History of Newport New Hampshire

Bird's Eye View of Newport New Hampshire 1877

The History of Newport, New Hampshire, from 1766 to 1878 is a record of Newport’s growth from its early settlement through the close of the nineteenth century. It opens with the original charter and proprietary arrangements and follows the development of Newport’s physical setting, transportation routes, and economy. Particular attention is given to mills, banks, hotels, manufacturing, and the coming of the railroad, all of which shaped the town’s commercial life. The concluding genealogical section identifies families connected with Newport and other chapters provide biographical details that might otherwise be lost.

Genealogies of Cornish New Hampshire

History of Cornish New Hampshire

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.

Biographical Sketch of Rev. N. R. Nichols

Rev. N. R. Nichols

Rev. N. R. Nichols served as pastor of the Congregational church in Norwich village from February 1880 to May 1904, following a seven-year term in Barnet, Vermont. His nearly 25 years in Norwich were marked by significant growth, evidenced by 195 new church members. Beyond his pastoral duties, Nichols contributed to community welfare and served as a trustee of the Norwich public library, honoring his late wife with a memorial door at its entrance. He was celebrated for his impactful life and service in the community.

Biography of George Musalas Colvocoresses

George M Colvocoresses

George Musalas Colvocoresses was born on October 22, 1816, in Scio, Greece. He endured captivity after a Turkish invasion during the Greek Revolution and was later rescued and educated in the United States. Colvocoresses served in the U.S. Navy, participating in significant expeditions and commanding ships during the Civil War. He received accolades for his service and authored a book on naval exploration. Tragically, he was found dead under mysterious circumstances in Bridgeport, Connecticut, in 1872, with his death remaining unsolved.

Blaisdell Family of Norwich Vermont

Michael Blaisdell, the founding member of the Blaisdell family in Norwich, relocated from Plainfield, N.H., in 1813, establishing his residence on the present-day Goddard farm. He fathered four sons: Jonathan, Levi, Stephen, and Thomas. Levi and Stephen remained in Norwich, where they raised extensive families, contributing to the town’s development.

Narrative of the Captivity of Frances Noble – Indian Captivities

Narrative of the captivity of Frances Noble, who was, among others, taken by the Indians from Swan Island, in Maine, about the year 1755; compiled by John Kelly, Esq. of Concord, New Hampshire, from the minutes and memoranda of Phinehas Merrill. Esq. of Stratham, in the same state; and by the Former Gen. Tleman communicated for publication to the editors of the Historical Collections of New Hampshire.

Narrative of the Captivity of Nehemiah How

Fort Dummer

A Narrative of the captivity of Nehemiah How, who was taken by the Indians at the Great Meadow Fort above Fort Dummer, where he was an inhabitant, October 11th, 1745. Giving an account of what he met with in his traveling to Canada, and while he was in prison there. Together with an account of Mr. How’s death at Canada. Exceedingly valuable for the many items of exact intelligence therein recorded, relative to so many of the present inhabitants of New England, through those friends who endured the hardships of captivity in the mountain deserts and the damps of loathsome prisons. Had the author lived to have returned, and published his narrative himself, he doubtless would have made it far more valuable, but he was cut off while a prisoner, by the prison fever, in the fifty-fifth year of his age, after a captivity of one year, seven months, and fifteen days. He died May 25th, 1747, in the hospital at Quebec, after a sickness of about ten days. He was a husband and father, and greatly beloved by all who knew him.

Biography of Danford Rice

Danford Rice, a prominent farmer from Claremont, was born on December 2, 1805, and passed away on August 4, 1877. He descended from early Claremont settlers, including his grandfather, Ebenezer Rice, a carpenter and patriot. Following family traditions, Danford farmed diligently and was a dedicated member of the Union Episcopal Church. He and his wife, Caroline Jones, had several children, including Edward Barron and William Danford, the latter believed to have been killed in battle during the Civil War.

