History of Rockingham County, New Hampshire and representative citizens, Part 98

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

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Mr. and Mrs. Hoyt are the parents of one son, Simes Thurston Hoyt, who is now in Honolulu, where he went as a school teacher. He was educated at the Portsmouth high school, subsequently attending the agricultural college at Durham, N. H., for four years. He was ap- pointed in the normal school at Honolulu and for the last year has been its superintendent. Mr. and Mrs. Hoyt are members of the Unitarian Church and the former belongs to the Grange. He is a progressive citizen, keeping well posted on current events, and takes a keen inter- est in the development and prosperity of the town and county.

JOHN H. NOYES, a very prominent citizen of Plaistow, N. H., where he is engaged in the insurance business, also spends much of his time in Washington, D. C., in the interests of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, which body he serves in the capacity of Chair- man of the National Legislative Committee. He was born in Plaistow, N. H., November II, 1855, and is a son of John and Arinanah (Sleeper) Noyes, and a grandson of John Noyes, a native of Old Town, Mass.

John Noyes, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Pen- brook, N. H., and for several years was in the shoe business in Haver- hill, prior to taking up farming on what has since been known as the old home place in Plaistow. He and his wife were parents of five children : John H., Mary E., Susan F., Anna L., and Inez J.

John H. Noyes was educated primarily in the public schools and in Andover Academy. He then went to Haverhill, Mass., and kept books for a number of years, after which he came to Plaistow and pur- sued the study of law. In 1880 he was appointed trial justice, and in 1904 was appointed judge of the police court. He filled the latter office until it was abolished under the new law, and proved himself a very efficient public official, having the support and approval of his fellow citizens in a large measure. During the past four years he has been in Washington, D. C., a great portion of the time in the interest of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. Prior to becoming chair- man of the National Legislative Committee, with charge of all the leg- islation pertaining to that body in the United States, he served the order as secretary. He is in the insurance business in Plaistow, and has always identified himself with the best interests of the town. He served as tax collector for twelve years, and was chairman of the school board for four years, during which time the new school building was erected largely through his efforts. He was also instrumental in get- ting the electric road through Plaistow. In politics he is an ardent Republican and for a period of fifteen years was chairman of the town Republican committee.

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In 1883 Mr. Noyes was married to Grace Sargent, who died in 1884, leaving one daughter, Mrs. Clara G. Irish, of Rochester, N. H. In 1894 he formed a second union with Miss Helen G. Walker of Bos- ton, by whom he had two children: John W., born March 6, 1896, and Gertrude B., born March 18, 1902. Mrs. Noyes passed from this life in 1902. Mr. Noyes in 1904 married Miss Sarah H. Mason of Boston, Mass. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Patrons of Husbandry, for six years being deputy of the State Grange.

DANIEL W. BADGER, owner of one hundred acres of good agri- cultural land in the town of Portsmouth, which he devotes to general farming and dairying, is also a man who has made his mark in public life. He was born in the city of Portsmouth, N. H., August 18, 1865, a son of David D. and Nancy S. (Campbell) Badger. He was educated in the Portsmouth and Newington schools and in early manhood en- gaged in dairy farming in the town of Newington. He was successful in business and also speedily gained the esteem and confidence of his fellow citizens, who honored him with the various offices within their gift, those of selectman, member of the school board, town treasurer for nine years in succession and that of representative in the legisla- ture of 1903. During the session of that year he distinguished himself by holding up and opposing a unanimous report of the railroad com- mittee-the all-powerful committee at that time-and openly denounc- ing the domination of the railroad and corporation power in the leg- islative affairs of the state.

Six years ago Mr. Badger removed from Newington to Portsmouth, continuing his agricultural operations in both places. His interest in public affairs was no less active in the larger field and, in December, 1910, although less than two years an actual resident of the town, he was chosen mayor of the city. As mayor, he set his face firmly in the direction of honest government and a clean city, sustained by moral courage of a high order, which is his distinguishing characteristic. He made such a record for executive vigor during his term of service, which continued three years, that his administration became notable through- out New England.

He has been equally successful from a financial and business stand- point, having inaugurated on a large scale a system of permanent street improvements, and although large sums of money were expended on these improvements, yet the city's debt was materially reduced and a very substantial treasury balance existed at the end of his administra- tions. Politically opposed by a large majority in the city council, he made his influence felt in many directions, vetoing many measures with such substantial basis of reason that his vetoes were invariably sus- tained. He was reelected in 1911 by a great majority and again in December, 1912, by an overwhelming vote, being the first mayor of Portsmouth to be elected for a third term since 1881.

