USA > New Hampshire > Rockingham County > Salem > History of Salem, N.H. > Part 34
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50
Table I includes only town records.
Table II is made up partly of records taken from the town books which were overlooked in the arrangement of Table I.
423
BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL.
All such are preceded by an asterisk (*). The rest of this table is taken from various unofficial sources, including cemetery in- scriptions, family Bibles and private papers.
Table III consists entirely of deaths of former residents who have been brought to Salem for burial within the past seven years.
These three tables do not furnish the complete records of every family, for two reasons: much of the genealogy of these families was made outside of Salem; and on the other hand the town records are not in any sense complete. However, we believe that by combining the three tables most of the required data may be found. All of the entries in Table II are not from Salem sources; many of these births, deaths and marriages occurred out of town, but have been introduced to make the information more complete.
Duplicate names with different birth dates in the same family indicate the death of the first child of that name. A question mark following any item indicates that that particular portion of the record is obscure or was found to conflict with some other good authority.
There is one fact in connection with these records which will come as a great surprise to many of the families of the town: that is in regard to the spelling of names. The author has been told very positively that there is no connection between two branches of a family which vary in the spelling of the name. This applies of course to the old families, as matters of spelling were not then of any great moment; and to three families in particular. The Kelly and Kelley families are one, coming from old Abiel Kelly whose son Richard's name is spelled both ways in the records. The Cluff family of today was Clough in the early days of the town. It was, however, sometimes pronounced and even spelled Clow, but only in rare instances. Also Saun- ders was originally Sanders, descended from the same line as Henry Sanders, one of the fathers of Salem. We cannot say that these names were not spelled in one way or another before the family came from England. The matter of spelling is unimportant-the blood is identical. Other names which come under this explanation are Cressy and Cressey, Clark and
424
HISTORY OF SALEM.
Clarke, Larry and Larey, Astin and Austin; also Merrill and Kimball are spelled in a few cases with only one 1. In regard to the Rawlings, Rawlens, Rollins and Rollings families, the data is not sufficient for the author to determine whether more than one unit is represented ; they are probably the same. Sarah is used interchangeably for Sally, and Mary for Polly, Bette for Betty; also Anna, Nanna, and Ann in some instances.
A few brief biographical sketches have been prepared. Much other information of this nature will be found incidental to the subjects of the several chapters.
WILLIAM GREENLEAF CROWELL was born in Methuen, Mass., December 21, 1816. Through both of his parents he came from Revolutionary soldiers, his maternal grandfather having fought at Bunker Hill. He was a nephew of Benjamin Green- leaf, the mathematician, whom he resembled in his interest in all educational matters. When very young Mr. Crowell learned the tanning and currying trade, but failing health compelled him to abandon it in 1840, at which time he came to Salem. In 1846 he married Melinda I. Armstrong, at the old David Corliss homestead, where she was born and where they lived until his death. For some years he engaged in farming, which he gave up for the wood and lumber business. In 1860 he became inter- ested in the old Clement sawmill at Millville, which he soon after purchased and then operated until 1885. He then sold it and used portable sawmills.
In town affairs Mr. Crowell was ever active and watchful for the best interests of the town, pursuing a policy of economy and clear business administration. He served for many years as selectman, tax collector, representative, and also held many pri- vate positions of trust. Always interested in the schools, he worked to raise them to a high standard. He was the leader in founding the Public Library, being one of the Trustees. When the History of the town was first projected, he it was who worked so enthusiastically to have it undertaken. He was also very prominent in the work of the church, making himself especially useful in the musical interests. When a young man he taught both vocal and instrumental music, being considered proficient with the violin, 'cello and bass viol. He was chorister at the
MRS. SMILEY SMITH.
EBENEZER DUSTON HOMESTEAD. (M 600)
425
BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL.
Congregational church for about twenty-five years. When the W. C. T. U. of Salem was organized he was one of the first honorary members.
Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Crowell: a son, John C., now in Maine, and two daughters, Mary Elizabeth, de- ceased, and Mrs. K. M. Mclaughlin. Mr. Crowell died at the old homestead January 28, 1897. Resolutions on his death were adopted at the annual town meeting in March, 1897, and also by Salem Grange, of which he was a charter member.
JAMES AYER, son of James and Joanna (Wheeler) Ayer, was born in Haverhill, Mass., Jan. 26, 1830. When he was about seven years old the family moved to Boston, where James at- tended school until he was twelve years of age. He then came to Salem, living with his brother John on the Amos Wheeler farm on Zion's Hill. In 1843 he was apprenticed to learn the woolen manufacture, at Taylor's mill. The next year he began his apprenticeship with N. H. Paul in the shoe business. This work he followed, in various branches, until about 1885. Mr. Ayer married in 1852 Laura Ann Messer, daughter of John A. Messer; they had no children. He was a charter member of Spicket Lodge of Masons, also of Granite Colony of Pilgrim Fathers; he also was a member of the Provident Mutual Relief Association of Concord. In politics he was a Democrat after the first few years of his maturity, when he voted with the Whigs. For many years he was prominent in town affairs, hav- ing been postmaster at the Depot under Cleveland, and town clerk for several years. He was for some time a member of the Democratic state committee and candidate for senator in 1873. Possessed of a keen memory, he was deeply interested in his- torical affairs and well posted on the genealogies of many of the old families of the town. He was a member of the history com- mittee for the town, holding the place at the time of his death. He was a contributor to several newspapers and periodicals, furnishing many interesting sketches of Salem and its people. His death came Nov. 23, 1905, in his seventy-sixth year.
WALLACE W. COLE was born in Boxford, Mass., Nov. 19, 1855. When eighteen years of age he went to Amesbury to learn the trade of carriage making, after which he was engaged
426
HISTORY OF SALEM.
in Andover as a carpenter for five years. In 1876 he came to Salem, where by his straightforward principles he soon made many friends. He has had nearly every office with which his fellow townsmen could honor him, including six terms as select- man, two in the legislature, and several years as a trustee of the public library. Besides this he is one of the seven senators whom Salem has furnished the state, and was chosen a member of the constitutional convention in 1900.
After coming to Salem Mr. Cole engaged for a time in the building trade, but in 1897 went into the meat business with Charles A. Dow, who soon after retired. In 1902 he sold the business and turned his attention to wood and lumber, in which he has been connected with I. C. Brown of Methuen. He was married to Ida D. Colby December 28, 1878. They have eight children, three of whom are married.
ISAAC WOODBURY, son of Asa and Sarah (Thom) Wood- bury, was born in Salem August 11, 1822. After his gradua- tion from South Newmarket Academy he was employed in a dry goods house in Boston, until his father's death called him to manage the farm. At one time he was engaged in raising Devon cattle, selling fine-blooded stock in several neighboring states. His farm was of about one hundred and fifty acres and under a high state of cultivation. This he sold two years ago to the New Hampshire Breeders' Club.
Mr. Woodbury's first marriage was to Caroline W. Parker of Cohasset, by whom his children were born. They were six in number : Albert A., Isaac F., Sarah E., wife of John W. Hall of Methuen, Mary C., wife of Charles E. Austin of Somerville, Mass., Charles H., and John P. His second marriage was to Martha C. Smith of Putney, Vt. The first and last of his chil- dren are dead. In politics he is a Republican and always inter- ested in the welfare of the town. He has been selectman for three years, representative for two, and county commissioner for three. He is a member of the Methodist church of more than sixty years' standing, having been actively interested in pro- moting the cause of temperance. He has been class leader and superintendent of Sunday school for many years. Since sell- ing his farm he has occupied his brother's place at the Depot village.
427
BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL.
FRANK D. WILSON was born February 15, 1858, in Salem. His parents were Aaron G. and Abby (Bailey) Wilson. He re- mained on his father's farm until twenty-one years of age, when he left home and engaged as a clerk in a store. This line of busi- ness he followed until 1890, part of the time being in business for himself in Salem, five years as a clerk in the grocery store of F. C. Wilson & Co., of Haverhill, and three years here with F. C. Buxton under the firm name of Buxton & Wilson. In May, 1905, the present firm of Wilson Bros. was established, the broth- ers turning their attention from the milk and farming business which had occupied them of recent years.
Mr. Wilson married December 25, 1886, Etta L. Foster. He has been very strong in politics, a follower of the Republican standard. He has been selectman for eight terms, and was rep- resentative in 1895-96. Besides these he has held many other town offices, always receiving very flattering votes and filling the offices with credit to himself and to the town.
ALVAH HALL was born in Salem, December 3, 1805, and died here February 16, 1885. He was the son of Jonathan and Susanna (Kimball) Hall, and grandson of Joshua, who is said to have been a Revolutionary soldier, although his name does not appear on the muster rolls at Concord. Mr. Hall married Nancy Coburn of Pelham. He was a carpenter and contractor, and worked at his trade throughout his life.
CLIFTON SENTER HALL, third son of Prescott C. and Mary A. (McCurdy) Hall, was born in Salem, April 22, 1870. He attended the public schools of Boston, and later graduated from Bryant & Stratton Commercial College. In 1893 he en- tered the wholesale paper house of John Carter & Co., and is now a stock owner and buyer in the company. He married October 31, 1906, Elizabeth Scott Carter of Roxbury, Mass. He is a past master of Spicket Lodge, A. F. and A. M.
JOHN TAYLOR was born in England, March 25, 1788. He married Mary Hutchinson, who was born in England, May 12, 1788, and died in Concord, N. H., March 16, 1866. He came to America with his family in a sailing vessel. After a voyage of six weeks, they landed in May, 1827, at a wharf near Haymarket Square, in Boston.
428
HISTORY OF SALEM.
He was a weaver, and learning of a flannel mill in Andover, Mass., he left his family in Boston, took the stage in search of an opportunity to work. Upon being told that his help was needed, he immediately returned to Boston and moved his family to An- dover. The three oldest children, Ann, John, Jr., and James, found employment in the same mill with their father, which was run by Howarth Bros. In the fall of 1827, he secured a position as weaver in Sutton's Mill, North Andover. From here he moved to Lynnfield, and in June, 1833, formed a partnership with Edward Pranker in North Salem. After a short time Mr. Taylor bought Mr. Pranker's interest and built a large brick mill on the site of the one which now stands in ruins. This he operated un- til September, 1863, when he retired, selling out his interest to Richard Taylor, Charles Austin and M. H. Taylor, who con- tinued the business under the firm name of Taylor, Austin & Co.
He was very successful in his business enterprises, leaving at his death quite a large sum. He died in North Salem, N. H., January 2, 1864, leaving three sons and five daughters. Most of the houses in North Salem village were built by him and his family.
DANIEL A. ABBOTT was born in Salem, December 26, 1864. He is the son of Nathan G. and Ellen (Ayer) Abbott. His edu- cation was obtained in the public schools of his native town, Pinkerton Academy of Derry, and East Maine Conference Sem- inary at Bucksport, Me.
Mr. Abbott attends the Methodist Church at the Center. He is a member of Canobie Lodge, 406, N. E. O. P., and of Salem Grange. His occupation is shoemaking, in the factory of T. M. Russ, where he has been for a number of years. In town affairs he is always interested and active, having served in various ca- pacities-auditor, supervisor, clerk of school district, and trus- tee of the public library. He is now the town clerk, in which capacity he has served for several years. In 1903-04 he was representative to the General Court.
He married Hattie F. Austin, daughter of Orlow and Isabelle (Merrill) Austin, September 18, 1889. They have one son, Arthur, born October 9, 1891.
BENJAMIN R. WHEELER, son of John R. and Susan (Dix) Wheeler, was born in Salem, April 20, 1840. . He early took up
MRS. WALTER B. KELLEY.
ويسهم.
DANIEL A. ABBOTT.
429
BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL.
the shoe business, at which he worked with his father until the call for troops in 1861. He enlisted as a private in the First Regiment, serving until the expiration of its three months' term. Returning home he at once enlisted in the Fourth Regiment, being mustered as sergeant. The next year he was made second lieutenant of Company F; was wounded May 16, '64, at the bat- tle of Drewry's Bluff, Va. In the fall of '64 he was appointed first lieutenant of Company B, and then captain of Company H. He was not mustered into these last two ranks, however, as he was discharged November 5. The morning after his discharge he was, though technically a private citizen, called upon to take charge of the regiment, in the absence of the commanding officer. The troops did not go into action, however, as the enemy did not make the threatened attack.
After the war he engaged in the manufacture of shoes with his father. He married Laura H. Vincent, by whom he had one daughter, Blanche, now Mrs. Frederick E. Woodbury. Mr. Wheeler has been a leader in town affairs for many years, has served as selectman for four terms, was representative in 1899- 1900, and senator in 1883-84. For more than forty years he has been almost continuously in town, county or state office. He is a member of the G. A. R., Masons, and Grange.
WILLIAM B. KIMBALL, son of John and Maria Kimball, was born in Salem; February 3, 1837. For more than fifty years he remained in the town, then moved to Haverhill. His educa- tion was obtained at Hopkinton Academy and Tilton Seminary. He was selectman from 1874 to '77, and representative in '77-'78. He always held a strong interest in town affairs, maintaining that the right way was ever the best. From boyhood he was a member of the Congregational Church, in later years being one of the trustees. In this capacity his sound judgment and warm sympathy were alike a boon to pastor and people. In 1867, De- cember 5, he married Eliza A. Bailey of Salem. Four children were born to them, two sons and two daughters. He died at his home in West Haverhill, March 10, 1904.
EBENEZER DUSTON, a member of the old Duston family of Salem and Haverhill, was born in Salem, May 22, 1844, of Ebenezer and Charlotte (Gage) Duston. His early life was
430
HISTORY OF SALEM.
spent in attending the district school and working on the home- stead farm. Here he lived with his elder sister, Miss Charlotte A. Duston, until her death in 1896. In April of the next year he sold his place and moved to his present residence. He was married December 1, 1897, to Sarah Crossley, who lived only until March 23, 1899. Mr. Duston was elected selectman in 1903, but owing to poor health was compelled to resign at once. He was again elected in 1907 and is now a member of the board.
GEORGE W. THOM, son of Isaac and Lois Ann (Whittier) Thom, was born at the old Thom homestead at Thom's Corner, November 25, 1848. He was about six years old when his father moved to the place on Main Street, where he still resides. On February 7, 1872, he married Mary G. Austin, who died in 1893. They had one son, Joseph I., who is now in Boston, and one daughter, Flora A., who lives at home. Mr. Thom is a building contractor, and erected many of the houses at the Depot as well as in other parts of the town. He has been selectman one year and a member of the school board five years. For thirty-five years he has been a member of the Methodist Church, Pleasant Street, having served on the building committee when the build- ing was erected. He is a member of the Grange and Pilgrims, in which lodges he has held many offices, being at the present time in the governor's chair of the latter.
WILLIS DU BOIS PULVER was born in Luzerne, N. Y., June 24, 1871. His paternal ancestors were among the Dutch settlers of Columbia County, N. Y., in 1662; on his mother's side he comes from the French Huguenots, who came to New York in 1634. After leaving Glens Falls Academy he went to the University of Maryland in the city of Baltimore, where he was graduated in 1898 with the degree LL. B. He practised in Balti- more, then for three years in Oakland County, Mich. In 1904 he went to Nashua and from there to Salem in 1906. Here he was instrumental in organizing the Board of Trade, of which he is secretary. He is also president and general manager of the Salem Lighting and Power Co.
CLARENCE PRESCOTT HALL, oldest son of Prescott C. and Mary A. (McCurdy) Hall, was born in Salem, December 19, 1861. His education, begun in the schools of his native
431
BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL.
town, was pursued in the Boston schools after his parents moved to that city. He graduated from Bryant & Stratton Commercial School, after which he was associated with his father in the boot and shoe business. Afterwards he went to Kansas City, Mo., and entered the banking business. He is now living with his mother at the family residence in Salem.
LEVI W. TAYLOR, son of Daniel and Ruth M. (Duston) Taylor, was born at North Salem on March 20, 1845. He was educated at Atkinson Academy and Tilton Seminary, after which he remained for a short time with his father on the farm. After a year in the employ of Flanders Bros., the dry goods dealers at Haverhill, he went into business in 1865 at the general store at North Salem. This he continued until 1895, with the exception of three years when John Austin owned the business. During these three years Mr. Taylor was engaged in the shoddy business with Thomas Duston. He has been engaged in the lumber business, buying timber lots and using portable sawmills. In politics he has been a Democrat, having held the office of selectman for two years, representative in 1874-75, and post- master for ten years under Cleveland's and Mckinley's admin- istrations. He is a member of Spicket Lodge, No. 85, of Masons.
About six years ago Mr. Taylor moved from Salem to Me- thuen, but has still retained his interest in the affairs of his native town. He is one of the owners of the Atlas Manufac- turing Co., and a director of the Methuen National Bank. He has managed the settlement of estates in this vicinity for many years, and recently turned his attention to speculative interests in Cuba. He married first Lizzie Brown of Windham. After her death he married Ellen L. Taylor, October 4, 1877. They have one daughter, Mabel, who married Edward S. Phillips.
DR. LEWIS F. SOULE was born in Phillips, Me., September 4, 1869. His parents were Samuel W. and Caroline (Sweetser) Soule. His education was continued in Westbrook Seminary after he left the public schools. Here he fitted for Bowdoin College, where he graduated from the academic department in 1895 and from the Medical School in 1898. After a course of professional study at Harvard University, he came to Salem, where his practice has steadily increased. He has been on the
432
HISTORY OF SALEM.
Board of Health for several years and selectman two years. Dr. Soule is a member of Spicket Lodge of Masons, the New England Order of Protection, and the Grange. He is one of the charter members of the Board of Trade and is keenly alive to the inter- ests and action of the town.
STEPHEN BAILEY, the third son and seventh child of David and Abiah (Hazeltine) Bailey, was born February 23, 1820, in the northern part of the town at what is known as "Heathen" or "Cowbell" Corner. Before he was a year old he moved with his parents to the south part of the town, to the place known as Willow Clump Farm. Here he resided for the remainder of his life.
Equipped with a district school education, he began early in life to learn the trade of a shoemaker, for which he showed con- siderable aptitude and a great liking. He was not apprenticed, but worked with his father until he was able to perform every part of the work of making a shoe. This business he followed until about 1875, when he turned his attention to the cultivation of his farm, which was one of the best in town.
In 1845 he married Miss Hannah M. Cluff, also a native of Salem. To them two children, a son and a daughter, were born, both of whom are living. His married life extended over a period of more than fifty-six years, his widow still surviving.
In his political belief he was a staunch Democrat. His relig- ious affiliations were with the Universalist Church, although he was not a member. He had held several town offices, and in 1874 was a member of the state legislature. Spicket Lodge of Masons counted him among its members. In business he was uniformly successful, and had the confidence and respect of his fellow-citizens. Honest in purpose, upright in character, he passed to the higher life in the eighty-third year of his age.
ARTHUR COBURN HALL was born in Salem, February 28, 1863, second son of Prescott C. and Mary A. (McCurdy) Hall. He attended the public schools until his parents moved to Bos- ton, after which he graduated from the grammar and high schools of that city, and from Bryant & Stratton's Commercial School. From 1886 to 1892 he was engaged in the shoe business, both manufacturing and jobbing. He then became associated
SMILEY SMITH.
RESIDENCE OF EBENEZER DUSTON. (M 586)
JOHN TAYLOR.
433
BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL.
with John Carter & Co., Inc., of Boston, wholesale paper dealers, as assistant treasurer, and still continues in this company.
He married Lucretia Esther Ward of Roxbury, Mass., June 14, 1893. Two children have been born, Marion, August 20, 1894, and Ralph Macurdy, February 27, 1902, who died January 3, 1903. They resided in Roxbury until 1898, when they re- moved to Salem, having built the residence on Policy Street.
JOHN TAYLOR, the son of John and Mary (Hutchinson) Taylor, was born in Bury, Eng., August 26, 1816. He came with his parents to this country in 1827, landing in Boston after a voyage of six weeks. His first home in America was in An- dover, Mass., and he followed the family fortunes through sev- eral changes of location, till his father settled in North Salem in 1833. In 1847 he bought the old mill where now the so-called Wheeler mill is located, and manufactured frockings and yarn till 1856, when he moved to Haverhill, Mass. In 1865 he and his brother, James, bought an interest in the Franklin (N. H.) mills, and he moved to that town. He conducted the mill several years, and then retired from active business. He represented the town of Franklin in the Legislature in 1872-73. He was one of the incorporators of the savings bank and also of the national bank of that town, serving on the boards till his removal to Salem in 1888, where he resided till his death in 1901. He was a man of excellent judgment, conservative, just, helpful, a despiser of sham, a safe counsellor, a worthy citizen.
LEVI WOODBURY was born in Salem, October 17, 1834, son of Israel and Eliza J. Woodbury. Was educated in the public schools and worked on his father's farm until he was eighteen, when he learned the shoemaker's trade and followed his trade until he was married in 1861 to Miss Nancy J. Wheeler, daughter of David and Sarah Wheeler of Atkinson. He was then appointed station agent and telegraph operator at Windham, now Windham Junction, and associated himself with Messrs. Barret & Thomas of Nashua and Mr. Geo. W. Hughes of Windham in the lumber business, and for six years following conducted a very successful business. At the end of six years, having cleaned up all the available wood and timber land con- tiguous to the station, he resigned his position as station agent
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.