Category: Uncategorized

By Muriel Bristol (Transcriber) | July 11, 2019

In this year, we encounter a temporary worker, more Arctic weather, a Milton invalid, a dancing rabbit novelty, a Milton minister in Portsmouth, Mrs. Demeritt still seeking her au pair, and some hydraulic consulting.

This was also the year of Milton’s murderous lover.

---

Victor W. “Vic” Stewart was born in Hardwick, VT, February 16, 1874, son of William H.H. and Emma J. (Wakefield) Stewart. He married in Hardwick, November 25, 1896, Lulu L. Meader. She was born in Walden, VT, January 8, 1874, daughter of Stephen and Priscilla Meader.

Victor W. Stuart, a granite cutter, aged twenty-six years (b. VT), and his wife (of three years), Lulu L. Stuart, a dressmaker, aged twenty-six years (b. VT), lodged at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census in the Hardwick, VT, household of William Taylor, an attorney, aged thirty-six years (b. VT).

HARDWICK. Vic Stewart, who has been working in Milton, N.H., has returned home (St. Johnsbury Republican, January 8, 1907).

Mr. Stewart worked probably on one of Milton’s ice-harvesting crews, although he might conceivably have been employed temporarily in a shoe or leather-board factory. (He made it home to Hardwick just in time for his wife’s birthday).

Victor W. Stuart, a granite shed lumper, aged thirty-six years (b. VT), headed a Hardwick, VT, household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of thirteen years, Lulu L. Stuart, aged thirty-six years (b. VT), and his niece, Priscilla E. McGinnis, aged three years (b. NH). Lulu was not a mother. They owned their home on North Main Street (with a mortgage).

Victor Wakefield Stewart, of Hardwick, VT, aged forty-four years, registered for the WW I military draft in St. Johnsbury, VT, September 12, 1918. He worked for George B. Shepman, of Hardwick, VT, as a teamster and sawmill hand. His nearest relative was his wife, Lulu M. Stewart, of Hardwick, VT. He was described as a tall man, with a medium build, blue eyes, and brown hair.

Lulu L. (Meader) Stewart died in Hardwick, VT, March 5, 1945. Victor W. Stewart died in Hardwick, VT, August 13, 1955.

---

Milton Mills experienced some Arctic weather, even colder than that of 1904.

DOWN TO 50 BELOW. That is the Report From West Ossipee, N.H. – Many Towns Report 40 Below. PORTSMOUTH, N.H., Jan 24 – Reports from points along the Conway division of the Boston & Maine railroad show that this morning was the coldest for years. At Conway Junction it was 40 below, Milton Mills 42, Union 40, Wolfboro 32, Tuftonboro 40, Pine River 46, Madison 42, West Ossipee 50, Conway Center 47, Jackson 36, Conway 40, Great Works 42. All existing records for low temperature in this city were broken when at 7 a.m. in several places about the West End, the thermometer registered 28 below zero and at the street railroad car barn it was 32 below. The extreme low temperature threw train schedules on the B&M RR away out of the regular time, the freight trains being several hours late, while passenger trains were considerably off. From north of here reports have been received that it was the coldest for half a century. Greenland was 20 below and Newcastle, on the harbor front was 10 below, the coldest for 50 years (Boston Globe, January 24, 1907).

---

A Milton invalid corresponded with others through the Each and All Society pages published in newspapers.

OBJECTS AND AIMS OF EACH AND ALL. PERHAPS some of you, seeing this page for the first time, wonder just what the Each and All Society really is; what there is about its aims and objects to create so widespread an interest among “young girls of all ages.” The society was founded in February, 1905, with Christine Terhune Herrick for its president and with an almost instant membership of girls from nearly every State in the Union and in Canada. Its object is to help girls help themselves by developing their talents into something the world wants; to solve difficult problems – the sort a girl wants a calm, unbiased, out-of-the family opinion upon and to promote the exchange of general help. Any girl may belong. There is no red tape about it. The sending of your name for membership gives you the range of every opportunity the society boasts. And Mrs. Herrick stands ready to welcome, to advise and to help.

From a Shut-In. I hasten to answer your call for letters from shut-ins. I have been confined to my bed for fifteen months with spinal trouble the result of an injury. I enjoy the Each and All page so much, and I have been meaning to send a message to my sister shut-ins for some time, as I cannot take up a great number of correspondents. It costs too much of the strength I am so carefully trying to win back, to say nothing of expense, so I have thought of sending a wee message of hope through you.

You ask what I most long for. Well, just now it is for a return to health so that I can take my proper place in the home. A family in which there are a number of growing boys and girls needs a mother that can be “up and doing,” especially when the income is so limited as ours. I covet strength, also, that I may work and earn money to help lift the heavy burden of debt left by my illness, and that of two of the children, who had a long run of typhoid last winter. I wish I had means to have a specialist come to see me.

Some day I shall need a wheel chair, I am sure; and I like pretty, dainty things. I love to read, and should be glad of some of the reading matter offered, and this is enough of my longings. If it is best for me to have any of them gratified, the way will be opened. I am sure. Now for what helps:

First and foremost, “God is our refuge and strength.” I don’t want to preach to the sisters, but there is a Heavenly Father and a Friend who never forgets even the least of His helpless, suffering children. Next, I count a strong determination to get better, D.V. [Deo Volente: God Willing]. By will power and work I have regained the use of my right hand. At Christmas time it was paralyzed – only a little power left in the thumb. My doctor told me the other day that I might feel proud of that hand, as it was only my own persistent efforts that had brought it back as supple as ever, only still a little weak. I worked, darning stockings, trying to scribble – I had enough strength left in my thumb to hold a pencil or needle against the contracted, helpless fingers. I opened out the hand and slept on it. As power began to come in, I played imaginary “five-finger” exercises on the bed quilt and wiggled my fingers in all possible shapes; so that now I can sew, knit, crochet, and write fairly well. Work is a blessing. I find and I do not feel quite such a burden as long as I can mend all the stockings, sew on buttons, do a little light sewing, etc. Just now I am knitting a sweater for one of the girls. I want to take up my writing again, but have not felt equal to a very great effort as yet. 

I love music so well and hear little. I used to play the piano, and wish I could get a guitar now. I think I could play it as I can a banjo. Once I had a great pleasure. A very fine violinist came and played for me all one evening. Another time a neighbor brought in his graphophone. There’s a hint for you girls – so many pianos lie silent in homes when elderly or sick people would love to have you play for them, an hour or two; or you could take your guitars, graphophones or other instruments. If you have a musicale, go out in the “highways and bring In the halt and maimed,” who are doubtless too proud to even hint how music will do to make them forget their miserable condition. A.L.P. (Milton, N.H.) (Los Angeles Times, February 3, 1907).

A Mrs. F.J.N., of Milton, N.H. was also an Each and All Society correspondent (Los Angeles Times, February 10, 1907; April 28, 1907).

---

A Milton Mills entrepreneur set themselves up as a mail-order distributor of novelties and toys. In this case, the novelty advertised appears to have been a wind-up dancing rabbit.

WANTED – AGENTS. AGENTS WANTED – Dancing rabbit, latest and cutest thing out; ever changeable; always amusing; price 25c. MILTON NOVELTY CO., Milton Mills, N.H. (Indianapolis News, February 9, 1907).

A nearly identical advertisement included the additional information that the dancing rabbit was made of rubber.

AGENTS WANTED. DANCING RABBIT. Made entirely of rubber; latest and cutest thing out; ever changeable, always amusing. 25¢. Illustrated catalogue free. McNeil & Co.. Kenosha, Wis. 171 (Des Moines Register, December 1, 1907).

Various department and other stores around the country included dancing rabbits among their Easter toys and novelty advertising.

Easter Novelties Shown in Basement in Great Numbers. Easter rabbits, 5¢ to $1.25; Dancing rabbits, 49¢ to $1.00, Jumping rabbits, each 25¢; Walking chickens, each 25¢; Fox chasing chickens, 25¢; Easter baskets, 5¢ to 75¢; Downy little ducks, 5¢ to $1.00; Color for eggs, 6 shades, 5¢ (Carlisle Evening Herald (Carlisle, PA), March 22, 1907).

It might be said that the dancing rabbit toy “had legs.” In 1946, the Habob Company of 41 West 19th Street, New York, NY, included them among its offerings: novelty pencil boxes, fire chief hats, bulk bubble pipes, plastic aeroplanes, nose catchers, dancing rabbits, pistol clappers, Old Maid card games, bead dolls, and tattoo transfers (Chain Store Publishing Company, 1946).

---

Rev. Charles D. Osborne of Milton, NH, was the guest preacher at Portsmouth’s Pearl Street Free Baptist Church on Sunday, June 2, 1907.

Pearl Street Free Baptist Church. Preaching at 10.30 by Rev. Charles D. Osborne of Milton, N.H. Subject, “A Great Secret.” Evening service at 7.30, conducted by Rev. Mr. Osborne. Subject, “The Prince of Healers and How to be Healed.” Everybody welcome (Portsmouth Herald, June 1, 1907).

---

Mrs. Demeritt sought still for her au pair, as she had in the previous year. This time, she wrote to the Each and All Society mentioned above.

A Chance for Some One. l would like to ask if all the women and girls of today have become “office help,” or if there is none between the ages of 30 and 60 who would be willing to “keep house” in a quiet place, with a good home and good wages and with her rights fully considered? Mr. M.A.D. (Milton, N. H.).

Here is an opportunity for some woman. I hope the right one may get it. She would, of course, be glad to exchange references (Los Angeles Times, June 23, 1907).

---

Ira W. Jones, Milton’s home-town hydraulic engineer was off consulting in Montpelier, VT.

ENGINEER’S REPORT. Hydraulic Expert Again Visits Kinney’s Mills. I.W. Jones, hydraulic engineer, of Milton, N.H., went back to his home last night after making another inspection of the water privileges owned by Messrs. Corry, Deavitt and Frost at Kinney’s mills. A contour map has been prepared showing the various sources of water supply and the lowest points in that neighborhood where it would be possible to erect power plants. Mr. Jones has reported to the syndicate his observations on the various dam sites, the possibilities of each and the probable cost of construction. It is reported that Mr. Jones is very favorably impressed .with the water privileges owned by the syndicate. The Montpelier men have not yet decided how large a plant they will put in. They can do two things, the first, build a plant that will supply their street railroad with possibly a small amount of juice for sale, or build a large plant with plenty of juice for sale. Such a development will involve the investment of a large amount’ of money (Montpelier Evening Argus, August 28, 1907).

---

Previous in sequence: Milton in the News – 1906; next in sequence: Milton in the News – 1908

---

References:

Find a Grave. (2012, July 8). Arthur J. Marcoux. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/93325461

Wikipedia. (2019, July 7). Christine Terhune Herrick. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christine_Terhune_Herrick

 

By Muriel Bristol (Transcriber) | July 4, 2019

In this year, we encounter a Massachusetts ice scarcity, a ministerial anecdote, an au pair wanted, a train connection missed, two apparent arson fires, Nute High school bullies, a new ice season, and pullers-over wanted at Milton Mills.

This was also the first year (beginning September 1) in which New Hampshire motorists were required to have automobile registrations and driver’s licenses.

---

Massachusetts had significant warm stretches during the winter of 1905-06, which interfered with its ice harvest.

Ice Scarce in Lynn. [Lynn Item] The Lynn ice men are not cutting much ice just now in any form. The Lynn Ice Co., M.S. Coolidge, and Z.J. Chase & Sons, who are working at Milton, N.H., have been bothered there by weather, warm spells coming along to interfere with the piling up of ice in the houses there. The Lynn Ice Co. has not cut a pound in Lynn this winter, though the engines have been ready to strike at any minute. Dealers who have cut on Sluice, Floating Bridge, Cedar and Spring ponds have a few tiers in. but not enough to more than carry along the daily trade. All the ice dealers have been buying ice where they have been able to find it outside of Lynn, and some of the New Hampshire men who have small ponds and are near railways have been selling briskly. Far up in New Hampshire there is a plenty, but the cost of getting it to the cities is high, and the cost of lumber is also so high and the lumber so scarce that it is almost impossible to get it on the spot quickly enough to cover the stacks of ice made, and that means melting pretty fast where the sun strikes the cakes.

At Milton, N.H., Tuesday night, there was a big blow. Report came to Lynn today that some of the local firms had lost ice houses, but later the information reached Lynn that the houses that were put out of business for a while are those of the Boston Ice Co., which was building 13 new houses there. The uprights were erected and boarding in had begun, but a high wind during the night blew the standing timbers down and the work will have to be gone over again The Boston Ice Co. people say that where they need 450,000 tons they have but 100,000. and they don’t know what to do any more than the Lynn dealers. Providence, R.I., and New Bedford and Fall River are without ice, or will be after April 1, if some cannot be found to fill the houses.

“I have been m the ice business 25 years,” said a Lynn man today, “and the situation is the worst I ever knew. A man who has been in the trade 19 years told me the other day that he never saw anything like it. We don’t know what to do and that’s a fact. We can just plug along cutting what we can in Milton and trusting that something will happen to fill our houses. We are in a fix and wondering. Yes, ice will be high for next summer. I don’t see how it can be helped. It is costing high to get what little we can find as it is, and if we have to go farther north then the cost will jump to bigger figures and that means that the retail trade must go up.” (Fitchburg Sentinel, March 2, 1906).

ICE SHORTAGE, Hallstram Says It Is Here Already. Avers Dealers Will Have Hard Time Till New Crops. Fourteen Icemen Indicted in Philadelphia. Charles W. Hallstram, secretary of the Massachusetts ice dealers’ association, treasurer of the Union ice company, and prominent among the Ice dealers recently summoned before the grand jury, says it will be a tight squeak for Boston to get through warm weather without a shortage of ice. “Our company,” said Mr. Hallstram, “last week used up the entire supply of one of our houses, where it would ordinarily last two weeks at least. There were 2500 tons of ice in that house, but it was all used up in a week. “People who do not understand the situation may talk as they will, but the fact is there is a shortage of ice, and many of the dealers will find it pretty hard work to drag along until the new crop comes. “Our company has only four houses left with ice up at Milton, N.H. At Wilmington, Mass, we have six small houses full since last year. We supply the fish trade mostly, and I know that we will have a pretty hard time to pull through with what supply we have.” Mr. Hallstram said his company put their price up only 50 cents a ton this year, and that the price now is $3 a ton (Boston Globe, August 8, 1906).

See also Milton’s Ice Harvest of 1906 and Milton’s Ice Industry.

---

Elder Daniel B. Goodwin seems to have been the last of Milton’s Christian Church Elders – 1846-1888. He had died in Milton, October 10, 1888, and was here remembered nearly twenty years later for his large hands.

Mr. Goodwin’s Hands. A story comes from Milton, N.H., of an old clergyman named Goodwin. He was a tall, broad-shouldered man and was said to have the largest hands of any man for miles around. One noon a young man named Allen was taking dinner at the elder’s house. It was the elder’s custom to ask a blessing at the table, and Allen had not been used to this sort of thing, for instead of waiting he began to eat. The elder raised his hand with restraining gesture and said: “Pause, young man.” “Paws,” was the reply, “I should think they was paws.” – Chicago Inter Ocean (Funk & Wagners, 1906).

---

Berthold Isaac Demeritt married in Milton, July 9, 1892, Musetta Ardella Dorr. He was born in Newfield, ME, November 30, 1874, son of David and Hannah A. (Nason) DeMeritt; she was born in Milton, NH, in July 1875, [adopted?] daughter of Simon C. and Hannah W. (Hill) Dorr.

Bert DeMeritt, a packer of boots and shoes, aged twenty-five years (b. ME), headed a Boston, MA, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of eight years), Musetta A. DeMeritt, aged twenty-four years (b. ME [SIC]), and his daughters, Merribel DeMeritt, aged six years (b. NH), and Bonneville DeMeritt, aged five years (b. NH). They resided in a rented two-family house at 48 Fairview Street, which they shared with the household of John Hunter, a gas collector, aged thirty-eight years (b. Scotland). Musetta was the mother of four children, of whom two were still living.

Exchange of Ideas in Members’ Letters. Who Needs This Work? I would like very much to have a lady, from 40 to 60, help with care of three children, mostly. She could do whatever she wished of the other work, with the price accordingly. I would rather help care for them, but I must have help, and some one well recommended, whom I could trust, who would be willing to stay with them so I could go out of doors. I would try to make it a pleasant home in every way – the help are one with the family here In the country. We are near churches, postoffice and healthy mountains, woods and water. It is an ideal place for one who cares more for country quiet than city streets. I would like to hear from any one answering these requirements, with good references. I will try to have a fair understanding, as regards price and privileges, and will return answers to all with any information asked for. House very convenient and roomy. Children made to mind and respect elders. One girl, two boys, 1 years to 2 months. Mrs. M.A. De M. (Milton, N.H.). An excellent chance for some one. (Los Angeles Times, April 29, 1906).

Berthold I. DeMeritt, a shoe factory foreman, aged thirty-five years (b. ME), headed a Milton household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of seventeen years), Musetta DeMeritt, aged thirty-four years (b. NH), and his children, Bonneville I. DeMeritt, aged fifteen years (b. NH), Bruce R. DeMeritt, aged seven years (b. NH), Roscoe E. DeMeritt, aged four years, Delphine H. DeMeritt, aged two years, and Hannah D. DeMeritt, aged four months (b. NH). Musetta was the mother of eight children, of whom five were still living.

Mrs. M.A. Demeritt donated flowers to the New England Hospital for Women and Children, in Boston, MA, in 1918-19 (See Mrs. DeMerritt’s Arbutus).

Berthold I. DeMeritt died in Milton Mills, January 11, 1940. Musetta A. (Dorr) DeMeritt died in Rochester, NH, April 12, 1946.

---

Edgar M. Churchill, a clergyman, aged forty-one years (b. ME), headed an Acton, ME, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of eight years), Amy M. Churchill, aged thirty-one years (b. ME), and his daughter, Dorothy M. Churchill, aged three years (b. ME). (Their household appeared on the same page as that of Eugene H. Ayer (see below).

CHURCH NOTES. There were no services in the Free Baptist church Sunday owing to the detainment in North Conway, N.H., of the Rev. A.W. Churchill of Milton, N.H., who was to have supplied there. Mr. Church understood that the summer train service was in effect and so missed connections. He will have charge of the services at the church next Sunday (St. Johnsbury Republican, May 9, 1906).

---

Jacob F. Staples married in Milton, March 9, 1863, Amaney J. Pike. Rev. James Doldt performed the ceremony.

Jacob F. Staples appeared on Page 5 of Milton in the Veterans Schedule of 1890. He and his family seem to have been missed in the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. The Milton section of the Dover Directory of 1900 listed him as a farmer, boarding at H.W. Staples. Harry W. Staples appeared as a farmer, on the U.V. [Union Village] road, 2 m. west of M.M. [Milton Mills].

FAMILY BURNED OUT TWICE. Town of Milton, N.H. Stirred Up Over Two Fires Which Officials Believe to Have Been of incendiary Origin. MILTON, N.H., Aug 7. This town is considerably stirred up over what is believed to have been two incendiary fires. On the morning of June 2, between the hours of 2 and 3, the home of Jacob F. Staples, about one mile out of the village on the road to Union, was burned, together with the barn which contained five horses, other live stock and farming implements. When the family, which consisted of Mr. Staples and his wife, his son Harry and the latter’s child, awakened, the house was one mass of flames and the occupants had barely time to get out without saving any of their effects. They moved to a small house owned by the son, and their neighbors assisted them in furnishing their new home. Early Sunday July 29 this house, together with the barn, three horses and wagons were completely destroyed by fire. As in the case of the previous fire, the family barely escaped with their lives. Owing to the circumstances connected with both fires the selectmen of the town have placed the matter in the hands of county solicitor Dwight Hall, and a systematic investigation will be made in hope of clearing up the mystery (Boston Globe, August 7, 1906).

Jacob F. Staples made out his last will in Milton, October 4, 1906. He devised his farm tools of every description to his son, Harry W. Staples; $1 to his daughter, Susie A. Hatch, wife of Frank Hatch of Kennebunk, ME; and all the rest and residue to his wife, Amancy J. Staples, who was also named as executrix. The will was proved November 7, 1906, i.e., Jacob F. Staples had by then died.

---

Eugene H. Ayer, a carriage painter, aged forty-five years (b. ME), headed an Acton, ME, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of seventeen years), Charlotte Ayer, aged thirty-six years (b. NY), and his children, William Ayer, at school, aged ten years (b. [Parsonfield,] ME), Francese Ayer, aged seven years (b. ME), and Gladys H. Ayer, aged three years (b. ME). (Their household appeared on the same page as that of Rev. Edgar M. Churchill (see above)).

VICTIM OF HAZING. William Ayer Suffering from Blood Poisoning Said to Have Been Caused by Milton, N.H., High Schoolmates. MILTON MILLS, N.H., Sept. 19. William Ayer, 15, son of Eugene Ayer of this place, is suffering from blood poisoning it is caused, it is alleged, by being hazed by the sophomores of the Nute high school at Milton, which young Ayer entered this fall (Boston Globe, September 19, 1906).

Mr. Clarence E. Kelley was Nute High school principal at the time, and Misses Anna F. Berry and Theresa A. Gerould were the teachers. Despite this Nute High school experience, William R. Ayer went on to become a teacher too. He attended three years of college. He was a teacher, resident on Church Street in Milton Mills, in 1917; and a grammar school teacher, resident in Milton Mills, in 1920. He was a farmer, resident on Church Street in Milton Mills, in 1930 and 1940.

William R. Ayer died in 1954.

---

Here we find two of Milton’s ice merchants attempting to put the ice shortages of the winter of 1905-06 behind them. Hopefully, the winter of 1906-07 would be more successful.

MALE HELP WANTED. WANTED – 2 or 3 laborers to go to Milton, N.H. Apply to J.R. DOWNING CO, 128 Kenrick st., Brighton, at office or by phone, 2t* n13 (Boston Globe, November 13, 1906).

FOR SALE. ICE. NEW ICE, f.o.b. Milton, N.H., $1 per ton, railroad weight. Address JOHN O. PORTER, Milton, N.H. (Boston Globe, December 9, 1906).

Porter states his terms as being F.O.B.. i.e., the “sale” took place when the ice was loaded at Milton. Ownership, loss in transit, and any liability, all shifted at that time to the buyer.

---

The Boynton Shoe Company had been active in various locations since at least 1898. Its founder, William H. Boynton, died in Marblehead, MA, in December 1901. It had a Candia, NH, operation from around 1903. It first advertised for a stock-fitter for women’s and misses’ shoes at a Milton Mills branch in October 1904. (Boynton was the successor there of the Gale Shoe Company).

MALE HELP WANTED. PULLERS-OVER and operator, McKay sewer, steady work, good chance for family to move where they can all have work. BOYNTON SHOE CO. Milton Mills, N.H., or ANDREWS CO., Everett. SuW d23 (Boston Globe, December 26, 1906).

(Details of a Puller-Over’s task may be found in Milton in the News – 1901). The Boynton Shoe Company produced shoes at Milton Mills through at least 1908.

---

Previous in sequence: Milton in the News – 1905; next in sequence: Milton in the News – 1907

---

References:

Beehive (MA Historical Society). (2014, February 7). The McKay Stitcher: The Machine That Revolutionized Footwear Production. Retrieved from www.masshist.org/beehiveblog/2014/02/the-mckay-stitcher-the-machine-that-revolutionized-footwear-production/

Find a Grave. (2013, August 12). William R. Ayer. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/115348574

Sampson & Murdock Company. (1908). New England Business Directory and Gazetteer for 1908. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=11ZEAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA460

Wikipedia. (2019, June 23). FOB (Shipping). Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FOB_(shipping)

Wikipedia. (2018, August 27). Gordon McKay. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gordon_McKay

 

By Muriel Bristol | June 30, 2019

Automobiles would have been available since the 1890s, for those Milton “automobilists” that could afford them.

In 1905, the New Hampshire legislature enacted “An Act Relative to Motor Vehicles and the Operation Thereof.” It established for the first time, among other things, registration of motor vehicles, license plates, licensing of drivers, fees for those things, and speed limits. (Massachusetts had enacted its version in 1903).

AUTO LAW IN EFFECT. Concord, N.H., May 2. New Hampshire’s first law for the regulation of automobiles has gone into effect. It requires the registration and numbering of all automobiles and motor cycles, the registration of manufacturers and dealers, and the licensing of operators. The speed limits are 20 miles an hour without and eight miles an hour within business districts (Fitchburg Sentinel, May 2, 1905).

Speed limits were set at 8 miles-per-hour (mph) in business districts (simply defined as a quarter-mile stretch of buildings set 100 feet apart or less) and at 20 mph everywhere else.

There were no Stop signs or any other signage at all. Motorists were required to slow down when proceeding through intersections situated on curved stretches of road, when proceeding down steep hills, or when crossing bridges. They were to honk their horns when proceeding through the intersections situated on curves, as well as slowing down.

Persons who daily cross streets where speedy automobiles ply should feel at liberty to vote themselves Carnegie medals any day without waiting for the official award (Portsmouth Herald, February 5, 1906).

Automobile owners were to pay $3 to register their motor vehicles. Registrations, as well as operator licenses, were obtained by mail from the NH Secretary of State. (There was no inspection for the automobile nor any driving test for its driver). License plates were simply a number followed by the state designation “NH.” Two plates were required, front and back, for which the motorist was charged $1 apiece.

By way of comparison, we have seen that the first-class cook at the Hotel Milton received payment of $1 per day for her services. Had she a motor vehicle, which seems unlikely, it would have cost her most of a week’s pay to register it and outfit it with license plates.

Automobile prices ran between $1,650 and $1,750 dollars in advertisements of 1906. Their 4-cylinder motors generated, depending upon the brand and model, between 20 and 28 horsepower. One (The Model 14 Rambler) had a 3-speed sliding gear transmission that delivered its horsepower by direct drive to the rear axle. Another (the Apperson) advertised “Every Car a Special Car, Built for the Owner.”

So, automobiles were expensive. They were the “horseless” substitute for a horse and carriage, which were also expensive. Most people walked, hired a horse and carriage, took a trolley (in cities), or traveled longer distances by train.

(We might recall that Henry Ford’s market success would come through price reductions based upon the use of standardized parts and assembly-line factory processes).

Those traveling in motorcars were much exposed to wind and weather. Clothing merchants advertised a range of Men’s Driving and Automobile Coats. At the lower price points were Manchurian Sheep-Lined Auto Coats ($18.50). From there, one might move upscale through China Dog-Lined Coats, the same but with Otter collars, Best Quality Dog-Lined Coats, Galloway Coats, and, at the top of the line, Natural Raccoon-Lined Coats ($75.00). And, of course, a hat, gloves, and goggles.

Drivers of this period obtained their driver’s license by mail. Many, if not most, of these early automobiles would not have been operated in the wintertime. Drivers mentioned a process of disassembly, maintenance, and storage of cars over the winter. For those that continued to drive throughout the year, many models had no windshield wipers. (Some had no windshield). One winter driver told of keeping a bucket of glycerin in the front seat of his delivery truck during a snowstorm, and stopping periodically to sponge some of it on the windshield.

According to the New Hampshire Secretary of State’s Report for 1908, Milton had between 12 and 16 registered automobiles, and 2 registered motorcycles, at any one time during the year ending August 31, 1907.

Those registrations marked with an asterisk had cancelled their registration at some point during the 1906-07 year. Most of those had also another registration. One supposes they had cancelled the registration for one car when they obtained another (which would affect the total number of cars registered at any one time).

Milton had 12 licensed drivers, 3 licensed livery drivers, and no traffic violations in its first year (1906-07).

Motor Vehicle Statistics.

REGISTRATIONS, LICENSES, AND VIOLATIONS FOR THE YEAR ENDING AUGUST 31, 1907.

Strafford County. Milton.

Automobiles – Leslie C. Brock, 838; Everett B. Cooley, 1821; Frank E. Fernald, 609; Arthur M. Flye, 1017; Asa A. Fox, 473*, 1464; Harry C. Grover, 1638*, 1783; Forrest L. Marsh, 1025; Robert S. Pike, 1177; Hazen Plummer, 902; Alfred T. Rudd, 616; John E. Townsend, 204*, 1055; John C. Townsend, 1497*, 1662. 

Motor Cycles – Isaac H. Atherton, C89; Joseph E. Willey, C181.

Private Operators – Isaac H. Atherton, Everett B. Cooley, Frank E. Fernald, Arthur M. Flye, Asa A. Fox, Charles D. Fox, Harry G. Grover, Forrest L. Marsh, Robert S. Pike, Hazen Plummer, John C. Townsend, Joseph E. Willey.

Professional Chauffeurs – Isaac H. Atherton, Frank D. Stevens, Carl B. Tarbell.

*Registration cancelled during the year.

By way of comparison, Rochester had between 43 and 49 registered automobiles and 4 registered motorcycles. Farmington had between 11 and 13 registered automobiles and 2 registered motorcycles. Middleton had but 1 registered automobile. Wakefield had 5 registered automobiles and 1 registered motorcycle.

Registration fees for automobiles rose to $10 in 1909, while those for motorcycles dropped to $2. Speed limits increased to 10 mph in business districts and 25 mph everywhere else.

(We may note that it did not cost any more for a clerk to register an automobile in the Secretary of State’s book than it did to register a motorcycle. Automobiles were already being seen as a state revenue “cash cow”).

---

For a rather brief description of the main route through Milton in this period (1917-18), see also Milton, Straight Thru (North), in 1918.

---

… Autos and trucks require less than one-fourth the barn and yard space needed for animal transportation. This alone effects a large saving. One of the chief objections I have heard urged against autos and trucks is that they scare horses and cannot go over muddy and sandy roads. The remark that was once applied to whisky is applicable to motors. All are good, but some are better than others (Boston Globe, February 25, 1912).

Continued in Milton Automobiles in 1909-10

---

References:

NH General Court. (1908). Secretary of State’s Report. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=ok0bAQAAIAAJ&pg=RA2-PA127

NH Secretary of State. (1909). Laws of the State of New Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=VZ1GAQAAIAAJ&pg=PA528

By Muriel Bristol (Transcriber) | June 27, 2019

In this year, we encounter a grisly accidental death in South Milton, the candidacy of a former Milton resident, the alleged Jones poisoning murderer imprisoned still – for debt, vampers wanted, a Milton school teacher hired in Quincy, the Strafford Savings Bank embezzler being released, a stolen horse and carriage, and a frigid football game.

---

Here we find a horrible accidental death in what must surely be a contender for worst job interview ever.

Head Battered by Fly Wheel. Rochester, N.H. – Jan. 25. Lawrence Chauvette, 35 years old, fell against the fly wheel of the engine in Drew’s sawmill at South Milton and was instantly killed. His head was crushed to a pulp. Chauvette is said to have been drinking, but he visited the mill in search of work (North Adams Transcript, January 25, 1905).

Milton vital records put the Canadian native’s age at “about” forty years. Dr. M.A.H. Hart, of Milton, certified the accidental death in a saw mill of this teamster. Dr. Hart gave intoxication as the contributing cause. Chauvette was buried in the Milton Town Farm cemetery, January 24, 1905, by A.A. Fox, undertaker, of Milton Mills.

“The use of alcohol and drugs may adversely affect the ability of a person to work in a safe manner.”

---

Charles R. Morse, one of seven candidates for three vacant seats on the Winthrop, MA, Board of Selectmen, had resided in Milton as a child, between circa 1857 and 1865.

Darwin Morse, a farmer, aged forty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Phoebe A. [(Huntress)] Morse, aged thirty-three years (b. NH), Charles R. Morse, aged nine years (b. NH), William Huntress, a gentleman, aged eighty-one years (b. NH), and Dorcas [(Dore)] Huntress, aged sixty-six years (b. NH). Darwin Morse had real estate valued at $10,000 and personal estate valued at $30,000.

(The Federal government assessed Phoebe A. Morse’s brother (and Charles R. Morse’s maternal uncle), William H. Huntress, for his hotel, livery stable, horse and carriage, and liquor license in Milton’s US Excise Tax of May 1864).

Charles R. Morse is a lawyer and is prominent in town affairs. Born in Natick In 1851, where the first six years of his life was spent, moving with his parents to Milton, N.H., where farm work occupied his attention during his boyhood, attending school during the winter time at Wolfboro academy. In 1865 he returned to Natick. and in 1871 entered the law office of F.F. Hurd, brother-in-law to Gen. B.F. Butler, and in whose office a portion of the next seven years were spent in the study of law. Mr. Morse located permanently in Boston in 1877, and has been a resident of Winthrop since 1890 (Boston Globe, March 23, 1905).

Charles Ruel Morse died in Dorchester, Boston, MA, October 8, 1925.

---

Here we find Milton’s alleged poisoning murderer of 1897 still confined in the Strafford County jail for debt.

HE PREFERS JAIL, A.W. Jones Won’t Take Debtor’s Oath. Milton, N.H, Man Petitioned Court, Then Refused to Appear. DOVER, N.H., May 16. – Alfred W. Jones of Milton, who petitioned the superior court from the Strafford county jail where he has been confined six years for debt, for release from imprisonment, refused at almost the last moment to appear before the commissioners appointed by the court to hear his petition, and so will continue to live behind jail bars. The hearing on the Jones petition was set for today at the county courthouse before Hon. William P. Nason and Robert Doe as commissioners. Jones sent word last evening to his counsel. James McCabe, that he had changed his mind and did not wish to press his application for release. The hearing accordingly did not take place (Boston Globe, May 27, 1905).

The “debtor’s oath” or “poor debtor’s oath” was a sort of bankruptcy. Taking the oath was an admission of insolvency and would permit liquidation of the debtor’s assets to at least partially satisfy his creditors. After which the debtor would be freed to start over.

Refusing to take the oath might preserve the debtor’s assets, but would also ensure his continued residence in jail.

---

N.B. Thayer & Company sought two female vampers for its Milton shoe factory.

A vamp is the part of a shoe that covers the forepart of the foot, possibly including the toe and instep (depending upon the style of shoe). The vampers sought here were female workers that made vamps. Similar advertisements mention vampers as operating two-needle Singer sewing machines.

FEMALE HELP WANTED. VAMPERS – Wanted, 2 first-class cylinder vampers on boys’ shoes. N.B. THAYER & Co., Milton, N.H. dSu7t Je20 (Boston Globe, June 23, 1905).

We see again the typographer’s code at the conclusion. This advertisement was to run both daily and Sunday, for seven times, from June 20.

---

Here another Milton school teacher (and principal) is identified. Walter Harold Bentley was born in Brookline, MA, May 24, 1878, son of David B. and Esther A. (Boyden) Bentley.

David B. Bentley, a school teacher, aged sixty-eight years (b. Canada (Eng.)), headed a Bridgewater, MA, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of thirty-eight years), Esther A. Bentley, aged fifty-nine years (b. MA), his son, Walter H. Bentley, a day laborer, aged twenty-two years (b. MA), and his boarders, Rachel Parker, a servant, aged twenty-three years (b. Canada (Eng.)), Howard H. Stiles, a shoe shop rounder, aged twenty-one years (b. NY), Frank C. Weeks, water works superintendent, aged seventy-four years (b. VT), Ethel E. Thomas, a school teacher, aged twenty-five years (b. ME), Nancy J. Westgate, a school teacher, aged twenty-four years (b. MA), Edna L. White, a school teacher, aged twenty-six years (b. MA), and Archie C. Osborne, a druggist, aged thirty-two years (b. NH).

Mr. Bentley’s tenure as a Milton school teacher would have been brief, only a year or two, likely beginning around the 1900-01 academic year. (His obituaries say he was a principal in Milton, probably at the Grammar School). He taught next in Dover, NH, and was principal of the Walnut-sq. grammar school in Haverhill, MA, by the 1903-04 academic year (Boston Globe, June 16, 1904).

A number of [Quincy, MA] grammar schools will have new teachers. Walter H. Bentley is principal of the Coddington school, vice Miss Mary A. Dearborn, who resigned after a service of over 30 years. Mr. Bentley is a graduate of the Bridgewater normal school, class of 1900, and has taught at Milton. N.H., Dover, N.H. (Boston Globe, September 11, 1905).

[The “vice” above is Latin for “in place of.” Coddington’s Principal Dearborn was replaced by Principal Bentley].

Walter H. Bentley, a public school teacher, aged thirty-one years (b. MA), headed a Quincy, MA, household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Harriet A. Bentley, aged twenty-three years (b. MA), and his father, David Bentley, a widower, aged seventy-seven years (b. Canada (Eng.)). They resided in a mortgaged house at 104 Underwood Avenue.

Walter H. Bentley resigned his principalship at Quincy’s Coddington school at the close of the 1910-11 academic year (Boston Globe, April 26, 1911). He was subsequently proprietor / teacher of a boys’ camp, resident in Winchester, MA, in 1920; a camp director, resident in Winchester, MA, in 1930; and a camp director, resident in Winchester, MA, in 1940.

Some 25 years ago [circa 1941-42], Walter H. Bentley of Winchester, who taught at Gov. Dummer Academy and other schools and started a boys camp at Wolfeboro, N.H., in 1909, wrote a letter on this subject. It was printed in a pamphlet to parents, and the letter is quoted in the last publication of the camp, now conducted by his son, Bradford M. Bentley, also of Winchester. Said the founder in part: “Wyanoke is like a big family. It is made up of boys – little fellows of 8 or 9 who need constant and sympathetic care and understanding; sturdy, active youngsters of 12 or 13, who need plenty to do and steady, wise direction; big, growing youths of 15 and 16, who are beginning to think of what life means, and who need inspiration and the daily comradeship of mature men who understand them. All of these boys benefit greatly from the community life of the camp. Many campers come from small families. At camp they learn that everything, even fun, is to be shared, and that the duties well done and consideration for others bring satisfaction and friends. Boys like and need to ‘run with the pack’ and a Summer home cannot fill this need as a camp does” (Boston Globe, April 30, 1967).

Walter H. Bentley died in Winchester, MA, January 30, 1945.

Deaths and Funerals. Walter H. Bentley. WINCHESTER, Jan. 30. Walter H. Bentley, 66, of 24 Central St., founder of several Summer camps for boys and girls, died today at his home. A graduate of Bridgewater Normal School, he was principal of schools in Milton and Dover, N.H., Haverhill and Quincy, and was associated for a time with Governor Dummer Academy. In 1904 he helped found the Medomak Camp for Boys and in 1909 he opened Camp Wyanoke, Wolfeboro, N.H., now directed by his son, Bradford M. Bentley. He also founded Camp Winnemont for Girls, West Ossipee, N.H. Besides his son he leaves a wife. Funeral services will be held in the Ripley Memorial Chapel of the First Congregational Church Thursday at 2:30. Burial will be in Wolfeboro, N.H. (Boston Globe, January 31, 1945).

Camps Founder Dies in Massachusetts. Boston, Feb. 1 (AP) – Walter H. Bentley, 66, a pioneer in the founding of children’s summer camps, died Tuesday. A resident of Winchester, Bentley was principal of schools in Milton, Dover, N.H., Haverhill and Quincy during his early years as an educator. He operated his own camps, Wyanoke for boys at Wolfeboro, N.H., and Winnemont for girls at West Ossipee, N.H. Burial will be in Wolfeboro, N.H. (Portsmouth Herald, February 1, 1945).

---

The Dover bank embezzler of 1903 served out two years of his two-to-three-year sentence and was released.

MATHES IS RELEASED. Ex-Treasurer of Stafford Savings Bank of Dover, N.H., Returns to That City. CONCORD, N.H., Oct. 21. – Albert O. Mathes of Dover, one time treasurer of the Strafford savings bank in that city, was released from the state prison in this city today, having completed the minimum term of an indeterminate sentence imposed upon him two years ago for the embezzlement of the funds of his institution. Gov. McLane and his council gave Mathes a pardon at their last meeting, the effect of which was to annul the parole feature of his sentence and to restore him at once to the full privileges of citizenship. Mathes went from this city to Dover, where old friends are said to have secured a position for him (Boston Globe, October 21, 1905).

Albert O. Mathes died in Dover, NH, July 20, 1907.

---

Rev. E.W. Churchill of Milton Mills gave an address before a Freewill Baptist quarterly meeting held in West Lebanon, ME.

FREE BAPTISTS IN SESSION. New Durham Quarterly Meeting on at West Lebanon, Me. WEST LEBANON, Me, Oct 25. – The New Durham, N.H. quarterly meeting of Free Baptists is in session at the Free Baptist church here. Today’s program began at 9:30, with a testimony and prayer meeting, led by Rev G.L. Lowell of Northwood, N.H. The conference sermon was preached at 11 by Rev. Hibbert Lockhart of Rochester, N.H. This afternoon the woman’s missionary society met, Mrs. Flora L. Hill presiding. The reports showed the society to be in a flourishing condition. Rev E.W. Churchill of Milton Mills, N.H. gave an address. There was a solo by Mrs. Lura J. Bagley of East Rochester. An evangelistic service was held this evening by Rev. Walter J. Malvern of Gonic. Tomorrow amendments to the constitution will be discussed, among them being a change of name of the association, and a change of the time of the annual meeting (Boston Globe, October 26, 1905).

---

At Milton. N.H., last Wednesday, a dark bay horse of 1100 pounds and one white hind foot, attached to a Kimball open buggy and wearing an open bridle, was stolen. Any information will be gladly received by the local police (Fitchburg Sentinel, [Monday,] November 27, 1905).

No indication of owner or whether the horse and buggy were recovered.

---

How cold was it?

EDITORIAL POINTS. It was so cold Thanksgiving day that a football game at Milton, N.H., was cancelled, and the brutal feature of the game which forces delicate women to sit for hours slowly freezing to death was thus abolished (Boston Globe, December 4, 1905).

---

Previous in sequence: Milton in the News – 1904; next in sequence: Milton in the News – 1906

---

References:

Find a Grave. (2017, August 31). Walter Harold Bentley. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/182880263

By Muriel Bristol (Transcriber) | June 23, 2019

In this year, we encounter some cutters wanted at a shoe factory, another masked ball at the A.O.U.W. hall, some Arctic weather, the Milton & Lebanon Building Association founded, another table girl wanted, a wife wanted, a fireside quilt completed, puppies for sale, a suspicious death, and a smoke-filled room.

---

The N.B. Thayer & Company’s shoe factory was hiring.

MALE HELP WANTED. TAP CUTTER – Wanted, first-class tap cutter, Walker dies. N.B. THAYER & CO., Milton, N.H. SSu (Boston Globe, [Saturday,] January 3, 1904).

MALE HELP WANTED. CUTTERS – Wanted, 2 first-class outside cutters for box calf and vici. N.B. THAYER & CO., Milton, N.H. (Boston Globe, [Sunday,] January 3, 1904).

One may note again the typesetter’s notation or code to themselves [SSu] concluding the first advertisement: this advertisement was to be printed in both the Saturday and Sunday editions. Remember too that the typesetters would be reading their own notation, as well as everything else, in reverse.

---

Here we have another masked ball at the A.O.U.W. [Ancient Order of United Workmen] hall in Milton, this one sponsored by the Milton dramatic club.

ANNUAL MASQUE BALL. Entertainment Given at Milton, N.H., by Dramatic Club of That Place. MILTON, N.H., Jan. 8. – The Milton dramatic club gave its second annual masked ball at A.O.U.W. hall tonight. There were 92 couples in the march, which was led by Mr. and Mrs. Fred S. Hartford. The ball officers were Fred S. Hartford, chief marshal; Samuel E. Drew, Frank S. Norton, aids; George A. Gilmore, George V. Paey, Samuel Swett, assistants. Among those present were:

Mr. John Hartigan, Mr. Charles Parker, Mr. Herbert Finnegan, Mr. W. Wentworth, Mr. & Mrs. E. Looney, Mr. Herbert Willey, Mr. Harry Page, Mr. William Elliott, Mr. Frank Burke, Mr. Fred Downs, Miss Alice Brock, Miss Annie Marcoux, Miss Annie Young, Miss Clara Hurd, Miss M. O’Loughlin, Miss Florence Dore, Mr. Frank Cassidy, Mr. Ernest Leighton, Miss Mary Varney, Miss Grace Pike, Miss Grace Stone,

Mrs. Piercy, Mr. & Mrs. C. Wingate, Mr. & Mrs. J. O’Loughlin, Mr. Frank Jones, Mr. Philip Irish, Mr. Walter Randall, Mr. James Howard, Mr. William Dore, Mr. & Mrs. Leslie Hayes, Mr. Scott Randall, Miss Effie Howard, Mr.  & Mrs. J. Marcoux, Miss Blanche Tufts, Mr. Charles Drew, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Page, Mr. Herbert Dow, Mr. Fred Emery, Mrs. John Daniels, Mr. & Mrs. Fred Horne, Miss Lizzie Stead, Miss Blanch Dore (Boston Globe, January 9, 1904).

This event may be compared with that held in the same hall by the Milton social club in 1899.

---

Milton may be considered to be in the northern part of the south, for weather reports affecting the seacoast, but also in the southern part of the north, for weather reports affecting the White Mountains.

ARCTIC N.H, SECTIONS. From 14 to 18 Below in Portsmouth – Conway Has It 46, West Ossipee 41 and Wolfboro 30. PORTSMOUTH. N.H., Jan 19. Today is the coldest of the present season in this city, the mercury this morning ranging from 14 to 18 degrees below zero, and all outdoor work is practically suspended. Reports from points along the northern division of the Boston & Maine railroad are as follows: Conway 46 degrees below, West Ossipee 41 degrees below, Union 35 degrees below, Wolfboro 30 degrees below, Milton 19 degrees below, Conway Junction 20 degrees below (Boston Globe, January 19, 1904).

In this case, Milton seems to have been comparatively lucky in experiencing weather more akin to the northern part of the south, while Arctic weather affected the White Mountains to its north so severely.

---

A number of prominent men founded the Milton & Lebanon Building Association.

Maine Corporations. AUGUSTA, Feb. 28 – The following companies filed articles of incorporation last week.

Milton & Lebanon Building Association, Lebanon. Capital – $10,000. Promoters, F.H. Thayer, Boston; Joseph H. Avery, B.B. Plummer, J. Gardner Alden, Milton; Ira W. Jones, Lebanon (Boston Globe, February 28, 1904).

---

The table girl sought here either replaces or supplements the one hired by the Milton Hotel in December of the previous year.

FEMALE HELP WANTED. WANTED – Experienced table girl, permanent position and good wages. Milton Hotel, Milton. N.H. (Boston Globe, March 13, 1904).

---

If one has a farm, but is not a farmer, one might want to hire a farm couple to run the place.

MALE HELP WANTED. WANTED – Couple on farm, to do general farm work, 3 miles from village; state wages wanted. Address E.L.S., Milton, N.H., Box 229 (Boston Globe, March 18, 1904).

There were no “state wages,” as minimum wages were still many years in the future and even then usually exempted farm labor. The advertiser E.L.S. meant simply that they would like applicants to declare or state what wages they would consider to take the job.

---

MATRIMONIAL. WIFE WANTED – A strictly temperate man of 85 wants a kind and loving wife. Address H.P. CURTIS, Box 69, Milton, N.H. (Boston Globe, August 20, 1904).

“There may be snow on the rooftop, but there is fire in the furnace.”

---

Cyrus Frink Hart was born in Milton, June 3, 1821, son of John and Elizabeth (Nutter) Hart. He married in Milton, September 12, 1845, Mary Lydia “Lydia” Witham. She was born October 25, 1823.

Cyrus F. and Lydia M. (Witham) Hart had a farm at Milton Mills.

Cyrus F. Hart, a farmer, 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 wife (of sixty-four years), Lydia Hart, aged seventy-six years (b. NH). She was the mother of six children, of whom only one was still living. They owned their farm free-and-clear, without any mortgage. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Hiram Young, a farmer, aged forty-six years (b. ME), and Hiram Wentworth, a carpenter, aged fifty-six years (b. NH).

Cyrus F. Hart died in Milton Mills, July 27, 1902. Here we find his widow, Mrs. Lydia (Witham) Hart, having completed her fireside quilt, just in time for the winter of 1904-05.

Odd Items from Everywhere. Mrs. Lydia Hart, of Milton Mills, N.H., aged 82 years, has just completed what she calls a “Fireside quilt,” which she has pieced entirely with her own hands (Boston Globe, October 19, 1904).

Lydia (Witham) Hart died in Milton Mills, February 1, 1907.

---

Fred M. Chamberlain, proprietor of the Phoenix House hotel (next to depot), advertised a litter of puppies for sale.

DOGS, CATS, ETC. FOR SALE – 1 extra good rabbit dog, $25; others, not so good, for sale. Write F.M. CHAMBERLAIN, Phœnix house, Milton, N.H. (Boston Globe, October 30, 1904).

---

Shove Shannon Symonds was born in Salem, MA, September 19, 1848, son of Jonathan S. and Elizabeth G. (Nichols) Symonds.

Shove S. Symonds, a painter, aged fifty-two years (b. MA), headed a Salem, MA, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife, M. Estelle Symonds, aged thirty-seven years (b. MA). He owned the two-family dwelling at 113 North Street, which they shared with the household of George Spence, a machinist, aged fifty years (b. ME).

S.S. Symonds appeared at the Milton A.O.U.W. “smoke talk” as a visiting speaker from the A.O.U.W. Massachusetts Grand Lodge’s Committee on Laws.

ANCIENT ORDER OF UNITED WORKMEN. Strafford lodge of Milton, N.H. will have a smoke talk Tuesday evening. S.S. Symonds of the law committee will be the speaker (Boston Globe, November 27, 1904).

Shove S. Symonds was still a member of A.O.U.W. Committee on Laws in 1920. He died in Salem, MA, in 1928.

---

Here we learn of the suspicious death in Rochester, NH, of Herman C. Dyer of Milton.

Charles Dyer, a farmer, aged fifty-seven years (b. ME), headed a Milton household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of thirty-two years), Martha A. [(Drew)] Dyer, aged fifty-six years (b. NH), and his children, Herman C. Dyer, a paper mill operative, aged thirty-one years (b. NH), Annie M. [(Dyer)] Bailey, a shoe shop vamper, aged twenty-nine years, Benjamin Dyer, a farm laborer, aged twenty-six years (b. NH), Hattie M. Dyer, a button-hole finisher, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), and [her twin], Nettie M. Dyer, runs button-hole machine, aged twenty-four years (b. NH). Their farm appeared in the enumeration between the households of Charles A. Ricker, a farmer, aged forty-five years (b. NH), and Kimball S. Goodall, a farmer, aged sixty-eight years (b. NH).

THINK MAN, NOT TRAIN, KILLED HIM. Richard Farrell Arrested on Suspicion of Concern in Dyer’s Death. ROCHESTER. N.H., Dec. 4. – As the result of an investigation of the death of Herman C. Dyer, whose body was found shortly after 6 last night – between the rails of the northern division of the Boston & Maine about halfway between the Portland-st and Winter-st crossings. Richard Farrell is under arrest on suspicion of being concerned in Dyer’s death.

The investigation is being conducted by the medical referee, Dr. John H. Neal, who today made an autopsy on the body with Drs. M.B. Sullivan and Harry O. Cbesley of Dover. It was thought at first that Dyer was struck and killed by either the 5:55 train or the 6:08 train, both southbound, but after the body had been examined, indications of possible violence were discovered.

The body had been found in the track by Harry Hoyt, who stumbled over it in the darkness. A careful examination of the spot where the body lay, which was about 300 yards from the station, showed that the body had been dragged to the middle of the track from outside the rail. A pool of blood partly inside and partly outside the rail was found about 20 feet away. The body rested face up on ties at a switch, which are higher than those near it. The fact that the injury was on the back of the head, instead of the face, is considered a suspicious circumstance. The place is a dark one, some distance from the electric lights.

There were two Harry Hoyts in Rochester: one aged nineteen years and the other aged seventeen years.

Later in the night the police were notified by R.M. Perkins, who lives nearest the place where the body lay, that he heard a pistol shot a little after 6 in the direction of the railroad.

Ironically, R.M. Perkins was a manufacturer and dealer of marble monuments and headstones. His shop stood opposite the G.F. & C.R.R. [Great Falls & Conway Railroad] station in Rochester. His house was at 15 Heaton street.

Meantime it had been learned that Dyer had been in company during the day with Farrell, that they had visited several saloons together and had also driven in a livery team to a roadhouse on the Farmington road. It was reported that Dyer had a considerable sum of money with him. When his clothing was searched only 46 cents was found.

Farrell was arrested in Central sq., about 12:30 by Asst. City Marshal Albert F. Wilkinson and locked up. He was told that he was suspected of murdering Dyer, but he denied all knowledge of the alleged crime. He admitted having been with Dyer during the day. The charge against Farrell will depend upon the nature of the report Medical Referee Neal will make tomorrow forenoon to County Solicitor Scott of Dover.

Dr. Neal declined to make a statement tonight as to the result of the autopsy, as Solicitor Scott had requested that the details be withheld until tomorrow. Dr. Neal would neither confirm nor deny the report that a bullet had been extracted from Dyer’s head nor say whether the discolorations found on the side of the head last night, and supposed to be coal dust or sand, were powder marks. The absence of a large portion of Dyer’s skull, extending from the base of the brain to near the top of the head, is expected to bear out the theory that he was shot at close range or was clubbed to death.

The officials are now confident that Dyer could not have been hit by any train. It is learned that he was seen in the vicinity walking along the track after the 6:08 train had gone, and his body was found and removed before the 6:34 north-bound train arrived from Somersworth.

Mrs. Charles Dyer, the dead man’s mother, was seen at her home in Milton today. She said that Charles Chesley, a Milton man, informed her today that he went to Rochester last night, arriving there on the 6:08 train, and that he saw her son near the Portland-st crossing and spoke to him. She did not learn from Chesley whether another man was with Dyer. Mrs. Dyer said that her son left Milton for Rochester Saturday morning at 8:30. She asked him when he would return.

Charles Chesley, a farm laborer, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH), had resided in the Milton household of his uncle, Laraila [?] Chesley, a farmer, aged eighty years (b. NH), at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census.

“You’ll see me when I come back,” he said, an answer he was wont to give, his mother stated. As to the amount of money Dyer had when he left, Mrs. Dyer said that before going he paid her the board money he owed her, and that he had more than $19 beside. She thought he must have had about that sum on leaving town.

Dyer had been employed at the Milton leather-board mill 19 years. He was accustomed to take liquor occasionally, but has borne a good reputation. He was 35 years old. He is survived by his parents and three sisters, Mrs. Nettie Ellis and Mrs. Jacob Legro of Milton, and Mrs. Annie Bailey or Boston. The family is grief-stricken over the tragedy.

The Milton Leather-board company established itself in Milton around 1885. Dyer would have been one of its earlier employees. (He was an “operator,” i.e., he operated a machine). Its mill in Milton had burned down in January 1902, but had been rebuilt rather quickly.

Farrell is 30 years old. He came to this city from Lowell five years ago. He has no regular occupation, except that he is often employed as a piano player at road houses. Farrell was taken to the office of City Solicitor Felker today and closely questioned by Solicitor Felker and City Marshall Allen. Later he was questioned by County Solicitor Scott, who was present also at the autopsy (Boston Globe, December 5, 1904).

Farrell’s arrest for “a suspicion of a concern” seems rather slim in terms of “probable cause.” He has not left much in the way of a documentary record in either Lowell, MA, or Rochester, NH. Perhaps that is part and parcel of being a piano player in a succession of roadhouses.

FOUL PLAY SUSPECTED. Rochester, N.H., Dec. 5. Because the body of Herman C. Dyer of Milton, N.H., which was found on the tracks of the Boston and Maine railroad Saturday evening, showed little of the usual mutilation attending a railroad fatality, the police arrested Richard Farrell of Lowell, Mass, by occupation a musician, on suspicion of being concerned in Dyer’s death. An autopsy was held, the result of which the authorities would not disclose (Fitchburg Sentinel (Fitchburg, MA), December 5, 1904).

KILLED BY FALL. Belief Now Held in the Dyer Case at Rochester – Charges Against Farrell Likely to be Dropped. DOVER, N.H., Dec. 7. – County Solicitor Scott was asked today what effect the story of Mrs. Guptill and Miss Ellis of Somersworth, concerning the man whom they saw board the down train from Rochester, last Saturday evening, and jump off after it had got well under way, and who is thought to have been Herman C. Dyer, would have upon the murder charge against Richard Farrell. Mr. Scott replied: “That will probably be the end of it. A hearing will be held at 2 o’clock this afternoon at Rochester, when the state’s charge against Farrell will probably be dropped. There is now practically no doubt that Dyer was killed by falling off the train” (Boston Globe, December 7, 1904).

The Rochester Town Clerk, H.L. Worcester, recorded Dyer’s December 3rd death in Rochester, NH, somewhat belatedly, on December 31, 1904, as informed by [Dr.] John H. Neal, medical referee. The cause of death given was “Accident on Rail Road.” For the duration of the illness, usually more relevant for some ailment or disease, Neal laconically answered “Short.”

---

“They afterwards took me to a dancing saloon [in Leadville, CO,] where I saw the only rational method of art criticism I have ever come across. Over the piano was printed a notice: PLEASE DO NOT SHOOT THE PIANIST. HE IS DOING HIS BEST. The mortality among pianists in that place is marvelous.” – Oscar Wilde, Impressions of America

---

Previous in sequence: Milton in the News – 1903; next in sequence: Milton in the News – 1905

---

References:

Find a Grave. (2011, February 28). Herman C. Dyer. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/66265131

Find a Grave. (2013, July 29). Lydia Witham Hart. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114593902

Wikipedia. (2019, June 9). Don’t Shoot Me, I’m Only the Piano Player. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don%27t_Shoot_Me_I%27m_Only_the_Piano_Player

By Muriel Bristol (Transcriber) | June 20, 2019

In this year, we encounter a bank embezzler, an escape artist, and a table girl wanted at the Milton Hotel.

---

Albert Orlando Mathes was born in Milton, in July 1842, son of Robert and Mary S. (Moulton) Mathes. He married in Woburn, MA, December 15, 1880, Mary J. Drew, he of Dover, NH, and she of Woburn. He was a bank teller.

Albert O. Mathes, a bank clerk, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Dover, NH, household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of nineteen years), Mary J. Mathes, aged fifty-two years (b. MA), and his daughter Lura J. Mathes, at school, aged fifteen years (b. NH). They resided at 56 Silver Street in Dover. His mother-in-law, Mary Y. Drew, a widow, aged seventy-six years (b. NH), and her daughter [his sister-in-law], Harriet W. Drew, also a bank clerk, aged forty-six years (b. MA), resided next door at 58 Silver Street.

Albert O. Mathes, of Dover, NH, featured in Milton’s Centennial, August 30, 1902, in presenting a memorial clock (for the steeple of the Congregational church), as well as arranging for a display of historical artifacts.

CASHIER MATHES INJURED. Dover Banker Fell Between the Cars at Milton. Albert O. Mathes, cashier of the Strafford Savings bank of Dover and will known in this city, fell between the cars at Milton, while getting off the train, at noon on Thursday. One of his legs was so badly crushed it is believed it will be necessary to amputate the member below the knee. Mr. Mathes has been ill for the last week and is subject to dizzy spells. It is thought that he had one of these spells and lost his balance while alighting from the moving train (Portsmouth Herald, May 1, 1903).

ADMITS WRONG-DOING. Treasurer of Strafford Savings Bank a Defaulter. FIRST TOOK CASH IN 1890. Became Involved In Speculation and Had Never Been Successful – Used Money of Personal Friends and Covered Up Shortage For Years. Dover, N.H., June 1. The bank commissioners of New Hampshire announced that Albert O. Mathes, for 35 years treasurer of the Strafford Five Cents Savings bank of this city, is a defaulter to the amount of $15,452.43. The officials of the bank have placed the facts in the hands of Attorney General Eastman. Mathes has an accident insurance policy for $7500 which he has turned over to the bank, and has real estate valued at $8000 in this city, which will also be placed at the bank’s disposal. In addition he was under $50,000 bonds furnished by a Baltimore guaranty company. Mathes, who had been in ill health, went to Milton, N.H., on April 29, where his mother resided, and met with an accident, having his leg cut off by falling under a train. President Brown of the bank first had his attention called to the irregularities when complaints began to come in from depositors that they had more money on deposit in the bank than their passbooks gave them credit for. Mr. Brown went to Milton and asked the treasurer about these discrepancies, and the latter admitted to him that he had taken in all $15,400, which was just the amount that was revealed by a more thorough examination of the depositors’ passbooks. Mathes said he first began to take the money in 1890. About that time a friend gave him $1000 with which to speculate, the profits to be shared jointly. He speculated with it and lost, and in order to make good his losses he took money from the deposits of personal friends who had deposited money in the bank and had left their passbooks with him for safe keeping. For two years, he said, he had continued to speculate, and he had never been successful in his ventures. For the past eight years, however, he said be had not speculated at all, but had simply tried to keep his shortage covered up. Notices were sent out to depositors on April 1 to bring in their books for verification and the officials made their examination on April 28, the day before Mathes started for Milton. The Strafford Savings bank is the fifth in Dover in which a defalcation has occurred within a dozen years, the Dover National and the Dover Five Cents Savings bank having failed about 11 years ago through the peculations of Isaac Abbott, the cashier and treasurer. Abbott burned his books and committed suicide on his wife’s grave. By the defalcation of Harry Hough of the Cocheco National and Cocheco Savings banks, who is now in prison, those institutions were wrecked four years ago (North Adams Transcript, June 1, 1903).

OPEN AS USUAL. The Strafford Savings bank of Dover opened its doors as usual on Monday morning at nine o’clock, for all the world as if its treasurer, Albert O. Mathes, were not charged with defalcation of the institution’s funds to the amount of over $15,000. Every official was at his post, and business was transacted without the slightest hitch. There has been no run on the bank by the depositors, nor any indication that they or the public in general have lost confidence in the least in the institution (Portsmouth Herald, June 2, 1903).

HELD IN $6000 BAIL. – Albert O. Mathes Charged with Embezzling $10,000 from Savings Bank at Dover, N.H. DOVER, N.H., July 20. – Albert O. Mathes, ex-treasurer of the Stafford savings bank, came down from Milton this morning and was placed under arrest at the police station on the charge of embezzlement of $10,000 of the funds of the bank. Immediately after voluntarily giving himself up he was arraigned before Judge Frost in the police court. Last Wednesday the alleged defaulting treasurer wrote to County Solicitor Scott that he was ready to be arrested, and asked when it would be convenient to have the arraignment. He desired to come to Dover and have the papers served on him here. Col. Scott designated Monday morning at 9 as the most convenient time, and requested him to come then. Mr. Mathes accordingly came from Milton today on the first train. He was met by his counsel, Hon. John Kivel, and they proceeded to the police station, where Sheriff George W. Parker served the warrant. The ex-treasurer appeared much emaciated, but his strength has been steadily increasing since the accident at Milton last spring, which cost him his leg. He now gets about readily on crutches. At the arraignment counsel Kivel waived the reading of the warrant, but did not enter a plea in the case, as his client desired to do that. Mr. Mathes, upon the advice of his counsel, decided to plead not guilty, in order that the respondent might derive the advantage of such a plea in case any defect should be found in the expected indictment. The court held Mathes for appearance before the September term of the superior court, and fixed his bail at $6000, which was immediately furnished. The bondsmen are John T.W. Ham of this city and Amos M. Roberts of Milton. Solicitor Scott stated after the arraignment that he believed it to be Mathes’ intention to plead guilty before the superior court, when the case comes up for final disposal. He based his opinion on Mathes’ declaration before the police court that he desired to plead guilty. Mr. Mathes returned on the 10:40 train to Milton, where he is staying at his mother’s home. Mathes’ expressed intention to plead guilty is not surprising, in view of the fact that he made a clean breast of his wrong-doings before Pres. Brown and other officers of the bank. Although Mathes had never been placed under arrest formally, it has been known for some time that a warrant for his detention on the charge or embezzlement was in the possession or the county solicitor. The paper was issued by the court shortly after the examination of the books of the Strafford bank disclosed a large defalcation. Suspicion was at once attached to Mathes, and soon afterward the severance of the relations of Mathes as treasurer of the bank was announced. The reason the government did not arrest the bank treasurer was that he met with an accident at Milton. as a result of which he had been confined indoors until today, when the doctor permitted him to come to Dover for the court proceedings (Boston Globe, July 20, 1903).

Mathes’ Shortage Made Good. DOVER. N.H., Aug. 4 – The Strafford savings bank of this city has received payment in full from the fidelity concern which furnished bonds for Albert O. Mathes, the former cashier, now under arrest. The shortage was about $12,000 (Boston Globe, August 4, 1903).

GOES TO PRISON. Albert O. Mathes Pleads Guilty in Dover. Embezzled $10,000 From the Strafford Savings Bank. Sentenced to Two or Three Years at Hard Labor and Costs. DOVER, N.H., Oct. 22. – The arraignment of Albert O. Mathes. ex-treasurer of the Strafford savings bank of this city, indicted at the September term of the superior court for the alleged embezzlement of $10,000 of the bank’s funds, May 1, 1903, took place at 9:30 this morning in the superior court. The ex-official came down from his mother’s home at Milton on the 8:30 train, and walked on crutches to the courthouse. where he was met by hits counsel, Hon. J.S.H. Frink of Portsmouth, and Hon. John Kivel of this city. Half an hour later he walked into the courtroom, appearing remarkably cool and well prepared for the ordeal, although somewhat pale and emaciated. Before the arraignment a 20-minute conference was held in the judge’s private room between Judge Stone, Atty. Gen. Eastman, County Solicitor Scott and Mathes’ counsel. Attorney Frink waived the reading of the indictment. Mathes’ plea was then called for by the clerk. Rising from his seat, Mathes replied. “I am guilty.” Mr. Frink then addressed the court at length in an argument for a mild sentence on the ground of extenuating circumstances. Atty. Gen. Eastman said that while his sympathies were touched by the appeal of the respondent’s counsel, he, as a representative of the people, must do his duty toward securing the ends of justice, and should ask for a reasonably long sentence. Judge Stone then sentenced Mathes to not more than three years nor less than two at hard labor in the state prison and to pay the costs of prosecution. Mathes received the sentence with emotion. The maximum penalty in this state for a crime of this nature is five years. A mittimus was immediately prepared and the ex-treasurer was taken to Concord by Sheriff Parker on the 19:40 train. This was done in order that Mathes might begin serving his sentence today. No member of Mathes family was present at the arraignment. The farewells were said at his mother’s home at Milton this morning (Boston Globe, October 23, 1903).

Mrs. Albert O. Mathes had her house at 58 Silver Street in the Dover directory of 1905. Lura Mathes, an employee at C.M. Co. [Cocheco Manufacturing Company], boarded there with her.

Albert O. Mathes was released from the state prison in Concord, NH, October 21, 1905. (He served two years). He died in Dover, NH, July 20, 1907.

---

John Ray married in Sanford, ME, May 17, 1902, Cassendania B. “Cassie” McDaniels, both of Sanford. He was born in Liverpool, England, circa 1878-79, son of John and Mabel (Pickett) Ray, and she in East Wakefield, NH, March 27, 1882, daughter of Samuel L. and Mary E. (Sanborn) McDaniels. Ray was a sailor.

John Ray Goes to Jail. SANFORD, Me., July 28 – John Ray, known as “Sailor Jack,” who escaped from officer Tibbetts last Thursday after having been sentenced in the municipal court to pay $3 and costs or serve 30 days in jail for intoxication, was recaptured by Tibbetts at Milton Mills last night. Ray was committed to jail this morning to serve the sentence for intoxication (Boston Globe, July 29, 1903).

One might not be too terribly surprised to find that Cassie divorced Sailor Jack. She married (2nd) in Boston, MA, July 21, 1906, Hubert E. Reish, she a mill operative, of Portsmouth, NH, aged twenty-four years, and he a blacksmith, of Indianapolis, IN, aged twenty-two years.

Mary E. McDaniels, a shoe shop trimmer, aged forty-four years (b. ME), headed an Acton, ME, household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. Her household included her children, Cassendania Reish, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH), Sewall McDaniels, a farmer (working out), aged nineteen years (b. ME), Curtis H. McDaniels, a worsted mill laborer, aged seventeen years (b. ME), and Luella McDaniels, a shoe shop cementer, aged thirteen years (b. ME).

Cassie B. Reish died in Wolfeboro, NH, September 16, 1915, aged thirty-three years. She had resided there for one year, having previously resided in Boston.

---

FEMALE HELP WANTED. TABLE GIRL. Wanted, experienced table girl – permanent position and good wages, Milton hotel. Milton, N.H. (Boston Globe, December 27, 1903).

Whoever this table girl might have been, she would have served, among many others, May Bogan and her daughter Louise, the future poet laureate.

---

Previous in sequence: Milton in the News – 1902; next in sequence: Milton in the News – 1904

---

References: