Chesterfield New Hampshire

Biography of Rodney Fletcher

Rodney Fletcher, son of Arad H. and Bethana (Darling) Fletcher, wasborn in Chesterfield, November 18, 1826, and married Olive W. Albee, daughter of Captain Nathaniel Albee, of Chesterfield, November 3, 1847. He has one daughter, Sarah E., who was married in 1873, to B. H. Swan; D. V. S. Since 1843 Mr. Fletcher has resided at Chesterfield Factory, and has worked in the auger factories located there, under various firms at different periods as finisher, having had charge of the polishing-room, where b has been for more than forty’ years. Under the old military regime, he was a prominent member … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Francis Tuttle

Francis Tuttle came here from Winchester, about 1859. He married Sarah J., daughter of John Beal, of this town, October 6, 1857, and has had a family of six children, as follows: George A., born September 7, 1859; Frankie, born February 22, 1863, and died May 22, 1864; Fred M. born March 27, 1867; Willie R., born April 29. 1870; and Charlie A., born January 27, 1876.

Biographical Sketch of Beza Aldrich

Beza Aldrich, son of Gen. George and Azuba (How) Aldrich, of Westmoreland, born September 21, 1779, married Lydia Arnold, settled in Chesterfield about 1831, and died here October 28, 1857. Their children were Warren L., William A., Helen A. and George A.

Biography of Joseph Titus

Joseph Titus came to Chesterfield in 1777, from Douglas, Mass., soon after his marriage there to Mary Bigelow, and cleared and put in thorough cultivation one of its most rocky, hill-side farms. He was fourth in descent from Robert Titus, who came from near Stanstead Abbey, Hartfordshire, England, in 1635, and finally settled on Long Island. The immigrant was of a family of some note; a brother was the Colonel Titus, of Cromwell’s army, who afterwards espoused the cause of King Charles II., and on the occasion of an attempt upon the life of the Lord Protector, wrote anonymously the … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Richard Hopkins

Richard Hopkins came to this town as early as 1787, married Lucy Fairbanks, and died April 5, 1847, aged eighty-three years. Thornton, son of Richard, married Diantha, daughter of William Farr, and died in Fitzwilliam about 1855. William W., son of Thornton, was born December 21, 1831, married Miranda, daughter of Squire Streeter, September 12, 1854, is a mechanic, and resides in this town. His children are Fred W., born October 2. 1859; Etta M., born September 21, 1863; and Harry D., born August 18, 1869.

Biographical Sketch of Lucius Darwin Pierce

Lucius Darwin Pierce, son of E. P. Pierce, Esq., was born at Chesterfield, August 9, 1820. In boyhood and youth he enjoyed such limited advantages for acquiring an education as the common schools and Chesterfield academy afforded. In 1841 he entered Norwich university, Vt., gained a commendable proficiency in the ancient languages, and while yet an undergraduate, was appointed to and accepted the position of Professor of Languages, in a seminary in Portsmouth, Va. He served in that capacity until he found the climate did not agree with his constitution, when he resigned and returned, graduating as A. B. in … Read more

Biography of Richard Henry Hopkins

Richard Henry Hopkins, son of Richard and Emeline (Lewis) Hopkins, was born in Chesterfield, May 9, 1831, and died February 21, 1877. He received a good business education, and then learned the machinist trade at Hinsdale, N. H., after which he returned to Chesterfield Factory and soon engaged in the manufacture of bits and augers for Benjamin Pierce, and continued in the business till April 1, 1870. From 1868 to 1870 Fred B. Pierce was his partner, under the firm name of Hopkins & Pierce. He also in company with Horace Howe, (who for many years had been overseer in … Read more

Biography of Nathan R. Symonds

Nathan R. Symonds, son of Thomas and Lydia (Pratt) Symonds, was born in Rindge, July 6, 1807, on what is known as the “Symonds farm.” He was a descendant of John Symonds, who came from England, and was resident in Salem, Mass., in 1636, being of the seventh generation counting John Symonds as first. Nathan was brought up under religious influences, his mother being a devout woman, whose every advice would be for his spiritual as well as temporal benefit. He married Eliza Herrick, July 3, 1831. They came to Chesterfield, March 31, 1837, settling near the “Channel,” south side, … Read more

Biographical Sketch of William Henry

William Henry is said to have come to Chesterfield, from Lunenburg, Mass, between 1770 and 1776. He married May Conn, who bore him six children, as follows: May, William, James, Betty, Eunice, and Freelove. James married Mary, daughter of Gibson Willard, in 1798, who bore him six children. They were Frederick W., Rebecca H., John P., Willard, Mary F., and Betsey E. Willard, born February I, 1809, married three times, first, Mary B. Shaw,. in 1834; second, Emily, daughter of Samuel Goodrich, October 8, 1856; and third, Mrs. Sarah M. Reed, of Fitzwilliam, in 1877. His children are Nathaniel C., … Read more

Early Settlers of Chesterfield NH

Early settlers on or near the shores of Spafford lake were one Ladd, near the northwest shore, hence the name of Lard’s meadow, one by the name of Jewels, on the “Charlier place, “giving the name Jewell’s point, a Mr. Reed, who settled near the east shore, in the vicinity of Reed’s cove, Capt. John Pierce, who settled on the southwest side, purchasing section No. 12, which lot included Pierce’s Island, hence Pierce’s Island and Picnic Point. The first of the pretty private cottages which now peep out from among the trees on its pleasant shores was built by Azor … Read more

