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).
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
Milton Observer 