Dr. Rufus Merrill Weeks, who resides in the village of Suncook, and is a well-known dentist in the town of Pembroke, was born in Gilford, N.H., December 15, 1854, son of William and Lizzie (Hutchinson) Weeks. Benjamin Weeks, the grandfather of Dr. Weeks, in his younger days was a farmer. He later learned Gilford. He became prominent in business circles and in public affairs, holding various town offices; and he was connected with the old State militia. In politics he was a Whig. He married, and reared a family of seven children. Of the latter the only survivor is Mrs. Harriet Gilman, who resides in Gilford. Benjamin Weeks and his wife lived to a good old age. He left with a good estate the reputation of an able and successful business man.
William Weeks, a native of Gilford and the third-born of his parents’ children, was brought up on a farm. At an early age he displayed a natural aptitude for agricultural pursuits. The active period of his life was spent in tilling the soil of a good farm in Gilford, and he attained prominence as a practical and successful farmer. In politics he acted with the Republican party in his later years. He served as a Selectman for some time, and represented his district in the legislature. His wife, Lizzie, became the mother of eight children, of whom there are living: Elizabeth A., William H., Orin, Annetta E., Fred A., Arthur B., and Rufus M. Elizabeth A. is the wife of Robinson Merrill, of Laconia, and has one daughter, Flora, who is now Mrs. Charles H. Collins, of Lakeport, N.H. William H. wedded Mary Potter, of Gilford; and his children are: Nathaniel H., Julia, Stark, and Millie. Orin married Arvilla Page, of Thornton, N.H., and has four children-Burt, Lizzie, Eliza, and Fred. Annetta E. is the wife of Edwin Munsey, of Los Angeles, Cal.; and her children are: Laura and Fred. Fred A. married Laura Gilman, of Gilford, and has no children. Arthur B. married Carrie Robbins, of Manchester, N.H., who died, leaving one son, Harry A. William Weeks died at the age of sixty-six years, and his wife lived to be seventy-two. They were members of the Free Will Baptist church.
After acquiring his early education in the common schools, Rufus Merrill Weeks attended the academy at Laconia. His dental studies were begun in Manchester, N.H., with Dr. C. W. Clement, with whom he remained three years, attending a course of lectures in Boston in that period. In 1875 he opened an office in Suncook, and has since practised his profession here with success.
Dr. Weeks was united in marriage with Luella B. Hoyt, daughter of Amos Hoyt, of Manchester. They have no children. Politically, Dr. Weeks is a Republican. He is widely and favorably known as a skilful dentist, and as a citizen he is highly respected and esteemed. He is Past Master of Jewell Lodge, F. & A. M.; Past High Priest of Hiram Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, of which he was one of the organizers; and he is a thirty-second degree Mason. He is also connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mrs. Weeks is a member of the Congregational church.