USA > New Hampshire > Rockingham County > Biographical review; this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Rockingham County, New Hampshire > Part 61
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80
In politics he is an active supporter of the Republican party. £ Recognizing his ability and popularity, the party elected him to the Board of Selectmen in 1895-96. He is a general society favorite here, being a prime
507
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
mover in all important social events. All measures designed for the general improvement of the town or the development of its re- sources receive his substantial aid. He is connected with Echo Lodge, No. 61, Indepen- dent Order of Odd Fellows, of Derry, N. H., and is active in the Patrons of Husbandry, having served as Steward of Windham Grange, No. 182, since it was organized in 1892.
OHN LEDDY, a prominent merchant of Epping, was born in Oldcastle, Ire- land, in 1840. His parents, Thomas and Ann (Smith) Leddy, who were also natives of Ireland, emigrated to America in 1848. After staying fifteen months in Boston, they came to Epping, where M.r. Leddy bought land, and subsequently became prominent among the farmers of the district. They had five children; namely, John, Ann, Charles, Thomas, and James. Like John, Ann and Charles were born in Ireland. Ann married Charles E. Rogers, who died for the Union in the Civil War. Thomas, born in this country in 1849, is a merchant of New- fields, N. H., where he is also a Selectman and the Postmaster. James, who was born here in 1852, died in 1868. The father died in 1887, having survived his wife three years.
John Leddy had very few educational advan- tages, most of his instruction being received at home. At the age of twelve years he learned the shoemaking trade, and followed it until 1864, when he entered Mr. Pike's store in this village as clerk. Eight years afterward, hav ing acquired a good knowledge of business, he established a general merchandise store, which he has prosperously conducted since. He is now one of the most prominent business men of the county. Associated with him in busi- ness is his brother Charles. His brother Thomas was formerly a partner.
In 1885 Mr. Leddy erected the Leddy Block, the finest business structure in Epping. It was designed by Frederick C. Lyford, of Suncook, Merrimack County, and is built of brick and iron with granite trimmings, being thirty-six by seventy-two feet. In the first story the frontage is of brick and iron, having three large show windows of heavy plate glass.
Built into the structure of the second floor, on a large tablet of copper faced with gold- leaf, is the sign "John Leddy & Co." The four windows of the second story are arranged in pairs, with massive granite sills and arched tops. Between the windows is a granite tablet bearing the significant letters "I. O. O. F." and the symbolic links of Odd Fellowship in copper faced with gold-leaf. The roof parapet has a railing of ornamental iron-work, and directly below the inscription "1840. Leddy. 1895," commemorating both the date of Mr. Leddy's birth and of erection of the building that had previously occupied the site, as well as the erection of the present structure. A central partition extending for nearly the full depth of the building, unbroken save by one archway, divides the first story into two compartments. The shoe department is on the right, and that of the groceries, flour, and grain is on the left, the archway affording ready communication between them. They are united at the rear. The floors are of hard pine, walls and ceilings are sheathed in North Carolina pine, and the counters and shelvings are of whitewood. The fixtures are up to date, the interior as well as the exterior being very pleasing to the eye. Another admirable feature is the system of lighting. There are nine two-light nickel chandeliers, whose lamps are automatically supplied with kerosene from one distributing tank. The illuminant is kept at the original level throughout the system as long as . the lamps are in use, hand-filling being unneces- sary ; while the chandeliers, poised by weights, can with ease be pulled down for lighting. The building is heated by steam, and is virt- ually fireproof. A stairway and freight ele- vator communicate with the basement. The lower story and basement are occupied by the proprietors, and the entire second story by Geneva Lodge, No. 80, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The firm has an enviable repu- tation and a very extensive trade. The brothers also manufacture and sell one and a half million bricks a year, and are engaged to quite an extent in the real estate business.
Mr. Leddy has been twice married. The first occasion was in 1877, when he was united with Nora C. Leonard, of this town, who died in 1880. Ilis second marriage was contracted
508
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
.
with Annie (Hanley) Norton, who had five children by a former marriage, namely : Lulu Norton, the wife of Dr. Adolph Franz, of South Hadley Falls, Mass. ; James D. ; Mary Gertrude; Grace E. ; and Agnes Maria. In politics Mr. Leddy is a Democrat. He has served as Town Clerk, Supervisor, and Select- man, and has twice represented the district in the State legislature. He was Selectman for four years. He and Mrs. Leddy are devout members of the Catholic church. Mr. Leddy is a public-spirited man, has the esteem of the community, and stands well in the town both socially and financially.
