USA > New Hampshire > Strafford County > History of Strafford County, New Hampshire and representative citizens > Part 81
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
In volume First of the Revolutionary War Rolls of New Hampshire, it is stated that his great grandfather, Joseph Jewell, was a volunteer soldier in Capt. Ballard's Company, Colonel Fry's regiment, at the battle of Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775. After that he enlisted as a private in Captain Calfe's Company, Col. Pierce Long's regiment stationed at New Castle, at the en- trance to the Pascatsqua Harbor (Fort Constitution) from September 25th, 1776, to January 7, 1777. He later died in the service, of typhoid fever, and was buried at Brentwood, July 20, 1776.
Simeon Jewell, born at Brentwood, N. H., July 20, 1776, married Jane French of Salisbury, Mass., May 19, 1796, and settled at Northfield, N. H., as above stated. Later he resided at Sanbornton where he died Sept. 10, 1832. He was a prosperous and highly respected farmer. His wife died at Sanborn- ton, January 1I, 1838. Their children were: John, Milton, Betsey and Samuel F.
Milton Jewell, son of Simeon and father of John W., was born at North- field, N. H., July 2, 1803. When about eighteen years old he began an apprenticeship to the trade of tanning and currying, at which he subsequently worked for a few years as a journeyman in Deerfield. In 1828 he went to Strafford and located at Bow Lake where he established a tannery and also engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes. He prospered in business until 1832, at which time his property was almost entirely destroyed by a flood caused by the breaking of the large dam of the Cocheco Manufacturing Company, situated at the outlet of Bow Lake. After this disaster he only
JOHN W. JEWELL
849
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
followed his trade in a small way, but remained occupied until 1865, when, on account of increasing ill health, he closed his business. He passed away on June 4, 1869, leaving to his descendants the record of an untarnished name. He married December 24, 1830, Nancy, daughter of Richard and Sarah Colley, of Madbury, N. H. She was born May 3, 1808, and died in Barrington, April 7, 1880. Their nine children were as follows: John W., subject of this sketch ; Hannah E., who died young; Mary J., who married Wingate T. Pres- ton, of Barrington; Asa W., superintendent of water for Cocheco Manu- facturing Company, at Dover; Charles M., Cyrena T., Enoch T., Betsy A., and Samuel A. of Barrington. All are dead, except John W. and Asa W.
Milton Jewell was a staunch Democrat in politics. As a man he was highly esteemed, being an accommodating neighbor, of a genial and social disposi- tion, and widely known for his benevolence. Indeed he was at times so lib- eral with others as to be almost unjust to himself. His honesty was never impeached.
John Woodman Jewell, the subject of this sketch, was educated in the public schools of Strafford, and the Strafford (now Austin-Cate) Academy, and Gilmanton Academy. While getting his academic education he was en- gaged in winters as teacher in the district schools of Nottingham, Strafford, and Gilmanton, N. H., in which work he gave general satisfaction to parents, and was popular with his pupils. He began his business career at Newmarket, N. H., in 1852, as a clerk in a department store where he remained till 1854. Then, at the earnest solicitation of Hon. Benning W. Jenness, he returned to Strafford and entered his employ as clerk in his general store at Bow Lake, which position he held until 1864, when Judge Jenness removed to Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Jewell succeeded him in business, having purchased the store. In 1881 he admitted his son John Herbert to a partnership, under the firm name of J. W. Jewell & Son. This firm continued in business until the death of his son in 1893, when Mr. Jewell closed out the business at Strafford, he hav- ing taken up his residence in Dover. In 1891 he came to Dover and took charge of the office of the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, and in January, 1892, was appointed general agent of the company, which position he holds at the present time. Mr. Jewell was one of the incorporators of the Merchants' National Bank in Dover, and was elected one of its directors and vice president, which official positions he now holds. He was also one of the incorporators of the Merchants' Savings Bank, and was made a trus- tee and vice president, and later was elected president, holding the office at the present time.
