History of Rockingham County, New Hampshire and representative citizens, Part 97

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

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JOHN E. SEAVEY, the owner of 200 acres of good farm land on the North Hampton road in the town of Greenland, Rockingham County, N. H., was born in this town, August 12, 1853, a son of Shadrach and Lucinda (Edgerly) Seavey. His father, a farmer by occupation, was a native of Alton, Belknap County, N. H., his wife being born in Greenland. Both are now deceased and are buried in this town. They were Methodists in religion, the father being a Democrat in politics. They had three children: James F. and George F., who reside in Lynn, Mass., and John E., the subject of this sketch.

John E. Seavey acquired his education in the common schools, which he attended for several terms, and at Hampton Academy. He then took

HON. THOMAS ENTWISTLE

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up farm work, which he has since followed successfully. He does gen- eral farming and keeps about twenty-five head of cattle, marketing his milk at Beverly, Mass. A Democrat in politics, he has taken an active part in local government, serving ten years as selectman, and two years in the state legislature. He is now serving in the office of tax collector. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias at North Hampton.

Mr. Seavey was first married to Georgia A. Sheppard, who died, leaving three children, namely: Edward, who married Marion Cogs- well, and has two children, Ruth and Edward S. Jr .; Alice G., a book- keeper and stenographer employed in a shoe factory at Lynn, Mass .; and Marion I., who is a student in the high school at Lynn, Mass. Mr. Seavey married for his second wife Emma L. Berry. They attend the Methodist church. Widely known and respected, they are among the representative farming people of Rockingham County.

HON. THOMAS ENTWISTLE, ex-city marshal of Portsmouth, N. H., is a native of England, born in Hyde, Cheshire, January 12, 1840. Coming to Portsmouth in his boyhood, he obtained employment in the Kearsarge Mills. Here he worked until the Civil War broke out, when he was among the first who offered their services in defense of the Union, enlisting June 21, 1861, in Company D, Third Regiment, New Hampshire Volunteers. At first the regiment was assigned to the Tenth Corps, commanded by General Gilmore, but when General Grant received the chief command it was under the orders of General Butler. Mr. Entwistle served from the beginning to the end of the war in the southern campaigns, taking part in the following actions: Port Royal Harbor, November 7, 1861; Elba Island, March 7, 1862; Bluffton, March 16, 1862; Jehossee, April 10, 14 and 17, 1862; James Island, June 8, 1862; Secessionville, June 16, 1862; Pocotaligo, October 22, 1862; May River, January 7, 1863; Stone Inlet, April 7, 1863; Morris Island, July 10, 1863; Fort Wagner, July 18, 1863; Siege of Wagner, July 18 to September 7, 1863; siege of Sumter, September 7 to March 1, 1864; Palatka, April 13, 1864; and Drewry's Bluff, May 13 to May 16, 1864. He estimates that for one year of the time he was constantly under fire. On July 10, 1863, he was wounded in the ribs by a minnie ball. He was wounded again at Drewry's Bluff on May 16, 1864, receiving the injury this time in the right leg, this wound resulting in his capture by the enemy. On this occasion he was first taken to Libby prison, and then, after the lapse of two weeks, to Anderson- ville, where he was held nine months. In the early part of February, 1865, as he and other prisoners were being transferred to another place, fifty of the" number, including Mr. Entwistle, jumped from the train and escaped. After a perilous journey of twenty-one days, during which they suffered many hard- ships, he and two companions reached the Union lines on February 21, 1865. He received a furlough of thirty days after the assault on Fort Wagner, in recognition of meritorious conduct on the field. Also in the course of service he was advanced to the rank of sergeant. At one time he was recommended for a lieutenancy and would have received it but for a thoughtless speech of his uttered impulsively. He was honorably discharged at Concord, N. H., August 2, 1865. In 1863, he was presented by Gen. Quincy Adams Gilmore, then in charge of the Southern Division, with a bronze medal for meritorious conduct.

After receiving his discharge Mr. Entwistle returned to Portsmouth, ob- tained employment in the blacksmith's shop of the navy yard, and worked

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HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY

there for about eighteen months. He was then appointed night patrol of Portsmouth. The duties of this position had been efficiently discharged by him for two years when he was elected assistant marshal. He held that office for nine years and was then, in 1877, elected city marshal, in which capacity he served eight years, making a continuous record of nineteen years spent in the public service. Subsequently he was captain in the navy yard. From this position he was removed under the Democratic administration, and for several months in 1885 he worked in the blacksmith shop of the Boston & Maine Railroad. He was then reinstated captain of watch in the navy yard, after the election of Benjamin Harrison to the presidency, and remained this time seven years. His connection with the navy yard was ended by his resignation to accept the office of city marshal once more, an office he occu- pied until Dec. 31, 1912, when he resigned.

