Month: October 2026

By Muriel Bristol | October 18, 2026

James Varney was born in Dover, NH, circa 1765, son of James and Abigail (Frye) Varney.

James Varney and his brother, John Varney, have been described as early settlers of West Milton.

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 Meseron [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.

James Varney married in Rochester, NH, June 7, 1787, Martha Wentworth, he of Dover, NH, and she of Rochester, NH. She was born in Rochester, NH, August 21, 1766, daughter of William and Hannah (Hayes) Wentworth. She was a namesake for her paternal grandmother, Martha (Grant) Wentworth.

(The known children of James and Martha (Wentworth) Varney were: Abigail Varney (1788-1870), Hopley Varney (1792-1854), Ira Varney (1803-1888), “and others”).

Daughter Abigail Varney was born in Rochester, NH, April 21, 1788. [daughter of Jonathan and Martha Varney].

James Varney headed a Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, household at the time of the First (1790) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 16-plus years [himself], two females [Martha (Wentworth) Varney, Abigail Varney], and one male aged under-16 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Ezecal Hays and Jotham Nute. (See Northeast Parish in the First (1790) Federal Census).

Son Hopley Varney was born in Rochester, NH, in 1792.

James Varney 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 [Martha (Wentworth) Varney], one female aged 10-15 years, one male aged under-10 years, and two females aged under-10 years. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

Son Ira Varney was born in Rochester, NH, in 1803. [son of James and Elizabeth Varney].

James Varney was among the fifty-two Milton petitioners that sought to have Jotham Nute appointed as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, in August 1805.

James Varney was assessed in the Milton School District No. 2 of Lieut. J. Nute in 1806. (See Milton School Districts – 1806).

Daughter Abigail Varney married in Milton, April 24, 1806, Ebenezer Clark, she of Milton and he of Barrington, NH. Wm Palmer, J.P., performed the ceremony. Clark was born in Barrington, NH, March 11, 1783, son of Daniel and Love (Drew) Clark.

James Varney 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 [Martha (Wentworth) Varney], one male aged 16-25 years, two females aged 10-15 years, and one male aged under-10 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Ezekiel Hayes and Wd [Widow] Mary Varney. (See Milton in the Third (1810) Federal Census).

Ebenezr Clerk [Clark] headed a Barrington, 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 [Abigail (Varney) Clark], one male aged under-10 years, and one female aged under-10 years.

Martha (Wentworth) Varney died after 1810, when she was aged 45-plus years, i.e., born before 1765, but before 1830.

Son Hopley Varney married in Rochester, NH, November 25, 1813, Lydia Varney, both of Milton. She was born in Milton, circa 1790, daughter of Aaron and Anne (Clements) Varney.

James Varney and his son, Hopley Varney, signed the Milton anti-division remonstrance of June 1820 requesting that Milton not be divided in two parts. (See Milton Militia Dispute – 1820).

Son Ira Varney married in Berwick, ME, April 21, 1825, Lydia Jenkins, he of Milton and she of South Berwick, ME. Linzey Wallis, J.P., performed the ceremony. She was born in Durham, NH, circa 1806, daughter of Nathaniel and Sally (Hammett) Jenkins.

Jas Varney headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 70-79 years [himself], and one female aged 20-29 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of J.C. Varney and Ira Varney. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

Hopley Varney headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged one male aged 30-39 years [himself], one female aged 40-49 years, one female aged 15-19 years, one male aged 10-14 years, one female aged 10-14 years, one female aged 5-9 years, and one male aged under-5 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Hayes Nute and J.C. Varney. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

Ira Varney headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 20-29 years [himself], one female aged 20-29 years [Lydia (Jenkins) Varney], and one male aged under-5 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Jas Varney and David Nute. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

James Varney died after 1830, when he was aged 70-79 years (i.e., he was born between 1751 and 1760), but before 1840.

Son-in-law Ebenezer Clark died in Strafford, NH, November 24, 1837, aged fifty-four years.

Harpley [Hopley] Varney headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 40-49 years [himself], one male aged 20-29 years, one female aged 20-29 years, one male aged 10-14 years, and one female aged 60-69 years. Two members of his household were engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Jeremiah Cook and Stephen Twombly.

Ira Varney headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 30-39 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years [Lydia (Jenkins) Varney], one female aged 15-19 years, one male aged 10-14 years, one male aged 5-9 years, one female aged 5-9 years. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John C. Varney and David Nute.

Abigail [(Varney)] Clark, aged sixty-two years (b. NH), headed a Strafford, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. Her household included James B. Clark, a farmer, aged forty-one years (b. NH), Elisabeth [(Nute)] Clark, aged forty-one years (b. NH), Eliza J. Clark, aged fifteen years (b. NH), and Abigail M. Clark, aged thirteen years (b. NH). Abigail Clark had real estate valued at $3,000.

Hopley Varney, a farmer, aged fifty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Lydia [(Varney)] Varney, aged sixty years (b. NH), Caroline Varney, aged thirty-four years (b. NH), James H. Varney, a shoemaker, aged twenty years (b. NH), Joseph Pitman, a farmer, aged forty-four years (b. NH), and Isaac Young, aged fifty-two years (b. NH). Hopley Varney had real estate valued at $1,500. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Joseph Cook, a farmer, aged forty-one years (b. NH), and Isaac Young, a carpenter, aged fifty-two years (b. NH).

Ira Varney, a farmer, aged forty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Lydia [(Jenkins)] Varney, aged forty-four years (b. NH), Nathaniel B. Varney, a shoemaker, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), James B. Varney, a farmer, aged sixteen years (b. NH), Sarah E. Varney, aged eighteen years (b. NH), and Ira C. Varney, aged nine years (b. NH). Ira Varney had real estate valued at $2,500. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Ezekiel Nute, a farmer, aged fifty-six years (b. NH), and John C. Varney, a farmer, aged fifty-four years (b. NH).

Hopley Varney of Milton, husbandman, made his last will, July 24, 1852. He bequeathed two cows and four sheep to his wife, Lydia Varney, to be kept on the farm for her benefit. She was to receive also an annual allotment of twelve bushels of good corn, thirty bushels of potatoes, “and as much garden sauce and cider apples and all other sauce that grows on the farm as is necessary for her.” The “sauce” mentioned here is a 18th and early 19th century Yankee term for root and other vegetables. She was to have also as much of the house and cellar as is necessary for her use and benefit during her widowhood, and wood sufficient for one fire, to be delivered to the house fitted for a stove or fireplace as she may choose. She was to have also the household furniture not otherwise mentioned.

