USA > New Hampshire > Strafford County > History of Strafford County, New Hampshire and representative citizens > Part 84
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
Mr. Jones married Miss Lucia C. Wentworth, a daughter of George C. S. Wentworth of Milton, and they have two children: Nettie W., who is the wife of Ernest C. Lord, of Dover, and Mary C., who lives at home. Mr. and Mrs. Jones reside at Lebanon, N. H.
GEORGE F. PINKHAM, who resides on the old family homestead containing eighty-four acres, situated in the town of Rochester, was born on this farm, December 14, 1847, and is a son of Wells R. and Martha P. (Gray) Pinkham.
Wells R. Pinkham was born in New Durham, N. H., January 24, 1804. and died on his farm in Rochester, December 8, 1879. He was a true, just man in every relation of life and his memory is lovingly preserved by his children, who long profited by his care and advice. Before coming to the town of Rochester he learned a trade in a nail factory in Massachu- setts, but, after purchasing the farm in 1837 from the Henderson heirs, he devoted the rest of his life to its care and improvement. The house and barn had been built by the former owners and needed but little repair- ing; they still are serviceable buildings and are carefully preserved by their present owner. Mr. Pinkham never cut timber on his farm. He reared his seven .children from the proceeds of the products of his farm and those who desired to learn a trade were given such opportunity. In poli- tics he was a Democrat but never believed in any secret society. He was never led into any kind of a speculation, all his actions being honest and above-board. He was a member of the Advent church. He married Martha P. Gray, who was born in Strafford, May 10, 1815, and died May II, 1892. Her father was William Henry Gray. She was the mother of four sons and three daughters, George F. being the fifth born of the seven children. The parents were laid to rest in a private cemetery on the farm.
George F. Pinkham with his brothers and sisters attended a district school that was located on the home farm and he remained at home and became his father's helper and successor. This place is located three miles from Rochester Square and is partly bounded by the four-rod and the ten- rod roads. Mr. Pinkham carries on large farming operations and raises fine cattle. He has been identified with the Rochester Grange since its beginning, being the third of the charter members to put his name down
879
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
on the books. For nine years he was an official and for three years was one of the most punctual members, missing but three night sessions in all that time. For the last thirty years he has been on the school board.
Mr. Pinkham was married first to Cora E. Kate, of Brookfield, N. H., who left one daughter, Cora Etta, who is the wife of Ernest Roberts. His second marriage was to Clara J. Dugan, of Madbury, town of Rochester, a daughter of Jacob K. Bickford, and they have one son, Frank B. The father of Mrs. Pinkham was born and reared at Rochester Neck. He married Matilda, daughter of James and Elizabeth (Jenness) Varney, old settlers. Mrs. Pinkham was the youngest of four children. Her father died at the age of sixty-seven years; her mother survives at the age of ninety-two and lives on the old home farm. Often Mr. Bickford would tell that when he and his wife went to housekeeping they had not the price of a gallon of molasses, but at death he left a fine farm of 150 acres and a bank account, and was a man of consequence, serving as a selectman and on the school committee. Mrs. Pinkham is secretary of the Bickford Reunion Association.
S. F. DAWSON, Jr., president of the Milton Leather Board Company, of Milton, N. H., is well known in manufacturing circles in several sec- tions of New England. He was born at Lawrence, Mass., June 17, 1879, and is a son of S. F. and Eliza A. (Cutting) Dawson.
S. F. Dawson, Sr., who is treasurer of the Milton Leather Board Com- pany of Milton, N. H., was born in England. in 1846, and was a babe of six months when his parents brought him to the United States and estab- lished the home at Lawrence, Mass. There he was reared and still resides. He was brought up in the leather business and about 1882 entered into this business at Lawrence, Mass., carrying it on under the style of S. F. Dawson. In 1892 he removed the concern to Milton, organizing the Milton Leather Board Company. Here a large business has been built up. the out- put being 20,000 pounds every twenty-four hours, and employment being given to twenty-five men. He married Eliza A. Cutting, who was born at Potsdam, N. Y. They have two children. Mrs. Arthur Barker, of Law- rence, Mass., and S. F., Jr. Mr. Dawson maintains his home at Lawrence but spends two days of the week at the plant in Milton. In politics he is an independent voter. He belongs to the Odd Fellows and to the Pilgrim Fathers and with his family attends the Methodist Episcopal Church.
