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 58

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 58

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(VIII) Edward Smith, fifth son and eighth child of Charles Smith (7) and Almira ( Waldron) George, was born in Barnstead, New Hampshire, September 9, 1861. He spent his youth on the farm of his father and in attendance at school, then took a course of study at the Pittsfield Academy, from which he was graduated in 1882. Soon after this he began the study of law in the office of Aaron Whittemore. Esq., of Pittsfield, and was admitted to the bar in 1887. He went to Birmingham, Ala- bama, the same year, practiced his profession in that city for one year and then returned to New Hampshire, where he opened an office in Pittsfield and was engaged in the practice of law until 1894. He then removed to Manchester and became the law partner of Jesse B. Pattee. This connection was in existence for a period of seven years, dur- ing one of which C. F. Stone, of Laconia, now Judge Stone, was a member of the firm. Mr. George was an energetic and successful lawyer, but on account of many other business demands upon his time, relinquished his practice in 1904. He became interested in the Mount Beacon Incline Railway, at Fishkill on the Hudson, in 1902, of which he was one of the builders and directors, and in which he is still one of the principal stockholders. Through his personal efforts, in 1904. the Uncanoonic In- cline Railway, a development company of Man- chester, was incorporated and the money raised for the construction of the road which was com- pleted under his superintendence in the summer of 1907, and opened to the public June 8, of that year. This road cost one hundred thousand dollars and was financed wholly by Mr. George. It is now owned by the most prominent men in the state of New York. Its completion has resulted in the opening of a beautiful deer park, and a hotel at the top of the mountain, whose verandas on three

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floors command a magnificent unobstructed view into four states as far as the eye can reach. It offers special attractions to pleasure seekers and lovers of natural beauties. In making Manchester an attractive place and promoting its growth, Mr. George has been a potent factor. He is careful in the preparation and successful in the execution of all his undertakings. As a citizen he is broad- minded, and interested in seeing the public enjoy the utilities and conveniences of the latest character, and to this end directs his energies. He is a cheer- ful and entertaining companion, and his manners are courteous and pleasing. In politics he is a stanch adherent to the principles of the Democratic party, and has taken a prominent part in its cam- paigns. He opened the state campaign in a telling speech at Ossipee, in 1888, and made many speeches in the following sixty days, during which the issues were discussed in the various parts of the state. Mr. George opened the state campaign at Ports- mouth, in 1900, and has been an active and promi- nent speaker on the issues of the state for the past fifteen years. He was made a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in 1890, in Sun- cook Lodge, Pittsfield, and since that time has be- come a member of Pittsfield Encampment of Man- chester, in 1907, and of General Stark Canton. He is also a member of the Granite State Club. He married, July 20, 1904, May F. Dolan, born in Con- cord, New Hampshire.

(IV) Timothy, second son and third child of James (3) and Susannah (French) George, was born in Amesbury, Massachusetts, afterward known as Newton, New Hampshire. in 1729. He removed to Weare, and settled on Barnard Hill in 1775 or 1776. He was a farmer in comfortable circun- stances, a patriot in the time of the Revolution, and a man in whom his fellow citizens had the utmost confidence. He served in the "Reduction of Can- ada" in 1759-60, and at Fort William Henry in 1760. He is found on record as a member of Captain Daniel Hill's company with Lieutenant Clement in charge of company, Colonel Johnson's regiment, April 19, 1775, at the Lexington alarm, and served five days at that time. He signed the "Association Test" in June, 1776, and was a member of the com- mittee of safety in 1777. His name is on the list of those who paid taxes from 1788 to 1793. inclusive, and is again on the list in 1810. His sheep and cattle mark as recorded by the town clerk was a "Swallow Taile in the right ear, and a Croop off the left ear." His name is found on the records as a member of the Congregational Church in 1805. He married Hannah Hoyt, born in Amesbury, West Parish, February 20, 1737, daughter of Reuben and Hannah (Beorter) Hoyt, and they had children : Moses. see forward: Timothy, Nathan, Rhoda, Susan and Miriam. He died in Weare, December 20, '1808.

