Category: History

By Muriel Bristol | July 9, 2023

Thomas H. Roberts was born in Albion, ME, December 20, 1833, son of Nicholas H. and Dorothy (Hurd) Roberts.

Nicholas H. Roberts, a farmer, aged forty-eight years (b. ME), headed an Acton, ME, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Dorothy [(Hurd)] Roberts, aged forty-eight years (b. ME), Thomas H. Roberts, a farmer, aged seventeen years (b. ME), May Roberts, aged thirteen years (b. ME), Hannah Roberts, aged nine years (b. ME), Pheba Roberts, aged seven years (b. ME), and Dorothy Roberts, aged four years (b. ME). Nicholas H. Roberts had real estate valued at $1,500.

Thomas H. Roberts was twenty-one years of age, i.e., circa 1854, when he lost his right hand.

Nicholas H. Roberts, a farmer, aged fifty-eight years (b. ME), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills P.O.”) household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Dorothy [(Hurd)] Roberts, aged fifty-eight years (b. NH), Thomas H. Roberts, a farm laborer, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH), H.J. Roberts, aged nineteen years (b. NH), Mary Roberts, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), Phebe Roberts, aged seventeen years (b. NH), B.A. Roberts, aged thirteen years (b. NH), and Charles C. Roberts, aged ten years (b. NH). Nicholas H. Roberts had real estate valued at $2,000 and personal estate valued at $500.

Milton sent Thomas H. Roberts and Ambrose H. Wentworth to Concord, NH, as its NH State Representatives, for the 1865-66 biennium. During their biennium, they would vote on two proposed additions to the U.S. Constitution, the Thirteenth and Fourteenth amendments.

Thomas H. Roberts was assigned to the Military Accounts Committee and Ambrose H. Wentworth was assigned to Retrenchment and Reform Committee. They were allocated 105 miles for their travel allowance.

New Hampshire was the twenty-third state of the necessary twenty-seven state approvals necessary for ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

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

Rep. Roberts and Rep. Wentworth, both of Milton, were among the 215 NH House members [69.1%] that voted in favor of the Thirteenth Amendment, on Thursday, June 29, 1865, while another 96 NH House members [30.9%] voted against it. (Several absent members were permitted to add their votes, be they pro (2) or con (1), after the initial vote).

The New Hampshire legislature has passed the amendment to the Constitution by a vote of 217, including 8 democrats, against 98 (Ellsworth American (Ellsworth, ME), July 7, 1865).

Both houses of the NH General Court finalized their approvals by July 1, 1865. (Other states would add their approval to the Thirteenth Amendment after its ratification, some as late as 1995).

A year later, New Hampshire was the second state of the twenty-eight state approvals necessary for ratification of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

ARTICLE XIV. Section 1. All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. Section 2. Representatives shall be apportioned among the several States according to their respective numbers, counting the whole number of persons in each State, excluding Indians not taxed. But when the right to vote at any election for the choice of electors for President and Vice President of the United States, Representatives in Congress, the Executive and Judicial officers of a State, or the members of the Legislature thereof, is denied to any of the male inhabitants of such State, being twenty-one years of age, and citizens of the United States, or in any way abridged, except for participation in rebellion, or other crime, the basis of representation therein shall be reduced in the proportion which the number of such male citizens shall bear to the whole number of male citizens twenty-one years of age in such State. Section 3. No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may, by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability. Section 4. The validity of the public debt of the United States, authorized by law, including debts incurred for payment of pensions and bounties for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion, shall not be questioned. But neither the United States nor any State shall assume or pay any debt or obligation incurred in aid of insurrection or rebellion against the United States, or any claim for the loss or emancipation of any slave; but all such debts, obligations and claims shall be held illegal and void. Section 5. The Congress shall have power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article.

Rep. Roberts and Rep. Wentworth, both of Milton, were among the 207 NH House members [64.9%] that voted in favor of the Fourteenth Amendment, on Thursday, June 28, 1866, while another 112 NH House members [35.1%] voted against it.

The Legislature of New Hampshire has adopted the amendment to the Constitution proposed by Congress: yeas, 203; nays, 107, a strict party vote (Vermont Christian Messenger (Montpelier, VT), July 5, 1866).

Both houses of the NH General Court finalized their approvals by July 6, 1866. (Other states would add their approval to the Fourteenth Amendment after its ratification, some as late as 2003).

On Friday, June 29, 1866, Rep. S.G. [Brig. Gen. Simon G.] Griffin (1824-1902) of Keene, NH, from the Military Affairs Committee, presented a petition seeking to authorize towns to “equalize” enlistment bounties. (Some towns had outbid others during recruiting). He moved that it should be ruled inexpedient to legislate (ITL). Rep. Isaac Adams (1802-1883) of Sandwich, NH, moved the alternative that it should be recommitted to the Military Affairs Committee in order that they might produce a bill on the subject. In the roll call vote that followed. Rep. Roberts and Rep. Wentworth, both of Milton, were among the minority of 97 members [43.3%] that voted to recommit, as opposed to the majority of 127 members [56.7%] that voted not to recommit.

On Friday, July 6, 1866, Rep. Alvah M. Kimball (1829-1869) of Rochester, NH, moved that a committee report on spiritous liquors, which recommended indefinite postponement of sundry petitions and bills related to the subject, be accepted. Rep. Roberts and Rep. Wentworth, both of Milton, were among the minority of 102 members [42.1%] that voted to accept the report, as opposed to the majority of 140 members [57.9%] that voted not to accept the report.

Thomas H. Roberts married in Acton, ME, November 9, 1866, Eliza Jane “Jennie” Hilton. She was born in Acton, ME, February 28, 1841, daughter of Andrew and Eliza Ann (Paul) Hilton.

(The known children of Thomas H. and Eliza J. (Hilton) Roberts were Dora Etta Roberts (1872-1956), and John Hilton Roberts (1875-1955)).

Thomas H. Roberts received an initial appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, April 11, 1868. (He does not seem to have had a renewal appointment, which would have been due in 1873).

MILTON. Justices – Charles Jones, Luther Hayes, State; Elbridge W. Fox, Joseph Plumer, Ebenezer Wentworth, Charles A. Cloutman, Asa Jewett, Joseph Cook, Robert Mathes, Ira C. Varney, George Lyman, George W. Peavey, Martin V.B. Cook, John T. Hersey, George W. Tasker, Edward W. Fox, Ezra H. Twombly, Thomas H. Roberts, John U. Şimes, Larkin A. Craig [Lang] (McFarland & Jenks, 1869).

Nicholas H. Roberts, a farmer, aged sixty-eight years (b. ME), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Dorathy [(Hurd)] Roberts, keeping house, aged sixty-eight years (b. ME), Thomas H. Roberts, a farm laborer, aged thirty-six years (b. ME), Jane E. [(Hilton)] Roberts, house keeping, aged twenty-nine years (b. ME), Mary Roberts, works in woolen mill, aged thirty-two years (b. ME), and Frank Guptill, a farm laborer, aged sixteen years (b. NH). Nicholas H. Roberts had real estate valued at $3,000 and personal estate valued at $830.

The Milton Selectmen of 1870 were Charles Hayes, David Wallingford, Jr., and Thomas H. Roberts. Thomas H. Roberts was also the Town Treasurer.

Daughter Dora Etta Roberts was born in Milton, April 22, 1872.

Mother Dorothy (Hurd) Roberts died of consumption in Milton, May 17, 1872, aged seventy years, five months.

Father-in-law Andrew Hilton died in Acton, ME, December 27, 1873, aged sixty-four years.

Son John Hilton Roberts was born in Somersworth, NH, March 9, 1875.

Father Nicholas H. Roberts died of gangrene of the foot in Shapleigh, ME, September 12, 1879, aged seventy-eight years. Dr. [Horace] Webber was his attending physician.

DEATHS. In North Shapleigh, Sept. 2, Nicholas H. Roberts, aged 77 years, 6 months (Portland Daily Press (Portland, ME), September 12, 1879).

Thomas H. Roberts, a clerk in woolen mill, aged forty-six years (b. ME), headed a North Shapleigh, ME, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Jennie E. [(Hilton)] Roberts, keeping house, aged thirty-nine years (b. ME), his children, Dora E. Roberts, aged seven years (b. ME), and John H. Roberts, aged five years (b. ME), and his sister, Mary A. Roberts, aged forty-three years (b. ME).

North Shapleigh. Mrs. Thomas H. Roberts has gone to Lewiston to spend a few weeks with Johnny and Dora Roberts who are attending college there (Biddeford Daily Journal (Biddeford, ME), April 8, 1887).

REAL ESTATE TRANSFERS. The following real estate transfers in York county for the week ending Feb. 18, 1880, have been recorded at the register of deeds office: … SHAPLEIGH – Feb. 1. John Cook of Shapleigh to Thomas H. Roberts of same place, real estate in Shapleigh for $250 (Biddeford Daily Journal (Biddeford, ME), February 20, 1889).

SOMEWHAT PERSONAL. … Miss Dora Roberts, Bates, ’94, left Lewiston, Monday, for a few weeks’ visit to Boston (Lewiston Sun-Journal (Lewiston, ME), December 8, 1890).

Mother-in-law Eliza A. (Paul) Hilton died in Lewiston, ME, October 24, 1891, aged seventy-five years.

BATES COLLEGE. … Miss Dora Roberts, Bates ’94, of Elm street, Lewiston, whose critical illness was reported some time ago has recovered sufficiently to be about again but will not return to her class for some time yet (Lewiston Sun-Journal (Lewiston, ME), February 19, 1892).

Thomas H. Roberts would later be said to have spent a year in the “West,” and was then employed for several years as a bookkeeper for an iron foundry in Auburn, ME.

ANDROSCOGGIN TRANSFERS. AUBURN. – David H. Leavitt to Thomas H. Roberts, land – 850 (Lewiston Sun-Journal (Lewiston, ME), September 8, 1892).

Son J.H. Roberts, Auburn, and daughter, Miss Dora Roberts, [Auburn,] were among the 33 excursionists that departed the Auburn Central Station, September 11, 1893, for the World’s Columbian Exposition (or World’s Fair), held in Chicago, IL, between May and October 1893. Over two hundred made the same trip that week (Lewiston Sun-Journal (Lewiston, ME), September 11, 1893; Lewiston Sun-Journal (Lewiston, ME), September 18, 1893).

OUR CITIES AND COUNTY. A number of people on one of the Lewiston excursions were in the railroad smashup at Ravenna, O. [Ohio], while en route for Washington. Among the party were Mrs. Addison Small, Miss Dora Roberts, Mr. John Roberts, Miss Bolster of Auburn and Mr. Roscoe Small. None of our local friends were hurt (Lewiston Sun-Journal (Lewiston, ME), September 23, 1893).

OUR CITIES AND COUNTY. Miss Dora Roberts and Miss Virgie Golder of Lewiston returned from the World’s Fair, Saturday (Lewiston Sun-Journal (Lewiston, ME), September 26, 1893).

Daughter Dora E. Roberts was to speak on “Accuracy: An Index to Character” at the Junior Exposition at Bates College, June 26, 1894 (Lewiston Sun-Journal (Lewiston, ME), June 25, 1894). She would have been graduating with the Senior class were it not for her previous illness.

AUBURN CITY AFFAIRS. … The following petitions which have been tabled were taken up and referred to the appropriate committee: … Of Thomas H. Roberts for building a street between Fourth avenue and Jefferson street (Lewiston Sun-Journal (Lewiston, ME), May 20, 1896).

Daughter Dora Etta Roberts of Auburn, ME, spoke at her own graduation with the Class of 1895 on “Possunt quia posse videntor” [“They can because they think they can”], which was held at the Main Street Free Baptist Church, June 27, 1895. She received First Honor in Modern Languages.

OUR CITIES AND COUNTY. … Miss Dora Roberts of Auburn, daughter of Treasurer Roberts of the Auburn Stove Foundry, has been elected assistant teacher of the Pittsfield Institute at Pittsfield, Me. (Lewiston Sun-Journal (Lewiston, ME), July 20, 1895).

MAINE MATTERS. … The Trustees of the Maine Central Institute have elected Dora E. Roberts, A.B., of Auburn, as teacher to succeed Miss Eva Taylor, who resigned to accept a situation in Connecticut (Biddeford-Saco Journal (Biddeford, ME), July 26, 1895).

PERSONAL. … Miss Dora Roberts, Bates ’95, who has been teaching in Pittsfield, returned Saturday to her home on Park hill, Auburn, where she will spend her two weeks’ vacation (Lewiston Sun-Journal (Lewiston, ME), November 27, 1895).

Daughter Dora E. Roberts gave up her school teaching job in Auburn, ME, in November 1896, due to illness.

OUR CITIES AND COUNTY. Miss Dora Roberts, a teacher in the Edward Little High School, Auburn, has resigned on account of ill health (Lewiston Sun-Journal (Lewiston, ME), November 5, 1896).

ANDROSCOGGIN TRANSFERS. AUBURN. – Thomas H. Roberts to Albert H. Conant – 1 (Lewiston Sun-Journal (Lewiston, ME), November 18, 1896).

OUR CITIES AND COUNTY. CITY EDITOR’S TELEPHONE CALL 355-2. JOURNAL BUSINESS OFFICE CALL 20-2. … Mr. Thomas H. Roberts has certified to his election as clerk of the Auburn Stove Foundry Co., and Mr. George E. Davies has certified to his election as clerk of Hutchins, Curtis & Co. (Lewiston Evening Journal Lewiston, ME), January 29, 1898).

Thomas H. Roberts left his position at the Auburn Stove Foundry due to cataract vision problems and purchased a farm in Acton, ME.

PERSONAL. Thomas H. Roberts of Auburn is moving to Union, N.H. (Lewiston Daily Sun (Lewiston, ME), April 4, 1899).

Thomas H. Robberts, a farmer, aged sixty-six years (b. ME), headed an Acton, ME, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of thirty-three years), Eliza J. [(Hilton)] Robberts, aged fifty-nine years (b. ME), and his children, Dora E. Robberts, a teacher, aged twenty-eight years (b. ME), and John H. Robberts, a farm laborer, aged twenty-five years (b. NH). Thomas H. Robberts owned their farm, free-and-clear. Eliza J. Robberts was the mother of two children, of whom two were still living.

Son John H. Roberts married in Acton, ME, January 29, 1902, Alice Caverly Laskey, both of Acton, ME. He was a farmer, aged twenty-six years, and she was a housekeeper, aged twenty-six years. Rev. E.W. Churchill performed the ceremony. She was born in Dover, NH, February 13, 1875, daughter of Jonas S. and Sarah A. (Vinal) Laskey.

A GRADUATE OF BATES. Miss Dora E. Roberts Unanimously Elected Assistant Teacher at Dover High School, N.H. Dover, N.H., April 4 – Miss Dora E. Roberts of Lewiston, Me., has been unanimously elected assistant teacher at the High school here to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Robert J. Sisk. Miss Roberts is a graduate of the Lewiston High school and of Bates College – She now is a teacher in the Lincoln Academy at New Castle, Maine (Lewiston Daily Sun (Lewiston, ME, April 5, 1902).

ANDROS. TRANSFERS. AUBURN. – Thomas H. Roberts to Warren McFadden – 200 (Lewiston Sun-Journal (Lewiston, ME), April 23, 1902).

Thomas H. Roberts, a farmer (own farm), aged seventy-six years (b. ME), headed an Acton, ME, household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of forty-three years), Eliza J. [(Hilton)] Roberts, aged sixty-nine years (b. ME), his son, John H. Roberts, a farmer (home farm), aged thirty-five years (b. NH), his daughter-in-law (of one year), Alice C. [(Laskey)] Roberts, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), and his grandson, Luther H. Roberts, aged three years (b. ME). Thomas H. Roberts owned their farm, free-and-clear. Eliza J. Roberts was the mother of two children, of whom two were still living.

Laura M. Beecher, a hospital nurse, aged nineteen years (b. VT), headed a Boston, MA, household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. Her household included her lodgers, Margaret M. Wyman, a hospital laborer, aged thirty-six years (b. Canada), Edna N. Adam, a hospital nurse, aged twenty-two years (b. MA), Eva Holloway, a hospital nurse, aged twenty-six years (b. Canada), Mary E. Rofter, aged nineteen years (b. MA), Belle W. Fox, a hospital nurse, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), Frances R. Renear, a hospital nurse, aged twenty-one years (b. MA), Dora E. Roberts, a hospital clerk, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), Marion E. Sweeny, a hospital nurse, aged twenty-two years (b. MA), Josephine G. Kennedy, a hospital nurse, aged nineteen years (b. MA), and Rose A. Dever, a hospital nurse, aged twenty-five years (b. Ireland). Laura M. Beecher rented their house at 92 Charles Street.

The Acton farmhouse of Thomas H. Roberts was mentioned in a 1911 description of Milton Mills.

On the Lebanon road [in Acton, ME,] and a little farther off is the farm home of Thomas H. Roberts. It is appropriately named Valley View.

ACTON. (Special to the Tribune). … Mr. Thomas H. Roberts is very low with pneumonia (Sanford Tribune (Biddeford, ME), March 24, 1916).

Thomas H. Roberts died of double lobar pneumonia in Acton, ME, March 29, 1916, aged eighty-two years, three months, and nine days. H.E. Anderson, M.D., signed the death certificate.

ACTON. THOMAS H. ROBERTS. Thomas H. Roberts, a well-known and highly esteemed citizen, passed away with the dreaded disease, pneumonia, at his home last Tuesday at the advanced age of 82 years. Mr. Roberts was born at Albion, Maine, but the most of his early life was spent in Milton, N.H., where a portion of that time was devoted to farming, and a portion to teaching. At the age of 21 he had the misfortune to lose his right hand but although handicapped in this way success seemed to attend his every undertaking. He spent several years as agent in the woolen manufacturing mill at North Shapleigh, one year in the west and several years in Auburn, where he was associated in an iron foundry business. In this business he worked as bookkeeper and finally his eyesight became greatly impaired by cataracts so that he disconnected himself from the business came to this town bought a farm on which he moved and spent the remainder of his life. Mr. Roberts was deeply interested in all good causes especially that of the church to which he contributed freely of his means. He was a member of the Free Baptist church for a great many years. At the age of 33 he married Jennie Hilton of Hilton Ridge who with two children, Miss Dora Roberts of Boston, and Mr. John Roberts, who lives at the home: one grandson, Luther H. Roberts and one sister Mrs. Jane Durgin, live to mourn their loss. Funeral services were held at the home Saturday afternoon, Rev. George Southwick officiating. Interment in cemetery at Milton Mills, N.H. Floral tributes were numerous and beautiful (Sanford Tribune (Biddeford, ME), April 7, 1916).

Dora E. Roberts, an institutional matron, aged forty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Boston, MA, household at the time of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census. She was matron of the Home for Aged Women at 108 Revere Street, which had eighty-four “inmates,” i.e., patients or residents, and twenty-seven “servants,” i.e., staffers.

John H. Roberts, a blanket mill wrapper, aged forty-four years (b. NH), headed an Acton, ME, household at the time of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Alice C. [(Laskey)] Roberts, aged forty-four years (b. NH), his son, Luther H. Roberts, aged thirteen years (b. ME), his mother, Eliza J. [(Hilton)] Roberts, a widow, aged seventy-eight years (b. ME), and his boarder, Margaret G. Patch, aged fourteen years (b. ME). John H. Roberts owned their farm on the Fox Ridge Road, free-and-clear.

Eliza J. “Jennie” (Hilton) Roberts died in 1920.

Daughter Dora E. Roberts appeared in the Boston, MA, directory of 1923, as a matron at 108 Revere street, with her residence at the same address. She joined the Bates College residential staff circa 1923 and did not appear in the Boston, MA, directory of 1924.

Other Faculty Changes. … Miss Doris P. Goodwin, who came to Bates from Simmons College, has given satisfaction as director of the College commons. Although without previous experience she has been resourceful in meeting what has always been a difficult situation. Miss Dora E. Roberts, for the last five years director of the Rand hall dining room, will succeed Miss Goodwin. Miss Roberts will be relieved of her responsibilities as director of women’s residences and will next year have the management of both dining rooms. She has more than proved her competency to assume this larger responsibility (Lewiston Sun-Journal (Lewiston, ME), June 16, 1928).

Clifton D. Gray, [Bates] college president, aged fifty-five years (b. MA), headed a Lewiston, ME, household at the time of the Fifteenth (1930) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of twenty-nine years), Neva B. [(Ham)] Gray, aged fifty-four years (b. NH), his son, Clifton D. Gray, Jr., aged thirteen years (b. IL), his mother, Alida M. [(Daggett)] Gray, aged eighty-one years (b. MA), his servant, Minnie I. Currie, a private family cook, aged sixty-three years (b. Canada), his lodgers, Blanche M. Hayes, [Bates] college French instructor, aged thirty years (b. France), Dora E. Roberts, [Bates] college dietician, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH), Ransford M. Smith, aged twenty years (b. ME), Milford L. Coombs, aged twenty-four years (b. ME), and Nevel W. Huff, aged twenty-three years (b. MA). Clifton D. Gray rented their house at 256 College Street, for $100 per month. They had a radio set.

John H. Roberts, a general farm farmer, aged fifty-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills Village”) household at the time of the Fifteenth (1930) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of twenty-six years), Alice C. [(Laskey)] Roberts, aged fifty-five years (b. NH), his son, Luther Roberts, an odd jobs laborer, aged twenty-three years (b. ME), his adopted children, Harold Roberts, aged nine years (b. NH), and Margaret Roberts, a woolen mill weaver, aged twenty-four years (b. ME), and his nephew, Ira S. Laskey, an odd jobs laborer, aged forty-two years (b. NH). John H. Roberts owned their farm on the Union Road. They had a radio set. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Henry Amory, an odd jobs laborer, aged seventy years (b. ME), and Othello Runnells, a fibre mill dryer, aged twenty-eight years (b. ME).

