USA > New Hampshire > Belknap County > Biographical review : containing life sketches of leading citizens of Stafford and Belknap countries, New Hampshire > Part 61
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and thrift, acquired a comfortable property, and is now the owner of a well-improved farm in the Durham township. He was born De- cember 1, 1836, in Durham, a son of John Tuttle, who removed here from Newfield, Me., his native town, and settled on a farm. John Tuttle married Elizabeth Wormwood, who was born and reared in Lakefield. They were the parents of a large family of children, nearly all of whom grew to mature years; namely, Henrietta, John, George, Charles H., Hayes M., James H., Freeman II., Mary E., Eveline F., and Georgia. Of these but three are now living, these being: 'Charles H., the special subject of this brief biography; Freeman H. and Mary E., both now residents of New Market, N. H.
Charles H. Tuttle had but meagre opportu- nities for obtaining an education, compared with the advantages of children of the present generation, only a few terms at the district school being granted him. As his parents had a large family of little ones to look after, each one was expected to add his mite toward the support of the household as soon as old enough. Accordingly, Charles H. began at the age of twelve years to earn his own liv- ing; and from that time until 1856 he worked as a farm laborer by the month or year. Ex- perience is often a hard master, and so he found it; but he labored with faithful dili- gence until the time came when he had saved a sufficient sum to establish a home of his own. In the year above mentioned he pur- chased the farm on which he now lives, imme- diately establishing himself here; and he has since been busily and prosperously engaged in mixed husbandry. He has forty acres of land, on which he has made valuable improvements, until his homestead property compares favor- ably in all its appointments with any farm of its size in this section of the county.
Mr. Tuttle was married April 17, 1856, to Miss Sarah Long, who was born in Durham, a daughter of Samuel and Mercy M. Long. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Tuttle, as follows: George W., who died March 3, 1890; Charles H., who died August 7, 1883; Herbert S., who lives on the home farm; Fred, who died May 11, 1889; Will; and Eva F., who died August 15, 1864. In politics Mr. Tuttle is a strong adherent of the Democratic party.
EORGE F. KELLEY, an extensive dairy farmer of Gilmanton and a member of the New Hampshire legis- lature, was born July 6, 1851, in the house he now occupies, son of Charles G. and Abigail (Sherburn) Kelley. His great-grandfather, Samuel Kelley, who was of Scotch descent, served as Captain in the Revolutionary War.
Benjamin Kelley, great-grandfather of George F., was born in Salem, N. H., April 29, 1763. In his youth he accompanied his father as waiter while the latter was in the Revolutionary army. At the age of eighteen he began to read medicine with Dr. Hazletine, of Haverhill, Mass. When qualified for prac- tice, he located in Northwood, N. H., where he remained eleven years. Then, in ISO1, after residing for some time in Loudon, N.H., he came to Gilmanton, being one of the first medical practitioners to settle in the town, and remained here for the rest of his life. In those early days physicians were subject to great hardships and no little danger. They made their visits on horseback, and not infre- quently were attacked by wolves while pass- ing through the woods on their night visits to the sick. Dr. Benjamin Kelley erected, in 1801, the house now occupied by his grandson and for many years kept a tavern for the enter-
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tainment of travellers. He was an able doc- tor and one of the most prominent residents of Gilmanton in his day. He was instru- mental in forming the Baptist Society in 1818, and acted as its Deacon for many years. His death occurred in his seventy-seventh year. On February 16, 1787, he wedded Mary Gile, who was born in Lee, N. II., July 7, 1765. His nine children were: John, Hall J., Eliza- beth, Amelia, Samuel, Nancy, Benjamin, Charles G., and Lewis. John married Sally Merrill, of Gilmanton; Elizabeth married Benjamin Shaw; Amelia became the wife of James Hill; Nancy married Jones Shaw; and Samuel became largely interested in the lum- ber business in Calais, Mc. Three of Dr. Kelley's children reached the age of ninety years.
Hall J. Kelley, the third child of Dr. Ben- jamin Kelley, fitted for college at Gilmanton Academy, and graduated from Middlebury College. After graduation he taught school for a time in Boston, and later became princi- pal of the high school at Malden, Mass. Afterward he organized and led a party of one hundred men on an exploring expedition across the Rocky Mountains, gaining by the trip much notoriety as an intrepid explorer. Many of his followers became disheartened, and turned their faces homeward; but with a few men he eventually reached Oregon, after suf- fering numerous hardships owing to the vari- ous obstacles encountered and the treachery of the savage tribes. On his return he pre- sented a claim to the government for one hundred thousand dollars for his work as an explorer; but it was disallowed, and he came back to New England a poor man. He re- sumed teaching, and later published a book containing a full account of his adventures in the Far West, which had a large sale. In his later years he became well-to-do. He died in
Palmer, Mass., aged ninety years. The maiden name of his wife was Mary B. Baldwin.
