USA > New Hampshire > Merrimack County > Biographical review containing life sketches of leading citizens of Merrimack and Sullivan counties, New Hampshire > Part 68
USA > New Hampshire > Sullivan County > Biographical review containing life sketches of leading citizens of Merrimack and Sullivan counties, New Hampshire > Part 68
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the country in company with her brother Henri. She became the wife of Dr. Charles E. Fowler, of Bristol, and died April 19, 1882.
Henri G. Blaisdell obtained his general education in the district schools of his native town and at the academies at Wentworth and Keene. When but nine years old he mani- fested a decided talent for music, and not long after began its systematic study. That he might become proficient as a violinist, he was placed under the instruction and guidance of Carl Schultze and other well-known masters of the violin, and in course of time, by hard, conscientious work, did full credit to his teachers. Since reaching the age of fourteen, he has followed music as a profession, having travelled extensively through the United States and conducted orchestras, in connection with musical festivals and operatic presenta- tions, in all the leading cities. He was the first to give to the people of New Hampshire an efficient orchestra, organized especially with a view to the performance of symphonies and other high-class musical works, and which he has himself conducted on various important occasions. Mr. Blaisdell has a well-estab- lished reputation as a capable and very suc- cessful teacher of the violin, and his knowl- edge of voice culture has caused his advice to be sought by singers from many parts of the country. He is also well versed in the his- tory of music, has an intimate acquaintance with the works of the great masters, and is a frequent contributor to the leading magazines of the country on this and kindred topics. For ten years he was concert-master of the Handel and Haydn Society, under the man- agement of Carl Zerrahn. The conductorship of Gilmore's concert chorus was offered to him for the three years immediately preced- ing Mr. Gilmore's death, but his strong at-
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tachment to and preference for his native State induced him to decline. At present he is choir-master of the boys' choir of forty voices at St. Paul's Church at Concord. He has de- voted some time to composition, but subordi- nates his practice in that branch of musical art to his work as teacher and conductor. He has a large acquaintance among the leading musi- cians of the country, many of whom are his warm friends.
In 1869 Mr. Blaisdell was united in mar- riage with Lilly D. Leonard, of Glover, Vt. He and his wife are the parents of two prom- ising boys: Carlysle, who has already given evidence of having inherited much of his father's musical talent; and Victor J. Mr. Blaisdell is a Republican politically. Like all true artists, he loves nature, and in sum- mer he spends much of his time at his beauti- ful country seat on the shores of Lake Winne- pesaukee and in navigating its waters in his steam yacht. He is a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church at Concord.
OHN J. JENNESS,* a well-to-do farmer of Pittsfield, was born in this town, April 13, 1829, son of John and Ann P. (Tilton) Jenness. The family, which is of English origin, was first represented in America by three brothers who were early settlers of Rye Beach, N. H. John Jenness (first), grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born at Rye Beach, and reared to agricultural pursuits. When a young man, he settled in Pittsfield, and was afterward en- gaged in tilling the soil in this town until his death, which occurred when he was forty-four years old. He rendered substantial aid in building the first Congregational church in Pittsfield, and contributed generously toward its support while he lived. In politics he was
a Democrat. He married a lady named Page, and with her reared a family of three children, none of whom are living.
John Jenness (second), the father of John J. Jenness, was born in Pittsfield. The active period of his life was devoted to the cultiva- tion of a farm in this town. An industrious and successful farmer, he acquired consider- able property. Politically, he acted with the Democratic party, and for many years he was prominent in the public affairs of Pittsfield. He served with ability as Town Clerk, Mod- erator, and Selectman; and he represented Pittsfield in the legislature. At his death he had attained the age of sixty-one years. His wife, Ann, who is a daughter of William Tilton, of London, N. H., has been the mother of four children, three of whom are living; namely, John J., Frank W., and Lizzie A. Now ninety-three years old, she is residing at the homestead in this town.
John J. Jenness attended the school in his native town. When his studies were com- pleted, he went to Alabama, where he worked at bridge-building and acquired a good knowl- edge of the business. After residing in the South four years, he went, in 1856, to Cali- fornia, where he was engaged in the construc- tion of bridges for three years; and he then returned to Pittsfield. For over thirty-five years he has been one of the most successful general farmers of this town. His estate covers one hundred and twenty acres of excel- lent tillage land.
In 1863 Mr. Jenness married Sarah A. French, daughter of Sylvester H. French, of Pittsfield. Of the two children born to them John H. Jenness is living. In politics Mr. Jenness is a Democrat. He has rendered capable and efficient services to the town as a Selectman, and as its Representative in the State legislature during the years 1874 and
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1875 he proved himself a wise and careful guardian of its interest. Mr. Jenness attends the Baptist church, of which Mrs. Jenness is a member.