On January 2, 1913, Mr. Badger became a member of Governor Felker's executive council and during that year faithfully discharged the multifarious duties of the offices of mayor of portsmouth and coun- cilor from the first district and also for several months that of acting commissioner of agriculture, to which he was appointed pending the organization of the newly-created Department of Agriculture. He is

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HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY

chairman of two important committees of the council, namely : Finance and State House.

His fraternal affiliations are with the Masons, Elks, Knights of Pythias and the Grange. In religion he is a Unitarian.

Mr. Badger was married in Newington, N. H., January 20, 1886, to Miss Edith M. Whidden. He and his wife have been the parents of ten children, of whom eight-two sons and six daughters-are now living, namely: Dora Stanwood, wife of Edward C. Shaw; Edith E., wife of H. K. Torrey; Florence L., wife of Oren M. Shaw; Ralph W., who is assisting his father on the farm; Phillips B., a student at the State College at Durham, N. H .; Carolyn W., Frances W. and Marjorie N. A successful business man and public-spirited citizen, he is in every sense one of the representative men of Rockingham County.

NATHANIEL G. MANSON, owner of the Manson farm of 300 acres, situated on the Bay Side Road, in the town of Greenland, Rock- ingham County, N. H., was born in Cambridge, Mass., March II, 1842. His parents were Nathaniel G. and Hannah E. (Hemenway) Manson, both natives of Cambridge, in which place the Manson family has been settled since 1736. The father of our subject was a dealer in all kinds of iron and steel goods. Both parents were members of the Unitarian Church. They had four children, of whom two are now deceased. The survivors are Mrs. H. E. Hasseltine, of Cambridge, Mass., and Nathaniel G., whose name appears at the head of this sketch.

Nathaniel G. Manson, our direct subject, in his boyhood attended the common schools of Cambridge and afterwards was a pupil in a private school for several years. In 1862 he entered his father's office in which he learned the iron and steel business. He subsequently con- ducted business for himself in this line of industry for many years until 1898, at which time he retired after a successful business career. After his retirement he resided in Weston, Massachusetts, for some ten years, and then came to Greenland, of which town he has since been a resident. He has occupied his present farm, known as the old George Weeks farm, since April, 1909.

Mr. Manson was married in 1899 to Miss Olive Lunt, who was born in Biddeford, Me., a daughter of Samuel and Lucy (Sanborn) Lunt. Her father was born in Biddeford, Me., when it was a part of Massa- chusetts. He survived his first wife, the mother of Mrs. Manson, and subsequently married Isabelle Lowell. For a number of years he was superintendent for the Amoskeag corporation. Of his five children, all are now deceased except Mrs. Manson and another daughter, Mrs. A. M. Goldsmith. Mr. and Mrs. Manson attend the Unitarian Church. He is a Republican in politics, and is an up-to-date, enterprising citizen, taking an interest in everything calculated to advance the moral and material welfare of the county.

JOSEPH CILLEY, a well to do resident of the town of Nottingham, of which he is one of the selectmen, was born in Nottingham, N. H., Novem- ber 21, 1878. His parents were Joseph N. and Mary (Butler) Cilley. His ancestry on the paternal side can be traced back 800 years. In the fifteenth century, or about 1442, the family name was spelled "Cilli," when Sigismund Cilli was emperor of Austria-Hungary. A few hundred years later we find

JOSEPH N. CILLEY

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the name changed to "Cilley" by Gen. Joseph Cilley, who served with credit in the American Revolution. His grandson, Col. Joseph Cilley, won fame in the War of 1812-15, and their descendants have since retained the present form of the name.

On the maternal side, the great-great-grandfather of our subject, Gen. Henry Butler, took a prominent part in the Revolutionary War, and his son, Sergeant Samuel A. Butler, in the War of 1812. Gen. Butler is buried in the family cemetery at Nottingham and his son Sergt. Samuel Butler in Ver- mont. Our subject's grandfather on the maternal side was Judge James H. Butler, of the Court of Common Pleas of Rockingham County.

Joseph N. Cilley, father of the present Joseph, was an attorney and farmer and was a very prominent citizen. He was president of the bank at New Market, this county, served as representative in the legislature for several terms, was for years an efficient member of the school board of his town, and at various times held other local offices, in all of which he served with credit to himself and benefit to the townspeople. He was born at Nottingham, Feb- ruary 15, 1835, and died October 1, 1900. His wife, Mary Butler Cilley, was born at Nottingham, N. H., November 21, 1844, and is still living, resid- ing in Nottingham on the old Cilley homestead. They were the parents of two children-Joseph, the subject of this sketch, and Elizabeth W. The latter, who was educated in the schools of Nottingham, at Dean Academy, Franklin, Mass., and Abbott's Academy at Andover, Mass., married Dr. Fred Fernald, and has six children-Elizabeth C., Josephine, Frederick L., Mary L., Joseph Nealy and John Thompson Fernald.

Joseph Cilley, the direct subject of this review, began his education in the local schools at the age of six years. When he was fourteen he entered Phillips Exeter Academy, where he was a student for one year. He then entered Adams Academy at Quincy, Mass., where he was graduated after a three years' course of study, in 1898. He subsequently spent one year at Dartmouth College and two years at the New Hampshire Agricultural Col- lege at Durham, N. H. On his fathers' death in 1900 he returned home and took charge of the home farm, where he has resided ever since. He is a Re- publican in politics and has served efficiently for the last seven years in the office of selectman.

Mr. Cilley was married, December 22, 1909, to Miss Cassie M. Hall, daughter of Frank and Jane (Dame) Hall, of Nottingham. They are people of wealth and culture and move in the best society, having many friends among the prominent residents of Nottingham and adjacent towns. Mr. Cil- ley's mother, whom we have mentioned as still residing here, is also a lady of culture and strong mental faculties. She is now serving as regent of the Elsie Cilley Chapter of Nottingham, D. A. R., of which she was also the first treasurer, and her daughter, Mrs. Fernald, the first regent. Mrs. Cilley and her daughter are members of the Universalist church,

HON. CHARLES P. BERRY, formerly one of Portsmouth's best known and most popular citizens-a man well known not only in the political, business and social life of this city, but also of the cities of Lynn and Boston, Mass .- was born October 16, 1840, in Lynn, Mass.

His father, John W. Berry, was an esteemed resident of Lynn. He was a man of deep religious convictions, exemplifying in his daily life the teachings of the Congregational Church, of which he was a deacon for many years. Deacon Berry died in 1852 while yet in the prime

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HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY

of manhood, leaving his widow, whose maiden name was Annie W. Gale, with six children, among them the subject of this sketch.

Charles P. Berry, the fourth child born to his parents, was but ten years old when he had the misfortune to be deprived of his father's care and guidance. As his older brother was naturally weak and deli- cate in health, upon him devolved the duty of helping his widowed mother support her little family. On this account he was obliged to leave the day school, where he had already made good progres's in his studies, and complete his educational course in the evening schools. Making good use of his time in the latter, he acquired a practical knowl- edge of the various branches of learning there taught, and with his subsequent course of reading became a well informed man, well fitted for a business career. When but eleven years old this manly boy en- tered the shoe shop of his uncle, Charles P. Gale, and there obtained the rudiments of his extensive knowledge of the shoe and leather busi- ness. Two years later he began work for S. M. Bubier, who owned one of the largest shoe factories in Lynn, and while there Mr. Berry became thoroughly conversant with the various branches of shoe manu- facturing. While yet in his minority he was offered the position of foreman of the cutting room in the large factory of Bancroft & Purin- ton, in the same city, and this he filled acceptably until his promotion to the office of superintendent of the factory.

In 1870 Mr. Berry resigned the place he had so long occupied to become vice-president and general manager of the Davis Shoe Com- pany, which he managed successfully for some fifteen years. In 1885 he became associated in business with the Hon. Frank Jones, Charles A. Sinclair and Charles H. Mendum, and formed what is so extensively known throughout the country as the Portsmouth Shoe Company, of which for years he was one of the principal stockholders. Under his energetic and sagacious management the affairs of this corporation prospered, until it became one of the leading industries of the city, turning out more work in women's, misses' and children's footwear than any other factory in this country, and it is thought at times, in the world. When running at full capacity the factory produced 10,500 pairs of shoes per diem ; and at no time was the output less than 6,000 pairs. Twelve hundred hands were employed and they were kept busy most of the year. Mr. Berry had the reputation among business men of being more thoroughly acquainted with the details of the different departments of his business than any other shoe manufacturer in the country, and his phenomenal success in this line was attributed solely to his natural capacity and his close attention to business.

A man of Mr. Berry's caliber, push and progressive spirit neces- sarily occupied a place of pre-eminence in any community. Being often called upon to aid in the guidance of civic affairs, he held many offices of trust, serving with distinction in each. As one of the leading mem- bers of the Democratic party, he was no unimportant factor in for- warding its interests. While a resident of his native city he served as alderman two years; and he occupied the same position in the municipal government of Portsmouth for two years. For two years he was mayor of this city and in 1890 he represented his district in the State Legislature, serving with credit to himself and to the honor and advantage of his constituents in each office.

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He was also well known and influential in financial circles, being a director of one of the New Hampshire National banks of Portsmouth, N. H. He was a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, be- longing to Golden Fleece Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Lynn; to Royal Arch Chapter, R. A. M., of Lynn, and to DeMolay Commandery, K. T., of Boston. He was also a member of Bay State Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Lynn, in which he held all of the chairs. He likewise belonged to the Boston Board of Trade. Religiously he was identified with the Congregational Church at Lynn, and he attended the church of the same denomination when residing in Portsmouth. Mr. Berry died June 30, 1907, his loss being mourned by a wide circle of friends and acquaintances, among whom were numbered many prominent people, both in this county and elsewhere.

Mr. Berry was twice married; first to Sarah M. Bradley, of Lynn, now deceased. Twelve years after her death he married Miss Annie L. Church, daughter of Daniel Church, of Portsmouth. Of this happy union was born one child, a son, Frank J., who is now a resident of Toronto, Canada.

FRED P. HILL, who is of an old and well known family of Plais- tow, is engaged in farming operations at his place, and in addition is treasurer of the New Humberland Silver Black Fox Company of Prince Edward Island. He was born in Sandown, N. H., December 16, 1867, and is a son of George W. and Lizzie L. (Smith) Hill. His grandfather, Samuel S. Hill, was a brick manufacturer in Plaistow and Haverhill, and for a time was a representative in the State Legislature.

George W. Hill, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Bedford, N. H., and was a boy when his family moved with him to Plaistow. He was a mason by trade and also learned the shoe business. He was married to Lizzie L. Smith, and they had the following chil- dren: Mary A., born in February, 1865, who is the wife of Albert Clifton ; Samuel, who died at the age of two years ; and Fred P.

Fred P. Hill was but a child when his parents moved to Plaistow, N. H., from Sandown. He received an educational training in public and private schools, and then began work in the shoe business. He now is engaged in farming; and also in raising silver black foxes in Prince Edward Island. As above mentioned, he is treasurer of the North Humberland Silver Black Fox Company, which operates on an extensive scale. They sell foxes for from twelve thousand to twenty thousand dollars per pair, and receive from seven hundred to five thousand dollars for pelts. Mr. Hill has been active in the affairs of Plaistow, serving four years as selectman and tax collector, and as repre- sentative during the sessions of 1909 and 1911. In 1912 he was delegate to the constitutional convention.

In 1900 Mr. Hill was joined in marriage with Miss Nettie E. Lord, who died in 1906. Mr. Hill formed a second union with Miss Lucy Currier, daughter of George Currier, of Prince Edward Island. They have a comfortable home in Plaistow, and are surrounded by many friends.

ARTHUR D. WENTWORTH, proprietor of the National Hotel, and also of the Prescott Hotel, at Portsmouth, N. H., was born in

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HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY

Massachusetts, January 16, 1865, a son of William A. and Orilla A. (Stickney) Wentworth. Both his parents were natives of this state, the mother coming from Troy. The father, William A. Wentworth, was engaged in the hotel business in Portsmouth. They had three children : Anna B., wife of Alman R. Reed; Nora H., wife of George W. Armstrong, and Arthur D., subject of this sketch.

Arthur D. Wentworth acquired his education in the common schools. He began industrial life as cutter in a shoe factory, but for the last fifteen years has been in the hotel and restaurant business, for the last eight years being located in Portsmouth, during all of which time he has been proprietor of the Prescott House. He has conducted the National Hotel for one year only. He belongs to the Masonic order ; also to the Elks and the L. O. O. M. Mr. Wentworth married Clara Lowell of Farmington, N. H., daughter of Nathan and Malissa J. (Rich- ards) Lowell. He and his wife have two daughters: Clara D., who is the wife of Fred H. Martin, and Mildred B.

FRANKLIN. A. BRACKETT, chief of police of the town of New Market, N. H., was born in this town December 23, 1849, a son of David and Eilzabeth E. (Francis) Brackett. In his boyhood he at- tended the public schools for awhile, but at the early age of twelve years went to Manchester to work in the mills, remaining there until Septem- ber 17, 1864, at which time, although not yet fifteen years of age, he enlisted for service in the Civil war and went to the front. He was dis- charged June 15, 1865, and returned to New Market. He then entered upon a sea-faring life, being engaged in the fishing industry for three years. At the end of that time, in August, 1868, he married Sarah F. Plummer, and settled down to work in the mill, in which he remained for 35 years. He was appointed chief of police five years ago, having also served as chief of the fire department for three years. On March 15, 1881, he was appointed by Governor Head as captain of Company G, First Regiment, N. H. N. G.

Capt. Brackett and wife are the parents of three children: Herbert A., born 1870; Carl F., 1874, and Alice E., 1875. The two sons are married and reside in New Market, while the daughter, Alice, lives in Lawrence, Mass. Capt. Brackett belongs to Rising Star Lodge, No. 47, A. F. & A. M .; Swamscott Lodge, No. 8, I. O. O. F .; George A., Gay Post, G. A. R., of which he is commander, and to John J. Hanson Camp, No. 30, Sons of Veterans. In politics he is a Republican. He and his wife occupy a comfortable home in the northern part of the town. Since entering upon the duties of his present position, Capt. Brackett has rendered the town efficient service and made a good record for himself, while benefiting his fellow citizens, among whom he is very popular.

GEORGE G. L. REMICK, who is a resident of Exeter, N. H., being connected with the Exeter Brass Works as tool maker, is a native of Kittery, Me., and son of Jacob Remick by his wife, Octavia, whose family name was Mills. The father was a carpenter by occupation. and he and his wife are both now deceased. Their children were Chris- topher, George G. L., and Lucy, who is now the wife of Herman Paul, of Kittery, Me.

HARRY L. BEACHAM

RICHARD H. BEACHAM

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After attending the schools of Kittery and a private school at Ports- mouth, N. H., George G. L. Remick enlisted in the navy, where he was employed for some time as third assistant engineer. In 1877 he came to Exeter, where he has since followed his present occupation. A master craftsman, he holds a good position and has the confidence of his employers. He is a member of the Masonic order, belonging to the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Council at Exeter. Mr. Remick was married in 1876 to Miss Anna Leavitt, who was born in Exeter, a daughter of Abraham and Elizabeth (Robinson) Leavitt. Mrs. Remick's father, who came from North Hampton, was a box manufacturer. He died at the early age of thirty-one years; his widow was a native of Stratham, N. H. Mrs. Remick was the only child of this marriage. The family were members of the First Congregational Church of Exeter. Mr. and Mrs. Remick have a daughter, Mildred Elizabeth, who is the wife of William Charles Hayes, connected with C. H. Hayes Corpora- tion, manufacturers of boxes, of Haverhill, Mass. They have a daugh- ter, Elizabeth Wilhelmina. Our subject and wife are members of the First Congregational Church of Exeter.

HARRY L. BEACHAM, born November 9, 1861, in Tuftborough, Car- roll County, N. H., died in Portsmouth, N. H., March 2, 1913. He was one of Portsmouth's best known and most successful business men. He was a son of Richard H. and Maria (Stoddard) Beacham, and accompanied his parents to Portsmouth, N. H., when five years of age. He attended the Ports- mouth graded and high schools and Smith's Academy. When in his eight- eenth year he west west and for two years conducted a sheep ranch in Colo- rado, then returned to Portsmouth and entered into partnership with his father in the livery stable business, forming the firm of R. H. Beacham & Son. This firm conducted the finest and one of the most elaborate stables in New England until August 15, 1912, when they sold out. For about seven years prior to his death, Harry L. Beacham devoted his energies almost ex- clusively to the automobile end of the business, they having leased from the Granite State Fire Insurance Company the building on Fleet street. between Congress and State streets, Portsmouth, and in that building they conducted the only fire-proof garage in the city. This garage was recognized as one of the finest and most up to date garages in New England and was conducted by Mr. Beacham on as fine a scale as the Beachams had previously conducted the livery stables.

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History of Rockingham County, New Hampshire and representative citizens, Part 98

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