Chesterfield New Hampshire

Biographical Sketch of Broughton D. Harris

Broughton D., son of Wilder Harris, born August 16, 1822, married Sarah Buel Hollister, March 24, 1851. He graduated from Dartmouth college in 1845, studied law in the office of Hon. Asa- Keyes, of Brattleboro, and then engaged in the newspaper business, being editor of the Vermont Phoenix for a while, and, for several years, of the Semi-Weekly Eagle. In the spring Of 1851 he went to Utah as the first secretary of that territory, Brigham Young being at that time governor of the same. After he left Utah he was appointed secretary and acting governor of New Mexico, but … Read more

Biographical Sketch of George Hawes

George Hawes, son of John, was born in Barre, Mass. He married Eunice M., daughter of Joseph Day, of Chesterfield, N. H., in 1858, and lived in Worcester, Mass., where he was engaged in railroad business about twenty years. He removed to this town in 1870, where he now resides. He has an adopted daughter, Bessie B., who was the daughter of Willis Bemis, of Brattleboro, Vt.

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

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

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