Author: Muriel Bristol

By Muriel Bristol | August 25, 2024

Benjamin Scates was born in Berwick, ME, February 10, 1750, son of John and Abigail (Hayes) Scates.

Benjamin Scates married (1st), probably in Lebanon, ME, circa 1772, Lydia Jenness. She was born September 6, 1752, daughter of John and Lucy (Norton) Jenness.

(The known children of Benjamin and Lydia (Jenness) Scates were: “Child” Scates (1773-1774), John Scates (1775–185?), Lydia Scates (1777–1820), Hannah Scates (1780–), Lucy Scates (1782–185?), Isaac Scates (1785–182?), Norton Scates (1790-1873), and Benjamin Scates, Jr. (1794–1862)).

Benjamin and Lydia (Jenness) Scates resided in western Lebanon, ME.

He resided in the Salmon Falls River valley on the most westerly farm in town, which he sold to John Cottle [1760-c1832] of Kittery, the first of the name Cottle to come to town. The farm is now (1896) owned by the heirs of Henry Cottle [1834-1894] (Chamberlain, 1897).

A child of Benjamin Scates was buried in Lebanon, ME, January 1, 1774.

Son John Scates was born in Lebanon, ME, December 4, 1774. He was a namesake for both his paternal grandfather, John Scates, and his maternal grandfather, John Jenness. He was baptized in Lebanon, May 7, 1775.

Mother Abigail (Hayes) Scates was ill in the Lebanon, ME, house of her son, Benjamin Scates, February 18, 1776.

Daughter Lydia Scates was born in Lebanon, ME, July 3, 1777.

Benjamin Scates of Lebanon, ME, served for two months, July 10, to September 10, 1779, in Capt. John Goodwin’s company, in Maj. Daniel Littlefield’s detachment of York County militia, in the ill-fated Penobscot Expedition of 1779.

A Massachusetts fleet and expeditionary force sought to overcome a newly established British Fort George at Majabagaduce or Bagaduce, i.e., Castine, ME, on the eastern side of Penobscot Bay in July 1779. (Maine was then a “Province” of Massachusetts).

On July 26, [General] Lovell sent a force of Continental Marines to capture the British battery on Nautilus Island (also known as Banks Island), while the militia were to land at Bagaduce. The marines achieved their objective but the militia turned back when British shot overturned the leading boat, drowning Major Daniel Littlefield and two of his men. Meanwhile, 750 men under Lovell landed and began construction of siege works under constant fire (Buker, 2015).

A British fleet arrived and scattered the Continental fleet in August 1779. The Continental warships fled further up the Penobscot River, where they were scuttled or burned, while the militia-laden transports beached themselves on the western shore of Penobscot Bay and were burned or captured.

The militiamen escaped into the forest and traveled overland back towards the Kennebec River. Another Penobscot veteran, who had been wounded, would recall his own return journey in his later pension application.

After this we took [to] the woods and returned home. We were conducted into the woods by Tories under the appearance of friends. We were in the woods Six days before we found any Inhabitants, suffering sever[e]ly by Hunger & fatigue, travelling thro’ an almost impenetrable Wilderness over swamps, mountains & c. After we got out of the Woods we were five days before we got home.

Daughter Hannah Scates was baptized in Lebanon, ME, May 28, 1780. Daughter Lucy Scates was baptized in Lebanon, ME, September 22, 1782. She was a namesake for her maternal grandmother, Lucy (Norton) Jenness. Son Isaac Scates was baptized in Lebanon, ME, July 17, 1785.

Benjamin Scates settled next on “Miltonridge,” i.e., Plummer’s Ridge, in Rochester’s Northeast Parish, at sometime between 1785 and 1789 (rather than between 1772 and 1773 as stated in the Scales sketch).

Benjamin Scates was, perhaps, the next to make a home in town, settling on Plumer’s Ridge about 1772 or 1773. Beard and Joseph Plumer, sons of John Plumer of Rochester, also settled at the Ridge, and may have been residents here even prior to the arrival of Mr. Scates (Scales, 1914).

Son Norton Scates was baptized in the First (Congregational) Church in Rochester, NH, June 27, 1790.

Benja Scates 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 males aged under-16 years (John Scates, Isaac Scates, and Norton Scates), and four females [Lydia (Jenness) Scates, Lydia Scates, Lucy Scates, and Hannah Scates). His household appeared in the enumeration between those of David Wallingford and Joseph Hait.

Benjamin Scates 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. Beard Plumer, Ezekiel Hayes, and John Plumer signed also.

Son Benjamin Scates, Jr., was baptized in the First (Congregational) Church in Rochester, NH, April 10, 1794.

Mrs. Sophia ((Cushing) Hayes) Wyatt, a Milton schoolteacher for ten years starting in 1796, would include Benjamin Scates in her 1854 recollection of Milton’s early town fathers. (See also Milton Teacher of 1796-1805).

This [Milton] town was formerly a part of Rochester, where Messrs. Joseph Plumer, Bard Plumer, William Palmer, Benjamin Scates and their associates went boldly into the forest and commenced cutting down sturdy oaks, in a pleasant place now called Miltonridge, which was detached from Rochester and incorporated, June 11th, 1802. Those worthy gentlemen, with industry and application, soon made noble farms, early became wealthy and independent (Wyatt, 1854).

Daughter Lydia Scates married in Rochester, NH, November 14, 1797, Frederick Cate, both of Rochester, NH. Rev. Joseph Haven performed the ceremony. Cate was born in 1775.

Son John Scates married (1st) in Rochester, NH, November 25, 1798, Mary “Polly” Worster, both of Rochester, NH. Rev. Joseph Haven performed the ceremony. She was born 178?, daughter of Lemuel and Mary (Woodsum) Worster. (She was a sister of Isaac Worster and Betsy Worster).

Daughter Lucy Scates was married in Rochester, NH, May 9, 1799, Richard Horne, both of Rochester, NH. Rev. Joseph Haven performed the ceremony. Horne was born in Rochester, NH, March 17, 1777, son of Peter and Mercy (Perley) Horne.

Benjn Scates headed a Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus [himself], one female aged 45-plus [Lydia (Jenness) Scates], two females aged 10-15 years, one female aged 10-15 years [Hannah Scates], two males aged 10-15 years [Isaac Scates and Norton Scates], and one male aged under-10 years [Benjamin Scates, Jr.]. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

John Scates 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 [Mary (Worster) Scates], one male aged 16-25 years, one male aged 10-15 years, one female aged 10-15 years, and one male aged under-10 years [Zimri Scates]. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

Frederick Cate headed a Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, household 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 [Lydia (Scates) Cate], and two males aged under-10 years [Luther Cate and Frederick Cate, Jr.] (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

Richd Horn headed a Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, household 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 [Lucy (Scates) Horn], one male aged 10-15 years, and one male aged under-10 years (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

[Dadavah Scates headed a 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 [Lydia ((Hersom) Manning) Scates], one female aged 10-15 years, and two males aged under-10 years [John Scates and Zimri Scates].

(Dodavah Scates was a younger brother of Benjamin Scates. He was born in Berwick, ME, June 18, 1768, son of  John and Abigail (Hayes) Scates)].

Lydia (Jenness) Scates died in Milton, after 1800, but before May 16, 1802. (Recorded in Lebanon, ME).

Benjamin Scates, his son, John Scates, and his sons-in-law, Frederick Cate and Richard Horn, all signed the Rochester Division Petition of May 28, 1802.

Benjamin Scates married (2nd) in Wakefield, NH, September 11, 1803, Rebecca Ham, both of Milton. Rev. Asa Piper performed the ceremony. She was born in Dover, NH, daughter of Dodavah and Lydia (Plummer) Ham. (She was a sister to Deborah (Ham) Palmer, second wife of William Palmer).

Benj Scates 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 [Rebecca (Ham) Scates], one female aged 16-25 years [Hannah Scates], one male aged 16-25 years [Isaac Scates], and one female under-10 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of David Wallingford and James Twombly.

Jno Scates 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 [Mary (Worster) Scates], one female aged 16-25 years, one male aged 10-15 years [Zimri Scates], and one male aged under-10 years [Alvah Scates]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Daniel Palmer and Edward Ellis.

Frederick Cate headed an Ossipee, NH, household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Lydia (Scates) Cate], one female aged 16-25 years, one male aged 10-15 years [Luther Cate], two males aged under-10 years [Frederick Cate, Jr., and Isaac Cate], and two females aged under-10 years [Lydia Cate].

Richard Horne 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 [Lucy (Scates) Horne], one male aged 10-15 years, and one female aged under-10 years. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Abigail Hanson and Saml Cate.

Son Isaac Scates married in Wakefield, NH, December 1, 1811, Betsy Worster, both of Milton. Rev. Asa Piper performed the ceremony. She was born in Berwick, ME, May 10, 1785, daughter of Lemuel and Mary (Woodsum) Worster. (She was a sister of Isaac Worster and Mary (Worster) Scates).

Son Norton Scates married in Rochester, NH, November 22, 1812, Hannah Cook,  both of Rochester, NH. Rev. Joseph Haven performed the ceremony. She was born in Rochester, NH, circa 1792.

Rebecca (Ham) Scates died, probably  in Milton, before February 1814.

Deacon Benjamin Scates, aged sixty-two years, of Milton, married (3rd) in Portsmouth, NH, February 2, 1814, Miss Abigail Folsom, aged forty-two years, of Portsmouth, NH, after a courtship of three weeks (NY Weekly Museum, February 26, 1814). Rev. Joseph Walton performed the ceremony. She was born in Dover, NH, April 13, 1772, daughter of Josiah and Elizabeth (Gilman) Folsom.

The Milton Selectmen of 1814 were Isaac Worster, T.C. Lyman, and Isaac Scates. (Isaac Worster was a brother-in-law of Isaac Scates).

Benjamin Scates, and his sons, John Scates, Isaac Scates, and Norton Scates were among those that petitioned the NH General Court, in or around June 1814, seeking incorporation of the Milton Congregational Society. (See Milton Congregational Society Petition – 1814).

Son Norton Scates marched with Milton’s militia company, in September 1814, when it was called up during the War of 1812. (See Milton in the War of 1812).

Benjamin Scates, Isaac Hayes, and Levi Jones signed as witnesses to the last will of William Palmer, April 21, 1815 (Strafford County Probate, 14:127 ).

Benjamin Scates and Abigail [(Folsom)] Scates were among the nine original members of Milton’s First (Congregational) Church. He was its first deacon, as well as its first clerk. (See Milton’s Congregational Ministers of 1815-26).

Dea. B. Scates lived beloved by all, a worthy exemplary Christian (Wyatt, 1854).

Son Isaac Scates was among the ten Milton inhabitants that petitioned the NH General Court, in 1816, seeking a road weight limit. There were also four petitioners from Middleton, six from Rochester, and nine from Farmington, NH. (See Milton Road Weight Petition – 1816).

Son Benjamin Scates, Junr, married in Rochester, NH, January 27, 1820, Lovey Lyman, both of Milton. Rev. Joseph Haven performed the ceremony. She was born in Rochester, NH, February 11, 1800, daughter of Theodore C. and Dorothy (Allen) Lyman.

Benjamin Scates (second) was a lifelong resident of this town, and followed the carpenter’s trade in connection with farming during the active period of his life. In politics he was a Whig. He died at the age of sixty seven years. His wife, Lovey Lyman Scates, who was a native of Milton, became the mother of eight children, only two of whom are living, namely Henry B., the subject of this sketch, and Sophia L. who resides in Boston (Biographical Review, 1897). 

Daughter Lydia (Scates) Cate died, presumably in Ossipee, NH, in 1820.

Benjamin Scates, his sons, John Scates, Isaac Scates, and Benjamin Scates, Jnr, and his son-in-law, Richard Horn, all signed the Milton Anti-Division Remonstrance of June 1820. Benjamin Scates, his sons, John Scates, Isaac Scates, his son-in-law, Richard Horn, and Alvah Scates, all signed the Milton Militia Division of November 1820. (See Milton Militia Dispute – 1820).

Son-in-law Frederick Cate signed an 1820 petition addressed to the NH Governor and Council, requesting the appointment of Daniel Smith as an Ossipee justice-of-the-peace. Their petition described Ossipee, NH, as being large in territory and containing 1,205 people, but having only two justices-of-the-peace.

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).

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).

Benjamin Scates, Theodore C. Lyman, and Joseph Plumer, Jr., signed as witnesses to the last will of Joseph Plummer, March 12, 1821 (Strafford County Probate, 24:506).

Son Norton Scates occupied the “Fish house” in Milton, in the early 1820s, after the death of John Fish. (See Milton Fuller & Trader John Fish (1766-c1819)). He was Milton’s second Postmaster, between 1822 and 1826. (See Milton’s First Postmasters (1818-c1840)).

ANACK’S DIARY. Eri N. Scates died at Ossipee. He was a son of Captain Norton Scates and was born in Milton at the “Fish house,” where his father dwelled and kept the post office in the early twenties (Farmington News, July 28, 1899).

Son John Scates was an original incorporator of the Milton Social Library, in June 1822.

Abigail (Folsom) Scates died in Milton, April 14, 1825, aged fifty-three years.

Son-in-law Frederick Cate of Ossipee, NH, made his last will September 10, 1825. He devised a life estate to his wife, Hannah Cate, with reversion to his three sons. He devised $ each to his eldest son, Luther Cate, and his second son, Frederick Cate. He devised all the rest and remainder to his youngest son, Isaac Cate, whom he also named as executor. Moses Colby, Samuel Quarles, and William Smith signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 34:40).

Son-in-law Frederick Cate died in Ossipee, NH, in or around September 1825. His last will was proved in a Strafford County Probate Court held in Ossipee, NH, May 1, 1826 (Strafford County Probate, 34:41).

The NH Senate, acting on a report from Lawrence Morrill, Captain-General of the NH State Militia, voted, June 27, 1826, to withdraw the commission of Norton Scates, Captain of the Fourth Company, Thirty-ninth Regiment, and that of Benjamin Scates, Jr., 2nd Lieutenant of the Cavalry Company, Thirty-ninth Regiment. They had “removed from the limits of their respective commands.” (Norton Scates appeared, for a time at least, in neighboring Middleton, NH). The NH House of Representatives concurred with the NH Senate (NH House, 1826). (Hanson Hayes was the NH State Representative of that biennium).

Daughter-in-law Mary (Worster) Scates died January 28, 1828.

Benj Scates headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 70-79 years [himself], one female aged 40-49 years [Abigail (Folsom) Scates], one male aged 10-14 years [Isaac S. Scates], one female aged 5-9 years [Clarissa Scates], and one male aged under-5 years [George W. Scates]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of [his son,] Benj Scates, Jr., and Ed. Ellice (and not far from that of Elijah Horne).

John Scates headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], two females aged 20-29 years [Maria Scates and Lydia Scates], one male aged 15-19 years, and one male aged 10-14 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Wm Jones and David M. Cosan [Corson].

Richd Horn headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], and one female aged 40-49 years [Lucy (Scates) Horn]. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of John Foss and Steph. Henderson.

Norton Scates headed a Middleton household in that same Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 40-49 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years [Hannah (Cook) Scates], one male aged 20-29 years, one male aged 10-14 years [Thomas L. Scates], one male aged 5-9 years [Eri N. Scates], and one female aged 5-9 years.

Benj Scates, Jr., 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, one male aged 5-9 years, one female aged 5-9 years, one male aged under-5 years, and one female aged under-5 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Amos Gerrish and [his father,] Benj Scates.

Son Norton Scates appeared in the Dover, NH, directory of 1833, as a clerk at Sam’l Thayer’s, and board-house, north of Ela’s tavern, on Main street. Samuel Thayer appeared as proprietor of a provisions store, near Ela’s tavern, with his house on Main street, north of that tavern. ELA’S TAVERN appeared on Main street, with N.W. Ela as proprietor.

Benjamin Scates died in Milton, August 9, 1833, aged eighty-three years (Columbian Centinel (Boston, MA), August 24, 1833).

Daughter-in-law Hannah (Cook) Scates died January 9, 1836.

Son Norton Scates married (2nd), intentions filed in Dover, NH, October 17, 1838, Lyntha Langton (City of Dover, 1927). (Her name is given usually as “Lynthia”).

(The last will of Samuel Langton of Portsmouth, NH, mariner, which was dated November 1, 1806, devised to his wife, Olive [(Libby)] Langton, his daughter, Linthya Langton, and his son, Samuel Lee Langton. The testator died February 6, 1807, and his will was proved in a Rockingham County Probate Court, February 18, 1807 (Rockingham County Probate, 37:341). His daughter was born in Kittery, ME, March 14, 1787).

Daughter-in-law Betsy (Worster) Scates died in Milton, November 12, 1839.

Son John Scates married (2nd), circa 1840, Abigail Walker, both of Milton. She was born in the Northeast Parish of Rochester, NH, February 25, 1799, daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Pray) Walker.

John Scates headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 60-69 years [himself] and one female aged 40-49 years [Abigail (Walker) Scates]. One member of his household was engaged in Manufacture and the Trades. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of James Pinkham and Maria Henderson.

Richard Horn headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 60-69 years [himself], and one female aged 50-59 years [Lucy (Scates) Horn]. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of John Wentworth and William Foss.

Norton Scates headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years [Lynthia (Langton) Scates], and two females aged 15-19 years. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture.

Benjamin Scates [Jr.] 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 30-39 years [Lovey (Lyman) Scates], one male aged 15-19 years. one female aged 15-19 years, one male aged 10-14 years, one female aged 10-14 years, two males aged 5-9 years, one female aged 5-9 years, and one male aged under-5 years. Four members of his household were engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Nahum Tasker and John Lord.

Son Norton Scates appeared in the Dover, NH, directory of 1843, as a laborer, with his house on Main street.

Son Norton Scates appeared in the Dover, NH, directory of 1848, as a keeper at N. & J. Young’s storehouse, with his house on Water street. Nathaniel and Jeremy Young were tanners and curriers.

Daughter-in-law Lynthia (Langton) Scates died August 28, 1848.

Son Norton Scates married (3rd) in Rochester, NH, October 29, 1849, Hannah Emerson Mathes. She was born in Milton, April 8, 1804, daughter of Robert and Sarah (Jones) Mathes.

John Scates, a tailor, aged seventy-five years (b. ME), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Abigail [(Walker)] Scates, aged fifty-one years (b. NH). John Scates had real estate valued at $300. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Martha A. Towle, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), and David Washburn, a shoe manufacturer, aged thirty-five years (b. MA).

John Bragdon, a farmer, aged forty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Lydia [(Horn)] Bragdon, aged forty-nine years (b. NH), Betsey A. Bragdon, aged seven years (b. NH), Richard Horn, a farmer, aged seventy years (b. NH), Lucy [(Scates)] Horn, aged sixty-eight years, Lucy J. [(Bragdon)] Varney, aged twenty-five years (b. NH), Jonas M. Varney, a farmer, aged twenty-one years (b. NH). John Bragdon had real estate valued at $1,500. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John Wentworth, a carpenter, aged sixty-seven years, and Giles Burrows, a farmer, aged twenty-six years (b. ME).

Norton Scates a laborer, aged fifty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Hannah [(Mathes)] Scates, aged forty-six years (b. NH), and William Scates, aged ten years (b. NH).

Benjamin Scates, a farmer, aged fifty-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Lovey [(Lyman)] Scates, aged fifty years (b. NH), and Theodore Scates, aged twelve years (b. NH). Benjamin Scates had real estate valued at $1,700. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of James H. Horn, a farmer, aged fifty-seven years, and James R. Horn, a shoe manufacturer, aged twenty-four years (b. NH).

Son-in-law Richard Horne died in Milton, February 16, 1854.

Daughter-in-law Lovey (Lyman) Scates of Milton made her last will, September 1, 1855. She devised all of her real estate to her beloved husband, Benjamin Scates, and her beloved son, Theodore C. Scates, to be held by them in common, provided they provide a suitable home for her beloved daughter, Roxanna A.L. Scates, with food, clothing, medicine (in case of illness), and entire control of the West room, so long as she remains unmarried, during the lifetime of the said Benjamin Scates. Her daughter was also to receive one horse, a pair of oxen, during her father’s lifetime, with them passing on to Theodore C. Scates after the decease of Benjamin Scates.

She devised to her husband, Benjamin Scates, a life interest in the annual interest on a principal amount of $200, for payment of taxes on the farm. She devised $100 to her daughter, Roxanna A.L. Scates, above and beyond the home mentioned, and her father’s $200 principal amount after his decease. She devised a Bible to her beloved son, Henry B. Scates, he having already had a portion of her estate. She devised $100 to her beloved son, Rufus H. Scates, and $100 each to her beloved daughters, Sophia L. Harrington and Lydia J. Harrington. She devised all the rest and residue to her beloved son, Theodore C. Scates, whom she also named as executor. Daniel P. Warren, R.A. Lyman, and S.E. Lowd signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 69:296).

Daughter-in-law Lovey (Lyman) Scates died September 15, 1855, aged fifty-five years. Her last will was proved in a Strafford County Probate Court held in Dover, NH, October 2, 1855 (Strafford County Probate, 69:298).

John Scates appeared in the New England Business Directory and Gazetteer of 1856, as a clothing dealer and tailor, at Milton Three Ponds.

Daughter-in-law Abigail (Walker) Scates died in Milton, January 30, 1858.

Son Benjamin Scates was one of the original twelve members of the Milton Free-Will Baptist Church when it was reorganized May 17, 1860. (See Milton’s Free-Will Baptist Ministers of 1860-81).

Norton Scates, a merchant, aged seventy years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Hannah [(Mathes)] Scates, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH). Norton Scates had real estate valued at $1,000 and personal estate valued at $400.

Benja Scates, a farmer, aged seventy years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. Benja Scates had real estate valued at $800 and personal estate valued at $200. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of David Wallingford, a farmer, aged fifty-nine years (b. NH), and David Wallingford, Jr., a farmer, aged forty-one years (b. NH).

Son Benjamin Scates, Jr., died of consumption in Milton, November 10, 1862, aged sixty-seven years, ten months. He was a single [widowed] farmer.

Norton Scates, a laborer, aged eighty-one years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Hannah [(Mathes)] Scates, keeping house, aged sixty-seven years (b. NH), and Albert Mathes, a savings bank clerk, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH). Norton Scates had real estate valued at $1,200 and personal estate valued at $500. (See  Milton in the News – 1903 for more details regarding her nephew, Albert O. Mathes (1842-1907)).

Son Captain Norton Scates died in Dover, NH, August 28, 1873.

Daughter-in-law Hannah E. Scates appeared in the Dover, NH, directory of 1880, as a widow, boarding at Mrs. S. J. Bliss’. Sarah J. Bliss appeared as a widow, with her house on Portland street.

Sarah J. [(Mathes)] Bliss, keeping house, aged sixty-two years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. Her household included [her granddaughter,] Annie M. Bliss, at school, aged ten years (b. NH), and her boarders, Hannah E. (Mathes) Scates, aged seventy-six years (b. NH), and Albert O. Mathes, a bank clerk, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH).

Daughter-in-law Hannah E. (Mathes) Scates died of uremia in Dover, NH, May 16, 1882, aged seventy-eight years, one month, and eight days.

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References:

Biographical Review. (1897). Biographical Review.  Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=C2sjAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA308

Buker, George E. (2015). The Penobscot Expedition. Downeast Books.

Chamberlain, George W. (1897). Soldiers of the American Revolution of Lebanon, Maine. Weymouth &Braintree Publishing Co.: Weymouth, ME

City of Dover. (1927). Annual Report of the Receipts and Expenditures for the Municipal Year 1926, Together with Department Reports. Dover, NH: George J. Foster & Co.

Find a Grave. (2023, September 28). Benjamin Scates. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/260134198/benjamin-scates

Find a Grave. (2024, May 6). Hannah Scates. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/270071313/hannah-scates

Find a Grave. (2024, May 6). Hannah E. Scates. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/270071247/hannah_e_scates

Find a Grave. (2000, March 3). Isaac S. Scates. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/2503089/isaac-s-scates

Find a Grave. (2024, May 6). Lynthia [Langton] Scates. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/270071287/lynthia_scates

Find a Grave. (2024, May 6). Cpt. Norton Scates. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/270071337/norton_scates

JAR. (2024). The Penobscot Expedition of 1779. Retrieved from allthingsliberty.com/2019/08/the-penobscot-expedition-of-1779/

NH House. (1826). Message from His Excellency, David Lawrence Morril, to the Legislature of New Hampshire. Retrieved from www.google.com/books/id=izITAAAAYAAJ?&pg=RA1-PA98

Revolutionary War. (2017). The Penobscot Expedition. Retrieved from revolutionarywar.us/year-1779/penobscot-expedition/

Wikipedia. (2024, August 13). Penobscot Expedition. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penobscot_Expedition

Wyatt, Sophia Hayes. (1854). The Autobiography of a Landlady of the Old School: With Personal Sketches of Eminent Characters, Places, and Miscellaneous Items. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=GSbjtNCHpIoC&pg=PA76

By Muriel Bristol | August 25, 2024

John Clement Varney was born in Rochester, NH, July 17, 1796, son of Moses Jr. and Mercy (Cloutman) Varney.

John C. Varney marched to Portsmouth, NH, in September 1814, with Capt. William Courson’s Milton militia company. They were responding to Gov. Gilman’s alarm regarding possible attacks by the British navy. (See Milton in the War of 1812).

Father Moses Varney, Jr., died in Dover, NH, February 3, 1818.

John C. Varney married in Milton, October 14, 1819, Hannah Varney. She was born in Milton, January 25, 1801, daughter of John and Mary (Wentworth) Varney. (Her father died in Milton, July 11, 1806).

(The children of John C. and Hannah (Varney) Varney were: Seth W. Varney (1819–1893), Mary A. Varney (1823–1883), George W. Varney (1825–1854), Hannah A. Varney (1828–1917), Eli Varney (1831–1894), Charles L. Varney (1835–1901), and Laura Ellen Varney (1844–1851)).

Son Seth W. Varney was born in Milton, December 23, 1819.

John C. Varney signed the Milton Anti-Division Remonstrance of June 1820. (See Milton Militia Dispute – 1820).

Daughter Mary A. Varney was born in Milton, November 9, 1823. Son George W. Varney was born in Milton, October 14, 1825.

Daughter Hannah A. Varney was born in Milton, November 30, 1828.

John C. Varney, Jr., 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 [Hannah (Varney) Varney], one male aged 10-14 years [Seth W. Varney], and two females aged 5-9 years [Mary A. Varney and Hannah A. Varney]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Saml Varney and Jas. Varney.

John C. Varney appeared in a sequence of deacons of the Milton Christian Church, which was founded in March 1827. (See Milton’s Christian Church Elders – 1827-1845).

Son Eli Varney was born in Milton, March 30, 1831. Son Charles L. Varney was born in Milton, September 21, 1835.

Mother-in-law Mary (Wentworth) Varney died in Milton, October 2, 1836.

John C. Varney headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 40-49 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years [Hannah (Varney) Varney], one male aged 20-29 years [Seth W. Varney], one female aged 15-19 years [Mary A. Verney], one male aged 10-14 years [George W. Varney], one female aged 10-14 years [Hannah A. Varney], one male aged 5-9 years [Eli Varney], and one male aged under-5 years [Charles L. Varney]. Three members of his household were engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Eliphalet P. Horn and Ira Varney.

