USA > New Hampshire > Rockingham County > Biographical review; this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Rockingham County, New Hampshire > Part 78
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On October 17, 1860, Mr. Perkins married Lucy F. Parker, the fourth child of Silas Parker, a blacksmith of Bradford, Vt. Mr. Parker served in the Union army in the Civil War, enlisting July 31, 1862, in Company A, Fourth Vermont Regiment, and was dis- charged one year later for disability. He was
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a charter member of Ransom Post, Grand Army of the Republic. Mrs. Perkins comes of a distinguished family, a distant kinsman of hers, Richard G. Parker, having been a noted teacher in Boston and the author of sev- cral books. Her grandfather, Silas Parker, Sr., was a wealthy farmer in Bradford, where he lived to a good old age. Many of her kins- men are well known in literary and professional circles, being teachers, lawyers, and doctors. She herself was educated at the Thetford Academy. She possesses considerable artistic talent, which she has successfully cultivated. Several of her paintings adorn the home.
R. UNDERHILL, a well-known resident of Derry, who for many years was engaged in the manufact- ure of edge tools, is a native of Auburn, this county, born March 27, 1821. He is the son of Jesse J. and Elizabeth (Graham) Underhill, both natives of Auburn. His grandfather, Josiah Underhill, a black- smith by trade, was an old resident of Au- burn and a well-known character in the locality. Jesse J. Underhill, practically a lifelong resident of Auburn, was one of the most enterprising and prominent men of the town. His occupation for a long period of his life was the manufacture of edge tools. In this industry he employed an average of twelve men, and his goods ranked among the best in the market. A member of the Whig party in his younger manhood, he was prom- inent as a Republican after the dissolution of the old party. He served the town as Select- man and as a Representative in the State leg- islature. In church work also he took an active part, holding membership in the Pres- byterian Church of Auburn for a number of years, and serving it as a chorister.
H. R. Underhill obtained his early edu- cation in a district school in Auburn. The subsequent education, which made him the cultivated man he is to-day, was mainly self- acquired. He entered his father's shop when seventeen years of age, and learned the trade of making edge tools, remaining in a subor- dinate position until he was of age. His father then retired, leaving him in charge of
the business, which he successfully . managed for some time. He was subsequently in busi- ness for himself in Manchester, N. H. ; but the venture proved disastrous, as his plant was destroyed by fire. For some years thereafter he was associated with his brother, S. G. Underhill, in the manufacture of edge tools in Boston, Mass., under the firm name of Under- hill Brothers. From this partnership he re- tired in 1867, and opened a shop for the manu- facture of edge tools in Derry, and conducted it until seven years ago. At that time he ceased to manufacture, and has since given his attention to repairing for the local trade. In the sixty years during which Mr. Underhill has worked at his trade he has witnessed many changes in the methods of tempering and fashioning iron and steel. It has always been his idea to produce the best work only, and as a business man he enjoys the confidence of the entire community.
He was united in marriage with Miss Re- becca P. Dickey, who bore him seven children, four of whom are living, namely: Julia Isabel, the wife of H. S. Robinson, of An- dover, Mass. ; Edward H., residing in Wy- oming; Caroline M., the City Librarian at Utica, N. Y. ; and George W., with his father. Mr. Underhill is a highly esteemed member of the First Congregational Church of Derry, and has officiated as Deacon. He is always ready to further the interests of the town, and is much respected.
ENNIS SIIEA, senior member of the firm D. Shea & Son of Portsmouth, is a typical representative of our self-made men. Beginning life poor in pocket, but lavishly endowed by nature with energy, pluck, and brain, he has succeeded in climbing far up the ladder of prosperity.
Mr. Shea was born March 18, 1836, in Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland, where he lived until he was nine years old. Coming to America with his father at that time, he spent the next six years in the city of Lowell, Mass., and then began the battle of life on his own account. He worked two years on the farm of Daniel Coburn in Tyngsboro, an adjoining
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town, and then went to Nashua, N. H., where he served a three years' apprenticeship with a Mr. McSterratt, a mason. Having mastered his trade, Mr. Shea worked the following five years in Jersey City in the employment of HIocks, Willis & Baker. In 1858 he accepted a position with Willis & Dayton, and came with the senior partner of the firm to Spring- field, Penobscot County, Me., where they started on a very small scale the manufacture of cement pipe, their factory being located in a building sixteen feet by twenty. Their
business increasing and more room being needed, Mr. Willis started work elsewhere, leaving Mr. Shea in charge of the Springfield branch for nine years. Then he was sent out with the patentee, and established a few fac- tories for the firm. Subsequently he had charge of their large factory at Northampton, Mass., for three years. In 1870, May 4, having decided to go into business on his own account, he began the manufacture of cement pipe in Dover, this State, and was quite suc- cessful in the undertaking. On November 8 of the same year he and Thomas Granfield joined in partnership, forming the firm of D. Shea & Co., and carried on a profitable business for five years. Then Mr. Shea con- ducted the business alone until 1886, when he took in as an equal partner his son, Patrick D. Shea, who has since been associated with him in his prosperous and thriving business.
