USA > New Hampshire > New Hampshire agriculture : personal and farm sketches > Part 20
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
382
NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.
nated by Mr. Whitcher, and the work completed under his oversight. The experiment station was also built by Professor Whitcher.
In the lecture field he has been employed many times by the Maine and Massachusetts boards of agriculture, and has lectured in most of the towns in New Hamp- shire, and at Dairyman's associations in Vermont and other states, delivering over five hundred lectures on practical agriculture. He represented the experiment station at the national meetings, twice at Washington, once at Nashville, and once at New Orleans.
Professor Whitcher was the first to point out and dem- onstrate the need of more potash in fertilizers for New England, and the for- mulas first prepared and tested by himself, both at the home farm in Strafford, and on the college farm at Hanover, are used by hundreds of the best known farmers in New Hampshire, Massa- chusetts, and Maine. The bulletins from his pen, issued by the ex- periment station, have been recognized as authoritative not only in the United States, PROF. GEORGE H. WHITCHER. but in England, Aus- tria, and Australia, and some of them were reissued, with credit, by the experiment stations of other states, because of their scientific and practical value. In politics, Mr. Whitcher is a Democrat, who never deserts his party or
383
PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES.
principles. Circumstances have always been unfavor- able for political preferment, as he has lived in strongly Republican towns, but in 1890, as a candidate for the legislature in Hanover, he cut the normal Republican majority of one hundred down to less than thirty. Since he has lived in Durham he has been almost unanimously elected as member of the board of education, and in 1896 was chosen treasurer, against a Republican majority of eighty. In the fall of 1896 he ran for the legislature under the most unfavorable circumstances, owing to the stampede of Eastern Democrats in the Bryan campaign, and while the normal Republican majority in the town was about one hundred and twenty-five, he was beaten by only twenty-seven votes. In the spring of 1897, he was elected second member of the board of selectmen in Durham, by a large majority.
Since the removal of the college to Durham, he has bought a tract of land, formerly swamp and pasture, and improved it, raising hay, potatoes, strawberries, and fruit. On this land he has personally designed and con- structed six modern houses, a dormitory and a four-story business block, known as Whitcher block, in which is one of the finest halls to be found in any country town in the state. A water supply for these and other houses has been constructed on his own land, and house lots sold to others, until the residence section of the town is now largely on his land. For two years he acted as general agent for the Bowker Fertilizer Company.
The natural mechanical ability, which he inherited from his father, stands him in good stead, as he designs and makes working drawings for his buildings, and then personally superintends the construction and puts in the heating apparatus according to his own ideas and plans, thus saving much of the cost of building.
Professor Whitcher is an enthusiastic Odd Fellow, a
384
NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.
member of Good Samaritan lodge, No. 75, of Hanover ; he is also a Patron of Husbandry. At present he is engaged in erecting an electric light plant for the town of Durham.
CHARLES B. HOYT,
SANDWICH.
No town in our state is better known for its fine farms and progressive farmers than Sandwich, and among all the beautiful domains that dot the Sandwich hills, none is more beautiful or more widely known than the old Hoyt farm, which stands on a high hill overlooking the village, and was set- tled about 1768 by Joseph Hoyt, and ever since occupied by his descendants, the pres- ent occupants being Benjamin Burleigh Hoyt and his son, Charles B.
The original farm, with additions made from time to time, now embraces 560 acres. The owners are en- gaged in mixed farm- ing, hay being the CHARLES B. HOYT. principal crop. Twen- ty-two head of cattle, three horses, and a fine flock of twenty-one sheep are being kept, and this is about the average stock.
Charles Burleigh Hoyt, the son of Benjamin B. and Caroline (Quimby) Hoyt, was born in Sandwich, Decem-
385
PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES.
ber 12, 1859, and for years has been recognized as a leading citizen, being actively interested in all that per- tains to the welfare of the town. He was graduated from New Hampton Institution in 1882 ; taught school several winters, and was a member of the school-board for six years. When the creamery was started in 1889, he was one of the prime movers, did much toward its establish- ment, and was a director and clerk of the corporation until its sale to private parties in 1894. In politics, he is a Republican, being at the present time one of the select -- . men, and moderator of the town-meeting. In '95 and '96 he was deputy sheriff for Carroll county. He joined Red Mountain lodge, A. F. and A. M. in 1885, of which he was master twice. In the Grand lodge he was for two years R. W. Grand Lecturer for district number six, and is now serving his second term as R. W. district deputy grand master for the same district.