Son Seth W. Varney married, December 23, 1842, Abby M. Varney. She was born in Rochester, NH, circa 1818, daughter of Joel and Mehitable (Waldron) Varney.

Daughter Laura Ellen Varney was born in Milton, September 7, 1844.

Daughter Hannah A. Varney married, January 18, 1845, Simon French. He was born, circa 1825, son of Simon and Hannah French.

The Milton Selectmen of 1846 were Asa Fox, D. Wallingford, and J.C. Varney. The Milton Selectmen of 1847 were D.P. Warren, Chas. Swasey, and J.C. Varney.

Mother Mercy (Cloutman) Varney died in Rochester, NH, in 1848.

John C. Varney, a farmer, aged fifty-four years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Hannah [(Varney)] Varney, aged fifty years (b. NH), Mary Varney, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH), Eli Varney, a farmer, aged nineteen years (b. NH), Charles L. Varney, a farmer, aged sixteen years (b. NH), Laura E. Varney, aged six years (b. NH), and Charles Furber, a farmer, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Ira Varney, a farmer, aged forty-seven years (b, NH), and Daniel Hayes, a farmer, aged sixty-nine years (b. ME).

Seth W. Varney, a shoemaker, aged thirty years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Abby M. [(Varney)] Varney, aged thirty-one years (b. NH), Alonzo M. Varney, aged seven years (b. NH), Melissa M. Varney, aged five years (b. NH), Leander Varney, aged one year (b. NH), John S. Garland, a shoemaker, aged twenty-five years (b. NH), and Joseph C. Garland, a shoemaker, aged twenty years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of James Hayes, a farmer, aged sixty-four years (b. NH), and Calvin S. Horn, a farmer, aged fifty years (b. NH).

Simon French, a shoemaker, aged twenty-five years (b. NH), headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Hannah [(Varney)] French, aged twenty-two years (b. NH), Irwin S. French, aged two years (b. NH), H.P. Copp, a shoemaker, aged sixteen years (b. NH), and John Collomy, a shoemaker, aged sixteen years (b. NH). Their household shared a two-family house with the household of Peace W. French, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH). Peace W. French had real estate valued at $3,000.

Daughter Laura Ellen Varney died in Milton, June 6, 1851.

Son Eli Varney married (1st) in South Berwick, ME, February 10, 1853, Susan H. Place, he of Milton and she of Farmington, NH. Rev. B.R. Allen performed the ceremony. She was born in Farmington, NH, circa 1829, daughter of Aaron D. and Mary R. (Stevens) Place.

Son George W. Varney died in Milton, July 22, 1854, aged twenty-nine years. Son-in-law Simon French died in Farmington, NH, in 1854.

Daughter Mary A. Varney married in Somersworth, NH, February 6, 1858, George W. Glines, she of Milton and he of Dover, NH. Rev. S. Holman performed the ceremony. He was born in Moultonborough, NH, August 5, 1828, son of Nathaniel S. and Elizabeth (Richardson) Glines. (Birthplace give also as Wolfeboro, NH, in other sources).

John C. Varney, a farmer, aged sixty-four years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“West Milton P.O.”) household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Hannah [(Varney)] Varney, aged fifty-nine years (b. NH), Charles L. Varney, a shoemaker, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), Hannah A. [(Varney)] French, aged thirty-two years (b. NH), Erven S. French, aged twelve years (b. NH), and Ellen B. French, aged nine years (b. NH). John C. Varney had real estate valued at $1,000 and personal estate valued at $500. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Seth Varney, a farmer, aged forty years (b, NH), and Eli Varney, a farmer, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH).

Seth W. Varney, a farmer, aged forty years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“West Milton P.O.”) household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Abba M. [(Varney)] Varney, aged forty-one years, A.M. Varney, a farmer, aged seventeen years, L.M. Varney, aged eleven years (b. NH), W.L. Varney, aged seven years (b. NH), and John F. Varney, aged five years (b. NH). Seth W. Varney had real estate valued at $1,000 and personal estate valued at $300. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Jacob Nure, a farmer, aged sixty-nine years (b. NH), and [his father,] John C. Varney, a farmer, aged sixty-four years (b. NH).

Nathl S. Glines, aged seventy-one years, headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Elisabeth [(Richardson)] Glines, aged seventy-two years (b. NH), George W. Glines, a shoemaker, aged thirty-two years (b. NH), Mary [(Varney)] Glines, aged thirty-six years (b. NH), and Laura E. Glines, aged two years (b. NH). George W. Glines had real estate valued at $1,500 and personal estate valued at $200.

Eli Varney, a farmer, aged twenty-eight years, headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census, His household included Susan H. [(Place)] Varney, aged thirty-one years, and George W. Varney, aged six years. Eli Varney had real estate valued at $1,000 and personal estate valued at $100. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John C. Varney, a farmer, aged sixty-four years (b. NH), and William J. Tibbetts, a farmer, aged twenty-three years (b. NH).

Son Seth W. Varney of Milton, a shoemaker, aged forty-three years, registered for the Class II military draft in Milton, in June 1863.

Son Seth W. Varney of Milton, aged forty-four years, enlisted for a one-year term in the First NH Heavy Artillery Regiment, August 25, 1864. Millett Blaisdell, Robert Brown, John S. Corson, Albert F. Downs, Andrew R. Hayes, John C. Hayes, Horace H. Moulton, William H. Randall, James H. Tebbetts, Hiram Wentworth, and John H. Witham, all of Milton, enlisted also in this regiment. He mustered out in Washington, DC, June 15, 1865.

John C. Varney, a farmer, aged seventy-three years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Hannah [(Varney)] Varney, keeping house, aged sixty-nine years (b. NH), and Charles L. Varney, works in shoe fact., aged thirty-three years (b. NH). John C. Varney had real estate valued at $1,000 and personal estate valued at $300. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Gilbert Shorey, a farmer, aged forty-three years (b, NH), and Eli Varney, a farm laborer, aged thirty-nine years (b. NH).

George W. Glines, a laborer, aged forty-two years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Mary A. [(Varney)] Glines, keeping house, aged forty-six years (b. NH), Laura G. Glines, attending school, aged twelve years (b. NH), and Nathaniel S. Glines, a blacksmith, aged eighty-one years (b. NH). George W. Gines had real estate valued at $2,000 and personal estate valued at $400.

Eli Varney, a farm laborer, aged thirty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Susan [(Place)] Varney, keeping house, aged forty-one years (b. NH), George W. Varney, works in shoe factory, aged sixteen years (b. NH), and Elmore S. Varney, at school, aged eight years (b. NH). Eli Varney had real estate valued at $600 and personal estate valued at $430. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John C. Varney, a farmer, aged seventy-three years (b. NH), and Charles E. Ricker, works in shoe factory, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH).

Daughter-in-law Susan H. (Place) Varney died of consumption in Milton, May 28, 1871, aged forty-three years, two months. She was married. (“Meet me in the better land”).

Son Eli Varney married (2nd), circa 1871, Abby M. (Ellis) Moore. She was born in Middleton, NH, October 20, 1839, daughter of Robert and Hannah (Wentworth) Ellis. She was the widow of Samuel Moore.

NEW HAMPSHIRE. Mrs. Annie [Hannah] Varney, wife of John C. Varney of West Milton, fell on the floor by stepping her heel on a stick of wood, and fractured her hip and bruised her shoulder. Doubts are entertained of her recovery. Her age was seventy-two years (Boston Evening Transcript, May 17, 1873).

John C. Varney, a farmer, aged eighty-three years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census His household included his wife, Hannah [(Varney)] Varney, at home, aged seventy-nine years (b. NH), and his son, Charles Varney, at home, aged forty-four years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Albert Wallace, a farmer, aged twenty-nine years (b. ME), and Eli Varney, a farmer, aged forty-nine years (b. NH). John C. Varney was said to be “Feeble from Age,” and Hannah Varney to have been “Injured by a Fall.”

Seth W. Varney, works in shoe shop, aged sixty-one years (b. NH), headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Abbie M. [(Varney)] Varney, keeping house, aged sixty-two years (b. NH), and his servant, Eliza W. Whitehouse, a servant, aged sixty years (b. MA).

George W. Glines, a shoemaker, aged fifty years (b. Wolfeboro, NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Mary A. [(Varney)] Glines, keeps house, aged fifty-five years (b, Milton, NH), his son-in-law, Charles L. Chapman, works shoe factory, aged twenty-three years (b. Dover, NH), his daughter, Laura E. [(Varney)] Chapman, aged twenty-two years (b. Dover, NH), and his boarder, Mary E. Hodge, works cotton mill, aged twenty-four years (b. Dover, NH). They resided on Spring Street.

Eli Varney, a farmer, aged forty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Abbie [((Ellis) Moore)] Varney, keeping house, aged forty years (b. NH), and his children, John Varney, aged eight years (b. NH), and Lena Varney, aged three years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John C. Varney, a farmer, aged eighty-three years (b. NH), and Ira Varney, a farmer, aged seventy-seven years (b. NH).

Hannah (Varney) Varney died in Milton, March 18, 1882, aged eighty-one years, two months.

DEATHS. In Milton, May 18, Hannah Varney, aged 81 years and 2 mos. (Farmington News, March 24, 1882).

John C. Varney died in Milton, November 26, 1882, aged eighty-six years, four months.

DEATHS. In Milton, Nov. 26, John C. Varney, aged 86 years, 4 months (Farmington News, December 1, 1882).

Daughter Mary A. (Varney) Glines died in Milton, September 30, 1883.

Daughter-in-law Abby M. (Varney) Varney died of rheumatism & consumption in Haverhill, MA, December 29, 1886, aged sixty-eight years, eight months. She was a widow.

LOCALS. The remains of Mrs. Seth Varney, a former resident of this place, but lately of Haverhill, Mass., where she died, passed through here Friday, enroute for Milton where they were interred (Farmington News, January 7, 1887).

Seth W. Varney appeared in the surviving Veteran’s Schedule of the Eleventh (1890) Federal Census, as a resident of Lee, NH. He had served as a Private in Co. D of the First NH Heavy Artillery Regiment, for nine months and twenty-one days, between August 25, 1864, and June 15, 1865. He rated as disabled, due to his “Loss of Hearing and Teeth.”

Son Seth W. Varney, now of Dover, NH, a farmer, made his last will in Dover, NH, April 17, 1893. He devised $1 each to his sons, Alonzo M. Varney, Leader Varney, and Walter Varney. He requested that his niece, Laura E. Holley, pay his just debts and funeral expenses from his account in the Dover Two Cents Savings Bank, with any remainder to be paid over to his son, Walter Varney. James H. Davis, George W. Glines, and William L. Holley signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 107:514).

Son Seth W. Varney died of a protracted debauch in Dover, NH, April 19, 1893, aged seventy-four years, three months, and twenty-seven days. He was a widowed farmer. John R. Ham, M.D. signed the death certificate.

The last will of Seth W. Varney was proved in a Strafford County Probate Court held in Dover, NH, on the first Tuesday in May, 1893 (Strafford County Probate, 107:515).

NUTE’S RIDGE. Eli Varney is able to go out of doors (Farmington News, May 12, 1893).

Son Eli Varney died of heart disease in Milton, November 29, 1894, aged eighty-three years, eight months, and nine days.

LOCALS. Eli E. Varney of Milton, died suddenly of heart disease, Thanksgiving day. He was the father of Elmore E. Varney, who was killed in a shoe shop in Manchester last October (Farmington News, December 7, 1894).

DIED. In Milton, Nov. 29, Eli Varney, aged 83 years, 8 months, 9 days (Farmington News, December 7, 1894).

Son-in-law George W. Glines died of chronic bronchitis in Dover, NH, February 9, 1894, aged sixty-five years, six months, and four days. He was a widowed farmer.

Abby [(Ellis) Moore)] Varney, a farmer, aged sixty-two years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. Her household included her son, John C. Varney, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH), and her brother-in-law, Chas. L. Varney, a bar tender, aged sixty-four years (b. NH). Abby Varney owned their farm, free-and-clear. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Robert M. Peacock, a clergyman, aged fifty-one years (b. Canada), and William U. Pulsifer, a farmer, aged thirty-seven years (b, NH).

Son Charles L. Varney died of Bright’s Disease in West Milton, March 2, 1901, aged sixty-five years, six months, and nineteen days. He was an unmarried shoemaker, and lifelong resident. M.A.H. Hart, M.D., signed the death certificate. (B.F. Perkins of Farmington, NH, was the undertaker).

LOCALS. B.F. Perkins was at Nute Ridge, Tuesday, to take charge of the funeral of Charles Varney, whose death had taken place last Saturday. The deceased had been lame from childhood and was unmarried. He had made his home with the family of his brother, the late Eli Varney (Farmington News, March 8, 1901).

Abby Varney appeared in the Milton directory of 1902, as the widow of Eli Varney, with her house at J.C.V., on Nute Ridge. Her son, John C. Varney appeared as a farmer at Nute Ridge, near South Milton.

WEST MILTON. Mr. Moore and family of New York, who have been spending the summer with his mother, Mrs. Eli Varney, for his health, have returned home (Farmington News, October 9, 1903).

Daughter-in-law Abbie M. ((Ellis) Moore) Varney died of myocarditis at Nute Ridge in Milton, May 19, 1908, aged seventy years, six months, and twenty-nine days. She was a widowed housewife, who had resided in Milton for forty years, i.e., since circa 1868. M.A.H. Hart, M.D., signed the death certificate.

WEST MILTON. Mrs. Abbie Varney, widow of the late Eli Varney, passed away at her home on Nute’s Ridge Tuesday of last week and was buried from the home. Kind words were spoken by Rev. R.M. Peacock to the loved ones. Burial was in the family lot near Nute chapel. Her life had been a busy and useful one, living for the benefit and needs of her family. She leaves two sons and one daughter (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), June 5, 1908).

Daughter Hannah A. (Varney) French died in 1917.

---

References:

Find a Grave. (2016, July 22). Mary A. Varney Glines. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/167299817/mary-a-glines

Find a Grave. (2021, July 16). Charles L. Varney. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/229635714/charles-l-varney

Find a Grave. (2012, April 24). Eli Varney. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/89089603/eli-varney

Find a Grave. (2017, July 15). George W. Varney. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/181374271/george-w-varney

Find a Grave. (2021, June 3). John C. Varney. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/228127230/john-c-varney

Find a Grave. (2012, April 24) Laura Ellen Varney. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/89089861/laura-ellen-varney

Find a Grave. (2021, June 4). Seth W. Varney. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/228146612/seth-w-varney

By Muriel Bristol | August 18, 2024

Joseph Walker was born in the Northeast Parish of Rochester, NH, February 12, 1769, son of Richard and Sarah S. (Wentworth) Walker. He was a namesake for his paternal grandfather, Joseph Walker, and/or his paternal uncle, Joseph Walker, Jr.

His parents were among the earliest settlers of Rochester’s Northeast Parish and Joseph Walker would have been among the first settler children born in what is now Milton.

Richard Walker was also a very early settler and a near neighbor of Mr. [Jonathan] Twombly; probably there was very little difference in the time of their settlement [circa 1760]. … The date of Mr. Twombly’s settlement is obtained from the birth of his daughter, Betsey, who afterwards married [in 1789] James C. Hayes. She was born June 4, 1862 [1762], and is believed to have been the first white child born in town (Scales).

(The known children of Richard and Sarah S. (Wentworth) Walker were: Joseph Walker (1769–1850), Abigail Walker (1772–1842), Betsy Walker (1776-1844), Lydia Walker (1779–1826), Richard Walker (1781-1790), and Sarah Walker (1785–1827)).

Father Richard Walker was among the one hundred one men that signed a petition, February 8, 1762, seeking representation for the first time for Rochester, NH, in the NH Provincial Assembly, or legislature. (For whatever reason, Walker’s early settler neighbor, Jonathan Twombly, did not sign). Their petition noted that Rochester had been settled for “upwards of thirty years,” and had by then grown to include “upwards of a Hundred and thirty families.”

Father Richard Walker was later among the one hundred ninety-eight men who signed the revolutionary Association Test in Rochester, NH, June 1, 1776. (Brother-in-law Josiah Main signed also, as did neighbor Jona Twambley).

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.

Father Richd Walker and uncle Joseph Walker were among the 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).

Richd Walker headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the First (1790) Federal Census. His household included two males aged 16-plus years [himself and son Joseph Walker], and five females [Sarah (Wentworth) Walker, and daughters Abigail Walker, Betsy Walker, Lydia Walker, and Sarah Walker]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of George Hays and Jona Twombly. (See Northeast Parish in the First (1790) Federal Census).

Joseph Walker of Milton was a subscriber to the Rochester Social Library in or after 1792, as were Milton’s Levi Jones, Jotham Nute, Barnabas Palmer, Lt. William Palmer, and Beard Plumer (McDuffee, 1892). This private library remained active until about 1823, by which time it had acquired 400 volumes (McDuffee, 1892; NH State Librarian, 1892). (See also Milton Social Library – 1822)).

Joseph Walker married in Lebanon, ME, November 10, 1796, Sarah “Sally” Pray. She was born in Lebanon, ME, in 1776, daughter of Joshua and Sarah (Roberts) Pray. (She was a sister of Dr. Samuel Pray (1769-1854) of Rochester, NH, who would attend upon wounded Milton militiaman Norton Scates in 1807).

(The known children of Joseph and Sarah (Pray) Walker were: Richard Walker (1797–1883), Abigail Walker (1799–1858), Mercy Walker (1801–1869), Asa Tibbetts Walker (1803-1886), Emeline “Emily” Walker (1806–1881), Elizabeth B. Walker (1808–1825), Joseph H. Walker (1812–1859), Sarah A. Walker (1814–1902), and Harriet N. “Hattie” Walker (1817–1892)).

Son Richard Walker was born in the Northeast Parish of Rochester, NH, January 10, 1797. He was a namesake for his paternal grandfather, with whom they lived.

Sister Elizabeth “Betsy” Walker married in Rochester, NH, January 21, 1797, Benjamin Tibbetts. He was born in Rochester, NH, January 9, 1775.

Sister Abigail Walker married Ebenezer French. He was born in Farmington, NH, in 1774.

Daughter Abigail Walker was born in the Northeast Parish of Rochester, NH, February 25, 1799.

Father Richd Walker 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 [Richard Walker], one female aged 45-plus years [Sarah (Wentworth) Walker], one male aged 26-44 years [Joseph Walker], one female aged 26-44 years, one male aged 16-25 years [Richard Y. Walker], one female aged 16-25 years [Sarah (Pray) Walker], one female aged 10-15 years [Sarah Walker], one male aged under-10 years [Richard Walker], and one female aged under-10 years [Abigail Walker]. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

Daughter Mercy Walker was born in the Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, August 23, 1801.

Joseph Walker and his father, Richard Walker, both signed the Rochester Division Petition of 1802.

Son Asa Tibbetts Walker was born in Milton, November 24, 1803. Daughter Emeline “Emily” Walker was born in Milton, April 24, 1806. Daughter Elizabeth B. “Eliza” Walker was born in Milton, August 3, 1808.

Father Richard Waker [Walker] headed a Milton household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. HIs household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one female aged 45-plus [Sarah (Wentworth) Walker], one male aged 26-44 years [Joseph Walker], three females aged 26-44 years [Lydia Walker, Sarah Walker, and Sarah (Pray) Walker], one male aged 10-15 years [Richard Walker], one female aged 10-15 years [Abigail Walker], one male aged under-10 years [Asa T. Walker], and three females aged under-10 years [Mercy Walker, Emeline Walker, and Eliza B. Walker]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Saml Bragdon and Isaac Wentworth.

Son Joseph H. Walker was born in Milton, January 20, 1812.

Father Richard Walker of Milton, husbandman, made his last will, June 16, 1812. He devised a life estate in one-half of his dwelling house and the firewood held and cut at the door to his beloved wife, Sarah Walker. She was to have cut firewood sufficient to maintain one fire. She was to receive one-quarter of the produce raised on the farm, excepting hay, of which she was to receive enough to winter two cows and four sheep. He devised all his real estate and farming utensils to his son, Joseph Walker, including that in which Sarah Walker had a life estate. He devised $1 to his eldest daughter Abigail French, and $1 to his second daughter Betsy Tibbetts, above what they had already received. He devised to his third and fourth daughters, Lydia Walker and Sarah Walker, as much as would make their share equal with their elder married sisters. This was to be paid within two years or the times of their marriages. Meanwhile, they were to have the use of the back room of his dwelling house. He appointed his son, Joseph Walker as executor. Aaron Wingate, George S. Hayes, and Samuel Bragdon signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 13:334).

Father Richard Walker died in Milton, April 9, 1813, aged seventy-seven years.

Mr. Walker died in 1813 at the age of seventy-seven years, and he and his wife are buried very near their old neighbors (Scales).

The last will of father Richard Walker was proved in a Strafford County Probate Court held in Dover, NH, April 20, 1813 (Strafford County Probate, 13:336).

Sister Lydia Walker married in Alton, NH, September 5, 1813, Samuel Bragdon, both of Milton. Rev. John Page performed the ceremony. Bragdon was born in 1771.

Mother Sarah S. (Wentworth) Walker died in Milton, February 7, 181[4?], aged seventy-one years. (Her gravestone appears to say 1811, but that would have had her dying before her husband named her in his last will of June 1812).

Daughter Sarah A. Walker was born in Milton, April 20, 1814.

The Milton Selectmen of 1815-17 were Jas. Roberts, Josiah Witham, and Jos. Walker.

Joseph Walker and James Roberts signed the Milton Road Weight Petition of 1816. (See Milton Road Weight Petition – 1816). (For whatever reason, the third selectman, Josiah Witham, did not so sign).

Daughter Harriet N. “Hattie” Walker was born in Milton, May 15, 1817.

Joseph Walker and his son, Richard Walker, both signed the April 1820 petition requesting the appointment of James Roberts as a Milton justice-of-the-peace. (See Milton Seeks a Magistrate – 1820).

Joseph Walker signed the June 1820 remonstrance petition requesting that Milton not be divided in two parts. (See Milton Militia Dispute – 1820 and Milton Anti-Division Remonstrance – June 1820).

Joseph Walker signed the June 1823 petition requesting that Gilman Jewett be appointed as a Milton coroner. (See Milton Seeks a Coroner – June 1823).

Father-in-law Joshua Pray died in Milton, October 21, 1823, aged eighty-one years. Mother-in-law Sarah (Roberts) Pray died in Milton, November 24, 1824, aged seventy-seven years.

Brother-in-law Ebenezer French died in Alton, NH, November 26, 1824, aged forty-nine years.

Son Richard Walker married (1st), in 1825, Sarah “Sally” Hatch, he of Dover, NH, and she of Milton. She was born in Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, August 22, 1798, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Henderson) Hatch. Rev. James Walker performed the ceremony.

Daughter Mercy Walker married in Milton, July 4, 1825, Ruben Jones Witham. Rev. Hershell Foster performed the ceremony. He was born in Milton, December 4, 1801, son of Josiah and Mehitable (Jones) Witham.

Daughter Elizabeth B. Walker died in Milton, November 18, 1825.

Sister Lydia (Walker) Bragdon died in Milton, July 10, 1826, aged forty-six years. Sister Sarah Walker died in Milton, August 5, 1827, aged forty-one years.

Joseph Walker 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 50-59 years [Sarah (Pray) Walker], one female aged 30-39 years [Abigail Walker], one female aged 20-29 years [Emeline Walker], one male aged 20-29 years [Joseph H. Walker], one female aged 15-19 years [Sarah A. Walker], and one female aged 10-14 years [Harriet N. Walker]. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Isaac Wentworth and Theod. C. Lyman.

Richd Walker 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 [Sarah (Hatch) Walker], one female aged 20-29 years, one male aged 15-19 years, one female aged under-5 years [Eliza A. Walker], and one male aged under-5 years [Richard Walker]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Thos Merrow and Chas Swasey.

R.J. Witham headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 20-29 years [himself], and one female aged 20-29 years [Mercy (Walker) Witham]. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Josiah Witham and John Witham.

Daughter Emeline Walker married, in 1833, Hiram William Varney. He was born in Berwick, ME, May 14, 1804, son of Timothy and Abigail (Scribner) Varney.

Asa T. Walker married in Somersworth, November 15, 1835, Louisa Morrill, both of Berwick, ME. Rev. Eleazar Smith performed the ceremony. She was born in Falmouth, ME, in 1807, daughter of James and Abigail (Lowe) Morrill.

Son Joseph H. Walker married in Dover, NH, December 16, 1835, Elizabeth Lake Hildrup, both of Dover, NH. Rev. Jared Perkins performed the ceremony. She was born in Newburyport, MA, June 20, 1817, daughter of Jocelyn and Mary (Samples) Hildrup.

Daughter-in-law Sarah “Sally” (Hatch) Walker died in 1837.

Brother-in-law Samuel Bragdon of Milton made his last will, May 5, 1838. He devised to his wife, Lydia [(Walker)] Bragdon, and his children, Louisa Bragdon, John Bragdon, Moses Bragdon, Sarah [(Walker)] Shapleigh, and Betsy [(Walker)] Lyman. He appointed Stephen M. Mathes to be his executor. Joseph Walker, Isaac Wentworth, and Joshua A. Hanson witnessed Bragdon’s signature (Strafford County Probate, 59:338).

Daughter Sarah Ann Walker married in Milton, May 31, 1838, Josiah Norton Witham, both of Milton. Rev. John French performed the ceremony. Witham was born in Milton, November 25, 1815, son of Josiah and Mehitable (Jones) Witham.

Joseph Walker attended the Union Methodist Church (in the then Milton circuit) and was a steward of that church in 1839.

A [Methodist] church was at Union village for many years in active operation. Milton circuit, October, 1831. A.H. Houghton, preacher in charge, J. Worster, assistant circuit preacher, held quarterly meetings at Milton, Union village, Brookfield and Wakefield. October, 1832, Wolfeborough, Milton Mills, Milton Three Ponds, Brookfield. John Adams, L.E. Gordon, assistant. 1833, July. Circuit divided into Milton and Wakefield circuits; quarterly meeting at new meeting house; John Adams and Moses Chase, preachers. 1834, last quarterly conference at the old meeting-house in centre of the town. 1839, Joseph Smith, preacher; Elisha Mills, local preacher and class leader at Union; stewards, Thomas Chapman, Luther Wentworth, Joseph Walker, Samuel Applebee (Merrill, 1889). 

Son Richard Walker married (2nd), in 1840, Elizabeth “Eliza” Hatch. She was born in Newington, NH, in 1803, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Henderson) Hatch (and younger sister of Walker’s deceased wife).

Joseph Walker headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 70-79 years [himself], one female aged 60-69 years [Sarah (Pray) Walker], and one female aged 20-29 years [Harriet N. Walker]. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Samuel Bragdon and Joseph L. Walker (with Isaac Wentworth just beyond Joseph L. Walker).

Ruben J. Witham headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 30-39 years [himself], and one female aged 30-39 years [Mercy (Walker) Witham]. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of [his father,] Josiah Witham, and Nathan Jones.

John Scates headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 60-69 years [himself] and one female aged 40-49 years [Abigail (Walker) Scates]. One member of his household was engaged in Manufacture and the Trades. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of James Pinkham and Maurice Henderson.

