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 59

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 59

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The early history of the Colbath

COLBATH family is, like that of many another (in truth we might say, most others), shrouded in more or less of doubt and mystery. This is due partly to the fact of few records being kept in early days; partly to changes and wars that brought about the removal or destruction of those heads of families who were capable of handing down orally such valuable in- formation ; and to the serious loss by firm of those books and manuscripts in which matter bearing upon and relating to family, church and town history were recorded. Indeed, this latter cause, fire, is the fell destroyer that has blotted forever from the pages of history important and valuable data.

Southgate, in his "History of Scarborough, Maine," published in 1853, writes: "Several broth- ers bearing the surname Colbath came from Eng- land early in the eighteenth century and settled in various parts of New England.

Ridlon, in his "Saco Valley Families," claims that Scotland was the country from which the early Colbaths emigrated. He writes as follows : "The name Colbath, as now spelled in America, has

HOMESTEAD OF JAMES AND OLIVE COLBATH IN 19 00

100 YEARS AFTER THEIR DE CE ASE

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undergone the mutilation common to nearly all surnames dating from an early period. We first find it as Calbreath, and later running through such changes as Galbreth, Galbraitlı, Colbraith, Kil- breth and Colbroth. The various forms of spelling may be attributed to the fancy of some cadets of the family who, as younger sons, established junior branches in new localities ; and to such early scribes as received the pronunciation of names from men of foreign accent.

"The name originated in two Gaelic words, 'Gall' and 'Bhretan,' meaning ·The Stranger Briton,' or as it were, 'Children of the Briton.'"

They were then evidently, descendants of that great, splendid tribe of Brythorn Gauls, or, as the Romans called them, Britons, who invaded and conquered the English Isles some three hundred years before the Christian era, and gave the name of Great Britain to them for all time. Later, when the invading Saxon and Englishman came, they found in these Britons their fiercest foes. More than two centuries of the bitterest war was waged ere they were overcome, and then, only by the ever increasing hosts of the Saxon. Quoting again from Ridlon :

"As intimated, the families bearing these names are of Scottish derivation. The earliest of whom we have found mention were Gillispick Galbrait (1230 A. D.) and Arthur Galbrait (1296 A. D.), who swore fealty to King Edward I. William Galbraith is mentioned as a person 'of good ac- count' in the middle of the fourteenth century. Ca- dets of the family early intermarried with the lordly houses of Douglass and Hamilton. and through such alliances became possessed of exten- sive estates in Scotland, where they have con- tinned. During the time of the plantation of Ulster in the north of Ireland by Scottish families ( 1608- 1620), several brothers named Calbreath or Gal- braith, who had purchased extensive lands from Sir John Calyuhon, Laird of Luss, removed to that country. These lands, which were called the Manor of Corkagh, were sold in 1664, and two of the brothers, Humphrey and William Galbraith, were retained as agents of Bishop Spottiswood. Another of the brothers was Robert Galbraith. The present repre- ' sentative of the family in Great Britain is John Samuel Galbraith, Esq., magistrate, high sheriff, justice of the peace, and doctor of laws. Heir presumptive his brother, Robert Galbraith. The family seat is Clanabogan, County Tyrone, Ire- land."

Nason, the biographer of Hon. Henry Wilson, late vice-president of the United States, says : "Wilson's ancestors, the Colbaths, were of excel- lent stock, largely from Argyleshire, in Scotland."

Burke's "Encyclopaedia of Heraldry," the great authority in such matters, gives the family coat-of- arms. Bendy of six. argent and azure; on a chief sable, three crosses patee or. The simplicity of these armorial bearings would indicate a very early date; the use of a "chief" presupposes leadership by its bearer ; and the pattee crosses point to the bearer being a participant in the ernsades to the Holy Land and a member of the order of "Knights Templar."

" And on his brest a bloodie crosse he bore,

The deare remembrance of his dying Lord,

For whose sweete sake that glorious badge he wore, And dead, as living ever, him adored : Upon his shield the like was also scored." -Spencer.

(I) So far as known, the earliest appearance of the name Colbath in America is that of John Colbreath, who was one of the Scotch Presby-

terians of the "North of Ireland," who petitioned "his Excellency Colonel Samuel Suitt, Gov. of New England," (Gov. Samuel Shute) "to assure his Ex- cellency of their inclinations to transport themselves to his plantation upon obtaining suitable encourage- ment from him." While many of those names written nearly two hundred years ago (March 26, 1718) are nearly, some quite, obliterated, the name John Colbreath, remains clear and distinct. The handwriting is almost identical with that of the early Colbaths of Newington, now to be found upon legal papers, and gives satisfactory proof that he and George Colbath, (Colbroth, or Colbreath) who was the ancestor-we believe the emigrant ancestor-of the New Hampshire line of Colbaths, were of the same family.

The next apearance of the name is found in Bradford, Massachusetts. "William Nutt, Jane Colbreath, married May 30, 1723." Next we find in a journal kept by Rev. Joseph Adams, who was pastor of the Newington church from Novem- ber 16, 1715, to the date of his death, May 20, 1783, this entry :

'1725 Sepr 19. Mary Coolbroth owned ye Covenant and was baptized."

"Item. James, Pitman, William & Joseph & Benjamin Sons & Susanna & Mehitabel Daughters wr baptized" "1728 Feb 4. "George Coolbroth owned ye Covenant & was baptized."

We have but one earlier mention of George Colbath-the taxlist of Portsmouth, for the year 1727. shows John and George Colbath as taxpayers. As shown by an old deed, dated July 30, 1730, George Colbath bought land in Newington, of Wil- liam and Abigail Cotton, of Portsmouth. August 13. 1738, he was granted administration of the estate of his son George Colbath, Jr., in which appointment he is styled "yeoman." April 14, 1752, he sold land in Newington, "with the dwelling house and barn standing thereon," to his son Joseph Colbath, and his wife Mary Colbath joined in the conveyance. Thus we have positive evidence of the existence of eight persons who were sons and daughters of George and Mary Colbath : George, James, Pitman, William, Joseph, Benja- min, Susannah and Mehitable.

It is of interest to note that three of these sturdy sons-Pitman, Joseph, and Benjamin-served their King, under Colonel Samuel Moore, at the siege of Louisburg, in 1745. Later v.e find one of these sons, Benjamin, a Revolutionary soldier, under Colonel Nathan Hale; he died in the service of his country March 20, 1778. Three sons of Benjamin- John, aged twenty-two years; Downing, aged seven- teen years ; and Dependence, aged sixteen years- with their father, served their country in her hour of need.

(II) James, second son of George and Mary Colbath, is thought to have been born about 1715. His wife, Olive Leighton, was the fifth child of Thomas and Deborah Leighton, of Newington. Her grandfather was Thomas, who married Elizabeth, daughter of Elder Hatevil Nutter, of Dover, New Hampshire, and her great-grandparents were Jo- anna and Thomas Leighton ( chied January 22. 1671), the English emigrants, who were married probably in England.

The children of the marriage of James and Olive Colbath were: Leighton. baptized December 1, 1739: Independance : Hunking, February 17, 1743; Deborah, October 9, 1745 ; Keziah -; Winthrop, (the grandfather of the late Hon. Henry Wilson) June 16, 1751 ; Amy. July 9, 1758; and Benning, born May 28. 1762. (Winthrop and descendants are mentioned in this article).

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James Colbath was a prosperous citizen of New- ington, and with his brothers held various offices of the town for many years. The deeds of convey- ance to and from James Colbath, show that, in addition to his Newington real estate, he was for many years, an extensive landholder in the town of Barnstead, New Hampshire. In the year 1748, with the consent of and "humbly" recommended by all the selectmen of his town, James Colbath sent the following :

"To the Honorable: The Court of Quarter Sessions now setting at Portsmouth, in the Prov- ince of New Hampshire. the Humble Petition of James Colbath : Shewith that your Petitioner hav- ing a Gristmill near my Dwelling house which oc- casions my home to be much thronged with people, which come to the said mill, and there being no Publick house near putts me humbly requesting that the Honorable Court will allow your Petitioner the Liberty of Keeping a Public Tavern, and your Petitioner as in Duty bound shall ever pray.

"Newington, March 7th, 1748-9."

This petition was granted unto James Colbath, and for many years after the "Publick Tavern" was a meeting place not alone for the grist mill folk, but for political and public gatherings, proving an orna- ment of public utility to the staid citizens of New- ington. The Colbath home, located near the church, has been preserved, and is pointed out as one of the famous landmarks of the town. It is two-storied and painted, and is yet in use as a dwelling house. In the year 1784-85, James and Olive, with their son Benning, removed to that part of Rochester, which is now Farmington, and later to Middleton, where James and Olive died before 1800. They rest in the beautiful site of the family burial ground, upon a hillside of the Colbath farm.

(III) Benning Colbath, born May 28, 1762, died September 27, 1824, married Mary Rollins, born May 26, 1761, died August 9, 1825, daughter of Mary Huntress and Samuel Rollins, of Newington. She was directly descended from James "Rawlins" who emigrated to America in 1632. with the early settlers of Ipswich, Massachusetts (Samuel (4), Sam- uel (3), Joseph (2), James (I). So favorably is the name Rollins known in New Hampshire history that we need not dwell upon the sterling qualities of her character. She was a person of high aspirations and ideals. Her memory is sweetly sacred to her de- scendants, "even unto the third and fourth genera- tion." The children of Benning and Mary Colbath, were: Betsey, born May 10, 1785; Samuel, Feb- ruary 10, 1788; Mary H., May 6, 1791; Benning, November 17. 1795, dicd young; Benjamin R., June 6, 1799; Ephraim R., December 24, 1802. Benning Colbath was a man of weight and worth. In 1793 we find him one of the officials of his adopted town ; and he remained in her service for more than twenty consecutive years as selectman and in the various offices in her gift.

(IV) Samuel, son of Benning Colbath, born February 10, 1788, in Rochester; died December 8, 1855, in Middleton, married. June 8, 1809, Elizabeth Clark. born May 24, 1788, died December 24, 1867, of Middleton. Elizabeth Clark was one of those, of whom it may be justly said :

"None knew her but to love her, None named her but to praise."

A gentle Christian woman, whose daily life was one of prayer. She was the daughter of Samuel and Abigail (Hanson) Clark. Her father served in the war of 1812, and was an extensive land holder. In 1810

he sold to Hatevil Knight, of Rochester, one hun- dred and thirty acres of land in New Durham, in which conveyance he is styled "gentleman". Later he sold his homestead farm and removed to St. Johnsbury, Vermont, with his son, Nathaniel Clark. It is proudly re-called by his descendants, that on a visit to his son he made the journey from St. Johnsbury to Middleton, New Hampshire, in a sleigh, when above ninety years of age. The chil- dren of Samuel and Elizabeth Colbath were: Sa- brina H .. and Jeremiah Smith.

In 1816, directly succeeding his father Benning, we find Samuel Colbath one of the selectmen of Middleton, which office he held for many years. Not alone for his public service was he honored, but for the great moral worth of his character, his blameless life and his upright dealings with his fel- low men.

Jeremiah J. Collath

(V) Jeremiah Smith Colbath was born Feb- ruary 2, 1812, in Middleton, at what is now known as the "old Colbath Homestead." The house is quaint and picturesque, and is delightfully situated, overlooking, as it does, the valley of the Cocheco river and the city of Rochester, with a fine view of the distant hills. In the occupancy of the house, four generations of Colbaths have preceded the present owner. Elizabeth Colbath Davis, who is of the sixth generation of Colbaths in America.

The subject of this biography early gave evi- dence of intellectual ability and great love of study, which were prominent traits through life even to its close. After a course in common school he studied under the instruction of Thomas Tash, the scholar and linguist, until he became a teacher. Being an only son, he did not long continue in this occupation ; his duty call was to the farm, to com- fort the declining years of his parents. July 18, 1841, he united in marriage with Lydia Millet Web- ster, of New Durham. She was a beautiful and brilliant woman, who possessed great firmness and purity of mind. Like her husband, she had been a teacher in the public schools. Lydia Millet Web- ster (1806-1889) was the daughter of Reuben (1771- 1854) and Lydia (Smith) Webster (1771-1864) of New Durham. Lydia (Smith) Webster was the daughter of Lieutenant John Smith (1732-1819) of Lubberland Durham; whose wife was Lydia Millet, (1735-1821) daughter of Hon. Thomas Millet of Dover. Ebenezer Smith, who was for twenty years president of the Strafford county bar, was of the family. The children of Reuben and Lydia (Smith) Webster were: John, born May 12. 1794; Stephen, July 26, 1796; Abigail, February 4, 1798; Elizabeth, December 30, 1801; Valentine S., April 9, 1803; Lydia M., November 21, 1806; and Drusilla B., Jan- uary 5. 18II.

Lydia Millet Webster was distinctly of English blood, being directly descended from John Web- ster. born in England, (died 1646) of Ipswich, Mas- sachusetts, on the paternal side; on the maternal, from George Smith, who came from old Haugh, in Chester County, England.

The military services of the family Webster are noteworthy. Two nephews-Joseph F. Webster and Henry S. (Webster) Willey of Farmington- enlisted early and served honorably in the late re- bellion. Her brother Stephen (3) Webster, (1796- 1872) served in the war of 1812. Her grandfather, Stephen (2) Webster, (1739-1827) was a revolu- tionary soldier from October 4, 1775, to his dis-

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charge in 1781. He was honored by an invitation to Concord, New Hampshire, at the time of the visit of General Lafayette to that city; and made the journey from New Durham on horseback, when above eighty-five years of age. His father, Stephen (1) Webster, born 1712, of Salisbury, Massachusetts, was an officer in the French and Indian war. In the expedition against Crown Point (1755-1756) he appears as "Captain in His Majesty's service."

Reuben Webster, father of Lydia Millet, was a prosperous farmer who had by energy and thrift won from the virgin forest the fertile farm upon which he reared his ambitious sons and daughters. The only child of Jeremiah Smith and Lydia Millet Colbath, a daughter named Elizabeth Lydia was born April 18, 1845, and married, May 1, 1873, Thomas M. Davis of Newfield, Maine.

At the age of twenty-six years Jeremiah S. Col- bath was appointed by Governor Isaac Hill, justice of the peace for Strafford county, which office, but for a lapse of some three years. he retained through life. July 2, 1861, he was appointed appraiser of state prison property, and on the same date he was appointed justice of the peace and quorum. His was a busy life. Much time was given to literary re- search, and to preparing articles for publication. At his decease, he left in manuscript, and nearly ready for the publisher a history of his native town of Middleton. He engaged extensively in farming and was also noted as a land surveyor, to which employment he was often called. For many years he served his town as selectman; and in eight of those years was elected chairman of the board. He was also supervisor of schools. In the year 1865 he removed from his native Middleton to the town of New Durham, where he had by purchase be- come the owner of a large farm. In 1866 we find him in the service of his adopted town as one of the appraisers of her real estate. May 5 of the same year he was elected one of the investigating committee to examine her accounts. Thence on, we find him prominently in her service, as select- man, treasurer, and supervisor of schools. At the age of seventy years, while at Dover New Hampshire, as foreman of the jury, on an important case, he was seized with fatal illness, and died in that city, October 1, 1882. Thus passed suddenly from life's active duties, while in full mental vigor, one who had ever been the soul of truth and honor. Kindly remembered, respected, and beloved, he sleeps with his loved wife and hon- ored dead, upon the hillside at his early home in Middleton, New Hampshire.

"Warm summer sun, Shine kindly here. Warm Southern wind, Blow softly here. Green sod above Lie light, lie light. Good night, dear heart, Good night, good night.

(III) Winthrop Colbath, born in Newington, March 18, 1751, married Hannah Rollins, born in Greenland, September 8, 1750.

(IV) George, son of Winthrop and Hannah (Rollins) Colbath, born July 26, 1773, at Newington, married Mary Knight, born December 31, 1776, at Rochester. George died May 16, 1829, aged fifty-six, and Mary (Knight) Colbath, died December 9, 1856, aged eighty. They were married in 1796. Their children: John, September 16, 1796; William, February 25, 1798; George, May 2, 1799: Winthrop, February 14, 1801; Rosamond, May 15, 1804; Lewis, October 13, 1805; Hiram, April 27, 1807; Mary, October 4, 1808; James, April 3, 1810; John (2), February 29, 1812; George (2), June 10. 1813;

Charles G., May 1, 1815; Cynthia, March 5, 1817. (V) William, son of George and Mary (Knight) Colbath, born in Middleton, New Hampshire, Feb- ruary 25, 1798, on the home farm, and followed agriculture all his life on the old homestead. He married, January 27, 1813, Sarah Pinkham Randall, of Alton, and their children were: George W., Wil- liam, Levi, Caroline ( Mrs. Ham), Sarah (Mrs. John Griffin) and Jane (Mrs. Holmes).

(VI) William (2), second child of William (1) and Sarah R. (Pinkham) Colbath, was born in New Durham, May 23, 1824. When a young man he learned the shoemaker's trade, which he.followed for some time, but relinquished that calling to enter the employ of the Beach Soap Company, Dover, and was in charge of its plant for a period of twenty- five years. His first wife, Harriet, died in Rochester, March 22, 1854, aged twenty-seven years. He mar- ried Mary Jane Churchill, daughter of Eben and Ann (Gove) Churchill, of Brookfield, New Hamp- shire, and had a family of seven children, the first born of whom died in infancy. Those who lived to maturity are: Charles W., a merchant in Dover ; Edwin C., see succeeding paragraph; Annie L., George W., also of Dover; Albert P., resident of Haverhill; and Irving, who is local manager of the Postal Telegraph Company in the last named place.

(VII) Edwin C., third child of William (2) and Mary Jane (Churchill) Colbath, was born in Dover, October 8, 1862. His early education was acquired in the public schools and he concluded his studies with a commercial course at the Franklin Academy. Some years prior to his majority he entered the employ of Bartholomew Rich, a pro- vision dealer of Dover, whom he subsequently suc- ceeded, as a clerk in that establishment for a num- ber of years; he became thoroughly acquainted with the business. In company with his brother, Charles WV., he acquired possession of the business, which is now being conducted under the firm name of Col- bath Brothers, and this concern is at the present time carrying on a thriving trade in groceries, provisions, etc. Politically Mr. Colbath acts with the Republi- can party, and in 1904 was elected county commis- sioner for two years. He is far advanced in Free Masonry, having taken thirty-two degrees ; member of Moses Paul Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons. Belknap Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Orphan Council, Royal and Select Masters; St. Paul Com- mandery, Knights Templar; Bektash Temple, An- cient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine ; New Hampshire Consistory, Ancient Order Scottish Rite; Prescott Encampment, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he is a past officer, and a member of the Royal Arcanum. On April 10, 1894, he was joined in marriage with Edith B. Smart, daughter of Charles and Susan (Harvey) Smart. The children of this union are: Gladys H .. born April 15, 1895; and William E., September 17, 1896.

CARTER The large family of this name whose branches stretch from the shores of the Atlantic to the Pacific coast could in a majority of cases perhaps trace their ancestry back to the educated English immigrant who, like many others, put freedom to the worship of God according to the dictates of his own conscience above everything else. The early Carters, like mnost men similarly situated, pioneer builders of a common- wealth, were farmers. Naturally they were sturdy and industrious. They were kind-hearted and pub- lic-spirited, because they were often compelled to ask favors, and they realized that there was strength in union. They were sensible and God-fearing, withal, as these were inherited characteristics. It is

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noticeable that many of the virtues of the early stock are prominent in the later progeny, who with greater opportunities, have accomplished more than was possible for the pioneers and their immediate descendants. "The early records show the Carters of those days to have been prominent in all matters of public interest; the division of land, and laying out of roads, the building of a meeting house, the founding of churches, and the establishment of schools were entrusted to them. Many also were ac- tive in the military organizations and duties of their day, so that much of the religious, moral and in- tellectual culture and prosperity of the communities where they settled is due to the labors of these an- cestors."

(I) Rev. Thomas Carter was born in 1610, and graduated at St. John's College, Cambridge, Eng- land, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, in 1629, and Master of Arts, 1633. He came from St. Al- bans, Hertfordshire, England, in the "Planter," em- barking April 2, 1635. He came ostensibly as a ser- vant of George Giddings, because of the difficulty in obtaining leave to emigrate. On his arrival in this country he was admitted an inhabitant of Dedham, Massachusetts,, in September, 1636. He was then a student in divinity. Subsequently he removed to Watertown, Massachusetts, and was ordained the first minister of the church in Woburn, Massachu- setts. November 22, 1642. His death occurred Sep- tember 5. 1684. He preached his first sermon there December 4, 1641, and upon his ordination was pre- sented with a house built for his use. His salary was fixed at eighty pounds annually, one-fourth in silver. and the remainder in the necessaries of life at the current price. In 1674 twenty cords of wood were given him annually in addition. He performed all the duties of his office as pastor for thirty-six years unaided. Afterwards Rev. Jabez Fox became his assistant till the end of life. He was characterized by one who knew him well as a "reverend, godly man, apt to teach the sound and wholesome truths of Christ," and "much encreased with the encreasings of Christ Jesus." Prior to 1640 he married Mary Dal- ton, who died March 28, 1687. His children were : Samuel, Judith, Theophilus, Abigail, Deborah, Tim- othy and Thomas. (Thomas and descendants re- ceive notice in this article).

(II) Rev. Samuel, eldest child of Rev. Thomas and Mary (Dalton) Carter, was born August 8, 1640, graduated at Harvard College. 1660, married, 1672, Eunice Brooks, daughter of John and Eunice (Mon- sall) Brooks, born in Woburn, October 10, 1655, and died minister of the church in Groton, Massachusetts, in the autumn of 1693. Mr. Carter was admitted an inhabitant and proprietor of the common lands by a vote of the town of Woburn, January 4. 1665-66, and sustained at different times several responsible offices in the town-selectman, 1679-81-82-83 : commissioner of rates, 1680; town clerk, 1690; and was engaged as teacher of the grammar schools in 1685-86. He owned land on George Hill (Lancaster) given to him by the town, and this land was occupied by his de- scendants for several generations. He sometimes preached in Lancaster between the years 1681 and 1688. and perhaps resided there a short time. His widow married for her second husband Captain James Parker. After his death she became the wife of John Kendall. Of the time and place of her death we have no information. Children of Samuel and Eunice (Brooks) Carter were: Mary, Samuel (died young ). Samuel, John, Thomas, Nathaniel, Eunice, Abigail (died young), and Abigail.

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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 59

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