Author: Muriel Bristol

By Muriel Bristol | March 28, 2021

Frederick Belknap “Fred” Roberts was born in Milton, March 25, 1863, son of Ira and Caroline C. (Foss) Roberts. (Ira Roberts died of heart disease in Middleton, NH, June 2, 1875, aged sixty-four years. He was a carpenter).

Caroline C. Roberts, keeping house, aged fifty-six years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. Her household included her children, Fred B. Roberts, at school, aged seventeen years (b. NH), and Sadie B. Roberts, at school, aged eleven years (b. NH).

REAL ESTATE TRANSFERS. … S.E. Twombly to F.B. Roberts, Milton. E.E. Roberts to F.B. Roberts, Milton. Joseph Plumer to F.B. Roberts, Milton (Farmington News, February 8, 1889).

MILTON. At the republican caucus Saturday afternoon the following delegates were chosen to the different conventions: State – E.W. Fox and Frank Horner. Congressional – R.M. Kimball and C.D. Fox. Senatorial – Luther Hayes and B.B. Plummer. Councillor – Chas. A. Jones and S.W. Wallingford. County – Fred B. Roberts and C.W. Gross. Town Committee – Chas. H. Looney, president; B.B. Plummer, secretary; Luther Hayes, C.A. Jones, J.H. Avery, W.H.H. Pinkham, Fred B. Roberts, S.W. Wallingford, Charles D. Fox and Charles W. Gross (Farmington News, 1892).

The partnership of Avery, Jones & Roberts appeared in the Milton business directory of 1898, as builders, and as manufacturers of  lumber, shingles, and clapboards. Fred B. Roberts evidently supplied the lumber, Harry L. Avery appears to have kept the store front. (H.L. Avery appeared also in the directory as town clerk, and as one of fifteen Milton justices-of-the-peace). Charles D. Jones‘ role is less clear, although he was also a storekeeper, being specifically a pharmacist, as well as being a medical doctor.

Fred B. Roberts, a contractor & builder, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Village”) household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his sister, Sadie B. Roberts, aged thirty-one years (b. NH), his brother-in-law, Freeman D. Pike, a day laborer, aged fifty-eight years (b. NH), his sister (Pike’s wife of forty years), Sophia [(Roberts)] Pike, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH), his niece, Addie C. Pike, at school, aged sixteen years (b. NH), his nephew, Lewis F. Pike, at school, aged thirteen years (b. NH), and his boarder, Richard Colbath, a telegrapher, aged twenty-two years (b. NH). Freeman D. Pike owned their house, free-and clear. Sophia [(Roberts)] Pike was the mother of four children, of whom two were still living.

Avery, Jones & Roberts appeared in the Milton business directory of 1901, 1904, 1905-06, and 1909, as builders, and as manufacturers of  lumber, shingles, and clapboards. H.L. Avery appeared also as town clerk, and as a Milton justice-of-the-peace.

The NH General Court authorized incorporation of the Milton Water Works Company, March 21, 1901, with initial board members Malcom A.H. Hart, Charles H. Looney, S. Lyman Hayes, Charles D. Jones, Fred B. Roberts, Harry Avery, George E. Wentworth, Joseph H. Avery, Ira W. Jones, Arthur W. Dudley, Everett F. Fox, Henry F. Townsend, Freeman H. Lowd, William T. Wallace, Frank G. Horne, Charles A. Jones, and Nathaniel G. Pinkham. It established itself July 19, 1899, with Harry L. Avery as its treasurer (NH Secretary of State, 1901).  

PERSONAL. Fred B. Roberts is spending his vacation at the Roberts farm on the Rochester road (Farmington News, July 26, 1901).

MILTON. At the last meeting of Madokawanda Tribe, No. 21, I.O.R.M., the following officers were elected for the ensuing year: Sachem, H.F. Finnegan; prophet, James Leighton; senior sagamore, Harry Perkins; junior sagamore, G. Frank Davis; C. of W., Fred B. Roberts; K. of W., Fred S. Hartford; C. of R., Edwin L. Leighton; trustee for three years, Fred B. Roberts (Farmington News, January 8, 1904).

Outgoing NH Governor Nahum J. Batchelder swore in Fred B. Roberts and 316 others as NH State Representatives, January 4, 1905. Roberts was Milton’s representative.

Partner Charles D. Jones died of typhoid fever in Milton, July 2, 1908, aged forty-four years, nine months, and ten days. The firm of Avery, Jones & Roberts continued as Avery & Roberts.

Freman D. Pike, aged sixty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of forty-nine years), Sopha N. Pike, aged sixty-seven years (b. NH), and his boarders, Fred B. Roberts, aged forty-nine years (b. NH), and Susan Roberts, aged forty-one years (b. NH). Sophia Pike was the mother of two children, of whom two were still living.

Avery & Roberts appeared in the Milton business directory of 1912, and 1917, as builders, and as manufacturers of  lumber, shingles, and clapboards. H.L. Avery appeared also as town clerk, and as a Milton justice-of-the-peace.

Fred P. Jones, Union P.O. (Telephone 41-15) was State Forest Fire Warden for Milton in 1911-12, 1913-14, and 1915-16. (Jones was the father of theatrical designer Robert E. Jones). Jones’ Forest Fire Deputies were Fred B. Roberts, Milton P.O. (Telephone 23-2); H.R. Jewett, Sanbornville P.O. (Telephone 9-4); Isaac L. Lord, Union P.O. (Telephone 6-21); and F. Leroy Tripp, Farmington P.O. (Telephone 42-15) (NH Forestry Commission, 1912; NH Forestry Commission, 1914; NH Forestry Commission, 1916).

LOCAL. Two cases from Milton were brought before Judge A.H. Wiggin in the local district court on Wednesday of this week: That of State vs. Joseph D. Willey, brought by High Sheriff Edward S. Young on a charge of “keeping for sale,” in which the respondent entered a plea of guilty and the court imposed the minimum fine and jail sentence. Sentence was suspended upon payment of costs. The other case, that of State vs. Robert McIntosh, brought by Fred B. Roberts, wherein the respondent was charged with using derisive language toward the complainant, the respondent plead guilty and was fined five dollars and costs (Farmington News, December 15, 1916).

(McIntosh’s wife would divorce him in the following year. She alleged habitual drunkenness over a period of three years (One must recall always that allegations by themselves are simply that, allegations)).

Fred B. Roberts married in Milton, October 10, 1917, Mary Jane ((Raynor) Burke) Spaulding, he of Milton, and she of Worcester, MA. He was a lumber dealer, aged fifty-four years, and she was a housekeeper, aged forty-one years. Rev. A.T. Everett performed the ceremony. She was born on Prince Edward Island, Canada, circa 1875, daughter of John W. and Mary Ann Raynor. (Mary J. Raynor married (1st) in Milton, June 28, 1899, William E. Burke, both of Milton. Mary J. (Rayner) Burke married (2nd) in Worcester, MA, September 22, 1903, Algernon S. Spaulding (1847-1915), both of Worcester).

Fred B. Roberts, a lumberman (owner), aged fifty-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Mary J. Roberts, aged forty-three years (b. Canada). Fred B. Roberts owned their farm on Upper Main Street in Milton Village (near its intersection with the Teneriffe Mountain Road). Mary J. Roberts was a naturalized citizen, having immigrated into the U.S. in 1883.

REPUBLICANS FILE FOR NEW HAMPSHIRE PRIMARIES. CONCORD, N H., July 23 – All the candidates for the September primaries, who filed with the Secretary of State today, were Republicans. The list included John H. Garland of Conway, State Senator; James H. Joyce of Somersworth, Fred B. Roberts of Milton, County Commissioners; Ralph W. Davis of Derry. Henry H. Amsden of Concord, Adelbert M. Nichols of Claremont, John E. Dorr of Jefferson, William C. Goss of Henniker, Representatives (Boston Globe, July 24, 1920).

