USA > New Hampshire > Strafford County > History of Strafford County, New Hampshire and representative citizens > Part 56
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HON. DANIEL CHESLEY, senator from the 22d senatorial district of New Hampshire, comprising the towns of Durham, Madbury, Lee and Rollins- ford, and Wards 1, 2 and 3 of Dover, is a resident of Durham, and a man well known throughout this section of the state for his prominence in public affairs and his ability as a legislator and a conservator of the public interests. He was born in Madbury, October 11, 1859, a son of Daniel and Margery Steele ( Woodman) Chesley. His father was a native of Madbury and his mother of Durham.
The paternal grandfather of our subject was Paul Chesley, a prominent
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citizen of Durham, who was sixth in descent from Philip Chesley, who came to Old Dover from England before 1644, as that town gave him a grant of land on the west shore of Little Bay; later he received other grants, one of which includes the farm on which Daniel Chesley, the subject of this sketch, now resides. Philip Chesley is frequently mentioned in the old records of the town, showing he was one of the substantial and influential citizens. His descendants have resided continuously in that part of old Dover, now Durham, to the present time, and in each generation members of the family have been among its most worthy and esteemed citizens.
Mr. Chesley's ancestor on the maternal side, in the first generation, in that part of old Dover now Durham, was Capt. John Woodman, who came here from Newbury, Mass., about 1650, and in a few years built the historic Wood- man garrison, which stood in the neighborhood of where the State College now is, but, unfortunately, was burned in 1898. Capt. Woodman was one of the most prominent and influential citizens of old Dover, and of the Province of New Hampshire.
Daniel Chesley, father of the present Daniel, resided all his life in Durham, where he engaged in agriculture, and at different times held town offices. He and his wife Margery were the parents of ten children, of whom seven now survive, including the subject of this sketch. The other six survivors are: Mrs. Rosetta Roberts, who resides with her brother Daniel; Charles P., a resident of Dover, N. H .; Annie M., wife of Jackson Kimball, of Hermon, Me .; Laura A., wife of Frank D. Randall, of Lee, N. H .; Mrs. Carrie O. Davis, of Framengham, Mass .; and Addie M., wife of David W. Mannock, of Pittsfield, Me. The father, Daniel Chesley ( Ist), was a Jacksonian Demo- crat in politics, and a member of and deacon in the Baptist church at Durham.
Daniel Chesley, his son's namesake, with whom we are more directly con- cerned, was in his third year when the family removed from Madbury to Durham, and he was there reared to man's estate. Mr. Chesley was educated in the public schools of Durham, which have always been good schools, and in Franklin Academy at Dover. Since his school days and while engaged in the affairs of business life, he has kept himself posted in current affairs of the day and in his spare time given attention to good reading matter, which makes him an intelligent observer and judge of public affairs.
On reaching his majority he engaged in business as a general contractor, which has been his principal occupation ever since, he at times having as many as 80 men in his employ. A man of first rate business ability, thorough in his methods, and having great natural tact in the handling of men, he has achieved a financial success along business lines. His farm already referred to contains
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100 acres, well cultivated, and he has also extensive interests in stone quarries. He is also a director in the Merchants and Farmers National Bank.
A Republican in politics, Mr. Chesley has for years taken an active part in public affairs. He was formerly for five years a selectman of Durham, serv- ing two years as chairman of the board. He also held other local offices there. In 1897 and 1898 he served as a representative from Durham to the state legis- lature, and while a member of the lower house aided largely in getting the appropriation for the New Hampshire State College at Durham. In Decem- ber, 1902, he was one of the members of the State Constitutional Convention held at Concord.
Mr. Chesley was elected senator from the 22d senatorial district in 1912, in a closely contested canvass, which shows he is popular with his party and has the confidence of the public in general. In the Senate of the New Hamp- shire General Court Mr. Chesley was active and efficient in guarding the rights and interests of the people, and in support of his party and its principles. Among other things he was one of the most influential members of the com- mittee that framed and seconded the passage of the law relating to the liens of mechanics and others.
Mr. Chesley has a wide acquaintance throughout Strafford County and few men, if any, are held in higher esteem by the citizens generally. He is a member of Mt. Pleasant Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Dover; of Sullivan Lodge, K. of P., at Durham, N. H., and of Scammel Grange, Patrons of Husbandry, at Durham; also of the Society of New Hampshire Sons of the American Revolution, by right of the service of the great great-grandfather. Samuel Chesley was a private soldier in Capt. Philip Chesley's company (his uncle ) on Seavey's Island, Portsmouth Harbor, from October, 1775, until August, 1776, active in defense of the town against any attack the British warships might make against that town and New Hampshire. In 1777 Samuel Chesley was a private soldier in Capt. George Tuttle's company, Col. Stephen Evan's regi- ment, in the battles of Stillwater and Bemis' Heights, and at the surrender of General Burgoyne and the British army at Saratoga, October 18, 1777.
GEORGE T. HUGHES, of Dover, attorney-at-law, and county solicitor of Strafford County, N. H., was born in Dover, this county, September 2, 1873, a son of Frank and Helen (Barker) Hughes. The father, Frank Hughes, was a carriage painter by trade, which he followed all his active life. His death took place in 1878.
The subject of this sketch, who is one of two children born to his parents, was educated first at public and parochial schools, then at Holy Cross College, graduating in 1894. He then went to the office of Judge Pike to study law.
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He was admitted to the bar in March, 1898, and practiced law in partnership with Judge Kivel until May 26, 1913, when the latter was appointed to the Superior Court bench. In 1902 Mr. Hughes was elected city solicitor and held that office up to and including the year 1911. He was elected to his present position as county solicitor in 1910, and re-elected in 1912. He also served as clerk of the police court five years.
Mr. Hughes married Miss Nellie Parle, a daughter of Thomas Parle, and they have a family of three daughters. They all belong to the Catholic church and Mr. Hughes is also a member of Council No. 807, Knights of Columbus at Dover. The family residence is at No. 35 Elm street.
HON. JOHN TAPLEY WELCH, postmaster of Dover, N. H., was born in Dover, December 15, 1856, one of five children of Joseph W. and Mary E. (Tapley ) Welch. He is of the seventh generation in America, his emigrant ancestor being Philip Welch, who came to Ipswich, Mass., from Ireland in 1654.
His great grandfather was Col. Joseph Welch, an officer in the Revolution- ary war and man of affairs. His father, Joseph Williams Welch, was born at Atkinson, N. H., January 27, 1817, and died October 25, 1877. In early life a tanner and currier and later a successful school teacher, he then learned the machinist trade, and was for twenty-eight years master mechanic for the Cocheco Manufacturing Company, and was not only a master of his profes- sion, but was a public spirited man. As a member of the School Committee he took a leading part in the establishment and promotion of the Dover High School, and was alderman in 1866-7-8. He was a member of the First Church of Dover, and for many years superintendent of its Sunday School.
He was Eminent Commander of St. Paul Commandery, Knights Templar, of Dover, in 1870-71-72, and held various offices in the Grand Commandery of New Hampshire, declining further promotion on account of his serious illness, which resulted in his death.
John T. Welch, the direct subject of this sketch, was educated in the public schools of his native city and at Dartmouth College. After completing his education he devoted several years to newspaper work. He has always been a Republican in politics and has served his native city as school committee, 1885-8; trustee of Public Library, 1883-8; clerk of Police Court in 1881-82, and was also from 1882-87 Register of Probate for Strafford County. He was chosen a Representative to the Legislature in 1888, and State Senator in 1896. He was chief time clerk, Government Printing Office, Washington, D. C., from February, 1890, to July, 1894. From August, 1894, to May, 1898, he was employed by the late Hon. Frank Jones at Portsmouth, N. H.
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He became postmaster of Dover, May 24, 1898, and has held the office ever since the above appointment and by three successive reappointments.
His management of this important trust has been systematic and efficient. On May 30, 1910, the Post Office was transferred to the beautiful and con- venient U. S. Government building, costing $100,000, which was secured through the efforts of Mr. Welch, seconded by the co-operation of the delega- tion in Congress. Mr. Welch is affiliated fraternally with the Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Elks. He is a member of the New Hampshire Historical Society, the Sons of the American Revolution, the Dover Historical Society and the New Hampshire Genealogical Society. He married Elizabeth A. McDaniel, daughter of the late Virgil Homer McDaniel. They have one son, George Gregg Welch, a civil engineer employed by the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway Company.
ALVIN MITCHELL, one of Dover's well known citizens and a veteran of the great Civil war, was born September 25, 1840, in New Durham, N. H., and is a son of Samuel and Sallie (Drew ) Mitchell, the father a native of New Durham and the mother of Brookfield, N. H. Samuel Mitchell was a son of Samuel Mitchell and a grandson of John Mitchell, who was a Revolutionary soldier and the founder of the family in New Durham. Samuel Mitchell, Jr., was a farmer in New Durham and there spent his life. In early years he was a Whig and later became identified with the Republican party. Of his chil- dren three survive: Alvin; Joseph, of Milton, N. H .; and Susan E., widow of John L. Shortridge, who is a resident of Dover.
Alvin Mitchell attended the district schools in boyhood, but his education was mainly secured later in life through reading and association with others. In the second year of the Civil war, on August 14, 1862, he entered the service of his country by enlisting in Company K, 12th N. H. Volunteer Infantry, which was attached to the Army of the Potomac and later was incorporated with the Army of the James. Mr. Mitchell fought bravely at Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Swift Creek, Drury's Bluff without being injured, but at the battle of Cold Harbor he was struck by a bullet in his left arm and had to go to the hospital. It was some time before the wound healed enough to permit him to return to his regiment. He participated in the siege of Peters- burg and then accompanied his regiment to Bermuda Hundred. The com- mand remained on the north side of the James river, in Virginia from Novem- ber, 1864, until April, 1865. When Richmond was evacuated by the Con- federates the 12th New Hampshire was a part of the first brigade that proudly marched through the fallen city. Mr. Mitchell received an honorable discharge at Richmond, Va., on June 21, 1865, and then returned to Strafford
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county, three years later coming to Dover and for over a quarter of a century has occupied his present residence, No. 54 Fifth street.
Mr. Mitchell was married at Dover, December 1, 1874, to Miss Frances J. Twombly, who was born in South Berwick, Me., a daughter of Benjamin and Asenath (Young) Twombly, the father a native of Farmington, N. H., and the mother of York, Me. The grandfather of Mrs. Mitchell was Peter Twombly, an early settler of Farmington and a son of Ralph Twombly, at one time a resident of Dover. The Twombly family is of English ancestry. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Mitchell was Jonathan Young, who settled early in York, Me. Mrs. Mitchell has two brothers and one sister : Henry H. and Albert F. Twombly, both of Lynn, Mass .; and Eliza A., who is the wife of George Kendall, of Malden, Mass. Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell have had two children: Jennie A., who is now deceased; and Albert H., who is a resident of Dover. Mr. Mitchell is a valued member of the G. A. R. post at Dover. Nominally he is a Republican but he has independent tendencies. Both he and wife belong to the Peirce Memorial Universalist church at Dover. For many years he has been a member of Mount Pleasant lodge, Odd Fellows, of this city.
CHARLES S. CARTLAND, cashier of the Strafford National Bank, of Dover, N. H., is one of a family of five children born to his parents, Moses .A. and Mary P. (Gove) Cartland. The father, Moses A. Cartland, was an educator of note, following that vocation his entire life, with the exception of a brief period during which he was identified with the newspaper business.
Charles S. Cartland was born in the town of Lee, Strafford County, New Hampshire, March 19, 1851. He was educated in the public schools, and in schools taught by his father and later attended the Friends' school, now the Moses Brown School in Providence, R. I. While still a young man he began industrial life on the farm and later was connected with a manufacturing business. Locating in Dover in June, 1875, he obtained employment here as an accountant in the office of Cocheco Manufacturing Company. In January, 1876, he became a clerk in the Strafford National Bank, and after serving for some time in that capacity was made assistant cashier. In July, 1890, he became cashier, which position he still holds, performing its responsible duties in a highly acceptable manner. He is a Republican in politics and is connected fraternally with the Moses Paul Lodge, the lodge of Grangers in Dover, and the Bellamy Club.
Mr. Cartland was married, April 27, 1887, to Miss Julia H. Wallingford, a daughter of Zimri S. Wallingford, and they were the parents of three children, namely : Charles W., Lucia H. and Mary A. Mrs. Cartland died
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June, 1894, and was buried in Pine Hill Cemetery, Dover. Mr. Cartland and the surviving members of his family are affiliated with the Friends' Church, and reside at No. 151 Central Avenue.
JOHN SCALES, A. B., A. M., was born in Nottingham, N. H., October 6, 1835. His parents, Samuel and Betsey (True) Scales, were descendants of English immigrants who settled in New England before 1640; William Scales at Rowley. Mass., in 1639: Henry True at Salem, Mass., 1638. His Scales ancestors were residents of Nottingham a hundred years, the first set- tler there. 1747, being Abraham Scales, born in Portsmouth in 1718, whose father Matthew Scales was born in Rowley, Mass., grandson of the immi- grant. William Scales. Four generations of his mother's ancestors in the True family resided in Salisbury, Mass., from which town her grandfather, Abraham True, emigrated to Nottingham in 1754 and was one of the first settlers in that part of the town which became Deerfield in 1768. The True farm is about three miles from Nottingham Square; on this farm Betsey True was born Jan. 11, 1805. Samuel Scales was born July 18, 1800.
John Scales was educated in the public schools of Nottingham; a private school at Lee Hill; Prof. B. Van Dame's Academy at Nottingham Center ; Pembroke Gymnasium; Strafford Academy and Col. Thomas A. Henderson's high school. He worked at farming with his father when he was not at school. He taught school at Harper's Ferry, Va., from January, 1856 to June, 1857. He attended the New London, (N. H.) Academy (now Colby Academy) Sept. 1857 to July, 1859; entered Dartmouth College in September, 1859; graduated therefrom in July, 1863, with the rank of Phi Beta Kappa and received the degree of A. B. In 1866 he received the degree of A. M. From September, 1863 to April, 1869, he was principal, in succession, of Strafford Academy, Wolfborough Academy, Gilmanton Academy.
In April, 1869, Mr. Scales became principal of Franklin Academy at Dover, since when he has been a continuous resident of this city. He re- mained principal of Franklin Academy fourteen years, during which time it attained its highest membership of any year in its history. From 1883 to 1898 Mr. Scales was editor and one of the proprietors of the Dover Daily Republican and the (Weekly) Dover Enquirer. Since then he has been engaged in various literary and newspaper work in Dover.
Mr. Scales edited and published the History of the Class of 1863, Dart- mouth College, also a volume of Historical Memoranda of Old Dover, (N. H.) ; the Genealogy of the Descendants of William Scales, Rowley, Mass., 1639; the Genealogy of Descendants of Deacon John Dam of Dover, N. H., 1633.
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He has delivered four historical addresses before the New Hampshire Histori- cal Society. He has furnished numerous historical and biographical articles for various magazines, and delivered historical addresses on various occasions before societies and public gatherings.
Mr. Scales was united in marriage with Miss Ellen Tasker October 20, 1865 : she is a daughter of Deacon Alfred and Mary Margaret ( Hill) Tasker, of Strafford, where she was born May 30, 1843. They have two sons who lived to grow up and graduate from Dartmouth College ; Burton True, born August 10, 1873; graduated from Dartmouth in 1895: Robert Leighton, born May 20, 1880; graduated from Dartmouth in 1901, and from Harvard Law School in 1907 with high rank ; practiced law in Boston three years and then retired on account of his health; died October 30, 1912, in Roswell, New Mexico, where he went to recover his health. He was one of the most gifted and brilliant young men Dover has sent forth. The elder son, Burton True, has been instructor in the music department in the William Penn Charter School, in Philadelphia, since 1900; also instructor in music in the Univer- sity of Pennsylvania; and principal of the Summer School of Music in the University of New York. He holds high rank as an instructor and man- ager of musical clubs. He is married and has a son and a daughter.
As a society man Mr. Scales is a member of the First Church; the New Hampshire Society, Sons of the American Revolution; the Society of Colonial Wars in New Hampshire; the Pascataqua Pioneers; the Northam Colonist Historical Society, Dover ; Moses Paul Lodge A. F. & A. M .; Belknap Chapter No. 8. R. A. M .; Orphan Council; and St. Paul Commandery, Knights Temp- lar, of Dover. He has served several years as member of the school com- mittee in Dover, and as trustee of the State Normal School at Plymouth.
In his list of names of ancestors whose services entitle him to member- ship in the Sons of the American Revolution he has one grandfather, three great grandfathers and five grand uncles, who served in the Revolution. As for ancestors who served in the Colonial wars, whose services entitle him to membership in the Society of Colonial wars, there are thirty-one, twenty of whom were commissioned officers, the highest rank being that of colonel; the lowest lieutenant of a company.
JOHN W. BATES, formerly vice president of the First National Bank of Somersworth and for many years the leading merchant of this place, was born at Somersworth, N. H., in 1832, and died here in May, 1901. He was a son of Moses Bates, who was a pioneer dry goods merchant and continued in the business until his death.
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When John W. Bates was a boy the schools of Somersworth had not approached their present state of efficiency and to complete his education his father sent him for two years to Northfield (now Tilton) Seminary. Upon his return home he became a clerk for his father and afterward, on his own account, went into the boot and shoe line and proved himself an enterprising and resourceful business man, enlarging his scope until it covered other articles and at one time operated five retail stores dealing in hats, caps, boots, shoes and harness and two additional stores carrying novelty goods At that time he was the heaviest trader and the leading merchant within a radius of twenty miles. When his responsibilities became too heavy he closed out all but the boot and shoe line, in which he continued until the time of his death. He took only a good citizen's interest in politics, voting with the Republican party, but could never be induced to accept public office for himself. He was vice president of the First National Bank of Somersworth at the time of death, of which he had formerly been president and a member of its board of directors.
Mr. Bates was first married to Miss Ellen Thompson, of Solon, Me., and they had two children: Laura and Frank C., both of whom are deceased. His second marriage was to Miss Leonora Haines, a daughter of John S. and Theodate (Nowell) Haines, the former of whom, a very prominent man for many years in Strafford county, died at the age of sixty-five years. The mother of Mrs. Bates survives, being now in her ninety-second year and the most venerable member of the Congregational church at Somersworth. Mr. and Mrs. Bates had two daughters: Leonora and Theodate. Mr. Bates was an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he was a trustee for many years. He was a man of great kindness of heart and charitable in his impulses and passed away honored and respected by all who knew him.
JAVAN M. RUSSELL, who carries on a large lumber business at Somersworth, with residence and office at No. 17 Noble street, was born in 1858, at Paris, Oxford county, Me., and is a son of Charles and Asenath (Willis) Russell. The father of Mr. Russell was a physician and practiced his profession until the time of his death, in 1888. His family consisted of eleven children.
J. M. Russell attended school at Kents Hill, Me., and afterward the Wesleyan University, following which he taught school, first at Bridgeport, Conn., and then at Brimfield, Mass. In 1893 he came to Somersworth, where, for three years he was principal of the high school. Mr. Russell then em- barked in the lumber business and has continued to be interested therein,
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operating and buying young growth of timber. He is a citizen of broad mind and exhibits much civic pride. In his political views he may be termed an Independent Republican.
Mr. Russell was married first to Miss Elizabeth Gowell and they had one daughter, Gladys E., who is now in Japan, on a trip around the world. His second marriage was to Miss Edith Le Gros, of Somersworth, N. H., and they have three children, Harriet Bates, Edgar Legro and Walter Adams. Mr. and Mrs. Russell attend the Methodist Episcopal church.
FRED K. WENTWORTH, treasurer of the Somersworth Savings Bank, and a well known business man and public official, was born in this town, in 1870, a son of Nathan and Emeline (Kelley) Wentworth. The father, a native of Berwick, Me., was a merchant at Somersworth and also served for awhile as postmaster. He died in Somersworth at the age of 69 years. His wife Emeline, who survives him, was born in Gilmanton, N. H. They were the parents of two children, namely: Grace, now Mrs. Herbert A. Blaisdell; and Fred K., the subject of this sketch.
Fred K. Wentworth was educated in the schools of Somersworth, and when a youth entered the employ of the Great Falls Gas Light Company. Later he went to Waltham, Mass., where he obtained a position with the Waltham Bleachery & Dye Works. From there he went to the Boston Manu- facturing Company, as assistant paymaster. After holding this position for awhile he returned to Somersworth, N. H., and was employed in the Bleaching and Dye Works there until December 1, 1912, at which time he entered on his present duties as treasurer of the Somersworth Savings Bank. He is a Republican in politics and has served efficiently on the school board of Somersworth; he is also city auditor, having made a specialty of this class of work, in which he is an expert. He is a Mason, being secretary of Libanus Lodge, F. & A. M .; a member of Edwards Chapter, R. A. M., and Orphan Council, R. S. M., of Dover ; a member also of Somersworth Council, Royal Arcanum. He belongs to High Street M. E. Church, and has served a number of years as superintendent of the Sunday school.
Mr. Wentworth has been three times married. His first wife was in maidenhood Gertrude Warren, of Waltham, Mass .; she died leaving two sons, Bruce K. and Nathan W. He married for his second wife Alice B. Coan, of Dover, of which union there was one child-Gordon Coan. Mr. Wentworth's present wife was Alice E. Horne, of Somersworth.
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