Prof. Blanche Townsend Gilbert of the Bates College faculty, who is on a leave of absence and is staying at Safety Harbor, Fla., for the winter, is reported much improved in health. Miss Dora E. Roberts, a former dietician at Bates, is with her (Lewiston Sun-Journal (Lewiston, ME), February 5, 1938).

LITTLE WHITE SCHOOL PUPILS HAD REUNION. There was a happy reunion of four classmates of the North Shapleigh Little White school house at the home of Mrs. Don A. Wright in Sanford over the week-end, the quartette having attended this school more than two score years ago. The group included Miss Dora E. Roberts of Milton and Boston, Miss Mabel E. Boynton of Oneonta, N.Y., and Mrs. Florence M. Emery of Sanford, widow of Edward H. Emery, who was for many years active in the work of the Christian Civic League of Maine. It was through an article in a Portland paper several years ago concerning Miss Roberts, that she was rediscovered by her old classmates. Miss Roberts was for 14 years dietitian at Bates college where she was known as “Ma” Roberts to both students and faculty members. She retired from this position a year ago and was succeeded by Mrs. Willis H. Folsom of Springvale. Miss Boynton was critic and model teaching instructor at the Oneonta Normal school for many years, retiring from teaching five years ago. Mrs. Wright and Mrs. Emery have married and have made their homes in Sanford (Biddeford-Saco Journal (Biddeford, ME), August 15, 1938).

E. Dora Roberts, aged sixty-seven years, headed a Boston, MA, household at the time of the Sixteenth (1940) Federal Census. E. Dora Roberts rented her apartment at 52 South Russell Street, for $42 per month. She had resided in Lewiston, ME, in 1935.

John H. Roberts, a teamster, aged sixty-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills”) household at the time of the Sixteenth (1940) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Alice C. [(Laskey)] Roberts, aged sixty-three years (b. NH), his children, Luther H. Roberts, aged thirty-three years (b. ME), Margaret G. Roberts, a blanket mill weaver, aged thirty-five years (b. ME), Harold F. Roberts, aged nineteen years (b. NH), and his boarder, Ira Laskey, aged fifty-two years (b. NH). John H. Roberts owned their farm on Main Street, which was valued at $2,500. They had all resided in the “same house” in April 1935.

John H. Roberts, a farmer, aged seventy-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventeenth (1950) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Alice C. [(Laskey)] Roberts, aged seventy-five years (b. NH), and his children, Margaret J. Roberts, a woolen mill weaver, aged forty-five years (b. ME), Luther H. Roberts, aged forty-three years (b. ME), and Harold F. Roberts, a farm helper, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH). Their house was the “7th house on the left.”

Daughter Dora E. Roberts donated $200 to the Milton Cemetery Fund, July 21, 1952 (Milton Annual Report, 1952).

Daughter Dora E. Roberts appeared in the Boston, MA, Directory of 1953, as having her house at 52 S. Russell Street.

Son John H. Roberts died in Milton Mills, April 11, 1955, aged eighty years.

John H. Roberts. John H. Roberts, 80, died Monday evening last week at his home after a long illness. He was born in Somersworth, N.H., Mar. 9, 1875, the son of Thomas H. and Eliza Hilton Roberts, and had lived here most of his life. He was a member of the Milton Mills Baptist Church and Pleasant Valley Grange. He leaves his wife, Mrs. Alice Laskey Roberts; two sons, Luther and Harold; a daughter, Miss Margaret Roberts; and a sister Miss Dora Roberts, Boston, Mass. Funeral services were held in the Methodist Church last Thursday with Rev. Buell Maxfield, pastor of the Baptist Church, officiating. Burial was in the Milton Mills Cemetery. Bearers were Clyde Laskey, Crosby Laskey, Ralph Laskey, John Hobbs, and Lester Hobbs. Arrangements were under the direction of the C.L. Peaslee Funeral Home of Union, N.H. (Sanford Tribune (Biddeford, ME), April 21, 1955).

Daughter Dora E. Roberts died in at the Sturtevant Nursing Home in Brookline, MA, December 13, 1956, aged eighty-four years.

Dora Etta Roberts. Miss Dora Etta Roberts, 84, a former resident of this community more than 17 years, died Dec. 13 at the Sturtevant Nursing Home Brookline, Mass., after a long illness. Bom at Milton, N.H., April 22, 1872, she was the daughter of Thomas and Eliza J. Hilton Roberts. In 1896 she was an instructor in Auburn schools. From 1923 to 1928 she was director of residences for women at Bates College and later became director of dining halls. She held this post until 1937 at which time she resigned. Well known in this community Miss Roberts attended local Baptist churches and was treasurer at the Androscoggin Woman’s Literary Union from 1936 to 1937. In 1942 she was a record librarian at the Massachusetts General Hospital (Lewiston Journal (Lewiston, ME), December 21, 1956).

Daughter-in-law Alice C. (Laskey) Roberts died in Milton, August 13, 1961, aged eighty-six years.

DEATHS. MRS. ALICE L. ROBERTS. Milton Mills – Mrs. Alice L. Roberts, 86, died Sunday at her home after a long illness. A native of Dover, she had been a longtime resident of Milton Mills. She leaves two sons, Luther H. Roberts and Harold P. Roberts, a daughter, Miss Margaret O. Roberts, all of Milton Mills. Funeral services were at the Methodist Church Wednesday afternoon. Burial was in the Milton Mills cemetery (Farmington News, August 17, 1961).

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References:

Find a Grave. (2014, September 20). Andrew Hilton. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/136150775/andrew-hilton

Find a Grave. (2013, July 29). Dora Etta Roberts. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114610323/dora-etta-roberts

Find a Grave. (2013, August 11). John H. Roberts. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/115296844/john-h-roberts

Find a Grave. (2013. July 29). Nicholas H. Roberts. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114610371/nicholas-h-roberts

Find a Grave. (2013. July 29). Thomas H. Roberts. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114610470/thomas-h-roberts

NH General Court. (1866). Journal of the House of Representatives of the State of New-Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=szgtAQAAMAAJ&pg=RA1-PA5

Wikipedia. (2023, May 11). Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourteenth_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution

Wikipedia. (2023, May 6). Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thirteenth_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution

Wikipedia. (2023, May 23). World’s Columbian Exposition. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World%27s_Columbian_Exposition

By Muriel Bristol | July 8, 2023

John Scales compiled a list of Milton Town Clerks from 1802 through 1884 for his History of Strafford County and Representative Citizens.

The following have been town clerks during the first eight [eighty] years: 1802-06, Gilman Jewett; 1807-10, John Fish; 1811-22, Levi Jones; 1823-39, Stephen M. Mathes; 1840, James M. Twombly; 1841-51, Robert Mathes; 1852-53, Daniel E. Palmer; 1854-55, Ezra W. [H.] Twombly; 1856-68, Joseph Mathes; 1869, George W. Tasker; 1870-74, Joseph Mathes; 1874-84 [-87], Charles H. Looney;

To which may be appended another list of Milton Town Clerks from 1884 through 1957 compiled from Milton Town Reports.

1888-95, Charles D. Jones; 1896-36, Harry L. Avery; 1937-42; Louise P. Avery; 1943-57, Ruth L. Plummer.

References:

Scales, John. (1914). History of Strafford County and Representative Citizens. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=nGsjAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA512

By Muriel Bristol | July 2, 2023

Daniel P. Warren was born in Rochester, NH, March 26, 1815, son of William and Susannah (Roberts) Warren.

Daniel P. Warren received an initial five-year appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, December 14, 1840. Enoch Banfield received one also the same day.

Justices of the Peace. Milton – Levi Jones, Stephen Drew, Daniel Hayes, Hanson Hayes, John Nutter, Theodore C. Lyman, John L. Swinerton, Joseph Cook, John J. Plumer, Daniel Hayes, jr., Enoch Banfield, Daniel P. Warren, Joseph Cook, James Berry, Wm. B. Lyman (NH Register and Farmer’s Almanac, 1844).

Daniel P. Warren received a five-year renewal appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, December 23, 1845. Enoch Banfield received one also the same day.

Justices of the Peace. MILTON – Levi Jones, Stephen Drew, Hanson Hayes, John Nutter, Theodore C. Lyman, John L. Swinerton, Joseph Cook, John J. Plumer, Daniel Hayes, Jr., Enoch Banfield, Daniel P. Warren, James Berry, William B. Lyman, Levi Hayes, Jr., James Furnald (NH Register and Farmer’s Almanac, 1846).

Daniel P. Warren married in Milton, March 3, 1847, Irena B. Twombly. She was born in Milton, August 31, 1826. daughter of James M. and Eunice (Burrows) Twombly.

(The known children of Daniel P. and Irena B. (Twombly) Warren were: Edgar B. Warren (1851-1907), and Eunice E. Warren (1857-)).

Daniel P. Warren appeared in a New England business directory of 1849, as proprietor of a Milton dry goods, grocery and variety store.

Daniel P. Warren, a shoe manufacturer, aged thirty-four years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Irene B. [(Twombly)] Warren, aged twenty-four years (b. NH). Daniel P. Warren had real estate valued at $2,500. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Leonard Ricker, a shoemaker, aged thirty-two years (b. NH), and George Carlisle, a machinist, aged fifty-four years (b. ME).

Daniel P. Warren received a five-year renewal appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, November 1, 1850.

Son Edgar B. Warren was born in Milton, September 16, 1851.

The NH Annual Register & US Calendar of 1853 identified Milton’s Justices of the Peace as being Stephen Drew, John L. Swinerton, Joseph Cook, John J. Plumer, Daniel Hayes, Jr., Daniel P. Warren, James Berry, Ichabod H. Wentworth, Joseph Pearl, Robert Mathes, Elias S. Cook, David Wallingford, John E. Goodwin, Charles C. Hayes, Jas. Jewett, Thos. Y. Wentworth, Asa Fox, James Connor, and Eli Wentworth (Lyon, 1853).

Daniel P. Warren received a five-year renewal appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, November 2, 1855.

Daughter Eunice E. Warren was born in Milton, March 30, 1857.

Father William Warren died in Alton, NH, July 24, 1857.

Mother-in-law Eunice (Burrows) Twombly died of consumption in Milton, March 2, 1859, aged fifty-nine years, nine months, and twenty-four days.

Daniel P. Warren was mentioned as an abutter when Thomas M. Wentworth foreclosed on the mortgage of a neighboring property in January 1860.

Notice of Foreclosure. The undersigned hereby gives public notice that Elisabeth J. Wentworth, of Lebanon, in the county of York and State of Maine, married woman, by her deed of Mortgage dated Feb. 14th, 1839, recorded Feb. 14th, 1839, in Book 260, pages 341-2 of York County Records, conveyed to Caroline E. Wentworth, of the same Lebanon, married woman, a certain tract or parcel of land situate in said Lebanon, and bounded and described as follows, to wit: – by the road leading from West Lebanon to Three Ponds Village, in Milton. North-Westerly by land of Daniel P. Warren, South-Westerly by land of John Lucas and land of Orrin Merrow, and South-Easterly by land formerly owned by the Congregational Parish in Lebanon. The aforesaid Caroline E. Wentworth sold and assigned and made over the aforesaid mortgage on the 5th of September, A.D. 1839, to one Charles H. Ricker, duly recorded, as will appear by the York County Records, Book 262, pages 391-3, and the aforesaid Charles H. Ricker sold, assigned and made over the aforesaid mortgage to Thomas M. Wentworth, of Lebanon aforesaid, the undersigned, who is now the holder and owner thereof, on the 19th of September, A.D. 1839, as will appear by York County Records, Book 262, pages 391-3. The condition in said deed been broken, and by reason whereof the undersigned claims to foreclose the right of redemption of said mortgaged tract of land. THOMAS M. WENTWORTH. Dated at Lebanon the twenty-sixth day of January, A.D. 1860 (Biddeford Union & Journal (Biddeford, ME), February 10, 1860).

D.P. Warren, a shoe manufacturer, aged forty-four years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Irene B. [(Twombly)] Warren, aged thirty-two years (b. NH), Edgar B. Warren, aged eight years (b. NH), and Eunice E. Warren, aged three years (b. NH). D.P. Warren had real estate valued at $4,000 and personal estate valued at $7,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of E.R. Lord, aged thirty-nine years (b. NH), and James W. Nutter, a shoemaker, aged thirty-one years (b. NH).

Daniel P. Warren received a five-year renewal appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, November 24, 1860. In the renewal column there was instead a notation “Boston,” i.e., he had removed to Boston, MA, prior to his renewal date of November 1865.

Daniel P. Warren, L.L. Leighton, and C.E. Wiggin signed the last will of Paul Jewett of Rochester, NH, as witnesses, April 9, 1861 (Strafford County Probate, 70:426).

George Barker had Daniel P. Warren arrested for a debt, on December 26, 1864, while Warren and his family were enroute to Marlborough, MA. (Warren would not be renewed as a Milton justice-of-the-peace due to his removal to Massachusetts).

ASSUMPSIT. On the 26th of Dec., 1864, the defendant was arrested on the writ, which had upon it the plaintiff’s affidavit of the defendant’s indebtedness to him in more than $13.33, and of his belief that the defendant was about to leave the State to avoid the payment of his debts. The defendant gave bail, and at the return term of the court furnished his affidavit and answered under oath all interrogatories proposed by the plaintiff, and moved that he and his bail be discharged. It appeared that the defendant, the last of October or first of November, 1864, made arrangements to change his residence from Milton in this county to Marlborough in Massachusetts; that while on his way there with his family he was arrested on the writ in this case; that though he intended to leave this State, it was not for the purpose of avoiding the payment of his debts, but solely for the purpose of taking up his residence in Marlborough and endeavoring to get into business there in order to support himself and his family; that after he had given bail he went to Marlborough with his family, and has ever since been and still is a resident of Marlborough intending to remain there permanently. The court ruled that the defendant’s motion should be granted. The plaintiff excepted, and this case was reserved (NH Supreme Court, 1867).

Daniel P. Warren, a farmer, aged forty-five years (b. Rochester, NH), headed a Marlborough, MA, household at the time of the Second (1865) MA State Census. His household included Irena B. [(Twombly)] Warren, a housekeeper, aged thirty-nine years (b. Milton, NH), Edgar B. Warren, aged thirteen years (b. Milton, NH), and Eunie E. Warren, aged eight years (b. Milton, NH).

Proceedings in Bankruptcy. IN BANKRUPTCY. The undersigned hereby gives notice of his appointment as Assignee of the estate of DANIEL P. WARREN of Hudson, Mass., adjudged a Bankrupt on his own petition. ALBERT COLBY. ap22 W3t (Boston Evening Transcript, April 29, 1868).

Daniel P. Warren of Massachusetts appeared in the National Bankruptcy Register in 1869 (Deller, 1869).

Betsy M. [(Roberts)] Meserve, keeping house, aged fifty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Charlestown, MA, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. Her household included Daniel P. Warren, a grocer, aged fifty-three years (b. NH), Irene [(Twombly)] Warren, aged forty-two years (b. NH), Edgar B. Warren, attending school, aged eighteen years (b. NH), and Eunie Warren, attending school, aged thirteen years (b. NH). Betsy M. Meserve had real estate valued at $3,500. (Betsy M. Meserve was the widow of Milton native Charles Y. Meserve (1815-1869)).

Daniel P. Warren appeared in the very extensive list of Boston justices-of-the-peace in 1873.

Son Edgar B. Warren married in Boston, MA, December 2, 1878, Flotella M. Tibbetts, he of Somerville, MA, and she of Boston, MA. He was a salesman, aged twenty-six years, and she was aged twenty-three years. Rev. Alfred A. Wright performed the ceremony. She was born in Charlestown, MA, circa 1853, daughter of Sewall D. and Melissa [(Hammond)] Tibbetts.

Daughter-in-law Flotella M. (Tibbetts) Warren died of childbirth peritonitis at 15 Eden Street in Boston, MA, November 15, 1879, aged twenty-four years, two months, and seventeen days.

Daniel P. Warren, a book agent, aged sixty years (b. NH), headed a Somerville, MA, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Irena B. [(Twombly)] Warren, keeping house, aged fifty-two years (b. NH), his children, Edgar B. Warren, shoe business, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH), and Eunie E. Warren, a music teacher, aged twenty-two years (b. NH), and his boarder, Dyer Smith, at home, aged seventy-nine years (b. MA). They resided at 2 Murray Street.

Daniel P. Warren died of heart disease in Winthrop, MA, June 7, 1881, aged sixty-seven years, two months, and twelve days. He was a carpenter.

Father-in-law James M. Twombly died in Lebanon, ME, October 25, 1885.

Irena B. Warren appeared in the Somerville, MA, directory of 1889, as widow of Daniel P. Warren, with her house at 2 Charles street. Edgar B. Warren appeared twice. In both entries he dealt in boots and shoes at 111 Summer street, Boston, MA, boarding in one entry at 42 Vinal street and boarding in the other entry at 2 Charles street. Miss Eunie E. Warren appeared as a music teacher, boarding at 2 Charles street.

Irena B. Warren appeared in the Somerville, MA, directory of 1892, as the widow of Daniel P. Warren, with her house at 2 Charles street. Edgar B. Warren appeared as a traveling salesman (134 Summer street, Boston), boarding at 2 Charles street. Eunice E. Warren appeared as a music teacher, boarding at 2 Charles street.

Irena B. (Twombly) Warren died of consumption of the bowels and pulmonary tuberculosis at 259 Broadway Street in Somerville, MA, May 30, 1894, aged sixty-seven years, nine months. She was at home.

Daughter Eunice E. “Eunie” Warren has not been found in the record after 1894. She does not seem to have been reported missing, but her brother would mention her status in 1903 as “whereabouts unknown.”

Edgar B. Warren appeared in the Boston, MA, directory of 1895, as treasurer at 134 Summer street, with his house at Somerville, MA. He appeared in the Boston, MA, directory of 1898, as employed at 134 Summer street, with his house at Newton Centre, MA.

Son Edgar B. Warren of Boston, MA, made his last will, April 17, 1903. He devised $500 to Alfred S. Hill of Somerville, MA, “in memory of our long friendship and his willingness to act as my executor without compensation.” He devised a lot of land in Quincy, MA, to his cousin, Florence M. Twombly of Jamaica Plain, MA. He devised his interest in the estate of his late grandfather, James M. Twombly of Lebanon, ME, to his cousin, Edith G. Twombly of Jamaica Plain, MA. He devised to his sister-in-law, Grace A. [(Tibbetts)] Shapleigh, formerly of Somerville, MA, but now of Southern Pines, NC, all his books, personal papers, jewelry, clothing, furniture, and other household goods not hereinafter specified in gifts to others. He devised to his housekeeper, F. Etta Eagleson, his estate in Florida, MA, with its stock, tools, furniture, and other household goods, excepting those items given already to Grace A. Shapleigh.

Edgar B. Warren devised all his remaining property, real and personal, money, all stocks, mortgages, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness to me to Alfred S. Hill. He was to control, administer, invest and reinvest by him in his discretion, in trust, in order to pay an allowance to his sister, Eunice E. Warren, whose present whereabouts are unknown to me, during her natural life. Upon her death, Hill should pay over $500 to Florence M. Twombly, $500 to Grace A. Shapleigh, and the remainder to the Boston Young Men’s Christian Union. Should either Florene M. Twombly or Grace A. Shapleigh predecease his sister, their share should go to the said Boston Young Men’s Christian Union. George L. Mayberry, Frank L. Washburn, and Edgar Weeks signed as witnesses.

Son Edgar B. Warren of Boston, MA, died of stomach dilation in Florida, MA, August 17, 1907, aged fifty-five years, eleven months, and seventeen days. Charles H. Bradley, M.D., of Readsboro, VT, signed the death certificate. [His housekeeper and legatee] F. Etta Eagleson provided the personal details.

OBITUARY. EDGAR B. WARREN. Edgar B. Warren of Boston, 55, died Saturday night at his summer home in Florida. His death was caused by a complication of diseases with which he had suffered for some time. He was a retired merchant. He owned the place where he died, having bought it for a summer home. It is about 2 miles from Hoosac Tunnel station. The body was shipped on the 11.44 train yesterday from Hoosac Tunnel to Boston, where the funeral will be held and the body cremated (Berkshire Eagle (Pittsfield, MA), August 20, 1907).

The last will of Edgar B. Warren of 553 Washington Street, Boston, MA, was proved in Suffolk County Probate court, September 12, 1907. Copies appeared in probate court records of Massachusetts, New York, and Pennsylvania.

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References:

Claremont Manufacturing Co. (1846). New Hampshire Register and Farmer’s Almanac. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=5ucWAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA102

Deller, George T. (1869). National Bankruptcy Register: Containing Reports of the Leading Cases and Principal Rulings in Bankruptcy of the District Judges of the United States. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=ScZFAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA78

Farmer, John, and Lyon, G. Parker. (1844). New Hampshire Register and Farmer’s Almanac. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=BJIBAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA106

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

Find a Grave. (2022, April 6). Daniel P. Warren. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/238563886/daniel-p-warren

Find a Grave. (2013, May 19). Edgar B. Warren. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/110837582/edgar-b-warren

Find a Grave. (2022, April 6). Irene Twombly Warren. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/238563840/irene-warren

NH Supreme Court. (1867). Reports of Cases Argued and Determined in the Superior Court of Judicature for the State of New-Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=CJc0AQAAMAAJ&pg=PA124

By Muriel Bristol | June 25, 2023

Here may be found extracted the Milton entries from the New-England Mercantile Union Business Directory of 1849.

