USA > New Hampshire > Rockingham County > Candia > History of Candia: once known as Charmingfare; with notices of some of the early families > Part 4
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8
CASS, BENJAMIN
Was the son of Jonathan Cass, of Kensington, and the youngest of a family of seven, one of whom, Joseph, was grandfather of Hon. Lewis Cass. He came to Candia in 1759, and settled on the place now owned by True French, Esq. He was a tanner and shoemaker by trade, but farmed mostly after coming to this town. He was a soldier in the War of the Revolution, and served in Rhode Island.
Samuel, son of Benjamin, married Dorothy, daughter of Lieut. Abraham Fitts, by whom he had nine chil- dren : Daniel, Samuel, Moses, Betsey, Sarah, Polly, Aaron, Benjamin and Dorothy. Daniel lives at Bridge- water, N. H., Moses at Roxbury, Mass., Betsey at Hebron, N. H., Sarah died at Roxbury, where Aaron now lives ; Dorothy died young.
About 1793, Mr. Cass moved into the northwest part of the town and commenced a clearing on the farm now owned by Mr. Tyler Merrill. The neighborhood was then somewhat infested with rattle snakes, and it is told that once on a time when the children were
61
NOTICES OF EARLY FAMILIES.
small, as Mrs. Cass and a few friends were having a social chat, one of these unwelcome visitors intruded his head as if meditating an attack, but Mrs. C., nothing daunted, threw the " sifting stick " at him, and her hus- band fortunately coming from the field, despatched the critter with his hoe. Mr. Cass was a deaeon of the church under the Rev. Mr. Jones, and until his death, in 1820. His widow married Dea. Samuel Nay in 1827 and died in 1836, in Raymond.
CLARK, HENRY
Came to Candia about 1763; he was a native of New- buryport, bought his place of widow Mary Batehelder, where Gilman Clark now lives. He married Keziah Brieket ; she dying he was married a sceond time to Catharine Bean, whom he survived, and for his third wife married Abigail Franeis. He had twelve children : Stephen, Joshua, who died young, Nathaniel, Samuel, Henry, Enoch, Joshua, John, Ebenezer, Mary, Abigail, Keziah.
It is said of the father of Henry Clark, that within a few days of each other, his eldest son, wife and three daughters died of the throat distemper. The sad event was chronieled by some poet of the time, in a mourn- ing strain of eighteen verses, commeneing thins :
We mortals are but lumps of clay When God doth take our breath away. All born to die, none can here stay. The fairest flower may soon decay.
62
HISTORY OF CANDIA.
Henry and John were in the War of the Revolu- tion at Bunker Hill and in Rhode Island. We give here a letter written by John Morrison to Henry Clark, in which will be seen some familiar names of Candia lads and lasses of the olden time. The note will be found as expressive and spelled as well as that sent by many a gallant knight on the battle field, or in the holy cru- sades, to his sighing ladie love at home, although, per- haps, not so romantically worded. The original letter, now in my possession, is folded in a very intricate fash- ion, and directed to " Mr Henery Clark Juner in Can- dia."
Forte Woshingtun June 27 day ye 1777.
Sir I rite to you to let you now how we all do, we are well and in good helth at Present, a short note concerning Love. John Clark remembers his love to mrs marthe pa- ton. Isaac worthen remembers his love to mrs dorothy bagley. Theophylus Clough remembers his love to mrs mary rowel, wiginge Evens remembers his expressive Love to mrs albina Langue.
Sir I hear very bad news about you and if the news be so I am afraid it will never do for I heir that the chief you do is gallanting the garls, and if this be the case I am shewer its very bad and if you would but leive of your bad tricks I shud be glad So no more at Present.
JOHN MORRISON.
The girls above named were all young at the time, although John applies the term " mrs " to them no doubt through mistake. The writer was probably much satis.
63
NOTICES OF EARLY FAMILIES.
fied, as he folded the note among his merry comrades; with the severe rallying he had given " Henery," on his undue attentions to the fair sex.
