Category: History

By Muriel Bristol | September 22, 2024

Charles W. Lowe was born in North Shapleigh, ME, December 23, 1856, son of John D. and Hannah T. (Hargraves) Lowe.

C.W. Lowe left school at the age of eleven years [circa 1868] to become a worker at a textile mill, where he continued until 18 years old [circa 1875] (Scales, 1914). 

John Low, works in paper mill, aged thirty-six years (b. ME), headed a Shapleigh, ME, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Hannah [(Hargraves)] Low, keeping house, aged thirty-three years (b. MA), Chas Low, at school, aged fourteen years (b. MA), and Lottie Low, at school, aged eleven years (b. ME). John Low had real estate valued at $1,550 and personal estate valued at $350.

John Low, works in woolen mill, aged forty-seven years (b. ME), headed a Shapleigh, ME, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Hanna T. [(Hargraves)] Low, keeping house, aged forty-three years (b. ME), his children, Charles W. Low, works in woolen mill, aged twenty-four years (b. ME), Lottie M. Low, works in woolen mill, aged twenty-one years (b. ME), Herbert E. Low, works in woolen mill, aged fifteen years (b. ME), Earnest Low, aged six years (b. ME), and Reuben Low, aged three years (b. ME), his mother-in-law, Charlott Hargraves, aged seventy-eight years (b. ME), and Nellie F. Watson, works in woolen mill, aged sixteen years (b. ME).

Charles W. Lowe married in Milton, October 7, 1882, Adelia “Delia” Chamberlain, both of Milton. He was a spinner, aged twenty-six years, and she was a teacher, aged twenty-seven years. Rev. George Sterling performed the ceremony. She was born in Milton, September 9, 1855, daughter of Samuel G. and Mary E. (Fall) Chamberlain.

C.W. Lowe married Miss Adelia Chamberlain and they have one son, H.C. Lowe (Scales, 1914).

Charles W. Lowe bought the Union Marble Works company of Union, Wakefield, NH, in 1880 [1885], and ran it until he sold it to Myron Johnson [(1857-1943)] in 1902 [1900] (Farmington News, March 16, 1972).

MARBLE AND GRANITE CEMETERY WORK. Having purchased the interest of Herbert F. Stevens in the Union Marble Works, I am prepared to execute all orders promptly. CHARLES W. LOWE. UNION, N.H. (MacRury, 1987).

Son Homer Chamberlain Lowe was born in Milton Mills, January 11, 1886.

[Homer C. Lowe] was born and attended school at Milton Mills, N.H., later taking a business course at Dover (Scales, 1914).

Mother-in-law Mary E. (Fall) Chamberlain died of pneumonia in Milton, November 4, 1890, aged sixty-seven years, one month, and thirteen days. J.E. Scruton, M.D., signed the death certificate.

The Milton Selectmen of 1893-94 were Geo. Lyman, G.H. Plummer, and C.W. Lowe.

MILTON. At the town meeting Tuesday the following officers were chosen: Selectmen, George Lyman, George H. Plummer, Charles Lowe; moderator, Elbridge Fox; town clerk, Charles D. Jones; road commissioners, Fred Chamberlin, Charles Ellis, W.H.H. Pinkham (Farmington News, March 24, 1893).

Charles W. Lowe left Milton Mills and moved to Union village, in neighboring Wakefield, NH, between 1894 and 1897.

The Wakefield, NH, Selectmen of 1897 were I.S. Loud, J.S. Roberts, and C.W. Lowe. The Wakefield, NH, Selectmen of 1898-99 were I.S. Loud, C.W. Lowe, and J.S. Roberts.

Springvale Department. C.W. [H.C.] Lowe son of H.C. [C.W.] Lowe, the marble dealer of Union, N.H., was the guest of Landlord Pike at the Springvale House last week (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), March 9, 1900).

The Wakefield, NH, Selectmen of 1900 were I.S. Loud (died), C.W. Lowe (resigned), G.H. Gage, J.G. Sanborn and J.S. Roberts. Selectman Charles W. Lowe resigned in or around August 1900, and Selectman Ivory S. Loud died in Wakefield, NH, December 8, 1900. (One of the other named parties, i.e., John G. Sanborn (1822-1901), George H. Gage (1834-1917), or John S. Roberts (1865-1959), was an original Selectman and two of the others would be replacements for Lowe and Loud).

Springvale News. C.W. Lowe of the Union marble works, Union, N.H., was in town Tuesday (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), May 4, 1900).

South Waterboro. Anyone wishing anything in the grave stone line should take the opportunity to call upon F.E. Stevens of the Union Marble and Granite Company, Union, N.H., who is stopping at the Enterprise hotel for a short time (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), May 11, 1900).

John Lowe, a spinner (woolen mill), aged sixty-six years (b. ME), headed a Shapleigh, ME, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of forty-six years), Hannah T. [(Hargraves)] Lowe, aged sixty-three years (b. MA), and his sons, Ernest Lowe, a weaver (woolen mill), aged twenty-six years (b. ME), and Ruben Lowe, a weaver (woolen mill), aged twenty-three years (b. ME). John Lowe owned their house, free-and-clear. Hannah T. Lowe was the mother of five children, of whom five were still living.

Charles W. Lowe, a dealer (marble), aged forty-three years (b. ME), headed a Wakefield, NH, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of seventeen years), Adelia E. [(Chamberlain)] Lowe, aged forty-three years (b. NH), and his son, Homer C. Lowe, at school, aged fourteen years (b. NH). Charles W. Lowe rented their house in Union Village. Adelia E. Lowe was the mother of one child, of whom one was still living.

UNION. C.W. Lowe is to move his family to Springvale, Me., in the near future (Farmington News, July 20, 1900).

UNION. Charles W. Lowe is to move his family to Springvale, Me., where he is to become overseer in a woolen mill (Farmington News, August 24, 1900).

TRADE CHANGES. NEW HAMPSHIRE. Union. Myron L. Johnson succeeds C.W. Lowe (Monumental News, September 1900).

Facts Whittled Down. Springvale, Me. C.W. Lowe, formerly at Union, N.H., has accepted an overseer’s position in the Springvale woolen mill (Fibre & Fabric, September 1, 1900).

SPRINGVALE, ME. – F.R. Bean has disposed of his stock in the Springvale Woolen Co. to Messrs. Lowe and Schofield. At a recent meeting of the stockholders the following officers were elected: Pres. C.M. Abbott; treas., C.W. Lowe; clerk, F.H. Schofield; directors, George W. Hanson, F.A. Smith, F.H. Schofield, C.W. Lowe, C.M. Abbott. It was voted to issue stock to an amount not exceeding $10,000. The mill will commence running on double time soon, as they have orders enough to tax their capacity for more than six months ahead –  Sanford Tribune (Fibre & Fabric, October 13, 1900).

Charles W. Lowe appeared in the “Blue Book” textile directory of 1901. as treasurer of the Springvale Woolen Co. of Springvale, Sanford, ME.

Springvale Woolen Co., Inc. 1899. Cap. $12,000. Chas. M. Abbott, Pres; F.H. Skofield, Sec. and Supt.; C.W. Lowe, Treas. Repellants. 2 Sets Cards. 14 Broad Looms. 528 Sp. Dye and Finish. 1 Boiler. 1 W W. W.H. Langley & Co., N.Y., S. Agts. (Davison Publishing, 1901). 

UNION. Mrs. Charles Lowe of Springvale has been the guest of friends in town, recently (Farmington News, May 24, 1901).

North Shapleigh. Charles Lowe of Springvale has been visiting his father, John Lowe, for a few days (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), August 2, 1901).

Springvale News. Charles Lowe and family have moved to Union, N.H., on to a farm which they have bought (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), April 11, 1902).

ACTON. Charles Lowe and wife of Union, N.H., spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. John Lord (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), September 4, 1903).

Charles W. Lowe left Union, Wakefield, NH, circa 1904, and moved to Rochester, NH.

In 1904 he [Charles W. Lowe] embarked in the livery business (Scales, 1914).

Charles W. Lowe appeared in the Rochester, NH, directory of 1905, as a proprietor of a livery stable, at 56-58 Hanson street, and car inspector, at the Railroad depot, with his house at 16 Railroad avenue. His son, Homer C. Lowe, appeared as manager of a livery stable, at 56-58 Hanson street, boarding at 16 Railroad avenue.

Son Homer C. Lowe married in Rochester, NH, March 20, 1905, Eva M. Webber, both of Rochester, NH. He was a liveryman, aged nineteen years, and she was at home, aged seventeen years. Rev. Leslie R. Danforth performed the ceremony. She was born in Rochester, NH, May 5, 1888, daughter of Wilbur H. and Cora (Corson) Webber.

One of Charles W. Lowe’s liverymen was robbed by a passenger while transporting him from Rochester, NH, to neighboring Lebanon, ME, August 1, 1907.

ROBBED ON WEDDING DAY. Young Man Loses $215 in Woods in Lebanon. Officers all along the lone between Sanford and Rochester, N.H., are looking for a highwayman who robbed a man early Thursday morning of a considerable sum of money. As the circumstances have been learned, an unknown young man appeared at the stable of the Risley House at Rochester at 8 o’clock in the morning and asked C.W. Lowe, the proprietor, how much it would cost to be driven to Sanford. The price was satisfactory and an employe of the stable, Joseph McDonald by name, started off with the stranger. When the team had reached a secluded part of the road at Little River Fails in Lebanon the fellow told McDonald to hold up, as he proposed to pay for his ride before they went any further. McDonald did as ordered and his companion tendered him a $10 bill. In making change, the driver pulled out a large roll of bills, which had no sooner got within reaching distance than the passenger made a grab for the money. McDonald tackled the thief and a struggle ensued during which the robber drew a knife and made a lunge at McDonald, the weapon unfortunately envest pocket which was cut out. The fellow finally managed to break away and took to the bushes. McDonald had a revolver and fired three shots at the highwayman. That is, he intended to send the bullets in the direction of his assailant. One of them found a lodging place in his own foot, making a bad wound, as the revolver was discharged during the scuffle. The highwayman escaped unhurt apparently and he had McDonald’s roll with him there being Just $215 in bills of various denominations. McDonald says he could easily identify the robber and gives this description of him: Age about 22, of medium height and build, curly hair, wore black suit of clothes and a white sailor straw hat. In explanation of McDonald’s having such a large sum of money on his person, it is said that he was to have been married today. The victim of the robber says his assailant was a very smooth looking fellow and did not bear any resemblance to what one would picture a desperado to look like. The search for the unknown robber has been taken up by Sheriff George Athorne of York county, in whose jurisdiction the crime was committed. Sheriff Athorne was notified at his home at South Eliot Thursday by Mr. Lowe and he at once began work upon the case. Up to a late hour Thursday night no word had been received of an arrest. It is thought that it may be some time before the robber is taken, for he had an opportunity to take an early morning train near where the robbery occurred. At the stable while he and Mr. Lowe were alone the fellow offered to pay in advance and he appeared very anxious to do so. He was told it would do just as well at the other end of the journey and doubtless thus lost the chance he had planned on to snatch Mr. Lowe’s wallet. It was learned later that McDonald was to be married on Thursday morning and that the $215 was the money he had saved up for the wedding. The wedding was scheduled to take place Thursday morning at St. Mary’s Catholic church, the bride being Miss Mary Sullivan of Boston, where the groom had lived before he went to Rochester. She was sadly disappointed when getting ready for the wedding to learn that her lover had been robbed and shot. The friends of both parties were surprised and shocked and many did not know of the affair until they arrived. Instead of going to the church Sullivan went to the house where McDonald was staying and occupied her time in taking care of his injured foot. But she soon changed from nurse to bride and the wedding was performed in the evening at the residence of one of the Catholic clergymen in Rochester. The plans for the honeymoon were upset but the postponement of the wedding was not long. The groom went to Rochester from Boston only a few months ago. He was in the employ of the Boston and Maine before he took his present place in the livery stable (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), August 2, 1907).

(Joseph W. McDonald [Jr.] married in Rochester, NH, August 1, 1907, Mary J. Sullivan, he of Rochester, NH, and she of Wellesley, MA. He was a stable keeper, aged twenty-two years (b. Lowell, MA), and she was a waitress, aged twenty-four years (b. Ireland). Rev. J. Corcoran performed the ceremony. Despite this rough start, they would be married for fifty-eight years when he died in 1966. She died in 1974).

Son Homer C. Lowe had an automobile registration (#2421) in Rochester, NH, in 1908 (NH Secretary of State, 1909).

Father John D. Lowe died of acute uremia in Shapleigh, ME, December 30, 1908, aged seventy-five years, four months, and seventeen days. E.C. Jenigor, M.D., signed the death certificate.