The following publisher’s notice suggests its use for a sort of nineteenth century “cold calling,” i.e., sending unsolicited advertising, business proposals, catalogs, circulars, inquiries, samples, etc., by mail to those listed within its pages.

PUBLISHERS NOTICE. THE object of the present volume is, to place within the reach of Merchants, Manufacturers, and Professional men, better facilities for conducting Epistolary Correspondence, making and receiving Consignments, and the purchase and sale of Goods.

The Milton entry for Fork Manufacturers should be understood to be Pitchfork Manufacturers. (Pitchfork handles manufactured and sold separately). The various entries for J., G., I.G., I.&G., J.G., and J.&G. Worster all refer to Isaac Worster, Jr. (1801-186?), and his younger brother, George Worster (1811-1886).

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NEW HAMPSHIRE.

The figure following the Town shows the number of the Town on the Map – the second column gives the Population of 1840.

STRAFFORD. Milton, 9 – 1,322.

Bobbin Manufacturers. Drew, J & J.G. (Shuttles and Spools). Milton.

Boot and Shoe Manufacturers and Dealers. Goodwin, John E. & Co., Washburn, D. & S. (Wholesale). Milton.

Carriage Makers. Brackett, John. Milton.

Clergymen. To denote the different denominations, the following will be used: (C.) Congregationalists; (P.) Presbyterian; (U.) Unitarian; (C.B.) Calvinistic Baptist; (F.B.) Free Will Baptist; (Ch.) Christian; (Uv.) Universalist; (M.) Methodist; (E.) Episcopalian; (R.C.) Catholic. Milton. Doldt, James (C.); Davis, Jacob (Ch.); Rogers, D.M.

COTTON MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS. Milton Mills [Manufacturing Co.], Milton; President, Townsend, John; Capital, [blank], Shares, [blank], P. Value, [blank]; Kind of Goods, Flannels; Yearly Amount, 235,000 yds.; Am’t of Material, 42 tons; No. of spindles, 1,000; Looms, 18; Males, 15; Females, 16.

Dry Goods, Groceries, and Variety. Frindlish, Joseph; Goodman [Goodwin], John E. & Co.; Horn, F.D.; Mathes, Robert; Washburn, D. & S.; Twombly, James M.; Hayes, Luther; Warren, Daniel P.; Perry & Page; Simes, B.; Fox, Asa; Swazey, Charles. Milton.

Fork Manufacturers. Worster, I. & G. Milton.

Hoe Manufacturers. Worster, J.G. Milton.

Justices of the Peace. Drew, Stephen, Wentworth, Ichabod H. Milton.

Lumber Manufacturers and Dealers. Berry, James. Milton.

Paints, Oils and Glass. Hayes, Luther. Milton.

Physicians. Drew, Stephen, Swinerton, John L. Milton.

Platform Scales – Manufacturers. Worster, J. & G., Milton.

Public Houses – Keepers. Edgerly, John S., Milton; Hart, Samuel S., Milton Mills.

Tanners and Curriers. Plumer, Lewis, Milton. Goodwin, Alpheus S., Goodwin, Thomas S., Milton Mills.

Wool Carders and Cloth Dressers. Howland, Joshua, Milton.

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See also Milton Occupations – 1840. Next in sequence: Milton Businesses in 1856

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References:

Pratt & Co. (1849, February 15). New-England Mercantile Union Business Directory. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=_OwCAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA75

By Muriel Bristol | September 1, 2023

Daniel Hayes was born in Madbury, NH, August 30, 1759, son of Daniel and Sarah (Plummer) Hayes. (Hayes’ mother was a daughter of Richard and Elizabeth (Beard) Plummer, i.e., her mother being the “Beard” for whom Sen. Beard Plummer and others would be named in the years to follow).

Daniel Hayes is here said to have ploughed the first furrow on what must have been still his father’s Rochester North Parish (now West Milton) farm on Friday, May 19, 1780 (New England’s “Dark Day”). He is further said to have received the farm as a gift, probably as a wedding settlement, in 1783.

Daniel Hayes received, by deed of gift in 1783 and by will from his father, a homestead in Rochester, N.H., on what is now known as the Hare Road, or Nute Ridge in West Milton. His brothers Ezekiel and Ichabod settled on adjoining farms. … It is said he plowed the first furrow on his land on the famous “Dark Day,” 19 May 1780. Daniel’s “great house” in one of the most sightly spots on the ridge at the intersection of the road leading to Farmington, and the “King’s” or “Governor’s Highway” in West Milton, leading from Portsmouth to Governor Wentworth’s summer estate in Wolfeboro (Richmond, 1936).

Daniel Hayes married in Madbury, NH, in March 1784, Eunice Pinkham, both of Madbury, NH. Rev. William Hooper performed the ceremony. She was born in Madbury, NH, July 15, 1761, daughter of James Jr. and Sarah (Tibbetts) Pinkham.

(The known children of Daniel and Eunice Hayes were: Sarah “Sally” Hayes (1785–1861), James Hayes (1786–1866), Elizabeth “Betsy” Hayes (1788–1866), Mary “Polly” Hayes (1788–1873), Bidfield Hayes (1789–1842), and Lewis Hayes (1793–1862)).

Daughter Sarah “Sally” Hayes was born in Rochester, NH, March 13, 1785. (West Milton being then the Northeast Parish part of Rochester, NH). She was a namesake for her grandmothers, Sarah (Plummer) Hayes and Sarah (Tibbetts) Pinkham.

Mother-in-law Sarah (Tibbetts) Pinkham died in Dover, NH, November 8, 1785.

Son James Hayes was born in Rochester, NH, June 9, 1786. He was a namesake for his maternal grandfather, James Pinkham.

Twin daughters Elizabeth “Betsy” Hayes and Mary “Polly” Hayes were born in Rochester, NH, March 24, 1788.

Son Bidfield Hayes was born in Rochester, NH, December 16, 1789. He was a namesake for his maternal uncle, Bidfield Plummer. (And a Bidfield Meserve was his first cousin).

In his will, drawn 9 Nov. 1790, proved 24 Mar. 1807, Daniel [Sr.] gave to his wife his purse of money, all household furniture, ½ of farm utensils, ½ of live-stock, ½ of improvement of all real estate in Madbury and Barrington and ½ of all buildings thereon; to son Richard, of Lot 87 [80 acres] in Rochester; to son Daniel, 20 acres in 2nd Division in Rochester granted originally to Thomas, Gershom, and Ebenezer Downs; to son Ezekiel, % of Lot 87 [160 acres] and a piece in 4th Division in Rochester; to son Ichabod, land in 2nd Division, Rochester, and land laid out to Paul Gerrish; to daughters, Elizabeth Young, Abigail Chesley, Sarah Demerit, and Mehitable Ham, £5 each; to son Nathaniel, the homestead in Madbury and real estate in Barrington, and he was constituted residuary legatee. His wife and son Nathaniel were named executors. She refused to act, and asked that son Nathaniel alone be appointed (Richmond, 1936). 

Daniel Hayes 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 one other], two males aged under-16 years [James Hayes and Bidfield Hayes], and three females [Sarah Hayes, Betsy Hayes, and Mary Hayes]. (Eunice (Pinkham) Hayes would seem to have been absent that day). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Stephen Harvey and [his brother] Ezecal Hayes.

Here [on Nute Ridge] in 1790, Eunice Pinkham Hayes planted an elm sapling which she had brought from her old home in Madbury. It became a majestic tree, sixty feet in height under whose broad shade she celebrated her hundredth birthday with a feast. It was a gala day. The cooking was done out of doors and the principal meat dish consisted of whole pigs roasted and served with an orange in the mouth of each. The old tree survived one hundred and twenty-five years but finally fell a prey to Time, and wind, and ice storms. The house, containing seventeen rooms and eleven fireplaces, was burned to the ground in 1912. On the farm was a rope walk, a tannery and other industries which largely made it independent of the outside world (Richmond, 1936).

And, as we shall see, Daniel and Eunice (Pinkham) Hayes also kept a tavern or inn there.

Daniel Hayes, Jr., was an early subscriber of the Rochester Social Library, which was founded in 1792. Milton residents Levi Jones, Jotham Nute, Barnabas Palmer, Lt. William Palmer, Beard Plumer, Joseph Walker, and others, were also subscribers (McDuffee, 1892).

Daniel Hayes was one of the promoters of the “Social Library” in Rochester, which was organized in 1792, maintaining that “learning tended to enlarge the views and soften the tempers of mankind” (Richmond, 1936).

(The Rochester Social Library should not be confused with the similar Milton Social Library of thirty years later).

Son Lewis Hayes was born in Rochester, NH, December 11, 1793.

Father-in-law James Pinkham died in Madbury, NH, November 14, 1798.

Daniel Hayes headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Eunice (Pinkham) Hayes], two females aged 10-15 years [Sarah Hayes and Mary Hayes], two males aged 10-15 years [James Hayes and Bidfield Hayes], one female aged under-10 years [Elizabeth Hayes], and one male aged under-10 years [Lewis Hayes]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Isaac Hanson and Ezekiel Hayes.

Daniel Hayes, Jr., and his brothers, Ezekiel Hayes and Ichabod Hayes, signed the Rochester Division Petition of May 1802.

Capt. Daniel Hayes worked with Caleb Wingate and Gilman Jewett in building the original Milton townhouse in 1803. (In its original form it had also an upper story).

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

Daniel Hayes received his initial five-year appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, June 13, 1806.

Sarah “Sally” Hayes married in Rochester, NH, November 23, 1806, John Meserve, both of Milton. Rev. Joseph Haven performed the ceremony. Meserve was born in South Berwick, ME, April 17, 1785, son of Stephen and Abigail (Yeaton) Meserve.

Father Daniel Hayes [Sr.] died in Madbury, NH, February 26, 1807. His son, also Daniel Hayes, spent £1 11s 6d on some mourning items and fabrics for himself and other family members. “Millinet” was a fabric for lining bonnets.

Daniel’s father died in Feb. 1807, and an old account book gives the following interesting items of Daniel’s expenditure in preparation for the funeral: “one pair of Black Stockens, 7/ [7 shillings], one pair of Silk gloves, 11/6 [11 shillings, 6 pence], one yard and one-half of wide Crape, 9/9 [9 shillings, 9 pence], 1¾ yards of ribbing [ribbon], 1/1 [one shilling, 1 pence], one pair of men’s gloves, 2/3 [2 shillings, 3 pence], millinet for bunnet [bonnet] & pasteboard, /10 [10 pence] (Richmond, 1936).

On 16 Nov. 1807, Sarah [(Plummer) Hayes], “Spinster & widow of Daniel Hayes [Sr.,] late decd of Madbury” made her will giving “daughter Elizabeth Young my large looking glass”; to her four daughters, all her household furniture; to four sons, Richard, Daniel, Ezekiel, and Ichabod, $1 each; to “grandson Plumer Hayes my Desk”; to son Nathaniel, money, live-stock, farming utensils, “one clock & one bed and one large table and my large andirons, shovel & tongs, my flax comb & my loom and ** whatever not hereby disposed of” (Richmond, 1936).

Daniel Hayes headed a Milton household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 40-plus [himself], one female aged 45-plus years [Eunice (Pinkham) Hayes], three males aged 16-25 years [James Hayes, Bidfield Hayes, and Lewis Hayes], two females aged 16-25 years [Mary Hayes and Elizabeth Hayes], and one female aged 10-15 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Hopley Meservy and Ezekiel Hayes.

John Meservey headed a Milton household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 16-25 [himself], one female aged 16-25 years [Sarah (Hayes) Meservey], and two males aged under-10 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Ichabod Wentw. [Wentworth] and James Varna [Varney], Jr.

Son James Hayes married in New Durham, NH, March 7, 1811, Mrs. Dorothy “Dolly” Leighton, he of Milton and she of New Durham, NH. Rev. Moses Cheney performed the ceremony. She was born in New Durham, NH, June 28, 1788, daughter of Jacob and Mary (Townsend) Leighton.

Daniel Hayes received a renewal five-year appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, June 11, 1811.

Son Bidfield Hayes married in Madbury, NH, September 11, 1811, Abigail A. Meserve, he of Milton and she of Dover, NH. Rev. William Hooper performed the ceremony. She was born in Madbury, NH, circa 1790, daughter of Paul and Sarah (Pinkham) Meserve.

Mother Sarah (Plummer) Hayes died in 1812.

Elizabeth “Betsy” Hayes married in Rochester, NH, August 27, 1812, Joseph Pearl, she of Milton and he of Farmington, NH. Rev. Joseph Haven performed the ceremony. Pearl was born in Farmington, NH, in 1786, son of Ichabod and Mary (Young) Pearl.

Daniel Hayes and his brothers contracted with the U.S. Government to provide ship timbers during the War of 1812.

In partnership with his brothers Ichabod and Ezekiel, he furnished ship timbers and masts by contract with the U.S. Government for the navy at the time of the War of 1812. The records of this partnership with the details of ship dimensions are preserved (Richmond, 1936).

Son Bidfield Hayes of Milton was accused in a paternity suit brought by Rebecca Hayes of Rochester, NH, in January 1812. He was adjudicated responsible in the local court, and the NH legislature passed an act in June 1813, which granted him a new trial.

AN ACT GRANTING TO BIDFIELD HAYES A NEW TRIAL IN A CERTAIN CASE. [Approved June 16, 1813. Original Acts, vol. 22, p. 12; recorded Acts, vol. 20, p. 33]. Whereas Bidfield Hayes of Milton, in the County of Strafford, hath petitioned the General Court, setting forth, that, at the Court of Common pleas, begun and holden at Rochester, within and for said County of Strafford, on the first Tuesday of January, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and twelve, on complaint of Rebecca Hayes of Rochester aforesaid, he the said was adjudged by the Honorable Court to be the father of bastard child, born of said Rebecca, and was found chargeable with its support; which said judgment and sentence the said Bidfield represented as wrong and erroneous and contrary to law and evidence – and praying relief in the premises, which appearing reasonable.
Therefore, Sec. I. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened that the said Bidfield Hayes be, and he hereby is authorised and empowered to cause an entry said Complaint to be made at the Court of Common Pleas, to be holden at Gilmanton, within and for said County of Strafford, the third Tuesday of August next, in the same way and as said complaint was heretofore entered against him; and the Justices of said Court of Common pleas are hereby authorized, empowered and directed to take cognizance of said Complaint, and to hear, try and determine the same in the same manner as though said complaint had never before been entered and tried; and in case said Bidfield Hayes shall prevail in his defence against said Complaint, and shall be adjudged not chargeable, the former judgment and sentence of said Court shall be considered as reversed, and said Bidfield shall be allowed all reasonable costs to be taxed from commencement of said prosecution, and execution shall issue accordingly; and in case said Bidfield shall be adjudged chargeable, the former sentence against said Bidwell shall be considered as affirmed, and the said Rebecca shall be allowed all reasonable additional costs. Sect. 2. And be it further enacted, that said Rebecca Hayes shall be served with an attested copy of this act, at least thirty days before the third Tuesday of August next, by leaving the same at her last and usual place of abode (NH Secretary of State, 1920).

Son-in-law John Meserve, who served as a sergeant, son James Hayes, who served as a private, and son Lewis Hayes, who served as a drummer, all marched to Portsmouth, NH, in September 1814, with Capt. William Courson’s Milton militia company during the War of 1812. (See Milton in the War of 1812).

Colonel John Meserve, born April 14, 1785, was colonel of New Hampshire volunteers in the War of 1812 and saw service on the northern frontier under General Hull (Parker & Whitcher, 1908).

[Ed.: This statement requires more support or explanation. Gen. William Hull surrendered Fort Detroit to the British in 1812. Sgt. Meserve marched to Portsmouth, NH, with Capt. Courson and the Milton militia company in 1814. He would indeed become a Colonel of NH militia but not for another decade].

Daniel Hayes received a renewal five-year appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, June 17, 1816.

Daniel Hayes signed a Milton petition to the NH legislature regarding road weight limitations, in 1816.

Son Bidfield Hayes was elected as Milton Constable in 1817 and 1822.

Cornet Bidfield Hayes was one of fourteen officers of the Second NH Militia Regiment that petitioned the NH legislature, September 23, 1819, for appointment of a regimental surgeon’s mate. The regimental surgeon, who resided in Dover, NH, was too distant from them to fulfill all their needs alone. (Captain Jeremy Nute, Lieutenant James Hayes, Jr., Ensign Norton Scates, and Captain Theodore C. Lyman were among the other petitioners).

Daniel Hayes was among the 127 Milton men that signed the Milton anti-division remonstrance of June 1820. His three sons signed too. (See Milton Militia Dispute – 1820).

Son Lewis Hayes married in Wolfeboro, NH, August 17, 1820, Sarah M. Clark, he of Milton, and she of Wolfeboro, NH. Isaac Townsend performed the ceremony. She was born in Wolfeboro, NH, March 23, 1800, daughter of Joseph and Comfort (Weeks) Clark.

Milton sent Daniel Hayes to Concord, NH, as its NH State Representative for the 1820-21 biennium.

The legislature examined “A Statement Exhibiting a General View of the Concerns of the State Prison on the 31st of May in Each Year from 1816 to 1820.” The prison found itself to be $12,388 in arrears.

Voted that Messrs. Howe, N. Abbot, March, Hayes, Bowers, Crosby, James Smith, Carpenter, Kimball, and Page, be a committee to take into consideration the communication this day received from his Excellency the Governor, and the documents accompanying the same, relative to the affairs of the State Prison; and also to report what compensation shall be made his Excellency the Governor and the honorable Council for their trouble in discharging the duties of Board of Directors of that institution the past year.

On Tuesday, June 20, 1820, the NH House was asked to consider a set of resolutions set forth by the Virginia legislature. The resolutions arose out of the pro-slavery desire to admit Missouri as a slave state, and they argued that slavery already existed in some states – a precedent – and that differential restrictions would be unconstitutional. A NH House committee tasked with reporting on the Virginia resolves vociferously opposed their interpretation and argued for their rejection by New Hampshire.

This painful necessity may justify temporary continuance of slavery in certain States of the Union, where it now exists, but in the opinion of the Committee nothing can justify the unnecessary extension of this great evil to newly formed States (North Star (Danville, VT), July 6, 1820).

Rep. Hayes voted with the majority of the NH Legislature, which rejected the Virginia resolves unanimously, with 194 members [100.0%] opposed to 0 members [0.0%] in favor. But the U.S. Congress agreed to the so-called Missouri Compromise, whereby Missouri would be admitted to the U.S. as a slave state, with the admittance of Maine as a sort of counterbalance.

In June 1821, A bill entitled “An act regulating the practice of physic in this State” was in its second reading. A motion was made to amend the bill to strike out its first section. Rep. Hayes voted with the 111 members (68.9%) in favor of the amendment, rather than with the 50 members (31.1%) that opposed it.

Mr. Hayes, from the committee appointed to nominate and report a suitable person to officiate as Chaplain to the Legislature, the present session, reported that the Rev. Ephraim P. Bradford is a suitable person to officiate as Chaplain to the Legislature the present session.

Rev. Ephraim P. Bradford (1776-1845) was a Presbyterian pastor in New Boston, NH. Later that year he published his Sermon Preached at Concord before the Legislature of New-Hampshire.

Rep. Hayes, along with Reps. Baker, Pattee, Barrett, and Bean of Warner, NH, and Sen. Huntingdon were appointed a committee to continue to find and report Chaplain prospects.

Rep. Mason moved that a bill to incorporate the Portsmouth Bank be passed. Rep. Neally of Lee, NH, moved that the incorporation bill be amended to allow the bank to issue currency bills equal to the value of one-half of its capital stock. Rep. Hayes voted with the minority of 55 members [39.9%] that favored the amendment, rather than with the majority of 83 members [60.1%] that voted against the amendment.

When the first amendment failed, Rep. Neally moved instead that the proposed bank be able to issue currency bills equal to the value of two-thirds of its capital stock. The second amendment also failed. Finally, Rep. Neally proposed a third amendment that would have allowed the bank to issue currency bills equal to three-quarters of its capital stock. The third amendment also failed. Of course, the highest and safest proportion would be currency bills issued only to the extent of its hard money reserves. The bill passed as in its original form.

Daniel Hayes was one of nine Strafford County men, including Robert Mathes [Sr.], 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.

Daniel Hayes received a renewal five-year appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, June 22, 1821.

Daniel Hayes was one of ten Milton men that signed a regional petition in 1822, seeking appointment of Dr. Joseph Hammons (1787-1836) as a Farmington, NH, justice-of-the-peace.

Son Bidfield Hayes had risen in the militia ranks from Cornet in the Second NH Militia Regiment, in 1819, to Adjutant of the newly formed Thirty-Ninth NH Militia Regiment, by 1822.

Daughter Mary Hayes married in Milton, in 1824, Calvin S. Horne, both of Milton. Rev. James Walker performed the ceremony. Horne was born in Rochester, NH, April 8, 1800, son of Richard and Lucy (Scates) Horne.

Justices of the Peace. Milton – Jotham Nute, D. Hayes, John Remich, jr., J. Roberts, Hanson Hayes (Farmer, 1824). 

Daniel Hayes received a renewal five-year appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, June 15, 1826.

