History of Rockingham County, New Hampshire and representative citizens, Part 114

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

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Samuel Y. Davis acquired his education in the common schools. In his youth he learned the trade of shoe-cutter at Farmington, which he followed while a resident of that place. In September, 1898, he came to Exeter and entered the employ of the Gale Shoe Company, being shoe cutter there about ten years. He was then three years with the Bates Shoe Company as foreman, after which he returned to the Gale Shoe Company and served in the capacity of assorter until he received appointment as chief of police. As above stated he was appointed to his present position in September, 1913, and has now served efficiently for over a year. He had previously had some police experience in Farm- ington, having been special policeman there. In politics he is a Demo- crat. In Farmington he also served on the board of health.

Mr. Davis first married Miss Eliza E. Berry, who bore him three children: Mildred, who married Jesse Fields; Erick Neal, who is now deceased; and Ruby. He married secondly Kate S. Kimball, the widow of Frank Kimball, and her death occurred August 16, 1914. They had two children, Iva E., who is now deceased, and Earl. Mr. Davis and his family attend the First Congregational church. He belongs to the Lodge and Encampment in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and also to the Rebecca Lodge of the same order, at Farmington.

HON. JOHN G. PARSONS, proprietor of a gents' furnishing store at No. 49 Congress street, Portsmouth, N. H., and state senator from the 24th district, is a native of this state, having been born in Rochester, June 24, 1857. He is a son of Daniel J. Parsons, born in Gilmanton, N. H., who for about forty years was an attorney in Rochester, where he died. He was a man of superior intelligence, strongly interested in the cause of education, and during his entire active career served efficiently as a member of the school board. His wife, the mother of our subject, was in maidenhood Ella G. Greenfield of Rochester. She also is deceased and is buried with her husband in Rochester. Their children were: Laura Isabella, now deceased, · who was a school teacher; Mary Emma, wife of Samuel Hislop; John G., whose name appears at the head of this sketch; Ella F., wife of John H. Temple; and Margaret, who is deceased.

John G. Parsons was educated in the grammar and high schools of Rochester, N. H. He began industrial life as clerk in a gents' furnishing store in that city, remaining there three years. He then came to Ports- mouth, entering the employ of J. F. Berry, in the same line of business, and was with him as clerk from 1881 to 1912-a period of thirty-one years- when he purchased his employer's store. He employs four clerks, has a well stocked and up to date store, and is doing a prosperous business. A Democrat in politics, he served on the old city board, has been a member of the council several terms, and, as above stated, is now a member of the New Hampshire senate. He received the re-nomination for state senator

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in the Democratic Primaries of 1914. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Elks and the Masons, having taken all the degrees in the Masonic order except the 33d, and belonging to all the various branches except the Shrine. He also belongs to the Warwick Club.

Mr. Parsons was married in February, 1889, to Miss Anna A. Grant of Portsmouth, a daughter of William F. and Nancy M. (Grant) Grant. Both Mrs. Parsons' parents were from York, Me. Her father was construction engineer for the Boston & Maine Railroad. The children in the Grant family were as follows: . Howard F., now deceased; Anna A., who married John G. Parsons; Lillian, wife of Chester L. Caldwell, an attorney at St. Paul; and Alice E., wife of A. J. Rowe, manager of the Hotel Bellevue, at Boston, Mass. Mr. and Mrs. Parsons have one child, William D., who is assisting his father in the store.

WILBUR B. SHAW, deputy sheriff of Rockingham County, N. H., who received this office by appointment and is now serving in his sixth year, was born in Boston, Mass., November 5, 1875, a son of Henry B. and Abbie Louise (Wilson) Shaw. His parents were natives of Kittery, Me., where the father was employed in the Navy Yard as foreman of the joiners. They were affiliated with the Methodist church. Their children were: Justin H., Wilbur B., Arvilla M. and Emily L.

Wilbur B. Shaw began his education in the common schools of Kittery, Me., afterwards continuing it at the Phillips Exeter Academy. He then began to learn the printer's trade in Portsmouth, afterwards finishing his apprenticeship in Lynn, Mass., where he worked several years at the trade. He also worked in a shoe factory there for awhile, or until 1898, at which time, on the breaking out of the war with Spain, he enlisted in Company A, First N. H. Volunteer Regiment, as a private. He accompanied his regiment to Camp Thomas, Georgia, and was made quarter master sergeant under Colonel Rolfe. Having served until the close of the war he returned to Portsmouth, where he was engaged in the restaurant business for some time. Appointed city policeman, he served in that position for several years, and was then appointed jailer under Marcus M. Collis, which position he held for six months, at the end of which time he received the appointment to his present office as deputy sheriff and deputy jailer under Ceylon Spinney, in which he has served over five years with marked efficiency. Mr. Shaw is a Republican in politics. He is a member of the Portsmouth Yacht Club and also of the Spanish War Veterans.

Mr. Shaw was married in 1895 to Alice Bertha Herbert, who was born in Portsmouth, a daughter of George and Anna (Watkins) Herbert, her father being a wholesale fish dealer here. The Herberts were a large family, only three of the children, however, being now living, namely: Abbie; Mary, who married Walter M. Sawyer of Lynn, Mass .; and Alice B., who is now Mrs. Shaw. Mr. and Mrs. Shaw have two children: Harold Herbert, born July 7, 1896; and Ray Fred, born January 5, 1898. The family attend the Baptist church.

Mr. Shaw's paternal grandfather was Joseph Shaw, of York, Me .; his maternal grand father was Benning Wilson, of Kittery, Me., both sturdy New England citizens of good repute, who, with their wives and families, were well liked and respected in the communities in which they lived.

WILLIAM H. BELKNAP, formerly engaged in the real estate and insurance business in Exeter, but who is now living a retired life in this

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city, was born in Exeter, N. H., March 20, 1836, a son of William A. and Ruth (Poor) Belknap. The father, a native of Westboro, Mass., was a jeweler by occupation, carrying on business in Exeter for a number of years. He had but a common school education but was a man of intelligence and industry and was fairly successful in life. He had a thorough knowledge of his trade, which he learned in Boston when a young man. By his wife Ruth, who was born in Newbury, Mass., he was the father of five children- Augustus, Rosina, Rose, Julia, and William H.

William H. Belknap was educated in the common schools of Exeter. He then learned the printer's trade, which he followed as a journeyman for about eight years. He then became clerk in the office of the register of deeds and performed his duties so satisfactorily that in 1865 he was himself appointed to fill that office, to which also he was elected in the following spring, subsequently serving therein for seven years. He then opened a general office, handling real estate, insurance and probate business, continu- ing in this occupation until 1904, when he retired.

Mr. Belknap was married in July, 1875, to Miss Adelaide Jewell, a native of Exeter, N. H. She died in 1881, leaving no issue, and he married for his second wife, in 1889, Miss Josephine Treat, of Bangor, Me., whose father, Samuel Treat, was at one time treasurer of that city. Mr. and Mrs. Belknap attend the Congregational church. The former is a Republican in politics. He has been a member of the Masonic order since 1865, and was town clerk of Exeter for twenty-six years. Few citizens of the town are more widely known in this vicinity and few are more respected.

ALBERT F. PRIEST, a prosperous merchant of New Market, N. H., where he is engaged in the clothing and furnishing business, was born in this town, April 30, 1876, a son of Albert M. and Sarah A. (Ritchie) Priest. The father of our subject was born in New Market, N. H., February 6, 1857, a son of Levi J. and Effie (Spofford) Priest. He was for many years a prominent merchant here and established the first department store in the town. In 1875 he married Sarah A. Ritchie and they had seven children, namely : Thurman A., now proprietor of a dry goods store in New Market ; Frank J., William L., Irene L., Addie F., Marian A. and Albert F.

Albert F. Priest was educated in the common schools and at New Market high school, which he attended two years, being obliged to leave before grad- uating on account of ill health. He then entered mercantile life and has since been continuously engaged in the clothing business, with the exception of one year during which he was associated as partner with his brother Frank J. in the restaurant business. For some time he was associated with firms in Boston, Mass., and New Haven, Conn., as buyer and manager, until establishing himself in his present business at New Market in 1910. This he has carried on successfully and is now one of the substantial and pros- perous business men of the town. His store is well stocked with salable goods and he enjoys a large and increasing trade. A democrat in politics, he takes a live interest in public questions and has served as town clerk, town treasurer, and as representative to the general court. His society affiliations are with Pocasett Tribe, No. 45, I. O. R. M. On May 19, 1902, Mr. Priest was married to Ida L. Hevey of Newmarket, daughter of Joseph and Leda (Garneau) Hevey. He and his wife are the parents of a daughter, Adelaide L. Priest.