Biography of Charles Rufus Skinner

CHARLES RUFUS SKINNER AMONG the younger men whose experience in matters pertaining to state, national and educational affairs has already been quite extensive and highly beneficial to his fellow-citizens, is the Hon. Charles R. Skinner, who, on account of his official relations, is now a resident of Albany. Born on the 4th of August, 1844, at Union Square, Oswego County, N. Y., he is a son of the late Hon. Avery Skinner, a worthy New England pioneer who left the granite hills of New Hampshire to seek a home in the richer northern regions of New York State. In October, … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Edward Jarvis

Edward Jarvis, son of Edward, was born at St. John City, N. B. He married Calista M. Gibson, of that city, September 16, 1856, and came to Chesterfield, June 29, 1860, and lived near the southern boundary line of Westmoreland in the house where Mr. Strobridge lived and died. After two years he went to Swanzey, and engaged in lumbering in California woods. Three years afterwards he removed to Westmoreland, and lived on the farm last owned by Sanford Guernsey, and the house built by Samuel Burt, ist. They lived there fourteen years, when the buildings were destroyed by fire. … Read more

Biography of Peter Wheeler

Peter Wheeler came to this town about 1762, and settled where Russell H. Davis now lives, not far from the brook that bears his name. His children were Lydia, Peter, Jane, John, Ephraim, Jonathan, Olive, Samuel, and Sally. Peter, born in 1762, married Sarah, daughter of Amos Hubbard, who bore him twelve children, namely: Hubbard, Sophia, Maria T., Sally, Samuel, Laura, Philena, William, Warren, Ward, Watson, and Arminda. Jonathan, son of Peter, Sr., was born September 30, 1770, and married Lavina, daughter of Aaron Fisk, in 1802, who bore him three children, John, Louisa, and Addison. John, born August 6, … Read more

Biography of Asa Britton

Asa Britton was among the earlier residents of Chesterfield, and among those who contributed largely to its business and prosperity. He was the son of Ebenezer and Sarah (Bullock) Britton, and was born in Raynham, Mass., April 30 1763. In 1771, with his father’s family, he moved to Westmoreland, N. H., where his early youth was passed, and where, in 1788, he married Sally, eldest daughter of Major Leonard Keep, a son of Experience (Lawrence) and Capt. Jabez Keep. Early in their married life the young couple removed to Lansingburgh, N. Y., where they buried their eldest son, soon after … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Calvin E. Nurse

Calvin E. Nurse, son of Benjamin, was born in Keene, March 20, 182 He has resided a number of years in Chesterfield, having previously travel extensively in the United States and Canada as an attach€ of a circus co pany. He is a painter and paper-hanger.

Biographical Sketch of Reuben B. Foster Sr.

Reuben B. Foster, Sr., was born September 9, 1812, and married Betsey, H., daughter of Richard Hopkins, June 11, 1832. He is an employee of Currier Brothers, at Chesterfield Factory. He has had born to him seven children, as follows: James M., Helen M., Mary Jane, Mahalia S., Reuben B., Frank H., and William E. Reuben B., Jr., was born March 17, 1844, married Julia A., daughter of Hosea L. Stoddard, February 16, 1869. He is a mechanic for Currier Brothers at Chesterfield Factory.

Biographical Sketch of Aaron Royce

Aaron Royce came from Rhode Island at an early day. He has four children, one son and three daughters. His son David was born in town, married Harriet Streeter, of Hinsdale. N. H., and located in Hinsdale. After living here and in different parts of New Hampshire and Vermont for severa years, he moved to Charleston, Vt., where he and his wife both died. He reared a family of nine children, six of whom are living. Of these, Burnham lives in Boston; Harriet married H. Osman, and lives in Vermont; Cynthia in Lyndon, Vt.; Charles and Clark in Charleston, Vt.; … Read more

Early Manufacturing of Chesterfield NH

Spafford brook is an outlet from the easterly shore of Spafford lake. The waters from the channel, “which flow easterly, take a southeasterly course, crossing the main road near George Hamilton’s sash and blind shop. Passing Currier Bros. bit manufactory, it takes an abrupt turn northward, again crossing the main road near Fred Pierce’s brush handle shop, descending and curving around the southeastern portion of Mt. Pistareen, through a deep glen. Holt’s brook unites with this stream from the south, into the “Bitshop “pond; Gilson brook comes down a deep gorge and is bridged over in the eastern part of … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Benjamin Pierce

Benjamin Pierce, son of George, was born in Smithfield, R. I., February 26, 1815, and in early life lived with his father on the farm. He obtained his education at the common schools and at the Chesterfield academy, taught school winters until his marriage, which took place November 15, 1842, to Caroline A. Gale, of Pertersham, Mass., when he settled at Chesterfield Factory. Here he was engaged in selling goods manufactured by Richardson & Huggins, also goods made by Pliny Merrill, of Hinsdale. In 1853 he bought thebit and auger factory of Barton Skinner and commenced the business of manufacturing … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Josiah Torrey

Josiah Torrey, born October 7, 1758, came here from Upton, Mass., about 1785, and settled in the eastern part of the town on the farm afterwards owned and occupied by his grandson, Levi Torrey. He married twice, first, Lydia Fisk, who died in 1806, and second, Anna, daughter of Israel Amshrv. He died January 25, 1832. He had born to him eight children, namely: Samuel, Joel, Anna, Levi, Jemima, Polly, Nathaniel, and Fanny. Samuel, born August 12, 1782, married Mary Cook, November 21, 1815, who bore him seven children, as follows: Maria, Levi, Lucius, Mary M., Marshall, Lucretia, and Elvira. … Read more