ROCHESTER MAN HIT BY TREE SUES FOR $5,000. Rochester, Aug. 31 – Claiming he received injuries when a tree on the property of Avery [&] Roberts, lumber dealers at Milton, fell on him, Feb 28, 1924, that made it necessary for him to resign as chief of police and deputy sheriff at that place. Arthur F. Remick has brought suit against the firm for $5000 (Portsmouth Herald, August 31, 1925).

Fred B. Roberts, a lumberman (own mill), aged sixty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifteenth (1930) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Mary J. Roberts, aged fifty-two years (b. Canada). Mary J. Roberts was a naturalized citizen, having immigrated into the U.S. in 1894. Fred B. Roberts owned their house on North Main Street, which was valued at $1,800. They had a radio set.

Partner Henry L. Avery died of a sudden cerebral hemorrhage in Milton, September 30, 1936, aged seventy-two years, eight months, and two days.

Here and There. The Milton town pound, one of the few remaining in New Hampshire, which was removed and rebuilt two years ago to permit a change in the location of the highway, has just been marked with a commemorative tablet by Fred B. Roberts, veteran town meeting moderator, and Ira W. Jones. In the early days pounds were common in New England for the confinement of cows and other domestic animals caught running at large. Early records of the town show that in 1803, when Gilman Jewett was town clerk, it was voted that the “town build a pound as near the center of the town as convenient.” The following year the pound was built, according to the records, “on land westerly opposite the town house, by Jonathan Pinkham.” The pound is circular and 30 feet in internal diameter. The walls are of field stone, about six feet high. A wooden gate adorns the front (Portsmouth Herald, July 3, 1939).

Fred B. Roberts, a lumberman (owner), aged seventy-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixteenth (1940) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Mary J. Roberts, aged sixty-three years (b. Canada). Fred B. Roberts owned their house in the Milton community, which was valued at $1,800.

Fred B. Roberts died of a cerebral hemorrhage on Main Street in Milton, October 31, 1943, aged eighty years, seven months, and six days.

IN MEMORIAM. Fred B. Roberts. Fred B. Roberts, 81, well known Milton businessman and a lifelong resident of that community, died last Sunday, following a sudden illness. Mr. Roberts was a prominent figure in Milton civic affairs for many years. He was the last surviving member of the firm of Avery, Jones and Roberts. Besides operating a women’s furnishings store he was also a lumber dealer. Active in politics, he served the town in the legislature for three terms, held several town offices and was moderator of the town for over twenty years. He was a member of the Masonic lodge in Union and Order of Red Men in Milton. Funeral services were held at Milton Wednesday afternoon. Burial was in Farmington cemetery (Farmington News, November 5, 1943).

CHARTER DRAPED AT OES MEETING. At the Eastern Star meeting Tuesday night, presided over by Worthy Matron Virginia Ham, the charter was draped for Mrs. Mary Roberts of Milton and the altar was draped for Past Grand Patron Howard K. Streeter and Past Grand Matron Mrs. Florence M. Lord, both of Manchester, who passed away recently. This was the last meeting until September. Plans were made to attend the service at Milton Community Church with the Masonic Lodge on June 19 (Farmington News, June 16, 1960).

---

References:

Find a Grave. (2020, August 18). Harry L. Avery. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/214557733/harry-l-avery

Kelleher Auctions. (2020). Nineteenth Century U.S. Patent Envelopes [Page 7]. Retrieved from www.kelleherauctions.com/lot_pdfs/3003/712482.pdf

NH Forestry Commission. (1912). Biennial Report of the Forestry Commission for the Two Fiscal Years Ending 1911-12. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=-A48AQAAMAAJ&pg=PA130

NH Forestry Commission. (1914). Biennial Report of the Forestry Commission for the Two Fiscal Years Ending 1913-14. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=SOhDAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA107

NH Forestry Commission. (1916). Biennial Report of the Forestry Commission for the Two Fiscal Years Ending 1915-16. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=oMArAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA170

NH Secretary of State. (1901). Laws of the State of New Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=vJxGAQAAIAAJ&pg=PA781

Worthpoint. (2021). 1926 By-Laws for Madokawanda Tribe N0. 21 Improved Order of Red Men – Milton, NH. Retrieved from www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/1926-laws-madokawanda-tribe-21-1863377734

By Muriel Bristol | March 14, 2021

Henry L. “Harry” Avery was born in Milton, January 28, 1864, son of Brackett F. and Susan (Varney) Avery. (A younger brother of the same name, for whom he was a namesake, was born and died in 1860; his father, Brackett F. Avery, enlisted in the NH First Heavy Artillery Regiment, in Dover, NH, August 25, 1864).

Brackett F. Avery, a farmer, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Village of Milton 3-Ponds”) household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Susan V. Avery, keeping house, aged fifty-five years (b. NH), his children, Harry L. Avery, at school, aged sixteen years (b. NH), Sally C. Avery, at school, aged thirteen years (b. NH), and John W. Avery, at school, aged ten years (b. NH).

Harry L. Avery was installed as financial secretary of the Teneriffe Lodge’s United Endowment League, January 14, 1890. His brother was installed as vice president, his future wife, Hattie L. Pinkham, was installed as treasurer, and his future employer (and eventual partner), Charles D. Jones, was installed as both sentinel and medical examiner.

MILTON. Teneriffe Lodge, No. 5, United Endowment League, was successfully launched on its career Tuesday evening, January 14, by Supreme Organizer, Benjamin Holt of Lowell, Mass., and an efficient corps of assistants. The following list of officers was publicly installed for the term ending Dec. 31: President, Henry R. Johnson; vice president, John W. Avery; counsellor, A.C. Willey; secretary, Irving W. Tuttle; financial secretary, Harry L. Avery; treasurer, Hattie L. Pinkham; chaplain, Rev. G. Frank Durgin; guide, F.P. Jones; sentinel, Charles D. Jones, M.D.; medical examiner, Charles D. Jones, M.D.; guard, Hazen Plummer; trustees, Charles E. Lord, J.D. Willey, S.M. Bragden. This new comer among the fraternal orders of Milton has our best wishes (Farmington News, January 31, 1890).

The Teneriffe Lodge was the local branch of the Order of United American Mechanics (O.U.A.M.). The United Endowment League, which was a separate enterprise, was “one of a number of short-term endowment [insurance] benefit fraternals that were popular in the 1880s and 1890s and then went bankrupt.”

Harry Avery began working at Dr. C. Dana Jones‘ Milton store in or around July 1890. (Charles D. Jones appeared in the Milton business directory of 1895, as an apothecary).

MILTON. Harry Avery will be the doctor’s assistant at the drug store. Harry is a right good fellow and will please every one (Farmington News, July 4, 1890).

Henry L. Avery, d. [Democrat], ran for Strafford County Register of Deeds in November 1890. He ran against Frank S. Tompkins (1853-1916), r. [Republican], of Dover, NH. He received 173 votes [41.0%] in Milton, to Tompkins’ 249 votes [59.0%]; and 4,394 [49.6%] votes in the county, to Tompkins’ 4,467 votes [50.4%]. Avery did better in the county as a whole, but Tompkins won the election.

Harry L. Avery married in Milton, November 17, 1894, Hattie L. Pinkham, both of Milton. He was a clerk, aged thirty-one years, and she was a clerk, aged thirty-five years. Rev. Frank Haley performed the ceremony. She was born in Milton, January 28, 1859, daughter of Nathaniel G. and Emily (Corliss) Pinkham.

LOCALS. The wedding announcement of Harry L. Avery and Hattie L. Pinkham of Milton has been received. The marriage occurred November 17th. They have the congratulations of many friends, including those of the News (Farmington News, November 23, 1894).

