Author: Muriel Bristol

By Muriel Bristol | August 21, 2022

Charles Chesley Hayes was born in Milton, September 1, 1822, son of James Jr. and Apphia “Effie” (Card) Hayes.

(His parents had been married in Milton, January 28, 1817, by Levi Jones, justice-of-the-peace. NH Gov. William Plumer commissioned his father, James Hayes, Jr., as a lieutenant of the Seventh Company, Second Regiment of NH Militia, July 17, 1818. He was promoted to captain of the Sixth Company, Thirty-Ninth Regiment of NH Militia, September 4, 1822).

James Hayes headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [James Hayes], one female aged 50-59 years [Apphia (Card) Hayes], one male aged 15-19 years [Charles C. Hayes], one female aged 15-19 years [Sarah C. Hayes], and one male aged 10-14 years [Cyrus A. Hayes]. Three members of his household were engaged in Agriculture.

Father James Hayes died in Milton, February 18, 1845, aged fifty-four years.

The Milton Selectmen of 1849 were Jos. Mathes, C.C. Hayes, and Jos. Cook. Those of 1850 were Jos. Mathes, C.C. Hayes, and Asa M. Durrell.

Sister Mary J. Hayes died in Milton, April 6, 1850, aged seventeen years, eight months. Brother Cyrus A. Hayes died in Milton, April 24, 1850, aged twenty-one years, seven months.

Apphia Hayes, aged sixty-four years, headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. Her household included Charles Hayes, a farmer, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH), and Sally Hayes, aged nineteen years (b. NH). Charles Hayes had real estate valued at $900. Her household appeared in the enumeration between those of Comfort Laskey, aged seventy-two years (b. NH), and David M. Corson, a farmer, aged sixty-two years (b. NH).

Charles C. Hayes and John E. Goodwin received five-year appointments as Milton justice-of-the-peace, July 5, 1850.

Sister-in-law Mary E. Spinney died in Milton, September 8, 1850, aged twenty-one years, eleven months, and fifteen days.

Charles C. Hayes married in Somersworth, NH, November 26, 1851, Abigail Paul “Abby” Spinney, he of Milton and she of Somersworth, NH. Richard Russell, a Somersworth justice-of-the-peace, performed the ceremony. She was born in Wakefield, NH, November 3, 1826, daughter of Parker F. and Mary E. (Dearborn) Spinney.

Son Eugene Augustine Hayes was born in Milton, November 24, 1854.

Charles C. Hayes was the Milton town moderator for fourteen years from about 1855. He was preceded in that office by Charles A. Varney (1834-1893), and succeeded by Charles Jones (Scales, 1914).

Charles C. Hayes received a five-year reappointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, June 26, 1855.

Son Eugene A. Hayes died in Milton, January 17, 1856, aged thirteen months, twenty-three days.

Our treasure is in heaven. – Eugene A. Hayes epitaph

Mother-in-law Mary E. (Dearborn) Spinney died in Milton, February 10, 1856, aged fifty years.

C.C. Hayes of Milton filed a report with the NH Board of Education, March 29, 1856. He was a member of Milton’s superintending school committee, who made forty-eight visits to local schools during the 1855-56 academic year, and had been paid $28.50 (NH Board of Education).

MILTON. The Committee are of opinion that we have far too many districts in town for the best interest of our schools. We believe that if the number of districts was reduced one third or one half even, that the benefit derived from our money would be increased in the same proportion. Many object to this reduction of districts because the children having farther to walk, will be unable to attend the schools regularly. We believe this to be no argument, from the fact that we find the per cent of absentees in our villages much larger than it is in the more sparsely settled districts; and that those scholars who live remote from the school-house are much the most punctual in their attendance at school. In many of our schools the past year, there has been a manifest want of good wholesome discipline; very many teachers who are well qualified in other respects are wholly incompetent to govern a school in a proper manner. Those teachers only should be employed who are thorough disciplinarians. We would call your attention to the importance of parents manifesting a greater interest in our schools. It is a duty devolving upon every parent to see that his children attend school regularly, that they are there in season, and that they conform to the reasonable regulations of the school. It is the duty of every parent to show both teacher and scholars by his frequent presence in the school-room, that he is deeply interested in the welfare of the school. Every parent should visit each term of the school at least twice. This would encourage the scholars in their efforts for improvement and stimulate the teacher to greater exertions in their behalf. – Charles C. Hayes, Committee (NH Board of Education, 1856).

Dr. Charles F. Elliott (1804-1876) of Somersworth, NH, who was Strafford County Commissioner of [Common] Schools, made his own report on Milton’s district or common schools.

MILTON – The schools in this town are improving. A new school-house for two schools has been erected at the Ponds within the last year, which does credit to the citizens of that village. At the Mills – the Branch – are houses and schools worthy [of] notice. If the school districts suffer no further division they will be fortunate (NH Board of Education, 1856).

C.C. Hayes of Milton filed a report with the NH Board of Education, March 25, 1857. He was a member of Milton’s superintending school committee, who made thirty-nine visits to local schools during the 1856-57 academic year, and had been paid $32.97 (NH Board of Education).

The Milton Selectmen of 1857 were D. Wallingford, Jr., C.C. Hayes, and S.S. Wakeham.

Daughter Abbie Louisa Hayes was born in Milton, September 5, 1857.

The Milton Selectmen of 1859 were C.C. Hayes, J.F. Hart, and C.H. Goodwin.

Daughter Mary Elizabeth Hayes was born in Milton, May 5, 1859.

Charles C. Hayes received a reappointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, June 19, 1860.

Chas. C. Hayes, a farmer, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton P.O.”) household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Abba P. Hayes, aged thirty-three years (b. NH), Abba L. Hayes, aged three years (b. NH), and Mary L. Hayes, aged one year (b. NH). Chas. C. Hayes had real estate valued at $1,200 and personal estate valued at $300. His household immediately preceded in the enumeration that of [his mother,] Aphie Hayes, aged seventy-two years (b. NH). Her household included Sarah C. Hayes, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH). Aphie Hayes had personal estate valued at $300.

Charles C. Hayes, a millwright, aged forty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton P.O.”) household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Abbie P. Hayes, keeping house, aged forty-three years (b. NH), Abbie L. Hayes, at school, aged twelve years (b. NH), and Mary L. Hayes, at school, aged eleven years (b. NH). Chas. C. Hayes had real estate valued at $1,000 and personal estate valued at $250. He shared a two-family residence with the household of Apphia Hayes, keeping house, aged eighty-two years (b. NH). Their households appeared in the enumeration between those of Parker Spinney, aged sixty-five years (b. ME), and John P. Nute, a farmer, aged forty-four years (b. NH).

Milton sent Charles C. Hayes to Concord, NH, as its NH State Representative for the 1874-75 biennium. (Milton’s state representatives of 1874-75 were Charles Hayes (1822-1893) and George E. Simes (1832-1914)).

Father-in-law Parker F. Spinney died in Milton, August 1, 1874, aged seventy years, eleven months, and fifteen days.

Charles C. Hayes received a five-year appointment as a Strafford County justice-of-the-peace, July 2, 1875.

Mother [Apphia] “Effie”(Card) Hayes died of a brain hemorrhage in Milton, October 4, 1878, aged ninety-two years, twenty-three days.

The Milton Selectmen of 1878-79 were Chas. C. Hayes, Asa A. Fox, and M.V.B. Cook. (They appeared belatedly as such in the Milton business directory of 1880).

C.C. Hayes appeared in the Milton business directories of 1880, 1881, 1882, 1884, 1887, and 1889, as a justice-of-the-peace).

Charles C. Hayes received a five-year reappointment as a Strafford County justice-of-the-peace, June 24, 1880.

Charles C. Hayes, a farmer & sets water wheels, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton P.O.”) household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included Abbie T. Hayes, keeping house, aged fifty-three years (b. NH), Abbie L. Hayes, at home, aged twenty-two years (b. NH), and Mary L. Hayes, at home, aged twenty-one years (b. NH). His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Jonas S. Laskey, a farmer, aged fifty-three years (b. NH), and Geo. W. Fellows, connected with the press, aged forty years (b. NH).

(A young Ira W. Jones (1854-1946) appeared in this same 1880 census as being engaged in setting water wheels. Might they have been working together? (See Milton’s Hydraulic Engineer: I.W. Jones)).

Charles C. Hayes compiled a Milton historical sketch, including lists of its public officials, which was included in D. Hamilton Hurd’s History of Rockingham and Strafford Counties, with Biographical Sketches of Many of its Pioneers and Prominent Men, as published in 1882. (Much of his information was reprinted in John Scales’ History of Strafford County, New Hampshire, and Representative Citizens, when it was published in 1914). (See for example Milton’s NH State Representatives – 1803-1902).

Charles C. Hayes received a five-year reappointment as a Strafford County justice-of-the-peace, May 26, 1885.

The Milton Selectmen of 1888 were J.H. Avery, Chas. Hayes, and C.C. Hayes. (They appeared belatedly as such in the Milton business directory of 1889).

The Milton Selectmen of 1889 were C.C. Hayes, Chas. Hayes, and C.A. Jones.

Milton sent Charles C. Hayes as a its delegate to the NH Constitutional Convention of January 1889. His mileage was calculated to be 176 miles. He was assigned to the Committee on the Bill of Rights and Executive Department.

The delegates of the Constitutional Convention assembled in the hall of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, January 2, 1889, at 11 o’clock A.M., and were called to order by John W. Morse of Bradford (NH Constitutional Convention, 1889). 

On Tuesday, January 8, 1889, delegate Hayes presented a petition from the Union Law and Order League of Wakefield, Brookfield, Milton, and Middleton. (Daniel S. Burley of the Burley & Usher Shoe Company was the leader of this league. New Hampshire was then operating under what was called “semi-prohibition” (see Milton Under “Semi-Prohibition” – 1855-02)).

Mr. Hayes of Milton presented a memorial of the Union Law and Order League, of Wakefield, Brookfield, Milton, and Middleton, praying for the adoption of an amendment to the Constitution prohibiting the manufacture or sale of all malt or distilled liquors. The memorial was laid on the table pending the appointment of the special committee to consider petitions on the same subject (NH Constitutional Convention, 1889).

On Wednesday, January 9, 1889, delegate Hayes reported his committee’s majority opinion that it would be inexpedient to pass an amendment limiting the terms of police court justices. The convention agreed with his committee.

Mr. Hayes, from the Committee on Bill of Rights and Executive Department, to which was referred the proposed amendment limiting the term of office of justices of police courts to a period of five years, reported the following resolution: Resolved, That it is inexpedient to adopt such amendment. The report was accepted and the resolution adopted (NH Constitutional Convention, 1889).

On Thursday, January 10, 1889, delegate Hayes proposed that a select committee be appointed to consider the question of female suffrage. (There was no female suffrage at this time, nor would there be for another thirty-one years).

Mr. Hayes of Milton offered the following resolution: Resolved, That a select committee of ten, one from each county, be appointed by the chair to take into consideration the subject of the suffrage of women. The resolution was adopted, and the president announced the following gentlemen as said committee: Messrs. [Charles C.] Hayes of Milton, [George F.] Merriam of Greenville, [Aaron L.] Mellows of Newmarket, [Oran E.] Randall of Chesterfield, [Frank M.] Beckford of Laconia, [Granville J.] Marshall of Unity, [Charles W.] Gray of Jackson, [Hazen D.] Smith of Plymouth, [Charles] Danforth of Concord, [Daniel E.] Cummings of Colebrook.

On Friday, January 11, 1889, Delegate Hayes’ proposed amendment regarding religious freedom was one of three similar proposals considered by the convention.

Mr. [Samuel D.] Felker of Rochester: I introduced the resolution to strike out the word “Protestant” from article 6 of our Bill of Rights. I did it, in the first instance, because I believed that the word “Protestant” is distasteful to a certain class of our citizens. They are entitled to as much consideration as we are. Suppose the word “Catholic” instead of “Protestant” was there, would it not be just as distasteful to us? I do not care which form the resolution takes; the one proposed by the gentleman from Hanover (Mr. [Edward R.] Ruggles) or the one proposed by the gentleman from Milton (Mr. Hayes). I am for religious freedom, even if it is a matter of sentiment, for sentiments are sometimes very dear to us. I have as much veneration for the works of the fathers as the gentleman from Dover (Mr. [James] Thurston). If he will look in the old Bill of Rights of Massachusetts, he will see somewhat similar language, which was thoroughly revised in 1833; but it would do no harm, if it were satisfactory to our Methodist brethren, to retain the old form stripped of its objectionable features. Ours is the last State in the Union that retains any such article in its Bill of Rights, and it seems to me that it should be changed so as to give everybody equality in matters of religion (NH Constitutional Convention, 1889).

After some debate an amendment proposed by the delegate from Hanover (Mr. Ruggles) was adopted and that amended alteration to the NH Bill of Rights was passed by the convention.

(NH constitutional conventions was the mechanism for constitutional change for many years. In more recent years, constitutional amendments have originated in the NH legislature rather than in a convention of delegates).

Charles C. Hayes received a five-year reappointment as a Strafford County justice-of-the-peace, May 21, 1890. He would not live to complete this final term.

C.C. Hayes appeared in the Milton business directory of 1892, as a justice-of-the-peace).

Charles C. Hayes died of Bright’s disease (and a carbuncle) in Milton, February 10, 1893, aged seventy years, five months, and ten days. Charles W. Gross, M.D., of Milton Mills signed the death certificate.

MILTON. The death of Mr. Charles Hayes which occurred last Friday removes from our midst one who will long be missed in public life as well as by many warm personal friends. He was an active, earnest and efficient member of the school board, a skilled surveyor, one of the trustees of the Nute High school and much respected by every one. He was connected with the Masonic fraternity and stood high in their circles. The funeral took place Tuesday, the school closing in memory of his labors with and for its interests, and teachers and pupils attended. Rev. Frank Haley officiated (Farmington News, February 17, 1893).

UNION. The late Charles C. Hayes, whose death was mentioned by your Milton correspondent last week, was a charter member of the above lodge and in the years 1875 and 1876 filled the master chair in the most acceptable manner. The lodge was instituted in June 1857, and of the thirteen persons who have been elected to the office of Worthy Master, Brother Hayes was the first to be “called from labor to reward.”
Farewell, dear brother, farewell; Thou has gone with Christ to dwell. Though we shall greet thee here no more, Yet we shall meet on the other shore (Farmington News, February 24, 1893).

Sister Sarah C. Hayes, a housekeeper in Haverhill, MA, died of a strangulated hernia in Milton, September 6, 1896, aged sixty-six years, two months, and nine days.

Brother-in-law Nathaniel D. Spinney died in Milton, April 7, 1900, aged sixty-five years.

Abby P. Hayes, aged seventy-three years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton P.O.”) household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. Her household included Abby L. Hayes, aged forty-two years (b. NH), and Mary L. Hayes, aged forty-one years (b. NH). She owned their farm, free-and-clear. She was the mother of three children, of whom two were still living.

Brother Benjamin F. Hayes died of a strangulated hernia in Milton, October 8, 1902, aged eighty-five years, six months, and fifteen days. James J. Buckley, M.D., of Milton, signed the death certificate.

Daughter Mary E. Hayes died of a bowel obstruction, appendicitis, and ovaritis in Milton, March 3, 1904, aged forty-four years, nine months, and twenty-eight days. Charles W. Gross, M.D., of Milton Mills, signed the death certificate.

Abbie P. Hayes, a farmer, aged eighty-three years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. Her household included her daughter, Abbie L. Hayes, aged fifty-two years (b. NH). Abbie P. Hayes owned their farm, free-and-clear. She was the mother of four children, of whom one was still living.

Abigail P. (Spinney) Hayes died of acute indigestion (followed by heart disease) in Milton, NH, April 10, 1913, aged eighty-six years, five months, and seven days. H.E. Anderson, M.D., of Milton Mills, signed the death certificate.

Abbie L. Hayes, aged sixty-two years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census. Abbie L. Hayes owned her farm, free-and-clear.

Daughter Abbie L. Hayes died of Addison’s disease on Branch Road in Milton, June 17, 1927, aged sixty-nine years, nine months, and twelve days. H.E. Anderson, M.D., of Milton Mills, signed the death certificate.

References:

Find a Grave. (2014, May 26). Abbie Louisa Hayes. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/130390001/abbie-louisa-hayes

Find a Grave. (2014, May 26). Abigail Paul “Abbie” Spinney Hayes. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/130388134/abigail-paul-hayes

Find a Grave. (2012, October 7). Benjamin F. Hayes. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/98444912/benjamin-f-hayes

Find a Grave. (2014, May 26). Charles Chesley Hayes. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/130387666/charles-chesley-hayes

Find a Grave. (2014, May 26). Cyrus Augustus Hayes. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/130383936/cyrus-augustus-hayes

Find a Grave. (2014, May 26). Eugene Augustine Hayes. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/130389206/eugene-augustine-hayes

Find a Grave. (2022, March 7). Cpt. James Hayes. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/237336842/james-hayes

Find a Grave. (2022, March 7). Mary A. Hayes. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/237337115/mary-adaline-hayes

Find a Grave. (2022, March 7). Mary D. Hayes. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/237336998/mary-d-hayes

Find a Grave. (2014, May 26). Mary Elizabeth “Lizzie” Hayes. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/130389688/mary-elizabeth-hayes

Find a Grave. (2014, May 26). Mary Jane Hayes. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/130383602/mary-jane-hayes

Find a Grave. (2014, May 26). Sarah Card Hayes. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/130384568/sarah-card-hayes

Find a Grave. (2014, May 26). Mary E. Dearborn Spinney. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/130405538/mary-e-spinney

Find a Grave. (2022, March 7). Mary E. Spinney. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/237336379/mary-e-spinney

Find a Grave. (2014, May 26). Nathaniel D. Spinney. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/130382579/nathaniel-d-spinney

Find a Grave. (2014, May 26). Parker Foster Spinney. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/130406637/parker-foster-spinney

NH Board of Education. (1856). Annual Report Upon the Common Schools of New Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=qYQ-AQAAMAAJ&pg=RA3-PR60

NH Constitutional Convention. (1889). Journal of the Constitutional Convention of the State of New Hampshire, January, 1889. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=Vw0MAAAAMAAJ

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

By Muriel Bristol | August 14, 2022

FIRST FREE BAPTIST CHURCH. The First Free Baptist Church was reorganized by Rev. Gershom Lord, in 1802, and consisted of eight members. Samuel Runnells and Bart. Miller were first deacons, and Elder Lord was clerk. Rev. Gershom Lord was the first preacher, and was succeeded by Humphrey Goodwin, who was ordained in 1807, and continued to preach until his removal to Hollis in 1814. Elder David Blaisdell supplied from 1815 to 1830. A house of worship was built in 1818, in the west part of the [Acton] town near Milton Mills, and replaced by a new one on the same ground, in 1840. Theodore Stevens became pastor in 1834, left in 1836, returned in 1839, and was succeeded, in 1843, by Elder J. Fullerby; Horace Stanton, in 1847; and subsequently by Z. Jordan, Wm. Hurlin, Seth Perkins, Aaron Ayer, Dexter Waterman, James Potter; Rev. Mr. McLain, in 1872; Hosea Quimby, 1875; and at Mr. Quimby’s death, in October 1878, by Rev. B.F. Sherwood, who remained until about 1880, when Rev. H.P. Mansur came. He remained until about 1885. The following have been pastors since that time: Revs. G.A. Anderson, 1887; C.E. Hurd, 1888-93; E.W. Fernald, 1894-7; R.W. Churchill, 1898- (Mitchell-Cony, 1908).

The Acton & Milton Mills Free-Will Baptist ministers described from this period were: Gershom Lord, Humphrey Goodwin, David Blaisdell, Theodore Stevens, Joseph F. Fullonton, Horace Stanton, Zachariah Jordan, Benjamin F. Hubbard, and William Hurlin (his first and second pastorates).

Rev. Gershom Lord – 1802-07

Gershom Lord was born in Lebanon, ME, January 18, 1752, son of Elder Ebenezer and Martha (Emery) Lord.

Gershom Lord, son of Elder Ebenezer Lord, was born in 1752, and died in 1817, in Lebanon; he married Esther Hanson (Cutter, 1926).

Gershom Lord married in Dover, NH, September 30, 1776, Esther Hanson, both of Dover, NH. Rev. Jeremy Belknap performed the ceremony. (Rev. Jeremy Belknap, D.D, was pastor of Dover’s First (Congregational) Church). She was born circa 1757.

Gershom Lord was one of some hundred inhabitants of Dover, NH, and vicinity that petitioned, August 30, 1786, for a lottery to finance refurbishing the bridge at the [Dover] Falls (Hammond, 1882).

State of New Hampshire } AN ACT TO ENABLE GERSHOM LORD TO FILE A COMPLAINT AT THE NEXT SUPERIOR COURT OF JUDICATURE FOR THE COUNTY OF STRAFFORD
[Passed February 7, 1788. Not found in Original Acts; recorded Acts, vol. 5, p. 403].
Whereas Gershom Lord of Dover in the County of Strafford and said State, Potter, hath Petitioned the General Court setting forth that at the inferior Court common pleas holden at Dover in and for said County on the third Tuesday of November AD., 1786, he recovered Judgment against Jona Simonds of said Dover, sadler, for the sum of thirty-six pounds and one penny debt or damage and one pound six shillings and ten pence cost of Suit; from which Judgment the said Simonds appealed to the then next Superior Court of Judicature but failed to enter his said appeal; And that the said Gershom Lord, prevented by sickness, did not file a complaint as the Law directs by means of which the said Lord hath lost the benefit of the said Judgment. Wherefore he prayed that he might be empowered to file a complaint at the next Superior Court for said County if the said Simonds should not then enter his said appeal. Which appearing reasonable.
Therefore be it enacted by the Senate and house of Representatives in General Court convened that the said Gershom Lord be and he hereby is empowered to file a complaint for affirmation of the said Judgment with Interest and cost at the next Superior Court of Judicature to be holden at said Dover in and for said County of Strafford on the third Tuesday of April AD .,1788, if the said Jonathan Simonds should not then enter and prosecute his said appeal as the law in other cases directs which he is hereby enabled to do. And the said Superior Court of Judicature are hereby authourized to take cognizance thereof and render Judgment thereon in the same manner as in other cases of appeal to the said Court (Metcalf, 1916).

Gershom Lord headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the First (1790) Federal census. His household included one male aged 16-plus years [himself], one female [Esther (Hanson) Lord], three males aged under-16 years.

Lord, Rev. Gershom, brother of Rev.’s Tosier and Daniel, was ordained along with John Blaisdell by a council from the New Durham Q.M. convened with the Lebanon church, Me., Nov. 21, 1799. “He appeared to be a serious young man; he had an extraordinary gift in speaking, and was much admired by many.” But a lawsuit between him and the clergyman of the place having been decided against him, he soon moved to eastern Maine (Burgess, 1889).

A council from the New Durham Quarterly Meeting, N.H., convened with the Lebanon church, November 21st [1799], and ordained John BLAISDELL and GERSHOM LORD (Steward, 1862). 

Gershom Lord of Lebanon, ME, was “accepted” at the monthly meeting of the Dover Friends, i.e., Quakers, in 1801. A distinction was made between those “received” and those “accepted” (Tibbetts, 1909). As Rev. Lord was and remained a Free-Will Baptist, one might suppose that new or relocating Friends were “received,” while visiting attendees, such as a Baptist minister, were “accepted.”

Gershom Lord headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one female aged 45-plus years [Esther (Hanson) Lord], two females aged 16-25 years [Mary Lord and Esther Lord], two females aged 10-15 years [Abigail Lord and Hannah Lord], and one male aged under-10 years [Gershom Lord, Jr.].

Gershom Lord died in Lebanon, ME, March 5, 1817, aged sixty-five years, one month. Esther (Hanson) Lord died in Lebanon, ME, March 30, 1840.

Humphrey Goodwin – 1807-1814

Humphrey Goodwin was born in Hollis, ME, in January 1774, son of Timothy and Mehitable Goodwin.

Humphrey Goodwin married in Biddeford, ME, circa 1795, Hannah Long. She was born in Andover, MA, October 1, 1778, daughter of Josiah and Mary “Molly” (Carlton) Long.

Humphrey Goodwin headed a Shapleigh, ME, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census, His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Hannah (Long) Goodwin], one male aged 10-15 years, and two males aged under-10 years [Timothy Goodwin].

Humphrey Goodwin signed the Rochester Division petition of May 28, 1802. (See Rochester Division Petition – May 1802).

Humphrey Goodwin was ordained in 1807.

Eldr Humpy Goodwin headed a Shapleigh, ME, household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Hannah (Long) Goodwin], one male aged 10-15 years [Timothy Goodwin], three males aged under-10 years [Benjamin L. Goodwin, John R. Goodwin, and Josiah L. Goodwin], and two females aged under-10 years [Hannah Goodwin and Harriet Goodwin].

The first Freewill Baptist Church was organized in 1810, in Rodolphus Young’s house, on “Grammar Street.” There were fourteen (or fifteen) members, one of whom, William Tripp, became a Methodist minister, and died in Ripley, Maine. Humphrey Goodwin, who had been ordained as an elder, three years before, became their pastor. There are no records of this church, but there are strong evidences of its organization, possibly as a branch of the Freewill Baptist Church of Shapleigh (Acton). Its existence was not long continued, probably because when Elder Goodwin removed to Hollis from Acton, in 1814, he left them destitute of a leader, and was unable to return at stated intervals (Emery, 1901).

The First Free-Will Baptist Society of Hollis was formed at a meeting held March 21, 1815. John Smith, son Elisha Smith, was chosen Moderator; Benjamin Warren, Clerk; and Elder Humphrey Goodwin, Daniel Smith (3d), and Nathaniel Kimball, Committee to attend to the legal requirements. Elder Humphrey Goodwin was chosen. There were 22 members including Canell Tarbox, James Smith, Joseph Linscott, Amos Mason, Moses Goodwin, Nathaniel Kimball, and others (Clayton, 1880).

FREEWILL BAPTIST [OF HOLLIS]. First society formed March 21, 1815, with 22 members. House of Worship erected 1834-5. Elder Humphrey Goodwin pastor until 1838. Succeeding pastors, Revs. Lewis T. Witham, Perkins Smith, Edwin Brown and others (Mitchell, et al., 1905). 

Humphrey Goodwin headed a Hollis, NH, household at the time of the Fourth (1820) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Hannah (Long) Goodwin], one male aged 26-44 years, one male aged 16-25 years [Josiah L. Goodwin], one male aged 10-15 years [Timoty Goodwin], one female aged 10-15 years, and one male aged under-10 years. Three members of his household were engaged in Agriculture.

Son Rev. Josiah L. Goodwin, son of Elder Humphrey and Hannah Goodwin of Hollis, ME, died in Rochester, MA, September 4, 1828, “in the first year of his ministry.”

Humphrey Goodwin headed a Hollis, NH, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one female aged 50-59 years [Hannah (Long) Goodwin], one male aged 20-29 years, two females aged 20-29 years, one male aged 10-14 years, and three females aged under-5 years.

Elder Humphrey Goodwin died in Hollis, NH, October 3, 1837, aged sixty-three years, ten months. Hannah (Long) Goodwin died in Hollis, NH, December 1, 1846.

Elder David Blaisdell – 1815-1833

David Blaisdell was born in Lebanon, ME, July 28, 1777, son of Ephraim and Hannah (Burrows) Blaisdell.

David Blaisdell married in Lebanon, ME, March 22, 1799, Sarah “Sally” Blaisdell. She was born in Lebanon, ME, January 29, 1782, daughter of Rev. John and Abigail (LeGro) Blaisdell.

David Blaisdell headed a Lebanon, ME, at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 16-25 years [himself], one female aged 16-25 years [Sarah (Blaisdell) Blaisdell] and one male aged under-10 years.

Dean David Blaisdell headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Sarah (Blaisdell) Blaisdell], one male aged 10-15 years, three males aged under-10 years, and one female aged under-10 years.

In 1815, when a powerful revival occurred in Lebanon and Acton, “Elder David Blaisdell was invited into Sanford from the place, and many were there converted, and a branch of the Lebanon church was there constituted.” Elder Blaisdell and his brother, Edward, came as evangelists and held meetings in a school-house. According to Rev. C.E. Blake, the brothers Blaisdell came into town in 1817, and organized a branch church of fifteen members. A certificate filed with the town clerk, on September 3, 1817, on behalf of persons desirous of avoiding payment of the legal ministerial tax for the support of a Congregational minister, shows that on that date. Francis Pugsley, Elias Littlefield, Solomon Littlefield, and Theodore Emery (clerk), of Sanford, Benjamin Webber and Edward Standley, of Shapleigh, and James Ridley and John Beedle of Alfred, were members “of the religious society in sd town of Sanford called by the name of the first freewill Baptist Church and Society in sd town of Sanford” (Emery, 1901).

ACTON. … The first Free-will Baptist church was formed in 1801, by Gershom Lord, – its first preacher. In 1818, a house of worship was erected in the west part of the town, near Milton Mills near where their house of worship now stands. A second society, called the Union Society of Acton, was formed in 1840, and a house built the same year at the south part of the town (Varney, 1881). 

A house of worship was built in 1818, in the west part of the town near Milton Mills, and replaced by a new one on the same ground, in 1840 (Mitchell-Cony, 1908).

Elder Davis Blaisdell headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Fourth (1820) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Sarah (Blaisdell) Blaisdell], one male aged 16-25 years, one male aged 10-15 years, one female aged 10-15 years, two males aged under-10 years, and one female aged under-10 years.

Elder David Blaisdell ministered to the church from 1829 to 1833; at first one-fourth of the time, and later, one-eighth. During his ministry, meetings were held at the house of Elias Littlefield, and a school-house at Springvale (Emery, 1901).

David Blaisdell headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one female aged 50-59 years [Sarah (Blaisdell) Blaisdell], two males aged 15-19 years, on female aged 15-19 years, one female aged 10-14 years, and two males aged 5-9 years.

David Blaisdell headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one female aged 60-69 years [Sarah (Blaisdell) Blaisdell], one female aged 20-29 years, two males aged 15-19 years, and one male aged 5-9 years. Two members of his household were engaged in Agriculture.

Religious Intelligence. Milton Mills, N.H. A number has been hopefully converted to God and are rejoicing in his love (Free-Will Baptist Quarterly Magazine, March 1841).

Rev. David Blaisdell died in Lebanon, ME, July 25, 1842, aged sixty-five years, eleven months, and twenty-eight years.