From the early days of the order of Patrons of Hus- bandry in Carroll county he has been an earnest and efficient worker. He was a charter member of Mt. Israel Grange, its first lecturer, and master for three years. He was also a charter member of Carroll County Pomona Grange, of which he is the present master. He has held the office of District Deputy of the State Grange, since 1894, and to his interest and wise counsel much of the success of the order in the district is due.
In November, 1897, he was appointed a member of the State Board of Agriculture.
He is unmarried. His only brother, George S. Hoyt. with his wife and two children, resides upon a farm about two miles distant.
25
386
NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.
HERBERT N. SAWYER,
ATKINSON.
Many of the towns along the southern border of the state are favorably situated with reference to agricultural success, on account of proximity to the excellent markets afforded by Massachusetts cities, prominent among which is Haverhill ; and Atkinson, one of the best agri- cultural towns in Rockingham county, is particularly favored in that it adjoins this flourishing city whose mar- ket advantages are among the best.
The leading farmer of Atkinson, and one of the most extensive milk producers in the state, is Herbert N. Saw- yer, son of Jesse Au- gustus and Elizabeth B. (Noyes) Sawyer, who was born on the farm where he now resides, and which has ever been his home, July 6, 1860. This farm, which is located near the southern bor- der of the town, about a mile and a half from the Academy village, and six miles from Haverhill, was pur- chased by Mr. Saw- HERBERT N. SAWYER. yer's father, who was a native of Atkinson, reared on another of its excellent farms, in 1853, and has been materially improved since that time. The land has been brought into an excellent state of cultivation, and the buildings are among the most commodious and complete
FARM BUILDINGS OF H. N. SAWYER, ATKINSON.
-
388
NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.
to be found upon any farm in the county. A substantial two-story house is connected by an ell with a spacious stock barn 40 x 120 feet. There are other necessary buildings, and a new dwelling, near by, occupied by the elder Mr. Sawyer since Herbert N. took charge of the farm work upon his marriage, Oct. 17, 1886, with Miss N. Grace Pettengill of Atkinson, an intelligent and accomplished young lady, who proves a most efficient and encouraging helpmeet.
Mr. Sawyer was educated in the public schools and Atkinson academy, and his highest ambition has been to discover and apply the most intelligent methods in pro- moting agricultural success, while neglecting none of the obligations of citizenship or the just demands of soci- ety. Butter production was formerly the leading specialty of the farm, but milk for the Haverhill retail market has been found more profitable of late, and to this attention is mainly given. About sixty cows are kept, selected for their milking qualities, and eight horses are used for farm and marketing purposes. There are about one hundred and forty acres in the home farm, and another farm of seventy acres, near by, has been purchased by the young man. The hay crop reaches about one hundred tons, and about sixteen acres of corn are raised for fodder, which is cut and fed dry in preference to ensilage. A steam-engine furnishes power for cutting, also for unloading hay and fodder, sawing wood, pumping water, and other necessary work, the fine mechanical ingenuity of Mr. Sawyer devising means for applying the power to a great variety of uses.
Mr. Sawyer is a Universalist in religious belief, and a Republican in politics. He was elected on the board of selectmen in 1895, '96 and '97, and has been a member of the school-board since the town system was adopted. He has been an active member of Atkinson Grange since
389
PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES.
1890, and master for 1896 and 1897. He is also a mem- ber of Mizpah lodge, I. O. O. F., of Haverhill, Mass. For several years past, Mr. Sawyer has been an agent for the sale of Bradley's fertilizer and various agricultural implements, in his section of the state.
Mr. and Mrs. Sawyer have two sons, Arthur Herbert, born March 8, 1889, and Clifford Augustus, Aug. 30, 1894.
THOMAS J. COURSER,
WEBSTER.