Daniel Hayes testified when his sister-in-law Lydia (Watson) Hayes, sought to claim the Revolutionary War widow’s pension due to her. This would have been in or after 1827. He testified that his older brother, Richard Hayes (1753-1826), who had served in Capt. John Drew’s company, had moved to [North] Berwick, ME, after being discharged from the Continental army. Her pension claim was allowed.

In 1827, Jonathan Hussey of Rochester, NH, was Colonel of the Thirty-Ninth NH Militia Regiment; Bidfield Hayes of Milton was his Lt. Colonel; John Meserve of Rochester, NH, was his Major; Seth Tibbetts of Rochester, NH, was his Adjutant; and Joseph H. Hanson of Rochester was his Quartermaster.

Jonathan Hursey [Hussey], and others, petitioned the NH House for the removal of Lt. Col. Bidfield Hayes, June 12, 1828. (Milton’s NH State Representative during this session was Thomas Chapman).

Ordered, that the further consideration of the subject be postponed to the next session of the legislature; and that the petitioners be heard on the petition before the committee on Military Affairs on the first Wednesday of the next session of said legislature. And that the petitioners serve attested copy of this petition and the order thereon upon the said Lieutenant Colonel Bedfield Hayes, ninety days at least before the day of hearing.

On Wednesday, December 17, 1828, Rep. Reed of the Military Affairs Commitee reported and moved that the petitioners be allowed to rescind their petition. His motion passed.

But, apparently, it was the complainant, Col. Jonathan Hussey, who would be removed. By 1830, John Meserve of Rochester, NH, was Colonel of the Thirty-Ninth NH Militia Regiment; Bidfield Hayes of Milton was his Lt. Colonel; Timothy Hanson of Rochester, NH, was his Major; N. Whitehouse of Rochester, NH, was his Adjutant; and John M’Duffee of Rochester was his Quartermaster.

Justices of the Peace. Milton. Jotham Nute, D. Hayes, John Remich, J. Roberts, Hanson Hayes, Stephen M. Mathes, John Nutter, Thomas Chapman (Lyon, 1829).

Daniel Hayes headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 70-79 years [himself], and one female aged 60-69 years [Eunice (Pinkham) Hayes]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Thomas P. Ricker and [his son] Lewis Hayes.

John Meserve headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 40-49 years [himself], one female aged 40-49 years [Sarah (Hayes) Meserve], two males aged 20-29 years [Bidfield G. Meserve and Samuel Meserve], one male aged 15-19 years [Andrew J. Meserve], one female aged 15-19 years, one male aged 10-14 years [Lewis H. Meserve], one female aged 10-14 years [Eunice H. Meserve], one male aged 5-9 years [Emery Meserve], and two females aged 5-9 years [Sarah Meserve and Elizabeth Meserve].

James Hayes headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 40-49 years [himself], one female aged 40-49 years [Dorothy (Leighton) Hayes], one male aged 15-19 years, one female aged 15-19 years, and one male aged 10-14 years, one female aged 10-14 years, one male aged 5-9 years, two females aged 5-9 years, and one male aged under-5 years. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Chas. Horn and Sally Hayes.

Joseph Pearl headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 40-49 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years [Elizabeth (Hayes) Pearle], one male aged 15-19 years [Daniel Pearle], one male aged 10-14 years [Rufus K. Pearle], one female aged 5-9 years [Eliza Pearle], one female aged under-5 years [Mary Pearle], one female aged 80-89 years, and one male aged 70-79 years.

Calvin S. Horne headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 30-39 years [himself], and one female aged 40-49 years [Mary (Hayes) Horne]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of [his brother-in-law] Lewis Hayes and Chas. Horne.

Bidfield Hayes headed a New Durham, NH, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one female aged 40-49 years [Abigail (Meserve) Hayes], two females aged 15-19 years [Sarah M. Hayes], one male aged 15-19 years [Paul M. Hayes], one male aged 10-14 years [Daniel Hayes], two males aged 5-9 years [Horace C. Hayes and Lorenzo D. Hayes], and three males aged under-5 years [Sylvester A. Hayes].

Lewis Hayes 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 20-29 years, two males 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 [his father] Daniel Hayes and [his brother-in-law] Calvin S. Horne.

Daniel Hayes received a renewal five-year appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, June 21, 1831.

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. Milton – Daniel Hayes, John Remich, James Roberts, Hanson Hayes, Stephen M. Mathes, John Nutter, Theodore C. Lyman, Samuel S. Mason, Stephen Drew, Israel Nute, John L. Swinerton, Thomas Chapman (Lyon, 1835).

Daniel Hayes received a renewal five-year appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, June 11, 1836.

Daniel Hayes headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 80-89 years [himself], and one female aged 70-79 years [Eunice (Pinkham) Hayes]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Joseph Pearl and Ephraim Hayes.

John Meserve headed a South Berwick, ME, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one female aged 50-59 years (Sarah (Hayes) Meserve], one female aged 30-39 years, two males aged 20-29 years, one female aged 20-29 years, one male aged 15-19 years, three females aged 15-19 years, and one female aged 10-14 years. Ten members of his household were engaged in Manufacture and Trade.

James Hayes headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one female aged 50-59 years [Dorothy (Leighton) Hayes], one male aged 15-19 years, one female aged 15-19 years, and one male aged 10-14 years. Three members of his household were engaged in Agriculture. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Ephraim Hayes and Calvin S. Horn.

Joseph Pearle headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one female aged 40-49 years [Elizabeth (Hayes) Pearle], one male aged 20-29 years [Rufus K. Pearle], one female aged 15-19 years [Eliza Pearle], and one female aged 10-14 years [Mary Pearle]. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture and one member was engaged in a Learned Profession. (His son, Rufus K. Pearl, M.D., was a physician). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Edward Tibbetts and Daniel Hayes.

Calvin S. Horn headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 30-39 years [himself], one female aged 40-49 years [Mary (Hayes) Horn], and one female aged 5-9 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of James Hayes and Ichabod Hayes.

Bidfield Hayes headed a New Durham, NH, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census, His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one female aged 40-49 years [Abigail A. (Meserve) Hayes], one female aged 15-19 years, two females aged 15-19 years, one male aged 10-14 years, two males aged 5-9 years, and three males aged under-5 years.

Lewis Hayes headed a Kittery, ME, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 40-49 years [himself], one female aged 40-49 years [Sarah M. (Clark) Hayes], one male aged 15-19 years [Albert A. Hayes], one male aged 10-14 years [Charles E. Hayes], one female aged 10-14 years [Comfort W. Hayes], one male aged 5-9 years [Alfred C. Hayes], and one male aged under-5 years [George H. Hayes]. One member of his household was engaged in Commerce.

Daniel Hayes received his final five-year renewal appointment, June 12, 1841. The marginal note where the next appointment would be ordinarily said instead “old.” One might take that as indicating his retirement. (His nephew, Daniel Hayes, Jr., appeared on the very same page as receiving his renewal appointment, June 24, 1839).

Son Bidfield Hayes died in Milton, May 5, 1842, aged fifty-two years.

Abigail Hayes appeared in the Dover, NH, directory of 1843, as the widow of Bidfield Hayes, with her house at Waldron street. Paul M. Hayes appeared as a harness maker in Chapel street, boarding at with Widow A. Hayes.

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. Milton – Levi Jones, Stephen Drew, Daniel Hayes, Hanson Hayes, John Nutter, Theodore C. Lyman, John L. Swinerton, Joseph Cook, John J. Plumer, Daniel Hayes, jr., Enoch Banfield, Daniel P. Warren, Joseph Cook, James Berry, Wm. B. Lyman (Farmer & Lyon, 1844). 

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

Daniel Hayes died in Milton, December 4, 1846, aged eighty-seven years, two months.

“Capt. Squire Daniel,” as he was often spoken of by his townsmen, was a man of note in the community. He was a captain in the militia, a representative to the General Court, and he held important town offices. He was an inn keeper and his entertainments and dinners were often spoken of by the press as “served in his usual style of excellence” (Richmond, 1936).

Ministerial diarist Elder Enoch Hayes Place remembered Daniel Hayes a few years after his death.

Daniel Hayes, Esq., was a brother to my wife’s mother. A large land holder, and a great house, where he kept an open tavern many years. He was a talented well read man. Filled many important offices (NEHGS, 1998).

John Meserve, a mason, aged sixty-five years (b. NH), headed a South Berwick, ME, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Sally [(Hayes)] Meserve, aged sixty-five years (b. [NH]), Louisa Hayes, aged sixteen years (b. [NH]), Sarah A. Meserve, aged sixteen years (b. [NH]), Jerusha Stewert, a laborer, aged eighteen years (b. [NH]), Sarah Webber, aged twenty-five years (b. [NH]), Mary Stone, aged twenty-four years (b. ME), Ruth Russell, aged twenty-five years (b. [ME]), Amos Russell, a laborer, aged eighteen years (b. [ME]), John H. Furguson, a laborer, aged twenty years (b. [ME]), Lafayette Newell, a laborer, aged twenty-one years (b. [ME]), Abba Hilton, aged eighteen years (b. [ME]), and Louisa Hilton, aged sixteen years (b. [ME]). John Meserve had real estate valued at $800.

James Hayes, a farmer, aged sixty-four years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Dorothy [(Leighton)] Hayes, aged sixty-three years (b. NH), William Towne, a shoemaker, aged thirty-seven years (b. MA), Betsey [(Hayes)] Towne, aged thirty-one years (b. NH), Isaiah W. Towne, aged six years (b. MA), Emma A. Towne, aged four years (b. MA), Ralph W. Towne, aged two years (b. NH), William Maine, a shoemaker, aged thirty years (b. NH), Susan Maine, aged twenty years (b. NH), and Ellen Maine, aged two months (b. NH). James Hayes had real estate valued at $1,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John J. Plumer, a farmer, aged fifty years (b. NH), and Seth W. Varney, a shoemaker, aged thirty years (b. NH).

Joseph Pearl, a farmer, aged sixty-four years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Betsey [(Hayes)] Pearl, aged fifty-eight years (b. NH), James Rowe, a farmer, aged fifteen years (b. NH), and Eunice [(Pinkham)] Hayes, aged eighty-nine years (b. NH). Joseph Pearl had real estate valued at $10,600. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of William W. Cook, a farmer, aged fifty-two years (b. NH), and Richard T. Rollins, a stone cutter, aged forty-seven years (b. NH).

Calvin S. Horn, a farmer, aged fifty years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Polly [(Hayes)] Horn, aged sixty-two years (b. NH), and Thomas J. Hayes, a shoemaker, aged eighteen years (b. NH). Calvin S. Horn had real estate valued at $1,500. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Seth W. Varney, a shoemaker, aged thirty years (b. NH), and Sally Hayes, aged seventy-two years (b. NH).

Lewis Hayes, a landlord, aged fifty-seven years (b. ME [SIC]), headed a Kittery, ME, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Sarah [(Clark)] Hayes, aged fifty years (b. ME [SIC]), Alfred Hayes, aged twenty years (b. ME), George Hayes, aged fourteen years (b. ME), Calvin Hayes, aged eight years (b. ME), Pamelia Adams, aged twelve years (b. ME), Comfort Doe, aged forty-seven years (b. ME), Angeline Carter, aged twenty-three years (b. ME), James Ligerwood, an engineer, aged thirty-five years (b. NJ), John Reed, a stone mason, aged thirty years (b. MA), Daniel Smith, a stone mason, aged twenty-five years (b. France), Samuel Kilborn, a sailmaker, aged fifty years (b. MA), Marshall Lewis, a carpenter, aged twenty years (b. MA), and Thomas Cottle, a carpenter, aged forty-five years (b. ME). Lewis Hayes had real estate valued at $3,000. (Lewis Hayes appeared in the Kittery, ME, business directory of 1856, as proprietor of the Hayes Tavern in Kittery, ME).

Son-in-law Joseph Pearl received a renewal five-year appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, June 27, 1851. Robert Mathes and Ichabod H. Wentworth received their appointments that same day.

Son-in-law John Meserve appeared in the ME Business Directory of 1852, as a South Berwick, ME, justice-of-the-peace. (This appointment began May 26, 1849).

Sarah M. [(Hayes)] Bigford, aged forty-two years (b. NH), headed a Natick, MA, household at the time of the First (1855) MA State Census. Her household included Anna C. Bigford, aged thirteen years (b. NH), Ella F. Bigford, aged one year (b. MA), Horace Hayes, a cutter, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), Abagail [(Meserve)] Hayes, aged sixty-four years (b. NH).

Ministerial diarist Enoch Hayes Place spent the night at Hayes’ son-in-law Joseph Pearl’s house in Milton in 1856:

We were soon on our way to New-Durham. Put up at the house of Joseph Pearl, Esq., whose wife is an own cousin to Mrs. Place. Her aunt, the widow of Daniel Hayes, Esq., is nearly 96 years of age (NEHGS, 1998).

John Meserve, a gentleman, aged seventy-five years (b. NH), headed a South Berwick, ME, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Sally [(Hayes)] Meserve, aged seventy-five years (b. NH), Daniel B. West, operative in mill, aged fifty-five years (b. CT), Susan Jenkins, aged eighteen years, Josephine Kingsbury, aged eighteen years (b. MA), Flavius Suesman, aged twenty years (b. NH), Sarah E. Ferguson, operative in mill, aged twenty-one years (b. ME), and Ann Linscott, operative in mill, aged eighteen years (b. ME). John Meserve had real estate valued at $1,000 and personal estate valued at $100.

James Hayes, a farmer, aged seventy-four years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Dorothy [(Leighton)] Hayes, aged seventy-one years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of William Town, a farmer, aged forty-eight years (b. NH [SIC]), and George Blake, a farm laborer, aged forty-six years (b. NH).

Joseph Pearl, a farmer aged seventy-three years (b. NH), headed a Milton “W. Milton P.O.”) household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Betsey [(Hayes)] Pearl, aged sixty-eight years (b. NH), and Eunice [(Pinkham)] Hayes, aged ninety-nine years (b. NH). Joseph Pearl had real estate valued at $4,000 and personal estate valued at $5,000. Their household appeared first in the enumeration, and was followed by Ephraim Hayes, a farmer, aged fifty-five years (b. NH).

Calvin S. Horne, a farmer, aged sixty years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Polley [(Hayes)] Horn, aged seventy-two years (b. NH). Calvin S. Horne had real estate valued at $2,000 and personal estate valued at $100. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of George Blake, a farm laborer, aged forty-six years (b. NH), and Thomas Hayes, a farmer, aged forty-five years (b. NH).

Horace Hayes, a mechanic, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Natick, MA, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Edwin Hayes, aged four years (b. MA), Abigail [(Meserve)] Hayes, a widow, aged sixty-seven years (b. NH), and Ella T. Beckford, aged six years (b. MA).

Lewis Hayes, a landlord, aged sixty-four years (b. NH), headed a Kittery, ME, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Sarah M. [(Clark)] Hayes, aged sixty years (b. NH), Alfred C. Hayes, a ship carpenter, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH), and Calvin L. Hayes, a student, aged eighteen years (b. ME). Lewis Hayes had real estate valued at $4,000 and personal estate valued at $100.

Son-in-law Joseph Pearl received a renewal five-year appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, June 15, 1861. Robert Mathes received his appointment that same day. In the margin where his 1866 renewal would have been there was instead a note to the effect that Pearl was “dead.”

Daughter Sarah (Hayes) Meserve died in ME, November 9, 1861, aged seventy-six years.

Son Lewis Hayes died in Kittery, ME, March 31, 1862, aged sixty-eight years, one month.

Miscellaneous. NOTICE. THE undersigned having been appointed by the Court of Probate for the County of York, commissioners to receive, examine and decide upon claims of creditors against the estate of Lewis Hayes, late of Kittery, in said county, deceased, represented insolvent, hereby give notice that they will meet at the office of Francis Bacon, at said Kittery, on the last Saturdays of January, March and May ensuing, between the hours or one and four o’clock P.M., for the purpose of receiving and examining said claims. FRANCIS BACON, EPH’M OTIS. Dated the second day of December, A. D. 1863. 3wl (Union and Journal (Biddeford, ME), January 2, 1863).

At a Court of Probate held at Limerick, with in and for the county of York, on the first Tues. in September, in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and sixty-three, by the Hon. E.E. Bourne, Judge of said Court: SARAH HAYES, widow of Lewis Hayes, late of Kittery, in said county, deceased, having presented her petition for her dower in said estate to be assigned and set out to her, and that commissioners may be appointed for that purpose pursuant to law: Also, her petition for an allowance out of the personal estate of said deceased. Ordered, That the said petitioner give notice to all persons interested, by causing a copy of this order to be published three weeks successively in the Union & Journal, printed at Biddeford, in said county that they may appear at a Probate Court to be holden at Alfred, in said county, on the first Tuesday in October next, at ten of the clock in the forenoon, and show cause if any they have, why the same should not be allowed. Attest, George H. Knowlton, Register. A true copy. Attest, George H. Knowlton, Register (Union and Journal (Biddeford, ME), October 2, 1863).

Ministerial diarist Enoch Hayes Place dined at Hayes’ son-in-law Joseph Pearl’s house in Milton in October 1862:

Dined at Joseph Pearl’s, Esq., where I found our aged aunt Eunice Hayes. Still living in good health and keene eyesight. Aged 101 years, 7 months (NEHGS, 1998).

Eunice (Pinkham) Hayes died of old age in Milton, March 8, 1863, aged one hundred and one years, eight months, and thirteen days.

Mrs. Eunice Hayes died at Milton, N.H., on the 27th of last March, at the age of 102. She left 181 descendants, was born on Friday – consecrated to God in baptism on Friday – married on Friday – moved into Milton on Friday – husband died on Friday – she died on Friday, as she often affirmed she should (Wood County Reporter (Grand Rapids, WI), May 7, 1863).

Mrs. Eunice Hayes, of Milton, N.H., was born on Friday, was baptised on Friday, and was married on Friday. Her eldest child was born on Friday; her husband died on Friday, and she herself died on Friday. It remains to be told that her husband died of old age, having lived ninety-six years. At the time of her decease she had attained the great age of one hundred and two years, and had one hundred and eighty descendants. With her Friday was certainly no unlucky day (Los Angeles Daily Times (Los Angeles, CA), July 9, 1863).

Abigail [(Meserve)] Hayes, a housekeeper, aged seventy-five years (b. NH), headed a Natick, MA, household at the time of the Second (1865) MA State Census. Her household included Ella F. Bickford, aged eleven years (b. MA), and Edwin W. Hayes, aged nine years (b. MA).

Son James Hayes died in Milton, October 8, 1866, aged seventy-nine years. He was a farmer.

Daughter Betsy [(Hayes)] Pearl died of consumption in Farmington, NH, December 17, 1866, aged seventy-five years.

Son-in-law Joseph Pearl died of consumption in Farmington, NH, March 13, 1867, aged eighty years, eight months.

Daniel Hayes, works in shoe factory, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), headed a Natick, MA, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Hannah S. Hayes, keeping house, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), Elmer Hayes, works for shoe factory, aged twenty-six years (b. MA), Edgar Hayes, works for shoe factory, aged twenty-four years (b. MA), Daniel F. Hayes, works for shoe factory, aged seventeen years (b. MA), Eliza J. Hayes, aged ten years (b. MA), and Abigail [(Meserve)] Hayes, no occupation, aged seventy-nine years (b. NH). Daniel Hayes had real estate valued at $1,300 and personal estate valued at $100.

Dorothy [(Leighton)] Hayes, keeping house, aged eighty-one years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. Her household included Asa A. Hayes, a farm laborer, aged forty-seven years (b. NH). Dorothy Hayes has real estate valued at $1,000 and person estate valued at $125. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of William Town, a works for shoe factory, aged fifty-eight years (b. MA), and [her brother-in-law] Calvin S. Horne, a farm laborer, aged seventy years (b. NH).

Calvin S. Horne, a farm laborer, aged seventy years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Polley [(Hayes)] Horn, aged eighty-two years (b. NH). Calvin S. Horne had real estate valued at $1,000 and personal estate valued at $300. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Dorothy Hayes, a keeping house, aged eighty-one years (b. NH), and Ichabod Hayes, a farmer, aged fifty-eight years (b. NH).

Sarah M. [(Clark)] Hayes, keeping house, aged seventy years (b. NH), headed a Kittery, ME, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. She had real estate valued at $500. Her son, Albert A. Hayes, a grocer, aged forty-nine years (b. NH), resided next door.

Son-in-law Calvin S. Horne died in Milton, April 12, 1870.

Son-in-law John Meserve died of heart disease while visiting at his daughter’s house in Great Falls, i.e., Somersworth, NH, December 7, 1871, aged eighty-six years, nine months.

STATE NEWS. Col. John Meserve, for many years a resident of South Berwick, but lately of Rochester, N.H., fell dead of heart disease Thursday last. He was 86 years old, and a pensioner of the war of 1812 (Bangor Daily Whig and Courier (Bangor, ME), December 14, 1871).

NEWS BY MAIL. Col. John Meserve, for many years a resident of South Berwick, Me., but lately of Rochester, N.H., where he lived with his son, Samuel Meserve, Esq., the well known Mason, fell dead of heart disease Thursday last. He left home in usual health in the morning, went into the house of a married daughter at Great Falls, said, “I have come to see you but must go right back,” fell forward into her arms and instantly expired. He was 86 years old, and a pensioner of the war of 1812 (Kennebec Journal (Augusta, ME), December 20, 1871).

Daughter-in-law Abigail (Meserve) Hayes died of old age in Natick, MA, November 28, 1872, aged eighty-two years.

Daughter Mary “Polly” (Hayes) Horne died in Milton, April 6, 1873, aged eighty-five years.

