Volume II of History of the Town of Cornish, New Hampshire, with Genealogical Record, 1763–1910, compiled by William Henry Child and published in 1911, presents a detailed genealogical account of the families who settled in Cornish from its founding through the early 20th century.
Amos Richardson, born on November 27, 1817, in Cornish, was deeply rooted in a notable lineage, descending from Dr. Amos Richardson, a respected physician. Educated in local schools and at Dartmouth’s medical department, he pivoted from medicine to teaching and later ventured into mercantile pursuits in Florida. Returning to Cornish, he became active in civic matters, serving as Town Treasurer and engaging in numerous community organizations. A dedicated family man, he married twice and had five children, contributing significantly to the social fabric of his town.
George Henry Stowell, born on October 28, 1835, in Cornish, N.H., became a prominent hardware dealer and one of Claremont’s wealthiest citizens. After starting his career in monument making, he shifted to hardware in 1864, establishing a successful business. Stowell contributed significantly to Claremont’s infrastructure, including several business blocks and residences, and was a director of the Peoples National Bank. He held numerous town and state offices, was active in local organizations, and was married to Sarah E. Field, with a daughter Cora.
Stephen Alden Tracy was born on October 31, 1833, in Cornish, the descendant of one of America’s oldest families, tracing back to Lieutenant Thomas Tracy, who settled in Connecticut in 1636. Stephen’s father, Stephen Tracy, was a cabinet-maker and farmer, and the family played a significant role in local civic life. An educated man, Stephen Alden worked in Wisconsin’s lumber industry and later returned to manage the family farm. Active in politics and community affairs, he served as a legislator and held various local offices. He had two marriages and seven children.
Hon. Chester Pike, born on July 30, 1829, in Cornish, New Hampshire, is a notable figure from a distinguished lineage with deep roots in the state’s history. His father, Ebenezer Pike, was an influential farmer and businessman. Chester’s extensive contributions to public service include roles as County Commissioner, State Representative, and President of the New Hampshire Senate. He married Amanda F. Fay and had four children, with Chester Fay Pike surviving him. Chester Pike’s legacy is marked by significant involvement in local governance and agriculture, reflecting his commitment to his community.
Larnard Powers, born on April 20, 1808, in Croydon, N.H., emerged as a prominent farmer and respected citizen of Cornish. Descended from a family with a Revolutionary War legacy, he thrived in agriculture, particularly in dairy, known for producing high-quality butter. A Jeffersonian Democrat, he focused on his business rather than seeking political office. Married to Ruby M. in 1836, they had four children, all of whom pursued education and successful careers, contributing significantly to the community and beyond.
Norman A. Deming, born on July 18, 1824, in Cornish, N.H., was a prominent local farmer and community leader. He inherited a 400-acre farm, specializing in dairy and crop production. A staunch Republican and Baptist, he served as Selectman and Tax Collector, engaging actively in local affairs. He married twice, fathering eight children, several of whom pursued education and careers in farming and teaching. His legacy is marked by his contributions to agriculture and community service in Sullivan County.
Charles O. Eastman, born on October 25, 1824, in Lisbon, N.H., served as Claremont’s Postmaster from 1861 until 1870. Educated at local schools and a Methodist seminary, he previously worked in a bookbindery. Eastman struggled with illness for much of his life, yet dedicated himself to community service and the Methodist Church. He was a prominent figure in local insurance and Masonic circles. Upon his death on October 4, 1893, he left funds for libraries in Claremont and Lisbon, reflecting his commitment to education and community welfare.
Rewell J. Ellis, born September 5, 1840, in Brandon, Vermont, was a notable farmer and Grand Army veteran from Cornish, New Hampshire. He served in the Civil War with the Seventh Vermont Regiment and engaged in several key battles. The son of Seneca and Aurilla Ellis, Rewell continued the family’s farming legacy while contributing to local governance and education. He had two marriages, first to Sarah M. Boardman, with whom he had three children, and later to Adeline Hunt. A Democratic Party member, Ellis remained active in his community through various roles.
Alfred Fitch, born on May 12, 1861, in Cornish, descends from a long line of local farmers, with family roots tracing back to James Fitch, who settled in the area in 1712. Alfred worked on the family farm after briefly dabbling in retail. He is recognized for his integrity and active participation in town affairs. A member of the Congregational church, he married Ida Williams in 1884, and together they had four children. The Fitch estate, located on Dingleton Hill, remains a testament to the family’s agricultural legacy.
