Alva J. Dearborn, a prosperous farmer of Canterbury, N.H., was born in this town, October 13, 1851, son of James and Susan (Fellows) Dearborn. James Dearborn, who was a native of Plymouth, N.H., came to this town when a young man, and carried on farming here the rest of his life. He died in December, 1868. His wife, a native of Canterbury, died April 1, 1882. They had five children: Ella, now the C. Wesley Carter, of Boscawen; Alva J., the subject of this sketch; Susan E., who died in March, 1895; and twins, one of whom was named Lyman, and both of whom died in infancy. The surviving children received a good education in the grammar school and high school of Canterbury.
Alva Dearborn, though but seventeen years old when his father died, took charge of the farm, and carried it on successfully, caring for his mother the rest of her life. He has greatly improved the property, and the farm now contains about three hundred acres of good land. Besides general farming Mr. Dearborn is engaged in the wood and lumber business, and also carries on an extensive dairy, shipping his milk to Boston. He also makes a specialty of raising fine fruit for the market. In politics he is a Republican. He has served several terms as Selectman, and has held other minor offices. He was married October 10, 1883, to Miss Ada Belle Cochran, of Walpole, N.H., born February 4, 1854, a daughter of Samuel and Relief (Leonard) Cochran. Mr. and Mrs. Dearborn are the parents of four children: Susan Relief, born May 23, 1884; Samuel James, born June 30, 1886; Fred Earl, born October 4, 1888; and Mollie Keturah, born November 7, 1890. Mr. and Mrs. Dearborn are highly esteemed by their numerous acquaintances in Canterbury and the vicinity.
