History of old Chester from 1719 to 1869

History of Old Chester title page

The *History of Old Chester from 1719 to 1869* by Benjamin Chase, published in 1869, offers a detailed account of the early settlement and development of Chester, New Hampshire. Compiled with the assistance of local historian Judge Samuel D. Bell, the book explores the town’s founding, genealogies, and significant events, using primary sources such as deeds, probate records, and personal diaries. Chase aimed to preserve the history and traditions of Chester’s early settlers while providing a comprehensive record for future generations. The work covers a broad range of topics, including religious, military, industrial, and genealogical history.

Biographical Sketch of Thomas Dinsmore

Thomas Dinsmore came to Alstead at an early day and settled near the village, upon the farm now owned by John G. Turner. He carried on blacksmithing and farming, reared a large family, and died about 1842. His son, Calvin, born on the old homestead, died here in 1868. He was also a blacksmith and a farmer. Of his large family of twelve children, eight attained a mature age, and five of the six surviving ones reside in the town. John G. is president of the Connecticut River National bank of Charlestown ; Edward resides on Pleasant street, and Thomas … Read more

Brown Genealogy

Brown Genealogy

In 1895, Cyrus Henry Brown began collecting family records of the Brown family, initially with the intention of only going back to his great-grandfathers. As others became interested in the project, they decided to trace the family lineage back to Thomas Brown and his wife Mary Newhall, both born in the early 1600s in Lynn, Massachusetts. Thomas, John, and Eleazer, three of their sons, later moved to Stonington, Connecticut around 1688. When North Stonington was established in 1807, the three brothers were living in the southern part of the town. Wheeler’s “History of Stonington” contains 400 records of early descendants of the Brown family, taken from the town records of Stonington. However, many others remain unidentified, as they are not recorded in the Stonington town records. For around a century, the descendants of the three brothers lived in Stonington before eventually migrating to other towns in Connecticut and New York State, which was then mostly undeveloped. He would eventually write this second volume of his Brown Genealogy adding to and correcting the previous edition. This book is free to search, read, and/or download.

Biographical Sketch of John B. Dinsmore

Is a native of Daviess county and was born in Jackson township on the 10th of April, 1850. He was reared and received his education wholly in this county. In August, 1870, he went to Kansas and there engaged in railroading. Part of his time in that State was spent in Emporia, where he remained till September, 1872. He then came to Daviess county, and locating in Jackson township, was soon called on to serve his fellow-citizens in a public office. He was elected township constable and collector, and served two years, refusing reelection. From that time he turned his … Read more

Biographical Sketch of S. K. Dinsmore

The subject of this sketch was born in Greene County, Tennessee, September 9, 1811. His parents, James and Mary Moore Dinsmore, were both natives of the same County; his mother died in 1853; his father survived her many years, dying some seven years ago. Our subject was reared upon a farm in his native County, and there received his education. When twenty-one years of age lie left home and went to Laurel County, Kentucky, and at London, in that State, learned the blacksmith trade, which tree his father had learned before him. He continued to work at his trade until … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Dr. S. M. Dinsmore

Dr. S. M. Dinsmore was born in Antrim, N. H., June 22, 1836, graduated as an M. D. March, 1860, from Columbian university, of Washington, D. C., practiced medicine in Sullivan and Hillsboro counties for twenty years, and located in Keene in 1881, where he now resides.

The Settlers of Narraguagus Valley Maine

Narraguagus Valley Some Account of its Early Settlement and Settlers

A glance at the map of the western part of Washington County will show that any treatment of the early settlement upon the Narraguagus River, necessarily involves more or less of the histories of Steuben, Milbridge, Harrington and Cherryfield. Steuben was formerly township “No. 4, East of Union River,” and No. 5 comprised the territory now included in the towns of Milbridge and Harrington. The town of Cherryfield is composed of No. 11, Middle Division, Brigham Purchase, and of the northeastern part of what was formerly Steuben. All that part of Cherryfield lying south of the mills on the first … Read more

History of Chester, New Hampshire, including Auburn

History of Chester, New Hampshire title page

The *History of Chester, New Hampshire, Including Auburn* by John Carroll Chase, published in 1926, serves as a supplement to the original 1869 *History of Old Chester*. This work was produced in response to a desire to document events that had occurred in the town since the previous publication, as well as to cover topics that were initially omitted. While Chester had seen a decline in population and industrial activity, the book highlights notable historical and social developments. It incorporates additions to military history, church records, and gravestone inscriptions, providing a comprehensive overview of Chester and Auburn’s past.

Biography of Robert Dinsmore

Robert Dinsmore, whose interests in Rice County and the City of Lyons cover a long period of years, had been successful both as a merchant and farmer, and represents a solid and substantial old family in Western Kansas. Mr. Dinsmore was born in Pike County, Illinois, August 27, 1863. The paternal ancestry had been in America since colonial days and it is recalled that a Lord Dinsmore of another branch of the same family accompanied General Lafayette on the latter’s second visit to the United States. Robert Dinsmore’s grandfather was also named Robert, and in the early years of the … Read more