He bequeathed his homestead farm in Milton to his son, James H. Varney. The farm included its buildings, farming utensils, and stock, excepting three cows and fours sheep. He bequeathed $5 to his daughter, Martha Ann Hanson. He bequeathed to his daughter, Caroline Varney, one cow, one bed and bedding, and all the table linen, and bedding she had made for herself, and a decent and handsome maintenance on the farm as long as she remained unmarried. She was to receive $40 should she marry. He bequeathed one cow, three sheep, and two steer to his son, John W. Varney. He named his son, James H. Varney, as executor. Elihu Hayes, Isaac Cook, and Ichabod H. Wentworth signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 66:187).

Hopley Varney died in Milton, February 3, 1854. His last will was proved in a Strafford County Probate Court held in Dover, NH, March 7, 1854 (Strafford County Probate, 66:188).

James V. Clark, a farmer, aged fifty years, headed a Strafford (“Bow Pond P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Elizabeth [(Nute)] Clark, aged fifty years (b. NH), Abbie M. Clark, teacher of common school, aged twenty-two years (b. NH), Joseph A. Clark, aged eleven years (b. NH), Abigail [(Varney)] Clark, aged seventy-two years (b. NH), and Jonathan Witham, a farm laborer, aged twenty years (b. NH). James V. Clark had real estate valued at $4,000 and personal estate valued at $1,000.

Henry Varney, aged thirty years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Lydia [(Varney)] Varney, aged seventy years (b. NH), and Caroline Varney, aged forty-four years (b. NH). He had real estate valued at $2,000 and personal estate valued at $500. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Nathl W. Burnham, a farmer, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), and Joseph Cook, a farmer, aged fifty-one years (b. NH).

Ira Varney, a farmer, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Lydia Varney, aged fifty-four years (b. NH), J.C. I.C.] Varney, a farmer, aged nineteen years (b. NH), and L.J. Tibbetts, aged ten years (b. NH). Ira Varney had real estate valued at $2,000 and personal estate valued at $1,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of William J. Tibbetts, a farmer, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), and Paul Reynolds, a farmer, aged sixty-one years (b. NH).

James V. Clark, a farmer, aged sixty-years (b. NH), headed a Strafford, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Elizabeth [(Nute)] Clark, keeping house, aged sixty-one years (b. NH), Georgie N. Clark, a school teacher, aged eighteen years (b. NH), Abigail [(Varney)] Clark, aged eighty-two years (b. NH), Woodbury M. Bateman, a farm laborer, aged nineteen years (b. NH), Edwin S. Otis, a farm laborer, aged eighteen years (b. NH), and George W. Nelson, at school, aged eight years (b. NH). James V. Clark had real estate valued at $5,000 and personal estate valued at $500.

James H. Varney, a farmer, aged forty years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Lydia [(Varney)] Varney, keeping house, aged eighty years (b. NH), and Caroline Varney, aged fifty-four years (b. NH). James H. Varney had real estate valued at $1,000 and personal estate valued at $712. Lydia Varney had personal estate valued at $220; and Caroline Varney had personal estate valued at $100. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Deborah [(Davis)] Pike, keeping house, aged sixty-nine years (b. NH), and Joseph Cook, a farmer, aged sixty-one years (b. NH).

Ira Varney, a farmer, aged sixty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Lydia [(Jenkins)] Varney, keeping house, aged sixty-four years (b. NH). Ira Varney had real estate valued at $2,000, and personal estate valued at $640. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Chartles E. Ricker, works for shoe factory, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), and David Nute, a farmer, aged seventy-three years (b. NH).

Daughter Abigail (Varney) Clark died of lung fever in Strafford, NH, December 4, 1870, aged eighty-two years. She was a married farmer. (daughter of Jonathan and “Marthar” Varney).

Daughter-in-law Lydia (Varney) Varney died May 2, 1872, aged eighty-one years.

Ira Varney, a farmer, aged seventy-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included Lydia [(Jenkins)] Varney, keeping house, aged seventy-four years (b. NH). They shared a two-family residence with the household of Nathaniel B. Varney, a blacksmith, aged fifty-six years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Eli Varney, a farmer, aged forty-nine years (b. NH), and Samuel Hooper, a farmer, aged seventy-two years (b. ME).

Daughter-in-law Lydia (Jenkins) Varney died in Milton, February 23, 1881, aged seventy-five years and sixteen days.

DEATHS. In Milton, Feb. 23, of paralysis, Lydia, wife of Ira Varney, aged 75 yrs., 16. days (Farmington News, February 25, 1881).

Grandson Ira C. Varney opened a Boston Branch Grocery franchise store in Rochester, NH, in 1881.

GRANITE STATE NEWS. … Ira C. Varney of Farmington, with some Massachusetts parties, has opened a Boston branch store at Rochester (Boston Post, December 1, 1881).

ROCHESTER. A little more than a year ago Ira C. Varney, formerly one of your townsmen, came to this village and opened a Boston Branch Grocery here. At the time most people shook their heads for he had no team and his store was not considered as favorably situated as many others we might mention, and then prominent among the leading groceries were Standley’s, while Biddle’s Boston Branch in Dover was getting into position with their goods marked down, and considering the larger stores and low prices for Mr. Varney to contend with, it was not much wonder that knowing ones shook their heads and said, “short lived, short lived,” but to use Mr. Varney’s own language, he “kept quiet and let the cat jump,” and soon those places which some thought would devour all the smaller ones began to fall in the rear and Mr. Varney began slowly but surely to advance and to-day we believe in the line of a first-class has stands even if not a little in advance of his competitors, and we have now some 12 or 15 groceries in this village that will average as good in all respects as the state affords (January 12, 1883).

Son Ira Varney died of dropsy in Milton, August 29, 1888, eighty-five years, seven months, and twenty-four days. He was a widowed farmer.

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References:

Find a Grave. (2013, August 23). Abigail “Abbie” Varney Clark. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/115921622/abigail-clark

Find a Grave. (2012, April 25). Hopley Varney. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/89126239/hopley-varney

Find a Grave. (2021, July 7). Ira Varney. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/229234499/ira-varney

Find a Grave. (2012, April 24). James Varney, Jr. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/89090906/james-varney

By Muriel Bristol | October 11, 2026

Amos Witham was born in Kittery, ME, in 1742, son of Gattensby and Margaret (Cater) Witham.

Amos Witham married in Kittery, ME, September 6, 1764, Lucy Weeks. She was born in Kittery, ME, in 1739, daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Wilson) Weeks.

(The known children of Amos and Lucy (Weeks) Witham were: John Witham (1765-1847), Josiah Witham (1768-184?), and Obadiah Witham (1771-1841)).

