History of Rockingham County, New Hampshire and representative citizens, Part 89

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 89

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).

John E. Kent was reared in Durham, where he continued to reside until 1895, which year marked the beginning of his residence in New Market. Here he started a livery business in a small way and as his success became assured added largely to his equipment. About 1905 he branched out in the grain and feed business, which has also proved a success from every standpoint.

In 1883 John E. Kent was married to Lizzie Simpson, who died in 1907. Four children were the issue of their union: George W .; Blanch I., now deceased; Marion; and Ralph, who lives with his grandfather on the farm at Durham. In July, 1909, Mr. Kent formed a second mar- riage with Martha E. Dow, and they reside in a commodious home on Main Street in New Market.

JOHN W. KELLEY, one of Portsmouth's leading attorneys and citizens, who died at the Corey Hill Hospital, Brookline, Mass., on Sep- tember 20th,. 1913, was born in this city, December 3, 1865, the son of John and Ellen (Nagle) Kelley. He was graduated from the Ports- mouth High School in 1883 with high honors and entered Dartmouth College in 1884, graduating with the Class of 1888. While there he was prominent in athletic and social life. He was president of his class, a member of the Alpha Delta Phi Fraternity, a member of the 'Varsity football team for three years and its manager for two years, manager of the Northern Intercollegiate Athletic Association team for two years, and in his senior year was elected to the Sphinx and made business editor of The Dartmouth, the college bi-weekly publication. In 1887, in company with two classmates he organized the Dartmouth Glee and Banjo Clubs. In all these various enterprises connected with college life, "Jack Kelley" was looked upon as a ruling spirit. He was regarded as a wizard of accomplishment, and his college career has often been admiringly referred to by Dartmouth alumni as a brilliant demon- stration of "one man power." This pre-eminence followed him into the serious business of his life.

After his graduation from Dartmouth he returned to Portsmouth and entered the law office of Frink and Bachelder. While studying with them he was elected principal of the Whipple School and held that posi- tion from 1890 to 1894, in March of the latter year being admitted to the bar. As a teacher he was active and successful and was a delegate to various educational conventions throughout the state. In 1894 he opened a law office for himself, and in this, as in everything else he took hold of, he "made good," soon becoming known as one of the leading attorneys of the state of New Hampshire. In 1896 he became city solicitor, a posi- tion he held for two years. In the following year he was a candidate for county solicitor but was defeated by five votes in the convention. Two years later he was practically given a unanimous vote in the con- vention and was elected. After serving three years he declined another nomination, his private business requiring his full attention.

780

HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY

As a member of the Water Commission, a position he held for sev- eral years, he was engaged in a controversy with the Board of Aldermen in 1890 over the question of the city paying hydrant rental, and after a hard fight he beat them out by raising water rates until the Board finally allowed $3,000 a year for hydrant rental. He was active in start- ing the sinking fund for the water bonds and while in the office greatly improved the entire system.

Mr. Kelley was long associated with the Boston & Maine Railroad, first as counsel in this city and later as chief counsel in New Hampshire, a position he held at the time of his death. He was very active in the famous rate case, which he conducted with the General Counsel Edgar Rich, and the two attorneys made a great reputation for themselves in this case. It was his work on this case that first undermined his health, as he overran his reserve strength.

For many years he was counsel for the Frank Jones Brewing Com- pany, and was one of the leading attorneys in the famous Eddy will case, representing Mrs. Mary Baker Eddy's son, George Glover, in his fight for a division of her estate. His law practice was very large and rep- resentative. He always maintained an interest in the schools and served two years on the Board of Instruction. A Republican in politics, he was for some years the recognized leader of his party in Rockingham County and one of its leading members in the state. After giving up his position as county solicitor he never accepted any political office, although often urged to do so.

Mr. Kelley was active in everything that pertained to the interests of Portsmouth and was ever ready to contribute of his time and money to a worthy cause. For years he was an active member of the Board of Trade and was its president when the old board became active. He was a member of the Country Club and Warwick Club and an active member of the Portsmouth Athletic and Yacht Club. He aided largely in building up the Y. M. C. A. and was very active in its service, freely giving of his time and money. He was also a member of Alpha Council, Royal Arcanum, and served as its trustee for several years. As well stated by a local journal, "His death marks the passing of one of Ports- mouth's most brilliant minds, and he is a distinct loss, not only to the legal fraternity of the city, but of the state. To his friends-and they are numbered by the thousands-his death is a great blow, for he was a good fellow and a good friend." A kind father and loving husband, his loss was still more severely felt by his bereaved family.

