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. III, Part 106

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: 876

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. III > Part 106

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).

(IX) La Fell, eldest son of Ansel and Mary ( Felch) Dickinson, was born in Ashuelot, March 20. 1869. Ife was educated in the public schools + f Winchester, and after his father's death took charge of the estate, which included an extensive box manufactury. Some four years later the firm name was changed to Ansel Dickinson's Sons. The box manufacturing interests of this firm merged with other concerns is now known as the New England Box Company. The Ansel Dickinson's Sons Company still operate large lumbering inter- ests, a part of which are represented in the tract of timber land known as Pisgah Mountain, which has been in the family for three quarters of a century, a part of the original tract having been purchased by the late General and Ansel Dickinson. This is one of a very few of the primeval forests of New England. Mr. Dickinson is a Demo -- crat in politics, and is more or less active in local

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civic affairs, having represented his district in the lower branch of the state legislature in 1904, serving on the appropriations. Mr. Dickinson is a member of the directorate of Winchester National Bank. Milan A. Dickinson married Josie Taylor, of West Swanzey. They have a son, Elwood Taylor Dickinson, and resides at West Swanzey.

DICKINSON This name has been prominently identified with business affairs in Claremont, and is honorably as- sociated with the history and development of Massa- chusetts, as well as many other sections of the United States.

(I) Aurelius Dickinson was born February 10, 1804, in Granville, Massachusetts, and died Novem- ber 3, 1880, in Claremont, New Hampshire. He was reared upon his father's farm, and received such educational advantages as the public schools of his time afforded. On attaining his majority he set out on foot for Hartford, Connecticut, carry- ing his wardrobe in a bundle on his back, and with a few dollars in his pocket. On reaching Hartford he was engaged as a clerk in a leather store there, and by careful saving of his earnings he was able in a few years to commence in business on his own account. He opened a general store and was quite successful and accumulated what was considered in those times a small fortune. In 1835 he sold out his business in Hartford and went to Amherst, Massa- chusetts, where he purchased the principal hotel of the place. This he conducted successfully until De- cember, 1837, when it was destroyed by fire with most of its contents. It was well insured and by' the sale of the site on which it had stood and the collection of the insurance he was saved from heavy loss. In the spring of 1838 he removed to Clare- mont, New Hampshire, and purchased the Fremont House. This he conducted as a hotel until 1850 and at intervals thereafter until the buildings were destroyed by fire March 29, 1879. Before the con- struction of railroads he was largely engaged in the operation of stage lines, and was regarded as a shrewd and successful business man. He was ac- tive in securing the construction of the Sullivan Railroad from Bellows Falls to Windsor, and it was largely through his influence and exertions as a director that it was built on the New Hampshire side of the Connecticut river instead of the oppo- site side as at first contemplated. He was a di- rector of the Claremont Bank and of the Clare- mont National Bank, covering a period of thirty years preceding his death, and from its establishment until his death he was a director of the Sullivan Savings Institution. He was a careful and prudent business man, and all his operations were directed

by intelligence and shrewd foresight. He was scrupulously honest and his word was regarded as binding with any with whom he had dealings. By in- du-try and careful investment of his means he ac- cumulated a handsome fortune and no man ever charged him with wronging his neighbor. He filled numerous public positions of responsibility, and his duties were ever discharged with the same care and intellgence as were applied to the conduct of his own affairs. He was a selectman of Clarc- mont during a large portion of the time after 1852 until his death, and from 1868 to 1871 was one of the county commissioners. Mr. Dickinson was mar- ried at Hartford. Connecticut, in May, 1830, to Frances M. Galpin, who survived him one month, dying December 3, 1880. Thus after fifty years of

wedded life husband and wife were separated only thirty days by death. They were the parents of two sons, one of whom died in infancy. The other is the subject of the succeeding paragraph.

(II) Henry A., son of Aurelius and Frances M. (Galpin) Dickinson, was born May 12, 1831, i11 Hartford, Connecticut, and was about seven years of age when his parents removed to Clare- mont. At one time he was proprietor of the Fre- mont House in Claremont and afterwards conducted a boot and shoe store for a few years. He in- herited from his father much real estate and other property which he managed successfully. Ile was not very robust in health and did not seek to mingle in public life. He was, however, elected in1 1884 to represent tlie town of Claremont in the legislature, and was active in securing the enactment of the policy law. He was quiet and domestic in his tastes and did not cultivate an extensive acquaint- ance, but those who were privileged to know him were warmly attached to him. After years of fail- ing health he was seized by an apopletic fit while walking on Fremont street, Claremont, and died from its effects Novemher 13, 1888. His funeral was largely attended. He was married, October 14, 1863, at Claremont, to Mary Ella. daughter of Bridgman and Laura M. (Weston) Hapgood (see Hapgood, VI). She comes of the same line of descent as Isabel Florence Hapgood, the celebrated Russian translator of New York City, and also in the line of the noted author and journalist, Nor- man Hapgood, who is at present on the staff of the New York Evening Post. Mr. and Mrs. Dickinson were the parents of four children, three of whom died in infancy.