COLBY, ENOCH
Came to Candia about 1750. His grandfather, whose name was also Enoch, came over at an early period from England in the Mayflower, which vessel was em- ployed several times in bringing over passengers after her first famous voyage with the Pilgrims. He at first settled in Salisbury, Mass., and died soon after moving to Chester, N. H. His father, named Enoch, married Sarah Sargent, and died in Chester. He married Ab- igail Blaisdell, by whom he had nine children : John, Enoch, Nehemiah, Jethro, Abner, Samuel, Abigail, Wil- liam, Mary Clemens.
John, Enoch and Jethro were soldiers in the Revo- lution. The first named died at Valley Forge, sinking under the hardships of that memorable winter, having served four years from the commencement of the War. Jethro was in Rhode Island and died in 1780, on the " dark day," six months after his return home.
Enoch married Lydia Worthen, of Amesbury, Mass., and moved to Thornton, N. H., where he for some years was a member of the House of Representatives and of the State Senate. It is told of John that be- ing one of the first of his division at the battle of Still-
64
HISTORY OF CANDIA.
water to attack the enemy, he jumped on a piece of cannon which had been so heated by repeated dis- charges as to burn his feet.
Nehemiah married Mary Rowe, and settled on the home farm. He died in 1840, aged 82. Abner mar- ried Ruth Cheney, of Thornton, N. H. Samuel mar- ried Ruth French, and carried her behind him on horse- back to Derby, Vt., then a wilderness, where he died leaving a family in prosperous circumstances. William died in Ohio, in 1846. Abigail married John Colby, of Amesbury, Mass. Mary died in 1780.
DEARBORN, THOMAS, LIEUT.,
Came from Chester, not far from 1764, and bought his farm where Mr. N. B. Hall now lives. He mar- ried Mary Morrison, who was brought up in the fam- ily of Major Baker. They had four children : David, John, Thomas, Samuel. David died in the State of New York, John in Sandbornton, N. H. Mr. Dear born enlisted into the army in 1778, and was made a Lieutenant in Col. Peabody's [Regiment, in Rhode Is- land where our forces were waiting to cooperate with the French fleet.
On the 28th of August, 1778, he was killed by a British cannon ball, while effecting some movement with his men. The gun which he carried at the time is in possession of Hon. Abraham Emerson, and the sword
65
NOTICES OF EARLY FAMILIES.
is at the house of Mr. Isaac Fitts, on High Street, relics more interesting from the associations connected with them, than from any real worth.
DUDLEY, SAMUEL
Came to Candia from Raymond, in 1812. Hc learncd his trade, as a tanner, of Elder Moscs Bcan. Five years after, he went into business where he now is, and ever since has contributed much to the advance- ment of the village, and of the church in which he is a deacon. He is a descendant in the sixth genera- tion of Gov. Thomas Dudley, of the Massachusetts Bay. Hc married Judith Pillsbury, a sister of Benjamin Pillsbury, Esq., and as his second wife, Sally Mars- ton. Deacon Dudley has carried on the tanning and shoc business for thirty-five years.
DUNCAN, WILLIAM
Was the son of John Duncan and Hannah Henry, born in Londonderry in the year 1771. He came to Candia, Oct. 2, 1798, and bought a store of John Wason, at the Corner. After remaining there about five years, he moved on to the place where Jolin D. Patterson, Esq., now resides. Mr. Duncan was a man of eccentric hab- its, and extensively known as a merchant. His business in country produce was at one time very large. Hc mar- ried Mary McMurphy, of Londonderry, - had two sons,
9
06
HISTORY OF CANDIA.
the youngest of whom, James, died at an early age. The eldest, William H. Duncan, Esq., now resides at Hanover, N. H. Mr. D. married a second time Nao- mi McMurphy, of Londonderry. She lived but a few years and he was a third time married to Elisabeth Patterson. For some years previous to his death, which took place in 1849, he was confined to his room from the effects of a broken limb.
It is said that Robert Henry, the grandfather of Mr. D., sent to Londonderry, in Ireland, by one Capt. Ram- sey, for Miss Charity Ash Thompson, who was his des- tined bride. The captain, on arriving at Boston, although he had received his passage money, sold the young wo- man to service, pretending he had received no pay. After a time, the news- reached the ears of Mr. Hen- ry, the expected wife was found, and the perfidious commander did not escape punishment.
DUSTEN, MOSES*
Came to this town about the year 1768. He was the son of Nathaniel Dusten and Triphena Haseltine, of IIaverhill, Mass., and the great grandson of Thomas Duston, and Hannah Emerson, of Haverhill, Mass., who was the renowned heroine of Indian warfare, whose prow- ess was rewarded by a grant of fifty pounds from the Mas- sachusetts Legislature. He was born in Haverhill, Mass.,
*Spelled Dustin and Duston.
67
NOTICES OF EARLY FAMILIES.
in 1744, and in 1776 married Mary Buck, by whom he had ten children : Jonathan, Lydia,* Polly,* Moscs, Hannah, George W., Nathaniel, Betsey,* Sally, and Lydia.
Mr. Dusten was a blacksmith by trade. When the news of the battle of Lexington came to Candia, lie threw his apron upon the anvil, and as is stated in the first part of this work, was the first man to volun- teer, following drummer Hill up and down the street until enough fell in to make a respectable company.
IIc was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in Col. Nathan Hale's Regiment, and afterwards made a Captain, which rank he held until the close of the War, serving the whole seven years. The watch which he carried during the time is now in possession of R. E. Patten, Esq. Capt. Dusten died in 1795, aged 51; his wife survived him thirty-two years, and died in 1827, aged 77 years.
EATON, EPHRAIM
Was the son of Henry Eaton and Mary Truc, of Salis- bury, Mass. In 1768 he married Abigail Perkins, who lived but a short time after the birth of her first child, Abigail. In 1772 he married Sarah Stevens, of Salisbury, by whom he had five children : Molly, Sally, Henry, Hannah and Peter. The eldest daughter,
* Died young
68
HISTORÝ OF CẦNDIÁ.
went to Andover, N. H. Molly, whose name the fash- ion of the times changed to Mary, married Dr. Jacob Bayley Moore, of Andover, N. H., son of Dr. Coffin Moore, the first physician in Candia. Henry married Hannah, daughter of Maj. Jesse Eaton and Sarah Wor- then. Hannah married Moses Patten, Peter married Hannah IIale, daughter of Dea. Ezekiel H. Kelley and Hannah Hazelton, of Chester. Sally died unmarried in 1836, aged 61. Mr. Eaton came to Candia in the Spring of 1773, and bought his farm of Benjamin Batchelder. The deed, witnessed by Nicholas Frenel and Isaiah Rowe, was made out before Caleb Cushing, Justice of the Peace, in Salisbury, Mass., in 1772.
Mr Eaton was an active man, often employed in town affairs, ready in the support of religious institu- tions, of good judgment and strong common sense, and of rather a taciturn disposition. He died in the year 1826, aged 81 years. His wife died in 1822 at the age of 74.
Since the above notice was penned, it has become a sad duty to record here the death of Henry Eaton, Esq., which occurred in the month of March, 1852, in the 75th year of his age. He was a man of excellent judgment, planning all his business with much precis- ion and foresight, and prompt in the discharge of every obligation. An estimable and worthy man, a valuable citizen, an upright and conscientious christian, thus has closed the years of a long and active life.
69
NOTICES OF EARLY FAMILIES.
EATON, PAUL
Was the son of Jabez Eaton and Sally Truc; came to Candia from Seabrook, N. H., before 1770 ; he bought his farm of Isaiah Rowe, it being the same now oeeu- pied by the heirs of the late Col. Henry T. Eaton. IIc married Molly Tilton about 1765; they had five children : Molly, Anna, Henry T., John, Sally. Ilis first wife died not far from the year 1775, and in 1778 he married Hannah Emerson, of Haverhill, Mass., by whom he had two children: Lydia and Luke.
Paul Eaton was in Rhode Island and various other places, in the Revolution. IIe is said to have been a man of extraordinary strength, and it is told on good authority, that once he moved, by means of a chain and lever placed across his thighs, a log which a smart yoke of steers could not start. Ifis son, Col. H. T. Eaton, succeeded to the old place, married Elisabeth, daughter of Nathaniel Emerson, Esq., who died in 1818. Her husband, surviving her thirty-three years, died in 1851. Mr. Paul Eaton died in 1830, aged 90 years; having survived his second wife eleven years.
EMERSON, MOSES
Came to Candia about 1761 and 'settled on the place now owned by his son, Hon. Abraham Emerson. Hc married Lydia, daughter of Iheut. Abraham Fitts, by whom he had nine children : Moses, Lydia, Susan, Jon-
70
HISTORY OF CANDIA.
athan, John, Sarah, Abraham, Thomas, Dorothy. The sccond, fifth, sixth and last named settled in Steuben County, N. Y. Thomas lives in Manchester, N. II., Dorothy died in 1842, the others (in 1852) arc all liv- ing.
Mr. Emerson was a son of Samucl Emerson, of Ches- ter, and half brother to Col. Nathaniel Emerson. The family is traccd back to Michael Emerson, who marri- cd Hannah Webster and settled in Haverhill, Mass., in 1652. Their daughter married Thomas Duston in 1677, and was no other than the celebrated Mrs. Duston, who killed the Indians. Jonathan, son of Michael, was father of Samucl, who came to Chester. What is here stated in regard to the family in connection with that of Mrs. Duston, was obtained from Rufus E. Patten, Esq. Mr. Emerson died at the age of 84.
EMERSON, NATHANIEL.
A better notice of this once influential citizen cannot be given, than by inserting in this placc an obituary, which appeared in the New Hampshire Repository, a religious paper, published at Concord, bearing date May 24th, 1824. The article was written by John Lane, Esq. :
" Dicd in Candia, April 30, Col. Nathanicl Emerson, aged 83. He was the son of Samuel Emerson, Esq., one of the first settlers in Chester, a man, who through a long life was eminent for usefulness and picty. Hc
71
NOTICES OF EARLY FAMILIES.
was born May 2, 1741, removed to Candia about the year 1761; was married Nov. 15, 1764, to Miss Sa- rah Tilton,* a woman who through life was remarkable for piety and all the social and domestic virtues. He has been called to publie stations perhaps more than any other individual who ever lived in Candia.
He served as an officer in the militia under King George III., from 1763 to 1775, when he was appoint- ed Lieutenant Colonel of the 17th Regiment of New Hampshire militia. He was also appointed by General Whipple, a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army in 1778, was a volunteer in the service of his country, in the War of the Revolution, and was in 1777 with the brave Stark at the memorable battle at Bennington ; and af- ter the Revolution he was Colonel of the 17th Regi- ment cight or ten years.
HIe has been no less distinguished in civil than mili- tary stations. In 1764, at the first meeting of the town after its incorporation, he was, at the age of 23 years, chosen to some important office, which he held for many succeeding years. In 1762, being ehosen by the town for that purpose, he was a member of the As- sembly which formed the first Constitution of New Hamp- shire, and from that time till the year 1798, excepting three or four years, he was the only representative from
* They had ten children : Jonathan, Anna, Samuel, Sarah, Nathaniel, Richard, Elisabeth, Hannah, Lydia and Nabby. Iwo only of the family are now living : Nathaniel, and Nabby, widow of the late JJohn Lane, Esq.
72
HISTORY OF CANDIA.
the town in the State Legislature. He also held the commission of a justice of the peace, for the term of twenty-five years. He was a firm supporter of religious order and religious institutions. In September, 1766, when the town voted to er'eet a meeting house, he was chosen to superintend the work.
He was among the members of the ehureh in Candia, when it was formed, and was a zealous advocate for a settled ministry. He forsook not God's house and pub- lic worship so long as he had strength to walk or ride to the place. But his days are not only numbered, but finished ; the place that so long and constantly knew him, will know him no more forever. But we would fondly hope that he is gone to be with those who shall be in everlasting remembrance, and although dead, yet speaketh."
The following letters, found among the papers of Col. Emerson, although not of great importance, may yet be read with interest.
Chester, Dec. 24, 1776.
COL. NATHANIEL EMERSON :
Sir, - I must request of you that you notify the men that are enlisted in Candia to go to New York, that they appear at my house next Satur- day, at ten of the eloek forenoon, all complete fit to mareh. Of the men's names that listed, are Paul Eaton, John Clark, Amos Knowles, John Clay, Jun.
Sir, in complying with the above you will oblige, yours, JOHN WEBSTER.
73
NOTICES OF EARLY FAMILIES.
Exeter, March 22, 1777.
COL. EMERSON :
Inelosed are orders for raising men, and as I am not at home, neither can be very soon, I must entreat and require of you, that you take the utmost care and pains, as fast as possible to get men, and that you call upon the other town officers to assist, and also upon the selectmen, if need be, and to inform them that it is the opinion of the court that the shortest notice for a town or parish meeting in this case will be sufficient. In case the people are notified, it may happen there will be no occa- sion for meetings.
I think it will be best to get the officers together, as soon as possible, to make a proportion of all the men to be raised with each captain, and I could be glad, that if 'tis agreeable to you, you might meet next Tuesday. As our town meeting is next Thursday, it may be some advantage to our town in raising their proportion. In complying with the above and using your best endeavors, will be very pleasing and greatfully acknowledged by yours,
JOHN WEBSTER, Col.
The " inelosed orders " referred to were written by Josiah Bartlett, from Exeter, in which the most urgent request is made for men.
COL. EMERSON : Sir, -
Yesterday received order from Gen. Folsom, a copy of which I have enelosed to you. I hope you will use your best endeavors that your proportion of all the men to be raised in Candia, be procured as soon as possible, and that you call upon all officers and soldiers
10
74
HISTORY OF CANDIA,
under you and also the selectmen of the town to aid and assist you, as you will see by the inclosed orders to me di- rected, that the importance of the case calls for all possi- ble despatch, and that a list of men raised in Candia be made out to me as soon as may be, in order that I may be able to make a return to the Committee of Safety agreea- ble to my order from Gen. Folsom.
Sir, I hope you will exert yourself, for sure I am if Ti -. conderoga should be lost for want of men, we shall be obliged to send twice the number of men that is now call- ed for.
Given under my hand at Chester, this 21st day of April, 1777. JOHN WEBSTER, Col.
Here follows the enclosed letter.
Sir, -
I am called upon by the supreme authority of this State. to repeat the orders to the colonels or commanding officers of the several Regiments of Militia in this State to raise and forward their several quotas of men to Ticonderoga without loss of time.
By express from Gen. Schuyler, it was expected that the enemy would take the earliest opportunity to cross the. lake, as there is no doubt they know perfectly well the small number of troops we have at that important pass. Therefore as you love your country, as you are a friend to the great, the glorious cause, the cause of Liberty in which we are all embarked, I trust you will loose no time in raising and forwarding the men proportioned to your Reg- iment.
Given under my hand at Exeter, this 16th day of April, 1777. NATH'L FOLSOM, Maj. Gen.
75
NOTICES OF EARLY FAMILIES.
P. S. You are desired to make a return of the men raised as soon as may be, to the Committee of Safety, to Col. John Webster.
A true copy by me,
JOHN WEBSTER, Col.
Lieut. Col. Emerson having been dispatched for the protection of some stores belonging to the army of Stark, was not at Bennington, until the second day of the engagement. There are those who remem- ber to have heard him tell, how, on crossing the field of aetion with some message, the blood spattered on his boots and upon his horse's sides. We give the follow- ing notes from Gen. Stark, as of some interest.
To LIEUT. COL. EMERSON, IN CAMP. Gen. Stark's eompli- ments to Col. Emerson ; would be very glad he would in- form him by the bearer whether or no he found any coffee when gone to Otter Creek, if so what he did with it, or unto whom he delivered it.
By Gen. Stark's order, Aug. 31, 1777. JOHN CASEY, A. D. C.
TO THE COMMANDING OFFICER OF THE GUARD.
You are hereby ordered to send the prisoners under your eare in the guard house upon Maj. Rensselaer's request, without any further order, as fast as he wants them for examination, under- standing them to be reputed tories.
By order of Gen. Stark, JOHN CASEY, A. D. C.
76
HISTORY OF CANDIA:
Exeter, June 16th, 1780.
Sir, - There is orders for raising of six hundred men in this State for about six months, to join the army ; our proportion of which is 22. I should be glad that you would meet with the rest of the field officers at my house in Chester, upon Monday next at one of the clock in tlie afternoon, in order to devise means to raise and proportion them, as they must be got ready without loss of time. If the Captain in Candia will come with you, I shall be glad to sce him. I am, sir, yours to serve,
JOHN WEBSTER, Col.
To Lieut. Col. Emerson.
Exeter, June 24, 1780.
Sir, - We are to be called upon to raise more men. I. have not got my orders yet, but expect them the begin- ning of next week. Our proportion will be 43, and as the men must be got without delay, it will be necessary that the field officer's meet next Friday at my house in Chester, at one of the clock in the afternoon, in order to propor- tion the men; and as there must go one captain and one ensign out of the Regiment, I should be glad that the cap- tains should also mect at the same time and place, and I should be glad that you would see your ensign and know if he incline to go, and let me know at the time appointed for to meet. By order of mc. JOHN WEBSTER.
To Lieut. Col. Emerson.
From all that can be gathered concerning the his- tory of Col. Emerson, the praise bestowed on him was not unmerited. He even went to the extent of
-
NOTICES OF EARLY FAMILIES.
paying money out of his own pocket for the enlistment of men, for which he never asked or received any re- muneration.
He was for many years a surveyer of land, and his father, Samuel Emerson, Esq., was the original surveyor of the town of Candia into divisions and lots.
FITTS, ABRAHAM
Came to Candia about 1763 ; he was born in Salisbu. ry in 1736. He married Dorothy Hall, of Chester, - they had ten children : Lydia, Dorothy, Daniel, Moses; Reuben, Sarah, Samuel, Elisabeth, Abraham, Nathan. He was a blacksmith by trade, and there being none in Candia at that time, he was induced to come here by the offer of thirty acres of land made by some of the settlers. He brought with him his stock of tools, consisting of a bellows, anvil, vice, two sledges and a hand hammer. He settled where Dr. R. H. Page now lives, and had his land from the lot of Mr. Enoch Colby. Hle used to take his pay for work in labor on his land, at the rate of two days' work for a hoe, &c. It is said that a neighboring shoemaker, being rather un- skilled in farming, and the ground somewhat rocky withal, used his hoe nearly up in the two days' labor required as pay. Mr. Fitts, by his industry, acquired a respect- able competence and settled his sons on farms in vari- ons parts of the town. Moses, in early life disabled by rheumatic complaints from active labor, commenced
78
HISTORY OF CANDIA.
trading just the other side of the road from his fath* er's. The Lieutenant, it is said, brought up from New- buryport, where his sons used to team, four dollars' worth of pins, needles, tape, &c., as a first investment. At that time a Mr. Holyoke and Major Moore had been the only traders. This proving successful, succeeding years saw a gradual increase in the business, until it reached a very respectable extent.
Master Fitts, as he was called, is said to have own- ed the first chaise in town. None of the children of Abraham Fitts are now living, except Abraham, in Can- dia, and Nathan, in Manchester, N. H. We here give a genealogy of the Fitts family, said to have been pro- cured by the Hon. Daniel Webster.
Sir John Fitts, of Fitzford, in Devonshire, England, an eminent barrister at law, at Lincoln's Inn, London, had two sons, Walter and Robert. Walter dying without male issue, the estate and titles went to Robert, who' had two sons, Walter and Robert. Walter took the es- tate and titles, which became extinct at the death of Sir John: Walter dying without male issue, his daugh- ter, who married into a noble family, undertook to con- vey the estate to her husband's heirs. Robert came to Ipswich, Mass., in 1635. His wife was named Grace. They had one son, Abraham, who had three sons, Abra- ham, Isaac and Richard. Richard moved to Salisbury, Mass., and married Sarah Ordway. They had four children : Nathaniel, Daniel, Richard and Jerusha. Je- rusha married Roger Eastman, and had one daughter,
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.