RECENT DEATHS. John Lowe, one of the best-known citizens of his town passed away at his home in North Shapleigh, Wednesday evening, Dec. 30, about 8 o’clock. Mr. Lowe was a native of Shapleigh born Aug. 13, 1833. He was highly respected by all who knew him and the family have the deep sympathy of the entire community in their bereavement. He leaves, besides a wife, five children, Chas. W. of Rochester; Mrs. D.S. Hayes, Sanford; Herbert E., Ernest and Reuben, of North Shapleigh. The funeral was held Saturday afternoon from his late residence. Rev. J.B. Ranger, of Springvale, officiating (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), January 8, 1909).

Charles W. Lowe appeared in the Rochester, NH, directory of 1909, as a proprietor of the Hanson street stables, at 56-58 Hanson street, with his house at 11 Central avenue. His son, Homer C. Lowe, appeared as a proprietor of the Hanson street stables, at 56-58 Hanson street, boarding at 11 Central avenue.

Charles W. Lowe, a livery stable keeper, aged fifty-three years (b. ME), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Adelia E. [(Chamberlain)] Lowe, aged fifty-three years (b. NH), his son, Homer C. Lowe, a livery stable keeper, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), his daughter-in-law, Eva M. [(Webber)] Lowe, aged twenty-two years (b. NH), his grandchildren, Robert L. Lowe, aged four years (b. NH), and Elizabeth Lowe, aged one month (b. NH), his boarder, Sarah M. Roberts, a city hall clerk, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH), and his servant, Lydia M. Parshley, a houseworker, aged twenty-two years (b. NH). Charles W. Lowe rented their house at 11 Central Avenue.

NORTH BERWICK. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Lowe and grandson, Robert, of Rochester, N.H., have been spending a few days with Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Staples (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), June 10, 1910).

Father-in-law Samuel G. Chamberlain died of a cerebral hemorrhage (due to a “fall on ice”) on the Milton Mills Road in Milton, January 2, 1911, aged eighty-three years, five months, and twenty-three days. He was a farmer and lifelong resident of Milton. J.A. Stevens, M.D., signed the death certificate.

LOCAL. Samuel G. Chamberlin, one of Milton’s old and respected residents, fell on the ice Monday fracturing his skull and causing death on Tuesday. His age was 80 years. Funeral this Thursday (Farmington News, January 6, 1911).

Son Homer C. Lowe, of Rochester, NH, took the ME State embalmers license test, November 8, 1910, and received an embalmer license certificate (#240) (ME State Board of Health, 1914).

In preparation for the undertaking business he [son Homer C. Lowe] attended the Boston Embalming School, but prior to that had worked for seven years with a local undertaker.

(The seven years Homer C. Lowe spent working with a “local” undertaker prior to attending Boston Embalming School may have been spent working with Milton Mills undertaker Asa A. Fox).

Charles W. Lowe was already proprietor of a livery business in Rochester, NH. He and his son would work together. Charles W. Lowe presumably managed the horse-drawn hearse part of their business.

 In 1911 his son, H.C. Lowe, went into the undertaking business, and the two lines have since been carried on partnership (Scales, 1914).

Homer C. Lowe of Rochester, NH, had a 28.8 h.p. Mitchell automobile registered (#1871) in Rochester, NH, in 1912 (NH Secretary of State, 1913).

a Charles W. Lowe appeared in the Rochester, NH, directory of 1912, as a proprietor of C.W. Lowe & Son, livery stable, at 56-58 Hanson street, with his house at 11 Central avenue. His son, Homer C. Lowe, appeared as a proprietor of C.W. Lowe & Son, livery stable, at 56-58 Hanson street, but appeared also as an undertaker at 60 Hanson street, boarding at 11 Central avenue.

NORTH SHAPLEIGH. Charles Lowe of Rochester, N.H., has been visiting his mother, Mrs. John Lowe (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), May 3, 1912).

Personal. Mrs. Charles Lowe of Rochester visited Mr. and Mrs. C.H. Prescott over Sunday (Farmington News, October 22, 1915).

Charles W. Lowe & Son appeared in the Rochester, NH, directory of 1917, as proprietor of an auto for hire, livery and boarding stable, at 56-58 Hanson street. His son, Homer C. Lowe, appeared as an undertaker at Derry, NH.

Son H.C. Lowe and his wife, Eva M. Lowe, became Sixth Degree initiates of the NH State Grange convocation held in Rochester, NH, in December 1918 (NH State Grange, 1918).

The Grange assembled at 8 o clock and was closed in fourth and opened in the degree of Flora and the beautiful and refining ritualistic ceremonies at an elegant Flora’s Court were given by the officers of the State Grange.

Charles W. Lowe, a livery stable proprietor, aged sixty-four years (b. ME), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Adelia [(Chamberlain)] Lowe, aged sixty-four years (b. NH), his son, Homer C. Lowe, a livery stable proprietor, aged thirty-four years (b. NH), his daughter-in-law, Eva M. [(Webber)] Lowe, aged thirty-one years (b. NH), and his grandchildren, Robert L. Lowe, aged thirteen years (b. NH), and Elizabeth Lowe, aged nine years (b. NH). Charles W. Lowe rented their house at 69 Portland Street.

C.W. Lowe and son are identified with the Republican party politically and fraternally with the Odd Fellows, and the younger member of the firm belongs also to the Grange, the Red Men and to the American Mechanics. As reliable business men and excellent citizens they stand high in public regard (Scales, 1914).

Rochester, NH, sent Charles W. Lowe to Concord, NH, as one of its State Representatives for the 1921-22 biennium. He and Charles E. Woodward represented Rochester’s Ward 6. Both were Republicans. (Fred S. Hartford was the Milton State Representative in that biennium).

Rochester, NH, sent Charles W. Lowe to Concord, NH, as one of its State Representatives for the 1923-24 biennium. He and Guy F. Chesley represented Rochester’s Ward 6. Both were Republicans. (Frank D. Stevens was the Milton State Representative in that biennium).

NORTH SHAPLEIGH. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Lowe of Rochester, N.H., spent the weekend with his brother, Reuben Lowe, and family (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), December 20, 1923).

Son Homer C. Lowe of Rochester, NH, opened a restaurant in Springvale, ME, in November 1927.

SPRINGVALE NEWS. Homer C. Lowe of Rochester, N.H., has opened a restaurant in the store next to Dennis Kostis (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), November 17, 1927).

Son Homer C. Lowe of 62 Charles Street, Rochester, NH, had a NH State embalmer license (#117) in 1928 (NH State Board of Health, 1928).

Mother Hannah T. (Hargraves) Lowe died in North Shapleigh, ME, February 16, 1928, aged ninety-one years.

NORTH SHAPLEIGH. Funeral services for Hannah T. Lowe, 91, wife of the late John Lowe, who died Thursday morning at her home, North Shapleigh, were held from her home Sunday afternoon at 2.30 o’clock, Rev. G. Elmer Mossman, pastor of the Congregational church of Alfred, officiating. Interment was in the family lot in Highland Grove Cemetery. Mrs. Lowe was a native of Amesbury, Mass., but has resided in this town for the past 85 years. She was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Hargraves. She leaves four children, one daughter, Mrs. Charlotte Hayes of Sanford; and three sons, Charles W. Lowe of Rochester, N.H., Ernest Lowe of Springvale and Rubin Lowe of North Shapleigh. She was a member of the Baptist church of North Shapleigh (Biddeford-Saco Journal (Biddeford, ME), [Monday,] February 20, 1928).

Son Homer Lowe bought the Union Marble and Granite Works company of Union, Wakefield, NH, in 1929 and ran it until his death in 1951 (Farmington News, March 16, 1972).

Charles W. Lowe, retired, aged seventy-four years (b. ME), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Sixteenth (1930) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of forty-seven years), Adelia E. [(Chamberlain)] Lowe, aged seventy-four years (b. NH), and his lodger, Waren V. Baker, a salesman (grocery), aged twenty-three years (b. MA). Charles W. Lowe rented their portion [his son’s] two-family house at 62 Charles Street.

Homer C. Lowe, an undertaker, aged forty-four years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Sixteenth (1930) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of twenty-five years), Eva M. [(Webber)] Lowe, aged forty-one years (b. NH), and his daughter, Elizabeth Lowe, a hairdresser (beauty parlor), aged twenty years (b. NH). Homer C. Lowe owned their two-family house at 62 Charles Street, which was valued at $5,000. They had a radio set.

Driver Fined. As Homer C. Lowe was driving from his summer home in the Bauneg Beg section of Sanford to Rochester his car was sideswiped in Lebanon by a car operated by Walter S. Davis of Lynn, Mass. Mr. Lowe’s car was somewhat damaged but the occupants escaped serious injury as did those in the Davis car. Davis was arrested by Deputy Sheriff Harry Ford of Lebanon and at a hearing in the municipal court in Sanford Judge Edward S. Titcomb found him guilty of driving an automobile while drunk and fined him $100 and costs, totaling $115. His license was suspended (Biddeford-Saco Journal (Biddeford, ME), [Monday,] August 15, 1930).

Charles W. and Adelia (Chamberlain) Lowe of Rochester, NH, observed their fiftieth wedding anniversary at the home of their son, Homer C. Lowe, in Union, Wakefield, NH, October 7, 1932.

ROCHESTER COUPLE WED 50 YEARS. Rochester, Oct. 8. – Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Lowe of Rochester yesterday observed their golden wedding anniversary at the home of their son, Homer C. Lowe, in Union. Mr. and Mrs. Lowe are widely known residents of Rochester. He was in the livery and sales stable business here for years (Portsmouth Herald, October 8, 1932).

Lowe-MacDougall. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kyle MacDougall of 28 Meadow street announce the marriage of their daughter, Alexandria Melrose MacDougall, to Robert Roy Lowe, son of Mr. and Mrs. Homer C. Lowe of Rochester, N.H. The ceremony took place on July 10, 1934, at Petersburg, N.Y., the Rev. Mr. Keeler officiating. Mr. Lowe is a graduate of the Rochester schools and the Austin Kate Academy. He is well-known in North Adams, having been manager of the former J.H. Cody furniture stone and the Slash Auto Stores. He is now associated with Butler Brothers of New York City. Mrs. Lowe is a graduate of Mark Hopkins school, Drury High School and Cushing Academy in Ashburnham. They are making their home in New York City (North Adams Transcript (North Adams, MA), September 10, 1934).

Brother-in-law Frederick M. Chamberlain died of a cerebral hemorrhage in Union, Wakefield, NH, May 30, 1935, aged seventy-seven years, and one day. P.A. Kimball, M.D., signed the death certificate.

Sister Charlotte M. “Lottie” (Lowe) Hayes died in Springvale, Sanford, ME, February 13, 1936, aged seventy-seven years.

Mrs. Charlotte M. Hayes. Mrs. Charlotte M. Hayes, 77, widow of Darling S. Hayes of No. Shapleigh, died Thursday at the home of Miss Etta Howe, Springvale, from the effects of a severe shock. She was a native of No. Shapleigh and was a member of Ruhamah Rebekah Lodge and the Auxiliary of the Sons of Union Veterans. She is survived by three brothers, Charles Low of Union, N.H., Ernest and Reuben of North Shapleigh. Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at 7.30 p.m., at the Hurd Funeral Home. The Rev. Winthrop Mager, pastor of the Congregational Church of Union, N.H., officiated. The body was placed in the receiving tomb at Oakdale Cemetery (Biddeford-Saco Journal (Biddeford, ME), February 20, 1936).

CARD OF THANKS. We wish to extend our thanks to our friends in Springvale, Sanford and North Shapleigh for their deeds of kindness during our recent bereavement, also for the many beautiful floral tributes. Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Lowe, Ernest Lowe, Mr. and Mrs. Reuben Lowe. 8-1T-pd (Biddeford-Saco Journal (Biddeford, ME), February 20, 1936).

UNION. Sympathy is extended to Charles Lowe in the loss of his sister, for whom funeral services were held at Sanford, Me., Sunday afternoon, with Rev. Winthrop Mager officiating (Farmington News, February 21, 1936).

Charles W. and Adelia (Chamberlain) Lowe of Union, Wakefield, NH, observed their fifty-fifth wedding anniversary at the home of their son, Homer C. Lowe, in Union, Wakefield, NH, October 7, 1937.

UNION. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Lowe quietly observed their 55th wedding anniversary on Thursday, October 7, at the home of their son, Homer Lowe, where they live (Farmington News, October 15, 1937).

Adelia (Chamberlain) Lowe died of broncho-pneumonia in Wakefield, NH, August 15, 1938, aged eighty-two years, eleven months, and six days. She was a married housekeeper. P.A. Kimball, M.D., signed the death certificate.

