Genealogical and family history of the state of New Hampshire : a record of the achievements of her people in the making of a commonwealth and the founding of a nation, Vol. I, Part 32

Author: Stearns, Ezra S; Whitcher, William F. (William Frederick), 1845-1918; Parker, Edward E. (Edward Everett), 1842-1923
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: New York : Lewis Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 858

USA > New Hampshire > Genealogical and family history of the state of New Hampshire : a record of the achievements of her people in the making of a commonwealth and the founding of a nation, Vol. I > Part 32

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(III) Joseph, sixth son of Thomas and Mary (Osgood) Currier, was born about 1085, in Ames- bury, and spent his life in that town, where he was ' a "yeoman." His will was executed July 21, and proved December 5, 1748. He was married De- cember 9, 1708, to Sarah Brown, elder daughter of Ephraim and Sarah Brown of Salisbury. She was born March 5, 1687, in Salisbury, and probably survived her husband. Their children were: Na- than, Joseph, Ephraim, Abner, Sarah, Hannah, Anne, Mary and "Merriam."

(IV) Abner, fourth son of Joseph and Saralı ( Brown) Currier, was born October 25, 1716, in Amesbury and resided in the west parish of that town. Administration of his estate was granted March 30, 1768, and the division was made the next year, He was married February 16, 1737, to Mary Harvey, and both renewed the covenant about 1738 and were received in the Second Amesbury Church June 12, 1763. The widow was hving in 1769. Their children were: Dorothy, David, Jo- seph, Abner, Mary, Moses, Jonathan, Sarah and Jacob.

(V) David, eldest son of Abner and Mary (Harvey) Currier, was born May 4, 1740, in Ames- bury and settled in Bradford soon after 1769. He may have lived a short time in Boxford, Massachu- setts, as family tradition says he went from there to Peacham, Vermont, about 1787. The balance of his life was spent in Peacham. He was married May 30, 1780, in Boxford, Massachusetts, to Eliza- beth Peabody, who was born February 14, 1758, in Boxford, a daughter of Jonathan (2) and Mary (Ramsdel ) Peabody. Jonathan (2), son of Jona- than (1) and "Alliss" Peabody, was born in Box- ford and was married February 20, 1752, in that town to Mary Ramsdel.

(VI) David (2), son of David (1) and Eliza- beth (Peabody) Currier, was born June 25, 1795, in Peacham, Vermont, where he resided.

(VII) Lyman Currier, son of David Currier, was born August 16, 1838, in Peacham, Vermont, where he received his education in the public schools. He was a stone cutter by occupation. He learned the trade of stone mason, and atter living in Peacham and Danville, Vermont, moved to Con- cord, New Hampshire, where he worked at his trade for ten years. He then removed with his family to Andover, New Hampshire, where he was a resident for thirty years, and died July 29, 1907. He was a man of quiet and unassuming nature, though of social di-position, and hospitable to all.

He was a lover of music, and for many years held the position of chorister in the church at Andover, which he attended as long as his health would permit. Although not a full member of this so- ciety, he was an earnest worker in its behalf, and was much respected by all. He was a Republican in politics. He was married, September 2, 1802. to Lucy Maria Smith, who was born July 6, 1839, i11 Cabot, Vermont, daughter of Benjamin and Bet- sey (Grant ) Smith. He was survived by his wife and three sons, Elbert D. of Franklin, and Eugene B., and Harry L. of Andover. An only daughter died in infancy. Betsey (Grant) Smith was born June 25, 1804, in Berlin, Vermont, a daughter of Thomas and Lydia Grant. Thomas Grant was born September 29, 1778, in East Windsor, Connecticut, a son of Azariah and Abigail Grant, and was mar- ried, February 28, 1801, to Lydia, daughter of James and Sarah Crowninshield. She was born in 1778 in Killingly, Connecticut.

(VIII) Elbert David, son of Lyman and Lucy M. (Smith) Currier, was born August 7, 1867, in Concord, New Hampshire. He attended the public schools of his native town until his parents moved to Andover, same state, about 1877, and was sub- sequently a student of the village school there, and attended the School of Practice in Wilmot, and finished his schooling at Colby Academy, New Lon- don, New Hampshire. He made a special study of organ and vocal music and art under private teachers, and for a little more than a year he was employed in Gillett's Copying House, Concord. He began work as a photographer in Andover, New Hampshire, in 1886, and there continued until 1899. Going to Boston, he continued his professional work until the summer of 1901. In October of that year he purchased the studio of George Hale, in Frank- lin Falls, New Hampshire, and has since continued business there. He is a member of the Village Congregational Church of Franklin, New Hamp- shire. He is a steadfast Republican in political principle. He is a member of the Photographers' Association of New Hampshire. He was married October 1, 1902, in Hebron, New Hampshire, to Lucy May Hardy, daughter of David P. and Sarah D. (Fox) Hardy. ( See Hardy, IX.)

