Rockingham County NH

Biographical Sketch of David Sargent

David Sargent, born in 1833 in Dunbarton, N.H., was the son of Eliphalet R. and Lydia Wells Sargent, engaged in farming and cattle dealing. He was educated locally before embarking on a career that included lumber manufacturing. A Republican by political affiliation, Sargent married Mary Ann Woodburn, with whom he had five children. His family lineage includes notable connections, such as his father-in-law being related to Horace Greeley. An enterprising farmer, he also traveled extensively in the West.

Biography of James Madison Jones

James Madison Jones, born April 26, 1833, in Deerfield, N.H., was a prominent station agent for the Concord Montreal Railroad. He hailed from a family of skilled mechanics, with his grandfather Jacob successfully running a clock and gunsmith shop. After working in various roles, including stage driver and railroad brakeman, Jones became a conductor and eventually station agent in 1869. Known for his dedication and efficiency, he oversaw the new Concord station built in 1885. Jones was a Democrat, active in local organizations, and had two children with his first wife, Jane Maria Swan.

Biography of Elbridge G. Little

Elbridge G. Little, born on August 5, 1807, in New Hampshire, became a notable physician after graduating from Cleveland’s Medical College. He later settled in New Lisbon, Wisconsin, where he emerged as a prominent citizen and amassed significant wealth. His wife, a descendant of the Peabody family, bore him six children, including George Peabody Little, who pursued a diverse career in education, business, and farming. Active in politics and community service, Elbridge held various positions, including Town Treasurer and State Legislature member, and was a lifelong Mason and church Deacon.

Biography of George Oliver Locke

George Oliver Locke, born on September 19, 1826, in South New Market, N.H., was an influential figure in local politics and trade. Trained as a blacksmith, he worked for fifty years, founded his own farm, and retired comfortably. A devoted Republican, he served in various local roles, including Tax Collector and Highway Agent, and represented Pembroke in the New Hampshire House. Locke married Harriet T. Locke, with whom he had two daughters, and both were active members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Biography of James S. Elkins

James S. Elkins, born in Rye, N.H., on December 24, 1809, was a dedicated farmer and fisherman. His family relocated to Canterbury in 1834, where he worked in stone-cutting and later purchased a farm. An active Democrat, Elkins served as Selectman and district Representative. He was married twice, first to Abbie S. Tallant, with whom he had a child who died young, and later to L. Maria Sargent. Elkins was influential in his community and remained active in local politics and church activities.

Biography of Hosea Ballou Carter

Hosea Ballou Carter, born in New Hampshire in 1834, exemplifies the rise of a humble individual through education and diligence. Early on, he learned shoemaking to support his family and later ventured into sales in Boston. During the Civil War, he served as a private detective, gaining recognition from notable figures, including Abraham Lincoln. His political career spanned various roles, eventually becoming the official editor of the New Hampshire State Manual. A multi-talented individual, he contributed significantly to the state’s historical literature and labor policies. Carter married Catharine Elizabeth Martin and had two daughters.

Biography of Cyrus O. Brown

Cyrus O. Brown, born in Kensington, New Hampshire, on August 15, 1834, was a notable educator and farmer. A descendant of early New England settler John Brown, Cyrus received his education at Hampton Academy and Phillips Andover Academy. Though he abandoned his college aspirations due to health issues, he taught for thirty-five years, influencing over three thousand students. Married to Mary E. Brown, he had five children, with only one surviving. An independent thinker in politics, he contributed significantly to local educational governance and remained active in his community and church throughout his life.

Biography of Charles Mortimer Bingham

Charles Mortimer Bingham, born on February 22, 1804, in New London, Connecticut, was a prominent merchant in Claremont, New Hampshire. After training in general merchandise, he established a successful business in hardware and dry goods. Bingham served his community as a representative and town treasurer while being an active member of the church as a chorister. He married three times and had six children. Known for his integrity, energy, and musical talent, he passed away on March 5, 1888, at eighty-four, leaving a lasting legacy in Claremont.

Biography of Francis W. Blake

Francis W. Blake, born on September 3, 1837, in Hampton Falls, New Hampshire, came from a family with deep roots in the area, tracing lineage back to Jasper Blake, an English settler in 1640. His grandfather, Enoch, served in the Revolutionary War, while Francis pursued a varied career, including shoemaking before focusing on farming in Pittsfield. He married Mary Judkins in 1866, with whom he had four children. Active in local politics as a Republican and a longtime member of the Free Will Baptist church, he balanced farming with community service.

Biography of Sherburn Josiah Winslow

Sherburn Josiah Winslow, born March 16, 1834, in Nottingham, N.H., was a significant businessman and civic leader in Pittsfield. Descended from the Mayflower’s Governor Edward Winslow, he pursued education at local schools and the Pittsfield Academy. Initially a farmer, he shifted to lumbering and diversified into various enterprises, including the Exeter Manufacturing Company. A Republican and active in local governance, he served on the School Board and as a trustee for the Pittsfield Savings Bank. Winslow married Margaret Dennison and had two daughters.