Hiram Varney headed a Berwick, ME, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 30-39 years [himself], two females aged 30-39 years [Emily (Walker) Varney], one female aged 5-9 years [Eliza A. Varney], one male aged under-5 years [Charles W. Varney], and two females aged under-5 years [Emily A. Varney and Clara A. Varney].

Joseph L. Walker 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 [(Elizabeth (Hildrup) Walker)], and one male aged under-5 years [Joseph Walker]. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of [his father,] Joseph Walker, and Isaac Wentworth.

Josiah N. Witham headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 20-29 years [himself], and one female aged 20-29 years [Sarah A. (Walker) Witham]. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Levi Wentworth and [his father,] Josiah Witham.

Brother-in-law Samuel Bragdon died in Milton, December 11, 1840, aged sixty-nine years, ten months. HIs last will was proved in a Strafford County Probate Court held in Somersworth, NH, December 22, 1840 (Strafford County Probate, 59:340).

Sister Abigail (Walker) French died in Alton, NH, September 10, 1842, aged sixty-nine years. Sister Elizabeth “Betsy” (Walker) Tibbetts died in Newbury, VT, February 4, 1844, aged sixty-eight years.

Son-in-law Reuben J. Witham of Milton made his last will September 23, 1845.

Son-in-law Reuben J. Witham died in 1845. His last will was proved in a Strafford County Probate Court held in Rochester, NH, February 3, 1846.

Son Richard Walker invented a file-making machine, upon which the Portsmouth Journal reported in 1847.

FILE MACHINE. – Most of the files now used in this country are imported, being made in England by hand, with great labor. The Portsmouth Journal states that Mr. Richard Walker has invented and patented a machine, now in operation, which will ere long make files an article of export instead of import. Three machines, which can be tended by one man, can complete twenty common files an hour. A steam engine of five horsepower can put at least 50 of these machines in operation (Pittsfield Sun (Pittsfield, MA), November 11, 1847).

Joseph Walker of Milton made his last will on November 23, 1849. He devised all of his household furniture to his “beloved wife,” Sally Walker, so long as she might live, as well as $50 annually. He devised to two of his sons, Richard Walker and Joseph Walker, $5 in addition to what they had already received from him. He devised to three of his daughters, Mercy [Witham], Sarah A. Witham, and Emily Varney, $5 in addition to what they had already received from him. He devised to his daughter, Abigail Scates, $25 in addition to what she had already received from him. He devised to his daughter, Harriet N. Walker, all of his household furniture (after the decease of his wife) and the use and occupancy of the back room in the house, “so long as she remains single or unmarried.” He appointed his son, Asa T. Walker, as sole executor. He was to pay out the monetary legacies, resolve any remaining debts, and for his own share of the estate take all of the real and personal estate that might remain. L.L. Leighton, Daniel P. Warren, and Irena B. [(Twombly)] Warren signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 61:414).

Joseph Walker died of lung fever in Milton, January 22, 1850, aged eighty-one years. He was a farmer (1850 U.S. Census Mortality Schedule). His last will was proved in Strafford County Probate court held in Dover, NH, February 5, 1850 (Strafford County Probate, 61:414).

Richard Walker, a machinist, aged fifty-three years (b. NH), headed a Portsmouth, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Eliza [(Hatch)] Walker, aged forty-seven years (b. NH), Eliza A. Walker, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), Emma Walker, aged eight years (b. NH), Edward Walker, a baker, aged fifteen years, Charles Walker, aged thirteen years, Harriet S. Walker, aged seven years (b. NH), Ellen Walker, aged six years (b. NH), and William Hatch, a farmer, aged eighty-two years (b. NH).

John Scates, a tailor, aged seventy-five years (b. ME), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Abigail [(Walker)] Scates, aged fifty-one years (b. NH). John Scates had real estate valued at $300. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Martha A. [(Nutter)] Towle, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), and David Washburn, a shoe manufacturer, aged thirty-five years (b. MA).

Joseph Coleman, a joiner, aged fifty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Portsmouth, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Mercy [((Walker) Witham)] Coleman, aged forty-eight years (b. NH), Eliza Ann Coleman, aged nine years (b. NH), Alena Coleman, aged seven years (b. NH), and Olvia Manson, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH). They shared a two-family house with the household of Wiley Coleman, a joiner, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH).

Asa T. Walker, a farmer, aged forty-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Louisa Walker, aged forty-three years (b. ME), George Walker, aged thirteen years (b. NH), Louisa Walker, aged nine years (b. NH), Mary Walker, aged seven years, Ara Walker, aged four years (b. NH), Evaline L. Ricker, aged twenty years (b. ME), Harriet N. Walker, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH), and Sally [(Pray)] Walker, aged seventy-three years (b. ME). Asa T. Walker had real estate valued at $1,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Daniel Wentworth, a farmer, aged sixty-nine years (b. ME), and Isaac Wentworth, a farmer, aged twenty-six years (b. NH).

Hiram Varney, a tallow chandler, aged forty-six years (b. NH), headed a Berwick, ME, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Emily [(Walker)] Varney, aged forty-four years (b. NH), Eliza A. Varney, aged sixteen years (b. NH), Charles W. Varney, aged fourteen years (b. NH), Emily A. Varney, aged ten years (b. ME), and Clara A. Varney, aged six years (b. ME). Hiram Varney had real estate valued at $2,000.

Joseph Walker, a machinist, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Concord, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Elizabeth [(Hildrup)] Walker, aged thirty-three years (b. ME), Joseph Walker, aged thirteen years (b. NH), Martha Walker, aged nine years (b. NH), Reuben Walker, aged four years (b. NH), and John Walker, aged eight months (b. NH). Joseph Walker had real estate valued at $800.

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

Daughter Mercy (Walker) Witham married (2nd) in Milton, December 25, 1850 [?], Joseph Coleman (per Joseph Coleman’s War of 1812 Pension File). He was born in Newington, NH, 1791, son of Joseph and Mary (Godwin) Coleman. (His first wife, Olive C. (Adams) Coleman, had died in Portsmouth, NH, June 3, 1850).

Son-in-law Joseph Coleman appeared in the Portsmouth, NH, directory of 1851, as a carpenter, with his house at 8 Atkinson street. Son Richard Walker appeared as a machinist, with his house at 6 Hanover street.

Daughter Harriet N. Walker married in Milton, March 4, 1851, Alpheus Remick, both of Milton. Rev. James Doldt performed the ceremony. Remick was born in Milton, in 1814, son of John D. and Abra ((Applebee) Worster) Remick.

Son Richard Walker moved from Portsmouth, NH, to Hopedale village, in Milford, MA, in 1853.

And there was Richard Walker, an ardent spiritualist and “heavy thinker on important subjects,” who was becoming locally well known as the inventor of improvements in textile machinery; before he joined the community in 1853, Walker had patented the first power loom for knitting underwear. The Practical Christian probably understated the situation when in 1857 it said of the villagers that “in respect to business enterprise, and the laudable ambition to acquire property for good use, they have their full share” (Spann, 1992).

Richard Walker, a machinist, aged fifty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Milford, MA, household at the time of the First (1855) MA State Census. His household included Eliza [(Hatch)] Walker, aged fifty-two years (b. NH), Abby Walker, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH), Edward Walker, a soap maker, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), Charles Walker, a book bonder, aged nineteen years (b. NH), Harriet Walker aged twelve years (b. NH), and Ellen Walker, aged ten years (b. NH).

Son-in-law Hiram W. Varney died in Milton, September 8, 1855.

Son-in-law Joseph Coleman appeared in the Portsmouth, NH, directory of 1857, as a joiner, with his house at 8 South street. Son Asa T. Walker appeared as a soap boiler, with his house at 18 Anthony street.

Manila Debacle Recalls Dewey’s Naval Battle; “Concord” Captain Tells All. … Asa T. Walker, widely-known soap manufacturer, resided in nearby Milton for a time, and then moved to Portsmouth. He was the father of his namesake, who commanded the battleship “Concord” in the naval engagement [of 1898] (Portsmouth Herald, January 3, 1942).

Daughter Abigail (Walker) Scates died in Milton, January 30, 1858.

Son Joseph H. Walker died of cholera morbus in Dover, NH, August 3, 1859, aged forty-nine years.

Son Asa T. Walker appeared in the Portsmouth, NH, directory of 1860, as a soap chandler, on McDonough street, with his house at 17 Austin street.

Making Soap. By and by the farm wife will be busy about the soap making, and many inquiries will be made as to how it should be done. An experienced soap maker describes the usual method of making soap for scouring wool in wool factories. He writes: “The manner of making the different grades of commercial soap is essentially the same, though different kinds of fat may be used. It is always made on a large scale, in enormous vats or boilers. Several hundred-weight of crude soda ash is first dissolved in boiling water in the soap boiler, which is a huge circular iron vessel holding from 500 to 1,000 gallons, with a steam pipe in the centre. Half the weight of the soda in pure caustic lime is then added, and the mixture boiled. When the lime has rendered the soda caustic, the boiling is discontinued. Several hundred-weight of tallow are now put into the soap pan, which is a different vessel made of cast iron, applied, either by a furnace beneath it, or by steam carried by pipes around the bottom pan. The latter is the usual. The pan usually holds several tons. After the tallow, cut up into pieces, is put into this pan, a quantity of the lye is added, the steam is turned on and the boiling continued until the lye is thoroughly incorporated with the tallow, and the whole becomes a pasty-mass. Several shovelfuls of common salt are thrown in. This causes the lye to separate, and as the mass cools, the lye, deprived of its soda, is drown off. Fresh lye is then added and boiled, and this is repeated until the tallow is saturated with the soda; that is, it will not take up any more. Water is now added until the proper consistency is reached. If resin is to be used, it is now added, and the mass again boiled. It is then run off into frames and molds, where it is allowed to solidify, and then is cut by wires into bars, dried, and packed in boxes. Two thousand pounds of yellow soap will require 1,000 pounds of tallow, 350 pounds of resin, with lye sufficient to make the whole a smooth, perfectly homogeneous and saponaceous mass.” The figures given sufficiently describe the proportions of the materials, viz.: ten pounds of tallow and 350 pounds of resin make twenty pounds of hard soap. – New York Tribune (Hollis Times, February 3, 1888).

Richard Walker, a machinist, aged sixty-three years, headed a Milford, MA, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Eliza [(Hatch)] Walker, aged fifty-seven years, Hattie Walker, aged seventeen years, and Nellie Walker, a bookbinder, aged fifteen years.

Joseph Coleman, a farmer, aged sixty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills P.O.”) household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Mercy [((Walker) Witham)] Coleman, aged fifty-eight years (b. NH). Joseph Coleman had real estate valued at $400 and personal estate valued at $100. (The resided in close proximity to the household of her brother-in-law, J.N. Witham, a farmer, aged forty-four years (b. NH).

Asa T. Walker, a soap manufacturer, aged fifty-six years (b. NH), headed a Portsmouth, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Louisa [(Morrill)] Walker, aged fifty-three years (b. ME), George M. Walker, a soap manufacturer, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), Louisa Walker, aged nineteen years (b. NH), Mary F. Walker, aged seventeen years (b. NH), and Asa Walker, aged fourteen years (b. NH). Asa T. Walker had real estate valued at $1,000 and personal estate valued at $1,500. George M. Walker was deaf & dumb.

Elisabeth [(Hildrup)] Walker, aged forty-two years (b. MA), headed a Concord, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Martha Walker, a spinner, aged eighteen years (b. NH), Reuben Walker, aged fourteen years (b. NH), John Walker, aged ten years (b. NH), Frank Walker, aged six years (b. MA), Joseph Walker, a laborer, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), Sarah Walker, aged sixteen years (b. MA), and Jeremiah Elkins, a laborer, aged twenty-three years (b. ME).

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

Alpheus Remick, a farmer, aged forty-five years, headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Harriet [(Walker)] Remick, aged forty-three years, Ida B. Remick, aged eight years, and Sarah Remick, aged eighty-four years. Alpheus Remick had real estate valued at $2,500 and personal estate valued at $100. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Elizabeth Hart, aged seventy-five years (b. NH), and Joseph Rines, aged seventy-six years (b. NH).

Richard Walker, a machinist, aged sixty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milford, MA, household at the time of the Second (1865) MA State Census. His household included Eliza [(Hatch)] Walker, housekeeping, aged sixty-three years (b. NH), Hattie S. Walker, a bookbinder, aged twenty-two years (b. NH), and Nellie Walker, a polisher, aged twenty years (b. NH).

Sarah “Sally” (Pray) Walker died of old age in Milton, April 18, 1867, aged ninety years, six months. [Her gravestone says 1868]. She was a widow.

MITREING MACINES. RICHARD WALKER, Milford, Mass., Dec. 3, 1867. In this machine the cutters are placed opposite each other, the moving one being attached to a lever oscillated by a cam. Another cutter slides in a head, adjustable to any angle to cut the required mitre (Ringwalt, 1871). 

Daughter Mercy ((Walker) Witham) Coleman died in 1869. (Her husband’s War of 1812 pension records note that she had predeceased her second husband, who died in 1878).

Daughter-in-law Elizabeth “Eliza” (Hatch) Walker died of congestion of lungs in Milford, MA, in December 1869, aged sixty-six years, five months, and nine days. (The 1870 U.S. Census Mortality Schedule gave her cause of death as Old Age).

James M. Morey, a blacksmith, aged forty-two years (b. NH), headed a Milford, MA. household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Sarah E. [(Walker)] Morey, keeping house, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), Minnie M. Morey, attending school, aged eleven years (b. MA), and Richard Walker, a journeyman machinist, aged seventy-three years (b. NH). James M. Morey had real estate valued at $300.

Joseph Coleman, a carpenter, aged seventy-nine years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included [his daughter,] Olivia Manson, keeping house, aged forty-eight years (b. New Brunswick). Joseph Coleman had real estate valued at $500 and personal estate valued at $200. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Mary Wentworth, keeping house, aged seventy-five years (b. NH), and [his brother-in-law,] Josiah N. Witham, a farmer, aged fifty-four years (b. NH).

Asa T. Walker, a soap maker, aged sixty-six years (b. NH), headed a Portsmouth, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Loisa [(Morrill)] Walker, keeping house, aged sixty-two years (b. NH), George M. Walker, works in soap shop, aged thirty-three years (b. NH), and Mary Walker, at home, aged twenty-six years (b. NH). Asa T. Walker had real estate valued at $2,000 and personal estate valued at $1,000.

Charles W. Varney, a confectioner, aged thirty-four years (b. NH), headed a Berwick, ME, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Rachel P. [(Parker)] Varney, a housekeeper, aged twenty-eight years (b. ME), Hiram Varney, aged twelve years (b. ME), George W. Varney, aged ten years (b. ME), Letta Ann Varney, aged seven years (b. ME), Chs. W. Varney, aged four years (b. ME), Emily [(Walker)] Varney, aged sixty-four years (b. NH), and Chs V. Richards, aged six years (b. NH). Charles W. Varney had real estate valued at $1,000.

Joseph R. Walker, works in print works, aged thirty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Elizabeth [(Tebbetts)] Walker, keeping house, aged twenty-six years (b. NH), Joseph Walker, aged five years (b. NH), William Walker, aged ten months (b. NH), Elizabeth [(Hildrup)] Walker, aged sixty-three years (b. NH), and Frank G. Walker, attending school, aged fifteen years (b. NH). Joseph R. Walker had personal estate valued at $300.

Josiah N. Witham, a farmer, aged fifty-four years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Sarah A. [(Walker)] Witham, keeping house, aged fifty-six years (b. NH), Lura Booth, aged six years (b. NH), and Allen Randall, a farm laborer, aged forty years (b. ME). Josiah N. Witham had real estate valued at $3,000 and personal estate valued at $1,072. They shared a two-family house with Lucy Witham, keeping house, aged seventy-two years (b. NH). Lucy Witham had real estate valued at $400 and personal estate valued at $140. Their households appeared in the enumeration between those of [his brother-in-law,] Joseph Coleman, a carpenter, aged seventy-nine years (b. NH), and Olive L. Remmick, aged seventy-nine years (b. ME).

Alpheus Remmick, a farmer, aged fifty-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Harriet N. [(Walker)] Remmick, keeping house, aged fifty-two years (b. NH), James L. Remmick, at school, aged eight years (b. NH), and Samuel Remmick, a farm laborer, aged forty-eight years (b. NH). Alpheus Remmick had real estate valued at $3,000 and personal estate valued at $921. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of James Applebee, a farmer, aged sixty-nine years (b. NH), and Samuel F. Rines, a farmer, aged fifty-two years.

Son Richard Walker of Milford, Mass., filed for U.S. Patent No. 137,808, August 30, 1872. His patent was for “Automatic Signals for Railroad Crossings” (U.S. Patent Office, 1873).

Son-in-law Josiah N. Witham was the Representative of the Unity Lodge, No. 62, A.F. & A.M., before the statewide Grand Lodge in May 1876. Charles C. Hayes was its Worshipful Master, and Daniel S. Burleigh was Proxy for the Senior Warden.

Son-in-law Joseph Coleman died of paralysis and old age in Portsmouth, NH, May 26, 1878, aged eighty-seven years. He was a carpenter.

Son Asa T. Walker of Portsmouth, NH, was one of those patients featured in an advertisement for Dr. J.R. Newton, “the Healer,” in 1879.

ASA T. WALKER, Portsmouth, N.H., who has suffered from asthma for twenty years, was perfectly cured with one treatment (Newton, 1879). 

Charles Walker, a publishing house superintendent, aged forty-three years (b. NH), headed a Cambridge, MA, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Jennie M. [(Smith)] Walker, keeping house, aged twenty-eight years (b. MA), his children, Minniehill Walker, at school, aged twenty years (b. MA), Charles R. Walker, at school, aged fifteen years (b. MA), Willie H. Walker, aged one year (b. MA), his father, Richard Walker, a machinist, aged eighty-three years (b. NH), and his niece, Emma L. Walker, works in publishing house, aged twenty-two years (b. MA).

Asa T. Walker, a soap boiler, aged seventy-six years (b. NH), headed a Portsmouth, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Louisa [(Morrill)] Walker, aged seventy-two years (b. ME), his son, George M. Walker, a soap boiler, aged forty-two years (b. NH), [his son-in-law,] Charles W. Shaw, a soap boiler, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), his [Shaw’s] wife, Mary F. [(Walker)] Shaw, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), and his [Shaw’s] son, Albion W. Shaw, aged four years (b. NH). They resided at 2 McDonough Street.

Emily [(Walker)] Varney, keeping house, aged seventy-four years (b. NH), headed a Berwick, ME, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. Her household included her daughter, E. Angeline [(Varney)] Richards, at home, aged thirty-nine years (b. ME), and her grandson, Charles V. Richards, a clerk in store, aged seventeen years (b. ME). They shared their house with the household of her son, Charles W. Varney, works in confectionary manufactory, aged forty-four years (b. NH).

Frank E. Walker, a carriage trimmer, aged twenty-five years (b. MA), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Nellie F. [(Hickford)] Walker, keeping house, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), his daughter, Edith L. Walker, aged two months (b. NH), and his mother, Elizabeth [(Hildrup)] Walker, a nurse, aged sixty years (b. NH). They resided on Locust Street.

Josiah N. Witham, a farmer, aged sixty-four years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Sarah A. [(Walker)] Witham, keeping house, aged sixty-four years (b. NH), and his adopted daughter, Lura A. Witham, works in felt mill, aged seventeen years (b. NH). Their household appeared on the enumeration between those of Samuel F. Rines, a blacksmith, aged sixty-two years (b. NH), and Fred P. Jones, a farmer, aged twenty years (b. NH).

Alpheus Remick, a farmer, aged sixty-five years (b. MA), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills Village”) household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Harriet N. [(Walker)] Remick, keeping house, aged sixty-three years (b. NH), and his adopted son, James L. Remick, works in woolen mill, aged nineteen years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Edgar A. Wentworth, works in woolen mills, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), and Joseph R. Brown, a woolen sorter, aged forty-three years (b. MA).

Daughter Emiline (Walker) Varney died in Milton, August 25, 1881.

Son Asa T. Walker appeared as having his house at 2 McDonough street. A.T. Walker & Sons (George M. Walker and Charles W. Shaw) appeared in the Portsmouth directory of 1883, as soap chandlers at 5 Elm street.

Son Richard Walker died of senility in Milford, MA, November 15, 1883, aged eighty-six years, ten months, and five days.

RECENT DEATHS. Richard Walker, a well-known inventor, died in Hopedale, Milford, Mass., on the 15th inst., at the age of nearly eighty-seven years. He was born in Milton, N.H., in 1797. In middle life he removed to Portsmouth, N.H., and thence in 1853 to Hopedale Community, Milford. During the last seven or eight years of his life he resided with his son, Mr. Charles Walker of Cambridge, Mass. He was a man of remarkable mechanical skill and genius for invention, having patented many useful and valuable machines. He was in early life the inventor and patentee of the first power loom tor knitting woollen undergarments, incurring at the time the hostility of the English hand-loom workmen. Later, he was the inventor of several useful cotton machines and other improvements. He joined the Masonic fraternity when twenty-one years of age, and was subsequently elected master of Strafford Lodge, Dover, N.H. During the Morgan anti-Masonic excitement he was an earnest and loyal defender of the brotherhood. He was an ardent Spiritualist, a frequent and interesting contributor to the various Spiritualistic journals of the day, and ever ready in public and private to give his testimony to that belief (Boston Evening Transcript, November 17, 1883).

Son-in-law Josiah N. Witham died of enteritis in Milton, June 22, 1884, aged sixty-eight years, eight months, and three days. He was a farmer.

Daughter-in-law Louisa (Morrill) Walker died in Portsmouth, NH, June 17, 1885, aged seventy-seven years, eleven months, and twenty days. She was married. F.L. Benedict signed the death certificate.

Son Asa T. Walker died of manition in Portsmouth, NH, May 11, 1886, aged eighty-two years, five months, and sixteen days. He was a soap maker. F.S. Benedict signed the death certificate.

Son-in-law Alpheus Remick of Milton wrote his last will, August 30, 1887. He devised to his “beloved wife,” Harriet N. Remick, all of “my homestead lot, with the buildings thereon, situate on Atkins street in Milton Mills,” as well as all of his personal estate. He was presumably weak, as he signed with an “X.” William E. Pillsbury, M.D., James R. Boynton, and Charles C. Hayes witnessed his mark or signature (Strafford County Probate, 102:369).

Son-in-law Alpheus Remick died in Milton, in 1887. His will was proved in a Strafford County Probate Court held in Rochester, NH, October 3, 1887 (Strafford County Probate, 102:369).

Daughter Harriet N. “Hattie” (Walker) Remick died of an ovarian tumor in Milton, April 30, 1892, aged seventy-four years, eleven months, and fifteen days. She was a widowed housekeeper. W.E. Pillsbury, M.D., signed the death certificate

Daughter-in-law Elizabeth L. (Hildrup) Walker died of hemiplegia in Merrimack, MA, August 19, 1894, aged seventy-seven years, one month, and twenty-one days.

Grandson Asa T. Walker, Jr., commanded a battleship in the Spanish-American War naval battle of Manila Bay, May 1, 1898.

Asa T. Walker, widely-known soap manufacturer resided in nearby Milton for a time, and then moved to Portsmouth. He was the father of his namesake who commanded the battleship “Concord” in the historic naval engagement. Immediately after the battle Commander Walker wrote his wife a letter, of which the following is that part referring to the engagement. It is owned by Ira W. Jones of Milton and came to him from his cousin, Charles Walker Jones of Melrose, Mass., whose mother was closely related to the Walker family. … [The remainder of this article, including the interesting letter, is too lengthy to extract here] (Portsmouth Herald, January 3, 1942).

Sarah A. [(Walker)] Withum, a homekeeper, aged eighty-six years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills Village”) household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. Her household included her son-in-law, John J. Howland, a day laborer, aged forty years (b. Canada), and her adopted daughter, Lura A. Howland, aged thirty-six years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Leonard Reed, a wool picker (factory), aged forty-six years (b. ME), and Crosby H. Prescott, head waiter (hotel), aged forty-nine years (b. ME).

Daughter Sarah A. (Walker) Witham died of exhaustion (and an abdominal tumor) in Milton Mills, December 17, 1902, aged eighty-eight years, eight months. She was a widowed housewife.

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References:

Find a Grave. (2013, September 20). Lydia Walker Bragdon. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/117375320/lydia_bragdon

Find a Grave. (2020, November 2). Abigail Walker French. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/217941168/abigail_french

Find a Grave. (2013, November 24). Joshua Pray. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/117584426/joshua-pray

Find a Grave. (2013, September 24). Sarah Wentworth [Roberts] Pray. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/117584535/sarah-pray

Find a Grave. (2013, August 11). Harriet N. Walker Remick. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/115296563/harriet-n.-remick

Find a Grave. (2012, April 25). Emily Varney. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/89126948/emily-varney

Find a Grave. (2016, March 19). Asa Tibbetts Walker. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/159718384/asa-tibbets-walker

Find a Grave. (209, May 7). Elizabeth [Walker] Tibbetts. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/198925455/elisabeth-tebbetts

Find a Grave. (2010, June 5). Joseph Walker. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/53278620/joseph-walker

Find a Grave. (2013, September 24). Richard Walker. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/117585273/richard-walker

Find a Grave. (2013, September 24). Sarah Walker. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/117585883/sarah_walker

Hunt, F. (1848). Merchants Magazine and Commercial Review. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=CqJJAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA228

Newton, Alonzo E. (1879). Modern Bethesda; Or, The Gift of Healing Restored. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=YCq0AAAAIAAJ&pg=PA276

Ringwalt, John Luther. (1871). American Encyclopedia of Printing. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=ztQoAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA229

Spann, Edward K. (1992). Hopedale: From Commune to Company Town, 1840-1920. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=_54oZLPtj7UC&pg=PA141

U.S. Patent Office. (1873). Specifications and Drawings of Patents Issued from the U.S. Patent Office. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=jMk6AQAAMAAJ&pg=RA1-PA490

Wikipedia. (2024). Battle of Manila Bay. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Manila_Bay

By Muriel Bristol | August 11, 2024

The National Grange (or the National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry) “is a social organization in the United States that encourages families to band together to promote the economic and political well-being of the community and agriculture” (Wikipedia, 2024).

Milton had three subordinate or community Granges – the Lewis W. Nute Grange, No. 193, at Milton; the Pleasant Valley Grange, No. 272, at Milton Mills; and the Nute Ridge Grange, No. 316, at West Milton. These local community granges, and others, such as Rochester’s Rochester Grange, No. 86, Wakefield’s Lovell Union Grange, No. 178, Farmington’s Henry W. Wilson Grange, No. 205, and Middleton’s Reunion Grange, No. 303, were subordinates to (or parts of) the Eastern N.H. Pomona (or regional) grange. The various regional Pomona granges were parts of the NH State Grange.

Certain Grange offices, such as the “Three Graces,” i.e., the Ceres (representing grain), the Pomona (representing fruit), and the Flora (representing flowers), as well as the Lady Assistant Steward, were reserved for female Grange members. (See also Milton Delegate Bard B. Plummer (1846-1919) for a description of these Grange offices).

The Lewis W. Nute Grange was formed in Milton, on Friday, December 16, 1892, with twenty-nine charter members. Its sequence number in the formation of local subordinate Granges was #193 (NH State Grange, 1892). It was named in honor of Milton’s Lewis W. Nute (1820-1888).