Charles G. Kelley, George F. Kelley's father, was born March 18, 1804, at the home- stead. His life task was the development of his farm, to which he brought broad and pro- gressive purposes and indomitable persever- ance. He was the first farmer to construct an under drain in Gilmanton. None excelled him as a breeder of stock and a dairyman. It may safely be said that he became one of the best known farmers and stock-raisers in this local- ity. During his management the estate was enlarged to four hundred acres, and the build- ings were much improved. He died on April 25, 1885, retaining his faculties and control- ling his business to the last, at the age of eighty-one years. In 1842 he married Abi-
gail Sherburn, who bore him four children ---- Mary, Charles, John, and George F. Charles died at the age of five years, and John at seven- teen. Mary attended Gilmanton Academy, and began life as a teacher. A most estima- ble woman, she makes friends of all with whom she comes in contact.
George F. Kelley inherited the farm and much of the tastes of his father, whose policy as a farmer he has continued. He brought to his business a good practical education, which, added to good, natural endowments and the strong, vigorous, and enlightened purposes of his father, have borne fruit in successful farm management. His most marked success has been as a breeder of speed horses, having bred the fastest horses in the State. These he trained and drove in the races. His stalls contain forty fine cattle, bred mainly for dairy purposes.
Nominated in 1896 by the Republicans as a candidate for the legislature, against a strong field, Mr. Kelley triumphantly was elected.
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Although a progressive man, he preserves and values highly everything about the farm that belonged to his ancestors, including many relics left by his great-grandfather, Dr. Benja- min Kelley.
Mr. Kelley has been twice married. His first marriage was contracted April 19, 1876, with Frances Maxfield, of Pittsfield, N. H., who died seventeen months after, leaving a daughter, Mabel. Mabel has been a success- ful school teacher since she was fifteen years old. By his second marriage, contracted De- cember 2, 1882, Mr. Kelley was united to Adelia Jones, who was born May 5, 1861, daughter of John G. W. Jones, of Alton, N. H. Mrs. Kelley has since become the mother of six children, namely: Mary A., born May 27, ISS4; Charles G., born July 21, 1886; Alice L., born November 16, 1888; Arthur E., born August 18, 1891; Emma M., born September 3, 1894; and Ruth N., born July 11, 1897.
HOMAS J. DOUGHERTY, M.D., a rising young physician of Somersworth, was born in Schaghticoke, Rensselaer County, N. Y., October 22, 1868, son of Will- iam and Catherine (Gregg) Dougherty. His parents emigrated from Ireland to this country in early life, his father becoming a contractor and builder in New York State. Our subject was graduated from the high school in his na- tive town when eighteen years old. He then entered upon a collegiate course in Pennsyl- vania, but on account of failing health was obliged to relinquish his studies. Subse- quently he entered the Hudson River State Hospital, where he began the study of medi- cine, and was graduated from the Baltimore Medical College in 1894. In August of the same year he came to Somersworth, where he found what he considered a good field in which
to locate. He has since practised his profes- sion in this place, and has already gained an excellent reputation as a skilful physician.
Dr. Dougherty is a member of the State, County, and District Medical Societies, is ex- amining physician for the Foresters and Vice-President of the Board of Trade. In politics he is a Democrat, and he is a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.
SA A. HALL has been identified with the industrial interests of Farming- ton, Strafford County, as carpenter, builder, and lumber dealer, for the past thirty years, and is one of the best known citizens of this section of the State. He was born in the town of Strafford, January 22, 1830, a son of Jonathan and Lydia (Demerritt) Hall, and a grandson of Ebenezer Hall, one of the first settlers of Strafford.
Jonathan Hall spent the larger portion of his life in Strafford, and was numbered among the most thrifty farmers of his neighborhood. He was an active supporter of the Democratic party. He married Miss Lydia Demerritt, of Barrington, this county, and of their nine children seven are still living; namely, Amanda S., Asa A., Catherine, Daniel D., Carrie D., Eliza D., and Ellen. Mr. Hall attained the age of seventy-five years, dying in Strafford in 1871.