S. F. Dawson, Jr., was educated at Lawrence, Mass. As soon as his school days were over he became actively connected with his present busi- ness, subsequently becoming head of the concern. On March 23. 1909, lie
880
HISTORY OF STRAFFORD COUNTY
was married to Miss Edith Ackerman, who is a daughter of Rev. G. E. and Eugenia Ackerman, and they have two children: Seth Willard, who was born at Lawrence, Mass., and Harold Cleveland, who was born at Milton, N. H., which is the family home. Mr. and Mrs. Dawson are members of the Congregational church. In politics Mr. Dawson is a Republican and fraternally is a Mason.
CHARLES S. OTIS for many years was a prominent business man and esteemed citizen of Dover, a man who chose the better part when brought into association with his fellow men and by his charity, kindness and justice won their respect and regard. He was born November 15, 1846, at Lee, N. H., and died at his home in Dover, No. 61 Park street, July 21, 1908. His parents were Thomas J. and Olive (Goodwin) Otis, natives respectively of Strafford and Rockingham counties.
Charles S. Otis was reared on a farm and obtained his education in the country schools and a private school conducted for a time at Lee. During his youth he followed farm pursuits, but for twenty years prior to his death had been largely interested in the manufacture of lumber, having moved to Dover with his family in 1894. From convictions of right he was active as a citizen and accepted public office at times, serving as a member of the city council of Dover, and also as an alderman, represent- ing the Second Ward. He believed in the principles of the Republican party.
On December 24, 1873, Mr. Otis was married to Miss Flora B. Nutter, who was born at Alton, N. H., November 23, 1853, a daughter of Charles A. and Ann M. (Varney) Nutter, her father being a native of Barnstead and her mother of Alton, N. H. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Otis: George E., who is deceased, and Harry G. and Pauline O. Mrs. Otis continues to reside in the family home at Dover, in which city she is highly esteemed in many circles. She is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Ladies, and also of the W. C. T. U. She belongs to the Congregational church at Lee, to which Mr. Otis also belonged for a number of years. Mr. Otis was one who possessed qualities which make for remem- brance by family and friends, his loving care for his family and liis thought- ful consideration for others being well remembered characteristics.
HON. GEORGE J. FOSTER, born in Concord, N. H., February 13, 1854, is son of Joshua Lane and Lucretia (Gale) Foster. He was gradu- ated from the Portsmouth high school in 1869, but his father gave him a higher education by putting him at work on the Dover Weekly Democrat,
881
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
when he was seventeen years old, when the paper was started in January, 1872, and the Daily Democrat in June, 1873, when Mr. Foster was nineteen years old. He has remained continuously in the work of managing these papers forty-three years. The present standing of these papers shows that his father was a good schoolmaster and the son a bright pupil. Mr. Foster, Sr., was one of the keenest editorial writers that has appeared in New Hampshire; the son did not take to that part of the work, it was not neces- sary, but devoted his attention and energy to the mechanical and business part of running a successful newspaper. He could handle the pen all right, but it was not needed as long as his father and brother Charles lived. That no mistake was made in making the young man the business manager is manifest by the present standing of the papers among the press of New Hampshire, and the complete pecuniary success of the enterprise. His long training had made him keen in perception and sound judgment as to what is the right thing to do at the right time, to please his patrons by giving them the news, fresh from the acts, complete in facts and detail, and by treating the business men in such a square and courteous way that he gave the advertisers in his papers more than their money's worth in return, as well as the satisfaction, which is worth more than money.
Outside of being a good newspaper man Mr. Foster has been a good citizen. He has been a member of the school committees almost continu- ously since 1882 ; he has been chairman of the board several years and has used all his influence to advance the schools to better work in what they had, and also to introduce new methods and new departments which would keep Dover schools on an equal, if not a little ahead of other schools in the state. His specialty on the committee was on finance, for schools cannot do good work without good financial support. No school money was ever wasted with Mr. Foster's consent.
Mr. Foster has been a staunch Republican since the first presidency of Grover Cleveland. As such he has represented his ward in the legislature of 1893, and he was an efficient member of the General Court, serving on important committees and never betraying the interests of his constituents, or his city, or his party.
Mr. Foster has been mayor of Dover three times; his first election was by the city councils to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Mayor Alonzo T. Pinkham, August 22, 1906; he served in that office until the first Wednes- day in January, 1907. The important event of that period was the dedica- tion of the Wentworth Hospital, which had been given to the city by Hon. Arioch Wentworth of Boston. The dedicatory service was on August 30th and marked the completion of one of the most valuable institutions the city possesses.