Union Man Is Critically Hurt. Rochester, Nov. 28 – Suffering a fractured right arm, right leg, a possible fracture of the spine and internal injuries, Orpheus Smith, 52, of Union, was reported in critical condition at Frisbee Memorial Hospital, where he was brought after being struck by a car while walking along the road in Union. According to Deputy Sheriff Homer C. Lowe of Union, Smith was struck by car operated by Melvin Bailey, 19, of Milton. Bailey told Deputy Lowe he did not see Smith being blinded by the lights of a parked car. He immediately stopped his car and assisted in bringing the injured man here to the hospital. Deputy Sheriff Lowe said that no charge had been made against Bailey (Portsmouth Herald, November 28, 1938).

Charles W. Lowe died of a sudden cerebral hemorrhage in Union, Wakefield, NH, May 2, 1939, aged eighty-three years, six months, and nine days. He was a widowed livery stable proprietor. He had resided in Union for six years, i.e., since circa 1932-33. P.A. Kimball, M.D., signed the death certificate.

Homer C. Lowe, a proprietor (monumental dealer), aged fifty-three years (b. NH), headed a Wakefield, NH, household at the time of the Sixteenth (1940) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Eva M. [(Webber)] Lowe, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), his daughter, Elisabeth [(Lowe)] Yuill, a hairdresser (beauty parlor), aged thirty years (b. NH), his grandson, Jack Yuill, aged five years (b. ME), his son, Robert L. Lowe (b. NH), a proprietor (retail grocery store), aged thirty-three years, and his daughter-in-law, Alexandria Lowe, a proprietor (retail grocery store), aged twenty-seven years (b. MA). Homer C. Lowe owned their house in Union (Unincorporated Place), which was valued at $1,600. Robert L. Lowe and his wife had resided in San Antonio, TX, in 1935, while the others had all resided in the same house at that time.

ROCHESTER NOTES. Undertaker Homer C. Lowe, a former resident of Rochester, but now of Union, is ill at the Eliot hospital in Manchester. Mrs. Lowe is with him (Portsmouth Herald, June 22, 1942).

Homer C. Lowe, granite memorial engraving (cemetery monuments), aged sixty-four years (b. NH), headed a Wakefield, NH, household at the time of the Seventeenth (1950) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Eva M. Lowe, aged sixty-two years (b. NH), and his grandson, Jack H. Yuill, aged sixteen years (b. ME). They resided on Bridge Street.

Son Homer C. Lowe died of acute congestive cardiac failure in Wakefield, NH, June 3, 1951, aged sixty-five years. He was a married stone cutter. Howard P. Sawyer, M.D., signed the death certificate.

Homer C. Lowe. UNION, N.H., June 4. The funeral of Homer C. Lowe, 65, monument dealer and past president of the New Hampshire Funeral Directors’ Association, will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. in the Union Congregation Church. Mr. Lowe, a resident of this town for 20 years and former funeral director in Rochester, died at his home yesterday. He was a member of Union Grange, the Masons, Knights of Pythias and past president of Ossipee Rotary Club. Survivors include a wife, Eva; a son, Robert L., and a daughter, Mrs. Everett Nichols of Freedom (Boston Globe, June 5, 1951).

Daughter-in-law Eva M. (Webber) Lowe died of a cerebral hemorrhage in Wakefield, NH, May 31, 1963, aged seventy-five years. Gerard G. Bozuwa, M.D., signed the death certificate.

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The Lowes and the Union Marble and Granite Works would be remembered as late as 1972.

Union. RAY MARSH. 473-2030. One of the oldest monument firms in the country has recently changed ownership. Royal T. Wales of Dover has purchased the Union Marble and Granite Works. The main plant is located in Union with a branch office and salesroom at 135 North Main Street, Rochester. The firm has been in business 124 years. It was established in 1848 by Herbert Stevens and purchased by Charles Lowe in 1880 and sold to Myron Johnson in 1902. Homer Lowe bought the company in 1929 and ran it until his death in 1951. The business was then taken over by son Robert L. Lowe, who has operated it since then. Originally the Granite Works was located next to the Railroad Station in Union but was moved to its present location in 1884. A new plant was built in 1960 to process the quarry blocks into finished memorials. The plant is equipped with the latest machinery and is the authorized dealer for Barre Guild, Guardian Memorial and Stone Eternal. The new owner Royal T. Wales, was born and raised in Kingston, R.I. After serving in World War II he graduated from the University of R.I. with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. For the past two years he has been manager of Mfg. Engineering at Sprague Electric in Sanford, Maine. His family includes a wife, Shirley, three sons, one daughter and a granddaughter. Bob Lowe will continue his association with the firm as consultant to the new owner (Farmington News, March 16, 1972).

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References:

Davison Publishing Co. (1901). Blue Book Textile Directory of the United States and Canada. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=nyMqAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA212

Find a Grave. (2013, August 13). Samuel Gardner Chamberlain. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/115369940/samuel-gardner-chamberlain

Find a Grave. (2013, August 14). Charles W. Lowe. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/115480414/charles-w-lowe

Find a Grave. (2013, August 14). Homer Chamberlain Lowe. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/115480480/homer_chamberlain_lowe

Find a Grave. (2016, November 21). John Lowe. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/173029090/john_lowe

Find a Grave. (2011, July 13). Joseph W. McDonald. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/73321710/joseph-w.-macdonald

ME State Board of Health. (1914). Report of the State Board of Embalming Examiners. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=zRvQdd9XU0gC&pg=RA8-PP2

Metcalf, Henry H. (1923). Granite Monthly. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=UbcVAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA44

NH Secretary of State. (1909). Motor Vehicle Statistics. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=UpyjKIP7FxEC&pg=RA1-PA109

NH Secretary of State. (1913). Automobile Registrations. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=lqk0AQAAMAAJ&pg=RA2-PA167

NH Secretary of State. (1921). Laws of the State of New Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=oZ9GAQAAIAAJ&pg=PA6

NH State Board of Health. (1928). Embalmers Licensed Under the law of the State of New Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=bc5KAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA262

NH State Grange. (1918). Forty-Fifth Journal of Proceedings. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=vl8kAQAAMAAJ&pg=RA8-PA46

NY News C0. (1900). Fibre & Fabric. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=Vw4AAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA98

Scales, John. (1914). History of Strafford County, New Hampshire and Representative Citizens. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=nGsjAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA715

By Muriel Bristol | September 20, 2024

Fifty Strafford County inhabitants petitioned Federalist NH Governor Jeremiah Smith (1759-1842), seeking reappointment of Strafford County Sheriff James Carr (1748-1829).

James Carr was born in Somersworth, NH, April 22, 1748, son of Dr. Moses and Mary (Gerrish) Carr.

Late in life, in 1819, when applying for a Bounty Land Warrant, James Carr recalled his military service during the Revolutionary War:

That he, the said James Carr, entered said service, as a Lieut. in a Company of Infantry commanded by Capt. Jonathan Wentworth, of the New Hampshire Regt. commanded by Col. Enoch Poor, some time in June 1775 ~ That in Novr 1776 he was appointed, and commissioned, Captain of the aforesaid Company, and in Decemr 1782 he was appointed a Major in the New Hampshire line; and that he continued to serve […] aforesaid, in the New Hampshire line in the service of the United States, from June 1775 until January 1784, when he was discharged from said service, at West Point, in the State of New York. That he was in the battles of Trenton – Princeton – Hubbardton, where he was made a prisoner & was sent to Quebec – Monmouth, & Newtown, in the Indian country …

(Several petitioners, including Milton’s William Palmer, Esq., had served also in the NH Second Regiment).

Former Major James Carr married in Dover, NH, March 5, 1785, Susanna Wentworth. She was born in Exeter, NH, August 2, 1760, daughter of Col. John and Abigail (Millett) Wentworth.

Somersworth, NH, sent James Carr to the NH House as its NH State Representative in 1791 through 1800. Federalist NH Governor John Taylor Gilman (1753-1828) appointed him as Strafford County Sheriff, in 1800, in which office he served until 1810.

The fifty Strafford County petitioners sought to have his expiring term extended through a reappointment by the NH Governor.

To his Excellency the Governor and the Honorable Council of the State of New Hampshire,

Respectfully represent the undersigned inhabitants of the County of Strafford, that as the time for the Appointment of a Sheriff of said County by the Executive will shortly arrive, and feeling as we do in common with the rest of the community, a sense of the importance of this Office to the public at large, and more especially to the interests of the County, deem it our duty with all deference and respect to your excellency and honors to submit to your wisdom the impressions which have been made on our minds in favor of the reappointment of Colo James Carr ~ That it is the favor’d lot of few men so to conduct in any public Office as to escape censure, is a melancholy truth, too notorious to be denied ~ this truth becomes more evident at a time when a contemplated vacancy calls into exercise the passions and feelings of the many toward an object, which one only can obtain ~

While we wish not to detract from the merits or qualifications of any rival Candidate, we cannot over look the honesty, integrity and faithfulness of the present holder ~ these, with the promptitude and alacrity with which the Soldier is to get forward at the call of our common Country, the zeal with which he espoused her interest, the part he took in her struggles for liberty and Independence, and the sacrifice of his health and the early part of his life for their achievement, together with the rank he holds in Society as a citizen, have twice recommended him to the Executive of this State, as a suitable Candidate for this Office ~

We trust this confidence has not been misplaced ~ Through the long period of ten Years, during which he has been Sheriff of this County, no suggestion of fraud, oppression, fraud or abuse of Office has been heard ~

Under these circumstances had not the officer strong, very strong claims to be continued and having these claims, what must be his feelings and the sentiments of an impartial public, should they perceive they weigh nothing with the present executive? ~ Will they not be apt to consider a non-appointment and a removal from Office, as a distinction without a difference? ~ Powerfully impressed with these considerations we cannot but view the reappointment of Colo Carr under existing circumstances as a measure which while it meets the approbation of the public at large will be in unison, not only with our own feelings and wishes but with those of a very great portion of the Citizens of this Country ~ January 22d 1810 ~

[Column One:] Saml Hale, Nathan Hoit, Aaron Wingate, Wm F. Atkinson, Ebenr Smith, Joseph Clark

[Colum Two:] Oliver Crosby, Benjn Thompson, Stepn Moody, J.P. Hale, Stephen Mitchell, William Sawyer, Samuel Pabody, D.C. Atkinson

[Reverse Side]

in favor of James Carr for Sheriff

[Column One:] Edward Sise, Luther Dearborn, Andw Gilman, Jacob Brown, Danl Wingate, John Pike, Jur

[Column Two:] Andrew Lovejoy, Josiah Moulton, Wm Woodman

[Page Two:]

[Column One:] John Ham, Moses Hodgdon, Saml Shepard, Richd Rust, Wm Barker, Joshua G. Hall, Richd Furber, Jabez Dame, Saml Bragg, Jur, Thomas Roberts, Caleb Hodgdon, Moses Wingate, Wm Perkins, Mark Walker, Walter Cooper, Ezra Greene, Christopher Howe, John Pike, Amos Wallingford, Stephen Sawyer

[Column Two:] Wm Palmer, Isaac Walden, John Plumer, Junr, Emerson Porter, Jonas C. March, Andrew Hayes, David Copp, John Fish, Joseph Plumer, Jabez Dore, John Mooney, Jos Harford, Hatevil Knight, Thos W. Hale, John Wingate, Joseph Leavitt, Ebenr Ricker, J. Wheeler, Andw Rollins, James Rollins, J.H. Woodman

Despite this petition, Sheriff James Carr did not receive his reappointment. He served Somersworth, NH, again as its NH State Representative, in 1810 through 1815.

James Carr died in Somersworth, NH, March 11, 1829. Susanna (Wentworth) Carr died in Somersworth, NH, August 4, 1833.

References:

Find a Grave. (2011, September 26). James Carr. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/77117657/james-carr

By Muriel Bristol | September 15, 2024

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

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

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

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

Pleasant Valley grange of Milton Mills has elected the following officers: Master, A.A. Fox; overseer, Daniel Philbrick; lecturer, John U. Simes; steward, Albert Wiggin; assistant steward, Rev. A.M. Markey; lady assistant steward, Mrs. Willis Reynolds; chaplain, Rev. E.W. Churchill; treasurer, Jennie Hanson; gate keeper, C.A. Treadwell; Pomona, Ruth Philbrick; Flora, Mrs. C.D. Fox; Ceres, Mrs. A.A. Fox; director, C.D. Fox; lady director, Mrs. Fox; organists, Helen Loud, Grace Loud (Farmington News, December 29, 1899).

NEWS OF THE STATE. Pleasant Valley Grange of Milton Mills is now connected with Eastern N.H. Pomona, ranking 27 granges now in its jurisdiction (Farmington News, May 11, 1900).

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

But for some reason, the Pleasant Valley Grange became inactive. The US Interstate Commerce Department, in its bulletin or report regarding “Information Concerning Commercial Organizations and Agricultural Associations,” listed the Pleasant Valley Grange, No. 272, as being “(Reported vacant).” It underwent a reorganization or reactivation in May 1909.

MILTON MILLS. Pleasant Valley grange is to be reorganized this week by a number of the old members. There are also several new members who intend to join it as soon as it is established again (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), May 14, 1909).