Edgar A. Churchill, born on August 29, 1847, in Cornish, was the son of Barker B. Churchill, a carpenter and Civil War veteran. He was educated locally and served in the First New Hampshire Heavy Artillery. After the war, he engaged in carpentry and farming while supporting his community through various public service roles, including Selectman. He resided with Miss Georgiana and Mrs. Henrietta Davis, descendants of Revolutionary War soldiers. Notably, Churchill was a member of the local Grange and G.A.R. post, known for his public spirit and care for animals.
William E. Chadbourne, born in Cornish on July 31, 1823, descended from a prominent family involved in various professions, including farming and local governance. His father, Benjamin Chadbourne, held significant roles in town affairs. William pursued agriculture and was active in community matters, serving as Highway Surveyor. He married Rosella Stone in 1858, fathering six children, some of whom achieved recognition in education and business. Though a Republican, Chadbourne did not seek public office but remained devoted to his farm and family.
Hiram H. York, born December 6, 1823, in Cornish, comes from a notable lineage. His grandfather, William York, was a prominent Democratic figure and a skilled veterinary surgeon who served as Sheriff of Sullivan County until his death at ninety-five. Hiram’s father, Uriah York, continued the family farming tradition, raising five children. Hiram himself owns a 135-acre farm and has two children with his wife, Eliza A. Walker. His son Elmer works as a butcher, while daughter Ida is married and involved in the livery business.
Edward Dimick Baker, born April 21, 1827, in Meriden, N.H., was a prominent lawyer and advocate in Claremont. A graduate of Kimball Union Academy, he studied law under notable judges and was admitted to the bar in 1851. As a fearless lawyer, he championed public interests and opposed unnecessary spending. Politically active as a Republican, he served in the General Court and held various positions of trust. Married to Elizabeth Ticknor, Baker was regarded for his honorable character and commitment to charity. He passed away on February 1, 1895.
Volume 1 of “History of the Town of Cornish, New Hampshire, with Genealogical Record, 1763-1910,” authored by William Henry Child, presents a comprehensive account of Cornish from its origins to the early 20th century. Published in 1911, the book documents the town’s history, geography, and prominent families, while honoring the early settlers’ contributions to its development. Child’s meticulous research serves as both a historical narrative and genealogical reference, making it a vital resource for understanding the local heritage of Cornish, New Hampshire.
William Hall, born on February 28, 1846, in Cornish, New Hampshire, was a successful merchant in Plainfield. The son of Israel and Elizabeth D. Hall, he came from a prominent lineage, with his grandfather, Jonathan Hall, being an early settler in Vermont. After briefly attending Windsor High School, William opened a general store in Cornish and later moved to Plainfield, where he thrived in business for over two decades. He served as Town Clerk and Treasurer and married Amanda M. Gallup, with whom he had three children.
Joshua Atwood, born December 3, 1724, in Bradford, Massachusetts, was a blacksmith who married Mehitable Seva in 1744. The couple moved to Pelham, New Hampshire, where they had seventeen children. Atwood died on July 8, 1809, and Mehitable passed away on March 11, 1805. Their family later included two sons, William and Joshua, Jr., who settled in Cornish, where they spent their remaining years and were interred in the local cemetery.
Dea. John Bartlett, born in 1727 and died in 1797, was a notable figure in early Cornish history, alongside his wife Jemima Downer. Although the genealogist lacks detailed records of his descendants, the 1790 census indicates he had two sons and two daughters. The Bartlett lineage in Cornish is primarily traced to Samuel Bartlett, a contemporary of John, despite no clear evidence of their relationship. Samuel, believed to descend from Puritan ancestry, settled in Cornish and had several children, though many details about them remain elusive.
Nathaniel Bartlett, born in 1755, settled in Cornish with his family. He married Anna Fitch, who was born in 1762 and died in 1838. Nathaniel passed away on September 7, 1838, at age 83. They had several children, including Bethena, John, Nathaniel Jr., Peletiah Fitch, and two Lavinas, one of whom died young. Their sons owned adjacent farms near their original homestead on Dingleton Hill, where they and their children were raised.
John Bartlett, born November 14, 1756, was the son of Nathaniel Bartlett and married Polly Williams, with whom he had several children, including Hiram, Anna, and Horace. After Polly’s death, he married Elizabeth M. Kendrick. An accomplished farmer and drummer, he passed away on March 4, 1869. His children, all from his first marriage, continued the Bartlett lineage, with descendants such as Anna who married John Weld and George who married Lavina Bugbee.