Avery’s mother, Susan (Varney) Avery, died in Milton, January 2, 1895, aged seventy years.

Harry L. Avery won his first election as Milton town clerk in the “lively” election of March 1896 (calculated from 1936 marking his fortieth year in that office). He was then thirty-two years of age. (He replaced Charles D. Jones in that office).

MILTON. The retiring board of selectmen at Milton have remarkable records in serving that town. Geo. Lyman has served in that capacity for 29 years, John U. Sims for 18 years and George Plummer for 12 years. They are republicans. There was a cat-a-cornered fight this year against the “old board” – the “Milton Tammany” its opponents called it – and the following board, also republicans, were elected: Samuel H. Wallingford, Joseph H. Avery, Freeman H. Loud. Luther Wentworth was foremost in the battle, and though there were four candidates against him, it required three ballots to defeat him for second place on the ticket. Evidently there were lively times at Milton town meeting (Farmington News, March 13, 1896).

[Ed.: We may note the circumstance that all three selectmen – each a member of long tenure – was replaced by an entirely new board. The Milton town government of that time apparently felt no pressing need for staggered terms in order to ensure “continuity”].

MILTON NEWS LETTER. The work on Henry L. Avery’s new house on Charles street is being pushed rapidly. It will be one of the finest houses in town when completed (Farmington News, July 16, 1897).

MILTON NEWS LETTER. Harry L. Avery has resumed his place in C.D. Jones‘ drug store, having been absent a few weeks while at work on his new house (Farmington News, August 18, 1897).

Avery, Jones & Roberts appeared in the Milton business directory of 1898, as builders, and as manufacturers of  lumber, shingles, and clapboards. H.L. Avery appeared also as town clerk, and as one of fifteen Milton justices-of-the-peace.

MILTON. Harry Avery, town clerk, and formerly clerk in Dr. Jones‘ drug store, has removed to the shoe store of his father-in-law, N.G. Pinkham. All the town records were found uninjured in the safe (Farmington News, February 25, 1898).

(Nathaniel G. Pinkham appeared in the Milton directory of 1900, as a merchant of boots and shoes, as well as newspapers, on Main street, with his house on Silver street).

The Milton Water Company was incorporated by the NH General Court, July 19, 1899, with Harry L. Avery as its treasurer (NH Secretary of State, 1901).

Harry L. Avery appeared in the Milton directories of 1900, 1902, 1905-06, and 1909, as town clerk and partner in Avery, Jones & Roberts, lumber, etc., on Main street, opposite the bridge, with his house on Charles street. His brother, John W. Avery, appeared as a shoe cutter, with his house on Charles street, on the hill; and their father, Brackett F. Avery, appeared as a farmer and milkman, with his house at 21 So. Main street.

Harry L. Avery, a storekeeper, aged thirty-six years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Village”) household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of six years), Hattie L. Avery, aged forty-one years (b. NH), and his children, Theron W. Avery, aged five years (b. NH), and Louise P. Avery, aged three years (b. NH). Harry L. Avery owned their house, free-and-clear. Hattie L. Avery was the mother of two children, of whom two were still living. Their household was enumerated between those of William C. Hall, a storekeeper, aged forty-one years (b. ME), and [his father-in-law,] Nathaniel G. Pinkham, a storekeeper, aged sixty-six years (b. NH).

Avery, Jones & Roberts appeared in the Milton business directory of 1901, 1904, 1905-06, and 1909, as builders, and as manufacturers of  lumber, shingles, and clapboards. H.L. Avery appeared also as town clerk, and as a Milton justice-of-the-peace.

[LOCAL.] The offer of a gift of a town clock for Milton, by an out of town citizen, if the people will raise money for a bell, has stimulated an effort to this end, and an organization was effected at a meeting Saturday evening, Dr. M.A.H. Hart being president, Harry L. Avery, secretary, and N.G. Pinkham, treasurer. It is proposed to place this clock and bell in the tower of the Congregational church as the most conspicuous place in the village (Farmington News, November 29, 1901).

The new town clock was started officially at noontime on Saturday, August 30, 1902, as a part of Milton’s centennial celebration. (See Milton’s Centennial). Several cannonades were fired over the course of the day from the Avery family farm. (His father being a veteran of a heavy artillery regiment).

LOCAL. The order of exercises for the Milton centennial of next Saturday begins with bell ringing and the firing of cannon on the Brackett Avery mountain. Field sports at 8 o’clock, with prizes; at 10 o’clock there will be a procession of trades, orders, and school children. Dinner will be served from 11 o’clock to 2 o’clock in a tent on the Nute school grounds, and the literary exercises will begin at 2 o’clock. Hanson’s American band will be in attendance during the day and evening. The new bell and clock at the Congregational church will be ready for sounding (Farmington News, [Friday,] August 29, 1902).

Henry L. Avery, d. [Democrat], ran for Strafford County Register of Probate in November 1902. He ran against William W. Martin (1853-1934), r. [Republican], of Dover, NH, and David E.C. Duffie (c1873-1904), soc. [Socialist], of Dover, NH. Martin won the election with 4,271 (59.2%) votes county-wide, while Avery received 2,682 (37.2%) votes, and Duffie received 264 (3.7%) votes.

Hattie (Pinkham) Avery nursed her maternal aunt, Julia (Corliss) Dorr, during an illness. 

MILTON. Mrs. Julia Dorr is quite ill at the home of her niece, Mrs. H.L. Avery (Farmington News, January 29, 1904).

Dorr’s daughter (and Hattie L. Avery’s cousin), Miss Hattie A. Dorr, came up from her Boston home as soon as possible (Farmington News, February 5, 1904).

MILTON. Town meeting passed off quietly, and the following officers were elected to serve the town for the ensuing year: Selectmen, Warren Jewett, Joseph H. Avery, and Charles A. Jones; town clerk, Harry L. Avery; constables, H.W. Downs and Hartley Nutter; school board, Frank G. Howe, Forrest L. Marsh, and Dr. M.A.H. Hart (Farmington News, March 1904).

The lumber firm of Avery, Jones & Roberts, of Milton, NH, was reported as having a portable sawmill (NH Labor Bureau, 1910).

STREET IMPROVEMENTS. Milton, N.H. The Town has appropriated over $2,500 for the repair of highways and bridges. Harry L. Avery, Town Clerk (Municipal Journal and Engineer, March 27, 1907).

Partner Charles D. Jones died of typhoid fever in Milton, July 2, 1908, aged forty-four years, nine months, and ten days. The firm of Avery, Jones & Roberts continued as Avery & Roberts.

Harry L. Avery, a fancy goods salesman, aged forty-six years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton 3-Ponds”) household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of sixteen years), Hattie Avery, aged fifty years (b. NH), his children, Theron W. Avery, aged fourteen years (b. NH), and Louise Avery, aged twelve years (b. NH), and his mother-in-law, Emily Pinkham, a widow, aged seventy-one years (b. NH). Harry L. Avery owned their house, free-and-clear. Hattie Avery was the mother of two children, of whom two were still living. Emily Pinkham was the mother of three children, of whom two were still living. Their household was enumerated between those of John W. Avery, a shoe shop foreman, aged forty years (b. NH), and Conrad Corson, a leather-board machineman, aged thirty-nine years (b. Canada (Eng.)).

In March 1911, the NH General Court approved the incorporation of the Nute Charitable Association (as set forth in the last will of Lewis W. Nute. Harry L. Avery was named as a member of its board.

Section 1. That Everett F. Fox, Charles A. Jones, M.A.H. Hart, Harry L. Avery, Walter E. Looney, Charles D. Fox, Moses G. Chamberlain, and their successors are hereby made a body corporate by the name of the Nute Charitable Association, and shall have and enjoy all the powers and privileges and be subject to all the liabilities incident to corporations of a similar nature, and by that name may sue and be sued. Harry L. Avery or Charles A. Jones may call the first meeting of said association by letter mailed to each member of said association at least seven days prior to the date set for said first meeting (NH General Court, 1911a).

