Alstead New Hampshire

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 Thomas Wood

Thomas Wood, of English descent, came from Brookfield, Mass., to Alstead in March, 1780. He married Molly Taylor, of Hopkinton, Mass., by whom he had seven sons and three daughters. He took an active part in the Revolution and was at the battles of Bunker Hill and White Plains. His sons were Thomas, Samuel, John, Benjamin, Joseph, William and James. Edwin, son of Benjamin, Jr., was born while his parents were in Orange, Grafton, Co., but was brought to Alstead in childhood and has since resided here, being now, at the age of seventy-two years, the only male descendant of … Read more

Biographical Sketch of John Turner

John Turner, from Mansfield, located in Walpole at an early day and died in this town in 1860. His son John G., born in Walpole in 1810, came to Alstead in 1844, and for about ten years drove a stage between Charlestown and Marlow. Since 1847 he has been actively engaged in farming. His son E. A. is the present chairman of the board of selectmen and has served the town as representative.

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 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

Biographical Sketch of John Banks

John Banks, progenitor of the Banks family in Alstead, was in the employ of Nathaniel S. Prentiss, and came with him from Grafton, Mass., in 1774 he married Susan Prentiss and reared a large family of children, one of whom was the father of Gen. N. P. Banks, of Waltham, Mass. Two sons of John,-Andrew and Jabez M., spent their lives in Alstead. Andrew married Fannie Livermore, resided on a farm on road 36, reared eight children, and died in 1876, aged 83 years. His son Gardner G. has been engaged in the manufacture of lumber at the outlet of … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Emerson Smith

Emerson Smith came to Alstead, from Hollis, N. H., about 1800, being formerly a resident of Maine, and a carpenter by trade. His son, Ralph E., was born at Hollis in 1791. He learned the clothier’s trade and carried on the business here for a number of years. He married Bia, daughter of Esq Moses Hale, reared eight children, and died in 1854, aged sixty-three yea. Of his three sons, two are living, Moses H., in Nebraska, and George H., to Harrisonville, both of whom served in the late war. Two daughters of Ralph E. are living, Maria L. Woodward, … 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.

Baptist Church of Alstead New Hampshire

In December 1790, a Calvinist Baptist church was organized at the Center, which became quite large and was for many years very prosperous. At length, in connection with the Universalist society, formed in May, 1820, they erected a church building at Alstead village and finally became extinct.

Biographical Sketch of Azel R. Emerson

Azel R. Emerson, son of Hazen, and grandson of Richard, who came t Alstead from Haverhill, Mass., in 1786, was born December 29, 1822. H lived with his father upon the farm until twenty-one years of age, taught school two terms, and in 1847 started, with O. F. Beckwith, the first iron foundry and plow manufactory in Alstead. In 1849 he purchased Mr. Beckwith’s interest, and in 1893 sold out the business. In 1854 he was elected selectman of the town, and later on removed to Hinsdale, N. H., where t engaged in the foundry, machine and agricultural, implement business, … Read more

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 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.

Biographical Sketch of Levi Townsend

Levi Townsend came to Alstead from Massachusetts about 1800, and located in the southern part of the town. He was a farmer, married Mehitable Chandler, and had born to him four children, all boys. Charles, the only son now living, was born June 6, 1808, and, when young, went to Lowell Mass., and became overseer in a cotton factory. He married for his first wife, Eliza A. Parker, of Lowell, moved to Alstead, and engaged in farming. His first wife bore him six children. He married for his second wife, Lucinda Messer, of Marlow, who bore him two children, and … Read more

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 Amos Kidder

Amos Kidder, son of Samuel, who came from Massachusetts at an early day and located upon the farm now occupied by Samuel M., died herein 1873, at the age of ninety-four years and seven months. Three of his six children are living, viz: Amos, in Newport; Mrs. John McNeil, in Westminster, Vt. ; and Samuel M., on the homestead farm. The latter, the youngest son of Capt. Amos, was born in Dalton, N- H., December 17. 1811, He has lived in Alstead since two years of age, and has been identified with the Methodist church over fifty years. He has … Read more