MILTON. Lewis W. Nute grange organized Friday night, twenty-six members, by Frank P. Wentworth of Rochester. Officers elected and installed: B.B. Plummer, master; Fred P. Jones, overseer; C.A. Jones, secretary; Dr. M.A.H. Hart, treasurer; W.K. Norton, lecturer; Miss F.A. Ober, assistant lecturer; Miss Birdie B. Harte, chaplain; S.E. Twombly, steward; R.H. Shaw, assistant steward; Miss Sarah L. Benson, lady assistant steward; Mrs. B.B. Plummer, Ceres; Mrs. W.K. Norton, Pomona; Miss Minnie Woodman, Flora; L.O. Hayes, gate keeper (Farmington News, December 23, 1892).

NEW ENGLAND NEWS. The grange appears to be booming in New Hampshire. A new one has been instituted in Greenland with E.A. Libby, Master, and 60 charter members and the Lewis W. Nute Grange has been organized at Milton with 30 charter members and B.B. Plummer, Master (Fall River Daily Evening News (Fall River, MA), December 30, 1892).

MILTON. Three new members were admitted to the Lewis W. Nute Grange, Aug. 23 (Farmington News, September 1, 1893).

MILTON. Lewis W. Nute Grange entertained the Eastern Pomona Grange, Thursday afternoon of last week. Public exercises were held in the afternoon and a closed session in the evening (Farmington News, November 16, 1894).

NEW HAMPSHIRE. Past Pomona master Frank P. Wentworth of Rochester, spoke May 12th before Lewis W. Nute grange of Milton on the benefits of the grange (New England Farmer (Boston, MA), May 29, 1897).

NEW HAMPSHIRE. EASTERN NEW HAMPSHIRE Pomona met with Crown Point grange recently when the hall was filled to overflowing. The program was especially well rendered. The next meeting will be with Lewis W. Nute grange of Wilton [Milton], January 6th (New England Farmer (Boston, MA), December 11, 1897).

The Pleasant Valley Grange was formed in Milton Mills, on Wednesday, February 1, 1899, with twenty-two charter members. Its sequence number in the formation of local subordinate Granges was #272 (NH State Grange, 1899).

GRANGERS. Eastern N.H. Pomona Grange will meet next Wednesday, April 23, with Lewis W. Nute grange at Milton with the open session at two o’clock. The exercises are to be: Invocation, Rev. M.P. Dickey; piano duet, Mrs. Emma C. Jones and Ruth Fall; greeting by Fred P. Jones, master of L.W. Nute grange; response, Special Deputy G.R. Drake; recitation, Lura Berry; address, Agricultural Education, Prof. W.D. Gibbs, Durham; vocal solo, George Palmer; discussion, Of what advantage is a good education, and Does the farmer need special education? Mrs. Nellie D. Sanborn, Irving B. Berry, vocal solo, Dr. M.A.H. Hart; address, Chaplain Edwin Blake of Crown Point; paper by Dr. F.I. Smith; Cornucopia Vol. 17, No. 4, Mrs. Emma C. Jones; vocal solo, George H. Tilton. The closed session will be at 7.30 o’clock p.m. Mrs. Anna G. Weeks, lecturer, Miss Lucia Gordon of Farmington is lady assistant steward for this Pomona grange (Farmington News, April 18, 1902).

The Lewis W. Nute Grange had a float in the Milton Centennial parade. it was trimmed with bunting and carried farming tools (Farmington News, September 5, 1902).

STRAFFORD CORNER. Mr. and Mrs. John S. Brock and Mr. and Mrs. C.F. Foss attended the installation of officers of the Lewis W. Nute grange at Milton Wednesday evening of last week, and also the installation of officers of Bow Lake grange Friday evening (Farmington News, January 23, 1903).

MILTON, N.H. Lewis W. Nute Grange will be well represented at the Pomona Grange meeting in Farmington one week from Thursday (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), October 30, 1903).

MILTON. Lewis W. Nute grange accepted an invitation to visit Pleasant Valley grange of Milton Mills to witness their installation of officers. Those who attended were well paid for their cold ride. After the exercises refreshments were served, and at a late hour the visitors reluctantly bade their entertainers goodnight and started on their homeward journey. As their progress was necessarily slow, owing to the badly drifted roads, the way was enlivened by the relating of numerous stories and all agreed that the driver bore off the palm as raconteur (Farmington News, February 12, 1904).

Our Grange Homes. Lewis W. Nute Grange. A special meeting of Lewis W. Nute grange, Milton, was held June 18. A very interesting entertainment was given by the children under the direction of Mrs. Annie O. Willey, Miss Fanny W. Plummer and Mrs. Catherine Dove. At the regular meeting of the grange, June 22, the third and fourth degrees were conferred upon two candidates (New England Farmer (Boston, MA), July 2, 1904).

Our Grange Homes. Lewis W. Nute grange. B. B. Plummer, jr., M.; James F. Doe, O.: Lizzie L. Fall, L.; Harvey W. Dorp, S.; Carl Keene, A.S.; M.P. Dickey, C: W.E. Tarbell, T.; Charles H. Cole, Sec; J.W. Johnson, G.K.; Annie O. Willey, P.; Mary F. Jones, Cora Hudson, C; C.M. Dore, L.A.S. (New England Farmer (Boston, MA), January 7, 1905).

NEW HAMPSHIRE. Grange Notes. Lewis W. Nute grange observed patriotic night at last meeting by the reading of patriotic selections, singing of national hymns, and an essay on the origin of the flag by Mrs. Nellie Webber. The hall was appropriately decorated (New England Farmer (Boston, MA), July 22, 1905).

NEW HAMPSHIRE GRANGE NOTES. Lewis W. Nute grange of Milton was entertained at its last meeting, by poems on grain, fruit and flowers, and were then refreshed with food provided by the Court ladies (Lewiston Sun-Journal (Lewiston, ME), August 30, 1906).

MILTON, N.H. The Lewis W Nute grange held their annual installation of officers last Wednesday night with invited delegations from Center Lebanon, Me., and East Rochester (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), February 1, 1907).

MILTON. Yesterday was a banner day for the Lewis W. Nute grange as it celebrated its fifteenth anniversary at that time and in response to an invitation the Eastern New Hampshire pomona held their sessions with this grange. There was a secret session in the morning and an open session in the afternoon when the double installation of the officers of the Pomona and the local grange took place. Appropriate addresses were made by prominent members of the Pomona and local granges. Dinner was served for the visiting guests and the occasion will be long remembered as one of the greatest events in the history of the local grange (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), January 17, 1908).

MILTON. Children’s night was observed by Lewis W. Nute grange at the A.O.U.W. hall Saturday night. About 40 children participated in the exercises and a very enjoyable literary program was given under the direction 0f Mrs. Ira W. Jones and Mrs. J.D. Willey. There were refreshments of ice cream and cake (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), June 26, 1908).

The Nute Ridge Grange was formed in West Milton, on Friday, October 13, 1911, with thirty charter members. Its sequence number in the formation of local subordinate Granges was #316. Its initial Grange Master was Edwin P. Tripp, its Lecturer was Mrs. Annie B. Gale, and its Secretary was Samuel Gale  (NH State Grange, 1911).

MILTON. Saturday night the members of Lewis W. Nute Grange were entertained by the children. The exercises were in charge of Mrs. Emma C. Jones and Mrs. Lucia Jones, which goes to say it was first class in every respect. There were vocal and instrumental selections and recitations. The special features of the evening were the parasol girls, our boy’s band and the flag march, which closed with “America” (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), July 5, 1912).

LOCAL. Eastern New Hampshire Pomona is meeting with Lewis Nute Grange at Milton this Thursday. Several local Grangers were in attendance (Farmington News, April 23, 1920).

WEST MILTON. Lewis Nute Grange will observe a Washington and Lincoln night at the regular meeting on Saturday evening. A roll call and box party will be among the social features (Farmington News, February 11, 1921).

EASTERN N.H. POMONA GRANGE MEETS AT MILTON. MILTON, N.H., April 24. – Eastern New Hampshire Pomona Grange met today with Lewis W. Nute Grange, with a large attendance. A public session was held in the afternoon and was opened by singing by the patrons of the local lodge, followed by prayer by Rev. G.H. Chambers of Milton and the addresses of welcome by Leroy J. Ford, master of Lewis W. Nute Grange. The response was by Past Master James B. Young of Rochester, after which the following question was discussed: “Resolved, that the State and Federal acquisition of forest lands should not be encouraged or permitted unless means are provided for the annual payment of taxes thereon to the towns, equaling the rate of tax levied under the same valuation as if privately owned.” The disputants were Charles D. Colman Jr., Charles W. Varney and Charles H. Ward of Rochester and Albert H. Brown of Strafford. There was an address on “Neighbors” by Mrs. Edna Crewe of Dover, director of the Dover Neighborhood House; vocal solos by Harold Lincoln and Miss Agnes Rogers of Rochester, readings by Arthur W. McDaniel of Nottingham and the reading of the “Cornucopia,” Pomona Grange paper, by John S. Kimball of Rochester. A closed session was held in the evening, when the fifth degree was conferred (Boston Globe, April 25, 1924).

GRANGE NOTES. Among those from this town who expect to represent the Grange as delegates and to attend the lecturers’ conference at the State Grange meeting in Nashua, December 13, 14 and 15, are Mr. and Mrs. George A. Downing, Mrs. Zanello Berry, and Mrs. Bertha Wilkes. Mr. and Mrs. George A. Downing and John Paulson were attendants at the Pomona Grange meeting held with Lewis Nute Grange at Milton, Friday evening. This was the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Lewis Nute Grange. A fine program was given to the public in the late afternoon. Addresses were given by the National Grange lecturer, James Farmer of Newbury, and Arthur MacDaniel of Barrington, the overseer of the State Grange. Mrs. Grace Mooney Stevens of Union gave a fine paper, and Mrs. Edith Foss Mitchell of Rochester entertained with solos and readings. In the celebrating of the 40th anniversary, Lewis Nute Grange served a delicious and bountiful banquet. The evening was devoted to business and exemplification of the fifth degree to a good class of candidates. A large attendance was present, including visitors from Maine and Rockingham County Pomona. On December 6 the Henry Wilson Juvenile Grange held its regular meeting with a good attendance. The degree was conferred on two girls and their matron Mrs. Ruth Eldridge. Mrs. Lillian Foss Cooper, the State Juvenile deputy, was present and assisted and gave many helpful instructions. This Grange was the Baby Juvenile in May when it was organized, but another has been formed in Ossipee since spring. The subordinate Granges In the state must look to their laurels. These young people do very good work and will be the Grangers of the future. The town should be proud of a group of boys and girls who will take an interest in work well worth while. They put on programs of real merit and the value they receive is shown in the development of character, poise and self-reliance. May the parents and townspeople give real encouragement to these young people. Their regular meetings are held on the first and third Mondays of each month. Their next meeting will be a partial reelection of officers and it is hoped a joint installation of officers may be held with the subordinate Grange (Farmington News, December 16, 1932).

EAST LEBANON. Riverside Grange Minstrels presented their show at Nute Grange Hall, Milton, N.H. They will present another performance for Banner Grange, East Rochester, on the evening of Oct. 5. The cast includes Art Mathews, interlocutor; end men, Leslie Adams, Geo. Pray, Lawrence Stackpole, Carl Welch; specialty numbers Perreault Sisters, Ernest Stackpole, Lawrence Stackpole, Muriel Robbins and the three Suns, Art, Stack and Geo., Buck and Wing, Bill Armstrong; chorus and soloists, Beatrice Hanscom, Muriel Robbins, Hazel Pray, Ethelyn Stackpole, Jessie Ritchie, Art Libby, assisted by the end men. Pianist Emil Merrifield (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), September 30, 1937).

NEWFIELD. By Dorothy O. Dunnells. Miss Elsie Bigelow of West Milton, N.H., has returned to her home after spending a week with Mary Dunnells. Mrs. Ralph Dunnells and daughters, Mary and Lorraine, Betty Ball and James Duran were guests of the Rev. and Mrs. E. Lincoln Bigelow at Nute Personage, West Milton, N.H., recently. In the evening Mrs. Dunnells and Mary attended Nute Grange (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), July 27, 1939).

HENRY WILSON GRANGE HOLDS JOINT INSTALLATION WITH LEWIS NUTE GRANGE. A joint installation of Henry Wilson Grange of Farmington and the Lewis W. Nute Grange of Milton was held in the Grange hall at Farmington this Monday evening. The following of Henry Wilson Grange were installed by Deputy Maurice Daniels and suite of Rochester: Master, Gideon Marcoux, overseer, Mrs. Elfreda Baston, lecturer, Miss Barbara Hogan, chaplain, Lucia Gordon, steward, John Paulson, treasurer, Frederick Sabine, secretary, Mrs. Bessie Gilman, assistant steward, Lawrence Lover, lady assistant steward, Miss Rita Fowle, gatekeeper Harry Wentworth; Ceres, Mrs. Margaret Flint, Pomona, Mrs. Alice Paulson, Flora, Mrs. Ella Rollins, executive committee, Frank Berry Mrs. Cora LaBonta, past lady assistant steward of the State Grange was present. Following the Installation, music was furnisbed by the Hogan family and a two act play by the members of Henry Wilson Grange was presented. The evening closed with a delicious supper. Next Monday, January 20, there will be a regular meeting of Henry Wilson Grange, and a whist party is planned for Monday, January 27 (Farmington News, January 17, 1941).

LEWIS W. NUTE GRANGE. The Henry Wilson Grange of Farmington worked the first and second degrees on a class of 11 candidates at the meeting of the Lewis W. Nute Grange last Wednesday night. Those receiving the degrees were Mr. and Mrs. George Slack, Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Paey, Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Beaudoin, Mr. and Mrs. George Titcomb, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Sweeney and Mrs. Edith Pinkham. Refreshments of sweet cider, doughnuts, coffee and sandwiches were served. Inspection night will be held at the next regular meeting on November 10 (Newmarket News, November 4, 1948).

MILTON. Nute Grange scheduled a cook-out at the town beach last night (Farmington News, July 12, 1956).

MILTON. Brevities. Lewis W. Nute Grange met Wednesday night and plans to help the Bow Grange observe its 80th anniversary Friday (Farmington News, August 23, 1956).

MILTON. Brevities. Deputy Grand Frank Foster of Rochester will make his spring instruction visit to Lewis W. Nute Grange next Wednesday night (Farmington News, February 5, 1959).

MILTON. Library Week Plans Displayed in Town. Milton – Librarian Ruth W. Plummer of the Nute Library has made every effort to reach the public in observance of National Library Week. On April 12, Mrs. Plummer spoke at Lewis W. Nute Grange. In her talk she explained that the purpose of National Library Week is to encourage lifetime reading habits and use and support of libraries by everyone. The goal is a better read, better informed America. She stated how fortunate Milton was to have had such a benefactor as Lewis W. Nute. She explained how the library use had declined during the period it was necessary to also use it as a classroom. Since the construction of the addition to Nute High School, the library has been restored to its original status. The library hours have been increased so that the librarian is in attendance from 1-4 p.m. on school days and from 2-4 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays during vacations and in the summer. New books purchased since September total 142, and a new Webster’s International Dictionary has been purchased also. Mrs. Plummer presented the special book marks designed for National Library Week to those present. Her exhibit of books interested all present. Sunday morning, book marks were given out with the church calendars at the Milton Community Church and Rev. Bradley T. Lines called attention to the program of the week. Local grocery stores are displaying banners about National Library Week. An interesting exhibit of new books attractively arranged is in the showcase window of the vestibule corridor at Nute High School by Mrs. Plummer That Milton people and pupils are reading is evidenced by the fact that since September Mrs. Plummer has circulated 4,000 books through the library. Publicity chairman for National Library Week is Miss Marjorie E. Goodwin teacher of commerce at Nute High School (Farmington news, April 20, 1961).

GRANGERS AT CHURCH. Milton – Members of Nute Ridge Grange and Lewis W. Nute Grange were guests at Milton Community church on Mothers Day. Russell Wentworth and Mrs. Eugene Junkins of Nute Ridge Grange dramatized the impressive ancient ritual of “the planting of the seed.” Rev. Bradley Lines’ sermon, “The Farmer, God’s First Workman,” tied in with the concepts of the Patrons of Husbandry (Farmington News, May 19, 1961).

LEWIS W. NUTE GRANGE. The Lewis W. Nute Grange had a three point program recently. The Nute Grange was the host for a potluck supper held at the Grange Hall. Pleasant Valley Grange provided the evening’s entertainment with a film on New Hampshire. The Reunion Grange filled the chairs. There were 42 Grange members present and 9 visitors. On February 13, the Pleasant Valley Grange was host for the three point program with the Reunion Grange providing the program and Nute Grange filling the chairs (Farmington News, February 26, 1970).

The proportion of people engaged or employed largely in agriculture has declined nationally over time, from about one-third of the population at the start of the Twentieth Century to less than 2% today. National Grange membership and activity has declined also over that time. Ending the Grange’s insurance benefit society functions in or around 1992 seems to have accelerated the decline (Wikipedia, 2024).

It is difficult to say exactly how long the Lewis W. Nute Grange persisted. Newspapers made fewer and fewer reports of its meetings and activities, either because there were fewer of them or because there was less newspaper interest in them.

The last newspaper mentions found of active Lewis W. Nute Grange members had Ralph Pugh, Sr., visiting the Hiram R. Roberts Grange, No. 194, in Rollinsford, NH, in September 1972; and had his wife, Mrs. Rachel Pugh (also a member of the NH State Grange’s Home Economics Committee), visiting the Henry Wilson Grange, No. 205, in neighboring Farmington, NH, in October 1973. Her remarks there invited her hosts to visit her own Grange, as well as attending the next NH State Grange meeting, which was to be held in Exeter, NH (Portsmouth Herald, September 20, 1972; Farmington News, October 18, 1973).

Thereafter, newspaper mentions of the Lewis W. Nute Grange occur largely in obituaries, in which the recently deceased were said to have been members during their lifetime.

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References:

NH State Grange. (1892). Journal of Proceedings of the New Hampshire State Grange. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=nmkkAQAAMAAJ&pg=RA5-PA34

NH State Grange. (1899). Journal of Proceedings of the New Hampshire State Grange. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=rRY1AQAAMAAJ&pg=RA1-PA35

NH State Grange. (1911). Journal of Proceedings of the New Hampshire State Grange. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=NxQ1AQAAMAAJ&pg=RA4-PA39

Wikipedia. (2024, April 2). National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Grange_of_the_Order_of_Patrons_of_Husbandry

By Muriel Bristol | March 12, 2023

Robert Mathes was born in Lee, NH, May 19, 1772, son of Samuel and Ruth (Lord) Mathes.

Samuel Mathes, baptized January 27, 1722-3, settled upon a farm in Lee, N.H., and also operated a saw-mill on Lamprey River, the site of which is still known as Mathes’ Mill. He lived to an advanced age. He was a member of the Baptist church. The maiden name of his wife was Ruth Lord (NE Historical Publishing, 1902).

Father Samuel Mathes of Lee, NH, husbandman, made his last will, May 25, 1785. (He was then aged sixty-three years). He bequeathed to his loving wife, Ruth Mathes, one-half of his house, barn, and the new barn (which he was then building), one-half of the stock, and one-half of the produce, for a period of five years. After the five years had elapsed she was to have on an ongoing basis, one-quarter of the stock and produce, and one-half of the moveables. He bequeathed to his son, Benjamin Mathes, his land and buildings in Durham, NH, and £30 law money, when he should reach the age of twenty-one years. He bequeathed his son, Valentine Mathes, his land in Rochester’s Third Division, with one yoke of oxen, one cow and calf, six sheep, and one featherbed and bedding. He bequeathed to his sons, Robert Mathes and William Mathes, his lands in Rochester’s Second Division, to be equally divided between them. Each was to have also one yoke of oxen, one cow and calf, six sheep, and one featherbed and bedding, when they should reach the age of twenty-one years.

He bequeathed to his daughter, Abigail Mathes, £60 lawful money (£30 to be paid when she either reached the age of eighteen years or married, and the remainder to be paid one year later). She was to have also one yoke of oxen, one cow and calf, six sheep, and one featherbed and bedding. He bequeathed the same amounts of money, stock, and goods to his other daughters, Ruth Mathes, and Hannah Mathes (to be paid when they either reached the age of eighteen years or married). He bequeathed to his sons, Samuel Mathes and Abraham Mathes, all his real and personal estate situated in Lee, NH, and not otherwise disposed. Samuel Mathes and Abraham Mathes were also named a joint executors.

If any of the aforementioned sons should die, then his estate should be divided among the remaining sons. Likewise, if any of the aforementioned daughters should die, then her dowry should be divided among the remaining daughters. John Jenkins, James Jenkins, and James Brackett signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 8:315).

Isaac Pinkham of Rochester, NH, husbandman sold land in Rochester’s Third Division to Robert Mathes of Lee, NH, April 14, 1794 (NH Genealogical Record, 2006).

Robert Mathes married (1st) in Rochester, NH, September 24, 1795, Mary Dearborn “Polly” Meserve, both of Rochester, NH. Rev. Joseph Haven performed the ceremony. She was born, probably in Madbury, NH, August 3, 1778, daughter of Stephen and Abigail (Yeaton) Meserve.

(The known children of Robert and Mary D. (Meserve) Mathes were Stephen Meserve Mathes (1797-1867), Ruth Mathes (1799-1802), and Polly Mathes (1801-1817)).

Robert Mathes, a native of Lee, N.H., was a settler here in 1797. The Mathes family came to this place, probably from Durham, settling at West Milton (Mitchell-Cony, 1908).

Son Stephen Meserve Mathes was born in the Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, April 13, 1797. He was a namesake for his maternal grandfather, Stephen Meserve.

Daughter Ruth Mathes was born in the Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, May 13, 1799. She was a namesake for her paternal grandmother, Ruth (Lord) Mathes.

Robert Mathes headed a Milton 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 [Mary (Meserve) Mathes], one male aged under-10 years [Stephen M. Mathes], and one female aged under-10 years [Ruth Mathes].

Daughter Mary “Polly” Mathes was born in the Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, February 11, 1801. She was a namesake for her mother, Mary “Polly” (Meserve) Mathes, who died in the Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, a week later, February 18, 1801.

Robert Mathes signed the Rochester division petition (or Milton separation petition) in what was then Rochester, NH, May 28, 1802, as did his future brother-in-law Levi Jones.

Daughter Ruth Mathes died in Milton, August 15, 1802, aged three years, three months, and two days.

Father Samuel Mathes died, November 10, 1802, aged eighty years, nine months, and eight days. (His death, which likely occurred in Lee, NH, nevertheless appeared in Milton records). His last will was proved in a Strafford County Probate court held in Dover, NH, December 13, 1802 (Strafford County Probate, 8:319).

Robert Mathes married (2nd) in Rochester, NH, April 14, 1803, Sally Jones, both of Milton. Rev. Joseph Haven performed the ceremony. She was born in Lebanon, ME, July 3, 1778, daughter of Ebenezer and Susanna (Allen) Jones.

(The known children of Robert and Sally (Jones) Mathes were Hannah Emerson Mathes (1804-1882), Comfort M. Mathes (1805-1870), William B. Mathes (1807-), Ebenezer Jones Mathes (1810–1894), Robert Mathes, Jr. (1812–1894), Joseph Mathes (1814-1883), and Sarah Jane Mathes (1817-1898)).

Daughter Hannah Emerson Mathes was born in Milton, April 8, 1804. Daughter Comfort M. Mathes was born in Milton, October 13, 1805.

Son William B. Mathes was born in Milton, August 20, 1807. Son Ebenezer Jones Mathes was born in Milton, April 3, 1810. He was a namesake for his maternal grandfather, Ebenezer Jones.

Son Robert Mathes, Jr., was born in Milton, June 15, 1812.

Mother Ruth (Lord) Mathes died in Lee, NH, April 6, 1813.

Son Joseph Mathes was born in Milton, December 4, 1814.

Robert Mathes of Milton sold land to brother-in-law, Joshua Jones, in 1817. Sally [(Jones)] Mathes signified her assent. (Joshua Jones married in Milton, December 10, 1818, Sally Cowell. She was born in Milton, May 6, 1793, daughter of Samuel and Amy (Kilgore) Cowell).

Daughter Mary “Polley” Mathes died in Milton, May 27, 1817, aged sixteen years, three months, and six days.

Daughter Sarah Jane Mathes was born in Milton, September 9, 1817.

Robert Mathes was one of nine Strafford County men, including Daniel Hayes, that petitioned the NH Governor, November 14, 1820, seeking appointment of two additional Strafford County judges. They recommended Joseph Boody (1782-1876) of New Durham, NH, for one of the two judgeships.

Sally (Jones) Mathes died in Milton, August 22, 1822. aged forty-four years, one month, and nineteen days.

Son Stephen M. Mathes married (1st) in Milton, August 24, 1823, Clarissa Watson, both of Milton. Rev. James Walker performed the ceremony. She was born in Rochester, NH, in 1802, daughter of Stephen and Mary “Polly” (Fogg) Watson.

Daughter-in-law Clarissa (Watson) Mathes died in Milton, January 16, 1824.

Mother-in-law Susanna [(Allen)] Jones of Milton, widow and relict of Ebenezer Jones, made her last will November 3, 1824. She devised $30 to her eldest son, William Jones. She devised $1 each to her other sons, Levi Jones, James Jones, John Jones, and Amos Jones. She devised $10 to her granddaughter, Lydia Jones, daughter of Amos Jones. She devised $1 each to her grandchildren, Hannah Mathes, Comfort Mathes, William B. Mathes, Ebenezer J. Mathes, Robert Mathes, Joseph Mathes, and Sally Mathes. She devised a good feather bed, two pillows, a bolster, a woolen bed quilt, a blanket, a sheet, two pillowcases, an undersack, and a good bedstead (and its cords) to her granddaughter, Susan Jones. She devised $1 to Susan Lad, daughter of Samuel Lad.

She gave $120 to her daughter, Mary Jones, as well a four-foot square table, and one-half of her beds, bed clothes, bed steads, bed cords. Mary was also given one-half of her wearing apparel, and one third of her pewter, crockery, tin and glassware. She gave $30 to her daughter, Lydia Jones, as well as a four-foot square table, and one-half of her beds, bed clothes, bed steads, bed cords, excepting that given to granddaughter Susan Jones. Lydia was also given one-half of her wearing apparel, and one third of her pewter, crockery, tinware, and glass. She bequeathed all of her real estate and whatever personal property not otherwise devised, to son, Joshua Jones, and she also named him as executor. (She signed with an “X”). Thomas Leighton, Daniel F. Jones and Levi Jones signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 32:46).

The last will of Susanna [(Allen)] Jones was proved in a Strafford County Probate Court held in Dover, NH, January 19, 1825 (Strafford County Probate, 32:48).

Son Stephen M. Mathes married (2nd) in Milton, February 5, 1826, Theodosia Grant, he of Milton and she of Lebanon, ME. Rev. James Weston performed the ceremony. She was born in Lebanon, ME, August 5, 1797.

Robert Mathes 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 20-29 years, two males aged 15-19 years [Robert Mathes, Jr., and Joseph Mathes], and one female aged 10-14 years [Sarah Mathes]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of D.M. Plummer and John Palmer.

