Grafton County NH

Biography of Captain Eleazar L. Sarsons

Captain Eleazar L. Sarsons, born on August 9, 1836, in Lyme, New Hampshire, was a notable Civil War veteran. His father emigrated from France, and Sarsons himself joined the First Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in 1861, later serving in the Fourth New Hampshire Regiment. He faced numerous battles and was imprisoned for seven months, suffering severe illness before being released. After the war, he became a successful farmer in Acworth, marrying twice and having four children. Sarsons was active in local politics and fraternal organizations.

Biography of John W. Staples, M.D.

John W. Staples, M.D., born on January 25, 1855, in Wells, Maine, was a respected physician in Franklin Falls, New Hampshire. After attending local schools and graduating from Dartmouth College in 1876, he began his medical practice in 1880. Staples married Martha L. Kimball in 1882, and they had one son, Charles. Active in his community, he served on the School Board and the Board of Health, earning a reputation as a dedicated Republican and member of the Unitarian Society.

Biography of John Tyler

John Tyler, born in Claremont in 1818, was a prominent inventor and builder with a legacy rooted in mechanics. He mastered the trade of a millwright and was a key figure in constructing the Sugar River paper mill. Notably, he invented the Tyler turbine water-wheel, the first of its kind made of iron, and earned nine patents for its improvements. A public-spirited businessman, he contributed significantly to local infrastructure, including the Bible Hill Aqueduct, and served in the legislature. He passed away on November 28, 1896.

Biography of Frank T. Vaughan

Frank T. Vaughan, born May 4, 1864, in Vermont, was the son of Judge Edwin Vaughan. After receiving his early education in Canada and graduating from Dartmouth College in 1886, he worked as a civil engineer before studying law. Admitted to the New Hampshire bar in 1892, Vaughan practiced law in Newport after a brief stint in Kansas. He married Lottie B. Williamson in 1892 and had two children. Active in his community, he served as Justice of the Peace and was involved in various local organizations.

Biography of John H. Hunt

John H. Hunt, born on January 8, 1826, in Dorchester, N.H., was a distinguished farmer and Civil War veteran. Raised in East Cambridge, he briefly sailed the seas, surviving a shipwreck and engaging in a daring escape of a political exile in New Zealand. After abandoning his maritime career, he became a storekeeper before purchasing a farm in Franklin, N.H. Hunt served in the Fifth New Hampshire Regiment during the Civil War and later settled in Hill, where he was active in local politics and had two marriages, fathering two children.

Biography of Albon Loverin

Albon Loverin, born May 24, 1851, in Springfield, N.H., was the fourth child of Austin C. and Lavina A. Loverin. After gaining experience working on various farms, he settled in Northfield in 1885, purchasing the 75-acre Chase Wyatt farm, which he improved while operating a profitable dairy. He married Jennie L. McDowell that same year, and they have one daughter, Gracie Belle. Loverin’s estate, now known as Mountain View Farm, serves as a seasonal retreat for city dwellers, and he is a registered Democrat.

Biography of Albert P. Davis

Albert P. Davis, born in 1835 in Waterloo, N.H., was a prominent figure in Warner, known for his legal career and civic contributions. Coming from a lineage of skilled craftsmen and farmers, he took over the family farm after his father’s death, later establishing a successful law practice that specialized in pension law. Davis actively supported educational initiatives, served in various public offices, and was instrumental in founding a public library and water works. He was married to Lavona Harvey and had two children, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to community welfare and reform.

Biography of David M. Currier, M.D.

David M. Currier, M.D., was born on September 15, 1840, in Grafton, New Hampshire. He trained at Dartmouth Medical College and began his medical career in Sutton before relocating to Newport. Throughout his life, he held various roles, including United States Examining Surgeon and member of numerous medical and social organizations. Dr. Currier experienced personal loss with his first wife’s death but remarried and had two daughters. Active in community service, he contributed to public health and education while maintaining a significant medical practice in Newport.

Biography of Charles O. Eastman

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.

Biography of Hon. Gardner Batchelder Emmons

Hon. Gardner Batchelder Emmons, born on February 18, 1847, in Bristol, N.H., has made significant contributions to both business and politics. A successful businessman in the meat provision sector and co-owner of the Concord Coal Company, he has held various civic roles, including a term as a State Senator and four years on the Board of Aldermen. A staunch Republican, Emmons has been actively involved in community service and church activities. He married Sarah Jane Flanders, with whom he had four children.

Biography of Alvah Charles Ferrin

Alvah Charles Ferrin, born August 13, 1835, in Plymouth, N.H., was a notable contractor and builder in Concord. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Civil War, joining in 1864 and participating in operations in Mobile Bay. After the war, he returned to his career in masonry, co-founding successful firms over the decades, and built significant structures in the area. Ferrin was also active in various fraternal organizations, including the Masons and I.O.O.F., and remained a Republican throughout his life.

Biography of Hon. Ira Colby

Hon. Ira Colby, born January 11, 1831, in Claremont, New Hampshire, emerged as a prominent lawyer and public figure. Descended from distinguished English ancestry, he pursued education at Dartmouth College after teaching in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. A committed Republican, Colby served multiple terms in the New Hampshire legislature, was a county solicitor, and notably declined an appointment as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. He married Louisa M. Way in 1867 and continued his family’s Methodist legacy through active church involvement.

Biography of Alvah B. Chellis

Alvah B. Chellis, born January 27, 1841, in Plainfield, was a prominent farmer and co-founder of the firm Chellis Stickney. Descended from a family with deep roots in America since 1636, he balanced a career in education, having taught school for many years, with farming and local civic duties. He actively participated in town affairs, held various offices, and was a Mason. Married in 1870 to Harriet L. Rossiter, they had two sons. Chellis was also known for his musical talent and dedication to the Congregational church.

Biography of Henri G. Blaisdell

Henri G. Blaisdell, born in 1850 in Dorchester, N.H., emerged as a notable musician and violinist. He was educated locally and developed his musical talent under esteemed instructors. By age fourteen, he began a professional career that included conducting orchestras and establishing an efficient orchestra in New Hampshire for high-class performances. An accomplished teacher, he contributed to music literature and led prominent music groups, including the Handel and Haydn Society. Blaisdell married Lilly D. Leonard and had two sons, while enjoying life at his lakeside home.

Biography of Albert Bingham Woodworth

Albert Bingham Woodworth, born on April 7, 1843, in Dorchester, New Hampshire, was a prominent merchant and the Mayor of Concord. His lineage included Revolutionary War veteran Sylvanus Woodworth. Raised in Hebron, he completed his education at Boscawen Academy. Woodworth’s business career began at a young age, eventually leading to the formation of Woodworth Brothers in Concord. Politically active, he served as Alderman and represented Concord in the state legislature before his mayoral election in 1896. He was married to Mary Parker and had three children.

Biography of John Henry Albin

John Henry Albin, born on October 17, 1843, in Randolph, Vermont, became a prominent lawyer in Concord and a member of the New Hampshire legislature. He graduated from Dartmouth College in 1864 and studied law under Hon. Ira A. Eastman, gaining admission to the bar in 1868. Albin served multiple terms in the legislature and held various leadership roles in the railroad industry. A dedicated Odd Fellow, he was influential in the organization, serving as Grand Master and contributing to its development.

Biography of Anson Colby Alexander, M.D.

Anson Colby Alexander, M.D., born in Littleton, N.H., on October 10, 1855, emerged as a distinguished homeopathic physician in Penacook after graduating from the Philadelphia School of Anatomy and Surgery and Hahnemann Medical College. He was the son of influential local figures and a promoter of the Republican movement. Married to Fanny Goodwin, he had two children and engaged in various civic activities, holding leadership roles in multiple fraternal organizations and maintaining an active interest in public affairs and the Baptist church.

Biography of Charles M. Babbitt

Charles M. Babbitt, born in Hanover, N.H., to Isaac and Wealthy Babbitt, was a notable contractor and builder in Franklin Falls. His ancestry traces back to a Revolutionary War soldier. After spending his early years on the family farm, Babbitt ventured into the lumber business and later established his contracting firm in Franklin. He married Alvina W. Jeune in 1856 and was active in local politics, serving as Selectman and First Councilman. A member of the Odd Fellows and the grange, he was also involved in the Baptist church.

Biography of Henry M. Baker

Henry M. Baker, born January 11, 1841, in Bow, New Hampshire, was a distinguished lawyer, Congressman, and a man of notable lineage, tracing his ancestry to revolutionary figures. Educated at Dartmouth College, he served in the War and Treasury Departments before practicing law in Washington, D.C. An influential Republican, he became a prominent political figure, winning election to Congress in 1892 and serving on key committees. Baker advocated for agricultural development and civil service reform and maintained strong ties to his New Hampshire roots while actively participating in state and national affairs.

Biography of Robert M. Funkhouser, M. D.

Dr. Robert M. Funkhouser, born in St. Louis on December 10, 1850, was a prominent physician and surgeon who significantly contributed to medical education and surgery. He graduated from the New York University School of Medicine in 1874 and practiced in St. Louis, serving in various prestigious roles, including professor at Beaumont Hospital College and coroner of St. Louis. A Democrat and active community member, he held leadership positions in medical societies and was a published poet. He had one son, Dr. Selmes Paul Funkhouser.