USA > New Hampshire > Strafford County > History of Strafford County, New Hampshire and representative citizens > Part 52
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 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90
John Riley Varney was born in a house that stood on what is now the extension of Washington street, opposite the new No. I mill. After acquiring an elementary education in the public schools of Dover, he became a clerk in the store of Messrs. Alden & Morse. Before long, however, he determined that he would have a college education, and, after preparatory studies at Franklin Academy, Dover, went to Dartmouth, where he was graduated in 1843, holding the first or second position in his class for scholarship. While in college he taught school during the vacations, and after his graduation taught in the Franklin Academy for two years. He then took up the occupa- tion of civil engineer, in which he continued for ten years. This was a work for which he was particularly well fitted, his mind having a strong mathematical bent, and he showed marked ability in the solution of those problems which enter into the laying out of railroads. For a considerable time he was employed in making surveys and measurements for a route through the great forest region of New York.
In 1856 Mr. Varney became clerk of court for Strafford county, remaining in office four years. He was then chosen professor of mathematics in Dartmouth College, in which position he remained three years. He was a man of wonderful powers in this department of science. His mind, working with great intuitive rapidity, reached conclusions by over-leaping wide spaces that ordinary mathematicians would have found it necessary to bridge by successive stages of proof and reasoning. In this respect he was the peer of such men as Prof. Chase, of Dartmouth, and Benjamin Pierce, of Harvard.
For some time during this period Mr. Varney had pursued legal studies, and in 1863 being admitted to the bar, he became the partner of Hon. John P. Hale of Dover. Even before this he had become one of the most prominent men in the county, both in social and public life. He served as postmaster of Dover for four years. He was a member of the Legislature in 1856 and 1857, and was secretary of the Naval Committee at Washington in 1862 and 1863- a position which at that time was no sinecure, but which called for men of a
555
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
high degree of ability and patriotism. He was register of probate from the death of William C. Woodman until 1874, and two years after was reappointed to the office. He also served the city as its police judge for five years and as a member of the Board of Education for four years. In 1868 Mr. Varney became a joint proprietor and editor of the Dover Enquirer, and subsequently of the Daily Republican. These last three positions he was filling at the time of his death. He was also a deacon of the First Church.
Mr. Varney, at the age of sixty-two, on May 2d, 1882, in the full maturity of his powers and usefulness, met death in an instant, under the falling walls of the Washington Street Free-Will Baptist Church, which had been burned a few hours before. This tragic event was a great shock to the community. The great respect in which he was held and the deep sorrow felt by all classes was strikingly manifested at his funeral, which took place at the First Church three days later and which was attended by a great con- course of people, every place of business in the city being closed. Yet of such a man it may well be said that though dead he still liveth, not only in the hearts and memories of those who knew and loved him, but in the lasting impression made by his deeds and works, the influence of which is still felt in the community and will doubtless be felt for many years to come. Mr. Varney was married first to Susan Kimball; secondly, on Dec. 25, 1860, to Isabella G. Kimball, a daughter of Richard (no relation to first wife) Kimball, now deceased, who in former days was well known throughout this section as an able attorney. Of this marriage there are two daughters-Mar- garet P. and Harriett O. B., who reside with their mother at No. 8 Hanson street, Dover.
WILLIAM H. KNOX, one of the substantial men of Dover, where he is engaged in business on Middle street, dealing in flour, feed, grain, cement, hay and fertilizers together with farm implements, was born in 1870, at Charlestown, Mass. His father was William P. Knox, long a member of the police force of Boston, Mass., whose death occurred in 1911.
William H. Knox attended the Charlestown public schools, after which he went into the teaming business and still has interests there. In 1903 he came to Strafford county and bought a farm in Madbury, and in 1908 embarked in his present business at Dover. In politics a Republican he served four years as a representative from Madbury. He has been town treasurer for five years and chairman of the board of selectmen for one year and at present is serving in the office of forest fire warden.
Mr. Knox married Miss Elizabeth E. Berry, of Charlestown, Mass., and they have four children, namely: Warren P., who is a student in the New
556
HISTORY OF STRAFFORD COUNTY
Hampshire State College; and Henry B., Alice R. and William E., all three of whom are students in the Dover High school. Mr. Knox and family attend the Universalist church. He is a man of social instincts and belongs to the local Grange and to the Odd Fellows.