In politics a zealous Republican, Mr. Entwistle did good service on the committee of Ward I for about thirty years. He has served the community in the representative capacity of selectman, councilman and Alderman, and in the office of deputy United States marshal. In 1907 he was elected to the State Senate, serving three terms, 1908-1911, and he was a member of the staff of Gov. Robt. P. Bass for one term, in 1911-12. He is a member of St. John's Lodge of Masons, No. 1; Osgood Lodge No. 48, I. O. O. F .; and a comrade of Storer Post, No. I. G. A. R.

On October 13, 1859, Mr. Entwistle was united in marriage with Elvira S. Dyer, daughter of Zekin Dyer, of Portsmouth. Of this marriage were born two sons and three daughters, all of whom married, except one daugh- ter. Of the sons, William T. was a candy maker in Portsmouth for a number of years and is now agent of the Columbian Life Insurance Company. The other, Albert H., who was a machinist at the navy yard, died in 1909. His widow now resides at No. 278 Cabot street. The daughters are: Elizabeth, wife of Walter L. Tuft; Georgia, wife of Oliver J. Goldsmith; and Maude Isabelle, who resides at home and is a well known actress. Mr. and Mrs. Entwistle are members of St. John's Episcopal Church of which he is a vestryman.

REV. EDWARD ROBIE, D. D., pastor of the Congregational church at Greenland, N. H., was born in Gorham, Me., April 5, 1821, a son of Thomas S. and Clarissa (Adams) Robie. The father was a merchant in Gorham for many years. The subject of this sketch was the eldest of nine children and is the only one now living. He acquired his elemen- tary education in the public schools of Gorham, and subsequently pre- pared for college at Gorham Academy. Entering Bowdoin College in 1836, he was graduated therefrom in 1840, and then entered Andover Theological Seminary, from which he was graduated in 1843. Going to Germany, he studied there for about three years, after which he re- turned home and accepted a position as teacher of languages in Gor- ham Academy, remaining there for two years. Subsequent to this he taught at Andover for three years. He was ordained as minister at Greenland in 1852, and has since resided here as pastor of the Con- gregational church.

Mr. Robie was married in December, 1852, to Susan Elizabeth Lord Jameson, who was born in Effingham, N. H., a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Lord) Jameson. Her father was a minister in the Con- gregational church. Dr. Robie and wife were the parents of one son

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and four daughters, all of whom are now deceased. Mrs. Robie died in June, 1878. She was a lady of culture and refinement and her loss was greatly felt by her family and a wide circle of friends.

WILLIAM H. C. FOLLANSBY, president of the Union Five Cents Savings Bank, also of the Exeter Banking Company, also trustee and treasurer of the Exeter Cottage Hospital, was born in Tilton, N. H., May 1, 1845, a son of William and Mary (Sweatt) Follansby. The father, William Follansby, was for many years engaged in mercantile business in Tilton, and was prominent both in business and politics. He was twice married, first to a Miss Wells, of which union there were four children. Of his second marriage, to Mary Sweatt, the subject of this sketch was the only issue. Both of Mr. Follansby's parents were natives of this state, and both are now deceased, the father dying when his son William H. C., was four years old.

William H. C. Follansby was educated in the public schools of Belmont and of Laconia, N. H. He began industrial life as clerk in a general store, but on reaching the age of twenty-two years went into business for himself in the same line and was thus engaged for thirty- three years, or until the year 1900. In 1895 he helped to organize the Exeter Banking Company and is now its second president. He was a member of the legislature in 1893 and 1895 and a member of Gov. Charles M. Floyd's council in 1907-1908. He is one of the trustees of the George A. Wentworth estate. A man of more than ordinary busi- ness ability, and of attractive personal character, he stands high in the community, and his opinion is often sought by his fellow citizens upon matters of importance affecting its moral or material welfare. In the Masonic order he belongs to the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Council at Exeter and to the Commandery at Portsmouth.

