USA > New Hampshire > Rockingham County > Biographical review; this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Rockingham County, New Hampshire > Part 46
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member, he had a sincere respect for religion, and attended church quite regularly. He died in May, 1887, in his eighty-seventh year. His widow passed away in March, 1893. Of their children three are living, namely: Nathan S., in Salem, N. H .; Sher- burne D. ; and Henry C., in Londonderry.
Henry C. Smith was reared on his father's farm, obtaining his education in the public school of his district and at Pinkerton Acad- emy. Beginning in early boyhood, he helped in the farm work, so that by the time he reached his majority he was a competent farmer. He is now extensively engaged in general farming, having a fine property of one hundred and seventy-five acres. He has also followed lumbering for several winter seasons.
On April 24, 1877, Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Susan D. Hazelton, a native of Chester, this county, daughter of Amos and Sarah (Morse) Hazelton, both now deceased. Mrs. Smith, who is an educated and intellect- ual lady, taught school for several years before her marriage. She is the mother of five chil- dren - Alice B., Nelson E., Grace R., Ella N., and Fred H. Mr. Smith is a member of the Congregational church. In politics he favors the Republican party. He was Select- man of Londonderry for two years, has served as Supervisor of check lists for several years, and for a quarter of a century he has been a Justice of the Peace. Public-spirited to a commendable degree, he takes an earnest in- terest in town improvements. He is a charter member of Londonderry Grange.
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ORACE B. JOHNSON, a skilled and practical clock and watch repairer, residing near Windham Depot, was born in Windham, N.Il., January 1842, son of Jonathan B. and Eliza A. (Steele) Johnson. His father was a native of Andover, Mass., and his mother of Rocking- ham County, New Hampshire. Jonathan B. Johnson, who was born in 1811, grew to man- hood in his native State. He learned carpen- try, and worked as a ship carpenter for a time in the Charlestown navy yard. Soon after at- taining his majority, he settled in Windham, N.H., where he found work at farming in the
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summer time, and prepared ship timber in the winter. After residing here for a number of years, he removed to Salem, this county, where he died in 1860. He was a supporter of the Democratic party, and for a number of years he served as Constable of Windham. His wife, Eliza A. Steele Johnson, bore him a son and daughter - Horace B. and Eliza E., the last-named being now deceased.
Until reaching the age of fourteen, Horace B. Johnson lived with his parents on their farm in Windham. He received a district- school education, and on leaving home learned shoemaking, which he followed continuously until twenty-eight years old. For the last twenty-five years or more he has given his at- tention to clock and watch repairing, and in addition to this has devoted some time to agriculture, owning about thirty acres of good farming land. He married Miss Anna M. Estey, a daughter of Richard Estey, of Wind- ham; and they have one daughter, Carrie W.
Mr. Johnson is a public-spirited citizen, and possesses in large measure the esteem of his fellow-townsmen. He is a Democrat in politics, and has served as Supervisor of the check list. He was also Chairman of the first Board of Supervisors elected under the present school law; and under the old law he had served on the Prudential Committee of Wind- ham. He also rendered very efficient service as a Surveyor of Highways in the Seventh District of Windham. He was formerly iden- tified with St. Mark's Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Derry, N.H.
HRISTOPHER SMART, a wholesale and retail provision dealer of Ports- mouth, is a native of this town, born February 21, 1856, and comes of pioneer stock. His grandfather, Richard D. Smart, who was a resident of this place for many years, during the War of 1812 com- manded the brig " Nancy," the first privateer to sail out of Portsmouth, and the first to capt- ure a prize. The money brought to Captain Smart by this capture was subsequently used to build the house now owned by his grandson, Christopher. He married Mary La Rose, of Ninche, France, who bore him three children
- Richard, George J., and Elizabeth. While still a young man, he was lost at sea. His widow, who survived him many years, died in 1878, at the advanced age of ninety-five. He was a member of the Masonic Order.
George J. Smart, the father of Christopher, was a lifelong resident of this city, his birth occurring in 1804, and his death in the fall of 1878. He was engaged in the stone business for many years. At an earlier period he held the position of Constable. He was an old- fashioned Democrat in politics. For thirty-six years he was sexton of the Unitarian Church of this city, faithfully attending to his duties. His first wife, Mary E. (Staples) Smart, pre- viously of Eliot, Me., bore him seven chil- dren; and his second wife, previously Lydia Nutter, of Portsmouth, bore him an equal number.
