USA > New Hampshire > Rockingham County > Biographical review; this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Rockingham County, New Hampshire > Part 48
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Hon. James W. Patterson, deceased, and re- elected in 1895. Mr. Morrison is unmarried. His home is in Windham (post-office; Canobie Lake), N.H. (The above is taken substan - tially from the "Book of Nutfield," by George F. Willey.)
AMUEL GILCREAST, Postmaster of North Londonderry, was born here, November 7, 1822, son of David and Sallie (Davis) Gilcreast. His father was a native of Dracut, Mass., and his mother of Londonderry, Vt. David Gil- creast, who was a blacksmith by trade, settled in what is now the town of Derry, N. H., when about twenty-three years of age. He worked at his trade for a while there, and then re- moved to Londonderry, establishing his home near the old Presbyterian church. Here for a number of years he was prosperously engaged in general farming. At one time he owned ยท a large amount of land, and was then regarded as one of the wealthiest men in Londonderry. With but a strong constitution and a resolute will for his capital on beginning life, he was undoubtedly a self-made man. A stanch Jeffersonian Democrat, he was a leader in local politics, and served as Selectman of the town. In religious belief he was a Presby- terian.
Samuel Gilcreast was reared to man's estate on his father's farm in Londonderry, receiving his rudimentary education in the public schools, finishing it at Pinkerton and Pem- broke academies. For twenty-five years he worked at farming in the summer season, teaching school in the winter. Excepting one term, he followed the latter as well as the for- mer occupation in his native town, where he established a reputation that gave him rank among the best teachers of the district. He was also successful at farming. Mr. Gilcreast has for many years been prominently identified with the interests of the Democratic party, who have nominated him for every office within the town's gift; but, owing to adverse ma- jorities, he has not been often elected. Under the old statute he was superintendent of schools in Londonderry, and under the present law he has been a member of the School Board. Ile
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is a warm friend of popular education, of whose faults and merits his experience as a teacher has given him a clear understanding. He is also Postmaster of North Londonderry, having received the appointment in April of 1894. Mr. Gilcreast, who has a fondness for the art, has given much time to the cultivation of vocal and instrumental music. He played in the orchestra of a chorus choir, maintained by a Presbyterian society, when he was but fifteen years old. He subsequently played or sung there for forty years, serving as chorister dur- ing the last fifteen or twenty years. For the last eighteen years he has labored in a Union Society at North Londonderry.
Mr. Gilcreast was married November 27, 1845, to Nancy, daughter of Captain Benjamin Proctor, of Derry, N. H. Four children have since been born to them. These were: Mina A., deceased ; Ella A., the wife of Charles O. Huse, of Derry Depot ; Flora E., the wife of Eugene O. Greeley, of Lynn, Mass. ; and El- win A., also deceased. The parents happily celebrated their golden wedding November 27, 1895. They are now enjoying the rewards of a life spent in usefulness and well-doing, hav- ing the warm regard of a large circle of friends.
ALLACE W. COLE, one of the town fathers of Salem, who is in business as a retail meat merchant, was born in Boxford, Mass., November 19, 1855. He is a son of Ephraim F. and Sarah (Spofford) Cole, the former a native of Box- ford, Mass., and the latter of Chester, N. H. The Coles are one of the old families of Box- ford. Ephraim F. Cole dwelt during his life- time in the house where he was born, chiefly occupied in agricultural labor. Of his chil- dren, six are living, namely : George S., resid- ing in Andover, Mass .; Jennie, the wife of M. T. Wadlin, of North Andover; Arthur E., living in Orono, Me .; Joseph F., also resid- ing in Andover; Wallace W., the subject of this sketch; and Roscoe K., residing in An- dover. The others, William, John F., and Charles W., are deceased. John F. and Charles WV., who were members of the Thirty-fifth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer In- fantry, lost their lives in the Civil War.
Wallace W. Cole received his early educa- tion in the schools of his native town, remain- ing on the home farm until eighteen years of age. He then obtained employment in a car- riage manufactory in Amesbury, Mass., where he remained a short time. Subsequently he was engaged for five years in carpenter work in Andover. In 1876 he came to Salem, and worked as a journeyman carpenter for a year, after which he located permanently at his present home. In 1879 he engaged in the retail meat business, at first with Charles A. Dow as partner, under the firm name of Cole & Dow. Some time after Mr. Dow retired from the business, and Mr. Cole has been the sole proprietor since. He has a fine farm and a commodious and substantial residence, the whole making one of the pleasantest homes in the town. Mr. Cole is a member of Salem Grange.