(V) Moses George .. eldest child of Timothy (4) and Hannah (Hoyt) George, was born in New- town or Newton, New Hampshire, in 1762, died August 14, 1831. He settled on Lot 5 of Range 2. He was one of the petitioners in 1786 for a parish in the east part of the town of Weare. His name is on the list of those who paid taxes from 1788 to 1793, inclusive; also on the list of 1810 and 1820. He was a member of the Congregational Church. He married, 1788, Lydia Emerson, who did July 4, 1854, daughter of Deacon James and Lydia (Hoyt ) Emerson, of Weare. They had children: James, born May. 1789, died July, 1796; Lydia E ..

born August, 1791, died November 12, 1832; Betsey E., born September 10, 1794, died August 29, 1877; Relephe, died young; Hannah, born September, 1800. died December 24, 1824; Relephe, born No- vember 13, 1803, died May 13, 1885; and Moses E. (VI) Moses Emerson, youngest child of Moses (5) and Lydia (Emerson) George, was born in Weare, February 5, 1807, died in Manchester, June IO, ISSI. He was educated in the common schools, and was a farmer and lumberer until 1855. He settled in Manchester, March 20. 1855, then a small place, and for a number of years was engaged in carpentering. Later he removed to Lebanon, Maine, returning to Manchester in 1858, and con- tinted to reside there until his death. He filled inany important offices, among which were those of overseer of the poor and clerk of the board for inany years. He was an active member of the Freewill Baptist Church, served as clerk, and was recognized as a very conscientious person. When the slavery question began to be agitated he joined the ranks of the abolitionists, and was one of the first four men who voted the anti-slavery ticket in Weare. He was also among the first resi- dents of Weare to omit the serving of liquor at the annual sheep washing and shearing,

and was strictly a total abstainer himself. He mar- ried (first) Betsey Harriman, born in Boscawen, December II. 1813, died in Manchester, New Hamp- shire, August 30, 1866, daughter of Rev. David, Jr., and Lucy ( Eaton) Harriman, of Weare. He mar- ried (second) Mary E. Tasker, of Strafford, born January 10, 1825, residing at the present time in Manchester. New Hampshire. His children, all by the first wife, were: Hannah, born June 18, 1833, married Rev. Frederick Moulton, died July 28, 1901; Elizabeth H., born October 14, 1835, married Andrew J. Locke, of Deering; Arvilla C., born April 21, 1839. married Benjamin P. Brooks, of Hancock; Jasper Pillsbury and Hiram Miller, see forward.

(VII) Jasper Pillsbury, fourth child of Moses Emerson (6) and Betsey (Harriman) George, was born in Weare, October 10, 1843, and at the age of twelve years went with his father to Manchester. He was educated in the public schools of Weare and Manchester, and Lebanon, Maine, Academy. He enlisted in Company A, Twelfth Wisconsin Vol- unteer Infantry, December 28, 1863, and shared the fortunes of that organization tintil his discharge, July 16, 1865. He campaigned with General Sher- man in Georgia, and the Carolinas, taking part in the battles of the celebrated march to the sea, and was a participant in the grand review in Washing- ton, District of Columbia, May 24, 1865. During his service he was detailed as clerk in the quarter- master's department at headquarters of the Fourth and afterward at the Third Division, Seventeenth Army Corps. At the conclusion of the war he be- came a clerk for Robert Gilchrist, in a crockery store in Manchester, where he remained for a pe- riod of eight years. He opened a store for him- self in the same line. in 1876, carrying it on until 1879, when failing health compelled him to seek some other occupation. He settled in Bedford in 1883, where he was engaged in farming, making a speci: Ity of raising small fruits. In politics he is in Independent Republican, and he is a strict ad- herent to the cause of temperance. Ile represented the fourth ward of Manchester in 1872 in the lower house of the state legislature. While residing in Bedford he was collector of taxes for five years,

