Alstead New Hampshire

Biographical Sketch of Dea. Jeremiah Howard

Dea. Jeremiah Howard, from Ipswich, Mass., came to Langdon, with his wife and three children, in 1783 or ‘8q.. He took up wild land, built a log house, and reared a family of four sons and five daughters. Stephen, his first born in Langdon, spent his life on the old farm, reared seven children, and died in 1873. aged eighty-seven years. When Stephen became of age, his father bought the land where Alstead village now is, and built a saw and grist-mill where the Holmes mill now is, though a mill had previously been built there,. by Mr. Towne. In … Read more

Biographical Sketch of George W. Kilburn

George W. Kilburn came to Alstead when a young man, married Lovina Marvin, December 31. 1820, and died November 29, 1880, surviving his wife from November 18, 1878. Of their six children, Alfred, Mary L., Maria, Frank, Cyrus, and Josephine, two are living.

Biography of Albert S. Wait

Albert S. Wait, of Newport, the oldest lawyer in active practice in Sullivan County, was born in Chester, Windsor County, Vt., April 14, 1821, son of Daniel and Cynthia (Reed) Wait. His grandfather, John Wait, was among the early settlers of Mason, N.H. John moved to Weston, Vt., and was a sturdy farmer of that Green Mountain town and a highly respected member of the community. He died in Weston at a good old age. His children were: James, John Sumner, Daniel Amos, Lucinda, and Mrs. Davis. Daniel Wait, who followed the trade of blacksmith, was a Brigadier-general in the … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Azel Hatch

Asa, Reuben, and Jude Hatch, brothers, all of whom had served in the Revolution, came to Alstead, from Tolland, Conn., at an early day. Azel, son of Reuben, was seven years of age when his parents came here, and subsequently located on road z5, upon the farm now occupied by his grandson, also named Azel. He held a captain’s commission during the war of 1812. His wife, Rhoda Williams, bore him twelve children, ten of whom attained a mature age, and six of whom are now living. He bore an active part in town affairs, was selectman twenty-seven years, representative … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Benjamin Proctor

Benjamin Proctor came to Alstead, from Ipswich, Mass., and settled in the southwestern part of the town, on lands owned by H. G. Barnes, of Walpole. He lived upon this place for many years, and then moved upon the farm now owned by Ezra Webster, where he died, March 23, 1854, aged eighty-six years. He married Susannah Lowe, who died April 5, 1858, aged eight-five years. Only two of his ten children are living, Ebenezer and Louisa. The latter married Philip Wheeler. Ebenezer was born November 17, 1805, and married Anna K., daughter of Daniel Bird. She was born in … Read more

East Alstead, Cheshire County NH

EAST ALSTEAD (p. o.) is a hamlet located about 1 mile from the east line of the town, near Warren pond, and consists of one street running north and south, bordered by a Congregational church, one store, and about a dozen dwellings. Just west of this, however, upon the outlet of the pond, is a hamlet containing three mills, a grocery and ten or twelve dwellings, where quite an extensive lumber business is carried on.

Early Manufacturing, Alstead New Hampshire

Messer Bros.’ turning and planing mill, located in East Alstead, was built for a grist and carding mill, about 100 years ago. About 1862 it came into the possession of William H. Messer, and of the present owners in 1881. They employ six hands in the manufacture of baby-carriage spokes, sapspouts, pails, knife handles, etc. E. P Kidder’s saw-mill and rake factory, located it East Alstead, was originally built for a starch factory, by a Mr. Kidder about fifty years ago, and came into the present proprietor’s hands in 1858. He employs six men and manufactures about 100,000 feet of … Read more

Alstead, Cheshire County, New Hampshire History

Alstead, Cheshire county, New Hampshire, with an area of 24,756 acres, lies in the extreme northern part of Cheshire county, in 43º 6′ of north latitude, and longitude 4º 48′ east from Washington, bounded north by Sullivan county, east by Marlow, south by Gilsum and Surry, and west by Walpole and a part of Sullivan county. The territory now lying within its limits was originally granted by Gov. Benning Wentworth, probably in 1761. This history entails sketches of early industry, churches, military, and benevolent societies, as well as biographies and sketches of the early settlers. History of Alstead, New Hampshire … Read more

General History of Alstead New Hampshire

ALSTEAD, with an area of 24,756 acres, lies in the extreme northern part of the county, in 43° 6′ of north latitude, and longitude 4° 48′ east from Washington,* bounded north by Sullivan county, east by Marlow, south by Gilsum and Surry, and west by Walpole and a part of Sullivan county. The territory now lying within its limits was originally granted by Gov. Benning Wentworth, probably in 1761. He at that time granted charters for seventy-eight townships, lying on both sides of the Connecticut, principally for the purpose of establishing a claim to the territory in the then unsettled … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Elijah Towne

Elijah Towne came to Alstead, after having previously lived in Weathersfield, Vt., Windsor, Vt., and also in Munson, Mass. He married Miriam Lane, and had born to him ten children, five of whom are living. Of these Samaria married Dean Towne and lives in Worcester, Mass. Miriam married Richard Blodgett and lives in Claremont, N. H. Marcia married William Ellis and also lives in Claremont. Elisha lives in Keene, and Salem in Walpole. Mr. Townsend died here at the age of eighty-four years.

Methodist Church Alstead New Hampshire

A Methodist class was in existence at East Alstead previous to 1820. A house of worship was built in 1839, and a church constituted, which at one time had fifty members. The organization continued until about 1865, when, the membership having become so greatly decreased, preaching was discontinued, and the membership transferred to Marlow church. Their church building, a brick structure, was sold and remodeled into a store. Mr. Samuel M. Kidder was connected with this society longer than any other person now living.

Benjamin Willis Genealogy

Benjamin1 Willis, who d. at Keene, Mar. 22, 1820, aged 80, was probably the father of Benjamin2, 1, of Sullivan. 1. Benjamin2 Willis, son of Benjamin1, was a farmer and res. Keene and Sullivan; d. in Sullivan, Aug. 26, 1837, aged 75; m. Mar. 17, 1785, Annis Briggs b. Norton, Mass., Sept. 25, 1759, d. Sullivan, Jan. 22, 1831; dau. of Elisha and Mary Briggs of Keene. Ch. b. Keene: Mary3 (christened Polly), b. Mar. 17, 1785; m. John Newman (q. v.) Sarah3, b. 1789; m. Robert. Hall (q. v.) Annis3, b. May 25, 1794. Asenath3, b. unk.; d. Keene, … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Samuel Chandler

Samuel Chandler, from Enfield, Mass., came to this town with his two brothers, Joel and Zebulon, in 1767. Samuel located in the southwestern part of the town, was one of the first selectmen, and died in 1784. His son James, born here in 1771, died in 1857. James bore an active part in town affairs, holding the office of selectman, justice of the peace, etc. His son Lyman now resides here, an ex-town clerk. Nathan, son of Joel, married Esther Marvin and reared three children, Samuel, Polly, and John M. He died in 1824. His widow became the wife of … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Russell Tinker

Russell Tinker, born at Lempster, N. H., in June, 1818, located in Marlow when eighteen years of age, where he remained until 1866, then purchased his present farm in this town, on road 14. He has held the office of selectman three years and has also served as supervisor.- He married Mare. daughter of Jonathan Jefts, of Stoddard, November 16, 1841, and has two sons who reside in Alstead.

Biographical Sketch of Nathaniel D. Messer

Nathaniel D. Messer was an early settler in the town, and resided here until his death, having raised a large family. One son, William H., died here in 1881. He was engaged in the manufacture of wooden-ware, rakes, etc., where his son, Frank D., now carries on the same business.

Abbe-Abbey Genealogy

A genealogical dictionary of the first settlers of New England vol 1

The “Abbe-Abbey Genealogy” serves as a comprehensive and meticulously compiled homage to the heritage of the Abbe and Abbey families, tracing its roots back to John Abbe and his descendants. Initiated by the life-long passion of Professor Cleveland Abbe, this genealogical exploration began in his youth and expanded throughout his illustrious career, despite numerous challenges. It encapsulates the collaborative efforts of numerous family members and researchers, including significant contributions from individuals such as Charles E. Abbe, Norah D. Abbe, and many others, each bringing invaluable insights and data to enrich the family’s narrative.

Biographical Sketch of Col. Cyrus Kingsbury

Col. Cyrus Kingsbury, from Worcester, Mass., came to Alstead in 1785. He married, first Annas S. Taynter, and second, Philete Partridge, rearing five sons and one daughter. He held a military commission for a considerable time, served as deacon of the Baptist church, and represented the town a number of years, and finally, in 1814, removed to Bloomfield, N. Y., where he soon after died. His family returned to Alstead. Cyrus, Jr., the only child of the Colonel’s first wife, though a cripple from his birth and ever afflicted with ill health, graduated at Brown University. R. a.. and subsequently … Read more

Amos Wood Genealogy

1. Amos2 Wood, son of Joshua1 and Esther (Esty) Wood, was b. in Keene, June 16, 1794; d. Wilton, June 12, 1873; was a farmer and lived in Keene, Walpole and Wilton. He was a Deacon in the Congregational church of Walpole. He m. (1), Sept. 23, 1817, Fanny Seward, b. Sullivan, Nov. 13, 1794, d. Walpole, Sept. 19, 1848; dau. of Dea. Josiah and Sarah (Osgood) Seward of S. He m. (2), Mar 20, 1850. Pamelia Wightman, b. Walpole (?), 1795, d. there, Nov. 16, 1854; dau. of Israel and Frances (Allen) Wightman; m. (3), Apr. 16, 1858, Mrs. … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Isaac Cady

Isaac Cady, from Pomfret, Conn., came to Alstead about 1763-64, settling with his wife upon a farm at East Alstead, she being the first white woman to locate in the town. Mr. Cady became a Revolutionary soldier, and won a prominent place in the estimation of his townsmen. His son Joseph spent his life here as a farmer and reared a family of six, only two of whom, William and James B., residing on road 39, are living. The latter resides with his son, F. 0., who served the town as selectman in 1883.

Biographical Sketch of James Spencer

James Spencer was born at Springfield, Vt., in May, 1819. He learned the blacksmith trade there, married Susan M. McCrae. and reared two children, J. H. and Susan A. The former is a blacksmith in Keene, and the latter is the wife of H. P. Ware and resides in Alstead. James came to Alstead about 1846 and was engaged in the blacksmith business here. He was a celebrated clarionet player and died February 18, 1883. His widow resides in Keene, aged sixty-three years.