USA > New Hampshire > Strafford County > History of Strafford County, New Hampshire and representative citizens > Part 74
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Frank E. Brigham attended both the public and private schools of his native place, afterward entering Columbia University, where he secured his A. B. degree in 1872. Subsequently he became a medical student in the New York College of Physicians and Surgeons, an affiliated institution of Colum- bia College, and was graduated in 1877, soon afterward beginning practice at Worcester, Mass. Dr. Brigham then had a pleasant and profitable experi- ence, spending two years on a sailing vessel, with his friend, Captain Coombs,
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during this voyage visiting parts of South America, France, the Azores and the Orient, and returning with health built up and ready to resume practice. He then came to Salmon Falls and has continued in medical practice here ever since. He is a member of the New Hampshire State Medical Society and of the local medical organizations. He is one of the directors of the Salmon Falls Bank. Dr. Brigham is an advanced Mason, having reached the thirty-second degree, and is a member of Granite Lodge, Salmon Falls, St. Paul's Commandery, Knights Templar, at Dover, the New Hampshire Con- sistory at Nashua, and of Bectash Shrine at Concord. He belongs also to Lodge No. 184. Elks, at Dover; Lodge No. 30, Odd Fellows at Salmon Falls ; and to Paugus Tribe of Red Men, No. I, of the latter place, being Great Keeper of Wampum of the Great Council of New Hampshire. In politics he is independent. He attends the Episcopal church. Dr. Brigham is un- married.
FRANK J. SMITH, one of the representative business men of Farming- ton, N. H., having charge of the finishing department of the F. E. Edgerly Company, shoe manufacturers, was born September 28, 1855, at Wilmot, N. H. His parents were George H. and Marion H. (Brown) Smith, both na- tives of New Hampshire, and both now deceased, their burial being in Pine Grove Cemetery. George H. Smith served through the entire period of the Civil war, in a calvary regiment, and was mustered out at its close with the rank of captain. His family consisted of 12 children, Frank J. being the first born.
Frank J. Smith in his boyhood attended school at Farmington. When 18 years of age he became a bookkeeper with the firm of A. Nute & Sons, with whom he remained for II years. He then became an employe under his father in the finishings department of the factory, and afterward had factory experience in finishing departments of shoe factories in Massachusetts and Maine. He owns the old Wingate farm situated on the New Durham Ridge road, containing 135 acres, where the family resides during the summer sea- son. It is recalled that at one time in the past Henry Wilson, that product of a New England farm, who became vice president of the United States in 1873, once followed the plow across Mr. Smith's acres.
Mr. Smith married Mrs. Ada E. Lund, widow of James Lund and daugh- ter of Abraham Cookson, of Warren, N. H. Both he and his wife are in- terested in the order of the Patrons of Husbandry, he belonging to Henry Wilson Grange No. 205, being past master, also past master of Eastern New Hampshire Pomona Grange, to both Mrs. Smith also belongs. He is a past chancellor of Harmony Lodge No. 11, Knights of Pythias and both he and
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his wife belong to the Pythian Sisters. In politics a Republican, he has served on the board of selectmen at Farmington for nine years, being the chair- man for eight years.
J. H. BATES, M. D., a well known physician and surgeon of East Rochester, with office at No. 8 Mill street, was born in Oxford county, Me., January 16, 1870, a son of Lucius C. and Hannah H. (Barnes) Bates. His father, also a native of Oxford County, Me., was a farmer and died there at the age of 56 years. By his wife Hannah he had three children: Clara A., who died at the age of 22 years; Maude E., and J. H., the subject of this sketch.
J. H. Bates began his education in the schools of Oxford county and then attended Hebron Academy, from which in 1892 he went to Bowdoin College, being graduated from the medical department in 1899. Having practiced for a year in the vicinity of his old home, he came in 1900 to East Rochester, where he has since been engaged in the successful practice of his profession. He has closely identified himself with local affairs and in December, 1911 was elected mayor of the city, taking office the following January and serving one year. He was a member of the school board for five or six years and served as chairman during his term as mayor. Fraternally he belongs to the Masons, the Odd Fellows and the New England Order of Protection, and is also a mem- ber of the county and state medical societies. In politics he is a Democrat. Dr. Bates married Isabel D. Townsend, of New Haven, Conn., and their children are Katherine T., Raynham T. and Richard T.