Biography of Abiathar Richards

Abiathar Richards, born October 8, 1825, in Newport, was a prominent merchant and a descendant of Edward Richards, an early settler in Dedham, Massachusetts. Educated locally and at Windsor Academy, he entered the mercantile profession at seventeen, later establishing a successful general store in Newport. After retiring in 1895, he enjoyed a quiet life at home. Married to Esther A. Durant, he had two sons. A Democrat and active Mason, Richards is remembered as a respected citizen and a significant figure in his community.

Biography of Amos Richardson

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.

Biography of Timothy B. Rossiter

Timothy B. Rossiter, born on September 18, 1807, in Claremont, emerged from a distinguished lineage tracing back to Sir Edward Rossiter, an early colonial leader. His father, Sherman Rossiter, was among the first settlers in Claremont, where Timothy thrived through agriculture after a successful stint in Newport, N.H. He became one of Claremont’s wealthiest individuals, known for his industrious farming and banking endeavors. Married to Elvira Dustin, they had three children but faced the loss of two. He celebrated his golden wedding in 1886, esteemed in both community and health.

Biography of John P. Rounsevel

John P. Rounsevel, born January 2, 1815, in Unity, N.H., was a notable wool buyer in Claremont. The youngest son of Royal and Betsey Rounsevel, he excelled in education but faced health challenges that limited his academic pursuits. Rounsevel’s diverse career included teaching, trading, and successful wool-buying during the Civil War. He served as Vice-President of the Sullivan Savings Bank for decades and participated in local governance. He married Sarah Jane Bailey and had one son, Charles W. Rounsevel passed away on May 1, 1897.

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.

Biographical Sketch of Solomon Stone

Solomon Stone, born November 6, 1811, in Plainfield, passed away on January 12, 1892. His wife, born in Cornish in 1813, remains healthy and self-sufficient. The Cady family lineage is also notable, with Sally Cady, born in 1790, as Mr. Chadbourne’s mother. She descended from the first Cady, who journeyed from Connecticut in 1743, leaving behind a willow tree where he alighted. Mr. Chadbourne was gifted a silver dollar from 1780 at his birth by his grandfather Cady.

Biography of George Henry Stowell

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.

Biography of William Cant Sturoc

William Cant Sturoc, born on November 4, 1822, in Arbroath, Scotland, hailed from a family with deep roots in both poetry and the church. He pursued education in Edinburgh before emigrating to Canada in 1846. Sturoc eventually settled in Sunapee, New Hampshire, where he became a prominent lawyer and public figure, recognized for his eloquence in politics and law. Renowned for his poetry, particularly his homage to Lake Sunapee, Sturoc’s work captures both natural beauty and historical reverence, earning admiration in both America and Scotland.

Biography of Nathaniel Tolles, M.D.

Nathaniel Tolles, M.D., born September 17, 1805, in Weathersfield, Vermont, became a distinguished physician and surgeon in Claremont. He pursued medical studies under notable doctors and graduated from Dartmouth in 1830. After practicing in Reading, Vermont, he moved to Claremont in 1842, contributing to local healthcare and education, including the establishment of Stevens High School. Married twice, he had five children, with his son Clarence also becoming a physician. Dr. Tolles passed away on June 24, 1879, leaving a lasting impact on the community.

Biography of Stephen Alden Tracy

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.

Biography of William Cutler True

William Cutler True, born May 9, 1834, in Plainfield, was a prominent farmer and community leader. The son of Major Reuben True, he cultivated a large estate known for cattle and sheep raising. Educated locally and at Kimball Union Academy, he actively participated in local governance, serving multiple terms as Selectman and as a Representative in the legislature. A devoted member of the Baptist church and a Masonic leader, True led a modest life focused on hard work and community service until his death on September 24, 1895.

Biography of Henry Tubbs

Henry Tubbs, born February 24, 1831, in Peterboro, N.H., was a distinguished dentist in Newport and a descendant of early Plymouth Colony settler William Tubbs. After brief stints in retail and dry goods, he pursued dentistry, establishing his practice in Newport in 1860. Tubbs married Mary A. Rogers in 1865, raising three children. Politically active as a Republican, he served in the State legislature and was involved in local Masonic organizations. His success was the result of his own determination and hard work.