Biographical review; this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Rockingham County, New Hampshire, Part 45

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 45

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In 1873 Professor Angell was married to Miss Lizzie James, of Somersworth, N. II., and a daughter of John James, late of Lewis- ton, Me.

Of the two children born to them, one, Ralph R., remains to brighten their home. The other, also a son, Everett R., born in 1880, passed to the higher life in 1890. His last earthly resting-place in Forest Hill Cemetery is marked by two stones of rarely beautiful design, and without other ornament than the inscriptions cut upon the exquisitely polished surface. The headstone below the name bears the last words of the child to his father, "See them up yonder!" The other stone bears the inscriptions, "In God's work- shop," and "Until the day dawns and dark- ness disappears!" There is an inexpressible pathos in the childish words, so poctic and so mysteriously beautiful. The reader who stands beside the little grave feels instinc- tively that a lovely child-soul has found fitting employment indeed "in God's workshop!"

ON. AARON L. MELLOWS, of New Market, N. H., the oldest prac- tising lawyer in Rockinghanı

County, was born in New Durham, N. H., January 1, 1821. He is a son of Sam- uel and Patience (Leighton) Mellows, and is of Scotch descent by both parents. His great- grandfather, Samuel Mellows, a Scotchman by birth, came to America with Governor Went- worth, but later returned to England, where he died. His son Samuel, the grandfather of Aaron L., was born in Wolfboro, Carroll County. Samuel, who was a strong and sturdy farmer, lived to an advanced age, spending several years of his life in Alton, N. H., and the last part of it at Sandy River, Mc. His wife's maiden name was Hannah Twombly.

Samuel Mellows, the third Samuel in the line of descent, born in Middleton, N. H., October 20, 1795, was skilful in all branches of the wheelwright's trade, which he followed until within six years of his death. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and participated in the battle of Plattsburg. In politics he was a Democrat, in religious belief a Free Will Baptist. The last six years of his life were spent with his son in New Market, where he died when nearly eighty-three years of age. lle was twice married, on the first occasion to Patience Leighton, who was a native of North-

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wood, N. H., born May 22, 1795. She was a daughter of Aaron and Mary (Murray) Leigh- ton, and a grand-daughter of Captain John Murray, a scafaring man of Scottish birth. Aaron Leighton, who was a shoemaker by trade, spent the greater part of his life in Northwood and Barnstead, N. H. When the colonists were called to arms in 1775, he left

his home, and started for Boston. He was in the redoubts at Bunker Hill, and subsequently fought in the ranks of the Continental forces until the surrender at Yorktown. Hle died in Barnstead at the age of seventy-five. His sec- ond wife, who was a native of New Durham, lived to be eighty-seven years old. Mrs. Pa- tience (Leighton) Mellows died at the age of fifty-two. Of five children born to Mr. Mel- lows, Aaron L. is the only one living. His daughter, Harriet M., subsequently became Mrs. Leeds, and died at the age of twenty- four; Daniel C., who was a shoemaker, died at the age of sixty-four; Samuel B. lived but twenty-eight years; and Patience J., who be- came Mrs. Rand, died at the age of forty-eight.

The Hon. Aaron L. Mellows received his carly education in the schools of Alton and New Durham, and at the academies of Straf- ford, Pittsfield, and Pembroke, all within the State. After remaining at home until he was eighteen years of age, he engaged in school- teaching, which he followed for some fifteen years. Afterward he worked as clerk in a country store for five years; and he was edi- torial writer for the old Dover Gasette for fifteen or twenty years, and for one year was editor of the Dover Sentinel. Early in life he had resolved to enter a profession, and he held to the resolution throughout all this period. At length he studied law for three years with A. F. L. Norris, of Pittsfield, read one year in the office of Hatch & Webster, of Ports- mouth, N. H., and, finishing his studies with William B. Small, of New Market, he was ad- mitted to the bar in June, 1862. He opened an office in New Market, where he has now been established some thirty-four years. Mr. Mellows is a member of the Democratic party. While residing in Alton, he served as Select- man, and was Superintendent of Schools there for eleven years. In New Market he was Au- ditor, member of the School Committee, and

Town Clerk for four years, Justice of the Peace for thirty-five years; and for some time past he has been Notary Public and the Cor- oner of New Market. He represented the dis- trict in the State legislature of 1874-75, and was a delegate to the Constitutional Conven- tion held in 1889. During the war he was active as a recruiting officer, and enlisted about one hundred men.

