Biographical review; this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Rockingham County, New Hampshire, Part 11

Author:
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: Boston [Mass.] Biographical review pub. co.
Number of Pages: 658

USA > New Hampshire > Rockingham County > Biographical review; this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Rockingham County, New Hampshire > Part 11

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"ARVEY P. HOOD, senior member of the firm of H. P. Hood & Sons (incorporated), wholesale milk dealers of Derry, N.H., was born in Chelsea, Orange County, Vt., June 6, 1823. His parents were Harvey and Rebecca (Smith) Hood, both natives of Orange County. The first of his family in that locality was his grandfather, Enos Hood, who went from Salem, Mass., when a young man, and with two brothers settled in what was then the wilderness of Northern Vermont. The sunny hills and fertile valleys offered good agricult- ural advantages, the streams were full of speckled trout, and the sugar maples held ex- haustless supplies of saccharine treasure; and Enos Hood settled permanently in his pioneer home .. Harvey Hood, son of Enos, spent the greater part of his life in his native State, engaged in the pursuit of agriculture; but his last days were passed in Derry, N.H. Four of his children are now living, namely : Harvey P., of Derry; Gilbert E., of Law- rence, Mass .; Eliza P., residing in Boston, Mass. ; and Lucinda R., wife of the Rev. A. A. Smith, in Berry, Vt.

Harvey P. Hood, who is the direct subject of the present sketch, acquired his education in a district school in Chelsea and the acad- emy at Randolph, Vt., supplementing in after years the knowledge gained there by wide general reading, so that he is now justly con- sidered a well-informed man. He went to Boston, Mass., when twenty-three years of age, and was for some time employed in a bakery, being afterward engaged in the retail milk business in a section of the city then be- longing to Charlestown, now a part of Boston. In 1856 he located in Derry, N. H., and, be-

ginning in a small way, gradually built up an immense business. His shipments to Boston alone now average four cars of milk daily, and his business connections extend through a large part of New Hampshire. Mr. Hood's success has been gained through close atten- tion to business, and his natural ability has been strengthened by years of practical expe- rience. In addition to his milk trade he deals in grain to some extent ; and he was for many years a Director in the Derry National Bank.

Mr. Hood and his wife, formerly Caroline Corwin, of Chelsea, Vt., have six children : Laura C., wife of J. W. Johnson, of Man- chester, N.H .; Clara R., living in Lawrence, Mass .; Nellie F., wife of N. M. Smith, of Brookline, Mass .; Charles H., residing in Somerville, Mass .; and Edward J. and Gil- bert H., in Derry. The incorporated com- pany of H. P. Hood & Sons consists of Harvey P. Hood, President ; Charles HI. Hood, Treas- urer ; and Gilbert H. Hood, Secretary.

Mr. Hood is a prominent . Republican, and has served for two terms in the New Hamp- shire legislature. In religious belief he is a Congregationalist. He is the happy possessor of a handsome residence in Derry, and he and his family are highly esteemed members of the society of the town.

RANK H. BUTLER, farmer, a resi- dent of Nottingham, was born in this town, November 29, 1852, son of James

H. and Harriett (Amsden) Butler. Mr. Butler's great-grandfather, Henry Butler, born November 27, 1754, was one of the early and prosperous residents of the town. He served in the Continental army during the Revolutionary War. With his wife, Isabel (Fisk) Butler, whom he married April II, 1776, he reared a family of eight children. Ebenezer Butler, Mr. Butler's grandfather, was born in Nottingham, March 13, 1781. He was in early life a blacksmith. Later he engaged in farming, and continued in that oc- cupation until 1828. In this year he opened a tavern here, calling it "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush," that became a popular resort for travellers. Of genial man- ners, he conducted it successfully until his

HARVEY P. HOOD.

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death, which occurred December 25, 1850. In politics he was an active Whig, and served as Selectman for several years. One of the characteristics which made him popular was his warm public spirit. In his religious views he was a Congregationalist. On Octo- ber 19, 1809, he married Sally Hersey, of Sanbornton, N. H., and became the father of four children. The mother died on Novem- ber 27, 1854.

