History of Rockingham County, New Hampshire and representative citizens, Part 103

Author: Hazlett, Charles A
Publication date: 1915
Publisher: Chicago : Richmond-Arnold
Number of Pages: 1390

USA > New Hampshire > Rockingham County > History of Rockingham County, New Hampshire and representative citizens > Part 103

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).

934

HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY

JOHN W. CASWELL, residing at No. 264 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth, N. H., with the assistance of his two sons, is engaged in farming and dairying, having a good farm of 75 acres. He is a native of Rye, N. H., where he was born October 30, 1841, and was reared by his grandparents, William and Polly Caswell. who were of English descent, the grandfather being a promi- nent and well to do farmer. Mr. Caswell's grandmother died in 1868; his grandfather in 1884. He was educated in the common schools of Rye and subsequently engaged in farming until 1858. At the outbreak of the 'Civil war he enlisted as a sailor and was appointed to the position of master in 1861 and resigned in 1865. Soon after he resigned he resumed his old occu- pation of farming for two years, at the end of which time he bought out the old firm of Marston & Rendal, wholesale fish dealers. He continued in that business for thirty-one years, or until January 1, 1900, when he retired from the fish business and came to his present location, where, as above men- tioned, he is carrying on a prosperous farming and dairy business with the help of his sons. Modern equipment and methods characterize the place and Mr. Caswell has the distinction of having one of the finest homes in Rocking- ham County. A Democrat in politics, he has from time to time taken an active part in public affairs. In 1882, 1883 and 1884 he served on the board of aldermen, was custom house inspector under Cleveland's first administra- tion, and was a member of the state legislature in 1907, showing ability and fidelity in each of these positions. A man of recognized integrity, his fellow citizens place the same reliability upon his word they would upon his bond.

Mr. Caswell was married July 10, 1864, to Miss Harriet McEwen Mathes, who was born in Rye, N. H., a daughter of Abraham and Betsey (Berry) Mathes, who were farming people. The Mathes family consisted of six chil- dren, but all are now dead except two, Mrs. Henry D. Foss, of Rye, N. H., and B. S. Mathes of Keene, N. H. Mrs. Caswell died October 30, 1910. She and her husband were parents of children as follows; Ida, who is the wife of John P. Sweetser of Portsmouth, and has one son, Harold C .; Hattie A., wife of Alfred G. Ramsdell, who lives in Rye, N. H. ; Oriel M .; Harry C., who married Mildred Flint and has two children, Forest F., and Harriett H. The family attends the Orthodox Church, while Mr. Caswell's fraternal affili- ations are with the Odd Fellows.

JOSEPH SACCO, a well known citizen of Portsmouth, contractor and builder, also dealer in wholesale liquors, was born in Italy, October 24, 1872, son of John Sacco. He came to the United States in 1894, first locating in Boston, where he remained until 1903, being variously employed. His first business enterprise was a grocery in Malden, Mass., a suburb of Boston, after which he went to bottling beer in Bos- ton. Later he started an employment bureau. Then coming to Ports- mouth, he entered into business here as a baker, and also employed laborers. In 1912 he began business here as a contractor, his first con- tract being for four miles of construction work for the Maine Central Railroad. He also built the bottling building for the Portsmouth Brew- ery. At the present time he is engaged in building the armory for the government, having about twenty men in his employ. Mr. Sacco is married and has a family of seven children, namely : Frank, John, James, Victoria. Antonia, Aleana and a baby as yet unnamed. He and his fam- ily are members of the Catholic church. He belongs to the Fraternal Order of Eagles and to the Foresters. In politics he is independent.

MRS. JOHN W. CASWELL

JOHN W. CASWELL

937

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS

FRANK P. HUGHES, owner and operator of a good farm of ninety acres in the town of Greenland, on the Winnicut road, Rockingham County, N. H., who is also one of the town's assessors, was born in this town, March 9, 1864, a son of Edward and Catherine (Ahern) Hughes. His parents, both natives of Ireland, came to this country when young and married here. Both are now deceased. The father was a farmer and they were members of the Catholic church. Their children were Peter, William, Joseph, John E. and Frank P.

Frank P. Hughes acquired his education in the common schools, after which he assisted his father on the latter's farm until he was fifteen years of age, subsequently working on other farins. He bought his present place in 1899 from the heirs of George Davis, it being then known as the George Davis farm. Here he is engaged in general farm- ing, employing one hand, and raising stock for his own use only. A Democrat in politics, he takes an active interest in local affairs, and served for six or seven years as selectman.

