USA > New Hampshire > Merrimack County > Sutton > The history of Sutton, New Hampshire : consisting of the historical collections of Erastus Wadleigh, Esq., and A. H. Worthen, part 1 > Part 4
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Wadleigh, Sen., married Jonathan Carr, of Canaan, N. H. He soon died, leaving her with two small children, who soon died also. Hannah, another daughter of Benjamin Wadleigh, Sen., married Joseph Bean, had three children, two of whom sur- vived her. Judith, third daughter of Benjamin Wadleigh, Sen., married Ebenezer Towle, and moved to Canada. Little is known of her pos- terity.
Jonathan Wadleigh was an elder brother of Ben- jamin, Sen., was a tax-payer in Sutton in 1779. He afterwards removed to Northfield, N. H .- an early pioneer in the settlement of that town: set- tled on Bean hill, and afterward on Bay hill. He was father of Judge Peter Wadleigh, of North- field, and had several other sons and some daugh- ters. He was three times married. His first wife died in Sutton, leaving an infant son a few days old. Jonathan Wadleigh died in 1833, being quite aged.
Dolly, fourth daughter of Benjamin Wadleigh, Sen., died early, without issue.
Susan, fifth daughter of Benjamin Wadleigh, Sen., married John Pillsbury, Esq., and they had four sons and one daughter, viz., Simon W., George A., John S., and Benjamin F., now all res- ident in Minnesota, and Dolly, who married Enoch P. Cummings, of Concord, N. H., and deceased leaving one son, Charles. Mrs. Susan (Wadleigh) Pillsbury died May 2, 1879, in the 85th year of her age.
Benjamin Wadleigh, Sen., was the first man in Sutton who received the appointment of justice of
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HISTORY OF SUTTON.
the peace. He was moderator of most of the town- meetings for the first twenty-five years, and occu- pied a leading position in town. In 1798 he was appointed assistant assessor of direct tax under Col. Ebenezer Webster, of Salisbury, father of Daniel Webster. He was not, however, much inclined to assume official responsibilities, except in cases of necessity. He died in 1817, in the full vigor of life, in his 69th year. He was the youngest at the time of his death of the nine Wadleigh brothers. His death was occasioned by a slight wound on the knee, in which he "took cold," as the term is, so that inflammation set in followed by mortification and rapid death.
Jonathan Davis came to Sutton soon after Ben- jamin Wadleigh, and settled where P. N. Little resides. He had a family of eight children, viz., Jonathan, Hannah, David, Sally, Nabby, Philip, Polly, Phebe. The three first were born before moving into town. Jonathan, Jr., had a large family, and died here at the age of 86 years. Philip died in Charlton, Vt., aged about 92 years. David, the father of Col. Nathaniel A. Davis, resided in town during most of his life; married a daughter of Rev. Samuel Ambrose, and died at the age of 91 years.
Jonathan Davis, Sen., died suddenly, beside the road near his own house, about 1800. His wife survived him many years. Her death was hastened by a fall after she was 90 years of age. She was noted for piety and industry. Some of their de- scendants are living in this town.
Ebenezer Kesar settled near the entrance of the
Mrs. Hannah Sargent Harvey.
Mathew Harvey, Senior.
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stream into Kesar's pond, which takes its name from him. It is not certain that he came directly from his native place, Haverhill, Mass., to this town, but he had spent most of his life there, and there his ancestors had resided from a very early period in the history of this country. Being a man of immense bodily and mental activity, he was just the person to aid and encourage the settlers, as well as to do his own share of the hard work in this remote, rocky wilderness. Indeed, it was said of him by an early writer of sketches of some of our town's ancient fathers, that "he soon became a master spirit among them." He had some means at his command. He was old enough to have acquired considerable experience in life (his son Simon, who came here when he did, had already a family of his own), and he had most wonderful and ver- satile capability.
Matthew Harvey, at the age of 22, came here from Nottingham, and settled where his grand- daughters, Mrs. Watson and Mrs. Knowlton, now live. Like all our early settlers, his wealth con- sisted of his mental and physical powers. He remained unmarried till 1779, when he married Hannah Sargent, of Weare. Soon purchased more land and employed help, and took the lead in farm- ing. He was possessed of sound judgment; was sagacious and industrions in his financial business. He was a man of piety, and upon the formation of a church was its first deacon; made justice of the peace in 1798. He was the first representative from town in 1798. He died in 1799, aged 49, the wealthiest man in town, leaving five sons,-Jona-
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HISTORY OF SUTTON.
than, Matthew, Philip, John, and Benjamin W .; also, two daughters,-Susan, who married Joseph Emerson of Hopkinton, and Hannah, who amarried Dr. William Dinsmore, of Henniker. Seven years after the death of her first husband, Matthew Har- vey, Mrs. Harvey married for second husband Esq. Thomas Bailey, of Hopkinton, by whom she had one son, John Milton Bailey, who died in Hopkin- ton, aged 80, in 1886. She died Nov. 8, 1827, aged 66.