1 SAIAH W. HASELTINE, a representa- tive farmer of Windham, and a descend- ant of one of the first settlers of the place, was born upon the farm he now owns and occupies, September 26, 1819, son of Captain Phineas and Clarissa (Wilson) Haseltine. The family is of English ancestry. Mr. Haseltine's grandparents, Philip and Pa- tience Haseltine, were both natives of Massa- chusetts. Philip Haseltine was an early set- tler in Windham. He cleared and improved the farm which is now the property of his grandson, and he served as an officer in the War of 1812. Captain Phineas Haseltine, Mr. Haseltine's father, was born in Windham. Succeeding to the homestead, he was there- after occupied in its management until his death, which occurred in 1823. He held the commission of Captain in the State militia, and was one of the stirring and industrious men of his day. He married Clarissa Wilson, who was a native of Hudson, N. H. ; and the only surviving child of this union is Isaiah W., the subject of this sketch.
Isaiah W. Haseltine passed his youth in assisting upon the homestead farm and in at- tending the district school. Being but four years old at the time of his father's death, he was necessarily forced to begin the labors of life at an early age. On reaching his majority and succeeding to the ownership of the prop- erty, he was well prepared to carry on gen- eral farming. The old Ilaseltine homestead, where he has always resided, consists of seventy-five acres of excellent tillage land,
capable of producing abundant crops of a su- perior quality. By making the most of the opportunities afforded him in his farming, he obtains good financial returns. The homestead has been in the possession of the family for one hundred and twenty years.
On June 12, 1845, Mr. Haseltine wedded Jane S. Hall. She was born in Windham, May 2, 1821, daughter of John and Lilly (Morrow) Hall. Both her parents were natives of this town, as was her grandfather, Ebenezer Hall. Her great-grandfather was the first of the Hall family to settle here. Mrs. Hasel- tine's maternal grandfather, Alexander Mor- row, served as a soldier in the Continental army during the Revolutionary War. John and Lilly (Morrow) IIall, industrious farming people, were highly respected in Windham. Of their children three others are living; namely, Mrs. Nancy Twiss, Mrs. Eliza S. Worledge, and John M. Hall. Mr. and Mrs. . Haseltine have five children ; namely, Phineas W., George J., Clara J., Eliza M., and Lilly A. Mr. Haseltine, who served his townsmen well and faithfully for four years as a member of the Board of Selectmen, has long enjoyed the esteem and confidence of the general com- munity. Both he and his wife are passing their declining years quietly at the home- stead. They celebrated their golden wed- ding on June 12, 1895, when their numerous friends and acquaintances extended their con- gratulations, and joined heartily in wishing them long-continued happiness.
ON. SHERMAN T. NEWTON, of Portsmouth, was born September 5, 1864, on the Isles of Shoals. At the age of eight years he came with his parents, Elvin and Mary Jane Newton, to this city, and here completed his education in the high school. When but sixteen years old, he became a copartner with his father in the wholesale fish business, which, under the firm name of E. Newton & Co., they have since carried on with signal success. In the first few years after becoming established in business the junior partner spent much of his time at sea, making long fishing voyages. This part of the work is now relegated to others, more im-
HENRY C. TUCK.
5II
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
portant matters on shore demanding his entire time. The firm employ twenty-eight fishing vessels, besides numerous dories and small boats. Their annual catch includes fish of all kinds, which they prepare for market.
Mr. Newton is a stanch and untiring advo- cate of the principles of the Republican party, of which he is an influential member. Al- though residing in Ward 4, which usually gives a Democratic majority of one hundred and thirty votes, he was elected Representa- tive to the State legislature for two consecu- tive terms, being the first Republican SO honored by the ward in thirty years. He was urgently requested to accept a nomination for re-election in 1895, but declined. While in the legislature, Mr. Newton served on the Collection Committee. It was chiefly through his persistent efforts there that the Police Commission of Portsmouth was secured. He also rendered valuable assistance in redistrict- ing the city. He has been active in local affairs, serving at various times on ward and city committees, his sound judgment and busi- ness capacity making him an able adviser.
On May 3, 1890, Mr. Newton was united in marriage with Hattie FF. Preble, eldest daughter of Charles Preble, of York, Me., and has a son and a daughter. Mr. Newton is a popular member of several fraternal orders. These include Portsmouth Lodge, No. 97, B. & P. O. Elks; Damon Lodge, No. 9, Knights of Pythias; St. John Lodge, No. 1, of Masons; and Constitution Lodge of For- esters. He is also a charter member of the Portsmouth Athletic Club.
ENRY C. TUCK, an esteemed resi- dent of Kensington, N. H., a lineal descendant of Robert Tuck, one of the earliest settlers of Hampton, Rockingham County, was born August 3, 1833, at the Tuck homestead, where he now resides. His parents were Jonathan, Jr., and Sarah (Philbrick) Tuck.
Jonathan Tuck, Sr., Mr. Tuck's grandfather, was a native and lifelong resident of Kensing- ton. For many years he was identified with the farming interests of this town ; and he also operated a tannery, being one of the most
active and successful men of his day. He lived to be seventy-seven years old, and was a prominent man in the community, possessing the respect and confidence of his fellow-towns- men. He acted with the Whig party in poli- tics. He married Dorothy Webster, of East Kingston, N. H. ; and six children were born of this union. The only survivor is Mary Ann, who resides in Exeter. Her mother, Mr. Tuck's grandmother, died in 1847. She was a member of the Congregational church.
Jonathan Tuck, Jr., son of Jonathan, Sr., and Dorothy WV. Tuck, was born at the home- stead in Kensington, August 13, 1799. Ile became interested with his father in the tan- nery at an early age, having begun his busi- ness career immediately after finishing his studies in the schools of this town; and, taking entire charge of the enterprise after his father's death, he carried it on successfully for thirty years. He then retired to the home farm of one hundred and fifty acres, where he devoted the rest of his life to tilling the soil. The present residence was erected by him with brick made upon the farm. He died at the age of seventy-seven years. An intelligent, progressive, and exceedingly prosperous citi- zen, he exercised much influence in all matters relative to the welfare of the community. Po- litically, he supported the Republican party in his latter years. His wife, Sarah Philbrick, whom he married March 17, 1829, was a native of Tamworth, N. H., and a daughter of Stephen G. Philbrick, of that town. She be- came the mother of two children, namely : Henry C., the subject of this sketch; and Charles E., who was born June 15, 1835.
Charles E. Tuck married Sarah J. Eaton, daughter of Moses Eaton, of South Hampton, and has three children -- Lizzie E., Frank L., and Annie. Frank I. Tuck married Gertrude Wood, and has one son, Arthur. Annie Tuck is the wife of Frank Tuttle, of Stratham. Mr. Tuck's mother, Mrs. Sarah P. Tuck, lived to reach the advanced age of ninety-two years. She was an earnest member of the Congrega- tional church.
Henry C. Tuck has always resided at the family homestead in Kensington. In his boy- hood he acquired a good practical education. Tilling the soil has been his principal occupa-
512
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
tion since he began the work of life; and as a general farmer he is industrious, progressive, and successful.
On April 10, 1886, Mr. Tuck was married to Mrs. Mary E. Philbrick, born Knox, daugh- ter of Edward Knox, of Tamworth. She is one of a family of fourteen children, of whom four sons and two daughters survive. Her father, who still resides at his home in Tam- worth, is now seventy-six years old. By her previous marriage with Samuel Philbrick Mrs. Tuck has one son, named Frank. Frank Phil- brick and Annie M. Brown, eldest daughter of David Brown, of Kensington, were married on November 19, 1892. They have two children ; namely, Harry T. and Horace B.
Mr. Tuck is a Republican in politics. He has served as Town Clerk of Kensington for two terms, and he represented the town in the legislature during the years 1867 and 1870. He is a member of Hoosac Division, Sons of Temperance, of Kensington, of which he has been Secretary for ten years, besides holding other offices in the society ; and he is likewise connected with the Patrons of Husbandry. In every way a worthy and useful citizen, he is regarded by his fellow-townsmen as a man of perfect integrity. Mrs. Tuck is a member of the Congregational church.
ON. DARIUS FRINK was born in Newington, N. H., June 3, 1810, on the old homestead by the Bay, whereon his mother also was born. His father, Cyrus Frink, came from Stoning- ton, Conn., when a young man, to assist in building the Piscataqua Bridge. He married Abigail Nutter, daughter of Deacon John and Anna (Symes) Nutter, her father being a native of Newington, and her mother of Portsmouth. There were nine children born to them, six sons and three daughters; namely, Cyrus, Ab- igail, Simes, Isaac, Margarett Ann, John N., Darius, Elias, and Hannah.
Darius was the fifth son, and was educated at the town school and at the Greenland, Hampton, and Pittsfield Academies, where he prepared himself for the profession of teaching. He was very successful as a teacher, and taught many schools. For many years he was
appointed to serve upon the Board of Educa- tion. He entered the militia, and with his three brothers became of prominent rank in the division here located. Isaac was Colonel; Simes, Captain; Darius, Major; and Elias, Adjutant. He was commissioned Justice of the Peace and Quorum, and Justice through- out the State, for more than fifty years settling estates and transacting important judicial busi- ness. In 1859 he was appointed County Com- missioner for the term of three years, serving with zeal for the best interests for the people. In 1865 and 1866 he occupied a seat in the State Senate from District No. 1, satisfying his constituents with his fidelity and ability. He was one of a number of citizens who formed themselves into a society for the main- tenance of the gospel in Newington, and also one of ten persons who added one hundred dol- lars each to a legacy of Miss Lydia Rollins to construct a parsonage.
He married Mary E. Coleman, daughter of Captain James Coleman, of Newington, who was son of Phinehas and great-grandson of Eleazer Coleman. His health failed a year before his death, which occurred January 4, 1893. He was buried from his late residence, the Rev. Messrs. Dr. Robie, of Greenland, and Henry P. Page, of Newington, officiating. Being a Royal Arch Mason of St. John's Lodge, A. F. & A. M., his obsequies were conducted with Masonic rites.
DWIN O. DINSMORE, a descendant OP in the sixth generation of the original owner of the farm he now occupies, and an ex-member of the New Hampshire legislature, was born at the Dinsmore home- stead in Windham, son of Theodore and Eliza (Morrison) Dinsmore. James Dinsmore, Mr. Dinsmore's grandfather, was the fourth repre- sentative of the family to occupy the home- stead. He was one of the enterprising agricult- urists of his time.
Theodore Dinsmore, who was born about the close of the last century, having inherited the home farm in his turn, cultivated it with energy during his active period. He was closely identified with local public affairs for many years, serving as a Selectman and legis-
513
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
lative Representative. His death, which oc- curred in August, 1870, was deeply regretted by his numerous friends and acquaintances, and the public generally. In his religious belief he was a Presbyterian, having been one of the elders of that church in Windham Centre; and in politics he was successively a Whig and a Republican. His wife, a native of Windham, who was before marriage Eliza Morrison, be- came the mother of four children, namely : Samuel M., of Yonkers, N. Y. ; Edwin O., the subject of this sketch; Martha, now de- ceased ; and Aurelia. The mother, who lived to be over eighty years old, died in 1887.
Edwin O. Dinsmore obtained his education in the common schools and at the academies of Atkinson and East Andover, N. H. He grew to manhood on. the homestead, where he has always resided. Having succeeded to the an- cestral estate, he has since managed the prop- erty with good financial results. For several winters past he has conducted lumbering operations; but, although his efforts in that direction were generally successful, he finds farming to be the more profitable and agree- able occupation.
Politically, Mr. Dinsmore is a Republican. A leading spirit in political affairs, he exer- cises a considerable influence in the party or- ganization here. Ile served with marked abil- ity as a member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives for one term. He is highly respected both in business and social circles, and is an active member of the Patrons of Husbandry.
ARREN PARSONS,, M.D., a na- tive-born practitioner in the town of Rye, and the only one here for about fifty years, is living in the house where he was born on May 28, 1818. He may truly be said to be a physician by birth, breeding, and practice, both his father, John Wilkes Parsons, and his grandfather, Joseph Parsons, having belonged to the medical profession.
Dr. Parsons is of English ancestry, the lineal descendant of Cornet Joseph Parsons, who emigrated from England to America with his father in 1635, and located first at Spring- field, Mass., and on July 15, 1636, was a wit-
ness to the deed by which the thirteen Ind- ians conveyed the land to the newly settled colony. Cornet Parsons in 1655 moved further north, and became one of the pioneer settlers, and a principal founder of the town of North Hampton, Mass. After living there nearly twenty-five years, in 1679 he returned to Springfield, where he died in 1683. Jo- seph Parsons, son of Cornet Joseph and Mary (Bliss) Parsons, married Elizabeth Strong, daughter of Elder John Strong, of North Hampton. Their eldest son, the Rev. Joseph Parsons, a graduate of Harvard College in 1697, married Elizabeth Thompson, and set- tled first at Lebanon, Conn., and later at Salisbury, Mass.
The Rev. Samuel Parsons, son of the Rev. Joseph Parsons, was born in 1707, and was graduated at Ilarvard College in 1730. He was ordained and settled as pastor of the church at Rye in 1736, being the first of the family to locate in this vicinity; and he was also the first settled minister in the town. He was very successful in his labors, holding his pas- torate here for more than fifty years. The Rev. Samuel Parsons married Mary Jones, daughter of Samuel and Mary (Adams) Jones, of Boston. Mrs. Jones, the mother of Mrs. Parsons, was a daughter of Captain John Adams, who was a brother of Joseph Adams, the grandfather of President John Adams. Captain Adams, it is thus seen, was a great- uncle of the elder President Adams. He was also the grandfather of the no less dis- tinguished patriot, Samuel Adams.
Dr. Joseph Parsons, a native of Rye, and a son of the Rev. Samuel and Mary (Jones) Parsons, was a Captain in the Revolutionary army, under General Washington. He prac- tised medicine in his native town for many years, and died on the homestead now owned by his grandson, Dr. Warren Parsons.
Dr. John Wilkes Parsons was born, lived, and died on the old homestead in Rye. He was known far and wide as a skilful physician. Ilis wife, Abigail Garland, was the daughter of John Garland, of Rye. She was the mother of nine children, among whom were: Dr. Warren Parsons: Charles G. Parsons, M.D., a practising physician of Mississippi ; T. J. Parsons, of Rye, who was known
514
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
throughout the country as Squire Parsons; Emily, who married Joseph Brown, of Rye; William H., who married Anna Decatur, a niece of Commodore Decatur, was a sea cap- tain, and died in Germany ; John, another son, who married Susan Decatur, was an officer in the Seminole War, serving as Major of a com- pany ; and Miss Abby S. Parsons, who is liv- ing with her brother Warren on the old home- stead. The house which they occupy was built by the Rev. Samuel Parsons, and is still in excellent repair, its substantial and well- seasoned timbers having withstood the winds and weather for more than one hundred and thirty years. Six generations of the Parsons family have made their home within its walls, which are dear to the heart of each living member.
Dr. Warren Parsons was liberally educated in his youth, attending successively the dis- trict schools of his native town, the Hampton Academy, the Latin and English School at Andover, Mass. In 1840 he received an ap- pointment as Disbursing Clerk in the Treasury Department at Washington, having been rec- ommended to the position by the Hon. Daniel Webster. He was graduated from the Colum- bian Medical College at Washington, D.C., in 1842. On his return to his native State Dr. Parsons began the practice of his profes- sion in Rye, Portsmouth, and the Isles of Shoals, and for years had a very large patron- age.
In politics Dr. Parsons has always been identified with the Republican party. H cast his first Presidential vote in 1840 for William H. Harrison. For some years he was Surgeon of the First Regiment of New Ilampshire, and he has also served as Notary Public. IIe has a retentive memory, and his mind is stored with rich and pleasing remin- iscences of the olden times.
Dr. Warren Parsons has been twice mar- ried. His first wife was Miss Sarah A. Dow, of Rye. She died in 1850, leaving one son, Warren J., who died in Florida in 1895. By his second wife, formerly Miss Julia A. Gove, of Raymond, N. H., he has reared three chil- dren - Frederick D., Ella Maria, and Anna Decatur. Frederick D. married Abby P. Brown, of this town. Ella M. is the wife of
John Fraser, a native of Scotland, and a mem- ber of the Direct United States Cable Staff of Rye; and they have two children - Julius W. and Frederick J. Religiously, the Doctor has been an active member of the Congrega- tional church for more than a half-century.
ONATHAN W. ROBINSON, a pros- perous and progressive farmer, living in Brentwood township, was born De- cember 26, 1834, in Exeter township,
a son of Jonathan and Sarah (Dearborn) Robinson. He is of pioneer ancestry, his great-grandfather Jonathan having been one of the original settlers of the town of Exeter. Jonathan Robinson spent his life in Exeter, where he was numbered among the well-to-do farmers. He married Sarah Dearborn, a na- tive of North Hampton, this county; and they reared five children, as follows: Jonathan W., the subject of this sketch; Sarah, the wife of J. D. Brown, of Hampton Falls, this county; William, a resident of West Lynn, Mass .; Mary, the wife of John J. Brown, of Hamp- ton Falls; and Daniel W., who lives in Exe- ter. The father died in 1851 ; and the mother, now a venerable woman of eighty-two years, lives with her daughter at Hampton Falls.
Jonathan W. Robinson was educated in the common schools of his native town, and on the paternal homestead acquired a thorough knowledge of agriculture. On the death of his father he purchased the interest of the re- maining heirs to the old Exeter homestead, and was there engaged in farming until 1872. At that time Mr. Robinson bought the farm on which he now lives, in the town of Brent- wood, and which was then known as the old Dudley homestead. It has one hundred and sixty acres of land. By means of extensive improvements he has rendered it one of the most desirable estates in this vicinity. In addition to general farming he is profitably engaged in dairying, supplying milk by wagon to a number of patrons. An ardent advocate of the principles of the Republican party, he takes an active interest in politics, and has held several town offices, including that of Selectman. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum Lodge of Exeter.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.