Moses E. Varney, a carpenter, aged forty years (b. NH), headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Sarah [(Blaisdell)] Varney, aged forty years (b. ME), Sarah M. Varney, aged thirteen years (b. ME), Isaac Varney (b. ME), aged eleven years (b. ME), George Varney, aged three years (b. ME), Mary Varney, aged five months (b. ME), and Sarah [(Blaisdell)] Blaisdell, aged eighty years (b. ME). Moses E. Varney had real estate valued at $1,000 and personal estate valued at $350.

Sarah (Blaisdell) Blaisdell died in Lebanon, ME, September 3, 1868.

Theodore Stevens – 1834-1836, 1839-1843

Theodore Stevens was born in Limington, Me., October 11, 1812, son of Theodore and Mary (Boyd) Stevens.

Rev. Theodore Stevens died at his home in Saco, Me., Oct. 21, 1880. He was a younger brother of Rev’s James and John Stevens, and was born in Limington, Me., Oct. 11, 1812. He was converted at the age of nineteen, and began to preach when about twenty-one years of age, and in 1835 was ordained in Limington. He first settled in Lebanon, and preached half of the time in Acton, where he married Miss Susan Brackett, who survived him. In 1838 he moved to Great Falls, N.H., but returned to Acton in one year. After three years he settled in Springvale, Me., and was there four years, when he moved to his native town. He never entirely recovered from the arduous toil of these years. In 1847-48 he made a strenuous effort to restore the Saco church to new life. He returned home and for years he could neither preach nor labor. When strength began to return, he supplied at Limerick, Hollis and other places and preached a year and a half at Springvale, when he was forced to retire again. After three years on a farm in Somersworth, N.H., his health improved so that in 1860 he became pastor of the North Berwick church, Maine. After preaching in Lebanon six years he moved to Saco, where he lived the rest is life. During this time, he supplied at Carver’s Harbor a season, two years at Doughty’s Falls, two years at Cape Elizabeth, during which time their house of worship was repaired, and two years at Kennebunk Port. He was a member of the executive committee of the Foreign Mission Society from 1857 to his resignation in 1875, and a member board of corporators of the Printing Establishment from 1847 till his death. With unswerving integrity and a fearless fidelity to convictions he united a tender heart and deep concern for the welfare of men (Burgess & Ward, 1889).

REVIVAL INTELLIGENCE. We design in each number to give a summary of revival intelligence, ordinations, dedication of meeting houses, & c. The following summary embraces the four months ending Aug 31, 1839. … Br. Theodore Stevens of Acton, Me., has baptized 28 in a recent revival in the church in that place (Freewill Baptist Quarterly Magazine, June 1839).

The Baptists of Milton Mills donated $9.00 and those of Acton, ME, donated $4.75 for missionary work in May-June 1839 (Baptist Missionary Magazine, July 1839).

Religious Intelligence. Milton Mills, N.H. A number has been hopefully converted to God and are rejoicing in his love (Freewill Baptist Connection, 1839). 

A house of worship was built in 1818, in the west part of the town near Milton Mills, and replaced by a new one on the same ground, in 1840 (Mitchell-Cony, 1908).

Theodore Stevens headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 20-29 years, one female aged 20-29 years, one female aged 10-14 years, two males aged under-5 years, and one female aged under-5 years. One member of his household was engaged in the Learned Professions. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Ebenezer Osgood and James Berry.

Rev. Theodore Stevens was one of many Free-Will Baptist ministers that signed an anti-slavery declaration in 1848. It was published in the Morning Star and [Boston] Liberator newspapers (Liberator, March 24, 1848). Revs. Aaron Ayer, Joseph Fullonton, Zachariah Jordan, and Dexter Waterman signed also.

Theodore Stevens, Junr, an F.W.B. clergyman, aged thirty-seven years (b. ME), headed a Limington, ME, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Susan B. [(Brackett)] Stevens, aged thirty-seven years (b. ME), Mary A. Stevens, aged thirteen years (b. ME), Jacob B. Stevens, aged eleven years (b. ME), Benjamin F. Stevens, aged ten years (b. ME), Theodore Stevens, 3d, aged eight years (b. ME), Newell F. Stevens, aged eight years (b. ME), Eunice V. Stevens, aged seven years (b. ME), Milton H. Stevens, aged four years (b. ME), and John Q.A. Stevens, aged two years (b. ME). They shared a two-family residence with the household of his father, Theodore Stevens, a farmer, aged seventy-seven years (b. ME). (It was the elder Theodore Stevens that owned the farm, which was valued at $1,300).

Theodore Stevens was the pastor at the Free-Will Baptist church at Doughty’s Falls in [North] Berwick, ME, in the years 1858-60 (Clayton, 1880).

Rev. Theodore Stevens of North Berwick, ME, offered a prayer at the funeral of Rev. Elizas Hutchins of Dover, NH, in September 1859. He was also one of the eight ministers that served as pallbearers (FWB Printing Estab., 1860).

Theodore Stevens, a farmer, aged forty-seven years (b. ME), headed a Somersworth, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Census. His household included Susan E. [(Brackett)] Stevens, aged forty-seven years (b. ME), Eunice B. Stevens, aged sixteen years (b. ME), Milton H. Stevens, aged fifteen years (b. ME), John Q. Stevens, aged twelve years (b. ME), Samuel R. Stevens, aged nine years (b. ME), Susan C. Stevens, aged seven years (b. ME), Charles E. Stevens, aged six years (b. ME), Arabella Stevens, aged four years (b. ME), and Hannah F. Stevens, aged one year (b. NH). Theodore Stevens had real estate valued at $2,000 and personal estate valued at $450.

Theodore Stevens was the first pastor at the new Free-Will Baptist church building at Beech Ridge in [North] Berwick, ME, in 1860 (Clayton, 1880).

Thedore Stevens, a farmer, aged fifty-seven years (b. ME), headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Susan [(Brackett)] Stevens, keeping house, aged fifty-seven years (b. ME), Mary A. [(Stevens)] Hasty, aged thirty-three years (b. ME), Newell T. Stevens, a farm laborer, aged twenty years (b. ME), Clara Stevens, aged eighteen years (b. ME), Charles Stevens, at school, aged sixteen years (b. ME), Belle Stevens, at school, aged fourteen years (b. ME), Fanny Stevens, at school, aged eleven years (b. NH), Frank L. Hasty, at school, aged nine years (b. ME), and James E. Hasty, aged four years (b. ME). Thedore Stevens had real estate valued at $3,250 and personal estate valued at $700.

Theodore Stevens was the pastor at the Free-Will Baptist church at Doughty’s Falls in [North] Berwick, ME, in the years 1871-72 (Clayton, 1880).

Thedore Stevens, a Free Baptist minister, aged sixty-eight years (b. ME), headed a Saco, ME, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Susan [(Brackett)] Stevens, keeping house, aged sixty-seven years (b. ME), and his children, Chas. Stevens, a farmer, aged twenty-six years (b. ME), and Fanny Stevens, a printer, aged twenty-one years (b. ME). His household was on Ferry Road.

Rev. Theodore Stevens died at his home in Saco, Me., October 21, 1880, aged sixty-eight years.

MAINE PERSONAL AND POLITICAL. Elder Theodore Stevens of Saco was taken with apoplexy on the train from Boston to Saco Monday. He is improving (Lewiston Sun-Journal (Lewiston, ME), October 21, 1880).

MINISTERIAL OBITUARY RECORD. REV. THEODORE STEVENS died in Saco, Me., Oct. 21, 1880, aged 68 (FW Baptist Register, 1882). 

Susan (Brackett) Stevens died in Saco, ME, August 13, 1898.

Elder J. Fullerby [Fullonton]- 1843-1847

Joseph F. Fullonton was born in Raymond, NH, January 31, 1808, son of Deacon Jeremiah H. and Hannah (Dudley) Fullonton.

Joseph Fullonton married in North Hampton, February 26, 1835, Abigail Dow Robinson. She was born in North Hampton, April 9, 1813.

Sources identify him – Joseph Fullonton – as having been the acting pastor of the Acton & Milton Mills Free-Will Baptist church between 1843 and 1847. (The “J. Fullerby” of the Mitchell-Cony directory was some sort of transcription error). While he was the pastor there, he wrote a History of Acton, Maine, which was published in 1847.

Joseph Fullonton, Free Baptist, son of Dea. Jeremiah and Hannah (Dudley) Fullonton, was born Jan. 31, 1808. Preparatory studies at Pembroke and Hampton Academies, and Deerfield Parade High School. Licensed to preach by the New Durham Quarterly Meeting, at Barrington, May 21, 1834. Ordained pastor Danville, Feb. 16, 1837-43. Acting pastor, Acton, Me., 1843-7. Left the ministry on account of failing voice. Editor, The Granite Pillar, a temperance paper, Exeter, 1843-5; Myrtle, a Sunday School paper, Dover, 1847 54. Farmer, Raymond, occasionally supplying there and at Danville, 1847-80. Clerk of the Rockingham Quarterly Meeting 33 years. Died, Raymond, Oct. 27, 1880. Married Abigail D. Robinson of New Hampton, 1834. Publications – (1) History of Acton Me, 1847. (2) History of Raymond, 1875 (Carter, 1906).

Rev. Fullonton summarized his own career in his History of Raymond, N.H., thus:

It has been seen that the author of this History [of Raymond, N.H.,] came up in this church. An Autobiography is not to be written, but a few items may be put down. The Psalmist said, “I am as a wonder unto many.” We are a wonder to none but ourselves. Thirsting for knowledge, an Academy was attended part of three terms. Engaged in teaching; poorly qualified; studied and taught, taught and studied, carrying books on the road into fields and to bed to study. Talked with the learned for improvement, studied the trees, plants, flowers, winds, clouds and stars. Continued thus, teaching and studying much for 25 years. Engaged in the ministry; no chance for Theological training in the denomination of our choice then, so studied as best we could. Ordained at Danville, Feb. 16, 1837, continued there six years, then held a pastorate in Acton, Me., four years. Lost all voice for public speaking, and came here in Jan. 1847 (Fullonton, 1875).

Rev. Joseph Fullonton was one of many Free-Will Baptist ministers that signed an anti-slavery declaration in 1848. It was published in the Morning Star and [Boston] Liberator newspapers (Liberator, March 24, 1848). Revs. Aaron Ayer, Zachariah Jordan, Theodore Stevens, and Dexter Waterman signed also.

Joseph Fullington, a Free Will Baptist clergyman, aged forty-two years (b. NH), headed a Raymond, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Abagail Fullington, aged thirty-seven years (b. ME), Susan Fullington, aged fifteen years (b. ME), and Sarah Fullington, aged twelve years (b. ME).

Rev. Joseph Fullonton succeeded Rev. Tobias Foss the pastorate of the Free-Will Baptist church in Raymond, NH, in or around September 1853.

Mr. Foss left in September 1853. Rev. Joseph [Fullonton] succeeded as stated supply and continued nineteen years. In 1858 good revival brought an addition of twelve. Rev. John Fullonton, T. Robie, and Rev. Mr. Fullenten became ministers while members of this church and later J. Woodbury Scribner (Hazlett). 

Joseph Fullonton, an F.W.B. preacher, aged fifty-two years (b. NH), headed a Raymond, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Abigail Fullonton, aged forty-seven years (b. NH), and Sarah A. Fullonton, aged twenty-two years (b. NH). Joseph Fullonton had real estate valued at $2,000 and personal estate valued at $1,000.

Rev. Joseph Fullonton of Raymond, NH, published a paper or sermon entitled Government of God in July 1862 (FWB Printing Establishment, 1862).

Joseph Fullerton, a clergyman, aged sixty-two years (b. NH), headed a Raymond (“West Epping P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Abigail Fullerton, keeping house, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH), Sarah A. Fullerton, a school teacher, aged thirty-two years (b. NH), and Charles Healey, a farm laborer, aged thirty-two years (b. NH). Joseph Fullonton had real estate valued at $2,000 and personal estate valued at $2,000.

John [i.e., Joseph] Fullonton, a retired minister, aged seventy-two years (b. NH), headed a Raymond, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Abbigale Fullonton, keeping house, aged sixty-seven years (b. NH), Cyrus M. Roberts, works on railroad, aged forty-one years (b. NH), [Roberts’ wife,] Sarah A. [(Fullonton)] Roberts, keeping house, aged forty-one years (b. NH), and [Roberts’ son,] Frank F. Roberts, aged five years (b. NH).

Joseph F. Fullonton died of septicemia in Raymond, NH, October 27, 1880, aged seventy-two years. True M. Gould, M.D., signed the death certificate.

MINISTERIAL OBITUARY RECORD. REV. JOSEPH FULLONTON died in Raymond, N.H., Oct. 27, 1880, aged 72 (FW Baptist Register, 1882).

Abigail D. (Robinson) Fullonton died of bronchitis in Raymond, NH, April 25, 1892, aged seventy-five years, and sixteen days. A.W. Mitchell signed the death certificate.

Horace Stanton – 1847

[Horace Stanton appears in both this Mitchell-Cony list of Acton-Milton Mills ministers and – perhaps in error – in another: Milton’s Free-Will Baptist Ministers of 1843-50].

Horace Stanton was born in Lebanon, ME, August 27, 1818, son of James and Sabra (Wentworth) Stanton.

The Farmington, NH, Baptist Elders voted to ordain Brother Horace Stanton [in August 1846].

Tuesday, Aug. 25 — This morning between day and Sunrise we heard and felt the Shock of an Earthquake while at Elder [Edward] Blasdell’s, the only one I have been sensible of hearing for many years. It seemed to pass from South to North, and to be mostly to the west of us. We have since learned it was verry heavey in the central part of New-Hampshire and continued Some two minutes. Went to the New-Durham Q.M. [Quarterly Meeting] at LeGrow’s Corner. I was chosen moderator of the conferance, which will detain me from my journey longer than I intended. We passed through our business rapidly, and in the Elders conferance voted to ordain Br. Horace Stanton (NEHGS, 1998).

Rev. Horace Stanton died in Lebanon, ME, January 28, 1847.

Z. Jordan – 1848-49

Zachariah Jordan was born in Raymond, ME, July 2, 1787, son of Samuel and Sarah (Jackson) Jordan.

It is said of Rev. Zachariah Jordan, the second pastor [of the Second Free Baptist Church of Raymond, ME], that he made a preaching tour of ten weeks, speaking nearly every day, and as a reward for his labor received besides his board, a cotton handkerchief and the munificent sum of twelve and one-half cents. He was born July 2, 1787, was ordained June 10, 1818, and died at Limerick, Me., May 27, 1864, being nearly 87 [77] years of age (Portland Press Herald, November 13, 1894).

The West Falmouth [ME] Church dates from May 6, 1829 when a group met at the Poplar Ridge schoolhouse and termed the church organization. Elders Zachariah Jordan and Hubbard Chandler were present, the former delivering the sermon. Meetings were held in homes and school-houses until through the efforts of Elder Charles Bean the present church building was erected and dedicated. The Rev J.M. Lowdon, a Portland minister preached, the dedication sermon (Portland Evening Express, October 6, 1939).

Zachariah Jordan married (1st) in New Gloucester, ME, May 20, 1832, Esther Merrill, he of Raymond, ME, and she of New Gloucester, ME. Esther (Merrill) Jordan died of cholera morbus in South Berwick, ME, July 3, 1838, aged forty-three years.

Zachariah Jordan married (2nd), April 22, 1840, Sabrina Page. She was born in Parsonsfield, ME, in 1811, daughter of Dudley and Elizabeth (Weeks) Page.

Zachariah Jordan headed a Parsonsfield, ME, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], and one female aged 20-29 years [Sabrina (Page) Jordan]. One member of his household was engaged in the Learned Professions.

Rev. Zachariah Jordan was one of many Free-Will Baptist ministers that signed an anti-slavery declaration in 1848. It was published in the Morning Star and [Boston] Liberator newspapers (Liberator, March 24, 1848). Revs. Aaron Ayer, Joseph Fullonton, Theodore Stevens, Jr., and Dexter Waterman signed also.

Zachariah Jordon, a trader, aged sixty-three years (b. ME), headed a Biddeford, ME, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Sabrina P. Jordon, aged thirty-nine years (b. ME), Merill P. Jordon, aged seven years (b. ME), and John Knox, aged twenty years (b. ME). Zachariah Jordon had real estate valued at $900.

Zachariah Jordan, an F.W.B. clergyman, aged seventy-one years (b. ME), headed a Limerick, ME, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Sabrina Jordan, aged forty-seven years (b. ME), Merrill R. Jordan, a clerk in store, aged seventeen years (b. ME).

Sabrina (Page) Jordan died in Limerick, ME, April 5, 1864, aged fifty-two years. Zachariah Jordan died in Limerick, ME, May 27, 1864, aged seventy-six years.

Benjamin F. Hubbard – 1850-1851?

The Mitchell-Cony list of Acton & Milton Mills Baptist Ministers has a gap between the pastorate of Rev. Zachariah Jordan, which concluded in 1849, and the first pastorate of Rev. William Hurlin, which did not begin until December 1852. However, a Baptist clergyman named Benjamin F. Hubbard, appeared in the Seventh (1850) Federal Census as residing in Milton Mills during that time. (The Acton-Milton Mills parsonage was situated in Milton Mills). He might possibly have been the Baptist minister whose pastorate should perhaps bridge the gap.

Benjamin F. Hubbard was born in Maine, circa 1821.

Rev. B.F. Hubbard was pastor at Sanford, ME, in at least the years 1847-49. Visiting Rev. John Peacock remembered Hubbard and his ordination there:

During these three years that I labored with them, I attended several meetings out of the place. One was at Mount Hope in Sanford, which was considerably blessed to that little church and to several of the impenitent. It continued nearly two weeks in February, 1847. Here the Rev. B.F. HUBBARD was laboring, and was ordained pastor of the church, March 31, 1847. I was called by the council to preach on the occasion (Peacock, 1851).

A discussion was to take place between the Rev. E.H. Lake (Universalist,) and Rev. B.F. Hubbard (Baptist,) at Sanford, Me., last Friday. Question: “Do the Scriptures teach the doctrine of endless punishment, or the final holiness and happiness of all mankind?” (Portland Press Herald (Portland, ME), February 19, 1849).

Benjamin Hubbard, a Baptist clergyman, aged thirty years (b. ME), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Betsy F. Hubbard, aged thirty-four years (b. ME). They were enumerated on the same page as Gilman Jewett, postmaster [of Milton Mills], aged seventy-three years (b. NH).

Rev. B.F. Hubbard succeeded Rev. William H. Copeland as pastor of the Baptist church in Sanford, ME, in 1851-52.

MINISTERIAL CHANGES. Rev. B.F. Hubbard, of Milton, N.H., has become pastor of the First Baptist church, Sanford, Me. (Bigelow, 1851).

Rev. William H. Copeland began to labor among the people in the summer of 1848 and continued his service until the spring of 1850. He was followed the next year by Rev. B.F. Hubbard who preached one year. Rev. Thomas Jameson supplied the pulpit two years (Emery, 1901).

Rev. B.F. Hubbard of Lebanon, ME, was clerk of the Free-Will Baptist York Association in 1852. Its post office address, i.e., his post office address, was Sanford, ME (Burrows, 1852).

Frederic A. Wood married in Lebanon, ME, January 19, 1853, Miss Ruth Libby. Rev. B.F. Hubbard performed the ceremony.

Rev. B.F. Hubbard was clerk of the Free-Will Baptist York Association in 1857. Its post office address, i.e., his post office address, was Lebanon, ME. The York Association comprised thirteen churches, nine ministers, had baptized fourteen converts, making for a total of eight hundred seventy-four congregants (American Baptist Publication Society, 1857).

Rev. B.F. Hubbard was clerk of the Free-Will Baptist York Association in 1860. Its post office address, i.e., his post office address, was Lebanon, ME (Clark & Meeker, 1860).

Benjamin F. Hubbard, Baptist clergy, aged thirty-seven years (b. ME), headed a North Berwick, ME, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Elisabeth Hubbard, aged forty-one years (b. ME). He had real estate valued at $1,200 and personal estate valued at $150.

Rev. B.F. Hubbard and Rev. James Ferguson were employed as supply preachers by the Baptist church in Springvale, ME, for a time beginning in the summer of 1862.

In August, 1861, W.T. Emerson, a licentiate of the Baptist Church, Saco, accepted a call to preach one year, and in October was ordained to the ministry. The following summer he asked for his dismission, and enlisted in the army. Rev. B.F. Hubbard and Rev. James Ferguson, of Alfred, were his successors in the pulpit supply (Emery, 1901).

Benjamin F. Hubbard, a minister, aged forty-one years (b. ME) registered for the Civil War military draft in Shapleigh, ME, in May or June 1863. He was assessed $1 in US Excise Tax for his carriage in Shapleigh, ME, in May 1865.

Benjamin F. Hubbard appeared in the NH Business Directory of 1868, as proprietor of a Milton Mills country store. (The other Milton Mills country store proprietors were Asa Fox & Son, Bray U. Simes, and John U. Simes).

Rev. B.F. Hubbard died, probably in Milton, September 10, 1870, aged forty-eight years, one month, and twenty-nine years.

Elizabeth Hubbard, keeping house, aged fifty-four years (b. ME), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census.

Wm. Hurlin – 1853-1854 and 1856-1858

William Hurlin, Jr., was born in Bethnal Green, London, England, 1814, son of William and Elizabeth (Evans) Hurlin.

William Hurlin married in St. Matthew’s Church, Bethnal Green, London, England, December 25, 1836, Harriet Brown, both of St. Matthew’s Parish. George Parnet and Ann Berkell signed as witnesses.

Rev. William Hurlin was born in London, Eng., July 31, 1814. From his early childhood he was a great reader of history, biography, natural history, voyages and travels, science, religious magazines, etc. He was converted in early life and preached his first sermon in March, 1835, and for five years was a gratuitous lay preacher in London and vicinity. In April, 1840, he became a London city missionary and continued until May 31, 1849. Then on account of ill health he came to this country with his wife and five children, and was pastor of Baptist churches in New England until October, 1878, when he was elected secretary of the New Hampshire Baptist Convention and held that office until October, 1900, twenty-two years. He still preaches occasionally. He married, December 25, 1836, Miss. Harriet Brown, who died December 30, 1905, having commenced the seventieth year of married life. For many years he has resided in Antrim, N.H. – Editor (Granite State Magazine, 1906).

William Hurlin immigrated to New York, NY, arriving there, August 3, 1849. He took up a pastorate in Danville, VT.

William Harlen, an F.W.B. clergyman, aged thirty-six years (b. England), headed a Danville, VT, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Harriet Harlen, aged thirty-two years (b. England), Harriet Harlen, aged twelve years (b. England), Elisabeth Harlen, aged ten years (b. England), Wm. Harlen, aged seven years (b. England), Sarah Harlen, aged three years (b. England), and John M. Harlen, aged two years (b. England).

Rev. Hurlin left Danville, VT, in 1851, and held next a pastorate in Alton, NH, until December 1852.

Rev. William Hurlin was pastor of the Acton & Milton Mills Free-Will Baptist church from January 1853 to October 1854. After which he took up a pastorate in Amesbury, MA.

Wm. Hurlin, an F.B. clergyman, aged forty years (b. England), headed an Amesbury, MA, household at the time of the First (1855) MA State Census. His household included Harriet Hurlin, aged thirty-seven years (b. England), Harriet Hurlin, aged seventeen years (b. England), Elisabeth Hurlin, aged fifteen years (b. England), Wm. Hurlin, Jr., aged twelve years (b. England), Sarah Hurlin, aged eight years (b. England), John M. Hurlin, aged seven years (b. England), Sophia E. Hurlin, aged four years (b. VT), and Martha A. Hurlin, aged two years (b. ME).

Rev. William Hurlin immigrated in 1849, and held initially pastorates in Danville, VT; and Alton, NH, before his first pastorate at the Acton & Milton Mills Free-Will Baptist church (See Acton & Milton Mills Free-Will Baptist Ministers, 1802-1854). After that he was pastor at Amesbury, MA, before returning to Acton, ME.

Religious Intelligence. Rev. W.H. Hurlin, late of Amesbury, Mass., has accepted the pastorate of the Baptist church in South Acton, Me., where he enters at once on his labors (New England Farmer (Boston, MA), March 15, 1856).

William Hurlin filed a declaration seeking naturalization in Alfred, ME, April 23, 1857. He stated that he had traveled from London, England, arriving in New York, NY, August 3, 1849,

and thence went to reside in Danville in Vermont, where he resided till July, 1851. Thence removed to Alton in N.H. and continued till December 1852, thence to Acton in Maine till Oct. 1854, thence to Amesbury, Mass., residing there till March 1856, and in that month removed again to Acton, & in June 1858 removed to Sumner in our county of Oxford.

William Hurlin of Lewiston, ME, became a naturalized U.S. citizen, in an Androscoggin County court, in Auburn, ME, in September 1859. (He had been born in London, England, in 1814). Orin B. Cheney and G.H. Ricker, both of Lewiston, ME, vouched for him.

William Hurlin, a Cal. Bpst. clergyman, aged forty-five years (b. England), headed a Sumner (“Sumner P.O.”), ME, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Harriet [(Brown)] Hurlin, aged forty-two years (b. England), Harriet Hurlin, a common school teacher, aged twenty years (b. England), Elizabeth Hurlin, aged nineteen years (b. England), William Hurlin, aged seventeen years (b. England), Sarah Hurlin, aged thirteen years (b. England), John M. Hurlin, aged twelve years (b. England), Sophia E. Hurlin, aged nine years (b. ME), Martha A. Hurlin, aged seven years (b. ME), Albert H. Hurlin, aged three years (b. ME), Charles S. Hurlin, aged two years (b. ME), and Clara M. Hurlin, aged eleven months (b. ME). William Hurlin had real estate valued at $200 and personal estate valued at $750.

William Hurlin, a farmer, aged fifty-six years (b. England), headed an Antrim, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Harriet Hurlin, keeping house, aged fifty-two years (b. England), Henry Hurlin, at home, aged thirteen years (b. NH), and Clara Hurlin, at home, aged eleven years (b. NH). William Hurlin had personal estate valued at $1,200.

NEW HAMPSHIRE. Rev. William Hurlin of Antrim has accepted a call from the Baptist Church in Plaistow, and commences his labors there on the first of March (Boston Globe, February 19, 1873).

William Hurlin, a clergyman, aged sixty-five years (b. England), headed an Antrim, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included Harriet Hurlin, keeping house, aged sixty-two years (b. England), Henry A. Hurlin, a bookkeeper, aged twenty-three years (b. ME), and Clara M. Hurlin, a schoolteacher, aged twenty years (b. ME).

Recalling a Happy Event. Contoocook, N.H., December 25. Rev. William Harlin and wife of Antrim celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage today. Rev. Mr. Harlin is a native of London, England (Boston Globe, December 26, 1886).

Rev. William Hurlin expressed his opinion that the British and American exhibitors at World’s Columbian Exposition, which was planned to be held in Chicago, IL, in 1893, should close their doors on Sundays.

RELIGIOUS MATTERS. Events and Opinions. The Rev. William Hurlin, writing in the Sunday School Times on International Expositions, notes that of the seven already held, the three in English speaking capitals (two in London, one in Philadelphia) were closed on Sunday, while in a fourth, that in Paris in 1889, the American and English exhibitors closed their departments on the Sabbath day. “With the above facts,” says the writer, “in view, what will the European peoples say of us if the exposition is opened on the Lord’s Day? Should not Christians bring all the influence they have to bear on this question, until it is settled rightly! And should they not declare, and adhere to the declaration, that they will have nothing at all to do with this Exposition unless it is closed on the Lord’s Day?” (Hartford Courant (Hartford, VT), April 2, 1892)

William Hurlin, a clergyman, aged eighty-five years (b. England), headed an Antrim, NH, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of sixty-three years), Harriet [(Brown)] Harlin, aged eighty-two years (b. England). William Hurlin rented their dwelling from their son-in-law, Bennett S. Buckminster, aged seventy-five years (b. NH). (He was married to Lizzie H. [(Hurlin)] Buckminster. Harriet Hurlin was the mother of twelve children, of whom seven were still living.

Harriet (Brown) Hurlin died of pulmonary oedema in Antrim, NH, December 30, 1905, aged eighty-seven years, six months.

CHURCH AND CLERGY. The oldest minister in New Hampshire is Rev. William Hurlin of Antrim, who in his ninety-second year is still preaching the gospel. He preached his first sermon seventy-two years ago (Springfield Reporter (Springfield, VT), August 23, 1907).

William Hurlin died of cardiac failure on North Main Street in Antrim, NH, June 28, 1910, aged ninety-five years, ten months, and twenty-eight days. He had resided in Antrim, NH, for forty-four years.

BUSINESS HOUSES CLOSE. Funeral of Rev. William Hurlin Held at the Baptist Church In Antrim, N.H. ANTRIM, N.H., July 2. – The funeral of Rev William Hurlin was held yesterday at the Baptist church, of which in former years he was a pastor for seven years. Rev C.L. White of New York city, secretary of the American Baptist home mission society, made an address and the Rev O.C. Sargent of Concord, N.H., secretary of the New Hampshire Baptist state convention, delivered the sermon. Rev J.H. Nichols of Derry, N.H., spoke. Rev Oren E. Kendall, pastor of the Baptist church, assisted. The business houses throughout the town were closed and the curtains were drawn during the service, as a token of respect for the memory of the venerable clergyman. Floral tributes were many. Interment was at Maplewood cemetery (Boston Globe, July 2, 1910).