ELKANAH TRASK, who is engaged in a large business enterprise at Dover, N. H., which he carries on under the style of the Trask Artesian Well Company, has all New England as his trade territory. He was born at Yar- mouth, Nova Scotia, January 10, 1890, and is a son of James L. and Jane (Hamilton) Trask, both natives of Nova Scotia, and both of English an- cestry.
Elkanah Trask was graduated from the Yarmouth Academy when fifteen years of age, having been unusually apt as a student and his business success since coming to the United States one year later, has demonstrated that he possesses a very alert mind upon whatever subject he decides to concentrate it. Locating in the city of Boston, Mass., Mr. Trask turned his attention to the drilling of wells and by the time he was nineteen years of age had become a contractor in the artesian well business, having an office at No. 161 Devon- shire street. Deciding that Somersworth, N. H., offered a better field for his business operations, Mr. Trask went there and for a short time was located
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on High street, but in 1910 removed his headquarters to Dover and is now established at No. 543 Central avenue. He is a young man of practical ideas ; his energy in carrying them out has resulted profitably and he is classed with the prosperous and honorable business men of this city.
Mr. Trask married Miss Nellie Wilson, who was born also in Nova Scotia, and her father, Captain Eugene Wilson, now retired from sea service, still resides at Wood's Harbor, N. S.
GEORGE P. MORGAN, M. D., who has been successfully engaged in medical practice in Dover since 1889, was born at New Gloucester, Cumber- land County, Me., June 22, 1861. He was one of a family of three children -. two sons and a daughter-of Elisha M. and Rosella C. (Tucker) Morgan, the father being a farmer by occupation.
The boyhood of George P. Morgan was spent on the home farm, where he made himself useful, in the meanwhile attending the district schools until eighteen years of age. He then continued his education at Westbrook Seminary and Female College at Derring, Me., where he was graduated in 1882. The next five years of his life were spent as a teacher in the public schools, during the latter part of which period he began to read medicine with J. I. Sturgis, of New Gloucester. Subsequently entering Bowdoin Col- lege, he was graduated from the medical department of that institution in 1888.
Dr. Morgan was then appointed house surgeon in the Maine General Hos- pital, which position he held for a year, gaining much practical knowledge. In 1889 he came to Dover, N. H., where he has since continued in the practice of his profession and has been very successful. During the twenty-four years' residence here he has become affiliated with various societies. He is a mem- ber of the Maine Medical Society, the Strafford District Medical Society, the New Hampshire Surgical Club, the New Hampshire Medical Society, and the Dover Medical Society. He is a thirty-third degree Mason, belonging to Moses Paul Lodge, Belknap Chapter, Orphan Council, St. Paul Comman- dery, and Dover Consistory of Scottish Rite. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party.
December 22, 1892, Dr. Morgan married Miss Madge E. Elliott, who was born in Dover, Me., daughter of Dr. S. W. and Sarah ( Holman) Elliott. The Doctor has an office in the Masonic Temple, Dover, while his residence is at 44 Summer street.
R. F. SEAVEY*, of the R. F. & F. F. Seavey Company, lumber operators and dealers, with office at No. 53 Charles street, Rochester, N. H., was born
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in this city in 1880, a son of Charles H. and Clara E. (Allen) Seavey. The Seavey family is one of the oldest in this section and the subject of this sketch owns a farm that has been in the family since this part of the county was first settled. Charles H. Seavey, father of R. F., was born in Rochester and was engaged in the lumber business all his life, dying here at the age of 58 years. His wife, the mother of our subject, is also deceased. They were the parents of three children-R. F., Charles and Ruth K., who married a Mr. Blanchard.
R. F. Seavey was educated in the Rochester schools and at business col- lege. He then entered the lumber business, which he conducted alone until 1909, when the present firm was established. They buy standing lumber, which they cut, manufacture, and market, and have built up a profitable in- dustry. Mr. Seavey is a Republican politically. He is a 32d degree Mason, Scottish rite, and attends the Congregational church. He married Ada E. White and they have two children-Walter A. and Pauline.
DAVID J. LUCEY*, who is tax collector of the town of Rochester and a well known citizen of Strafford county, was born in 1877, at South Grove- land, Essex county, Mass., and is a son of James and Hannah (Donohue) Lucey. James Lucey was born in Massachusetts. From there he came to Gonic, N. H., in 1880, where he still resides, for many years having been overseer of the Gonic Mill. He married Hannah Donohue, also of Massa- chusetts, and nine children were born to them.
