History of Rockingham County, New Hampshire and representative citizens, Part 130

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

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GEORGE M. CROWELL, M. D.,* the leading physician and surgeon of Auburn, N. H., was born in Providence, R. I., August 10, 1872. His parents were Otis F. and Emma F. ( Bennett) Crowell. His paternal an- cestors came to this country from England at an early day and settled on the Cape. Most of them were sea captains. Otis F. Crowell. the Doctor's father, however, was engaged in the meat business, in which he continued up to the time of his death in Providence. When but seventeen years old he ran away from home and went to Boston, where he enlisted for service in the Civil War. For bravery and good service he was promoted from the rank of private to that of corporal. His wife Emma, born in Providence, R. I., is still a resident of that city. They had two children: George M., the subject of this sketch, and Arthur F., who is a teacher in the public schools of Providence.

George M. Crowell was educated in the public schools of Providence,

JOHN HOWARD GROVER

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graduating from the high school at the age of seventeen. In 1890 he en- tered Brown University, where he graduated in 1894, with the degree of A. B. During his last year in the University he studied medicine, and dur- ing the entire four years he spent there he also studied and taught music. In 1895 he entered Harvard Medical College and was graduated M. D. in 1899. He at once began the practice of his profession in Pawtucket, R. I., remaining there four years. He then went to Canaan, N. H., where also he stayed four years, after which he spent five years in Providence, R. I., coming from there to Auburn, N. H., in June, 1913. Although a compara- tively recent addition to the ranks of the medical profession in Rockingham County, he has proved his ability and has laid the foundations of a good practice. He is a member of the Rockingham County Medical Society, the New Hampshire Medical Society, the Rhode Island Medical Society and the American Medical Association. He is now serving on the Board of Health of the town of Auburn.

Dr. Crowell was married in 1902 to Emma C. Cutler, of West Acton, Mass., who was educated in the schools of Acton, at the Concord High School, where she graduated, and at the Boston Normal School of Gymnas- tics. Dr. and Mrs. Crowell have been the parents of two children: Sylvia, who died at the age of five months, and Margaret C., born May 17, 1906, who survives. In politics Dr. Crowell is independent. He and his wife are affil- iated with the Universalist church.

LEVI WOODBURY comes of a prominent old family of Salem, N. H., where he now resides, although his business activities have been largely in other parts of the country. He was one time proprietor of the St. James Hotel in Washington, D. C., made famous by him, and for many years he has been president of the Norfolk and Washington Steamboat Company. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts, October 17, 1834, and is a son of Israel and Eliza (Graham) Woodbury, and a grandson of Israel Woodbury ..

Israel Woodbury, the grandfather, was born December 10, 1759, and lived to the good old age of ninety-nine years and ten months. When the: colonies rebelled against England, he enlisted and was stationed in Northern New York. Falling prisoner he was taken by the Indians to Canada and there detained for a long time. Finally through the aid of a half-breed he effected his escape. Crossing the St. Lawrence River in a canoe, he proceeded to walk through the wilderness to his home in Salem, N. H. Among others of his family who saw service in the Revolutionary Army, were Daniel Wood- bury, Israel Woodbury, Elisha Woodbury and his son Elisha, Jr., and Jona- than Woodbury.

Israel Woodbury, father of the subject of this record, was born in Salem, N. H., in 1805, and for more than thirty years was a contractor and builder in Boston, Mass. He was an enthusiastic democrat in his political affiliation,. and was the leader of the party in Salem. He married Eliza Graham who. was born in 1809, and they had the following children: Levi; Charles O. of Washington, D. C .; Milton G. who lives in Massachusetts ; and Mrs. Abbie C. Forster, who lives with her brother. Levi.

Levi Woodbury was reared on a farm in Salem, and his educational train- ing was obtained in the New England public schools. At the age of nine- teen years he started life work in a shoe factory, and continued that occupa- tion for seven years. In 1860 he entered railroad service as station agent on the Boston and Concord Railroad, and during this period of six years;

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learned the Morse Code and became master of the key. At the same time he was engaged in the lumber business at Windham, N. H. From rail- roading he turned to hotel keeping, his first venture being at Chelsea, Mass. Here he built up a profitable business, which he sold to advantage in 1867. He then went to Washington, D. C. as steward of the St. James Hotel, and a year or two later established the St. George Cafe under the old Masonic Temple. A few years later he leased the St. James Hotel and gave it a pres- tige throughout the country during the many years he held it. He saw the advantage to be derived from good steamboat service down the Potomac to the cities at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay, and was the moving spirit in the formation of the Norfolk and Washington Steamboat Company, of which he has served as president for many years.