Section 1 was amended by the NH Senate to add the names Bard B. Plummer, and Joseph H. Avery after the name Harry L. Avery (NH General Court, 1911b).

Avery’s father, Brackett F. Avery, died in Milton, May 30, 1911, aged eighty-two years.

Avery & Roberts appeared in the Milton business directories of 1912, and 1917, as builders, and as manufacturers of  lumber, shingles, and clapboards. H.L. Avery appeared also as town clerk, and as a Milton justice-of-the-peace.

Harry L. Avery appeared in the Milton directory of 1912, as town clerk and partner in Avery & Roberts, lumber, dry & fancy goods, etc., on Main street, opposite the bridge, with his house at 11 Charles street, on the hill. His brother, John W. Avery, appeared as the foreman [shoe] cutter for the M.S. company, with his house 15 Charles street, on the hill. (Their father, Brackett F. Avery, appeared in 1912, as having died May 30, 1911, aged eighty-two years).

Harry L. Avery appeared in the Milton directory of 1917, as town clerk, and as a partner in Avery & Roberts, merchants of lumber, dry & fancy goods at 28 Main street, opposite the Bridge, with his house at 11 Charles street, on the hill.

WEST MILTON. The town meeting at Milton drew out a big vote as a result of a sharp contest for the selection of the third selectman. The old board was re-elected as follows: Selectmen, Forrest L. Marsh, Bard B. Plummer, James F. Reynolds; town clerk, Harry L. Avery; treasurer, Everett F. Fox. School meeting was held at the close of town meeting and Dr. M.A.H. Hart and Everett F. Fox were unanimously re-elected as member of the board of education and school treasurer, respectively (Farmington News, March 15, 1918).

Harry L. Avery of Milton received his appointment as a notary public, January 28, 1919 (NH Secretary of State, 1919).

Harry L. Avery, an owner, aged fifty-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Village”) household at the time of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Hattie L. Avery, aged sixty years (b. NH), his child, Louise P. Avery, a retail grocery bookkeeper, aged twenty-two years (b. NH), and his sister, Sallie C. Avery, aged fifty-two years (b. NH). Harry L. Avery owned their house on Charles Street in Milton Village, free-and-clear. Their household was enumerated between those of Herbert R. Duntley, a leather-board laborer, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), and John W. Avery, a shoe shop shoe-cutter, aged forty-nine years (b. NH).

Hattie L. (Pinkham) Avery died of pleuro-pneumonia in Milton, December 21, 1922, aged sixty-three years, ten months, and twenty-three days. (Dr. M.A.H. Hart signed the death certificate; her husband, Harry L. Avery, recorded her death in the Milton town records).

Avery & Roberts appeared in the Milton business directories of 1922, 1927, and 1930, as builders, and as manufacturers of lumber, shingles, and clapboards. H.L. Avery appeared also as town clerk, and as a Milton justice-of-the-peace.

WEST MILTON. Owing to the bad traveling, the attendance at town meeting from West Milton was very slim, and would have been slimmer had not Abbie Bennett, pastor at Nute chapel, and Elvah Kelley announced they were going if they went on snowshoes, which instilled courage in some of the men. Town clerk, Harry L. Avery, and treasurer, Everett F. Fox, were elected without opposition. Fred M. Chamberlin was elected a member of the board of selectmen for three years. Fifty dollars was appropriated to make the spring on Silver street suitable and sanitary for public use. One hundred dollars was appropriated to beatify the grounds near the railroad station at Milton, the work to be done under the direction of the Womans’ club (Farmington News, March 23, 1923).

In that same election Milton voters rejected the use of the “Australian” ballot, i.e., the secret ballot, rather than the customary show of hands. They also opposed waiving the poll tax for women voters.

Avery & Roberts appeared in a list of three hundred forty-nine larger NH timber operators in 1925. 

This list of the larger operations in the State of New Hampshire was prepared by the State Forester, Mr. John H. Foster. It includes all those who cut 50 M [million] feet or more during the year 1925, their total production being 246,808,000 feet (Cline, 1925).

(F.J. Cathcart of Farmington, NH, Giles & Langley of Farmington, NH, M.H. Eaton of Union, NH, and the Plumber Lumber Company of Union, NH, as well as a number from Rochester, NH, appeared also in the list).

Harry L. Avery appeared in the Milton directory of 1930, as a partner in Avery & Roberts, with his house on Charles street. Avery & Roberts appeared as merchants of dry goods, wood and lumber, on Main street. Son Theron W. (Emma P.) Avery appeared as a Spaulding Fibre Co. employee; and daughter Louise P. Avery appeared as residing in the home of H.L. Avery, on Charles street.

Harry L. Avery, a dry goods retail merchant, aged sixty-six years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifteenth (1930) Federal Census. His household included his daughter, Louise P. Avery, aged thirty-two years (b. NH). Harry L. Avery owned their house on Charles Street, which was valued at $1,600. Their household was enumerated between those of Clemence Dixon, a U.S. Government mail messenger, aged forty-one years (b. MA), and John W. Avery, a shoe shop shoe-cutter, aged sixty years (b. NH).

TOWN MEETING IN  MILTON. A good percentage of the local check list was represented at the town house Tuesday. The various articles in the town warrant were acted upon excepting the article relative to the adoption of the Municipal Budget Act. In the contest for the office of selectman, the vote was as follows: Ford, 236; Blaisdell, 192; Blair, 107. Roy Pike was elected town treasurer; Herman Horne, tax collector; Harry Avery, town clerk; Robert Page of Milton Mills was reelected as a member of the school board in which capacity he has served for the past 20 years (Farmington News, March 15, 1935).

Younger brother John W. Avery died in Milton, March 5, 1936, aged sixty-seven years.

Henry L. Avery died of a sudden cerebral hemorrhage in Milton, September 30, 1936, aged seventy-two years, eight months, and two days. (Dr. M.A.H. Hart signed the death certificate; Avery’s deputy clerk, Ruth L. Plummer, recorded his death in the Milton town records).

TOWN CLERK FOR 40 YEARS, DEAD. Milton, Oct. 1. – The many friends of Harry A. Avery of Milton will be sorry to learn of his sudden death at his home here Wednesday night at the age of 72. Mr. Avery was serving his 40th year as town clerk of Milton and is one of the oldest town clerks in point of service in the state. For many years he was a member in the business firm of Avery-Roberts company. He is survived by a son, Theron, a daughter, Louise, with whom he lived, and a sister, Miss Sally Avery, all of Milton. He was a member of Masonic bodies (Portsmouth Herald, October 1, 1936).

Avery’s daughter, Louise P. Avery, served as town clerk in her own right from the March 1937 election until her own death from a cerebral hemorrhage in Milton, May 12, 1942, aged forty-four years, eleven months, and twenty days. (Dr. M.A.H. Hart signed the death certificate; Louise P. Avery’s deputy clerk, Ruth L. Plummer, recorded her death in the Milton town records).

IN MEMORIAM. Miss Louise Avery. Members of Fraternal Chapter, O.E.S., are grieved to learn of the sudden death of Miss Louise Avery of Milton which occurred Tuesday afternoon. Prominent in the social and civic life of her native town of Milton, she was suddenly stricken ill at her office and survived but a short time. She had been town clerk of Milton since 1936 [1937]. Besides holding this office she served as collector of water rents, clerk of the school district, organist at the Community church and treasurer of the Nute High school alumni. She was a member of the Milton Woman’s club, Community church and also a member of Fraternal Order, O.E.S., of Farmington. Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at the Milton Community church and burial will be in Milton (Farmington News, [Friday,] May 15, 1942).