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and member of the school board for six years. A public library was instituted in 1893, and lie served as librarian of this during his residence in the town, being also a member of the board of trustees of the institution. He united- with the First Congrega- tional Church in Manchester, in 1870, and served for several years as treasurer. Upon removing to Bedford he united with the Presbyterian Church of that town, and was elected to the offices of clerk and treasurer, also to that of deacon, in which capacity he served until March. 1895. He then united with the Congregational Church in West Manchester, where he was elected deacon and served as such until his return to Manchester in 1898. He then again united with the First Congregational Church, was elected one of its deacons and after- ward its clerk, an office he is filling at the present time, having also been honored with the title of deacon emeritus. He is connected with the follow- ing fraternal organizations: Member of Washing- ton Lodge, No. 61, Ancient Free and Accepted Ma- sons ; member of Wildey Lodge, No. 45, Independ- ent Order of Odd Fellows, and is a past grand of this order; member of Amoskeag Lodge, No. I. Ancient Order of United Workmen of Manchester. He married, in Manchester, September 5, 1867, Emily A. Brigham, born in Manchester, May 23, 1842. daughter of James A. and Mary ( Wheeler) Brigham, and they have one child: Milton Brigham.

(VIII) Milton Brigham, only child of Jasper Pillsbury (7) and Emily A. (Brigham) George, was born in Manchester, New Hampshire, August 7, 1874, and was educated in the public schools of Manchester and Bedford. He is a carpenter and resides in Manchester. He is a member of Wash- ington Lodge, No. 61, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and the First New Hampshire Battery, New Hampshire National Guard. Ile married, in Bedford. October 12, 1897, Emma L. Turney, born in Easton, Connecticut, February 25, 1879, daughter of James B. and Harriet ( Sherwood) Turney, and they have children: Walter Brigham, born Feb- ruidry 12, 1899; Jasper Turney, March 8, 1901; Howard Wakeman, January 26, 1907.

(VII) Hiram Miller, youngest child of Moses Emerson (6) and Betsey (Harriman) George, was born in Weare, October 18, 1845. His education was acquired in the public schools of Manchester, Lebanon, Maine, Academy, and at Dartmouth Col- lege. He is master of the Roger Wolcott school district of Boston, with which he has been con- nected for the past twenty-five years. He has eight- een hundred scholars, and forty teachers under his charge at present. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. He married, in Chatham, Massachu- setts. November 26, 1873, Nina M. Atwood, of that town. They have children: I. Ernest A., born October 9, 1874: he married Charlotte Liscomb, and has one child: Amy Marian, born July 23, 1896. 2. Arthur Adams, born June 22, 1876; mar- ried Janet Browne, has children: Donald B., born December 8, 1899; Dorothy, born July 12, 1901, died February 16, 1903: Kenneth, born October 29, 1902; and Doris, born February, 1004. 3. Nina M., born December 28, 1879, married Erwin O. Blair, of Trinidad. Colorado; they now reside in Boston.

(Second Family.)

(I) Gideon George, from Yorkshire, GEORGE England, with his wife and son Gid- eon, sailed for Salem, Massachusetts, about 1680. A son, John, was born during the

ocean voyage, and left a numerous progeny. His descendants have been active and useful citizens.

(II) John George, second son and child of Gid- eon George, was born upon the ocean about 1680. He lived in Haverhill. Massachusetts, and his name is found in the list of petitioners for a schoolhouse in the northeastern part of Haverhill, in 17II. He was drowned while attempting to cross the Merri- mack river on the ice. February 27, 1715. He mar- ried, about 1700. Ann Swaddock, who died Feb- ruary 7. 1763. Their children were: John Swad- dock, William, Augustin, Elizabeth and Gideon.

(III) Gideon (2), fourth son and youngest child of John and Ann (Swaddock) George. was born in Haverhill, May 27, 1712, and lived in Haverhill and Bradford, Massachusetts. He married, April 14, 1737, Elizabeth Jewett, born in Rowley, June 18, 1718, daughter of Deacon Daniel and Elizabeth ( Hopkinson) Jewett.