He was married December 24, 1878, to Ida D. Colby, a native of Salem, and a daughter of William G. Colby, formerly of this town. She has six children - Mabel, Minnie F., Gertrude C., Clarence W., Edith L., and Eva M. Mr. Cole is one of the strong Republi- cans of the town, who rely on his sagacity to meet every emergency. He is now serving his fourth year as Selectman of Salem, having presided as Chairman of the board one year. He has also represented the town in the State legislature. Starting without capital, his only resources being a trade and a faculty for at- taining his object, he has raised himself to the plane in which he now lives. Although handicapped at the outset by the lack of a more liberal education, his natural abilities make him the peer and often the superior of men who have had the best of mental training.
DWARD E. KENT, a prosperous gen- eral merchant and the present Post- master of Londonderry, has been a resident of this town since 1887, coming here from Lawrence, Mass., where he was born in September, 1863, a son of Elbridge L. and Diantha Kent. His mother died in 1879. llis father is still living, being now engaged in mercantile pursuits in Lawrence, though formerly a baker. Edward E. Kent carries a
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line of groceries, grain, flour, and other gen- eral supplies, in which he has a good trade. On June 8, 1893, he received his appointment as Postmaster, and in this position is proving himself a most capable and obliging official. He is a member of the Londonderry Grange.
Mr. Kent married Miss Angie B. Head, who is a daughter of Charles Head, of North Salem, N. H.
LBERT E. SIMPSON, a well-known farmer of Windham, and the popular proprietor of Sycamore Grove on the shores of Corbett's Pond, was born here on Christmas Day, 1835, son of Samuel and Nancy M. (Hall) Simpson. The Simpson family were among the earliest set- tlers of the southern part of Windham. Rob- ert Simpson, the grandfather of Albert E., followed farming in the town throughout his adult life. He and his wife, Mary, became the parents of quite a family of children. Their son, Samuel, worked as a mason in his early years in Methuen, Mass., where he re- sided for a long time. He then removed to Hudson, Hillsborough County, N.H., and there spent the remainder of his days, engaged in husbandry. He united in marriage with Miss Nancy M. Hall, a daughter of John Hall, who was a lifelong resident of Wind- ham, and became the father of a son, Albert E. In national politics Mr. Simpson was identified with the Republican party. He passed away in 1888. His wife is still living.
Albert E. Simpson passed his youth at the home of his maternal grandfather, John Hall, receiving his education in the district schools. At the age of fifteen years he began to work for his living as a farm laborer in the vicinity, for which he was paid nine dollars a month with his board. He subsequently acquired a knowledge of ship-building, and worked at it intermittently in East Boston, Philadelphia, and Franklin, Me., for about ten years. He was next employed for a number of years by Messrs. S. Dockham & Co., a prominent building and contracting firm at Lawrence, Mass., in the capacity of superintendent of a department. During that period he super- vised the construction of numerous important
and extensive public and private works, in- cluding the Distributing Reservoir at Lowell, Mass. In 1875 Mr. Simpson returned to his native town and purchased the estate on which he has resided since. The property contains one hundred and twenty acres of land, a considerable portion of which is embraced in what is widely known as Sycamore Grove, a very pleasant and popular summer resort. It is thoroughly equipped for picnic parties, and is chiefly devoted to their use. Bordering upon a beautiful lake called Corbett's Pond, boats are constantly kept for rent. Its many natural and artificial advantages make it a very attractive spot.
On November 29, 1866, Mr. Simpson was joined in wedlock with Miss Margaret Bor- dine, a native of New Brunswick, N. J. They have become the parents of six children, all but one of whom are still living; namely, Allettia V., Agnes T., Georgie P., Norman B., and Beulah B. Agnes T. is now the wife of P. J. Call, a resident of Windham. In politics Mr. Simpson is a Republican. He has for eight years served as Selectman of Windham, for one term of two years as Super- visor of the same town, and for five years as the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, he being a member of the first board that has served in Windham under the present law. Mr. Simpson has also been a Justice of the Peace for some time. Few of Windham's public men have so wide a circle of acquaint- ances.
EORGE F. PRIEST, a well-known coal dealer at Derry Depot, N.H., Rockingham County, and one of the most active and influential business men of this thriving village, was born at Weare, Hillsborough County, N. H., November 28, 1848, son of the Hon. James and Irena (Lock) Priest.
James Priest was born and reared in Massa- chusetts, but subsequently removed to New Hampshire, where he married Miss Lock. He lived for a time. in the town of Weare, coming thence to Rockingham County early in the fifties. He soon became identified with the best interests of the county, and one year
GEORGE F. PRIEST.
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represented the Londonderry district in the State legislature. Through his influence the post-offices at Wilson's Crossing, Windham, and at Derry Depot, were established, he being the first Postmaster in the latter place. For many years he was station agent on the Manchester & Lawrence Railway at Derry Depot, continuing his residence here until his demise in 1892. In politics he was a stead- fast Democrat, and a most useful member of his party. Besides his son, George F., four daughters survive him, the following being their record: Lura is the wife of J. K. Wil- son, of Manchester, N. H. ; Lydia A. resides at Derry Depot ; Ada P. married M. J. Young, of Haverhill, Mass .; and Lucy J. is the wife of N. B. Couch, of Chester, this State.
George F. Priest was but a boy when his parents removed to Derry Depot, where he was reared and educated. As soon as old enough he began learning the duties of a station agent, and on his father's resignation of that office he was appointed to succeed him. This railway, which is now a portion of the Boston & Maine system, was then known as the Manchester & Lawrence, as above mentioned. In 1888 Mr. Priest gave up his position in the employ of the railway company, and started the coal business, to which he has given careful and diligent atten- tion, winning the confidence of the public, and has met with eminent success, having built up an extensive and profitable trade.
Mr. Priest was married October, 1874, to Mary E. Wyllie, a native of Ware, Mass. Two sons have been born to them; namely, J. Harry and George W. Mr. Priest is a stanch Democrat in politics, and for two years served faithfully as Selectman of the town of Derry, and for an equal length of time represented his district in the State legislature. He is active and prominent in social circles, belong- ing to the Masonic and Odd Fellows Orders of Derry Depot and to the Eastern Star Lodge.
ANIEL W. DALTON, a well-known and successful liveryman of Rye, was born here, May 21, 1849, son of Daniel and Martha (Brown) Dalton. The family is one of the oldest in the county,
as its ancestral history covers more than two and a quarter centuries. The first Daltons in Eastern New England were two brothers, one being a clergyman, who came from Eng- land, and made a settlement at Hampton, N. H., about the year 1660. From that time to the present representatives of the family have resided in that part of the county. Mr. Dalton's great-grandfather, whose name was also Daniel, served the Colonial cause in the War of Independence. Daniel's son Michael was a fisherman; while he also owned and conducted a farm in the vicinity of Rye Beach. The dwelling which he occupied is still standing, and is known as the Dalton house. He and his wife became the parents of five children; namely, Michael, Louisa, Elvira, Joseph, and Daniel. All the sons have passed away. Louisa married a Mr. Leviett ; and one of her children is now the wife of the Hon. Frank Jones, of Portsmouth, N. H.
Daniel Dalton was born in Rye, and edu- cated in the public schools of that town. In the earlier part of his life he was engaged in general agriculture and fishing. Latterly he has conducted a boarding-house on Rye Beach for summer guests. He was united in mar- riage with Miss Martha Brown, by whom he became the father of two children - Daniel W. and Eliza A. The latter died at the age of twenty-one years and eight months. The father served the community as Selectman for a number of years. He was a member of the Christian Baptist church of the town. He de- parted this life at the age of seventy-three years, and his wife in her forty-seventh year.
Daniel W. Dalton was educated in the com- mon schools and at the New Hampton Acad- emy. Schooling ended, he established him- self in the livery business at Rye, and has car- ried it on successfully since. For thirteen successive years he has also conveyed the mail from Rye Beach to North Hampton Depot. At the former place he keeps a boarding-house for seaside visitors. Mr. Dalton is likewise en- gaged quite extensively in the purchase and sale of horses. He is identified with the Mutual Relief Association of North Hampton. In na- tional politics he is numbered among the ranks of the Independents. He deposited his first Presidential vote in 1872 for Horace Greeley.
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TIS B. FRENCH, who has success- fully carried on general farming in Stratham since his early manhood, was born upon his present farm Sep- tember 16, 1834, a son of David and Susan Mr. French's father was (Burley) French. born in Stratham in 1780. When a young man, he settled upon the farm where his son now resides, first buying thirty-three acres, and later increasing his property to seventy- three acres. He was a hard-working man, who never let slip a legitimate opportunity to improve his condition. His industrious life terminated in 1862, at the age of eighty-two years. He supported the Whig party in poli- tics, and attended the Baptist church. For his first wife he married Clara Wiggin; and of several children born of this union four grew to maturity, and two are now living, namely : Martha J., now Mrs. Jonathan Locke, who is a resident of Rye; and Clara P. The others were : Stephen Frank, who died at the age of twenty ; and David J., who died in 1887, aged sixty-seven years. David French wedded for his second wife Susan Burley, who was born in New Market ; and she became the mother of two children, namely : Daniel, who was born in 1831, and died in 1860; and Otis B., the subject of this sketch. Mr. French's mother died in 1870, aged seventy-six years.
Otis B. French passed his boyhood and youth in attending school, and assisting his parents on the farm. He finally succeeded to the ownership of the property, and has since acquired more land, now owning about one hundred acres. He conducts general farming with good results, raising excellent crops of hay and grain, and has a well-equipped dairy. He manages his farm with care and good judg- ment, and by persevering activity and wise frugality has reached a position of easy inde- pendence.
On January 1, 1879, Mr. French was united in marriage to Mary E. Marston, who was born in Portsmouth, N. H., January 1, 1848. She is a daughter of James and Lucy (Dennett) Marston, both of whom were natives of Ports- mouth, but moved to North Hampton in 1855, and there spent their remaining years, the father dying in 1891, at the age of seventy-two, and the mother in 1893, when
eighty-two years old. They were the parents of five other children, all of whom are living, namely : Emily A., wife of S. A. Dow, of North Hampton; Harriet F., wife of J. Allan Fenwick, a merchant of Boston; George A. ; Lucy E., wife of John N. Sanborn, of Hamp- ton Falls; and Ella J. George A. and Ella J. reside on the old homestead. Mr. and Mrs. French have three children: Susie O., who was born October 30, 1882; Bessie M., born August 27, 1884; and Josephine M., born April 19, 1886. Two children (boys) died in infancy.
Mr. French is regarded by his fellow-towns- men as a worthy and reliable citizen. He has always taken an active interest in the progress of the town and the general welfare of the community. In politics he votes with the Republican party, and is liberal in his relig- ious belief. Mrs. French is a member of the Congregational church, of which Mr. French is a regular attendant.
ACOB ALPHEUS NESMITH, one of the best-known residents of Windham, N. H., and a representative of a highly reputable family in this locality, was born in Windham, July 31, 1820, son of Colonel Jacob M. and Margaret (Dinsmoor) Nesmith.
The original ancestor of the family in America, of whom Mr. Nesmith is a descend- ant in the fifth generation, was Deacon James Nesmith, a native of the north of Ireland, of Scotch ancestry, who came to this country a few years after his marriage, and in April, 1719, was one of the sixteen original settlers of Londonderry, N. H., then known as Nut- field, and including the present towns of Lon- donderry, Derry, and Windham. Deacon Nesmith's son Thomas married Annis Wilson, settled in Windham, and was the founder of this branch of the family. The old Nesmith farm in Windham is now occupied by Horace Berry.
John Nesmith, son of Thomas, and grand- father of Jacob Alpheus of this sketch, was for many years a Justice of the Peace in Wind- ham. He kept a country store, did a good business, and was closely identified during his
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active career with the growth and development of the town. John Nesmith died in the prime of manhood, at forty-four years of age. All of his children filled useful positions in life. Among his sons were: Colonel Thomas Nesmith, who did duty at Portsmouth during the War of 1812; and John Nesmith, who was elected Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts on the ticket with the Hon. John A. Andrew, the noted War Governor of that Commonwealth. Colonel Jacob M. Nesmith, son of John, the first of the name, was born in Windham in 1786, and became one of the prosperous residents of the town. Although an exceedingly able man, he invariably declined to accept offices of public trust which were tendered to him by his fel- low-townsmen, preferring to devote what lei- sure time he could to his home and family. In politics he was originally a Whig, but joined the Republican party at its formation. He served for several years as Colonel of the Eighth Regiment, Third Brigade, New Hamp- shire Volunteer Militia, of which he was one of the most valuable and conspicuous officers ; and he was mainly instrumental in bringing the service up to the high standard of efficiency and perfection for which it was noted during his time. He was a great lover and an excel- lent judge of horses, a practical and progres- sive agriculturist, and, above all, a high- minded, conscientious, and patriotic citizen, who enjoyed the respect and esteem of a large number of friends and acquaintances through- out the county and State. His death, which took place in 1863, was the cause of general regret ; and his memory is still cherished by the older residents of this town, who knew and appreciated his ability and true worth. Colonel Jacob M. Nesmith married Margaret Dinsmoor, daughter of Robert Dinsmoor, who was known in his day as the "Rustic Bard." Of the children born of this union, three are living, namely: Jacob A., the subject of this sketch; William E. ; and Samuel M.
Jacob Alpheus Nesmith in his carly years attended the district schools of his native town, and completed his studies with a short course at the Hancock Academy. He afterward spent some time in Lowell, Mass., and later for a number of years was successfully engaged in mercantile business in Chelmsford, Mass. Hle
eventually returned to Windham, to take charge of the homestead farm, where he has passed the greater part of his life; and he has tilled the soil with industry and prosperity up to the present day.
Mr. Nesmith has been twice married. By his union with his first wife, whose maiden name was Mary A. Hughes, there were two children - Charles C. and Mary A., who are no longer living. His second wife was before marriage Elizabeth Ellen Smith, of Medford, Mass. She is the mother of one son, Jacob Arthur, who resides at home with his parents.
Jacob Arthur Nesmith is a young man well and favorably known in this locality. Ile is connected with the Masonic Order, the Odd Fellows, the Windham Grange, Patrons of Husbandry, and other societies, among the members of which he is very popular.
In 1891 Mr. Nesmith attended the fiftieth anniversary of the organization of an indepen- dent military company called the National Highlanders, to which he belonged while re- siding in Lowell, Mass., in 1841. Of the company which originally contained ninety members, there are but twenty-two survivors, who are now living in different parts of the United States; and of these but ten were able to be present at the reunion. Mr. Nesmith is a Republican in politics, and both he and his wife occupy a position of social prominence.
J OHN SCAMMON, son of James and Lydia V. Scammon, was born at Stratham, August 22, 1797, and was educated in the common schools of his native town and at Hampton Academy. After leaving school, he engaged in teaching, and was very successful in this calling. His command- ing appearance and unusual physical strength made him much sought to take charge of schools that were considered difficult to man- age. For the most of his life farming was nominally his occupation, though his attention was called to many other duties. He was an accomplished surveyor, and did more or less work at that business. Served as Ensign in the War of 1812, after the war was promoted to the rank of Captain in the militia, and was a popular and efficient officer.
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In town affairs he bore a lifelong and prom- inent part and with distinguished success, bringing to this work a most thorough knowl- edge of town business in all its branches. He served as Moderator in 1834-38, 1840-49, 1851, 1852, and 1857; as School Committee in 1844, 1847, and 1849; was on the State ticket for Road Commissioner in 1847, 1848, and 1850; was Selectman in 1824, 1825, and 1826, and Chairman of the Board in 1834-38, 1841-47, 1849, and 1850; served as Repre- sentative in 1835, 1836, and 1837. Through- out his life he was an unswerving Democrat. His quick perception, intelligent judgment, and knowledge of political affairs made him a natural leader and counsellor in the com- munity. Few men outside the profession had a more accurate and extensive knowledge of law than he. So well known and recognized were these qualifications that in 1853 he was promoted to the bench as Justice of the Court of Common Pleas.
Judge Scammon discharged his duties on the bench with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the public, and served until the constitution of the courts was changed. From every point of view his career was that of a well-balanced and successful man. He was successful as a teacher, successful as a farmer, successful on the bench and in all his various official positions, and successful as a man of character and influence in the community. He died while apparently in the full strength of manhood, March 19, 1863. His grave is in the Congregational churchyard. An extended account of the ancestors of the Scammon fam- ily, who were carly settlers in Stratham, may be found in a sketch relative to the career of Colonel Richard M. Scammon, which appears in this work.
John J. Scammon, the only son of Judge Scammon, was born November 22, 1828, upon the homestead now occupied by him in Stratham. He began his education in the schools of his native town, and supplemented his elementary studies with a course at the Exeter and Hampton Academies. After teach- ing school for a time, he engaged in the meat and provision business, being located at one time in Exeter as a member of the firm of Mace & Scammon; but he finally gave his
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