Steph. M. Mathes 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 [Theodosia (Grant) Mathes], one female aged 20-29 years, and two females aged under-5 years. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Richd Gerrish and W.H. Brewster.

Wm Mathes 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 30-39 years, one female aged 15-19 years, one male aged 10-14 years, one male aged 5-9 years, one female aged 5-9 years, one male aged under-5 years, and one female aged under-5 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Mary Wingate and Israel Nute.

Robert Mathes was ordained as a Christian Church minister in Milton, August 11, 1831.

Robert Mathes, Christian, was born May 19, 1772, and ordained at Milton, Aug. 11, 1831. Labored in New Hampshire and died in Milton, March 13, 1840 (Carter, 1906).

The following persons were natives of Lee and became ministers who did good service in other towns: … Robert Mathes, Christian, born 1772, commenced preaching at Milton, N.H., 1831, where he was ordained. Died there in 1840 (Scales, 1914).

Son Ebenezer J. Mathes married (1st) in Boston, MA, August 16, 1835, Emily E. Shed. She was born in Hollis, NH, February 25, 1814.

Daughter-in-law Emily E. (Shed) Mathes died in Boston, MA, December 15, 1836, aged twenty-two year, nine months, and twenty days.

Son Ebenezer J. Matthews married (2nd) in South Boston, MA, April 29, 1838, Phidelia A. Davis (Columbia Centinel, May 2, 1838). Rev. William Jackson performed the ceremony. She was born in VT, November 13, 1819.

Son Robert Mathes [Jr.] married in Dover, NH, June 3, 1838, Mary Fogg Moulton. She was born in Milton, May 8, 1817, daughter of Captain Josiah and Mary (Watson) Moulton.

Robert Mathes died in Milton, March 13, 1840.

Sarah Mathes headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. Her household included one female aged 40-49 years [herself], one male aged 15-19 years, one female aged 15-19 years, and one female aged 10-14 years. Her household appeared in the enumeration between those of Hopley Meserve and Daniel Goodwin.

Robert Mathes [Jr.] headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male 20-29 years [himself], one female aged 20-29 years [Mary F. (Moulton) Mathes], one male aged 15-19 years, and one female aged under-5 years [Clara M. Mathes]. Two members of his household were engaged in Commerce. His household appeared between those of Jane Ellis and Benjamon G. Willey.

Son Robert Mathes was the Milton Town Clerk in the years 1841-1851. He was preceded in that office by James M. Twombly and followed by Daniel E. Palmer.

Daughter Sarah Jane Mathes married in Boston, MA, in 1841, James H. Bliss. He was born in Rehoboth, MA, April 13, 1817, son of Elijah C. and Sarah (Perry) Bliss.

Daughter-in-law Theodosia (Grant) Mathes died in Lebanon, ME, September 9, 1842, aged forty-five years.

Son Stephen M. Mathes married (3rd) in Milton, May 10, 1843, Lydia L. Watson. She was born in Milton, in 1812, daughter of Stephen and Mary “Polly” (Fogg) Watson (and sister of his deceased first wife Clara (Watson) Mathes).

Son Joseph Mathes married in Milton, July 7, 1844, Martha E. Ricker. She was born in Milton, June 9, 1826, daughter of Charles and Mary (Lord) Ricker.

Son Robert Mathes received an initial five-year appointment as a Milton justice-of-the peace, July 6, 1846. (Joseph Pearl and Ichabod H. Wentworth received appointments that same day).

Lydia L. (Watson) Mathes died circa 1848.

Son Stephen M. Mathes married (4th) in Rochester, NH, April 29, 1849, Louisa F. (Meserve) Davis. She was born in Milton, February 14, 1818, daughter of Hopley and Joanna (Twombly) Meserve. (Bride and groom were cousins, both being grandchildren of Stephen and Abigail (Yeaton) Meserve. She had been married before to David Davis, who died 1845-46.

Daughter Hannah E. Mathes married in Dover, NH, October 29, 1849, Norton Scates, both of Dover, NH. Rev. Silas Green performed the ceremony.

Milton sent Robert Mathes to Concord, NH, as its NH State Representative in 1850.

Sons Stephen M. Mathes and Eben J. Mathes were partners in a store in Rochester, NH, in 1850.

Passing over thirty years, or one generation, we come to the year 1850. The tax list gives $49,600 “Stock in Trade,” and $26,070 for “Mills and Machinery.” In general trade there still remained Hanson, Chase, Torr, and Greenfield, who sold the same year to Benjamin Jones & Co. James C. Cole was still in the jewelry business. There had been added the stores of Watson Hayes, Nathaniel Davis, the company of Stephen M. & Eben J. Mathes, and the Barkers who sold the same year to John Folsom (McDuffee, 1892).

Stephen M. Mathes, a merchant, aged fifty-three years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Louisa [((Meserve) Davis)] Mathes, aged thirty-two years (b. NH), Mandana Mathes, aged sixteen years (b. NH), Stephen Mathes, aged fourteen years (b. NH), Clara W. Mathes, aged two years (b. NH), Caroline Davis, aged fifteen years (b. NH), Cynthia Davis, aged eleven years (b. NH), and John Davis, aged seven years (b. NH). Stephen M. Mathes had real estate valued at $3,000. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Eben J. Mathes, a merchant, aged forty years (b. NH), and Herbert Stevens, a marble cutter, aged twenty-six years (b. NH).

Norton Scates, a laborer, aged fifty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Hannah [(Mathes)] Scates, aged forty-six years (b. NH), and William Scates, aged ten years (b. NH). They shared a two-family house with the household of Jonathan Foster, a shoemaker, aged forty-eight years (b. MA).

Eben J. Mathes, a merchant, aged forty years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Fidelia [(Davis)] Mathes, aged thirty years (b. VT), Sarah F.W. Mathes, aged eight years (b. MA), Maria Louisia Mathes, aged five years (b. NH), and Emma Jane Mathes, aged two years (b. NH). Eben J. Mathes had real estate valued at $2,000.

Robert Mathes, a trader, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Mary F. [(Moulton)] Mathes, aged thirty-three years (b. NH), Clara M. Mathes, aged ten years (b. NH), Albert O. Mathes, aged seven years (b. NH), Edwin Cowell, a clerk, aged twenty-five years (b. ME), and Abby D. Moulton, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH). Robert Mathes had real estate valued at $6,000. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Samuel Washburn, a shoe manufacturer, aged twenty-seven years (b. MA) and Joseph Mathes, a carpenter, aged thirty-five years (b. NH).

Joseph Mathes, a carpenter, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Martha A. Mathes, aged twenty-four years (b. NH). Joseph Mathes had real estate valued at $800. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Robert Mathes, a trader, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), and George Worster, a machinist, aged thirty-nine years (b. NH).

James H. Blyss, a machinist, aged thirty-three years (b. NH), headed a Boston, MA, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Sarah [(Mathes)] Blyss, aged thirty-three years (b. NH), Edwin Blyss, aged eight years (b. MA), James Blyss, aged three years (b. MA), and Comfort Blyss [Mathes], aged forty-four years (b. NH). James H. Bliss had real estate valued at $1,200.

Son Ebenezer J. Mathes was appointed to a school building committee in Rochester, NH, which built a new “graded” school in 1850-1851.

In 1848 what was called “the Somersworth act” was passed enabling districts which should adopt it to have higher branches taught, grading their schools, and appointing a Superintending Committee separate from the town. This act was adopted here in 1849, and in April, 1850, thirteen hundred dollars was raised for a new school-house, containing two rooms, on Wakefield street, and E.J. Mathes, John McDuffee, and John Legro were appointed building committee. Their work was accomplished so that the house was occupied in the fall of 1851 (McDuffee, 1892). 

Son Robert Mathes received a five-year renewal of his appointment as a Milton justice-of-the peace, June 27, 1851. (Joseph Pearl and Ichabod H. Wentworth received renewals that same day).

Son Ebenezer J. Mathes one of fourteen original incorporators of the Norway Plains Savings Bank in Rochester, NH, when its enabling legislation was approved, July 5, 1851 (NH Secretary of State, 1851).

Son-in-law James H. Bliss died of consumption on Silver Street in Boston, MA, November 15, 1853, aged thirty-six years, seven months, and two days. He was a machinist.

DEATHS. At South Boston, 15th inst., JAMES H. BLISS, 36 (Boston Evening Transcript (Boston, MA), November 17, 1853).

DEATHS. At South Boston, 1st instant, MARY FRANCILLA, only daughter of the late James H. Bliss, 15 mos. (Boston Evening Transcript (Boston, MA), February 2, 1854).

Son Eben J. Mathes was elected Town Clerk of Rochester, NH, in 1855 and 1856. He received an initial five-year appointment as a Rochester, NH, justice-of-the-peace, July 13, 1855.

Son Robert Mathes received a five-year renewal of his appointment as a Milton justice-of-the peace, June 24, 1856.

Son Stephen M. Mathes died in Rochester, NH, May 13, 1857, aged sixty years.

NORWAY PLAINS SAVINGS BANK. Rochester. Examined May 27th, 1857. President, Charles Dennett; Treasurer, John McDuffie; Trustees, Charles Dennett, J.D. Sturtevant, N.V. Whitehouse, James C. Cole, Thomas C. Davis, John Folsom, Ebenezer J. Mathes. Means. Loans, $111,367.94. Cash, 809.67. [Total,] $112,177.61. Liabilities. Due 620 depositors, $111.387.27. Surplus, $790.34. This bank paid to its depositors an extra dividend, January, 1857, with its regular semi-annual two and a half per cent.; making 7-53 per cent. per annum for the last five years. It has no debts that are doubtful. The loans are made by a majority of the trustees. Its annual expenses average for five years $225.00. The treasurer’s bond is for $10,000, in the hands of the president (NH Board of Bank Commissioners, 1857). 

Son Ebenezer J. Mathes was President of the Rochester Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Rochester, NH, in June 1859. Enoch Whitehouse was its Secretary and Treasurer; and its Directors were Ebenezer J. Mathes, James H. Edgerly, Franklin McDuffee, Cyrus K. Sanborn, Charles S. Whitehouse, Francis Orr, James M. Fessenden, Reuben Tilton, and John Bickford.

This company commenced issuing policies on the first of June, 1859. The present Secretary and Treasurer was voted $225 for his services in starting the company. He receives fifty cents for each policy issued. Enoch Rand, former Secretary, was paid $6 for services, which is all that has been paid officers. …  Agents are allowed to receive one dollar for each policy from applicants. Applications are approved by two or more directors. Rates charged for insurance, from 4½ to 12 per cent. for six years, three per cent. of which is paid in cash. None but the best village and farm risks taken, and no one risk has been taken to exceed $2,150. They have as yet met with no loss (NH Insurance Department, 1860).

Son Ebenezer J. Mathes received a renewal five-year appointment as a Rochester, NH, justice-of-the-peace, June 19, 1860.

Louisia F. [((Meserve) Davis)] Mathes, aged forty-two years (b. NH), headed a Rochester (“Farmington P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. Her household included George F. Mathes, aged four years (b. NH). Louisia F. Mathes had real estate valued at $666 and personal estate valued at $500.

Norton Scates, a merchant, aged seventy years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Hannah E. [(Mathes)] Scates, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH). Norton Scates had real estate valued at $1,000 and personal estate valued at $400.

Ebenezer J. Mathes, aged fifty years (b. NH), headed a Rochester (“Farmington P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Phidelia [(Davis)] Mathes, aged forty years (b. VT), Sarah F. Mathes, a common school teacher, aged eighteen years (b. MA), Maria L. Mathes, aged fifteen years (b. NH), and Emma J. Mathes, aged twelve years (b. NH). Ebenezer J. Mathes had real estate valued at $3,000 and personal estate valued at $13,000.

Robert Mathes, a house carpenter, aged forty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Mary [(Moulton)] Mathes, aged forty-three years (b. NH), Clara M. Mathes, aged twenty years (b. NH), Albert O. Mathes, a house carpenter, aged seventeen years (b. NH), and Dana H. Mathes, aged seven years (b. NH). Robert Mathes had real estate valued at $400 and personal estate valued at $1,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Samuel A. Kimball, a shoemaker, aged fifty-five years (b. NH), and Henry Downs, a farm laborer, aged forty years (b. NH).

Joseph Mathes, a house carpenter, aged forty-four years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton P.O.”) household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Martha E. [(Ricker)] Mathes, aged thirty-three years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Charles C. Nudd, a shoemaker, aged twenty-six years (b. NH), and Othniel Nute, a shoemaker, aged twenty-two years (b. NH).

Sarah J. [(Mathes)] Bliss, aged forty-two years (b. NH), headed a Boston, MA, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. Her household included Edwin H. Bliss, aged eighteen years (b. MA), James A. Bliss, aged thirteen years (b. MA), and Comfort M. Mathews, aged forty-five years (b. NH). Sarah J. Bliss had real estate valued at $1,800 and personal estate valued at $1,000. Edwin H. Bliss had personal estate valued at $350 and James A. Bliss had real estate valued at $350. Comfort M. Mathews had personal estate valued at $300.

ROCHESTER. Justices, State, Cyrus K. Sanborn, Nicholas V. Whitehouse. Justices, Quorum, James H. Edgerly, Charles Dennett, Daniel J. Parsons, Charles S. Whitehouse. Justices, James Tebbetts, William A. Kimball, Reuben Tilton, Jonathan Hussey, J.W. Furber, Samuel Meserve, Aaron P. Wingate, William Rand, Ebenezer J. Mathes, John Legro, Silas Hussey, Jr., James Farrington, Nehemiah Kimball, John Folsom, Enoch Whitehouse, John W. Pray, Isaac W. Springfield, William M. Hart, John Witham, Jacob H. Ela, Asa Roberts, John S. Hayes, Charles K. Chase, Joshua Vickery, Jesse Horn, William K. Kimball, George Robinson, James M. Fessenden, John P. Trickey, Simon Wentworth, Enoch C. Dow (Moore, 1860).

Ebenezer J. Mathes was among those calling for a public meeting in Rochester, NH, April 18, 1861, after the bombardment of Fort Sumter.

PUBLIC MEETING. Fellow Citizens! The time has come when by the bombardment of its Forts and organized resistance to its authority – War exists against a Government which has conferred only benefits. The President calls upon the country for aid to maintain that Government and its authority. In this trial hour which test our capacity for self government – when an armed conflict is upon us – political differences should give way to patriotism, and all who recognize the ballot box as the rightful means of revolution in a free government – who prize the blessings of LIBERTY over usurpation and anarchy – should unite together to sustain the Government. All citizens animated by such a purpose, are invited to meet at the TOWN HALL In Rochester, Thursday Evening, April 18th, to take such action as they may deem proper. WATSON HAYES, BENJA BARKER, SIMON CHASE, NICHOLAS R. VARNEY, DANIEL McDUFFEE, GEO B. ROBERTS, BENJA HOBBS, F. McDUFFEE, M.B. WENTWORTH, CHARLES K. CHASE, JOHN LEGRO, WALTER B.K. HODGDON, JOHN MANSON, J.N. WILKINSON, CHAS E. BLACKMAR, IRA DOE, J.O. HOWARD, CHAS W. FOLSOM, DAVID AUSTIN, R. McDUFFEE JR, HARRISON HALE, JOHN STOTT, B. FLETCHER, J.D. PILLSBURY, J. WESLEY HORNE, T.C. DAVIS, JABEZ DAME, W.K. KIMBALL, J. FARRINGTON, EPHRAIM HAMMETT, S.D. WENTWORTH, JACOB H. ELA, DAVID J. FOLSOM, JOSIAH B. KIMBALL, JAMES H. EDGERLY, J.D. EVANS, JOHN FOLSOM, EDWIN WALLACE, JOHN McDUFFEE, JOHN W. SANBORN, E.G. WALLACE, G.D. PLUMER, JOHN CORSON, J. WENTWORTH, SILAS HUSSEY JR, SAMUEL JELERSON, T. BROWN, CHAS DENNETT, E.J. MATHES, S.H. FEINEMAN, REUBEN TILTON, E.L. GLIDDEN, GEO F. GUPPY, THOS H. HUSSEY, DAVID J. SANBORN, F. FEINEMAN, CHAS HENDERSON (McDuffee, 1892). 

Son Robert Mathes received a five-year renewal of his appointment as a Milton justice-of-the peace, June 15, 1861.

Son-in-law Norton Scates appeared in the Dover, NH, directory of 1867, as a grocer on Main street, with his house in the rear of his store.

ROCHESTER. Justices – Daniel J. Parsons, Cyrus K. Sanborn, Charles S. Whitehouse, William Rand, Jacob H. Ela, Joseph H. Worcester, Nicholas V. Whitehouse, John Legro, State, James H. Edgerly, Quorum, James Tebbetts, John P. Trickey, Silas Hussey, jr., Ebenezer J. Mathes, Enoch Whitehouse, Simon Wentworth, Jeremiah D. Evans, Ira Doe, Henry Nye, Wm. K. Kimball, Charles W. Brown, James Farrington, Alvah M. Kimball, Charles Dennett, Reuben Tilton, George F. Guppy, Noah Tebbetts, Henry W. Locke (McFarland and Jenks, 1867).

Daughter Comfort M. Mathes died in Boston, MA, in 1870.

Son Ebenezer Mathes received a renewal five-year appointment as a Rochester, NH, justice-of-the-peace, June 16, 1870.

Louisa F. [((Meserve) Davis)] Mathes, keeping house, aged fifty-two years (b. NH), headed a Rochester (“Gonic P.O.”) household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. Her household included George F. Mathes, at home, aged fourteen years (b. NH), Ezecial Wentworth, a carpenter, aged forty-eight years (b. NH), and James Jenness, [a carpenter,] aged forty years (b. NH). Louisa F. Mathes had real estate valued at $400 and personal estate valued at $1,000. Her household appeared in the enumeration on the same page as that of her son-in-law, James Pirie, a tailor, aged thirty-eight years (b. Scotland).

Eben J. Mathes, an agent for a life insurance co., aged sixty years (b. NH), headed a Rochester (“Gonic P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Phidelia [(Davis)] Mathes, keeping house, aged fifty years (b. VT), Maria L. Mathes, aged twenty-five years (b. NH), and Emma J. Mathes, aged twenty-three years (b. NH). Eben J. Mathes had real estate valued at $3,000 and personal estate valued at $15,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Robert McIlroy, superintendent of woolen mill, aged fifty-three years (b. Ireland), and [his son-in-law,] George W. Carr, a carpenter, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH).

Robert Mathes, a farm laborer, aged fifty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Mary F. [(Moulton)] Mathes, keeping house, aged fifty-three years (b. NH), and Frank W. Dearborn, a shoebox maker, aged twenty-six years (b. NH). Robert Mathes has real estate valued at $4,000 and personal estate valued at $350. They shared a two-family residence with the family of John L. Roberts, works in shoe factory, aged twenty-one years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John F. Hart, works in shoe factory, aged forty-one years (b. NH), and John O. Hayes, a stone mason, aged forty-seven years (b. NH).

Norton Scates, a laborer, aged eighty-one years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Hannah [(Mathes)] Scates, keeping house, aged sixty-seven years (b. NH), and Albert Mathes, a clerk in savings bank, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH). Norton Scates had real estate valued at $1,200 and personal estate valued at $500.

Joseph Mathes, a carpenter, aged fifty-four years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Martha [(Ricker)] Mathes, aged forty-three years (b. NH). Joseph Mathes had real estate valued at $1,000 and personal estate valued at $400. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Joseph Sayward, a retail grocer, aged fifty-two years (b. NH), and Rebecca Nute, keeping house, aged sixty-two years (b. ME).

James A. Bliss, a light machinist, aged twenty-three years (b. MA [SIC]), headed a Boston (“South Boston P.O.”), MA household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census, Hus household included Lucy E. [(Clough)] Bliss, boarding, aged eighteen years (b. MA), Annie M. Bliss, at home, aged ten months (b. MA), and Sarah J. [(Mathes)] Bliss, keeping house, aged fifty-two years (b. MA [SIC]). Sarah J. Bliss had real estate valued at $2,000 and personal estate valued at $300.

Son E.J. Mathes was one of the twenty-four original incorporators of the Rochester Savings Bank, after it was authorized in July 1872. (Elbridge W. Fox was also an original incorporator).

PERSONAL. E.J. Mathes is elected President of the N.P. Savings Bank of Rochester, N.H., in place of John McDufe[e], resigned (Boston Globe, December 5, 1873).

Son-in-law Norton Scates died in Dover, NH, August 28, 1873.

Daughter-in-law Phidelia A. (Davis) Mathes died in Rochester, NH, November 17, 1874, aged fifty-five years.

Son Ebenezer J. Mathes received a renewal five-year appointment as a Rochester, NH, justice-of-the-peace, May 12, 1875.

Son Ebenezer J. Mathes married (3rd) in Rochester, NH, December 1, 1875, Martha A. (Tash) Edgerly. He was aged sixty-five years and she was aged forty-seven years. She was born in Somersworth, NH, 1829, daughter of Thomas and Sally Tash.

Daughter-in-law Martha A. ((Tash) Edgerly) Mathes died in Rochester, NH, May 5, 1880, aged fifty-one years.

Loisa F. [((Meserve) Davis)] Mathes, at home, aged sixty-four years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. She shared a two-family residence on Wakefield Street with the household of Caroline E. Barker, keeping house, aged forty-seven years (b. NH). She appeared in the enumeration next to her stepdaughter, Mandana T. (Mathes) Pirie.

Eben J. Mathes, an insurance agent, aged seventy years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his daughter, Marie L. Mathes, keeping house, aged thirty-four years (b. NH), and his granddaughter, Louise R. Carr, aged seven years (b. NH). They shared a two-family house on Wakefield Street with the household of [his son-in-law,] Isaac A. Varney, a house carpenter, aged thirty-one years (b. ME).

Robert Mathis, a farmer, aged sixty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton 3 Ponds Village”) household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Mary F. [(Moulton)] Mathis, keeping house, aged sixty-three years (b. NH), and his adopted daughter, Aimee E. Mathis, at school, aged eleven years (b. MA). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Joseph H. Avery, an excelsior manufacturer, aged thirty-seven years (b. ME), and George Blake, a laborer, aged sixty-seven years (b. NH).

Joseph Mathes, a carpenter, aged sixty-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton 3 Pond Village”) household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Martha E. [(Ricker)] Mathes, keeping house, aged sixty-four years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Clara Jenness, keeping house, aged sixty-four years (b. NH), and Abby B. Downs, keeping house, aged sixty-four years (b. NH).

Sarah J. [(Mathes) Bliss, keeping house, aged sixty-two years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. Her household included her granddaughter, Annie M. Bliss, at school, aged ten years (b. MA), and her boarders, Hannah E. [(Mathes)] Scates, aged seventy-six years (b. NH), and Albert O. Mathes, a bank clerk, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH). They shared a two-family house with the household of Ezra H. Twombly, a laborer, aged fifty years (b. [illegible to this census page, it having a substantial tear from top to bottom]).

ROCHESTER. Justices, C.S. Whitehouse, C.S. Ela, J.H. Edgerly, G.H. Sanborn, E.J. Mathes, J.H. Worcester, C.K. Sanborn, John Legro, S. Hussey, C.B. Gafney, D.J. Parsons, Simon Wentworth, F.W. Jenkins, H.E. Allen, William Rand, John Greenfield, A.H. Hayes; State, R.H. Clark, A.S. Parshley, S.D. Wentworth, D.B. Waldron, W.H. Felker, Henry Kimball, S.B. Hayes, Philander Varney, J.N. Hayes, C.A. Giles F.H. Orr, A. Twombly, C.E. Hodgdon, E.F. Gage, G.D. Lamos, J.A. Jackson, H.F. Walker, I.D. Hodgdon, Samuel Meserve, John Blake, Nahum Yeaton, W.S. Standley, A.U. Nason, H.L. Worcester, C.F. Wood (Claremont Manufacturing, 1881). 

Son Eben J. Mathes married (4th) in Rochester, NH, September 22, 1881, Betsy M. (Horne) Howard, both of Rochester, NH. He was an insurance agent, aged seventy-one years, and she was aged fifty-two years. Rev. A.J. Quick performed the ceremony. She was born in Lebanon, ME, November 23, November 23, 1829, daughter of Richard and Narissa C. “Nelly” (Jones) Horne.

Son Joseph Mathes died in Milton, February 14, 1882, aged sixty-eight years, two months, and eight days. (“We miss thee at home”).

Daughter Hannah E. (Mathes) Scates died of uremia in Dover, NH, May 16, 1882, aged seventy-eight years, one month, and eight days. She was a widow.

Son Ebenezer J. Mathes received a renewal five-year appointment as a Rochester, NH, justice-of-the-peace, May 26, 1885.

Son Ebenezer J. Mathes was succeeded as President of the Rochester Savings Bank by William Rand.

Daughter-in-law Martha E. (Ricker) Mathes died in Milton, March 23, 1893, aged sixty-two years, two months, and fourteen days.

HERE AND THERE. Mr. Robert Mathes of the town named [Milton] has been seriously ill, and as he has passed the age of fourscore years, anxiety was felt concerning him. His daughter, Mrs. Amos M. Roberts, resided formerly in this town (Farmington News, December 29, 1893).

Robert Mathes died of valvular heart disease in Milton, July 31, 1894, aged eighty-two years, one month, and sixteen days. He was a married farmer. William F. Wallace, M.D., signed the death certificate.

HERE AND THERE. Mr. Robert Mathes of Milton died on Tuesday evening at the age of eighty-two years. He was a notable figure of Milton and was one of the best-informed men in the county, concerning local history. He had a quick and correct memory, and was an extensive reader of the best authors of the past and present, enjoying also the conversation of bright people. He had been out of health a long time and suffered intensely at times. He was of colonial family and had may interesting recollections of former days at his tongue’s end, and possessed some prized relics of a time long past. Mr. Mathes leaves a widow, a daughter, Mrs. Amos M. Roberts, two sons, Albert O. Mathes of the Strafford bank at Dover, and Dana Mathes of Oakland, California, and two grand-daughters Miss Lura Mathes of Dover, and Miss Molly Mathes of California, besides a brother, Mr. Eben Mathes of Rochester, and hosts of friends (Farmington News, August 3, 1894).

HERE AND THERE. The many friends of the family of the late Mr. Robert Mathes of Milton will be glad to learn that Mrs. Mathes is recovering from a very serious recent illness (Farmington News, July 26, 1895).

Son Ebenezer J. Mathes died of chronic bronchitis in Rochester, NH, October 16, 1894, aged eighty-four years, six months, and thirteen days. He was a married retiree. (His father had been a minister). R.J. Burleigh signed the death certificate.

NEW HAMPSHIRE. Ebenezer J. Mathes, one of Rochester’s oldest citizens, died Tuesday, Oct. 16, at his home in that city. He has been in feeble health a long time. He was a native of Milton, his birthday being April 3, 1810. Funeral services were held Friday (Farmington News, October 26, 1894).

PERSONAL. Mr. and Mrs. Amos M. Roberts of Milton and Mr. and Mrs. Albert O. Mathes of Dover, who recently enjoyed a two weeks’ drive in the White mountains, called on Farmington friends last Friday, on their way to Milton from The Weirs. Among their souvenirs of the trip were some very fine specimens of the closed gentian (Farmington News, September 24, 1897).