Nancy L.H. [(Hayes)] Baker, keeping house, aged sixty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Bakersville, Manchester, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. Her household included her mother, Dorathy [(Leighton)] Hayes, aged ninety-one years (b. NH). They resided on River Road.

Sarah M. [(Clark)] Hayes, keeping house, aged eighty years (b. NH), headed a Kittery, ME, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. Her son, Albert A. Hayes, a grocer, aged fifty-nine years (b. NH), resided next door.

Daughter-in-law Sarah M. (Clark) Hayes, died in Kittery, ME, May 12, 1883.

Daughter-in-law Dorothy (Leighton) Hayes died of old age in Milton, April 26, 1885, aged ninety-six years, nine months, and twenty-eight days. She was a widow.

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Epilogue: Mrs. Mary (Pearl) Nute died of old age and general debility on North Main Street on Farmington, NH, June 29, 1912, aged eighty-three years, eight months, and twenty-eight days. She was a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Hayes) Pearl and, through her mother, was also a granddaughter of Daniel and Eunice (Pinkham) Hayes. She was the widow of Hon. Alonzo Nute (1826-1892) of Farmington, NH.

LOCAL. A strange coincidence in connection with the death of Mrs. Mary Pearl Nute, is that the house on the farm at West Milton in which she passed her early life was destroyed by fire Monday, July 1, the day preceding her funeral. The cause of the fire is unknown. A few articles only were saved by neighbors. This old farm was cleared, and the buildings erected more than a century ago by Capt. Daniel Hayes who was a leading man in affairs of the state. The house was in the stagecoach days a stopping place for the stage that made regular trips between Dover and Ossipee and was famed for the excellence and abundance of its fare. The place has always remained in the family, Mr. Nute being the fourth generation from the first settler (Farmington News, July 5, 1912).

Mary (Pearl) Nute’s sons, Eugene Pearl Nute (1852-1922) or Alonzo Irving Nute (1853-1926), would have been fourth-generation descendants of the first settlers.

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References:

Farmer & Lyon. (1844). New-Hampshire Annual Register, and United States Calendar. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=BJIBAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA50

Find a Grave. (2016, September 13). Col. Bidfield Hayes. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/169872910/bidfield-hayes

Find a Grave. (2018, August 15). Daniel Hayes [Sr.]. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/192264465/daniel-hayes

Find a Grave. (2016, September 13). Daniel Hayes. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/169872705/daniel-hayes

Find a Grave. (2013, August 31). James Hayes. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/116326158/james-hayes

Find a Grave. (2016, September 13). Lewis Hayes. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/169872967/lewis-hayes

Find a Grave. (2016, September 13). Mary “Polly” (Hayes) Horne. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/169872420/mary-polly-horne

Find a Grave. (2013, December 20). Sarah “Sally” (Hayes) Meserve. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/121955234/sarah-meserve

Find a Grave. (2015, July 12). Betsy (Hayes) Pearl. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/149129964/betsy-pearl

Lyon, G.P. (1835). New-Hampshire Annual Register, and United States Calendar. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=Qkg9AQAAMAAJ&pg=PA52

NEHGS. (1998). Journals of Enoch Hayes Place, 1849-1865. Boston, MA: New England Historic Genealogical Society

NH General Court. (1820). Journal of the House of Representatives of the State of New-Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=iB9GAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA275

NH General Court. (1821). Journal of the Senate of the State of New-Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=FTETAAAAYAAJ&pg=RA1-PA8

NH Secretary of State. (1920). Laws of New Hampshire: Second Constitutional Period, 1811-1820. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=Cb9GAQAAIAAJ&pg=PA223

Parker, Edward E. & Whitcher, Willaim F. (1908). Genealogical and Family History of the State of New Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=a3AjAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA1864

Richmond, Katherine F. (1936). John Hayes, of Dover, New Hampshire: A Book of His Family. Tyngsboro, MA.

Wikipedia. (2023, June 6). Missouri Compromise. Retrieved vfrom en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Missouri_Compromise

Wikipedia. (2023, June 9). New England’s Dark Day. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_England%27s_Dark_Day

By Muriel Bristol | June 16, 2023

New information has come to hand for the article of several years ago entitled Milton Social Library – 1822, which has been updated.

It seems that Ichabod Hayes (1770-1830) was on its “library committee” and among the papers left after his untimely death was a catalog or list of the roughly two dozen titles (some of them being some multi-volume books) that were held by the library during his tenure.

It was said that the young people of the town read these books too, and that some of them prided themselves on having read all of them.

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References:

Find a Grave. (2011, December 31). Ichabod Hayes. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/82754137/ichabod-hayes

Richmond, Katherine F. (1936). John Hayes, of Dover, New Hampshire: A Book of His Family. Tyngsboro, MA.

By Muriel Bristol | June 11, 2023

Leroy Fremont Corson was born in Milton, December 26, 1858, son of Alonzo and Mary (Hanscom) Corson. (Alonzo Corson was a soldier in the Fifth NH Volunteer Infantry Regiment during the Civil War).

Alonzo Corson, works for shoe factory, aged thirty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Mary [(Hanscom)] Corson, keeping house, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), Leroy F. Corson, works for shoe factory, aged thirteen years (b. NH), and Carrie E. Corson, at school, aged eleven years (b. NH). They shared a two-family residence with the household of Samuel S. Nutter, works for shoe factory, aged twenty-four years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Henry H. Corson, works in shoe factory, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH), and Stephen Drew, a physician, aged seventy-nine years (b. NH).

Jeremy H. Titcomb, a stone cutter, aged seventy-nine years (b. NH), headed a Farmington, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his [second] wife, Charlotte F. [(Corson)] Titcomb, keeping house, aged fifty-six years (b. ME), his brother-in-law, Alonzo Corson, works in shoe shop, aged forty-eight years (b. NH), and his grandson [his wife’s nephew], Leroy F. Corson, works in shoe shop, aged twenty-three years (b. NH). They shared a two-family residence with the household of Samuel A. Jones, works in shoe shop, aged thirty-three years (b. NH).

Samuel Jones, a farmer, aged sixty (b. ME), headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Mary A. [(Dixon)] Jones, keeping house, aged fifty-eight years (b. ME), and his boarder, Winora W. Jones, at home, aged nineteen years (b. ME).

Leroy F. Corson married in Farmington, NH, March 9, 1880, Winora Weston “Nora” Jones, he of Milton and she of Lebanon, ME. He was a shoemaker, aged twenty-three years, and she was aged nineteen years. Rev. C.A. Bickford performed the ceremony. She was born in Lebanon, ME, circa March 1861, daughter of Samuel B. and Mary A. “Annie” (Dixon) Jones.

(The known children of Leroy F. and Winora (Weston) Corson were: Helene Mary Corson (1882–1914), Herbert L. Corson (188?-188?), Sumner J. Corson (1886-1889), Agnes Miriam Corson (1888–1950), Harold Maurice Corson (1893–), and Carl Edwin Corson (1896-1897)).

MARRIAGES. In Farmington, March 9, by Rev. C.A. Bickford, Leroy F. Corson of Milton, and Miss Minora W. Jones of Lebanon, Me. (Farmington News, March 19, 1880).

LOCALS. The following were installed Friday evening as officers of Eureka Council, No. 2, Royal Templars of Temperance, for the ensuing term: E.E. Clarke, Select Counselor; John M. Berry, V.C.; D.W. Edgerly, V.C.; Warren H. Whitehouse, R.S.; Chas. G. Wood, F.S.; A.A. Hall, Treas.; J.A. Roberts, Chaplain; Geo. F. Russell, Hearld; Mrs. Abbie B. Russell, D. Herald; William P. Holmes, Guard; Leroy S. Corson, Sentinel (Farmington News, July 16, 1880).

Daughter Helene M. Corson was born in Lebanon, ME, November 18, 1882.

LOCALS. The following newly elected officers of Eureka Council, R.T. of T., are to be installed to-night: A.L. Dow, C.C.; Leroy Corson, V.C.; E. Graco Herring, Rec. Sec.; A.H. Hanson, Fin. Sec.; P.P. Connor, P.C.; Mrs. G.W. Chesley, Treas.; J.H. Edgerly, Chap.; Frank Blake, Herald; J.M. Berry, I.S.; J.H. Perkins, S. (Farmington News, July 13, 1883).

Son Herbert L. Corson was born and died [in Lebanon, ME,] in the mid 1880s. Son Sumner J. Corson was born in Lebanon, ME, in 1886. Daughter Agnes Miriam Corson was born in Milton, September 9, 1888.

LOCALS. Leroy Corson of Milton, a former resident here, has commenced the manufacture of custom shoes (Farmington News, March 22, 1889).

Son Sumner J. Corson died in Milton, in 1889. Father Alonzo Corson died in Milton, December 23, 1889.

The Milton Selectmen of 1890 were O.F. Marsh, L.F. Corson, and C.A. Jones. In a General Court Manual, Oscar F. Marsh and Charles A. Jones were identified as Republicans, while Leroy F. Corson was identified as a Democrat (NH Secretary of State, 1891).

MILTON. Leroy Corson is building a large stable adjoining his house on Prospect Hill (Farmington News, October 10, 1890).

MILTON. The storm Sunday was quite severe in this village. A new stable partially completed, belonging to Leroy F. Corson, was twisted several feet on its foundation and came near being blown down. The water on the pond rose several feet during the afternoon and evening and presented a decidedly rough appearance Monday morning (Farmington News, October 24, 1890).

The Milton Selectmen of 1891 were O.F. Marsh, L.F. Corson, and F.P. Jones.

Son Harold Maurice Corson was born in Milton, September 5, 1893. (He was the fifth child). His father, Leroy F. Corson, was a McKay [shoe machine] stitcher. M.A.H. Hart, M.D., reported the birth.

Leroy F. Corson was Master of the Lewis W. Nute grange in 1896. Myron P. Dickey was its Lecturer and Bard B. Plummer was its Secretary (NH Board of Agriculture, 1897).

WEST MILTON. Mr. Leroy Corson and family have been on the Cook place for haying but will soon return to their town home. It would be pleasant for the neighborhood if this family Could remain here (Farmington News, August 21, 1896).

Son Carl Edwin Corson was born in Milton, August 30, 1896. (He was the sixth child). W.F. Wallace, M.D., reported the birth. He died of pneumonia in Milton, December 29, 1896, aged four months. M.A.H. Hart, M.D., signed the death certificate.

WEST MILTON. Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Corson have lost their four months old son, Carl Edwin. He died of pneumonia (Farmington News, January 29, 1897).

Father-in-law Samuel B. Jones died in Lebanon, ME, in 1898.

Leroy F. Corson was Secretary of the Lewis W. Nute grange in 1898. Charles H. Cole was its Master and Myron P. Dickey was its Lecturer (NH Board of Agriculture, 1899).

MILTON. Saturday last Leroy F. Corson was quite seriously injured while working at the paper mill, but is said to be improving (Farmington News, March 3, 1899).

Daughter Helene M. Corson married (1st) in Dover, NH, October 10, 1899, Whilliam Greenleaf Webber, she of Milton and he of Dover, NH. He was a painter, aged twenty years, and she was aged seventeen years. Rev. W.H.S. Hascall performed the ceremony. Webber was born in Newfields, NH, son of William H. and Josephine L. Webber. (And he was a Spanish-American War veteran).

Leroy Corson, a McKay stitcher, aged sixty-three years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of twenty years), Winora W. [(Jones)] Corson, aged fifty-nine years (b. ME), his children, Helene M. [(Corson)] Webber, a home assistant, aged seventeen years (b. ME), Agnes M. Corson, at school, aged eleven years (b. NH), Harold M. Corson, at school, aged six years (b. NH), and his grandson, Waldemar F. Webber, aged two months (b. NH). Leroy F. Corson owned their house, free-and-clear. Winora W. Corson was the mother of six children, of whom three were still living. Helene M. Webber was the mother of one child, of whom one was still living.

George P. Fowler, a machinist, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Boston, MA, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of eighteen years), Carrie B. [(Trow)] Fowler, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), his daughter, Nina B. Fowler, at school, aged fifteen years (b. NH), and his boarder, Leroy F. Corson, a machinist, aged forty-three years (b. NH). George P. Fowler rented their house. Carrie B. Fowler was the mother of one child, of whom one was still living.

Son-in-law William G. Webber divorced Helene Mary [(Corson)] Webber in Strafford County Superior Court, June 13, 1901. He alleged extreme cruelty. (One had to allege something).

Mother-in-law Annie T. Jones died in Lebanon, ME, in 1904.

Mother Mary (Hanscom) Corson died in Milton, February 14, 1907.

Daughter Helene M. (Corson) Webber married (2nd) in Boston, MA, October 26, 1907, Reinhold Eberhardt, he of 67 Round Hill Street and she of 1 Warbury Terrace. He was a salesman, aged twenty-five years, and she was [a divorcée,] aged twenty-four years. Rev. James A. Johnston performed the ceremony.  Eberhardt was born in Germany, circa 1882, son of Samuel and Pauline F. (Koch) Eberhardt.

Daughter Agnes M. Corson married (1st) in Boston, MA, April 5, 1908, Job L. Hatfield, both of 1 Marbury Terrace, Boston, MA. He was a clerk, aged twenty-two years, and she was a clerk, aged nineteen years. Rev. James A. Johnston performed the ceremony. Hatfield was born in Yarmouth County, circa 1886, son of George A. and Annie (Churchill) Hatfield.

Leroy F. Corson, a shoe shop stitcher, aged fifty-three years (b. NH), headed a Boston, MA, household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Winora [(Jones)] Corson, aged forty-nine years (b. ME), his children, Harold Corson, wholesale groceries, aged twenty-one [sixteen] years (b. NH), and Agnes [(Corson)] Hatfield, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), and his son-in-law (of two years), J. Lyons Hatfield, a creamery manager, aged twenty-four years (b. Canada). Leroy Corson rented their house at 412 Centre Street. Winora Corson was the mother of six children, of whom three were still living. They shared a two-family residence with the household of Charles H. McGee, an orchestra musician, aged thirty-seven years (b. MA).

Reinhold Eberhardt, an electrical supplies salesman, aged twenty-eight years (b. Germany), headed a Brooklyn, NY, household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of two years), Helene M. [((Corson) Webber)] Eberhardt, aged twenty-seven years (b. ME), and Waldemar F. Eberhardt [Webber], aged ten years (b. NH). Reinholdt Eberhardt had immigrated into the U.S. in 1891. Helene M. Eberhardt was the mother of one child, of whom one was still living.

Son Harold M. Corson married in Boston, MA, January 7, 1913, Elizabeth Ochs, he of 412 Centre Street, Boston, MA, and she of 2985 Washington Street, Boston, MA. He was a shoe cutter, aged nineteen years, and she was a shoe skiver, aged twenty-four years. Rev. J. Sch[—] [Bra]ndt performed the ceremony. She was born in Boston, MA, circa 1892, daughter of Joseph B. and Anna (Grewen) Ochs.

Daughter Helene M. ((Corson) Webber) Eberhardt died of phthisis pulmonalis at 19 Burr Street in Boston, MA, October 21, 1914, aged thirty-one years, eleven months, and three days. H.N. Emmons, M.D., signed the death certificate.

Leroy F. Corson appeared in the Boston, MA, directory of 1916, as a special policeman, with his house at 412 Centre street, JP [Jamaica Plain]. Son Harold M. Corson appeared as a cutter, boarding at 408 Centre street, JP. Son-in-law J. Lyons Hatfield appeared as a manager at 349 Centre street, JP, rooming at 408 Centre street, JP.

Son Harold Maurice Corson, of 408 Center Street, Boston, MA, aged twenty-three years, registered for the WW I military draft in Boston, MA, June 5, 1917. He had been born in Milton, NH, September 5, 1893. He was a shoe factory foreman for Thomas H. Plant Co., at Center Street, Boston, MA. He had a wife and one child. He was of medium height, with a medium build, blue eyes, and brown hair.

Leroy F. Corson died, probably in Boston, MA, June 6, 1918.

Son Harold M. Corson disappeared from Boston, MA, circa 1918-19. His wife and children may be found residing with her parents in 1920, and notices seeking information about his whereabouts were published in 1921 and 1923.

J. Lyons Hatfield, a creamery manager, aged thirty-two years (b. Nova Scotia), headed a Boston, MA, household at the time of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Agnes [(Corson)] Hatfield, a creamery saleslady, aged thirty years (b. NH), his children, Norman L. Hatfield, aged four years (b. MA), and Helen W. Hatfield, aged eight years (b. MA), his nephew, Waldemar Webber, a shoe factory cutter, aged nineteen years (b. NH), and his mother-in-law, Nora W. [(Jones)] Corson, aged fifty-eight years (b. ME). J. Lyons Hatfield rented their part of a two-family house at 408 Centre Street.

Joseph Ochs, a piano maker (Chickering Co.), aged seventy years (b. MA), headed a Boston, MA, household at the time of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Anna [(Grewen)] Ochs, aged fifty-seven years (b. Germany), his children, Frederick Ochs, a shoe factory patternmaker, aged twenty-five years (b. MA), George Ochs, a shoe factory patternmaker, aged twenty-two years (b. MA), Rita Ochs, aged sixteen years (b. MA), Mildred Ochs, aged thirteen years (b. MA), Elizabeth [(Ochs)] Corsin, aged thirty-one years (b. MA), and his grandsons, Leroy Corsin, aged four years (b. MA), and Herbert Corsin, aged two years (b. MA). Joseph Ochs rented their apartment at 15 Paul Gore Street. Elizabeth Corsin was divorced.

INFORMATION WANTED. IF HAROLD M. CORSON sees this notice call sister at once; important. Jamaica 1878-M (Boston Globe, March 20, 1921).

Bostonian Missing Four Years. Efforts also are being made to locate Harold M. Corson, 29 years old, formerly of Boston, but who has not been heard from by his relatives for about four years. They have information from a man who knows Corson, however, that the latter was seen in Philadelphia within the last year, at which time he said he was employed as a salesman, but did not say by whom; Corson is described as being about five feet eleven inches in height, and weighing approximately 160 pounds. He is of dark complexion, with blue eyes, brown hair and is smooth shaven (Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, PA), September 16, 1923).

Winora W. Corson appeared in the Boston, MA, directories of 1924, and 1927, as the widow of Leroy F. Corson, with her residence at 408 Centre street, JP [Jamaica Plain]. Son-in-law J. Lyons Hatfield appeared as a manager at 349 Center street, in JP, with his house at 408 Centre street.

J. Lyons Hatfield, a creamery manager, aged forty-four years (b. Nova Scotia), headed a Boston, MA, headed a Boston, MA, household at the time of the Fifteenth (1930) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of twenty-two years), A.M. [(Corson)] Hatfield, aged forty-one years (b. NH), his children, Norman Hatfield, a stenographer, aged twenty years (b. MA), and Helen Hatfield, an inspector, aged eighteen years (b. MA), his mother [-in-law], N. Winora [(Jones)] Corson, a widow, aged sixty-nine years (b. ME), and his nephew, Wilber Webber, aged thirty years (b. NH). J. Lyons Hatfield rented their part of a three-family house at 456 Centre Street, for $60 per month.

Anna [(Grewen)] Ochs, a widow, aged sixty-eight years (b. Germany), headed a Boston, MA, household at the time of the Fifteenth (1930) Federal Census. Her household included her daughter, Elizabeth [(Ochs)] Corson, a shoe worker, aged forty-two years (b. MA), and her grandsons, Leroy Corson, aged fourteen years (b. MA), and Herbert Corson, aged twelve years (b. MA). Anna Ochs rented their apartment at 15 Pond Street, for $35 per month. They had a radio set.

Winora W. Corson appeared in the Boston, MA, directory of 1932, as the widow of Leroy F. Corson, with her residence at 2035 Centre street, WR [West Roxbury].

Winora W. (Jones) Corson died, probably in Boston, MA, in 1936.

Leroy Corson, a shoe company cutter, aged twenty-five years (b. MA), headed a Boston, MA, household at the time of the Sixteenth (1940) Federal Census. His household included his mother, Elizabeth [(Ochs)] Corson, a shoe company skiver, aged fifty-eight years (b. MA), and his brother, Herbert Corson, a WPA road laborer, aged twenty-two years (b. MA). Leroy Corson rented their apartment at 52 South Street, for $18 per month. They had all resided in the “same place” in 1935.

Daughter-in-law Elizabeth A. (Ochs) Corson died in Wolfeboro, NH, September 12, 1979.

DEATHS. CORSON – In Wolfboro, September 12. formerly of Jamaica Plain, Elizabeth A. (Ochs), mother of Leroy J. of Westwood and Herbert F. Corson of Ossipee Village, N.H., sister of Rita Miketa of Westwood, and Mildred Hinckley of E. Weymouth. Funeral from the John F. Holden Westwood Funeral Home, 55 High Rock (off Rt. 109), WESTWOOD, Saturday at 8:45. Funeral Mass in St. Margaret Mary Church at 9:30. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours Friday only, 2-4 and 7-9 (Boston Globe, September 14, 1979).

Daughter Agnes M. (Corson) Hatfield died in Milton, March 29, 1950.