Mr. Woodbury was united in marriage with Miss Nancy J. Wheeler. Fra- ternally he is prominent in Masonic Circles. He is a Knight Templar, a mem- ber of the Mystic Shrine, and has taken the Scottish Rite degree. He also belongs to the Board of Trade, the Chamber of Commerce, the Commercial Club and the Columbia Golf Club.

HON. JOHN M. WEBSTER, one of the leading business men of the town of Chester, and also representative from this town in the legislature, was born in Chester, N. H., November 6, 1859. His parents were Moses and Martha W. (Gibson) Webster, and he is a grandson on the paternal side of Stephen Webster, who settled in Rockingham County at an early day, and was for many years a well known and respected citizen here.

Moses Webster, father of our subject, was born in Hampstead, this county, and removed to Chester when about eight years of age with his parents. Here he was reared and educated and when old enough to begin industrial life en- gaged in farming. He was active in town affairs, serving efficiently on the board of selectmen. His wife was a native of Tremont.

John M. Webster was reared in the town of Chester and in his youth at- tended the local schools, supplementing his education by a business course in 1880. Then returning to Chester he found employment for a year in Dale Bros.' store, subsequently going to Hampstead. where he was similarly em- ployed for awhile. He then went to Cherry Point, Ill., where he spent a year engaged in mercantile work, after which he returned to Chester and opened a store of his own, dealing general merchandise. This he still operates, the present style of the firm being Webster Bros. He has been very successful and is now recognized as one of the prosperous and substantial citizens of the town. A member of the democratic party, he has long taken an active interest in politics. He was first elected to the state legislature in November, 1900, and was reelected in 1912, in each case serving efficiently and with a watch- ful eye for the interests of his constituents. He has long served as a mem- ber of the school board and as town treasurer. which latter office he is holding at the present time. Enterprising and public spirited and of excellent busi- ness ability, he is a man of influence in the community and is very popular with his fellow citizens.

Mr. Webster was married in 1888 to Miss Lucy M. Marsters of Chester, a daughter of Woodbury and Keziah (Felch) Marsters. He and his wife are the parents of one child, a daughter, Marion, who, after a preparatory course at Pinkerton Academy, where she was valedictorian of her class, entered Smith College, from which she graduated. She was one of the thirty members of her class belonging to the Phi Beta Kappa. She subsequently taught school

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for three years at. North Hampton, and last year (1913) went to Simmons College and is now secretary to Prof. Hasking at the Harvard Graduate School. She is a young lady of exceptional ability and gives promise of a bright future.

ARTHUR W. BATES,* ice dealer, and the owner of some valuable land within the city limits of Portsmouth, N. H., is a native of England, born October 15, 1861. His parents were William and Sarah ( Harriman) Bates, both of English birth, who came to the United States a number of years ago, the father, a stocking weaver by trade, bringing with him some fancy stock- ing looms. They are both living and reside in Portsmouth with their son, the subject of this sketch. Their children were: George R .; Aner, wife of George Young; Florence, wife of George Kemp, and Arthur W., who was the second born.

Arthur W. Bates acquired his education in the common schools, after which he worked for some years in the cotton mills. He then moved onto a farm of 30 acres within the limits of Portsmouth, which he bought and one half of which he has since sold in lots, having left about fifteen acres, which tract is situated on a street car line on Middle Road. Mr. Bates is unmarried. In politics he votes independently, using his judgment as to the qualifications of candidates for office. He belongs to the Knights of the Golden Eagle and attends the Episcopal church.

LINCOLN L. BROWN,* proprietor of a general store in the town of Seabrook, who has also been prominent in public affairs for a number of years, was born in this town October 3, 1867. He is a son of Sylvester L. and; Martha D. (Clough) Brown, and a grandson on the paternal side of Newell Brown. The father, Sylvester, was born in Seabrook, N. H., December 17, 1832, and became a prominent citizen of the town, serving for a number of years as selectman and as member of the school board. He was a veteran of the Civil war, having enlisted at Eastport, Me., and been mustered in as second lieutenant. He was made first lieutenant July 25, 1865. His wife Martha was a daughter of Stephen B. Clough. They had two children: Grace T., who married William Evans, and Lincoln L. Sylvester L. Brown died Decem- ber 17, 1885, having survived his wife, who passed away January 1, 1874.