Sarah J. (Mathes) Bliss died of hepatitis in Dover, NH, April 29, 1898, aged eighty years, seven months, and twenty days. George R. Smith signed the death certificate.

George F. Mathes, local agent of the B&M R.R., aged forty-four years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of twenty-three years), Fannie A. [(Parker)] Mathes, aged forty-five years (b. NH), his son, Charles A. Mathes, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), and his mother, Louise F. [((Meserve) Davis)] Mathes, a widow, aged eighty-two years (b. NH). George F. Mathes rented their house at 24 Sixth Street. Fannie A. Mathes was the mother of one child, of whom one was still living; Louise F. Mathes was the mother of four children, of whom two were still living.

Daughter-in-law Louisa F. [((Meserve) Davis)] Mathes died of senility at 24 Sixth Street in Dover, NH, December 7, 1901, aged eighty-three years, ten months, and twenty-three days. She had resided in Dover, NH, for four years, i.e., since circa 1896-97. Her previous residence had been Rochester, NH.

Mary Fogg (Moulton) Mathes died of acute indigestion in Milton, September 8, 1907, aged ninety years, four months. She was a widow. M.A.H. Hart, M.D., signed the death certificate.

LOCAL. The many Farmington friends of Mrs. Amos M. Roberts of Milton have deep sympathy for her in this year of her repeated afflictions, the decease of a brother and her husband having been followed by the passing away on Sunday morning of her mother [-in-law], Mrs. Robert Mathes. Mrs. Mathes, a most charming type of venerable women, respected and beloved, was ninety years of age last May. Having been very feeble it was only with great care and devotion that her life was prolonged until this month. Mrs. Roberts was left with one brother, Dana H. Mathes of Oakland, Cal., and with two nieces, her only surviving near relatives (Farmington News, September 13, 1907).

Daughter-in-law Betsy M. ((Horne) Howard) Mathes died of senility and arteriosclerosis in Rochester, NH, July 14, 1916, aged eighty-six years, seven months, and twenty-one years.

---

References:

Carter, Nathan F. (1906). The Native Ministry of New Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=3KUeAQAAIAAJ&pg=PA432

Claremont Manfacturing Co. (1871). NH Register, Farmer’s Almanac and Business Directory. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=AwEXAAAAYAAJ&pg=RA1-PA71

Find a Grave. (2012, January 5). Sarah Jane Mathes Bliss. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/83009464/sarah-jane-bliss

Find a Grave. (2015, July 15). Ebenezer Jones Mathes. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/149312469/ebenezer_jones_mathes

Find a Grave. (2024, May 6). Cpt. Norton Scates. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/270071337/norton-scates

Find a Grave. (2024, May 6). Hannah E. [Mathes] Scates. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/270071247/hannah_e_scates

Find a Grave. (2022, April 26). Robert Mathes. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/239234385/robert-mathes

Find a Grave. (2022, April 26). Robert Mathes [Jr.]. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/239234540/robert-mathes

Find a Grave. (2020, September 7). Stephen Meserve Mathes. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/215330464/stephen-meserve-mathes

Mitchell-Cony. (1908). Town Register Farmington, Milton, Wakefield, Middleton, Brookfield, 1907-8. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=qXwUAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA92

NE Historical Publishing. (1902). Representative Citizens of the State of New Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=nl53Yy9TnK4C&pg=PA63

NH Board of Bank Commissioners. (1857). Annual Report of the Bank Commissioners of the State of New Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=c244LeeimJsC&pg=PA37

NH Insurance Department. (1860). Report (or Reports) of the Insurance Commissioner. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=0Xc_AQAAMAAJ&pg=PA48

NH Secretary of State. (1851). Laws of the State of New Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=d5RGAQAAIAAJ&pg=PA1119

By Muriel Bristol | July 28, 2024

George Erving Nute was born in Milton, in August 1852, son of John P. and Anna M. (Burrell) Nute.

John P. Nute, a farmer, aged forty-four years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Ann M. [(Burrell)] Nute, keeping house, aged thirty-six years (b. MA), George E. Nute, a farm laborer, aged seventeen years (b. NH), Ida J. Nute, at school, aged thirteen years (b. NH), Edwin E. Nute, at school, aged six years (b. NH), and Sarah Nute, aged seventy years (b. MA). John P. Nute had real estate valued at $1,700 and personal estate valued at $925 years. They shared a two-family house with the household of John S. Remmick, works for shoe factory, aged thirty-three years (b. ME), and Lucy A. [(Wentworth)] Remmick, keeping house, aged forty-one years (b. NH). His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Charles C. Hayes, a mill wright, aged forty-seven years (b. NH), and Jonas S. Laskey, works for shoe factory, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH).

Father John P. Nute died of asthma in Milton, February 5, 1872, aged forty-two years. He was a married farmer.

George E. Nute married (1st) in Nantucket, MA, December 24, 1872, Abby M. Russell, both of Stoughton, MA. He was a laborer, aged twenty years, and she was aged twenty years. Rev. Charles W. Hinch performed the ceremony. She was born in Canton, MA, April 18, 1853, daughter of George L. and Martha A. (Tilden) Russell.

(The child of George E. and Abby M. (Russell) Nute was Edith May Nute (1875-1918)).

Daughter Edith M. Nute was born in Milton, April 11, 1875.

Mother-in-law Martha A. (Tilden) Russell died of paralysis in Stoughton, MA, January 31, 1876, aged forty-eight years, five months, and six days. She was married.

Geo. E. Nute, works in boot shop, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Stoughton, MA, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included Abbie M. [(Russell)] Nute, keeping house, aged twenty-seven years (b. MA), his daughter, Edith M. Nute, attending school, aged five years (b. MA), and his boarders, [brother-in-law] Edgar Russell, works in print office, aged nineteen years (b. MA), and Theophilus Harris, aged seventy-nine years (b. MA).

Father-in-law George L. Russell died of hematemesis in Stoughton, MA, October 9, 1883, aged sixty years. He was a widowed operative.

REAL ESTATE TRANSFERS. W.A. Pulsifer to G.E. Nute, land in Milton, $165 (Farmington News, March 9, 1888).

Daughter Edith M. Nute married in Milton, December 24, 1891, Fred L. Brawn, she of Milton and he of Farmington, NH. She was a shoeworker, aged seventeen years, and he was a box maker, aged twenty-four years. William A. Bacon, J.P., performed the ceremony. Brawn was born in Milton, December 25, 1864, son of Joseph F. “Frank” and Sarah (Emfield) Brawn.

Mother Ann M. (Burrell) Nute suffered an injury on a defective sidewalk in Stoughton, MA. She successfully sued the town for damages in 1891. She lived with her daughter, Mrs. Ida J. (Nute) Dearden, and another son, Edward E. Nute, lived also in Stoughton, MA.

A Verdict Against Stoughton, Mass. DEDHAM, Mass., May 26. – In the Norfolk Superior Civil Court in the case of Mrs. Ann M. Nute vs. the inhabitants of Stoughton, an action of tort to recover $4000 damages for personal injuries received March 16, 1891, by reason of defect in the sidewalk on Wyman street, Stoughton, the jury returned a verdict and awarded her the full sum asked for $4000 (Fall River Daily Evening News, May 26, 1891).

George E. Nute appeared in a published list of letters awaiting pickup at the Farmington, NH, post office.

LOCALS. Advertised letters at the post-office July 1 were: Mrs. George W. Otis, George E. Nute, Mrs. Uriah W. Hill, W.H. Evans (Farmington News, July 2, 1897).

The Milton Selectmen of 1898 were S.W. Wallingford, G.E. Nute, and F.H. Lowd. The Milton Selectmen of 1899 were F.H. Lowd, G.E. Nute, and E.L. Leighton.

George E. Nute, a farmer, aged forty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of twenty-seven years), Abby M. [(Russell)] Nute, aged forty-seven years (b. MA), his daughter, Edith M. [(Nute)] Brawn, aged twenty-five years (b. NH), his son-in-law (of eight years), Fred L. Brawn, aged thirty-three years (b. NH), his grandson, Gordon N. Brawn, aged two years (b. NH), and his boarder, H. Oscar Moorhouse, at school, aged thirteen years (b. MA). George E. Nute owned their farm, with a mortgage. Abby M. Nute and her daughter, Edith M. Brawn, were each the mother of one child, of whom one each had one still living. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Frank R. Cook, a farmer, aged forty-five years (b. NH), and Myra Reynolds, a farmer, aged forty-five years (b. NH).

WEST MILTON. Mrs. George Nute’s sister, Alice, from Massachusetts, is with her for a visit. George Nute recently bought a horse of Allie Laskey at the Branch (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), July 27, 1906).

Mother Ann Melissa (Burrell) Nute died of chronic bronchitis in Stoughton, MA, January 5, 1908, aged seventy-four years, four months, and six days. (Her son, Edward Nute, was the informant). Charles L. Swan, M.D., signed the death certificate. (The earlier date – 1898 – that appears on her Milton Mills gravestone is in error).

MILTON MILLS, N.H. The remains of the late Mrs. Ann Nute were brought here Wednesday of last week and buried in the village. Mrs. Nute has for a number of years made her home with her daughter, Mrs. John Deardon, at Stoughton, Mass., where she died. She leaves a son, George Nute of Milton, and a daughter, Mrs. Dearden, besides numerous grand children (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), January 24, 1908).

WEST MILTON. Cora Garland and Annie Cook recently called at the homes of Henry Hayes and George Nute on Nute’s Ridge (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), March 20, 1908).

WEST MILTON. M.H. Plummer of Rochester was at the home of George Nute recently and. in company with Mr. Nute, tried the sport of hunting over the hills here In Milton (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), March 27, 1908).

George E. Nute, a farmer (general farm), aged fifty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Abbie [(Russell)] Nute, aged fifty-six years (b. MA), his son-in-law, Fred Brawn, a fireman (leatherboard co.), aged [forty-three years] (b. NH). and his daughter, Edith M. [(Nute)] Brawn, [aged thirty-five years] (b. NH [SIC]). George E. Nute owned their farm, free-and-clear. Abbie Nute was the mother of one child, of which one was still living. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Frank A. Canney, a laborer (odd jobs), aged thirty-two years (b. MA), and [his brother,] Edwin E. Nute, a farmer (general farm), aged forty-six years (b. NH).

The Milton Selectmen of 1914 were C.S. Philbrick, R.M. Kimball, and G.E. Nute. Near the beginning of their term the Milton Grammar School building was destroyed in a catastrophic fire on Saturday, April 14, 1914. (See Milton Grammar School Principals – 1893-14).

West Milton. G.E. Nute had an ill turn Sunday (Farmington News, October 2, 1914).

West Milton. G.E. Nute spent the week-end at Lake Winnipesaukee (Farmington News, January 15, 1915).

West Milton. G.E. Nute spent the week-end at Lake Winnipesaukee fishing. He has reported very good catches (Farmington News, February 12, 1915).

West Milton. Mrs. Edith Brawn observed her birthday Sunday. She was visited by friends from Farmington and received numerous gifts, as tokens of esteem and sympathy in her present ill health (Farmington News, April 16, 1915).

A Community Fair was held at the Nute Chapel in West Milton in October 1915. (It was the first on what was hoped would be an annual event). Farmer Andrew L. Felker (1869-1946) of Meredith, NH, and market gardener and florist James A. Fletcher (1837-1917) of Farmington, NH, were judges of vegetables, fruit, and livestock; Mrs. Harry Hurd [Cora P. (Canney) Hurd (1872-1961) of Farmington, NH,] was the judge of dairy products; Mrs. Wilbur Jones [nurse Lydia V. (Stanley) Jones (1888-) of Farmington, NH,] was the judge of fancy work and antiques; and Mrs. S.Y. Meserve [nurse Julia S. (Gilman) Meserve (1859-1928) of Farmington, NH,] was the judge of candy, cooked food, and preserves. The judges awarded prize ribbons to George E. Nute for his potatoes, beans, cucumbers, tomatoes, corn, oats, pears, apples, plums, grapes, and cranberries The Fair included also a concert and field sports (Farmington News, October 15, 1915).

West Milton. G.E. Nute spent the week-end at Lake Winnipesaukee, fishing (Farmington News, January 28, 1916).

West Milton. G.E. Nute spent the week-end at Lake Winnipesaukee (Farmington News, February 18, 1916).

West Milton. G.E. Nute has purchased a horse (Farmington News, April 14, 1916).

West Milton. Gordon Brawn of Athol, who has been spending a few days with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Brawn, returned to Massachusetts on his motorcycle Memorial Day. During the first two hours of the trip he covered 80 miles (Farmington News, July 16, 1916).

West Milton. G.E. Nute has received bis threshing machine and is threshing grain (Farmington News, September 8, 1916).

West Milton. G.E. Nute and E.E. Nute spent several days the past week at the lake, fishing (Farmington News, March 16, 1917).

Abbie Mansfield (Russell) Nute died of a cerebral hemorrhage on Nute Ridge Road in Milton, July 29, 1917, aged sixty-four years, three months, and eleven days. She had resided there for thirty-five years, i.e., since circa 1881, with her previous residence having been in Stoughton, MA. M.A.H. Hart, M.D., signed the death certificate.

IN MEMORIAM. Mrs. Nute. The death of Mrs. Abbie M. Nute, wife of George E. Nute, which occurred at her home at Nute Ridge at a late hour Sunday night caused a season of mourning throughout the community. The end came suddenly at the age of 64 years, after only two days’ illness of a paralytic shock. The deceased was born in Canton, Mass, the daughter of George and Martha (Tilden) Russell. She has been a resident of this town 35 years and had won a universal friendship. She was wholly devoted to her home and family and her death has fallen with a deep shadow which has cast a gloom over this circle, consisting of the bereaved husband, one daughter, Mrs. Fred Brawn; a sister, Mrs. Alice Pope of Avon, Mass.; three brothers, Walter, Herbert and Edgar Russell, all of St0ughton, Mass.; and one grandchild, Gordon N. Brawn, who resides at the Nute home. Funeral was held from the home Wednesday afternoon at 1 o’clock, with Rev. D.A. Gammon officiating. The remains were taken to Milton Mills for interment in the family lot. Following is the list of floral tributes: Wreath of roses, marked “Wife,” from husband; pillow, marked “Mother,” Mr. and Mrs. Fred Brawn; spray rose, Gordon Brawn; anchor, Mr. and Mrs. E.E. Nute; spray white roses, Mr. and Mrs. Taylor, Manchester; large spray white asters, brothers and sister, Stoughton, Mass.; spray purple asters, Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Pratt, Stoughton; spray pink carnations, Mrs. Sophia Dearden, Stoughton; spray white asters, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Parker, Stoughton; wreath, marked “Auntie,” nieces and nephews; spray pink carnations, Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Fall; spray mixed flowers, Mrs. Rogers and family; wreath sweet peas, girls of Thayer-Osborne stitch room; double spray sweet peas, Inasmuch society; double spray sweet peas, John and Nellie Brown; spray, Emma Barber (Farmington News, August 3, 1917).

West Milton. Mrs. Fred Brawn is critically ill at her home (Farmington News, October 4, 1918).

Daughter Edith M. (Nute) Brawn died of influenzal pneumonia on Nute Ridge Road in Milton, October 5, 1918, aged forty-three years, five months, and twenty-four days. She had been sick for eleven days. She was a married housekeeper. P.G. Greeley, M.D., of Farmington, NH, signed the death certificate. (See Milton in the News – 1918).

In Memoriam. Mrs. Edith M. Brawn. In the untimely death of Mrs. Edith M. Brawn, which occurred at the home of her father, George E. Nute, at Nute Ridge early last Saturday morning, the community and the little family circle was most sadly afflicted. Mrs. Brawn succumbed to pneumonia after ten days’ illness of influenza, at the age of 43 years. She was a native and lifelong resident of Milton, with the exception of about three years spent in Massachusetts. The deceased was the only child of George E. and Addie M. Nute. Since the death of her mother, a year and a half ago, she had kept the home for her father and presided over the duties of the household with the same care and regard for those about her that was characteristic of her well-ordered life. For several years she was employed in the stitching department of the Thayer Osborne Shoe company and was recognized as one of the most skilled and competent operators in her line of work. During her employment in Farmington, she made many friends who unite with those in her native town in expressing the loss which all have sustained in her passing. She was an indefatigable worker and possessed those attributes of kindness and charity that many have cause to remember as memorials to the life that has answered the final summons. Mrs. Brawn was united in marriage to Fred Brawn 26 years ago last December. She is survived by her husband, one son, Gordon N. Brawn of Portsmouth, and her father. She was a valued member of the Rebekah lodge at Milton Mills. Funeral was held from the home Tuesday afternoon at 1.30 o’clock, with Rev. Ballantine officiating. Burial was in the family lot at Pine Grove cemetery. Bearers were members of the immediate family. Following is the list of floral tributes: Pillow of ferns and roses, marked ”Wife,” Fred L. Brawn; crescent on stand, roses, ferns and asters, marked “mother,” Mr. and Mrs. Gordon N. Brawn; wreath of roses, marked “Daughter,” George E. Nute; wreath of roses, pinks and ferns, Mr. and Mrs. E.E. Nute; large anchor, roses, pinks and ferns, Mrs. Rodger and family; large spray gladioli and ferns, Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Fall; wreath, pinks, asters and galax, from relatives in Brockton, Mass.; wreath of pinks and ferns, from relatives in Stoughton, Mass; wreath on stand, roses and ferns, from shopmates and friends in Farmington; pillow of roses, lilies and galax, Sunrise Rebekah lodge, No. 79, Milton Mills; wreath, galax and ferns, Ronald McGregor and family; spray gladioli and ferns, John Brawn, Nellie Brawn, Miss Gertrude Burd; wreath, galax and ferns, Mr. and Mrs. Taylor, Manchester; crescent, galax, pansies and ferns, Mr. and Mrs. Fred McGregor and family; spray asters and pinks, Henry B. Hayes; spray gladioli, Mr. and Mrs. J.G. Collin, Mr. and Mrs. Charles T. Burnham (Farmington News, October 11, 1918).

George E. Nute acted as executor and then administrator of the estate of his recently deceased daughter, Edith M. (Nute) Brawn, a victim of the Spanish Flu epidemic.

EXECUTOR’S NOTICE. The subscriber has been duly appointed by the Judge of Probate for the County of Stratford, executor of the last will and testament of Edith M. Brawn, late of Milton, in said County, deceased, intestate. All persons having claims against said estate are requested to exhibit them for adjustment, and all indebted to make payment. November 14, A.D., 1918. George E. Nute, Executor (Farmington News, November 15, 1918).

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. Strafford, SS. Court of Probate. To the heirs at law of the estate of Edith M. Brawn, late of Milton, in said County, deceased, intestate, and to all others interested therein. Whereas George E. Nute, administrator of the estate of said deceased, has filed in the Probate office for said County the account of his administration of said estate: You are hereby cited to appear at a Court of Probate to be holden at Somersworth, in said County, on the 18th day of February next, to show cause, if any you have, why the same should not be allowed. Said administrator is ordered to serve this citation by causing the same to be published once each week for three successive weeks in the Farmington News, a newspaper printed at Farmington, in said County, the last publication whereof to be at least seven days before said Court. Given at Dover, in said County, this 21st day of January, A.D. 1919. By order of the Court, WILLIAM W. MARTIN, Register (Farmington News, January 24, 1919).

WEST MILTON. George E. Nute and his brother Ed and a party of friends are enjoying the ice fishing at the lake (Farmington News, March 14, 1919).

George E. Nute married (2nd) in Farmington, NH, March 29, 1919, Emma M. Barber, both of Milton. He was a widowed farmer, aged sixty-five years, and she was a domestic, aged seventeen years. Samuel S. Parker, J.P., performed the ceremony. She was born in Newport, NH, in 1901, daughter of William J. and Melvinia S. (Babbitt [Barbeaux]) Barber.

George E. Nute, a farmer (owner), aged sixty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census, His household included his wife, Emma M. [(Barber)] Nute, aged eighteen years (b. NH). George E. Nute owned their farm on Nute’s Ridge, free-and-clear. His house appeared in the enumeration between those of Henry B. Hayes, a farmer (owner), aged sixty-six years (b. NH), and Albert J. Goodwin, a teamster (owner), aged sixty years (b. ME).

Gorden Brawn, a machinist (navy yard), aged twenty-two years (b. NH), headed a Portsmouth, NH, household at the time of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Martha [(Rodgers)] Brawn, aged twenty-two years (b. Scotland), his father, Fred L. Brawn, a laborer (ship yard), aged fifty-five years (b. NH), and his lodgers, Andrew Murphy, a waiter (restaurant), aged thirty-four years (b. Greece), Theodore P. Lambros, a salesman (restaurant), aged thirty-four years (b. Greece), and John Tsitouros, a cook (restaurant), aged twenty-five years (b. Greece). Gordon Brawn rented their apartment at 64 Cabot Street. Martha Brawn had immigrated in 1910.

WEST MILTON. George Nute and wife spent the week-end at Ogunquit. Mr. Nute greatly enjoys fishing (Farmington News, October 20, 1922).

George Nute, a farmer (general farming), aged seventy-eight years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifteenth (1930) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of eleven years), Emma [(Barber)] Nute, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH), and his boarder, Harlan Lamper, a laborer (farming), aged thirty-nine years (b. NH). George Nute owned their farm on Nute’s Ridge [which was not valued]. They had a radio set. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Fred Downs, a laborer (ice house), aged forty-nine years (b. NH), and Douglas Blanchard, a farmer (general farm), aged thirty-five years (b. NY).

Gordon N. Brawn, a machinist (navy yard), aged thirty-two years (b. NH), headed a Portsmouth, NH, household at the time of the Fifteenth (1930) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of twenty years), Martha R. [(Rodgers)] Brawn, aged thirty-two years (b. Scotland), his children, Winifred M. Brawn, aged ten years (b. NH), Gordon F. Brawn, aged four years (b. NH), and Janet E. Brawn, aged one year (b. NH), and his father, Fred L. Brawn, aged sixty-three years (b. NH). Gordon N. Brawn owned their house at 24 Melbourne Street, which was valued at $5,000. They had a radio set.

Son-in-law Fred L. Brawn died of arteriosclerosis at 24 Melbourne Street in Portsmouth, NH, May 19, 1930, aged sixty-five years, four months, and twenty-four days. He was a widowed stationary engineer.

DEATH RECORD. FRED L. BRAWN. Former resident of Altoona, died at the home of a son, Garden Brawn of Portsmouth, N.H., on May 19. He was born in Farmington, N. H., in 1867, a son of Joseph F. and Sarah (Emphfield) Brawn, former residents of Juniata. Surviving are the son at whose home he died, three grandchildren, and four sisters, Mrs. William Taneyhill, Mrs. D.A. McCracken and Mrs. R.A. Davis, all of this city, and Mrs. Ida Cherry of Trafford, Pa. Mr. and Mrs. Davis and Mr. and Mrs. McCracken have just returned home after attending the funeral (Altoona Mirror (Altoona, PA), May 26, 1930).

WEST MILTON. Mrs. George Nute entertained relatives over the week-end (Farmington News, April 22, 1932).

George E. Nute died of apoplexy on Nute Ridge Road in Milton, November 17, 1933, aged eighty-two years, three months, and twelve days. He was a married farmer. M.A.H. Hart, M.D., signed the death certificate.

IN MEMORIAM. George E. Nute. In the death of death of George E. Nute, which occurred at his home at Nute Ridge, West Milton, last Friday, the town of his birth and lifelong residence lost one of its most estimable citizens. The deceased was an uncomplaining sufferer through four years of illness, during which he was cared for most tenderly by his wife. He was 82 years old his last birthday and was born in Milton Mills, the son of John P. and Ann (Burrell) Nute. He shared his birthright with one brother, Edward Nute, whose death occurred several years ago. Mr. Nute had been a resident of West Milton for over 60 years and was universally known in the town he had served as selectman and as a man identified with politics and civic affairs. He was the last of his family. During a short period of his life, he was connected with the shoe business in Stoughton, Mass., and during this time he affiliated with Stoughton Lodge of Odd Fellows. For many years he was one of the successful milkmen of the village and for most of his active lifetime he followed the occupation of farming. Subsequent to the death of his first wife, which occurred in 1917, he married Miss Emma Barber, who survives him. He also leaves a grandson, Gordon Brawn of Portsmouth, and three [great-] grandchildren. The funeral services were held from the home Tuesday afternoon, with Rev. E. Lincoln Bigelow, pastor of Nute chapel, officiating. Remains were taken to Milton Mills for burial, and bearers were Leon Knox, Arthur Jewell, Percy Place and George Hackett, representing the Odd Fellows (Farmington News, November 24, 1933).

Horace A. Wentworth and Emma M. (Barber) Nute oversaw the Hare Road summer house of Hollis E. Goodwin, a Dover, NH, box manufacturer.

WEST MILTON. Horace Wentworth and Mrs. Emma M. Nute have entered the employ of Mr. and Mrs. Holie Goodwin at the summer home of the latter on the Hare road (Farmington News, May 18, 1934).

Father-in-law William J. Barber died of bronchial asthma in Newport, NH, April 10, 1935, aged fifty-seven years, five months, and nine days. He was a married shoemaker.

Emma M. (Barber) Nute married (2nd) in Newport, NH, July 2, 1938, Horace A. Wentworth, both of Milton. She was a widowed shoeworker, aged thirty-six years, and he was a divorced millwright, aged forty-four years. Rev. Frank R. Doore performed the ceremony.

WEST MILTON. Mrs. Horace Wentworth recently was hostess to a wedding party from Newport, among whom were several former residents of our community, Mrs. William Barber, her three daughters, Clementine, Evelyn and Lena, and two sons, Charles and Ray (Farmington News, January 19, 1940).

Horace Wentworth, a repairman (leatherboard), aged fifty years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixteenth (1940) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Emma [((Barber) Nute)] Wentworth, a stitcher (shoe shop), aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), and his daughter, Geneva Wentworth, aged eight years (b. NH). Horace Wentworth owned their house on Nute Ridge Road, which was valued at $450. They had all resided in the “same place,” i.e., Milton, in 1935. Their house appeared in the enumeration between those of Martin G. Wentworth, a farmer, aged seventy-seven years (b. NH), and E. Lincoln Bigelow, aged fifty-two years (b. MA).

Mother-in-law Melvina S. (Barbeaux) Barber died of hypertensive heart disease in Unity, NH, April 1, 1940, aged sixty-three years, and twenty-two days. She was a widowed housewife. H.C. Sanders, M.D., signed the death certificate.

WEST MILTON. Horace Wentworth has been on the sick list and in care of a physician (Farmington News, August 4, 1944).

Horace A. Wentworth, a farmer (farm), aged fifty-six years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventeenth (1950) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Emma M. Wentworth, a fancy stitcher (shoe factory), aged forty-eight years (b. NH), and his daughter, Geneva M. Wentworth, aged seventeen years (b. NH). They resided in the “1st house on right” on Nute Ridge Road (when “Proceeding South on Nute Ridge road from intersection of Nute Ridge Road and Farmington Rd”).

Grandson Gordon N. Brawn died in Laconia, NH, October 10, 1959, aged sixty-one years.