---

References:

American Lumberman. (1907). American Lumberman. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=iC4iAQAAMAAJ&pg=RA13-PA45

Cline, A.C. (1925). The Marketing of Lumber in New Hampshire, 1925. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=NBLxAAAAMAAJ&pg=RA9-PA69

Find a Grave. (2020, August 18). Brackett F. Avery. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/214558859/brackett-f-avery

Find a Grave. (2020, August 18). Harry L. Avery. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/214557733/harry-l-avery

Find a Grave. (2020, August 18). Louise P. Avery. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/214558537/louise-p-avery

Find a Grave. (2013, August 13). William W. Martin. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/115395147/william-w-martin

Find a Grave. (2014, August 23). Frank S. Tompkins. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/134747123/frank-s-tompkins

NH General Court. (1911a). Journals of the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=vmQ3AQAAMAAJ&pg=RA1-PA726

NH General Court. (1911b). Journal of the House of Representatives of the State of New-Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=iT8tAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA317

NH Labor Bureau. (1910). Directory of Manufacturing Establishments, Arranged by Industry. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=sjFLAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA186

NH Secretary of State. (1901). Abstract of Annual Returns of Corporation, 1900. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=R3U9AQAAMAAJ&pg=RA4-PA13

NH Secretary of State. (1919). Annual Report of the Secretary of State. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=GL5LAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA137

Wikipedia. (2020, July 27). Order of United American Mechanics. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_United_American_Mechanics

Wikipedia. (2021, February 20). Secret Ballot. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secret_ballot

Wikipedia. (2021, February 21). Tammany Hall. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tammany_Hall

By Muriel Bristol |March 7, 2021

Charles Powers was born in Greenwich, Hampshire County, MA, February 1, 1762, son of Capt. Jeremiah and Elizabeth “Betty” (Cooley) Powers.

Charles Powers was a Revolutionary soldier. He served in Capt. Moses Montague’s Company, of Col. Israel Chapin’s Regiment of Hampshire County, MA, militia, in October-November 1779. He served also in Capt. Oliver Coney’s Company, in Col. Sears’ Regiment of MA militia, in 1781.

Charles Powers married, probably in Greenwich, MA, in 1786, Silence Rogers. She was born in 1761, daughter of William and Silence (Wright) Rogers.

The children of Charles and Silence (Wright) Rogers were: Lois M. Powers, born Pomfret, VT, January 18, 1788; Lucius Powers, born Greenwich, MA, November 18, 1791; Silence Powers, born Acton, ME, May 25, 1793; and Eliza Powers, born Lebanon, ME, March 19, 1795.

The first Physician that settled in [Acton, ME] town was Dr. Charles Powers, who commenced about the year 1791. For many years he did a good business. He continued until about 1825, but practiced occasionally in town afterwards (Fullonton, 1847).

One must be aware of several anachronisms present in accounts of Dr. Powers. What would later be the Acton village of Shapleigh was first settled in 1779, the whole being first called Hubbardstown Plantation. Maine was then a province of Massachusetts. Shapleigh – including what would later be Acton – was incorporated in 1785. Dr. Powers is said to have settled there in or shortly after 1791. (His son Lucius was said to have been born in Greenwich, MA, November 18, 1791, and, if that is accurate, it seems unlikely that he and his family would have moved so late in the year). The Province of Maine was set off from Massachusetts as its own U.S. State in 1820, and Acton was set off from Shapleigh as its own town on March 6, 1830.

Chapter 64. RESOLVE ON THE PETITION OF CHARLES POWERS AUTHORIZING THE PARISH IN SHAPLEIGH TO CONVEY THE LAND MENTIONED. On the Petition of Charles Powers, agent for and in behalf of the First Parish in the Town of Shapleigh, in the County of York, praying that said Parish may be authorised to sell to the Revd. Joseph Brown, the present minister thereof, twenty acres of the Parsonage belonging thereto. Resolved, for reasons set forth in said Petition that the prayer thereof be granted, and that the said Parish be and hereby are authorised and impowered to sell and convey to the said Joseph B[r]own, twenty acres of land situate in the southwest corner of the parsonage lot in said Parish, said lot being numbered five, in the seventh range in the first division of lots in said Town; and to make and execute a good and sufficient deed of conveyance of said twenty acres to said Brown accordingly. January 16, 1800 (MA General Court, 1897).

Charles Powers headed a Shapleigh, ME, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [Charles Powers], one female aged 26-44 years [Silence (Rogers) Powers], one female aged 10-15 years [Lois M. Powers], one male aged 10-15 years [Lucius Powers?], and two females aged under-10 years [Eliza Powers and Silence Powers]. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Daniel Cook and Jeremiah Gilman.

Daughter Lois M. “Mercy” Powers married in Shapleigh, ME, October 26, 1806, Major Aaron Hubbard.

Charles Powers was a surgeon’s mate in the York County militia in 1807 (Emery, 1901).

Doctr. Charles Powers headed a Shapleigh, ME, 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 [Silence (Rogers) Powers], one female aged 16-25 years, and one female aged 10-15 years. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Jotham Brackett and Joseph Door, Jr.

Daughter Silence Powers married, circa 1812, Zebulon Gilman. Son Lucius Powers married, in 1813, Martha Hubbard.

Daughter Eliza Powers married in Lebanon, ME, in 1818, Deacon John Moody.

PHYSICIANS. Dr. Charles Powers, of Greenwich, Mass., established himself at the western border near Milton Mills, as early as 1791, and practiced with good success till 1825. He then removed to New Hampshire and finally died in Shapleigh in 1847 [1844] (Loring, 1854).

Son Lucius Powers headed a New Durham, NH, household at the the of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 30-39 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years [Martha (Hubbard) Powers], one female aged 10-14 years, one male aged 5-9 years, one female aged 5-9 years, two males aged under-5 years, two females aged under-5 years, and one female aged 60-69 years.

Silence (Rogers) Powers died September 25, 1839, aged seventy-three years, eight months.

Samuel Gilman headed a New Durham, NH, household at the the of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-60 years, one female aged 40-49 years, one male aged 16-19 years, one female aged under-5 years, and one male aged 70-79 years. The male aged 70-79 years was identified as Revolutionary pensioner Charles Powers, aged 78 years. One member of the household was engaged in a learned profession, i.e., Dr. Charles Powers, while a second was engaged in manufacture and the trades, and the third in agriculture.

Charles Powers died at Shapleigh, ME, January 12, 1844, aged eighty-one years.

Dr. Charles Powers, the first Physician of this [Acton, ME] town, was a native of Greenwich, Ms. [Mass.]. He came here in 1791, and practiced most of the time more than 30 years. He died at Shapleigh, early in 1844, aged 81 (Fullonton, 1847).

---

References:

Emery, Edwin. (1901). The History of Sanford, Maine, 1661-1900. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=0nUUAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA206

Find a Grave. (2017, July 1). Silence Powers Gilman. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/180911307/silence-gilman

Find a Grave. (2013, November 7). Marcia Powers Hubbard. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/119939563/marcia-hubbard

Find a Grave. (2013, November 9). Dr. Charles Powers. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/120047214/charles-powers

Loring, Amasa. (1854). History of Shapleigh. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=tlzZdV2wqR0C&pg=PA39

MA General Court. (1897). Acts and Resolves Passed by the General Court. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=FmCxAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA555

By Muriel Bristol | February 28, 2021

Moses K. Cowell was born in Lebanon, ME, February 22, 1823, son of Ichabod and Rebecca (Clark) Cowell. (Date arrived at by computation from death record).

