USA > New Hampshire > Strafford County > History of Rockingham and Strafford counties, New Hampshire : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men > Part 127
USA > New Hampshire > Rockingham County > History of Rockingham and Strafford counties, New Hampshire : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men > Part 127
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The Universalist Church. - The Universalist meeting-house in this town was built in 1873, and dedicated in December of the same year. Rev. G. W. Becknell, of Portland, had been preaching in the town hall previous to that time, and it was at his suggestion and by his influence that the society was formed, Aug. 5, 1874. The church was also organized Aug. 5, 1874. Rev. L. F. Mckinney was the first pastor, and . resigned in June, 1875. Rev. E. A. Read was his successor, who resigned in April, 1877. Rev. Royal T. Sawyer was the next pastor to February, 1879. Rev. Benton Smith resigned in November, 1881. Rev. A. L. Rice is the present pastor.
The Catholic Church .- This society has held ser- vices in the town hall for several years. They are now erecting a beautiful house of worship, which will soon be ready for use. Rev. Father Powers is the minister.
533
HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
AMOS PAUL.
During the two and a half centuries of civilization which have passed over this town, by far the most important factor 'in its development has been the Swamscot Machine Company, and with this com- pany and its success is intimately connected Amos Paul. The history of one necessarily includes the other. Amos Paul, son of Nathaniel and Mary A. (Marsters) Paul, was born in Newmarket, N. H., April 29, 1810. His father, a native of Eliot, or Kit- tery, Me., was a millwright, and settled in early man- hood in Newmarket, and ever resided there. Amos was his third son, and the early formative influences to which the boy was subjected were of the healthiest nature, for his was a home, although quite humble, in which honor and morality were exemplified and taught. He had the advantages of education afforded by the common schools of his native town, and by his father's death in 1827 he was early thrown upon his own resources. He was apprenticed to James Derby in Exeter, and thoroughly learned the machinist's trade. After serving his time he continued to work for Mr. Derby until April, 1832, when he came to South Newmarket to work in a small iron foundry, which was established a short time previously by Drake, Paul & Co. Mr. Paul worked as journeyman for two years when he, in company with George O. Hilton, John B. Rider, and Joseph G. Skinner, pur- chased the works and formed a corporation called the "Newmarket Iron Foundry," Amos Paul, president; George O. Hilton, treasurer and manager; Amos Paul, John B. Rider, Joseph G. Skinner, directors.
Mr. Hilton continued as manager for about two years, when Mr. Paul was placed in charge, and from that time to the present that steady industry, that persistent energy, that far-reaching sagacity, prompt- ness of action, and integrity of purpose, which had already placed Mr. Paul in prominence as a business man of more than ordinary ability, has been at work promoting the interests of all by actively endeavoring to enlarge the boundaries of the business; and he by his enterprise has given employment to many and placed the several branches of manufacture under his super- intendence high in the scale of prosperity. The New- market iron foundry manufactured castings for cotton . and woolen-mills, and at one time did a large amount of business in making stoves, Their works were en- tirely destroyed by fire, and although the loss was great, new buildings were at once erected. In 1846 the Swamscot Machine Company was incorporated by Amos Paul, Walter E. Hawes, and Seneca C. Kennard. The foundry and machine company con- tinuéd separately in business for several years, with Mr. Paul as agent for both. In 1865 the Swamscot Machine Company purchased the entire interest of the fonndry, and united both branches of the busi-
ness, and this union under Mr. Panl and his able as- sociates has been unusually prosperous. The com- pany employs an average of two hundred and sixty men, and has a monthly pay-roll of eleven thousand dollars, more than ten dollars per capita to every in- habitant of the town. It manufactures stationary and portable steam-engines, locomotive, marine, and tubular boilers, steam-boxes for print-works, plain and galvanized wrought-iron pipe, steam and gas- fittings of all kinds, together with several specialties on patents controlled by the company.
The labor of Mr. Paul's life, thus largely expended, has resulted in building up a beautiful village, which will be a permanent monument to his business ability. The works of the company cover about ten acres on both sides of the Boston and Maine Railroad, and a frontage on the Swamscot River. The facilities for transportation are not probably equaled by any other company, for the river is navigable, and advan- tage has been taken of this to have a wharf on the grounds, to which vessels bring much of the coal and iron used. There is owned by the company a quan- tity of land which awaits the development of the fu- ture before being occupied. The extensive operations of the company, of course, demand a Boston office and depository, which is at 98 Milk Street.
Mr. Paul is of an active, nervous temperament, quick and positive in his thoughts and actions. 1Ie takes advanced and liberal grounds in all progressive movements, and is, in the highest sense, a type of the enterprising "self-made" man, and is the prominent man in his town. He was an early Abolitionist, saw the then obnoxious principles of that party become the popular belief, and the evils of slavery swept from the country by the fiery blast of war. He was a Re- publican Presidential elector in 1868, is a director of the Boston and Maine Railroad, and a liberal supporter of the Universalist Church.
He married (1) Mary A., daughter of Moses Rand- lett, of Epping. Their children were Mary H. (de- ceased), Amos (deceased), and Charles R .; (2) Har- riet A., daughter of Thomas Randlett, of Newbury- port, Mass. Their children are Isabella and Harriet A.
PATRICK QUINN.
Patrick Quinn, son of Patrick Quinn and Catharine Clark, his wife, was born Nov. 20, 1815, in Ballygar, County Galway, Ireland. His father was a black- smith, and the young Patrick wrought with him, and was early inured to labor. After attaining his ma- jority he decided to leave a country so overburdened by oppression, and seek a land of more liberty, and in accordance with that decision he sailed for America in April, and landed in New York June 4, 1837, and after one week's stay he went to Providence, R. I. This year (1837) was the time of the great panic, when every business enterprise was prostrate, and thousands were out of employment. It was no wonder, then,
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Patrick Quim
REV. SAMUEL NORRIS.
539
SOUTH NEWMARKET.
that Mr. Quinn, a foreigner and stranger, young in years, also could obtain but four months' work during his first year's stay, and of this small labor he could collect pay but for one-half the time. These dark days passed away, however, and when in the spring of 1838 he engaged with Fairbanks, Clark & Co., at India Point, Providence, to learn boiler making, he felt that he would yet carve his way to success. With this firm he remained six years. He was then so- licited by Otis Tufts, of Boston, to be foreman in his boiler manufactory, employing one hundred and twenty-five men. Mr. Quinn accepted, and discharged the duties of that responsible position to his em- ployer's satisfaction for two years. In June, 1846, immediately after the organization of the Swamscot Machine Company, he removed to South Newmarket (then Newmarket), going thither to establish a boiler- making department in that company's works, and to superintend it. He continued in their employ till 1850, when, at the reorganization of the company, after the fire, he became a stockholder, and has con- tinued to act as foreman until the present time. IIe became a director of the company in 1878.
Mr. Quinn is a thoroughly practical mechanic, a student of the laws and philosophical principles con- nected with mechanics, and by his inventive genius has given the company the benefit of several valuable patents granted him for useful inventions.
Mr. Quinn married, April 19, 1841, Mary, daughter of William and Joanna (Cumberford) Roach. She was born in New Foundland in 1823. Their children are William J. (a lawyer in Lawrence, Mass.), Sarah E. (married Matthew Carney, senior partner of the prominent mercantile house, "Carney, Lynch & Co.," of Manchester, N. H.), Laura A., Martha E., and Charles E.
Mr. Quinn stands high in the estimation of his business associates and fellow-townsmen for his ster- ling worth, his reliability, and business qualifications ; and in fact his possession of the qualities necessary to the successful, popular business man of to-day. He has been honored by the confidence of the people of South Newmarket, has been justice fifteen years, selectman three years, and represented his town in the State Legislature of 1869. He stands to-day one of the solid financial men of his town, and his career shows what free America can do for an enterprising man of tact and brains, even though he be a foreigner. Mr. Quinn is an active and liberal member of the Roman Catholic Church.
REV. SAMUEL NORRIS.
Rev. Samuel Norris was born in Dorchester, N. II., March 8, 1801, and died in South Newmarket, N. II., June 23, 1880. He was reared by godly parents, and at sixteen years joined the Methedist Episcopal Church. So satisfactory werc his experiences, and so ready his Christian utterances, that in the winter following he
received a license to exhort, and the next spring (1818) a license to preach. In June, 1818, ten months from his conversion, when only seventeen years old, he began his long career as preacher by joining the New England Conference at its session at Ilallowell, Me. Hle was ordained deacon by Bishop George in June, 1821, at Barre, Vt., and elder in 1823 at Providence, R. I. During his twenty-two years of effective min- istry he filled the following appointments : In 1818, Landaff, N. H .; 1819, Stanstead, C. E .; 1820, Roch- ester the first half, Landaff the second half; 182], Craftsbury, Vt .; 1822, Danville, Vt .; 1823, Barre, Vt .; 1824, Malden, Mass. (the latter part of 1824 he was called as a "supply" to Boston ) ; 1825-26, Weymouth, Mass .; 1827-28, Newport, R. I .; 1829-30, Rochester, N. H .; 1831-32, Salem, N. H .; 1833, Great Falls; 1834-35, Salisbury, Mass .; 1836, 11averhill and Meth- uen Mission. After a short service in the latter field he removed to South Newmarket, N. Il., to act as financial agent of the Methodist Seminary, then lo- cated there. Ilere he remained three years, going to Pembroke, N. H., in 1839. He was superannuated in 1840, and continued in this relation till death. Hle was elected delegate to the General Conference in 1832 and 1836, and for sixty-two years his name ap- peared in the minutes of the church. He was never idle, and during the forty years of his retirement he preached with great acceptability whenever opportu- nity presented. As a man, Mr. Norr s was dignified, gentlemanly, and fearless, commanding the esteem of friends and respect of opponents. His Christian repu- tation was ever unsullied and unchallenged. Hating sin, he could brook no alliance or compromise with it. He early espoused the cause of the oppressed, and, in obedience to his convictions, while attending the Gen- eral Conference at Cincinnati, in 1836, he attended an anti-slavery meeting, for which he had the honor of a public censure at the bar of the Conference. He lived long enough, however, to rejoice in the downfall of slavery, and to receive the congratulations of his peers for the noble stand he had thus early taken.
With a clear head, a warm and sympathizing heart, he entered upon his life-work, and the church has never had cause for regretting her sending him forth as a herald of the cross. He began his work too young to have adequate preparation for it, but by diligent study, careful reading, and thoughtful application he became a well-informed and safe teacher, leading many to Christ. His love for the church of his choice was lifelong and ardent. As a preacher, he was clear, convincing, and prized. He married, Aug. 23, 1823, Elizabeth H., daughter of Rev. John Brodhead. This faithful and loving companion for nearly sixty years now resides in South Newmarket, eagerly waiting until the Master shall in his own good time call her to join the loved ones on the other shore. Their only child living beyond infancy was John Brodhead Norris, of whom we quote the following notice from the Phila- delphia Railway World of Feb. 23, 1878:
540
HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.
"One of the most active, intelligent, and influential members of the New York Stock Exchange, and a man of great personal popularity, Mr. John B. Norris, who died at his residence in Brooklyn last Saturday night, deserves something more than a passing notice, for men of this stamp, although known only to the business community, and fully appreciated only by their kindred and friends, are often more worthy of the notice of the living than those who have made more noise in the world. As Mr. Norris has long been connected in various ways with the railway en- terprises of the country, it is fitting that the Railway World should give him a place in its columns. Mr. Norris was born in Newport, R. I., in 1828, and was the son of Rev. Samuel Norris, a Methodist min- ister, who married Miss Brodhead, both of whom are still living. He was, therefore, in the summer of life when called upon to leave it and those he loved so well. In 1853-55 he was a member of the Boston Stock Exchange, associated with Henry E. Bailey, as Bailey & Norris. In 1856 he located in New York, became a partner of J. Howard Wain- wright, and soon after a member of the New York Stock Exchange. In 1857 he was associated in the business of banking with O. D. Ashley until 1861, when he formed a connection with Alfred Lockwood. His last copartnership was with A. W. Greenleaf, under the firm of Greenleaf, Norris & Co. The usual vicissitudes of business men were met by Mr. Norris during this experience of twenty-five years in Wall and State Streets, but upon the whole he was a suc- cessful man. It is not particularly to his business stiece-ses or reverses however that we care to allude, except to say that no man bears a more unsullied record in all the transactions of the Stock Exchange of New York and Boston. Scrupulously honorable, he gained a deservedly high reputation among busi- ness men, and there are but few who can claim so fair and bright a character. But the traits which will linger in the memory of his friends to the exclusion of all else were those which a frank, manly, and gen- erous heart were constantly unfolding. His soul was saturated with generous impulses, and his friendship meant devotion and sacrifice. There was not a mean thread in the fabrie of the man, He was full of earnest, hearty, and constant love. No man claimed by him as a friend can fail to recognize these points of his character. And, more than all this, Mr. Norris was not only a tender, loving husband and father, but his filial love was something remarkable. For thirty years his excellent and aged parents lived with him, their only son, and his devotion to them has been ex- tremely beautiful and touching. To the writer he has often expressed the most loving tenderness for his father and mother, and the sentiment of affection seemed as pure and unadulterated as it can be on earth.
" During his life Mr. Norris had been connected with a number of the railway enterprises of the day, and
at the time of his death was president of the Amer- ican District Telegraph Company of Brooklyn, and a director, we believe, in the Union National Bank of New York. To the New York Exchange Mr. Norris will be a severe loss. At one time its vice-president, he has of late been actively engaged in the duties of the law committee, and in that capacity has made Wall Street an uncomfortable place for rogues and sharpers. The world seldom loses a more useful or a better man, and the New York Stock Exchange must bid farewell to one of its most valuable mem- bers."
After the death of this beloved son Rev. Mr. Norris removed to Sonth Newmarket, where, meeting the bereavements and thickly-crowding infirmities of life with Christian fortitude and resignation, never allow- ing them to palsy his faith or unnecessarily abridge his activities, he sank to rest in Jesus at seventy-nine years.
JACOB HERSEY.
Conspicuous among the families dating back to the pioneer settlements of this section of the State, and whose occupancy of the soil has been permanent unto the present day, is the Hersey family. The line of title of certain lands goes away back into the colonial days and the grants from the crown. How much of activity, of earnest labor, of romantie history, of hardship and endurance in the generations dead and gone lies covered deep by the dust of oblivion ! The pen of the historian cannot trace their history, but their impress has been felt and their names pre- served, not only in the traditions of the "oldest in- habitants," but connected with landmarks and lo- calities in such a manner as to be as enduring as our civilization.
Jacob Hersey, the venerable representative of this old-time family, whose portrait occupies another page of this history, was born Dee. 11, 1803, in the house where, in his old age, he is cheerfully passing through the twilight of life. His grandfather, Peter Hersey, received seventy-five acres of land from his grand- father after serving his time with him as a farmer. Both the grandfather, Peter, and his son, Peter, who married Mary Folsom, and had five children,-Mary, Jeremiah, Nancy, Peter, and Jacob, of whom we more particularly write,-were of the sturdy stock of New England farmers, and right well did they serve their day and generation, and with many lusty blows did they assist the onward march of eivilization. Not men of talk were they, but prudent, silent men, although companionable enough, preferring, as does Jacob, to occupy their time in attending to the man- agement of their estates rather than assume the dig- nities and uncared-for responsibilities of official place. They were men of sterling native intellect, and much esteemed. The family had strong attachments, and Jacob, becoming a farmer, remained with his father until the death of the latter, in 1831. Then the two
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541
SOUTHI NEWMARKET.
brothers, Peter and Jacob, were associated together in general farming and stock-raising. Working har- moniously together, they acquired a high reputation in this direction, and were very successful in busi- ness, increasing their flocks and purchasing land until they owned about three hundred and fifty acres. Peter died in 1871, and Jacob, on the old place, is to-day the largest land-owner, not only in South Newmarket, but a much larger area, and stands one of the first of the wealthy men of his town. He has never married, and has never accepted office, although often solicited so to do. Mr. Hersey has been a man of more than ordinary physical endurance and mental endowments. Keen to observe and quick to take ad- vantage of the steps to prosperity, he has been a warm friend, a clear-headed counselor, and a repre- sentative agriculturist, enjoying the confidence of a wide acquaintance.
No family, perhaps, has done more for improve- ment of the town in its early days than the Hersey family, and it is sad to note that to-day Jacob is, at the advanced age of seventy-nine years, the sole rep- resentative of his line. He is, notwithstanding his age, a man of unusual intelligence and youthfnl ap- pearance, and bears the confinement to his house, enforced on him by rhenmatism, with cheerfulness and good humor.
A. II. VARNEY, M.D.
Among the physicians who have merited and en- joyed the patronage of their respective communities in this county must be mentioned Albert H. Var- ney, M.D. Although not a native of the county nor of the State, his twenty-two years of active medical practice in South Newmarket entitle him to be justly considered a representative physician of Rockingham County. He was born in North Berwick, Me., March 27, 1836. His parents were descended on both sides from reputable English families, and were lifelong residents of Maine.
Dr. Varney received an academic education at Southı Berwick, studied medicine with the skilled Dr. Moses Sweatt, of Parsonfield, Me., and was gradu- ated from the Medical Department of Harvard Uni- versity in 1857. His professional life commenced in Chicago, Ill. In January, 1860, he came to New Hampshire, settling in South Newmarket. IIere he has since resided, and by his skill and attention has established a high reputation and a successful prac- tice. Although largely occupied by professional duties, he has yet found time for extensive reading and active co-operation in all things tending to ad- vance the interests of his town. Broad and progress- ive in his views, he early espoused the cause of Re- publicanism, and has earnestly labored to promote the principles of that political party. He has been chosen at various times to discharge the duties of impor- tant public trusts, which he has faithfully done. He |cepted, On the reorganization of the "Swamscot
has been justice of the peace for eighteen years, town clerk for twenty consecutive years, was superintend- ent of school committee seven years, and represented his town in the State Legislature of 1871, He was an industrious legislator, serving as chairman of the special committee on the bill to regulate the sale of medicines and poisons. He was commissioned, Oct. 2, 1867, assistant surgeon of the Second Regiment of New Hampshire militia, and served three years. From his character one would expect to find Dr. Varney in accord with the feeling of universal brother- hood, and we find him not only a member of the Society of Free and Accepted Masons, but also a member of Fraternity Lodge, No. 56, I. O. O. F., in which he has occupied the highest position. Public- spirited, energetic, and wide-awake, Dr. Varney is a good representative of his profession, and one of the active, successful men of South Newmarket.
S. H. TARLTON.
Samuel Hopkins Tarlton, son of Samuel and Jerusha (Hopkins) Tarlton, was born in what is now South Newmarket, N. H., Feb. 19, 1806.
The Tarlton family is of English origin, embracing in that country many men in high position in old- time days. Elias Tarlton, great-grandfather of S. H., was the emigrant and settled in Rye. He reared three sons,-Stillman, William, and Joseph. Still- man became a ship-carpenter, and settled in South Newmarket, where he built a house for one of his sons, which has been kept in the family until recently. He had numerous children, Samuel (born Dec. 11, 1769) was the oldest son, and, like his father, was a ship- carpenter, following his trade in steady industry many years, He was a quiet, undemonstrative man, much esteemed. He married Jerusha Hopkins (born July 16, 1774); had children,-Stillman, born Sept. 29, 1794, married Martha Warner (deceased) ; Martha M., born April 18, 1796 (Mrs. Samuel Paul) ; Mercy H., Jan, 29, 1799 (Mrs. H. J. Jenness) ; Sarah, Sept. 4, 1802 (Mrs. David Manson) ; Samuel H., Mary A., Aug. 26, 1808 (Mrs. Dana Bullard) ; and John W., died in infancy. Mr. Tarlton died July 10, 1855, aged nearly eighty-six, surviving his wife only one year and six days. Samuel H. passed his early life at common school in his native town ; learned the machinist trade at Great Falls; worked as jour- neyman at Great Falls, Dover, Newmarket, and elsewhere until 1843, when he became a locomotive engineer on the Eastern Railroad, and after some years was made master-mechanic at Portland shops of Portsmouth and Saco Railroad, He afterwards helped construct the Concord Railroad from Portsmouth to Epping. His mechanical skill and ingenuity caused him then to be employed to take out engines from the manufactories to various places in the West, set- ting them up, and running them until they were ac-
542
HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.
Machine Company," after the fire, Mr. Tarlton be- came a stockholder, and has been a director of the company for about fifteen years. He married Mary J., daughter of Gee Pickering, of Newington, in May, , very fertile and productive. 1838. Their children now living are George, mar- ried Mary Webb, and resides with his father; and Sarah. In 1856, Mr. Tarlton purchased the home-
SAMUEL H. TARLTON.
stead of his wife's people in Newington, and where she was born. This place was held in the Pickering family from the time of the grant from the crown until bought by Mr. Tarlton. After eight years' resi- dence there he removed to his native place, and erected the building now his residence. No man in integrity, and prudent conservatism than Mr. Tarlton, and by industry and economy he in his old age has the fruits thereof in the shape of a handsome competency. He represented South Newmarket in the State Leg- islature of 1853-54, and is a liberal supporter and member of the Universalist Society.
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