Author: Muriel Bristol

By Muriel Bristol | October 15, 2023

Joseph Plummer, Jr. [III], was born in Milton, March 11, 1820, son of Joseph [Jr.] and Sarah “Sally” (Brown) Plummer. (Enoch W. Plummer was his brother).

Father Joseph Plummer [Jr.] died in Milton, January 3, 1826, aged thirty-nine years.

Sarah [(Brown)] Plummer headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. Her household included one female aged 40-49 years [herself], one female aged 20-29 years [Caroline Plummer], one male aged 20-29 years, one male aged 15-19 years [Enoch W. Plummer], one female aged 15-19 years, two males aged 10-14 years [Bard Plummer and Joseph Plummer], one female aged 5-9 years [Sarah Plummer]. Her household appeared in the enumeration between those of Levi Jones and Jos. P. Burrows.

Sarah [(Brown)] Plumer headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. Her household included one female aged 50-59 years [herself], five males aged 20-29 years [Enoch W. Plumer, Bard Plumer, Joseph Plumer, and others], one female aged 20-29 years [Caroline Plumer], and one female aged 15-19 years [Sarah Plumer]. Five members of her household were engaged in Agriculture. Her household appeared in the enumeration between those of Benjamin Roberts and Levi Jones.

Joseph Plummer married (1st) in Somersworth, NH, October 30, 1844, Adaline Frances Baker, she of Somersworth, NH. She was born in Somersworth, NH, May 24, 1820, daughter of Moses and Sarah “Sally” (Thoms) Baker.

Marriages. In Somersworth, on the 30th ult., by Rev. Mr. Willey, Mr. Joseph Plumer of Milton, to Miss Adaline F. Baker, daughter of Hon. Moses Baker of S. [Somersworth] (Dover Enquirer, November 12, 1844).

Father-in-law Moses Baker died in Gorham, ME, March 25, 1847, aged eighty-one years.

(The known children of Joseph and Adaline F. (Baker) Plummer were: Moses Baker Plummer (1848–1938), Joseph Plumer [III] (1850–1907), and Sarah Bell Plumer (1854–1854)).

Son Moses Baker Plummer was born in Milton, April 4, 1848. He was a namesake for his maternal grandfather, Moses Baker.

Joseph Plumer, a farmer, aged thirty years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Adaline S. [(Baker)] Plumer. aged thirty years (b. NH), and Moses B. Plumer, aged two years (b. NH). Joseph Plumer had real estate valued at $4,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between Nathaniel W. Burnham. overseer of the alms house, aged forty-two years (b. NH), and Nahum Tasker, a farmer, aged fifty years (b. NH).

Son Joseph Plumer [III] was born in Milton, September 28, 1850. Daughter Sarah Bell Plumer was born in Milton, August 6, 1854. She died in Milton, September 7, 1854, aged one month.

Adaline F. (Baker) Plummer died of neuralgia in Milton, June 30, 1858, aged thirty-eight years, one month, and six days.

The Milton Selectmen of 1860 were C.H. Goodwin, Jos. Plumer, and M.W. Shapleigh.

Joseph Plummer, a farmer, aged forty years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Moses B. Plummer, aged eleven years (b. NH), Joseph Plummer [III], aged eight years (b. NH), J.L. Gerrish, a farm laborer, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), Irene Gerrish, a housekeeper, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), and Charles Hammons, a boarder, aged sixty years (b. NH). Joseph Plummer had real estate valued at $6,000 and personal estate valued at $2,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of an unoccupied house (with Albert Nason, a farmer, aged forty-five years, just beyond), and [his brother,] E.W. Plummer, a farmer, aged forty-five years (b. NH).

The Milton Selectmen of 1861 were Jos. Plumer, M.W. Shapleigh, and Jos. Cook.

Joseph Plumer received an initial five-year appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, June 14, 1862.

Joseph Plummer married (2nd) in Saxonville, [Framingham,] MA, October 1, 1863. Hannah D. Clark, he of Milton and she of Framingham, MA. He was a farmer, aged forty-three years, and she was aged thirty-two years. Rev. George E. Hill performed the ceremony. She was born in Sanbornton, NH, December 18, 1830, daughter of Joseph H. and Sally Clark / John and Betsy (Taylor) Clark.

MARRIAGES. In Saxonville, Mass., 1st inst., Joseph Plumer, Esq., of Milton, to Miss Hannah D., daughter of John H. Clark, formerly of Sanbornton (Dover Enquirer, October 15, 1863).

Joseph Plummer paid a $2 tax for his carriage (valued at $125) in the U.S. Excise Tax of May 1864.

Joseph Plummer received a renewal five-year appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, June 14, 1867. (Luther Hayes received an appointment that same day).

Mother Sarah “Sally” (Brown) Plumer died of dropsy in Milton, July 27, 1867, aged eighty-two years. She was a widowed farmer.

Joseph Plummer, a farmer, aged fifty years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Hannah D. [(Clark)] Plummer, keeping house, aged forty years (b. NH), and Joseph Plummer, a farm laborer, aged nineteen years (b. NH). Joseph Plummer had real estate valued at $9,000 and personal estate valued at $4,240. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Enoch F. Mason, a farm laborer, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH), and [his brother,] Enoch W. Plummer, a farmer, aged fifty-five years (b. NH).

Son Joseph Plummer [III] married, circa 1872, Carrie W. Fall. She was born in Lebanon, ME, December 14, 1853, daughter of Isaac W. and Mary Elizabeth (Clark) Fall.

Joseph Plummer received a renewal five-year appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, May 3, 1872.

Joseph Plumer submitted the following report on Milton agriculture to the NH Board of Agriculture. Many towns reported that the so-called Canadian “horse disease” had been prevalent in their town in the prior Fall [1872] season. About one horse in forty, i.e., 2.5% of the horses, reportedly died of the disease. Plumer reported that seven-eighths [87.5%] of Milton horses had taken sick, but that none had died.

MILTON. [Reported by Joseph Plumer]. 1. Some earn money, not make it. 2. Do not believe the farms of Milton as a whole are paying one per cent profit. The great majority attend to their business, but not as closely as traders and people in other occupations. They make some improvements; have very little money at interest. 3. Three per cent of farms are given up to wood and pasturage. There are frequent cellars without houses. 4. There seems to be a stop to leaving the farms just now. All young people have gone. 5. It is generally thought farmers pay more than their proportion of the public taxes, and that stock in trade can be kept from the view of the assessors. 6. Neat stock is improving mostly by a mixture of Short Horn blood. 7. Seven-eighths of the horses had the disease last fall. Those not worked and kept out doors escaped. None died. Do not consider horses injured by the disease. 8. Few sheep, and they are profitable. No disease. About one hundred dogs taxed. 9. Wood growing less. Lumber mainly exported. 10. Chief crops grass, barley and oats. 11. Apples. 12. Labor scarce, especially in doors (NH Dept. of Agriculture, 1873).

Milton sent Joseph Plummer and Elbridge W. Fox to Concord, NH, as its NH State Representatives for the year 1873. Rep. Plumer was assigned to the Joint Committee on Engrossed Bills, and Rep. Fox was assigned to the Committee on the Normal School.

On Tuesday, June 10, 1873, Rep. Plumer of Milton submitted the petition of Alden F. Kidder (1845-1900) and seventeen others, citizens of Milton, praying that the Portsmouth, Great Falls & Conway Railroad might be authorized to connect with the Dover Railroad. Similar petitions were submitted by other representatives from citizens of Portsmouth, Somersworth, Dover, Wakefield, Brookfield, Wolfeboro, Ossipee, and Freedom, NH.

Joseph Plummer received a renewal five-year appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, April 10, 1877.

Joseph Plumer, aged sixty years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Hannah D. [(Clark)] Plumer, aged forty-nine years (b. NH), and his help, Minnie M. Langley, at house, aged fourteen years (b. NH), and Lafayette Rines, at house, aged eighteen years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Lydia Varney, keeping house, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), and Enoch W. Plumer, a farmer, aged sixty-five years (b. NH).

Joseph Plumer, Jr. [III], a farmer, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Carrie W. [(Fall)] Plumer, keeping house, aged twenty-six years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Enoch F. Mason, a farmer, aged thirty-nine years (b. NH), and Christer L. Jones, a farmer, aged thirty-six years (b. NH).

Joseph Plummer received a renewal five-year appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, March 30, 1882.

Joseph Plummer received a renewal five-year appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, March 11, 1887.

Son Moses B. Plummer married in Milton, July 28, 1890, Elizabeth J. Hussey, he of Milton and she of Acton, ME. He was a farmer, aged forty-two years, and she was a teacher, aged thirty-three years. Rev. Frank Haley performed the ceremony. She was born in Acton, ME, May 13, 1857, daughter of Ralph R. and Martha J. (Lyon) Hussey.

Joseph Plummer received a renewal five-year appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, March 15, 1892.

Joseph Plumer [Jr.], a farmer, aged eighty years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of thirty-seven years), Hannah B. [(Clark)] Plumer, aged sixty-nine years (b. NH). Joseph Plumer owned their farm, free-and-clear. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Bard B. Plumer, a farmer, aged fifty-three years (b. NH), and Calvin Mason, a farmer, aged fifty-three years (b. NH).

Joseph Plummer [III], a farmer, aged forty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Rollinsford, NH, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of twenty-eight years), Carrie [(Fall)] Plummer, aged forty-six years (b. ME), his son, Jay Plummer, aged sixteen years (b. MA), and his servant, Harry Clem, a farm laborer, aged nineteen years (b. Nova Scotia). Joseph Plummer rented their farm. Carrie Plummer was the mother of one child, of whom one was still living.

Joseph Plummer [Jr.] died of progressive muscular atrophy at Plummer’s Ridge in Milton, March 5, 1907, aged eighty-six years, eleven months, and twenty-five days. He was a farmer and a lifelong resident of Milton. James J. Buckley, M.D., signed the death certificate.

LOCAL. Mr. Joseph Plummer of Milton, one of the most respected men of this county, has passed away at the age of eighty-five years (Farmington News, March 8, 1907).

OBITUARY. Joseph Plumer, a widely known and respected citizen of Milton, died at his home March 5, 1907, within six days of his eighty-seventh birthday. is illness extended over a period of six years, being confined to the bed almost four years.
He was born at Milton at the old homestead March 11, 1820, and was the son of Sally (Brown) and Joseph Plumer. He himself built the house where he has resided for sixty-five years and in which he died. His early education was received in the district schools and South Berwick, Strafford and Parsonfield academies. At the age of nineteen he entered Phillips Exeter where he showed a great aptitude for mathematics and in his later years he developed a remarkable proficiency on the subject. He was married in 1844 to Adaline Frances Baker, daughter of Hon. Moses Baker of Somersworth, N.H., who died in 1858, leaving two sons, Joseph, Jr., and Moses Baker. He was married again in 1863 to Hannah D. Clark of Framingham, Mass., daughter of John N. Clark of Sanbornton, N.H. Mr. Plumer held various offices in his town, has been a member of the House of Representatives and a delegate to the constitutional convention in 1876; in politics he was a Republican. He was one of the original corporators of the Norway Savings Bank of Rochester and also of the First National bank of the same city.
Besides conducting a large farm he was largely engaged in stock raising and in the wood and lumber traffic. Mr. Plumer was intensely interested in education and in the youth, an interest which knew no abatement in the patient years of his illness and his many visitors during that period never failed to be impressed with his thoughtfulness for people and affairs about him. Ever foremost to encourage and support what he considered for the best of the community he was a worth exponent of a rugged ancestry and a man of many sterling qualities, kind impulses and numerous private benefactions. He attended and supported the Congregational church. He leaves a widow and two sons and four grandsons.
Nothing could better testify to the respect in which Mr. Plumer was held than the host of friends who gathered at his bier and the many beautiful floral tributes.
What grander tribute can we bring, To ease the heart of pain; What greater monument than this, He did not live, in vain (Dover Enquirer, March 14, 1907).

MILTON MILLS, N.H. Joseph Plummer, one of our oldest and most influential citizens, died at his home on Plummer’s Ridge Tuesday morning, after a very long illness (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), March 15, 1907).

Son Joseph Plummer, Jr. [III] died of typhoid at Plummer’s Ridge in Milton, April 11, 1907, aged fifty-six years, six months, and thirteen days. James J. Buckley, M.D., signed the death certificate. He was a married farmer, who had previously resided in Lowell, MA.

MILTON, N.H. There were three deaths in this community last week in hardly more than twenty-four hours. Joseph Plummer, son of the late Joseph Plummer, Esq., aged 56 years and six months, and Abbie A. Wentworth, at South Milton, aged 83 years. These died Friday and the next day while sitting at the table. Hiram Whitten, on Lebanon side, passed away, aged 74 years, six months (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), April 26, 1907).

Moses B. Plumer, a farmer (general farm), aged sixty-two years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of twenty-one years), Elizabeth J. [(Hussey)] Plumer, aged fifty-two years (b. ME), his children, Frances Plumer, aged eighteen years (b. NH), Joseph Plumer, aged fifteen years (b. NH), and Dwight H. Plumer, aged thirteen years (b. NH), his hired man, M.A. Charles, a laborer (general farm), aged fifty-nine years (b. ME), his servant, Abbin F. Charles, a private family servant, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH), and his mother-in-law [step-mother], Hannah D. [(Clark)] Plumer, aged seventy-nine years (b. NH). Moses B. Plumer owned their farm, free-and-clear.

ACTON. During the past week Miss Elizabeth Gerrish entertained at Well Sweep farm Mrs. John Lord, Tuesday; Rev. Danno Johnson, wife and child, Wednesday; Mrs. Wm Wilson and wife of Union, N.H.; Mrs. Moses B. Plummer and Mrs. Fred Jones of Plummer’s Ridge, Milton, N.H., and Mrs. Henry Horn of this town, Saturday. Miss Gerrish had a very busy week but enjoyed it fully (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), June 24, 1910).

Daughter-in-law Mrs. Carrie W. Plummer appeared in the Lowell, MA, directory of 1910, 1911, and 1913, as a housekeeper at 100 Appleton street.

Hannah D. (Clark) Plummer died of chronic valvular disease of heart at Plummer’s Ridge in Milton, September 2, 1912, aged eighty-one years, eight months, and fifteen days. She had resided in Milton for forty-five years, i.e., since circa 1867, with her previous residence having been in South Framingham, MA. James J. Buckley, M.D., signed the death certificate.

Daughter-in-law Mrs. Carrie W. [(Fall)] Plummer appeared in the Lowell, MA, directory of 1914, as having moved to Nashua, NH. (Her son, Jay B. Plummer, appeared in the Nashua, NH, directory of that year as a lumber surveyor, with his house at 35 Gillis street. He would “remove to Worcester, MA,” in 1916).

Daughter-in-law Elizabeth J. (Hussey) Plummer died of pernicious anemia at Plummer’s Ridge in Milton, May 15, 1918, aged sixty-one years, and two days. She had resided there for twenty-seven years, i.e., since circa 1890, with her previous residence having been in Acton, ME. James J. Buckley, M.D., signed the death certificate.

Death of Mrs. Moses Plummer. Mrs. Moses Plummer, wife of Moses Plummer, a very much respected lady of Milton, is dead at her home at Plummer’s Ridge after several weeks’  illness. The deceased was one of Milton’s best known ladies and is survived by a wide circle of relatives and friends (Dover Enquirer, May 17, 1918).

Moses B. Plummer, a farmer (owner), aged seventy-one years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census. His household included his sister-in-law, Carrie W. [(Fall)] Plummer, a widow, aged sixty-six years (b. ME). Moses B. Plummer owned their farm on Plummer’s Ridge Road, free-and-clear. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Bard B. Plummer, a farmer, aged forty years (b. NH), and Calvin Mason, a farmer, aged seventy-five years (b. NH).

Moses B. Plummer, retired, aged eighty-two years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifteenth (1930) Federal Census. His household included his son, Joseph L. Plummer, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), and his sister-in-law, Carrie W. [(Fall)] Plummer, a housewife (private family), aged seventy-six years (b. ME). Moses B. Plummer owned their farm on Plummer’s Ridge, which was valued at $7,500. They did not have a radio set. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Mary B. [(Plummer)] Wallingford, a widow, aged eighty-five years (b. NH), and Calvin Mason, a farmer (general farming), aged eighty-five years (b. NH).

Son Moses B. Plummer died in Milton, September 27, 1938, aged ninety years, five months, and twenty days.

MOSES PLUMMER, FORMER LAND BARON AND LUMBER KING OF MILTON, A SUICIDE AT 90 YEARS. The lifeless body of Moses Plummer, 90-year-old former land baron and lumber king of Milton, was found by a searching party near his home on Plummer’s ridge shortly after six o’clock on Tuesday night. Death had resulted from a self-inflicted gash in the throat, the wound having been made with a heavy pocket knife. The body was viewed by Medical Referee Dr. Forrest L. Keay of Rochester, and turned over to a Rochester undertaker for burial and funeral arrangements. The tragedy was discovered by Warren Burroughs, J.W. Wishert and Wilfred Gilbert, who were members of a searching party composed of over two hundred towns people, including the American Legion, who responded to an alarm sounded shortly after four o’clock. Mr. Plummer left his home about 1.30, and when he failed to reappear neighbors started a search that ended in a general turnout, and the finding of the body about 400 feet from his home. During the morning Mr. Plummer had visited Rochester in company with his son Joseph, and while in the city procured a haircut and appeared to be in the best of spirits. He was a lifelong resident of Milton, the son of Joseph and Adeline (Baker) Plummer and for many years was active in the business and affairs of his town to which he gave a deep devotion. He was well known in Farmington and throughout Strafford County, and much sympathy is expressed for three sons, Joseph of Milton, Frances B. and Dwight H. Plummer of Boston, and a niece, Mrs. J.J. Buckley of Milton. He was one of the oldest members of the A.O.U.W. in this section. Funeral arrangements have not been announced at the hour of going to press (Farmington News, September 30, 1938).

Jay Plummer, a farm laborer (dairy farm), aged fifty-six years (b. MA), headed an Auburn, MA, household at the time of the Sixteenth (1940) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Annie B. [(Miner)] Plummer, aged fifty-six years (b. New Brunswick), his children, Lillian Plummer, a library assistant (public library), aged thirty-one years (b. MA), Paul Plummer, a sales clerk (retail grocery), aged twenty-two years (b. MA), Levere Plummer, aged seventeen years (b. MA), and his mother, Carrie [(Fall)] Plummer, aged eighty-six years (b. ME). Jay Plummer owned their house at 13 Rockland Road, which was valued at $4,600. They had all resided in the “same house” in 1935, except Carrie Plummer, who had resided in Milton.

Daughter-in-law Carrie W. (Fall) Plummer died in Cambridge, MA, November 17, 1941, aged eighty-seven years.

Attend Funeral Services For Mrs. C.W. Plummer. Funeral services for Mrs. Carrie W. Plummer, 87, were held yesterday afternoon at the Spencer Funeral home on South Main street. The Rev. Leland L. Maxfield, pastor of the Community church in Milton, officiated. Mrs. Plummer, widow of Joseph Plummer, died Friday at the Cambridge City hospital. She was born in Lebanon, Me., Dec. 14, 1853, daughter of Isaac W. and Mary Elizabeth (Clark) Fall. She leaves a son, Jay B., two grandsons, Paul and Levere Plummer, and a granddaughter, Miss Lillian Plummer, all of Mass. Burial was in the family lot in the Plummer cemetery in Milton, with a committal service at the grave by the Rev. Mr. Maxfield. Bearers were Bard and Lyman Plummer, Paul and Levere Plummer (Portsmouth Herald, November 18, 1941).

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References:

Find a Grave. (2016, May 23). Moses Baker. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/163060639/moses-baker

Find a Grave. (2016, May 25). Adaline Frances Baker Plumer. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/163260581/adaline-frances-plummer

Find a Grave. (2022, February 4). Elizabeth J. Hussey Plumer. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/236486883/elizabeth-j-plumer

Find a Grave. (2021, November 8). Joseph Plumer [Sr.]. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/233852590/joseph-plumer

Find a Grave. (2016, May 24). Joseph Plumer [Jr.]. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/163223950/joseph-plummer

Find a Grave. (2016, May 24). Joseph Plumer, Jr. [III]. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/163224061/joseph-plummer

Find a Grave. (2016, May 27). Moses Baker Plumer. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/163365234/moses-baker-plummer

Find a Grave. (2022, February 4). Sarah B. Plumer. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/236486459/sarah-b-plumer

NH Dept. of Agriculture. (1873). Third Annual Report of the Board of Agriculture. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=8uVIAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA464

NH General Court. (1873). Journals of the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the State of New-Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=aQhLAAAAMAAJ&pg=RA1-PA253

By Muriel Bristol | October 8, 2023

Theodore Lyman was born in Milton, August 23, 1812, son of Theodore C. and Dorothy (Allen) Lyman.

Future mother-in-law Lydia (Walker) Bragdon died in Milton, July 10, 1826, aged forty-seven years.

Theodore Lyman married, probably in Milton, circa 1837-38, Betsy Bragdon. She was born in Milton, in 1818, daughter of Samuel and Lydia (Walker) Bragdon. (Her younger sister, Louisa A. Bragdon, would marry in Milton, February 4, 1841, Luther Hayes, he of Rochester, NH, and she of Milton).

(The known children of Theodore and Betsy (Bragdon) Lyman were Andrew R. Lyman (1838-1906), and Samuel Lyman (1840-1856)).

Son Andrew R. Lyman was born in Milton, December 5, 1838.

Theodore Lyman 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 20-29 years [Amanda M. ((Dixon)) Thurston) Lyman), one male aged 15-19 years, and one male aged under-5 years [Andrew R. Lyman] One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture.

Son Samuel Lyman was born in Milton, in 1840. Father-in-law Samuel Bragdon died in Milton, December 11, 1840, aged sixty-nine years, nine months.

Theodore and Betsy (Bragdon) Lyman were charter members of a Freewill Baptist Church that held its inaugural meeting in their South Milton home, May 5, 1843. He became its deacon.

A Free Will Baptist Church was organized at the house of Theodore Lyman on the fifth day of May 1843, with seventeen members, viz., Hazen Duntley, Daniel M. Quimby, Luther Hayes, William Fernald, James O. Reynolds, Drusilla [(Pickering)] Jewett, Betsey [(Bragdon)] Lyman, Mary H. Downs, Mrs. D.W. Wedgwood, William B. Lyman, Theodore Lyman, E.S. Edgerly, Dearborn Wedgwood, Phoebe [(Leighton)] Duntley, Sophia Quimby, Sally F. Downs, Mrs. A. Hubbard. Luther Hayes was chosen clerk, and Theodore Lyman deacon. Rev. William H. Waldron was the first pastor, having charge of the church about one year, and was succeeded by Rev. Horace Stanton. Mr. Stanton’s health failing he was soon obliged to resign the pastorate, and the Rev. Uriah Chase was called for a time. This church having no meeting house or suitable place for public worship, soon discontinued Sabbath meetings, but kept up prayer and conference meetings until May 1, 1850, at which time the organization became extinct. There were ten members added to the church after its organization. Although for the lack of pecuniary ability to build a meeting house and support the regular preaching of the gospel, this little church was obliged, for the time being to give up its organization, many of its members continued to feel a lively interest in the cause, and in 1859 succeeded in building the present very neat and tasty meeting-house, which was dedicated on the 25th day of December of that year (Scales, 1914).

Mother Dorothy (Allen) Lyman died in Milton, November 25, 1848, aged seventy-nine years.

Theodore Lyman, a farmer, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Betsey [(Bragdon)] Lyman, aged thirty-two years, Andrew R. Lyman, aged eleven years, and Samuel Lyman, aged nine years. Theodore Lyman had real estate valued at $3,500. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Luther Hayes, a lumber dealer, aged thirty years (b. NH), and Thomas Leighton, a machinist, aged sixty-four years (b. NH).

Son Samuel Lyman died in Milton, July 19, 1856.

Theodore Lyman, a farmer, aged forty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Betsey [(Bragdon)] Lyman, aged forty-two years (b. NH), Andrew R. Lyman, a farmer, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), and Ann F. Emerson, aged fifteen years (b. NH). Theodore Lyman had real estate valued at $6,000 and personal estate valued at $1,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Luther Hayes, a farmer, aged forty years (b. NH), and Henry B. Scates, a farmer, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH).

Son Andrew R. Lyman married in Milton, September 7, 1862, Amanda L. Thurston, he of Milton and she of Lebanon, ME. He was a farmer, aged twenty-one years, and she was aged twenty-four years. Rev. Ezra Tuttle performed the ceremony. She was born in Lebanon, ME, circa 1838, daughter of Benjamin and Hannah (Jones) Dixon.

Milton sent Theodore Lyman and Charles Jones (1833-1893) to Concord, NH, as its NH State Representatives for the 1863-64 biennium. They were allotted 90 miles as the length of their round-trip mileage.

On the third and final day of the Battle of Gettysburg, July 3, 1863, the NH House considered a series of joint resolutions on “National Affairs.” (News reports of the Union victory at Gettysburg, PA, would not reach New Hampshire until Tuesday, July 7, 1863). The majority committee report in support of President Lincoln read as follows.

Whereas, The General Government cannot in honor negotiate for peace with traitors and rebels in arms against its rightful authority; and whereas, a permanent and lasting peace cannot be obtained except through complete and triumphant victory; and whereas, neither the President nor Congress can constitutionally entertain any proposition which has for its object the dismemberment of the Government or the dissolution of the Union; therefore,
Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened, That the State of New Hampshire pledges anew her entire resources for the integrity of the Union, the support of the Constitution, the enforcement of the laws, and the continued prosecution of the war until victory crowns our arms, and until the supremacy of the Federal Government is re-established throughout our entire country.
Resolved, That by the Federal Constitution all the powers necessary for the preservation of the Union and Government established by it are granted to that government and may be lawfully exercised to suppress the present entirely causeless and unjustifiable rebellion; and rebels against that Government and Constitution cannot rightfully claim the protection of either until they submit to the authority, and acknowledge the supremacy of both.
Whereas, The steadfast endurance, constancy and valor of the soldiers who have gone forth from New Hampshire, upon the march, in camp, and upon many a well fought field are honorable alike to themselves, and to the State, and demand her lasting gratitude; therefore,
Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened, That New Hampshire hereby most heartily thanks all her sons who have thus gone forth to aid in crushing the rebellion, and to peril their lives for the defence of Liberty and the Union.

Democrat Rep. Harry Bingham (1821-1900) of Littleton, NH, moved that the three resolutions be voted upon separately. Reps. Lyman and Jones of Milton voted with the majority of 171 representatives [60.1%] that voted in favor of the first two resolutions, rather than with the 110 representatives [39.9%%] that voted against them. The final resolution passed on a voice vote.

The much lengthier minority committee report objected to President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, as an unconstitutional seizure of private property. i.e., the slaves, his suppression of the press, the trial and banishment of former Democrat Congressman Clement L. Vallandigham of Ohio, who was leader of the anti-war “Copperheads,” as well as Lincoln’s general conduct of the war. It read as follows.

Resolved, We do solemnly, and without mental reservation, declare our fidelity to the Constitution of the United States, and to the laws of the United States made in pursuance thereof, as the supreme law of the land and we will to the best of our ability, support, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States against all of its enemies, and we demand of all public rulers and magistrates, State and National, that they shall do likewise.
2. We repudiate, as dangerous and revolutionary, the doctrine that a state of war confers upon the President of the United States, or his subordinates in authority any powers, executive, legislative, or administrative, over persons or property, above or beyond what are vested in him or them by the Federal Constitution. We admit no military necessity to justify any violation of the Constitution, which is the guide and safeguard of rulers and people alike, in peace and in war, and in all conditions of public affairs the military should ever be subordinate to this civil power.
3. That there is a manifest difference between the administration of the government and the government itself. The government consists of the civil and political institutions created by the Constitution, and to it the people owe allegiance. The administration are but the agents of the people, subject to their approval or condemnation, according to the merit or demerit of their acts.
4. That in the exercise of their right to differ with the Federal Executive, we enter our solemn protest against the Proclamation of the President of the United States, dated the first day of January, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, by which he assumes to emancipate slaves in certain States, holding the same to be unwise, unconstitutional and void.
5. That we declare our determined opposition to a system of emancipation by the States upon compensation to be made out of the treasury of the United States as burdensome upon the people, unjust in its very nature, and wholly without warrant of the Constitution.
6. That we declare that the power which has recently been assumed by the President of the United States, whereby, under the guise of military necessity, he has proclaimed and extended – or asserts the right to proclaim and extend –  martial law over States where war does not exist, and has suspended the writ of habeas corpus, is unwarranted by the Constitution, and its tendency is to subordinate civil to military authority, and to subvert our system of free government.
7. That we hail with pleasure and hope the manifestations of conservative sentiment among the people of the Northern States, in their elections, and regard the same as earnest of a good purpose on their part to co-operate with all other loyal citizens in giving security to the rights of every section, and maintaining the Union and the Constitution as they were ordained by the founders of the Republic.
8. Then whenever it becomes practicable to obtain a convention of all or three- fourths of the States, such body should be convened for the purpose of proposing such amendments to the Federal Constitution as experience has proved to be necessary to maintain that instrument in the spirit and meaning intended by its founders, and to provide against future convulsions and wars.
9. That the soldiers composing our armies merit the warmest thanks of the nation. Their country called and nobly did they respond. Living, they shall know a nation’s gratitude; wounded, a nation’s care; and dying, they shall live in our memories and monuments shall be raised to teach posterity to honor the patriots and heroes who offered their lives at their country’s altar. Their widows and orphans shall be adopted by the nation, to be watched over and cared for as objects truly worthy a nation’s guardianship.
10. That the arrest, imprisonment, pretended trial and actual banishment of Clement L. Vallandigham, a citizen of the State of Ohio, not belonging to the land or naval forces of the United States, nor to the military in actual service by alleged military authority, for no other pretended crime then that of uttering words of legitimate criticism upon the conduct of the Administration in power, and of appealing to the ballot box for a change of policy, (said arrest and military trial taking place where the courts of law are open and unobstructed,) and for no act done within the sphere of active military operations in carrying on the war we regard as a palpable violation of the following provisions of the Constitution of the United States:
1. Congress shall make no law … abridging the freedom of speech or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
2. The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated; and no warrants shall issue but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized.
3. No person shall be held to answer for a capital or otherwise infamous crime unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces or in the militia when in actual service in time of war or public danger.
4. In all criminal prosecutions the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law.

On Friday, July 10, 1863, Reps. Lyman and Jones of Milton joined the majority of 162 representatives [57.0%] that voted against the minority committee report, rather than the 122 representatives [43.0%] that voted in favor of it.

[Editor: For those who might be thinking that the majority numbers seem somewhat low, a Keene, NH, writer observed that week that “It may be interesting to your Vermont readers to know something [of] how the news of the late victories are being received in New Hampshire, where copperhead proclivities, as you know, prevail to a much greater extent than in old Vermont”].

Father Theodore C. Lyman died of old age in Milton, July 30, 1863, aged ninety-two years.

On Thursday, June 16, 1864, The NH House passed a resolution seeking to have the U.S. Congress propose and pass what would become in the following year the Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

ARTICLE XIII. SECTION 1. Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction. SEC. 2. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation. 

Rep. Jones of Milton voted with the 160 representatives [60.8%] that voted in favor of the resolution, rather than the 103 representatives [39.2%] that voted against it. (Rep. Lyman is not on record as having voted either way). The resolution passed the NH House and went on to the NH Senate. The actual Constitutional Amendment was in progress already in the U.S. Congress, and would come back to the NH House in the next legislative session.

On Wednesday, July 13, 1864, Rep. Lyman, and Rep. Jones of Milton, were among the 190 [67.4%] representatives that voted against moving the State Capitol from Concord, NH, to Manchester, NH, while another 92 [32.6%] representatives voted in favor of the move. The State Capitol remains in Concord, NH.

New Hampshire Capitol. A vigorous effort is being made to remove the State Capital from Concord, N.H., to Manchester. The Legislature is greatly excited and divided on the subject (Vermont Journal, July 9, 1864).

GENERAL SUMMARY. The New Hampshire Legislature have settled the question of the removal of their Capitol by voting by 90 majority that it remain at Concord (Union & Journal (Biddeford, ME), July 15, 1864).

On Thursday, July 14, 1864, Rep. Lyman, and Rep. Jones of Milton, were among the 229 [79.5%] representatives that voted in favor of providing relief for the creditors of the Sullivan Railroad, while another 59 [20.5%] representatives voted against providing relief for those creditors. (The Sullivan Railroad suffered serious train wrecks in 1860 and 1863).

Rep. William Little (1833-1893) of Manchester, NH, introduced a joint resolution on Saturday, July 16, 1864:

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened, That the pay of the members of the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives shall be two dollars per day, in gold, for the year 1865 and afterwards.

The NH House voted to indefinitely postpone the resolution – despite its having been reduced by amendment from $2.50 in gold to $2.00 in gold – but Rep. Hill of Manchester, NH, made a motion to reconsider. Rep. Jones of Milton, and Rep. Lyman, were among the 148 [56.3%] representatives that voted against reconsideration, while another 115 [43.7%] representatives voted in favor of reconsideration. (One may note that at least 115 of the legislators had hoped to be paid their per diem in gold, rather than in inflationary paper “Greenback” currency).

Betsy (Bragdon) Lyman died in Milton, September 22, 1864, aged forty-six years, four months.

Theodore Lyman, a farmer, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Susan Jenness, a housekeeper, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH). Theodore Lyman had real estate valued at $4,000 and personal estate valued at $7,655. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Henry B. Scates, a dealer in wood & lumber, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), and a vacant building. (Hiram V. Wentworth, a shoe manufacturer, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), resided just beyond the vacant building).

Andrew R. Lyman, works in shoe factory, aged thirty years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Amanda M. [((Dixon) Thurston)] Lyman, keeping house, aged twenty-nine years (b. ME), and his daughters, Bertha L. Lyman, at school, aged five years (b. NH), and Florance N. Lyman, at school, aged five years (b. NH). Andrew R. Lyman had real estate valued at $1,200 and personal estate valued at $200. They shared a two-family house with the household of Joseph B. Wakeham, works for shoe factory, aged forty-six years (b. NH). Their two-family house appeared in the enumeration between those of Mehitable Lyman, keeping house, aged forty-seven years (b. NH), and George Lyman, a farmer, aged forty-two years (b. NH).

Theodore Lyman, a farmer, aged sixty-seven years (b. NH) headed a Milton household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his housekeeper, Susan A. Jenness, a housekeeper, aged thirty-nine years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of James O. Reynolds, a shoe manufacturer, aged fifty-four years (b. NH), and George Lyman, a farmer, aged fifty-two years (b. NH).

Andrew R. Lyman, a stable keeper, aged forty years (b. NH), headed a Boston, MA, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Manda M. [((Dixon) Thurston)] Lyman, keeping house, aged thirty-nine years (b. ME), and his daughters, Bertha L. Lyman, at school, aged fifteen years (b. NH), and Florence N. Lyman, at school, aged fifteen years (b. NH), and his servant, Katherine Caunan, works in family, aged eighteen years (b. Ireland). They resided on Chestnut Hill Avenue.

Theodore Lyman died of heart disease and dropsy in Milton, August 1, 1891, aged seventy-eight years, eleven months, and nine days. He was a widowed farmer. J.W. Lougee, M.D., of Rochester, NH, signed the death certificate.

Andrew Lyman, a retired farmer, aged sixty-one years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of thirty-eight years), Amanda M. [((Dixon) Thurston)] Lyman, aged fifty-eight years (b. ME). Amanda M. Lyman was the mother of three children, of whom two were still living. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of George Lyman, a farmer, aged seventy-two years (b. NH), and Woodbury H. Downing, a teamster, aged thirty-five years (b. NH).

Frank Tasker, a wharf foreman, aged thirty-eight years (b. MA), headed a Boston, MA, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of five years), Florence [(Lyman)] Tasker, aged thirty-six years (b. NH), Theodore L. Tasker, aged three years (b. MA), his father-in-law (married thirty-eight years), Andrew Lyman, a landlord, aged sixty years (b. NH), his mother-in-law (married thirty-eight years), Amandy [((Dixon) Thurston)] Lyman, a landlady, aged fifty-nine years (b. ME), his brother-in-law (married nine years), Alvin Smith, a milk dealer, aged forty years (b. MA), and his sister-in-law (married nine years), Bertha [(Lyman)] Smith, aged thirty-six years (b. MA). Frank Tasker rented their apartment at 81 Parsons Street. Florence Tasker was the mother of one child, of whom one was still living.  Amandy Lyman was the mother of two children, of whom two were still living.

Son Andrew R. Lyman died of heart disease in Milton, September 14, 1906, aged sixty-seven years, nine months, and nine days. He had resided in Milton for fifteen years, i.e., since the death of his father in 1891, with his previous residence having been in Brighton, MA. James J. Buckley, M.D., signed the death certificate. (Burial in Newtonville, MA).

DEATHS. LYMAN – Suddenly, in Milton, N.H., Sept. 14, Andrew R. Lyman of Brighton, Mass., 67 yrs. 9 mos. Services at Milton at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 16. Also services at his late residence, 29 Bentley st., Brighton, Tuesday, Sept. 18, time given later (Boston Globe, September 15, 1906).

Benjamin F. Tasker, a foreman (ice co.), aged forty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Boston, MA, household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of fifteen years), Florence L. [(Lyman)] Tasker, aged forty-five years (b. NH), his son, Theodore L. Tasker, aged thirteen years (b. MA), and his mother-in-law, Amanda L. [((Dixon) Thurston)] Lyman, own income, aged sixty-nine years (b. ME). Benjamin F. Tasker owned their house at 29 Bentley Street, free-and-clear. Florence L. Tasker was the mother of one child, of whom one was still living.  Amanda L. Lyman was the mother of two children, of whom two were still living.

Amanda M. [((Dixon) Thurston)] Lyman, a widow, aged seventy-eight years (b. ME), headed a Boston, MA, household at the time of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census. Her household included her son-in-law, Francis B. Tasker, aged fifty-eight years (b. NH), her daughter, Florence L. [(Lyman)] Tasker, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), her grandson, Lyman T. Tasker, a bookkeeper (soap dealers), aged twenty-two years (b. MA), and another daughter, Bertha L. [(Lyman)] Smith, a widow, aged fifty-one years (b. NH). They resided on Bentley Street.

Daughter-in-law Amanda M. ((Dixon) Thurston) Lyman died in Newton, MA, April 5, 1929.

DEATHS. LYMAN – In Brighton, April 5, Amanda M., widow of Andrew R. Lyman. Funeral services at her late residence, 29 Bentley st., Brighton, April 8, at 2:30 p.m. (Boston Globe, April 6, 1929).

---

References:

Find a Grave. (2013, September 20). Samuel Bragdon. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/117393846/samuel-bragdon

Find a Grave. (2016, August 7). Andrew R. Lyman. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/167877824/andrew-r-lyman

Find a Grave. (2013, August 15). Samuel Lyman. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/115540497/samuel-lyman

Find a Grave. (2013, August 15). Theodore Lyman. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/115539802/theodore-lyman

Find a Grave. (2013, August 17). Theodore Cushing “TC” Lyman. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/115612665/theodore-cushing-lyman

General Court. (1863). Journal of the House of Representatives of the State of New-Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=d8dHAQAAMAAJ&pg=RA1-PA5

General Court. (1864). Journal of the House of Representatives of the State of New-Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=xjotAQAAMAAJ&pg=RA1-PA5

Wikipedia. (2023, September 28). Clement Vallandigham. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clement_Vallandigham

Wikipedia. (2023, September 27). Copperhead (Politics). Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copperhead_(politics)

Wikipedia. (2023, September 27). Emancipation Proclamation. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emancipation_Proclamation

By Muriel Bristol | October 1, 2023

Charles Ayer Varney was born in Milton, May 19, 1833, son of John H. and Elizabeth “Betsy” (Cloutman) Varney.

Father John H. Varney died of rheumatic fever in Milton, in January 1850, aged fifty-five years.

Betsey W. [(Cloutman)] Varney, aged forty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. Her household included Susan Varney, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), Lydia Varney, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), Ruth [(Varney)] Nutter, aged twenty years (b. NH), John H. Varney, a shoemaker, aged eighteen years (b. NH), Charles A. Varney, a shoemaker, aged sixteen years (b. NH), Betsey Varney, aged fourteen years (b. NH), Theron F. Varney, aged eight years (b. NH), James W. Nutter, a shoemaker, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), George Scates, a trader, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), John G. Drew, a manufacturer, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH), and John W. Nutter, a shoemaker, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH). Betsy W. Varney had real estate valued at $2,000. James W. Nutter had real estate valued at $1,000. George Scates had real estate valued at $2,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Ira Knox, a shoemaker, aged twenty years (b. ME), and Noah Warren, a shoemaker, aged twenty-four years (b. NH).

Future mother-in-law Sarah A. (Varney) Nute died in Dover, NH, in October 1850.

Charles A. Varney married, circa 1858, Sophia J. Nute. She was born in Milton, April 27, 1842, daughter of John C. and Sarah A. (Varney) Nute.

John H. Varney, a shoemaker, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Nancy J. Varney, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), M.C. Blackwell, a shoemaker, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), George H. Staples, a shoemaker, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), Wallace Smith, a shoemaker, aged twenty-six years (b. NH), Mellissa Smith, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH), Samuel Clements, a shoemaker, aged twenty-six years (b. NH), Elisha B. Watson, a shoemaker, aged twenty-two years (b. NH), Charles E. Whitehouse, a shoemaker, aged twenty years (b. NH), John S. Varney, a shoemaker, aged twenty-five years (b. NH), John M. Brackett, a shoemaker, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), George W. Brackett, a shoemaker, aged nineteen years (b. NH), Daniel J. Chamberlin, a shoemaker, aged nineteen years (b. NH), John Robinson, a shoemaker, aged sixteen years (b. NH), Charles A. Varney, a shoemaker, aged twenty-six years (b. NH), and Sophia J. [(Nute)] Varney, aged nineteen years (b. NH). John H. Varney had personal estate valued at $300. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of George W. Tasker, a shoemaker, aged thirty years (b. NH), and H. Wentworth, a shoe manufacturer, aged forty-one years (b. NH).

Milton sent Charles A. Varney and Enoch W. Plumer to Concord, NH, as its NH State Representatives for the 1861-62 biennium. Rep. Varney of Milton was assigned the Committee on Education. (Rep. Plumer of Milton was assigned the Committee on Division of Towns).

On Tuesday, June 25, 1861, Rep. Lyman D. Stevens (1821-1909) of Concord, NH, moved that a bill regarding the Concord & Portsmouth Railroad be postponed to the next legislative session. Reps. Varney and Plumer voted with the majority of 210 representatives [71.2%] that opposed postponement, rather than with the minority of 85 representatives [28.8%] that favored postponement.

On Tuesday, July 2, 1861, the House resumed its consideration of “An act for remodeling the militia” (the Civil War having broken out only three months before). Democrat Rep. Harry Bingham (1821-1900) of Littleton, NH, moved that the bill be amended to insert the word “white” just before the word “able-bodied.” Reps. Varney and Plumer voted with the majority of 154 representatives [57.0%] that opposed the amendment language, rather than with the minority of 116 representatives [43.0%] that favored it.

In the second year of his two-year biennium, Rep. Varney was assigned to the Committee on Towns and Parishes. (Rep. Plumer was assigned to the Committee on Printers’ Accounts).

On Thursday, June 19, 1862, Rep. Varney filed a bill with the Committee on Incorporations, which was entitled “An act authorizing the sale of the Union Meeting House at Three Ponds in the village of the town of Milton.” The bill passed during the afternoon of Tuesday, July 1, 1862. (The Union Meeting House building would become the Milton Classical Institute several years later (after the Civil War)).

On Monday, June 30, 1862, the House considered whether or not Isaac Emerson (1825-1885) of Windham, NH, had a right to a House seat. (The remonstrance of R.B. Jackson and others asserted that he should not be seated). Rep. Emerson himself moved that the Committee on the Judiciary should investigate and report on the matter:

Resolved, That the Committee on the Judiciary be instructed to report, for the satisfaction of the “contestants” having the merits of this case in view, first, What constitutes a legal ballot? second, What votes should be counted by the moderator in determining the majority and the result of an election?

The House Committee on the Judiciary returned their opinion that Mr. Emerson should not be seated, as the necessary threshold of 69 votes would have been slightly higher if the six votes for “Charles Butrick” had been counted with those received for “Charles E. Butrick.”

At the annual town-meeting in Windham, in March last, after ten or more ballotings for representative, Isaac Emerson was declared elected. The whole number of votes, as declared by the moderator on that ballot, was one hundred and thirty-six (136); necessary to a choice, sixty-nine (69); and Isaac Emerson, having sixty-nine votes, was declared elected. On that ballot there was put into the ballot-box as votes, one piece of paper containing the name of an animal, another containing the name of a woman, and some six others on which was the name of Charles Butrick; but that there was one by the name of Charles E. Butrick. It was also admitted that some of those persons who voted for Charles Butrick intended to vote for Charles E. Butrick. The moderator excluded all these names from the ballots, and then declared the result aforesaid. The remonstrants claim that at least those pieces of paper containing the name of Charles Butrick should be counted as ballots, while the sitting member claims that they should not be so received, and claims that they were rightfully excluded. … The committee are also of the opinion that tickets containing the name of an animal, or inanimate things, or a woman, ought to be rejected in such computation of the whole number of ballots, as not being within the spirit of the statute defining that term, and as trifling with the right of suffrage, and tending to bring it into ridicule and disgrace. …

Rep. Varney voted with the 45 [25.3%] that agreed with the committee report and voted not to seat Mr. Emerson, rather than with the 133 representatives [74.7%] that went against the committee report and voted to seat him. (Rep. Plumer voted instead with those that sought to seat Mr. Emerson). So, Rep. Emerson was seated.

On Tuesday, July 8, 1862, Rep. Lewis P. Cushman (1824-1904) of Landaff, NH, introduced a resolution whereby House members and staff might forgo two days’ pay and spend that money instead on a soldiers’ hospital.

Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives, in General Court convened, That the Clerk, in making up the pay-roll of the members and officers of the House of Representatives, be instructed to deduct from the same Saturday and Sunday, July 5 and 6, and that the Governor is hereby authorized to expend the same in furnishing the hospital provided for by the present Legislature for the use of our sick and wounded soldiers.

Rep. Charles W. Woodman (1809-1888) of Dover, NH, moved that the resolution be indefinitely postponed. Reps. Varney and Plumer voted with the majority of 178 representatives [68.5%] that favored postponement, rather than with the 82 representatives [31.5%] that opposed postponement.

Rep. George Holbrook (1830-1927) of Manchester, NH, made an alternate motion:

Resolved, That a committee of one from each county be appointed to solicit a subscription from each member of this House and honorable Senate, the same to be applied to furnishing the hospital for the sick and wounded soldiers. 

(These hospital furnishings votes are somewhat reminiscent of a supposed discussion between one Horatio Bunce and then U.S. Congressman Davy Crockett, probably circa 1829, as collected by Bettina Bien Greaves (of which an audio version may be found in the References)).

Charles A. Varney, dry goods & groceries, aged thirty-six years (b. NH), headed a Wakefield (“Union P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Sophia J. [(Nute)] Varney, keeping house, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH). Charles A. Varney had personal estate valued at $2,075.

Father-in-law John C. Nute died in Milton, April 26, 1872. Mother Betsy W. (Cloutman) Varney died in Milton, March 18, 1879.

Charles A. Varney, an excelsior manufacturer, aged forty-six years (b. NH), headed a Wakefield, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Sophia J. [(Nute)] Varney, keeping house, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH). (Excelsior was wood shavings used as a packaging material, as Styrofoam “peanuts” are in our own time).

Charles A. Varney and Charles H. Hayes (1849-1916) moved to Haverhill, MA, in 1884, and there formed a box-making company under the name Varney & Hayes. (Hayes was a son of Luther and Louise A. (Bragdon) Hayes (see South Milton’s High Sheriff Luther Hayes (1820-1895))).

He [Charles H. Hayes] came to Haverhill in 1884 with Charles Varney, also of Milton, and together they bought the George W. Wentworth Wood and Paper Box factory and power plant on Granite street. The business was at that time located in the wooden building, which was destroyed by fire some years ago, and built originally for Gardner Brothers as a shoe factory. The firm name of Varney & Hayes was adopted and the two townsmen in business together for eight years, when Mr. Varney retired and Mr. Hayes, buying his share, continued in business alone (Paper Box Maker, September 1916).

Chas. A. Varney (Varney & Hayes) appeared in the Haverhill, MA, directory of 1885, as a box mnfr. at 30 Granite street, with his house at 375 Washington street. The firm of Varney & Hayes (Chas. A. Varney and Chas. H. Hayes) appeared as mnfrs. of paper and wooden boxes, at 30 to 36 Granite street. Partner Charles H. Hayes appeared as having his house still at Milton, N.H.

LOCALS. Charles A. Varney, of the firm of Varney & Hayes of Haverhill, Mass., was in town, Tuesday, renewing old acquaintances. Mr. Varney came to Farmington in 1863, and filled the position of assessor’s clerk for four years for the late Captain Herring [a nickname for shoe manufacturer Israel Hayes]. In ’67 he went into trade at Union, continuing in the same about 14 years, run the excelsior business (purchased of S.H. Buzzell) three years – clearing from the same about $12,000. Three years ago Mr. Varney and Charles Hayes of Milton bought Wentworth’s wood and paper box factory at Haverhill. The venture, thus far, has proved a financial success, the last inventory showing a profit of $45,000 for the three years, and this from an investment of less than $20,000. The firm’s success is a matter of congratulation to their many friends both here and in Milton. Mr. Varney is a prominent Mason, having been a member of the Fraternal lodge [since] about ’71. (Farmington News, July 22, 1887).

Varney & Hayes appeared in a list of the 20,000 “rich” New Englanders that had paid the highest taxes in 1888. They paid $594 in that year (Luce & Bridge, 1888).

Charles A. Varney (Varney & Hayes) appeared in the Haverhill, MA, directory of 1889, as a box mnfr. at 30 Granite street, with his house at 325 Washington street. Partner Charles H. Hayes had his house at 22 Franklin street.

MALE HELP WANTED. WANTED – a good man to fit wooden boxes; also a good first-class nailer on shoe boxes; apply at once. VARNEY & HAYES, Haverhill, Mass.” Sud7t my4 (Boston Globe, May 5, 1890).

Box Factory Damaged $1000. HAVERHILL, Mass., June 4. – Fire at Varney & Hayes’ wooden and paper box manufactory, Granite st., this afternoon, caused loss of $1000. The chimney in the boiler room was being burned out, and overheated bricks set the woodwork in the vicinity on fire. About 25 of the 75 people employed were obliged to quit work. Loss covered by insurance (Boston Globe, June 4, 1890).

Varney & Hayes expanded their Haverhill building, in September 1890, in order to make space for an auxiliary motor.

SEPTEMBER [1890]. Varney & Hayes, Haverhill, began extending their box factory building for the purpose of introducing a new engine of 450 horse power. … NOVEMBER. The largest engine in Haverhill put in the box factory of Varney & Hayes, 500 horse power, Corliss pattern (MA Bureau of Statistics, 1891).

Charles A. Varney (Varney & Hayes) appeared in the Haverhill, MA, directory of 1891, as a box mnfr. at 30 Granite street, with his house at 325 Washington street. Partner Charles H. Hayes had his house at 266 Washington street. The firm entry now included their steam power source.

Varney & Lane experienced a boiler explosion in their new engine, February 27, 1891.

BOILER EXPLOSIONS. BOX FACTORY (46). About 3 o’clock on Feb 27th one of the boilers at the works of Varney & Hayes, on Granite street, Haverhill, Mass., burst, causing a suspension power in their box factory and in the places depending upon their engine. The direct damage was slight. The engineer was badly scalded about the face by the escaping steam (The Locomotive, April 1891).

Varney & Hayes suffered a serious fire that completely gutted its building on Saturday, April, 30, 1892.

HAVERHILL’S BIG FIRE. Four Alarms, one False – Loss $28,000 – Caleb Hersey Drops Dead. HAVERHILL, April 30.- Flames burst from the basement window of Varney & Hayes’ box factory tonight at 8.30 o’clock. An alarm was sent in and the department quickly responded. Chief Charlesworth at once ordered a second alarm and a few minutes later a third. A few minutes after another fire started in the stable of A.S. Dinsmore on Essex and a part of the apparatus was sent there. The flames were soon under control, and when completely conquered the damage was found to be only about $800. Soon after the third alarm another was sounded, but it was soon found to be false. Dinsmore’s stable was in the centre of a lot of dilapidated wooden buildings, but fortunately they were not ignited. Among others who started for the scene was Caleb Hersey, a well-known and prominent citizen and an ex-shoe manufacturer. He was hurrying through Oak st., when he fell dead probably from heart disease. At 10.30 the fire was under control and at 10.45 was “all out.” The Varney & Hayes building was completely gutted and the loss on building and contents will be about $25,000. At 11 o’clock firemen were called for the second time to the Dinsmore stable, the fire having broke out again. All of the hay was removed and the flames quickly extinguished. The protective wagon was also called to J.H. Winchell factory on Locust for a slight fire (Boston Globe, May 1, 1892).

Charles A. Varney retired from Varney & Hayes in 1892. (Partner Charles H. Hayes bought his share). Likely he was not interested in participating in the rebuilding of their box factory. Varney planned instead to start a sanitarium, i.e., a rehabilitation facility, at Berwick, ME.

NEW CORPORATIONS. The Massachusetts Sanitarium Co. been organised at Berwick to establish sanitariums and maintain treatment for persons addicted to liquor, morphine, etc., with $10,000 capital stock, of which $5700 is paid in. The officers are: President, Charles A. Varney of Haverhill, Mass.; treasurer, Horace E. Bartlett of Haverhill, Mass. Certificate approved March 18, 1893 (Lewiston Sun-Journal (Lewiston, ME), March 20, 1893).

Brother John H. Varney, Jr., died of “suicide by shooting in head” in Haverhill, MA, January 28, 1893, aged sixty years, ten months. He was a shoe manufacturer.

MILTON. John H. Varney, a former resident of Milton, shot himself twice in the neck at Haverhill, Mass., Saturday, and died after a few days. His body was brought here for burial (Farmington News, February 3, 1893).

Charles A. Varney died of a cerebral softening and cerebral hemorrhage in Haverhill, MA, June 2, 1893, aged fifty-nine years, thirteen days. He was a manufacturer.

FROM APOPLECTIC SHOCK. Charles A. Varney Dies at His Home in Haverhill. Mass. Haverhill, June 2. Charles A. Varney, aged 59 years, died last night from the effects of apoplexy, sustained last Wednesday evening. Deceased was born in Milton, N.H., where, in early life, he was engaged in the grocery business. Later he was in a similar business at Union, N.H. About nine years ago he came to Haverhill. and in company with C.W. Hayes engaged in shoe box manufacturing, in which business he continued until a year ago, when he retired. Mr. Varney was a member of Unity Lodge of Masons at Union, N.H. He leaves a wife but no children (Boston Globe, June 2, 1893).

Funeral of Charles A. Varney. Milton, N.H., June 5. The funeral of Charles A. Varney, who died in Haverhill, Mass., was held at the Congregational church this afternoon. The services were conducted by Rev. Mr. Dickey, and were largely attended. Unity lodge of Freemasons was present and escorted the remains to the Milton cemetery, performing their burial service previous to the interment (Boston Globe, June 6, 1893).

Sophia J. (Nute) Varney had removed from Haverhill, MA, to Salmon Falls, i.e., Rochester, NH, before 1899. She had also a summer cottage at York, ME.

ALL THEY CAN ACCOMMODATE. York Beach Monopolized for at Least Two Months by Summer Visitors – Arrivals Past Week. … Mrs. Charles A. Varney of Salmon Falls opened her cottage on Long beach this week (Boston Globe, July 2, 1899).

Sophia A. [(Nute)] Varney, aged fifty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. Her household included her niece, Ethel G. Nute, aged seventeen years (b. NH), and Hilmer Sanson, at school, aged eleven years (b. NH). Sophia A. Varney rented their house at 12 Heaton Street.

Mrs. Sophia J. [(Nute)] Varney (Charles A.) appeared in the Rochester, NH, directories of 1902, 1905, and 1909, as having her house at 12 Heaton street.

Sophia [(Nute)] Varney, own income, aged sixty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. She owned her house at 12 Heaton Street, free-and-clear.

Mrs. Sophia J. [(Nute)] Varney, widow of Charles A. Varney, appeared in the Rochester, NH, directories of 1912, and 1917, as having her house at 12 Heaton street.

Sophia J. [(Nute)] Varney, a widow, aged seventy-seven years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census. She owned her house at 12 Heaton Street.

Mrs. Sophia J. [(Nute)] Varney, widow of Charles A. Varney, appeared in the Rochester, NH, directories of 1921, and 1924, as having her house at 12 Heaton street.

Sophia J. (Nute) Varney died of valvular heart disease at 12 Eaton Street in Rochester, NH, July 12, 1927, aged eighty-five years. two months, and fifteen days. Edson M. Abbott, M.D., signed the death certificate.

---

References:

Find a Grave. (2015, July 25). Charles H. Hayes. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/149749219/charles-h-varney

Find a Grave. (2016, November 13). John C. Nute. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/172705709/john-c-nute

Find a Grave. (2020, October 20). Charles Ayer Varney. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/217522900/charles-ayer-varney

Find a Grave. (2020, October 20). John Hanson Varney. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/217515882/john-hanson-varney

Greaves. Bettina Bien. (2009, May 7). Davy Crockett: Not Yours to Give. Retrieved from mises.org/library/not-yours-give

Luce & Bridge. (1888). Twenty Thousand Rich New Englanders: A List of Taxpayers who Were Assessed in 1888 to Pay a Tax of One Hundred Dollars Or More. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=aAkPAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA33

MA Bureau of Statistics. (1891). Annual Report on the Statistics of Manufactures. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=VoMkAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA398

NH General Court. (1861). Journals of the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the State of New Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=zt43AAAAMAAJ&pg=RA1-PA146

NH General Court. (1862). Journal of the House of Representatives of the State of New-Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=MQ8tAQAAMAAJ&pg=RA1-PA5

Wikipedia. (2023, April 18). Corliss Steam Engine. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corliss_steam_engine

By Muriel Bristol | September 24, 2023

Enoch W. Plumer was born in Milton, April 4, 1815, son of Joseph [Jr.] and Sarah “Sally” (Brown) Plumer.

Father Joseph Plummer [Jr.] died in Milton, January 3, 1826, aged thirty-nine years.

Sarah [(Brown)] Plumer headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. Her household included one female aged 40-49 years [herself], one male aged 20-29 years, one female aged 20-29 years, one female aged 15-19 years [Caroline Plumer], one male aged 15-19 years [Enoch W. Plumer], two males aged 10-14 years [Bard Plumer and Joseph Plumer], and one female aged 5-9 years [Sarah Plumer]. Her household appeared in the enumeration between those of Levi Jones and Jos. P. Burrows.

Sarah [(Brown)] Plumer headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. Her household included one female aged 50-59 years [herself], five males aged 20-29 years [Enoch W. Plumer, Bard Plumer, and Joseph Plumer, and others], one female aged 20-29 years [Caroline Plumer], and one female aged 15-19 years [Sarah Plumer]. Five members of her household were engaged in Agriculture. Her household appeared in the enumeration between those of Benjamin Roberts and Levi Jones.

Enoch W. Plumer married, June 16, 1840, Orinda Ayers. She was born in Wakefield, NH, in 1817, daughter of Joseph and Olive R. “Ruth” (Nudd) Ayers.

(The known children of Enoch W. and Orinda (Ayers) Plumer were: John Tyler Plumer (1841–1868), Joseph Emmons Plumer (1842–1899), Mary Baker Plumer (1844–1939), Bard Burge Plummer (1846–1919), Sarah Plumer (1848–1931), Fanny W. Plumer (1851–1933), and Susan Plumer (1854–1878).

Enoch W. Plummer, son of Joseph and Sally Brown (Plummer), was born on the old home place in 1815. He followed farming in a general way and erected the barn now standing on the Plummer farm. He lived to reach the age of eighty-one years, dying in 1896; his wife had died the previous year, and both were buried in the cemetery on Plummer Ridge. Her maiden name was Orinda Ayers and their marriage was blessed with seven children: John T., Joseph E., May B., Bard B., Sarah, Fannie W., and Susan. Mr. Plummer was a Republican in politics, and at one time served as representative of the town of Milton. In addition to farming, he also was of a half interest in a saw mill, his partner being Lewis Plummer. He was a devout christian, a member of the Congregational church, and for more than forty years was a deacon in the church, death terminating that tenure (Scales, 1914).

Son John Tyler Plumer was born in Milton, June 3, 1841. Son Joseph Emmons Plumer was born in Milton, October 5, 1842.

Col. James J. Chesley commanded the Thirty-Third NH Militia Regiment in 1843. His staff included Lt. Col. Enoch W. Plumer; Maj. Jonathan W. Sanborn; Adjutant Leonard S. Nute of Alton, NH; and Quartermaster Moses H. Chesley of East Alton, NH (NH Adjutant General, 1843).

Daughter Mary B. Plumer was born in Milton, September 8, 1844.

Col. Enoch W. Plumer commanded the Thirty-Third NH Militia Regiment in 1844. His staff included Lt. Col. Jonathan W. Sanborn; Maj. John Churchill; Adjutant Leonard S. Nute of Alton, NH; and Quartermaster Moses H. Chesley of East Alton, NH (McFarland & Jenks, 1845).

Col. Enoch W. Plumer commanded the Thirty-Third NH Militia Regiment in 1845. His staff included Lt. Col. Jonathan W. Sanborn; Maj. John Churchill; Adjutant Leonard S. Nute of Alton, NH; and Quartermaster Moses H. Chesley of East Alton, NH (Farmer & Lyon, 1844).

Col. Enoch W. Plumer of Milton commanded the Thirty-Third NH Militia Regiment in 1846. His staff included Lt. Col. Jonathan W. Sanborn; Maj. Cyrus K. Sanborn of Brookfield, NH; Adjutant Isaac N. Fellows of Wakefield, NH; and Quartermaster Moses H. Chesley of East Alton, NH (Claremont Manufacturing Co., 1846).

Son Bard Burge Plummer was born in Milton, in 1846.

Father-in-law Joseph Ayers died in Wakefield, NH, August 26, 1847.

Daughter Sarah Plumer was born in Milton, in 1848.

Enoch Plumer, a farmer, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Orinda [(Ayers)] Plumer, aged thirty-three years (b. NH), John T. Plumer, aged eight years (b. NH), Joseph E. Plumer, aged seven years (b. NH), Mary B. Plumer, aged five years (b. NH), Beard Plumer, and four years (b. NH), Sarah Plumer, aged two years (b. NH), Sarah [(Brown)] Plumer, aged sixty-six years (b. NH), and Sarah Plumer, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH). Enoch Plumer had real estate valued at $6,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of David Wallingford, a farmer, aged forty-nine years (b. NH), and David D.A. Robinson, a shoemaker, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH).

Mother-in-law Olive Ruth (Nudd) Ayers died in Wakefield, NH, September 20, 1852.

Daughter Susan Plummer was born in Milton, April 27, 1854.

The Republican party was founded in 1854 by anti-slavery activists who opposed the Kansas-Nebraska Act of that year.

In his latter years he [Enoch W. Plummer] supported the Republican party in politics (Biographical Review, 1897).

The NH State Agricultural Society awarded Enoch W. Plumer of Milton a $15 second-place prize for his stallion of seven years, Young Messenger, in November 1858 (NH Agricultural Society, 1860).

E.W. Plumer, a farmer, aged forty-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Orinda [(Ayers)] Plumer, aged forty-two years (b. NH), John T. Plumer, aged nineteen years (b. NH), Joseph E. Plumer, aged seventeen years (b. NH), Mary B. Plumer, aged fifteen years (b. NH), Bard B. Plumer, aged fourteen years (b. NH), Sarah Plumer, aged twelve years (b. NH), Fanny W. Plumer, aged nine years (b. NH), Susan Plumer, aged six years (b. NH), Sarah [(Brown)] Plumer, aged seventy-five years (b. NH), Caroline Wentworth, aged forty-six years (b. NH), and Thomas Wentworth, aged twenty years (b. NH). Enoch Plumer had real estate valued at $6,000 and personal estate valued at $1,500. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Joseph Plumer, a farmer, aged forty years (b. NH), and Charles Jones, a farmer, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH).

Milton sent Enoch W. Plummer and Charles A. Varney to Concord, NH, as its NH State Representatives for the 1861-62 biennium. Rep. Plumer of Milton was assigned the Committee on Division of Towns. (Rep. Varney of Milton was assigned the Committee on Education).

On Wednesday, June 11, 1861, Rep. George F. Bartlett (1826-1897) of Milford, NH, moved that a ten-member committee be appointed to seek one or more House chaplains. As a result, Rep. Plumer of Milton was appointed as the Strafford County member.

Resolved, That a committee of ten, one from each county, be appointed by the chair; to select some suitable clergyman to officiate as chaplain of the Legislature during the present session; and that prayer be offered each morning of the session, in the Representatives Hall, immediately preceding the forenoon session; and that the Governor and Council, and the Senate, be invited to attend.
Ordered, That Messrs. Bartlett of Milford, Nason of Hampton Falls, Plumer of Milton, Taylor of Sanbornton, Milliken of Effingham, Coffin of Concord, Edwards of Keene, Gallup of Plainfield, Tenney of Hanover, and Abbott of Northumberland, be said committee.

(His Plumer surname appeared in both forms – Plumer and Plummer – in House journals. This variance originated probably in eighteenth and early nineteenth century orthography. Duplicate letters might be represented as a single letter with a stroke over it, indicating that the single letter written stood for two identical paired letters).

On Tuesday, June 25, 1861, Rep. Lyman D. Stevens (1821-1909) of Concord, NH, moved that a bill regarding the Concord & Portsmouth Railroad be postponed to the next legislative session. Reps. Plumer and Varney voted with the majority of 210 representatives [71.2%] that opposed postponement, rather than with the minority of 85 representatives [28.8%] that favored postponement.

On Tuesday, July 2, 1861, the House resumed its consideration of “An act for remodeling the militia” (the Civil War having broken out only three months before). Democrat Rep. Harry Bingham (1821-1900) of Littleton, NH, moved that the bill be amended to insert the word “white” just before the word “able-bodied.” Reps. Plumer and Varney voted with the majority of 154 representatives [57.0%] that opposed the amendment language, rather than with the minority of 116 representatives [43.0%] that favored it.

In the second year of his two-year biennium, Rep. Plumer was assigned to the Committee on Printers’ Accounts. (Rep. Varney was assigned to the Committee on Towns and Parishes).

On Tuesday, June 24, 1862, the House voted on an “Act providing for a system of public-school supervision.” Rep. Plumer voted with the minority of 112 representatives [39.0%] that voted in favor, rather than with the majority of 175 representatives [61.0%] that voted against it. (Rep. Varney may have been absent that day, as he did not vote).

On Monday, June 30, 1862, the House considered whether or not Isaac Emerson (1825-1885) of Windham, NH, had a right to a House seat. (The remonstrance of R.B. Jackson and others asserted that he should not be seated). Rep. Emerson himself moved that the Committee on the Judiciary should investigate and report on the matter:

Resolved, That the Committee on the Judiciary be instructed to report, for the satisfaction of the “contestants” having the merits of this case in view, first, What constitutes a legal ballot? second, What votes should be counted by the moderator in determining the majority and the result of an election?

The House Committee on the Judiciary returned their opinion that Mr. Emerson should not be seated, as the necessary threshold of 69 votes would have been slightly higher if the six votes for “Charles Butrick” had been counted with those received for “Charles E. Butrick.”

At the annual town-meeting in Windham, in March last, after ten or more ballotings for representative, Isaac Emerson was declared elected. The whole number of votes, as declared by the moderator on that ballot, was one hundred and thirty-six (136); necessary to a choice, sixty-nine (69); and Isaac Emerson, having sixty-nine votes, was declared elected. On that ballot there was put into the ballot-box as votes, one piece of paper containing the name of an animal, another containing the name of a woman, and some six others on which was the name of Charles Butrick; but that there was one by the name of Charles E. Butrick. It was also admitted that some of those persons who voted for Charles Butrick intended to vote for Charles E. Butrick. The moderator excluded all these names from the ballots, and then declared the result aforesaid. The remonstrants claim that at least those pieces of paper containing the name of Charles Butrick should be counted as ballots, while the sitting member claims that they should not be so received, and claims that they were rightfully excluded. … The committee are also of the opinion that tickets containing the name of an animal, or inanimate things, or a woman, ought to be rejected in such computation of the whole number of ballots, as not being within the spirit of the statute defining that term, and as trifling with the right of suffrage, and tending to bring it into ridicule and disgrace. …

Rep. Plumer voted with the 133 representatives [74.7%] that went against the committee report and voted to seat Mr. Emerson, rather than with the 45 [25.3%] that agreed with the committee report and voted not to seat him. So, Rep. Emerson was seated.

On Tuesday, July 8, 1862, Rep. Lewis P. Cushman (1824-1904) of Landaff, NH, introduced a resolution whereby House members and staff might forgo two days’ pay and spend that money instead on a soldiers’ hospital.

Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives, in General Court convened, That the Clerk, in making up the pay-roll of the members and officers of the House of Representatives, be instructed to deduct from the same Saturday and Sunday, July 5 and 6, and that the Governor is hereby authorized to expend the same in furnishing the hospital provided for by the present Legislature for the use of our sick and wounded soldiers.

Rep. Charles W. Woodman (1809-1888) of Dover, NH, moved that the resolution be indefinitely postponed. Reps. Plumer and Varney voted with the majority of 178 representatives [68.5%] that favored postponement, rather than with the 82 representatives [31.5%] that opposed postponement.

Rep. George Holbrook (1830-1927) of Manchester, NH, made an alternate motion:

Resolved, That a committee of one from each county be appointed to solicit a subscription from each member of this House and honorable Senate, the same to be applied to furnishing the hospital for the sick and wounded soldiers. 

(These hospital furnishings votes are somewhat reminiscent of a supposed discussion between one Horatio Bunce and then U.S. Congressman Davy Crockett, probably circa 1829, as collected by Bettina Bien Greaves (of which an audio version may be found in the References)).

E.W. Plumer of Milton paid a $1 tax for his horse carriage (valued at $70), in the U.S. Excise Tax of 1862.

Enoch W. Plummer paid a $10 tax on his stallion, and a $1 tax for his 1-horse carriage (valued at $75), in the U.S. Excise Tax of May 1864. Perhaps the stallion was the same one, Young Messenger, for which he had received a second-place prize in 1858.

Son John T. Plummer married in Boston, MA, January 31, 1867, Armena P. Gilman, he of Union, [Wakefield,] NH, and she of Milton. He was a merchant, aged twenty-five years, and she was aged twenty-three years. Rev. O.T. Walker performed the ceremony. She was born in Wakefield, NH, daughter of Theophilus and Parna [(Dearborn)] Gilman.

Mother Sarah “Sally” (Brown) Plummer died of dropsy in Milton, July 27, 1867, aged eighty-two years. She was a widowed farmer.

Son John Tyler Plumer died June 20, 1868.

Son Joseph Emmons Plummer married in Milton, October 18, 1869, Susan E. [Evyline] Pecker, he of Milton and she of Concord, NH. He was a farmer, aged twenty-seven years, and she was aged thirty years. Rev. James Doldt performed the ceremony. She was born in East Concord, NH, September 6, 1839, daughter of William and Susan D. (Chandler) Pecker.

Enoch W. Plummer, a farmer, aged fifty-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Orinda [(Ayers)] Plummer, keeping house, aged fifty-two years (b. NH), Mary B. Plummer, aged twenty-five years (b. NH), Bard B. Plummer, a farm laborer, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), Sarah Plummer, aged twenty-two years (b. NH), Fanny W. Plummer, aged nineteen years (b. NH), Susan Plummer, aged eleven years (b. NH), and George I. Whitehouse, a farm laborer, aged seventeen years (b. NH). Enoch Plumer had real estate valued at $6,000 and personal estate valued at $4,340. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Joseph Plummer, a farmer, aged fifty years (b. NH), and Charles Jones, a farmer, aged thirty-six years (b. NH).

William Pecker, a farmer, aged sixty-one years (b. NH), headed a Concord, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Susan D. [(Chandler)] Pecker, keeping house (b. NH), aged fifty-nine years, Joseph E. Plummer, a farm laborer, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH), and Susan E. Plummer, a domestic servant, aged thirty years (b. NH). William Pecker had real estate valued at $10,000 and personal estate valued at $1,500. Joseph E. and Susan E. [(Pecker)]] Plummer had been married in the prior September [October].

Daughter Mary B. Plumer married November 10, 1870, Samuel Willard Wallingford. Wallingford was born in Milton, November 27, 1837, son of David and Mary A. (Tasker) Wallingford.

Son Bard Burge Plummer married in Milton, October 15, 1875, Eliza Dixwell Wentworth, both of Milton. He was a farmer, aged twenty-nine years, and she was aged twenty-four years. Rev. James Doldt performed the ceremony. She was born in Jamaica Plain, MA, December 13, 1851, daughter of John J. and Elizabeth (Currant) Wentworth.

Daughter Susan Plummer married in Milton, November 30, 1876, John S. Roberts, both of Milton. He was a shoemaker, aged twenty-eight years, and she was aged twenty-two years. Rev. James Doldt (then of Canterbury, NH) performed the ceremony. Roberts was born in Milton, circa 1848, son of John C. and Lydia J. (Scates) Roberts.

MARRIAGES. ROBERTS-PLUMMER. In Milton, N.H., 29th ult., at the home of the bride’s parents, by Rev. James Doldt, Mr. John P. Roberts and Miss Susie Plummer, daughter of Enoch W. Plummer, both of Milton (Boston Globe, December 7, 1876).

Daughter Susan (Plummer) Roberts died of heart trouble in Farmington, NH, September 12, 1878, aged twenty-four years.

Daughter Sarah Plummer married in Seabrook, NH, May 1, 1878, Frank Enoch Haley, she of Milton and he of Seabrook, NH. He was a clergyman, aged forty-three years, and she was aged thirty years. This was his second marriage. Rev. James Doldt performed the ceremony. Frank E. Haley was born in Tuftonboro, NH, February 20, 1835, son of Enoch and Cynthia (Piper) Haley.

Daughter Frances W. ‘Fanny” Plummer married in Milton, July 11, 1878, John H. Twombly. He was aged twenty-nine years, and she was aged twenty-seven years. Twombly was born in Dover, NH, October 17, 1848, son of John and Charlotte (Drew) Twombly.

Enoch W. Plumer, aged sixty-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Orinda [(Ayers)] Plumer, aged sixty-five years (b. NH). They shared a two-family residence with the household of Bard B. Plumer, a farmer, aged thirty-three years (b. NH). Their residence appeared between those of Joseph Plumer, a farmer, aged sixty years (b. NH), and Enoch S. Mason, a farmer, aged thirty-nine years (b. NH).

Samuel W. Wallingford, a farmer, aged forty-two years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Mary B. [(Plummer)] Wallingford, keeping house, aged thirty-six years (b. NH), his mother, Mary A. [(Tasker)] Wallingford, at home, aged seventy-four years (b. NH), his nephew, George W. Wallingford, aged eight years (b. NH), and his niece, Millie M. Wallingford, aged five years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Frank G. Horn, works on shoes, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), and James A. Wentworth, a farmer, aged forty-two years (b. NH).

Bard B. Plumer, a farmer, aged thirty-three years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Eliza D. Plumer, keeping house, aged twenty-eight years (b. MA), and his children, Lucia C. Plumer, at house, aged three years (b. NH), Fannie W. Plumer, at house, aged one year (b. NH), and Bard B. Plumer, at house, aged seven months (b. NH (October [1879])). They shared a two-family residence with the household of [his father,] Enoch W. Plummer, a farmer, aged sixty-five years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Joseph Plummer, aged sixty years (b. NH) and Enoch S. Mason, a farmer, aged thirty-nine years (b. NH).

Frank Haley, a clergyman, aged forty-five years (b. NH), headed a Seabrook, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included Sarah P. [(Plummer)] Haley, keeping house, aged thirty-two years (b. NH), Mary L. Haley, a milliner, aged twenty-two years (b. NH), Agnes C. Haley, at home, aged sixteen years (b. NH), and Susan P. Haley, aged eight months (b. NH (September)).

William Pecker, a farmer, aged seventy-one years (b. NH), headed a Concord (“Concord East P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Susan D. [(Chandler)] Pecker, keeping house, aged sixty-nine years (b. NH), his daughter, Susan E. ((Pecker)] Plummer, at home, aged forty years (b. NH), his son-in-law, Joseph E. Plummer, a farmer, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), and his boarder, Hattie E. King, a teacher, aged twenty-three years (b. NH).

Widowed son-in-law John S. Roberts married (2nd) in Farmington, NH, December 26, 1883, Ella Belle Pearl, both of Farmington, NH. (He would die of heart valvular disease in Farmington, NH, January 22, 1907, aged fifty-eight years, three months, and fifteen days).

MILTON. Nearly fifty people from Farmington, including a full chorus of singers, wended their way “Miltonwards” Wednesday evening, by the light of the genial moon – somewhat clouded – to witness and take part in an entertainment and concert gotten up by the good ladies of the Congregational Society for the benefit of their church. The evening was all one could wish and the drive delightful. On reaching this one of the most beautiful villages in this section, the party was most hospitably entertained by their Milton friends, prominent among whom were the genial Mr. and Mrs. Amos Roberts, Rev. Mr. Haley the pastor, and his estimable lady, Mrs. Annie M. Varney, the two Mrs. Pinkhams, Mrs. Willard Wallingford, the venerable deacon Plummer of the Ridge, and a host of others whose names have slipped our memory. A glance at the interior of the spacious and handsomely decorated church gave evidence of a large assembly, there being some two hundred and fifty present. Want of space and time forbid of more than mere mention of the following program that was excellence in itself, and never have we seen the rendering excelled. … (Farmington News, June 11, 1886).

Orinda (Ayers) Plumer died of a liver abscess in Milton, April 18, 1895, aged seventy-seven years, six months, and twelve days. M.A.H. Hart, M.D., signed the death certificate.

MILTON. The funeral of Mrs. Enoch Plumer occurred Saturday afternoon. She leaves a husband and five children (Farmington News, [Friday,] April 26, 1895).

Enoch W. Plumer died of cirrhosis of the liver in Milton, June 18, 1896, aged eighty-one years, two months, and fourteen days. M.A.H. Hart, M.D., signed the death certificate.

RECENT DEATHS. … Mr. Enoch W. Plummer, one of the oldest citizens of Milton, N.H., died Thursday. He was born in the town April 4, 1813. He was identified with the Volunteer Militia, and held the commission of colonel for several years. He filled many town offices, representing the town in the New Hampshire Legislature. For over forty years he was a deacon of the Congregationalist Church, and at the date of his death the oldest Church member (Boston Evening Transcript, June 20, 1896).

HERE AND THERE. Mr. and Mrs. John S. Roberts attended on Sunday the funeral of deacon Enoch W. Plumer of Milton, who was a citizen truly well known (Farmington News, [Friday,] June 26, 1896).

ENOCH W. PLUMMER. Enoch W. Plummer died June 18. He was born in Milton April 4, 1815, and had maintained a continuous residence there. He was identified with the volunteer militia, and held the commission of colonel for several years. He filled many town offices, representing the town in the New Hampshire legislature. For over forty years he was a deacon of the Congregational church, and at the date of his death the oldest church member (Granite Monthly, July 1896).

REAL ESTATE TRANSFERS. LEBANON. – Jan. 6. Mary B. Wallingford, et al., of Milton, N.H., to Bard B. Plummer, of same place, real estate in Lebanon for $500. Jan 28. Frances W. Twombly, et al., of Milton, N.H., to Bard B. Plummer, of same place, real estate in Lebanon for $500 (Biddeford-Saco Journal (Biddeford, ME), February 10, 1897).

Son Joseph E. Plummer died of pulmonary phthisis in Concord, NH, January 5, 1899, aged fifty-six years, three months. He was a farmer. G.P. Connor, M.D., signed the death certificate.

Son-in-law Samuel W. Wallingford died of pyemia (following a pulmonary abscess) in Milton, May 25, 1899, aged sixty-one years, five months, and twenty-eight years. M.A.H. Hart, M.D., signed the death certificate.

Armine [(Gilman)] Plummer, a nurse, aged forty-seven years, was one of seven lodgers in the Rochester, NH, household of Charles Barker, a landlord, aged fifty years (b. MA), at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. Charles Baker resided on South Main Street.

Mary B. [(Plummer)] Wallingford, a farmer, aged fifty-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. Her household included her brother-in-law, John H. Twombly, a physician (retired), aged fifty-one years (b. NH), and her sister (and his wife of twenty years), Frances W. [(Plummer)] Twombly, aged forty-nine years (b. NH). Mary B. Wallingford owned their farm, free-and-clear. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Susan F. Horn, a widow, aged fifty-six years (b. NH), and George F. Henderson, a farmer, aged fifty-six years (b. ME).

Bard B. Plummer, a farmer, aged fifty-three years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of twenty-four years), Eliza D. Plummer, aged fifty-one years (b. MA), his children, Lucia C. Plummer, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), Fannie W. Plummer, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), Bard B. Plummer, Jr., aged twenty years (b. NH), and Orinda Plummer, at school, aged twelve years (b. NH), and his boarder, Christie L. Jones, a farm laborer, aged fifty-eight years (b. NH). Bard B. Plummer owned their farm, free-and-clear. Eliza D. Plummer was the mother of four children, of whom four were still living. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Fred P. Jones, a farmer, aged forty years (b. NH), and Joseph Plummer, a farmer, aged eighty years (b. NH).

Frank Haley, a retired clergyman, aged sixty-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Sarah [(Plummer)] Haley, aged fifty-two years (b. NH), his daughter, Susan P. Haley, an accountant, aged twenty years (b. NH), and his sister-in-law, Susan E. [(Pecker)] Plummer, aged sixty years (b. NH).

Daughter-in-law Armine P. (Gilman) Plummer died of uterine cancer at 6 Main Street in Rochester, NH, February 15, 1902, aged fifty-eight years, five months. She was a widowed nurse, who had been resident in Rochester, NH, for “about” fourteen years, i.e., since circa 1887, with her previous residence having been in Milton. John H. Neal, M.D., signed the death certificate.

Frank Haley died of Bright’s Disease in Milton, NH, March 28, 1904, aged sixty-nine years, one month, and nine days. He had resided in Milton for nineteen years, i.e., since circa 1885, with his previous residence having been in Boscawen, NH. He was a clergyman. M.A.H. Hart, M.D., signed the death certificate.

DEATHS. HALEY. In Milton, N.H., March 28, Rev. Frank Haley, aged 69. He graduated from Dartmouth Medical in 1857, and practiced medicine for some years, then entered Andover Seminary where he graduated and has preached since in Enfield and Milton, N.H., and Concord, Mass., and was in charge of a home missionary church and school in Macon, Ga. Although hampered by ill health all his life, he did important work wherever he was along educational lines and in the pulpit (Congregationalist and Christian World, May 21, 1904).

MILTON, N.H. Mrs. Mary Wallingford with a party of friends went Friday on a trip to the White mountains returning home Tuesday night. In spite of the very inclement weather they reported a most enjoyable time (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), September 29, 1905).

MILTON, N.H. Mrs. Mary B. Wallingford went to Wolfeboro recently, making the trip in a touring car. … Mrs. Wallingford entertained a party of nine ladies from Dover Tuesday of last week. … Miss Kate Gardner Jackson of Westwood, Mass., is spending a few weeks at Mrs. Mary B. Wallingford’s on the Ridge (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), August 9, 1907).

MILTON. Mrs. Mary B. Wallingford and Rev. and Mrs. Dickey attended the Washington birthday meeting of the Congregational club last Saturday at Dover (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), March 6, 1908).

Mary B. [(Plummer)] Wallingford, a general farm farmer, aged sixty-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. Her household included her brother-in-law, John H. Twombly, a home farm keeper, aged sixty-one years (b. NH), her sister (and his wife of thirty-one years), Fannie W. [(Plummer)] Twombly, aged fifty-nine years (b. NH), and her sister-in-law, Susan [(Pecker)] Plummer, aged seventy years (b. NH). Mary B. Wallingford owned their farm, free-and-clear.

Bard B. Plummer, a general farm farmer, aged sixty-three years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Eliza D. Plummer, aged fifty-eight years (b. MA), his son, Bard B. Plummer, Jr., a home farm farmer, aged thirty years (b. NH), his daughter-in-law, Ruth L. Plummer, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), his daughter, Orinda Plummer, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), his granddaughter, Elizabeth Plummer, aged one year (b. NH), his sister-in-law, Fannie Littlefield, aged sixty-two years (b. MA), his nephew, Roscoe Littlefield, aged thirty-four years (b. CA), and his servant, John M. Smith, a general farm laborer, aged twenty-two years (b. VT).

Sarah P. [(Plummer)] Haley, a widow, aged forty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. Her household included her daughter, Susan P. Haley, aged thirty years (b. NH). Sarah P. Haley owned their house, free-and-clear.

KENNEBUNK. Miss Mary Goodwin, assistant in the Kennebunk Savings Bank, is passing her annual vacation at the Mary Wallingford Farm, Milton, N.H. (Portland Sunday Telegram, September 21, 1919).

Son Bard B. Plummer died of lobar pneumonia on Plummer’s Ridge in Milton, October 22, 1919, aged seventy-three years, four months, and four days. James J. Buckley, M.D., signed the death certificate.

Mary B. [(Plummer)] Wallingford, a widow, aged seventy-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census. Her household included her brother-in-law, John H. Twombly, a farmer, aged seventy-one years (b. NH), her sister, Frances W. [(Plummer)] Twombly, aged sixty-eight years (b. NH), and her sister-in-law, Susan E. [(Pecker)] Plummer, a widow, aged eighty years (b. NH). Mary B. Wallingford owned their farm on the Plummer’s Ridge Road, free-and-clear.

Sarah P. [(Plummer)] Haley, a widow, aged seventy-one years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census. Her household included her daughter, Susan P. Haley, a retail dry goods bookkeeper, aged forty years (b. NH). Sarah P. Haley owned their farm on the Farmington Road, free-and-clear. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of William S. Lougee, a leatherboard superintendent, aged forty-five years (b. NH), and Edwin S. Huse, a high school teacher, aged forty years (b. MA).

Daughter-in-law Susan E. (Pecker) Plummer died of a cerebral hemorrhage at Plummer’s Ridge in Milton, February 29, 1920, aged eighty years, six months. She had resided in Milton for twenty years, i.e., since the death of her husband in 1899, with her previous residence having been in East Concord, NH. John H. Twombly, M.D., signed the death certificate.

Son-in-law John H. Twombly died of arterio-sclerosis in the Masonic Home at 813 Beech Street in Manchester, NH, March 2, 1927, aged seventy-eight years, four months, and thirteen days. He was a retired physician. F.P. Scribner, M.D., signed the death certificate.

DR. JOHN H. TWOMBLY DIES AT DOVER, N.H. DOVER, N.H., March 3 – Dr. John H. Twombly, who died at the Masonic Home in Manchester last evening, was a native of Dover, born Oct. 17, 1848, the son of John and Charlotte (Drew) Twombly. He was a descendant of Ralph Twombly, who came from England and settled at Dover Neck about 1650. On the maternal side he was descendent from Lieut. John Drew of Dover, an officer of the Indian Wars. Dr. Twombly graduated from Dartmouth in 1868 and from the Harvard Medical School in 1872. He first practiced in Brooklyn and later was on the staff of the insane asylum at Kalamazoo, Mich., after which he followed his profession in New Market. He owned a drug store there. He was affiliated with Dover and New Market Masonic bodies, and was the oldest living eminent commander of St. Paul Commandery, K.T., of this city. The body will be brought here tomorrow and will later be interred in Pine Hill Cemetery with Knight Templar Rites (Boston Globe, March 4, 1927).

Orinda P. [(Plummer)] Little, an electrical bookkeeper, aged forty-three years (b. NH), headed a Sharon, MA, household at the time of the Fifteenth (1930) Federal Census. Her household included her twin sons, William G. Little, aged eight years (b. MA), and Robert A. Little, aged eight years (b. MA), her mother, Eliza D. [(Wentworth)] Plummer, retired, aged seventy-eight years (b. MA), and her sister, Fanny W. [(Plummer)] Littlefield, a private family housekeeper, aged fifty-one years (b. NH). Orinda P. Little owned their house at 11 Crest Road, which was valued at $8,500. They did not have a radio set. All three women were widows, Orinda P. Little having married at thirty-four years of age, Eliza D. Plummer at twenty-three years of age, and Fanny W. Littlefield at forty years of age.

Sarah P. [(Plummer)] Haley, aged eighty-two years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifteenth (1930) Federal Census. She owned her house on the Farmington Road, which was valued at $3,500. She did not have a radio set.

Mary B. [(Plummer)] Wallingford, a widow, aged eighty-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifteenth (1930) Federal Census. Mary B. Wallingford owned her house on Plummer’s Ridge, which was valued at $4,000.

Daughter-in-law Eliza D. (Wentworth) Plummer died in Sharon, MA, March 12, 1931, aged seventy-nine years.

Daughter Sarah (Plummer) Haley died in Milton, NH, April 10, 1931.

LOCAL. Mrs. Sarah Plummer Haley, a life-long resident of Milton, passed away last week. She is survived by a daughter, Miss Susan Haley, who has many friends in Farmington (Farmington News, April 17, 1931).

Daughter Frances W. (Plummer) Twombly died in Dover, NH, March 22, 1933.

Daughter Mary B. (Plumer) Wallingford died of hypertensive heart disease in the Masonic Home in Manchester, NH, September 22, 1939, aged ninety-five years, and fifteen days. She was a widow. She had resided in Manchester for seven years, eight months, i.e., since circa February 1932, with her previous residence having been in Milton.

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References:

Claremont Manufacuring Co. (1846). New Hampshire Register and Farmer’s Almanac. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=5ucWAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA89

Farmer, John, & Lyon, G. Parker. (1844). NH Annual Register, and United States Calendar. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=BJIBAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA85

Find a Grave. (2016, February 29). Joseph Ayers. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/158761255/joseph-ayers

Find a Grave. (2022, February 3). Sarah Plumer Haley. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/236457524/sarah-haley

Find a Grave. (2022, February 4). Armine P. Gilman Plumer. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/236489175/armine-p-plumer

Find a Grave. (2022, February 4). Bard Burge Plumer. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/236476751/bard-burge-plumer

Find a Grave. (2017, October 19). Enoch W. Plumer. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/184409140/enoch-w-plumer

Find a Grave. (2022, February 24). John Tyler Plumer. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/236487000/john-tyler-plumer

Find a Grave. (2017, March 18). Joseph Emmons Plummer. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/177490511/joseph-emmons-plummer

Find a Grave. (2021, November 8). Sally Brown Plumer. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/233852675/sally-plumer

Find a Grave. (2012, September 30). Frances W. Plummer Twombly. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/98010643/frances-w-twombly

Find a Grave. (2017, October 17). Mary Baker Plumer Wallingford. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/184359008/mary-baker-wallingford

Granite Monthly. (1896, July). Enoch W. Plummer. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=NfVQAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA62

Greaves. Bettina Bien. (2009, May 7). Davy Crockett: Not Yours to Give. Retrieved from mises.org/library/not-yours-give

McFarland & Jenks. (1845). Osborne’s New Hampshire Register: With an Almanack. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=jMEwAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA83

NH Adjutant General (1843). Report. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=0-1GAQAAMAAJ&pg=RA1-PA318

NH General Court. (1861). Journals of the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the State of New Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=zt43AAAAMAAJ&pg=RA1-PA146

NH General Court. (1862). Journal of the House of Representatives of the State of New-Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=MQ8tAQAAMAAJ&pg=RA1-PA5

NH State Agricultural Society (1860). Transactions of the New Hampshire State Agricultural Society. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=MWo2AQAAIAAJ&pg=PA116

Scales, John. (1914). History of Strafford County, New Hampshire and Representative Citizens. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=nGsjAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA872

By Muriel Bristol | September 17, 2023

Continued from Milton Mills Sketch of 1911 – 3

In researching something else, several lengthy articles on Milton Mills were encountered in the Sanford Tribune of October 6, 1911. This fourth and last article dealt with several local merchants and their businesses: John E. Horne (1878-1953), William F. Mills (1838-1913), Joseph A. Maddox (1847-1916), Elijah T. Libby (1846-1918), Daniel Murray (1858-1917), Nicholas L. Mucci (1869-1966), and Mott L. Archibald (1874-1953).

(This new information may require some minor revisions or additions to some earlier Observer articles).

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J.E. HORNE. Clothing and Men’s Furnishings. The store conducted by John E. Horne is in keeping with the high-class character of the community in which he is located. Mr. Horne is also a man of the character that is typical of the section – fair and square in his dealings with the public and social qualities that add to his business popularity. He first went to Milton Mills in the spring of 1900 as manager for F. Merrifield who then established a store there in connection with his Springvale business. In less than a year Mr. Horne bought out the business and has conducted it since and has been very successful. When the business was first started the Berry block was divided into two stores. Six years ago the demands for room to accommodate the increasing trade became so insistent that Mr. Horne was obliged to hire the whole space.
The two stores were made one and now the room is hardly sufficient.
Two years ago, a stock of boots and shoes was added and a very good trade in that line has resulted.
Three years ago Mr. Horne, in company with Forrest L. Marsh, established a grain and feed store. That is located in the Rines block.

WILLIAM F. MILLS. Livery and Sale Stable. Mr. William F. Mills is a native of Milton and has always been interested in horses but did not go into the livery business until 1905. He then bought the Platt place on Main Street which he repaired and put into proper shape for a home and the business he then decided to establish. He formerly lived on a farm not far from the mills. He cultivated it successfully for twenty-two years.
Mr. Mills has a clean well-kept stable and the horses are of a superior class averaging above the average for livery stock. He has six or more horses for letting. Mr. Mills had reared some colts that have sold for high prices. Sybil, by Francisco, was sold for a large sum five years ago. Mr. Mills is the right kind of a man to own and handle horses for he recognizes the fact that they are sentient and intelligent creatures responding to like qualities in man when given the chance.
As Mr. Mills is a good horseman, so is he a good citizen and an upright man. He is held in high regard by his fellow citizens. He has served the town two terms as a selectman.

J.A. MADDOX & SON. Grocers. Central square in Milton Mills has been greatly improved in looks by the establishment of the new grocery store by J.A. Maddox & Son, and the village benefitted by the advent of a new and enterprising store. J.A. Maddox & Son conduct a wholesale and retail grocery business at South Berwick where Mr. Maddox, senior, established the business 30 years ago. Albert S., the junior member, was admitted to the firm twelve years ago. The business done there is one of the largest of the kind in York county, and the members of the firm are among the strongest and best citizens of the place. Mr. J.A. Maddox has served the town as selectman and in other capacities and is successful in the conduct of what ever business he is charged with – whether private or public.
The business was established in Milton Mills about a year and a half ago and because of the character of the firm and the splendid stock of goods carried the store has become popular. The store formerly occupied by Freeman Loud, who was burned out, and owned by Ira Miller was rebuilt and newly fitted for the use of this firm and it is only saying what is echoed throughout the village to say that no more attractive store has ever been conducted there. It is large, being about 75 feet long and thirty feet wide, high posted and well lighted by large plate glass windows. Mr. Maddox and his son are both well known in Milton Mills, the f0rmer having been born in Newfield and a resident of Shapleigh at a later period. Alfred was born in the latter town. Before going to South Berwick they were well known throughout this section.
In addition to a line of groceries the firm deals in crockery and kitchen utensils and also carry a fine line of confectionery. A special feature is made of high grade chocolates and bonbons. The store and local business is in charge of Mr. Charles A. Langley, who has been in the firm’s employ at South Berwick for four years. Mr. Langley is assisted by his wife and their genial and obliging ways add much to the popularity of the store. Mr. Langley is a native of Shapleigh and was known to the people in Milton Mills before becoming a resident.
Recently the firm has established another store at Union. This business is in charge of Geo. W. Grant.

ELIJAH T. LIBBY. Postmaster. Elijah T. Libby, one of the men well worth knowing in Milton Mills, is the postmaster. He is a native of Limerick but has lived in Milton for thirty-eight years and has been postmaster for twenty years, in all. He is now serving his fifth term. He was first appointed by President Harrison. During the four years that President Cleveland was in, Mr. Libby did not have the office but upon the return of the Republicans to power he was again appointed and has held the position ever since.
In the anniversary year of Milton Mr. Libby was town treasurer. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Grange. He has been at times engaged in the jewelry and printing business but his health is not equal to the demands of such trades. In connection with the office a few articles of merchandise are sold and in the summer time he conducts an ice cream business. Mr. C.L. Stevens is assistant postmaster.

DANIEL MURRAY. Hardware and Plumbing. Mr. Daniel Murray has been in the hardware business for thirty-six years. He occupies one of the largest stores in Milton Mills, it being seventy-five feet long and twenty-five wide. The store is filled with a variety of goods, hardware and paints being a feature of the stock. Tinware and kitchen utensils perhaps are given as much space as any particular line of goods. The Glenwood stoves are always kept in stock. In addition to the retail business which is largely looked after by Miss Florence Murray, Mr. Murray carries on a large plumbing and jobbing business. He has a shop in the rear of the store, where small jobs are attended to. His outside work consists of all kinds of work that comes under the head of plumbing and steam fitting and furnace work. He has become expert in his line and is called upon from surrounding places.
During the second Cleveland administration the post office was in Mr. Murray’s store. J.W. Murray was postmaster and Mr. Daniel Murray was assistant. Among the men of character and high social and business standing, Mr. Murray ranks as a leader and is held in the highest esteem to Milton Mills and began business for himself and has been successful.

N. MUCCI. Fancy Groceries, Fruit. One of the first signs of modern village, so far as business is concerned, that greets the eye of the stranger approaching from the east, is the fine display of fruit and fancy groceries in the store of N. Mucci. As may be inferred from the name Mr. Mucci is a native of the sunny clime where fruit forms a large part of the food of the people and has inherited the natural aptitude of the Italians for the appetizing display of such products. But the fruit business is only an incident in the trade of this store. A full line of staple groceries is kept as well as the best of confectionery. The ice cream business is an important feature, particularly in the summer. He not only has a cosy little room where the delicacy is served by the plate, but he is prepared at all times to serve the public with large quantities. He supplies families and parties and among the summer visitors in the surrounding sections trade is large. A soda fountain operates throughout the year.
Mr. Mucci came to America thirteen years ago and for a few months worked with his brother-in-law, F. Broggi, at Sanford. He then went to Milton Mills and began business for himself and had been successful. Mr. Mucci prides himself on always keeping his stock complete and in prime condition. A full stock of tobacco and cigars is kept, too. Mr. Mucci and his wife are pleasant persons to meet and have become as interested in the affairs of the town as though natives are not classified as “foreigners.”

M.L. ARCHIBALD. Real Estate; Lumber. Mr. M.L. Archibald is one of the best known men in Strafford and York Counties. For the last seven years his headquarters have been at Milton Mills. He lives at the Central house but has a legal residence on the Acton side. He is a dealer in native and western horses and sells valuable animals in this section. He has special shipments of western horses and is prepared to furnish animals of what ever kind may be required. Having been familiar with equine stock from youth, his knowledge enables him to select horses suitable to the purpose for which they are to be used and to the person who is to use them.
He is extensively interested in real estate and timber. He is buying and selling timber lands all the time and sells farm property and builds houses for sale. HIs varied interests oblige him to be away from Milton Mills part of the time. Anyone wishing to have an interview with him or desiring any property that he has for sale will find it advisable to write to him at Milton Mills. Mr. Archibald is a man whose business record for many years has established him in the confidence of his patrons, and while a man not much given to talking, it is felt that what he says concerning any business deal needs no discount.
He is a native of Acton and has always been connected with affairs in this section, but for several years was in the eastern part of the state. He has been permanently located at Milton Mills since 1903.

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This concludes the Sanford Tribune’s Milton Mills articles of October 6, 1911.

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Find a Grave. (2013, July 31). Mott L. Archibald. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114726309/mott-l-archibald

Find a Grave. (2012, November 27). Frank Broggi. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/101348468/frank-broggi

Find a Grave. (2013, August 3). John Everard Horne. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114788057/john-everard-horne

Find a Grave. (2021, April 4). Charles Agustus Langley. Retrieved fromwww.findagrave.com/memorial/225305049/charles-agustus-langley

Find a Grave. 2013, August 14). Elijah T. Libby. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/115423048/elijah-t-libby

Find a Grave. (2013, December 20). Albert S. Maddox. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/121964473/albert-s-maddox

Find a Grave. (2012, May 17). Joseph A. Maddox. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/90285175/joseph-a.-maddox

Find a Grave. (2012, February 27). Everett Franklin Merrifield. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/85847682/everett-franklin-merrifield

Find a Grave. (2013, July 13). William F. Mills. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114681781/william-f-mills

Find a Grave. (2o13, July 31). Daniel Murray. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114681970/daniel-murray

Find a Grave. (2013, August 15). Charles L. Stevens. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/115512774/charles-l-stevens

By Muriel Bristol | September 10, 2023

James Berry was born in Wakefield, NH, in 1805, son of James F. and Betsy (Pollard) Berry.

James Berry married in Milton, in 1835, Eliza G. Jewett. She was born in Milton, in 1811, daughter of Nathaniel and Nancy J. (Rogers) Jewett.

(The known children of James and Eliza G. (Jewett) Berry were: Mary Augusta Berry (1835–1922), Charles Jewett Berry (1837–1933), Nathaniel J. Berry (1842–1880), Eliza E. Berry (1843–1843), Nellie Clara Berry (1844–1938), and Eliza G. Berry (1848–1850)).

Daughter Mary Augusta Berry was born in Milton, in 1835. Son Charles Jewett Berry was born in Milton, in 1837.

Stephen Watson of Acton, ME, sold 14 of 24 days [58.3%] use of the “Watson privilege” at a sawmill on the Salmon Fall River to James Berry, for $1,000, May 7, 1839 (Strafford County Deeds, 182:143).

Milton sent James Berry to Concord, NH, as its NH State Representative, for the 1839-40 biennium. (There was also a Rep. Berry of Greenland, NH).

On Friday, July 5, 1839, Rep. Berry of Milton voted with the 101 representatives [51.3%] that voted in favor of “An act empowering the town of Concord to purchase and hold stock in the Concord Rail Road Corporation.” Another 96 representatives [48.7%] voted against the act.

Rep Berry of Milton voted with the 113 representatives [56.2%] that opposed “an act to abolish imprisonment for debt.” Another 88 representatives [43.8%] voted in favor of abolishing imprisonment for debt.

Rep. Albert Baker of Hillsborough, NH, proposed a set of five Resolutions regarding Slavery and the Slave Trade.

Resolved, That the relation of master and slave, as established by law within the jurisdiction of any of the States, is an institution for which the State, within which it is established, is alone responsible, and with which neither Congress, nor the Legislature of any other State, can rightfully interfere.
Resolved, That the adoption and prosecution of measures by individuals residing within one State, with the avowed design of overthrowing the institutions of another State, by sending emissaries scattering documents, pamphlets or papers, within that State against the declared will of the same, is a disregard of that comity, and mutual respect, which should ever be cultivated among the States.
Resolved, That Congress ought not to interdict the slave-trade between the States, or to abolish slavery within the District of Columbia, or the Territories of the United States.

The first three resolutions passed the NH House on a division (i.e., hand count) vote. The fourth resolution passed also but required a roll call vote. Rep. Berry of Milton voted with the 69 representatives [33.5%] that opposed the fourth resolution, rather than with the 137 representatives [66.5%] that voted in favor of it. (The fourth resolution referred to the then current U.S. Congressional “gag” rule that sought to prevent any petitions regarding slavery ever being heard (see Milton and Abolitionism)).

Resolved, That the resolution adopted by the House of Representatives of the Congress of the United States, by which all memorials relating to the abolition of slavery, upon the presentation of the same, were ordered to lie on the table, without any further action thereon, was not an infringement of the right of petition.

The fifth resolution passed on a division vote, as had the first three of them.

Resolved, That the immediate abolition of Slavery, by whatever means effected, without the expatriation of the slaves would be productive of calamities, moral and political, such as should be deprecated by every friend of humanity. 

James Berry 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 [Eliza G. (Jewett) Berry], one male aged 20-29 years, one female aged 10-14 years, one female aged 5-9 years [Mary A. Berry], and one male aged under-5 years [Charles J. Berry]. One member of his household was engaged in Commerce and one member was engaged in Agriculture.

Son Nathaniel J. Berry was born in Milton, in 1842. Daughter Eliza E. Berry was born in Milton, in 1843. She died in 1843. Daughter Nellie Clara Berry was born in Milton, in 1844.

Father-in-law Nathaniel Jewett died in Milton, June 2, 1847.

Daughter Eliza G. Berry was born in Milton, in 1848. She died in Milton, in 1850.

James Berry, a trader, aged forty-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Eliza G. [(Jewett)] Berry, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), Mary A. Berry, aged fifteen years (b. NH), Charles J. Berry, aged thirteen years (b. NH), Nathaniel J. Berry, aged eight years (b. NH), and Clara E. Berry, aged six years (b. NH). James Berry had real estate valued at $8,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of James Marsh, a shoemaker, aged thirty-nine years (b. ME), and James Parker, a weaver, aged twenty-five years (b. ME).

James Berry, a farmer, aged fifty-three years (b. NH), headed a Milton (Milton Mills P.O.”) household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Eliza G. [(Jewett)] Berry, aged forty-eight years (b. NH), Mary A. Berry, aged twenty-five years (b. NH), Charles Berry, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), Nathl. J. Berry, aged seventeen years (b. NH), and Clara A. Berry, aged fifteen years (b. NH). James Berry had real estate valued at $5,500, and personal estate valued at $100. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Joseph Coleman, a farmer, aged sixty-eight years (b. NH), and Elbridge W. Fox, a farmer, aged twenty-five years (b. NH).

Daughter M. Augusta Berry endorsed the Granite State Health Institute in Hill, NH, in June 1864 (See Milton in the News – 1864)).

James Berry, a farmer, aged sixty-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Eliza A. [(Jewett)] Berry, keeping house, aged fifty-nine years (b. NH), Mary A. Berry, a milliner, aged thirty-four years (b. NH), Nathaniel J. Berry, a farm laborer, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH), and Nellie C. Berry, a teacher, aged twenty-six years (b. NH). James Berry had real estate valued at $6,000, and personal estate valued at $815. Mary A. Berry had personal estate valued at $500. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Cyrus F. Hart, a farm laborer, aged forty-nine years (b. NH), and William S. Monaghan, a carder in woolen mill, aged twenty-seven years (b. MA).

Miss Augusta Berry appeared in the Milton directory of 1871, as a Milton milliner.

Daughter Nellie C. Berry married in Acton, ME, November 19, 1871, Luther B. Roberts, she of Milton and he of Limerick, ME. She was a teacher, aged twenty-seven years, and he was a merchant, aged twenty-seven years. Rev. Dexter Waterman performed the ceremony. Roberts was born in Waterboro, ME, September 13, 1845, son of Jeremiah and Olive Roberts.

Son Nathaniel J. Berry died March 19, 1880, aged thirty-eight years, one month. (The Lord doeth all things well).

James Berry, a farmer, aged seventy-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills Village”) household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Eliza G. [(Jewett)] Berry, keeping house, aged sixty-nine years (b. NH), his daughter, Mary A. Berry, a milliner, aged forty-five years (b. NH), and his mother-in-law, Nancy [(Rogers)] Jewett, at house, aged ninety-two years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Charles J. Berry, a clerk in store, aged forty-three years (b. NH), and Mary A. Nutter, keeping house, aged sixty-seven years (b. NH).

Luther B. Roberts, a storekeeper, aged thirty-four years (b. ME), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills Village”) household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included Nellie C. [(Berry)] Roberts, aged thirty-six years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Winfield S. Miller, a farmer, aged thirty years (b. ME), and John Lewis, a bookkeeper, aged thirty-seven years (b. England).

Augusta Berry appeared in the Milton directory of 1880, 1881, 1882, 1884, 1887, and 1889, as a Milton Mills milliner. (She appeared also as Miss M.A. Berry, a Milton Mills fancy goods merchant).

Mother-in-law Nancy J. (Rogers) Jewett died in Milton, January 9, 1881, aged ninety-three and ½ years.

Eliza G. (Jewett) Berry died of a heart complaint in Milton December 13, 1882, aged seventy years.

James Berry died of enteritis in Milton, December 5, 1886, aged eighty-one years, six months, and five days.

GENERAL INTELLIGENCE. Capt. Berry, an officer of the old State militia, died recently at Milton Mills (Farmington News, December 17, 1886).

Luther B. Roberts, an insurance agent, aged fifty-four years (b. ME), headed a Portland, ME. household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of twenty-nine years), Nellie C. [(Berry)] Roberts, aged fifty-six years (b. NH), his daughter, E. [Eva J.] Roberts, aged eighteen years (b. ME), and his boarder, Clifford Legrow, a cabinet engineer, aged twenty-three years (b. ME). Luther B Roberts rented their house. Nellie C. Roberts was the mother of one child, of whom one was still living.

MILTON MILLS. Mrs. L.B. Roberts of Portland is visiting her sister, Miss M. Augusta Berry (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), August 9, 1907).

MILTON MILLS. The woman’s missionary society met Friday afternoon at the home of Miss M. Augusta Berry (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), June 5, 1908).

MILTON MILLS. Miss M. Augusta Berry, who has been quite ill for several weeks, is now much better (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), November 13, 1908).

Luther B. Roberts, a real estate agent, aged sixty-five years (b. ME), headed a Portland, ME, household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of thirty-eight years), Nellie C. [(Berry)] Roberts, aged sixty-five years (b. NH), his daughter, Eva J. Roberts, aged twenty-seven years (b. ME), and his lodgers, George Huntress, a paper hanger, aged sixty-nine years (b. ME), and Lura C. Partington, aged seventy-eight years (b. ME). Luther B. Roberts owned their house at 311 Amb. Avenue. Nellie C. Roberts was the mother of two children, of whom one was still living. Lura C. Partington was also the mother of two children, of whom one was still living.

Agusta M. Berry, aged eighty-four years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the tie of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census. Her household included her brother-in-law, Luther B. Roberts, aged seventy-four years (b. ME), and her sister, Nellie C. [(Berry)] Roberts, aged seventy-five years (b. NH). Agusta M. Berry owned their house on Main Street, free-and-clear. Their household appeared between those of Frank H. Whipple, a blacksmith, aged thirty years (b. MA), and Loring W. Pillsbury, a woolen mill carpenter, aged twenty-seven years (b. ME).

Daughter Mary A. Berry died of chronic interstitial nephritis on Main Street in Milton Mills, January 10, 1922 [1923], aged eighty-six years, eight months, and eighteen days. (Gathering Home).

Luther B. Roberts, retired, aged eighty-four years (b. ME), headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifteenth (1930) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Clara E. [(Berry)] Roberts, aged eighty-seven years (b. NH). Luther B. Roberts owned their house on Main Street, which was valued at $2,000. They did not have a radio set. Their household appeared between those of Fred H. Simes, a woolen mill superintendent, aged sixty-two years (b. NH), and Mary E. Clark, a private family housewife, aged fifty-nine years (b. NY).

Son Charles J. Berry died in Portland, ME, March 17, 1933.

Son-in-law Luther B. Roberts died in Milton Mills, August 5, 1933, aged eighty-seven years.

Daughter Clara Ellen “Nellie” (Berry) Roberts died of broncho-pneumonia in Milton Mills, August 23, 1938, aged ninety-four years, four months, and twenty-one years. She was a lifelong resident, except for forty years. P.A. Kimball, M.D. signed the death certificate.

References:

Find a Grave. (2018, April 26). Charles Jewett Berry. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/189182567/charles-jewett-berry

Find a Grave. (2021, March 3). Eliza E. Berry. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/223823002/eliza-e-berry

Find a Grave. (2021, March 3). Eliza G. Berry. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/223823054/eliza-g-berry

Find a Grave. (2013, August 12). James Berry. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/115349770/james-berry

Find a Grave. (2013, August 12). Mary A. Berry. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/115349918/mary-a-berry

Find a Grave. (2013, August 12). Nathaniel J. Berry. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/115349977/nathaniel-j-berry

Find a Grave. (2013, August 16). Nellie Clara Berry Roberts. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/115578580/nellie-clara-roberts

NH General Court. (1839). Journal of the House of Representatives of the State of New-Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=cyswAQAAMAAJ&pg=RA1-PA146

By Muriel Bristol | September 3, 2023

William Foxwell Cutts was born in North Berwick, ME, December 22, 1830, son of Thomas J. and Huldah (Chadbourne) Cutts.

Father Thomas J. Cutts [Sr.] died in Berwick, ME, September 9, 1844.

Huldah [(Chadbourne)] Cutts, aged forty-seven years (b. ME), headed a North Berwick, ME, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. Her household included Henry O. Cutts, a farmer, aged twenty-three years (b. ME), Julia A. Cutts, aged twenty-two years (b. ME), William F. Cutts, a farmer, aged nineteen years (b. ME), Levi C. Cutts, aged fourteen years (b. ME), Humphrey C. Cutts, aged thirteen years (b. ME), George W. Cutts, aged eleven years (b. ME), Thomas J. Cutts, aged eleven years (b. ME), Charles A. Cutts, aged six years (b. ME), and Betsey Linscott, aged twenty-five years (b. ME). Huldah Cutts had real estate valued at $1,500.

William F. Cutts married, circa 1854, Mary A. Sanborn. She was born in Acton, ME, September 28, 1835, daughter of Luther and Abigail (Berry) Sanborn.

(The known children of William F. and Mary A. (Sanborn) Cutts were May Cutts (1856-1856), Ora E. Cutts (1858-1944), Charles W. Cutts (1862-1958), and Fred H. Cutts (1864-1902).

Daughter May Cutts was born July 12, 1856. She died September 11, 1856.

Mother Huldah (Chadbourne) Cutts died in North Berwick, ME, September 1, 1857.

Daughter Ora Eva Cutts was born in Milton, in December 1858.

William F. Cutts, a farmer, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Mary A. [(Sanborn)] Cutts, aged twenty-five years (b. NH), O.E. Cutts, aged one year (b. NH), Charles A. Cutts, a farmer, aged sixteen years (b. NH), and James Burrows, a shoemaker, aged thirty-five years (b. NH). William F. Cutts had real estate valued at $2,000 and personal estate valued at $600. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Joseph Rines, aged seventy-six years (b. NH), and Saml Remick, a farmer, aged thirty years (b. NH).

Son Charles William Cutts was born in Milton Mills, October 30, 1862. Son Fred H. Cutts was born in Milton Mills, November 14, 1864.

A boarding teenager, who was son of a missionary minister, committed suicide in the Cutts barn in March 1866. (See also Milton in the News – 1866).

SUICIDE. – Our correspondent at Acton informs us that Frank Bacheler committed suicide Monday morning, by hanging himself by a rope attached to a ladder in the barn. He was living with Mr. William F. Cutts, at Milton Mills, N.H., and was a son of Rev. O.R. Bacheler, a Freewill Baptist Foreign Missionary in India. Young Bacheler was a fine lad, in his sixteenth year, and was well contented in the family of Mr. Cutts, as appears by letters which he wrote to his friends but the day before his death. There is no apparent cause for his committing such a deed (Portland Daily Press (Portland, ME), March 14, 1866).

William F. Cutts, a farmer, aged thirty-nine years, headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Mary A. [(Sanborn)] Cutts, keeping house, aged thirty-five years, Ora E. Cutts, at school, aged ten years, Charles W. Cutts, at school, aged ten years, aged seven years, Fred H. Cutts, at school, aged ten years, aged five years, and Julia A. Cutts, aged forty years. William F. Cutts had real estate valued at $3,500 and personal estate valued at $435. Julia A. Cutts had personal estate valued at $3,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Ann M. Rowe, keeping house, aged sixty-one years (b. ME), and George Grundy, works in woolen mill, aged thirty-five years (b. England).

Milton sent William F. Cutts to Concord, NH, as one of its two NH State Representatives for the 1877-78 biennium. (He served with Luther Hayes (1820-1895) in his first year and Luther B. Roberts (1845-1933) in his second year).

Daughter Ora E. Cutts married in Wakefield, NH, November 1, 1877, John Frank Farnham, both of Milton. He was a bookkeeper, aged seventeen years, and she was aged eighteen years. Rev. Nathaniel Barker performed the ceremony. Farnham was born in Milton, April 20, 1860, son of Ezra and Harriet A. (Hubbard) Farnham.

W.F. Cutts appeared in the Milton directories of 1880, 1881, 1882, 1884, and 1887, as a Milton Mills manufacturer of plows.

William F. Cutts, a farmer, aged forty-nine years (b. ME), headed a Milton household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Mary A. [(Sanborn)] Cutts, keeping house, aged forty-four years (b. ME), his children, Charles W. Cutts, at house, aged seventeen years (b. NH), and Fred H. Cutts, at house, aged fifteen years (b. NH), and his sister, Julia A. Cutts, keeping house, aged fifty-two years (b. ME). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John E. Hayes, a butcher & farmer, aged forty-nine years (b. NH), and William Sanborn, a farmer, aged seventy-six years (b. ME).

John F. Farnham, an expressman, aged twenty years (b. ME), headed a Milton household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Ora E. [(Cutts)] Farnham, keeping house, aged twenty-one years (b. ME), and his son, Fred H. Farnham, at house, aged two years (b. ME). They shared a two-family residence with the household of [his father,] Ezra Farnham, an expressman, aged forty-eight years (b. ME).

Son Charles W. Cutts married (1st) in New Castle, NH, April 10, 1889, Grace Garvin, he of Milton Mills and she of New Castle, NH. He was a teacher, aged twenty-six years, and she was a housekeeper, aged twenty-four years. Rev. George B. Frost performed the ceremony. She was born in Acton, ME, August 27, 1862, daughter of John A. and Ann B. (White) Garvin.

Daughter-in-law Grace (Garvin) Cutts died of apoplexy in New Hampton, NH, January 27, 1890, aged twenty-five years, five months. Wm. Child signed the death certificate.

Mary A. (Sanborn) Cutts died of surgical shock in Portland, ME, October 13, 1893, aged fifty-eight years, and fifteen days. S.C. Gordon signed the death certificate.

Son Charles W. Cutts married (2nd) in Bristol, NH, November 17, 1894, Isadore M. Musgrave, he of Kerika College, NY, and she of Bristol, NH. He was a professor, aged thirty-four years, and she was a houseworker, aged twenty-five years. Rev. John D. LeGro performed the ceremony. She was born in Bristol, NH, December 24, 1870, daughter of Richard W. Musgrave.

Son Fred H. Cutts married in Milton, November 4, 1896, Edna M. Swayne, he of Somersworth, NH, and she of Ashland, NH. He was a merchant, aged thirty-two years, and she was a school teacher, aged twenty-two years. Rev. E.N. Fernald performed the ceremony. She was born in Newton, MA, April 12, 1875, daughter of George R. [or P.] and Annie E. (Ellis) Swayne.

F.H. Cutts appeared in the Milton directory of 1898, as a Milton justice-of-the-peace.

William F. Cutts, a farmer, aged sixty-nine years (b. ME), headed a Milton household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his sister-in-law, Sarah E. Cook, a housekeeper, aged sixty-nine years (b. ME). William F. Cutts owned their farm, free-and-clear. Their household appeared just after that of Lincoln Goodwin, a day laborer, aged thirty-nine years (b. ME).

J. Frank Farnham, excelsior manufacturing, aged forty years (b. ME), headed a Wakefield, NH, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of twenty-two years), Ora E. [(Cutts)] Farnham, aged forty-one years (b. ME), his children, Fred H. Farnham, a bookkeeper, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), Hazel A. Farnham, aged two years (b. NH), and his aunt, Julia A. Cutts, aged seventy-two years (b. ME). J. Frank Farnham owned their house, free-and-clear. Ora E. Farnham was the mother of two children, of whom two were still living. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John W. Prescott, postmaster, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), and Charles Rowell, a groceries salesman, aged fifty-one years (b. ME).

Charles W. Cutts, principal of academy, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Blue Hill, ME, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of three years), Isadore M. [(Musgrave)] Cutts, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH), and his daughters, Ethel B. Cutts, at school, aged sixteen years (b. NH), and Mary E. Cutts, aged two years (b. NH). Charles W. Cutts rented their house. Isadore M. Cutts was the mother of one child, of whom one was still living.

Fred H. Cutts, a grocer, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), headed a Somersworth, NH, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of four years), Edna S. [(Swayne)] Cutts, aged twenty-five years (b. MA). Fred H. Cutts rented their house on Pleasant Street.

Son Fred H. Cutts died of septicemia in Milton, March 30, 1902, aged thirty-seven years, four months, and twenty-six years. W.E. Pillsbury, M.D., signed the death certificate.

Acton. Fred Cutts of Milton Mills, who cut his foot a few weeks ago, died Sunday, the 30th, of blood poisoning (Sanford Tribune (Sanford, ME), April 4, 1902).

Daughter-in-law Isadore M. (Musgrave) Cutts died of appendicitis in Merrimac, MA, September 22, 1902, aged thirty-one years, eight months, and twenty-eight days.

W.F. Cutts appeared in the Milton directory of 1904, as a Milton Mills manufacturer of plows.

Daughter-in-law Edna S. (Swayne) Cutts married (2nd) in Ashland, NH, October 4, 1905, Lauriston M. Goddard, both of Ashland, NH. She was a teacher, aged thirty years, and he was a clerk, aged twenty-seven years. Rev. George A. Thompson performed the ceremony.

UNION. Hazel Farnham spent a few days last week with her grandfather, Foxwell Cutts (Farmington News, July 16, 1906).

Son Charles William Cutts married (3rd) in Franklin, NH, July 9, 1908, Nellie Woodworth Curtis, both of Merrimac, MA. He was a teacher, aged forty-five years, and she was a nurse, aged forty-three years. Rev. Lewis W. Phillips performed the ceremony. She was born in Bowdoin, ME, in 1866, daughter of David H. and Rachel A. (Merryman) Curtis.

William F. Cutts of Milton Mills died of heart syncope in Acton, ME, February 23, 1910, aged seventy-nine years, two months, and two days. H.D. Grant, M.D., signed the death certificate.

DEATHS. CUTTS – In Milton Mills, N.H., Feb. 23, William Foxwell Cutts, 78 yrs. Burial Sunday, Feb. 27 (Boston Globe, February 26, 1910).

UNION. Charles Cutts and family of Merrimac, Mass., have been spending a few days with Mr. and Mrs. Frank Farnham (Farmington News, April 1, 1910).

J. Frank Farnham, an excelsior manager, aged fifty years (b. ME), headed a Wakefield, NH, household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of thirty years), Ora E. [(Cutts)] Farnham, aged fifty-one years (b. ME), his daughter, Hazel A. Farnham, aged sixteen years (b. NH), and his boarder, Sarah L. Farnham, aged seventy years (b. ME). J. Frank Farnham owned their house, free-and-clear. Ora E. Farnham was the mother of two children, of whom two were still living.

Charles W. Cutts, a school teacher, aged forty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Merrimac, MA, household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal census. His household included his wife (of one year), Nellie W. [(Curtis)] Cutts, aged forty-four years (b. ME), and his daughters, Ethel B. Cutts, aged twenty years (b. NH), and Elizabeth M. Cutts, aged twelve years (b. NH). Charles W. Cutts rented their house at 194 Main Street.

UNION. Mrs. Charles Cutts of Derry returned with Mr. and Mrs. Farnham for a few days’ visit (Farmington News, May 26, 1916).

UNION. Charles Cutts and family of Derry and Fred Farnham and family of Winchester, Mass., are guests at the Farnham cottage at East lake (Farmington News, July 14, 1916).

UNION. Mrs. Charles Cutts of Derry is visiting at the home of Frank Farnham (Farmington News, September 15, 1916).

UNION. Miss Ethel Cutts of Derry is visiting her aunt, Mrs. J. Frank Farnham (Farmington News, July 6, 1917).

UNION. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Cutts and daughters are visiting at Camp Hazelhurst, East lake (Farmington News, July 13, 1917).

Frank Farnham, an excelsior manager, aged fifty-nine years (b. ME), headed a Wakefield, NH, household at the time of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Ora E. [(Cutts)] Farnham, aged sixty-one years (b. ME), his daughter, Hazel Farnham, aged twenty-two years (b. NH), and his mother, Harriet Farnham, aged eighty-two years (b. ME). Frank Farnham owned their house, free-and-clear.

Charles W. Cutts, superintendent of schools, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Derry, NH, household at the time of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Nellie C. [(Curtis)] Cutts, aged fifty-four years (b. ME), his daughter, M. Elizabeth Cutts, a music teacher, aged twenty-two years (b. NH), and his boarder, Beatrice E. Gove, aged fifteen years (b. ME). Charles W. Cutts owned their house on Marlborough Road, free-and-clear.

Charles W. Cutts, a Normal School teacher, aged sixty-six years (b. ME), headed a Keene, NH, household at the time of the Fifteenth (1930) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of twenty-one years), Nellie W. [(Curtis)] Cutts, aged sixty-five years (b. ME). Charles W. Cutts rented their house at 34 Bruder Street, for $55 per month. They had a radio set.

Son Charles W. (Nellie W.) Cutts appeared in the Keene, NH, directory of 1931, as a teacher at the State Normal school, with his house at 48 Appian Way.

Son-in-law John F. Farnham died of coronary thrombosis in Union village, Wakefield, NH, February 17, 1933, aged seventy-two years, nine months, and twenty-seven days. He was a retired excelsior manufacturer. He had lived in Wakefield, NH, for 45 years, i.e., since circa 1888, with his previous residence having been in Acton, ME. Fred L. Clow signed the death certificate.

Brother Thomas J. Cutts [Jr.] died in Milton, March 15, 1933, aged ninety-four years. (See Milton in the News – 1933).

John E. Kennett, a retail general store proprietor, aged forty-two years (b. NH), headed an Old Orchard Beach, ME, household at the time of the Sixteenth (1940) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Hazel F. [(Farnham)] Kennett, aged forty-two years (b. NH), his mother-in-law, Ora E. [(Cutts)] Farnum, aged eighty-one years (b. ME), and his servant, Rose Gonneville, a private family housekeeper, aged forty-four years (b. Canada). John E. Kennett owned their house on Union Avenue, which was valued at $3,000. John E. and Jazel F. Kennett had resided in the “same house” in 1935, while Ora E. Farnham had resided in Union, NH, and Rose Gonneville had resided in Biddeford, ME.

C.W. Cutts, a Keene Teachers College teacher, aged seventy-seven years (b. NH), headed a Keene, NH, household at the time of the Sixteenth (1940) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Nellie W. [(Curtis)] Cutts, aged seventy-three years (b. ME). C.W. Cutts owned their house at 48 Appian Way, which was valued $8,000. They had resided in the “same house” in 1935.

Daughter Ora E. (Cutts) Farnham died in Old Orchard Beach, ME, March 12, 1944, aged eighty-five years, three months.

DEATHS. Mrs. J.F. Farnham Dies At Home Of Her Daughter. Mrs. Ora E. Farnham, widow of J. Frank Farnham of Union N.H., who for the past 11 years had resided with her: daughter, Mrs. John E. Kennett, of Old Orchard Beach, died at the Kennett home, 143 Union avenue, Sunday, following a lengthy illness. Her age was 85 years and 3 months. Mrs. Farnham was born in No. Berwick, the daughter of William and Mary (Sanborn) Cutts. She attended the schools of her native community and resided there during a lengthy period of her younger life previous to going to Keene and Union, N.H., to make her home. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star chapter of Union and of the Baptist church of Milton Mills. Since coming to Old Orchard Beach she had made many new friends through her pleasing personality and friendly disposition. Her passing away will cause much sorrow for her intimate friends and surviving relatives. Besides her daughter, Mrs. J.E. Kennett, she leaves a son, Fred H. Farnham, of New York, two grandchildren, and a brother, Charles W. Cutter [Cutts] of Keene, N.H. Prayers will be conducted at the Kennett home, 143 Union avenue, Old Orchard Beach, Wednesday morning at 10 o’clock. The body will then be taken to Union, N.H., where funeral services will be held at the Congregational church in Union on Wednesday afternoon at 2 o’clock (Biddeford-Saco Journal (Biddeford, ME), [Monday,] March 13, 1944).

Hanover News and Personals. … A reception was given Professor and Mrs. Charles W. Cutts in Keene last week at the parish house of the First Congregational church. Mr. and Mrs. Cutts are leaving Keene where he has been teaching for the past few years, for Haverhill, Mass., where they will now make their home. Mr. Cutts was for eight years superintendent of schools for this district previous to 1928 when he resigned to go to the Teachers college in Keene (The Landmark (White River Junction, VT), April 19, 1945).

Daughter-in-law Edna M. ((Swayne) Cutts) Goddard died of acute myocarditis in Ashland, NH, May 16, 1945, aged seventy years, one month, and four days. She was a teacher and librarian. Leon M. Orton, M.D., signed the death certificate.

Charles W. Cutts, unable to work, aged eighty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Haverhill, MA, household at the time of the Seventeenth (1950) Federal census. His household included his wife, Nellie W. [(Curtis)] Cutts, aged eighty-four years (b. ME). They resided at 22 Webster Street.

Daughter-in-law Nellie W. (Curtis) Cutts died, probably in Haverhill, MA, in 1955.

Son Charles W. Cutts died in the Hale Hospital Haverhill, MA, March 9, 1958, aged ninety-five years.

Charles W. Cutts. HANOVER. – Word has been received of the death of Charles Cutts, 95, of Haverhill, Mass., school superintendent here from about 1922-1928. Mr. Cutts died Sunday in Hale Hospital, Haverhill. Mr. Cutts was a retired Keene, N.H., Teachers College professor and was also a superintendent of schools at Derry, N.H., and a school principal at Merrimac High School. He was a member of the Rotary Clubs in Hanover and Keene. He was married to the late Mrs. Nellie (Curtis) Cutts. Services will be held tomorrow afternoon at the Dole and Child’s Funeral home, 148 Main St., Haverhill. Burial will be in Milton Mills, N.H. (Valley News (West Lebanon, N.H.), March 11, 1958).

---

References:

Find a Grave. (2013, August 7). Charles W. Cutts. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/115051979/charles-w-cutts

Find a Grave. (2013, August 7). Fred H. Cutts. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/115052029/fred-h-cutts

Find a Grave. (2013, August 7). May Cutts. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/115051839/may-cutts

Find a Grave. (2013, July 29). Thomas Jefferson Cutts. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114553563/thomas-jefferson-cutts

Find a Grave. (2013, August 7). William F. Cutts. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/115051803/william-f-cutts

Find a Grave. (2021, May 7). Ora E. (Cutts) Farnham. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/226580653/ora-e-farnham

Jewell & Tuttle. (1878). Annual New England Official Directory and General Hand-Book. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=Qko9AQAAMAAJ&pg=PA354

NH General Court. (1877). Journals of the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the State of New Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=mOI3AAAAMAAJ&pg=PA149

NH General Court. (1878). Journals of the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the State of New Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=tUYlAQAAIAAJ&pg=PA227

By Muriel Bristol | August 27, 2023

John Hanson Varney was born in Milton, August 31, 1794, son of Caleb and Huldah (Hussey) Varney.

Mother Huldah (Hussey) Varney died in Berwick, ME, March 26, 1807.

John H. Varney married, in 1823, Betsy W. Cloutman, he of Milton and she of Rochester, NH. Rev. James Walker performed the ceremony. She was born in Rochester, NH, June 12, 1800.

(The known children of John H. and Betsy W. (Cloutman) Varney were Susan Varney (1824-1895), Caleb Varney (1826-1845), Lydia Varney (1828–1908), Ruth Varney (1830-1913), John Hanson Varney II (1832–1893), and Charles Ayer Varney (1834–1893), Betsy Varney (c1836-), [Baby Girl] Varney (1838-1838), Lindley Hoag Varney (1839-1844), Theron F. Varney (1842-1882), and George H. Varney (1844-1844)).

Daughter Susan Varney was born in Milton, November 8, 1824.

William Sargent succeeded Ira Fish in the fulling mill business in 1820, and carried on the business until 1825, when he was succeeded by John H. Varney, who, after some twenty-two years of successful business, sold out to Joshua Holland in 1847 (Scales, 1914).

Son Caleb Varney was born in Milton, September 16, 1826.

Father Caleb Varney died June 6, 1828.

Daughter Lydia Varney was born in Milton, July 25, 1828. Daughter Ruth Varney was born in Milton, June 16, 1830. Son John H. Varney [Jr.] was born in Milton, March 29, 1832.

John H. Varney and James A. Ricker headed the Milton chapter of the Strafford County Temperance Society in 1833. The Milton chapter had 227 of the 6,423 Strafford County members. Somersworth had 944 members, Dover had 632, New Hampton had 518, Rochester 450, Sanbornton had 380, and other places had fewer members than Milton (NH Temperance Society, 1833).

Son Charles Ayer Varney was born in Milton, May 19, 1834. Daughter Betsy Varney was born in Milton March 18, 1836.

Daughter “Baby Girl” Varney was born in Milton, October 10, 1838. She died the same day. Son Lindley Hoag Varney was born in Milton, November 4, 1839.

John H. 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 female aged 40-49 years [Betsy W. (Cloutman) Varney], one female aged 15-19 years [Susan Varney], one male aged 10-14 years [Caleb Varney], one female aged 10-14 years [Lydia Varney], one female aged 5-9 years [Ruth Varney], two males aged 5-9 years [John H. Varney and Charles A. Varney], one female aged under-5 years [Betsy Varney], one male aged under-5 years [Lindley H. Varney], and one female aged 60-69 years. One member of his household was engaged in Manufacture and the Trades.

Son Theron F. Varney was born in Milton, in 1842.

Milton sent John H. Varney to Concord, NH, as its NH State Representative for the 1841-42 biennium.

On June 30, 1841, Democrat Rep. Albert F. Baker (1809-1841) of Hillsborough, NH, filed a series of five resolutions aimed apparently at asserting New Hampshire’s rights under the U.S. Constitution to extradite accused persons from another state.

Mr. Baker of Hillsborough introduced a Report. Which was read. And the following Resolutions:
Resolved, That the Constitution of the United States was established by the people of the States respectively, the people of each State acting in their sovereign capacity as a party to compact.
Resolved, That each State is sovereign within its own territory, except so far as that sovereignty nay be abridged by the of the powers specified in the Federal constitution.
Resolved, That the Federal Government is limited in its jurisdiction, but within its appropriate sphere, is paramount to the authority of the States.
Resolved, That it is the duty of the Federal Government provide for the faithful observance of the stipulations contained the Federal Constitution.
Resolved, That the refusal of one State to surrender a person charged with the commission of a crime within another State, who shall flee from justice, is an open disregard of the plain letter of the Constitution, subversive of the peace and harmony of the Union, destructive of the ends for which the Federal Constitution was established.
Resolved, That the Executive of this State be requested to transmit to the Executive of the several States, to be laid before their respective Legislatures, and to our Senators and Representatives in Congress to be laid before that body, a copy of the above report and of these resolutions.

(Rep. Baker was a brother of Mary Baker Eddy, founder of the Christian Science Church, and a protégé of then U.S. Senator Franklin Pierce. Although young, Rep Baker did not live out his term: “Albert Baker, a prominent lawyer and politician of New-Hampshire, died at Hillsborough on the 17th [October 1841], aged thirty-one years” (The Liberator, October 29, 1841)).

A number of amendments to the various parts of the overall resolution were all defeated on voice votes (no individualized voting records). Whig Rep. William W. Stickney (1827-1888) of Newmarket, NH, proposed that additional clarifying language should be added:

Provided however, that these resolutions are to have no reference whatever to the conduct of the Governors of the States of Maine and Georgia.

The Stickney motion failed also on a voice vote, but it does make one wonder if these specified Governors might otherwise be considered to be extradition targets. Edward Kent was the Whig Governor of Maine, and he had played a role in both instigating and resolving the so-called Aroostook War of 1838-39.

Rep. Jacob Morrill (1812-1864) of Somersworth, NH, proposed that a sixth supplementary resolution (modeled after the US. Second Amendment) be appended to the five that has passed already:

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives, That a well-regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.

The House Speaker ruled that adding the sixth resolution would be out of order. A roll call vote was taken as to whether it was actually in order and whether it should pass. Rep Varney voted with the 51 members [23.5%] that voted against the additional resolution, rather than with the 166 members [76.5%] that voted in favor of it. So, the sixth resolution passed to be added to the original five others.

On Friday, June 23, 1843, the NH House took up Rep. Goodwin’s bill to authorize the NH State Treasurer “… to receive the portion of the proceeds of the sales of the public lands in the United States treasury assigned to the State of New Hampshire.” A motion was put forward to indefinitely postpone this bill. Rep. Varney voted with the minority of 101 members [45.7%] that opposed postponement, rather than the majority of 121 members [54.3%] that opposed postponement.

On Tuesday, June 27, 1843, the Committee on Military Affairs put forward as inexpedient to legislate a bill “… amending the law relative to unconditional exempts from military duty, as to embrace all persons conscientiously scrupulous of bearing arms.” Rep. Varney voted with the minority of 61 members [27.6%] that favored the conscientious objection bill, rather than the majority of 160 members [72.4%] that opposed it.

Son George H. Varney was born in Milton, May 24, 1844. He died in Milton, July 30, 1844, aged two months.

Son Caleb Varney died due to a fire in Milton, November 18, 1845. (See Milton in the News – 1845).

FIRE AND LOSS OF LIFE. A correspondent of the Bee at Rochester, N.H., writes that a fire broke out on the 17th at Milton Three Ponds, which consumed the new and excellent yarn mill of Messrs. A.S. Howard & Co. – Loss about §12,000, and no insurance. A very worthy young man, the son of John H. Varney, who was a watchman in the mill, was burnt to death (Baltimore Daily Commercial, November 24, 1845).

John H. Varney died of rheumatic fever in Milton, in January 1850, aged fifty-five years.

Daughter Ruth Varney married in Milton, March 5, 1850, James W. Nutter, both of Milton. Rev. James Doldt performed the ceremony. Nutter was born in Milton, May 26, 1829, son of Matthias and Sarah (Wentworth) Nutter. (His father was a War of 1812 veteran).

Betsey W. [(Cloutman)] Varney, aged forty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. Her household included Susan Varney, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), Lydia Varney, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), Ruth [(Varney)] Nutter, aged twenty years (b. NH), John H. Varney, a shoemaker, aged eighteen years (b. NH), Charles A. Varney, a shoemaker, aged sixteen years (b. NH), Betsey Varney, aged fourteen years (b. NH), Theron F. Varney, aged eight years (b. NH), James W. Nutter, a shoemaker, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), George Scates, a trader, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), John G. Drew, a manufacturer, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH), and John W. Nutter, a shoemaker, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH). Betsy W. Varney had real estate valued at $2,000. James W. Nutter had real estate valued at $1,000. George Scates had real estate valued at $2,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Ira Knox, a shoemaker, aged twenty years (b. ME), and Noah Warren, a shoemaker, aged twenty-four years (b. NH).

Daughter Susan Varney married, circa 1858, Brackett F. Avery. He was born in Wolfeboro, July 23, 1828, son of Walter and Sally (Cotton) Avery.

Son Charles A. Varney married, circa 1858, Sophia J. Nute. She was born in Milton, April 27, 1842, daughter of John C. and Sarah A. (Varney) Nute.

Betsey [(Cloutman)] Varney, aged fifty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. Her household included Lydia Varney, aged thirty-one years (b. NH), Theron F. Varney, a shoemaker, aged eighteen years (b. NH), and Moses L.F. Smith, a shoemaker, aged twenty-one years (b. NH). Betsy Varney had real estate valued at $2,000 and personal estate valued at $700. Her household appeared between two unoccupied houses (just after that of Ezra Tuttle, a clergyman, aged forty-three years (b. NH)), and John M. Varney, a carpenter, aged forty years (b. NH).

Brackett F. Avery, a farmer, aged thirty-one years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Susan V. [(Varney)] Avery, aged thirty-four years (b. NH), and John H. Avery, aged one year (b. NH). Brackett F. Avery had real estate valued at $2,500 and personal estate valued at $700. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Eli C. Rankin, a farmer, aged forty years (b. NH), and Eli Fernald, a whitesmith, aged thirty-three years (b. ME).

James W. Nutter, a cordwainer, aged thirty-one years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Ruth [(Varney)] Nutter, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH). James W. Nutter had personal estate valued at $100. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of D.P. Warren, a shoe manufacturer, aged forty-four years (b. NH), and Saml A. Kimball, a shoemaker, aged fifty-five years (b. NH).

John H. Varney, a shoemaker, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Nancy J. Varney, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), M.C. Blackwell, a shoemaker, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), George H. Staples, a shoemaker, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), Wallace Smith, a shoemaker, aged twenty-six years (b. NH), Mellissa Smith, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH), Samuel Clements, a shoemaker, aged twenty-six years (b. NH), Elisha B. Watson, a shoemaker, aged twenty-two years (b. NH), Charles E. Whitehouse, a shoemaker, aged twenty years (b. NH), John S. Varney, a shoemaker, aged twenty-five years (b. NH), John M. Brackett, a shoemaker, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), George W. Brackett, a shoemaker, aged nineteen years (b. NH), Daniel J. Chamberlin, a shoemaker, aged nineteen years (b. NH), John Robinson, a shoemaker, aged sixteen years (b. NH), Charles A. Varney, a shoemaker, aged twenty-six years (b. NH), and Sophia J. [(Nute)] Varney, aged nineteen years (b. NH). John H. Varney had personal estate valued at $300. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of George W. Tasker, a shoemaker, aged thirty years (b. NH), and H. Wentworth, a shoe manufacturer, aged forty-one years (b. NH).

Milton sent son Charles A. Varney and Enoch W. Plumer to Concord, NH, as its NH State Representatives for the 1861-62 biennium.

On July 3, 1861, the NH House took up “An Act for the Remodeling of the Militia.” Rep. James Emery of Tamworth, NH, moved to have the bill postponed to another session, which motion failed.

The bill being still upon its second reading, on motion of Mr. Goodall the House reconsidered the vote whereby it rejected the amendment of Mr. Bingham, to insert the word “white,” after “able-bodied,” on last line of page 6.

Rep. Varney and Rep Plumer both voted with the majority of 221 members [87.4%] that favored the amendment, rather than with the 32 members [12.6%] that opposed the amendment. The amended version received its third (and final) reading, passed the House, and proceeded to the NH Senate.

Son Theron F. Varney of Milton, aged nineteen years, enlisted in Co. D of the Second NH Volunteer Infantry Regiment, in Dover, NH, May 10, 1861, for the term of three years. He was mustered in as a Corporal at Portsmouth, NH, June 1, 1861, and he was promoted to Sergeant, August 11, 1862. (See Milton in the 2nd NH Regiment – 1861-65).

Son John H. Varney of Milton, aged twenty-nine years, enlisted in Co. H. of the Sixth NH Volunteer Infantry Regiment, November 4, 1861. He mustered in as a Private, November 28, 1861, was promoted to Sergeant, November 30, 1861. (See Milton in the 6th NH Regiment – 1861-65).

Sgt. John H. Varney was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant of Co. K of the Sixth NH Volunteer Infantry Regiment, February 1, 1863.

Sgt. Theron F. Varney deserted in Concord, NH, May 25, 1863, and was reported as such under the President’s proclamation in 1865. He was discharged at Galloup’s Island in Boston, MA, May 15, 1865.

2nd Lt. John H. Varney was promoted to 1st Lieutenant of Co. C of the Sixth NH Volunteer Infantry Regiment, February 1, 1864. He was discharged January 5, 1865.

ORIGINAL AND SELECTED. The shoe manufactory of Robert Mathews, at Milton Mills, N.H., together with the store and house of James W. Nutter, and the store of E.H. Twombly, were destroyed by fire on Monday last (Portland Daily Press (Portland, ME), March 30, 1864).

Betsey W. [(Cloutman)] Varney, aged seventy years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. Her household included Mary Cofren, aged seventy-four years (b. NH). Betsey W. Varney had real estate valued at $1,000 and personal estate valued at $200. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Amos O. Duntley, works for shoe factory, aged twenty-six years (b. NH), and Daniel Jenness, a farm laborer, aged sixty-two years (b. NH).

Brackett F. [Walter] Avery, a farmer, aged seventy-four years (b. ME), headed a Wolfeboro (“North Wolfeboro P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Walter F. [Brackett F.] Avery, a farmer, aged forty-two years (b. NH), Susan V. [(Varney)] Avery, keeping house, aged forty-five years (b. NH), Harry L. Avery, at home, aged six years (b. NH), Sally C. Avery, at home, aged three years (b. NH), and John W. Avery, at home, aged ten months (b. NH). Betsey W. Varney had real estate valued at $2,000 and personal estate valued at $818.

James W. Nutter, a farmer, aged forty-one years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Ruth V. [(Varney)] Nutter, keeping house, aged forty years (b. NH). James Nutter had real estate valued at $1,000 and personal estate valued at $340. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Rebecca Nute, keeping house, aged sixty-two years (b. NH), and John E. Twombly, a retail grocer, aged thirty-four years (b. NH).

John H. Varney, works in shoe factory, aged forty years (b. MA [SIC]), headed a Haverhill, MA, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Nancy J. Varney, aged thirty-three years (b. MA).

Charles A. Varney, dry goods & groceries, aged thirty-six years (b. NH), headed a Wakefield (“Union P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Sophia J. [(Nute)] Varney, keeping house, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH). Charles A. Varney had personal estate valued at $2,075.

Theron F. Varney married in Haverhill, MA, December 21, 1876, Emma Florence (Millett) Cushman. He was a shoe cutter, aged thirty-four years, and she was a widow, aged twenty-seven years. Rev. A.E. Drew performed the ceremony. She was born in Minot, ME, June 16, 1849, daughter of Edmund and Sally (Chase) Millett. (Her first husband, Lorenzo Cushman, had died in Haverhill, MA, February 15, 1871).

Betsy W. (Cloutman) Varney died in Milton, March 18, 1879.

Brackett F. Avery, a farmer, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included Susan V. [(Varney)] Avery, keeping house, aged fifty-five years (b. NH), Harry L. Avery, at school, aged sixteen years (b. NH), Sally C. Avery, at school, aged thirteen years (b. NH), and John W. Avery, at school, aged ten years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of George M. Corson, a farmer, aged thirty-eight years (b. ME), and William H. Ricker, a farmer, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH).

Lydia Varney, keeping house, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. Her household appeared in the enumeration between those of Fred P. Jones, a farmer, aged twenty years (b. NH), (who shared a two-family residence with the household of [her brother-in-law,] James W. Nutter, a farmer, aged fifty-one years (b. NH),) and Joseph Plumer, a farmer, aged sixty years (b. NH).

James W. Nutter, a farmer, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Ruth V. [(Varney)] Nutter, a housekeeper, aged forty-nine years (b. NH). They shared a two-family residence with the household of Fred P. Jones, a farmer, aged twenty years (b. NH).

John H. Varney, a retired shoe manufacturer, aged forty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Haverhill, MA, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Nancy J. Varney, aged forty-four years (b. MA), and his niece, Fannie E. Holland, aged fourteen years (b. ME). They resided at 21 Nichols Street.

Charles A. Varney, an excelsior manufacturer, aged forty-six years (b. NH), headed a Wakefield, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Sophia J. [(Nute)] Varney, keeping house, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH).

Theron F. Varney, a shoe cutter, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Haverhill, MA, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included Emma F. [((Millett) Cushman)] Varney, keeping house, aged twenty-nine years (b. ME), and Bessie F. Varney, aged two years (b. MA). They resided at 63 High Street.

Haverhill Politics. [Special Despatch to The Boston Globe.] HAVERHILL, December 4. – At a citizens municipal convention held in City Hall last night Hon. Moses Howe was nominated for mayor and John H. Varney for alderman at large. The aldermanic ticket is to be completed tomorrow evening and the election on Tuesday bids fair to be a lively one (Boston Globe, December 5, 1881).

John H. Varney was an at-large City Alderman in Haverhill, MA, in 1882. (The other six aldermen represent one of the city’s six Wards).

Theron F. Varney died of heart disease in Haverhill, MA, May 26, 1882, aged forty-three years, three months, and four days.

The following inventories have been filed at the Probate Court, Salem: Henry Shoof, Newburyport, $48,560.97; Thomas H. Frothingham, Salem, $155,939.27; Edward F. Couch, Newburyport, $9297.13; Benjamin T. Blake, Salisbury, $12,055; Theron F. Varney, Haverhill, $4010.71; Thomas Brackett, Salem, $13,009.65 (Boston Evening Transcript, July 5, 1882).

Son Charles A. Varney and Charles H. Hayes (1849-1916) moved to Haverhill, MA, in 1884, and there formed a box-making company under the name Varney & Hayes. (Hayes was a son of Luther and Louise A. (Bragdon) Hayes (see South Milton’s High Sheriff Luther Hayes (1820-1895))).

Son Chas. A. Varney (Varney & Hayes) appeared in the Haverhill, MA, directory of 1885, as a box mnfr. at 30 Granite street, with his house at 375 Washington street. The firm of Varney and Hayes (Chas. A. Varney and Chas. H. Hayes) appeared as mnfrs of paper and wooden boxes, at 30 to 36 Granite street.

Daughter-in-law Emma F. Varney appeared in that same Haverhill, MA, directory of 1885, as the widow of Theron F. Varney, with her house at 119 Main street. Son John H. Varney appeared also, as having his house on Main street, at its junction with Northern avenue.

FEMALE HELP WANTED. WANTED – At once, 10 experienced girls to make paper boxes; good wages. VARNEY & HAYES, Haverhill, Mass. (Boston Globe, February 6, 1886).

MALE HELP WANTED. WANTED – A good man to fit wooden boxes; also a good first-class nailer on shoe boxes; apply at once. VARNEY & HAYES, Haverhill. Mass. Sud7t my4 (Boston Globe, May 5, 1890).

MACHINERY. FOR SALE – A good second-hand 150-horse power steam engine of the Swamscott Machine Co. make, still in first-class running order; can be seen running any time within the next 6 weeks; also all the connection to connect it with boilers. VARNEY & HAYES, Haverhill, Mass. dSu10t s23 (Boston Globe, September 23, 1890).

Son-in-law James W. Nutter died December 21, 1892, aged sixty-three years, six months, and twenty-five days.

Son John H. Varney died of “suicide by shooting in head” in Haverhill, MA, January 28, 1893, aged sixty years, ten months. He was a shoe manufacturer.

PERSONAL. Charles A. Varney, late a member of the paper and wooden box manufacturing firm of Varney & Hayes, Haverhill, Mass., was stricken with apoplexy last night. Mr. Varney retired from business about a year ago (Boston Evening Transcript, June 1, 1893).

Son Charles A. Varney died of a cerebral softening and cerebral hemorrhage in Haverhill, MA, June 2, 1893, aged fifty-nine years, thirteen days. He was a manufacturer.

Funeral of Charles A. Varney. Milton, N.H., June 5. The funeral of Charles A. Varney, who died in Haverhill, Mass., was held at the Congregational church this afternoon. The services were conducted by Rev. Mr. Dickey, and were largely attended. Unity lodge of Freemasons was present and escorted the remains to the Milton cemetery, performing their burial service previous to the interment (Boston Globe, June 6, 1893).

Daughter Susan V. (Varney) Avery died of cardiac dropsy (and complications) in Milton, January 2, 1895, aged seventy years, one month, and twenty-five days. W.F. Wallace, M.D., signed the death certificate.

Daughter-in-law Emma F. Varney appeared in the Haverhill, MA, directory of 1897, as the widow of Theron F. Varney, with her house on Wellington avenue.

Daughter-in-law Emma F. ((Millett) [Cushman)] Varney married (3rd) in Haverhill, MA, February 9, 1898, Harry S. Brannan, both of Haverhill, MA. He was a decorator, aged forty-two years, and she was at home, aged forty-five years. Rev. David F. Ayers performed the ceremony. Brannan was born in Frederickton, New Brunswick, Canada, circa 1853, son of James W. and Hannah F. (Battie) Brannan.

Ruth [(Varney)] Nutter, a homekeeper, aged sixty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Village”) household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. She rented her house. She was a widow, who had been the mother of four children, of whom none were still living. Her household appeared in the enumeration between those of Lydia Varney, a homekeeper, aged seventy-one years (b. NH), and Ralph M. Kimball, a janitor, aged forty years (b. NH).

Harry Brannon, a decorator & painter, aged forty-seven years (b. Canada), headed a Haverhill, MA, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of two years), Emma F. [(((Millett) Cushman) Varney)] Brannon, aged forty-eight years (b. ME), and his step-children, Bessie F. Varney, aged twenty-one years (b. MA), Lindley H. Varney, at college, aged twenty years (b. MA), and Chas. A. Varney, at school, aged eighteen years (b. MA). Harry S. Brannan owned their house at 27 Wellington Avenue, free-and-clear. He was a naturalized citizen, having immigrated in 1865. Emma F. Brannon was the mother of four children, of whom four were still living.

Daughter Lydia Varney died December 2, 1908.

Brackett F. Avery, a farm laborer, aged seventy-one years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton 3-Ponds”) household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal census. His household included his daughter, Sallie C. Avery, aged thirty-two years (b. NH). Brackett F. Avery owned their house, free-and-clear.

Brackett F. Avery, a farmer, aged eighty-one years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton 3-Ponds”) household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal census. His household included his daughter, Sallie Avery, aged forty-two years (b. NH). Brackett F. Avery owned their farm, free-and-clear. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of James P. Willey, an odd jobs machinist, aged fifty-three years (b. NH), and Henry S. Mason, a dry good storekeeper, aged forty-four years (b. NH).

Ruth [(Varney)] Nutter, a widow, aged seventy-nine years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton 3-Ponds”) household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. She owned her house, free-and clear. Her household appeared in the enumeration between those of Samuel G. Blaisdell, a homekeeper, aged thirty-four years (b. NH), and John Varney, a shoe shop foreman, aged forty years (b. NH).

Son-in-law Brackett F. Avery died in Milton Mills, May 30, 1911.

Daughter Ruth V. Nutter appeared in the Milton directory of 1912, as the widow of James W. Nutter, with her house at 17 Charles street, on the hill.

Daughter Ruth (Varney) Nutter died of uterine carcinoma in Milton, May 16, 1913, aged eighty-two years, eleven months. James J. Buckley, M.D., signed the death certificate.

Sophia J. Varney, aged seventy-seven years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census. She owned her house at 12 Heaton Street.

Daughter-in-law Emma F. (((Millett) Cushman) Varney) Brannan died in Haverhill, MA, March 18, 1921.

Daughter-in-law Sophia J. (Nute) Varney died of valvular heart disease at 12 Heaton Street in Rochester, NH, July 12, 1927, aged eighty-five years, two months, and fifteen days. Edson M. Abbott, M.D., signed the death certificate.

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References:

Find a Grave. (2020, August 18). Susan Varney Avery. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/214558939/susan-avery

Find a Grave. (2020, September 7). Ruth Varney Nutter. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/215338010/ruth-nutter

Find a Grave. (2020. October 20). Baby Girl Varney. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/217521753/baby_girl-varney

Find a Grave. (2020. October 20). Caleb Varney. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/217521120/caleb-varney

Find a Grave. (2020, October 20). Charles A. Varney. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/217522900/charles-ayer-varney

Find a Grave. (2020, October 20). George H. Varney. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/217522181/george-h-varney

Find a Grave. (2020, October 20). John Hanson Varney. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/217515882/john-hanson-varney

Find a Grave. (2020, October 20). John Hanson Varney [II]. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/217524488/john-hanson-varney

Find a Grave. (2020, October 20). Lindley Hoag Varney. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/217521291/lindley-hoag-varney

Find a Grave, (2020, October 20). Lydia Varney. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/217521839/lydia-varney

Find a Grave. (2020, October 20). Theron F. Varney. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/217524163/theron-f-varney

Longyear. (1868, July 1). Albert Baker: Inspired Politician. Retrieved from www.longyear.org/learn/research-archive/albert-bakers-political-career/

NH General Court. (1841). Journal of the House of Representatives of the State of New-Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=iP5BAQAAMAAJ&pg=RA1-PA4

NH General Court. (1843). Journal of the House of Representatives of the State of New-Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=pvtBAQAAMAAJ&pg=RA1-PA14

NH General Court. (1861). Journal of the House of Representatives of the State of New-Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=DRUtAQAAMAAJ&pg=RA1-PA146

NH General Court. (1862). Journal of the House of Representatives of the State of New-Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=MQ8tAQAAMAAJ&pg=RA1-PA208

NH Temperance Society. (1833). Annual Report, 1833. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=7joZAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA16

By Muriel Bristol | August 20, 2023

Here may be found extracted the Milton entries from the New England Business Directory and Gazetteer of 1865.

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Blacksmiths. Duntley, Hazen, Milton; Goodwin, Daniel B., West Milton; Osgood, Eben Z., Milton Mills; Rines, Nathaniel, Milton Mills; Runnells, Alvah, Milton Mills.

Box Manufacturers. Dearborn, Stephen W. (boot boxes), Milton.

Carpenters and Builders. Dixon, I.W., Milton; Lucas, John, Milton; Mathes, Joseph, Milton; Seavey, George A., Milton.

Carriage and Sleigh Manuf. Brackett, John, Milton Mills, Acton; Brackett, R.W., Milton Mills, Acton.

Clergymen. Boyd, David (F.B.), Milton Mills, Acton.

Country Stores. Fox, Asa & Son, Milton Mills; Goodwin, Edward L., West Milton; Hanson, William H., Milton; Jewett, Asa, Milton Mills; Simes, Bray U., Milton Mills; Twombly, Ezra H., Milton.

Deputy Sheriff. Twombly, Ezra H., Milton.

Dyers. Brearly, Edward, Milton Mills, Acton.

Grist Mills. Dearborn, S.W., Milton; Miller, Ira, Milton Mills; Tuttle, William P., Milton.

Hotels. Huntress, Wm. H., Milton House, Milton; Reed. Lewis D., Milton Mills.

Painters (House, Carriage, &c.), Mathes, Robert, Milton.

Post Offices and Postmasters. Twombly, Ezra H., Milton; Goodwin, Edward L., West Milton; Swasey, Henry S., Milton Mills.

Physicians. Buck, Jeremiah (allo.), Milton Mills, Acton. Buck, Reuben (allo.), Milton Mills, Acton; Drew, Stephen (allo.), Milton; Palmer, Daniel E. (allo.), Milton.

Stables. Huntress, William H., Milton.

Wheelwrights. Brackett, John, Milton Mills, Acton; Brackett, Rufus W., Milton Mills, Acton; Sanborn, James, Milton.

Woolen Goods Manufacturers. Jones & Mudge, Milton Mills.

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Previous in sequence: Milton Businesses in 1860; next in sequence: Milton Businesses in 1867-68

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References:

Sampson & Murdoch. (1865). New England Business Directory and Gazetteer. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=TuA1AQAAMAAJ&pg=PA168

By Muriel Bristol | August 13, 2023

Luther B. Roberts was born in Waterboro, ME, September 13, 1845, son of Maj. Jeremiah and Olive J. (Roberts) Roberts.

Albert H. Roberts, a farmer, aged thirty-three years (b. ME), headed a Waterboro (“N. Waterborough P.O.”), ME, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Everline [(Dearborn)] Roberts, keeping house, aged thirty years (b. ME), Arthur J. Roberts, at home, aged two years (b. ME), Jere Roberts, a farmer, aged seventy-two years (b. ME), Olive J. [(Roberts)] Roberts, keeping house, aged sixty-two years (b. ME). Albert H. Roberts had real estate valued at $3,000 and personal estate valued at $1,200.

Abby Libby, keeping house, aged thirty-nine years (b. ME), headed a Limerick, ME, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Olive Libby, aged eighteen years (b. ME), Alvin Libby, a clerk in store, aged seventeen years (b. ME), Ernest Libby, aged nine years (b. ME), and Luther Roberts, a bookkeeper, aged twenty-four years (b. ME). Abby Libby had real estate valued at $150 and personal estate valued at $200.

Mother Olive J. (Roberts) Roberts died in Waterboro, ME, July 15, 1870, aged sixty-two years, five months. (“A blessing to her family”).

Luther B. Roberts married in NH, November 19, 1871, Nellie C. Berry, he of Limerick, ME, and she of Milton. He was a merchant, aged twenty-seven years, and she was a teacher, aged twenty-seven years. Rev. Dexter Waterman performed the ceremony. She was born in Milton, April 2, 1844, daughter of James and Eliza (Jewett) Berry. (Sister-in-law M. Augusta Berry had endorsed the Granite State Health Institute in Hill, NH, in June 1864 (See Milton in the News – 1864)).

(The known child of Luther B. and Nellie C. (Berry) Roberts was Eva Jewett Roberts (1881-1964)).

Luther B. Roberts appeared in the Portland, ME, directory of 1873, as a salesman at Chadbourne & Kendall’s, boarding at Commercial House. (Chadbourne & Kendall were Middle Street woolen dealers). Luther B. Roberts appeared in the Portland, ME, directory of 1875, as a salesman, with his house at 22 Bracket street.

Father Major Jeremiah Roberts died in Waterboro, ME, July 24, 1874, aged seventy-six years, two months. (“Precious to the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints”).

A Portland Man Honored – To the Editor of the Argus: In looking over the returns of the election of New Hampshire I see the town of Milton elected a Democratic representative, Luther B. Roberts, formerly of Portland, Me. I think the people of Milton have caught the honest spirit and voted for the best man up for the office. A few of the less popular among the republicans feel sore. It is hard for some to submit to an honest election. I trust Mr. R’s many friends in Portland will be pleased with his success – Milton, March 20th, 1878 – ED. (Portland Press Herald (Portland, ME), March 28, 1878).

Milton sent Luther B. Roberts and William F. Cutts to Concord, NH, as its NH State Representatives, for the 1878 session. They were allocated 180 miles in mileage expenses. Rep. Roberts was assigned to the Committee on Manufactures, and Rep. Cutts was assigned to the Committee on Retrenchment and Reform.

On Tuesday, June 11, 1878, Rep. Roberts was assigned as “teller” for one of five House divisions, or seating sections. A teller would collate or tally the voting results for his division and report them to the House Speaker.

The speaker announced the following gentlemen as the tellers of the House: First division, Mr. Roberts of Milton; Second division, Mr. Page of Haverhill; Third division, Mr. Parker of Merrimack; Fourth division, Mr. Tredick of Portsmouth; Fifth division, Mr. Patten of Manchester. 

On Wednesday, June 12, 1878, Rep. Roberts filed a bill to adjust Milton’s proportion of State taxes. His bill was assigned to the Committe on Judiciary, July 3, 1878.

By Mr. Roberts of Milton, a bill for the relief of the town of Milton, and in amendment of chapter 49, Session Laws of 1876, establishing a new proportionment for the assessment of public taxes.

The Milton tax apportionment relief bill passed on Thursday, July 18, 1878.

Prior to establishment of the civil service, many governmental offices, especially subsidiary ones of a bureaucratic nature, were purely political plums or sinecures. Frequent rotation of postmasters based upon their political affiliation is an example of this practice. (“Elections have consequences”). Now it was proposed that the tenure of the Hillsborough County Register of Probate “Major” Timothy B. Crowley (1830-1886) of Nashua, NH, be ended. (He had been overlooked in the purge or reshuffling of 1874).

NEW HAMPSHIRE. Legislative Matters – The Case of Major Crowley, Register of Probate in Hillsborough County. (Special Despatch to The Boston Globe). Concord, N.H., July 17. The special assignment for this forenoon was an address for the removal of Timothy B. Crowley, Register of Probate for Hillsborough County. He was spared during the general slaughter when the State Government changed in 1874, but his head is now demanded, he is a wounded soldier, and this fact was the consideration which saved him before from the public guillotine. Aaron F. Stevens of Nashua advocated his removal, and said it was in accordance with the established custom of both political parties. He acknowledged that Major Crowley was an honest, faithful and capable man, and stated that his removal was on political grounds alone; also, that he had, by his earnest and effective work in behalf of the Democracy of Nashua and the State, made himself objectionable to the Republicans, who now demand his removal. Frank H. Pierce of Hillsborough referred to a remonstrance signed by ex-judges, lawyers and distinguished persons of Hillsborough County, as well as several ex-mayors of the city of Nashua, against his removal, and stated that the gentleman named as Crowley’s successor had also signed the remonstrance and would not raise bis hand to deprive the gallant soldier of the office he now holds. Mr. Pierce said if any cause other than of a political character could be presented for this removal, he might then cease his opposition. General Marston of Exeter, a prominent Republican, has previously stated that he would never vote for Crowley’s removal as he went into the battle where he received his wounds at his command. The General and a number of other Republicans desire that Major Crowley retain the office. An unsuccessful effort was made to indefinitely postpone and the matter will come up tomorrow as unfinished business (Boston Globe, July 18, 1878).

On Thursday, July 18, 1878, Republican Rep. Aaron F. Stevens (1819-1887) of Nashua, NH, made a motion to remove Timothy B. Crowley from the office of Hillsborough County Register of Probate. Crowley was a Democrat, who had been a Major in the Civil War and had been wounded in battle. He had served in the war under another House member, a Republican, who refused to vote for the ouster on personal grounds rather than political ones.

Proceedings began with a vote on whether or not to even take the vote. It was decided to take the vote. That began as a division vote, i.e., a hand raising or secret ballot count, which resulted in 153 members [54.3%] in favor of removing Register Crowley and 129 members [45.7%] opposed to removing him. But Democrat Rep. Frank H. Pierce (1848-1920) of Hillsborough, NH, demanded a roll call vote, i.e., one where the names are recorded, which resulted in 171 members [53.1%] in favor, including Rep. Cutts of Milton, and 151 members [46.9%], including Rep. Roberts of Milton, opposed.

On Monday, July 22, 1878,

A House bill entitled, “An act in relation to the New-Hampshire asylum for the insane,” with amendments by the honorable Senate, was, on motion of Mr. Roberts of Milton, laid upon the table.

On motion of Mr. Roberts of Milton, the bill entitled, “An act in relation to the New-Hampshire asylum for the insane,” was taken from the table, and, on motion of Mr. Dow of Concord, laid upon the table.

Luther B. Roberts, a storekeeper, aged thirty-four years (b. ME), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills Village”) household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included Nellie C. [(Berry)] Roberts, aged thirty-six years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Winfield S. Miller, a farmer, aged thirty years (b. ME), and John Lewis, a bookkeeper, aged thirty-seven years (b. England).

L.B. Roberts appeared in the Milton directories of 1880, 1881, and 1882, as a manufacturer of saddle housings.

Daughter Eva Jewett Roberts was born in Portland, ME. September 14, 1881.

Mother-in-law Eliza G. (Jewett) Berry died of a heart complaint in Milton, December 13, 1882, aged seventy years.

Luther B. Roberts appeared in the Portland, ME, directories of 1883, and 1884, as a traveling salesman at 229 Middle street, with his house at 22 Green street.

Luther B. Roberts appeared in the Portland, ME, directories of 1885, and 1886, as a traveling salesman at 229 Middle street, with his house at 50 Winter street.

Father-in-law James C. Berry died of enteritis in Milton, December 5, 1886, aged eighty-one years, six months, and five days. He was a farmer.

Presentation. Directly after the installation of the officers of Longfellow Lodge, No. 43, K. of P., last evening, Past Chancellor Luther B. Roberts stepped to the Past Chancellor’s chair, and in a neat speech presented Past Chancellor Chas. M. Ilsley with a jewel of his office. It was a surprise to Charles, but he responded in his usual honest and happy manner (Portland Daily Press, January 6, 1887).

Luther B. Roberts appeared in the Portland, ME, directories of 1887, 1888, 1889, and 1890, as a traveling salesman at 229 Middle street, with his house at 55 Winter street.

PERSONAL. Mr. Luther B. Roberts, president of the Maine Commercial Travelers’ Association, will attend the fifth annual dinner of the wholesale dealers at Lewiston this evening (Portland Daily Press (Portland, ME), April 22, 1889).

Luther B. Roberts appeared in the Portland, ME, directories of 1891, as an agent for S.V. Coal & Iron at 16 Monument square, with his house at 55 Winter street.

Luther B. Roberts appeared in the Portland, ME, directories of 1893, as a general agent and broker at 223 Middle street, with his house at 845 Congress street.

Luther B. Roberts appeared in the Portland, ME, directory of 1899, as an insurance agent, boarding at 311, Cumberland ave.

Luther B Roberts, an insurance agent, aged fifty-four years (b. ME), headed a Portland, ME. household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of twenty-nine years), Nellie C. [(Berry)] Roberts, aged fifty-six years (b. NH), his daughter, E. [Eva J.] Roberts, aged eighteen years (b. ME), and his boarder, Clifford Legrow, a cabinet engineer, aged twenty-three years (b. ME). Luther B Roberts rented their house. Nellie C. Roberts was the mother of one child, of whom one was still living.

Luther B. Roberts appeared in the Portland, ME, directories of 1902, as an insurance agent at 96 Exhange street, with his house at 311 Cumberland ave. Miss Eva J. Roberts appeared as boarding at 311 Cumberland ave.

Luther B. Roberts appeared in the Portland, ME, directories of 1904, 1905, and 1906, as a Ward 4 Councilman and insurance agent, with his house at 311 Cumberland ave. Miss Eva J. Roberts appeared in those same years as boarding at 311 Cumberland ave.

Luther B. Roberts, a real estate agent, aged sixty-five years (b. ME), headed a Portland, ME, household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of thirty-eight years), Nellie C. [(Berry)] Roberts, aged sixty-five years (b. NH), his daughter, Eva J. Roberts, aged twenty-seven years (b. ME), and his lodgers, George Huntress, a paper hanger, aged sixty-nine years (b. ME), and Lura C. Partington, aged seventy-eight years (b. ME). Luther B. Roberts owned their house at 311 Amb. Avenue. Nellie C. Roberts was the mother of two children, of whom one was still living. Lura C. Partington was also the mother of two children, of whom one was still living.

SOCIAL LIFE AND GOSSIP. The Calendar Club was attractively entertained Friday afternoon by Mrs. Fred S. Woods of Deering street, the meeting being held in honor of Miss Eva J. Roberts, whose marriage takes place early in October. The afternoon was passed socially and the guest of honor received the cordial good wishes of her fellow club members being presented with a handsome piece of cut glass. Refreshment dainties were tastefully served, the spirit of the occasion being suggested by the decoration of wedding bells in gilt, tied with blue ribbon representing the club colors. Those present on this occasion were Mrs. Francis Cummings, Miss Alice M. Fernald, Mrs. T. Richard Pye, Miss Luenna F. Sands, Miss Clara L. Schumacher, Mrs. E. Leland Stone, Miss Annie G. Weeks, the hostess, Mrs. Woods, and the honor guest, Miss Roberts. The club is to study Shakespeare this season and very attractive programs were distributed at this meeting (Portland Sunday Telegram (Portland, ME), September 22, 1912).

Daughter Eva Jewett Roberts married in Portland, ME, October 2, 1912, William Henry Wood, she of Portland, ME, and he of New York, NY. He was a broker, aged twenty-seven years, and she was aged twenty-nine years. Rev. Alfred W. Jefferson performed the ceremony. He was born in New York, NY, October 13, 1884, son of James Henry and Augusta E. (Dodge) Wood.

Luther B. Roberts was one of seven men sent by the voters of Portland, ME, to represent them in the ME State House during the 1915-16 biennium.

Luther B. and Nellie C. (Berry) Roberts moved back to Milton Mills, circa 1917, where they took up residence with his sister-in-law, Augusta M. Berry.

THE SUANTERER. “What has become of Luther B. Roberts?” asked the Saunterer of George T. Means the other day. “For the past two years” said Mr. Means, “Luther has been living on a farm owned by an aunt of his in Milton Mills, N.H. This is a post village on a branch of the Salmon Falls River, about 24 miles north of Dover. Of course you remember that 30 years ago Luther was one of the leading Democrats of this City. He was chairman of the Democratic Club committee in 1892, the year D.H. Ingraham was elected mayor. Later he was a member of the common council from Ward Four. But his business gradually slipped away from him and no doubt he was glad to accept the proposal of his aunt to take charge of her farm. Naturally the property will come into Mr. Robert’s possession some day” (Portland Sunday Telegram (Portland, ME), August 17, 1919).

Agusta M. Berry, aged eighty-four years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the tie of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census. Her household included her brother-in-law, Luther B. Roberts, aged seventy-four years (b. ME), and her sister, Nellie C. [(Berry)] Roberts, aged seventy-five years (b. NH). Agusta M. Berry owned their house on Main Street, free-and-clear. Their household appeared between those of Frank H. Whipple, a blacksmith, aged thirty years (b. MA), and Loring W. Pillsbury, a woolen mill carpenter, aged twenty-seven years (b. ME).

William H. Wood, a furs broker, aged thirty-four years (b. NY), headed a Manhattan, New York, NY, household at the time of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Eva R. [(Roberts)] Wood, aged thirty-six years (b. NH), and his children, William R. Wood, aged six years (b. NY), and Janice A. Wood, aged three years (b. NY). William H. Wood rented their house.

Sister-in-law M. Augusta Berry died of chronic interstitial nephritis on Main Street in Milton Mills, January 10, 1923, aged eighty-seven years, eight months, and eighteen days. Frank S. Weeks, M.D., signed the death certificate.

A Milton Mills house owned by Luther B. Roberts was one of six that burned down in the early hours of Thursday, November 20, 1924. (See Milton in the News – 1924).

Luther B. Roberts, of Milton Mills, and William P. Farnham, of Lynn, MA, both attended the Battle of Bunker Hill sesquicentennial celebrations. Their grandfathers had participated in the battle. (See Milton in the News – 1925).

Luther B. and Clara E. (Berry) Roberts were both sick in bed when rescued from the fire that destroyed their 2½-story Milton Mills house in March 1930. (See Milton in the News – 1930).

SANBORNVILLE. The Misses Goldie and Pauline Elliott recently were in Milton Mills to visit the scene of the Luther Roberts fire. We are very sorry for this aged couple. They have many friends in this village (Farmington News, April 4, 1930).

Luther B. Roberts, retired, aged eighty-four years (b. ME), headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifteenth (1930) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Clara E. [(Berry)] Roberts, aged eighty-seven years (b. NH). Luther B. Roberts owned their house on Main Street, which was valued at $2,000. They did not have a radio set. Their household appeared between those of Fred H. Simes, a woolen mill superintendent, aged sixty-two years (b. NH), and Mary E. Clark, a private family housewife, aged fifty-nine years (b. NY).

William H. Wood, a hatter’s weaver, aged forty-four years (b. NH), headed a Scarsdale, NY, household at the time of the Fifteenth (1930) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Eva R. [(Roberts)] Wood, a housewife, aged forty-one years (b. ME), and his children, William R. Wood, aged sixteen years (b. NY), and Janice A. Wood, aged fourteen years (b. NY). Eva R. Woods owned their house at 101 Greenacres Avenue, which was valued at $50,000. They had a radio set.

Brother-in-law Charles J. Berry died in Milton, March 17, 1933, aged ninety-six years. (See Milton in the News – 1933).

Luther B. Roberts died in Milton Mills, August 5, 1933, aged eighty-seven years.

Former Member of Legislature Dead. Luther B. Roberts, 87, formerly of Portland, from which he was Representative to the State Legislature in 1915-16, died Saturday at his home in Milton Mills, N.H. He was a grandson of John Roberts, who fought in the Battle of Bunker Hill. He was born in Waterboro, Sept. 13, 1845, and married Miss Nellie C. Berry 25 years later. In 1878 he was member of the New Hampshire Legislature. Mr. Roberts came to Portland more than 55 years ago and resided here over 40 years, being engaged in insurance and real estate work. He was a member of the Common Council of Portland in 1900-01 and again in 1905-06. Before leaving this City some 15 years ago he was member of the executive committee, the Thomas Brackett Reed Memorial Association, and was affiliated with the Knights of Pythias and Masons. Funeral services will be at his residence at 2 p.m. Tuesday (Portland Evening Express (Portland, ME), August 7, 1933).

MILTON MILLS. Mrs. Nellie Roberts fell, cutting her head (Sanford Tribune (Biddeford, ME), July 7, 1938).

Clara Ellen “Nellie” (Berry) Roberts died of broncho-pneumonia in Milton Mills, August 23, 1938, aged ninety-four years, four months, and twenty-one years. She was a lifelong resident, except for forty years. P.A. Kimball, M.D. signed the death certificate.

Eva [(Roberts)] Wood, aged fifty-four years (b. ME), headed a Yonkers, NY, household at the time of the Sixteenth (1940) Federal Census. Her household included her son, William R. Wood, a salesman, aged twenty-six years (b. NY), and her son [daughter], James [Janice] Wood, a private secretary, aged twenty-four years (b. NY). Eva Wood rented their apartment at 26 W. Pondfield Road, for $73 per month. They had all resided in the “same house” in April 1935.

Eva R. [(Roberts)] Wood, aged sixty-eight years (b. ME), headed a Yonkers, NY, household at the time of the Sixteenth (1950) Federal Census. She was divorced and resided in an apartment at 949 Palmer Avenue.

Daughter Eva J. (Roberts) Wood died of a myocardial infarction in the Texas Christian Nursing Home in Houston, TX, March 18, 1964, aged eighty-two years. She had resided there for ten years.

Former son-in-law William H. Wood died in Houston, TX, January 3, 1982.

References:

Find a Grave. (2018, April 26). Maj. Charles J. Berry. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/189182567/charles-jewett-berry

Find a Grave. (2013, August 12). James Berry. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/115349770/james-berry

Find a Grave. (2013, August 12). Mary A. [Augusta] Berry. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/115349918/mary-a-berry

Find a Grave. (2014, August 10). Maj. Jeremiah Roberts. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/134126523/jere-roberts

Find a Grave. (2013, August 13). Luther B. Roberts. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/115578547/luther-b-roberts

NH General Court. (1878). Journals of the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the State of New Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=CuM3AAAAMAAJ&pg=PA227