Mr. Kelley was married January 12, 1898, to Romaine G. Sherwood, daughter of William H. Sherwood of Ohio. He left, besides his wife, two children, John S. and Barbara R., and two sisters, Mrs. Mary A. McCarty and Margaret V., wife of Major Robt. E. Callan, U. S. A., of Fort Andrews, Boston Harbor. The family is one of the most prominent in Portsmouth. Mrs. Kelley's residence is at No. 266 Middle Street.

NICHOLAS EMORY SOULE, who has the distinction of being the oldest man now living in the town of Exeter, was born in this town June 13, 1825, during the administration of our sixth President, John Quincy Adams. His parents were Gideon L. and Elizabeth (Emory) Soule, the father being a native of Freeport, Me., and son of Moses and Martha (Lane) Soule.

781

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS

Gideon L. Soule was a noted educator, following that vocation for fifty-two years. He was educated at Phillips Exeter Academy and at Bowdoin College, and he subsequently became connected with the Acad- emy as a member of the faculty. In 1838 he succeeded Dr. Abbot as its principal and held that office continuously until 1873, a period of thirty- five years. He was of a progressive but retiring disposition, and a mem- ber, with his wife, of the Congregational church. The latter, a daughter of Noah and Jane (Hale) Emory, bore her husband three children : Charles, who is now an attorney in New York; Nicholas Emory, whose name appears at the head of this sketch, and Augustus L., now de- ceased, who was for some time justice of the Supreme Court of Massa- chusetts.

Nicholas E. Soule, after beginning his education in the common schools, in 1835, at the early age of ten years, became a student in Phillips Exeter Academy. From there he went to Harvard College, where he was graduated in 1845. He then entered the educational field, but after teaching a few years, gave up that occupation temporarily and studied medicine. He was graduated M. D. and for a short time prac- ticed as a physician. He then went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where for twenty-five years he taught a private school. After continuing as a teacher until 1875, he gave up that profession and has since been prac- tically retired. For three years, however, he served as a member of the Sanitary Commission of the United States during the Civil war.

Mr. Soule was married in 1866 to Lucy Weaver, a native of Prov- idence, R. I., and daughter of Lucius and Francis Ormond (Rhodes) Weaver. Mr. and Mrs. Soule have been the parents of one child, a son, William Emory, who was born in Worcester, Mass., August 8, 1890. He is now a student in the Episcopal Theological School at Cambridge, Mass., and will graduate in the class of 1916. Mr. Soule and family attend the Episcopal church in Exeter, which the former has served for a num- ber of years as vestryman. Their friends are found among the most cultured residents of the city and their interests lie wherever there is work to be done for the service of God or humanity.

JOHN H. NEAL, M. D., of Portsmouth, N. H., is one of the best known medical men, not only in this city but throughout the state of New Hampshire. He was born in Parsonsfield, Me., March 20, 1862, a son of John and Sarah J. (Lord) Neal. His father was a farmer, and the activities of country life, supplementing the fine constitution and vigor- ous bodily powers which he inherited, along with strong mental endow- ment, contributed to the development of the fully rounded manhood now illustrated in his personality. He was educated in the public schools and at the North Parsonsfield Seminary. He began his medical studies under the mentorship of Dr. J. M. Leavitt of Effingham, N. H., and attended lectures for one year at the Bowdoin Medical School, at Brunswick, Me., and subsequently at the Long Island College Hospital in Brooklyn, graduating with the degree of M. D. from the latter institution in 1886. While securing his education he taught school a portion of the time each year in different towns in Maine and New Hampshire, this occupa- tion, in addition to the needed pecuniary reward, proving useful as a means of mental discipline. Beginning the practice of medicine imme- diately after his graduation, at Sanford, Me., he remained there until

782

HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY

January, 1895, at which time he removed to Rochester, N. H., where he practiced for many years. In November, 1907, he removed to Ports- mouth, in which city and its environs he has since established a large practice.

While yet a young practitioner in Maine, it was written of him: "He is energetic, candid, well informed and very successful in his voca- tion." He has not changed much since then, except to improve. He is an intelligent and successful physician, a good citizen, and a cultured gentleman. He was a member of the board of health and of the school board of Rochester for a number of years, medical referee for Strafford County and United States examining surgeon. He has been president of the York County (Me.) Medical Association, and of the Strafford County (N. H.) Medical Association ; vice president and president of the New Hampshire Medical Society in the years 1906 and 1907 respectively ; a member of the Maine Medical Association and of the American Medical Association. He is the inventor of an arch supporter, which has been received with favor in the profession.

A Republican in politics, he has taken an active part in local political affairs, was a member of the Republican State Committee, and in 1902 was elected to the New Hampshire legislature, serving during the fol- lowing term with credit to himself and benefit to his constituents. A forceful speaker, he is often heard to good effect whenever occasion demands. He is at present chairman of the Board of Conciliation and Arbitration for the State of New Hampshire, appointed by the Gover- nor. A Free Mason, he belongs to Preble Lodge and White Rose Chap- ter, of Sandford, Me., of the latter of which he is a charter meniber; to Palestine Commandery, K. T., of Rochester, and to the Ancient Arabic Order of the Mystic Shrine.

Dr. Neal was married, November 28, 1888, to Lulu E. Clark, who was born March 30, 1866, a daughter of Daniel G. and Frances (Chase) Clark. They have one child, Cecil Morris, born October 26, 1890.

HON. EDWARD PAYSON KIMBALL (deceased) was the eldest son and third child of Rev. Reuben and Judith (Colby) Kimball, and was born in Warner, N. H., July 4, 1834. He was educated in the common schools of Kittery, Me., and Hampton and Andover academies. From 1855 to 1857 he was engaged in mercantile business in Kittery. In the latter year he removed to Portsmouth and was engaged in banking up to the time of his death, March 31, 1910. He was first a clerk in the Piscataqua Exchange and Portsmouth Savings Bank. He became cashier of the First National Bank in 1871, and in 1882 was made president of that bank and also of the Piscataqua Savings Bank. In addition to the activities above mentioned and others in Ports- mouth, Mr. Kimball had business interests in the West. From his youth up he adhered to the Republican party in all political contests and was a stanch supporter of the measures advocated in its platforms. He was a member of the city government, and in 1885-86 served in the New Hampshire legislature. From 1871 he was a deacon of the North Congregational Church and held office as clerk and treasurer of the church from 1867 until his death. His liberality to the church is well known, also his deep concern for the welfare of the public educational institutions of the state, and the benevolent and charitable organizations of a private nature. He was a member of the Ports- mouth school board, a trustee of the Portsmouth Hospital, the Chase Home

2 . Ja & G Mithome & Br. NY

785

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS

for Children, the Portsmouth Seamen's Friend Society, and president of the Howard Benevolent Society and the Young Men's Christian Association. Mr. Kimball was largely instrumental in building the beautiful Young Men's Christian Association building in Portsmouth, contributing liberally to its cost and support and always taking a keen personal interest in its work. He was a member of Piscataqua Lodge, I. O. O. F., and one of its board of trustees.

Mr. Kimball was emphatically a man of business, and though he held political offices it was more with the view of promoting and assisting in proper legislation in regard to business and social interests of his town and state, than from any desire for official honors. He was in no sense a nominal mem- ber of the various organizations in which he held official rank but a worker for the end for which each institution was organized.

Mr. Kimball married in Wilmot, N. H., September 13, 1864, Martha Jane Thompson, who was born in Wilmot, a daughter of Colonel Samuel and Anna True (Smith) Thompson, of Wilmot. They had three children: Elizabeth Colby Kimball, born January 29, 1866, who died March 7, 1880; Martha Smith Kimball, born February 28, 1870, who graduated from Smith College in the class of 1892, and Edward Thompson Kimball, born September 29, 1873, who is a graduate of Amherst College, of the class of 1896.

ELMER D. MOULTON, owner and proprietor of a 200-acre farm on Maple Avenue, in the town of Greenland, where he is engaged in farming and dairying, was born in York, Me., July 22, 1862, a son of Joseph and Eliza B. (Blaisdell) Moulton. His parents were both natives of Maine, where the father was a farmer. They attended the Christian church. Their family consisted of the following children: Charles, Kath- erine, Joseph, Olive, George, Mary, wife of Melvin Talpey ; Elmer D., and Effie. The mother of our subject, by a previous marriage to Augustus Grover, had another son, Augustus Grover.

Elmer D. Moulton acquired his education in the common schools. He then turned his attention to farm work, assisting his father until 1888, at which time he came to his present farm. Here he is engaged success- fully in general farming and dairying, shipping his milk to Beverly, Mass. This place is known as the Berry Farm, Mrs. Moulton being a descendant of the well known Berry family of this section. Mr. Moulton is a Re- publican in politics and has taken a more or less active part in public affairs. He has served as selectman, as a member of the board of educa- tion, tax collector, and was representative in the legislature from the town of Greenland in 1905-06, showing efficiency as a guardian of the peoples' interests.

He was married, March 30, 1886, to Susan Seavey Berry, a native of Greenland, N. H .- born in the same house in which she now lives- and daughter of Thomas Jefferson and Sarah Drake (Seavey) Berry. Her mother was a native of Rye, N. H. Her father, Thomas J. Berry, who was also born in this house, was a farmer. He was twice married, his first wife, Lettis Stilson Seavey, being a sister of the second. The children of the first marriage were Sarah Amanda, John William and Mary Caroline, wife of John W. Rand. Of the second marriage were born two children-Emma Lettis, wife of John E. Seavey, and Susan Seavey. now Mrs. Elmer D. Moulton. Mr. and Mrs. Moulton have one daughter, Gladys Ellsworth. The family attend the Methodist church

786

HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY

and take an active part in its good work, Mr. Moulton being a trustee and steward of the church. He belongs also to the Knights of Pythias and the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. A substantial, useful and public spirited citizen, he is highly esteemed throughout this part of the county.

CLARENCE M. COLLINS, a prosperous citizen of Exeter, N. H., who has been proprietor of a drug store here since October, 1900, was born in Brentwood, N. H., in 1859, a son of Nathaniel B. and Myria E. (Thyng) Collins. His parents were both natives of that town. They removed to Exeter, where Nathaniel B. Collins conducted a grocery store for a number of years. He was a Republican in politics and for some time served the town as tax collector. He was a veteran of the Civil war, and a man widely respected, being a reliable, straightforward business man and one who conscientiously fulfilled his duties as a good citizen. His death took place in 1898. He and his wife were the parents of five children, namely: Everett; Clarence M., subject of this sketch: Anna, who is the wife of Herbert F. Dunn, a groceryman of Exeter ; Charles H., and Harold N. The mother resides with her daugh- ter Anna.

Clarence M. Collins was educated in the public schools, graduating from the high school in the class of 1876. He then entered the drug store of C. A. Merrill, with whom he remained for about three years, learning the business. He was afterwards engaged in the wholesale drug business at Boston for four years. For ten years he was a member of the Harvard Glee Club. After returning to Exeter he went into the drug business for himself, passing the state board examination as pharmacist. He is conducting a successful business and is widely known and respected as a progressive and up to date citizen. In politics he is a Republican. A Free Mason, he has advanced in the order as far as the Commandery, belonging also to the Uniformed Rank, Knights of Pythias, the American Order of Foresters, the Royal Arcanum and the New England Order of Protection.

Mr. Collins was married in 1889 to Miss Arabella Osborne, who was born in Dover, N. H., a daughter of Charles and Lucy (Quimby) Os- borne, who were prosperous farming people of that locality. Mr. and Mrs. Collins are the parents of a daughter, Eleanor Osborne, who is the wife of John W. Durgin, and the mother of two daughters-Margaret and Janet. Mr. Durgin is a civil engineer in the employ of the Boston & Maine Railroad Company. Mr. and Mrs. Collins attend the Con- gregational church. Mr. Collins, who is a man of musical taste and ability, has had charge of the church choir for a number of years, and is also leader of musical societies in Exeter. He and his family are popular members of Exeter society.

CHARLES W. GRAY, superintendent of the Consolidation Coal Company, Portsmouth, N. H., was born in this city June 20, 1867, one of the five children of Walter S. and Mary O. (Prime) Gray. The father, who died January 10, 1898, was assistant city marshal of Portsmouth at the time of his death. The subject of this sketch was educated in the public schools and on completing his studies became clerk for E. F. Sise & Co., coal dealers, with whom he remained from 1880 until 1896. He

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS

then formed a partnership with Mr. Herbert O. Prime, under the firm name of Gray and Prime, as dealers in coal. They carried on the busi- ness successfully until April 1, 1911, at which time they sold out to the present firm, Mr. Gray being then made superintendent of the con- cern. This company-The Consolidation Coal Company, incorporated, is doing a large business, dealing in Georges Creek, Big Vein Cumber- land, Fairmont Gas, By-Product and Domestic Somerset Smokeless Steam Coals, and anthracite coals, of which they are wholesale ship- pers.

Mr. Gray is a thirty-second degree Mason, belonging also to the Odd Fellows, Royal Arcanum and B. P. O. Elks. He is also a member of the Warwick Club of the Portsmouth Atheneum and Portsmouth Athletic Club. In politics he is a Republican. He married Miss Sarah R. Roberts, a daughter of Edward E. Roberts of Connecticut, and their family included four children. In their residence is the oldest piano- forte in the United States, having been made in 1765. This venerable instrument is still in a good state of preservation and is an object of great interest and curiosity to all the musical friends of the family.

FREDERICK D. PARSONS, owner of a farm of eighty acres in the town of Rye, was born in this town, April 13, 1858, a son of Warren and Julia A. (Gove) Parsons. His father was also born in Rye, in the house now owned by our subject. He was a physician and practiced his profession in this town for over fifty years. His wife was from North- wood, N. H. They attended the Congregational church. Both are now deceased and are buried in Rye. Their children were: Ella M., wife of John F. Frasier ; Anna D., and Frederick D. By a previous marriage to Sarah A. Dow, of Rye, Dr. Warren Parsons had two sons, Irving and Warren J.

Frederick D. Parsons began his education in the common schools and subsequently attended the Newburyport high school and Eastman's Busi- ness College at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. He was in the employ of C. D. Cobb & Co., of Boston, for about two years, and then, returning home, took up his residence on the farm, operating it for his father until the latter's death. This farm, which has been in the family for over 200 years, is a good piece of agricultural property. He does general farm- ing, and keeps about six head of cattle, disposing of his milk to the Rock- ingham Milk Company.

Mr. Parsons was married December 4, 1889, to Miss Abbie P. Brown, who was born in Rye, a daughter of Charles J. and Mary (Drake) Brown, her father being a farmer. There were four children in the Brown family-J. Arthur, Agnes M., Abbie P., now Mrs. Parsons, and Emily, wife of Charles M. Remick.

Mr. and Mrs. Parsons are the parents of three children: Charles W., born June 5, 1897; George F., born June 16, 1900, and Arthur C., born Sept. 25, 1902.

Mr. Parsons is a Republican in politics. He has served on the school board for seven years and is now town and school treasurer. He took an active part in the organization and building of the library, serving as chairman of the board of trustees. He is a member of the Grange. and the Junior Order of American Mechanics. The family attend the Con- gregational church, Mr. Parsons being clerk of the society.

788

HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY

COL. HENRY W. ANDERSON, proprietor of an umbrella factory, also of an asbestos factory, at Exeter, N. H., who has also for two years been a member of Governor McLane's staff, was born at Bath, Me., Nov. 28, 1864, a son of Samuel and Almina M. (Norton) Anderson. Both his parents were natives of Maine, the father being a druggist by occupation.

Henry W. Anderson in his youth acquired a good practical educa- tion. He learned the drug business under his father and followed it for awhile, afterwards entering into the coal and wood business, at Exeter, N. H. He established his present manufacturing business at Exeter in 1912, and is successfully carrying on both factories.

Mr. Anderson is a Republican in politics and for a number of years has been quite active in public affairs, having served two different times in the legislature. He was one of the first police commissioners of the town of Exeter, also a member of the board of trustees of the New Hampshire State Hospital. He married Helen Louise Dutch, a native of Epping, N. H., and daughter of John C. and Harriet (Goodman) Dutch. He and his wife have four children : Merrill, Martha, Helen and Janet.

HON. JOHN SCAMMON, a member of the well known law firm of Eastman, Scammon & Gardner, at Exeter, was born at Stratham, N. H .. September 30, 1865. His parents, John J. and Rachel J. (Jewell) Scammon, were both natives of Stratham, where the father followed the occupation of farmer. He is now deceased, but his widow survives him and resides in Stratham. They had only two children: Frank H., a commercial traveler, who died in 1906, and John, the subject of this review, who is the third John Scammon in direct line, the grandfather having also borne that name.

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 89

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