Lincoln L. Brown was educated in the public schools and at Dearborn Academy. He then worked in a shoe factory for twenty years as inspector, and afterwards for five years was in the employ of the electric railroad as motorman and conductor. He then returned to the shoe factory and remained there until September 27, 1913, at which time he started his present store in Seabrook. He is doing a prosperous business, having an up-to-date store and a good trade. Mr. Brown served as a member of the school board from 1895 to 1898: as tax collector from 1896 to 1898, and deputy sheriff, 1894 to 1898. He is a charter member of Governor Weare Council. No. 15, O. U. A. M .. in which he has filled all the offices. He was admitted to the state council in 1907, and was state council in 1911. He was elected national representative to Gettysburg, August 23, 1912, and was also representative to the council at Boston in 1913 and at Muncie, Indiana, in 1914. In 1914 he also served on the national president's committee and is now appointed committee on appeals for 1915. He is also president of the Building Association; a mem- ber of Newburyport Lodge, No. 30, K. of P .; charter member of Alfred M. Dow Camp, Sons of Veterans, which was organized July 13, 1911, and is past commander.

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ANDREW J. BENSON, a well known resident of Derry, now retired from active business life, was born in Hookset, N. H., Jan. 9, 1832. When he was only seven or eight years old his parents, Joseph C. and Judith Davis Benson, moved to Londonderry, Rockingham county, where he was reared and educated. He subsequently worked at the shoe trade and at farming. In 1864 he enlisted in Company D, Heavy Artillery, and went direct to Wash- ington, D. C., where his regiment was distributed among the forts around Washington. After remaining there a few months they were ordered to the front, but when they had reached Alexandria the order was cancelled and they returned to the forts at Washington, where Mr. Benson remained until his honorable discharge in 1865.

After returning home he found work at the shoe trade and at farming and so continued until about twenty-five years ago, when he came to Derry and engaged here in the meat, fish and grocery business. About 1906 he re- tired. He is past commander of Wesley B. Knight Post, G. A. R. Although not deeply interested in politics, he served as selectman in Londonderry for four years and was representative to the legislature two years, serving effi- ciently in both offices.

Mr. Benson was married in 1851 to Miss Ruth J. Paige of Londonderry, who died at the age of forty-five years. They had twelve children, of whom nine are now living, namely : Charles O., of Derry, N. H .; Ella, now Mrs. John Conner of Boston, Mass .; Frank A. of Lynn, Mass .; Hon. William H. Benson of Derry; Oscar, now a resident of South Africa; George W. of Derry; Fred of Nashau, N. H .; Alice, now Mrs. Bert Kimball of Haverhill, Mass. ; and Harry Benson of Derry.

Five years after his first wife's death Mr. Benson married for his second wife Eliza Rowell, who died in March, 1911. He is one of the most highly respected citizens in this community and his friends in and around Derry are numbered by the score.

WOODBURY J. BROWN, prosperous citizen of Salem Depot, New Hampshire, is a member of the firm of Cole and Brown and is engaged in the lumber and wood business. He was born in Candia, N. H., October 28, 1876, and is a son of Josiah A. and Luella ( Batchler ) Brown. Josiah A. Brown was born in Dearfield, New Hampshire, in 1845. He was a shoemaker by trade and in his later years followed farming. For more than forty years he was road surveyor in his district. His marriage with Luella Batchler re- sulted in the following offspring: Oscar, deceased; Dexter, deceased; Carrie, who married H. A. Brown; Jennie, who married M. H. Taylor; Mabel; Emma ; Hattie ; and Woodbury J.

Woodbury J. Brown was educated in the public schools and at the age of eighteen years went to work for the Candia Grocery Company as clerk. After one year he came to Salem Depot to work in Mr. Buxton's grocery store, and one year later bought out the business. He conducted the grocery suc- cessfully for years, at the end of which time he sold out to advantage. He then engaged in the hay and grain and the lumber business, which he finally sold out to join forces with Mr. Cole. Under the firm name of Cole and Brown they have dealt in lumber and wood and have established a good pay- ing business. He is a member of the Board of Trade, and also of the County Republican Club December 19, 1909, Mr. Brown was united in marriage with Miss Laura May Ladd, a daughter of L. B. and Laura Ann (Graham) Ladd. They enjoy a comfortable home in Salem.

ANDREW J. BENSON

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ARTHUR C. COX,* owner and proprietor of the concern known as Daniel N. Cox & Co., painters, decorators and paper-hangers, Portsmouth, N. H., was born in this city in 1885, a son of Daniel N. and Emma F. (Fraser) Cox. His parents were both natives of this city. The father, a painter all his life, established the present business in 1887, in partnership with Horace Pettigrew, the firm being known at first as Pettigrew & Cox. To him and his wife were born five children: George E., Frank T., Jennie L., wife of Clifford Ramsdell, Arthur C., and Martha, who is the wife of Edward M. Ward.

Arthur C. Cox, after graduating from the common schools, attended the high school for three years. He then took up the painting business, at first being associated with his father. In 1909 he bought out the business and has since carried it on alone very successfully, employing four men. In 1913 he was a member of the council from Ward Four. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias, and is also a member of Kearsarge Engine Company No. 3, of the Portsmouth Fire Department.

Mr. Cox has been twice married: first to Margaret E. Davidson, who died leaving a daughter, Mary Esther. He married for his second wife Mabel A. Hodgdon, daughter of George Hodgdon, a carpenter, whose only other child was a son, Frank. Of this second marriage there have been no offspring. Mr. Cox and his family attend the Methodist church. They are well known and prosperous people, thoroughly representative of the best New England citizenship.

JOHN M. WADLEIGH. a substantial and progressive citizen of Exeter, N. H., who is now living a partially retired life, is one of this town's native sons, having been born here July 6, 1846. His parents were William and Emily (Dearborn) Wadleigh, both natives of this county, where the father carried on business as a farmer and stock dealer. The latter's parents were Enoch and Anna (Mirrill) Wadleigh. William Wadleigh at one time served the town of Exeter as representative to the legislature, being a republican in politics. Both parents of our subject are now deceased. Their children were: George W., John M., Emma Josephine, wife of Harry Raybold, Margaret A., Frank H., and Minnie C., wife of George Pollard. The mother, Mrs. Emily A. Dearborn Wadleigh, was a daughter of Nathan and Lydia (Godfrey) Dearborn of North Hampton.

John M. Wadleigh was educated in the common and high schools of Exeter, graduating from the latter in the class of 1864. He then took up farm work on the parental homestead and for twenty years devoted himself ex- clusively to that occupation. He then became interested to some extent in lumbering, entering into that business by degrees and gradually increasing his operations, although without relinquishing his agricultural interests. ex- cept that he gave up active work on the farm in 1908, he still remaining its owner. He also owns the Hotel Squamscott at Exeter. His time now is chiefly spent in looking after his lumber interests, which are somewhat exten- sive. At different times he has served the town of Exeter in various offices. He was representative to the legislature for one term and has been selectman a number of terms, on the last occasion serving for twelve years, after which he declined further election. Few citizens of the town, if any, are more pop- ular, or have a larger number of friends. For the last seven years Mr. Wad- leigh has resided in the village of Exeter.

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WILLIAM I. RHODES,* a prosperous farmer of the town of Brent- wood, Rockingham County, N. H., was born in this town February 2, 1858. His father was William M. Rhodes, a native of Chelsea, Vt., who died Novem- ber 15, 1912. The mother, whose maiden name was Mary E. Rowell, was born in Brentwood. They had three children: Nellie C., who married a Mr. Osgood; William I., the subject of this sketch; and Mary, who was married, and died leaving two children, Ruth and Clarence.

William I. Rhodes was educated in the common and high schools of Exeter, and at the age of fourteen years began to learn the trade of butcher, receiving at first fifty cents per day. He continued to be thus occupied until he was 25 years old, at which time he gave up the business and returned to the farm in Brentwood, where he has since remained, engaged in agriculture. He is in prosperous circumstances and is regarded as one of the reliable and substantial citizens of the town. He is a democrat in politics and has run for local office on a number of occasions, but as the county is strongly republi- can, has hitherto been unsuccessful.

Mr. Rhodes married Miss Mary C. Fuller, of Fremont, N. H., and they are the parents of two daughters, Nellie M. and Lillian A., the latter being unmarried. Both were educated in the public schools of Brentwood. Nellie also graduating from Sanborn Seminary. Nellie M. married Alfred Melbray and has three children, Florence, Marjorie and Norman.

JOSEPH F. BERRY,* retired merchant and one of Portsmouth's promi- nent citizens, is one of five children born to his parents, who were respectively Joseph H. and Judith A. ( Knowlton) Berry. The father followed the trade of a blacksmith. Joseph F. Berry was born December 25, 1841. He was educated in the public schools and when a young man began industrial life as clerk in a hardware business, in which he continued for a number of years. He then embarked in the hat business for himself, in Portsmouth, which he carried on with unqualified success until his retirement in March, 1912. Mr. Berry belongs to the Odd Fellows and the Royal Arcanum and is a mem- ber of the Warwick Club. In politics he is a republican.

He married Miss Georgia Adams, and the union was blessed with one daughter, Maude L., who married Edward T. Kimball, son of the late E. P. Kimball, formerly president of the First National Bank of Portsmouth. Mr. and Mrs. Kimball reside at Brookline, Mass. Mr. Berry and family are mem- bers of the Congregational church. He has a pleasant residence at 401 Isling- ton street ..

FRANK L. WHIDDEN,* the owner of forty-five acres of land in the town of Newington, who is also a public official, was born in this town. Jan- uary 17, 1857, a son of Joseph W. Whidden. The father was a native of Portsmouth and in early life was an ice dealer, delivering ice to Portsmouth. The latter part of his life was spent in farming. He married Elizabeth Abi- gail Berry, of Rye, N. H., and their children were Charles G., Mary Olivia, Dora A., Joseph W., Frank L., Carrie E., Ira W. and Edith M. Both parents are now deceased and are buried in Newington. They were worthy people, well liked by their neighbors, and attended the Congregational church.

Frank L. Whidden acquired his education in the common schools. He assisted his father on the latter's farm until he was 26 or 27 years old. and then went to Portsmouth, where he found employment with H. A. Yeaton & Son, grain dealers. He remained with them for about twenty years and

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afterwards worked six years for two other firms in the same line of business. Then, about two years ago, he took up his residence on his present property. He does a little farming and is employed as night watchman on the Dover, Point toll bridge. A republican in politics, he served the town as selectman for two years.

Mr. Whidden was married, June 24, 1881, to Marion C. Marden, who was born in Lewiston, Me. Mrs. Whidden's parents died when she was about six years old and she was reared by an uncle, Israel Marden. She has a sister, Grace Swazey. The family attend the Congregational church and Mr. Whidden is a 3d degree Mason, attending lodge at Portsmouth. Mr. Whidden has spent his entire life up to date in the town of Newington and is one of its reliable and representative citizens.

LEWIS F. SOULE, M. D., is actively engaged in the practice of medi- cine at Salem Depot, N. H., is proprietor of a drug store, and also owns and conducts the plant of the Salem Box Co., manufacturing window and door frames. He was born in Phillips, Maine, Sept. 4, 1869, and is a son of Sam- uel W. and Caroline (Sweetser ) Soule. Samuel W. Soule was born at South Freeport, Maine, and during his active career engaged in farming and in the manufacture of shoes. His wife, Caroline Sweetser, was born at Yar- mouth. They had the following children : Daniel H. ; Charles A., deceased ; Fannie I .; Fred W .; William H. ; Lewis F .; and Carrie H.

Lewis F. Soule was educated in the public schools of Phillips, Maine, Westbrook Seminary, and Bowdoin College, graduating from the last named institution in 1895. He then entered the medical department of Bowdoin and in 1898 was graduated with the degree of M. D. He also spent one term in attendance at Harvard University. In 1898, Dr. Soule came to Salem Depot, New Hampshire, where he soon became established in a well paying practice. In addition to the various undertakings before enumerated, he has always been active in promoting the best interests of the community. He was selectman for two years, was on the town board of health eight years, and was on the republican town committee three years. Fraternally he is a member of the Masons, and of the New England Order of Protection.

ARTHUR W. HORTON is the well known proprietor of the Sinclair Inn, located at the corner of Richards Avenue and Middle Street, Portsmouth, and also of the Sinclair Garage. He maintains a high class machine shop in connection with the garage, carries a complete line of automobile acces- sories and supplies of all kinds, and is prepared to let cars by the hour or day. He has built up an extensive business, and enjoys the patronage of the leading citizens of Portsmouth and vicinity.

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History of Rockingham County, New Hampshire and representative citizens, Part 130

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