929.2 ^^ *-»v
C8161C
L158957
GENF^L-OGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
3 1833 01208 6531
GENEALOGY
GORSER Family in America
EMBRACING
MANY OF THE DESCENDANTS
OF THE EARLY SETTLERS OF THE NAME IN
MASSACHUSETTS AND NEW HAMPSHIRE
WITH SOME
Reminiscences of their Trans-Atlantic Cousins.
r). D. Gr. Cnr -:::><:::: r""
CORSER veloci * * al lito,
Tosto eke di Ionian videro il legno."
— Tassoni.
Swift RAN they to the ocean's side.
Soon as from far the ship they spied. (296)
1902.
PRINTED BY
Ira C Evans Co.,
Concord, n. h.
W i>
>^
^
■1
1158957
GENEALOGY
CORSER FAMILY.
ABBREVIATIONS
USED IN THIS BOOK.
a.
aged.
b.
born.
conj.
conjecturally.
d.
died.
dau.
daughter.
dec.
deceased.
m. or mar.
married.
res.
residence.
s.
son.
unm.
unmarried.
u. s. w. {imd so
weitev
[Ger
•]),
etc.
The figures attached (in the manner of exponents, so called,
in algebraic notation) to the personal or Christian names,
denote the generation ; as, Asa^ (William% John'), mean-
ing, — Asa the third, or of the third generation, in the Hne
of descent, son of William the second, son of John the first.
CONTENTS.
Preliminary — Origin of the Corser Surname and
Family, u. s. w.
No.
1 . Primary use of Name.
2. Derivation of Name.
3. The Cursores.
4. Italian and French Forms.
5. Of French Paternity.
6. Le Corsour.
7. Corviser,
8. Origin of Family — Italian Speculation.
9. Later Diversions.
10. The Family Arms.
1 1 . The Family in England.
1 1 a. Further Particulars relating to the English Family.
1 1 b. Family of George Corser, Esq.
lie. The Rev. Thomas Corser.
I id. Some Interesting Memorials.
lie. Corser and Corviser.
I if. The Family in America.
II. Early Immigrants of the Name.
12-15. Families of William and Arculas Courser.
16. Notes — Registry of Passengers, &c.
Question of Family Relationship.
John^ Courser (14).
Heirs of John^ Courser.
Settlement of Sister's Claims.
Reminiscence of John^ Courser.
Coincidence Extraordinary.
Sarah"* Courser (14).
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
VI CONTENTS.
III. Family Proper in America.
24-235. Lineage of John Corser.
IV. Supplementary — Biographical and Miscellaneous.
236. John' Corser (28).
237. Birth-date of John'.
238. Residence in Newbury.
239. Removal to Boscawen.
240. Death and Place of Burial.
241. John^ Corser (25).
242. Settlement on Corser Hill.
243. Prospect from the Hill.
244. Family and Settlement on the Hill.
245. Nathan^ Corser (24).
246. William^ Corser (27).
247. Journey to Portsmouth.
248. Thomas^ Corser (28).
249. The suit of Corser versus Corser.
250. Anecdotes of Thomas^
251. John^ Corser (31).
252. David^ Corser (32).
253. A " Brace of Bullets."
254. Incidents in the Life of Davids
255. William^ Corser (34).
256. Abbyneezer^ (Corser) Gerald (35).
257. John^ Bowley (37).
258. Jacob'* Bowley.
259. Asa^ Corser (38).
260. John Gerald (35).
261. James'* Corser (41).
262. Elcy5 (Downing) Corser (45) — Poem.
263. Rice'* Corser (64).
264. Hannah'* (Corser) Adams (70).
265. Enoch'* Corser (72).
266. Fields of Labor.
CONTENTS. VU
266a. Character as a Preacher.
267. Reminiscences of Enoch.
268. Skill in Swimming.
269. Jane* (Corser) Wadleigh (74).
270. Caleb B.5 Corser (157).
271. The Blasdell Family.
272. The Fitz Gerald Family.
273. Prof. Lucian Hunt (72).
274. The Pegasus (10).
275. "Squire Corser's Daughter" (11).
276. Corsour, Corviser, and Corsere (6, 7).
277. Wm. Corser, English Author.
278. Extracts from Letter of G. Sanford Corser.
279. Nathan-t Corser (84).
280. "Gala Days" — Poem by Margaret (Gould) Corser
(171).
281. All About Bermuda — Letter from Emma J. Courser
(203).
282. " I'll Think of Thee "— Poem by L. A. F. Corser (72).
283. Life in Colorado — Letter from N. D. Corser (218).
284. Letter from David^ Corser (32).
285. Letter from David'* Corser (69).
286. Letter from David^ Corser (32).
287. Letter from David^ Corser (32).
288. Letter from David'* Corser (69).
289. From Journal of David^ Corser (32).
290. Family of William^ and Anne* Corser (103).
291. Nathaniel Corser (119) — Letter from Grace M,?
Corser.
292. Letter from Gen. John A. Dix (177, 265).
293. From Letter of Geo. Sandford Corser.
294. Table of Land-owners.
295. Comments.
296. Concerning the Motto.
297 — 297X,
V. Index to Genealogy.
f^
^^^^^iMsmmiiMm-
THE G0R8ER FAMILY IN AMERICA,
I.
PRELIMINARY.
Origin of the Corser Surname and Family, u. s. w.
I. PRIMARY USE OF NAME.
The Corser surname is a genuine product of the law of
evolution.
In Middle-English, so called, — that is to say, English of
the period from about 1250 to 1580 — the word corser (with
its equivalent courser, a variant spelling of the same word) is
found in use as a common name, signifying first, a steed or
war-horse ; and second, a horse-dealer. In the former (or
primary) sense it is still in use under the variant form last
named. In the sense of horse-dealer, with the synonymous
form Jiorse-corser, it is now obsolete, surviving only in its
robust and doubtless fitter relative, Jiorse-courser. Cognate
with the word corser, we may add, are also found the Middle-
English terms cors or corns, signifying a course, and corsmg
(sometimes corsene), signifying exchange or barter, and also
(see Halliwell's Dictionary of Archaic Words) horse-dealing.
2. DERIVATION OF NAME.
The word is one of a numerous class of vocables, whose
root is found in the Latin word currere, signifying to run,
whence cnrsiis, a course, and cursor, a runner ; the latter or
primitive form of the name being anciently employed as a
cognomen by the noble Roman family of the Papirii.
CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
3. THE CURSORES.
The Cursores (accent on the second syllable), or Cursors,
as we should say, — upon whom as allied to us by name, if
not by blood, it may not be out of place to bestow a cursory
glance, — figure somewhat conspicuously in history. Lucius
Papirius Cursor, supposed to have been the first of the name,
was so-called, says Livy, on account of his extraordinary
swiftness of foot. He was chosen five times consul and
finally created dictator, in which capacity he obtained a
splendid victory over the Samnites. Another of the same
family achieved immortality by first erecting a sun-dial in
Rome. These events occurred about 300 years before
Christ.
4, ITALIAN AND FRENCH FORMS.
(This section and the two or three following, of a char-
acter not especially diverting, if important, to be skipped by
those who are not fond of delving in placers of this kind.) —
The Latin currere becomes corrc7'e in Italian, retaining the
same meaning, whence corsa and corso, a course, corsaro, a
corsair, and corsiere, a courser. In old French it takes the
different forms conr, curve, and coiirif, whence we have cors
and coiirs, a course, corsier, cotirsier, and airsier, all variant
spellings of the same word, signifying a steed, and cor(c)tier,
with its variant coiirtier (or coumtier), signifying a broker.
5. OF FRENCH PATERNITY.
From the French corsier the Middle-English corser (as also
from coiirsier, the variant form courser — i. e., regarded as a
common name, its use as a patronymic being unauthorized,
though obtaining to some extent in America, the mispronun-
ciation of the name, Core-ser for Cazvr-ser — in England
Cazvr-zer, s having the sound of .cr — being perhaps mainly
responsible for the innovation), — from the French corsier
PRELIMINARY. 3
(variant courser), we repeat, the Middle-English corscr (variant
course)^, when used in the sense of steed or war-horse,
appears to be immediately derived. When used in the sense
of horse-dealer, however, lexicographers appear unanimously
agreed in assigning to the words a different parentage,
namely, the forms corf c) tier d^nd courtier (or couratier). It is
a wise child that knows its own father. Lexicographers may
or may not be endowed with equal wisdom, but their verdict
it behooves us not to gainsay. Just how it happens that the
derivatives in this case, instead of assuming, as the rules of
etymology would seem to require, the forms corter and conrter
(as in the case of the word barber, for example, derived from
the French barbier), have donned the liveries, so to speak,
i. e., taken the names (Anglicized) of their worthy cousins of
the corsier and coiirsier lines does not appear. A genuine
case, doubtless, of the survival of the fittest, however the
seeming anomaly may be accounted for.— The Italian
corsiere, if thus compelled to renounce, in favor of its Gallic
rival, the honor of paternal relative once claimed for it, is of
course near of kin ; as likewise corsaro, with its French
variant corsairc and German corsar, whose features reappear
in their twin relatives of later date, Corsar and Corsair
(reputed Scotch).
6. LE CORSOUR.
In regard to the term Corsour, cited by the author of "Our
English Surnames " (see No. 276), under the form (old
French or Norman, as supposed), " Le Corsour," as the former
representative of the Middle-English corser — the word, we
may remark, is rather, it would seem, to be regarded as but
a variant spelling of the latter {corser), in common with the
forms courser, com'sour, and curser, as in the following line
from old English poetry :
" He sette him on an hygh corsour" —
4 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
the word here evidently signifying a steed, although, as the
precursor of the English patronymic, invariably used, as
defined by the authority above-named, in the sense of horse-
dealer. (See Matzner's " German Diet, of old English
words.")
7. CORVISER,
Allusion is made further on (see lie) to the theory enter-
tained by some of our English friends — based upon a mis-
conception, if not purely fanciful, as it appears to us — which
derives the name from an old French word, corviser, to wit,
signifying a shoemaker (once, it would seem, a flourishing
patronymic, but now utterly defunct), for which the emble-
matic figures adorning the family escutcheon, of a trio of
lapstones, or pegging-hammers, for example, would seem to
be a far more appropriate device than that of " 3 horses'
heads couped," etc.
8. ORIGIN OF THE FAMILY. ITALIAN SPECULATION.
In correspondence with the belief once entertained, that
the name came to us directly from the Italian, the opinion
has prevailed that the family is of Italian or perhaps Latin
extraction. The record is not very old which rhapsodizes in
this wise : — "If it be thought not improbable that the blood
of the ancient Cursores flows in the veins of their modern
namesakes, whether reposing beneath Italian skies, or planted
on a foreign soil, we have only to say. Let it floiv ! " There
is even an obscure legend (if legend it may be called), to
the effect that the progenitor of the family was an Italian,
resident at the Scottish court — that haply, or presumably,
of Mary Queen of Scots — who was honored by his sover-
eign with the title of Esquire, and granted armorial bearings,
etc. — all which the record duly makes a note of, and all
which, moreover, with the exception of the undoubted fact
that the founder or some remote ancestor of the family was
PRELIMINARY. 5
honored in the manner aforesaid, may be set down as purely
conjectural, if not, in view of the circumstance that the
French cJicval appears to be ahead in the race, squinting
pretty strongly (or say rather, if you please, unmistakably)
towards the apocryphal.
9. LATER DIVERSIONS.
The name may or may not be an index to the nationality.
It is not a matter of great moment. " Tros Tyriiisquc iniJii
nullo discriniine agctur^ Dido's maxim was a wise one —
Partiality we II none of it. Had she but always been as level-
headed ! (see Virgil.) — We own, indeed, to retaining a fond
recollection of the sunny skies of Italy, which we have so
often pictured to our " mind's eye " as bending lovingly over
the " old romantic land " of our ancestors ; and of that fas-
cinating tongue, with words, as Byron sings,
" That melt like kisses from a female mouth,
And sound as if they should be writ on satin,"
and which, in imagination, we have so often heard dropping
pearl-like from their lips. Yet we have no objection, if you
please, to tripping it lightly, in search of our ancestors, to
"Belle France," and interviewing on the subject the famous
"Je-Nong-Tong-Paw'' ; or, if it be your further pleasure, to
extending our jaunt northward, where the Danish Korsor
invites us, and the "viking wild" (of Longfellow),
" On the white sea-strand
Waving his bloody hand,
Saw old Hildebrand,"
if perchance we may find our kindred among the sons of
those daring sea-rovers, whose brothers came down and
raided France, and descending on England with William the
Conqueror, won the victory of Hastings (Oct. 14, 1066), and
struck a tap-root into the British soil.
Which struck to the Saxon heart dismay,
And told the world they had come to stay !
6 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
N. B. In the present unsolved state of the problem, that
the family is of Norman-French origin would seem to be the
most probable conjecture.
lO. THE FAMILY ARMS.
But whatever be the remote relations of the family, the
earliest trace of it we have been able to discover is in con-
nection with the interesting event which gave to the family a
coat of arms, confirming to some patriarchal member of the
same, worthy perhaps to be called its founder, the supposed
title of Esquire. The honor appears to have been conferred
at Edinboro', Scotland (whether or not the residence of its
recipient can only be conjectured) — at what date is not
known, but presumably prior to the close, perhaps by several
decades, of the Middle-English period. Following is a
description of the arms, as found in the " Encyclopedia of
Heraldry, or General Armory of England, Scotland, and
Ireland :"
" CoRSER (Edinboro'). Argent, three horses' heads couped
sable, bridled of the first. Crest — a Pegasus proper. Motto
— Recta Coitrsay Or, in other words — On a white field,
three horses' heads cut off, sable, with bridles of the first-men-
tioned color. A Pegasus (winged horse of the Muses) proper
is one of the natural color, whatever that may be. The
motto varies as given by different authorities, but we accept
the above as probably correct. It is supposed to be Latin,
of the kind known as Low (or Medieval) Latin — the word
coursa (equivalent corsa, as in Italian) being derived from the
old French or Middle-English coiirs or cors — and signifies,
Right Course, or more freely. On the Right Track.
A second description, presumably of arms granted to
another rising son of the family, differing slightly from the
preceding, but with the same general heraldic device, is also
found as follows :
i \K'''^y:\^^
B^-
ARMS OF CORSER. (Fio)ii Skctc'i by '•Kale Kni^sbiiiy.")'
PRELIMINARY. 7
" CoRSER. Argent, on a chevron sable, three horses'
heads couped of the first." Here we have three white
horses' heads displayed on a dark chevron (i. e., figure "rep-
resenting two rafters of a house meeting at the top "). —
Arms answering to this description, we may note, appear to
have been adopted by that branch of the family of which the
venerable clergyman mentioned below was an honored repre-
sentative. Crest — same as above. Motto — Recto cursu.
We find also arms of a somewhat similar description
inscribed with the name of Co7'sair, suggesting a possible
family relationship between the owners of the allied patro-
nymics.
II. THE FAMILY IN ENGLAND.
While our earliest notice of the family would thus seem to
connect it with Scotland, as its probable or apparent birth-
place, and where, if report be true, the names Corsar and
Cossar, stray shoots not unlikely from the old parent stock,
have become domesticated, representatives of the name, from
whatever quarter hailing, and whether or not of kindred
origin, as seems proba'ble, with their Scottish namesakes,
appear to have established themselves early in England,
where the patronymic is found at the present day, and had
apparently become a fixture as early, at least, as the middle
of the 1 6th century. The extent of our information in regard
to the English Corsers, at this present writing (1878), is
limited to a few brief items.
Not many years since (about 1868) there resided in the
vicinity of Manchester, Eng., a venerable Rector of the
name — the Rev. Thomas Corser, since deceased, a noted
litterateur and bibliophile — who advertised for sale, in the
Boston papers, a valuable collection of books. An inter-
esting notice of this library appeared at the time in a London
periodical, from which we quote the following :
8 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
" The Other library is that formed by the Rev. Mr. Corser,
Rector of Stand, near Manchester. It has been 50 years in
formation, with a single eye to old English poetry, literature,
&c., and is shortly to be sold on account of the advanced age
and loss of sight of the proprietor. For the rarity and value
of the contents in the particular branch it was formed to
illustrate, Mr. Corser's library is equal, if not superior, to any
of those mentioned, as may be inferred when it is said that
he possesses every book but two of those described in the
famous Bibliotheca Anglo-Poetica, published by Longman
in 1805."
That the name exists, or at least is well-known, as far
south as the region of Oxford, we infer from a passage,
descriptive of a somewhat ludicrous occurrence, in the
recently published story of " Cripps the Carrier," by R. D.
Blackmore {locale as above mentioned), in which an unheard-
of accident befalls the infantile wardrobe of Squire Corser's
daughter. (See 275.)
II a. FURTHER PARTICULARS,
Relating to the English family, furnished by George Sand-
ford Corser, Esq., of Shrewsbury, Salop (or Shropshire) Co.,
Eng., in a letter addressed to E. S. Corser, Minneapolis,
Minn., of date Feb. 15, 1888, have come to hand since the
above was written. We quote the substance of Mr. Cor-
ser's communication :
" It is only within a few years," he writes, " that I have
become aware of the name-bearers existing elsewhere but in
connection with those of knoivn Salopian origin. My own
traditionary and other information has been, that the family
lived at Darleston in the Parish of Frees, county of Salop,
with relatives at Sheriff Hales, partly in Salop, but princi-
pally in Staffordshire.
PRELIMINARY. 9
" My ancestors, removing from Darlaston, subsequently
resided and gradually acquired property at Bletchley, still in
the same district ; and some of them settled at Whitchurch,
a town in Shropshire, but bordering on Cheshire [at which
latter place Mr. Corser was born in 1819].
" A collateral member settled at the village of Bushbury,
near Wolverhampton, and his descendants have been lawyers
of repute, and are to be found in and in the vicinity of
Wolverhampton, Birmingham, and Stourbridge, in the coun-
ties of Stafford, W^arwick, and Worcester.
" Another branch (deriving, I suspect, from Sheriff
Hales) exists at Stourbridge and in its neighborhood in
Shropshire.
" There were Corsers among the laboring class at Hodnet
and Shawbury, both in the northern part of Shropshire. A
family (perhaps deriving from the last-mentioned) lives at
Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, the celebrated hunting dis-
trict, where for two or three generations they have been em-
ployed in the stables. [In this family, doubtless, we may look
for some of the genuine Jiorse-co2i.rsers, descendants, mayhap,
as well as worthy disciples, of our ancient Edinboro' friend.]
" There was a Henry Corser, ' chirurgeon,' and his wife
living at Shrewsbury in the 17th century. He does not
appear to have had any family or other relatives living in this
town. The last Abbot of Haughmond Abbey, three miles
from here, is said to have been a Corser [or rather Cof-x'iser
— see 278].
'' In the Australian Hand-book for 1881 I find a firm of
' Corser & Co.,' General Importers, Kent street, Maryborough,
Queensland. I have also a cousin residing in New Zealand.
" In a modern work on Names and Arms appears Corsar,
given as Scotch. In the London Directories for 1865 and
1886 the name Corser does not appear, but in the latter vol-
ume I find * Corsar Brothers ' and ' David Corsar & Sons,'
lO CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
both firms sail-cloth manufacturers, probably all of Scottish
extraction. An important town in the island of Zealand, a
part of Denmark, is called Korsor, Anglicc, Corser.
" I know of no printed pedigree of the family, and the
only written one to my knowledge, constructed by my uncle
George, and furnished me by his daughter, Mrs. Price, unfor-
tunately does not carry the Corsers beyond 1724, the ante-
rior names relating chiefly to the Norcross family (resident in
Shropshire and Lancashire), to whom we are allied.
" I suspect the Corsers began to rise when the middle
classes of England originated, after the abolition of feudal
tenures in Charles II.'s reign (after 1660), and the growth of
commerce upon the Revolution against James II. (1668).
The family, so far as I know, have always taken conservative
but not ultra views in politics, and have been members of the
established church."
Thus far Mr. Corser's letter, from which it would seem that
the family in England is not numerous, and that all, or nearly
all, so far as is known, are of Salopian origin. Its earliest
traditions appear to be connected with its residence, or rather,
we may say, with the last years of its residence, at Darlaston.
How long it remained in that place, except that it is believed
to have been seated there for many years, even, as we are
informed by one authority, from the time of Queen Elizabeth ;
what was its previous history ; in what soil it originally
sprung up ; whether, as may be conjectured, it was a plant
from the Edinboro' nursery, transported hither at some
unknown period — does not appear.
lib. FAMILY OF GEORGE CORSER, ESQ.
The knoivn pedigree of the family, thus much of it, that
is, of which a record is known to have been kept, or at least
is forthcoming, appears to extend back but a few years into
the Darlaston period. Its migrating ancestor, father of
PRELIMINARY. I I
George' Corser, Esq., of Bletchley and Whitchurch, whose
name stands first on our list, was born, as supposed, about
1 7 10-15, and the son about 1750 or later.
George' was the father of several children — one, who was
the father of Rev. Richard K,'' Corser, curate of Stand ;
another, the father of George Sandford* Corser, Esq., solic-
itor, of Shrewsbury ; and still another, George^ whose only
daughter, Frances Selina'', married Rev. Henry Hugh Price,
of Acton Hall, near Stafford.
The third and most distinguished of the sons of George'
was Rev. Thomas^ Corser, Rector of Stand, and Vicar of
Norton. He was the father of three children, of whom the
eldest was Rev. George James* Corser, Vicar of Burington,
near Ludlow ; the second son, Edward*, settled in New
Zealand ; the youngest, a daughter, married her cousin,
Richard K.* CorsS.^^^oD aAMOHT .VH>I
The Rev. George James* Corser. now deceased, was the
.^V[AjOMa ,3HIHgAbHAJ^ .aMATC
father of three children — a son, John Lyon^ Corser, recently
9T8X— 86't.I
graduated from Oxford, and now (1857) reading for the bar,
and two daught^fl^^^the o^^^mara-i^t^gi J^dntg^giQ a gen-
tleman farmer. ^ „_,, , ^o^.. a
•t-8Ti: bns 8-8-t^ 89^bH
The above items, gaihcrcu ch>'!j.\- iign >lr. Corser's com-
8T-II 83ssq 998 "Mrl to ri0l3H8 loT
munication, and from a letter addressed in May, 1887, to
El wood S. Corser by the widow of George James* Corser,
we may supplement with some further particulars of interest
relating to the Rev. Thomas' Corser, as found in a brief
sketch of his life inserted in a volume of the Chetham
5"<?«V/;''j publications after his decease, in 1876.
lie. THE REV. THOMAS CORSER.
M. A., F. R. S., son of George Corser, Esq., and Mary
Corser, daughter and co-heiress of Randall Pythian, Gent.,
of Higher Hall, Edge, Chester Co., England, was born at
Whitchurch, in Shropshire (or Salop), March 2, 1793. He
PRELIMINARY. I I
George^ Corser, Esq., of Bletchley and Whitchurch, whose
name stands first on our list, was born, as supposed, about
17 10-15, and the son about 1750 or later.
George^ was the father of several children — one, who was
the father of Rev. Richard K.'' Corser, curate of Stand ;
another, the father of George Sandford"* Corser, Esq., solic-
itor, of Shrewsbury ; and still another, George^, whose only
daughter, Frances Selina^, married Rev. Henry Hugh Price,
of Acton Hall, near Stafford.
The third and most distinguished of the sons of George^
was Rev. Thomas^ Corser, Rector of Stand, and Vicar of
Norton. He was the father of three children, of whom the
eldest was Rev. George James'* Corser, Vicar of Burington,
near Ludlow ; the second son, Edward-*, settled in New
Zealand ; the youngest, a daughter, married her cousin,
Richard K.^ Corser.
The Rev. George James-* Corser, now deceased, was the
father of three children — a son, John Lyon^ Corser, recently
graduated from Oxford, and now (1887) reading for the bar,
and two daughters, the older married to a Mr. Green, a gen-
tleman farmer.
The above items, gathered chiefly from Mr. Corser's com-
munication, and from a letter addressed in May, 1887, to
El wood S. Corser by the widow of George James-* Corser,
we may supplement with some further particulars of interest
relating to the Rev. Thomas^ Corser, as found in a brief
sketch of his life inserted in a volume of the CJietham
6"^czV/;/'i' publications after his decease, in 1876.
lie. THE REV. THOMAS CORSER,
M. A., F. R. S., son of George Corser, Esq., and Mary
Corser, daughter and co-heiress of Randall Pythian, Gent.,
of Higher Hall, Edge, Chester Co., England, was born at
Whitchurch, in Shropshire (or Salop), March 2, 1793. He
12 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
was educated at Baliol College, Oxford, where he graduated
in 1815 ; was ordained priest in 1817 ; from 18 19 to 1824
was curate successively of Stone, in Staffordshire, of Mon-
mouth, and of Prestwich, near Manchester; in 1826 became
Rector of Stand, where he remained 50 years, to which
office was annexed that of Vicar of Norton from 1828.
He married, Nov. 24, 1828, Ellen, daughter of Rev. James
Lyon, Rector of Prestwich. She died at Stand April 25,
1857, leaving two sons and a daughter.
Mr. Corser was one of the original projectors of the
" Chetham Society," so-called, formed for the purpose of col-
lecting and publishing the historical and literary remains
connected with the Palatine counties of Lancaster and
Chester. He edited four of its publications, one of the
most important being an account, bibliographical and descrip-
tive, of his own collection of early English poetry, entitled
" Collectanea Anglo-Poetical (See publications of the
Chetham Society in the Atheneum Library, Boston.)
Mr. Corser's valuable collection was sold at auction
between the years 1868 and 1873, the sales occupying nearly
30 days, and the proceeds amounting to about ^20,000. A
part of his choice collection of engraved British portraits
was sold in 1875.
Mr. C. was a member of various antiquarian and literary
societies ; was a valuable contributor to " Notes and
Queries" ; gave also frequent social entertainments — symposia
in the parlance of the fraternity — to his literary friends.
He became infirm before the age of 70, being afflicted
with the sciatica, rendering walking difficult. In 1876 he
was seized with paralysis, and never afterwards left his room.
He was cheerful and resigned, finding solace in his books —
his "never-failing friends were they." His left eye also
became affected, rendering its removal necessary — an oper-
ation extremely painful, which he bravely endured without
PRELIMINARY. 1 3
the use of anesthetics. The other eye, though somewhat
impaired, still remained serviceable. He finally succumbed
to a violent attack of diarrhoea, Aug. 24, 1876, at the age
of 83.
He was a man of broad culture and fine literary taste ; as
a minister, conscientious and diligent in his parish work ; a
pleasing speaker, whose appeals were more to the intellect
than to the hearts of his hearers. (See 277.)
I id. SOME INTERESTING MEMORIALS
Of "ye elden time," relating to our English friends,
gleaned from a recent English publication, may perhaps find
a fitting place here upon our record. In the History (pub-
lished 1887) of the Church and Parish of St. Julian (Juliana
the Virgin), Shrewsbury, Salop Co., we find, between the
years 1649 ^"^ 1721, a record of the marriages, burials, etc.,
of several (included in a long list of others) of the name of
Corser — from which we quote :
'' Robert s. of Rob^ Corser, bap. April 8, 1649."
'^ Mary %v. of Rob^ Corser, barber, bur. Dec. 13, 165 i."
" Mr. Robert Corser, counsellor of this town, bur. March
7, 1677."
" Richard Morgan and Elisabeth Corser mar. March 4,
1678."
" Mr. Robert Corser, vyntner. Town councillor, church-
warden 1665, bur. March 7, 1678."
"J/r. Henry Corser, chirurgeon, church-warden 1665,
removed from town council by mandate of James H, bur.
April 12, 1692."
" Mr. Aldersey Dickin of the Parish of Hodnet in ye
county of Salop & Mrs. Mary Corser oi the Parish of Frees,
mar. March 25, 172 1."
Epitaph, inscribed upon a mural tablet (" copper-plate in
wooden frame"), of the above-mentioned Henry Corser a.nd
Anne, his wife :
14 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
" The remains of Henry Corser of this Parish, chirurgion,
who deceased April the nth 1692, and Anne his wife, who
followed him the next day after.
" We Man and Wife
Conjojni'd for life,
Fetch'd our last Breath
So near, that Death
Who part us would,
Yet hardly could.
Wedded againe
In bed of Dust,
Here wee remaine
Till rise we must.
A double pledge this grave doth finde
If you are wise, keep it in minde."
lie. CORSER AND CORVISER.
We also find in the above-mentioned History, between the
years 1581 and 1615, the word ^r^rj-rr occurring not less than
fourteen times as a common name, denoting an occupation :
as, "John Blakeway, corser, bur. July 26, 1587." We find
also, between 1658 and 1731, the old and obsolete French
word corviscr, signifying a shoemaker, occurring sixteen
times. From this word the surname Corser, according to
some authorities, is derived, if derivation it may be called,
the one being, in fact, but an abbreviated form of the other
— an etymology, we may remark, it will be time enough to
pin our faith to when verified, or there is a dearth of etymons.
Its relevancy to the case in hand, i. e., the Scottish, or Scotch-
English horse-dealer, with the unique triple badge of not
doubtful interpretation, is a conundrum beyond our skill to
fathom.
I if. THE FAMILY IN AMERICA.
The first of the name in this country, so far as is known,
was William Courser, who early emigrated from England,
PRELIMINARY. 1 5
and settled in Boston. He left posterity, the names of
several of whom are found on the Boston records. It is not
known that any of his descendants, in the male line, are now
living.
Nearly contemporary with William was Arculas (or Arch-
elaus) Courser, a sometime resident of Cambridge and Lan-
caster, Mass., the names and birth-dates of whose children
are found on the records of the latter town — which is all
that is known of this family.
Later on the stage, by some three quarters of a century,
appears John Corser, of Newbury, Mass., afterwards of Bos-
cawen, N. H., generally believed, upon the authority of tra-
dition, to have been an emigrant from Scotland. His
descendants, constituting the family proper in America, are
numerous and widely scattered, being found in nearly all the
northern and western States, and in Canada.
Between this patriarchal trio — progenitors, so far as is
known, of all of the name in this country (we have heard of
but a single exception, possibly mythical, that of a miner in
Nevada, said to be a recent importation from Scotland) —
a relationship is presumed to have existed, though none can
now be traced. Whether Arculas was a son of William, as
may be supposed, or John, a more remote descendant, as some,
ignoring tradition, have conjectured, the record alone, if such
document be in existence, can determine.
l6 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
II.
Early Immigrants of the Name. Families of William
AND Arculas Courser.
12.
William' Courser, of Boston, supposed to have been the
first of the name in this country, was born Aug., 1669,
and died before July, 1673; birth-place unknown;
was a member of the Church of England, and pre-
sumably a resident, if not a native, of that country ;
came over at the age of twenty-six in the bark " Eliza-
beth and Ann," which sailed from London, May, 1635 ;
took the freeman's oath. May 25, 1636, — the day on
which Harry (afterwards Sir Harry) Vane was elected
Governor of Massachusetts, for whom, as a good
churchman, he probably voted, — and the next year
purchased a house near the Common, which he
afterwards sold to John Chamberlain ; was by trade a
cordwainer, and at one of the first meetings of the town
was chosen sealer of leather. Among his children were :
Deliverance'^, b. Jan. 4, 1638.
Joanna% b. Dec. 12,1639.
John% b. March 6, 1642. (See 13)
13 (12).
JoHN^ (William'), born March 6, 1642 ; cordwainer ; married
Margaret , who was born in 1640 and died April 3,
171 3. Children :
William^, b. April, 1668.
Mary\ b. Aug. 27, 1670.
Samuel^ b. Nov. 5, 1672.
Joanna^, b. Sept. 8, 1674.
Sarah^, b. April 13, 1677; m. Alexander Trotter, of Boston, tailor,
who sold for £100, paid by James Bowdoin (founder of Bowdoin
College), his " new, brick-built dwelling-house on Union St., Jan.
15, 1714." A Sarah Courser is also found on record as marrying,
Nov. 13, 1693, Anthony Thoring.
Jonathan^, b. Sept. 29, 1679.
John^, b. Aug. 29, 1681. (14)
JOHN^ COURSER, OF BOSTON. 1/
14(13).
JoHN^ (John^, William'), born Aug. 29, 168 1 ; ship-joiner;
m., I St, Sarah, dau. of John and Deliverance Wakefield,
May 20, 1703, Benjamin Wadsworth officiating clergy-
man. (See notes, 18-20.) Children :
Deliverance*, b. Oct. 14, 1704 ; ra. Nathaniel Breed, of Boston, baker
(19).
Sarah*, b. July 25, 1707 ; d. March 29, 1771, aged 63 ; in., Nov. 20, 1729,
Clement Collins, who d. April 24, 1787. Their son, Capt. Clement
Collins, was the father of the late Mrs. Anna Colesworthy, of Port-
land, Me., mother of Mr. D. C. Colesworthy, of Boston, the well-
known writer, author of the poem (published about 1878), " School is
Out," and bookseller on Cornhill. " The graves of his great-grand-
parents," writes Mr. C, " are on Copp's Hill, and the stones remain
unbroken." (See 23.)
John\ b. Oct. 29, 1709.
Mary*, b. Oct. 1, 1711 ; single in 1757.
Anna*, b. April 15, 1713 ; m. Robert Cutler, Nov. 21, 1734 ; d. before
1757. Her sole heir was Timothy Cutler.
Jonathan*, b. June 30, 1716 — after which the name (with the exception
of that of a Jonathan Courser, whether the same with the preceding
is not known, who m., June 28, 1738, Elizabeth Tyler, and that of
Deborah Courser, who m. Nathaniel Breed, Sept. 14, 1741) disap-
pears, so far as the writer has been able to trace, from the record.
The question arises — What became of William's posterity in the
male line ? Here are three grandsons and two great-grandsons, of
whom (with the possible exception of the above-mentioned Jona-
than) we have no further account. Did they die young, or leave
no children, or remove from the country? That they should disap-
pear thus suddenly and leave no trace is indeed remarkable. (P. S.
See Notes, 19, 20, for a possible clue to a solution of the mystery.)
15-
Arculas (or Archelaus) Courser, as appears from Savage's
Genealogical Diet., resided for a while at Cambridge,
Mass., and subsequently at Lancaster, where his chil-
dren were born ; nativity unknown ; m. Rachel .
Children :
15 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
RacheP, b. Oct., 1662.
Simon^, b. Aug. 3, 1667.
Simorfl, b. June 15, 1669.
Mary'^, b. May 11, 1670. — No further trace of this family has been
discovered.
NOTES.
1 6. Registry of Passengers, etc.
The following, bearing date of May ii, 1635, is copied
from a " Book of Entrie for Passengers," etc., in the Rolls
Office, Chancery Lane, London : —
" Theis under written names are to be transported to New
England imbarqued in the Elisabeth and Ann p'rd. The
p'rties have brought certificates from the Minister and Jus-
tices of Peace of their conformity to ye orders and discipline
of the chh. of England, and yt they are no subsidy men."
Here follow the names of William Courser, shoemaker, aged
26, and two others.
In a previous entrie, of date Feb. 17, 1634, the names of
a William Courser, aged 24 — perhaps the same with the
preceding — and 148 others are registered for transportation
to the Barbadoes, in the ship Hopewell, Capt. Wood.
The year 1635, remarks a writer, is especially noted for
"the great movement in England among the friends of reli-
gious liberty, which, before the year expired, eventuated in
the emigration to New England of upwards of 3,000 peo-
ple." Harry Vane arrived in October of the same year.
17. question of family relationship.
There are those, as already intimated, who favor the
theory that John Corser, of Newbury, afterwards of Bos-
cawen, was a descendant of William, of Boston, his birth-
date being assigned to a period somewhat later than that
fixed by tradition. A nut here, containing perchance more
meat than is dreamed of in our philo.sophy, which let those
NOTES. 19
crack who can ! In any event, that a relationship existed
between the Boston and Boscawen families can scarcely be
doubted. The identity of the surnames, even to the varia-
tions in orthography, the mode of spelling being almost
uniformly Courser in the earlier records, but afterwards
Corser ; and still more the marked similarity between the
Christian names of the two families — note the succession of
Johns, also the common use of the names William, Mary, Sam-
uel, Sarah, and Jonathan — appear to be strong presumptive
evidence of a common ancestry. Beyond this point, until we
are favored with a less hazy atmosphere, we care not to risk
our Pinta upon its uncertain voyage.
18. JOHN^ COURSER (I4).
It appears that John Courser, joiner, m., 2d, Mrs. Sarah
Winslow, daughter of Joseph Smith, of Boston, 1742, who
survived him several years. Between him and one Erastus
Stevens a marriage settlement, of date May 11, 1742, is
found, by which all her personal property is settled upon
her for life, and her real estate consisting of two messuages,
or tenements, at the north end of Boston, is to be to the
joint use of herself and her intended husband, John Courser,
during their lives, and one moiety of her whole property to
the use of his last will. (See Suffolk Co., Mass., Registry
of Deeds, Lib. 6^, Fol. 265.)
19. HEIRS OF JOHN^ COURSER.
John^ died intestate about 1756. His estate, consisting of
house and land on Bennett and Love Streets, appraised
;£240, and negro Peter, appraised ^6-i3s.-4d., was divided
between his three surviving daughters and Timothy Cutler,
sole heir of Anna, deceased. Date of warrant for division of
property, Aug. 12, 1757 ; Nathaniel Breed (14) administrator.
Mr. Breed purchased the shares of Mary and Timothy
Cutler. (Suffolk Co., Mass., Probate Records.) From the
20 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
fact that the sons do not appear as heirs we infer that they
had probably deceased, the name thus apparently becoming
extinct in the line of John^ with this (the 4th) generation.
20. SETTLEMENT OF SISTER's CLAIMS.
Several business transactions by John Courser, joiner, on
the one part, chiefly conveyances of real estate, are on record
between 171 3 and 1734. In one, dated May i, 171 3, there
is a discharge of certain claims to his sister, Sarah Trotter
(13). As their mother died April 3d of the same year, these
are presumably claims upon her estate. It does not appear
that any others held similar claims. Shall we infer from this
that there were no other surviving children ? that those
who had deceased probably left no issue — the fact being thus
accounted for of the apparent extinction of the name except in
the line of John^ ? (in which, as we have seen, it appears to
have become extinct with the succeeding generation).
21. A REMINISCENCE
Of John^ Courser (as supposed). — From the Records of
Buxton, Me., (see Hist, and Gcji. Register, vol. XXII, p.
278), it appears that John Corser, as one of the " Narragan-
sett Grantees," i. e., soldiers who served in the Narragansett
war, drew, Nov. 17, 1735, a lot of land in said town, "on
the right of Samuel Hill." Among others who received
grants at the same time were several well-known citizens of
Newbury ; as Nathaniel Clark, Col. Joseph Gerrish (on the
right of Moses Little, his father-in-law), Joseph Coffin and
Christopher Bartlett. From the circumstance last-men-
tioned, as also from the spelling of the name, it was at first
supposed that the above had reference to John Corser, of
Newbury. But this is probably a mistake. The Narragan-
sett war occurred in 1675-6. We find in a late volume of the
Hist, and Gen. Register, that John Corser (who could have
been no other than John^ of Boston) was one of the soldiers.
NOTES. 2 1
The lots were drawn nearly 60 years later, presumably
after the death of John% through whom, whatever relation
Samuel Hill may have sustained to the case, John^ as the
legal representative of his father, it is natural to suppose,
may have become connected with the affair,
22. COINCIDENCE EXTRAORDINARY.
It would seem that the second wife of John^ of Boston,
Mrs. Sarah Winslow (18), lived to a great age, being, as is
supposed (see item in Xht Boston Journal, Jan. 3, 1884), at
least y^ years old when she became his consort. A some-
what curious coincidence is the tradition, that John Corser,
of Boscawen, "had a daughter," so writes Bliss Corser,
" married in Sandown [till 1756 a part of Kingston] to a man
by the name of Winslow," and that "she lived to a great
age." Wanted — documentary evidence (possibly to be
found in the records of Kingston), confirming such tradition.
Supposing, however, a marriage of the kind to have taken
place — contemporaneously, or nearly so, as must have been
the case, with that of John, of Boston — it suggests, at least,
a possible family relationship between the venerable bride and
the said groom, her namesake ; and if such connection existed,
a probable acquaintance, most naturally accounted for by a
presumable relationship, between the families of the two
Johns.
23. SARAH^ COURSER (14).
Clement^ Collins, who m. Sarah'^ Courser, was the son of
Daniel"^ and Rebecca (Clement) Collins. Daniel was the son
of John^, who was the son of Henry\ who came from Lon-
don in 1635, and settled in Lynn, Mass., being by trade a
starch-maker Capt. Clement'^ Collins (son of Clement and
Sarah) m. Hannah Jenkins. He d. in 1798. Their daughter
Anna^ m. Daniel P. Colesworthy, father of D. CJ Coles-
worthy, of Boston.
22 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
III.
Family Proper in America — Lineage of John Corser.
24.
John' Corser, of Newbury, Mass., the first of the name in
Boscawen, N. H., was born, according to the family tra-
dition, in Scotland, about 1678. He is supposed to have
been connected, as mentioned on a preceding page (see
No. 17), with the family of William Courser, of Boston.
The theory entertained by some that he was a descend-
ant of that early immigrant, his birth-date being assigned
to a period somewhat later than the above, is purely con-
jectural, whatever degree of probability may attach to it.
(In regard to the conjectural date alluded to we may
say, that its advocates adduce some arguments in its
favor — based chiefly upon circumstantial evidence —
plausible indeed, if not conclusive, seeming at least to
justify the suspicion that amid all the smoke some
sparks of fire may be lurking. See 237.)
Emigrating to this country, if we accept the tradi-
tional account, at the early age of 12 or 14 years, he
settled in Newbury, Mass., where he married Tabitha
Kenney, of that place, March 8, 17 16-17 ; removed to
Boscawen with his family (except his son John, and pos-
sibly his wife, who is believed to have died in Newbury),
in the early settlement of the town, probably about
1736; here tended a saw-mill, situated on Mill-Brook
near the head of King Street, till disabled by a frightful
accident which deprived him of sight (see Price's Hist,
of Boscawen — recorded date of accident, 1745); went
finally to live with his son John, on Corser Hill, where
he died, as is supposed, in the autumn of 1776. (See
236 for a more extended notice.) His children were :
JOHN^ CORSER, OF NEWBURV, MASS. 2$
John^, b. about 1718. (25)
Nathan^, b. (conj.) about 1720 ; settled in Boscawen, ou Pleasant
St., about a mile south of Long St. ; m. Susan, dau. of Wil-
liam Danforth, one of the first settlers of the town, and owner
at one time, it is said, of the mill near the head of King
St. She was the sister of Jedidiah, the father of Jedidiah, who m.
Rachel* Corser (31), and to whom Nathan bequeathed his farm.
Nathan died, as supposed, about 1800, after which Jedidiah, dispos-
ing of his farm (to Joseph Couch), removed to Thetford, Vt., where
Susan died about 1810. No children. (See 245.)
Tabitha'\ m. Peter Flood, of Boscawen.
Elisabeth'^, m. John Bowley. (26)
Polly'^, m. Ezekiel Flanders, of Kingston, N. H.
Sarah"^, m. Major Samuel Davis, brother, as supposed, of Nathan Davis,
who m. Jane' Corser (33).
William^ b. (conj.) about 1730. (27)
Hannah^, b. (conj.) about 1734 ; m., 1st, in Newbury, Mass., Dec. 9,
1756, Joseph Atkinson (copied from Newbury records by Wm.
Temple) ; m., 2d, James Dunlap, of Kingston, who afterwards
moved to Hartford, Vt.
25 (24).
JoHN^ (John'), b in Newbury, Mass., about 1718 ; settled on
a farm in Kingston, N. H. ; moved afterwards to Ches-
ter (west part, now Auburn) ; came to Boscawen with
his family in the autumn of 1764, locating on the swell
of land in the west part of the town (now Webster),
since called, from the circumstance, Corser Hill, where
he died about 1791, aged 73. He m., ist, in Newbury,
Nov. 24, 1742, Jane Nichols (Wm. Temple from New-
bury records) ; 2d, 1789, Mrs. Hepzibah Chase, of Dun-
barton, N. H., who survived him. Children of Jane :
Thomas^, b. 1743. (28)
Samuel^, b. about 1746. (29)
Jonathan^, b. about 1747. (30)
John^ b. May 13, 1751. (31)
DavicP, b. in Kingston, Jan. 27, 1754. (32)
Jane^, b. Jan., 1756. (33)
William^, b. about 1758. (34)
Abbyneezer^, b. about 1760. (35)
Molly^, b. in Boscawen, May 24, ] 765. (36)
24 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
26 (24).
Elisabeth^ (John'), b. about 1724; m. in Newbury, Dec. 7,
1744, John Bowley, who was a resident of Boscawen in
1772. The following, whose names are found on the
Boscawen records, are presumed to be their children :
John^ (Bowley), b. (conj.) about 1750. (37)
Elisabeth^ m. Robert Hogg, 1782.
Lucy^, ra. Ebenezer Whittaker, Aug. 8, 1782.
27 (24).
William^ (John'), b. about 1730 ; settled in Boscawen, on
the farm next south of his brother Nathan's, on Pleasant
St. ; m. Anne, dau. of Thomas Carter, of B. (who m., 2d,
Jan. 29, 1782, Jacob Flanders) ; enlisted in 1754 in
Capt. Goffe's company, raised to protect the inhabitants
of Contoocook and vicinity against the Indians, after the
attack on Stevenstown. " The company was in service
during the winter, frequently making long marches on
snow-shoes." He was drowned in Great Pond, Bos-
cawen, while returning home from the Plain, by the
bursting asunder of a birch canoe, in 1767, as supposed
(not in 1773, as stated in Price's History). His son
William was drowned at the same time, another son,
Asa, who was with them, escaping. (See 245, 246.)
Children :
Asa\ b. June 26, 1754. (38)
William^ (or Jesse), b. April 16, 1756 ; drowned with his father iu
Great Pond, 1767.
Mary\ b. Aug. 4, 1759. (39)
Simeon^ b. July 10, 1763. (40)
Judith^, b. Jan. 29, 1766 ; m. Philander (or Orlando) Carter, of Can-
terbury, who afterwards moved to Landaff ; had a son known as
Dea. Carter.
THOMAS^ CORSER. 2$
28 (25).
Thomas^ (John^, John'), b. 1743 ; settled on a farm on Corser
Hill, occupying the house now owned by Adams Pillsbury,
which was afterwards sold to John Gerald, Thomas re-
moving to a farm on Pond Hill. He m., ist, Ann Dunlap,
of Chester ; 2d, 1782, Mrs. Mary Downing, of Kingston,
who d. May 6, 1840, aged 95 ; served four and one half
months in the Ticonderoga campaign, his compensation
being 12 shillings per month ; was drowned in Long
Pond, Boscawen, while attempting to cross over on the
ice in the night, it being dark and rainy, Dec. 11, 1829,
aged 86. (See 248.) His children were :
James*, b. Nov. 12, 1764. (41)
Polly, b. Aug. 24, 1766. (42)
Jane\ b. Oct. 23, 1768. (43)
Jonathan*, b. Nov. 9, 1770. (44)
Anna* (or Nancy), b. June 1.5, 1773. (45)
Thomas*, h. May 12 (10, says town record), 1775. (46)
Sarah*, h. March 17, 1777 ; worked at Silas Call's.
Tahitha*, b. Sept. 7, 1779 ; m. Thomas Elliot, May 11, 1802 ; lived on
the William Corser place ; moved afterwards to Landaff, N. H.
Moses*, b. Sept. 25 (or 28), 1781. (47)
Elsey* (child of 2d wife), b. March 28, 1783. (48)
Caleb*, b. Sept. 3, 1785 ; d. single, at his father's, of typhoid fever, Nov.
15, 1825, a. 40 ; "was a steady, industrious man."
Dolly*, " a character " ; m. Josiah, son of John Jackman, 1806 ; family
removed to Sandusky, O.
Miriam*, b. about 1790 ; m., 1st, her cousin, Samuel* Corser (50), 1806 ;
m., 2d, Samuel Roby, carpenter, of Warner, N. H., Nov. 25, 1833.
29 (25).
Samuel^ (John-, John'), b. about 1 746 ; farmer ; lived on Corser
Hill, in the house afterwards occupied by Rev. Mr. Price,
whence he removed to a farm on Pond Hill; m., ist,
1766, Sarah, dau. of Edward Fitz Gerald (or simply
Gerald, as the name is often found written), who d. Jan.
I, 1808, a. 61 ; m., 2d, Betsey Colby, 1808 ; served as
26 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
corporal in Capt. Abbott's company, Stark's regiment,
at the Battle of Bunker Hill (William^ and Asa^ Corser
serving as privates, it may be noted, in the same com-
pany). He d. in Boscawen, Nov. i, 1826, a. 80; was
blind in his old age. Children of Sarah :
Stephen*, b. about 1767. (49)
Jane*, m. Moses, s. of John Jackman, Oct. 12, 1790, who m.,2d, 1801,
Hannah Cass, half-sister of Gen. Lewis Cass ; lived near the south
(or upper) end of Long Pond.
Sarah*.
Samuel*, m. Miriam* Corser (28). (50)
James*, m. Betsey Annis. (51)
Rachel*, m. Samuel Gookin. (52)
30 (25).