Recent Deaths and Funerals. GORDON N. BRAWN. PORTSMOUTH, N.H. – Gordon Nute Brawn, 61, of Alton Bay, formerly of this city, died Saturday at the Laconia Hospital. A native of Milton, N.H., he was born Nov. 30, 1897, son of Frederick E. and Edith Nute Brawn. He had been employed at the Kittery Naval Shipyard for many years, retiring in 1949. Mr. Brawn was a former member of Osgood Lodge, I.O.O.F., and the North Congregational Church, both of this city. Mr. Brawn is survived by his wife, Mrs. Anna Brawn two daughters, Mrs. James P. Healy, this city, and Mrs. Joseph W. Saurman, Eliot; a son Gordon F., this city, and 11 grandchildren (Portland Press Herald (Portland, ME), October 11, 1959).

Horace A. Wentworth died of coronary thrombosis in Milton, February 26, 1962, aged sixty-eight years. He was a married millwright (fibre mill). His widow was Emma M. Barber. George G. McGregor, M.D., signed the death certificate.

DEATHS. HORACE A. WENTWORTH. West Milton – Horace A. Wentworth, 68, was stricken last Monday with a fatal heart attack while shovelling snow for a neighbor. He was born in Albany, Aug. 7, 1893. He leaves his wife, Mrs. Emma M. (Barber); two sons, Harry W. of No. Rochester, Donald W. of Rochester; one daughter, Geneva Wheeler of Laconia; two brothers, Russell and Grover Wentworth of Rochester; four sisters; Mrs. Eunice Jackson of West Milan, Mrs. Francina Beane of West Milan, Mrs. Hattie Wentworth of Littleton, Mrs. Zelma Bunner of Rochester, 13 grandchildren, one great grandchild, several nieces and nephews. Mr. Wentworth has been a resident of West Milton for the past 43 years, coming here from West Milan. He was a mill wright by trade and worked at the Spaulding Fiber Co., in North Rochester before his retirement. Funeral will be conducted at the Peaslee Funeral Home, 32 Central st., Farmington, Thursday, 2 p.m. with the Rev. Robert Dugan of the True Memorial Baptist church in Rochester officiating. Burial will be in Milton Mills in the Spring (Farmington News, March 1, 1962).

Emma M. ((Barber) Nute) Wentworth died in 1979, aged seventy-seven years.

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References:

Find a Grave. (2024, June 12). Edith May Nute Brawn. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/271436738/edith-may-brawn

Find a Grave. (2024, June 12). Gordon Nute Brawn. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/271436841/gordon_nute_brawn

Find a Grave. (1913, July 31). George E. Nute. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114692762/george-e-nute

Find a Grave. (1913, July 31). John P. Nute. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114692589/john-p-nute

Find a Grave. (2013, July 31). Emma M. Barber Wentworth. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114692952/emma_m_wentworth

By Muriel Bristol | July 14, 2024

Joseph Cook was born in Milton, in 1809, son of Jeremiah and Hannah (Wentworth) Cook. (His father signed the Rochester Division Petition, in 1802; recommended that Lt. Jotham Nute be appointed justice, in 1805; and signed the Milton Anti-Division Remonstrance, in 1820).

Jeremiah Cook 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 [Hannah (Wentworth) Cook], one male aged 20-29 years [Joseph Cook], one male aged 15-19 years, one female aged 15-19 years, and one male aged 10-14 years. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Hiram Cook and Timo Brewster.

Joseph Cook married (1st), circa 1834, Rebecca L. Ricker. She was born in Rochester, NH, December 10, 1816, daughter of Charles and Mary (Lord) Ricker. (Her father served in the War of 1812; signed the Milton Anti-Division Remonstrance, in 1820; was one of the nine incorporators of the Milton Social Library, in 1822; and headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).

(The children of Joseph and Rebecca L. (Ricker) Cook were Frances Jane Cook (1835-1921), Mary Ann Cook (1837-1904), Martin Van Buren Cook (1838-1891), and Joseph Winslow Cook (1841-1847)).

Daughter Frances J. Cook was born in Milton, October 22, 1835.

The Milton Selectmen of 1836 were J.M. Twombly, Jas. Berry, and Jos. Cook.

Joseph Cook received an initial five-year appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, May 19, 1836.

The Milton Selectmen of 1837 were Jas. Berry, Jos. Cook, and J.H. Varney.

Daughter Mary Ann Cook was born in Milton, April 13, 1837.

Son Martin Van Buren Cook was born in Milton, November 16, 1838. He was a namesake for the eighth U.S. President, Martin Van Buren, who held that office between 1837 and 1841. Joseph Cook was presumably an admirer and likely a Democrat.

Jeremiah Cook headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 60-69 years [himself], one female aged 60-69 years [Hannah (Wentworth) Cook], one male aged 30-39 years [Joseph Cook], one female aged 20-29 years [Rebecca L. (Ricker) Cook], one male aged 10-14 years, two females aged under-5 years [Mary A. Cook and Frances J. Cook], and one male aged under-5 years [Martin V.B. Cook]. Three members of his household were engaged in Agriculture. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Nathaniel Burnham and Hopley Varney.

Son Joseph Winslow Cook was born in Milton, February 3, 1841.

Joseph Cook received a renewal five-year appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, May 17, 1841.

Rebecca L. (Ricker) Cook died in Milton, April 24, 1843, aged twenty-six years, five months, and fourteen days.

Joseph Cook married (2nd) in Milton, December 28, 1843, Lydia Blaisdell, both of Milton. Rev. Jacob Davis performed the ceremony. She was born in Lebanon, ME, May 1, 1807, daughter of Enoch Jr. and Olive (Nason) Blaisdell. (Her birth date has been calculated from her age at death).

Mother Hannah (Wentworth) Cook died in Milton, November 29, 1845, aged sixty-nine years.

Joseph Cook received a five-year renewal appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, May 15, 1846.

Son Joseph Winslow Cook died in Milton, August 25, 1847, aged six years, two months. He was “accidently shot dead by his uncle” (Wentworth, 1878). (His paternal uncles were William W. Cook (1798-1874), Hiram Cook (1810-1873), Elias S. Cook (1815-1868), and Ezra T. Cook (1817-1897)).

The Milton Selectmen of 1848 were Asa Jewett, Jos. Cook, and Jos. Mathes. The Milton Selectmen of 1849 were Jos. Mathes, C.C. Hayes, and Jos. Cook.

Joseph Cook, a farmer, aged forty-one years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Lydia [(Blaisdell)] Cook, aged forty-two years (b. NH), Jeremiah Cook, a farmer, aged seventy-five years (b. NH), Frances J. Cook, aged fifteen years (b. NH), Mary Cook, aged thirteen years (b. NH), and Martin V.B. Cook, aged eleven years (b. NH). Joseph Cook had real estate valued at $3,000. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Samuel W. Pinkham, a farmer, aged forty-one years (b. NH), and Hopley Varney, a farmer, aged fifty-eight years (b, NH).

Joseph Cook received a five-year renewal appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, May 17, 1851.

Father Jeremiah Cook died of heart disease in Milton, December 1, 1851, aged seventy-seven years.

Father-in-law Enoch Blaisdell, Jr., died in Lebanon, ME, September 21, 1852, aged seventy-eight years.

Joseph Cook received a five-year renewal appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, May 17, 1854. (This renewal came early, after the lapse of only three years).

Daughter Frances J. Cook married in Milton, December 15, 1858, Simon Wentworth, she of Milton, and he of Rochester, NH. She was aged twenty-three years, and he was a farmer, aged thirty-five years. Rev. James Doldt performed the ceremony. He was born in Rochester, NH, October 13, 1823, son of Beard and Sarah (Roberts) Wentworth.

In his boyhood Simon Wentworth attended the public schools of Milton, where he was well drilled in the elementary branches. Between the school sessions he obtained a practical knowledge of agriculture under the instruction of his parents. Since coming into possession of the ancestral acres, he has carried on general farming, lumbering and dairying with signal success. Having acquired more land by purchase, he is now the owner of four hundred acres lying in Rochester, Milton, and Lebanon. In 1853 he was appointed depot master at Hayes Crossing, a position which he still holds. He was also Postmaster at North Rochester for twenty years (Biographical Review, 1897). 

Joseph Cook received a five-year renewal appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, June 17, 1859.

Joseph Cook was an incorporator of the First Christian Society of Milton, when the NH Legislature authorized it in June 1860. (This was the Christian Church of which Daniel B. Goodwin (1811-1888) would be the Elder).

CHAPTER 2429. AN ACT to incorporate the First Christian Society in Milton. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
SECTION 1. That Ichabod H. Wentworth, Joseph Cook, Isaac C. Young, Jonathan Howe, and Joseph Goodwin, and other proprietors and pew-holders in the Union Christian Chapel in Milton, their associates, successors, and assigns, be, and are hereby incorporated and made a body politic and corporate, under the name of the First Christian Society in Milton, with all the powers and privileges necessary and proper for effecting the object of their incorporation, and are authorized to ordain and establish such by-laws and regulations not repugnant to the constitution and laws of this State, as they may think proper, for the election and government of the officers and members, and the management of the property of said society.
SEC. 2. Said society may take, hold, and possess by purchase, gift, devise, or otherwise, any real and personal property to the amount of three thousand dollars, the major part whereof being now invested in the meeting-house now occupied by the First Christian Society (so called) in Milton, with the land upon which the same is situated, for the purpose of maintaining a house of public worship, and other buildings connected therewith, and for the support of public worship therein. … (NH Secretary of State, 1860).

Joseph Cook, a farmer, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton P.O.”) household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Lydia [(Blaisdell)] Cook, aged fifty-three years (b. NH), M.V.B. Cook, a farmer, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), M.A. Cook, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), and Joseph Kenney, a farm laborer, aged twenty-one years (b. NH). Joseph Cook had real estate valued at $6,000 and personal estate valued at $3,000. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Henry Varney, a farmer, aged thirty years (b, NH), and Stephen Twombly, a farmer, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH).

Beard Wentworth, a farmer, aged sixty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Rochester (“Farmington P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Simon Wentworth, a farmer, aged thirty-six years (b. NH), Frances J. [(Cook)] Wentworth, aged twenty-five years (b. NH), Sarah A. Wentworth, aged eighteen years (b. NH), and Parker Lord, aged thirteen years (b. MA). Beard Wentworth had real estate valued at $3,500 and personal estate valued at $500.

The Milton Selectmen of 1861 were Jos. Plumer, M.W. Shapleigh, and Jos. Cook. The Milton Selectmen of 1862 were Jos. Cook, Geo. Lyman, and J.N. Witham.

Joseph Cook received a five-year renewal appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, July 2, 1866. (This renewal came late, after the elapse of seven years).

Justices. Milton. Charles Jones, Luther Hayes, Elbridge W. Fox, Joseph Plumer, Ebenezer Wentworth, Ezra H. Twombly, Joseph Mathes, Charles A. Cloutman, Asa Jewett, Elias S. Cook, Joseph Cook, Robert Mathes, Eli Fernald, Asa Jewett, Daniel S. Burley, Ira C. Varney, George Lyman, George W. Peavey (Briggs & Co., 1868).

Brother Elias S. Cook died of consumption in Milton, April 6, 1868. He was a married farmer.

Joseph Cook, a farmer, aged sixty-one years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Lydia Cook, keeping house, aged sixty-three years (b. ME), Mary A Cook, a teacher, aged thirty-two years (b. NH), Martin V.B. Cook, a farm laborer, aged thirty years (b. NH). Joseph Cook had real estate valued at $5,000 and personal estate valued at $1,765. Martin V.B. Cook had real estate valued at $800 and personal estate valued at $300. Their household was enumerated between those of James H. Varney, a farmer, aged forty years (b. NH) and Stephen Twombly, a farmer, aged sixty-six years (b. NH).

Simon Wentworth, a farmer, aged forty-six years (b. NH), headed a Rochester (“Gonic P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1870) Federal Census. his household included Frances [(Cook)] Wentworth, keeping house, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), Elmer E. Wentworth, at home, aged nine years (b. NH), and Walter Wentworth, at home, aged seven years (b. NH). Beard Wentworth had real estate valued at $2,500 and personal estate valued at $800.

Son Martin V.B. Cook married in Wakefield, NH, December 27, 1870, Lizzie S. “Sarah” Sanborn, he of Milton and she of Acton, ME. He was a farmer, aged thirty-two years, and she was aged thirty-two years. Rev. Nathaniel Barker performed the ceremony. She was born in Acton, ME, September 11, 1838, daughter of Luther and Abigail (Berry) Sanborn.

Joseph Cook received a five-year renewal appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, July 12, 1871.

Brother Hiram Cook died of dropsy in Milton, September 16, 1873, aged sixty-three years, eleven months. He was married. Brother William W. Cook died of dropsy in Milton, July 7, 1874, aged seventy-five years, eight months. He was married.

Joseph Cook received a renewal appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, June 20, 1876.

MILTON. Justices. Luther Hayes, C.H. Looney, E.W. Fox, State; Joseph Mathes, Joseph Cook, George Lyman, G.W. Peavey, J.S. Hersey, J.N. Sims, B.B. Plummer, B.P. Roberts (Tower, 1876).

Joseph Cook received his last five-year renewal appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, April 10, 1877. (This renewal came early, after the lapse of only ten months).

Joseph Cook, a farmer, aged seventy-one years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Lydia Cook, keeping house, aged seventy-three years (b. ME), his son, Martin V.B. Cook, a farmer (b. NH), aged forty-one years, his daughter-in-law, Sarah E. [(Sanborn)] Cook, keeping house, aged forty-one years (b. ME), and his granddaughter, Bertha Cook, aged three years (b. NH). Their household was enumerated between those of James H. Varney, a farmer, aged fifty years (b. NH), and Deborah Pike, keeping house, aged seventy-nine years (b. NH).

George F. Richardson, a station agent, aged forty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Mary A. [(Donnell)] Richardson, millinery store, aged thirty-five years (b. ME), his servant, Mary A. Cook, a housekeeper, aged thirty-seven [forty-seven] years (b. NH), and his boarders, James E. Tebbetts, retail hardware, aged twenty-four years (b. ME), and Charles L. Tebbetts, retail hardware, aged twenty-one years (b. ME). They resided on Wakefield Street.

Simon Wentworth, a farmer, aged fifty-six years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Frances J. [(Cook)] Wentworth, keeping house, aged forty-five years (b. NH), his sons, Elmer E. Wentworth, clerk in store, aged nineteen years (b. NH), Walter S. Wentworth, at home, aged seventeen years (b. NH), and Fred B. Wentworth, at home, aged fifteen years (b. NH), and his boarder, Joseph M. Noyes, at home, aged sixty-three years (b. MA).

Joseph Cook of Milton made his last will, September 12, 1881. He devised to his beloved wife, Lydia Cook, all his household goods, bedsteads, bedding, and other furniture. He devised $5 to his daughter, Frances J. Wentworth, wife of Simon Wentworth of Rochester, He devised $200 to his daughter, Mary Ann Cook of Milton. He devised all his lands in Milton to his son, Martin V.B. Cook of Milton, provided “he shall support, on all the said premises, my said wife, Lydia Cook, during her natural life, in a manner suitable to her condition, kindly providing for her wants in sickness and in health, this to be in lien and in full satisfaction of all her rights of dower and homestead in said premises.” He named his son, Martin V.B. Cook, as executor. Lewis R. Wiggin, George A. Eastman, and Harry C. Waldron signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 105:534).

Lydia (Blaisdell) Cook died of congestion of the lungs in Milton, October 28, 1890, aged eighty-three years, five months, and twenty-seven days. She was a married housekeeper.

DIED. In Farmington, Oct. 29, Lydia Cook, aged 83 years, 5 months and 27 days (Farmington News, October 31, 1890).

Son Martin V.B. Cook died of Bright’s Disease in Milton, December 21, 1891, aged fifty-three years, and one month. J.E. Scruton, M.D., of Union, [Wakefield,] NH, signed the death certificate.

MILTON. Joseph Cook is improving (Farmington News, January 22, 1892).

Joseph Cook of Milton of necessity made a codicil to his 1881 last will, January 22, 1892. He acknowledged the decease of his son and designated executor, Martin V.B. Cook, and redirected his share to his daughter-in-law, Sarah E. Cook, and to his granddaughter, Bertha Cook, who were the widow and daughter of Martin V.B. Cook. He named Charles C. Hayes of Milton to be replacement executor. Ira A. Cook, Moses Sanborn, and Thomas J. Horne signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 105:536).

MILTON. Mr. Joseph Cook had a granite slab taken to the Pride shop and lettered for himself and wives and it will be placed in the family burial lot (Farmington News, June 17, 1892).

Joseph Cook died of cystitis in Milton, August 13, 1892, aged eighty-three years, two months. He was a widowed farmer. John P. Elkins, M.D., signed the death certificate.

LOCALS. Joseph Cook of West Milton died last Friday at his home (Farmington News, August 19, 1892).

The  last will of Joseph Cook and its codicil were proved in a Strafford County Probate Court held in Farmington, NH, August 16, 1892 (Strafford County Probate, 105:538).

Brother Ezra T. Cook died of pneumonia in Bethlehem, NH, February 9, 1897, aged seventy-nine years, eleven months. He was a married farmer. G.F. Abbott, M.D. signed the death certificate.

WEST MILTON. The M.V.B Cook place is said to have been sold to Mr. Kimball and spring work is being done there (Farmington News, May 20, 1898).

WEST MILTON. Messrs. Downing, Emery and Curtis are cutting wood on the M.V.B. Cook place (Farmington News, March 24, 1899).

Daughter Mary Ann Cook of Rochester, NH, made her last will, July 18, 1899. She devised all her worldly goods to her sister, Frances J. Wentworth of Rochester, NH, whom she also named as executor. Chas A. Buck, Eugene L. Hutchins, and John L. Copp signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 121:150).

Simon Wentworth, a farmer, aged seventy-six years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of forty years), Frances [(Cook)] Wentworth, aged sixty-four years (b. NH), his son, Walter S. Wentworth, a farm laborer, aged thirty-six years (b. NH), his sister-in-law, Mary A. Cook, a servant, aged sixty-three years (b. NH), his servant, Hosea Sherry, a farm laborer, aged fifty years (b. NH), and his boarders, John Newbury, a station agent, aged twenty-four years, Huntly Spaulding, leatherboard mfg., aged thirty years (b. MA), John H. Dresser, a station agent, aged fifty-three years (b. MA), Rolland Spaulding, leatherboard mfg., aged twenty-seven years (b. MA), Fred B. Braley, a carpenter, aged thirty-one years (b. NH), Seth A. Moulton, a draughtsman, aged twenty-four years (b. MA), and Peter Virgin, a carpenter, aged forty-seven years (b. VT). Simon Wentworth owned their farm, free-and-clear. Frances Wentworth was the mother of three children, of whom three were still living.

(Two of the three Spaulding Brothers, and a draftsman from Ira W. Jones’s office, as well as the two carpenters, were all boarding in the Wentworth home at Hayes Crossing in North Rochester during the construction of the nearby third Spaulding leatherboard mill in North Rochester).

William F. Cutts, a farmer, aged sixty-nine years (b. ME), headed a Milton household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his sister-in-law, Sarah E. [(Sanborn)] Cook, a housekeeper, aged sixty-one years (b. ME). William F. Cutts owned their farm, free-and-clear. Their household was enumerated between those of Lincoln Goodwin, a farmer, aged thirty-nine years (b. ME), and Arastus B. Shaw, a carpenter, aged fifty-nine years (b. NH).

MILTON. The buildings of Simon Wentworth of North Rochester, consisting of house and two barns, were destroyed by fire last Thursday night, about midnight. The fire caught from a defective chimney in the ell. The furniture was saved, also the horses, cattle and farming implements. Loss $3000; insured for $1000 (Farmington News, 1904).

Daughter Mary Ann Cook died of apoplexy, i.e., a stroke, in North Rochester, NH, September 17, 1904. M.A.H. Hart, M.D., signed the death certificate. Her last will was proved in a Strafford County Probate court held in Dover, NH, November 1, 1904 (Strafford County Probate, 121:151).

UNION. J. Frank Farnham and wife are entertaining their son and his wife of Haverhill, Mass., also Mrs. Farnham’s brother, Charles Cutts with his two daughters, and Mrs. Lizzie Cook of Merrimac, Mass. (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), November 26, 1906).

UNION. Mrs. Lizzie Cook returned to her home in Merrimack last week (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), February 16, 1906).

UNION. Mrs. J. Frank Farnham and Mrs. Lizzie Cook were in Rochester last Friday (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), February 8, 1907).

UNION. Mrs. G. Frank Farnham, Mrs. Myra Adams and Mrs. Lizzie Cook spent a day at York beach recently (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), September 27, 1907).

Son-in-law Simon Wentworth died of acute indigestion on Wakefield Street in North Rochester, NH, December 6, 1907, aged eighty-four years, one month, and twenty-three days. He was a married farmer. M.A.H. Hart, M.D., signed the death certificate.

RECENT DEATHS. Simon Wentworth. Simon Wentworth one of the oldest citizens and for forty years, till about four years ago, station agent for the Boston & Maine at Hayes, now Rochester, N.H., died Saturday afternoon at his home there, aged 84. He was born in North Rochester and always lived there. In connection with his occupation as station agent, he was engaged in farming and did a prosperous lumber business. In 1861-62 he served as a selectman. He was a member of Humane Lodge of Masons, and a charter member of the Rochester Fair Association. He is survived by his wife and three sons, Walter, of Rochester, Fred B., of Boston, and Elmer E., of Springvale (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), December 13, 1907).

ACTON. Martin V.B. Sanborn and his sister, Mrs. Lizzie Cook, former residents of this place, were here making calls on old friends last week. Mr. Sanborn has not been here for 18 years, and finds many his neighbors have passed to the other shore (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), September 25, 1908).

MILTON MILLS. Mrs. Lizzie Cook, of Union, was a visitor to Miss Mary A. Berry’s last week (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), December 18, 1908).

MILTON MILLS. The officers of Sunrise Rebekah Lodge, I.O.O.F., were installed last Wednesday evening by P.N.G. Hattie M. Fox, assisted by Past Noble Grands Mary Sanborn, Lizzie Cook, Sadie M. Stevens, Alice S. Lewis, P.G.O.C. Titcomb and Forrest Marsh. The officers are as follows: N.G. Mildred T. Marsh; V.G. Marguerite M. Stevens; Sec. Olive A. Horne; Treas. Hattie M. Fox; War. Asenath Longley; Con. Helen G. Fox; I.G. Florence Warnock; O.G. Mary Hawksworth; Chap. Hannah R. Lowe; R.S.N.G. Mary R. Sanborn; L.S.N.G. Annette Page; R.S.V.G. Alice S. Lewis; L.S.V.G. Helen C. Small. After the installation coffee and cake were served (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), January 29, 1909).

WEST MILTON. J. Frank Farnham, wife and daughter Hazel, of Union, accompanied by Mrs. Lizzie Cook, called at the home of Annie Cook last Sunday afternoon. The latter is the widow of the late Martin V.B. Cook (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), November 26, 1909).

Walter S. Wentworth, a farmer, aged forty-six years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. His household included his mother, Frances J. [(Cook)] Wentworth, aged seventy-four years (b. NH). Walter S. Wentworth owned their farm in East Rochester village, free-and-clear. Frances J. Wentworth was the mother of three children, of whom three were still living.

J. Frank Farnham, an excelsior manufacturer, aged fifty years (b. ME), headed a Wakefield (“Union Village”) household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Ora E. [(Cutts)] Farnham, aged fifty-one years (b. ME), his daughter, Hazel A. Farnham, aged sixteen years (b. NH), and his boarder, Sarah L. [(Sanborn)] Cook,  a widow (own income), aged seventy years (b. NH). Ora E. Farnham was the mother of two children, of whom two were still living. Sarah L. Cook was the mother of three children, of whom none were still living.

UNION. Mrs. Lizzie Cook is visiting friends in Massachusetts (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), December 16, 1910).

Daughter-in-law Lizzie S. “Sarah” (Sanborn) Cook died of interstitial nephritis in Union, Wakefield, NH, June 4, 1914, aged seventy-five years, eight months, and twenty-three days. She had been resident there for twenty years, with her previous residence in neighboring Milton. Charles C. Rogers, M.D., of Farmington, NH, signed the death certificate.

West Milton. The old friends and neighbors of former resident Mrs. Sarah Elizabeth Cook were grieved to learn of her death, which occurred at the home of her niece and husband, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Farnum of Union last Thursday morning. Death followed a short illness at the age of 76 years. The deceased was born in Acton, Me., the daughter of Luther and Abbie (Berry) Sanborn. She was the widow of Martin V.B. Cook, whom she survived about twenty-two years. Mrs. Cook passed many years at the old Cook homestead, now owned by C.P. Grace. She was a woman of gentle and motherly kindness, possessed of a Christian character and the attributes of a high and noble purpose. Many among us have reason to remember her by these qualities. Funeral was held from the home last Sunday afternoon, with a large attendance of relatives and friends and a profusion of beautiful floral tributes (Farmington News, June 12, 1914).

Frances J. [(Cook)] Wentworth, aged eighty-three years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census. Her household included her housekeeper, Nellie E. Swain, a housekeeper (private family), aged fifty years (b. MA). Frances J. Wentworth owned their house in the North Rochester District, free-and-clear. Her household appeared in the enumeration next to that of Rolland H. Spaulding, a manufacturer (own mill), aged forty-six years (b. MA).

Daughter Frances J. (Cook) Wentworth died of carcinoma of the scalp (and old age) on Wakefield Street in Rochester, NH, June 7, 1921, aged eighty-five years, seven months, and twelve days. M.A.H. Hart, M.D., signed the death certificate.

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References:

Biographical Review. (1897). Biographical Review. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=C2sjAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA132

Find a Grave. (2015, July 18). Enoch Blaisdell, Jr. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/149424361/enoch-blaisdell

Find a Grave. (2022, July 11). Jeremiah Cook. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/241512490/jeremiah_cook

Find a Grave. (2022, July 11). Joseph Cook. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/241512377/joseph-cook

Find a Grave. (2022, July 11). Joseph [Winslow] Cook. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/241513101/joseph_cook

Find a Grave. (2013, August 13). Martin V.B. Cook. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/115375461/martin-v.b-cook

Find a Grave. (2022, July 11). Mary Ann Cook. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/241513054/mary_ann_cook

Find a Grave. (2013, August 13). Bertha Cook Drawbridge. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/115375165/bertha-drawbridge

Find a Grave. (2016, November 29). Frances Jane Cook Wentworth. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/173321648/frances_jane_wentworth

Wentworth, John. (1878). Wentworth Genealogy. Boston, MA: Little, Brown and Co.

By Muriel Bristol | July 7, 2024

Josiah Norton Witham was born in Milton, November 25, 1815, son of Josiah and Mehitable (Jones) Witham.

Josiah N. Witham married in Milton, May 31, 1838, Sarah A. Walker, both of Milton. Rev. John French performed the ceremony. She was born in Milton, April 20, 1814, daughter of Joseph and Sally (Pray) Walker.

Josiah N. Witham headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 20-29 years [himself], and one female age 20-29 years [Sarah A. (Walker) Witham]. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in enumeration between those of Levi Wentworth and [his father,] Josiah Witham.

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

The Milton Selectmen of 1853 were Eli Wentworth, J.S. Hersey, and J.N. Witham. The Milton Selectmen of 1854 were J.S. Hersey, J.N. Witham, and Lewis Plummer.