On July 7, 1866, Mr. Shea married Hannah Callahan, a native of Ireland. Of their eight children four are living. John is captain on one of the People's Line of steamers; Daniel is electrician for the same company ; and a daughter is the wife of a Mr. Sullivan, of Nashua, N. H. In politics Mr. Shea was formerly a Democrat. He is now joined with the Republican party. So far he has not been induced to accept office by either organ- ization.
ENRY W. BAGLEY, an energetic and successful farmer of Derry and a member of the Board of Select- men, was born in Machias, Wash- ington County, Me., June 24, 1857, son of David and Mary (Ward) Bagley. Mr. Bag-
ley's father was a native of Washington County, Maine, where he resided for a greater part of his life; and his principal occupation was that of a saw-mill operative. He owned a small farm, which he cultivated with profit. His industrious and useful life was brought to a close in 1892. His wife, Mary, was a native of England. Of her children the survivors are: Henry W., the subject of this sketch; Nellie, who became Mrs. Albee, and is now a widow residing in Machias; John E. ; and Melvin J., who are residents of Machias.
Henry W. Bagley was reared and educated in Machias. When a young man he engaged in lumbering and saw-mill work. He later went to Bay City, Mich., where for three years he followed the same occupation. Upon his return East he located in Derry, where he has since resided. In 1884 he settled upon his present property, situated on the shore of Beaver Pond, and known as Lakeside Farm. Here he owns seventy-six acres of fertile land, which he cultivates with success. He carries on general farming, but devotes con- siderable attention to the wholesale milk business, which he finds exceedingly profitable.
On December 12, 1883, Mr. Bagley married Lucy A. Alexander, daughter of James and Mary (Dickey) Alexander, both of this town. In politics he is a Democrat, and is now serving his third term as Selectman. He is connected with Echo Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Mystic Shrine Encampment of Derry Depot. He also be- longs to the Patrons of Husbandry of this town. Both he and his wife enjoy pleasant social relations.
AMUEL S. ALEXANDER, one of the oldest residents of Windham, was born in this town, October 9, 1819, son of David and Abigail (Smith) Alexander. Mr. Alexander's father, who was a native of Windham, resided for several years in Derry, but finally returned to his native town, where he died in 1847. His wife, Abigail, who was a native of Littlefield, N. H., became the mother of ten children, of whom the only survivors are: Samuel S., the subject of this sketch; Hannah, the wife of
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David P. Snelling, of Kinmundy, Ill. ; and John J., a resident of Windham. The father, an industrious and worthy citizen, labored diligently for the support of his large family, and was a member of the Presbyterian church.
Samuel S. Alexander grew to manhood in Windham, where he acquired such education as the district schools of that day afforded. Practically speaking, he began to support him- self at the age of nine years. He worked for different farmers in his neighborhood, receiv- ing his board and clothing for his services; and when of sufficient age he became a general farm assistant. He was for three years em- ployed in the woollen-mills here, and in 1847 he settled upon the farm of sixty acres where he has since resided. During a number of winter seasons he was profitably engaged in lumbering. But his chief occupation has been the cultivation of his farm, which he has carried on successfully for nearly fifty years.
On February 3, 1847, Mr. Alexander wedded Clarissa Holden, of Tyngsboro, Mass. She became the mother of one daughter - Nellie . M., who is now the wife of Charles O. Parker, of Windham. Mrs. Alexander died December 30, 1891. Mr. Alexander has witnessed many changes in this locality during his long and useful period of activity. He is now looked upon as one of the old landmarks, as well as a useful, public-spirited citizen. He is now enjoying a well-earned rest at his pleasant home, which, with its many comforts, represents his industry and perseverance as a self-made man. Probably no other resident has a more numerous and cordial acquaintance- ship. In politics he has always acted with the Democratic party.
