By Muriel Bristol | March 12, 2023
Robert Mathes was born in Lee, NH, May 19, 1772, son of Samuel and Ruth (Lord) Mathes.
Samuel Mathes, baptized January 27, 1722-3, settled upon a farm in Lee, N.H., and also operated a saw-mill on Lamprey River, the site of which is still known as Mathes’ Mill. He lived to an advanced age. He was a member of the Baptist church. The maiden name of his wife was Ruth Lord (NE Historical Publishing, 1902).
Father Samuel Mathes of Lee, NH, husbandman, made his last will, May 25, 1785. (He was then aged sixty-three years). He bequeathed to his loving wife, Ruth Mathes, one-half of his house, barn, and the new barn (which he was then building), one-half of the stock, and one-half of the produce, for a period of five years. After the five years had elapsed she was to have on an ongoing basis, one-quarter of the stock and produce, and one-half of the moveables. He bequeathed to his son, Benjamin Mathes, his land and buildings in Durham, NH, and £30 law money, when he should reach the age of twenty-one years. He bequeathed his son, Valentine Mathes, his land in Rochester’s Third Division, with one yoke of oxen, one cow and calf, six sheep, and one featherbed and bedding. He bequeathed to his sons, Robert Mathes and William Mathes, his lands in Rochester’s Second Division, to be equally divided between them. Each was to have also one yoke of oxen, one cow and calf, six sheep, and one featherbed and bedding, when they should reach the age of twenty-one years.
He bequeathed to his daughter, Abigail Mathes, £60 lawful money (£30 to be paid when she either reached the age of eighteen years or married, and the remainder to be paid one year later). She was to have also one yoke of oxen, one cow and calf, six sheep, and one featherbed and bedding. He bequeathed the same amounts of money, stock, and goods to his other daughters, Ruth Mathes, and Hannah Mathes (to be paid when they either reached the age of eighteen years or married). He bequeathed to his sons, Samuel Mathes and Abraham Mathes, all his real and personal estate situated in Lee, NH, and not otherwise disposed. Samuel Mathes and Abraham Mathes were also named a joint executors.
If any of the aforementioned sons should die, then his estate should be divided among the remaining sons. Likewise, if any of the aforementioned daughters should die, then her dowry should be divided among the remaining daughters. John Jenkins, James Jenkins, and James Brackett signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 8:315).
Isaac Pinkham of Rochester, NH, husbandman sold land in Rochester’s Third Division to Robert Mathes of Lee, NH, April 14, 1794 (NH Genealogical Record, 2006).
Robert Mathes married (1st) in Rochester, NH, September 24, 1795, Mary Dearborn “Polly” Meserve, both of Rochester, NH. Rev. Joseph Haven performed the ceremony. She was born, probably in Madbury, NH, August 3, 1778, daughter of Stephen and Abigail (Yeaton) Meserve.
(The known children of Robert and Mary D. (Meserve) Mathes were Stephen Meserve Mathes (1797-1867), Ruth Mathes (1799-1802), and Polly Mathes (1801-1817)).
Robert Mathes, a native of Lee, N.H., was a settler here in 1797. The Mathes family came to this place, probably from Durham, settling at West Milton (Mitchell-Cony, 1908).
Son Stephen Meserve Mathes was born in the Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, April 13, 1797. He was a namesake for his maternal grandfather, Stephen Meserve.
Daughter Ruth Mathes was born in the Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, May 13, 1799. She was a namesake for her paternal grandmother, Ruth (Lord) Mathes.
Robert Mathes headed a Milton household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Mary (Meserve) Mathes], one male aged under-10 years [Stephen M. Mathes], and one female aged under-10 years [Ruth Mathes].
Daughter Mary “Polly” Mathes was born in the Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, February 11, 1801. She was a namesake for her mother, Mary “Polly” (Meserve) Mathes, who died in the Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, a week later, February 18, 1801.
Robert Mathes signed the Rochester division petition (or Milton separation petition) in what was then Rochester, NH, May 28, 1802, as did his future brother-in-law Levi Jones.
Daughter Ruth Mathes died in Milton, August 15, 1802, aged three years, three months, and two days.
Father Samuel Mathes died, November 10, 1802, aged eighty years, nine months, and eight days. (His death, which likely occurred in Lee, NH, nevertheless appeared in Milton records). His last will was proved in a Strafford County Probate court held in Dover, NH, December 13, 1802 (Strafford County Probate, 8:319).
Robert Mathes married (2nd) in Rochester, NH, April 14, 1803, Sally Jones, both of Milton. Rev. Joseph Haven performed the ceremony. She was born in Lebanon, ME, July 3, 1778, daughter of Ebenezer and Susanna (Allen) Jones.
(The known children of Robert and Sally (Jones) Mathes were Hannah Emerson Mathes (1804-1882), Comfort M. Mathes (1805-1870), William B. Mathes (1807-), Ebenezer Jones Mathes (1810–1894), Robert Mathes, Jr. (1812–1894), Joseph Mathes (1814-1883), and Sarah Jane Mathes (1817-1898)).
Daughter Hannah Emerson Mathes was born in Milton, April 8, 1804. Daughter Comfort M. Mathes was born in Milton, October 13, 1805.
Son William B. Mathes was born in Milton, August 20, 1807. Son Ebenezer Jones Mathes was born in Milton, April 3, 1810. He was a namesake for his maternal grandfather, Ebenezer Jones.
Son Robert Mathes, Jr., was born in Milton, June 15, 1812.
Mother Ruth (Lord) Mathes died in Lee, NH, April 6, 1813.
Son Joseph Mathes was born in Milton, December 4, 1814.
Robert Mathes of Milton sold land to brother-in-law, Joshua Jones, in 1817. Sally [(Jones)] Mathes signified her assent. (Joshua Jones married in Milton, December 10, 1818, Sally Cowell. She was born in Milton, May 6, 1793, daughter of Samuel and Amy (Kilgore) Cowell).
Daughter Mary “Polley” Mathes died in Milton, May 27, 1817, aged sixteen years, three months, and six days.
Daughter Sarah Jane Mathes was born in Milton, September 9, 1817.
Robert Mathes was one of nine Strafford County men, including Daniel Hayes, that petitioned the NH Governor, November 14, 1820, seeking appointment of two additional Strafford County judges. They recommended Joseph Boody (1782-1876) of New Durham, NH, for one of the two judgeships.
Sally (Jones) Mathes died in Milton, August 22, 1822. aged forty-four years, one month, and nineteen days.
Son Stephen M. Mathes married (1st) in Milton, August 24, 1823, Clarissa Watson, both of Milton. Rev. James Walker performed the ceremony. She was born in Rochester, NH, in 1802, daughter of Stephen and Mary “Polly” (Fogg) Watson.
Daughter-in-law Clarissa (Watson) Mathes died in Milton, January 16, 1824.
Mother-in-law Susanna [(Allen)] Jones of Milton, widow and relict of Ebenezer Jones, made her last will November 3, 1824. She devised $30 to her eldest son, William Jones. She devised $1 each to her other sons, Levi Jones, James Jones, John Jones, and Amos Jones. She devised $10 to her granddaughter, Lydia Jones, daughter of Amos Jones. She devised $1 each to her grandchildren, Hannah Mathes, Comfort Mathes, William B. Mathes, Ebenezer J. Mathes, Robert Mathes, Joseph Mathes, and Sally Mathes. She devised a good feather bed, two pillows, a bolster, a woolen bed quilt, a blanket, a sheet, two pillowcases, an undersack, and a good bedstead (and its cords) to her granddaughter, Susan Jones. She devised $1 to Susan Lad, daughter of Samuel Lad.
She gave $120 to her daughter, Mary Jones, as well a four-foot square table, and one-half of her beds, bed clothes, bed steads, bed cords. Mary was also given one-half of her wearing apparel, and one third of her pewter, crockery, tin and glassware. She gave $30 to her daughter, Lydia Jones, as well as a four-foot square table, and one-half of her beds, bed clothes, bed steads, bed cords, excepting that given to granddaughter Susan Jones. Lydia was also given one-half of her wearing apparel, and one third of her pewter, crockery, tinware, and glass. She bequeathed all of her real estate and whatever personal property not otherwise devised, to son, Joshua Jones, and she also named him as executor. (She signed with an “X”). Thomas Leighton, Daniel F. Jones and Levi Jones signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 32:46).
The last will of Susanna [(Allen)] Jones was proved in a Strafford County Probate Court held in Dover, NH, January 19, 1825 (Strafford County Probate, 32:48).
Son Stephen M. Mathes married (2nd) in Milton, February 5, 1826, Theodosia Grant, he of Milton and she of Lebanon, ME. Rev. James Weston performed the ceremony. She was born in Lebanon, ME, August 5, 1797.
Robert Mathes headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one female aged 20-29 years, two males aged 15-19 years [Robert Mathes, Jr., and Joseph Mathes], and one female aged 10-14 years [Sarah Mathes]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of D.M. Plummer and John Palmer.
Steph. M. Mathes headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 30-39 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years [Theodosia (Grant) Mathes], one female aged 20-29 years, and two females aged under-5 years. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Richd Gerrish and W.H. Brewster.
Wm Mathes headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years, one female aged 15-19 years, one male aged 10-14 years, one male aged 5-9 years, one female aged 5-9 years, one male aged under-5 years, and one female aged under-5 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Mary Wingate and Israel Nute.
Robert Mathes was ordained as a Christian Church minister in Milton, August 11, 1831.
Robert Mathes, Christian, was born May 19, 1772, and ordained at Milton, Aug. 11, 1831. Labored in New Hampshire and died in Milton, March 13, 1840 (Carter, 1906).
The following persons were natives of Lee and became ministers who did good service in other towns: … Robert Mathes, Christian, born 1772, commenced preaching at Milton, N.H., 1831, where he was ordained. Died there in 1840 (Scales, 1914).
Son Ebenezer J. Mathes married (1st) in Boston, MA, August 16, 1835, Emily E. Shed. She was born in Hollis, NH, February 25, 1814.
Daughter-in-law Emily E. (Shed) Mathes died in Boston, MA, December 15, 1836, aged twenty-two year, nine months, and twenty days.
Son Ebenezer J. Matthews married (2nd) in South Boston, MA, April 29, 1838, Phidelia A. Davis (Columbia Centinel, May 2, 1838). Rev. William Jackson performed the ceremony. She was born in VT, November 13, 1819.
Son Robert Mathes [Jr.] married in Dover, NH, June 3, 1838, Mary Fogg Moulton. She was born in Milton, May 8, 1817, daughter of Captain Josiah and Mary (Watson) Moulton.
Robert Mathes died in Milton, March 13, 1840.
Sarah Mathes headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. Her household included one female aged 40-49 years [herself], one male aged 15-19 years, one female aged 15-19 years, and one female aged 10-14 years. Her household appeared in the enumeration between those of Hopley Meserve and Daniel Goodwin.
Robert Mathes [Jr.] headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male 20-29 years [himself], one female aged 20-29 years [Mary F. (Moulton) Mathes], one male aged 15-19 years, and one female aged under-5 years [Clara M. Mathes]. Two members of his household were engaged in Commerce. His household appeared between those of Jane Ellis and Benjamon G. Willey.
Son Robert Mathes was the Milton Town Clerk in the years 1841-1851. He was preceded in that office by James M. Twombly and followed by Daniel E. Palmer.
Daughter Sarah Jane Mathes married in Boston, MA, in 1841, James H. Bliss. He was born in Rehoboth, MA, April 13, 1817, son of Elijah C. and Sarah (Perry) Bliss.
Daughter-in-law Theodosia (Grant) Mathes died in Lebanon, ME, September 9, 1842, aged forty-five years.
Son Stephen M. Mathes married (3rd) in Milton, May 10, 1843, Lydia L. Watson. She was born in Milton, in 1812, daughter of Stephen and Mary “Polly” (Fogg) Watson (and sister of his deceased first wife Clara (Watson) Mathes).
Son Joseph Mathes married in Milton, July 7, 1844, Martha E. Ricker. She was born in Milton, June 9, 1826, daughter of Charles and Mary (Lord) Ricker.
Son Robert Mathes received an initial five-year appointment as a Milton justice-of-the peace, July 6, 1846. (Joseph Pearl and Ichabod H. Wentworth received appointments that same day).
Lydia L. (Watson) Mathes died circa 1848.
Son Stephen M. Mathes married (4th) in Rochester, NH, April 29, 1849, Louisa F. (Meserve) Davis. She was born in Milton, February 14, 1818, daughter of Hopley and Joanna (Twombly) Meserve. (Bride and groom were cousins, both being grandchildren of Stephen and Abigail (Yeaton) Meserve. She had been married before to David Davis, who died 1845-46.
Daughter Hannah E. Mathes married in Dover, NH, October 29, 1849, Norton Scates, both of Dover, NH. Rev. Silas Green performed the ceremony.
Milton sent Robert Mathes to Concord, NH, as its NH State Representative in 1850.
Sons Stephen M. Mathes and Eben J. Mathes were partners in a store in Rochester, NH, in 1850.
Passing over thirty years, or one generation, we come to the year 1850. The tax list gives $49,600 “Stock in Trade,” and $26,070 for “Mills and Machinery.” In general trade there still remained Hanson, Chase, Torr, and Greenfield, who sold the same year to Benjamin Jones & Co. James C. Cole was still in the jewelry business. There had been added the stores of Watson Hayes, Nathaniel Davis, the company of Stephen M. & Eben J. Mathes, and the Barkers who sold the same year to John Folsom (McDuffee, 1892).
Stephen M. Mathes, a merchant, aged fifty-three years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Louisa [((Meserve) Davis)] Mathes, aged thirty-two years (b. NH), Mandana Mathes, aged sixteen years (b. NH), Stephen Mathes, aged fourteen years (b. NH), Clara W. Mathes, aged two years (b. NH), Caroline Davis, aged fifteen years (b. NH), Cynthia Davis, aged eleven years (b. NH), and John Davis, aged seven years (b. NH). Stephen M. Mathes had real estate valued at $3,000. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Eben J. Mathes, a merchant, aged forty years (b. NH), and Herbert Stevens, a marble cutter, aged twenty-six years (b. NH).
Norton Scates, a laborer, aged fifty-nine years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Hannah [(Mathes)] Scates, aged forty-six years (b. NH), and William Scates, aged ten years (b. NH). They shared a two-family house with the household of Jonathan Foster, a shoemaker, aged forty-eight years (b. MA).
Eben J. Mathes, a merchant, aged forty years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Fidelia [(Davis)] Mathes, aged thirty years (b. VT), Sarah F.W. Mathes, aged eight years (b. MA), Maria Louisia Mathes, aged five years (b. NH), and Emma Jane Mathes, aged two years (b. NH). Eben J. Mathes had real estate valued at $2,000.
Robert Mathes, a trader, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Mary F. [(Moulton)] Mathes, aged thirty-three years (b. NH), Clara M. Mathes, aged ten years (b. NH), Albert O. Mathes, aged seven years (b. NH), Edwin Cowell, a clerk, aged twenty-five years (b. ME), and Abby D. Moulton, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH). Robert Mathes had real estate valued at $6,000. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Samuel Washburn, a shoe manufacturer, aged twenty-seven years (b. MA) and Joseph Mathes, a carpenter, aged thirty-five years (b. NH).
Joseph Mathes, a carpenter, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Martha A. Mathes, aged twenty-four years (b. NH). Joseph Mathes had real estate valued at $800. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Robert Mathes, a trader, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), and George Worster, a machinist, aged thirty-nine years (b. NH).
James H. Blyss, a machinist, aged thirty-three years (b. NH), headed a Boston, MA, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Sarah [(Mathes)] Blyss, aged thirty-three years (b. NH), Edwin Blyss, aged eight years (b. MA), James Blyss, aged three years (b. MA), and Comfort Blyss [Mathes], aged forty-four years (b. NH). James H. Bliss had real estate valued at $1,200.
Son Ebenezer J. Mathes was appointed to a school building committee in Rochester, NH, which built a new “graded” school in 1850-1851.
In 1848 what was called “the Somersworth act” was passed enabling districts which should adopt it to have higher branches taught, grading their schools, and appointing a Superintending Committee separate from the town. This act was adopted here in 1849, and in April, 1850, thirteen hundred dollars was raised for a new school-house, containing two rooms, on Wakefield street, and E.J. Mathes, John McDuffee, and John Legro were appointed building committee. Their work was accomplished so that the house was occupied in the fall of 1851 (McDuffee, 1892).
Son Robert Mathes received a five-year renewal of his appointment as a Milton justice-of-the peace, June 27, 1851. (Joseph Pearl and Ichabod H. Wentworth received renewals that same day).
Son Ebenezer J. Mathes one of fourteen original incorporators of the Norway Plains Savings Bank in Rochester, NH, when its enabling legislation was approved, July 5, 1851 (NH Secretary of State, 1851).
Son-in-law James H. Bliss died of consumption on Silver Street in Boston, MA, November 15, 1853, aged thirty-six years, seven months, and two days. He was a machinist.
DEATHS. At South Boston, 15th inst., JAMES H. BLISS, 36 (Boston Evening Transcript (Boston, MA), November 17, 1853).
DEATHS. At South Boston, 1st instant, MARY FRANCILLA, only daughter of the late James H. Bliss, 15 mos. (Boston Evening Transcript (Boston, MA), February 2, 1854).
Son Eben J. Mathes was elected Town Clerk of Rochester, NH, in 1855 and 1856. He received an initial five-year appointment as a Rochester, NH, justice-of-the-peace, July 13, 1855.
Son Robert Mathes received a five-year renewal of his appointment as a Milton justice-of-the peace, June 24, 1856.
Son Stephen M. Mathes died in Rochester, NH, May 13, 1857, aged sixty years.
NORWAY PLAINS SAVINGS BANK. Rochester. Examined May 27th, 1857. President, Charles Dennett; Treasurer, John McDuffie; Trustees, Charles Dennett, J.D. Sturtevant, N.V. Whitehouse, James C. Cole, Thomas C. Davis, John Folsom, Ebenezer J. Mathes. Means. Loans, $111,367.94. Cash, 809.67. [Total,] $112,177.61. Liabilities. Due 620 depositors, $111.387.27. Surplus, $790.34. This bank paid to its depositors an extra dividend, January, 1857, with its regular semi-annual two and a half per cent.; making 7-53 per cent. per annum for the last five years. It has no debts that are doubtful. The loans are made by a majority of the trustees. Its annual expenses average for five years $225.00. The treasurer’s bond is for $10,000, in the hands of the president (NH Board of Bank Commissioners, 1857).
Son Ebenezer J. Mathes was President of the Rochester Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Rochester, NH, in June 1859. Enoch Whitehouse was its Secretary and Treasurer; and its Directors were Ebenezer J. Mathes, James H. Edgerly, Franklin McDuffee, Cyrus K. Sanborn, Charles S. Whitehouse, Francis Orr, James M. Fessenden, Reuben Tilton, and John Bickford.
This company commenced issuing policies on the first of June, 1859. The present Secretary and Treasurer was voted $225 for his services in starting the company. He receives fifty cents for each policy issued. Enoch Rand, former Secretary, was paid $6 for services, which is all that has been paid officers. … Agents are allowed to receive one dollar for each policy from applicants. Applications are approved by two or more directors. Rates charged for insurance, from 4½ to 12 per cent. for six years, three per cent. of which is paid in cash. None but the best village and farm risks taken, and no one risk has been taken to exceed $2,150. They have as yet met with no loss (NH Insurance Department, 1860).
Son Ebenezer J. Mathes received a renewal five-year appointment as a Rochester, NH, justice-of-the-peace, June 19, 1860.
Louisia F. [((Meserve) Davis)] Mathes, aged forty-two years (b. NH), headed a Rochester (“Farmington P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. Her household included George F. Mathes, aged four years (b. NH). Louisia F. Mathes had real estate valued at $666 and personal estate valued at $500.
Norton Scates, a merchant, aged seventy years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Hannah E. [(Mathes)] Scates, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH). Norton Scates had real estate valued at $1,000 and personal estate valued at $400.
Ebenezer J. Mathes, aged fifty years (b. NH), headed a Rochester (“Farmington P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Phidelia [(Davis)] Mathes, aged forty years (b. VT), Sarah F. Mathes, a common school teacher, aged eighteen years (b. MA), Maria L. Mathes, aged fifteen years (b. NH), and Emma J. Mathes, aged twelve years (b. NH). Ebenezer J. Mathes had real estate valued at $3,000 and personal estate valued at $13,000.
Robert Mathes, a house carpenter, aged forty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Mary [(Moulton)] Mathes, aged forty-three years (b. NH), Clara M. Mathes, aged twenty years (b. NH), Albert O. Mathes, a house carpenter, aged seventeen years (b. NH), and Dana H. Mathes, aged seven years (b. NH). Robert Mathes had real estate valued at $400 and personal estate valued at $1,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Samuel A. Kimball, a shoemaker, aged fifty-five years (b. NH), and Henry Downs, a farm laborer, aged forty years (b. NH).
Joseph Mathes, a house carpenter, aged forty-four years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton P.O.”) household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Martha E. [(Ricker)] Mathes, aged thirty-three years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Charles C. Nudd, a shoemaker, aged twenty-six years (b. NH), and Othniel Nute, a shoemaker, aged twenty-two years (b. NH).
Sarah J. [(Mathes)] Bliss, aged forty-two years (b. NH), headed a Boston, MA, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. Her household included Edwin H. Bliss, aged eighteen years (b. MA), James A. Bliss, aged thirteen years (b. MA), and Comfort M. Mathews, aged forty-five years (b. NH). Sarah J. Bliss had real estate valued at $1,800 and personal estate valued at $1,000. Edwin H. Bliss had personal estate valued at $350 and James A. Bliss had real estate valued at $350. Comfort M. Mathews had personal estate valued at $300.
ROCHESTER. Justices, State, Cyrus K. Sanborn, Nicholas V. Whitehouse. Justices, Quorum, James H. Edgerly, Charles Dennett, Daniel J. Parsons, Charles S. Whitehouse. Justices, James Tebbetts, William A. Kimball, Reuben Tilton, Jonathan Hussey, J.W. Furber, Samuel Meserve, Aaron P. Wingate, William Rand, Ebenezer J. Mathes, John Legro, Silas Hussey, Jr., James Farrington, Nehemiah Kimball, John Folsom, Enoch Whitehouse, John W. Pray, Isaac W. Springfield, William M. Hart, John Witham, Jacob H. Ela, Asa Roberts, John S. Hayes, Charles K. Chase, Joshua Vickery, Jesse Horn, William K. Kimball, George Robinson, James M. Fessenden, John P. Trickey, Simon Wentworth, Enoch C. Dow (Moore, 1860).
Ebenezer J. Mathes was among those calling for a public meeting in Rochester, NH, April 18, 1861, after the bombardment of Fort Sumter.
PUBLIC MEETING. Fellow Citizens! The time has come when by the bombardment of its Forts and organized resistance to its authority – War exists against a Government which has conferred only benefits. The President calls upon the country for aid to maintain that Government and its authority. In this trial hour which test our capacity for self government – when an armed conflict is upon us – political differences should give way to patriotism, and all who recognize the ballot box as the rightful means of revolution in a free government – who prize the blessings of LIBERTY over usurpation and anarchy – should unite together to sustain the Government. All citizens animated by such a purpose, are invited to meet at the TOWN HALL In Rochester, Thursday Evening, April 18th, to take such action as they may deem proper. WATSON HAYES, BENJA BARKER, SIMON CHASE, NICHOLAS R. VARNEY, DANIEL McDUFFEE, GEO B. ROBERTS, BENJA HOBBS, F. McDUFFEE, M.B. WENTWORTH, CHARLES K. CHASE, JOHN LEGRO, WALTER B.K. HODGDON, JOHN MANSON, J.N. WILKINSON, CHAS E. BLACKMAR, IRA DOE, J.O. HOWARD, CHAS W. FOLSOM, DAVID AUSTIN, R. McDUFFEE JR, HARRISON HALE, JOHN STOTT, B. FLETCHER, J.D. PILLSBURY, J. WESLEY HORNE, T.C. DAVIS, JABEZ DAME, W.K. KIMBALL, J. FARRINGTON, EPHRAIM HAMMETT, S.D. WENTWORTH, JACOB H. ELA, DAVID J. FOLSOM, JOSIAH B. KIMBALL, JAMES H. EDGERLY, J.D. EVANS, JOHN FOLSOM, EDWIN WALLACE, JOHN McDUFFEE, JOHN W. SANBORN, E.G. WALLACE, G.D. PLUMER, JOHN CORSON, J. WENTWORTH, SILAS HUSSEY JR, SAMUEL JELERSON, T. BROWN, CHAS DENNETT, E.J. MATHES, S.H. FEINEMAN, REUBEN TILTON, E.L. GLIDDEN, GEO F. GUPPY, THOS H. HUSSEY, DAVID J. SANBORN, F. FEINEMAN, CHAS HENDERSON (McDuffee, 1892).
Son Robert Mathes received a five-year renewal of his appointment as a Milton justice-of-the peace, June 15, 1861.
Son-in-law Norton Scates appeared in the Dover, NH, directory of 1867, as a grocer on Main street, with his house in the rear of his store.
ROCHESTER. Justices – Daniel J. Parsons, Cyrus K. Sanborn, Charles S. Whitehouse, William Rand, Jacob H. Ela, Joseph H. Worcester, Nicholas V. Whitehouse, John Legro, State, James H. Edgerly, Quorum, James Tebbetts, John P. Trickey, Silas Hussey, jr., Ebenezer J. Mathes, Enoch Whitehouse, Simon Wentworth, Jeremiah D. Evans, Ira Doe, Henry Nye, Wm. K. Kimball, Charles W. Brown, James Farrington, Alvah M. Kimball, Charles Dennett, Reuben Tilton, George F. Guppy, Noah Tebbetts, Henry W. Locke (McFarland and Jenks, 1867).
Daughter Comfort M. Mathes died in Boston, MA, in 1870.
Son Ebenezer Mathes received a renewal five-year appointment as a Rochester, NH, justice-of-the-peace, June 16, 1870.
Louisa F. [((Meserve) Davis)] Mathes, keeping house, aged fifty-two years (b. NH), headed a Rochester (“Gonic P.O.”) household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. Her household included George F. Mathes, at home, aged fourteen years (b. NH), Ezecial Wentworth, a carpenter, aged forty-eight years (b. NH), and James Jenness, [a carpenter,] aged forty years (b. NH). Louisa F. Mathes had real estate valued at $400 and personal estate valued at $1,000. Her household appeared in the enumeration on the same page as that of her son-in-law, James Pirie, a tailor, aged thirty-eight years (b. Scotland).
Eben J. Mathes, an agent for a life insurance co., aged sixty years (b. NH), headed a Rochester (“Gonic P.O.”), NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Phidelia [(Davis)] Mathes, keeping house, aged fifty years (b. VT), Maria L. Mathes, aged twenty-five years (b. NH), and Emma J. Mathes, aged twenty-three years (b. NH). Eben J. Mathes had real estate valued at $3,000 and personal estate valued at $15,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Robert McIlroy, superintendent of woolen mill, aged fifty-three years (b. Ireland), and [his son-in-law,] George W. Carr, a carpenter, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH).
Robert Mathes, a farm laborer, aged fifty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Mary F. [(Moulton)] Mathes, keeping house, aged fifty-three years (b. NH), and Frank W. Dearborn, a shoebox maker, aged twenty-six years (b. NH). Robert Mathes has real estate valued at $4,000 and personal estate valued at $350. They shared a two-family residence with the family of John L. Roberts, works in shoe factory, aged twenty-one years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of John F. Hart, works in shoe factory, aged forty-one years (b. NH), and John O. Hayes, a stone mason, aged forty-seven years (b. NH).
Norton Scates, a laborer, aged eighty-one years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Hannah [(Mathes)] Scates, keeping house, aged sixty-seven years (b. NH), and Albert Mathes, a clerk in savings bank, aged twenty-seven years (b. NH). Norton Scates had real estate valued at $1,200 and personal estate valued at $500.
Joseph Mathes, a carpenter, aged fifty-four years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Martha [(Ricker)] Mathes, aged forty-three years (b. NH). Joseph Mathes had real estate valued at $1,000 and personal estate valued at $400. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Joseph Sayward, a retail grocer, aged fifty-two years (b. NH), and Rebecca Nute, keeping house, aged sixty-two years (b. ME).
James A. Bliss, a light machinist, aged twenty-three years (b. MA [SIC]), headed a Boston (“South Boston P.O.”), MA household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census, Hus household included Lucy E. [(Clough)] Bliss, boarding, aged eighteen years (b. MA), Annie M. Bliss, at home, aged ten months (b. MA), and Sarah J. [(Mathes)] Bliss, keeping house, aged fifty-two years (b. MA [SIC]). Sarah J. Bliss had real estate valued at $2,000 and personal estate valued at $300.
Son E.J. Mathes was one of the twenty-four original incorporators of the Rochester Savings Bank, after it was authorized in July 1872. (Elbridge W. Fox was also an original incorporator).
PERSONAL. E.J. Mathes is elected President of the N.P. Savings Bank of Rochester, N.H., in place of John McDufe[e], resigned (Boston Globe, December 5, 1873).
Son-in-law Norton Scates died in Dover, NH, August 28, 1873.
Daughter-in-law Phidelia A. (Davis) Mathes died in Rochester, NH, November 17, 1874, aged fifty-five years.
Son Ebenezer J. Mathes received a renewal five-year appointment as a Rochester, NH, justice-of-the-peace, May 12, 1875.
Son Ebenezer J. Mathes married (3rd) in Rochester, NH, December 1, 1875, Martha A. (Tash) Edgerly. He was aged sixty-five years and she was aged forty-seven years. She was born in Somersworth, NH, 1829, daughter of Thomas and Sally Tash.
Daughter-in-law Martha A. ((Tash) Edgerly) Mathes died in Rochester, NH, May 5, 1880, aged fifty-one years.
Loisa F. [((Meserve) Davis)] Mathes, at home, aged sixty-four years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. She shared a two-family residence on Wakefield Street with the household of Caroline E. Barker, keeping house, aged forty-seven years (b. NH). She appeared in the enumeration next to her stepdaughter, Mandana T. (Mathes) Pirie.
Eben J. Mathes, an insurance agent, aged seventy years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his daughter, Marie L. Mathes, keeping house, aged thirty-four years (b. NH), and his granddaughter, Louise R. Carr, aged seven years (b. NH). They shared a two-family house on Wakefield Street with the household of [his son-in-law,] Isaac A. Varney, a house carpenter, aged thirty-one years (b. ME).
Robert Mathis, a farmer, aged sixty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton 3 Ponds Village”) household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Mary F. [(Moulton)] Mathis, keeping house, aged sixty-three years (b. NH), and his adopted daughter, Aimee E. Mathis, at school, aged eleven years (b. MA). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Joseph H. Avery, an excelsior manufacturer, aged thirty-seven years (b. ME), and George Blake, a laborer, aged sixty-seven years (b. NH).
Joseph Mathes, a carpenter, aged sixty-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton 3 Pond Village”) household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Martha E. [(Ricker)] Mathes, keeping house, aged sixty-four years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Clara Jenness, keeping house, aged sixty-four years (b. NH), and Abby B. Downs, keeping house, aged sixty-four years (b. NH).
Sarah J. [(Mathes) Bliss, keeping house, aged sixty-two years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. Her household included her granddaughter, Annie M. Bliss, at school, aged ten years (b. MA), and her boarders, Hannah E. [(Mathes)] Scates, aged seventy-six years (b. NH), and Albert O. Mathes, a bank clerk, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH). They shared a two-family house with the household of Ezra H. Twombly, a laborer, aged fifty years (b. [illegible to this census page, it having a substantial tear from top to bottom]).
ROCHESTER. Justices, C.S. Whitehouse, C.S. Ela, J.H. Edgerly, G.H. Sanborn, E.J. Mathes, J.H. Worcester, C.K. Sanborn, John Legro, S. Hussey, C.B. Gafney, D.J. Parsons, Simon Wentworth, F.W. Jenkins, H.E. Allen, William Rand, John Greenfield, A.H. Hayes; State, R.H. Clark, A.S. Parshley, S.D. Wentworth, D.B. Waldron, W.H. Felker, Henry Kimball, S.B. Hayes, Philander Varney, J.N. Hayes, C.A. Giles F.H. Orr, A. Twombly, C.E. Hodgdon, E.F. Gage, G.D. Lamos, J.A. Jackson, H.F. Walker, I.D. Hodgdon, Samuel Meserve, John Blake, Nahum Yeaton, W.S. Standley, A.U. Nason, H.L. Worcester, C.F. Wood (Claremont Manufacturing, 1881).
Son Eben J. Mathes married (4th) in Rochester, NH, September 22, 1881, Betsy M. (Horne) Howard, both of Rochester, NH. He was an insurance agent, aged seventy-one years, and she was aged fifty-two years. Rev. A.J. Quick performed the ceremony. She was born in Lebanon, ME, November 23, November 23, 1829, daughter of Richard and Narissa C. “Nelly” (Jones) Horne.
Son Joseph Mathes died in Milton, February 14, 1882, aged sixty-eight years, two months, and eight days. (“We miss thee at home”).
Daughter Hannah E. (Mathes) Scates died of uremia in Dover, NH, May 16, 1882, aged seventy-eight years, one month, and eight days. She was a widow.
Son Ebenezer J. Mathes received a renewal five-year appointment as a Rochester, NH, justice-of-the-peace, May 26, 1885.
Son Ebenezer J. Mathes was succeeded as President of the Rochester Savings Bank by William Rand.
Daughter-in-law Martha E. (Ricker) Mathes died in Milton, March 23, 1893, aged sixty-two years, two months, and fourteen days.
HERE AND THERE. Mr. Robert Mathes of the town named [Milton] has been seriously ill, and as he has passed the age of fourscore years, anxiety was felt concerning him. His daughter, Mrs. Amos M. Roberts, resided formerly in this town (Farmington News, December 29, 1893).
Robert Mathes died of valvular heart disease in Milton, July 31, 1894, aged eighty-two years, one month, and sixteen days. He was a married farmer. William F. Wallace, M.D., signed the death certificate.
HERE AND THERE. Mr. Robert Mathes of Milton died on Tuesday evening at the age of eighty-two years. He was a notable figure of Milton and was one of the best-informed men in the county, concerning local history. He had a quick and correct memory, and was an extensive reader of the best authors of the past and present, enjoying also the conversation of bright people. He had been out of health a long time and suffered intensely at times. He was of colonial family and had may interesting recollections of former days at his tongue’s end, and possessed some prized relics of a time long past. Mr. Mathes leaves a widow, a daughter, Mrs. Amos M. Roberts, two sons, Albert O. Mathes of the Strafford bank at Dover, and Dana Mathes of Oakland, California, and two grand-daughters Miss Lura Mathes of Dover, and Miss Molly Mathes of California, besides a brother, Mr. Eben Mathes of Rochester, and hosts of friends (Farmington News, August 3, 1894).
HERE AND THERE. The many friends of the family of the late Mr. Robert Mathes of Milton will be glad to learn that Mrs. Mathes is recovering from a very serious recent illness (Farmington News, July 26, 1895).
Son Ebenezer J. Mathes died of chronic bronchitis in Rochester, NH, October 16, 1894, aged eighty-four years, six months, and thirteen days. He was a married retiree. (His father had been a minister). R.J. Burleigh signed the death certificate.
NEW HAMPSHIRE. Ebenezer J. Mathes, one of Rochester’s oldest citizens, died Tuesday, Oct. 16, at his home in that city. He has been in feeble health a long time. He was a native of Milton, his birthday being April 3, 1810. Funeral services were held Friday (Farmington News, October 26, 1894).
PERSONAL. Mr. and Mrs. Amos M. Roberts of Milton and Mr. and Mrs. Albert O. Mathes of Dover, who recently enjoyed a two weeks’ drive in the White mountains, called on Farmington friends last Friday, on their way to Milton from The Weirs. Among their souvenirs of the trip were some very fine specimens of the closed gentian (Farmington News, September 24, 1897).
Sarah J. (Mathes) Bliss died of hepatitis in Dover, NH, April 29, 1898, aged eighty years, seven months, and twenty days. George R. Smith signed the death certificate.
George F. Mathes, local agent of the B&M R.R., aged forty-four years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of twenty-three years), Fannie A. [(Parker)] Mathes, aged forty-five years (b. NH), his son, Charles A. Mathes, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), and his mother, Louise F. [((Meserve) Davis)] Mathes, a widow, aged eighty-two years (b. NH). George F. Mathes rented their house at 24 Sixth Street. Fannie A. Mathes was the mother of one child, of whom one was still living; Louise F. Mathes was the mother of four children, of whom two were still living.
Daughter-in-law Louisa F. [((Meserve) Davis)] Mathes died of senility at 24 Sixth Street in Dover, NH, December 7, 1901, aged eighty-three years, ten months, and twenty-three days. She had resided in Dover, NH, for four years, i.e., since circa 1896-97. Her previous residence had been Rochester, NH.
Mary Fogg (Moulton) Mathes died of acute indigestion in Milton, September 8, 1907, aged ninety years, four months. She was a widow. M.A.H. Hart, M.D., signed the death certificate.
LOCAL. The many Farmington friends of Mrs. Amos M. Roberts of Milton have deep sympathy for her in this year of her repeated afflictions, the decease of a brother and her husband having been followed by the passing away on Sunday morning of her mother [-in-law], Mrs. Robert Mathes. Mrs. Mathes, a most charming type of venerable women, respected and beloved, was ninety years of age last May. Having been very feeble it was only with great care and devotion that her life was prolonged until this month. Mrs. Roberts was left with one brother, Dana H. Mathes of Oakland, Cal., and with two nieces, her only surviving near relatives (Farmington News, September 13, 1907).
Daughter-in-law Betsy M. ((Horne) Howard) Mathes died of senility and arteriosclerosis in Rochester, NH, July 14, 1916, aged eighty-six years, seven months, and twenty-one years.
References:
Carter, Nathan F. (1906). The Native Ministry of New Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=3KUeAQAAIAAJ&pg=PA432
Claremont Manfacturing Co. (1871). NH Register, Farmer’s Almanac and Business Directory. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=AwEXAAAAYAAJ&pg=RA1-PA71
Find a Grave. (2012, January 5). Sarah Jane Mathes Bliss. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/83009464/sarah-jane-bliss
Find a Grave. (2015, July 15). Ebenezer Jones Mathes. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/149312469/ebenezer_jones_mathes
Find a Grave. (2024, May 6). Cpt. Norton Scates. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/270071337/norton-scates
Find a Grave. (2024, May 6). Hannah E. [Mathes] Scates. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/270071247/hannah_e_scates
Find a Grave. (2022, April 26). Robert Mathes. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/239234385/robert-mathes
Find a Grave. (2022, April 26). Robert Mathes [Jr.]. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/239234540/robert-mathes
Find a Grave. (2020, September 7). Stephen Meserve Mathes. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/215330464/stephen-meserve-mathes
Mitchell-Cony. (1908). Town Register Farmington, Milton, Wakefield, Middleton, Brookfield, 1907-8. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=qXwUAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA92
NE Historical Publishing. (1902). Representative Citizens of the State of New Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=nl53Yy9TnK4C&pg=PA63
NH Board of Bank Commissioners. (1857). Annual Report of the Bank Commissioners of the State of New Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=c244LeeimJsC&pg=PA37
NH Insurance Department. (1860). Report (or Reports) of the Insurance Commissioner. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=0Xc_AQAAMAAJ&pg=PA48
NH Secretary of State. (1851). Laws of the State of New Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=d5RGAQAAIAAJ&pg=PA1119
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.
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.
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 
Son Isaac Scates married in Wakefield, NH, December 1, 1811, Betsy Worster, both of Milton. 
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 
Benjamin Scates, his sons, John Scates, Isaac Scates, and Benjamin Scates, Jnr, and his son-in-law, 
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.
Son 
Joseph Walker and his father, Richard Walker, both signed the 
Joseph Walker and his son, 
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. Lewis W. Nute grange accepted an invitation to visit 
GRANGERS AT CHURCH. Milton – Members of 
However, the crown jewel of August’s celestial offerings is undoubtedly the Perseid meteor shower. Peaking on the night of August 12-13, this spectacular display is renowned for its bright, fast meteors and high hourly rates. With the moon setting at midnight, the early morning hours will provide optimal viewing conditions, potentially treating observers to up to 100 meteors per hour. This celestial fireworks show is a must-see event for astronomy lovers and casual stargazers alike!
Milton Observer 