Gazetteer of Grafton county, N. H. 1709-1886, Part 79

Author: Child, Hamilton, 1836- comp. cn
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Syracuse, N. Y., Syracuse Journal Company, Printers
Number of Pages: 1266

USA > New Hampshire > Grafton County > Gazetteer of Grafton county, N. H. 1709-1886 > Part 79

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).

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TOWN OF PLYMOUTH.

Peter McQuesten, father of O. S. and Dea Alvah McQuesten, well known and eminently useful citizens of Plymouth. for many years lived in the home still standing on Ward's hill. The ancestry of the McQuesten family is re- corded in the town of Litchfield, N. H. Three brothers early came from the north of Scotland, two of them founding families in the southern portion of the state. James was the son of James, of Bedford, who died young in that place in 1810, leaving two children, one of whom died soon after her father's decease. James was carefully tended by his guardian, Dea John Mc- Questen, attending school at Hanover, and fitting for mercantile life in Concord, N. H., and Boston, Mass. He settled in Plymouth in 1837. His health failing early, he retired from active business. He read law and was admitted to the New Hampshire bar. For many years he was largely con- sulted, especially in all matters of probate. Of the thirty children to whom he had sustained the legal relation of guardian at the time of his death, many remember his councils and care with tender gratitude. His wife, daughter of Capt. John Page, of Wentworth, died but a few months before his death, which occurred in Chicago, Ill., May 28, 1875, at sixty-five years of age. Two infant sons and a married daughter had all deceased before his death, leaving but one member of his family living, in the old homestead. He made such a provision of a portion of his large estate that his works will live after him for good.

James Fogg Langdon was born in Durham, N. H., April 27, 1804. He was the son of Woodbury and Mary (Woodlock) Langdon, and is a descend- ant of the old Langdon family so prominent in the colonial and state annals of New Hampshire. His father was a sea captain who died at City Point, Virginia, when James was an infant, and circumstances forced James, when he was a mere lad, to take up the burden of life for himself, and he carried it manfully, cheerfully and successfully. He lived in Durham until he was about thirteen years old, cultivating the soil, laboring hard, improving his time and limited school advantages. He was then employed as clerk for Ebenezer Coe, merchant of Northwood, for two years, and afterwards by Judge John Harvey in the same capacity for three years. At the age of nineteen Mr. Langdon commenced driving stage from Northwood to Meredith Bridge (Laconia), and continued on this route for several years, when he removed to Rumney, and drove from Rumney to Concord until 1837, when he purchased the stage route between Concord and Haverhill, which he continued until the advent of the railroad. He also ran a stage from Plymouth to Stanstead, and in connection with the B. C. & M. R. R., one from Stanstead to Meredith. For thirty years Mr. Langdon was connected with staging, occupying the "box" himself, even when proprietor, during that period, and his honesty, cheerful- ness, and obliging nature made him very popular with the traveling public. He was the pioneer expressman in this section, commencing when railroad facilities were meager, and, as they advanced, taking advantage of them, until the business grew large, and "Langdon's express" reached to all points between

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Concord and Littleton. It was then consolidated with Cheney & White's express and became Cheney & Co.'s express which did business as such until Cheney & Co.'s express and Fiske & Co.'s express were consolidated, forming the strong corporation of the U. S. & Canada Express Co., in which Mr. Langdon retained an interest until 1881. The express business which he established has thus continued in successful operation until the present time (1886), and much of its prosperity is due to Mr. Langdon's pioneer shrewd- ness, ability and persevering enterprise. In 1853 he was appointed by Pres- ident Pierce, route agent between Concord and Littleton, and continued in this position until his resignation after six years' service. From 1847, about forty years, Mr. Langdon has resided in Plymouth with the exception of a short residence in Concord. During this period he has not been an idle spec- tator of the labors of others, but has given aid and assistance to all matters for the benefit of the cummunity. He owns considerable real estate, has con- structed houses, was one of the originators of the Pemigewasset fire company, and in various ways has impressed his individuality upon the town. The chief public benefit derived from him, however, is the water works system introduced by him in 1881, at a time of life when most men of means prefer to rest from labor, but which he, assisted by his son Woodbury, has carried into successful operation at an expense of nearly $35,600.00. This not only supplies the village with water, but the railroad company has availed itself of its advantages, and receives the large amount it uses from it.