Christopher Smart, who was the youngest of his father's children, obtained his educa- tion in the public schools of Portsmouth. . At the age of eleven years he began earning his living in the hardware store of A. Q. Wendell & Son, with whom he remained three years, be- coming somewhat familiar with the business. During the following seven years he was a clerk in the hardware establishment of John H. Bailey; and then for four years he was head clerk in the same place, under Pryor & Mat- thews, the successors of Mr. Bailey. Mr. Smart resigned his position with P'ryor & Matthews in order to engage in business for himself. Starting in the provision trade in a modest way, he ran a cart for two years, during which he acquired so large a trade that he felt warranted in starting his present store at 4 Pleasant Street. On opening his market, Mr. Smart employed but two men. He is now obliged to keep four men to meet the demands of his business. He has also been compelled to replace his first refrigerator, capable of hold- ing two beeves, with one that holds twenty-five carcasses, and to enlarge his premises by the addition of one room twenty-five feet in length, and another for cold storage, eighteen by thirty-nine feet. His wholesale as well as his retail business is quite large.
In November, 1889, Mr. Smart was married to Miss Bertha, daughter of Samuel and Jane Rand, of North Hampton, this county, and has
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now a daughter and a son, respectively named Beatrice and Christopher. Though often urged, Mr. Smart has steadily declined to become a candidate for the Aldermanship of his ward. Ile has always been an active worker in behalf of the Masonic Order in Portsmouth. He is a member of St. Andrew's Lodge, No. 56, A. F. & A. M. ; of Washing- ton Chapter, No. 3, Royal Arch Masons; of De Witt Clinton Commandery, Knights Tem- plars; and is a Scottish Rite Mason, having taken the thirty-second degree. He has also membership in Piscataquis Lodge, No. 6, In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows; and in Damon Lodge, No. 9, Knights of Pythias.
OSEPH N. CILLEY, of Nottingham, an ex-member of the New Hampshire legislature, was born in this town, February 15, 1834, son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Williams) Cilley. The first repre- sentative of the family in this county was Captain Joseph Cilley, who settled upon a. large tract of land in Nottingham in 1727, and there cleared a farm, which he cultivated for the rest of his life. His son, Joseph, Mr. Cilley's great-grandfather, a commissioned officer in the Revolutionary army, afterward promoted to the rank of General, was among the early farmers of this town. His son, Major Greenleaf, Mr. Cilley's grandfather, was a native and lifelong resident of Notting- ham. He engaged in farming, and also con- ducted a mercantile business for a short time. He died when he was forty years old. In politics he was a supporter of the Whig party, by which he was elected to various town offices; and he served as Deputy Sheriff for many years. He married Jennie Nealley, of this town; and, of his family of seven chil- dren, Colonel Joseph, Mr. Cilley's father, was the second-born. Both parents were Univer- salists in their religious belief. The mother lived to be ninety-three years old.
Colonel Joseph Cilley was born in Notting- ham, January 4, 1791. lle resided with his parents until he was twenty-one years old, when he enlisted in the Eleventh Regiment, United States Infantry. Ile was subsequently transferred to the Twenty-first Regiment, and
he served through the War of 1812. After his discharge from the army he returned to the homestead, where he devoted his attention to farming throughout the rest of his active period. He was a man of unusual ability. He took a leading part in the Abolitionist movement, and was elected to the United States Senate, where he served for one term. His death occurred at the advanced age of ninety-seven years. His wife, Elizabeth, whom he married December 15, 1824, was a daughter of Nathaniel Williams, of Notting- ham. She became the mother of nine chil- dren, three of whom are living, namely : Martha A., who is now Mrs. Downs, of Derry, N. H., and has one son, Joseph C. ; Victoria, the wife of Thomas B. Bartlett, of Notting- ham, having six children -- Nathaniel C., Annie E., Joseph B., Mary Victoria, Jennie N., and Benjamin T. ; and Joseph N., the sub- ject of this sketch. The mother died at the age of forty years. . She was a member of the Congregational church, and the father was a Universalist in his religious belief.
Joseph N. Cilley acquired his education in the schools of Nottingham, South Berwick, Mc., Pembroke, New Hampton, and New London, N. H. When his studies were com- pleted, he began to read law in the office of Daniel M. Christic, of Dover, N. H., with whom he remained for two years. He con- tinued his law studies with G. C. Bartlett, of Derry, N. H. Two years later he returned to his native town, where he has since devoted his energies to the management of the home farm. At first a Director of the New Market National Bank, he was elected its President in 1892.
