USA > New Hampshire > Grafton County > Book of biographies. This volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Grafton County, New Hampshire > Part 24
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represented the town in the State Legislature for two sessions, 1865-66 and 1887-88. In 1894 he was elected on the staff of the Governor's Council, with the rank of Colonel, a position he still retains. He was also a delegate to the Re- publican National Convention of 1868, which placed in nomination for the Presidency of the United States Gen. Ulysses S. Grant. Col. Cheney resides on Highland Street, in Ashland, in an elegant brick house, fitted with every modern convenience one could desire. Seven children were born to our subject's father and his inestimable wife. Olney S. died at the age of about two years. Rodney W. holds a situation as bookkeeper in Boston. Jonathan M. is a phy- sician; his sketch in full appears elsewhere in this volume. Alice Maud married J. W. Gilman of "The Dalles," Oregon, the owner of a large cat- tle ranch. Harry A. Cheney is the subject of this notice. Sarah Addie married Ora A. Brown of Ashland, whose sketch appears elsewhere. Anne P. resides at home.
Dr. Harry A. Cheney attended the schools of Ashland, and there received a primary education. He was then enrolled as a student in New Hamp- ton Literary Institution, going from there to the State University of Vermont, graduating from the Medical Department in 1894. He then en- tered the Emergency Hospital of Boston, and there obtained excellent practice in the success- ful treatment of the various forms of disease. After three and a half profitable months at the hospital, he came to Campton, and succeeded to the practice of Dr. W. R. Garland. Dr. Cheney bought the house and barns of his predecessor in the medical profession; the home is finely located, with telephone connections, and every other conveninence for the systematic and thorough practice of medicine. During his short residence he has built up a large and flourishing practice, most commendable to his enterprise and professional skill. His services are in wide demand, both as a physician and as a surgeon. His practice is not confined to his immediate vicinity, but is general and extends to several towns in this vicinity.
Dr. Cheney sought and won the hand of Miss Sarah A. Brooks in marriage. She is a daugh- ter of P. and Rosa (Deos) Brooks of Lyndon, Vt. Dr. and Mrs. Cheney are very popular in the social circles of the town and number un-
counted friends. They are the parents of one child, Sterle Armstrong, born Nov. 2, 1896. Our subject has always been an unyielding Republi- can in his politics. He is liberal in his religious views. He is a member of the. Mt. Prospect Lodge, No. 69, F. & A. M., of Ashland; also holds a membership in the Pemigewasset Lodge, No. 91, I. O. O. F.
EDWIN J. SLEEPER, of the town of Hold- erness, Grafton Co., N. H., was born in Alton, N. H., April 12, 1861. He is the son of Nathan B. and Almira (Rollins) Sleeper, grandson of Joseph and Susan (Longee) Sleeper, and great- grandson of Benjamin and Ruth (Bean) Sleeper.
Benjamin Sleeper and wife were natives of Brentwood, N. H. They were born in that town and passed their lives there, occupying a high place in the esteem of their neighbors. Mr. Sleeper was a soldier of the Revolution, and drew a pension for his services, till the date of his death. Their children were: Joseph, Elisha, Jonathan, Lydia, and George.
Joseph Sleeper was born in Brentwood, and being educated to agricultural pursuits, con- tinued in that line of operations through life. Rather late in life he settled in Alton, where he became one of the progressive men of that town. He died at the age of sixty-four; his wife passed away earlier in life. She was the daughter of Simeon Longee. The children born to them were: Waity (deceased), Nathan B., Emily B. (deceased), James (deceased), Charles S., Mary (deceased), R. Caroline, Sarah (deceased), Joseph (deceased), Susan, Lydia, Henry (deceased).
Our subject's father, Nathan B. Sleeper, was born in Alton, Oct. 12, 1816. He learned the carpenter's trade early in life, and labored at it steadily until 1873, when he bought the Benja- min Burley farm of 140 acres, and carried on general farming operations, at the same time making many improvements and enlarging the house. In 1885, he sold the property to his son, Edwin J. Sleeper, and moved to the town of New Hampton, where he purchased a farm, and has since carried on farming; he is one of the leading, successful men of the town. His wife
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was born April, 1817, and is the daughter of Capt. John Rollins. Their family consisted of six children, of whom three are now living: John V. B., Charles E. (deceased), Joseph F. (de- ceased), Ellen M., Sarah F. (deceased), and Edwin J.