Mr. Langdon married in October, 1827, Rhoda Hill. Their children were Mary Elizabeth, who died young; Woodburry Fogg, who married Annie Merrill, of Stratham, their only child being Frank, who died in 1881, at the age of twenty-one ; Mary Elizabeth, who married Hiram Hill, of St. Johnsbury, Vt .; John G., who died in 1869, aged thirty-four, whose wife was Helen M. Parker and who had two children, Fanny and John G .; and Josephine, who mar- ried Orlando Leach, and resided in Brooklyn, N. Y., where she died in Sep- tember, 1884. Mr. Langdon, duly appreciating the advantages of liberal education, gave his sons a collegiate course of study at Bowdoin college, where they graduated. Politically he has ever remained true to those old demo- cratic ideas of Jefferson and Jackson, and has represented Plymouth in the legislature. Universalist in his belief, he trusts himself to the care and love of his Heavenly Father. He is a plain, unassuming man, with little taste or desire for ostentation or the manifestation of pride, and is as thoroughly demo- cratic in all his walks as in his political affiliations, and probably no one in this section enjoys a higher degree of personal popularity and respect.

John Keniston, son of William, Jr., was born in Sanbornton, N. H. In 1820 he married Mary, daughter of Maj. Benjamin Baker, of Campton, engaged in farming, then was a merchant for thirteen years, came to Plymouth in 1848, was a farmer here, and died September 27. 1874, aged seventy-seven years. His children were Cyrus, born in Campton in 1823; Mary, who married W. D. Blaisdel, and died in 1865 ; Martha J. (Mrs. Thomas F. Glynn), of this

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town ; and Deborah, (Mrs. Dr. Silas W. Davis), who resides at Tilton, N. H. Cyrus clerked in a store in his early youth, graduated from Dartmouth college in 1845, entered into mercantile business in 1855, and married Pamelia Hutchinson, of Reading, Mass., in 1856. Their children were Kathleen, who died in infancy ; John, born July 15, 1859, and W. H., who died at the age of two years. John married Elizabeth P., daughter of Asa Freeman, July 15, 1884, and has one son, Carl Winthrop. Cyrus Keniston is still living, and resides on South Main street, in this town.

Stephen Bartlett came to this town from Massachusetts, with his wife (Elizabeth Barnard) and two sons, Sargent and Joseph, about 1779, and lo- cated on the place where D. R. Bartlett now lives. The remainder of his children were Elizabeth (Mrs. Samuel Dearborn), Stephen, born in 1786, and David, born in 1795. Stephen married Mary Ramsey in 1811. His son David R. was born in 1812, and when twenty-five years of age purchased the homestead where he was born. He married Louisa Frances Brown, of North Hampton, and has had born to him four sons and three daughters. Of these Stephen R. resides in Haverhill, George A. in Lyme, Mary F. (Mrs. George Redlow) in Conway, N. H., Elsie in Westborough, Mass., and Luella R. Glover, in Bridgewater, N. H. Mr. Bartlett resides on the old home of his grandfather, located on road II, corner 12.

Solomon Bailey, a Revolutionary soldier, came to Plymouth with his wife about 1787, and located on the place where Frank Fogg now lives. Of his three sons and five daughters, Mary Jane and Henry died in town, Roxa be- came Mrs. James Stevens, and Benjamin, born in 1790, married Ruth East- man in 1810, and had born to him one son and two daughters, namely, Mary Jane, Phebe and Timothy E. The latter was born in 1829, married Susan G. Cochran, of Plymouth, in 1855, enlisted in the late war, in 1862, where he served three years, and was mustered out as corporal. His four sons and two daughters are as follows : Mary Ann (Mrs. Perley M. Johnson), George E., Charles, William C., Herbert E., and Lizzie A. Mr. Bailey is chief of police and resides in the village near Langdon park.