Asa A. Hall obtained his elementary educa- tion in the common schools of his native town, this being supplemented by a course of study at the academy in Pittsfield, N. H. On reach- ing man's estate he went to Manchester, this State, where he served an apprenticeship of three years at the carpenter's trade. Going then to Dorchester, N. II., he was engaged in the lumber business for about five years. In 1861, when the tocsin of war resounded
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through the land, he enlisted in the New : Hampshire Cavalry, and, being appointed Ser- geant of Company K, served his country nearly four years. He was in the battle of Cedar Mountain, June 9, 1862, when he received a slight flesh wound, but did not leave the field. He was in the second battle of Bull Run in August, 1862. On June IS, 1863, at Middle- burg, Va., he was taken prisoner, and was con- fined in the Confederate prisons of Belle Isle or Richmond about two months, suffering un- told horrors and hardships. On June 13, 1864, at White Oak . Swamp, Virginia, he re- ceived a wound in the left hand which necessi- tated the amputation of the middle finger. In the summer and autumn of 1864 he was with his regiment in Virginia under General Sheri- dan, and took part in many of the engagements of that memorable campaign, including the battle of Winchester and others of less note. On December 21, 1864, at Lacey Spring, he received a severe sabre wound in the head, and was taken prisoner and carried to Richmond, where he was long and seriously ill from the effects of the wound, nearly losing his life. On June 27, 1865, he was discharged from the service at Patterson Park Hospital on a sur - geon's certificate of disability on account of wounds received in battle. Mr. Hall returned to Strafford County, and for two years there- after followed his trade in Dover. In 1868 he came to Farmington, where he has since re- sided, being successfully engaged as a carpen- ter and builder, although of late years he has confined his attention almost entirely to the lumber business. He is now a Director in the Farmington Savings Bank. In politics he is a firm Republican, and takes an intelligent interest in local affairs. In 1876 he served as Selectman, and for four years was Deputy Sheriff under Job Greenfield. During the administration of President Harrison he served
for an equal length of time as Postmaster of Farmington, and since 1893 he has been Justice of the Peace. He is prominently con- nected with the order of Odd Fellows, belong- ing to Woodbine Lodge, No. 41, I. O. O. F., in which he has filled all the offices; and to Mad River Encampment ; and he is Past Chan- cellor of Harmony Lodge, No. 11, K. of P. He is also a member in high standing of Carl- ton Post, No. 24, G. A. R., having served in nearly all the offices of the organization.
Mr. Hall has been twice married. His first wife, whose maiden name was Hannah R. Morey, was born and reared in West Fairlec, Vt. She died in early life, leaving one child, Hannah, who died October 13, 1885, at the home of her husband, Mr. A. F. Waldron. On December 31, 1866, Mr. Hall married Miss Maria A. Stanton, of New Durham, N. H. ; and they have one child, John E. S. Hall, of whom a brief sketch may be found elsewhere in this volume. \ Mr. Hall is a member of the Congregational Society, and he and his family attend that church.
HARLES W. ROLLINS, a prosper- ous and energetic farmer and lumber dealer of Gilford, was born in West Alton, N. H., August 31, 1835, son of Fred- erick B. and Abigail (Miller) Rollins. His grandfather, Colonel John Rollins, volun- teered for service in the Revolutionary War before he was seventeen years of age, going out at the very first call, and remaining in the army for five years and eight months. At the time of Arnold's treason Colonel Rollins was in Washington's army, and was an eye-witness at the execution of Major Andre. An interest- ing relic of that period, carefully preserved by his grandson, is an English gun captured by the Colonel. The latter, even in old age,
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continued to be interested in military affairs, and would often instruct men in the art of drilling. He was never weary of referring to the days of war. After the war he went to Alton Corner, and had charge of the public house there for a few years. He then removed to South Alton, and again to West Alton. In Alton he bought a tract of land with build- ings, and there was afterward engaged in farm- ing until his death, which occurred when he was ninety-two years old. He was buried in Emerson Cemetery on the property of the pres- ent Mr. Rollins. . His wife, whose maiden name was Betsey Leighton, lived to the age of ninety years. One of their children died in infancy. The others were: Anthony, John, Jonathan, Frederick, Richard, and Susan. All these married and reared families. An- thony was a farmer in Somersworth; John lived in Alton, and died in New Durham; Jonathan spent his life in Alton; Richard lived in Alten, and then moved to Dover, N. H., and died there; and Susan married William Emerson, grandfather of Willis P. Emerson, the subject of another sketch.