Ichabod Cowell, a farmer, aged sixty-one years (b. ME), headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Rebecca Cowell, aged fifty-six years (b. ME), Moses Cowell, a farmer, aged twenty-five years (b. ME), and Sewell Cowell, aged twenty-two years (b. ME). Ichabod Cowell had real estate valued at $1,500, Moses Cowell had real estate valued at $500, and Sewall Cowell, had real estate valued at $500.

Ichabod Cowell, a farmer, aged seventy-three years (b. ME), headed a Lebanon (“Lebanon Centre P.O.”), ME, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Rebecca Cowell, aged sixty-six years (b. ME), and Moses Cowell, a shoemaker, aged thirty-four years (b. ME). Ichabod Cowell had real estate valued at $1,000 and personal estate valued at $200, while Moses Cowell had personal estate valued at $100.

Moses Cowell, of Lebanon, ME, aged thirty-five years (b. ME), registered for the Class II military draft in 1863.

Ichabod Cowell, a farmer, aged eighty-three years (b. ME), headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Rebecca Cowell, aged seventy-five years (b. ME), and Moses Cowell, a farm laborer, aged forty-four years (b. ME). Ichabod Cowell had real estate valued at $500 and personal estate valued at $225, and Moses Cowell had personal estate valued at $1,000.

Young Acton, ME, diarist Ida Isadore Reynolds (1860-1946) mentioned Moses Cowell as being a customer of her seamstress mother, who made him a pair of pants in May 1873 (Heirlooms Reunited, 2019).

Saturday, May 3, 1873: Snowed. Mother made Moses Cowell’s pants. Mr. Hilton here. Edward did not go away.

She encountered him again in his capacity as physician, in February 1874, when he treated her for catarrh.

Tuesday, February 24, 1874:  Fair and Cold. I had a very bad pain in my side. I knit some. Father not very well. Mother got a bad head ache. She spun Five skeins of yarn.  Moses Cowell here. He left me some medicine to Purify my blood and some for my throat and some powder to blow down my throat. This is all for Catarrh. Clara Prescott and Enoch Sherman here.

M.K. Cowell appeared in the Milton business directories of 1875, 1876, and 1880, as a Milton Mills physician.

Moses K. Cowell, aged fifty-one years (b. ME), headed an Acton, ME, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. Moses K. Cowell owned his house, free-and-clear. His household appeared in the enumeration between the households of Gilbert H. Welch, a farm laborer, aged twenty-nine years (b. ME), and Margarette Ploude, keeping house, aged fifty-seven years (b. Canada).

M.K. Cowell appeared in the Milton business directories of 1881, 1882, 1884, 1887, and 1889, as a Milton Mills physician.

Moses K. Cowell, M.D., reported to the NH State Board of Health on his contagious disease cases in Milton Mills in 1888.

Milton Mills. MOSES K. COWELL, M.D. Typhoid Fever – Four cases, one fatal; two, with the one fatal, in town; one in Lebanon, Maine; one in Acton, Maine. Polluted water in all cases, to which I attribute the disease. Diphtheria – Three cases, none fatal; two in town, one in Acton, Me. Bad sanitary conditions in all cases. Think polluted water the most common source of the disease (Clarke, 1888).

Moses K. Cowell, a physician, aged seventy-six years (b. ME), headed an Acton, ME, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. Moses K. Cowell owned his house, free-and-clear. His household appeared in the enumeration between the households of Francis Coffrin, a farm laborer, aged seventy-one years (b. NH), and Edward J. Brierley, a grocer, aged fifty-one years (b. MA).

Moses K. Cowell appeared in the Milton directories of 1902, and 1905, as having his house at the Acton bridge, in Milton Mills.

Moses K. Cowell died of senile gangrene in Acton, ME, July 8, 1905, aged eighty-two years, four months, and six days. (Dr. W.E. Pillsbury signed his death certificate).

---

References:

Clarke, Arthur E. (1888). Report of the State Board of Health of the State of New Hampshire, 1888. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=DZ4_GY2UvBcC&pg=PA44

Find a Grave. (2016, June 9). Moses K. Cowell. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/164165614/moses-k-cowell

Heirlooms Reunited. (2019, January 29). May Entries in the 1873 Diary of Ida Isadore Reynolds (1860-1946) of Acton, Maine; Future Wife of John Jotham Shapleigh (1856-1923). Retrieved from www.heirloomsreunited.com/2019/01/may-entries-in-1873-diary-of-ida.html

Wikipedia. (2020, December 26). Catarrh. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catarrh

By Muriel Bristol | February 24, 2021

The following two news articles emerged while researching Milton’s Railroad Station Agents. They fall a bit beyond the time frame with which we have concerned ourselves so far, but they do throw some light on  the ultimate fate of Milton’s Railroad Station or Depot building of 1873.

And our readers seem also to retain a considerable interest in and affection for Ray’s Marina. (The marina would rise from the ashes to close finally forty years later).

Ray’s Marina Fire of Monday, December 11, 1972

Fire Destroys Milton Marina. Damage Estimated at $200,000. MILTON – An exploding snowmobile has been listed as the cause of the major blaze which destroyed all by the offices of Ray’s Marina in Milton Monday afternoon. According to Ray Lamoureux, owner of the marina, an employee was working on a snowmobile in one of the bays when a spark set off the fire.

Milton Fire Chief Herb Downs said the fire spread rapidly from the working bay to the upper floor of the structure and then the most of the other building. Firemen from Milton, Farmington and Rochester worked for nearly three hours to put out the blaze, which according to Mr. Lamoureux caused an estimated $200,000 worth of damage.

On Tuesday Mr. Lamoureux surveyed the damage and indicated that he intended to start rebuilding immediately. For the time being the marina will continue operating out of the American Service Station next door with offices in a cottage on the other side of the structure. Mr. Lamoureux noted that although the telephone lines were destroyed in the fire and new homes [phones?] were installed on Tuesday, the numbers will remain the same, they are 332-1511 and 652-4523.

Prior to the location of Ray’s Marina at the site, the area served for nearly 100 years as the Milton Railroad Depot. Several years ago the facilities were moved to Rochester and the building lay abandoned for some time until Ray’s took over in 1963. During his ownership Mr. Lamoureux built onto the original structure and added a showroom and office space. The railroad depot was kept and converted into a repair shop. It was the railroad depot section of the building which was destroyed (Farmington News, [Thursday,] December 14, 1972).

The article was illustrated with four photos, which will not copy well. Their captions appear below.

[Photo Caption:] AS THE BURNT OUT, caved in shell of Ray’s Marina in Milton was being cleaned out on Tuesday, the day after one of Milton’s worst fires, Ray Lamoureux, owner of the Marina, was already making plans for rebuilding. For the time being, the Marina will be operating out of a cottage on one side of the building with their repair shop located in an American Service Station on the other side of the structure. (Photo by AEW).

[Photo Caption:] EVEN THOUGH the flames spread fast through Ray’s Marina in Milton all employees managed to get out of the building safely. According to Mr. Lamoureux, the owner of the business, no employees will be out of work because of the fire. He said, “It will be business as usual” (Photo by AEW).

[Photo Caption:] THE MONDAY AFTERNOON fire, which destroyed Ray’s Marina in Milton, was started when a snowmobile (pictured above) exploded and spread flames racing through the structure that once served as the Milton Railroad Depot (Photo by AEW).

[Photo Caption:] AS THINGS CALMED DOWN on Tuesday, the written location remained on the chalk board at the Milton Firehouse to tell where the fire had done $200,000 worth of damage the day before. (Photo by AEW).

Ray’s Marina Fire of Tuesday, October 30, 1973

Ten months later a Ray’s Marina boat storage building in Lebanon, ME, burned also.