Edwin J. Sleeper, as has been stated before in this sketch, bought his father's farm, in 1885, and carried on general agricultural operations, and also developed a gardening business, supplying the many camps in the vicinity with vegetables and other kindred supplies. By reason of the fine location of his home, surrounded by its wide stretches of lawn, and commanding from its ele- vation an extensive view, he was induced to take a few boarders during the summer months. He was forced to enlarge his house, and since 1890 has had all the guests he could possibly accom- modate.
The location, which is easy of access, is a promising one for a hotel; it is on a high rise of ground overlooking every island in Squam Lake. From the front of the house one may view the noted Sandwich Dome, Chocorua, White-face, Paugus, Cardigan, Ossipee, and Belknap Mountains.
The scene is indeed a charming one and holds the attention of even the most careless and in- different. Below is the broad, shimmering bosom of Squam Lake that reflects on its mirror- like surface the mountains with their rugged sides clothed in a verdant dress of many hues, varying from the lightest shade to the dark somber shades of a dense thicket of evergreens. When the sun is shining everything is bright with gladsome life; everything reflects the good- ness of its Maker; under the moon's pale and wavering effulgence the scene is replete with mystery and awe.
The rear view embraces Mt. Prospect and Mt. Livermore; the latter is not at all difficult to sur- mount, and one is well paid for the effort, for it commands the finest and most extensive view to be obtained in Grafton Co.
Mr. Sleeper has an abundant supply of the purest mountain water, that most invigorating and health-giving of all tonics. The grounds surrounding the house are in keeping with the beauty of the locality. The lawn is extensive and is broken here and there by the groves and walks. There are tennis courts and croquet
grounds for those who take pleasure in them. The surroundings of this charmed spot might well be the dream as well as the despair of an artist, so perfectly adapted are the various beauties to one symmetrical whole.
Mr. Sleeper has not relinquished his early busi- ness of gardening, but continues to supply his guests and the campers in the vicinity with choice fruit and vegetables in season, and the best of milk from his large dairy. He also runs a "bus" to and from trains for the accommodation of his guests and campers. Attractions of a strictly out-of-door character, such as hunting, fishing, etc., serve to bring many to this place for their summer vacation. Mr. Sleeper has shown great enterprise and spirit in the prosecution of this venture, and certainly deserves praise for his suc- cess, and for the honest, obliging efforts he puts forth for the comfort of his boarders. Those who have visited him once are anxious to reserve a place for the next season.
Our subject united his fortunes in marriage with those of Lucia E., daughter of Stephen W. Howe, a farmer of the town of Holderness, and descended from one of the earliest settlers. Mrs. Sleeper has borne her husband two children: Willie E., born March 7, 1884; and Bessie, born Dec. 30, 1893. In politics Mr. Sleeper is a Re- publican; he has served as collector two years. He is liberal in his religious views.
WILLIS F. HARDY, Postmaster of Ashland, N. H., was born in Warner, N. H., Jan. 1, 1858, and is a son of John A. and Susan (Morey) Hardy, and a grandson of John and Mary (Buell) Hardy.
John Hardy was by occupation a drover and a farmer. He settled in Warner, and there be- came the owner of a fine, large stock-farm. In business he was remarkably successful, aided, no doubt, by his wonderfully good judgment. Both he and his wife had very strong constitutions, and both lived to a good old age; Mr. Hardy passing away at eighty-eight, and his wife falling asleep at ninety-two years. He was a Democrat and very active in political affairs. The children born to this excellent couple were: Joseph, Maria, Lucy, Darius, John A., and Adaline.
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Our subject's father, John A. Hardy, attended the district schools in his youth, and stayed on the farm with his parents until their death, when he inherited the homestead. There he carried on general farming operations until 1860, when he sold the farm and bought another farm in Wil- mot, N. H., where he was also associated with his son in business. He died in Wilmot at the age of sixty-eight, caused by an accident. His wife passed away at the age of seventy-two years of old-fashioned' consumption. He was a stanch Democrat, and served as selectman for a number of years. He also represented the town in the Legislature two years. Their chil- dren were: Annie, Josephine M., Adelaide, and Willis F.
Willis F. Hardy was educated in the district schools, and in the New Hampton Academy. At the age of sixteen he went into the store with his father and remained there for six years, carrying on a general trade under the firm name of J. A. Hardy & Son. He sold out then, and, in 1880, came to Ashland, and secured employment as clerk in the large and well-known general store of Hodgdon & Pollard. At the expiration of two years the firm became Pollard, Hardy & Smyth; this arrangement lasted till 1889, when the firm was changed to Pollard, Hardy & Brown. Our subject was associated with the firm until Jan. 1, 1896, when he sold his interest, much to the regret of many of the customers, for he was well liked and put life into the firm. They were the largest traders in the town or in the county.