Son John Witham was born in Kittery, ME, circa 1765. Son Josiah Witham was born in Kittery, ME, December 2, 1768. Son Obadiah Witham was born in Kittery, ME, circa 1771.

Amos Witham was one of thirteen Kittery inhabitants residing near Spruce Creek that petitioned the ME legislature, March 28, 1772, seeking fishing regulations at Spruce Creek.

To his Excellency the Governor of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay the Hond his Majestys Council for said Province & the Honb House of Representatives for Said Province in general Assembly Convend the 28th Day of March 1772 The Petition of the Subscribers Inhabitants of the Town of Kittery in the County of York living at and near a place in Said Town called Spruce Creek Humbly Shew That whereas they are Given to understand that a Petition of Some of the Inhabitants of Said Town is preferred to Your Excellency and Honours to have a Prohibition laid on Seining of Shad and alewives in the Said Creek called Spruce Creek upon which they would be glad to observe that to have the Fishing in Said Creek put upon some Regulation Your Petitioners are in no manner averse But they Humbly Concieve that to absolutely Prohibet catching the Said Fish in Scienes [seines] and at the same time to permit the Catching of them in wares [weirs] and Hedges as the manner has been of late would be Inequitable as these wares and Hedges are Usually made and Continued on the Flats or shallows which are claimed as the Property of the Propriators of the Land Contiguous and adjoining their being but one Small Sciene [seine] made use of by a party that has no place Conveniant to Set up a ware [weir] or Hedges for the cetching Said Fish that the distruction of the Fish is much more made by these wares [weirs] than by Seining as they are usually kept up all the fishing Season and take all the Fish that come within them every Tide whereas Seining is generally made in the middle of the River and is only occasionally done to Catch Bait to Carry on the Cod fishery that your Petitioners can not but be apprehensive that the Prayer of the Said Petition before Referrd to notwithstanding the pretences therein made for the Public Good is Principally intended for the Emolument of Individuals and therefore Your Petitioners Humbly hope the thereof will not be Granted THOMS CHASE, RICHD KEATING, JOHN SPINNEY ye 3d, ROBT CUTTS, BRADSTREET CHASE, JOHN SPINAY, JOHN CATOR, PARKER FOSTER, JOHN TOTHERLY, JOHN CHASE, MATTHEW GROVER, WILLIAM FERNALD, AMOS WITHAM (MA General Court, 1886).

Amos Witham would seem to have settled in Rochester’s Northeast Parish, i.e., the Milton Branch and Milton Mills part of what would become Milton, before 1790. (Yet he was not enumerated by name there in the First (1790) Federal Census).

It does not appear that any settlement was made east of the West Branch river prior to about 1785 or 1786, and among the earlier settlers there may be named among others Reuben Jones, Paul Jewett, Amos Witham, the Berrys, the Millers, Ephraim Twombly, Paul Wentworth, Caleb Wingate, David Coursan, John McDuffee, and soon after Hatwell [Hatevil] Nutter, Thomas Applebee, William Applebee, John Hart, John Remick, Jr., Jonathan Dearborn, Joseph Dearborn, and many others (Scales, 1914).

Paul Jewett, Amos Witham, Reuben Jones and others were the first settlers of the section near the West Branch river. They came probably about 1785 or 1786.
Among the first who settled at Three Ponds were Samuel Palmer, [John] Levi Burgen, John Fish, Paul Jewett, Pelatiah Hanscom, Robert McGooch, and others (Hurd, 1882).

Son Josiah Witham married in Wakefield, NH, August 5, 1792, Mehitable “Hittie” Jones. She was born in Berwick, ME, March 20, 1770, daughter of Reuben and Mary “Molly” (Nock) Jones.

Son Obadiah Witham married in Wakefield, NH, in 1800, Nancy Hanson, both of Rochester, NH. Rev. Asa Piper performed the ceremony.

Amos Witham headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus [himself], one female aged 45-plus [Lucy (Weeks) Witham], one male aged 26-44 years  [Obadiah Witham], and one male aged 10-15 years [Joseph Witham]. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

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

Josiah Witham headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 [Mehitable (Jones) Witham], one male aged 10-15 years, and four females aged under-10 years [Sarah Witham, Mary J. Witham, and Lucy Witham]. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census)

Amos Witham and his sons, John Witham, Josiah Witham, and Obadiah Witham, as well as Ruben Jones, all signed the Rochester Division Petition of May 1802.

Amos Witham, Aron Witham, John Witham, Josiah Witham, Obadiah Witham, and Edmd Witham, were assessed in the Milton School District No. 3 of Paul Jewett Esq.  (See Milton School Districts – 1806).

Amos Witham 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 [Lucy (Weeks) Witham], and one male aged 16-25 years [Joseph Witham]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Stephen Watson and Josiah Witham. (See Milton in the Third (1810) Federal Census).

John Witham 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 26-44 years [Mary (Littlefield) Witham], one male aged 16-25 years, one male aged 10-15 years, two females aged 10-15 years, and two females aged under-10 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of James Merry and Stephen Watson. (See Milton in the Third (1810) Federal Census).

Josiah Witham 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 16-25 years [Mehitable (Jones) Witham], three females aged 10-15 years [Sarah Witham, Mary J. Witham], one male aged under-10 years [Reuben J. Witham], five females aged under-10 years [Mehitable Witham, Rhoda Witham, Clarissa Witham]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Amos Witham and Nathl Jewett. (See Milton in the Third (1810) Federal Census).

Obadiah Witham 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 [Nancy (Hanson) Witham], one female aged 16-25 years, four males aged under-10 years, and one female aged under-10 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Timo Wentworth and Jona Young. (See Milton in the Third (1810) Federal Census).

Lucy (Weeks) Witham died in Milton, April 27, 1823, aged eighty-four years. Amos Witham died in Milton, August 9, 1823, aged eighty-one years.

Son Obadiah Witham published a legal notice, in 1828, acknowledging his own son, Ira L. Witham, to be an emancipated minor.

NOTICE. I, OBADIAH WITHAM, of Milton, N.H., do hereby certify that I have this day given my son Ira L. Witham, his time till he becomes twenty-one years of age; and that he has liberty to act and trade for himself, and that I shall not claim any of his earnings. OBADIAH WITHAM. Witness, John Kimball. Milton, July 16, 1823 .29 (Dover Enquirer, September 8, 1828).