ACOB CARLISLE, a retired business man of Exeter, was born April 24, 1820, in Waterboro, York County, Me., son of James and Sally (DeShon) Carlisle. His father, also a native of Maine, was one of the first settlers of York County, that State. He first married Miss Patience Austin, who lived until past middle life, and bore no children. When he was sixty-two years of age he entered a second marriage, contracted with Miss Sally DeShon, a lady of
French descent. Born of this union were : Patience, James, Jacob, and Elizabeth, of whom Jacob is the sole survivor. The father died in 1831 ; the mother survived until 1869, when she passed away at the age of eighty- seven years. She was living with her son Jacob at the time, and up to within a few days of her dissolution she was a strong, active woman.
Jacob Carlisle was but eleven years of age at the time of his father's death. As he, like the other children, was left but thirty- three dollars, he began to earn his own liveli- hood at the age of twelve. He first obtained employment on the farm of a Mr. Sweat, a man in good circumstances. Two years later Mr. Sweat died, and Jacob returned to his mother. She was residing on a small farm; and this he thereafter conducted until he was nineteen years of age, paying during that time the small indebtedness on the place, building a barn and repairing the house, be- sides laying by one hundred and fifty dollars for his own account. When he came to Exeter in 1841 he had added to that amount from the profits of the farm and by boating on the Con- cord River and Canal, so that he then had two hundred and seventy-five dollars in cash. With this amount as capital, he formed a part - nership with a stone-mason, and engaged in the work of building cellar walls and founda- tions. His partner retired after a short time. Under Mr. Carlisle's management the business steadily increased, so that in busy seasons he employed about twenty men. Athough he charged but seven cents per foot for cellar walls, the business was profitable.
In June, 1843, Mr. Carlisle was united in marriage with Miss Mary O. Colcord, of this place. She was born in 1825, and is a (laughter of Eliphalet and Olive (Steele) Colcord. Mr. and Mrs. Colcord had three other children - William H., Charles E., and Elizabeth. Elizabeth became the wife of John Coburn, and died in 1885, forty-six years of age. The father lived to the age of sixty- three years. The mother's death occurred in 1892, when she was almost ninety-four. Her faculties continued remarkably clear up to a short time before her end. Mrs. Carlisle has an aunt, Mary (Kimball) Steele, the
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widow of Benjamin Steele, who has reached the age of ninety-six years. Mr. and Mrs. Car- lisle have lost five children: a son and daughter who died of scarlet fever; an infant son; a daughter who lived to be two and a half years old; and Emma L., who died at sixteen. The living children are : James W., Josephine A., George A., Cora A., Walter S., Evelyn A., Etta, and Jacob A. Josephine A. is the widow of Woodbury Berry, Cora A. is the wife of R. D. Burpee, Evelyn A. is liv- ing at home, and Etta married Charles G. Smith. The parents have now three grandsons and six grand-daughters. Mr. Carlisle is a supporter of Republican principles, and has served in a number of minor offices.
ILLIAM A. HODGDON, of Ports- mouth, architect, contractor, and builder, was born in this city, De- cember 9, 1849, son of Alexander H. and Sarah (Walker) Hodgdon. He is of English ances- try, and is a descendant of one of the early set- tlers of Rockingham County. His grandfather, Benjamin Hodgdon, who was a farmer and resided many years in Newington, subsequently came to Portsmouth, where Alexander H. Hodgdon was born. Farming was also Al- exander's chief occupation. About a year after the birth of his son William A., in Portsmouth, he removed to Greenfield, Hills- borough County, where he purchased a farm and spent the rest of his life. His wife, also a native of Portsmouth, is now living with a daughter in this city. She gave birth to thir- teen children, twelve of whom grew to ma- turity.
William A. Hodgdon was educated in the district school and at Greenfield Academy. At the age of seventeen he began to learn the carpenter's trade under the instruction of Moses Yeaton. Having served an apprentice- ship of three years and a half, he obtained a position as foreman in New York City. While so employed he studied architecture. Under the strain of work and study his health gave way, whereupon he resigned his position and returned to Portsmouth. A year later he engaged in business as a contractor and builder, also dealing in builders' supplies, and has
prosperously continued in it. He is now one of the leading men in his line in the city. He is a member of the Mechanic's' and Manu- facturer's Association and of the Mechanics' Fire Association, and he is a Trustee of the Public Library.
