Biographical review; this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Rockingham County, New Hampshire, Part 56

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 56

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William Clark attended the public schools of his native town and Pinkerton Academy at Derry, where he prepared for college. In- stead of entering college, however, he enlisted September 3, 1864, as a private in Company D, First New Hampshire Heavy Artillery, and on the organization of the company was made a corporal. The regiment was assigned to duty in the defences of Washington during its period of service. After Mr. Clark's dis- charge from the army, June 15, 1865, with his health completely shattered by illness, he abandoned all idea of entering college, and engaged in agricultural pursuits in the summer time, teaching school in the winter for a num- ber of years in New Hampshire and Michigan. Mr. Clark was instrumental in organizing Londonderry Grange, No. 44, Patrons of Hus- bandry ; and he assisted in managing the first Grange Fair in this town. lle has served as Master, Secretary, and Treasurer of the grange.

Ile was married August 23, 1876, to Alice W. McIntire, a native of Reading, Mass., daughter of Amos and Mary (Gorman) McIn- tire. Her father died some time since. Her mother resides in Reading. Two children

were born to Mr. and Mrs. Clark in the early years of their married life, namely : Reed P'., who is attending the Columbian University at Washington, D.C. ; and Ralph W., who died July 22, 1887.

Mr. Clark was for two terms in the State legislature, and for several years was a mem- ber of the Republican State Committee. From 1876 to 1886 he served as Deputy Sheriff for Rockingham and Hillsborough Counties. He was for a number of years Su- pervisor of check lists in Londonderry, and for many years has filled the office of Justice of the Peace. In 1880 he was Census Enumer- ator, and he has served as School Committee. He is well advanced in Masonry, and is Past Master of St. Mark's Lodge, No. 44, at Derry. An active Grand Army man, he is a member of Wesley B. Knight Post, No. 41, of which he has been Commander. He organized the Londonderry Soldiers' Monument Association, and worked zealously in the movement which culminated in the erection of the beautiful soldiers' monument in the town. Mr. and Mrs. Clark are popular members of London- derry society.

OHN P. KIMBALL, a well-known and extensive farmer and lumberman of Kingston, N.H., son of John Kimball, is a native of Rockingham County, having been born July 1, 1836, in the town- ship of Raymond.

John Kimball was born in Topsham, Vt., where he lived until attaining his majority. Coming then to Rockingham County, New Hampshire, he bought a farm in Danville township, where he lived four years. From Danville he went to Raymond, and was en- gaged in agricultural pursuits until 1848, when he settled on a farm in Kingston, which he occupied until the death of his wife in 1888. From that time until his death in 1892 he made his home with his children, spending his last days with his son, John P. His wife, formerly Miss Fanny Page, of Kingston, bore him the following children: George W., who died February 27, 1877, survived by his wife, Mrs. Mary Heath Kimball, now living at Danville, this county; John P., the lead-

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ing subject of this biographical sketch; James M., living in Danville township, who first married Eliza C. Quimby, and after her death married Miss Marinda Mace; Sarah K., who became the wife of Martin Gile, of Ray- mond, and died December 31, 1895; and Marilla F., the wife of Gilman Gile, also of Raymond.

John P'. Kimball acquired his clementary education in the public schools of his native county, afterward attending the Kingston Academy three terms. He remained on the parental homestead until thirty-one years of age, becoming practically acquainted with all branches of farming. He then purchased his present property, consisting of two hundred acres of land located in the village of West Kingston, and formerly known as the old Silloway farm. Since taking possession of this farm, he has made excellent improve- ments, now having one of the most attractive and desirable estates in this part of the town. Besides farming, Mr. Kimball has been largely engaged in lumbering, buying hcavily tim- bered tracts, which he has cleared, manufact- uring lumber for the local markets. He is also a surveyor, in which capacity he has done a good deal of work in this vicinity. Politi- cally, Mr. Kimball is an earnest supporter of the principles of the Republican party, and has served his fellow-townsmen as Selectman and in various minor offices. Religiously, he and his family are members of the Baptist church of Danville.

On December 2, 1866, Mr. Kimball mar- ried Miss Julia Collins, who was born in the town of Kingston, October 5, 1841, daughter of Laban and Rachel (Hunt) Collins. Her parents spent their entire lives in this town, Mr. Collins having been actively engaged as a cooper and farmer. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Kimball has been blessed by the birth of two children - Effie E. and Millie D., both of whom reside with their parents.

A LFRED M. LANG, of Portsmouth, a veteran of the late war, and for the past thirty years messenger in the navy yard at Kittery, just oppositc Portsmouth, was born, May 12, 1840, in the

town of Rye, this county. His great-grand- father settled in Rye in the early days ; and there his grandfather, Eben Wallace Lang, was born, lived, and died, having spent his adult life in farming. Eben reared five chi]- dren, of whom Ebenezer Wallace Lang, the . second in order of birth, was the father of Alfred M. Ebenczer spent his life in Rye. After receiving his education in the common schools, he learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked for many years. He was a land-owner, and in the latter part of his life devoted more attention to farming than to his trade. He married Florenza Trefethen, a na- tive of Rye, and became the father of four sons and a daughter.

Alfred M. Lang spent his earlier years in Rye, obtaining his education in the public schools, and afterward learning the mason's trade. Hc followed his trade until 1862, when he entered the United States navy, re- maining there as an ordinary seaman until February, 1864. In that year, in Company A, Thirty-second Maine Regiment, Volunteer Infantry, he enlisted in defence of his coun- try, going out with the First Battalion, with the Major in command. The Second Battalion arrived later at North Anna River, where the regiment was then organized. This gallant regiment was in action in the important en - gagements in that vicinity, forming a portion of the Ninth Army Corps. Among the more prominent battles in which Mr. Lang was a participant were the two at Spottsylvania Court-house, Cold Harbor, Chapin's Farm, and at Petersburg. In the latter he lost an arm, necessitating his removal to the hospital. At the expiration of his term of enlistment he received his discharge, and was mustered out of service December 1, 1864. The following April he was appointed messenger at the navy yard, where he has since served with fidelity.

In October, 1867, Mr. Lang married Miss Marinda N., daughter of Charles Parker, of Concord, Vt. They have a son and a daugh- ter; namely, Arthur Wallace and Nellie May. The son is attending the Portsmouth High School. Mr. Lang is a stanch supporter of the Republican party, and takes an active in- terest in municipal matters. He has served as Councilman, and for several years he has

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been a member of the Ward Committee. He is a member of Storer Post, No. 1, Grand Army of the Republic, having served in all the offices except that of Commander, which he has persistently declined; of Osgood Lodge, No. 48, Independent Order of Odd Fellows : of Sagamore Lodge, No. 28, Knights of Honor, in which he has held all the chairs; and formerly of the Sons of Tem- perance and the Independent Order of Good Templars. In religion he is an active and valued member of the Methodist church, of which he has been Treasurer and Recording Steward for a number of years.

ATHAN H. LEAVITT, a prominent citizen of New Market, and formerly a member of the New Hampshire legislature, was born in Northwood, N. H., in September, 1831, son of Nathan H., Sr., and Betsey B. (Batchelder) Leavitt. Mr. Leavitt's father, who was a native of Northwood, was a merchant by occupation. He settled in New Market, and, identifying himself with public affairs, served as High Sheriff of Rockingham County, and was Post- master of this town for many years. He en- joyed a wide and cordial acquaintance through- out the county, and came into contact with the leading and most influential citizens; and his business ability and sterling character were widely recognized. He died at his home in this town in 1869. His wife, Betsey, passed away six years later, dying in 1875.

Nathan HI. Leavitt acquired his education in the district schools, and at the age of fif- teen accompanied his parents to New Market. Since his carly manhood he has been con- nected with the business interests of this town, formerly carrying on a thriving grocery trade, but having for the past twenty-five years devoted his energies to the carriage and sleigh business.

Politically, he is a Democrat, and has occu- pied a leading position in the local councils of his party for many years. His public ser- vices have shown hini to be possessed of much natural ability and good judgment, which qualities have proved of value to the town. He has been a member of the Board of Se-

lectmen, and was several times elected to the House of Representatives from this district. During his father's term as Postmaster he was for eight years his assistant ; and, when offered the appointment to the office in 1885, he felt himself obliged to decline on account of fail- ing health.

In 1852 Mr. Leavitt married Mary E. Badger, of Deerfield; and they had one child, Lizzie C., who is now the widow of Thomas Willey.

Mr. Leavitt belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has occupied the different chairs in the lodge of that society here. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias, and is active in all important society events. Mrs. Leavitt is a member of the Congregational church.

OHN L. PRESSEY, a prosperous mer- chant of Newton, late a member of the New Hampshire legislature, was born in Amesbury, Mass., March 21, 1856, son of Jonathan and Sarah E. (Lord) Pressey, Mr. Pressey's father, who was a native of Amesbury, graduated from Dummer Academy, Rowley, Mass., and subsequently taught school for some twenty years. In 1864 he moved from Amesbury to South Hampton, N. H., later establishing himself in trade at Newton, where he continued in business until 1882, when he sold out to his son, and re- tired. He died at his residence in South Hampton, April 26, 1886. In his religious belief he was a Congregationalist; and, politi- cally, he supported the Republican party. His wife, Sarah, was a native of Ipswich, Mass. She became the mother of seven children, three of whom are living: Charles F., who re- sides in Topeka, Kan .; Sarah E., wife of George M. Buxton, of South Hampton ; and John L. The others were: John H .; Will- iam C., who enlisted in the Fourth Massachu- setts Heavy Artillery, and died during the Civil War; Sumner C. ; and Mary E., who became Mrs. Morrill. Mr. Pressey's mother died in May, 1873.

John L. Pressey during his early years re- sided in Amesbury and South Hampton, his education being acquired in the common

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schools of the last-named town and at Barnard Academy. Since he was fifteen years old he has been engaged in mercantile pursuits, hav- ing then entered his father's store as clerk, and later becoming sole proprietor of the busi- ness. Mr. Pressey possesses the right quali- fications for success, being far-sighted, enter. prising, and industrious. His store, which occupies a good location, is well stocked with general merchandise; and, through the popu- larity of its genial proprietor, it enjoys a lib- eral patronage.

On October 19, 1880, Mr. Pressey wedded Alice L. Davis, daughter of Alfred M. Davis, of Newton. Mrs. Pressey is the mother of one daughter, Sarah O., who was born Novem- ber 26, 1882.

In politics Mr. Pressey acts with the Re- publican party, and he was Representative to the legislature during the years 1891 and 1892. He is a charter member of Twilight Lodge, No. 68, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Newton, and belongs to Harmony Encampment of Amesbury. Both he and his wife are members of the Christian church.

OHN J. BROWN, a prosperous farmer of Hampton Falls, who for many years in company with his brother James managed an express business between Ilampton Falls and Lynn, Mass., was born at Hampton Falls, April 24, 1833, son of Jo- seph C. and Hannah D. (Berry) Brown. He is a descendant of John Brown, who, born in England in 1588, came to this country in 1635. John Brown settled in Hampton on a tract of land that is now the property of Zaccheus Brown, another descendant. An- other John Brown, also of the posterity of the English John, married Sarah or Elizabeth Brown, and established a home in the south- castern part of the territory, now the town of Seabrook. His son, Benjamin, had a son Jacob, who married Mary Green, and had a son Nathan, who was the great-grandfather of John J. Brown. Jacob Brown, the grand- father, was one of the ablest farmers of his day. When quite young, he rented a farm in Hampton Falls, and by good management was finally able to buy the place, paying seven

thousand seven hundred and seventy-seven dollars for it. The first sum he had to spare was one hundred dollars, which he made on calves. This he kept at interest for forty years, when it amounted to quite a sum. He was ninety-two years of age when he died, April 25, 1859. His farm is now occupied by his grandson, the Hon. Warren Brown, cousin of John J. Brown. Jacob Brown's wife, in maidenhood Abigail Berry, was the mother of four boys - Thomas, Joseph C., Nathan W., and John B.

Joseph C. Brown, also a native of Hampton Falls, acquired his education in the district school, at the same time receiving a practical training in farming. After leaving school, he kept a store for a while in Newburyport, Mass. Returning to Hampton Falls, he lived for some time on the Brown homestead, and then purchased the Lane farm, on which he subse- quently erected a fine set of buildings. Mr. · Brown's life was brought to a sudden close in his forty-second year by a large rock falling upon him. His wife, who was a daughter of John C. Berry, of Chichester, Merrimack County, subsequently married William F. Towle, to whom she bore three children. By her union with Mr. Brown her children were : James D., who married Sarah F. Robinson, of Exeter, N. H., and has three children --- J. Howard, Edith S., and Ada R .; John J., the subject of this article; and Sarah A., the wife of John E. Shaw, of Pittsfield, N. H., and the mother of two children --- Ella C. and Josie B.

John J. Brown obtained his education in a district school at Hampton Falls and in the academy at Pittsfield. He subsequently drove an express between Lynn, Mass., and Hamp- ton Falls for twenty years, and for thirty years was engaged in traffic between the two places, his brother James having an equal interest in the business. After the railroad connection was established, he and his brother superin- tended the transportation of their freight on the cars. They carried a countless number of shoes back and forth between the establish- ments of manufacturers in Lynn and the shoe- makers in Hampton Falls. In those days shoes were all made by hand, each shoemaker having his shop or workroom adjoining or in his house. They also annually transported

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apples worth from ten thousand to fifteen thousand dollars. When the father died, the children inherited the farm. The brothers, who bought the sister's share, have since re- sided there, actively engaged in general farm- ing.

In 1858 Mr. Brown was united in marriage with Mary G. Robinson, the sister of his brother's wife, and has since become the father of eight children; namely, Alice G., Annie D., Winnifred M., J. Edward, Percy, Mabel, Gracie D., and Maud. Alice married Henry Elkins, of Hampton Falls, resides in Ames- bury, Mass., and has four children - Marion G., Gertrude, and Dorothy and Daisy (twins) ; Mabel is the wife of William Hunter, of Amesbury; Winnifred is engaged in teaching school ; and Percy is in business in Amesbury. The rest are still with their parents. Mr. Brown, who has supported the Democratic ticket for forty years, cast his first Presidential vote for James Buchanan in 1856. He has taken an active part in local affairs, and has filled various official positions, including that of Town Clerk, Selectman, a member of the Prudential Committee and of the School Board. The family are esteemed members of Christ Church in Hampton Falls.

OHN SULLIVAN RAND, a well- known citizen of Portsmouth, N. H., who has served the city as Tax As- sessor, and was for five years a police officer, was born at the family residence on Washington Street, February 11, 1827. His parents were Reuben and Mary (Smith) Rand. Ephraim Rand, the grandfather of Reuben Rand, was a private soldier in the Revolution- ary War. He died of small-pox in New York during the struggle with Great Britain. His sons, David S. Rand and Simeon Rand, natives of Rye, both served as soldiers of the United States army in the War of 1812.

Reuben Rand, son of David S. and father of J. Sullivan Rand, was born in Rye, N. HI., in 1798. He and his wife Mary became the parents of the following children : Cornelia, who is now deceased; Reuben, a resident of Portsmouth ; David S., deceased; John Sulli- van; Edwin L., deceased; Mary J., wife of

Richard Taylor; L. F. Rand, who resides in Boston ; Warren L., a resident of Lawrence ; Irving W., who was killed at the battle of Petersburg in the late war, being a Sergeant of the Sixth New Hampshire Regiment ; Sarah A., widow of Henry Slack; and Edwin, second, deceased. The father died in 1866, at the age of sixty-eight years. His wife sur - vived him nearly twenty years, dying in 1885. The farm upon which J. Sullivan now resides was purchased by his father in 1828.

J. Sullivan Rand obtained his education in the high school and at Harris Academy of Portsmouth. He remained at home till he was twenty-four years of age, when he started, via the Isthmus of Panama, for California, arriving in San Francisco in October, 1851. From that time until 1854 he was engaged in prospecting and mining, meeting with a fair measure of success. He then returned to the old homestead, which covers in all about ninety acres, where he now carries on general farming. In politics Mr. Rand affiliates with the Republican party. He is prominent in town affairs, having served as Assessor of Taxes. He has also taken an active part in educational matters, having taught school for about twenty terms.

In 1859 Mr. Rand was united in marriage with Miss Elvira W. Odiorne, of Portsmouth. They have six children, namely; Jasper C., who is a real estate dealer in Little Rock, Ark. ; John Langdon Rand, who is a promi- nent lawyer in the State of Oregon; Luella E., now residing at home, who has spent some time as a teacher; Irving Wallace, who is a surgeon in the United States army, now sta- tioned in Arizona; Charles Benjamin, who is a druggist in Massachusetts; and Henry A., who lives with his parents in Portsmouth.

ORACE W. LANGLEY, a prosper- ous business man of Epping, who was for some years engaged in the hotel business in this town, at New Mar- ket, and in other localities, was born in Not- tingham, N. II., June 1, 1844, a son of Joseph and Statira (Green) Langley.