Matthew Harvey was a native of Amesbury, Mass., where his ancestors had resided since a very early period in the town's history. His wife was also of Amesbury stock, being a descendant in the sixth degree from William Sargent, the emigrant ancestor, who settled in Amesbury in 1643.
Jonathan Harvey was the eldest son of Matthew Harvey, Sen., being born in Sutton on the home farm of his father in 1780, and dying on the same homestead eighty years afterwards. This home- stead farm, his inheritance, contained about 500 acres of land, subject to the dower of his mother. In 1806 he married Ruth, eldest daughter of Thomas Wadleigh, Esq. Immediately after be- coming of age he began to take the lead in the politics of the town, by general consent and popu- lar favor stepping easily into the place made vacant so recently by the somewhat early death of his father. Was chosen selectman, town-clerk, and representative. In a few years he became a leading politician of the state. He was president of the state senate six years, from 1817 to 1823; he was a member of the council in 1823-'24; was elected
Hon. Jonathan Harvey
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member of congress three successive terms. Sub- sequently he was chosen member of the state legis- lature. He was never defeated at the polls in any office for which he was a candidate. He was a prom- inent candidate for U. S. senator in 1834, but was defeated by Henry Hubbard. This was his first and only political disappointment, and, in the opinion of his friends, was to be attributed chiefly to the deaf- ness which was fast growing upon him, so as to somewhat obscure the clearness of his mental capac- ities. In 1836 he was elector of president and vice-president. In his meridian he was of pleasing address, social and humorous, free from ostenta- tion, and familiar with all. He had a perfect physical organization in size and form, with an attractive and intelligent countenance, and pos- sessed remarkable conversational powers. He had the confidence of his fellow-townsmen, and was usually selected as referee in law-suits. About the last case in which he acted in this capacity was when a dispute had arisen as to the ownership of a crop of rye. By a previous contract with the
then owner of the land, the party sowing the rye was to have the crop, but the owner of the land sold the same without reservation. The purchaser of the land claimed the crop as being a part of the realty, under the statute. In making his decision as referee, his mind being strongly in favor of the party sowing the rye, who was a poor man, Jona- than Harvey disregarded the statute, and stated that there was a "higher law " which said that " whatso- ever a man soweth that shall he reap," and that the state of New Hampshire could not revoke the law
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HISTORY OF SUTTON.
of God. In his active, useful, honored life, Mr. Harvey found many warm admirers. He was a favorite with Gov. Hill, who used to ask the ques- tion in the Patriot, "Have you seen Jonathan Harvey?" The brightness of his latter days was much obscured by mental and physical debility. He became lame in consequence of a fall, and after that seldom left home except on election days. He died in 1859, leaving his paternal homestead to his posterity, by whom it is now possessed.
Matthew Harvey, 2d, was the second son of Dea. Matthew Harvey, born in 1781. Graduated at Dartmouth college in 1806, being the first gradu- ate from Sutton. He subsequently studied law, and settled in practice in Hopkinton. In 1818 he was speaker of the house of representatives. Ref- erence to the foregoing sketch of Jonathan Har- vey will show that during those years both branches of the legislature were presided over by two broth- ers, Jonathan and Matthew Harvey, at the same time. In 1823, Matthew Harvey was chosen mem- ber of congress; in 1825, president of the state sen- ate; in 1828 and 1829, councillor; in 1830, elected governor. During this year he was appointed by Gen. Jackson U. S. district judge of New Hamp- shire, which office he held until his death in 1866, aged 85 years. No man in this state has dis- charged the duties of this office so long and accept- ably to the people, and so honorably to himself, as Matthew Harvey. While in his advanced age, no one wished to occupy his place without his volun- tary resignation of it. As an attorney, it was said of him that he was a good adviser and judge of law.
Hon. Matthew Harvey.
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He preferred to compromise and settle suits with- out going to trial, and frequently looked more for the advantage of his client than for himself. He was genial, social, and kind-hearted, and was much beloved by his acquaintances. On occasions of public gatherings he was often selected to preside. The death of his wife preceded his two years. He had one daughter, Margaret Elizabeth, who died aged 21 years, and one son, Frederic R., gradu- ated at Union college, became a physician, went to Clinton, La., and died there leaving a family.