John Witham 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 60-69 years [Mary (Littlefield) Witham], one female aged 20-29 years, and one male aged 10-14 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of R.J. Witham and John Witham, Jr. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

Josiah Witham 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 60-69 years [Mehitable (Jones) Witham], one female aged 30-39 years, one female aged 20-29 years, and one male aged 10-14 years [Josiah N. Witham]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Amos Witham and R.J. Witham. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

Obediah Witam [Obadiah Witham] 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 [Nancy (Hanson) Witham], two males aged 10-14 years, and one male aged 5-9 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Eph Pickering and Otis Wentworth. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

Son John Witham, Mary [(Littlefield)] Witham; Josiah Witham, Mehitable [(Jones)] Witham; and Nancy [(Hanson)] Witham, were among the the fifty-two members that were dismissed or released from the Acton and Milton Baptist Church, October 28, 1834, in order to found the Milton Baptist Church.

Baptist Church. – Prior to 1834 a church existed, known as the Acton and Milton Baptist Church. This church had a large membership in Milton. On the 28th day of October, in said year, fifty-two members were dismissed from said church, and the 30th day of the same October they organized them into a new church, called the Baptist Church of Milton. The membership was as follows: Charles Swasey, Sarah Swasey, John Shackford, Elizabeth Hart, Ann E. Hart, Hannah Nutter, Ruth Nutter, Samuel S. Hart, Daniel Jones, Nancy Witham, Ira Witham, Nathan Jones, Mehitable Witham, Eunice Swasey, Harriet Fox, Widow Betsey Berry, Susan S. Nutter, Mary Ann Nutter, John Witham, Jr., William S. Nutter, Aaron H. Hadsdan, Nathaniel O. Hart, John Witham, Francis Berry, Josiah Witham, Susan Jones, Martha Witham, Fatima Wallingford, Lydia Jewett, Susan Archabald, Eliza G. Berry, James J. Jewett, Lydia Witham, Nathan Dore, Climena Witham, Alice Hussey, Mary Wentworth, Lydia Fall, Sarah Wentworth, Sally Merrow, Eliza Merrow, Mary Jones, Nancy Jewett, Asa Jewett, Betsey Berry, Mary Witham, Abigail Witham, Deborah Dore, Sarah Berry, Francis Wallingford, Sarah Dore, Elizabeth Nutter. William S. Nutter was chosen clerk, and Charles Swasey and John Witham, Jr., were chosen and ordained as deacons. Of these fifty-two members nine only are now living (Scales, 1914).

Josiah Witham 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 [Mehitable (Jones) Witham], one female aged 40-49 years [Lucy Witham], one female aged 30-39 years [Mehitable Witham], and one female aged 10-14 years. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of [his sons,] Josiah N. Witham and Reuben J. Witham.

Obidiah [Obadiah] Witham headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 60-69 years [himself], one female aged 60-69 years [Nancy (Hanson) Witham], one male aged 30-39 years, one female aged 20-29 years, and one female aged under-5 years. Two members of his household were engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Phineas Wentworth and Samuel Guptill.

Son Obadiah Witham died in Milton, in June 1841, aged sixty-nine years.

Died. In Milton, Mr. Obadiah Witham, aged 69 (Dover Enquirer, June 22, 1841).

Grandson Ira L. Witham married in Wakefield, NH, November 4, 1843, Climena P. Witham, both of Milton. Rev. Joseph Spinney performed the ceremony.

Son John Witham died in Milton, in February 1847, aged about eighty-two years.

DEATHS. In Milton, Mr. John Witham aged about 82 (Dover Enquirer, March 2, 1847).

Josiah N. Witham, farming, aged thirty-four years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Sarah [(Walker)] Witham, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), Charles Witham, aged ten years (b. NH), Eliza Witham, aged six years (b. NH), Charles Witham, aged three years (b. NH), Mehitable [(Jones)] Witham, aged eighty-two years (b. ME), Lucy Witham, aged fifty years (b. NH), and Martha Witham, aged forty years (b. NH). Josiah N. Witham had real estate value at $3,000. Their household was enumerated between those of Brackett Merrill, a lumber dealer, aged thirty-four years (b. ME), and Asa Jewett, a lumber dealer, aged thirty-five years (b. NH).

Ira L. Witham, a farmer, aged forty years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Climena [(Witham)] Witham, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), Zilpha Witham, aged ten years (b. NH), Nancy E. Witham, aged eight years (b. NH), Cordelia Witham, aged six years (b. NH), and Nancy [(Hanson)] Witham, aged seventy-one years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Asa H. Witham, a farmer, aged thirty-three years (b. NH), and Benjamin Dorr, a farmer aged sixty-three years (b. ME).

J.N. Witham, a farmer, aged forty-four years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills”) household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Sarah A. [(Walker)] Witham, aged forty-six years (b. NH), Charles Witham, aged fourteen years (b. NH), and Mary E. Witham, aged eleven years (b. NH). J.N. Witham had real estate valued at $3,000 and personal estate valued at $1,500. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Nathl Rines, a farmer, aged forty-four years (b. NH), and [his mother,] Mehitable [(Jones)] Witham, aged ninety years (b. NH).

Mehitable (Jones) Witham died of old age in Milton, May 10, 1863, aged ninety-three years. She was a farmer.

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References:

Hurd, Duane H. (1882). History of Rockingham and Strafford Counties. Retrieved from www.google.com/books/edition/History_of_Rockingham_and_Strafford_Coun/juuVEQAAQBAJ?&pg=PA645

MA General Court. (1886). Acts and Resolves, Public and Private, of the Province of Massachusetts Bay. Retrieved from www.google.com/books/edition/The_Acts_and_Resolves_Public_and_Private/bguedZxfwjsC&pg=PA185

Scales, John. (1914). History of Strafford County, New Hampshire and Representative Citizens. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=nGsjAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA508

By Muriel Bristol | October 4, 2026

John Twombly, Jr., was born in Rochester, NH, April 20, 1769, son of James and Tamson (Drew) Twombly.

The next settlement is believed to have been made upon Plumer’s Ridge in 1772 or 1773, or very near that time and probably by Benjamin Scates, Beard Plumer, and his brother Joseph, sons of the Hon. John Plumer, of Rochester, however, were very early settlers, and it has been sometimes questioned whether they were not the first in this locality. James C. Hayes, David Wallingford, William Palmer, Elijah Horn, Moses Chamberlain and others very soon followed and opened up settlements in this neighborhood. 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 Meseron [Meserve] being among the first. Jeremiah Cook, Dudley Burnham, Jotham Nute, Otis Pinkham, Ephraim Plumer, John Twombly, James Varney, John Varney, William Mathes, and others coming soon after (Scales, 1914).

[Father] James Twambly [Twombly] headed a Northwest Parish, Rochester, NH, household at the time of the First (1790) Federal Census. His household included two males aged 16-plus years [himself], three males aged under-16 years, and six females [Tamson (Drew) Twombly]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Richd Randllett and Moses Horne. (See Northeast Parish in the First (1790) Federal Census).