Jacob Merrill came to Plymouth in 1780, located upon the place where Alfred Cook now resides, and died here in 1813. Ezekiel, one of his ten children, born here October 7, 1782, married for his first wife Jane Bradley, who bore him five sons and three daughters, and for his second wife Mary Pervert, who bore him four sons and two daughters. Mr. Merrill died July 28, 1879. Of his large family Joseph W., Mrs. Horace Eaton, Benjamin P., Ezra W. and Mary A. are living. Benjamin P. graduated from the Boston Dental college in 1872 and now practices his profession in Plymouth.

Nathan Penniman came to Plymouth about 1790, married Bridget, daugh- ter of James Blodget, and in 1799, located upon the farm now occupied by W. W. McDaniel. Caleb D., one of his ten children, born in 1804, located upon the farm now owned by his son, James A. He married Clarissa, daugh- ter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Brewster) Chesley, of Rumney, in 1829, and has

TOWN OF PLYMOUTH.

reared six children, viz .: Adna L., Charles D., Caroline (Mrs. William Har- riman), James A., Justus B., (died from the effects of a wound received June 16, 1863, while a member of Co. B., 15th N. H. Vols.,) Clara C., and Nathan. Mr. Penniman is now a prosperous farmer on road 14.

Enoch Ward, son of Enoch and Mary (Carter) Ward and grandson of Rev. Nathan Ward, was born on the Ward homestead, December 7, 1786. He married Lydia, daughter of Jabez and Dorothy (Bartlett) Church, of Thornton February 5, 1815, who bore him eight children-Artemas, Thomas C., Judith C. (Mrs. David Connell), Esther C. (Mrs. James Harrison), Catharine W. (Mrs. Charles Morrill), Philema C., Mary Ann and Enoch. Of these, Esther C. and Mary Ann reside on Ward's hill, the place where they were born.

David Hazelton came to Plymouth in 1798. He married Mary, daughter of Enoch Ward, in 1800, and located at the south end of the village. Their children were Ruth, Mary Ann and Charles. The latter, born in 1813, mar- ried Hannah Sargent, of Hopkinton, in 1843, and died in 1881. His widow and daughter Martha, occupy the homestead. Their three sons are all living, viz: Charles W., a civil engineer and a member of the Massachusetts legis- lature ; Henry W., a bank teller, of Council Bluffs, Iowa ; and Arthur S., a lawyer of the same place.

Judge Samuel Emerson, a Revolutionary soldier, came to Plymouth among the early settlers, and was keeper of the military stores here. He married Elizabeth, widow of Zachariah Parker, who bore him ten children, of whom David, born in 1787, married Lucy Blake, of Hebron, in 1810, who bore him three sons and two da ighters-Roswell, David G., Deborah I., Ruth C. and Ira S. The latter married Eunice, daughter of Thomas and Eunice (Jewett) Nutting, and has one son and one daughter-Mary Lizzie and Thomas I. They occupy the homestead on Ward's hill.

Aaron Currier, son of Aaron and Abigail (Huse) Currier, came to Plym- outh in 1819, and located at Glove Hollow. He married Anna Hoag, of Grand Isle, Vt., who bore him four sons and five daughters, viz: Phebe C., Daniel H., Mary A., James, Solon, Henry C., Eliza A., Armina J. and Emily. Daniel H. has been engaged in the manufacture of gloves and mittens for many years. Wilbur, son of Solon, born in 1855, married Hattie Fogg, and resides on Cooper street.

Daniel C. Wheeler, son of William N. and Hannah (Odell) Wheeler, born here in 1815, married Malinda French, who bore him two daughters, Mary and Leonora A., and for his second wife, Harriet Randall, who bore him two sons, Daniel B., who married Anna Howe, and William O., who married Rosa B. Avery. The latter occupies the homestead.

William G. Hull, son of Moses and Zilpha (Ward) Hull, one of Plymouth's enterprising business men, was born here in 1826. He married Elizabeth Crockett, in 1854, who bore him two sons, Arthur C. and Herbert W., and died in 1880. Mr. Hull now resides on Russell street.

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TOWN OF PLYMOUTH.

Hon. Joseph A. Dodge was born at New Boston May 1, 1818, and died at Plymouth, August ro, 1883. His father's name was John and his grand- father's name was also John ; his mother's maiden name was Polly Dodge. John, by his first wife, had three children, of whom Joseph A. was the oldest. He later married Mary T. Lovett, by whom he had five children. Joseph A. married Mary A. Teksbury, by whom he had two children, John, who died some years since, and Lizzie, who is married to William R. Park, Jr., of Ply- mouth. Mr. Dodge commenced life by working on his father's farm sum- mers and teaching winters. Becoming dissatisfied with this method of ob- taining a livlihood, he went to Boston and commenced railroading on the Boston & Lowell railroad as shipping clerk in the freight depot at Boston, under the venerable R. Sherburne, who was at that time master of transpor- tation. When the Montreal road opened, Mr. Sherburne was appointed freight agent of that road. He sent Mr. Dodge up as station agent at San- bornton Bridge (now Tilton). When the road was completed to Lake Vil- lage, Mr. Dodge moved up and took charge of that station, and also broke in agents at intermediate stations. When the road reached Meredith Village, Mr. Dodge moved up and managed that station. In January, 1850, the rails were laid to Plymouth and Mr. Dodge came up and took charge of this sta- tion and remained here until his death. He was appointed to the office of general freight agent in the spring of 1852, superintendent in 1860, and gen- eral manager on the death of John E. Lyon, resigning a year previous to his death, but retaining his directorship. Mr. Dodge was no office seeker, but at the earnest solicitation of his many warm admirers among the Democratic party, of which he was always an active member, he consented to stand for the legislature, being elected in 1868, '69 and '70. On February 15, 1859, he be- came a Master Mason, belonging to Olive Branch lodge. Mr. Dodge was a member of no church, but he was an attendant of the Congregational church. It is largely owing to the untiring energies of Mr. Dodge, John E. Lyon and Joseph P. Pitman that the Boston, Concord & Montreal road and branches enjoy the prosperity of the present. He was a presidential elector from this state on the Tilden ticket in 1876, and was appointed by Governor Weston a colonel on his staff. He had been in failing health for a number of months, and the winter previous to his death took a tripto the far west and California in hopes of obtaining relief and new strength. He left an estate valued at $ 100,000 or more.

Jonathan Hull, from Hebron, located on the place now occupied by Alfred Cook, about 1816. Luther C., son of Nathaniel and grandson of Jonathan, was born here in 1833, married Lucy M. Wood, and died here July 28, 1825. At the age of fourteen years, Mr. Hull went to Lowell to learn the jeweler's trade, and, after twenty-two years spent in Boston, he returned to Plymouth and began the business, in 1875. His widow resides on Highland avenue.

W. D. Blodgett, son of Abial and Margaret (Davis) Blodgett, born in 1810, came to Plymouth with his father, who located on the place W. D. still occu-

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pies. He married Lovina, daughter of Walter and Dorothy (Phillips) Melvin, and has two children, Fred R., of this town, and Nellie E., wife of John L. Potts, of Michigan, while one son died in infancy. Mr. Blodgett's father died in 1859, surviving his wife four years.

Elbridge G. Blodgett, son of Noah and Esther (Packard) Blodgett, born in Plymouth, Mass., in 1832, came to this town and learned the glove- maker's trade of Ward & McQuesten, and now resides on Mill street. He married Sarah G., daughter of Samuel and Eliza Johnson, of Campton, in 1862, and has one daughter, Effie E., a student at Tilton seminary.

B. F. Ellis, son of Ichabod and Nancy (Richford) Ellis, born in Campton in 1832, came with his parents to Plymouth when one year old. He learned the jeweler's trade, married Dorothy A. Sargent, of Bridgewater, in 1854, and has one son. Gilman F.

John H. Gill, son of William and Ruth (Hazelton) Gill, born in 1809, came to Plymouth in 1827. He married Atassa, daughter of Rev. Ebenezer Blod- gett, in 1831, and for his second wife the widow of Nathan Clark, who died in 1875. He has reared a family of three sons and three daughters Mr. Gill learned the potter's trade and carried on the business for himself from 1830 to 1853, wlien he sold out and engaged in farming.

Gen. Cyrus Corliss, son of Isaac and Dorothy (Heath) Corliss, born in Alexandria in 1811, married Alma, daughter of Samuel and Anna (Sayles) Reed, in 1832, and came to Plymouth in 1835, and now resides on Ward's hill. Of his family of three sons and three daughters, Cyrus served in Co. B, 15th N. H. Vols., and was killed on a railroad in Iowa, in 1875; Almira married Charles McQuesten, of California ; Frank R. served in Co. A, 6th N. H. Vols., and now res des at Clinton, Ia .; Clara A. married J. H. Morri- son, and died in 1877; George H., born in 1846, married Eva Harvey, and has two sons, Fred G. and Cyrus L .; and Emily married Martin Merrill, in 1859, and has one daughter, Rena A. General Corliss receives his title from commanding a brigade of militia many years ago.

Capt. Ephraim Green, son of Isaac and Abigail (Chamberlain) Green, born at Westford, Mass., in 1784, married Sarah French, of Rockingham, Vt., in 1807. After residing in that State a number of years he came to Plymouth, previous to 1840, and died here in 1872. Of his eight children, Hannah is deceased; Henry C. resides in Philadelphia ; Harriet is deceased ; Sarah P. is the widow of Jacob Kimball, of Hebron ; Charles resides in Topeka, Kan .; Samuel W. resides in Hebron ; Elizabeth A. H., the youngest daughter, has followed the occupation of teaching, and occupies the homestead ; and Fred- erick E. A. resides in Massachusetts.

Hiram W. Merrill, son of Samuel, was born in Gilmanton, N. H., in 1821, and came to Plymouth at the age of sixteen years, and learned the carpen- ter's trade. He married Mary E., daughter of Samuel and Mary (Sawyer) Foster, in 1855, who bore him four children, Mary E., Carrie, James A. and Arabella M.

A. LITTLE. PHIL A.

James + Lang due

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TOWN OF PLYMOUTH.

Gilmore Houston, son of David and Esther (Willy) Houston, was born in Thornton in 1807, and came to Plymouth at the age of eighteen years to learn the harness-maker's trade of Greenough & Kellogg. In 1853 he began business on his own account, which he has continued since. He married Sarah Griffin, of Thornton, who bore him three sons and three daughters ; she died in 1851, and for his second wife he married Lydia Snow. Annette C., his only surviving child, is the wife of C. A. French, of Henniker.

William Harriman, son of John, came with his father from Bridgewater to Plymouth when two years of age, and located upon the place he now occupies. He married Caroline S., daughter of Caleb D. and Clarissa Pen- niman, in 1855, who has borne him one son and four daughters, of whom Harriet G. married George A. Clark; Alma married H H. Whittenore ; Emily married O. B. Davis ; and George D. and Lizzie M. reside at home.

Hiram C. Philbrick, son of Richard and Nancy (Pratt) Philbrick, was born in 1840, learned the carpenter's trade, and married Amy Harvey. In 1861 he enlisted in the Union cause, and was wounded at the battle of Gettysburgh. He has two sons, Hiram C., Jr., and Edward H.

Harrison Philbrick, residing cn road 7, son of David Philbrick, was born at Ware, N. H., in 1822, and at the age of seventeen years learned the car- penter's trade. His first wife, Sylvia A. Brown, who bore him one son, Adin H., died February 18, 1851. He then married Ann C. Dow, daughter of Elijah and Eunice (Robbins) Dow, and of their children, Hattie married George S. Pierce, of California ; Sylvia C. married Albert C. Whittemore, of Concord ; Willis F. is in Santiago, Cal .; and Belle A. resides at home with her parents.

Thomas Clark, son of Thomas and Jean (Alexander) Clark, was born at Ac- worth, N. H., in 1791, come to Plymouth in 1840 and purchased the Robin- son farm of 400 acres, on road 7. His first wife, Sally Meloon, bore him one son and four daughters, and died in 1829. For his second wife he married Margaret Currier, who bore him five sons and three daughters, of whom Thomas died young ; Thomas F. and George are residents of Chicago ; John C. resides on the homestead ; Robert F. is in San Antonia, Tex .; Helen M. and Martha M. reside on the homestead ; and Clara W. died young.

Manson R. York, son of Stephen, was born in Holderness in 1832, came to Plymouth while yet a youth and resides on road 5. He married Catherine, daughter of James and Emily (Rowles) Fadden, of Franconia, N. H., in 1861, and they have two daughters, Orissa A. and Effie E.

Eugene Sullivan, a native of Ireland, came to America in 1852, and to Plymouth in 1856. He married Ann Sullivan, of Lowell, who has borne him three sons and one daughter, viz .: William, who died at the age of five years, Nellie F., John C., and Joseph A. D.

Elijah L. Smith, a resident on the Benjamin F. Ellis place, on road 12, is a son of Josiah and Hannah (Morse) Smith, born at Brookfield, Vt., in 1828. He was reared on a farm until he was twenty-two years of age, when he went 38*

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TOWN OF PLYMOUTH.

to Haverhill, N. H., where he married Martha J. R., daughter of Benjamin and Polly (Smith) Glover, who bore him two sons and two daughters-Emo- gene, Benjamin F., Lydia L. and Leonard H. She died in 1873, and in 1874 Mr. Smith married her sister, Cynthia D.

Hazen D. Smith, son of John and Sarah (Gilson) Smith, was born at San- bornton, N. H, in 1828. At the age of seventeen years he went to Campton to work at shoemaking, and in 1868 came to Plymouth. He married Lydia B. Walker, of Campton, in 1859, who has born him one son and one daughter- Charles C., who died at the age of fifteen years, and Helen, wife of J. C. Storey. Mr. Smith was a member of the State legislature in 1877-78, and is exten- sively engaged in the manufacture of gloves.

Eben K. Smith, son of Robert and Sarah (Keniston) Smith, was born in Campton in 1817, and came to Plymouth in 1865. He married Elizabeth F .. daughter of John and Sarah (Foss) Adams, in 1840, and has one son and one daughter-Sarah E. (Mrs. F. C. Green) and John A.

Benjamin F. Smith, son of Benjamin H., residing on Pleasant street, mar- ried Sarah A., daughter of Joshua R. and Huldah (Kidder) Wheat, and has three sons and one daughter, viz .: Jennie A., Joshua W., Frankie H. and Iza J. Mr. Smith served in the late war, as a member of Co. G, N. H. H. A.

John Chandler, born in Campton in 1837, came to Plymouth in 1869 and now resides on road 19. He married Helen, daughter of Ware and Mahala Leavitt, of Campton, who has borne him six sons and three daughters, of whom Minnie F., Nellie G., and Charles E. are living. Mr. Chandler served in the late war, in Co. F, 2d N. H. Vols., and was wounded at the second battle of Bull Run.

Cyrus Sargeant, son of Rufus, grandson of Moses, and great-grandson of Capt. John Sargeant, of the war of the Revolution, was born in Candia, Rockingham county, in August, 1824. His ancestors have all adhered to the English spelling of their sirname. His earliest years were spent on the farm and in the country store. Later, like so many of his contemporaries, he left the state to engage in city industries. He remained in Boston from 1840 until 1862, when he retired from active business. He married Sarah J. Emerson, of Boston, in 1856, who died after three brief, happy years, leaving one daughter, Caroline, who was married to Dr. Robert Burns, of Plymouth, in 1883. From 1862 ten years were passed in gratifying his taste for travel, alternating between Europe and different portions of our own country. In 1873 he married for the second time, Mary E., the daughter of his life-long intimate friend, James McQuesten. Of their four children, two only survive. Mrs. Sargeant's parents dying while they were in Europe, the old homestead of Mr. McQuesten came into their possession, which they now occupy. This ancient roof had the obloquy then, the honor now, of having hospitably shel- tered Mr. George Thompson, of England, for one night, during his first memorable visit to this country, as guest of N. P. Rogers its builder. Mr. Sargeant, while an admirer and supporter of Webster, Sumner and Lincoln,

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Gazetteer of Grafton county, N. H. 1709-1886, Part 79

Author: Child, Hamilton, 1836- comp. cn Publication date: 1886 Publisher: Syracuse, N. Y., Syracuse Journal Company, Printers Number of Pages: 1266

Author: Child, Hamilton, 1836- comp. cn
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Syracuse, N. Y., Syracuse Journal Company, Printers
Number of Pages: 1266