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. IV, Part 116

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: 878

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. IV > Part 116

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great interest they followed his career, feeling confi- dent that this gifted priest was destined to do some great work in the vineyard of the Lord.

His initial assignment was that of assistant to the Rev. J. A. Chevalier, P. R., of St. Augustine's Church, Manchester, in which capacity he served four years and three months. The zeal displayed by the newly-ordained priest in the discharge of his duties, his fervor for the things of God, his ready sympathy for every sorrow, soon won him the affection of the whole community. It was not long before his talent as a preacher was recog- mized by the worshippers at St. Augustine. But the first opportunity afforded the public of Man- chester to hear the young speaker was at the cele- bration of the semi-centennial of the Queen city, where in an eloquent address to the school children assembled on the Straw grounds he gave proofs of his great ability as an orator. It was with heart- felt sorrow that the people of St. Augustine's parish heard of Father Guertin's assignment to the Sacred Heart Church at Lebanon, New Hampshire, of which the Rev. Martin Egan was then pastor. Here he remained three years and seven months, endearing himself to the members of his church, among whom he labored unceasingly.

It was during Father Guertin's stay at Lebanon that Bishop Bradley first conceived the plan of having missions preached throughout the state, to which non-Catholics would be invited. His choice fell on the curate of Lebanon as the one best fitted to conduct these missions. But Bishop Bradley was forced to give up this cherished plan by a vacancy which occurred in East Manchester, and thither was Father Guertin sent October 7, 1900, to take charge of St. Anthony's parish, which had been founded in 1899 by the Rev. D. C. Ling. At the time Father Guertin was appointed pastor, a debt had been incurred by the erection of a chapel, which was not yet finished. It soon became apparent that it was too small for the fast growing parish, and Father Guertin, realizing this, bought land and moved the church. An addition was built and the building completed. He then opened a school in the basement, which accommodates two hundred and fifty children, under the supervision of four sisters of the Holy Cross and two lay teachers. A parson- age was built on the land adjoining the church, into which he moved, three houses were purchased, one used as a home for the Sisters, and the other two are rented and net a good income to the parish. Notwithstanding all these expenses the debt was reduced to eleven thousand dollars, and the prop- erty owned by the church is valtied at forty-five thousand dollars.

Although the labors of Father Guertin were both arduous and incessant, he always preserved a cheerful spirit, being confident of his future reward, and he not only endeared himself to the Catholic population, but is also held in the highest estimation by his neighbors and fellow-citizens irrespective of creed or nationality. He is especially noted for his bountiful hospitality and attractive social qualities, and his ability as a christian worker is of inestimable value to the general community.

The first news that the Sacred Congregation of the Propaganda had recommended Father Guertin to the Holy Father, Pope Pius X. as third bishop of Manchester, was received through the Associated Press. A dispatch from Rome to that effect was published December 17, 1906, just fourteen years to a day after his ordination to the priesthood. The Papal Brief was received from Rome by Mgr. Falconio, Apostolic delegate at Washington, who

delivered it to Bishop Guertin February 7, and on February 12 the bishop-elect took charge of the diocese of Manchester.

There was great rejoicing among the French- Canadians all over the country, when the glad news was confirmed, that one of their own had been elevated to the dignity of Prince of the Church, he being the first French-Canadian in the United States to be so honored. But it was a joy tinged with sorrow for the little flock at St. Anthony's parish when they realized that the close ties uniting pastor and people would be severed. On March IO the bishop-elect bade farewell to his beloved people of St. Anthony's. From all the parishes of Manchester as well as from the neighboring town, people flocked to the little chapel in East Manchester, all anxious to be present at this touch- ing scene between pastor and faithful. An incident worthy of note was the presence of Bishop-elect Guertin at St. Louis de Gonzague Church, Nashua, New Hampshire, a few days before his consecration. On that evening of March 15th, the episcopal ring, episcopal robes, and a purse were presented him as a testimonial from the people of his native city. Those fortunate enough to gain admission to the crowded church will never forget the young bishop's eloquent words as they welled up from his heart to the lips in grateful tribute to the aged pastor, the Rev. J. B. H. V. Milette, who had been his spiritual adviser, to the father and mother who were no more, to the relatives and friends who came to do him honor.