Mr. Hodgdon was married in 1875 to Miss Carrie Yeaton, of Portsmouth, daughter of Moses Yeaton, his first employer. She died in 1885, leaving a daughter named Ethel. In 1894 he entered a second marriage, by which he was united to Mrs. Clara (Williams) Randall. Mr. Hodgdon is a member 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 Piscataqua Lodge, No. 6, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is Warden of the Middle Street Baptist Church, also a teacher in the Sunday-school, and a member of the Young Men's Christian Association.
RANK P. WOODBURY, proprietor of the F. P. Woodbury & Co. Shoe Manufactory at Salem Depot, doing a large and successful business in the manufact - ure of medium and cheap grades of men's, women's, misses', and children's shoes, was born in Salem, October 24, 1850, son of Orlando H. and Mary E. (Corning) Woodbury, both natives of Salem. Orlando H. Wood- bury was a son of Nathaniel Woodbury and a grandson of Luke Woodbury. Luke Wood- bury, an carly settler of Salem and a man noted for his physical strength and endurance, took part in the War of Independence. Na- thaniel Woodbury was a prominent man in Salem, and served as Selectman and as a Rep- resentative to the lower house of the State legislature. Orlando H. Woodbury died some years ago, and is survived by his widow, who lives at Salem Depot.
Frank P. Woodbury, the only child of his parents, was educated in the public schools of Salem, and grew to manhood in this town. In his eighteenth year he embarked in the shoe business, and shortly after undertook the manufacture of shoes on contract. This he followed for four years, and then in a small
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way began the manufacture of shoes on his own account at a place now known as Millville in Salem. This shop has since become one of the leading shoe manufactories of the State. Being obliged to enlarge his facilities in 1877 or 1878, he removed to Salem Depot, where he now has an establishment fitted up with modern machinery and capable of employing three hundred hands. He is doing a very prosperous business.
Mr. Woodbury married Miss Lizzie E. Rant, of Maine, and now has two sons - Harry O. and Ernest R. In politics he is a Democrat, and has served one term as State Senator from this district. He enjoys the con- fidence of the business community, and he and his wife are held in high esteem in social circles. Their fine residence will compare fa- vorably with any in this section of the Granite State.
ANIEL M. EVANS, a thriving farmer of Kensington, was born in Salisbury, Mass., September 20, 1860, son of Charles A. and Abbie Ann (Merrill) Evans. His grandfather, Miles Evans, who, it is supposed, was a native of Barnstead, N. H., became an early settler and an industrious farmer of Seabrook, this State. He married Eliza Chase, of that town; and his declining years were passed with his son in Salisbury, Mass., where he died at the age of eighty-two. In politics he was a Democrat and in his religious views a Baptist.
Charles A. Evans, father of Daniel M., was born in Seabrook, March 4, 1830, and since carly manhood has been engaged in farming. Ile moved to Kensington, N.H., in 1866, and has become one of the thriving and substan- tial agriculturists of that town, conducting at the present day one of its largest farms. Po- litically, he supports the Republican party. He was elected a member of the Board of Se- lectmen, and has also served as Supervisor. His first wife, Abbie Ann Merrill, was born in Salisbury, Mass., August 14, 1836; and of the ten children born of this union eight are living, namely: Mary Frances; Eliza M .; Charles M .; Daniel M., the subject of this sketch and twin brother of Charles M. ;
Amos M .; John A .; Moses W. ; and Joseph C. The two deceased were Sarah Abbie and John. After the death of his first wife Charles A. Evans married for his second Abbie C. Lowe, of Maine; and she has had three chil- dren - Arthur W., Grace M., and Marion, of whom the last named is no longer living.
Daniel M. Evans has resided in Kensington since he was five years old, and he acquired his education in the schools of this town. On leaving school he learned the blacksmith's trade, but soon relinquished that calling to engage in lumbering and farming, for some time carrying on lumbering operations in com- pany with his brother, Charles M. In 1886 he settled upon his present farm, which he has since conducted with success. His property, which originally consisted of seventy-six acres, he has increased by the addition of more land to one hundred and fifty-two; and aside from general farming he has a well- equipped dairy. On November 17, 1885, Mr. Evans wedded Mary E. Woods, who was born in Manchester, N.H., October 18, 1864, a daughter of Laban L. and Julia A. Woods. Her father was a mechanic and farmer, a worthy citizen, and a Republican in politics. He died June 21, 1888, his wife having pre- ceded him to the world beyond the grave, Sep- tember 13, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Evans have three children, as follows: Walter W., born April 18, 1888; Ella J., who was born Janu- ary 2, 1893; and George E., who was born January 7, 1896.