RTHUR B. CHASE,* book-keeper and paymaster of the Sugar River Mills, was born in Newport, N. H., Janu- ary 3, 1833, son of Joseph T. and Elizabeth D. (Allen) Chase. Caleb Chase, the grand- father, came to Newport in 1822. He was a native of West Newbury, Mass., and a farmer by occupation. He was a member of the old South Congregational Church for many years. He died at the age of sixty-five years. His wife, Hannah Carr Chase, died at the age of seventy - six. Joseph T. Chase, father of Arthur, followed the shoemaking trade in Newport throughout his life. He was a member of the Congregational society relig- iously and a Whig and Free Soiler in politics. He died January 16, 1856, when not quite fifty years old. His wife, who was born March 10, 1812, survives him, and lives with her son, the subject of this sketch. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph T. Chase had six children, of whom four are now living: Arthur B., whose name begins this sketch; Aretus T., born October 30, 1835, died June 23, 1854; Henry M., born in March, 1841, and now a resident of Minneapolis, Minn. ; George A., born May 6, 1843, lives in Tyngsboro, Mass .; Francis Vosburg, born in 1848 at Greenfield, Mass., and died in 1876; and Joseph E., born June 17, 1852, and now a resident of Tennes- see City, Tenn.
Arthur B. Chase was educated in the com- mon school and high school of Newport, and at first took up his father's trade, which he followed until 1868. In that year he secured his present position as book-keeper and pay- master of the Sugar River Mills, Dexter
Richards & Sons, proprietors. This concern, which has about eighty-five persons on its pay-roll, is one of the most flourishing in this vicinity. June 9, 1857, Mr. Chase mar- ried Miss Ann Richards, a sister of Mr. Dexter Richards, the well-known donor to the village of the town library, the high-school building, and other generous gifts. Mr. and Mrs. Chase have no children other than an adopted daughter, Fanny French Chase. They are both members of the Congregational church, of which Mr. Chase has been clerk for twenty years. He is also treasurer of the church and society. Heis a Republican polit- ically, and has held the office of Town Clerk for three years. He is also secretary and treasurer of Sugar River Lodge, No. 55, I. O. O. F.
EORGE OLIVER LOCKE,* of Pem- broke, an ex-member of the New Hampshire House of Representa- tives, was born in South New Market, N.H., September 19, 1826, son of Simeon and Clarissa (Tash) Locke. His great-grand- father, David Locke, who was a native of Yorkshire, England, became an early settler in Rye, N. H., where he owned a good farm, and resided there until his death, which oc- curred at a good old age.
Simeon Locke (first), grandfather of the subject of this sketch, followed farming in Epsom for a time. Later he moved to East Concord, N.H., and there spent the rest of his life. His habits of thrift and industry enabled him to acquire considerable property. In politics he voted with the Democratic party, but his retiring disposition would not permit him to take any active part in public affairs. He attended the Congregational church. At his death he was seventy-nine years old. He married Abigail Blake, a
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native of Epsom, who attained the age of seventy-three, and was the mother of nine children. Of these the third, Simeon Locke (second), was born in East Concord. He settled in South New Market, and there followed his calling of mechanic for the rest of his active period. He was an able busi- ness man as well as a good mechanic, and by making proper use of his opportunities he realized excellent financial results. He was a Democrat in politics, and long occupied a prominent position in public affairs in South New Market. Simeon Locke, second, reached the venerable age of ninety-two years. He was a Deacon of the Methodist church. His wife, Clarissa, who was a native of South New Market, became the mother of thirteen children, of whom Lydia A., Sarah, Simeon, Samuel, and George Oliver, are living. Mrs. Clarissa Locke died at the age of seventy-two years.
George Oliver Locke was educated in his native town. After leaving school he went to Exeter, N.H., where he served an apprentice- ship at the blacksmith's trade. He subse- quently followed his trade in Andover and Lawrence, Mass., and for many years in Pem- broke. He worked at the anvil and forge for fifty years in all. In that period he saved a comfortable competency, which enabled him to retire some time since. He is now enjoying the fruits of his industry. He owns and cultivates a farm of forty acres.
On November 18, 1852, Mr. Locke married Harriet T. Locke, daughter of Josiah Locke, of East Concord. Mrs. Locke is the mother of two children - Josephine S. and Sarah A. Josephine S. was born November 9, 1857, and is now the wife of Ira B. Moore, of Rochester, N.H. Sarah A., born June 25, 1861, is the wife of A. R. Clough, of Dover, N. H., hav- ing one daughter, Sadie. Mr. Locke is an
earnest supporter of the Republican party, and has been a leading spirit in public affairs. He served as Tax Collector and Highway Agent for a number of terms, and during the years 1865 and 1866 he represented this town in the legislature. He is connected with Howard Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Suncook, and with the grange in Pembroke. Both he and Mrs. Locke are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
ARTIN V. B. HASTINGS,* one of the leading farmers of Grant- ham, N.H., son of Jonathan B. and Rosina (Kidder) Hastings, represents the third generation of his family in this town, where he was born June 2, 1844. His grand- father, Jonas Hastings, a farmer, who came from Maine, was one of the early settlers of Grantham. He married Affie Baker, and had a family of ten children: Benjamin; Maria; Jonathan B .; Rosilla; Jonas, Jr. ; William ; Amos; Affie; John; and one child that died in infancy. Benjamin Hastings was a car- penter and farmer in Newport, N.H. He married Eliza Smith, and had a large family of children. Maria married Joseph Hastings, of Grantham; and Rosilla married George Colburn, of this place. Jonas engaged in the meat business at Claremont. He married Mary Whittiker, who bore him one child. William was a farmer in Grantham. His wife was Mary Hart. Amos, also a farmer, married Nancy Manchester. Affie became the wife of Julius Owen, of Hanover, and the mother of several children.
Jonathan B. Hastings, father of Martin, was born in Grantham, July 25, 1817, and was educated in the public schools of the town. He began his working life as a farmer, and has continued the occupation to the present
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time. He is now advanced in years, a highly respected citizen, and one of the foremost farmers in this region. He has been a dealer in cattle and sheep up to within a short time, but now devotes himself chiefly to dairy farm- ing. His life has been one of industry and thrift, free from dissimulation, and graced with the virtue of honesty. His children - Sophronia, Martin V. B., Mandanie, Armenie, James, Eugene, and one that died in infancy -- were all born in Grantham. Sophronia married Simeon Smith, of Grantham, and has a family of four boys. Mandanie resides at Franklin, this State. Armenie is the wife of John Whitehead, of Franklin, and has two children. James lives on the homestead with his father. He married Jennie Leavitt, and they have four children. Eugene died when three or four years old.
Martin V. B. Hastings received his educa - tion in the public schools. After finishing his course of study, he went to work as a farmer and teamer, and has been successfully engaged in the same lines of business until now. He is prominent in public affairs, has long been Selectman, serving his constituents with faithfulness and ability, and holds that office at the present time. In politics he is a loyal Democrat. Fraternally, he is a member of Franklin Lodge, No. 6, of Lebanon, and of the local grange, also of Blue Mountains Lodge of Grantham, being an officer in the last-named body. He attends the Methodist church, and is ever ready to give it needed financial support.
Mr. Hastings has been twice married; and by his first wife, Carrie Little, he has one child, Florence R. His second wife, Flora Belle Pinney, was born at Plymouth, Vt., January 25, 1861. He has no children by the second marriage. Florence R. Hastings, born April 21, 1876, married Burt Lewis, of
Claremont, N. H. They have two children, Robert, born March 28, 1894; and Raymond, born in August, 1896.
OHN B. MOORE,* a prosperous dairy farmer of Plainfield, Sullivan County, N. H., son of Hiram and Ruby (Sillo- way) Moore, was born in this town, April 9, 1849. His great - grandfather, William Moore, who was a native of County Tyrone, Ireland, emigrated to America early in the eighteenth century, and became one of the first settlers in Pembroke, N. H. He was a Deacon of the Congregational church.
James Moore, son of William, was a native of New Hampshire, but passed the greater part of his life in Vermont as a hard-working farmer. He was a noted tenor singer in his day ; and for over thirty years he led the choir at the Congregational church in Thetford, Vt. He married, and reared six children, as fol- lows: Ezra, a prosperous farmer in Vermont, who married a Miss Cutting, and reared a family; Cyrus, who followed the sea; Betsey, who married Timothy Knight, a farmer of Thetford, and had five children; Hiram, who resided in Plainfield; Jerusha, who became the wife of Lyman Cook, of Thetford, and had three sons; and Lucinda, who became Mrs. Durgin, and resided in Thetford.
Hiram Moore, son of James and father of John B. Moore, was born in Thetford, October 20, 1805. Left fatherless at the age of five years, he was reared and educated in Plain- field; and, when old enough to begin life for himself, he was employed as a farm assistant. By practising economy he saved from his earn- ings in the course of time a sum sufficient to buy a homestead; and, acquiring possession of the Strong farm, he resided there for the rest of his life. He carried on general farm-
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ing, and was quite an extensive stock-raiser. Strictly honorable and upright, he regarded all others as honest and fair-dealing until ex- perience proved the contrary ; and thus he was often victimized, but never complained. Like his father, he possessed a good tenor voice. In politics he was a Democrat. Hiram Moore died in 1876, and was sincerely mourned by his neighbors and fellow - townsmen. His wife, whose maiden name was Ruby Silloway, was born in Plainfield, October 21, 1804. Her parents were William and Jane (French) Silloway of this town, and her father was a thrifty farmer. She became the mother of nine children, as follows: Mary; Betsey; Fanny, now deceased; Sarah and Sylvia, twins; William; Delia; George; and John B., the subject of this sketch. Mary and Betsey were born in Lincoln, Vt .; and the others were born in Plainfield. Mary married Gardner Gay, of this town. Betsey, who died in 1894, was the wife of Elijah Miller, of Hanover, N.H., late a successful farmer and a prominent citizen, who represented his town in the legislature. They had three children, two of whom are living. Sarah married At- wood Reed, a well-to-do farmer of Plainfield, and has two children. Sylvia, deceased, was the wife of David Kimball, of Lebanon, and had no children. William owned and oper - ated a grist-mill in Meriden, N.H., until his death, which occurred in 1893; and he accu- mulated considerable property. His wife, Margaret Havens, of Plattsburg, N. Y., died about one year ago, leaving no children. Delia Moore died very young. George, who is a carpenter in Meriden, married Lucretia Havens, a sister of his brother's wife, and has two children. Mrs. Ruby S. Moore is still living, and is unusually active both phys- ically and mentally for one of her age. She reads the newspapers and magazines without
the aid of spectacles, and takes as much in - terest in every-day topics as do those of a younger generation.
John B. Moore completed his education at the Kimball Union Academy in Meriden, and assisted in carrying on the home farm until he was twenty-one. He then leased a farm for a time; and later, purchasing one of the Spencer farms, he carried it on for eight years, or until buying the Underhill property, where he now resides. He is a practical and industrious farmer, tilling the soil to some extent, but giving his principal attention to the dairy. He is Steward of the grange in this town. Politically, he is a Republican.
Mr. Moore married Elizabeth Pardy, who was born in Plattsburg, N. Y., July 7, 1852, daughter of John Pardy, of that town. Mr. and Mrs. Moore have had two children - Bessie, born April 11, 1876; and Nellie, born in May, 1878, who died in infancy. Bessie Moore attended Kimball Union Acad- emy, and shortly after graduating she married Almener Merrihew, of Plattsburg.
Mr. Moore inherits from his ancestors con- siderable musical ability, and for several years has sung in the choir of the Congrega- tional church at Meriden. He has in his possession a Bible, which was brought from Ireland by his great-grandfather, and is said to be over two hundred years old, an interest- ing and valuable family relic and heirloom.
R. RUFUS MERRILL WEEKS, * who resides in the village of Sun- cook, and is a well-known dentist in the town of Pembroke, was born in Gilford, N. H., December 15, 1854, son of William and Lizzie (Hutchinson) Weeks. Benjamin Weeks, the grandfather of Dr. Weeks, in his younger days was a farmer. He later learned
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the tanner's trade, which he followed for a time. Then he kept a general store in Gil- ford. He became prominent in business circles and in public affairs, holding various town offices; and he was connected with the old State militia. In politics he was a Whig. He married, and reared a family of seven chil- dren. Of the latter the only survivor is Mrs. Harriet Gilman, who resides in Gilford. Benjamin Weeks and his wife lived to a good old age. He left with a good estate the repu- tation of an able and successful business man.
William Weeks, a native of Gilford and the third-born of his parents' children, was brought up on a farm. At an early age he displayed a natural aptitude for agricultural pursuits. The active period of his life was spent in tilling the soil of a good farm in Gilford, and he attained prominence as a prac- tical and successful farmer. In politics he acted with the Republican party in his later years. He served as a Selectman for some time, and represented his district in the legis- lature. His wife, Lizzie, became the mother of eight children, of whom there are living: Elizabeth A., William H., Orin, Annetta E., Fred A., Arthur B., and Rufus M. Elizabeth A. is the wife of Robinson Merrill, of Laco- nia, and has one daughter, Flora, who is now Mrs. Charles H. Collins, of Lakeport, N. H. William H. wedded Mary Potter, of Gilford; and his children are: Nathaniel H., Julia, Stark, and Millie. Orin married Arvilla Page, of Thornton, N.H., and has four chil- dren - Burt, Lizzie, Eliza, and Fred. An- netta E. is the wife of Edwin Munsey, of Los Angeles, Cal. ; and her children are: Laura and Fred. Fred A. married Laura Gilman, of Gilford, and has no children. Arthur B. married Carrie Robbins, of Manchester, N. H., who died, leaving one son, Harry A. Will- iam Weeks died at the age of sixty-six years,
and his wife lived to be seventy-two. They were members of the Free Will Baptist church.
After acquiring his early education in the common schools, Rufus Merrill Weeks at- tended the academy at Laconia. His dental studies were begun in Manchester, N.H., with Dr. C. W. Clement, with whom he remained three years, attending a course of lectures in Boston in that period. In 1875 he opened an office in Suncook, and has since practised his profession here with success.
Dr. Weeks was united in marriage with Luella B. Hoyt, daughter of Amos Hoyt, of Manchester. They have no children. Politi- cally, Dr. Weeks is a Republican. He is widely and favorably known as a skilful den- tist, and as a citizen he is highly respected and esteemed. He is Past Master of Jewell Lodge, F. & A. M .; Past High Priest of Hiram Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, of which he was one of the organizers; and he is a thirty-second degree Mason. He is also con- nected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mrs. Weeks is a member of the Congregational church.
ESTER L. COLLINS,* a prosperous dairy farmer and milk dealer of Franklin, was born in this town, September 21, 1868, son of Jonathan L. and Hannah K. (Floyd) Collins. Jonathan L. Collins, who is a native of Grafton, N. H., moved from that town to Franklin, and settled upon the farm which is now occupied by his son. He improved the property, and occupied it until 1890, when he removed to another farm in this town, and is still actively en- gaged in agricultural pursuits. His wife, Hannah, who was a native of Franklin, died March 4, 1896, leaving three children,
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namely: Vina A., wife of James W. Hun- toon, of this town; Lester L., the subject of this sketch; and Oakey H., who resides with his father.
Lester L. Collins, after attending the com- mon schools, completed his studies at the New Hampton Institute. He then engaged in farming, which occupation he has since car- ried on with satisfactory results. In 1892 he established a milk route in company with his brother. He has two hundred acres of land well adapted for pasturage, and keeps eighteen choice cows, delivering to his regular cus- tomers a large quantity of milk daily.
On August 12, 1896, Mr. Collins was united in marriage with Miss Mabel N. Greeley. Mrs. Collins is a daughter of Alonzo S. and Mary L. (Sargent) Greeley, her father being a native of Salisbury, N.H., and her mother of Hill. They are industrious farming people of East Andover.
Mr. Collins is a Democrat in politics. He is a member of Merrimac Lodge, No. 28, I. O. O. F., and belongs to the Order of American Mechanics of Franklin. He pos- sesses energy and a progressive tendency, which form the essential elements of his con- tinued success; and he is one of the most popular young men in Franklin.
HARLES M. BABBITT,* the well- known contractor and builder of Franklin Falls, was born in Hano- ver, N. H., son of Isaac and Wealthy (Lovejoy)
Babbitt. His grandfather, Asa Babbitt, who came from England, served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and spent the greater part of his life upon a farm in Hanover, dying in 1837.
Isaac Babbitt and his wife, both natives of Hanover, were prosperous farming people.
Isaac died in 1878, and Wealthy in 1894. They were the parents of twelve children, namely: Marinda, now deceased, who married William Ward, a merchant of Lebanon, N.H .; Isaac Sylvester, who married Melissa S. Ste- phens, of Springfield, N.H., and is now a widower; Leonard H., deceased, who married Rachel Merrill, of Hanover, now also de- ceased; Almina, who married Frederick Mer- rill, a farmer of Hanover; Charles M., the subject of this sketch; Austin M., who mar- ried Louisa Clough, of Canaan, N.H., and died in 1893; Darwin J., who married Alina Briggs, of Lebanon, and is an optician ; Alden A., who married Anna Dunton, of Jefferson, Me., and is an optician in Lebanon ; Dexter W., who married Leafy D. Brown, of New York State, and is a merchant in Leba- non; Emily, who married George Ross, a farmer of Plainfield, N.H., and is now de- ceased; Wealthy A., deceased, who married Isaac Hatch, of Hanover; and George W., who married Esther Valentine, and is a build- ing contractor in Lebanon.
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