Mr. Jewell has been a life-long Democrat, as was his father before him. His first vote was cast for Franklin Pierce for president, in 1852, the only
850
HISTORY OF STRAFFORD COUNTY
president New Hampshire ever had, and probably ever will have; and has voted for every Democratic candidate for President since, down to and includ- ing President Woodrow Wilson. While a citizen of Strafford, he was elected from time to time to most of the important offices in town, including repre- sentative to the general court. For many years he was the leader of his party in the town, and for twelve years was a member of the Democratic State Committee. He was sheriff of Strafford County from 1874 to 1876; member of Governor Currier's Council from 1885 to 1887. While in Strafford, at the close of the Civil War, he rendered efficient service to the soldiers and the widows of soldiers in getting pensions where they deserved them, by filling out their applications, writing affidavits and letters to the departments in Washington, for which he would never take a cent. Neither did he make any charge for filling out the quarterly vouchers for all pensioners in the town, or out, who came to his office. He did much business making deeds, wills, mortgages, etc. He was postmaster at Strafford ten years under Pierce, Buchanan and Johnson. He has held the office of justice of the peace for 60 years. When Mr. Jewell came to Dover in 1891 he came here for business and has attended strictly to it. The result is, he has secured a large list of policy holders, and it is said that he has written more insurance personally than any other agent in southern New Hampshire. He has also made many friends while here. In 1902 he was elected representative in the legislature from Ward 2, a strong Republican ward, and was re-elected in 1904, and that without asking for the office. In 1906 Mr. Jewell was again honored by his party with the nomination for state senator in the 22d district, which had a strong Republican majority, and he was defeated. Hon. Clarence I. Hurd, who was elected in 1908 by a majority of 550, was nominated for re-election in 1910, and Mr. Jewell was again the Democratic candidate. The result was his election by a majority of 339 over Mr. Hurd, showing a change of over 800 votes. Mr. Jewell's ability in the senate was recognized by his appoint- ment on the important committees-on banks, on finance, on insurance, and military affairs ; he was also chairman of the committee on the soldiers' home. This closed his political career, which began as representative in the legislature in 1862, a half century before.
On October 9, 1853, Mr. Jewell married Sarah (Folsom) Gale, who was born December 6, 1833, youngest daughter of Bartholomew and Abigail (Morrison) Gale, of upper Gilmanton, now Belmont. The children of this union were: Sarah A. (she wrote her name Abbie S.) was born August 26, 1856. She married Rev. W. W. Brown, of Evansville, Wis., August 12, 1876. She died Sept. 29, 1898; no children. John Herbert, born Sept. 10, 1859, married Elona G. Manning, of Nottingham, N. H., January 13,
851
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
1884. Their children were, Agnes K., born Sept. 29, 1885, and died Decem- ber 17, 1889. Annie M. was born Feb. 17, 1887, and is now living. John H. died May 26, 1893, and his widow Feb. 6, 1899. Mertie Folsom, born Sept. 10, 1863, married Herbert Waldron, of Strafford, N. H., Jan. 3, 1888; they have no children. Mr. and Mrs. Waldron reside with her parents at their family residence corner of East Concord and Ham streets, Dover, N. H.
JOHN LEVI MEADER, superintendent of the Gonic Manufacturing Company, at Gonic, is one of the prominent business men of this city and a leading factor in Republican politics in Strafford county. He was born at Gonic, September II, 1878, and is a son of and successor of John E. Meader, who died at the age of 58 years.
John Levi Meader was reared at Gonic and was graduated from the Rochester High school in 1898. He also took a course in the well known Scranton Correspondence School and since then has been engaged with the Gonic Manufacturing Company, beginning in the wool room and advancing steadily through merited promotion. For the last five years he has been superintendent of the plant, a position of great responsibility. He is well known and highly thought of in the various manufacturing centers of this section.
Mr. Meader was united in marriage with Miss Lela Malvern, who was born in Iowa, a daughter of John L. Malvern, now of Chicago, Il1. Mr. and Mrs. Meader have two children: Lois J. and Clara L. Mr. Meader and family belong to the Society of Friends. Always a Republican in his political attachment, Mr. Meader has been state committeeman of his party, a member of the state executive committee, chairman of his ward com- mittee, and in 1906-7 was a member of the General Court. He is a member of the board of trade at Rochester and one of its trustees. Fraternally he belongs to the F. and A. M. Blue Lodge, Chapter, Commandery, and Mystic Shrine. Mr. Meader and family reside at No. 36 Church street, Gonic.
GEORGE H. LANGLEY,* who has been engaged in lumbering many years, operates a portable saw-mill and carries on business on an extensive scale. He is a man of ability and high standing in the community, and enjoy's a wide acquaintanceship. Mr. Langley was born in Belknap County, New Hampshire, as was also his father, Thomas D. Langley. The latter also engaged in lumbering and some twenty years ago moved to Rochester, where he died at the age of 74 years. He is survived by his widow, who in maiden life was Nellie S. Hayes, and their only child, George H. Langley.
Mr. Langley, subject of this sketch, was educated in the public schools
852
HISTORY OF STRAFFORD COUNTY
of New Hampshire. Upon leaving school he was for two years employed in a box shop, and afterward took up the lumbering business, in which he is meeting with more than ordinary success. He is a Republican in his political affiliation. Mr. Langley has never been married.
FRED L. BODWELL, D. V. S.,* one of the well known professional men of Dover, was born at Manchester, N. H., July 29, 1865, and is a son of Alpheus and Abbie (Cluff) Bodwell.
Alpheus Bodwell was born at Lawrence, Mass., on his father's farm, which is the present site of the Pacific mills. There lie grew to manhood and then went to Manchester, N. H., where, for many years afterward he was engaged in a wood, coal and ice business, becoming one of the substantial business men and highly respected citizens. His death occurred there in 1907. He was a Republican from the time the party was founded, and at one time served as alderman and later as a member of the New Hampshire legislature, representing the Fourth Ward of Manchester. His ancestry was Scotch. He married Abbie Cluff, who was born at Methuen (Lawrence), Mass.
Fred L. Bodwell attended the public schools of Manchester and later, after making a choice of profession, the New York College of Veterinary Sur- geons, where he was graduated in April, 1892. After a short period of practice at Manchester, he removed to Rochester, N. H., and from there, on January 1, 1898, came to Dover. He commands a large practice and enjoys the confidence and respect of the public and his professional brethren. He is a member of the New Hampshire State Veterinary Association.
Dr. Bodwell was married on May 17, 1910, to Mrs. Anna M. Hussey, widow of the late Frank Hussey, of Dover, and a daughter of the late Israel Church, of Durham, N. H. Dr. Bodwell is identified with the B: P. O. E., at Dover.
FRANK PIERCE PLUMMER, formerly a well known citizen and business man of Dover, N. H., and latterly of Rollinsford, N. H., was born in Newington, N. H., November 4, 1857, a son of Allen and Jane (Pender- gass) Plummer. His parents, both natives of New Hampshire, were also both teachers, the father, Allen Plummer, being a well known educator.
Frank P. Plummer was a small boy when with his parents he removed to Lee, Strafford county, N. H., where he attended school. He subsequently went to Cambridge, Mass., where he learned the jewelry and watch-making business, after which he entered into the business on his own account in Dover, N. H., being located at 382 Central Avenue. He was also engaged
853
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
to some extent in the loan business, carrying on his double occupation very successfully for over 25 years, with good success. Mr. Plummer was a self made man, achieving success through his own energy and industry, backed by native intelligence and a sturdy integrity that won for him the respect of all those with whom he had business dealings. Politically he was a Democrat, not an office seeker, but a public spirited citizen, voting for the worthy candidates of his party and generous in his private charities. He was a member of the Universalist church at Dover.
Mr. Plummer was married December 5, 1886, to Elizabeth A. Furbush, a native of North Berwick, Me., and daughter of Moses and Abbie Augusta (Hilton) Furbush, residents of York county, Me., of which state they were natives. Mr. Plummer died September 7, 1911. His widow survives him and for a part of the time makes her home in Rollinsford, where she is well known and highly esteemed in the best society of the town. She is affiliated with the Baptist church, and is a lady of refinement and education.
ALPHONSE LANOIX, who is engaged in business at Gonic, as a brick manufacturer, has been a resident of New Hampshire for 33 years and has been connected with the brick industry about all his business life. He was born at Saint Guillaume, Canada, May 17, 1857, and remained in his native land throughout his school period.
Alphonse Lanoix learned the brickmaking trade at Epping, N. H., and lived there for two years. He then came to Gonic and went into the brick manufacturing business with his father-in-law, Thomas Lanoix, under the firm name of T. & A. Lanoix. After two years he bought his father-in- law's share and continued the business for himself, for twelve years oper- ating it alone. In 1901 he sold his entire interest to the New England Brick Company. In the following year he again started in the brick indus- try, with Leopold Larose as partner, under the name of Lanoix & Larose. In 1904 he bought his partner's interest and continued alone. He has a large plant here, his yards covering eleven acres, and he gives employment from spring to fall to from 20 to 30 men, and sometimes as many are kept at work during the larger part of the year. He manufactures water-struck brick and his business is prospering. He has occupied his present place since 19II.
Mr. Lanoix married Anastasie Lanoix, who also was born in Canada, and their children are George L., Olivene O., Aristide J., Marie Anne, Al- bina, Armand and Gustave. Mr. Lanoix and family are members of St. Leo's Catholic church.
He gives his political support to the Democratic party, and fraternally is
854
HISTORY OF STRAFFORD COUNTY
connected with the Catholic Order of Foresters. Mr. Lanoix is considered an honest and upright business man and an excellent citizen.
SAMUEL B. ABBOTT* for many years was a prominent citizen of Dover, N. H., in which city he was born August 15, 1860, and died Septem- ber 8, 1912. He was a son of Joseph S. and Delia (Brownell) Abbott, the former a native of Kennebunk, Me., and the latter of Dover. Old residents still recall Joseph S. Abbott, for he was an active business man, a con- tractor in stonemason work and heavy teaming and one of the pioneer ice dealers.
Samuel B. Abbott had the educational opportunities offered by the schools of Dover, after which he became associated with his father in business and after the latter's death, was his successor in the various industries in which the older man had prospered. Mr. Abbott carried on the ice and heavy team- ing business until his own death, acquiring a competency and sustaining a reputation for business probity as long as he dealt with the public. This was recognized by his fellow citizens and on many occasions he was elected to high public office. He served both as alderman and as councilman represent- ing the Third Ward and also served in the New Hampshire legislature with honest efficiency. In all local matters Mr. Abbott took a good citizen's inter- est. In his youth his father had served as chief of the volunteer fire depart- ment and he never lost his interest in this organization, taking great pride in the fact that the department named its fire steamer the Joseph S. Abbott, in his father's honor. He was a Republican in political affiliation and was ever loyal to the principles of his party. For many years he was active as an Odd Fellow and belonged also to the Uniform Rank, Knights of Pythias and to the Improved Order of Red Men. His private life was unblemished; his devotion to his family was marked, and his gifts to charity numerous but unostentatious.
On October 1I, 1887, Mr. Abbott was married to Miss Edna B. Durgin, a daughter of Albert F. and Elmira P. (Spurling) Durgin, the father a native of Greenland, N. H., and the mother of Dover. The maternal grand- father of Mrs. Abbott, Jonathan Spurling, was a resident of Dover for many years, being in charge of the entrance gate to the Cocheco Mills, and through his sterling qualities as a citizen was held in general esteem. Mr. and Mrs. Abbott had one daughter born to them: Gertrude B., who is the wife of Fred D. McKone, of Dover. Mrs. Abbott occupies her comfortable residence at No. 45 Atkinson street, Dover. She and her daughter take part in the city's pleasant social life to some extent and she is interested also in a num- ber of worthy organizations including the Rebekahs, the Pythian Sisters, the
855
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
Woman's Relief Corps, the Odd Ladies and the Dover Grange, Patrons of Husbandry.
GUY EDWARD CHESLEY, D. V. S. Two miles distant from the city square, Rochester, N. H., is situated Chesley Hill, this name commem- orating the settlement of early pioneers in this section, and from this stock came Dr. Guy Edward Chesley, one of the well known professional men of Rochester. He was born on Chesley Hill, August 2, 1871, and is a son of John Edwin and Elizabeth (Horne) Chesley and a grandson of John and Lavina (Chamberlain) Chesley.
John Chesley was a son of Shadrach and Jemima Chesley, and a grandson of James Chesley, who, with a brother, came from England, the brother settling in Nova Scotia, but James established himself in New Hamp- shire near what later became Great Falls. It was John Chesley who located on Chesley Hill and there his son, John E. Chesley, was reared, and at the time of his father's death, at the age of sixty-four years, came into possession of the 200 acre farm. John Chesley, with sixteen of his neigh- bors, testified to their loyalty in the War of 1812, by walking the entire distance to Portsmouth in order to enlist for service. They found that the treaty had already been signed but this in no way lessened the patriotism of their effort. John E. Chesley followed peaceful pursuits all his life, farming and lumbering, and died on Chesley Hill at the age of seventy-one years, his burial being in the Gonic cemetery. He married Elizabeth Horne, who was born on a farm lying between the Rochester Hill and the old Dover road, and survived until November 19, 1907. They had two children : Ger- trude, who is the wife of Elsworth Pearl, of Rochester; and Guy Edward. They were estimable and esteemed people and were members of the Con- gregational church.
Guy Edward Chesley attended school at Rochester and at Gonic and afterward went to Boston and for five years was connected with the Daniel Lothrop Publishing Company, on the road, his territory covering New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. On August 25, 1897, he was married to Miss Winnifred Webber Kelley, who was born in Maine and is a daughter of Henry M. and Lydia (Taylor) Kelley. They have two children : Guy Kenneth and Norman Kelley.
Henry M. Kelley, the father of Mrs. Chesley, was born at Chichester, N. H., a son of Stephanus Kelley, who once conducted the old American Hotel at Concord, and a grandson of Dr. Amasa Kelley. The last named came from Amesbury, Mass., and settled near Concord in 1790, at what became known later as Kelley's Corners. The grandfather of Mrs. Chesley
856
HISTORY OF STRAFFORD COUNTY
died early and his widow married Jacob H. Ela of Rochester, to which place she and her children, Henry M., Clymenia and Franc, had come by stage. Three children were born to this marriage: Frederick, who was a lieutenant in the U. S. Navy; Wendell P., who is a banker of Grand Junction, Colo .; and Charles, who was the youngest police court justice ever serving at Rochester. Hon. Jacob H. Ela was U. S. representative from the First district in New Hampshire for two terms-in 1867 and 1869. He was an ardent abolitionist, U. S. marshal during the Civil war, and at the time of his death fifth auditor in the Treasury Department at Washington. The father of Mrs. Chesley was a prominent man of Rochester, a director of the Rochester National Bank, a member of the board of education and for three years was chairman of the board of selectmen. He assisted in the founding of the Rochester Fair Association and was an official. His death occurred in December, 1912, at the age of seventy-six years. He married Lydia Taylor, who died in September, 1908, at the age of sixty-eight years and their burial was at Rochester. They had three children: Mary F., who is the wife of N. E. B. Morrill, of Rochester, formerly treasurer of the Portland Water Works Company; and Wendell S. and Winnifred WV., twins, the former of whom gave great promise of becoming an artist but died at the age of twenty years.
From youth having a leaning toward veterinary science, Dr. Chesley took a course in the same in the University of Pennsylvania, graduating in the class of 1898, and since then has been in continuous practice both in New Hampshire and in Maine, having resided at Rochester since marriage and having an excellent business location at No. 30 Charles street. Dr. Chesley has been influential in securing legislative action in the framing of modern laws in relation to veterinary science and is chairman of the board of examiners for New Hampshire, which is made up of three prom- inent veterinarians. He belongs to the Blue Lodge, A. F. & A. M., at Everett, Mass .; to the Chapter and Commandery at Rochester; and to the "Shrine" at Concord. He is on the directing board of the Rochester Fair Association, is serving on the school board and is also a member of the city council. In his political views he is progressive. With his family he attends the Congregational church.
CAPTAIN WASHINGTON W. HARDY, a veteran mariner and well known citizen of Dover, N. H., was born in Chesterfield, N. H., March 15, 1838. His parents were Thomas and Sarah (Folsom) Hardy, the father a native of Dublin, N. H., and the mother of Exeter, N. H. The immigrant ancestor of the Hardy family came from Sussex county, England; that of
857
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
the Folsoms from Norfolk county in the same country. Thomas Hardy, the grandfather of our subject, was a Revolutionary soldier. The second Thomas Hardy, father of the subject of this sketch, was a graduate of Dartmouth college in the class of 1812. He was a well known educator of his time, teaching in private schools and academies. For a number of years he resided in Boston, where he taught a private preparatory school. He also taught ten years in Chesterfield academy, N. H., and followed his profession in Dover and other places throughout New England. That he was a man highly thought of is evidenced from the fact that he represented the town of Ches- terfield in the state legislature for several terms. He was originally a Whig in politics but became a Republican after the formation of that party.
Washington W. Hardy at the age of four years accompanied his parents from Chesterfield to Brentwood, N. H., where he resided several years, they subsequently removing to Dover. Here he was reared to man's estate, attending the public schools, and, for a short time, Hampton Academy, at Hampton, N. H. In 1854 he began a sea-faring life, shipping as a boy before the mast on a voyage from New York to Havana and the West Indies, thence to London and return to Boston, where he landed after an absence of six months. This was but the first voyage of many, for he subsequently con- tinued in the mariner's vocation, practically for about forty-six years, for the last thirty years of that time being captain of various ships mainly engaged in the China and Japan trade. He navigated the globe over thirteen times, on eleven of these occasions as captain. During his life as a sailor he visited many strange countries and saw many strange sights, having many adven- tures and fronting many dangers, but with a good vessel under his feet, well manned, and with capable officers under him, he proved equal to every emergency until finally he left the ocean in 1901 to enjoy an honorable retire- ment on shore. He is a member of the Boston Marine Society and also of the New York Marine Society. He has many friends in Dover who know him as a man of integrity and a progressive and public-spirited citizen.
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.