James H. Butler, the eldest of his parents' children, was born in Nottingham, October 27, 1811. When a young man, he engaged in the stock business, speculating extensively in cattle, and driving large droves to Brighton, Mass., usually making the journey in four days. Hle later engaged in farming and lum- bering operations, cutting and hauling a great deal of ship timber. Subsequently retiring from that business, he became a merchant, and had a large and prosperous trade. His death occurred May 22, 1893. For many years he was a leading spirit in public affairs, being an active and influential supporter of the Democratic party. He was a member of the Board of Selectmen, and for a number of years held other town offices. He was a Rep- resentative to the legislature for two terms, during which he rendered able and valuable services to the community and the State.

Mr. Butler was twice married. His first marriage was contracted with Mary H. Dear- born. of Sanbornton. By this union there were two children, of whom the survivor is Mary L., the wife of Joseph N. Cilley, of this town, who has two children - Elizabeth and Joseph. Mr. Butler's first wife died June 19, 1850: and on August 18, 1851, he wedded for his second wife Harriett Amsden, daughter of Jacob Amsden, of Charlestown, N. II. She became the mother of one son, Frank H., the subject of this sketch. Both parents attended the Congregational church.

Frank HI. Butler acquired the primary branches of his education in the schools of Nottingham. Subsequently, after a course at the Northwood Seminary, he finished his stud- ies in Portsmouth, N.H. Then, returning to the farm, he engaged in agriculture, which has continued to be his occupation since.

On January 1, 1876, he wedded Euleta A.

Folsom, daughter of Benjamin and Abbie Folsom, of Wayland, Mass. Mrs. Butler is the mother of three children, as follows: Harriett A., who was born October 17, 1876; Annie F., who was born March 13, 1879; and Marion, who was born March 23, 1891. In politics Mr. Butler is a Democrat, and he has served as Town Clerk for two years.

SAAC S. DICKEY, an old resident of Londonderry, N. H., who, although fast approaching his fourscore years, is still actively engaged in tilling the soil, was born in Manchester, N. H., November 1, 1819, son of David and Martha (Perham) Dickey.

David Dickey was a native of the town of Derryfield, whose name in 1810 was changed to Manchester. He followed agricultural pursuits in connection with brickmaking, and resided there until his death, which took place in 1855. He was highly respected as an up- right, conscientious man and a worthy citizen ; and in politics he supported the Whig party. His wife, whose maiden name was Martha Perham, was a native of Manchester. Of her children there are two survivors, namely : Robert, who resides in Salem, N. H. ; and Isaac S., the subject of this sketch.

Isaac S. Dickey attended the district school of his neighborhood, and was reared to farm life in his native town. At the age of twenty- three he engaged in shoemaking, which, to- gether with farming, constituted his occupa- tion until he was forty years old. In 1842 he took up his residence in Londonderry, later removing to Litchfield, where he resided for a short time; and he then returned to this town. Some time during the fifties he settled upon his present farm of one hundred and twenty acres, one of the best in this section, which, with the exception of a short interval, has since been his permanent residence.

For his first wife Mr. Dickey married Mar- garet Pettingill; and by this union there are four sons, two of whom, Irving T. and Henry C., died while serving as soldiers in the Civil War, Winfield Scott is no longer living, and Phineas W., the only survivor, is residing in Manchester. For his second wife Mr. Dickey

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

wedded Mrs. Elizabeth Farrell, of Manchester ; and his present wife was Mrs. Mary J. Mc- Queston. He has been a tireless worker during his long and busy life, never permit- ting an opportunity to be lost which could in any way contribute to his advancement ; and he still considers himself among the active resi- dents of Londonderry. In politics he supports the Republican party.

OHN S. LADD, who is identified with the mercantile interests of Rockingham County, is a dealer in hardware, tin- ware, and house-furnishing goods in the town of Epping, where he was born October 7, 1856. His father, Daniel B. Ladd, was born in Deerfield, January, 1826, but has spent the larger part of his life in Epping. Here he married Marian Sawyer Jones, and husband and wife are still living on their well-ap- pointed farm near West Epping.