Continued in Acton & Milton Mills Free-Will Baptist Ministers, 1855-1909

References:

American Baptist Publication Society. (1857). The American Baptist Almanac for the Year of Our Lord 1857. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=Dcw7AQAAMAAJ&pg=RA5-PA41

Amherst College. (1883). Obituary Record of Graduates. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=adqNz395hywC&pg=RA2-PA199

Bates College. (1915). General Catalogue of Bates College and Cobb Divinity School, 1863-1915. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=VsBBAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA222

Bigelow, John R. (1851). Baptist Memorial and Monthly Record. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=9QARAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA208

Burgess, Gideon A., & Ward, John T. (1889). Free Baptist Cyclopaedia: Historical and Biographical: The Rise of the Freewill Baptist Connection and of Those General and Open Communion Baptists Which, Merging Together, Form One People, Their Doctrines, Polity, Publications, Schools and Missions, with Brief Biographies of Ministers and Others Identified with the Growth and Strength of the Denomination. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=3GXiAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA617

Burrows. (1852). American Baptist Register for 1852. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=RdgpAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA390

Carter, Nathan F. (1906). Native Ministry of New Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=3KUeAQAAIAAJ&pg=PA714

Clark, W.R.C. & Meeker. (1860). American Christian Record. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=1oQPAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA412

Clayton, W. Woodford. (1880). History of York County, Maine: With Illustrations and Biographical Sketches. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=-e8gAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA362-IA7

Cochrane, W.R. (2001). Families of Antrim, New Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=mYIJRrJZDDUC&pg=PA550

Emery, Edwin. (1901). History of Sanford, Maine, 1661-1901. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=0nUUAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA135

Find a Grave. (2018, May 26). Elder David Blaisdell. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/190070565/david-blaisdell

Find a Grave. (2011, October 22). Josiah L. Goodwin. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/79093461/josiah-l-goodwin

Find a Grave. (2012, September 21). Rev. B.F. Hubbard. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/97520104/b-f-hubbard

Find a Grave. (2015, August 18). Rev. William Hurlin, Jr. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/150928693/william-hurlin

Find a Grave. (2015, October 19). Deacon Zachariah Jordan. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/153974774/zachariah-jordan

Freewill Baptist Connection. (1839). Freewill Baptist Quarterly Magazine. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=qg4aAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA271

FWB Printing Establishment. (1860). Freewill Baptist Quarterly. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=oRsRAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA105

FWB Printing Establishment. (1862). Freewill Baptist Quarterly. Retrieved from Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=JxsRAAAAIAAJ&pg=Pa325

Hammond. (1882). Provincial and State Papers: Town Papers. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=mdtKAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA544

Hazlett, Charles A. (1915). History of Rockingham County, New Hampshire and Representative Citizens. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=amojAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA641

Lasher, George W. (1899). Ministerial Directory of the Baptist Churches in the United States of America. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=f9gpAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA377

Metcalf, Henry H. (1916). Laws of New Hampshire: First Constitutional Period, 1784-1792. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=iKkwAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA298

Mitchell-Cony. (1908). The Town Register Farmington, Milton, Wakefield, Middleton, Brookfield, 1907-8. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=qXwUAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA105

Mitchell, Daggett, Goodyear, Bassett and Russell. (1905). The Town Register of Alfred, Lyman, Dayton, Hollis and Waterbro, 1905. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=3UQHjbsouQ4C&pg=PA219

NEHGS. (1998). Journal of Enoch Hayes Place.

Peacock, John. (1851). A Sketch of the Christian Experience, Call to the Ministry, and Ministerial Labors of the Rev. John Peacock, Domestic Minister. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=ccoSAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA110

Stewart, I.D. (1862). The History of the Freewill Baptists: For Half a Century, with an Introductory Chapter. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=Z3biAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA161

Tibbetts, C.W. (1909). New Hampshire Genealogical Record. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=0wxFAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA185

Varney, George J. (1881). Gazetteer of the State of Maine. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=bLc-AAAAYAAJ&pg=PA64

Williams, Alvin D. (1852). Rhode Island Freewill Baptist Pulpit. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=OX5HAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA99

By Muriel Bristol | August 7, 2022

Elijah Horne was born in Rochester, NH, May 4, 1764, son of Peter and Mercy (Wentworth) Horne.

(The known children of Peter and Mercy (Wentworth) Horne were: Daniel Wentworth Horne (1761–1843), Moses Horne (1762–1800), Elijah Horne (1764–1839), Rebecca Horne (1766–1800), Peter Horne, Jr. (1768–1815), Edmund Horne (1769–1843), Jacob Horne (1771–1858), Rachel Horne (1773–1852), Abra Horne (1775–1862), and Richard Horne (1777–1854)).

Father Peter Horn was one of the one hundred and one Rochester, NH, inhabitants that petitioned, February 8, 1762, for Rochester to be represented in the NH Provincial Legislature. Barnabas Palmer, John Plumer, and [Elijah Horn’s future father-in-law] Ichabod Corson were also among those that signed the petition.

The house he [Lewis B. Twombly] occupied, which is now owned by his son, is one of the oldest in Milton, and was originally the property of Lieutenant Elijah Horn. In an upper room, which was then unfinished, were held the first town meetings of Milton; and for some years it was customary for the people of the North-east Parish to hold religious services here on Sundays. Here old Parson Hasy, of Lebanon, and Parson Haven, of Newbury Plains, delivered eloquent discourses on the Word and taught the way to salvation. The children of the settlers and the early converts were baptized in this room (Biographical Review, 1897).

Father Peter Horn was among the one hundred ninety-eight men who signed the revolutionary Association Test in Rochester, NH, June 1, 1776.

WE, the Subscribers, do hereby solemnly engage, and promise, that we will, to the utmost of our Power, at the Risque of our Lives and Fortunes, with ARMS, oppose the Hostile Proceedings of the British Fleets, and Armies, against the United American COLONIES (Batchellor, 1910).

Twenty-two Rochester men “refused” to sign. Another twenty-two Rochester Friends, i.e., “Quakers,” did not “choose” to sign, i.e., they were conscientious objectors.

Sister Rebecca Horne married in Rochester, NH, October 20, 1783, John Wentworth. He was born in Milton, April 14, 1762, son of Benjamin and Rebecca (Hodgdon) Wentworth.

Elijah Horn married in Rochester, NH, October 7, 1784, Anna Corson, both of Rochester, NH. Rev. Joseph Haven performed the ceremony (NEHGS, 1907). She was born circa 1765, daughter of Ichabod and Abigail (Roberts) Corson. (Ichabod Corson had been on Rochester’s Committee of Correspondence in 1775, and its military recruiting committee in 1778-79).

[The known children of Elijah and Ann (Corson) Horn were: Abigail R. Horne (1785–1834), Mercy Wentworth Horne (1788–1862), Charlotte Horne (1790–1809), James H. Horne (1793-1877), Anna Horn (1796–1838), Rachel Horne (1799–1840), Ichabod C. Horne (1801–1829), Elijah Horne, [Jr.] (1805–1842), and Daniel Wentworth Horne (1809–1876)].

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

Elijah Horn was doubtless the first blacksmith [at Milton], but was soon followed by Isaac Worster at the [Milton Three] Ponds, and later by Solomon Land and Joseph Rines at Milton Mills (Scales, 1914).

Daughter Abigail R. Horne was born in Milton, March 24, 1785.

Elijah Horn signed the Rochester lumber remonstrance of August 1785. (See Rochester Lumber Remonstrance – August 1785).

Sister Rachel Horne married in Rochester, i.e., Farmington, NH, September 14, 1786, Richard Randlett. He was born in Rochester, i.e., Farmington, NH, August 16, 1764, son of Jacob and Abigail (Plummer) Randlett.

Daughter Mercy Wentworth Horne was born in Milton, July 20, 1788. (She was a namesake for her paternal grandmother, Mercy (Wentworth) Horne).

Elijah Horne headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the First (1790) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 16-plus years [himself], three females [Anna (Corson) Horne, Abigail R. Horne and Mercy Wentworth Horne], and one male aged under-16 years [James H. Horne]. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Enoch Hayes and Gilbert Pirkins.

Daughter Charlotte Horne was born in Milton, December 18, 1790. Son James Howe Horne was born in Milton, June 18, 1793. (He was likely a namesake for Dr. James Howe (1755-1807) of Rochester, NH).

Father Peter Horn died in Farmington, NH, May 26, 1795.

Sister Abra Horn married in Rochester, NH, October 11, 1795, Joseph Corson. He was born in Rochester, NH, December 11, 1772, son of Ichabod [Jr.] and Mary (Allen) Corson.

Daughter Anna Horn was born in Milton, April 18, 1796. Anna Horn, daughter of Elijah Horn, was baptized by Rev. Joseph Haven in Rochester, NH, June 30, 1796. Samuel, Peter, and Abigail Wallingford, children of David Wallingford, were baptized at that same time (Tibbetts, 1910). (The Wallingford children were cousins of Anna Horn, as their respective mothers were sisters).

Rachel Horn, daughter of Elijah Horn, was born in Milton, January 26, 1799. She baptized by Rev. Joseph Haven in Rochester, NH, April 27, 1800. (She was a namesake for her paternal aunt, Rachel (Horne) Randlett).

Brother Richard Horn married in Rochester, NH, May 9, 1799, Lucy Scates. She was was baptized in Lebanon, ME, September 22, 1782, daughter of Benjamin and Lydia (Jenness) Scates.

Sister Rebecca (Horne) Wentworth died in Milton, in 1800.

Lt. Elijah Horn (1764-1839), Capt. Samuel Nute, and Lt. Jotham Nute (1760-1835) were identified by their militia ranks in the Second (1800) Federal Census.

Lt. Elijah Horn headed a Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Anna (Corson) Horn], one female aged 10-15 years [Mercy W. Horn], three females aged under 10-years [Charlotte Horn, Anna Horn, and Rachel Horn], and one male aged under-10 years. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Moses Davis and Mark Miller. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

Brother Moses Horn died in Farmington, NH, October 20, 1800.

Brother-in-law David Corson (1761-1843) sold land in Rochester, NH, i.e., in Milton that would be, to Ephraim Drew (c1760-1845) in November 1801. It adjoined land he had sold formerly to Elijah Horn, and was situated north of the pond, i.e., Meetinghouse Pond, and south of the Wakefield road, i.e., what is now NH Rte. 125.

David Corson, husbandman of Rochester, for $50 sold Ephraim Drew, cordwainer of Rochester, 12¼ acres in Rochester, 3rd Division, drawn to original right of John Trickey, et al., lying between that of Jonathan Dorr and land David sold Elijah Horn, joining on north side of pond and south side of road leading to Wakefield. The deed was witnessed by John Fish and Pelatiah Hanson; deed dated November 16, 1801, and recorded June 14, 1802 (Strafford County Deeds, 40:34, as abstracted by TAL Publications, 1991).

A “division” was a division of common land. Original settlers of – in this case Rochester – would generally receive an original house or farmstead lot from an original township grant. They would have also rights in any undivided common land. People who had such rights were termed “commoners.” Commoners might have a sort of parallel government of only those that had such rights, in which they might decide on issues related to their commonly owned land and its management, including any further divisions of it into separate privately owned parcels.

Those having common rights were allowed use of that common land. (From which practice the economic concept of the “Tragedy of the Commons” arises). If a division of that common land were to be made at any point, only commoners were entitled to a share or lot drawn at random from the land being divided. (There might be successive divisions over a period of years until the common land had all been dispersed). Their division rights were separable. It would be possible for one to sell one’s original house lot, while still retaining one’s division rights. It might be possible to sell one’s share in a first division, while retaining one’s rights in future divisions. In this case, Corson sold Third Division land to Drew (as he had earlier to Horn) that he had acquired from John Trickey, et al., who had original division rights.

Son Ichabod Corson Horne was born in Milton, November 18, 1801. (He was a namesake for his maternal grandfather, Ichabod Corson, who had died earlier in that same year).

Elijah Horn signed the Rochester division petition (or Milton separation petition) in what was then Rochester, NH, May 28, 1802, as did his brother Richard Horn (1777-1854), and brother-in-law Joseph Corson (1772-1852) (husband of sister Abra (Horn) Corson).

This meeting convened at the tavern of Lieut. Elijah Horne, August 30, 1802, only a short time after the charter, which gave Milton its independent existence, had been signed by Governor Gilman. This instrument had been granted at the June session of the legislature of New Hampshire at the petition and largely through the efforts of Capt. Beard Plumer, one of the representatives from Rochester, who, with others, felt that the time had come for Milton to sever the ties which bound her to the mother town.

The very first act of the original Milton selectmen was to license Elijah Horn’s tavern, August 30, 1802. The first annual town meeting was held March 14, 1803, purportedly in the tavern, and presumably the second annual town meeting was held there also in March 1804. The Milton town house was completed “on or before” October 3, 1804 (Scales, 1914). So, the third and subsequent annual town meetings presumably took place in the new structure.

State of New Hampshire. Strafford, ss: We, the Selectmen of Milton, do by these presents license to Elijah Horn to keep a public tavern at his house in Milton from this date under such Rules and Regulations as the law directs. Given under our hand at Milton, this 30th day of August 1802. William Palmer, John Fish, John Remick. Jr. } Selectmen.

James L. Twombly, the subject and source of the quoted biography, was born there in 1840. (The younger Twombly would serve in the Civil War (See Milton in the Veterans Schedule of 1890)).

The house he [Lewis B. Twombly] occupied, which is now owned by his son [James L. Twombly], is one of the oldest in Milton, and was originally the property of Lieutenant Elijah Horn. In an upper room, which was then unfinished, were held the first town meetings of Milton; and for some years it was customary for the people of the North-east Parish to hold religious services here on Sundays. Here old Parson Hasy, of Lebanon, and Parson Haven, of Newbury [Norway] Plains, delivered eloquent discourses on the Word, and taught the way to salvation. The children of the settlers and the early converts were baptized in this room (Biographical Review, 1897).

Apart from its primary function as tavern, Northeast Parish church services had been held also in the unfinished upper room of the Horn Tavern, by Rev. Isaac Hasy (1742-1812) of neighboring Lebanon, ME, and Rev. Joseph Haven (1747-1825) of the Norway Plains in Rochester, NH. (Norway Plains Road lies opposite what is now the Lilac Mall).

Son Elijah Horne [Jr.], was born in Milton, September 15, 1805.

Son Daniel Wentworth Horne was born in Milton, May 29, 1809. He was a namesake for his paternal uncle, Daniel Wentworth Horne (1761-1843)). “Elijah & Daniel Wentworth, Sons of Elijah Horn of Milton,” were baptized by Rev. Joseph Haven, October 8, 1809.

Daughter Charlotte Horne died in Milton, November 2, 1809, aged eighteen years, ten months, and fifteen days (Private Records of Miss Sarah A. Horne, West Lebanon, ME).

Daughter Mercy W. Horne married November 23, 1809, John Nute, she of Milton and he of Dover, NH. He was born in Rochester, NH, November 26, 1787, son of Samuel and Phoebe (Pinkham) Nute.

Elijah Horne headed a Milton household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Anna (Corson) Horne], one male aged 16-25 years [James H. Horne], two females aged 16-25 years [Abigail R. Horne and Charlotte Horne], two females aged 10-15 years [Anna Horn and Rachel Horne], and three males aged under-10 years [Ichabod C. Horne, Elijah Horne, Jr., and Daniel Wentworth Horne]. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Thomas Nutter and Gilbert Perkin.

Son James Howe Horne married in Milton, February 13, 1814, Huldah Roberts. She was born in Somersworth, NH, June 26, 1794, daughter of James and Martha (Goodwin) Roberts.

Elijah Horn and his father, Peter Horn, were among forty-two Milton inhabitants that petitioned for incorporation of a Milton Congregational society, in June 1814.

Elijah Horn and his son, James H. Horn, were among the seventy-nine Milton inhabitants that petitioned to have James Roberts appointed as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, April 3, 1820. (James Roberts (1783-1839) was Elijah Horn’s nephew, a son of his sister, Rebecca (Horn) Wentworth).

A dispute arose in 1820 regarding Milton’s militia company (of which Jones had formerly been the captain). Milton’s area encompasses 34.3 square miles. Those required to attend periodic company training – they being all males aged 18-45 years – found the long distances to be traveled to musters burdensome. They asked that their largish (140% of standard size) town-delineated militia company be split into two companies. When their regimental field officers refused them, they sought to accomplish their objective by circulating a petition seeking instead to simply divide the town into two parts.

Some one hundred twenty-seven Milton men filed a competing remonstrance petition opposing a division of the town. It was intended for the June 1820 session of the NH legislature. Company officers Jeremy Nute, James Hayes, Jr., and Norton Scates all signed this remonstrance, as did former company officers Elijah Horn, Levi Jones and Jotham Nute, and future officers Theodore C. Lyman and Bidfield Hayes. Jones’ brother, Joshua Jones, subscribed also to this petition (One may note that none of Milton’s then selectmen signed this petition).

Some eighty-eight Milton men filed a militia company division petition intended for the November 1820 session of the NH legislature. Captain Jeremy Nute signed this proposal, as did former company officers Elijah Horn, Levi Jones and Jotham Nute, future company officers Theodore C. Lyman and Bidfield Hayes, and Milton selectman Hopley Meserve. A division of the company would have obviated the need or desire to divide the town in order to divide the company.

Daughter Anna Horne married in Boston, MA, February 20, 1822, Charles Flint. Rev. Sereno E. Dwight performed the ceremony (MA VRs; Columbian Centinel, February 23, 1822).

Daughter Rachel Horn married in Boston, MA, April 18, 1822, Emmanuel Chisholm. Rev. Hosea Ballou performed the ceremony.

Elijah Horn married in Wakefield, NH, November 18, 1825, Nancy Durrell, he of Wakefield, BH, and she of Shapleigh, Me.

Mother Mercy (Wentworth) Horn died in Farmington, NH, before 1826.

Son Daniel W. Horne married (1st) in Milton, September 27, 1829, Sarah Ann Dore, both of Milton. Stephen M. Mathes, Justice-of-the-Peace, performed the ceremony. She was born in Lebanon, ME, in 1811, daughter of Daniel G. and Margaret “Peggy” (Clark) Dore.

Son Elijah Horn [Jr.] married in Dartmouth, MA, November 8, 1829, Delila Brownell Tripp, both of New Bedford, MA. She was born in Westport, MA, January 7, 1812, daughter of Howard and Thankful Tripp.

Son Ichabod C. Horne died in Lebanon, ME, December 13, 1829 (Private Records of Miss Sarah A. Horne, West Lebanon, ME).

Elijah Horne headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 60-69 years [himself], one female aged 60-69 years [Anna (Corson) Horne], one female aged 40-49 years [Abigail R. Horne], and one male aged 10-14 years. Just beneath him was the household of Jas [James H.] Horne. His household included one male aged 30-40 years [himself], one female aged 30-40 years [Huldah (Roberts) Horne], one male aged 10-14 years, one female aged 10-14 years, two males aged 5-9 years, and one female aged under-5 years. Their households appeared in the enumeration between those of Nahum Tasker and Matthias Nutter.

Mercy W. [(Horne)] Nute headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. Her household included one female aged 40-49 years [herself], one male aged 15-19 years [Isaac M. Nute], one male aged 10-14 years [Joseph Plummer Nute], and one male aged 5-9 years.

Emanuel Chishole headed a Boston, MA, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 30-39 years [himself], two females aged 30-39 years [Rachel (Horne) Chisholm], one female aged 10-14 years, two males aged 5-9 years, two males aged under-5 years, and one female aged under-5 years.

Daughter Abigail R. Horne died in Lebanon, ME, August 9, 1834, aged forty-nine years, four months, and sixteen days (Private Records of Miss Sarah A. Horne, West Lebanon, ME).

Daughter Anna (Horne) Flint died in Lebanon, ME, March 16, 1838.

Elijah Horne died in Milton, NH, August 17, 1839, aged seventy-five years, three months, and thirteen years.

Daughter Rachel (Horne) Chisholm died in Lebanon, ME, in May 1840 (Private Records of Miss Sarah A. Horne, West Lebanon, ME).

Mercy W. [(Horne)] Nute headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. Her household included one female aged 40-49 years [herself], one male aged 20-29 years [Isaac M. Nute], one female aged 20-29 years [Mary A. (Jenkins) Nute], one male aged 10-14 years, one female aged under-5 years [Anne E. Nute], one male aged under-5 years [John H. Nute]. Two members of her household were engaged in Agriculture.

James H. Horn 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 [Huldah (Roberts) Horne], one male aged 20-29 years, one female aged 20-29 years, two males aged 15-19 years, one female aged 10-14 years, one male aged under-5 years, and one female aged 70-79 years [Anna (Corson) Horn]. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Matthias Nutter and Edward Ellis. (And three entries below that of Lewis B. Twombly).

Elijah Horn headed a New Bedford, MA, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included two males aged 30-39 years [himself], one female aged 20-29 years [Delia (Tripp) Horne], one male aged 20-29 years, one female aged 5-9 years [Mary A. Horne], one male aged under-5 years. One member of his household was engaged in Commerce, and two members of his household were engaged in Navigation of the Ocean.

Daniel W. Horn headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 30-39 years, one female aged 30-39 years, one male aged 15-19 years, two males aged 5-9 years, two males aged under-5 years, and one male aged 50-59 years, one female aged 50-59 years. Two members of his household were engaged in Manufacture and the Trades.

Son Elijah Horne [Jr.] died in New Bedford, MA, March 2, 1842. (He was the husband of Delilah B. Tripp) (Private Records of Miss Sarah A. Horne, West Lebanon, ME).

Son-in-law Charles Flint died in Boston, MA, June 25, 1847. Brother-in-law John Wentworth died in Milton, February 13, 1849.

Isaac M. Nute, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Mary A. [(Jenkins)] Nute, aged thirty-three years (b. NH), Ann Elisa Nute, aged thirteen years (b. NH), John H. Nute, aged eleven years (b. NH), Sarah D. Nute, aged six years (b. NH), and Mercy W. [(Horne)] Nute, aged sixty-five years (b. NH). Isaac M. Nute had real estate valued at $1,000.

James H. Horn, a farmer, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Huldah Horn, aged fifty-six years (b. NH), Anna Horn, aged eighty-four years (b. NH), Rachel Horn, aged twenty years (b. NH), Roxann Scates, aged fifteen years (b. NH), Thomas M. Cheswell, aged fourteen years (b. NH). James H. Horn had real estate valued at $1,000. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of William S. Ellis, a shoemaker, aged forty-four years (b. MA), and Benjamin Scates, a farmer, aged fifty-five years (b. NH).

Delilah B. Horne, aged thirty-seven years (b. MA), headed a New Bedford, MA, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. Her household included Mary Ann Horne, aged sixteen years (b. MA), Elijah H. Chisole, a sailor, aged twenty-five years (b. MA), Abby A. Chisole, aged nineteen years (b. MA), Thomas John, a rigger, aged fifty years (b. England), Panor B. Vaildell, a machinist, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), and Cathrine Davis, aged thirty-six years (b. Gotenburg).

Daniel W. Horne, a farmer, aged forty-one years (b. ME), headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Sarah A. Horne, aged thirty-nine years (b. ME), Elijah Horne, a blacksmith, aged nineteen years (b. ME), Henry Horne, a shoemaker, aged sixteen years (b. ME), James W. Horne, aged thirteen years (b. ME), George S. Horne, aged five years (b. ME), Daniel G. Dorr, a farmer, aged sixty-seven years (b. ME), and Margaret Dorr, aged sixty-five years (b. ME). Daniel W. Horne had real estate valued at $1,000.

Brother Richard Horne died in Milton, February 16, 1854.

Daughter-in-law Sarah A. (Dore) Horn died in Lebanon, ME, October 29, 1855, aged forty-four years, two months, and fourteen days.

Son Daniel W. Horn married (2nd) in Lebanon, ME, December 22, 1855, Rachel DeMerritt Berry. She was born in Strafford, NH, February 19, 1820, daughter of Nicholas and Hannah (Atkins) Berry.

Delilah B. Horne appeared in the New Bedford, MA, directory of 1856, as a widow, keeping a boarding house at 97½ Middle Street, at its corner with Purchase Street.

Anna (Corson) Horne died in Lebanon, ME, March 19, 1857.

Isaac M. Nute, a farmer, aged forty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Mary A. [(Jenkins)] Nute, aged forty-two years (b. NH), John H. Nute, aged twenty years (b. NH), Sarah D. Nute, aged fifteen years (b. NH), Mary A. Nute, aged six years (b. NH), and Mercy W. [(Horne)] Nute, aged seventy years (b. NH). Isaac M. Nute had real estate valued at $3,000 and person estate valued at $550.

James H. Horne, a farmer, aged sixty-two years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Huldah Horne, aged sixty-six years (b. NH), Charlotte A. Horne, aged forty years (b. NH), Rachel Horne, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH), Martha A. Horne, aged five years (b. NH), and Alfred D. Dore, a shoemaker, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH). James H. Horne had real estate valued at $2,000 and person estate valued at $1,000.

Daniel W. Horn, a smith, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), headed a Lebanon (“West Lebanon P.O.”), ME, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Rachel D. Horn, aged forty-four years (b. NH), James W. Horn, aged sixteen years (b. ME), Sarah Horn, aged three years (b. ME), Mary A Horn, aged five months (b. ME), Daniel Dore, a laborer, aged seventy-six years (b. ME), Margaret Dore, aged seventy-one years (b. ME), Tamsund Bery, aged fifty years (b. NH). Daniel W. Horn had real estate valued at $2,000 and person estate valued at $500.

Daughter Mercy W. (Horne) Nute died in Lebanon, ME, November 16, 1862. (She was the wife of John Nute) (Private Records of Miss Sarah A. Horne, West Lebanon, ME).

Dehlia B. Horn, a boarding-housekeeper, aged fifty years (b. MA), headed a New Bedford, MA, household at the time of the MA Census of 1865. Her household included Mary A. Horn, a dressmaker, aged twenty-seven years (b. MA), Charles M. Tripp, aged twenty-one years (b. MA), Lizzie Tripp, aged twenty-one years (b. RI), Sarah B. Brush, a clerk, aged twenty-two years (b. MA), and Martha A. Dagget, a clerk, aged twenty years (b. MA).

James H. Horne, a farmer, aged seventy-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Huldah Horne, aged seventy-six years (b. NH), Charlotte A. Horne, aged fifty years (b. NH), and Martha A. Horne, at school, aged fifteen years (b. NH). James H. Horne had real estate valued at $2,000 and personal estate valued at $1,150.

Delilah B. Hall [Horn], keeping house, aged fifty-four years (b. MA), headed a New Bedford, MA, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. Her household included Mary A. Hatt [Horn], a dressmaker, aged thirty years (b. MA), and Maria H. Francis, a dressmaker, aged twenty-four years (b. MA).

Daniel W. Horne, a farmer, aged seventy-one years (b. NH), headed a Lebanon (“Lebanon P.O.”), ME, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Rachel Horne, keeping house, aged fifty years (b. NH), Sewell S. Horne, works for shoe manfy., aged twenty-four years (b. ME), Sarah A. Horne, aged thirteen years (b. ME), Mary A. Horne, aged ten years (b. ME), and Tamson Bery, aged sixty years (b. NH).

Daughter-in-law Huldah (Roberts) Horne died of dropsy in Milton, March 25, 1871, aged seventy-six years, nine months.

Son Daniel W. Horne died in Lebanon, ME, March 7, 1876, aged sixty-six years, nine months. (He had been, in succession, the husband of Sarah Ann Horne and Rebecca D. Horne) (Private Records of Miss Sarah A. Horne, West Lebanon, ME).

Son James H. Horne died of old age in Milton, February 22, 1877, aged eighty-three years, nine months. He was a widowed farmer.

Charles H. Fuller, a cigar dealer, aged forty-seven years (b. MA), headed a New Bedford, MA, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Sophronia Fuller, keeps house, aged forty-six years (b. MA), his niece, Lusina Hallett, at home, aged twenty years (b. MA), and his lodgers, Clara W. Thompson, at home, aged sixty-four years (b. MA), Delila B. Horn, aged sixty-eight years (b. NH), and her daughter, Mary A. Horn, at home, aged forty-two years (b. NH). They resided at 129 Purchase Street.

Daughter-in-law Delila B. (Tripp) Horne died of pneumonia in New Bedford, MA, February 16, 1892, aged eighty years. She was the widow of Elijah Horne.

Daughter-in-law Rachel D. (Berry) Horne died of chronic bronchitis in Lebanon, ME, March 23, 1895, aged seventy-five years, one year, and four months. Charles Blazo, M.D., of Rochester, NH, signed the death certificate.

References:

Batchellor, Albert S. (1910). Miscellaneous Revolutionary Documents of New Hampshire: Including the Association Test, the Pension Rolls, and Other Important Papers. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=MIhQAQAAIAAJ&pg=PA127

Find a Grave. (2016, May 26). Ichabod Corson. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/163301301/ichabod-corson

Find a Grave. (2020, November 10). Daniel W. Horne. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/218383005/daniel-w-horne

Find a Grave. (2013, January 24). Edmund Horne. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/104095651/edmund-horne

Find a Grave. (2015, March 16). Elijah Horne [Jr.]. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/143780583/elijah-horne

Find a Grave. (2022, February 3). Elijah Horne. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/236457865/elijah-horne

Find a Grave. (2010, April 19). Jacob Horne. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/51357448/jacob-horne

Find a Grave. (2010, February 20). Moses Horne. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/48404133/moses-horne

Find a Grave. (2014, December 6). Peter Horne [Jr.]. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/139643614/peter-horne

Mitchell-Cony. (1908). Town Register Farmington, Milton, Wakefield, Middleton, Brookfield, 1907-8. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=qXwUAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA91

NEHGS. (1907). First Congregational Church Records, Rochester, NH. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=MtM5AQAAMAAJ&pg=RA1-PA152

Scales, John. (1914). History of Strafford County, New Hampshire and Representative Citizens. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=nGsjAQAAMAAJ&pg=520

Tibbetts, Charles W. (1910). First Congregational Church Records, Rochester, NH. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=Z61bAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA28

Wikipedia. (2022, March 12). Tragedy of the Commons. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tragedy_of_the_commons

By Muriel Bristol | July 31, 2022

Three hundred and fifteen inhabitants of Rochester, NH, signed a remonstrance petition, August 30, 1785, intended for an October 1785 Concord, NH, session of the NH General Court.

Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines a remonstrance as being

an earnest presentation of reasons for opposition or grievance, especially: a document formally stating such points.

The British surrender at Yorktown, VA, had marked the end of Revolutionary War land operations in October 1781, although the formal Treaty of Paris had not been signed until September 1783. Under the Articles of Confederation, the separate states had still considerable latitude over foreign relations, including tariffs, duties, regulations, etc., and the petitioners of August 1785 evidently found New Hampshire’s restrictions burdensome.

The petitioners presented themselves as being involved with the lumber industry and sought repeal of several recently enacted NH lumber laws and regulations, as well as restrictions and duties on overseas lumber sales, especially those destined for the British West Indies.

Less prudent was their proposed alternative that a fresh round of NH paper currency, or “Bills of Credit,” be issued. Merchants and lenders tended to lose under such a paper currency regime, while borrowers, including often farmers, tended to gain, as they could repay their nominal debts in depreciating inflationary currency. In the following year, the NH legislature would be literally besieged by an armed crowd demanding issuance of paper currency in the “Exeter Riot” or “Paper Money Riot” of September 1786 (for some details of which see Milton Justice William Palmer, Esq. (1757-1815)).

New Hampshire was at this time under “The Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union,” which preceded the U.S. Constitution. Several years later, the U.S. Constitution would forbid issuance by the states of Bills of Credit.

Article I, Section 10, Clause 1 prohibits the states from issuing Bills of Credit. The prohibition of states issuing Bills of Credit came in direct response to how states managed their financial policy during the era of the Articles of Confederation. While all states in theory recognized the American Continental as their official currency, in reality, nearly every state issued its own Bills of credit, which further devalued the Continental and led to its eventual collapse as a currency (Wikipedia, 2022).