On February 7, 1899, Mr. Hughes married Catherine Regan, who was born in Ireland, a daughter of John and Catherine Regan. Her parents never came to this country. They had a large family of ten children, namely: Nellie, Margaret, Anna, Catherine, John, Jeremiah, Michael, James, Patrick and Cornelius. Mr. and Mrs. Hughes have had three children born to them, Joseph F., William P. and Catherine E. The family are members of the Catholic church at Portsmouth.

ALFRED F. HIGGINS, proprietor of an ice cream factory at Exeter, N. H., was born at Wellfleet, Mass., October 14, 1867, son of John G. and Hattie E. (Cole) Higgins. The business now carried on by the subject of this sketch was started by his father about 1888, he having for some years before that been in the fish business. John. G. Higgins died April 21, 1912, and was buried in Exeter. He was a Republican in politics. He and his wife were both natives of Massa- chusetts. Their children were: Charles B., Alfred F., Frank C. and George E.

Alfred F. Higgins, after attending the common schools, went to the high school for one year. He then became his father's assistant and was associated with him thereafter until his death, except for three years, during which he was engaged in teaming. On the death of his father he bought out all the other heirs to the ice cream business and has since carried it on successfully alone. He supplies all the surround- ing territory and has a yearly output of 13,000 gallons, employing two men, besides himself and son.

Mr. Higgins was married at Whitman, Mass., to Miss Abbie F. Phillips, a native of Brocton, Mass., and daughter of Anthony and Carrie A. (Whidden) Phillips, her father being a shoemaker of that place. The Phillips family numbered five children-George, Jennie, Eva, Agnes and Carrie A. Mr. and Mrs. Higgins have a family of eleven children, as follows: Sadie B., wife of Joseph Hillis, who has two children, Beatrice and Harold; Charles B., who graduated from the Exeter high school and Phillips Exeter Academy, and is now a student at Brown University ; Daniel C., associated in business with his father ; Frances Willard, who married John Lary; Harriett H., Alfred H., Roger, George, Harold, Grace and Carrie E., dead. Mr. Higgins and 52

938

HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY

family are affiliated religiously with the Methodist church. In politics he is a Republican.

ISAAC RANDALL, a prosperous farmer and lumberman of Hamp- . stead, Rockingham County, N. H., comes of an old New England family. His paternal great grandfather married Jane Worth, a daughter of Captain William Worth of Revolutionary distinction.

Jacob Randall, grandfather of the subject of this record, was born in Amesbury, N. H., and was a soldier in the United States Army during the War of 1812. He married Belinda Bond, and among their children was Isaac Randall, Sr. The latter was born in Chester, and for a greater part of his career, his business was that of getting out ship timber. He married Sarah W. Bartlett of Salisbury, Mass., and their children were: Mary A., wife of Ladd Richardson; Sarah F., wife of A. W. Foot; Jane W., wife of T. M. Cook; Eleanor T., wife of H. P. Williams; Abbie, wife of F. M. Rice; Isaac, whose name heads this record; and Laura F., who died in infancy. The father of this family died in August, 1865.

Isaac Randall, Jr., was born in East Chester, N. H., October 4, 1859, and received an educational training in the public and high schools of Hampstead. Upon leaving school he worked in a box factory three years, then went to West Hampstead where he was in the employ of Mr. Ordway two years. After working in Haverhill for a short time he returned to Hampstead and worked in a store for ten years. At the end of that time he bought the store which he conducted for some years, and during a part of the time also conducted a general store in East Hampstead. He is now engaged in farming and does a large lum- ber business. He was appointed postmaster under President Harrison and efficiently filled that office for a period of twenty-four years. He has served as town clerk and selectman.

In 1889, Mr. Randall was united in marriage with Miss Alice Spol- lett and they have three children : Eleanor T., Morris I., and Evelyn W. Fraternally Mr. Randall is a member of the Masonic Order at Derry, and of the Junior Order United Mechanics.

ADIN S. LITTLE, a member of the firm of Little, Frost & Co .. general merchants at Hampstead, N. H., was born in this town, Octo- ber 14, 1870, a son of Adin L. and Mary E. (Mooers) Little. His pa- ternal grandfather was Louis Little, a cooper by trade. Adin L., the father, was a carpenter by trade. He was born in Hampstead, N. H., and served in the Civil war. His wife, Mary, was a native of Derry.

Adin S. Little was educated in the public schools of Hampstead, after which he took up farming for awhile. He then entered into the meat business, in which he was engaged for some fifteen years. Selling out at the end of that time, he returned to his farm and cultivated it until 1909, at which time he entered into his present partnership with Mr. Frost. They have an up-to-date store, well stocked with salable goods, and are doing a prosperous business.

Mr. Little has been town moderator since 1910 and has also been a member of the school board for four years. He belongs to St. Marks Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Derry, N, H., and also to the Chapter, R. A. M., to the Junior Order of American Mechanics, of which he is past

ANDREW M. MOULTON

MRS. HELEN SMITH MOULTON

941

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS

state councilor, and to Hampstead Grange; of which he is past state commander and past master.

In 1891 Mr. Little married Fannie C. Emerson, a daughter of Alfred P. and Francenia Emerson, and who was born in Hampstead in 1872. Their children are: Adin S., born October 28, 1899; Perry S., born April 12, 1901; Francenia M., born April 30, 1903; and Elizabeth E., born December 21, 1908.

ANDREW MORSE MOULTON, a retired farmer residing at No. 52 High street, Exeter, N. H., is a native of this state, having been born at Hampstead, June 2, 1847. His parents were Caleb and Abigail (Morse) Moulton, both of Hampstead, the former a farmer by occupation, at one time serving in the office of sheriff. They had three children: Anna, who was a teacher in Lawrence, Mass .; Belle, now deceased, and Andrew M., the sub- ject of this sketch.

Andrew M. Moulton was educated in the common schools, at Phillips Exeter Academy, and at Dartmouth College, which last named institution he attended for two years. He subsequently took up farm work, in which he was continuously occupied until about 1907, when he retired and took up his residence in Exeter. While residing in Hampstead he was chairman of the board of selectmen for some years. He belongs to the Masonic lodge at Derry, this county. and to the Junior Order United American Mechanics at Hampstead.

Mr. Moulton was first married to Caroline A. Smith, by whom he has two children : Walter H., and Clara, who married Frank Darling and has three children, Louis, Phillip and Esther. Mr. Moulton's first wife is de- ceased. Mr. Moulton was married secondly to Helen G. Smith, a daughter of Charles C. and Mary W. (Berry) Smith ( no relation to the first wife), her father being a native of Exeter and her mother of Pittsfield, N. H. The former, a painter by occupation, was son of Josiah Coffin Smith. They were both members of the First Congregational Church. Mrs. Moulton was born in the house in which she now lives and has resided all her life in Exeter. She had a sister, Marianna Berry, who was the wife of Rev. Charles H. Cole, a minister of the Baptist church, but is now deceased. A brother, Charles J., is also deceased. She also had a sister Caroline who, like the other sister and brother, has passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Moulton attend the First Congrega- tional Church. They are people well known and highly respected in Exeter.

LEWELLYN D. DORITY, general farmer, owning a fifty-five acre farm on the North Hampton road, in the town of Greenland, Rockingham County, N. H., was born in Hancock County, Me., Decem- ber 4, 1864, a son of Dean and Lydia (Sheppard) Dority. His parents, who are now deceased, both natives of Hancock County, where the father followed the combined occupations of farmer and ship carpenter. Their children were: Etta, wife of William Horton: Mary, wife of Ed- ward E. Judkins; John, and Lewellyn D. The father and mother of these children were each twice married.

Lewellyn D. Dority acquired his education in the common schools, which he attended only twelve weeks in the winter season until twenty years of age. During the summer months he was employed on his parents' farm. At the age of twenty-one he began working out as a farm hand and followed that occupation for several years. He then

942

HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY

learned the stone cutter's trade, which he followed for six years, after- wards resuming farm work. Nine years ago he bought his present farm from John E. Seavey, and has since operated it successfully, doing general farming. He keeps from fifteen to twenty head of cattle, find- ing a market for his milk at Beverly, Mass. A Republican in politics, he takes an active interest in town affairs and is now serving in his second year as selectman. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge at North Hampton.

Mr. Dority was married December 25, 1889, to Anna E. Purington, who was born in East Boston, Mass., but reared in Rockingham County, N. H. She and her brothers, John and Luther, were the only children of Oliver and Emeline (Nealy) Purington. The father, a shoemaker and machinist, was from Epping, this county, his wife being a native of New Market. Mr. and Mrs. Dority have a son, Charles L., who assists his father on the farm. The family attend the Methodist Church. They are good representatives of the agricultural population of New Eng- land-industrious, thrifty, law-abiding and prosperous.

THOMAS FOWLER OWEN, a well known and respected citizen of Seabrook, N. H., was born in this town, October 1, 1878, a son of Reese and Joanna (Eaton) Owen. The father, Reese Owen, was born in Newport, Wales, in August, 1840, a son of John Owen. He settled in Newburyport, Mass., in 1850, coming to Seabrook in the same year. Here he engaged in mercantile business, which he followed all his life, being one of Seabrook's representative business men. Of a liberal disposition, he was very popular among his fellow citizens. For a num- ber of years he was a member of the school board. His wife, Joanna, was a daughter of Lowell and Paulina (Hunt) Eaton. Their children were Thomas Fowler, born in 1878; Walter L., born in 1888, and Sally Anna, born in 1897. The father died in 1901.

Thomas Fowler Owen was educated in the public schools, at Putnam high school and at Bliss Business College. He then taught grammar school in Seabrook for a number of years, after which he became book- keeper for a shoe company. After teaching school again for one year until 1905, he accepted the position of rural letter carrier, which he still holds. At the age of twenty-two years he was elected selectman and served six years. In 1909 he was elected a member of the school board, serving as chairman, being reelected in 1912. From 1902 to 1906 he was chairman of the Republican town committee. He is a member of South Seabrook Congregational Church and has been dele- gate to state and county conventions. Mr. Owen was married in No- vember, 1899, to Miss Anna M. Dow, daughter of Alva and Mary S. Dow. They have three children: Harold, born April 19, 1901 ; Ger- trude C., born May 2, 1903, and Madeline I., born October 27, 1907.

JOHN W. WHEELER, is a man well known to the people of Rock- ingham County, among whom he has always lived. A woolen manu- facturer of North Salem until recent years, he did much for the mate- rial prosperity of the place, and in fact in every way has done much for the community, in which during his active life he was always a leader.

Mr. Wheeler was born in the town of Salem, N. H., August 19, 1826,

943

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS

and is a son of John A. and Mary (Stevens) Wheeler, and a grandson of Richard Wheeler, who was also a native of Salem. John A. Wheeler was born in 1796, and died in 1880. He followed agricultural pursuits. He and his wife were parents of two sons; John W., and Abraham, the latter becoming a Methodist minister.

John W. Wheeler was reared on a farm and continued in that line of work until he was twenty-three years old. He then came to North Salem and purchased the old woolen mills. It was a wise move, and he was destined to continue as a woolen manufacturer during the re- mainder of his active career. As manufacturer of flannels and dress goods, he established a reputation of high class and his patronage was extensive. He rebuilt the plant in 1881, and continued its operations until the building was destroyed by fire in 1907. In view of Mr. Wheel- er's ability and public spirit, it is not surprising he was called upon by the people to represent them in office, and as a public official he gave evidence of the same care and attention he gave to his private affairs. He was state representative of the town of Salem four years, and then for four years was a member of the State Senate. He was elected to the Governor's Council in 1881, and served as such for two years. John W. Wheeler was joined in marriage with Phoebe Dow, and they have two children: William R., now a deputy sheriff, who received his edu- cation in the public schools and in business college at Poughkeepsie, N. Y .; and Ethel M., a graduate of Bradford Academy.

GEORGE E. ODELL, who, in association with his brother, Samuel T. Odell, owns seventy-five acres of good farm land, forty-five of which are situated in Greenland and thirty in Stratham, was born in Green- land. Rockingham County, N. H., September 6, 1857. His father was George Washington Lafayette Odell, and his mother before her mar- riage was Elizabeth Libby, born in Scarboro, Me., a daughter of Storer Libby. The paternal grandfather of our subject was Dr. George Odell, who owned the farm now owned and operated by the Odell brothers, and which is known as the George Odell Farm. George W. L. Odell, the father, was in early life a speculator and later a farmer. He and his wife are both deceased and are buried in Greenland. Their children were : George E., whose name appears at the head of this sketch; Sam- uel T., who is employed in the navy yard at Portsmouth, and William Allen.

George E. Odell was educated in the common schools and subse- quently took up farming on the farm he now owns in connection with his brother and they are carrying on the business very successfully. They keep fifteen head of cattle. He is a Republican in politics and belongs to the Grange and the Junior Order of American Mechanics.

Mr. Odell was married October 7, 1913, to Mrs. Alice Barnaby, widow of Trueman Barnaby, her parents being from Nova Scotia. By her first marriage she had nine children. The family attend the Con- gregational Church, and are numbered among the prosperous agricul- tural people of this section.

GEORGE H. GUPTILL, M. D., one of Rockingham County's prom- inent professional men, has been a resident of Raymond, N. H., since 1888. His practice has been large in extent and successful, and in addi-

944

HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY

tion he has actively identified himself with the civic affairs of county and state. Dr. Guptill comes of English descent, his ancestors coming to the United States in colonial days and locating in the New England States. He was born in Berwick, Me., September 5, 1864, and is a son of Albert W. and Adalaide J. (Roberts) Guptill.

George H. Guptill attended the public schools until he reached the age of twelve, when he was compelled to leave and assist in the duties on his father's farm. He continued thus until he was seventeen years old, and in the meantime pursued study at home. He then entered Sullivan high school, and was able to complete the course and gradu- ate in one year, so conscientiously had he studied. He next entered Berwick Academy, but was able to attend but one term, owing to a lack of the necessary money. Consequently he taught school during the four years following and earned sufficient means to carry him through college. In 1885 he matriculated in the Medical College at Brunswick, Me., and was graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1888. On August 19, 1888, he moved to Raymond, N. H., and started in prac- tice, and this has been the seat of his activity ever since. He has truly carved his own way to success and prosperity, for it was due to his un- tiring energy, driven by ambition and high ideals. He won friendships on every hand and it was his pleasure to be honored by the people as their representative in the legislature. He served ably as representa- tive in 1897 and 1898, and in 1910 and 1911 served his district in the State Senate. He was a very useful member of that body, and served as chairman of the committee on education, also on the committee of public health. He was one of the three members from the House and Senate chosen to settle the railroad rate question, and was also on the Senate committee on military affairs, state hospitals and labor. He is a member of the New Hampshire State Medical Society, and of the Rockingham Medical Society, of which he is president.

Dr. Guptill was married June 4, 1890, to Miss Nellie M. True, and they had one son, Bernard, who was born June 30, 1891. Mrs. Guptill passed from this life May 29, 1892. On February 12, 1896, the Doctor formed a second union with Miss Lizzie C. True, sister of his first wife, who also is deceased. Their issue is Nellie May, age seventeen years ; Pearl Morgan, aged twelve; and George Herbert, Jr., aged eight years. Fraternally Dr. Guptill is a member of the Masonic Lodge, of which he is past master, and of the Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and Patrons of Husbandry. He is a Democrat in politics.

ALBERT H. DRAKE, an active and progressive business man of the town of Rye, was born in this town February 21, 1861, a son of Orin and Mary (Odiorne) Drake. The father, a native of Rye, was a farmer and butcher. His wife was born in Portsmouth. He was a prominent citizen, serving as selectman and in other local offices and also representing the town in the legislature. He and his wife attended the Methodist Church. Both are now deceased. Their children were: Mor- ris : Sarah, wife of Irving J. Seavey; Augusta E., wife of Charles M. Rand, and Albert H.

Albert H. Drake in his boyhood attended the common schools. At the age of nineteen years he started in the meat business for himself. after some experience on his father's meat cart, and has since conducted

CHARLES A. BADGER

947

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS

his own business as butcher, having a considerable trade in Rye, North Hampton, Greenland and Portsmouth. He owns about 75 acres of land on the Washington road, and also conducts a retail ice business in the town of Rye and a wholesale ice business in Portsmouth. His various enterprises are flourishing and he is regarded as one of the prosperous and substantial citizens of the town. In politics he is a Democrat, and has served as selectman, tax collector and as representative for the town of Rye in the State Legislature.

Mr. Drake was married in January, 1883, to Emma Holmes, who was born in Portsmouth, a daughter of Joseph R. and Charlotte (Seavey) Holmes, her parents both being natives of Rye. Their other children were Anna, wife of W. E. Paul, and Sadie, wife of William J. Carter. Mr. and Mrs. Drake are the parents of three children, namely: Ruth M., wife of Maning Filbrick, who has a daughter, Catherine; Joseph H., a graduate of a commercial college at Boston, who is employed by his father and also holds the office of tax collector in Rye; and Willard, also a graduate of the commercial college, who manages his father's meat business in Portsmouth, the store being known as Drake's Mar- ket. Joseph H. married Anna Gile and has a daughter, Francis. Mr. Drake and family attend the Christian Church, of which he has been treasurer for the last 25 years.

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.

History of Rockingham County, New Hampshire and representative citizens, Part 103

Author: Hazlett, Charles A Publication date: 1915 Publisher: Chicago : Richmond-Arnold Number of Pages: 1390

Author: Hazlett, Charles A
Publication date: 1915
Publisher: Chicago : Richmond-Arnold
Number of Pages: 1390