Joseph Langley was a native of New Market, and passed his boyhood and youth in that

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place. When a young man, he worked for some time in the mills, but subsequently en- gaged in farming, which he continued to fol- low for several years, or until his death, which took place May 23, 1855. He was a man who gave his chief attention to his private busi- ness, showing no inclination to seek political honors ; and he was known and respected as an upright, conscientious man and reliable citi- zen. He married Statira Green, whose par- ents, natives of Connecticut, came to Mere- dith, where she was born. She became the mother of six children, three of whom are living, namely: Mary L., wife of Thomas Witham; Horace W., the subject of this sketch; and Sarah E., wife of Thomas Pres- cott. The others were: Joseph A., who served as a soldier in the Civil War, endur- ing much hardship upon the field and in Andersonville Prison, and died February 27, 1896 (see the sketch of his life which follows this) ; Abbie J., who married Horace St. Clair Stephens, and died in November, 1881 : she was an active member of the Baptist church at Exeter; John J., a mechanic, whose last years were passed as an employee at the Blood Locomotive Works in Manchester, where he died in 1874. Mr. Langley's mother

died July 21, 1885.

Horace W. Langley acquired his education in the schools of Epping; and at the age of twenty he began work in the shoe factory here, where he was employed for eleven years. For nine years he was connected with the Pawtuckaway House in this town, after- ward going to the Railroad House in New Market, where he remained for two years. From there he went to Fair Haven, Conn., where he leased King's Hotel, and conducted it for a year and a half. Ile was then pro- prietor of the Granite House in Exeter, N.11., until 1893, since which time he has resided in Epping, and carried on a billiard hall here. In politics he has always acted with the Democratic party, but has never taken an active part in politics beyond cast- ing his vote.

In 1863 Mr. Langley wedded Mary Law- rence Hodgdon, of Epping, who died in 1870. In 1873 he married for his second wife Annie E. Noyes, of Deerfield, N. H. Mr. Langley

has reached an advanced degree in Masonry, being a member of the Blue Lodge Chapter, Council, Commandery, Consistory, and Mystic Shrine. He is also connected with the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows, and has been Grand Chancellor of the Grand Lodge of Knights of Pythias of New Hampshire. As a progressive and enterprising business man, he is well and favorably known through this sec- tion of the State; and he possesses a numerous acquaintance both at home and among the travelling public.

OSEPH A. LANGLEY, a Union vet- eran, who died at his home in Manches- ter, N. H., February 27, 1896, was a son of Joseph and Statira (Green) Langley, for many years residents of Rocking- ham County. Some account of his parents may be found in the sketch of Horace W. Langley, his brother. He was born in Not- tingham in 1833, and obtained his cducation in the schools of that town. . When a young man, he went to New Market and entered the employ of one of the large mills of that place. By faithful service and hard work he made a good impression on his employers, and was soon made second hand. He had held this position but a short time when Fort Sumter was fired upon. This stirred the patriotic blood of Mr. Langley; and when, a few days later, President Lincoln issued a call for volun- teers to defend the Union, he quickly resigned his position in the mill, and hastened to join the Union army. Leaving Nottingham, he went to Dover, and was duly mustered into service as a private in a company of the Seventeenth Regiment, United States Infantry, which was then attached to the Second Battalion.

Mr. Langley followed the vicissitudes of the regiment in the various campaigns of the army of the Potomac, and took active part in all its engagements for about two and one-half years. At the battle of Shady Grove he was captured, and sent to Libby Prison at Richmond. Here he was confined four days, and was then trans- ferred with a train load of half-starved Union prisoners like himself to the dreaded prison pen of Andersonville. Here he bore a full share of the terrible privations and sufferings

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inflicted upon the unfortunate prisoners by the rebel commander, Captain Wirtz. At one time he was forced to be a witness to the exe- cution of four Union soldiers. After a long stay at Andersonville Mr. Langley was re- moved to Milam Prison, situated a few miles from Savannah. The long term of confine- ment, exposure, and privation, had told upon his health; and he was taken ill, and put on the sick list. Then the order came from the rebel headquarters to transfer a portion of the prisoners at Milam to Savannah; and Mr. Langley, more dead than alive, and so weak that he could scarcely move, was driven to the city on the coast, and put in an old army prison. But his term as a prisoner of war had nearly expired. So worn by disease that he was of little use to the cause of the Union, he was given a parole, and sent North. He joined his regiment at Annapolis, Md., a mere skeleton, and was immediately given a three months' furlough, during which time he was honorably discharged by reason of disabili- ties received in service.

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Biographical review; this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Rockingham County, New Hampshire, Part 56

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