(III) Henry Grant. only surviving son of . Henry A. and Mary Ella ( Hapgood) Dickinson, was born June 19, 1868, at Claremont, and grew up in that town. He graduated from the local high school and was prepared to go to college when the premature death of his father rendered it desirable for him to carry forward the business cares devolv- ing upon him, and he was obliged to abandon pur- suit of a college course. The business established by his father has been prudently carried on by the son and he has met with the success which he de- serves. He is warmly devoted to the welfare and happiness of his mother with whom he resides in Claremont.

GILBERT

John Baptiste Gilbert was a son of Jolin Baptiste Gilbert, who was born in France and emigrated to Canada,

dying there at the age of ninety-four years. John Baptiste Gilbert, Jr., followed the occupation of farming in Canada for sixty years, amassed a large fortune and a considerable amount of property, and at his death, in ISSI, at the age of ninety-two years of age, was able to leave a farm to each of his children. He married Genevieve Labarge, a native of Scotland, who bore him thirteen children, of whom two are now living, namely: Michael. men- tioned below, and Adelaide, now in Canada. who became the wife of John B. Desorcy. Genevieve (Labarge) Gilbert died at the age of eighty-nine. Michael, son of John Baptiste and Genevieve ( Labarge) Gilbert, was born at St. Bartholomew, Canada, September 29, 1829. He received his edu- cation in the common schools, and his first occupa- tion was working on the farm. He was then ap- prenticed to learn the milling trade in Westport. New York, and in early manhood was given full

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charge of a department. He came to Manchester, New Hampshire. 1856, and established himself in business, which he continued for three years, and then found employment in the Amoskeag Mills, where he remained for eight years. At the expira- tion of this period he went to Craftsbury. Vermont, where he purchased a grist mill which he operated for three years. He then purchased a farm in Greensboro and was engaged in its cultivation for four years, after which he returned to Manchester and found employment for a time in the Langdon Mill. He then accepted a position as clerk in a dry goods store, remaining for five years, after which he opened a boarding house and conducted the same very successfully for ten years, at times having more than two hundred boarders. Subsequently he established himself in the dry goods business, which he followed two and a half years, after which he retired to private life. He is a man of indomitable energy and force of character, and these charac- teristics have made a success of all his undertakings. He is a member of the Evangelist Church

Michael Gilbert married Sarah Elizabeth Moul- ton. of Greensboro. Vermont, daughter of Thomas L. and Sarah M. (Senter ) Moulton, natives of Cen- ter Harbor, New Hampshire, Furent- of twelve children, Sarah Elizabeth, the tenth child, being the only one living. Thomas L. Moulton was a farmer, spent his last years in Vermont, and died at the age of eighty: his wife died at the age of sixty- six. Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert had four children. name- Iv: 1. Walter, died at the age of ten years. 2. A child who died in infancy. 3. Arthur C., an engineer of the Boston & Maine Railroad, resides in Concord, New Hampshire. He married Mary Falvey, who bore him three children: Nellie B., Hazel E. and Walter C. Gilbert. 4. Henry M., a soldier in the regular army. now a non-commissioned officer stationed at Fort Warren, Boston, Massa- chusetts.

This name is to be found both in BARBER England and Scotland The English spell it Barber. while the Scotch spelling is usually Barbour. Early immigrants of this name came to Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. The Barbers of New England are descended from several immigrants, among whom were Thomas, who arrived at Dor- chester. Massachusetts, in 1635, and proceeded to Windsor, Connecticut : John, who arrived at Salem, Massachusetts, in 1637: George, who was in Ded- ham as early as 1643: Edward, who died there in 1641; and Robert, the New Hampshire settler, founder in America of the Barber family, whose history is now being reviewed.

