History of Rockingham and Strafford counties, New Hampshire : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 83

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton)
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Philadelphia : J. W. Lewis
Number of Pages: 1714

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 83
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 83

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).

He was one of the founders and building commit- tee of Rockingham Academy in 1834, and from 1834 to 1862 was one of its trustees and its treasurer almost without exception.

In 1835 he was one of the building committee of the Baptist meeting-house.

In 1835 he married Mary, daughter of Rev. George Keely, of Haverhill, Mass., by whom he had five sons and three daughters.

In 1839 was chosen town representative, and filled other town offices.

In 1840, was commissioned colonel of New Hamp- shire militia.

From 1842 he was merchant and postmaster for sev- eral years. Administrator of the estates of George Fifield, Stephen Dodge, John Porter, and Mrs. John Porter.

In 1846 was elected a member of the State Senate.

In 1844 he commenced the manufacture of cotton wadding and batting.

In 1847 he rebuilt mill, which had been destroyed by fire in August.

1840 to 1856 was clerk of Baptist Church.

1851-54, a director of the Manchester and Lawrence Railroad.

1852-54, president of the Manchester and Lawrence Railroad.

In 1853, presented with a valuable cane by the em- ployees of the Manchester and Lawrence Railroad. Became an original stockholder of the Manchester and Lawrence Railroad in 1847, and at the time of his decease held eleven hundred and forty shares of its stock, and to his good judgment and active efforts this road is largely indebted for its subsequent pros- perity.

In 1854 a member of the Second Constitutional Convention of New Hampshire.

In 1852-53 procured an appropriation from the State for a monument to Governor Weare, and was appointed chairman of the committee for its erection.

1n 1859 chairman of a committee for the repair and improvement of the Baptist meeting-house, and him- self assumed a large part of the expense.

About 1860 assumed the presidency of the Weare Bank after it had become financially unsound, and laid plans for its resuscitation, which ill health and death prevented him from perfecting.

In politics a Whig and Republican, and a leader in all enterprises in which he enlisted. He was am- bitious, public-spirited, and enterprising. Possessed of tact, energy, and good judgment, he was successful in business, and rarely failed to accomplish his pur- poses. Of large and progressive views and of a char- itable spirit, social and genial in intercourse, he was widely known and highly esteemed. During his ex- tensive business experience he never commenced an action at law, and never was defeated in one com- menced for another.

GEORGE DUDLEY DODGE.

George Dudley Dodge, eldest child of George Ifub- bard and Mary Keely Dodge, born in Hampton Falls, May 4, 1836 ; graduated ftom Rockingham Academy June, 1853; entered Brown University September, 1853; compelled by a fever and subsequent ill health to discontinue his studies ; spent the summer of 1855 on the coast of Labrador. From 1856 to 1858 en- gaged in trade in Hampton Falls. Fall of 1859, in company with a younger brother, established a busi-

GEORGE D. DODGE.

MOSES BATCHELDER.

John T Batchilder

349

HAMPTON FALLS.

ness in Savannah, Ga., in the line of books, stationery, and fancy goods, and in the winter of 1860 engaged largely in the shipping of apples and potatoes. Spent a month in traveling for their sale, and was in Montgom- ery, Ala., at the time the Provincial Congress of the Con- federacy was in session there ; witnessed the bombard- ment and surrender of Fort Sumter, April 14, 1861, and as a mementoof that event now has a thirty-two- pound ball fired from the fort, striking the rebel iron- clad battery. Those balls were called by the South- erners " Anderson's pills." After being forced into the Confederate service, and receiving news through flag of truce of the fatal illness of his father, he es- caped from Savannah to Charleston ; was advertised as a deserter, and a detective sent for his arrest. Af- ter eleven weeks of effort and six unsuccessful at- tempts to leave on blockade runners, during one of which the steamer ran aground and was shelled, he escaped in a small sloop to Nassau in November, 1862. Spent eight weeks among the Bahama Islands recuperating his health and awaiting news from home, which he finally reached, via New York, in Jan- uary, 1863. He repaired the batting-mill, which had lain idle since the war commenced, and from 1864 to 1877 was engaged during most of the time in the manufacture of cotton batting on the spot where manufacturing was first established by his great- grandfather in 1790. From 1870 to 1872 postmaster and merchant in the village store. In 1872 built a new grist-mill where the okt one had stood since the first settlement of the town. In 1866 erected one of the first summer cottages at Hampton Beach, which has since been ocenpied by his family during a part of each season. Dec. 22, 1864, married Marianna, daughter of Dr. Wm. Laighton, of Portsmouth, by whom he has had four sons and two daughters, of whom three sons and a daughter are now living. In 1851 united with the Baptist Church founded by his ancestors in 1828, and has held the position of church clerk for twenty- four years, Sunday-school superintendent thirteen years, and as chairman of the parish committee has employed and entertained most of the pastors and sup- plies since 1863.

Inheriting from his ancestors on both sides a nat- ural appetite for tobacco, he commenced its use at the early age of six years, and continned to use it during most of the time for thirty years, to the great injury of body and mind. Convinced of the sinfulness of the habit, and long disgusted with its filthiness, he forever qnit its use in 1872.

thoughtful man to do right and leave all questions of expediency to take care of themselves, he became in 1880 an avowed Prohibitionist, and to his surprise received the nomination of that party for Governor. And it is believed that this nomination received as strong a support as any other would have secured under the circumstances; for while his name was cut from his party ticket in no instance, there were cases in which it was pasted on both of the other party tickets.

Conscientious of holding these views, and fearlessly advocating them, has brought him into conflict with those of his church and denomination who, contrary to the Scriptures, hold to the doctrine of expediency. But the good results of his course are already begin- ning to be seen.

Mr. Dodge has published some articles both of prose and verse, and his time is now divided between literary pursuits and manual labor for the benefit of his health.

By his mental constitution and tastes Mr. Dodge is better adapted for a profession than for business. His maternal grandfather and four of his uncles were ministers, and it was supposed by some that this would be his vocation, but his ideas of the requirements of this office were so high as to discourage him in this direction. After the relinquishment of his college course he commenced the study of medicine, but was compelled by the state of his health to avoid all con- finement and lead a more active life. But he has al- ways been interested in this direction, and has thus been able to dispense almost entirely with medical at- tendance in his family, and to bring himself from a physical wreck through ignorance of the laws of health to the highest degree of vigor possible with his natural constitution.

Mr. Dodge places but little value in the fact that he is able to trace his lineage to titled ancestry on both sides, but considers that the truest nobility con- sists in self-education in all that is highest and best, and a constant advancement in character under the guidance of an enlightened conscience.

MOSES AND JOHN T. BATCHIELDER.

John T. Batchelder (or Bachiler, as the name was formerly spelled), son of Moses and Abigail (Drake) Batchelder, was born on the old Batchelder home- stead, in Hampton Falls, June 1, 1829, where he now resides. He is the seventh in lineal descent from Rev. Stephen Bachiler. (See his history in Hamp- ton.) The line of descent is as follows: John T. (7th), Moses (6th), David (5th), Josiah (4th), Na-

After having always considered himself a temper- ance man he became a total abstainer in 1872, and having used all kinds of liquors and many kinds of alcoholic bitters as remedial agents, has become con- ' thaniel (3d), Nathaniel (2d), Stephen (1st). Na- vinced of the fallacy of their use as medicines, and thaniel (2d) was twice married, and had seventeen children, nine of whom were hy his first wife, Deborah Smith, whom he married Dec. 10, 1656. Of these nine children, Nathaniel (3d) was the eldest son, born | Oct. 24, 1659, married Elizabeth Foss, and had chil- believes tbe good time is coming when the physician will no longer prescribe for his patient that which so often "biteth like a serpent and stingeth like an adder." Believing that it is the duty of every

350

HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

dren,-Nathaniel, Deborah, John, Josiab, Jethro, Nathan, Phineas, and Elizabeth. Mr. Nathaniel (3d) Batchelder settled in Hampton Falls, on the farm now in the possession of John T. Batchelder, about 1689. He died in 1745, aged eighty-six years. It was his brother Benjamin who owned at one time part of the farm now in the possession of Hon. Warren Brown.

Josiah (4th ) Batehelder was born 1695, and died in 1759. His wife was Sarah Page, who was born in 1698, and died in 1781. Their children were Josiah, Elisha, Sarah, Nathaniel, Reuben, and David (5th), who was born in 1736, and died March 11, 1811. David was twice married, first to Sarah Sweatt, and had children,-Sarah, Elisha, Elizabeth, Joshua, and Hannah ; second, to Mary Emery, who was born April 25, 1741, and died Nov. 26, 1834. , Of this marriage the following children were . born : Mary, Lydia, Anna and Rhoda (twins), Reuben, Dolly, Moses, and Abigail, all born on the old homestead in Hampton Falls, and all grew to maturity.

Moses (6th ) Batchelder, born Jan. 8, 1782, and died July 11, 1861. He married Abigail, daughter of Samuel Drake, of Hampton, N. H., Jan. 5, 1809. She was born Sept. 24, 1784, and died Jan. 17, 1872. Their children were Josiah, Mary, Samuel, Aaron, Nancy, Moses E., Elizabeth, and John T. Moses Batchelder was an honest, industrious, and prudent farmer, as were his ancestors. In religion he and wife were members of the Congregational Church. In politics a Whig and Republican. He held the several town offices, and was also member of the State Legislature. He was a good man, and was be- loved by all.

John T. (7th) received a common-school education. Being the youngest of the family he became the home boy, hence did not have the advantages for an educa- tion that many had. He has, however, a large fund of historical information, as he has always been a student of history. He married Emma, daughter of Horace Miles and Seviah Davis, of Patton, Me., July 18, 1872. She was born Aug. 13, 1845. Their children are five in number,-Nathaniel M., Alice G., Abbie E., Mary A., and Saralı L., all born ou the same farm where their ancestor, Nathaniel, of the third generation, set- tled in 1689. Mr. and Mrs. Batchelder are members of the Congregational Church. For several generations his ancestors were deacons of the same church, and were God-fearing men, and inherited from their first aneestor, Rev. Stephen Bachiler, many of those qual- ities of head and heart that go to make up the true man.

Mr. John T. Batchelder is one of the largest far- mers in town, a man in the prime of life, of powerful build, strong constitution, untiring energy, and is a man of generous impulses. He employs several men on the farm and in his saw- and grist-mills, and has dealt more or less extensively in wood and timber. In the month of January, 1878, he came very near losing his life while engaged with his men (Messrs.

Sammy Batchelder, nephew of his, and White, Wilson, Oliver, and Wright) in getting hay from the salt marsh known as "Great Neck," or Nudd's Island. They were caught by one of the severest storms and highest tides that ever visited this coast, and were in several feet of water more than six hours in the month of January, surrounded only by Egyptian darkness. Allof this brave band, save Oliver Wright, who wandered off in search of home. lived to return to their families and friends. So severe was the night that the only horse they had with them perished. The violence of the storm kept quite a number of the people awake, grateful for shelter, and expressing sympathy for any possibly exposed to its fury, little thinking that some of their own citizens were suffer- ing so much at so little a distance ; but daylight came at last, and this "Spartan band" made their way home- ward.

EMERY BATCHELDER.

Emery Batchelder was born in Hampton Falls, N. H., Sept. 18, 1812. His father was Reuben, son of David Batchelder, and was born in Hampton Falls, May 11, 1777, and died March, 1868. Reuben mar- ried Betsey Tilton, and had children,-David, Lucy, Emery, Rhoda, Dolly, Jobn, and Nathaniel, all born in Hampton Falls on the farm now in the possession of Jobn Batchelder. Mr. Batchelder was a farmer by occupation, a deacon of the Congregational Church, and a Whig and Republican in politics. 'He held the various town offices. His wife died Nov. 30, 1857, aged seventy-five.

Emery Batchelder7 (Reuben6, David5, Josiah4, Na- thaniel3, Nathaniel2, Stephen1) received a limited education. He was reared a farmer, which honor- able business he has followed till the present time. He owns a portion of the old home-farm in Hampton Falls. He is a Republican, and as such has been selectman two years, and member of the State Legis- lature in 1868-69. He united with the Congregational Church at Hampton Falls and Seabrook about 1843, being about thirty years of age. He has been a deacon of the same for many years. For several generations his ancestors were deacons, and one of their maiu characteristics was their devotion to the church. (See history of Rev. Stephen Bachiler.) Mr. Emery Batchelder is a trustee of the Dearborn Academy at Seabrook, N. II., and was its treasurer some ten years, or till failing health-blindness-compelled him to resign. He married Dorothy A., daughter of Simou N. Dearborn, of Hampton, N. H. (See Dearborn, History Hampton.) She was born Sept. 23, 1817. Their children are Charles E., who died at thirty- four; Annah E., wife of Homer B. Cram, of Ames- ubry, Mass .; John A., resides in Iowa; Ellen P. (Mrs. Irving H. Lamprey, of Charlestown, Mass.); Abby C., wife of Cyrus L. Brown, Pittsfield, N. H .; David F. and Mary L., at home.

EMERY BATCHELDER.

Oliver Entre,

T. M. PRESCOTT.

David Ho Olkus

351

HAMPTON FALLS.

DAVID H. ELKINS.

Henry Elkins was a tailor in Boston, and was ad- mitted a freeman in 1635. He removed to Exeter about 1637 to 1640, thence settled in Hampton about 1647. He and his family lived on a part of the Toppan farm. His wife Mary died Jan. 17, 1659, and he died Sept. 19, 1668. His inventory was forty- three pounds, appraised by Godfrey Dearborn and Giles Fuller. He left two sons,-Gershom, who was administrator of the estate, and Eliza, who settled in Exeter. Gershom Elkins married Mary, daughter of Thomas Sleeper, March 15, 1667. Their children were Jonathan, born Nov. 24, 1668 ; Moses, born Oct. 4, 1670; Mary, born July 2, 1674; Joanna, born Jan. 24, 1677, died a maiden Jan. 12, 1762; Henry, killed by the Indians at Kingston, Sept. 17, 1707; Samuel, married Mary Tilton, Feb. 5, 1706; Thomas, born 1682, died in 1760. One or more of the last three children may have been children of Eliezer Elkins, his brother.

David II. Elkins, whose portrait accompanies this sketch, was a son of David B. Elkins and Mary Batchelder, and was born in the town of Hampton, N. H .. June 5, 1831. His father was a farmer, and he was reared to industry and economy. At twenty- one years of age, in 1852, he went to Woburn, Mass., where he worked at the carpenter's trade two years, thence to Milton, Mass., and worked for one John H. Burt three years. Sept. 18, 1856, he married Mary E., daughter of Benjamin and Mary (Green) White, of Phillipston, Mass. She was born Jan. 22, 1836. Her father was a farmer, and died March 26, 1870, aged sixty-six years. Mr. and Mrs. Elkins have eight children,-Mary A. (died at six ), Benjamin W., David H., Lizzie E., Albert W., Mattie L. (deceased ), John W., Herbert G. All were born in Milton, Mass., except the eldest.

Soon after his marriage in 1856, Mr. Elkins re- turned to bis native town of Hampton, N. H., and was here engaged as a farmer three years, when he moved back to Milton, Mass., and there devoted his energies to his trade. He was a successful con- tractor and builder till his death, Dec. 16, 1874. He spent the winter of 1869-70 in South Carolina for his health. In politics he was a Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Elkins were members of the Congregational Church at Hampton, N. H. He died at Milton, where he was buried. Ile was respected at home and abroad, and his memory is cherished by his family.

His family continued to reside in Milton till Dec. 11, 1880, when they settled in Hampton Falls, where they now reside.

TRUE M. PRESCOTT.

True M. Prescott is the sixth in lineal descent from James Prescott, who came originally from England, and settled at Hampton Falls, near where now stands the Unitarian Church. The line of descent is as fol- lows: True M.6 (James5, James4, Elisha3, James2, James1). James Prescott, grandfather of True M., was captain of a company in the Revolutionary war, and was in the battles of Saratoga and Stillwater. The sword he wore in those engagements is still in possession of the family. He married Sarah Lane; they had two sons and seven daughters. The sons were named Simon and James. He was by occupa- tion a farmer, and lived to the ripe old age of ninety- four, dying September, 1830. He was a devout man and a deacon in the Congregational Church.

Gershom Elkins was a representative of Hampton in 1708. Nov. 26, 1706, was chosen deacon. He lived in the garden of E. W. Toppan, deceased. ITis James, his youngest son, was born Oct. 8. 1779. He married Margaret Babb, daughter of James Babb, of Epsom, by whom he had three children,-True M., will is dated June 9, 1714, and proved March 5, 1718, ; Lucy M. (wife of Aaron Prescott), Eliza (wife of Thomas Elkins, executor. Inventory, £555 88. 6d., ! Feb. 28, 1718. Emory Stevens, of Eppingham). Mrs. Prescott died February, 1830. lle married for his second wife Eliezer Elkins, son of Ilenry, married Deborah, daughter of Jasper Blake, Dec. 31, 1673. He was at Exeter in 1683, when he signed Weare's petition. This is all we know of him. Sarah Sanborn. (See Sanborn history.) Mr. Prescott was a member of Congregational Church; was by occupation a farmer and shoemaker, and in politics a Federalist and Whig. He was a good farmer, indus- trious, prudent, and frugal. He died Oct. 16, 1859, aged eighty years.

True M., whose portrait accompanies this sketch, was born March 19, 1804; he received a common- school education, working on the farm eight months in the year, and attending school four months. He was brought up on the farm, and farming has been his life's work. In connection with this occupation he was, however, engaged in shipping milk to Boston thirteen years.

His wife is Sarah M., daughter of Joshua Pike, of llampton Falls. She was born July 5, 1808. They have two children,-Harriet A. M. and Warren J. In politics Mr. Prescott is a stanch Republican, and in religion a Unitarian, of which church be has been a member over thirty-five years. He has been select- man of his town five years, and has held all important town offices. He is now a remarkably hale and active man for his years, and bids fair to enjoy yet many years of life.

Warren J. Prescott was born April 4, 1842. He received the advantages of the schools of his neigh- borhood, and also one term at Rockingham Academy. He engaged in express business in 1861 between Hampton Falls and Boston, and continued two years, and three years following he followed the same business between Amesbury and Boston. In 1875 he began the floral business in a small way at first, but it has now developed into an extensive busi-

352

HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

ness. Over five hundred different varieties of plants and flowers may be seen in his well-appointed green- houses, and his patronage extends to all adjacent towns. He is also engaged in farming, market- gardening, and intends to add pickling to his already extensive business. He married, Jan. 17, 1864, La- vina F. Hoyt. They have two children,-Edwin J., born Aug. 27, 1865, and Nellie L., born May 7, 1868. He is a Republican in politics.

CALEB T. SANBORN AND SAMUEL MELCHER.

Caleb T. Sanborn was born in Kensington, N. H., June 13, 1797, and was the son of Hilliard Sanborn, and the grandson of Richard Sanborn. The wife of Richard Sanborn was Eliza Hilliard. Ililliard San- born was born in Kensington, and lived to be seventy- one years of age. He was a carpenter by trade. He married Sarah Tilton, a daughter of Caleb Tilton, and had five children, the third of whom was the Caleb T. Sanborn mentioned above. The latter served with honor in the war of 1812, although only about fifteen years of age, and his widow receives a pension from the government. The greater part of his life was spent upon the farm where he died July 3, 1842, his parents having located there when he was but six months of age. His father was a carpenter, and he followed that occupation in connection with farming all through life. He married Polly M., the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Rowell) Melcher, of Hampton Falls, who was born Dec. 15, 1798. They were mar- ried April 20, 1824. Their children were George W., born Jan. 8, 1825; Eliza S., born Jan. 6, 1827 ; Mary H., born April 5, 1830; Hiram E., born May 7, 1834 (died March 20, 1856) ; and Martha J., born Sept. 10, 1840. Mary H. Melcher became the wife of David C. Hawes, of New Bedford, Mass., and bore six chil- dren. Their names are Levi M., David E., Frank S., Samuel C., Henry W., and Mary A. Mr. and Mrs. Hawes are living (in 1882) upon the identical farm in Hampton Falls which has been in the family during seven generations.

Samuel Melcher, who was a son of Joseph and Mary (Rowell) Melcher, and a brother of Mrs. Caleb T. Sanborn, was born in Hampton Falls, June 30, 1810, and died in September, 1860. He was an active, influential citizen, being a stock dealer by occupation. In politics he was a Democrat. He held the position of selectman for a time. After the death of his brother-in-law, he took a deep interest in the family and was of very material assistance to them in the years before the children had attained to manhood. At his death his property fell in equal portions to the children for whom he had so long cared.

The three direct ancestors of Joseph Melcher were all named Samuel. The family have been quite noted for their longevity, many of them attaining to a great age. Mr. Joseph Melcher was a farmer and stock

dealer during his lifetime. He was a member of the Baptist Church, and an honorable and exemplary citizen. Ile lived to be quite aged, dying about 1853.

THE ROBIE FAMILY.

Col. Ichabod Robie was among the early settlers of the town. His grandfather, Henry Robie, came from England to Dorchester, Mass., in 1639, and settled in | Exeter, N. H., the same year. He was one of the selectmen in 1650, and removed to Hampton, A.D. 1655. He died in 1688, aged eighty-nine years.

John, son of Henry, moved to Haverhill, Mass., A.D. 1674, and built a house there in 1675. He was killed by Indians June 16, 1691, aged forty-five years. His son Ichabod, a lad eleven years of age, who wit- nessed the killing of his father, was taken prisoner, but afterwards escaped, went to Dover, N. H., learned the trade of a tanner, and in 1703 settled in Hampton Falls. He died Aug. 10, A.D. 1753, aged seventy- three years.

Henry, son of Ichabod, was born in 1714, was a farmer and tanner. He held various town offices, was a justice of the peace and surveyor of land. He was one of the committee who built the Seabrook meeting-house, which was raised April 17, A.D. 1764. He died April 26, 1807, aged ninety-three years.

Nathan, son of Henry, succeeded his father on the farm and in the tannery. Ile died Sept. 25, 1842, aged eighty-four years.

llenry, son of Nathan, born Sept. 24, 1797, lived on the old homestead, and died Feb. 15, A.D. 1874, in the seventy-seventh year of his age.

Nathan Henry, son of Henry, born July 11, A.D. 1835, owns and ocenpies the old homestead on which Col. Ichabod settled in 1703. He is an auctioneer and conveyancer.

CHAPTER LII.

KENSINGTON.1

Early History, etc .- Kensington is a small town, about eight miles to the west of the sea-coast in Hampton, about forty-five miles from Concord, and forty-two from Boston. More hills are noticed on the geological map in this than any other town in the vicinity. Moulton's Ridge, Martin's Hill, Gove's Hill, Ward's Hill, Newfound Hill, Round Hill, Horse Hill, Connor's Hill, and Hoosar Hill are mentioned. The Muddy Pond is situated in a swamp, and con- tains only a few acres. The brooks seek the ocean by the Piscataqna, Hampton River, and the Merri- mac. From the hills the visitor may have fine views of the ocean on the one side and fine views of the monntains on the other, while, when the atmosphere

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History of Rockingham and Strafford counties, New Hampshire : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 83

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Philadelphia : J. W. Lewis Number of Pages: 1714

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton)
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Philadelphia : J. W. Lewis
Number of Pages: 1714