Feb. 7, 1896, he was appointed by the admin- istration Postmaster of Ashland. In 1891 he was nominated and elected on the Democrat ticket as representative of the town in the Legislature, being the first Democrat to be sent from Ash- land. Mr. Hardy married Jennie E., daughter of Andrew Wilson of Lancaster, N. H. They have one child, Jessie, born Feb. 14, 1890. He owns a fine brick house, formerly the home of Governor Cheney, and there lives a peaceful, contented, domestic life. He is liberal in his re- ligious views, and favors the Universalist Church. He is a member of the Mt. Prospect Lodge, No. 68, F. & A. M .; and has been Master of it in 1890-91-95-96. He is also a member of Pemigewasset Chapter, R. A. M. Mr. Hardy and wife belong to the Eastern Star Lodge.
ARTHUR H. ALDRICH, a successful farmer of the town of Lyman, Grafton Co., N. H., was born July 1, . 1861, in the above-named town, and is a son of Horace and Eliza J. " (Weatherbee) Aldrich.
Jared Aldrich, the great-grandfather of our subject, was a native of Scotland, and came to this country when a young man to grow up with the new country, settling in the town of Lisbon, N. H .; he is remembered by many of the older residents of that town as one of its pioneers. He married a Miss Young, who bore him the fol- lowing children: Hiram, Damon, Mason W., Stephen, George, and Jane.
Stephen Aldrich was born in Lisbon, N. H., and there received his education. From his early manhood he was interested in the lumber business; he would shave shingles and then float them down the Ammonoosuc River to the Con- necticut River, and thence on rafts they were taken to market sometimes as far as Hartford, Conn. He married Olive Richardson, and to them were born these children : Horace M., Jane, Evaline, Albert H., and Maria. In religion, they held to the principles advocated by the Univer- salist Church.
Horace M. Aldrich, the father of our subject, was born Sept. 25, 1832, in Lisbon, N. H., and after he attained the years of manhood he fol- lowed the occupation of farming, in addition to prosecuting his lumbering business, all of the years of his active life. He was a Republican, but would never accept any of the offices almost thrust upon him, although he was a man of ex- cellent judgment, and in every way fitted to fill any, because he preferred to devote his time and attention to his lumber business, which had grown in a few years to very large proportions. It consisted chiefly in getting out masts for the United States navy yards, Mr. Aldrich shipping them to Portsmouth. In 1856 he was married to Eliza J. Weatherbee, daughter of Smith and Sally (Jesseman) Weatherbee, the former a native of Massachusetts and the latter of Lisbon, N. H. Three children were born of this union: William E., born Nov. 27, 1858, married Edna Sherman of Lisbon, N. H., and has two children: Eva A. and Grace E. Alice J., born Jan. 10, 1863, mar- ried M. D. Cobleigh of Littleton, N. H., and has one child, Gerald F. Arthur H., the subject of this memoir, was the second of these three. The
HON. CHARLES E. WOOLSON.
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BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES, GRAFTON COUNTY.
father is liberal in his religion, while the mother attends the M. E. Church.
Arthur H. Aldrich obtained his education in the district schools of Lyman, N. H., and when a young man learned the glove-maker's trade, working at Littleton, N. H., at this trade from 1880 to 1893. He then turned his attention to agriculture, and has every reason to be proud of the results. He is a stanch Republican, but never sought office.
On Jan. 7, 1889, he married Harriet E. Hurd, daughter of William B. and Harriet E. (Kener- son) Hurd of Lyman, whose sketch appears in this volume. One child has been born our sub- ject and his wife: Ervill H. In their religious views, they favor the M. E. doctrines.
HON. CHARLES E. WOOLSON. Among the prominent men of Grafton Co., and a leader among those agriculturists who will use none but the most recent and approved methods in farm- ing, we take great pleasure in presenting the name of Mr. Woolson. He was born in Lisbon, N. H., Dec. 5, 1836, and is a son of Amos and . Hannah (Temple) Woolson. Hannah Temple was a daughter of Enos Temple, a Revolutionary soldier.
It is a tradition in the Woolson family, not fully established by any direct proof, that the ances- tors of all the Woolsons in America were three Welsh brothers, who came to Massachusetts at an early date; no trace of their life after they reached this country has been found, but the name occurs among the names of the founders of Lunenburgh, and the list of the graduates of Harvard College mentions Ephraim Woolson as a member of the Class of 1760, and as deceased in 1802.