Marina Blaze. WEST LEBANON, Maine (AP) – A fire here Tuesday leveled a storage building and destroyed its contents, about 65 motor boats and a fork lift truck, fire officials said. The cause of the blaze is undetermined and is under investigation. No injuries were reported. Fire fighters from several surrounding Maine and New Hampshire communities responded to the alarm. The storage building, the property of Ray’s Marina of Milton, NH, is on the Maine side of Milton Three Ponds. The marina itself is on the New Hampshire side (Portsmouth Herald, [Wednesday,] October 31, 1973).

---

See also Milton’s Railroad Line, Milton Railroad Station Agents, and Grand Opening of Ray’s Marina

---

References:

Foster’s Daily Democrat. (2016, May 12). Rheaume J. (Ray) Lamoureux. Retrieved from www.legacy.com/obituaries/fosters/obituary.aspx?n=rheaume-j-lamoureux-ray&pid=179960532&fhid=4824

By Muriel Bristol | February 21, 2021

Hugh Duncan Grant was born in Canada, December 31, 1870, son of Duncan and Eliza (Graham) Grant.

James McKay, a physician, aged forty-one years (b. Canada), headed a Potsdam, NY, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of eleven years), Mary McKay, aged thirty-four years (b. NY), his servant, Marc[e]lina LaPoint, a housekeeper, aged twenty years (b. NY), and his boarder, Hugh Grant, a physician, aged twenty-eight years (b. Canada). James McKay owned their house at 89 Market Street, free-and-clear. McKay was a naturalized citizen, having immigrated into the U.S. in 1885, while Hugh Grant was still an alien, having immigrated in 1893. Mary McKay was the mother of two children, of whom none were still living.

CUTTINGSVILLE. Dr. Fiske is entertaining a former classmate, Dr. H.D. Grant of Malone, N.Y. (Southern Vermont Mirror (Danby, VT), June 10, 1904).

NORTHERN NEW YORK. Dr. H.D. Grant has gone down to Dundee, P.Q., to spend two weeks (Burlington Free Press (Burlington, VT), July 2, 1904).

BARTON LANDING. Dr. H.D. Grant of West Derby will take charge of Dr. Parlin’s patients, while the latter is away for the winter (Orleans County Monitor (Barton, VT), October 24, 1904).

BARTON LANDING. Dr. H.D. Grant, formerly of this place, has opened an office at Derby Line (Orleans County Monitor (Barton, VT), April 10, 1905).

Hugh Duncan Grant married (1st) in Newbury, VT, October 12, 1905, Martha Katherine “Mattie” Hamm. He was a physician, aged twenty-five years, and she was aged nineteen years. Congregational Rev. J. Alphonso Belanger performed the ceremony. She was born in Haverhill, MA, July 2, 1886, daughter of Charles W. and Susan L. (Marston) Hamm. (She died in East Hartford, CT, August 18, 1971).

DERBY LINE. Dr. H.D. Grant has closed his office in the studio building and intends locating in the West (Burlington Free Press (Burlington, VT), October 19, 1905).

Dr. Hugh D. Grant, like Dr. Weeks an alumnus of Baltimore Medical College, began practice at this [Milton Mills, NH] place during the latter part of the summer of 1907, and has resided here since that time (Mitchell-Cony, 1908).

Hugh D. Grant appeared in the Milton directory of 1909, as having his house at 12 Springvale Road, Acton Side, Milton Mills.

James Russell Grant was born in Acton, ME, January 2, 1909, son of Hugh D. and Martha (Hamm) Grant, as reported by physician H.D. Grant of Milton Mills, NH.

GROWING GIRLS NEED RED BLOOD. Pallor and Lack of Blood Should Be Corrected to Secure Proper Development. The pallor and lack of blood so often noted in the case of school girls, as well as young girls employed in stores and factories, if not corrected by proper tonic treatment, may reasonably be counted upon as a source of suffering and annoyance until the age of forty is reached. It indicates a lack of blood and with the blood deficient the growing girl cannot properly develop. It is a time when good red blood is urgently needed and the fact cannot be too strongly impressed upon parents. The disease is easily recognized by the yellow-green pallor, breathlessness and palpitation of the heart upon the least exertion, and sometimes, but not always, a tendency to faintness. The one remedy perfectly adapted for the cure of this condition is Dr. Williams’ Pink Pills. Mrs. H.D. Grant of Milton Mills, N.H., whose husband is a physician, says: “When about twelve years of age I began to decline in health and at last became so weak that I could not walk across the room without taking hold of something to steady myself. I don’t know what was the cause of my sickness unless I played too hard and grew too fast. I was very large for my age but extremely pale. I had headaches almost constantly and the only way I could sleep was by taking some sedative. I could not walk upstairs without my knees trembling. My appetite was poor and capricious. My heart seemed to be in my throat. I was thin and fainted frequently. During this time I suffered from weakness common to my sex. “I was treated by three physicians for anæmia but was given up by them and as a last resort tried Dr. Williams’ Pink Pills. I didn’t have any faith in them at first but I took them regularly and soon realized that they were doing me good. I gained in strength and weight, my appetite returned and I am now in good health.” Dr. Grant added: “My wife is a well woman today. She has a good appetite, sleeps well and does her work without any assistance.” Dr. Williams’ Pink Pills are sold by all druggists, or sent postpaid, on receipt of price, 50 cents per box, six boxes for $2.50, by the Dr. Williams Medicine Co., Schenectady, N.Y. (Bangor Daily News (Bangor, ME), January 21, 1910).

H.D. Grant, an M.D. doctor, aged forty years (b. Canada), headed a Bowdoinham, ME, household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of five years), Mattie K. Grant, aged twenty-three years (b. MA), and his children, Herley G. Grant, aged three years (b. NH), and James R. Grant, aged sixteen months (b. ME). H.D. Grant rented their house on Brooklyn Street. He was an alien, who had immigrated in 1887.

NORTHERN NEW YORK. Dr. H.D. Grant of Bowdoinville [Bowdoinham], Me., is the guest of his brother. Dr. J.A. Grant (Burlington Free Press (Burlington, ME), July 24, 1911).

DESCRIBE VISIT OF MASKED MEN. Dr. and Mrs. Grant in Bath, Me, Court. Frank P. Brown, Bowdoinham, Held tor Supreme Court. Contents of Threatening Letter Divulged. BATH, Me, Feb 27 – Alleging that a party of 15 or 20 masked men called at his home last Tuesday night about 9 o’clock to hand him a threatening letter and that one of the party struck him, Dr. H.D. Grant of Bowdoinham appeared in the Municipal Court today against Frank P. Brown, also of Bowdoinham, whom he charged with assault and battery. Judge Keegan found probable cause and young Brown was bound over to the May term of the Supreme Court in sureties of $500, which were furnished by his father, George W. Brown of Somerset Junction, and by James H. Millay of Bowdoinham. Dr. Grant was the principal witness. He said that last Tuesday night he was notified by telephone that a delegation was then on its way to give him a letter warning him that he and Mrs. Grant had better drop an action which Mrs. Grant is planning to bring against another woman in Bowdoinham, A group of masked men soon called and one handed him a letter. The doctor attempted to pull the man’s mask from his face, he said, and the man shot out his fist, striking him under his eye. He had succeeded in so removing the mask that he recognized the wearer as Brown, he said. In the scuffle others jumped at him, Dr. Grant testified, and he fell into a ditch. Dr. Grant’s testimony was corroborated by Mrs. Grant, who said she followed her husband out of the house in an attempt to remove the masks from as many others as possible but she only succeeded positively in identifying three members of the party. She said they are prominent citizens of Bowdoinham. She handed a revolver to her husband, who fired it in the air, causing the party to flee. Dr. and Mrs. Grant testified that one of the party was Charles Berry, their next-door neighbor. Young Berry denied that he took any part in the affair. He said he was playing the piano at his home when he heard a woman’s scream. Rushing out in the direction of the sound, he saw two figures in the ditch and from their voices believed them to be Dr. and Mrs. Grant. He saw a group of men, then more than 200 feet away, running down the street. A moment later a shot was fired and he became so frightened he ran back to his home. The letter handed Dr. Grant and read before the court read, “Since your arrival in this town our citizens have been subjected to many odorous episodes because of your presence. From time to time our peace-loving citizens have conferred together as to the advisability of purging our town of your presence. “But their good old New England blood coursed slowly through their veins and no one could take the lead in a plan to eliminate you. At frequent intervals since you came here you have succeeded in bringing your own and your wife’s misdeeds into the limelight and allowed their poisonous influences to be disseminated among our young people. “Recent events disclose the fact that you are preparing again to bring an obnoxious matter before the public, and for that purpose have instituted a civil suit against one of our old and respected citizens. Patience has ceased to be a virtue, and we therefore take this occasion to advise you to withdraw same on or before March 10, 1915, reminding you that you have too much to lose and nothing to be gained by your failure to do so. “We as citizens respect your rights as a citizen, and believe you should seriously consider the situation and respect our rights, upon which we assure you we shall insist. “Twenty Citizens of Bowdoinham.” (Boston Globe, February 28, 1915).