John S. Ladd attended the district schools of this locality until he was fifteen years old, and for a year or two after that worked on the farm. Not liking agricultural work, he went to Raymond, where he learned the tanner's trade, which he followed for ten years. On September 10, 1883, he purchased the well- established business of George S. Rundett & Son in Epping, and has since conducted a brisk trade in hardware, tinware, and house- furnishing goods. Mr. Ladd carried on the business alone for some years; but on April 1, 1895, he suffered a severe misfortune, his place being destroyed by fire. With un- daunted energy and perseverance, he went to work, and built his present establishment, which is a two-story brick structure, the upper story of which is used by the Masonic Lodge. On the completion of his new store Mr. Ladd took into copartnership Mr. J. L. Thompson, the firm name being J. S. Ladd & Co. This enterprising firm have an extensive trade, and carry a complete stock of goods, embracing stoves, hardware, and tinware, sheet iron, pumps, and lead pipe.

On the 20th of October, 1881, Mr. Ladd married Miss Belle M. Bagley, a daughter of Daniel B. Bagley, of Raymond, N. H. Of the children born of their union two are living

- Stella Fay and Mildred Rosella. Relig- iously, Mrs. Ladd is a member of the Congre- gationalist church. Mr. Ladd is a Master Mason, belonging to Sullivan Lodge, No. 19, and is also a member of Queen Esther Chap- ter, No. 11, Order of the Eastern Star. He is a stanch Democrat politically and an influ- ential member of his party in this locality. He was elected Selectman in 1891, and served one term. In 1892 and 1893 he was Auditor ; and he 1896 he was elected Treasurer of the town - a responsible position, which he is acceptably filling. Although a comparatively young man, Mr. Ladd is a thoroughly repre- sentative citizen, and occupies a firm place among the leading business men of this part of the county.

HARLES A. WILSON, a skilful and successful agriculturist of Chester, was born on his present homestead, April 19, 1843, son of Benjamin

and Rhoda (Emery) Wilson. Benjamin Wilson was born in Pelham, this State, where he grew to manhood. Subsequently going to Atkinson, this county, he lived there until after his marriage. Then he came to Chester, where he resided until his demise, October 4, 1880. He bought the farm now owned and occupied by his son, Charles A., and there was profitably occupied in farming and lum- bering. While in Atkinson, he married Miss Rhoda Emery, who bore him five children, as follows: Mehitable E., who died June 7, 1859; Andrew Jackson, who died October 15, 1852; Elizabeth I., who is the widow of the late Lucian Kent, and lives in Chester town- ship; Benjamin Franklin, who married Miss Abby A. Rowe, and lives at Derry Depot, this county; and Charles A., the subject of this sketch. The mother passed away January 17, 1 869.

Charles A. Wilson was reared on the home- stead, attending the district school between seed-time and harvest, and at other times as- sisting his parents. After an absence of five years spent in Massachusetts, at Andover, and in Manchester and Derry, of this State, he re- turned to the home farm, which he has since managed most profitably. The estate contains

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

one hundred and twenty acres of land, devoted principally to general agriculture, although some attention is paid to stock-raising and lumbering. In politics Mr. Wilson is a sound Democrat, while he has never been an aspirant to official honors. In 1867 he was united in marriage with Miss Ellen Abbott, who was born in Nottingham, this county, daughter of Benjamin Abbott, a farmer now living in the town of New Market, this State.

Mrs. Wilson, who lived but a few years after her marriage, died May 27, 1871, leaving no children.

ERENO A. PRESCOTT, of Brent- wood, the worthy representative of an old and honored family of the county, was born, June 7, 1840, at llampton Falls, N. H., son of Robert and AImira (Melcher) Prescott. He traces his lineage back to one James Prescott, of Stand- ish, England, who lived in 1564. The founder of the American family was John Prescott, who in 1640, four generations later, came from England, and settled first in Bos- ton, Mass., but later in Watertown, near by.