(I) Robert Barber came from England (prob- ably Yorkshire) about 1690, and settled in Exeter, where he was granted fifty acres of land located in what is now Newfields. He was killed by the In- dians while working in his field. The data at hand fails to give the maiden name of his wife, but mentions three sons. Robert, John and Daniel.

(II) Robert (2), son of Robert Barber, was born at Exeter, in 1009. He married Sarah Bean, who was born at Exeter in 1707, and they removed to Epping in 1735. (Robert (3) Barber, who is mentioned with descendants in this article, was probably his son.)

(III) Lieutenant Daniel, son of Robert and Sarah (Bean) Barber, was born in Exeter April 25, 1733. He was reared in Epping, and in 1752

he married Sarah Parsons, who was born at New- market in 1730. They were the parents of three sons and one daughter.

(IV) Daniel (2), son of Lieutenant Daniel (1) and Sarah (Parsons) Barber, was born in Epping, April 19, 1753. He was a Revolutionary soldier, and participated in the battle of Bunker Hill. July 28, 1777, he married Sarah Coffin, born in Epping, September 24, 1758. Of this union there were four sons and one daughter.

(V) Daniel (3), son of Daniel (2) and Sarah (Coffin) Barber, was born in Epping, July 16, 1792. He was a prosperous farmer and a lifelong resident of Epping. On April 22, 1813, he married Hannah Holt Gilman, born January 28, 1793, and she bore him eight sons and three daughters.

(VI) James Pike, ninth child of Daniel and Hannah Holt (Gilman) Barber, was born in Ep- ping, June 14. 1831. His studies in the public schools were augmented by a year's course at an academy, and his training for the activities of life not only embraced the acquisition of a good know- ledge of agriculture, but he also served an appren- ticeship at the carpenter's and carriage-maker's trades. His active year- have, however, been de- voted chiefly to general farming in Epping. In early life he united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he was for many years an official, and he is still a member. Politically he acts with the Republican party. but he has never aspired to public office. He was married July 4, 1854, to Lucinda A. Jenness, born in West Epping. Au- gust 6, 1830, daughter of James K. and Sarah (French) Jenness. She died in Epping, January 15, 1864, having been the mother of three sons and one daughter, namely: Eben Jenness, born Janu- ary 21. 1856, died September 21. same year ; . Al- bert Gilman, who will be again referred to; Arthur Jenness, the latter's twin brother, died June IS, 1880; and Florence J., born March 20, 1863, died June 15, 1864.

(VII) Albert Gilman, second son and child of James P. and Lucinda A (Jenness ) Barber, was born in Epping, July 18. 1857. His early studies were pursued in the Epping public schools, and he concluded his education at the age of sixteen years with a two year's cour-e at the Athol ( Massachu- setts) high school. For the ensuing six years he assisted in carrying on the homestead farm during the summer season, being employed winters at the lumber camps in the woods, and he was subsequently for two years engaged in farming on his own ac- count at Epping. He next worked at carriage- making for a time in Amesbury, Massachusetts, and later was employee in a shoe factory at Epping. In 1884 he began to learn the optical business, which he found upon further acquaintance to be his proper sphere of action, and he has ever since followed it with success. As an optician he first located in Waltham, Massachusetts, whence he re- moved to Lawrence, having an office in the Bay State Bank Building, that city, and in 1888 he established himself in business in Boston. In the following year (1889) he organized the manufactur- ing and wholesale optical concern now known as the Globe Optical Company, of which he is presi- (lent and treasurer, and he has from the commence- ment of its career directed its affairs in a most able and progressive manner. This concern, which is considered the largest wholesale optical house in the East, employs nearly one hundred and fifty people, is now transacting a business amounting to

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over half a million dollars annually, and its trade is constantly increasing. In addition to the Globe Company, Mr. Barber is a director in four other optical companies, and is similarly connected with other business corporations. In politics he is a Republican, but takes no active part in public affairs beyond the exercise of his elective privileges. When twenty years old he became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has ever since been actively identified with that denomination. He was formerly superintendent of the Sunday school connected with the Bromfield Street Church, Bos- ton, officiating in the same capacity at the Methodist Church, Newton, where he now resides, and at the present time he is a trustee of that church and treasurer of its benevolences. Ile was made a Mason in Sullivan Lodge, Epping, in 1880, has advanced through Newton Royal Arch Chapter to Gethsemane Commandery, Knights Templar .. of Newton, and is also a member of the New Hamp- shire, Boston City and Economic clubs, all. of Bos- ton; the Methodist Social Union, the Newton Young Men's Christian Association, and other organiza- tions.

At Lawrence, Massachusetts, Mr. Barber was united in marriage with Annie Estelle Skerrye, born in Liverpool. Nova Scotia, February 8, 1861, daugh- ter of an edge-tool manufacturer of that place. Her father having died when she was very young, she was brought to Boston, where she attended the public schools, and her education was completed at the New Hampshire Conference Seminary in Til- ton, New Hampshire. Mr. and Mrs. Barber have two sons, both of whom are engaged with him in the Globe Optical Company: Frederick Arthur, born at Epping, New Hampshire, December 1, 1880, and Raymond Jenness, born in the same place Au- gust 12, 1884.

(III) Robert (3), undoubtedly son of Robert (2) and Sarah (Bean) Barber, was prominent in military affairs, holding a commission under King George. Later was an officer in the Continental Army, took part in the battle of Bennington, and was with General Stark until the close of the war. He acquired a large grant of land in what is now Canaan, and moved his family there in 1778 or 1780. He had a large family.

(IV) Robert (4), son of Robert (3) Barber, was a young man when the family removed to Ca- naan. He succeeded his father, and bore a promi- nent part in the settlement of that part of the state.

(V) John M., son of Robert (4) Barber, was a worthy successor of his father, and his name ap- pears prominently connected with all town matters. He was also an officer in the state militia.

(VI) March, son of John M. Barber, was for years a leading citizen of the town of Canaan.

(VII) Hiram. son of March Barber, was born in Canaan, New Hampshire, August 23, 1823, and when a young man learned the machinist's trade. His first employment was with Gage, Warner & Whitney, of Nashua. After being with that firm several years, he removed to Milford, and soon after to Illinois, where he took up a tract of land and prospered; this was in the times when that section was termed "out west." Later he returned to Canaan, where he took up the old Barber estate, engaged in farming, and resided there until his death. He was a man of discriminating judgment, and a person of influence in public affairs, but he would not accept public office. He was active

in church work. He married, October 8, 1850, Lucy Fales, who was born in Canaan, January 24, 1830, and died there April 22, 1881. Her father was Orrin Fales, of Canaan, New Hampshire. Three children were born of this marriage: Henry H., whose sketch follows; George E., of Derby, Con- necticut, president of the Howard-Barber Company, and manager of the Star Pin Company; and Alice, who resides with her brother George in Derby.

(VIII) Henry Hiram, eldest child of lliram and Lucy (Fales) Barber, was born in Nashua, December 10, 1852, and was educated in the common schools and at the academy of Canaan. In 1868 he took a position as clerk with Taylor & Norwell, of Nashua, and filled that position for ten years. In I878 he removed to Milford, and bought out the dry goods business of Gray & Howard, who had a store in the old town house. At that time he employed one clerk. By careful attention and good management the business grew rapidly, and in 1900 the increase in business necessitated an enlarge- ment of the space to carry it on, and Mr. Barber bought and fitted up his present large department store, to which an annex to accommodate a plumb- ing and heating department has since been added. He now does a large volume of business, and em- ploys about twenty-five clerks constantly. His suc- cess as a merchant has enabled him to engage in other lines, and he is now vice-president of the Souhegan National Bank, and director in the Granite Savings Bank. He organized the Milford Board of Trade, was for years its president, and is now one of the directors. Ile is a Republican, and takes a lively interest in public affairs. Ilis success in business led to his selection to represent the town in the legislature, 1891-92, and while filling the office of representative, he introduced the since widely known "Barber Bill" to regulate the insur- ance companies of the State, which compelled the retirement of many insurance companies from the State of New Hampshire. This law is so satis- factory that it has been adopted in various other states.

The issues of Alr. Barber's efforts in the different lines he has undertaken, stamp him as a man of first-class mercantile ability, and capable of win- ning success wherever and whenever he grapples with an enterprise. His locating in Milford has not only brought him a large trade, but has attracted many buyers from neighboring towns, who-e pa- tronage has been of benefit to other merchants and citizens of Milford. He is a member of Benevo- lent Lodge, No. 7, Ancient Free and Accepted Ma- sons, and King Solomon Chapter, of Milford; Israel Hunt Council. No. 8; St. George Com- mandery, Kinghts Templar ; and Edward A. Ray- mon Consistory of the Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret, of the Thirty-second Degree, of Nashua. He married, in Antrim, November 5. 1873. Fostina Dodge, who was born in Antrim, November 17, 1851. daughter of Alvah and Lydia (Elliot ) Dodge. They have one daughter, Ethlyn Fostina, who was born in Milford. August 31, 1880. She married M. F. Brown, of Boston, Massa- chusetts, who is chief engineer of the Boston Bridge Works Company of Boston, Massachusetts. Mrs. Barber is a member of the Milford Woman's Club, and of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

GRIFFIN

This name is supposed to be of Welsh origin and is probably derived from the use of a figure on a coat

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of arms. There were several immigrants bearing the name from early records in the history of New England. The line herein traced, has been identi- fied with New Hampshire from an early period in its history.