(IV) William. son of Gideon (2) and Elizabeth (Jewett) George, was born in Bradford. November 18, 1737, and died in Plymouth, New Hampshire, January 12, 1820. After his marriage he lived in Haverhill about four years and then removed to Hampstead, New Hampshire. From thence he re- moved to Plymouth, New Hampshire, in 1777. In the midst of a large and fertile farm he built a log house, and as he prospered afterward built a frame house. He was a selectman for four years, and December 21, 1784, was appointed a coroner for Grafton county, an office he resigned December 13, 1792. From the date of this appointment he was styled William George, Esq., but he was not a jus- tice of the peace. He was a prosperous farmer and a respected citizen. He married (first), May 26, 1763, Ruth Hastings, born in Haverhill, Massachu- setts. August 8, 1742, died June 1, 1809, daughter of Robert, Jr., and Ruth (Sanders) Hastings. He married (second), February 19, 1811, Abigail Dear- born, daughter of Benjamin Dearborn. She had previously been married to Peter Hobart, Thomas McCulner and Rey. Samuel Currier. She survived her husband and died April 8, 1839. William George had eight children, all by his first wife: Robert, see forward; William King, Ruth, Moses. Leonard and Betsey.

(V) Robert, son of William and Ruth (Hast- ings) George, was born in Hampstead, January 5, 1768. He was a farmer in Plymouth, and built a house in South Plymouth, where he probably re- sided. He died by accident in 1834; while crossing a brook upon a log he fell and was drowned. He married, May 5, 1793, Sarah Dearborn. born April 21. 1774, daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Clough) Dearborn. She died January 18, 1851. They were the parents of children: Gideon, Leonard, Clarissa, Samuel Dearborn, Hiram, Malvina. Moor Russell, Mary Ann, see forward: and Ruth.

(VI) Mary Ann, eighth child and third daugh- ter of Robert and Sarah (Dearborn) George, was born in Plymouth. November 12, 1812, died in Con- cord, September 4. 1877. She married Jeremiah Merrill (see Merrill, VII).

The name Craig. Craiga, Craigie or Craigus is of Scotch origin, probably CRAIG derived directly from the natural ob- ject, Crag. There are several early immigrants hearing this patronymic. William Craig, of Vir- ginia, came from the North of Ireland in 1721. The name of Elder Thomas Craig appears on the rolls of the Synod of Philadelphia in 1731. James

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Craig was in Allen township, Pennsylvania. in 1742. The first New Hampshire settler of this name was Alexander Craige, who came from Ire- land, February 27, 1724-25. in the Scotch-Irish emigration and settled in Chester. All of these early immigrants were evidently staunch Presby- terians. The name has been borne by many men of talent. Among the American Craigs of note at the present time are Professor James A. Craig, lecturer and author, and professor of Semitic languages at the University of Michigan; Oscar John Craig, president of the University of Montana; Captain Joseph Edgar Craig, United States Navy ; and Thomas Bigelow Craig, the artist.

(1) Robert Craig lived in Hebron, New York, before the Revolution. When a young man lie came there as a pioneer and cleared a farm of four hundred acres and built a house. He was a man of prominence, and held the town offices. He served in the militia and during the Revolution was called to Platt burg, New York. but did not see active service. He was an active supporter of the Presbyterian Church. He married Elizabeth There were two children: James, whose sketch follows; and Elizabeth, who mar- ried White, and lives in Hebron, New York.

(II) James, only son of Robert and Elizabeth Craig, was born in Hebron, New York, in 1824. He attended the common schools of his native town, and carried on his father's place, following agriculture all his life. He conducted a dairy farm of two hundred acres. He was a Democrat in poli- tics, and held office of supervisor, which is the prin- cipal one in that section. Ile was a member of the Presbyterian Church. He married Elizabeth White, daughter of Robert White. She was born in Hebron. Their children were: Robert Henry, now on the place in Hebron, and James Alexander, whose sketch follows. James Craig died in Hebron in 1896.