Frederick B. Rollins, the fourth child of Colonel Rollins, and the father of Charles W., received a common-school education, and after- ward engaged in the coopering business in West Alton. He was also occupied in team- ing, and ran two four-horse teams, by which he hauled barrels and shooks to Portsmouth, and then freight (groceries and other supplies) to Laconia. He was prosperous, and did quite an extensive business, employing a large num- ber of hands for the work. At first a part owner of the farm left by his father, he finally turned his attention wholly to that, and died on the old homestead at the age of seventy- five. His wife, Abigail, bore him twelve chil- dren -- Calvin, Charles W., Seth E., Lcan- der, Sally, Catherine, Susan, Drusilla, Abbie,
Mary Jane, Melissa, and Roxana. Of these, Leander died in infancy, and Sally and Cath- erine died young, the latter when eighteen or twenty years of age. Susan married Ches- ter B. Emerson, of West Alton; Drusilla mar- ried Levi Grant; Abbie became the wife of Horace Lear; Mary Jane married G. W. Ben- nett, of Gilford; Melissa married M. V. B. Eaton ; and Roxana became the wife of Charles Foss.
Charles W. Rollins received his education in the district schools. He then took up farming, and later the wood and lumber busi- ness. Of the latter he has made a specialty for some years past. He has sold logs exten- sively to parties owning mills along the banks of Lake Winnepesaukee, and is very prosper- ous in this line. He is one of the largest landowners in the county, his property embrac- ing nine hundred acres in all, five hundred of which are included in his present homestead, which is located partly in Alton and partly in Gilford, only one hundred and twenty-five acres, however, being in Gilford. IIe was first elected Selectman in 1883, and subse- quently served in that capacity for six years before the town was divided and part of it added to Laconia, and for four years after that event. In 1896 he was elected to the State legislature with Clifton Tilton, both from Re- publican towns, and the only Democrats elected in the county.
Mr. Rollins married Betsey, daughter of Stephen Dow, of Gilford. They have had three children - Arthur D., Charles A., and Elsie. Arthur, who graduated at New Hamp- ton Academy, and is engaged in the lumber business in West Alton, married Emilie A. Ives, of Salem, Mass. Charles A. is attend- ing the academy just mentioned. Mr: Rollins is highly esteemed by all his townspeople. While Selectman he gave his most careful
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attention to the highest interests of the town. People know him as a man of strict moral prin- ciples, and one who always has the courage of his convictions.
RANKLIN W. COBURN, the well- known cutlery manufacturer of New Durham, Strafford County, N. H., and an ex-member of the State legislature, was born in Pelham, N. H., January 16, 1834, son of Jesse and Abigail (Hardy) Coburn. His parents were natives of Pelham, as was also his paternal grandfather, Josiah Coburn. Jesse Coburn was an industrious farmer, who tilled the soil of a good farm in his native town for the greater part of his life, but whose last days were spent in New Durham. He lived to be eighty-four years old. His wife, Abbie Hardy, became the mother of nine children, four of whom are living - Franklin W., the subject of this sketch, being the youngest.
Franklin W. Coburn acquired a common- school education, and at the age of sixteen came to New Durham. where he served an apprenticeship at the blacksmith's and knife- maker's trades. In 1855 he erected a small factory where the large one now stands, the latter being erected in 1887, and began the manufacture of knives, shoe shaves, and general cutlery. His plant, which is situated at what is now called Coburnville, has a capacity of fifty workmen, and his goods are disposed of by his own agents at 97 Summer Street, Bos- ton. Mr. Coburn also utilizes the water- power at the head of the Cocheco River, where he carries on a saw-mill for the manufacture of shingles and so forth, and also makes cider. His activity and business ability are greatly appreciated by the community, which is bene- fited by the industries which he has developed within its midst, and the success which has
attended his enterprise is fully merited. In politics he acts with the Republican party, and has long been a leading spirit in the pub- lic affairs of this town. He represented New Durham in the legislature during the sessions of 1878 and 1879, and has been chosen dele- gate to both State and National conventions.
Mr. Coburn has been three times married. For his first wife he wedded Susan Willey, who died in 1858. By that union there were three children, namely: Charles, who is no longer living; Franklin W., Jr. ; and Alonzo G. His second wife, Mary J. Willey, sister of the first wife, died in 1891. There were three children by this marriage, as follows : Thomas Paine, who lived but six months ; Alma J., who died at the age of twenty-four ; and Susan Maud, who is twenty years of age. The present Mrs. Coburn, formerly Mrs. Sarah E. Gould, of. Lynn, is a daughter of Hiram F. Wright, Esq., of Cambridgeport, Mass.
