Elizabeth [(Hayes)] Nute, aged seventy-two years (b. NH), Samuel Nute, a farmer, aged forty-nine years (b. NH), Olive [(Watson)] Nute, housework, aged forty-eight years (b. NH), Mary M. Nute, a tailoress, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), and Charles G. Nute, aged eleven years (b. NH). Samuel Nute had real estate valued at $800 and personal estate valued at $325.

Russel F. Cotton, a shoemaker, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Abigail [(Nute)] Cotton, aged thirty-nine years (b. NH), E.F. Cotton, aged nine years (b. NH), David P. Cotton, aged three years (b. NH), Hayes Nute, aged seventy-five years (b. NH), and Mehitable [(Goodwin)] Nute, aged seventy years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Simon T. Downs, a farmer, aged twenty-five years (b. NH), and Daniel Hill, a farmer, aged sixty-three years (b. NH).

Paul Reynolds, a farmer, aged sixty-one years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“West Milton P.O.”) household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Salley [(Raulett)] Reynolds, aged sixty-two years (b. NH), Ida Herrick, aged five years (b. NH), Ada Herrick, aged two years (b. NH), and Dorcas [(Worster)] Nute, aged sixty-two years (b. NH). Paul Reynolds had real estate valued at $1,500 and personal estate valued at $300. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Ira Varney, a farmer, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH), and William Chamberlin, a farmer, aged thirty years (b. NH).

Daughter Mary T. “Polly” (Nute) Young died in Wakefield, NH, January 9, 1861, aged seventy-seven years, seventeen days. She was married.

DEATHS. In Wakefield, Mrs. Young, wife of Thomas Young, aged 85 years (Dover Enquirer, January 24, 1861).

Son Nicholas Nute [Sr.] died in Wolfeboro, NH, February 9, 1862.

Letter from Milton. MILTON (3 Ponds), Jan. 24, 1862. Mr. Editor – Having been detained in this village throughout the day, owing to business relations, I concluded to step in with the mass on the occasion of the dedication of the new Church edifice (Mr. Doldt’s) erected by his Church and Society, who gratefully acknowledge liberal donations from Amos M. Roberts, James Jones, Beard Plummer, T.C. Lyman, Lewis Nute, Esq.’s, and the late Dea. Ezekiel Nute, all of whom are residents of this town; also from Thomas M. Wentworth, Esq. of Maine, Richard Shapleigh of Boston, Mass., and from sources in Concord and Portsmouth, the names of whom I did not learn. I am unable to give you the order of exercises. There was quite a large delegation of clergymen present, among whom was Rev. Mr. Richardson of your city, who delivered one of the finest discourses, it has ever been my opportunity to listen to. Mr. Richardson is a stranger to me, and apparently a young man, yet I should judge would now occupy a high position in the clerical profession. The other exercises of the pulpit were exceedingly well performed by the several clergymen present, especially the dedicatory prayer by Rev. Mr. Holmes of Eliot, Me., which was of rare excellence. The music was an exceptionable, and I believe under the direction of Mr. Nutter. The building is decidedly one of the finest that I see generally in a country village, and reflects much credit on those interested in its erection, especially on Col. E.W. Plummer as chairman of the building committee, whose untiring zeal and energy, is highly commendable, and last but not least, are the inside fixtures, furnished by the ladies, and which are seldom surpassed in a country village, and it rarely has fallen to my privilege to have passed a couple of hours more pleasantly than on this occasion. That abundant success may always attend the First Congregational Church and Society of old Milton, in not only the evident desire of its donors, but is the sincere wish of A TRAVELLING AGENT (Dover Enquirer, February 6, 1862).

Son-in-law Thomas Young died in Wakefield, NH, October 10, 1864, aged eighty years.

Daughter-in-law Elizabeth B. (Hayes) Nute died in Wolfeboro, NH, November 29, 1868.

Daughter-in-law Dorcas (Worster) Nute died in Milton, December 11, 1869.

Richard R. Cotton, works for shoe factory, aged forty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Abbie A. [(Nute)] Cotton, keeping house, aged forty-nine years (b. ME), Emma M. Cotton, aged nineteen years (b. NH), David P. Cotton, works for shoe factory, aged sixteen years (b. NH), Benjamin D. Cotton, works for shoe factory, aged thirteen years (b. NH), Hayes Nute, aged eighty years (b. NH), and Mahitable [(Goodwin)] Nute, aged seventy-seven years (b. ME). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of x and James B. Downs, a farmer, aged sixty-four years (b. NH). Richard R. Cotton had real estate valued at $300 and personal estate valued at $100. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Jeremiah O. Drew, a farm laborer, aged sixty-six years (b.  NH), and James B. Downs, a farmer, aged sixty-four years (b. NH).

Son Hayes Nute died of old age in Milton, March 3, 1875, aged eighty-five years, seven months. He was married. (The original record has a question mark after the 1875).

Abby C. [(Nute)] Cotton, keeping house, aged fifty-nine years (b. ME), headed a Milton household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. Her household included her son, Benj. D. Cotton, works on shoes, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), and her mother, Mehitable [(Goodwin)] Nute, at home, aged eighty-eight years (b. ME). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Thomas Tuttle, a carpenter, aged seventy years (b. NH), and James B. Downs, a farmer, aged seventy-five years (b. NH).

Daughter-in-law Mehitable (Goodwin) Nute died of heart disease in Milton, May 2, 1881, aged ninety years. She was a widowed housekeeper. Herbert F. Pitcher, M.D., signed the death certificate.

DEATHS. In Milton, May 2, Mrs. Hayes Nute, aged 88 years and 3 months (Farmington News, May 6, 1881).

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References:

Clement, Percival Wood. (1927). Ancestors and Descendants of Robert Clements. Philadelphia, PA: Patterson & White Co.

Find a Grave. (2021, August 12). Susan Nute Bragdon. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/230650732/susan-bragdon

Find a Grave. (2016, September 14). Ezekiel Nute. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/169916392/ezekiel-nute

Find a Grave. (2011, May 24). Jotham Nute. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/70322451/jotham-nute

Find a Grave. (2011, June 4). Nicholas Nute. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/70856313/nicholas-nute

Find a Grave. (2024, April 7). Rebecca Nute. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/269187768/rebecca-nute

Find a Grave. (2011, May 24). Stephen Nute. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/70323299/stephen-nute

Find a Grave. (2008, July 17). Mary Young. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/39569524/mary-young

Hurd, Duane H. (1882). History of Rockingham and Strafford Counties, New Hampshire. Retrieved from www.google.com/books/edition/History_of_Rockingham_and_Strafford_Coun/juuVEQAAQBAJ?pg=PA657

Pat and Kathie. (2019, July 21). The Mystery of 4th GGF Josiah Nute (1775-1820). Retrieved from patandkathie.blogspot.com/2019/07/the-mystery-of-josiah-nute.html