(111) James Alexander. younger of the two sons of James and Elizabeth (White) Craig, was born March 19, 1847, in Hebron, New York. He attended the common and high schools of Hehron, and studied three years at Fort Edward Collegiate Institution. where he fitted for the University of Vermont. He was graduated there in 1883, and then took a course at the Bellevue Hospital (and school), New York City, where he remained two years. He then re- turned to the University of Vermont and took a special course in medicine. As soon as he had fin- ished his studies he came to Westmoreland, New Hampshire, and established himself as a physician. He enjoys a large general practice both at home and in the neighboring towns of Chesterfield and Wal- pole. He belongs to the New Hampshire, Cheshire County and American Medical associations. He is a member of Great Meadow Grange, No. 138, was its master five years, and has been its treasurer since 1902, and has also been district and general deputy. He was a member of the school board for nine years, and was on the board of health for a long time. Dr. Craig has been twice married. In 1886 he married Emma Dixon. daughter of Henry Dixon, of Argyle, New York. They had two children: Meda I., born August 15, 1888, is a graduate of the Goddard Semi- nary in Vermont, and Lyle L., born February 26, 1802, goes to school in Westmoreland. Mrs. Emma (Dixon) Craig died in 1806. In 1000 Dr. Craig married Jennie S. Bill, daughter of Willard Bill (2), of Westmoreland, New Hampshire. They have no children. Her father has been selectman, county

treasurer, representative and for many years has been one of Westmoreland's most prominent citi- zens.

SIMPSON This is one of the Scotch-Irish names which has been identified with New Hampshire from a very early Col- onial period and was active and prominent in the development of northern Ireland a century be- fore its transplantation to the Western Continent. The patronymic is derived from Simeon or Simon, by which names at least sixteen different personages are mentioned in the Scriptures. This name was conspicuous in the settlement of Londonderry, New Hampshire, and is found in other sections of the state. It early appears in that part of ancient Ports- mouth, which is now Greenland, and representatives of the family removed from there at an early date to Windham, New Hampshire.

(I) Joseph Simpson probably came from Green- land, and settled in Pembroke. He signed the as- sociation test in 1776. His name is mentioned in the town records of 1789 when he received an al- lowance for "a counterfeit dollar:" and in 1791 when he and three others were allowed their choice in the division of the parish into school districts to have their money or "belong to the Hill Quarter still." His wife's name was Agnes. They had fifteen chil- dren : John, Anna, David, Robert, Samuel, Joseph. James, Jonathan, Mary, Samuel, Calvin, Charles, Esther, Jennie and Peggy.

(II) Mary, ninth child and second daughter of Joseph and Agnes Simpson, was born in 1763, and died July 11, 1841, aged seventy-eight. She married David Simpson.

(I) David Simpson, of Greenland, settled in Pembroke before marriage, and died there. He mar- ried Mary, daughter of Joseph and Agnes Simpson, born in 1763 (see Simpson, 11), and they had chil- dren : Samuel, Rhoda, Calvin and Charles.

(II) Calvin, third child and second son of David and Mary (Simpson) Simpson, was born in 1802, and died in Pembroke, September 20, 1841. He was a farmer in Pembroke. His wife, who was a Miss Lord, died September 29, 1841. They had one child. Henry Thorndyke, whose sketch next follows.