Biography of James Yeaton

James Yeaton, born January 11, 1832, in Epsom, comes from a lineage of successful farmers, with roots tracing back to pioneer settler John Yeaton. Educated locally and trained as a shoemaker, James shifted to agriculture, acquiring a sixty-acre farm in 1878. He was married three times: first to Martha A. Randall, then to Ella M. Eastman, and lastly to Annie R. Crockett, with whom he had several children. Politically active as a Democrat, Yeaton served as Town Clerk and on the Board of Selectmen, earning respect in his community.

Fort Columbus or Fort Jay

Governors Island, historically a peaceful retreat, evolved into a fortified stronghold known as Fort Columbus, or Fort Jay. This transformation began in the 18th century amidst fears of French invasion, with the fortification completed in 1809. Despite the flurry of construction, it never saw active military service. Throughout its history, it served various roles, including as a military prison, and today hosts the headquarters of the Department of the East. Visitors can now explore its remnants, showcasing a contrast between its historic significance and modern New York.

Biographical Sketch of Aldrich, Thomas Bailey

Thomas Bailey Aldrich, born on November 11, 1836, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, was the son of Elias T. and Sara Aldrich. He received an early education in New Orleans and Portsmouth, but after losing his father at fifteen, he pursued a career in publishing instead of college. Aldrich began publishing poetry in New York journals, achieving significant acclaim with works like “Babie Bell.” He contributed to notable magazines, including “Harper’s Monthly” and “Atlantic Monthly,” where he also served as editor. He relocated to Boston in 1866.

Biography of Meserve M. Getchell

Meserve M. Getchell, born January 5, 1868, in Baring, Maine, is an esteemed postmaster and co-owner of the Idaho Hotel in Silver City, Idaho. His lineage includes notable ancestors who fought in the Revolutionary War. After various occupations, he settled in Silver City in 1889, where he became postmaster, recognized for his effective management. Getchell married twice and was active in local organizations, including the I.O.O.F. and the Republican Party. He is regarded as a respected and progressive citizen of Silver City.

Biographical Sketch of Charles C. Bolton

Charles C. Bolton was a prominent capitalist born in Cleveland on March 23, 1855, to Judge Thomas Bolton. Educated at local schools and Harvard University, he married Julia Castle in 1880. After two years abroad, he joined Rhodes Co. for 25 years before retiring in 1904. Bolton was an active member of Troop A and served in various capacities, also engaging in charity work. He was affiliated with several clubs and held a Republican stance, enjoying pursuits like hunting and travel.

Biography of Samuel N. Simpson

Samuel N. Simpson, who passed away on November 27, 1915, was a pivotal figure in the early history of Kansas, particularly during its tumultuous territorial years. His contributions included founding a Sunday school in Lawrence and helping organize a vigilance committee to protect free state settlers against pro-slavery aggression. Simpson documented his experiences with remarkable humility, revealing the fierce struggles for Kansas’ future. Beyond his historical role, he was instrumental in the development of Lawrence and Kansas City, engaging in business and civic affairs that shaped the region’s identity.

Biographical Sketch of Worchester Reed Warner

Worcester Reed Warner, born on May 16, 1846, in Cummington, Massachusetts, was a notable manufacturer and inventor. Educated locally and later at the Western University of Pennsylvania, he married Cornelia F. Blakemore in 1890. Warner gained experience in the machining trade with Pratt & Whitney Co. and founded Warner & Swasey in 1881, specializing in precision optical instruments. He was actively involved in multiple scientific and engineering societies and served on various boards, reflecting his commitment to both industry and academia.

Biographical Sketch of John Howard Webster

John Howard Webster was born on November 8, 1846, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and moved to Cleveland in 1850. He graduated from Yale University in 1868 and earned his law degree from Union Law College in 1870. Webster practiced law in Cleveland until 1891, when he became the assignee for the Variety Iron Works Co. He has held various leadership roles in multiple companies and is a member of several clubs, including the Union and University Clubs in Cleveland, as well as the Japan Society in London.

Biographical Sketch of Ambrose Swasey

Ambrose Swasey, born December 19, 1846, in Exeter, New Hampshire, was a prominent manufacturer and engineer. He graduated from the Case School of Applied Science in 1905 and received an honorary Sc.D. from Denison University in 1910. Swasey co-founded Warner Swasey in 1880, notable for manufacturing machine tools and telescopes. He invented the Swasey Range and Position Finder for the U.S. Government. His leadership extended to multiple organizations, and he received the Chevalier of the Legion of Honor in France in 1900.