ALBERT M. PRIEST

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ALBERT E. McREEL, treasurer and manager of the A. E. McReel Company of Exeter, dealers in coal and wood, was born in Athol, Mass., in 1870, a son of Alexander and Helen (Spencer) McReel. The father, who was a shoe manufacturer in Athol, died in 1907; his wife, surviving him, resides in Athol.' They had two children-Albert E. and Walter.

Albert E. McReel was educated in the common schools of Athol, Mass. For a number of years subsequently he was intimately connected with street railway construction, controlling companies in different sections of the country. In 1910 he came to Exeter to settle here permanently, having pre- viously been a resident of this city. He belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks at Portsmouth, and in politics is a Republican.

Mr. McReel married Mabel A. Mellen, a native of Athol, Mass., and daughter of William H. and Gertrude E. (Squares) Mellen, the father being a prosperous lumberman. They had one daughter and a son-Mabel A., and William D. Mr. and Mrs. McReel are the parents of one child, William A. McReel. The family attends the First Church of Exeter.

FRANK A. SPINNEY, a mason contractor at Portsmouth, New Hamp- shire, enjoys a prosperous business in this city, where his entire business career thus far has been spent. He has been engaged in contracting some ten or twelve years, but has been working out of the same shop since 1875 when he began his apprenticeship. He employs from twelve to eighteen men, and the fact that he is always busy bespeaks the confidence of the people in his work and their regard for his ability.

Mr. Spinney was born in York County, Maine, in 1856 and was one of seven children born to Sylvester and Mary A. (Urch) Spinney. The father was born in Maine and was a cabinet maker by trade. The mother was a native of England. Mrs. Spinney is now deceased and is survived by her husband.

Frank A. Spinney attended the public schools first, and later Elliot Acad- emy. He then learned the trade of a mason, which he has followed con- tinuously since. He married Arabella F. Cole, who was born in Eliot and is a daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Tutherly) Cole. Her father was a fish merchant at Portsmouth although his residence was in Eliot, Me. Three children have blessed this union, Elroy, Annie M., and Alice B., who was the wife of Patrick Powers and died when twenty-two years of age. Annie M. is the wife of Arthur Lewis and they have a daughter, Mazie B. Mr. Spinney is a Republican in politics. Fraternally he is a member of the Odd Fellows and of the Pilgrim Fathers. The family attends the Advent Church.

HERBERT O. PRIME, assistant superintendent of the Consolidation Coal Company of Portsmouth, N. H., was born in this city in 1871, a son of Edwin B. and Araette ( Hoitt) Prime. His father, a native of Exeter, N. H., was an insurance broker; the mother of our subject was a native of Ports- mouth.

Herbert O. Prime was the only child of his parents. His education was obtained in the common schools and he then began work for E. F. Sise & Co., coal dealers. On the subsequent death of William H. Sise in 1896 a partnership was formed under the name of Gray & Prime, consisting of Mr. Prime and Charles W. Gray, who carried on the business successfully until April 1, 1911, when the firm was taken over by The Consolidation Coal Co., both partners being retained by the company. Mr. Prime is a

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Republican in politics and an up-to-date and progressive citizen. He belongs to the Warwick Club, is a Blue Lodge Mason, an Odd Fellow, an Elk and a member of the Royal Arcanum.

Mr. Prime was married in 1898 to Harriet G. Simpson of Newfields, N. H., a daughter of John E. and Louise E. (Saunders) Simpson. Her father was a railway postal clerk from Quincy, Mass. ; her mother was a native of England. Mr. Prime is an Episcopalian in religious belief, but with. his wife and two daughters, Katharine S. and Elizabeth, attends the Congrega- tional Church.

JAMES ARTHUR TUFTS, professor of English at Phillips Exeter Academy, is one of the best known educators in the state, and a veteran teacher, having held his present position since 1878. He was born at Alstead, N. H., April 26, 1855, the son of Timothy and Sophia P. (Kingsbury ) Tufts, his paternal grandparents being James and Sarah (Labaree) Tufts. Both his parents were natives of New Hampshire, the father being a merchant by occupation. The subject of this sketch was their only child that grew to maturity. He began his education in the public schools of Alstead, subse- quently attended Miles Military School at Brattleboro, Vt., and was later a student at The Phillips Exeter Academy and at Harvard University, being graduated from Harvard in 1878. In the same year he returned to Exeter to assume the duties of his present position as teacher of English in the Academy. His efficiency is evidenced by his length of service, and is enhanced by his agreeable personality and unfailing tact, by means of which he excites the attention and holds the good will of the students, while his relations with the faculty have always been pleasant and harmonious. He has served as a member of the library committee of the town for many years, and is, besides, trustee of Robinson Seminary, the State college at Durham, N. H., and the library at Kensington, N. H. That his popularity is not confined to educational circles is evidenced by the fact that he served in the state legislature in 1905-08.

Prof. Tufts was married, December 21, 1878, to Miss Effie Locke, who was born in Arlington, Mass., a daughter of B. Delmont and Sarah (Child) Locke, both her parents being natives of Massachusetts. Prof. and Mrs. Tufts have been the parents of six children, namely: Effie Miriam. who died at the age of twenty-three years, Irving Elting, Theodora, Delmont Locke, James Arthur, jr., and Helen. Prof. Tufts is a member of the Unitarian church, and has been its treasurer since 1891. He and Mrs. Tufts are popular members of Exeter society, having many friends both here and elsewhere in the state.

FRANCIS L. HATCH, who is co-partner with Arthur O. Goodwin in the ownership and operation of the Portsmouth Foundry Company, jobbers in iron and brass castings, was born in Kittery, Me., June 18, 1887. His parents were Lozano and Martha (Dannenberg) Hatch, the father born in Wells and the mother in Kittery, Me. The father of our subject died and his widow subsequently married Wallace C. Rounds. Her only children were by her first husband, namely : Edgar T., Francis L. and Aldana M.

Francis L. Hatch acquired his education in the common schools, which he left at the age of sixteen years. Then, in October, 1903, he entered the Portsmouth Navy Yard, where he learned the trade of moulder. He was thus employed until 1909, after which he worked in Derry, N. H., one year.

no but G. hans & BroNY

John W. Parsons M. D.

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At the end of that time he returned to the navy yard where he continued until October, 1911, when the corporation, with which he has since been identified, was established. He is in association with Mr. A. O. Goodwin, who also had been employed in the navy yard, and they have conducted the business very successfully. His political affiliations are with the Republican party, but he sometimes votes independently as occasion seems to demand. He belongs to the Masonic order, in which he has advanced as far as the Commandery, and is also a member of the Mystic Shrine and the Order of Red Men.

Mr. Hatch was married, January 26, 1910, to Annie E. Rounds, who was born in Bartlett, N. H., a daughter of Wallace C. Rounds. He and his wife are the parents of a daughter, Carolyn T. The family attend the Baptist church.

JOHN W. PARSONS, M. D., who at the time of his death, February 28, 1912, was the oldest practicing physician in Portsmouth, N. H., was born in Rye, N. H., August 1, 1841, a son of Col. Thomas Jefferson and Eliza (Brown) Parsons, and a grandson of Dr. John Wilkes Parsons, prominent among the earlier physicians of Rye, N. H.

Col. Thomas J. Parsons, the father of John W. Parsons, was adjutant of the Thirty-fifth Regiment in the old New Hampshire militia, and lieuten- ant-colonel of the First Regiment in 1836, being also an aide-de-camp of Gen. Isaac Hill.

John W. Parsons attended the public schools of Rye, Hampton Falls Academy, Pembroke Academy, Franklin Academy, was at Phillips Exeter Academy three years, and took a scientific course of one year at Norwich University, Vermont. He began the study of medicine in 1861 in Dover. N. H., with Levi G. Hill, M. D .; attended one course of lectures in Dart- mouth Medical College, 1862, and took a course in practical anatomy there in 1863. He also attended two courses of lectures and summer school at the Medical School of Harvard University, receiving the degree of M. D. there- from in March, 1865, and took a special course in gynecology at Boston, under Horatio R. Storer, M. D., in 1867.

Dr. Parsons was commissioned assistant surgeon of the Twenty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry in April, 1865, and was mustered out of service in January, 1866.

He settled in Portsmouth, N. H., on his birthday, August 1, 1866, and continued the practice of medicine here until his death. He was an able and successful physician and surgeon, widely recognized as an authority on med- ical matters, and no less esteemed as a citizen. Few men were more generally beloved.

During his long and active life Dr. Parsons served in various important positions with high credit. He was for more than thirty years president of the board of trustees of the Chase Home for Children. He was a trustee of the Portsmouth Hospital and a member of the board of directors of the Portsmouth Athenaeum. He served for many years as justice of the peace, and in 1876 was appointed, by the governor, auditor of the New Hampshire Asylum for the Insane.

He held many prominent positions in his profession, being long an active and influential member of the American Medical Association. He was a member of the New Hampshire Medical Society for forty-five years, serving on its board of trustees twenty-two years and on its board of censors fifteen

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years, and as president in 1884. He was a member of the Strafford District Medical Society and served as its president in 1885-86, and also several terms -1884, 1889 and 1891-as president of the Portsmouth Medical Association.

He was a member of the Harvard Medical Alumni Association; an hon- orary member of the Medical Society of the State of California; a member of the Grand Army of the Republic; a member of the Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons ; a member of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, Massachusetts Commandery, and a member of the Sons of the Revolution. Dr. Parsons was examining surgeon for pensions from 1885 to 1889 inclusive. In religion he was a Unitarian, belonging to the church of that denomination in Portsmouth.

The death of this useful and prominent citizen caused widespread sorrow throughout the city and wherever his character was known and appreciated. His remains were laid to rest in the South Cemetery. The following addi- tional tribute to his memory is copied from the "Transactions of the New Hampshire Medical Society, 1912":

"During his long career in Portsmouth, Dr. Parsons became a notable figure in the best life of the town. He was a man who commanded, first respect, and afterwards affection. Nobody who knew him could help honor- ing him for his qualities of character. He possessed the virtues which claim the respect and admiration of intelligent people-straight-forwardness and integrity, frankness of speech, entire and even self-sacrificing devotion to the duties of his profession, and the most absolute freedom from any sort of pretension. He was what he appeared to be-a perfectly upright, sincere, high-minded physician, of whose faithfulness and devotion, those who came to him could feel absolutely sure. In the resolution passed upon his death by the Portsmouth Medical Association, his brother physicians said of him : 'We desire to go on record as admiring his unswerving honesty, his inflexible purity of purpose, his steadfastness for the right, his skill and judgment as a physician, his ever-ready counsel in time of perplexity, and we believe that his unique position in the community will never be filled.'"

Dr. Parsons was married February 12, 1873. to Mary Augusta. a daugh- ter of the late Capt. Ebenezer G. Adams, a sea captain, formerly of Ports- mouth, N. H. Mrs. Parsons survives her husband.

GEORGE W. POLLARD, clerk and director of the Portsmouth Brew- ing Company at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, has been identified with this company for a period of twenty years. Wherever he has resided he has taken an earnest interest in civic affairs, and frequently has been called to serve in local offices. The Portsmouth Brewing Company is one of the pros- perous enterprises of the city, giving employment to some eighty men. Its officers are: Arthur Harris, president; Lawrence J. Harrington, vice presi- dent : William F. Harrington, treasurer and general manager. The board of directors include the officers together with George W. Pollard and James H. McGlinchy.

Mr. Pollard was born in New Market, Rockingham County, New Hamp- shire, July 1I, 1860, and is a son of Levi L. and Martha Jane (Winkley) Pollard, the father a native of Concord, Mass., and the mother of Lowell, Mass. Levi L. Pollard was a machinist by trade and followed it until his death in 1898. Mrs. Pollard lives in Bedford, Mass. They had the follow- ing children : Charles Jay: George Winkley ; Clara Augusta, wife of George R. Blinn; and Levi L.

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George W. Pollard attended the common schools of South New Market, after which he entered the offices of the Swamscot Machine Company. He served as clerk for seventeen years, at the end of which time he came to Portsmouth to serve in a similar capacity with the Portsmouth Brewing Company. His rise with this concern had been steady. He is a man of ability and public spirit and has'always been found in support of measures of public benefit. He was treasurer of Newfields for six years, has served as selectman from the fifth ward of Portsmouth, and was also on the school board three years.

In 1885, Mr. Pollard was united in marriage with Miss Minnie C. Wad- leigh, who was born in Exeter, and is a daughter of William and Emily A. (Dearborn) Wadleigh. Her father was a farmer by occupation. He and Mrs. Wadleigh reared six children: George W .; John M .; Emma Josephine ; Frank H. ; Addie M. ; and Minnie C. Mr. and Mrs. Pollard have the follow- ing offspring: Ethel M .; Miriam F .; John Wadleigh and Dorothy. He is a member of Rising Star Lodge, A. F. & A. M. of New Market; Washington Royal Arch Chapter at Portsmouth ; the Royal Arcanum; and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. Religiously they attended the Universalist Church.

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History of Rockingham County, New Hampshire and representative citizens, Part 114

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