History of Rockingham and Strafford counties, New Hampshire : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 98

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 98
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 98

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HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

gardless of one another's interests. They have been a " peaceable folk," knowing the meaning of " neigh- borly kindness." Every generation has risen above the preceding in comforts and culture. The influence of the church has been powerfully felt for good, while the instruction of the pulpit has had more to do in moulding the character of community and giving a grand uplift to all the people than any other agent.

Appendix .- Nearly one hundred years ago a few of the people of the town lost their love for Congrega- tionalism, and complained against paying their rates for the support of orthodox worship. They were deeply aggrieved, and on the 27th of March, 1787, the town voted to give them their minister's rates, dating back to the year 1783. The greater part of those who dissented called themselves Free-Will Baptists. They erected a small house of worship in the south part of the town some time before the close of the last cen- tury. Their meetings were held for a number of years, although they had no organization either of church or society. One of their number was regarded as the preacher, but at length the interest waned, and their house of worship was moved to Hampton.

After a considerable interval their interest revived, and the First Free-Will Baptist Society of North Hampton was incorporated on the 18th of December, 1816. Religious meetings were held for a while, but again their ardor cooled, and soon the society had only a nominal existence: But it was reorganized about the year 1834, and the interest became so great that a Free-Will Baptist Church was formed.

About this time there arose another class of Bap- tists who preferred the Christian persuasion. They held separate meetings, and in all particulars were denominationally distinct from the former.

In 1838 the Free-Will Baptists built a meeting- house in the east part of the town, where they wor- shiped for a few years, but as there were but few of them they soon grew weak, and abandoned their enterprise. This was their last attempt as a denomi- nation to maintain the gospel in the town.

The Christian Baptists, who had increased in num- bers and strength while they held their meetings in the school-house, began to talk of building a house of worship. They saw that it might not be best to erect another house by the side of the one then un- occupied, so in 1846 they bought up the pews in the Free. Will Baptist house, and came into possession of it, and on the 22d of January, 1859, the Christian Church was organized with twenty members ; but their number has considerably increased, although they have not had regular preaching all of the time since. Theirs is an important part of the town, rapidly in- creasing in wealth and, during the summer months, in population.

MILITARY RECORD, 1861-65.

Philip A. Warner, Co. K, 3d Regt .; enl. Feb. 13, 1864; date of disch. unknown.

John Cullen, Co. C, 4th Regt. ; eol. Aug. 10, 1863; not officially ac- counted for.

Albert Isaacson, Co. I, 4th Regt. ; eol. Dec. 27, 1864; disch. Ang. 23, 1865.

Jeremiah Browo, Jr., Co. B, 4th Regt .; enl. Sept. 18, 1861 : disch. Feb. 11,1862.

John D. Hobbs, Co. B, 4th Regt .; enl. Sept. 18, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 27, 1864.

Charles Smith, Co. K, 4th Regt .; enl. Jan. 4, 1865.

Edward Smith, Co. G, 5th Regt .; enl. Sept. 7, 1864.

Frederick Toerber, Co. 1, 5th Regt .; enl. Aug. 10, 1863.

John Williams, Co. H, 5th Regt. ; enl. Ang. 10, 1863.

John White, Co. G, 5th Regt .; enl. Sept. 7, 1864.

Elias 11 Marston, Co. D, 5th Regt .; eul. Oct. 23, 186] ; pro. to sergt. May 12, 1863 ; pro. to adjt. July 1, 1863; disch. Oct. 22, 1864,

Robert Parrott, ('o. H, 6th Regt. ; enl. Nov. 28, 1861 ; pro. to corp. ; ab- sent, sick ; no disch. furnished.

Albert A. Batchelder, Co. C. 6th Regt. ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862; pro. 1st sergt. disch. June 4, 1865.

Thomas Bell, Co. B, 6th Regt .; enl. Sept. 3, 1862.

Leon Saladad. Co. E, 6th Regt .; enl. Dec. 15, 1$63 ; absent, oo disch. furnished.

William Brown, Co. A. 7th Regt. ; eul. Sept. 21, 1864. James Daggett.

Joseph S. Miles, Co. F, 9th Regt. ; eul. Dec. 15, 1863 ; pro. to corp. ; sup- posed to have died in a rebel prison.

John Shaughnessy, Co. G, 9th Regt .; enl. June 13, 1864.

Alexander Thompson, Co. K, 9th Regt. ; eul. Dec. 15, 1863 ; died Sept. 8, 1864.

John Thompson, Co. K, 9th Regt. ; enl. Dec. 15, 1863; pro. to corp.

Henry Andrews, Co. F, 9th Regt .; enl. Dec. 15, 1863.

John Anderson, Co. F, 9th Regt .; enl. Dec. 15, 1863 ; disch. Oct. 15, 1864.

John Glover, Co. D. 9th Regt. ; eal. July 26, 1862; trans. to Vet. Res. Corp. Sept. 1, 1863.

Henry Andrews, Co. F, 9th Regt .; enl. Dec. 15, 1863.

Emery Summer, Jr., Co. G, 11th Regt .; enl. Feb. 11, 1864; trans. to>6th N. H. Vol. June 1, 1865.

Jeremiah Batchelder, Co. I, 11th Regt .; enl. Sept. 3, 1862; missing in action July 30, 1864.

Charles Brown, Co. K, 12th Regt. ; enl. Dec. 15, 1863; trans. to U. S. navy, April 29, 1864.

William Smith, Co. B, 12th Regt .; enl. Dec. 16, 1863 ; trans. to U. S. navy, April 29, 1864.

George Wilson, Co. D, 12th Regt .; enl. Dec. 16, 1863 ; killed June 3, 1864.

James Welch, Co. H, 12th Regt .; enl. Dec. 16, 1863.

Joseph Woods, Co. A, 12th Regt. ; ent. Dec. 16, 1863.

Charles Johnson, Co. B, 12th Regt .; enl. Dec. 16, 1863 ; trans. to U. S. navy, April 29, 1864.

Charles Brown, Co. 1, 12th liegt. ; enl. Dec. 15, 1863; disch. May 18, 1865.

Michael Walch, Co. D, 14th Regt .; enl. Oct. 1, 1862.

Thomas O'Neil, Co. F, 14th Regt .; enl. Oct. 7, 1862.

IIngh Rainy, 14th Regt .; enl. Aug. 3, 1864; not officially accounted for. Thomas Wilson, Co. F, 15th Regt .; enl. Nov. 7, 1862.

William J. Bradford, mus., Co. I, 16th Regt .; enl Nov. 1, 1862; disch. Ang. 20, 1863.

Eleazer O. Addison, corp., Co. K, 16th Regt .; enl. Nov. 1, 1862; disch. Ang. 20, 1863.

Samuel G. Armour, Co. K, 16th Regt. ; enl. Nov. 3, 1862.

Charles W. Hall, Co. K, 16th Regt .; enl. Nov. 1, 1862.

Ephraim I. Packer, Co. K, loth Regt .; enl. Nov. 14, 1862; disch. Ang. 20, 1863.

Wm. Smith, 17th Regt .; eol. Nov. 24, 1862; not officially accounted for. James P. ITall, Co. B, 17th Regt .; enl. Nov. 13, 1862; not officially ac- counted for.

Oliver Harriman, Co. B, 17th Regt .; enl. Nov. 13, 1862; not officially acconuted for.

Patrick J. Kidder, mas., Co. B, 17th Regt. ; enl. Nov. 13, 1862; not offi- cially accounted for.

Michael McQueeny, Co. B, 17th Regt .; enl. Nov. 13, 1862; trans. to Co. E. 2d Regt; disch. Aug. 14, 1863.

Henry Remick, Co. B, 17th Regt .; eul. Nov. 13, 1862; trans, to Co. K, 2d Regt .; disch. Ang. 14, 1863.

James Davis, Co. A, 17th Regt .; eul. Nov. 24, 1862; not officially ac- counted for.

Perry C. Moore, Co. A, 17th Regt .; enl. Nov. 13, 1862; not officially ac- counted for.

لم جال

Jan French

415

NORTH HAMPTON.

James S. Townsend, Co. B, 17th Regt .; enl. Nov. 13, 1862; pro. to corp. ; disch. April 16, 1863.

Charles W. Winship, Co. B, 17th Regt .; enl. Nov. 14, 1862 ; trans. to Co. D, 2d Regt .; killed July 2, 1863.

John Williams, 17th Regt .; enl. Nov. 14, 1862; not officially accounted for.

William II. Blake, Co. K, 17th Regt., enl. Nov. 18, 1862; con, with 2d Regt .; disch. Oct. 9, 1863.

Samuel P. Holt, sergt., Co. B, 17th Regt .; enl. Nov, 13, 1862; not offi- cially accounted for.

Frank Michael, Co. B, ,17th Regt .; enl. Dec. 18, 1862; not officially ac- counted for.

James C. Rand, 17th Regt .; enl. Dec. 18, 1862; not officially accounted for,

Joseph Williams, 17th Regt .; enl. Dec. 18, 1862; not officially accounted for.

Walter Binney, 17th Regt .; enl. Dec. 18, 1862; cou. with Co. 1, 2d Regt., April 16, 1863.

Saomel E. Sanborn, 17th Regt .; enl. Dec. 18, 1862; con. with Co. 1, 2d Regt .; died Aug. 20, 1863.

Andrew J. Batchelder, Co. G, 18th Regt .; eol. Jan. 6, 1865; disch. July 29, 1865.

Orlando L. Blake, Co. G, 18th Regt .; enl. Jan. 6, 1865 ; disch. July 29, 1865.

John W. Mace, Co. G, 18th Regt .; enl. Jan. 7, 1865 ; disch. July 29, 1865. Horace Leavitt, Co. M, N. E. Cav .; enl. Dec. 24, 1861 ; pro, to corp. and sergt. ; trans, to Vet. Res, Corps.

Frank D. Hobbs, Co. M, N. E. Cav .; eol. Sept. 15, 1862; disch. Novem- ber, 1862.

John H. Elkins, Co. M, N. E. Cav .; enl. Sept. 15, 1862; killed June 18, 1863.

Joshua P. Smith, Co. M, N. E. Cav .; enl. Sept. 15, 1862; disch. July 15, 1865.

John W. Warner, Co. M, N. E. Cav .; enl. Sept. 15, 1862; disch. July 15, 1865.

William T. Bodrich, N. E. Cav .; eol. Sept. 15, 1862; not officially ac- counted for.

William J, Bowly, Co. M, N. E. Cav. ; enl. Sept. 22, 1862; died July 25, 1864.

James F. Hobbs, Co. M, N. E. Cav. ; enl. Sept. 15, 1862; pro. to corp .; (lisch. July 15, 1865.

Dada A. Torrey, Co. K, N. E. Cav .; eol. Sept. 22, 1862 ; disch. Oct. 19, 1863,

Lawrence Merefin, enl. Sept. 5, 1864 ; date of disch. unknown. William Rochford, enl. Sept, 1, 1864; date of disch. unknown.

Walter S. Weeks, enl. Ang. 16, 1864; date of disch. noknown.

Michael Sullivan, enl. Aug. 13, 1864 ; date of disch. unknown. Amus W. Samson, enl. Aug. 13, 1864 ; date of disch, unknown. John W. Carmichael, eol. Ang. 30, 1864; date of disch. unknown. John Jones, enl. Aug. 29, 1864 ; date of disch. unknown.

William H. Price, en1. Aug, 30, 1864; date of disch. unknown. Peter Dudley, enl. Sept. 5, 1864 : date of disch, unknown. Joho Morrisey, enl. Jan, 3, 1865; date of disch. unknown. Thomas Atkins, enl. Jan. 21, 1864; date of disch. unknown. William Shannon, enl. Jan. 21, 1864; date of disch, uoknown. Samuel .Jones, enl. May 27, 1864; date of disch. unknown. William H. Ilorvers, enl. July 3, 1863 ; date of disch. unknown. Jolın Flynn, enl. Ang. 31, 1863; date of disch. noknown. William P. Andrews, enl. Aug. 31, 1863 ; date of disch. uoknown. George Brenard, enl. Sept. 1, 1863; date of disch, unknown, Patrick McGraw, enl. Aug. 29, 1863 ; date of disch. unknown.

Thomas H. Clongh, Cav .; enl. Sept. 21, 1862; date of disch. nnknowo. John Edwards, Cav .; eal. Sept. 21, 1862, date of disch. unknown.

William F. Sanders, Cav. ; enl. Sept. 21, 1862; date of disch, nokoown.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

REV. JONATHAN FRENCH, D.D.

John French, one of the progenitors of the subject of this sketch, came from Thorndic, Scotland, when about twenty years of age, and was admitted a free-

man in 1639. Ile lived to be about eighty years of age, dying Aug. 6, 1692. His early married life was spent in Dorchester, but subsequently he removed to Braintree. He was the father of eight children, the seventh of whom was Thomas, who was born in Braintree, Jan. 10, 1657. Thomas was married and had ten children, the third of whom was Moses, who was born Feb. 16, 1700. He married Esther, daughter of Ephraim and Sarah Thayer, Dec. 24, 1730, and con- tinued to make his home in Braintree. Their children numbered seven, the sixth of whom was Jonathan, the father of the subject of this sketch. He was born Jan. 30, 1740. When about seventeen years of age he entered the army employed against the French and Indians, and in March, 1757, repaired to Fort Edward. Debilitated by the smallpox and the fever and ague, he returned home in October. He was after- ward stationed at Castle William, where, in the ca- pacity of a sergeant, he often had the chief care of the garrison. In that situation his life was twice in great jeopardy. An Indian servant at the castle, to whom he had refused rum, assailed him with a drawn knife. With great presence of mind and agility he avoided the weapon and brought his antagonist to the earth. The Indian, completely vanquished and sur- prised that his life was spared, was ever after grateful and obliging. In the other instance, at great hazard, he seized an Indian prisoner who had escaped from confinement, and, armed with a large club, threatened the life of any one who should attempt to take him. Contemplating the practice of physic and surgery, his leisure was employed in the study, and so much did he enjoy the confidence of the faculty that the medicines and care of the sick were often intrusted solely to him. It is related of him that in an emer- gency calling for medicines that could be obtained only in Boston, when no one could be induced to make the perilous trip because of the dangerous con- dition of the ice, he crossed and recrossed the harbor, carrying a long pole horizontally, and making a safe trip, although often in great danger. It is gratifying to know that the patient in whose behalf the trip was made was restored to health by means of the medi- cines procured.

Mr. French prepared for college, and on leaving the army entered Harvard University, from which institution he graduated in 1771. Ile was ordained a minister of the gospel in the South Parish in Ando- ver, Sept. 23. 1772. His manner of preaching is de- scribed as " serious, solemn, and impressive." He was an industrious worker, a cheerful man, and “given to hospitality." His house was frequented by visitors of all ages, and he was ever a favorite with both old and young.

In religious sentiment he was such a Calvinist as the first fathers of New England. Ile had a strong attachment to the Assembly's catechism, in which he regularly instructed the children in the seven dis- tricts of his parish. He was one of the founders of

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HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

the Massachusetts Society for the Promotion of Chris- tian Knowledge, and being a wise, prudent, and judi- cious counselor, was called to attend a great num- ber of ecclesiastical councils in all parts of New England.

Aug. 26, 1773, a little less than a year after his or- dination, he was married to Miss Abigail Richards, a daughter of Dr. Benjamin Richards, of Weymouth. To them were born five children. The third of these was the only son, and took his father's name. Rev. Jonathan French, of Andover, died of a paralytic affection, July 28, 1809, in the seventieth year of his age, and the thirty -seventh of his ministry. A sermon was delivered at his funeral from John xiv. 28, by Rev. Mr. Stone, of Reading.

We come now to speak of Rev. Jonathan French, of North Hampton. He was born Aug. 16, 1778, at Andover, and, as stated above, bore his father's name. He also followed in his father's footsteps, and became a minister of the gospel. Both his parents were direct descendants from John Alden, the first man who stepped his foot on Plymouth Rock, and one of the most prominent and influential men in the Plymouth Colony. Growing up in a Christian family and highly favored by the religious influences which surrounded him, his life-work was early determined upon. In- deed, it is said that he formed the purpose in his fourth year, during a distressing confinement from a deep scald, to become a preacher of the gospel, a pur- pose which he never afterward relinquished. He

made a public profession of faith in Christ at the age of sixteen years, and during his first year in college. Always of a studious nature, he was given the best opportunities for education to be enjoyed in New England, which opportunities he improved to the utmost. At sixteen years he entered Harvard Col- lege, and when at twenty he graduated with the high- est honor of the class, the opportunity to deliver the valedictory oration was proffered him, but de- clined. After leaving college he was employed for a time as a teacher in Phillips' Academy, at Andover. . He studied theology under the direction of his father, and began to preach at North Hampton in July, 1801, being ordained on the 18th of November, in the same year, as pastor of the Congregational Church. He is described as being at that time "youthful in appear- ance, small in stature, of a florid countenance, and quick and nervous in temperament." His record as a minister is a most remarkable one in this, that for fifty-five years he labored with this one church, and for fifty-one years was its sole pastor. It is said, too, that in this long ministry he was prevented by sick- ness from attending public worship only eight and a half Sabbaths.

1n 1804, three years after his ordination, a new par- sonage was built at North Hampton for the "young minister," with the expectation that he would shortly occupy it with his bride. But the lady of his choice became infatuated with a sea-captain, and refused to

marry the minister, tartly remarking that she pre- ferred a ship with three masts. Mr. French subse- quently married Rebecca, only daughter of Deacon Samuel Farrar, of Lincoln. Deacon Farrar was a captain at the battle of Lexington, and his father was a member of the Continental Congress. Mrs. French's brothers were Samuel Farrar, Esq., one of the founders of the Theological Seminary at Andover; Prof. John Farrar, of Cambridge; and Deacon James Farrar, of Lincoln, who spent his days at the home of his ancestors in Lincoln.

In the early days of his pastorate there was a lack of harmony in the parish, largely growing out of political differences. In fact, one of the factions finding that the others were favorable to him objected to his being settled at all, and he hesitated about taking the place. But the Ecclesiastical Council upon investigation decided that the opposition to him was not at all personal, and promptly ordained and installed him. Time vindicated their action, for in a little while he became popular with the men of both parties or factions, and brought the church into entire harmony in its work. He entered heartily into all neighborhood work, and took a lively interest in township affairs. He enjoyed the confidence of the 1 people to a remarkable degree. It was a common thing for them to consult him in their business plans, and in sickness he was as frequently ealled as the physician, and often he made the first visit and was advised with as to whether or not a physician should be called. He studied human nature to good pur- pose, and was able to deal with the eccentricities of his parishioners in a manner to win them to the better way without giving lasting offense.

He was among the first to comprehend the evils of intemperance, and to engage actively in the reform movement. Even while it was considered a mark of disrespect not to set the decanter before one's guests, he resolved to banish it from his house and espouse the cause of reform. To those engaged in the liquor traffic. he said, "Your business is counteracting the influence of mine. Serious thoughts instilled into the minds of our people on our Sabbath, appear, with a considerable class of men, to be dissipated at the store or the tavern before another Sabbath comes." He was not only a man of strong convictions and fixed principles, but of deep, earnest piety as well. His church was never numerically large, but it was a working church, and frequently blessed with reli- gious revivals. Few changes except by birth or death occurred in the community, but nevertheless it was his privilege to receive into the church two hun- dred and eighty-five members during his pastorate. Other communities were also blessed by his labors, for he aided and encouraged them in the building of churches and the sustaining of public worship. More than once he was called to preach the election sermon before the State Legislature, and he was in- vited to attend one hundred and seventy-three eccle-

Moses L, Hobbs

2. W. Y. Hobbs

417

NORTH HAMPTON.

siastical councils. He joined the Piscataqua Asso- ciation when there were but twenty members. For a long time he was the youngest, and always one of the most active and most deeply interested. Dartmouth College conferred upon him the degree of D. D. in 1851. The Sabbath-school and the Bible-class early awak- ened his attention and interest. The prayer-meet- ing was always a place of interest when he was there. During the fifty-first year of his ministry, and when the shadows of life were rapidly lengthening, there came a season of especial interest to the aged pastor and his people, and some fifty or sixty persons devoted themselves to the cause of religion.

He was a happy man in his family, and lived to see his eleven children-five sons and six daughters -grow to manhood and womanhood, and all occu- pying useful positions in society. One has said of him that " he was a good man and just, being sound in judgment, well informed in ecclesiastical events, orthodox in his theology, a scriptural preacher, loyal to his convictions, affable in his manners, and, with- out studied effort, inviting the confidence of his people." He wrought well for the Master. Ile was a bright and unblemished example of Christian and ministerial life, uniformly devout and prayerful, eminent for gravity, simplicity, and sound speech. In doctrine he was incorrupt, in labors abundant and successful. His death, which occurred in his sev- enty-eighth year, was peaceful and triumphant.

DR. MOSES L. HOBBS.

Dr. Moses L. Hobbs, son of Col. David L. Hobbs and Judith Jenness, daughter of Samuel Jenness, was born in the town of Freedom, N. H., July 1, 1800. His father was a son of Capt. David Hobbs, and was born in North Hampton. He descended from Morris Hobbs, who emigrated from England and settled in New England, and became the progenitor of all the Hobbs family now residents in New Hampshire, and many others who are scattered through the different States. Capt. David Hobbs was a son of Deacon Benjamin Hobbs, a farmer. The captain served his country faithfully during the Revolutionary war.

Col. David L. Hobbs was a farmer by occupation. He reared a family of five children, viz., Moses L., Victory, John, Alvah, and Mary, who married, first, a Dr. Moses Marston, and had three children, and, second, Dr. Stephen Adams, and had two children. Mr. Hobbs was colonel in the State militia for many years. He died in 1865, at the age of eighty-five, and his wife in 1860, aged eighty-one years. Dr. : Moses L. received a common-school and academic education at Hampton and Effingham Academies. He taught school several winters during the time he was acquiring his education.

He began the study of medicine with Dr. Moses Sweat, a celebrated physician and surgeon, at Parson-

field, Me. Dr. Hobbs remained with him some four years, and then attended lectures under the direction of Dr. Alexander Ramsey, a distinguished physician and surgeon, formerly of Edinburgh, Scotland. He commenced the practice of medicine at Dover, Me., about 1825, and remained there some three years, when he went to Parkman, Me., and remained a short time. In July, 1829, he settled in North Hamp- ton, on the same farm where he has since continued to reside. For more than half a century Dr. Hobbs has had the principal practice in his adopted town, and his ride has extended into all the adjoining towns. He married Fannie, daughter of Simeon Mars- ton and Abihail Leavit, July, 1829. Of this union six children were born, viz., David (deceased), who graduated at Hanover College ; Joseph B. (deceased), who married, and left a son, Earnest; Victory (de- ceased), who also was a graduate of Hanover, and a physician by profession at the time of his death ; Ann Jennette, Mrs. John Smith, of Saybrook, N. H. ; and Leavitt M., who resides in California.

Mrs. Hobbs died June 30, 1854, and he married for "his second wife, March 10, 1858, Caroline, daughter of John Dodge, of Newburyport, Mass.

Politically he has been a lifelong Jeffersonian Democrat, and has held important offices in his town, such as selectman and member of the Constitutional Convention of New Hampshire. At one time he was surgeon of a regiment of State militia, which posi- tion he held for many years.

He has always taken a deep interest in educational matters, and has served as school commissioner for several years. The doctor stands deservedly high in the estimation of his fellow-townsmen, not only as a good and safe counselor in times of distress, but as a genial and kind-hearted gentleman. He is far ad- vanced in life, yet he retains his reasoning faculties remarkably well, and can interest one by the hour in reciting poems learned in early life.

J. W. F. HOBBS.

John W. F. Hobbs, son of Jonathan Hobbs, Jr., and Fanny Dearborn, his wife, was born Jan. 3, 1815, on the same farm in North Hampton where in the twilight of a more than ordinarily successful life he now resides. He is a lineal descendant of the first one known now of the name, one Thomas Hobbs, an early native of Hampton, who married a Sherburne, combined the avocations of farmer, tanner, and shoe- maker, and was father of several children,-Jona- than being the first born. He died far advanced in life in the communion of the Congregational Church. Jonathan was born in North Hampton May 15, 1774, followed the same avocations as his father, married Fanny, daughter of John Dearborn, about 1798. They had nine children,-Mary F., Fanny (deceased), Leocady D., Sarah, Fanny2, Horatio D., W. J. C. and J. W. F. (twins), and Harriet N. (deceased). Seven

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HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

attained maturity. Mr. and Mrs. Hobbs were from He very soon took in as partner Henry C. Prescott, early life communicants of the Congregational Church, | of Fitzwilliam, N. H., with whom he continued in and Mr. Hobbs was one of the delegates who met their old pastor, Rev. Jonathan French, with his new bride, beyond the State line to Newburyport bridge, as an escort to accompany them to their new and pleasant parsonage at North Hampton. He was strongly Whig in politics. . Mr. Hobbs died Nov. 23, 1852, aged seventy-eight. Mrs. Hobbs died Oct. 5, 1826, aged fifty. the omnibus business for about six years. They were both honest, energetic, and efficient men, not ashamed to drive their own teams, and the business developed and extended far beyond their expecta- tions, proving not only highly remunerative to them, but infinitely beneficial to the citizens of South End, and the city of Boston itself, which at that time was the owner of most of the vacant lands in the vicinity of the southern terminus of their route.

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History of Rockingham and Strafford counties, New Hampshire : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 98

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