MILTON MILLS. Pleasant Valley grange was reorganized and officers elected Wednesday, May 5, by the State Secretary, Geo. R. Drake, and District Deputy Charles A. Wiggin, of Ossipee, assisted by Chas. Wentworth, of Union. Over forty came in as charter members, including many of those formerly members of the previous grange. The outlook is very bright at present for the new grange, as the new members as well as the old are much interested and ready to work for the welfare of the order (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), May 21, 1909).

MILTON MILLS. Chellis V. Smith came back to town for a day or two to assist in grange work. He is master of Pleasant Valley Grange, recently organized with a large membership (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), September 24, 1909).

PLEASANT VALLEY GRANGE. Milton Mills Has a Newly Organized But Active Grange. The official inspection of the Pleasant Valley grange at Milton Mills was held last Monday night, the inspection being done by Deputy Charles S. Wiggin of Ossipee Al the same meeting the third and fourth degrees were conferred on a class of ten candidates. The hall was very prettily decorated representing a true harvest scene. After the literary program a harvest supper was served. In addition to the members of the local grange, visitors were present from Lewis W. Nute grange in Milton. The grange at Milton Mills was organized May 5 of this year by Secretary Drake of the New Hampshire State Grange. The following officers were elected at that time and they are still serving their first term: Master, Chellis V. Smith; Overseer, Harry E. Wentworth; Steward, B Blaine Grant; Lecturer, Helen G. Foss; Asst. Lecturer,  Mrs. Wm. Pinfold; Secretary, Lucia P. Fox; Treasurer, George E. Fox; Gatekeeper, John H. Roberts; Chaplain, Hattie Fox; Asst Steward, Wilbur G. Miller; Ceres, Mrs. Florence Hanson; Flora, Mrs. Walsh; Pomona, Myra Reynolds; Lady Asst. Steward, Mrs. Wilbur G. Miller. The deputy in his remarks complimented the grange very highly in regard to the success of the evening’s entertainment, the decorations and the excellent manner in which the degree work carried out; he also said that the grange, although one oi me youngest, was one of the best and most active granges in this section of the State (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), October 22, 1909).

MILTON MILLS. Last Sunday was observed as Memorial Sunday by services, at the M.E. church. Rev. O.H. Faunce addressed the members of the G.A.R. who, accompanied by the W.R.C. and Sons of Veterans, came up from Milton. The members of Miltonia lodge, I.O.O.F. were the escort, and Sunrise Rebekah lodge, together with the members of Pleasant Valley grange, formed a procession which filled the church to overflowing (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), June 17, 1910).

MILTON MILLS. Pleasant Valley grange held a public meeting Friday evening in Central hall. A large number was present to hear the speaker, Edgar F. Pitts (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), October 14, 1910).

MILTON MILLS. N.H. Socials were much in evidence Friday night, one being held by Pleasant Valley Grange at Fox Ridge and one in Central hall by the Knights of Pythians (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, September 15, 1911).

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

MILTON MILLS. N.H. Pleasant Valley Grange is inspected this week by Deputy Weeks of Rochester (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, November 3, 1911).

ACTON. Miss Fannie Flint attended the harvest supper of Pleasant Valley Grange, Milton Mills, N.H., through the kindness of “Father Witham” (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), November 14, 1913).

Local. Eastern New Hampshire Pomona Grange will meet next month with Pleasant Valley Grange of Milton Mills (Farmington News, August 14, 1914).

MILTON MILLS. Installation of officers of Pleasant Valley Grange Wednesday evening. Albion G. Weeks of Rochester is the installing officer. The officers for the ensuing year are as follows: Master, Mrs. Florence N. Hanson; Overseer, Mrs. Sarah D.L. Jewett; Lecturer, Mrs. Carrie B. Walsh; Steward, Joseph Jenness; Chaplain, Mrs. Helen Jewett; A. Steward, George A. Buzzell; Secretary, Mrs. Lucia P. Fox; Treasurer, Wilbur G. Miller;. Gate Keeper, William Pinfold; Ceres, Mrs. Myrtil W. Miller; Pomona, Mrs. Myra Wiggin; Flora, Miss Vivian Weeks; L.A. Steward, Mrs. Lovey A.D. Buzzell. Oyster Stew, cake and coffee will be served and a largo attendance is desired (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), January 21, 1916).

Union. Reunion Grange, No. 303, held its regular meeting at Grange hall, Monday evening, at which time the new officers were installed by Winfield Chase, of Wakefield, assisted by Miss Wiggin and Miss Dow of Ossipee Mt. Grange. Mr. Chase delivered his work in a very impressive manner and the tableaux by three young girls added to the beauty of the work. Eleven members from Pleasant Valley Grange were present; four from Ossipee Mt. and four from Lovell Union Grange. A fine program was presented by Miss Ruth Wentworth, lecturer, and remarks were made by several visitors. A banquet followed the work. Everyone anticipates a year of good work for 1917 (Farmington News, January 12, 1917).

A planned meeting of the Eastern New Hampshire Pomona Grange was cancelled due to the prevailing Spanish Flu epidemic.

LOCAL. Owing to the prevailing illness, the meeting of Eastern New Hampshire Pomona Grange announced to be held with Pleasant Valley Grange at Milton Mills, October 17, is indefinitely postponed (Farmington News, October 11, 1918).

CARD OF THANKS. We wish to express our sincere thanks and appreciation for the many 1 kindnesses extended to wife and mother by our many many friends, also to Pleasant Valley Grange for the shower of post cards during her stay at the hospital, and for the kindnesses on leaving the hospital, also after her return home for the many acts and words of love from our neighbors and friends in our recent bereavement and the beautiful floral tribute. May the dear Lord bless every one. WILBUR G. MILLER. HARRY E. MILLER (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), June 1, 1922).

Rochester, N.H. Eastern New Hampshire Pomona Grange will observe Fast Day with its regular monthly session with Pleasant Valley Grange in Milton Mills and there will be afternoon and evening sessions. There will be a public session at 2.30 in charge of the lecturer, Mrs. Grace Hurd, and the following program has been arranged: Original greeting song, Pleasant Valley patrons; invocation Rev. Carle Bartele, pastor of the Free Baptist Church; response, Charles S.W. Varney of this city, treasurer of the New Hampshire State Grange; address, Hon. Huntley N. Spaulding of this city, chairman of the State Board of Education; vocal solo, Miss Ruth Hanson of this city; one-act farce, Three of a Kind, L.N.L. Club of the First Methodist Church Sunday School of this city under the direction of Mrs. Matilda Varney, past Flora of the Pomona Grange; address, Boys and Girls, Our Greatest Assets; Burt R. Cooper, Esq., of this city; special feature, Mrs. Ida May Coburn of Milton; Cornucopia, Mrs. Carrie Ricker, chaplain of the Pomona Grange; closing song, Pleasant Valley Patrons. Following a supper there will be a closed session at 7.30 when the officers of the Pomona Grange with Leo H. Corson as Master will conduct the business of the evening and confer the fifth degree upon a class of candidates (Portland Evening Express, April 20, 1926).

EAST LEBANON (Little River). At the regular meeting of Riverside Grange next Saturday evening the third and fourth degrees will be conferred on a class of candidates and the deputy will be present. Pleasant Valley Grange at Milton Mills, N.H., and Lebanon Grange have been invited (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), June 14, 1928).

NORTH SACO DELEGATES APPOINTED. … Delegates just appointed from Alfred Grange include Mrs. Helen Evans and Mrs. Theresa Wentworth. Pleasant Valley Grange of Milton Mills and Acton has appointed William F. Lasky and Wilbur G. Miller. From the various communities of the county thus far there have been appointed a total of 30 delegates to the institute and 60 can be accommodated (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), September 1, 1932).

MILTON MILLS. The regular meeting of Pleasant Valley Grange, No 272, was held last Wednesday evening with Worthy Master Augusta Henderson In the chair. The Grange has been invited to work one of the degrees at the State Grange to be held In Rochester In December (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), October 28, 1937).

MILTON MILLS. By Alfred V. Lewis. Pleasant Valley Grange, No. 272, elected the following officers for the coming year: Mrs. Rosamond Pike, master; Mrs. Gertrude Horne, overseer; Mrs. Eva Marsh, lecturer; Mrs. Katherine Marsh, chaplain; Mrs. Mattie Evans, treasurer; Mrs. Florence Hanson, secretary; Mrs. Annie Hersom, steward; Chester Stevens, assistant steward; Mrs. Thelma Tibbetts, lady assistant steward; Philip Pike, gate keeper; Mrs. Augusta Henderson, member of executive committee; Mrs. Dorothy Miller, Pomona; Mrs. Evelyn Evans, Ceres; and Mrs. Louise Stevens, Flora. Officers are to be installed at Milton in a joint Installation with the Lewis W. Nute Grange at the first meeting in January. The degree team of the Grange worked the first degree before the New Hampshire State Grange in Rochester last Wednesday and received many compliments as to the manner in which it was done (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), December 23, 1937).

MILTON MILLS. By Alfred W. Lewis. Pleasant Valley Grange held its regular meeting Wednesday evening. The lecturer’s program was based on St. Patrick’s Day. The members were invited to attend neighbors’ night Saturday at Rochester (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), March 24, 1938).

MILTON MILLS. By Alfred W. Lewis. Pleasant Valley Grange attended services at the Baptist Church Sunday. The worthy master, Harold Roberts, read a poem dedicated to the late Past Worthy Master William Laskey. Music was by the senior and junior choirs. The pastor, Rev. J.W. Curie, took for his topic, “The Belated Preacher”  (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), July 4, 1940).

MILTON MILLS. By Alfred W. Lewis. At the regular meeting of Pleasant Valley Grange, No. 272, Jan. 1, the following officers were installed by Deputy Maurice Daniels and staff of Rochester: Master, James W. Currie; overseer, Pauline Farnham; chaplain, Katherine Marsh; lecturer, Wilbur G. Miller; steward, Eva Marsh; assistant steward, Clifton Hersom; lady assistant steward, Mildred Valley; gatekeeper Elizabeth Miller; secretary, Gertrude Horne; treasurer, Maud Laskey; Flora, Helen Wentworth; Pomona, Margaret Comeau; Ceres, Ruth Winchell, and executive committee, Augusta Henderson. A supper was served (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), January 9, 1941).

MILTON MILLS. Eastern New Hampshire Pomona Grange met with Pleasant Valley Grange, No [2]72, last Thursday. At the open meeting in the afternoon George E Carmichael gave the address (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), December 11, 1941).

MILTON MILLS. Grange Memorial Service. Pleasant Valley Grange held a memorial service June 3, the lecturer putting on a program of music, readings and tableau, closing with a candlelight service. Ten candles representing 10 departed members were extinguished as each name was read (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), June 11, 1942).

MEETING OF EASTERN N.H. POMONA GRANGE. Eastern N.H. Pomona Grange, No. 2, will meet at Milton Mills on Thursday, March 20, with  members of Pleasant Valley Grange as hosts. Supper will be served at 5.30 o’clock. A closed session will be called promptly at 7 p.m. by Master Gideon Marcoux. A very fine program will be presented by the lecturer, Alice Brock, at 8.30 (Farmington News, March 14, 1947).

Skit Presented At Pleasant Valley Grange Meeting. An invitation to attend a neighborhood meeting of Pleasant Valley Grange at Milton Mills, N.H., May 7, was accepted by the Mousam Lake Grange at its Saturday evening meeting. Plans were made to attend a union meeting with Lebanon Apr. 26 and four applications for membership were received. Following the business meeting a skit was presented by George and Mary Driscoll, followed by a jelly bean scramble won by Mr. Driscoll. Another skit, “Buying a Piece of Pie,” was presented by Jessie Mann and Dorothy Stevens. Easter hats were trimmed by Dorothy Smith, Edith Littlefield, Mary Driscoll, Jessie Mann and Marilyn Ridley, with models George Driscoll, Carlton Hyde, Mr. Sinclair, Clyde Nann and Edward Laferty. Mr. Hyde was awarded first prize. Eight Granges were represented at this meeting, including Saco, Bauneg Beg, Beaver Dam, Alfred, Maplewood, East Rochester, Milton Mills and Stoneham, Mass. (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), April 17, 1952).

MILTON MILLS. Pleasant Valley Grange. At Pleasant Valley Grange Wednesday evening the home and community welfare committee presented a program in honor of Independence Day, with Mrs. Harry E. Miller in charge. Mrs. Miller read an essay written by her daughter, Mrs. John Hall of Berwick, Me. John Oaks read a poem on July 4th and Mrs. Louise Stevens’ rendered violin solos (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), July 9, 1953).

MILTON MILLS. By Alfred W. Lewis. Pleasant Valley Grange Fair was very successful. The members served a lunch at noon and had a dance in the evening (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), October 7, 1954).

MILTON MILLS. By Alfred W. Lewis. Pleasant Valley Grange will serve a baked bean supper Friday evening at 5:30 o’clock (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME),  August 1, 1955).

MILTON. Pleasant Valley Grange has named committees for the annual fair on Oct. 14 (Farmington News, September 29, 1955).

Milton Mills. BY ALFRED W. LEWIS. Grange Penny Sale. Pleasant Valley Grange will have a penny sale at the close of the regular meeting Mar. 7. Deputy Estes will be present. Third and fourth degrees are to be worked at that time (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), February 23, 1956).

Milton Mills. BY MRS. ALFRED LEWIS. Grange News. Pleasant Valley Grange met Wednesday evening last week with Master Rosamond Pike in charge of refreshments. Plans were made for conferring the first degree on Feb. 16. The Home Economics Committee will be in charge of the penny sale. All members are urged to bring articles for the sale (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), February 10, 1966).

Milton Mills. BY MRS. BESSIE LEWIS. Pleasant Valley Grange met Wednesday evening last week with 21 members and a guest present. Maude Laskey was honored as a senior citizen. Louise Stevens played selections on her violin. The overseer read “This Is Your Life.” A duet was sung by the master and treasurer. A corsage and money were presented to Maude, gifts from the members (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), March 23, 1967).

Milton Mills.  BY MRS. ALFRED LEWIS. Grange. Pleasant Valley Grange met Wednesday evening with 15 members present. The chairman of the Home Economics Committee reported that she had received $2 from the State Grange for her best report, also a balance of $25.75 left over from last year’s earnings. It was voted for her to keep the money for this year’s projects. An invitation was received from Louis Nute Grange of Milton to help them celebrate their 75th anniversary on Jan. 29. The program was a piano solo, a game and several readings by the members (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), January 25, 1968).

Milton Mills.  BY MRS. ALFRED LEWIS. Pleasant Valley Grange #272 met Wednesday evening of last week with 13 members present. It was a surprise to have present Steven Libbey who has been in Vietnam and is the son of the worthy master. His brother Roger, also present, is stationed at Otis Air Base. Deputy Bernard Nason make his official visit on Feb. 19. The woman’s activity committee will donate to the Educational Loan Fund. The Grange voted to enter the Grange contest. The program was as follows: “The Grange Officer’s Creed” repeated by all; poems “Future Growth” and “Winter Moon,” “January Calender of Events” and “New Year Customs.” Apple pie, ice cream and coffee were served by the worthy master after the meeting (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), January 23, 1969).

Milton Mills.  BY MRS. ALFRED LEWIS. Pleasant Valley Grange. Pleasant Valley Grange met last week Wednesday evening. Balloting was done on the applications of Jonnie and Philip Dionne. The Grange will work the first degree for them on Jan. 7. The Worthy Master installed Sister Hanley as Lecturer. The program was the singing of Christmas carols, poems, “Christmas Candle” by Sister Witham and “The Choir Boy” by Sister Miller. Gifts were exchanged and lunch was served after the meeting (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), December 18, 1969).

Milton Mills.  BY MRS. ALFRED LEWIS. Those members of Pleasant Valley Grange who attended the three-point program at Lewis Nute Grange in Milton were Mr. and Mrs. Louis Young, Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Libbey and son Roger, Dorothy Miller, Leah Willey, Minnie Wilkins, Mae Bolton, Agnes Hanley and Tricia Libbey (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), February 5, 1970).

Grange Plans Open House. Pleasant Valley Grange No 272 held its regular meeting Wednesday evening with a good attendance. It was suggested senior citizens of the community be remembered on their birthdays. Several reports were given by various officers and committees. Dorothy Young announced the requirements for the annual sewing contest and distributed pamphlets. The master, Patricia Libby, appointed the following dues committee: Maude Laskey, Tricia Libby, Dorothy Miller and Phyllis Morrill. The next meeting, Feb. 17, will be open house at the Grange with the business meeting to be held at 7:30 p.m. The open house will be at 8 p.m. with a special program being planned. The public is cordially invited to attend. The lecturer, Agnes Hanley, presented the following literary program: a song, “A Song of Peace” by the Grange; a reading, “Calvin Coolidge: Just Thinking’’ by Margaret Witham; a poem, “Another February Birthday” by Dorothy Young; a reading, “How to Enrage the New Woman” by Robert Lumbard; a reading, “George Washington Carver’s Light Comments” by Dorothy Miller; a valentine dart game was won by Judy Ferris’ team. Refreshments were served after the business meeting by Dorothy Miller (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), February 11, 1971).

PLEASANT VALLEY GRANGE. MILTON MILLS – Pleasant Valley Grange, No. 272, held their regular meeting March 18, with 16 members present. Worthy Master Betty Lacouture presided. The charter was draped in loving memory of brother Ralph Laskey and sister Ingeborg Townsend. … (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), April 8, 1981).

Community Notes. PLEASANT VALLEY GRANGE. MILTON MILLS – Pleasant Valley Grange, No. 272, held their regular meeting March 18, with 16 members present. Worthy Master Betty Lacouture presided. The charter was draped in loving memory of brother Ralph Laskey and sister Ingeborg Townsend. The lecturer’s program started with a quick game of “Pass the Bloomers.” This game was to help loosen up the members before demonstrating their talent for talent night. David Gibbs, Kelly Charron, Elaine Mee and Richard Schenk got stuck holding the bag of bloomers, and all of them being good sports, gladly modeled the bloomers for all to see. For the Talent part of the program Jean Gibbs recited a -poem entitled ‘Dreams.’ Michael Frampton wiggled his ears without using his hands; Phyllis Morrill named all of the Counties in the State of Maine, and all of the towns in the York County area, along with reciting a poem which she had learned when she was in the second grade; Elaine Mee recited comical folk; and Louis Young showed a magic trick by cutting his thumb off! The talent show ended with a trio consisting of Betty Lacouture, Paul Lord and Stella Wagner. They dressed as old formers and sang “Old MacDonald Had A Farm,” followed by Hee Haw’s tune “Where O Where are you tonight!” After the meeting a box lunch auction was held with Elaine Mee Auctioneer. The women of the Grange prepared a box lunch for two and wrapped it in a box. The man who bought the lunch had to sit with the woman who prepare[d] the lunch. All enjoyed the lunch (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), April 8, 1981).

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

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

Eventually, newspaper mentions of the Pleasant Valley Grange came largely in obituaries, in which the recently deceased were said to have been members during their lifetime.

For example, Dorothy H. Miller, who died in 1985, was a 50-year member; Evelyn Palmer, who died in 1987, was a former member; Maude Laskey, who died in 1988, was a 79-year member and a past Master; Mildred E. Laskey, who died in 1989, was a member for more than 50 years; Louis A. Young, who died in 1990, was a member and past Secretary; John M. Pearce, who died in 1993, was a member; Crosby Laskey, who died in 1994, was a lifelong member; Betty F. Morrill, who died in 1996, was a member; Kenneth M. Laskey, who died in 1998, was a member since 1929; Mary E. Scott, who died in 1998, was a member; and Elsie E. Koerner, who died in 2004, was a member.

The last newspaper mentions found of active Pleasant Valley Grange members had them exhibiting at the Acton Fair, as recently as 2009.

Acton Fair ready for crowds. By TAMMY WELLS, Staff Writer. ACTON – Rodney Shain cast a eye over the Grange exhibits at Acton Fair Wednesday as his wife Judie clutched a clipboard with the list of attributes they were to be judged upon. Shain, a farmer for 42 years, is this year’s judge of the Grange displays and vegetables in the exhibition hall Acton air ready for crowds. This year’s growing season hasn’t been the best for local fanners and gardeners but despite seemingly constant rains in June and July entrants still picked the best examples of their crop in the quest for a blue ribbon at York County’s only agricultural fair. ‘There’s a lot of pride involved” said Shain of the farmers’ and gardeners’ efforts. As he carefully looked over the vegetables, Shain said he’s taking the difficult year for growing into consideration. “I try to look at the positives,” he said. The York County Agricultural Association has been hosting the Acton Fair for 144 years. The fair opened this morning at 9 a.m. and runs through Sunday afternoon.  Shain, who operates a farm stand on Grammar Road in Sanford, judges the vegetables this way: “I look with the idea ‘Would I put this on my farm stand?’” he said of the vegetables on display – There were two Grange exhibits to view – Bauneg Beg Grange of North Berwick and Pleasant Valley Grange of Milton Mills, N.H. Grange entries are judged on the quality of the produce, the quantity displayed, the general appearance of the exhibit, the arrangement itself and neatness and orderliness. Displays must include a Bible and a flag. The Pleasant Valley Grange exhibit was done up with a red and white gingham background, and contained displays of colorful gladioli, fresh vegetables, mason jars of pickles and preserves and was trimmed at the sides with green comstalks. “I bet this is Silver Queen,” said Shain, as he examined the stalks. Bauneg Beg Grange’s exhibit contained examples of farm yields from walnuts to eggs, com and tomatoes to herbs, jars of preserved vegetables and fruits and bore the slogan, “The Lord provides a bountiful harvest.” On Wednesday afternoon, farmers were bringing in their animals and vendors were setting up getting ready for this morning’s opening. From today through Sunday, fair-goers can take in a number of agricultural exhibits from llama showmanship to a llama costume parade, to draft horse, pony and mule exhibitions to 4-H events like dairy showmanship. The midway, operated by Fiesta Shows, opens at noon each of the four fair days. Tonight at 7:30 p.m. folks can take in the Kid Farmer Olympics, aimed at those 15 years old and younger. On Friday, the day when senior citizens will be admitted for $2 until 4 p.m., among the offerings are steer and ox pulling events starting at 9:30 a.m. dairy judging and milking demonstrations. At 8 p.m., Miss Acton Fair will be crowned. Saturday’s events include a grand parade at 9:45 a.m., rabbit judging horse pulling, various 4-H events, like goat and sheep showmanship, a chocolate chip cookie contest, hay contest, Adult Farmers Olympics and more. An interdenominational church service is set for 8:30 a.m. Sunday followed by events that include a farmer’s lawnmower rodeo and the popular noontime pig scramble. At 1 p.m. Sunday, there is an antique tractor pull followed by a pedal tractor pull at 2 p.m. As well as the midway and fair food – from fish and chips to Sanford Springvale Rotary Club’s chicken livers to fried dough mouth-puckering lemonade and sausage sandwiches – several entertainers are on tap. They include the Donahue Children’s singers, an escapologist, a magic and mirrors performance and a ventriloquist. Country singer Kayla Wass of Hampden is scheduled to perform at 3 p.m. Saturday and The Maine Hysterical Society featuring Downeast humorists Randy Judkins, Barney Martin and Steve Underwood will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), August 27, 2009).

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References:

David R. Haine Real Estate. (2024). 1 Jug Hill Road. Retrieved from www.davidrhainerealestate.com/listing/4709667/1-jug-hill-road-milton-nh-03852/

Logan Banx. (2022). A Converted Grange Hall in Milton Mills, NH. Retrieved from loganbanx.com/realestate/2022/2/23/a-converted-grange-hall-in-milton-mills-nh-330000

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

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

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

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

By Muriel Bristol | September 8, 2024

Abram Sanborn was born in Tamworth, NH, September 12, 1821, son of Daniel and Lydia (Cushing) Sanborn.

Abram Sanborn married (1st), January 24, 1843, Mary Harriman. She was born in Eaton, NH, July 27, 1824.

(The known children of Abram and Mary (Harriman) Sanborn were: Mary R. Sanborn (1844-1925), Hiram Wayland Sanborn (1846-1923), Edgar Sanborn (1849–1864), and Frank W.M. Sanborn (1853–1925)).

Daughter Mary R. Sanborn was born in Sanford, ME, August 14, 1844. Son Hiram Wayland “Wale” Sanborn was born in Sanford, ME, October 7, 1846.

Son Edgar Sanborn was born in Ossipee, NH, June 3, 1849.

Father Daniel Sanborn died of lung fever in Tamworth, NH, October 22, 1850, aged seventy-five years.

Son Frank W.M. Sanborn was born in Ossipee, NH, September 2, 1853.

Abram Sanborn, a harness maker, aged thirty-eight years (b. NH), headed an Ossipee, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Mary Sanborn, aged thirty-six years (b. NH), Mary R. Sanborn, aged fifteen years (b. NH), Wayland Sanborn, aged fourteen years (b. NH), Edgar Sanborn, aged twelve years (b. NH), and Frank Sanborn, aged seven years (b. NH). Abram Sanborn had real estate valued at $600 and personal estate valued at $338.

Son Edgar Sanborn enlisted for three years in Co. D, of the 6th NH Infantry Regiment, in Portsmouth, NH, December 16, 1863. He claimed to be eighteen years of age, when he was actually fourteen years of age. He was carried on the muster rolls as a harness maker, aged eighteen years (b. Ossipee, NH), standing 5′ 5¼” tall, with hazel eyes, light hair, and a light complexion.

The 6th NH Infantry Regiment played a role in the Army of the Potomac’s Overland Campaign or Wilderness Campaign in 1864. Private Edgar Sanborn was wounded in action in the Battle of the Wilderness, May 6, 1864, and died of typhoid fever while in the Fairfax Seminary Hospital, in Alexandria, VA, July 30, 1864.

Post-Mortem Records of the Continued Fevers. – Cases in which the Diagnosis, Typhoid, is more or less sustained by the Clinical History. – Case 30. – Private Edgar Sanborn, Co. D, 6th N.H.; age 15; was admitted July 24, 1864, with feeble and frequent pulse, great heat of body, dry brown tongue, sores on teeth, slight diarrhoea and great tenderness in the right iliac region. On the 28th his face became dusky and stupor supervened. He died on the 30th. — Act. Ass’t Surg. A. H. Haven, Fairfax Seminary, Va. (Find a Grave, 2013).

Mary (Harriman) Sanborn died in Milton, August 8, 1869, aged forty-five years.

Abram Sanborn, a harness maker, aged forty-nine years (b. NH), headed an Ossipee, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Frank Sanborn, at home, aged sixteen years (b. NH), and Elizabeth Bacon, a housekeeper, aged forty-nine years (b. NH). Abram Sanborn had personal estate valued at $915.

Thos. J. Whipple, attorney-at-law, aged fifty-four years (b. NH), headed a Laconia, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Henry Smith, a laborer, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), Sarah A. Leavitt, a domestic, aged forty-four years (b. NH), George Leavitt, aged ten years (b. NH), and Mary R. Sanborn, a housekeeper, aged twenty-five years (b. ME). Thos. J. Whipple had real estate valued at $10,000 and personal estate valued at $3,000.

Abram Sanborn married (2nd) in Somersworth, NH, August 8, 1871, Marie E. (Abbott) Gilman, he of Ossipee, NH, and she of Great Falls, NH. He was a harness maker, aged forty-nine years, and she was aged thirty-five years. Rev. J.F. Smith performed the ceremony. She was born in Ossipee, NH, May 5, 1937, daughter of Solomon and Dorcas H. (Chick) Abbott.

Son Hiram W. Sanborn married (1st) in Dover, NH, November 27, 1871, Hattie A. Yeaton. George T. Wentworth, J.P., performed the ceremony. She was born in Lebanon, ME, in 1852, daughter of Charles and Sarah C. “Sally” (Fernald) Yeaton.

Abraham Sanborn divorced his wife, Maria [((Abbot) Gilman)] Sanborn, [both] of Ossipee, NH, in Carroll County Superior Court, in April 1873. He alleged extreme cruelty (one had to allege something).

Son Frank W. Sanborn married in Moultonboro, NH, February 10, 1874, Josephine Woodman, he of Ossipee, NH, and she of Laconia, NH. He was a harness maker, aged twenty-one years, and she was aged eighteen years. Rev. Hayes Lougee performed the ceremony. She was born in Sanbornton, NH, December 20, 1855, daughter of William S. and Mary A. (Fox) Woodman.

Son Hiram W. Sanborn appeared in the Dover, NH, directory of 1876, as a harness maker, with his house at 13 Elm street.

Abram Sanborn married (3rd) in Milton Mills, December 25, 1877, Mary E. (Estes) Jewett, both of Milton. He was a harness maker, aged fifty-five years, and she was aged fifty-five years. Rev. D.B. Scott performed the ceremony. She was born in Berwick, ME, in January 1822, daughter of James and Joanna A. “Annie” (Hardison) Estes.

Abram Sanborn, a harness maker, aged fifty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills Village”) household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Mary [((Estes) Jewett)] Sanborn, aged fifty-seven years (b. ME). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Asa A. Fox, a carpenter, aged forty-three years (b. NH), and Francis J. Busch, Jr., works in woolen mill, aged twenty-four years (b. MA).

Thomas J. Whipple, a lawyer, aged sixty-three years (b. NH), headed a Laconia, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included Mary R. Sanborn, a housekeeper, aged thirty-six years (b. ME), his servant, Emma Collins, a servant, aged forty-nine years (b. NH), Augustus Clark, a farmer laborer, aged thirty-five years (b. VT), Chandler McLoughlin, a farm laborer, aged twenty-three years (b. ME), his son-in-law, George R. Somes, aged thirty-three years (b. NH), his daughter, Belinda C. [(Whipple)] Somes, aged thirty-three years (b. NH), and his daughter-in-law [granddaughter], Gesty W. Somes, at school, aged eleven years (b. NH).

Wale H. Sanborn, a harness maker, aged twenty-nine years (b. ME), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Hattie [(Yeaton)] Sanborn, keeping house, aged twenty-four years (b. ME), and his boarder, Charles Lord, works in harness shop, aged twenty-three years (b. NH). They resided on North Pine Street.

Frank M. Sanborn, a harness maker, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Sanbornton, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Josephine [(Woodman)] Sanborn, house keeping, aged twenty-four years (b. NH).

Son Hiram W. Sanborn appeared in the Dover, NH, directory of 1880, as a harness maker, at Franklin square, with his house on N. Pine street.

NEW ENGLAND NEWS. A heavy shower, accompanied by high winds, passed over Lake Winnepiseogee yesterday afternoon, damaging boats along the shore, and several parties offshore narrowly escaped with their lives. The steamer Lady of the Lake, when half a mile out from Wolfeborough, at 3.30 o’clock P.M., discovered a boat capsized and men clinging to the sides. The steamer hove to and promptly launched a lifeboat, but the waves and the headway of the steamer caused the boat to swamp. Another boat was lowered and the two men were picked up in a nearly exhausted condition. One of the rescued parties was Abram Sanborn of Milton Mills, N.H. (Boston Evening Transcript, July 28, 1880).

Abram Sanborn was elected as Milton Town Moderator for two years, 1881 and 1882. He was preceded in that office by E.W. Plummer and was succeeded by Luther Hayes. (See Milton’s Town Moderators – 1804-1883).

MILTON. Town meeting passed with but very little excitement. Officers elected are as follows: MODERATOR, Abram Sanborn; TOWN CLERK, Chas. H. Looney; SELECTMEN, Henry B. Scates, David Wallinford, Elbridge W. Fox; TREASURER, Ira Miller. Voted to purchase a safe for the benefit of the town. Voted to build a road to the new mill, which will be done as soon as the weather will permit. OLD HUNDRED (Farmington News, March 25, 1881).

Son Hiram W. Sanborn appeared in the Dover, NH, directory of 1882, as a harness maker, at Franklin square, with his house on Broadway street. He appeared in the Dover, NH, directory of 1884, as a harness maker, at Franklin square, with his house on Hill street.

Son Hiram W. Sanborn appeared in the Dover, NH, directory of 1886, as a harness maker, with his house on Hill street.

Abram Sanborn was entered on the Civil War pension roll, August 6, 1890, as the dependent of his late son, Edgar Sanborn, who had died while serving in Co. D, of the Sixth NH Infantry Regiment.

Son Hiram W. Sanborn appeared in the Dover, NH, directories of 1891, and 1892, as a carriage strap manufacturer, with his house at 13 Hill street.

Daughter Mary R. Sanborn was certified as a Notary Public, in Laconia, NH, February 10, 1891.

Daughter-in-law Hattie A. [(Yeaton)] Sanborn of Dover, NH, made her last will November 16, 1891. She devised $1 each to her her mother, Sarah C. Blaisdell of Lebanon, ME; her sister, Ella M. Gerrish, wife of Freeman Gerrish of Great Falls, Somersworth, NH; her sister, Sarah E. Blaisdell, wife of John B. Blaisdell of Greenwood, ME; and her half-sister, Georgie Burgess, wife of John A. Burgess of Berwick, ME. She devised all the rest and residue to her husband, Hiram W. Sanborn, whom she also named as executor. John Kivel, H. Cates, and Fred W. Kelly signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 107:292).

Daughter-in-law Hattie A. (Yeaton) Sanborn died, probably in Dover, NH, January 1, 1892, aged forty years. Her last will was proved in a Probate Court held in Dover, NH, February 2, 1892 (Strafford County Probate, 107:293).

LOCALS. Miss Mary Sanborn of Laconia is visiting her brother Frank, and is quite ill. She is a notary public and is employed most of the time in an insurance office (Farmington News, March 4, 1892).

Daughter Mary R. Sanborn attended the anniversary celebration of William W. and Luella M. (Corson) Fuller of Farmington, NH.

LOCALS. Miss Sanborn, notary public, Laconia, visited her brother, Frank Sanborn, the first of the week, and was present at the anniversary of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. W.W. Fuller, Monday night (Farmington News, November 4, 1892).

Son Hiram W. Sanborn married (2nd) in Dover, NH, February 7, 1893, Ella B. Pinkham, both of Dover, NH. He was a harness maker, aged forty-two years, and she was aged thirty-six years. Rev. J.P. Sheafe performed the ceremony. She was born in Northwood, NH,  August 9, 1852, daughter of William B. and Harriet (Pillsbury) Pinkham.

Son Hiram W. Sanborn appeared in the Dover, NH, directories of 1895, and 1898, as a carriage strap manufacturer, at 13 Hill street, with his house also at 13 Hill street.

Mary E. ((Estes) Jewett) Sanborn died from a fractured hip in Milton Mills, June 27, 1899, aged seventy-seven years, and five months. W.E. Pillsbury, M.D., signed the death certificate.

Son Hiram W. Sanborn stood bail for accused bank embezzler Harry Hough in October 2, 1899. Hough would pled nolo contendre in Concord, NH, October 10, 1899, and was sentenced to five years in jail. (Hough would be released May 2, 1905, would witness Sanborn’s last will September 2, 1916, and die in New York, NY, January, 19, 1917).

HOUGH ARRAIGNED. Harry Hough, the former treasurer of the Cocheco Savings bank and assistant cashier of the National bank, Dover, was arraigned before the supreme court there Monday, on the indictments found against him by the grand jury, one charging him with embezzling $3500 from the Savings bank and for the alleged larceny of $5500 from the National bank. The arraignment occurred in the judges’ room before convened, only himself and counsel the state attorneys and Clerk Durgin being present. Hough pleaded not guilty on each count and was held in $3500 on the first count and $10,000 on the second. His bondsmen on the first count are Hiram W. Sanborn and Mrs. Almira Morrill, his mother-in-law. The sureties on second count are his mother, Mrs. Ralph Hough, and Mrs. Almira Morrill. No time has been set for trial, bonds read “At the call of the court.” In the meantime, it is expected Hough will appear before the United States supreme court which convenes in Concord this week. Should it come to pass that he is sentenced by the United States court it is more than probable that the State’s cases against him would be dropped entirely (Portsmouth Herald, October 3, 1899).

Abram Sanborn, a harness maker (retired), aged seventy-eight years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills Village”) household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his daughter, Mary R. Sanborn, aged fifty-five years (b. ME). Abram Sanborn owned their farm, free-and-clear. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Hannah Stevens, a home keeper, aged sixty-eight years (b. NH), and Dorothy Lord, a home keeper, aged seventy-one years (b. ME).

Hiram W. Sanborn, a harness maker, aged fifty-two years (b. ME), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of twenty-five years), Ellen [(Pinkham)] Sanborn, aged forty-two years (b. NH). Hiram W. Sanborn owned their house at 13 Hill Street, free-and-clear.

Frank M. Sanborn, a harness maker, aged forty-six years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills Village”) household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of twenty-six years), Josephine [(Woodman) Sanborn, aged forty-four years. Frank M. Sanborn owned their house, with a mortgage. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John W. Page, a day laborer, aged fifty-eight years (b. GA), and William C. Meikle, a blanket finisher, aged fifty-six years (b. Scotland).S

Son Hiram W. Sanborn appeared in the Dover, NH, directories of 1900, 1902, and 1909, as a carriage strap manufacturer, with his house at 13 Hill street.

Abram Sanborn died of heart insufficiency in Milton, April 13, 1902, aged eighty years, seven months, and one day. He was a widowed harness maker. He had resided in Milton Mills for thirty years, i.e., since circa 1872, with his previous residence having been in Ossipee, NH. W.E. Pillsbury, M.D., signed the death certificate.

DOVER DOINGS. Mr. and Mrs. Hiram W. Sanborn are preparing to leave here Thursday for Florida, where they will spend the winter, as has been their custom during the past few years (Portsmouth Herald (Portsmouth, NH), November 17, 1909).

Freeman D. Stevens, a cutter (shoe factory), aged sixty years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills”) household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. His household included his servant, Mary R. Sanborn, aged sixty-six years (b. ME). Freeman D. Stevens owned their house, free-and-clear. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John W. Page, own income, aged sixty-seven years (b. GA), and Benjamin Hoyle, own income, aged sixty-seven years (b. England).

Hiram B. Sanborn, own income, aged sixty years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of eighteen years), Ella B. [(Pinkham)] Sanborn, aged fifty years (b. NH). Hiram B. Sanborn owned their house at 13 Hill Street, free-and-clear.

Frank M. Sanborn, aged fifty-six years (b. NH), headed an Ossipee, NH, household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of thirty-six years), Josephine [(Woodman)] Sanborn, aged fifty-four years (b. NH).

Son Hiram W. Sanborn and his wife, of Dover, NH, were passengers on the steamer Ontario, when it caught fire off Montauk Point at the eastern tip of Long Island, NY, April 8, 1912. The ship’s passengers were taken off and landed in New London, CT (Fall River Globe (Fall River, MA), April 9, 1912).

Son Hiram W. Sanborn of Dover, NH, made his last will, September 2, 1916. He devised $100 to the Trustees of the Evergreen Cemetery in Berwick, ME, to fund perpetual care for his cemetery lot, in which his first wife, Hattie A. [(Yeaton)] Sanborn, was buried. He devised all the rest and residue of his estate to his wife, Ella B. [(Pinkham)] Sanborn, whom he also named as executor. Harry Hough, William F. Howard, and Alfred T. Proctor signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 155:434).

Son Hiram W. Sanborn appeared in the Dover, NH, directory of 1917, as a carriage and auto strap manufacturer, at 13 Hill street, with his house also at 13 Hill street.

Mary R. Sanborn, aged seventy-five years (b. ME), headed a Milton household at the time of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census. Her household included her boarder, Freeman D. Stevens, aged seventy years (b. NH). Mary R. Sanborn owned their house in Milton Town, with a mortgage. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Robert Page, a barber (owner), aged forty-three years (b. NH), and Frank S. Weeks, a physician (medical), aged forty-eight years (b. ME).

Hiram W. Sanborn, a harness maker (shop), aged seventy-one years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Clara [Ella] B. [(Pinkham)] Sanborn, a stitcher (shoe shop), aged sixty-eight years (b. NH). Hiram W. Sanborn owned their house at 13 Hill Street, free-and-clear.

Frank M. Sanborn, a harness maker (shop), aged sixty-six years (b. NH), headed an Ossipee, NH, household at the time of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Josephine W. [(Woodman)] Sanborn, aged sixty-four years (b. NH). Frank M. Sanborn owned their house, free-and-clear.

Son Hiram Wayland Sanborn died of diabetes mellites at 13 Hill Street in Dover, NH, September 14, 1923, aged seventy-six years, eleven months, and seven days. He was a married manufacturer of auto and carriage straps. He had been resident in Dover, NH, for forty years, i.e., since circa 1883, with his previous residence in Somersworth, NH. E.C. Perkins, M.D., signed the death certificate. His last will was proved in a Strafford County Probate Court held in Dover, NH, October 2, 1923 (Strafford County Probate, 155:435).

Daughter-in-law Ella B. Sanborn appeared in the Dover, NH, directory of 1924, 1926, 1928, and 1929, as the widow of Hiram W. Sanborn, with her house at 13 Hill street.

Daughter Mary R. Sanborn died of arterio-sclerosis at the Strafford County Farm in Dover, NH, January 26, 1925, aged eighty-two years. She had been there six months, with her previous residence in Milton.

Son Frank W.M. Sanborn died of apoplexy in Ossipee, NH, March 3, 1925, aged seventy-one years, six months, and one day. He was a married harness maker.

Josephine [(Woodman)] Sanborn, a widow, aged seventy-four years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Fifteenth (1930) Federal Census. Her household included her boarder, Lewis Robinson, a gate tender (railroad), aged fifty-four years (b. NH). Josephine Sanborn rented their house at 45 Summer Street, for $17 per month. They had a radio set.

DOVER, N.H. Mrs. Ella B. Sanborn of this city has returned from Long Beach, Cal., where she spent the winter. While on the way home she visited the Century of Progress Fair at Chicago (Portland Evening Express (Portland, ME, August 16, 1933).

Daughter-in-law Ella B. (Pinkham) Sanborn died in Northwood, NH, March 23, 1939, aged eighty-six years, seven months, and fourteen days. She was a retired widow. Alfred D. Mihachik, M.D., signed the death certificate.

Dover, N.H. Mrs. Ella B. Sanborn, formerly of this city, died at the home of her niece, Mrs. J.W. Steward in Northwood N.H., Thursday. Mrs. Sanborn was born in Northwood, Aug. 9, 1852, but lived the most of her life in Dover. Funeral services will be held at the home of Mrs. Steward, Sunday afternoon, at 2 o’clock (Portland Evening Express (Portland, ME), March 25, 1939).

Josephine [(Woodman)] Sanborn, aged eighty-four years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Sixteenth (1940) Federal Census. Her household included her lodger, Llewellyn C. Robinson, aged sixty-six years (b. NH), and her housekeeper, Nellie Hodge, a housekeeper (private family), aged sixty-nine years (b. NH). Josephine Sanborn owned their house at 45 Summer Street, which was valued at $2,250. She had resided in the same house in 1935.

Daughter-in-law Josephine (Woodman) Sanborn died of a cerebral hemorrhage in Rochester, NH, April 15, 1942, aged eighty-six years, three months, and twenty-five days. She was a widowed housewife. Percy C. Grigg, M.D., signed the death certificate.

Mrs. J. Sanborn Dies At Home. After a short illness, Mrs. Josephine Sanborn, 86, widow of Frank Sanborn, died Wednesday at her home, 45 Summer street. Mrs. Sanborn was born in Sanbornton, the daughter of William and Mary Woodman, She resided in Milton Mills for a number of years and came to Rochester 17 years ago. She was an attendant of the True Memorial church. She leaves three nieces, Miss Bessie O’Shea of Laconia, Mrs. Josephine Swaine of Winnisquam, Mrs. Ella Moulton of Groton, N.H. and three nephews, Arthur O’Shea of Laconia, and Roscoe and Clarence Woodman of Sanbornton  (Portsmouth Herald (Portsmouth, NH), April 16, 1942).

Mrs. Josephine Sanborn Buried At Milton Mills. Services for Mrs. Josephine Sanborn, 86, widow of Frank Sanborn, were held yesterday her home, 45 Summer street, she died Wednesday after a short illness. Rev. Leland L. Maxfield, pastor of the Community church, which Mrs. Sanborn attended while she resided at Milton Mills, officiated. The burial was in the family cemetery at Milton Mills. Bearers were William Adolph Daverio, Preston Chapman and City Councilor C. Wesley Lyons (Portsmouth Herald (Portsmouth, NH), April 18, 1942).

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References:

Find a Grave. (2013, August 17). Abram Sanborn. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/115611001/abram-sanborn

Find a Grave. (2013, July 3). Pvt. Edgar Sanborn. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/113286127/edgar-sanborn

Find a Grave. (2013, August 17). Frank M. Sanborn. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/115611175/frank-m-sanborn

Find a Grave. (2016, June 16). Hattie A. Sanborn. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/165142338/hattie-a-sanborn

Wikipedia. (2023, April 5). 6th New Hampshire Regiment. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/6th_New_Hampshire_Infantry_Regiment

Wikipedia. (2024, September 3). Battle of the Wilderness. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Wilderness

Wikipedia. (2024, September 3). Century of Progress. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Century_of_Progress

By Muriel Bristol | September 1, 2024

Moses Wentworth Shapleigh was born in Lebanon, ME, February 22, 1819, son of Samuel and Eunice (Wentworth) Shapleigh.

Samuel Shapleigh headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], two females aged 50-59 years [Eunice (Wentworth) Shapleigh and another], one male aged 20-29 years [Moses W. Shapleigh], one male aged 15-19 years, one male aged 10-14 years, and one female aged 5-9 years. Three members of his household were engaged in Agriculture. Three members of his household were schoolchildren. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Elisha Shapleigh and John Courson.

Moses W. Shapleigh married (1st) in Lebanon, ME, September 16, 1841, Miss Mary Esther Hayes. Rev. Joseph Loring performed the ceremony. She was born in Lebanon, ME, April 26, 1821, daughter of Charles and Joanna (Yeaton) Hayes.

(The children of Moses W. and Mary E. (Hayes) Shapleigh were: Eunice W. Shapleigh (1843–1901), and Charles Samuel Shapleigh (1845–1846)).

Mother Eunice (Wentworth) Shapleigh died in Lebanon, ME, February 6, 1843, aged fifty-seven years.

Daughter Eunice Wentworth Shapleigh was born in Lebanon, ME, June 14, 1843. She was a namesake for her recently diseased paternal grandmother, Eunice (Wentworth) Shapleigh.

Son Charles Samuel Shapleigh was born in Lebanon, ME, November 21, 1845. He was a namesake for his maternal grandfather, Charles Hayes, as well as his paternal grandfather, Samuel Shapleigh. He died in Lebanon, March 23, 1846, aged four months, and two days.

Mary E. (Hayes) Shapleigh died in Lebanon, ME, August 1, 1846, aged twenty-five years.

Moses W. Shapleigh married (2nd) in Milton, September 14, 1847, Miss Abbie Jane Drew, he of Lebanon, ME, and she of Milton. Rev. Edward F. Abbott performed the ceremony. She was born in Milton, May 30, 1822, daughter of Stephen and Harriet (Watson) Drew.

MARRIAGES AND DEATHS. MARRIAGES. SHAPLEIGH, Moses W., Esq., Lebanon, Me., to ABBA JANE, eldest daughter of Stephen Drew, M.D., Milton, N.H., Sept. 15 (NEHGS, October 1847).

Abbie J. (Drew) Shapleigh died in Lebanon, ME, June 15, 1848, aged twenty-six years.

Father Samuel Shapleigh died in West Lebanon, October 11, 1848, aged sixty-four years.

Moses W. Shapleigh married (3rd) in New Hampton, NH, May 14, 1850, Emeline Maria Perkins. She was born in New Hampton, NH, April 2, 1830, daughter of Rev. Thomas and Rebecca (Pease) Perkins. (Emeline M. Perkins of New Hampton, NH, was a language student at the Smithville Seminary in North Scituate, RI, in 1847. Smithville was a Freewill Baptist institution and her father was a Freewill Baptist minister).

(The children of Moses W. and Emeline M. (Perkins) Shapleigh were: Lillie Shapleigh (1856–1856)).

Moses W. Wentworth was an incorporator of the Lebanon Academy in Lebanon, ME, when it was incorporated by the ME Legislature, August 24, 1850. (See also the later Milton Classical Institute (1867-c1889)).

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Legislature assembled, as follows: SECT. 1. Nathaniel Lord, Thomas M. Wentworth, James Stanton, Isaac Copp, James K. Lord, William Wentworth, Timothy L. Kimball, Tilley H. Ricker, Samuel W. Jones, Charles Shapleigh, David B. Cowell, Daniel W. Horn, Elihu Hayes, junior, Frederick Dixon, Levi Cowell, Ivory Fall, Moses W. Shapleigh, Eli B. Lord, James B. Stanton, and Reuben H. Copp, their associates and successors are constituted a body politic and corporate by the name of trustees of Lebanon Academy; and by that name shall have power to prosecute and defend suits at law; to have and use a common seal and change the same at pleasure; to hold for the objects of their association the property now in their possession; and,, for the same objects, to take and hold, by gift, grant, devise, bequest or otherwise, any estate real or personal annual income of which shall not exceed two thousand dollars (ME Secretary of State, 1850). 

Daughter Lillie Shapleigh was born in Milton, in 1856; and she died in Milton, in 1856.

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

M.W. Shapleigh, a carpenter, aged forty-one years (b. ME), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Emma M. [(Perkins)] Shapleigh, aged thirty years (b. ME), and Eunice W. Shapleigh, aged seventeen years (b. ME). M.W. Shapleigh had real estate valued at $2,000 and personal estate valued at $500. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of B.E. Witham, a laborer, aged thirty-four years (b. NH), and George A. Gilmore, a shoemaker, aged twenty-nine years (b. MA).

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

Moses W. Shapleigh of New Hampton, NH, paid $1 in U.S. Excise Tax for his carriage, which was valued at $75, in May 1863.

Moses W. Shapley, a carpenter, aged forty-four years, registered for the Class II Civil War military draft in New Hampton, NH, in June 1863.

Moses W. Shapleigh of Holderness, NH, paid $1 in U.S. Excise Tax for his carriage, which was valued at $75, in August 1865.

The last will of Thomas Perkins of New Hampton, NH, husbandman, included a bequest of $25 to his ” … daughter Emeline M. Shapleigh, wife of Moses W. Shapleigh.” She and her one of her sisters, Esther S. Smith, were also to divide any furniture not wanted or needed by their mother (Belknap County Probate, 13:337).

Moses W. Shapleigh of “Holderness in New Hampton,” NH, paid $1 in U.S. Excise Tax for his carriage, in 1866.

Moses W. Shapleigh, a farmer, aged fifty years (b. ME), headed a New Hampton (“Ashland P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Emeline M. [(Perkins)] Shapleigh, keeping house, aged forty years (b. NH), Eunice W. Shapleigh, a school teacher, aged twenty-six years (b. ME), and George Russell, a farmer laborer, aged nineteen years (b. NH). Moses W. Shapleigh had real estate valued at $2,500 and personal estate valued at $1,000.

New Hampton, NH, sent Moses W. Shapleigh to Concord, NH, as its NH State Representative for the 1873-74 biennium.

Daughter Eunice W. Shapleigh married in Ashland, NH, December 22, 1874, Rodney Lucien Smith, she of New Hampton, NH, and he of Chicago, IL. Rev. Thomas Lyne performed the ceremony. Smith was born in New Hampton, NH, November 25, 1849, son of John C. and Amanda (Cox) Smith.

Moses W. Shapleigh, a carpenter, aged sixty years (b, ME), headed an Ashland, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Emeline M. [(Perkins)] Shapleigh, keeping house, aged fifty years (b. NH), and his boarders, Alvah P. Huckins, works in paper mill, aged twenty-five years (b. NH), and Emma M. Fellows, a school teacher, aged twenty years (b. NH).

Rodney L. Smith, a conductor, aged thirty years (b. NH), headed an Austin, IL, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Eunice W. [(Shapleigh)] Smith, keeping house, aged thirty years (b. ME).

Bates College Notes. During the past year another new scholarship, the 42d, has been endowed by Mrs. Moses W. Shapleigh, of Ashland, N.H., in memory of her father, Rev. Thomas Perkins (Republican Journal (Belfast, ME), December 1, 1892).

Moses W. Shapleigh was one of eleven Trustees of the Ashland Savings Bank in 1892. He was also one of three Trustees serving on the bank’s Investment Committee (NH Board of Bank Commissioners, 1892).

Moses W. Shapleigh was President of the Ashland Savings Bank in 1895. He also served as one of eleven Trustees and one of three Trustees serving on the bank’s Investment Committee (NH Board of Bank Commissioners, 1895).

Moses W. Shapleigh was President of the Ashland Savings Bank in 1896. He also served as one of seven Trustees and one of three Trustees serving on the bank’s Investment Committee (NH Board of Bank Commissioners, 1896).

HOLDERNESS. Mrs. Rodney Smith and Master Smith of Chicago are at Moses W. Shapleigh’s for a few weeks (Boston Globe, July 18, 1897).

Moses W. Shapleigh was a member of the Board of Education in Ashland, NH, in 1897.

ASHLAND – Wm. F. Harris, Hiram Hodgdon, John E. Morrison, Moses W. Shapleigh, David N. Pollard, Elmore E. Clark. 

Moses W. Shapleigh, a retiree, aged eighty-one years (b. ME), headed an Ashland, NH, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of fifty years), Emeline M.P. [(Perkins)] Shapleigh, aged seventy years (b. NH), his daughter, Eunice W. [(Shapleigh)] Smith, aged fifty-five years (b. ME), his grandson, George S. Smith, at school, aged eighteen years (b. NH), and his lodgers, Sarah C. Smith, a widow, aged sixty years (b. NH), and Mabel Sargent, housework, aged twenty-two years (b. NH). Moses W. Shapleigh owned their house, free-and-clear. Emeline M.P. Shapleigh was the mother of one child, of whom one was still living. Eunice W. Smith was also the mother of one child, of whom one was still living.

Daughter Eunice W. (Shapleigh) Smith died of shock and heart disease in the home of her father on Highland Street in Ashland, NH, February 8, 1901, aged fifty-five years, seven months, and twenty-four days. She had been ill for a year, and resident in Ashland, NH, for nine months. Her prior residence was Chicago, IL. She was a married housewife. A.R. Garey, M.D., signed the death certificate.

Moses W. Shapleigh died of heart failure in his home on Highland Street in Ashland, NH, November 12, 1901, aged eighty-two years, eight months, and twenty days. He was a married retiree. He had resided on Ashland, NH, for thirty-nine years, i.e., since circa 1862. A.R. Garey, M.D., signed the death certificate.

Moses W. Shapleigh. Moses W. Shapleigh of Ashland, N.H., who died on Nov. 12, aged eighty-two years, was the last of the nine sons of Samuel Shapleigh, late of Lebanon, Me. All the sons lived to manhood and several to an advanced age. Two of the brothers were Richard W., and Samuel Shapleigh, late of Boston. Moses was an industrious and honored citizen in Ashland, where he long resided. He leaves a widow and one grandson (Boston Evening Transcript, November 13, 1901).

Emmer [(Perkins)] Shapleigh, own income, aged eighty years (b. NH), headed an Ashland, NH, household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. Her household included her housekeeper, Martha Peace, a housekeeper (private family), aged sixty-two years (b. NH). Emmer Shapleigh owned their house on Highland Street, free-and-clear. She was the mother of two children, of whom two were still living [?]. (Note the spelling of her name “Emma” as “Emmer” as a non-rhotic “Yankee” speaker might pronounce it).

Emeline P. (Perkins) Shapleigh died of oedema of lungs in her home on Highland Street in Ashland, NH, October 10, 1911, aged eighty-one years, six months, and eight days.

DEATHS. SHAPLEIGH – At Ashland, N.H., Oct. 10, Emeline M. Shapleigh, 81 yrs., 6 mos., widow of Moses W. Shapleigh (Boston Evening Transcript, October 13, 1911).

Son-in-law Rodney L. Smith died in Wolbach, NE, May 11, 1927, aged seventy-seven years.

OBITUARY. Rodney L. Smith was born in New-hampton, New-Hampshire, November 25, 1849, and died at his home east of Wolbach at 12:15 p.m., May 11, 1927, aged 77 years, 5 months, and 16 days. He lived on a farm, in New Hampshire until eighteen years of age. Later he lived in Chicago for 34 years, where he was employed a railway conductor on the Chicago & Northwestern. In 1872 he was married to Eunice W. Shapleigh at Ashland, New Hampshire. To this union was born one child, George, who still survives. He came to Nebraska about 1892, and after April 1904, permanently located on the farm where he has ever since lived. In 1904 he was married to Miss H. Janette Sullivan in Kansas City. He leaves to mourn his loss, his wife; one son, George of Wolbach; one sister, Mrs. Etta Winslow, Chicago; and one granddaughter (Wolbach Messenger (Wolbach, NE), May 19, 1927).

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References:

Find a Grave. (2009, October 15). Abbie Jane Drew Shapleigh. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/43114896/abbie-jane-shapleigh

Find a Grave. (2009, October 15). Charles S. Shapleigh. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/43114915/charles-s-shapleigh

Find a Grave. (2009, October 15). Emeline Maria Perkins Shapleigh. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/43114905/emeline-maria-shapleigh

Find a Grave. (2009, October 15). Lillie P. Shapleigh. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/43114931/lillie-p-shapleigh

Find a Grave. (2009, October 15). Mary Esther Hayes Shapleigh. Retrieved from https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/43114886/mary-esther-shapleigh

Find a Grave. (2009, October 15). Moses Wentworth Shapleigh. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/43114878/moses-wentworth-shapleigh

Find a Grave. (2015, May 16). Samuel Shapleigh. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/146587002/samuel-shapleigh

Find a Grave. (). George Shapleigh Smith. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/78630271/george-shapleigh-smith

Find a Grave. (2022, July 1). Rodney Lucien Smith. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/241150131/rodney-lucien-smith

ME Secretary of State. (1850). Acts and Resolved Passed by the Thirtieth Legislature of the State of Maine. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=8VJNAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA542

NH Board of Bank Commissioners. (1892). Forty-Sixth Annual Report. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=QM4zAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA12

NH Board of Bank Commissioners. (1895). Fiftieth Annual Report. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=dvZBAQAAMAAJ&pg=RA1-PA12

NH Board of Bank Commissioners. (1896). Fifty-First Annual Report. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=zmwbAQAAIAAJ&pg=RA1-PA12

NH General Court. (1874). Journals of the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the State of New Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=OOA3AAAAMAAJ&pg=PA178

By Muriel Bristol | August 25, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Benja Scates headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the First (1790) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 16-plus years [himself], three males aged under-16 years (John Scates, Isaac Scates, and Norton Scates), and four females [Lydia (Jenness) Scates, Lydia Scates, Lucy Scates, and Hannah Scates). His household appeared in the enumeration between those of David Wallingford and Joseph Hait.

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

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

The petitioners suggested a lottery to finance the new bridge. They estimated its cost at about £300. Beard Plumer, Ezekiel Hayes, and John Plumer signed also.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Frederick Cate headed a Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 16-25 years [himself], one female aged 16-25 years [Lydia (Scates) Cate], and two males aged under-10 years [Luther Cate and Frederick Cate, Jr.] (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

Richd Horn headed a Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 16-25 years [himself], one female aged 16-25 years [Lucy (Scates) Horn], one male aged 10-15 years, and one male aged under-10 years (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).

[Dadavah Scates headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Lydia ((Hersom) Manning) Scates], one female aged 10-15 years, and two males aged under-10 years [John Scates and Zimri Scates].

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

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

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

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

Benj Scates headed a Milton household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Rebecca (Ham) Scates], one female aged 16-25 years [Hannah Scates], one male aged 16-25 years [Isaac Scates], and one female under-10 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of David Wallingford and James Twombly.

Jno Scates headed a Milton household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Mary (Worster) Scates], one female aged 16-25 years, one male aged 10-15 years [Zimri Scates], and one male aged under-10 years [Alvah Scates]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Daniel Palmer and Edward Ellis.

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

Richard Horne headed a Milton household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Lucy (Scates) Horne], one male aged 10-15 years, and one female aged under-10 years. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Abigail Hanson and Saml Cate.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Benj Scates, Jr., headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 30-39 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years, one male aged 5-9 years, one female aged 5-9 years, one male aged under-5 years, and one female aged under-5 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Amos Gerrish and [his father,] Benj Scates.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Benjamin Scates [Jr.] headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 40-49 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years [Lovey (Lyman) Scates], one male aged 15-19 years. one female aged 15-19 years, one male aged 10-14 years, one female aged 10-14 years, two males aged 5-9 years, one female aged 5-9 years, and one male aged under-5 years. Four members of his household were engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Nahum Tasker and John Lord.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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References:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Muriel Bristol | August 25, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

John C. Varney, Jr., headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 30-39 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years [Hannah (Varney) Varney], one male aged 10-14 years [Seth W. Varney], and two females aged 5-9 years [Mary A. Varney and Hannah A. Varney]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Saml Varney and Jas. Varney.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

---

References:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Muriel Bristol | August 18, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Joseph Walker headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 60-69 years [himself], one female aged 50-59 years [Sarah (Pray) Walker], one female aged 30-39 years [Abigail Walker], one female aged 20-29 years [Emeline Walker], one male aged 20-29 years [Joseph H. Walker], one female aged 15-19 years [Sarah A. Walker], and one female aged 10-14 years [Harriet N. Walker]. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Isaac Wentworth and Theod. C. Lyman.

Richd Walker headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 30-39 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years [Sarah (Hatch) Walker], one female aged 20-29 years, one male aged 15-19 years, one female aged under-5 years [Eliza A. Walker], and one male aged under-5 years [Richard Walker]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Thos Merrow and Chas Swasey.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Joseph L. Walker headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. HIs household included one male aged 20-29 years [himself], one female aged 20-29 years [(Elizabeth (Hildrup) Walker)], and one male aged under-5 years [Joseph Walker]. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of [his father,] Joseph Walker, and Isaac Wentworth.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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References:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Muriel Bristol | August 11, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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References:

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

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

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

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

By Muriel Bristol | March 12, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Robert Mathes headed a Milton household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Mary (Meserve) Mathes], one male aged under-10 years [Stephen M. Mathes], and one female aged under-10 years [Ruth Mathes].

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Robert Mathes headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one female aged 20-29 years, two males aged 15-19 years [Robert Mathes, Jr., and Joseph Mathes], and one female aged 10-14 years [Sarah Mathes]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of D.M. Plummer and John Palmer.

Steph. M. Mathes headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 30-39 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years [Theodosia (Grant) Mathes], one female aged 20-29 years, and two females aged under-5 years. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Richd Gerrish and W.H. Brewster.

Wm Mathes headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years, one female aged 15-19 years, one male aged 10-14 years, one male aged 5-9 years, one female aged 5-9 years, one male aged under-5 years, and one female aged under-5 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Mary Wingate and Israel Nute.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Robert Mathes died in Milton, March 13, 1840.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lydia L. (Watson) Mathes died circa 1848.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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References:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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