(I) Ilumphrey Griffin, the immigrant ancestor, was born about 1605, and was a resident of Ipswich, Massachusetts, when we first find record of him. He died about 1661 or 1062, in Ipswich, and the inventory of his estate was made March 25. 1662. His wife's name was Elizabeth, and she was mar- ried (second ) February 10, 1663. in Haverhill to Hugh Sherratt of that town. She died May 29, 1662. Humphrey's children were : John, Nathaniel, Samuel, Lydia and Elizabeth.

(II) John, eldest child of Humphrey and Eliza- beth Griffin. was born about 1642 in Ipswich, and resided in Haverhill and Bradford. He was select- man of the latter town about 1085. He was mar- ried September 17, 1663 in Haverhill, to Lydia Shatswell of that town. Their children were: Lydia, Theophilus, John, Hannah, Ebenezer, Su- sanna, Samuel. Nathaniel and Abigail.

(III) Theophilus, eldest son and second child of John and Lydia ( Shatswell) Griffin, born February 2, 1066, in Haverhill, and resided in that town where he died March 17, 1689, at the age of twenty-three years. He married Mary Colby. daugh- ter of John and Frances (Hoyt) Colby and grand- daughter of Anthony Colby, the pioneer planter of Salisbury and Amesbury.

(IV) Theophilus (2), son of Theophilus (1) and Mary (Colby) Griffin, was born October, 1689, according to the Amesbury records .and settled in . Kingston, New Hampshire, before 1722. In that vear he sold his land in Amesbury. When the Rev. John Ward took charge of the first church of Kings- ton September 29, 1725. Theophilus Griffin was one of the constituent members. He was married December IS, 1710, in Amesbury to Hannah Fowler. of that town Record of but one child is found. It is probable that John (who is mentioned, with de- scendants, in this article) was their son.

(\') Theophilus (3), son of Theophilus (2) and Hannah ( Fowler) Griffin, was born June 17, IZII. in Amesbury, and settled in Deerfield, New Hampshire. Nothing can be found in the vital records of this state to show who was his wife, and record of only one child is found.

(VI) Benjamin, son of Theophilus (3), was born April 25, 1756, in Deerfield. His wife's name was Mary, and their children were: Benjamin, Polly, Jenny and Lewis, and perhaps others.

( VII) Beniamin (2) eldest child of Benjamin and Mary Griffin, of Deerfield, was born in 1788, in that town, and died in 1872, aged eighty-four. He was engaged in farming. His wife's surname was HIarriman. Their children were: Alva J., Susan, Ilannah. Benjamin F., Anson C., Mary and Lemitel.

(VIII) Beniamin F. Griffin, fourth child and second son of Benjamin Griffin, was born in Feb- ruary 22, 182, and died November 25, 1892, aged seventy. Ile was a farmer. He married Mary Clark. They were the parents of these children : Flora, born 1858, died in 1864; Medora, born, 1860, died 1864: Andrew, born 1864, died 1865; Ervin A., the subject of the next paragraph ; and Ava Vesta, September 7, 1868.

(IX) Frvin Andrew Griffin, fourth child and second son of Benjamin and Mary ( Clark) Griffin, was born in Concord, October 7, 1865. In 1875 he.

was taken to Boscawen by his parents on their re- moval to that town. and he has since resided on the farm his father then bought. Mr. Griffin has repaired the house and barn, and made notable im- provements on the farm, and brought it into a high state of cultivation. He is a member of the Con- gregational Church, and in politics is a Republican. He takes more than ordinary interest in public af- fairs and matters of general importance to the town, and has served his townsment four years as selectman. He married in Boscawen, January 5, 1888, Mattie Hubbard Quimby, who was born April 4, 1867. daughter of John Quimby, of Boscawen. Their children .re: Blanche, born August 15. 1889; Charles, April 11, 18Q3: May, July 15, 1894; and Lillian, March 30, 1903.

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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. III, Part 106

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: 876

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: 876