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

The Milton Selectmen of 1862 were Jos. Cook, Geo. Lyman, and J.N. Witham. The Milton Selectmen of 1863 were Geo. Lyman, J.N. Witham, and T.H. Roberts.

According to Scale’s History of Strafford County, the Methodist Church of Milton Mills organized itself in June 1869 and erected its “neat and tasty” meeting-house in 1871. J.N. Witham was chosen to be both a steward and trustee.

The Methodist Church of Milton Mills was organized in June, 1869. The first officers were Asa A. Fox, clerk, John Brackett, treasurer, Harris Brown, sexton, Alpheus Remick, collector; Stewards A.B. Shaw, John Brackett, E.C. Abbott, S.F. Rines, W. Hapgood, J.N. Witham, B.S. Butler, H.L. Mitchell, A.A. Plumer; trustees, A.B. Shaw, B.S. Butler, J.B. Dow, J. Brackett, S.F. Rines, J. Lewis, J.N. Witham, G.E. Hart, W. Patten (Scales, 1914).

Lura Agnes Booth was born in Milton Mills, September 5, 1864, daughter of British natives George (b. England) and Belle Booth (b. Scotland). (Her father, George Booth, remains a bit of a mystery. A Bella Booth, was born in Scotland in 1832, had immigrated circa 1865, and resided as a widow in the Strafford County Farm and House of Correction form at least 1900 through her death there, October 14, 1925, aged ninety-five years). Josiah N. and Sarah A. (Walker) Witham adopted Lura A. Booth, at sometime between her birth in 1864 and her appearance in their household in 1870.

Josiah N. Witham, a farmer, aged fifty-four years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Sarah A. [(Walker)] Witham, keeping house, aged fifty-six years (b. NH), Lura Booth, aged six years (b. NH), and Allen Randall, a farm laborer, aged forty years (b. NH). Josiah N. Witham had real estate valued at $3,000 and personal estate valued at $1,072. Theirs was a two-family residence, which they shared with the household of Lucy Witham, keeping house, aged seventy-two years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Joseph Coleman, a carpenter, aged seventy-nine years (b. NH), and Olive L. Remmick, keeping house, aged seventy-nine years (b. ME).

Josiah N. Witham, went as Representative of the Unity Lodge, No. 62, to a semi-annual communication meeting of the M.W. Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New Hampshire, which was held in Concord, NH, December 28, 1875. Champlain L. Smith, went also as the proxy for Worshipful Master (M.W. Grand Lodge, 1876).

Josiah N. Witham went again as Representative of the Unity Lodge, No. 62, to a annual communication meeting of the M.W. Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New Hampshire, which was held in Concord, NH, May 17, 1876. Charles C. Hayes attended also as Worshipful Master, and Daniel S. Burleigh as proxy for the Senior Warden (M.W. Grand Lodge, 1876).

Josiah N. Witham, a farmer, aged sixty-four years, headed a Milton household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Sarah A. [(Walker)] Witham, keeping house, aged sixty-four years (b NH), and his adopted daughter, Lura A. Witham, works in felt mill, aged seventeen years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Samuel F. Rines, a blacksmith, aged sixty-two years (b. NH), and Fred P. Jones, a farmer, aged twenty years (b. NH).

Josiah N. Witham of Milton made his last will in Wakefield, NH, December 7, 1882. He devised all his real and personal property to his beloved wife, Sarah A. Walker. Should she die before the will came into effect, his property would be split between Lura A. Booth and the Methodist Episcopal Church of Milton Mills. Booth was to get all of the real estate and one-half of the household goods and personal property. The church was to get the other half of the personal property and create a fund with the proceeds to maintain worship. He appointed John U. Simes as his executor and also revoked a prior will of February 15, 1875. Daniel S. Burley, Sophia J. Varney, and Charles A. Varney signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 102:81).

Josiah N. Witham died of enteritis in Milton, June 22, 1884, aged sixty-eight years, eight months, and three days. He was a married farmer. His last will was proved in a Strafford County Probate court held in Dover, NH, in July 1884 (Strafford County Probate, 102:83).

Adopted daughter Lura A. Booth married (1st) in Wakefield, NH, August 13, 1890, Edwin C. Barnes, she of Milton and he of Chelsea, MA. She was a lady, aged twenty-six years, and he was an accountant, aged sixty-four years. Rev. Joseph Spinney performed the ceremony. Barnes was born in Boston, MA, July 24, 1826, son of Edwin and Betsy L. (Lincoln) Barnes.

Son-in-law Edwin C. Barnes of Chelsea, MA, made his last will, May 22, 1891. He devised to his wife, Lura A. Barnes, his house and land at 139 Chestnut Street in Chelsea, which he had received by the will of his former wife, Harriette C. Barnes (back in 1888). She was also to receive “… all my household furniture including bedding, carpets, silver ware, silver-plate, china, glass, ornaments, piano, books, pictures, and all household effects, together with the fuel and consumable supplies that may be in my house at the time of my decease, excepting however, certain articles hereinafter bequeathed to my sons.” He devised also to her his gold watch and chain and all the wearing apparel of his former wife.

Barnes devised also to his sons, Henry C. Barnes, Arthur M.L. Barnes, and Edwin S. Barnes. Son Henry C. Barnes received the large worsted picture of “Peter the Great Saved by His Mother,” a large silver pitcher, and his grandfather’s Masonic regalia. Son Arthur M.L. Barnes received a worsted picture of “Feeding the Horses,” and a silver cream pitcher present to his grandfather by the St. Andrew’s Lodge of Boston, MA. Son Edwin S. Barnes received two worsted pictures, one of a child in a carriage with a dog, the other of a Scottish peasant’s house interior, as well as a gold watch and chain and silver-keyed cocoa flute. He devised all the rest and residue of his estate in shares to his wife, Lura A. Barnes (4/10), sons Henry C. Barnes and Arthur M.L. Barnes (1/10 each), and Edwin S. Barnes (4/10) and a trust fund (Suffolk County Probate, 664:46).

Son-in-law Edwin C. Barnes died of cirrhosis of the liver in Boston, MA, November 15, 1892, aged sixty-six years, four months. He was a married bookkeeper. His will was proved in Suffolk County Probate court, December 1, 1892 (Suffolk County Probate, 664:46).

Death of Edwin C. Barnes. Mr. Edwin C. Barnes, one of the oldest residents of Chelsea, and a life-long Democrat, died at his residence, 139 Chestnut st., yesterday. In former years he was one of the most prominent members of the city government. Was a member of the council in 1866-67, an alderman in 1868-74, and was the first Democratic candidate for mayor. He was ill but a few weeks, and death was due to dropsy and heart failure (Boston Globe, November 16, 1892).

Adopted daughter Lura A. (Booth) Barnes married (2nd) in Milton, November 1, 1899, John J. Howland, Jr., she of Milton and he of Carroll, NH. She was a lady, aged thirty-four years, and he was a hotel proprietor, aged thirty-nine years. Alba M. Markey, J.P., performed the ceremony. Howland was born in Canada, circa 1860, son of John and Catherine (Dillon) Booth.

Sarah A. [(Walker)] Withum, a homekeeper, aged eighty-six years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills Village”) household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. Her household included her son-in-law, John J. Howland, a day laborer, aged forty years (b. Canada), and her adopted daughter, Lura A. [((Booth) Barnes)] Howland, aged thirty-six years (b. NH). Sarah A. Withum owned their house, free-and-clear. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Leonard Reed, a wool picker (factory), aged forty-six years (b. ME), and Crosby H. Prescott, a hotel headwaiter, aged forty-nine years (b. ME).

Sarah A. (Walker) Witham of Milton made her last will, September 10, 1900. She devised $1 each to her nieces and nephews, George M. Walker, Aza Walker, Charles Walker, Reuben Walker, John Walker, Frank Walker, Clarrie Lord, Angie Hanson, Mary Shaw, Emma Morey, Nellie Gifford, Martha Foss, Louisa Gaynor, and Eliza A. Walker. She devised $100 to the Milton Mills Methodist Episcopal Church for repairs to the church and parsonage, as might be needed. She devised all the rest and residue of her real estate, personal property, and bank accounts to her adopted daughter, Lura A. Howland, who she also named as executrix. Hiram Wentworth, Frank D. Stevens, and Ira Miller signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 119: 416).

Son-in-law John J. Howland appeared in the Milton directory of 1902, as a hotel clerk, with his house at 23 Western av., Milton Mills.

Sarah A. Witham died of exhaustion (and an abdominal tumor) in Milton Mills, December 17, 1902, aged eighty-eight years, eight months. She was a widowed housekeeper. W.E. Pillsbury, M.D., signed the death certificate.

The last will of Sarah A. Walker was proved in a Strafford County Probate court held in Dover, NH, January 6, 1903 (Strafford County Probate, 119: 417).

Son-in-law John J. Howland appeared in the Milton directories of 1905, and 1909, as a hotel clerk at Crawford House, with his house at 23 Western av., Milton Mills.

(A John Howland was enumerated in the Crawford Grant as a hotel painter, aged twenty-eight [eighteen] years (b. Canada), in 1880. John J. Howland was resident in Carroll, NH, and had just attained the statutory twenty-one years of age, when he was naturalized in Lancaster, NH, in November 1881. At the time of his 1899 marriage certificate, he resided still in Carroll, NH. It seems more likely that he clerked for – and seasonably commuted to – the Crawford House at Crawford Notch, rather the Crawford House in Boston, MA. (Both were accessible by train)).

John J. Howland, Jr., a hotel clerk, aged fifty years (b. Canada), headed a Milton household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of ten years), Lura A. [(Booth)] Howland, aged forty-two years). John J. Howland, Jr., owned their house, free-and-clear. Their house appeared in the enumeration between those of Joseph Hanscom, a sawmill master, aged twenty-nine years (b. ME), and Nicholas Mucci, a general store proprietor, aged forty (b. Italy).

Son-in-law John J. Howland appeared in the Milton directory of 1912, as a hotel clerk at Crawford House, with his house at 23 Western av., Milton Mills.

MILTON MILLS. (Special to The Tribune). The Ladies’ Aid of the Methodist church met with Mrs. Fannie Emerson Wednesday of last week. The new officers for the ensuing year were elected: Mrs. Sarah L. Jewett, president; Mrs. Lura Howland, vice president; Mrs. Annie Sibley, secretary; Mrs. Fannie Emerson, treasurer. The next meeting will be held with Mrs. James Lewis (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), May 5, 1916).

Son-in-law John Howland, Jr., died December 17, 1916, aged fifty-six years. (He was buried in Milton Mills).

Son-in-law John J. Howland appeared posthumously in the Milton directory of 1917 as a hotel clerk, with his house at 23 Western av., Milton Mills.

Lura A. [((Booth) Barnes)] Howland, aged fifty-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census. She owned her house on Western Avenue, free-and-clear. Her household appeared in the enumeration between those of Freeman H. Lowd, a lumberman (owner), aged sixty-six years (b. ME), and Harriet Farnham, aged eighty-four years (b. NH).

Lura A. Howland appeared in the Milton directories of 1927, and 1930, as having her house at Milton Mills.

Lura [((Booth) Barnes)] Howland, aged sixty years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills Village”) household at the time of the Fifteenth (1930) Federal Census. She owned her house on Western Avenue (near Willey Hill Road), which was valued at $1,200. She did not have a radio set. Her household appeared in the enumeration between those of Herbert Goldthwait, a laborer (odd jobs), aged forty-two years (b. MA), and Freeman Lowd, aged seventy-six years (b. ME).

MILTON MILLS. Mrs. Lura Howland is in Boston visiting friends (Farmington News, November 2, 1934).

MILTON MILLS. Mrs. Lura Howland has gone to Boston to visit friends for a few weeks (Farmington News, February 15, 1935).

Lura A. Howland appeared in the Milton directory of 1936-37, as having her house at Milton Mills.

Lura A. [((Booth) Barnes)] Howland, aged seventy-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills Center”) household at the time of the Sixteenth (1940) Federal Census. Laura A. Howland owned her house, which was valued at $1,000. She had resided in the “same house” in 1935. Her household appeared in the enumeration between those of Harry P. Fletcher, a painter (own shop), aged forty-seven years (b. ME).and Halton R. Hayes, a blanket mill proprietor, aged forty-seven years (b. NH).

Mrs. Carr G. Horn of Portland, ME, gave a silver tea benefit for the Sunday School of the Acton Corner Community Church, at her summer house in Horn’s Mills in Acton, ME, in August 1941. It was said to be one of the most important social events of the season. Among those present were Mrs. Marguerite Stevens, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred W. Lewis, Mrs. Fannie A. Langley, Mrs. Delia M. Flye, and Mrs. Lura A. Howland, all of Milton Mills (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), August 21, 1941).

Lura A. Howland, of 35 Daniel Street, Portsmouth, NH, attended a cooking school class given by Miss Ruth Bean on April 7, 1943. She was one of twenty-five attendees that won a market bag door prize (Portsmouth Herald, April 8, 1943).

Adopted daughter Lura A. ((Booth) Barnes) Howland died of arteriosclerotic heart disease in the Portsmouth Hospital in Portsmouth, NH, March 9, 1950, aged eighty-five years. She was a widowed home keeper. John J. Doyle, M.D., signed the death certificate.

Deaths and Funerals. Mrs. Lura Howland. Mrs. Lura Agnes Howland, 85, of 35 Daniel street, a resident of this city for the past four months, died today at Portsmouth hospital. The widow of the late John Howland, she was born in Milton Sept. 5, 1864. She was a member of the Milton Mills Methodist church and its Women’s Society of Christian Service and the Milton Mills Rebekah lodge (Portsmouth Herald, March 9, 1950).

Deaths and Funerals. Mrs. Lura A. Howland. Funeral services for Mrs. Lura Agnes Howland of 35 Daniel street were held at the Milton Mills Methodist church yesterday. The Rev. Roland L. Thornton pastor of the Methodist church, Sanbornville, officiated, assisted the Rev. Buell Maxfield of the Milton Mills Baptist church. Mrs. Abbie Anderson was organist. Included in the attendance were members of the church, the Women’s Society of Christian Service headed by Mrs. Grace Taylor, and more than 20 members of Sunrise Rebekah lodge of Milton Mills headed by Mrs. Virginia Mee, noble grand. Bearers were John Horne, Halton Hayes, Frank Goodwin, William Madden, Charles Langley and George Longley. Temporary interment was in the receiving vault in South cemetery, Portsmouth. Burial will take place later in the family lot in Milton Mills (Portsmouth Herald, March 13, 1950).

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References:

Find a Grave. (2013, July 31). Lura A. Howland. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114677309/lura-a-howland

M.W. Grand Lodge. (1876). Proceedings of the M.W. Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New Hampshire. O.H. Rittner: Manchester, NH

Wikipedia. (2022, September 12). Crawford House (Crawford Notch, New Hampshire). Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crawford_House_(Crawford_Notch,_New_Hampshire)

By Muriel Bristol | June 30, 2024

Edwin L. Leighton was born in Milton, July 30, 1865, son of Cyrus K. and Sophia M. (Hayes) Leighton.

Father Cyrus K. Leighton died of fever in Milton, July 22, 1872, aged forty-seven years, nine months, and twenty-nine days. He was a married farmer.

Frank Leighton, works on shoes, aged thirty-two years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his mother, Sophia [(Hayes)] Leighton, keeping house, aged fifty-six years (b. NH), and his brother, Edwin L. Leighton, at school, aged fourteen years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Charles H. Looney, postmaster, aged thirty years (b. NH), and Augustus Collamy, a shoe finisher, aged thirty-two years (b. NH).

Edwin L. Leighton married in Rochester, NH, May 30, 1891, Carrie B. Remick, both of Milton. He was a shoemaker, aged twenty-six years, and she was a shoe stitcher, aged twenty years. Rev. O.S. Danforth performed the ceremony. She was born in Milton, July 19, 1872, daughter of Charles D. and Susan J. (Smallcorn) Remick.

The Milton Selectmen of 1899 were F.H. Lowd, G.E. Nute, and E.L. Leighton.

Edwin L. Leighton appeared in the Milton directory of 1900, as a shoe operative, with his house at 50 So. Main street. Sophia M. Leighton appeared also, as the widow of Cyrus K., with her house at 50 So. Main street, opposite Farmington road.

Sophia [(Hayes)] Leighton, a home keeper, aged seventy-six years (b. NH), headed a Milton, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. Her household included her son, Edwin L Leighton, a shoe laster, aged thirty-four years (b. NH), and her daughter-in-law (of eight years), Carrie [(Remick)] Leighton, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH). Sophie Leighton owned their house. She was the mother of five children, of whom two were still living. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Charles H. Looney, aged fifty years (b. NH), and Stephen Bean, a farm laborer, aged seventy-two years (b. NH).

Edwin L. Leighton was an officer of the local I.O.R.M (“Improved Order of Red Men”) society in 1900. It met twice monthly in the A.O.U.W. Hall in Milton village.

TRIBES. … Madokawando, No. 21, Milton, 1st and 3d Monday, A.O.U.W. Hall, Edwin L. Leighton, P.O. Box 123, Milton (General Council, 1900).

Edwin L. Leighton and James G. O’Laughlin, both of Milton, vouched for Arthur Marchand when he became a naturalized U.S. citizen in September 1900. (Marchand had arrived at Milton Mills, NH, in March 1886, at the age of thirteen years).

Edwin L. Leighton served as administrator of the estate of Elizabeth ((Peavey) Cook) Downing, in 1901. She had died of chronic nephritis in Milton, August 5, 1899, aged seventy-eight years, six months, and twenty-four days. John Wallace, M.D., signed the death certificate.

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. STRAFFORD, SS. – To the Judge of Probate for said County. Respectfully shows and represents Edwin L. Leighton, Administrator of the estate of Elizabeth Cook Downing, late of Milton in said County, deceased, that the personal estate of said deceased is not sufficient to pay the demands against the same by the sum of two hundred ninety-two and 20-100 Dollars; That said deceased, at the the time of her death, was seized of certain Real Estate, situate in said Milton, bounded and described as follows, to wit: Beginning on the main road leading from Farmington to Milton at the northwest corner of land of Elizabeth Cook; thence running northeasterly by said road six rods to land of David P. Downing; thence running northeasterly and easterly by said Downing’s land about forty-five rods to a stake and stones; thence westerly by said Downing’s land thirty rods to land of Elizabeth Cook; thence northerly by said Cook’s land forty-five rods to the bounds begun at. Containing four acres, more or less. Also another parcel of land situate in said Milton and bounded as follows, to wit: Beginning on the road leading from Farmington to Middleton on the corner of Elizabeth Cook’s land; thence running southerly by said Cook’s land to land of G.W. Plummer; thence easterly by land of said Plummer to land of Hussy Pinkham; thence northerly by said Pinkham’s land to road aforesaid; thence southerly by said road to bounds begun at. Also another lot of land on the westerly side of said road adjoining land of adjoining land of Moses Cook, estate Mark Goodall and Charles Downing, both lots containing eleven acres, more or loss. Excepting and reserving the right and privilege of going to and from the burying ground on said lot. That the same is not sufficient tor the payment of said demands, and is so situated that a part thereof cannot be sold without injury to the person interested therein; Wherefore he prays that he may be licensed to sell at public auction the whole of said Real Estate of said deceased agreeably to the statute in such case provided. Dated the third day of May, A.D. 1901. EDWIN L. LEIGHTON. The foregoing petition being presented, it it ordered by the Judge that the same be taken into consideration at a Court of Probate to be holden at Dover in said county, on the fourth day of June next, and that the said petitioner notify all persons interested therein, by publishing a copy of the same, with this order thereon, three weeks successively in the Farmington News, a newspaper printed at Farmington the last publication whereof to be one week previous to said day of hearing. WILLIAM W. MARTIN, Register (Farmington News, May 10, 1901).

Edwin L. Leighton appeared in the Milton directories of 1902, and 1905, as a shoe operative, with his house at 50 So. Main street. Sophia M. Leighton appeared also, as the widow of Cyrus K., with her house at 50 So. Main street.

Mother-in-law Susan J. (Smallcorn) Remick died of pneumonia in Farmington, NH, May 25, 1903, aged sixty-four years, one month, and six days. She was a married housewife. She had resided in Farmington, NH, for five weeks, with her previous residence having been in Milton. M.H. Hart, M.D., signed the death certificate.

Administrator’s Notice. The subscriber hereby gives notice to all concerned, that he was, on the sixteenth day of June, A.D., 1903, duly appointed and allowed to be Administrator of the estate of Susan J. Remick, late of Farmington, in the county of Strafford, deceased, and has taken upon himself that trust and given bond as the law directs. Dated this eighteenth day of June, A.D., 1903. CHARLES D. REMICK. 16 3 t (Farmington News, June 26, 1903).

The local I.O.R.M. (“Red Men”) fraternity elected Edwin L. Leighton as its Chief of Records (C. of R.) for 1904.

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).

PERSONAL. Mrs. Edwin Leighton went to Portland, Me., last Tuesday, for medical treatment at the Maine General hospital (Farmington News, July 22, 1904).

Mother Sophia M. (Hayes) Leighton died of apoplexy in Milton, May 20, 1905, aged eighty-one years, twenty-eight days. She was the widow of Cyrus K. Leighton. M.A.H. Hart, M.D., signed the death certificate.

Father-in-law Charles D. Remick died of heart failure in Farmington, NH, August 5, 1905, aged seventy-two years, one months, and twenty-one days. He was a widower. He had resided in Farmington, NH, for one year, with his previous residence having been in Milton. E.C. Perkins, M.D., signed the death certificate.

Edwin L. Leighton appeared in the Milton directory of 1909, as a shoe inspector, with his house at 50 So. Main street.

SHOEMAKERS TAKE NOTICE. WE WANT pullers-over on Goodyear Welts, outside cutters, stitching-room help; to sober, industrious operatives we will guarantee 300 days’ work in a year at good pay; very cheap rents; best schools in New England. MILTON SHOE COMPANY, Milton, N.H. Sud7t n2 (Boston Globe, November 27, 1911).

Edwin L. Leighton appeared in the Milton directory of 1912, as foreman of making at the M.S. Co., with his house at 50 So. Main street. Milton Shoe Co. appeared also, on the Lebanon side of Milton at the Cocheco dam, with Frank J. Currier, as its president and treasurer.

(The Milton Shoe Co. went into bankruptcy in November 1915 and its assets went on the auction block, February 3, 1916 (See Milton in the News – 1916)).

Edwin L. Leighton appeared in the Milton directory of 1917, as foreman of the making department of the M.S. Co., with his house at 50 So. Main Street. The Milton Shoe Company had failed in the prior year and appeared belatedly as having been situated on the Lebanon side, at the Milton dam. (Its president was Frank J. Currier, who appeared as president of the Milton shoe company, a shoe manufacturer, rooming at 9 So. Main street).

Edwin L. Leighton appeared also in the Rochester, NH, directory of 1917, as a shoe operative for L.T.W. Co. in Rochester, resident in Milton. Linscott, Tyler, Wilson Co. appeared also, as shoe manufacturers, situated at 55R Wakefield street in Rochester, with their Boston office at 167 Lincoln street.

MALE HELP WANTED. CUTTERS wanted on Ideal Clicking Machine on men’s fine shoes. Apply to LINSCOTT TYLER WILSON CO., Rochester, New Hampshire (Boston Globe, February 16, 1906).

Edwin L. Leighton, a shoe inspector (shoe shop), aged fifty-four years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Carrie B. [(Remick)] Leighton, aged forty-seven years (b. NH). Edwin L. Leighton owned their house on Lower Main Street, in Milton Village, free-and-clear. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Thomas H. Pinkham, a painter (navy yard), aged fifty-four years (b. MA), and Everett L. Hersom, asst. station agent (Boston & Maine R.R.), aged thirty-two years (b. NH).

Edwin L. (Carrie B.) Leighton appeared in the Milton directory of 1930, as a shoe operative, resident in Milton.

Edwin L. Leighton, an inspector (shoe factory), aged sixty-four years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifteenth (1930) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of thirty-seven years), Carrie [(Remick)] Leighton, aged fifty-four years (b. NH). Edwin L. Leighton owned their house on South Main Street, which was valued at $2,100. They did not have a radio set. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Lloyd H. Ellis, a laborer (fibre mill), aged thirty-three years (b. NH), and Ida M. Thurlo, a widow, aged forty-six years (b. ME).

Edwin L. Leighton was assessed for $38.00 in taxes on Milton real estate, which was valued at S1,200, in 1931. ($31.66 per thousand). Robert Page, Ruth L. Plummer, Edwin L. Leighton, and Edgar C. Hodges were paid $5 each as election “inspectors” in the election of that year.

Edwin L. Leighton was assessed for $39.00 in taxes on Milton property, i.e., real estate, which was valued at S1,200, in 1934. ($32.57 per thousand). Robert Page, Ruth L. Plummer, Edwin L. Leighton, and Edgar C. Hodges were paid $15 each as ballot clerks in the election of that year.

Edwin L. Leighton died of chronic nephritis on Main Street in Milton, February 19, 1935, aged sixty-nine years, six months, and nineteen days. He was a married shoemaker. M.A.H. Hart, M.D., signed the death certificate.

Carrie B. [(Remick)] Leighton, a widow, aged sixty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixteenth (1940) Federal Census. Her household included her boarders, Isabel H. [(McBride)] Garnett, a packer (shoe shop), aged thirty-two years (b. NY), and Mary E. Garnett, aged ten years (b. NH). Carrie B. Leighton owned their house in the Milton Community, which was valued at $1,200. They all resided in the same house in 1935. Her household appeared in the enumeration between those of Lloyd F. Ellis, a roller (leatherboard), aged forty-three years (b. NH), and Stanley C. Tanner, a real estate broker (real estate), aged forty-six years (b. NH).

Isabelle H. [(McBride)] Garnett, a repairer in packing room (shoe factory), aged forty-one years (b. NY), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventeenth (1950) Federal Census. Her household included her son-in-law, Sheldon W. Damon, an odd shoe boy (shoe factory) , aged nineteen years (b. NH), her daughter, Mary E. [(Garnett)] Damon, aged twenty years (b. NH), her grandson, Sheldon W. Damon, [aged eleven months] May [1949] (b. NH), and her lodgers, Carrie B. [(Remick)] Leighton, a widow, aged seventy-four years (b. NH), and Ralph G. Condon, an edge setter (shoe factory), aged fifty-two years (b. Canada). They resided at the S.E. corner of Mill Street.

In the property valuations printed in the Milton Town Report of 1964, Carrie Leighton had a 2-acre homestead property, which was valued at $2,000, and a 10-acre woodlot property, which was valued at $50.

Carrie B. (Remick) Leighton died in Milton, in November 1972.

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References:

Find a Grave. (2016, July 9). Elizabeth “Betsy” Peavey Cook. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/166678995/elizabeth-cook

Find a Grave. (2011, June 20). Edwin L. Leighton. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/228712518/edwin-l-leighton

Find a Grave. (2021, November 21). Sophia Martin Hayes Leighton. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/234210927/sophia-martin-leighton

Find a Grave. (2014, May 18). Charles D. Remick. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/129979710/charles-d-remick

Great Council. (1900). Record of the Great Council of the United States of the Improved Order of Red Men. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=-jVEAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA880