USA > New Hampshire > Belknap County > Biographical review : containing life sketches of leading citizens of Stafford and Belknap countries, New Hampshire > Part 19
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Mr. Lord wedded Mary Grant, daughter of William T. Grant, of Epsom, N. H. He is a charter member and an officer of Highland Lodge, No. 93, I. O. O. F., of Gilmanton ; and he has been Treasurer and Lecturer of Crystal Lake Grange, No. 101. Justly re- garded as one of Gilmanton's most enterpris- ing young business men, he has attained prosperity solely through his own efforts. He is a member of the Free Baptist Church of Pittsfield.
YRUS L. JENNESS, an enterprising and successful business man of Straf- ford County, resides in the city of Dover, where he has an extensive trade in hardware and agricultural implements of all kinds, his large store containing a complete stock of everything in his line. Mr. Jenness
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was born March 10, 1848. in the neighboring town of Rochester, a son of Cyrus and Mercy (McDuffee) Jenness, esteemed members of the farming community of that place. He re- mained with his parents until attaining ma- turity, attending the district schools in his younger days, and doing his full share of the farm labors. Then starting in life on his own account, with no other endowments than a stout heart, willing hands, an active brain, and a determined purpose to reach the goal of success, Mr. Jenness came to Dover to seek a situation. At once finding employment as a clerk in a hardware store, he remained there eleven years, giving his undivided time and attention to his employer's interests, and ob- taining a practical insight into the business. Then, having by prudence, thrift, and econ- omy saved some money, he established his present business, which he has since carried on with a success exceeding his expectations ; and he is now numbered among the leading merchants in his line in this section of the county.
On November 12, 1872, Mr. Jenness was united in marriage with Miss Sarah E. Holmes, daughter of Horace and Mary J. (Col- bath) Holmes, of Dover. Mr. Jenness has never taken any active part in political affairs, either local or national, but is a firm sup- porter of the principles of the Republican party. He is a member of the Wechohamet Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Dover; and both he and his wife are esteemed members of the Free Baptist church.
AMES E. CHILD, an energetic and progressive farmer of Farmington, Strafford County, was born March 1, 1857, in Milton, this county, son of James S. and Mary J. (Goodwin) Child. He comes of
good old Massachusetts stock. His grand- father, James Child, who was a lifelong resi- dent of Cambridge, Mass., and one of its most worthy citizens, served in the War of 1812. James S. Child was born and bred in Cambridge, where he learned the trade of a carpenter and builder. When a young man he came to this section of New Hampshire, and, securing work at his trade in the growing town of Milton, afterward resided in that place throughout the remainder of his active period. The closing days of his life were passed in Farmington, where he died February 17, 1896, aged seventy-six years. By his wife, who was born in Lebanon, Me., he became the father of seven children, of whom the sur- vivors named are: Lizzie, the wife of Charles E. Drew, of this town; James E., the subject of this biography; Daniel S. and George F., both of Lynn, Mass.
James E. Child laid a substantial founda- tion for his future education in the common schools and high school of Farmington. On leaving the latter he took a thorough course at the New Hampton Institute, and subsequently completed his studies at the academy in Worcester, Mass. Continuing his residence in the latter city, he was there engaged in the shoe business for a couple of years, and then spent a few months in the busy city of Chi- cago. In 1880 he returned to Worcester ; but, not desiring to locate there permanently, he soon removed to this town in order to carry out his design of becoming a farmer. In the following year, taking advantage of a fine op- portunity, he purchased the Jones farm, on Meeting-house Hill, a most excellent loca- tion. Here he has since been prosperously engaged in general agriculture and dairying. His estate is one of the most attractive in the neighborhood, its finely tilled lands, comfort- able and well-filled buildings, and sleek dairy
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bespeaking the industry and thrift of its owner.
Mr. Child was married May 2, 1882, to Miss Ruth A. King, daughter of Sylvester King, of Springfield, Me. In politics Mr. Child is a strong Prohibitionist and one of the leaders of the party. He takes an active interest in local affairs, and for some years served as Constable and Road Surveyor. He belongs to Harmony Lodge, No. 11, K. of P. Both he and his estimable wife attend the Baptist church, toward the support of which they contribute.
DWARD FRANK WIGGIN, the pro- prictor of the Reservoir Stock Farm, Meredith, was born where he now resides, September 8, 1848, son of Benjamin F. and Abigail (Wadleigh) Wiggin. His great-grandfather, Chase Wiggin, came from Stratham, N.HI., to Meredith when this town was mostly in a wild state. The maiden name of his wife was Mary Brackett. Joshua Wiggin, the grandfather, was born in this town. When a young man he learned the trade of a carpenter, and thereafter followed it, in addition to farming, throughout the active period of his life. He married Lucinda Pease, and reared two sons; namely, Benjamin F. and Charles Pcase.
Benjamin F. Wiggin was born in Meredith, December 28, 1820. He attended the dis- trict school, and learned the carpenter's trade with his father. After his marriage he bought fifty acres of land, which is now a part of Reservoir Stock Farm, and for many years was one of the stirring and successful farmers of the town. He also worked at his trade, and is widely known as an able and skilful mechanic. In politics he is a Democrat, and in 1872 and 1873 he represented Meredith in
the legislature. His wife, Abigail, whom he married October 23, 1844, is a daughter of Stephen Wadleigh, of Meredith. She is the mother of two children, namely: Stephen W., who resides in Worcester, Mass. ; and Edward F., the subject of this sketch. Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin F. Wiggin are still living, and enjoy good health. They are members of the Baptist church.
Edward Frank Wiggin began his education in the public schools of Meredith, and com- pleted his studies at a business college in Manchester. His first employment was in a grist-mill in Laconia. After working here as an assistant for a year and a half, he operated the mill for the same length of time upon his own account. Returning after this to the homestead, he began to exert that energy and progressive tendency which have since charac- terized his efforts as an agriculturist. He has purchased large tracts of adjoining land; and the Reservoir Stock Farm now consists of five hundred acres, seventy-five of which are re- served for tillage purposes. Besides the other usual crops, he cuts from seventy-five to one hundred tons of hay annually, and raises and packs a large quantity of sweet corn. He keeps fifty head of thoroughbred short-horned cattle, which are considered to be the only genuine herd of that breed in this neighbor- hood; and for the past twenty-five years he has supplied a large number of regular customers in Laconia with butter, of which he produces annually twenty-five hundred pounds. He also keeps forty sheep, from fifteen to twenty Berkshire hogs, eight horses, and a flock of full-blooded Plymouth Rock hens. In 1895 he was awarded four hundred and fifty dollars in premiums for stock exhibits at the New England and Worcester County (Massachu- setts) Fairs. In politics he is a Democrat, and he has rendered able service to the town
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as a member of the School Board and in the capacity of Selectman.
On October 24, 1877, Mr. Wiggin was united in marriage with Carrie E. Canney, daughter of Franklin and Laura (Russell) Canney, the former of whom is a native of Centre Harbor, N. H., and is now a miller in Meredith. Franklin and Laura (Russell) Canney are the parents of two daughters - Carrie E. and Abbie. Mr. and Mrs. Wiggin have three children; namely, Florence M., Hollis L., and Ethel F. Mr. Wiggin is a member of Winnepesaukee Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Laconia; and he is Master of Winnepe- saukee Grange, Patrons of Husbandry.
OHN H. NEAL, M.D., a well-known physician of Rochester, N.H., was born in Parsonsfield, York County, Me., March 20, 1862, son of John and Sarah Jane (Lord) Neal. His father was a prosper- ous farmer and lifelong resident of Parsons- field, and died at the age of fifty-four years. He took a leading part in local affairs and served as a member of the Board of Selectmen for ten years. His wife, Sarah, was born in Effingham, N. H. She is still living, and re- sides with her son in Rochester.
John H. Neal was educated in the common schools and at Parsonsfield Seminary, and at the age of sixteen began teaching school. He taught district schools in Maine and New Hampshire at intervals, while attending medi- cal lectures at the Maine Medical School in Brunswick. He then pursued a two years' course at the Long Island College Hospital, Brooklyn, N. Y., from which he was graduated in 1886. He was an apt student, and was chosen Chairman of the Executive Committee of his class. Locating for practice in San- ford, Me., he remained there until January,
1895, at which time he came to Rochester. Since establishing himself in this city he has succeeded in building up a lucrative practice. In politics he was formerly a Democrat, but some years ago became a Republican. While residing in Sanford, Me., he was a member of the Board of Health and President of the Building and Loan Association, a position which he resigned when he moved to Roches- ter. He is at the present time serving as Sec- retary of the Board of Health in this city, and also as Overseer of the Poor.
On November 28, 1888, Dr. Neal was united in marriage with Lulu E. Clark, a na- tive of Sanford; and he has one son, Cecil M. Dr. Neal is a member of Preble Lodge, F. & A. M .; White Rose Chapter, R. A. M., of Sanford; and is a charter member of Pales- tine Commandery, K. T., of this city.
ILBUR WESTON BALLARD, a prosperous general farmer and the proprietor of the Ballard House, Meredith, was born where he now resides, March 13, 1860, son of Llewelyn and Sophia (Maloon) Ballard. Llewelyn Ballard, a native of Belfast, Me., was reared and educated in his native town. At the age of eighteen he went to Boston, where he learned the ma- chinist's trade. Some years later he went to California, and soon after his arrival sent a sum of money to his family. That was the last communication they ever received from him, and he has not been heard from since. His wife, Sophia, a native of Boston, was a daughter of Nathaniel Maloon, of Deerfield, N.H. Her father resided in his native town until the death of his wife's father, when he came to Meredith, and took charge of the homestead which then fell to her possession. Nathaniel Maloon married Betsey Wadleigh,
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whose father, Josiah Wadleigh, was one of the carly settlers in Meredith. Josiah Wadleigh reclaimed from the wilderness the farm which is now owned by his great-grandson, Wilbur W. Ballard; and a part of the present resi- dence was built with timbers which he hewed by hand, as there was no saw-mill in this vicinity at that time. Llewelyn and Sophia Billard had another son, Charles Hartwell, now a resident of Boston. After the death of her mother, Mrs. Llewelyn Ballard kept house for her father while he lived; and she died in Meredith in 1885, aged forty-nine years.
Wilbur Weston Ballard was educated in this town, and grew to manhood upon the farm he now occupies. When twenty-one years old he went to New York State, where he was em- ployed in a hotel for two years. Then, re- turning home, he cared for his mother during her last illness. After her death he went to Boston, where he was employed as a street car conductor by the West End Railway Company for a time. After this he again returned to Meredith, where he has since devoted his at- tention to general farming. He owns sixty acres of excellent land, half of which is set apart for tillage purposes; and he cuts about fifteen tons of hay annually. In 1891 he began to entertain summer boarders. The Ballard House, which has ample accommoda- tions for thirty-five guests, is situated upon high ground overlooking Waukewan Lake, with a distant view of the Sandwich and White Mountains.
On March 16, 1889, Mr. Ballard was joined in marriage with Emma N. Roberts, daughter of Oren Roberts. He now has two children, namely: Frank L., born May 8, 1891; and Alice J., born April 22, 1893. In politics Mr. Ballard is a Republican. He is con- nected with Chocorua Lodge, F. & A. M .; Belknap Lodge, I. O. O. F .; and Winnepe-
saukee Grange, Patrons of Husbandry. Hc attends the Baptist church, of which Mrs. Bal- lard is a member.
ANIEL BROWN EATON, a prom- inent farmer and a well-known resi- dent of Meredith, was born in Gil- ford, N. H., October 23, 1820, son of Elisha and Betsey (Brown) Eaton. His great-grand- father, John Eaton, who was born either in Salisbury or Seabrook, N.H., in 1750, was a tailor by trade, but devoted the greater part of his active period to agricultural pursuits. John Eaton married Sarah French, and his children were: Elisha; John; Joseph; and Jonathan; Nancy, who married John Mathews; Mary, who became the wife of Theodore Clark; Sarah, who became Mrs. Stamels; Betsey, who married Andrew Flanders; Amasa; Jacob; and Samuel S. Elisha Eaton (first), the grandfather, was born in Pittsfield, N. H., in 1768. He engaged in general farm- ing, but died at the age of twenty-six years. He married Betsey Sherburne, and Elisha was the only child of that union.
Elisha Eaton (second), Daniel B. Eaton's father, born in Pittsfield, December 26, 1794, was left fatherless at the age of four months. He was brought up by his paternal grandpar- ents, and he occupied the old homestead prop- erty until he was seventy years old. His last years were passed with his daughter in Alton, N.H. In politics he was a Jacksonian Dem- ocrat. His wife, Betsey, a daughter of Ephraim Brown, of Gilford, N. H., became the mother of ten children, as follows: Daniel B., the subject of this sketch; Sarah Jane, who died at the age of twenty-three years; Miriam B., who married Isaiah C. Morrill, of Gilford ; Reuhamah G., who married Isaac Morrill; Emeline T., who married Calvin Rollins, of
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Alton, and is now deceased; John D., of Salem, Mass .; Mary, also deceased, who be- came the wife of Henry Duffec, of Alton; Martin V. B., now of Moultonboro, N.H .; Joseph W., who resides in Salem, Mass. ; and Laura A., the wife of William Downs, also of Salem. Mr. and Mrs. Elisha Eaton were at- tendants at the Free Baptist church.
The education of Daniel Brown Eaton, begun in the common schools, was completed in the common and high schools of Gilford (now Laconia). He resided at the homestead until 1866, and taught for several winter terms. He then bought his present farm in Meredith, and has since resided here. His property contains one hundred and ten acres of land, twenty-five of which are under culti- vation. He raises corn, oats, potatoes, and beans, and cuts thirteen tons of hay. He has kept from twelve to fourteen head of cattle. Having a natural aptitude for mechanical work, he has fitted up a blacksmith's shop upon his premises for the benefit of the neigh- boring farmers. A practical surveyor, he has been employed in that capacity in four differ- ent counties. It was he who performed the en- gineering work needed by the Enterprise Linen and Fibre Company's mill in Mere- dith. He is familiar with astronomy and natural philosophy. He has transacted a great deal of business before the Probate Court, and is now holding his tenth commission as a Justice of the Peace. He served Gilford as Treasurer, Selectman, legislative Representa- tive, and superintendent of schools, and has been a member of the School Committee of Meredith.
Mr. Eaton has been twice married. On August 9, 1849, he wedded Susan L. Smith, daughter of Joseph P. Smith, of Gilford. Of this marriage there were born six children - Mary S., Julia A., Sarah J., John S., Daniel
E., and Joseph S. Mary S. married the Rev. C. W. Taylor, a Methodist preacher; Sarah J. died at the age of thirty-seven years; John S. died in 1876, aged 'eighteen years; Daniel E. is Treasurer of the Meredith Savings Bank; and Joseph S. is an overseer in Mason's Ma- chine Works, Taunton, Mass. Mr. Eaton's first wife died in 1876. She was a member of the Free Baptist church. On October 12,
1882, he married Mrs. Emily A. (Whidden) Corliss, daughter of Mark Whidden, of Ports- mouth, N. H. In politics Mr. Eaton is a Republican. He is deeply interested in the temperance cause, and he is a member of the Free Baptist church.
ALTER F. GAGE, a farmer of much enterprise and ability, ac- tively engaged in his chosen voca- tion in the town of Dover, Strafford County, N. H., was born October 9, 1848, on the home- stead where he now resides. This farm was bought by his paternal grandfather, James Gage, in the early part of the present century, he having been a farmer and wheelwright.
Daniel Gage, son of James and father of Walter F., was born, reared, and has passed his entire life on this homestead, the date of his birth being January 8, 1827. Succeeding to the ownership of the paternal acres, he labored with unceasing industry, making many and substantial improvements on the place, and now, having rounded out threescore years and ten, is enjoying the fruits of his many days of toil. His wife's maiden name was Sarah J. Hersom. Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Gage have two children, namely: Walter F., the special subject of this brief personal sketch ; and Daniel, also a farmer, residing in Dover.
Walter F. Gage acquired his education in the public schools, and during the days of his
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MR. AND MRS. WALTER F. GAGE, WITH DAUGHTER. CORA B., AND SON. EVERETT W.
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later boyhood and youth he assisted his father in the labors of the home farm. Here obtain- ing a practical knowledge of everything per- taining to agriculture, he chose that pursuit as his life occupation. When but twenty years of age he purchased of his father an in- terest in the farming business, and of this he has now the complete charge. He has added to the home farm three other farms located in Somersworth, Rochester, and Dover, the farm now consisting of one hundred and fifty acres, situated in the three towns mentioned. Mr. Gage carries on general husbandry and dairy- ing, and in connection with the latter has run a milk route for more than twenty years. He . keeps about twenty cows, finding this part of his business profitable and sure, as milk known to be pure and unadulterated is always in de- mand.
On February 14, 1877, Mr. Gage married Miss Amanda J. Sterling, daughter of Ephraim A. and Susan (Ham) Sterling, of Dover. They have two children - Cora B. and Everett W. A man of foresight and good judgment in affairs, Mr. Gage occupies a secure position in the consideration and respect of his fellow- citizens. He is ever interested in local im- provements, giving his hearty support to all enterprises calculated to benefit the town or city, and for four years served as an official of the municipal government, having been Coun- cilman two years and Alderman two years, representing Ward One. Mr. Gage belongs to one fraternal order, the Knights of Pythias ; and his family are members of the Baptist church.
EORGE WRIGHT BARTLETT, who conducts a prosperous plumbing and steam-fitting business in Meredith, was born at Centre Harbor, N. H., January 2, 1857. His parents were James and Elizabeth
(Davis) Bartlett, natives of Centre Harbor. (For an account of his ancestry see the sketch of James D. Bartlett, which appears elsewhere in this work.)
James Bartlett was reared a farmer, and after his marriage he began to cultivate a farm which his father had given him. After fol- lowing agricultural pursuits for some years, he moved to Meredith, and kept a general store for two or three years. Then, returning to his farm, he remained there until 1868. In that year he bought another piece of agricult- ural property in Campton, N.H., and resided there for eight years. Returning once more to Centre Harbor, he remained for a year, and then took up his residence in Meredith, where his last days were passed, and where he died in 1891. He was a Democrat in politics, and served upon the Board of Selectmen in his native town. His wife, Elizabeth, whose father, Nathan Davis, was also a native of Centre Harbor, became the mother of five children - Sarah, Mirrila, Maria, Frank A., and George W. Sarah is the wife of Melthno C. Clarke, of Centre Harbor; Mirrila married Charles Webster, and is no longer living. Maria is the wife of Ira Wilkinson; and Frank A. is residing in Meredith. . The mother, now seventy-eight years old, is living with George W. Bartlett.
George W. Bartlett was educated in the dis- trict schools. On reaching his majority he came to Meredith, where for one and a half years he was employed at John A. Lang's piano case factory. The next twelve years were spent in the employment of the Meredith Shook and Lumber Company. In February, 1894, he entered the employ of the Meredith Electric Light Company, of which he is now the superintendent. In 1895 he established himself in business as a steam-fitter. Later he put in a stock of stoves and ranges, and
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started in the plumbing business. He has already built up a profitable trade, and em- ploys from two to four men.
In politics Mr. Bartlett is a Prohibitionist. He is a member of Belknap Lodge, No. 14, I. O. O. F .; of Meredith Lodge, No. 50, Knights of Pythias; of the Improved Order of Red Men; and of the Good Templars and the Patrons of Husbandry.
ESLIE W. RICKER, who has charge of the Boston & Maine Railroad sta- tion at New Durham, Strafford County, was born in this town, July 27, 1860, son of Ira S. and Mary E. (Hall) Ricker. His father was a native of Dover, N. H. ; and his grandfather, John Ricker, was also born in that town. Ira S. Ricker was in the employ of the Boston & Maine Railroad Company for thirty-five years, for twenty-nine of which he acted as station agent in New Durham, hold- ing that position until 1886. In politics he supported the Democratic party, and his pub- lic services were of much benefit to the town. He was a member of the Board of Selectmen four years, a part of which time he acted as Chairman, was Tax Collector six years, served upon the School Board, was Postmaster for a number of years, and represented the town in the legislature in 1892 and 1893. He wedded Mary E. Hall, of Barrington, N. H., and they reared six children, namely: Charles H .; Ira O .; Mary H .; Daniel H .; Leslie W., the subject of this sketch; and Jeanette A., the last named being the wife of F. E. Edgerley, of Farmington, N. H. Ira S. Ricker died September 18, 1896.
Leslie W. Ricker acquired a common- school education, and at the age of eighteen he entered the service of the Boston & Maine Company as brakeman on a passenger train.
He continued in that employment for about seven years, at the end of which time he be- came agent for the Lawrence Express Company at Dover, N.H. In 1886 he succeeded his father as station agent at New Durham, which position he has since retained; and he also acts as special police officer at the station, Mr. Ricker is independent in politics. In 1888 he was elected Town Clerk, a position which he still holds; and he was a member of the School Board three years.
He married Wendello Tash, of New Dur- ham, and has two children --- Marion L. and Raymond. The family attend the Baptist church.
HARLES HODGDON DOW, one of Barnstead's best known residents, was born in this town, July 19, 1822, son of Timothy and Mary (Hodgdon) Dow. In 1797 his grandfather, Simon Dow, moved with his family from Durham, N. II., to North Barnstead, and there settled upon two hundred acres of partially cleared land. Simon Dow's children were: Jeremiah, Timothy, John O., Betsey, Hannah, and Margaret. Jeremiah settled in Massachusetts; John O. died in Barnstead; Betsey married William Walker; Hannah wedded a Mr. Hill; and Margaret be- came the wife of James Murray, and moved to a Western State.
Timothy Dow succeeded to the part of the homestead originally settled by his father, and became a very prosperous farmer. He was active in political affairs, served as a Se- lectman for a number of terms, was Moderator at town meetings for twenty years, and repre- sented Barnstead in the legislature for two terms. Prominently identified with the State militia for twenty-four years, he rose in it to the rank of Major-general. In politics he was a Democrat. He died at the age of sixty-
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