USA > New Hampshire > Belknap County > Biographical review : containing life sketches of leading citizens of Stafford and Belknap countries, New Hampshire > Part 16
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AMES M. HAYNES, now living in re- tirement at his pleasant home in Dover, in his active years followed the callings of carpenter, teacher, and merchant. He was born September 18, 1819, in Wolfboro, N. H., son of James and Hannah (Lord) Haynes. The family is descended from Samuel Haynes, who was born in England in 1611. In 1635 Samuel emigrated to this country, settling in Portsmouth, N.H., where he was appointed Deacon of the First Congregational Church in 1671, and died in 1686. James Haynes was born and reared in Wolfboro, N.H., where he afterward worked at the carpenter's trade until 1845. Removing then to Dover, he here con- tinued at his trade until his death, which occurred when he was sixty-eight years of age. He married Hannah Lord, who was born in Ossipee, N. H., daughter of the Rev. Went- worth Lord, a veteran of the Revolution and a noted minister of his day. The latter had six brothers, who were also prominent in the ministry. Hannah (Lord) Haynes, after sur- viving her husband, died October 29, 1866, at the advanced age of eighty-two years.
James M. Haynes received his education in the common schools and at an academy in his native town. On attaining his majority he came to Dover, where he was employed in a carpenter's shop for about five years. Throughout the following eight years he was employed as teacher in the schools of Berwick and Rollinsford in the winter season, while in the summer months he worked at farming in Wolfboro. Returning to Dover after this, he was a clerk in the Union Labor Store for nearly five years, obtaining a practical insight
into the business. Then he opened a grocery on his own account, and conducted it for fif- teen years with signal success, building up a thriving trade, and acquiring an enviable repu- tation for his uprightness and accommodating disposition. In 1892 he had the misfortune to break his leg, and since then has lived retired.
On November 29, 1849, Mr Haynes mar- ried Miss Nancy Matthews, a daughter of Francis and Nancy Page Matthews. Mr. Mat- thews, who was born in Loudon, N.H., and lived there until about fifty years of age, after- ward settled in Dover, where he was engaged as a stone mason until his death, three years later. He was survived by his wife, who was born in Hallowell, Me., and lived to the age of threescore and three years. Mrs. Haynes was born April 5, 1818, during the residence of her parents in Gilmantown, Me., and was a mere child when they removed to this city, where she has since lived. Mr. and Mrs. Haynes are the parents of four children, as follows: John M., who became a civil engi- neer, and died at the age of twenty-seven years; Charlotte P., who married Edwin J. Haynes, and died at the age of thirty-six years; an unnamed child, who died in infancy ; Annie, of whom there is no special record; and Louise H., a teacher, who has been con- nected with the William Penn Charter School of Philadelphia, Pa., for the past nine years. Politically, Mr. Haynes is a stanch Republi- can, and has served his city faithfully in many official positions. He made the first enrol - ment of the town, was Assessor for three years, School Committee man for four years, Tax Collector for six years, and an Overseer of the Poor for a long period. A Mason in good standing, he belongs to Strafford Lodge, and Belknap Chapter of Dover. His relig- ious convictions find expression as a member of the Free Baptist church.
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A" NDREW VARNEY, a retired farmer residing near Alton village, is a native of this town, born August 18, 1819, and a son of Dominicus and Polly (Jones) Var- Thomas Varney, the father of Domini- was spent his life principally in Rochester, N. Il., where he followed both farming and Blacksmithing. He lived to be eighty-three sons of age, and his wife was ninety or over when she died. They had a large family of children. Dominicus and Andrew, his brother, carried on a farm together at Dover Neck, N. H., for a few years. Then Andrew took full charge, and Dominicus, who was about twenty-five years old, came to Alton. At that time the town was only thinly settled, and the district in which Dominicus located afterward came to be known as the "Varney neighbor- hood." Besides profitably engaging in farm- ing, he did teaming for some years. Born in 1787, he died in 1866, nearly eighty years old. His wife, Polly Jones before marriage, was a daughter of Vaun Jones, of Portsmouth. They had five children - Thomas, John, Andrew, Lydia, and Tamson. With the exception of Lydia, all married and had children. Thomas, John, and Tamson have passed away.
Andrew Varney attended the district schools of Alton. On finishing his schooling he took up trading in tin, and was in the busi- ness tor five years. He then took up farming, and so long as he engaged in active labor was faithful to his second choice of an occupation, following it successfully until past seventy- five years of age. He retired in April, 1896, when he left his farm and came to his present home near Alton village. Politically, he was a Democrat, but never allowed politics to interfere with his business. He served three years as Tax Collector.