It is extremely difficult to

MOODY CURRIER express in words the value to the world of such a man as Moody Currier, Governor of New Hampshire, and long one of the most successful and prominent men of the commonwealth. As a business man, a scholar and philanthropist, he ren- dered distinguished service to his native state and to humanity in general. Born amid conditions of poverty and misfortune, he rose superior to en- vironment and achieved a success in his chosen lines which is vouchsafed to but few men even when blessed with every advantage at the start. His example will ever remain among those most worthy of emulation, as an inspiration and encouragement to ambitious youth everywhere. His fame was not confined to one state, but extended over many, and the great final reckoning of mankind alone can tell the benefits to the world of his unblemished life. He was born April 22, 1806, in Boscawen, Merri- mack county, and died at his home in Manchester, August 23, 1898, in his ninety-third year. To him was given length of days and wisdom of a high order. His boyhood was passed in an agricultural community where books were rare, but he used his few leisure hours in the pursuit of knowledge. Compelled to labor diligently and almost incessantly

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in order to live, from a very early age, hie yet established the basis of that wide information which made his mature years so bright and useful to both himself and the country. A few weeks at the rural winter school enabled him to gain a footing at the base of the tree of knowledge, and by his own efforts he secured a preparatory training at Hopkinton Academy, and he hnally entered Dart- mouth College, where he paid his way by teaching and farm work, being graduated from the classical course in 1834. He was the honor man of his class, delivering the Greek oration, and none dis- puted his title to honors so nobly earned. He now set about preparation for admission to the bar, en- gaging as a means to that end, in the work of teaching, for which he was titted by nature, and like all his undertakings, this was carried on with enthusiasm and thoroughness. He was employed in a school at Concord, was principal of the Hop- kinton Academy and of the Lowell ( Massachu- setts) High School. Having pursued his legal studies successfully while teaching, he was ad- mitted to the bar at Manchester in the spring of 1841 and immediately set about the practice of his chosen profession, locating in that city. For two years he was associated with Hon. George W. Morrison, and subsequently pursued his profession alone, acquiring a handsome and valuable prac- tice and continuing until 1848, when he entered the field of finance, for which he was so admirably fitted. He was the moving spirit in the organization of the Amoskeag Bank, of which he was eashier until its reorganization as a National Bank, be- coming at that time its president. This responsible position he held until failing health compelled his resignation in 1892. lle was the first treasurer and subsequently president of the Amoskeag Savings Bank, and was the founder and one of the di- rectors of the People's Savings Bank. In the broad field of industrial and financial development, lie was a master, and his connections extended to nearly every useful and growing institution of his home city. He was a director of the Manchester Mills cor- poration; was treasurer of the Concord Railroad Company, and of the Concord & Portsmouth rail- road: was chosen president of the Eastern rail- road in New Hampshire in 1877; was a director of the Blodgett Edge Tool Company and director of the Amoskeag Axe Company during its existence ; was president and director of the Manchester Gas Light Company; and was for many years treasurer of the New England Loan Company, the first to issuc debenture bonds.

It was natural that such a forceful mind should take an active interest in the conduct of public business, and we find him on record as clerk of the state senate in 1843-44, to which position he was chosen as a Democrat. The slavery agitation caused him to join the Free Soil party, and he was among those who aided in the establishment of the Republi- can party in 1856. In that year he was elected to the Senate, and was president of that body in the latter part of its session in the succeeding winter. In 1860.61 he was a member of the Governor's Council, and as chairman of the committee charged with filling the state's quota of soldiers for the Union armies, he rendered the state and nation most valuable service. In 1876 he was chosen as presidential elector, and was urged to become a candidate for governor in 1879. To this he would not then consent, but in 1884 he became his party's leader and was triumphantly elected to that high office, His administration was characterized by dignity, success and honor to all conecried. Be- 1-8

side an intimate knowledge of Greek and Latin, he possessed a knowledge of French, Spanish, Italian, German, and other modern languages, in which he read frequently in order that his ac- quaintance with them might not lapse. In recogni- tion of his learning and distinguished services, buth Dartmouth and Bates College conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Laws. While teaching in Concord he edited a literary journal and, for some years after locating in Manchester, he edited and published a newspaper. He was an able writer of both prose and verse, and was a deep student of religious and scientific questions. His state papers, published since his death, furnish edifying reading for those who appreciate pure and classical Eng- lish. In speaking of Governor Currier, a local his- torian says : "A distinguished classical scholar," he was "learned in the literature and proficient in many of the languages of modern Europe. * * For elegant expression and polished style and fit- ness for the occasion, his address accepting in behalf of the State the statue of Daniel Webster has never been excelled." His proclamations, though without formality or dogmatismo, were religious in tone and moral in sentiment. The following short stanzas diselose the soul of a poet, and are given as one of the gems from Mr. Currier's pen :

"When one by one the stars go out. And slow retires the night, in shining robes the sun appears And pours his golden light.

So, one by one, we all depart, And darkness shrouds the way ; But hope lights up the sacred morn Of Life's eternal day."

Nr. Currier was thrice married but left no off- spring. His first wife was Lucretia Dustin; the second was Mary Kidder; the third. Hannah A. Slade, daughter of Enoch and Penelope ( Welling- ton) Slade (see Slade), survives him and treasures most worthily his honored memory. The best summary possible of the noble life and services of Governor Moody Currier is supplied by the follow- ing paragraphs, which were written by one who knew intimately all the phases of his long life and noble character :

"The long list of New Hampshire's successful and eminent men contains few if any names that are entitled to precedence over that of ex-Governor Moody Currier, who died at his residence in this city Tuesday noon, and there is certainly no other whose career illustrates more strikingly the rewards that are open to ability, integrity, industry and perseverance. His home reflected his large means, great learning and cultivated tastes. His house and grounds were ornaments of the city and the delight of all admirers of substantial architecture and floral beauty. His family idolized him and in his declining years ministered to him with the greatest watchfulness and tenderest care. lle lived almost a century with his mental faculties unimpaired and enjoyed as few can the old age which crowned his long life. He leaves to his family and friends a record which is to them a precious legacy and to all an inspiration. He was the most learned man with whom we were ever acquainted. For more than eighty years his books were the constant com- panions of his leisure hours. He never read merely for amusement, but always for instruction. Prob- ably in all his life he did not read ten works of fiction. He read slowly, passing nothing which he did not understand, and when once he had finish d a volume he never forget what it contained in

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knowledge of the Bible surpassed that of almost any New Hampshire man of his time. He could read and write several languages, ancient and modern, and was a master of pure English. He knew science, art and literature. He was versed in philosophy, astronomy, geology, botany, and na- tural history. He was a mathematician of a high order. The geography of the world was in his mind and the world's history was familiar to him. He was always informed upon current events and new inventions were the subjects of liis constant study. He studied social, moral, theological, in- dustrial and political problems, and was always able to discuss them intelligently. His mind was a store- house of rich and varied knowledge upon nearly every subject. And yet he never displayed his learn- ing, and only his intimate friends knew how pro- found and extensive it was.

"As a financier he had no superior in the state. In the investment and management of capital liis judgment was seldom at fault. The moneyed insti- tutions which he founded prospered from the first and grew steadily in size and strength until they stood unshaken monuments to his courage, wisdom, prudence and skill against panics and depressions and all other adversities.

"Among all the corporations in which he has been a controlling director there is not one which lias proved a disappointment to those whose money was invested in it. There are no wrecks along the paths through which investors followed Moody Currier. He

was public-spirited citizen. He helped lay the foundations of Manchester and build the superstructure upon them, and whatever in liis judgment promoted her prosperity commanded his support. He never gave because others did. He never tried to buy notoriety. He never placated opposition by bribes, but for the causes in which he believed he had a willing hand and an open purse. He was a man of very decided opinions and there- fore a strong partisan, From the birth of the Republican party he was one of its most courageous . leaders, wisest counselors and most liberal con- tributors. He hield many public positions and dis- played in all of them the same ability which was so conspicuous in his private affairs.

"During the war of the rebellion he was a member of the governor's council and in this po- sition his financial and executive ability con- tributed immensely to the advantage of the state and nation. Probably New Hampshire was more indebted to him than to any other man for her honorable record in providing money and men in response to the repeated calls of the govern- ment.

"As governor of the state he won a national reputation. His state papers are the classics of our official literature, and all his acts were such as to steadily strengthen him in public confidence and esteem.

"He was a generous patron of art and literature. In his religious views he was a liberal. Far from being an infidel he rejected the creeds and cere- monies and superstitions of past ages and found his religious home in the Unitarian Church, of which he was a firm supporter, He was not an effusive or demonstrative man. His self control was perfect at all times and under all circumstances. He was always calm, deliberate and quiet. He never sought popularity. He never contributed to sensations. He was always the thoughtful, earnest, steady-going, self-reliant and reliable citizen. Un- til within three days before his death his mind was as strong, as well balanced and as active as ever.

He was an ardent lover of nature and a worshiper of her truth and beauty. He hated shams, hypocrisy and pretenses and abominated Pharisees and dema- gogues. Ile had strong likes and dislikes. He remembered his friends and did not forget liis enemies. His companionship was delightful and helpful to all who appreciated solid worth and en- joyed sound instruction. None could be much with him without growing wiser. His advice was sound. His example showed the road to honorable success and was an invitation to whoever was strong, ambitious and determined."

MRS. MOODY CURRIER.

(Written by Moody Currier in 1895.)

Mrs. Moody Currier was the youngest daugli- ter of Enoch Slade, Esq., a distinguished citizen of Thetford, Vermont, and sister of General Samuel Slade, an eminent lawyer of St. Johnsbury, in the same state. Slie received her early education in Thetford Academy, at that time one of the most famous institutions in New England. Here many of the sons and daughters of New Hampshire and Vermont resorted to prepare for college, or to obtain a higher education than. could he gained elsewhere. In this celebrated school Miss Slade early found herself ranking among the foremost, not only in the ordinary studies, but also in the higher branches of Greek, Latin and mathematics, which she pursued far into the college course. After leaving the academy with the highest repu- tation for scholarship, Miss Slade went to Boston, where, under distinguished teachers, she continued her studies in music, French and other branches of polite literature, thus adding a metropolitan finish not easily acquired in rural institutions. After her marriage, in connection with her husband, she continued her literary and scientific pursuits, keep- ing up with the progress of the age, adopting in their broadest and most liberal sense the best thoughts of modern research. Although she has never given to the public any of her literary pro- ductions, her education and critical tastes would warrant success in such an undertaking. She does not seek distinction hy a display to the world of her charities and benefactions, which are many, and known only to those who receive them. She be- lieves that the proper sphere of woman is her home, which she renders happy, and adorns by devoting to it the best energies of her life. By her care and watchfulness she threw around her husband's declining years a mantle of joy and glad- ness,

Among the English patronymics adopted BAKER from callings, this is one of those early planted in New England, and has con- tributed in many ways to the advancement of civilization and all that improves the race. In all the profession and honorable walks of life it has been well known, and is especially conspicuous to- day for the achievements and discoveries of modern times. The most widely known and honored is the discoverer and founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy. One of the most beloved of the past generation was Bishop Osman Baker, of Con- cord.

(I) Johın Baker was a freeman in Charlestown, Massachusetts, 1634.

(II) Thomas Baker, supposed to be a son of John, was born in Kent, England, and settled in Roxbury, Massachusetts, where he was a respected and honored citizen. His name is given in the list of members of First Church, Roxbury, 1650. IIe was a friend and loyal supporter of Rev. John

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Eliot, the apostle to the Indians. Ile purchased an estate at Boston Neck, and there built the first tide mill. His death occurred January 28, 1683. and the church records written by his pastor refer to him as the "godly father Baker, buried January 30, 1683."

(III) John (2), son of Thomas Baker, was born 1644, and died 1722.

(IV) Thomas (2), son of John (2) Baker, was born May 26, 1676, in Roxbury, and was married May 28, 1702, to Sarah Pike. He lived in Rox- bury, a respected citizen, and died Alay 10, 1761. His second wife, Hannah, died March 6, 1776.

(V) Captain Joseph, son of Thomas and Sarah ( Pike) Baker, was born January 25, 1704, in Rox- bury, and was one of the early settlers in Pembroke, then called Suncook, New Hampshire. This town- ship was granted to the soldiers who served under the gallant Captain John Lovewell, who was re- nowned in the annals of the Indian wars, and fa- mous in song and story in early colonial days. Hannah Lovewell, born July 23, 1721, in Dun- stable, the daughter of Captain Lovewell, became the wife of Captain Joseph Baker, May 31, 1739. She inherited' one-third of her father's estate, includ- ing the lands assigned to him in Pembroke. Cap- tain Baker bought from her brother the other two- thirds and thus became full owner. He married ( second), November II, 1790, Mrs. Morrill, of Canterbury. His first wife bore him eleven chil- dren. ( Mention of Lovewell and descendants ap- pears in this article.) Captain Joseph Baker was a private in Captain Thomas Tash's company in the regiment commanded by Colonel John Hart, enlisting April 27, and serving until November 21, 1758. His regiment was raised for the Crown Point expedition, but a part of it went to Louis- burg. and the others, under Lieutenant-Colonel Goffe, did duty on the western frontier. On May 31, 1758, while on this expedition, he was ap- pointed by Governor Benning Wentworth the cap- tain of the foot company (in Colonel Z. Lovewell's regiment), located at Suncook, New Hampshire. Captain Baker was the surveyor of several town- ships in southern New Hampshire, and was one of the foremost men in his neighborhood in all that made for the welfare of the province. He was a member of the committee of safety of Pembroke in 1774. He was also a member of the third pro- vincial congress of New Hampshire, which met at Exeter, April 21, 1775, and was active in helping the province take its stand for the new republic. He was an ardent supporter of religion, and was a deacon of the Congregational Church in Pembroke. (VI) Joseph (2), eldest son of Captain Joseph (1) and Hannah (Lovewell) Baker, was born in Pembroke, New Hampshire, November 7, 1740, and died February 27, 1816. He removed about 1702 to Bow, where he was collector of province taxes in 1764, and selectman in 1771 and 1804. He was a member of the committee of safety of Bow in 1777, and was a soldier at Fort Washington ( Portsmouth Harbor), in the revolution. In the tax list of 1790 he appears as one of the heaviest taxpayers in the town. He married Mary Ann Moore, of the same town, probably in 1762. She was born probably in Pembroke, and died January 27, 1835. Both were buried in the River Road cemetery. Their children were: John, James, Daniel, Jesse, Hannah, Joseph, Mary Ann, Philip C. and Mark. (Mention of Philip C. and the last named and descendants appears in this article.)

(VII) James, second son and child of Joseph (2) and Mary Ann ( Moore) Baker, was born in

Bow, March 8, 1765, and died May 24, 1808. He married, November 14, 1793, Judith Whittemore, who was born in Pembroke, November 5, 1771, daughter of Aaron and Sarah (Gilman) Whitte- more of Pembroke. Aaron Whittemore was a soldier in the revolutionary war, and the first set- tled minister in Pembroke. Sarah Gilman was a daughter of Peter Gilman, one of the carly New Hampshire families. She died March, 1840. James and Judith Baker were buried in the River Road cemetery, Bow. Their children were: I. Aaron Whittemore. 2. Luke. 3. Harriet, who married Philip Sargent of Bow. 4. Susan, who married Peter Whittemore, of Salisbury, New Ilamp hire. 5. Lydia, who married Henry Ml. Moore, of Con- cord. 6. James, a successful leather merchant in Boston. James married (first) Olive Greenleaf, of Wiscasset, Maine. After her death he married ( second) her sister, Rachel Greenleaf, by whom he had one daughter, Evelyn Greenleaf, now a well known literary critic and playwright, wife of Dr. John. P. Sutherland, of Boston. (Luke and de- scendants are mentioned in this article. )

(VIII) Aaron W., eldest child of James and Judith ( Whittemore) Baker, was born April 10, 1796, and was only twelve years old when his father died. The farm was new and rough and required hard and continuous labor. This Mrs. Baker and her small children were compelled to render. Thus from boyhood Aaron W. Baker was accustomed to the hardest of farm work. Early morning found him in the field, and darkness closed the labors of the day. His advantages for education were very limited. During the winter time only could he secure even an irregular attendance upon the pub- lic schools. By the instruction there received and by his home studies he acquired a fair common- school education. To this he added a knowledge of vocal music, which he taught for several terms. He had a good voice, which he retained until old age. As he attained manhood he helped his brothers and sisters to better educational opportunities than he enjoyed, and by constant labor improved and enlarged the cultivated portions of the farm. He bought out the heirs and became its owner. In his latter years he added to it until his farm included nearly all the land originally owned by his father and grandfather and many acres besides.

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Genealogical and family history of the state of New Hampshire : a record of the achievements of her people in the making of a commonwealth and the founding of a nation, Vol. I, Part 32

Author: Stearns, Ezra S; Whitcher, William F. (William Frederick), 1845-1918; Parker, Edward E. (Edward Everett), 1842-1923 Publication date: 1908 Publisher: New York : Lewis Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 858

Author: Stearns, Ezra S; Whitcher, William F. (William Frederick), 1845-1918; Parker, Edward E. (Edward Everett), 1842-1923
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: New York : Lewis Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 858