David J. Lucey attended the public schools in Gonic and afterward en- tered the employ of the Gonic Manufacturing Company. Later he became a commercial traveler and for some years represented the firm of George S. Harwood & Sons, of Boston. He is a Democrat in his political creed and has served in his present office for the past three years, his duties being per- formed with an efficiency that is satisfactory to all. Mr. Lucey married Miss Mary F. Harting and they have two children, Berndette and Frances. Mr. Lucey and family are members of the Roman Catholic church. He is identified fraternally with the Catholic Order of Foresters and with the An- cient Order of Hibernians.
CYRUS L. JENNESS, proprietor of an extensive business in hardware and agricultural implements, in Dover, N. H., has been established in this city for many years and is one of the leading merchants in this part of the country. He was born March 10, 1848, in the neighboring town of Rochester. a son of Cyrus and Mercy (McDuffee) Jenness. His parents were well known and esteemed members of the agricultural community of that place.
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Cyrus L. Jenness remained at home until attaining his maturity, attend- ing the district schools in his youth, and making himself useful on the farm. Then resolved to begin the battle of life on his own account, he came to Dover, finding employment here as clerk in a hardware store. He remained with the same employer for eleven years, giving his undivided time and attention to the business, of which he obtained a thorough knowledge. Having by thrift and economy saved some money, he then established his present business which he has since carried on with marked success. He is also a director in the Straf- ford Savings Bank. Mr. Jenness is a Republican, but has never taken any very active part in political affairs, either local or national. He is a member of Wechohamet Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Dover.
On November 12, 1872, Mr. Jenness married Sarah E. Holmes, a daugh- ter of Horace and Mary J. (Colbath) Holmes, of Dover. He and his wife are useful and esteemed members of the Free Baptist church. They reside at 649 Central Avenue, while Mr. Jenness' place of business is located at 108-112 Washington street, Dover. Mr. Jenness can fairly be cited as a conspicuous example of that characteristic American type-the self-made man, as he started in life with no other endowments than a good brain, stout heart and willing hands, backed by sound moral principles; but in a land of opportuni- ties, these are the qualities that conquer success.
S. LYMAN HAYES, who comes of an old and respected family of Straf- ford County, New Hampshire, is in the railway mail service and resides at Milton. He was born in South Milton, December 10, 1862, and is a son of Luther and Sarah M. (Coffran) Hayes, and a grandson of George Hayes.
Luther Hayes was a lumber manufacturer and was a very well known man in this section of the state. His lumber plants were at South Milton and at Spaulding Mills. He was a native of Strafford County and lived here until his death at the age of 75 years. He was buried at South Milton. A Re- publican in politics, he served at different times as state senator, fish and game commissioner of the state, and as high sheriff of Strafford county. He was a member of the Odd Fellow and Masonic Lodges, whilst religiously, he was indentified with the Free Will Baptist Church, toward the support of which he contributed most liberally. Mr. Hayes was thrice married. By his first wife he had six children, one of whom was C. H. Hayes, who has won success as a lumberman and is at the present time president of a Haverhill. Mass., Bank. A son by the third wife is a graduate of State of Maine Col- lege, and is a prosperous man in the real estate business at Easthampton, Mass. Mr. Hayes' second union was with Sarah M. Coffran, mother of our subject, she being a native of Pembert, New Hampshire. This union resulted
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in the following issue: S. Lyman; Fannie L., an instructor in the schools at Haverhill, Mass .; Hattie E., wife of Edger Wyatt of South Milton; and Luther C., who lives on the old farm in South Milton.
S. Lyman Hayes was reared in South Milton, and after pursuing a course of study at Somersworth for three years, attended Berwick Academy one year, an institution his father served for a time as a member of the board of trustees. After leaving school, Mr. Hayes in 1879-1881 served as a messenger in the New Hampshire Senate. He also was connected with the Fish and Game service of New Hampshire until 1884, when he became a railway postal clerk on the Boston and Main Railroad. He runs between Boston and Ban- gor, and for 29 years has had the same run.
Mr. Hayes was married in 1885 to Miss Annie F. Corson, a native of Milton, and a daugliter of Henry H. and Clara M. (Down) Corson. Her maternal grandfather was James R. Down; on both sides she comes of fail- ilies long prominent in agricultural life about Milton. Mr. and Mrs. Hayes have had the following children: Walter W., a fireman on the Boston and Maine R. R .; Lawrence C., also a fireman on the Boston and Maine; Luther H., who is at the head of the furnishings department of the establishment of WV. H. Goodnow of Kenee, N. H .; Maurice L., in the employ of the Ford Auto Co., Cambridge, Mass .; Blanche C. and Norman H., who are attending Nute High School at Milton; and Helen F. and Milton W., who are in attendance at grammar school. Mr. Hayes is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen; and of the Masonic Lodge. He belongs to the order of Railway Postal Clerks. Religiously he and family attend the Free Will Baptist church. He is a life long Republican.
HON. WILLIAM FRANCIS NASON, of Dover, one of the leading members of the Strafford County bar, was born in Sanford, Me., November 22, 1857, son of Joseph T. and Susan (Frost) Nason. His father, in earlier life, was engaged in educational work, serving at different times as principal of several important schools. Later he gave his attention to navigation, being master of vessels in the foreign trade. The paternal grandfather of our sub- ject, Daniel Nason, was a shipbuilder and owner.
William F. Nason in his youth attended school at South Berwick and Ken- nebunk, Maine. After graduating from the high school of the latter place he studied law there for two years, subsequently continuing his legal studies under the mentorship of Buel C. Carter of Wolfboro, N. H. On his admission to the bar in 1879, he came to Dover, forming a law partnership here with Mr. Carter. He soon proved his ability and in 1883 was chosen city solicitor, holding that office seven years in all, through subsequent elections. Having
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identified himself closely with public affairs and given further evidence of his capacity, he was elected to the Legislature, serving in that body in 1887- 88, during which time he was a member of the Judiciary Committee and chairman of the Committee on Elections. Besides taking an active part in the routine work of the House, he won a reputation as an able debater. In 1892 he was elected county solicitor by a flattering majority, and was re- elected to the same office in 1894 and 1896. Nominated for mayor of Dover in 1895, he was elected without opposition, and in 1896 the citizens endorsed his administration by reelecting him to the office. He has faithfully and ably administered the public trusts that have fallen to his charge and his popularity continues undiminished. He is now conducting a very successful law busi- ness, with office at No. 430 Central street. He resides at No. 9 Hamilton Street, Dover.
ANDREW J. HOUGH, a highly respected retired citizen of Dover occu- pying his comfortable residence at No. 165 Locust street, was connected for many years with the mills in several sections of New England, both before and after his service in the Civil war, in which he made a brilliant record. He was born in Dover, N. H., in 1833, and is a son of Thomas Hough. Here he secured his education and afterward, for seven years, was connected with the Cocheco mills as a designer and sketch maker.
On July 26, 1862, Andrew J. Hough enlisted as a private, at Dover, N. H., for service in the Civil war, and on August 10, 1862, was commissioned first lieutenant under Capt. Chester C. Stevens, in Co. D, 9th N. H. Vol. Inf., commanded by Col. Enoch Q. Fellows. This company was recruited in May and June, 1862, and was mustered into the service of the United States between July 3 and August 23, 1862, at Camp Colby, Concord, and left the state on August 25, 1862, arriving two days later at Washington, D. C., and encamping at Camp Chase, near Arlington Heights. It was assigned to Gen. Whipple's Division for the defense of Washington, and later was made a part of the 9th Army Corps, which it joined at Leesboro, Md. Within twenty days after leaving New Hampshire this regiment bore a gallant part, untrained as it was, in the battle of South Mountain, unsupported charg- ing a Confederate brigade and driving it from the crest of the mountain. Three days later the brave New Hampshire boys fought at Antietam, after which a few days of rest was given them at Pleasant Valley, but on October 22 they started on the march to Falmouth, Va., thence to Strafford Heights and on December 13, 1862, they participated in the battle of Fredericksburg, suffering terrible losses. On February 9, 1863, the regiment reached New- port News and in the latter part of the month moved into Kentucky. In
ANDREW J. HOUGH
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June the 9th regiment joined the forces of General Grant in front of Vicks- burg, afterward pursuing Johnston's army and forcing it to retreat to Jack- son, Miss. This regiment retired then to Milldale and then to Kentucky and until April 2, 1864, was engaged in guarding the Kentucky Central Railway. Its later movements were to Nicholasville, to Camp Nelson, to Camp Burn- side, and on February 27 acted as escort to the First Ohio Heavy Artillery. Later the 9th Army Corps was reorganized at Annapolis, Md., and the 9th regiment was assigned to the First Brigade, Second Division, Army of the Potomac. Mr. Hough took part in the following battles: Wilderness, Spott- sylvania, North Anna, South Anna, Bethesda Church, Cold Harbor, siege of Petersburg, Mine explosion, Weldon Railroad, Poplar Springs Church, Hatch- ers' Run and the fall of Petersburg in addition to those previously mentioned. He was one of that great army of victors that passed in review in the Nation's capital, was honorably discharged May 23, 1865, and was mustered out at Alexandria, Va., June 10, 1865. During this long continued service Mr. Hough was both honored by promotions and was prostrated by injuries. For faithful service he was commissioned captain of Co. I. on November 22, 1862, and declined promotion to command the 18th N. H. Infantry. He was placed in command of the 9th regiment on May 18. 1864, by order of Gen. Simon G. Griffin and continued in command until the battle of the mine ex- plosion, July 30, 1864, in which he was wounded and was left lying on the battlefield unattended for 36 hours, when he was picked up by the Confederates and cast into Libby Prison. He was kept in that unspeakable place until the following November, when he was paroled and sent to camp at Annapolis. He was also wounded at Antietam, while making a charge on a bridge but did not leave his company for his first injuries. To quote from the official report of the Adjutant-General: "At last moment the brigade moved into line of battle preceded by skirmishers, Companies I and G, commanded by Capt. Hough and Lieutenants Rice and Sylvester and in their progress they cap- tured about 50 of the enemy but the lieutenants were killed and this left Capt. Hough the only officer in command." Captain Hough was detailed as provost marshal of Jessamine county, Ky., during the winter of 1863, by Gen. Speed S. Frye. He was brevetted major in May, 1865, and personally commanded his regiment at the battles of North Anna, South Anna and others. He has been identified with the G. A. R. very prominently and served three terms as com- mander of Sanford Post No. 79, Department of Massachusetts.
Upon his return from the army and the reestablishment of his health, Captain Hough resumed mill work in the Cocheco mills, but in 1867 went to mills at Providence, R. I., and from there, in 1872, to the Hamilton mills at Lowell, Mass., and for 25 years prior to 1907, he was employed at North
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Adams, Mass., under Col. John Bracewell. He came then to Dover and has made this historic old city his home ever since.
On January 21, 1858, Mr. Hough was married at Dover to Miss Mary E. Roberts, and they had two children: Ralph, who is now deceased, and a babe that lived but six months. During the time Captain Hough was in Kentucky his brave wife remained with him, giving him the comfort and encouragement of her society and looking after his health as far as she was permitted to do so. Her kindness endeared her to many of his less fortunate comrades and in many parts of the country she no doubt has friends of whom she knows nothing. Those unhappy days of civil war have fortunately passed but their heroes are not forgotten.
ROBERT H. FISH, a well known and popular citizen of Dover, N. H., engaged in business as a painting contractor, was born at Bolton, in Lan- cashire, England, May 13, 1866. His parents were Richard and Mary (Bar- rows) Fish, both natives of England.
Robert H. Fish attended school in his native land. In 1884 seeking more favorable industrial conditions than then prevailed in England, he embarked at Liverpool for America, taking passage on a steamer bound for Phila- delphia, and was safely landed at that port some sixteen days later. Not find- ing the opening he desired in that city, he went to Bronxville, N. Y., and a few months later to Yonkers, going from there to Lawrence, Mass. In 1890 he came to Dover and has been engaged here since in paper hanging, painting and wood finishing, for several years having been a contractor in these lines. As such he has had an active part in much of the building and construction work that have been so marked a sign of Dover's prosperity. Although he had been well grounded in the National schools of England, he found that a more specific knowledge of business methods would be useful to him, therefore, after coming here he took two courses in the Dover Business Col- lege, attending night classes.
On November 29, 1894 Mr. Fish was married to Miss Eliza Manock, a native of Dover and daughter of ex-alderman David Manock, a former well known resident of this city. They reside in a handsome house on Stark Avenue, which is situated in the Fourth Ward, from which Mr. Fish has been three times sent as representative to the city council. In politics he is a Re- publican. Both Mr. and Mrs. Fish are attendants of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has frequently been called upon to serve on committees con- nected with the public welfare and has never shirked responsibilities as a citi- zen. Fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias.
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