882
HISTORY OF STRAFFORD COUNTY
Mr. Foster next served as mayor two full terms in 1909 and 1910, during which time there were made several marked improvements. The Govern- ment building for the post office was completed on Washington street. The filter bed for the water works was completed, which removed all complaints about the purity of the domestic water supply, concerning which there had been much complaint before. Also two wells were driven for an increased water supply. An improvement was made in the efficiency of the fire department by the purchase, on recommendation of Mayor Foster, of a chemical fire extinguisher engine. Mayor Foster kept a careful and intel- ligent watch over all the business interests of the city, never allowing his private business to interfere in any way in answering the calls of public business, which he conducted as carefully as he did his own affairs. In fact, being a successful manager of a good newspaper thoroughly qualified him for being a first-class mayor of the city. During his second year, on his recommendation, playgrounds were provided for the children and ama- teur base ball games, all of which was highly appreciated by the young folks and commended by the citizens in general.
As a society man Mr. Foster favors St. John Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a member of Moses Paul Lodge, A. F. & A. M., No. 96; Olive Branch Lodge, No. 6, K. P .; Dover Lodge, No. 182, B. P. O. E .. and is a thirty-second degree Mason of the Scottish Rite. For many years he has been a member of the Bellamy Club, and its president four years. He is a trustee of the Wentworth Home for the Aged, and also a trustee of the Strafford Savings Bank.
Mr. Foster is ninth in descent from Rugenald (?) Foster, who came from England at the time so many emigrated from England to Massa- chusetts in 1638, and with his family was on board one of the vessels em- bargoed by King Charles I. Soon after he arrived he settled in Ipswich with his wife and five sons and two daughters. It is said that he lived to extreme old age; that his children also lived to past three score and ten. and left families whose descendants are in all parts of the country. The Foster family has authentic records covering a period of nearly one thousand years; it has furnished to the world its share of fruits of toil; it has con- tributed its share to enterprise and progress. Wherever it appears in the affairs of men it bears its crest, the iron arm, holding the golden javelin poised towards the future.
During its existence the Foster family has been a hardy and progressive race, almost universally endowed with an intense nervous energy; there have been many instances of high attainments. A bearer of the name has been ex-officio vice president of the Republic (Hon. Lafayette G. Foster.
883
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
president pro tem. of the Senate during Andrew Johnson's administration) ; another, Hon. John W. Foster, of Indiana, was secretary of state under President Harrison. Hon. Charles Foster of Ohio was secretary of the treasury. The New Hampshire Fosters have a good record. These facts are mentioned incidentally to show that George J. Foster comes from good Puritan stock.
On July 22, 1880, Mr. Foster was united in marriage with Anna C. Clark, daughter of Seth H. and Clarissa Clark. They reside in an elegant residence on Hough street. They have two sons and a daughter, Bertha Florence, who graduated from Wellesley College in 1900 and was united in marriage with Mr. Harold C. Glidden, June 7, 1911. The sons, Arthur and Fred, are both engaged on the newspaper in various departments, mak- ing the third generation in succession, which is a somewhat remarkable fact, at least in New Hampshire.
JEREMY BELKNAP GUPPEY, a well known and highly esteemed citizen of Dover, N. H., residing on a farm of over 100 acres situated partly in Dover and partly in Rollinsford, was born in Dover, N. H., April 6, 1831, younger child of John and Hannah (Dame) Guppey. His father was a native of Portsmouth, N. H., and his mother of Kittery, Me. She was daughter of Jonathan and Hannah (Plaisted) Dame. He was fifth in descent from Deacon John Dame, who settled in Dover in 1633. She was fourth in descent from Roger Plaisted of Kittery, 1650.
The immigrant ancestor of the family of whom our subject is a great- grandson was Joshua Guppey, who came to this country from England in the year 1700, settling at Beverly, Mass. From him the present line of descent is traced through Capt. James Guppey (grandfather of J. Belknap), a sea captain, who made his home at Portsmouth, removing to Dover, N. H., in 1768, where he purchased the farm now owned and occupied by the subject of this sketch, and here he died. His son John, succeeding to the farm, resided on it all his life, engaged in agriculture; he died in 1855. He and his wife Hannah were the parents of eight children, of whom J. Belknap was the youngest and is now the sole survivor.