Mr. Mellows was married in 1847 to Lucre- tia F. Adams, who died in 1850. She had one child, who died in infancy. On August 27, 1865, Mr. Mellows entered a second mar- riage, contracted with Harriet A. James, of Deerfield, N. HI. By this union he has one son - Carl P., born October 20, 1869, who is studying law in his father's office. Regarding religious matters Mr. Mellows holds liberal opinions. His wife is a prominent member of the Free Will Baptist church, and is active in Sunday-school work. Mr. Mellows has long been a leading man in the busy com- munity of New Market, and is known and re- spected throughout this part of the State.

OHIN PARKIN, who is successfully en- gaged in the grocery business at Ports- mouth, was born July 10, 1846, in Dewsbury, Yorkshire, England, where his father, William Parkin, spent the greater part of his life. William Parkin was a weaver by trade, and worked at that calling in his native town. He married Jane Weston, a daughter of John Weston, of Lancashire, Eng- land, and by her became the father of seven children, of whom John was the third child in the order of birth.

John Parkin began to work for his living on a neighboring farm when but eight years of age. On attaining his majority, he secured a situation with Robert Brierly & Son, who were engaged in manufacturing blankets for the United States, where the Civil War was then waging. On December 7, 1870, Mr. Parkin sailed for America, hoping here to im- prove his circumstances. Arriving in Phila- delphia, he entered the United States naval service, and was soon after sent to the Ports- mouth navy yard, where he remained three years. The succeeding nine years he spent

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in the employment of the old Eastern Rail- road Company. He then worked for the late William Plaisted, who kept a grain and grocery store, first as a clerk, and afterward as a teamster, until Mr. Plaisted died. Soon after, in company with .Staples & Furbush, he engaged in business on Market Street, under the firm name of the Portsmouth Grain & Grocery Company. The firm dissolved at the end of six years, and Mr. Parkin opened a grocery store at 22 1-2 South Street. Here he has since conducted a lucrative trade in choice and staple groceries, having acquired, by his straightforward methods, a large and constantly increasing patronage.

In December, 1878, Mr. Parkin was united in marriage with Miss Mary Woodruff, of this city. Their only daughter, Mabel, married F. W. Buzzell, and now resides in Orange, Mass. In politics Mr. Parkin affiliates with the Democratic party, while he has no ambi- tion for public office. His connection with fraternal orders includes membership in Pis- cataqua Lodge, No. 6, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he is now Past Grand -; in Damon Lodge, No. 9, Knights of Pythias, all the chairs of which he has filled; and in Rebecca Lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, in which he served as Chap- lain for some time. He likewise belonged to St. George's Lodge until the society dis- solved.

ESSE L. DOLLOFF, a progressive farmer and dairyman of the town of Exeter, N.H., is a native-born citizen, the year of his birth being 1844. He is a representative of a well-known family of Exeter, and a son of the late Stephen P. Dolloff.

Stephen P. Dolloff, who was born in Exeter in 1794, spent his life in this town, being ac- tively identified with its farming interests for many years. lle married Judith A. Rowell ; and together they trod life's pathway for many years, ending their earthly journey at about the same time, both dying in 1882, the hus- band at the age of eighty-eight years, and the wife aged seventy-eight.

Jesse L. Dolloff obtained his education in

the district schools of Exeter, and worked on the home farm until reaching the age of cigh- teen years. In 1862, fired with patriotic en- thusiasm, and eager to have a part in defend- ing the Union, he enlisted in Company E, Thirteenth New Hampshire Volunteer In- fantry, and, donning the blue, marched with his comrades to the theatre of war. He served bravely for three years, being in many important engagements and skirmishes, and with his comrades running frequent and im- minent risk of death or capture. After re- ceiving an honorable discharge, he worked for a time at carpentering in his native town. In 1868 he bought the farm where he now re- sides, which contains seventy-five acres of land, and which by judicious management and persistent effort he has brought to a good state of cultivation. The improvements on the place are of substantial and practical character, and reflect credit upon the proprietor. Politi- cally, Mr. Dolloff is an unswerving Republi- can, but has never sought nor cared for politi- cal favors. He is a member of Moses M. Collins Post, No. 26, Grand Army of the Re- public, of Exeter.

Mr. Dolloff was married in 1867 to Miss Margaret A. Lamson, daughter of Asa B. and Mary Ann Lamson, of Exeter. Into the household thus established four children have been born, all of whom are still living, namely: Edith Gertrude, wife of Walter H. Conner, of Exeter; Frank A .; Charles L. ; and Anna M. Mrs. Dolloff is an active mem- ber of the Baptist church.

EVI E. LANE, of Hampton Falls, was born in that town, February 5, 1819, son of Levi and Annie (Batchelder) Lane. The pioneer of his race in this part of the country, Deacon Joshua Lane was killed by lightning. Deacon Lane left fourteen children, who, intermarrying with other early families here, established a wide circle of relationship. Jeremiah Lane, grand- father of Levi E., was a tailor. . A man who never was idle, he worked at his trade, fash- ioned gravestones, managed a farm, and with all this found time to study astronomy, devot- ing hours of the night to observing the stars.

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It was he who established the Lane home- stead in Hampton Falls, having reclaimed the land by his labor from the primitive wilder- ness in which he found it. His death oc- curred in his seventy-fifth year. He married Mary Sanborn, of Hampton Falls, and reared six children.

Levi Lane spent his early years on the homestead, receiving his education at the dis- trict school and under the private tuition of Dr. Langdon, one of the former Presidents of Harvard College. He learned tailoring from his father, and worked at that trade and at farming during his active life. He enlarged the homestead property by the purchase of one hundred acres of land, on which, after erecting there a fine set of buildings, he spent the latter portion of his life. His townsmen delegated to him the duty of fixing the tax rate of the town for over twenty years; and he served for many years as Selectman and Town Clerk. He died in 1864, at the ad- vanced age of ninety years. His wife, who was a daughter of David and Mary (Emery) Batchelder, died in 1848. She bore him ten children, seven of whom attained maturity, and three died in infancy. They were: Jere- miah, Mary A., Sarah, Rhoda, Abbie, George G., Levi E., Emery, David Emery, and Nancy. Levi E. is now the only survivor of the family.

Levi E. Lane attended the district school, and spent two terms at Rockingham Academy. Succeeding to the homestead, its management naturally became his chief occupation. also added to the acreage of the farm, and now has a considerable extent of land under culti- vation. Mr. Lane has made quite a reputa- tion as a stone-wall builder, and many of the walls in the vicinity are his handiwork. In 1849 he was united in marriage with Cynthia S. Lane, who died, leaving one daughter, Annie Sarah. Annie S. is now the wife of Charles F. Wadleigh, a native of Kensington, this county, and has three children - Mabel L., Fanny M., and Lawrence E. Mr. Lane subsequently married Ann Cashan, who died in 1877, leaving no children. He cast his first Presidential vote for the Whig candidate, William H. Harrison, in 1840, and has sup- ported the Republican party since its forma-

tion. He was a Representative in the State legislature of 1866 and 1867, has served as Selectman of the town, and has been a Justice of the Peace for twelve years. Since early youth he has been actively interested in relig- ious work, and he has been a member of the Congregational church for over half a century.

EVI S. GORDON, for many years one of the most active and prominent citi- zens of Danville, Rockingham County, N. H., was a lifelong resi- dent of the Gordon homestead, now occupied by his widow, Mrs. Dorothy A. Gordon. Mr. Gordon was born November 25, 1825, and died January 11, 1894, in the sixty-ninth year of his age. He was one of a family of four chil- dren born to Dudley and Dorothy (Sanborn) Gordon, the former of whom was a native of Brentwood, and the latter of Danville.

Dudley Gordon came to Danville when quite young; and after his marriage he worked on the farm now owned by his son's widow, here engaging in the pursuit of agri- culture until his death, which occurred at a comparatively early age.

Levi S. Gordon was left an orphan when but thirteen years of age, and remained on the homestead in care of his grandparents until old enough to take charge of the farm himself. From that time on he continued en- gaged in general farming, meeting with signal success in his independent occupation, his farm, which is situated in North Danville, being one of the finest in its appointments and improvements of any in the locality. In addi- tion to agricultural labors Mr. Gordon carried on a successful and extensive business in teaming, and for more than thirty years drew coal from North Danville to Andover, Merri- mack County. He was widely known and highly respected, and for a number of terms was elected to represent his native town in the State legislature, besides serving many years as selectman of the township.

Mr. Gordon was married June 20, 1850, to Miss Dorothy A. Clifford, who was born in Kingston, March 25, 1833, a daughter of Daniel and the late Clara C. Clifford. Mr. Clifford, her father, now a venerable and re-

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spected man of eighty-nine years, living in the town of Danville, was formerly engaged in the manufacture of boxes. Three children were born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Gor- don, the following being their record: Alma L., the wife of Forest Towle, lives in Dan- ville; Elvira C., is the wife of L. Waldo Collins, of Kingston village; and Flora, who lives in the same village, is the wife of Will- iam A. Bakie, a well-known merchant. Mrs. Gordon, who continues to occupy the home farm, is highly esteemed throughout the com - munity for her many estimable qualities. Her house is ever hospitably open to her large circle of friends and acquaintances.

HARLES S. WOODBURY, a thriv- ing farmer and honored citizen of Salem, was born in this town, March 13, 1850, son of Hiram Woodbury, a native of Salem, and his wife, Prudence (Churchill) Woodbury, who was a native of Nova Scotia. The Woodbury family is one of the oldest in this town. Israel Woodbury, the great-grandfather of Charles S., was a Revolutionary patriot. Hiram Woodbury, who is now in his seventy-fourth year, has been a lifelong resident of Salem, and is the owner of a fine farm here. Of the children born to him and his wife, Prudence, three survive, namely: Charles S., whose name heads this sketch; Frank L., who has served as Selectman of Salem; and John, a resident of Salem Depot. They were bereft of their only daughter, Marietta. Hiram Woodbury is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Salem Depot, and in political affiliation he is a Democrat.

Charles S. Woodbury remained with his parents during the years of his minority, at- tending the district school, becoming thor- oughly familiar with the practical side of farming, and also working at shoemaking to some extent. On leaving home, he went to Pelham, N. H., where he learned stone-cutting, which trade he followed for some twenty-three years. For the past few years he has devoted his time exclusively to farming, and owns about sixty-five acres of fertile land, on which he has a good house and commodious barns

and outbuildings. In 1875 Mr. Woodbury was joined in matrimony with Miss Emma Web- ster, a native of Londonderry, and daughter of James Webster. Four children have blessed their union, all of whom, with the exception of Carrie, the second child, are living; namely, Frederick E., Mary E., and Hattie B.

For two years Mr. Woodbury served on the Board of Selectmen. He was nominated as Representative to. the State legislature, but failed of election. He is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, belonging to Spicket Falls Lodge, No. 76, at Methuen, Mass., and a communicant of the Methodist Episcopal church at Salem Depot, of which he is also a Trustee. He enjoys in a high degree the respect of his neighbors, friends, and business associates.

ON. ALEXANDER JUNKINS, a sterling citizen of Greenland, Rock- ingham County, N.H., was born in York, York County, Me., Septem- ber 9, 1813, the year of Commodore Perry's famous victory on Lake Erie. His parents were Alexander and Judith (Moulton) Junkins. They had two children, the other being Alvin, who was born July 9, 1811, and died in 1886, being buried at Eliot, Me., where he was at the time of his death.

Alexander Junkins, Jr., in his youth at- tended the district school, but is largely self- educated. At the age of seventeen years he began to learn the trade of a tanner and cur- rier, serving three years as apprentice in the village of Eliot, during which time he re- ceived for his services his board and clothes. After working a year in Saco, Me., he went to Boston, where he was employed at his trade for two years. He then went to Berwick, Me., where he opened a tannery, which he con- ducted for a period of eighteen years, finally selling out and removing to Eliot, in which place he engaged in farming. In 1887 he came to Greenland, where he has since lived a retired life. Mr. Junkins has been promi- nent in public affairs. He served as Repre- sentative in the Maine legislature in 1848, and again in 1850; and in 1856 he was a mem- ber of the Senate: He was also Deputy

JOHN F. C. RIDER.

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Sheriff of York County three years, and Se- lectman for several years; and he has been elected Moderator more than fifty times. After his removal to Greenland he was elected Representative from this district in 1894, being the oldest man in the house. In his political opinions he is a Democrat.

On April 2, 1837, Mr. Junkins was united in matrimony to Elizabeth L. Staples, who was born in Eliot in 1818. They have one child, Dr. William O. Junkins, the present Mayor of Portsmouth, who promises to become as popular and distinguished as his honored father.

J OHN F. C. RIDER, of Newfields, a well-known citizen, who was for many years connected with the iron manu- factures here, and is now engaged in general farming, was born in Newfields, July 6, 1842, son of John Bradford and Elizabeth Armet (Colcord) Rider. He comes of an old Colonial family of English origin, which flourished in Plymouth, Mass., and is con- nected by ties of kindred with Governor Bradford and with Peregrine White.

Mr. Rider's grandfather, John Bradford Rider, Sr., who was born in Halifax, Mass., November 9, 1778, settled in Thomaston, Me., in 1793. A carpenter and joiner by trade, he worked on many of the buildings in Thomaston, some of which are standing to- day. He was an artillery officer, and was known as Captain Rider. He died January 9, 1845, aged sixty-six years. His first wife, to whom he was united February 14, 1805, was Nancy White, a descendant of Peregrine White, the child born on the "Mayflower " in November, 1620. She was the mother of his children : Thomas J., born July 17, 1806; Nancy, December 18, 1807; Lurania, January 14, 1810; Margaret, October 25, 1811 ; John Bradford, Jr., the father of our subject, Au- gust 25, 1814; and Soveiah, October 25, 1816. Lnrania died in 1829. The others married and reared families. Captain Rider's second wife, to whom he was married July 29, 1819, was Mary Simonton Wiggin.

John Bradford Rider, Jr., spent his carly life in Halifax, Mass. He started to provide

for himself at the age of fourteen, and as a youth learned the iron moulder's trade, serv- ing an apprenticeship under one Captain Tor- rey. As a journeyman, he worked in various places ; and about 1833 he settled in South New Market or Newfields, N. H. He was one of the company which formed the New Market Iron Foundry in 1834, the others being George O. Hilton, Amos Paul, and Joseph G. Skinner. This enterprise had a prosperous existence of thirty years under the original management, and was then sold to the Squamscot Machine Company. After the business was disposed of, Mr. John B. Rider engaged in general farm- ing on the homestead now occupied by his son, which he had purchased in 1841, and onto which he moved in 1844. He made many im- provements on the estate, erecting the house which is now standing, and cultivating the land to a high degree.

One of the leading men of the town, he was prominent as a Whig and a Republican, and represented the district in the legislature in 1859, and served for some time as Selectman. He died in Newfields, December 28, 1887. He was married, November 28, 1837, to Eliza- beth Armet Colcord, daughter of Joseph and Sally (Jenness) Colcord. She was born in Newfields, March 28, 1817, and died here Au- gust 11, 1893. They had the following chil- dren: Sarah E., born September 30, 1838, wife of Edward J. Beal, of Newfields; John F. C., the subject of this sketch; and Carrie A., born August 16, 1849, who died January 12, 1873, aged twenty-three years and five months. She was the wife of Charles A. Scruton, of Somersworth, N.H.

John F. C. Rider received his education in Newfields and at Andover, Mass. After leav- ing school, he was employed as clerk in the office of the Squamscot Machine Company and New Market Iron Foundry until 1865, when, in company with Charles H. Sanborn, Rufus Sanborn, and Levi L. Pollard, he organized the Union Machine Company of South New Market. Within a year Mr. Rider bought the entire plant; and he conducted a successful business until 1869, when the buildings were destroyed by fire. He was then engaged in the patent business until 1875; and the seven years following that date he was employed as

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travelling salesman by the Philadelphia firm of Ely & Williams, iron and steel dealers. He was afterward engaged for seven years as New England agent for the firm of Park Brothers & Co. of Pittsburg, Pa., one year as clerk for the Boston house of lloughton & Richards, steel and iron dealers, and was a short time with the Allen-Governor Company of Boston. He then settled on the homestead in Newfields, where he has since been success- fully engaged in general farming and dairying. His property covers between sixty-five and seventy acres, and is one of the best farms in the locality ; and Mr. Rider, having travelled extensively in different States, has many good ideas which he has put into practical effect on his farm.

November 21, 1863, he was married to Helen A., daughter of Albert S. Freese, of Newfields. A son, Frank L. P., was born to them April 6, 1865, and died March 15, 1895.

Mr. Rider votes the Republican ticket. He is a member of Star of the East Lodge, No .. 50, A F. & A. M., of Exeter, N. H. ; Pres- cott Lodge, No. 55, Ancient Order of United Workmen, of Charlestown, Mass. ; United Order of the Golden Cross; Newfields Com- mandery, No. 238, of Newfields; the Royal Arcanum, Suffolk Council, No. 60, of Bos- ton. On religious subjects he holds lib- eral views. Mrs. Rider is a member of the Congregational church.

ENRY C. SMITH, for many years prominent among the farmers of Londonderry, was born in this town, on the farm which he now owns, July 13, 1844. His parents were Elisha and Rachel (Sanborn) Smith, both natives of Rockingham County. His grandfather, David Smith, was the son of an early settler of Lon- donderry, who came from Massachusetts, and was a soldier in the French and Indian War. Elisha Smith was born in Londonderry, and spent his life on the farm now occupied by his son. He was well known in the locality, and took an active interest in local politics, voting first with the Whigs, and then with the Re- publicans. Though not a professed church

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Biographical review; this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Rockingham County, New Hampshire, Part 45

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