Col. Philip S. Harvey, third son of Dea. Matthew, was always resident in Sutton. His paternal inher- itance was mostly in real estate. In his early days lived at the North Village. Built there, and for some years was a trader. Married Mary, daughter of Rev. Job Seamans, of New London. He was a military officer, and was colonel of the 30th Reg't N. H. militia, and was a prominent man in town. His death ocurred at the age of 70 years. His wife survived him several years; no descendants living, his only child being a daughter, Mary, crip- pled from her birth-never married.
Col. John Harvey, fourth son of Dea. Matthew, was born in 1788; died suddenly in 1850, aged 62 years. Was not fond of farming. Sold his pater- nal inheritance, and learned a mechanical trade, at which he worked .more or less through life. Was a man of public business. Was selectman, deputy sheriff, and was land surveyor for many years. At one time owned the mills on the falls above Mill Village. Lived mostly at North Village. He had one son, Matthew Harvey, of Newport, editor of
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HISTORY OF SUTTON.
the Argus & Spectator; also several daughters. His wife, Sally, daughter of Dea. Joseph Greeley, died in 1876, aged 88 years, 3 months.
Benjamin W. Harvey, youngest son of Dea. Matthew, resided many years in the state of New York. Returned to Sutton, and lived here several years. Removed to Concord, where he died. Had a numerous family. Some of his sons have been extensively connected with carriage manufacturing in Concord and elsewhere.
Silas Russell came to Sutton from Jaffrey, settled where his grandsons Aaron and Seth Russell live. He had several sons, Seth, Levi, and Amos ; one daughter married Jonathan Wadleigh. He served in the Revolutionary War for Sutton. He was a prominent citizen of Sutton, and a thrifty farmer. His oldest son, Seth, lived on the homestead, and died there at the age of 82 years. The other sons of Silas Russell left town soon after becoming of age.
Benjamin Philbrook, Sen., was somewhat ad- vanced in life when he came to Sutton. Joseph Johnson, Ensign Phineas Stevens, and Thomas Walker, married his daughters. His wife died in 1813, aged 100 years and 12 days. His son Benja- min lived where Converse Gage now resides, and had several sons, who left town before his decease. But few of his descendants now live in this town.
Ile held several town offices, but, by those who were boys at the time he operated here, was more particularly known and long remembered as the Tythingman.
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Capt. William Pressey, the progenitor of the Presseys in town, came here from Haverhill, Mass. Settled where his grandson, Capt. William Pres- sey, lived and died a few years ago.
We find by town records that he was selectman in 1780 ; served as first captain in the militia in town. He built a log house, which was burned; and he built a framed house (the first framed house in town) on the same location, and resided there till his death in 1812. Was a man of much energy, self-reliant, and a successful farmer. His wife is represented as having been a fine looking, agreeable, intelligent, and pious lady. She survived her hus- band many years, and died at the age of 84. Capt. Pressey had two sons, Capt. Amos Pressey and John Pressey; also several daughters.
Capt. Amos Pressey was an active business man ; was deputy sheriff for more than twenty years ; also was constable and collector for many years. He was frequently moderator of town-meetings, for which office he was remarkably well qualified. He was a large, stout man, possessed of a liberal share of humor and ready wit combined with keen per- ceptive faculties and good judgment. Many are the amusing anecdotes related of him, and some of his peculiarly witty speeches are yet remembered. He died in 1839, and his wife survived him many years, she dying at the age of 88. They had a large family, some of them yet living in town.
John Pressey, Esq., only brother of Capt. Amos, was born in Sutton in 1777. Resided on the home- stead farm of his father till about 60 years of age, when he moved to Mill Village, where he
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HISTORY OF SUTTON.
died, aged 81 years. Esq. Pressey was somewhat different from his brother in some of his character -. isties,-unassuming, candid, and gentlemanly in his deportment, cautious and sagacious in the management of his business. Was chosen to most offices in the gift of his townsmen, the duties of which he discharged to the acceptance of the town and with honor to himself. His brother Amos used to say of him, that "the trusts and honors, of which he received so liberal a share, were due not so much to his superior ability as to his good manners"- a remark which, if heeded, might be to the profit of many a young man.
Esq. John Pressey's son William received from his father the old homestead, and made it his resi- dence. His son Carlos G. Pressey has been a trader and prominent citizen of Sutton ; has served as town-clerk, post-master, and representative. Now resides in Concord, N. H. Esq. Pressey had one daughter, who married Ebenezer Andrew, and they were parents of Ruth M. Andrew, who married Rev. Robert Stinson, who was chaplain in the late war, and died much lamented soon after his return from the army. Was chaplain of the Sixth regi- ment N. H. Vols.