On July 27, 1845, Mr. Varney married Miss Nancy Watson, daughter of Winthrop Watson.
Three daughters were born to them, namely : Clara Ann, Marietta, and Clara Emma. The mother died March 14, 1896. Clara Ann is also deceased. Marietta is the wife of Chester A. 'Twombley. Clara Emma taught school until her mother's death, since which time she has kept house for her father.
HARLES WESLEY TASKER, one of the first and most prominent den- tists in Dover, practises his profes- sion in his well-equipped and handsomely fur- nished rooms in the Masonic Temple, using the most improved dental implements. A native of Strafford County, he was born Sep- tember 17, 1845, in the town of Rochester, where his father, Thomas J. Tasker, was then settled. Thomas J. Tasker, who was born and reared in Madbury, this county, worked at the carpenter's trade in various places during the earlier years of his manhood. Afterward he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, purchasing a farm in Rochester, where he resided until his death, December 4, 1886, at the age of seventy-six years. In politics he was a Democrat, but was not active in affairs. He married Miss Comfort Bickford, a native of Rochester, who survived him but two weeks, having died December 19, 1886, in the seventy-fourth year of her age. Of their union seven sons were born, namely : George H., John C., Charles W., Enoch O., Thomas J., Jr., Eli B., and James F. George II. and James F. are now deceased. George II., who was the eldest son, served in the late war with the Forty-first Massachusetts Infantry under General Banks, and died of fever at Baton Rouge, La.
Charles Wesley Tasker lived on the home farm during his boyhood, attending succes- sively the district schools of Rochester and
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Franklin Academy in Dover. When about twenty years old, he began business life as a clerk in a boot and shoe store in this city, continuing thus employed for three years. Having saved some money, he then began studying with Dr. Murphy, a well-known den- tist ; and a year later he completed his dental education in Boston. Thereupon, returning to Dover, Dr. Tasker opened an office here in April, 1869. He has since continued in the practice of his profession, building up an extensive and finely paying patronage, and ac- quiring among his regular customers some of the leading families of Dover and vicinity.
On October 9, 1869, Dr. Tasker was mar- ried to Miss Maria B. Newcomb, a native of Haverhill, Mass., and a daughter of Captain Jesse S. Newcomb, who was a sea captain for many years. Of the three children born to Dr. and Mrs. Tasker, two successively named Grace, are deceased. The elder died in in- fancy, and the second daughter at the age of six years and six months. Madge, the third child, is now eleven years old. Both parents are members of the First Congregational Church. Dr. Tasker is a consistent Republi- can; but he has never been an aspirant for official honors, the duties of his profession demanding his entire time and attention.
RANK N. MERRILL, a popular and highly respected citizen of Gilmanton, which he has served in many positions of trust, was born in Boston, Mass., October 27, 1851, son of George N. and Mary (Sleeper) Merrill. George N. Merrill is a native of Brewster, Me., where he learned the trade of a shoemaker, and was engaged in that occupation until his majority. On coming of age, he went to Massachusetts, where he se- cured work as an artist. He has now a lucra-
tive business in that line in Boston. His wife, Mary, a daughter of Jonathan Sleeper, of Alton, N. H., has borne him three children - Flora, Etta, and Frank N. Flora married Frank H. Vittum, of Lakeport, and has three children. Etta, who married Charles McCril- lis, and resides in Rochester, N. H., has one child.
Frank N. Merrill attended the public schools of Boston for a time. At the age of ten years he came to Gilmanton with his par- ents, and lived there until he was twenty-one. He then went to New York City, and was en- gaged as a salesman. Being ambitious to bet- ter himself, he attended the evening high school in that city for a time. After living in New York four years, he came back to Gil- manton, bought a moderate-sized farm, and applied himself to its management, with the hope that the outdoor life would benefit his health. He subsequently secured a position as teacher in Alton, N. H., his mother's native town, and there taught at intervals for twenty years. He is now the instructor in the district school of his own neighborhood. Al- though so much of his time has been given to teaching, he has continued to carry on his farm.