The salutation was directed initially to “His Excellency the President,” as New Hampshire’s Governor was then known. Paper was much more expensive then than it is now, so frugal Yankees might simply line out a mistake when changing course, rather than starting anew with a fresh piece of paper.

As for spelling, dictionaries were not commonly available. The first English one, with 3,000 of the more difficult words only, had been published in 1604, and Samuel Johnson’s famous two-volume English dictionary, regarded when completed as the definitive source, had been published in 1755, although the fully revised editions came only years later. These would have been quite expensive. Noah Webster’s initial “American” dictionary would be published in 1806, although his more comprehensive editions would not appear until 1828.

Contractions were (and are) regarded as a spoken usage rather than something that should be written out, especially in a formal document. Nevertheless, one may note the contraction “don’t” for “do not” rendered without its apostrophe as “dont” in the final paragraph.

Familiar names from what are now Milton and Farmington, NH, are present also in this remonstrance, as those towns were at this time the Northeast and Northwest parishes, respectively, of Rochester, NH. (See Northeast Parish in the First (1790) Federal Census and Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

State of New Hampshire, Strafford Ss. }

To His Excellency the President and the To the Honorable the Senate & House of Representatives, and General Assembly Convened at Concord on the 3d Wednesday in October 1785 ~

The Petition of us the Subscribers, free Holders and Inhabitants of the Town of Rochester, Humblely Sheweth, that we are largely Concerned in Lumber, and we understand your Excellency & Honours has passed some late acts at your last Session, verry hurtfull and Injurious to us and we believe to all Other Towns Concerned in the lumber way therefore and pray you would repeal the act that requires all boards to be Inch thick And Square Edgeed and Other lumber in propotion ~ And likewise to repeal the new acts prohibiting any Vessel Carrying Lumber [to] the Brittish Islands in the West Indies that can procure Brittish papers for that purpose ~

And to repeal the Other act with regard to the Duty Layed on tunnage on Ships or Vessells belonging to foreigners which Duty we Look Upon to be Equal to Shuting up our ports against them, but if your Excellency and Honours Dont see fit to grant the prayer of this Petition Wee would request a paper Currency on a Loan or in Such other way as your wisdom may Direct you to Support the Credit of Said Moneys, as in Duty bound we ever pray ~
Rochester, Augst 30th 1785

Pg. 2:

[Column 1:]

James Jennes, David Place, Abner Hodgdon, Ebenezer Place Junr, Ebenzr Place Senr, Moses Place, Amos Place, Joseph Thompson, Joseph Thompson Junr, Alexander Hodgdon, Eleazer Hodgdon, Joseph Pearl, Moses Hammet, John Hammet, Dimon Pearl, James Young, Joseph Clark, Tobias Ricker, Cornelius Jenness, Jonathan Place, Moses Waymoth, Thomas Drew, John Richson, James Dearing, Moses Varney, Jonathan Leighton, John Place, Jonathan Place, Thomas Varny, Elijah Varney, Reubin Heard, Benjami[n] Meder, Ephraim Ham, Eleazer Ham, James Ham, Isaac Brown,

[Column 2:]

George Place, Moses Roberts, Epharim Wentworth, William Wentworth, Wentworth Hayes, Daniel McNeal, Joshua Merrow, Josiah Folsom, Edward Rollins, John Goodwin, Benja Odiorne, Paul Harford, Daniel Watson, Jonathan Heard, Richard Hilton, Ebenezer Horn, Benjamin Rollins, Ebenezer Ricker, Joseph Dame, Peter Cushing, Eleazar Ham, Joshua Knight, John Place the 3d, Jonathan Wallingford, Stephen Lee, Benjamin Hoyt, John Randall, John Ham, Simon [Herd?], Paul Place, John Russet Place, James Jackson, Caleb Jackson,

[Column 3:]

Joshua Downing, Epharim Trickey, Paul Cook, Timothy Ricker, William Jones, Nathaniel Jones, Samuel Palmer, Robert M[—], James Wentworth, Thomas Plumer, John Glidden, Barnabas Palmer, Gersum downs, David Morrison, John Bickford, Daniel Calef, John Roberts, Ephraim Parker, Elazar Ham, Joseph Runels, James Rogers the third, William Huntress, Jona Norris, Josiah Wentworth, Samuel Richards, Timothy Robarts, Francis Meder, Daniel Brewster, Samuel Plummer, Moses goodwin, Zebulon dam, Richerd Perkins, Silas Dame,

Pg. 3:

[Column 1:]

Enoch Burnham, Lemuel Richardson, William McDuffee, John Richards, Jona Richard Jr, Jonathan Laighton, Joseph Knight, Daniel goodwin, nehemiah kimbel, Solomon Perkins, Bening Colbath, Geo: R. Downing, Ebenezer Varney, Joseph Bickford, Ebenezer Varney Ju, John Bickford, Samuel Varney, Moses Varney, John Rawlings, Anthony Rawlings, Joshua Rawlings, John Cloutman, Ebenr Twombly, Isaac Libby, George Snell Hayes, David Corson, John Bergon, Jonathan Twombly, Elijah Horn, Benjamin Copps, Richard Manson, William Hanson, Paul Copps, Beard Plumer, Enoch Hayes, Daniel Cook,

[Column 2:]

Nich Wentworth, David Horn, John Carr, Ebenezer Wentworth, Daniel Garland, Ephraim Twombly, Daniel Kimbal, John walker, John Hanson, Jeams Edley, Nathan Nock, Mark Miler, Joseph Chapan, John Wentworth, Elihu Wintworth, Samuel Jennes, Garsom Downs Jnr, Joseph Plumer, David Walanford, Moses hamblin, Ha[tevil] Knight, Joseph Roberts, Simon Torr, Timo Courson, James McDuffee, Robert Walker, David Langley, Ephraim Perkins Jr, Jonathan Richards, William Wingate, Benjamin Varney, James Chesley, John Place Jr,

[Column 3:]

Thomas Roberts, James Downs, William Palmer, Saml Nute, Isaac Wentworth, [—-] place, barnebas Palmer Junr, Richard Wentworth, Peter Horn, Moses Horn Junr, Joseph Walker, Tristram heard, Nathaniel Heard, Tristram Heard, Jas Adams, Samuel Austin, Jacob Elles, Samuel Wingate, Benja Wingate,  Elijah Tebbetts, John Trickey, Samuel Door, Silas Tebbets, Heard Roberts, David Tebbets, Joseph Tebbets, Ichabod Cossen, William Elles, David Wingate, Samuel Allen, Joshua Allen, Micah Allen, Samuel Downing, Stephen Furnald,

Pg. 4:

[Column 1:]

Benjamin Forse Junr, Josiah Main, Saml Furbur, Ephraim Kimbel, David Twombly, Daniel Page, Nathanel Garland, Benjamin Page, Moses Jennes, Joseph Drown, Richard Furbur Junr, Tobias Twombly Junr, John Knowles, Joseph Heard Junr, Thoms Virney, Aaron Downs, Ephram Down Junr, Wentworth Twombly, Moses Downs, Ebenezr Ricker Junr, Edmund Tebbets, Joseph Knight, Dudley Wentworth, Daniel Bruster, Stephen Wentworth Junr, Eleazer Coleman, James Coleman, James Rogers Junr, Moses Horn, Jeams Bery, John Bery, Willam Bery, David Hanson, John Tanner,

[Column 2:]

Abraham Cooke, Richd Walker, John Wentworth Jr, Hunking Colbath, Abraham Cooke Junr, Rueben Heard, Jacob Wallingford, Morris Alles, Thomas Peavey, Daniel Peavey, Anthony Peavey, David Watson, Edmund Wingate, Jonathan Merry, Benjamin Chase, Ezekiel Ricker, Nathnil Jonson, Richard Nutter Junr, Joseph Holmes, Jonathan Wentworth, Joseph Heard Junr, Enoch Hoyt, Ichabod Corson Junr, Thoms Pinkam, Jona Pinkham, John Rand, John Ham, John Stanton, Daniel Page Junr, Joseph Page, Valetine Rallins, David Jenness, Joseph Meader Jnr, Winthrop Nutter, William Whitehouse, Aaron Whitehouse, George Meader,

[Column 3:]

Pelatiah Cartlan, John Tucker, Jacob Hanson, Isaiah Jenkins, Joseph meder, Hatevil Laighton, Solomon Drown, John Drown, Joseph Tasker, natthel meedor, William Heard, Jonthan Meder, William hodgdon, Robert Evans, James Place, Paul Jennes, Samuel Robeson, Gorge Laighton, timothy Richson, Clem hays, Stephen harfot, John Davis, Joshua Corson, Dodavah Garlan Junr, Dodavah Garlan, Jonathan Elles, Joshua Elles, Richd Furber, Benja Furber, Robart tebets, Benjamin Wentworth, David Allard, Job Allard, James Runnels, Jona Bigford, James French, Edward Varney 3, Moses Varney Junr, Thoms Davise, James Twombley, John Palmer, Amos place.

See also Salmon Falls Sawmill Petition – 1797 and Milton Road Weight Petition – 1816

References:

Hammond, Isaac W. (1884). Provincial Papers. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=OFgSAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA342

NH Department of State. NH Government Petitions, 1700-1826: Box 20: June 12, 1785-Oct 21, 1785. Concord, NH

Wikipedia. (2022, July 5). Articles of Confederation. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Articles_of_Confederation

Wikipedia. (2022, July 17). Bills of Credit. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bills_of_credit

Wikpedia. (2022, July 18). A Dictionary of the English Language. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Dictionary_of_the_English_Language

Wikipedia. (2022, April 26). Webster’s Dictionary. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Webster%27s_Dictionary

By Muriel Bristol | July 24, 2022

John Francis Hart was born in Dover, NH, January 4, 1829, son of Mark H. and Elizabeth “Betsy” (Downs) Hart.

(The known children of Mark H. and Elizabeth (Downs) Hart were: Lydia A. Hart (1826-1906), John Francis Hart (1829-1896), Mary Jane Hart (1831–1851), Sarah Elizabeth Hart (1833–1834), Mark H. Hart [Jr.] (1835–1851), Daniel Quimby Hart (1838–1916), Sophia Elizabeth Hart (1841–1870), Sarah Abigail Hart (1842–1857), Hannah Susan Hart (1843–1862), and Albert Nathaniel Hart (1847–1851)).

Sister Lydia A. Hart was born in Milton, June 2, 1826.

Father Mark H. Hart 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 [Elizabeth (Downs) Hart], one male aged 10-14 years [John F. Hart], one female aged 10-14 years [Mary J. Hart], one female aged 5-9 years [Sarah E. Hart], and two males aged under-5 years [Mark H. Hart, Jr., and Daniel Q. Hart]. Two members of his household were engaged in Agriculture. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Daniel Place and [her brother,] Moses J. Downs.

Paternal grandmother Betsy (Cornell) Hart died in Rochester, NH, April 7, 1845.

Father Mark H. Hart, a farmer, aged forty-three years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Elizabeth Hart, aged forty-five years (b. NH), Mary J. Hart, aged nineteen years, Mark Hart, a shoemaker, aged fifteen years (b. NH), Daniel Hart, aged twelve years (b. NH), Sophia Hart, aged ten years (b. NH), Abby Hart, aged nine years (b. NH), Susan Hart, aged six years (b. NH), and Nathaniel Hart, aged three years (b. NH). Their house appeared in the enumeration between those of Joshua Hanson, a cooper, aged seventy-four years (b. NH), and Samuel Twombly, a farmer, aged seventy years (b. NH).

Ira F. Howe, a farmer, aged forty-three years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Mary Howe, aged forty-three years (b. NH), Thomas J. Howe, a farmer, aged eighteen years (b. NH), Mary A. Howe, aged fourteen years (b. NH), and John F. Hart, a shoemaker, aged twenty-one years (b. NH). Ira F. Howe had real estate valued at $2,000. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Johnathan Howe, a farmer, aged sixty-seven years, and Simeon S. Wakeham, a shoemaker, aged twenty-two years (b. NH).

Brother Albert Nathaniel Hart died in Milton, June 21, 1851, aged four years, one month. Brother Mark H. Hart, Jr., died of bronchitis in Milton, October 21, 1851, aged sixteen years. Sister Mary J. Hart died in Milton, December 13, 1851, aged twenty years, three months.

Weep not for me dear mother, though cold may be my brow. The angels call me, mother! I hear their voices now. – Mary J. Hart epitaph.

Sister Sarah Abigail Hart died in Milton, March 8, 1857.

The Milton Selectmen of 1858 were Asa Fox, S.S. Wakeham, and J.F. Hart.

Sister Lydia A. Hart married in Somersworth, NH, December 7, 1858, Andrew J. Remick, both of Milton. He was aged twenty-three years, and she was aged thirty-two years. Rev. S. Holman performed the ceremony. Remick was born in Tamworth, NH, December 3, 1835, son of Nathaniel and Esther (Nickerson) Remick.

The Milton Selectmen of 1859 were C.C. Hayes, J.F. Hart, and C.H. Goodwin.

Mother Elizabeth (Downs) Hart died in Milton, April 16, 1859, aged fifty-three years, nine months.

Father Mark H. Hart married (2nd), circa 1859, Mary J. “Jane” ((Glidden) Davis) Wright. She was born in Gilford, NH, April 26, 1828, daughter of Elijah and Mary (Horne) Glidden. She had married (1st) Jeremiah Davis (1815-1856), and (2nd) Warren E. Wright.

(The known children of Mark H. and [his second wife,] Mary J. (((Glidden) Davis) Wright) Hart were: Alice J. Hart (1860-1922), Mark A. Hart (1862-1912), Arthur Robert Lee Hart (1868-), and Mary G. Hart (1870-), and Warren W. Hart (1872-1943)).

Mark H. Hart, a shoemaker, aged fifty-two years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton P.O.”) household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Mary J. Hart, aged thirty-two years (b. NH), Daniel Q. Hart, a shoemaker, aged twenty-two years (b. NH), Sophia A. Hart, aged nineteen years (b. NH), Susan Hart, aged sixteen years (b. NH), H.S. Hart, aged one month (b. NH), and F.H. Wright, aged three years (b. NH). Mark H. Hart had real estate valued at $1,500 and person estate valued at $500. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of A.J. Remick, a shoemaker, aged twenty-five years (b. NH), and Dearborn Ellis, a shoemaker, aged forty years (b. NH). (Another near neighbor (same page) was Daniel Quimby, a farmer, aged forty-eight years (b. NH), for whom Daniel Quimby Hart was presumably a namesake).

A.J. Remick, a shoemaker, aged twenty-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton P.O.”) household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included L.A. [(Hart)] Remick, aged thirty-four years (b. NH), and John F. Hart, a shoemaker, aged thirty-one years (b. NH). A.J. Remick had real estate valued at $500 and personal estate valued at$200. John F. Hart had personal estate valued at $500. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Charles Ricker, a shoemaker, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH), and John F. Hart’s father, Mark H. Hart, a shoemaker, aged fifty-two years (b. NH).

John F. Hart married, circa 1860, Mary Abbie Twombly. She was born in Milton, June 24, 1833, daughter of James M. and Eunice (Burrows) Twombly.

[Correction: We formerly misreported her as being the Mary A. Twombly that was born in Lebanon, ME, September 28, 1836, daughter of John P. and Lois H. (Clark) Twombly. The 1891 death certificate of Mary A. (Twombly) Hart alerted us to the error].

Brother Daniel Q. Hart married, circa 1860, Ellen Viana Ricker, both of Farmington, NH. She was born in Farmington, NH, June 8, 1830, daughter of William and Mary (Ames) Ricker.

Son Delta C. Hart was born in Milton, November 3, 1861. Son Cisco Wade Hart was born in Milton, February 12, 1864. Daughter Pauline Eunice “Lena” Hart was born in Milton, February 9, 1866. Son Dana Byron Hart was born in Milton, June 30, 1867.

Sister Hannah Susan Hart died in Milton, Match 25, 1862, aged eighteen years, six months.

Father Mark H. Hart of Milton paid a $10 tax for being a retail dealer in the U.S. Excise Tax of 1866. Mark H. Hart appeared in a NH business directory of 1868, as proprietor of a Milton country store. (The directory defined a country store as one “Where is kept a general assortment of dry goods, groceries, agricultural implements, etc. Those who deal in but one kind of goods will be found under their appropriate headings”). Mark H. Hart appeared in the Milton business directory of 1869-70, as a Milton merchant.

Andrew J. Remick, works for shoe factory, aged thirty-four years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton P.O.”) household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Lydia A. [(Hart)] Remick, keeping house, aged forty-two years (b. NH), and Anna A. Remick, at school, aged nine years (b. NH). Andrew J. Remick had real estate valued at $1,000 and personal estate valued at $500. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of John H. Glidden, a shoe finisher, aged forty-four years (b. NH), and Mark H. Hart, a retail grocer, aged sixty-two years (b. NH).

Mark H. Hart, a retail grocer, aged sixty-two years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton P.O.”) household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Mary J. Hart, keeping house, aged forty-two years, Allice J. Hart, at school, aged ten years, Mark A. Hart, at school, aged eight years, Arthur L. Hart, aged two years, and Mary G. Hart, aged one month (b. NH). Mark H. Hart had real estate valued at $1,500 and personal estate valued at $550. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Andrew J. Remick, works in shoe factory, aged thirty-four years (b. NH), and Dearborn Ellis, a works in shoe factory, aged fifty years (b. NH).

John F. Hart, works in shoe factory, aged forty-one years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton P.O.”) household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Mary A. Hart, keeping house, aged thirty-four years (b. NH), Delta A. Hart, at school, aged eight years (b. NH), Cisco W. Hart, at school, aged six years (b. NH), Paulina Hart, at school, aged four years (b. NH), and Dana B. Hart, aged two years (b. NH). John F. Hart had real estate valued at $750 and personal estate valued at $1,015. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Charles H. Pease, works in shoe factory, aged twenty-six years (b. NH), and Robert Mathes, a farm laborer, aged fifty-eight years (b. NH).

Daniel K. [Q.] Hart, a farmer, aged thirty-three years (b. NH), headed a Rochester (“Gonic P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Ellen P. Hart, keeping house, aged forty years (b. NH), Rosco L. Hart, at home, aged eight years (b. NH), and Mary E. Hart, aged four years (b. NH). Daniel K. Hart had real estate valued at $1,000 and personal estate valued at $700. Ellen P. Hart had personal estate valued at $100.

Sister Sophia Elizabeth Hart died in Milton, October 11, 1870, aged twenty-nine years, two months, and ten days.

Father Mark H. Hart appeared in the Milton business directory of 1871, as a Milton merchant.

Father Mark H. Hart of Milton made his last will, July 8, 1871. He bequeathed $1 each to his children, Daniel Q. Hart and Lydia A. Remick. He bequeathed a lot of land in Milton to his son, John F. Hart. It had a barn and was bounded southeasterly by Ira S. Knox, southwesterly by Andrew J. Remick, southeasterly by the Wakefield Road, and northwesterly by a line beginning at a point equidistant from the barn and the old Woodman House on the Wakefield Road and running from there parallel to the original Knox line back to the start. He bequeathed a life-estate in his homestead, as well as all of his household furniture, to his wife, Mary Jane Hart. The homestead was bounded by land of Andrew J. Remick and Silver Street. Finally, he bequeathed all the rest and residue of his estate to [his stepson,] Frank Wright, and [the children of his second marriage,] Mark A. Hart, Alice J. Hart, Arthur Robert Lee Hart, and Mary Getrude Hart. He named his son, John F. Hart, as executor. Nathaniel G. Pinkham, Robert Brown, and Charles H. Looney signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 84:31).

Father Mark H. Hart died of cancer in Milton, January 2, 1872, aged sixty-four years. He was a merchant. His last will was proved in a Strafford County Probate court held in Somersworth, NH, February 6, 1872 (Strafford County Probate, 84:31).

It would seem that John F. Hart, who had been a shoeworker, took over his father’s retail grocery business at about this time.

J. Hart appeared in the Milton business directories of 1873, 1874, 1875, and 1876, as a Milton merchant. Mrs. J.F. Hart appeared as a Milton merchant of fancy goods in 1875 and 1876). John F. Hart appeared in a NH business directory of 1877, as a Milton merchant.

Daughter Bernice Annie Hart was born in Milton, circa August 1872. She died of scarlatina in Milton, May 10, 1875, aged two years, eight months, and nineteen days. (Scarlatina is also known as scarlet fever).

Daughter Bridie Bernice Hart was born in Milton, March 24, 1876. (She appeared in documents alternately as either Bridie Bernice Hart, Birdie Bernice Hart, B. Bernice Hart and, finally, just Bernice Hart).

Step-mother Mary J. (((Glidden) Davis) Wright) Hart married (4th) in Dover, NH, December 2, 1877, Joseph Watson, Jr. He was born in Gilmanton, NH, March 9, 1821, son of Joseph and Mary (Peterson) Watson.

J.F. Hart appeared in the Milton business directory of 1880, as a Milton merchant. (Mrs. J.F. Hart appeared as selling fancy goods). J.F. Hart appeared also as a Milton justice-of-the-peace.

(John Fox Hart [(1855-1916)] and his younger brother, George E. Hart [(1859-1920)], appeared also in the directories of this time as Milton Mills carriage merchants. By the mid 1880s, these other Harts would relocate to the Pacific northwest, where they would become wealthy lumbermen, railroad proprietors and real estate developers. (Some of their family lingered). Neither these Milton Mills Harts nor Dr. M.A.H. Hart seem to have been related closely, if related at all, to our subject, John Francis Hart (1829-1896)).

Joseph Watson, a farmer, aged fifty-nine years (b. NH), headed an Alton, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Mary J. Watson, keeping house, aged fifty-two years (b. NH), his children, Willie H. Watson, at home, aged sixteen years (b. NH), Fred D. Watson, at home, aged thirteen years (b. NH), and his children-in-law, i.e., step-children, Mary E. Hart, aged ten years (b. NH), and Warren W. Hart, aged eight years (b. NH).

Andrew J. Remick, farming, aged forty-four years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, keeping house, Lydia A. [(Hart)] Remick, aged fifty-three years (b. NH), his adopted daughter, Eva A. Vibbert, aged nineteen years (b. ME), and his boarder, Frank H. Young, a clergyman, aged twenty-three years (b. NH). His household appeared in the enumeration between those of George A. Hayes, a box-maker, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH), and Charles E. Ricker, works on shoes, aged forty-five years (b. Canada).

John F. Hart, a merchant, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton P.O.”) household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included Mary A. Hart, keeps house, aged forty-seven years (b. NH), Delta C. Hart, works on shoes, aged eighteen years (b. NH), Cisco W. Hart, works on shoes, aged sixteen years (b. NH), Paulina E. Hart, at school, aged fourteen years (b. NH), Dana B. Hart, at school, aged twelve years (b. NH), and Bridie B. Hart, aged four years (b. NH). His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Hiram V.R. Edgerly, a carpenter, aged fifty-four years (b. NH), and Henry Downs, a farmer, aged sixty years (b. Canada).

Daniel W. [Q.] Hart, works in shoe factory, aged forty-two years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Helen B. Hart, keeping house, aged forty-nine years (b. NH), and his children, Roscoe L. Hart, works in shoe factory, aged eighteen years (b. NH), and Mary E. Hart, at school, aged fourteen years (b. NH).

J.F. Hart appeared in the Milton business directories of 1881, 1882, 1884, and 1887, as a Milton merchant. (Mrs. J.F. Hart appeared as selling fancy goods). J.F. Hart appeared also as a Milton justice-of-the-peace in 1881 and 1882, but not thereafter.

Half-sister Alice J. Hart married in New Durham, NH, June 3, 1883, Manoah G. “Noah” Glidden, she of Alton, NH, and he of Belmont, NH. He was a farmer, aged thirty years, and she was aged twenty-three years. Rev. M.A. Quimby performed the ceremony. Glidden was born in Gilford, NH, May 21, 1853, son of Daniel and Mary W. (Bennett) Glidden.

Daughter Pauline Eunice “Lena” Hart married in Milton, April 5, 1886, C. Dana Jones, both of Milton. He was a physician, aged twenty-two years, and she was aged twenty years. Rev. [Dr.] Frank Haley performed the ceremony. Jones was born in Milton, September 22, 1863, son of Charles and Elizabeth “Betsy” (Varney) Jones.

Son Dana B. Hart married in Middleton, NH, August 28, 1886, Mattie J. Stevens, both of Milton. He was a cutter, i.e., a shoe cutter, aged nineteen years, and she was aged eighteen years. Rev. George S. Butler of Wakefield, NH, performed the ceremony. She was born in Middleton, NH, November 28, 1867, daughter of Jonathan B. and Sarah J. (Garland) Stevens.

Son Delta C. Hart married (1st) in Lebanon, ME, October 19, 1886, Mary Elma Stanton, he of Milton and she of Lebanon, ME. He was aged twenty-four years and she was aged twenty-six years. Rev. Nathan C. Lothrop performed the ceremony. She was born in Lebanon, ME, January 10, 1860, daughter of James B. and Catherine (White) Stanton.

Mrs. J.F. Hart appeared in the Milton business directory of 1889 as a Milton seller of fancy goods.

Son Cisco W. Hart was elected moderator for the Milton fire precinct in March 1890. (Here one may see an early appearance of what would become eventually the Milton Fire Department).

MILTON. The annual meeting of Milton fire precinct Saturday evening resulted in election of the following officers: Moderator, Cisco W. Hart; clerk, William T. Wallace; fire wards, Brackett F. Avery, Charles E. Ricker, John H. Maddox (Farmington News, March 21, 1890).

An older relative once spoke of his own native town as being the sort of place “where they rolled the sidewalks up a night.” That is to say, each store had a wooden sidewalk, which was raised via pullies at closing time to form an overnight barrier across the storefront.

MILTON. Among recent village improvements we mention the plank sidewalk in front of the estate of John F. Hart, Esq., also on the opposite side of the street around the corner stone of J.D. Willey. The cross walks at the postoffice and in front of Roberts Burrows’ store have also been raised up and reset (Farmington News, August 29, 1890).

MILTON. The Ancient Order of United workmen have leased a lot of land from the Great Falls Manufacturing company and commenced the foundation of a building, with a frontage of seventy-five feet, on Main street and thirty-five feet deep. This occupies the ground for several years taken up by Duntley’s blacksmith shop and two small buildings owned by John F. Hart, and will be devoted to business and lodge purposes. The plan provides for three stores and a grand entrance on the ground floor, a large hall for dramatics and other entertainments on the second floor, with Lodge room and necessary ante room on the upper floor. The small building used by F.A. Mark as a jeweler’s shop has been moved across the street and now stands on the hill just south of Kennett market. The blacksmith shop is on its journey and will stand partially in the rear of N.G. Pinkham‘s shoe store (Farmington News, October 10, 1890).

MILTON. John Hart lost his horse by the bursting of a blood vessel while hauling a load of wood from the plains. He can ill afford the loss of the animal (Farmington News, January 23, 1891).

The NH legislature authorized dissolution of the Milton Classical Institute and sale of its building by its seven trustees, including brother-in-law Andrew J. Remick, in March 1891.

Mary A. (Twombly) Hart died of gastric fever in Milton, September 3, 1891, aged fifty-eight years

Son Cisco Wade Hart married in Weymouth, MA, October 18, 1891, Anna May Denbroeder, both of Weymouth, MA. He was an operative, aged twenty-seven years, and she was at home, aged twenty-four years. Rev. Daniel Evans performed the ceremony. She was born in Weymouth, MA, May 1, 1867, daughter of Adrianus and Elizabeth (Roode) Denbroeder.

Daughter-in-law Mary E. (Stanton) Hart in Milton, January 4, 1892.

MILTON. Mrs. Mary Stanton Hart died at her home Jan. 4, after a brief illness with pneumonia. She was a member of the Congregational church and was greatly respected and admired by all who knew her. She will be greatly missed by all. The funeral occurred Wednesday. Immediately following her death, her mother, who had come to care for her, was stricken, and died Saturday. She was buried Monday. The family have the sympathy of the entire community in their affliction (Farmington News, January 15, 1892).

(Her mother, Catherine (White) Stanton, died in Lebanon, ME, January 9, 1892).

MILTON. John F. Hart is erecting a new building on the Lebanon side (Farmington News, September 9, 1892).

Son Delta C. Hart was elected president of the Milton Young People’s Society of Christian Endeavor (Y.P.S.C.E.) in December 1892.

MILTON. At a meeting of the Y.P.S.C.E., Dec. 6, Mr. Delta Hart was chosen president and Miss Sarah L. Benson (Farmington News, December 23, 1892).

Daughter Bridie B. Harte was elected chaplain of the Lewis W. Nute Grange in December 1892 (Farmington News, December 23, 1892).

MILTON. Benjamin, the young son of Delta Hart, died of diphtheria Saturday morning and was buried at 2 o’clock in the afternoon (Farmington News, July 23, 1893).

UNION. Mrs. John C. Penney has gone to Milton to work for Delta C. Hart and her daughter Millie is to attend the Nute high school (Farmington News, September 8, 1893).

Brother-in-law Andrew J. Remick died in Milton, February 22, 1895, aged fifty-nine years, two months, and nineteen years.

Son Delta C. Hart married (2nd) in Lebanon, ME, June 19, 1895, Minnie E. Knox, both of Lebanon, ME. She was born in Lebanon, ME, August 12, 1869, daughter of George A. and Angie (Kenney) White.

MILTON. The marriage of Minnie Knox, of Lebanon, Me., and Delta C. Hart, of Milton, occurred last week (Farmington News, June 28, 1895).

John F. Hart died in Milton, January 3, 1896, aged sixty-seven years.

WEST MILTON. The Milton Congregational church manual is to be revised by Rev. Mr. Dickey and Deacon B.B. Plummer and Delta Hart (Farmington News, January 29, 1897).

MILTON. Walter Dixon of Farmington, Me., has been visiting Mr. and Mrs. Delta C. Hart on [in or of] Lebanon this week (Farmington News, October 15, 1897).

Step-mother Mary J. ((((Glidden) Davis) Wright) Hart) Watson died of diabetes in Alton, NH, January 11, 1898, aged sixty-nine years, nine months, and fifteen days.

LOCALS. Mary Jane Watson, wife of Joseph Watson of South Alton, died January 11, at the age of 70 years. She was a lady well known in this section and her death will be mourned by a large circle of relatives and friends (Farmington News, January 28, 1898).

Son Warren Winslow Hart of Gorman [Gorham], NH, graduated from Boston University’s School of Law with the degree of L.L.B., in June 1899 (Boston Globe, June 7, 1899).