Father James Twombly died in Rochester, NH, April 1, 1798.

John Twombly, Junr, married in Rochester, NH, May 7, 1798, Abigail Meserve, both of Rochester, NH. Rev. Joseph Haven performed the ceremony. She was born in Rochester, NH, circa 1780, daughter of Stephen and Abigail (Yeaton) Meserve.

(The known children of John and Abigail (Meserve) Twombly were: James Meserve Twombly (1798–1885), Stephen Meserve Twombly (1804–1879), Tamson Twombly (1805–1834), John Twombly (1807–1891), Abigail Twombly (1809–1893), Samuel Twombly (1811–1891), Ezra Meserve Twombly (1815–1816), William B. Twombly (1818–1880), and Betsey Meserve Twombly (1820–1904)).

Son James Meserve Twombly was born in Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, November 3, 1798. He was a namesake for his paternal grandfather, James Twombly.

John 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 16-25 years [Abigail (Meserve) Twombly], one male aged under-10 years [James M. Twombly], and one female aged under-10 years. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

John Twombly signed the Rochester division petition of May 28, 1802.

Son Stephen Meserve Twombly was born in Milton, October 3, 1804. He was a namesake for his maternal grandfather, Stephen Meserve.

Daughter Tamson Twombly was born in Milton, in 1805. She was a namesake for her paternal grandmother, Tamson (Drew) Twombly.

John Twombly, Jur, was assessed in the Milton School District No. 4 of Dudley Burnham in 1806 (See Milton School Districts – 1806).

Son John Twombly, [III], was born in Milton, February 14, 1807. He was a namesake for his father, John Twombly, Jr.

Daughter Abigail Twombly was born in Milton, February 19, 1809. She was a namesake for her mother, Abigail (Meserve) Twombly, and for her maternal grandmother, Abigail (Yeaton) Meserve.

Jno Twambly [Twombly], Jun., 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 [Abigail (Meserve) Twombly], one male aged 10-15 years, one female aged 10-15 years, two males aged under-10 years, and two males aged under-10 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Oliver Peavey and Wm Tuttle. (See Milton in the Third (1810) Federal Census).

Son Samuel Twombly was born in Milton, August 19, 1811.

Son Ezra Meserve Twombly was born in Milton, February 15, 1815. He died in Milton, in May 1816, aged one year.

Son William B. Twombly was born in Milton, in 1818.

Daughter Elizabeth Meserve “Betsey” Twombly was born in Milton, March 14, 1820.

John Twombly 3rd signed the Milton Anti-Division Remonstrance in June 1820. He signed also the Milton Militia Division Petition of November 1820. (See Milton Militia Dispute – 1820).

Son James M. Twombly married (1st) in the First Congregational Church in Dover, NH, October 2, 1825, Eunice Burrows, he of Milton and she of Dover, NH. Rev. Joseph W. Clary performed the ceremony. She was born in Lebanon, ME, June 4, 1799, daughter of Edward and Margaret (Chamberlain) Burrows.

The U.S. Post Office Department appointed son James M. Twombly as Milton’s fourth Postmaster on September 18, 1827. (See Milton’s First Postmasters (1818-c1840)).

Son J.M. Twombly, W.B. Wiggin, and H. Meserve were Milton Selectmen in 1829. (See Milton Selectmen, 1802-1907).

Son Stephen M. Twombly married (1st) in Farmington, NH, December 20, 1829, Mary T. Howe, both of Milton. Rev. John H. Nutter performed the ceremony. She was born in Milton, October 6, 1809, daughter of Jonathan and Mehitable (Twombly) Howe.

John Twombly 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 [Abigail (Meserve) Twombly], two females aged 20-29 years, two males aged 15-19 years, one male aged 10-14 years, and one female aged 10-14 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Isaac Young and Stephen Twombly. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

Jas. M. Twombly 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 [Eunice (Burrows) Twombly], one male aged under-5 years, and one female aged under-5 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Steph. Maine [Main] and John Willey. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

Stephen Twombly headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 20-29 years [himself], one female aged 20-29 years [Mary T. (Howe) Twombly]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John Twombly and Nathl Miller. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

Son J.M. Twombly was again a Selectman in 1831, 1832, 1833, 1836, 1840, 1841, and 1842. (See Milton Selectmen, 1802-1907).

Mother Tamson (Drew) Twombly died in Farmington, NH, April 1, 1831.

Daughter-in-law Mary T. (Howe) Twombly died in Milton, October 23, 1831, aged twenty-two years.

DIED. In Milton, on the 23rd inst., Mrs. Mary T. Twombly, daughter of Mr. Jonathan Howe, and wife of Mr. Stephen Twombly, aged 22 years. Although confined over seven months with a distressing complaint of the lungs, she bore it with Christian fortitude and patience; on her dying bed she observed that her greatest fear was she should not have patience to wait for the time of her departure. She frequently asked her friends if they saw any alteration—her aged grandmother informed her that she thought that she was dying. She then told her friends that death was not a terror and that she longed for the time to come. In that distressing scene she exhorted her parents and friends to get religion & be prepared to meet her in the realms above. She observed to her respected husband that it was hard parting, but she hoped that they should meet in heaven. – She retained her senses to the last, and died in the arms of her blest redeemer. Mrs. Twombly was a worthy member of the Christian Church in Milton, and was respected by all her acquaintance. – Com (Dover Enquirer, November, 1, 1831).

Daughter Tamson Twombly died in Milton, January 23, 1834, aged twenty-nine years.

Son Stephen M. Twombly married (2nd) in Milton, March 30, 1834, Mary Anne Goodwin, both of Milton. Edward H. Peavey performed the ceremony. She was born in Middleton, NH, March 18, 1813, daughter of Joseph and Anna (Hanson) Goodwin.

Son Samuel Twombly married in Middleton, NH, April 6, 1834, Lydia Elizabeth York, he of Milton and she of Middleton, NH. Elder William Buzzell performed the ceremony. She was born in Middleton, NH, in 1812, daughter of Thomas and Lydia York.

The Whig partisans of Dover, NH, published a list of those that they had appointed to a “Committee of Vigilance,” February 27, 1836. Stephen Twombly and William B. Wiggin were among the one hundred forty-two men appointed to the committee …

… for the purpose of making suitable preparations for the election in this town, bringing voters to the polls, urging upon them the importance and duty of a prompt attendance, distributing votes on the day of election, and for taking all other necessary and proper measures for securing to the Whig Ticket a full and efficient vote (Dover Enquirer, March 8, 1836).

(See Milton’s Ante-Bellum Party Affiliations).

John Twombly died in Milton, June 1, 1836, aged sixty-seven years, one month, and twenty-one days.

Daughter Betsey M. Twombly married in Hampstead, NH, February 28, 1838, William Minot. He was born in Hampstead, NH, May 23, 1812, son of Martin and Annie (Arnold) Moynit [Minot].

James M. Twambly [Twombly] headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 30-39 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years [Eunice (Burrows) Twombly], one male aged 20-29 years, one male aged 10-14 years, one female aged 10-14 years, one male aged 5-9 years, and one female aged 5-9 years. Two members of his household were engaged in Commerce. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Benjamin E. Willey and Elizabeth Gerrish.

Stephen Twombly headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 30-39 years [himself], one female aged 20-29 years [Mary A. (Goodwin) Twombly], one male aged 15-19 years, one male aged 10-14 years, and one female aged 50-59 years [Abigail (Meserve) Twombly]. Four members of his household were engaged in Manufacture and Trade; and one was engaged in Navigation of Canals, Lakes, Rivers.

John Twombly headed a Manchester, NH, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 30-39 years [himself], two males aged 20-29 years, two females aged 20-29 years [Eunice (Knights) Twombly], one female aged 5-9 years. Three members of his household were engaged in Manufacture and Trade.

Samuel Twambly [Twombly] headed a Middleton, NH, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included 20 male aged 20-29 years [himself], one female aged 20-29 years [Lydia E. (York) Twombly], one male aged 5-9 years, and one female aged under-5 years. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture.

William Minot headed a Hampstead, NH, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 20-29 years [himself], one female aged 20-29 years [Betsey M. (Twombly) Minot], and one female aged under-5 years. One member of his household was engaged in Manufacture and Trade.

Notice. ALL persons are hereby forbid harboring or trusting Stephen Goodwin and his wife, Mary Goodwin, or their children, Eliza Goodwin, Sarah Goodwin, Mary Goodwin and Stephen Goodwin, paupers, on account of the town of Milton, as suitable provision has been made at the Alms house by said town for their support. JAMES M. TWOMBLY, CHARLES SWASEY, EPHRAIM HAYES. Milton, Jan. 2, 1841. 33 (Dover Enquirer, January 26, 1841).

Son William Twombly, 3d, married in Dover, NH, October 3, 1843, Mary W. [Wade] Caverly [both of Dover, NH]. Rev. Hiram Stevens performed the ceremony. She was born in Strafford, NH, March 17, 1819, daughter of Solomon and Sarah (Caswell) Caverly.

James Twombly, a farmer, aged fifty-two years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Eunice [(Burrows)] Twombly, aged fifty-one years (b. ME), Ezra Twombly, a trader, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), Mary A. Twombly, aged seventeen years (b. NH), and John E.B. Twombly, aged fourteen years (b. NH). James Twombly had real estate valued at $3,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of George Worster, a machinist, aged thirty-nine years (b. NH), and Stephen Downs, a farmer, aged forty-one years (b. NH).

Mary M. Pinkham, aged fifty years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. Her household included William B. Twombly, a shoemaker, aged thirty-one years (b. NH), Eliza [(Pierce)] Twombly, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH), Stephen Twombly, a farmer, aged forty-seven years (b. NH), Mary A. [(Goodwin)] Twombly, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), Mary J. Twombly, aged nine years (b. NH), James H. Twombly, aged four years (b. NH), John S. Twombly, aged two years (b. NH), Abigail [(Meserve)] Twombly, aged seventy years (b. NH), Martha [(Sias)] Emery, aged eighteen years (b. NH), and Horace Emery, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH). Stephen Twombly had real estate valued at $3,000. They shared a two-family residence with the household of Henry Downs, a shoemaker, aged thirty years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of James H. Pinkham, a shoemaker, aged twenty-six years (b. NH), and Ira Davis, a shoe manufacturer, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH).

John Twombly, a mason, aged forty-one years (b. NH), headed a Manchester, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Eunice [(Knights)] Twombly, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), Mary J. Twombly, aged eighteen years (b. NH), Abby F. Twombly, aged one year (b. NH), Elizabeth McKape, aged twelve years (b. Ireland), Arthur Crocket, a mason, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), and Charles Elkins, a mason, aged twenty years (b. NH).

Samuel Twombly, a farmer, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Middleton, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Lydia E. [(York)] Twombly, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), John W. Twombly, a shoemaker, aged sixteen years (b. NH), Eliza A. Twombly, aged twelve years (b. NH), William H. Twombly, aged nine years (b. NH), Mary M. Twombly, aged seven years (b. NH), Eri P. Twombly, aged three years (b. NH), Thomas York, a farmer, aged seventy-two years (b. NH), Lydia York, aged sixty-five years (b. NH), and Joana B. York, aged forty-one years (b. NH). Samuel Twombly had real estate valued at $700; and Thomas York had real estate valued at $700.

William Twombly, 3d, a laborer, aged thirty-three years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Mary [(Caverly)] Twombly, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH), Helln [Helen] M. Twombly, aged six years (b. NH), and Edgar H. Twombly, aged four years (b. NH).

William Minot, a shoemaker, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Haverhill, MA, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Betsey [(Twombly)] Minot, aged thirty years (b. NH), Mary F. Minot, aged ten years (b. NH), William H. Minot, aged six years (b. NH), and Ella F. Minot, aged one year (b. MA).

Wm Minot, a shoemaker, aged forty-two years (b. NH), headed a Haverhill, MA, household at the time of the First (1855) MA State Census. His household included Betsy M. [(Twombly)] Minot, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), M.T. Minot, aged fifteen years (b. NH), Wm H. Minot, aged ten years (b. NH), and E.F. Minot, aged seven years (b. MA).

Son-in-law William Minot died in Manchester, NH, in 1857. (William Minot was said to have been one of the finest violinists of his time in Haverhill, MA (History of Bedford, NH, 1903).

Daughter-in-law Mary A. (Goodwin) Twombly died in Milton, March 26, 1858.

Daughter-in-law Eunice (Burrows) Twombly died of consumption in Milton, March 28, 1859, aged fifty-nine years, nine months, and twenty-four days. She was a married farmer.

DEATHS. In Milton, March 28th, Mrs. Eunice Twombly, wife of Mr. James M. Twombly, aged 59 years, 9 months and 24 days (Dover Enquirer, April 28, 1859).

DEATHS. In Milton, March 28, Mrs. Eunice, wife of James M. Twombly, aged 59 years. The deceased was a member of the Congregational church, with which she maintained a Christian walk and fellowship until her death. She was a faithful mother, a kind and affection [affectionate] companion, and a friend to all; truly it may be said that the family circle and community in which she lived have been bereft of a true lover and friend (Dover Enquirer, July 7, 1859).

Abigail (Meserve) Twombly died January 13, 1860, aged seventy-nine years, five months, and eleven days. She [Abigail Twombly] appeared also in the Federal Census Mortality Schedule, as having died of consumption in Milton in January 1860, aged eighty-four years.

James M. Twombly, a farmer, aged sixty years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included John E. Twombly, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), and Abba Twombly, aged twenty-five years (b. NH). James M. Twombly had real estate valued at $6,000 and personal estate valued at $2,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Ira S. Knox, a shoemaker, aged thirty years (b. NH), and Lewis N. Berry, a shoe manufacturer, aged thirty-six years (b. NH).

Lydia (Perkins) Jenness was the widow of Isaac Jenness: MARRIAGES. In Somersworth, Mr. Isaac Jenness to Miss Lydia M. Perkins (Dover Enquirer, January 4, 1853).

Ivory Hayes, a spinner, aged thirty-four years (b. VT), headed a Somersworth, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Mary E. [(Perkins)] Hayes, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH), George Hayes, aged ten years (b. NH), John Hayes, aged thirteen years (b. NH), Lydia [(Perkins)] Jenness, a nurse, aged thirty-one years (b. NH), and Charles G. Jenness, aged seven years (b. NH).

Stephen Twombly, a farmer, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included  James H. Twombly, aged fourteen years (b. NH), John S. Twombly, aged eleven years (b. NH), Mary J. Twombly, aged eighteen years (b. NH), Abba A. Twombly, aged eight years (b. NH), Abba Twombly, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), Sarah A. Brown, aged twenty-six years (b. NH), and Abigail [(Meserve)] Twombly, aged seventy-nine years (b. NH). Stephen Twombly had real estate valued at $4,000 and personal estate valued at $2,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Joseph Cook, a farmer, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), and R.W.L. Pike, a shoemaker, aged fifty-six years (b. NH).

John Twombley, a mason, aged fifty-three years (b. NH), headed a Manchester, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Eunice [(Knights)] Twombley, aged forty-nine years (b. NH), and Abbie F. Twombley, aged eleven years (b. NH). john Twombley had personal estate valued at $200.

Samuel Twombly, a farmer, aged forty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Middleton, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Lydia E.W. [(York)] Twombly, aged forty-eight years (b. NH), Eliza A. Twombly, aged twenty-two years (b. NH), William H. Twombly, a farmer, aged twenty years (b. NH), Melissa Twombly, aged sixteen years (b. NH), Eri P. Twombly, aged thirteen years (b. NH), Thos York Twombly, aged eighty-two years (b. NH), and Joanna Twombly [York], aged fifty-one years (b. NH). Samuel Twombly had real estate valued at $3,000 and personal estate valued at $1,200.

William Twombley, depot master, aged forty-four years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Mary W. [(Caverly)] Twombley, aged forty years (b. NH), Helen M. Twombley, aged sixteen years (b. NH), and Edgar H. Twombley, aged fourteen years (b. NH). William Twombley had real estate valued at $1,000 and personal estate valued at $250. (Henry H. Twombley, a painter, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), resided in the house next door).

Betsey [(Twombly)] Minot, aged thirty-eight years (b. MA [SIC]), headed a Haverhill, MA, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. Her household included Mary F. Minot, aged twenty years (b. MA [SIC]), William F. Minot, aged sixteen years (b. MA [SIC]), Ellen Minot, aged eleven years (b. MA). Betsey Minot had real estate valued at $1,200.

Son James M. Twombly married (2nd), circa 1862-63, [Mrs.] Lydia M. (Perkins) Jenness. She was born in Lancaster, NH, November 30, 1829, daughter of John and Mary (Ela) Perkins.

James Twombly, a farmer, aged seventy-one years (b. NH), headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Lydia [((Perkins) Jenness)] Twombly, keeping house, aged forty-one years (b. NH), and Lillian A. Twombly, aged six years (b. ME). James Twombly had real estate valued at $300 and personal estate valued at $300. (Their entry had an error, by which James Twombly was enumerated as a member of the preceding household of Samuel Knox, a laborer, aged sixty-six years (b. ME), rather than as the head of his own household).

Stephen Twombly, aged sixty-six years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included [his sister] Abagail Twombly, aged sixty-three years (b. NH), Mary J. Twombly, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH), James H. Twombly, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), John S. Twombly, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), Abba N. Twombly, aged eighteen years (b. NH), and James Y. Emery, aged fourteen years (b. NH). Stephen Twombly had real estate valued at $2,500 and personal estate valued at $2,270. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Joseph Cook, a farmer, aged sixty-one years (b. NH), and Samuel Sanborn, a farm laborer, aged seventy-four years (b. ME).

Samuel Twombly, a farmer, aged fifty-eight years, headed a Middleton, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Lydia E. [(York)] Twombly, keeping house, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH), William H. Twombly, works for shoe factory, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH), Mary M. Twombly, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), Eri P. Twombly, works for shoe factory, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), and Joanna B. York, a housekeeper, aged sixty-one years (b. NH). Samuel Twombly had real estate valued at $3,000 and personal estate valued at $557. William H. Twombly had personal estate valued at $2,040, Mary M. Twombly had personal estate valued at $250, Eri P. Twombly had personal estate valued at $700, and Joanna B. York had personal estate valued at $300.

William Twombly, a laborer, aged fifty-three years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Mary [(Caverly)] Twombly, keeping house, aged forty-six years (b. NH), Edgar Twombly, a laborer, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), John Hartford, works in shoe factory, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), and Ellen [(Twombly)] Hartford, at home, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH). William Twombly had real estate valued at $2,000 and personal estate valued at $400.

Wm. B. Lane, a bank clerk, aged thirty-three years (b. NH), headed a Manchester, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Gertrude Lane, aged five years (b. NH), Betsey [(Twombly)] Minot, a housekeeper, aged fifty years (b. NH), and Ella Minot, at home, aged twenty-one years (b. MA). Wm. B. Lane had real estate valued at $4,000 and personal estate valued at $3,000.

Daughter-in-law Eunice (Knights) Twombly died of a liver complaint in Manchester, NH, January 8, 1878, aged sixty-seven years.

Daughter-in-law Mary W. (Caverly) Twombly died in Dover, NH, September 15, 1878, aged fifty-nine years.

DEATHS. In this city, Oct. 15, Mary W., wife of William Twombly, aged 58 years, 6 months and 21 days  (Dover Enquirer, October 24, 1878).

Son Stephen Meserve Twombly died in Milton, January 26, 1879, aged seventy-four years, three months, and twenty-three days.

DEATHS. In Milton, Jan. 26, Stephen Twombly, aged 75 years and 3 months (Dover Enquirer, January 30, 1879).

James M. Twombly, a farmer, aged eighty-one years (b. NH), headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Lydia M. [((Perkins) Jenness)] Twombly, keeping house, aged sixty-seven years (b. NH), and his daughter, Lillian A. Twombly, at home, aged fifteen years (b. ME).

Fred G. Barney, a clerk in store, aged thirty-two years (b. NH), headed a Manchester, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Abbie F. [(Twombly)] Barney, keeping house, aged thirty-one years (b. NH), his daughter, Florence C. Barney, aged four years (b. NH), and his father-in-law, John Twombly, a retired brick mason, aged seventy-three years (b. NH). They shared a two-family household on Bridge Street with the household of John G. Eveleth, a retired farmer, aged seventy-two years (b. NH).

William H. Minot, a farmer, aged thirty-six years (b. NH), headed a Bedford, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Mary L. [(Walker)] Minot, keeping house, aged thirty years (b. NH), his daughters, Mary F. Minot, at school, aged twelve years (b. NH), Grace G. Minot, at school, aged eleven years (b. NH), and Allice E. Minot, aged six years (b. NH), his aunt, Abagail Twombly, none, aged seventy years (b. NH), and his boarder, Emily J. Cormier, a musician, aged twenty-nine years (b. Canada).

Samuel Twombly, a farmer, aged sixty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Middleton, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Lydia E. [(York)] Twombly, keeping house, aged sixty-six years (b. NH),  his son, John W. Twombly, works for shoe factory, aged twenty-five years (b. NH), and his granddaughter, Lizzie E. Twombly, at school, aged thirteen years (b. NH).

William Twombly, a farmer, aged sixty-five years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his son, Edgar H. Twombly, works in R.R. freight house, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), his help, Ellen [(Twombly)] Hartford, a housekeeper, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), and his boarder, John Hartford, works in shoe factory, aged forty-six years (b. NH). They resided on Silver Street.

Son William B. Twombly died in Dover, NH, July 11, 1880, aged sixty-one years.

DEATHS. In this city, July 17, William B. Twombly, aged 62 years (Dover Enquirer, July 22, 1880).

Son James M. Twombly died in Lebanon, ME, October 25, 1885, ae. eighty-seven years..

Daughter-in-law Lydia E. (York) Twombly died in Haverhill, MA, January 7, 1890.

IN MEMORIAM. We are again called to chronicle the death of another noble, God-fearing woman, Mrs. Samuel Twombly of Middleton, who fell asleep in Jesus the seventh inst. The subject of this notice was a remarkable woman in many respects. In the largest and best sense, she was a true and living christian, a beloved wife, mother, friend and neighbor. Her long life was filled with deeds of love and kindness, and every one felt a thrill of sorrow when the words were spoken in subdued tones “Mrs. Twombly is dead.” The funeral was at her son’s, John Twombly of this village. The immediate relatives were not alone. But He who has said “I am the resurrection and the life,” has inspired our hearts to say “Beautiful twilight, at set of sun; Beautiful goal, with race well run. Beautiful rest, with work well done.” Because we believe these things, we bear our griefs, knowing that He saith, “It is but a little while” and death shall be vanquished, broken families reunited, and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. T.L.C. (Farmington News, January 17, 1890).

Son Samuel Twombly died in Middleton, NH, November 1, 1891, aged eighty years.

DIED. In Middleton, Nov. 1, Samuel Twombly, aged 81 years, 2 months and 11 days (Farmington News, November 13, 1891).

Son John Twombly died of hepatic abscess at 336 Amherst Street in Manchester, NH, December 28, 1891, aged eighty-four years, ten months, and eleven days. He was a mason. F.L. Gray reported the death.

Daughter Abigail Twombly died in Bedford, NH, March 21, 1893, aged eighty-four years.

Lydia M. [((Perkins) Jenness)] Twambly [Twombly], a widow, aged seventy years (b. NH), headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. Her household included her son, Charles G. Jenness, a farm laborer, aged forty-four years (b. NH). Lydia M. Twambly owned their house, free-and-clear. She was the mother of two children, of whom one was still living.

Chas. A. Shannon, a salesman (traveling), aged thirty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Manchester, NH, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Gertrude L. [(Lane)] Shannon, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), his son, Lane W. Shannon, aged two years (b. NH), his mother, Ella F. [(Minot)] Lane, aged fifty-one years (b. MA), and his grandmother, Betsey M. [(Twombly)] Minot, aged eighty years (b. NH).

Daughter Elizabeth M. “Betsey” (Twombly) Minot died in Manchester, NH, January 30, 1904, aged eighty-three years.

Charles G. Jenness, a finisher (shoe factory), aged fifty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal  Census. His household included his mother, Lydia M. [((Perkins) Jenness)] Twombly, aged seventy-nine years (b. NH). Charles G. Jenness rented their house. Lydia M. Twombly was the mother of four children, of whom three were still living.

Daughter-in-law Lydia M. ((Perkins) Jenness) Twombly died of pneumonia in Lebanon, ME, April 8, 1912, aged eighty-two years, seven months, and sixteen days. She was a widowed housekeeper. M.A.H. Hart signed the death certificate.

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References:

Find a Grave. (2012, October 20). Betsey Meserve Twombly Minot. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/99297209/betsey_meserve-minot

Find a Grave. (2012, October 20). Abigail Twombly. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/99297463/abigail-twombly

Find a Grave. (2022, June 8). Ezra Meserve Twombly. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/240434177/ezra_meserve-twombly

Find a Grave. (2022, April 5). James Meserve Twombly. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/238539223/james_meserve-twombly

Find a Grave. (2022, June 8). John Twombly. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/240434225/john-twombly.

Find a Grave. (2016, March 26). John Twombly. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/160036680/john-twombly

Find a Grave. (2022, April 5). Lydia M. Perkins Twombly. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/238539115/lydia-m-twombly

Find a Grave. (2017, June 21). Samuel Twombly. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/180604729/samuel-twombly

Find a Grave. (2022, June 8). Stephen Meserve Twombly. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/240434098/stephen_meserve-twombly

Find a Grave. (2022, June 8). Tamson Twombly. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/240434015/tamson-twombly

Find a Grave. (2017, August 3). William B. Twombly. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/182014364/william_b-twombly

Scales, John. (1914). History of Strafford County, New Hampshire and Representative Citizens. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=nGsjAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA508