USA > New Hampshire > Rockingham County > Biographical review; this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Rockingham County, New Hampshire > Part 68
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George Washington Dearborn was a student at Phillips Exeter Academy when it was under the kindly rule of Dr. Abbot. After leaving school, he engaged in trade, and as a merchant was fairly successful. He has always been something of an antiquary, and, as his life has been almost as long as that of the century, a visit to his house is a source of much interest; for, besides having in his possession numerous relics of other times, Mr. Dearborn's memory
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is stored with facts which came under his personal observation that have now become matters of history. A portion of his present residence was built in 1783.
Mr. Dearborn was married in 1841 to Nancy Vesey, of Stratham, Rockingham County, N.H., who was born in 1814, and died in 1881. One child born to them died in in- fancy. Though so advanced in years, Mr. Dearborn is comparatively active, physically as well as mentally. In politics he is a Demo- crat, in religious belief a Spiritualist,
" Sustained and soothed
By an unfaltering trust."
HARLES R. BROWN, of Deerfield, N.H., who is extensively engaged in general farming, was born on the family homestead in Deerfield, which forms part of his property, October 21, 1860. The son of Benjamin Stuart and Ann E. (Evans) Brown, he is connected with some of the oldest families in the State of New Hampshire. His first ancestor here was John Brown, who came from Norfolk, England, and settled in Hampton in 1638. From him the line is traced through Thomas, Thomas (sec- ond), Benjamin, Enoch, and Enoch, Jr., to Benjamin, the father of Benjamin Stuart Brown
Benjamin Brown was born in 1784 on the farm acquired by his father, Enoch, Jr., in Deerfield. He died in July, 1866. He mar- ried Mrs. Nancy (Evans) Brown, and they reared two children : George F., of Madison, Wis. ; and Benjamin Stuart, who was the father of Charles K. Brown.
Benjamin Stuart Brown was born in 1828 on the homestead in Deerfield, and spent his life there, succeeding his father as owner. He was a man of character, standing high in the esteem of his fellow-citizens. A prominent Republican, he represented the town during two sessions of the legislature, and was Se- lectman for a number of years. Mr. Brown attended the Congregational church. He died in Angust, 1887. In 1854 he was united in marriage with Ann E., daughter of Robert and Sarah (Goss) Evans, of Allentown, N.II.
Mrs. Brown is yet living, as are her three children -- Grace (Mrs. Edgar B. Evans), of Boston; Benjamin Stuart, Jr., who married Susie P. French, daughter of John C. French, of Manchester, N.H., and now resides in Omaha, Neb .; and Charles R., the subject of this sketch.
Charles R. Brown received a good educa- tion, attending the public schools of Deer- field, and taking an advanced course of study at Pembroke and Tilton Academies. He was in trade for five years, and with that exccp- tion has devoted his time and attention to gen- cral farming, in which he has been very suc- cessful. Owning six hundred and forty acres of land, he conducts his agricultural opera- tions on a large scale, being one of the lead- ing farmers of the county.
Mr. Brown was married in 1883 to Edith, daughter of Dr. George H. Towle, of Deer- field. Two children have been born to them : Charles R., who lived but five years; and Grace E., who still brightens his home.
Mr. Brown is a strong Republican in poli- tics. He has served as Town Treasurer and Town Clerk, and was a member of the State legislature in 1894. A member of the Ma- sonic fraternity, he belongs to Rockingham Lodge, No. 76, of Candia; and as an Odd Fellow he is a member of Union Lodge, No. 32. Mr. and Mrs. Brown attend the Congre- gational church.
LBERT M. PRIEST, one of the stir- ring business men of New Market, and an ex-member of the New Hampshire legislature, was born in this town, February 6, 1857, a son of Levi J. and Effie L. (Spofford) Priest.
His father, who was born in Nottingham, N. H., left his native town at an carly age, settling first in Newington, and subsequently taking up his residence in New Market, where he has resided for the past fifty years. For more than thirty years he was engaged in trade here, carrying on a thriving business; and he is now living in retirement at the home of his son, Albert M. His wife, Effie L. Spofford Priest, who was a native of Bux- ton, Me., died in 1891.
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Albert M. Priest acquired a practical educa- tion in the schools of New Market and Tilton, N.H .; and at the age of nineteen he estab- lished himself in business here, and is now conducting a general department store. He carries a large and varied stock, consisting of so many different articles that it would be im- possible to designate them with any degree of accuracy ; and his place of business is a most lively and convenient mart for the people of this and the adjacent towns. On July 4, 1875, Mr. Priest was united in marriage to Sarah A. Ritchie, daughter of William K. and Adelaide Ritchie, both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Priest have seven children - Albert F., William L., Frank J., Addie F., Thurman, Irene, and Marion A., all of whom are residing at home, and form a most pleas- ing family group. Mrs. Priest is a member of the Congregational church. In politics Mr. Priest is a Democrat, and, though not an office-seeker, has been elected to some impor- tant positions of public trust. For ten years he was a member of the Board of Engineers; and he has served as Town Clerk and Au- ditor, and has represented his district in the legislature. He is one of the most en- terprising and progressive business men in this part of the county, and his present high standing in mercantile circles is the result of natural ability and a close attention to every detail in the running of his extensive establishment.
AMES W. WINGATE, who passed to the larger activities of the spiritual life in 1894, was born, November 12, 1838, in Portsmouth, N. H., son of George Wingate. The Wingates are of ancient and honored lineage, deriving their name, it is said, from the heroic feat of a remote ancestor, a valiant soldier, who, during the storming of a castle in one of the early English wars, tore a gate from its hinges and bore it away, the appellation of "Wingate," and the family crest, a gate with five bars, being conferred upon him by the crown to perpetuate the memory of the exploit. Each succeeding gen- cration has contained men of prominence, among them being Roger Wingate, who had a
life appointment as King's Treasurer within the Lordship of Virginia, Edmund Wingate, the famous mathematician of the sixteenth century, and several who have since been con- spicuous in the annals of our country.
John Wingate, the first to settle in America, was a planter at Hilton's Point, N. H., now Dover, in 1658. Sufficient is known of him to indicate that he was in good standing in the community where he lived. He became a man of considerable property, and was an active participant in King Philip's War. He was a juryman, and later Selectman of the town, serving in 1674, 1686, and 1687, the latter year being Chairman of the board. His son Joshua, the next in line of descent, represented the town of Hampton in the legislature in 1722, and again in 1726, and was chosen, with Captain John Smith, to remonstrate against the petition of the Falls Parish to be incorporated as a town. In 1744 he was ap- pointed Colonel of the Hampton regiment of militia; and the following year he took a prom- inent part in the famous siege and conquest of Louisburg.
Francis Wingate, grandfather of James W. Wingate, was born August 13, 1784, and died in Portsmouth, January 19, 1843. He spent part of his life in Portsmouth and part in West- brook, Me., being an active and valued citizen of each place. He was twice married, and had a family of eleven children, eight of them being of his first marriage.
George Wingate, son of Francis, was born December 8, 1805, and died in Portsmouth, March 29, 1885. He married Sarah Wise, a native of this city, and to them were born two children - George Edwin and James W.
George E. Wingate, now Commander in the United States navy, born in Portsmouth, married Eva, daughter of the late John R. Holbrook, now a resident of Malden, Mass. Two sons, Edward and Frederick, were born unto them.
James W. Wingate completed his education in the Portsmouth High School, where he stood well among his classmates. He subse- quently learned the art of sail-making from John R. Holbrook, with whom he worked several years, after which he pursued his trade in Salem and Boston, Mass. In 1875 Mr.
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Wingate entered the service of the govern- ment, becoming a warrant officer in the navy, in which he was employed for nearly twenty years. During this time he visited various parts of the globe, including China and Japan, and in his official capacity served on the "Pow- hatan," "Monongahela," and the "Juniata." Prior to making any sea voyage Mr. Wingate was stationed on a training ship at Baltimore. His death was caused by a tumor resulting from a fall received in the navy yard.
Mr. Wingate was prominent in many social organizations, being a Knight Templar and a member of St. John's Lodge, No. 16, A. F. & A. M., in which he held various chairs; an office-holder in Strawberry Bank Encamp- ment ; and a member of the United Order of Pilgrim Fathers. His wife was for some years a member of Rebekah Lodge. Mr. Wingate was strictly temperate in his habits, and greatly opposed to the use of spirituous liquor in any form. Early in life he experienced religion, and from that time until his death lived the life of a true and faithful Christian.
Mr. Wingate was married November 12, 1863, to Miss Carrie E. Senter, daughter of William and Olive (Colbeth) Senter, former residents of Portsmouth. Mr. Senter died September 26, 1855, at the age of fifty-two years. His wife, a woman of rare graces and virtues, after years of keen suffering, which she bore with Christian fortitude, was also called on December 5, 1876, to enter into that rest which remaineth for the children of God. John Senter, brother of William, is now the only surviving member of the family. He has reached the ripe age of ninety-one years, and is still active and well preserved. Mrs. Win- gate was the only child born to her parents. She was educated in Portsmouth, completing her course of study at the high school. For many years she held a responsible position in the dry-goods store of Isaac Ilahn. On December 26, 1867, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Wingate a daughter, Annie, who on June 6, 1894, was married to Baldwin A. Reich, of Baltimore, Md., now proprietor of the fancy cake bakery and ice-cream establishment, 14 Congress Street, Portsmouth. Mr. and Mrs. Reich have one child, a daughter, Evelyn Wilhelmina, born August 15, 1895.
RED M. CROSBY, the enterprising proprietor of a new hotel in Hampton, N. H., was born in Enfield, Mass., August 28, 1874, son of John M. and Della H. (Gross) Crosby, both of that town. The Crosby family is one of the oldest and most prominent families in Enfield. John M. Crosby, Sr., grandfather of Mr. Crosby of Hampton, was a merchant tailor, with place of business in Enfield, his native place. He served as a Representative in the lower house of the State legislature, and also in the Sen- ate, and was for many years a leader in local affairs. He died in Enfield, at the age of sixty-eight, leaving two sons: John M., Jr. ; and Frank S., the latter of whom is now re- siding on the family homestead.
John M. Crosby, Jr., obtained his education in the district school of Enfield and the acad- cmy at Monson, Mass. He was for a number of years in the grocery trade in his native town, and built up a large business, though comparatively young, being twenty-nine years of age at the time of his death, which occurred in 1878. His wife, who is a daughter of Micah H. Gross, of Enfield, is now living with her son in Hampton. Fred M. Crosby is the only child of his parents.
After becoming familiar with the lower English branches in the district school near his home in Enfield, Fred M. Crosby pur- sued his studies at the high school in Melrose, Mass., under Principal A. G. Whitman, and then took up the study of naval engineering at the Institute of Technology in Boston, Mass., to qualify himself for that profession.' Deeply interested in athletic games and in musical and social matters, he became very popular at the "Tech.," where his abilities were called into play as manager of the foot-ball and base- ball teams and of the glee and banjo clubs; and, when through ill-health he was obliged to give up his studies, his departure was a source of general regret. He took a trip to California with an uncle, and subsequently sojourned for a time at Dr. Cilley's ranch in Colorado. Then, his health being much im- proved, he returned East, and in 1895 pur- chased a large estate in Hampton, where he has established a hotel that bids fair to be very popular. In politics Mr. Crosby is a
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Democrat. He is a member of one society, Theta Xi, of the Institute of Technology.
OLONEL ALFRED A. COLLINS, of South Danville, N. H., was born in Danville, October 15, 1848. He is a son of John H. and Amy (Col- lins) Collins. John HI. Collins, who was born in Hampstead, removed to Danville at the age of fifteen, where he has since resided. He represented the town in the legislature of 1891-92. He is still living in Danville, at the age of seventy-two years. His father, Jonathan Collins, who was a cooper by trade, when forty-eight years old moved to Danville, where he spent the remainder of his life, dying at the advanced age of ninety-two. Amy Col- lins, mother of Alfred A., was a daughter of John Collins, a farmer and a lifelong resident of Danville. He was the first Republican Representative from the town, serving in the legislature of 1856. He lived to be ninety- two. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. John H. Collins, namely : Alfred A. ; Emma S., who became the wife of John F. Heath, but is now no longer living; Herbert S. ; and Cora M., wife of Edward A. Witherell, all of South Danville.
Colonel Alfred A. Collins was educated in the common schools of Danville and at King- ston Academy and the New Hampton Institute. After spending a few months in Boston at a commercial college, he began the manufacture of shoes in his native town in 1868, and has been connected with that business ever since with the firms of McLane & Collins, H. S. and C. M. Collins, that have conducted the manufacture of ladies', misses', and children's low cut shoes for the jobbing trade all over the country, Colonel Collins being for the past fifteen years travelling salesman. The busi- ness now gives employment to one hundred and fifty to two hundred hands, and is the lead- ing industry of the town.
Colonel Collins in 1894 patented the Col- lins Spring Heel Process that gave to the shoe trade the first perfect flat tread spring heel ever made, and which was favorably re- ceived by the leading shoe manufacturers of the country. The machines and process are
now under the control of the Flagg Manufact- uring Company, 110 Lincoln Street, Boston, Mass.
December 1, 1870, Colonel Collins was married to Miss Elvira R. Lincoln, of Norton, Mass. Her health failing a year later, Mr. Collins sought for her a change in climate, living for a year in Huntington, Pa. She never fully recovered, however, and passed away May 14, 1881. By this union one child was born, Alice L., who is at present taking a course at Kimball Union Academy, Meriden, N. H. Colonel Collins was again married November 1, 1885, to Miss Kate C. Lowell, of Danville, daughter of the Rev. J. A. Lowell, now of Wells, Me. By this union he has one daughter, Marion
Colonel Collins is active in politics as a Republican. He represented the town in the legislature of 1876, being the first young man sent from the town, and being one of three in the legislature of that year. He has held nearly all the local offices, and for years was Moderator at most of the town meetings. He was appointed June 17, 1885, on the staff of Governor Moody Currier, on which he served two years. He is well advanced in Masonry, being a member of Gideon Lodge, No. 84, of Kingston, St. Albans' Chapter of Exeter ; and De Witt Clinton Commandery of Ports- mouth. In business, politics, and social cir- cles Colonel Collins is widely known both in his own State and others.
OHN H. DINSMORE, the owner of one of the best farms in Windham, and formerly a member of the New Hamp- shire legislature, was born in this town, June 3, 1840, son of Robert P'. and Sally (Gregg) Dinsmoore. His great-grandfather, William Dinsmore, who was of Scotch de- scent, was the founder of the family in this locality. Robert Dinsmore, Mr. Dinsmore's grandfather, who was known as the "Rustic Bard, " was a prominent resident of Windham in his day. He served in the Continental army during the Revolutionary War.
His son, Robert P. Dinsmoore, was a native and lifelong resident of Windham, and was one of the many in this section who served in
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the War of 1812. Ile was an active and useful citizen, who had the general good of the community at heart. An old-time Whig in politics, he joined the Republican party on its formation. He died at his home in this town, August 28, 1861. His wife, whose maiden name was Sally Gregg, was a native of Windham. Of the children born to them the following survive: Jacob N., a resident of New York City; Samuel, who resides in Yonkers, N. Y. ; Maria, wife of Henry Damon, of Reading, Mass. ; Robert, a resident of the State of California; John H., the subject of this sketch; and Luther, who, like his brother Robert, resides in California.
John H. Dinsmore was given a common- school education. From his early manhood he has been engaged in tilling the soil. He owns a valuable and productive farm, situated at the head of Corbett's Pond; and its fine location and carefully cultivated acres attract the attention of the passing traveller. Mr. Dinsmore married Adrianna Black, whose father was a native of Corinna, Me. Mrs. Dinsmore has had three children : Arthur H., who is no longer living; George G. ; and Bertha L.
In politics Mr. Dinsmore is an active sup- porter of . the Republican party, and he has done good service to the community in the ad- ministration of public affairs. He was Town Auditor for a number of years, was a member of the Board of Selectmen for three years, and represented his district in the legislature in 1 892-93. He also served on the Board of Supervisors. The ability and judgment he displayed in the transaction of public business is appreciated by his fellow-townsmen, who regard him as a leader in local politics. He is now President of the Republican Club.
EORGE R. STEVENS, a retired farmer of Epping, Rockingham County, N. H., was born in Pem- broke, N. H., on April 12, 1831. His par- ents were Theophilus and Mary (Robinson) Stevens. Theophilus Stevens, his great- grandfather, purchased a farm in Epping, under grant of King George III. His son, Samuel Stevens, inherited this place, to which
his son Theophilus succeeded, leaving it in turn to George R. The father, a native of Epping, spent his life here in agricultural pursuits. He was a quiet, unobtrusive man, who devoted his chief attention to his private affairs. He died on June 6, 1881, having the respect of all who were acquainted with his worth. His wife, who was born in Meredith, N. H., passed away on April 25, 1862. They were the parents of four children - Samuel G., Alpheus S., Jonathan E., and George R., who is the only one now living.
George R. Stevens received a rudimentary education in the common schools, subsequently taking a two years' course of study at the academy in Pembroke. He afterward engaged in farming, to which occupation he has since devoted his time. In 1889 Mr. Stevens re- tired from active work, though he still super- vises the farm. He now has a comfortable home in the village. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party; and, although he has never sought public office, he served the town with credit as Selectman.