Lydia A.H. [(Hart)] Remick, home keeper, aged seventy-three years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. She owned her house, free-and-clear, and was a widow, with no children.

Miss B. Bernice Hart appeared in the Milton directory of 1900, as a shoe stitcher, with her house on Main street, over the Milton P.O. Her brother Delta C. Hart appeared as a shoe shop employee, with his house north of the bridge, on the Lebanon side. Her brother Dana B. Hart appeared as a shoe shop employee, with his house on Main street, opposite J.D. Willey’s store.

Delta C. Hart, a machinist, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of five years), Minnie C. Hart, aged twenty-three years (b. ME), and his daughter, Bessie B. Hart, at school, aged eleven years (b. ME). Delta C. Hart owned their house, free-and-clear.

Cisco W. Hart, a shoe shop foreman, aged thirty-six years (b. NH), headed a Weymouth, MA, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of eight years), Annie M. Hart, aged thirty-three years (b. MA), and his children, Francis D. Hart, aged seven years (b. MA), Pauline E. Hart, aged four years (b. MA), and D. Milton Hart, aged one year (b. MA). Cisco W. Hart owned their house on Hill Court Road, free-and-clear.

Dana B. Hart, a shoe factory foreman, aged thirty-two years (b. NH), headed a Boston, MA, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of thirteen years), Mattie M. Hart, aged thirty-two years (b. NH), and his children, Bernice Hart, aged twelve years (b. ME), and Abbie Hart, aged five years (b. ME). Dana B. Hart rented their house 20 Elmore Street.

Birdie B. Hart, a home keeper, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Village”) household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. She owned her house, free-and-clear.

Daniel Q. Hart, a R.R. flagman, aged sixty-two years, headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of thirty-nine years), Ellen Hart, aged sixty-nine years. Daniel Q. Hart owned their house at 13 Knight Street, free-and-clear. Ellen Hart was the mother of two children, of whom two were still living.

Daughter Miss B. Bernice Hart appeared in the Milton directory of 1902, as having moved to Roxbury, MA. Her brothers, Delta C. Hart and Dana B. Hart, appeared also, as having moved to Farmington, NH.

Sister Lydia A. [(Hart)] Remick made her last will September 8, 1903. She devised to her brother, Daniel Q. Hart, “… the House and lot where I now live, with the passway between said House and the House which my Father formerly owned and where he lived.” She devised $25 each to Mrs. Susie Rathburn of Marlboro, Mass., Miss Eni Goudy of Lynn, MA, and Mrs. Emma [(Goudy)] Brownell of Lynn, MA. She bequeathed to the Milton First Baptist Church a payment of $500 and a church pew. The money came from a legacy made to said church by her late husband, Andrw J. Remick. (She likely had the interest income on this sum during her life, with the reversion given over to the church). She bequeathed the rest and residue, if any, to her brother, Daniel Q. Hart. She named Stephen D. Wentworth as her executor. Elnora Hill, Annette Hill, and Stephen D. Wentworth witnessed her signature (Strafford County Probate, 124:440). (Elnora Hill (1857-1927) and Annette Hill (1862-1936) were daughters of Daniel and Betsy (Rankin) Hill, and Stephen D. Wentworth (1834-1923) was a Rochester, NH, neighbor of Daniel Q. Hart and judge of their local Rochester police court).

Sister-in-law Ellen V. (Ricker) Hart died of uremic poisoning at 13 Knight Street in Rochester, NH, May 18, 1904, aged seventy-three years, eleven months, and ten days. She had lived in Rochester, NH, for thirty-three years, i.e., since circa 1871, having come there from Milton.

PERSONAL. As Mrs. Cisco Hart and two sons, of East Weymouth, Mass., were spending a fortnight with Mr. and Mrs. Dana B. Hart at Brookside farm, a family gathering was given in their honor, Sunday, August 21. Among those present were Mr. C.D. Jones and family, of Milton, and Delta C. Hart and family, of Farmington. Miss Bernice Hart expects to accompany Mrs. Hart in her return to East Weymouth, for a short visit (Farmington News, August 26, 1904).

Sister Lydia A. (Hart) Remick died of chronic nephritis in Milton, June 17, 1906, aged eighty years, fifteen years. Her last will was proved in a Strafford County Probate court held at Dover, NH, July 3, 1906 (Strafford County Probate, 124:440).

AUTOMOBILES. FOR SALE – Stanley car, good condition, 2 full seats, speedometer, searchlight, extra tires, wheel steer, newly painted. CISCO W. HART, 66 Hillcrest rd, East Weymouth (Boston Globe, July 14, 1907).

Son-in-law Charles D. Jones died of typhoid fever in Milton, July 2, 1908, aged forty-four years, nine months, and ten days.

Daughter Bridie Bernice Hart married in Milton, October 12, 1908, Walter Brown, she of Milton and he of New York, NY. He was a widowed carpet salesman, aged forty-four years, and she was a bookkeeper, aged thirty-two years. Rev. R.M. Peacock performed the ceremony. Brown was born in St. John, New Brunswick, Canada, circa 1863, son of Silas and Sarah (Burns) Brown.

Delta C. Hart, a shoe factory foreman, aged thirty-seven years [forty-seven years] (b. NH), headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of fourteen years), Minnie E. Hart, aged thirty-nine years (b. ME), and his daughter, Bessie B. Hart, a school teacher, aged twenty-one years (b. NH). Delta C. Hart rented their house on North Main Street. Minnie E. Hart was the mother of two children, of whom none were still living.

Cisco W. Hart, a shoe factory foreman, aged forty-five years (b. NH), headed a Bridgewater, MA, household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of nineteen years), Annie Hart, aged forty-three years (b. MA), Francis D. Hart, aged seventeen years, Pauline E. Hart, aged fourteen years (b. MA), D. Milton Hart, aged eleven years (b. MA), and J. Stanley Hart, aged six years (b. MA), and his mother-in-law, Elizabeth Denbroeder, aged eighty-two years (b. Holland).  Cisco W. Hart rented their house at 34 Hall Street. Annie Hart was the mother of four children, of whom four were still living.

Dana B. Hart, a farmer, aged forty-three years (b. NH), headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of twenty-four years), Mattie J. Hart, aged forty-three years (b. NH), his children, Bernice N. Hart, a servant (working out), aged twenty-two years (b. ME), Abbie B. Hart, aged fifteen years (b. ME), Mattie A. Hart, aged eight years (b. NH), and Donald B. Hart, aged three years (b. NH), and Sarah J. Stevens, a widow, aged seventy-eight years (b. NH). Dana B. Hart owned their farm on the Ridge Road, free-and-clear. Mattie J. Hart was the mother of four children, of whom four were still living. Sarah J. Stevens was the mother of five children, of whom five were still living.

Rainford W. Brown, a shoe factory heel compressor, aged forty-six years (b. Canada (Eng.)), headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of one year), Bernice H. Brown, a shoe factory buttonholer, aged thirty-four years (b. NH), and his boarder, Carl H. Wedgworth, aged fourteen months (b. NH). Rainford W. Brown rented their house on East Grove Street. He was an alien, having immigrated in 188[1 or 4].

Daniel Q. Hart, a widower, living on his own income, aged seventy-two years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. He owned his house at 13 Knight Street, free-and-clear. He seems to have sublet a part of it to the household of Edgar E. Seavey, own income, aged forty-three years (b. NH).

Daughter Pauline E. (Hart) Jones died of pneumonia (with pulmonary tuberculosis as a secondary cause) in Milton Mills, February 12, 1910, aged forty-four years, and three days.

LOCAL. Mrs. Lena Hart Jones, widow of Dr. Jones of Milton, passed away at her home in that town Sunday evening, of pneumonia, aged forty-four years. Mrs. Jones is survived by four children, the youngest two years old, and by two brothers, Delta and Dana Hart, and one sister, Mrs. Walter Brown, all of this town. The funeral was held at Milton Tuesday (Farmington News, [Friday,] February 18, 1910).

Son Mark A. Hart died in Arcata, CA, June 29, 1912, aged forty-nine years.

Brother Daniel Quimby Hart died of mitral regurgitation at the NH State Hospital in Concord, NH, September 29, 1916, aged seventy-nine years, eight months, and twenty-five days.

Son Warren Winslow Hart of Boston, MA, appeared in a Boston University alumni catalog of 1918.

SCHOOL OF LAW. Warren Winslow Hart, L.L.B., ’99’; pres. William E. Russell Club; Lawyer; Boston City, Appalachian Mountain and Alpine Golf (Canada) Clubs; New England Historical and Genealogical Soc. 53 State and 139 Worcester Sts., Boston, Mass.

Half-brother-in-law Menoah G. Glidden died in Belmont, NH, April 24, 1918, aged sixty-four years.

LOCAL. Walter R. Brown lost his family horse last Saturday (Farmington News, August 22, 1919).

Delta C. Hart, a shoe shop foreman, aged fifty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Minnie E. Hart, aged forty-nine years (b. ME). Delta C. Hart rented their apartment at 639 Central Avenue.

Cisco W. Hart, aged fifty-five years (b. NH), headed a Bridgewater, MA, household at the time of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Annie D. Hart, aged fifty-two years (b. MA), his children, Pauline E. Hart, a trust company clerk, aged twenty-four years (b. MA), D. Milton Hart, an order clerk for a wholesale leather co., aged twenty years (b. MA), and J. Stanley Hart, aged sixteen years (b. MA), and his lodgers, Samuel Norton, a trust company treasurer, aged thirty-three years (b. MA), and Estella Gummaw, a private secretary for a lawyer, aged twenty-six years (b. MA). Cisco W. Hart owned their house at 76 South Street, free-and-clear.

Dana B. Hart, a shoe shop foreman, aged fifty-two years (b. NH), headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Mattie J. Hart, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), and his children, Althea Bernice M. Hart, aged eighteen years (b. NH), and Donald B. Hart, aged thirteen years (b. NH). Dana B. Hart owned their farm on the Ridge Road, free-and-clear.

Walter R. [Rainford] Brown, a shoe factory foreman, aged fifty-five years (b. Canada), headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Bernice H. Brown, a shoe factory back stayer, aged forty-four years (b. NH). Walter R. Brown rented their house on North Main Street. He was an alien, having immigrated in 1883.

Daughter-in-law Mattie J. (Stevens) Hart died in Farmington, NH, March 22, 1922, aged sixty-four years.

IN MEMORIAM. Mrs. Mattie J. Hart. Mrs. Mattie J. Hart, wife of Dana D. Hart, succumbed to a long illness at her home early Wednesday evening. She was 64 years old and a native of Middleton. She was a daughter in a family of five children of Jonathan B. and Sarah J. (Garland) Stevens. Most of her life had been spent in Farmington where she had made many friends who remained true to the last. Mrs. Hart possessed the virtues of sympathy and charity and combined them admirably with a noble heart that cherished the fondest affection for those about her. She is survived by her husband, three daughters, Mrs. Ralph C. Jenkins of Now Durham, Mrs. Joseph Tierney of Lynn, Mass., and Miss Althea Hart of this town, one son, Donald Hart, two sisters, Mrs. Elmer Stevens of Salem, Mass., and Mrs. Belle Penney of Rochester, two brothers, Henry Stevens of New York and Frank B. Stevens of Dover and one grandchild, Dorothy Jenkins of New Durham. Funeral will be held from the home Saturday afternoon at 1.30, with Rev J.G. Haigh officiating. Remains will be taken to Farmington cemetery (Farmington News, March 24, 1922).

Half-sister Alice J. (Hart) Glidden died in Worcester, MA, May 2, 1922, aged sixty-two years.

Son Delta C. Hart died of chronic nephritis in Farmington, NH, March 27, 1926, aged sixty-four years, four months, and twenty-four days. He was a foreman in a stich room, who had resided in Farmington, NH, for fourteen years. J.L. McLaughlin signed the death certificate.

IN MEMORIAM. Delta C. Hart. Mr. Delta C. Hart passed away last Saturday morning after a long illness following influenza. For the last few weeks he had been critically ill, but his own courage to the end had given the hopefulness of his recovery to his family in spite of his serious condition. Mr. Hart was born in Milton, Nov. 3, 1862. His father was John F. Hart and his mother was Mary Abby (Twombly) Hart. He was married in 1886 to Mary E. Stanton in Milton. They had two children, a son, Benjamin Stanton, and a daughter, Bessie Bonita. In 1892 Mr. Hart lost his wife and son, and in 1895 was married to Minnie E. Knox of Lebanon, Me. In 1901 Mr. Hart came to this town as foreman of the stitching room for the firm that soon afterward was known as the Farmington Shoe Company. He remained with that company until it removed to Dover, where he went with it as super[intendent]. Mr. Hart had the stitching department. Except for two years when Mr. Hart had the stitching department for Sears Roebuck in Springvale, Maine, he worked with the Farmington Shoe Company until three years ago. This winter until December he was foreman at the Richard-Varney factory. As a workman he was faithful and skillful. He took pride in fine work and when it became a question of quality or quantity, he insisted upon quality. He gave the best of his life and energy to careful workmanship. His association with his employes was a pleasure to him, and now there are a great many people who feel his loss as the loss of a fine man in factory business, and as a fair and kind friend to those who worked for him. Mr. Hart was a deacon at the Congregational church in Milton. He was a member of the orders of Odd Fellows and Red Men. His greatest pleasure was in his family and home life and now his loss is mourned with deepest sorrow by his widow, Mrs. Minnie E. Hart, and his daughter, Bessie B. Hart. He is also survived by a sister, Mrs. Walter Brown of Milton, and two brothers, Dana Hart of this town and Cisco W. Hart of St. Petersburg, Florida. The funeral services were held in the Congregational church here at two o’clock on Tuesday, the Rev. Lewis E. Purdrum of the First Congregational church in Dover officiating, with Mrs. Clarence Sanborn as soloist (Farmington News, April 2, 1926).

R. WALTER BROWN HAS CURRENCY OF 1830. R. Walter Brown of this town is the possessor of an unusual specimen of currency not now in legal circulation, but nevertheless of considerable premium value. It is a perfectly preserved banknote of the Holyoke National bank of Holyoke Mass., issued to Thomas Currie, a local merchant in 1830. Further, it is significant to observe that the banknote is of the $3 denomination, and is numbered 103, showing that it is among the first issues of this specie from that bank. The bill is an heirloom, Mr. Brown having inherited it from his grandmother, Sarah Burns, who lived to the age of 75 years and passed away about forty years ago. The printing designs for currency in those days was considerably different from the present complicated patterns and apparently much easier to counterfeit from the fact of its simplicity. Only one side is printed and the other left blank so it is reasonable to suppose that the phrase, “face value,” originated as a coincident of this method of designing and printing currency. It is of further interest to note that the date, number and signature of the bank president appearing on the note are written in with pen and ink, so it is obvious that the treasury department furnished the various national banks with a supply of the various denominations and the bank officials adapted the number and the date to the transaction. While it is certain that this banknote has an antique, if not a premium value, Mr. Brown prefers to keep it as a curio and heirloom rather than convert it into legal tender of the present day (Farmington News, December 28, 1928).

Cisco W. Hart, a shoe factory sole sorter, aged sixty-six years (b. NH), headed a Bridgewater, MA, household at the time of the Fifteenth (1930) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of thirty-eight years), Annie D. Hart, aged sixty-two years (b. MA). Cisco W. Hart owned their house at 113 Park Avenue, which was valued at $7,000. They had a radio set.

Dana B. Hart, a shoe factory shoe operator, aged sixty-two years (b. NH), headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Fifteenth (1930) Federal Census. His household included his boarder, Antoine Martell, a farm laborer, aged forty-nine years (b. Canada (Fr.)). Dana B. Hart owned their house on the Ten Rod Road, which was valued at $1,000. Theor household appeared in the numeration next to that of Donald B. Hart, a farmer, aged twenty-three years (b. NH).

Charles E. Fullerton, aged seventy-nine years (b. NH), headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Fifteenth (1930) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Emma C. Fullerton, aged seventy-three years (b. NH), and his roomers, Walter R. Brown, a shoe factory cutter, aged sixty-six years (b. Canada (Eng.)), and Bernice Brown, a shoe factory stitcher, aged fifty-four years (b. NH). Charles E. Fullerton owned their house of Garfield Street, which was valued at $2,500.

Bernice B. (Hart) Brown died of lobar pneumonia on Garfield Street in Farmington, NH, March 4, 1931, aged fifty-four years, eleven months, and seven days. She had resided there for twenty-two years, having come there from New York, NY.

IN MEMOBIAM. Mrs. Walter Brown. Mrs. Bernice Hart Brown, wife of Walter Brown, succumbed to bronchial pneumonia Wednesday evening of this week after ten days of illness at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Fullerton where they made their home. The deceased was one of the most talented literary women of this locality and had been a respected resident of Farmington since her marriage to Mr. Brown 22 years ago. She was 55 years of age, a native of Milton, a descendent of one of the oldest families of that locality and the younger daughter among five children born to John and Mary Hart. She was educated in the public schools of her native town and graduated from Nute high school. Later she completed a course at the Bryant and Stratton Business college in Boston, and subsequently followed religious secretarial work in Boston for several years. She united with the Congregational church of Beverly, Mass., many years ago and remained a faithful member. For several years she had been employed in the stitching departments of the various local shoe factories. A devoted wife and firm friend, her passing will cause sincere sorrow. She is survived by her husband, two brothers, Cisco Hart of Bridgewater, Mass., and Dana Hart of Farmington and several nieces and nephews. Funeral will be held from the home Saturday afternoon at 1.30, with Rev. Stanley R. Hopper officiating (Farmington News, March 6, 1931).

Son-in-law Rainsford W. [i.e., Walter R.] Brown died of coronary sclerosis at Pleasant Street in Farmington, NH, April 5, 1932, aged sixty-eight years, one month, and twenty-six days. He was a widowed shoeworker. Albert E. Bascomb, M.D., signed the death certificate.

IN MEMORIAM. Walter R. Brown. Walter Raindsford Brown, a well-known citizen of this town, passed away at the home of Mr. I.O. Ricker on Pleasant street late Tuesday afternoon, after an acute illness that lasted one week. He was 68 years old, a native of St. Johns, N.B., one of several children born to Silas H. and Sarah C. Brown, and came to the state when a small boy. Mr. Brown was a man of education and ability and had filled responsible positions in New York and Philadelphia, before coming to Farmington about 25 years ago. During his local residence he was highly regarded and served as a stockroom foreman and operative in most of the local shoe manufacturing plants. He was a draftsman and artist of ability and a man of sterling character and honesty. Mr. Brown sustained the loss of his wife somewhat over a year ago and since her death had not enjoyed good health, although he kept to his usual industrious habits and was making plans for the future when he was taken critically ill. He is survived by one brother, David Brown of Montreal, and a sister-in-law, Mrs. Alice Brown of St. Johns, N.B., to whom he was most devoted. Funeral services will be held from the home of Mrs. Ricker on Saturday afternoon at 1.30, with Rev. Emery L. Wallace officiating. Interment will be in Farmington cemetery (Farmington News, April 8, 1932).

Daughter-in-law Minnie E. (Knox) Hart married (2nd) in Dover, NH, January 12, 1934, Albanus M. White, she of Lebanon, ME, and he of East Rochester, NH. She was at home, aged sixty-three years and he was a shoe operative, aged sixty-two years. Rev. Leon Morse performed the ceremony. White was born in Lebanon, ME, circa 1871, son of Martin V.B. and Martha (Blaisdell) White.

Son Cisco Wade Hart died in Bridgewater, MA, April 29, 1935, aged seventy-one years.

CISCO W. HART, 71, DIES IN BRIDGEWATER. BRIDGEWATER, April 29. – Cisco W. Hart, 71, died yesterday at his home on Park av. Mr. Hart had been a resident of the town for a number of years and formerly lived in East Weymouth. He was foreman for one of the departments at a shoe company. Mr. Hart was a member of Crescent Lodge, I.O.O.F., of East Weymouth. The funeral will take place tomorrow afternoon at a local funeral parlor, and burial will be in Fairmount Cemetery, East Weymouth (Boston Globe, April 29, 1935).

Son Dana Byron Hart died of pneumonia and endocarditis in Rochester, NH, November 27, 1941, aged seventy-four years, four months, and twenty-eight days. He was a widowed shoe-worker.

IN MEMORIAM. Dana Byron Hart. Dana Byron Hart, aged 74, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Lucien Boucher, of Rochester last Thursday evening following a short illness. Mr. Hart was born in Milton the son of John and Mary (Twombly) Hart and for the past forty years has been a resident of Farmington where he had been well-known shoeworker and for a long time was a soleleather foreman. Among other achievements during his long life, Mr. Hart owned and worked a large farm in the New Durham Ridge section if the town. The deceased formerly was a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge, of Farmington and also a member of the Red Men in Milton. Surviving relatives include three daughters, Mrs. Ralph Jenkins of New Durham, Mrs. Joseph Tierney of Lynn, Mass., Mrs. Lucien Boucher of Rochester; one son, Donald Hart of Farmington, and eight grandchildren. Funeral services were held last Saturday afternoon at the Otis funeral parlor, with Rev. Robert Bracey of New Durham officiating and burial was at Farmington cemetery (Farmington News, December 5, 1941).

Son Warren W. Hart died in Bryantville, Pembroke, MA, August 28, 1943, aged seventy-five years.

Death Notices. HART – In Bryantville, August 28, Warren W. Hart of Boston, age 75 years. Funeral services at his late home, Plymouth St., Bryantville, on Wednesday September 1, at 2 p.m. Interment in Bryantville. Train leaves Boston for Whitman at 12:15. Cars at Whitman station. Trains leave South Hanson for Boston at 3:55 p.m. (Boston Globe, August 31, 1943).

IN MEMORIAM. Warren W. Hart. Friends of Warren W. Hart, former resident of Milton and Alton, regret to learn of his death which occurred at his summer home in Bryantville, Mass., Saturday, August 28. Mr. Hart was born in Milton, February 28, 1868. Before going to Massachusetts, where he made his home, he also lived for a time near Stockbridge Corner near Alton. He was a graduate Dartmouth College and Boston University Law School and was a practicing attorney in Boston for many years. He is survived by one sister, one brother and three nieces. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, September 1. Burial was in Bryantville, Mass. (Farmington News, September 10, 1943).

Daughter-in-law Anna M. (Denbroeder) Hart died in St. Petersburg, FL, October 2, 1953, aged eighty-six years.

OBITUARIES. Mrs. Annie D. Hart; Moved Here In 1935. Mrs. Annie Denbroeder Hart, resident of St. Petersburg since 1935 when she moved here from Bridgewater, Mass., died last night at her home, 5702 26th Avenue South. Mrs. Hart, 86, was the wife of the late Cisco Wade Hart. She was a member of the First Congregation Church, St. Petersburg. Surviving are three sons, Francis D. Hart, Del Mar, Cal., Dana M. Hart, West Dennis, Mass., and John S. Hart, Bridgewater, Mass.; a daughter, Mrs. Charles W. Burrill, Brockton, Mass.; and four brothers, Jacob, South Weymouth, Mass., Will and Charles of East Weymouth, Mass., and Louis Denbroeder, Brookfield, Mass. The funeral party will leave this morning for services and burial in East Weymouth. John S. Rhoades, Inc., is in charge of local arrangements (Tampa Bay Times, October 3, 1953).

Daughter-in-law Minnie E. ((Knox) Hart) White died of circulatory failure at Frisbie Hospital in Rochester, NH, October 12, 1954, aged eighty-four years, two months.

IN MEMORIAM. MRS. MINNIE E. WHITE. Mrs. Minnie E. White of Lebanon, Me., aged 86 years, widow of Albanus White, died Tuesday October 12, at the Frisbie hospital in Rochester. Mrs. White formerly lived in Farmington and was an occasional visitor here as long as she was able. She leaves a daughter, Miss Bessie Hart of Brockton, Mass., a brother, Leslie Knox of Center Lebanon, Me., and a sister, Mrs. Nettie Lord, also of Center Lebanon. Funeral services were held Friday afternoon from the East Rochester Baptist church, with the Rev. Ralph Townsend officiating. Burial was in Prospect Hill cemetery, Lebanon, Me. (Farmington News, October 22, 1954).

References:

Find a Grave. (2020, September 6). Albert Nathaniel Hart. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/215292806/albert-nathaniel-hart

Find a Grave. (2020, September 6). Bernice A. Hart. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/215296370/annie-bernice-hart

Find a Grave. (2018, September 1). Betsey Cornell Hart. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/192744508/betsey-hart

Find a Grave. (2020, September 6). Betsey Cornell [Downs] Hart. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/215292643/betsey-hart

Find a Grave. (2012, August 25). Cisco W. Hart. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/95909952/cisco-w-hart

Find a Grave. (2016, November 16). Daniel Quimby Hart. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/172836541/daniel-quimby-hart

Find a Grave. (2011, February 28). Delta C. Hart. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/66261786/delta-c.-hart

Find a Grave. (2020, September 6). John Francis Hart. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/215294543/john-francis-hart

Find a Grave. (2020, September 6). Hannah Susan Hart. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/215293728/hannah-susan-hart

Find a Grave. (2017, August 17). Mark Albert Hart. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/182482861/mark-albert-hart

Find a Grave. (2020, September 8). Mark Hunking Hart. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/215292430/mark-hunking-hart

Find a Grave. (2020, September 6). Mark H. Hart [Jr.]. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/215294073/mark-h-hart

Find a Grave. (2020, September 6). Mary Jane Hart. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/215294004/mary-jane-hart

Find a Grave. (2020, September 6). Sarah Abigail Hart. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/215293844/sarah-abigail-hart

Find a Grave. (2020, September 6). Sarah Elizabeth Hart. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/215292835/sarah-elizabeth-hart

Find a Grave. (2020, September 6). Sophia Elizabeth Hart. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/215293261/sophia-elizabeth-hart

Find a Grave. (2015, June 30). Warren W. Hart. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/148464036/warren-w-hart

Find a Grave. (2020, October 21). Lydia A. Hart Remick. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/217546799/lydia-a-remick

Find a Grave. (2013, March 4). Mary J. Hart Watson. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/106148022/mary-j-watson

Find a Grave. (2021, November 21). Minnie E. Knox White. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/234197228/minnie-e-white

By Muriel Bristol | July 10, 2022

Beard Plummer was born in Rochester, NH, August 12, 1754, son of John and Elizabeth (Titcomb) Plummer.

Beard Plummer, son of John and Elizabeth Titcomb Plummer, was born in Rochester, N.H., to which place his father had moved from Newbury [MA] (Scales, 1914).

(His surname was usually rendered as “Plumer” in these early years, and “Plummer” only later. His unusual Christian name, and those of the many namesakes that would follow him, is rendered in the records as “Beard” and, later, “Bard.” It originated as “Beard,” which was the surname of his paternal grandmother, Elizabeth Beard, wife of Richard Plumer, as well as her relatives, i.e., his Beard uncles, aunts, and cousins).

(His known siblings were Elizabeth Plummer (1750–1841), Joseph Plumer (1752–1821), and John Plumer (1761–1824)).

Mother Elizabeth (Titcomb) Plummer died in Rochester, NH, January 28, 1770, aged forty-one years.

Father John Plumer married (2nd), circa 1770, Lydia ((Waterhouse) Colby) Dennett, he of Rochester, NH, and she of Portsmouth, NH. She was born in Portsmouth, NH, circa 1727-28, daughter of Timothy and Ruth (Moses) Waterhouse. She had married (1st) in Portsmouth, NH, August 23, 1747, Spencer Colby (1725-1751); (2nd) in Kittery, ME, February 24, 1751, Ephraim Dennett (1718-1770); and (3rd) John Plumer (1719-1815). She had a son, Jeremiah Dennett (1752-1818), who became a stepbrother to Beard Plumer and his siblings.

One of the ship masters employed by Sir Wm. Pepperell was Capt. [Spencer] Colby, who married Lydia Waterhouse. More than ninety years ago she became a widow, and afterwards was married to Ephraim Dennett, and resided at the above old mansion on Christian-shore [in Portsmouth, NH].
Years rolled on, and she again found herself a widow. Like a good housewife, in those days when no factories were in operation, she kept her flock of sheep, and attended to the various processes of converting their product into cloth; and her fame extended beyond the limits of the town. Near the house is a good spring which still flows on as of old. It was a time for wool washing. Laying aside the widow’s weeds, dressed in a leather apron, a man’s broad-brim hat, and other apparel to match she was washing her wool at the spring, when a stranger on horseback approached, and inquired for the residence of the widow Dennett. Nothing daunted, she pointed to the house, directed him to the front door, while she stepped round and entered the back way. He was not long in waiting before the lady of the house in comely apparel appeared.
The gentleman introduced himself as John Plummer of Rochester. He had heard of her good reputation, said perhaps it was too soon to come a courting, but would ask the privilege in proper time of proposing himself to her favorable consideration. In due time Judge Plummer came again, and they were married. They lived happily together many years, and their grave stones in Rochester record the ages of each at about ninety years.
Whether he ever inquired who it was he found washing wool at the spring, we have never been informed. If the events at the well where Rebecca was found were sufficient importance to be perpetuated, there is certainly enough of the primitive simplicity in the meeting at that spring to keep it in lasting remembrance by the descendants of that respectable family. To us, whenever we pass the premises – or are reminded of its history by seeing the elevated old mansion even across the millpond – there ever appears the vision of the Judge on his horse, and the industrious widow disguised under her broad-brim and leathern apron (Brewster, 1878). 

Sister Elizabeth Plumer married December 25, 1770, Aaron Wingate, she of Rochester, NH. He was born in Dover, NH, November 23, 1744, [twin] son of John and Sarah (Ricker) Wingate.

The Hon. Aaron Wingate settled in Farmington when it was almost a wilderness. He was a gentleman of distinguished ability, a sober, grave, judicious, man; for many years a member of the legislature; a counselor from 1797 to 1803; and for a succession of years, chief justice of the common pleas in Strafford county (Mitchell-Cony, 1908).

Beard and Joseph Plumer, sons of John Plumer of Rochester, also settled at the [Plummer’s] Ridge, and may have been residents here even prior to the [c1771-72] arrival of Mr. [Benjamin] Scates (Mitchell-Cony, 1908).

He [Beard Plumer] himself moved from Rochester to the town of Milton and located on what has since been the Plummer homestead. The old house, still standing, was remodeled in 1848, the clapboards and the nails all being hand-made. At the time Beard Plummer arrived there were but few families in the town, the accommodations were primitive and their hardships many.

New Hampshire’s last Royal Governor, John Wentworth (1737-1820), appointed father John Plumer as a Justice of the Court of Common Pleas in 1773. They were said to have been friends. (Gov. Wentworth fled the province in 1775).

Hon. John Plumer was the first magistrate in the town [of Rochester, NH]. Governor Wentworth appointed him Justice of the Court of Common Pleas for Strafford county in 1773; the Provincial Congress reappointed him in 1776, and he held the office until 1795, when he resigned; during the later years of his service he was Chief Justice (Scales, 1914).

Beard Plummer was among the one hundred ninety-eight men who signed the revolutionary Association Test in Rochester, NH, June 1, 1776. (Brother Joseph and their father, Barnabas Plummer, signed also, as did Samuel Plummer, and Thomas Plummer).

WE, the Subscribers, do hereby solemnly engage, and promise, that we will, to the utmost of our Power, at the Risque of our Lives and Fortunes, with ARMS, oppose the Hostile Proceedings of the British Fleets, and Armies, against the United American COLONIES (Batchellor, 1910).

Twenty-two Rochester men “refused” to sign. Another twenty-two Rochester Friends, i.e., “Quakers,” did not “choose” to sign, i.e., they were conscientious objectors.

Beard Plummer received £12 19s 7d for his service in Capt. John Hill’s company, in Col. Joshua Wingate’s Regiment, when it served with the Continental army in Rhode Island, in August 1778. Col. Wingate’s regiment was a part of Gen. John Sullivan’s Rhode Island expedition.

In the Summer of 1778, the French fleet, France having become our ally, was to attack, in concert with Gen. Sullivan, the British forces at Newport, R.I. A call upon the militia of New England to take part in the “Rhode Island Expedition” brought to the standard of Sullivan an army of 10,000 men. Col. Wingate led a regiment, partly of Madbury men, to the expedition, they going as Volunteers. A storm dispersed the fleets, both of British and of French, and Gen. Sullivan, thus left alone and finding it unsafe to remain longer, retreated, was pursued and attacked, but, gallantly resisting, repulsed the British. Then with face to the foe he beat a safe and discreet retreat (Wingate, 1886).

Captain Hills’ account included also a charge for thirty horses at £10 apiece. (There were thirty soldiers in his muster list). The soldiers were paid an additional two days’ wages to allow for their travel home after being discharged in Rhode Island.

Brother Joseph Plumer married in Rochester, NH, November 30, 1778, Hannah Bickford, both of Rochester, NH. She was born in 1756.

(Their known children were Betsy Plumer (1779–1815), who married Levi Jones, Sally Plumer (1782–1782), John Plumer (1785–1796), and Hannah Plumer (1788–1800)).

Beard Plummer married in Rochester, NH, September 7, 1780, Susanna Ham. She was born in Rochester, NH, October 9, 1762, daughter of Captain Jonathan and Elizabeth (Ham) Ham.

This hardy pioneer married Susannah Ham and their children were Jonathan, Enoch, Joseph, Betsy, John, Susan, and Bard (Scales, 1914).

(Their known children would be Jonathan Plumer (1782–), Enoch Plumer (1784–1824), Joseph Plumer (1786–1826), Betsy Plumer (1788–1885), John Plumer (1791–1817), Susan Plumer (1795-1829), and Beard Plumer (1797-1817).

Son Jonathan Plumer was born in Rochester, NH, May 6, 1782. Son Enoch Plumer was born in Rochester, NH, May 31, 1784. Son Joseph Plumer was born in Rochester, NH, August 13, 1786. Daughter Betsy Plumer was born in Rochester, NH, September 26, 1788.

Beard Plummer headed a Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, household at the time of the First (1790) Federal Census. His household included two males aged 16-plus years, four females, and four males aged under-16 years. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Timothy Gerrish and Joseph Plummer. (See also Northeast Parish in the First (1790) Federal Census).

Father John Plummer headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the First (1790) Federal Census. His household included four males aged 16-plus years, four females, and one male aged under-16 years. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Isaac Brown and Benja Odiorne. (See also Northeast Parish in the First (1790) Federal Census).

Stepbrother Jeremiah Dennett of Portsmouth, NH, had a good harvest that year.

PORTSMOUTH, Nov. 4. On a piece of land owned by Jeremiah Dennett, Esq., of this town, which is rather short of eight rods, was raised this season, apples to make nine barrels and half of cyder, eight bushels peas, four bushels potatoes, three bushels and an half quinces, two bushels of beans and four hundred of good hay (Vermont Journal (Windsor, VT), December 28, 1790).

Beard Plumer was one of one hundred eighty-three inhabitants of Dover, Rochester, Somersworth, Barrington, and other places that petitioned the NH legislature, in January 1791, seeking a replacement Cocheco River bridge near the lower falls at Dover, NH. It would connect again the public road running from Portsmouth to Rochester and the “Upper Towns.” Prior bridges had been swept away by freshets in 1772 and 1785. Since the most recent bridge loss in the “memorable” freshet of October 1785, which took out many bridges, those seeking to cross the river at Dover had been obliged to travel much greater distance – and that involving a large hill – to the lower bridge near the landing.

… But in addition to these inconveniencies it Very frequently happens from the great Quantity of Lumber hauled to the landing that the lower road is in fact so Crowded with Teams that it is Difficult for horses & almost impracticable for Carriages to pass that way.

The petitioners suggested a lottery to finance the new bridge. They estimated its cost at about £300. Benjamin Scates, Ezekiel Hayes, and John Plumer signed also. (See also Salmon Falls Sawmill Petition – 1797 and Milton Road Weight Petition – 1816).

Son John Plumer was born in Rochester, NH, April 25, 1791.

Beard Plumer was a subscriber of the Rochester Social Library in 1792, as were Levi Jones, Jotham Nute, Barnabas Palmer, Lt. William Palmer, and Joseph Walker (McDuffee, 1892).

Father-in-law Captain Jonathan Ham died in Rochester, NH, in 1793.

David Corson, husbandman, of Rochester, for 40 pounds money, provisionally conveyed to Beard Plumer, husbandman, of Rochester, land in Rochester drawn to original right of Tobias Hanson, Lot # 66, 3rd Division, containing 140 acres, with the provision that if the above amount is paid with interest by September 24, next, this deed becomes void. The deed was witnessed by Joseph Clark and Anna Clark; deed dated on June 4, 1793, and recorded on June 25, 1793. The loan was paid off on January 3, 1794. (Strafford [County Deeds], 16:195/197, 1793) (Colson, 1991).

Daughter Susan Plumer was born in Rochester, NH, March 21, 1795.

In a later [1844] court case, ownership of the Fernald lot in Milton would be in question. A recitation of its neighboring Denbow lot owners in 1795 included Beard Plumer and his brother, Joseph Plumer.

In relation to the “Fernald lot,” it appeared that in 1795 Samuel Palmer, Beard Plumer and Joseph Plumer, senior, owned and occupied the Denbow lot, as tenants in common; Palmer owning one half and the Plumers each one quarter (NH Supreme Court, 1851). 

Beard Plumer was a Rochester, NH, selectman in the years 1797-99.

Beard Plumer was one of twenty-four petitioners from Wakefield, Rochester & Dover, as well as Massachusetts, that signed the Salmon Falls sawmill petition of June 1797. (See Salmon Falls Sawmill Petition – 1797).

Son Beard Plumer, Jr., was born in Rochester, NH, August 8, 1797.

Beard Plumer and two other Rochester selectmen, Richard Dame and Joshua Allen, petitioned for incorporation of Rochester’s First [(Congregational)] Parish, June 3, 1799. (See also Milton Congregational Society Petition – 1814).

Humbly shew ~ The subscribers, Selectmen of the town of Rochester for the year 1799, that the Congregational Society in the town of Rochester, commonly called the first parish in said town, has always hitherto been and continued unincorporated; that many inconveniences result to them from their continuing in that situation ~
Wherefore they pray that an act for the purpose of incorporating said parish, by the name of the First parish in Rochester, may be passed under such regulations as you in your wisdom may think reasonable and just and as in duty bound will ever pray ~
Rochester, June 3, 1799.
Richd Dame, Beard Plumer, Joshua Allen { In behalf of said town and Selectmen of the same  

Beard Plummer headed a Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Susanna (Ham) Plummer], two males aged 16-25 years, two females aged 16-25 years, one male aged 10-15 years, one female aged 10-15 years, two males aged under-10 years, and one female aged under-10 years. (See also Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

Father John Plumer headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years, one female aged 45-plus years, one male aged 26-44 years, one female aged 26-44 years, one male aged 16-25 years, one female aged 16-25 years, two males aged 10-15 years, and one female aged 10-15 years.

Beard Plumer was the moderator at Milton’s first Town Meeting, August 30, 1802.

The first town meeting in Milton was called by William Palmer, Esq., and held at the dwelling-house of Lieut. Elijah Horn (now the dwelling house of Lewis B. Twombly) on the 30th day of August 1802, at which meeting Beard Plumer was chosen moderator; Gilman Jewett, town clerk; and William Palmer, John Fish, John Remick, Jr., selectmen (Hurd, 1882).

This meeting convened at the tavern of Lieut. Elijah Horne, August 30, 1802, only a short time after the charter, which gave Milton its independent existence, had been signed by Governor Gilman. This instrument had been granted at the June session of the legislature of New Hampshire at the petition and largely through the efforts of Capt. Beard Plumer, one of the representatives from Rochester, who, with others, felt that the time had come for Milton to sever the ties which bound her to the mother town (Mitchell-Cony, 1908).

Susanna (Ham) Plummer died in Milton, February 20, 1803.

Beard Plumer was Milton’s first NH State Representative in 1803. He was succeeded by John Fish for the year 1804.

Beard Plummer married (2nd) in Dunbarton, NH, circa March 1804, Achsah Page, he of Milton and she of Dunbarton, NH. She was born in Dunbarton, NH, September 25, 1759, daughter of Jeremiah and Sarah (Merrill) Page.

MARRIED. At Dunbarton, Beard Plumer, Esq., of Milton, to Miss Achsah Page, daughter of the Hon. Jeremiah Page, of Dunbarton (NH Courier (Concord, NH), April 4, 1804).

Beard Plumer was a member of the Milton meetinghouse committee in 1804. (See also Milton Congregational Society Petition – 1814).

The first meetinghouse in Milton was erected on the Ridge in accordance with a vote passed at the annual meeting in 1802. John Fish, Beard Plumer and Gilman Jewett, were the executive committee. The lot on which the building was erected was purchased of Thomas and Aaron Downes for $26. The meetinghouse was completed at a cost of about $2,400, by Caleb Wingate, Capt. Daniel Hayes and Gilman Jewett. The net cost of the church, however, was not so large, as the pews were sold for nearly $2,000. The first service was held in 1804 and from that time until after 1830, the meetinghouse was constantly in use. The first preachers to occupy the pulpit were Rev. Gideon Burt and Rev. Christopher Page both of whom were here in 1804 (Mitchell-Cony, 1908).

Beard Plumer was Milton’s NH State Representative in 1805-08. (John Fish had replaced him in that position in 1804 and would succeed him again in 1809-10).

Beard Plumer was one of forty-seven men that petitioned the NH legislature, June 17, 1807, for incorporation “for the purpose of Uniting the waters of the Winnipissiokie Pond [Lake Winnipesaukee] with that branch of the Piscataqua, called Dover River, by means of Locks, Canals and Slips.” This never happened, but these men certainly dreamt big.

Daughter Betsy Plumer married in Wakefield, NH, September 9, 1807, Joshua G. Hall, she of Milton and he of Wakefield, NH. Rev. Asa Piper performed the ceremony. Hall was born in Wakefield, NH, July 19, 1779, son of Samuel and Bridget (Gilman) Hall.

NH Governor John Langdon gave an address which, among other things, spoke in favor of the Federal Embargo Act of 1807. The NH House prepared a resolution urging the Governor to instead oppose the shipping embargo. The House Speaker ruled it out of order, December 2, 1808, and a vote was taken on his ruling. Rep. Beard Plumer voted with those that disagreed with the Speaker, and their vote prevailed, by 89 to 71 votes. Rep. Plumer then voted with those that favored the resolution opposing the Embargo, which passed 96-68. US President Thomas Jefferson, who was the source of the embargo, and NH Governor Langdon were both Democratic-Republicans, i.e., Democrats (although then called Republicans), as was Rep. Plumer. Rep. Plumer would run for the NH Senate in the next biennium.

Beard Plummer of Milton received an appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, December 12, 1808.

Capt. Bard Plumer of Milton appeared in a list of those who had letters awaiting them at the post office in Burlington, VT, in January 1809. As he lived in Milton, NH, rather than Milton, VT, it was not likely he would have picked it up there, nor to have been even aware of its presence there. (“List of Letters Remaining in the Post Office at Burlington, Vermont, which will be sent to the General Post Office at Washington City, unless called for on or before the first day of April next”) (Sentinel & Democrat (Burlington, VT), January 20, 1809).

Beard Plummer of Milton was a NH State Senator (for the district that included Milton (District 5)) from June 1809 through June 1813. He had been preceded by Richard Dame of Rochester, NH, and would be succeeded by Jonas C. March (1764-1820) of Rochester, NH

.… Mr. Plummer was the first senator chosen to represent the town of Milton (Scales, 1914).

At his time, both parties presented themselves as being Republicans. They were styled the Federalist Republicans, i.e., Federalists, and the Democratic Republicans, i.e., Republicans, although their successors, in terminology at least, would be called Democrats. Sen. Plumer, Esq., was a Democratic Republican.

Beard Plumer was one of twenty-three Strafford County residents that petitioned the NH Governor and Council, January 31, 1810, seeking appointment of Amos Cogswell, Esq., as Strafford County sheriff. Col. Amos Cogswell (1752-1826), Esq., of Dover, NH, was a Massachusetts native. He had been a Revolutionary officer, beginning as a 2nd lieutenant and rising to the rank of brevet major by the end of the war. (His rank of colonel was his post-war militia rank).

Cogswell represented Dover in the New Hampshire House of Representatives from 1807 to 1810, in 1812, 1814, and 1815, and perhaps in other years; was in the State Senate, 1818, 1819, and 1820 and was one of the Presidential electors in 1816 (Wentworth, 1878).

Cogswell was a Democratic-Republican, who were then termed Republicans, but who would now be called Democrats. Theodore C. Lyman, Levi Jones, and William Jones signed also.

Beard Plummer headed a Milton household at the time of the Second (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one female aged 45-plus years, one male aged 26-44 years, two males aged 16-25 years, two females aged 16-25 years, one male aged 10-15 years, and one female aged 10-15 years. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Joseph Plummer and Peter Gerrish.

Father John Plummer, Esqr, headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included two males aged 45-plus years, one female aged 45-plus years, one male aged 16-25 years, one female aged 16-25 years, one male aged 10-15 years, and one female aged 10-15 years. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Benjan Hayes and Jonathan Heard.

Son Joseph Plumer, Jr., married in Hampton Falls, NH, October 8, 1810, Sally Brown, he of Milton and she of Hampton Falls, NH. Rev. Jacob Abbott performed the ceremony. She was born 1785, daughter of Nathan and Miriam (Smith) Brown.

Joseph Plummer, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, married Sally Brown and the names of their children were Jonathan, Caroline, Enoch W., Bard, Joseph, and Sarah. All were reared on the home farm (Scales, 1914).

Sister-in-law Mrs. Hannah (Bickford) Plumer died in Milton, in February 1811.

Beard Plumer was a Milton selectman in 1811, with William Palmer and John Remick, Jr.

Stepmother Lydia ((Waterhouse) (Colby) Dennett) Plumer died in Rochester, NH, August 4, 1812, aged eighty-four years.

Beard Plummer of Milton received a renewal of his appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, November 5, 1813. (He would live to complete only three years of this final five-year term).

Beard Plumer signed the Milton Congregational Society petition of June 1814. His brother, Joseph Plumer, signed also. (See Milton Congregational Society Petition – 1814).

Father John Plummer died in Rochester, NH, in 1815, aged ninety-six years.

DIED. In Rochester, N.H., Hon. John Plummer, aged 96 years (Columbian Centinel (Boston, MA), November 29, 1815).

Beard Plummer of Milton was elected again as a NH State Senator (for the district that included Milton (District 5)) from June 1816 until his death. He died before he could complete this final term. He had been preceded by Jonas C. March (1764-1820) of Rochester, NH, and would be succeeded by Col. Amos Cogswell (1752-1826), Esq., of Dover, NH.

Due to a volcanic eruption in Asia in the prior year, the year 1816 would be known in New England (and the world) as the infamous “Year Without a Summer.”

The whole face of nature appeared shrouded in gloom. The lamps of heaven kept their orbits, but their light was cheerless. The bosom of the earth on a mid-summer day was covered with a wintry mantle; and man, and beast, and bird, sickened at the prospect. On the 6th of June the snow fell several inches deep, followed by a cold, frosty night, and on the two following days, snow fell and frost continued. On the 11th of July a deep and deadly frost came which killed most vegetables; corn which had the appearance of maturity was destitute of its natural taste or substance; rye was good and supplied the article of bread for the inhabitants (Wadleigh, 1913).

Beard Plumer, Esq., of Milton made his last will in Milton, October 5, 1816. He devised a life estate in a chamber and another room in his new house, along with support, to Achsah Plumer. He devised $100 to his son, Enoch Plummer; $1 to granddaughter Mary Plummer (daughter of deceased son Jonathan Plummer), and an additional $99 when she became eighteen years of age; $500 to daughter Betsy Hall (wife of Joshua G. Hall); $500 to daughter Susanna Plummer, along with $300 worth of neat stock and furniture, and two feather beds and bedding; land in Milton, and a half a pew on the “town floor” of the Milton Meeting-House, to son Joseph Plumer; $600 to son Beard Plumer when he became twenty-one years of age; and a one eighth and one-half share of a one-eighth share of Lot #120 in the Fourth Division (purchased of Joseph Plumer, Jr.), and the use of his “wall pew” in the Milton Meeting-House. He named his two sons, Joseph Plumer and John Plumer, as executors. Joseph Plumer, Ann Nutter, and Levi Jones signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 17:525).

Beard Plummer died in Milton, October 7, 1816, aged sixty-two years.

OBITUARY. In Milton, New Hampshire, Hon. Beard Plumer, aged 62 (Christian Disciple (Boston, MA), November 1816).

His last will was proved in a Strafford County Probate court held at Dover, NH, October 23, 1816 (Strafford County Probate, 17:525). Achsah Plumer, widow of Beard Plumer, Esq., late of Milton, waived her bequest as set out in his will, and requested instead to have her dower assigned to her as if he had died intestate (Strafford County Probate, 17:529).

NEW-HAMPSHIRE. … In the Senate of this State there are of the Legislature, two vacancies, one occasioned by the acceptance of a judiciary appointment by the Hon. B. Badger, and the other by the decease of the Hon. Beard Plumer. These vacancies are likely to occasion some embarrassment in the government of that state. They are required by the constitution to be filled by election by the other House, from the two remaining highest candidates in their several districts. In each of the present cases it is said that the highest remaining candidates are federalists, so that the other House, though democratic, will be under the necessity of supplying the vacancies with federalists, an event which would destroy the predominance of the democratic party in the Senate, and give the federalists a check upon the proceedings. Another report is, that there are no two highest candidates in either distinct, all the votes in each being given to one man, except that two other persons in each district had each one vote (Burlington Gazette (Burlington, VT), December 5, 1816).

Brother John Plumer of Rochester, NH, made his last will, June 20, 1817. He devised $100 to John Plumer Dennett of Portsmouth, NH; $100 to John P. Plumer March, son of the late Jonas C. March, Esq., of Rochester, NH; and all the rest and remainder to his son, John Plumer, 3d, who he also named as executor. John McDuffee, Benjamin Hayes, and Abigail McDuffee witnessed his signature (Strafford County Probate, 32:113). John Plumer Dennett (1785-1867), son of stepbrother Jeremiah Dennett, was a step-grandson and namesake of Judge John Plumer (1719-1815). John Plumer March. (1811-1897), son of Jonas C. and Lydia (Wingate) March, was a grandson of Elizabeth (Plumer) Wingate and great grandson of John Plumer.

Son Beard Plummer, Jr., died in Milton, September 5, 1817, aged twenty years. Son John Plummer [“Jr.”] died in Milton, September 25, 1817, aged twenty-six years.

Daughter Susan Plummer married in Milton, July 25, 1819, Adam Brown, she of Milton and he of Wolfeboro, NH. Levi Jones, Justice-0f-the-Peace, performed the ceremony. Brown was born in Ossipee, NH, January 9, 1793, son of Moses and Lydia (Kimball) Brown.

Son Enoch Plummer died in New Geneva, PA, March 24, 1820, aged thirty-five years.

Brother Joseph Plumer died April 27, 1821, aged sixty-nine years. (For details of his last will see Milton Taverner Levi Jones (1771-1847)).

Brother-in-law Aaron Wingate died in Farmington, NH, in May 1822, aged seventy-eight years.

DIED. In Farmington, N.H., Hon. Aaron Wingate, Judge in the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Strafford, N.H., aged 78 years (Columbian Centinel (Boston, MA), May 9, 1822).

Hon. Aaron Wingate, for many years a member of the legislature, a counsellor from 1797 to 1803, and for sometime chief-justice of the common pleas in Strafford, died here in 1822, aged 78 years (New England Gazetteer, 1839).

Judge Wingate left a worthy family. Madam Wingate survived her husband a number of years (Wyatt, 1854).

Achsah (Page) Plumer married (2nd) in Dunbarton, NH, April 18, 1822, Enoch Coffin, she of Dunbarton, NH, and he of Concord, NH. Rev. Walter Harris, V.D.M.

MARRIAGES. Mrs. Achsah Plummer, widow of Hon. Beard Plummer, married Capt. Enoch Coffin of Concord, N.H., in Dunbarton, N.H. (Columbian Centinel (Boston, MA), May 22, 1822). 

Mother-in-law Elizabeth (Ham) Ham died in October 1822.

Brother John Plumer died in Rochester, NH, in 1824, aged sixty-three years. His last will was proved in Strafford County Probate court, May 17, 1824 (Strafford County Probate, 32:114).

DIED. In Rochester, N.H., John Plumer, aged 63 years (Columbian Centinel (Boston, MA, May 22, 1824).

Son Joseph Plumer of Milton, husbandman, made his last will, June 18, 1825. He devised $1,000, his horse and chaise, and his household furniture, excepting that furniture otherwise devised, to his beloved wife, Sally Plumer. He devised a life estate in a lower front room and chamber in his house to his wife, Sally Plumer, and daughters, Caroline Plumer and Sarah Plumer. He devised his real estate, excepting the rooms mentioned already, to his sons, Enoch W. Plumer and Joseph Plumer, when they reached the age of twenty-one years; and his sawmill right, when they reached the age of twenty years. He devised $3,000 to his second son, Bard Plumer. He devised $1,000 and a featherbed to his eldest daughter, Caroline Plumer, when she either married or reached the age of twenty-one years. He devised all the rest and remainder to his children, Enoch W. Plumer, Joseph Plumer, Bard Plumer, Caroline Plumer, and Sarah Plumer. He named his brother-in-law, Joshua G. Hall, as guardian of his minor children. He named his wife, Sarah Plumer, as executrix. Levi Jones, Levi Wentworth, and Joseph P. Jones signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 34:24).

Son Joseph Plummer died in Milton, January 3, 1826, aged forty-one [or thirty-nine] years. His last will was proved in Strafford County Probate court, January 26, 1826 (Strafford County Probate, 34:26).

DIED. In Milton, on the 3d inst., Mr. Joseph Plumer, son of Hon. Beard Plumer, aged 39. The deceased was one of the most useful and respectable inhabitants of the town. He has left an afflicted wife, a family of young children, and an extensive circle of friends and relations, to lament their loss.

Daughter Susan (Plummer) Brown died in Ossipee, NH, November 15, 1829, aged thirty-five years.

Sister Elizabeth (Plummer) Wingate died in 1841. Achsah ((Page) Plummer) Coffin died in Dunbarton, NH, September 30, 1841.

Daughter-in-law Frances ((Wheat) Plummer) Fitch died in Morgantown, WV, April 18, 1861, aged sixty-eight years. Son-in-law Joshua G. Hall died in Wakefield, NH, November 13, 1862. Daughter-in-law Sally (Brown) Plumer died in Milton, July 25, 1867, aged eighty-two years

Son-in-Law Adam Brown died in Wolfeboro, NH, November 25, 1880.

Daughter Betsy (Plummer) Hall died in Wakefield, NH, August 9, 1885.

References:

Batchellor, Albert S. (1910). Miscellaneous Revolutionary Documents of New Hampshire: Including the Association Test, the Pension Rolls, and Other Important Papers. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=MIhQAQAAIAAJ&pg=PA127

Brewster, Charles W. (1878). Rambles about Portsmouth. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=fHIUAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA345

Claremont Manufacturing Co. (1851). New Hampshire Register and Farmer’s Almanac. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=rgEXAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA27

Colson. David. (1991). Descendants of Cornelius Cursonwhit of Dover, New Hampshire. Leesburg, VA: TAL Publications.

Find a Grave. (2012, July 6). Susan Plummer Brown. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/93127926/susan-plummer-brown

Find a Grave. (2013, March 23). Achsah Page Plummer Coffin. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/107137685/achsah-plummer_coffin

Find a Grave. (2004, February 19). Frances [Wheat Plummer] Fitch. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/8405152/frances-fitch

Find a Grave. (2020, April 25). John Plumer March. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/209485252/john-plumer-march

Find a Grave. (2014, May 21). Betsey Plumer Hall. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/130124830/betsey-hall

Find a Grave. (2021, November 8). Beard Plumer. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/233852302/beard-plumer

Find a Grave. (2011, September 30). Enoch Plummer. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/77408426/enoch-plummer

Find a Grave. (2010, February 20). Hon. John Plumer. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/48404230/john-plumer

Find a Grave. (2010, February 20). John Plumer [Jr.]. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/48404231/john-plumer

Find a Grave. (2021, November 4). Joseph Plumer. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/233700428/joseph-plumer

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

Find a Grave. (2011, February 20). Lydia Waterhouse [Dennett] Plumer. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/48404229/lydia-plumer

Find a Grave. (2011, December 29). Joshua Wingate. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/82637471/joshua-wingate

Gilmore, George C. (1899). State Senators 1784-1900: And New Hampshire Men at Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=FlLphZGPBVwC&pg=PA22

Hammond, Isaac W. (1886).
Provincial and State Papers: Rolls of the Soldiers in the Revolutionary War, May 1777, to 1780. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=8tlKAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA576

Metcalf, Henry H. & McClintock, John N. (1878, April). Granite Monthly: Hon. Joshua G. Hall. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=L7MVAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA321

Mitchell-Cony. (1908). Town Register Farmington, Milton, Wakefield, Middleton, Brookfield, 1907-8. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=qXwUAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA98

NH Secretary of State. (1891). New Hampshire Manual for the General Court with Complete Official Succession. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=0jdAAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA135

NH Supreme Court. (1851). NH Reports: Great Falls Company versus Worster. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=k1ktAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA412

Wadleigh, George. (1913). Notable Events in the History of Dover, New Hampshire: From the First Settlement in 1623 to 1865. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=A3ywiDfSrY8C&pg=PA205

Wikipedia. (2022, January 7). Embargo Act of 1807. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embargo_Act_of_1807

Wikiedia. (2021, December 18). Freshet. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freshet

Wikipedia. (2022, May 6). Year Without a Summer. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Year_Without_a_Summer

Wingate, Charles E.L. (1886). History of the Wingate Family in England and in America. Exeter, NH: James D.P. Wingate

Wyatt, Sophia Hayes. (1854). Autobiography of a Landlady of the Old School. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=GSbjtNCHpIoC&pg=PA72

By Muriel Bristol | July 3, 2022

Milton’s three-story A.O.U.W. Hall was built as both an investment and meeting place by Milton’s Ancient Order of United Workmen (A.O.U.W.) in 1890. The A.O.U.W. was a national fraternal organization (founded in 1868), whose members participated also in its innovative life insurance or death benefit program.

The Milton A.O.U.W. branch would have also a building association from May 1891. This building association would have made building loans and mortgages and occupied thus the niche usually filled by a local bank.

MILTON. Strafford Lodge, No. 2, A.O.U.W., had one new application at their last meeting, and expect to instruct two in the mysteries of the order at the next session (Farmington News, May 23, 1890).

MILTON. Strafford Lodge, A.O.U.W., is well represented in foreign countries this week; the following members being on a fishing trip in Canadian waters: Geo. I. Jordan, W.P. Mitchell, George Wentworth, S. Lyman Hayes and D.V. Osborne (Farmington News, July 4, 1890).

Milton’s Strafford Lodge of the Ancient Order of United Workmen (A.O.U.W.) was incorporated with a capital stock of $4,000, December 13, 1890; and its Building Association was incorporated with a capital stock of $4,000, May 7, 1891 (NH Secretary of State, 1908).

MILTON. The Ancient Order of United workmen have leased a lot of land from the Great Falls Manufacturing company and commenced the foundation of a building, with a frontage of seventy-five feet, on Main street and thirty-five feet deep. This occupies the ground for several years taken up by Duntley’s blacksmith shop and two small buildings owned by John F. Hart, and will be devoted to business and lodge purposes. The plan provides for three stores and a grand entrance on the ground floor, a large hall for dramatics and other entertainments on the second floor, with Lodge room and necessary ante room on the upper floor. The small building used by F.A. Mark as a jeweler’s shop has been moved across the street and now stands on the hill just south of Kennett market. The blacksmith shop is on its journey and will stand partially in the rear of N.G. Pinkham‘s shoe store (Farmington News, October 10, 1890).

MILTON. The “Strafford” lodge, A.O.U.W., will dedicate their new hall on Friday evening Jan 23. A dance and supper will be the order of the evening. A general good time is expected.
Don’t forget the A.O.U.W. concert, dance and supper, Friday, 23d (Farmington News, January 23, 1891).

MILTON. The grand opening concert and ball given by Strafford lodge, A.O.U.W., Friday evening, Jan. 23, was an event in this quiet village that will long be pleasantly remembered. Spain’s orchestra of Rochester, furnished music, and the lovers of dancing enjoyed themselves to the utmost until an early hour in the morning. Fred A. Dowe officiated as floor manager with a competent board of assistants, and everything passed smoothly along. Refreshments were served in the dining room all through the evening, so there was no rush and guests and waiters appreciated the foresight in thus arranging. Seventy-five couples were counted on the grand march. Many visitors were present from Farmington, Rochester, East Rochester, Springvale, Milton Mills, Union and other places in the section. The gold watch, contested for by W.T. Wallace and Henry R. Johnson, was won by the latter, he having received $94.75, while his opponent had $71.40. The handsome cake basket presented to the lodge by Mr. Byers of Reading, Mass., was awarded to Mrs. Carrie Willey Kimball, who had $69.45 against $34.20 in the hands of Mrs. F.A. Dowe. In the upper hall various games were in progress, among the younger members of the audience, and every one had a good time. The affair was a financial success as well as a social one, about $400 being returned to the treasury of the lodge (Farmington News, January 30, 1891).

Arthur C. Watson (1865-1957) of North Shapleigh, ME, opened a grocery store within Milton’s A.O.U.W. Hall in 1891. He appeared later as a grocer in Sanford, ME, at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census.

MILTON. Arthur C. Watson, from North Shapleigh, has opened a grocery store in the A.O.U.W. building and has a fine line of family supplies. Gene Maddox has charge of the order department (Farmington News, January 30, 1891).

MILTON. The concert at A.O.U.W. hall, last Friday evening, was a very enjoyable affair and well attended. A snug little sum accrued from it, which is devoted towards payment for the new church organ. Building operations are brisk (Farmington News, June 12, 1891).

U.S. Senator Henry W. Blair (1834-192o) of Manchester, NH, gave an address to the Milton Republican Club in Milton’s A.O.U.W. hall in September 1892 (Farmington News, September 30, 1892). He introduced constitutional amendments favoring prohibition and women’s suffrage, and bills favoring prohibition, pensions, and common school funding.

Andover Academy elocution instructor J. Wesley Churchill, M.A. (1839-1900) of Andover, MA, gave a reading in the A.O.U.W. Hall in October 12, 1892, for the benefit of the Ladies Aid Society of the Milton Congregational Church.

MILTON. A reading is to be given here on Wednesday evening, Oct. 12, at 7.30 o’clock, in A.O.U.W. hall, by Prof. J. Wesley Churchill of Andover, Mass., in behalf of the Ladies Aid society of the Congregational church. Prof. Churchill’s name and fame have travelled all over New England among the very best audiences. Those who have once heard him will spare no effort to hear him here, and those who have not may realize that there is something still in store for them which they had not mistrusted. Admission 25 cents, children under twelve 15 cents (Farmington News, October 7, 1892).

In a similar reading Prof. Churchill had given in Fitchburg, MA, five months earlier in May 1892, he read selections from Victor Hugo, Charles Dickens, Mark Twain, Harriet Beecher Stowe and others. “His selections are serious, imitative and humorous.” He had been accompanied by a vocalist (Fitchburg Sentinel, May 5, 1892).

A Mr. Nash, likely lawyer John B. Nash (1848-1921), of North Conway, NH, spoke to the local Democrats at the A.O.U.W. Hall. This would have been just prior to the Presidential election of November 1892, in which Democrat former President Grover Cleveland prevailed over Republican incumbent President Benjamin Harrison and Populist former Congressman James B. Weaver. (Incumbent President Harrison won in New Hampshire).

MILTON. Mr. Nash of North Conway addressed the democrats at the A.O.U.W. hall last week Thursday (Farmington News, October 21, 1892).

MILTON. Christmas tree at A.O.U.W. hall Saturday evening (Farmington News, December 23, 1892).

A.O.U.W. The founding, growth and success of the Ancient Order of United Workmen within the last quarter of a century has added a new feature and given a new interpretation to the social and fraternal relations of mankind and is solving a financial problem which for ages has battled the efforts and investigations of the philanthropist and economist. It has been made plain and demonstrated man’s duty to man brought him in contact with the wants of his fellow beings, opened his heart and purse-strings to the sufferings and deprivations of those less fortunate than himself and discovered and exemplified an easy and sure way for the future care and protection of loved and dependent ones. The St. Louis A.O.U.W. labor bureau since organization has received 1,200 applications for employment and has procured positions for about 700, or nearly 65 per cent of those applying. Texas jurisdiction is making rapid strides in gaining new members and organizing new lodges. Two hundred Winnipeg Workmen, accompanied by the grand master and other grand officers, attended church in a body lately and were headed by a band of music. Ancient Order of United Workmen, organised 1868, not a labor organization, but purely fraternal, paying $2,000 to wife, family or other dependents of members. Membership in the United States over 831,000, representing every profession, trade and business. Total amount paid beneficiaries, over $40,000,000 (Farmington News, August 25, 1893).

A.P. White gave an illustrated lecture on the World’s Columbian Exhibition, which had been held in Chicago, IL, in 1893.

MILTON. Mr. A.P. White’s lecture on the World’s Fair was delivered at the A.O.U.W. hall Saturday evening. With the lecture were displayed 100 stereopticon views (Farmington News, April 13, 1894).

J.E.W. Smith of East Parsonsfield, ME, was almost totally blind for four years from about 1882. Upon recovering his eyesight in 1886, he began giving select and dramatic readings (Bangor Daily Whig and Courier, October 25, 1886). He gave one at Milton’s A.O.U.W. Hall in August 1894.

MILTON. Prof. J.E.W. Smith gave a select reading at A.O.U.W. hall Monday evening (Farmington News, August 10, 1894).

MILTON. The ladies’ circle of the Congregational church hold a fair at the A.O.U.W. Hall Thursday and Friday of this week, afternoon and evening. Very complete preparations have been made and it can not prove anything but a success (Farmington News, December 7, 1894).

Here one may glimpse one the antecedents of the Milton Fire Department as a private fire association having its sixth annual ball at the A.O.U.W. Hall in January 1895. (One might assume that its first annual ball was held in 1889 and that the fire association and its fire company might have predated that first ball).

MILTON. Tri-Echo Fire Association of Milton will give its sixth annual ball at the A.O.U.W. hall, in that place, Friday evening of this week (Farmington News, January 25, 1895).

The Milton Town Report for the year ending March 1, 1897 included payments of $7.00 to W.T. Wallace, A.O.U.W., for town office rent; and $45.08 for a crossing in front of the A.O.U.W. building.

Shoe-cutter Samuel Y. Davis (1859-1920) of Farmington, NH, visited Milton’s A.O.U.W. Hall in his capacity of A.O.U.W. District Deputy in May 1897.

LOCALS. District Deputy Samuel Y. Davis, of the Ancient Order United Workmen, made on official visit to the new lodge at Milton on Wednesday evening of last week (Farmington News, May 28, 1897).

The local Madokawando “Tribe” of the rather unfortunately named Improved Order of Red Men (I.O.R.M. or “Red Men”), and its auxiliary, the Minnewawa “Council” met regularly at the A.O.U.W. Hall on alternating Mondays in 1897.

Madokawando, No. 21, Milton, 1st and 3d Monday, A.O.U.W. Hall; Edwin L. Leighton, P.O. Box [???], Milton.

Minnewawa, No. 15, Milton, 2d and 4th Monday, A.O.U.W. Hall; Mrs. Dora Hayes, P.O. Box 115, Milton (I.O.R.M., 1897). 

The Strafford Lodge, A.O.U.W., appeared in the Milton directory of 1898, as a Milton society. The Milton Town Report for the year ending March 1, 1898 included a payment of $7.00 to the A.O.U.W. for town office rent.

The Milton Social Club held its third annual masquerade ball at the A.O.U.W. hall in Milton, in February 1899 (Boston Globe, February 4, 1899). (See Milton in the News – 1899). The Milton Town Report for the year ending March 1, 1900 included a payment of $7.00 to the A.O.U.W. Association for town office rent.

LOCAL. Mrs. Fred P. Jones gave a fine musical entertainment in A.O.U.W. hall in that town on Monday evening, May 27. Mrs. Grace Coffin and J.G. Coffin of Rochester with B.O. Danforth of West Lebanon (formerly of Cambridge) assisted as vocalist; Miss Annie Kimball, violinist; W.H. Willey, cornetist; Mark Dickey, pianist (Farmington News, May 31, 1901).

MILTON. The memorial exercises last Thursday afternoon, which were held at the A.O.U.W. hall, were largely attended. Rev. C. Osborne, of the Free Baptist church, was president of the day. There were several speakers and appropriate singing. The decorations were the best ever seen here, the work being done by Mrs. J.B. Hart, Mrs. C.H. Looney, and Robert Looney (Farmington News, September 27, 1901).

The Strafford Lodge, A.O.U.W., appeared in the Milton directory of 1902, as a Milton Society.

MILTON. There was a Congregational church fair at the A.O.U.W. hall Wednesday afternoon, and about forty dollars were realized as the result (Farmington News, December 26, 1902).

MILTON. The Relief Corps gave an entertainment at A.O.U.W. hall, Monday evening. Mrs. James E. Hayes, president of the Farmington corps, gave an interesting and inspiring talk. There was prize speaking and Mary Jones of Prospect Hill school, and Robert Peacock of Nute Ridge school received a $5 prize each. There was a piano duet by Miss Bessie Chipman and her teacher, Miss Alice Fox; singing by a girl’s choir led by Mark Dickey. The entertainment was excellent and was largely attended (Farmington News, January 2, 1903).

The Strafford Lodge, A.O.U.W., appeared in the Milton directory of 1904, as a Milton society.

The Milton Dramatic Club gave their second annual masquerade ball at the A.O.U.W. hall in Milton, January 8, 1904 (Boston Globe, January 8, 1904). Shove S. Symonds, a visiting MA A.O.U.W official gave a “smoke talk” at the Strafford Lodge, A.O.U.W. hall in Milton in November 1904 (Boston Globe, November 27, 1904) (See Milton in the News – 1904).

The local Madokawando “Tribe” of the Improved Order of Red Men (I.O.R.M. or “Red Men”), and its auxiliary, the Minnewawa “Council” met regularly at the A.O.U.W. Hall on alternating Mondays in 1906.

Madokawando, No. 21, Milton, 1st and 3d Monday, A.O.U.W. Hall; Chas. A. Gilmore, P.O. Box 112, Milton.

Minnewawa, No. 15, Milton, 2d and 4th Monday, A.O.U.W. Hall; Mrs. Dora Hayes, Milton (I.O.R.M., 1906). 

LOCAL. The members of Milton lodge of Ancient Order of United Workmen expect to worship at Nute chapel, next Sunday forenoon, September 20. Service at 10.45 o’clock. All brethren of the order will be cordially welcomed (Farmington News, September 18, 1908).

The Strafford Lodge, A.O.U.W., appeared in the Milton directory of 1909, as a Milton Society.

ANCIENT ORDER OF UNITED WORKMEN. Strafford lodge of Milton, N.H., will have its officers publicly installed Wednesday evening by District Deputy Perkins of South Wolfboro. William J. Sullivan of the committee on laws will be the speaker (Boston Globe January 17, 1909).

MYSTIC ORDERS. Strafford lodge of Milton, N.H., will have a public installation Wednesday evening, District Deputy Perkins officiating. John J. A’Hearn, PMV, will be the speaker (Boston Globe, January 30, 1910).

The Woman’s Relief Corps, which was the women’s auxiliary of the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) Civil War veterans’ organization, held a benefit supper at the A.O.U.W. Hall in December 1911.

Milton. The Woman’s Relief Corps will hold a baked bean supper, and sale of fancy articles, ice cream, candy and mysteries, in A.O.U.W. hall, Tuesday afternoon and evening, Dec. 12 (Farmington News, December 8, 1911).

The Strafford Lodge, A.O.U.W., appeared in the Milton directory of 1912, as a Milton Society.

A 1914 thumbnail biography of Ralph M. Kimball (c1860-1922) of Milton identified him as having been treasurer of Milton’s A.O.U.W. for the past seventeen years, i.e., since circa 1896, and a member also of the local Knights of Pythias (Scales, 1914). His wife, Carrie E. (Willey) Kimball (1867-1949), won a cake basket at an 1891 A.O.U.W. event.

Local. A fine time was enjoyed at the Thanksgiving ball given under the auspices of Charity Temple No. 44, Pythian Sisters, at A.O.U.W. hall, Milton, Tuesday evening of last week. About 75 couples were in attendance. The grand march was led by Mr. and Mrs. E.A. Hodgdon, the next in order being Mr. and Mrs. H.A. Beaton. Music was furnished by the Peerless orchestra of Rochester. A fine supper was served and all in all a good time was enjoyed by everybody. About $64 was cleared, which fund is to be used for the benefit of the new shoe firm which is to locate in Milton. Ralph Whitehouse was the successful contestant in the silver service contest. The committee of arrangements consisted of Mrs. E.A. Hodgdon, Mrs. H.A. Beaton and Mrs. S.G. Blaisdell (Farmington News, December 4, 1914).

Local. Friendship Lodge, No. 72, Knights of Pythias, will hold its sixth annual masquerade ball Tuesday evening February 16, at A.O.U.W. hall in Milton. Charity Temple, Pythian sisters will serve the supper and the Dover Opera House orchestra will furnish music (Farmington News, February 12, 1915).

The Knights of Pythias held a masquerade ball in the A.O.U.W. Hall at Milton in January 1916.

Local. Don’t fail to attend the masquerade ball and concert in A.O.U.W. hall at Milton, under the auspices of Friendship lodge, K. of P., of that town, Friday evening, January 21; music by Dover Opera House orchestra (Farmington News, January 14, 1916).

John W. Avery (1869-1936) appeared in the Milton business directory of 1917, as recording secretary of the Strafford Lodge, A.O.U.W.

Insurance secretary Charles C. Fearing (1868-1951) of Boston, MA, visited Milton’s A.O.U.W. Hall in his capacity of A.O.U.W. Grand Recorder in December 1919.

Ancient Order of United Workmen. Charles C. Fearing, GR, will visit Strafford Lodge of Milton, N.H., Wednesday evening (Boston Globe, [Sunday,] December 14, 1919).

The A.O.U.W Building Association paid $87.50 in State, County, Town and School taxes on its A.O.U.W. Hall building, which was valued at $3,500, in the year ending January 31, 1924.

Grand Master Workman Thomas H. Canning visited a number of local A.O.U.W. lodges in September 1924, including Milton’s Strafford Lodge (Boston Globe, [Sunday,] September 7, 1924). (See Milton in the News – 1924).

The A.O.U.W Building Association paid $70.00 in State, County, Town and School taxes on its A.O.U.W. Hall building, which was valued at $3,500, in the year ending January 31, 1925.

LOCAL. Friends of W.E. Young, proprietor of the chain of Strand theaters in this locality, are congratulating him on his enterprise in purchasing the A.O.U.W. block in Milton. For some time past, Mr. Young has conducted movies in the hall of this building and will continue, while other parts of the building will be used for lodge and commercial purposes (Farmington News, December 11, 1925).

The A.O.U.W Building Association paid $88.20 in total taxes on its A.O.U.W. Hall building, which was valued at $3,500, in the year ending January 31, 1926.

The A.O.U.W. sold the A.O.U.W Hall to promoter Walter E. Young (1888-1956) of Farmington, NH, in December 1925, it had then a second life as the Silver Slipper dance hall and movie theater.

Walter E. Young paid $91.35 in total taxes on the former A.O.U.W. Hall building, which was valued at $3,500, in the year ending January 31, 1927.

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. Strafford ss. Superior Court. February Term, 1926. Respectfully represents the Ancient Order of United Workmen Building Association, Incorporated, of Milton, in said county of Strafford, that on December eighth, 1890, Articles of Agreement therefor were subscribed by Henry R. Johnson, William T. Wallace, Fred B. Roberts, Elmer R. Durgin and Joseph H. Avery, all of said Milton; that said Articles of Agreement were recorded in the office of the clerk of said town of Milton, being the town in which its business was to be carried on, December eleventh 1890, and afterwards, on December thirteenth 1890, in the Office of the Secretary of State of said State of New Hampshire, and the said parties, their associates, successors and assigns did become a voluntary corporation under Chapter 152 of the General Laws of New Hampshire, under the aforesaid name and title; that on February 27th, 1891, said articles of incorporation were amended; and that said amendment and said articles of incorporation, as amended were recorded in the office of the clerk of said town of Milton, its place of business, on March 13th, 1891, and in the office of said Secretary of State on March 17th 1891.
That said corporation was organized for the following purposes: To lease, purchase, hold, sell, convey, mortgage and pledge its real or personal estate, to erect thereon buildings, and to rent and lease any or all portions of said buildings and any part or all lands purchased or leased by said corporation. That there was an authorized capital stock of $4,000, divided into four hundred shares of the par value of ten dollars; and that there are now issued and outstanding 204 shares of such stock.
That said corporation under its articles of original agreement and under such articles as amended, has continuously carried on its business at said Milton.
That said corporation did secure leases and rights to land, and that it did thereon erect and construct a large three story wooden block for commercial and other purposes, and that it has continuously carried on its business of renting and leasing such structure.
That at a special meeting of said corporation, duly called for such purpose, and held on November 28th, 1925, at 7.30 o’clock in the evening, and at which meeting there were represented 176 shares of the capital stock of the corporation, it was unanimously voted:
First: To sell its building and to authorize its president and treasurer to make due conveyance to the purchaser or purchasers.
Second: That the Ancient Order of United Workmen Building Association be dissolved; that the president and treasurer of said association take all necessary steps to carry this into effect; and that the assets of said association be divided among its stockholders on the basis of stock held. That said corporation in pursuance of said vote, did sell and convey its said building; and now that its assets consist wholly of cash on deposit in Banks and Trust Companies.
Said corporation especially avers, that it has no outstanding claims or indebtedness against it; that the business of said corporation should be concluded; that its assets should be paid to the stockholders on the basis of the shares of stock held, and that said corporation should be dissolved in accordance with the vote of dissolution aforesaid.
Wherefore it is Prayed: That said corporation may be dissolved, that its assets may be decreed to be paid to its stockholders on the basis of shares of stock held; and for such other decrees and relief as may be just, Ancient Order of United Workmen Building Association. By Ira W. Jones, President, and By Fred B. Roberts, Treasurer.
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE Strafford, ss. Superior Court. February term, 1923. The foregoing petition having been filed in the office of the Clerk of the Superior Court on the fifteenth day of February 1926, it is ordered, that said petitioners notify the creditors and all other persons interested therein to appear at a session of said Court to be holden at Dover, in said County of Strafford on the twenty second day of March 1926, and answer said petition by causing a true and attested copy of said Petition and this order thereon to be published in the Farmington News, a newspaper printed at Farmington, in said County of Strafford, it being the newspaper published nearest the location of said Ancient Order of United Workmen Building Association, three successive weeks, at intervals of not less than seven days, the last publication to be at least fourteen days prior to said twenty second day of March, 1926. February 15, 1926. William H. Roberts, Clerk.
The foregoing is a true copy of Petition for Dissolution of Corporation, and of the order of notice thereon. Attest: William H. Roberts, Clerk (Farmington News, February 19, 1926).

Milton’s A.O.U.W. Hall was occupied next by Milton’s Strand Theatre / Silver Slipper Pavilion – 1926-48

References:

Find a Grave. (2020, August 18). John W. Avery. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/214558616/john-w-avery

Find a Grave. (2010, October 6). John Wesley Churchill. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/59692497/john-wesley-churchill

Find a Grave. (2016, December 5). Samuel Young Davis. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/173506327/samuel-young-davis

Find a Grave. (2011, June 24). Charles Cushing Fearing. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/71901104/charles-cushing-fearing

Find a Grave. (2012, October 27). Arthur C. Watson. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/99677932/arthur-c-watson

Find a Grave. (2016, October 16). George Edward Willey. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/171347155/george-edward-willey

Find a Grave. (2014, November 24). Walter Eugene Young. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/139179254/walter-eugene-young

I.O.R.M. (1897). Record of the Great Council of the United States of the Improved Order of Red Men. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=YfBEAQAAMAAJ&pg=RA1-PA355

I.O.R.M. (1906). Record of the Great Council of the United States of the Improved Order of Red Men. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=ivNEAQAAMAAJ&pg=RA1-PA501

NH Secretary of State. (1908). Reports. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=Ww2rLP3LxToC&pg=RA2-PA79

Wikipedia. (2021, September 21). Ancient Order of United Workmen. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Order_of_United_Workmen

Wikipedia. (2022, June 10). World’s Columbian Exhibition. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World%27s_Columbian_Exposition

By Muriel Bristol | June 26, 2022

Isaac Worster was born in Berwick, ME, April 11, 1772, son of Lemuel and Mary (Woodsum) Worster.

(His known siblings were George Worster (1775-1828), Dorcas Worster (1779-1831), Mary “Polly” Worster, Betsy Worster (1785-1839), John Worster (1787-1862), Lemuel Worster, Jr. (1789-1876), Sally Worster (1793-1863), and Lydia Worster (1795-1863)).

Their original surname of Worcester, as in Worcester, England, was also written as Worster and even Wooster. The Boston, MA, directory of 1873 suggested that for “Worster see Worcester and Wooster.”

Lemuel Worster headed a Berwick, ME, household at the time of the First (1790) Federal Census. His household included two males aged 16-plus years [himself and George Worster], four females [Mary (Woodsum) Worster, Dorcas Worster, Mary “Polly” Worster, and Betsy Worster], and two males aged under-16 years [John Worster and Lemuel Worster, Jr.]. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Israel Hodgdon and Lydia Worster.

Isaac Worster married in Berwick, ME, July 19, 1797, Tamsen Frost. She was born circa November 1773.

Elijah Horn was doubtless the first blacksmith [in Milton], but was soon followed by Isaac Worster at the Ponds, and later by Solomon Land and Joseph Rines at Milton Mills (Scales, 1914).

A blacksmith might be described as someone that fabricates tools and other articles from iron, as opposed to a whitesmith, who does so with tin, a goldsmith who does so with gold, and a silversmith, who does so with silver. (Paul Revere was a silversmith). One might go to a blacksmith for horseshoes, fabrication and repair of tools, hardware, such as nails, hinges, hooks, etc., and all those things that are now generally termed “wrought iron,” i.e., things that are “wrought” or created by a smith as opposed to things that are made by pouring or casting molten iron.

An English legal definition explained the smithing process as making things in a “hammery way.” At the simplest level, it would be the blacksmith that does the hammering and shaping, with his hammer and anvil, but this contemporary advertisement suggests more advanced possibilities: using waterpower to drive a triphammer mechanism, as well as driving the blacksmith’s bellows and grindstones, rather than more labor-intensive hand hammering, and foot-treadle grindstone.

ATTENTION BLACKSMITHS! THE subscriber now offers for sale, or to be let, that large and convenient BLACKSMITH-SHOP & FORGE, together with the privilege of water sufficient to carry the Bellows, Triphammers and Grindstones, as the whole has been heretofore improved by Mr. Amasa Bancroft, situated in the Northeastern part of this town, and is one of the most eligible stands for a Blacksmith in the State. SAMUEL RICH. Montpelier, Dec. 13, 1806 (Vermont Precursor (Montpelier, VT), January 5, 1807).

(In the 1830s and beyond, access to waterpower would be the issue driving son James Worster’s fierce opposition to growing monopoly control of water resources).

Daughter Dorcas Worster was born in Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, August 22, 1797. (She was a namesake for her paternal aunt, Dorcas Worster).

Sister Dorcas Worster married in South Berwick, ME, May 24, 1798, Phillip Yeaton, Jr. Rev. John Thompson performed the ceremony. Yeaton was born on Somersworth, NH, June 18, 1772, son of Richard and Experience (Pray) Yeaton.

Sister [Mary] “Polly” Worster married in Rochester, NH, November 25, 1798, John Scates, both of Rochester, NH. He was born in Lebanon, ME, 1774, son of Benjamin and Lydia (Jenness) Scates.

Daughter Mary Worster was born in Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, December 24, 1798. (She was a namesake for her paternal grandmother, Mary (Woodsum) Worster, and her paternal aunt, Mary “Polly” Worster).

Lemuil Worster headed a Berwick, ME, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], two females aged 45-plus years [Mary (Woodsum) Worster and another], one male aged 26-44 years, two females aged 26-44 years, one female aged 16-25 years [Betsy Worster], one male aged 10-15 years [Lemuel Worster, Jr.], two females aged under-10 years [Sally Worster and Lydia Worster].

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

Son Isaac Worster [Jr.] was born in Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, August 8, 1801.

For whatever reason, Isaac Worster did not sign the Rochester division petition of May 28, 1802.

Mother Mary (Woodsum) Worster died, probably in Berwick, ME, sometime before November 28, 1803.

Son James Worster was born in Milton, January 8, 1804.

Father Lemuel Worster married (2nd) in Berwick, ME, July 4, 1805, Lydia (Gowell) Wentworth. She was born in Berwick, ME, in 1747, daughter of John and Mary (Adams) Gowell. (She was the widow of Samuel Wentworth, Jr. (1742-1798)).

Lemuel [Worster] married second at Berwick on 4 July 1805 Lydia (Gowell) Wentworth, widow of Samuel Wentworth (Wentworth, The Wentworth Genealogy, 24; will of Lemuel Worster, Strafford County wills, 29:136) (Anderson, 1990).

Son Mark Worster was born in Milton, June 20, 1806.

Daughter Sophia Worster (I) was born in Milton, September 22, 1808.

The Milton selectmen of 1809-10 were William Palmer, John Remick, Jr., and Isaac Worster.

Isaac Worcester headed a Milton household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Tamson (Frost) Worcester], one male aged 16-26 years, two females aged 10-15 years [Dorcas Worcester and Mary Worcester], three males aged under-10 years [Isaac Worcester, James Worcester, and Mark Worcester], and one female aged under-10 years [Sophia Worster (I)]. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Joshua Jones and Jonathan Pinkham.

Son George Worster was born in Milton, March 3, 1811.

On 3 April 1812, Lemuel Worster conveyed to Isaac Worster, of Milton, N.H., the homestead in Berwick “which I purchased of my late father John Worster” (id., 93:279). On 26 February 1820, Isaac Worster of Milton recovered judgment against Lemuel Worster of Milton and claimed 12 acres of the Worster lands in Berwick (id., 105:24) (Wentworth, The Wentworth Genealogy, 24; will of Lemuel Worster, Strafford County wills, 29:136) (Anderson, 1990).

Sister Betsy Worster married in Milton, December 1, 1811, Isaac Scates, both of Milton. Rev. Asa Piper performed the ceremony. He was born in Lebanon, ME, July 17, 1785, son of Benjamin and Lydia (Jenness) Scates.

The Milton selectmen of 1814 were Isaac Worster, T.C. Lyman, and [brother-in-law] Isaac Scates.

Son Lewis Worster was born in Milton, April 4, 1815.

Sister Sally Worster married (1st) in Rochester, NH, November 12, 1815, Samuel E. Wallingford. He was born in Rochester, NH, in 1790, son of David and Sarah (Corson) Wallingford.

Daughter Sophia Worcester (I) died in Milton, December 15, 1815, aged seven years, two months. Son Lewis Worster died in Milton, December 18, 1815, aged eight months. (His nephew, Lewis W. Nute (1820-1888), would be named after him). One might suspect they died during an outbreak of some childhood disease, such as whooping cough, measles, etc.

Daughter Dorcas Worster married, September 19, 1816, Ezekiel Nute. He was born in Milton, August 22, 1794, son of Jotham and Sarah (Twombly) Nute.

Daughter Sophia Worster (II) was born in Milton, July 29, 1817.

Father Lemuel Worster of Milton, yeoman, made his last will, August 14, 1820. He devised to his wife, Lydia Worster, one cow and one hog, “now in my possession,” all the furniture formerly belonging to her, all the bedding made in the house during her residence with him, provided she relinquish her dower rights, and $25. He devised $1 to his son, Isaac Worster; one bed and bedding to his daughter, Lydia Worster; and all the rest and residue to be equally divided among his children, excepting the aforementioned son, Isaac Worster. He named [sons-in-law] John Scates and Isaac Scates as his executors. Gilman Jewett, Thos Leighton, and John Fall signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 29:136).

Father Lemuel Worster died in Milton, August 14, 1820. His will was proved in a Strafford County Probate court held in Rochester, NH, November 29, 1820 (Strafford County Probate, 29:136).

Isaac Worster signed the Milton anti-division remonstrance of June 1820. Isaac Worster and his son, Isaac Worster, Jr, signed the Milton militia division petition of November 1820.

Daughter Adeline E. “Elizabeth” Worster was born in Milton, February 18, 1822.

The NH legislature authorized incorporation of the Milton Social Library by nine Milton men, including Isaac Worster, June 14, 1822.

Daughter Mary Worster married, probably in Milton, in 1823, Mordecai Varney, she of Milton, and he of Farmington, NH. Rev. James Walker performed the ceremony. Varney was born in Dover, NH, September 24, 1796.

Isaac Worster was one of twenty-three Milton inhabitants who petitioned to have Gilman Jewett appointed as a Milton coroner, June 12, 1823. (See Milton Seeks a Coroner – June 1823).

Brother-in-law Samuel E. Wallingford died in Milton, August 11, 1826, leaving a widow, Sally (Worster) Wallingford, and four children.

Son Isaac Worster, Jr., married in the Second (Congregational) Church in Berwick, ME, January 11, 1827, Julia Hilliard, he of Somersworth, NH, and she of Berwick, ME. Rev. Joseph Hilliard performed the ceremony. She was born in Berwick, ME, April 14, 1800, daughter of Rev. Joseph and Sarah (Langton) Hilliard.

Son Mark Worcester married in Somersworth, NH, November 29, 1827, Rachel Donnell. Rev. Aaron D. Gage performed the ceremony. She was born in Brunswick, ME, circa 1809, daughter of Joshua and Hannah Donnell.

Son James Worster married in Berwick, ME, March 1, 1828, Sarah Fernald. She was born in Lebanon, ME, May 21, 1803, daughter of James and Sally F. Fernald.

Ezekl Nute headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 30-39 years [himself], one female, aged 30-39 years [Dorcas (Worster) Nute], one male aged 15-19 years, one female aged 15-19 years, two males aged 10-14 years [Cyrus W. Nute and Lewis W. Nute], one male aged 5-9 years [Isaac F. Nute], and one male aged under-5 years [Samuel F. Nute]. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of [his father] Jotham Nute and John Jenkins.

Isaac Worcester headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one female aged 50-59 years [Tamson (Frost) Worcester], one male aged 15-19 years [George Worcester], one female aged 10-14 years [Sophia Worcester (II)], and one female aged 5-9 years [Adeline E. Worcester]. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of John H. Varney and Thomas Cosan [Courson].

Jas Worcester headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 20-29 years [himself], one female aged 20-29 years [Sarah (Fernald) Worcester], and one female aged 5-9 years. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Isaac Worcester, Jr, and Richd Gerrish.

Sister Mrs. Sally (Worster) Wallingford married (2nd) in Milton, November 24, 1831, Col. Levi Jones, both of Milton. (She was the widow of Samuel E. Wallingford (1790-1826)). Rev. Isaac Willey performed the ceremony (NEHGS, 1908)

Son George Worster married in Somersworth, NH, August 2, 1835, Mary Jane Rowell, both of Somersworth, NH. Rev. Arthur Caverno performed the ceremony. She was born in Pembroke, NH, June 18, 1814, daughter of Charles and Mary “Polly” (Davis) Rowell.

Son James Worster broke down parts of a Great Falls Manufacturing Company dam situated at Milton in April 1837. This occasioned a lengthy lawsuit that continued through various appeals up to July 1844 (NH Superior Court, 1851). Over time, he would become involved, even so much as to be thought a ringleader, in a movement that opposed mill dams obstructing river traffic and flooding abutting lands, as well as opposing water resources being controlled by out-of-state interests.

Isaac Worcester of Milton, blacksmith, made his last will, March 8, 1838. He devised $1 each to his sons, Isaac Worcester, James Worcester, Mark Worcester, and George Worcester, and $1 each to his daughters, Dorcas Nute and Mary Varney. He devised all the rest and residue of his estate to his son, Isaac Worcester, in his capacity as executor, with the proviso that his wife, Tamson Worcester, and daughters, Sophia Worcester and Elizabeth Worcester, retain the use of the real estate until it might be sold. Once sold he should invest the money and pay its interest to Tamson Worcester, for so long as she lived or until she remarried. In either case, he should pay over one-fourth of the interest to each of the two daughters for so long as they should live or until they married (at which point they should receive a one-time payment of $60). The other half of the principal, and the remaining half (one-fourth and one-fourth) when that should become available, should be equally divided among all the children. James Roberts, John H. Varney, and Amos Gerrish witnessed his signature (Strafford County Probate, 53:154).

Isaac Worster died in Milton, March 11, 1838, aged sixty-five years, eleven months. His last will was proved before Judge Daniel C. Atkinson in a Strafford County Probate court held in Rochester, NH, May 19, 1838 (Strafford County Probate, 53:154).

During the pastorate of the Rev. Mr. Willey, – in 1841 – a parish house, which, with subsequent renovations, is the present parsonage was erected on a lot purchased of Isaac Worster. In 1860 the remainder of the Worster lot was purchased, and soon after the present meetinghouse was built. It was dedicated Jan. 9, 1862. In 1886 repairs, the expense of which was $1,000, were made on the meetinghouse and parsonage. In 1895, the interior was remodelled, and renovations, made the whole expense amounting to $1,200. Mr. Lewis Worster Nute whose mother was born where the present church now stands, bequeathed $10,000 to the church making the present funds about $11,000 (Mitchell-Cony, 1908). 

Ezekiel Nute headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 40-49 years [himself], one female aged 40-49 years [Dorcas (Worster) Nute], one male aged 15-19 years [Isaac F. Nute], and one male aged 10-14 years [Samuel F. Nute]. Three members of his household were engaged in Agriculture. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of David Nute and John Jenkins.

James Worcester 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 [Sarah (Fernald) Worcester], one male aged 20-29 years, one female aged 10-14 years, one male aged 5-9 years, and one female aged under-5 years. Two members of his household was engaged in Manufacture and the Trades. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Francis Looney and George Worster.

Mark Wooster headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 30-39 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years [Rachel (Donnell) Wooster], one male aged 10-14 years [Lewis Wooster], one female aged 5-9 years [Hannah Wooster], and one male aged under-5 years [Charles H. Wooster]. One member of his household was engaged in Manufacture and the Trades.

George Worster 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 [Mary J. (Rowell) Worster], one male aged 10-14 years, and two females aged under-5 years [Amanda T. Worster and Mary E. Worster]. One member of his household was engaged in Manufacture and the Trades. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of James Worcester and John H. Varney.

Son Isaac Worster, Jr., became a committed abolitionist from at least 1844, when he offered to contribute towards a new printing press for an abolitionist newspaper. (See Milton and Abolitionism).

[He] .… was a prominent man in Strafford county, N.H., for many years, where he was closely connected with the Abolition party, was firm and outspoken in his views against slavery, and was the personal friend and counselor of many of the noted leaders of the anti-slavery movement at a time when it required strong moral stamina and some personal risk to defend his convictions (Reno, 1901).

Son James Worster broke down part of a Great Falls Manufacturing Company dam situated on the Salmon Falls River between Somersworth, NH, and Berwick, ME, in December 1847.

James Worster had experience breaking down dams. In December 1847, while still living in Dover, New Hampshire, he tore off an abutment, chopped down planking, and removed stone from a dam across the Salmon Falls River in Somersworth, New Hampshire. The dam and factories belonged to the Great Falls Manufacturing Company, a Boston Associates’ venture since the 1830s. Claiming damage to land he leased, Worster sought to abate the nuisance himself – an action that was legal at the time. The Great Falls Company appealed to the New Hampshire Superior Court of Judicature to issue an injunction barring Worster from doing any further damage. In July 1853, the court granted the request (Steinberg, 2014).

James Worster appeared in the Dover, NH, directory of 1848, as a blacksmith, with his house on Cedar street.

Daughter Sophia Worster (II) married in Milton, April 12, 1848, Daniel W. Dame, both of Rochester, NH. (She was his second wife). Rev. Edward F. Abbott performed the ceremony. Dame was born in Sandwich, NH, February 8, 1820, son of Richard and Abigail (Page) Dame.

Son Mark Worster died February 3, 1849, aged forty-two years.

Adeline E. Worster sued the Winnipiseogee Lake Cotton and Woolen Manufacturing Company for flooding their land in Tuftonborough, NH, in 1849. (This source misidentified her relationship with James Worster as being that of father and daughter, rather than brother and sister).

In 1849, his daughter [sister], Adeline E. Worster, took the company to court for flooding her land in Tuftonborough, on the northeast side of Lake Winnipesaukee. She owned the land jointly with her father [brother] and claimed the Lake Company’s dam at Lake Village had raised the water in the lake and damaged the property. The Lake Company demurred, a move that led to the dismissal of the case in 1852 (Steinberg, 2014).

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

Isaac Worster, a hoe & foils manufacturer, aged forty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Julia [(Hilliard)] Worster, aged fifty years (b. ME), Sarah E. Worster, aged twenty-two years (b. NH), Joseph H. Worster, aged twenty years (b. NH), Kenny K.W. Worster, aged nine years (b. NH), Isaac Howard, aged two years (b. NH), Charles Worster, aged fourteen years (b. NH), Tamson Worster, aged seventy-five years (b. ME), and Ezra Varney, aged sixty years (b. NH). Isaac Worster had real estate valued at $6,500. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Francis Looney, a manufacturer, aged forty-eight years (b. England), and George Carlysle, a trader, aged twenty-eight years (b. MA).

James Worster, a blacksmith, aged forty-four years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Sarah [(Fernald)] Worster, aged forty-three years (b. ME), Susan M. Worster, aged twenty years (b. NH), George O. Worster, a store clerk, aged seventeen years (b. NH), and Sarah J. Worster, aged twelve years (b. MA).

Widowed daughter-in-law Rachel [(Donnell)] Worster, aged forty years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. Her household included Hannah D. Worster, aged seventeen years (b. NH), Charles Worster, aged thirteen years (b. NH), Arzelia W. Worster, aged eight years (b. NH), and Mark P. Worster, aged four years (b. NH). Her house appeared in the enumeration next above that of Samuel Pray, physician, aged eighty years (b. NH). (He being the Dr. Pray who had attended upon a wounded Norton Scates in 1807 (See Milton Militiaman’s Petition – 1807)).

George Worster, a machinist, aged thirty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Mary J. [(Rowell)] Worster, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), Tamson A. Worster, aged fourteen years (b. NH), Mary E. Worster, aged ten years (b. NH), Isaac Worster, aged eight years (b. NH), George A. Worster, aged three years (b. NH), and William Blake, a laborer, aged thirty-five years (b. Ireland). George Worster had real estate valued at $3,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Joseph Mathes, a carpenter, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), and James Twombly, a farmer, aged fifty-two years (b. NH).

Richard Dame, a farmer, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Daniel W. Dame, a farmer, aged thirty years (b. NH), Sophia [(Worster)] Dame, aged thirty-two years (b. NH), Julia Dame, aged four years (b. NH), Hannah Dame, aged eighty-six years (b. NH), and Moses S. Dame, aged eleven years (b. NH). Richard Dame had real estate valued at $3,000.

Son Isaac Worster [Jr.] of Milton donated $2 to the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society, in or around May 1851. Son George Worster of Milton donated $1, and Stephen Shorey of Milton donated 50¢ (Liberator (Boston, MA), June 13, 1851).

Daughter Adeline E. Worcester married in Millbury, MA, June 21, 1852, Elijah Hanson, she of Milton, NH, and he of Millbury, MA. He was a machinist, aged twenty-seven years, and she was aged thirty years. Rev. J.E. Farewell of Rochester, NH, performed the ceremony. Hanson was born in Ossipee, NH, circa 1824, son of Aaron and Sarah Hanson.

James Worster continued his legal struggle over water privileges with the Lake Company.

Meanwhile, in the period from 1849 to 1853, James Worster made several land transactions: He leased a parcel of meadowland in Sanbornton, a farm bordering Paugus Bay in Gilford, and had a mortgage for a third share of Rattlesnake Island in Lake Winnipesaukee. It is hard to say precisely why he chose these particular tracts of land. Yet one thing is certain: The land seemed destined to bring him into conflict with the Lake Company. On 14 April 1853, Worster threatened to destroy the company’s dam at Lake Village, claiming it injured land he owned and leased in neighboring towns. To protect its property, the Lake Company sought an injunction from the superior court in 1854 (Steinberg, 2014).

Tamson (Frost) Worster died in Milton, May 18, 1855, aged eighty-one years, six months.

J. Worster of Dover, NH, donated $1 to the American Anti-Slavery Society, in July 1855 (Liberator, July 27, 1855).

Son James Worster appeared in the Concord, NH, directory of 1856, as residing at 5 Green street.

Barred from tampering with the dams at Lake Village and Somersworth, [James] Worster moved to Concord, New Hampshire. For the moment, he kept out of the way of the Lake Company, but he had in no way given up his fight. Between 1856 and 1858, Worster obtained property in Hooksett, New Hampshire – land bordering the Merrimack River. The land, which was probably prone to flooding, lay upstream from the Amoskeag Company’s dam in Manchester. Once again, Worster seemed to be inviting conflict with a Boston Associates’ venture (Steinberg, 2014).

Daniel W. and Sophia (Worster) Dame moved to Illinois, circa 1857. Elijah and Adeline E. (Worster) Dame moved there also, in 1858.

At the age of five years he [Charles S. Dame] came to Illinois with his parents [Daniel W. and Sophia (Worster) Dame], Dixon being the end of their railway journey. They were met by a relative, Mr. Bede, and conveyed by wagon to the Bede home, where they spent the summer while Mr. Dame built the house on the tract of prairie land which he had purchased part from the state and part from the Illinois Central railway. This farm has been known as the old Dame homestead, is now operated by the Joe Pheil family and is in a high state of cultivation. Here Charles Dame spent his boyhood. Their nearest town was Polo and the post office was at the Belding farm on the Telegraph road. In his young manhood he engaged in the live stock business and followed It most of his life (Freeport Journal-Standard (Freeport, IL), July 27, 1929).

At half past six on the morning of 7 March 1859, [James] Worster and another person appeared at the Amoskeag Company’s dam. The watchman on duty spotted them and ordered them to leave. They refused to go and, after having words, the watchman pitched a piece of ice at them. A fight broke out and Worster was knocked down three times before he left the dam, sending for a doctor to dress his injured nose (Steinberg, 2014).

Son-in-law Ezekiel Nute died in Milton, April 14, 1859, aged sixty-four years.

CONSPIRACY TO TEAR DOWN THE DAM OF A MANUFACTURING COMPANY. In the Police Court at Manchester, N.H., on Friday, Joseph Mitchell, Oscar N. Goodale, Edwin K. Goodale, Joseph Mitchell, Jr., James Worster, Jr., John Harvey and John Lury, all of Hooksett, were arraigned on a complaint of conspiracy to tear down the dam across the Merrimac River at Amoskeag Falls, with intent to extort money from the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company. Several ineffectual attempts were made to have the complaint quashed (Boston Evening Transcript, August 1, 1859).

Water privileges were of the utmost importance to mill owners, but it was not the businessmen of Laconia who held fast to their lingering anger with Lake Company’s control of local waterways. A good number of local residents and farmers possessed a growing amount of resentment towards the company. Their discontent was continually fueled by an activist named James Worster, who reportedly owned riverside properties on the Winnipesaukee River and Merrimack. He had already carried out attacks on several dams in the state after his properties had been flooded; however he continued to focus most of his attention on the Lake Village Dam. On September 28, 1859, he had little trouble rounding up a sizeable group of furious locals, who then proceeded to the dam with the goal of destroying it. The malicious attack became forever known in local annals as the Lake Village Riot. The fruitless assault on the dam paled in comparison to the fight that broke out between the attackers and the officials of the Lake Company. Worster was arrested, charged with attempted murder, and, after a lengthy legal battle, spent time in jail. The Lake Company was the clear winner and never relinquished any of its water rights until water power was no longer necessary to power factories and mills (Anderson, 2014).

Before his role in the attack had been settled, [James] Worster was jailed on another offense. Sometime before the autumn of 1859, Worster physically resisted the Merrimack County sheriff in a dispute over a stolen horse. In 1860, Worster pleaded guilty to the charge and was sentenced to thirty days in jail the following year. When he heard the news, French wrote: “He ought to be in jail or in an Insane Asylum. Perhaps the latter place would be the most humane and proper.” Worster was eventually released but returned to jail two years later after being convicted of contempt for his part in the 1859 attack on the dam. The sentence included three months of incarceration and a five hundred dollar fine. The Lake Company had finally succeeded. James Worster was to cause the company no further trouble (Steinberg, 2014).

Son James Worster appeared in the Concord, NH, directory of 1860, as residing at 7 Tahanto street. His son, George O. Worster, appeared also, as boarding at J. Worster’s.

Son Isaac Worster, Jr., died when struck by lightning in Chenoa, IL, May 16, 1860, aged fifty-eight years.

SAD BEREAVEMENT. Isaac Worster, Esq., a well known citizen of Rochester, was instantly killed by lightning, at Cheraw [Chenoa], Illinois, on Wednesday, May 16. He had been absent in the West for some months, with one of his sons, for the purpose of selecting a location for a future home. He was in the garden at the time, and so severe was the stroke that his clothes were completely torn from his body. Mr. Worster (says a writer in the Rochester Review) was a kind husband and father, a good neighbor, a true unwavering friend, and public spirited citizen. The sick, the needy, and the afflicted always found him a ready volunteer, and no personal effort was ever spared to aid them; no matter how much inconvenience it might occasion him. He made it a duty to help those who had none to assist them, and his contributions to such were always equal to his means. Wrong, injustice and oppression always found him inflexibly arrayed against them; and whatever he believed to be right and conductive to the welfare of his fellowmen, he earnestly and liberally sustained. A man whose whole pathway in life is strewn with good acts and kind attentions, has gone out from our community, and his bereaved family have the warm sympathy of all who know them (Dover Enquirer, May 31, 1860).

FATAL ACCIDENT. – We learn that a man was struck by lightening in the town of Chenoa, a few miles north of this place. He was putting out some plants, and had a bucket of water near him from which he dampened the ground, previous to putting down the plant, While stooping over the bucket, a stroke of lightening took effect upon his head, killing him instantly (Lexington Weekly Globe (Lexington, IL), May 31, 1860).

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

Mordica Varney, a farmer, aged sixty-two years (b. NH), headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Mary W. [(Worster)] Varney, aged sixty-one years (b. NH), Sarah E. Varney, a tailoress, aged thirty-four years (b. NH), Beard P. Varney, a farmer, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), Hannah Varney, aged twenty years (b. NH), Tamson E. Varney, aged seventeen years (b. NH), and Peter L. Cook, a shoemaker, aged twenty-three years (b. NH). Mordica Varney had real estate valued at $6,000 and personal estate valued at $700.

Charles Jones, a farmer, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton P.O.”) household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Betsey [(Varney)] Jones, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), Fred P. Jones, aged eight months (b. NH), Salley [((Worster) Wallingford)] Jones, aged sixty-six years (b. NH), Lydia Worster, aged sixty-four years (b. NH), Abba Corliss, aged fourteen years (b. NH), and F.E. [Frank E.] Wallingford, aged eight years (b. NH). Charles Jones had real estate valued at $16,000 and personal estate valued at $6,000. Salley Jones had personal estate valued at $1,000. His household was enumerated between those of E.W. Plummer, a farmer, aged forty-five years (b. NH), and William Sanborn, aged fifty-six years (b. NH). (Baby Fred P. Jones (1859-1941) would become the father of Robert E. Jones (1887-1954). Lydia Worster (1795-1863) was a sister of Salley ((Worster) Wallingford) Jones. Frank E. Wallingford (c1852-1914) was an orphaned son of Ira and Delania D. (Thompson) Wallingford, his father having died in 1853 and his mother having died only several months before).

James Worcester, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Concord, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Sarah W. Worcester, aged fifty-six years (b. NH), George O. Worcester, a map peddler, aged twenty-six years (b. NH), and Sarah J. Worcester, aged twenty-two years (b. NH). James Worcester had real estate valued at $2,500 and personal estate valued at $200.

Rachael R. [(Donnell)] Worster, aged fifty years (b. ME), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. Her household included Orange B. Otis, a currier, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), Hannah [(Worster)] Otis, aged twenty-six years (b. NH), and Arzelia Worster, aged eighteen years (b. NH).

George Worster, a farmer, aged forty-nine years (b. NH), headed an Allenstown, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Mary J. [(Rowell)] Worster, aged forty-six years (b. NH), Isaac Worster, aged nineteen years (b. NH), George A. Worster, aged fourteen years (b. NH), Ida M. Worster, aged seven years, and Charles Rowell, aged seventy-five years. George Worcester had real estate valued at $1,500 and personal estate valued at $200.

D.W. Dame, a farmer, aged forty years (b. NH), headed a Rock Creek, IL, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Sophia W. [(Worster)] Dame, aged forty-three years (b. NH), Julia A. Dame, aged fourteen years (b. NH), Chas. S. Dame, aged eight years (b. NH), Richard Dame, aged sixty-eight years (b. NH), William Horrigan, a farm laborer, aged twenty-six years (b. England), and Frank Canada, aged twenty-two years (b. NY). D.W. Dame had real estate valued at $4,000 and personal estate valued at $2,500.

E. Hanson, a farmer, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), headed a Wysox (“Elkhorn P.O.”), IL, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included [Adeline] Elizabeth Hanson, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), Ella Hanson, aged four years (b. VT), and Howard Wooster, aged twelve years (b. NH). E. Hanson had real estate valued at $1,600 and personal estate valued at $500.

Another attack was made on the Amoskeag dam at Manchester, N.H., on Tuesday afternoon. A party of four attempted to knock the flashboards off, when one of the party was arrested. The mobocrats stated that they were hired by parties at Hooksett (New England Farmer (Boston, MA), August 18, 1860).

Sister Sally ((Worster) Wallingford) Jones died in Milton, January 12, 1863, aged sixty-nine years, five months, and twenty-one days. Sister Lydia Worster died in Milton, June 6, 1863, aged sixty-seven years, seven months, and fifteen days.

Son James Worster appeared in the Concord, NH, directory of 1864, as residing on Spring street.

Son-in-law Mordecai Varney died in Farmington, NH, April 12, 1864, aged sixty-seven years.

Daughter-in-law Julia [(Hilliard)] Worster filed an administratrix’s bond in York County Probate court, September 5, 1865, for the settlement of the York County portion of the estate of her husband, Isaac Worster, late of Rochester, NH. John Worster of Rochester, NH, and Joseph H. White and James Chadbourne, both of Alfred, ME, stood as her sureties (York County Probate, 19:145). She reported having sold two parcels of land in York County to Charles Jones of Milton, for $10 and $40, October 3, 1865. Julia Worster, and her sureties, Joseph F. Hilliard, and Ebenezer Worster, both of Berwick, ME, appeared; and Joseph D. Worcester and Mary D. Knight signed also as witnesses (York County Probate, 19:46).

James Worcester appeared in the Concord, NH, directories of 1867-68, and 1870, as a lumber dealer, with his house on Spring street, near Pleasant street.

Son-in-law Elijah Hanson of Amboy, IL, aged forty-two years, made his last will, April 27, 1867. He devised all his real and personal estate to his beloved wife, Adeline E. Hanson. William B. Andruss and Rufus H. Mellen, both of Amboy, IL, witnessed his signature (Lee County Probate, 7:1389).

Daughter Dorcas (Worster) Nute died in Milton, December 11, 1869, aged seventy-two years.

Joseph H. Worcester, a lawyer, aged forty years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH (“Gonic P.O.”), household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included [his mother,] Julia [(Hilliard)] Worcester, aged seventy years (b. ME), and [his sister,] Sarah E. Worcester, aged forty-two years (b. NH).

James Worcester, a lumber dealer, aged sixty-four years (b. NH), headed a Concord, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Sarah J. Worcester, aged sixty-four years (b. ME), and Sarah J. Worcester, aged thirty years (b. NH).

Orange Otis, a shoe cutter, aged thirty years (b. NH), headed a Haverhill, MA, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Hannah [(Worcester)] Otis, keeps house, aged thirty years (b. NH), Lottie Otis, attends school, aged ten years (b. MA), Maud Otis, at home, aged ten months (b. MA), Rachel [(Donnell)] Worcester, no occupation, aged sixty years (b. ME), and Lill Worcester, works in shoe factory, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH).

George Worster, a farmer, aged fifty-eight years (b. NH), headed an Allenstown, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Mary J. [(Rowell)] Worster, keeping house, aged fifty-four years (b. NH), George A. Worster, a jeweler, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), Phosia [(Fessenden)] Worster, keeping house, aged twenty-four years (b. MA), Mary Worster, aged three years (b. NH), and Benjamin F. Worster, aged eight months (b. NH, September). George Worster had real estate valued at $2,500 and personal estate valued at $300.

Elijah Hanson, a locomotive machinist, aged forty-five years (b. NH), headed an Amboy, IL, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included [Adeline] Elizabeth [(Worster)] Hanson, keeping house, aged forty-eight years (b. NH), Mary Duffey, a domestic servant, aged eighteen years (b. PA), Henry Mcgraw, a R.R. engineer, aged thirty-nine years (b. NY), Jane Mcgraw, a milliner, aged twenty-nine years (b. Ireland), Bernard Truesdell, an attorney at law, aged thirty-seven years (b. NY), Sarah Truesdell, aged thirty-three years (b. NJ), Fanny Patridge, a music teacher, aged twenty-seven years (b. MA), and George Wells, a clergyman, aged thirty years (b. NY). Elijah Hanson had real estate valued at $12,000 and personal estate valued at $1,000. Henry Mcgraw had real estate valued at $500; Jane Mcgraw had personal estate valued at $2,000. Bernard Truesdell had real estate valued at $10,000 and personal estate valued at $10,000.

Danl. W. Dame, a farmer, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), headed a Rock Creek (“Lanark P.O.”], IL, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Sophia [(Worster)] Dame, keeping house, aged fifty-two years (b. NH), Chas. S. Dame, works on farm, aged eighteen years (b. NH), John Kendall, a farm laborer, aged thirty-five years (b. MD), Edwd. Newcomer, a farm laborer, aged twenty-five years (b. NY), Lycinda Pratt, a domestic servant, aged seventeen years (b. IL), and Richard Dame, a farm laborer, aged seventy-six years (b. NH).

Son-in-law Elijah Hanson died in Amboy, IL, November 23, 1871, aged sbout forty-seven years. His last will was proved in Lee County Probate court, November 30, 1871 (Lee County Probate, 7:1390).

Son James Worcester appeared in the Concord, NH, directory of 1872, as a lumber dealer, with his house on Spring street, near Pleasant street. He appears to have died, probably in Concord, NH, at sometime between 1872 and 1875, when his wife was described as being a widow.

Daughter-in-law Julia [(Hilliard)] Worcester made her last will, June 2, 1873. She devised one of her newest large silver spoons to her son, Henry K. Worcester. She devised a silver teaspoon to her son, Isaac Howard Worcester. She devised all the rest and residue of her estate to her son, Joseph H. Worcester, who was to hold it in trust and pay out its interest for the comfortable support and maintenance of her daughter (his sister), Sarah E. Worcester, during her natural life. He was to have the principal of the trust upon her decease, and was named as executor. (She signed as Julia Worster). Paul A. Hurd, Charles S. Ela, and Guielma M. Varney signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 89:177).

Daughter-in-law Rachel R. (Donnell) Worster died of paralysis in Haverhill, MA, May 19, 1874, aged sixty-five years.

Daughter-in-law Sarah W. (Fernald) Worcester, a widow, died of pneumonia in Chelsea, MA, February 12, 1875, aged seventy-one years.

MORTGAGEE’S SALE OF REAL ESTATE. To Sarah W. Worster of Chelsea, in the County of Suffolk and to any and all parties interested in the premises hereinafter described: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN: THAT By virtue of power of sale contained in a certain mortgage, given by said Sarah W. Worster to William C. Thompson of Lynn, in the County of Essex, dated November 26, 1874, and recorded with Suffolk Deeds, libro 1244, folio 239, and for condition of breach of the said mortgage, by the non-payment of the interest due on said mortgage will be sold at public auction upon the said premises, on FRIDAY, the seventh day of January, A.D., 1876, at 3 o’clock in the afternoon, A certain tract or parcel of land, with the buildings thereon, situated in Revere, in the County of Suffolk, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, bounded and described as follows, to wit: … being the same premises conveyed to said Sarah W. Worster by George O. Worster. WILLIAM C. THOMPSON, Mortgagee (Boston Globe, December 22, 1875).

Daughter Mrs. Mary (Worster) Varney died of “disease unknown” in Farmington, NH, March 26, 1877, aged seventy-seven years.

DIED. VARNEY – In Farmington, N.H., Third mo. [March] 26th 1877. Mary W. Varney, widow of the late Mordecai Varney, aged 77 years, 3 months; an esteemed member of Dover Monthly Meeting. She was of a meek and tender spirit, useful in life, patient and resigned to the divine will, and we believe that through the mercy of Christ her redeemer, she is at rest in glory. Friends’ Review please copy (Christian Worker, Fourth Month [April] 22, 1877).

Daughter-in-law Julia (Hilliard) Worster died, probably in Rochester, NH, between June 1873, when she had made her last will, and when it was proved at a Strafford County Probate court held in Farmington, NH, April 3, 1877 (Strafford County Probate, 89:179).

George Worcester, a farmer, aged sixty-nine years (b. NH), headed an Allenstown, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Mary J. [(Rowell)] Worcester, keeping house, aged sixty-five years (b. NH), his servant, Horace Brown, works on farm, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), and his boarder, Martha A. Lake, a schoolteacher, aged twenty years (b. NH).

A.E. Hanson, keeping house, aged fifty-eight years (b. NH), headed an Amboy, IL, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census.

D.W. Dame, a retired farmer, aged sixty years (b. NH), and Sophia W. [(Worster)] Dame, aged sixty-three years (b. NH), were among the eight boarders residing in the Lanark, IL, household of Louisa Lawson, a boarding house keeper, aged thirty-six years (b. VA), at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census.

Daughter Sophia (Worster) Dame died in IL, June 5, 1886, aged sixty-eight years.

Son George Worster died of heart disease in Allenstown, NH, November 10, 1886, aged seventy-five years. Dr. G.H. Larabee signed the death certificate.

Son-in-law Daniel W. Dame died in Lanark, IL, December 10, 1895. Daughter-in-law Mary Jane (Rowell) Worster died December 6, 1898, aged eighty-four years.

Daughter Adeline E. (Worcester) Hanson died in Amboy, IL, May 1, 1897.

Mrs. Adeline E. Hanson, an aunt of Chas. S. Dame of this city, died at her home in Amboy, on Saturday, May 1st. Mr. and Mrs. Hanson came to this county in 1858 and for a few years resided in Wysox. One daughter was born to them who died in 1864, and the husband and father departed this life in 1871. The family is well remembered by many of our older citizens (Lanark Gazette (Lanark, IL), May 5, 1897).

Daughter-in-law Mary J. (Rowell) Worster died of old age in Allenstown, NH, December 6, 1898, aged eighty-four years, six months.

References:

Anderson, Carol L. (2014). A History of the Belknap Mill: The Pride of Laconia’s Industrial Heritage. Charleston, SC: Arcadia Publishing

Anderson, Joseph C. (1990). Woodsum (Woodsome/Woodsom) Family in America: The Descendants of Joseph Woodsum of Berwick, Maine. Maine: Gateway Press

Find a Grave. (2005, July 6). Sophia C. Worcester Dame. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/11300702/sophia-c-dame

Find a Grave. (2017, November 23). Adeline E. Hanson. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/185421387/adeline-e-hanson

Find a Grave. (2017, October 16). Sally Worcester Jones. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/184333250/sally-jones

Find a Grave. (2016, September 14). Dorcas Worster Nute. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/169916475/dorcas-nute

Find a Grave. (2013, September 11). Mary W. Varney. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/116931532/mary-w-varney

Find a Grave. (2013, August 11). John Worcester. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/115275060/john-worcester

Find a Grave. (2022, February 3). Lydia Worcester. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/236461190/lydia-worcester

Find a Grave. (2009, June 7). George Worster. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/38051181/george-worster

Find a Grave. (2004, December 25). George Worster. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/10173118/george-worster

Find a Grave. (2020, October 22). Isaac Worster. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/217582723/isaac-worster

Find a Grave. (2007, November 29). Lemuel Worster [Jr.]. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/23170855/lemuel-worster

Find a Grave. (2016, April 1). Mark Worster. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/160342454/mark-worster

Find a Grave. (2013, February 27). Dorcas Yeaton. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/105890169/dorcas-yeaton

NEHGS. (1908). First Congregational Church Records, Rochester, NH. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=8cwUAAAAYAAJ&pg=RA1-PA38

NH Superior Court. (1851). NH Reports: Great Falls Company versus Worster. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=5usaAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA412

NH Superior Court. (1860). Reports of Cases Argued and Determined in the Supreme Judicial Court of New Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=R9YaAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA429

NH Supreme Court. (1861). NH Reports: Winnipeseogee Lake Company v. Young. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=Qpg0AQAAMAAJ&pg=PA420

Reno, Conrad, and Jones, Leonard A. (1901). Memoirs of the Judiciary and the Bar of New England for the Nineteenth Century. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=kGswAQAAMAAJ&pg=RA2-PA57

Steinberg, Theodore. (2014). Nature Incorporated: Industrialization and the Waters of New England. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press

Worcester, Jonathan F., and Sarah A. (1914). Descendants of Rev. William Worcester. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=O8hfAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA77