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L GNV AYALINIINDY AO ADATIODN ANIHSINVH MAN

“SLUY OINVHOAIN FH

NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES.

ENR Y Hy METCALF:
!

ILLUSTRATED.

CONCORD, JN. He:
PUBLISHED BY REPUBLICAN PRESS ASSOCIATION.

1397.

CONTENTS:

Page
INTRODUCTION : ‘ : : : : ; ‘ 9
AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES AND FAIRS _. . : II
STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. : ky
New HampsHIRE STATE GRANGE, PATRONS OF HUsS-

BANDRY : ; ; ; : : : : : 28
NEw HAMPSHIRE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND THE
MECHANIC ARTS : : oa
GRANITE STATE DAIRYMEN’S enn. ; : : 42
NEw HamPSHIRE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY . Pa er)
PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES . : : - 49
Ayers, Augustine R. ; ; ; Rag te)
Bachelder, Hon. Nakunn : ; <4
Bailey, John. : , : : : . > -EOR
Baker, John B. : : 3) 262
Baker, Hon. William D. . : : 36 teas
Ball, Sumner N. : ; : = 392
Ballard, William P. : ; : = 96
Barnard, Joseph ; ; 320
Bean, Fred : = : - £96
vBill, Willard, Jr. ; : : : : 306
Bishop, Edward E. . : .; : . Pact
Brown, Herbert L. . : : : ena
Brown, Hon. Manson S. . : ; : Bem
Bryant, Edward : : : : : : . 148
Burbank, William W. : ety)
Burley, Harrison G. , : : : 4S
Caldwell, Prof. William H. ; : ; as
Carpenter, George . ; , : ; =, 295

Carr, John M. . : ; ; : E : - wes

CONTENTS.

Cater weenty KE:
Chadwick, William H.
Chase, Willard W.
Child, William H.
Clark, Charles L.
Clough, Philip C.
Cogswell, Col. Thomas
Comings, Erasmus D.
Connor, James M.
Courser, Thomas J.
Cram, Frank E.

Cressy, Addison S. .
Duncan, Christy H.
Farr, John W.

Farr, Noah

Fassett, Charles W.

/ Fisher, George W.
Fisher, Warren J.

Fox, Perley E.

French, Warren A.
Gay, William E.
Gerrish, James L.
Gibson, Alonzo W.
Goodhue, George W. :
Gordon, Hon. Francis A.
Gould, Alfred J.
Graves, Bela

Greene, Willard T.
Greenough, Gilman
Griffiths Brothers
Hadley, Herbert O.
Hayes, Charles H. and Sons
Hayes, James M.

Hall, Horace A. 3
Hodgman, Marcellus R.
Howe, Joseph Drew
Hoyt, Charles B.

CONTENTS.

Humphrey, Hon. Moses
Y Hutchinson, Emri C.
Kelley, John L.

Keyes, Henry W.
Kimball, Charles F.
Kimball, George B.
/hittle, George Peabody
Lord. P.M.

Manning, Solomon
Maple Grove Farm
McDaniel, Hon. Charles .
Mills, John C.

Morgan, Belden
Morrison, John C,
Neal, William H.
Newman, George E.
Noyes, Henry

Noyes, Samuel Titus
Ordway, Hon. Nehemiah G.
Pattee, Stephen C.
Peaslee, John Albert
Perry, William H.
Phillips, Chester «EH.
Pressey, John M.
Pulsifer, Thomas S.
Ray, Hon. John C.
Rice, George G.

Rines, Mark

Riverside Stock Farm
Robbins, L. Harland
Roberts, Joseph D. ~
Rogers, Ezra B.

Rowe, Jonathan

Ryder, William H.
Sanborn, Jacob
Sanborn, Prof. J. W.
Sargent, Walter

CONTENTS.

Sawyer, Herbert N.
Scammon, Hezekiah
Shaw, Christopher C.
Shepard, James E.
Smith, Hon. Charles E.
Stinson, Col. William H. .
Stone, Charles W.
Stone, Edmund
Tallant, Hon. John G.
Taylor, Hon. Jonathan M.
Taylor, Thomas O.
Tenney, Simon A.
Thompson, Lucien
Tilton, Zerah E.

Tripp, Warren

Trow, Clarence L.
Wadleigh, George H.
Wadleigh, Milton B.
Walker, Hon. Joseph B.
Wason, Hon. George A.
Waterhouse, Charles H.
Wellington, Edwin I.
Wentworth, William T.
Westgate, William F.
Whitcher, Joseph Avery
Whitcher, Prof. George H.
Whitney, George F., 2d
White, Samuel S.
Whittemore, Sidney B.
Winch, Charles
Woodward, Frank R.

386
BSi/
136

64
406
273
302
212
150
173
189
124
371
243
158
194
127
265

54
255
260
27a
359
356
376
381
310
149
267
326

120

INP ROD € LON

While volumes almost without number, setting forth
the work and achievements of men in public and profes-
sional life, in railroading, banking, and the various lines
manufacture, have been written, printed, and issued to
the world, comparatively little has been written, and still
less issued in permanent form, concerning those who
have won substantial success in that oldest and most hon-
orable of human occupations—Agriculture.

It is the purpose of this volume to supply, in some
small measure, what is wanting in this regard, so far as
the state of New Hampshire is concerned: to increase
the interest in agriculture in the state and record the suc-
cess which has crowned the efforts of representative
New Hampshire farmers. If in so doing the writer
shall succeed in advancing in any degree the welfare of
this great industry, which remains and must continue
the basis of our national prosperity, and which, even in
New Hampshire, excels every other in magnitude and
importance, he will have accomplished all that he hoped
for, or had any right to expect. That he may do this by
exciting a deeper pride in, and stronger devotion to, their
noble calling in the minds of New Hampshire farmers
and their sons, he sincerely trusts; while earnestly
reminding the latter that upon the continued and improved
cultivation of these New Hampshire farms, upon which
have been reared so many of the men who have directed
the thought and energy of the nation in times past,

IO INTRODUCTION.

depends in no small degree our future national welfare
and progress, while it brings directly to those engaged
therein the substantial reward of intelligent and well-
directed effort. From the examples cited in the following
pages, it is clearly manifest that farming in New Hamp-
shire has been made to ‘‘ pay,” even in the ordinary,
material sense of the term. ‘That with intelligent effort
and improved methods it may be made to pay even more
abundantly in the future, is not to be doubted.

AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES AND FAIks.

The first settlements in New Hampshire were made
in 1623, but agriculture seems to have been but an inci-
dent in the occupation of the inhabitants during the first
century of its history, fishing, on the coast, and lumbering
in the interior, being the leading branches of industry.
Subsequently, however, the people began to turn their
attention more and more to the cultivation of the soil,
and in the eighteenth century, even before the War of
the Revolution, agriculture was the principal employ-
ment of a majority of the people. Yet it was not until
some time after the beginning of the present century
that anything in the iine of organized or codperative
effort was made, or attempted, in the state, for the gen-
eral promotion of the interests of agriculture.

The first agricultural society organized in New Hamp-
shire was one in the county of Rockingham, which was
incorporated by the legislature in 1814. Nothing is re-
corded of its work for the first two or three years. Two
years later, the Cheshire County society was incor-
porated (that county then including also the present
county of Sullivan), and this society, in the following
year—1817—petitioned the legislature for an appropria-
tion in aid of its work. Governor Plumer, in his mes-

sage that year, had commended the cause of agriculture
to the favorable consideration of that body, and the
result was that an appropriation of $100 for each of
the two societies—the Rockingham and Cheshire—was

12 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

made at that session. Neither of these societies held a
fair that year, however; but in 1818, the legislature of
that year having voted $300 each to these two societies,
and $200 each to the societies in Hillsborough, Strafford,
and Grafton counties, which it had just incorporated,
both societies held fairs, or ‘* cattle shows,” as they were
then more generally known, that of the Cheshire society
occurring first, on October 7, at Charlestown, and that
for Rockingham county, later, at Chester.

This Charlestown fair, at which some very liberal
premiums were paid, including such as $25 for the best
pair of working oxen, $15 for the best milch cow, $15
for the best acre of wheat, etc., is understood to have
been the first exhibition of the kind ever held in the
state. It is proper to remark, however, that a /azr, in
the old time and old country acceptation of the term,
had been held in the town of Londonderry, embracing
the present town of Derry, from the time of its incor-
poration under the charter of King George, in 1722,
down to 1838. This Londonderry fair was provided for
in the king’s charter, in conformity with the ideas and
habits of the proprietors, who came from the region of
Londonderry, Ireland, where such gatherings had long
been in vogue. They were holden twice a year, in May
and November, their object being to facilitate the sale
and exchange of stock and merchandise.

Quite an interest was aroused for a time by these sey-
eral county societies, one for Coés county having also
been organized in 1819, and some very successful exhi-
bitions were held; but in a few years the interest waned,
legislative support was also withdrawn, and the socie-
ties collapsed and went out of existence. One organized
in the then new county of Merrimack, however, in Feb-
ruary, 1824, of which Dr. Ebenezer Lerned was the first
president, and Hon. Horace Chase, secretary, and which

AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES AND FAIRS. Ie.

held the first fair at Salisbury in October of that year,
continued its existence, notwithstanding all depressing
conditions, holding annual exhibitions in different towns
of the county until its reorganization under a legislative
charter in 1859, and its acquirement and fitting up of
permanent exhibition grounds on the plains east of the
Merrimack river, in Concord, in 1860, where its fair
was held that year and for many years subsequently, up
to 1874, the last one being in September of that year,
though a state fair was holden there as late as 1882.
Meanwhile, a few years previous to 1850, a revival of
interest in agricultural organization had begun to mani-
fest itself in the state. The Hillsborough County society
was reorganized in 1847, and held a fair at Milford in
the fall of 1849. Agitation for legislative encourage-
ment of the agricultural interest had been revived, and
efforts been made to secure the establishment of a State
Board of Agriculture. On the 12th day of December,
1849, a meeting was held in the City hall in Manchester,
in response to a call signed by a number of prominent
farmers in different sections of the state, headed by Hon.
Asa P. Cate of Northtield, to organize a State Agricul-
tural society, which was done, Hon. George W. Nes-
mith of Franklin being elected president ; John S. Walker
of Claremont, secretary; and Nathaniel B. Baker of
Concord, treasurer; with a vice-president from each
county, and an executive committee of five members.
This society held a meeting in Concord in June fol-
lowing, and made an effort, though without success, to
secure an appropriation from the legislature, in aid of
its work and that of county societies, legislative agri-
cultural meetings being held for several evenings in the
hall of the house of representatives, for the first time in
its history. The organization was chartered by the legis-
lature at that session, and its first annual exhibition, or

14 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

fair, was holden in Concord, October 2 and 3, following.
The next year, the fair was held in Manchester, and in
1852 at Meredith Bridge. now Laconia. Subsequent
fairs were holden in Keene, Dover, and Nashua, as well
as Concord and Manchester; but for many years during
the latter part of the society’s active existence, the latter
city was the place of its exhibition, the last one occur-
ring in 1885, though an exhibition purporting to be a
state fair was held there in 1889.

In Sullivan county, a society had been organized in
1848, and another in Cheshire county soon after, both of
which held successful exhibitions for many years. The
Rockingham County society was reorganized in 1852.
The towns about Lebanon organized what was known
as the Connecticut River Valley Agricultural society in
1847, holding a fair in that town. ‘Ten years later this
society was reorganized as a Grafton County society,
and for a long series of years past, down to 1895, main-
tained its fairs at Plymouth. In 1858, a Belknap County
organization was formed, which held successful fairs at
Laconia for a number of years. A Carroll County soci-
ety was organized in 1860, but was a short-lived affair,
held but one or two exhibitions, and has never been re-
suscitated. Strafford county effected an organization in
1867, and Codés, in conjunction with Essex county, Vt.,
in 1869, this latter being the only one of the county
societies that has maintained its organization and con-
tinued its fairs—the latter being located at Lancaster—
down to the present time.

Local rivalry, and individual jealousy and ambition,
soon prompted the organization of other associations in
many of the counties, which operated to weaken, disin-
tegrate, and finally destroy some of them. In 1856, the
Souhegan Agricultural society, embracing the towns in
the Souhegan valley and the southern part of Hillsbor-

AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES AND FAIRS. 15

ough county, was organized, and held fairs for several
years. In 1859, a North Hillsborough society had its
inception, and held a fair two or three years at Weare.
The same year, the Contoocook Valley association, em-
bracing the towns in the section about Hillsborough,
was formed, and fairs were held there for some time
with success. A Merrimack River society, so called, es-
tablished in 1858, had exhibition headquarters in Nashua
for a number of years. The Oak Park association held
fairs at Greenfield for some time, from 1875, and the
Piscataquog Agricultural society was established at
Goffstown in 1878.

In Cheshire county, the Ashuelot society was estab-
lished, at Winchester, in 1863; the Piscataqua at Ports-
mouth, in Rockingham, in 1867; the Mascoma Valley
at Canaan, in Grafton, in 1870; the Kearsarge at War-
ner, in Merrimack, in 1872; and the Suncook Valley at
Pittsfield about the same time,—the only one of the en-
tire number that has maintained a fair continuously to
the present time being the Mascoma Valley.

In 1876, the Upper Coés and Essex society was organ-
ized, with headquarters at Colebrook, and has holden
fairs nearly every year since. In many instances, two
or three towns have combined in holding fairs for one or
more years, the most notably successful arrangement of
this kind being the Bradford and Newbury association,
which has held remarkably attractive and well-attended
fairs for about a quarter of a century. Town fairs have
been held, at one time or another, by nearly half the
towns in the state, some of them for many years continu-
ously with marked success, as in the case of Chester,
Derry, Sanbornton, New London, and others. The
Rochester fair, started as a town exhibition over twenty
years ago, soon overshadowed and _ practically wiped
out the Strafford County fair, and for many years past

16 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

has maintained interstate proportions, rivaling the New
England fair in many respects.

With the decadence of the State Agricultural society,
and the cessation of its exhibitions, the Grange organ-
ization came to the front, and organized a State Fair
association, whose first exhibition was held at Tilton in
1886, on grounds fitted up for its use by Mr. Charles E.
Tilton of that place, where successive fairs have been
held annually ever since, generally with great success ;
though the public patronage in the way of attendance is
necessarily less than would be the case near a populous
business centre. A Grafton and Coos Grange fair has
also been held, with generally gratifying results, at
Whitefield, for about the same length of time; while for
several years another has been held in Keene for Che-
shire county. The Patrons within the jurisdiction of
Merrimack County Pomona Grange have organized a
fair association, and held fairs on the old Kearsarge
grounds at River Bow park, Warner, for the last three
years, with good results, and a similar organization for
Western Rockingham has been in operation for two years.

All indications now point to the fact that for some years
to come the agricultural fairs, or annual exhibitions of
farm and domestic products, will be very generally under
the control of the Grange, whether for state, county, dis-
trict, or town; just as the several subordinate Grange
organizations have almost entirely done away with the
numerous farmers’ clubs, and other local agricultural
societies, that flourished so generally from fifteen to
thirty years ago.

STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

Up to the year 1870 there was no department of the
state government, nor any official organization connected
therewith, having any special cognizance of affairs per-
taining to the state’s fundamental interest—agriculture—
or authorized to promote its welfare; although fifty
years earlier, as far back as 1820, the legislature had
taken action in that direction, and provided for the estab-
lishment of a State Board of Agriculture. This board
was actually organized, held a few meetings, and made
one report to the legislature, but there is no recorded
evidence of its having done anything farther. The act
under which it was established, was approved December
21, 1820, and provided that the presidents of the several
agricultural societies within the state, with one delegate
chosen from each society, should constitute a Board of
Agriculture, and should convene on the first Monday
after the annual meeting of the legislature, at the capitol
or other place thought proper, any five members consti-
tuting a quorum, elect a president, secretary, and such
other officers as might be thought proper, receive and
examine all reports and returns made by the county
societies within the state, select for publication such of
them, and such other essays relative to the improvement
of agriculture as they should think conducive to the
advancement of agriculture, and annually publish a
pamphlet, at the expense of the state, to be distributed
by means of said agricultural societies to the people, not
exceeding one thousand copies. It also provided that

18 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

it should be the duty of said Board ot Agriculture ‘* to
examine into the organization of said societies, and their
manner of transacting their business, and to recommend
such alterations and improvements therein as they may
deem expedient.”

There were at this time six regularly organized agri-
cultural societies in the state, one for each county, the
first having been organized in Rockingham county,
which was incorporated by the legislature in 1814, and
the second in Cheshire (embracing Sullivan) incorporated
in June, 1816, while those in Strafford (embracing Bel-
knap and Carroll), Hillsborough (embracing Merri-
mack), and Grafton, were incorporated in June, 1818,
and that in Cods in June, 1819.

The members of the board thus constituted met at the
state house, June 11, 1821, agreeable to the provision of
the law, and adjourned for one week, when an organiza-
tion was formed by the election of Hon. William Badger
as president; Hon. Matthew Harvey, secretary; Hon.
Samuel Grant, treasurer; and Hon. Amos Kent, Rev.
Humphrey Moore, and Hon. Samuel Grant, committee
of publication. The legislature of 1821, then in session,
passed an act amending the original statute creating the
board, which was approved June 27, and which pro-
vided that the annual meeting of the board should there-
after be held on the second Wednesday in June, and
that from and after the first Monday following the next
annual meeting of the legislature, the board should con-
sist of one delegate from each county society, instead of
the presidents and delegates as originally provided.
This legislature also passed a resolution appropriating
the sum of eight hundred dollars ‘‘ for the purpose of
promoting the interest of agriculture and domestic man-
ufactures in the state,” of which the agricultural societies
of Rockingham, Strafford, Hillsborough, Cheshire, and

STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 19

Grafton were allowed one hundred dollars each, that of
Coés county fifty dollars, and the Board of Agriculture
the remaining two hundred and fifty dollars.

This appropriation presumably defrayed the expense
of the preparation and publication of the first annual
report of the board, which was presented to the next
session of the legislature, that of 1822, and which was
embraced in a pamphlet of 135 pages, including preface,
the laws instituting the board, a brief report of the
organization, an introductory essay on the rise and
progress of agriculture, and a review of its condition in
the state, essays on manure, rotation of crops, culture of
wheat, culture of Indian corn, and culture of English tur-
nips, and an address delivered before the Hillsborough
County Agricultural society, at Hopkinton, October 17,
1821, by Rev. Humphrey Moore, who is also understood
to have written the introductory essay, and most of the
others. No other report of the board appears to have
been made, and the board itself seems to have relapsed
into ‘*innocuous desuetude,” and disappeared from
existence.

Efforts had been made at different times previous to
1870, to establish a new Board of Agriculture, but with-
out avail, although nearly the requisite strength in the
legislature was more than once secured, but in that year
a measure was passed without substantial opposition,
which was approved by the governor July 2, and which
provided for the appointment by the governor and
council, of ** ten practical and intelligent citizens, one
from each county in the state, who shall constitute a
Board of Agriculture, and hold their offices for three
years.” The persons appointed were authorized to
meet, at such time and place as the first named might
designate, choose a chairman, appoint a secretary, and
prescribe his duties. The law provided that they should

20 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

‘‘investigate such subjects in relation to improvements
in agriculture and kindred arts as they shall think
proper,” also that they should ‘‘ cause to be analyzed
samples of such commercial fertilizers as may from time
to time be offered for sale in this state, collect and dis-
tribute grain and other seeds, keep full records of their
proceedings,’ and also authorized them to ‘‘ take, hold
in trust for the state, and exercise control over, donations
made for promoting agricultural education and the gen-
eral interests of husbandry.” It was also provided that
they should solicit returns and reports from the different
agricultural societies in the state, and furnish blanks for
the purpose; also that they should make a full report to
the governor of all their doings, on or before the first
day of May annually, with such recommendations and
suggestions as in their judgment the interests of agricul-
ture shall require, together with a detailed and explicit
statement of all expenses incurred by them. It was
expressly provided that the members of the board should
receive no compensation for services, but should be
entitled to receive their expenses necessarily incurred in
the legitimate discharge of their duties.

Soon after the passage of the act, the governor and
council appointed the following named gentlemen as
members of the board provided for:

Merrimack county—Moses Humphrey, Concord.

Rockingham county—J. Frank Lawrence, Epping.

Strafford county—Charles Jones, Milton.

Belknap county—Thomas J. Whipple, Laconia.

Carroll county—W. H. H. Mason, Moultonborough.

Hillsborough county—James O. Adams, Manchester.

Cheshire county—Sampson W. Buffum, Winchester.

Sullivan county—Edward H. Brown, Croydon.

Grafton county—Luther B. Hoskins, Lyman.

Coés county—Nathan R. Perkins, Jefferson.

STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 21

In response to the proper call, these gentlemen, with
the exception of the member from Belknap county, met
in the council chamber, at the state house, and organ-
ized with Hon. Moses Humphrey of Concord as chair-
man, and James O. Adams of Manchester as secretary.

Subsequent meetings were held at Manchester, Sep-
tember 7, and at Concord, October 14, at the latter of
which a sub-committee was appointed to prepare and
issue an address to the farmers of the state, which was
done. The first public meeting of the board was held in
Eagle hall, Concord, November 29 and 30, various
topics of interest to farmers being discussed at the
several sessions, by different speakers, including Hon.
Simon Brown of Concord, Mass., Col. David M. Clough
of Canterbury, J. F. Lawrence of Epping, S. C. Pattee
and Levi Bartlett, of Warner, Joseph B. Walker of Con-
cord, John L. Keiley of Franklin, Dr. W. H. H. Mason
of Moultonborough, Hiram R. Roberts of Rollinsford,
and many others. Other public meetings were held,
during the ensuing winter, at Milford, Winchester,
Keene, Lebanon, Derry, Chester, Meredith, and Exeter.

During each subsequent winter season a greater or
less number of these public meetings, generally known
as ** Farmers’ Institutes,” have been held in different
sections of the state, under the auspices of the board, the
series for the last season, commencing early in the
autumn of 1896, having been the most extended, the
most generally attended, and by far the most profitable.
At these meetings, generally, practical subjects, bear-
ing directly upon the agriculture of the state, are taken
up and presented at length by able speakers, specially
qualified, and then opened to the meeting for general
discussion as far as time will permit. For many years
past it has been the practice of the board to hold a mid-
summer field meeting (of late in connection with the

22 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

State Grange) either at the beach or the lakeside, and a
general two days’ winter meeting, which has also for
some years been in connection with that of the Granite
State Dairymen’s association, at both of which able
speakers are heard upon subjects of general or special
importance.

The names of the gentlemen who have served for
greater or less periods of time as members of the board
since its institution in 1870, are as follows, the same
being arranged by counties:

Rockingham county—J. Frank Lawrence, Epping ;
John M. Weare, Seabrook; William H. Hills, Plaistow ;
John D. Lyman, Exeter. Mr. Lyman has served con-
tinuously since January 28, 1885.

Strafford county—Charles Jones, Milton; Hiram R.
Roberts, Rollinsford; Joshua B. Smith, Durham;
Albert DeMerritt, Durham; Lucien Thompson, Dur-
ham James M.)Elayes, Dover-|) Mr. Jones. resioned
shortly after the organization of the board, and was suc-
ceeded by Judge Roberts, who served five years. Mr.
Hayes, the present member, has served since September,
1892.

Belknap county—Thomas J. Whipple, Laconia;
Thomas Cogswell, Gilmanton; Jeremiah W. Sanborn,
Gilmanton; Charles W. Hackett, Belmont; George S.
Philbrick, Tilton; George H. Wadleigh, Tilton. Col.
Whipple never served, and Mr. Cogswell was soon
appointed in his place, resigning in 1872, when Mr.
Sanborn was appointed. Mr. Wadleigh, the present
member, was appointed in November, 1894.

Carroll county—W. H. H. Mason, Moultonborough ;
Samuel B. Shackford, Conway; W. H. H. Mason,
again; Alonzo Towle, Freedom; Charles B. Hoyt,
Sandwich. Dr. Mason served six years the first, and
nine years the second time, making a longer service

STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 23

than that of any other member except Mr. Humphrey,
while Dr. Towle served nine years, up to November,
1897, when Mr. Hoyt was appointed.

Merrimack county had but one member, Hon. Moses
Humphrey of Concord, who has been the presiding
officer of the board from the start, until the appointment,
in November, 1897, of Hon. Joseph B. Walker of the
same city, upon the completion of twenty-seven years’
service by Mr. Humphrey, and his expressed desire to
be relieved from further labor.* Mr. Walker, however,

* Moses Humphrey was born in Hingham, Mass., October 20, 1807. His edu-
eational opportunities were limited, and his occupation in early life was that
of a sailor, which he pursued so industriously and intelligentiy that he soon
came to the command of a vessel. He followed the sea for some years, but
finally engaged in the manufacture of mackerel kits, and, having invented
certain improvements in the process, he established himself in business in
that line at Croydon Flat, in this state, where he had visited relatives in youth,
and found a wife. Here he remained several years, until, in 1851, he removed
to Concord, establishing his manufactory at West Concord, where he con-
tinued to carry on the work for some time, meanwhile engaging to a consider-
able extent in agriculture, making many experiments, and taking special in-
terest in corn culture, which, as he has always insisted, has been too greatly
neglected by New Hampshire farmers. His theory is that New Hampshire
can and should produce all the corn consumed within its borders, and that it
ean be done with profit to those directly concerned.

Taking a strong interest:in matters of public concern, Mr. Humphrey was
chosen a member of the common council of the city of Concord upon the es-
tablishment of the city government in 1853, and the following year was presi-
dent of that body. The next two years he was a member of the board of alder-
men. In 1861 and 1862 he was Mayor of the city, a position of unusual respon-
sibility from the multiplicity of important duties incident to the breaking out
and prosecution of the Civil War, and again, in 1865, the closing year of the war,
he was called to the same office. In 1857 and 1858, he was a member of the state
legislature, and again in 1875 and 1876, rendering efficient service both terms.
He was a member of the executive council of the state during the incumbency
of Gov. Onslow Stearns, in 1869 and 1870, and, upon the creation of the State
Board of Agriculture, for whose establishment he had long labored, he was ap-
pointed a member of the same for the county of Merrimack, and continued in
that position, from term to term, for twenty-seven years, until November,
1897, serving continuously as president of the Board, and devoting much time
and labor to the success of its work.

Mr. Humphrey initiated and carried out the work of building the Concord
street railway, was its president and superintendent for many years, and
effected the change to electricity as a motive power, and has been foremost in
many movements and enterprises looking to the progress of his city and
state. In politics he has been an earnest Republican. In religion he is a Uni-
versalist, and has long been prominent in his denomination in city, state, and
nation. On the occurrence of his ninetieth birthday anniversary, he was hon-
ored with a public reception in the State House at Concord, which was a
marked demonstration of the high esteem in which he is held by the people.

Hon. Moses HUMPHREY,

For Twenty-Seven Years President of the State Board of Agriculture.

STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 25

has been one of the most valued speakers at the insti-
tutes held by the board ever since its organization.

Hillsborough county—James O. Adams, Manchester ;
B. F. Hutchinson, Milford; D. H. Goodell, Antrim ;
Joseph Farnum, Peterborough ; George A. Wason,
New Boston; Joseph A. Hall, Brookline; Herbert O.
Hadley, Temple. Mr. Hall, who had served two years
upon his second term, died in August, 1897, and Mr.
Hadley was appointed in his place.

Cheshire county—Sampson W. Buffum, Winchester ;
George K. Harvey, Surry; Jason S. Perry, Rindge;
Willard Bill, Jr., Westmoreland. Messrs. Harvey and
Perry served nine years each. Mr. Bill was appointed
in September, 1895.

Sullivan county—Edward H. Brown, Croydon; John
S. Walker, Claremont; Edmund Burke, Newport;
Hiram Parker, Lempster; Charles McDaniel, Spring-
field; Bela Graves, Unity: William H. Sisson, Cornish.
Mr. Brown resigned in December following his appoint-
ment, and was succeeded by Mr. Walker. . Messrs.
Parker and McDaniel served two terms each. Mr. Sis-
son was appointed in July, 1896.

Grafton county—Luther B. Hoskins, Lyman; Charles
F. Kingsbury, Lyme; C. M. Tuttle, Littleton; John E.
Carr, North Haverhill; Charles E. Swazey, Bethlehem ;
George W. Mann, Benton; Edward E. Bishop, Bethle-
hem. Mr. Bishop was appointed in November, 1897,
to succeed Mr. Mann, at the expiration of his second
term, December 26, 1897.

Coés county—Nathan R. Perkins, Jefferson; Horace
Ee Holton, Wancaster; Barton ‘G2 owne, Wancasters
S. B. Whittemore, Colebrook; F. P. Covell, Colebrook ;
Osgood F. Covell, Colebrook; Joseph D. Howe, Lan-
caster; Loren J. Miner, Whitefield. Mr. Whittemore
served longer than any other Coéds member—from 1881
to 1889. Mr. Miner was appointed in July 1896.

26 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

Thus it appears that fifty-four different men have been
appointed upon the Board of Agriculture since its estab-
lishment, serving from a few months to the full period of
twenty-seven years, each. A few of these have. been
lawyers, several doctors, some merchants, and manu-
factures; but the most have been farmers, and all, or
nearly all, directly engaged in agriculture to some
extent. Some have rendered little aid in the work of
the board, but most have manifested strong interest, and
rendered such service as time and ability made possible,
while a number have been quite active and efficient in
arranging and addressing meetings, and carrying out
the general work of the board.

The original act establishing the Board of Agriculture,
neither defined the duties of the secretary of the board,
nor fixed his compensation, but left the board, itself, to
do the former, and the governor and council the latter.
But by an act approved July 3, 1872, the legislature pre-
scribed at length and in detail, the duties of the secretary,
making him indeed the executive officer or agent of the
board, and practically putting its work into his hands, as
well as extending the same materially beyond that origi-
nally prescribed, and at the same time fixed his salary at
$1,000 per annum. The revised Public Statutes of 1891
put the salary of the secretary at $1,500 per annum.

Mr. James O. Adams, of Manchester, who was the
original Hillsborough county member, was elected secre-
tary upon the organization of the board, and was con-
tinued in that position until his death February 7, 1887.
Mr. Adams was a ready writer, and an easy speaker,
and contributed largely, both with pen and voice, to pro-
mote the work of the organization.

Mr. Adams was succeeded by Nahum J. Bachelder of
Andover, then secretary of the State Grange, Patrons of
Husbandry, between which organization and the Board

STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 27

of Agriculture the best friends of agricultural progress
in the state had long felt it desirable to effect greater
harmony and more perfect codperation, which result was
largely accomplished through Mr. Bachelder’s appoint-
ment to the position which he has since filled with great
credit to himself, and to the complete satisfaction of the
New Hampshire farmers and the public at large.

Since Mr. Bachelder’s selection as secretary of the
board the duties of the position have been materially
increased through statutory enactments. The legisla-
ture of 1889 enacted a measure authorizing the governor
and council ** to designate a person to collect necessary
information in regard to the opportunities for developing
the agricultural resources of the state through immigra-
tion,” and to cause the facts obtained and statement of
the advantages offered, to be circulated as the governor
and council might consider best, and appropriating
$2,500, annually for the purpose. The governor and
council designated the secretary of the State Board of
Agriculture to attend to the work in question, and by
the terms of the revised Public Statutes of 1891, he is
specifically charged with that responsibility, the per-
manent annual appropriation being reduced to $2,000.
The secretary is also made, by the terms of the act
establishing a state board of cattle commissioners, a
member of that board, and a large share of the labor
involved in carrying out the provisions of the law has
devolved upon him. In both these important spheres of
duty he has rendered zealous, faithful, and efficient
service.

NEW HAMPSHIRE STATE GRANGE, PATRONS
OF HUSBANDRY.

Of the many farmers’ organizations brought into exist-
ence in recent years for advancing the interests of hus-
bandry, none have achieved so great success or assumed
such a permanent character as the Grange of the Patrons
of Husbandry. The foundation of the organization was
laid in the city of Washington, D. C., by seven men,
whose names have since become household words through-
out the country. The names of these men, which are
always spoken with reverence and respect, are, William
Saunders, John) Trimble, .. Me siMicDowell wile
Thompson, W. M.- Ireland, O. H. Kelley, and A. B.
Grosh. ‘These men were connected with the agriculturai
department of the federal government, and thus had an
opportunity of knowing the needs of the agricultural
class, and realized the necessity of some organization,
the work of which could be brought into closer contact
with the farmers than was possible through a national or
state department. After a thorough study of the ques-
tion and widespread investigation, covering months of
earnest and persistent work, the framework of the organ-
ization was perfected, and submitted to the farmers of
the country for an endorsement, on the fourth day of
December, 1867. The men who have the honor of bring-
ing the organization into existence, and who have the
heartfelt gratitude of the farming class from Maine to
California, lived to witness the grand result of their

STATE GRANGE, PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY. 29

efforts, and three still survive, including the present
worthy secretary, John Trimble.

The farmers were somewhat suspicious at first of the
new organization, and during the first year its progress
was slow. Its practical qualities for advancing the inter-
ests of the farmer and his family were appreciated as soon
as understood, and Granges were organized with great
rapidity throughout the length and breadth of the land.

The first State Grange was organized in Minnesota,
February 23, 1869, and the second in Iowa, January 12,
1871. The movement did not reach New England as
early as some other sections of the country. The first
Grange in’New Hampshire was organized at Exeter,
August 19, 1873, known as Gilman Grange, No. 1, with
Hon. John D. Lyman, master. A meeting was held in
Manchester, December 23 of the same year, for the pur-
pose of organizing a State Grange. Fifteen of the
seventeen subordinate Granges organized in New Hamp-
shire previous to this date were represented at the meeting.
T. A. Thompson, lecturer of the National Grange, pre-
sided, and organized the New Hampshire State Grange,
with the following officers :

Master—D.'T. Chase, Claremont.
Overseer—C. H. DeRochemont, Kingston.
Lecturer—John D. Lyman, Exeter.
Steward—L.'T. Sanborn, Hampton Falls.
Assistant Steward—l. A. Reed, Newport.
Chaplain—]. F. Keyes, Ashland.
Treasurer—D. M. Clough, Canterbury.
Secretary—C. C. Shaw, Milford.
Gate-keeper—J. U. Prince, Amherst.
Ceres—Mrs. C. C. Shaw.

Pomona—Mrs. J. U. Prince.

Flora—Mrs. A. B. Tallant, East Concord.
Lady Assistant Steward—Mrs. L. T. Sanborn.

30 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

Since the organization of the New Hampshire State
Grange, two hundred and sixty-two subordinate Granges
have been organized in the state, thirteen of which have
been brought into existence during the year 1897. ‘Two
hundred and twenty-eight of the total number organized
hold meetings regularly and are doing active work.

The first Pomona Grange was organized in New
Hampshire in 1883, and the present number of Pomona
Granges in the state is sixteen. The total membership
of the subordinate Granges is about twenty thousand,
there having been a net gain of about fifteen hun-
dred during the present year, while the membership
in the country at large reaches into the hundreds of thou-
sands. The total membership of the Pomona Granges
in New Hampshire is about six thousand. The subordi-
nate and Pomona Granges of New Hampshire are hold-
ing about five thousand meetings annually for the
discussion of agricultural subjects and the advancement
of their members in social and educational lines.

D. T. Chase served as master of the State Grange
until 1880, when he was succeeded by George A. Wason
of New Boston. William H. Stinson of Dunbarton was
elected master, in December, 1883, and served three
years, when he resigned, and was succeeded by Charles
McDaniel of Springfield. Mr. McDaniel served five
years, and in December, 1891, the present master, N. J.
Bachelder, was elected. The other officers for 1897 are:

Overseer—E. E. Rugg, Keene.

Lecturer—Hezekian Scammon, Exeter.

Steward—Howard B. Holman, East Tilton.

Assistant Steward—Herbert O. Hadley, Temple.

Chaplain—Rev. E. Howard Fisher, Gilford.

Treasurer—Hon. Jonathan M. Taylor, Sanbornton.

Secrecary—Emri C. Hutchinson, Milford.

Gate-keeper—Adam Dickey, Manchester.

STATE GRANGE, PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY. 31

Ceres—Mrs. N. J. Bachelder, East Andover.
Pomona—Mrs. 8. N. Ball, Washington.
Flora—Miss Jeannie McMillan, North Conway.
Lady Assistant Steward—Mrs. E. E. Rugg, Keene.

Alonzo Towle of Freedom is the general deputy, and
the master and secretary, with John M. Carr, Wilmot,
Joseph D. Roberts, Rollinsford, and James E. Shepard,
New London, constitute the,executive committee.

The Patrons’ Relief Association, which is a life insur-
ance company for members of the Grange, was organized
in 1876.

The present Grange Mutual Fire Insurance Company
was organized in 1888, for insuring property owned by
members of the Grange against loss by fire. This com-
pany has risks in force amounting to three million dollars,
and is rapidly growing. The total expense to the insured
has been less than one half of one per cent. for a three
years’ period of insurance.

The New Hampshire Grange Fair Association was
organized in 1886, and has held twelve annual exhibi-
tions, generally with marked success. The premium
exhibits are limited to members of the Grange.

The Grange has wielded a strong influence in national
and state legislation by an intelligent and conservative
discussion of measures affecting the farming interests.
It appeals to the judgment of the legislators by creating
a public sentiment in favor of just measures rather than
by open hostility or threatening action. It regards differ-
ence of opinion as no crime, but earnestly and effectually
maintains its position if sound and right.

There is no party politics in the Grange, and it holds
itself above the tricks and schemes of cheap political
manipulators. It aims to secure the nomination for office
of honest and trusty men, who will stand by the indus-
trial interests, in all parties, leaving its members to

32 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

affiliate with that party by which, in their opinion, the
interests of the country will be best subserved.

No secret organization was ever conceived and given
birth amid more bitter opposition or found in its pathway
more obstacles to overcome than the Grange ; and yet, no
association of similar character ever entered a wider field
for usefulness, had greater possibilities before it, or won
in the same time a higher measure of regard from intel-
ligent people for its work.

The prime cause of antipathy to the organization at the
start, was an erroneous impression in regard to its objects
and purposes. The Grange is founded upon principles
of such broad and philanthropic character that a thorough
investigation must result in a higher appreciation of its
ennobling influence. It is an organization formed not
merely for amusement, but for the grand object of assist-
ing the farmer and his family, not only to agricultural
knowledge, but to social and educational culture and to a
higher standard of morality. It breaks up the monotony
and isolation of farm life by providing means of social
enjoyment, the absence of which has been a prolific
source of deserted farms.

It furnishes the means by which the farmer’s education
and mental development may be continued in connection
with the daily avocations of farm life, and thus enables
him in some degree to keep pace with his associates in
other business and professions whose daily duties require
mental activity and discipline.

In the words of one of the distinguished founders of
the order, under its influence ‘*‘ Honesty is inculcated,
education nurtured, temperance supported, brotherly love
cultivated, and charity made an essential characteristic.”
Another characteristic which commends itself to all, is
the proper appreciation of the abilities and sphere of
woman, by admitting her to full membership. Through

STATE GRANGE, PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY. 33

these various lines, this organization carries sunshine and
happiness to thousands of American farm homes, culture
and refinement to members of farmers’ families, and
exerts an elevating influence upon the rural population of
the entire land.

In addition to its practical benefits in making agricul-
ture more profitable, we should remember its higher
objects, which are included in the education, culture, and
refinement of the farmer and his family, developing a
better and higher manhood and womanhood in the
broadest sense of the term, thus contributing to the repu-
tation and good name of the state and nation. It is no
wonder that such an organization has received the hearty
endorsement of the more intelligent farmers throughout
the country, and become so prosperous and popular in
the Granite state, for its principles need only to be under-
stood to be appreciated.

Notwithstanding the commendable progress which the
Grange has made in New Hampshire, it has by no means
reached the zenith of its prosperity. The number of sub-
ordinate Granges should be still increased, for there are
agricultural towns at present without the organization, and
the number of meetings should be increased in many cases.
When these things are accomplished, twenty-five meet-
ings being held in each town during the year, the organ-
ization will be so far perfected as to extend to all sections
the elevating power of the Grange, in purifying the social
atmosphere, extending the benefits of education, aiding
and abetting the work of the church, and advancing
the interests of New Hampshire throughout the entire
rural community.

3

‘WVHUNG ‘(NOILVLIS INAWINadX| ‘HY *N) TIVH HLIWSAN

No. COLLEGE, OF -AGRICULTURE.. AND
THE MECHANIC ARTS.

In compliance with the terms of the act of congress,
approved July 2, 1862, making a conditional grant of
land to the several states, in aid of the maintenance of
colleges whose ‘* leading object shall be, without exclud-
ing other scientific and classical studies, and including
military tactics, to teach such branches of learning as
are related to agriculture and the mechanic arts,’ which
grant had been formally accepted by act of the legisla-
ture in the following year, an act was passed by the
legislature of 1866, establishing the «* New Hampshire
College of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts,” and
providing for its location at Hanover, in connection With
Dartmouth college. In accordance with this act, the
institution was organized and opened to students in
1868.

One of the strong reasons operating to insure the
location at Hanover was found in the fact that Hon.
David Culver of Lyme had left an estate looking to the
establishment of an agricultural college in that town, but,
the conditions imposed not having been accepted, the
property had, in accordance with a further provision,
gone to Dartmouth college to be used for agricultural
instruction; while the income of $4,800 per annum,
realized from the $80,000 for which the 150,000 acres of

36 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

land granted by congress had been sold, was entirely
inadequate for the work in hand.

To provide a suitable building for recitation-rooms
and other necessary purposes, Dartmouth college offered
$25,000 from the Culver fund, conditioned upon the
appropriation of at least $15,000 more by the state,
which was given, and the building known as Culver
hall was commenced in 1869, and completed in June,
1871. Meanwhile, Hon. John Conant of Jaffrey had
become interested, and had purchased a farm adjacent
to the college, which he gave to the institution. A con-
tiguous tract of land, opposite Culver hall, was also
purchased by the college, and upon it Conant halle
designed to furnish rooms and board for the students,
was subsequently erected, and opened for use in 1874,
Mr. Conant having given $5,000 toward the expense,
and the state the balance of the total cost, which
exceeded $20,000. Later Mr. Conant increased his
benefactions to the college, adding largely to the farm,
and establishing a scholarship for each town in Cheshire
county.

The endowment income, with the small receipts from
tuition, even upon the liberal terms of the arrangement
with Dartmouth, proved inadequate for the maintenance
of the college, and aid from the state was necessary.
Up to 1875, about $15,000 in all, aside from the amount
given for the construction of Culver hall, had been given
by the legislature, and a debt of $7,000 had been con-
tracted. More assistance was needed, and the legisla-
ture was called upon to provide it. In 1877 an appro-
priation of $3,000 per annum for six years was voted,
$1,000 per annum to be used toward payment of the
debt, $1,000 for salary of a farm superintendent, and
$1,000 toward the erection of a new farm house. In
1883 an appropriation of $2,000 a year for two years

N. H. COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE. 37

was voted, and in 1885 a perpetual appropriation of
$3,000 per annum was provided.

Since 1877 the college has had an independent faculty,
whose members have been gradually increased in num-
ber from four to fourteen, and the course of study has
extended from three years, at the start, to four years.
The standard of admission has also been materially
raised. When the institution opened, examination was
required only in arithmetic, geography, and English
grammar. History was added in 1869, algebra in 1877,
and physiology in 1886. In 1889 plane geometry was
recommended, and made obligatory after 1891. At
present, the standard is practically the same as for admis-
sion to the scientific departments of other colleges, and
the requirements are stated in detail in the catalogue.

By an act of congress, approved March 2, 1887, the
sum of $15,000 annually was granted to each state
accepting the provisions of the act of 1862, for the estab-
lishment and maintenance of agricultural experiment
stations ‘‘to aid in acquiring and diffusing among the
people of the United States useful and practical inform-
ation on subjects connected with agriculture, and to pro-
mote scientific investigation and experiment respecting
the principles and application of agricultural science.”
The acceptance of this grant by the state furnished
means never before enjoyed for thorough work in scien-
tific and practical agriculture. In 1890 the means and
facilities for general instruction were greatly increased
by the act of congress appropriating to each of the states
the sum of $15,000 for the first year, the same to be
increased by $1,000 annually until the amount of $25,000
should be reached, whereafter the appropriation should
be continuous at the latter figure.

The bequest of the late Benjamin Thompson of Dur-
ham, of his ‘* Warner farm” in that town, and personal

38 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

estate to the value of $363,000, to the state of New
Hampshire, for the establishment and maintenance of an
agricultural school to be located on said farm, the scope
of instruction being extended, by a codicil to the origi-
nal will, to include also the mechanic arts, aroused a
deeper interest than had before existed, in industrial
education in the state, and the legislature of 1891, by an
act approved March 5, accepted the gift, and proceeded,
by appropriate enactments, to provide for the removal of
the New Hampshire College of Agriculture and the
Mechanic Arts from Hanover to Durham, and the con-
struction of the necessary buildings and equipments to
meet the requirements of the institution upon its enlarged
and far more promising basis.

—

mn g ee eS ‘it = 2

The trustees of the college, in compliance with the
terms of the act of April, 1891, providing for the removal,
and appropriating $100,000 for the purpose, took imme-
diate action in that direction. All the real estate of the

college in Hanover was disposed of at private sale for
$28,000 cash, and arrangements were made for repay-
ment to the state by Dartmouth college of the $15,000
appropriated toward the erection of Culver hall. In
entering upon the work of removal and rebuilding the
college in its new location, the trustees found themselves

Ne H. COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE. 39

facing a problem of no small difficulty ; but the best
available talent was invoked in laying out the grounds,
locating the buildings, and developing the natural beauty
of the new surroundings. The track of the Boston &
Maine railroad at present runs through the college
grounds, but the road has in contemplation the removal
of the track to the west of all the college buildings, thus
removing the objectionable effects of the present loca-
tion. In 1892, work was begun for the erection of an
experiment station, building a barn, a science hall, work-
shops, and boiler house, and the main college building to
contain the office, recitation-rooms, library, museum,
hall, etc., and carried forward to completion as expedi-
tiously as possible. All the buildings are of brick with
the exception of the barn, and are thoroughly con-
structed upon approved modern plans. <A steam-heating
plant warms all the buildings from a central station so
as to secure the most comfort to the occupants and avoid
the danger of fire. A dam constructed across a small
stream, about half a mile from the buildings, furnishes
a sufficient supply of water for all the purposes of the
college.

Since its establishment at Durham, the enrolment of
students has increased from twelve to one hundred and
forty. The courses of study have been advanced and
broadened, and the standard raised, little by little. To
meet a demand from the smaller agricultural towns, a
two years’ course in agriculture has been inaugurated,
and has proved successful. In response to a similar
demand, a preparatory course of one year’s length has
been added, which is designed to bridge the gap be-
tween the college and the district school.

The college offers various courses, which may be
scheduled thus :

40 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

Course in Agriculture 4
Two years’ Agricultural Course 2
Course in Mechanical Engineering . ; 4
Course in Electrical Engineering , An gis
Course in Technical Chemistry 4
Course in Agricultural Chemistry 4

4

Course in Agricultural Pigeey

General Course : 4 years.
Preparatory Course . ; : I year.
Course in Dairying . : : 4 weeks.
Summer Course in Science , : ; aia

It is impossible to treat of all these courses in detail, in
this connection. The time alloted each suggests its pos-
sibilities. Information in full may be gathered from the
catalogue, copies of which, as well as the bulletins of the
Experiment Station, may be had upon application by mail
to the president of the college or the secretary of the
faculty.

The legislature of 1893 made an appropriation of
$35,000 for the benefit of the college, for completing and
furnishing the buildings, and for other purposes, since
which the only appropriation originating in a request
from the college was one of $3,105 made by the last
legislature for the purchase of land.

The last two legislatures, however, have appropriated
$2,500 per annum for the benefit of the two years’ course
in agriculture and the horticultural department, estab-
lished under direction of the legislature of 1895.

Reference should be made in this connection to the
men to whom the college has been specially indebted
for their interest and labors in its behalf, most of whom
are now deceased. Professor Ezekiel W. Dimond, who
died in 1876, was a most devoted and faithful laborer for
the welfare of the institution in its earlier days, and made
great sacrifices in its behalf. President Smith, who was
strongly interested in the inception of the college move-

N. He. COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE. 41

ment and its establishment at Hanover, and gave thought
and effort toward its success, resigned March 1, 1872,
and died soon after. Hon. John Conant, whose financial
benefactions to the college exceeded those of all others
wp torthat time died April, 6) 1877. "lon. George W.
Nesmith of Franklin, who was elected president of
the board of trustees after the resignation of President
Smith, and held the position until his death in 1890, gave
great aid in various directions, and his memory has ap-
propriately been perpetuated by giving the name of
Nesmith Hall to the new Experiment Station building at
Durham. Ex-Gov. Frederick Smyth, who was the
treasurer of the college from the start, and who, having
signed the act of incorporation as governor, naturally
took a strong interest in its welfare and progress, never
failed the institution in any time of need, while health
andstrengthremained. The death of ex-Gov. BenjaminF.
Prescott removed from the board of trustees another tower
of strength, whose clear insight, fearless spirit, and persist-
ent fidelity gave inestimable value to his connection with
the college. After the death of Judge Nesmith, Hon.
Lyman D. Stevens of Concord was chosen president of
the college, and served in that capacity with great efhi-
ciency and earnest devotion for three years, until July,
1893, when he was succeeded by the present incumbent,

Charles S. Murkland, Ph. D.

GRANITE STATE DAIRYMEN’S ASSOCI-
ATION.

While some excellent butter and cheese was made in
the state of New Hampshire twenty-five or fifty years
ago, the great bulk of those products sent out of
the state was of very ordinary quality, and the term
‘¢ New Hampshire butter,” was never thought of by any-
body as embodying anything in the shape of a guaranty
of excellence. So far as New England was concerned,
Vermont was looked to for really first-class butter, and
such continued to be the case, in fact, until within the
last ‘six years or less: dndeed, it was not until the
unbiased judgment and authoritative decision of the expert
judges at the great Columbian exposition, or World’s fair,
in Chicago in 1893, gave New Hampshire the post of
honor by giving her butter exhibits the highest average
record attained by any state or any country, and the fact
was published to the world, that any one came to under-
stand or believe that New Hampshire butter was specially
desirable in the market or on the table.

Now, however, the situation is materially different.
Vermont butter, though just as good as ever and unques-
tionably better, since Vermont dairymen, as well as those
of other states, have kept pace with the progress of the
times, no longer commands the place of honor in the
Boston market, or on the tables of the leading hotels and
the most fastidious families. New Hampshire is now
abreast and even in the lead in this regard, and unless
there is a change for the worse in the progressive spirit

GRANITE STATE DAIRYMEN’S ASSOCIATION. 43

of her dairymen and creamery managers, that proud
and satisfactory position will be maintained in the years
to come.

The leading instrumentality in effecting this improved
condition of things is the organization known as the
‘Granite State Dairymen’s Association,” the credit of
whose inception is due to a few enterprising dairymen,
prominent among whom are the two gentlemen who now
hold the offices of president and vice-president respect-
ively—James M. Connor of Hopkinton and Charles H.
Waterhouse then of Barrington, more recently of the
world-renowned Hillside Creamery, Cornish, and now at
the head of the dairy school at the New Hampshire Col-
lege of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts, at Durham—
the former having been president from the start.

This association was organized in Concord, March 18,
o» having been held in Man-

5

1884, a preliminary meetin
chester during the previous month, upon a call issued by
Mr. Waterhouse, and in pursuance of the suggestions of
published articles in various newspapers of the state,
written by Mr. Connor. The officers elected upon the
organization of the association were as follows :
President—James M. Connor, Hopkinton.
Vice-presidents—Isaac W. Springtield, Rochester ;
Geo. B. Williams, Walpole.
James O. Adams, Manchester.

Secretary

Treasurer—Charles N. Clough, Canterbury.
Trustees.

Strafford county—C. H. Waterhouse, Barrington.

P. M. Rossiter, Claremont.

C. H. Hayes, Portsmouth.

Hillsborough county—J. I. Burns, Milford.

Cheshire county—J. H. Milville, Nelson.

Merrimack county—J. I. Gerrish, Webster.

Sullivan county

Rockingham county

44 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

Belknap county—George Brown, Tilton.

Carroll county—Charles H. Mason, Moultonborough.
Grafton county—Charles H. Boynton, Lisbon.

Coés county—Samuel T. Noyes, Colebrook.

Mr. Connor has been continued in the presidency of the
association from year to year, while Mr. Adams served
as secretary up to the time of his death in 1887, when he
was succeeded by James L. Gerrish of Webster, who has
since held the position.

The annual membership fee of the association is one
dollar, while five dollars pays for a life membership.
While up to the present time too few of the dairymen of
the state have united with the association, and taken an
interest in its work, it has accomplished much for the
advancement of this great industry, which has become a
leading feature of American agriculture, and is destined
to increase in importance from year to year. In 1886,
the association voted to have an exhibit of dairy products
in connection with the state fair (the last exhibition held
by the New Hampshire Agricultural Society), the prizes
offered being provided by the association and the agricul-
tural society jointly, the former raising the money for the
purpose by subscription.

The following winter, a meeting was held by the asso-
ciation at the New Hampshire Experiment Station in
Hanover, upon the invitation of Director George H.
Whitcher, who offered, in behalf of the station, to pro-
vide the means for a practical test of the comparative
advantages of the two systems of creaming—cold, deep
setting, and centrifugal separation. The meeting was an
interesting one, the rivalry developed most exciting, and
the outcome gave a decided impetus to the separator
movement, which has had so much to do with the advance
in dairy methods in the state.

The great need of the association was proper funds

GRANITE STATE DAIRYMEN’S ASSOCIATION. 45

with which to carry on the work in an effective manner.
At last, it was determined to make a strong effort to secure
legislative aid, and a committee was appointed to labor to
that end, whose work was done to such effect that by an
act, approved August 14, 1889, the sum of five hundred
dollars, annually, was appropriated ‘‘for the use
of the Granite State Dairymen’s Association, to be
expended by the executive committee thereof, under the
direction of the association, for the purpose of promoting
the usefulness of said association to those engaged in
dairying in the state.”

The amount of this appropriation has been expended
by the association in prizes for the best dairy products, for
addresses by competent speakers from abroad on dairy
subjects, and in printing the annual report of the pro-
ceedings and meetings, for the benefit of all interested.
The annual winter meetings, at which the competitive
exhibits have also been made, have been held in connec-
tion with the general winter meeting of the State Board
of Agriculture, thus adding to the interest and value of
both. Different sections of the state are visited from
year to year, thus increasing the value of the work by
diffusing as much as possible the advantages resulting
from attendance upon the meetings.

It was through the active instrumentality of this asso-
ciation, whose agent for carrying out the work was W. D.
Baker of Rumney, that the splendid exhibition of New
Hampshire dairy products was made at the World’s fair
in Chicago, which gave the state the prestige it has since
held in the line of butter production, and which has been
enhanced by the result of each of the several annual ex-
hibits in connection with the winter meetings of the
association, the last one, at Rochester, November 29 to
December 1, 1897, surpassing in general excellence any-
thing of the kind heretofore witnessed in any state in the

46 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

Union, wherein out of more than one hundred different
entries of butter by individuals and creameries, not a
single one scored below ninety, and the average was pro-
nounced by competent authority the highest ever
attained.

This most gratifying improvement in the quality of
New Hampshire dairy products, and the commanding
position secured for the same in the markets, came
through the adoption of the separator system, the general
establishment of creameries, the study and practice of
scientific methods in feeding, ventilation, and general care
of dairy herds, increased attention to cleanliness, and
other details to which attention has been called in the
addresses and discussions at the meetings of the associa-
tion, supplemented and strengthened, of course, by the
work of the Board of Agriculture, the Grange, and
other organized agencies of general farm progress.

The full board of officers of the association chosen at
the last election is as follows:

President—J. M. Connor, Hopkinton.

Vice-Presidents—C. H. Waterhouse, Durham; G. H.
Wadleigh, Tilton.

Secretary—J. L. Gerrish, Webster.

Treasurer—N. J. Bachelder, Andover.

Trustees.
Rockingham county—Herman Noyes, Atkinson.
Strafford county—A. B. Locke, Barrington.
Belknap county—J. W. Sanders, Laconia.
Carroll county—Blake Folsom, Wolfeborough.
Merrimack county—George M. Putnam, Hopkinton.
Hillsborough county—W. H. Ryder, Bedford.
Cheshire county—Willard Bill, Jr., Westmoreland.
Sullivan county—W. H. Sisson, Cornish Flat.
Grafton county—W. D. Baker, Quincy.
Co6és county—Albert Corbett, Colebrook.

THE NEW HAMPSHIRE HORTICULTURAL
SUCH:

Next to dairying, fruit culture is the agricultural indus-
try which should most generally and extensively command
the attention and interest of the farmers ot New Hamp-
shire, the soil and climate of the state, or a large portion
thereof, being well adapted to the successful production
of various kinds of fruits, especially the apple; yet there
has been a decided feeling among the friends of agricul-
tural progress in the state, for some years past, that far
too little attention has been paid to this matter, although
some individuals have accomplished substantial results in
this line of effort.

The great need here, as in connection with other
branches of agriculture, is systematic work along educa-
tional lines, which can only be carried out successfully
through organized effort, with some substantial financial
backing. What the Dairymen’s Association has done for
the dairy industry in this state might and should be
accomplished for fruit culture through the instrumentality
of some properly-organized society, working to that end,
with similar or more substantial support from the state,
through legislative action.

In the fall of 1893—October 23—in the New Hamp-
shire building on the Columbian Exposition grounds at
Chicago, there was a meeting of New Hampshire men,
called through the instigation of Christopher C. Shaw of
Milford, who, at the earnest solicitation of the managers
of the exposition, had been instrumental in furnishing the
somewhat meagre exhibition of fruit from this state.
The resultof this meeting or conference was a determina-
tion on the part of those present to organize a horticultural
society in the state, and accordingly a call was issued by

48 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

the secretary, Mr. W. D. Baker, for a meeting for that
purpose in the city of Manchester on December 23, fol-
lowing, in response to which call about fifty gentlemen
from different parts of the state, engaged or interested in
fruit culture to a greater or less extent, met and organized
the New Hampshire Horticultural Society, with the fol-
lowing officers :

President—C. C. Shaw, Milford.

Vice-President—John W. Farr, Littleton.

Secretary—William D. Baker, Quincy.

Treasurer —Thomas E. Hunt, Gilford.

Directors—George F. Beede, Fremont; James M.
Hayes, Dover; J]. N. Davis, Centre yBar nstead ; E. M.
Shaw, Nashua; Harvey Jewell, Winchester; Dr. Alonzo
Towle, Freedom; John T. Harv ey, Pittsfield; Thomas

S. Pulsifer, Campton; Charles McDaniel, West Spring-
field; J. D. Howe, Lancaster.

The first exhibition of this society, held in Man-
chester during the week of October 10, 1894, was
eminently successful so far as the display of fruits and
vegetables was concerned, but failed to attract the atten-
tion and patronage essential to financial success. The
legislature of 1895 made an appropriation of $300 per
annum for two years, to aid the society in its work, and
an exhibition was held in Concord in the autumn of that
and the following year, resulting in a most creditable
display, on each occasion, but as before, public interest
and patronage was too little manifest.

The society still maintains its organization, but as the
last legislature failed to make any appropriation in its
aid, its exhibition in 1897 was made in connection with
that of the Grange State fair at Tilton. A permanent
appropriation of $1,000 per annum should be made by
the legislature, to enable this society to do the work de-
manded for the promotion of New Hampshire fruit
culture.

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES.

HON. NAHUM J. BACHELDER,
East ANDOVER.

When, in the spring of 1887, upon the death of James
O. Adams, who had been secretary from its organization,
the State Board of Agriculture looked about for the most
efficient available man to fill the place thus made vacant,
attention was directed to Nahum J. Bachelder, of East
Andover. Mr. Bachelder had been secretary of the
State Grange for several years, in which capacity he had
manifested a high degree of executive ability, had formed
a wide acquaintance among the farmers of the state, and
had proved his devotion to the interests of agriculture.
There was ample evidence of his thorough qualification
for the general duties of his office, and it was also felt by
many that it would be advantageous to both organiza-
tions, and the cause in whose interest they were estab-
lished, to make the secretary of the State Grange also
secretary of the Board of Agriculture. There were
many earnest advocates of such action, and the board
took a similar view of the case. Mr. Bachelder was
accordingly chosen, and has since holden the position.
By his energy and devotion he has raised the standard
of the board work, so that it now ranks with the best in
the country. The number of institutes holden has been

largely increased, and the speakers and subject matter
4

CHELDER

5 JBN

NAHUM J

Hon.

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. Sil

considered have been in keeping with the demands of the
times.

Mr. Bachelder is a native of Andover, born September
3, 1854, on the old homestead on ‘* Taunton Hill,” in
the east part of the town, now known as ‘ Highland
Farm.” Here is a typical New England farm home,
and the location, which is about a mile and a quarter
from the railroad station at East Andover, is one of the
most beautiful in Merrimack county, overlooking the
silvery waters of Highland lake, and commanding de-
lightful views in many directions, embracing some mag-
nificent mountain scenery, in which Kearsarge, Ragged,
Monadnock, and Ossipee mountains are prominent feat-
ures. The farm was settled and cleared from the wilder-
ness by Captain Josiah Bachelder, from the town of
Hawke, now Danville, who located therein 1782, Nahum
J. being his descendant in the fourth generation, the son
of William A. and Adeline E. (Shaw) Bachelder. He
was educated in the common schools, at Franklin Acad-
emy, and at New Hampton Institution.

After a short experience in teaching he applied him-
self energetically to practical agriculture. He was fora
time quite extensively engaged in market gardening.
Subsequently he gave his attention to choice dairying
with much success, supplying some of the leading hotels
in the state with ‘* gilt-edged”’ butter.

Mr. Bachelder identified himself with the order, Patrons
of Husbandry, early in its history in this state, having
become a member of Highland Lake Grange, East Ando-
ver, twenty years ago. He was four years master of
this grange, and secretary of the state grange from
December, 1883, until his election as master in 1891.
As secretary he accomplished much for the progress of
the order in the state, and under his administration as
master its work has been carried forward with unprece-

‘MGAOGNY LSVY ‘NAHdCTAHOVG ai "N “NOH] dO SONiaGTINg WuVy

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 53

dented success. He was the charter lecturer of Merri-
mack County Pomona Grange, and secretary of the New
Hampshire Grange State Fair Association from its organ-
ization in 1886, with the exception of a single year, until
January, 1896, when he declined a reélection, and to
his systematic and indefatigable labors the remarkable
success of the Association has been largely due.

Among the members of the National Grange Mr.
Bachelder holds high rank and his influence is strongly
felt. He was chiefly instrumental in securing the ses-
sion of that body in 1892 for this state, and for New Eng-
land again at Worcester in November, 1895, where his
ability and influence were duly recognized by his selec-
tion asa member of the executive committee of that great
organization. 7

As commissioner of immigration, to which office he
was appointed by Governor Goodell, and whose duties
have since been merged with those of secretary of the
Board of Agriculture, he has done much to bring about
the re-occupation of the abandoned farms of the state,
and as a member of the State Cattle Commission, he
has been active and alert in checking the inroads of
disease. He has taken an active part as a speaker at
the institute meetings of the Board, discussing dairying
and other topics in an entertaining manner. His general
addresses at grange field meetings and other large gath-
erings have gained him a wide reputation as an eloquent
and interesting speaker; while his annual reports as sec-
retary of the Board of Agriculture, his addresses as mas-
ter of the state grange, and his frequent contributions to
the press, upon agricultural and grange topics, stamp him
as a ready and forcible writer.

Mr. Bachelder is a Republican in politics, but by no
means a politician. He has never sought public office,
and has held none, aside from that in connection with

54 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

the Board of Agriculture, except that of superintending
school committee for three years in the Democratic town
of Andover. In 1891 the degree of Master of Arts
was conferred upon him by Dartmouth College.

June 30, 1887, he was united in marriage with Mary A.
Putney, formerly of Dunbarton, daughter of Henry Put-
ney, and a sister of Henry M. Putney, chairman of the
state Board of Railroad Commissioners. They have
two children: Ruth and Henry Putney. Their home,
as has been stated, is on the old homestead, now known
as ** Highland Farm,” which originally contained some
two hundred and fifty acres, but has been increased by
recently purchased additions to nearly five hundred. The
original frame house, built by Capt. Josiah Bachelder,
a century ago, still constitutes a part of the mansion.
Additions and improvements have been made from time
to time, while a spacious barn 108 x 40 feet, with cellar
under the whole, was erected a few years since.

HON, JOSEPH Bes WAIRKER:
CONCORD.

While fruit, poultry, and the dairy have come to be
recognized as the leading specialties among New Hamp-
shire farmers, hay production, pure and simple, has been
taken up by some, who have a soil peculiarly adapted to
grass, and are located near the cities and large villages,
which afford a profitable market and ready means for
restoring fertility. Some of the finest farms devoted to
this line of production are found in the vicinity of Con-
cord, one of the best of these being that of Hon. Joseph
B. Walker, located at the head of Main street, whose
broad acres lying mainly between the old Northern and

Hon. JOSEPH B. WALKER.

56 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

Montreal railroad lines, command the admiring attention
of travellers, entering or leaving the city at the north.

This farm was first owned and occupied by the Rev.
Timothy Walker, the noted ‘ first minister” of Concord,
great-grandfather of the present owner, and one of the
original settlers of the place in 1730, who received a pro-
prietor’s share in the lands of the township. At his
decease, in 1782, the farm descended to his son, Judge
Timothy Walker, who conveyed it to his son, Capt.
Joseph Walker, and at the latter’s decease it descended
to his son Joseph B., the present owner, then a lad of ten
years, who did not take possession until 1852, it having
been meanwhile leased to tenants, and finally coming into
his hands, in a generally reduced condition.

Possessed only of such limited practical knowledge of
agriculture as he retained from the experience of his
childhood, Mr. Walker realized, very soon after assum-
ing the management of the farm, that much must be
done to bring it into a satisfactorily productive condi-
tion, and that he was ignorant of the proper manner in
which to go to work to accomplish it. He commenced
by adopting the programme of his neighbors, raising a
little of everything and not much of any one thing. He
soon found this plan unprofitable, and finally arrived at
the conclusion that he must raise something which would
insure a substantial financial return. Upon due consid-
eration hay production was selected as the special line to
be followed.

To bring his farm into proper condition for successful
operation and comfortable occupancy has required the
cutting of some fifteen acres of willow and alder bushes,
the drainage of thirty acres of bog land, the turning over
of every acre of tillage land on the farm, the re-building
of all the fences, and the modification and repair of
nearly all the buildings; all of which has been accom-

SCENE ON FarM OF Hon. J. B. WALKER, CONCORD.

58 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

plished, while in the meantime Mr. Walker has secured
a thorough, practical knowledge of his chosen branch of
agriculture. He has raised his average annual hay pro-
duct from sixty to one hundred and seventy-five tons, and
has at the same time greatly improved its quality. He
has entirely abandoned cattle husbandry, his entire stock
consisting of three horses, a pair of oxen, and one cow,
stable manure from the city being purchased to sustain
the fertility, while the hay crop is sold at a good price in
the local market. Under his plan of management all his
tillage land, which includes something over one hundred
acres, the balance of over two hundred being pasture and
forest, is brought under the plow about once in five years,
and an average crop of from a ton and a half to two tons
of hay per acre is secured.

No man in New Hampshire has manifested greater
respect for the cause of agriculture than Mr. Walker, or
done more to command for it the respect of others and to
encourage young men in devoting themselves to its pur-
suit. Coming of an educated and cultured ancestry:
inheriting decided literary tastes; early acquiring habits
of study ; securing a first-class collegiate and professional
education ; with the ability and position to command the
greatest triumphs at the bar, in the field of literature or
in public and political life, he, nevertheless, deliberately
at the outset of his career, returned to his ancestral farm,
and, by no means relinquishing his scholarly habits and
tastes, has since devoted himself to the work of demon-
strating, not only that agriculture in New Hampshire can
be made to pay, financially, but that its pursuit is in no
degree incompatible with the fullest measure of intellect-
ual development, and the highest social position.

Ever since the organization of the State Board of
Agriculture in 1870, Mr. Walker has been one of the
principal speakers at the meetings and institutes of that

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 59

organization, discussing practical subjects, such as
“« Drainage,” ‘‘ Forestry,” and ‘* Hay Production,” with
which he has become familiar through his own experi-
ence. Indeed, with a single exception, every one of the
twenty-four volumes of reports issued by the secretary
of the board contains one or more of his papers or
addresses.

Serving in the state legislature in 1866 and 1867 he
was directly concerned in the legislation establishing and
putting in operation the New Hampshire College of
Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts; was a member of
its original board of trustees, favored the removal of the
institution to Durham, and delivered the historical address
at the laying of the corner stone of the main college build-
ing. Of wide reading and extended travel, he has also
spoken and written much upon historical and general
subjects. Aside from the legislative service mentioned,
Mr. Walker was a member of the constitutional conven-
tion of 1889 and of the state senate in 1893-4. He was
many years a member of the Concord school board and
has been a trustee of the New Hampshire Asylum for the
Insane and secretary of the board since 1847. In reli-
gion he is a Congregationalist and in politics a Repub-
lican.

Mr. Walker was born June 12, 1822; fitted for college
at Phillips Exeter Academy; graduated from Yale in
1844; studied law in Concord and at the Harvard law
school; was admitted to the bar in 1847, and married Eliz-
abeth Lord Upham, daughter of the late Hon. Nathaniel
G. Upham, May 1, 1850. Their children are, Charles Al-
fred Walker, M. D., of Concord: Susan Burbeen, now
Mrs. Charles M. Gilbert of Savannah, Ga.; Nathaniel

‘Upham, a lawyer in Boston; Mary Bell, who died at the
age of ten years; Eliza Lord, residing at home, and
Joseph Timothy, of Savannah.

‘NOLNIMTOH ‘NONNOD “J SUWVf AO SONTGTING WuVy

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 61

JAMES M. CONNOR,
HOPKINTON.

Of no New Hampshire farmer can it be more truthfully
said ‘‘He is the architect of his own fortune,” than of
James M. Connor of Hopkinton; and none has been
more successful in his work, when all the circumstances
of the case are considered. Mr. Connor was born in
Henniker, August 21, 1828. His father was James
Connor, a farmer of limited means and poor health, who
removed to Hopkinton when James M. was about five
years old. The only education he received was derived
{from a few weeks’ attendance upon the district school
each year before he was fourteen years of age, after
which time he was engaged in farm labor and carpenter-
ing in this state and in New York, being engaged at the
latter trade two or three years after attaining his
majority.

In 1852, he returned to Hopkinton, bought a fifty acre
lot some two miles from the village, and commenced
farming on his own account. He improved the land,
got some buildings on it, paid off his debt, and in about
a dozen years sold it for $800, and bought a 100 acre
farm one mile out on the Henniker road where he has
ever since resided, running in debt for the larger part of
the price—$2,400. Here the main work of his life has
been done and well done. He has largely removed the
rocks, underdrained the soil, more than doubled the
productive capacity of his farm, paid his indebtedness,
erected a fine set of new farm buildings, supplied him-
self with all the conveniences of farm life, and laid by
something for the rainy day which may come to all.

For more than thirty years dairying has been Mr.
Connor’s specialty, and butter making the particular
line in which he is engaged. Excellence in production

62 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

was his object in the start, and attaining and maintaining
this, by conscientious effort, through experimentation
and the use of the best and most improved appliances, he
has had no difficulty in securing and retaining a market
for his product among the private families of Concord,
for twenty-five or thirty of which he furnishes table butter
from week to week, together with pork, lard, eggs, and
other by-products. Some of these families have been
his customers since he first commenced retailing his
butter in the city.

Mr. Connor keeps ten or twelve cows, and markets from
2,500 to 3,000 pounds
of butter per annum.
His cows are largely
grade Guernseys,
many of which are
good for 300 pounds
of butter each per an-
num. He keeps swine
as the natural accom-
paniment of the dairy,
and sells from a ton to
a tonwand. -asshalf vor
pork annually. He
cuts forty tons of hay,
or more, and raises a

considerable amount of
corn, both as a com-
plete crop and for en-
silage, having a silo of sixty tons capacity. His farm
produces also a good amount of excellent fruit. He was
awarded by the Chicago World’s Fair management two
medals and diplomas for superior exhibits of butter and

JAMES M. CONNOR.

corn.
Mr. Connor was actively instrumental in the organiza-

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 63

‘

tion of the Granite State Dairymen’s association, estab-
lished in 1884, having long advocated the same in the
public prints, has been its president from the start, and
has devoted much thought and labor to the promotion of
its work, which has given New Hampshire a place in the
front rank of dairy states as regards the superiority of its
butter product. In the order, Patrons of Husbandry,
Mr. Connor has long been prominent. He was a charter
member and secretary of Union grange, organized in
May, 1875, has filled most of its offices including that of
master for three terms, was the first master of the Merr1-
mack County council, and master of Merrimack County
Pomona grange for 1896. He was for six years a member
of the executive committee of the State grange, and has
been chairman of other important committees of that body,
notably those on taxation and the Agricultural college,
taking deep interest in the work of the latter especially.
For many years Mr. Connor has written to a considera-
ble extent for the press upon practical agricultural
subjects, and since his connection with the grange has
become known as an earnest and effective speaker upon
various subjects in which farmers are interested, and with
which he is familiar, and he has been heard with interest
and profit in agricultural gatherings in different sections.

Mr. Connor has been twice married, first to Judith M.,
daughter of Ira A. Putney of Hopkinton, by whom he
had four children, a son and three daughters, and, after
her death, to Mrs. Catherine S. Watson (zée Hoyt) of
Warner, a native of Newport, his present companion
and helpmeet. Politically he is a Democrat, having
served in town offices when his party was in power, and
having been its candidate for state senator. He is a
member of the Congregational church in Hopkinton, and
was for several years superintendent of the Sunday
school.

JAMES E. SHEPARD.

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 65

JAMES E. SHEPARD,

NEw LONDON.

One of the best-known citizens and most extensive
farmers in central New Hampshire is James Eli Shepard
of New London—a town, by the way, which, although
located back in the Kearsarge mountain region, away

from railroad facilities, is favored with a strong soil, and
is one of the best agricultural towns in the county.
Here are many prosperous farmers, among whom Mr.
Shepard holds first rank; and here, too, is a most
intelligent community, the influence of that well-known
educational institution, Colby Academy, and the pres-
ence of large numbers of city boarders in the summer
season for many years past, attracted by the pure air
and -beautiful scenery of this elevated region, contribut-
ing in a large degree to raise the intellectual standard
of the people.

Mr. Shepard is a native of New London, born March
13, 1842, and has always resided in that town. He
was educated in the common schools and at the Colby
Academy, and in 1863, at the age of twenty-one years,
was united in marriage with Miss Lucia Nelson, and
engaged in farming in his native town, which has ever
since been his occupation, although since 1870 he has
also been extensively engaged in lumbering in his own
and adjacent towns.

His present home farm, known as the ** Sheepfold,”
embraces about 250 acres of land, much of which is in
an excellent state of cultivation. It is situated in the
southeastern part of the town, about two miles from
New London village and a mile and a half from Scythe-
ville, now Elkins, his post-office address. It is about
five miles from Kearsarge mountain, which is directly to

the east and is seen to excellent advantage, and six
c

66 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

miles from Sunapee lake. Aside from the home farm
Mr. Shepard has about 1,000 acres of outlands, mostly
pasturing and woodland, in New London and Wilmot.
The farm produces from 100 to 150 tons of hay annually.
Six hundred bushels of oats were also produced in 1895,
together with 100 bushels of rye, twelve acres of corn,
and an acre of potatoes. Of the corn about 100 tons
were cut into the silo. The stock consists of eighteen
horses and about seventy head of cattle, of which forty
are thoroughbred Jerseys, bred by the late Henry Ward
Beecher, Samuel J. Tilden, and Stilson Hutchins, and
purchased from the latter at his Governor’s Island farm,
in Lake Winnipiseogee, in the fall of 1893. Milk pro-
duction is the leading feature of Mr. Shepard’s farm
operations, the milk supply for Colby Academy being
furnished by him, and the balance of his product being
sold to Hood, and delivered at the Potter Place station.
He became a member of the order of Patrons of Hus-
bandry in 1882, joining Kearsarge Grange at Wilmot
Flat, before New London Grange was organized. Sub-
sequently he was instrumental in the organization of the
latter, was its first master, and was twice re-elected to
that position. He was also for two years president of
the Merrimack County Council, and was the first master
of Merrimack County Pomona Grange, No. 3, organized
at Contoocook in the spring of 1886, holding this posi-
tion also for two years, and devoting much time and
effort to the success of the organization, which ranks
among the first in the state. He was one of the most
active promoters of the New Hampshire Grange Fair
association, was its second president and held the office
for three successive years. He was also for four years
assistant steward of the State Grange, four years over-
seer, and is now a member of the executive committee
of that organization. Few men have done more than

‘NOGNOT MAN “duvddHS “q SaWv{ JO AWOT ,‘aIOddaaHS ,,

68 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

he to advance the interests of the Grange in New Hamp-
shire, and no one who has not filled the Master’s chair
is more widely or deservedly popular.

Politically Mr. Shepard is a Democrat, and, living in
a strong Republican town, has not held public position,
as might otherwise have been the case. He was, how-
ever, elected as the delegate from New London to the
last constitutional convention, being the first Democrat in
town chosen to any important office in a period of forty
years. He has been prominent in his own party affairs
for many years, and was the Democratic candidate for
state senator in his district in 1890. In religion he isa
Baptist, and a member of the church of that denomina-
tion in New London. He is also a strong friend of
Colby Academy, and has been for several years past a
member of its board of trustees; and when, after the
disastrous fire which destroyed the fine academy building
a few years since, there was danger of the discontinuance
of the school, or its removal to some other location, Mr.
Shepard was a leading spirit in the movement by which
funds were raised to insure the continuance of the insti-
tution in New London.

Mr. and Mrs. Shepard have six children—three sons
and three daughters. The eldest son, Charles E., mar-
ried Maude Hersey. They have three children, and live
on New London hill. He is proprietor of the stage line
between New London and Potter Place, and is exten-
sively engaged in the livery business, having a stable in
New London and another at Potter Place, also two
farms. The eldest daughter, Lucy Nelson, a graduate
of the Emerson School of Oratory at Boston, is the wife
of Wilfred Burpee, of Brown & Burpee, opticians, of
Manchester, where she resides. Frank S., the second
son, married Stella Hersey and has located on a farm in
Sutton, believing that by perseverance and economy

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 69

agriculture may be made to pay, even in a New Hamp-
shire hill town. The second daughter, Mary E., is a
student at Smith College, Northampton, Mass., class of
°97- Mark N., and Emily T., the youngest children,
are at home, students at Colby Academy.

A pleasant home life and a generous hospitality make
‘‘ Sheepfold ” an attractive resort for a large circle of
friends and acquaintances, who are ever cordially wel-
comed.

JAMES LE. GERRISE:
WEBSTER.

James L. Gerrish, who has written instructively for
the agricultural department of the People and Patriot
over the wom-de-plume of ** Will Tell,” for many years
in the recent past, was born in the town of Webster,
May 11, 1838, on the 400-acre homestead, upon which
he still resides with his brother, Dea. H. H. Gerrish,
and which was originally settled by his grandfather,
Moses Gerrish, who went from Boscawen directly into
the forest, over one hundred years ago. The location
proved a pleasant one, commanding an attractive land-
scape and fine mountain view.

His great-grandfather, Colonel Henry Gerrish of
Boscawen, marched to Medford, Mass., as captain of
minute men after the Battle of Lexington, was lieutenant-
colonel in Stickney’s regiment in the Bennington cam-
paign, and was present at the surrender of Burgoyne.
Through him the family genealogy is traced back eight
generations to Captain William Gerrish, who came from
Bristol, England, to Newbury, Mass., in 1639. Dea.
Jeremiah Gerrish, father of James L., died in 1843, in
the midst of a useful life. His mother, who was Jane

JAMES L. GERRISH.

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. Fas

Little, daughter of Dea. Enoch Little, Sr., of Webster,
lived until 1877. She had the pluck and energy to
raise and educate five children from the farm, the subject
of this sketch being five years old at his father’s
death, “and the youngest of the family. He has
lived on the homestead all his life, except when absent
at school and during one year’s service in the army
during the late war, when he served as a member of
Company E, Sixteenth Regiment, New Hampshire
Volunteers, having been promoted and mustered out with
the regiment in August, 1863. His education, aside
from that gained in the district and private schools of the
town, was gained in the academies at Hopkinton, Reeds
Ferry, and Boscawen.

Mr. Gerrish has spent much time and considerable
money in experimenting in the breeding of sheep, of
Channel Island cattle, in the application of fertilizers,
and in forestry. He built up a good dairy herd before
the Granite State Dairvmen’s Association was formed,
has been secretary of that organization for the last eight
years, and was largely instrumental in securing a state
appropriation in aid of its work. He is an officer in the
Guernsey Dairy Company at Contoocook, and has also
secured the evidence necessary to found a state herd-
book for the Guernsey breed. He established a middle
breed of sheep, between the wool and mutton breeds, and
has often addressed farmers’ institutes, with the board of
agriculture, under the direction of both the present and
former secretary, upon this and other subjects. His
forestry experiments have covered a long series of years,
and he has now an experimental acre of pines, which the
state, through the secretary of the Forestry Commission,
has sought to secure. He commenced early in life to
condense his farming and make it intensive and produc-
tive. He made and is still making double cropping a

72 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

hobby, raising two or three fodder crops on the same
land each season, to the extent of available fertilizers.

Mr. Gerrish is a Republican in politics, and has been
honored by his townsmen with the various offices in their
gift, serving as selectman in 1875-77, and representing
the town in the legislature in 1883, when he was made
chairman of the Agricultural College committee.

He is a member of the Congregational church, deeply
interested in the welfare of the church and Sunday-
school in town. He has been a Patron of Husbandry
several years, and has served as Lecturer in his home
grange—Daniel Webster, No. 100,—and in the Merri-
mack County Pomona Grange.

Mr. Gerrish has been twice married—to Sarah B.
Chandler of Penacook, December 22, 1864, by whom
he had three children, two now living, Edwin C., a
graduate of the New Hampshire Agricultural College,
now employed in the office of a large corporation in
Lowell; and Mabel A., in school at Brookline, Mass.
His first wife died a few years since, and January 9,
1894, he married Mrs. Mary 8. Kenevel of Fort Scott,
KKansas.

BELA GRAVES,

East UNITY.

Eighty-seven years ago John Graves, a young man of
courage and character, settled near the south-eastern
corner of the town of Unity upon a farm, the larger por-
tion of which was covered with heavy hemlock forest.
Here he established a home, reclaimed the land, and
reared a large family. He was twice married, his first
wife being Rhoda Gilman; his second, Phebe Way, the
latter a daughter of John Way, an influential citizen of

BELA GRAVES.

74 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

Lempster. He lived to see smooth and productive fields
where he had cut and burned the forest, and of his
twelve children, six reached aduit life, the youngest by
the second marriage being the subject of this sketch.
Bela Graves was born June 23, 1836, in the house
where he now resides, was educated in the district
school at East Unity, with a few terms of academic
instruction, the last two being at the Newbury (Ver-
mont) seminary. Commencing at eighteen he taught
district school winters, for twelve years, the balance of
his time being devoted to farm work. He has been
twice married, first, October 15, 1862, to Emma M.,
and, after her death, November 5, 1873, to Eliza M.,
daughters of Reuben Shepardson, of Claremont. He
has five children living: Stella M., wife of E. L.
Houghton, of Walpole; John F. Graves, of Newport;
Grace E., a pupil in the Newport high school, and
Richard C. and Helen L., the ‘little folks at home.”
Mr. Graves has held many of the offices in town, and
is at the present time a trustee of the school fund and a
member of the school board, having been elected for the
third time last spring. He has been the candidate of
his party (Democratic) for county commissioner and
other important offices. While devoted to the principles
of his party, he has not been a politician in the ordi-
nary sense, will not stoop to the use of modern political
methods, and never held an office which he worked to
secure. When the new school law went into effect, he
labored to adapt his town to the new order of things,
and succeeded, the number of schools being reduced
from eleven to seven, and their efficiency materially
increased. His efforts in this direction made him
unpopular with a certain class, as quite a sum of money
was required for new schoolhouses and repairs; but he
has the satisfaction of knowing that his town has a finer

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 75

lot of school-rooms than can be found in any other rural
town in the county.

As a farmer, Mr. Graves is engaged in making milk
for the Boston market. He has seventeen cows, but
expects to be able to increase the number soon, as his
farm is yearly becoming more productive. His crops
are twice as great as they were ten years ago, and the
limit is by no means reached. Nine years ago he built
a new barn, acknowledged to be the best in town, which
has a capacity of twenty-five cows in stable room and
feed storage. He has about 250 acres of land, of which
some thirty-five or forty are in mowing and tillage, and
the balance wood and pasture.

Mr. Graves has strong faith in the future of New
Hampshire agriculture, provided it be conducted upon
well-chosen lines. He believes there is a great field
here in fruit culture and poultry, for men of enterprise
adapted to the business, and that the dairy can be made
profitable in all sections where forage can be cheaply
produced. He holds that hay should be a specialty on
many more farms than at present, and that a little more
brain and a little more muscle would work wonders 1n
many cases. He was made a member of the state board
of agriculture for Sullivan county in 1893, and has
given earnest attention to his duties in that capacity.

PROF. WM. H. CALDWELL,

PETERBOROUGH.

A prominent position in the ranks of the educated and
progressive dairymen of New Hampshire is occupied by
Wm. H. Caldwell of Peterborough, secretary of the
American Guernsey Cattle Club. Secretary Caldwell is
a native of the town where he now resides, born April

‘WUVY ADAIY UAAOTD ‘SAUSNUANS) AO ANON)

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. ALi

16, 1866. He is the son of Samuel Hutson and Eunice
(Buss) Caldwell, both parents dying before he was
nineteen months old, leaving him to the care of a maiden
aunt.

His preparatory education was received at the famous
Allen Bros.’ school, at West Newton, Mass. He en-
tered the Massachusetts Agricultural College in the fall
of 1883, graduating with high honors four years later,
having been a leader in the class-room throughout his
course, and being awarded the first Grinnell agricultural
prize, under Major H. E. Alvord, then professor of
agriculture.

From July, 1887, to April, 1888, he was assistant in
field and feeding experiments, under Dr. Goesmann, at
the Massachusetts state experiment station. In April,
1888, he assumed the position of instructor in agriculture
at the Pennsylvania state college; also assistant agri-
culturist in the experiment station. In August, 1893, he
was promoted to be assistant professor of agriculture,
and assistant agriculturist. During the great World’s
Fair dairy tests he secured a leave of absence from the
college, to act as superintendent of the Guernsey herd,
and to represent the American Guernsey Cattle Club.
In May, 1894, he resigned his position in Pennsylvania,
having been elected secretary and treasurer of the
Guernsey Cattle Club, and removed to ‘* Clover Ridge
Farm,” in his native town, which he had purchased in
1889, and began breeding Guernseys on his own account.

This farm is delightfully located, about three fourths of
a mile from the railroad station, and commanding a
magnificent mountain view. It embraces 139 acres of
natural grass land, twenty being in timber of fine quality,
sixty in pasture, abundantly watered with fine springs,
thirty in natural meadow well drained, and the balance
in tillable upland. The orchard consists of over 100

78 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

trees, a third of which have recently been set. The herd
consists of butter bred cows, full blood and grade
Guernseys. Mr. Caldwell says, ‘‘ It is the dairy cow I
am after, and I firmly believe in the advantages the
Guernsey has, particularly in crossing with good butter
cows.”

The herd of Guernseys has been selected for large pro-
duction of rich milk. It
was established by the
selection of represent-
atives of the choicest
strains, and from the
leading herds in the
country. At the head
of the herd has always
been kept. yas! fines a
Guernsey as could be
found in the country
or imported from the
Island. The herd shows
the most remarkable
characteristics of the
Guernsey—the rich yel-
low skin which is so im-
portant in the dairy, distinguishing the Guernsey above
allbreeds. They show the quiet and gentle temperament
which is also characteristic of the breed. Careful records
of the milk and butter-fat tests of each animal are kept.
The milk and cream from the herd are sold at retail
in the village, morning’s milk being sold to the regular
customers, and delivered in glass jars or in individual
cans, as desired. The cream is taken from the evening’s
milk by means of the DeLaval separator. This is
cooled and delivered the following morning to regular
customers, or upon special order. The skim milk is

WILLIAM H. CALDWELL.

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 79

used for raising the calves. The herd is at all times
under the inspection of a veterinarian. The animals
are not heavily fed for large records, but every means is
taken to secure the health, cleanliness, and comfort of the
animals.

One cow, which was a member of the World’s Fair
dairy test, made four hundred pounds of butter during
a year. Each cow stands in a stall by herself, untied.
The stalls are known as the Bidwell stall, and allow the
animals great freedom and comfort. They are not wide
enough for the animal to turn around in, yet give them
plenty of room, and no danger of crowding or stepping
on one another.

Not alone is the farm of interest from its Guernsey
herd, but the office of the American Guernsey Cattle
Club is located in one portion of the residence, where
two clerks are busy handling the heavy mail and other
work of the club. Here are found sketches and other
data on file, regarding all Guernseys in this country,
and from the office are issued many publications of
interest to Guernsey workers, including the quarterly
magazine known as the Herd Register and Breeders’
Fournal, of which Mr. Caldwell, as secretary of the
club, has editorial charge.

There is to be found on the farm a good herd of the
Large Improved English Yorkshire hogs, some of
which were imported from Canada, and all trace to the
best herds in England. Plymouth Rocks are the only
fowl kept. In one house are found pens of White
Plymouth Rocks, and in the other those of the Barred
Plymouth Rock. These pens have been carefully
mated, and present a very fine appearance.

Since his permanent location in his native state he has
come much in contact with our agricultural leaders, and
is frequently heard, upon dairy and kindred topics, at

e

80 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

farmers’ institutes and other gatherings, while he is often
called abroad to participate in institute work. He is an
active and interested member of the Grange, having
been connected with the order since 1885. He had
oversight of the Grange headquarters at the Bay State
fair in Boston, in 1886.

Professor Caldwell has also written extensively for the
agricultural press, and the results of his experimental

CLOVER RIDGE FARM.

work have been reported in the bulletins of the Massa-
chusetts and Pennsylvania experiment stations. He is
a Mason and a member of the Golden Cross.

December 25, 1888, he married Miss Jessie Ac Rice,
of North Hadley, Mass. The home is blessed by one
son, born in 1893. His wife sympathizes with his tastes
and is his efficient aid and co-laborer in office and edito-
rial work.

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 8I

JOHN C. MORRISON,
BOSCAWEN.

Few men in Merrimack county are more widely or
favorably known in agricultural circles, or by the gen-
eral public, than John C. Morrison, of Boscawen. Mr.
Morrison is a native of the town in which he resides,
born July 18,1837. His educational advantages were
such as the district school afforded. Possessing an
ambition to strike out for himself, at the age of nineteen
he bought his time of his father, who was a farmer and
lumberman, for $300, and engaged, in company with
Joseph Eastman, of West Concord, in buying and clear-
ing wood and timber lots in various towns of the county,
continuing for a number of years. In later years he has
been engaged with Davis & Sargent, of Lowell, in the
lumber line, buying lots and clearing the same, the logs
going down the Merrimack in the annual spring drive.
Through his experience in this direction he has acquired
a high reputation as a judge of the value of wood and
timber lots, his accuracy in estimates being unsurpassed.
To this fact was due, largely, his selection by the gov-
ernor and council, in 1893, as a commissioner for the
appraisement of unincorporated and other lands for taxa-
ble purposes—a selection amply justified by faithful and
conscientious discharge of duty.

The farm upon which Mr. Morrison resides, which is
finely located upon the Merrimack river, was purchased
by him, in company with an uncle, Joseph Wilson of
Lowell, in 1870, the price being $10,500. It included
250 acres of land, easy of cultivation, and natural corn
land. He has raised over 1,600 bushels of corn in a
single season. He has two silos, of 180 tons capacity.
His farming is of the mixed order; though in company

with a brother he has engaged quite extensively and
6

Joun C. MorrRIson.

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 83

successfully in horse-breeding, which is_ still contin-
ued.

In the order of Patrons of Husbandry Mr. Morrison
has taken strong interest, and has been active in promot-
ing its growth and prosperity. He has been three years
master of Ezekiel Webster Grange, of Boscawen, and
two years master of Merrimack County Pomona
Grange. He was also for six years a district deputy
for the State Grange. He has been actively interested
from the start in the New Hampshire Grange Fair
Association, of which he has been vice-president and
also for several years a member of its executive com-
mittee, and chairman of the same, and superintendent
of the horse department at the annual exhibitions of
the association, and has now been two years president.

In religion, Mr. Morrison is of the Baptist faith, and
in politics he has been active as a Republican, having
been for six years president of the town club. He has
served for three years on the board of selectmen in
Boscawen, and represented the town in the legislature
of 1893, serving upon the committees on agriculture,
and towns. He was also president of the council of
agriculture, an organization composed of the farmers in
the legislature, whose purpose it was to look carefully
after the agricultural interests of the state in legislative
matters. He is a member of the Masonic, Odd Fellows’,
Good Templars’, and Red Men’s organizations, and is a
past grand of Contoocook Lodge No. 26, I. O. O. F.,
of Penacook, and a past chief templar.

February 3, 1866, Mr. Morrison was united in mar-
riage with Miss Clara D. Simpson, by whom he has
two daughters living—Mary Simpson, and Lena Mabel.
The home life of the family is exceptionally pleasant,
and the hospitality of the Morrison place is enjoyed by
a wide circle of friends and acquaintances.

‘NAMVOSOG ‘NOSINUYOJW ‘D NHO[ AO AWOR, WuVYy

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 85

Though still making his home upon the Boscawen
farm, and looking carefully after its management, Mr.
Morrison has, recently, established a real estate agency
in the thriving young city of Franklin, and, with his char-
acteristic push and energy, is doing a prosperous business
in that line.

IBNAIRIGIIRA OL ISUAIDILIBNY
TEMPLE.

Probably one of the best known agriculturists among the
young men in southern New Hampshire is Mr. Herbert
O. Hadley, of Temple. Mr. Hadley was born in Peter-
borough, November 20, 1855, being the son of Harvey C.
and Henrietta D. Hadley, the former being a farmer of
moderate means and also a carpenter by trade. His
parents removed to Sharon when he was quite young,
where they resided until he was ten years of age, when
they located in Temple, in which town he has lived ever
since. The mother died a few years since, and the
father still makes his home there when not at work at
his trade, or visiting his elder son, Dr. C. H. Hadley,
of Brooklyn, N. Y. Mr. Hadley has one sister, Miss
Helen M. Hadley, who has been a teacher in the public
schools as well as a teacher of music and painting, and
she makes her home with him.

He was married January 12, 1879, to Nettie C., daughter
of James E. Burton, a prominent farmer and lumber dealer
of the same town. As the fruit of this union they have
one daughter, Florence E., now nearly fourteen years ot
age.

Mr. Hadley has served his town in nearly every posi-
tion of trust within the gift of the people. He was
elected one of the selectmen three years in succession,
receiving every vote cast at each election, and has been

86 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

for a number of years, and still is, moderator for both
town and school meeting. He was elected a representa-
tive to the general court at the November election in
1894, although his party was far in the minority, and
was a prominent member of that body, as well as secre-
tary of the house committee on agriculture. His voice
was often heard on the floor of the house, and in the
committee rooms, in favor of any measure which he
believed to be for the
benefit of the farmer.
At the close of the ses-
sion he was invited to
the room of the com-
mittee, and was taken
completely by surprise
when one of the mem-
bers... Mr. George wm,
Butler, of Haverhill,
in a very pleasant
speech, presented him
with a beautiful gold-
headed cane, properly
engraved, as a token

of the esteem in which
he was held by his

HERBERT O. HADLEY.

fellow-members of the committee.

Mr. Hadley has been for more than twenty years an
active member of Miller Grange, No. 34, of Temple.
He was master three years, and lecturer for a like
period. He was also a district deputy of the State
Grange three years. In December, 1895, he was chosen
master of Hillsborough County Pomona Grange, and
was also elected assistant steward of the State Grange.
He is a member of the Dunster Hill Lodge, I. O. O. F.,
of Greenville.

‘ATIWaAT, ‘AMIGVY 'O LuaduaYy 40 ANOY

88 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

He has, in connection with his farm work, carried on
a wholesale and retail meat business for the last sixteen
years, and is a very successful auctioneer, being a grand
nephew of the late T. K. Ames, of Peterborough, who
for fifty years was the leading auctioneer of the state.
He is a member and strong supporter of the Congrega-
tional church, and in politics always a Democrat. His
specialty in farming is raising milk for the Boston market,
and he usually keeps thirty or more cows. He was one
of the originators of the Temple & Greenville Telephone
Co., and is secretary and treasurer of the same, having
an office in his residence.

JAMES M. HAYES,

DOVER.

James M. Hayes, of Dover, was born at Sandwich,
August 3,1845. He is a direct descendant of Dea. John
Hayes, of Dover, the first settler by that name, both on
his father’s and mother’s side, she being Elizabeth, the
daughter of Capt. John W. Hayes, of Barrington. Mr.
Hayes’s parents settled in Sandwich in 1837, and resided
there until 1864, when they removed to Dover and _ pur-
chased the farm where he now resides. He was edu-
cated at the public schools and Beede’s High School,
Sandwich, and at Franklin Academy, Dover, and Bry-
ant & Stratton’s Commercial College, Providence, R. I.
For about twelve years he taught in the public schools
of Dover and Rochester winters, devoting his summers
to his farm.

He was married to Miss Martha T. Jenness, March 24,
1869, who lived but fifteen months after their marriage,
leaving one son, Jasper J., who resides on the farm with
his father.

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 89

Mr. Hayes has always taken much interest in agri-
cultural and horticultural pursuits. He was a charter
member of Cocheco Grange, was its first secretary,
afterwards serving as lecturer and master of the same
Grange. He was also secretary, lecturer, and master
of Eastern New Hampshire Pomona Grange, and at the
present time is serving his second term as member of
the State Board of Agriculture for Strafford County.
For a number of years he served as chairman of the
General Fruit Com-
mittee of the Ameri-
| can Pomological Soci-
ety and is at present a
director, and chairman
of the Committee on
Nomenclature of the
New Hampshire Hor-
ticultural Society. He
has been a frequent

ae Se

contributor to the agri-

* cultural press, and now
a conducts the Farm and
j _ Grange department of

the Dover Auguzrer.
In politics Mr. Hayes
is an active Republi-
can. He has frequent-

JamMEs M. Hayes.

ly been honored officially by his fellow-citizens, having
served as ward clerk, selectman, moderator, school
committee, and representative, and is at present asses-
sor-at-large and clerk of the Board of Assessors of the
city of Dover. For many years Mr. Hayes has been
connected with the fairs at Rochester and Tilton, in
the secretary’s office, and has acted as judge either in
the fruit or vegetable department almost yearly.

go NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

Mr. Hayes makes a specialty of market gardening
and small fruits, and does quite a business raising vege-
table plants under glass for the market. Of small fruits
he raises mostly strawberries, selling plants quite largely
in his vicinity. He believes that if farmers around our
large towns would do more of such work, instead of
devoting their time to the regular field crops, there would
be less complaint from them of hard times.

JOSEPH DREW HOWE,

LANCASTER.

On one of the hills that adds so much to the beauty of
Lancaster, are some of the best cultivated farms in the
town, and on one of these farms resides Joseph D. Howe,
Esq., highly esteemed for his intelligence. integrity, and
devotion to the best interests of his native town. His
farm is known as ‘* Maple Hill farm,” and there he was
born September 17, 1841. Some of his ancestors were
extensive land owners in Marlborough, Mass., and from
that town his grandfather, Daniel Howe, came to this
section of the country about 1780, and subsequently mar-
ried Eunice, daughter of Gen. Edwards Bucknam, she
being the first white child born in Lancaster. Mr.
Howe’s father, Joseph Howe, married Mahala Wood-
bury, daughter of Jonathan Woodbury, of Concord, Vt.,
and settled on the farm above spoken of.

Mr. Howe was the youngest of a family of eight chil-
dren. His parents were most excellent people, consci-
entious in their discharge of duty, and they gave their
children such educational advantages as their means
and the times afforded. His studies were pursued in the
district schools, at Lancaster Academy, and at New-
bury, Vt. He taught several terms of school in winter
with marked success, and he might have become an

JosEPpH DREW HOWE.

Q2 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

educator had he devoted his talents to that pursuit.
With the exception of two or three years passed in the
West, railroading and as a private salesman, his life
work has been on his farm, which embraces something
more than 150 acres, and on which is a sugar orchard
of 1,400 trees, the product being mostly syrup of the
finest quality, and an apple orchard which, if not the
very best, is unexcelled in Coés county. He has a fine
herd of cows of three distinct breeds, all of high grade,
and with which he has experimented, weighing the milk
of each cow daily, and testing it thoroughly twice a
month, and keeping a record that will be useful, as
approximating to the real value of each breed for dairy
purposes, under the conditions of food and climate here
imposed.

Mr. Howe has served two years as a selectman of the
town, being chairman of the board in 1893, and at the
last town meeting was chosen for another year. He was
elected to the legislature of the state in November, 1890,
receiving a large majority of votes over all other candi-
dates, and his service in the legislature was acceptable
to his constituents. He was appointed by Governor
Smith a member of the State Board of Agriculture, in
August, 1893, and is still serving with credit in that
capacity. He was also elected a member of the board
of directors of the State Horticultural Society from Codés
when the society was organized in 1893. But in'none
of the positions which he has occupied does Mr. Howe
feel a more just pride than in his work as a member of
the school board of the town, on which he has served
six years, four years as chairman of the board, with
great credit. He is a member of North Star Lodge,
Chapter, and Commandery, F. A. M., to which order
he is sincerely attached, and has taken the Scottish rite
degrees to the 32d. In politics he is a Democrat, and

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 93

liberal in his religious views. His honesty and business
capacity are such that he settles a good many estates of
those deceased, and in all the relations of life he endeav-
ors to do his duty faithfully and well, and is therefore
trusted and honored by his townsmen. He has been a
member of Lancaster Grange, P. of H., for the last six
years, and aided in the formation of the new Mount
Prospect Grange, in that town.

He was united in marriage in 1863, with Miss Mary J.
Tucker, of Saranac, N. Y., a woman every way worthy
of him, and their domestic relations were happy until her
death, April 8, 1894, leaving two sons, Carl Tucker and
Joseph Bert, who remain with Mr. Howe upon the farm.

WILLIAM H. PERRY.

NEWPORT.

William H. Perry, son of Daniel and Fanny (Fiske)
Perry, is one of the successful and prosperous farmers
of the fine agricultural town of Newport. He was born
October 12, 1840, on the farm where he now resides,
and was educated in the district school and the acade-
mies at Newport and Claremont. He served in Co. K,
Ninth N. H. V., in the late war, and was wounded in
battle. Returning, he settled on the old homestead, now
known as ‘‘ Maple Wood farm,” on the ** Green Mount-
ain’ road, about midway between the villages of New-
port and Claremont, where he has since devoted himself
industriously to agriculture. The farm is an original
too-acre lot, of which about forty acres is in timber.
For the first fifteen years Mr. Perry was engaged
largely in the rearing and breaking of steers, for which
there was a ready market at remunerative prices.

During the last fifteen years dairying has been his
specialty, with hogs as an accompaniment. He has a

‘MADVNVIN STIVANIS “IN (H—LNOdMAN ‘WAVY MOOLS ACISUATATY

&

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 95

fine fruit orchard, also raises corn quite extensively,
which he regards as a good paying crop. He keeps a
dozen cows and sells all his butter to one firm in New-
port, and sells, also, from a ton to a ton and a half of
pork per annum. A large maple sugar product is mar-
keted, mostly at the West. He believes in farm machin-
ery, keeps abreast with the times, and has an eye out
for all improvements; but takes little stock in commer-
cial fertilizers, preferring to produce his own. He has
a fine set of buildings, and his land is in an excellent
state of cultivation, producing annually 4o tons of hay,
500 bushels of corn, and other crops. He received a
diploma and medal for corn and beans exhibited at the
World’s Fair in Chicago. Mr. Perry has been promi-
nent in town affairs, serving as selectman, school com-
mittee, and representative. He is also conspicuous in
Masonic and G. A. R. circles, and was a representative
of the latter at the National Encampment at St. Paul, in
September, 1896. He attributes his success as a farmer
to ‘*stick-to-ativeness,” and deprecates the vacillating
policy so generally followed.

RIVERSIDE STOCK FARM—NEWPORT.

H. M. KimBaL_, MANAGER.

The cut on the opposite page, presents a view of the
buildings upon one of the best known stock farms in the
state—the ‘* Riverside” farm at Newport, located in the
beautiful valley of the Sugar river, about one mile east
of the charming village of Newport, which is one of the
most beautiful places in the state, and situated in a fine
agricultural region.

This farm embraces about 650 acres of land, and is
admirably adapted for the use to which it has been put—
the breeding and rearing of gentlemen’s first-class driv-

96 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

ing and road horses, of which there are about sixty now
on hand, including fine specimens of the Wilkes, Elec-
tioneer, and Lambert strains.

The proprietor is E. D. Kimball of Watertown, Mass.,
a wealthy business man, while the management is in
the hands of his brother, H. M. Kimball, who resides
on the farm. There is a good half-mile track on the
place, where the horses have been trained in the past to
a greater or less extent. Of late, however, no training is
being done at home; but several good animals from the
farm have been handled by professional trainers at Mystic.

A good many prize animals have been sent out from
this farm, and in 1893, it will be remembered, a large
string of premiums was captured by its superior exhibit
at the Grange State fair at Tilton.

While it is undoubtedly true that there will never be a
time in the future when there will be so great a demand
for ordinary horses as has been the case in the past, the
time will never come when there will not be a fair
demand for well-bred, reliable driving horses, combining
the qualities of kindly disposition, endurance, and spirit,
such as are raised upon this farm.

WILLIAM P.-BALLARD;
CONCORD.

A representative New England farm’ home, wherein
comfort and content abide, is that of William P. Ballard,
on the **‘ Long Pond” road, about two and one half miles
north-west of the state house in Concord. The farm
embraces about two hundred acres of land, fifty being
mowing and tillage and the balance pasture and wood-
land. It was originally settled by Nathan Ballard, in
1792, when his son Nathan, into whose hands it subse-
quently passed, was seventeen years old. John Ballard,

‘dYOONOD ‘GUVTIVG ‘qd ‘“M 40 AWOY

98 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

son of the latter, and the youngest of thirteen children
born on the farm, succeeded in its proprietorship, and
has passed an industrious and honorable life in its man-
agement and in performing well the manifold duties of
good citizenship; and now, at the age of seventy-eight
years, with his estimable wife, Hannah D., daughter of
the late Reuben Abbott, of Concord, enjoys a respite
from active labor.

William P. Ballard is an only son, but has two sisters
living. tle was born
on the old farm, Sept.
18,1848. He attended
the New Hampshire
College of Agricult-
ure and the Mechanic
Arts at Hanover, from
which he graduated in
¥871, in the first class
ever graduating from
that institution. On
December /2,, 1875, le
married Mary E. Bart-
lett, of Merrimack, a
successful teacher, by
whom he has three

WILLIAM P. BALLARD. children living, a son
and two daughters.
Another son was born to them, but died in infancy.

Mr. Ballard was a charter member and the first secre-
tary of Capital Grange, No. 113, of Concord, organized
in January, 1886; was master of the same in 1889, and
has been one of the most faithful and devoted members
from the start, serving two years as chaplain and at pres-
ent as treasurer. He has also been an active member
of Merrimack County Pomona Grange from its organ-

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 99

ization, holding the office of steward in 1890 and 1891,
overseer in 1892 and 1893, and master in 1894 and 1895,
and rarely being absent from his post at any meeting.
He was also for two years chairman of the State Grange
Committee on the Agricultural College and Experiment
Station. He takes a lively interest in educational mat-
ters, and served three years as a member of the school

”°

board in what is known as the ‘‘town district.” In relig-
ion he is a Congregationalist, being a member and
deacon of the North church in Concord. He was a
member of the board of assessors from ward 9 in 1894,
but has held no other public office, and has sought
none.

For the past twenty years, since assuming the active
management of the farm, Mr. Ballard has made the pro-
duction of milk for the Concord market a specialty, keep-
ing a herd of about twenty cows, on an average, which
are mostly natives. His land is well adapted to corn,
and he plants about five acres to that crop each year,
feeding the product in meal and fodder, the former being
mixed with shorts and linseed. The annual hay crop
is from fifty to sixty tons, which is supplemented with
Hungarian to a considerable extent. The location of
the farm is a pleasant one, the main portion of the tillage
land occupying a fine, elevated ridge and commanding a
handsome prospect, while the buildings are commodious,
conveniently arranged, and in excellent repair, making,
altogether, a model farm home.

IO0O NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

GEORGE W.7 FISHER,

BOSCAWEN.

Among the thrifty farmers and representative Patrons
of Merrimack county is George W. Fisher, of Boscawen,
who has been an industrious and successful tiller of the
soil for nearly a quarter of a century. He is a native of
New London, born June 26, 1837; a son of Levi and
Fanny (Wilkins) Fisher. When he was five years of
age, the family removed from New London to the old
home of his mother, in Merrimack, where he grew to
manhood. At nineteen, having received a good com-
mon school education, he went to Nashua and was
engaged in a sash and blind manufactory till the out-
break of the Rebellion, when he enlisted in the Seventh
New Hampshire Regiment, and went to the front, serv-
ing in South Carolina and Florida, where the unhealthy
climate killed more men than the rebel bullets, and
where, in the course of two years, he lost his health
and was discharged for disability, October 29, 1863.

Returning home, he had so far recovered the follow-
ing spring as to be able to work, when he went to Man-
chester and was employed for eight years in the sash
and blind business and as a carpenter. December 14,
1865, he married Mary R., daughter of H. W. Green,
of Merrimack, who died from consumption April 1, 1868.
November 30, 1869, he married Esther P., daughter of
Peter Coffin, of Boscawen, and in May, 1872, removed
to Boscawen, upon an engagement with his father-in-
law, Mr. Coffin, to work a year and assist him in build-
ing a barn. At the end of the first year he engaged for
another, and so continued for four years, when, in the
spring of 1876, he purchased the farm of Mr. Coffin,
who removed to another part of the town. Here Mr.
Fisher has since been successfully engaged in farming

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. IOI

on his own account. He believes in mixed farming,
running to no particular specialty, but calculating, if
there is a failure in any one line, to make up the loss in
some other direction. He has 230 acres of land; keeps
four horses, about ten cows on an average, with oxen
and young cattle; kept sheep for many years, and finds
a little poultry profitable, keeping about 100 hens. Of
late he has been selling milk for the Boston market,
finding this the most convenient and profitable disposi-
tion of the same.

Mr. Fisher is a charter member of Ezekiel Webster
Grange, of which he
has been an officer for
many years, including
three years’ service as
master. He has been
three years a member
of the Boscawen board
of selectmen, and was
in (1605 -elected tora
second term of three
years, a member of
the town school com-
mittee. He is a mem-
ber of the Congrega-
tional church at Bos-
cawen Plain, and was

GEORGE W. FISHER. three years superin-

tendent of the Sunday-

school. He is an active member of the G. A. R.,

has been a member of Hillsborough Lodge, No. 2,

I. O. O. F., of Manchester, since 1868, and was at one

time its chaplain. Politically he is a Republican, and
well represents the best element of his party.

Mr. and Mrs. Fisher have reared three sons, George F.,

“LOWIIA\ ‘AVALSHNOH YNVD-SSVD

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 103

born in Manchester, and Winfred and Levi P., born in
Boscawen. George F. is employed by Dr. Graves, of
Boscawen; Winfred, who was a partner in the grocery
firm of Balch, Chandler & Co., of Penacook, died, deeply
lamented, February 23, 1896; while Levi P. is at home
on the farm with his parents. Both the younger sons
graduated from the Bryant & Stratton Commercial Col-
lege at Manchester.

CASS-CARR FARM, WILMOT.

Joun M. Carr, PROPRIETOR.

On the westerly slope of Kearsarge mountain, in the
town of Wilmot (formerly Kearsarge Gore), is the sub-
stantial homestead of the old New England type, now
known as Cass-Carr farm. Here Benjamin Cass, a
brother of Major Jonathan Cass of Exeter, who was the
father of Lewis Cass, settled during the Revolution, and
established a home in the wilderness. He was a black-
smith as well as a farmer, and by diligence became pros-
perous. He was also prominent in public affairs, and
was one of the two men named in the act of incorpora-
tion passed by the legislature in June, 1807, as author-
ized to call the first town meeting in Wilmot. By his
first wife, Abigail Bartlett of Salisbury, he had four chil-
dren, including one son, Gersham Bartlett, who was the
first soldier from Wilmot in the war of 1812, enlisting at
twenty years of age and receiving a lieutenant’s commis-
sion. This son remained upon the farm. The second
daughter, Elizabeth, married Nathaniel Carr, and settled
near by. They had two children, Joseph Brown and
Sally, who, after their parents’ death, made their home
at the Cass farm.

Ultimately the farm came into the possession of the
son, Joseph Brown Carr, who married Mehitable Cilley,

104 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

and became an influential citizen, conspicuous in town
affairs and a colonel in the state militia. They had one
son, John Moore Carr, born October 30, 1836, who,
upon attaining manhood, decided to remain upon the
farm. He repaired and refitted the house which his
great uncle, Gersham Bartlett Cass, had erected, and
there brought his wife, Rhoda E. Haskins, to whom he
was married January 3, 1858.

The Cass-Carr farm, including the original lot ‘* No.
16,” conveyed to Benjamin Cass, with subsequent large
accessions, comprises about 1,000 acres, largely wood
and pasture. The buildings, which represent the archi-
tectural efforts of four generations, are comfortable and
commodious. The spacious barn, 160 feet in length,
gives storage for the 150 tons of hay cut on the place,
while some 400 bushels of grain are also produced annu-
ally. Mixed farming is pursued, with special attention
to different lines at different times. Potato culture was
once a leading feature, and 3,000 bushels of potatoes
produced in a year. Subsequently sheep husbandry
was largely engaged in, and 250 sheep kept on the
place. At present milk production is the leading fea-
ture, about twenty-five cows being kept and some 7,000
cans shipped annually. Ensilage from a silo of seventy-
five tons capacity constitutes an item of the food supply.

Mr. Carr is a leading and honored citizen of Wilmot,
and has served his townsmen as selectman, as supervisor
for several years, and in the legislature, to which he was
chosen in 1881, being the first Republican elected in that
strong Democratic town. He is also now serving his
third term as a member of the school board. He joined
Kearsarge Grange No. 87 at its re-organization in 1878 ;
was five years master and two years lecturer of that
grange; is an active member of the Merrimack County
Pomona Grange; served two years as district deputy of

Joun M. Carr.

106 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

the State Grange, and has been twice chosen upon its
executive committee, of which he is now a member. He
is a vice-president of the Merrimack County Grange
Fair Association, and president of the local section of the
New England Milk Producers’ Union. - He has also
been for thirty-five years a member of the Masonic fra-
ternity.

His son and only child, Joseph Bertrand Carr, a prom-
ising young man, died from consumption at the early
age of twenty-four, eight months after his marriage with
Luvia M. Collins of Wilmot. Six months later his wife
died, and the son’s widow, the younger Mrs. Carr, has
remained at the head of the household, the guiding spirit
of a true New England country home, taking an interest
in all that pertains to the success of the farm work and
in the social and educational welfare of the community,
to whose progress Mr. Carr himself has been such an
important contributing factor.

STEPHEN C. PATTER,

WARNER.

Stephen C. Pattee of Warner traces his ancestry
back directly to Sir William Pattee, physician to Crom-
well and King Charles II, who was one of the founders
of the Royal Society and was knighted in 1660. Peter
Pattee, a son of William, born in Lansdown, England,
in 1648, emigrated to Virginia in 1669, and after re-
maining a few years removed to Haverhill, Mass., where
he married and became the father of a family.

His great-grandson, John Pattee, a son of Capt. Asa
Pattee, settled in Warner about 1786, on the farm where
Stephen C. now resides, and known as ‘* Maple Grange,”
and his son, Asa, inherited the place. The latter mar-

We

STEPHEN C. PATTEE.

108 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

ried Sally, daughter of Stephen Colby, one of the early
settlers of the town, and their son, Stephen C., the sub-
ject of this sketch, ultimately came into possession of the
homestead.

Mr. Pattee was born, January 11, 1828. He was ed-
ucated in Warner, Contoocook, and Bradford, attending
select schools in the latter places, and at twenty years of
age commenced teaching school in winter, which busi-
ness he followed for twenty winters, in this state and
Massachusetts. He has ever since been connected with
educational matters, having served many terms asa mem-
ber of the board of education, and having been made one
of the trustees for life, of the Simonds Free High
School of Warner, by the will of the donor, the late
Franklin Simonds.

The agricultural operations in which Mr. Pattee has
been engaged have been varied. Previous to 1862 he
pursued mixed farming. He then made fine wool a
specialty, and when that went down he changed to coarse
wool and made lambs a specialty. He has also raised
some excellent horses, which have been disposed of at
paying prices, always breeding to the best, such as Mam-
brino Wilkes, Almont Eagle, Vittoria, and a Son of Vik-
ing. For the last six years milk production has been his
leading line, his cows being grade Holstein and Jersey,
which he considers best for the purpose. Each cow tests
above the standard, and in 1894 they averaged $90 for
milk delivered at the station. He raised wheat success-
fully for many years, and was awarded a diploma and
bronze medal for corn shown at the Chicago Exposition
in 1893. The farm has been increased from the original
sixty acres owned by his father to three hundred acres,
while two new houses have been erected and two addi-
tions made to the barn.

Mr. Pattee has served his town eight years as a member

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 109

of the board of selectmen, first in 1856, at 28 years of
age, and last in 1890. He also served in the state legis-
lature in 1861 and 1862. In 1871 he was instrumental in
organizing the Kearsarge Agricultural and Mechanical
Association, which held twenty-three successful annual
fairs in Warner. He has taken an active part in Grange
work from the outset, and served six years as a member
of the executive committee of the State Grange. He has
also written much for the agricultural press, having been
many years a regular paid correspondent of the People
and Patriot, Boston Cultivator, New England Farmer,
Country Gentleman, and Germantown Telegraph. He
was at one time engaged by the Board of Agriculture to
give an address on ‘* Wheat Culture,” betore the Agri-
cultural College at Hanover and at institutes in various
localities.

Mr. Pattee was united in marriage, January g, 1853,
with Sally Currier, a true and worthy wife, whodied May
5, 1895. Their three sons, all living, are Jesse B. Pattee,
a lawyer, and Dr. W. H. Pattee, both of Manchester,
and George Q, Pattee, now of Boston.

MAPLE GROVE FARM, ANTRIM,
Hon. D. H. GoopELL, PROPRIETOR.

It is more than half a century since New Hampshire
had a governor distinctively known as a farmer, but
David H. Goodell, of Antrim, who occupied the execu-
tive chair in 1889-90, though generally known as a
manufacturer, retains and resides upon the farm on
which he was reared from childhood, and takes a strong
interest in agricultural affairs. This farm, generally
known as ‘* Maple Grove farm,” from the fine grove of
rock-maple trees occupying the grounds in front of the

MAPLE GROVE FARM, ANTRIM.

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. LEE

house, which is located at the upper end of Antrim vil-
lage, was purchased by Jesse R. Goodell, father of
David H., in March, 1841, when he removed from the
town of Hillsborough, his son being seven years of age
at the time. As originally purchased, it included 165
acres; but with the addition of other farms and adjacent
land purchased, it now embraces about 400 acres, while
outlying pasture and woodland in Antrim and Hancock
brings the total up to 600.

Governor Goodell, who has continued his residence
on the farm, has made
stock raising his prin-
cipal line of farm busi-
ness, excellence being
the object aimed at.
For a time he made
a specialty of Durham
stock, and established
a fine reputation for
the same in breeding
and in butter making ;
but some ten or twelve
years ago his attention
was called to the Hol-
steins, when he pur-
chased a fine blooded

bull and a heifer of RICHARD C. GOODELL.

that breed, and soon

after added five more choice two-year-old heifers, fresh
from Holland, selected for him by Dudley Miller, and
has since been building up a herd of which he has every
reason to be proud, and which is indeed a credit to the
state. He has generally about seventy-five head, of
which from twenty to twenty-five are milch cows, whose
product goes to market in the shape of cream, the milk

I12 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

being retained upon the farm and fed to the calves.
The specialty of this herd is cows of great butter capac-
ity. Its reputation is widely extended, and many choice
animals of both sexes sold therefrom in the past few
years have contributed largely to the improvement of
other herds, both in the immediate neighborhood and
at a distance.

Governor Goodell was one of the early champions of
the silo in New Hampshire, and among the first to adopt
its use. He has two substantially constructed silos with
a joint capacity of about 350 tons. Into these he packs
the product of about thirteen acres of ensilage corn each
season, and this, with the ninety tons of hay cut on the
farm, furnishes ample food for his stock. Since his
adoption of the ensilage system the feeding capacity of
the farm has nearly trebled. He has long been an
active member of the New England Agricultural Society,
serving upon the board of directors, and was also for
two terms the Hillsborough county member of the New
Hampshire State Board of Agriculture, being appointed
for three years in 1879, and reappointed in 1882, and
took more than an ordinary interest in the work of that
organization.

His two sons, D. Dana and Richard C., remain at
home. The latter, now twenty-seven years of age, who
was educated at Colby Academy, New London, and
who subsequently spent some time in the West, though
interested in the manufacturing establishment and hold-
ing the office of vice-president of the company, has taken
special interest in the farm, and is now practically in
charge of the same.

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. tie

AUGUSTINE Re JAY ERS,
NORTH BOSCAWEN.

Augustine Rogers Ayers is a native of Gilmanton, born
September 28,1839. He is a son of Jonathan and Mary
(Rogers) Ayers, and through his mother a descendant
in the ninth genera-
tion of the noted John
Rogers, the martyr ot
Smithfield. Removing
with his parents to
Canterbury when four
years of age, he was
there reared on a farm
and familiarized with
all the details of farm
life, the care of stock
being one of the fea-
tures which most fully
commanded his devo-
tion. Circumstances,
however, impelled him

AUGUSTINE R. AYERS. to leave the farm and

engage in mercantile

life in Concord, where he continued, in different lines,

for about thirty-three years, with the exception of a term

of service in the Union army in the late war, as a mem-
ber of the Fifteenth New Hampshire Volunteers.

In 1890, feeling the need of a change for the benefit
of his health, he determined to return to agriculture.
His love for good horses had been indulged to a con-
siderable extent while in business in Concord, and upon
commencing farm operations upon the old Jacob Gerrish
place at North Boscawen, he first turned his attention to
the breeding of trotting horses, which he pursued for a
time with success, but on the decline of this branch of

I14 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

farm industry he changed to dairying. His attention
having been directed to the Holstein-Freisian as a desir-
able dairy animal, he secured, through ex-Governor
Goodell and others, a few good registered animals of this
breed, from the Russell importation, and has steadily
increased and improved his herd, which now numbers
about thirty-five head altogether, including some excel-
lent representatives of the best strains. He milks about
eighteen cows, giving them good ordinary care and

RESIDENCE OF A. R. AYERS, NORTH BOSCAWEN.

making no effort for extra records, but securing very
satisfactory results. He wholesales his milk at present
to dealers for the Concord market, in preference to selling
at the cars, now so generally done in this section.

The farm, which embraces two hundred and seventy-
five acres, is finely located on the Boston & Maine rail-
road, Concord division, running back from the Merri-
mack river a mile and a half upon the hills. There are
about seventy-five acres of river land of ready access

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. II5

and easy tillage, the balance being pasture and wood
jand. When Mr. Ayers took possession the farm had
been much neglected, but has been greatly improved
already, some forty acres having been brought into first
class condition. He had eleven acres in corn in 1896,
and several acres in oats and potatoes, having raised
from three hundred to twelve hundred bushels of the
latter each year. He has already built a 100-foot barn
with cellar under the whole, a poultry house and cart
house, and put in a silo of seventy-five tons capacity,
and has many other improvements in contemplation.
There are about six hundred apple trees on the place
and in the future fruit promises to be an important
product.

Mr Ayers is’ an enthusiastic Patron of Husbandry,
having joined Capital Grange of Concord in 1886, and
transferring his membership to Ezekiel Webster Grange
of Boscawen after his removal. In 1896 he was over-
seer of the latter grange, while his wife was secretary
and his eldest son assistant steward. He married June 4,
1873, Clara Maria, daughter of Hon. John Kimball of
Concord. They have five children—Ruth Ames, John
Kimball, Helen McGregor, Augustine Haines, and Ben-
jamin Kimball, the eldest being a special student in Cor-
nell University. Mr. Ayers is a member of the South
Congregational church of Concord, Rumford Lodge,

Os ©); and Es Esturtevant Post: GA. RK:

WALTER SARGENT,
WARNER.

‘¢Elm Farm,” charmingly located in the town of
Warner, about two miles above the village, on the road
to Kearsarge mountain, has been the delightful summer
home of numerous rest- and pleasure-seekers for many

WALTER SARGENT.

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 17

years past. Its proprietor, Walter Sargent, is a native
of the town, born December 25, 1837, his father, Abner
Sargent, being then a partner of Thomas H. Bartlett in
mercantile business. His first ancestor in this country was
William Sargent, ason of Richard Sargent of the British
Royal navy, who settled in Ipswich, Mass., in 1633, and
from whom he is a lineal descendant in the eighth gen-
eration.

When he was about two years of age his father sold
out his business in Warner and settled on a farm in that
part of Boscawen which is now Webster, where he grew
to manhood, meanwhile industriously laboring upon the
farm, attending the district school, and the Salisbury,
Hopkinton, Franklin, and Contoocook academies, and
teaching school, himself, winters, for a number of years.
He also worked considerably at carpentering, and ac-
quired a good knowledge of the business, which he has
since found advantageous in arranging his own buildings
and assisting others. At the age of twenty-five years he
married Addie C., daughter of Capt. Samuel Morrill of
Andover, and was for several years engaged in the man-
agement of Captain Morrill’s farm. Subsequently, in
1867, he removed to Warner and settled upon the farm
upon which he now resides. He found the buildings
somewhat out of repair, and very inconvenient, and
commenced to re-build in a thorough and _ systematic
manner, believing that ‘‘ what is worth doing at all is
worth doing well,” and he now has a well-arranged and
convenient set of farm buildings. He has also added to
the acreage, so that his farm now contains about 250
acres.

In his farming operations he believes in thorough cul-
tivation, and in mixed farming. He has raised some
valuable colts, and breeds Delaine Merino sheep, of
which he usually has wintered from fifty to seventy-five.

‘MANUV AM “YOLELIdMOUd ‘LNAOUVG WALIVAA ‘WUVA WI

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 119

His sheep show the advantages of thoroughness in breed-
ing, and careful selection. His dairy is mostly Guern-
sey and Jersey, from which he usually disposes of his
butter to regular customers. The skim milk is fed to
hogs, which tends to greatly increase the fertility of the
farm. Although he is not averse to buying grain under
ordinary conditions, he considers it much more advanta-
geous to raise it, and believes he can raise corn cheaper
than he can buy it. He usually raises from two to three
hundred bushels of corn each year, besides other grain,
which is all fed upon the farm.

Mr. Sargent has served his townsmen as selectman
and as a member of the school board, and aided in the
organization of the Simonds Free High school. He has
taken an interest in all matters pertaining to agricultural
progress and was for several years secretary of the
Kearsarge Agricultural and Mechanical Association.
He has been a member of Warner Grange since its or-
ganization in 1877; was secretary of the Merrimack
County Council and charter secretary of Merrimack
County Pomona Grange. He retains his interest in
grange work, but on account of impaired hearing is de-
barred from active participation therein.

Mr. Sargent’s first wife died in 1873, leaving two sons,
Frank H., now assistant postmaster at Harriman, Tenn.,
and George H., city-editor of the St. Paul Proneer Press.

October 3, 1877, he married Mrs. Fannie A. ( Fellows)
Shaw, youngest daughter of Dea. Richard Fellows of
Salisbury, with whom he is now living, and whose
gracious manner adds a charm to the ready hospitality
which a host of friends and acquaintances enjoy at the
Elm Farm home.

FRANK R. WOODWARD.

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. ILS VE

FRANK R. WOODWARD,
Jsbitit,

Agriculture in New Hampshire, as well as elsewhere,
has been greatly benefited by the attention of men who,
having devoted themselves primarily to professional life,
business, or manufacturing, have been led from love of
the soil to devote their leisure, or have otherwise appro-
priated time, and expended something of the profits of
their business in these other lines, in the management
and cultivation of farms. A fine example of this class is
Frank R. Woodward of Hill, a successful manufacturer
of light hardware, who has been well known in agri-
cultural and Grange circles for several years past, in
central New Hampshire.

Mr. Woodward is a native of the town of Salisbury,
born February 9, 1845. His parents, Daniel S. and
Dorcas (Adams) Woodward, both came of Revolutionary
stock. -Thev removed to Penacook (then Fisher-
ville) in 1848, and in 1852 to Franklin, where in the
public schools and at Noyes Academy Frank R. received
his education. In 1868, he went to Manchester where
he was engaged as superintendent of the Forsaith latch
needle factory, which business he purchased in 1870,
and, two years later, removed it to the town of Hall. gdin
1873, he sold out the needle business and engaged in
the manufacture of glass-cutters and other light hard-
ware, for which he has established a world-wide reputa-
tion.

Mr. Woodward is a public-spirited citizen and has
done much to advance the prosperity of the town in the
way of building, and carrying out local improvements,
putting in an efficient system of water-works, donating
the land, laying out, grading, and fencing a fine ceme-
tery, etc. Although his agricultural operations are

“IMIR ‘AUVMGOOM ‘WY MNVYY AO AONAAISAY

pei

Latte

is e .
oe a Par

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 123

incidental in a measure they are by no means limited in
extent. He has two farms—Pleasant Hill farm, just
outside the village, and Birchdale, three and a_ half
miles away. At Pleasant Hill butter-making for local
consumers is the specialty, and at Birchdale milk sold at
the cars is the main product. He has seven hundred
acres of land altogether, much of which is in wood and
timber, whose product is cut for use in his manufactur-
ing.

He has expended a great deal in improving stock and
in experiments on farm crops to get the most profitable
forage, and has met with good success in this line, having
demonstrated to the farmers of the locality that the old,
worn-out farms may be made to keep a stock of cows
that will yield a profit, and bring up the farms to a good
state of production by first using commercial fertilizers
to raise the corn crop to fill the silo. He makes his hogs
help to renovate the old brush land by cutting the brush
and pasturing with hogs, and in two years gets the land,
which was too tough to break with the plow, in good
condition for seeding down to mowing. He was a
charter member and the first overseer of Pemigewasset
Grange, No. 107, of Hill, and has also served as master
and secretary of that organization, in whose prosperity
he has ever been deeply interested as well as in that of
the order at large, having been for several years an active
member of the Merrimack County Pomona Grange.

He is a Royal Arch Mason, Odd Fellow, Knight of
Honor, Knight of Pythias, Red Man, and Good Tem-
plar, being a charter member of Hill Lodge of Good
Templars, and serving for several terms as chief tem-
plar. In politics he is a Democrat, and, although living
in a strong Republican town, has served upon the board
of education, as supervisor, and in other town offices,
and in 1884 was chosen representative by a large

124 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

majority. In 1885, after the session of the legislature,
he resigned his office as representative and accepted
the position of post-master, the same having been given
without solicitation on his part. He is a member of the
Christian church in Hill, a life director of the society,
and has been superintendent of the Sunday-school since
its organization. He also has charge of the church
property.

Mr. Woodward has been twice married. Five child-
ren by his first wife are all deceased. By his second
wife, Ella E. Hilpert. he has one son, Harold A., born
April 29, 1888. They enjoy a pleasant home life and
dispense a cheerful hospitality.

SIMON A. TENNEY,

NEWPORT.

Simon A. Tenney of Newport, son of Isaac C. and
Louisa D. (Buel) Tenney, was born in that town De-
cember 18, 1842, being the eldest of six children, largely
dependent upon the mother, who plied the needle early
and late, making garments for others, that her children
might grow up useful members of society. After a lim-
ited schooling young Tenney commenced working out
by the day, and later, by the month and year, mostly at
farming, for about eight years, till at the outbreak of the
war, when twenty years of age, he enlisted, serving in
all two years and nineteen days in the heavy artillery.
For four years subsequently he worked on a dairy and
truck farm in Burlington, Mass., when he married and
returned to his native town, purchasing an interval farm
{Sugar Vale Farm) on the south branch of Sugar river,
a mile from the village, where he has since lived and has
reared a family of five children. He has greatly im-

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 125.

proved the appearance and productiveness of his farm,
making a specialty of dairying. He keeps a dozen
cows and has retailed the milk in the village for more
than twenty years. Mr. Tenney was active in the
organization of the Newport Agricultural and Mechani-
cal Association, serving as secretary four years and
president two, taking a leading part in the management
of the town fairs. He was the first signer of the petition
for the institution of Sullivan Grange and was its charter
secretary, serving two years, and two years as master ;
was two years a district deputy, and was chosen master
of Sullivan County Pomona Grange in December, 1895.
He is a Congregationalist in religion and has been super-
intendent of the Sunday-school. Politically he is a Re-
publican and has been honored by his party in various
directions. He has served as county correspondent for
the United States Department of Agriculture, and news
correspondent of various farm and local papers. He is
a member of the G. A. R., and past commander of Fred
Smyth Post, No. 10, of Newport.

HON. WILLIAM D. BAKER,

RUMNEY.

Among those prominently identified before the public
with the dairy interest, now one of the most important
and progressive branches of agriculture in New Hamp-
shire, is Hon. W. D. Baker of Rumney, through whose
efforts, and under whose management, the New Hamp-
shire butter exhibit at the World’s Columbian Exposition
at Chicago in 1893, was collected, transported, arranged,
and displayed. This exhibit, it will be remembered,
won for the Granite state the first rank among all the
states for the average excellence of its exhibits, and gave

126 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

an impetus, thereby, to the dairy business in New Hamp-
shire such as could not otherwise have been experienced.
A general committee of three had been appointed by the
State Dairymen’s Association to take the matter of this
exhibit in charge, the other members of the committee
being J. L. Gerrish of Webster and George W. Stanley
of Langdon; but Mr. Baker was designated by the com-
mittee to take personal charge of the work, and the
outcome proved the efficiency of his labor.

Mr. Baker is a native of the city of Philadelphia, born
September 7, 1854. His parents, Samuel D. and Mary
E. (Harris) Baker, were New Hampshire people, how-
ever, the former a native of Campton and the latter of
Rumney, in which latter town they located in his child-
hood, on the Joshua Harris place near Quincy station,
where the mother was born. He attended the town
schools and Philips Exeter Academy, graduating from
the latter in 1878. In 1885 he married Winnifred A.
Woodbury of Island Pond, Vt., and has been since
established in the pursuit of agriculture on the home
place at Quincy, to which he has added largely by pur-
chase, acquiring the main portion of the farm owned by
the late Hon. Josiah Quincy, so that he has now about
200 acres of land, his place being known as the Elmwood
Dairy Farm. His specialties are dairying and breeding,
his stock being Jersey-Holstein cross breeds.

Mr. Baker has been a leading spirit in the Granite
State Dairymen’s Association and a director from the
start, and has generally had charge of the exhibit and
practical tests of the Association, and has addressed
various organizations and public gatherings on practical
dairy topics. He made four trips to Chicago as superin-
tendent of the New Hampshire exhibit at the World’s
Fair, taking out 153 separate exhibits of which 103 were
awarded medals and diplomas. With the October exhibit

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 127

he took out a display of fruit, collected at his own
expense, showing 60 varieties and 250 plates of apples,
the same being credited to the state, and awarded a
medal and diploma. This exhibit was instrumental in
creating a strong demand for New Hampshire apples at
the West. A movement then inaugurated resulted in the
organization of the New Hampshire Horticultural Soci-
ety, of which Mr. Baker was chosen, and has contin-
ued, secretary. He is also an active manager and sec-
retary of the Grafton County Agricultural Society, and
a vice-president of the National Dairymen’s Union.

In politics, Mr. Baker is an active Republican, and
prominent in public affairs, being chairman of the
board of selectmen and library trustees in Rumney,
member of the last state senate from the Plymouth
district and chairman of the committee on agriculture in
that body, and also a member of the Republican state
central committee. He is an earnest Patron of Hus-
bandry, has been master of Rumney Grange and of
Grafton County Pomona Grange, and is also a district
deputy of the State Grange.

Generally speaking, Mr. Baker is what is known as a
‘‘hustler,’’ and few men put more zeal and energy into
their work than he.

GEORGE H. WADLEIGH,

SETTEMON Gs

George H. Wadleigh, the present member of the
Board of Agriculture for Belknap county, is a native of
Sanbornton, a son of Joseph D. and Sarah S. (Hunt)
Wadleigh, born November 17, 1850. He remained at
home, assisting his father on the farm, where a specialty
was the raising of a superior quality of corn, until 1881,

128 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

when he married Lilla M., daughter of Benjamin F. and
Mary S. (Smith) Cass, of Tilton, and settled in that
town, where he has since had his home. Two children
have made them happy—Grace M., who awaits them
‘over there,” and Lewis J.

Mr. Wadleigh regards agriculture as a scientific pur-
suit, and as a farmer puts his best thought into his work.
He is progressive, awake to the demands of the times,

and ready to discard

old traditions whenever

science has discovered
‘ new truths to take their
place. His specialties
are stock and poultry
raising, and improve-
ment is his watchword.
Hel has. recently ane
troduced an_ excellent
herd of red polled cat-

tle, purchased in west-
ern New York, and the
first brought into the
state. He believes this
EIS SSS breed admirably adapt-
GEORGE R. WADLEIGH. ed, both for stock and
dairy purposes. He

has a maple orchard of over six hundred trees, and ex-

cels in sugar making, having been engaged in it from
boyhood. The product finds a ready sale among those
who have become acquainted with its merits.

He was a member of the Sanbornton Farmers’ Club
several years before the organization of Harmony
Grange in that town, of which he was a charter mem-
ber, as well as of the Belknap County Pomona Grange,
having been chaplain, lecturer, and master of the for-

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 129

mer. He was active in the organization of the Grange
State Fair Association, and was chairman of the com-
mittee to prepare the first premium list. He was one
year superintendent of the poultry department, three
years of the cattle department, six years treasurer, and
is at present secretary of the association. He was ap-
pointed a member of the Board of Agriculture in 1894,
and has taken.a deep interest in the work of the Board.

In politics Mr. Wadleigh is a Republican, and was a
representative from the town of Tilton in the legislature
of 1893. In Sanbornton he was an active member of
the First Baptist church. That he might enjoy a more
convenient church home, after his location in Tilton, he
united with the Methodist Episcopal church in that place,
of which he is at present treasurer, and is also superin-
tendent of the Sunday-school.

HON. CHARLES McDANIEL,
SPRINGFIELD.

Among the largest landholders, best representative
farmers, and most influential citizens of the county of
Sullivan is Charles McDaniel of Springfield, a native of
that town, born July 22, 1835, a son of James McDaniel
who occupied the old homestead whereon his grand-
father, of the same name, a descendant of the Scotch
McDaniels of the north of Ireland, had originally settled
in the latter part of the last century. Growing up on
the farm, and thoroughly accustomed to its labors in all
directions, the young man, like many another farmer’s
son, had a taste for mental as well as physical culture,
and sought instruction beyond that attainable in the dis-
trict school, which he secured by attendance at the

academies in Andover, New London, and Canaan, and
9

130 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

himself engaged in teaching, one or more terms per
year, from the age of eighteen until nearly forty,
making his home with his father meanwhile, and devot-
ing a portion of the time to farm labor, until, upon his
father’s decease, he purchased the interest of the other
heirs in the place, and assumed the full management
thereof, with which he has since been mainly occupied.

The farm, which is located in the western portion of
Springfield, has been largely increased in extent under
the present owner, and now embraces about 800 acres of
land, of which about 150 is in mowing and tillage, and
the remainder in pasture and woodland. Aside from
the home farm, however, Mr. McDaniel has about 400
acres of outland, a considerable proportion of which is
in the town of Grantham. Mixed farming is pursued,
with dairying as the leading feature at present. An
average crop of about 125 tons of hay, supplemented by
ensilage from a 75 ton silo, furnishes winter subsistence
for the stock, consisting of some 50 head of neat cattle,
100 sheep, and half a dozen horses. From 15 to 20
cows are kept, butter being supplied to private custo-
mers, and the balance of cream sold to the Sullivan
Creamery, at Grantham.

In politics Mr. McDaniel is a Democrat, and has been
much in public life, having been elected a member of
the board of selectmen, and an overseer of the poor in
1862, and having since served repeatedly as chairman
of the board, also as town treasurer and school commit-
tee. He represented Springfield in the legislature of
1868, and again in 1891, when he was an active mem-
ber of the Committee on Agriculture. He has also been
voted for by his party for important county offices, and
was the Democratic candidate for congress in the second
district in 1894. He was for six years a member of the
state board of agriculture for Sullivan county, and for

Hon. CHARLES MCDANIEL.

132 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

eight years past has been a trustee of the New Hamp-
shire College of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts,
devoting much attention to the interests of the institution
during the period covering its removal to, and establish-
ment at, Durham. In 1895 he was appointed by Gov-
ernor Busiel a member of the State Board of Equalization.

In the order of Patrons of Husbandry no man in New
Hampshire is better known, or more highly esteemed,
than Mr. McDaniel. He was long master, and is at
present secretary of Montcalm Grange, Enfield Centre ;
was the first master of Mascoma Valley Pomona Grange ;
three years overseer, and five years master of the State
Grange, also member and secretary of its executive com-
mittee, and chaplain of the National Grange from 1891
to 1893.

Mr. McDaniel is a member of Social Lodge, F. and
A. M. of Enfield, and of the Chapter of the Tabernacle,
Royal Arch Masons. In religion he is a Universalist.
May 31, 1862, he was united in marriage with Miss
Amanda M. Quimby of Springfield. They have had
five children, but one of whom survives, Cora, a gradu-
ate of the New Hampshire State Normal school, for several
years a teacher, and now the wife of P. S. Currier of
Plymouth.

GEORGE PEABODY LITiT LE
PEMBROKE.

One of the most prosperous agricultural communities
in the state is to be found in the town of Pembroke.
‘¢Pembroke Street” is, in fact, a farming village, and
the fertile and well cultivated fields on either side, and the
substantial farm houses all along the way, are an unfail-
ing delight to the eye of the passing traveler. Among
the best of the many excellent farms here situated is that

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 133

of George P. Little, who has won a prominent position
in agricultural circles, particularly as a breeder of Jersey
cattle, in which line he was extensively engaged for many
years.

The son of Dr. Elbridge G. and Sophronia (Peabody)
Little—his mother being a sister of the noted London
banker, George Peabody, for whom he was named and
at whose decease he was handsomely remembered—he
was born at Pembroke,
Ni. ¥.5- June’ 20; 1834.
In 1846 he came, with
his mother, to Pem-
broke in this state to
continue his education
at the academy there,
he having previously,
for a time, attended the
Lewiston, N. Y., Acad-
emy. Subsequently he
attended the Gymna-
sium and Military In-
stitute, a noted school
which flourished then
at the <<“ Sineet -~ meric

GEORGE PEABODY LITTLE. valry with the Acade-
my. The winter after

he was eighteen years of age he taught school in
Pembroke, but went the next year to Portland, Mes,
where he was in mercantile business five years. Thence
he went to Boston where he was similarly engaged for a
time; but having developed a strong taste for photogra-
phy, he finally located in Palmyra, N. Y., where he
pursued that business for ten years, until 1868, when he
came back to Pembroke and purchased the farm where
he now resides, erecting thereon a fine residence, spacious

‘AMOUINAT ‘ATLLIIT ‘qd ADNOAD AO AONAAISAY

= mn ip

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 135

barn and other necessary buildings, effecting various
other improvements, and adding to the acreage from time
to time. He has about 225 acres in the home place, with
back farms and woodland, to the extent of some 700 or
Soo acres in all. The mowing and tillage includes about
75 acres, and the annual hay productis about 100 tons. As
has been stated, Mr. Little was for many years a breeder
of Jerseys—registered animals of a superior class, which
he sold all over the country. He hasalso been a breeder
of fine horses, and has bought and sold horses exten-
sively, but of late he has been inclined to an easier life
and has relinquished his activity in these lines.

Mr. Little has taken an active interest in public affairs
in the town of his adoption, and is one of its most hon-
ored and influential citizens. A Republican in politics,
he had served as deputy U.S. collector of internal rev-
enue while residing in New York. In Pembroke he has
been several years town treasurer, three years selectman,
was a representative in the legislature in 1876 and 1877
and again in 1890—91._ He was treasurer of Merrimack
county four years, and a delegate in the last constitutional
convention. He is a 32-degree Mason, and Knight
Templar. an Odd Fellow, and deacon of the Congrega-
tional church in Pembroke.

He married Elizabeth N., daughter of Daniel Knox of
Pembroke, August 22, 1854. They have six children
living, a son and five daughters. The son, Hon. C. B.
Little, a lawyer of Bismarck, North Dakotah, has been
a member of the state senate and chairman of the judi-
ciary committee the last eight years. Of the daughters,
Mary G. is the wite of James E. Odlin, Esq., of Lynn,
Mass.; Lizzie E. married L. F. Thurber: of Nashua;
Nettie H. is Mrs. Frank E. Shepard of Concord; Lucy
B. is at home, and Clara F. the wife of Herman S. Salt
of Brooklyn, N. Y.

136 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

CHRISTOPHER. 1C; SHAW.
MILFORD.

Although mainly engaged in other business, in another
state, there are few names better known in agricultural
circles in New Hampshire than that of Christopher C.
Shaw of Milford. Mr. Shaw was born in Milford
March 20, 1824, on the farm he now occupies, and
which was purchased, by a paternal ancestor, from the
town of Charlestown, Mass., about 1744, it having been
granted by the legislature for school purposes in 1659.
He comes of a patriotic family, three of his ancestors
having served in the Revolutionary war, and one in the
War of 1812. At eighteen years of age he was clerk of
the state militia in Milford, and captain of the same a
year later. At this time he commenced retailing dry
goods from house to house, and, two years later, opened
a country store in Milford, continuing till 1848, when he
closed out and established himself in the dry goods busi-
ness in Lawrence, Mass. Two years after he removed
to Boston, and was similarly engaged for a time on Han-
over street, but finally connected himself with the large
importing and jobbing dry goods house of J. W. Blod-_
gett & Co., in which line he has continued, as proprietor
or salesman, with the exception of about seven and a
half years, immediately following the great fire of 1872,
in Boston, which destroyed his business and retired him
to his farm in Milford.

Attracted by the Grange movement sweeping over
the great West about this time, and investigating the
same, he arranged to have the first deputy of the order
coming to the state, visit him at Milford. He soon re-
ceived a call from General Deputy Eben Thompson, of
the National Grange, and in two days Granite Grange,
No. 7, was organized in Milford, with Mr. Shaw as

CHRISTOPHER C. SHAW.

138 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

master. A few weeks later the State Grange was
organized, and he was elected secretary, and appointed
general deputy. Subsequently, he was made purchas-
ing agent for the state. In January, 1877, the state
mutual fire insurance company was organized, with Mr.
Shaw as president, which position he held for seven
years. In December following he was chosen secretary
of the Patron’s Relief Association, and president of the
same in January, 1893. From 1873 to 1880, when he
resigned all official positions in the Grange to resume
mercantile business in Boston, his time was largely spent
in organizing subordinate Granges, and otherwise devel-
oping the order in the state, and no man is held in greater
esteem by the older members of the Grange in New
Hampshire.

Mr. Shaw has been an enthusiast in the culture of
fruit, and a large exhibitor of fruit, vegetables, fancy
poultry, Chester county swine, and Jersey cattle at the
New England and other leading fairs. He has been a
trustee of the New England Agricultural, and a_ life
member of that, and of the Massachusetts Horticultural
and American Pomological Societies for many years.
While making an exhibition of fruit at the Chicago
Columbian Exposition, he became dissatisfied with New
Hampshire’s showing in this direction, and, with a few
others, took action which resulted in the organization of
the New Hampshire Horticultural Society, of which he
was elected, and still remains, president, and which he
hopes will yet become an instrument of great value in
developing the agricultural resources of the state, along
the lines of fruit and vegetable culture.

Politically, Mr. Shaw was born a Whig, but early
became an Abolitionist, and graduated into the Republi-
can party at its organization. He served the town of
Milford in the legislature in 1875 and 1876, and the

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 139

party seven years as a member of its state committee.
He is strongly interested in historical matters, and is
president of the Milford Historical and Genealogical
Society. In religion he is a Liberalist, and is president
of the Veteran Spiritualist Union of Boston. He was
united in marriage, August 27, 1846, with Rebecca
Peabody Hutchinson of Milford, a descendant of Captain
Nathan Hutchinson, a Revolutionary soldier and one of
the first settlers of the town. They have had three chil-
dren, of whom two, Horatio Christopher and Charles
Jacob, survive.

WILLIAM H. CHADWICK,
SUTTON.

Of rough and rugged surface, but strong soil, which
responds satisfactorily to faithful cultivation, the town of
Sutton, in the ‘* back-bone”’ region of the state, includes
a number of successful farmers among its population, of
whom William H. Chadwick is a worthy representative.
Mr. Chadwick occupies the old home of his father,
Edmund Chadwick, in the north part of the town, and
embracing 170 acres of land, with a good set of build-
ings thereon. He was born August 31, 1848, educated
in the town schools, and has spent his life principally
upon the farm. His farming is of the mixed order,
though milk production is a leading item, the same
being sold at the cars in Bradford. He cuts from 35
to 4o tons of hay annually, and uses ensilage as a sup-
plementary feed. His stock consists of about 25 head of
neat cattle, including eight cows, three or four horses,
and a small flock of sheep, from which he usually sells
a few early lambs at a good profit.

Mr. Chadwick was a charter member of Snitton
Grange, and has held some office in the organization

I40 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

nearly every year since the start, having been master four
years, from 1890, and taking a strong interest in the
prosperity of the order. In religion he is a Universalist,
and politically a Democrat and as such was elected as
the delegate from Sutton, in the last state constitutional
convention, though the town is ordinarily Republican.
Mr. Chadwick has been three times married, having
lost two wives by death, the first being Miss Susie
Coburn of Sutton, and the second Miss Emma Morgan
of Salem, Mass. A daughter by the second wife is also
deceased. His present wife was Miss Effie Merrill of
a son now about

Sutton, by whom he has one child
two years of age.

THE COGSWELL HOMESTEAD--GILMANTON,
Cot. ‘THOMAS COGSWELL, PROPRIETOR.

Prominent among the old historic homesteads of Belknap
county, is the Cogswell place in Gilmanton, embracing
the contiguous estates of Gen. Joseph Badger and Col.
Thomas Cogswell, natives of Haverhill, Mass., who set-
tled here, the former in 1763 and the latter at the close of
the Revolutionary War, throughout which he served gal-
lantly with his seven brothers. General Badger was a
member of the New Hampshire provincial congress and
of the first constitutional convention, and was prominent
in public affairs. He died in 1803. His daughter, Ruth,
was the wife of Colonel Cogswell. The latter was also
an influential citizen, and chief justice of the court of
common pleas from 1784, until his death in 1810.

In 1820, Thomas Cogswell of Atkinson, a nephew of
Colonel Thomas, and son of Gen. William and Judith
(Badger) Cogswell, located in Gilmanton, uniting in his
possession the Badger and Cogswell farms. He was a
young man of twenty-one, having just been united in

“dVaALSHNOH TIAMSDOD AH],

142 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

marriage with Mary Noyes. Coming of a strong and
distinguished ancestry, and endowed with great natural
abilities, he soon became a leader of the people, and was
conspicuous in all the affairs of this important town, serv-
ing repeatedly as moderator, selectman, and representa-
tive : as deputy sheriff, associate justice of the court of com-
mon pleas, andmember of the executive council, while his
success as afarmer was also marked, an addition of some
500 acres having been made to his estate, this portion
subsequently constituting the farm of his elder son, the
late James W. Cogswell. At the death of Judge Cogs-
well, August 8, 1868, his younger son, Col. Thomas
Cogswell, Jr., came into possession of the homestead,
and its management has since been in his hands.
Colonel Cogswell was born February 8, 1841, grad-
uated from Dartmouth with the class of 1863, served gal-
lantly as first lieutenant and captain of Company A,
Fifteenth New Hampshire Regiment, during the regi-
mental term of service; studied law with the firm of
Stevens & Vaughan at Laconia, and at Harvard Law
School; was admitted tothe bar in September, 1866, and
immediately commenced practice at Gilmanton Iron
Works. After returning to the farm he continued prac-
tice to some extent and also became active in political
affairs, as a Democrat, serving as school committee, repre-
sentative, and selectman for several years. He was a
member of Governor Weston’s staff in 1871, and repre-
sented his district in the state senate in 1878. In 1886
he was the Democratic candidate for Governor. He was
appointed on the board of railroad commissioners in April,
1893, serving until he became U. 5S. pension agent at
Concord, July 1, 1894, which position he now holds.
He 1s also president and treasurer of the board of trustees
of Gilmanton Academy, which notable institution his
great-grandfather and great-uncle were instrumental in

CoL. THOMAS COGSWELL.

144 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

founding. He is a Mason, a prominent Grand Army
man, and a Patron of Husbandry.

The Cogswell homestead embraces 517 measured acres,
and has always been known as one of the best farms in
the county, sustaining large stocks of cattle and horses,
and producing great crops of wheat and corn as well as
hay. Colonel Cogswell has carried out important im-
provements in various directions, putting in a new 1oo-ton
silo the past season. The barn is 120 feet in length,
and this, and the fine stable for horses, are thoroughly
appointed, and, together with the fine old mansion, are
abundantly supplied with running water, by means of a
windmill, put in for the purpose. Colonel Cogswell pro-
poses to make dairying his leading farm industry,
increasing his number of cows from 15 to 25, now that a
creamery has been established in town, in which enter-
prise he is a leading spirit. His hay crop is from 80 to
roo tons per annum, and he pastures from 50 to 75 head
of cattle for outside parties. He has reduced his stock
of horses, but keeps a fine span for driving, a stallion,
and a few colts. The farm work is largely done by
oxen.

Although a lawyer, a politician, and a man of affairs,
Colonel Cogswell is a thorough-going, representative
farmer; his sympathies andinterests are with the agricul-
turists of the state, and he is an earnest champion of their
cause on all proper occasions.

He married, October 8, 1873, Florence, daughter of
R. D. Moores of Manchester, who died February 14,
1892, leaving a daughter and two sons. ‘The daughter,
Anna M., married Walter J. Edgerly of Gilmanton.
Thomas, the elder son, entered Dartmouth College class
of ’99. Clarence Noyes, the younger, is employed in
the wholesale boot and shoe establishment of Parker,
Holmes & Co., Boston.

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 145

NORWAY HILL FARM—HANCOCK,
C. H. Duncan, PROPRIETOR.

Hancock is a rugged upland town, with varied and
beautiful scenery, and generally rough though productive
soil. Among the most prosperous farmers in this town is
Cristy H. Duncan, proprietor of * Norway Hill Farm,”
located on the westerly slope of Norway Hill, the farm
buildings being about half a mile from the village, and
commanding a beautiful landscape view. Near the sum-
mit of the hill Mr. Duncan’s great grandfather, Deacon
James Duncan, one of the pioneer settlers of the town,
originally located, and the family home has ever since
been in this locality. His father, John Duncan, who
married Almira Chandler, bought the present home
place—the nucleus of Norway Hill farm,—forty-two years
ago, and here Cristy H. Duncan was born, February 29,
1856, receiving his education in the town schools.

Mr. Duncan early developed a fondness for dealing in
cattle, and at twenty-one, and for five years after, was
extensively engaged in purchasing stock in the lower
towns in the spring, bringing the same to the rich pas-
tures of Hancock and vicinity for the summer, and selling
again in the fall. December 11, 1878, he was united in
marriage with Miss Helen C. Walker, an educated and
accomplished young lady, and successful teacher, of
Leominster, Mass., who has proved a most helpful and
sympathetic companion. About sixteen. years ago he
bought a small place of some fifteen acres in extent,
adjacent to the home farm, and began active operations
-n agriculture, making thorough improvement of the soil
his object. He has continued on that line to the present
time, adding to his possessions now and then, till his
present holdings embrace two hundred acres of land in-

cluding his original home which became his own resi-
10

“MQOONVE] ‘NVONNG *“H °D 40 AONACISAY

e Sm psi _
; Wee serie

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 147

dence after the death of his mother in 1894, his father
now residing with him.

He has extensively improved the buildings and has one
of the best appointed barns to be found in the state. It
is what is known asa ‘*‘ double-decker,” the hay and
fodder going in on the upper floor and no pitching up
being required. The stables are thoroughly arranged
for the comfort of the animals, and furnished with the
Buckley watering device. The hay production is about
sixty tons per annum, secured from forty acres of mow-
ing land. This is supplemented with oats and other crops.

For a time Mr. Duncan took considerable interest in
stock breeding, devoting special attention to Swiss cattle,
but dairying and the boarding of horses now command
his principal attention. He keeps about twenty cows,
selling milk to village customers, and the balance at the
cars, to Whiting, and has fifteen or twenty horses usually
in charge. The farm has a good supply of fruit, with
three hundred apple trees in good condition.

Mr. Duncan has been a member of John Hancock
Grange -for more than twenty years. He is a director
of the Grange State Fair Association, and has long taken
an interest in agricultural exhibitions: was a director of
the Oak Park Fair Association, during its existence, and
subsequently a moving spirit in the Hancock town fair
organization. He was also one of the projectors and, for
some time, a director of the Peterborough creamery.
Politically Mr. Duncan is a Republican and has held
various offices in town. He is a member of the Con-
gregational church, has been superintendent of the
Sunday-school and clerk and treasurer of the society.
He is engaged considerably in probate business and is a
correspondent for various papers. As a citizen he is
public spirited, and actively instrumental in promoting the
welfare of the town, in erecting dwellings and in other

148 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

directions, ‘‘ progress” being his motto in all things.
Mr. and Mrs. Duncan have three daughters, aged re-
spectively 15, 13, and 10 years. The family are all
musical, with a taste for literature also, and their home
life is exceedingly pleasant.

EDWARD BRYANT,
CORNISH.

Edward Bryant owns one of the best farms in the town
of Cornish, It is situated on the western slope of the
Cornish hills, and is one of the most picturesque spots in
the Connecticut River valley, commanding magnificent
views up and down the river, while in the west, the
towering form of Ascutney mountain makes a splendid
background. Several New York, Boston, and Phil-
adelphia people have been so impressed with the beauties
of this region that they have erected summer residences
and spend several months here each year. Mr. Bryant
has sold several parcels of land to them on which to build,
and each year it becomes more popular.

Mr. Bryant was born on this farm which has been in
the family more than sixty years. It contains about two
hundred and fifty acres, and is three miles from the
Windsor bridge. It is well timbered and watered. The
buildings consist of the dwelling house, five barns, and
two lean-tos at the home place, and two barns on what
is known as the upper place. Mr. Bryant is a well
known horse and cattle raiser, one of his horses having
trotted in 2:36 over Dover track. His cattle are mostly
Jerseys and he averages to send three hundred pounds of
milk to the Hillside creamery every day in the year.
Mr. Bryant is a model New England farmer, and has
made a success, and is classed among the heaviest tax-
payers in town. His post-office address is Windsor, Vt.

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 149

SAMUEL 8S. WHITE,

SULLIVAN.

Sullivan is one of the small rural towns of Cheshire
county, its population being almost entirely devoted to
agricultural pursuits, and including in their numbers a
fair proportion of thrifty and prosperous farmers who rank
among the substantial citizens of the county. One of the
best known of these is Samuel S. White, a son of George
and Lavina (Ellis)
White, who was born
Septyre, 1650, on) the
farm which he now
occupies and which
has been in possession
of the family since its
original settlement.

Mr. White was ed-
ucated in the public
schools of the town,
and at Springfield,
Vt., and has always
had his home in Sul-
livan. Sept. 18, 1873,
he was united in mar-
riage with Miss Fran-
ces A. Locke, daugh-
ter of John Locke of Sullivan. They have one son,
Winfred J. Another son, Charles E., died at the age of
three years.

The farm embraces about four hundred acres of land
altogether, about fifty acres in mowing and tillage and
the balance in pasture and woodland. The hay crop
averages from fifty to sixty tons per annum, and several
acres of corn are usually planted. The stock consists

SAMUEL S. WHITE.

I50 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

of about twenty head of cattle, four horses, and thirty-
five sheep. The cattle are largely cows, and milk pro-
duction is a leading feature of the farm business, the same
being sold to the Whitings at the station in Keene, eight
miles distant. Another important item is the maple sugar
product, which has amounted in some seasons to 3,000
pounds, twelve hundred trees being tapped. There is
also a large apple orchard on the farm, the product of
which reaches 1,000 bushels in good bearing years.

Mr. White is an interested and active working member
of the order, Patrons of Husbandry, having joined
Ashuelot Grange, of Gilsum, in June, 1890, and given
no little time and effort to promote the success of the or-
ganization, believing it to be an effective agency for
advancing the interests of the farmer and his family in
every community where it is established. He has served
several years as chorister, has filled the stations of stew-
ard and overseer respectively and was master for two
terms—in 1894 and 1895. He is also a member ot
Cheshire County Pomona Grange; has taken much in-
terest in its work, and attended its sessions as generally
as circumstances would allow. He received the seventh
degree of the order at the session of the National Grange
in Concord, in November, 1893. Mr. White is a Dem-
ocrat in politics, and a member of the Congregational
church, for which he was organist twenty years, and ten
years superintendent of the Sunday school.

HON. JOHN G. TALLANT,

PEMBROKE.

Among the men prominently identified with the large
farming interests in New Hampshire is John G. Tallant,
formerly of East Concord, now a resident of Pembroke.

‘AMOUMWA ‘INVTITV.], ‘5 NHO[ ‘NOP] dO AONUAISaY

I52 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

He was born Mar. 2, 1846, and is the son of the late John
L. Tallant, of East Concord, one of the largest farmers
and most prominent citizens of Merrimack county.

Mr. Tallant received a good common school and
academical education, but inherited a strong attachment
or agriculture, and has persistently and successfully
followed it, always in the front rank as a farmer, always
ready to adopt new and progressive methods.

Among the specialties of farming, he early gave his
attention to the rear-
ing and sale of pure
bred Jersey cattle, in
which line he can
easily claim the first
place among New
Hampshire farmers.
He was associated
in the Jersey busi-
ness for many years
with Hon. Joseph H.
Walker, of Worces-
ters, Mass. ~ Their
celebrated Crystal
Spring herd was
known through-
out the length and
breadth of the land,
from which sales have been made in every state in the
Union. His skill and judgment as a dairyman was
widely recognized, and the production of superior butter
was a feature of his well managed farm, the excellent
quality of which won prizes in many contests in the fairs
throughout New England, also securing the much cov-
eted gold medal known as the Jersey Bulletin prize.
For many years he has been employed as an expert

Hon. JOHN G. TALLANT.

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 153

judge in blooded stock, dairy tests, and products, and
many other departments in many of the fairs. He has
been prominently identified with various agricultural
associations.

In 1893 he disposed of his East Concord farm, and
bought the Albert Langmaid place, delightfully located
on Pembroke street, and provided with one of the finest
sets of buildings in the county, where is now his home.

Mr. Tallant has been active in public affairs, having
served as selectman, member of the common council,
alderman, assessor, member of the town school commit-
tee, representative in the legislature and state senator,
the latter in 1891, when he was active in the organiza-
tion of the farmers of the legislature, for the advance-
ment of their own interests, and was first president of
the body known as the New Hampshire Council of Agri-
culture. In 1892 he was appointed by Governor Tuttle
a trustee of the New Hampshire College of Agriculture
and the Mechanic Arts, and has taken an active interest
in the management of the institution. He was reap-
pointed by Governor Smith, and still holds the position
of trustee. He is prominent in the order of Patrons of
Husbandry, and was the first master of Rumford Grange,
holding the office for three years. In December, 1894,
he was chosen master of Pembroke Grange, and re-
elected the following year. He has been twice married,
his first wife being Addie G., a daughter of the late Hon.
Aaron Whittemore of Pembroke, whose death occurred
October 11, 1876, and by whom he had three children.

In December, 1877,-he married Helen B. Wilson,
daughter of Captain Daniel W. Wilson, of New Hamp-
ton. Mrs. Tallant has ever been an enthusiastic sup-
porter in all of her husband’s interests, and he is always
ready to accord to her good judgment and advice much
of his well-earned success.

154 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

FRANK E. CRAM,
PITTSFIELD.

In 1768 John Cram of Hampton, N. H., came through
the woods to what is now Pittsfield and built a saw-mill,
and two years later he moved his family, who had been
living in Epsom, to a new house he had built near his
mill. ‘This was the first setthement within the limits of
the town. He was a man of great energy, and superior
judgment, and to him were referred all the disputes that
arose among the early settlers of the town, and from his
decision it is said no appeal was ever taken. It was from
this fact that he was widely known as ‘* Esquire” Cram.

Before moving into town Esquire Cram had bought one
thousand acres of land, including that on which Pittsfield
village stands, for ten cents per acre. He subsequently
bought at the same price one hundred acres lying at the
northeast corner of his first purchase. This he gave to
his son Tristram, who in turn gave it to his son Reuben,
who, at his death, gave it to his youngest son, Frank E.
Cram. This land, therefore, has never been deeded, but
has remained in the Cram family for more than one hun-
dred and twenty-five years. Frank E. Cram’s mother
was Miss Polly Berry, a daughter of Lieut. Thomas
Berry, who made the famous ride in 1813 from this town
to Portsmouth and return in seven and one half hours.

The subject of this sketch was born on the old home-
stead, January 7, 1847, and has always made it his home.
He married Ida A. Young, November 24, 1870. They
have had three children, all boys,—Natt A. Cram of
Manchester, F. Guy, and Alroy B. who remain at
home with their parents.

When Mr. Cram succeeded to the ancestral homestead
it was in the condition of many of our New Hampshire
farms. His aged father had done what he could with

FRANK E. CRAM.

156 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

Frank’s helpon the farm, but the result was that the fields
had ‘*run out.” Ere long the most casual observer could
at once see that a new hand had taken the management
of affairs. Fields that had been untouched for years
were plowed, stones and bushes removed, walls rebuilt,
and the buildings thoroughly repaired, and shade and
fruit trees planted. Nothing was done for show, but
everything that was done was to improve the farm—to
make it more productive and more attractive. The result
was that Mr. Cram was obliged to enlarge his barn and
build several out-buildings until now he has one of the
largest and most productive farms in this section of the
state.

Of course a man with such energy and good judgment,
could not remain unnoticed by his townsmen, and many
times he has been called upon to fill public offices. This
he has done not only with credit to himself, but to the
entire satisfaction of his constituents. He was tax col-
lector two years, selectman three years, road agent two
years, representative in 1887, and was elected county
commissioner in 1892, receiving the largest vote ever cast
in Pittsfield for a candidate for any office, his vote stand-
ing 399, to 149 for his opponent.

In his farming operations in which he has been so suc-
cessful he has always believed in using the best—the best
tools, the best seeds, and the best fertilizers ; consequently
he gets the best crops that his land can produce. It is
a pleasure to visit his farm and look over his growing
crops in summer, to see his bountiful harvest in autumn,
or to examine his sleek animals in winter.

Mr. Cram belongs to the Red Men, the Knights of
Pythias, the I. O. O. F., and the Patrons of Husbandry.
In the last order he takes great interest; in fact it was
through his exertions that the grange in Pittsfield was
effectually revived in the spring of 1896.

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. D5 7

HERBERT L. BROWN,

CANTERBURY.

New Hampshire is rightly named the Switzerland of
America, with its lofty mountains and beautiful valleys,
through one of which flows the Merrimack river, on
whose banks is situated, opposite the beautiful village of
Boscawen, the farm of Herbert L. Brown of Canterbury,
one of the thrifty young farmers and Patrons of Merri-
mack county.

Mr. Brown is a native of the town in which he resides,
born March 20, 1867,
the only child of Albert
and Ellen (Leighton)
Brown. His father is
a native of Northfield,
and the eldest son of
Samuel B. Brown, who,
with his father, Abram,
were among the most
prominent men of their
day in the community.
His mother is a native
of Franklin, and the
only child of Thomas
and Eliza (Sanborn)
Leighton, being a de-

HERe era eeB ROW: scendant of the Cloughs

and Fosters, two prom-

inent families, Abial Foster being the first representative

to congress from New, Hampshire, and several times

returned to that body. Three of his ancestors were in

the Revolutionary War, and one in the War of 1812,
while his father was a soldier in the late Civil War.

Mr. Brown believes in the policy of mixed farming,

158 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

regarding it as safer and more profitable than to devote
all his time and efforts to a single branch. The farm
consists of three hundred acres of land, fifty being natural
mowing, and cuts eighty tons of hay. In 1895 he raised
seven hundred bushels of corn. He keeps from twenty
to twenty-five cows, and sells the milk for the Boston
market. He has been quite successful in raising and
training colts, among them Homer Wilkes, 2.29; Speed-
well, 2.18, and a large number of fine road horses.

Mr. Brown is a member of Ezekiel Webster Grange
No. 94 of Boscawen, and has filled many of the chairs,
being overseer four years, and master in 1895-96. He
was also elected assistant steward of Merrimack County
Pomona Grange No. 3 in December, 1895. In politics
he is a Democrat, and has been two years a member of
the Canterbury board of selectmen. He is interested in
the temperance cause, being chief templar of Boscawen
Lodge of Good Templars No. 127, and is always ready
to aid in any good cause or undertaking.

WARREN TRIPP,
Epsom.

The town of Epsom is almost wholly an agricultural
community, embracing no considerable village, and no
manufacturing industries of any magnitude within its
limits. The leading farmer of this town is Warren Tripp,
who occupies the old homestead within a mile of the rail-
way station at Short Falls, originally settled by his great-
grandfather, Richard Tripp, who had previously come
from Portsmouth to the north part of the town, and who
married Ann, sister of the gallant Major Andrew McClary,
of Epsom, who was killed at the Battle of Bunker Hill.
His grandfather, John Tripp, passed his life upon this

TRIPP.

W ARREN

160 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

farm, as did his father, Jeremiah, whose wife was Chloe
Prescott,.and who died in 1684, ten years after her
decease.

Mr. Tripp was born October 16, 1839, being one of a
family of six children, of whom himself and a sister,
now Mrs. J. L. Prescott of North Berwick, Me., are sur-
vivors. He grew to manhood on the farm, and it has
always been his abiding place. June 8, 1862, he married
Katie M. Bickford of Epsom. ‘Two children were born
to them, Florus W., a promising young man who met an
untimely death by accident in 1894, and Annie M., who
married Blanchard H. Fowler of Epsom, and remains at
home, Mr. Fowler being in charge of the farm work dur-
ing the frequent and continued absence of his father-in-
law, who for some years past has been extensively engaged
in lumbering in company with Hon. James B. Tennant of
Epsom, the firm operating mills in Hillsborough and Hen-
niker, and, previous to 1895, in Moretown, Vt., their exten-
sive plant in the latter place being then destroyed by fire.
For a number of years in early manhood, previous to
engaging in the lumber business, Mr. Tripp did a large
business in the purchase and sale of cattle, often handling
2,000 head per annum or more.

The original homestead embraces about 100 acres of
land, of which about fifty acres is mowing and tillage,
but Mr. Tripp has other farms and outlands, to the extent of
some 400 or 500 acres, besides his joint interest in several
hundred acres more, owned with Mr. Tennant. He win-
tered the past season, 33 head of neat cattle, and eight
horses, the former stock being mostly grade Holsteins.
The milk from twenty cows goes to the Short Falls
creamery, a cooperative concern which Mr. Tripp was
largely instrumental in establishing, and which _ has
proved of great advantage to the farmers of the Suncook
valley. The stock and forage are accommodated by a

“WOSd5] “ddI, NHYUVAA AO AONACISAY

~ ' eupeh Biewse SUM) He

jt yy #407 TUE ARY, SY a

162 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

spacious barn, 38 x oI feet, and another for horses, 36 x 40,
recently erected. There are two silos of 60 tons’ capacity
each, in which are stored the product of eight or ten
acres of corn, after the ears are picked therefrom. The
soil of the home farm is of excellent quality, it being
largely a high intervale, free from stones and easy of
cultivation. Its productive capacity has been greatly
increased under Mr. Tripp’s management, and the best
improved modern machinery is brought into use in all
departments.

Politically Mr. Tripp is a Democrat. He has served
as selectman, collector and treasurer of the town, and
was the candidate of his party for state senator in 1894.
He was acharter member and first vice-grand of Ever-
oreem lodge, im ©1102. hemor Short Falls; was subse-
quently noble grand, and has almost constantly held some
office in the lodge. He is also a member of the Masonic
fraternity, of Jewell lodge and Hiram chapter, Suncook,
and of Mt. Horeb Commandery, Concord. He was the
first master of McClary Grange, of Epsom, subsequently
twice elected to the same office, and always deeply inter-
ested in the welfare of the order, as well as in that of the
Grange State Fair Association, of which he was presi-
dent in 1892 and 1893, and has since been general
superintendent.

JOHN W. FARR,

LITTLETON.

Three miles, northwesterly, from the thriving village
of Littleton, in the hill region of the town, is ‘* Maple-
wood farm,” whose owner, John W. Farr, has long been
well known among the farmers of northern New Hamp-
shire, and also prominent in grange circles. This is the
original homestead, settled in 1802 by Ebenezer Farr, of

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 163

Chesterfield, to whose son Joseph it descended. John
Wilder Farr, son of Joseph and Betsey (Danforth) Farr,
was born on the farm, May 26, 1826, and has spent his
entire life here, with the exception of ten years devoted
to railroading in Massachusetts, New York, and Ontario,
being engaged the last four years of that time in charge
of track laying on the Great Western Railroad. In 1857
he returned to Littleton, took charge of the farm, and
has since successfully
pursued the agricul-
tural calling. There
are one hundred and
seventy-five acres of
land, of which about
fifty acres is mowing
and tillage. The soil
is hard and rugged,
but yields to thorough
cultivation and_ pro-
duces good crops. The
annual hay product is
about thirty-five tons,
which is supplement-
ed by oats and corn.
Mixed farming is fol-
lowed, but dairying is a leading feature, the butter from
eight or ten cows, mostly grade Jerseys, being generally
sold to private customers. Mrs. Farr’s reputation as a
butter-maker is first-class, her butter having commanded
first premiums at state and local fairs, and her exhibit at
the World’s Fair, Chicago, in 1893, having been award-
ed a medal and diploma for excellence, the score being
one of the highest attainable. Formerly Mr. Farr made
a good deal of maple sugar, of superior quality, and re-
ceived premiums upon the same at various exhibitions.

JoHn W. Farr.

164 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

Mr. Farr first married Eliza D. Phelps, of Merritton,
Ont., who died in 1861, leaving two daughters, Etta P.
and Nellie E., of whom the latter, now a trained nurse,
only survives. His present wife was Miss Alwilda P.
Lane, of Lancaster, with whom he was united December
29, 1863, and by whom he has had four children, one
dying in infancy. Edward C., the eldest son, is a farmer
in the town of Orange; Mira L. is a teacher in Littleton,
and, as well as the youngest son, John W. Farr., Jr.,
resides at home.

White Mountain Grange, Littleton, was organized in
1875, and Mr. Farr was one of the charter members.
He has served seven years as overseer and five years as
master, and has been a faithful and devoted member of
the subordinate and state granges, having been four
years a member of the executive committee in the latter
body. He was a charter member of Northern New
Hampshire Pomona Grange, and its chaplain in 1896.

Mr. Farr was a member of the advisory council of the
World’s Congress Auxiliary, on Farm Culture and Cereal
Industry, at Chicago in 1893, and has been vice-presi-
dent of the New Hampshire Horticultural Society since
its organization, being an extensive and successful fruit
grower. He has also been a director and one of the
executive committee of the Grafton and Coés Grange
Fair Association, and a director of the Grange State
Fair. He is a Congregationalist in religion and a
Republican in politics, and was one of the representa-
tives from Littleton in the legislature of 1895-96, sery-
ing on the committee on agricultural college and as
chairman of the committee on retrenchment and reform.

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 165

HON. NEHEMIAH G. ORDWAY,
WARNER.

Few names are more generally known in New Hamp-
shire than that of Nehemiah G. Ordway, his prominence
in public life for many years having brought him con-
spicuously before the people. It may not be so generally
known, however, that Mr. Ordway was reared as a
farmer, and that interest in agricultural matters has never
ceased to hold a conspicuous place among the controlling
forces of his nature.

Mr. Ordway was born in what is now the north vil-
lage at Warner, November 10, 1828, being the son of
Nehemiah and Mary (Flanders) Ordway. His father
was a farmer, and his mother the daughter of Isaiah
Flanders, who was also the owner of a large farm, in
which was included a large share of the territory now
occupied by Warner village. At the age of eleven years
young Ordway went to live with his Grandfather Flan-
ders, and, possessed of an, active mind and strong and
rapidly developed physical powers, he became at once
the controlling spirit on the farm, continuing its manage-
ment during his grandfather’s lifetime, and still owning
the major portion thereof, which he received at the lat-
ter’s decease. October 9, 1848, when scarcely twenty
years of age, he married Nancy Ann, daughter of Daniel
Bean, a prominent citizen of Warner, who was the pro-
prietor of a large farm and who built and operated the
mills near the present ‘* Waterloo” station, otherwise
known as ‘* Bean’s Mills.” This property has since come
into his possession, and here has been his summer home
for years, the place being known as ‘‘ Riverside Farm.”
Altogether Colonel Ordway has about 500 acres of land
stretching for some two miles along the course of the
Warner river, and including ** River Bow park,” which

166 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

he originally fitted up for his own private use in training
horses, of which he has been an enthusiastic breeder.
The ‘Honest Allen” stock has been his favorite, though
he has raised fine horses of various strains. He has at
present about fifteen horses and colts, including a num-
ber of superior qualities.

It is of course out of the question in this connection to
give a detailed account of the career of Colonel Ordway,
who though reared as a New Hampshire farmer, and
continuing his direct personal interest in the agriculture
of the state, has been, in the broadest sense of the term,
a man of affairs, engaging actively in political and busi-
ness life and conducting operations upon the broadest
scale. Suffice it to say that before attaining his majority
he engaged in mercantile business at Warner, building a
store for his own occupancy, while at the same time
executing a contract for grading and building the rail-
road through that town. He continued in business here
for several years, taking an active part in town affairs.
He served as sergeant-at-arms of the N. H. house of
representatives in 1855, as assistant clerk in 1856, and
at the close of that session was appointed sheriff of Mer-
rimack county for five years by Gov. Haile, removing
for the time to Concord, where he also served as city
marshal and collector of taxes for sometime. Originally
a Douglas Democrat he became a Republican upon the
organization of that party, and was for many years
intimately associated with the late Edward H. Rollins
and William E. Chandler in the management of party
affairs. He was chairman of the Republican state com-
mittee in the Lincoln campaign of 1860. As chief
marshal of the ‘‘ Wide Awakes” in that campaign he
took 10,000 men from this state to the great Wide Awake
demonstration in Boston. At the outbreak of the Rebel-
lion, while still sheriff of the county, his services were

Hon. NEHEMIAH G. ORDWAY.

168 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

called in requisition by the governor, who commissioned
him as colonel, for making arrangements to forward to
the front the first regiments raised in the state.

Appointed by President Lincoln general agent of the
post-office department, and superintendent of mail trans-
portation for the New England states, he fulfilled the
arduous duties of his position from the spring of 1861,
till December, 1862, when he resigned to accept the
office of sergeant-at-arms of the national house of repre-
sentatives at Washington, to which he was chosen at the
opening of the Thirty-eighth congress, and re-elected for
five successive congresses or a term of twelve years in
all, becoming personally acquainted with 1,200 repre-
sentatives and senators.

Meanwhile he took an active interest in public affairs
in the District of Columbia, and also in business opera-
tions. He was the organizer and one of the principal
stockholders of the Washington Market company which
erected and owns the magnificent Center market in that
city—the largest and best appointed retail market in the
world. He still retains his connection with this company,
of which he has long been president, and has his winter
residence in Washington though returning to New Hamp-
shire at the close of the Forty-ninth congress in the
spring of 1875, when he was elected a representative to
the state legislature from Warner, being the first Repub-
lican sent from that town. He was re-elected in 1876
and 1877, was a delegate in the constitutional convention
of 1876, and a state senator from the Warner district in
1879. He was a prominent figure in the legislature dur-
ing his service, and was particularly identified with the
movement in the interest of tax reform, effecting practi-
cal results in that direction.

In May, 1880, Colonel Ordway was appointed by
President Hayes, governor of the territory of Dakota,

‘OOTHALV AA “AVMCGYO “5 ‘N ‘NOH dO FONTAISay

170 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

from which two great states were subsequently erected,
which office he held upwards of four years, during which
time he was actively engaged, aside from the ordinary
governmental affairs, in superintending the erection of
nearly all the important public buildings, including the
state house at Bismarck, and penitentiaries, asylums,
universities, and normal schools, at different places. Most
of the counties were also organized during his administra-
tion. He established the First National bank at Pierre,
and subsequently the Capital National bank at Bismarck,
and was the first president of each, having previously had
experience in the organization and management of the
Kearsarge National and Savings banks in Warner. His
labors, public and private, while in Dakota, were so
arduous, that his health was much impaired, and since
his return he has been compelled to curtail his activities
to a large extent, and close up important business enter-
prises in which he had been engaged, aithough he retains
his deep interest in public affairs and in the cause of
agriculture. Ile spends his summers at his wife’s ances-
tral home at Waterloo, personally superintending his
farm and other interests, and his winters in Washington.
He still retains an interest in Dakota, and owns a resi-
dence in Bismarck, the capital of North Dakota, as well
as in Washington.

Colonel Ordway has always been deeply interested
in agricultural fairs, and was associated with Governor
Smyth in the financial management of the first State fair
held at Manchester. He was instrumental in establish-
ing the old Kearsarge Agricultural society for whose
annual fairs he furnished accommodations at his finely
equipped ‘**‘ River Bow park,” and initiated the move-
ment for the organization of the Merrimack County
Grange fair held on the same grounds the past two
years, in the success of which exhibition he has taken a

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. I71I

deep interest, and for which he expended much time and
money.

In religion, Colonel Ordway formerly affiliated with the
Universalists, but in war-time in Washington became a
strong admirer and adherent of Rev. Dr. Byron Sunder-
land of the First Presbyterian church, where he has since
retained his connection. He is a thirty-second degree
Mason and Knight Templar, a member of the Warner
and Merrimack County Pomona granges, and associated
with various important business organizations in different
places.

Colonel Ordway has three children,—Mabel, wife of
Colonel E. L. Whitford, former U.S. pension agent for
this district; Colonel George L. Ordway, who married
a niece of the late Vice-President Colfax, and who now
is an attorney at Warner; and Florence, wife of Frank
G. Wilkins, attorney-at-law and auditor of the Washing-
ton Market company,—all of whom with their families
spend the summer in their separate homes in Warner.

EZRA B. ROGERS,
JEFFERSON,

Ezra B. Rogers was born in Jackson, N. H., December
22, 1832. He received a common school education, and
went to Gorham in 1852, where he remained seven years.
He then married Miss Lucy Tucker, of Clinton county,
New York, and removed to Whitefield, where he lived
nine years, engaged in agriculture. Here, as in Gor-
ham, he won many friends. In 1868 he bought a good
farm near the ‘‘old Whipple stand,” at Jefferson Mead-
ows, where he died April 13, 1892. A widow and two
sons survive him.

I72 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

Mr. Rogers, politically, was a Democrat. In princi-
ple he was as unflinching as his illustrious ancestors.
Quiet and unassuming as he was, his friends soon learned
his worth, and in a public capacity he served them many
years. He was elected one of the selectmen several
times in Whitefield, and served Jefferson as such twelve
years. He was town treasurer seven years, and repre-
sented his town in the legislature in 1874~75. He was
a charter member of
Starr King Grange,
of which he was an
honored member at
the time of his death,
and was an active
working member of
the Methodist Episco-
pal church for twen-
ty-three’ \ years: Ele
was a _ loving hus-
band, a kind father, a
good citizen, and an
honorable man. Lovy-
ing God and loving his
fellow-man, the world

is better because he Ezra B. ROGERS.
lived in it.
“ Life is ever Lord of death,
And Love can never lose its own.”

Of the two sons of Mr. Rogers, Woodbury O. is a
resident of Norwich, Conn., where he is in the service
of the Norwich Dyeing and Printing Company.

The younger son, John A. Rogers, now thirty years
of age, remains on the homestead in Jefferson, and is a
prosperous and enterprising farmer. The farm is of

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 173

about two hundred acres in extent. The hay crop
amounts to about sixty tons annually, and in 1896 some
five hundred bushels of oats were harvested. Dairying
is pursued quite extensively, about twenty-five cows and
heifers being kept. Mr. Rogers is a member of the
board of selectmen in Jefferson, a Patron of Husbandry,
and was chosen master of Starr King Grange in Decem-

ber, 1695.

HON. JONATHAN M. ‘TAYLOR,
SANBORNTON.

The old town of Sanbornton was not only among the
largest in the state territorially, but, in former years,
among the wealthiest and most populous. It was also
then, as now, a superior agricultural town. Among its
early settlers was Jonathan Taylor, who moved with his
father from the town of Stratham, and settled upon Lot
No. g, in the Second Division, in 1773. This has been
the Taylor homestead, descending to Thomas, the son
of this Jonathan Taylor, who married Sarah E. Jewett,
by whom he had a large family, the sixth son, Jonathan
M. Taylor, the subject of this sketch, having been born
September 21, 1822.

Aware that he had his own way to make in the world,
and not being endowed with vigorous health and strength,
Mr. Taylor left home at an early age, after some attend-
ance at the district schools and the Sanbornton Wood-
man academy, to learn the trade of a blacksmith, and,
having acquired the same, he set up a stand for that
business at Sanbornton Square, where he established his
home, and has since remained, diligently pursuing his
vocation for more than fifty years, and at the same time
taking an active part in all the business affairs of the

174 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

town, and winning and retaining the fullest confidence
and highest regard of his fellow-citizens.

With an inherent love of agriculture, Mr. Taylor
began early to acquire and cultivate land as an incidental
pursuit, as a matter of health, recreation, and profit, till he
now owns about one hundred acres altogether, covered
by thirteen deeds, of which about sixteen acres in the
vicinity of his residence are devoted to mowing and till-

age. This land is in
a high state of culti-
vation, producing two
tons of hay, or more,
pétevacrely asmay finst
crop, while a large
second crop is usually
secured. He has taken
special pride in rais-
ing and training fine
steers, his cattle being
generally high-grade
Herefords, and he has
been a most success-
ful exhibitor at state
and local fairs both in
this line and in dairy
cows, as well as vegetables, in the production of which he
has had remarkable success. In illustration, it may be
said that on a plat of less than twenty square rods, in
1895, he raised two hundred and twenty-five bushels of
beets, and, on a still smaller plat, one hundred and

HON. JONATHAN M. TAYLOR.

twelve bushels of carrots. His corn also has been widely
noted for years for its excellence, it being a beautiful
eight-rowed variety, improved from the original ‘* Brown”
corn of Lake Winnipiseogee. He has won many premi-
ums on this, and received a medal and diploma for an

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 175

exhibit of the same at the Chicago World’s fair, in con-
nection with which exhibition he had an appointment as
a representative from Belknap county in the World’s
congress of agriculture. His home is a commodious
farmhouse, and in 1879 he erected a fine modern barn.

Mr. Taylor was a charter member and first master of
Harmony grange, Sanbornton, which at the end of two
years had one hundred and seventy-one members. As
a deputy of the State grange he was instrumental in
organizing most of the subordinate granges of Belknap
county, and also effecting in 1887, the organization of
the Belknap Pomona grange, of which he was master in
1894 and 1895, it having then attained a membership of
over nine hundred—the largest in the state. In 1885,
he was elected treasurer of the State grange, efficiently
discharging the duties of the office to the present time.
For several years he was treasurer of the Grange State
Fair association, which he was active in organizing as he
had also been in organizing the Belknap County Agri-
cultural society, of which he was for two years president.
He was a director and vice-president of the Grange
Mutual Fire Insurance company, and also a director and
president of the Sanbornton Fire Insurance company,
organized in 1871, largely by his influence, as was also
the Sanbornton Town Fair association.

In politics Mr. Taylor is a Democrat, and was for more
than forty years chairman of the Democratic town com-
mittee. He has served his town repeatedly as modera-
tor, was for seventeen years town clerk, and has been
postmaster, representative, and county commissioner,
serving also in 1869, by special appointment, as chair-
man of the joint board of commissioners of Belknap and
Grafton counties, in the trial of the noted bridge case of
Daniel Smith v. towns of New Hampton and Bristol.
When the movement for the division of Sanbornton and

‘NOENUOUNVS ‘YOTAVE, ‘IN NVHIVNO{ ‘NOH dO AONACISAY

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. aL 7/9 |

the erection of the town of Tilton was inaugurated in
1869, Mr. Taylor was instrumental in causing a
remonstrance to be entered against the division on the
petition presented, defeating the petition and _ subse-
quently settling the matter by a compromise, much more
advantageous in its terms to the old town than the origi-
nal proposition. He was town clerk at this time, and
upon the division was chosen chairman of the Sanborn-
ton board of selectmen and town treasurer, $109,000
passing through his hands in three months during the
settlement of affairs between the old and new towns.
He was senator from the Fifth district in 1883-84, and
Democratic candidate for councilor in the Third district
against Colonels E. C. Shirley and John C. Linehan,
defeating an election in each case and his opponents
being chosen by the legislature. On the occasion of the
Sanbornton centennial celebration in 1876, Mr. Taylor
acted as president and chief marshal.

November 19, 1846, he was united in marriage with
Miss Huldah Lane, daughter of Joseph H. Lane of San-
bornton, who was his true and faithful helpmeet until her
detedse,, April 22,1800. “DEheir three childrén, all
daughters, became thorough and successful teachers.
Sarah, the eldest, is the wife of Rev. G. W. Patten of
Dublin; the second, Carrie P., is now at home with her
father; and Mary H., the youngest, is the wife of H. J.
L. Bodwell of Sanbornton.

Mr. Taylor is a member of the Congregational church,
was eleven years superintendent of the Sunday-school,
and has been treasurer of the Congregational Fund asso-

Ciation since 1878.
12

178 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

WARREN J. FISHER,
HAVERHILL.

Among the numerous farms bordering on the Connect-
icut river in the town of Haverhill there are few, if any,
that bear evidence of better cultivation or surpass in gen-
eral appearance the Fisher homestead, located two miles
north of the village of North Haverhill on the highway
leading to Woodsville, the county seat of Grafton county.

Warren J. Fisher, the proprietor, comes of a family
well known in the an-
nals of New England
He was born at Spring-
felds IN. He, im 1930;
a son of Deacon Seth
and Polly (Stone) Fish-
erg Ele received) an
education in the com-
mon schools of Spring-
field, and removed to
Haverhill in the fall of
1851, where he was
engaged in railroad-
ing and bridge build-
ing for the Boston,
Concord & Montreal
Railroad until 1858,
when he purchased
the farm upon which he now resides. It contains one
hundred and fifty acres, fifty being under cultivation, and
the remainder for the most part heavily timbered. From
1860 to 1875 Mr. Fisher was an extensive feeder of
cattle and sheep for market, but of late has been engaged

WARREN J. FISHER.

in mixed farming.
He is a charter member of Pink Granite Grange, and

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 179

has always taken an active part in that organization. As
one of the successful and thrifty farmers of the town,
Mr. Fisher attends the prominent agricultural meetings
of this and other states, at the present writing having just
returned from the New York state fair, where he has been
refreshing his ideas of husbandry. Politically he is a
Republican, and representing the best element of his
party, was justice of the peace for many years.

In 1858 Mr. Fisher was united in marriage to Harriet
N. Morse of Haverhill, who died in 1872. Five years
later he married Louisa H. Bedell of Bath, N. H., his
present wife, and sister of the late Gen. John Bedell.

WILLIAM H. RYDER,

BEDFORD.

Among the most thoughtful, practical, and progressive
young farmers in Hillsborough county, may very prop-
erly be classed William H. Ryder of Bedford, already
well known as a successful milk producer and market
gardener.

Mr. Ryder is a native of the town of Dunbarton, born
March 5, 1869, being the third son of Harris E. and
Elizabeth L. (Kimball) Ryder, both parents tracing
their ancestry back through three centuries. His tather
was the owner of a superior farm in Dunbarton, and was
prominent in public affairs in that town, serving in vari-
ous offices, and for four years as chairman of the board
of selectmen; but on account of the destruction of his
buildings by fire, in 1875, he removed to Manchester,
where he remained five years, the son in the meantime
enjoying the benefit of the excellent public schools of the
city. In 1880, the family removed to the town of Bed-
ford, and again engaged in agriculture; but William H.,

180 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

having acquired a taste for city life, sought and obtained
a position in the AZz7rror office at Manchester in 1885,
with a view to the printer’s trade, and in a short time had
charge of the engine and boilers and the running of the
daily press. In October, 1888, he became foreman of
the press room in the Manchester Ze/egram establish-
ment, and continued a year and a half, when he left the
business and entered the employ of the Nashua Provi-
sion company in Nashua, in the beef trade. Here he re-
mained until August,

-———

1890, when he went
to Boston and was en-
gaged with John P.
Squire & Co., but was
called home by the ill-
ness of his father in
October following. He
hace mow, om) tact, all
he cared for of the
city, and concluded to
settle down at home

and commence farm
life in earnest, which }
he did with a deter- : 6

mination to thorough-
ly master the business DO ase an
along the lines of operation selected—milk production
and gardening. He has now a dairy of twenty-two
choice cows, every one carefully selected with reference -
to her milk-producing qualities, and the product goes to
the Boston market, while his garden produce is mainly
disposed of in Manchester. He has recently increased
his acreage by leasing an adjoining farm for a term of
years, and proposes a corresponding increase in his

dairy. His cows receive the best of care—are fed on

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. ISI

scientific principles, and have a supply of pure water
constantly before them, furnished by windmill power.

Mr. Ryder is an enthusiastic Patron of Husbandry,
having joined Narragansett grange, Bedford, in 1884.
He was elected overseer for 1894, and 1895, and master
for 1896. He was also steward of Hillsborough County
Pomona grange in 1895, and overseer in 1896, and has
taken a strong interest in the success of this organization,
taking an active part in discussions. He was appointed
a district deputy by State Master Bachelder in 1896, and
organized two new granges during the year—Naum-
keag, No. 241, of Litchfield, and Pelham, No. 244, both
under most favorable auspices.

Mr. Ryder is a Republican in politics and was elected
supervisor by his town in 1894. He is married and has
a son four years of age.

HON. MANSON S. BROWN,

PLYMOUTH.

The north-bound traveler, on approaching the charm-
ing village of Plymouth, over the old Boston, Concord
& Montreal Railroad, now a part of the Boston & Maine
system, is struck by the beautiful appearance of the
broad Pemigewasset valley intervales, below the village,
whose fertile acres, in summer time, laden with fine crops
of grass and corn, are a special delight to the eye of the
practical agriculturist. Overlooking the lower intervales,
upon the hillside at the left, is a spacious set of farm-
buildings, including a roomy, old style mansion, one of
the largest and best arranged barns in the country, and
all necessary outbuildings. This was formerly known
as the ‘* Judge Blair place,” having been long owned
and occupied by the late Hon. Walter Blair, but now

BROWN. |

Hon. Manson S.

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 183

and for the past fifteen years the home of that well-known
and popular citizen, extensive farmer, and active man of
affairs, Hon. Manson S. Brown.

Mr. Brown is a native of the town of Bridgewater, a
son of James and Judith (Harron) Brown, born Novem-
ber 30, 1835. His early life was passed in farm labor,
with such educational advantages as he was able to
secure at the district school and a brief attendance at
New Hampton Institution. At nineteen years of age
he went to live with an uncle, Theophilus Ladd, who
took much interest in his welfare, and afforded him op-
portunities in travel and in other directions, which he
turned to the best possible advantage.

In 1859, at the age of twenty-three, Mr. Brown re-
moved to Campton and engaged in business as a black-
smith, where he remained until the summer of 1862,
when he enlisted in the Thirteenth Regiment N. H.
Vols., under Col. Aaron F. Stevens. He was a skilful
musician, and was duly promoted, until, at the fall of
Richmond, he led the bands of the First Brigade in the
entrance into that city, April 3, 1865, having served faith-
fully with his regiment during its three years’ campaign,
and being wounded at Fredericksburg and Cold Harbor.

After the close of the war, in 1865, he located in Ply-
mouth village, where he lived until 1881, having been
commissioned as deputy sheriff in 1868, and sheriff of
Grafton County in 1874, and subsequently serving as
deputy for that and other counties, under other sheriffs,
which office he holds at the present time.

In 1881, he established himself upon the farm which
he now occupies, which was the property of Kimball
Whitney, formerly of Campton, whose daughter, Ann
P. E. Whitney, Mr. Brown married. This farm, em-
bracing several hundred acres altogether, was one of
the first settled in the town of Plymouth, and on it was

‘“HLAOWATG ‘NMOUG “S NOSNVJT ‘NOH JO AWOT] WuV4

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 185

erected the first framed building in the town. It in-
cludes about 100 acres of intervale, and cuts 100 tons of
hay, or more, upon an average, while from ten to fifteen
acres of corn and a considerable amount of oats are pro-
duced. ‘The stock consists of 40 to 50 head of cattle,
and 15 or 20 horses. About 25 cows are kept, the milk
from which is mostly sent to the creamery. Mr. Brown
has one son, Manson W. H., who lives at home and
gives his entire attention to the farm work. He married
Miss Lottie Smith, June 25, 1896, and was a charter
member and first Overseer of Plymouth Grange; also a
charter member of Lodge No. 47, Knights of Pythias.

Mr. Brown owns another large farm and woodlands,
and has been extensively engaged in lumbering for many
years. Politically, he is a Republican and has been
prominent in the councils of his party. He represented
the Fourth District in the State Senate in the legislature
of 1885-6, and in December, 1886, was appointed state
liquor commissioner. In the discharge of his various
official duties, and in his business relations, he has been
brought extensively in contact with the public, and few
enjoy a higher measure of personal popularity.

CHARLES W. FASSETT,
JAFFREY.

It can be very truthfully said of the subject of this
sketch that he has been quite successful in his farming
operations during the past few years, and has fairly
demonstrated the fact that by industry and perseverance,
coupled with intelligence, agriculture can be made to pay
even in New Hampshire.

Charles W. Fassett was born in the town of Troy,
December 3, 1848. His parents were Joseph W. and
Sarah A. (Putney) Fassett, who removed to Jaffrey when

186 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

Charles W. was about six years of age. The only edu-
cation he received was that derived from a few weeks’
attendance upon the district school each year, before he
was sixteen, supplemented by a course of study in the
Bryant & Stratton Business College. October 5, 1876,
he was united in marriage with Adelia P. Upton of Jaf-
frey, daughter of Thomas and Marietta (Cutter) Upton.
They have one son, Fred. W.

In 1878 Mr. Fassett commenced farming in Jaffrey,
upon a leased farm.
After a time, not find-
ing the situation en-
tirely satisfactory, he
bought a small farm
near the beautiful little
village of East Jaffrey,
running in debt for the
larger part of the price,
and engaged in the cul-
tivation of small fruits
and early vegetables,
in connection with a
small dairy and poul-
try raising. The sum-

mer boarding interest
naturally enhances the CHARLES W. FAsseErv.

value of the village

market, and, by care and diligence, Mr. Fassett has
found his business quite remunerative, enabling him to
nearly clear off his indebtedness and make good prog-
ress on the highway of prosperity.

Mr. Fassett was one of the twenty-two charter mem-
bers of Jaffrey Grange, and was its first assistant steward,
his wife serving at the same time as lady assistant. He
has since served two years as overseer and two years as

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 187

master, and has taken a lively interest in the welfare of
the organization. Heis a member of Cheshire County
Pomona Grange, and has taken all the degrees of the
order. He is also active in Odd Fellowship, being a
member of Monadnock lodge, No. go, of Jaffrey, Rebekah
Degree lodge, No. 71, and Union encampment, No. 6,
Peterborough.

In politics Mr. Fassett is a Republican. He has held
various town oflices of trust, and is now a member of the
board of selectmen. He has always commanded the
respect of his fellow-citizens for his integrity and worth.

MARCELLUS R. ‘HODGMAN,

Mason.

The Hodgmans of Mason are old residents of the
town, several generations of the family having dwelt
within its borders. Marcellus R. Hodgman, a native
and life-long resident of the place, an enterprising and
progressive farmer, and highly-esteemed citizen, is the
second son of Edwin J. and Lovina (Foster) Hodgman,
born April 18, 1847. February 13, 1870, he was united
in marriage with Anna E. Buttrick, daughter of Hiram N.
and Augusta (Bennett) Buttrick of Rindge, commenc-
ing housekeeping in the house where he was born, four
good hands and two stout hearts being their only capital.
In about two years they removed to another place in
the same school district, where, two years later, on a
cold April night, they were burned out, Mrs. Hodgman
making her way with their two little children, shoeless,
through the snow to the nearest neighbor’s. Not even
their clothing was saved from the flames: but still young,
undaunted and courageous, they went back to the old
home, and started again.

188 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

Five years later Mr. Hodgman rented the farm where
he now lives, being then without suflicient means to pay
for the stock. Laboring diligently three years, he had
sufficiently mastered the situation to feel warranted in
purchasing the place, which he then did, and, by per-
sistent effort, backed by good judgment in directing the
same, he is now entirely out of debt, with a fine farm in
good condition, the house having been thoroughly re-
modelled, pure running water supplied for house and
barn, and various other improvements.

Fruit, poultry, and the dairy are leading features in
Mr. Hodgman’s farm
operations, small fruits
receiving special atten- |,
tion. He has marketed
several hundred dol-
lars’ worth of straw-
berries and raspberries
per annum, and had at
one time three hundred
peach trees; s Ma jine
plum orchard has just
come into bearing.
Plymouth Rock fowls
are kept exclusively as
poultry, about 600 hens
and chickens having
been cared for the past MARCELLUS R. HODGMAN.
season. With excel-
lent care a good profit is realized. From twelve to six-
teen head of cattle are kept, the cream from the dairy
going to the Ashby, Mass., creamery.

In politics Mr. Hodgman is a Republican, and has

been honored by his party in various ways, having served
as town and school auditor, as selectman, and as chair-

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 159

man of the board of supervisors for the last ten or twelve
years. He has also taken a strong interest in school
matters, acting as prudential committee under the old
system and as a member of the town school board sub-
sequently.

Mr. and Mrs. Hodgman have two children—a daughter,
Etta E., the wife of George E. Livingston of Greenville
and the mother of two fine boys, and a son, Mervin E.,
who married Lilla E. Hall of Brooklyn, N. Y., in Jan-
uary, 1896, and is associated in business with his father.
All are active members of Fruitdale Grange, No. 106, of
Mason, in which Mr. Hodgman has served as overseer,
and contributes materially to the exercises and discussions.

RHOMAS| ©. BRAVO R:

SANBORNTON.

The old Taylor homestead in Sanbornton, whereon
five generations of the name have dwelt,—descending

THE TAYLOR HOMESTEAD, SANBORNTON.

from Jonathan, who came with his father, Nathan Tay-
lor, from Stratham and settled on the place in 1773, to

IgO NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

Thomas, the son of Jonathan, and to Andrew J., son of
Thomas—is now owned and occupied by Thomas Os-
good Taylor, son of Andrew J. and Polly (Osgood)
Taylor, born July 28, 1851, who was reared and has
always had his home on the farm, receiving his educa-
tion at the district schools and at the New Hampton
Institution.

Being the only son, he was associated with his father
in the management of the farm, and thus continued after
his marriage, January
25, 1876, with Miss
Cinda “Ws Heath “of
Bristol, and upon his
father’s death, some
Sime yeatsy later the
property passed into
his hands. The farm,
which is located one
mile from Sanbornton
Square and five miles
from Tilton, on the
stage road to New
Hampton, contains
about! 300 “acres ot
land, of which 50 acres
is mowing and tillage,
the amount of hay crop being about 50 tons. Mr. Tay-
lor has a silo, but in recent years has raised Hungarian
instead of ensilage, as a supplementary feeding crop.
For many years Mr. Taylor and his father made the

THOMAS O. TAYLOR.

raising of oxen and steers a specialty, producing many
premium cattle of the Hereford strain. Of late, dairy-
ing has been the leading feature of his farm operations,
the number of cows ranging from 15 to 20. He uses the
De Laval separator, being the first in the county to adopt

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. IOI

it, and markets his butter at Franklin. He is an enthu-
siastic Hereford breeder, and his fine herd took first
money at the last Tilton and Rochester fairs, though
coming in competition at the latter with cattle from dif-
erent parts of New England. He also produces a con-
siderable amount of maple syrup, being among the first
to adopt improved methods in its manufacture, as he is
prompt to utilize advanced ideas in all lines of agricul-
tural work.

Mr. Taylor was a charter member of Harmony
Grange, Sanbornton, and its first secretary, serving five
years. He has since been two years master, and also
for two years master of Belknap County Pomona
Grange. He was active in the organization of the
State Grange Fair association, and has served as super-
intendent of the forage and cattle departments, and also
as general superintendent for several years, until Janu-
ary, 1896, when he was elected treasurer of the associa-
tion. He is also a director of the Sanbornton Town Fair
association, and has been treasurer of the same, and a
director of the town Fire Insurance company.

Politically, he is a Democrat; has served his town as
collector of taxes and town treasurer several years, and
has been the candidate of his party for county commis-
sioner. tle isa member of Harmony Lodge, I. O. O. F.,
ot Tilton, and an attendant at the Baptist church in San-
bornton.

JOHN BAILEY,

CLAREMONT.

Among the steady-going, thoughtful, and successful
farmers of the first-class agricultural town of Claremont
is John Bailey, a native of the neighboring town of
Unity, son of Eaton and Elizabeth Wright (Sparling)

Ig2 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

Bailey, born June 30, 1833. Both his parents were of
English descent, hence the persevering spirit and sturdy
character which he has ever manifested. He attended
the ungraded school until sixteen years of age, after
which he pursued the study of the higher branches in
the academies at Washington and Claremont, prepara-
tory to a course at Dartmouth, but was forced to abandon
the latter on account of poor health, and entered the dry-
goods house of a brother at Claremont, where he con-
tinued three years, but was finally compelled to abandon
this business from the same reason that compelled the
relinquishment of the college course.

About this time he was united in marriage with the
only daughter of Laban Ainsworth of Claremont, and,
purchasing a large farm on the Connecticut river, com-
menced farming in earnest. He studied methods care-
fully, and determined not to turn a furrow without thor-
ough fertilization of the soil, so as to secure the largest
crops that the land was capable of producing, realizing,
as he did, that the cost of producing 150 bushels of corn
per acre is but little more than that of 75 bushels, while
the land would thus be left capable of producing two and
one-half tons of hay per acre instead of a ton, or a ton
and a half.

Mr. Bailey’s present farm is situated on the Connecti-
cut, about one mile south of Claremont Junction, and
contains 205 acres, of which 75 acres is tillage, the bal-
ance pasture and woodland. He cuts about 100 tons of
English hay, and harvests from 1,000 to 1,500 bushels
of ears of corn, and from 500 to 700 bushels of oats annu-
ally, most of which is consumed on the farm. Since the
experiment station at Hanover and Durham has been
in operation, Mr. Bailey has followed closely the experi-
ments in dairying, feeding stock, and raising crops. He
believes that much has been reduced to science, and that

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 193

the thinking farmer can add materially to his store of
knowledge from the bulletins issued from the station from
time to time.

The New England farmer has had much to contend
with in the last twenty years. and Mr. Bailey early began
to fortify himself against cheap wool, mutton, beef, grain,
etc., raised in the West, by giving up these industries
and going into dairying, supplemented by the raising of
swine. He has kept from 20 to 40 cows, and raised and
fattened as many hogs each year. His butter is sold at
wholesale at 25 cents per pound the entire year.

HOME OF JOHN BAILEY, CLAREMONT.

Mr. Bailey had always turned a deaf ear to all sugges-
tions of office-holding, until the new school law went into
effect, when, being a firm believer in all its provisions,
he accepted a position as a member of the board of edu-
cation. In that capacity he served two successive terms,
during which time a new school building was erected
and many of the old ones, in sparsely settled districts,
abandoned, the scholars being conveyed to graded
schools in central points. At the expiration of his term
of office, he had the satisfaction of leaving the schools

15

194 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

much improved in method, and the standard in the inter-
mediate and grammar grades raised materially, while
the friction attendant upon the change had subsided, and
the people became eminently satisfied with the change.

Mr. Bailey has a son and three daughters. The son
is a farmer in Claremont. Two married daughters
reside’ in “Antrim. The, younsest, “unmarried; iseta
teacher. In politics, he is an earnest Republican; in
religion, an Episcopalian.

CLARENCE LE. TROW,
MILFORD.

There are some sections of the state in which the poul-
try business is an important item of agricultural industry,
being followed as a specialty by many persons. Per-
haps no town makes a better showing in this line than
Milford, where there are several men engaged in the
business, keeping from 500 to 1,000 hens each, with
profitable results.

One of the most enthusiastic of these, although com-
paratively new to the business, is Clarence L. Trow,
formerly of Amherst, who bought a pleasantly-located
poultry farm of ten acres, with good buildings, near the
village, in 1894, and by diligence and care is already on
the high road to success. He has now 500 hens, and is
engaged in egg production mainly, poultry for market
being mainly incidental; but chickens for the mainte-
nance and increase of laying stock are raised. His eggs
are chiefly marketed in Lowell, and the poultry sold
goes there and to Boston.

Mr. Trow was born in Amherst, November 13, 1860,
being a son of Joseph P. and Foreno F. (Underwood)
Trow, and had his home in that town until his removal
to Milford. He was educated in the district school and

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 195

at McCollom Institute, Mont Vernon, graduating from
the classical department of the latter institution in 1879,
with a certificate ensuring admission to Dartmouth col-
lege, had he been disposed to pursue his studies further ;
but he preferred farm life, and, returning home, was
engaged with his father and brother in milk, fruit, and
berry production, with the exception of a year or so in
the management of a
general country store
in Amherst village,
until his adoption of
the poultry business,
as heretofore men-
tioned.

Mr. Trow became
a member of Souhe-
gan grange, Amherst,
(which connection he
still retains) in 1879,
and has served as
Master two terms,
also as Lecturer and
Secretary. He is also
an active member of
Hillsborough County Pomona grange, and has been an
officer in that organization. He has prepared a Grange
column for the Harmer’s Cabznet at Milford for sev-

CLARENCE L. Trow.

eral vears past, and has written considerably tor other
papers. He is a member of Custos Morum lodge, I. O.
O. F. Politically, he is a Democrat, but, always resid-
ing in a strong Republican town, he has not held office
to any great extent, nor has he sought the same, though
he served six years upon the school board in Amherst,
as tax collector two years, and selectman one year.
Jjunez, 1893, Mr. Trow united in marriage with Miss

196 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

Lucy C. Mitchell of Nashua, who makes him a happy
home and brings congenial companionship. Both are
members of the Congregational church, and each has
charge of a class in the Sunday-school.

FRED BEAN,

WARNER.

Among the worthy and substantial citizens of the town
of Warner, enjoying an enviable reputation alike in busi-
ness and agricultural circles, is Fred Bean, son of Wil-
liam H. and Mary (Colby) Bean, born at Waterloo in
that town, September 30, 1851. He was reared to farm
labor, receiving such educational advantages only as the
district school afforded, and has always been interested
in agriculture, although engaged for some ten years in
business as a grain dealer in Warner village, finally
disposing of his interest in that line on account of his
health, and subsequently devoting his attention to farm
work.

October 16, 1877, he was united in marriage with
Frances A. Robbins, daughter of Francis Robbins, for-
merly of Sutton. They have one daughter, Stella, born
May 5, 1884. Their home is a charming place, known
as ‘*Ingleton Farm,” a short distance up from the main
street in Warner village, on the road to Kearsarge moun-
tain. There are about twenty-five acres of choice land
in this home place, with well-appointed buildings, pleas-
ant grounds, and plenty of shade and fruit trees, making
it a desirable resort for summer boarders, who have been
accommodated to some extent in recent years.

Mr. Bean has another farm of about one hundred acres,
situated opposite the River Bow Park fair grounds. For
some time he was engaged, to a considerable extent, in
breeding horses, and has a number of good animals in

Seay A :
IANUVM ‘NVA GANT AO AONAAISAY

wrth thd.

ha nine a

sy Hil

198 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

this line at present, but has given his attention more to
dairying of late, keeping about ten cows, on the average,
and selling his cream to the Henniker creamery. He
raises from five to ten acres of corn each year, which he
husks, and also raises quite an amount of oats, which he
cuts for fodder.

He has been a member of Warner grange for ten
years or more, and has taken much interest in its suc-
cess, filling various offices, including that of Master for
1894. He also occupied the Master’s chair a consider-
able portion of the time in 1895, in the unavoidable
absence of the regular incumbent.

He has also been active and prominent in Masonry,
having been a member of Harris lodge of Warner since
1875, in which organization he has passed the chairs.
In the Grand lodge he has served as District Deputy
Grand Master and District Deputy Grand Lecturer. He
is also a member of Woods Chapter, Royal Arch Masons,
of Henniker, and has served as High Priest in that body.

In politics, Mr. Bean is a Republican. He has been
three times chosen a member of the board of selectmen,
and was chairman of the board in 1891. He was also
representative from Warner in 1889-90, during which
term an extra session of the legislature was holden. In
religion, he is a Baptist, and, with his family, is included
in the membership of the church of that denomination at
Warner village.

WILLARD W. CHASE,

GEORGE’S MILLS.

One of the most important factors of agricultural suc-
cess in New Hampshire is the summer boarding industry,
and he who readily combines farming and boarding, thus
making a profitable market for his products on his own

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 199

premises, has found the key to prosperity. There are
many such men in New Hampshire, and a good repre-
sentative of the class is Willard W. Chase, of ‘* Pleasant
Home,” George’s Mills, Sunapee.

Mr. Chase, a son of Asa and Mary A. (Abbott)
Chase, was born in Springfield, April 18, 1839. He was
reared a farmer, enjoying only common school advan-
tages, and lived at home until twenty years of age. He
then worked out, most-
ly at farm labor, until
twenty-four, when he
purchased from an
uncle his grandfather’s
old farm in Spring-
field, and went indus-
triously to work im-
proving the same, and
ultimately erected on
it a fime, néw set of
buildings. January 3,
royon ne mantiied
Laura A., daughter of
William Moyan of
Springfield. In June

WILLARD W. CHASE.

of the following year
he sold his farm, and, in company with Alfred Martin,
who married his wife’s twin sister, bought the mill prop-
erty at George’s Mills, and they operated the same to-
gether for eighteen years.

Meantime, recognizing the eligibility of this beautiful
location as a summer boarding resort, they commenced,
in 1873, taking a few boarders, and gradually increased.
In 1880, Mr. Chase began building what is now ‘* Pleas-
ant Home,” making additions from time to time, till he
has now a finely-appointed house, with accommodations

200 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

for seventy-five guests, and has entertained not less than
two hundred persons each season for the last few years.

Mr. Chase has thirty acres of good farm land in con-
nection with the house. He keeps six cows and pro-

‘«¢ PLEASANT HOME,” GEORGE’S MILLS.

duces all the milk, butter, cheeses pork, and land
necessary for the season’s use: also fruit and vegetables
in abundance. He has one son, Dura A., born March
26, 1871, who is married and is now engaged in the
livery business in company with his uncle, Alfred Martin.

He is a member of New London grange, also of Mt.
Vernon lodge, F. and A. M., and Tabernacle Chapter
of Newport. He was the leading spirit in the organiza-
tion of the Sunapee Mutual Fire Insurance company, of
which he is a vice-president and director, and in which
he holds the first policy, which company, established in
1886, has risks now approaching $200,000. Politically,
he is a temperance Republican, and in religion he is
affiliated with the Christian denomination, and was
superintendent of the Sunday-school of that church in
Springfield eight vears. He had charge of the Sunday-
school of the Union church at George’s Mills, as super-
intendent and teacher, twenty-five years.

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 201

GEORGE W. GOODHUE,
HANCOCK.

One of the most substantial and industrious citizens
and most successful farmers of the town of Hancock is
George W. Goodhue, son of Jonas W. and Phebe (Wil-
som) iGoodhue; born in Nelson, April 20,1857. His
father, who was a farmer, removed from Nelson to Han-
cock in 1870, and there resided, until his death in 1892,
upon the place in Hancock village near the foot of
Norway hill, which his son now occupies. The house,
by the way, was built more than one hundred years ago,
by Rev. Reed Paige, the first settled minister in Han-
cock, and is, therefore, a historic landmark.

Mr. Goodhue was educated in the town schools, and
has passed his life thus far in the pursuit of agriculture.
At the age of twenty-one years, he purchased of his father

HOME OF GEORGE W. GOODHUE, HANCOCK.

a half interest in the farm, and a few years later the re-
maining half. He has about seventy acres of land, alto-
gether, in Hancock, and a hundred-acre pasture in
Nelson. His hay crop amounts to about thirty-five

202 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

tons per annum, and he also puts in about sixty tons of
ensilage, having been the first man in town to build a
silo, some fifteen years ago. He has a fine, modern
barn, 36x68 feet, with cellar under the whole, and keeps
eighteen to twenty head of cattle and two horses. He
makes a specialty of private dairying, producing some
fifteen hundred pounds of choice butter per annum,
which he sells to special customers in Hancock and
Boston. He has a good supply of fruit of all kinds for
family use, and a good surplus of apples for the market.

He is a member of John Hancock grange, and
has filled various offices in the organization, including
that of Master for two years. He is also a charter mem-
ber of Hillsborough County Pomona grange, No. 1. In
politics, he is a Republican, and he is also a member of
the Congregational church. He has served the town
three years as a member of the school-board, four years
as selectman, and was a representative in the legisla-
ture of 1889—’90.

In September, 1879. he was united in marriage with
Miss Ella L. Tuttle of Hancock, who is his faithful help-
meet and co-laborer in all things.

WILLIAM H. CHILD,

CORNISH.

In the year 1775, Stephen Child, from Woodstock,
Conn., settled upon a farm of 130 acres, about one mile
south of the present village of Cornish Flat. It was a
farm valued chiefly for its pine lumber. A bog meadow
and rocky hillsides were its prominent features. Here
he lived and died. His youngest son, Stephen (father
of William H.), born in 1792, also lived here, dying in
1866.

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 203

In 1832, the subject of this sketch was born. He
graduated from Kimball Union academy, Meriden, in
the class of 1856. He spent some time teaching in New
Hampshire, Vermont, and Ohio. The failing health of
his parents rendered it necessary for him to quit teach-
ing and remain at home. On the first of January, 1857,
he married Miss Ellen F. Leighton, of Hartford, Vt.,
who also received her education at Meriden. ‘Together
they took up the bur-
den of life upon the
old farm, with some-
what dilapidated build-
ings, and with a heavy
mortgage upon the
same. Their union was
blessed with five chil-
dren—William P., now
in Australia, Frank
Eugene, dying in in-
fancy, Hattie Lillian,
wie lor Re Corre,
Esq., of Lebanon, Ed-

win L., who remains

on the homestead, and
HIMATARTEL, SC: Ida Louise, teacher in
the grammar depart-

ment of the West Lebanon graded school.

Realizing the importance of an education, Mr. and
Mrs. Child were willing to make sacrifices to give their
children as good an education as their means would
allow. They have long been members of the Baptist
church, and have always been active in church and
Sunday-school work. Mr. Child has always taken an
interest in the affairs of the town and community. He
is now serving his tenth year as member of the town

204 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

school-board, and is also a director of the Cornish cream-
ery. He is a Past Master of Cheshire Lodge F. and
ASN; also*Past D.DaG AMiot MM. W."Grand Lodge of
New Hampshire.

In the year 1860, a new barn 30 x 60 took the place of
an old one, and this was followed by other extensive
repairs. Considerable attention has also been given to
the orchard, and the farm produces an abundance of

FARM OF WILLIAM H. CHILD, CORNISH.

choice fruit. All these improvements required a con-
stant outlay of money, and in spite of hard work and the
most rigid economy and careful management, the debt
had not decreased but rather increased, and he began to
realize they were no longer young people, and were as
yet unprovided with sufficient means to secure the com-
forts needful for those in declining years. At this crit-
ical period, his attention was turned to the many acres of
swamp land, from which each year was secured but a

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 205

small crop of the poorest quality of hay. After carefully
considering the matter, and with the codperation and
assistance of his youngest son, who had received a year’s
instruction at the New Hampshire College of Agriculture,
he determined to begin the work of underdraining this
land, and in 1886 the first tile was laid. The success
attending this effort far exceeded his expectation, and so
the work is still going on, with gratifying results. Over
fifteen acres have now been underdrained, and from this
land each year are raised enormous crops. He _ has
taken many first premiums upon vegetables grown on
land that had ever been considered worthless. As
agent for John H. Jackson, of the New York State
Drain Tile Works at Albany, he has not only used but
sold large quantities of tile to others who have been wit-
nesses of his success. Prominent among these patrons
was the late Hon. Austin Corbin, who purchased and
used several car-loads.

Since beginning operations ten years ago, besides pay-
ing all expenses of drainage, he has discharged over
$1,800 of debt, that had long been hanging over the
farm, besides largely increasing its value and more than
doubling the personal property thereon. Although other
circumstances have concurred to this end, yet this
degree of success is very largely due to reasons before
stated, viz.: the largely increased income from the farm.
His experience furnishes a practical answer to the ques-
tion regarding drainage: ‘* Will it pay?” Besides bet-
tering his condition financially, he has changed an
unsightly piece of land to a beautiful meadow (a portion
of which is herewith represented), which all the neigh-
bors take pride in pointing out to visitors.

206 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

WILLIAM, HH. NEAL,
MEREDITH.

Frequenters of the New England fair, and the leading
fairs in this state for several years past, who have in-
spected the stock departments, will recall the names of
William Neal & Son, of Meredith, as leading exhibit-
ors of thoroughbred Devon cattle, in the breeding of
which, as well as Southdown sheep, which they have
pursued to a considerable extent, they gained a high
reputation.

William Neal was a native of Meredith, born October
28, 1830, and passed his life in that town, as a farmer,
the last quarter of a century upon the farm which the
son, William H. Neal, now occupies, situated about a
mile out of the village, upon the Centre Harbor road,
and commanding a fine view of the bay and surrounding
scenery. This farm contains about 100 acres of land, of
exceptionally strong soil; while three other lots, con-
taining I00 acres more, altogether, are owned in con-
nection therewith. The annual hay crop is about sixty
tons, secured trom thirty acres of land; while from 600
to 800 bushels of ears of corn, and a considerable amount
of oats are also produced. Fruit and poultry are also
raised to a considerable extent.

For many years, Shorthorn stock was bred here with
much success, and Southdown sheep were a prominent
feature ; but for twelve years past, Devon stock has been
the leading specialty, though the sheep are still contin-
ued to some extent. About thirty-five head of cattle are
now kept, including sixteen cows, the milk from which
is retailed in the village. The stock was originally from
the celebrated herd of Harley Hall of Lyndonville, Vt.,
and has been bred with great care. Some of the ani-
mals are of superior value, and the premiums obtained

SNOAY(] 4O dNOur)

‘HLIGGUA “IVAN °H WVITTIA, JO WAVY

208 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

at the different fairs have been almost surprising in ex-
tent, amounting to over $500 in 1896 alone.

William Neal married Mary E. Smith of Sanbornton,
who died August 27, 1892, leaving two children, Wil-
liam H., and Bertha M., another son having died at the
age of eighteen years. Mr. Neal himself was killed by
a railway train, while driving across the track, on his
return from the Grafton County fair, at Plymouth, Sep-
tember 18, 1895. He was a prominent citizen of his
town, a Democrat in politics, and had served as select-
man, and in other town offices.

William H. Neal, the surviving son, who had been
associated with his
father in the man-
agement of the farm,
and succeeds him in
proprietorship, was
bornin Meredith, July
5, LO7l. wdemeceived
a good, practical edu-
cation, having gradu-
ated at the Meredith
high school, and at
the commercial col-
lege at New Hamp-
tons, ine 1690," /sinee
which time he has
been actively engaged
on the farm, and is an TUT ANSEL ONG
enthusiast in his spe-
cialty. He is a member of Winnipesaukee grange of
Meredith, and was Lecturer of that organization in 1896.
He is, as yet, unmarried, his sister remaining at home in
charge of the household.

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 209

GEORGE G. “RICE,
RINDGE.

The Rices of Rindge are descendants of the emigrant,
Edmund Rice, who came to America from the mother
country in 1638. The first of the name to dwell in the
town was Abijah Rice, grandfather of the subject of this
sketch. Of him it is
recorded that he was
“sa farmer, a man’ of
integrity and = unex-
ceptionable charac-
ter.” His second son,
Harrison G., was for
many years the butch-
er of the town, as well
as a successtul farm-
er. He filled many
offices of trust in the
town, including those
of selectman and rep-
resentative. He mar-
rived, (Bidazabeth He
Wood, daughter of
David Wood, of the town of Rindge.

George G. Rice, eldest son of Harrison G. and Eliza-
beth (Wood) Rice, was born in Rindge, July 8, 1845,
and was educated and grew to manhood in that town.
October 29, 1873, he married Martha F. Hale, daugh-
ter of John F. and Rebecca (Bailey) Hale, a direct
descendant of Moses Hale, one of the first settlers of
Rindge, who located there in 1760, and a kinsman of
Col. Nathan Hale of Revolutionary fame. The Hales
of Rindge have always been one of the largest and most

influential families.
if

GEORGE G. RICE.

74 MNO) NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

At his marriage, Mr. Rice went directly on to the
farm formerly owned by his grandfather, which he had
previously purchased. This was an excellent farm, and
here fifteen years of happy and successful farm life were
passed. In the fall of 1888, the Cheshire Improvement
company purchased Mr. Rice’s farm, in order to secure
his services as general superintendent, in which capacity
he was engaged two years, when he resigned, much to
the regret of the company, because he preferred being
his own master.

He immediately purchased a few acres of land, and
again commenced farming onasmall scale, as he termed
it, and has added by successive purchases till he has
now a larger farm than before. He has erected a large
and beautiful farm-house and fine barn, with all neces-
sary outbuildings. Fine scenery abounds in this region,
and Mr. Rice’s house, being located on high ground,
commands a beautiful view.

Mr. Rice has always given his attention to dairying.
While on his first farm, he made butter, which was re-
tailed to private customers; but at present he is retailing
milk in the village. He is a strong admirer of Jersey
stock, and has some fine specimens of that breed.

In politics, Mr. Rice is a Republican. He has served
four years as a member of the board of selectmen, hav-
ing been elected im 1889, ’90, ‘91, and ‘96. He has
always been interested in the schools, served as pruden-
tial committee under the old system, and has been nine
years a member of the school board under the new law.
He is a thorough temperance man, never using liquor or
tobacco in any form, aad earnestly advising all young
men to let both entirely alone.

Mr. and Mrs. Rice have one son, Harris, born April
2, 1881, their eldest, George H., dying in childhood.
The family are all active members of Marshall P. Wilder
grange, No. 134, of East Rindge.

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. PAE

GHES TAK iA) BAICEReS:
FITZWILLIAM.

In the town of Fitzwilliam, at the foot of the grand
Monadnock, lies the farm of Chester Herbert Phillips, one
of the youngest, one of the most popular and progressive
farmers of the town. The farm upon which he lives
came into his possession in 1891. Of the two hundred
acres that compose it, twenty-five are under cultivation,
fifty are in pasture land, and the remainder is wood and
timber lands of spruce, pine, and hemlock. In the win-
ter he is engaged in cutting the same.

Mr. Phillips was married, April 20, 1892, to Anna M.,
daughter of Alvah M.
Merrill of Plymouth,
N. H., who is a grad-
uate of the N. H. Nor-
mal school. They have
one daughter, Mar-
guerite, born Septem-
Der 23,1094... Posses=
sed of a determined
will and good judg-
ment, honesty and in-
tegrity, he is making
his farm one of the
best in the southern
part of Cheshire coun-
ty) hem makine.7of
butter has always been
a specialty with him until recently, butter from his farm
commanding the highest market price. Celery growing
also occupies a large share of his time. Situated mid-
way between Fitzwilliam village and Winchendon, Mass.,
he has an abundant market. Corn is raised in sufficient

CHESTER H. PHILLIPS.

212 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

quantity to supply the needs of the farm. In the near
future, he contemplates the raising of raspberries for the
market, believing there is a great profit in small fruit.

Mr. Phillips has served the town three years succes-
sively as selectman, having been chairman of the board
in 1895. At the last meeting of the Republican club, he
was chosen county delegate to Keene.

In the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, he is an
interested member, holding various offices, until in 1894
he was elected master, serving one year, and unanimous-
ly elected for another term, which he declined. In the
annual town fair association, he has served as secretary
or as judge in some of the various departments, always
working to promote the welfare and prosperity of the
cause of agriculture.

Mr. Phillips owns two houses, in one of which lives
his father, Winslow Phillips, a hale and vigorous man
of eighty years and one of the town’s most respected
citizens, and his mother, Susan (Bent) Phillips, a
granddaughter of Rev. Arunah Allen.

EDMUND STONE,
SWANZEY.

The subject of this sketch is of the eighth generation
from Gregory Stone, who embarked at Ipswich, England,
in the ship /mcreas, April 15, 1635. The Stones have
been an honored and respected family, prominent in the
affairs of every town where they have lived. Edmund
Stone, eldest son of Martin and Betsey V. Stone, was
born in Fitzwilliam, April 5,1815, and removed with his
parents to Swanzey when a child of two years, where he
has ever since had his home, the house in which he lives
having been erected by his father when he was fourteen

EDMUND STONE.

214 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

years of age. He was educated in the district school,
and after coming of age, worked out at farming for a
few years; but, shortly after his marriage with Lucy,
daughter of Davis Healey of Swanzey, February 11,
1841, he came home, took charge of the farm, and
assumed the care of his parents. He pursued mixed
farming with a good measure of success for many years.
He also engaged in the wood and timber business in the
winter season, thus keeping himself actively engaged
throughout the year, and in 1862 erected a stave mill,
which proved a profitable investment. After about thir-
ty-five years of active life, in the management of the
farm and other business, during which time he increased
his acreage from one hundred and fifty to about three
hundred and sixty, and effected many improvements, he
gave the direction of affairs into the hands of his young-
est son, Lyman M. Stone, who remains at home and
continues the business, and has also added some one
hundred and twenty-five acres to the estate. They have
about forty-five acres of tillage land, and some twenty
acres of meadow too moist for cultivation, the balance
being in pasture, wood, and timber.

The annual hay crop amounts to about forty-five tons,
which is supplemented with a large amount of corn fod-
der and other crops, including, the last season, two hun-
dred and fifty bushels of turnips. The stock kept con-
sists of about twenty-five head of cattle, three horses, and
some sheep and swine. The buildings are well ar-
ranged, and the house, which has been thoroughly re-
modeled, is a handsome and convenient farm home.

Mr. and Mrs. Stone had five children in all, two of
whom died young. Those surviving are Seamon A.,
born July 15, 1842, now bookkeeper of the Phoenix
Building society of Chicago, who married Mollie King
of that city, and has four children; Ellen A., born Oct.

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 215

6, 1843, now the wife of Calvin Davis, a farmer of Rox-
bury; and Lyman M., the son now at home, who mar-
ried Leaffie J. Greenleaf and has three children, and
who is known as an enterprising farmer and public-
spirited citizen.

After more than half a century of happy married life,
Mrs. Stone was ‘‘ called home’”’in 1895. Edmund Stone,
at eighty-two years of age, is found in the full enjoyment

of large mental powers, and good physical health—a
man whom it is a pleasure to meet; who is reaping the
rewards of a temperate, industrious life in the respect and
esteem of hisfellow-men. In politics, he has never been
a partisan, but has always given his support to the men
and measures that he deemed most worthy, regardless
of party restraint. He has served his town on the board
of selectmen, and was collector of taxes for eleven

successive years.

L. HARLAND ROBBINS,
Mason.

The Robbinses were among the earliest settlers of
Mason, and their descendants have ever since dwelt in
that town. Among the prominent representatives of the
family, there residing at the present time, is L. Harland
Robbins, the subject of this sketch, son of Louis and
Emily (Winship) Robbins, born May 10, 1844. Edu-
cated in the town schools and reared to farm life, he has
pursued the agricultural calling with devotion anda good
measure of success, first working for others and_ulti-
mately for himself.

In December, 1868, he married Abby E. Wheeler .of
New Ipswich, being at that time engaged in the employ
of an uncle of his bride, in whose service he remained
about a year. Subsequently they resided for a year in

216 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

Townsend, Mass., returning to take charge of Mr.
Wheeler’s home, the wife of the latter having died. He
remained there some time, his wife having charge of the
house, and himself engaged upon the farm. He was
afterward engaged for a year in Ashby, Mass., and then
took charge of the town farm in that place, which he
managed successfully two years, when he removed to
the farm on which he now resides, which he had_ pur-
chased meanwhile. It was then what is generally
known as a ‘* run-down farm,” and produced no more

FARM HOME OF L. HARLAND ROBBINS, MASON.

forage than would have sufficed to keep three cows and
a pair of horses.

Mr. Robbins went to work systematically and ear-
nestly, with the determination to effect a change for the
better, and he has continued the work of improvement
from that time to the present, keeping now upon the
place a stock of some twenty-five head of cattle and five
horses, two hundred and fifty hens, and ten to fifteen
swine, meanwhile having constructed a fine, commodi-
ous barn, and thoroughly remodeled the house, so that
he has one of the best appointed farm homes in the

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 217

vicinity, the attractiveness of which is materially enhanced
by the beautiful scenery with which it is surrounded.

Mr. Robbins has followed mixed farming, though
making quite a specialty of small fruits at one time, par-
ticularly berries, selling from $400 to $500 worth of
strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries in a season.
He made a trial of peaches, setting several hundred
trees, but did not find them a success. Winter dairying
is now a leading feature of his farm work, about one
hundred pounds of choice butter per week being retailed
in Fitchburg, Mass. He believes in raising his own
stock, and fine grade Holsteins constitute the main por-
tion thereof.

Mr. Robbins’s first wife died in October, 1878, leaving
two children, Melville H., born October 31, 1869, and
L. Edith, July 28, 1873. In May, 1881, he was united
with his present wife, Miss Georgianna Hayward, daugh-
ter of Austin and Martha (Wright) Hayward, of Ashby,
Mass.

Politically, Mr. Robbins is a Democrat, and he has
served his town as a member of the board of selectmen.
Both he and his wife are interested members of Fruit-
dale grange, No. 106, of Mason.

ALERED: fj. GOULD;
NEWPORT.

In the northwestern portion of the town of Newport,
four or five miles distant from the village, on the road
from Northville to Cornish Flat is the Gould homestead,
now known as ‘‘Fruit Farm,” originally settled by Nathan
Gould of Hopkinton in 1790, and now the home of his
grandson, Alfred J. Gould, who has long been regarded
as one of the most prosperous and successful farmers in
the town. Here were reared the ten children of Nathan

218 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

and Betsey (Goodwin) Gould, and here their eldest son,
Gideon, lived and died at the age of more than fourscore
years.

Alfred J. Gould, only child of Gideon and Sally
(Ward) Gould, was born at the old homestead January
18, 1840, and here has always had his home, succeeding
to the estate upon his father’s decease. He was educated
at the district school and at Newport academy, but with
a natural inclination for the occupation of his ancestors,
has. devoted himself
closely to agriculture
throughout his life,
and by thorough cul-
tivation has maintain-
ed the fertility and in-
creased the product-
iveness of the farm,
which, originally em-
bracing one hundred
and fifty acres, now
includes about three
hundred and fifty, ex-
tensive additions hav-
ing been made from

time; tomtinte” by ais

ALFRED J. GOULD. father and himself:

From fifty to seventy-

five acres are in mowing and tillage, and the annual hay
crop averages about seventy-five tons.

Mixed farming has always been pursued on this farm,
though it had a reputation for the excellence of its dairy
products half a century ago and more, and has been
known particularly of late for the excellent quality and
large variety of its fruit. From twenty to thirty head of
cattle, four horses, and about fifty sheep are usually

kort TE

‘¢FRUIT FarM” BuILDINGS—A. J. GOULD, NEwporr.

220 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

kept, and the raising of milch cows for sale has been
quite a feature in the recent management of the place.
So, also, is the maple sugar product, sent to the Boston
market largely in the form of superior syrup, of which
some four hundred or five hundred gallons are annually
produced. He raises annually from a ton to a ton and
a half of pork for market, believing it to be far preferable
to the purchase of commercial fertilizers.

Mr. Gould has a natural taste for fruit culture, and,
his soil being peculiarly adapted to the thrifty growth of
the apple, he has taken pains to graft to the best varieties
all apple-trees springing up on the place, and has set
many more, so that he has now on his farm over 1,000
grafted apple-trees. Many of these have not come into
full bearing as yet, though his average product is from
one hundred and fifty to four hundred barrels, which will
be largely increased in a few years, the Baldwin being
the leading variety. He has also about one hundred and
twenty-five plum- and as many pear-trees, and many
bushels of these choice fruits are also marketed in bear-
ing years.

Although with characteristic modesty refraining from
any active demonstration in the political field, Mr. Gould,
who is a Republican, is interested in public affairs, and
has served four years as a member of the board of select-
men, and was a representative from Newport in the legis-
lature of 1889, serving as a member of the finance
committee and taking an active interest in all matters of
importance coming before the house. He is liberal in
his religious convictions; is a member of Sugar River
Lodge, No. 55, I].O.O. F., and also of Sullivan grange,
No. 8, of Newport, of which organization he has been
several years treasurer. Heis one of the Trustees of the
Newport Savings Bank.

Mr. Gould married Sarah Jane Ayers of Cornish,

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 221

December 15, 1861, who died October 6, 1864, leaving
one son, who also died at the age of five years. Febru-
ary 3, 1866, he was united with his present wife, Miss
Orpha A. Honey of Lempster, by whom he has one
daughter, Mary Alice, born June 1, 1886, while two
sons died in infancy.

ProiniP Ce CLouGcH.
CANTERBURY.

A prominent representative of the well-known Clough
family of Canterbury is Philip Carrigan, son of Thomas
and Hannah (Hazeltine) Clough, born February 19, 1835,
upon the old homestead, now in his possession, and orig-
inally owned by his grandfather, Obadiah Clough,
where he has ever had his home. Mr. Clough was edu-
cated in the district schools and at New Hampton Insti-
tution, and has devoted his life to agricultural pursuits,
studying the best methods and doing thoroughly what-
ever he undertakes. The home farm, upon which is a
substantial set of buildings, contains about 125 acres.
In addition to this, he has about 200 acres more, in two
other localities in town, mostly wood and pasture, one
lot being the old Hazeltine place, formerly occupied by
his mother’s family. About 50 acres of his home farm
is in mowing and tillage, and is thoroughly cultivated.
In former years, wool growing was a specialty on this
farm, from 125 to 150 fine sheep being kept for this pur-
pose; but of late dairying has been a leading feature,
and of the 25 head of cattle usually kept, about 15 are
milch cows, whose production is carried to the cream-
ery, a stock company which Mr. Clough was largely
interested in establishing, and the cream sold to H. P.
Hood & Sons of Derry. The hay product is sup-
plemented for feeding purposes by ensilage, for which

222 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

about five acres of Northern corn is usually raised, and
cut into the silo, ears and all, at the proper time. Three
horses are also kept on the place.

The stock kept is mostly of the Holstein breed, and
includes some superior animals. Mr. Clough has been
a successful exhibitor at the fairs, and at the last state
exhibition, at Tilton, won a first prize on bull, and also
on milch cow. A good amount of fruit is produced, and
in bearing years several hundred barrels of apples are
sold. Mr. Clough also
buys apples quite ex-
tensively for the mar-
ket, and owns a half
interest in the Canter-
bury Store Co.; and
here it may he said
that he has also for
many years sold agri-
cultural implements of
various kinds, being
the agent of the well-
known Boston firm of
George Tyler &ivC@o.
Believing in the best
tools of all kinds for

Prine GC. Crovuer.

his own use, he has
thus been instrumental in furnishing superior implements
to others.

Mr. Clough married, August 30, 1866, Mary E. Batch-
elder, daughter of Eleazer Batchelder, of Canterbury.
Two children were born to them, but both died in in-
fancy. About fifteen years ago they took to their home
two children—Katie and Henry Gleason—giving them a
good, practical education at the town school and Tilton
Seminary. Katie is now engaged in teaching, while

i)
i)
SS)

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES.

Henry is still at home, caring for the interests of the
farm.

Mr. Clough is a member of the Congregational church,
andin politics Republican. Hehas been several times a
member of the board of selectmen in Canterbury, and two
years chairman, and in November, 1896, was chosen
representative to the legislature by seventy-eight major-
ity, though the town has ordinarily been Democratic.
ienisva member on Doric lodge, E..& Ax. M., of Tilton,
was a charter member of Merrimack River grange, of
Canterbury, of which he has been master, and a charter
member and first steward of Merrimack County Pomona
grange. He was an active promoter of the Grange State
fair, and has been superintendent of different depart-
ments and a member of the executive committee. He is
also president of the Canterbury & Boscawen Telephone
company.

NOAH FARR,
LITTLETON.

One of the best farms in the thriving town of Littleton,
which, although better known as a summer boarding resort
and mountain-travel centre, also ranks among the leading
agricultural towns of the state, is owned and occupied
by Noah Farr. This was formerly known as the Timo-
thy Gile place, and is located on the Ammonoosuc river,
a mile or more below the village. It was on this farm
that the first settlement was made within the town limits,
a party of temporary settlers having built a rude log
barn on the meadow in 1769, and the first permanent
settler, Nathan Caswell, coming here with his family in
the following spring. In this log barn, the night after
their arrival, April 11, Mrs. Caswell gave birth to a son,
the first white child born in town.

224 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

Mr. Farr is a native of Littleton, a son of Gilman and
Philena (Allen) Farr, born December 10, 1836, on what
is known as ** Farr hill.” He received his education in
the town schools, and when eighteen years of age, his
father having purchased this farm, he removed with him
hither, where he has since had his home, pursuing the
farmer’s calling, in which he has taken much interest
and been quite successful. He worked for his father
until thirty years of
age, and then in com-
pany with a brother-in-
law.— Bub. Lane; now
of Whitefield, purchas-
ed the farm. Two years
later, he bought Mr.
Lane’s interest, and
has since been proprie-
tor.

The farm at present
embraces 225 acres, of
which 50 is in mowing
and tillage, most of this
being Ammonoosuc
River meadow, of great
fertility, six tons of hay
having been cut in one season on a single acre, in two

NOAH FARR.

cuttings.

Dairying is Mr. Farr’s specialty, comparatively little
land being devoted to tillage. He was for a time en-
gaged in retailing milk in the village, when he kept as
many as thirty cows. At present, he is selling cream
to the White Mountain creamery, and has reduced his
number of cows. He keeps half a dozen horses, and for
the past few years has had a number of summer board-
ers. His buildings are in first-class condition, a new

“NOLHILLIT “YUVA HVON dO SONICTING WV Ay

226 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

barn—9gox47 feet, with cellar under the whole, without
a post, it being supported by iron rods—having been
built in 1877. House, stable, and basement are all sup-
plied with pure running water. There is also a shop
which contains the best equipment of mechanical tools
possessed by any farmer in the state, in which Mr. Farr
spends much time both pleasantly and profitably. The
buildings, as a whole, are generally regarded as the best
set of farm buildings in the county. Mr. Farr is an ad-
mirer of Holstein stock, and was the first man to intro-
duce this favorite milk-producing breed into Littleton,
procuring a fine blooded bull of 2,000 pounds weight,
some years since, through which the stock of the neigh-
borhood was greatly improved.

Mr. Farr married, first, Mary B. Griggs, of Littleton,
in December, 1868, who died in May, 1870. October 10,
1871, he was united with Sarah, daughter of Jerediah
Farmer, of Bethlehem. They have two sons, Arthur N.
and Albert L., the former living at West Milan, and the
latter at home. Mr. Farr was a charter member and
first steward of White Mountain grange, and has served
as overseer and treasurer; also as treasurer of Northern
New Hampshire Pomona grange. He has also been
treasurer of the town school district. He is a Republi-
can and a Congregationalist, and has been several years
librarian of the Sunday-school.

PROE de Wa SANBORN,
GILMANTON.

No man in this country is better known for his connec-
tion with educational and experimental work in agricul-
ture than Jeremiah W. Sanborn of Gilmanton, son of
George W. and Mary Ann (Brown) Sanborn, born
February 4, 1847, on a farm in that town which de-

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 227

scended in the family from the original proprietor.
Educated at Pittsfield and Gilmanton academies, and
Concord high school, he was made superintendent of
schools in Gilmanton at twenty-one, and a member of the
state board of agriculture at twenty-six. Subsequently
he served as a representative in the legislature. He was
for some years superintendent of the Agricultural college
farm at Hanover.

Je removed to Missouri and became dean of the
agricultural department of the University of Missouri,
secretary of the Missouri state board of agriculture, United
States statistician for Missouri, secretary of the Kansas
City Fat Stock Show, and director of the Missouri state
experiment station. From here he was called to Utah,
where he aided in the establishmentof the Utah Agricul-
tural college, of which he was the first president. He
was also director of the Utah experiment station, and
held other positions in that territory. He collected the
agricultural exhibits of Missouri for the New Orleans
exposition, and those of Utah for the Columbian exposi-
tion at Chicago.

Later he returned to New Hampshire and became
agricultural editor of the A/anchester Mirror. He was
one of the first, if not the first, among the agricultural
college workers to conduct and publish systematic experi-
ments, and has been a prolific writer for the agricultural
press. He wrote the agricultural section of Gateley’s
‘*World’s Progress,” the publisher searching Europe and
America for an author for this department. He has been
widely called upon in the lecture field, his experience
covering New England, the Mississippi valley, and
Utah. Many of his experiments are original, and have
attracted attention on both sides of the Atlantic. At
present, he is conducting his farm of 1,700 acres in Gil-
manton on original lines, partly in the public interest.

228 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

He was recently appointed a trustee of the New Hamp-
shire Agricultural college.

Prof. Sanborn married, June 4, 1872, Belle G. Osborne
of Loudon. Beir childvensaresaanay W., Alice, rand
Carll:

JOHN ALBERT PEASLEE

BRADFORD.

Bradford and Newbury are among the rugged towns
in the backbone region of the state, but there are good
farms and thrifty farmers within their limits, as has been
evidenced by the exhibitions of the Bradford and New-
bury Agricultural Soci-
ety during the past 20
years, with which john
Albert Peaslee of the
former town has been
prominently identified
from the start.

Mr. Peaslee, son of
John and Betsey (Pres-
by) Peaslee, was born
December 14, 1845, on
the old homestead upon
which his father was the
original settler, clearing
it up and residing upon
it for sixty-two years.

Here he was reared and Joun ALBERT PEASLEE.

has spent the greater

portion of his life. He was educated in the town schools
and has always been actively identified with the town’s
interests. November 22, 1871, he married Miss Maria
R. Smith, daughter of Ira Smith of New London. They

"LdAG ‘aaIsvad ‘VW ‘f ‘SGNNON) MIVA ANNAMAN GNV auyosavUg

230 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

have one child, a daughter, Lura M. Peaslee, now 22
years of age, who remains at home.

The Peaslee farm, which originally contained about
175 acres, and to which additions, increasing the acre-
age to over 300, have been made, has always been noted
for superior stock, especially neat cattle, its oxen being
particularly fine. Grade Holstein and Ayrshires are now
mainly kept, the cows, whose milk is sold at the cars,
numbering about forty the past season. Sometimes as
many as eighty head of cattle, altogether, have been win-
tered, and from three to five horses are also kept. About
eighty-five acres of land is in grass, and from five to six
hundred bushels of corn on the ears produced in an
average season. The farm has also a good variety of
fruit. The grounds occupied by the Fair Association
are a patt of the: Peasleemarmn, and: themmeesuseson. tne
same, on which there is a good half-mile track, has been
given by Mr. Peaslee to the society since its organiza-
tion in 1875, during all of which time he has served as
superintendent.

In politics Mr. Peaslee is an active Democrat, and has
been prominent in the party councils and in public af-
fairs. He was elected a member of the board of select-
men in 1872, and reélected the three following years.
In 1876 he served with John W. Morse and Horace
Martin on a commission to fund the town debt. In 1878
he was again elected as a selectman, but did not serve,
accepting that year the position of superintendent of the
Merrimack County Farm at North Boscawen, at the
hands of the county commissioners, the responsible
duties of which place he discharged with such excellent
acceptance that he was continued in charge during two
years of Republican control, until 1881, when he was
himself elected upon the board of commissioners, and
subsequently returned to his home in Bradford. In 1884

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 231

he was chairman of the board of selectmen, and repre-
sentative in 1885-86: was chosen a member of the
board of education for three years in 1888, and select-
man again in 1891, 1892, and 1893.

Mr. Peasiee is a member of the Masonic fraternity and
Secketary of wot.) Peteris (kodge of Bradford. He has
been a justice of the peace for twenty-five years, and does
a large amount of business in that capacity, and in the
settlement of estates. He is also agent of the Merrimack
County Fire Insurance Company. Since 1894 he has
resided at Bradford village, but retains the active man-
agement of his farm.

ALONZO W. GIBSON,
RINDGE.

Alonzo W. Gibson is of the eighth generation of the
descendants of John Gibson, who came to America in
1o20. born in Salem. Miass., September 23.) 1652;
when two years of age his parents, John A. and Mary
(Davis) Gibson, moved to Rindge, N. H., which has
since been his home. At the age of fourteen years he
started out to make his own way in the world, being em-
ployed by farmers through the summer, and working for
his board and schooling winters, until manhood, attend-
ing the district schools and one term at an academy.
Called home by his father’s failing health, he assumed
charge of the family, tenderly caring for his father dur-
ing the remainder of his life, as he was also the support
and dependence of his mother and younger brother and
sisters.

After his father’s death he purchased the home farm.
Subsequently an adjoining farm was added, making one
hundred and fifty acres in all, of which thirty is mowing,
the balance pasture and woodland. His specialty is

232 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

dairying, forty pounds of gilt-edged butter being pro-
duced weekly, which he delivers to private customers in
Winchendon, Mass., who also furnish a market for eggs,
milk, cream, vegetables, and all farm products. Though
not large, the farm is a productive one, and is run on
the intensive plan, Mr. Gibson doing most of the work
himself with the best attainable machinery, the addi-
tional labor required being hired by the day. No farmer

in the region is better :
supplied with machin-
ery, some of which,
being quite a mechan-
ic, he has manufac-
tured himself. He has
just added to his equip-
ment a building con-
taining blacksmith and
carpenter shops, and
mill with a six horse-
power Baxter engine
and saw for cutting
wood, of which he has

a large amount and

sat

which finds a ready ; ;
ALONZO W. GIBSON.

market. The pleasant

home, an engraving of which is here given, is largely
the work of his own hands, he having thoroughly re-
modeled the same about the time of his marriage, Jan-
uary 19, 1887, with Mrs. Idella (Converse) Norcross,
daughter of Zebulon and Ann (Mixer) Converse of
Rindge.

At the time of her marriage with Mr. Gibson, Mrs.
Norcross, who came of a family long prominent in this
region, had a little son, eight years of age, to whom Mr.
Gibson has been a most indulgent father. This son,

a

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 233

Arthur Z. Norcross, is now a student in the State college
at Durham, class of 99. One daughter, Florence Idella,
now five years of age, has been born to Mr. and Mrs.
Gibson.

‘“¢ Meadow View Farm,” as the Gibson place is known,
is situated on a hill overlooking the Converse reservoir,
or meadow, and some of the finest views in the beautiful
hill town of Rindge are obtained from different points on
the place, making it a most delightful residence.

2.

RESIDENCE OF A. W. GIBSON, RINDGE.

Mr. Gibson is a thorough believer in the principle of
doing business on the cash basis, ‘‘ owing no man any-
thing.” He is also a strict temperance man, using
neither spirituous liquor nor tobacco in any form. As
an earnest temperance worker, he has done all in his
power to aid in enforcing the prohibitory laws in the town
of Rindge. He is a member of the Congregational
church and Sunday-school, and an active member of the
Christian Endeavor society, of which he has been presi-
dent. Politically he is a Republican, but has never
sought public office at the hands of his party or towns-
men.

234 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

He is an enthusiastic Patron of Husbandry, and his
voice is often heard in the discussions at the meetings of
Cheshire County Pomona grange, of which he is a mem-
ber. Both he and Mrs. Gibson were charter members
of Marshall P. Wilder grange, No. 134, and both have
worked long and faithfully to promote its prosperity.
Mr. Gibson has served as steward, overseer, lecturer,
and master, and Mrs. Gibson has been chaplain, lecturer,
and master, being the first lady master in Cheshire
county. Both received the seventh degree of the order
at the meeting of the National grange in Concord, in

November, 1892.

MAPLE VIEW FARM, HOPKINTON,

WILLARD T. GREENE, PROPRIETOR.

Delightfully located upon the highlands overlooking
the Perkins Inn and the business square in Hopkinton
village, is ‘* Maple View Farm,” the home of Willard T.
Greene, whose fame as a breeder and trainer of fine
horses is only equalled by his reputation as a breeder of
fancy poultry.

Mr. Greene is a ‘sen of the late Hon. Herman Wr
and Fannie (Willard) Greene, his father having been a
prominent figure in New Hampshire politics for many
years. He was born in Hopkinton, June 9, 1856, and
has ever had his home in that town. He was educated
in the district school, at Hopkinton academy, and the
New Hampshire Conference seminary at Tilton. With
a natural love for horses, he became a successful trainer
and driver in early life, and for the last fifteen years or
more, since his marriage and occupancy of ** Maple View
Farm,” he has been engaged in breeding fine-blooded
horses, mostly of the Wilkes strain. Among the best
known of these are ‘‘ Lady Helen ”—2 :252, with a trial

‘MOLAINdONg ‘ANTIUD “TE MM ‘NOLNINdGOH ,‘WUVA MALIA ATAVIN >»

236 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

of 2:14%, and ‘‘Simbrino”—2:224. He was the first
man in the state, it is believed, to breed and develop a
horse to trot in 2:20 over a half-mile track in New
Hampshire, and he has brought out a number that
have beaten 2:30. He has personally given up track
driving of late on account of the danger involved, and is
devoted exclusively to the breeding of gentlemen’s high-
class road horses and fancy poultrv.

Ife has bred fan-
cy. poultry. simece
1874. . Plymouth
Rocks were his spe-
cialty for some time,
of which variety he
bred birds selling at
$25 each, and some
of which have won
prizes at leading ex-
hibitions all over
the country. (On
late, he has taken
up the Black Lang-
shang, which he re-
gards as superior to
any other of the
Asratie ¢ Vas sitiou
winter egg produc-

WILLARD T. GREENE.

tion. He has a finely appointed, two-story henhouse,
with ample yards, and keeps some 300 birds. He breeds
about 500 chickens annually, and sells chickens and
eggs all over the country, shipping the latter to every
state in the Union.

‘¢Maple View Farm” contains about fifty acres of
excellent land. The buildings are in first-class condi-
tion and the house fitted with all modern improvements.

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 237

Mr. Greene is a Republican in politics and Episco-
palian in religion. He has served three years as deputy
sheriff, and twice as a member of the board of supervis-
ors. Of late he has done considerable business as an
auctioneer. He married, January 1, 1880, Etta Comer,
daughter of the late George G. Bailey of the Aoston
Herald. They have three children—Fannie E., Sadie
Re, and Gardner B.

PM. -LORD,
DUNBARTON.

P. M. Lord, son of Thomas and Solinda (Messer)
Lord, is one of the successful farmers of the town of
Dunbarton. He was born August 6th, 1850, and in
1859 removed with his parents to Hopkinton, where he
received his education in the district schools and the
Hopkinton academy. December 22d, 1870, he was
married to Miss Ellen L. Kimball, youngest daughter of
Moses T. Kimball, a prominent farmer of the same town.
They have one daughter, Neva B., now nearly twenty-
one years of age, a teacher by occupation.

In 1874, in company with his father, he returned to
his native town and purchased the large and extensive
farm upon which he now resides, which, with out-
lands, consists of upward of three hundred and fifty acres
of woodland, pasturage, and tillage. The buildings
have nearly all been rebuilt, and about fifty acres have
been thoroughly cleared of stone and are now suitably
adapted to the use of all kinds of farm machinery, by
the use of which the work of the farm is now carried on.
Mixed farming is practised, but the leading productions
are corn, oats, and hay, of which seventy-five tons are cut
annually. Dairying is also made a specialty, upwards

235 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

of a ton of butter having been marketed to customers in
Manchester during a year.

Mr. Lord is a member of the Congregational church
and was superintendent of its Sunday-school for several
years. Has also served as selectman two years, and
was a member of the school-board six years, and treas-
urer of the town school district six years. He became a
member of Stark grange in 1874, and was at that time
elected secretary, and held the position for several years ;
was also master two years, lecturer two years, and is
now serving as district deputy in the State grange.

ADDISON SCRE SSYe
BRADFORD.

**Meadow Brook Farm ” is one of the most pleasantly
located and productive places in the town of Bradford.
Located a mile or more out of the village, toward the
‘*Centre,” in the midst of delightful scenery, it is a most
eligible resort for summer boarders, numbers of whom
have here been entertained for several years past.

RESIDENCE OF A. S. CRESSY, BRADFORD.

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 239

This is the home of Addison S. Cressy, who was
born on the adjoining farm, now owned by a brother,
December 20, 1825. His parents were Cyrus and Han-
nah (Sawyer) Cressy, and his grandfather, Richard,
who removed from Hopkinton in £794, was one of the
early settlers of the town. This Richard Cressy was a
soldier in the Revolution, and fought at Bunker Hill,
and his grandson, Addison S., has now in his possession
two passes signed by
Gen. John Stark, giv-
en him during his ser-
vice.

Mr. Cressy has al-
ways been a resident
of Bradford, and en-
gaged in agriculture.
He first had a small
farm near Bradford
Centre, but for more
than a quarter of a
century has owned and
occupied his present
farm, which contains
2A@ Acres 7 Eley cuts
about seventy tons of
hay per annum, puts
in seventy-five tons of ensilage, raises several hundred
bushels of corn, and plenty of fruit and vegetables. His
stock consists of five horses, and twenty-five to thirty
head of cattle, including fifteen good dairy cows, the
milk from which he has of late sold at the cars. The
buildings are well appointed and in good repair, the
spacious house being admirably adapted for the accom-
modation of summer guests.

Mr. Cressy is a Democrat in politics, and has filled

ADDISON S. CRESSY.

240 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

most of the town offices, including that of collector,
selectman for several years, supervisor, also for a long
term, and representative in the legislature in 1878. He
has also served as treasurer of the town school district,
and has been for several years a justice of the peace.
He isa, member of :St, eters lodge, F> & A= Meson
Bradford, and was a charter member and several years
lecturer of Bradford grange. May 29, 1855, he married
Mary E. West. They have five children living ; Milner
A.is a farmer in Newbury, Abbie M. is the wife of
George Hackett of Claremont Junction, George F. is
postmaster at Bradford, while John W. and Nettie H.
are still at home.

PINE GROVE FARM, HAVERHILL,
Henry W. KEYES, PROPRIETOR.

Among the best known stock farms in New Hampshire
for many, years. past, +‘Fime Grove, arm,” vat North
Haverhill, has held a conspicuous position. This farm,
originally owned by Moses Dow, a distinguished citizen
and one of the first lawyers in Grafton county, who set-
tled here before the Revolution, and held various impor-
tant offices, but modestly declined an election to congress,
because he felt incompetent for the position, was pur-
chased more than thirty years ago by the late Henry
Keyes of Newbury, Vt., president of the Connecticut &
Passumpsic Rivers railroad, who carried out extensive
improvements, and engaged in stock-raising, breeding
fine-blooded Durham cattle and Merino sheep on a large
scale.

Mr. Keyes died in 1870, leaving a wife—formerly
Miss Emma F. Pierce—and five children, three sons and
two daughters. The eldest of the sons—Henry W.
Keyes—who was born in Newbury, May 23, 1863,

16

eTOR.

S, PROPRIE

YE

NGE

RHI.) il. VW.

HAVE

RM, NORTH

FA

GROVE

PINE

242 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

though still pursuing his studies, assumed the manage-
ment of the farm when eighteen years of age, and it has
since been in his hands, and its reputation as a superior
stock farm maintained and largely extended.

The farm contains about 1,200 acres of land in all,
of which about two hundred and twenty-five acres are
mowing and tillage, including a magnificent tract of
Connecticut river intervale, with a large amount of
higher meadow and plain land. About two hundred
and fifty tons of hay are cut annually, while from fifteen
to twenty acres of corn are ensilaged. In the season of
1896, ninety acres of land were under the plow, fifty
acres in oats, and forty in corn, the latter being half
ensilage and half field corn. All the crops produced are
fed on the farm, to the splendid stock of Holstein and
Jersey cattle, fine-blooded trotting and French coach
horses, Shropshire sheep, and Yorkshire swine, all of
which have been selected, or bred, with great care from
the best imported animals. The stock the past season
embraced about one hundred head of cattle, twenty fine
horses, one hundred and twenty-five sheep, and fifty
swine. Of late, Mr. Keyes has been crossing the Hol-
stein and Jersey with great success, for dairy purposes.
His Shropshire sheep have become noted all over the
country, and have included the best premium animals in
New England ; and the same may be said of his cattle
and swine. Indeed, a more extensive display of prize
ribbons than is to be seen in his office can with difficulty
be found, the same having been won at the New England,
Bay State, Vermont, Rhode Island, Grange State, and
various other fairs in New England and Canada.

The buildings upon this farm are extensive, well ap-
pointed, and in excellent condition, every way in keeping
with the reputation of the place, and admirably adapted
for the purposes designed, standing well in from the

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 243

highway and commanding a fine view of the beautiful
Connecticut valley. The house includes the original
Dow mansion, with additions and improvements, and is
still the family home, over which the mother presides,
Mr. Keyes being still unmarried.

Mr. Keyes was educated in the Boston public schools,
at Adams academy, and Harvard college, graduating
from) the latter in 1887. -Heis a Democrat in politics,
has served several years as selectman, was a member of
the state legislature in 1891 and in 1893, and was the
candidate of his party for senator in the Grafton district
in 1894, receiving more votes than his Republican oppo-
nent, but failing of an election for want of a majority
over all. He has also served one term as a trustee of
the New Hampshire College of Agriculture and the
Mechanic Arts. He is a director of the Connecticut &
Passumpsic Rivers railroad, a member of Grafton lodge,
F. & A. M., and of Pink Granite grange, North Haver-
hill. He is also vice-president of the Nashua River
Paper Co., of Pepperell; Mass., of which one of his
brothers is president and the other treasurer, and was
actively instrumental in the establishment of the North
Haverhill creamery, at which the milk from his dairy is
marketed.

ZERAH E. TILTON,

BRISTOL.

The town of Bristol is generally known for its activity
and enterprise as a manufacturing place, yet there are
prosperous and progressive farmers within its borders,
prominent among whom is Zerah E. Tilton, proprietor
of ‘«*New Found Valley Stock Farm,” located about
half a mile outside the village.

Mr. Tilton is a native of the town of Groton, son of

244 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

Elbridge and Alice (Cummings) Tilton, born May 23,
1858. His parents removed to Laconia when he was
seven years of age, where they resided until he was
fourteen, then removing to Bristol and locating upon
the farm which he now occupies, where he has ever
since had his home. His education was obtained in the
Laconia graded schools and the Bristol High school,
and at the age of twenty-one he engaged with his father
in the retail milk business, the partnership continuing
until the death of the latter, after which he ran the busi-
ness himself until 1895, making seventeen years alto-
gether in this line, during which time he kept about
thirty cows on an average.

This farm contained originally about one hundred and
fifty acres, but Mr. Til-
ton has added thereto
by purchase from time
to time, until it now
embraces four hundred
and thirty acres, upon
which there are two
sets of buildings, while
he has also a back pas-
ture containing about
two hundred acres. The
trotting park and fair
grounds of the Bristol
Fair association are in-
cluded within his farm
limits. He has about

one hundred acres in

ZERAH E. TILTON.

mowing and _ tillage,

twenty-five acres being under the plow, of which fifteen
are generally in corn, and ten in oats and barley, the corn
being ensilaged, and used in supplementing the one hun-

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 245

dred tons of hay annually cut, along with the oats and
barley, in feeding the forty head of cattle kept on the
farm, together with five horses kept for farm work in
the summer, and which are employed in extensive lum-
bering operations in winter along with several yokes of
oxen.

On his home farm Mr. Tilton has a spacious and con-
venient barn 110 feet long and 4o feet wide, with cellar
under the whole; also two silos of 125 tons’ capacity
each. He has also a steam mill for doing various kinds
of work on the farm, grinding grain, making cider, and
preparing stove wood for market. For a few years past
he has made a specialty of Holstein cows, of which he
has now about twenty, the milk from the same going to
the Boston market.

Mr. Tilton was united in marriage with Miss Georgie-
anna Weeks of Bristol, May 22, 1887. Heis a charter
member of New Found Lake grange, was its first over-
seer, and served two years as master. Politically, he is
a Democrat, and has been the candidate of his party for
various offices, but residing in a strong Republican town,
has never been elected.

ERASMUS D. COMINGS,

CROYDON.

Erasmus Darwin Comings was the seventh of the eight
children of Fenno and Rebecca (Smart) Comings, born
in Berlin, Vt., June 17, 1826. The family were origi-
nally from Connecticut and settled in Cornish, N. H.
Left an orphan at three and a half years by his father’s
death, he aided his mother till the age of eighteen,
when he taught his first school, and afterwards attended
the Newbury, Vt., Seminary, conducting the singing in
that institution.

246 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

With a decided taste for vocal music, he was under the
instruction of the celebrated Lowell Mason, in Boston,
for a few months, and soon after commenced his long
and useful career as a teacher of singing-schools. For
forty winters continuously, nearly every evening of each
week he was thus employed in Croydon and adjoining
towns; besides leading choirs in Newport for twenty-
five years, helping to start the ‘* Sullivan County Musi-
cal Association,” and conducting the singing most
acceptably at several hundred funerals, down to the
present time.

His farming operations commenced in California in
1852—'53, where he
harvested one hun-
dred acres of barley,
and afterwards, being,
with his partner, ac-
customed to the use
of tools, they worked
for several weeks on a
wharf and bridge at
Stockton for eight dol-
lars “per, day Jeachr
On returning to New
Hampshire, he added
an adjoining farm to
the old homestead of

his father-in-law, Na-
Erasmus D. ComINGs. thaniel Humphrey,

thus securing one of

the largest sugar orchards in the town of Croydon. It
contains some 1,500 trees, in the management of which he
keeps abreast of the times in all improvements for sugar-
ing, and has found his net profits averaging $250 a year,
—some years as high as $500. He uses, and for thirty

‘NOGAOUD ‘SONIWOD ‘ “BW AO SONIGTING Wavy

248 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

years has held an agency for, the evaporator now manu-
factured by the ** Vermont Farm Machine Co.,” of Bel-
lows Falls.

This homestead he still occupies, having replaced the
old barn burned a few years ago, with another—one of
the best and most convenient in town, at a cost of $1,000.
He is also quite extensively engaged in the raising of
poultry, chiefly of the Plymouth Rock variety, with com-
modious, well-arranged quarters, as appear in the left
of the picture.

In town affairs, Captain Comings has held every im-
portant office, and has served as moderator twenty-five
years (from 1864-80, consecutively), longer than any
other citizen of Croydon. Inthe cause of his country
he enlisted a company, with Capt. J. W. Putnam, from
Newport and vicinity, in September, 1861, himself being
lieutenant, and was mustered into the service with the
New Hampshire Sixth regiment in December following.
Joining General Burnside’s expedition, he was stranded
at Hatteras Inlet, in the steamship Lowzscana, operated
in that part of North Carolina; was promoted to captain
of Company H in September, 1862, and was discharged
for disability in January, 1863.

Captain Comings married Caroline Susan Humphrey,
January 20, 1858. Their only daughter and oldest
child, Alice Vienne, born in 1851, excelled in music,
was graduated at the Boston Conservatory, and taught
very successfully in IUinois and Michigan, till her
lamented death, as Mrs. Orrin F. Hill, at the age of
thirty-four years. Of their two sons, Arthur Eugene
died highly respected in Colon, Mich., aged twenty-six,
and Ellsworth Darwin now resides in Croydon.

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 249

SAMUEE SLEEUs, NOW ES:
COLEBROOK.

The subject of this sketch was born in Columbia, April
25, 1846, being the youngest of ten children of Asa and
Lydia (Eaton) Noyes. His parents, who were very
poor, having suffered the loss of crops by frosts for sev-
eral years, removed, soon after his birth, to East Cole-
brook, where Mr. Noyes now resides. His early
inclinations were literary, and he fondly hoped to acquire
a liberal education. After attending the town schools, he
pursued his studies at Colebrook Academy and the New-
bury (Vt.) Seminary ; but when he realized that he was
needed at home to care for his parents, who were becom-
ing aged, he relinquished the cherished hope and heartily
turned his attention to agriculture.

As a farmer, Mr. Noyes has been characterized by an
intelligent purpose to be governed by scientific principles
in the various branches of practical agriculture. He
early realized the advantage of infusing the blood of the
thoroughbred into his stock of horses, cattle, sheep, and
swine. In sheep raising his object was the best cross-
bred sheep. possible. The foundation stock was
Leicestershire, purchased in Canada, crossed with South-
down. Later the Shropshire was introduced, and at
present the Cheviot is used. The result of this breeding
is a flock of fifty fine sheep and lambs which have taken
first premium whenever shown.

Mr. Noyes was among the first to introduce Durham
cattle, having purchased at a very high price some
thoroughbreds in Burlington, Vt., and Canada. Several
farmers of the vicinity availed themselves of the opportu-
nity to secure male calves, and in a few years the herds
of East Colebrook were greatly improved. In 1886,
when the beef industry became unprofitable, through the

250 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

kindly advice of j. L. Gerrish of Webster, he purchased
a Guernsey bull, fully believing that it would be more
advantageous to produce butter than beef, and has since
made a specialty of dairying. The grade Guernseys have
proved very desirable, removing all doubts which may
have originally existed. In 1895, Mr. Noyes purchased
four thoroughbred cows and heifers, and now has a herd
of forty thoroughbreds and grades, headed by ‘+ Rosa’s
Rydale,” the fourth bull used, and royally bred. The
mature cows produce
an. average of 300
pounds of butter each
per annum, and the
herd of twenty-five
cows and heifers gives
promise of a net an-
nual product of 6,000
pounds.

The skimmed milk
is fed to calves and
Chester-White pigs,
the latter being fat-
tened in the fall and
the available portions

used for sausage, of
which he makes some SAMUEL T. NoyEs.
eight hundred pounds
annually, selling above the market price. The but-
ter and cheese made from this berd are of a superior
quality. The butter shown at the dairy exhibit in con-
nection with the winter meeting of the State Dairyman’s
association at Lancaster in December, 1895, scored
ninety-seven and three-fourths points, and won the first
premium.

A few colts are raised on the farm, about twelve horses,
old and young, being kept for use and for sale.

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 251

‘¢ Hill Top Farm”’ has, in the past fifteen years, been
improved until at present it produces annually from 80
to 100 tons of hay, 1,500 bushels of potatoes, 800 bushels
of grain, 75 to 100 tons of ensilage, 300 gallons of maple
syrup, and a good amount of fruit, while its pasturage is
unexcelled.

Mr. Noyes, to be appreciated, must be known in home
and social life. Much of his success is due to his excel-
lent wife, formerly Miss Anna Donnelly, who is a model
homemaker. Mr. and Mrs. Noyes are genial as host
and hostess, always pleased to entertain not only their
intimate friends, but also a large circle of acquaintances.
They have but one child, Alice, the wife of Rev. I. C:
Brown, of the M. E. church, a younger daughter, Hattie
Ellen, having died from the dread scourge diphtheria, at
the age of eleven years. They delight especially in the
visits of their three grandchildren, Lena Mae, Gladys
Alice, and S. Noyes, in whom many hopes are centered.
They are members of the M. E. church at East Cole-
brook, and are leaders in all its lines of work. Current
events are discussed in their home with marked interest,
and attention is given to an excellent library, comprising
works of fiction, romance, biography, history, science,
agriculture, and religion.

As a young man Mr. Noyes allied himself with the
Republican party, and received some honors at its hands.
In 1884, he was attracted to the Prohibition party by its
sublime purpose and virtue, according to his conception,
and he has since been an active Prohibitionist. He is
content in his avocation, and asks for no higher calling—
no greater opportunities in life. He honors his work,
and is in return ennobled by it. His own words, used in
an address of welcome to the State Board of Agriculture
at a Farmers’ Institute in Grange hall, East Colebrook,
in October, 1896, give an insight of his conception of

252 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

the privileges and duties of farm life: ‘* Grand, indeed,
is it to be allied to this calling. It is an honor to any
man to be a farmer. Equally sad is it for a man hav-
ing received such an honor to fail to honor it.”

BELDEN MORGAN,
New Lonpon.

A representative New England farmer of the staid,
independent type, more prevalent a generation since than
now, is Belden Morgan of New London, whose home-
stead, originally settled by his great-grandfather, John
Morgan, who came from England to Manchester, Mass.,
and subsequently located here, has been owned by suc-
cessive generations in direct descent, from its settlement
to the present day.

This farm was one of the first settled in this fine old
agricultural town, and is located on the highest point of
land within its limits, in the southwestern portion, about
two miles from New London village, eight miles west
from Kearsarge mountain, and two miles east of Sunapee
lake. Here Belden, son of William and Mary (Stevens)
Morgan, was born October 8, 1824, and here he has
spent his life, with the exception of a few years in Lowell,
Mass., and in Manchester.

In April, 1855, Mr. Morgan was united in marriage
with Miss Susan A. Merrill of Lovell, Maine, by whom
he has three children, a daughter and two sons—Flora
B., Fred S., and John K. Morgan, all living at home, and
the sons actively and earnestly devoted to the same call-
ing which their ancestors have successfully pursued.

The home farm embraces about 200 acres of land, and
aside from this they have some 300 acres of pasture and
woodland. The soil is strong and_ productive, well

fas}

IRC

Mc

BELDEN

254 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

adapted for nearly all kinds of crops grown in this
region, and especially for wheat, of which, until quite
recently, fine crops were always raised, the flour for
family use being made therefrom, as was the custom in
earlier days so generally in the hill towns of the state ;
but of late wheat has not been raised to any great extent,
from the fact that there are now no good flour mills in
the vicinity.

Mixed farming has always been pursued on this place.
About fifty acres of land are in mowing and tillage, pro-
ducing annually, upon an average, fifty tons of hay, 500
bushels of corn on the ear, 100 bushels of barley, 100
bushels of potatoes, and a variety of other crops, with a
fair supply of fruit. The stock kept consists of cattle,
horses, sheep, and swine, the cattle including about ten
milch cows, the cream from whose product, raised in a
cooler, is sold at the creamery in Sutton, five miles dis-
tant.

The farm buildings are convenient and substantial,
including a good two-story house and a barn 40X90 feet,
a new barn also being planned. The putting in of a silo
is also contemplated.

Mr. Morgan is a fair specimen of that class of farmers
who, in New Hampshire as well as elsewhere, prosper
by attending strictly to the business in which they are
engaged. He has never held or sought public office of
any kind; belongs to no church, and no secret organiza-
tion of any description, maintains a clear conscience and
votes the Democratic ticket. He is a good farmer, a
good neighbor, and a good citizen ; is content with his
lot, honors his calling, and with his worthy family about
him, enjoys the fruit of his labor.

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES.

to
OL
Gn

HON. GEORGE A. WASON,
NEw Boston.

One of the most familiar names in agricultural and
Grange circles in New Hampshire is that of George
Austin Wason, who, although residing for a considerable
portion of the time for the last few years in a pleasant
home on Main street, in the thriving city of Nashua,
retains his legal abode in his native town of New Bos-
ton, as well as the proprietorship and management of
the old homestead upon which he was born and reared.

The youngest of nine children of Robert and Nancy
(Bachelder) Wason, he was born September 17, 1831.
He was educated in the district school and a select
school in New Boston, and at the Francestown academy.
Following the pursuit of agriculture, he came, upon his
father’s decease, into the possession of the homestead,
which the latter had received from an uncle, whom he
came to New Boston to care for in early life, near the
close of the last century.

This farm embraces 475 acres, of which about 75 acres
are mowing and tillage, and the balance pasturage and
woodland, except that a pond of about twenty-five acres
in extent is included within its limits. For about twenty-
five years Mr. Wason was actively engaged in raising
thorough-bred Devon stock, attaining much success in
that direction. While thus engaged he took a lively
interest in all organizations and agencies calculated to
promote the general prosperity of the agriculture of the
state. He was for three years president of the Hills-
borough County Agricultural society, and following its
dissolution, was for an equal length of time at the head
of the Piscataquog Valley Fair association.

Mr. Wason entered early and heartily into the Grange
movement in this state, having been a charter member

Hon. GEORGE A, WASON.

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 257

and the first Master of Joe English Grange of New Bos-
ton, and serving two terms since, as Master of the same
organization. He was elected Overseer of the State
Grange in 1877, and Master in 1879, serving in the latter
capacity four years and devoting much time and labor to
the work. In 1883 he was appointed a member of the
board of trustees of the New Hampshire College of Agri-
culture and the Mechanic Arts, and has been reappointed
continuously to the present time, being one of the most
devoted and interested members of the board, and through
iong sevice thoroughly familiar with the work of the insti-
tution. He also served for two terms, previous to 1895,
as a member of the State Board of Agriculture for Hills-
borough county.

In public and political life Mr. Wason has been active
and prominent for many years, and has been particularly
influential in the Republican party in the county of
Hillsborough, having been a member of the board of
county commissioners for six years from 1877, and
actively engaged in the management of county affairs.
In 1883 he was elected to the state senate in the old Six-
teenth district, serving one term. In 1890, and again
in 1892, he was chosen a member of the house of repre-
sentatives from New Boston, and was closely identified
with all measures enacted in the interest of agriculture.
In 1894 he was again elected to the senate, from the new
Eighth district.

Mr. Wason was the leading spirit in the movement for
the construction of the New Boston railroad, by which
the advantages of railway communication were secured
for his native town, and has been a director and presi-
dent of the road from the start, and has been interested
in all measures and movements calculated to promote
the interests of the town. At his farm, where he now
keeps from twenty-five to thirty-five head of cattle, three

17

258 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

horses, and about forty sheep, he is principally engaged
at present in making cream for Whipple’s famous New
Boston creamery.

In September, 1863, Mr. Wason was united in mar-
riage with Clara Louise, daughter of Sidney and Louisa
(Trull) Hills of New Boston, by whom he has three
sons, the oldest, Edward H., being a well-known law-
yer of Nashua; George B. of the firm of Wason & Co.,
61 Chatham street, Boston; and Robert S., a graduate
of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, now with
Wason & Co.

JOHN: C. MILES:
DUNBARTON.

Notwithstanding its rugged surface and somewhat
isolated location, the town of Dunbarton has long enjoyed
a high reputation for agricultural prosperity. Among
the worthiest and best known farmers in this old town 1s
ohne: Mills, who was born-and has always resided on
the homestead which was first settled by his great-grand-
father, Thomas Mills, one of the four original settlers of
the town, and now known as ‘* Hillside Farm.”

Mr. Mills was born on March 8, 1825, being a son of
John and Nancy (Bailey) Mills. He was educated in
the common school, and has devoted his entire life to
agriculture, with lumbering as a prominent incident. He
has been a great reader of agricultural books and papers,
has made a study of soils and fertilizers, and is unques-
tionably one of the best posted men in the town on all
matters pertaining to his occupation. His annual hay
crop averages about eighty tons. He has an excellent
dairy of about fifteen cows, including some superior Jer-
seys, and makes choice butter for private customers. He
does not believe in ensilage for the dairy, but raises a

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 259

considerable amount of evergreen sweet corn for supple-
mentary fodder, which he feeds dry. His entire stock,
including cows, numbers about thirty head of cattle, and
three horses. He raises a large amount of fruit and veg-
etables, but makes potatoes a specialty, raising six hun-
dred or eight hundred bushels per annum. He markets
his produce mainly in Manchester.

Mr. Mills was a charter member and the first steward
of Stark grange, Dunbarton, and has been one of the
most faithful and devoted
Patrons in the state. He
has held nearly all the
various offices in the
subordinate grange, 1n-
cluding that of master,
and is now chaplain.
He was an active mem-
ber of Merrimack Coun-
ty Council, having been
gatekeeper, chaplain,
and overseer of that or-
ganization. He has also
been prominent in the
Merrimack County Po-
mona grange since its
organization, and was

for five years its chap-

Joun C. MILLs.

lain. He was an active
promoter and manager of the old Piscataquog Agricul-
tural society, which for five years held its annual fair in
Goffstown, and contributed largely to its success. He was
also actively connected with the New Hampshire Agri-
cultural society, was one of its directors for several years,
and was a prominent exhibitor, especially in the fruit and
vegetable departments, at its annual fairs in Manchester.

260 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

In politics, Mr. Mills has been a Republican for the
last thirty years. He has been town clerk, supervisor,
four years selectman, and has held other responsible
offices at the hands of his townsmen, frequently having
been selected as the agent of the town in the conduct of
suits at law. He was actively instrumental in the work
of securing daily mail facilities for the town. In religion,
he is a Congregationalist.

Mr. Mills was united in marriage April 15, 1847, with
Miss Fanny Kezer of Hopkinton, by whom he has had
three children—John B. Mills, now a journalist in Grand
Rapids, Mich., Sarah A., who died in 1873, and George
F., who resides with him at the home in Dunbarton.

CHARLES H. WATERHOUSE,

CoRNISH.

No one instrumentality has done more to advance the
interests of New England agriculture, or improve the
condition of the New England housewife than the intro-
duction of the creamery process of butter manufacture.
The pioneer in this work in the state of New Hampshire
was Charles H. Waterhouse of Barrington, now of Cor-
nish, and to him, more than to any other man, is the
state indebted for the reputation for excellence which its
butter product has secured and maintains in the market
of the country.

Mr. Waterhouse is a native of the town of Barrington,
born September 17, 1835, and had his home there until
eighteen years of age, securing such education as he was
able to gain in the old ‘* Hale school-house” in that
town. Starting out in life for himself, at the age men-
tioned, with a capital consisting of a fairly good suit of
clothes, a pair of blue drilling overalls, a two dollar bill

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 261

of the old Strafford bank of Dover, and a good stock of
energy and ambition, he made his way to Massachusetts.
He secured a position at Tewksbury as assistant super-
intendent of the state almshouse, and was engaged three
years in that capacity, acting the last year, also, as
superintendent of the farm connected with that institution.
Leaving Tewksbury, he was for one year superintendent
of the city almshouse in Charlestown, Mass., and then
removed to Dover, where he was engaged in business as
a butcher for another period of three years; but, the
Rebellion being in progress, he responded to the call of
his country, and, August 11, 1862, enlisted in Company
H, Eleventh New Hampshire regiment, for three years.
During his army service he was engaged a large portion
of the time in the commissary department, his experi-
ence fitting him admirably for the work. For seventeen
months he had charge of the provisioning of twelve thou-
sand men.

On returning at the close of the war, Mr. Waterhouse
purchased a farm in Barrington, which he still owns,
and on which he resided for twenty-one years, actively
engaged in its cultivation and management, and also
extensively engaged as a dealer in cattle. It was on this
farm in 1876 that he established the first creamery ever
put in operation in the state, which he continued with a
constantly increasing popularity for the product, until
the demand so far exceeded the supply that a change to
a better milk-producing locality seemed imperative. In
1885, therefore, he went to Short Falls in the town of
Epsom, a favorable location in the Suncook valley,
where the farmers had become interested in that direc-
tion, and a codperative creamery was established, under
his management. Here he continued for three years,
during which time the Short Falls creamery became
noted throughout New England. Subsequently he man-

CHARLES

H. WATERHOUSE.

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 263

aged a creamery one year at Strafford Centre, and in
May, 1889, went to Cornish to take charge of the Hill-
side creamery, then building in the Connecticut valley,
opposite the thriving village of Windsor, Vt., whose
principal stock-holders were Hon. William M. Evarts and
C. C. Beaman, the president of the corporation being
Hon. Chester Pike.

Here Mr. Waterhouse has remained to the present
time, devoting all his skill and energy to the enterprise
in charge, with such success that Hillside creamery but-
ter holds first rank in America, winning the highest score
at the Columbian exposition dairy exhibit in Chicago, as
well as in all minor competitions. The average annual
product of this creamery, which, by the way, employs
the separator system, is about $50,000.

Mr. Waterhouse has been more actively and promi-
nently identified with the dairy interest than any other
man in New Hampshire, as evidenced not only by
pioneer efforts and continued and conspicuous success in
creamery work, having won more butter premiums than
any other man in America, including $90 at the National
exhibition in Madison Square Garden, New York, while
in charge of the Short Falls creamery, but also by his
intimate connection with organized effort for advancing
its prosperity. He was one of the prime movers in the
organization of the Granite State Dairymen’s association,
called the first meeting held in furtherance of that object,
and has been first vice-president of the association from
the start, contributing to its success in large measure,
both in the exhibition department and in its public meet-
ings and discussions. He has also been frequently called
to active participation in the work of dairy associations
in other states. During the past winter Mr. Waterhouse
was in charge of the Dairy School of Instruction at the
New Hampshire College of Agriculture in Durham.

264 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

Although still retaining his Barrington farm of 135
acres, upon which his oldest son resides, upon taking
charge of the creamery at Cornish he purchased there a
farm of 235 acres, fifty of which is in tillage, and with a
feeding capacity for forty cows, and upon which he has
been making extensive improvements, including the
erection of one of the best appointed, thoroughly venti-
lated, and completely equipped barns to be found in New
England. It is 14035 feet in dimensions, and without
cellar, the manure being carefully removed, twice a day,
toa shed. The Durham is the favorite dairy cow with
Mr. Waterhouse, and his feeding specialty is clover and
ensilage. As an incident to the dairy business, he
engages quite extensively in pork production, turning off
on an average about 80 hogs per year.

Mr. Waterhouse was a charter member of Barrington.
Grange, organized in 1876, and was its lecturer for
several years. Subsequently he transferred his member-
ship to Bow Lake Grange, Strafford, where he still con-
tinues the same. He is a member of Strafford Lodge,
i. .& A.M. of Dover, and of theiG AW.) Ia relioron,
he is a Free Baptist and politically a Republican. While
in Barrington he took a prominent part in public affairs,
and was honored by his townsmen with every office in
their gift, including that of representative in the general
court.

In 1858, he was united in marriage with Nancy I.,
daughter of Daniel Caverly of Barrington, by whom he
has three children now living, two sons and a daughter.
The eldest son, C. Frank, remains on the homestead, the
second, Daniel C., resides at Epsom, while the daugh-
ter is the wife of Newell B. Foss of Strafford. His wife
dying in 1887, Mr. Waterhouse married in the year
following, Ella, daughter of Demeritt Place, of Strafford.

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 26

U1

MILTON B. WADLEIGH,
SUTTON.

The name of Wadleigh was conspicuous in the early
history of the rugged little town of Sutton, among the
foot-hills of old Kearsarge, and representatives of the
family have been among its most prominent citizens
down to the present time.

Robert Wadleigh came from England and located in
Exeter previous to 1668. He was a prosperous citizen
and in 1680 is shown
by the record to have
been the heaviest tax-
payer but one in the
town. His son Thomas
was a soldier in the
French and Indian War
and one of the original
proprietors of Sutton.
He was the father of
Capt. Jonathan, whose
son, Benjamin Wad-
leigh, Sr., was the sev-
enth settler of the town,
removing there from
Hampstead, im, 177%,

Mitton B. WADLEIGH. and settling on what

has ever since been

known as the Wadleigh homestead, about a mile from
Sutton Mills and a mile and a quarter from North Sutton,
upon a hillside overlooking what is now known as Key-
sar Lake, and commanding an extended mountain view.

This Benjamin Wadleigh, Sr., was chosen clerk and
selectman at the first town-meeting in Sutton, held in
1777, and was also the first justice of the peace in town.

266 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

His son, Benjamin Wadleigh, Jr., was also prominent in
public affairs, and for many years a judge of the court
of common pleas. The latter was the father of Erastus
Wadleigh, who was born on the old homestead, and
resided there until 1867, when he removed to the Mill
village, where he died in 1881. He was prominent in
town affairs and in educational work, having been a
successful teacher and for many years superintendent of
school.

Milton B., son of Erastus and Almina (Challis) Wad-
leigh was born December 4, 1839, was educated in the

THE WADLEIGH MANSION.

common schools and at New London academy, and has
devoted his life to the pursuit of agriculture upon the
ancestral acres, large additions having been made from
time to time to the original farm of 150, so that there are
now about 300 acres in the home place, with outlying
woodland and pasture to the extent of about 2,000 acres
in all, including a frontage of half a mile or more on the
finest shore of the beautiful Keysar Lake.

Mr. Wadleigh was engaged for many years in the
production of beef, wool, and mutton, keeping from 150 to

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 267

175 sheep and raising young cattle also quite extensively.
He keeps now from 30 to 40 head of cattle, five horses
and about 75 sheep, having reduced the latter in num-
bers, but improving the quality by the introduction of
the Shropshire blood from the well-known Keyes stock
at Haverhill. In his farm operations he has practised
rotation of land from pasture to field for many years
with very satisfactory results. His annual hay crop is
from 80 to 100 tons, while he harvests about 500 bushels
of ears of corn, from 300 to 600 bushels of potatoes, and
a good amount of fruit, with promise of an increase in
the latter, from a large number of young fruit-trees.

Aside from his farm work, Mr. Wadleigh has been
for several years past extensively engaged in lumbering.
He is also the principal owner and moving spirit in the
Sutton creamery, and the leading promoter and treasurer
of the Merrimack County Telephone company, which
has established a line from Bradford to North Sutton and
around the lake.

In politics, Mr. Wadleigh is a Republican, and in
religion, a Baptist. He has served two years on the
board of selectmen.. He is a member of the Sons of
Temperance, is unmarried, and at the present time the
only representative of the Wadleigh family in town.

SEDNEY Bo WEIEEEMORE
COLEPROOK.

One of the most active, energetic, and well-known
men in agricultural circles, as well as in public and
political life in northern New Hampshire, is Sidney B.
Whittemore, of Colebrook, son of Benjamin and Almira
(Chandler) Whittemore, born near the farm where he
now resides, July 21, 1839. He was educated in the com-
mon school and at Colebrook academy, and has devoted

SIDNEY B. WHITTEMORE.

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 269

himself actively to agricultural pursuits upon this farm,
to which the family removed when he was fourteen years
of age, which was bequeathed him by his father, and
which embraces about 250 acres of land, of which 75
acres is wood land and the balance pasture and tillage.

There is no better farming town in New Hampshire
than Colebrook, and this farm is in the rich, rolling,
upland region some four miles east of Colebrook village,
and produces abundant crops, including on an average
75 tons of hay, 300 bushels of oats, 1,200 bushels of
potatoes, and 100 bushels of buckwheat per annum. Mr.
Whittemore was one of the first to introduce pure bred
Short Horn Durham cattle into his section of the state,
and was for many years successfully engaged in breeding
them. Later he turned his attention to butter making, but
for the last few years he has sold milk in the village of
Colebrook. He keeps about fifteen horses, brood mares
and colts, and has probably raised from calves more
fancy matched steers than any other man in Cods
county. Aside from his immediate farm work, he has
also been largely engaged for many years in the pur-
chase and shipment of potatoes and other agricultural
products.

Mr. Whittemore became a member of Mohawk
Grange, No. 28, when it was organized by C. C. Shaw
and) Col. 1D: M: Clough, March 30,1874. He was
chosen secretary and continued to hold the office until
the grange surrendered its charter. Upon its reorgan-
ization at East Colebrook, Dec. 7, 1894, he was elected
master, and his wife lecturer, in which offices they are
now serving their third terms, decidedly against their
own wishes, but at the urgent solicitation of their
fellow Patrons. He was also chosen master of Upper
Coéds Pomona Grange upon its organization, and has
since continued in the office, serving also as a district

270 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

deputy of the State Grange. In 1881 he was appointed
member of the state board of agriculture for Codés
county and served efficiently for three terms in that
capacity. He was also for three terms, from 1885, a
member of the board of trustees of the New Hampshire
College of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts, and was
actively interested in the removal of that institution from
Hanover to Durham, devoting much time to the work of
establishing the college in its new home.

In politics, Mr. Whittemore is an earnest and consis-
tent Democrat, and has served his party and the public
faithfully six years as selectman, five years as a member
of the school-board under the town system, collector
of taxes five years, as moderator for many years, and as
representative in the legislature in 1885-86. He was
also for two.years a deputy sheriff, and two years
treasurer of Cods county,—1875 and 1876. Hehas been
an active member of the Democratic state committee for
a long series of years, and at the last national election
was one of the regular Democratic candidates for Presi-
dential elector.

May 1, 1861, Mr. Whittemore was united in marriage
with Emeline Corbett,.daughter of Jesse and Hannah G.
Corbett, of Stewartstown. They have two sons, Albert
Frank, clerk in Colby’s store at Colebrook village, and
Everett Sidney, a member of the class of 1897 in the
New Hampshire College of Agriculture and the Me-
chanic Arts, at Durham.

In early life Mr. Whittemore became a member of the
Masonic fraternity, and has since been active in the
organization. He is alsoa member of the Knights of
Honor, Knights of Pythias, Red Men, and the Order of
the Eastern Star, with which latter organization his wife
has been prominently connected.

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES.

to
~I
_

EDWIN I. WELLINGTON,

RINDGE.

Edwin I. Wellington, the subject of this sketch, is of
the eighth generation in direct descent from Roger
Wellington, the emigrant, who settled in Watertown,
Mass., previous to 1690, being the second son of Ivers
and Mary (Townsend) Wellington of Rindge, born in
that town, January 29, 1860. He was educated in the
common school and engaged in business with his father,
in farming and lum-

bering. With a view to
the improvement of his
health, she: spent ‘the
winter of 1882-83 in
Florida, where he also
engaged in lumbering
operations, at Cedar
Keyes, Palma Sola.

In October, 1888, he
made an engagement
with the Cheshire Im-
provement company to
act as overseer, contin-

uing in that capacity

two years, and so thor-
oughly to the accept-

EpwIn I. WELLINGTON.

ance of the company that his compensation was in-
creased five times during the continuance of the engage-
ment. During this term of service he worked for some
time with one of the best gardeners in the country, gain-
ing from that association and experience much valuable
practical knowledge in that line.

Resigning his position with the Improvement com-
pany, he commenced farming for himself, in connec-

272 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

tion with lumbering, purchasing land from time to time
until he had about 4oo acres. His father having died,
the care of the home estate, of 215 acres more, also fell to
his hands. In his agricultural operations he has devoted
himself largely and successfully to market gardening,
with potatoes as a leading crop, of which he raised goo
bushels last year.

With a large amount of timber on his land, in order to
be able to dispose of the same most advantageously he
purchased the extensive mill property of Deacon O. D.
Converse, and has fitted the mills with the best new and
improved machinery, where he is preparing his Jumber
for market in all desirable forms and also cutting large
quantities of wood. He has also a grist-mill and shingle-
mill attached, making the business a varied and exten-
sive one.

Mr. Wellington married, Decmber 23, 1885, Emma
A., daughter of Cecil and Eunice (Shepard) Wellington
of Ashby, Mass., an intelligent and accomplished young
woman, who has been a faithful and sympathizing com-
panion. They have had five children—Lilla S., Mary
E., Mark E., Thurza who died in infancy, and E. Olive.
. In politics, Mr. Wellington is a Republican, but
through often urged to be a candidate for public office
he has itvariably refused. Some years ago, when
importuned to accept a nomination for member of the
school-board, he suggested that his wife, having been an
experienced and successful teacher and being greatly in-
terested in education, was better fitted for the place, and
at his request she consented to be a candidate, was elected,
and has now served five years.

Mr. and Mrs. Wellington are active working members
of Marshall P. Wilder Grange, No. 134, 0f Rindees
He has served two years as overseer and is the present
master of the Grange.

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 273

Their residence is on the old homestead of William
Kimball, Mr. Wellington’s maternal great-grandfather,
in the little village of Converseville. He is now building
a summer residence on the eastern shore of beautiful Lake
Monomonock in Rindge.

COL. WILLIAM H. STINSON,

DUNBARTON.

From his active interest and conspicuous position in
the Grange, and his prominent connection with the
Grange State Fair Association, the name of Col. William
H. Stinson, of Dunbarton, is among the most familiar in
the state, in agricultural and Grange circles. Colonel
Stinson is of Scotch-Irish ancestry, a great-grandson of
Capt. William Stinson, who came to this country from
the north of Ireland, with his father, John Stinson, when
seven years of age, and who settled in what is now Dun-
barton, in 1747, establishing his home on land now in-
cluded in the Stinson farm. Captain Stinson prospered
in his labors, acquired an extensive estate, and became a
prominent figure in the early history of the town. His
son William inherited a part of the farm, and in turn
transmitted it to his son, William C., the father of Col.
William H., who was an enterprising and progressive
farmer, and a prominent and influential citizen of Dun-
barton.

Wrollian it] Stinson. son of William ©. and Sarah E.
(Poor) Stinson, was born on the family homestead, July
21, 1851. He enjoyed the usual common school advan-
tages, and subsequently attended Appleton academy at
Mont Vernon, and Pembroke academy. III health pre-
vented his pursuing a collegiate course, and he returned

to the parental home, and the pursuits of the farm.
18

ge

CoL. WILLIAM H. STINSON.

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 275

When the Grange movement was inaugurated in the
state, he became interested in the same, and early became
an active member of Stark Grange, No. 42, in which
organization he filled the positions of lecturer and master,
several terms each. In 1879, he was chosen secretary of
the State Grange, and appointed general deputy, hold-
ing these offices four years, when he became master of
the State Grange ; and was subsequently chosen assistant
steward of the National Grange. After three years
of faithful service as state master, the same being signal-
ized by the marked prosperity of the order throughout the
state, he resigned, his entire attention then being demanded
by his increasing duties as a special agent of the United
States Bureau of Labor, under Col. Carroll D. Wright.
by whom he had been appointed upon the organization of
the bureau, and by whom he was continued, and placed
in the ranking division upon the reorganization of the
same into the present Department of Labor. This posi-
tion he held for seven years, when he resigned, and
in April, 1895, he returned to the old family homestead
in Dunbarton, and resumed the life of an active, practi-
cal farmer, in which he has since been engaged, his
leading specialty being the raising of milk for the Bos-
ton market. This farm, which, aside from outlands,
embraces about 400 acres, is located about a mile and a
half from Dunbarton village, and three miles from ‘ Par-
ker’s,” the nearest railway station, the situation being
most delightful from a scenic point of view. The soil
is strong, and yields generous returns to intelligent cul-
tivation. The buildings are ample, including a barn 140
feet long, provided with every convenience, while the
best of improved machinery is used in all farm opera-
tions. Colonel Stinson believes in the silo, and carries
his belief into practical effect.

He was one of the pioneers in the movement for the

, ¢
¥ Me
He ae

WILLIAM H. STINSON, DUNBARTON.

FARM BUILDINGS OF COL.

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 277

organization of the New Hampshire Grange State Fair,
was the first president of the association, subsequently
served as vice-president, and at the annual meeting in
January, 1897, was again chosen president. He was also
a member of the executive committee of the State Grange
in 1894 and 1895, and has ever retained and manifested
a strong interest in the welfare of the order, and the
cause which it represents.

Colonel Stinson was united in marriage, in 1885, with
Ellen F., eldest daughter of Dea. W. H. Conant, of Mont
Vernon, by whom he has five children—three sons and
two daughters. While engaged in departmental work
he made his home in Mont Vernon, and was a member
of the School Board three years. In religion, he isa
Congregationalist, and in politics, Republican. He was
chosen town clerk of Dunbarton at the age of twenty-
one years, and subsequently served as chairman of the
board of selectmen, treasurer, collector, and member of
the School Board, holding this latter position at the
present time. He was engrossing clerk for the legisla-
ture of 1881-82, and gained his rank as colonel from
service as an azde on the staff of Gov. Charles H. Bell.

JACOB SANBORN,

LACONIA.

The lower portion of the old town of Meredith, lying
between Long and Great Bays (the latter now known as
Lake Winnesquam), which was severed to constitute the
town of Laconia in 1855,isin the main admirably adapted
for agricultural purposes, especially in the lines of dairy-
ing and stock raising, abundant hay production, under
proper treatment, being a leading characteristic of the
soil. It contains many excellent farms, among the best

278 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

of which is that of Jacob Sanborn, formerly a part of the
‘’Squire” John Smith place, situated about three miles
up from the Laconia railway station.

The home place embraces about sixty acres of land,
of which the greater portion is in mowing and tillage, the
buildings consisting of a substantial two-story farm man-
sion, a fine barn, 90 x 42 feet, with cellar under the whole,
with the necessary outbuildings. Mr. Sanborn also owns
other land, some in the immediate vicinity and some at a
distance—the latter in-
cluding a farm in Gil-
ford—to the amount of
about 500 acres alto-
gether.

Mr. Sanborn is a na-
tive of Moultonborough
a son of William H.
and Sally Dame San-
born, born January 13,

1843. He removed with
his parents to Gilford
in childhood, and was
early inured to farm

labor in its most exact-

Inge torms> | Lecame
to the Smith place at

JACOB SANBORN.

the age of about eighteen years, and took charge of the
farm work for Miss Polly Smith, continuing in her ser-
vice until her death some fifteen years later, and so faith-
fully and satisfactorily performing his duty that the farm
itself was left him by Miss Smith at her decease.

From boyhood, Mr. Sanborn has been an ardent lover
of good cattle, especially delighting in the rearing and
training of steers, and he has made the same a specialty
the greater portion of his life. His ox teams have been

“VIN( OV'T ‘NYOUNVS

HOOV[ ao SONIGTING WV

280 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

among the finest in the county, both in appearance and
efficiency, and under his direction have accomplished a
vast amount of work, the same being extensively sought
for wherever powerful service in that line was required.
He has raised cattle to sell, both for beef and working
oxen, in great numbers, breeding many himself and buy-
ing others when young. Probably no man in the state is
a better judge of the good points of young stock than
Mr. Sanborn, and he has seldom made a mistake in the
selection of an animal. Ue has raised different breeds,
at one time being largely devoted to the Durham, but of
late his cattle have largely been Hereford grades. He
has now (1897) twenty-six oxen and steers, and also
keeps five horses and a few cows, but has never engaged
to any extent in dairying. He mows some forty acres of
land, and has about ten acres under the plow. As showing
the strength of the soil and the measure of fertilization
employed, it may be noted that from a field of seven acres,
in One season with two crops, he took upwards of twenty-
eight tons of hay.

Mr. Sanborn is a thorough-going, matter-of-fact sort
of man, who always pushes his business instead of allow-
ing it to pushhim. He is a Democrat in politics, but has
no desire for public life, and it was only through being
actually pressed into the service that he now finds him-
self representing Ward one in the Laconia city council.
He is a member of Winnipiseogee lodge. Os Orie
of Laconia, and a charter member of Laconia Grange,
of which he has been treasurer and steward. He is
also an interested member of Belknap County Pomona
Grange.

October 3, 1877, he was united in marriage with
Augusta D., daughter of the late Dr. John L. Perley, a
well-known physician of Laconia. They have one
daughter, Pearl S., a graduate of the Laconia High
school, of the class of 1897.

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 281

HORACE A. HILL,
DERRY.

Agriculture in New Hampshire may have retrograded,
on the whole, during the last fifty years, as some main-
tain, though it is doubtful if such is the case, notwith-
standing the depreciation of farm property in various
sections. If some farms have grown less productive, and
others even returned to the forest state, there are some

that have been greatly
improved, meanwhile,
and are now in better
condition than ever be-
fore. A fine example
of the latter class is
found in the farm of
Horace A. Hill, of
Derry, situated two
and a half miles from

the railway station, on
the main road to Ches-
Hele.

Mics daallka son: of
Charles and Hannah
T. (Hanson) Hill, was
born on the farm, No-

Horace A. HILL.

vember 14, 1839, his father, a native of Chester, having
purchased the same and established his home thereon.
Here he grew to manhood, enjoying the advantages of
the district school, and of Pinkerton academy at Derry
Village. Here he has ever resided, and to the cultiva-
tion of this farm, from which his father had succeeded,
in some seasons, in securing scarcely enough hay to
winter a horse and cow, the labor of his life has been
mainly devoted, though he was for some time interested

282 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

in lumbering, and has sold agricultural implements, to
a considerable extent, for many years.

His farm embraces sixty-six acres of land, of which
about twenty-two acres are in mowing and tillage, mostly
in a single field, which, by thorough cultivation, has been
brought into a very productive state, the hay crop aver-
aging two tons per acre, while he has grown 108 bushels
of shelled corn, and potatoes at the rate of 330 bushels
per acre. The rocks and stones have been removed and
built into substantial walls, or buried in deep drains which
have also materially improved the condition of the soil.
The dwelling is a substantial two-story house, while the
barn—67 x 38 feet—framed and constructed under Mr.
Hill’s personal direction, is one of the best-arranged in
the county, affording ample storage for the forty tons of
hay and other fodder secured, and accommodations for
the stock, consisting generally of five or six superior
horses and about fifteen excellent cows, the milk from
which has in recent years been sold to Hood & Sons, of
Derry.

Mr. Hill has great mechanical ingenuity, and has a
shop on the premises, where he not only shoes his horses,
but does every variety of repairing that may be required.
There is, in fact, no kind of work necessary to be done
on the farm or about the buildings, carriages, or imple-
ments, of which he has the best, which he cannot do
with his own hands.

In politics, Mr. Hill is a Republican, and was elected
chairman of the board of selectmen of Derry, in March,
1897. He is a member and officer of St. Mark’s lodge,
A. F. and A. M.; a charter member of Nutfield Grange,
in which he has held numerous offices, including that of
master for two years, was also for two years master of
the Eastern New Hampshire Pomona Grange, and four
years a district deputy of the State Grange. He was

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 283

for three years assistant marshal and four years marshal
of the New Hampshire Grange Fair, and has been
marshal of the West Rockingham Pomona Grange Fair
since its inception. He was active in the organization of
the Grange Fire Insurance Company, of which he is a
director, as he is also of the Patrons’ Relief Association.
In religion, he is a Presbyterian, and is connected with
the church at East Derry, where he has also been several
years superintendent of the Sunday-school.

November 3, 1869, Mr. Hill was united in marriage with
Lizzie H., daughter of Luther Fitz of Chester, who was
a successful teacher, and also endowed with fine literary
ability. While neglecting none of the details of daily
domestic duty, she has found time for work in other direc-
tions, particularly in the Grange, being at the present
time master of Nutfield Grange. They have three chil-
dren living—twin daughters, Emma Josephine and Ella
May, born June 9, 1874, graduates of Pinkerton acad-
emy, Class of 1894, since engaged in teaching, anda son,
Albert Lyon, born March 20, 1882, now a student at
Pinkerton.

WILLIAM E. GAY,

HILLSBOROUGH.

The old town of Hillsborough, though rough and rug-
ged as to surface, is nevertheless favored with a strong
soil, admirably adapted to grazing and dairy purposes,
and also productive of excellent fruit, so that with the
exercise of judgment, skill, and industry, the pursuit of
agriculture within its limits has been and may be attended
with remunerative and satisfactory results.

Perhaps no man in the entire history of the town accom-
plished more in this line than the late William Edwin
Gay, son of Benjamin H. and Ann D. (Stowe) Gay, born

284 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

July 18, 1835, on the farm where he always resided,
except during a two years’ absence in early life, when he
served as a clerk in Boston, and upon which his father
settled after giving up the occupation of a tanner, which
he had followed in the vicinity for many years. This
farm, now known as ‘‘ Maplewood Farm,”’ is situated
about two and a half miles from Hillsborough Bridge,
near what is known as the ‘** Centre,” and embraces about
160 acres of land, al-
though a considerable
amount of outlying
pasture and woodland
is owned in connec-
tion therewith.

Mr. Gay gave to
the cultivation and im-
provement of this farm,
the Jeneroy and devo-
tion of a tireless, pur-
poseful life, seeking
the bestresults through
the application of the
most approved meth-

ods, dairying and fruit
culture being his lead-
ing specialties for many years. He kept from twenty
to thirty cows, largely Jerseys, and produced, for a
time, upwards of 4,000 pounds of butter per annum,
which commanded the highest market price, on account
of its superior quality. Some two or three years previous
to his decease, he changed from butter to milk produc-
tion, finding his market in a milk route at Hillsborough
Bridge. Upon making this change, he gradually dis-
posed of his Jerseys, substituting Ayrshires in their place,
as the most desirable cows for milk alone.

WILLIAM E. Gay.

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 285

Of fruit, in whose culture he took special delight, he
raised all kinds in abundance, and numerous varieties.
Apples, pears, plums, peaches, apricots, and grapes were
grown in profusion, over thirty varieties of grapes being
included among his bearing vines. His peaches were of
special excellence, and in one season he sold upwards of
one hundred dollars worth of the same. He exercised
great care not only in the cultivation, but in the harvest-
ing, storing, and marketing of his fruits, and was partic-
ularly successful in preserving apples in perfect condition
tor the late winter and spring markets.

The annual hay crop on this farm amounts to some
seventy-five tons, and this has been supplemented with
corn, of which several hundred bushels per annum have
been raised, but the ensilage system has never been
adopted. Potatoes are raised in considerable quantities,
and were at one time quite a specialty.

In some years, from fifty to sixty head of cattle and
horses have been kept on the farm, the latter branch of
stock usually including some good animals, which is the
case at the present time.

The location and surroundings of ‘* Maplewood” are
most attractive for summer boarders, and for the last thirty
years a number of these have been accommodated here.
So popular had the place become as a home for those
seeking the genuine comforts of country life during the
heated term, that, in 1892, a separate house with rooms
for the accommodation of thirty or forty people, was
erected near the farm-house, and has been filled every
succeeding season. 4

Mr. Gay was a Republican in politics, taking much
interest in public affairs, but never seeking office, though
he was for three years a member of the board of select-
men. In religion, he was a Methodist, and the family
are connected with the Methodist society at the Centre.

“MOLaINdONd “AV *Y YALIVAA ‘“HONOWNOASTIIFT ,, ‘1

UV GOOMATdIVIN >>

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 287

Mr. Gay was a charter member of Valley Grange, of
Hillsborough, taking a deep interest in the welfare of the
organization from the first, holding many of its offices,
including that of lecturer, to which he gave his best
efforts for several years, and manifesting his devotion to
the principles of the order in all fitting ways, up to the
time of his death, December 9g, 1895.

He was united in marriage, March 17, 1861, with Miss
Mary J. Blanchard, of Washington. Their six children
include four daughters
and. two, sons. The
eldest, Nellie M., is
the wife of Charles
Morgan, a farmer of
Hillsborough, residing
near ‘‘ Maplewood
Farm.’ Frank D:, the
eldest son, remained
at home, engaged with
his father in the man-

agement of the farm,
until his marriage, in
ESQ0, when, wre! re-
moved to the ‘*Bridge”
village, but still con-
tinues the milk busi-
ness. Walter E., the younger son, was engaged for ten
years in Manchester, with his uncle, R. D. Gay, but re-
turned home upon his father’s decease and his brother’s
removal, and is now actively engaged in management of
the farm, and proposes to devote his best energies to
agriculture as his future life-work. Julia M., a gradu-
ate of Colby academy, who continued her studies in
special lines in Boston and Chicago universities for two
years, is now a teacher in the Dundee, IIl., High school.

WALTER E. Gay.

288 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

Lisabel, the third daughter, a graduate of the Dundee
High school, entered the State Normal School at Ply-
mouth, in 1896; while Ethel A., the youngest, is yet at
home.

HON: FOEN G, RAY,
MANCHESTER.

Although now generally known as the efficient super-
intendent of the State Industrial School in Manchester,
which position he has held since 1874, John C. Ray, for
a quarter of a century previous, was one of the leading
farmers of Merrimack county, and still owns the splendid
farm in Dunbarton in whose cultivation he has taken so
much pride and pleasure. Mr. Ray was born in Hop-
kinton, January 3, 1826, but moved in childhood, with
his father, Aaron Ray, to the farm in question, in the
western part of Dunbarton, near the Stark place, a por-
tion of which he has also recently purchased. After
securing his education in the district school, and at
Master John Ballard’s famous private school in Hopkin-
ton, Mr. Ray devoted himself to agriculture. Succeed-
ing to the ownership of the farm, which embraces some
four hundred acres of land altogether, he wrought great
improvement in its condition, quadrupling the amount of
its hay product, and engaging extensively in stock
breeding, first raising grade Shorthorns, of which the
famous mammoth cow, the largest ever raised in the
country, weighing 2,760 pounds, which was sold for
$700 and exhibited all over the country, was a specimen.
Subsequently he turned his attention to Devons, raising
many fine pure-blood animals of this breed. He was
long a successful exhibitor at the fairs, in which he has
always taken an interest, having been an officer in both
the old New Hampshire State and Merrimack County

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 289

fairs. The superior management, and splendid Devon
stock, of the Industrial School farm furnish ample testi-
mony to his skill and judgment as a manager and stock
breeder. For a long time after his removal to Manches-
ter, Mr. Ray continued the management of his Dunbar-
ton farm, but has recently leased it, to relieve himself of
the care involved. Aside from this farm, he owns several
hundred acres of land in various places, paying taxes in
eight different towns. Notwithstanding his large expe-
rience in public life, and his varied duties in other direc-
tions, his interest in agriculture is as strong as ever, and
his chief pride is in what he has accomplished as a New
Hampshire farmer.

JOHN Ly KELLEY,

FRANKLIN.

Probably no man in New Hampshire has more effec-
tively demonstrated the fact that agriculture even in this
rugged section of the country, can be made profitable,
than John L. Kelley of the ‘*‘ Maplewood” farm, Frank-
lin, situated on Prospect street, or the Northfield road, a
mile and a half out from Franklin Falls, which has long
been known as one of the best farms in Merrimack
county, and has been continually improving in productive
value.

Mr. Kelley is a native of Gilmanton, a son of Daniel
and Sally (Weeks) Kelley, and a grandson of Micajah
Kelley, a soldier of the Revolution. He was reared to
farm life, but secured a good education in the common
schools and at Gilmanton academy, and the Seminary at
Sanbornton Bridge, now Tilton, and taught school
winters from the age of eighteen to twenty-five. He
engaged in farming in his native town until 1866, when

he bought what was then known as the Gerrish farm, in
19

290 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

Franklin, upon which he has since resided, and which
he has made to yield the abundant fruits of intelligent
industry. This farm embraces about 250 acres of land,
conveniently located, with a soil admirably adapted to
the production of hay, corn, potatoes, and almost all crops
grown in this part of the country. The buildings con-
sist of a large, old-style farm mansion, a modern cottage,
two large barns, and all necessary outbuildings, all
admirably arranged and supplied with the requisite con-
vemiences.. = Dheresas
also a full supply of
the best of modern farm
machinery, including
the Keystone hay load-
er, economy in labor
being a strong point
in Mr. Kelley’s farm
system.

About 100>-acres vor
the farm are devoted

to mowing and tillage,
of which some forty
acres © are «generally:
kept under the plow,
one half of this being
planted to corn, the
product of which is largely ensilaged. The potato crop
reaches from 500 to 1,500 bushels, and has sometimes
exceeded the latter figure. Market gardening is quite
extensively pursued, Franklin Falls furnishing a ready
daily market, whose wants have been carefully noted
and promptly met. The hay crop is quite heavy, the
two cuttings amounting to about 200 tons per annum.
Milk production is the leading industry, and has grad-
ually increased in extent, until now about sixty cows

Joun L. KELLEY.

eM RAE ON
sail of Ro

oe ‘ i. a

Tit
Lee tf

SONS.

tLLEY &

q

Ky

RANKLIN, J. L.

4

‘¢ MAPLEWOOD Farm,” I

292 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

are kept, the milk being delivered daily to customers
in the city. In addition to Mr. Kelley and his sons,
four men are employed on the farm through the year,
and from two to four others during the busy season.

Mr. Kelley married, October 24, 1847, Miss Susan
Drew, of Alton. Six children have blessed their union—
Emily Bird, wife of; Rev. J; W.-Walker, of lowar
Olin J.; Charles H., now a lawyer in Forest City, Ia. ;
Elmer D.; Nellie Bell, wife of Z. A. Norris, of Boston,
and Irving J. All enjoyed and improved excellent educa-
tional advantages, and are thoroughly equipped for the
duties of life. Two of the sons, Olin J. and Elmer D.,
the latter a graduate of the New Hampshire College of
Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts, and at present a
member of the Franklin city council, are associated with
Mr. Kelley in the proprietorship and management of the
farm and business. Olin J. married Mary Elizabeth
Walker, of Brompton, Ont., and has four children.
They occupy the cottage. Elmer D. married Emma
Ingalls, of Walden, Vt., and has also four children, occu-
pying the main house, with the father and mother. The
younger son, Irving J., though unmarried, occupies the
Scribner farm, adjoining, which was purchased by Mr.
Kelley some years since, and is engaged in business for
himself, with a partner.

Mr. Kelley has been, all his life, diligently devoted to
his occupation, never seeking office or preferment in any
direction, but conscientiously performing his duty as a man
and a citizen; yet, while a resident of Gilmanton, he
served for ten years as moderator, several years as a
member of the school-board, and in 1864 and 1865 as a
member of the legislature. Politically, he is a Republi-
can, and in religion, a Methodist, having joined that
church in early life, though as a matter of convenience he
worshipped with the Free Baptists for some years in

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 293

Gilmanton, serving also as superintendent of the Sunday-
school. In Franklin, he has been chairman of the board
of trustees of the Methodist Episcopal church since its
organization, has filled by turns nearly all the offices of
the church, and was for several years superintendent of
the Sunday-school, a position which his son, Elmer D.,
has also acceptably filled for the last ten years or more.

Mr. Kelley is a charter member of Franklin Grange,
and is also a member of Pemigewasset Colony, U. O.
P. F., of which he was the first governor. His sons are
also members of the Grange, and Elmer D. for three
years held the master’s chair.

Aside from home farms, Mr. Kelley owns several hun-
dred acres of land in Hill, Northfield, and Gilmanton,
including the ancestral farm in the latter town. In the
fall of 1896, they erected a large hot-house near the
city, as an adjunct of the market gardening business,
which already gives promise of substantial returns.

MARK RINES,
JEFFERSON.

Some of the most energetic and successful men in
northern New Hampshire have combined the occupations
of the lumberman and farmer, transforming the forest
growth into lumber, and clearing up and cultivating the
land. <A good representative of this class is Mark Rines
of Jefferson, who was born in that town, March 7, 1841,
was educated in the common schools, and has devoted
himself to lumbering and agriculture, with such success
that, through strict attention to business, coupled with
honor and integrity, he has acquired a handsome prop-
erty. He manufactures annually about two millions of
long and short lumber, including clapboards and shingles,
for which he finds a ready market.

294 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

He has cleared about three hundred acres of land,
which is devoted to agricultural purposes. He cuts
annually 125 tons of hay, and raises 1,500 bushels of
oats and other grain, which he feeds to a large stock of
horses, oxen, cows, sheep, and young cattle. He also
buys corn and manure, believing that it pays to feed both
stock and land. His barns are large, warm, and con-
venient, and the large yards and open sheds are comfort-
able in summer and winter. A pure mountain spring
furnishes an abundant
supply of sthrey best
water, and the good
care and gentle treat-
ment which his stock
receives is a paying
investment.

Mr. Rines: is a Ma-
son, a member of North
Star lodge, of Lancas-
ter. He is kind to the
poor, and has many a
time given a discour-
aged man a lift, and
with a cheerful word,

sent him on his way

MARK RINES.

rejoicing. It was ‘‘ tax

or jail”’ with one poor fellow, and he owed ‘‘ Mark” an
old score, too; but the tax was paid. Some time after,
the man came, poorly clad, and with a tear in his eye,
he said: “Mark, here is the money... You helpedsime
when no other man would.”

Politically, Mr. Rines is a Democrat of positive con-
victions. So far as he is concerned, the office seeks
the man, and not the man the office; yet he has repre-
sented his town in the legislature, and held other offices

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 295

of honor and trust. ‘Temperate himself, he believes in
temperance, and in moral and legal suasion, too. He
employs many men in mill and forest and on the farm,
but strikes are unknown among them. He hasa pleasant
home, is in the prime of life, and employés, neighbors,
and friends all say, ‘‘ May his shadow never be less!”

Mr. Rines has been twice married, and has five chil-
dren. Three daughters by his first wife are married and
settled away from home,—one in Lawrence, Mass., and
two in South Berwick, Me. By his second wife, Mary
H. Gray of Lancaster, with whom he was united April
7, 1883, he has a daughter and son, twelve and three
years of age respectively at time of writing.

GEORGE CARPENTER,
SWANZEY.

‘‘ Valley View” at the foot of Mount Caesar in Swan-
zey is widely known as the seat of a generous hospitality.
Here is the home of George Carpenter, great-grandson
of Rev. Ezra Carpenter, who was born April 1, 1698,
and settled over the united parishes of Keene and Swan-
zey, then known as Upper and Lower Ashuelot, Oct. 4,
1753, locating upon the farm, on the slope of Mount
Ceesar, which has ever since been held in the family,
the entire period being covered by four generations.
Greenwood Carpenter, born March 31, 1733, succeeded
his father in its ownership. He died February 3, 1808,
leaving it to his son Elijah, born December 23, 1779,
and who died October 24, 1861. Elijah Carpenter was
a prominent and influential citizen, serving in both
branches of the state legislature, and for ten years as
sheriff of Cheshire county.

George Carpenter, son of Hon. Elijah and Fanny

E CARPENTER, SWANZEY.

I

‘© VALLEY VIEW,” HOME OF GEORG

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 297

(Partridge) Carpenter, was born on this farm September
13, 1828. He was educated in the common school, at
Mt. Cesar Seminary, Swanzey, and at Saxton’s River
and Ludlow, Vt., academies. In 1850 he went South,
and engaged in the business of tinning roofs and railroad
bridges, including that over the James river at Richmond.
He pursued this business for two years in different
sections of the country, but in 1852 caught the ‘* gold
fever” and went to California, where he engaged in
mining, and subse-
quently in farming at
Santa Clara county.
He returned East in
1855, and on June 14,
1864, was united in
marriage with Miss
Lucy J., daughter of
Colonel Carter and
Lucy (Baker) Whit-
comb, since which
time he has resided on
the ancestral home-

stead, with the excep-
HOM Of Six iyears, 10
Chesterfield, where he
carried on a variety of GEORGE CARPENTER.

lumbering operations.

Mr. Carpenter has always been a student, and, with
his wife, took up the Chautauqua course in 1883, gradua-
ting in the ** Pansy class” of 1887, and subsequently pur-
suing the University course under eminent instructors for
several years. Economic questions have especially com-
manded his attention, and while reared a Democrat, and
long acting with that party, he has been led through
investigation and reflection to ally himself with various

298 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

reform movements in politics that have arisen in recent
years. He was the Greenback candidate for congress
in his district in 1882, also for governor in 1884 and 1886,
and a People’s Party candidate for presidential elector in
1892, continuing his alliance with the latter organization,
and giving his support to William J. Bryan for presi-
dent in 1896.

The old Carpenter homestead has long been regarded
as a place of historic interest. The old Indian fort was
situated on this farm, and the same spring that supplied
the fort is the source of Mr. Carpenter’s water-supply
to-day, the original curb, cut from a hollow pine, still
doing service in the same capacity. The farm contains
about 200 acres of land, of which forty are in mowing and
tillage, divided into small fields by the original heavy
stone walls. The pastures of late have been allowed to
grow up largely to young timber, Nature being regarded
as the most profitable farmer by Mr. Carpenter, under
present conditions, and although the farm formerly pro-
duced heavy crops of corn and wheat, cultivation has
been limited in recent years. The grounds about the
buildings are beautifully shaded with pines, and the air
of the place is that of quiet comfort, becoming the home
of intelligence and refinement. In addition to the home
farm, Mr. Carpenter has some 400 acres of outlying
timber land.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter are interested members
of Golden Rod grange of Swanzey, and have given time
and effort to its work; they are also deeply interested
in the welfare of the Mt. Cesar Library association, occu-
pying the old seminary building, which Mr. Carpenter
purchased and donated for the uses of the association.

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 299

HON. FRANCIS A. GORDON,
MERRIMACK.

Francis Allen Gordon, son of Jacob and Lydia (Smith)
Gordon, was born in the town of Henniker, February 3,
1830. He is a descendant in the sixth generation from
Alexander Gordon, who came from Scotland in 1650,
and settled in the town of Exeter. His father was a
farmer and he was reared to farm labor, but attended
school in youth at Henniker. Andover and Clinton Grove
academies, and taught
district schools in win-
ter in Henniker, Hop-
kinton, and Warner,
for about fifteen years,
continuing his_ resi-
dence at the old home-
stead.

October 2S;,, “1862;

he was united in

marriage with Martha
Dickinson McGaw,
daughter of Isaac and
Eliza (Armour) Mc-
Gaw. ot Windham,
and, the year follow-

Hon. FrANcIs A. GORDON. ing, removed to the

well-known McGaw

farm at Reed’s Ferry in the town of Merrimack, where
he has since resided.

This farm, which extends up from the west bank of
the Merrimack river, was originally settled by Jacob
McGaw, who was of Scotch-Irish parentage and emi-
grated from Liney-Gloss, near Londonderry, Ireland,
settling in Bedford, from which town Merrimack was

s, REED’S FERRY, Hon. F. A. GORDON, PROP’R.

ras)

McGaw FARM BUILDIN

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 301

taken, some time previous to the Revolution. He became
a prominent citizen and represented Bedford in the New
Hampshire legislature during the entire Revolutionary
period, from 1775 to 1782. He was the father of Robert
and Isaac McGaw, the former of whom remained upon
the farm in question.

The farm now embraces two hundred and sixty-five
acres of land, including mowing, tillage, and pasture,
and there are some four hundred and fifty acres of out-
lying woodlands. The buildings include a spacious
mansion, and modern farm barn, 100 X 40 feet, with
cellar under the whole. The stock consists of twenty-
four head of cattle and four horses, the leading specialty
being milk which is principally sold to customers in the
village. Ten acres of ensilage corn and several acres
of oats are grown annually, supplementary to the hay
crop.

Mr. Gordon is a Republican in politics and repre-
sented the town of Merrimack in the legislature of 1889—-
’°90. He also represented District No. 19 in the state
senate for the session of 1895. In religion he is a Con-
gregationalist, and has long been an active member of
the First Congregational church of Merrimack, in which
he has held the office of deacon for the last twenty-four
years. He retains a strong interest in educational work,
and is the leading trustee of the McGaw Normal Institute
at Reed’s Ferry, and treasurer of the board, devoting no
little attention to the executive work essential to the
maintenance of the school. He is a charter member of
Thornton Grange, Merrimack, and has served several
years as chaplain.

Mr. and Mrs. Gordon have two sons, Robert McGaw,
born August 19, 1871, and Arthur Gilbert, January 27,
1876. The elder is a graduate of the McGaw Normal
Institute and of the Bryant & Stratton Business College

302 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

of Boston. He is at presenta member of the Merrimack
school-board and overseer of Thornton Grange. The
younger son is a member of the class of 1899, New
Hampshire College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts
at Durham.

CHARLES We-STONE;
ANDOVER.

Among the most industrious and enterprising of the
young farmers of New Hampshire is Charles W. Stone
of Andover, a son of Charles J. F. and Abbie A. (Weare)
Stone, born in Plymouth, August 6, 1859. His father
dying soon after his birth, his mother returned with her
children to her birthplace, the old Weare homestead on
Taunton Hill in the eastern part of Andover, where Jon-
athan Weare, a kinsman of the patriot leader, Meshech
Weare, settled in early life, and eventually transmitted
the property to his son Meshech, the father of Mrs. Stone.

Here Charles W. Stone was reared, and has since had
his home. Possessed of an active mind, a retentive
memory, and a strong predilection for study, he fitted for
college in New London academy, and entered Dart-
mouth with his brother George W., two years older,
graduating from that institution in 1878, before complet-
ing his nineteenth year, being one of the youngest men
ever graduated from that college.

After graduation he returned home, and while his
brother engaged in the study and practice of law, he
devoted himself to the older and no less honorable avo-
cation of agriculture, which he has since successfully
pursued on the old maternal homestead, which, originally
containing about two hundred acres, has been enlarged
from time to time until it now embraces about eight
hundred acres, mostly contiguous. The soil is strong

CHARLES W. STONE.

304 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

and productive, four tons of hay per acre, at two cut-
tings, being secured in a season from the best cultivated
fields. The annual hav crop averages about eighty
tons, while a large amount of corn isensilaged in the four
silos now on the place, which have a total capacity of
about two hundred and fifty tons. An abundant supply of
fruit, from grafted and standard trees, is also secured in
favorable seasons.

Dairying is Mr. Stone’s specialty, the product of some
thirty cows being marketed in the form of cream, which
is raised by the Cooley process, the milk being retained
on the farm for feeding purposes. His entire stock the
past winter consisted of sixteen horses and forty-eight
head of cattle, including the cows. These are largely
Jerseys and include some pure-blooded, and fine-grade
animals. No little pains have been taken for improvement
in this direction, a fine blooded bull from the noted C. I.
Hood herd, having been recently in use.

There are two sets of buildings on the farm, one house
being occupied by the help. Three men are constantly
employed, and several others during the busy season.

For several years previous to 1895, Mr. Stone,
although continuing the management of his farm, was
engaged as the New Hampshire agent of the Bowker
Fertilizer company.

Mr. Stone is an earnest Democrat, but has given little
time to politics. His fellow-citizens have called him
into their service, however, to a considerable extent. He
was chosen a member of the board of selectmen in 1881,
when only twenty-one years of age, and again the fol-
lowing year, and in 1883 was chairman of the board,
which position he has held two years since that time.
He represented Andover in the legislature of 1891—2,
and was chosen road. agent in 1896 and again in 1897,
serving so efficiently in the latter position that the

‘UHAOGNY ‘WAVY SANOLS “AA ‘DO ‘SAaSUaf AO anoUy

306 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

highways of Andover are among the best in the hill
towns of New Hampshire. He has also served asa ballot
inspector since the office was established. He was
appointed a member of the board of trustees of the State
Agricultural College in 1887 and has served continuously
since that time, taking much interest in the welfare of
the institution. He is a Patron of Husbandry, first
joining Highland Lake Grange, East Andover, but
withdrawing to unite with Blackwater Grange, Andover,
upon the organization of the latter. He married August

9, 1893, Emma Darveau of Quebec.

PERLEY E. FOX,

MARLow.

Among the many men who, reared upon the farm,
have gone out into other fields of labor and enterprise,
and passed therein the more active years of life, and
have turned again to agriculture for pleasurable employ-
ment, if not for profit, is Perley E. Fox of Marlow, a well-
known citizen of Cheshire county, and a prominent and
interested member of the order of Patrons of Husbandry.
Mr. Fox isa native of Marlow, a son of Peter T. and
Emily (Perley) Fox, born December 17, 1833, upon
the old farm on which his grandfather had settled, and
to which his father had succeeded, about three fourths
of a mile from Marlow village. Here he grew to man-
hood, receiving such education as the public schools and
Marlow academy afforded, and supplementing the same
by attendance at the N. H. Conference seminary at
Northfield, now at Tilton.

At the age of eighteen, Mr. Fox commenced teaching
and pursued that occupation for about ten years, the last
five years in Danville and Belvidere, Ill. In 1862 he

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 307

returned from the West and engaged in mercantile pur-
suits, and in 1869 went into the stove and tin business at
Marlow, continuing the same successfully until 1892,
when he retired from business, and, turning his attention
to the home and occupation of his boyhood, took the old
family homestead—the farm whereon his father and
grandfather had wrought sturdily in the battle of life—
and, though retaining his residence in the village, has
since been, and now is, engaged in its cultivation and
improvement, his pur-
pose being to do good
work and bring the
farm into condition for
profitable agriculture in
the future, whether or
not any direct pecuni-
ary profit accrues to him
in the process.

Mr. Fox has about
400 acres of land in
all, largely pasture and
woodland, some forty
acres only being tillage.
Of this, he keeps about
ten acres under the
plow, his object being
the production of first-class crops of hay, supplementing
the same with ensilage, a silo having been recently put
in. He keeps a mixed stock, including eight or ten
cows, some young cattle, three horses, and a flock of
60 or 70 sheep. He was a charter member of Excelsior
Grange of Marlow, of which organization he is the
present master, and is also master of Cheshire County
Pomona Grange, to which position he was elected in
December, 1895.

PERLEY E. Fox.

308 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

He has taken an active interest in the work of the
order, and is a ready and effective speaker in the various
gatherings under its auspices in his section of the state.
Mrs. Fox, formerly Miss Catharine Fiske, daughter of
the late Hon. Amos F. Fiske of Marlow, to whom he
was married November 11, 1860, is also an earnest and
efficient Grange worker, and has served as lecturer of
the Pomona and subordinate Granges. They have no
children living, a son, Charles H., having died in infancy.

Mr. Fox is an Odd Fellow, and has passed the chairs
in that organization. Politically, he is a Republican, but,
residing in a Democratic town, has not been called into
the public service as generally as might otherwise have
been the case. He has served on the school-board
many years, however, and was for three successive terms,
or six years, a member of the board of county commis-
sioners. In religion, he is a Methodist, and has been for
29 consecutive years superintendent of the Sunday-
school connected with that church in Marlow.

While engaged in mercantile life, it should be noted,
Mr. Fox took out three different patents, one of which
was for the Granite State evaporator, for making maple
sugar, which has been long and favorably known.

JOHN: MM.” PRESSEY,
SUTTON.

John M. Pressey, of Sutton, son of William and Jemi-
ma W. (Bean) Pressey, was born in that town, May 11,
1841, and reared on the farm originally settled in 1772
by his great-grandfather, William Pressey, from Haver-
hill, Mass., who was the first carpenter in town and the
first captain of militia. This farm, though not now occu-
pied, has always remained in the family, and is now

‘NOLLOAS ‘AdSSaUd ‘WW NHOf{ 4O WuVy

310 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

owned by Mr. Pressey. At twenty years of age he en-
tered the Union army as a private in the First Rhode
Island Cavalry, and served until discharged in Novem-
ber, 1862, after being wounded at the Battle of Front
Royal. Subsequently he was for two years clerk in the
store of Lewis Richards at Sutton Mills, then bought a
wood lot, and carried on lumbering operations and traded
in cattle in connection with farming. In June, 1865, he
married Miss Electa A. Durgin of Sanbornton. He
lived in Canaan four years after marriage, then returned
to Sutton and bought a farm in the western part of the
town. This he sold in 1883, and bought the old Aaron
Russell farm at South Sutton, where he has since resi-
ded. ‘This farm, of eighty acres, is now one of the best
in the region, having been greatly improved, while the
buildings have been extensively remodelled, rebuilt, and
put in first-class condition. Milk production is the farm
specialty, the fine hay crop being supplemented by ensi-
lage from a fifty-ton silo put in in 1892. From fifteen
to twenty cows are kept. He has one son, William S.,
now about thirty years of age, who lives at home and
manages the farm, while he is himself extensively en-
gaged in the flour and feed business at Bradford. Mr.
Pressey is a Republican in politics, and has held various
town offices. He was a charter member of Sutton
Grange but has since withdrawn, though Mrs. Pressey
is still an active and interested member of this organiza-
tion.

GEORGE F. WHITNEY, 2D,

NEWPORT.

Among the thrifty and prosperous farmers of the town
of Newport is George F. Whitney, 2d, a son of Orange
and Emeline (Harris) Whitney, born in Sunapee, Feb-

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 2a

ruary 9, 1839, his parents having removed to that town
from Lowell. When he was two years of age, they
removed to Goshen, and a few years later to Newport,
where he has ever since resided. He was educated in
the common school and the Newport High school, and
has been engaged in agriculture and as a stone mason
and contractor during the years of his active life up to
the present time.

He has a fine farm on the hillside, about two miles
southeast of Newport village, which embraces about 100
acres of land. He also owns another farm on ‘‘ Pike
Hill,” and a tract of valuable land on the Goshen road
a mile below the village, upon which he has a fine
barn.

Mr. Whitney was for many years actively engaged in
raising thoroughbred Durham cattle, gaining much
reputation for their excellence, and his present stock is
in the same line. He keeps, generally, a pair of horses
and twenty-five or thirty head of cattle, including ten
good cows, whose milk is retailed in the village. He
has a substantial set of buildings on the home farm, con-
veniently arranged, including a fine new _ barn, just
completed, 40x75 feet, with cellar under the whole.
Considerable attention has been given to fruit culture,
and he has one of the best young apple orchards in
town.

Mr. Whitney is a member of Sullivan Grange of New-
port, and has been lecturer several terms. He is a Bap-
tist in religion and a Democrat in politics, has served
upon the board of selectmen, and was a representative
in the legislature in the summer of 1878, and reélected
for two years at the first biennial election in November
following. He married Clara A. Wheeler, a sister of
the late Paul J. Wheeler of Newport, May 11, 1864.
They have one son, Frank G. Whitney.

312 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

EMR Cy UtEHINSON:
MILFORD.

Few names are better known among Patrons of Hus-
bandry in New England than that of Emri C. Hutchin-
son of Milford, secretary of the New Hampshire State
Grange. The Hutchinson family has long been promi-
nent in Milford, the ancestor, Nathan Hutchinson, being
one of the early settlers of the town. His son, Benjamin,
great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, married
a daughter of William
Peabody, the first set-
tler of the town, who
located on land grant-
ed an uncle for heroism
in battle. Benjamin
Hutchinson 2d, son of
Benjamin, received,
through his mother,
the land embraced in
the present Hutchinson
farm, and upon which
his son, Benjamin F.,
father of EmriC., was
borny, june” 70; 516145
and has always re-
sided.-- Benjamin F.
Hutchinson married Eliza Richardson, and the worthy
couple celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their mar-

EmRI C. HUTCHINSON.

riage some years since. He has always taken a strong
interest in agricultural progress and was one of the first
men in the state to engage in and report the result of
scientific feeding experiments. He was an active mem-
ber of the State Board of Agriculture in the early days
of the organization, was for several years president of

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. an

the Hillsborough County Agricultural Society, and also
represented his town in the state legislature.

Emri C. Hutchinson was born July 31, 1849, upon the
farm where he was reared and has always resided, the
location being near Richardson’s Crossing, on the Wil-
ton railroad, about two miles from Milford village. le
was educated in the town schools and the private school
of Prof. W. L. Whittemore, and entered the first class
in the New Hampshire College of Agriculture, but did
not complete the course. August 9, 1876, he was united
in marriage with Miss Annie E. Lovejoy of Peterboro,
who has been a most faithful companion and assistant in
the work in which he has been engaged. They have
two daughters,—M. Roselle and Medora A.

Mr. Hutchinson, like his father, has always been
strongly interested in agriculture, and has been promi-
nently identified with organizations promotive of its prog-
ress. He was for some time secretary of the Hillsbor-
ough County Agricultural Society, and was a charter
member and the first secretary of Granite Grange No. 7,
of Milford, holding the latter office for six successive
years. He was also lecturer for one year, and for two
years master of the same Grange. He served as assist-
ant steward and steward of the State Grange one term
each, and was general deputy for eight years previous
to his election as secretary in December, 1891, to which
latter position he has since been successively reélected.
He has also been secretary of the New Hampshire
Grange Mutual Fire Insurance Company since its organ-
ization in 1889, and through his faithful and persistent
labors in these two offices he has been brought in con-
tact with the Patrons of the state more generally than
almost any other member of the organization, and has
contributed largely to its success. He was also for one
term master of the Hillsborough County Pomona

‘dNOATIF ‘NOSNIHOLAY “OD THNY AO SONIGTING WV]

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 315
Grange, of which he was a charter member. Mrs.
Hutchinson has also been actively interested in Grange
work, and has held various offices in the subordinate,
Pomona, and State Granges.

The Hutchinson farm embraces about seventy acres of
land, sixteen of which is in mowing and tillage. Thor-
ough cultivation has been the motto, and two tons of hay
per acre the average product. At one time early pota-
toes for the Nashua market were extensively raised, but
milk production is the leading specialty. The cows are
high grade Ayrshire and Durham, selected for their
dairy qualities, and commanded first premiums at the
county fairs for several years. The milk is sold to the
Whitings for the Boston market, the product of this
dairy going into Boston in the first car run for such pur-
poses, and the sales some years have averaged over
$100 per cow, at the contractor’s prices.

Mr. Hutchinson is a Republican in politics, but has
never held or sought public office. Both he and Mrs.
Hutchinson are active members of the Unitarian church _
of Milford.

THOMAS S. PULSIFER,
CAMPTON.

Attendants at the Grafton County and the Grange
State fairs, and the annual winter exhibition of the
Granite State Dairymen’s Association, for many years
past, cannot have failed to observe the fine dairy exhibits
labelled Ls'S2 Pulsifer; Campton.”

Thomas Scott Pulsifer, son of John and Polly
(Palmer) Pulsifer, was born on the farm where he has
always resided, April 5, 1825. This farm, situated on
the hillside, two miles by the highway from the railway
station at Livermore Falls, and four miles from Ply-

316 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

mouth village, was settled by Joseph Pulsifer, who came
into town from Ipswich, Mass., in 1767, and located
here in 1781, and has ever since remained in the family.
It originally embraced about 100 acres, but additions
from time to time have increased the acreage to 450, all
contiguous, or nearly adjacent.

Mr. Pulsifer attended the district school and Plymouth
Academy, but his principal education has been gained
in the school of practical agriculture, wherein he ranks
with the most success-
ful New Hampshire
farmers, having adopt-
ed ‘improvement’ as
his motto, and_ pro-
ceeding upon the ba-
sis that farming, even
in New Hampshire,
can be made to pay.
He purswes mixed
farming, with dairy-
ing as a leading fea-
ture. His mowing and
tillage embraces some
seventy-five acres, and
his stock includes
about thirty head of
cattle, of which sixteen or seventeen are cows, selected
for their milking qualities, four horses, and a small flock
of sheep, of which in former years he kept a larger
number. He raises 300 or 400 bushels of corn annu-
ally, and until within a few years past, raised a consid-
erable amount of wheat, for the production of which
his land is admirably adapted, thirty bushels to the acre
frequently being secured. Indeed, until 1894 he had
never bought a barrel of flour for family use. For many

THOMAS S. PULSIFER.

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 25107

years he produced a prime article of butter as well as
cheese, but of late, except during three months in sum-
mer, when he still makes cheese, to the number of sev-
enty-five or one hundred, his milk has been delivered at
the creamery in Plymouth.

Mr. Pulsifer is an earnest Patron of Husbandry; was
a charter member of Campton Grange, organized in
April, 1878, and its second master, holding the office
eight years, altogether. He was a charter member and
has been an officer of Grafton County Pomona Grange,
was four years a District Deputy of the State Grange,
and has been a director of the Grange Mutual Fire In-
surance Company from the start, and its treasurer since
the second year. In religion he is a Congregationalist ;
politically, a Republican. He has been prominent in town
affairs, serving as treasurer, member of the school board,
chairman of the board of selectmen, and representative
in 1865 and 1866. He has been a director in the Pemi-
gewasset National Bank at Plymouth since its organiza-
tion, and a director and vice-president of the Plymouth
Creamery Association, which he was active in organiz-
ing.

january 1, .1852, he married Hannah P. Cook of
Campton. They have had three children, of whom one
son, John M., survives. He married Laura S. Worthen
of Holderness, has a daughter five years of age, and
resides with his parents, the management of the farm
now being in his hands.

WILLIAM W. BURBANK,
WEBSTER,
As a rule the man whose leading occupation in life is

lumbering, or fitting for commercial uses the natural for-
est product, develops a love for the soil, and a strong

. BURBANK.

WILLIAM W

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 319

affinity for agriculture, an occupation naturally resulting
from, and kindred to, his own.

William Wirt Burbank, of Webster, has been princi-
pally occupied during his more than ordinarily busy life,
up to the present time, in the business of a lumber man-
ufacturer at ‘** Burbank’s Mills,” on the Blackwater, not
far from Corser Hill, in the northwestern part of the
town. Here he was born, September 13, 1842, a son of
Friend L. and Dorothy (Jackman) Burbank. He is a
descendant of Moses Burbank, who came from Bradford,
Mass., in 1733, and settled at Boscawen Plain, and
whose son, David, the great-grandfather of William W.,
was a soldier in the patriot army at Bunker Hill, and an
officer under Stark at Bennington. Abraham Burbank,
a son of David, and father of Friend L., engaged exten-
sively in lumbering and agriculture. He built the mills
at the point in question, and the family name has ever
since applied to the location, where William was reared
and has ever had his home. He received his education
in the schools of Webster and at Boscawen Academy,
and engaged in the lumber business in company with
his father. After the decease of the latter he carried
on the business alone for a time, but for some fifteen
years past his younger brother, Irving A., has been asso-
ciated with him in the business, manufacturing all kinds
of lumber to an amount exceeding 1,000,000 feet per an-
num, the larger proportion of which is fitted for pack-
ing boxes for shoe and woolen manufacturers. It is
the leading manufacturing industry in the town, and the
making of the finished product, instead of shipping the
lumber as it came from the saw, as was the custom in
former years, adds largely to the labor required, and
consequently to the pay-roll of the firm, which is an im-
portant item to the business interests of that section of
the town.

5320 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

RESIDENCE OF W. W. BURBANK, WEBSTER.

Mr. Burbank is an admirer of fine horses and has
raised some excellent colts. Although his agricultural
operations are not extensive, he has some fine intervale
land which has been well cared for and produces supe-
rior hay and excellent potatoes. His interest in agricul-
ture has been manifested by his active connection with
agricultural organizations. He was a charter member
and the first master of Daniel Webster Grange; was
chosen master of Merrimack County Pomona Grange in
1891, and was three times elected a member of the exec-
utive committee of the State Grange. He was among
the prime movers in the organization of the New Hamp-
shire Grange Fair Association, and was general super-
intendent of its fair for the first four years, and president

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 321

of the association the next two, and undoubtedly de-
voted more time to the interests of the association for the
first six years than any other man except the late secre-
tary, N. J. Bachelder. Upon the organization of the
Merrimack County Grange Fair Association in 1895 he
was chosen president, and served again in the same
capacity the following year.

Mr. Burbank is a Republican in politics. He has
served as town treasurer, has served on the board of
selectmen a dozen years, as moderator a longer time,
and represented the town in the legislature in 1881. He
has also been for fifteen or twenty years director of the
Merrimack County Mutual Fire Insurance Company.
He is a member of Harris Lodge, F. & A. M., of War-
ner, and was worshipful Master of the same in 1896.
In religion he is a Congregationalist, a member of the
Congregational church in Webster, and clerk of the
organization, and has also served some twelve years as
superintendent of the Sunday-school.

September 26, 1865, he was united in marriage with
Miss Ellen M. Dow, daughter of Enoch H. Dow, of Con-
cord.. They have had four daughters,—Nellie L., a
music teacher, educated at the New England Conser-
Vatory ; oarah C., deceased; Alice M., educated “at
Wellesley, now the wife of William B. Ranney of New-
port, Vt.; and Annie F., a graduate of the Concord
High School of the class of 1897.

JOSEPH BARNARD,

HOPKINTON.

Joseph Barnard of Hopkinton has long been one of
the best-known agriculturists of Merrimack county. He
was born on the Barnard farm, in the northeasterly part

of the town, two miles from Hopkinton village, and two
21

322 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

and a half from Contoocook, November 11, 1817, being
a son of Joseph and Miriam (Eastman) Barnard. His
grandfather, also named Joseph, a son of Nathaniel
Barnard of Amesbury, Mass., settled here in 1765, and
the farm, which embraces about 150 acres, has always
been held in the family. Mr. Barnard’s father attained
celebrity as a breeder of fine-wooled sheep—the pure-
blood Saxony—and won prizes on wool from his flock
exhibited at the World’s fair in London, and at the New
York Institute in 1838—a bronze medal of Prince Albert
at the one, and a silver medal at the other, both of
which Mr. Barnard has now in his possession. He and
his father were also among the first breeders of Guern-
sey cattle in this country, and the Barnard herd
achieved wide distinction. He married, October 26,
1849, Maria, daughter of Abial Gerrish of Boscawen,
and great-granddaughter of Col. Henry Gerrish of Revo-
lutionary fame. They have had nine children, of whom
four—two sons and two daughters—survive. One son,
George E., is married, and is now in possession of the
family homestead, Mr. Barnard having fitted up a sepa-
rate home near at hand. The farm produces seventy-
five tons of hay, five hundred bushels of ears of corn, and
a large amount of fruit. About thirty head of cattle are
kept, the milk now being taken to the Guernsey cream-
ery at Contoocook, and returned to the farm after the
cream is separated. Fine butter was formerly produced
at home and a medal and diploma were awarded the
same for excellence at the Chicago exposition. Mr.
Barnard is a Congregationalist and a Republican. He
has represented his town in the legislature, and has been
for many years an adjuster of fire losses for the Northern
and B. & M. railroads. He has written considerably
for the press on fruit culture, forestry, and kindred sub-
jects.

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 323

CHARLES” Fs eKIMBALE,

SALEM.

One of the best farms in Rockingham county is the
Kimball farm, located about half a mile from the railway
station in the town of Salem. This farm, or a portion of
it at least, has been in the Kimball family for more than
one hundred and sixty years, and has never been en-
cumbered by mortgage. The land was originally pur-
chased by Robert Kimball of Bradford, Mass., from
Ebenezer Eastman and Josiah Peasley of Methuen, and
was sold by him to his
son, Oliver, sim 1743),

for forty pounds. Rob-
ert Kimball was a
grandson of Richard,
the first of the family
to settle in America,
who came from. the
parish of Rattlesden,
county of Suffolk,
England, in 1634, in
the ship Al:zabeth, and
settled in Watertown,
Mass., but removed to
Ipswich in 1637, where

he was the town wheel-
wright. His son, Ben-
jamin, father of Robert, was a farmer and ‘carpenter, and
lived in Ipswich, Mass., Exeter, N. H., and Salisbury
and Rowley, now Bradford, Mass. Oliver, son of
Robert, who was the first to settle on the place, was
born in Bradford, May 24, 1724; married Mary Ober in
1745, and died in Salem November 3, 1801. His son,
Oliver, who succeeded to the farm, was born in Salem,

CHARLES F. KIMBALL.

324 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

December 7, 1745, married Mary Allen, and died April
20, 1821. He was a soldier of the Revolution, and
fought at Bunker Hill. He was a selectman of Salem
in 1793. He was succeeded by his son, Joseph, born
December 25, 1786, who married Rebecca Hazeltine,
February 2, 1815, and died April 28, 1867. He was a
prosperous farmer and also a selectman of the town.
His son, Charles, father of Charles F., was the next in
succession. He was born April 18, 1822, and married,
in August, 1844, Celinda J. Hazeltine, born July 31,
1825. He has been a successful farmer, has served as
selectman and represented his town in the legislature in
1891 and 1893.

Charles Franklin Kimball, son of Charles and Celinda
J. (Hazeltine) Kimball, was born on the homestead,
March 15, 1853, and has ever resided there. He was
united in marriage, September 3, 1874, with Martha
Ella Copp of Methuen, Mass., born September 3, 1855.
They have one son, Charles Allen Kimball, born July
17, 1876. In 1887 his father deeded him a portion of
the farm, and he continued for a few years, successfully,
the business of market gardening, in which his father
had for some time been engaged, though mixed farming
had been the practice of their ancestors. Latterly, the
raising of milk, eggs, and chickens for the Lawrence
market has engaged his attention, special pains being
taken in the breeding and selection of dairy cows. He
has also been extensively engaged in lumbering for a
number of winters. When deeded to him, the farm con-
tained one hundred and fifty acres, a new two-story
house and ell having just been erected. He has added
two hundred and fifty acres of land and has recently
erected a fine barn with a capacity of one hundred tons
of hay, a horse barn 18x48 anda shed 16x30 feet, and
has made other improvements. He has a silo of one

‘WHIVS “TIVHWIN ‘Y SATUVHD AO AONACISAY

326 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

hundred tons capacity. The stock consists of thirty head
of cattle and three horses. The farm is equipped with
the best of modern machinery, and the roofs of the
buildings have recently been coated with asphalt roofing,
which gives them a very fine appearance.

Mr. Kimball is a member of the school-board and of
the present state legislature. He is a Republican in
politics, and he and his family are members of the
Methodist Episcopal church. He is also a member of
the Royal Arcanum.

CHARLES: WINGEG

LANGDON.

Although small in extent, Langdon is one of the best
agricultural towns in the state, and one of the wealthiest
in proportion to population. One of the most progressive
and successful farmers in this town is Charles Winch,
son of Thomas and Clarissa (Towne) Winch, born in
Sullivan, November 13, 1845, and there residing until
1855, when he removed with his parents to the farm in
Langdon which is now his home, which had been pur-
chased in 1846 by his grandfather, Archelaus Towne.

Mr. Winch lived at home until twenty years of age,
enjoying ordinary common school advantages. He then
worked one summer in a Keene brickyard, and subse-
quently attended Kimball Union academy, Meriden, two
or three years, working his way ; but, health failing, he
returned home, and for several years worked for his
father in summer and elsewhere in winter, two winters
being spent in teaching in Westford, Mass. He then
became.a joint owner, with his father, of the farm.

This place, sometimes known as the ‘silk farm,”
because the former owner, Mr. Jennison, once set out the
mulberry, procured silkworms, and produced silk to

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 327

some extent, though not successfully, is beautifully lo-
cated on a hillside, sloping to the east and south, in the
northwestern portion of the town, two miles from Alstead,
and is now known as ‘‘ Sunnyside.” It contains two
hundred and twenty-five acres, of which forty-five are in
mowing and tillage, the balance pasture and forest.
About fifty-five tons of hay are cut yearly, while about ten
acres of land are kept under the plow, five being in oats,
four and a half in corn, and half an acre in potatoes.
The average produc-
tion of corn is about
55 bushels, shelled, an
acre, and of oats 60
bushels, though a rec-
ord of 84 bushels of the
latter has been made.
The stock consists of
about 25 head of grade
Durham cattle, 4o Mer-
ino and Southdown
sheep, and four horses.
The product of ten
cows is sold in cream,
at the door, to the
Westminster, Vermont,
Creamery. Ay food
apple orchard produces about one hundred and _ fifty
barrels annually, and a sugar orchard of six hundred
trees furnishes a large amount of choice sugar and syrup,
which finds a ready market. A poultry house, stocked
with barred Plymouth Rocks, is also an adjunct of the
place.

Mr. Winch is a Republican politically and has filled
most offices in the gift of the town, including those ot
auditor, collector, selectman, superintending committee

CHARLES WINCH.

328 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

and member of the school-board. He also represented
the town in the legislature of 1895-6, serving on the com-
mittee on agriculture. He is also a justice of the peace
and quorum. He is a member of the Congregational
church and has been superintendent of the Sunday-
school seventeen years. He is a charter member of
Alstead Commandery, U. O. G. C., instituted February
12, 1894.

December 8, 1875, Mr. Winch was united in marriage
with Abbie L., daughter of George F. and Betsey (Ward-
well) Hubbard, of Sullivan. They have five children,—
Elton W., born January 7, 1877; Walter T., June 27,
1879, now attending Cushing academy, Ashburnham,
Mass.; Clara A., February 14, 1881, attending Peter-
borough High school; Bessie E., May 24, 1883; and
Helen L., April 4,,1892. The children, who are the
life of the household, are musically inclined, all but the
youngest playing on some instrument, and the evenings
at home are largely spent in the music room.

GRIFFITHS BROTHERS,
DURHAM.

The Griffiths farm in Durham, three miles from the
village, and an equal distance from Newmarket, contains
200 acres of land, of which 70 are mowing and tillage,
nearly all in a single level field. This farm is equipped
with the finest and best-arranged set of farm buildings in
Strafford county, a handsome two-story residence being
connected by an ell with a spacious barn, 41 x 110 feet,
with eighteen-foot posts, and a capacity for 100 tons of
hay, while all necessary out-buildings are conveniently
provided. This farm was originally a part of what was
known as ‘*Moharimet’s Marsh,” from Moharimet, a

“WV AMONG] ‘SUMHLOWG SHLAA) AO FONACISAY

330 NEW HAMPSIIIRE AGRICULTURE.

noted Indian sagamore of the seventeenth century. Cap-
tain Edward Griffiths, a noted sea captain, and a native
of ‘Londen, ngland, Ssettled here in 19820. Mis ison,
John B. Griffiths, born June 14, 1814, bought the farm,
and here spent his life in the successful pursuit of agri-
cultures» Elerdealt lareelyineneat «cattle, and histox
teams were noted for their excellence. He married
Ruth Wentworth (a sister of Arioch Wentworth, the
well-known Boston multi-millionaire), who still survives.
Raa Cs al John B. Griffiths died
June 3318905 but the
farm had_ previously
passed into the hands
of his two sons, Edward
B. and Arioch W., who
were admitted to part-
nership in 1874, and
who, . in. addition to

the regular farm work,
have been extensively
x engaged for the last

twenty-five years in the

manufacture of cider
and vinegar. They

have a steam mill with
EDWARD B. GRIFFITHS. all the latest improve-
ments, and a capacity for one hundred barrels per day.

Edward B. Griffiths was born January 13, 1842. He
was educated in the common school, Durham academy,
and Newmarket High school, and has spent his life on
the farm, except three years in Boston, in the foreign
and domestic fruit trade. May 24, 1876, he married
Clara A. Chapman of Newmarket, who died April 4,
1881, leaving one son, David F., born March 27, 1881,
who, since attending the Newmarket grammar schools,

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 23

is a student at the Bliss Commercial college, Dover. July
2, 1884, he married M. Effie Furber of Greenland. He
is a Republican in politics, and a member of the Sons of
the American Revolution, being a direct descendant of
Revolutionary soldiers, one of whom, Eleazer Bennett,
was with General Sullivan at the capture of the gun-
powder at Fort William and Mary.

Arioch W. Grifiths was born August 31, 1851. He
attended the common school, Newmarket High school,
and Franklin acade-
my, Dover. June 14,
1876, he married Sadie
B. McDaniel of New-
market. They have
one son, John H., born
september 20,. 1877,
educated at Newmar-
ket High school, and
the Bryant & Stratton
Commercial college,
Boston, and now book-
keeper for the Bo i.
Haley Co. of Newmar-
ket. Like his brother,
Arioch W. is a Repub-
lican and belongs to
the Sons of the American Revolution. He is also an
associate member of the G. A. R., and quite prominent
in the order of Knights of Pythias, being a mem-
ber of Pioneer lodge, No. 1, of Newmarket, and was
actively instrumental in the organization of the new lodge
at Durham recently. He passed the chairs and became
a member of the grand lodge in 1891. He was a charter
memberor Wilham A. Frye Co.,-INos.5, U. R.. He

was for four years first lieutenant of his company and

ARIOCH W. GRIFFITHS.

332 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

was promoted from that rank to that of major on the reg-
imental staff. He was made lieutenant-colonel of the
First regiment March 28, 1895, and holds the position at
the present time. He has been quite active in public
affairs, serving as census enumerator in 18go, as select-
man two years, and as road agent in 1896.

SOLOMON MANNING,

SEDFORD.

A typical representative of a large class of New Hamp-
shire farmers who have achieved success by patient in-
dustry in the cultivation of the soil, is Solomon Manning,
whose home is on the Bedford farm where he was born,
situated about one mile from the village and five miles
from Manchester, upon the highway leading from that
city to Amherst. Mr. Manning is the fifth of eight
children of Solomon and Mary (Fletcher) Manning,
born August 29, 1831. He is a descendant of William
Manning who came from England and settled in Cam-
bridge, Mass., in 1635. His mother was a descendant
of Robert Fletcher of Yorkshire, England, who settled
in’ Woncord, Mass., in 1630, coming over in one of the
seventeen ships that arrived in Plymouth harbor that
year. Several of Mr. Manning’s ancestors have been
engaged in the wars of the country, a grandfather having
been at the Concord fight, April 19, 1775, and a great-
grandfather at Burgoyne’s surrender at Saratoga, who
died at the advanced age of one hundred and one years,
seven months and seven days.

Mr. Manning’s father located upon this farm in 1825,
which is one of the best in this excellent agricultural
town. It contains about 300 acres, and is noted as hav-
ing been the first farm in town upon which hops were
raised. Here Mr. Manning spent his youth in active

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 333

labor, except such time as he was allowed for study in
the district school and at McGaw Normal Institute at
Reed’s Ferry. At the age of twenty-one years he com-
menced work for himself, with no capital but courage
and industry, purchasing the farm of his father, and buy-
ing out the other heirs. Milk production has been his
specialty for nearly forty years, though he was also for
many years quite extensively engaged in market garden-
ing. For more than
twenty years he sold
milk in the Manches-
ter retail market; but
now sells at home to
other dealers. For
many winters he was
also quite extensively
engaged in lumber-
ing. His farm pro-
duces about 8o tons of
hay per annum, and
he has silos of 80 tons
capacity. His stock
consists of some thirty

cows and three or four

horses. The buildings
are substantial and convenient, two fine barns, ninety and
forty-four feet in length, connecting at right angles.

Mr. Manning has been twice married—first to Hannah
M. Jones of Andover, Mass., Nov. 29, 1855. Their
children were Frank E. and Mary E. Manning. The
former is settled on an adjoining farm: the latter, edu-
cated at the Framingham, Mass., Normal school, was
for several years a teacher in Massachusetts, but has
been for some time past at home, and a member of the
Bedford school board. On December 17, 1863, he was

SOLOMON MANNING.

334 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

married to his present wife, Miss Anstress P. Flint of
Bedford. Their children are Harriett F., William S.,
Julia L., and Margie A. The son is married and resides
at home in a new house near the family residence. Julia
and Margie, educated at McGaw Institute and the Man-
chester Business college, are filling desirable positions
in business life, while Harriett is a dressmaker.

RESIDENCE OF SOLOMON MANNING, BEDFORD.

Mr. Manning is an active member of the Presbyterian
church in Bedford. He is a Republican in politics, and
has filled the office of selectman and other positions of
trust. He was a charter member and first master of
Narragansett Grange, of which organization his son Wil-
liam was master when it celebrated its twentieth anni-
versary.

HENRY. Fo CATER,

BARRINGTON.

Although Barrington does not take as high rank among
agricultural towns as some others in Strafford county,
there are some good farms and some excellent farmers
within its limits. Prominent among the latter is Henry

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 335

F. Cater, who resides on the old homestead, settled by
his grandfather, Joel Cater, ninety-five years ago, and
ever since remaining in the family. Daniel Cater, son
of Joel, spent his life upon this farm and established a
wide reputation as an enterprising farmer and successful
stock breeder. He married Sarah A. Foss, and they
reared a family of five children, two sons and three

daughters, Elenry F.
being one of the sons.
John W. Cater of Bow
Lake, Strafford, a pros-
perous merchant and
farmer, is the other son,
and the daughters are
Miss. j:) Philbrick,
Mrs. C. E. Smith, and
Mas> El Ee -Brock of,
Rochester.

Henry F. Cater was
born June 4, 1856, was
educated in the district
school and at Austin
academy, in Strafford,
and Franklin academy,
Dover, and has devoted his attention to agriculture at the
old home up to the present time.

HENRY F. CATER.

This farm, which now embraces about ninety acres of
land, though originally containing one hundred and fifty,
has been noted many years for its excellent cattle, par-
ticularly fine oxen and steers, and the present stock com-
pares favorably with the best in the region, it being com-
posed of fine Durhams, several of which, including a
superior bull, are registered full bloods, bred from repre-
sentatives of the famous Sutton herd at Center Harbor.
The cows are superior milkers and their product is now

336 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

sold to retail dealers for the Rochester market, but up
to the fall of 1896 had been sold to Hood & Sons for
several years, by whom it was pronounced the best re-
ceived along their entire route, testing for a year 4.60
per cent. of butter fats.

The farm produces about sixty tons of hay, and a silo
of eighty-five tons capacity is also filled. Eight hundred
bushels of ears of corn have been raised in a year. The
stock now kept includes some twenty-five head of cattle,
of which eighteen are cows, and three horses. The

FARM BUILDINGS OF H. F. CATER, BARRINGTON.

location is about four and a half miles from Rochester,
and the North Barrington post-office has been kept on
the farm for thirty-four years continuously, except for
the interruption of a short period during the last ad-
ministration. The buildings, which include a substantial
two-story house, and barn 4oxg6 feet, with cellar under
the whole, and all necessary outbuildings, are in ex-
cellent condition, and abundantly supplied with pure
water. Modern farm methods are pursued and a full
complement of superior implements is to be found on the
farm. Ayers’ pond, a delightful sheet of water, borders

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 337

the farm on the west, and in a charming pine grove on
the shore, a favorite resort of picnic parties, Mr. Cater
has erected a tasty summer cottage, where the family are
enabled to enjoy the beauties of the lakeside without
going away from home, and many friends are hospitably
entertained.

On November 17, 1877,.Mr. Cater married Miss
Augusta F. Rollins of Strafford. They have one son,
Harry Burton, born October 10, 1880, who has been
educated at Northwood Seminary and the Bliss Com-
mercial college at Dover, and who is strongly interested
in agriculture and will make the same his vocation in
life. Mr. Cater is a Republican in politics. He was
town clerk of Barrington seven years successively up to
1892, and is the present postmaster at North Barrington.
He was a charter member and the first master of Cen-
tennial Grange, No. 185, of Barrington, but withdrew in
1896 and united with Rochester Grange as a matter of
convenience. He is now treasurer of the latter grange,
while Mrs. Cater fills the chair of Flora, and their son is
assistant steward. Mr. Cater was also chosen secretary
of Eastern New Hampshire Pomona Grange in 1896.
Both he and his son are seventh degree members of the
onder. EHlé 1s a member .of Humane Lodge, No. 22,
A. F. & A. M., of Rochester, and of Palestine Com-
mandery, K. T. He is also a Knight of the Golden
Eagle.

HEZEKIAH SCAMMON,
EXETER.
The Scammons were conspicuous in the early history
of New Hampshire, the first of the name in the colony

being Richard Scammon, who came to Boston from the

mother country, and subsequently settled in Portsmouth,
99

338 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

where he is known to have been a resident as early as
1640. His eldest daughter, Anne, was the wife of the
celebrated Major Richard Waldron of Dover, who was
killed by the Indians, and his son Richard married Pru-
dence, the daughter of William Waldron, and in 1665
settled on a tract of land in the southern part of the pres-
ent town of Stratham, which had come into the family
possession by royal grant, and has been held therein, a
portion of it at least, up to the present time. William,
son. of) Richard and
Prudence Scammon,
was a soldier in the
Indian war of 1696,
was a_selectman of
Exeter in 1699 and
1700, and was one of
the first board of se-
lectmen of the town of
Stratham, incorporated
in 1716.

Richard Scammon,
a great-grandson of
William, to whom the

ancestral home de-

scended, married Abi- :
gail Batchelder aad HEZEKIAH SCAMMON.
was the father of four children, Hezekiah, James, a
prominent lawyer of Kansas City, Sarah C., and Col.
Richard M., the latter now residing on the homestead.
Hezekiah Scammon, the eldest of these children, was
born in Stratham, January 31, 1843. He was educated
in the district school and at Andover, New London, and
Exeter academies, and taught school himself a few terms
in early life. January 9, 1867, he was united in mar-
riage with Mary E. Jewell of Stratham, when they

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 339

established their home upon a farm which he had pur-
chased, located about one mile from the village, in the
town of Exeter, in the cultivation of which he actively
engaged, pursuing the same continuously until 1893,
with the exception of two years, when he was engaged
in mercantile business.

His farm contains about 135 acres of excellent land,
and has been principally devoted to dairying. For a
time he was extensively engaged in the retail milk busi-
ness in Exeter, and kept a herd of about twenty cows.
Four years ago he took up his residence in the village,
retaining the ownership of the farm and looking after
its management, but subsequently leasing it to another.

Mr. Scammon stands in the first rank among Patrons
of Husbandry in New Hampshire, by virtue of charter
membership in Gilman Grange No. 1, the first grange
instituted in the state. He is also a charter member of
East Rockingham Pomona Grange, and was four years
master of the same, declining a fifth election. He was
for three years a district deputy, and was chosen lecturer
of the State Grange in December, 1895. He is well
skilled in the work of the order, a thoughtful and force-
ful speaker, and a strong and determined advocate of
the principles for which the grange organization stands.

He is a member of Star in the East Lodge, No. 59,
A. F. & A. M., of Exeter, and has held most of its chairs,
including that of W. M., and is also a member of St.
Albans) Chapter, Noo x5; Politically, he has always
been a stanch Democrat, and therefore out of sympathy
with the majority of Exeter voters, but he has served
eight years as a member of the school-board, as auditor
and in minor offices.

He has two sons, Everett, who holds a promising posi-
tion in the Print and Dye works at Medford, Mass., and
James, who is in the telephone business at Newburyport.

JoseEPpH D. ROBERTs.

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 341

JOSEPEE 1D. ROBERTS,
ROLLINSFORD.

Although embracing less than ten square miles of ter-
ritory, in which is also located a thriving manufacturing
village, Rollinsford is one of the best agricultural towns
in the state, being favored with a rich, strong soil, ad-
mirably adapted to hay, corn, and fruit production, while
it has scarcely any waste land. Its proximity to Dover
and Somersworth insures ample market advantages.

Among the most prominent and successful farmers of
this town is Joseph Doe Roberts, the sixth of seven sons
of the late Hon. Hiram R. and Ruth (Ham) Roberts, of
that town, born November 12, 1848, on the old Roberts
homestead, about half a mile from Rollinsford Junction,
which was settled by his great-great-grandfather in
1743, and has ever since remained in the family.

Hiram R. Roberts was a New Hampshire farmer of
the best type,—a man of excellent character and wide
influence—who commanded the respect of his fellow cit-
izens, and was, without self-seeking, accorded a liberal

share of public honors: but who, above all else, honored
and dignified the calling of agriculture. He taught his
children the lessons of industry and integrity, and Joseph
D., with the others, profited thereby. Although early
instructed in the labors of the farm, he was afforded op-
portunity to secure a fair education, and improved the
same in attendance at the district school, and at the fa-
mous academy of the adjacent town of South Berwick,
Me. He also developed a fondness for teaching and
pursued the same for a dozen winters, commencing at
the age of sixteen, seven winters being spent in the dis-
trict wherein resided the late Chief-Justice Doe, for whose
father, Joseph Doe, a warm personal friend of his own
father, he had been named.

‘CNOASNITIOY “SLUATOY “GQ HaaSOf sO AONAAISAY

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 343

In 1870, having attained his majority, he bought the
fine farm of 120 acres, which is now his home, located
on the old Dover and Portland turnpike, about half a
mile from his birthplace, and devoted himself to its culti-
vation and improvement, although making his home with
his parents, until his marriage, July 31, 1873, with Miss
Addie E. Littlefield of Wells, Me., when he established
a home for himself on the farm, where he has since
resided. Dairying, or milk production, fruit raising,
and market gardening have been Mr. Roberts's special-
ties. The latter was pursued quite extensively for a
number of years, but of late has been followed only inci-
dentally, to the extent of supplying vegetables tor his
milk customers. Of fruit he raises a large amount of all
kinds, including sixty or seventy varieties of apples and
nearly as many of pears. In the prolific and unprofit-
able season of 1896, he harvested 4,650 bushels of hand-
picked apples, from his own farm and the old home-
stead, which latter he has had charge of since the death
of his brother, John H., in 188g, his venerable mother
still residing there.

Milk delivered to family customers, for many years in
Dover, but latterly in the village of Salmon Falls, has
been his principal line. His stock averages about thirty-
five head, from twenty to twenty-five being cows, all of
which at the present time are registered Holsteins. For
some years he had Short Horns, and subsequently bred
Ayrshires, but of late has given his preference to the
Holsteins, in the selection and breeding of which he has
taken much pains. His bull, ‘‘Jan. 3d’s Prince Sol-
dene,” from the famous Damon herd of. Cochituate,
Mass., is a superior animal, and another recently pro-
cured from William Rood of Binghamton, N. Y., has a
butter record on the mother’s side of over thirty-eight
pounds per week. He has exhibited his herd at the

344 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

Rochester fair with great success for a number of years,
in 1896 capturing nearly all the first prizes in his class.

Mr. Roberts ordinarily cuts seventy-five tons of hay
or more on his own farm, and one hundred on the home-
stead, and raises about ten acres of corn on both places.
He has a silo of ninety tons capacity. and is planning a
larger one. His buildings are commodious and conven-
ient, and he is abundantly supplied with all the essential
modern farm appliances.

Politically, Mr. Roberts is a Democrat. He served
the town two years as superintending school committee
under the old system, and has been for two terms a
member of the school board under the new law. He
also served for eight years as a selectman, being
chairman of the board six years successively up to 1897,
and represented the town in the legislature in 1895.
Although the county is ordinarily strongly Republican,
he has served four years upon its board of commission-
ers. In religion he is a Baptist and is associated with
the church of that denomination at South Berwick, Me.
He is also a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge at Sal-
mon Falls. He is a trustee of the Rollinsford Savings
Bank at Salmon Falls, and a director of the Salmon Falls
(state) Bank, succeeding his father in these positions.

He was a charter member and actively interested in
the organization of Hiram R. Roberts Grange, of Rol-
linsford (appropriately named for his honored father),
whose spacious new hall stands near his residence, and
was elected Master of the same in December, 1896. He
is also a member of the executive committee of the State
Grange, elected in 1895.

Mr. and Mrs. Roberts have had nine children, of
are living.

whom seven—three sons and four daughters
The eldest daughter, Elizabeth, is a teacher, a graduate
of Salem, Mass., Normal School, and the second is a

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 345

pupil in the Dover High School, while the eldest son, J.
Harry, is a graduate of the New Hampshire College of
Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts, of the class of 1896.

HARRISON -G.. BURLEY,

NEWMARKET.

The old Burley homestead in Newmarket, located in
the southwestern portion of the town, four miles from the
village, and about one mile from Littlefield’s crossing,
on the Concord & Portsmouth railroad, has been held in
the family since its settkement in 1769 by Josiah Burley,
a descendant of Giles Burley, who was a citizen of
Ipswich, Mass., as early as 1648. The present owner,
Harrison Gray Burley, son of Jonathan and Sarah C.
(Neal) Burley, was born here, December 9, 1834, and
has spent his life upon the farm thus far. He was
educated in the common school and at Blanchard
academy, Pembroke, and has devoted his life primarily
to the pursuit of agriculture, incidentally dealing in cattle
to a considerable extent.

The farm, which includes something less than 200

acres, is in excellent condition, with good buildings,

5
well arranged, and all the necessary modern appliances.
About forty acres of land are in mowing and tillage, and
the annual hay crop averages about forty tons. Four
hundred bushels of corn per annum have been produced,
and a good variety of fruit is usually secured. A small
but choice dairy of grade Jersey and Durham cows is
kept, and the butter product of about 1,000 pounds per
annum is retailed to private customers. Four good
horses are usually kept on the farm, and a number of
superior swine.

Mr. Burley was united in marriage, January 17, 1877,
with Fannie E., daughter of the late Jewett Conner,

346 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

Esq., of Exeter. They have three children—a son and
two daughters—Walter D., born October 24, 1877;
Lillian M., now a student at Robinson Female seminary,
Exeter, born October 15, 1879; and Winnifred Conner,
born November 21, 1889.

Mr. Burley is an earnest Democrat in politics, and has
always taken a strong interest in public affairs. He has
held various offices in

the gift of his towns- | a
men, serving several yr
years as a member of
the board of selectmen,
as supervisor, and as
representative in the
state lesislature an
1e72) and 18735) ) He
is a charter member
of South Newmarket
Grange, served three

years as lecturer of the
organization, and as
overseer in’ 18972 ble
is also a member of
East Rockingham Po-

mona Grange, and has been overseer of the same. His

HARRISON G. BURLEY.

religious affiliation is with the Congregationalists, and he
is an attendant with his family upon the services of that
denomination at South Newmarket, now Newfields.

For nearly twenty-five years past Mr. Burley has been
an agent of the Rockingham Fire Insurance company of
Exeter, and has been quite extensively engaged in look-
ing after its interests, serving also in the capacity of
adjuster in determining losses through quite a large
extent of territory in his section of the state. Since 1878
he has been a director of the organization.

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 347

WARREN A. FRENCH,

ALSTEAD.

Warren A. French, fifth son of Charles F. and
Aurelia French, was born in the town of Alstead, which
has always been his home, March 17, 1860. His parents
were industrious, upright, conscientious people, devoted
members of the Methodist church, who, themselves in
limited circumstances, brought up their nine children in
the way they should go, by impressing upon their minds
the importance of industry and integrity. Warren A.
attended the district school as far as opportunity per-
mitted, but while quite young commenced working out
by the month, cutting four foot wood in winter, and
establishing a reputation for industry, perseverance and
reliability which he has maintained through life.

April 4, 1883, he was united in marriage with Miss
Etta Emmons, daughter of David and Celinda Emmons of
Bristol, when they established their home upon the well-
known Samuel Goodhue farm in the southeastern part
of Alstead, about one and one-half miles from Gilsum
village, which is his post-office and business address,
which farm, prompted by faith and courage, he had
recently purchased, though incurring large indebtedness
in so doing. Here the young couple entered earnestly
upon their life work, and the reward of patient industry,
sagacity, and enterprise has been theirs in large degree.
ihe farm, which enibraces Some 300” acres, has’ been
thoroughly rehabilitated, and brought into an excellent
state of cultivation, the buildings remodeled and
improved, and all the evidences of thrift and prosperity
made clearly manifest.

Mr. French is a thoroughly progressive and scientific
farmer, with improvement and progress as his motto.
Thoroughbred Jersey cattle, Percheron horses, Chester

‘dVALSTY ‘HONAUY ‘WY NAUUVAA AO SONIGTING WAVY

iene ents = ent

Cee came

a Seed

—

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 349

White swine, and Brahma and Plymouth Rock fowls are
his hobbies, and he is successful with them all. He cuts
in the vicinity of 100 tons of hay, and supplements the
same with ensilage, and uses the most improved farm
machinery in all his operations. His stock consists of
about fifty head of cattle, eight horses, and forty to sixty
swine.

Mr. French is always loyal to public duty, alive to the
interests of bis town and neighborhood, and, with his
wife, takes an active interest in social affairs. They are
both earnest members of the order of Patrons of Hus-
bandry, having received the seventh or highest degree.
They are also charter members of Social Commandery,
of the order of the Golden Cross, in which organization
Mr. French is at present a deputy in the Grand Com-
mandery. He is a member of. Forest lodge, No. 69, I.
O. O. F., and with his wife belongs to Golden Rule
Rebekah Degree lodge. He 1s also an active member of
the United Order of American Mechanics, and he and his
wife are members of the Daughters of Liberty, also the
order of Fraternal Helpers. They have served in vari-
ous official positions in the organizations with which they
are associated, with credit to themselves and benefit to
their associates, and by counsel and effort have con-
tributed to their prosperity.

Mr. and Mrs. French have two children—both daugh-
ters—Gracie, born April 18, 1886, and Ruby E., born
July 20, 1887, who are the light and joy of a cheerful
home. Politically, Mr. French is a Republican. The
family are constant attendants at the Congregational
church, and all are members of the Sunday-school.

350 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

GEORGE E. NEWMAN,

ALSTEAD.

No man in southwestern New Hampshire is more gen-
erally known in agricultural circles, or is more actively
interested in the work of the Grange than George E.
Newman of Alstead. He is a native of Gilsum, the
oldest of five (three surviving) sons of George W., and
Esther L. Newman, born March 5, 1850, in the house in
Gilsum village built and owned by his. father, which
is now the Congregational parsonage, where he lived
until twelve years of age,
when his father bought the
well-known David Ware
farm near the village, and
there removed with his fam-

ily, that his sons might have
healthy and honorable oc-
cupation, and be reared to
a life of virtuous industry.
The father, in his lifetime,
was one of the strong, en-
terprising, prosperous citi-
zens of the town, of firm
principle and fixed integri-
ty, and his influence, with
that of a devoted and watch-

| eee sua ful mother, who is still liv-
GEORGE E. NEWMAN. ing, shaped well the char-

acters of their children.
Mr. Newman acquired a good common school educa-
tion, and attended Kimball Union academy at Meriden
two seasons. At the age of nineteen years his father
gave him his time for the balance of his minority. He
remained at home one year, working for wages, with the

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 351

exception of the winter months, when he taught school
with success. His father desired him to pursue a col-
legiate course, and offered assistance to that end, but he
had developed so strong an ambition for active life that
he failed to accept the offer, and, at the age of twenty,
bought out the teaming line between Gilsum and Keene,
a distance of nine miles, which he conducted for seven-
teen years. One year later, when twenty-one, he pur-
chased a half interest in the general merchandise store
in Gilsum village, which he run for four years, then
selling to his brothers, Daniel W., and Isaac B. New-
man. At this time he commenced dealing extensively
in live stock and general farm products, thus furnishing
a convenient market for farmers in that and surrounding
towns.

In 1880, Mr. Newman purchased the well-known
Aaron Brigham homestead, situated in Alstead, about a
mile and three-fourths from Gilsum, his original pur-
pose being to utilize the same as a summer resort, but
the attractions of the place proved so great that he deter-
mined to make it a permanent family home, and there
has been his residence up to the present time. He has
made great improvements on all sides, new buildings
being erected and old ones repaired, the fields cleaned up
and their fertility largely increased, so that it is now not
only the largest, but also one of the best-equipped farms
in town, and among the most desirable in the state. He
has about 1,000 acres of land altogether, and his hay and
ensilage equal the value of 150 tons of the former, per
annum. His stock averages about 100 head of cattle,
altogether, thirty horses, and forty hogs. For many years
past, indeed, the place has been widely known as the
**Gilsum live stock market,” from the extensive business
in the purchase and sale of stock in which Mr. Newman
has been engaged, greatly to the convenience of his fel-

“dVaLISTY “NVNMUN “A ADUOUL) AO AONACISAY

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. BIS

low-farmers and others, on all sides, for miles around.
There are two extensive mica mines on this farm, which
have been developed sufficiently to prove their value.
The place is also noted for the large quantity and excel-
lent quality of maple sugar annually produced thereon.
In addition to other business, it may be added that Mr.
Newman has been extensively engaged in lumbering for
a number of years.

Mr. Newman married, first, Sarah A. Wilder, daugh-
ter of George and Nancy Wilder, of Alstead Center,
September 29, 1875. She died, beloved by. all who
knew her, March 29, 1884. June 3, 1885, he married
Abbie M., daughter of James A. and Susan P. Kidder,
OF Alstead.; hey have one, son, George E. Newman,
Jr., a promising lad, the pride of the home, now ten
years of age, who is president of the Junior society of
Christian Endeavor, in Gilsum.

Mr. Newman early interested himself in the work of
fraternal, benevolent, and patriotic organizations. He
was for many years president of the local Temperance
society in Gilsum. He is a member of Forest Lodge,
INows00,, VO" Osh. cand he and his’).wife~ are /also
members of Golden Rule Rebekah Degree Lodge, No.
30, as well as charter members of Social Commandery,
No. 445, U.O. G. C. He is associated with the Red Men,
American Mechanics, and with the Daughters of Lib-
erty, as acharter member. Both are enthusiastic Patrons
of Husbandry, and seventh degree members of the order.
He has served Ashuelot Grange efficiently as master,
and given much time and effort to promote the welfare
of the order at large. Politically, he is a Republican,
active and ardent, and has served his party with the
same zeal as the other organizations to which he _ be-
longs. He has been several times a member of the
board of selectmen, and is usually selected by his fellow-

23

354 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

citizens to preside on public occasions, his natural enthu-
siasm and capacity for leadership admirably adapting
him for such service. He and his family are constant
attendants at the Congregational church and Sunday-
school in Gilsum.

EDWARD E. BISHOP,

BETHLEHEM.

At the meeting of the governor and council on Tues-
day, November 2, 1897, among other changes made in
the personnel of the State Board of Agriculture was that
involved in the appointment of Edward E. Bishop of
Bethlehem, to be a member of the board for the county
of Grafton, in place of George W. Mann of Benton, who
had served two terms, and, on account of advancing age
and impaired health, had expressed a desire not to be
reappointed.

Edward E. Bishop, son of Horace and Martha E.
Bishop, was born in Newbury, Vt., October 18, 1859.
When he was two years of age, his parents removed to
the town of Littleton in this state, where he grew. to
manhood and continued his home until the spring of
1889. He received his education at St. Johnsbury, Vt.,
Academy, and the Eastman Business College, Pough-
keepsie, N. Y., graduating from the latter in January,
1883.

Active and ambitious, and realizing the opportunity
which the mountain hotels afforded for profitable busi-
ness for any one disposed to study their needs, and meet
the same with judgment and discrimination, he com-
menced, early in life, the business of purchasing from
the farmers of the vicinity, poultry, eggs, butter, fruit,
vegetables, etc., and disposing of the same at the hotels
and boarding-houses in Bethlehem, and other summer

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 355

resorts in that section of the state, and has continued the
same up to the present time, establishing the largest
business in this line in northern New Hampshire.

In 1889, he purchased a fine farm of eighty acres in
the town of Bethlehem, on the main road from Littleton
to Bethlehem street, three miles from the former and two
from the latter, which has since been his base of opera-
tions. He has about forty acres in mowing and tillage,
cuts about forty tons of
hay, has a fine dairy of
twelve or fifteen grade
Jerseys, whose product
is marketed at home in
summer and shipped to
Boston in winter. He
also raises about two
acres of strawberries,
for which crop the ho-
tels furnish a_ ready
and profitable market.

In connection with his
market business, he
has erected a capa-

cious freezing and cold
storage house, which

EDWARD E. BISHOP.

gives him exceptional advantage.

Mr. Bishop was united in marriage, May 11, 1885,
with Miss Carrie M. Miner of Lyman, and four sons
have been born to them. He is a Congregationalist in
religion, and a Democrat in politics. He has served for
four years upon the board of selectmen in Bethlehem,
having been chosen chairman of the board for the last
three years without an opposing vote. He also repre-
sented the town in the legislature of 1897-8, serving upon
the committee on railroads. He belongs to the Masonic

356 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

fraternity, being a member of Burns lodge, No. 66, of
Littleton, and is also an active Patron of Husbandry,
serving in 1897 as one of the executive committee of
Bethlehem Grange, and as secretary of Northern New
Hampshire Pomona Grange. He is the president of the
Bethlehem Fair association, a new organization, which
claims the credit of holding the best town fair in the
state in the year 1897.

WILLIAM F. WESTGATE,

HAVERHILL.

Among the best-known citizens of Haverhill, which
has always ranked as one of the best agricultural towns
in the state, is William Francis Westgate, son of the late
Hon. Nathaniel W. and Louisa (Tyler) Westgate. He
was born in the town of Enfield, July 5, 1852, but
removed with his parents to Haverhill in 1856, when his
father, a lawyer by profession, entered upon his duties
as register of probate for the county of Grafton, to which
office he had been appointed, and which he held until
1861, when he was made judge of probate by Governor
Berry, who had himself previously held the office, which
position he filled for ten vears.

William F. Westgate was educated for the legal pro-
fession, pursuing his preparatory studies at Meriden and
New London, and graduating from Dartmouth college
in 1875, one of his classmates being Frank S. Black,
now governor of New York. He studied law with
George F. Putnam, now of Kansas City, then in practice
at Haverhill, and was admitted to the bar in 1880. But,
nothwithstanding his legal training, his natural love for
the soil has, from early life, diverted his attention to
agriculture. He engaged in farm work in boyhood
quite extensively from preference, and while a student,

WILLIAM F. WESTGATE.

358 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

bought a piece of land for himself which he cultivated,
and has continued purchasing from time to time, till he
has now about 1,000 acres in all, and is one of the
largest land holders, as well as one of the most success-
ful farmers in his section of the state. He cultivates
from 150 to 200 acres in all, and cuts 150 tons of hay
per annum. He has been extensively engaged in stock-
raising and dairying, keeping from twenty to fifty cows,
the milk from which has of late been disposed of at the
creamery. He has usually about twenty horses, includ-
ing some fine specimens of trotting stock. He has also
raised swine extensively, having some years as many as
sixty head, and has found the business profitable.

In improving his land, his object has been to get it in
condition for long-continued fertility, then seeding to
grass for a period of twenty years. It is largely natural
grass land, and he has sometimes cut thirty tons of hay
from ten acres. He raises quite an amount of corn and
potatoes, and has made something of a specialty of
barley, growing ten acres in a season, sometimes, sell-
ing a large amount carefully selected for seed.

He has erected a fine large barn, 45x100 feet, two
large sheds, and a horse barn, 40x60, upon his farm,
which is situated a short distance from the village, and
recently moved a house upon the same, which is fitted
for occupancy by farm help; but resides, himself, with
his brothers, Tvler and George H., the former now and
for many years a judge of probate, and a sister, in the
old family house in the village, which has recently been
extensively remodeled and improved.

Nothwithstanding his love for, and attention to, agricul-
ture, Mr. Westgate does a large amount of law business,
with insurance, conveyancing, and other office work,
and is also extensively engaged as a civil engineer and
surveyor, and has always been prominent in public

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 359

affairs. He is an active Republican, and has served
many years as a member of the state committee of his
party, and chairman of the county committee. He has
served many years on the school-board, of which he has
been chairman and treasurer; was a member of the
legislature of 1883, defeating Samuel B. Page, was
register of probate from 1884 to 1890, and in June, 1895,
was appointed judge of the Haverhill municipal court,
which position he stills holds. He is a Knight of
Pythias, and a charter member and the first overseer of
Haverhill Grange, Patrons of Husbandry.

WILLIAM T. WENTWORTH,
Dover.

The subject of this sketch is a descendant of the emi-
grant Elder William Wentworth, who came from Eng-
land and settled in Exeter, N. H., about the year 1638,
in the following order: William!, Ephraim?, Ephraim?,
Ephraim!, Jonathan’, Stephen®, William’ (Trickey). He
is the son of Stephen and Lois (Trickey ) Wentworth,
born at Hiram, Maine, April 11, 1832.

When a young man he came to Dover, and was
engaged in various occupations. He first worked on a
farm, then as a teamster. He assisted in building the
Granite State Trotting park, and the Portsmouth & Con-
cord railroad from Candia to Manchester, and was also
employed in the construction of the Wilmington & Dela-
ware railroad. Subsequently, he was for some time
engaged in lumbering and pail manufacturing, but
finally settled upon the farm known as the ** Long Hill
Farm” in Dover, four miles from the city proper, con-
taining one hundred and seventy-five acres of land,
which he now successfully cultivates.

His specialty is dairying, and he now sends his milk

360 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

to the Boston market. He is a believer in ensilage, and
annually fills a large silo, which he considers one of the
most profitable adjuncts of the farm of to-day.

November 12, 1856, Mr. Wentworth married Miss
Lucinda Phipps McDonald. They have one son, Fred
Wesley Wentworth, who has entered upon a successful
career as an architect at Paterson, New Jersey.

Both Mr. and Mrs.
Wentworth were char-
ter members of Co-
checo Grange, and

have always labored
faithfully for its suc-
cess. They have both
been honored officially
in the subordinate and
the Pomona Granges.
Mr. Wentworth acted
for many years as the

treasurer of Cocheco
Grange, and iMirs:
Wentworth has been
for two years its mas-
ter. > He isa, member
of Wecohamet lodge of Odd Fellows, and Wonalancet
Tribe of Red Men of Dover.

Mr. Wentworth has always taken an active interest
in agricultural fairs, has been a frequent exhibitor of
stock, fruit, and vegetables, and has frequently secured
first prizes. He was for seven years superintendent of
the Strafford County farm, and made many permanent
improvements upon the same. He is a Republican in
politics, and has frequently been honored officially by
his fellow-citizens. He has served as_ selectman,
councilman, alderman, and represented his ward in the

WILLIAM T. WENTWORTH.

DOVER.

WENTWORTH,

abe

WILLIAM

OF

RESIDENCE

262 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

legislature in 1868-1869. In brief, it may be said that
Mr. Wentworth is a good example of the New England
farmer—progressive, successful, and respected in the
community in which he resides.

JOHN B. BAKER,
Bow.

Five miles from the state house in Concord, in the
town of Bow, about half a mile west from the Merrimack
river, is the Baker farm, originally settled by Joseph
Baker, son of a famous colonial surveyor of the same
name, descending to his son James, and subsequently to
Aaron W., son of the latter, who married Nancy Dustin,
a descendant of the famous heroine of the Indian tragedy
at the mouth of the Contoocook. This farm contains
about 125 acres of land, with 100 acres of outlands. It
was on this place, it may be stated incidentally, that the
celebrated Mary Baker Eddy, founder of Christian sci-
ence, was born.

Aaron W. Baker was a thrifty, industrious farmer.
He had four sons, two of whom are living. The elder
son, John B., pursued the same calling, while Henry M.,
the younger, graduated from Dartmouth, studied law,
followed his profession in Washington with financial
success, engaged in politics, and served four years in
congress as representative of the second New tlamp-
shire district.

John B. Baker was born April 6, 1834. He obtained
a fair education in the district schools and at the famous
Pembroke ‘* Gymnasium,” and devoted himself to agri-
culture on the homestead, where he remained up to
1892. Dairying was the leading specialty on this farm,
under his father’s management and his own a superior
quality of butter being produced and sold to private cus-

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 363

tomers in Concord, the Downing family, for instance,
being supplied with table butter from this source for
more than sixty years in succession.

Mr. Baker was united in marriage November 14,
1865, with Miss Sarah Jane Locke. They have had two
sons, the younger of whom died at the age of thirteen.
The elder, Rufus H., born March 16, 1870, is a gradu-
ate of Dartmouth of the class of 1893, and has adopted
the legal profession. He was married to Miss Grace L.
— Tuck, August 13, 1896.
They have ason, Per-
ley Dustin, born May
8, 1897. Mr. Baker is

liberal in his religious

views, and_ politically
a Republican. Resid-
ing in a town which
has been strongly Dem-
ocratic until quite re-
cently, he has natural-
ly not been called into
public service to any
great extent, but has
served his town as
treasurer; and at the

Joun B. BAKER.

last election, Novem-
ber, 1896, was chosen its representative in the legisla-
ture, in which body he served efficiently as a member of
the committee on revision of the statutes.

Some years ago he became interested in the order of
Patrons of Husbandry, and, there being no grange in
Bow, he joined that at Hooksett, being a member of the
first class initiated in that grange, with which he was
connected several years, up to 1894, when he withdrew
and united with the new grange which had been estab-

364 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

lished in Bow, in which organization he served as over-
seer in 1896. Five years ago, or in 1892, Mr. Baker
removed from the homestead, and now has his residence

upon a small but productive and well-tilled farm near the
northern boundary of the town, and two miles from the

centre of business in Concord.

GEORGE’ B. KIMBALL,

GRAFTON.

The observing traveler by rail

from Concord to Leb-

anon, on approaching the Grafton station, beholds a fine
stretch of meadow to the right, and a spacious set of

4

GEORGE B. KIMBALL.

gaged for a number of years in

farm buildings, indica-
tive of thrift and pros-
pentys | Eleve visite
well-known Kimball
farm, of which the late
Peter Kimball, one of
the most prominent
agriculturists of his
time, was for many
years proprietor.
Peter Kimbalitv
member of the noted
Kimbail family of Bos-
cawen, was born in
that town, March 25,
1817. He was reared
to farm: life, butven=
mercantile business in

different places, and was subsequently for a time on the

home farm in Boscawen.

He married, February 20, 1851, Nancy A. Adams of

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 365

Grafton, and two years later established his home on the
farm in question, in that town, where he was extensively
engaged in stock breeding, actively connected with agri-
cultural societies, and a leading exhibitor at fairs, up to

THE KIMBALL HOME, GRAFTON.

the time of his decease, in March, 1881. He left four
children, two daughters and two sons. Of the former,
duevelder, Mary Av; is the wite of Dr. HM. Pucker. of
Canaan, while Carre A’, the yournger,is ‘Mrs.. W- E.
Swentzel of Kansas City, Missouri. The elder son, Cyrus
A., is engaged in the hotel business at Canaan, while
the younger, George Ben, remains at home with his
mother, and manages the farm, which includes, in
all, about 600 acres of land, much of which is in for-
est. The mowing and tillage include about ninety
acres, much of which is natural meadow, watered by
Smith’s river, and superior grass land. The annual
hay crop amounts to about 100 tons, and there is also a
silo of 100 tons capacity. The stock consists of about
forty-five head of cattle, including from fifteen to eight-
een cows, eight horses, and sixty sheep, with some eight
or ten swine. The milk is sold at the station, a mile

366 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

away, for the Boston market. The buildings are excel-
lent, including a substantial brick house, and fine sta-
ble, and a large stock barn 44 x 100 feet, with cellar
under the whole, supplied with hot and cold water, and
all modern appliances.

George B. Kimball was born January 28, 1865. and
has spent his life on the farm, which he now manages
except such time as was passed in securing an education
in the common school and at New Hampton Institution.
He is known as‘‘a hustler,” and carries on extensive
operations by contract, aside from his regular farm
work, in lumbering, haying, and other lines, cutting the
hay for instance, on some two hundred acres of land
for other parties the past season. He is a Republican in
politics, and represented the town of Grafton in the legis-
lature in 1895. He is a member of the New Hampshire
Society of the Sons of the Revolution, and of the Knights
of Pythias.

WiLLARD Bick,
WESTMORELAND.

Willard Bill, Jr., was born in Westmoreland on the
old homestead oa which he has aiways resided, October
14, 1839. He was the only child of Willard and Clarissa
(Esty) Bill. The Bill homestead has been occupied by
father and son for sixty-two years uninterruptedly. Its
extensive area, and its spacious mansion of ‘* ye olden
time”’ are well known, being built in the most thorough
manner in 1792, and bearing evidence that timely repairs
withstand the ravages of a century. The farm that is
more complete in every line is rare, though a few may
surpass it in some one specialty. It is a landed estate
that invites diversified farming, which has been pursued
by both father and son.

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 367

After completing his round of the common schools,
Mr. Bill attended the seminary at Westminster, Vt., and
Powers Institute at Bernardston, Mass., then under
charge of that famed teacher, L. F. Ward, where he
ranked well in his classes. For three or more genera-
tions the Bills have been noted for superiority as teachers
of common schools. Willard, Jr., was in wide demand,
being especially noted
for ‘‘straightening”
out the unruly schools,
in which work he was
very successful. Mr.
Bill has been called
upon to act in public
and official positions
many times, though
being very far from
an ofhce-seeker. He
has been selectman
seven years, moder-
ator ten years, county
commissioner three

years, and is at pres-

WILLARD BILL, JR.

ent an active member
of the State Board of Agriculture, and of positions of
public and private trust he is largely laden.

Mr. Bill is easily first in promoting public enterprise
in his native town, and his successes have been and are
many. The splendid free town library has been very
largely the work of Mr. Bill, having received very little
assistance either in the selection of its books, in its
management, or in its origination. The town Mutual
Fire Insurance association, which for twenty-five years
has been a success, was ‘** blocked out” by him, and of
which he was secretary for eighteen years, until his

368 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

resignation. In the settlement of estates and in care of
them he has always been active, and in this line he has
had much to do. ‘* His word is as good as his bond,”
is a common saying of his townsmen, over which he
feels a justifiable pride. Soon after he reached his
majority, he was commissioned a justice of the peace,
and from that time to the present his services in this
direction have been in demand.

Mr. Bill’s life has been a noted one for diversity of
pursuits and for ability of execution. His counsel is
always in demand, his honesty and faithfulness are
unquestioned. Asa Patron of Husbandry, he has been
active and influential, both in the Great Meadow Grange
of which he is a member, and also of his Pomona. He
has been secretary, master, and chaplain of his grange.

April 12, 1866, he was married to Ellen O. Isham of
Gilsum. They have had two children,—Clara F. who
married Walter S. Hutchins of Fichburg, Mass., and
Jennie L., both of whom inherit largely the Bill charac-
teristic qualifications.

JONATHAN ROWE,

NEWBURY.

There is no more rugged territory to be found in the
state than that embraced within the limits of the town of
Newbury, and yet, notwithstanding its rocky and uneven
surface, it is by no means one of the least productive of
the agricultural towns of the state, being specially
adapted to grazing and stock growing, while potatoes
and all the cereal crops are produced in good quantity
and superior quality, as all observing attendants of the
Bradford and Newbury fair are very well aware.
Newbury has, indeed, contributed its full share toward
the splendid stock and produce exhibits at this fair since

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 369

its organization, and since the death of the first presi-
dent, the late Col. Mason W. Tappan of Bradford, has
furnished a president for the fair association, the present
incumbent, Jonathan Rowe, Esq., now serving for the
fifth year.

Mr. Rowe is a native of Newbury, being the oldest
son of Himan and Eliza (Ring) Rowe and grandson
of the late Rev. Jonathan Rowe, whose name he bears,
born July 28, 1834, on a farm adjacent to that upon
which he now resides,
and which is at pres-
ent included in the ex-
tensive landed estate
of Col. John Hay, ad-
jacent to his spacious
and elegant summer
cottage overlooking
Sunapee lake. Reared
to farm labor, he never-
theless secured a good
education in the com-
mon schools and at the

New London acade-

my, and, like a large

proportion of the in-
telligent and enter-

JONATHAN ROWE.

prising young men of his generation, was engaged in
teaching school in winter for a number of years, with
much success in adjacent towns. Possessed of musical
talent in a marked degree, he pursued his studies in
that direction to a considerable extent, and has, during
all his life, sung in the choir at church services and on
other public occasions.

Mr. Rowe was united in marriage, February 24, 1859,
with Louisa M. Stevens, daughter of John and Lois

24

370 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

Stevens of Newbury, and established his residence upon
the old Stevens homestead, where his wife was born,
and where they have since resided. They have one
daughter, Nellie L., and an adopted son, Edward C.,
died at the age of nine years and five days. The farm
was originally a large one, but a portion of it was sold
a few years since to Colonel Hay, and it is upon this
portion that the summer residence of the latter was

RESIDENCE OF JONATHAN ROWE, NEWsuRY.

erected. Mr. Rowe pursued mixed farming, with stock-
raising as a leading feature. Summer boarding has also
been engaged in at the farm to a considerable extent in
past years, the location adjacent to Sunapee lake, and
commanding a fine view of it, being most favorable
therefor. It is about two miles from Newbury station,
on the New London road, and about the same distance
from Blodgett’s Landing.

For many years Mr. Rowe was engaged as a produce
dealer, buying extensively throughout the surrounding
country, and selling in the different markets. In this
capacity he carred the first potatoes shipped over the
Concord & Claremont road after the opening of the line.

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. By 7a

In politics, Mr. Rowe is a Democrat. He has filled
most offices in the gift of his townsmen, including those
of school committee, tax collector, and selectman, in the
latter capacity several years as chairman of the board.
He was road agent two years, chosen under the new
highway law, and also represented his town in the legis-
lature of 1893-4, taking an active part in the practical
work of the session. He is a justice of the peace and
quorum throughout the state, and has held a commission
for more than forty years.

Mr. Rowe has been a member of St. Peter’s lodge of
Free Masons at Bradford, for forty years, and was for
seven years W. M. and a member of the Chapter of the
Tabernacle of Royal Arch Masons of Newport. He is
also an active Odd Fellow, having originally joined
Sugar River lodge at Newport, but became a charter
member of Massassecum lodge at Bradford, for which
organization he wrote the by-laws. He has passed the
chairs in the lodge, and also served as district deputy.
He was also for a time a member and officer of Brad-
ford Grange, Patrons of Husbandry.

LUCIEN THOMPSON,
DURHAM.

The Thompson family has ever been conspicuous in
the town of Durham, and prominent in the history of the
state. The first of the name in New Hampshire was Wil-
liam Thompson, who was a resident of Dover as early as
1647. His son, John, established himself in Durham,
then known as the Ovster River settlement, where he
had received a grant of land in 1694, which embraced a
part of the present Thompson estate. He married
Sarah, daughter of Capt. John Woodman, proprietor of
the famous Woodman garrison. His son, Robert,

LUCIEN THOMPSON.

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 27/83

located on the present Thompson farm, and built a house
upon the same site occupied by the present mansion.
Robert Thompson was the father of Ebenezer, familiarly
known as ‘‘ Judge” Thompson, who took a most con-
spicuous part in the Revolutionary history of the state,
being a member of the ‘* Committee of Safety,” one of
the party which captured Fort William and Mary at
Newcastle, Dec. 14, 1774, a leading member of the pro-
vincial congress, and the first secretary of state under
the state government, serving in that capacity during
the entire war period. Subsequently he was for fifteen
years a judge of the Supreme Court and of the Court of
Common Pleas for Strafford County. Judge Thompson
built the main portion of the present residence on the
Thompson farm. His son, Benjamin, succeeded to the
estate, and was followed by his son, Ebenezer, a brother
of Benjamin, who made the munificent donation to the
state for the endowment of the Agricultural college.
Ebenezer was in turn succeeded by his son, Ebenezer,
whose son, Lucien, is the present proprietor.

Lucien Thompson, son of Ebenezer and Nancy G.
(Carr) Thompson, was born on the old homestead, June
3, 1859. When he was ten years of age, his father died,
and his mother soon removed temporarily to Manchester,
where Lucien was educated in the public schools, graduat-
ing from the High school in the class of 1877, of which he
was the salutatorian. The following year the family
returned to Durham, since which time he has been in
charge of the farm and actively engaged in the pursuit
of agriculture.

The Thompson farm, which is located about half a
mile to the northeast of the railway station in Durham,
embraces about two hundred acres of jand at the present
time, and produces annually fifty tons or more of hay
and other fodder. Fruit, milk, poultry, and pork are the

THE THOMPSON HOMESTEAD, DURHAM.

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 375

leading specialties. The buildings are spacious and
convenient, the dwelling being a fine old mansion with
modern improvements, while the main barn, 84 x 44 feet,
with cellar under the whole, is one of the best in the
region.

Mr. ‘Thompson has been prominently engaged in pub-
lic affairs for several vears past, having been a member
of the board of supervisors in Durham, in 1884-5, repre-
senting the town in the legislature of 1887-8, when he
was a member and secretary of the committee on educa-
tion, and serving as moderator for the last six years.
He was appointed a member of the State Board of Agri-
culture in October, 1887, and was reappointed for
another term in 1890, but resigned in 1892, when he was
appointed a member of the board of trustees of the New
Hampshire College of Agriculture and the Mechanic
Arts, which latter position he now holds, having been
reappointed, and serving also as secretary of the board
since June, 1896.

Politically, Mr. Thompson is a Republican, and in reli-
gion a Congregationalist, and an active member of the
Congregational church in Durham. He is a member of
the society of the Sons of the American Revolution, and
of Scammell grange, Patrons of Husbandry, of Durham,
being a charter member, the first secretary and second
master of the latter organization. He held the master’s
office four years, during which time the grange increased
greatly in membership and influence. He was also for
two years lecturer of the Eastern New Hampshire
Pomona Grange, and two years a member of the execu-
tive committee of the State Grange. He has strong liter-
ary tastes, with a penchant for historical research, and
has written extensively for the press. He has one of the
best private libraries in the state, largely bequeathed
him by his aunt, the late Miss Mary P. Thompson of

376 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

Durham, for the proper accommodation of which he has
added a wing to the family mansion.

April 6, 1887, he was united in marriage with Mary
Lizzie, daughter of the late Henry A. and Lizzie (New-
ell) Gage of Manchester. They have three children,
Robert Gage, born Sept. 17, 1888; Ruth Elizabeth,
March 16, 1891, and Helen Pickering, Jan. 13, 1895.

JOSEPH AVERY WHITCHER.
STRAFFORD.

The traveler, journeying from Dover to Concord by
the old ‘* Province Road,” after passing the far-famed
Bow Lake, pursuing his way through the long woods,
comes to a series of long, steep hills, fragments of the
old ‘* Blue Hills’; the top is soon reached, aud there,

fe Ri SS eee. ae ee Se Se =F sae Ee Fagin eomierr |

THE WHITCHER HOMESTEAD, STRAFFORD.

sentineled by a sturdy rock-maple tree, planted more

than a half-century ago by the hand now resting in the

little farm burying-yard, he sees the modest farm home,

herewith pictured, the residence of the late Joseph A.

Whitcher. A stubborn and rocky soil, under his strong
s

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 24 9l9/

hand and quick brain was beaten and molded into a
productive, profitable farm, a demonstration that in the
middle of the present century farming paid. On this
farm, progress was the watchword. The first cast-iron
plow used in this region was owned by the Whitchers.
They were in the lead in the use of mowing-machine,
horse-rake, and other new and improved farm machin-
ery.

The Whitchers are descendants of Thomas Whittier, *
who sailed from Southampton, England, with John Dob-
son, master, in the ship Confidence, landing in Salem,
Mass., in April, 1638. Salisbury and Newbury were
respectively the dwelling-places of Thomas Whittier
until 1650, when he moved to Haverhill, Mass., where
he died November 28, 1696, in his seventy-seventh year.
Haverhill records show that on May 23d, 1666, he was
admitted as a freeman.

Of his ten children we shall notice but two, Joseph and
Nathaniel.

The line of descent from Thomas Whittier to the sub-
ject of this sketch is:

Thomas, Nathaniel, Reuben, Benjamin, William,
William Jr., and Joseph A. The other son, Joseph, is
the head of a line ending with the ‘* Quaker poet,”’ John
Greenleaf Whittier.

William Whitcher, Jr., and his wife Abigail (Avery)
Whitcher lived in Epping, N. H., where their five chil-
dren, Naomi, Jonathan Be, Susan i...) joseph A., and
Caleb F., were born and lived until 1837. The educa-
tion afforded by the district school on Red Oak Hill was
all that the income from the little grist-mill and the labor
of the father at the millwright’s trade could afford.
Joseph A. tended the mill and studied his arithmetic,

* The names Whittier, Whitcher, and Whicher are used indiscriminately by

various branches of the family. a

378 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

geography, spelling, and reading as the golden grain
was ground into meal from which the coarse but whole-
some food of the sturdy New England population of that
time, was prepared.

In September, 1836, William Whitcher bought the
farm in Strafford of Isaac Swain, and in February, 1837,
the family moved there. The buildings were old and
the farm impoverished, and without suitable stock and
tools. Strong hands “and firm determination, together
with frugality, soon
bettered these condi-
tions. In February,
1839, William Whitch-
er died in his fifty-
sixth vear, leaving the
boys to battle with
debt. The winter eve-
nings were made prof-
itable by shoemaking,
and the autumn saw
waving grain and ri-
pening corn. In 1844,
the buildings were re-

paired; in 1847 more
land was bought, and
again in 1869 and
1883 still more was added, so that the farm consisted of
two hundred and fifty acres in good condition, with mod-
ern buildings, stock and tools, and all paid for from the
earnings of the farm itself.

JosepH A. WHITCHER.

In politics most of the Whitchers are Democrats,
and Joseph A. was no exception. During the trouble-
some days of the war he was one of the selectmen of
Strafford, and was active in guarding the rights of his
»fellow-citizens. Later, when a few men for political rea-

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 379

sons attempted to divide the town, his active opposition
did much to thwart their designs. In town-meetings his
voice was ever heard on the side of economy, and the
taxpayers always found him working in their interest.
In 1876 he was chosen to represent the town in the Jegis-
lature and was re-elected in 1877, serving both years on
important committees. While at Concord he became
familiar with the aims of the State Agricultural college,
and in 1878 he sent his youngest son to that institution.

In September, 1885,
while in the full pos-
session of mental and
physical powers, he
was suddenly stricken
with apoplexy, and
though living several
years, never fully re-
covered, but slowly de-
clined, passing peace-
fully away with his
wife and sons around
Mis bedside, July, 7,
Leow... Ele swais: va
kind and affectionate

husband, a just and
thouchtful father ,a CuHaAs. W. WHITCHER AND NEPHEW.
t=)

true and loyal citizen, his full share of life’s work cheer-
fully and faithfully done, and the world the better for his
having lived.

August 28, 1846, Joseph A. Whitcher married Martha
Emerson, a self-reliant woman, who had helped to sup-
port her father’s large family by money earned as weaver
in the Cocheco mills at Dover, to and from which she
many times walked. Martha (Emerson) Whitcher
wearied not of honorable toil, and at eighty years was

380 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

doing her life’s work cheerfully, uncomplainingly, ever
anxious for the happiness of others. No truer wife, no
better mother ever lived. Five children blessed the
union of this couple, two girls, Abbie E., and an infant,
both dead, and three sons, Charles W., Joseph E., and
George H., all living, and who, with Harold P., son of
Joseph E., are all the male representatives of the family
of William Whitcher.

Charles W. Whitcher lives on the old farm, and, though
an invalid, is active and useful in the community. Asa
boy, he was an exceptionally good scholar and attended
Pittsfield academy with a view to obtaining a college
education, but sickness compelled the abandonment of
this plan. In politics, he is a Democrat, and has been a
member of the board of education many times, and has
also taught many terms of school in his native town.
For a year he was
the clerk of the New
Hampshire Experi-

ment station at Han-
over, under his broth-
er, Prof Georoe mir
Whitcher.

Joseph E. Whitcher
is now the main de-
pendence of the fam-
ily, in managing the
farm and building up
the herd of thorough-
bred Ayrshire cattle,
now the chief source

L ss of income. He re-
JOSEPH E. WHITCHER,

ceived a good educa-
tion) at Coe’s) academy. He is a) Democrat; yetehe
cares little for political matters. He is a member of the

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 381

“

Grange and an Odd Fellow, with a host of friends and
few enemies. He married Abbie D. Perkins of Straf-
ford. They have two children, Harold P., whose por-
trait is shown with his Uncle Charles, and Alice. Jo-
seph E. Whitcher is one of New Hampshire’s best
farmers.

PROF. GEORGE H. WHITCHER,

youngest son of Joseph A. and Martha Whitcher, was
born Nov. 23, 1860, and attended school at Coe’s acad-
emy in 1876, and Pittsfield academy in 1877. In August,
1878, he entered the Freshman class of the Agricultural
college at Hanover, and graduated in 1881, having led
his class, taking the Smyth prize for best essay. He re-
turned to the farm for a year, and then engaged in the
manufacturing business in Massachusetts. In Decem-
ber. 1883, he was chosen superintendent of the college
farm at Hanover, assuming control in March, 1884. In
April, 1885, he was chosen professor of agriculture, be-
ing the first to occupy that chair. On Feb. 22, 1888,
Professor Whitcher was chosen director of the experi-
ment station, the work of organizing and equipping that
institution falling largely upon him.

When the question of the removal of the college to
Durham was agitated, Professor Whitcher was among
the first to advocate the change, and worked persistently
both at the college and before the legislature to secure
the adoption of a plan that should accomplish the desired
result.

The first work of construction at Durham was com-
menced Sept. 14, 1891, under Professor Whitcher’s per-
sonal supervision, and the finest barn in the state was
erected, one with modern conveniences and so located
that level entrances were had for the basement and three
floors. The plans were drawn and the design origi-

382 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

nated by Mr. Whitcher, and the work completed under
his oversight. The experiment station was also built by
Professor Whitcher.

In the lecture field he has been employed many times
by the Maine and Massachusetts boards of agriculture,
and has lectured in most of the towns in New Hamp-
shire, and at Dairyman’s associations in Vermont and
other states, delivering over five hundred lectures on
practical agriculture. He represented the experiment
station at the national meetings, twice at Washington,
once at Nashville, and once at New Orleans.

Professor Whitcher was the first to point out and dem-
onstrate the need of more potash in fertilizers for New
England, and the for-
mulas first prepared
and tested by himself,
both atthe home farm
in sotrafiord, and on
the college farm at

Hanover, are used by
hundreds of the best
known farmers in New
Hampshire, Massa-
chusetts, and Maine.
The bulletins from his
pen, issued by the ex-
periment station, have
been recognized as
authoritative not only
in the United States,
but in England, Aus-
tria, and Australia, and some of them were reissued, with
credit, by the experiment stations of other states, because
of their scientific and practical value. In politics, Mr.
Whitcher is a Democrat, who never deserts his party or

PROF. GEORGE H. WHITCHER.

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 383

principles. Circumstances have always been unfavor-
able for political preferment, as he has lived in strongly
Republican towns, but in 1890, as a candidate for the
legislature in Hanover, he cut the normal Republican
majority of one hundred down to less than thirty. Since
he has lived in Durham he has been almost unanimously
elected as member of the board of education, and in 1896
was chosen treasurer, against a Republican majority of
eighty. Inthe fall of 1896 he ran for the legislature
under the most unfavorable circumstances, owing to the
stampede of Eastern Democrats in the Bryan campaign,
and while the normal Republican majority in the town
was about one hundred and twenty-five, he was beaten
by only twenty-seven votes. In the spring of 1897, he
was elected second member of the board of selectmen in
Durham, by a large majority.

Since the removal of the college to Durham, he has
bought a tract of land, formerly swamp and pasture, and
improved it, raising hay, potatoes, strawberries, and
fruit. On this land he has personally designed and con-
structed six modern houses, a dormitory and a four-story
business block, known as Whitcher block, in which is
one of the finest halls to be found in any country town in
the state. A water supply for these and other houses has
been constructed on his own land, and house lots sold to
others, until the residence section of the town is now
largely on his land. For two years he acted as general
agent for the Bowker Fertilizer Company.

The natural mechanical ability, which he inherited
from his father, stands him in good stead, as he designs
and makes working drawings for his buildings, and then
personally superintends the construction and puts in the
heating apparatus according to his own ideas and plans,
thus saving much of the cost of building.

Professor Whitcher is an enthusiastic Odd Fellow, a

384 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

member of Good Samaritan lodge, No. 75, of Hanover ;
he is also a Patron of Husbandry. At present he is
engaged in erecting an electric light plant for the town
of Durham.

CHARLES B. HOYT,

SANDWICH.

No town in our state is better known for its fine farms
and progressive farmers than Sandwich, and among all
the beautiful domains that dot the Sandwich hills, none
is more beautiful or more widely known than the old
Hoyt farm, which stands on a high hill overlooking the
village, and was set-
tled about 1768 by
Joseph Hoyt, and ever
since occupied by his
descendants, the pres-
ent occupants being
Benjamin Burleigh
Hoyt” and. “his son,
Chanleses:

The original farm,
with additions made
from time to time, now
embraces 560 acres.
The owners are en-
gaged in mixed farm-
ing, hay being the

CuarLes B. Hoyr. principal crop. Twen-

ty-two head of cattle,

three horses, and a fine flock of twenty-one sheep are
being kept, and this is about the average stock.

Charles Burleigh Hoyt, the son of Benjamin B. and
Caroline (Quimby )}Hoyt, was born in Sandwich, Decem-

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 385

ber 12, 1859, and for years has been recognized as a
leading citizen, being actively interested in all that per-
tains to the welfare of the town. He was graduated from
New Hampton Institution in 1882; taught school several
winters, and was a member of the school-board for six
years. When the creamery was started in 1889, he was
one of the prime movers, did much toward its establish-
ment, and was a director and clerk of the corporation
until its sale to private parties in 1894. In politics, he is
a Republican, being at the present time one of the select-
men, and moderator of the town-meeting. In ’95 and
96 he was deputy sheriff for Carroll county. He joined
ined Mountain, lodge, A. F:yand A. Min 1885, 0f
which he was master twice. In the Grand lodge he was
for two years R. W. Grand Lecturer for district number
six, and is now serving his second term as R. W.
district deputy grand master for the same district.

From the early days of the order of Patrons of Hus-
bandry in Carroll county he has been an earnest and
efficient worker. He was a charter member of Mt.
Israel Grange, its first lecturer, and master for three
years. He was also a charter member of Carroll
County Pomona Grange, of which he is the present
master. He has held the office of District Deputy of the
State Grange, since 1894, and to his interest and wise
counsel much of the success of the order in the district
is due.

In November, 1897, he was appointed a member of
the State Board of Agriculture.

He is unmarried. His only brother, George S. Hoyt,
with his wife and two children, resides upon a farm
about two miles distant.

25

386 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

HERBERT N. SAWYER,

ATKINSON.

Many of the towns along the southern border of the
state are favorably situated with reference to agricultural
success, on account of proximity to the excellent markets
afforded by Massachusetts cities, prominent among
which is Haverhill; and Atkinson, one of the best agri-
cultural towns in Rockingham county, is particularly
favored in that it adjoins this flourishing city whose mar-
ket advantages are among the best.

The leading farmer of Atkinson, and one of the most
extensive milk producers in the state, is Herbert N. Saw-
yer, son of Jesse Au-
gustus and Elizabeth
B. (Noyes) Sawyer,
who was born on the
farm where he now
resides, and which has
ever been his home,
July 26, 2860.5) sais
farm, which is located
near the southern bor-
der of the town, about
a mile and a half from
the Academy village,
and six miles from
Haverhill, was pur-
chased by Mr. Saw-
yer’s father, who was
a native of Atkinson,
reared on another of its excellent farms, in 1853, and has
been materially improved since that time. The land has

HERBERT N. SAWYER.

been brought into an excellent state of cultivation, and the
buildings are among the most commodious and complete

“‘NOSNIMLY ‘YHA

AVS 'N “H 40 soniating WUV

388 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

to be found upon any farm in the county. A substantial
two-story house is connected by an ell with a spacious
stock barn. 40 x 120 feet. here are other necessary,
buildings, and a new dwelling, near by, occupied by the
elder Mr. Sawyer since Herbert N. took charge of the
farm work upon his marriage, Oct. 17, 1886, with Miss
N. Grace Pettengill of Atkinson, an intelligent and
accomplished young lady, who proves a most efficient
and encouraging helpmeet.

Mr. Sawyer was educated in the public schools and
Atkinson academy, and his highest ambition has been to
discover and apply the most intelligent methods in pro-
moting agricultural success, while neglecting none of
the obligations of citizenship or the just demands of soci-
ety. Butter production was formerly the leading
specialty of the farm, but milk for the Haverhill retail
market has been found more profitable of late, and to
this attention is mainly given. About sixty cows are
kept, selected for their milking qualities, and eight
horses are used for farm and marketing purposes.
There are about one hundred and forty acres in the
home farm, and another farm of seventy acres, near by,
has been purchased by the young man. The hay crop
reaches about one hundred tons, and about sixteen acres
of corn are raised for fodder, which is cut and fed dry in
preference to ensilage. A steam-engine furnishes power
for cutting, also for unloading hay and fodder, sawing
wood, pumping water, and other necessary work, the
fine mechanical ingenuity of Mr. Sawyer devising means
for applying the power to a great variety of uses.

Mr. Sawyer is a Universalist in religious belief, and a
Republican in politics. He was elected on the board of
selectmen in 1895, 96 and ’97, and has been a member
of the school-board since the town system was adopted.
He has been an active member of Atkinson Grange since

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 389

18go, and master for 1896 and 1897. He is also a mem-
ber of Mizpah lodge, 1.0: O. F-, of Haverhill, Mass.
For several years past, Mr. Sawyer has been an agent for
the sale of Bradley’s fertilizer and various agricultural
implements, in his section of the state.

Mr. and Mrs. Sawyer have two sons, Arthur Herbert,
born March 8, 1889, and Clifford Augustus, Aug. 30.
1894.

THOMAS Ji COURSER:
WEBSTER.

Few men in Merrimack county enjoy a larger acquaint-
ance than Thomas J. Courser of Webster, whose genial
manner and active business characteristics have brought
him into familiar relations with a large number of peo-
ple. Mr. Courser is a son of the late William B. and
Nancy (Morey) Courser, born in the town of Wilmot,
July 20, 1837. In his infancy, his father, who was a
farmer, removed to the town of Warner, locating in the
district known as ‘* Schoodac.”’ His parents being in
limited circumstances, he began at an early age to
make his own way in the world, earning his own living
after nine years of age. He attended the common
school as far as practicable, and subsequently secured
the benefit of instruction for a few terms, at the Con-
toocook academy. He had become thoroughly familiar
with the labor and methods incident to general farm
management, and at the age of twenty-one entered the
employ of Dr. Robert Lane of Sutton, where he was
engaged for eight years.

May 1, 1866, he was united in marriage with Miss
Sarah E. Todd of New London, and located on the
farm in Webster which he has since occupied, in the
westerly portion of the town, about five miles from

THOMAS J. COURSER.

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 391

Warner village, where is his post-office and business
address. This farm embraces about 200 acres of land
altogether, and produces some fifty tons of hay, with a
good amount of corn and other crops. Mr. Courser has
also some 400 acres of land elsewhere, in Warner and
Sutton, largely pasture and woodland. He raises cattle,
sheep and hogs, quite extensively, and usually keeps
half a dozen horses. He sells cattle to a considerable
extent in the local market, and has purchased quite
extensively for Brighton and Watertown for the last
twenty-five years, thus coming into business contact
with the farmers through a large section of this state and
Vermont.

His first wife dying, Mr. Courser subsequently (Octo-
ber 26, 1876) married Addie E. Marden of New Boston,
his present wife. Three children by the first marriage
are living—a son, Fred W., who has always remained
at home, and now has practical charge of the farm
work, and two daughters, Emma J. and Sarah A., edu-
cated at New Hampton and Warner, and now located in
Concord. One son, Charles Henry, by the second mar-
riage, now nineteen years of age, is a student at the
New Hampshire College of Agriculture and Mechanic
Arts at Durham.

Energy and industry have characterized Mr. Courser,
both in his farm work and his commercial operations,
through his entire career thus far, and these, with strict
integrity, have insured substantial success, as well as
the respect and confidence of his neighbors and asso-
ciates. Nor has he been unmindful of his duties as a
citizen. He is a thorough-going Democrat in politics, is
always in attendance upon the state and county con-
ventions of his party, and works earnestly for its success.
He has served two years as deputy sheriff, and four
years upon the board of commissioners for Merrimack

392 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

county. In 1892, although his town has always been
strongly Republican, he was elected to the state legisla-
ture, and rendered efficient service in that body.

Mr. -Courser joined, Warmer Grange, P: of Havin
1879, and has been an active member, holding the
offices of steward, overseer, and master. and is a member
of the Merrimack County Pomona Grange. His wife is
also an efficient and devoted member of both the Subor-
dinate and Pomona Granges. He is also a member of

Central ledge; No. 67, 1. ©. O:.., of Warner.

SUMNER N. BALL,

WASHINGTON.

Among the men who have succeeded in demonstrating
the fact that agriculture can be made to pay in a rocky
and mountainous back town in New Hampshire, a
dozen miles from railroad facilities, even in these recent
years of hard times and business depression, is Sumner
N. Ball of Washington, a son of Dexter and Hannah
Ball, born in that town June 3, 1854. He lived at home
on the farm, and worked in the shops of his native town,
meanwhile improving the educational advantages offered
by the public schools and Tubbs Union academy, until
twenty-one years of age, when, in 1875, he went to
Antrim and entered the employ of Hon. David H.
Goodell, subsequently governor of the state, upon whose
famous ‘‘ Maple Grove Farm” he was foreman for five
years. He then purchased the job printing plant in
Antrim village, and established a local newspaper—the
Antrim Peporter—in connection therewith, conducting
the same successfully for another five years’ period, at
the end of which time he disposed of the business, and,
in 1886, returned to Washington and purchased the old
homestead which had been owned by his grandfather,

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 393

John Ball, who went from Antrim to Washington in
1835, and died in 1883. The farm, which had been
leased to tenants upon his grandfather’s death, had
become somewhat ‘run down,” and the buildings were
going to decay; but the latter have all been put in good
condition, and the land brought into an excellent state of
cultivation.

The farm embraces 250 acres of moist clay loam. : It
is situated on a high
elevation about a mile
and a half west of
Washington Center,
and bordering on Mil-
len Lake, one of the
most beautiful sheets
of water to be found
in New Hampshire,
being finely located
for summer boarders.
It is now known as
‘Oak Hill -Parme*

Cows and sheep are

the principal stock,
and thoroughbred an-

SUMNER N. BALL.

imals are sought in
each line. Butter, lambs, poultry, and maple sugar
are the products mainly relied upon for revenue.

Mr. Ball was united in marriage, November 26, 1884,
with Miss Carrie B. Brooks of Antrim. They have two
children—John S., born August 30, 1886, and Nina M.,
February 27, 1889. In religion he is a Baptist, and in
politics a Republican. He has served his town four
years as a selectman, and ten years successively as a
member of the school-board, being secretary and treas-
urer of the same most of the time. He is at presenta

394 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

town auditor, and also a member of the board of trustees
of Tubbs Union academy. In 1896 he was the candi-
date of his party for representative in the legislature,
and lacked only five votes of election in a decidedly
Democratic town. He is a member of the I. O. O. F.,
and has passed the chairs in his lodge. He is also an
active member of Lovell Grange, No. 5, P. of H., in
which organization he has taken a deep interest, and
served as master from 1893 to 1897, during which time
the membership was doubled. He was master of Sulli-
van County Pomona Grange in 1895, and is at present a
State Grange deputy for District No. 17. Mrs. Ball is
also active and earnest in Grange work, and is the
present worthy Pomona of the State Grange.

GILMAN GREENOUGH,
ATKINSON.

There is no man in the section of the state contiguous
to the Boston & Maine railroad between the town of
Exeter and the city of Haverhill, Mass., who enjoys a
wider acquaintance, or is more favorably known than
Gilman Greenough of Atkinson. Mr. Greenough is a
son of the late Richard and Hannah B. (Towle) Green-
ough, born on the oid ‘* Peter Clement place,” where he
now resides, May 29, 1835. He was educated in the
common schools and at Atkinson academy, where he
was for some time under the instruction of William C.
Todd of that town, the well-known educator, now
specially noted for his recent liberal donation to the Bos-
ton public library, for the maintenance of a newspaper
reading-room.

Though born and reared on a farm and making agri-
culture the basis of his life-work, Mr. Greenough has

Z
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n

ATK

H,

ENOUG

GILMAN GRI

F

S

7

FARM BUILDING

396 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

been extensively engaged as a land surveyor and con-
veyancer since early life. He has also a very extensive
business as a probate attorney, and in the settlement of
estates ; and, as the only acting justice in the town, his
services are frequently in demand in the adjudication of
questions involving the public peace, as well as matters
of private right.

In April, 1860, he was united in marriage with Mary
C. Carter of Hampstead, who is still living. They have
two children, Frank
W., born January 19,
1861, and Ada Mary,
October 2, 18645 the
latter now being the
wife of W. E. Ham-
ilton: of “HH awvenhnills
Mass. The son, Frank
W. Greenough, is now
the active manager
and a part owner of
the homestead farm,
which embraces about
two hundred acres of
land. From fifty to

sixty tons of hay are
annually produced,

GILMAN GREENOUGH.

| and four or five acres
of field corn, and some two acres of corn for fodder.
The leading industry is the production of milk for the
Plaistow and Haverhill markets. About twenty-five head
of cattle, mostly Holstein, are kept, and about the same
number of swine, the latter being kept principally for
the purpose of clearing up and improving wild land.
Mr. Greenough is a Universalist in religious belief,
and politically a Democrat, and has been prominent in

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 397

the councils of his party in Rockingham county.
Although residing in a town usually Republican, he has
been its treasurer for sixteen consecutive years. He has
also served as collector, selectman, and supervisor, and
is now, and has been for nearly twelve years past, a
member of the school-board. In 1894, he was the can-
didate of his party for county treasurer, and although
not elected, received a very flattering vote in his section
of the county.

He is a member of Atkinson Grange, No. 143, and
has been lecturer and overseer of the same. He is also
a member of West Rockingham Pomona Grange, and is
now serving his fifth year as treasurer of that organiza-
tion.

(GJEUNIRULAD Sy IER (CILAUR
MARLBOROUGH.

Among the best-known and most actively interested
Patrons of Husbandry in the county of Cheshire, for
several years past, has been Charles L. Clark of Marl-
borough, who was born in that town, February 9, 1840,
a son of Fuller and Adaline (Porter) Clark, his paternal
grandfather being Thomas Clark of Troy, and his mater-
nal grandfather, Asa Porter, a Revolutionary soldier.
He attended the common schools of his native town, and
the High school for some years, and was also for several
terms under the instruction of Rev. Dr. S. H. McColles-
ter at Valley Seminary, Westmoreland.

When the war of the rebellion broke out, he was study-
ing medicine under the instruction of Dr. Samuel A.
Richardson. He promptly enlisted in what was the
Second N. H. Volunteers, drilled three weeks, and was
taken sick, so that he was unable to proceed with his
company to Portsmouth, where the term of enlistment

398 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

was changed to three years. Subsequently, he enlisted
in the Sixth regiment, with which he served three years
and ten months, coming home as first lieutenant com-
manding Company B. During his service he partici-
pated in twenty pitched battles, and many minor engage-
ments.

After his return from the war, Mr. Clark was for
many years in mercantile life, but for seventeen years
past has been engaged in agriculture, having purchased
a farm on the borders of Stone pond in Marlborough,

‘“* LAKESIDE ”—RESIDENCE OF C. L. CLARK, MARLBOROUGH.

upon which he has effected great improvements, erect-
ing a fine new set of buildings, and working a wonderful
transformation in the general appearance of the place.
Market gardening and the dairy are the specialties at
‘* Lakeside Farm,” as Mr. Clark’s place is designated,
about a dozen choice cows being geaceally kept, and the
butter sold to private customers.

Mr. Clark has been twice married; first to Mary E.,
daughter of George V. R. and Nancy V. Farnum, by
whom he had one daughter, Mary Edith; second to
Ellen L., daughter of John E. and Cleora Whitney, by

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 399

whom he had two children, Charles W., born December
20, 1609, aude rielena! |., borm june 55 1877. “The*son,
a worthy and prominent young man, who was married,
and resided at home, was accidentally killed while blast-
ing rocks, October 21, 1897; the terrible blow nearly
prostrated his father, who has been in ill health for
some years through a severe injury which badly shat-
tered his nervous system.

Mr. Clark is a Republican in politics, but has never
sought political office. He is associated with the G. A. R..,
the Red Men, the American Mechanics, the Daughters
of Liberty, Odd Fellows, and the Masonic fraternity,
having taken both the Chapter and Commandery degrees
in the latter. He has been a member of Marlborough
Grange for ten years, serving two years as assistant
steward, one year as overseer, three years as master,
two years as master of Cheshire County Pomona Grange,
and two years on the executive committee. He was also
two years vice-president of the Cheshire County Grange
Fair Association, and one year president. In religion
Mr. Clark is a Baptist, and held the office of deacon sev-
eral years.

Mr. Clark is a ready parliamentarian, and an easy
speaker, and is at home either in the chair or on the
floor in the numerous public gatherings in which he par-
ticipates.

HENRY NOYES,
HAMPSTEAD.

The Noyes family has long been among the most
prominent and respected in southeastern New Hamp-
shire, and the late Edward R. Noyes of Hampstead was
one of the best-known and most substantial citizens and
successful farmers of that town. His homestead was

‘dVaALSINVE ‘SHAON' AUNAH AO AWOH

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 401

located about two miles from the centre village, on the
east road, leading to Haverhill, Mass., via Westville,
and the same distance from East Hampstead. Here he
passed a well-spent life, honored the farmer’s calling,
and reared a family to habits of industry and thrift.
Henry Noyes, son of Edward R. and Elvira P. Noyes,
was born on the homestead, April 11, 1554, and here
grew to manhood, receiving such education as the com-
mon schools afforded. —
Barly. in life he en-
tered the employ of his
older brother, Leonard,
who was located adja-
cent to the homestead,

and was extensively
engaged in business
as a butcher, driving
through his own and
neighboring towns.
Subsequently, upon his
brother’s death, he took
the business himself,
and materially increas-
ed it, doing business
in several New Hamp- Buenee NOES.
shire towns, and in

Haverhill, Mass., some six miles distant, his sales
amounting to about $1,500 per month.

April 27, 1879, he was united in marriage with Ida A.
Thomas of Atkinson, and located on the William C.
Little farm, which he had purchased, adjoining the
homestead, the latter passing upon the father’s death
into the hands of a younger brother, Wallace. This
was known as an excellent farm, and had been kept in a

fine state of cultivation for the production of market
26

402 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

vegetables, but since passing into the hands of Mr.
Noyes has been devoted mainly to stock feeding and
milk production, the latter being sold of late to dealers
for the Haverhill market. Extensive improvements have
been made upon the farm, which includes about 300 acres
of land. Rocks and old fences have been removed,
the buildings modernized and fitted with all conven-
iences, including running water; and a general appear-
ance of thrift and comfort pervades the premises. Mr,
Noyes cuts from eighty to one hundred tons of hay, and
raises about three hundred bushels of field corn annually.
He keeps about thirty head of cattle and fourteen horses,
a number of the latter being required in his extensive
meat business.

Mr. Noyes is a practical man, always works with a
definite object in view, and seldom fails to accomplish
his purpose. He ranks with the best farmers in his
section, and his social and financial standing is of the
highest. In religion he is a Universalist, and in politics
a Democrat, but he has never been an aspirant for politi-
cal honors. He is a member of Atkinson Grange, No.
143, and has been treasurer of the same.

Mr. and Mrs. Noyes have five children—Edward
Moody, Forrest Henry, Lee Wallace, Olive M., and
Plorencese.

CHART ES Aa HAMES 6 SONS:
PORTSMOUTH.

The most extensive breeders of Ayrshire cattle, and
among the largest general farmers in New Hampshire,
are Charles H. Hayes & Sons of Portsmouth.

Mr. Hayes is a native of Cambridge, Mass., a son of
Charles and Rebecca (Goodwin) Hayes, born Jan. 13,
1835. In 1842 his father removed with his family to

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 403

Portsmouth, buying and locating upon the well-known
‘¢Shaw farm,” two miles out from the city proper, on
the Greenland road, then owned by Capt. Andrew Hus-
sey, which he carried on until his death in 1884, his son
having been associated with him for many years previ-
ous, in the proprietorship and management. The home
farm contains about three hundred acres of excellent
land, and about two hundred acres of outland have been
added.

While general farming has been pursued, stock-rais-
ing and market gardening have been the leading fea-
tures, and for more than a third of a century Ayrshire
cattle have been at the front on the farm. In May,
1873, the barns and entire stock were destroyed by fire,
but energy and perseverance soon accomplished restora-
tion, and the herd now embraces ninety-two head of cat-
tle, most of which are registered animals. In addition
to these, some eight or ten horses are also kept. These
cattle have all been raised on the farm, and bred with
great care. The reputation of the Hayes Ayrshires,
indeed, extends over a large section of the country, and
sales from the herd are frequently made to parties in the
different New England and central, and even Southern
and Western states. Exhibits from this stock have
attracted marked attention, and won leading prizes at
State and New England fairs for many years, fairly
sweeping the board in their class at the last New Eng-
land fair in Portland—the result of a fixed determina-
tion to succeed, formed thirty-two years before, when a
solitary third prize only was secured at the same fair in
that city. The excellence of these Ayrshires as milk-
producing animals is shown from the fact that the aver-
age product per head, of the forty-five cows kept on the
farm, has been something over six thousand pounds for
the year. The milk is sold mainly at wholesale in Ports-

‘SNOS 3 SHAVH “H S@TYVHD 40 Guay ‘SHMIHSUAY AO dNOUry

‘HLAOWSLUOd

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 405

mouth, though a retail milk route has been conducted
for years. The surplus now goes to the Portsmouth
creamery, recently established. The sales of cattle and
milk from the farm, for 1891, amounted to $3,978, and the
same for 1894 to $4,390, while the herd was kept good in
numbers and quality by the stock raised on the farm.

About two hundred tons of hay are annually cut on the
farm and one hundred and twenty-five tons of ensilage
put in. For the year 1897 the hay prodnct, including
first and second crops, exceeded 250 tons. About forty
acres of land are kept under the plow, the larger por-
tion of which is devoted to the production of vegetables
for the Portsmouth market, of which over twelve hun-
dred bushels were stored at Thanksgiving time in 1897,
after daily sales throughout the season. Aside from
vegetables, from one to two acres of strawberries are
also raised. The orcharding on the farm is also exten-
sive, a thousand barrels of apples being secured in pro-
lific years. About fifteen men are employed on the farm
in summer and five or six in winter, the average annual
cost of labor being over $2,000.

Mr. Hayes was united in marriage Aug. 24, 1859,
with Lucy M., daughter of Washington Sweetser of
Portsmouth. They have four children, three sons and a
daughter. Charles Sweetser, the eldest son, born July
24, 1862, married Sarah Rebecca, a daughter of Henry
Bean of Newington and lives at home. Florence Good-
win, the daughter, born July 30, 1867, married Irving O.
Cummings, M. D., son of Dr. E.G. Cummings of Con-
cord. They reside at Brewster, Mass. Philip Adrian,
the youngest son, born Oct. 14, 1870, also resides at
home, and with his father and elder brother, is actively
engaged in the farm work. H. Percy, the second son,
born Sept. 8, 1869, is now managing the Portsmouth
creamery, recently established.

406 NEW HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURE.

Mr. Hayes is a Congregationalist and a Republican,
and has served in both branches of the Portsmouth city
government.

(CUBUAMIRIC IES, 18. ~ SIMUEINIBE
NEWFIELDS.

If the traveler who was wont to stop at the Kimball
House in Dover back in the ‘* seventies’? (and most dis-
criminating travelers who visited that city in those days
did so), were to leave the Concord & Portsmouth train at
Littlefield’s crossing, some day, and follow the highway
a quarter of a mile to the north, he would come to a
modest set of buildings on a two-hundred acre farm,
and, seeking out the master of the premises, might be
surprised to find in his person the same bluff, stalwart,
genial and jovial Charles E. Smith, whose hearty greet-
ing as landlord of the Kimball House is still remembered
with pleasure by all who called it forth, and he would be
welcomed as cordially as in those other days.

Mr. Smith is now on his ‘* native heath,’ his farm
being a part of the old homestead on which he was born,
as well as his father and grandfather before him, the place
having been owned in the family for several generations.
He is a son of the late Daniel R. and Deborah B. ( Wig-
gin) Smith, born January 5, 1831. He was reared on the
farm and devoted his early life to farm labor, aiding in
clearing up many of the acres which he now occupies.
In the fall of 1862, however, he abandoned agriculture,
and went into business in a grocery store at the village
of South Newmarket, now Newfields, where he con-
tinued two years and then went into a hotel in the same
place, which he managed five years, going thence to the
Kimball House, before mentioned, in Dover, which he
conducted most successfully for more than ten years.

PERSONAL AND FARM SKETCHES. 407

While in Dover, Mr. Smith, who has always been a
zealous Republican, devoted considerable attention to
politics, in which he had already taken more or less
interest. He served for some time as chief engineer of
the fire department, and was elected to the state senate
from the Dover district
at the first biennial
election, in November,
1976. Returning to
South Newmarket in
1881, he has since giv-
en his attention to agri-
culture, though resid-
ing for some years at
the village, adjacent to
which he has a large
tract of land, which he
cultivates, as well as
the farm upon which
he has made his home
for two or three years

past. He pursues mix-
ed farming, with no
particular specialty, and takes solid comfort in the hon-
est toil incident to the farmer’s vocation.

Mr. Smith has been for several years a member of
South Newmarket Grange, and master of the same the
past year. He is also a member and past chancellor of
Pioneer Lodge No. 1, K. of P., at Newmarket. He is
the present moderator of the town of Newfields, and has
held most of the offices in the gift of his townsmen,
including that of representative as far back “as 1868,
before his removal to Dover.

December 7, 1865, he was united in marriage with
A. Augusta Burley, a sister of Harrison G. Burley of New-
market, whose cheerful companionship he still enjoys.

CHARLES E. SMITH.

PUBEISHERS. NO@E,

The printing of this volume was commenced in the summer of 1896, beginning with
the main body of the work—the ‘“ Personal and Farm Sketches ’’—opening at page
49, and has continued to December, 1897, such progress being made as the preparation
of sketches and the securing of pictures for illustration has permitted, no little delay
having been occasioned many times by difficulty and disappointment in the latter
direction. The work being in press for so long a time, it happens that the situation is
now different with reference to some subjects from what was the case at the time the
matter referring thereto was printed. For instance, Mv. John C. Morrison of Bosca-
wen, one of the first subjects, is now deceased, having passed away some time after
that portion of the book in which his sketch appears, was sent to press. In two or
three other instances members of the families of other subjects, who have been
referred to as living, have since died; while in other cases, men spoken of as holding
certain positions at time of writing have subsequently retired therefrom, and some
now hold positions which they did not occupy when written of and the matter was
sent to press. This explanation is made to remove what might otherwise be a well
founded suspicion of carelessness in the preparation of the work.

C 74

WINN