USA > New Hampshire > Rockingham County > Biographical review; this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Rockingham County, New Hampshire > Part 37
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Mr. Holmes is well known and favorably re- garded throughout the community. He has served his townsmen in several public posi - tions. In national politics he is a "true-blue " Democrat, having continually supported the candidates and advocated the principles of that party since his majority. He cast his first Presidential vote for James Buchanan in 1856.
OHN H. GRIFFIN, a prominent hard- ware merchant of New Market, was born in Dedham, Mass., in 1855. His parents were James J. and Irene C. (McDaniel) Griffin. The father was a native of Lee, Strafford County, where he was a resi- dent for about forty years. While in Dedham, Mass., he was superintendent of the alms- house. He was also in the lumber business, dealing quite extensively in wood lots. When in Lee he was engaged in farming. He died about 1889. His wife, who was a native of Barrington, N.H., passed away ten years earlier.
John H. Griffin was two and a half years old when he went with his parents to Lee. His early education was received in East Kings- ton, this county. He subsequently attended schools in New Hampton and Dover, N. H. He would have gone to college but for the fact that his mother was an invalid for many years. At the age of twenty-three he left the home farm to accept a elerkship in the grocery busi- ness. Three years afterward he bought a grocery with his earnings. After starting with a partner he bought out that gentleman's interest nine months later, and thereafter was sole proprietor for nine years. Mr. Griffin's success in the business was almost phenom- enal. During the last five years in this enter- prise his average annual receipts were fifty thousand dollars. When his father died he settled the estate, and came to New Market, buying his present business. He has a large and complete stock of hardware, and is a live, progressive man, who stands high in commer- eial circles. In politics he is a Republican, with an abiding faith in the purity of the party. He was Town Clerk in Madbury, N.H., for four years, and also served as superintendent of schools. In the spring of
DANIEL H. KIMBALL.
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1892, much against his wish, he was nomi- nated as Selectman, and was elected by a majority of one hundred and three, notwith- standing the fact that the town had gone Dem- ocratic for thirteen years previously. During his two years' service as Chairman of the Board there was a marked change for the better in town affairs. He declined further service, but it is confidently hoped that he will accept a seat in the legislature of 1896. Mr. Griffin is a member of Mount Pleasant Lodge and the Prescott Encampment, Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows. He also be- longs to the Knights of Pythias and the U. R. of the order, being likewise a member of the Rebekah Degree.
In October, 1888, Mr. Griffin became a happy benedict by leading to the altar Abbie G. Bartlett, daughter of James W. and Caro- line (Goodwin) Bartlett, of Eliot, Me. They have since become the parents of three chil- dren - Caroline, J. Bartlett, and Ione Griffin. The mother is a highly respected member of the Methodist church in Eliot, Me.
RANK P. BLAISDELL, an esteemed Selectman of Epping, was born in New Market, this county, in 1853, son of John S. and Mary E. (Edgerly) Blaisdell. The father was a native of Epping, where, excepting ten years that he lived in New Market, he spent all his life, engaged in farming and lumbering. He was a quiet, un- assuming man, who had the respect of the community, served it as Selectman in 1876, and died in 1891, at the age of seventy-eight. His widow is still living.
Frank P. Blaisdell received his education in the district schools of Epping, having come to this town with his parents when he was but a year old. He learned the trade of a carpen- ter, and subsequently worked at it in Con- cord, N.H. On account of business stagna- tion he has had but little work during the past few years. He has always lived on the home farm, which is a neat little place of seventy acres, the buildings being substantial and up- to-date. In politics Mr. Blaisdell is a pro- nounced Democrat. He takes an intelligent interest in public affairs, and was an active
member of the Building Committee during the construction of the Epping town hall. In 1894 he was elected Selectman, and re-elected in 1895 and 1896, being now in office. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
The maiden name of his wife, to whom he was married in 1895, was Mabel A. Whitte- more. She is a native of Chateaugay, N. Y., and a daughter of Peter and Almira H. Whittemore. Mr. Blaisdell is not connected with any religious denomination; while his wife is a member of the First Congregational Church.
ANIEL H. KIMBALL, whose death occurred at the old Kimball home- stead in East Kingston, N. H., June 20, 1871, was closely asso- ciated with the agricultural interests of this township for many years as one of its industri- ous and thrifty farmers. He was born De- cember 16, 1795, at Newton, Rockingham County, son of Jonathan and Lois (Rowell) Kimball.
Jonathan Kimball was a native resident of Newton, his birth having occurred there, May 19, 1759. He was engaged in cutting timber and tilling the soil throughout the active period of his life, which embraced little more than fifty-five years. He died on September 2, 1814. His wife, whose maiden name was Lois Rowell, was born in Amesbury, Essex County, Mass., October 14, 1760, and died at the family homestead in Newton, September 15, 1848. The six children included in the parental household were: Daniel H., who was the eldest child; William R., born February 15, 1798, who died February 25, 1801 ; John, born January 20, 1801, who died April 19, 1817; William, born October 6, 1802: Sarah, born March 1, 1805; and Amos, born August 8, 1807.
Daniel HI. Kimball grew to man's estate in his native town, where he became thoroughly familiar with farming pursuits. In 1832 he came to East Kingston, and settled on the farm now occupied by his children With persevering energy he labored to clear and improve the land, and before many years had
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passed he was numbered among the leading farmers of this vicinity. He continued living here until his demise, and was a man of great intelligence and influence, occupying a promi- nent position in the community.
Mr. Kimball was married March 4, 1821, to Miss Hannah Hoyt, by whom he had ten children, the following being the record : Sallie L., born January 26, 1823, died Sep- tember 2, 1847; Mary A., born September 13, 1824, died September 30, 1828; Martha Emeline, born July 18, 1827, died* November 19, 1890; Mary Ann, born October 2, 1829; Daniel Harrison, born April 14, 1832; Caro- line and Angeline Juliet (twins), born Au- gust 24, 1834, the latter of whom died Novem- ber 8, 1851; Hannah Louisa, born July 20, 1837; George Warren, born May 23, 1840, died February 19, 1849; and Joseph Frank- lin, born September 18, 1842. Mary Ann, Daniel Harrison, Caroline, Hannah Louisa, and Joseph Franklin have always lived on the home farm, which they have carried on with gratifying results since the death of their par- ents.
The Kimball homestead contains one hun- dred and thirty acres of land, which is in a good state of cultivation; and here they are engaged in general farming, including stock raising to some extent, and having a small dairy, from which they make butter for the market. In politics the Messrs. Kimball are both stanch adherents of the Republican party. Mr. Joseph F. Kimball, who is an ingenious mechanic, has in his possession a box, about a foot square, that he made from woods grown on the old homestead, these woods, surpris- ing to tell, being of no less than eighty-eight varieties. In the house are many ancient and valuable relics to delight the eye of an anti- quary, among them being a very old and rare paper shilling. Miss Kimball has a quilt made by her great-grandmother, which con- tains some pieces of the wedding gown of that distant ancestress.
ILLIAM CALVIN HARRIS, a representative of one of Windham's oldest families and an ex-member of the New Hampshire legislature, was born
at his present residence in this town, Decem- ber 14, 1822, son of the Rev. Samuel and Ruth (Pratt) Harris. The family is de- scended from Thomas Harris, who came from England and settled in Ipswich, Mass., in 1636. Deacon Jacob Harris, Mr. Harris's grandfather, was born in Ipswich, but settled before the Revolution in Ashburnham, Mass., where most of his life was spent. He died in Windham in 1826, aged eighty-five.
The Rev. Samuel Harris, Mr. Harris's father, was born in Ashburnham; and in young manhood he was engaged in teaching school. He studied for the ministry, and in 1805 was ordained and installed pastor of the Presbyte- rian church and congregation of Windham, which relation he sustained for twenty-one years, retaining his residence in town till his death in 1848, at the age of seventy-four. He preached in what is now the town house at Windham Centre, and was a faithful and successful pastor and a highly respected and prominent citizen, well known in all this re- gion and active in all educational and reform movements as well as church work. In addi- tion to his ministerial duties he tilled the soil with energy and success, clearing up his farm from woodland, and in 1811 building the pleasantly located residence, which, having been since enlarged and remodelled, is now occupied by his son. His wife, who before marriage was Ruth Pratt, and was a native of New Ipswich, N. H., became the mother of twelve children, ten of them growing to ma- turity, each of whom received a good educa- tion, and filled an honored place in the world. Of these the only present survivor is the eleventh, William Calvin, the subject of this sketch.
William C. Harris began his education in the district schools of his neighborhood, con- tinuing his studies at private schools of higher grade in Nashna, N.H .; and before his mar- riage he taught six terms of school in Salem. Having been reared upon a farm, he eventually adopted agriculture as his principal occupa- tion, and succeeded to the possession of the homestead property. To this he has added a large tract of adjoining woodland, which borders upon Cobbett's Pond, one of the finest summer resorts in the county. The tillage
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portion of his farm is carefully cultivated, and as a general farmer he is still exceedingly ac- tive and energetic for one of his years.
Politically, he has long been a leading spirit in the Republican party in this section. He represented his native town in the legis- lature of 1865, and has almost constantly served the town in the various offices of responsibil- ity. He was Moderator of the annual meet- ings for ten years, Town Clerk four years, Treasurer six years (1863-68), Chairman of the Boards of Selectmen and of supervisors of the check list two terms each, and Chairman of the School Board for seven years from 1887. He has also been a Justice of the Peace for about thirty years.
On June 23, 1853, Mr. Harris wedded Philena H. Dinsmore. She was born in Au- burn, N. H., October 3, 1831, the eleventh child of Deacon Samuel and Hannah (Blanch- ard) Dinsmore, both of whom were natives of Auburn. Mrs. Harris's great -grandfather, David Dinsmore, who was a native of the north of Ireland, and of Scotch ancestry, emigrated to America in Colonial times, and became one of the first settlers of the town of Auburn. Deacon Samuel Dinsmore, Mrs. Harris's father, was a highly respected resi- dent of Auburn, who served as a soldier in the War of 1812. He died in 1863, having reared a family of twelve children, of whom five now survive. Mrs. Harris's maternal grandfather was the Hon. Joseph Blanchard, of Auburn, a State Senator and Councillor, and a Presbyterian Ruling Elder for about forty years.
Mr. and Mrs. Harris have had three chil- dren, two of whom are living, namely: Will- iam Samuel, Professor of Science in Coe's Academy at Northwood since 1891 ; and Mary Ella, wife of John W. M. Worledge, of Wind- ham. Professor Harris is a well-known teacher and writer, and the author of a valu- able history of the Harris family, published in 1883.
Mr. Harris and his family are all members of the Presbyterian church in Windham. He has been for many years closely connected with all that concerns the interests of the church, Sunday-school, and religious society, has been one of the Ruling Elders of the
church since 1878, many years a teacher in the Sunday-school, and was its superintendent for ten years, 1878-88. Mr. and Mrs. Harris observed their silver wedding anniversary in 1878. During all their married life, now more than forty-three years, the comfort and hospitality of their home have been enjoyed by multitudes of relatives and visiting friends.
ILLIAM BURLINGAME, of Exeter, N. H., agent and Treasurer of the Exeter Machine Works, was born in Coventry, R. I., in 1838, son of Elder James and Lucy (Dana) Burlingame. His paternal grandparents were Captain Peter and Elizabeth Burlingame. They reared three sons and one daughter, namely: Philip, a minister of the gospel; Peter, who settled in Central New York, and reared a large family; James, the father of our subject ; and Sarah, who married Philip Potter.
James Burlingame was born in Sterling, Conn., May 13, 1794. His boyhood and early life were passed on a farm, and his first knowledge of books was obtained at the dis- trict school, where, too, it might be said, he gained his first knowledge of human nature; for, after finishing his studies, he taught for a while, and to the teacher human nature is an open book. He was converted at the age of seventeen, baptized the next year, 1812, and began to preach at the age of twenty-one. Hle served in the War of 1812, for which the gov- ernment afterward awarded him a pension and a land warrant. The prodigious labors of his early ministry required great powers of endur- ance; but nature had endowed Elder Burlin- game with a large frame and a strong constitu- tion, which carried him through successfully. He had a large and growing family to support ; and, as ministers of his faith in those days received no fixed salary, but were dependent on voluntary contributions, which were necessarily scanty, he toiled early and late on his farm to supply the needs of the home; and at the same time he devoted the small hours of the night to study, acquiring a remarkable knowledge of the Bible. He was pastor of a church at Rice City, Kent County, R. I., from the time of its organization, 1824, until 1855, when he re-
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moved to Connecticut ; and in 1866 he re- turned to his charge, remaining until a year prior to his death. He travelled and preached in the New England and Middle States, and made tours through the West ; and during the antislavery excitement he travelled extensively in the Southern States, learning for himself the condition of the slaves and whites. The Rev. James Burlingame died in Boston, Mass., at the residence of his son John, August 20, 1881.
He was three times married. His first wife, Eliza Dana, to whom he was united when he was nineteen years of age, died October 28, 1834. She was the mother of eight children, four of whom survived her. His second wife was Lucy B. Dana, his first wife's sister. She became mistress of his home November 22, 1855, and passed away January 29, 1876, being then seventy-six years old. Eliza and Lucy B. Dana were the daughters of Colvell and Lydia (Brown) Dana. Colvell Dana was a merchant in the West India trade. A man of enterprise and courage, he went to France himself to demand indemnity for his vessels seized at the time of the spoliation trouble ; and, though his loss was never fully paid, he had the satisfaction of knowing that his claim reached headquarters. By his second union Elder Burlingame had two children -- William ; and Mary, who died several years ago. His children now living besides the subject of this sketch are: Lydia, widow of Jason Vaughn, of Providence, R. I. ; Ann E., wife of Randall R. Bates, of Rice City, R. I. ; and James P., a resident of Norwich, Conn.
William Burlingame attended Greenwich Seminary, R. I., and Antioch College at Yellow Springs, Ohio, studying at the latter institution when Horace Mann was its Presi- dent. Mr. Burlingame next learned the ma- chinist's trade, serving his time in Providence. In 1864 he took charge of building the Bray- ton engines for the Squamscot Machine Com- pany in South New Market, N. Il. ; and in 1865 he entered on similar duties for the Exeter Machine Company, with which he has since been connected. The Choate Manufact- uring Company started this business in 1863, and conducted it until 1868. In that year Mr. Burlingame and J. Albert Clarke formed a
company, and named the manufactory the Exeter Machine Works. The plant was burned in 1870, and was rebuilt at once by the Exeter Foundry and Machine Company, and leased by these gentlemen, the lease run- ning to 1876. A stock company, formed in that year, purchased the plant, which covers between three and four acres of land, and under the name of the Exeter Machine Works has since controlled a prosperous business. The company employ from one hundred to one hun- dred and fifty men. They manufacture engines and heating apparatus, and produce the best radiators and boilers in the market. Mr. Bur- lingame was also one of the founders of the Exeter Co-operative Bank, of which he is now President ; and he is a Director of the Exeter Gas Light Company. He has been for twelve years a member of the Board of Trustees of the Robinson Seminary.
In 1867 Mr. Burlingame was married to Amy, daughter of Robert Carter; and by this union he had two sons -- William B. and James C., both now married and residents of Exeter. By his second wife, whom he married in 1877, Harriet, daughter of Colvell Boyd, of Provi- dence, R.I., Mr. Burlingame has four chil- dren - Harold D., who is attending school ; Amy B., a miss of twelve, attending the semi- nary; Robert A. and Ella W., aged respec- tively ten and eight years.
Mr. Burlingame is prominent in the councils of the Republican party, and represented Exeter in the legislature two years, 1877 and 1878. He is a Chapter Mason. Ilis home, where he has lived since 1887, is a handsome residence on Main Street.
ON. JOHN CONLON, who for more than a quarter of a century was asso- ciated with the mercantile interests of Portsmouth, died at his late home in this city, April 6, 1894. He was born in July, 1834, in County Antrim, Ire- land, where he lived until eighteen years of age. Desiring to better his condition, he then emigrated to the United States, settling first in Albany, N. Y., where he worked five years in McKnight's brewery, having charge of different departments of the plant. Coming
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then to Portsmouth, Mr. Conlon accepted a position in the Frank Jones brewery, and for nine consecutive years had supervision of the scalding department. Being a capable work- man, he received good wages, and in course of time accumulated enough money to establish himself in business. In June, 1868, he opened a store at 18 Penhallow Street, stocking it with a complete line of groceries, provi- sions, and ship-chandlery ; and there he car- ried on a successful business until his death,
a period of nearly twenty-six years. He invested his capital judiciously, becoming interested in the Portsmouth Brewing Com- pany, of which he was the third largest stock- holder. For three years also he was its man- ager, and had much to do with placing it on a secure basis as an established manufacturing company. In business affairs he was keen and far-sighted, evincing good judgment, and meeting with invariable success in his under- takings. His prosperity was the natural result of his mental sagacity and physical energy, the whole being balanced by an honesty of pur- pose that commanded respect.
Politically, Mr. Conlon was a sturdy adhe- rent of the Democratic party, and for several years was a member of the County Committee. He served his fellow-townsmen in various official capacities, always with credit to him- self and to the satisfaction of his constituents. He served as Alderman, Assessor of Taxes, and for one term as Representative to the State legislature. A short time previous to his death he became a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
On July 3, 1861, Mr. Conlon was united in marriage with Margaret, daughter of Cornelius Mead. She was born in Fredericktown, N. S., but was educated in one of Boston's suburbs. Eight children were born of their union, four of whom are now living.
B ENJAMIN J. SANBORN, senior member of the firm of B. J. Sanborn & Sons, dealers in groceries and gen- cral merchandise and proprietors of the well-known Sanborn Creamery of Leavitt's Hill, Deerfield, N. H., was born where he now resides, October 8, 1823, son of Benjamin and
Sally (Fellows) Sanborn. Ancestors of the family, which is of English origin, were early settlers in Kingston, N. H. ; and Mr. San- born's great-grandfather, Peter Sanborn, who died in that town, January 13, 1810, at the advanced age of ninety-eight years, had three sons who settled in Deerfield; namely, Benja- min, Peter, and Enos.
Benjamin Sanborn, Mr. Sanborn's grand- father, cleared and improved the farm in this town which has since remained in the family possession. When he first lived here, he was accustomed to find his way to church through the dense wilderness by the aid of spotted trees. He died here November 18, 1824, aged eighty-four years. He was a supporter of the Democratic party in politics. He mar- ried Theodate Batchelder, and reared a family of ten children.
His son Benjamin Sanborn, second, Mr. B. J. Sanborn's father, was born at the home- stead in Deerfield, and was a lifelong resident of this town. He succeeded to the ownership of the property, which he conducted with un- usual energy and ability during his active period ; and he was prominent in local public affairs, adhering to the Democratic party in politics, and serving as a Selectman. He was an active member of the Baptist church, and contributed liberally toward its support until his death, which took place December 3, 1853, at the age of seventy-nine years and eleven months. His wife, Sally Fellows, who was a native of Deerfield, became the mother of six children, two of whom are living, namely : Peter H., a resident of Deerfield; and Benja- min J., the subject of this sketch.
Benjamin J. Sanborn acquired his education in the common schools, and at an early age began to work upon the home farm of one hun- dred acres, which eventually fell to him by inheritance. For many years he devoted his attention to general farming ; and he has al- ways kept his land up to a high state of culti- vation, thus realizing the good results from his diligent efforts. On August 15, 1889, being at that time proprietor of a general store located at the family homestead, he took his two sons, Benjamin E. and Albert F., into joint partnership; and the firm has since been known as B. J. Sanborn & Sons. Subse-
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quently they erected a creamery, which is run by the firm as the Sanborn Creamery, and has achieved a high reputation for the purity and excellence of its butter. A short time follow- ing the inauguration of the enterprise the average monthly production of butter amounted to seventeen hundred and forty-seven pounds, and the demand is increasing so rapidly that ere long it will be necessary to enlarge the ca- pacity of the creamery. Some idea of the su- perior quality of Sanborn Creamery products may be obtained from the fact that at the Lancaster (N. H. ) Exhibit its butter was awarded the first prize against one hundred and sixty-four competitors, and its butter also re- ceived the first premium at the New Hamp- shire Dairymen's Association Fair.
Mr. Sanborn has been twice married, and by his union with Martha M. Tasker, of Stafford, N. H., whom he wedded April 5, 1849, there are three children living, namely : Benjamin E .; Emma E., wife of George C. Arnold, of Mason, N. H. ; and Albert F. In politics Mr. Sanborn is a Republican. He attends the Baptist church.
Benjamin E. Sanborn was born at the fam- ily homestead in Deerfield, March 23, 1856. His education was acquired in the public schools of Deerfield and at the Northwood Seminary, and he is now one of the partners of the firm as above mentioned. In politics he is a Republican, and he has served upon the Board of Selectmen three terms. He is con- nected with Union Lodge, No. 32, Indepen- dent Order of Odd Fellows, of this town, and is a member of the Baptist church. He mar- ried Alice J. Johnson, of Deerfield, on May 26, 1880; and he has one son living, Benjamin E., Jr.
Albert F. Sanborn was born December 14, 1861; and after completing his studies in the common and high schools he became a clerk in Manchester, N. IL., remaining there for one year. He then returned to the homestead, where he has since resided, and is now engaged in carrying on the creamery and store with his father and brother. On November 29, 1891, he was united in marriage with Ella M. Pres- cott, of this town. They have one daughter, Mary E., aged two years. Mr. A. F. Sanborn is a member of the Free Baptist church in
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