He had two brothers who won prominence in highly worthy fields of labor. General Joshua James Guppey, born August 27, 1820; graduated from Dartmouth College, 1843, A. B., A. M. 1857; studied law; went West; settled in Wisconsin; judge of probate, 1849-50; judge of County Court, 1850-1858, 1860-1882. In the Civil War he was lieutenant colonel of the Tenth Wisconsin Volunteers, colonel of 23d Wisconsin Volunteers; brevet brigadier general of volunteers, 1865. He was one of the most
884
HISTORY OF STRAFFORD COUNTY
distinguished men of the state; died at Portage, December 8, 1893. His remains were brought to Dover and interred in the family burial ground in Pine Hill Cemetery; unmarried.
Another brother, Joseph Dame Guppey, born February II, 1823, died June 3. 1890; he was educated in the public schools and Franklin Academy of Dover. In his younger days he was a famous schoolmaster. In his later years he was engaged in farming and in public affairs; besides holding other offices he was mayor of Dover in 1879 and 1880. Previous to that he had been alderman two years and county commissioner two years. He was a man of marked ability. The Guppey Club of Franklin Square was named in honor of him.
J. Belknap Guppey was reared to man's estate on the old family home- stead, where he now lives. His education was acquired in the common schools and Franklin Academy of Dover, and in the larger school of life, in which he has been an apt pupil. His farm is a good piece of agricultural property, and the house in which he resides was built in 1690, being one of the old landmarks of the county, and is next to the oldest house in Dover, the Drew Garrison at Black river being ten years older. It has been kept in good repair and is a comfortable family residence. The frame of the house is of white oak; the timbers are hewn with perfect exactness. It is finished with the utmost care. . \ delicate beaded edge is shown on the square beams inside in every room. The parlor is finished in clear white pine, very wide panels perfectly free from knots. In the southwest corner of the parlor stands a handsome buffet, exquisitely made; and the front entry is paneled from top to bottom. The winding oak stairs have a sub- stantial oak rail. There is a huge beveled glass mirror on the wall, near the buffet, above which is a picture of a young girl in a loose pink gown, leaning against a white pillar which is labeled "Sacred to Friendship." The mirror is perhaps supposed to remind the lady beholding herself in it that she is far more beautiful to her friends than to herself. On the north wall of the parlor are large portraits of King George III and Queen Char- lotte. These were brought from England by Captain James Guppey in 1760, the year their majesties were crowned. He is the great-grandfather of Queen Victoria, who is grandmother of the present King George of Eng- land. So three generations of the Guppey family cover the period occupied by six generations of kings and queens of England. This shows what a vigorous race the Guppey family is.
Mr. Guppey is a Republican in politics, and although he is getting along in years, is a wide-awake and up-to-date citizen, taking an interest in the leading questions of the day, a supporter of the church, and favoring wide-
885
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
spread, practical education. In fact, any worthy cause is pretty sure to receive his cordial approval and support. He believes in doing good work with his estate while alive, instead of bequeathing it by will for an executor to settle. About a half dozen years ago he denoted to the city a beautiful playground for children, between Portland and Forest streets. About the same time he gave the city the free use of the tract known as the "Guppey Pines," in which the boys and young men have a fine base ball ground, which is much used in the base ball season. During this current year, 1913, he has donated a large tract of land, on the hill north of Atlantic Avenue, to be used by the city as a public park forever. It is one of the finest loca- tions in the city for such a use. All this generosity was for the public good, for which his fellow citizens hold him in high esteem. That is not all. Two or three years ago he made valuable donations to the three religious societies in Dover -- to the First Church, to St. John's Methodist Episcopal Church, and to the Pierce Memorial Church-to each a good tenement house on or near Portland street, from which these organizations are receiv- ing a good revenue for the support of religious work.
JOHN H. BATEMAN, a well known citizen of Strafford county, has resided on his valuable farm of forty acres in Rollinsford since the spring of 1913, and for many years has been engaged in both farming and lum- bering, owning timber land in Strafford and East Northwood, N. H. He was born at Dover, N. H., January 27, 1846, and is a son of Richard W. and Lydia (Peavey) Bateman.
Richard W. Bateman was born in Cumberland county, England. In 1843 he came to the United States, finding employment at Dover, N. H., where he remained for many years as head machinist and blacksmith in the Cocheco, now the Pacific, Mills. In 1857 he met with an accident in these mills that caused his death. He was survived by his wife, who was a native of Newington, N. H.
John H. Bateman had his own way to make in the world after the death of his father and his boyhood days were spent in attending school when he was able and in working as he found opportunity. He grew up with good principles, however, and an ardent love of country and on Sep- tember 5, 1864, enlisted for service in the Civil war, entering Company E, 18th N. H. Volunteer Infantry, which became a part of the Army of the Potomac. He participated in numerous sharp engagements and was in the seven days' battle in front of Petersburg. He participated in the triumphal review at Washington, doing provost duty during the entire period of the parade, and was honorably discharged June 10. 1865. In July, 1913, Mr.
886
HISTORY OF STRAFFORD COUNTY
Bateman attended the great gathering of the Blue and Gray at Gettysburg, Pa., where he met old comrades, renewed old friendships and extended the hand of kindly fellowship to many who were once his enemies. It was a wonderful occasion. After the close of his army life he went to Strafford county, N. H., and this section has continued to be his home.
On December 16, 1868, Mr. Bateman was married to Miss Sarah E. Foss, who was born August 15, 1844, in Strafford, a daughter of Daniel and Mary D. (James) Foss, the father a native of Strafford and the mother of Lee, N. H. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Bateman was Richard Foss, who was a son of Nathaniel Foss, an early settler of Strafford. It is a fine old New England name and was borne by a recent governor of Mas- sachusetts. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bateman-Orpha L., William and an unnamed infant all being deceased; John F., who is a resi- dent of Pittsfield, N. H .; and Edith E., who is the wife of Victor McKay, also of Pittsfield. One daughter of Mr. and Mrs. McKay, Leah E., resides with her grandparents. Mr. Bateman is a Republican in politics.
CHARLES PLUMER, one of the best known residents of Rollinsford, N. H., was born in this town October 8, 1847, a son of William and Pame- lia (Waldon) Plumer, the father being a native of Rollinsford and the mother of Dover, N. H. His paternal grandfather was Ebenezer Plumer, a native of what is now Rollinsford and a descendant of one of the early settlers of this town. The Plumer family is said to be of Scotch origin. William Plumer, who resided all his life in Rollinsford, was in his day a representative to the State legislature; he also served as selectman, held other town offices, and was captain of militia. He died January 20, 1890. Of his family three now survive, namely: William H., a resident of Max- well, Neb .; Charles, subject of this sketch; and Fred, who lives in Rollins- ford, N. H. William, the father, was a member of the Baptist church of South Berwick, Me., and was a well known and respected citizen. His sister, Mary W., was the mother of the late Senator Edward H. Rollins of New Hampshire.
Charles Plumer was reared to man's estate in his native town of Rol- linsford, being educated in the public schools here and at South Berwick Academy. When a young man he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for several years. He then went to Lincoln County, Neb., where for several years he was engaged in stock raising at Maxwell. At the same time he was employed as express messenger by the Union Pacific Ex- press Company, controlled by the Union Pacific Railway Company. Re- turning east in 1880, he located at Rollinsford Station, this county, where
887
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
lie has since remained. He has served as selectman of the town and in other offices, and is a reliable and popular citizen.
Mr. Plumer married for his first wife, Ella M. Fellows, a native of Sandown, N. H., and daughter of Rufus Fellows. He married secondly, October 27, 1886, his present wife, whose name in maidenhood was Ella E. Knowlton. She was born at Salmon Falls, N. H., a daughter of Jere- miah and Eliza (Goodwin) Knowlton, both her parents being natives of Eliot, Me. Mr. and Mrs. Plumer attend the Congregational church at Salmon Falls, of which for the last twenty years he has been treasurer, being also secretary and treasurer of the Sunday school. In politics he is a Republican with independent proclivities. He belongs to the Masonic order and to the Odd Fellows, and is also a charter member of Hiram R. Roberts Grange, which he has also served as master. Mrs. Plumer was for years organist of the Grange. She is a member of the Women's Club at Somersworth, N. H., and is secretary and treasurer of the Ladies' Aid Society of the Congregational church at Salmon Falls, being also clerk of the church. She was formerly a teacher in South Berwick Academy and in the grammar school at Salmon Falls, and is a member of the Robinson Seminary Association Alumnae. For many years she has been the Salmon Falls correspondent of the Somersworth Free Press. She is also secretary of the Goodwin Family Association and organist of the Congregational church at Salmon Falls.
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.