COL. THOMAS HAINES DEARBORN was born August 21, 1860, at Nortfield, N. H. He is eighth in descent from the immigrant ancestor, Godfrey Dearborn, who was born in Exeter, England, about 1605 and came to New England about 1636. He was one of the company that started the settlement at Exeter, N. H., under the leadership of Rev. John Wheelwright. His name appears among the signers of the Combination for Good Government in 1639, in that town. Settled in Hampton before 1648 and became a large property owner there and was one of the prominent citizens.
His son Thomas was born in Exeter, England, in 1634 and came over with his parents. His son Jonathan was born in Hampton in 1686; he is known in history as "Cornet" Jonathan Dearborn, as during the Indian wars he held that office in a company of militia that served in the wars. His son Shubael was born in Hampton in 1719, May 17th. He married Sarah Fogg of Hampton. He removed from Hampton to Northfield in 1770, and was one of the first settlers in that town; in fact it was not set off from Canterbury and made a township until after that date. He was a soldier in the last colonial war with the French and Indians, under King George, against whom he after- wards rebelled. He also was a soldier in the siege of Louisburg, under com- mand of Sir William Pepperell. At the capture he secured for himself and brought home a good French musket. At Northfield he was a prosperous farmer. His son Shubael was born at Hampton, July 12, 1753, and came to Northfield with his parents. In 1779 he married Ruth Leavitt of Hampton and they commenced housekeeping in a log house in Northfield, but before long he built a new frame house, all the materials for which, except the chimney and wood-work, he hauled from Portsmouth with an ox-team; it was a nice, good-stepping team of young oxen that could walk as fast as a man could walk. But before marriage he served in the Revolutionary army. Mr. Dearborn was 22 years old when the war began. His father, too old to go, took down from the hooks over the fire-place his French musket, which he had kept bright and shining ever since he "gobbled it up" at Louisburg, and putting it into his son's hands told him to join the New Hampshire troops and use it for the defense of his country against the attack of King George's Hessians. The son obeyed. He enlisted in Captain Jeremiah Clough's com- pany of Canterbury and Northfield men, which company became a part of Col. Enoch Poor's regiment, which marched from Exeter to Cambridge, June
557
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
27, 1775; the next ten days after the battle of Bunker Hill his company took part in the siege of Boston, which continued until March, 1776. He continued service in Colonel Poor's regiment in later campaigns. He brought that gun home and it was used again in the War of 1812-15 by another member of the Dearborn family. It is now in the possession of Shubael Dearborn of Concord. This second Shubael has a son he named Shubael; he was born in 1783, 01 the old farm on Dearborn Hill, Northfield. He was twice married ; his second wife was Sally Glines.
Their son John S. Dearborn was born Sept. 8, 1824. He married Hannah Haines in 1850. He inherited the farm of his grandfather and was a pros- perous farmer on Dearborn Hill His health failing, he removed to Dover, where he died in 1896. His wife survived him several years, living to be 87 years of age. She died at Exeter, being at the time with her son-in-law, Hon. W. H. C. Follansby. Their son, Colonel Thomas H. Dearborn, is the subject of this sketch.
Colonel Dearborn is eighth in the descent from Thomas Leavitt, by his great grandmother, Ruth Leavitt. Thomas Leavitt was one of the founders of Exeter and his name appears as one of the signers of the Exeter Combina- tion of 1639. Thomas Leavitt was one of the prominent men of Exeter. Another immigrant ancestor of distinction was Roger Shaw, who came from England in 1636 and settled at Cambridge, Mass. Later he removed to Hampton, where he held various town offices, and was representative in the Massachusetts General Court in 1651, 1652 and 1653. Colonel Dearborn's mother, Hannah Haines, daughter of Thomas Clough and Deborah (Rogers) Haines, was of the seventh generation from Samuel Haines, who was one of the original settlers on Dover Neck, and his name appears among the signers of the Combination for Good Government in Dover, in 1640. Later he removed to Greenland.
Colonel Dearborn was educated at three of the best schools in the state- Tilton Seminary, New Hampton Academy and Philips Exeter Academy. At the conclusion of his school work he was engaged for a few years in the West in the stock-raising business. Returning to the East, he commenced his life work in the dry goods business as clerk in a store at Exeter. In 1884 lie removed to Dover and opened the large double store in the National Block, at the corner of Second Street and Central Avenue, under the firm name of Thomas H. Dearborn & Co. It at once became the leading dry goods estab- lishment, the firm doing an immense business. He managed this concern for more than a score of years, when he retired from that business for a brief period, and was at the head of the State Commission for the sup- pression of the brown tail moth and gipsy moth pests, in which he did
558
HISTORY OF STRAFFORD COUNTY
good service. In 1908 he took charge of his present dry goods establishment, "The Fashion." At the age of 53 years he is in the prime of life to do big business ; and he is doing it.
Notwithstanding Col. Dearborn has been a very busy and industrious dry goods man, he has in these later years taken considerable interest in political affairs. He served as alderman from Ward 4 in 1901 and 1902, during which time important improvements for the city were undertaken and carried out, and Col. Dearborn was always on the progressive, prudent, business side of the questions that came up for decision.
In 1903 he was appointed by Governor Nahum J. Bachelder member of his staff, with the rank of colonel. It was during this period-1903 to 1905 -that an attempt was made in the legislature to divide the town of Northfield and annex the village part of it to Tilton. In that contest Colonel Dearborn was influential in helping defeat the bill.
It was during the 1903 session of the legislature that a police commission was granted to Dover, and Colonel Dearborn was appointed one of the three commissioners, and the board elected him chairman, which position he held for ten years. During that term the police force has been maintained by a high standard class of efficient men who have been prompt in the performance of the duties.
As a society man Col. Dearborn is a member of Moses Paul Lodge of Masons; Lodge No. 186 of the Elks, and Wecohamet Lodge of Odd Fellows. He is a member of the New Hampshire Society Sons of the American Revolution and the New Hampshire Historical Society. He is a member of the First Parish.
September 15, 1884, he was united in marriage with May R. French, daughter of Mr. Sperry and Harriet Robinson French of Exeter. Children : John Sperry, Ruth French, Thomas Arnold and Eleanor Follansby; all are living, except the elder son. Mrs. Dearborn is a lineal descendant (seventh removed) of John Alden.
CHARLES WOODMAN for many years was one of the representative men of Dover and as a financier was known all over Strafford county. For a long period prior to his death in 1885, he was treasurer of the Strafford Savings Bank at Dover. He was born in this city in 1822, a son of Charles Woodman who died at the age of thirty-two years.
Charles Woodman never knew his father, as he was a babe of six weeks when the latter died. He attended school and Greenland Academy at Dover and afterward was a clerk in a store in Boston, still later was employed in a railroad office. He returned then to Dover and became identified with the
559
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
Strafford Savings Bank with his uncle, William Woodman, and so continued until his death. He was widely known in financial circles and his advice was sought and his judgment accepted by those making investments. Like his father, he was to some degree interested in public affairs, although not a politician, as was the older Charles Woodman who, before his death, had been nominated for Congress. Voting the Republican ticket, Mr. Woodman was elected alderman and held other civic offices. He was identified with the Masonic fraternity and attended the Congregational church.
Mr. Woodman was twice married, first to Miss Hannah Coffin, and they had three children: Alice, William and Sarah, the last named surviving. Mr. Woodman's second marriage was to Miss Annie E. Allen and they had two children, Charles and Alice, both of whom are now deceased. Mrs. Woodman resides in the old family homestead at Dover, which was erected roo years ago. She is a member of the Congregational church and is a lady much esteemed. Mr. Woodman died December 20, 1885.
EDMOND N. CARIGNAN, M. D., of Dover, is one of the younger mem- bers of the medical profession in this city, but who, well qualified for his pro- fession, has already laid the foundation for future success. He was born in Canada, October 7, 1881, his parents being respectively Zephirin and Mary (Blais) Carignan. The father, a native of Canada, was a carpenter by occupation.
The Carignan family is of French origin, and the subject of this sketch was educated in the Catholic schools of Canada, graduating from St. Ann's Col- lege in 1906 with the degree of A. B. He then entered Laval University of Quebec, where he remained two years, taking his B. M. degree there. He then went to Baltimore Medical College for two years, being graduated in 1910. In the same year, after taking a post-graduate course, he located in Dover, N. H., where he is now recognized as one of the rising young physicians of the town. His practice lies largely among the French population of Dover, but he has also a considerable clientage among those of American birth. He is a member of the local, County, State, District and American Associations. His political affiliations are with the Democratic party. In January of the present year he was elected city physician of Dover.
Dr. Carignan married Miss Graziella Lavoie, a daughter of John Lavoie, who was also of Canada. He and his wife are the parents of two children- Roland and Charles E. The Doctor's family residence is at No. 31 Atkinson street, his offices being located at No. 114 Washington street.
89
560
HISTORY OF STRAFFORD COUNTY
PATRICK McGILL, funeral director and undertaker with well appointed rooms at No. 12 Third street, is a native of Dover, born in 1876, a son of Thomas and Ann ( Rossiter ) McGill.
Thomas McGill was born in Ireland but spent almost his whole life of fifty-nine years in the United States, his death occurring at Dover. He mar- ried Ann Rossiter, who survives, and they had three children: James, a Cath- olic priest, pastor of the parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help at East Manchester, N. H .; Julia, and Patrick. Rev. James McGill is the only Dover boy ever ordained to the priesthood. He was born in Dover and ordained here by the Rt. Rev. Dennis M. Bradley, bishop of this diocese.
Patrick McGill attended the public and parochial schools in boyhood and subsequently was graduated from St. Anselmi College at Manchester. He then became an employe in the Roberts Bros.' shoe store and continued until he embarked in his present business on November 1, 1907, preparing for the same by a course in the Barnes' School of Sanitary Science and Embalming, Boston, under the direct supervision of Professor Dodge. Mr. McGill married Miss Genevieve M. Sherry. In politics he is an independent voter, doing his own thinking and asking no political favors.
LOUIS WARNER FLANDERS, M. D., who for the past twenty years has been identified with the medical fraternity of Dover, N. H., as a specialist in diseases of the eye and ear, is a native of Rhode Island, having been born April 27, 1864, in Wickford, Washington county, that state. He is a son of the Rev. Alonzo B. Flanders, D. D., and a grandson of James Flanders. The latter was a man of some prominence in Vermont, where he died at the age of seventy- six years.
The Rev. A. B. Flanders was born in Chelsea, Vt., December 6, 1829, and acquired his early education at Exeter, N. H. Having studied for the ministry with Bishop Carleton C. Chase, of this state, he was duly ordained at Claremont, N. H., in June, 1853. For twelve years subsequently he was rector of St. Paul's church at Wickford, R. I. Enlisting in the Fourth Rhode Island Volunteer Infantry, at the outbreak of the Civil War, he served as chaplain at the front for two years, during which time he was twice stricken with malarial fever. The second attack was so severe that his life was only saved by the devotion of his wife, who bravely made her way through the lines and nursed him back to health. After his return home, on the advice of his physician, he went to Ver- mont, in the hope of benefiting his health hy a stay in the mountains. In December, 1868, he settled in Chester, Vt., where he afterward founded St. Luke's church, of which he was rector for fifteen years. Then, after a short residence at White River Junction, Vt., he moved to St. Albans. At his death,
561
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
which took place in April, 1898, he was one of the oldest and most highly esteemed ministers of Vermont. His degree of Doctor of Divinity was con- ferred on him by Vermont University. He was a member of the standing committee of the diocese, an examining chaplain, and served as delegate to the General Convention several times.
Rev. A. B. Flanders married Sarah A. Ide, who was born in Windsor, Vt., a daughter of Simeon Ide. Her father, a widely known editor, publisher and politician, was the founder of the Vermont Journal and the American Yeoman, both of which he established in 1818. Three years previously he had printed in an old blacksmith shop the first edition of the New Testament ever printed in New Hampshire. Mr. Ide was a man of very forceful character. He was described as a leader among men, was extensively acquainted with the most prominent politicians of his native state, and was a member of the State militia. He lived to the venerable age of ninety-four years.
Louis W. Flanders began his education in the common schools of Chester, Vt., and subsequently attended the Stevens High School at Claremont, N. H. Later he entered the University of Vermont and was graduated from the med- ical department in the summer of 1885. Soon after he began the practice of general medicine at Highgate, Vt., but after a short stay there removed to Brandon, Vt., and in the following year was associated with A. T. Woodward. He then went to Castleton, Vt., where he continued in practice until 1890. He now gave up general practice and removing to Burlington, in the same state, became assistant to J. H. Woodward, M. D., professor of Ophthalmology and Otology. Dr. Flanders was professor of the materia medica in the University of Vermont. After a three years' stay in Burlington, during which Dr. Flan- ders became especially well skilled in those branches of his profession to which he was devoting his particular attention, he came to Dover-in 1893-and opened an office here as an oculist and aurist. He has been successful in build- ing up a large practice, both in Dover and for a circuit of twenty miles around. His office is located in the Masonic Temple.
Dr. Flanders has attained a high rank in Masonry, belonging to Burlington Lodge, No. 100, F. & A. M., of Burlington, of which he is past master ; Burling- ton Chapter, R. A. M .; Orphan Council, R. & S. M .; St. Paul Commandery, K. T., and to the N. H. Consistory, A. A. S., Northern Jurisdiction. Polit- ically he is a Republican, but takes no active part in public affairs.
He was married December 23. 1890, to Miss Annie Miriam Hilton, of Chester, who was a companion of his early childhood and a schoolmate. They reside at No. 14 Hamilton street, Dover. They have one son, Walter Louis, born May 11, 1897.
562
HISTORY OF STRAFFORD COUNTY
ROSCOE G. BLANCHARD, M. D., a very prominent member of the med- ical profession, at Dover, N. H., has been established in his profession here for twenty-nine years, during which time he has built up a fine practice and has won the confidence and respect of his fellow citizens. He was born in West Cumberland, Cumberland County, Me., July 24, 1853, a son of Joseph Y. and Abbie N. (Libby) Blanchard. When he was six years of age his father died and his mother removed to Saco, Me., and here he acquired his elementary edu- cation in the district schools. He subsequently attended the Biddeford High School, from which he was graduated in 1871.
He then took a commercial course at Gray's Business College in Portland, after which he found employment as bookkeeper and cashier with the firm of Chadbourn & Kendall, dry goods merchants of Portland, with whom he re- mained seven years. During the latter five years of this period he occupied his spare hours with reading medicine with Dr. Edward Preble and attending lec- tures at the Portland Medical College. Having by close ecenomy accumulated a little money, he now gave up his position and entered the Portland Medical School, where he took a two years' course. This was followed by a full course in the medical department of Bowdoin College, from which he was graduated M. D. with the class of 1884. A few months later he located in Dover, where by dint of hard and conscientious work he has achieved a pronounted success as a physician and surgeon. He is an active and prominent member of the Maine Medical Society, the New Hampshire Medical Society (of which he was president one year), the Strafford District Medical Society, which he has served as secretary, and the Dover Medical Society, of which he was secretary five years and president two years.
A Mason of high rank, being one of the four 33d degree Masons residing in Dover, Dr. Blanchard has done much to promote the good of the order in this city. He is a member of Strafford Lodge and Belknap Chapter, has served for nine years as illustrious master of Orphan Council, and is a knight of St. Paul's Commandery, of which he was eminent commander for two years. In 1895 he was invested with the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite; also belongs to Beacon Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Portland, and to Port- land Encampment. He was advanced to the 33d degree rank in the Masonic order ten years ago. His office is located in the Masonic Temple.
Dr. R. G. Blanchard was married September 4, 1877, to Miss Laura B. Hodgdon, a daughter of Z. H. Hodgdon and Orinda (Reed) Hodgdon, of North Boothbay, Me. They are the parents of a daughter, Florence L. The family residence is at No. 630 Central Avenue.
563
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
JUSTIN A. EMERY, attorney at law, with offices in the McDuffee Block, Rochester, is one of the younger members of the Strafford county bar but is recognized by his associates and the public as a lawyer of marked ability. He was born June 22, 1880, at York, Me., and is a son of Joshua and Abbie A. (Baston) Emery.
Joshua Emery was born in South Berwick, Me., where the family is an old settled one. His occupation throughout life was mainly farming. Shortly after the birth of his son, Justin A., he moved to Rochester, N. H., purchasing a farm on Rochester Neck, and resided there until his death, at the age of eighty years. He married Abbie A. Baston and they had four children.
Justin A. Emery attended school at Rochester, N. H., and afterward, for several years, was in the life insurance business, subsequently accepting a gov- ernment position as letter carrier, in which he remained for seven and a half years. Such a position affords little leisure but Mr. Emery took advantage of his free time and applied himself so closely to the study of law that he succeeded in his ambition and in June, 1911, was admitted to the New Hampshire bar, later being admitted to practice in the United States District Court. In Sep- tember, 1912, he opened his present office and has won and maintains honorable standing in the profession.
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.