Mr. Follansby was married December 31, 1866, to Miss Ella L. Winslow, a native of Tilton, N. H., and daughter of Darius and Hannah (Haines) Winslow. Mrs. Follansby died in 1907, her death leaving a sad void, not only in her own family circle but in the hearts of hun- dreds of admiring friends. A woman of exceptional ability and of the highest personal character, she was greatly beloved by all who knew her. She was a member of the State Board of Charities and was for years closely associated with various philanthropic enterprises, in particular with the Exeter Cottage Hospital. To enable the reader to better appre- ciate her unselfish devotion to every good cause, we reproduce in full the following tribute to her memory, which was published in the annual report of the hospital for the year ending December 31, 1907 :

"The Board of Trustees desires to place on record an expression of their appreciation of the character and services of Mrs. Ella L. Fol- lansby, for many years one of their more efficient and devoted members. Mrs. Follansby was a woman of that rare type whose entire life was given most cheerfully and unselfishly to the service of others. She was one of the best known and best loved women of the state. She was promi- nently identified with many organizations of the town, the county and the state, serving them with all that earnestness, zeal and devo- tion which was so essential an element in her well-rounded character. Fond of all that is best in social life, she constantly opened her home in generous hospitality, not merely to friends whom she loved, but to

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worthy causes of every kind. To the orphaned, the needy and the friendless, her warm heart went out in fullest measure, and it has been well said that 'To their welfare she devoted her ample means and the best days of a most active life, with no thought of return except that the world might have better men and women.' She was a helpful and uplifting friend to every wayward or unfortunate child whom she could privately or officially reach. As a member of the State Board of Charities she was untiring in her devotion to its special work and to the betterment of conditions for the poor and unfortunate among the people of the state. She was a zealous member of the First Church, greatly interested in all activities of church and parish.

"Mrs. Follansby was especially devoted to the Exeter Cottage Hospital, with which she had been prominently identified since its be- ginning. Its interests of every form were very dear to her. She was a member of the committee which secured and furnished its first home, the Stratton House, on Pine street. She served continuously as truis- tee until the time of her death, and for several years had been the hos- pital's efficient treasurer. In work and plans for the present building she took a prominent part. Her energy and enthusiasm won friends for the cause and greatly aided in the successful completion of the work. Her life abounded in 'good works.' Few have accomplished so much. Mrs. Follansby's many associates in philanthropic, religious and social work will bear most willing testimony to the inspiring example of her noble life. In the beauty and strength of such a life, in its tireless devo- tion to worthy things, in its gentleness and sweetness, she has left us a rich legacy. In her death, not merely the Hospital, but the town, the county and the state have suffered irreparable loss."

HARLAN P. AMEN, AMANDA M. CILLEY,

Committee.

As an additional tribute to her memory we may add the remark of Secretary of State Edward N. Pierson, that "There never was before nor for the next hundred years would be, another woman like Mrs. Follansby."

Mr. and Mrs. Follansby were the parents of a daughter, Daisy L., who is now a student in Robinson Seminary. Mr. Follansby is a trus- tee of the Congregational church, of which his wife was so devoted a member.

JAMES ELMER STOCKBRIDGE is a representative of one of the old and well known families of the town of Stratham, Rockingham County, N. H. He has a highly improved farm of one hundred acres, and is now making a specialty of Dorset sheep, which he is introducing in this neighborhood. He was born in Stratham, January 29, 1867, and is a son of Isaac M. and Lydia S. (Scammon) Stockbridge, and a grandson of James and Olive (Lang) Stockbridge.

Isaac M. Stockbridge was born in Stratham, Rockingham County, and throughout his active life engaged in farming. He was a Democrat in politics. Religiously, he and his wife were members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Stockbridge was united in marriage with Miss Lydia S. Scammon, a daughter of Stephen and Myria (Gordon) Scammon, of

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the town of Stratham. Isaac M. Stockbridge died in December, 1912, and is survived by his widow, who resides in Boston.

James Elmer Stockbridge, the only child born to his parents, at- tended the public schools of his home community, and afterwards the grammar and high schools in Exeter. He then turned his attention to farming and dairying, in association with his father, with whom he con- tinued until the latter's death. He has since had the farm which con- sists of one hundred acres and is the old Scammon home farm, which has been in that family for many years.

Mr. Stockbridge was united in marriage with Miss Nellie A. Rollins, who was born in Stratham, and is a daughter of Albert N. and Ellen (Scammon) Rollins, her father being a farmer of that town. She is one of two daughters, having a sister, May, who is wife of Frank San- born and lives in Exeter. Mr. and Mrs. Stockbridge are parents of two sons : Earl R., who is teller in a bank at Exeter, and Carl D. The for- mer resides with his parents, and is serving out an unexpired term as tax collector. James Elmer Stockbridge is a Democrat in politics and was tax collector for seven years; also agent for the New Hampshire and Granite State Insurance Companies for several years. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, and is a member of St. John's Lodge, A. F. and A. M. of Portsmouth; Junior Order United American Mechanics ; Knights of Pythias at Exeter; and the Patrons of Husbandry. Re- ligiously the family belongs to the Federated Church of Stratham, of which Mr. Stockbridge is treasurer.

THOMAS M. HEALY, formerly a well known and respected citi- zen of Raymond, N. H., was born in this town, July 30, 1825, and died April 20, 1897. The farm on which he lived was in early days, during the Indian wars, the home of Joseph Dudley, and on it was situated the famous old tavern that was a landmark in this section of the state. Mr. Healy during his best years was one of the active and public-spirited citizens of the town. He held at various times most of the local offices, including that of town clerk, and always rendered efficient service.

He was married November 29, 1860, to Elizabeth, daughter of John and Polly (Nay) Brown, her parental ancestors being people of note in Revolutionary times. Joseph Brown won fame in the War for In- dependence, and John Brown, Mrs. Healy's father, served bravely in the War of 1812.

Mr. and Mrs. Healy were the parents of two children: George F. and Clarence O. The former, born December 23, 1862, is unmarried, and now has charge of the home farm. He belongs to the Odd Fellows, but has never cared to hold public office. Clarence O. Healy, born March 1, 1869, is also unmarried. He is engaged in the grocery and bakery business in Raymond.

Mrs. Healy is one of the oldest living residents in this county. She was present at the rooth anniversary celebration of the town, and on July 4, 1914, was one of the few present who took part in the celebra- tion fifty years before. Although of advanced age, she is well preserved for her years, both mentally and physically, and can relate many in- teresting stories of earlier days in this locality.

HON. THOMAS HARDY SIMES, of Portsmouth, N. H., a prom- inent member of the Rockingham County bar, was born in this city

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September 5, 1876, the youngest son of Nathan Parker and Mary I. Simes. The father, Nathan P. Simes, was the second son and third child of Stephen Hardy and Ann Elizabeth (Yeaton) Simes, and was born in Portsmouth, N. H., August 1, 1833. When a youth he sailed before the mast in the ship "Gento" in command of Captain William Parker. After serving his apprenticeship he advanced in time to be master of the ship "Emily Farnum," owned by William Jones & Son, of Portsmouth, and he continued in command of that vessel until after the Civil war. He was afterwards master of the British ship "Black Wall," in the cotton trade, and during his life he circumnavigated the entire world. In 1875 he retired from active service. His death took place in Portsmouth, N. H., October 23, 1888, when he was 55 years old. He married I. Turner, daughter of William D. Turner, of Lon- don and Liverpool, England. Their children were: William Parker, Frank Turner, Harold Lancaster, Alice Parker and Thomas Hardy.

Thomas Hardy Simes began his education in a private school in Portsmouth. He was educated for the bar at the University of Vir- ginia. Returning to Portsmouth in 1897, he was admitted to the bar in March, 1898, since which time he has been actively engaged in the practice of law in this city. He was appointed justice of the municipal court in 1905, which position he held with distinction until the year 1913. He is a member of the Federal Fire Society of Portsmouth.

Judge Simes married June 5, 1905, Catherine Murat Tayloe, dangh- ter of General George E. Tayloe, of the Confederate States Army. He has one son, Stephen Hardy Simes, born May 11, 1907, and one daugh- ter, Margaret Tayloe Simes, born January 24, 1909.

GEORGE EDWARD KENT, whose death in 1905 deprived Exeter of one of its prominent business men and also one of its most esteemed citizens, was born in Somersworth, N. H., December 31, 1857. His parents were Hervey and Eliza Jane (Hanson) Kent, the former of whom was, at the time of his decease, president of the Exeter Manufacturing Company. They were members of the Phillips Congregational Church of Exeter. Their chil- dren were Emma Jane, Cora Lillie and George Edward.

George Edward Kent was given a good schooling and graduated from the School of Technology at Worcester, Mass. He then entered into the cotton manufacturing industry, which he followed for the rest of his life. In 1897 he was proprietor of the Pittsfield Mills at Pittsfield, N. H. Subsequently he became general manager of the Exeter Manufacturing Company, and still later was agent and treasurer of this company, which position he held at the time of his death. Domestic in his tastes, Mr. Kent took no part in public life, taking active interest in politics only to the extent of casting his vote. He was a member of the Congregational church, taking a keen interest in its good work, and those who knew him best were his warmest friends.

In 1884, on June 10th, Mr. Kent was united in marriage with Miss Addie C. Gale, who was born in Concord, N. H., a daughter of Henry C. and Martha A. (Hayward) Gale. She was the only child of her parents, who were both natives of Concord, where her father was in business as a hotel proprietor. Mr. and Mrs. Kent became the parents of four children, namely : Margaret, Robert, who married Betty Read, Hervey and Richard. All the members of the family are affiliated religiously with the Phillips Congrega- tional Church. Honest, cultivated and refined, they stand high in the estima- tion of their fellow townsmen.

Eng by E. G. Williams & Bra NY.

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FRANK HERBERT BARKER, a general farmer and dairyman, owning about II0 acres of land in the town of Stratham, was born on his present farm October 16, 1873, a son of Levi and Hannah (Jewell) Barker. He was educated in the common schools and then took up farming on the homestead, of which he is now the owner, having bought out the other heirs. He ships his milk to Salem, Mass., and is now starting to keep some Holstein cattle. A Republican in politics, he has served the town as supervisor for a number of years.

Mr. Barker married Laura Snell, who was born in Morganville, Nova Scotia, daughter of Charles H. and Elizabeth (Harris) Snell. Her parents now reside here, the father being a farm hand. Their children are: Edith, wife of George Pinkney; Archie; Laura, now Mrs. F. H. Barker; Lloyd K., and Susan, who is the wife of John King. Mr. and Mrs. Barker have four children: Nelson E., Carmon L., Chester H. and Levi H. The family attend the Baptist Church, of which Mr. Barker is a deacon, being also assistant superintendent in the Sunday school.

CLARENCE E. GOWEN, owner and proprietor of the old Robert Norton farm in the town of Greenland, Rockingham County, N. H., where he is engaged in general farming and truck gardening, was born in Stratham, N. H., October 8, 1878, a son of George and Mary (Smith) Gowen. His parents were both born in West Newbury, Mass., but now reside in Stratham, N. H., where George Gowen is engaged in business as a maret gardener. They have had a large family, num- bering eleven children, namely : Mary, Grace, Helen, Clarence E., Ralph, Bertha, Arthur, Howard, Benjamin, Phillip and Shirley.

Clarence E. Gowen acquired his education in the common schools, which he attended until reaching the age of fifteen years. He then began work on his father's farm, assisting the latter until 1910, at which time he purchased his present place and began business life for himself. This farm, known as the Robert Norton farm, contains seventy-five acres and is a good piece of agricultural property. Mr. Gowen employs two hands. In politics he is a Republican but uses judgment in cast- ing his vote, reserving the right to disregard party lines should occa- sion demand.

Mr. Gowen was married in January, 1906, to Miss Lottie Smart, who was born in Stratham, N. H., a daughter of Joseph and Georgiana (Ham) Smart. Mrs. Gowen's father was formerly a butcher by occu- pation, but is now engaged in farming. He and his wife had two chil- dren -- Lottie, who is now Mrs. Gowen, and Alice. Mr. and Mrs. Gowen are the parents of two children-Elizabeth and Joseph. The family attend the Congregational Church and Mr. Gowen is a member of the local Grange. Industrious and thrifty, he is meeting with success and is regarded by his neighbors as a substantial and reliable citizen.

BENJAMIN S. HOYT, who is engaged in general farming on a tract of seventy acres of land in the town of Newington, was born in this town, June 24, 1851, a son of James and Lydia (Smith) Hoyt. The father and mother, both now deceased, were natives respectively of Newington and York, Me. The former in his younger days was a school teacher and later engaged in farming. As an educator he was very successful. Their children were Israel; Coriline; Mrs. Valentine Cole- man; James A .; Simes, deceased ; Florence ; and Benjamin S.

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Benjamin S. Hoyt acquired his education in the common schools, after which he went to Boston, where he learned the trade of carpen- tering, which he followed there for about six years. He then settled on his present farm in Newington, which he is operating with profit- able results. A Republican in politics, he has served as selectman and town clerk. Mr. Hoyt was married in 1888 to Edith Googins, of Hiram, Me., a daughter of Elbion K. P. and Ruth (Bensley) Googins. . Her father was in early life a sea-faring man and later a farmer. There were three children in the Googins family, Fred C., Mary, wife of John Eaton, and Edith.

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History of Rockingham County, New Hampshire and representative citizens, Part 97

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