The Rt. Rev. George Albert Guertin was conse- crated third bishop of the diocese of Manchester on Tuesday morning, March 19, 1907, at St. Joseph's Cathedral, by the Most Rev. Diomede Falconio, archbishop of Larisa and apostolic delegate. The day for this august event was happily chosen, be- ing on the Roman Catholic calendar, that of St. Joseph, the patron saint of the cathedral, and the Catholic Church in the United States. The cere- mony was witnessed by an assemblage that filled the cathedral, and included the state and city officials, leading men of the city, representatives of the various parishes of the diocese and of the vari- ous orders having a chaplain. Clergy from all parts of New England and Canadian provinces, arch- bishops and bishops, monsignori and vicars-general, pastors and curates, filled the sanctuary and the portion of the church set apart for them. Repre- sentatives of the various religious orders of the state and the city, and from all New England were. there as delegates from their respective houses. The great ecclesiastical ceremony, one of the most im- pressive in the ritual of the Catholic Church in this country, was attended with all the solemn splendor befitting the occasion. The highest dignitaries of the church in New England and Canada wearing their robes of purple, significant of their special rank, added splendor to the occasion. Perhaps the most striking figure among the clergy was the Most Rev. John J. Williams, archbishop of Boston, and dean of the New England hierarchy, who has officiated at the consecration of every bishop of the Manchester diocese. Archbishop Williams, despite his advanced age, having passed more than four score. is still active in the performance of his duties. The Most Rev. L. N. Begin, archbishop of Quebec, the Most Rev. Paul Bruchesi, archbishop of Mont- real, and the Right Rev. J. S. H. Brunault, bishop of Nicolet, were among the high dignitaries of the church from Canada to honor the occasion with their presence. From the New England states were present the Most Rev. William H. O'Connell, co-

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adjutor archbishop of Boston, Massachusetts, the Right Rev. Matthew Harkins, bishop of Providence, Rhode Island, the Right Rev. Michael Tierney, bishop of Hartford, Connecticut, and the Right Rev. Thomas D. Beaven, bishop of Springfield, Massachu- setts, and the Right Rev. Louis S. Walsh, bishop of Portland, Maine.

Bishop Guertin is possessed of those qualities which make and retain friendships among both priests and layman, whether Catholic or Protestant, and the rejoicing of the French-Canadians over his elevation to the position he so ably fills was generally shared by the citizens wherever he is known. His kindness of heart, his keen intelligence and his capacity as a leader are at once impressed upon those who meet him, and his genial manners, coupled with the dignity of bearing fitting his po- sition, form a most happy combination that endears him at once to the visitor. Though he has but just begun the duties of a position which it is to be hoped he may long fill, until further promoted in his holy work, he readily proceeds with his labors, without hesitancy or error, and is destined to wield a great influence in his church and among the evangelizing influences of the Nation.

(III) Jean Baptiste A. Guertin, son

GUERTIN of George and Louise (Lefebvre) Guertin, was born in Nashua, Sep-

tember 6, 1874 (see preceding article). He be- gan his education in the public schools, which he subsequently left to enter a parochial school and after the conclusion of his studies he took a po- sition as clerk in a grocery store. He later found employment in one of the Nashua mills, but soon relinquished that occupation in order to resume mer- cantile business as clerk in a furniture store, where he remained some three years, and at the expiration of that time he once more became a mill operative. After the death of his father, which occurred in 1902, he succeeded to the harness making business hitherto carried on by the elder Guertin, and is now well established in that line of trade. Mr. Guertin is a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters, the St. Jean de Baptiste Society, the League of the Sacred Heart, the Canado-American Association of Manchester, and of St. Aloysius Church. He mar- ried, July 25, 1898, Angeline Burque, daughter of Alphonse and Louise (Dutilly ) Burque, and has had a family of five children, to of whom, Alphonse and George, are no longer living. The survivors are Anthony, Octave and Victor.

SCAMMON The Scammon family is of English origin. The first of the name of whom there is any record was Captain Edmund Scammon who commanded a war vessel under Admiral Rainsborough in the English naval expedition of 1637. The English branch of the family is represented at the present time by sev- eral families writing themselves Scaman, that live at or near Horncastle in Lincolnshire, where they are land holders. An ancient place in Yorkshire bears the name Scammonden and was doubtless the home of some of the family.

(I) The first American ancestor of the Scam- mon family appears to be Richard Scammon, who came to Boston and moved thence to Portsmouth and was living there about 1640. From Ports- mouth there radiated five brothers and sisters : Richard, Anne, John, Elizabeth and Humphrey. Anne Scammon married, about 1650, Major Richard Waldron, of Dover, and died February 7, 1685. Her husband was the noted Major Waldron, who was

killed by the Indians, June 27, 1680. John Scammon lived at Kittery, Maine, and had one daughter, Elizabeth, who married an Atkins. Elizabeth Scam- mon married (first), about 1649, Peter Sidgett, a merchant of Salem, Massachusetts; (second) Hon. John Saffin, judge of the superior court of Massa- chusetts ; she died November, 1687. Humphrey Scammon, born 1640, married Elizabeth Jordan ; settled at Saco, Maine, and died January 1, 1727. Among his descendants were Colonel James Scam- mon, of Saco, who commanded a regiment in the Revolution, and Hon. John F. Scammon, of Saco, member of congress, 1845-47.

(II) Richard (2), son of Richard (I) Scam- mon, was born probably in England and migrated to America with his father. He lived at Ports- mouth for a time, then at Dover, being taxed there in 1662. He married, about 1661, Prudence Wal- dron, only daughter of William Waldron, of Dover. William Waldron was the eldest brother of Major Waldron, and was baptized at Alcester, Warwick- shire. England, October 18, 1601, and came to Dover about 1635. In 1641 he was one of four magistrates appointed by Massachusetts. Was twice deputy to the general court and was recorder of court, also recorder of Maine. He was drowned while at- tempting to cross the river at Kennebunk, Maine, September, 1646. Waldron purchased shares in the Shrewsbury Patent, 1642, which were a part of his estate at the time of his death. The tract covered by this patent was located on the east bank of the Swamscot, extending from Wheelwrights creek to Moores creek and three miles inland, and covered the southern part of the present town of Stratham. Richard (2) Scammon acquired title to the re- mainder of this tract and settled on it 1665. The papers relating to his title were recorded June II, 1666. His business after acquiring Shrewsbury Patent was farming and lumbering. The dam that marks the site of his mill is still pointed out on Thompson's brook. He took the oath of allegiance at Exeter in 1677, and was in garrison there during the Indian troubles. In some of the early records he is spoken of as living at Exeter but no part of his land was within the limits of that town. Exeter, however, was the nearest organized settlement and he was taxed there, held office there and was ac- corded all the privileges of an actual resident. In religion he was an Episcopalian and joined Ed- ward Hilton and Francis Champernoune in efforts to secure protection for that faith. He was one of the defendants in the historc contest over the Ma- son claims and suffered loss from the consequent confusion of land titles. His business affairs were well handled, however, and he appears in the Exeter tax list of 16844 as one of the two largest taxpayers. He conveyed his land and property to his children hy deed in 1691.

The children of Richard (2) and Prudence (Waldron) Scammon were: Richard, born about 1662. Thomas, born about 1663. William, whose sketch follows. Jane, born July 21, 1667. Prudence, born August 29, 1669. Elizabeth, born April 22, 1671. Mary, born May 31, 1673. The date of the death of Richard (2) Scammon is uncertain, but was previous to December, 1697. His widow sur- vived some years but died before March, 1721, as on the third of that month her son William deeds land to his sister, Jane Deane, according as he says, to the desire and request of his honored mother, Prudence, late of Stratham.

(III) William, third son of Richard (2) and Prudence (Waldron) Scammon, was born Febru- ary 29, 1664, probably at Dover. He received the

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home place at Stratham from his father. He was in the service against the Indians in 1696, and was selectman at Exeter in 1699 and 1700. When Strat- ham was chartered in 1716 he was one of the first board of assessors, and was one of the committee ordered to "take care to build a meeting house with all convenient speed." When the meeting house was "seated," after the custom of the time, he was seated on "ye first chief seat." He served as se- lectman in 1717-18-19. He was a large farmer and kept slaves. lle married, January 4, 1721, Rachel, daughter of James and Elizabeth Thurber, of Reho- both, Massachusetts. Her people were of the Rhode Island Baptists in religion, and Baptist historians credit her with having been the first Baptist in New Hampshire, and with having been instrumental in laying the foundation of several churches of that faith. The children of William and Rachel (Thur- ber) Scammon were: Richard (3), whose sketch follows, and Samuel, twins, born November 17, 1722. James, born November 10, 1725. Elizabeth, born August 13, 1728. Barnabas, born April 27, 1733. Of these children only Richard left descend- ants. William Scammon died September 28, 1743. His widow died September 25, 1761.

(IV) Richard (3), eldest son of William and Rachel (Thurber) Scammon, was born at Stratham, November 17, 1722, and inherited the home place. He was a farmer and old tax lists still extant give him as the town's largest taxpayer. At the be- ginning of the Revolution he was a member of the committee of safety, but is said to have disapproved of independence and to have become a Tory, though his oldest son was a Revolutionary soldier. In the latter part of his life Richard (3) became a ship- owner and was interested in the West India ship- ping trade. He married, September, 1753, Elizabeth, daughter of Lieutenant Samuel and Mehitable (Pickering) Weeks, of Greenland, where Elizabeth was baptized in 1732.

Their children were: Rachel, born October 12, 1754, married Walter Neal, of Newmarket. Wil- liam, born March 31, 1756, married Sarah Robin- son. Elizabeth, born 1757, died in infancy. Samuel, born 1759, died in infancy. Mary, born September 24, 1760, married Edward Burleigh. Richard, born May 31, 1762. Samuel, born 1764, died in West Indies, mate on a vessel belonging to his father, 1789. Elizabeth, born May 9, 1768, married Kinsley Lyford, of Exeter. James, whose sketch follows. Hezekiah, born March 26, 1773, married Leah Stockbridge, and lived in Stratham. Jonathan, born 1775, died in infancy. Of these children Richard and James have descendants of the name living.

Richard married Elizabeth Chase and was the father of Hon. Eliakim Scammon, of East Pitts- ton, Maine, who was a member of the Maine state senate. His son, Jonathan Young Scammon, born July 27, 1812, graduated at Waterville College, 1831, went to Chicago, 1835, and became eminent as a lawyer and banker. He was the head of the law firm of Scammon, McCagg & Fuller. IIe established the Marine Bank and was its president, and later was president of the Merchants' National Bank. He was a projector and director of the Chicago & Galena railroad, the first railroad built in northern Illinois. He was active in developing the Chicago school system and one of the city schools was namned the Scammon. In 1872 lie founded the Inter Ocean newspaper. His public benefactions in- cluded the founding of Hahneman Hospital, the building of a church for the Swedenborgian Society and he gave an observatory to the Chicago Astro- nomical Society. He was a devoted friend of Abra-

ham Lincoln, whose son, Robert T. Lincoln, studied law in the office of Scammon, McCagg & Fuller. Mr. Scammon died March 17, 1890. E. Parker Scammon, son of Eliakim, graduated from West Point, 1837. Served in the war with Mexico. Later was president of St. Mary's Polytechnic In- stitute, Cincinnati. At the beginning of the Civil war was commissioned colonel of the Twenty-third Ohio Volunteers, was promoted brigadier-general for meritorious service at South Mountain, and served through the war. Was afterward in the consular service. Died at New York, 1894. Charles Melville, son of Eliakim, was appointed captain in the United States revenue marine service, 1862, serving on the Pacific coast. He is the author of an exhaustive work on "Marine Mammals," published 1874, that is a recognized authority on its subject. Captain Scammon is now on the retired list and is living at Fruitvale, California.

(V) James Scammon, son of Richard (3) and Elizabeth (Weeks) Scammon, was born April 26, 1771, at the home place in Stratham, and spent his entire life there. His principal business was farm- ing, though he dealt considerably in real estate. He was a strong Democrat but was never in prac- tical politics. He served as school committeeman and selectman. He reared four sons and two daugh- ters, and gave each of the sons a farm and the daughters an equivalent. His wife was Lydia Par- ker, daughter of Stephen and Susannah ( Wiggin) Wiggin, whom he married April, 1796. Their chil- dren were: John, whose sketch follows. Lydia, born February 9, 1800, married Benjamin Barker, of Exeter. Ira James, June II, 1803, married Ann Lyford. Stephen, January 25, 1805, married Maria Gordon. Richard, whose sketch follows. Elizabeth Susan, born May 10, 1812, married Michael Dalton, of North Hampton. James Scammon died April 6, 1859, aged eighty-eight. His wife died October 15, 1840, aged sixty-three.

(VI) John, eldest child of James and Lydia P. (Wiggin) Scammon, was born at the old home- stead in Stratham, August 22, 1797. He was edu- cated in the common school of his native town, at Hampton Academy and at a private school at South Newmarket. He was a most industrious student and kept at his books so late that his land- lady objected to supplying so many candles. After leaving school, teaching seemed his natural voca- tion, and he followed it many years with marked success. His fine presence and imposing size- he weighed about two hundred and sixty pounds in the prime of life-commanded instant respect, and his services were sought in difficult districts. Although the care of his farm was his nominal occupation through life, most of his time was spent in other duties. He was a fine mathematician and an accomplished surveyor, and was much called on for work of that sort. When about sixteen he saw service in the War of 1812, becoming ensign of a company which was stationed at one of the forts in Portsmouth Harbor. After that war he was made a captain in the militia, and was a popular and efficient officer. In town affairs he bore a lifelong and prominent part, being unusually well equipped for conducting all branches of that busi- ness. In politics he was an unswerving Democrat, but all classes recognized his intelligent judgment and natural leadership. He served as moderator for eighteen years, 1834-38, 1840-49, inclusive, also in 1851-52 and 1857 ; he was on the school committee in 1844-47-49; he was selectman in 1824-25-26 and chairman of the board for fourteen years-1834- 38, 1841-47, inclusive, also in 1849 and 1850. He

...

John Scammon .

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served as representative in 1835-36-37, serving on the judiciary committee. Although not formally trained in the law, few men in the profession had a more extensive and accurate knowledge of the subject than himself. His qualifications in this matter were so well understood that in 1853 he was made justice of the court of common pleas. Judge Scammon discharged his duties on the bench with credit to himself and satisfaction to the public, serving until the constitution of the courts was changed. He was one of those men who seem born to be a leader in the community, and he was prob- ably the most influential man in Stratham during his day. In religion he was a Baptist, and was one of the committee having charge of the new Christian ( Baptist) Chapel about 1840.

On October 31, 1824, Captain (afterwards Judge) John Scanimon married Mary G. Barker, daughter of Noah and Deborah (Gilman) Barker, of Exeter. Mary Barker was the eldest child of her father and his second wife, and was born 'September 17, 1801. The four children of Judge John and Mary (Bar- ker) Scammon were: Lydia Parker, born Novem- ber 20, 1825. John James, whose sketch follows. Susan Deborah, November 16, 1837. Mary Ellen, October II, 1839. Judge John Scammon died sud- denly March 19, 1863, at the age of sixty-six. His widow, Mrs. Mary (Barker) Scammon, died May 7, 1894, aged ninety-three years.

(VII) John James, only son and second child of Judge John and Mary G. (Barker) Scammon, was born November 22, 1828, on the paternal home- stead in Stratham, New Hampshire. He attended the schools of his native town, and subsequently studied at Exeter and Hampton academies. Like his father and others of the family, he taught school for a time ; but afterward engaged in the meat and provision business. For a while he was a member of the firm of Mace & Scammon, at Exeter ; but he finally gave his entire attention to farming. He owned about one hundred and seventy-five acres of excellent tillage land, situated two miles from the village of Exeter; and his substantial buildings and well kept fields bore witness to his thrift and prosperity. He was a man of great industry and continued in active work till the close of life. Like all his ancestors, Mr. Scammon was a Democrat of the old school; and he was often elected to local office, though not of the prevailing political party. He served as selectman, was deputy sheriff for eight years, and was connected with the school de- partment for fifteen years. In religious belief he was a Congregationalist. On February 9, 1860, John James Scammon married Rachel S. Jewell, daugh- ter of David and Rachel (Leavitt) Jewell, who was born at Exeter, January II, 1836. Mrs. Rachel (Jewell) Scammon belongs to one of the oldest New England families, and is a great-granddaugh- ter of Captain Daniel Jewell, who served in the Revolution (see Jewell, VII). To John J. and Rachel (Jewell) Scammon were born two sons : Frank H., born June 15, 1861; and John, whose sketch follows. Frank H. Scammon became a pro- vision dealer in Exeter. He married Josephine Pickering of the neighboring town of Greenland; and they had three children: Helen R., Alice J. and Edwin H. Frank H. Scammon, the father of this family, died August 28, 1906, at the early age of forty-five years. His father, John James Scam- mon, died at Stratham, December 4, 1904, at the age of seventy-six.

(VIII) John, second son and child of John James and Rachel (Jewell) Scammon, was born at Stratham, September 30, 1865. He was edu-

cated at the Exeter high school and at Phillips Exeter Academy, and studied law with General Gilman Marston and Marston & Eastman of Exeter, and also took a course at the Law School of Boston University. For a time he abandoned the profession, and was employed in mercantile pursuits and by the Boston & Maine railroad. In 1896, while still in the service of the railroad, he resumed the study of law at night and during his unemployed time, and was admitted to the New Hampshire bar in 1898. He entered the office of Eastman & Young at Exeter, one of the prominent law firms of the state; and soon after the appointment of Jolin E. Young, the junior partner, to the superior bench, Mr. Scammon became a member of the firm of Eastman, Scammon & Gardner, which association exists at the present time. Mr. Scammon is a di- rector in the Hampton Water Works Company, the Union Publishing Company of Manchester, New Hampshire, and is interested in other business enter- prises. The Scammon family has produced many distinguished lawyers and financiers, notably the late J. Young Scammon, of Chicago, and James Scammon, of Kansas City; and John Scammon, of Exeter, bids fair to sustain the reputation of the family in New Hampshire.

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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. IV, Part 116

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: 878

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: 878