St. Johnsbury Locals. Dr. and Mrs. H.D. Grant of Bath Maine, and Mr. and Mrs. Fred Heath of Bowdoinham, Maine, were the recent guests of Mr. and Mrs. A.F. Houghton on their way to Montreal on an automobile trip (St. Johnsbury Republican (St. Johnsbury, VT), May 23, 1917).

Hugh D. Grant received a commission as a 1st Lieutenant in the Medical Section of the N.G.R. [National Guard Reserve], February 8, 1918. He was attached to the Third Maine Regiment.

Hugh D. (Martha K.) Grant appeared in the Bath, ME, directory of 1919, as a physician, with his office and house at 82 Pine street.

Hugh D. Grant, a general practice physician, aged forty-nine years (b. Canada), headed a Bath, ME, household at the time of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Martha K. Grant, aged thirty-one years (b. MA), and his children, Hurley G. Grant, aged eighteen years (b. NH), and James R. Grant, aged eleven years (b. ME). Hugh D. Grant owned their house at 82 Pine Street, free-and-clear. It was a two-family residence, which they shared with a tenant household, that of Mary E. Wright, a housekeeper, aged twenty-eight years (b. ME).

Dr. Hugh D. Grant of Bath, Me., is suffering from a burn on his left arm sustained in a peculiar manner. He was driving his car on Sewall’s hill, Washington street, when he noticed steam coming from the radiator, which he believed had gone dry. Removing the cylinder cap his movement was a trifle awkward because of his heavy fur coat and before he could withdraw the cap, from the opening, the hot steam quickly went up his sleeve, scalding the arm from the hand to the elbow (Fall River Daily Evening News (Fall River, MA), December 8, 1921).

Hugh D. (Mattie) Grant appeared in the Bath, ME, directories of 1922, and 1924, as a physician, with his office and house at 82 Pine street. They would seem to have divorced between 1924 and 1925.

Hugh D. Grant appeared in the Bath, ME, directories of 1926, 1928, and 1931, as a physician, with his office and house at 141 Front street. (His son, Hurley G. Grant, a student in NYC, had his home residence at 141 Front street in 1931).

Hugh D. Grant married (2nd) in Portsmouth, NH, June 7, 1934, Hazel [Abbie] ((Jaquith) Holland) Gwynn, both of Bath, ME. He was a physician, aged fifty-eight years, and she was a bookkeeper, aged thirty-eight years. They were both divorced; it was his second marriage and her third marriage. Peter J. Hickey, justice of the peace, performed the ceremony. She was born in Durham, ME, March 19, 1896, daughter of Horace G. and Abbie E. (Littlefield) Jaquith.

Dr. and Mrs. Hugh D. Grant will leave Wednesday morning for a two weeks’ trip to Montreal and Ottawa (Bath Independent, October 11, 1934).

NEWLY WEDS TAKE UP RESIDENCE IN BATH. Mr. and Mrs. Fred P. Wilson, whose wedding took place Nov. 3 in Topsham, where Rev. Harry W. Chamberlin officiated at the single ring service, are making their home at 805 Washington street. Attending the couple were Dr. and Mrs. H.D. Grant. The bride, formerly Mrs. Ruby H. Avery, wore brown matelassé crepe and carried bronze chrysanthemums. Mrs. Grant wore a purple gown and carried pink chrysanthemums. The bride’s gift to her attendant was a double compact and the groom’s gift to the best man was a leather bill fold. A wedding supper followed the ceremony. Mrs. Wilson is employed at the Commercial Trading Company and Mr. Wilson is employed by the A. and K. Street Railway (Bath Independent, November 14, 1935).

H.D. Grant was elected Vice President of the Sagadahoc Medical Society at its meeting in the Hotel Sedgwick in Bath, ME, November 16, 1937.

Cyrus Russell Grant, beloved husband of Annie Margaret Gage, died at his home in Dundee Center, Québec, age 78 years. He was born in Russell, ON, on December 14, 1861, and came to Dundee at the age of 21. He is survived by his widow, one son Hugh at home, one brother, Dr. Hugh D. Grant of Bath, ME, three sisters, Mrs. Johnna Kirschner of Ottawa, and Misses Matilda and Ellen Grant of Montreal. Three grandchildren and four nephews, Harley and Russell Grant of Bath, ME, and Kenneth and Howard Grant of New York. He has lived here ever since [—-]. On February 8, 1888, he was united in marriage to Miss Annie Margaret Gage of Dundee who survives him, one son Hugh was born to this marriage. Funeral was held from his late residence to Zion United Church, in Dundee, service conducted by the Rev. J.B. McLean, D.D. of Huntingdon, assisted by the Rev. J.H. Woodside of Kensington. Interred in the Zion Church Cemetery ([Southwest Quebec] Gleaner, December 20, 1939).

Hugh D. Grant, a doctor, aged sixty-eight years (b. ME), headed a Bath, ME, household at the time of the Sixteenth (1940) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Hazel Grant, aged forty-nine years (b. ME), his stepson, Norman Grant, aged fifteen years (b. ME), and his lodger, Arthur Eller, a restaurant owner, aged forty-five years (b. Greece). Hugh D. Grant rented their house at 141 Front Street, for $25 per month. He had attended seven years of college, Hazel Grant had attended four years of high school. The family had resided in the same house in 1935, while their lodger had resided elsewhere in the same place, i.e., Bath, ME. (Arthur Eller appeared in the Bath, ME, directory of 1936, as proprietor of Arthur’s Lunch, at 136 Front street, with his house at 133 Front street).

Hugh D. Grant appeared in the Bath, ME, directory of 1949, as a physician, with his office and house at 141 Front street.

Hugh D. (Hazel A.) Grant appeared in the Bath, ME, directories of 1951, 1953, 1955, and 1957, as a physician, with his office and house at 3 Linden street. (Mrs. Ruth Grant, appeared as a registered nurse (Brunswick), with her house at 26 Liberty street, in 1951. His ex-wife, Mrs. Martha K. Grant, also a registered nurse, boarded with her, in 1951, and had her house at 14 Liberty street in 1953).

Dr. Hugh D. Grant is in Augusta where he is attending the training school of the officers of the Third Maine regiment of the Maine National Guard (Bath Independent, August 21, 1958).

Hugh D. Grant died in Bath, ME, September 29, 1958, aged eighty-eight years. Hazel A. ((Jaquith) (Holland) Gwynn) Grant died in Volusia County, FL, April 29, 1980.

References:

Find a Grave. (2012, April 20). Martha Kate “Mattie” Ham Miller. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/88806158/martha-kate-miller