Mr. Coburn is connected with the Knights of Pythias and the Knights of Honor.
RANKLIN W. COBURN, JR., who is connected with the cutlery manufac- tory founded by his father in New Durham, was born in this town, December 5, 1856, son of Franklin W., Sr., and Susan (Willey) Coburn. His great-grandfather, Jo- siah, and his grandfather, Jesse Coburn, were natives of Pelham, N. H. ; and an account of the family will be found in a sketch of Frank- lin W. Coburn, Sr., which appears elsewhere in the " REVIEW."
Franklin W. Coburn, Jr., was educated in the schools of New Durham and of Pelham. At the age of twenty-one he entered bis father's factory in this town, and has since been closely connected with that enterprise. He is one of the earnest supporters of the
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Republican party in New Durham ; and his public services have demonstrated the fact that he possesses much natural ability, which will undoubtedly pave the way for his future success either in business or in public life. He was for some time supervisor of the check list, acted as Collector for one year, and was elected a Representative to the legislature in 1889. He is a member of Winnepesaukee Lodge, F. & A. M., of Alton, and of Colum- bian Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, of Farm- ington; is connected with Woodbine Lodge, I. O. O. F. ; and Harmony Lodge, Knights of Pythias, of the last named town. Mr. Coburn married Leona Smith, daughter of James and Ann Smith, of Rochester, N. H.
LONZO G. COBURN, a cutlery man- ufacturer of New Durham, was born in this town, March 13, 1858, son of Franklin W., Sr., and Susan (Willey) Co- burn. He is a great-grandson of Josiah and grandson of Jesse Coburn, both of whom were natives of Pelham, N.H. The family has long been identified with the manufacture of cutlery in New Durham ; and for a more ex- tended account of this enterprise and its founder, the reader is referred to a sketch of Franklin W. Coburn, Sr., which will be found upon another page of this work.
Alonzo G. Coburn acquired a practical edu- cation in the schools of this town, and at the age of sixteen began work in his father's fac- tory, with which he has since been promi- nently identified. He is actively interested in public affairs, was supervisor of the check list for twelve years, has been Tax Collector for the past two years, and is now serving as police officer. He is a member of Harmony Lodge, Knights of Pythias, of Farmington. Mr. Coburn wedded Ann Adams, daughter of
Charles Adams, of New Durham, and she has had two children, namely : Alice M., who is no longer living; and Floyd P. The family attend the Baptist church.
NOCH T. HANSON, a successful tiller of the soil, residing on his well- appointed farm in the town of Dover, Strafford County, has a good record both as citizen and soldier. He was born in April, 1841, in Moultonboro, Carroll County, N. II., at the home of his parents, Charles and Mary C. (True) Hanson.
Mr. Hanson passed the first eighteen years of his life in Moultonboro and Sandwich, N. H., and has since made his home in Dover. Soon after attaining his majority he rc- sponded to the call for troops to put down the Rebellion, enlisting on the 9th of August, 1862, as a private in Company K of the Eleventh New Hampshire Volunteer Infan- try, for three years, or during the war. He was mustered into service at Concord, and, being sent with his comrades to the scene of action, took an active part in many of the im- portant battles that followed, notable among them being those of Fredericksburg; Jackson, Miss. ; Knoxville; the seven days' battle of the Wilderness; the engagements at Spottsyl- vania, North Anna River, Cold Harbor; and the siege of Petersburg. In front of the latter city, June 16, 1864, Mr. Hanson was seriously wounded by a minie ball. He, however, con- tinued a member of his regiment until the close of the conflict, receiving his discharge at Concord on the 4th of June, 1865. In 1882 Mr. Hanson purchased his present place. twenty acres of land, with convenient build- ings, and has since been profitably engaged in general farming, the neat and comfortable appearance of his homestead giving evidence
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of the intelligence with which he manages his work. Industrious and upright, he is held in high regard throughout the community in which he resides. In politics he is a firm supporter of the Republican party ; and he is a worthy member of the Charles Sawyer Post, G. A. R., of Dover.
Mr. Hanson was married in September, 1861, to Miss Lydia Austin, who was born in Dover, N.H., a daughter of John and Nancy Austin. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Hanson may be briefly mentioned as follows : Charles H., living at Portsmouth, N. H. ; Mary J., who died November . 8, 1878; Mattie A., who died August 23, 1889; John T., a resi- dent of Dover; Grace M., who died November 30, 1878; and B. Frank, Ida M., and Lil- lian, all residing in Dover.
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