Mr. Evans has served his fellow-townsmen well and faithfully as a member of the Board of Selectmen for four years, during one of which he presided as Chairman of that body. He is connected with the Patrons of Hus- bandry, and both he and his wife are popular in the social circles of the town.
R EV. EDWARD ROBIE, a prominent preacher of Greenland, was born April 5, 1821, in Gorham, Me., son of Thomas S. and Clarissa (Adams) Robic. The father, a merchant by occupation, was a native of Chester, this county ; and the mother was born in Massachu- setts. They had nine children, only four of
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whom are living : Edward, the subject of this narrative; Lucinda, who resides with her brother Edward; Thomas S., who is a Con- gregational minister of Chicago; and Ben- jamin A., who is also a minister, located in Grafton, Mass.
Edward Robie, the eldest child, attended Gorham Academy, and graduated therefrom in 1836. He then entered Bowdoin College, from which institution he was graduated in 1840. From 1840 to 1843 he was a student in Andover Theological Seminary. In the fall of the latter year he matriculated at the celebrated University of Halle, near Leipsic, Germany, where he remained three years. In the winter of 1846, after visiting Berlin for six months, Edward Robie returned to Amer- ica, subsequently becoming teacher of lan- guages in Gorham Academy. Two years thereafter he became assistant teacher of IIebrew in Andover Theological Seminary, in which capacity he served for three years. He then took charge of his first pastorate in Greenland, being there ordained for the ministry in 1851, though he did not move here until the year following. With the ex- ception of two trips to Europe for recreation, Mr. Robie has been connected with this parish continuously ever since, devoting his energies untiringly to its various needs.
On December 28, 1852, Mr. Robie and Miss Susan P. Jameson were joined in wedlock at the altar. His wife, who was the daughter of the Rev. Thomas Jameson, a native of Effingham, N. H., died January 12, 1878. Mr. Robie is loved by his congregation, and held in high esteem by all who know of his work in Greenland.
EVI S. BARTLETT, M.D., formerly a well-known physician and prominent and influential citizen of Kingston, Rockingham County, is well re- membered by the older residents of this town. He was born here, December 3, 1811, son of Judge Levi and . Abigail (Stevens) Bartlett. The family is an old one and much respected throughout this county and State, some of its representatives having been noted men in the early history of the Commonwealth. The pa-
ternal grandfather of Dr. Bartlett was the Hon. Josiah Bartlett, the sixth Governor of the State of New Hampshire and one of the most influential public men of his day.
Judge Levi Bartlett, Dr. Bartlett's father, was born in Kingston, and received a liberal education. After graduating from college he settled in his native town as a physician, hav- ing an extensive practice in this locality. He was also County Judge. His natural abil- ity and superior intellectual attainments made him a conspicuous figure in public life, and during his long and useful career he rendered valuable and distinguished services as a public official. He died at the family residence in Kingston in 1827. Judge Bartlett was twice married. By his first wife, whose maiden name was Sally Hook, he had one child, who died in infancy. His second wife, Abigail Stevens Bartlett, who was a native of Salis- bury, became the mother of three children, all of whom grew to maturity, and filled useful positions in life, but are no longer living. They were as follows: Luella, who became the wife of the Rev. Eliphalet Case, of Low- ell, Mass .; Junia L., who married F. O. J. Smith, a prominent resident of Portland, Me .; and Levi S., the subject of this sketch. Judge Bartlett's second wife died in 1840.
Levi S. Bartlett passed his boyhood and youth at the ancestral homestead in Kingston. He spent a part of his time in farm work, and improved to the utmost his opportunities for obtaining an education. When twenty-one years old he commenced the practice of med- icine in Lowell, Mass., where he resided for five years. At the expiration of that time he returned to Kingston, and took up practice here, becoming the leading physician of this locality. He thus remained until his death, which took place February 19, 1865. He was a Democrat in politics; and, though not an office-seeker, he was elected to various town and county offices. He preferred, however, to devote his time and energies to the care of the homestead and to his profession, through the practice of which he accumulated a good property. On December 3, 1844, Dr. Bart- lett was united in marriage to Aroline E. San- born, who was born in Kingston, August 15, 1825, a daughter of Moses and Betsey
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