One of the early residents of Lunenburgh was Elijah Woolson, the grandfather of our subject, who was born in that town Dec. 1, 1767; he learned the trade of a cooper, and when a young man settled in Bethlehem, N. H., soon after mov- ing to Lisbon, where he resided many years. He married Rebecca Batchelder while a resident of Bethlehem, and had a large family of eight sons and one daughter, of whom but one now sur- vives. Following is the list of the names: John, Elijah, Amos, James, Ira K., Theron, Ezra,
Silas B., and Mary, who married John Magowan, and lived at Massena, N. Y. Elijah Woolson died at the home of his daughter in Massena, N. Y., in 1836.
Amos Woolson, the father of our subject, was educated in Lisbon and learned the trade of a cooper, afterwards becoming a shoemaker, and then a tailor. He was known and respected as a man of the strictest integrity and honor, and endowed with more common sense and intel- ligence than the ordinary person. He was one of the charter members of the old Free Soil Party, and later in life a prominent Republican, but his native modesty and self-depreciation kept him from aspiring to or holding office. He mar- ried Hannah D. Temple, who bore him the fol- lowing children: a son, born in the month of July, 1831, who lived but a few hours; John, born Dec. 19, 1832; Augustus A., born June 15, 1835; Charles E., born Dec. 5, 1836; Mary R., born Dec. 30, 1838; and Jennie L., born July 31, 1841.
Charles E. Woolson, the subject of this short biography, secured a good, practical education in the district schools and the high school of Lis- bon, N. H., and then took up the profession of a surveyor; that in connection with farming has been his chief occupation since. In 1869 he moved to his present farm of 150 acres, and at once began improvements, which, added to from time to time, have made his farm a very valuable piece of property; he has mainly devoted his at- tention to dairying. In connection with this it might be said right here that he erected the first silo in Grafton Co. Scientific principles form the base of all his operations; in his home he has an excellent library on chemical science, such as applies to farming, with such illustrious names as Nash, Johnson, and Liebig occupying a prom- inent place. He is also a ready debater and con- vincing speaker.
In political belief, Mr. Woolson is a firm Re- publican, and has been closely identified with that party since its formation. He is a man of most excellent judgment, and has been sought on several occasions as the most available man to be found as the candidate for various offices of trust and honor. He was superintendent of schools, both under the old and new laws. On Nov. 3, 1896, he was elected to represent the town of Lyman in the New Hampshire State Legislature for a period of two years, extending
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BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES, GRAFTON COUNTY.
over the years 1897 and '98. He is a member of the Golden Grange, No. 73, of Lisbon, N. H., and held the office of lecturer for several years under the old charter; since the re-organization of the Grange and the adoption of a new charter the office has been capably filled by his wife, Mrs. Woolson, who is a woman of unusual ability in many lines, and is a writer of considerable local reputation.
Mr. Woolson has been twice united in mar- riage. His first wife, whom he married Nov. I, 1859, was Emily E. Corey, daughter of James and Sarah (Merrill) Corey, and from their union four children resulted. John married Sarah Trevena of Lyman; they live in New York City and have three children: Flossie M., Leland S., and Raymond T. Elmer E. married Mrs. Lau- retta Newman of Long Island. Nellie and William A. reside at home with their father. He was married to his present wife, April 3, 1867; her maiden name was Alzina A. Bishop, and she was a daughter of Leonard N. Bishop of Lisbon, N. H., a soldier of the Civil War in 1861-65. Five children were added to the family from this union. Emily R. married John A. Fuller, whose sketch appears in this book; they have two chil- dren: John A. and Howard. Charles L. mar- ried Mary Ahl, and they have one child, Clifford. Lula Belle married John A. Casey of Pawtucket, R. I., and has one child, Olive M. Augustus A. and Cora J. live at home. The Woolson family are liberal in their ideas of religion.
Mr. Woolson is a justice of the peace and quorum. We have ever enforced the point that our portrait subjects should stand among the first in their several callings and professions, and so it is with considerable pride we present Mr. Woolson's portrait, an excellent likeness of one who excels in his chosen vocation.
JAMES B. HOLMES, a farmer of the towns of Campton and Plymouth, was born in the town of Campton, Aug. 7, 1853, and is a son of Joseph and Hannah (Bump) Holmes, and a grandson of Samuel Holmes. Samuel was a native of Con- necticut, and settled in Campton and became one of the most prominent men in Campton. He acquired a good deal of property in the shape of
land; in the town and in the county he held a high place and aided in their development. The Campton Centennial speaks very well of him, as doing more for the real progress of the town in many ways than the average citizen and set- tler. He died Jan. 1, 1823, leaving seven children to perpetuate his virtues and keep his memory green. The record is: Joseph, Hosea, Eliza, Caroline, Thirza, Alvira, and Drury.
Joseph Holmes, father of the subject of this notice, was born in 1806, and passed his early life in Campton. Arriving at manhood years he bought a farm in that town and carried on gen- eral farming there for some time. He then sold his property and purchased a farm near Laconia, N. H., where he lived a few years, when he dis- posed of his farm and returned to Campton and bought the farm which is now the property of our subject. It is located near Livermore Falls, and is composed of 175 acres, part of which is in Campton and part in Plymouth. The house is one of the largest in the town, and was built by Josiah Little, in 1757, for his son; it was later bought and occupied by the late Judge Liver- more. The grounds are shaded by gigantic elms, and carpeted with a beautiful lawn; within a few minutes' walk is the lovely Livermore Falls, which is spanned with an iron bridge 100 feet from the water. These features, together with nicely trimmed spruce hedges, make the surroundings all that can be desired for a pleas- ant home. Our subject's father died at the age of sixty-four of Bright's disease; his wife was called away when thirty-seven years old. Their children were: John, Orlando, Drury, Alphonso, Benjamin, James B., Samuel, and Lucy and Luella (twins). Joseph Holmes was a Republi- can, politically; in his religious views he was a supporter of the M. E. Church.
James B. Holmes was educated in the town schools until he reached the age of twelve, when he was sent to Nora Jo, Davis Co., Ill., to live with his aunt, Caroline. There he was educated to the pursuit of farming and made it his occupa- tion until 1876, when he came back to New Hampshire and bought his father's farm. The roof of the house he changed to the prevailing style, the mansard roof; he also built verandas to. the house, erected a large barn, and made many other important improvements. He keeps a small dairy. He was married, May 29, 1883, to
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BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES, GRAFTON COUNTY.
Miss Nellie, daughter of Francis and Alvira (Heath) Wilson; she was born at Bedford, Mass. Her father was a farmer and miller by occupa- tion. Both of her parents died at the age of fifty-three with consumption. Mr. Holmes is a stanch Republican, and never loses a chance to give his support to the party of his choice. He is liberal in his religious views. He has been comfortably successful in life, and enjoys the re- spect and good will of all his circle of acquaint- ances. He is a hard worker and has secured his present fortune by unremitting and honest efforts.
GEORGE BERT ABBOTT, one of the larg- est crutch manufacturers of the New England States, is located in Rumney, N. H., where he was born Oct. 17, 1863. He is a son of Daniel and Carrie M. (Phillips) Abbott, grandson of Moses C. and Sarah (Bliss) Abbott, and great- grandson of Joseph and Effie (Brainard) Ab- bott. Joseph Abbott was a son of Nathaniel and Sally (Chandler) Abbott, who came from Con- cord, N. H. He was born about 1765, and was one of the first settlers in this part of the county, settling on what is now known as Abbott Hill. There he carried on farming all his life, and cleared and prepared for cultivation a large farm. He and his wife lived beyond the allotted age of man. Their children were: Catherine, Susan, Mary, Abigail, Joseph, and Chandler.
Joseph Abbott was born on the Abbott Hill farm, and learned the trade of a blacksmith, re- moving late in life to Thetford, Vt., where he died about middle age; his wife passed away at the age of sixty-six. They were blessed with the following children : Rhoda, Hazen, Harriet, Moses C., and Caroline.
Moses C. Abbott was born in Rumney, Oct. 19, 1804, and learned the blacksmith's trade at his father's forge; he settled in Haverhill Corners, where he labored at his trade. He then bought land and built a shop and a house at Oliverian Brook, and carried on his business for three years. Desiring a change, he sold his shop and property to Paul White, his son-in-law, and went to the Summit, where he built a tavern and ran it for four years: it has since been known as Little's Tavern. He then went back to his trade
at the Brook a short time, then went into busi- ness in Warren. Later he was at West Rumney in trade, then at Dorchester, finally settling in . Rumney, where he was engaged in running a general store; he died there Sept. 17, 1881 ; his wife died Jan. 2, 1876. In politics he was a Whig and a Republican, but never aspired to any office. He was a member of the Free Will Baptist Church at Rumney. The following chil- dren were born to him: Caroline S., born June 19, 1827: Harriet, born Nov. 17, 1828; Joseph, born April 11, 1831 : Daniel, born May, 19, 1834; Hannah B., born May 28, 1837; Sylvester, born Sept. 20, 1838; and Thomas H., born June 9, 1841.
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