Robert Prescott was born, May 8, 1799, in Hampton Falls, being the sixth child of his parents, Simeon and Sarah (French) Prescott. On January 30, 1822, he married Almira Melcher, who was born April 29, 1801, daughter of Joseph Melcher. They became the parents of ten children ; namely, Joseph E., Mary O., Charles Smith, Lewis F., Alvah D., Samuel M., Thomas C., George S., Sereno A., and Almon R. Joseph E., born May 23, 1823, who was married in November, 1843, to Almira Bartlett, enlisted August 1, 1861, in Company B, Third New Hampshire Volun- teer Infantry, served for three years in the Civil War, and died shortly after returning home, on October 30, 1864. Mary O., born April 29, 1824, was married, September 24, 1847, to Amos F. Whitney, a tanner, who was born August 23, 1820. Charles Smith. was born May 14, 1826. Lewis F. was born March 5, 1828, and Alvah D., June 5. 1830. Samuel M., born September 11, 1832, served in the late war, in. Company C, First Massa- chusetts Heavy Artillery. Thomas C., born

June 14, 1835, served three years in the war with Company K, Seventh New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry. He married, November 13, 1856, Hannah L., daughter of William Plummer. George S., born September 21, 1837, who sent a substitute to the war, mar- ried in 1859 Miss Emma Cotton, who died twelve months later, in November, 1860. Or December 24, 1864, he entered a second mar- riage, contracted with Miss Laura D. Sargent. Almon R., born June 28, 1843, enlisted as a fireman, April 28, 1862, in the United States naval service. In 1863 he was transferred to the South Atlantic blockading squadron, under Rear-admiral Dahlgren and Captain Creighton. On August 17 of that year he took part in the bombardment of Fort Haynes and Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, being on board the first wooden gunboat added to the iron-clad fleet on that occasion. Hle also shared in several other naval engagements of importance.

Sereno A. Prescott received a good com- mon-school education. At the age of sixteen he began working on a farm in Kingston, N. H., and continued occupied there four or more years. He also sent a substitute to the war. After his marriage Mr. Prescott lived for a brief time with his father-in-law, and then purchased his present homestead in Brentwood, at that time known as the Veasey farm. He has eighty-five acres of land, the greater portion of which is in a fine state of cultivation. Hay, potatoes, and the grains usually raised in New England are his princi- pal crops. He has been quite successful in dairy keeping, of which he makes a specialty.

On January 30, 1864, he married Miss M. A. Frances Miller, who was born, June 30, 1839, in Deerfield, this State. Mrs. Prescott's parents are Samuel and Anna (Yeaton) Miller, both natives of Merrimack County, respectively born at Chichester and Epsom. Mr. and Mrs. Prescott are the par- ents of six children, namely: Charles A., who lives at home; Anna F., who is the wife of E. Hale Flanders, of Amesbury, Mass. ; George Y., who is at home; Ethel M., who is the wife of Winfred Varney, and lives in Rochester, N. HI. ; and Ida B. and Nellie W., who are both at home. In politics Mr. Pres-

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

cott is an uncompromising Republican, always remaining faithful to the best inter- ests of his party. He has been Supervisor of Brentwood for one year, and has also served on the School Board.

A™ LVIN J. SEAVEY, general farmer and milk dealer and one of the town fathers of Derry, was born in Ches- ter, this county, December 18, 1853. Ilis parents were Isaac L. and Mary H. (Brown) Seavey, the former a native of Ches- ter and the latter of the town of Fremont, in the same county. llis grandfather, Josiah Seavey, was an early settler in Chester. Jo- siah Seavey's wife was a member of the Lane family, one of the old and respected families of Rockingham County.

Isaac L. Seavey was reared on his father's farm in Chester, obtaining his knowledge of the rudiments in the district- school. He adopted agriculture as his chief occupation, and subsequently was a very successful farmer. In May, 1864, he moved to the farm now oc- cupied by his son, and there spent the rest of his life. He was a stanch Republican. He and his wife, Mary, reared two children - Julia A. B., wife of George Converse, of Ches- ter; and Alvin J. Both parents were mem- bers of the Methodist church.