(III) Henry Thorndyke, only child of Calvin Simpson, was born in Pembroke, July 1, 1824. and died March 7, 1898. aged seventy-four. He resided on the site of the old Bartlett tavern in Pembroke, and owned a large and well cultivated farm sur- rounding it. When a young man he learned the art of making brick, and afterwards became a very prominent brick manufacturer. In connection with his farming and brick making he also carried on mer- chandising. Subsequently he became the proprietor of a store in Suncook, which he carried on alone until 1886, when he accepted George E. Miller as a partner, and the business thereafter, during Mr. Simpson's life, was run under the name of Simp- son, Miller & Company. After Mr. Simpson's death his son, Frank H., succeeded to his interests in the business, which he conducted under the same name as formerly. Mr. Simpson was a man who suc ceeded in all his undertakings, and was popular and influential in the community of his residence. His store is the largest and best in Suncook ; his house. made from brick of his own manufacture, is hand- some and commodious. In politics he was a Repub- lican, and as such was elected selectman and repre- sentative, and he rendered efficient service to his constituency. He was deeply interested in the suc-

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cess of Pembroke Academy, and was for many years a trustee of that worthy institution. In religious faith he was a Congregationalist, and was ever ready to help his church when called upon. He married. November 20, 1850, Eudoxcia M. Colby, who was born in Denmark, Maine, June 30, 1830, and died in Pembroke, January 7. 1878. He married (second). May 14. 1879. Ann Sarah Judkins, of Manchester, who was born November 24, 1839, daughter of George .and Caroline ( Rogers) Judkins. The names of the children by the first wife are: George Norris, Walter Colby, Henry Edgar, Nettie Louise, Lizzie Frances, Clara Ada. Frank Henry, Freddie, and Edith Maria; and by his second wife: Florence Augusta, and an infant unnamed. George Norris, born November 30, 1851, married, November, 1881, Josephine Simonds. of Concord, and resides in Sun- cook. Walter Colby, October 24. 1854. died unmar- ried. September 38, 1882. Henry Edgar, died young. Nellie Louise, November II, 1859. married, Novem- ber. 1878, George E. Miller, of Pembroke, and died in 1894 (See Miller, VI). Lizzie Frances. April 15. 1864, married, November 5. 1884. Dr. F. H. Wal- lace. She is now a teacher of music, and resides at the old homestead. She has two children: Clare Wallace, born in Boston, August 9, 1887; and Elno C. Wallace, Boston. July 18, 1890. Clara A., June 17. 1865. married Edward Strand, of Pembroke. Frank Henry, November 28, 1868, is a member of the firm of Simpson, Miller & Company. Freddie, died young. Edith Maria, August 9, 1874. married H. P. Cofran, of Pembroke. Florence Augusta, May 4. 1880, died September 14, 1881.

DUDLEY The colonists of New England, though very democratic in the admin- istration of their affairs, both civil and ecclesiastical, had many persons of gentle birth among them whose worth was always highly ap- preciated. Governor Thomas Dudley, whose de- scendants are now numerous-many of them being prominent, was one of the upper class. Captain Roger Dudley who flourished in the time of Robert Dudley, Queen Elizabeth's famous Earl of Leicester, appears to have been one of the soldiers sent over by the Queen to aid Henry of Navarre to establish his throne, and it further appears that Captain Roger fell in the famous battle of Ivry which Macaulay describes so vividly in his famous poem. The Dud- leys of Dudley Castle were ever inclined to be a military race. Captain Roger Dudley doubtless be- longed to that branch of the family. Not many of his name figure among the early dissenters of Queen Elizabeth's time, but Thomas Dudley. his only son, whose mother was probably of a religious family, became a noted Puritan.

(1) Governor Thomas, only son of Captain Rog- er Dudley, was born in the vicinity of Northampton, England, in 1576. He came to New England in 1630, and settled in Roxbury, Massachusetts. He was a man of great force of character and ability, and was deputy governor and later governor of Massa- chusetts Bay Colony. He died at his home in Rox- bury, July 31, 1653. He married ( first) Dorothy Yorke, who was buried at Roxbury. December 27. 1043, aged sixty-one years; (second) April 14. 1644. Mrs. Catherine Hackburn, of Roxbury, widow of Samuel Hackburn, of Roxbury, and daughter of a Mr. Dighton; and ( third) By his first wife he had five children; by his second, three, and by his third three.

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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 58

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