In January, 1875, Mr. Merrill married Clara E. Page, daughter of Nathaniel Page, of Gil- manton. After completing her education in Gilmanton Academy, she followed school teach- ing for a few years. She has two daughters - Florence B. and Ethel M. In politics Mr. Merrill is a Republican. In 1895 he was elected Tax Collector, and is now serving his second year in that capacity. He was Select- man for one year and Supervisor for several years. For the past four years he has been a member of the School Board, of which he is now Chairman. He was elected to these offices by large majorities, in some instances
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Silver B. Pratracy,
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by an almost unanimous vote, showing the con- fidence of the people of Gilmanton in his ability and integrity. He is affiliated with Highland Lodge, No. 93, I. O. O. F. ; and with Crystal Lake Grange, of Gilmanton. He is a member of the Lake Street Church in New York City.
EORGE P. MORGAN, M. D., a lead- ing representative of the younger practitioners of Strafford County, is actively engaged in the practice of his profes- sion in Dover. He was born June 22, 1861, at New Gloucester, Cumberland County, Me., being one of a family of three children, two sons and a daughter, of Elisha M. and Rosella C. (Tucker) Morgan. His father was a farmer by occupation; and he was reared on the parental homestead, where he assisted in the labors incidental to farm life. After attend- ing the district school until eighteen years of age, the future Doctor continued his studies at the Westbrook Seminary and Female College, Deering, Me., from which he was graduated in 1882. The following five years were spent as a teacher in the public schools. In the latter part of that period he began to read medicine with J. I. Sturgis, of New Gloucester. Subse- quently, entering Bowdoin College, he was graduated from the medical department of that institution in 1888.
After receiving his diploma Dr. Morgan practised for a year in the Maine General Hos- pital, where as house surgeon he obtained much practical knowledge. In 1889 the Doc- tor came to Dover, where his professional career has been quite successful. During his residence in this city Dr. Morgan has iden- tified himself with numerous societies. He is a member of the Maine Medical Society, the Strafford District Medical Society, the New
Hampshire Surgical Club, the New Hamp- shire Medical Society, and the Dover Medical Society. He is also a Mason, having affilia- tion with Moses Paul Lodge, Belknap Chap- ter, Orphan Council, St. Paul Commandery, and Dover Consistory of Scottish Rite, thirty- second degree Masons. In politics the Doctor affiliates with the Republican party. Dr. Morgan was united in marriage December 22, 1892, with Miss Madge E. Elliott, who was born in Dover, Me., daughter of Dr. S. W. and Sarah (Holman) Elliott.
ELWYN BANCROFT PEABODY, who was known for many years as one of the most public-spirited citi- zens of Tilton, N. H., was born January 15, 1839, son of Noah and Isabella Walker (Rich- ards) Peabody. His great-grandfather, Samuel Peabody, who was born September 1, 1741, and was a resident of Andover, Mass., married Elizabeth Wilkins, of Amherst. He died August 6, 1814, and his wife, July 18, 1836. Most of their children were born in Andover. Their son John, born July 15, 1775, was a millwright, carpenter, and cabinet-maker, and lived in New Boston. He married Mary Holt, and died June 1, 1832. Of his children John, Samuel, and Sargon were farmers, Jacob was a brickmaker, James and William were blacksmiths, Ezekiel and Noah hatters, and Joseph a merchant.
Noah Peabody, son of John and Mary (Holt) Peabody, was born September 4, 1810. He married Isabella Walker Richards, December 9, 1834, and in 1842 removed from Sutton, N.H., to Sanbornton Bridge (now Tilton), where he opened a hatter's shop. He after- ward engaged in mercantile business, in which he continued for eighteen years with moderate success. Desiring a change, he closed out
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and entered the counting-room of Alexander H. Tilton, became familiar with the manu- facture of woollen goods, and took the position of finisher. He remained there for many years, and finally was given the principal care of the large business of the Tilton Mills. He was a member of the Congre- gational church, and highly esteemed as a citizen and Christian. He died September 11, 1876, leaving the following children : Selwyn Bancroft, the date of whose birth is given above; James Van Ness, born October 13, 1841; and Georgianna Isabelle, born November 15, 1843, who married David F. Cheney, formerly of Franklin, N.H., now of Lawrence, Mass. The second son succeeded his father as a finisher in the Tilton Mills. Ile married Susan Mary Rand, January I, 1865, and resides in Northfield. Their only child was born February 25, 1871, and named Leon Bancroft.
Selwyn B. Peabody, the eldest son and the subject of this sketch, removed with his parents to Sanbornton Bridge when three years of age. He prepared for college at the New Hampshire Conference Seminary and Female College, and during this course of study he began to look upon the medical profession as the one of his choice. At its close he entered the office of Dr. Lyford at the "Bridge"; but after remaining there a short time he went to Lawrence, Mass., where Dr. Sayforth became his preceptor. He subsequently taught school at Sanbornton Bridge, now called Tilton, N. H., also at Northfield, and at Bellaire, Ohio. At the outbreak of the Southern Re- bellion he enlisted in the Fortieth Massachu- setts Volunteer Regiment, in which he served until the end of the war, taking part in many engagements, among them notably the siege of Suffolk; Baltimore Cross-roads, Va. ; siege of Fort Wagner, S.C .; Ten Mile Run
and Barber's Ford, Fla .; Drewry's Bluff, Petersburg Heights, and the siege of Peters- burg, Bermuda Hundred, Fair Oaks, and the capture of Richmond. He was wounded before Petersburg. From his knowledge of medicine he became very efficient in the med- ical department of the army, and was on de- tached duty a portion of the time. He was in the Dispensary of Jarvis Hospital, Baltimore, and in the office of Provost Marshal at Gov- ernor's Island.
On his return to the North Mr. Peabody entered the drug store of Burleigh Brothers, of Boston, where he received a serious injury by falling through an open hatchway, from which he was a long time recovering. . In 1869, his health having been somewhat delicate since the accident, he went into Tilton's Woollen Mill. Here he learned the business in all its branches; and shortly after the death of the proprietor, in 1878, he was invited to become associated with the widow of Mr. Tilton in its management. In 1886 Mr. Peabody became the sole proprietor, and it was at his mill that the celebrated Tilton tweeds were made. In addition to these tweeds he also introduced certain styles of cassimeres, which have become staple in the general market. In the year 1880 he built a fine residence for himself adjoining the old Tilton place, on a gentle slope overlooking the mill in which he won his large financial success.
On February 7, 1867, he married Elizabeth S., daughter of Darius M. and Elizabeth Rich- ards, of New Bedford, Mass. They had three children: Leon Bancroft, born December 17, 1867, who died March 22, 1868; an infant daughter born June 7, 1869; and Isabella Weston, born December IS, 1871. Mr. I'ca- body died June 25, 1889.
Before his death he had united with Pills- bury Brothers, and was arranging to more than
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double their manufacturing capacity. IIis individual enterprises were always pushed with vim and energy, and great results were affected in short periods of time. He erected some thirty neat commodious tenements, giv- In excellent accommodation to his own oper- Atives as well as providing homes for others. Few men were more liberal than he in con - !going; toward improvements of a public character, and his private charities were more numerous and more extensive than those of many a richer man. No sufferer or suffering came to his knowledge without tender of relief. Courteous and pleasant in his bearing and address, and generous to a fault, he was At all times animated by noble and generous instincts. His death was an inestimable loss to his town.
In politics a Democrat, he represented his town in the legislature, served as Town Clerk, And was on the Board of Education. He was Director of the Citizens' National Bank. lle was a member of the Doric Lodge, F. & .1. M., Tilton, of which he was Past Master; also of St. Omer Chapter of Franklin, Pythago- rean Council of Laconia, and Mount Horeb Commandery of Concord. That he was well beloved by his fellow-members was testified to by A. S. Ballantyne, who on the 25th of Sep- tember, 1889, delivered a eulogy to his mem- ory at the Lodge of Sorrow, in which he paid a glowing tribute to him as a business man, friend, and citizen. He was an attendant of the Congregational church, where he shared largely the financial responsibilities of the society. A devoted husband and father, in business he was one of the most honest and considerate of men; and in every relation in life his influence was for good. His memory is cherished in the hearts of all who have been made better and happier by their contact with his genial and inspiring personality.
AJOR JOSEPH S. ABBOTT, a representative business man of Dover, and one of its most promi - nent and popular citizens, was born March 12, 1830, in Saccarappa, Cumberland County, Me., where his father, the late Moses Abbott, was then engaged in general agriculture. Moses Abbott, who was born and reared in Shapleigh, York County, Me., lived in differ- ent places, being employed in farming a por- tion of the time, and for some years in ship- yards. In 1855 he located in Dover, where he afterward resided until his death, when about fifty-eight years old. He married Miss Lottie Sanborn, of Waterboro, Me., and they became the parents of eight children, namely: Ursula, Charles, Moses, Abby, and Lottie, who are de- ceased; Joseph S., the subject of this sketch ; and Sarah and Anna, who are living.
Joseph S. Abbott was educated in the schools of Waterboro and Kennebunk, Me., remaining an inmate of the parental household until early manhood, when he began his active business career. Coming to Dover in Sep- tember, 1849, he secured a position in an oil- cloth carpet mill, in which he labored faith- fully for seven years and eight months, receiving at first but scant remuneration. Putting into practice the lessons of economy he had learned in childhood, Mr. Abbott saved a goodly portion of his wages. After leaving the mill he purchased a pair of horses and a wagon, and established his present teaming business. From the beginning he met with prosperity, and was each successive season obliged to add to his equipments. He has now plenty of work in this city alone for twenty-two horses, his ice business alone, which is one of the most extensive in the place, requiring several teams. Some years ago, with characteristic forethought, he pur- chased a large granite quarry in Durham, this
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county, and has since operated it most success- fully, keeping ten men busily employed in the quarry and about the same number engaged in - hauling the stone. He has furnished the foundation stone for the City Hall, the Masonic Temple, and other prominent build- ings of Dover, including several of its large business houses and blocks. In 1865, near the end of the Civil War, Mr. Abbott, who was a Sergeant in the Strafford Guards, was sent with his company to Fort Constitution, where he remained until the cessation of hostilities. Afterward, continuing a member of the State militia, he was promoted to the rank of Major ; but he was subsequently obliged to resign on account of his rapidly increasing business. Major Abbott subsequently accepted a com- mission in the Patriarch Militants, and for four years served as Colonel of the regiment. On May 14, 1891, the organization manifested its esteem for him by presenting him with a valuable watch and chain, which he prizes highly.
Major Abbott married Miss Delia Brownell, daughter of William and Lydia Brownell, of this city. Of their seven children, five are deceased. The survivors are: Belle, the wife of William K. Vickery, living in Lewiston, Me. ; and Samuel B., who is engaged in busi- ness with his father. In his political affilia- tions Major Abbott is a Republican, and he has been active in local affairs. For six- teen years he was connected with the police force, serving in the various grades from private to city marshal. He has often been urged to accept other important positions in the city government, but he has declined all nominations for the same. He is a member in high standing of Mount Pleasant Lodge, I. O. O. F., and the encampment, I. O. O. F. ; of Olive Branch Lodge, No. 6, K. of P. ; of Wanalancet Tribe, No. 7, I. O. R. M .; and
of Sawyer Post, G. A. R. He is not a mem- ber of any church, but he contributes gener- ously to the support of religious worship.
EORGE H. HAWLEY, M.D., now the only practising physician in Barnstead; was born in Bath, Me., February 26, 1858, son of George and Eliza- beth (Farrin) Hawley. George Hawley, who was for many years engaged in the ship-build- ing business at Bath, but has lived retired since 1893, is now in his seventy-third year. Active in local affairs, he has been a promi- nent man. He is a member of the Congrega- tional church. Elizabeth, his wife, is a daughter of Lazarus Farrin, a large and suc- cessful farmer in West Bath. She bore him eight children; namely, Clara, James W., Emma, George H., Greenleaf, Edward, John, and Annie. Annie died in infancy ; Clara is the wife of Fred Klippel, a clothing dealer of Bath, Me .; James W., who is married, and makes his home in New Haven, Conn., is a sea captain; Emma is the wife of Charles G. Pratt, who was formerly in the dry-goods busi- ness in Woonsocket, R.I .; Greenleaf is a sea captain, and lives in New York City; Edward, who died in 1895, received the degree of Doc- tor of Medicine from Bowdoin Medical Col- lege, and was a practising physician in Chi- cago, Ill .; John follows the wood and lumber business in Barnstead, N.H.
George H. Hawley first attended the public schools of Bath, Me. Afterward he took a course at the Bowdoin Medical School, Bruns- wick, Me., and there received the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He began the practice of his profession at Milton Mills, N. H., where he remained for a year. From there, in 1878, he came as a stranger to Barnstead, which then had other physicians. Since then his
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skill and fidelity to duty have won the confi- dence of the people, and his geniality, ready wit, and sympathy, their friendship; and he has succeeded in building up a lucrative prac- tice. In the brief leisure which the demands of his profession have left, Dr. Hawley is oc- casionally heard playing the violin, banjo, or piano, which are his favorite musical instru- ments. He is a member of the Barnstead orchestra. In political affiliation he is a Democrat, and in 1885 and 1886 he repre- sented Barnstead in the New Hampshire legislature. He belongs to the Masonic order, and is a member of Corinthian Lodge in Pittsfield, and St. Paul Commandery, K. T., of Dover.
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