Alvin J. Seavey, who was ten years of age when his parents removed to Derry, received the greater part of his education in this town, attending the public schools and Pinkerton Academy. He has been engaged in agricult- ure from early youth, and now manages his farm in the manner of one thoroughly conver- sant with farming. The estate covers fifty acres of arable and pasture land. Mr. Seavey raises general crops, and keeps a number of milch cows. Ile finds a profitable market for much of his produce, and he has a large milk trade. One of the leading farmers of the lo- cality, he is a member and the Master of Nut- field Grange.

On December 25, 1877, he was united in marriage with Harriett, daughter of James and Katherine (Goodwin) Sefton, both resi- dents of Derry. Mr. and Mrs. Sefton, who were born in England, reared a large family ;

and five others of their children are now liv- ing. These are: Elizabeth, residing in Worcester, Mass., the widow of Guy F. Orrill ; James, residing in Derry ; Alfred, in Holyoke, Mass. ; Frederick, in Auburn, N. Y. ; and Thomas H., in Derry. Mr. and Mrs. Seavey have two children, namely: Cora Kate, born June 18, 1879; and Jessie Lane, born May 3, 1886. Mr. Seavey, like his father, is a Re- publican. He takes a prominent part in town affairs, and has served as Selectman for three years. Well advanced in Masonry, he is Past Master of St. Mark's Lodge of Derry ; and he is a member of Derryfield Lodge, Ancient Order of United Workmen, of Derry Depot. Both he and Mrs. Seavey are members of the First Congregational Church at East Derry.

J OHN SCRIBNER, who for many years was recognized as one of the leading farmers of Rockingham County, was born here, June 1, 1822. He was a son of Elisha Scribner, Sr., also a native of this town, who, after spending his lifetime here, passed away in 1856.

John Scribner became a farmer from choice rather than necessity, having a natural taste and aptitude for the occupation in which he was reared. The remarkable success which he met with proved the wisdom of his selec- tion. By dint of persevering toil, he brought his land to a condition of high cultivation, and made such improvements on the property that it now stands as a monument to his industry, enterprise, and skilful management. He was a stanch Republican in politics, taking an active interest in all schemes conducive to the public benefit ; and he served in a praise- worthy manner in various town and county offices.

Mr. Scribner was three times married. His first wife, Mary E. (Currier) Scribner, who was born December 14, 1824, in San- down, N. H., was a daughter of John and Polly (Locke) Currier. She died June 22, 1853, leaving one child, Mary Ellen, who became the wife of Dr. Fred. I. Drown. Mr. Scrib- ner subsequently married Miss Olive R. P. Packer, who was born in Greenland, this county. She lived but a short time after her

EDSON E. PEASLEE.

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

marriage, having borne a daughter, Sarah Ida, who has also passed away. On March 25, 1861, Mr. Scribner contracted a third mar- riage with Miss Sarah A. Stevens, who sur- vives him, and now occupies the home farm. Mrs. Scribner is a native of Danville, this county, and a daughter of Samuel and Sarah (llooker) Stevens, both natives of the same town. Mr. Stevens, who was a farmer, spent his entire life in the place of his nativity, and died there in 1850. His widow is still living, making her home with her daughter, Mrs. Scribner. She had nine children, six of whom are yet living. Of the last union of Mr. Scribner one child was born, S. Olive, now the wife of Frank W. Clarke, of Anoka, Minn. Mr. Scribner died June 27, 1863.

DSON E. PEASLEE, an enterprising lumber manufacturer of Plaistow, N. H.,

and an ex-member of the State legis- lature, was born in this town, August 20, 1847, son of Daniel and Abigail W. (Peaslee) Peaslee. Mr. Peaslee's paternal grandfather, Joab Peaslee, was a native and lifelong resi- dent of Plaistow, and for many years was one of the prosperous tillers of the soil. As a sturdy, upright man and a useful citizen, he was accorded the sincere good will of his fellow-townsmen. He lived to reach the age of sixty-three years, In politics he was a Democrat, and in his religious views a Baptist. He married Elizabeth Eaton; and they reared a family of ten children, of whom Daniel, Mr. Peaslee's father, was the second born. Mrs. Elizabeth E. Peaslee died at the age of seventy years.

Daniel Peaslee was born in Plaistow in Feb- ruary, 1812; and in early life he was here engaged in farming and lumbering. In 1850 lie moved to Haverhill, where he continued in the same line of business for some time, and, returning to Plaistow, resumed his connec- tion with the lumber industry, which he fol- lowed successfully during the rest of his active period. The last seven years of his life were passed in retirement, and he died at the age of eighty years. Among his associates he bore a high reputation as an able and conscien- tious man, and entire confidence was placed in

his honesty and integrity. £ Politically, he

acted with the Republican party ; and he ably served for one term as a member of the Board of Selectmen. His wife, Abigail W. Peaslee, who is a daughter of the late James Peaslee, of Newton, N. H., became the mother of ten children, five of whom are living, namely : Lorena A., a resident of Plaistow ; Ellen, wife of Valentine B. Sawyer, of Newton, N. H. ; Ada S., who is residing in this town, is a noted artist in oil, crayon, and china painting ; Edson E., of Plaistow, to be further men- tioned ; and Frank D., who married Alice, daughter of Daniel Chase, of Newton, and has one son - Arthur F. Mr. Peaslee's father was a member of the Baptist church, with which his mother, who is now living at the age of eighty years, is also united.

Edson E. Peaslee in his early childhood at- tended the common schools of Plaistow, and later pursued more advanced studies in Suffield, Conn. When a young man, he engaged in business for himself, afterward taking charge of his father's lumber enterprise; and he has since displayed a great amount of energy in carrying it on. His saw-mill, which is lo- cated here, manufactures a million feet of lumber per annum, and employs an average of fifteen hands, thus being of immense bene- fit to the wage-earning people of this town. His progressive methods and advanced ideas are a stimulus to the business interests of the locality, and he has become widely and favor- ably known as a worthy successor to his father in continuing an industry so long established.

On October 10, 1877, Mr. Peaslee married Harriett A. Peaslec, daughter of Reuben Peaslee, of Plaistow. Mr. and Mrs. Peaslee are social favorites, being prime movers in many of the important society events here ; and they are members of the Baptist church. Mrs. Peaslee also is an artist of much ability. Many of her pictures have taken premiums at fairs both in New Ilampshire and Massachu- setts.

In political circles Mr. Peaslee is regarded as a leader, being an earnest supporter of the Republican party. For a number of years he was Town Anditor and a member of the Board of Selectmen; and he was elected for a term of two years a representative to the legislature,

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

where his natural ability was displayed to ad- vantage. Though he is occupying no public office at present, he still exercises a deep in- fluence among his party associates.

LBERT C. LANE, a well-known mer- chant and Town Clerk and Treasurer of Stratham, N. H., was born in this town, June 22, 1853, son of Enoch M. C. and Mary (Seavey) Lane. The family, which is of English origin, was founded in this country by William Lane, who emigrated at an early period in Colonial history The first ancestor to settle in Rockingham County was Joshua Lane, who became a resident of Hampton ; and to his son the Stratham branch of the family trace their lineage in a direct line. Mr. Lane's paternal grandfather, Sam- uel Lane, was a stirring and successful farmer in this town, who also carried on a tannery, and was a prominent man of his day. In his religious views he was a Congregationalist. He supported the Whig party in politics, and served in his turn as Town Clerk, an office which has been held by representatives of the Lane family for several generations. He died at the age of sixty-seven years.

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Biographical review; this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Rockingham County, New Hampshire, Part 11

Author: Publication date: 1896 Publisher: Boston [Mass.] Biographical review pub. co. Number of Pages: 658

Author:
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: Boston [Mass.] Biographical review pub. co.
Number of Pages: 658