Few men in Merrimack county enjoy a larger acquaint- ance than Thomas J. Courser of Webster, whose genial manner and active business characteristics have brought him into familiar relations with a large number of peo- ple. Mr. Courser is a son of the late William B. and Nancy (Morey) Courser, born in the town of Wilmot, July 20, 1837. In his infancy, his father, who was a farmer, removed to the town of Warner, locating in the district known as "Schoodac." His parents being in limited circumstances, he began at an early age to make his own way in the world, earning his own living
after nine years of age. He attended the common school as far as practicable, and subsequently secured the benefit of instruction for a few terms, at the Con- toocook academy. He had become thoroughly familiar with the labor and methods incident to general farm management, and at the age of twenty-one entered the employ of Dr. Robert Lane of Sutton, where he was engaged for eight years.
May 1, 1866, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah E. Todd of New London, and located on the farm in Webster which he has since occupied, in the westerly portion of the town, about five miles from
THOMAS J. COURSER.
39I
PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES.
Warner village, where is his post-office and business address. This farm embraces about 200 acres of land altogether, and produces some fifty tons of hay, with a good amount of corn and other crops. Mr. Courser has also some 400 acres of land elsewhere, in Warner and Sutton, largely pasture and woodland. He raises cattle, sheep and hogs, quite extensively, and usually keeps half a dozen horses. He sells cattle to a considerable extent in the local market, and has purchased quite extensively for Brighton and Watertown for the last twenty-five years, thus coming into business contact with the farmers through a large section of this state and Vermont.
His first wife dying, Mr. Courser subsequently ( Octo- ber 26, 1876) married Addie E. Marden of New Boston, his present wife. Three children by the first marriage are living-a son, Fred W., who has always remained at home, and now has practical charge of the farm work, and two daughters, Emma J. and Sarah A., edu- cated at New Hampton and Warner, and now located in Concord. One son, Charles Henry, by the second mar- riage, now nineteen years of age, is a student at the New Hampshire College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts at Durham.
Energy and industry have characterized Mr. Courser, both in his farm work and his commercial operations, through his entire career thus far, and these, with strict integrity, have insured substantial success, as well as the respect and confidence of his neighbors and asso- ciates. Nor has he been unmindful of his duties as a citizen. He is a thorough-going Democrat in politics, is always in attendance upon the state and county con- ventions of his party, and works earnestly for its success. He has served two years as deputy sheriff, and four years upon the board of commissioners for Merrimack
392
NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.
county. In 1892, although his town has always been strongly Republican, he was elected to the state legisla- ture, and rendered efficient service in that body.
Mr. Courser joined Warner Grange, P. of H., in 1879, and has been an active member, holding the offices of steward, overseer, and master, and is a member of the Merrimack County Pomona Grange. His wife is also an efficient and devoted member of both the Subor- dinate and Pomona Granges. He is also a member of Central lodge, No. 67, I. O. O. F., of Warner.
SUMNER N. BALL, WASHINGTON.
Among the men who have succeeded in demonstrating the fact that agriculture can be made to pay in a rocky and mountainous back town in New Hampshire, a dozen miles from railroad facilities, even in these recent years of hard times and business depression, is Sumner N. Ball of Washington, a son of Dexter and Hannah Ball, born in that town June 3, 1854. He lived at home on the farm, and worked in the shops of his native town, meanwhile improving the educational advantages offered by the public schools and Tubbs Union academy, until twenty-one years of age, when, in 1875, he went to Antrim and entered the employ of Hon. David H. Goodell, subsequently governor of the state, upon whose famous " Maple Grove Farm " he was foreman for five years. He then purchased the job printing plant in Antrim village, and established a local newspaper-the Antrim Reporter-in connection therewith, conducting the same successfully for another five years' period, at the end of which time he disposed of the business, and, in 1886, returned to Washington and purchased the old homestead which had been owned by his grandfather,
393
PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES.
John Ball, who went from Antrim to Washington in 1835, and died in 1883. The farm, which had been leased to tenants upon his grandfather's death, had become somewhat " run down," and the buildings were going to decay ; but the latter have all been put in good condition, and the land brought into an excellent state of cultivation.
The farm embraces 250 acres of moist clay loam. It
is situated on a high elevation about a mile and a half west of Washington Center, and bordering on Mil- len Lake, one of the most beautiful sheets of water to be found in New Hampshire, being finely located for summer boarders. It is now known as "' Oak Hill Farm." Cows and sheep are the principal stock, and thoroughbred an- imals are sought in SUMNER N. BALL. each line. Butter, lambs, poultry, and maple sugar are the products mainly relied upon for revenue.
Mr. Ball was united in marriage, November 26, 1884, with Miss Carrie B. Brooks of Antrim. They have two children-John S., born August 30, 1886, and Nina M., February 27, 1889. In religion he is a Baptist, and in politics a Republican. He has served his town four years as a selectman. and ten years successively as a member of the school-board, being secretary and treas- urer of the same most of the time. He is at present a
394
NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.
town auditor, and also a member of the board of trustees of Tubbs Union academy. In 1896 he was the candi- date of his party for representative in the legislature, and lacked only five votes of election in a decidedly Democratic town. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and has passed the chairs in his lodge. He is also an active member of Lovell Grange, No. 5, P. of H., in which organization he has taken a deep interest, and served as master from 1893 to 1897, during which time the membership was doubled. He was master of Sulli- van County Pomona Grange in 1895, and is at present a State Grange deputy for District No. 17. Mrs. Ball is also active and earnest in Grange work, and is the present worthy Pomona of the State Grange.
GILMAN GREENOUGH,
ATKINSON.
There is no man in the section of the state contiguous to the Boston & Maine railroad between the town of Exeter and the city of Haverhill, Mass., who enjoys a wider acquaintance, or is more favorably known than Gilman Greenough of Atkinson. Mr. Greenough is a son of the late Richard and Hannah B. (Towle) Green- ough, born on the old " Peter Clement place," where he now resides, May 29, 1835. He was educated in the common schools and at Atkinson academy, where he was for some time under the instruction of William C. Todd of that town, the well-known educator, now specially noted for his recent liberal donation to the Bos- ton public library, for the maintenance of a newspaper reading-room.
Though born and reared on a farm and making agri- culture the basis of his life-work, Mr. Greenough has
FARM BUILDINGS OF GILMAN GREENOUGH, ATKINSON.
396
NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.
been extensively engaged as a land surveyor and con- veyancer since early life. He has also a very extensive business as a probate attorney, and in the settlement of estates ; and, as the only acting justice in the town, his services are frequently in demand in the adjudication of questions involving the public peace, as well as matters of private right.
In April, 1860, he was united in marriage with Mary C. Carter of Hampstead, who is still living. They have two children, Frank W., born January 19, 1861, and Ada Mary, October 2, 1864, the latter now being the wife of W. E. Ham- ilton of Haverhill, Mass. The son, Frank W. Greenough, is now the active manager and a part owner of the homestead farm, which embraces about two hundred acres of land. From fifty to sixty tons of hay are GILMAN GREENOUGH. annually produced, and four or five acres of field corn, and some two acres of corn for fodder. The leading industry is the production of milk for the Plaistow and Haverhill markets. About twenty-five head of cattle, mostly Holstein, are kept, and about the same number of swine, the latter being kept principally for the purpose of clearing up and improving wild land.
Mr. Greenough is a Universalist in religious belief, and politically a Democrat, and has been prominent in
397
PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES.
the councils of his party in Rockingham county. Although residing in a town usually Republican, he has been its treasurer for sixteen consecutive years. He has also served as collector, selectman, and supervisor, and is now, and has been for nearly twelve years past, a member of the school-board. In 1894, he was the can- didate of his party for county treasurer, and although not elected, received a very flattering vote in his section of the county.
He is a member of Atkinson Grange, No. 143, and has been lecturer and overseer of the same. He is also a member of West Rockingham Pomona Grange, and is now serving his fifth year as treasurer of that organiza- tion.
CHARLES L. CLARK,
MARLBOROUGH.
Among the best-known and most actively interested Patrons of Husbandry in the county of Cheshire, for several years past, has been Charles L. Clark of Marl- borough, who was born in that town, February 9, 1840, a son of Fuller and Adaline (Porter) Clark, his paternal grandfather being Thomas Clark of Troy, and his mater- nal grandfather, Asa Porter, a Revolutionary soldier. He attended the common schools of his native town, and the High school for some years, and was also for several terms under the instruction of Rev. Dr. S. H. McColles- ter at Valley Seminary, Westmoreland.
When the war of the rebellion broke out, he was study- ing medicine under the instruction of Dr. Samuel A. Richardson. He promptly enlisted in what was the Second N. H. Volunteers, drilled three weeks, and was taken sick, so that he was unable to proceed with his company to Portsmouth, where the term of enlistment
398
NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.
was changed to three years. Subsequently, he enlisted in the Sixth regiment, with which he served three years and ten months, coming home as first lieutenant com- manding Company B. During his service he partici- pated in twenty pitched battles, and many minor engage- ments.
After his return from the war, Mr. Clark was for many years in mercantile life, but for seventeen years past has been engaged in agriculture, having purchased a farm on the borders of Stone pond in Marlborough,
" LAKESIDE "-RESIDENCE OF C. L. CLARK, MARLBOROUGH.
upon which he has effected great improvements, erect- ing a fine new set of buildings, and working a wonderful transformation in the general appearance of the place. Market gardening and the dairy are the specialties at " Lakeside Farm," as Mr. Clark's place is designated, about a dozen choice cows being generally kept, and the butter sold to private customers.
Mr. Clark has been twice married ; first to Mary E., daughter of George V. R. and Nancy V. Farnum, by whom he had one daughter, Mary Edith; second to Ellen L., daughter of John E. and Cleora Whitney, by
399
PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES.
whom he had two children, Charles W., born December 20, 1869, and Helena J., born June 5, 1877. The son, a worthy and prominent young man, who was married, and resided at home, was accidentally killed while blast- ing rocks, October 21, 1897; the terrible blow nearly prostrated his father, who has been in ill health for some years through a severe injury which badly shat- tered his nervous system.
Mr. Clark is a Republican in politics, but has never sought political office. He is associated with the G. A. R., the Red Men, the American Mechanics, the Daughters of Liberty, Odd Fellows, and the Masonic fraternity, having taken both the Chapter and Commandery degrees in the latter. He has been a member of Marlborough Grange for ten years, serving two years as assistant steward, one year as overseer, three years as master, two years as master of Cheshire County Pomona Grange, and two years on the executive committee. He was also two years vice-president of the Cheshire County Grange Fair Association, and one year president. In religion Mr. Clark is a Baptist, and held the office of deacon sev- eral years.
Mr. Clark is a ready parliamentarian, and an easy speaker, and is at home either in the chair or on the floor in the numerous public gatherings in which he par- ticipates.
HENRY NOYES,
HAMPSTEAD.
The Noyes family has long been among the most prominent and respected in southeastern New Hamp- shire, and the late Edward R. Noyes of Hampstead was one of the best-known and most substantial citizens and successful farmers of that town. His homestead was
HOME OF HENRY NOYES, HAMPSTEAD.
40I
PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES.
located about two miles from the centre village, on the east road, leading to Haverhill, Mass., via Westville, and the same distance from East Hampstead. Here he passed a well-spent life, honored the farmer's calling, and reared a family to habits of industry and thrift.
Henry Noyes, son of Edward R. and Elvira P. Noyes, was born on the homestead, April 11, 1854, and here grew to manhood, receiving such education as the com- mon schools afforded. Early in life he en- tered the employ of his older brother, Leonard, who was located adja- cent to the homestead, and was extensively engaged in business as a butcher, driving through his own and neighboring towns. Subsequently. upon his brother's death, he took the business himself, and materially increas- ed it, doing business in several New Hamp- HENRY NOYES. shire towns, and in Haverhill, Mass., some six miles distant, his sales amounting to about $1,500 per month.
April 27. 1879, he was united in marriage with Ida A. Thomas of Atkinson, and located on the William C. Little farm, which he had purchased, adjoining the homestead, the latter passing upon the father's death into the hands of a younger brother, Wallace. This was known as an excellent farm, and had been kept in a fine state of cultivation for the production of market 26
402
NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.
vegetables, but since passing into the hands of Mr. Noyes has been devoted mainly to stock feeding and milk production, the latter being sold of late to dealers for the Haverhill market. Extensive improvements have been made upon the farm, which includes about 300 acres of land. Rocks and old fences have been removed, the buildings modernized and fitted with all conven- iences, including running water ; and a general appear- ance of thrift and comfort pervades the premises. Mr. Noyes cuts from eighty to one hundred tons of hay, and raises about three hundred bushels of field corn annually. He keeps about thirty head of cattle and fourteen horses, a number of the latter being required in his extensive meat business.
Mr. Noyes is a practical man, always works with a definite object in view, and seldom fails to accomplish his purpose. He ranks with the best farmers in his section, and his social and financial standing is of the highest. In religion he is a Universalist, and in politics a Democrat, but he has never been an aspirant for politi- cal honors. He is a member of Atkinson Grange, No. 143, and has been treasurer of the same.
Mr. and Mrs. Noyes have five children-Edward Moody, Forrest Henry, Lee Wallace, Olive M., and Florence P.
CHARLES H. HAYES & SONS,
PORTSMOUTH.
The most extensive breeders of Ayrshire cattle, and among the largest general farmers in New Hampshire, are Charles H. Hayes & Sons of Portsmouth.
Mr. Hayes is a native of Cambridge, Mass., a son of Charles and Rebecca (Goodwin) Hayes, born Jan. 13, 1835. In 1842 his father removed with his family to
403
PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES.
Portsmouth, buying and locating upon the well-known "Shaw farm," two miles out from the city proper, on the Greenland road, then owned by Capt. Andrew Hus- sey, which he carried on until his death in 1884, his son having been associated with him for many years previ- ous, in the proprietorship and management. The home farm contains about three hundred acres of excellent land, and about two hundred acres of outland have been added.
While general farming has been pursued, stock-rais- ing and market gardening have been the leading fea- tures, and for more than a third of a century Ayrshire cattle have been at the front on the farm. In May, 1873, the barns and entire stock were destroyed by fire, but energy and perseverance soon accomplished restora- tion, and the herd now embraces ninety-two head of cat- tle, most of which are registered animals. In addition to these, some eight or ten horses are also kept. These cattle have all been raised on the farm, and bred with great care. The reputation of the Hayes Ayrshires, indeed, extends over a large section of the country, and sales from the herd are frequently made to parties in the different New England and central, and even Southern and Western states. Exhibits from this stock have attracted marked attention, and won leading prizes at State and New England fairs for many years, fairly sweeping the board in their class at the last New Eng- land fair in Portland-the result of a fixed determina- tion to succeed, formed thirty-two years before, when a solitary third prize only was secured at the same fair in that city. The excellence of these Ayrshires as milk- producing animals is shown from the fact that the aver- age product per head, of the forty-five cows kept on the farm, has been something over six thousand pounds for the year. The milk is sold mainly at wholesale in Ports-
GROUP OF AYRSHIRES, HERD OF CHARLES H. HAYES & SONS, PORTSMOUTH.
405
PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES.
mouth, though a retail milk route has been conducted for years. The surplus now goes to the Portsmouth creamery, recently established. The sales of cattle and milk from the farm, for 1891, amounted to $3,978, and the same for 1894 to $4,390, while the herd was kept good in numbers and quality by the stock raised on the farm.
About two hundred tons of hay are annually cut on the farm and one hundred and twenty-five tons of ensilage put in. For the year 1897 the hay product, including first and second crops, exceeded 250 tons. About forty acres of land are kept under the plow, the larger por- tion of which is devoted to the production of vegetables for the Portsmouth market, of which over twelve hun- dred bushels were stored at Thanksgiving time in 1897, after daily sales throughout the season. Aside from vegetables, from one to two acres of strawberries are also raised. The orcharding on the farm is also exten- sive, a thousand barrels of apples being secured in pro- lific years. About fifteen men are employed on the farm in summer and five or six in winter, the average annual cost of labor being over $2,000.
Mr. Hayes was united in marriage Aug. 24, 1859, with Lucy M., daughter of Washington Sweetser of Portsmouth. They have four children, three sons and a daughter. Charles Sweetser, the eldest son, born July 24, 1862, married Sarah Rebecca, a daughter of Henry Bean of Newington and lives at home. Florence Good- win, the daughter, born July 30, 1867, married Irving O. Cummings, M. D., son of Dr. E. G. Cummings of Con- cord. They reside at Brewster, Mass. Philip Adrian, the youngest son, born Oct. 14, 1870, also resides at home, and with his father and elder brother, is actively engaged in the farm work. H. Percy, the second son, born Sept. 8, 1869, is now managing the Portsmouth creamery, recently established.
406
NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.
Mr. Hayes is a Congregationalist and a Republican, and has served in both branches of the Portsmouth city government.
CHARLES E. SMITH,
NEWFIELDS.
If the traveler who was wont to stop at the Kimball House in Dover back in the " seventies " (and most dis- criminating travelers who visited that city in those days did so), were to leave the Concord & Portsmouth train at Littlefield's crossing, some day, and follow the highway a quarter of a mile to the north, he would come to a modest set of buildings on a two-hundred acre farm, and, seeking out the master of the premises, might be surprised to find in his person the same bluff, stalwart, genial and jovial Charles E. Smith, whose hearty greet- ing as landlord of the Kimball House is still remembered with pleasure by all who called it forth, and he would be welcomed as cordially as in those other days.
Mr. Smith is now on his " native heath," his farm being a part of the old homestead on which he was born, as well as his father and grandfather before him, the place having been owned in the family for several generations. He is a son of the late Daniel R. and Deborah B. ( Wig- gin) Smith, born January 5, 1831. He was reared on the farm and devoted his early life to farm labor, aiding in clearing up many of the acres which he now occupies. In the fall of 1862, however, he abandoned agriculture, and went into business in a grocery store at the village of South Newmarket, now Newfields, where he con- tinued two years and then went into a hotel in the same place, which he managed five years, going thence to the Kimball House, before mentioned, in Dover, which he conducted most successfully for more than ten years.
407
PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES.
While in Dover, Mr. Smith, who has always been a zealous Republican, devoted considerable attention to politics, in which he had already taken more or less interest. He served for some time as chief engineer of the fire department, and was elected to the state senate from the Dover district at the first biennial election, in November, I878. Returning to South Newmarket in 1881, he has since giv- en his attention to agri- culture, though resid- ing for some years at the village, adjacent to which he has a large tract of land, which he cultivates, as well as the farm upon which he has made his home for two or three years CHARLES E. SMITH. past. He pursues mix- ed farming, with no particular specialty, and takes solid comfort in the hon- est toil incident to the farmer's vocation.
Mr. Smith has been for several years a member of South Newmarket Grange, and master of the same the past year. He is also a member and past chancellor of Pioneer Lodge No. I, K. of P., at Newmarket. He is the present moderator of the town of Newfields, and has held most of the offices in the gift of his townsmen, including that of representative as far back as 1868, before his removal to Dover.
December 7, 1865, he was united in marriage with A. Augusta Burley, a sister of Harrison G. Burley of New- market, whose cheerful companionship he still enjoys.
PUBLISHER'S NOTE.
The printing of this volume was commenced in the summer of 1896, beginning with the main body of the work -- the " Personal and Farm Sketches "-opening at page 49, and has continued to December, 1897, such progress being made as the preparation of sketches and the securing of pictures for illustration has permitted, no little delay having been occasioned many times by difficulty and disappointment in the latter. direction. The work being in press for so long a time, it happens that the situation is now different with reference to some subjects from what was the case at the time the matter referring thereto was printed. For instance, Mr. John C. Morrison of Bosca- wen, one of the first subjects, is now deceased, having passed away some time after that portion of the book in which his sketch appears, was sent to press. In two or three other instances members of the families of other subjects, who have been referred to as living, have since died ; while in other cases, men spoken of as holding certain positions at time of writing have subsequently retired therefrom, and some now hold positions which they did not occupy when written of and the matter was sent to press. This explanation is made to remove what might otherwise be a well founded suspicion of carelessness in the preparation of the work.
C
APR 75
N. MANCHESTER. INDIANA
1
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.