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References:

Find a Grave. (2020, August 18). Alonzo Corson. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/214560721/alonzo-corson

Find a Grave. (2021, September 3). Carl Edwin Corson. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/231630917/carl-edwin-corson

Find a Grave. (2021, September 3). Helen M. Corson. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/231630857/helen-m-webber

Find a Grave. (2021, September 3). Leroy F. Corson. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/231630776/leroy-f-corson

Find a Grave. (2021, September 3). Agnes M. Hatfield. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/231631749/agnes-m-hatfield

NH Board of Agriculture. (1897). NH Agriculture. Retrieved from

NH Board of Agriculture. (1899). NH Agriculture. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=etlKAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA436

NH Secretary of State. (1891). New Hampshire Manual for the General Court. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=0jdAAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA279

By Muriel Bristol | June 4, 2023

Continued from Milton Mills Sketch of 1911 – 1

In researching something else, several lengthy articles on Milton Mills were encountered in the Sanford Tribune of October 6, 1911. This second article dealt with the Townsend family and their mills.

The original immigrant John Townsend (1807-1891) took over and transformed the Milton Mills Manufacturing Company. His son, Henry H. Townsend (1842-1904), created the nearby but separate Miltonia Mills, and the original immigrant’s grandson, John E. Townsend (1871-1914), was at the time of this 1911 sketch managing those same Miltonia Mills.

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

MILTONIA MILLS. There is in Milton Mills another of the few old-time woolen mills that is still doing a good business and keeping up the standard both as to quality of product and economic and social conditions. The history of the mill runs back to the generation before the civil war to the days when the small mill had superseded the one-man shop and home manufactory but before the gigantic trust-sustained corporations had been born.
John Townsand one of the many able men who came from England to America about that period and established factories for the manufacture of woolen goods, went to Milton Mills in 1846 and bought the small factory then being operated on the privilege now known as the Waumbeck. He began the manufacture of flannels and continued that product until the mill was burned in 1861. After the mill was rebuilt Mr. Townsand made what was called army flannel. The mill was sold to E.R. Mudge & Sawyer company and Mr. Townsand moved to Boston and afterwards made his home in Brookline, where he died in 1890.
Mr. Townsand was a man of extraordinary energy and one of the strong characters in that period of manufacturing development in New England. In those times twelve or more hours a day was the lot of the workingman, but the proprietor limited his hours of work to the limit of his ability to stand the strain. It is remembered that Mr. Townsand worked early and late. For some years after starting business there the nearest railway station was Somersworth. He made a trip to Boston once a week. As he felt that one day was all he could spare from the mill, he used to start from the mills at three o’clock in the morning and drive to Somersworth, thence by train to Boston. Returning he would take the last train at night for Somersworth arriving there about eight He would then drive the twenty miles to Milton Mills, reaching there about midnight having made a day of twenty hours.
Mr. Townsand came to America in 1827 in company with Moses Stevens who afterwards established the business in Andover, Mass., that now bears his name. They together went to that town and worked for several years. Mr. Townsand going to Milton Mills to make a name and fortune, and Mr. Stevens staying there to do the same.
Henry H. Townsand, son of John and father of the present owner of the business, acquired a knowledge of the business as a part of his education and when his father went away bought the privilege where the Miltonia mills are now located. There was a small mill there. He then made felt. It was in 1880 that the business of making bed blankets was originated. Mr. Townsand made blankets that had a peculiar quality that made the demand for them large. The capacity of the mill was soon outgrown and in 1888 the main mill, No. 2, was built. Gradually additions were made. In 1894 the new boiler house was built and following that the power plant for generating electricity was erected. The weave room is run by electric power and the entire mill is lighted by it. The mills are well kept, lighted and aired in a thoroughly sanitary manner and the too frequently noticed mill pallor in many places is never seen on the faces of the employees of this mill.
Henry H. Townsand conducted the business until his death in 1904. The business that he started had then grown to be one of the important industries of the county, and the quality of the goods made was such that they hardly had any competition in the market. He showed the ability that had made his father successful as a manufacturer, and left, as had his father, the village 0f Milton Mills the gainer because he had lived and done business there. In 1904 John E. Townsand, the present owner, succeeded to the business by agreeable arrangement with his sister.
John E. Townsand was born in Milton Mills, and following the example of his father, made it his home and grew up in the mill business. The business has prospered under his management and shows that the same talents that made his father and grandfather successful survive in him. Milton Mills people had recognized those qualities, as well as others, long before. In 1901 they chose him to represent the town in the legislature and he is now, as he was then, a man whose abilities and good citizenship place him in the front rank of business men and companionable fellows. He is prominent in Masonry, being a 32nd degree Mason. He is also an Odd Fellow.
Harry E. Wentworth has been bookkeeper and paymaster for the last three years. He is a native of the place and a young man of excellent qualities (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), October 6, 1911).

John E. Townsend died in Milton Mills just three years after this Sanford Tribune article, September 8, 1914, aged forty-two years. (See Milton in the News – 1914).

John C. Townsend, a brother-in-law (and cousin) of John E. Townsend, was mentioned elsewhere in the Sanford Tribune article as having been at times Miltonia’s superintendent. However, he died of pneumonia (and uremic poisoning) in Milton Mills just over four years after this Sanford Tribune article, February 14, 1916, aged forty-four years, four months, and twenty-seven days.

Another brother-in-law (through their having married sisters), Miltonia’s “bookkeeper and paymaster” Harry E. Wentworth, would manage things until John E. Townsend’s ten-year-old son, Henry A. Townsend, could come of age.

(See also H.E. Wentworth’s Diary Entries, Miltonia Mills – 1910-27, H.E. Wentworth’s Diary Entries, Miltonia Mills – 1928-34, and H.E. Wentworth’s Diary Entries, Miltonia Mills – 1935-54).

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Continued in Milton Mills Sketch of 1911 – 3

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References:

Find a Grave. (2013, August 4). Henry A. Townsend. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114893218/henry-a-townsend

Find a Grave. (2013, August 12). Henry H. Townsend. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/115352239

Find a Grave. (2022, October 27). John Townsend. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/245080146/john-townsend

Find a Grave. (2013, August 12). John C. Townsend. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/115352317/john-c-townsend

Find a Grave. (2013, August 12). John E. Townsend. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/115352496/john-e-townsend

Find a Grave. (2013, August 5). Harry E. Wentworth. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114938247/harry-e-wentworth

By Muriel Bristol | May 28, 2023

Thomas Chapman was born in Wakefield, NH, in 1790, son of Samuel and Lucia (Marston) Chapman. (Father Samuel Chapman died in Greenland, NH, in 1809).

Thomas Chapman served in Capt. William Courson’s company of Milton militia when it marched to Portsmouth, NH, during the War of 1812. (See Milton in the War of 1812).

Thomas Chapman married (1st) Sarah Johnson.

(The known child of Thomas and Sarah (Johnson) Chapman was Sarah J. Chapman (1818-1900).

Daughter Sarah J. Chapman was born in Greenland, NH, June 23, 1818.

Thomas Chapman married (2nd) in Newmarket, NH, February 1, 1820, Almira Robinson, he of Greenland, NH, and she of Newmarket, NH. Rev. John Brodhead performed the ceremony. She was born in Greenland, NH, April 21, 1799, daughter of Ebenezer C. and Anna (Avery) Robinson.

(The known children of Thomas and Almira (Robinson) Chapman were: Charles Robinson Chapman, (c1820-1877), Ebenezer Chapman (1821-1906), Mary Ann Chapman [I] (1825-1832), Almira Jane Chapman (1829–1894), Thomas J. Chapman (1831–1906), George W. Chapman (c1835-1858), and Mary Ann Chapman [II] (1841-1925)).

Son Charles Robinson Chapman was born in Milton, May 2, 1820. Son Ebenezer “Eben” Chapman was born in Milton, November 11, 1821. Daughter Mary A. Chapman [I] was born in Milton, in 1825.

Thos. Chapman, Jas. Hayes, Jr., and I.H. Wentworth were the Milton Selectmen of 1825. Thos. Chapman, Jas. Hayes, Jr., and Jas. Roberts were the Milton Selectmen of 1826. Thos. Chapman, Jas. Hayes, Jr., and H. Meserve were the Milton Selectmen of 1827.

Milton sent Thomas Chapman to Concord, NH, as its NH State Representative for the 1828-29 biennium (Claremont, 1826). He boarded at John George’s rooming house or hotel during the fall and spring sessions, as did Governor Benjamin Pierce; Executive Councilor Benjamin M. Bean; Senators Abner Greenleaf and Ezekiel Wentworth; and some fifteen other State Representatives. 

On Monday, June 9, 1828, Rep. Chapman was assigned also to a NH House select committee delegated to explore the Maine boundary issues and problems mentioned in a gubernatorial address of the prior year.

Ordered that Messrs. Betton, Webster of Kingston, Farrington, Hanson, Tucker of Loudon, Chapman of Milton, and Quimby of Sandwich be the committee on the message the late Governor, relative to the report and resolutions the State of Maine on their North-eastern boundary.

This came amid growing tensions between the United States, especially Maine, and Canada, especially New Brunswick, over the exact location of the border between Maine and Canada. The result would be the so-called “Aroostook War” of 1838-39, in which the Maine militia were called out, but no actual fighting occurred.

On Tuesday, June 17, 1828, Mr. Boswell Stevens of Pembroke, NH, proposed that the bill entitled “An act directing the mode of choosing and appointing electors of President and Vice President of the United States,” get its third reading and a vote. Rep. John Quimby of Springfield, NH, moved that the bill be instead indefinitely postponed. Rep. T. Chapman voted with the majority of 122 members [61.3%] that opposed indefinite postponement, rather than the 77 members [38.7%] in favor of indefinite postponement.

Also on Tuesday, June 17, 1828, Rep. Caleb Morse of Haverhill, NH, moved that a proposed “act providing for the assessment and collection of taxes on lands and buildings of nonresidents” be postponed to the next session. Rep. T. Chapman voted with the 113 members [60.0%] that voted against postponement, rather than with the 94 members [40%] that voted in favor of postponement.

While Thomas Chapman was absent at the NH House in Concord, NH, he received an initial appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, June 17, 1828. (There was a later marginal note to the effect that he had “moved to Alton,” NH, i.e., at some time over his five-year term (1828-33), but it was followed by another note to the effect that he had “returned to Milton”).

On Friday, December 26, 1828, the NH House voted on “An act to incorporate sundry persons by the name of the President, Directors and Company of the Manufacturer’s Bank.” Rep. T. Chapman voted with the 105 members [51.5%] in favor of incorporating the Manufacturer’s Bank, rather than the 99 members [48.5%] that voted against so doing.

The Legislature of New-Hampshire, at the session just closed, incorporated three new banks, viz: the Bank of Lebanon, at Lebanon; Derry Bank, at Derry; and the Manufacturer’s Bank, at New-Ipswich (Vermont Journal (Windsor, VT), January 17, 1829).

On December 28, 1828, Rep. James B. Thornton of Merrimack, NH, moved to reconsider the vote on “An act providing that the town of Londonderry ought to be disannexed from the County of Rockingham and annexed to the County of Hillsborough.” Rep. T. Chapman of Milton voted with the 109 members [54.0%] that voted against reconsideration, rather than with the 93 members [46.0%] that voted in favor of reconsideration.

On Friday, January 2, 1829, the NH House sought to vote on “an act for the taxing of Sheep.” Rep. Thomas Flanders, Jr., of Alton moved that the bill be postponed indefinitely. Rep. T. Chapman of Milton voted with the 136 representatives [80.5%] who voted against postponement, rather than with the 33 representatives [19.5%] who voted in favor of postponement.

Justices of the Peace. Milton. Jotham Nute, D. Hayes, John Remich, J. Roberts, Hanson Hayes, Stephen M. Mathes, John Nutter, Thomas Chapman (Lyon, 1829).

Justices of the Peace. Milton. Jotham Nute, D. Hayes, John Remich, J. Roberts, Hanson Hayes, Stephen M. Mathes, John Nutter, Thomas Chapman, Theodore C. Lyman (Lyon, 1830).

Thos Chapman headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 40-49 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years [Almira (Robinson) Chapman], one female aged 15-19 years, one male aged 10-14 years [Charles Chapman], one male aged 5-9 years [Ebenezer Chapman], one female aged 5-9 years [Mary A. Chapman [I]], and one female aged under-5 years [Almira J. Chapman]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Joseph Libby and Caleb Gilman.

Thos. Chapman, J.M. Twombly, and H. Meserve were the Milton selectmen of 1831.

Son Thomas J. Chapman was born in Milton, August 21, 1831. Daughter Mary A. Chapman [I] died in Milton, March 22, 1832. 

Thos. Chapman, J.M. Twombly, and J.H. Varney were the Milton selectmen of 1832.

Justices of the Peace. Milton – Levi Jones, Daniel Hayes, John Remich, James Roberts, Hanson Hayes, Stephen M. Mathes, John Nutter, Theodore C. Lyman, Samuel S. Mason, Stephen Drew, Israel Nute, John L. Swinerton, Thomas Chapman (Hayward, 1834).

Thomas Chapman appeared in the Alton, NH, court roster as having received an appointment as justice-of-the-peace there too, June 15, 1833, but he had “returned to Milton,” prior to his Alton renewal.

Thomas Chapman received a renewal appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, June 30, 1835.

Justices of the Peace. Milton – Levi Jones, Daniel Hayes, John Remick, JAMES ROBERTS, Hanson Hayes, Stephen M. Mathes, John Nutter, Theodore C. Lyman, Samuel S. Mason, Stephen Drew, John L. Swinerton, Thomas Chapman, Joseph Cook, John J. Plumer, Daniel Hayes, jr. (McFarland & Jenks, 1840).

Milton sent Thomas Chapman back to Concord, NH, as its NH State Representative for the 1835-36 biennium.

On Thursday, June 18, 1835, the NH House considered “An act providing for the compensation of the officers of the civil list.”

Mr. Perley of Meredith, moved to amend the bill by striking out the word twelve in that part of the bill which relates to the salary of the Governor, and insert in lieu thereof the word ten.

Rep. Chapman voted with the 169 members [69.0%] that voted for the amendment with the smaller increase, rather than with the 47 members [31.0%] that voted to leave the bill with the larger increase.

Rep. Ira Perley of Hanover, NH, moved also a second amendment to the same pay bill that altered the line with NH Senate and House pay from $2.00 daily down to $1.00. On this issue, Rep. Chapman voted with the 147 members [66.2%] opposed to the reduction, i.e., in favor of the proposed increase, rather than the 75 members [33.8%] in favor of the reduced amount. Rep. Daniel Hoit of Sandwich, NH, moved that the number should be reduced from $2.00 to $1.50, and Rep. Jonathan Smith of Bath, NH, moved that the number should be reduced from $2.00 to $1.67. But the House adjourned before those votes could be taken. On the following day, the Smith amendment was rejected, and the Hoit amendment was withdrawn.

On Wednesday, June 24, 1835, the NH House sought to vote on “An act to apportion and distribute the public arms among the several towns and places in this State.” Rep. Caleb Stark, Jr., of Dunbarton, NH, moved that the bill be indefinitely postponed via a roll call vote. Rep. Chapman voted with the 139 members [65.0%] that opposed postponement, rather than the 75 members [35.0%] that favored postponement. Rep. Benjamin Pettingill, 2nd, of Salisbury, NH, moved that the bill be tabled. When that failed, the bill passed on a voice vote.

Rep. Chapman filed a bill on December 26, 1836, to incorporate the Milton Manufacturing Company.

Mr. Chapman, pursuant to notice given on Saturday last, and by leave of the House, introduced a bill entitled “An act to incorporate the Milton mills manufacturing company.” Which was read a first and second time.

The NH House passed the bill and sent it on to the NH Senate. The NH Senate passed an amended version of the bill. The NH House initially refused to concur with the NH Senate’s amended version but seems to have done so eventually.

Thomas Chapman 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). 

Thomas Chapman’s entry in the roster of Milton justices bore an undated notation that he was “gone” instead of receiving a June 1840 renewal appointment.

Justices of the Peace. Milton – Levi Jones, Daniel Hayes, John Remick, JAMES ROBERTS, Hanson Hayes, Stephen M. Mathes, John Nutter, Theodore C. Lyman, Samuel S. Mason, Stephen Drew, John L. Swinerton, Thomas Chapman, Joseph Cook, John J. Plumer, Daniel Hayes, jr. (McFarland & Jenks, 1840).

Thomas Chapman received instead his initial appointment as a Wakefield, NH, justice-of-the-peace, June 13, 1840 (and again on January 4, 1841).

Thomas Chapman headed a Wakefield, NH, 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 [Almira (Robinson) Chapman], one male aged 20-29 years [Charles Chapman], one male aged 15-19 years [Ebenezer Chapman], one female aged 10-14 years [Almira J. Chapman], one male aged 5-9 years [George W. Chapman], and one female aged under-5 years [Mary Chapman]. Three members of his household were engaged in Agriculture.

John W. Twombly headed a Greenland, NH, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 30-39 years [himself], and one female aged 20-29 years [Sarah J. (Chapman) Twombly] One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture.

Daughter Mary A. Chapman [II] was born in Wakefield, NH, May 16, 1841.

Justices of the Peace. Wakefield – William Sawyer, Jonathan Copp, Amasa Copp, Josiah H. Hobbs, Elias Wentworth, Benjamin Cook, jr., James Garvin, Joshua G. Hall, Thomas Chapman, William Sawyer, jr., N.H. Cook, John Brooks, jr., John Copp, Benjamin Cook, Ebenezer Garvin, jr., John Gage, John Clark, Thomas W. Mordough, Isaac Jenness (Farmer & Lyon, 1845). 

Thomas Chapman received a renewal of his appointment as a Wakefield, NH, justice-of-the-peace, December 23, 1845.

Daughter Almira J. Chapman married in Wakefield, NH, February 22, 1849, John William Sanborn. He was born in Wakefield, NH, January 16, 1822, son of Daniel H. and Lydia (Dore) Sanborn.

Thomas Chapman, a joiner, aged sixty years (b. NH), headed a Wakefield, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Almira [(Robinson)] Chapman, aged fifty years (b. NH), Charles Chapman, a farmer, aged thirty years (b. NH), Ebenezer Chapman, a farmer, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH), George Chapman, none, aged fifteen years (b. NH), and Mary Chapman, aged nine years (b. NH). Thomas Chapman had real estate valued at $2,500.

John W. Sanborn, a farmer, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Wakefield, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Almira J. [(Chapman)] Sanborn, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), and Charles W. Sanborn, aged one year (b. NH). John W. Sanborn had real estate valued at $700.

Son Eben Chapman married in Wakefield, NH, between April 1, 1850, and April 1, 1851, Clarissa A. Lang, both of Wakefield, NH. She was born in Brookfield, NH, November 13, 1826, daughter of Samuel and Lydia (Thurber) Lang.

Thomas Chapman received a renewal of his appointment as a Wakefield, NH, justice-of-the-peace, November 1, 1850.

Son Thomas J. Chapman married in Lawrence, MA, April 5, 1855, Sophia Hardy, both of Lawrence, MA. He was a machinist, aged twenty-three years, and she was aged twenty-four years. Rev. R.S. Rust performed the ceremony. She was born in Bradford, NH, in May 1833, daughter of Dudley and Jane (Marshall) Hardy.

Thomas Chapman of Wakefield, NH, received a War of 1812 veteran’s pension, including a bounty land warrant in 1855. Such a warrant entitled one to a land grant in some newly established community. They were sold often to other parties for cash if the recipient did not wish to pull up roots and resettle elsewhere.

Thomas Chapman received a renewal of his appointment as a Wakefield, NH, justice-of-the-peace, November 2, 1855.

Son George W. Chapman died of scarlatina maligna throat distemper, i.e., scarlet fever, in Wakefield, NH, May 29, 1858, aged twenty-two years, six months. He was a shoemaker. The Wakefield Selectmen reported the death (or notified the Town Clerk), rather than a doctor.

Thomas Chapman, a farmer, aged seventy years (b. NH), headed a Wakefield, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Almira [(Robinson)] Chapman, aged sixty years (b. NH), Charles Chapman, a farmer, aged forty years (b. NH), Mary Chapman, housework, aged nineteen years (b. NH) and Hiram Nichols, aged fourteen years (b. NH). Thomas Chapman had real estate valued at $2,500 and personal estate valued at $800. Charles Chapman had personal estate valued at $200.

John W. Twombly, a farm laborer, aged fifty years (b. NH), headed a Portsmouth, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. HIs household included Sarah [(Chapman)] Twombly, aged forty-five years (b. NH), Ellen Twombly, aged seventeen years (b. NH), Peter Collins, a farm laborer, aged thirty-five years (b. Ireland), Bridget Collins, aged thirty years (b. Ireland), Mary Collins, aged five years (b. NH), Bridget Collins, aged three years (b. NH), and Michael Collins, aged six months (b. NH).

Eben Chapman, a farmer, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Wakefield, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Clara A. [(Lang)] Chapman, aged thirty-two years (b. NH), John H. Chapman, aged eight years (b. NH), and Carrie E. Chapman, aged eleven months (b. NH). Eben Chapman had real estate valued at $1,100 and personal estate valued at $365.

John W. Sanborn, a farmer, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Wakefield, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Almira J. [(Chapman)] Sanborn, aged thirty-two years (b. NH), Charles W. Sanborn, aged eleven years (b. NH), Daniel H. Sanborn, a farmer, aged sixty-four years (b. NH), and Albert Thompson, a farmer, aged eighteen years (b. ME). John W. Sanborn had real estate valued at $2,000 and personal estate valued at $800.

Thos. J. Chapman, a machinist, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Chelsea, MA, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Sophia J. [(Hardy)] Chapman, aged thirty years (b. NH). Thos. J. Chapman had personal estate valued at $1,200.

Thomas Chapman received a renewal of his appointment as a Wakefield, NH, justice-of-the-peace, November 22, 1860.

Daughter Mary A. Chapman [II] married in Wakefield, NH, July 4, 1861, Charles W. Page, both of Wakefield, NH. He was a farmer, aged thirty-two years, and she was aged twenty-one years. Rev. Nathaniel Barker performed the ceremony. Page was born in Wakefield, NH, February 11, 1829, son of David and Caroline (Jones) Page.

Son-in-law John W. Sanborn of Wakefield, NH, a drover, aged forty-one years (b. NH), registered for the Class II military draft in June 1863. Son Thomas J. Chapman of Charlestown, MA, a machinist, aged thirty-two years (b. NH), registered for the Class II military draft in June 1863.

Son-in-law Charles W. Page enlisted in the NH First Heavy Artillery Regiment, July 20, 1863. He was promoted to Corporal, October 25, 1863. His wife, Mary A. [(Chapman)] Page, aged twenty-seven years, received $24 in “disbursement in aid of families of volunteers,” between November 1, 1864, and April 30, 1865. She received also $17.50 between May 1, 1865, and September 13, 1865. She was then aged twenty-eight years. He mustered out of the service, September 11, 1865.

Thomas J. Chapman, a machinist, aged thirty-four years (b. Wakefield, NH), headed a Charlestown, MA, household at the time of the Second (1865) MA State Census. His household included Sophia J. [(Hardy)] Chapman, aged thirty-five years (b. Machias, NH [ME]).

Congressional Nominations. DOVER, N.H., Jan. 15. At the Democratic Convention for the First Congressional District, holden in this city today, the Hon. Daniel W. Marcy, of Portsmouth was nominated, having 103 votes to 85 votes for Hon. John W. Sanborn, of Wakefield, his competitor (Portland Daily Press (Portland, ME), January 16, 1867).

New Hampshire Politics. The “winter campaign” in New Hampshire has fairly opened. The Democratic State Convention will be held on Thursday of this week, though the election does not occur till the second Tuesday of March, it is thought that Hon. John O. Sinclair, who for two years past has headed their ticket, will be nominated a third time. Among other gentlemen talked of, more or less, in connection with the nomination, are Hon. John W. Sanborn of Wakefield, Gen. John Bedell of Bath, Hon. Hiram R. Roberts of Rollinsford, Hon. Asa P. Cate of Northfield, Hon. William Burns of Lancaster, and Hon George W. Morisson of Manchester. The indications are that Gov. Harriman will be renominated by the Republicans (Portland Daily Press (Portland, NH), November 12, 1867).

Son Charles Robinson Chapman married, circa 1868, Mary Frances Cummings. She was born in Wakefield, MA, June 20, 1850, daughter of Samuel F. and Nancy B. (Neal) Cummings. 

Thomas Chapman of Wakefield, NH, made his last will, November 3, 1869. He bequeathed $1 each to his sons, Charles Chapman, Eben Chapman, and Thomas J. Chapman, and his daughters, Sarah Twombly, and Almira J. Sanborn. He bequeathed to his “beloved wife,” Almira Chapman, all his household furniture, as well as a life estate in all his real, personal, and mixed estate. Mark J. Allen, Hiram W. Nichols, and William H. Allen signed as witnesses (Carroll County Probate, 31:175).

John W. Twombly, a clerk in store, aged sixty-four years (b. NH), headed a Portsmouth, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Sarah [(Chapman)] Twombly, aged fifty-six years (b. NH), Nellie Twombly, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), and Etta Twombly, aged seven years (b. NH). John W. Twombly had personal estate valued at $100.

Charles Chapman, a farmer, aged fifty years (b. NH), headed a Wakefield, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Mary F. [(Cummings)] Chapman, keeping house, aged twenty years (b. NH), and George W. Chapman, at home, aged nine months (b. NH). Charles Chapman had real estate valued at $1,500 and personal estate valued at $608. His household appeared in the enumeration next to that of his brother, Eben Chapman, a farmer, aged forty-nine years.

Eben Chapman, a farmer, aged forty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Wakefield, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Clara A. [(Lang)] Chapman, keeping house, aged forty-four years (b. NH), Carrie Chapman, at home, aged eleven years (b. NH), and Edwin Chapman, at home, aged two years (b. NH). Eben Chapman had real estate valued at $1,700 and personal estate valued at $986. His household appeared in the enumeration next to that of his brother, Charles Chapman, a farmer, aged fifty years.

John W. Sanborn, a farmer and millman, aged forty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Wakefield (“Union P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Almira J. [(Chapman)] Sanborn, keeping house, aged forty-two years (b. NH), Lillian A. Sanborn, at home, aged seven years (b. NH), and Samuel D. Jones, a farm laborer, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH). John W. Sanborn had real estate valued at $14,000 and personal estate valued at $3,246.

Charles W. Page, a farmer, aged forty years (b. NH), headed a Wakefield (“Union P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Mary A. [(Chapman)] Page, keeping house, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH), Laura G. Page, at home, aged three years (b. NH), Mira L. Page, at home, aged two years (b. NH), Thomas Chapman, at home, aged eighty years (b. NH), and Almira [(Robinson)] Chapman, at home, aged sixty-eight years (b. NH). Thomas Chapman had real estate valued at $2,500 and personal estate valued at $800. Charles Chapman had personal estate valued at $200. Charles W. Page had real estate valued at $3,000 and personal estate valued at $1,211. Thomas Chapman had real estate valued at $2,000 and personal estate valued at $100.

NEW HAMPSHIRE. War Debt. John W. Sanborn of Wakefield, and Henry H. Huse of Manchester, were appointed as additional members of the commission upon making a limited reimbursement of the municipal war expenditures among the cities and towns of this State (Portland Daily Press, (Portland, ME), August 3, 1871).

Son-in-law Sen. John W. Sanborn of Wakefield, NH, was elected President of the NH Senate, June 9, 1875.

The New Hampshire Legislature assembled at Concord, Wednesday, amid great excitement. In the Senate, the twelve Senators holding certificates of election from Gov. Weston, were qualified. A formal protest against the seating of Senators Priest and Proctor, was presented by the Republican Senators; it was ordered on file. A ballot was then taken for President, which resulted in the election of John W. Sanborn, of Wakefield, who received the seven Democratic votes, the Republicans not voting. The five Republican Senators then withdrew from the Senate in a body, after which the Democratic members, being a quorum, completed the organization. The seceding Republican Senators met in another room and organized temporarily by electing G.T. Stowell President, and Tyler Westgate Clerk, after which they adjourned. There was little excitement in the House which organized by the election of Chas. P. Sanborn, as Speaker. The seceding Republican Senators sent in a message stating they had taken the oath, but refused to act so long as Priest and Proctor were allowed seats in the body. A resolution was then passed directing the Speaker to obtain the opinion of the Supreme Court on the constitutionality of the action of the; Governor and Council in the matter of Senators Priest and Proctor. The court has appointed a time and place tor the hearing. … (Republican Journal (Belfast, ME), June 10, 1875).

Thomas Chapman died in Wakefield, NH, October 26, 1876. His last will was proved in Carroll County Probate court, December 5, 1876 (Carroll County Probate, 16:689).

Son Charles R. Chapman died in Wakefield, NH, March 10, 1877.

Almira (Robinson) Chapman of Sanborn’s Mills, Wakefield, NH, began receiving a War of 1812 veteran’s widow’s pension in 1878. (The pension authorities indicated their awareness of there having been an unnamed first wife [Sarah Johnson]).

Son-in-law John W. Sanborn of Wolfeboro Junction (a village now named Sanbornville), in Wakefield, NH, was considered for the railroad position of general superintendent in May 1879.

Personal. Hon. John W. Sanborn of Wolfboro is prominently mentioned as a candidate for general superintendent of the Eastern railroad (Portland Daily Press (Portland, ME), May 5, 1879).

John W. Sanborn is credited with bringing the railroad and related industries to Wolfeboro Junction. He oversaw the construction of a large station with a restaurant for the traveling public, freight services, and an extensive service and repair facility located on what today is called Turntable Park. The village developed rapidly, with factories, stores, churches, schools, and a new town hall, and became the town center. A short spur track to Lovell Lake, just south of the village, serving the growing ice-harvesting industry and allowed tons of ice to be shipped to Boston for over half a century. In 1895, Wolfeboro Junction was renamed Sanbornville in honor of its benefactor and most prominent citizen (Wakefield-Brookfield Historical Society, 2006).

John W. Twombley, a farm laborer, aged seventy-four years (b. NH), headed a Portsmouth, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Sarah [(Chapman)] Twombley, keeping house, aged sixty years (b. NH), his daughter, Mary E. Twombley, a servant, aged thirty-two years (b. NH), and his granddaughter, Etta V. Twombley, works in stocking mill, aged seventeen years (b. NH).

Mary F. [(Cummings)] Chapman, keeping house, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Wakefield, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. Her household included George W. Chapman, at school, aged ten years (b. NH), Charles R. Chapman, at school, aged eight years (b. NH), Frank Chapman, at school, aged six years (b. NH), Annie E. Chapman, at school, aged four years (b. NH), and Augustus Glidden, works on farm, aged twenty-four years (b. NH).

Eben Chapman, a farmer, aged fifty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Wakefield, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Clara A. [(Lang)] Chapman, keeping house, aged fifty-two years (b. NH), and his children, John H. Chapman, works on farm, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH), Clara E. Chapman, at home, aged nineteen years (b. NH), and Edwin W. Chapman, at school, aged twelve years (b. NH).

John W. Sanborn, a RR superintendent, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Wakefield, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Almira J. [(Chapman)] Sanborn, keeping house, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), his children, Charles W. Sanborn, a lawyer, aged thirty-one years (b. NH), and Lilian A. Sanborn, at school, aged seventeen years (b. NH), and his daughter-in-law, Addie E. Sanborn, aged thirty years (b. ME).

Thos. Chapman, a Navy Yard machinist, aged forty-five years (b. NH), headed a Boston, MA, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included Sophia J. [(Hardy)] Chapman, keeping house, aged forty-two years (b. NH), and Grace Chapman, at home, aged thirteen years (b. MA). They resided at 36 Prospect Street.

Charles W. Page, a farmer, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), headed a Wakefield, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Mary A. [(Chapman)] Page, keeping house, aged thirty-nine years (b. NH), his children, Laura G. Page, at school, aged thirteen years (b. NH), Myra L. Page, at school, aged eleven years (b. NH), and Josie W. Page, at school, aged five years (b. NH), his aunt-in-law, Mercy B. Robinson, aged eighty-five years (b. NH), and his aunt-in-law [mother-in-law], Almira [(Robinson)] Chapman, a widow, aged eighty years (b. NH).

Almira (Robinson) Chapman died of typhoid dysentery in Wakefield, NH, October 7, 1881, aged eighty-two years. S.W. Roberts, M.D., signed the death certificate.

NEW HAMPSHIRE. Portsmouth, Great Falls & Conway Road. Portsmouth, June 4. The annual meeting of the stockholders of the Portsmouth, Great Falls & Conway railroad was held today. The directors elected were: S.C. Lawrence, W.P. Phillips, Geo. E.B. Jackson, John Cumnock and John W. Sanborn. At a subsequent meeting of the directors Geo. E.B. Jackson was chosen President; N.G. Chapin, Treasurer; Wallace Hackett, Clerk (Portland Daily Press (Portland, ME), June 5, 1883).

Daughter Almira J. (Chapman) Sanborn died of paralysis in Wakefield, NH, June 2, 1894, aged sixty-six years, one month, and two days. U.S. Davis, M.D., of Wolfeboro Junction, NH, signed the death certificate.

Son-in-law John W. Sanborn married (2nd) in Freedom, NH, September 10, 1896, Julia A. [(Prince)] Thurston, he of Wakefield, NH, and she of Freedom, NH. He was a railroad superintendent, aged seventy-four years, and she was a houseworker, aged fifty-three years. Rev. A.H. Hobbs performed the ceremony. She was born in Hiram, ME, circa 1842, daughter of Daniel and Abigail (Hancock) Prince. (Her prior husband, Josiah Thurston, had died of apoplexy in Boston, MA, November 13, 1886, aged seventy-two years, five months, and four days).

Daughter-in-law Clarissa A. (Lang) Chapman died of paralysis in Wakefield, NH, October 15, 1897. She was a housewife. W.S. Davis, M.D., signed the death certificate.

Mary E. Twombly, aged fifty years (b. NH), headed a Greenland, NH, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. Her household included her mother, Sarah J. [(Chapman)] Twombly, a widow, aged eighty-one years (b. NH), and her sister, Etta V. Twombly, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH). Mary E. Twombly rented their house. Sarah J. Twombly was the mother of three children, of whom one was still living.

Lincoln A. Runnels, an ice laborer, aged forty years (b. NH), headed a Wakefield, NH, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of fifteen years), Carrie C. [(Chapman)] Runnels, aged thirty-nine years (b. NH), his daughter, Helen M. Runnels, at school, aged seven years (b. NH), and his father-in-law, Eben Chapman, aged seventy-eight years (b. NH). Lincoln A. Runnels owned their house, free-and-clear. Carrie C. Runnels was the mother of one child, of whom one was still living.

John W. Sanborn, aged seventy-eight years (b. NH), headed a Wakefield, NH, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Julia A. [((Prince) Thurston)] Sanborn, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH), and his servant, Julia A. Shackford, aged fifty-three years (b. NH).

Thos. J. Chapman, aged sixty-six years (b. NH), headed a Boston, MA, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of forty-five years), Sophia J. [(Hardy)] Chapman, aged sixty-seven years (b. NH). Thos J. Chapman owned their two-family house at 36 Prospect Street, free-and-clear.

Charles H. Page, a farmer, aged seventy-one years (b. NH), headed a Wakefield, NH, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of thirty-nine years), Mary A. [(Chapman)] Page, aged fifty-nine years (b. NH), and his daughters, Laura G. Page, aged thirty-three years (b. NH), Myra L. Page, a teacher in school, aged thirty-one years (b. NH), and Josephine W. Page, a teacher in school, aged twenty-five years (b. NH). Charles H. Page owned their farm, free-and-clear. Mary A. Page was the mother of four children, of whom three were still living.

Daughter Sarah J. (Chapman) Twombly died of old age in Greenland, NH, July 23, 1900, aged eighty-two years, one month. F.W. Pike, M.D., signed the death certificate.

Mrs. Sarah J. Twombly. The death of Mrs. Sarah J. Twombly, an aged and respected citizen of Greenland, occurred at her home today. She is survived by ono daughter, Miss Ellen Twombly. The funeral will hold at the home on Wednesday afternoon, to which relatives and friends are invited. Dover papers will please copy (Portsmouth Herald, July 23, 1900).

OBSEQUIES. The funeral of Mrs. Sarah J. Twombley of Greenland was held at her home in that town at half past two o’clock this afternoon. Rev. Dr. Edward Bobie of the Greenland church conducted the service, which was largely attended by the townspeople and relatives. The interment was in the family lot in the Greenland cemetery. The funeral arrangements wore under the direction of Mr. H.W. Nickerson of this city (Portsmouth Herald, July 25, 1900).

Son-in-law John W. Sanborn died of heart disease, as well as kidney disease and old age, in Sanbornville, Wakefield, NH, July 9, 1903, aged eighty-one years, five months, and twenty days. He was a lifelong resident of Wakefield, NH. U.S. Davis, M.D., of Wolfeboro Junction, NH, signed the death certificate. (A.A. Fox made the funeral arrangements).

John W. Sanborn. John W. Sanborn, superintendent of the Northern division of the Boston & Maine R.R., died at Sanbornville, N.H., Thursday night, aged 82 years. For many years Mr. Sanborn was a prominent figure in the political life of New Hampshire and had a wide acquaintance in New England (Biddeford-Saco Journal (Biddeford, ME), July 17, 1903).

Daughter-in-law Sophia J. (Hardy) Chapman died of apoplexy (and pneumonia) at 36 Prospect Street in Boston, MA, June 1, 1906, aged seventy-five years, fifteen days. Harry J. Lee, M.D., signed the death certificate.

Son Thomas J. Chapman died of apoplexy at the B.C.H Relief Station in Boston, MA, September 30, 1906, aged seventy-four years, two months. Loring B. Packard, M.D., signed the death certificate.

DIED IN AN AMBULANCE. Thomas J. Chapman of Charlestown, 73, Was Stricken on the Street. Thomas J. Chapman of 33 Prospect st., Charlestown, a respected resident of that district for the past 40 years, was taken sick on Monument sq., near his home, about 8:45 yesterday morning and died on the way to the City hospital relief station in an ambulance. The physicians pronounced death due to apoplexy. Mr. Chapman was born in New Hampshire 73 years ago. He was employed for many years as a machinist at the Charlestown navy yard. Fourteen years ago he retired from active life and lived in the house he owned at 33 Prospect St. His wife died last June. They left no children (Boston Globe, October 1, 1906).

Son Eben Chapman died of pneumonia in Chickville, Ossipee, NH, December 20, 1906, aged eighty-five years, one month, and seven days. He had resided there for only a week, with his previous residence at Wakefield, NH. E.W. Hodsdon, M.D., signed the death certificate.

Chas. R. Chapman, a telegraph operator, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. His household included his mother, Mary F. [(Cummings)]] Chapman, aged fifty-nine years (b. NH), his niece, Doris Brownell, aged nine years (b. MA), his brother, George Chapman, a railroad engineer, aged forty years (b. NH), and his sister-in-law, Nellie C. Chapman, aged twenty-eight years (b. ME). Chas. R. Chapman rented their house at 8 Myrtle Street. Mary F. Cummings was the mother of three children, of whom three were still living.

Charles W. Page, a general farmer, aged eighty-one years (b. NH), headed a Wakefield, NH, household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of forty-nine years), Mary A. [(Chapman)] Page, aged sixty-nine years (b. NH), and his daughters, Laura G. Page, aged forty-three years (b. NH), Myra L. Page, a public school teacher, aged forty-one years (b. NH), and Josephine W. Page, aged thirty-five years (b. NH). Charles W. Page owned their farm, free-and-clear. Mary A. Page was the mother of four children, of whom three were still living.

Son-in-law Charles W. Page died of apoplexy in Wakefield, NH, March 29, 1914, aged eighty-five years, one month, and eighteen days. He was a farmer and lifelong resident.

Charles R. Chapman, a railroad telegraph operator, aged forty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census. His household included his mother, Mary F. [(Cummings)] Chapman, aged sixty-nine years (b. NH). Charles R. Chapman rented their house at 6 Myrtle Street.

Mary A. [(Chapman)] Page, aged seventy-eight years (b. NH), headed a Wakefield, NH, household at the time of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census. Her household included her daughters, Laura G. Page, aged fifty-three years (b. NH), Myra L. Page, a public school teacher, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), and Josephine W. Page, aged forty-five years (b. NH). Mary A. Page owned their farm, free-and-clear.

Daughter Mary A. (Chapman) Page died of general debility in Wakefield, MA, August 30, 1925, aged eighty-four years, three months, and fourteen days. H.L. Clow, M.D., signed the death certificate.

Daughter-in-law Mary F. (Cummings) Chapman died of natural causes (probably heart disease) at 60 Prospect Street in Rochester, NH, December 1, 1927, aged seventy-seven years, five months, and eleven days. Forrest L. Keay, M.D., signed the death certificate.

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References:

Claremont Mfg. Co. (1826). New Hampshire Register and Farmer’s Almanac. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=JfkWAAAAYAAJ&pg=RA3-PA30

Farmer, John & Lyon, G. Parker. (1845). Curtis’s Pocket Almanack and Register of New Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=jMEwAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA56

Find a Grave. (2009, September 26). Charles Chapman. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/42378569/charles-chapman

Find a Grave. (2021, June 9). Eben Chapman. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/228295626/eben-chapman

Find a Grave. (2009, May 25). Julia A. Loud. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/37480570/julia-a.-loud

Find a Grave. (2012, June 19). Mary A. Chapman Page. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/92197881/mary-a-page

Find a Grave. (2008, September 27). Almira Jane Chapman Sanborn. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/30101485/almira-jane-sanborn

Find a Grave. (2018, November 12). Sarah Twombly. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/194676581/sarah-twombly

Merrill, Georgia D. (1889). History of Carroll County, New Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=nQE2AQAAMAAJ&pg=PA503

NH General Court. (1828). Journal of the House of Representatives of New Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=8wdGAQAAMAAJ&pg=RA1-PA7

NH General Court. (1829). Journal of the House of Representatives of New Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=HTotAQAAMAAJ&pg=RA1-PA7

NH General Court. (1834). Journal of the Senate of New Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=gDQTAAAAYAAJ&pg=RA3-PA4

NH General Court. (1836). Journal of the Senate of New Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=0DZNAAAAYAAJ&pg=RA1-PA4

Wakefield-Brookfield Historical Society. (2006). Wakefield and Brookfield. Charleston, SC, Portsmouth, NH, Chicago, IL, San Francisco, CA: Arcadia Publishing Co.

Wikipedia. (2023, April 23). Aroostook War. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aroostook_War

By Muriel Bristol | , May 21, 2023

Ebenezer Osgood was born in Loudon, NH, December 22, 1807, son of Ebenezer C. and [his second wife,] Anne (Fullonton) Osgood. (Ebenezer C. Osgood was a Revolutionary soldier, having served in Col. Nicholas Gilman’s Regiment).

Ebenezer [C.] Osgood headed a Loudon, NH, household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Anna C. (Fullonton) Osgood], one female aged 16-25 years [Polly (Osgood) Ladd], one male aged 10-15 years [Ira Osgood], and three females aged under-10 years [Nancy Osgood, Lemina Osgood and Rosina Ladd?], and one male aged under-10 years [Ebenezer Osgood].

Father Ebenezer [C.] Osgood made his last will, December 1, 1814. He bequeathed to his beloved wife, Anna Osgood, one-third of his estate, “as the law directs.” He bequeathed $200 each to his sons [of his first marriage], Enoch F. Osgood and James Osgood; $25 to his daughter Polly Ladd, in addition to what she had already received; $75 each to his daughters, Lemina Osgood and Nancy Osgood; $250 to his son, Ebenezer Osgood, when he should reach twenty-one years of age, and his clock when he should reach twenty-five years of age; and to his sons, Bradley Osgood and Ira Osgood, all his real and personal estate, including when it should become available, the widow’s thirds. He appointed sons Bradley Osgood and Ira Osgood as joint executors. Jedediah Tucker, John Osgood, and John Bachelder signed as witnesses.

Father Ebenezer C. Osgood died in Loudon, NH, December 4, 1815, aged fifty-eight years. His last will was proved in a Rockingham County Probate court held at Epsom, NH, January 17, 1816.

Ebenezer Osgood married in Lebanon, ME, in 1829 [intentions filed September 15, 1829], Eleanor Chamberlain Burrows, he of Milton and she of Lebanon, ME. Rev. James Weston performed the ceremony. She was born in Lebanon, ME, December 18, 1806, daughter of Edward Jr. and Margaret (Chamberlain) Burrows.

(The known children of Ebenezer and Eleanor C. (Burrows) Osgood were Francis H./Hubbard Winslow Osgood (1830–1897), Almira B. Osgood (1833–1916), and Margaret E. Osgood (1841–185?)).

Anna [(Fullonton)] Osgood headed a Loudon, NH, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. Her household included one female aged 60-69 years [herself]. Her household appeared in the enumeration between those of Ira Osgood and Samuel Haines. James Osgood appeared higher up on the same page.

Eben Osgood 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 [Eleanor C. (Burrows) Osgood). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Danl Hatch and Mehitable Swasey.

Son Francis H./Hubbard Winslow Osgood was born in Milton, October 10, 1830. (He seems to have been known as Francis H. Osgood only during his time in Virginia, which included his two marriage ceremonies). Daughter Almira B. Osgood was born in Milton, February 8, 1833.

Anna [(Fullonton)] Osgood headed a Loudon, NH, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. Her household included one female aged 70-79 years [herself]. Her household appeared in the enumeration between those of William Munsey and Ira Osgood. Samuel Haines appeared just after Ira Osgood.

Ebenezer Osgood headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 30-39 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years [Eleanor C. (Burrows) Osgood), one male aged 20-29 years, one male aged 5-9 years [Francis H./Hubbard W. Osgood], and one female aged 5-9 years [Almira B. Osgood]. One member of his household was engaged in Manufacture & the Trades and one member of his household was engaged in Commerce. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Alpheus Goodwin and Theodore Stevens. (Rev. Theodore Stevens was then pastor of the Acton & Milton Mills Free-Will Baptist church).

Daughter Margaret E. Osgood was born in Milton, in 1841.

Mother Anna (Fullonton) Osgood died in Loudon, NH, April 21, 1848.

Ebenezer Osgood, a blacksmith, aged forty-two years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Eleanor [(Burrows)] Osgood, aged forty-three years (b. ME), Almira B. Osgood, aged seventeen years (b. NH), Margaret E. Osgood, aged nine years (b. NH), and Henry C. Badger, a blacksmith, aged fifteen years (b. VT). Ebenezer Osgood had real estate valued at $1,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between Joseph Whitehouse, a manufacturer, aged twenty-seven (b. England), and Joseph Townsend, a manufacturer, aged twenty-seven years (b. England).

Eliza Hearty, aged forty-three years (b. NH), headed a Lawrence, MA, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. Her household included George A. Hearty, aged eleven years (b. NH), Hubbard Osgood, a machinist, aged twenty years (b. Unknown), Albert Dickinson, an operative, aged seventeen years (b. Unknown), Obadiah Smith, an operative, aged seventeen years (b. Unknown), Emulus Stackpole, a machinist, aged twenty-five years (b. Unknown), Michael Rafferty, aged fourteen years (b. Ireland), John W. Gamsbury, an operative, aged twenty-two years (b. Canada), David Daniels, an operative, aged twenty-two years (b. Canada), John H. Brackett, an operative, aged sixteen years (b. ME), [“Mr.”] Wilde, an operative, aged twenty-eight years (b. England), Edward Gallagher, an operative, aged twenty-four years (b. Unknown), Charles Gallagher, an operative, aged eighteen years (b. Unknown), Thomas Buty, a watchman, aged twenty-seven years (b. ME), Mary N. Moore, aged twenty years (b. ME), Elizabeth Callaghan, aged thirty-one years (b. Newfoundland), and Martha McPherson, aged thirty-three years (b. Newfoundland).

Son Hubbard W. Osgood appeared in the Lawrence, MA, directory of 1851, as a machinist, residing at 70 Common street. (Eliza Hearty had her [rooming] house at 70 Common street).

Milton sent Ebenezer Osgood to Concord, NH, as its NH State Representative for the 1851-52 biennium. He was assigned to the Committee on Unfinished Business.

Rep. Chase of Milford, NH, put forward a resolution on July 4, 1851, which opposed the Federal Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. It was intended to influence New Hampshire’s Federal delegation towards opposing slavery in general and repealing or otherwise opposing the Fugitive Slave Act in particular.

Resolved, That the resolutions adopted by the Legislature of this State, and approved July 7, 1849, by proclaiming the unqualified opposition of the people of New Hampshire to every form of oppression; by declaring that slavery is a great social evil, fraught with danger to the peace and welfare of the nation; by expressing the determination to respect and maintain the constitutional rights of every portion of this Republic; by proclaiming our unalterable attachment to the Union and Constitution of country – that they are safe in the hands of the American people – that from every corner of our land stout hearts and strong hands will be ever ready in the hour of our country’s peril to protect and defend it from the assaults of every foe, come from whence they may, and that this proud ark of freedom will be long preserved as the glorious example which will mould and fashion the institutions of other and despotic nations; by proclaiming the firm and unalterable opposition of our citizens to the extension of slavery over any portion of American soil now free, and asserting the power of Congress to prohibit such extension of slavery and to abolish it in the District of Columbia, and invoking the immediate exercise of these powers – embody principles and sentiments which have been sanctioned and sanctified by the sterner republicanism of our fathers, and which are as indestructible as are the pillars of our Government itself. We cordially adopt and recommend them as worthy of the entire confidence of the people of this State.
Resolved, That the law for the rendition of fugitives from service or labor, passed September 18, 1850, by its creating tribunals unknown to the Constitution to try cases arising under the laws of the United States; by permitting of cases of law to be determined on ex-parte evidence without any notice to the respondent; by its practical nullification of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus; by its denial of the right of trial by jury to the person claimed under it at the place where such person is arrested; by its legal presumptions discriminating against freedom and in favor of oppression; by its cheapening the value of personal liberty and rendering its enjoyment insecure to every citizen of the Free States, is in direct violation of the letter and spirit of the Constitution of the United States, and in derogation of the rights and sovereignty of the several States, and ought to be essentially modified or repealed.
Resolved, That we are firmly and unalterably opposed to the extension of slavery over any portion of American soil now free, and in the event of any attempt to introduce it into the territories of the United States, it will be the imperative duty of our Senators and Representatives in Congress to oppose such extension by all constitutional means in their power.
Resolved, That the people of New Hampshire reiterate their strong and unalterable attachment to the glorious Constitution and Union of these States – that these feelings and sentiments are and ought to be of the broadest national character, embracing our whole country, however bounded, and that we will assert and forever maintain the constitutional rights of every portion of the same.
Resolved, That His Excellency the Governor be requested to transmit copies of the foregoing resolutions to the Governors of the several States of the Union, and also a copy of the same to each of the Senators and Representatives of this State in the Congress of the United States.

Rep. Smith of Henniker, NH, moved to table the resolution, i.e., prevent it from coming to a vote, and the sponsor, Rep. Chase, requested a roll call vote on that tabling motion. Rep. Osgood of Milton voted with the 77 representatives [35.6%] that opposed tabling the resolution, rather than with the 139 representatives [64.4%] that favored tabling the resolution.

As for the representatives from surrounding communities, Reps. Peter M. Horne (1815-1898) and Jeremiah Roberts (1807-1892), both of Farmington, NH, voted to table the resolution, while Reps. James C. Cole (1791-1867) and Stephen Shorey (1809-1879), both of Rochester, NH, voted against tabling. Reps. Charles French (1817-1878) of Middleton, NH, and Ebenezer Garvin, Jr. (1815-1889) of Wakefield, NH, do not seem to have voted. (Rep. Garvin had been granted a leave of absence – for the remainder of the session – earlier that same day).

(Resolution tabler Rep. Lewis Smith (1815-1877) of Henniker, NH, was a lawyer. He had addressed an anti-slavery gathering in Henniker, NH, in February 1843. He was a Democrat and had several terms in the NH House in the 1840s, where he had been both the House Assistant Clerk or Clerk under Democrat majorities. He removed to Minnesota in 1856, where he would be elected to the MN House. He would be President of the MN Democrat Convention in 1860).

(Resolution sponsor Rep. Leonard Chase (1811-1868) of Milford, NH, was a merchant and manufacturer. He managed the “underground railroad” activities aiding fugitive slaves in Milford, NH, and vicinity. He sponsored an anti-slavery gathering in Milford, NH, in January 1843. He had several terms in the NH House in the 1840s. He seems to have been a Whig at that time, but would be identified later as a Republican when elected to the NH Senate in 1862 and the NH Executive Council in 1864. Both representatives were local justices-of-the-peace and temperance promoters).

In the second year of Rep. Osgood’s two-year biennium, i.e., 1852, he was joined by another Milton Representative, Congregational minister James Doldt. This would seem to be the beginning of a roughly 25-year run of Milton having two NH state representatives.

Inspired by the recent passage in the neighboring state of the so-called “Maine Law,” which strictly prohibited alcohol consumption, the NH legislature spent a substantial amount of time trying to craft a New Hampshire version. A June draft version was deemed unconstitutional by the NH Supreme Court. A November election referendum result rejected such measures by a small majority.

A general question was submitted to the people of New Hampshire, at the late Presidential election [November 2, 1852], whether they were in favor of a law embracing the principle and provisions in substance of the Maine Law; and that question the people decided in the negative by a small majority. The Judges of the Superior Court of New Hampshire have decided that in eight several details the Liquor bill of last June session of the Legislature conflicts with the Constitution (Daily Journal (Montpelier, VT), November 22, 1852).

Despite the referendum result, a less comprehensive prohibition bill was put forward. It was entitled “An act for the suppression of drinking houses and tippling shops.” A number of floor votes were taken over several weeks regarding amending the underlying bill, dividing or amending amendments, or simply tabling the underlying bill. On Thursday, December 16, 1852, several floor amendments were rejected and another accepted. A motion to simply send the bill back to its committee failed too.

Rep. Horace C. Stanley (1806-1888) of Hopkinton, NH, moved to amend the bill by striking out its Section 10, replacing it with a new section:

Sec. 10. Any person who shall sell any spurious or adulterated liquors, whether licensed or otherwise, shall forfeit and pay the sum of thirteen dollars and thirty-three cents for each and every violation of the provisions of this section, to be recovered on complaint of any person in an action before any justice of the peace.

Rep. Osgood and Rep. Doldt were among the 130 representatives [50%] that voted against this Stanley floor amendment, rather than among the 130 representatives [50%] that voted for it. The House Speaker, who votes only to break such ties, voted in favor of the Stanley amendment.

The NH House took a vote on this stripped-down “Maine Law” bill, December 30, 1852, regarding whether or not to indefinitely postpone further consideration. Rep. Osgood and Rep. Doldt both voted with the 128 members [46.5%] opposed to postponement, while a majority of 147 members [53.5%] voted in favor of postponement.

Summary of News. The New Hampshire House of Representatives has defeated the “Maine” liquor law by 19 votes (Brattleboro Eagle (Brattleboro, VT), January 7, 1853).

NEW HAMPSHIRE. The New Hampshire House of Representatives has voted, 147 to 128, to indefinitely postpone the “Maine liquor” bill, only 15 members being absent. Ichabod Bartlett and W.H.Y. Hackett, both of Portsmouth, and eminent lawyers in the Granite State, voted for indefinite postponement (Vermont Journal (Windsor, VT), January 7, 1853).

But NH-level Prohibition would reappear in another session and pass. (See Milton Under “Semi-Prohibition” – 1855-02).

Son F.H. [Hubbard W.] Osgood married (1st) in Milford, VA, October 16, 1856, Martha S. Trainham. She was born in Milford, VA, circa 1838, daughter of Larkin and Elizabeth C. (Owen) Traynham. (Larkin Trainham of Caroline County, VA, a farmer, aged sixty years, appeared in a list of Confederate prisoners-of-war dated May 6, 1865).

Daughter-in-law M.S. Traynham [Osgood] died in Caroline County, VA, July 8, 1857, aged eighteen years. (Elizabeth E. Osgood – daughter of Hubbard W. and Martha S. (Trainham) Osgood – died in Caroline County, VA, December 31, 1857, aged five months, i.e., born in July 1857).

Son Francis H. [Hubbard W.] Osgood married (2nd), in Stafford, VA, December 28, 1859, Susan Amelia Douglas. (One may see in subsequent records that Susan A. Douglas was the second wife of Hubbard W. Osgood). He was a widower, aged twenty-five years (b. Strafford County, NH, son of Ebenezer and Ellen), and she was single, aged seventeen years. She was born in Stafford, VA, April 6, 1841, daughter of Triplet and M. Eliza (Whaling) Douglas.

E. Osgood, a blacksmith, aged fifty-four years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills P.O.”) household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Eleanor C. [(Burrows)] Osgood, aged fifty-five years (b. NH), Hubbard W. Osgood, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH), and Almira B. Osgood, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of L.D. Reed, landlord of the Milton Mills Hotel, aged thirty-one years (b. NH), and Joseph Townsend, a woolen manufacturer, aged thirty-seven years (b. England).

Francis H. [Hubbard W.] Osgood, an engineer, aged twenty-five years (b. NH), headed a Caroline County (“Milford P.O.”) household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Susan A. [(Douglas)] Osgood, aged eighteen years (b. VA), and William I. Osgood, aged seven months (b. VA). (William Osgood – son of Hubbard W. and Susan A. [(Douglas)] Osgood – would die of a brain infection in Cambridge, MA, November 13, 1864, aged five years, sixteen days (b. VA)).

Ebenezer Osgood, a blacksmith, aged sixty-two years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills Village”) household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Elizabeth C. [(Burrows)] Osgood, keeping house, aged sixty-three years (b. NH). Ebenezer Osgood had real estate valued at $2,500 and personal estate valued at $1,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John O’Neil, a spinner in woolen mill, aged forty years (b. Ireland), and Cyrus F. Hart, a farm laborer, aged forty-nine years (b. NH).

Hubbard W. Osgood, a jour. [journeyman] machinist, aged thirty-six years (b. NH), headed a Chelsea, MA, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Susan A. [(Douglas)] Osgood, keeping house, aged twenty-six years (b. VA), Chas. F. Osgood, aged ten years (b. VA), and Effie L. Osgood, aged five years (b. VT). Hubbard W. Osgood had personal estate valued at $400.

Previous to 1871, the Calvin Baptists and Congregationalists of Milton Mills united in maintaining public worship in the old “Union” meetinghouse erected in 1834. Theological students supplied the pulpit here until the Congregational Church was organized Sept. 26, 1871. The church, at its formation, had a membership of about twenty people. Ebenezer Osgood and Benjamin G. Adams were the first deacons; William McGibbon, the first clerk (Mitchell-Cony, 1908).

The Union Congregational Church at Milton Mills was organized on the 26th day of September, 1871, with a membership of sixteen, viz., Benjamin G. Adams, Sophia [(Nutter)] Adams, Dr. Reuben Buck, Mary Buck, Mary E. Brown, Margaret [(Thompson)] Brierly, Sarah E. [(Buck)] Fox, Josiah Gerrish, Wm. McGibbon, Mary [(Lang)] McGibbon, Betsey [(Weeks)] Hubbard, Helen Miller, Ebenezer Osgood, Ellen C. [(Burrows)] Osgood, Almira B. Osgood, Ann E. Simes (Scales, 1914).

Ebenezer Osgood appeared in the Milton directories of 1873, 1874, 1875, and 1876, as a Milton Mills blacksmith.

John Meikle of Wakefield, NH, suffered a financial reverse in 1877, which was associated with his felt mill at Union, NH. The court appointed Nathan Wimpfheimer of Somersworth, NH, as a receiver and his account included $40.00 owed to the account of Eben Osgood.

Eleanor C. (Burrows) Osgood died in Milton, December 27, 1877.

Ebenezer Osgood, a blacksmith, aged seventy-three years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills Village”) household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his daughter, Almira B. Osgood, keeping house, aged forty-seven years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Winfield Miller, a farmer, aged thirty years (b. ME), and Luther B. Roberts, a storekeeper, aged thirty-four years (b. ME).

Hubbard W. Osgood, a machinist, aged forty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Chelsea, MA, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Susan A. [(Douglas)] Osgood, keeping house, aged thirty-nine years (b. VA), and his children, Charles F. Osgood, a clerk in store, aged nineteen years (b. VA), Effie L. Osgood, at school, aged fifteen years (b. MA), and Minnie L. Osgood, at school, aged eight years (b. MA). They resided at 42 Broadway street. This particular census enumerator recorded their state of health. Hubbard W. Osgood and his two daughters were recorded as being in “Good Health,” while his wife was said to have “Consumption,” and his son was said to have “White Swelling.”

Ebenezer Osgood appeared in the Milton directories of 1880, 1881, and 1882, as a Milton Mills blacksmith.

Ebenezer Osgood died of heart and brain failure in Milton, April 23, 1892, aged eighty-four years, three months, and one day. W.E. Pillsbury, M.D., signed the certificate.

Son Hubbard W. Osgood died of apoplexy at 40 Parker Street in Charlestown, Boston, MA, November 8, 1897, aged sixty-seven years. He was a machinist, who had been born in Milton Mills. (“We miss the face we all did love so dear, We miss the one who all our lives did cheer.”).

DEATHS. OSGOOD – In Charlestown, Nov. 8, Hubbard W. Osgood, 67 yrs. Funeral from his late residence, 40 Parker st., Thursday, Nov. 11, at 1 p.m. (Boston Globe, November 10, 1897).

Lyman Towle, a carpenter laborer, aged thirty years (b. ME), headed an Everett, MA, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of eight years), Minnie L. [(Osgood)] Towle, aged twenty-seven years (b. MA), his daughter, Hazel Towle, at school, aged five years (b. MA), and his mother-in-law, Susan [(Douglas)] Osgood, a widow, aged fifty-nine years (b. VA). Lyman Towle rented their house at 2 Oliver Street. Minnie L. Towle was the mother of one child, of whom one was still living. Susan Osgood was the mother of one child [SIC], of whom one [SIC] was still living.

Almira B. Osgood, a home-keeper, aged sixty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. She owned her house, free-and-clear. Her household appeared in the enumeration between those of Elijah T. Libby, a jeweler, aged fifty-three years (b. NH), and Elbridge W. Fox, a storekeeper, aged sixty-five years (b. NH).

Almira Osgood, a woolen mill weaver, aged seventy-eight years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills”) household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. She owned her house, free-and-clear. Her household appeared in the enumeration between those of Frank B. Day, a woolen mill finisher, aged forty-two years (b. ME), and Levi Pillsbury, a general farm farmer, aged sixty-two years (b. ME).

Daughter Almira B. Osgood died of an intestinal obstruction in Acton, ME, October 18, 1916, aged eighty-three years, eight months, and fifteen days. She had resided in Acton, ME, for seven months, with her prior residence having been in Milton Mills. H.E. Anderson, M.D., signed the death certificate.

S.A. [(Douglas)] Osgood, a widow, aged seventy-seven years (b. VA), headed an Everett, MA, household at the time of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census. She shared a two-family residence at 169 Vine Street with the household of Frank E. Hogaboom, an electric co. iron worker, aged sixty-one years (b. VT).

Daughter-in-law Susan A. (Douglas) Osgood died in Everett, MA, December 22, 1925, aged eighty-three years.

DEATHS. OSGOOD – In Everett, Dec. 22d, Susan Amelia, widow of Hubbard Osgood, 83 years, 8 months, 16 days. Funeral services will be held at residence of her daughter, Mrs. Effie Norris, 133 Vine st., Thursday, Dec. 24 at 2.30 p.m. Relatives and friend are invited to attend (Boston Glober, December 23, 1925).

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References:

Find a Grave. (2010, January 7). Leonard Chase. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/46422670/leonard-chase

Find a Grave. (2013, July 31). Almira B. Osgood. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114682107/almira-b-osgood

Find a Grave. (2014, April 14). Capt. Ebenezer Chase Osgood. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/127967447/ebenezer-chase-osgood

Find a Grave. (2013, July 31). Ebenezer Osgood. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114682156/ebenezer-osgood

Find a Grave. (2019, August 12). Hubbard W. Osgood. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/202077907/hubbard-w-osgood

NH General Court. (1851). Journal of the House of Representatives of the State of New-Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=thQtAQAAMAAJ&pg=RA1-PA353

NH General Court. (1853). Journal of the House of Representatives of the State of New-Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=3vlBAQAAMAAJ&pg=RA1-PA327

Wikipedia. (2023, April 22). Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fugitive_Slave_Act_of_1850