Pain Tongue and Jeremiah Davis lived at the top of Pound hill east of the brick-yard, they living together. Davis had a family, but Pain Tongue never married. After living here some years, they removed together to Grantham, N. H.
In 1779 the annual town-meeting was held at the house of Pain Tongue, and also for several years. subsequent. It was perhaps as compensation for
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EARLY SETTLERS.
this accommodation that in 1780 the town, accord- ing to the early record, voted to give Pain Tongue his rate for his head. It was customary to excuse men from paying taxes for poll after they had be- come infirm by age or otherwise. Men were not excused by law from paying poll tax after 70 years of age till 1789.
Among the children of Jeremiah Davis were Moses, Isaac, Samuel, William, Susanna, Daniel, and John. Moses was the only one who did not accompany the family to Grantham. He remained in Sutton, married Anna, daughter of Jacob Davis, and had a large family. He was somewhat eccen- tric. Was not fond of labor, rather inclined to go to law, illiterate, fond of dogs in which he traded. For a long time his peculiar ways and manners made him a good subject of amusement for the young men of the time and locality.
He had a passion for ardent spirits, in which he sometimes indulged too freely, and at such times he was wont to exhibit more than his ordinary wit. As a specimen, at one time Elder Ambrose found him lying in the road unable to help himself. "Mr. Davis," said the minister, "I am sorry to see you so much out of the way." "Not so," said Davis, in instant response, "I am right in the way, and can't get out of it."
He was sometimes quarrelsome, but could rarely be made to believe he had been beaten, or, rather, the more he was beaten the more his strength and physical powers would seem to increase. His en- durance was indeed remarkable. Moses Davis was in the War of 1812. 4
.
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HISTORY OF SUTTON.
Daniel Messer came here from Amesbury, Mass., in 1776, with a wife and eight children ; and three more were born in this town. He settled where Moses Hazen, Esq., resided at the time of his death and several years previously. Daniel Messer also owned several adjoining lots of land. He was con- stable and moderator of town-meeting in 1779, sub- sequently selectman, and held other offices in town. The names of his children were,-Sarah who mar- ried Reuben Gile, Thomas, Hannah who married Isaac Masten, Isaac, John, Jenny who married Whittier Perkins of Sunapee, Adam, Abigail who married Nathan Phelps, Phebe who married Israel Andrew, Elizabeth who married Benjamin Masten, born 1779, died 1875 in her 97th year, James who had the homestead farm. This family were distin- guished for regularity of life, industry, economy, and longevity.
Benjamin Masten, from whom have descended the Mastens in this town, came here from Litchfield ; but he was originally from Amesbury, Mass. He settled near Daniel Messer's. He had lived here but a short time before he and his wife died, leaving a family, among whom were Jacob, nearly of age, Asa, Thomas, Isaac, and Phebe. Jacob and Isaac lived here till death, both being at an advanced age, leaving numerous descendants.
David Eaton lived near the Woodward farm, and for many years was an active, influential citizen. He died here in 1806, aged 66 years. It is believed that he has no descendants living here.
Samuel Andrew settled near the Burpee farm ; was a tailor by trade, being lame. The names of
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his children were Daniel, Mary, Nathan, Samuel, John, Israel, Sarah, Hannah, Perley, and Betsey. After remaining in town nearly twenty years, he moved into Newbury adjoining Sutton, but most of his sons resided here. Daniel lived at Mill Village, owned mills and a farm which he improved. Mar- ried a daughter of Moses Quimby, and had a family. Moved to Salisbury a few years before his death, and died there.
Joseph Wadleigh one of the nine Wadleigh brothers, who were early settlers in Perrystown; lived on what is now called the Dodge or Coburn place; owned several lots of land; served as select- man and constable. Was a man of great strength and energy. He left town about 1800, with a wife and eleven children, and settled in New York. Little is known of him since he left.
Ensign Phineas Stevens lived where Moses P. Cheney now lives (1881). Was a prominent, useful citizen; was large and muscular, and possessed good common-sense as well as great physical powers. He died in this town at the age of 90 years. The names of his children were Benjamin, Asa, Joseph, James, Oliver, John, Betsey, Mehitable, Susan, Dolly. Dolly married Joseph Roby; died at Chi- chester Aug. 20, 1887, aged 92 yrs. 4 days.
Capt. George Marden was one of the selectmen in 1781-'82. Had previously been constable. Little otherwise is known of him.
Jonathan Roby lived on Birch hill in 1779, as is shown by the town record that this year the town voted to lay him out a road. Mr. Roby and his sons were noted as being stout, muscular men. Jonathan
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HISTORY OF SUTTON.
Roby was selectman and constable, and was deemed a worthy and reliable man. Was a successful farmer. Most of his progeny have left town.
Samuel Roby and wife were, with the exception of one family, the progenitors of the Robys in this town. He died in 1790, aged 86 years,-of course was born in 1704. Probably his birth was previous to that of any other person who has ever lived in town, and he was an old man in 1779. His offspring are numerous, and quite a number of them are living in town and vicinity. He died at his son Ichabod's. He was much older than his wife, who survived him. His name was spelled Robee. His tax was 16. 18s. 7d. Jonathan Roby's tax, 4.6. 10s.
Jonathan Nelson, the ancestor of all the Nelsons in this town, among whom are (1881) sixteen legal voters, the most of any name in Sutton ; settled here about 1776, and owned the Mill Lot near Mill Village. He was more than fifty years of age when he came here from Rowley, Mass., with his sons, Asa and Philip. In his latter days he lived with them, and died in 1801 aged 77 years. His wife died soon after. He was here clearing roads, with one of his sons, in 1769.
Dea. Asa Nelson, son of the above Jonathan, lived on the farm now owned by his grandson, Mark Nelson (1880). Dea. Nelson was a worthy and highly esteemed citizen. His counsel was sought both in civil and religious affairs, was an exemplary man, a promoter of good morals and manners. He served as selectman, constable, and committee to lay out roads, and also was on other committees. He was sometimes styled Lieut. Nelson, having
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EARLY SETTLERS.
been a military officer. His descendants are worthy and respectable people, many of them living in town.
Philip Nelson resided near his brother Asa's; married a daughter of Moses Quimby, and had a large family. His eldest son, Moses, was an enter- prising and successful farmer. Seven of his sons were in 1880 legal voters in this town. Philip and Jonathan Nelson, two of his sons, left town before their deaths. His youngest son, William, died at Mill Village, not very many years ago, leaving a wife and two children. One daughter married Dea. Ezekiel Little, had several children, and died while they were young.
Moses Quimby settled on the Sanborn farm, Mill Village. It was subsequently owned by Daniel Andrew. Mr. Quimby had several daughters, but no son. He died in 1797. His wife survived him till 1817. She was a very useful woman in town, and, with Mrs. Cornelius Bean, had the care of the sick. They obtained their remedies from the vegetable kingdom, and were highly successful, as is shown by the fact that before they ceased their practice, on account of old age, the town attained the greatest population it ever reached.
Ezra Jones settled near the Luther Dresser place, and made and owned the first mill in town. IIe had several sons and daughters. It is believed that none of his progeny now live in town.
Abraham Peasley, son of David, and brother of Samuel Peasley, lived where Samuel Peasley resides, and on the farm of Andrew Peasley, a grandson. The names of Abraham's children were Benaiah, born in 1780, Hannah, Phebe, Martha,
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HISTORY OF SUTTON.
Polly, Sarah, Abraham, Dorothy, John, and Susan- na, the last born in 1801. Mr. Peasley was a thrifty farmer, and a useful, industrious citizen. He died suddenly in 1815. His wife survived him many years. She had a strong and retentive memory, and in her last days was able to supply, from her early experience and knowledge, some important facts, which are incorporated in this history-facts not only regarding her own experiences, but those of other early inhabitants of Sutton.
Joseph Johnson settled and lived through life on the farm since owned by Francis Robbins, called the Johnson farm. Mr. Johnson came here early from Kingston, or Hampstead, and was one of the selectmen in 1779; was a forehanded farmer, and was the first man taxed for money at interest in town. The names of his children were Joseph, Hen- ry, Sarah, Stephen, Moses, Susanna, Asa, Nabby, Syrena, and Moody. In 1880, the last survivor of this large family was Moses, then living in Clare- mont, having been born in 1789. His son Daniel W. Johnson is agent of the Monadnock Mills and president of the Sullivan Savings Institution, and is a man of wealth and influence.
Jonathan Johnson came here about the same time as his brother Joseph (the preceding). Lived where his son Jonathan lately lived. Was a prom- inent and successful farmer; a man of sound judg- ment in all the practical duties of life. Was a lead- ing man in town; for many years one of the board of selectmen, and coroner, and held other offices. His children were,-Judith who married John Blais- dell, Jonathan who died in 1807, Polly, Hannah,
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