Mr. Stevens has been twice married. His first wife, Dorothy A., was a daughter of Jo- seph Fogg, of Raymond. She died in Janu- ary, 1862, leaving one son, who attained a promising manhood, but died in Boston in January, 1896, aged thirty-eight years and six months. Mr. Stevens's second wife was Celia E. Johnson, daughter of Darius D. Johnson, of Epping. Mr. and Mrs. Stevens have one son living - George E. Stevens, a well-known business man of Epping. The mother is identified in the membership of the Congrega- tional church. Mr. Stevens is a man of high moral and social standing, who is in active sympathy with all movements for the good of his town and the progress of humanity in gen- eral.
ILLIAM P. WALKER, merchant tailor, one of the prominent busi- ness men of Portsmouth, who has occupied his present quarters at 8 Market Square since March 13, 1849, was born in Chesterfield, Cheshire County, February 4, 1825. Ile is a son of Arza and Lydia (Baker) Walker, and comes of early English stock.
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His paternal grandfather, who was a farmer, and, as far as known, a lifelong resident of Cheshire County, married a Miss Elizabeth Hartman, with whom he reared four children - Jimmy, Joza, Arza, and Phila. The father was upward of eighty years old when he died.
Arza Walker, the father of William P., was born in Chesterfield, and reared on a farm. He devoted his life to the pursuit of agricult- ure in his native town, and died there in 1829 in middle age. His wife, also a native and lifelong resident of Cheshire County, was but thirty-nine years of age at her death in 1828. Six of their children attained maturity; namely, Sabrina, Horton D., Lawson, Parker D., Caroline B., and William P. Sabrina, now deceased, became the wife of the Hon. William Hale, Governor of New Hampshire; and Caroline B. married John B. Merrill, and now resides in Beloit, Wis.
William P'. Walker, left fatherless and motherless when but four years old, was taken charge of by his uncle, Martin Cole, a farmer, of Mount Holly, Vt. Living on Mr. Cole's farm, he began to assist in the chores as soon as he was capable, while for a part of every year he attended the district school, which was three and a half miles distant. When he was twelve years of age, he went to Salem, Miss., to live with his elder brother, Horton D. Here he attended school for about a year, and then became a pupil of Dummer Academy at Newbury, Mass. A course of study lasting eighteen months at this institution finished his schooling; and he then joined his brother Horton, who had removed to Portsmouth. At the age of seventeen he began to learn the tailor's trade, to which he served an appren- ticeship of three years, the first with the Portsmouth firm of Brown & Clarke, and the second and third in Massachusetts, respec- tively at Lynn and Salem. In 1848 he com- menced his business career in Portsmouth, and in 1849, as already mentioned, established himself in his present quarters. There for nearly half a century he has weathered the vicissitudes of trade, establishing a wide- sprea'l reputation for reliability.
Mr. Walker was married to Miss Anna C. Pecle, a native of Salem, Mass., and has one daughter, Nellie P. Mr. Walker is a mem-
ber of St. Andrew's Lodge, No. 56, A. F. & A. M .; Washington Chapter, No. 3, Royal Arch Masons; De Witt Clinton Commandery, Knights Templars; and of Piscataquis Lodge, No. 6, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mrs. Walker and her daughter are members of St. John's Episcopal Church.
J OHN H. BRACKETT, a native-born resident of Greenland, Rockingham County, formerly Selectman and Repre- sentative of the town, was born here, November 26, 1838, a son of Thomas and Sarah W. (Veasey) Brackett. His earliest known ancestor, Anthony Brackett, was a na- tive of England, who came to this county in 1632, locating in Portsmouth. He subse- quently removed to the town of Greenland, where he died. The farm upon which he first located is now owned and occupied by Mr. Dudley Littlefield. From him the line de- scends through seven generations to the sub- ject of this sketch, as follows: Thomas, Thomas (second), Joshua, James, Joshua, Thomas, John H., the last-named being of the eighth generation in this country.
Thomas Brackett, the first, was killed by Indians in Portland, Me., in 1676, and his wife and three children taken prisoners.
Joshua Brackett, the grandfather of John H., was a native of this town. His son, Thomas Brackett, spent his entire life in Greenland, and was an influential citizen, prominent in town affairs. He served as Selectman and Representative for two terms. He was a member and active worker in the Congrega- tional church. In politics he affiliated with the Democratic party. He died in 1868, at the age of seventy-seven years.
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