On August 19, 1874, Mr. Cilley was united in marriage to Mary L. Butler, daughter of James H. and Mary (Dearborn) Butler, of Sanbornton, N. H. Mrs. Cilley is the mother of two children, as follows: Elizabeth W., who was born June 28, 1875 ; and Joseph, who was born November 21, 1878. Both parents are members of the Universalist church.
Politically, Mr. Cilley is a Republican, and is a leading spirit in public affairs. He has held various offices in the town, and was legis- lative Representative from this district for two terms. His fellow-townsmen regard him with
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sincere respect. He is connected with St. Mark's Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Derry, N. H.
OSHUA W. NEAL, a prominent gen- eral farmer of South New Market, and an ex-member of the New Hampshire legislature, was born in this town, May 22, 1816, son of Eliphalet and Abigail (Col- cord) Neal. The founder of the family was Captain Walter Neal, who settled in Ports- mouth in 1630; and the first ancestor to settle in South New Market was his great- grandson, Walter Neal. He became a very prosperous farmer, owned much real estate, and reared a large family of children., He died in this town at an advanced age.
Eliphalet Neal was born in South New Market, and was a lifelong resident of this town. He resided upon a portion of the an- cestral estate, tilling the soil with unusual vigor and success until his death, which oc- curred at a good old age. He was highly respected for his intellectual ability, and was for many years a prominent figure in local public affairs. He married Abigail, daughter of Gideon and Mary (Moore) Colcord, and a native of South New Market. She reared two children, namely: Joshua W., the subject of this sketch; and Mrs. Lydia Ann Wiggin, of Excter.
Joshua W. Neal acquired his education in the district school and at the academy of South New Market. Since he came of age he has been engaged in agriculture in this town. He owns fifty acres of land, which is well located and in a good state of cultivation. Now an octogenarian, he still possesses the activity of a much younger man. In politics he is a Re- publican. He has served for one term as a member of the Board of Selectmen, and he ably represented this district in the State legislature during the session of 1865. In his religious belief he is a Congregationalist, and with Mrs. Neal was a member of that church.
In 1843 Mr. Neal wedded Frances R. Col- cord, who was born in this town in June, 1815, daughter of Joseph and Sally (Jenness) Colcord. Her father was a well-known farmer and a lifelong resident of South New
Market, and her mother was a native of Rye. Mrs. Neal died February 12, 1888, leaving two sons, namely : George R., born May 25, 1844, a book-keeper in Minneapolis, Minn., who married Addie C. Bird, and has one daughter, Edith F. B. ; and Frank C., born October 26, 1856, a graduate of Comer's Com- mercial College in Boston, and a book-keeper and a highly esteemed resident of his town, who married Lizzie Mann, and has two chil- dren - Mabel F. and Lester R.
ILTON G. WOODBURY, the popular Postmaster of Salem Depot, is a native of Salem, Rocking- ham County, N. H. He was born December 31, 1844, a son of Israel and Eliza J. (Graham) Woodbury. His pater- nal grandfather, who likewise bore the name of Israel, was one of the brave patriots who fought for our country's independence in the struggle with Great Britain. In the early days of Salem he was one of her most prominent citizens, serving as a Representative, also as Selectman and Clerk, and in minor offices. Israel Woodbury, Jr., who was a lifelong resi- dent of Salem was also the recipient of offi- cial honors, and served as Selectman. He was a Democrat in political views. His wife, Eliza J. Graham Woodbury, was a native of Methuen, Mass. Four of their children are living, namely: Levi, the proprietor of St. James Hotel, Washington, D.C. ; Charles, also a resident of Washington; Milton G. ; and Abbie C., the wife of l'. C. Foster. The father was a communicant of the Baptist church. His widow, who survives him, is in her eighty-sixth year, but still enjoys a re- markable degree of health and mental vigor. She is living at Salem Depot with her son.
Milton G. Woodbury was educated in the public schools of Salem. He remained with his parents on the home farm until twenty-nine years old, at which time he went to work in a shoe factory in Methuen, Mass. After spend- ing three years there, he came to Salem Depot, and entered the employ of P. C. Hall, a shoe manufacturer, with whom he remained several years, subsequently becoming a foreman in the stock room of F. P. Woodbury & Co.'s shoc
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manufactory. It was while with the last- named firm, for whom he had worked a number of years, that he received his appointment as Postmaster of Salem Depot; and since that time, May, 1893, he has conducted the office in a manner most satisfactory to its patrons. He represented the town in the State legisla- ture during the sessions of 1887-88 and 1889- 90. Ile has always been a stanch Democrat, having been reared to that political faith, and is a valued member of this community.
OHN E. LOCKE, the well-known wharfinger of Portsmouth, N. H., was born in Rye, Rockingham County, on August 25, 1835. His parents were Elvin and Louisa (Berry) Locke. The pater- nal ancestors were among the first inhabitants of Rye, having come from there as early as 1696, two centuries ago. John Locke, the grandfather of John E., was a native of Rye, and there pursued farming during his life: He and his wife had eight children, of whom Elvin, the father of the subject of this sketch, was the youngest. He also followed agricult- ural pursuits all his life, dying there at the age of seventy-five. His wife, whose maiden name was Louisa Berry, was a daughter of Jo- seph Berry, of Rye. Her mother lived to the advanced age of ninety-eight years. Mr. and Mrs. Elvin Locke had eight children, history repeating itself in the number of family repre- sentatives.
John E. Locke was the eldest child of his parents. After receiving a common-school education, he left home at the age of fourteen, and went to work on William Berry's farm in Newington, remaining there five years. Later he was employed on Mr. Pickering's farm in the same town for one year, after which he went into the navy yard, entering the ordinary department in 1856 and serving one year. He was engaged the following year with Mr. Pierce, and then returned to the navy yard, continuing there for three years, leaving in 1861. In 1864 he became hoisting engineer for the Concord Railroad, and that position he acceptably filled for ten years. The ap- pointment of wharfinger he has now held for twenty-two consecutive years, having received
it in 1874. He superintends the wharves, and also has supervision of from fifty to one hundred men.
In politics Mr. Locke is a Democrat, and has been prominent in office, having served as Alderman from Ward I for three years, and also as Representative to the State legislature for two terms. In 1886 he was sent as dele- gate to the State Constitutional Convention. He is a member of St. Andrew's Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and the Piscataquis Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Mr. Locke has been twice married. He and hi's first wife, with whom he was united in 1 862, had five children, three of whom are now living. The mother died in 1877. His second wife was formerly Miss Hayes. Her father was Ichabod Hayes, of Milton, N. H. Capable and efficient, whether as farmer, naval officer, wharfinger, alderman, or legislator, the subject of this sketch may be said to have filled each and all of his positions with an under- standing worthy the name of John Locke.
ON. MATTHEW H. TAYLOR, one of the substantial residents of Salem, was born in Derry, N. H., November 29, 1829, son of Matthew and Louisa (Paul) Taylor, both natives of Derry. He is a direct descendant of Matthew Taylor, who emigrated from Londonderry, Ireland, in 1722, and on his arrival in America settled in what is now known as Derry, then Londonderry, N. H. From him the descent comes through William, Adam, and Matthew to Matthew H.
Matthew H. Taylor remained in Derry until 1846, when he came with his parents to Salem, and here grew to man's estate. He acquired the fundamentals of an education in the public schools; but it was in active busi- ness life, under the rigorous discipline of ex- perience, that his education was completed. When about twenty-five years of age, he em- barked in a mercantile business at North Salem. After carrying that on for several years, he went, in company with Charles Austin, forming the firm of Austin & Taylor, into the manufacture of flannels at the same place; and they successfully conducted it for
JOHN E. LOCKE.
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ten years. Mr. Taylor then withdrew, and for a number of years thereafter engaged in the wood and lumber business. In September, 1884, in Lawrence, Mass., he started a grocery and provision store with three of his sons, under the style of Taylor & Co. This venture prospered, and is still carried on at 57, 59, and 61 Broadway. The firm do both a whole- sale and retail business, and have a well-estab- lished reputation for upright and honorable dealing. Mr. Taylor, who now resides in Salem, leaves the business in the direct charge . of his sons.
Mr. Taylor married Miss Ellen Taylor, daughter of John Taylor, late of Salem. The union has been blessed by the birth of twelve children; namely, Ellen L., John H., Thomas M., Mary A., Charles M., George W., Henry P., Cora A., Laura E., Eva B., Effie G., and Fred L. Ellen L. is the wife of Levi W. Taylor, and Mary A. is the wife of John Crosby. Mr. Taylor has filled many positions of public trust and responsibility. He served four terms as Selectman, during two of which he was Chairman of the board. He represented the town in the State legisla- ture of 1867-68 and of 1878-79. In 1871 and 1872 he served as State Senator from the Second District for fifteen years, and was Town Moderator under the old statute. Dur- ing the past eleven years he has been a mem- ber of the School Board, and for four years Chairman of the board. In politics he has always been a strong Republican. Since 1854 he has been identified with the Masonic Order at Haverhill, Mass.
UCIAN H. NESMITH, an influential citizen of Londonderry, N. II., who has represented the town in the State legislature, and has been for years identified with its local government, was born in Londonderry, August 25, 1834. He is the son of Cyrus and Lydia (Huse) Nesmith, the former a native of Londonderry, the latter of Manchester, N. H.
The Nesmith family were among the very first settlers of Londonderry. The pioneer of the race, James Nesmith, who was appointed Elder of the West Parish Church in 1739,
erecting a log cabin in the wilderness, clear- ing the land of heavy timber and underbrush, and working industriously to render the soil fit for cultivation. James Nesmith, second, son of Elder Nesmith, born in Ireland in Au- gust, 1718, was the great-grandfather of Lu- cian H. Nesmith. Robert Nesmith, son of James, second, married Jane Anderson, a grand-daughter of James Anderson, one of the first sixteen settlers of Londonderry. Their children were: Thomas, James (third), Cyrus, Betsey, and Martha. (For further particulars of the early Nesmiths, see other sketches in this volume.)
Cyrus Nesmith, third son of James and Jane (Anderson) Nesmith, and father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Londonderry, Sep- tember 15, 1801, almost a century ago. He was one of the leading men of the place, active in local politics, and in the latter part of his life was a strong Republican. A lifelong resident of the town, he served efficiently on the Board of Selectmen, and represented the place in the State legislature. He died April 5, 1881. His wife, Mrs. Lydia Huse Nes- mith, died October 14, 1876. She was born in Manchester, N.H., October 7, 1807, daugh- ter of Abel and Joanna (Rowell) Huse. Her father was a Revolutionary soldier under Gen- eral John Stark; and her mother was a niece of General Stark, and a descendant of Hannah Dustin, of the fourth generation. Two of the four children of Mr. and Mrs. Cyrus Nesmith died in infancy ; and a third, Arvilla, wife of Washington Colby, died November 18, 1893. Lucian H. is the only survivor.
Lucian H. Nesmith obtained his first knowledge of books in the district school, and has since added to his mental acquirements by reading and observation. He has been en- gaged in general farming from carly youth, and in this pursuit has been very successful. Mr. Nesmith was a charter member of London- derry Grange, and has served as Treasurer of that body. He has been for twelve years agent for the Rockingham Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company.
On May 23, 1877, he was married to Lonise E., daughter of Simon and Harriet (Cheney) Mullins, of Londonderry. Mrs. Nesmith was born in Manchester, N. H., April 12, 1852.
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She is a great-grand-daughter of Robert Mullins, an English sea captain, who settled in Haverhill, Mass. Her father, Simon Mullins, who was born in Manchester, N. H., is prominent among the Democrats of London- derry; and, although the town is strongly Republican, he has several times served in town office. He has four children besides Mrs. Nesmith: Eugene E., a physician in Baldwinsville, Mass .; George M., a practis- ing lawyer in Millard, Neb. ; Ida M., wife of M. R. Dustin, in Melrose, Mass .; and Hattie P., wife of Daniel M. Boyd, in Lon- donderry. Louise E., Mrs. Nesmith, was six years old when her parents moved to London- derry. She obtained her education in the public schools of this town and Pinkerton Academy, graduating from the academy in 1870. After finishing her studies, she taught until married, and was very successful, win- ning the respect and love of her pupils. Through her possession of a business and ex- ecutive ability, the schools, churches, and in- dustries of the town have received many bene- fits. Mr. and Mrs. Nesmith have one child, Cleon E.
Mr. Nesmith was two years in the State legislature as Representative from London- derry. He was for several years Collector of the town, has served as Treasurer, as a mem- ber of the School Board, and as Supervisor of the check list. A representative citizen, he is widely known and respected, and is a worthy scion of a strong old family
RANCIS D. ROWE, a well-to-do farmer and extensive lumber dealer of Candia, was born in this town, January 28, 1831, son of Moses and Sarah (Brown) Rowe. The first ancestor of the family to set- tle in Candia was Daniel Rowe, Mr. Rowe's great-great-grandfather, a native of Kensing- ton, this county, and a noted schoolmaster of his day. It was he who bought the farm ad- joining the property now occupied by C. R. Rowe. He lived to an advanced age, and reared a large family of children. His son, Jonathan, Mr. Rowe's grandfather, who served as a soldier in the War of 1812, kept a general store in Candia for many years, at the same
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