Jonathan^ (John^ John'), b. about 1747 ; m. Lucy Foster,
of Ipswich, Mass., about 1770; settled on Corser Hill,
on the farm next south of Rice Corser's, on Pleasant St.,
which he afterwards exchanged, with " Squire " Senter,
for a farm in Vershire, Vt., whither he removed,
the squire coming to Boscawen ; fought in Capt. Kim-
ball's company, Stickney's regiment, at the battle of
Bennington (Aug. 16, 1777); d. in Concord, Vt., 1831,
a. 84. His wife's mother lived with him on Corser Hill,
where she died. Children :
Jonathan*, b. in " Chebacco," Mass., 1771. (53)
Thomas*, b. in Boscawen, Oct. 4, 1773. (54)
Lucy*, b. June 14, 1776. (55)
Josiah*, h. July 2, 1781. (56)
Polly*, b. April 11, 1784. (57)
Benjamin*, b. Oct. 4, 1787. (58)
Friend*, b. April 19, 1791. (.59)
31 (25)-
John3 (John^ John'), b. May 13, 175 i ; m. Rachel, dau. of
Daniel Blasdell, of Salisbury, Mass., who d. May 12,
1828, a. 76; settled on Corser Hill, on the farm after-
wards occupied by his son Rice, on Pleasant St., where
DAVID^ CORSER. 2/
he kept a public house for several years ; went finally
to live with his son David (Rice having bought the farm),
at whose residence he d. Oct. 19, 1838, a. 8y. He was
drafted, it is said, to serve in the Bennington campaign,
but his brother David took his place. (See 251.) Chil-
dren :
Daniel*, d. in infancy.
Daniel*, b. Feb. 28, 1775. (60)
/o/;?^^b.May24, 1777. (61)
Dari(R b. March 15, 1779. ' (62)
Rachel*, b. April 9, 1781. (63)
Rice*, b. Sept. 29, 1783. (64)
Joseph H*, b. Feb. 7, 1786. (65)
Timothy*, b. March 9, 1788. (66)
Edward*, b. Aug. 18, 1790, m. Clarissa, dau. of Barnard Cass, of Bos-
cawen ; went West ; worked in the Kenawha salt works, Va. ; bought
land on the Maumee River, O. ; d. at Maumee ; left children.
Richard*, b. Aug. 16, 1792. (67)
32 (25).
David3 (John^ John'), b. in Kingston, N. H., Jan. 27, 1754 ;
m. March 17, 1776, Ruth Blasdell, of Salisbury, Mass.
(sister of Rachel, 31), who was b. April 28, 1756, and d.
May 27, 1844, a. 88 ; settled on a farm on Corser Hill
— the homestead, so called, on Pleasant St., where his
father lived and died, and his children were born — which
he sold in 1809 to James Kilburn, removing thence to a
farm near the outlet of Long Pond, where he died Aug.
23, 1828, aged 74 ; served in Capt. Kimball's company,
Stickney's regiment, in the Bennington campaign. (See
252-254.) Children:
Betsey*, b. March 19, 1777 ; d. of consumption, Aug. 24, 1796, a. 19 ;
" was a fine singer."
Ruth*, b. March 10, 1779. (68)
David*, b. March 22, 1781. (69)
Hannah*, b. Feb. 2, 1783. (70)
Polly*, b. Dec. 20, 1784. (71)
28 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
Enochs Rev., b. Jan. 2, 1787. (72)
Silas^ b. Jan. 14, 1789. (73)
Jane\ b. Jan. 11, 1791. (74)
Luke\ b. March 10, 1793. (75)
Bliss\ b. Aug. 30, 1795. (76)
Bets€y\ b. June 4, 1798. (77)
Rachel*, b. Sept. 21, 1800. (78)
33 (25)-
Jane^ (John% John"), b. Jan., 1756 ; d. in Michigan at the
residence of her daughter, Mrs. Ramsey, Dec. 23, 1836,
a. 80; m., 1772, Nathan Davis, of Conway, N. H., who
lived awhile in Boscawen, whence he removed to Orford.
" He had a brother Samuel," says Bliss Corser, "who
used to call at my father's when I was young." Children :
Elizabeth^ (Davis), b. Jan. 6, 1773. (79)
Tabitha*, b. Jan. 5, 1775. (80)
Nathan*, b. Feb. 1, 1777 ; m. his cousin, Polly* Corser (71) ; lived and
d. in Orford.
Samuel*, b. Oct. 23, 1778. (81)
Jane*, b. July 8, 1781. (82)
John*, b. about 1783. (83)
Ruth*, twice m., 1st to Eastman ; went West ; left children.
Mary*, twice m., 1st to John Ramsey ; lived in Orford ; moved to
Mich., where Mr. R. died, leaving five children.
34 (25).
William^ (John^ John'), b. about 1758 ; settled on a farm in
Salisbury, N. H.; m. Abigail Gordon, of Croydon ;
enlisted in the war of 18 12 and d. same year at Platts-
burg, N. Y.; fought also at battle of Bunker Hill (29).
He received a bounty in land, situated in Missouri or
Illinois, which was afterwards sold to different parties, a
lawsuit being the result. (See 255.) Children :
William*, b. about 1778 ; d., as supposed, about 1860 ; went West or
South ; m. and left children.
Abigail*, b. about 1780; res. in Salisbury, where she d. Sept. 15,
1858; unra.
ABBYNEEZER^ CORSER. 29
Nathan\ b. about 1782. (84)
Sally^ m. William Bailley. (85)
Eliphalet*, d. single, as supposed, in the West Indies.
Jeremiah'^, d. in the army.
John*, served in the army ; m., 1812, Betsey Colby, dau. of Betsey
Colby, second wife of Samuel^ Corser (29).
Susan*, d. young.
Jane*, d. single.
Ellas*, m. Davis ; lived in Sebec, Me. ; two children.
Betsey*, b. about 1798 ; d. single in Salisbury, March 7, 1865.
Leiols*, enlisted in the army, 1818 ; d. single.
Orrin*, b. about 1803. (86)
35 (25).
Abbyneezer3 (John'', John'), b. about 1760; m., 1775, Lieut.
Edward, son of Edward Fitz Gerald, who d. Dec. 11,
1817, a. 66. She d. Oct. 11, 1836, a. y6; Hved on
Corser Hill, in the house now occupied by Henry Pear-
son, whose father purchased it of her son John, then in
possession. She lived afterwards with her son Enoch.
(See 256.) Children:
Enoch* (Gerald), d. young.
Abhyneezer*, b. Aug. 11, 1777. (87)
Manj*, b. May 14, 1779 ; d. about 1799.
Jane*, b. Feb. 12, 1781 ; d. m Colebrook, N. H.
Edward*, b. Nov. 4, 1782 ; m. Abigail Kimball, of Dover, N. H., 1807 ;
enlisted in the war of 1812 ; went to New York.
Sarah*, b. Sept. 11, 1784. (88)
Mehltable*, b. May 19, 1786 ; m. her cousin, Washington^ Corser (49),
who went West.
Enoch*, d. young.
Ruth*, b. May 1, 1789. (89)
Enoch*, b. March 15, 1791. (90)
David*, b. May 19, 1794 ; m. Harriet, dau. of Samuel Gookin, of Bos-
cawen, 1818 ; served in the war of 1812 ; went West.
John*, b. March 4, 1796 ; went to Ohio, after selling the homestead,
where he d. — was burned to death, says Luke Corser ; unm.
Samuel*, b. April 12, 1798. (91)
Thomas*, b. April 29, 1800. (92)
Polly*, b. Aug. 31, 1802. (93)
30 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA
36 (25).
MoLLY^ (John^ John'), b. in Boscawen, May 24, 1765 ; m.,
Feb. 9, 1785, Capt. Silas Call, of B., who d. while sta-
tioned at Portsmouth, Nov. 9, 18 14, a. 56. She d. Oct.
II, 1839, a. 74 ; res. in B., on Water St., second house
north of Mill Brook. Children :
Hannah'^ (Call), b. Aug. 21, 1785. (94)
Polly\ b. July 2, 1787. (95)
Silas\ b. Oct. 9, 1790. (96)
Lemuel*, b. July 15, 1792. - (97)
Betsey*, b. May 5, 1797. (98)
Royal*, b. Jan. 27, 1800 ; physician in Hopkinton, N. H., and Lowell,
Mass. ; m. Mary Putney, of H. ; two children.
Euth*, b. Dec. 31, 1802. (99)
Moses*, b. April 9, 1805. (100)
Jonas*, b. Jan. 8, 1808. <. (101)
Phebe*, b. Sept. 7, 1811 ; d. Oct. 25, 1834, a. 23.
37 (26).
John3 (Bowley) (Elisabeth^ John'), b. (conj.) about 1750;
m. Joanna Foster, of Canterbury, N. H., 1776 ; lived
in Boscawen, near Bowley Brook, so called (north of
Corser Hill), in a house no longer standing ; moved after-
wards to Salisbury. (See 257.) Children:
Jacob*, b. May 17, 1778.
Hannah*.
Sally*, b. Sept. 8, 1783 ; m. (second wife) Isaac Atkinson, of Boscawen.
John*, b. April 26, 1789. (102)
38 (27).
AsA^ (William^ John'), b. in Boscawen, June 26, 1754 ; m.
Jane Fitz Gerald ; was drummer in Capt. Kimball's com-
pany at Bennington; served also seven months in the first
campaign at Cambridge, his compensation being seven
shillings per month ; moved to Thetford, Vt., where he
died. (See 259.) Children:
MARY^ CORSER. 31
Su-san*, in. David Manuel, of Derby, Vt.
Mehitable*, m. Edmund Hardy, of Pelham.
William*, ni. his cousin, Anne Corser, dau. of Simeon^ (40). (103)
Sally*, m. in Canada.
39 (27)-
Mary3 (William-, John'), b. in Boscawen, Aug. 4, 1759; d.
April 1 4, 1834, a. 74 ; m. James Uran, of B., who d. Nov.
18, 1845, a. 88 ; lived in the old hip-roofed house on
Queen St. Children :
Hannah* (Uran), b. Dec. 4, 1779. (104)
Samuel*, b. July 16, 1781 ; d. June 22, 1828, a. 46 ; m. Huldah Dear-
born, 1808.
Anna*, b. Jan. 16, 1787. (105)
Molly*, b. June 13, 1789 ; d. April 8, 1818, a. 28 ; unm.
40 (27).
Simeon^ (William^ John'), b. in Boscawen, July 10, 1763;
" lived with his uncle Jonathan Corser" (so writes Hiram
Courser, of Troy, Vt., in 1878 — a mistake, probably,
for his cousin Jonathan^) after the death of his father (in
1767); m., Jan. 19, 1782, Lois Severance ("English,"
says H. C), of Hopkinton, N. H.; moved to Thetford,
Vt., about 1793-95 (after the birth of Simeon^) ; thence
to Troy, in 1806; and finally to Sutton, Canada, where
he died, and where descendants of his now reside.
Children :
Nicholas*, d. young.
Nicholas*, m. Achsa Morse, of Norwich, Vt ; no children.
Jesse*, b about 1788. (106)
Anne*, b. about 1791 ; m. William^ Corser (103).
Simeon*, b. 1793. (107)
Edmund*, b. about 1795. (108)
Lois*.
Clarissa*, d. young.
Sarah*.
Hiram* (Courser), b. April 9, 1807. (109)
32 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
41 (28).
James'* (Thomas^ John% John'), b. in Boscawen, Nov. 12,
1764; m., 1st, March 12, 1786, Martha Fitz Gerald,
who was b. June 10, 1766, and d. Feb. 16, 1828, a. 61 ;
m., 2d, Mrs. Ruth (Corser) Gookin (68), July 24, 1828 ;
lived on or near Little Hill, Boscawen, in the house after-
wards occupied by his son Amos, whence he removed to
a farm near Long Pond, where he d. Aug. 23, 1852, a.
^y. (See 261.) Children:
Rebecca^, b. Oct. 24, 1787. (110)
John^, b. July 13, 1791 ; d. young.
^mos5, b. July 15, 1793. (Ill)
42(28).
PoLLY^ (Thomas^ John^ John'), b. Aug. 24, 1766 ; m., Nov.
16, 1786, John Fitz Gerald, b. 1761 (272) ; they lived on
Corser Hill, in the house previously occupied by her
father ; afterwards went West. Children, b. in Bos-
cawen :
Annw' (Fitz Gerald), b. June 5, 1787. (112)
Polly^, b. May 20, 1789 ; d. aged about 16.
James^, b. June 5, 1791 ; went West.
Susanna^, b. Sept. 5, 1793.
John^. Clarissa^,
43 (28).
Jane'^ (Thomas^ John^ John'), b. Oct. 23, 1768 ; d. Feb. 13,
1 82 1, a. 52 ; m., Dec. 20, 1787, David Call, brother of
Capt. Silas Call. He lived in Boscawen, on Water St.,
in the house next north of his brother's ; afterwards left
town. She was afflicted with the St. Vitus's dance.
Children :
Nancy^ (Call) (twin).
Mehitahle^ (twin), m. Jacob Jones, 1805. '
Phebe^. Susan^. Abigail^.
David^, m. his cousin, dau. of Nathan Call, of Meredith, X. H. ;
went West.
JONATHAN* CORSER. 33
Rachel^.
Faiuu/, ni. (2d wife) Ezra, son of Oliver Hoit, of Concord, N. H.,
who was b. July 15, 1789.
Rebecca^.
44 (28).
Jonathan'* (Thomas^, John'), b. in Boscawen, Nov. 9, 1770;
m. Nancy Badger, May 31, 1792 ; lived on Corser Hill,
in the house afterwards occupied by John Corser ; moved
thence to Colebrook or Stewartstown, N. H.; was in the
latter town in 1816 ; returned to Boscawen, where he d.
Nov. 30, 1 82 1, a. 51. Children:
Nancy^.
Miriavv'.
Gilman^, b. in Boscawen, June 17, 1797 ; farmer in Colebrook ; m.
Nancy Titus, April 12, 1822 ; celebrated 60th anniversary of mar-
riage in 1882 ; d. in Colebrook, Nov. 17, 1888, a. 91.
John^, b. about 1800. (113)
Harriet^, b. 1813 ; d. in Boscawen, 1838.
45 (28).
Anna* (or Nancy) (Thomas^ John'), b. June 15, 1773 ; m.
Jonathan Downing, June 21, 1792; res. in Boscawen,
near the head of Long Pond ; was killed by lightning,
while holding her son Samuel in her arms, June 12, 18 16,
a. 45. Hem., 2d, Ruth Call, by whom he had Ruth, Joshua,
Hiram, Daniel, Abby, Susan, and Maria. Children of
Anna :
Caleh^ (Downing), b. Jan. 20, 1793 ; went South.
Elci/, b. Oct. 18, 1794 ; d. Sept. 20, 1847 ; ra. Joseph H." Corser (65)-
Sally^ b. Sept. 23, 1796. (114)
Mary^, b. Nov. 7, 1798 ; m., 1820, Thomas* Gerald (92).
Nancy^ b. Oct. 29, 1800 ; d. Jan. 1, 1859 ; m. (3d wife), 1851, Enoch*
Gerald (90).
Dolly^ b. Aug. 6, 1803. (115)
Jonatharv', b. Dec. 3, 1807 ; res. in Lowell, Mass. ; two children.
Samuel^, b. Oct. 25, 1812 ; farmer in Webster, N. H. ; twice m. ; d.
Aug. 1, 1901, a. 88.
34 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
46 (28).
Thomas'* (Thomas^ John^), b. in Boscawen, May 12, 1775 ;
m. Abigail Holcomb, Oct. 18, 1798 ; moved to Thetford,
Vt., thence to Western N. Y. Children :
Benjamirfi, b. in B.
True^. Lavinia^. Holcomb^.
47 (28).
Moses-* (Thomas^ John^), b. in Boscawen, Sept. 25, 1781 ;
res. in B., on "White Plain," so-called; moved thence
to Vt.; returned to B., where he d. April 19, 1830, a. 48 ;
enlisted in the army with seven others from B., trouble
with France brewing, 1798 ; but "war being averted, the
soldiers were discharged." He m., ist, 1804, Ruth
Clough, of Warner, N. H.; 2d, Betsey Burgess, of Chel-
sea, Vt. Children :
Mittie^ (first wife), m. Davenport; res. in Franklin, N. H. ; one
daughter.
Martha'^.
Sally^, m. Charles W. Spaulding. (116)
Roxena^, m. Holden. (117)
William Bfi (Courser), b. 1814. (118)
Charlotte^, m. Alva Fife.
Benjamin^ (second wife).
Betsey^, m. Sumner Pratt, of Lowell, Mass. ; deceased ; one child.
Mercy^, m. West ; went West.
Benjamin Ffi, m. Burnham ; musician and writing-master; res.
in Lowell, Mass., about 1848.
48 (28).
Elsev* (Thomas^, John^), b. in Boscawen, March 28, 1783 ;
d. Sept. 12, 1843, a. 60; m. Amos Thorla, 1803, who
died March 6, 185 1, a. 74 ; lived in B., on or near Pond
Hill. Children :
Mary^ (Thorla), b. Aug. 11, 1805; d. May 20, 1854, a. 48; m. Hiram
Koby, of Warner, N. IL, 1829. Children : Caleb<^ (Roby) ; Mary'^,
who m. Geo. Smith, of Warner ; Hiram^ ; Lyman^.
Betsey^, b. Aug. 17, 1810 ; m. Jonas Barton, of Newport, N. H.
STEPHEN'* CORSER. 35
Fanni/, b. July 12, 1813; m. Jonas Procter, dec; res. in Waltham
Mass. ; one daughter, Janette^ (Procter).
Jeremiah^, b. April 13, 1816.
Rosamond^, b. Jan. 14, 1819; d. in Boscawen, 1843, a. 24; m.
Graham, of Lowell, Mass. ; daughter, Mary Jane^ (Graham), who d.
a. about 17.
Alice^, b. June 3, 1822 ; m., June 5, 1845, Amos Whitney, of Lowell,
brother of Mrs. Elisabeth (Bills), second wife of Luke Corser ; one
son who d. young.
Fidelia^, b. Sept. 20, 1824 ; m. David Hunt, of Salem, Mass., who
went to Cal., where she died.
,g (,9). 1158957
Stephen-* (Samuel^ John^), b. in Boscawen, about 1767 ; m.,
1st, Sarah, dau. of Nathaniel Gookin, of B., June 30,
1789 ; m., 2d, Rachel Noyes, of Amesbury, Mass.; lived
on Pond Hill in B., whence removed to Vt., thence to
N. Y. Children :
Nathaniel'^, b. in B., about 1790. (119)
Huldah^, m. and lived in Vt.
Washingtorv', m. his cousin Mehitable^ Gerald (35) ; went West.
Dolly^. Judith^. Thomas''.
50 (29).
Samuel'* (Samuel^, John^), b. in Boscawen ; stone-cutter ; m.
his cousin, Miriam-* Corser (28), June 12, 1806 ; lived on
Pond Hill in B.; went to Va., where he died. His widow
m. Samuel Roby, of Warner, N. H. Children :
Sarah^, b. about 1807 ; m. John L. Pressy, of Canaan, N. H., Oct. 29,
1829. Children (report of Viator, Nov. 1, '85) : Sarah^, who m.
Geo. Randlet, of Lyme, N. H., and another daughter, who m.
Charles S. Jones, of Canaan.
Miriam^, m. and lived in Salisbury, N. H. ; three children.
51 (29)-
James-* (Samuel^, John^), b. in Boscawen; m., 1807, Betsey
Annis, of Warner, N. H., sister of Sarah, wife of Silas
Corser (73) ; res_. on Pond Hill, removed to N. Y.
Children :
Friend^, res. in N. Y.
Charles^, tailor in Victor, N. Y.
36 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
52 (29).
Rachel'' (Samuel^ John^), b. in Boscawen ; m. Samuel, son
of Nathaniel Gookin, of B., 1794 ; lived in B., in the
house now occupied by Orlando Fitts ; removed to
Ohio. Children :
Clarlc^ (Gookin), b. in B., Jan. 25, 1796 ; settled in Ohio.
Harriet^, m., 1818, David Gerald (35), who went West ; " a pretty
girl," says Luke C.
53 (30).
Jonathan-* (Jonathan^, John^), b. in "Chebacco," Mass.,
Aug. 29, 1771 ; farmer in Thetford, Vt., where he d.
Jan. I, i860, a. 88 ; m. Rhoda, dau. of Samuel ("Joiner")
Jackman, of Boscawen. She was b. May 22, 1774, and
d. 1863, a. 89. Children, b. in Thetford:
Ward^, b. Aug. 22, 1798 ; farmer in Thetford ; d. single at an advanced
age.
Rhoda^, b. May 25, 1800; residence in Thetford, whence she removed
in 1882 to Painesville, O., the residence of her sister, Mrs. Stebbins
(126) ; d. single in Concord (a few miles S. of P.), July 9, 1886, a.
86. " She will be affectionately remembered by all who knew her
many good qualities of mind and heart," says an Ohio paper.
Cyrus^ b. March 13, 1802. (120)
Clark^, b. June 19. 1804, (121)
Jonathan^, b. May 17, 1806. (122)
Martha^, b. April 22, 1808. (123)
Subrnit^ b. April 4, 1810 ; d. in Thetford, June 8, 1863, a. 53.
Proctor^, b. May 10, 1812 ; res. in Suffield, Conn. ; unm.
Oliver^, b. Feb. 7, 1814 ; d. young.
Mary Ann\ b. June 21, 1815. (124)
Ruth^, b. March 4, 1817 ; m. Newton Smith, of Suffield, Conn., who d.
1870, a. 66 ; no children.
HannaJfi, b. July 20, 1819. (125)
Lucia A. Janette^, b June 23, 1822. (126)
54 {30).
Thomas'* (Jonathan^ John'), b. in Boscawen, Oct. 4, 1773 ;
farmer ; m. Mercy Bennett, of Thetford, \''t. ; went to
N. Y. Children :
Erastus^. Phebe^. Caroline^.
LUCY^ CORSER. 3/
55 (30).
Lucy-* (Jonathan^, John^), b. in Boscawen, June 14, 1776 ;
d. 1853, a. "jj \ m. Jonathan Bartlett, of Norwich, Vt.,
Jan. 19, 1801. Children:
Foster^ (Bartlett), died.
Lucy^, m. Arba Burr. Child : Bartletf' (Burr), who resides in Cal.
56 (30).
JosiAH-* (Jonathan^, John^), b. in Boscawen, July 2, 1781 ;
settled in Canada, whence he removed, about 18 12, to
Guildhall, Vt.; lived afterwards with his son Erastus in
Chester, Vt., where he died Sept. 14, 1854, a. 73; m.
Prudence, dau. of Job Heath, of Salisbury, N. H., who
d. May 20, 1858, a. about jy. Children :
RutJv'y m. Joseph Farnham, of Lancaster, X. H.
Orinda^, b. Dec. 6, 1810 ; d. May 6, 1869 ; m. Daniel Shaw, of Spring-
field, Vt.
Erastus Thomas^, b. Jan. 26, 1812. (127)
Susan^, died.
Tamson^, m. Eben York, of Peterboro, N. H.
Angeline^, m. Mills Webb, of Lancaster.
Emeline^, m. John H. Spaulding, of Lancaster.
57 {30).
Polly-* (Jonathan^, John^), b. April 11, 1784; m., 1801,
Ephraim, son of Job Heath, of Sahsbury, N. H.; lived
successively in Salisbury, and in Thetford and Brain-
tree, Vt. Children :
Nehemiah^ (Heath). LucyK John^. Mehitahle^. Ephraim^. Moses^.
58 (30).
Benjamin-* (Jonathan^ John*), b. in Boscawen, Oct. 4, 1787 ;
removed to Minn., where he d. about 1873, a. 85 ; m.
Sarah Gove, of Wilmot, N, H. Children :
Susan^, d. single.
Friend^, d. single.
Polly^. Timothy''. DorothyK
38 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
Sarah^, m. Zell, of Woonsocket, R. I.
Maria^. George^.
Charles Afi, shoe-dealer in Holyoke, Mass.; State senator in 1881-2 ; m.
and has children.
59 (30).
Friend'^ (Jonathan^, John^), b. in Boscawen, April 18, 1791 ;
blacksmith ; m. Rachel Joan Kidder ; d. in Fitchburg,
Mass., Aug., 1849, a. 58. Children:
Lucy A.^, b. Aug. 17, 1815. (128)
PTiehe J.^, b. June 22, 1817 ; deceased ; res. in Winchenden, Mass.
Rosaline D.^, b. July 22, 1819. (129)
Emmaranza^, b. Nov. 16, 1822. (130)
Samuel Azro^, b. Dec. 6, 1824. (131)
George Azor^, b. Dec. 28, 1826. (132)
Adelia L.^, b. July 3, 1829 ; deceased ; m. John A. Nims.
Josephine L.^, b. Dec. 26, 1831. (133)
Friendly J.^, b. Feb. 10, 1836. (134)
60 (31).
Daniel'* (John^, John^), b. in Boscawen, Feb. 28, 1775 ; d.
in Portland, Me., at the res. of his son Solomon T., July
28, 1853, a. y8; m. Lucy Taft, of Upton, Mass., Jan.,
1801 ; settled in Thetford, Vt.; returned to Boscawen
(having disposed of his farm in T. to his brother Joseph,
who afterwards exchanged it for the " Newton Place,"
so called, in B., then occupied by Mr. Barrett), locating
on Corser Hill, where he kept a public house for several
years, and where his wife d. Jan. 15, 1834, a. 54. His
tavern stand was on the corner east of Geo. Little's
store. The building had been previously occupied as a
store by " Master Davis " and others. Children, b. in
Thetford :
Lucy Fisher^, b. Feb. 13, 1802 ; m. April 3, 1840, Daniel M. Winch ;
res. in Pepperell, Mass. ; d. at Upton, Jan. 31, 1880. Children :
Harvey C*, and Willie Augustus^, who d. in infancy.
Solomon Taffi, b. Dec. 14, 1805. (13o^
Harvey Fisher^ (Courser), Col., b. Feb. 13, 1809. (136)
JOHN'* CORSER. 39
6i (31).
John'* (John^ John^), b. in Boscawen, May 24, 1777; d. at
the Plain, Dec. 21, 1866, a. 89; m. Mehitable, dau. of
Daniel and Mehitable (Hale) Clark, of B., Nov. 17, 1801,
who died April 17, 1837 ; lived first on Pleasant St., on
the farm next south of the "Newton Place"; moved
afterwards to Corser Hill (house next west of the church),
and thence, about i860, to the Plain (residence of his
dau. Mary). His children were :
Bernice^ b. July 21, 1802. (137)
Meldtable^, b. Oct. 18, 1804 ; d. Oct. 7, 1829.
Mary^, b. July 23, 1807 ; d. at Concord, Aug. 19, 1891, a. 84 ; taught
school ; unm.
John^, Capt., b. Oct. 15, 1809. (138)
Phehe H.^, b. May 15, 1812; d. July 21, 1812.
Paul C.6, b. June 25, 1813 ; d. Jan. 21, 1816.
Phebe^, b. April 26, 1816 ; d. Dec. 22, 1855, a. 39.
Eunice^, b. May 17, 1818. (139)
Charles Hfi (Courser) (twin), b. May 19, 1827. (140)
George L.^ (Courser) (twin), b. May 19, 1827 ; m. Oct. 26, 1848, Lydia
Burbank, of Hopkinton, N. H.
62 (31).
David'* (John^ John^), b. in Boscawen, March 15, 177S ; d.
there Dec. 26, 1863, a. 85 ; farmer; res. on Pleasant St.;
m., Jan. 30, 1805, Abigail, dau. of Thomas and Anna
(Plumer) Kilburn, of B. Children :
Freeman^, b. April 29, 1806. (141)
Mary Ann\h. 1810; d. May 30, 1836, a. 26; m. Aug. 16, 1835, B. F.
Locke, of Lowell, Mass. Child : Benjamin P.^, who d. Dec. 25, 1836,
a. seven months.
Ruth^, b. Dec. 18, 1817. (142)
63 (30-
Rachel'* (John^ John^), b. in Boscawen, April 9, 1781 ; m.
Oct. 22, 1 80 1, Jedidiah, son of Jedidiah Danforth, of
B.; family settled in B., whence removed to Thetford,
40 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
Vt.; returned to B., locating on the "Mutton Road," so
called, near Salisbury, where he died. She d. in S., Nov.
19, 1854, a. 73. Children:
Jedidiah^ (Danforth), b. May 27, 1803. (143)
Nathan C.^ b. July 1, 1805. (144)
John B.^, b. July 31, 1807 ; d. 1846, a. 38 ; m. Dorothy J. Fisk, who d.
May 27, 1853.
Sarah R.^ (twin), b. Sept. 6, 1809. (145)
Rachel C.^ (twin), b. Sept. 6, 1809. (146)
■ Charlotte S.^, b. June 23, 1812. (147)
Prentice S.^, b. Dec. 22, 1820 ; m. Sarah N. Hoit, 1841 ; was drowned
in Boston Harbor, June 3, 1852.
Harriet^, b. Nov. 6, 1827. (148)
64(31).
Rice'' (John*, John^),b. in Boscawen, Sept. 29, 1783 ; d. there
May 12, 1852, a. 68 ; tanner and farmer ; followed the
sea from 18 10 to 1821, spending some years in China,
and suffering shipwreck off the coast of Holland ; settled
on the homestead on Corser Hill ; m., ist, Feb. 19,
1826, Abigail O. Stickney, of Brownfield, Me., who was
b. May 22, 1795, and d. May 11, 1835, a. 39 ; m., 2d,
Irene Greeley, of Salisbury, N. H., May 26, 1836, who
was b. July 26, 1806, andd. in Salisbury, Feb. 18, 1901.
(See 263.) Children:
Marcia Quincy^, b. Feb. 27, 1827 ; d. Aug. 18, 1850, a. 23.
Octavia Edimrds^, b. March 27, 1830 ; d. May 11, 1853, a. 23.
Sarah Jane\ b. March 22, 1832 ; d. March 30, 1848, a. 16.
Elisabeth Johnson^, b. Jan. 26, 1834 ; d. July 13, 1854, a. 20.
Abba Stickney^ ^second wife), b. May 31, 1838; m. James Brown,
1884 ; residence in Salisbury ; dec.
Edwin Greeley^, b. April 17, 1840. (149)
John Harlan^, b. May 7, 1843 ; d. July 11, 1843.
Rice V.^, b. Nov. 29, 1844 ; d. 1848.
Rice H.^ b. July 26, 1847 ; d. Sept. 5, 1848.
JOSEPH H/ CORSER. 41
65 (31).
Joseph H.-* (John^ John^), b. in Boscawen, Feb. 7, 1786;
farmer; m., ist, Elcy, dau. of Jonathan and Anna
(Corser) Downing (45), 1815, who d. 1847, a. 52; m.,
2d, Lydia Butman, of Bradford, N. H., 1849; lived on
the "Newton Place" in B., whence he removed to a
farm near Sweatt's Mills, where he d. Jan. 6, 1873, a. 86.
Children of Elcy :
Judith P.^ b. Nov. 9, 1815; m. Moses G. Downing, June 16, 1833;
res. in Lowell, Mass. ; no children. (See 262.)
Rice F.5, b, Jan. 26, 1818. (150)
Ursula^, b. Oct 2.5, 1820; m. Harvey Newton, of Orange, Vt., Xov.
11, 1838.
Nancy Afi, b. Sept. 2.9, 1823. (151)
66 (51).
TiMOTHV* (John^, John-), b. in Boscawen, March 9, 1788 ; d.
there, at the residence of his father, Sept. 6, 18 19, a. 31 ;
m., Feb. 15, 1S15, Abiah Eastman, of Hopkinton, N. H.,
who m., 2d, April 30, 1834, Nathaniel Greeley, of Salis-
bury. She was b. 1791, and d. 1869, surviving her
second husband three years. Children :
Ann E.^, b. April 1, 1816. (152)
Louisa^, b. Dec. 25, 1818. (153)
67 (31).
Richard-* {John^ John^), b. in Boscawen, Aug. 16, 1792 ; m.
Rhoda Shepherd, of B., Aug. 19, 1817 ; moved to Ohio
and thence to Canandagua, N. Y., where he d. Aug. 20^
1845, a. 53. His children were:
Daniel B.^, b. in Boscawen, Oct. 8, 1818.
Austin (?.6, b.in B., March 1, 1820.
Ann Maria^, b. in N. Y., July 21, 1827. ^
Charles H.^, b. June 3, 1829.
Mary Jane^, b. Sept. 20, 1831.
Lucretia S.^, b. Oct. 25, 1833.
42 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
68 (32).
RuTH'* (David^ John''), b. in Boscawen, March lo, 1779 ! "i.,
1st, 1797, Daniel, son of Nathaniel Gookin, of B., who
d. while on a visit to N. Y., of typhoid fever, August,
1825 ; m., 2d (second wife), 1828, her cousin, James
Corser (41). Mr. G. was a clothier by trade ; had a mill
in Vermont ; lived afterwards on a farm in Warner,
N. H., whence his widow removed to B. She lived, after
her second marriage, on the place owned by her husband
at the north end of Lond Pond. Children :
Luther^ (Gookin), b. June 24, 1798 ; d. in Ohio, Sept. 17, 1819, a. 21 ;
excelled as a mathematician.
Hiranv-, b. Oct. 30, 1800 ; d. of consumption, Nov, 3, 1836, a. 36.
Julia^, b. April 15, 1803. (154)
Jerome^, b. Sept. 2, 1805 ; d. May 3, 1813.
Nathaniel^, b. May 28, 1813. (155)
Harriet^, b. Jan. 21, 1818 ; m. (second wife), Jan. 1, 1859, Charles W.
Spaulding, of Lowell, Mass., who d. March 15, 1883 ; res. in Webster,
N. H., where she d. Oct. 9, 1880. Child : Charles Henry^, who d.
in childhood.
69 (32).
David'* (Davids John^), b. in Boscawen, March 22, 1781 ;
m., Jan. 12, 1801, Judith, dau. of Samuel and Eunice
(Pettengill) Burbank, of B. ; settled in B. as a farmer ;
bought mills and engaged in the lumber business ; became
involved financially, chiefly through the failure of one of
his principal debtors (Timothy Dix) ; removed in the
winter of 181 5-16 to N. Y., locating first in Farmington,
and finally in Ogden, near Rochester, where he pur-
chased a farm of 300 acres, which in 1850 was valued at
;^30,ooo ; d. in Ogden, of dropsy. May, 1850, a. 69.
Children :
Gardiner*, b. in Boscawen, Dec. 29, 1801. (156)
Caleb Burhank^ Col., b. Oct 14, 1803. (157)
Ruth^, b. Aug. 2, 1805. (158)
HANNAH^ CORSER. 43
Francis Sylvester^, b. June 24, 1808 ; d. with lumber abscess, Nov. 26,
1831, a. 23 ; fitted for college.
Eunice Pettengill^, b. Nov. 25, 1810 ; m. William Hewes, of Canan-
dagua, N. Y. ; no children.
Harriet Lavinia^, b. in N. Y., March 3, 1824. (159)
70 (32).
Hannah'' (Davids John^), b. in Boscawen, Feb. 2, 1783 ; m.,
1 80 1, William, son of Samuel Adams, of Salisbury,
Mass., carpenter, who d. July 26, 18 16, a. 39; taught
school ; d. in Amesbury, Mass., by the bursting of a
blood-vessel, July 30, 1829, a. 46. (See 264.) Children:
Charles W.^ (Adams), b. in Boscawen, 1801. (160)
Betsey^, b. July 5, 1803 ; m. Louis Frederick Alexander Bissell, a for-
eigner of wealth and eccentric habits (said to have been a son of the
Gov. of Java), who hunted, kept a coach and horses, built a sort of
palace in the woods in Uerry, N. H., finally went West (to Rushville,
111.), where she died. He d. in the war of the Rebellion, leaving a
second wife and several children.
Anne^, b. in Salisbury, Mass., March 7, 1806. (161)
George^, b. Oct. 14, 1811. (162)
Warren^, b. March, 1813. (163)
71 {32).
PoLLV* (David^ John^), b. in Boscawen, Dec. 20, 1784 ; m.,
June 20, 1803, her cousin, Nathan Davis (33), of Orford,
N.H., where he kept tavern, following also the business of
a drover, for many years ; d. in Grantville, Mass., at the
res. of her daughter, Mrs. Fuller, Oct. 8, 1867, a. 82.
Children :
Bliss^ (Davis), b. Sept. 25, 1807. (164)
Enoch^, b. Oct. 5, 1810. (165)
Silas^, b. Feb., 1813 ; fariner in Orford ; m., 1845, Mary Newton, who
d. Jan. 18, 1877, a. 60. No children. He d. .
Mary Ann^, b. Dec. 3, 1815 ; m. (secoud wife), Alvin Fuller, post-master
and station-agent at Grantville, Mass., who d. Jan. 6, 1877, a. 70 ;
had children who d. in infancy.
Thomas Gilbert^, b. Aug. 17, 1817. (166)
Maria^, b. April 17, 1821. (167)
44 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
72 (32).
Enochs Rev. (Davids John^), b. in Boscawen, Jan. 2, 1787 ;
studious from boyhood ; fitted for college with Rev. Dr.
Wood, of B.; graduated at Middlebury, 181 1 ; taught
school at Danvers, Mass., two and a half years ; studied
theology with Rev. Dr. Harris, of Dunbarton, N. H.;
settled over the Cong, church in Loudon, 18 17; dismissed
from same, 1837 ; preached afterwards at Northfield and
Sanbornton Bridge (1838-43), Plymouth (1843-44),
Epping (1845-48), Loudon, a second time (1857-59),
and other places, all (with one or two exceptions) in
N. H.; removed to Boscawen Plain in 1848, where he
died of paralysis, June 17, 1868, a. 81. He m.. May 29,
1 81 7, Sally, dau. of Col. Joseph and Mary (Bartlett)
Gerrish, of B., who died of heart disease, Jan. 17, 185 1,
a. 64. Mr. Corser possessed vigorous powers of mind,
and was highly popular and successful both as a preacher
and as a teacher. (See 265-8.) Children :
Samuel Bartlett Gerrish^, b. in Loudon, N. H., Nov. 15, 1818 ; studied
two terms at Gilmanton Academy and Concord Literary Institution
(fellow-student at the latter place, as well as roommate, the am-
bitious, and even then formidable disputant, not least in political
debate, Henry — afterwards Vice-President — Wilson ; Preceptor, we
may add, Rev. T. D. P. Stone; year, 1837), in fitting for college;
graduated at Dartmouth, 1841, teaching school, while in college, two
winters in Northfield, N. H. ; studied languages and general liter-
ature, gave instruction to private pupils, and read law, 1842-3 ;
taught academical schools for longer or shorter periods, as follows : —
In Plymouth, N. H. (Prof. Lucian Hunt, Rev. J. U. Parsons, and
Miss M, E. Blair associate teachers), 1844-.5 ; Durham (Miss Julia
A. A. Sargent preceptress), 1846 ; Franklin, 1847 ; Boscawen (Miss
Jane Tracy preceptress), 1848-9 ; Standish, Me., in connection with
Prof. Hunt, Principal (Misses Stowe and Ilight in the female
department^, 1853-5; since 1850 has given his attention chiefly to
farming, finding congenial occupation for his leisure hours in study
and with his books, possessing a library of above a thousand vol-
umes, with a special liking, it may be noted — attributable perhaps
to an early acquired taste for grammatical and kindred studies —
I AakoJ ' Hr^AA'A.u) it-utmaU jhuiaaS
.H .VI ,'A3.7/AJiiuU.
8T8I— T5 9^A
'ndo( '-nriol_ — ^bivfiQ — '•rioonH .vo^
-tS— 5£— S8— ST .ibS;
? "^ ;
/ Samuel Bartlett Gerrish ' Corser
BOSCAWEN, N. H.
Age 57—1876
Rev. Enoch^ — David^ — John^ — John'
Par. 72—32—25—24
t
i
SILAS"* CORSER. 45
had his youthful aspirations materialized, he might perhaps have
been a printer, and haply '• made a mess of it " by attempting to
put in type this volume, now so worthily being done by Printer
Evans — with a special liking, to return from this diversion, for
those in foreign tongues, of several of which latter, as the Latin,
Greek, Hebrew, Italian (a favorite language), German (next in
favor), French, Spanish (Prof. H. would add Swedish and Anglo-
Saxon, having inflicted upon us the reading of his books for a brief
space once upon a time), he has obtained a smattering; occasional
translations from some of which, as also sundry original sketches in
both prose and verse, he has contributed to the periodicals ; has
joined his forces, in compiling the Corser Genealogy, with those of
E. S. Corser (see 228) — but for whose tireless hand at the oar the
chances are that this frail craft, with its mixed freight not easy of
reproduction, would never, or but very tardily, have arrived in port ;
residence (since 1848) on Boscawen Plain.
Elisabeth Mary Jane", b. Jan. 4, 1821 ; taught several terms of school
in Northfield and Boscawen ; excelled as a teacher ; was a leading
singer at church for many years ; d. single at her residence on Bos-
cawen Plain, of heart-disease, Jan. 8, 1890, a. 69.
Lucretia Ann French^, b. Sept. 10, 1823 ; possessed a lively fancy ; was
witty and original ; fond of poetry and imaginative literature ;
wrote verses ; d. of heart-disease at Boscawen Plain, May 7, 1880,
a. 56 ; unm. (See 282.)
73 (32).
SiLAS"* (Davids John^), b. in Boscawen, Jan. 14, 1789 ; m.,
1st, Nov. I, 1 8 10, Sarah, dau. of Thomas Annis, of
Warner, N. H.; m., 2d, Evehne Keeler, about 1825 ;
moved to N. Y., in 1818 ; worked for Mr. Church, at
Spencerport, for many years ; d. at S., March 17, 1847,
a. 58. Children :
Elhridge B.^, b. in B., Jan. 18, 1812 ; d. of consumption, at Spencer-
port ; ran a boat on the canal ; unm.
Emeline°, h. July, 1814. (168)
Ruth% b. Oct., 1816 ; mar. ; d. at S.
Henry Hfi, b. Nov. 12, 1818 ; m. and went to Cal.
Susanna^, b. Dec. 31, 1822.
Henrietta^ (second wife), b. May 16, 1826.
Sarah Jane^, b. March 28, 1828.
46 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
Martha M.^, b. March 25, 1833.
Elisabeth^, b. June 23, 1835.
Helen A.^,h. March 17, 1838.
RutM, b. June 15, 1840.
74 (32).
Jane^ (David^, John='), b. in Boscawen, Jan. 11, 1791 ; d. in
Amesbury, Mass., 1863, a. 72 ; m., ist, Joseph, son of
Capt. Joseph Wadleigh, of SaHsbury, Mass., cooper,
schoolmaster, town clerk, and grocer, who d. in S. about
1830; m., 2d, Richard Allen, an Englishman, by trade
a house painter, who went West with his family about
1835 ; lived in Canandagua and Parma, N. Y., about
1840; afterwards in Detroit, Mich, (with their son-in-
law), whence they returned to Amesbury about 1850.
Adopted daughter :
Elisabeth (Taylor), niece of Mr. Wadleigh; m. Lucius O. Fuller, mer-
chant's clerk. No children.
75 (32).
LuKE'* (David^ John^), b. in Boscawen, March 10, 1793 ; m.,
1st, 1824, Mary, dau. of Joseph Clough, of Loudon,
N. H., who d. Feb. 25, 1854 ; m., 2d, Mrs. Elisabeth
(Whitney) Bills, dec; settled in B., on the farm inherited
from his father, near the outlet of Long Pond, whence
he removed, about 1865, to his late residence, near
Sweatt's Mills, where he d. Sept. 13, 1884, a. 91. He
was an intelligent observer of men and things, fond of
reading, and a skilful farmer and mechanic ; represented
the town (Dea. Thomas Gerrish colleague) in the Legis-
latures of 1845 and 1846. Children of Mary:
Joseph Cfi, b. Nov. 23, 1824 ; d. in Loudon, at the res. of his grand-
father, while a student at Gilmanton Academy, preparing for college,
with a view to entering the ministry, Oct. 13, 1843, a. 18; was a
youth of rare ability and promise ; possessed extraordinary powers
of memory ; was especially interested in the study of astronomy.
BLISS' COKSHR (76).
{Giianl, Pa.)
BLISS-* CORSER. 47
Francis Henry^ b. Jan. 10, 1827. (169)
David TF.5, b. Aug. 19, 1829 ; d. May 25, 1833.
David Bfi, b. Sept. 21, 1835. (170)
76 (32).
Bliss"* (Davids John^), b. in Boscawen, Aug. 30, 1795 ;
taught school in Ohio in early life ; settled in B., on a
farm on Pond Hill ; kept a public house at the Bartlett
Gerrish stand, on the Plain, from about 1830 to 1833 ;
removed to New York in 1834, and thence, about i860,
to Fairview, Erie Co., Pa., where he devoted his atten-
tion to farming till towards 1880, when he removed to
the neighboring village of Girard, which he thenceforth
made his home till his death, March 3, 1889, at the age
of 93 years, 6 months, and 3 days. He m., ist, July
I, 1824, Hannah, dau. of John and Sarah (Russell)
(Adams) Farmer, of Billerica, Mass., being a descend-
ant (in the 5th degree) of Capt. Edward Johnson, of
England, who settled in Woburn, Mass., 1630, author of
a famous history of New England, called " Wonder-
Working Providence." She was b. Nov. 15, 1794, and
d. at Portageville, N. Y., Feb. 4, 1852. He m., 2d,
Prudence Parmelee, of Ogden, N. Y., who d. in Fair-
view, Pa., Oct. 2, 1877, a. 74. He was a man of strong
and clear intellect, well-informed, ingenious, with facul-
ties which remained unimpaiied till near the close of life.
In 1878, and again in ii^3, on the occasion of Bos-
cawen's celebration of the 1 50th anniversary of its
settlement, he made a visit to his native place. Some
30 or 40 years ago he obtained a patent on a valuable
machine devised by him for sawing lumber. Children :
Bliss Wood^ b. :^Iay 29, 1826. (171)
John Farmer^, b. Nov. 30, 1834. (172)
48 • CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
77 (32).
Betsev* (Davids John^), b. in Boscawen, June 4, 1798 ; m.,
1822, Joseph Morse, of Bradford, N. H., carpenter, who
d. in Manchester, Feb. 29, 1868 ; family lived for many
years in Bradford, afterwards in Boscawen and Man-
chester. She d. in M., Dec. i, 1881, a. 83. Children :
Judith Maria^ (Morse), b. Feb. 22, 1823. (173)
Jane Wadleigh^, h. Aug. 10, 1824. (174)
Joseph W.^, b. July 12, 1826. (175)
Betsey A.^, b. Dec. 16, 1829 ; d. Feb., 1831.
Horace^, b. Aug. 13, 1831 ; druggist in Manchester ; spent several years
in California ; d. single, Nov. 30, 1880, a. 49.
John Hfi, b. April 20, 1835 ; d. Sept., 1841.
Frank A. ^, b. Oct. 6, 1837 ; went to Cal.
78 (32).
Rachel'* (Davids John^), b. in Boscawen, Sept. 21, 1800;
m., Jan. 25, 1829, Daniel G. Runels, of Warner, N. H.,
who was b. Jan. 8, 1801 ; res. in W., where she d. July
14, 1839, ^- 38. Mr. R. was a blacksmith and stone-
cutter by trade ; superintended the construction of the
locks on the Concord section of the projected canal
(never completed) up the Merrimack valley ; was also
employed on the Blackstone canal in Mass. He m., 2d,
Dolly Weed, of Topsham, Vt., by whom he had Daniel,
b. Oct. 31, 1841, Helen, b. April 30, 1845, -dnd Ellen
Jane, b. Jan. i, 1849. Hed. in Warner, June 26, 1866,
a. 65. Children of Rachel:
Sarah George^ (Runels), b. Aug. 9, 1830. (176)
Mary ClougW, b. Dec. 27, 1832. (177)
Daniel H.^, b. July 8, 1835 ; d. July 25, 1837.
79 (33)-
Elisabeth* (Davis) (Jane^ John^), b. Jan. 6, 1773 ; m. Philip,
s. of John Knowlton, of Boscawen ; family moved to
Wentworth, N. H. Children:
TABITHA'* DAVIS. , " 49
Nathan^ (Knowlton), d. in the war of 1812, at Plattsburg, N. Y.
Hannah^, dec.
Abigail^, m. Libbey ; res. in Warren, N. H.
And others.
So (33)-
TABiTHA-t (Davis) ( Jane^ John^), b. Jan. 5, 1775 ; m. Parker
Stevens; res. in Orford, N. H. Children:
William^ (Stevens), b. Jan. 3, 1796; m. Wolcott; went West ; 5
children.
John Osgood^, b. Aug. 31, 1797 ; m. Oilman ; 3 children.
Nathan D.^, b. Sept. 22, 1799; m. Jane Ramsey; res. in Orford; 5
children.
Samuel D.^ b. June 3, 1802 ; went West ; 2 children.
Charles J.^ b. July 5, 1806; res. in Lyme, X. H. ; twice mar.; 8
children.
Ruth J.5, b. Nov. 16, 1812 ; res. in Groton, N. H. ; mar. ; no children.
81 (33)-
Samuel^ (Davis) (Jane^, John^), b. Oct. 23, 1778; res. in
Orford, N. H.; m. Lydia Tyler ; was killed in Rumney.
Children :
Samuel^, d. in Chicago ; one daughter.
Louisa^, ra. Benjamin Leavitt ; no children.
82 (33).
Jane^ (Davis) (Jane^, John^), b. July 8, 1781 ; m. Joseph
Hoit; lived in Orford, N. H., and in Lowell, Mass.; d.
at the latter place ; received severe injuries from the
accidental burning of a car, while traveling in Maine.
Children :
Theodosia^ (Hoit), m. Parker ; no children.
Lydia^, thrice m., 1st, to Samuel Davis, of Orford, by whom she had a
son, James^ (Davis), who settled in Cambridgeport, Mass.; m., 2d,
Whitcorab.
George^, m. Amanda Flanders ; went to Cal.
Elsey^, d. single, in Lowell, Mass.
LeiL'is^, m. Bacon ; lived in Low^ell.
50 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
Elmira^, d. in Orford, a. about 18.
Laura^, res. in Maine.
83 (33)-
John"* (Davis) (Jane^, John^), b. about 1783 ; lived in Orford,
N. H., whence he removed to Wentworth, where he
died. He m., ist, Elsey Ramsey; 2d, Susan McCon-
nor; 3d, Sally Ramsey. Children :
Mary Jnne^ (first wife), m. Ramsey, who d. in the War of the
Rebellion ; res. in Wentworth; 2 children.
Sarah Ann^ (second wife), m. William Thistle; went West, where she
died.
Elsey^, m., 1st, Stephen Eastman, by whom she had 4 daughters ; 2d,
Bowles; lived in Haverhill, N. H.
Thomas R.^, m. Sarah Hall, dec; lived in Exeter, N. H., where he d.
Dec. 6, 1887, a. 69 years and 11 months ; 2 children.
Stephen^, single ; res. in Wentworth, with his sister Mary Jane.
Charles^ (third wife), went West; twice m.
Susan^, res. in Wentworth ; m. James Hall ; 4 children.
Elvira^, lives in W., with her sister Mary Jane.
84 (34).
Nathan^ (William^, John"), b. about 1782 ; went to N. Y. or
Penn. ; m., as supposed, Ann Freeman. Children of
Nathan and Ann (from record of E. S. C.) :
Hiram^, b. 1818. (178)
Leemarv'. George^. Caroline^.
Elvira^. Susan^. And others. (See 279.)
85 (34)-
Sally^ (William^, John"), m. Wm. Bailley, of Salisbury, N. H.,
cooper, who enlisted in the war of 1812. Children :
Moody^ (Bailley), went to Maine. And others.
86 (34).
Orrin4 (William^, John^, b. about 1803; d. March, 1877;
res. in Salisbury, N. H., and at one time on Boscawen
Plain ; cooper by trade ; m. Tucker. Children :
ABBYNEEZER* GERALD. 5 I
Eliphalefi, lived in Franklin, N. H., whence he removed to Lowell,
Mass., and afterwards to Boscawen. He m., 1st, Hill; 2d,
Nov. 27, 1886, Sarah A. Glines, of B. Children (first wife) : Ada^,
who d. at Penacook, of dropsy, Feb. 15, 1888; and others.
William^.
John^, d. in Boscawen, March, 1884 ; left a widow.
Charles W.^, res. in West Concord, N. H. ; had charge of the picker
room of the Concord Manufacturing Co. for several years ; was on
a farm in Salisbury in 1882 ; twice mar. ; first wife d. in Concord,
Feb., 1884 ; he d. in C, leaving several children, among them
Alice M.^, whom., Feb. 2, 1898, W. A. Fraser, of C, "vl r//(wr Corser
best man."
Nathan Ffi Abbie^. Mary Ann^.
S7 (35).
Abbyneezer-* (Gerald) (Abbyneezer^ John'), b. Aug. ii,
1777 ; m., Feb. 6, 1797, Moses, son of Oliver and
Rebecca (Gerald) Hoit, of Concord, N. H., b. March 11,
1768, grandson of Joseph, of Boscawen. Oliver settled
at Horse Hill, 1772 ; there also settled his brother Joseph,
whose son Amos, b. 1800, lived on the homestead in
1855. (See Bouton's HisL of Concord.)
88 (35).
Sarah-* (Gerald) (Abbyneezer^, John'), b. Sept. 11, 1784;
m., Oct. 4, 1803, Samuel Cole, of Orford, N. H.; d. July,
1842. Children:
John^ (Cole), m. Anna Morrison ; d. in " Squog" village, Manchester,
N. H. ; 5 children.
Benjamin^, d. in " Squog."
Daniel^, went "West ; twice mar.
Sallf, b. Jan. 8, 1812. (179)
Mary^, m. Joseph Wilson, of Dracut, Mass ; no children.
89(35).
RuTH'* (Gerald) (Abbyneezer^, John^), b. May i, 1787; m.
James McDonald, who had a son John by a former mar-
riage, b. 1800 ; went West. Child, b. in Boscawen :
Lois^ (McDonald), b. June 11, 1810.
52 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
90 (35)-
Enoch'* (Gerald) (Abbyneezer^ John^), b. in Boscawen,
March 15, 1791 ; lived on Corser Hill ; was miller for a
while at Fisherville (now Penacook), N. H. He m., ist,
181 1, Hannah Sweatt, who d. 1828; 2d, Lois Elliot,
sister of Rev. Moses Elliot, 1836, who d. Sept. 6, 1850 ;
3d, Nancy, dau. of Jonathan Downing (45), Feb. 8, 185 i ;
4th, Mrs. Wallace, mother of wife of Charles
Danforth, of Concord, N. H. ; 5th, Mrs. Adeline Couch,
dau. of Royal Hale. Children :
Edivard^, mar. ; d. iu Concord.
Tilton^, d. single in N. Y.
Priscilla^, d Sept. 20, 1822, a. 6.
Flora Ann^, d. young.
Mary Jane^, d. young.
91 (35)-
Samuel^ (Gerald) (Abbyneezer^ John^), b. April 12, 1798 ;
m. Hannah Eastman, 1819; went West. Child:
Chellis^, b. in Boscawen, Jan. 2, 1820.
92 (35)-
Thomas'* (Gerald) (Abbyneezer^ John^), b. April 29, 1800 ;
m, Mary, dau. of Jonathan Downing (45), 1820; res. in
Junius, N. Y. Child :
Gerrish^, b. in Boscawen.
93 (35)-
PoLLV* (Gerald) (Abbyneezer^, John^), b. in Boscawen, Aug.
31, 1802; d. Aug. 3, 1841, a 38; m., 1822, Adonijah
Fellows, brother of Hezekiah and Moses, of B. He
was b. March 17, 1804, and d. April, 1864; res. in
Livonia, N. Y. Children :
HANNAH'* CALL. 53
Sarah Stevens^ (Fellows), m. Briggs, of N. Y.
Mary^, m. Moses F. Little, of Hill, N. H., 1869.
Ahbyneezer^, d. young.
Ably Amanda^, m. Wing, of N. Y.
Lorany Maria^, m. Priestly, of Mich.
John Fitz Gerald^, m. Runion, of Livonia.
Adonijah^,A. young.
James M.^, d. young.
Eliza Jane^, res. in Livonia.
Adonijah^, d. in War of the Rebellion.
Liicy^, d. young.
94 (36).
Hannah" (Call) (Molly-\ John^), b. Aug. 21, 1785 ; m. Wil-
liam Walker, of Warner, N. H. ; lived in Boscawen, on
Battle St. ; moved thence to Salisbury. Child :
Silas C.6 (Walker), b. Aug. 10, 1806 ; graduated at Dart. Coll., 1829 ;
went South ; d. in Ai'kansas, 1858.
95 (36).
PoLLV* (Call) (Mollys John'), b. July 2, 1787 ; m. George
Flanders, 1806 ; res. in or near Orford, N. H. Child :
Freeman R.^ (Flanders), b. March 24, 1807.
96 (36).
Silas" (Call) (Mollys John'), b. in Boscawen, Oct. 9, 1790;
m., 1st, Sarah Eaton, maternal aunt of Irene (Greeley)
Corser, 1814; m., 2d, Polly, dau. of Edmund and
Susanna (Atkinson) Chadwick, 1837, who d. P^eb. i,
1852 ; lived in B., on Water St., and later on the Plain ;
moved finally to Iowa, where he d. 1885, a. 94. Children
of Sarah :
Silas^, d. young.
Silas E.^, b. 1816 ; d. 1818.
Sarah Anrfi, b. Sept. 21, 1821 ; d. Sept. 20, 1849.
Emily^, b. Aug. 20, 1823 ; dec. ; m., Jan. 1, 1846, Moses Stevens, of
Salisbury, N. H. ; 4 children.
Silas^, b. Dec. 10, 1825. (180)
54 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
Nathan^, M. D., b. Sept. 25, 1827 ; graduated at Dart. Med. Coll., 1854 ;
in. Charlotte Colby, of Hopkinton, N. H., 1854; practiced in Bos-
cawen (1859-64) and Suncook, N. H. (1864-75) ; d. at Suncook, June,
1875, a. 47, " greatly lamented." No children.
97 (36).
Lemuel'* (Call) (Mollys John^), b. in Boscawen, July 15,
1792 ; d. there ; m., ist, 18 12, Nancy, dau. of Dr. Daniel
Call (brother of Capt. Silas), of Meredith, N. H., who
d. 18 1 4, a. 17 ; m., 2d, Rhoda Sweatt (aunt of Jesse
Sweatt). Children of Rhoda:
Reuben Mfi, b. June 6, 1816. (181)
Nancy^, b. July 12, 1819 ; m., March 11, 1847, Daniel Jones, of Warner,
N. H. ; 3 children.
William W.^ b. Jan. 13, 1822.
Hannah W.\ b. 1824 : d. 1825.
Jonas^, b. April 24, 1826. (183)
Pierce Sfi, b. Jan. 16, 1829 ; res. in Windham, N. H. ; mar., and has
several children.
Phebe^, b. Jan. 28, 1836 ; m. Samuel Brown ; 7 children.
98 (36).
Betsey'* (Call) (Mollys John^), b. May 5, 1797 ; m. Samuel
Knowles, 18 15. Child:
Calvin^ (Knowles), dentist; res. in Cal. ; m. Katie Lake; 3 children.
99 (36).
RuTH"* (Call) (Mollys John^"), b. in Boscawen, Dec. 31, 1802 ;
taught school in early life ; m., 1824, Peter, son of George
Stone, of B., a well-to-do farmer and deacon of the
Christian church; res. on the Province Road in B. ;
family removed to Cal. in 1879. Children :
Phebe C.6 (Stone), b. Sept. 24, 1825. (184)
Charles J. Ffi, b. April 21, 1827. (185)
Hannah Elimbet¥, b. Dec. 12, 1828. (186)
Silas C.6, b. Nov. 14, 1830. (187)
Mary Jane^, died.
Mary Jane\ b. Nov. 3, 1833. (188)
MOSES'* CALL.
55
Ruth Emma^, d. a. 5 years.
Charlotte A.^, b. Feb. 25, 1839.
Frederic P.s, b. March 24, 1841.
Nathan J.^, b. June 11, 1843.
Ruth Em7na^,h. July 6, 1845.
(189)
(190)
(191)
(192)
100 (36).
Moses-* (Call) (Mollys John-), b. Aug. 9, 1805 ; physician
in Newcastle, Me.; m. Sarah Bryant. Children :
Norman^, physician in Boston.
Manfred^.
101 (36).
JoNAS^ (Call) (Mollys John-), b. Jan. 8, 1808 ; m. Harriet
Bond. Children :
Eva\
Justin^.
Silas^. Amanda^. Manley^.
102 (37).
John"* (Bowley) (John^ Bowley, Elizabeth^ John'), b. in
Boscawen, April 26, 1789; m. Sarah Fellows, of Salis-
bury, N. H., 1808 ; settled in Livonia, N. Y.; had 2 sons
and 3 daughters, of whom the eldest dau. d. in 1869.
The eldest child was
John Langdon^ (Burleigh, as they now spell the name) ; res. in Avon,
N. Y.
103 (38).
William-* (Asa^ Wi]liam% John'), b. about 1780; lived in
Thetford, Vt.; m. his cousin Anne^*, dau. of Simeon
Corser(40), who d. leaving several children ; m. a second
wife, by whom he had 4 children. Children of Anne :
Benjamin^, h. 1810 ; d. 1853.
Hira^, b. 1811 ; d. single, 1844, a. 33.
Acsah^, mar. ; 5 children.
(192a)
56 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
Harlow^, b. about 1815 ; barn burned in South Braintree, Mass., 1879 ;
dec.
Mary Ann^, b. in Thetford, Nov. 9, 1817.
Persist And others. (See 290.)
104 (39)-
Hannah'' (Uran) (Mary^ William^ John'), b. in Boscawen,
Dec. 4, 1779; m. John P., son of Nathan and Sarah
(Plummer) Kilburn, of B., who was killed in Chichester
by the wheel of a loaded wagon passing over him, 1803,
a. 25. He was brother of James, who bought the old
Corser homestead in 1809 ; lived on Pleasant St. in B.
Children :
Salhj^ (Kilburn), b. Aug. 10, 1800 ; m. (second wife) George Jackman ;
lived on Queen St. in B., where she died.
Mary^, b. Sept. 4, 1802. (193)
105 (39)-
Anna-* (Uran) {Mary^ William^), b. in Boscawen, 1787 ;
d. there, Aug. 3, 1821, a. 34 ; m. Daniel, son of Thomas
and Anna (Plumer) Kilburn, of B., Jan. 30, 1810. He
was brother of Abigail, who m. David Corser (62) ; he
m., 2d, Mrs. Judith Lang, of Weare, N. H. Children:
^Z5er< P.5 (Kilburn), b. Nov. 1, 1810. (194)
Charles^, b. Jan. 18, 1814 ; d. March 12, 1839.
106 (40).
Jesse-* (Simeon^ William^), b. in Boscawen, about 1788 ; m.
Hannah Elkins, of Canada ; settled in Sutton, P. O.,
Can., where he d., and where also his parents d. and
were buried. Children :
Simeon^, d. in Parishville, N. Y. He had a son Richmond E.^, father
of George SJ, of Guthrie Centre, la. ; also a son Homer R.^, resident
in or near Potsdam, N. Y., who d. Dec, 1897, and who was the father
of 2 sons. (From record of E. S. Corser.)
Catherine^, m. Jehiel Chappel, of Can.
Ruth!^, m. Morgan ; lives in Minn.
SIMEON'' CORSER. 57
Ephraim^, lives in Mich.
Harvey^, res. in Can. ; later in Dakota.
Judith^, res. in Can.
George^, settled in Minn.
Moses^ b. 1819 ; d. 1897. Children : George^ b. 1852 ; and others.
(Rec. of E. S. C.)
107 (40).
Simeon'' (Simeon^, William^), b. in Boscawen, 1793 ; settled
in Sutton, Can.; m., 1820, Betsey Miller, b. in Sutton,
1803. Children :
Riley^, b. in Sutton, 1821 ; single.
Simeon^ b. 1822. (195)
James^, h. 1824 ; m. Judith Eastman, 1849.
Rosina^, b. 1826 ; m. Anson Sai-gent, 1843.
Betsey^, b. 1828 ; m. Wm. Brown, 1846.
Furniss^, b. 1830 ; m. Orisa Drew, 1852.
Charity^, b. 1837 ; m. Aruna Wright, 1855.
108 (40).
Edmund'' (Simeon^, William^), b. in Thetford, Vt., about
1795 ; settled in Sutton, Can., where he died. "Jesse,
Simeon, and Edmund were buried in one graveyard,"
writes Hiram Courser (109). Children :
Nicholas^, lived in Canada about 1878. [" Nicholas Courser, a farmer
of North Troy, Vt.," d. of accidental poisoning, March, 1883, a. 52.
See item in N. H. Statesman.']
Sterling^, res. in Canada.
Hiram^, res. in Can.
And others.
109 (40).
HiRAM'' (Courser) (Simeon^, William^), b. in Troy, Vt., April
9, 1807 ; m. Mary A., dau. of William Perkins, of Lyme,
N. H.; res. in N. Troy, Vt. Children :
Derwin F.^, lived in Boston in 1878 ; m. Effie M. , who d. in Boston,
May 21, 1878.
Truman W.^
5
58 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA,
Levi^, of Troy, Vt.
Jesse G.^, lived in Boston in 1878.
Peter^, d. June 8, 1875, a. 33.
Thankful^. Mary^. Sarah^.
110 (41).
Rebeccas (James*, Thomas^ John^), b. in Boscawen, Oct. 24,
1787; d. there, Dec. 8, 181 5, a. 28 ; m., Nov. 29, 1804,
Jeremiah, son of Timothy and Hannah (Richardson)
Eastman, of B.; Hved on the corner of Battle St. and
the Province Road. Mrs. E. was a famous accoiicJieiise.
Children :
Martha^ (Eastman), b. Feb. 5, 1811. (196)
Amos\ b. Feb. 17, 1813.
111 (41).
Amos5 (James*, Thomas^ John^), b. in Boscawen, July 15,
1793 ; m., 1819, Betsey Bean, of Salisbury, N. H., who
d. April 8, 1885, a. 91 ; lived on or near Little Hill in B.,
on the farm inherited from his father, where he d. Feb.,
1873, a. 79. Children :
Elisabeth Bean% b. Aug. 8, 1820. (197)
NeivelJ.% b. 1821; d. 1829.
Melecca Ann^, h. July 30, 1827. (198)
112 (42).
Annas (Gerald) (Polly*, Thomas^, John'), b. June 5, 1787;
m., Dec. 27, 1803, Charles Straw, of Warner, N. H.,
blacksmith, who lived on Corser Hill till his shop was
burned, when he removed to Warner, and finally went
West. Child :
Liberty^ (Straw), b. 1805.
113 (44)-
Johns (Jonathan*, Thomas^, John"), b. in Boscawen about
1800; moved with his parents to Colebrook, N. H.; m.
Ruth M. Crawford. Children (from record of T. S.) :
SALLY5 DOWNING. 59
Almira^, m. Leander Babb, of Great Falls, N. H.
Almelia^,ra. John C. Milton, of Lawrence, Mass.
Gilman^, m. Emma J. Stewart ; 2 children.
Henry^, res. in Sanbornton, N. H., in 1897. [The buildings of Henry
J. Corser, of Clarksville, N. H., were burned June 1, 1882.]
Emma^, m. John C. Poor, of Stewartstown, N. H. ; 3 children.
114(45)-
Sally5 (Downing) (Anna^ Thomas^ John^), b. Sept. 23,
1796; d. June 3, 1847, a. 50; m., Feb. 6, 1821, Jesse,
son of Edward and Miriam Sweatt, of Boscawen ; lived
on the " Mutton Road " in B.; moved afterwards to Cole-
brook, N. H., where he died. Children :
Maria G.^ (Sweatt), b. Nov. 22, 1822. (199)
Mary Ann^, b. Dec. 5, 1824. (200)
Laura% b. Sept. 30, 1827 ; m. Albert Fletcher ; d. Sept. 27, 1875, a. 48.
Wyatt B.% b. May 22, 1829 ; d. July 19, 1857, a. 28 ; m. Betsey M. Little.
Child : Ira'', d. young.
/ra6, b. June 4, 1831. (201)
Tyler C.% b. Oct. 11, 1840. (202)
115 (45)-
Dollys (Downing) (Anna*, Thomas^ John^), b. Aug. 6,
1803 ; d. 1840, a. 36; m., Jan. i, 1821, John Call, of
Boscawen ; lived in B., near the head of Long Pond.
Children :
Eudocia^ (Call), b. Nov. 5, 1821 ; m. George Hoit, of Bradford, N. H.,
1842 ; res. in Francestowti ; had several children.
Julia Ann^, b. Oct. 5, 1826; drowned in Blackwater River, June 14,
1842, a. 15.
Nathan^, b. 1833.
Joseph^, b. 1836.
And others.
116 (47).
Sallys (Moses^ Thomas^, John'), b. about i8io;m. Charles
W. Spaulding, of Lowell, Mass., who m., 2d, Harriet
Gookin, of Boscawen {6d>). He died March 15, 1884.
Children of Sally :
60 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
Charles Henry^ (Spaulding), d. of heart-disease, a. 21.
Sarah^, dec. ; m. D. M. Prescott, of Lowell, Mass ; no children.
117 (47)-
Roxenas (Moses^ Thomas^ John='), b. about 18 12 ; m.
Holden ; res. in Lowell, Mass. Children :
Martha^ (Holden), dec. ; m. Ames. Child : Charlotte Elisabeth'',
who m. Morse.
Horace^, died.
118 (47).
William B.s (Courser) (Moses-*, Thomas^ John^), b. 1814 ;
farmer in Warner, N. H. He m., 1st, Nancy Morey ; 2d,
Mary Ann Whipple, of Lisbon, N. H.; 3d, Ellen Thomp-
son. Children :
Thomas Jefferson^ (first wife), b. July, 1836. (203)
Nancy% b. Nov., 1838 ; m. George Rand, of Warner ; dec. ; 3 children.
William M.^ (second wife), b. Aug., 1843. (203a)
James H.% b. Nov., 1846 ; m. Abbie Ticknor, of Tilton, N. H. ; one
child ; d. in Suncook, N. H.
Mary F.% b. 1849 ; m. Geo. Parker, of Springfield, Mass. ; daughter,
Lillian' (Parker).
Ella J.^, b. Sept., 1855 ; m. John Sawtelle ; 2 children.
Anna^ b. March, 1858; m. Dec, 1885, Joseph H.e Corser (150).
119 (49).
Nathaniels (Stephen-*, Samuel^, John-), b. in Boscawen about
1790 ; mar. and settled in Vt.; d. 1867, a. yy. Children
(record of E. S. C.) :
Clark G.^, b. about 1817 ; res. in Waukegan, 111.
Willard S.% b. about 1819 ; res. in Waukegan.
Austin^ b. about 1828 ; res. in Ontonagon, Mich.
George W.^, b. about 1835; res. in Barron, Wis.
And others. (See 291.)
CYRUS5 CORSER. 6 1
120 (53).
Cyrus5 (Jonathan'*, Jonathan^ John^), b. in Thetford, Vt.,
March 13, 1802; farmer in T. He m., ist, Marcia
Clough ; 2d, Lucretia Heath, dec. Children :
Marcia J.% b. 1841 ; d. 1874, a. 33 ; teacher.
Edith^, b. 1844.
Ellen A.^, b. 1845 ; d. 1863, a. 18.
Alfonzo% b. 1851 ; d. 1863, a. 12.
Omer B.% b. 1854.
121 (53)-
Clark5 (Jonathan-*, Jonathan^, John^), b. in Thetford, Vt.,
June 19, 1804 ; farmer in Royalston, Mass.; m., ist,
CaroHne Preston, who d. Jan. 16, 1836 ; m., 2d, Mercy
West, who d. March 30, 1854. Children :
Hersey C. P.«, b. Dec. 5, 1835. (204)
Leon W.% b. Feb. 10, 1850. (205)
122 (53).
Jonathan^ (Jonathan'*, Jonathan^ John^), b. in Thetford, Vt.,
May 17, 1806 ; d. 1869, a. 63 ; farmer in Suffield, Conn.
Hem., 1st, Clarissa Woodworth ; 2d, March 18, 1847,
Salome Shores, who d. Jan. 28, 1875. Children:
Martha J.% b. Aug. 2, 1840. (206)
Albert J.% h. Aug. 2'i, 1848; farmer in Suffield ; m. Mrs. Elisabeth P.
Leach, Aug. 26, 1874.
Harriet L.\ b. March 8, 1851 ; drowned in canal, June 30, 1856.
Azro B.^, b. Feb. 21, 1853 ; m. Julia Cook, of Windsor, Conn. ; farmer
in W.
Mary J.% b. Feb. 1, 1855. (207)
123 (53).
Marthas (Jonathan'*, Jonathan^ John^), b. in Thetford, Vt.,
April 22, 1808. She m., ist, Wm. Howard, of T., who
d. out West ; 2d, Caleb Strong, who d. in Strafford, Vt.;
3d, Benj. Bradbury, who d. in Strafford ; res. in 1882 in
Thetford. Children :
62 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
William D.^ (Howard), b. 1833 ; d. 1838.
Lucy J.% b. 1836 ; dec. ; m. Berry, who went West.
Azor W.^, b. 1838 ; m. and has children ; res. in Malta, De Kalb
Co., 111.
Jonathan^ (Strong), b. 1851 ; mar., and lives at White River Junc-
tion, Vt.
124 (53)-
Mary Anns (Jonathan^, Jonathan^, John^), b. in Thetford,
Vt., June 2 1, 1815 ; d. 1865, a. 50; m, Geo. M. Sawyer,
of Norwich, Vt., farmer. Children :
Melissa^ (Sawyer), b. Feb. 3, 1836 ; m. Blodgett.
Cordelia H.% b. April 6, 1838; ni. Ambrose Currier.
Candace Mfi, b. March 17, 1840 ; d. Feb. 13, 1866.
Washington Sprague^, d. young.
Lucia A. J. 6, b. March 12, 1844; m. Slack; 2 ch.
Martha i.«, b. June 26, 1846 ; m. Slack ; 3 ch.
Albert Sprague^, b. June 3. 1848; d. Jan. 19, 1863.
Marcia% d. young.
Clarissa M.% b. Sept. 2, 1851 ; mar.
George W.% b. Jan. 11, 1854.
125 (53).
Hannahs (Jona.-*, Jona.^, John^), b. in Thetford, Vt., July 20,
1819; d. 1853, a. 34 ; m. Jacob, son of Jacob Bartlett,
of Salisbury, Mass., carpenter. Children :
Luella /.6 (Bartlett), b. 1842 ; d. 1866, a. 23.
Charles H.^, b. 1845 ; m. Abbie Hodge ; res. in Lowell, Mass., about
1878.
Esther^, b. July 20, 1848 ; m. John Atkins ; res. in Marblehead, Mass.
126 (53).
Lucia A. Janettes (Jona.^, Jona.^ John^), b. in Thetford,
Vt., June 23, 1822 ; m. Horace Stebbins, of Painesville,
O., farmer. Children :
Flavel W^ (Stebbins) , b. May 12, 1845 ; d. Oct. 19, 1865, a. 20 ;
served in the War of the Rebellion.
Homer C.% b. Oct. 23, 1847.
Lucia Ann^, died.
Ellen J.«, b. March 6, 1852.
Horace Dwight^, died young.
ERASTUS THOMAS* CORSER. 63
127 (56).
Erastus Thomas* (Josiah'*, Jona.^ John-), b. in Compton,
Can., Jan. 26, 1812 ; farmer; settled in Chester, Vt.,
whence he removed to Bartonsville, and thence, about
1867, to Dummerston. He m., ist, Harriet Evans; 2d,
Laura Grow ; 3d, Nancy Ayer, who was b. June 5, 1821,
and d. Sept. 24, 1854; 4th, Lucy Ayer, b. April 26,
1832. Children:
Guy r.6 (first wife), b. Feb. 15, 1835. (208)
Charles D.% b. May 4, 1838. (209)
Henry C.«, b. May 31, 1839 ; d. Oct. 16, 1862, a. 23.
Celina A.^, b. April 29, 1841. (210)
Maria N.^ (third wife), b. Oct. 10, 1851. (211)
Frank E.^ (fourth wife), b. March 30, 1857 ; d. 1862.
Alfred^ b. Jan. 29, 1861 ; d. Dec. 22, 1861.
Adelbert M.% b. June 30, 1863.
George E.\ b. July 8, 1865.
Mary E.% b. July 5, 1868.
Etta C.% b. May 17, 1873.
128 (59).
Lucy A.* (Friend^ Jona.^ John^), b. Aug. 17, 181 5 ; m. Cyrus
Beal ; res. in Keene, N. H. Children :
Phebe^ (Beal).
Abbie^. Nettie^. Nellie^.
129(59).
Rosaline D.* (Friend^ Jona.^, John-), b. July 2, 1819 ; m.
Luther Keyes ; res. in Charlemont, Mass. Children :
Oscar F.^ (Keyes).
Emma^. Adelia^. Fred^. Abbie^. Rose^.
130 (59)-
Emmaranza* (Friend^ Jona.^ John^), b. Nov. 16, 1822 ; m.
Albert Danforth ; res. in Danville, Vt. Children :
Albert L.^ (D&nioTth).
Emma^. Alice^. Harry^.
64 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
131 (59).
Samuel Azro^ (Friend'*, Jona.^ John-), b Dec. 6, 1844; m,
IvUthene Frost ; res. in West Chiesterfield, Mass.
Children :
Ida^. Ada^. Lizzie^.
George A.^, b. in Greenfield, Mass., about 1844 ; enlisted from Bolton,
where he was then living, in the War of the Rebellion, Sept. 16, 1862,
in the Fifth Mass. Reg. of 9 months men ; reenlisted for 3 years,
June, 1863, in the Heavy Artillery ; d, at Newberu, N. C, of yellow
fever, Nov., 1864, a. about 20. (See Bolton Reb. Records.)
132 {59)-
George Azor^ (Friend^, Jona.^ John^), b. Dec. 23, 1826.
He m., 1st, Diantha J. Danforth ; 2d, Maria J. Trask ;
res. in Leicester, Mass. Children :
Luella J.^ Georgiana Mfi
133 (59)-
Josephine L.s (Friend'*, Jona.^ John^), b. Dec. 26, 183 1 ; m.
Wm. Fletcher ; res. in San Francisco, Cal. Children :
Harry^ (Fletcher) K^ins
Bertie^ \
134 (59)-
Friendly J.s (Friend*, Jona.^ John^), b. Feb. 10, 1836 ; m.
E. E. Johnson ; res. in Chicago, 111. Children :
Annie^ (Johnson). Et infans.
135 (60).
Solomon Tafts (Daniel, John^ John"), b. in Thetford, Vt.,
Dec. 24, 1805 ; removed with his parents to Boscawen
at an early age ; learned the tanner's trade with Isaac
Dow, of Concord, N. H.; settled in Portland, Me., 1827,
where he engaged for a while in the manufacture of
gloves ; was afterwards, for some years, agent for a line
SOLOMON TAFT= COR&ER (135).
HAkVKV FISHER''- COURSER (ijfc).
HARVEV F1SHER5 COURSER. 65
of Stages, with headquarters at Portland; about 1847
became connected with the Grand Trunk R. R., which
he served in the capacity of Superintendent or President,
for 16 years ; was then appointed collector of customs at
P., a position he occupied for 1 3 years ; served after-
wards as Superintendent of the Rumford P'alls and
Buckfield R. R., which office he resigned in 1879.
The career of Mr. C, in a business point of view, has
been one of marked success. He is a man of few
words, but possesses the rare qualities, without which
life's battle but too often ends in defeat, of sagacity,
decision, enterprise, and strict integrity. He has been
for many years a prominent member of the Episcopal
church; m., Jan. i, 1829, Margaret F. Sawyer, of Cape
Elisabeth, Me. (He died — since the above was written —
Feb. 17, 1890, a. 84.) She d. July 29, 1894. Children:
Harriet Luaf, b. Feb. 15, 1830. (212)
George Hfi, b. Nov. 11, 1831 ; d. Aug. 31, 1850.
David Frank^, b. Jan. 14, 1835. (213)
Margaret Ellen^, b. March 27, 1845. (214)
136 (60).
Harvey Fishers (Courser), Col. (DanieP, John^, John'), b.
in Thetford, Vt., Jan. 20, 1 809 ; removed at an early age to
Boscawen, N. H.; thence, at about the age of 18, to Con-
cord, where he entered the service of the Kent family,
pursuing, while a resident of the place, a course of study
under the tuition of John Farmer, Esq., the distinguished
antiquarian ; was afterwards employed for three years as
a mail-agent ; in 1835 located at Nashua, N. H., in the
dry goods business, which he continued till burned out
in 1848 ; went thence to Boston, where he was employed
in the same business 5 years ; returning to N., formed a
partnership, some years later, with his son-in-law, Wm.
H. Greenleaf, in the grocery trade, which was continued
till the spring of 1883 ; d. at Nashua the same year,
66 CORSER FAMILY TN AMERICA.
Dec. 26, a. 74. He received his title from service in
the old State militia ; never held or sought public office ;
was a man of amiable qualities and genial social nature,
a member of the Congregational church, generous of
heart and hand, widely known, and highly esteemed.
He m.. May 14, 1839, Maria Estey, of Nashua, b. Feb.
18, 18 18, her death occurring Feb. 15, 1895. Children,
b. in Nashua :
Lucy Anna% b. April 3, 1840. (215)
George Augustus^, b. Aug. 12, 1842 ; d. Sept. 1, 1843.
Caroline L. E.% b. July 16, 1848 ; d. Aug. 10, 1849.
137 (61).
Bernices (John'*, John3, John^), b. in Boscawen, July 21, 1802,
m., Nov. 7, 1827, John, son of William and Olive
(Elliott) Danforth, of B., who d. Feb. 18, 1850, a. 65.
She d. Dec, 1878, a. 76. Children:
Orrin^ (Danforth), b. June 5, 1831. (216)
Mehitahle C.^, b. Oct. 16, 1834. (216a)
138(61).
Johns (John-*, John^, John^), b. in Boscawen, Aug. 15, 1809;
d. at Fisherville, Aug. 21, 1872, a. 63; carpenter by
trade ; fitted for college, and completed one term (fall
of 1833) at Dartmouth; taught school; was in a book-
store at Concord; m., 1838, Mary A. Greenough, of
Bristol, N. H., where he resided for many years; after-
wards worked at his trade out West, and in Boscawen ;
m. a second time, and lived for a while in Hopkinton.
He was a good scholar and workman. The writer is
indebted to him for his first French dictionary, which is
still in use, and for his first copy of Virgil, which,
between us, was entirely worn out ; also for the nicest
handsled a boy (or paterfamilias, for that matter) ever
coveted, which is still as good as new. He was a Chris-
EUNICES CORSER. 6/
tian man, and had health permitted, might have studied
for the ministry, even at the risk of spoiling a first-rate
mechanic. His children were:
William C.^ (first wife), b. Aug. 29, 1839 ; died.
Brackett G.%h. Sept. 5, 1841. (217)
Mary Maria% b. April 4, 1843 ; m. Le Roy C. Shear, of N. Y.
Norman De F.% b. Aug. 24, 1845. (218)
139 (61).
Eunice^ (John^ John^ John-), b. in Boscawen, May 17,
1818 ; m., April 2, 1845, George C. Lancaster, of North-
wood, N. H., where the family resided for several years,
moving thence to Boscawen, and later to Concord, where
she d. Feb. 19, 1873, a. 54. He d. in Tilton, April 17,
1899. Children, b. in Northwood :
Auguxtus C.^ (Lancaster), b. March 10, 1847; d. in Concord, March
27, 1875, a. 28 ; was bookkeeper in Minot & Co.'s banking estab-
lishment.
Emma F.% b. Sept. 5, 1849 ; died.
Mary F.^ b. June 28, 1851 ; d. Oct. 6, 1853.
Emma F.^, b. Aug. 6, 1854 ; ni. Charles L. Clay, superintendent of
schools. Harvard, Mass. Child : Paul Lancaster'' (Clay), b. Dec. 6,
1896.
Georgie E.^, b. Oct. 12, 1859 ; teacher for several years ; m. Edward J.
Young, of Tilton, N. H.
140 (61).
Charles H.5 Courser (John^, John^ John-), b. in Boscawen,
May 19, 1827 ; miller and carpenter ; located in Henniker,
N. H., 1856; m., Nov. 9, 1848, Mary J. Blanchard.
Children :
Fitz H.% b. in Boscawen, March 20, 1850; miller; m., 1876, Abbie H.
Jones. Child : Harry F.\ b. March 24, 1877.
Evander A.^, b. March 19, 18.56 ; railroad employee ; m.. May 25, 1885,
Eva E. Carter, of Concord.
Helen F.^, b. Jan. 16, 1858; m. J. M. Hollywood; d. in Brockton,
Mass., Oct. 7, 1900, a. 41.
Abnoti E.^,h. Jan. 17, 1860 ; railroad employee.
Charles E.^ b. Feb. 19, 1863 ; m. Emily T. Pritchard.
Grace £.«, b. July 16, 1869 ; died.
68 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
141 (62).
Freeman^ (Davids John^ John-), b. in Boscawen, April 29,
1 806 ; was a life-long resident of the town (that part of
it now Webster), where he d. Jan. 20, 1884, a. yy ; was
a farmer and mill-wright ; m. Harriet Crowell, who was
b. May 12, 181 1, and d. Feb. 19, 1874, a. 62. Children :
Ariadne Augusta^ b. Oct. 24, 1834. (219)
Sarepta^, b. Sept. 20, 1836 ; d. May 16, 1858, a. 21.
Hamilton F.^, b. Aug. 17, 1839 ; enlisted in the War of the Rebellion,
1861, in the Second N. H. Reg. (Goodwin's Rifles), and soon after
reenlisted for 2 years ; in 1863 enlisted for the third time in the 14th
Reg. ; was wounded at the battle of Winchester, and was in the
hospital when the Reg. was discharged ; in 1867 went to California,
where and in Nevada he was engaged in gold-mining ; returned in
failing health, in the fall of 1880, to Webster, N. H., where he died
of consumption, Oct. 8, 1881, a. 42.
Hamlet^, b. May 13, 1843; farmer; m. Belle Holmes. (219a)
David S.^, Col., b. Aug. 6, 1847 ; attorney at law ; served in the War of
the Rebellion (14th N. H. Vols.— known as "Old Abe's Pets"),
enlisting at the age of 14 ; received his education at the Boscawen
and Hopkinton academies and at the State Normal School, Ply-
mouth ; studied law with Judge Fowler, of Concord, and was
admitted to the bar in 1875 ; practiced his profession in C. from
1875 to 1884 ; was Republican candidate for State Senator in 1882;
chosen messenger of the U. S. Senate in 1884, and now (1885) fills
the office of assistant doorkeeper of that body. He received his title
as assistant Adjutant-Gen. on the staif of Gen. Clough ; is a man of
ability and pluck, a stalwart Republican, and a partisan, if in arms,
worthy of his foeraan's steel ; m., Nov. 18, 1884, H. Pauline, dau. of
James Heath, of Contoocook, N. H.
John C.«, b. Feb. 9, 1849 ; d. in Nevada, where he had been engaged in
mining operations.
142 (62).
Ruths (David^ John^, John'), b. in Boscawen, Dec. 18,
18 17; m., Aug I, 1840, William Green, of Waterford,
Me. Children :
COL. DAVID S.« CORSER (14'
JEDIDIAH5 DANFORTH. 69
Abbie^ (Green), b. 1845 ; res. (1900) in East Bridgewater, Mass.
Anna^, died. Hattie^, died.
Thomas^, b. 1851 ; m. Georgie R. Holden ; res. in East Bi-idge water,
Mass. Children: William A. ~ ; George HJ
Ruth^, b. 1853 ; m. J. Arthur Chadbourne ; res. in N. Bridgeton, Me.
Children : Ruth Anna' (Chadbourne) ; James Green' ; Wm. Warren" ;
KaOierine' .
143 (63)-
Jedidiah5 (Danforth) (Rachel, John^ John-), b. May 27,
1803 ; farmer in Boscawen in 1850 ; removed afterwards
to Fisherville and later to Franklin; m., ist, Aurelia
Bickford, who d. 1838, a. 3 1 ; m. 2d, 1838, Mary,
dau. of Samuel and Eunice (Kilburn) Fowler, of B.
Children :
George Henry^ (first wife), b. Feb. 5, 1830.
Aurelia Jane^, b. May 8, 1832 ; m. Hall.
Ednah^h. 1835; d. 1841.
Ruth Augusta^, b. Nov. 17, 1837 ; m. Walter Burleigh, of Franklin.
Samuel'^ (second wife), b. Jan. 20, 1841 ; d. in Franklin, Feb. 12, 1901,
a. 60.
144 (63)-
Nathan C.s (Danforth) (Rachel, John^, John^), b. July i,
1805 ; stone-cutter ; lived in Fisherville (now Penacook),
N. H., where he d. May 25, 1888, a. 82 ; served in the
War of the Rebellion (5th N. H. Vols., Co. A, Col.
Sturtevant) nearly 3 years ; m. Sophia Brown, who d.
1882. Children :
Sarah Frances^, b. June 8, 1836; m. Farwell ; d. in Fitchburg,
Mass., Dec. 1, 1887, a. 51.
Sylvester Prentice^, b. Aug. 14, 1838 ; res. in Concord, N". H. ; m.
Morgan, of Fisherville.
Calista Susan^, b. June 18, 1840 ; d. June 23, 1869, a. 29.
Horace H.^, b. March 29, 1842. (220)
Sylvanus^, b. July 21, 1844 ; served in the War of the Rebellion ; res.
in Concord.
70 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
145 (63)-
Sarah R.5 (Danforth) (Rachel'*, John^, John'), b. Sept. 6,
1809 (twin) ; m., May 17, 1837, Benjamin Fisk ; res. in
Lowell, Mass. Children :
Rachel Maria^ (Fisk), b. May 8, 1888.
Jane G.^, b. May 13, 1840.
146 (63). ■
Rachel C.^ (Danforth) (Rachel-*, John^, John^), b. Sept. 6,
1809 (twin) ; m., April 2, 1833, Elijah Clark, of Lowell,
Mass., who went West. Child :
Charles^ (Clark).
147 (63)-
Charlotte S.^ (Danforth) (Rachel-*, John^ John^), b. June
23, 1810; m., 1st., Thomas J. Fisk, of Boscawen, who
kept a public house on Corser Hill, where he d. July 29,
1846, a.. 37 ; m., 2d, Rev. Wm. H. Nason. Children :
Thomas Edwin^ (Fisk), b. Oct. 8, 1836. (221)
Charles K.^ b. July 4, 1839 ; d. 1842.
Charles TF.«, b. Oct. 25, 1842.
George A.^ (Nason).
148 (63).
Harriet A. 5 (Danforth) (Rachel, John^ John^), b. Nov. 6,
1827 ; d. 1851, a. 23 ; m. B. F. Page, of Salisbury, N. H.
Children, two sons, of whom the younger was :
Harry^ (Page).
149 (64).
Edwin Greeleys (Rice^ John% John'), b. in Boscawen,
April 17, 1840; settled on a farm in 111., whence he
removed to Concord, N. H., where he d. May 9, 1875,
a. 35 ; m., Nov. 25, 1862, Bella Pilkington, of Ellsworth,
111., who was b. Jan. 23, 1837, and d. in Salisbury,
N. H., Sept. 7, 1891, a. 54. Children :
RICE V.S CORSER. 7 1
Lizzie Irene^, b. Oct. 6, 1863 ; m., May 5, 1885, Justin T. Stevens, of
Salisbury, N. H.
Willie Rice^, b. Aug. 12, 1865; res. (1901) in Higginsville, Mo.
Harry Towers^, b. May 1, 1868 ; living in Tilton in 1898.
Marcia Octavia^, b. April 23, 1870.
Judith Alberta% b. May 29, 1873.
150 (65).
Rice V.5 (Joseph*, John^ John^), b. in Boscawen, Jan. 26,
1818; m., 1844, Sarah J. Page; res. in Webster; d. at
Tilton, Sept. 8, 1896, a. 78. Children:
Atherton P.\ b. 1844 ; d. 1846.
Joseph H.% b. May 4, 1847 ; died.
Ursula^ b. 1849, m. Horace Ballou, of Hill, N. H. ; d. April 12, 1880.
Lizzie F.% b. 1851.
Emma^, m. John McPhail.
Frank B.^, m. Sarah Cross, of Northfield, N. H.
Joseph Herbert^, m. Anna Courser (118), Dec, 1885.
Elmer E.^, b. 1861.
151 (65).
Nancy AJ (Joseph'^, John^ John^), b. in Boscawen, Sept.
29, 1823 ; m., 1845, ^Vm. E. Shattuck, of B. Child:
Richard P.^ (Shattuck), b. May 2, 1846.
152 {66).
Ann E.s (Timothy*, Jojin^, John^), b. in Boscawen, April i,
1816 ; d. Dec. 3, 1878, a. 62 ; m., 1836, John Jay, son of
William Coffin, of Deerfield, N. H. He was b. 1812,
and d. March 5, 185 i, a. 40 ; went West soon after mar-
riage. Children :
William T.^ (Coffin), b. in Chicago, HI., 1837. (222)
Sarah^, b. in Wis., Jan. 15, 1840 ; d. 1846.
Louisa A.% b. in Wis., 1842. (223)
Clara^, b. 1847.
Thomas Hfi, b. 1849 ; m. Martha M. Cross, 1874.
John TF.6, b. 1851 ; d. 1853.
72 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
153 (66).
Louisas (Timothy*, John^ John=), b. in Boscawen, Dec. 25,
1 8 18 ; d. Aug. 4, 1892 ; m. June 2, 1841, Solomon Bart-
let Greeley, of Salisbury, N. H. Children:
Nathaniel^ (Greeley), b. April 29, 1842.
Edward T.% b. July 28, 1844.
Solomon B.% b. Nov. 6, 1847. (224)
Octaiiia L.% b. June 27, 1850 ; in. Sidney F. Eastman, of Hopkinton,
N. H., May 10, 1876.
Frances T.% b. Aug. 3, 1853.
Adelaide^, b. 1856; d. Sept., 1895; m. Scribner.
FredE.% b. Dec. 11, 1859 ; m. Eastman.
154(67).
Julias (Gookin) (Ruth"*, Davids John^), b. April 15, 1803;
d. July, 1 84 1 ; m. Phineas Huntoon, of Salisbury, N. H.
Children :
Luther^ (Huntoon), farmer in S. ; m. Betsey Heath, of S. Child:
Nahum\ who d. 1882.
Cyrus G.^, cabinet-maker ; m. Eliza J. Stearns ; d. at Fall River,
Mass., 1876.
Julia G.6, b. Sept., 1839; d. 1840.
155(68).
Nathaniels (Gookin) (Ruth^*, Davids John^), b. May 28,
181 3 ; stone-cutter; lived in Lowell, Mass., where he d.
Dec. 16, 187 1, from injuries received by accidentally
slipping under a moving train of cars ; m., Jan. 11, 1838,
Sophronia, dau. of Samuel P. and Priscilla (Shattuck)
Sweatt, of Boscawen. Children :
Jerome^,h. March 17, 1839 ; d. Aug. 17, 1840.
Livonia^ b. July 31, 1840 ; d. in Steubenville, O., Feb. 13, 1864, a. 23.
Jerome% b. May 28, 1842 ; stone-cutter; res. in Lowell.
Ruth Emma^, b. April 24, 1844. (225)
Octavia G.«, b. March 11, 1846; d. Jan., 1886, a. 40.
Julia^ b. Feb. 23, 1849 ; m. Frank Livingston, of Lowell, railroad
employee. Child : Helen SJ (Livingston), b. March, 1883.
Frank- Lorenzo^, b. June 3, 1851 ; farmer and carpenter in Salisbury
N. H. ; dec.
GARDINER5 CORSER.
7?^
. 156(69).
G ARD I NER5 (Davids David-', John-), b. in Boscawen, Dec. 29,
iSor ; farmer ; settled in Gates, N. Y., removing to that
State with his father about 1816 ; d. July 4, 1840, a. 38 ;
m., Tan. 11, 1825, Mercv Ann Thomas, an inmate of the
family of " Squire ~ Y. She ra.,
2d. S ' " "Id place.
'A, ]S:^3. (227)
y 3, J^aVH-.J*atgaiS^5|. 32: m., July 4, 1S53,
Jonathan Thomas, of -'^^<^*^VV^'f_^cia
'nrio[ — i-nrio^'^-^ ^bivsa — ^bivfiQ
Caleb Burbanrs, Col. (David-*. David\ John^), b. m Bos-
cawCF: '""'^ 14, 1S03 ; rem ' ' '" tather to
\''.- "rbe aizc of i "; : in Gat^s,
Spencerport,
Chapman, of East Haddam, C
near Rochester, in 1863, whert i,
71. (See 270.) Children:
Helen X.e (first wife),b. Dec. 22. 1829 ; m. (
dec; res. in Spencerport; d. in Rochestt
Francis S.", b. July 13, 1833 ; has been in Auei.
lived in Brighton, N. Y.
^irighton,
. 26, 1875, a.
ultou, musician,
i. 1883, a. 53.
111., and has since
GARDINER5 CORSER. 73
156(69).
Gardiner5 (Davids David% John-), b. in Boscawen, Dec. 29,
1 801 ; farmer ; settled in Gates, N. Y., removing to that
State with his father about 1816 ; d. July 4, 1840, a. 38 ;
m., Ian. 11, 1825, Mercy Ann Thomas, an inmate of the
family of " Squire " Willey, of Ogden, N. Y. She m.,
2d, Samuel Carroll, continuing to reside on the old place.
Children :
Charles A.^, b. Sept. 25, 1825 ; d. Jan. 20, 1828.
Lewis H.^, b. March 11, 1827. (226)
Laura A.^, b. July 19, 1828; m. Lewis Bagley, of Pembroke, N. Y.,
farmer, Oct. 24, 1826.
Frances Jane^, b.Sept. 10, 1830 ; m. Edmund Carroll, brother of Samuel,
Sept. 15, 1855; res. in Pembroke, N. Y.
Charles A.\h. April 14, 1 833. (227)
Caroline F.% b. May 3, 1835 ; d. Aug., 1867, a. 32 ; m., July 4, 1853,
Jonathan Thomas, of Alden, X. Y.
157 (69).
Caleb Burbank^, Col. (David-*, Davids John^), b. in Bos-
cawen, Oct. 14, 1803 ; removed with his father to
New York at the age of 1 3 ; settled on a farm in Gates,
Monroe Co. ; was Justice of the Peace for 20 years ;
represented the Rochester district in the legislature of
185 1-2; was a man of ability and clear judgment;
industrious, prudent, economical ; of cultivated tastes,
and equally ready with the tongue and pen. He m., ist,
Oct. 12, 1828, Henrietta L., dau. of Squire Spencer, of
Spencerport, N. Y., who d. in 1840; 2d, R. Maria
Chapman, of East Haddam, Conn. ; removed to Brighton,
near Rochester, in 1863, where he d. April 26, 1875, ^■
yi. (See 270.) Children:
Helen L.^ (first wife),b. Dec. 22, 1829 ; m. Geo. R. Poultou, musician,
dec. ; res. in Spencerport ; d. in Rochester, Sept. 23, 1883, a. 53.
Francis S.^, h. July 13, 1833 ; has been in Australia; m.,and has since
lived in Brighton, N. Y.
74 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
Ehvood 5.6, b. Oct. 3, 1835. (228)
Fred G.^ (second wife), b. June 12, 1849; architect; res. in Minne-
apolis, Minn.
Caleb E.% b. 1851 ; d. young.
Henrietta M.% h. 1853 ; d. young.
158 (69).
Ruth5 (David'*, Davids John^), b. in Boscawen, Oct. 2, 1805 ;
m. Hiram Hubbard, whose father lived in or near Spring
Water, N. Y. He worked first on the canal, and after-
wards kept a livery-stable in Canandagua, where he d.
Jan. 19, 1848. After his death she went to live with
her father in Ogden. (It was Mr. H., it is alleged, with
how much truth we are unable to say, who was employed
— in 1827 — as teamster of a conveyance which spirited
away — no one knows whither, except that he was after-
wards traced to Niagara river — the famous William
Morgan, a tailor of Batavia, N. Y., who was supposed to
be about to disclose the secrets of the Masonic order, of
which he was a member. He disappeared suddenly, and
liis fate remains still shrouded in mystery.) Children of
Jluth :
Louisa Caroline^ (Hubbard), b. Jan. 18, 1831 ; m., July 30, 1850,
OrvilleC. Morris; d. May 29, 1863, a. 32.
Sarah Ann\ b. Oct. 22, 1832 ; m. James B. Newton, Sept. 20, 1845.'
Harriet L.^h. Jan. 13, 1835; d. 1860, a. 25.
Frank Hiram^, b. April 30, 1837 ; lived with his grandfather Hubbard
after his father's death ; m. L. Bartlett, Feb. 10, 1863.
Henrietta Laura% b. Dec. 27, 1840 ; d. Oct. 22, 1853, a. 12.
George W.% b. Feb. 22, 1844 ; hardware dealer in Flint, Mich. ; ni.,
March 25, 1868, Amanda L. Gunn, of Ogden, N. Y.
159 (69)-
Harriet Lavinia^ (David-*, Davids John^), b. in Ogden, N.
Y., March 3, 1824 ; d. at Lowell, Mass., Feb. 19, 1886,
a. 61 ; m., Nov. 12, 1844, Henry C. Church, b. May 9,
Frederic Gardiner "^ Corsfr
Minneapolis, Minn.
Age 52—1901
Caleb B.5 — David* - Davids — John^ - Johni
Page 223 Par. 157—69—32—25—2431
Tfea^.'
__j
74 CORSEK FAMILY IN AMRRJCA
Eltaoor ■ I. ii, J83(> (228)
>i'.ii':- 1-', ■ >i. in Minne-
< .
158 (69).
KuTH^ (David'*, David^ John^), b. in Boscavven, Oct. 2, 1805 ;
m. Hiram Hubbard, whose father lived in or near Spring
Water, N. Y. He worked first on the canal, and after-
wards kept a livery-stable in Canandagua, where' he d.
Jan. 19, 1848. After his death she went to live with
her father in Ogden. (ft was Mr. H., it is alleged, with
how much truth we are unable to say, who was employed
— iiiaJgHGD-^ 5?HHiaHAD OIHHaHH'^ i'ed
aWcl} ■ - nCi v?.';,' :: - ::;;:•: . , . --..- .ICT-
wards traced ■l^^^ialW^'^^WM the famous William
Morgan, a tailor of^^frit'-rS^v^S^ > to
^l!&^^^\5^St" ^biv.a ^- ^bivBQ - ^.H dsI.D
wiucT) hi" vva, ■
hw fate reVn •)??-,. "^ Children ot
Ruth :
Louisa Caroi.iiuv (^riunoaia;, d. .iaii. ja, i-?..u ; m., July 30, 1850,
OrvilleC. Morris; d. May 29, 1863, a. 32.
Sarah Ann'^, h. Oct. 22, 1832 ; m. James B. Newton, Sept. 20, 1845."
Harriet L.^ b. Jan. 13, 183-5 ; d. 1860, a. 25.
Frank Iliram^, b. April 30, 1837 ; lived with his grandfather Hubbard
aft«r his father's death ; m. L. Bartletfc, Feb. 10, 1863.
Henrietta Laura% b. Dec. 27, 1840; d. Oct. 22, 18.53, a. 12.
George W.\ b. Feb. 22, 1844; i r in Flint, M"
March 2.'», 1868, Amanda T.. < , N. Y.
Harriet Lavinias (David\ Davids John" ....«;n, N.
Y., March 3, 1824 ; d. at Lowell. M ig, 1886,
a. 61 ; m., Nov. I3, 1S44, Hem . b. May 9,
CHARLES W.5 ADAMS. 75
1813. He was formerly proprietor of a paper-mill, in
Rochester, N. Y. ; also had charge of a tannery in Spen-
cerport ; in 1880 was engaged in the paper trade and
insurance business in Lowell, Mass., where he died.
Children, b. in New York :
Harriet Augusta^ (Church), b. Nov. 30, 1845. (229)
Henry Ward^, b. April 4, 1850. (230)
Frederic Cameron^, b. Aug. 26, 1857.
160 (70).
Charles W.s (Adams) (Hannah-*, David^, John'), b. in Bos.
cawen, 1801 ; went to N. Y. about 1832 ; worked in
Parma and other places ; m. Lydia Tripp, of P. ;
removed to Manchester, N. H., about 1850; d. there
P'eb. 8, 1863, a. 61 ; was a prominent freemason ; shoe-
maker, tanner, and paper-hanger by trade. Children, b.
in N. Y. :
William Henry^,h. 1840; bookkeeper in Amesbury, Mass.; later went
West.
Fanny^, b. 1842 ; m. Charles B. Danforth, reporter for the Boston
Herald, who d. Jan. 15, 1890, a. 48. She d. Sept. 17, 1898. Children :
Charles FJ and Frank P.' (Danforth.)
161 (70).
Anne5 (Adams) (Hannah^ David^ John^), b. in Salisbury,
Mass., March 7, 1806 ; m. Enoch Lord, an Englishman,
who d. June 28, 1871 ; lived in Amesbury, Saxonville,
Wrentham, and other places in Mass., where Mr. L. was
employed in factories; res. from 1875 in Lowell; d.
1892. Children :
Enoch^ (Lord), b. Dec. 3, 1830 ; furniture dealer in Portland, Me.,
whence he removed to Minneapolis, Minn. ; thrice m., 1st, to Letitia
M. Sawyer ; 3 children.
76 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
Robert^, b. Aug. 30, 1832 ; res. in Lowell ; m. Angeline Grant, of Pros-
pect, Me. ; 4 children, among them Frank'', an artist of marked
skill, -who d. April 7, 1882, a. 24. He early developed a talent for
drawing ; learned the lithographic art in the studio of Buford & Sons,
Boston ; did work in San Francisco and Philadelphia, and acted as
special artist for Frank Leslie's paper ; " was a young man of fine
ability, amiable disposition and high character ; a worthy member
of the Paige St. (Lowell) church," says a Lowell paper ; left a
widow, Jennie (Gibbie).
Friend^, b. Dec. 29, 1834 ; jeweler ; res. in Lowell, where he d. May 3,
1888.
Frosfi, b. May 28, 1837; served in the War of the Rebellion ; m. Laura
Ann Cutting, who d. June 22, 1889 ; 3 children ; res. in Attleboro,
Mass.
Hannah^, b. Oct. 25, 1840; m. Charles A. Groves, of Boston, who d.
May 18, 1890. Child : An7m Elisabeth' (Groves), b. 1870.
Anna Victoria^, b. June 9, 1842 ; m. Stewart Wallace, dec. ; 2 children ;
housekeeper for her uncle Warren, San Francisco, Cal.
Jasper Morton^, b. Dec. 1, 1846 ; served in the War of the Rebellion ;
res. in Lincoln, Neb.
162 (70).
Georges (Adams) (Hannah-*, Davids John^), b. in Salisbury,
Mass., Oct. 14, 181 1 ; settled on a farm in Norwich,
Vt. ; moved afterwards to Manchester, N. H., where he
was city-crier for some years, and owned real estate of
considerable rentable value ; was twice m., ist, to
Clymene B. Armstrong, of Norwich ; d. at Manchester,
April, 1882. Children of Clymene:
Hannah D.^ (231)
Gelano 0.^ (232)
Frank R.^, m. Percy W. Tracy, of N. Y., shoe-dealer.
Georgie^ (232a)
163 (70).
Warrens (Adams) (Hannah^ David^ John'), b. in SaHsbury,
Mass., March, 181 3 ; m. Susan Carter, of Warner, N. H.,
who d. Aug. 29, 1883 ; was a house-painter for some
years ; kept a livery-stable in Boston about 1850 ; failing
in business went to Cal. in 185 i ; d. in Hyde Park, Mass.,
at the res. of his daughter, Jul)' 26, 1894, a. 81. Child :
BLISS* DAVIS. JJ
Harriets b. Aug. 29, 1840; m. Rev. G. W. Pratt, of Jacksonville, 111.;
res. (since about 1890) in Hyde Park, Mass. Six children : Lillian
Bowdilclv (Pratt), b. 1860; Wm. Granville', b. 1863, died; John
Herman', b. 1864 ; Mabel Davenport' ; Lutie Clifton' ; Leon Appleton'',
b. Jan., 1871.
164 (71).
Blisss (Davis) (Polly^ David^, John'), b. in Orford, N. H.,
Sept. 25, 1807; farmer; res. in Orford, afterwards in
Sanbornton and Plymouth ; m., Jan. 7, 1840, Harriet C,
dau. of Payson Tucker, of Sanbornton. She d. in Ply-
mouth, March i, 1879. ^^ d. Jan. 18, 1897, a. 89.
Children :
Payson T^, b. in Orford, Dec. 25, 1840 ; d. Feb., 1850.
Carlos .1.6, b. Sept. 24, 1842 ; d. in AVest Newton, Mass., Feb. 10,
1866, a. 23.
Caroline L.% b. in O., May 14, 1844; m., Jan. 9, 1872, Sylvester Mel-
ven, commercial traveler ; res. in Lawrence, Mass.
Ansel r.6, b. in Sanbornton, March 7. 1847; m.. May 21, 1876, Ella C.
MuUikin, of Rumney, N. H. ; in trade at WeUs River, Yt. Children :
Bertha Mabel', b. Feb. 13, 1880 ; Maud Evalyn', b. July 22, 1886.
Freeman Nathan^, b. in S., June 22, 1850 ; m. Nina J. Lewis, of Grove-
land, Mass. ; res. in Dover, N. H.
Orrin Bliss'', b. in S., Feb. 24, 1852 ; m. Emma Harriman ; res. in
Plymouth ; was killed on the railroad in P., by coming in collision
with the cars while attempting to cross the track with a team, Oct.
7, 1892, a. 40.
165 (71).
Enochs (Davis) (PollyS David^ John'), b. in Orford, N. H.,
Oct. 5, 1810 ; m. Harriet Ellis, who died Oct. 25, 1866,
a. 47 ; res. in Warren, Mass. ; was employed for many
years on the railroad ; deceased. Child :
Ella Elisabeth^, b. June 8, 1851. (233)
78 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
i66 (71).
Thomas Gilberts (Davis) (Polly*, Davids John'), b. in
Orford, N. H., Aug, 17, 181 7; farmer in Westboro,
Mass. ; m., ist, Maria Allen, of West Newton, Mass.,
who d. April 14, 1883, a. 67 ; m., 2d, May, 1884,
Mrs. Frances M. Reardon. Children of Maria :
Allen^, b. Aug. 18, 1853 ; d. July 11, 1876, a. 22.
iMarf, b. Nov. 8, 1855 ; ni. Wilder F. Brown, of Westboro. Child :
Fred LJ (Brown), b. 1879.
Eugene^, b. June 26, 18.59.
167 (71).
Marias (Davis) (Polly^, David^ John^), b. in Orford, N. H.,
April 17, 1821 ; deceased ; m. Augustus Allen, a farmer
of West Newton, Mass. Children :
Alfred^ (Allen).
Hattie^.
Emma^.
168 (73).
Emelines (Silas'*, David^ John^), b. in Boscawen, July 9,
1814 ; m. Wright, dec, rake-maker by trade, also
an employee on the Erie canal ; res. in Albion, N. Y.
Children :
Elbridge C.^ (Wright), b. Jan. 27, 1844 ; d. same day.
Charles M.^, h. Oct. 17, 1847 ; mar. Child : Louisa Pauline'', b. Oct. 1,
1875.
169 (75).
Frances Henrys (Luke-*, Davids John-), b. in Boscawen, Jan.
10, 1827 ; farmer in B., whence he removed to Canter-
bury, where he d. Feb. 25, 1856, a. 29 ; m., Feb., 1850,
Sarah Perkins, who d. in Concord, March 30, 1863, a.
35. Child:
Clara CS b. in R., Dec. 16, 1850; ni., June 11, 1874, Col. Frank 0.
Churchill, merchant, of Lebanon, N. H.
DAVID !!/• CORSER (170).
DAVID B.5 CORSER. 79
170 (75).
David B.^ (Luke'', DavicP, John^), b. in Boscawen, Sept. 21,
1835 ; m., May 24, i860, Mary E., clan, of Benjamin and
Judith (Burbank) Carter, of Concord, N. H., who was
b. June 8, 1837, and d. April 10, 1885, a. 47 ; partner in
the firm of the Prescott Organ Co., of Concord, where
he resides ; is a man of artistic and scientific tastes ; has
among his curiosities prepared specimens of some 200
different kinds of wood ; possesses also a fine cabinet of
minerals, having made the study of that science a spe-
cialty. Child :
Francis Henry^, b. Feb. 15, 1862 ; partner in the firm of Corser & Powell
(late Kimball, Corser & Powell), of Concord, clothiers ; m., Sept.
28, 1886, Sarah, dau. of Jonathan Eastman and Sophia M. (Tilton)
Lang, of Concord. Children : Eastman Lang', b. March 20, 1888 ;
Mary Louisa', b. Jan. 25, 1892.
171 (76).
Bliss Wood^ (Bliss-*, David^, John^), b. in Boscawen, May 29,
1826 ; mill-wright ; went West with his parents at an
early age ; lived for many years in E. Saginaw, Mich.,
whence he removed in 1878 to Minneapolis, and later to
Fort Snelling, Minn. ; m. Margaret Gould (see 280), of
Oswego, N. Y., b. May 24, 1834. Child:
Charles F.^,h. in Conneaut, O., 1857.. (234)
172 {76).
John Farmers (Bhss'', David^ John-), b. in Brighton, N. Y.,
Nov. 30, 1834 ; boot and shoe dealer in Towanda, Brad-
ford county, Pa.; m., at Portageville, N. Y., Sept. 4,
1 861, Hattie Emily Smith, b. March 29, 1842. Children :
Harry Prosper^, b. at Portageville, April 13, 1864 ; graduated at Lafay-
ette Coll., Easton, Pa., 1885.
Archie Farmer^, b. at P., July 27, 1868.
John Bliss\ b. at Towanda, Oct. 14, 1873.
8o CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
173 {77)-
Judith Maria^ (Morse) (Betsey*, Davids John^), b. in Brad-
ford, N. H., Feb. 22, 1823 ; m., Nov. 15, 1849, Dr. Z.
Colburn, of Manchester, N. H., where he d. Nov. 21,
1864. Dr. C. was long a practitioner in M.; spent sev-
eral years (1852-59) in California ; had by a former
marriage a son William, who graduated with high hon-
ors at Harvard Coll., studied law and settled in Boston,
marrying Mary Dinsmoor, a schoolteacher of Manches-
ter—at which latter place he d. suddenly, Sept. 9, 1875.
Children of Judith Maria :
Cliarle^ H.^ (Colburn), b. in Manchester, May 22,1852; carpenter;
res. in M. ; m., Jan. 1, 1876, Fannie Robie. Ctiild: William Gar-
diner', b. Oct. 26, 1876.
Arthur M.^, b. April 17, 1860 ; went to Colorado, April, 1882, returning
1884 ; res. (1894) in Colby, Wash. ; m., Nov. 5, 1891, MoUie S.
Atkinson. Children : Charles EJ, b. Nov. 2, 1892 ; and others.
Jennie M.% b. Oct. 3, 1862 ; d. Aug. 3, 1863.
174 i77)-
Jane W.s (Morse) (Betsey*, Davids John-), b. in Brad-
ford, N. H., Aug. 10, 1824; m., June i, 1859, J. L.
Fletcher, a farmer of Derry, dec. ; removed from D. to
Manchester in 1888. Child:
Everett^ (Fletcher), b. in D., June 15, 1860; in trade at Manchester
about 1890; present res. (1901) in Thompson, Conn. ; m., March,
1888, Margaret Donahue, of Dorchester, Mass.
175 {77)-
Joseph Wadleighs (Morse) (Betsey*, Davids John-), b. July
12, 1826; farmer and carpenter; res. in Whitingham,
Vt.; ra. Mary E. Starr. Children:
Manj Etta^, h. Jan., 1853 ; d. 1861.
Nettie C.% b. Jan., 1865 ; ni. Clarence Shepardson, merchant ; res. in
Whitingham, and later at Bellows Falls.
CHARLES S. PILLSBURY (177).
MRS. CHARLES S. PILLSBURY (i;
CHARLES GEORGE^ PILLSBURY (177).
SARAH GEORGES RUNELS. Si
176 (78).
Sarah George^ (Runels) (Rachel-*, Davids John^), b. in
Warner, N. H., Aug. 9, 1830; m., April 2, 1850, Jere
C. Call, of W. ; res. in Lowell, Mass., where Mr. C. was
for many years foreman in a bobbin shop ; d. in Lowell.
Apr. 17, 1886, a. 55. Children:
Frank Hanson^ (Call), b. June 8, 1852 ; d. Feb. 19, 1858.
Mary Ellen^, h. ^lay 24, 1856 ; d. Oct. 2, 1856.
Charles Henry^, ]\I. D., b. Oct. 15, 1858 ; res. for some years in
Dakota.
Willie F.e, b. May 7, 1863 ; d. March 23, 1864.
Emma Frances^, b. Aug. 4, 1870 ; dec.
177 {7^)-
Mary Clough^ (Runels) (Rachel'', Davids John^), b. in War-
ner, N. H., Dec. 27, 1832 ; taught school for some years,
a part of the time in Ohio ; m., Dec. 24, 1863, Charles
S., son of Gen. Moody A. and Abigail (Dix) Pillsbury,
of Boscawen. (Abigail was the daughter of Timothy
Dix, of B., and sister of Gen. John A. Dix.) Mr. Pills-
bury has had several years' experience of life in Australia,
of which he gave, in 1862, an interesting account in two
lectures, delivered before the students of Elmwood Lit.
Institute, Boscawen ; made a voyage to Europe with his
son, visiting England and France, in the summer of
1883 ; resides on a farm in Londonderry, N. H., where
he has held various offices in the gift of the town ; has
been Justice of the Peace for many years. Children :
Charles George^ (Pillsbury), b. Feb. 15, 1865 ; graduated at the Xew
Hampton (N. H.) Lit. Institution, 1884 ; went into business in Col-
orado, whence returned in 1888 ; res. in Londonderry, where he has
been superintendent of schools, and also taught school for some
years ; m. Alice E. Miller, of L., June 20, 1894. Children : Helen
lona', b. Mar. 8, 1895 ; d. Mar. 9, 1895 ; Vera Dix', b. May 25, 1897.
Adams Dix^, b. March 23, 1868 ; d. May 3, 1877.
John Arthur^, b. Aug. 26, 1872 ; d. Jan. 17, 1873.
82 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
178 (84).
Hirams (Nathan^, William^, John% John'), b. 1818 ; cl. about
1871 ; m. Roxana Black. Children :
MichaeR
Myron 3I.% b. 1843 ; res. (1877) in Cherry Valley, Montgomery Co.,
Kansas.
Milton^.
Eliza Ann^. And others.
179 (88)-
Sallys (Cole) (Sarah-* Gerald, Abbyneezer^, John'), b. in
Orford, N. H., Jan. 8, 18 12 ; d. in Boscawen, 1877 ; m.,
1835, Leonard Morrison, a farmer of B., who was b.
Oct. 27, 1807, and d. 1877. Children:
Charles E.^ (Morrison), b. Jan. 8, 1836.
John C.6, b. July 18, 1837 ; m. Clara B. Simpson, Feb. 3, 1866 ; d. Nov.
23, 1896, a. 59. Children : Marij SJ ; Lena MabeP.
Maria<^, b. Feb. 10, 1839 ; m. Charles Rolfe, of Fisherville, N. H.
Benjamin C.^, b. Jan. 2, 1841. v
Joseph i.6, b. March 15, 1843.
Mary Frances^, b. Aug. 11, 1844.
Josejih 17.6, b. Sept. 13, 1847.
Sarah E.\ b. Jan. 25, 1850.
Samuel W.^, b. June 6, 1852 ; mar. Bessie Weeks ; 6 children.
Kate Elisabeth^, b. Sept 10, 1854 ; d. March 7, 1898, a. 43 ; m. A. F.
Rolfe. Child : Joseph NJ (Rolfe).
Arthur Herbert^ b. May 29, 1856.
180 (96).
Silass (Call) (Silas-* Call, Mollys John'), b. in Boscawen,
Dec. 10, 1825 ; m. Laurina Bullock, 1853 ; moved to
Iowa. Children :
Adna^ b. in B. ; d. of pneumonia, March 3, 1878, a. 19. "The
deceased," says the Shenandoah (la.) Reporter of March 8, 1878,
" breathed his last at his father's home, in the immediate vicinity
of Shenandoah. Devoted to study, and of a religious and spiritual
turn of mind, he was preparing as an evangelist to preach the glad
tidings, when God said to him, ' Come up liigher.' "
Mabel^.
REUBEN M.5 CALL. 83
181 (97).
Reuben M.s (Call) (Lemuel Call, Mollys John^), b. in
Boscawen, June 6, 1816; m. Mary Stickney ; res. in
New London, N. H. Children:
Sarah^.
Eveline^, m. Morgan.
Manj^, m. Call.
Phebe^, m. Call.
Frank Pierce^.
182 (97).
WiLLL\M W.5 (Call) (Lemuel Call, Molly^ John^), b. in
Boscawen, Jan. 13, 1822 ; m. Mary French; went to
California by the overland route, 1849; worked in the
mines; removed with his family to San Francisco, 185 1 ;
d. at Santa Rosa, Feb. 14, 1884, a. 62. Children :
Annie^. Emma Frances^.
183 (97).
JoNAS5 (Call) (Lemuel^ Call, Mollys, John^), b. in Boscawen,
April 24, 1826 ; went to Cal. with his brother William,
1849; worked in the mines; kept a boarding-house;
returned East, and m. Mary A. Stone, of Acton, Mass.;
came East a second time, with his family, about 1871,
remaining till 1873, when he returned to engage in a
new mining enterprise. Children :
A lice^.
Arthur^.
184 (99).
Phebe C.5 (Stone) (Ruth-* Call, Mollys John-), b. in Bos-
cawen, Sept. 24, 1825 ; d. July 22, 1863, a. 37 ; m.,
March 15, 1849, John A. McClure, a farmer of B., who
m., 2d, Susan W. Moore. Child of second wife : Sadie.
Children of Phebe :
84 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
Echvi7i P.6(McClure), b. July 13, 1850.
Addie Victoria^, b. Aug. 18, 1853; m. Richmond Simpson.
Alice Phehe^, b. Nov. 6, 1855; ni. John Ford, of Concord. Child:
Frank William'' (Ford), b. April 22, 1874, dec.
Charles James^, b. March 2, 1858 ; m. Eva Shepherd ; 2 children.
185 (99).
Charles J. F.5 (Stone) (Ruth-* Call, Mollys John^), b. in
Boscawen, April 21, 1827; attorney at law, Plymouth,
N. H., where he d. April 19, i860; m. Abbie A., dau.
of Meshech Weare, of Andover. Children :
George W.^, b. Nov. 11, 1857 ; graduated at Dart. Coll., 1878 ; studied
law in the office of J. M. Shirley, Esq., of Andover, and at the Boston
Law School ; was admitted to practice, 1882, attaining at his exam-
ination " the highest per cent. (94§) ever received by a candidate
under the present system " ; res. at Andover ; represented the town
in the legislature of 1885-6.
Charles W.^, b. Aug. 6, 1859 ; graduated at Dai't. Coll., 1878 ; "wisely
cares for his mother's farm [at Andover], instead of seeking busi-
ness in a 7 X 9 lawyer's office ; is full of town business, farming,
lumbering, threshing," etc. " He is the great-grandson of Meshech
"Weare, Gov. of N. H. in revolutionary times." — Merrimack Journal,
Sept. 30, 1887.
186 (99).
Hannah E.5 (Stone) (Ruth-* Call, Mollys John^), b. in Bos-
cawen, Dec. 12, 1828 ; d. Oct. 6, 1865, a. 36 ; m. George
T. Sanborn, of B., Jan. 13, 1850. Children:
Georgiana E.^ (Sanborn), b. 1850; m. John Chase. Children : MabeP
(Chase) ; Maud'' ; Fred''.
Fred George^, b. 1854 ; res. in Cal.
187 (99)-
Silas C.5 (Stone) (Ruth^ Call, Molly^ John^). b. in Bos-
cawen, Nov. 14, 1830; m. Feb. 6, 1854, Julia A. Pattee,
of Goffstown, N. H. ; master of the Sherwin School,
Boston (1878) ; res. in West Roxbury, Mass. Children :
MARY JANE5 STONE. 85
Akiric^, b. Jan. 28, 1855 ; student in Amherst Coll., 1876.
S. Abbie% h. J n\y 10, 1861.
Annie Florence Siockwell^, b. Aug. 0, 1867.
188 (99).
Mary Janes (Stone) (Ruth-* Call, Mollys Johir), b. in Bos-
cawen, Nov. 3, 1833 ; m., June 25, 1852, Moses F. Heath ;
res. in Webster, N. H. Children:
Luella Medora^ (Heath), b. 1853; ni. George Simpson. Child: Dora
Lizzie"^ (Simpson).
Eur/ene Francis^, b. 1859.
Eua Mm/, b. 1863 ; m. Wm. Simpson, of Cal.
189 (99).
Charlotte A. 5 (Stone) (Ruth-* Call, Mollys John-), b. in
Boscawen, Feb. 25, 1839. She m., ist, John Sawyer,
of Concord ; 2d, Joshua Sargent, of San Francisco.
Children :
Martha Lottie^.
Emma Nynie^.
Ahnn^.
190 (99).
Frederic P.^ (Stone) (Ruth^ Call, Mollys John-), b. in Bos-
cawen, March 24, 1841 ; enlisted in the War of the
Rebellion, Dec, 1861 ; reenlisted June 5, 1864 ; was
promoted to captain, June 10, 1865 ; participated in
above 20 engagements ; was twice captured and sent to
Libby prison ; m., 1865, Lovilla, dau. of Joseph K.
Sanborn, of Webster, N. H. ; went same year to Cal.,
and is now (1878) connected with the publishing house
of Bancroft & Co., San Francisco. Children :
Charles Fred<^, b. Nov. 22, 1868.
Josephine L.% b, Feb. 7, 1870.
Hubert H. B.% h. Sept. 24, 1871.
DoraB.^, b. 1873; d. 1874.
86 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
191 (99).
Nathan J.s (Stone) (Ruth^ Call, Mollys John^), b. in Bos-
cawen, June 1 1, 1843 ! ^i- Annie Call, of San Francisco,
Cal. ; res. in Santa Rosa, Cal. ; has traveled extensively ;
been connected with the publishing house of Bancroft
& Co. ; in 1878 was in trade in Yokahama, Japan ; has
had two children who d. in infancy.
192 (99).
Ruth Emma^ (Stone) (Ruth"* Call, Mollys, John^), b. in
Boscawen, July 6, 1845 i ^'^■> Oct. 9, 1863, Frank H.
Sweatt, of Andover, N. H. ; res. in Santa Rosa, Cal.
Child :
Wilbur Morns'^ (Sweatt), b. Nov. 11, 1866.
192a (103, 290).
Benjamin^ (William^ Asa^ William^ John'), b, in Thetford,
Vt., 1810 ; d. at Mechanics P'alls, Me., 1853. Children:
Lorenzo^ of Bridgeton, Me. (1899).
William^, b. about 1835; went South — " last heard of, in Texas";
twice mar. Childi'en of first wife : 2 sons, one dec. ; Delia Louisa',
b. in Tuscaloosa, Ala., Feb. 29, 1860 ; res. (1899) in Dorchester?
Mass. (By D. LJ C.)
193 (104).
Mary5 (Kilcurn) (Hannah-* Uran, Mary^ William-, John'),
b. in Boscawen, Sept. 4, 1802 ; m., Jan. 19, 1829, Daniel
Webster ; res. in West Charleston, P. O., Can. Chil-
dren :
Grace^ (Webster), m. Lyons, a farmer.
Hannah Frances^, m. Bowker, M. D.
Anne^.
194 (105).
Albert Plumers (Kilburn) (Anna-* Uran, Mary^ William-,
John'), b. in Boscawen, Feb. i, 1810; m., 1837, Abigail
Tuttle, of B. ; res. in Webster, where he d. Aug. 3,
1887, a. yj. Children :
SIMEONS CORSER. 8/
Nancy A.^, b. in Danbury, X. H., March 20, 1838; m., Nov. 20, 1856,
Hiram C. Little, of Webster ; 3 children.
Charles Pfi, b. 1840 ; d. 1842.
Daniel P.^ b. 1845 ; d. 1864, in War of the Rebellion (Co. C. sharp-
shooters).
Charles A.% b. 1849; d. 1857.
Flora E.^h. 1851; d. 1857.
Charles A.^, b. Dec. 16, 1857.
195 (107).
Simeons (Simeon'', Simeon^ William-, John'), b. in Sutton,
Can., 1822; d. there, 1858, a. ^6; m. Elvira Morgan,
1845 ; family removed to Parishville, N. Y., about i860.
Children, b. in Sutton :
Charles H.^, b. 1846 ; m. Ursula Wright, 1869.
Orson il/.«, b. 1848; m. Celestia Gray, 1869.
Cornelius MA b. 1850; m. Ellen Milltiinore, 1875; d. in Parishville,
Jan., 1883.
Wallace W.^, b. 1852 ; ni. Augusta Simons, 1881.
Edgar P.^, b. 1855 ; m. Abbie Langdell, 1880.
James S.^, b. 1857 ; res. in Parishville.
196 {l 10).
Martha^ (Eastman) (Rebecca^, James-*, Thomas^ John^), b.
in Boscawen, Feb. 5, 181 1 ; m. Cyrus, son of Pelatiah
Gookin, of B., May 15, 1832. His father was a clothier ;
carried on the business at " Dodge's Mills," so called ;
bought afterwards in Salisbury, N. H. Cyrus was b.
Aug. 22, 1802, and d. at North Salisbury, where he had
been in trade for many years, Dec. 10, 1873, a. 71.
Children :
Hamilton'^ (Gookin), b. March 5, 1833. (235)
Frank', b. Sept. 8, 1843 ; d. 1847.
Flora\ b. May 13, 1849 ; m., May, 1870, Francisco C. Shaw, of Hill,
N. H., nurseryman.
Myra'', b. May 11, 1852 ; res. in Salisbury.
Georgiana"^ , b. Sept. 8, 1854 ; m. Sargent, of Exeter, employee on
the B. & M. Raih-oad. Child : Gladys^ (Sargent).
88 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
197(111).
Elisabeth Bean^ (Amos^, James-*, Thomas^, John^), b. in
Boscawen, Aug. 8, 1820; m., 1843, Cyrus B. Fitts, of
B., farmer; res. in Webster (formerly a part of B.).
Children :
Charles^ (Fitts), b. June 2-5, 1845; ni. Ellen Gay.
Amos\ b. Dec. 26, 1847.
Cyrus\ b. June 30, 1849 ; died.
Mary\ m. James Snyder, of W. Children : Nellie^ (Snyder) ; Mallon^.
AhUe', m. (second wife) Wm. Harper, of W. Child : William^
(Harper).
Emma\ ra. Albert Hardy ; d. in Franklin, Feb. 23, 1896, a. 29. Chil-
dren : Ernest W.^ (Hardy) ; dau. b. Feb. 5, 1896, d. in infancy.
Hattie B.\ died. Nellie^ died.
198 (III).
Rebecca Ann^ (Amos^, JamesS Thomas^, John-), b. July 30,
1827 ; d. 1874 ; m. Wm. Pearson, of Boscawen, Jan. 3,
1849. Children :
Clara' (Pearson), b. in 18.59 ; d. same year.
Charles'' , b. April 23, 1861.
199(114).
Maria G.^ (Sweatt) (Sallys Downing, Anna-*, Thomas^,
John"), b. Nov. 22, 1822 ; d. Nov. 13, 1874, a. 5 i ; m.,
Feb. 8, 1842, Ralph Sawyer. Children:
Orilla M.'' (Sawyer), d. Nov., 1863 ; ra. Samuel Sargent ; 2 children
who d.
Almiron L.'', d. Sept., 1866.
Orrin?, mar. Children : Elmer^; Nettie^.
Ina'', m. Charles Moon, of S. Boston.
200 (l 14).
Mary Ann*^ (Sweatt) (Sallys Downing, Anna^ Thomas^,
John^), b. Dec. 5, 1824 ; d. March 3, 1852, a. 27 ; m.
Wm. Crawford, Feb. 8, 1845. Children:
Prentice'' (Crawford), carpenter; mar.; res. (about 1885) in Ply-
mouth, N. H.
Emihf.
.H M .HSTgaaW
lOei—dd 3sA
'nrlof — 'nriof^ — ^-.goriT — *832oM — ^-.9 .mW
■tS:— es— 82— T*~ 811— 80i: .tb^
Thomas Jefferson ' Courser
Webster, N. H.
Age 66—1901
Wm. B.-5 — Moses* — Thos.^ — John^ — Johni
Par. 203—118—47—28—25—24
^
IRA° SWEATT.
89
201 (I 14).
Ira*" (Sweatt) (Sallys Downing, Anna^ Thomas^ John*), b.
June 4, 1831 ; m. Sophronia Smart ; res. in Lowell,
Mass. Children :
Anna', mar. ; d. 1890.
Louis^.
fitrthn" A. voiing.
T\ LL
Ma^5iuio3 ' yhhA hama8
.»i/>i( JL.-, t.i. Aug. 'Jfj , \f>7'J ; U'-M-v
1M)1.
.H M ,aaoDwo3
203 I'liS).
loei— 5s: saA
Thomas J.^ (Courser) (William B.?, Moses-*, l homas:-, John'^),
fnrio]^.-Jtflj^ot8-3-7«;8<t)adt1iTei= ^«©8UMbi*tA,a:ta£ii[IiWjttst!cfe -e^riT
the Peace ; i%2^e-a«S-t?ii^iil^808t.iTl4^iealer ; for the
year preceding June, 1885, "shipped 20 full car-loads
' * ■" '■■" f-^ ^'-- ' — • --"'■:•• -■■ ■- •■<; in the
..mocratic
S4, to which
, has rep-
st, .Sarah
h, 1 876 ;
2d, . . u;t. 24, 1876.
Childic!.
Emma Janette'', v. wn. n', iiu, . i-,-. i
George Woodbury'', b. April 7, 1871 : rt.
Fred William'' , b. Sept. 19, 1872 ; 1.
'10, 1901 ; farmer in Web.ster,
Sarah Abhy\ b. Feb. 22, 1876 ; res. in (
( <,..,-.■. Tfpnry'i (second wife), b. Apr
Uural Coll., Durham, N. H.
. 14.
l>iu>Mi,o£ Concord, April
udent (1899) at
Thos. J.
If Sarah Abby ' Courser
Concord, N. H.
Age 25—1901
William B.' — Moses^ — Thos.^ - John^ — John'
Par. 203—118—47—28—25—24
IRA^ SWEATT. 89
201 (l 14).
Ira'' (Sweatt) (Sally^ Downing, Anna^ Thomas^ John-), b.
June 4, 1831 ; m. Sophronia Smart; res. in Lowell,
Mass. Children :
Anna", mar. ; d. 1890.
Louis''.
Bertha', d. young.
202 (I 14).
Tyler C^ (Sweatt) (Sallys Downing, Anna-*, Thomas^,
John^), b. Oct. II, 1840; farmer in Webster, N. H.; m.
Hester A. Sargent. Children :
Ida LJ, b. Aug. 13, 1867; teacher; m. Dec. 25, 1889, Fred E. Frost;
res. in Webster ; 2 children.
Myra Z.^ b. Aug. 26 , 1872 ; teacher ; d. 1894.
203 (118).
Thomas J.*' (Courser) (William B.5, Moses-*, Thomas^ John^),
b. July, 1837 ; faimer in Webster, N. H. ; Justice of
the Peace ; is also an extensive cattle-dealer ; for the
year preceding June, 1885, '"shipped 20 full car-loads
of stock out of the state, paying the farmers in the
vicinity over $12,000 for this stock ; " was Democratic
candidate for county commissioner in 1884, to which
office he was elected in 1886 and again in 1888 ; has rep-
resented the town in the legislature. He m., ist, Sarah
E. Todd, of New London, N. H., who d. March, 1876 ;
2d, Addie E. Marden, of New Boston, Oct. 24, 1876.
Children :
Emma Janette', b. Oct. 30, 1867 ; res. in Concord, N. H. (See 281.)
George Woodbury\ b. April 7, 1871 ; d. Jan. 16, 1886, a. 14.
Fred William'^, b. Sept. 19, 1872 ; m. Lora E. Brown, of Concord, April
30, 1901 ; farmer in Webster.
Sarah Ahhy'', b. Feb. 22, 1876 ; res. in Concord.
Charles Henry'' (second wife), b. April 14, 1878; student (1899) at
Agricultural Coll., Durham, N. H.
90 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
203a (l 18).
William Murray^ (Courser) (William B.s Courser, Moses*,
Thomas^ John"), b. in Warner, N. H., Aug. 13, 1843 ;
dealer in brick and lumber; res. in Dover, N. H.; m.,
July 26, 1869, Mary Elisabeth Wentworth, b. in Wolf-
boro, N. H., Feb. 19, 1843. Children :
Alice Bertha', b. Sept. 4, 1870; m., July 8, 1896, Avery Francis
Hooper, of Bridgewateu, Mass.
Mary Ether., b. Jan. 7, 1874 ; d. Sept. 4, 1874.
William Wentworth\ b. May 21, 1876 : d. July 12, 1901, a. 25.
Fred E(hvard\ b. Jan. 29, 1881 ; d. July 15, 1881.
Leroy James', b. June 28, 1887.
204 (121).
Hersey C. P.^ (Clarks, Jonathan^ Jonathan^ John"), b. in
Sharon, Vt., Dec. 5, 1835 ; foreman (1878) of Prouty
& Co.'s boot factory, Spencer, Mass. ; m. Cynthia Elisa-
beth Woodcock. Children :
Imogene E.'', b. in Chicago, 111.
Edgar PJ, b. in Worcester, Mass.
George H.\ b. in Spencer, Mass., d. young.
205 (121).
Leon W.^ (Clarks, Jona.^ Jona.^, John"), b. in Gloucester,
Mass., Feb. 10, 1850; farmer in Royalston, Mass. ; m.
Mary Isadore , of Athol. Children :
William Leverelt Leon' ; d. young.
Franklin Leon'' (twin).
Frederic Hersey'' (twin).
206 (122).
Martha J.^ (Jona.s, Jona.^, Jona.% John-), b. in Sufifield, Conn.,
Aug. 2, 1840 ; m. David P. Beebe, of Suffield ; res. in
Bucklin, Linn Co., Mo. Children :
MARV J.^ CORSER. 9 1
Clara Gertrude'' (Beebe), b. Oct. 11, 1862.
Mary Pease'', b. Dec. 14, 1863.
Cora Belle'', b. Aug., 1872.
William Preston\ b. March 8, 1876.
207 (122).
Mary J.*^ (Jona.-S Jona.^, Jona.^ John^), b. in Suffield, Conn.,
Feb. I, 1855; d. Nov. 25, 1872, a. 17; m. Eleazer
Lyman, of S., Aug., 1871, who m., 2d, Ada Risley.
Child :
Luella'' (Lyman), b. 1872.
208 (127).
Guv T.*^ (Erastus T.5, Josiah^ Jona.^, John^), b. Feb. 15,1835
paper-maktr ; m. Ellen M. Gould. Children :
Willie'', d. in infancj'.
Charles HJ, d. at the age of 4.
Isabel R.''
Willie £".", d. at the age of 5.
Edgar'', d. in infancy.
Fred EJ Anna J/." ElUv. Leila''.
209 (127).
Charles D.^ (Erastus T.s, Josiah^, Jona.^, John^), b. May 4,
1838; machinist; res. (1878) in Fitchburg, Mass; m.
Priscilla R. Upton. Children :
Mary'', d. in infancy.
Hattie LJ, b. April 30, 1872.
William CJ, h. May, 1875.
210 (127).
Celina A.^ (Erastus T.s, Josiah-», Jona.^, John^), b. April 29,
1841 ; m. Frye B. Hopkins, of Springfield, Vt., farmer.
Child :
Ida SJ (Hopkins), b. Aug. 13, 1865.
92 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
21 I (127).
Maria N.^ (Erastus T.5, JosiahS Jona.^ John^), b. Oct. 10,
1 85 1 ; m., Nov. 3, 1877, Nelson W. Stevens, of South-
wick, Mass. Child :
Lena MabeP (Stevens).
212 (135)-
Harriet Lucy^ (Solomon T.5, Daniel'*, John^ John''), b. in
Portland, Me., Feb. 15, 1830; m. John M. Cummings,
M. D., of P., March i, 1848. Children:
Sumner' (Cummings), b. Jan. 10, 1849; m. Annie Leavitt. Children:
Le Roy Webster^ ; Margaret Fairbanks^.
Margaret'', b. May, 1852 ; d. Aug., 1853.
213 (135)-
David Frank^ (S. T.s, Daniel^ John^ John^), b. in Portland,
Me., Jan. 14, 1835 J ^- Annie E. Brazier; res. in P. ;
connected with the Grand Trunk R. R. Children :
George Harvey'', b. Jan. 13, 1863.
Arthur Ingraham', b. May, 1866.
214 (135)-
Margaret Ellen^ (S. T.5, Daniel, John^ John^), b. in
Portland, Me., March 27, 1845 ; m., Dec. 7, 1869,
Rev. David Augustus Easton. He was born in Yellow
Springs, O., 1842 ; graduated at Bowdoin Coll., 1865,
and at Andover Seminary, 1869 ; was pastor for some
years of Cong. Church, in Danbury, Conn. ; in 1879
removed to New York ; subsequently assumed charge of
the Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston ; d. March i,
1894. Child:
Emma G? (Easton), b. March 1, 1872.
DAVIU FRANK" CORSER (213).
MRS. MARGARET ELLEN'' EASTON (214).
A'eic Vol k. April, iSSi.
LUCY ANNA^ COURSER. 93
215 (136).
Lucy Anna^" (Courser) (Harvey F.s, DanieH, John^, John"),
b. in Nashua, N. H., April 3, 1840 ; m., Sept. 12, 1865,
William H. Greenleaf ; res. in N., where Mr. G. was in
the grocery trade for some years. He was the son of
Seth Greenleaf, formerly connected with the B., C. & M.
R. R. ; was a mail-agent for some years before marriage;
served as representative from Nashua in the legislature
of 1883. Children:
Hattie Maria Courser"^ (Greenleaf), b. Nov. 12, 1866 ; 111., Nov. 24, 1888,
George Frederic Smith, ticket-agent, B. & M. R. R., Nashua. Child :
Abigail Greenleaf » (Smith), b. April 21, 1891.
Carrie Thurher', b. March 29, 1893.
216 (137).
Orrin^ (Danforth) (Bernices, John^, John^, John^*), b. in
Boscawen, June 5, 1831 ; twice m., ist, to Abra, dau. of
Oliver Morrill, formerly of Loudon, N. H. ; res. (1878)
in Gloucester, Mass. Children :
Mary'' (first wife).
Arthur''.
2i6a (137).
Mehitable C.^ (Danforth) (Bernices, John'», John^ John^),
b. in Boscawen, Oct. 16, 1834 ; graduated at Elmwood
Lit. Institute, Boscawen ; taught school ; was an accom-
plished scholar and teacher; m., Sept. i, 1865, Pierce
Bennett, of Concord, where she d. May, 1876. Child:
Nellie'' (Bennett).
217 (138).
Brackett Greenough'' (John5, John'', John^ John^), b. in
Bristol, N. H., Sept. 5, 1841 ; tailor; res. in St. Johns-
bury, Vt., and more recently in Lebanon, N. H. ; m.
Mary G. Hyde, of Meriden, 1862. Children:
Lulu GreenougK' , b. July 10, 1865.
William Henry', b. Dec. 24, 1867.
94 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
218(138).
Norman De F.*' (Johns, Johir*, John^ John''), b. in Bristol,
N. H., Aug. 24, 1845; tailor; lived in Fisherville,
whence he removed about 1880 to Buena Vista, Chaffee
Co., Col.; served in the War of the Rebellion; m. Emma
E. Sessions, of Fisherville. Children :
Lillian GreenougW , b. April 9, 1870.
Harry ElwooiP, b. Avig. 13, 1871.
Herbert Howe', b. July 17, 1873 ; d. in Col., Feb. 12, 1887, a. 13.
Mary Fielding^ b. June 5, 1880. (See 283.)
219 (141).
Ariadne Augusta^ (Freeman^, Davids John^ John^), b. in
Boscawen, Oct. 24, 1834; school-teacher; m. Edson
A. Eastman, mechanic, b. Feb. 18, 1833 ; res. in Con-
cord. Children :
Willie H? (Eastman), b. Sept. 19, 1861.
Harriet M.\ b. Oct. 21, 1864.
Lowell F.\ h. Oct. 25, 1866.
Ellen MJ, b. Sept. 7, 1868.
219a (141).
Hamlet^ (Freeman^, David'*, John^, Johir), b. in Boscawen,
May 13, 1843 ; farmer in Webster ; m. Belle Holmes, of
W. Children :
Blanche Alberline'', b. April 3, 1880.
Stella Mae Belle', b. Jan. 12, 1883.
Idella Florence'', b. Oct. 29, 1885.
Helen Joxephine'', b. June 9, 1887.
Marion Louise''.
220 (144).
Horace H.^ (Danforth) (Nathan C.^ Danforth, Rachel*,
John3, John^), b. March 29, 1842 ; res. in Fisherville,
N. H., where he d. of consumption, Feb. 26, 1878, a.
THOMAS EDWIN^ FISK. 95
34. " He served through the War of the Rebellion, in
the First N. H. Cavalry, and had a splendid record as a
soldier. A more kind, unobtrusive man never lived." —
{Independent Statesman.) He m. Helen, dau. of Asa
H. Gage, of F'isherville. Child:
Maud EveUne\ b. Oct. 21, 1870.
221 (144).
Thomas Edwin^ (Fisk) (Charlotte S.^ Danforth, Rachel'',
John3, John^), b. Oct. 8, 1836; m., ist, Nov. 7, 1858,
Lydia G. Wight, who d. Feb. i, 1870; m., 2d, Jan. 28,
1871, Etta Davis, who d. May 26, 1876; res. (1878) in
Gorham, N. H. Children of Etta:
Lottie C'
Mamie Etta''.
Harry Edwin'.
222 (152).
William T.^ (Coffin) (Ann E.s, Timothy*, john^, John*), b.
in Chicago, 111., 1837 ; m. Annie M. Doe, Jan. 6, 1864 ;
res. in Oshkosh, Wis. Children :
Edmund''.
Fannie'', b. 1870.
223 (152).
Louisa A.*^ (Coffin) (Ann E.s, Timothy*, John^ John^"), b. in
Wisconsin, 1842 ; m., Aug. 22, 1863, Edwin E. Finney.
Children :
Ina M.7 (Finney), b. Oct. 1, 1864.
Edwin E.'', h. Oct. 6, 1866.
William H.'', b. Aug. 4, 1868 ; d. 1869.
Clarence F.\ b. Sept., 1869.
Newton S.\ b. April 28, 1873.
224 (153)-
Solomon B.*' (Greeley) (Louisa^, Timothy*, John^ John^),
b. in Salisbury, N. H., Nov. 6, 1847; "^-^ March 15,
1867, D. A. Holmes. Children :
96 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
Eugene H.\ b. 1872; d. 1879.
Walter\ b. 1874 ; d. 1879.
Roherf, b. 1878 ; d. 1879.
225 (155)-
Ruth Emma^ (Gookin) (Nathaniels Gookin, Ruth-*, David',
John-), b. April 24, 1844 ; m. Isaac Allard, of Sheffield,
Vt., superintendent (1884) of weaving room in the Ham-
ilton mills, Lowell, Mass. Children :
Lilliri' (Allard), b. Feb. 8, 1869.
Arthur'', h. May 10, 1872.
226 (156).
Lewis H.^ (Gardiner^, Davids David^ John^), b. in Gates
N. Y., March 11, 1827 ; m., Feb. 22, 1850, Mrs. Sarah
E. Wells, of Ogden, N. Y. ; res. in Gates. Children :
Arabella J.\ b. Dec. 29, 1850; d. Aug. 27, 1851.
Warren G?, b. July 29, 1854.
227 (156).
Charles A.^ (Gardiner^, David^, Davids John^), b. in Gates,
N. Y., Oct. 3, 1833 ; m. Sally Friedline, of Pembroke,
N. Y. ; res. in Pembroke. Children :
Franklin SJ, h. April 15, 1854.
Nelson A J, h. Oct. 20, 1855.
Leivis E.\ b.Jan. 1,1858.
Charles EJ, h. Sept. 12, 1860 ; d. July 3, 1874.
Melvin D.\ b. Jan. 21, 1863 ; d. Jan. 31, 1874.
Freddie J.\ h. Dec. 30, 1868.
228 (157)-
Elwood S.^ (Caleb B.'=, Davids David^ John^), b. in Gates,
N. Y., Oct. 3, 1835 ; '"^s- ""* MinneapoHs, Minn. ; senior
partner (1878) in the firm of Corser & Co., dealers in
real estate and negotiators of loans ; is also an extensive
farmer and builder ; served in the War of the Rebellion
I Caleb B.^ — David^ David^ — John^ ^ John^
Pcir. 2L'>s— 157— 69— 32— 25— 24
96 CORSEK FAMILY IN AMERICA.
Eugene H.\ h. 187-2; d. 1879.
Walier\ b. 1874; d. IWI^.
RoberC, b. 1878; d. 1S7!>.
KuTH Emma (Gookin) (Nathaniel^ G<x)kin, Kuth^, David\
John-), i). April 24, 1844 : m. Isaac Allar' ^ "A,
Vt.. superintendent (1884) ^^ weaving k*.
ilton mills, Lowell, Mass. Children :
Lillin' (Allard), b. Feb. 8, 1869.
Arthur'', b. May 10. 1872.
2:26 (156).
Lewis H.' (Gardiner^, David*, David', john^), b. in Gates
N. Y., March 11, 1827 ; m.. Feb. 22. 1850, Mrs. Sarah
E.H^M,Q5>dgM?*?.^.ci r^m^M.' Children :
Arabella J.\ b. Y)^^^^ ^mb^A.fJ^iill^- ^^''^■
Warren a.\ h. ,lulv 29, \><ty\.
toe r— BO 95(A
CffARftES A* (tj,m!'<Krf , r>.r. -.: ivavKv ionn"'), b. m (rates,
N. v., ^^rTSV^^^-?;?iTlify'f?ied]ine. of Pembroke.
N. v. ; res. in Pembroke. Children :
Franklin S.\ b. April 15, 1854.
Nelson A.\ b. Oct. 20, 1855.
Zcww £.T, b.. Jan. 1,1858.
Charles E.\ b. Sept. 12, 1860 ; d. July 3, 1874.
Melvin D.\ b. Jan. 21, 1863 ; d. Jan. 31, 1874.
Freddie J J, b. Dec. 30, 1868.
228 {157).
Klwood S.^ (Caleb B.s, David*, David', John"), b in Gates,
N Y., Oct. 3, 1835 ; res. in Minneapolis. " ior
partner (1878) in the firm of Corser .Sc - in
real estate and negotiators of loans ; is aK'* tn extensive
farmer and builder ; sei-ved in the War of the Rebellion
ELWOOD S." CORSER. 97
.'. ,. B.. 93d Reg. N. Y. Vols.) from Oct., 1861, to May,
1 864, passing through the various grades from private
to company commandant, and receiving a severe gun-
shot wound at Spottsylvania C. H., May 12, 1864. His
company went into the Wilderness, May 5, with 36 men,
and came out May 12, with only 6 of the number
vounded. He is a. gentleman of culture and ample
ns ; alert, every inch a li--' •" ■' --^ ■''-'■-liant,
■rceful ; is an able writer with; c skill
luency in the use of language ; has served as aider-
of his ward, and was the late (about 1878) candi-
' »f his party for State senator.
He has made several journeys East since 18S0, nota-
'ij si;mn><.'r of i.SS;, oimbining business with
<im'^Qh> -^ifhr^Umfly^mk^iy, he made
; the mountairis and the.sea-coast, including a
- nage to Corsev Hill and tne old homestead ot the
{<:\) ^O }»3liVfitf'^:easion last menlioi(igtj,) *'.|.-.'M' .(3""-eHiM
(8si) '.3 yifiM^siW t^i^-^n by the av^sJ^)^: ;iA .«{*ibM .'giM
( 8<:£ ) ».^i;$Iancestral domic^8is)l.^.H,-n^3M feaiW and
i.vid, now the property of H ■
he eyes — if no lo" -
i>pitalities — of
of its sons and daughters; also ;
• he canteen and built'
..._,. on, and not least, o;
t Tiioying their lunch under the spi
0 umbrageous, if not \y
standing near the old h'
1 88 5 — set down as a i-
enda; of all concerned.
mn of 1887 (since t tten)
.-.,.; .,1 I,. k;<; daughu.- " *■>
■ . Scotland. ■
man s daughter^ ma
Miss E. M. ].- (72)
Mrs. Mary A. (228)
Miss Helen H.^ (
S. Bartlett G.-' (72)
Miss Mary E.'' (228)
ELWOOD S.^ CORSER.
97
(Co. B., 93d Reg. N. Y. Vols.) from Oct., 1 861, to May,
1 864, passing through the various grades from private
to company commandant, and receiving a severe gun-
shot wound at Spottsylvania C. H., May 12, 1864. His
company went into the Wilderness, May 5, with 36 men,
and came out May 12, with only 6 of the number
unwounded. He is a gentleman of culture and ample
means ; alert, every inch a live man ; self-reliant,
resourceful ; is an able writer withal, possessing rare skill
and fluency in the use of language ; has served as alder-
man of his ward, and was the late (about 1878) candi-
date of his party for State senator.
He has made several journeys East since 18S0, nota-
bly one in the summer of 18S5, combining business with
recreation, in which, accompanied by his family, he made
the tour of the mountains and the sea-coast, including; a
pilgrimage to Corser Hill and the old homestead of the
family. On the occasion la.st mentioned, several fine
photographs were taken by the artist Kimball, of Con-
cord, of the ancestral domicile, the home of John" and
his son David, now the property of Hiram Tilton, which
has greeted the eyes — if no longer welcoming to its old-
time family hospitalities — of six successive generations
of its sons and daughters ; also pictures of Kearsarge
Mt. and the canteen and bullet-pouch borne by David at
Bennington, and not least, of the jovial party of six
enjoying their lunch under the spreading boughs of one
of the umbrageous, if not perchance ancestral, apple-
trees standing near the old house. Be this — July the
17th, 1885 — set down as a red-letter day in the cal-
endar of all concerned.
In the autumn of 1887 (since the above was written)
Mr. C, accompanied by his daughters, made a voyage to
Europe, visiting England, Scotland, France, and Ger-
many, and placing his daughters for the winter in a
98 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
German family at Carlsruhe, Baden, to secure the advan-
tages of native instruction in the language. He returned
in November, having been absent about a month.
He repeated the journey in the summer of 1888 (May
to Sept.), this time accompanied by his wife, visiting,
among other interesting localities, Switzerland and the
western counties of England, Shropshire Co. in particu-
lar, near whose northern borders tradition locates the
cradle of the English family of the name ; some pleas-
ant representatives of which he had the good fortune to
meet, and exchange with them congratulations upon the
interesting fact of their presumed relationship and prob-
able descent from a not very remote common ancestry.
His daughters returned in the spring of 1889.
Mr. C, we may add, is much interested in genealogical
researches, and stands godfather, if not, in some impor-
tant respects, in the place of paternal relative, to this
Genealogy. He m., in N. Y., Oct. 18, 1861, Mary A.
Roycraft. Children, b. in N. Y. :
Mary ElvmocP, b. Dec. 8, 1868; graduated at Cornell Coll., 1885; m.
Harlow (iale, Oct. 7, 1892. Children : Mary Roycrofl^ (Gale), b.
July 12, 1893; Samuel^, b. July 20,1895; Hilde«,b. Sept. 6, 1897.
Helen Henrietta"^, b. July 13, 1865; educated at Cornell and Vassar;
tn., June 26, 1890, Austin Lorenzo Belknap. Child: Helen^
(Belknap), b. Nov. 1, 1891.
229 (159).
Harriet Augusta'' (Church) (Harriet L.^ Davids Davids
John'), b. in N. Y., Nov. 30, 1845 ; ^n-. Aug. 9, 1866,
Frederic Allen Leigh, of England, contractor for iron-
work ; d. July 24, 1887, a 41 ; res. in Boston. Children :
Uattie Helena' (Leigh), b. Dec. 19, 1867.
Ethel Louise\ b. Sept., 1871.
Walter'', b. May, 1873.
230 (159).
Henry Ward" (Church) (Harriet LJ, David'*, Davids John^),
b. April 4, 1850; m., ist, Nov. 20, 1872, Amelie Hill,
HANNAH D. ADAMS. 99
who d. Aug. 23, 1874; m., 2d, Oct. 26, 1881, Carrie
Smyth (niece of ex-Gov. Smyth), of Graniteville, Mass-
Child :
Albert HUP, b. Aug. 9, 1874 ; d. July 20, 1875,
231 (162).
Hannah D.- (Adams) (Georges Adams, Hannahs David^
John-), b. in Norwich, Vt., 1834 ; m. Charles H. Hall,
mechanic ; res. in Melrose, Mass., whence removed to
Manchester, N. H. Children :
George AJ (Hall).
Charles HJ
Lillian C.'
Frank''. Frederic''.
232 (162).
Gelana O.^ (Adams) (George^ Adams, Hannah'*, Davids
John^), b. in Norwich, Vt. ; m. Scott Webber, of Glou-
cester, Mass. He was superintendent for a time of the
Cape Ann Granite Co.'s works; has since gone West.
Child :
ScoW (Webber).
232a (162).
Georgie'' (Adams) (George^ Adams, Hannah-*, David^ John^),
b. in Norwich, Vt. ; m. Charles H. Allen, a mechanic of
Fitchburg, Mass. Children :
Bertha'' (Allen).
IsabeP.
Ada PearP.
233 (165).
Ella Elisabeth^ (Davis) (Enochs Davis, Polly, Davids
John''), b. June 8, 185 i ; m. Lyman Crosby, commercial
traveler, of Warren, Mass. Children :
George L.'' (Crosby), b. Aug. 18, 1»73.
Ethel F.", b. 1883.
lOO CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
234 (171).
Charles Farmer^ (Bliss W.s, Bliss'*, Davids John='), b. in
Conneaut, O., 1857 ; train-despatcher (1878) and painter ;
res. in Minneapolis, Minn. A Minneapolis paper thus
speaks in 1884 of one of his paintings : " C. F. Corser
has also come to the front with an excellent study repre-
senting the sea at night. Darkling clouds form the
background. * * Furtive rays of light are shed
from a lighthouse upon the rock ; a ship under full sail
stands out in the foreground. The effects are weird
and striking." He m., Aug. 16, 1880, Annie Harris.
Children :
Wayne Bliss\ b. Aug. 13, 1881.
Marion Harris'', b. April 23, 1883.
Bartlett Gould?, b. Dec. 13, 1892.
235 (196).
Hamilton^ (Gookin) (Martha^ Eastman, Rebecca^ James"**
Thomas^ John^ John'), b. March 5, 1833 ; farmer, res-
ident in Salisbury, N. H. ; m., Oct. 22, 1855, Mary
Tucker, b. Aug. 10, 1828. Children:
Isabel Mfi, b. July 14, 1856 ; teacher.
Cyrus F.\ b. April 28, 1858 ; res. (1884) in Exeter, N. H.
AhbieM.% h. March 22, 1860 ; res. (1884) in Laconia, N. H.
MattieJ.^, b. Dec. 19, 1862 ; m. Charles Prince, of West Salisbury.
Frank^, b. Feb. 2, 1866.
Guy^, b. Feb. 5, 1869.
BARTLETT GOri.D^ CORSER (234), (li
SUPPLEMENTARY. lOI
IV.
SUPPLEMENTARY.
BlOGR.\PHICAL AND MISCELLANEOUS.
236. JOHN' CORSER (24).
»
It has been the general belief of the family that John
Corser, of Newbury, was a native of Scotland, whence he
came over, at the age of 12 or 14 years — along with a
younger brother, leaving another brother behind, as the tra-
dition runs in one branch of the family — to Newbury, with
Capt. William Moody, of that place. Another account, cur-
rent in the Call family, is to the effect that he was picked up
in a boat at sea, and brought to this country, or at least to
Newbury. Luke Corser (deceased in 1884) was of the opin-
ion that became directly from Boston to Newbury, affirming
that he had often heard his father allude to the circumstance.
This, if true, would seem to favor the theory, advocated by
some, of his American origin, and probable descent from the
early immigrant of Boston, but proves nothing of itself. As
for the theory in question, whether it is one in which it is safe
to " take stock," or that rests on any firmer basis than " such
stuff as dreams are made of," unsupported as it is by any
positive evidence thus far discoverable, it is useless here to
speculate. We are inclined to believe that the problem is
insolvable. Let each one invest to suit himself.
237. BIRTH-DATE.
The earliest record we have of John, of Newbury, is that
relating to his marriage, which occurred March 8, 17 16- 17.
No authentic record of his birth, or of his decease, has been
found. Tradition fixes the date of the former at about 1678,
thereby making him nearly 40 years of age when he married.
I02 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
about 60 when he came to Boscavven, and not far from 100
at the time of his death — circumstances, argue those who
are disposed to reject the traditional account, highly improb-
able in themselves, if not well-nigh incredible ; to which add,
as furnishing presumptive (if negative) evidence in favor of
this view, the fact that his name is not found — a possible but
hardly probable case of accidental omission — in the pub-
lished list (see N'. H. Historical Collections) of early residents
of N. H. who died at the age of 90 years or 'upward ; whence
the inference, plausibly deduced, that his birth did not occur
until several years later, the conjectural date of 1790-95 hav-
ing been suggested as marking, approximately, the more
probable period of that event — his marriage occurring, con-
formably to this reckoning, at the very reasonable age of
about 25 years. A volume of smoke here, seemingly, if
we may use the figure, of rather imposing dimensions,
naturally arguing, if we mistake not, the existence of some
fire ; but we do not cpre to dogmatize upon the point (and
possibly add to the existing obscurity), being of the opinion,
with Sir Roger De Coverly, when asked to act as umpire in a
dispute between his friends, that much doubtless might be
said on both sides.
238. RESIDENCE IN NEWBURY.
The following is a copy of his marriage record, as trans-
cribed from the records of Newbury : " Marriages returned
by the Worshipful John Dumer, Esq. — John Courser and Tab-
itha Kenney of Newbury were married March ye 8th, 1716-
17." Of the family of Tabitha we have no account; but
she was presumably a relative of Samuel Kenney, whose
name, with those of his wife Mary and several children, is
found on record a few years earlier than the above date.
Eight children were the fruit of this marriage, born, as sup-
posed, in Newbury, though it does not appear that their names
were entered on the town records.
SUPPLEMENTARY. IO3
The precise locality of the family residence we have not
ascertained ; but in the parish of Byfield, we are told, is a
tract of land known, within the memory of those still living,
by the name of the " Corser Pasture," on or near which, it is
presumed, was situated the ancestral domicile. We are not
sure whether it was here, or in Kingston, N. H., the home of
John^ that the traditional corn-hills marking the spot, as
related by the elders, were still to be seen long after the
owner had taken root in other soil.
239. REMOVAL TO BOSCAWEN.
The exact date of John's removal to Boscawen we do not
find recorded ; but as he was among the early colonists, it was
probably not later than 1736, the year next following the
erection of the first sawmill, of which, it is understood, he
became joint proprietor, or at least manager, with Dea. Isaac
Pearson, the partnership continuing till interrupted by the
frightful accident which nearly deprived him of life. The
occurrence is thus related in Mr. Price's Hist, of Boscawen :
" I'j^.^. — John Corser, tending a sawmill alone at the head
of King street, while using a crowbar about a mill-log, in an
unaccountable manner, the end of the bar struck his head —
cutoff his nose — took out his right eye — raised the fore-
part of his scull-bone, and left the brain bare, but uninjured.
In this condition he was soon found by William Emery.
Surgical aid was administered, and his wound healed. He
however soon after lost the sight of his other eye ; but lived
and enjoyed good health for more than thirty years."
There is some question as to the correctness of the above
date — 1745. If, as Luke Corser seemed to be of the
opinion, John went immediately to live with his son John^
on Corser Hill, the accident could not have occurred
till nearly 20 years later, as John- did not come into
I04 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
town till 1764. May not 1745 have been a mistake for
some later date ? Or did John go to live with one of his
other sons already settled near Corser Hill? Or — which
is perhaps as probable, especially as we have an account
of his living, after he became blind, at the lower end of
the Plain, on the spot subsequently owned by Col. Joseph
Gerrish, and of his husking corn, thrashing about him with a
long pole to keep the hens at a respectful distance — did he
continue to live in this part of the town till his son John's^
arrival .''
240. DEATH AND PLACE OF BURIAL.
John died, as is supposed, in the autumn of 1776. This is
both consistent with Mr. Price's reckoning, and agrees with
a memorandum in our possession — when or by whom writ-
ten does not appear — which reads : " Grandfather died in
the fall when James Corser was 12 years old," that is, in 1776.
This could refer to no other than the first John, although the
word gf-andfathey appears to have been inadvertently written
for gi'cat-grandfathej^ as in the sentence immediately follow-
ing we read : " Grandfather was 73 years old when he died,"
which could refer only to John^. The document makes the
strange mistake of supposing that the first John did not
come into town till 1764. Verily, the arithmetic of our
ancestors seems to have been in rather a mixed state.
He was buried in the old cemetery on the Plain, by the
side of his son William, who was drowned a few years before.
The spot, writes Bliss Corser in March, 1877, "was a little
south of where the old log meeting-house stood. There is a
stone at the head of his grave, marked with the initials
'J. C, which were plainly to be seen when I left Boscawen
[in 1834]. This was shown me by old Mr. Daniel Carter,
who knew him when he [Mr. Carter] was a boy." The stone
no longer remains, having been removed, as is supposed, when
the new path through the cemetery was laid out, passing near
or directly over their graves.
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SUPPLEMENTARY. IO5
241. JOHN^ CORSER (25).
AT KINGSTON AND CHESTER.
It is not known in what year John^ removed from New-
bury to Kingston, but we find that he bought a farm at the
latter place in 1753, and another in 1758, sandwiching
betwr'c^ ■lem a tract of land which he purchased in Chester
in he. did not remove to Kingston till about 1753,
a5. :e, he not only married in Newbury, but had
5 >- ; '•'"^- • ' - • ^ being born 'in Kingston or
Che
His resic*. iescribed as situated on the
road leading iV-nn liiv. .. ' of the Plains to Danville,
about half a mile west unction with .that running
north from the Cfft^^^^'^^Hi ^^QS formerly) the
more westerly of Uyp two-si('r„bouses stajadinfr-aJone on4.he^
.H .va,,(s^3v/A3aorrYJHaMHoT ) aaTgaaW ,jJlH aagnoJ mJ
north side of the street.
How long he residl§^"^ ^' i^?fl^r^!^"^t known, but it is
Chesteri^l«#§Wtj(aadwW aWl ni wrrabiai^ *89blo^¥tU sdtidatBJia^iS the
road leading from '■: - -'et village. The
place was aiterv\ , as a tavern. I
have put up at t. s. it was perhaps the
same as ^' -^ K el ley (see J A?/ of Mer-
rimack part of the present town
of Aub Chester in 1845.
KMENT ON CORSER HILL.
Removing to Hoscawen with his family in 1864, he pur-
chased of Col. Henry Gerrish a large tract of land on the
Hill, which has since borne his name, making there a perma-
nent settlement. It appears also that he bought 30 acres of
his brother William in 1765. The homestead, afterwards the
property of his son David, and since owned successively by
James Kilburn, Frederic Coifin, David Macurdy, and Hiram.
CoRSER Homestead
On Corser Hill, Webster (Formerly Boscawen), N. H
Front view in 1885
ii
This house was probably built earlier than 1780, by David^ Corser, ami
I is said to be the oldest residence in the town of Webster
SUPPLEMENTARY. IO5
241. JOHN^ CORSER (25).
AT KINGSTON AND CHESTER.
It is not known in what year John^ removed from New-
bury to Kingston, but we find that he bought a farm at the
latter place in 1753, and another in 1758, sandwiching
between them a tract of land which he purchased in Chester
in 1756. If he did not remove to Kingston till about 1753,
as seems probable, he not only married in Newbury, but had
5 children born to him there, 3 being born in Kingston or
Chester, and the last in Boscawen.
His residence in Kingston is described as situated on the
road leading from the upper part of the Plains to Danville,
about half a mile west of its junction with that running
north from the Cong, church. It is (or was formerly) the
more westerly of two two-story houses standing alone on the
north side of the street.
How long he resided in Chester is not known, but it is
presumed that his next removal was to Boscawen. The
Chester homestead, writes Bliss Corser, " was situated on the
road leading from Hooksett bridge to Chester village. The
place was afterwards occupied by one Kelley, as a tavern. I
have put up at that place several times." It was perhaps the
same as that occupied in 1857 by E. Kelley (see Map of Mer-
rimack County), situated in the N. W. part of the present town
of Auburn, set off from Chester in 1845.
242. SETTLEMENT ON CORSER HILL,
Removing to Boscawen with his family in 1864, he pur-
chased of Col. Henry Gerrish a large tract of land on the
Hill, which has since borne his name, making there a perma-
nent settlement. It appears also that he bought 30 acres of
his brother William in 1765. The homestead, afterwards the
property of his son David, and since owned successively by
James Kilburn, Frederic Coffin, David Macurdy, and Hiram
I06 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
Tilton, was situated on Pleasant street, a short distance south
of the spot where the Cong, church now stands, in an enclo-
sure through which a cross-road has since been cut, passing
near the house. It was a beautiful location, with grand and
picturesque natural surroundings, and at one time the center
of a jovial social life, such as the presence of lOO untamed
country cousins, whose homes were in sight, can be supposed
to create. The first dwelling erected was a small building,
which was afterwards — under the supervision of his son
David, probably before 1780 — replaced by a large, square,
two-story house — one of the old-fashioned farm houses —
still standing, being, as is supposed, the oldest habitation in
the town of Webster.
243. PROSPECT FROM THE HILL.
A few words, descriptive of the natural scenery of the
region, particularly as embraced in the view from the Hill to
the north and west, which has been much admired and often
described by tourists, may not be out of place here.
At the distance of a few miles, on the extreme right,
extends the forest-clad, picturesque ridge of Ragged Mt.,
rightly named (2,000 feet high), situated in Andover. Next
in order, southward, rising to the hight of nearly 3,000 feet,
towers the noble Kearsarge, from which the famous war-
vessel that sunk the Alabama took its name, —
" In outline glorious.
Pride of the landscape, peerless among hills ! "
Farther to the left, overlooking the cosy village of Warner,
the graceful forms of the Mink Hills bound the prospect. In
the remoter distance, nearly due west, may be seen the beauti-
ful "globe-shaped" peak of Lovewell's mountain, in W^ashing-
ton. Near at hand, across the valley, are the humbler eleva-
tions of Little Hill, Downer's Hill, Pond Hill, with Long
Pond and White Plain nestling out of sight at the feet of the
CoRSER Homestead
On Corser Hill, Webster (Formerly Boscawen), N. H.
Side view in 1885 ,^
See Corser Homestead, Front Yie^ ,^
J* '^^M^KAi
■X.
I06 COKSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
Tilton, was situated on Pleasant street, a short distance south
of the spot where the Cong, church now stands, in an enclo-
sure through which a cross-road has since been cut, passing
near the house. It was a beavitif'! V>; ation, with grand aod
picturesque natural surrounding ;>ne time the center
of a jovial social life, such as the presence at loo untamed
country cousins, whose homes were in sight, can be supposed
to create. The first dwelling erected was a small building,
which was afterwards — under the supervision of his son
David, probably before 1780 — replaced by a large, square,
two-story house — one of the old-fashioned farm houses —
still standing, being, as is supposed, the oldest habitation in
the town of Webster.
GAHTeHMOH HHSHOJ
243. PKOSPECT KKOM THE HILL.
.Hv.llti^awA5fep^efefiiif*sao'^| aftteaaWralJiH-iaafaoO viQ
region, particularly as^ggjii^nii''^}^ "^biS '^^' ^™"'' ^^'^^ ^^^^ *^
the north and west, which, has been much admired and often
described by t ' uW^tYs^^q^^- ^^m^^^Ff*^ ^-^fiS^^ahcre,
At the oi;.t.uKc of a icw ixivc:^, <■:: ih*: extreme right,
extends the forest -clad, picturesque ridge of Ragged Mt.,
rightly named (2,000 feet high), situated in Andover. Next
in order, southward, rising to the hight of nearly 3,000 feet,
towers the noble Kearsarge, from which the famous war-
vessel that sunk the Alabama took its name, —
" In outline glorious.
Pride of the landscape, peerless suiioug im.^
Farther to the left, overlooking the cosy viliai^e of Warner,
the graceful forms of the Mink Hills bound the prospect. In
the remoter distance, nearly due west, may be seen the beaut i
ful " globe-shaped " peak of Losewell's mountain, in W
ton. Near at hand, across the valley, are the humb'k _l
tions of Little Hill, Downer's Hill, Pond Hill, with Long
Pond and White Plain nestling out of sight at the feet of the
SUPPLEMENTARY. lO/
last, and farther southward, in " Bashan," Rattlesnake Hill;
while below us winds the placid Blackwater, lending enchant-
ment to the scene, and making the valley lively with the
music of its waters and the whirr of its busy mill-wheels.
The prospect in mid-summer, when the hills " stand drest in
living green," and the valleys are " covered over with corn,"
or in late autumn, when the landscape is attired in its parti-
colored robes, is pleasing in the extreme.
244. FAMILY AND SETTLEMENT OF CHILDREN.
The first wife of John^ was Jane Nichols, married in New-
bury, and the mother of his children ; nativity unknown.
There were Nicholses in Boston, Maiden, Hingham, and
Reading, at an early date ; later also — how early we do not
know — at Kingston ; but it does not appear that any of the
name resided in Newbury prior to 1700. In the latter part
of his life he contracted a marriage, brought about by one of
his sons, which proved anything but a "breeze of summer"
in the family, and resulted in the tragic end of one Costello,
a schoolmaster, who committed suicide to escape arrest for
having forged a note in favor of the widow of the lately
deceased John.
His children settled down around him, the sons receiving
a slice of the paternal domain as they came of age, and the
daughters bringing their husbands a substantial " fixing out,"
as it was called. Their children filled the hive, necessitating
a swarming in the succeeding generations, which has been so
well followed that scarcely a representative bee can be found
to-day buzzing about the ancestral cells. In respect to the
DISTRIBUTION OF THE LOTS,
Bliss Corser thus writes : " My father [David^] inherited
the farm on the Hill from his father. The lot on the side of
the road nearly opposite my father's [east side of Pleasant
street] was given to John ; the next lot south to Jonathan.
I08 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
The lot north of my father's was sold [by Thomas to whom it
was given ?] to John Gerald (42), and a small lot reserved for
a burial-ground on the sand-hill, where my grandfather
[John^] and his wife and my sister were buried. The lot
where Mr. Price lived and where the meeting-house stands
was given to Samuel. William had a lot in Salisbury, near
the mountain."
245. Nathan^ Corser (24).
Nathan lived on Pleasant street, on the farm known as the
Couch Place, lying between that of John Kilburn on the
north and his brother William's on the south. He was a
man of substantial character, and enjoyed the respect of his
townsmen, by whom he was elected for many years to the
important ofifice of tithing-man. Sure to catch it was the
unlucky urchin or deacon whom he found out of order or
napping in church. Sitting upon one end of his long staff,
he would snap the other upon the seat with a force which
seldom failed of its effect. The identical staff is still in
existence, being now in the possession of the family of the
late Harvey F. Courser, who received it from his cousin,
Nathan C. Danforth, to whom it was given for his name.
Nathan was present when the bodies of his brother William
and son, drowned in Great Pond, were taken from the water.
They were found near the shore in an upright position —
their heads but partially submerged — clasped in each other's
arms. It is supposed that the father lost his life in the
endeavor to save that of his son, who could not swim,
Nathan lived to an advanced age, being well remembered by
Luke and Bliss Corser. He served 9 days in the Ticonderoga
campaign, receiving as compensation, 3s.-7d.
246. WILLIAM^' CORSER (27).
According to Mr. Price's chronology, William was drowned
in 1773. This is found to be a mistake. From papers in
SUPPLEMENTARY. IO9
the possession of Mrs. Lysias Emerson, it appears that Win-
throp Carter, Esq., was appointed, Jan. 28, 1768, by Judge
VVentworth, at Portsmouth, administrator on the estate of
Wilham Corser, lately deceased, intestate ; whence we infer
that, as the pond could hardly have been open for boating
during the winter, he was probably drowned in the latter part
of the previous year ; which corresponds with the reckoning
of Hiram Courser, his grandson (109), who writes : " My
father Simeon (b. 1763) was four years old when William
was drowned."
William's property was sold, the proceeds "amounting as
foloweth, in old tenor : — Real estate, ^600 ; personal
estate, ^247=ios. ; " besides "what was alowed to the
widow out of said estate, which was, in old tenor, ^300."
His personal property was insufficient to pay his debts. Mr.
Carter's charges for "expence" of journey to Portsmouth
were ;^iii, old tenor — in lawful money, ;;/^5=:iis., or one
twentieth as much. The heirs of William, who signed deed
of "acquittance to Wmthrop Carter," were Anne Corser,
Simeon Corser, Asa Corser, James Uran, and Orlando (or
Philander) Carter, all of whom, except the last two, made
their mark (as did William). The deed was witnessed by
Daniel Carter, Nathan Kilburn, and Timo. Dix ; date of
instrument, Sept. 28, 1792.
247. JOURNEY TO PORTSMOUTH.
We append, as a curiosity, verbatim, etc., Mr. Carter's
" Acompt of Expence by a journey to portsmouth in setling
Estate," etc., as follows:
I lO
CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
to the Judge of probate
expence at Concord
at pern brook
at Notingham, Login & hors-keep
at Clerks — Notingham
at Lee
Newmarket, young's
Grenland ....
expence at portsniouth .
homeward at exeter
At Kingston — toles & abbots
At Chester ....
pembrook ....
Concord — flip and oats
three men's time, six days each
three horses hired
(Old tenor)
£ S. D.
6=0 = 0
0 = 10 = 0
0 = 10 = 0
4 = 17 = 0
0 = 10 = 0
0— 6 = 0
7 = 15 = 0
1 = 2 = 0
17 = 6 = 0
, 0 = 12 = 0
5= 8 = 0
8= 8 = 0
2 = 11 = 0
1=7 = 0
36 = 0 = 0
18 = 0 = 0
It would thus seem that horse-hire at that time was worth,
in lawful money, one shilling per day ; men's time, two shil-
lings ; a night's lodging and horse-keeping, 25 cents.
248. THOMAS^ CORSER (28)..
Thomas was drowned in Long Pond while returning to his
home on Pond Hill in the evening, Dec. ii, 1829. Loud
cries for help were heard at the time of the accident, no one
knowing whence they proceeded. Of the Pond Hill farm
Bliss Corser thus writes : " My father bought a hundred acre
lot, and measured 100 acres of it to uncle Thomas, on Pond
Hill. The lot held out 140 acres ; the overplus he reserved
for himself ; so that 40 acres and several 20-acre lots of com-
mon land constituted the Pond farm of 100 acres."
249. THE SUIT OF CORSER VERSUS CORSER,
Growing out of the division of this farm, and interesting
as being one of the first contests in which Daniel Webster
essayed his forensic skill, was as follows : Thomas sold a por-
tion of his lot adjoining David's reserve to his brother Samuel.
SUPPLEMENTARY. I I I
A dispute arose as to the boundary line between Samuel and
David. The result was a suit at law brought by the latter
against the former, who was accused of moving the bounds.
The case was tried before Judge Webster, the father of
Daniel, at the Sept., 1805, term of court held at Hopkinton,
Parker Noyes, of 'Salisbury (now Franklin), appearing as
counsel for the plaintiff, and Daniel Webster, who had that
year opened an office in Boscawen, for the defendant. David
won the case. This is believed to have been one of the first
two causes argued by Mr. Webster before a jury.
250. ANECDOTES OF THOMAS^.
Thomas exhibited some eccentricities at times, which
seemed to increase with his years. He has been classed as
one of the " characters" of the town. We have the follow-
ing anecdote of him from W. W. Kilburn : Calling at a
neighbor's house one day, he asked permission to pray. The
request was granted. When he had finished, he jumped up
and clapped his hands, exclaiming, " Wa'n't that a good one !"
The history of Boscawen is to be credited with the follow-
ing : He had great faith in the sanative properties of certain
herbs, which he used to carry about with him and distribute
gratis to his neighbors. In the case of a sick child, he urged
the mother to prepare a decoction from some of them, which
he believed to be of especial efificacy, saying, '' Do it, do it, if
you want to save his life. // // ki/Is Jiini F II pay for it! "
251. JOHN^ CORSER (31).
John^ lived on Pleasant St., on the farm afterwards owned
by his son Rice, where he kept a public house. He appears
to have been a man of quiet disposition, a lover of peace,
fond of home, and pursuing contentedly withal the even tenor
of his way. His wife, with whom he became acquainted
while living at Amesbury, Mass., where he tended a ferry,
112 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
was one of the seven Pleiads, more or less, of the Blasdell
group (272), a woman of substantial domestic qualities, as
indeed she must have been to have had the oversight {tiim-
■ming included) of a nursery of nine wild olive plants of the
masculine genus. We have the following
REMINISCENCE OF HER
from Levi Bartlett, Esq., of Warner, who was a clerk at the
time (1808) in Evans's store on the Hill: "One afternoon
in June there came a terrible hail-storm directly across Corser
Hill, breaking 1 14 squares of glass in Giddings's House.
After the storm was over a lot of persons went over across
the fields to Mr. Corser's. When they got there, old Mrs.
Corser was wringing her hands and said, ' If I had only
known what was going to happen, I would have had our win-
dows boarded up, if I had had to do it myself!' " Unfortu-
nately, remarks Mr. B., we cannot always tell what is going
to happen. (Letter from Mr. B.) As a
COMPANION-PIECE
to this, we may record here the following told of her sister
Ruth (consort of David^), as we find it in a letter written by
one of her grandchildren : "At one period two or three of
my uncles, as it chanced, ' went a wooing ' at the same time.
They used to wait for each other's return with the team, and
then slipping the harness onto a fresh horse, start off anew
on their amorous excursions. Grandmother was somewhat
annoyed by their movements, and one day, when L. was wait-
ing, and had already grabbed the bits for a fresh tackle, she
cried out, ' My son, if I were you, I'd dip those bits into
cold water, but what I'd have 'em cold once ! ' "
252. DAVID^ CORSER (32).
David was a man of good natural ability, with decided
convictions, energetic, self-reliant, firm of purpose. He was
noted for his intelligence and probity, and not least fearless-
SUPPLEMENTARY. II3
ness, the last especially as shown in his determined efforts to
bring to justice the enemies of law and order in his adopted
town. He gave his antagonists in this field no quarter, and
hence became, at one time, when the spirit of mischief seemed
to be let loose upon the town, a special target of their malice.
Shots were fired into his house ; his apple-trees were peeled
and cut down ; his horses were killed ; his carriages and tools
destroyed, and other injury done. But right at length pre-
vailed, and the demon of lawlessness was finally, by persist-
ent effort, banished from the region. 7^his happened about
1798, in which year the meeting-house on W'oodbury Plain
(built in 1769) and the schoolhouse on Water St. were
destroyed by incendiary fires. (See 289.) Apropos of the
shotgun practice mentioned above, we may quote here a par-
agraph from an article printed in the Rays of Light in 1879.
253. A BRACE of BULLETS.
" Luke Corser, of Webster, has in his possession a bullet-
pouch, which did service for his father David at Bennington,
and which now contains, among other relics, two bullets, one
of which, in the troublous times of the town (about 1798),
was fired by some miscreant into his father's house through
a window in the evening, there being no less than five per-
sons sitting in the room at the time. It struck the underpart
of the casing of a girt, ploughing its way through it, and
passing into a box in the adjoining room. Another was fired
at the same time, which passed through the wall, about three
inches below the former, out of doors. Fortunately no other
mischief was done. The bullet-marks may still be seen in
the old house on the Hill, now the property of Hiram Tilton.
The mate to the first-mentioned bullet was taken from the
body of a horse belonging to Mr. C, which was killed by
some person, on iniquitous deeds intent, about the same time.
Another horse was also shot in the mouth, and summarily
deprived of several teeth, but recovered from the wound.
114 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
254. INCIDENTS IN THE LIFE OF DAVID^.
Born in Kingston, N. H., Jan. 27, 1754, David came with
his father to Boscawen at the age of ten. He lived one year in
the family of Phineas Stevens, the first settled minister of the
town. [This by the way (Jioc obiter). — It is presumed, or at
least supposable, that David "lent a hand " in drawing wood
from the lot donated by the town to Mr. Stevens, from a
"certain parcel "of which his grandson, S. B. G. C, — said
parcel having been purchased of the Stevens heirs by Col.
Joseph Gerrish, and from him inherited by the family of Rev.
Enoch Corser, — has drawn wood for the past 40 years.] The
education of David did not go far beyond the rudiments,
though he was a diligent reader of what few books came
within his reach. His spelling would not have been a model
for the school-boys of to-day. It is not known that he held
any public office except that of selectman in 1782, 1783, and
1 79 1. He served three months in the campaign which
resulted in the victory at Bennington (Aug. 16, 1777). The
canteen, as well as bullet-pouch before-mentioned, which did
service on that occasion, together with some bills of Conti-
nental money, and other relics of the period, are preserved in
the family of Luke Corser, as precious mementoes of the
times that tried men's souls. His death occurred at his home
near Lond Pond, Aug. 23, 1828. He was a Christian man,
and we know not if the eulogistic words spoken of him by one
of his townsmen (Col. Joseph Gerrish) — " David Corser was
the salvation of the town of Boscawen " — was an undue esti-
mate of his influence upon the town for good.
His widow survived him nearly thirty years. She was a
star of the Blasdell group — an energetic, sensible woman, a
good mother, who knew how to manage her household, a
better half, in fine, of the " Simon-pure " coinage, whose
price is above rubies.
Qanteen, and Buckskin Bullet Pouch
Carried by David^ Corser, at Bennington, Vt., Aug. i6, 1777
Par. 32—253—254
These are now (1901) in the possession of David B.5 Corser,
of Concord, N. H.
I 14 COKSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
?: ; --^ ' " -•• - :v SHE LIFE OF DAVID^
Born iM Kii'i^^iJii. a. il., Jan. 27, 1754, David came vvuh
his father tu Boscawen at the age of ten. He lived one year in
the family of Phineas Stevens, the first settled minister of the
town. [This by .the v<f2iy(hoc obiter). —It is presumed, or at
least supposable, that David "lent a hand " in drawing wood
from the lot donated by the town to Mr. Stevens, from a
" certain parcel "of which his grandson, S. B. G. C, — said
parcel having been purchased of the Stevens heirs by Col.
Joseph Gerrish, and from him inherited by the family of Rev.
Enoch Corser, — has drawn wood for the past 40 years.] The
education of Dai'id did nqi, ^' far be\-qiid the rudiments,
though he wa.> a tUfigenT; remier 01 vvliai^tew dooks c^rne ^
within ^{^^^■^uW'f.iW'^iM^iA ^^\-hm-i>^^hA^^^i^hi^3
for the school-boys of to-day i ■ Ve*^ "'ti'-'- *^^^ ^^ ^^^^
any public office except that ol ^■.. !■ : man \u ; ,"82.. 1 rb^ ;, ao'l
1 79 1. He servecl tnree tnc)^ti-^ ^^^^^^^^ ^^ampii^n whicn
resulted in the victory at Bennington {.Aug. 16, 1777)- ^^^
canteen, as well as bullet-[K)uch before-mentioned, which did
service on that occasion, together with some bills of Conti-
nental money, and other relics of the period, are preserved in
the family of Luke Corser, as precious mementoes of the
times that tried men's souls. His death occurred at his home
near Lond Pond, Aug. 23, 1828. He was a Christian man,
and we know not if the eulogistic words spoken of him by one
of his townsmen (Col. Joseph Gerrish) — " David Corser was
the salvation of the town of Boscawen " — was an undue esti-
mate of his influence upon the town for good.
His widow survived him nearly thirty years. She was a
.star of the Blasdell group — an energetic, sensible woman, a
good mothet, who knew how to manage her household, a
better half, in fine, of the "Simon-pure" comage, whose
price is above rubies.
SUPPLEMENTARY. I I 5
255. WILLIAM^ CORSER (36).
William, who enlisted in the war of 1812, and died the
same year at Plattsburg, N. Y., was entitled to a bomity in
land (drawn afterwards to his right in Missouri or Illinois),
which, of course, by his decease, fell to his children as heirs,
but which his son William-*, who settled in Sebec, Me., sold
in his own name to Squire Eastman, of Farmington, N. H.
(.-*), from whom it passed into other hands, till at length it
came into the possession of one Sensenderfer. Meanwhile
one Lombard buys up the claims of several of the other
heirs, and pitches into Sensenderfer with the view of pitching
him out. A protracted litigation ensues, in which Orrin
Corser, son of the first-named William, summoned as a wit-
ness by Sensenderfer, makes oath, before Judge Butler, of
Fisherville, that he has never sold out, etc. This was in 1871.
We have never been informed of the issue, and so cannot tell
who are now the ins and outs.
256. ABBYNEEZER3 (CORSER) GERALD (35).
Abbyneczer (spelled Abinezcr in the town records) appears
to be a name altogether unique ; we do not remember to have
ever met with it elsewhere. That of Ebenczer, as applied to
a female, we find in Cotfin's History of Newbury. Are we to
consider them as perhaps one and the same name, masquer-
ading under slightly different exteriors } — Mrs. Gerald
appears to have been a woman of amiable traits of character.
" She was a nice old lady, I liked her much," is the testimony
of one of her more youthful neighbors. She married when
quite young, and, it is said, did not at first favor the advances
of her lover, emphasizing her dislike one day — prompted not
less perhaps by a girlish love of mischief, it ivas so good a
joke, you knozv — by pouring a bucket of water upon him from
the chamber window ; which, however, had the effect only to
draw from him the gallant exclamation, " Oh, the damsel ! "
I 1 6 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
We are sorry to be obliged to renounce the pleasing fiction
we once entertained, that it was she who used to go out into
the street, even after the birth of her first infant, and play
with the children, making mud-cakes. This, it appears, was
true, or at least was reported, of the wife of Samuel Fowler,
Esq. (her second husband), who, while Abbyneezer ventured
upon matrimony at about the age of 15, became a bride, it is
said (of former husband. Dr. Ezra Carter), at the juvenile
age of 13 years. Her maiden name was Ruth Eastman ;
child, by second husband, Ruth (Fowler), who m. Nathaniel
Green, of Boscawen. (See Eastman Genealogy, p. ']6^
257. JOHN^ BOWLEY (37).
But little is known of the Bowley family. Elisabeth^ Corser,
daughter of John', married John Bowley, Sen., in Newbury,
March, 1744. The family settled in Boscawen. John Bowley,
Jr., the first of the name remembered by Bliss Corser, lived
near Bowley Brook, so-called ; removed afterwards to Salis-
bury. His son John, who married Sarah Fellows, settled in
Livonia, N. Y. (102). One of the daughters of John, Jr., is
remembered as taking part in an exhibition at Boscawen.
Her peculiar manner of pronouncing the word ''Islington " —
giving the letter s its full sound, in which she was apparently
wiser than some others of her generation — is commented on
by an elderly lady. His daughter Sally, who married, but
separated from her husband, is said to have perished by the
roadside in a storm.
258. JACOB'* BOWLEY.
Jacob, the eldest of the family of John Bowley, Jr., is
remembered for his peculiarities. The following anecdote is
related of him : He called one day at the store on the Hill,
and wished to make some purchases on credit, saying he
would pay for the same in fox-skins. Being asked how much
SUPPLEMENTARY. 117
he expected to be paid for his skins, " Oh," said he, " you can
take them as they run," to which the trader assented, and
dehvered him the goods. The skins not appearing in due
time, his impatient creditor was not slow to jog his memory,
ehciting the reply, that he did not agree to bring him any
skins. "Of course you did," said the other, "and I agreed
to take them at the going price." " No," said he, "you agreed
to take them as they run, and if you want 'em, you must go
out and catch 'em." We presume that was the last of the
skins, as it was probably of his credit at that store.
259. ASA^ CORSER (38).
Asa, b. 1754, was drummer at the age of 23, in Capt. Kim-
ball's company, at Bennington. C. C. Cofifin thus apostro-
phizes him in his centennial Fourth of July (1876) oration at
Boscawen : " And you, Asa Corser, of Boscawen, beat the
drum as you beat it at Bennington, that our souls may be
stirred by the music which has rolled for a century, and
which, under God, shall still vibrate down the coming ages ! "
ASA AND "BROTHER DAVE."
Of " drummer Corser," Major Alfred Little, in his amus-
ing centennial poem sang at the celebration in Webster,
N. H., thus makes mention (mistaking, however, the rela-
tionship between Asa and David, who were cousins instead of
brothers). The incident related was, of course, on the home-
coming of the "boys" from Bennington.
"A noble Boscawen dame
(Her name I'll ever prize),
When she saw the boys a-coming,
Filled her oven with pumpkin pies ;
Half a pie to each one
Our good aunt Hannah gave,
Drummer Corser said he'd ' take one,
A nd give half to brother Dave .' ' "
Il8 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
The allusion is more fully explained in a note appended to
the poem, as follows : " David Corser (his son Luke Corser
is still living at Webster [since deceased]), one of the Ben-
nington soldiers from Eoscawen, was not present to receive
his half of a pumpkin pie, and — concerning his hungry
brother, 'drummer Corser,' we will not i}i-sin-ji-ate, but it has
ever been a question with Boscawen people — did ' brother
Dave' get his half of a pumpkin pie?" The "good aunt
Hannah" was the wife of Enoch Little.
260. JOHN GERALD (35).
Of John Gerald the following anecdote is related : He
was not much of a go-to-meeting man, saying he had little
faith in the minister's prayers. Being urged to go to church
and test the matter for himself, he concluded to do so one
Sunday, in a time of great drought. "Now," said he, "if
Mr. Price prays for rain, and it don't come, that '11 settle it
— plain proof that it's all priestcraft." He went. The min-
ister prayed that the rains might descend. The sequel was,
as expressed in the language of the narrator — "He came
home in a ducking shower."
261. JAMBS'* CORSER (41).
James, or " Uncle Jim," as he was familiarly called, was a
comical sort of genius, as we remember him, odd, shrewd,
curious, and full of fun. He had a droll habit of playing
tunes upon his cane for the amusement of the young folks.
He was an observant man, and with his quaint maxims and
original comments, a practical philosopher jn his way. Solo-
mon-like, he knew all the herbs of the field and their
virtues ; and had the book-learning of the royal naturalist
been his, we might perhaps have had from his pen a botan-
ical treatise rivaling the history of that famous prince.
He was born, it is said, on the Plain, " in a little old
house" (long since gone — then occupied by John Hale),
standing nearly opposite the Dea. Gerrish homestead, while
SUPPLEMENTARY. II9
his parents were en route from their late home {in Chester, as
supposed) to Corser Hill. He lived for many years on or
near Little Hill, whence he removed to a farm near Long
Pond, where he died.
262. ELCV5 (downing) corser (45).
Lines written on the death of Elcy Corser, wife of
Joseph H. Corser, who died at Boscawen, Sept. 20, 1847,
aged 52 years, 11 months, and 2 days.
MY mother's gravp:.
My mother's grave, that hallowed spot.
By me it ne'er shall be forgot ;
The tomb-stone to her mem'ry placed —
And shall it be by time defaced?
Yes, time may crumble that to dust.
Yet mem'ry '11 be the same. I trust ;
The letters that do mark her name
In fancy e'er will be the same.
Eleven months since, tliis pleasant day,
The turf enclosed her precious clay ;
And ah ! what changes since I've seen !
And all have passed but as a dream.
In life's deep ocean, dark and wide.
Where waves of trouble swell the tide.
My Mother's Grave shall mark the road,
That points the way to heaven and God.
Judith P. Downing.
263. RICE* CORSER (64).
We are indebted to Mrs. Abba S. Brown for the following
items, relating particularly to that period of her father's life
(18 10-21) in which he followed the sea.
He learned the tanner's trade in Concord, N. H., of Rich-
ard Ayer ; after which, having no capital of his own, he
entered the employ of Pomeroy & Simpson, of Boston.
I20 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
TO CHINA.
In 1810, business being dull, he shipped as a sailor on
board of a vessel bound for the Sandwich Islands, and thence,
with a cargo of sandal-wood, for China, where the merchan-
dise was exchanged for tea (the wood being burned as incense
to their gods). On the tenth of April, 181 3, he writes from
Canton to his parents, saying, he would not have them feel
anxious about him, as he was enjoying himself. They had
heard of the war of 18 12, and his captain did not like to
risk his vessel at sea, as it was an unarmed one.
ST. DOMINGO AND ROUND THE HORN.
His next letter is from Boston, of date July 18, 18 18, in
which he says that he had shipped on board a vessel for St.
Domingo, at $20 per month, expecting to be gone three
months. In January of the following year we find him again
at Boston where he embarked as mate on board the ship
" Maimion," destined for Manila in the China Sea. A year and
a half later (June 20, 1820) he writes from Baltimore, that
had he made a good voyage in the "Maimion," he should
have come home to see his friends ; but as it was, he had
engaged to go as second mate in the ship " General Hand,"
on a voyage around Cape Horn.
COAST OF HOLLAND SHIPWRECK.
On the sixth of March, 1821, he writes from Rotterdam,
that his vessel, bound for that city, arrived off the coast of
Holland in the last of December, 1820. "The weather
being uncommon cold, the ship got into the ice ; we lost our
anchors, and were obliged to let her go ashore, and she was
wrecked. I lost all my clothes and part of my wages." The
crew barely escaped with their lives by creeping on blocks of
ice to the shore.
REV. ENOCH' CORSER (7^)-
SUPPLEMENTARY. I 2 I
264. HANNAH'' (cORSER) ADAMS {76).
Hannah died in 1820, at the home of her daughter, Mrs.
Lord, in Amesbury, Mass. She was converted under the
preaching of Rev. Mr. Paul, the colored clergyman, and
joined the Free-Will Baptist church. Her death was occa-
sioned by the rupture of a blood-vessel, while in the act of
taking clothes from a line. A thunder-shower was rising at
the time, and the shock produced by a sudden clap of thun-
der is supposed to have been the immediate cause of the
fatality. She was a schoolmistress, and taught school as
well after as before the death of her husband, as appears
from the following note written soon after that event, which
is interesting both as a relic and as a specimen of her " man-
ner," punctuation marks and a few capitals excepted, which
we have ventured to supply. If she sometimes wrote a small
"i " for a capital ditto, it did not disqualify her for being a
capital schoolma'am in that day.
Candia, May 20 [1817].
Dear Brother [Enoch], — I have taken the charge of a school — it com-
menced on Monday last — i expect it will be visited soon by Mr. Jones
(in a few days), and I wish j'ou would write him in favor of me. Capt.
Gale wishes me to be in favor with him and everybody else. I shall try
to recommend myself, but a few lines from you to him would be better.
Do not disappoint me, and write me soon. I want to hear from you.
Your sister,
Hannah Adams.
265. ENOCH'* CORSER (72).
Enoch, second son of David, son of John^, b. in Bos-
cawen, Jan. 2, 1787, spent his youth, till the age of 18, in
laboring on the " paternal acres " ; but being naturally of a
studious disposition, he early cherished the desire, which, after
his conversion, at the age of 1 7, ripened into a purpose, to
obtain a liberal education.
122 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
He fitted for college chiefly with Rev. Dr. Wood, of Bos-
cawen, being under his tuition from Sept., 1805, to July i,
1806; and again, from Aug. 6, 1806, for longer or shorter
periods — attending school meanwhile for a short space at
the academy in Salisbury, and teaching school during the
winter in the same town — till May 1 4, 1 808, when he entered
the freshman class in Middlebury College (he entered Middle-
bury, it is understood, by the advice of Dr. Wood) two terms
in advance. During his college course he taught school one
winter in Middlebury, and two winters on Boscawen Plain,
having for a pupil at the latter place John Adams Dix, who
received from him his first lessons in the classics. (See 292.)
Graduating in Aug., 181 1, he opened in the following
autumn (Nov. 25), a grammar-school at Danvers, Mass., con-
tinuing the same till April 24, 18 14, or about 2 1-2 years.
He then (May 10) commenced the study of divinity with
Rev. Dr. Harris, of Dunbarton, N. H., and in the following
year (July 5, 181 5) was licensed to preach by the Hopkinton
(Cong.) Association of ministers.
266. FIELDS OF LABOR.
The record of his labors in the ministry, covering a period,
exclusive of sickness, of about 40 years, is as follows :
His first pulpit effort was in the upper meeting-house, so-
called, of his native town, July 9, 18 15. He preached —
In Comvay N. H., from Aug. 20 to Sept. 3, 18 15 — 3
Sabbaths.
At Middletofi, Mass., from Sept. 24 to Oct. 22, 18 15 —
4 Sabbaths ; and again from Dec. 10, 181 5, to Feb. 25, 18 16
— 12 Sabbaths, teaching school meanwhile in the same
place.
In Colebrook, N. H., and towns adjacent, under the aus-
pices of the Home Missionary Society, from May 12 to July
28, 1816 — 13 Sabbaths. He preached during this tour 64
times in 18 different towns.
SUPPLEMENTARY. 1 2 3
In Loudon, N. H., from Aug. i8, 1816, to May, 1837 —
about 20 years and 8 months. He was installed over the
Cong, church in L., March 5, 1 817, and dismissed from same,
Dec. 13, 1837. On the seventeenth of March, 1817, he was
married to Sally, daughter of Col. Joseph Gerrish, of Bos-
caw en.
At Meredith Village, N. H., from May 27, 1837, to Sept.
17, 1837 (3 Sundays excepted, spent in Loudon) — 13 Sab-
baths. He early received, but declined, a call to settle in
this place.
At NortJifield and Sanboniton Bridge, N. H., whither he
removed with his family, Nov. 14, 1837, from Sept. 24, 1837,
to May, 1843 — about 5 years and 7 months. He taught
school also, during this period, one or more terms in the old
academy at the Bridge.
In Plyviouth, X. H., from May 24, 1843, to April 28, 1844
— 5 I Sabbaths.
In Lyndon, Vt., from May 24 to Aug. 18, 1844 — 1 1 Sab-
baths.
In Plymouth again, from Nov. 24, 1844, to March 17,
1845 — 15 Sabbaths. This was chiefly a gratuity.
In Epping, N. H., whither the family removed Aug. 4,
1845, from May 25, 1845, to May 28, 1848 — three years.
On the thirty-first of May he removed with his family to
Boscawen, locating on the Plain.
At Fisherville, N'. H., from June 8 to Sept. 17, 1848— 16
Sabbaths, when his labors were interrupted by sickness
(typhoid fever) of some weeks continuance.
In Frajiklin, N. H., from Oct. 29 to Dec. 24, 1848— 7
Sabbaths. He also preached at Warner, N. H., Jan. 14 and
Feb. 1 1, 1849.
In Henniker, N. H., from April 4 to June 7, 1850 — 2
months.
124 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
In Warner, N. H., from Oct. 6 to Dec. 22, 1850 — 12
Sabbaths. He had engaged to supply the pulpit at W. for
one year. On the 24th of December, while visiting in
the parish, he was seized with paralysis, which laid him
aside from his work for nearly seven years, till Sept., 1857.
In Loudon, a second time, after an interval of 20 years,
from Sept. 20, 1857, to Dec. 25, 1859 — 2 1-4 years; and
again, from April 22 to May 13, i860 — 4 Sabbaths. These
were his last public efforts in the sacred desk.
He continued to reside in Boscawen till his death, of paraly-
sis, June 17, 1868. Mrs. Corser died of heart-disease, Jan.
17, 1851.
266a. CHARACTER AS A PREACHER.
Mr. Corser was a man of vigorous intellect, with strong
perceptive and retentive powers ; copious in resources ; origi-
nal and picturesque in his conceptions ; as a theologian, clear
and decided in his views, and strongly fixed in the great doc-
trines of the Bible ; a skilful sermonizer, and a ready and
persuasive speaker.
" As a thinker," says Dr. Bouton, in the discourse preached
at his funeral, which was printed, " he was clear, logical, and
demonstrative. In preparing sermons, he wrote but little
more than the plan or skeleton ; and hence, in preaching, his
earnest, impetuous manner, and copious illustrations, often
bore him along to an undue length. His emotional nature
was quick, strong, and impulsive ; at times, especially in
preaching on favorite doctrines, he would rise to a high pitch
of eloquence, impressing the truth on the minds and hearts
of his auditors with melting and subduing power." Several
powerful revivals were the result of his labors at Loudon and
Sanbornton Bridge. And during "those years when pro-
tracted meetings were common, he preached in all or most of
the towns in the limits of the Deerfield Association, with
remarkable power and success."
SUPPLEMENTARY. 125
267. REMINISCENCES OF ENOCH.
The following reminiscences, illustrating some points in
his character, may not be without interest :
A somewhat ludicrous incident is related as occurring on
one occasion in connection with a pulpit exercise. He was
preaching at Epsom, N. H., and announced for his text the
words : " Up, get ye out of this place, for the Lord will
destroy this city ! " casting his eyes at the same time up to
the gallery, where sat a colored woman, who, construing the
warning literally, instantly started and rushed out of the
house, as if the alarm of Fire ! had been sounded. (We
have this on the authority of Mrs. N. S. Webster, whose
father, Mr. Lord, player on the base viol, was at church on
that occasion.)
His expressions were often striking and original ; and the
novelty, as well as profusion, of his metaphors and compari-
sons would have made the father of similes " arch his eye
brows." He thus characterized, in a sentence, Dr. Lyman
Beecher : " He is not so eloquent as he is — ' Here I am, and
take care, I strike you dozvn .^ ' " " Sin," said he in a prayer,
" digs hell broad and deep, and fills it with flaming fire."
The facility with which converts were made by a certain set
of religionists, he compared to the method of turning out
bobbins by machinery. To a self-confident political opponent,
who seemed to him unwarrantably prone to shift his ground,
he indignantly said, — " You are like a plucked owl — pull his
wing-feathers out, and he'll go wob, wob, zvob ! '' Upon
another unstable character he was wont to bestow the original
(in spelling, at least) epithet of szvishy-szvashy.
He was a great reader, not only of books in his chosen
department, but in the field of general literature as well ;
possessing the faculty of imbibing and assimilating whatever
came in his way, and of holding it in readiness for future use.
126 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
He was equally fond of politics and poetry — had in fact a
poet's fancy, as well as manner of expression — and was as
much at home in cosmogony (his idea of it) as in theology.
He was a close observer of nature, whose modus operandi he
would sometimes explain on original principles, which would
not always perhaps stand the test of science.
He had a taste for agriculture and gardening, and knew
how especially to appreciate a fine horse. Although the
drudgery of farm-labor was less congenial to him than brain-
work, yet few could make a better showing with the scythe
in the hay-field, or apply their strength more effectually in
placing the bottom stone of a wall, or took greater delight in
heaping the corn-bin with its treasure of golden ears.
He possessed an enterprising, stirring nature ; was fond of
travel and adventure, and generally nothing loath to embark
in any new scheme which promised useful results. Essen-
tially a missionary in spirit, " he would willingly, it is under-
stood, have given himself to that work in a foreign field."
His sanguine, hopeful temperament made him an optimist.
"Attempt great things," (still more) "expect great things,"
was his mode of rendering the old adage.
He was a man of robust physical constitution, and capable
of great endurance. He would frequently sit up nearly all
night, preparing his discourses, and come forth fresh the next
day, with no indication of fatigue — the exercise seeming, on
the contrary, to be rather invigorating and recreative than
otherwise.
268. .SKILL IN SWIMMING.
We append the following from an article which appeared
in the Rays of Light in 1877 :
Mr. Corser was an excellent swimmer in his early days, and
instrumental in saving the lives of .several who were in danger
of drowning. He once performed the feat of swimming
SUPPLEMENTARY. 1 27
across Long Pond, in Boscawen, out and back, under circum-
stances which rendered the act an imprudent one, and from
the ill effects of which upon his health he was long a sufferer.
To his skill in swimming he once owed the preservation of
his own life. He was then preaching in Colebrook, N. H.
The circumstances, as related by him in a letter, were as
follows :
"I arose on the morning of the third instant [June, 18 16]
with a feeling of pain and dizziness in my head, and in order
to remove it walked out with a friend, and in my walk crossed
Connecticut River in a boat, just above a mill-dam. Having
finished my walk I left my friend, and set out to return alone.
I came to the river, jumped into the boat, and not doubting
my skill in paddling, shoved off for the opposite shore.
When I had arrived at the middle of the river, I perceived
that the current had wafted me quite down to the edge of the
dam ; and there was now left me no choice, but either to go
over the dam in the boat and be dashed to pieces on the
massy rocks below, or to trust my life to my skill in swim-
ming. I hesitated not for a moment, but chose the latter,
and jumped into the stream, with my boots, hat, gloves, and
clothes all on. How deep the water was I know not, but I
went over head and ears and found no bottom. Now the
next thing was — for the shore, towards which I made with
every exertion, and which, after a long and hard struggle,
against the current and with my sinking clothes, I safely
reached, with no other loss than that of my boat, which went
over the dam and was dashed to pieces, and of my mittens
which were in my hat. [The hat was afterwards found, toss-
ing upon the water below the falls.] I got, however, a pretty
thorough wetting, and hope I am taught by it this lesson — -
never again to put my life in manifest danger, or trust a rich
cargo at a distance from land in the hands of an unskilful
pilot." Of this occurrence he thus writes in his diary :
128 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
" Monday 3d, this week, God brought me near to death
and brought me back ; I would praise Him for his deHverance,
This day, O God, do I see thy hand in mercy stretched out to
save a poor, feeble, vile, unworthy, hell-deserving creature
from the watery grave ; literally do I see thy promise fulfilled
in me — ' When thou passest through the waters, I will be
with thee, and through the rivers, they shall not overflow
thee.' "
269. JANE'* (cORSER) WADLEIGH (74).
"Jane's sweethart," writes one of her brothers in 1809,
" has been up from Newbury again." Two years later " Jane's
sweethart " came up for the last time, and carried home his
bride. The happy pair take this philosophical view of the
" situation " in a letter written not long after, dated at Salis-
bury, Mass., Nov. II,, 181 3 :
" By the subscription of this you will perceive that we have
entered the marriage state. Whatever may be the opinion of
those who are strangers to a union of hearts, respecting con-
nubial felicity, we still are confident in believing, that the
happiness arising from the marriage state (when entered into
with proper views and feelings) is greatly superior to that
which is found in a single life. There may be many little
anxieties and cares peculiarly attendant upon us in our new
situation, but since it is our duty, our pleasure, and the study
of our lives to render each other as happy as possible, we may
safely presume that our situation will be attended by no real
disadvantages."
The letter concludes as follows : " We left our friends at
Boscawen well on the 30th of October, but are sorry to
inform you of the decease of grandmother Blasdell ; she died
last Sunday (Nov. 7) after a short illness of a few days, pre-
vious to which she had been as well as could be expected for
so old a person." (Signed, " Joseph and Jane Wadleigh,"
and addressed to" Mr. Enoch Corser, Salem, Mass.")
SUPPLEMENTARY. 1 29
270. CALEB B.5 CORSER (l57).
Col. Caleb B. Corser, second son of David and Judith
(Burbank) Corser, was born in Boscawen, N. H., Oct. 14,
1803. His father's family emigrated to Western New York,
settling first near Canandagua, about the year 18 16. Soon
after this, the family made a final removal to Ogden, Monroe
Co., purchasing a farm of 300 acres of land, 7 miles west of
Rochester, on what is known as the Spencerport road.
At the time of the purchase, " Gov. Clinton's big ditch,"
the Erie Canal, was just being completed, and Rochester,
now (1877) a city of 100,000 inhabitants, was then but a vil-
lage with a water-power.
The beautiful Genesee country was only broken here and
there by settlements overshadowed by the splendid forests
which covered the intermediate leagues. The unrivalled
beauty of these forests had but little attraction for the pioneer,
who was at once confronted with the question of their dis-
posal.
The problem was solved by Caleb and his elder brother by
fire and axe; and soon the farm at " Corser's Corners"
became a landmark.
Col. Corser married Henrietta L. Spencer, of Spencerport,
N. Y., Oct. 12, 1828, and after her death, occurring in 1840,
married, Oct. 12, 1841, R. Maria Chapman, of E. Haddam,
Conn., who survives him.
The one marked trait in the cliaracter of Mr. Corser —
the corner-stone upon which he built — was a prompt and
full discharge of every duty. His word was indeed " as
good as a bond," and the fulfillment of his word never lagged
behind the promise.
He possessed an eminently calm, impartial, and judicial
mind ; and during a continuous service of 20 years as a mag-
istrate, not a single decision was overruled by a higher court.
130 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
Always keenly alive to passing events in the social and
political world, he kept even step with the ideas of the age ;
and although very plain and economical in matters purely
personal, in his family, and as a citizen, he was broadly
liberal.
Col. Corser brought from his early home a splendid physi-
cal organization, which never failed him. He was of medium
height and weight, with a frank, open face, and genial
manner.
The military instincts of the Corser family carried him into
a regiment of riflemen, of which he was in command at the
time of an outbreak on the Canada frontier ; but aside from
the title, by which all of his earlier friends recalled his mili-
tary service, no importance attaches to this part of his life.
He was never a place-hunter, having too much regard for
his own business to devote himself exclusively to the business
of others ; yet he was constantly called upon to serve the
public in positions of honor and trust. In two successive
sessions of the Legislature in which he served, he evidenced
his unquestioned integrity and excellent judgment.
The burden of years indicated the wisdom of retiring from
farm-labor and care, and in 1863 he removed to [Brighton
near] Rochester, where, in a beautiful, quiet home, near Mt.
Hope, he gained new friends, and retained all the old.
Oct. 24, 1874 — the 71st anniversary of his birth — found
him in the full enjoyment of life and health ; but a fatal
malady was creeping upon him, and after a few months of
pain, borne without a word of impatience or repining, and
during which the ruling habits of his life bore full sway, lead-
ing him to make methodical arrangement of every detail of
his business, and to include in this, careful thought for his
burial, he died April 26, 1875, leaving an example of a full
and complete life, which all who knew him will remember.
E. S. Corser.
SUPPLEMENTARY. I 3 I
271. THE BLASDELL FAMILY (31).
Damel' Blasdell, of Salisbury, Mass., b. about 1730, is
supposed to have been connected with the family of
Ralph Blasdell, one of the original townsmen of Salis-
bury, and Henry Blasdell, admitted freeman of Ames-
bury, 1690. Remarried Rachel Edwards, whose father,
a ship-carpenter, came from England. She also had a
brother, who followed the same calling. Possibly the
family was connected with that of Matthew Edwards,
admitted freeman of Rowley, 1669. She died Nov. 7,
18 1 3, aged upwards of 90 years. (See 269.) Mr.
Blasdell owned 12 acres of land on Salisbury Point, a
slice of which he left to each of his daughters, Ruth
excepted, who married David Corser, because, as he
said, or surmised, her husband had once got the better
of him in a trade. It was "all about " a yoke of oxen,
we believe, purchased by Mr. B. of David. Daniel' was
the father of 9 children :
Hannah'^ (Blasdell), whom. Asa Day ; lived in Boscaweii, and later in
Hanover, where he died. Among their children were : Dolbj^ (t>a,y),
b. in B., INIay 7, 1794, who m. a Mr. Dow, of Strafford, Vt. ; Polly^
(Day), who m. a brother of the preceding ; and Sally^ (l^a-y)-
Rhoda^, b. in Salisbury, Mass., about 1750, who married Hoyt, of
Weare, N. H. She was the mother of 11 children, ' of whom
Betsey^ (Hoyt) m., 1st, Joslyn, of Henniker, 2d, Jonathan
Straw, of Warner, where she d. April 2, 1876, aged 101 years, 2
months, and 22 days.
Enos^ (Hoyt), b. Oct. 15, 1795, was a physician of eminence in
iVorthfield, N. H., and later in Framingham, Mass. He m. Grace,
daughter of Asa Crosby, M. D., of (xilmanton, N. H., and had 5
children : George'^, M. D., Alpheus\ M. D., Dixi\ M. D., Grace\ and
Fanny*. Grace m. Bigelow, of Framingham, and is the only
surviving child (1891).
Daniel^ (Hoyt), a resident of Sandwich, X. H., was the father of
OtisS M. D., of Framingham, and John-^, M. D., of Xatick, Mass.,
both deceased.
RacheP, b. about 1752 ; m. John^ Corser, of Boscawen (31).
132 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
»
Ruih^ b. 1756 ; m. David" Corser, of B. (32).
DanieP, settled iu Maine.
Betsey'^, d. young.
Polly^, ni., 1st, Colby, '2d, Sweatt, both of Salisbury, Mass.,
by each of whom she had 4 children.
Dolly^, m. Colby, of Maine.
NaomiP; m. Adam Wadleigh, of Salisbury, Mass.
272. THE FITZGERALD FAMILY (29,35).
Edward' FitzGerald (name often written simply Gerald),
was one of the first settlers of Boscawen, He was a
native of Ireland, b. probably about 1718 ; came from
Newbury to B. ; m., about 1 740, Mehitable Uran (sister
of John), who d. 1808, aged 90. His residence was on
the southern slope of the hill, some three-quarters of a
mile below the Plain, on the road leading to Concord.
The house is no longer standing. His children were:
Jane'^, b. Jan. 12, 1742 ; m. Asa^ Corser (38).
Mary^, b. Jan. 24, 1744.
Sarah\ b. Feb. 14, 1746 (or 1747) ; m. SamueF Corser (29).
JameiP' (twin), b. Aug. 10, 1748 ; d. in the army at Ticonderoga.
Rebecca?- (twin), b. Aug. 10, 1748; m., 1776, Oliver Hoit, of B., who
moved to Concord (Horse Hill), 1772.
Edward'^, Lieut., b. Oct. 24, 1751 ; m., 1775, Abbyneezer^ Corser (35) ;
d. Nov. 21, 1817.
Susanna?, b. Oct., 1753 ; m. John P. Sweatt, 1773.
Dorcat?, b. May 15, 1756 ; m. David Carter.
Rachel'^, b. July 9, 1758 ; m. Samuel Morse.
John?, b. July (or June) 10, 1761 ; m., 1786, Polly* Corser (42).
Marthd\ b. June 10, 1766 ; m., 1786, James* Corser (41). This was
the fifth of the FitzGerald family (2 sons and 3 daughters, all told)
who became connected by marriage with the Corser family.
AVhethei- there was a dearth of sweethearts then and there, or the
FitzGeralds possessed a monopoly in that line, the record does not
enlighten us.
The surname FitzGerald is one of considerable antiquity,
as well as distinction, figuring in EngHsh history as early as
1 169. The most celebrated of the name perhaps (not
excepting even the famous one of Byron's satiric line — " Let
SUPPLEMENTARY. 1 33
hoarse FitzGerald bawl ! ") was Lord Edward FitzGerald, of
Ireland, son of the first Duke of Leinster, b. 1752, who, as
aide-de-camp of Lord Rawdon in the American Revolution,
was severely wounded at the Battle of Eutaw Springs (Sept.
8, 1 781), and afterwards, in a violent attempt, with the aid of
French troops, to effect the independence of Ireland, was
seized and condemned to death, but died of his wounds before
the execution of the sentence.
It is not improbable that the Boscawen pioneer was an off-
shoot from the same original stock with his renowned country-
man and namesake, Lord Edward ; though whether he
possessed the required abilities for a military leader, may be
questioned. Sufificient glory, however, that he very nearly
led the town in the size of his family, though eclipsed in this
respect by his son, Lieut. Edward — here, indeed, the military
instinct comes to the surface — who was the father of 15
children.
273. PROF. LUCIAN HUNT {72).
[As preliminary to our sketch of the Professor, written for
the most part several years ago, we may insert the following
from the local item column of the Portlatid Argus of Aug.
25, 1900: "Prof. Lucian Hunt, of Gorham, passed Wed.,
the 22d, at Old Orchard, as the guest of his friend, Prof.
Corser, a prominent citizen of New Hampshire." Mr. H.,
we may state, came out especially, on this occasion, while his
"prominence" from the Granite State was seeking diversion
on a sea-level for a brief space, to hear the Hon. Cabot
Lodge and other big Rep. guns utter their voice on the polit-
ical issues of the day.]
Prof. Hunt, our quondam associate in teaching, to whom
also we claim a possible relationship through our maternal
ancestress, Anne Hunt, who married Henry Sewall (see
Scivall Genealogy), — which fact, coupled with a desire to per-
petuate in our record the name and fame " {jioinen deciisqtiey
134 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
of our life-long friend, and fellow (book) traveler as well, in
studious years, by Ilium's sacred streams, and 'mid Mantua's
groves (where, "sub tegmine fagi," our friend has lingered so
long and so lovingly), is our apology, if one is needed, for
adding his silho7tette to our portfolio of pictures ; — the Profes-
sor, we say, was born in Cabot, Vt., Jan. 17, 1822, whence he
removed with his parents at an early age to Sanbornton,
N. H., the birthplace of his father, Anthony Hunt, where
he resided till his father's removal, about 1850, to the adjoin-
ing town of Northfield.
Educated principally (though owing scarcely less to his
own independent exertions, for he is stiidiosit-s par excellence,
and in large measure self-taught) in the Sanbornton schools,
— of which the academy at the Bridge was in operation in
i838-'40, a part of the time under the instruction of Rev.
Enoch Corser, and later, for a number of years, under the
supervision of Prof. Dyer H. Sanborn ; Mr. Hunt meantime
making the most of the opportunities thus afforded him for
acquiring an education, the range of his studies including,
besides the usual English course (supplemented, we must not
omit to add, by a thorough and practical training in the
elocutionary art), the Latin, Greek, French, and German
languages, — he entered upon his chosen profession of teach-
ing, first in district schools, and later as academical instructor,
in which capacity he has taught with distinguished success
(for a born teacher he is, and one who has not mistaken his
calling) in the academies of Marlow and Mount Vernon,
N. H., Standish, Me., and Bernardstown (Powers Institute)
and P^almouth (Lawrence Academy), Mass. He was also
instructor for some years in the P^lliot school in Boston.
He has followed the profession almost uninterruptedly for
above 30 years, being now (1882) principal, with no apparent
abatement of his efficiency, of McCollom Institute, Mount
Vernon.
SUPPLEMENTARY. 135
The honorary degree of A. M. was conferred upon him in
1863 by Middletown Coll., Conn. In 1880 he delivered a
centennial address at Northfield, N. H., which was after-
wards published in the Granite MotitJily, and which he has
since been solicited by the town authorities — an appropria-
tion having been voted for the purpose — to expand into an
extended history of the town. {Later — Said task he has
since fulfilled, to a partial extent at least, in compiling the
sketch prepared by him for the recently published History of
Merrimack and Belknap Counties. This was in 1885, about
which time, we may add, the Professor closed his pedagogical
labors, and has since — in the retirement of his pleasant home
in Gorham, Me., surrounded by his books, a very valuable
and choice collection numbering some 3,000 volumes —
devoted himself chiefly to literary pursuits.)
Mr. H. was married in 1863 to Miss Caroline Higgins, an
estimable lady of Standish, Me., who died at Gorham, May
4, 1897. He has acquired withal a sufficiency of this world's
goods — $90,000, perhaps, would not be an overestimate —
not a bad showing certainly for a humble follower in the foot-
steps of Francis Glass and Dominie Sampson — of which he
contributes freely to the necessities of others, and has earned
the lasting gratitude of thousands of pupils, whose footsteps
he has guided in their toilsome journey up the Hill of
Science.
274. The Pegasus (10).
{^'Sai'tor Resaj'tus,'' or Some Nczvspaper Stitching RcstitcJted.)
To the Editor of P. a)id P. : It seems to us that one of
your correspondents has gone pretty deeply into the business
of wool-gathering — having, in fact, a pretty thick padding of
the article in question pulled over his eyes — in a late com-
munication to your paper, in which he compares a certain
miserable Rosinante he describes to the immortal winged
horse — which he degrades to a " Gothic steed," whatever he
136 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
may mean by that — of antiquity, known as Pegasus. This,
we think, of all "odorous comparisons " or imputations will
bear away the palm.
Pegasus, be it known, was of no dubious breed of Gothic
coursers, but one of the finest creations of Grecian mythol-
ogy, immortalized by Homer and Hesiod and Ovid, "the
favorite of the Muses and the pet of the gods." His abode
was on Mt. Helicon, and with his hoof he raised the famous
fountain of Hippocrene, sacred to the Muses. After his ter-
restrial career, he was honored by Jupiter with a place among
the stars. Who has not traced out the beautiful constella-
tion of Pegasus, visible nearly overhead on any bright evening
in the early part of winter ? Pegasus a Gothic steed indeed !
We trust our friend M. will be satisfied with this attempt
of ours to relieve her favorite "bird" from the stigma so
unjustly cast upon him.
Cursor.
275. "SQUIRE CORSER's DAUGHTER " (ll).
The passage alluded to is found in Chap. XVH of " Cripps
the Carrier." Cripps relates how he was "counteracted for
to carry a pig," which got away from him. "Three pounds,
12 shillings and four pence he cost me in less than three-
quarters of a mile of road. Seemeth he smelled some apples
somewhere, and he went through a chancy clock, and a violin,
and a set of first-born babby linen for Squire Corser's
daughter." Allusion is also made in Chap. XXVI to the
Squire's better half. " Squire Corser had married a new sort
of wife, with a tendency towards the nobility ; wherefore a
monthly wash was out of keeping with her loftier views,
though she had a fine kitchen-garden ; and she cried till the
Squire put the whole of it out, and sent it every week [by
Cripps] to Berkley [Cripps' place of residence, near Oxford]."
The story of " Cripps the Carrier," though not a c/te/-d'ceuvre,
is a meritorious work, novel and interesting, and will well
repay perusal.
SUPPLEMENTARY. 1 3/
276. CORSOUR, CORVISER AND CORSERE (6, 7).
The passage alluded to (No. 6), under the heading " Le
Corsour," is as follows : " Our ' Corsers ' or ' Cossers,' little
altered from the former ' Le Corsour,' represent the obsolete
' Horse-monger,' the dealer in horse-flesh." To which is
added in a marginal note the following : " In the Rolls of Par-
liament special mention is made of the king's coiser, he who
acted as the King's agent in regard to the purchase of horses.
A certain 'Johannes Martyr,' corsere [as the word was also
spelled — see Halliwell's Diet, of Archaic ivords\, occurs in an
old Oxford record, dated 145 1." The above is from Bards-
ley's " Our English Surnames," an English publication of
recent date, to be found in the Boston Public Library.
Of Con'iser (shoemaker) the author has this to say :
" 'Wm. Le Corviser ' from the same records [Plundred Rolls],
or ' Durand Le Corviser,' held a name which struggled for some
time for a place, but had finally to collapse." Ditto, also, he
says, of Cobbler {O. F. "lecobeler," H. R.). "'Cosier' (shoe-
patcher) has fared better, as have 'Clouter' and ' Cloutman,'
relics of the old ' John ' or ' Stephen ' le clutere, why I do not
know."
CORSERE.
In Halliwell's Diet, above-mentioned the word "Corsere"
is thus defined : " A horseman ; also a war-horse, as in Todd's
Illustrations, p. 214 ; and sometimes a horse-dealer."
In Matzner's Diet, of Old English {Altenglisches Worten-
biich, 1885), the word Corser (f^oreser, or Courser') is defined
as follows :
" S. M-Lat. O/rj-fr^iproxeneta, wie von demselben stam-
ine, a. fr. coretier, n. fr. courtier. Pferde-Makler oder-
handler." The same rendered into linglish :
10
138 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
Substantive, Middle-Latin Cursor, equivalent to proxeneta
[Latin (from Greek) for agent or broker] ; as from the same
root, old French coretier, modern French courtier. Horse-
trader or dealer."
" The corscr seyd, ' Tak me that goold.' " — Octavian, 818.
" Florente answered to the corscre.'' — Oct., 811.
In old French, or Provencal, we find the forms corsor and
corsour used adjectively, signifying running or flowing
{coiilant), as in the following examples from Godfrey's Diet,
of Old French : " Lait corsour " (flowing milk).
" Amors, Amors,
Pres m' avez au laz corso7'."
(Love, Love, you have taken me in a running noose.)
277. WILLIAM CORSER, ENGLISH AUTHOR.
Mention is made in Allibone's Dictionary of Authors, of
another supposed English divine, of the name, as follows :
" Corser, William, Fast ser. Lon. 1793, 4 to."
278. EXTRACTS
From letter (dated Nov., 1889) of George Sandford
Corser, Esq., Shrewsbury, Salop Co., Eng., addressed to
E. S. Corser.
EARLIEST TRACE OF NAME.
In a late " Calendar of Wills and Administrations relating
to Shropshire," the name of Margaret Corser, 1547, is found,
the earliest trace of the name we have as yet discovered. A
little later on (1548) we find Richard Cawsyar, and in 1551
William Corviser.
BRANCH OF THE SHROPSHIRE STOCK.
A Mr. John Corser and son, William Bidlake Corser, of
" 50 Garlands Road, Red Hill," a place between London and
Brighton, were born at Plymouth, the former in 1793. The
SUPPLEMENTARY. I 39
father of this John, also named John, is beheved to have been
born also at Plymouth about 1760. They are a branch of
the Shropshire family. (Letter from Wm. Bidlake C. to Geo.
Sandford C.)
ARMS OF G. SANDFORD CORSER.
The following description of the arms of " George Sand-
ford Corser, formerly of Whitchurch, but now of Shrews-
bury, Notary Public," as impressed upon the notarial seal
used by him, is from the " Transactions of the Shropshire
Archeological Society": '^ Corser oi Whitchurch, Arg. on
a chevron sa. three horses' heads couped of the first. Crest —
a Pegasus current, wings expanded."
NAME FOUND IN GLOVERS' CO.
Coj-s^'. is contraction found in list of apprentices of Glovers'
Co. Among the taverns and houses of entertainment
frequented by that guild or Co., is mentioned " Robert
Corser'^ (once), 1657."
ABBOT OF HAUGHMOND ABBEY.
" I have found in ' Extracts ' relating to Haughmond
Abbey, this sentence : ' Thomas Corvisor, last abbot, resigned
on a pension, Sept. 9, 1539.' This is 350 years ago, and is
the earliest indication of that name I have found ; from his
position he ought not to be an ancestor."
BAILIFFS OF BRIDGEWORTH, SHROPSHIRE.
1763 — William Corser, and .
1770 — John Corser, and .
1 794 — Thomas Corser, and
1799 — Thomas Corser, "
1804 — Thomas Corser, "
1 8 19 — Thomas Corser, "
140 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
FROM REGISTERS AT FREES, SHROPSHIRE.
John the son of Oiven Corser of Frees baptd 4 May, 1600.
John the Sonne of Owen Corser oi Frees buried 25 May, 1600.
Joh7i the son of Hugh Corviser of the Heats [Heaths?] bap
10 Aug. 1623.
Corviser oi Darleston buried 9 Ap. 1645.
John the son of Hugh Corinsor of the Heats buried 4
Mar. 1658.
John the son of Joh7i Corvesor of Darlestone bapt. 25
Oct. 1660.
Joh7i Corvisor oi Darleston was buried 27 Nov. 1667.
John Corser oi Darleston buried 21 Oct. 1684.
John Corser son oi John Corser of Darleston bapf^ 16 June,
1696.
279. NATHAN-* CORSER (84).
(Corrected from record of Leeman Corser, of date Nov.
16, 1890.) • •
Nathan^ (William^, John"), b. about 1782 ; went early to
N. Y. ; m. (as supposed) Ann Freeman ; d. in N. Y.
about 1839, a- 57- Children:
Freemarfi.
Caroline^.
HiramP, b. 1818 (178).
George^. Susan^. Elvira^.
Leeman^, b. about 1826 ; res. in Greig, Lewis Co., N. Y. ; m. about
1847. Children: Frank^, b. 1848; Jennie^ b. 1851; Edgar^, b.
1855 ; Charlotte^, b. 1861 — " all married."
Eliza^. Harriet^. Eveline^. Orlow^. — Of this family, Freeman is believed
to have gone to sea ; all deceased except Leeman, Susan and Eliza.
"The record of the family," says Leeman, "got lost when father
died."
SUPPLEMENTARY. I4I
280. GALA DAYS.
POEM BY MARGARET (gOULD) CORSER (171).
Sun upon the mountain top,
Breezes down below,
All the world a-junketing,
All upon the go.
Pink and purple morning-glories
Tremble in the air,
Red and amber corn silks
Flaunting everywhere.
Russet-brown butterflies
Sip the golden weather,
Ranging on a maple leaf
Hours and hours together.
Children shout and tumble in
Among the arbor vines,
Tender globes a-blushing with
The glow of royal wines.
Leap the trains the mountain gorge,
Humanity's astir ;
Life times its beating pulses in
The whirr, whirr, whirr !
Hans and Katrine rush along
The world's great show to see.
And shake a cordial greeting
With the old countrie.
The tropics clasp in finger-tips
The Northland's frigid palm,
While nations chant in choruses
A jubilistic psalm.
142 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
Ambition makes its little speech,
And sings its little song ;
Cheers ring out a thousand, and
The pageant moves along.
A hundred lights, a hundred towers,
Shine like a crystal sea ;
And anthems from a hundred bells
Swell in a symphony.
O rare, rich halcyon days !
Days all too bright to last :
Too soon your oriental bloom
Will grow into the past.
The lights, the scenes, the actions all,
Will vanish like a dream.
And other tides of human life
As real as this will seem ;
And festal songs, and garlands gay.
White harvests gathered home ;
And sea, and sky, and tender moons,
A hundred years to come.
281. All About Bermuda.
letter from emma j. courser (203).
(Addressed to Adeline G. Pillsbury.)
Hamilton Hotel,
Hamilton, Bermuda, March i, 1891.
My dear Addie, — * * j suppose you will want me to
commence at the beginning, so I will tell you about my sea-
voyage.
We left New York late Thursday, p. m., Dec. 18, and had
a pleasant sail down the harbor, and I retired before we were
out of sight of land. I enjoyed the trip very much, and am
SUPPLEMENTARY. I 43
happy to say that I was not at all sea-sick, but was able to be
on deck all the time. I was the only female able to be out,
and the Captain said I must be an " old tar." It was simply
grand with nothing but the blue sky, and the blue, blue ocean
to be seen.
* * My first sight of Bermuda made it seem like fairy-
land, as it was just after a sunrise Sunday morning. The
only native tree of any size is the red cedar, and you have no
idea how pretty the white houses looked among the trees on
the hillside, as we sailed past the islands and into the harbor.
A pilot came out 20 miles and took charge of the steamer,
the harbor being a dangerous one. The coral reefs reach out
for many miles from the islands in every direction. The
houses are all built of limestone, and most of them have green
blinds. They are small cottages, as a rule, and are pure
white, roof and all. Our hotel is the highest building on the
island except the light-house, and is only five stories. I like
here very much, yet would not care to spend my life here,
no, not for the whole island. * * Among the hotel people,
there is one lady here that I knew at Kineo, who is very agree-
able company, and we have fine times going about. * *
The churches are all pretty, but rather small. I like espe-
cially to attend the colored church. They of course have fine
singing, and their pastor is very smart.
It is delightfully warm and very nice here all the time.
The thermometer stands at about 72^ during the day. About
Christmas time it was down to 56° one day, and the natives
called it very cold.
I have gathered many pretty shells and other pretty things
to take home. Beautiful roses grow here in abundance — the
same that grow in our greenhouses at home. * The Easter
lily is just beginning to bloom, and is a very beautiful and
fragrant flower.
This is a quaint old place, and people are never in a hurry
(the natives, I mean). You would imagine that they had
144 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
hundreds of years to liv^e. * * The inhabitants number
about 1, 600, half of whom are colored. The colored people
are splendid. We have several of the boys in the dining-
room, and they are very kind, much more so than the girls.
There are no wells or springs here, so the only fresh water
we get is the rain^ which is caught and runs into huge tanks
under ground. * * We get plenty of fruit, and it is cheap
too. Some of the native fruit that is not exported is very
fine. * * We have but one mail a week here, and that on
Monday morning.
282. I'LL THINK OF THEE.
POEM BY L. A. F. CORSER (72).
When the mora is faintly breaking,
When the early birds are waking-
Joyful notes so wild and free,
Then, oh then, I'll think of thee !
When the beams of morn are kissing
Blushing flowers with dew-drops glist'ning,
Then with hasty steps I'll flee,
Choicest flowers to cull for thee.
When with noiseless footsteps treading,
Night advances, softly shedding
Mildest radiance o'er the lea,
Then, oh then, I'll think of thee !
When soft slumber's o'er me stealing.
And sweet visions are revealing
All thy wonted charms to me.
Then, oh then, I'll think of thee !
When before my Maker bending.
And my voice in prayer's ascending.
There, while on the bended knee,
Then, oh then, I'll think of thee !
(Signed) Eva.
LUCRETIA ANNA FRENCH^ CORSER (72).
supplementary. 1 45
283. Life in Colorado,
letter from norman d. corser (2 1 8).
BuENA Vista,
Chaffee Co., Colorado, Feb. lo, 1888.
Cousin Bartlett, — Your welcome letter of Jan. 28th came
duly to hand, and has been read with pleasure by us all. * *
We would like much to revisit old scenes, and much more
to meet old friends back in the East, and have to confess to
a lingering liking for old New England and its advantages ;
for however much we may like out here, we are not prepared
to admit that there is any better spot on the continent than
the old " Granite State."
Buena Vista is beautifully located, with the finest mountain
scenery I ever beheld. Why, Pike's Peak is rather small with
us, for we live in the immediate shadow of those high peaks,
from any one of which we can look down upon the top of
Pike's Peak. What is called the " Collegiate Range," Mts.
Princeton, Yale, and Harvard, form the western side of our
valley here, which is about 6 miles in width, being in length
about 30 miles. Our town is at the northern end, and stand-
ing here and looking south, the view I do not think can be
surpassed in the world, and the climate is as fine as the view ;
for although the mountain tops and sides lie many feet under
the snow, the ground and the streets here are bare, and we
have no snow. We have had thus far this winter only two
snow-falls, not more than two inches at either time, and the
first sunshine generally causes the snow quickly to disappear.
You would be amused at the ludicrous efforts of the people
here to secure what they call a sleigh-ride when there hap-
pens to be a light fall of snow. An old box fixed on to some
barrel staves seems to be quite the thing. I hav n 't had a
sleigh-ride since we left New Hampshire, almost 9 years ago.
146 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
But in spite of all that, there is no lack of snow hereabouts,
if you wish to find it, and snow-slides are numerous, and fatal
too often when they overwhelm some poor miner or prospector
who is foolhardy enough to brave them. We have not been
out of sight of snow for 7 years.
We live at an elevation of 7,500 feet. We don't realize
that we are perched up more than a thousand feet higher than
the top of Mt. Washington, but such is the fact.
We have as fine mineral springs within a few miles of town
as can be found anywhere. Hot enough to cook eggs, and
warranted to cure all the ills that flesh is heir to.
And further than this, we have minerals enough in this
county to pay the national debt, and with as fine marble as
old Vermont can produce, with lime-rock scattered every-
where.
Our altitude limits us as to crops. Corn does not ripen,
nor will any kind of vines do well, but oats, barley, wheat,
potatoes, turnips, peas, beets and such things, grow to per-
fection, and such cabbages you never saw ! Some of our
products took the first premium at Denver last fall.
* * Our daughter's name is Mary Fielding Corser. I
thought that I must try and perpetuate good aunt Mary's
name ; if she receives a reward for her good deeds, she will
sit far above some of us, I think. * *
Very truly yours,
N. D. Corser.
SUPPLEMENTARY. I 47
284. LETTER FROM DAVID^ CORSER (32).
(Addressed to " ]\Ir. Enoch Corser student of Middlebury
College Vermont.")
Beloved son) I would in form you that we are all in good
health through the goodness of God. there has nothing taken
place of aney Spechel nature Sence you left home ; I have
put ten dollars in this letter for you. I saw Mr. Bliss a few
days Sence. he then said he intended to enter Middlebury
College and Some others with him after August vacation,
and I intend to convay a horse to you by him if I do not come
myself, if I do not hear from you, please to Send me a letter
as Soon as you receive this.
this from your loving father
David Corser,
285. letter from david"* corser (69).
(Addressed to " Enoch Corser, ^liddlebury Coll.")
BOSCAWEN AUGU. II*'' 1809.
Dear Brother, We take this oppertunity to send our love
to you, that we are all well hoping these lines will find you
enjoying the same blesing. I received your letter and took
much pleasure in reading it, and I took good care of the
remaining part.
I am don a heying & father is almost done, there is grait
crops of hey, but grain is a bout one third part cut short.
Corn looks as though we should not have a half crop.
Frances has bin very sick, but is now as well as ever. Silas
is a bout the same as ever. Jane's sweet hart has bin up a
gain, and we expect you down in a bout six weeks to go to
newbury with us. as time cuts short so I bid you a dieu. this
is from your brother & friend
David Corser 3d.
148 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
286. LETTER FROM DAVID^ CORSER (32).
(To " Mr. Enoch Corser, Salem.")
BoscAWEN, Sept. ^^ i^' 18 12.
Beloved Son) I take this opertunity to inform you that we
are in good health hoping you injoy the Same blessing, the
season has been very wet and Corn very backward and poor
and hay very badle hurt by the wet weather before it could be
made. William Adams and famely are att my house. Silas
is in trouble for money. He has been called upon by Six or
Seven pearsons for money and he must make out fifty dollars
or must go to gail for there is no money here, if it is in
your power to help me to some cash to relieve your poor
brother (* * *) l should be glad. I shall send your
trunk to you by mr Plumer. please to send a letter of your
well fare, this from your loving father
David Corser.
If you can send up those Spoons by mr. Plumer I should
be glad. I do not want them for myself but want them for
to yous in the family.
287. LETTER FROM DAVID^ CORSER (32).
(To "Mr. Enoch Corser, Danvers.")
October ^^ 17''' 18 12.
Dear and beloved Son) I would inform you that we injoy
the blessing of health hoping these lines will find you well.
I have nothing new to right, only everything wears a glumey
aspect, the crops are very Short and money very Scarce.
be prudent as you can of money. I am oblidge to pay mr.
Knight next week, he is called upon [to pay] five hundred
Dollars for being bound for Esq'" Dix. Remember me to all
my friends. I would be glad if you would buy of mr. Pool a
stout side of Soleather, and send it up by mr. Plumer, for
leather is poor Scarce and dear here, please to send me a letter
of your health and afaires.
David Corser.
SUPPLEMENTARY. I 49
288. LETTER FROM DAVID'' CORSER (69).
(Addrest to "Enoch Corser, Danvers, Mass.")
B(3SCAWEN, April ii*'' 1814.
Honord. Brother, In answer to your letter I think it will
not be to your satisfaction in every perticular, for you
wrote that you should like to board with me, which I should
have done with pleasure but I have moved up to water-street
which will not accomudate you I think.
You wrote to have me rite in perticular about your steying
any longer in that place. I don't like to give my opinion in
ful for it may be to your disadvantage, the only way
that I know of is to strive for the thing that you think is
Wright. You know that you have been there some time and
it appears to me that you might do better in some other plase
which you never will know untill you try. You wey the
matter for yourself and not blame me.
I now calculate to set out to see the western country 25 of
this month if nothing happens more than I know of now. I
should like your company very well. I have heard from
Stephen Webster and he lives within about twelve miles of
Saccets harbor, he keeps a grait tavern and supposes to be
worth property. Father talks of going this summer to see
Webster, but if you think of going with me you can do
father's business. I have nothing more in perticular to write,
only we all enjoy a good state of health, please to write by
the first male if you donot come up. Your friend and brother,
David Corser, 3*^.
150 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
289. FROM THE JOURNAL OF DAVID^ CORSER (32).
(Copied from the Lcbanonian, Lebanon, N. H., of March
25, 1899.)
David Corser, great-grandfather (Luke'*, Henrys) of Mrs.
Clara C.^ Churchill, served at the Battle of Bennington ; as
did also her great-grandfather, Joseph Clough ; both enlisting
July 20, I jj'], the former from Boscawen, in Capt. Kimball's
Company, Stickney's Regiment, the latter from Canterbury,
in Sias's Company.
" Boscawen was, during the war, a hot-bed of Tories, and
Mr. Corser suffered greatly at their hands, as the following
entries in a journal kept by him will prove :
' April 26, Ijg8. — Then my barn was set on fire.'
'May 20, I'jgS. — Then was 39 of my apple-trees pealed.'
^ Aug. 12, lygS. — Then my sley was stolen out of my
barn.'
' Oct., Ijg8. — Then was my horse stolen at Amherst, out
of Jonathan & J. K. Smith's barn.'
'July 16, lygg. — Then was 25 of my apple-trees pealed.'
'July 21, l']g(). — Then was my mear shot and killed.'
'Aug. 2^, ijgg. — Then was my horse shot.''
' Sept. I J, //^p. — Then was my boards and plank burnt.'
* Sept. 26, IJ()(). — Then was two balls shot into my house.'
(These bullets remained in the casing until the house was
burned a few years ago.) [A mistake this last — the house is
still standing on Corser f^ill, now (1900) the property of
Hiram Tilton. The bullet marks may still be seen in the
casing. Mr. Corser occupied this house (which was built by
him) till 1809, when he removed to a house near the outlet of
Long Pond. This is the house that was burned (about 1885),
then owned by Mr. Austin. See 253.]
' April 22, 1800. — Then was 9 of my apple-trees cut down.'
'May, 1800. — Then was my pew destroyed in the upper
meeting-house.' "
in
m-
supplementary. 1 51
290. Family of William* and Anne" Corser (103).
(From Letter of Mrs. Berryman.)
William-* (Asa-% William^ John'), b. about 1780; res
Thetford, Vt.; d. June, 1855, at the res. of his son-i
law, John P. Parkhurst, White River Junction, Vt.,
where he was buried ; m., ist, his cousin Anne (dau. of
Simeon^) Corser, who d. 1828, a. 37 ; m., 2d, a Miss
Finnic. Children of Anne :
Benjamin^, b. in Thetford, Vt., 1810 ; " settled in northern N. H. ; "
had charge of R. R. station ; d. in Maine, 1853. (See 192a.)
Hira^, d. single, of consumption at Taftsville, Vt., 1844, a. 33 ; buried
at Thetford.
Acsah°, m., 1st, Clark, 2d, Read; lived and died in Dor-
chester, N. H. ; 5 children.
Lucy^, d. in infancy.
Harlow^, b. in Thetford, Vt., about 1815 ; lived and d. in South Brain-
tree, Mass. ; barn burned in 1879 (103) ; m. Hannah F. Parkhurst.
Children :
(1) Jane^, b. about 1840 (?) ; m., 1st, Lorenzo Dam, 2d, John Berg.
Three children : Martha Washington'' (Dam), b. 1867, who m.
John F. Dietrich, now (1899) of Boston, and has daughter
Daphne^, b. 1889 ; George Edgar' (Dam) ; Lorenzo JJ (Dam).
(2) Jess^.
(3) Addie^, who m. Paul de Lang.
Mary Ann^, b. at Thetford, Vt., Nov. 9, 1817 ; went to live at the age
of 11 with Elder Buzzell, Stamford, Vt., where she m., Dec. 27, 1840,
John P. Parkhurst (b. 1815). Six children :
(1) Oscar Mfi (Parkhurst), b. at Taftsville, Vt., Oct. 20, 1841 ; res.
in Springiield, Vt. ; served in the Rebellion.
(2) Mary £.«, b. in Lowell, Sept. 14, 1846.
(3) Ida Z.e, b. in Taftsville, Sept. 24, 1849.
(4) Edgar S.%b. at White River Junction, 1851.
(5) Louisa A.% b. March 23, 1856 ; d. Dec. 27, 1877, a. 21.
(6) Hattie J.^ (Parkhurst), b. in Norwich, Vt., Oct. 23, 1861 ; m.
Berryman ; letter from her to Paul de Lang, husband of her
cousin Addie^, dau. of Harlow Corser, dated at Taftsville, Wind-
sor Co., Vt., April 6, 1896, and signed Hattie P. Berryman, in
which most of these items are detailed.
152 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
Persist, m. Frederic Way, of Chester, Vt., a wealthy and influential
farmer; has one child, Addie^ (Way), who m. Abram Rowell, and
who has 2 children, Frederic^ (Rowell) and Anne^ (Rowell). Anue'^
m. a Smith, and has daughter Florence^ (Smith). Frederic" keeps
a hotel in Chester, Vt., and has one son, John^ (Rowell).
Charles^, m. Louisa (sister of Frederic) Way ; res. in Lebanon, Mo. ;
2 children, Frederic^, who shot himself, and Nellie^, mar.
Nicholas^, single, went West ; d. at Salem, Oregon, of dropsy, Sept.
23, 1887 ; " great Indian scout, trapper and hunter."
Anne^, d. young.
Children of 2cl wife :
Almira^, ni. David Haggett, of Norwich, Vt.
Robert^, served in War of the Rebellion ; " good boy " ; good singer
large and powerful man ; worked in a foundry.
Henry^.
George^.
William soon separated from his second wife, he
taking the two older of their four children, and she the
two younger. Of the latter nothing further is known.
He was living in Sutton, Canada, where he married his
first wife, when the war of 18 12 occurred ; whence, as
an American sympathizer, he was " warned out," forfeit-
ing a farm, which was confiscated. He came to Troy,
Vt., where he was enrolled a minute-man, and was en
route to Plattsburg when the battle there took place, but
did not arrive in season to participate in it. From Troy
he removed to Thetford, where, if Mrs. Berryman be
correct, his wife "had an own aunt (her mother's
sister), Louisa, who had married a Kilburn," living. Her
mother's maiden name, according to the record, was Lois
Severance. (See 40.)
William's children (first wife's), after the death of
their mother, were put out into different families, and
it fell to the lot of some of them to receive pretty harsh
treatment. Harlow was always the "good brother,"
kind-hearted and affectionate, of his sisters Mary Ann
and Persis.
supplementary. i 5 3
291. Nathaniel^ Corser(ii9).
(From Letter of Grace M.'' Corser, lo E. 46 St., Chicago,
111., of date Jan. 24, '97, to E. S. Corser.)
Dear Cousin, — I am, as you are probably aware, a stenog-
rapher, and am employed by the Postal Telegraph Cable Co.
Just before the holidays I had an opportunity to do extra
work, at night, for the Pullman Palace Car Co. * *
My mother has been quite ill, but is now greatly improved ;
she is so frail, however, that it will take some time for her
improvement to be noticed in avoirdupois. * *
My grandfather's name was Nathaniel [5th in descent
(Stephen-*, Samuel^ John-) from John']. He married Martha
Stevens. His children were :
(1) Clark Gookin [^]. of Benton, Lake Co., 111. P. O. address, Wau-
kegan, 111.
(2) Willard Snoic, of Warren, Lake Co., 111. P. O. address, Wauke-
gan, 111.
(3) John, of Battle Lake, Otter Tail Co., INIinn.
(4) Nathan.
(5) Austin.
(6) George, of Chicago, 111.
(7) Prudence, residence, as believed, in Mo.
(8) Harriet, residence in California.
Austin, my father, and uncle Nathan (both now deceased)
married sisters. My aunt (Margaret, Nathan's widow) mar-
ried a Stickney for her second husband. I always spend my
vacations at aunt Margaret Stickney's, or as she is more
familiarly known, "Aunt Mag's." She is our favorite aunt.
* * I hope, when I go out into the country, to be able to
obtain all the facts regarding the family from her, or from
uncle Clark Corser. * *
I have worked in Chicago ten years, and do not think I can
be blamed for looking forward to two weeks' vacation every
summer. I am very thankful that the way has been opened
11
154 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
for women to earn a living in the same manner as men ; for
It is sometimes necessary to have at the head of the house a
girl. At least it has proved so in our family, my only brother
having died at the age of 20, which was a very severe blow
to both mother and father, he being the eldest of the family
[three sisters surviving, Grace MJ, writer of the above,
Minnie^, and Lillian^ (record of E. S. C.)].
292. LETTER FROM GEN. JOHN A. DIX
(177,265) to Rev. Enoch Corser.
New York City, i Dec. 1864.
Rev. & dear Sii: : —
I had a letter this morning from my sister Louisa, in
which she makes pleasant mention of you. I was happy to
hear you were well and had not forgotten me or the fact that
my first lessons in the classics were from you. The taste has
never left me. During the last year, notwithstanding my
arduous duties, I have stolen time (chiefly from the night) to
read all the Latin poets. So you see your labors were not
lost on me, even after the lapse of half a century.
I enclose a photograph of myself taken in October — there-
fore one of the latest. I do not expect you to recognize your
pupil of 1 3 years of age.
I also send my remarks at a late New England festival,
giving, very briefly, my views in regard to the rebellion.
With my best wishes,
I am, very truly, yours,
John A. Dix.
Rev. Enoch Corser,
boscawen, n. h.
supplementary. 1 55
293. From Letter,
Dated July 14, 1896, of George Sandford Corser
(iia), Solicitor and Notary Public, Shrewsbury,
Salop Co., Eng.
Table (compiled by G. S. C.) of names of landowners of
the Corser surname appearing in " Return of Owners of
Land, 1873," for England and Wales, sometimes termed the
Modern Domesday Book, as follows : (See 294.)
"The 'Return of Owners of Land, 1873,' was obtained
for Parliament in consequence of an idea that there were very-
few small owners, and that plots of land were difficult of
attainment. The Return for England and Wales is compiled
in two thick large quarto books. That for Scotland and Ire-
land is not in the possession of the compiler. * * Every
holding of an acre and upwards is enumerated. * * j
proceed to comment on the Corsers named in the '■ Modern
Domesday,' as they appear in order in each county." (See
295.)
156
CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
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SUPPLEMENTARY. 1 57
295. COMMENTS.
^^ Chester — Henry, of Whitchurch — my maternal uncle
in respect of land held to create a vote in Cheshire.
Hereford — Henry G. J. — my cousin, son of Rev. Thomas
— his land as Rector of Burrington.
Kent — John B., I believe, a land-agent or surveyor —
settled at Seven Oaks — but one of the Wolverhampton
family. I mean to ascertain.
Lancaster — Rev. J., Stand —error for Thomas, my uncle,
Rector of Stand, but the property I take to be a private
estate he had in Lancashire, not church land.
Northampton — George S. — myself, in right of my wife,
but rent reduced 50^^. by agricultural depression. Same
county — Rev. Thomas — same man as before, in right of
church land, part of vicarage of Norton by Daventry.
Salop — George, of Newport — whom I surmise to be one
of the Sheriff Hales family.
Salop — Geo. S., of Shrewsbury — my Tilstock property,
since reduced one-half by losses you have been made aware
of.
Salop — John, of Moorhouse, Gent., and John, of Shipton
— are, or rather were when living, originally of Bridgnorth
or Wolverhampton branches, but I have never been able quite
to clear them up.
Salop — Mary, of Newport, was of the Sheriff Hales
family.
Salop — Of Mary, of Wellington, I know nothing — was
probably of the Sheriff H. branch.
Salop — Miss C., of Whitchurch, represents land now
owned by Richard Kidston Corser, my cousin, and myself,
and fields solely his by purchase. She was my maternal aunt.
Salop — Robert Corser, my uncle maternally, father of
Richard K. Address erroneous. He is the same as Robert,
of Red Hill, and owned a small farm near Hinstock, correctly
stated.
158 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
Salop — William, of Neenton — no doubt of Bridgnorth
extraction — places proximate.
Stafford —T\\^ Staffordshire owners both of Wolverhamp-
ton branch.
Sussex — My said uncle Robert, in respect of property
near Pevensey.
Warwick — Rev. John G. No such man there. It must
be Rev. Geo. James, of Burrington, not removed from Rate-
Book of Wolfhamcote Parish, Warwickshire, of which he was
incumbent before going to Burrington.
Worcester — The two Worcester owners are of the Wolver-
hampton Corsers ; and so, I believe, is the Brecknockshire
owner. The final entry,
Montgomery — means myself, but is inaccurate as to owner-
ship. It applies to land near Glanidloes, of which I was in
receipt of the rent as agent for mortgages. These have been
so long in possession as to have acquired ownership. But I
never was owner. * *
I will just add that I observed, during my search, ' Cosser '
twice in Dorsetshire, names really Scotch ; ' Cogser ' at Can-
terbury ; ' Cossey ' and ' Cossor ' in Norfolk. My examination
was made in June, '96, from vols, purchased by me, which I
have had bound for preservation. Copies are becoming
scarce, and a reprint very unlikely."
(Signed) G. Sandford Corser.
To Elwood S. Corser, Esq.,
Minneapolis, Minn.,
U. S. A.
SUPPLEMENTARY. 1 59
296. CONCERNING THE MOTTO.
Of not imfrequent occurrence, in Italian poesy, is the word
CoRSER in the sense here used, i. e., as a verb (ind. perf. of
correre ; corsi ; corsd), signifying (they) ran ; being the iden-
tical surname in form at an early stage of its development,
with features plainly indicating its family connection.
THE VESSEL
Referred to, if of any special significance here — described
as one of the small fleet of Columbus — what other, surely,
than the famous Piuta, if a name be sought for it .'* — return-
ing to a former landing-place on the coast, where several of
the crew had been left, apparently deserted by their com-
rades— may easily be supposed to typify (** in a manner " )
the frail bark spoken of elsewhere, ere while tossed upon the
waters, but now, under full sail, or with oars in strong hands —
^^ Pater ipse manu magna Portunus euntem
\_ImpeUans~\ "
(as we fancy we hear the learned Professor, an fait in sports
aquatic, quote from his favorite classic [Ae. 5. 241]) ; Anglicc :
Father Portunus with his "breadth of hand "
Impelling straight our caravel to land,
— in fair prospect, we are pleased to say, of a speedy entrance
into port.
Now shore-ward — our returning ship
To welcome, as from merry trip !
VOYAGING STILL IN ORDER.
Would that (in this view) it could have taken on board
"many a youth, and many a maid," besides, not forgetting,
of course, the fathers and the mothers, too, of our excursion-
loving kinsfolk, whose " name and fame," unfortunately, so far,
at least, as this present voyage is concerned, have utterly
failed to materialize. In many cases, " a cordial invitation "
l6o CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
extended to our friends to participate in the pleasures of the
trip, has, to our regret, whether through fear of mal de mer,
or of mmfragiiim in mid-ocean, ehcited no response.
NOTA BENE.
There is still, however, we may state, opportunity for those
who will, to join us on ship-board — tickets always free, no
danger of overcrowding; sorry — our Palinurus (helmsman, id
est), volunteers the remark — that we have no cJironio to offer,
but he kindly permits us to say that his picture can be had
for the asking, while the same remains in stock — as excur-
sions of this kind will be in order indefinitely, so long, at
least, as voyagers can be found, and the " breaking waves
dash " — not too high.
297. THE CANTERBURY HILLS.
{From Boscawen — in 1877.)
Bright in the morning's glow, which wide
With a crimson flush the horizon fills,
Across the Merrimack's rippling tide,
Rise the Canterbury Hills.
There, at the foot, the meadows smile,
Where the Colonel(i) reaps his golden grain ;
And above, from its cheery loft, the while,
Peers the " Dove's Nest(2) " down on the cosy Plain.
To the left is the charming " Maple Glade,"
With its winding mead and brook(^) before;
And beyond, the stately forest's shade,
In autumn rich with its chestnut store.
Perched on the crest of the swelling hill,
Stands Gibson IIall(*), far looking down,
Here on the stirring Fisherville(^),
And there on Penacook'sC) blooming town.
SUPPLEMENTARY. l6l
Beyond, unseen, is my childhood's home (").
And where are my childliood's friends ? I sigh.
Some (^) where the prairies blossom roam,
And some {^), alas, in the church^'ard lie!
s. B. G. c.
(i) The late David M. Clough, known as " the corn-king "
in granger circles, father of Henry Clough, the present pro-
prietor of the Muchado i^Sinnmcr Boarding) House, so-called.
(2) Residence of George Wiggin (familiarly so-called by
cousins living opposite), now known as the Grand View
(5. B.) House.
(3) Stream flowing from Forest Pond, in Canterbury, into
the Merrimack — by a very devious course, through a charm-
ing expanse of low meadow land at one point, reminding one
of Swiss scenery, and furnishing water-power for a number
of mills.
(4) Occupied by J. Cogswell in 1890 — situated on a high
point of land, affording a very wide and pleasing prospect.
(5) Now Penacook.
(6) Original name of Concord.
(7) Loudon.
(8) Notably the Winslow family — relatives of those of the
name in Northfield — who emigrated to Illinois in 1837, a nar-
rative of whose journey out (by " prairie schooner "), now in
the possession of the writer, affords very interesting reading.
(9) Among whom may be mentioned former schoolmates,
and other early friends, members of the Batchelder, Osgood,
Sanborn, Tilton, Brown, Tenney, and other families. The
epitaph, a single verse, inscribed upon the slab marking the
last resting place of a member of the Tenney family, of
which but two lines now recur to memory —
" Till Gabriel's trump calls uji the blest.
When thou shalt rise with all the just " —
was written by Rev. Enoch Corser, then minister in Loudon.
1 62 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
297a. MUCH ADO.
A Divertisement of Auld Lang Syne.
" Fact or fancy ? I would know."
Eke would I, sir — that is so.
Somewhat as 'twas told to me
I rehearse it — assez dit.
Courteous x-eader, — If you ever
Passed up on the Northern Railroad,
Through the Merrimack's enchanting,
Winding, wide, and verdant valley.
You may on your right have noticed,
Off against the Plain of Boscawen,
Stretching broad and wide, a sand-bank,
Bordering on the east the river.
Ask its name, and they will tell you,
Much-Ado the people call it.
Would you know the reason wherefore
Much-Ado the people call it ?
Listen, thereby hangs a tale, sir.
Once, in days long since departed,
When our grandsires played at marbles,
And in plenty were the red men.
And as mischievous as plenty.
An old Indian, sly as Reynard,
And more lucky, for they never
Catch him could, in chase or ambush.
Stole from Farmer Winkley's kitchen,
On a quiet Sunday morning,
When they least of all suspected,
Skulking round, a thieving savage, —
Stole, I say, from Winkley's kitchen,
Winkley's go-to-meeting garments.
Just as Winkley was about to
Put his dainty limbs within them.
Pawgemucket, this old Indian,
Got, of course, the start of Winkley ;
But not long,- for half a dozen
Men and boys were soon in chase of
This old Indian, Pawgemucket.
SUPPLEMENTARY, I 63
Straight he like a wild horse darted
River-ward across the meadow.
On the bank a moment stood he,
Saw the pale-skins fast approaching,
Round his body tied the garments,
Plunged he then into the river.
Like a beaver swam across it,
Climbed the sand-bank like a squirrel,
Gained the summit, loudly shouted,
Cut a hundred antic capers.
And displaying Winkley's breeches,
Stylish, velveteen, and ancient.
Bid them come across and take them !
Then with one more yell triumphant.
And an extra savage caper.
Darted off into the forest.
Later, one of Winkley's neighbors.
Falling in, as chance would have it.
Falling in with Pawgemucket,
AVith this noble child of nature,
With this record-breaking athlete,
Asked him how he found the climbing.
" ]\Iuch ado — hard scrabble," said he,
Darting off into the forest,
And so Much-Ado the people
Ever after called the sand-bank.
Ralph (the Farmer Boy).
297b. A Summer Trip to Alaska.
(from letter of elwood s. corser to s. b. g. c.)
Mlnneapolis, Minn., Sept. i8, 1901.
Cousin Bartlett, — You are entitled to a long and interest-
ing letter, and interesting it should be, or else there will be
no excuse for its length. * * Naturally you will hardly
expect me to tell the whole story of my Alaskan trip, and I
will outline only, glancing at some of the more prominent
features.
1 64 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
PASSAGE OUTWARD.
Crossing the continent by either the Northern Pacific, or
the Great Northern route, we begin our voyage to Alaska
from Seattle, Wash., and do not need to step off the steamer
between Seattle and Nome, Alaska. In fact, the usual
steamer passage has no stopping-place, although several of
the steamers stop at Unalaska and Dutch Harbor, near the
extreme outer end of the Alaskan peninsula, which termi-
nates in the group of the Aleutian Islands.
Our outward trip, by the
STEAMER JOHN S. KIMBALL,
was of seventeen days (June 5th to 22d). Eight days were
on the Pacific from Seattle to Dutch Harbor, say 1,750 miles;
then three days in Dutch Harbor, killing time while the float-
ing ice in Bering's Sea opened so as to permit passage ; then
finally six days making 750 miles in Bering's Sea to Nome,
which included nearly two days waiting in open sea for ice to
open, and as the ice would /^^^Z open, we took another route so
as to avoid the packed and stubborn ice-field.
Out passage was a smooth one, without storm or danger,
and pleasant, with much of interest. On these Pacific steam-
ers we (the first class passengers) have staterooms opening
on the main deck, differing, to the immense comfort of the
passengers, from the world-lauded great Atlantic steamers,
which put you in a stateroom below deck, with bungholes
for outlook and air.
HERD OF WALRUS.
The most interesting incidents of the outer passage were
the ice in Bering's Sea, and the great herd of walrus through
which we passed. On June 21, about 100 miles south from
Nome, we were in the open sea, when we found that to the
right and left of the steamer the sea was alive with walrus,
sporting in and above the water ; singly, in pairs, and in half
SUPPLEMENTARY. I 65
dozens they threw themselves above the sea, the bulls appar-
ently engaging each other with their tusks, and others tossing
and tumbling in seeming wanton sport. No estimate of num-
bers was possible, but the word thousands was heard from all
who saw the sight.
FLOATING ICEBERGS.
Later in the same afternoon we ran through floating ocean
icebergs, wave- worn and picturesque ; and among these
detached masses of floating ice the w-alrus in lesser numbers
were sporting, while in many instances they were seen lying
lazily on the ice, apparently having a cool siesta, until the
approach of the steamer alarmed them, and they rolled or
plunged off their couches into the protecting deeps. The
floating ocean ice was in masses varying in size from an ordi-
nary city church to an iceman's usual delivery lump, and much
of it was wave-worn into fantastic resemblances of gigantic
chalices, fruit baskets, reading desks, mushrooms, etc. It
will be understood that it was only the minor part of the
floating ice which we saw, the submerged portion being much
the greater fraction.
NOME. GOLDEN GATE HOTEL.
We reached Nome on the morning of June 22. We had
heard at Dutch Harbor that the Golden Gate Hotel, at Nome,
to which our thoughts were turned, had been totally destroyed
by fire on the twenty-fifth of May, but was being rebuilt, and
we found, to our extreme gratification, that this, the leading
hotel, was rebuilt, and had been occupied during several days,
so that only about twenty days had intervened between its
ashes and its re-occupation. As the hotel has more than 50
good sleeping rooms, and all the other adjuncts of a comfort-
able hotel, this gives a fair idea of the wonderful rapidity of
construction, of which Nome is capable in June and July, with
its 24 hours of daylight, during which the sound of the ham-
mer never ceases when buildings are repaired.
l66 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
ALASKA ICEBOUND.
We found Alaska still frozen. Teller City, the dream of
1900, on Port Clarence Harbor, about 75 miles north from
Nome, was still locked in ice, as was also St. Michael's Har-
bor, a like distance south, and access to these was not had
until the first days of July. Nome was accessible about June
15, previous to which date steamers had unloaded on the ice,
about one and one-half miles or more from the shore. As
Nome has no harbor the open sea beat upon its ice, and gave
access to the shore sooner than to the ice-bound harbor at
Teller City and St. Michael's.
SUMMER IN ALASKA.
During two months in Alaska, at Nome and within ten or
twelve miles, we had an aggregate of possibly fourteen bright
days, and some of these were hot. The remainder of the
summer was a repetition of fog, mist, rain, and chill. The
valleys between the divides gave up their ice and snow very
slowly, and hardly any serious mining work was done earlier
than July 5, except in more than usually open and favored
instances, and even at that date and ten days later the ice-man
could find supplies in the creek beds and valleys, while in the
depressions of the higher ranges of hills ice and snow
lingered, awaiting the coming of the frosts of the winter of
1901-2.
THE FIRST SNOW-FALL,
Whitening the hills about Nome, was seen August 8 and
9, but soon disappeared. About the middle of July, while
tramping on a lookout for a water supply for mining purposes
up along the upper waters of the Glacier Creek, about ten
miles from Nome, and sweating profusely under the double
infliction of tramping over the tundra and the down-pour of a
burning sun, I had occasion to cross a gulch leading into the
creek, and stood on a snow-bridge of ten or fifteen feet thick-
ness, scooping the scalding perspiration from my eyes with
SUPPLEMENTARV. 1 67
my hands. The icy foundations of the bridge, underneath
which I could hear the waters rushing merrily, were so firm,
and the assaults of the sun so intermittent, that I do not
doubt the bridge still stands ready for another winter.
ANENT THE TIMBER.
That part of Alaska along the coast of Bering's Sea has
no timber, and only a very sparse and miserable growth of
willow brush gives scanty material for a few fires. Inland,
and to the south, and especially along the Yukon River, tim-
ber is abundant. Driftwood along the shores of Bermg's
Sea has been a resource, but near Nome this is exhausted,
and the coal supply, with immense charges for transportation,
is the dear fuel.
THE TUNDRA.
Along the coast and far inland the tundra is the interesting
and vexing fact most in evidence. The tundra represents the
dead and living vegetation of Alaska's uncounted centuries.
This vegetation is mainly moss, reinforced by a rather scanty
and rare grass, and the little aid given by the flower growths
of July and August.
Alaska's flowers.
Here, a little out of the natural sequence, I wish to pay
tribute to Alaska's flowers. Probably the bleak conditions
prevailing quicken our appreciation of the beauty of the
flowers, but during July and August the tundra has many
lovely flowers, and some of these have delicious odors. Quite
generally the flowers are of the delicate species, and the
flowers of the mosses are varied and very lovely, but there are
many of the more noticeable larger flowers, with lovely
shades of color. The flower generally called the California
Poppy is one of these. Earliest among the flowers, and
blooming from late in June until August, is a lovely pink
flower, somewhat suggesting phlox and having an exquisite
perfume.
1 68 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
THE TUNDRA AGAIN.
The tundra is the moss growth which has covered the
country during uncounted ages, and perishing, has deposited
a vegetable residuum resembhng peat, and having a usual
depth of about one foot, but often, in depressions, of four or
more feet. The surface is covered by moss hummocks, vary-
ing from the size of a small hassock to those having a diameter
of four feet and a hight of two. This moss and surface peat
is called the tundra, and beneath it is eternal frost ; the frozen
ground varies in depth in differing localities, and from various
causes, from two to six or more feet.
TRAMP OVER THE TUNDRA.
When the sun melts and water forms, the tundra softens,
but as the water, either from the snow or the rains, cannot
pass down through the frozen soil, it makes a marsh of the
level tundra, upon which it lies with but imperfect drainage,
and on the slopes it makes a mush of the peat. To make a
tramp over the tundra, carrying a pack of supplies weighing
from forty to sixty pounds, tests the pluck and endurance of
the prospector or miner ; and whether over the soft marsh
levels, or climbing the divides between the numerous creeks
and rivers, the tramp is only for the strong and hardy.
About the middle of July I tramped over the tundra 20
miles, twice climbing a divide, between 5.30 p. m. and
midnight ; and although I carried no pack, my own weight of
190 pounds was sufficient.
BEAUTIFUL NIGHTS.
This tramp recalls the beautiful nights, which from the
latter part of May for nearly three months are light as day.
When we ended our tramp at midnight, all the ordinary
occupations of the day, including reading and writing, could
be followed, having all the light needed, and within half an
hour the increasing light showed that another day had
dawned.
SUPPLEMENTARY. I 69
VARIABLE WEATHER.
Citizens who were in Alaska in 1900 all agreed that during
that season June and July were of unchanging loveliness —
soft air and generally unclouded skies; but in 1 901, from
June 20 to Aug. 20, of which I can bear record, there were
not more than 1 2 or 15 pleasant days. Several of these were
delightful, but the remaining three-fourths of all those
months were a succession, as before remarked, of mist, fog,
rain and chill.
MINING IN ALASKA.
The mineral wealth of Northern Alaska is as yet an unsolved
problem. Very rich placer deposits have been found and
are being worked in the territory lying between the Snake
and Nome Rivers. The gold is found at depths varying
from 5 to 1 5 feet from the surface, in the creeks and the
"bench " slopes adjoining, and is generally in the strata of
clay and gravel overlaying the bedrock. As the season for
mining is so short, the distance from labor and subsistence
supplies so great, and transportation inland extremely dif^-
cult and expensive during the summer, mining operations in
Alaska are very costly ; and in my judgment, it is true thus
far in Alaska, especially in Northern Alaska, that only a few
miners will make satisfactory retur-ns on the labor and capital
invested. Very large claims were made during 1900 for the
Kougrock and other inland mining districts, but the develop-
ments of 1 90 1, in most of this overpraised new mining
territory, have not inspired prospectors and investers with
confidence. In some rich districts near Nome a water supply
must be had to make mining remunerative. The proba-
bilities of profitable quartz mining have not been determined,
and are, generally speaking, not much considered as yet.
(In addition to all this, the administration of law by the
federal officials has been so generally denounced by Alaskans
I/O CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
during 1900 and 1901, that investors are very reluctant to
risk their capital. Personally, acting for those who gave me
money to invest at my discretion, I have not made any
further investments during my Alaskan summer.)
WINTER IN ALASKA.
I have written of the three months' summer of Alaska.
From about November i to June 15, Alaska is shut off from
the outside world, having no telegraphic communication ;
and any possible stray mail coming by dog trains overland
being so uncertain as hardly to be considered. Practically,
Northern Alaska has about 8 months of isolated winter.
During winter on the coast of Bering's Sea, the cold is not
unendurable, but nearly all business is suspended, and it can
hardly be said to be desirable to be idle and isolated from the
world during 8 months.
It must be understood that I am writing of Northern
Alaska. The conditions are very different in Southeastern
Alaska, which is reached from Seattle, Tacoma, Portland,
and the Southern Pacific coast by vessels making the coast
trip. Of this Southeast Alaska I have no personal knowl-
edge. .
SUIT AGAINST CLAIM-JUMPERS.
My summer was filled with interesting experiences. Our
company had one valuable claim about ten miles from Nome.
Gold was taken from this in September and October, 1900,
and then our managers left Alaska for the States, leaving
this rich claim to excite the avidity of others. When we
reached Nome June 22, 1901, our managers found that
" others " had not been idle, and contestants representing
three separate interests adverse to our company were in the
field. Two of these adverse interests were in possession,
having divided our claim between them, and were taking out
gold. It is more than probable from all we have observed
and can learn, that these parties have taken fully $25,000 in
SUPPLEMENTARY. I/I
gold from the claim. Meanwhile we have had an uphill
fight. We have just reached the conclusion of our suit
against one adverse interest (claim-jumping thieves), against
whom we have won, but we had to go 700 miles across
Bering's Sea with our attorney and witnesses to get a
hearing.
ASSAULT WITH FIREARMS.
During the summer I was on the claim with a small force
of 8 men, all unarmed. About noon of July 5 four of my
men (the night shift) were asleep in their tent ; the other
four, the day shift, were in the pit at work. I was in the
cook's tent writing. Without any warning we were con-
fronted by the muzzles of eight or ten Winchester rifles and
ordinary revolvers, in the hands of the same number of
jumpers — the same crew we have just ousted in court —
and we were compelled to move our tents off the claim. The
jumper claimant presented his revolver at my breast, at two
feet distance, and ordered me off the claim, and when I
refused said, " I'll shoot you." I replied, with an emphatic
word, " Shoot, if you choose." I was not afraid of his shoot-
ing, although he might have got nervous and shot by accident.
We had previously fully determined on ovir course, which was
not to shoot or use firearms, as the federal courts were abso-
lutely dominated by thieves, and if any one of our party had
given them any pretence for arrest, we would have had a pen-
itentiary sentence of from three to ten years. We were
never able to procure warrants for the arrest of any one of
these men, although their criminal assault on us was made at
midday, and the members of the attacking party were well
known.
JUSTICE SOUGHT OUTSIDE THE LAW\
Later, about Aug. 16, a masked body of citizens, who, in
default of justice in the courts, have determined to have
justice outside the law, visited this claim between two and
172 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
four o'clock A. M., and drove off all whom the citizens con-
sidered trespassers. None of our party were on the claim,
as we had withdrawn all our men. I was the only person of
our party who had any knowledge that this night attack was
to be made, and yet the U. S. Commissioner Stevens, a
federal official, issued warrants for the arrest of ten or twelve
persons, several of whom were of our party. Not one of
these took part in the attack, or had any knowledge of it, and
one of those for whom a warrant was issued was more than
30 miles distant, and had not been nearer during the twenty
days next preceding. [Verily, we sympathize with you,
brother compilateitr. Hope these things will be righted
under a new dispensation. Remember the French proverb :
"Tout vicut a ccs qui attendcjit."^
RETURN TRIP.
I have been well during the season, and need hardly say
that the experience has been very interesting. Returned
from Alaska in August, leaving Nome Aug. 19, and reaching
Seattle Aug. 28, and with one full day in Seattle reached
home Sunday, Sept. i. This return trip was very pleasant,
and as I am never subject to sea-sickness, my Pacific and
Bering's Sea voyages, out and return, were both a success. I
took a few kodak pictures, and am having some of them
developed. * *'
RAILWAY ACCIDENT.
On the return overland trip on the Great Northern R. R.,
we came quite close to a fatal railway accident. On the even-
ing of Aug. 30 we were climbing the Rocky Mountain
range, on our east bound train, and were about 75 or more
miles west of the summit. Forty miles east from us was the
west bound through passenger train, stopping at a little sta-
tion. A heavily loaded freight train of 28 cars became
EMMA CiOULD' KASTON (214).
SUPPLEMENTARY. 1/3
detached from its engine and came rushing down the incline
towards the west, and struck the west bound passenger.
There were nearly forty lives lost, and most of these were
cremated. If the accident had been a half hour later, we
should have met the west bound train and passed it, and
should have crashed " head-on " into the detached freight,
which came rushing down at a fearful speed, and with not a
soul on it to check it. * *
Sincerely yours,
El WOOD S. CORSER.
297c. Not Opposed to Christlin Science.
BY EMMA GOULD EASTON (2 1 4).
(From the CJiristian Science Seiitinel, June 6, 1901.)
It is a sweet thought to me that no one is really opposed
to Christian Science. Where there is opposition, whether
from a theological or a medical standpoint, investigation always
shows that it has arisen from a mistaken report, or from the
action of some one who has taken the name without the
nature of Christian Science, and whose conduct would be
disapproved of by Scientists themselves.
LACK OF fair INVESTIGATION.
The early Christians were not tortured and put to death
for what they did, but for what the people with whom they
were surrounded thought they did. They said, " These
Christians would like to burn our cities ; they are a danger to
the community. They sacrifice their children alive to propi-
tiate their gods." This was the direct opposite of the truth,
but one repeated it to another, till it was generally believed
and accepted as the truth. The fundamental trouble was,
then as now, lack of fair-minded investigation.
174 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
PATIENTS PROPERLY CARED FOR.
Those who object from a medical standpoint to what they
beheve to be Christian Science, say it is a menace to the
community, because Scientists refuse help themselves in time
of sickness, and prevent others from seeking help. What
are the facts ? It is now well known that Scientists obey the
law as regards vaccination and the reporting of so-called con-
tagious diseases. As for nursing, vv'hen a person, who is being
cared for by a nurse as well as physician, decides to put him-
self under the care of a Scientist, he is not required to suffer
inconvenience from lack of nursing while the demonstration
is being made, though in most cases, the Scientist in charge
would think it wise to substitute a nurse who was a Christian
Scientist in addition to her other qualifications. This is in
order that the patient may have Science read and explained to
him, and at the same time be cared for by one in whose
thought health rather than sickness is uppermost.
DIVINE HEALING THE SUPREME NEED.
The difference, then, between a patient under medical
treatment and one under Christian Science is not the differ-
ence of one who is law-abiding and one who is not, or of one
who is properly cared for and one who is not, but of one who
is looking to drugs for healing and one who looks to the ful-
filling of the promise in Jeremiah : " I will restore health
unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds," saith the
Lord.
A GROUNDLESS OBJECTION.
The charge that Christian Science is forced on people
would be too absurd to answer were it not that many of the
objections seem to be based on that supposition. In ninety-
nine cases out of a hundred the practitioner has never seen
the patient till he comes to his office and as^^s for treatment,
the patient in most cases having iieard of some good work
done by the practitioner.
SUPPLEMENTARY. 1/5
BASED ON THE BIBLE.
The theological objections are even more groundless, for
the theology of Christian Science is based on the Bible and
the teachings of the Master, and that platform is (or should
be) a broad one on which all Christians can meet in friendly
greeting.
When one thinks of the beloved
LEADER OF THE CAUSE,
the very word objection is objectionable, and not to be
thought of, for anyone who sees in her any other than a self-
sacrificing, loving and lovable Christian woman, sees what
comes wholly from false report and misconception. To those
who feel that they owe their happiness and even their lives to
her book, " Science and Health," she is a thousand times
more beautiful. I have a cousin, not a professed Christian
Scientist, who has known her from girlhood, he having been
born and having lived his long life in the vicinity of her birth-
place and present home, who said of her a while ago, " She
has only fulfilled the promise of her youth in taking the stand
she has before the world," referring to the high degree of
spirituality manifested by her from her earliest days. She
was a favorite pupil of his father [Rev. Enoch Corser, then
(1838) teacher as well as preacher at Sanbornton Bridge,
N. H.], by whom she was held in high estimation for her
varied gifts of intellect (notably), as well as heart, as he
wrote me recently.
lyG CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
297d. A Visit to the Home of the Poet Longfellow,
(from a private letter written by a lady [m. e. b., 7.2]
IN 1878.)
A fortnight ago yesterday, Professor Longfellow invited all
our schoolteachers and scholars, forming a party of thirty-
two ladies, to his house in Cambridge. We were escorted by
Mr. James T. Fields, a special horse-car being provided for
our accommodation, and a very merry company we were.
The poet received us with the utmost cordiality, and natur-
ally we were all charmed with him, he was so genial. He
conducted us himself through the house, and pointed out
what was especially interesting.
This large square room on the left of the entrance-hall
was Lady Washington's reception-room. Here, among other
pictures, were the portraits of two lovely little children of
the poet, who are children no longer. Passing thence
through an apartment in which he called our attention to an
old Venetian portrait by Tintoretto, and to a far handsomer
one of the French artist David by himself, we were conducted
into a large square dining-room, where was the beautiful
painting of his three daughters, like a group of youthful
Graces ; thence through a sort of corridor lined with books,
mostly French, into the large parlor where Gen. Washington
used to receive the officers, military and civil, who came to
wait upon him ; then through another passage containing a
case of the poet's own works, into his study, where I suppose
most of the beautiful poems were written, and where was a
portrait of himself, as I saw him many years ago when he
was young. It is not too much to say that his face has gained
in dignity what it has lost in freshness. Here, too, were por-
traits of Charles Sumner, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Hawthorne,
and Professor Felton, all young. P^merson's face was a very
%
SUPPLEMENTARY. 1/7
beautiful and piquant one, with a kind of fine and subtle irony
in its expressive features. I failed to trace the slightest
resemblance to his present venerable aspect.
At Mr. Field's suggestion, the poet showed us the manu-
script of Hiazvatha, written with a pencil* in a very clear and
legible hand, without blot or erasure. He also showed us,
among other things, some little bits of wood from Dante's
coffin, which were sent to him as a relic after the publication
of his translation of the Divina Coinmcdia .
First and last was " The Old Clock on the Stairs," which
I never before knew had an existence outside of the poem. It
is a tall, old-fashioned time-piece, with chimes which its
master set in tune for us, and which chanted anew its
" Forever — never. Never — forever," though if I had not
remembered the poem, I am by no means sure these are the
words it would have said to me. Then our courteous host
Note. — Henry AYadsworth Longfellow was born at Portland, Me.,
Feb. 27, 1807, and died at Cambridge, Mass., March 24, 1882, aged 75.
To hiiu the family of Enoch* Corser (72), who m. Sally Gerrish, of
Boscawen, in common with those of the 4th generation of the Stephen*
(or Boscawen) branch of the Gerrish family, as descendants of Henry
Sewall, of Newbury, Mass., through Moses^ Gerrish, of Newbury (son of
William^, of Boston), husband of Jane, dau. of Henry Sewall, and sister
of Anne,v;\\o m. Wm. Longfellow, of Newburj', great-great-great-grand-
father of the poet, Henry VVadsworth^ (Stephen^, Stephen*, Stephen^,
Stephen'^, William^) — sustain, if our reckoning be correct, the relation-
vship of 5th cousin.
Addendum — From the Longfellow Genealogy, by the courtesy of Miss
Alice M. Longfellow. — William^ Longfellow came to Newbury in 1678 ;
m. same yea-r, Anne Sewall, sister of Jane who m. Moses Gerrish, of New-
bury ; d. 1690.
Stephen^, b. 1685 ; d. 1764 ; m. Abigail Thompson.
Stephen^, b. 1723 ; d. 1790 ; m. Tabitha Bragdon, of York, Me.
Stephen'^, b. 1750 ; d. 1824 ; m. Patience Young.
Stephen^, b. 1776 ; d. 18413 ; m. Zilpha Wadsworth. It was through
the Wadsworths, of Duxbury, that the poet traced his descent from John
Alden. (See Wadsworth Genealogy.)
178 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
walked with us through his grounds, which are somewhat
extensive, and whose chief beauty was the soft, green grass
with its abundant wild flowers and the old sheltering trees.
I was glad to see our poet, who has passed his seventieth
year, walk with a step as alert and brisk as any of the young
girls who accompanied him. So we spent two delightful
hours not soon to be forgotten.
29/6. By Rail to Land's End.
The Professor, over the pseudonym of Short, thus writes
to his friend, under the sobriquet of Long, of a pleasant trip
by rail on the Cape from Falmouth, Mass., where he was then
"wielding the birch," to Provincetown — "the jumping-off
place," as the natives are pleased to call it.
Cape Cod, Oct., 1879.
Brother Long, —
Glad to avail ourselves of the opportunity
afforded us, v^e started, I and my alter ego, about 7 a. m., with
a party of over 400 excursionists, who were called out by the
low price of the tickets — $1.50 for the round trip, or about
one-quarter of the usual fare, the distance, both ways, being
nearly 240 miles.
I was surprised on starting, that so many natives of the
Cape — nearly all I talked with — had never visited Prov-
incetown. None of the younger generation had seen it, and
but few middle-aged persons ; even sea-captains who had
sailed around the world had never been blessed with the sight
of this famous place at the land's end.
After reaching the main trunk of the Old Colony at Cohas-
set Narrows, we were whirled away through Sandwich and
most of the other pretty towns on the Cape ; by bays and
ponds and exquisite reaches of water, now on this side, now
on that, and generally with quite a ridge of land on the side
opposite, which runs as a back-bone through the whole length
SUPPLEMENTARY. 1 79
of the Cape, even to Provincetown, where it ends in High
Pole Hill. Wind-mills with sails flying, little beaches, cosy
villages, farm houses, etc., were quickly left behind in our
flight, till finally we were landed at our destination, situated
at the extremity of this long tongue of land, which here is
shaped almost precisely like the end of the tail in the Constel-
lation Scorpio, or the hook used to catch the cod.
Provincetown is not so barren a place as I had been led to
suppose. I saw many gardens here, door-yards full of flowers,
and even some quite respectable trees. I used to think I
should go over shoes in sand at every step, except on the
plank sidewalk ; but I was mistaken.
A boat-race came off, guns were fired in honor of our
arrival, and flags hoisted. A part of our number. Short and
lady included, took dinner at Gifford's hotel, which I recom-
mend to you. It is quite a smart, bustling place. Many of
us ascended High Pole Hill, where we had a splendid view.
I afterwards roamed over the place by myself, meeting
with quite a number of adventures, of which I will mention
only one. Passing along the further end of Main Street, I
saw a parrot hanging in a cage close to the sidewalk. Wish-
ing to be social, I accosted it with, " Polly want a cracker.'' "
Slowly and gravely it turned its head and responded, " Here
comes a — " well, the language was very highly seasoned,
and anything but complimentary. Not caring to continue
the conversation, I hurried on, wondering at the remarkable
sagacity of this phenomenon of bipeds.
We remained four hours at Provincetown. Returning, the
cars stopped two hours at Truro, to allow us to examine the
lighthouse. This is 70 feet high, standing on a bank 125
feet in hight, so that the top of the light is nearly as high as
Bunker Hill monument. I ascended to the lantern, and then
went down the bank to the water. Much more I might write,
but tempiis fiigit, compelling me to cut this
Short.
l80 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
2gyi. Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard.
(letter from long to short.)
Brother Short, — * * And then, sir [thus, after
describing a brief visit made to York Beach a year or two
before (of which more anon), the writer goes on to say], when
we, self and ladies, visited you at your pleasant Falmouth
home [on the cape] last summer [1876] — a charming visit,
indeed, we had, and a charming reception you and your lady
gave us, and charming blue-fish dinners, and a charming
entertainment by the Spaulding bell-ringers in the old Town
Hall, where I had the pleasure to sit by the side of the cap-
tain's charming daughter — the sweetest belle of all the
chime ! — I say, when we visited you, you piloted us through
the delightful oak woods, ringing with the shrill notes of the
cicada {cantii qiici'iilce cicad(2 — Virgil), to the vicinity of the
Punch Bowl (Lake), patronized, probably in the jolly times
when Rip Van Winkle laid him down to his little nap. And
you drove us out on that dangerous excursion to the breezy
coast of Buzzard's Bay, and over the famous Rights of Fal-
mouth looking down upon the sea, with their picturesque
growth of old oaks dwarfed by the tempests, and, sprinkled
among them like raisins in a pie, scores of cottages of unique
architecture, swarming in summer with their merry occupants
from the city and the country. But, sir, to our regret, you
failed to accompany us on our side-trip to
Martha's vineyard —
which capped the climax of our 7w?w-antic adventures. You
are familiar with the route — by rail from Falmouth to
Wood's Holl, redolent of guano, and with its hundred houses
creeping up the hillsides ; six miles across the Sound, by the
" Ocean Queen," to Oak Bluffs, thence 10 miles across the
island by rail (narrow gauge), to Katama and the South
Shore. The grand Mecca of the pilgrimage is of course
SUPPLEMENTARY. IS I
Oak Bluffs ; but no one should fail of a ride on the narrow
gauge ; very charming it is, and shows you the island, so like
one's idea of a Western prairie — running enchantingly along
the shore, then inland, further, by mossy Edgartown, bringing
up at the (two or three years ago) much vaunted Katama,
which was to be the rival of Oak Bluffs, and which to-day
actually contains one really fine hotel, one clambake estab-
lishment, three cottages, and 600 acres of land, staked out
into houselots, and waiting with a desolate aspect for pur-
chasers. Wonder when it will find them !
A short fork of the road leads to the south shore jumping-
off place, where the beach is very shelving, and the " break-
ing waves dash high," and are treacherous withal as a feline,
as a gentleman and lady of our party found to their sorrow,
who were seated in cozy converse on the sand, when the big
seventh (wave), or seventy-seventh, for aught we know, crept
up with a stealthy rush, and overwhelmed them to the waist.
OAK BLUFFS.
Well, back to Oak Bluffs. Ah, sir, you should have been
there to enjoy with us the splendid scene upon which our
eyes feasted from the balcony of the Sea-view House ! A
"Cottage-City," in truth — of dimensions well-nigh bewilder-
ing to the new-comer ; with mammoth and costly hotels,
the "Sea-view," superb beyond description, far surpassing all ;
paved avenues and drive-ways ; concrete walks ; one fine
Union chapel of exquisite architecture ; the big tent where
the camp-meetings are held ; cottages upon cottages, many
of them costly and highly ornamented, stretching far away
upon delightfully embowered avenues (the city revels in the
abounding shade of its thousands of native oaks) ; the whole
more like a fairy scene — like the vision of a dream, if visions
so fantastic were ever dreamed — than reality. And here
the people come by thousands and tens of thousands to
152 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
spend the summer, and attend the camp-meetings, and take
their fill of old ocean and have a good time generally.
Whether we ought to include in this last category the patient
dealer in blue eye-glasses, whose persistent, but not very
successful, cry of — "Eye-protectors — protect your eyes
before you go ."^ " was sufficiently amusing, not least so, appar-
ently, to himself, — we are in doubt.
En passant, we must not omit to make kindly mention of
the gentlemanly proprietor of " Greenleaf Cottage," with its
flowers and rustic adornments, and pleasant outlook on the
chapel — H. O. Thomas, of Brockton, Mass. — to whom our
thanks are due for his courtesy in inviting us, total strangers,
to a seat upon his piazza, and allowing us freely to inspect
the neat interior arrangements of his tasty island home.
But — ^^ tempns f/tgit,'' if you have not a monopoly of those
words, and so this letter I will not pro-
LONG.
279g. HART HILL IN AVINTER.
[An elevation in Northfield, whilome scaled, and after photo'd (for
the benefit of the Rays of Light), by the Farmer Boy.]
Down on the fire-steed's smoke and jar,
Down on the meadows white and still,
And across where Kearsarge frowns afar,
Looks from its eagle perch Hart Hill.
O Hart ! that once my wildered feet
AUuredst, in toilsome, eager chase,
Thi'ough bush, through glen, midst dust and heat,
To climb thy sheep-grazed, bearded face !
Sweet thou sleep'st in the evening glow ;
Sweet in the morning is thy smile ;
Yet a prouder peak, full well I know.
As here I sit, thou veil'st the while.
SUPPLEMENTARY. I 83
Behind, Moosehillock's crest sublime
Towers viewless, clad in royal white ;
E'en so are veiled by the things of time
The scenes more blest in the world of light.
Sleep on, fair Hill, in thy robe of snow,
Till spring shall smile. I haply then
Shall gaze on the meadows green below,
With thee from thy airy bower again.
297h. Excursion to Lake Memphremagog.
The writer had the pleasure to be one of a party of three-
hundred excursionists, who made a trip on the glorious
Fourth [1879], from Manchester and towns above, by way of
the Northern and Connecticut River & Passumpsic Rail-
roads, to that gem of the North, Lake Memphremagog.
The affair — being the third annual excursion of the kind
— was a perfect success throughout. The weather was
somewhat sultry at the start, but grew cooler as we proceeded,
till on the lake it blew a stiff breeze from the polar regions,
rendering an overcoat not uncomfortable. The train started
from Concord about 7.30 a. m., reaching the lake, 174 miles
distant, about 2 p. m., running at some points at the rate of
40 miles an hour, and passing over a route, what with its
pretty villages, and well-cultivated farms, and varied scenery
of mountain and river and forest and lake, picturesque and
pleasing in the extreme.
DOWN THE LAKE.
Dinner despatched, we mounted, at 3 p. m., the staunch
steamer " Lady of the Lake," capable of carrying, Capt. Fogg
assured us, 1,800 persons, for a trip down the lake, which we
traversed throughout its entire length of 30 miles, to Magog
village, returning at 9.30 in the evening.
1 84 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
The scenery is very beautiful — wild and mountainous on
the west, the peak of Owl's Head, visible from all points,
towering high and shaggy above the lake, a little to the north
of the Canada line ; more level to the east, the summer cot-
tages of wealthy Montreal people dotting the shores, and
pleasant farms diversifying the uplands. Mr. Brown, of
Fisherville, was the only person we recognized from that
vicinity, on board the boat ; the music of the French Band,
not less than the scenery, we presume, having especial attrac-
tions for him.
NEWPORT VILLAGE.
Nestling close to the head of the lake is the pleasant and
thrifty village of Newport, with its four churches, and two
or three hotels, chief of which is the famous Memphremagog
House, capable of accommodating 400 guests, and where we
had the best of entertainment during our stay. Charges,
$2.00 per diem. At this point the railroad forks, one branch
running up on the west side of the lake [through Sutton,
Can., the residence of many of the Co(u)rser name from an
early period — See Gen., Simeon^ ct alii'], to Montreal, and
the other on the east side to Quebec. If any one thinks this
region is out of the world, he'd better set about revising his
ideas.
PROSPECT HILL.
Half a mile to the south-west of the hotel rises Prospect
Hill, which we had time to ascend, and from which is obtained
a very fine and extensive view of the surrounding country —
the village reposing quietly below, the charming windings of
the lake, Mt. Orford near its lower extremitv, Jay Peak of the
Green Mts. range, 4,000 feet high, the remarkable Will-
oughby Mts., enclosing the lake of the same name, and other
noticeable points.
SUPPLEMENTARY. I 85
VIRGILIUS NOBISCUM.
Among our fellow excursionists, we may mention, was a
gentleman from Grafton — Virgil Blackman, by name —
then, or but recently, a student at the Tilton Seminary,
having the ministry in view, with whom we formed a pleasant
acquaintance.
(Later. — Wonder where (ubi gentium) he is now, " nurs-
ing his studious hours," like his namesake of old ; or if he
has forgotten the man with whom some small talk was
indulged in, as to whether his good Methodist brethren would
approve of his presence at a little Terpsichorean exhibition
which chanced to come off on board the boat !)
EPILOGUE.
We made our return trip on the fifth, starting at 1.30
p. M., and reaching home at about 7.30 p. m., our rate of
speed at times, on the down grade, reminding us of that fast
fellow Puck, who could " put a girdle round the earth in 40
minutes." We traversed a distance of 400 miles, back and
forth, from Concord, all for $3.50, at which rate we might
travel round the world for about $220, with the advantage of
not having to come back after we had got there ! Cheap
enough. We advise our friends, and all others of excursion-
izing proclivities, to try this trip next time, taking with them
their "sisters and their cousins and their aunts " (and —
don't be jealous, Matilda mine — -their better halves and
sweethearts also, an it please you), for whom we predict, if
they are not too exacting, and can bear a little fatigue, a red-
letter day in their calendar.
Long.
1 86 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
297i. A SEA-COAST RAMBLE.
" Now York, or never ! Welcome, my lord, to this brave town of
York." — Shakespeare.
Quite all the way our jaunt extended,
From Union Bluff that rambles down
To kiss the sea in old York town,
To fair Nantasket where it ended.
We started on one summer morn —
A sultrier day was never born —
To Portsmouth slid, like boys a-coasting,
W^here barely we escaped a roasting ;
Mounted the stage-coach, old as " Jacup,"
Through drowsy York then whisked away —
My ! if we didn't get a shake-up !
Now thro' the village staid and gray,
A bustling city once, they say ;
Now by the Prex'sf villa fair,
Coquetting with old ocean there ;
Whose broad expanse of glistening blue
Bursts now upon the raptured view.
And this is York's romantic shore !
On, on, along the sands we glide,
And hear the breaking billows roar,
And see the bathers breast the tide ;
Now by where Dover's stately row
Looks down upon the rocks below ;
Now where, close hugging ocean's brim.
Sits Concordville so spruce and trim ;
Now round the little inlet's rim.
And here we find us, sure enough.
At Thomson House on Union Bluff !
On Union Bluff, where Fisherville
Comes down the summer heats to kill.
And breathe the bracing ocean air,
And to the winds throw carking care,
And lounge, and dream, and roam at will.
Attired in easy dishabille.
tPresident Lord's, of Dart. Coll.
SUPPLEMENTARY. I 8/
Not long, and we, like oarlees barge,
In steamer's wake, were found in charge
Of our good friend,* who fain would show
The lions to our wondering view.
Oh, what a goodly, graceful row
Of cots, thrice half a score, I trow.
Looked out there on the sparkling blue !
Looked out across tlie tiny bay.
Fair Concord ogling, tlien away.
Far down the sweep of Neddick's hoary,
Komantic, rocky promontory.
"We roamed the Bluff from Union Square
To where at bowls, on gusty days,
'Mid antics high, old ocean plays.
Disporting with the sea-nymphs fair,
On pebbly point ; then wandered down.
Across the Neck, to Dover Height,
And far surveyed the goodly town.
But chief — oh, 'twas a glorious sight !
The grand old beach, that, broad and white,
Far circled, like a zone of light !
Thus sped the waning hours till night.
Good friends their kindly greetings said,
Then to the bower of Sleep we fled,
Who shook his poppies on our head.
While Luna, gliding full and high,
Flung o'er the wave her silver light.
And Ocean sung our lullaby.
The rest — how on Cape Xeddick's rocks
We next day picnicked, i-amb!ing down
To where the Nubble, Neptune's frown
Defying, at the tempest mocks ;
And how on York's enchanting shore
We loitered long, then sped away.
Far down the coast — all this, and more.
We chance may tell another day.f
*Chandler Gage.
tEven so, as chance may have it: but tlie next station will be Hampton.
LoxG.
1 88 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
297J. Ralph at Hampton.
Extracts from a letter written by the Farmer Boy, undated,
but reminiscent of the early 70 's, in which somewhat of
interest may be found relating to old Hampton ■ — as follows :
* * Six o'clock, p. M., brought us to Hampton depot,
where quite a number of passengers alighted — several of
them our fellow excursionists of the morning to the Isles of
Shoals — bound for the Beach. Hampton wears an aspect
of old age, though it exhibits a considerable change by way
of improvement from what it was when I first visited here,
some years ago.
We stopped at the hotel over night, and took a walk in the
cool of the evening, admiring the antique, unpainted farm
houses, the luxuriant crops of corn, the (to me) new academy,
and not least, the bright, crimson sky, which can here be seen
unobstructedly all around, instead of in slices between two
trees and over a big hill [impliedly, as at Ehn-Cottagc .'].
Awoke the next morning at 4, breakfasted at 5, started on
foot for the beach, about 3 miles distant, at 6, and here I am,
at 7.30, seated on the apex of the Boar's Head, the waves
roaring and dashing all around me, though it is a very calm
morning, the waters flashing in the sunshine, the little boats
riding at anchor near the shore, men catching lobsters, the
people bathing on the beach a mile away, the little birds
dipping their wings in the sparkling waters, the little black
flies creeping all over my paper as I write, ct catcra.
What more pleasant beach can be found than Hampton }
What more charming sea-board lookout than the picturesque
Boar's Head } One of my friends says, if he ever enjoyed
a moment's unalloyed happiness it was while stretched at full
length, one fine morning, on the green carpet of the Boar's
cranium, and looking off from thence upon the ever restless,
dashing, crashing, leashing waves of Old Ocean ! and, to be
truthful, I must add, chatting at same time with your humble
servant.
SUPPLEMENTARY. ' I 89
Eleven, A. M. — It is a glorious day, and the people, in
merry mood, are making the most of it, seemingly intent
upon getting even for what they lost last week by the rain.
The beach is covered. A constant stream of carriages is
pouring in from the country. The people are bathing in
little squads on all sides ; the boys and girls are screaming as
the waves go over them ; they are playing croquet on the sand
in front of me ; tents are spread on the grass behind me ;
carriages are driving on the beach as far as one can see. I
have enjoyed the luxury of a bath myself, though I had to
retire to the borders of Hampton River before I could find
an unappropriated nook. * *
The crack hotels are now full to overflowing. I may remain
here a few days, if I can find a place to lay my head. I like
here much better than at the Shoals. It is less quiet perhaps,
but less dreary certainly, and less rocky, and less vague, and
to me, in my present mood, a thousand times more pictur-
esque.
N. B. After a delay of two days, during which I have made
an excursion to Newburyport and Salisbury Beach — the
former, or rather the old town of which it once formed a part,
being the early home of the ancestral John' Corser, and the
latter — notoriously "all sand," yet a grand old beach it is —
rejoicing in the possession of a tenement labeled " Courser
Cottage," the only one of the description we wot of, built, it is
said, by one Frank Courser, who voyaged to California, but
never yet bestowed his patronage on the family boat ; and
what is more, have picked some one's pocket of a copy of
verses anent " Old Hampton," which I enclose for the benefit
of whom it may concern — I will at length bring this letter
to a finis. — Exit Ralph.
Which poetic windfall, though smacking strongly of some-
what we have seen or heard before, we accordingly append
" for the benefit," //. s. w. And so — exit
Long.
190 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
297k. HAMPTON REVISITED.
Old Hampton ! thy delightful beach
Once more with joyous steps I tread ;
Once more I hear the thundei'-crash
Of waves that hiss and foam and dash,
And break upon Boar's Head !
Once more along thy tide-washed sands,
Well-pleased, I roam for many a mile,
And with the rippling wavelets toy,
And snuff their fragrance and enjoy
Old Ocean's placid smile.
I hear once more the merry shout
Of bathers in their motley dress,
As with unshrinking limbs they brave
The onset of the white-plumed wave.
And court its cool embrace.
Dark eyes again, with witching glance,
Peer forth from many a snow-white tent ;
And still like figures seen in dreams.
Files on the long, dark line of teams.
Incessant beach-ward bent.
Anew yon dreamy Isles, that seem
Like floating sea-birds, greet my eye ;
Not now, as once, with dazzling wall,
By strange mirage, encompassed all.
And lifted to the sky.
On bare and rock-girt Appledore
I seem again to plant my feet,
And hear the surges seaward roar.
And list tlie drum-beat wafted o'er
From Whittier's Star-retreat.
SUPPLEMENTARY. I9I
Ah, here on this rude mossy bench,
Fain would I linger long and gaze ;
And watch the lazy-gliding sails.
And catch the Atlantic's balmy gales,
And dream of other days.
Here b}' my side fair Ada sat ;
'Twas years ago, ere youth had flown ;
And we built castles in the sky ;
She sits a bride in hers, and I
Sit here and dream alone.
On yonder beach, with gallant Carl,
I walked and wooed the frowning tide ;
But Carl in hallowed grave unknown
At Wagner sleeps, and I sit lone.
The lonely sea beside.
Ion.
2971. HASCAR,
THE MILLER-BOY — AN ECHO.
" Under a spreading chestnut-tree."
'• Sous la collihe, aupres du fleuve."
Under the hill, beside the stream,
The ]\Iiller-Boy resides ;
You may know him well, for he passes by.
Each morn, with rapid strides.
And with streaming hair, and matted coat,
As white as the foamv tiiles.
The miller he toils in silence on.
But he wears a thoughtful look ;
He sees in the falling grains but sands
That from life's glass are shook ;
And perhaps he takes from the dusty slielf
The fragment of a book.
192 CORSER FAMILY Ii\ AMERICA.
His simple customers speak aside,
They look at the boy amazed ;
And as onward speeds the grinding stone,
They whisper, " He is crazed ! "
Alackaday ! — but never for them,
The fire of genius blazed.
Yet he heeds them not — he only hears
The resistless waters' roll,
And the ceaseless whirl of the rapid stone,
And the voice of the panting soul,—
" Thus strong is the spirit's power, thus fleet
Life hasteth to its ooal ! "
Though freed at night, in the mill of mind
To grind he ceases not ;
He has taken the vows of the miller-boy,
And grinding is his lot ;
And he dreams he tends the whirling stone,
But his grist is a haci of tJ/oiu/Jd.
Grind on, proud youth ! for the world is naught
But one vast grinding mill.
With Passion's tide for its water-power.
While Genius guides the wheel ;
Grind on ! this mighty gristmill yet
May be guided by /A?/ skill !
Hafiz.
297m. INIAN'S TEARS.
(from the gkrman.)
Maiden, hast thou seen me weep ?
Ah ! the teai-s of woman seem
Like the pure and crystal dew-drops.
In the floweret's cup that gleam.
Whether by the dusky night,
Or by laughing morning shed,
Sweetly drinks the dew tlie floweret,
Rears refreshed its drooping head.
SUPPLEMENTARY. I 93
But the tears of man are like
Resiii in the East that grows;
Deep within the wood imprisoned,
Seldom of itself it flows.
Cut you must into the bark,
Even till the pith appear ;
Then exudes the noble fluid,
Ah, so golden, pure, and clear.
Soon, indeed, the fount is dry,
And the tree still shoots and grows ;
Many a spring rejoiced it greeteth.
But the wound it always shows.
Maiden! in thy thought the tree
Of the distant Orient keep ;
Maiden, of the man bethink thee,
Whom thou once hast seen to weep!
Ha—.
297 n . W E F A D E A S T II E LEAF.
BY MARGARET (GOULD) CORSER (171).
So wearisomely flying.
So dreai'isomely sighing,
So sorrowfully dying,
O brown, brown leaf.
Oaken heart that nourished thee.
Loving arms that cradled thee,
Xever more thy stiength shall be,
O brown, brown leaf.
Cast upon the earth to die,
Sti'icken kindred with thee lie,
None to weep, none to sigh,
Alas ! brown leaf.
194 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
Cold, forsaken liest thou,
The death-damp on thy faded brow,
Who would care to clasp thee now?
O brown, brown leaf.
The sodden earth shall cover thee,
The dust will thy companion be,
None to know, none to see.
Poor, dead, bi'own leaf!
297o. ODE TO THE PLOW.
(UY THE ANCIENT PLOWMAN.)
' He that by the plow would thrive.
Himself must either hold or drive.
Up, from its wintry covert bring
The plow beside the wall !
AVho breaks no ground in time of spring,
Shall break no bread in fall.
Time-honored implement of worth!
Proud badge of peaceful lands !
Of those who cherish Mother Earth,
First in the hearts and hands.
Glad harbinger of bliss ! in thee
Each blessing has its source ;
Health, plenty, peace of mind has he,
Who guides thy manly course.
True source of wealth ! the golden zone
May yield up all its treasure.
But 'tis thy products, these alone.
The worth of gold that measure.
SUPPLEMENTARY. I 95
The thrifty arts are nursed by thee ;
Who flaunts in sill^s and sables,
The plow may thank not less than he
AYho eats from lordly tables.
All honor to the noble share,
Whicli even kingly pride
Has not disdained, with rustic care,
And sturdy arm, to guide.
Go, from its covert by the wall
This prince of servants bring :
Who would a harvest reap in fall
ISIust turn the ground in spring.
The plow its moral lessons gives.
Who'd fame or wealth acquire,
Right early with the opening leaves,
Must plow and never tire.
Life is a warfare — who'd come out
A victor in the strife.
Must girt his workman's coat about.
And plow in ^lay of life.
[Let him, too, who a wife would get.
Take care to plow in spring,
Xot like the Bard till harvest wait.
Or bridelfiss he will sing. — Printefs D., with compli-
ments.]
Up, then, and from its covert bring
The plow beside the wall ;
Who breaks no ground in time of spring.
Shall break no bread in fall !
196 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
297p. Side-Trip,
From plowman to milk-maid, including (main objective
point) three guests at dinner. — It is very well to sing of the
plow, especially when it is easier to do so, physically, than to
follow in its wake. We have had some experience in the
latter exercise, and found our account in it ; preferring gen-
erally, however, to look on while some more expert hand
tugs away at the plow-handles — our friend Smith, for
instance, over the way, who could draw as straight and beau-
tiful a furrow as any one we know ; reserving our strength
for plying later the lighter implements of the shovel and the
hoe — until, as sometimes happened, we were handicapped by
the "witch-grass," when music was like to ensue, especially
if Jack was with us, hoe in hand, not altogether like that we
hear from Philomel, or of the sort suggested by the Muses'
favorite, so charmingly emblazoned on the family escutcheon.
(Verily, there must have been poetry in the heart of him who
designed that crest of Pegasus, which ought to have immor-
talized his name, but alas ! so far as now appears, has failed
to do so.)
But all this is neither here nor there. We had in mind to
speak of our ancestor, Stephen Gerrish (from whom, by the
way, we have inherited, we are pleased to believe — if that
expression be not of doubtful import — the propensity, in
common with many of his descendants, to cling tenaciously
to the soil) — Stephen Gerrish, we say, one of the first set-
tlers of Boscawen, who owned, we are told, and perhaps
guided, the first plow used upon our interval. He occupied
land upon both sides of the river, a " parcel" of which, or of
that belonging to his son Joseph, on the Boscawen side, we
now hold in possession. It was during his residence on the
east or Canterbury side, on the place afterwards owned by
the late Caleb Mall, that the following incident occurred, as
SUPPLEMENTARY. I 97
described by William Temple, formerly of Boscawen, now-
deceased, in a local paper, under the caption of
A STORY OF THE INDIAN TIMES
related to him, says Mr. T., years before, by Capt. Joseph
Ames, grandson of Capt. Stephen. — It happened on a
Thanksgiving Day that the family, Mrs. Gerrish excepted,
went over to Boscawen to meeting, she remaining at home to
prepare the supper. There came three Indians to the door,
and asked for something to eat. Though somewhat alarmed
by their presence, she concluded it was her best policy to treat
them kindly and grant their request. So she set out her
table, and placed the dishes, and took the meat from the
oven that was intended for the supper, and cut off a good
platter full, and placed it on the table, and told them it was
ready for them. The leading one, who alone, as it appeared,
could speak English, said to the others, ''He zuc/coine."
They took the platter from the table, put it on the floor, and
squatting down by the side of it, took it in their native style
without knife or fork. When they had finished and got up
to go, Mrs. G. said to them, " Now you will not kill my boys
will you "^ " " Why '■ " was the inquiry. " Because I have
been good to you and given you a good dinner." ''Kill iini
quick agin,'' was the ungrateful reply.
A part of the time the family lived in the fort, on the
Boscawen side, near where Mr. Gill now resides, and Mr.
Ames's mother \iicc Jane Gerrish, April 20, 1745] did the
milking. When she took the pail, the large dog would run
before her, and swimming the river, go around the buildings,
and if nobody was there, return quietly to the bank, and she
would go over in the boat and do her milking.
W. T., per S. B. G. C.
198 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
297q. WOOD-CHOPPING — AN IDYL.
(by the farmer boy.)
"Woodman! spare that tree."' (?)
I spent to-day amidst the old brown woods, —
Not in romantic vein, as poet rapt,
But — chopping wood ; for I am one of those
Who Fortune wills should earn their dally bread.
As our first parent did, by sweat of brow.
And trust I do my calling magnify.
The day was warm, and down my face the big
Drops coursed, as cheerily I swung the axe.
Rejoicing in my strength. With leaves fresh-fallen
The ground was carpeted. The old oak trees.
And the hoar chestnuts tipt with gaping burs.
And mottled beeches, high above my head
Flung out their scraggy arms, disrobed and guant,
Whence ever and anon a lingering leaf.
Lingering and last, dropped rattling to the ground.
The hush of woods in autumn, when the day
Is calm and sunny — how delicious ! Loud
And clear the echoes of my axe rung out
Upon the stillness. From the neighboriug birch
A tiny, solitary bird sent forth
A shrill and gladsome note. The soothing sound
Of flowing brooks fell ceaseless on my ear.
At intervals the sharp report was heard
Of sportsman's gun, succeeded by the short.
Quick bark, responsive, of his dog. Anon
The cheering blast of rustic horn twanged through
The woodland, calling forth the joyous shout
Of straggling youth. The sly red squirrel oft.
Scampering with noisy tread amongst the leaves,
Like some huge prowling beast (his store of nuts,
Or chance his striped brother's, up aloft,
A hollow log betrayed), e'en startled me ;
And once a bright-eyed little one with wings.
In suit of sober gray, dropped at my feet,
Peered curious up a moment in my face,
Then quick as thouglit, as glared a wood-cat on
His path, flew screaming up a sheltering beach.
SUPPLEMENTARY. 1 99
Thus sped the hours, and still I toiled ; and still
The big drops chased each other down tny brow ;
And I was proud that I could do so much.
Meantime the village bell proclaimed the hour
That aldermen most love. I dropped my axe,
And sat me down upon a mossy seat ;
Then from the ample pockets of my coat
Sundry brown loaves, plump as old Falstatt', drew,
And lunched with right good will ; a crowd, the while,
Of wood-nymphs, as I fancied, looking on.
And wondering much how mortal man could find
Digestion fit for such emergency.
{Item — I ween they never chopped cord-wood.)
Then from the crystal brook I slaked m^' thirst,
And humming " Auld Lang Syne," resumed my toil.
Thus flew the hours, till the long shadows fell,
And Sol went down, and my allotted task
Was done. Homeward I turned, with thankful heart.
Thankful for life, and health, and a strong arm ;
For the broad world of nature and of thought,
Spread out for my enjoyment ; for the feast
Of heart-content, and ready will to do
What Heaven allots. Homeward I turned my steps,
And as I mused, rough-hewed these simple lines, —
To her inscribed who baked the generous loaves !
297gg. jNIYSOX.
(from tup: FRENCH OF FLORIAX.)
Old Myson, for his wisdom rare,
Through all the land-of Greece was known ;
Poor, free, content, and without care.
He sojourned in the woods alone.
To meditate was his delight.
And ofttimes would he laugh outright.
Two Greeks did visit him one day,
'•Myson, we are surprised," said they,
" To see you here, alone, so gay."
" Alone ? that is exactly why
I laugh so," did the sage reply.
Ha — .
200 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
297r. Some Account
OF THE GERRISH AND SEWALL FAMILIES.
The ancestor of the Gerrish family in America was Capt.
William Gerrish, born in Bristol, Eng., Aug., 1617. He
came over about 1639, settling first in Newbury, Mass., and
later (1678) in Boston ; m., ist, Mrs. John Oliver, of N., and
2d, in Boston, Mrs. Ann Manning ; d. in Salem, at the res. of
his son Benjamin, Aug. 9, 1687, a. 70.
CHILDREN OF WILLIAM' GERRISH.
His children (by first wife) were :
»(1) John-, of Dover, N. H., Judge of Supreme Court. (2) William^,
M. D., of Charleston, Mass. (8) Jo>^eph'^, minister of Wenham. (4)
Benjamin^, collector of customs at Salem. (.5) Elisabeth^, who m. Capt.
Stephen Greenleaf, of Newbury. (6) Moses^, of N. (7) Mary^, who
m. Dr. John Dole, of N. (8) Henry^ (2d wife), of Boston, who d.
without issue.
MOSES^ GERRISH, COL.,
Born May 9, 1656, m. Jane, daughter of Rev. Henry
Sewall, sister of Chief Justice Sewall, of Mass., and of Anne
Sewall, who m. William Longfellow, ancestor of the Poet.
Rev. Henry Sewall, Vv^ho m. Jane, dau. of Stephen and Alice
(Archer) Dummer, of Newbury, was the son of Henry and
Anne (Hunt) Sewall, and grandson of Henry, of England.
REV. HENRY SEWALL AND FATHER.
Rev. Henry Sewall came over (to Newbury) in 1634-5,
followed some years later by his father ; m. in 1646, return-
ing to Eng. the next winter with his wife and her parents
(Stephen and Alice Dummer), where he appears to have per-
formed ministerial duties for some years, and where 5 of his
children were born ; returned to Newbury in 1659, where he
d. May 16, 1700, a. 86, his wife following him Jan. 13, 1701,
a. 74. " Their epitaph may still be read upon the stone
SUPPLEMENTARY. 20I
which marks their last resting-place in the ' old town ' burial-
ground." His father came over in 1646 (year of his son's
marriage), locating first in Newbury Newtown, whence he
removed to Rowley, where he d. in 1657, a. 80. Of his
wife, Anne Hunt that was, further mention, if made, has
escaped our notice. The question, we may remark, of the
probable relationship claimed for Prof. H. to the family of
the aforesaid Anne, still remains an unsolved, though not,
comine on a V cspoir, an insoluble problem.
FAMILY OF REV. HEXRY SEWALL.
The children of Rev. Henry Sewall were :
(1) Hannah'^ (Henry^, Henry^, Henryi, of Eng.), b. in Tamworth,
Eng., 1649, who m. Jacob Toppan. (2) Samuel*, Chief Justice, b. at
Bishopstoke, Eng., March 28, 1652, who m. Hannah Hull (first wife),
of Boston. (3) JoTin'^, b. in Badesty, Eng., 1654, who m. Hannah Fes-
senden, whence the Sewalls in Me. (York, Bath, Augusta, etc.). (4)
Stephen*, b. in Badesly, 1657, who m. Margaret Mitchell. (5) Jane*, b.
in Badesly, Oct. 25, 1659, who m. Moses^ Gerrish, of Xewbury. (6)
Anne*, b. in Xewbury, 1662, who m., 1st, William Longfellow (drowned
at Anticosti, an island of rather bleak character, in the Gulf of St. Law-
rence), and 2d, Henry Short, "all of Newbury." (Short's descendants,
or his namesakes at least, we have among us, as ditto those of Long,
some of them eminent in the pedagogical and literary highways and
byways of life, u. s. w.) (7) Meliitahle*, b. in X., 1665, who m. William
Moody, possibly the same with Capt. William M., with whom, as
tradition affirms (see Xo. 236), John^ Corser came to Xewbury —
whether from over the sea or from Boston, as you will. (8) Dorothy*,
b. in X., 1668, who m. Xorthend (first husband). Of the Long-
fellow family and their relationship to the Moses^ branch of the
Gerrishes, see Xo. 297d.
MOSES^ AND JOSEPH^ GERRISH.
Col. Moses- and Jane (Sewall) Gerrish were the parents
of six children :
202 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
Joanna^, Joseph^, Sarah^, Elisabeth^, Man/, John^. — Joseph^, Col., of
Newbury — b. March 20, 1682 ; d. Jan., 1765, a. 82 — m. Mary, dau. of
Moses and Lydia (Coffin) Little. He was the father of 13 children, of
whom were — (1) Moses\ h. April 15, 1706, who ra. Mary Moody ; lived
on a farm in Newbury. (2) Col. Joseph^ settled in N. (3) Capt.
Stephen*, pioneer settler in Boscawen. (4) Mary\ m. Griggs. (5)
Jane*, m. Rev. Phineas Stevens, of Boscawen, 1741. (6) EUsabeOi*, m.
Stephen March, of Portsmouth, 1753. (7) Sarah*, adopted by Judge
Sewall; m. Moses Newel. (8) Judith*, m. Thurston. (9) Samuel*,
settled in Newbury. (10) Rebecca*, m. Joshua March, of Newbury,
1752. (See Hist, of Boscawen.)
JOSEPHS GERRISH (mILLER), OF BOSCAWEN.
Sarah'^ (Hoses'*) m. Dea. Isaac Pearson, of B., 1751.
Joseph'^ (Moses-*) removed to B. in 1779, settling on the Black-
water River ; bought of Henrys Gerrish the first saw- and
grist-mill erected in the west part (now Webster) ; d. 1819, a.
78. His son, Moses^, settled on the farm now owned by
Charles Glitten. Children :
2 sons, who d. in early manhood, and 4 daughters, of whom Betsey^
(oldest child) m. Henry G. Wood, of Lebanon, 1816.
STEPHEN'* GERRISH AND FAMILY.
Capt. Stephen-* Gerrish, b. in Newbury, Jan. 22, 1711,
was one of the first settlers of Boscawen, ancestor of most of
the Gerrishes of B., those of the Joseph^ (or Blackwater)
branch, as we have seen, a shoot of several years' later
growth, being the exception. Stephen* m., ist, Martha
Chase, of Newbury, 1738 ; 2d, Joanna, dau. of Samuel Hale,
of N., 1 74 1. She was the sister of Richard Hale, father of
Capt. Nathan Hale, the martyr spy of the Revolution. (See
Hale Gen.) Stephen* was the father of
(1) Henry^, b. 1742 ; d. 1806, a. 64. (2) Jane^, b. 1745 ; d. 1814, a. 69 ; m.
Samuel Ames, of Boscawen. (3) Samuel^ of B., b. 1748; d. 1825, a.
77 ; lived first on High St., removing thence in 1776 to a farm in
Canterbury, on the Merrimack; 3 children. (4) Enoch^, h. 1750 ; d.
1821, a. 71 ; lived on High St., in B. ; farmer and mechanic ; framed
SUPPLEMENTARY. 203
buildings, etc. ; 8 children. (5) Joseph^, Col., b. Sept. 17, 1753 ; d.
Nov. 21, 1817, a. 64 ; lived in B., at the lower end of the Plain, in the
house afterwards owned by Dr. Peach, since burned ; m. Mary
Bartlett, of Newbury, 1779; owned a large tract of interval land,
bought in part with his wife's dowry, who inherited, it is said, from
her lately deceased father, her weight in silver.
HENRYS GERRISH AND FAMILY.
Col. Henry- (Stephen-*) lived on a farm on Fish St., in
B.; m. Martha, dau. of Jeremiah Clough, of Canterbury, a
woman of great strength of character, who d. 1826, a. 84,
surviving her husband 20 years. Col. Henry was an ener-
getic business man, — farmer, innkeeper, justice of the peace,
land-surveyor, blacksmith, town officer, etc. He possessed a
large landed property, both in and out of town, an important
section of which, to the Corser family, was the Hill, bought
about 1764 by John- Corser, and since known as Corser Hill
— then a part of the " forest primeval," extending uncounted
leagues to the north and west.
Eleven children were born to Col. Henrys :
(1) Jeremiah.^ b. 1764 ; d. IS06, a. 71 ; an ingenious mechanic; built the
first saw-mill at the outlet of Long Pond in B., owned for many years
by David and Luke Corser ; willed his homestead on the Plain to the
Boscawen Religious Society. (2) Sarali^, m., 1784, Capt. Joseph Wood,
of Lebanon, b. 1759, d. 1859, a. 100 years and 39 days. (3) Moses^, set-
tled in " Bashan," so-called, in B., father of Jeremiah', the father of
Henry H.^ and James L.^, and of Sally'', who m., 1819, Col. John Farmer,
brother of Hannah Farmer, who m. Bliss Corser. (4) Stephen^, an
inventive genius; made mill-saws and cut-nails; lived on High St., in
B. ; 8 children ; dau. Sally", m. Edmund Dearborn, of Northfield, father
of Samuel G.^, M. D., of Nashua. (5) Henry^, lived on the homestead
on Fish St. (now the County farm) ; 6 children ; d. 1862, a. 90. (6)
Hannah^, m., 1st, Carter, 2d, ^March. (7) Martha^, m. Jesse
Little. (8) Jacob^, d. 1861, a. 81 ; lived on Fish St. ; 8 children. (9)
Susanna^, m. Joel French, of B. (10) JosejJi^, settled in Northfield;
father of 13 children — 7 of whom attended school at one time to the
writer — in the Hodgdon district so-called, in Northfield — 64 years
ago (winter of 1837-8) ; b. 1784, d. 1851, a. 67. (11) Thomas^ Dea., b.
1786 ; d. 1875, a. 88 ; 8 children.
204 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
297s. THE PLUVIAD.
BY A. B. C.
Oh, what a dripping day !
How the streams of water play,
As I muse !
You'd think, with busy pat,
A little cobbler sat,
Pegging shoes.
Now on the window pane.
As if a thing insane,
Hear it pour ;
And now how like a rill,
O'er the smooth and sounding sill.
By the door.
And see at what a pace
The frolic waters race
Down the way ;
She'll never need be chid,
Who once has sported kid
Such a day !
Some are given to complaining,
When they see it raining, raining,
Looking sad,
As if they'd seen an end
Of the smiles of every friend
That they had.
Well, some have cause to mourn ;
The beggar, with his torn
Coat so thin,
All shelterless, may weep,
To feel the rain-drops creep
O'er his skin.
SUPPLEMENTARY. 20$
Xor marvel I a bit
(Though queer, to laugh at it
Were too bad),
That they who never think,
With souls as dark as ink,
Should be sad.
There are, whose hearts are stored
With bright images, a hoard,
As an ark,
Which shine though it be night,
Like phosphorescent light
In the dark.
I'll never mourn the day
That shuts out every ray
From above,
While bright my bosom glows,
To sweetly dream of those
Whom I love !
There are, too, who can spy.
E'en 'neath a cloudy sky.
Beauty's form,
Still radiant and fair.
Smiles beaming everywhere,
'Mid the storm.
How beautiful the crops.
As the fresh-distilling drops
Them bedew.
Driuk, drink, as with delight.
And grow greener and more bright
To the view !
How prettily the flowers
Peep out amid the bowers
To the rains.
And from their little faces,
Where cluster hidden graces,
W^ash the stains.
206 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
I love to see the jay
Trim his plumes, and then away,
In a trice,
And the hen, with feathers prest
Close to her back and breast,
Step so nice.
The sturdy fishermen
Are merry when the rain
'(iins to fall,
As, buttoned to the chin.
They dash through thick and thin,
For a haul !
And then I think how bright.
When the clouds are put to flight,
Earth will seem ;
How the merry birds will sing,
And how clear the sun will fling
Out his beam.
How the mountain tops will glow,
And the valleys smile below
To the skies, —
Like the face of Eastern maid,
When she lifts the folded shade
From her eyes !
Ah, not in sun or tide
Doth cheerfulness abide,
But the heart ;
When that is tuned aright,
Each day will open bright,
So depart.
SUPPLEMENTARY. 207
297t. TWO PICTURES.
I. The Hand.
(By Sentimental Stephen — at 20.)
Tell me not that all is fleeting,
Like the mist of morning sky,
Like the foam where waves are beating,
Or the zephja- flitting by.
Prints there are, Time's hand evading,
"Which the scenes of earth impart,
Deep imprest, and as unfading
As the transports of the heart.
Once a hand in mine was folded,
I ne'er prest such hand before ;
Fair as ever nature moulded,
T may never grasp it more ;
But the thrill, the pulses starting,
Soul may feel, not words express,
Swift as spark electric, darting
Rapture to the heart's recess.
Fixed as thought that hand's impression ;
Still is felt that thrill of bliss ;
Oh, how one pure, glad sensation
Makes an Eden world of this !
Soft as sunlight on the mountain
Rests the impress on the heart ;
Not the flow of Ganges' fountain
Holier influence doth impart !
Be her share the boon who granted.
Richest blessings Heaven confers ;
Ne'er may that fair hand be planted
In less holy one than hers ;
But that impress, emblematic.
Oft will prompt the fervent prayer.
That some day, with joy ecstatic,
I such hand for mine may share !
208 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
II. Carmen C^elibis.
{By Flinty-hearted Stephen — later on.)
" Melius nil ccelibi vita." — Horatius.
I'm a jolly old Cselebs as ever you met,
And I live, oh, the happiest life,
With no one to tease me, to worry and fret, —
I'd not for the world have a wife.
How I pity those love-stricken. Hymen-bound souls,
At forty so wrinkled and gray ;
Why, my hair (and I'm fifty) is black as a mole's.
And I've scarcely a wrinkle, they say.
I repair to my rest with no one to molest,
And my sleep is as soft as a child's ;
And when with morn's beams I awake from sweet dreams.
All nature doth greet me with smiles.
No infantile rattling, or conjugal battling,
Intrudes to disturb my repose,
And with dog and with cat I can cosily chat,
When tiresome my solitude grows.
Then, too, with my steed and my gun and a song,
I can hie to the forest away,
Nor fear to be chided for staying too long.
Or that rogues with my papers will play.
With books in profusion I'm never alone.
And my heart is e'er fresh as the spring.
Demanding no favors, indebted to none,
I'm as free as a bird on the wing !
Oh, amid the world's blisses accord unto me
But the bliss of a bachelor's life ;
Retired and contented and cheerful and free,
I'd not for the world have a wife !
p. S. LATEST.
A blithesome bird is wont, in spring.
To visit the Lodge at even ;
Once Whip-pnor-Will he used to sing,
Now screams he, Whip-poor-Stephen !
SUPPLEMENTARY. 2O9
297U. How I Learned to Read.
EXTRACT FROM ADDRESS BY PROF. L. HUNT (273).
Bearing in mind that last year [1900] was the initial Old
Home year for the natives of Maine, I concluded it was my
duty to make a pilgrimage to my early home — my Birth
Place in northern Vermont.
Accordingly, with my sister, a lady friend, and an accom-
plished lady artist, I set out, and in due time arrived at my
destination. ' It is a lonely spot, wild with crags and boulders,
ponds and brooks and woods of cedar and fir, — and not a
house to be seen in all that region. My log house birth
place has vanished. But the ground is there, the cellar is
there, and the encircling rough nature is there.
The artist took views, made sketches, and the result has
been a beautiful landscape of my birth place, of ample size,
and which in the words of Webster — " At the rising of the
sun, and at the setting of the sun, and in broad day, will
remind me," that —
"Mid Gorham's fine houses altho' I may roam,
Yet ne'er'U be forgotten my Green ^lountain home."
From this secluded nook in northern \'ermont I emigrated
when about five years old. Tho' my stay was so brief, with
life so young, nevertheless, in that short space, many events,
trifling and childish to be sure, are impressed on my memory
to-day, as vividly as when they transpired. To one of these
little incidents I will call your attention for a moment. It
has reference to my initiation into the mysteries of school
life, and the method adopted for teaching me to read.
During the last year of my stay in that region, it occurred
to my parents, that it was about time to commence my edu-
cation. Accordingly I was sent to school — quite a primitive
one indeed — kept in a log house. My elder sister led me
to the schoolhouse door, opened it and pushed me in. The
2IO CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA. »
schoolmistress kindly set me on a front seat, with tacit per-
mission to stare about. This opportunity I improved. I
stared about.
In process of time the schoolmistress called me up to read.
But some unaccountable freak of obstinacy or stupidity, the
cause of which has been a mystery and a wonder to me ever
since, took possession of me at that moment, and I refused to
read. The teacher, a very pleasant young lady, encouraged,
coaxed, praised, and flattered me, then told me to look at the
first letter and say — A. I looked at the letter; but I didn't
say — A. My lips were as firmly closed as ever were Andrew
Jackson's or those of the Egyptian Sphinx.
" Now look at that letter," said she again, "and say — A."
My ey^s obeyed, but my Zips refused. She pointed to B with
the same result. " There is the letter — 5 — what a funny
letter ! Now you say — S." Not a sound. " O what a pretty
letter! That's — 0/ It looks just like your mouth when you
open it. Now say — O, and see if it don't." Lips firmer
than ever. Then she called up another boy, and told us both
to say — A — together. One of us did say it, but it wasn't I.
This state of affairs remained in s^aif?^ quo for several days,
till the teacher in despair felt the necessity of appealing to
the higher ppwers. Accordingly, she reported that instead
of a satisfactory climb up the Hill of Science, my Alpha-
betical progress was at a complete standstill at its very foot.
In response, my mother sent the teacher an invitation to take
tea with her the next afternoon. The teacher came. The
supper passed off pleasantly, and when the tea things were
cleared away, mother bade me go to the teacher. I went.
"Now," said she, "read." But the demon of obstinacy
clutched me still. Not a letter. The order was repeated.
Result — lips glued as if with wax. Eyes staring at the 26
fearful ABC Darian monsters, standing apparently on each
other's heads from the bottom to the top of the page. Like
Foe's Raven,
"No word was spoken, the silence was unbroken."
SUPPLEMENTARY. 2 I I
Finally my mother arose and gave me an invitation to take a
promenade with her to an adjoining room. I accepted the
invitation. Perhaps I thought it would be a breach of eti-
quette to decline. Perhaps not. My memory is somewhat
confused regarding those few moments. However, I escorted
my mother to the log parlor, and while there we had a very
cozy, social time, intensely interesting to one of the parties.
The conversation was carried on mostly by my mother, who
made some decidedly cutting remarks accompanied by remark-
ably striking illustrations. In short, it was a literary sym-
posium,— very impressive.
Have any of my hearers ever stopped to consider the
marvelous effects that follow the application of the oil of
birch as a cure-all for the ills that boys' flesh is heir to }
Nothing like it. It makes the lazy lively, the awkward dance,
the dull smart. It touches the sensibilities — even to tears,
as was my experience.
In old Grecian INIythology it was believed that every tree
had a rural deity that watched over it as its guardian or
protector, called a dryad or wood-nymph, varying in character
according to the tree she was destined to protect. The
nvmph who had the bircJi tree in charge must have been a
remarkably interesting lady — a lovely lass. A lass she
must have been, for many a boy has been moved to cry alas !
alas ! when anointed with the oil of her tree. The effect in
tJiis instance was wonderful. I hauled down my flag — of
obstinacy. I surrendered to the stars and stripes — especially
the stripes — and I saiv the stars.
The paralysis was broken, my tongue was loosed. A halo
or aureole seemed now to be encircling the letter — A — and
to be sliding down the whole series of those mysterious hier-
oglyphics. I expressed a desire to read, and after escorting
my mother back to the front room, I stood once more before
the schoolmistress. I read — and read again — and still
again ; — and I found that performance much more interesting
than the preliminary exercises had been.
212 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
Said mother,— " You'll mind your teacher now, will you ? "
"Yes, ma'am." "Always.^" "Yes, ma'am." "You'll
read when she tells you to ? " " Yes, ma'am." " Always .'' "
"Yes, ma'am." "You love to read, don't you .^ " "Ye —
yes, ma'am."
And, ladies and gentlemen, I've been an inveterate reader
from that day to this, and have tried to be a good boy ever
since, and I thank the Lord, and /lave thro' life, for his kind-
ness in blessing me with a mother who knew how to maintain
strict discipline in her family.
297V. P^AMiLY OF Simeons Corser (106).
(from record of E. S. CORSER.)
Simeon^ (Jesse-*, Simeon^, William', John'), b. in Sutton,
Can., Oct. II, 1813 ; m. Betsey Morgan, of Sutton,
Dec, 1835 ; d. at Parishville, N. Y., June 5, 1856.
Children :
Hannah Ann^, b. in Sutton, Can., March 28, 1838; d. at Parishville,
N.Y., June 21, 1871, a. 33.
WelfJiy Jane^, b. in Sutton, Jan. 4, 1840.
Richmond Elkins*', h. Sutton, March 2, 1842 ; m. in Pottsdam, N. Y.,
Oct. 29, 1868, Mary Jarvis. Children :
(1) George Sumner', b. W. Stockholm, N. Y., Aug. 15, 1869.
(2) Percy Belle"', b. Guthrie Center, la., March 18, 1871 ; m. Ora Dell
Cahail. Child: Hazen Helen^ (Cahail), b. INleulo, la., Nov. 13,
1892.
(3) Laura Ellen'', b. Guthrie Center, la., Sept. 1, 1873; d. March 24,
1874.
(4) Nina May'', b. Guthrie Center, Oct. 17, 1875 ; ni. Paul Saltgaver.
Child : Helen Ruth^ (Saltgaver), b. Harlan, la., April 7, 1901.
(5) Nellie Leona"', b. Guthrie Center, la., July 15, 1878.
(6) Helen Elisabeth"', b. Sept. 29, 1880; d. Guthrie Center, March 13,
1888.
(7) Dorothy Maude'', b. Aug. 31, 1882.
Cinder'dla^\ b. Feb. 24, 1847; d. Winthrop, N. Y., April 24, 1900.
Homer Rice*', b. Sutton, Can., Oct. 4, 1849 ; d. Buckton, N. Y., Dec. 7,
1897.
Ellen Sabra''', b. Parishville, June 14, 1852.
Florence Gertrude^, b. Parishville, Nov. 25, 1854.
Nellie Leon a " Corser
Guthrie Center, Iowa
Age 23—1901
Richmond Elkins« - Simeon^ — Jesse^ — Simeon=^
William^ — John^
Page 212 Par. 297V-106-40-27-24
Sa)u fiKi! her now, will you
c. \
", rs ,
ma'am." " You'll
■ Yes, ma'am" "Always?"
sa'ara." " You love to read, don't yov: ^ e —
)••:■, Uiij'am."
And, ladies and gentleniL. : ...:; .. an eteratc reader
from that day to this, and have tried to be a good boy ever
since, and 1 thank the Lord, and Jiavc thro' life, for his kind-
ness in blessing me with a mother who knew how to maintain
strict discipline in her familv.
2Q7V. . \ ■■: * k ■■, - > 1! -M ': - f.\ • v^ uRSEfV ( I06).
(from kK! ■.;;(• <-i '■ .. < C»RSER.)
Simeon' (Jesse^ binicAi . ' 'n hutton,
Can., Oct. II, i^foe^-^So^A Sutton.
Children: 'nriol. — ^mBlIIiW
Hannah ^««^^fe^t^i^i^90lu^VT(?S .iB^'siS iV'T ^^^ . .u i,>c.> ,j.<.,
N.Y., June -21,1^71, a. ■):).
Wellliy Jane^, h. in Sutton, Jan. i, Ih.ki.
Richmond Elkins^ b. Sntioii. iMarch 2, 184'2 ; in. in Pottsdani, N. Y.,
Oct. 29, 1868, Mary Jarvis. Children :
(1) George Sumner', b. W. Stockholm, N. Y., Aug. 1.5, 1869.
(2) Percy Belief b. Guthrie Center, Ta., March 18, 1871 ; ra. Ora Dell
Cahail. Child: Hazen Helen* (Cahail), b. Menlo, la., Nov. 13,
1892.
(:]) Laura Ellen', b. Guthrie Center, la., Sept. 1, 1873; d. March 24.
1874.
(4) Nina Matf, b. Guthrie Center, Oct. 17, 1875 ; ni. Paul Saltgav^r.
Child: i/f/.jn /?uM« (.Saltgaver), b. II 1 " "
(.5) Nellie Leona'', b. Guthrie Center, la
(6) Helen Elisabeth'', b. Sept. 29, 1880; «. i.utnr .iaroh 13,
1888.
(7) Dorothy Maude', b. Aug. 31, 1882.
Ciuderilla^, b. Feb. 24, 1847; d. VVinthrop, M. Y.. April 24, 1900.
Homer Rice\ b. Sutton, Can., Oct. I. l'-!!- ; d. liuckton, X. Y., Dec. 7,
1897.
Ellen Sahra^, b. Parishville, June i i. i.i)_.
Florence Gertrude^, b. Parishville, Nov. 25, 1854.
SUPPLEMENTARY. 2 I 3
297W. A Family Romance,
COMMUNICATED BY EL\YOOD S. CORSER.
Introductory Letter.
Minneapolis, Minn., Dec. 15, 1901.
To S. B. G. Corser, —
There is an unwritten romance, of
which I am the present custodian, pertaining to the lives of
two of our family, in days following the birth of our nation.
It is in my thought, so tender and sacred a glimpse of a most
pathetic tragedy, that I have hesitated to make public the old
manuscripts, which, in October, 1864, after the death of my
grandmother, Mrs. Judith Burbank Corser, came into my
possession. She had at her death been for nearly sixty years
the custodian of the sad story. I give you copies of the two
letters of Edward and Betsey Corser, the latter only a frag-
ment, together with that part of the story which is told in
the endorsements, attached to the letters, written in 1806 by
Mrs. Sarah Gerald Corser (Edward Corser's mother), and
the full story written in 1820 by David Corser.
It seems to me now, that, as all those who were actors in,
or had personal or contemporary knowledge of, this romance
and tragedy of those days long since passed, are no longer
living, this story of our cousins of those early days may prop-
erly be told and may interest others of our name, as it has
interested the writer.
Sincerely yours,
Elwood S. Corser.
P. S. I have in many instances modernized the quaint
spelling, and in some instances slightly changed the form of
expression, but never changed the thought.
E. S. C.
214 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
LETTER OF EDWARD CORSER TO BETSEY CORSER.
BoscAWEN, N. H., Feb. 26, 1795.
Dear Cousin Bess : —
I shall on your i8th birthday send to
you the little gift which during ten years past has been my
usual annual remembrance, ever since you were a sweet little
girl of barely eight years ; and then you were glad when I
lifted you up to receive the kiss which I was permitted to give
to you, and to receive a return in like from " My little Sweet-
heart."
How well I can recall those years, when I used to have
you constantly with me in the house, or garden, in the barn
or the fields, and even in long tramps in the woods for flowers
in the spring, and for nuts in the autumn. In those days
you were broken-hearted when I shot the squirrels as they
were carrying home the beech nuts to their " wives and
babies," as you always assured me.
In those days we used to sit for hours together, while I
told you of the battles of the war for liberty, which had
been won by the colonists, poor and ragged, and ill supplied,
pitted against the scarlet-coated British, and their hired
Hessian allies. Then you would listen with wide opened
eyes when I spoke of the brave General Warren at Bunker
Hill, and the gallant Stark at Bennington. I am certain
that I gave you to understand that the result at Bunker Hill
depended very much upon the valor of my father, " Corporal
Corser," and we had some doubt whether he was not really
high in command. Then you always came in with the
exploits of your father David at Bennington, and how the
Hessians " bellowed " when the Yankee riflemen poured their
fire into their ranks. I can remember that we had in those
years no name for the Hessians but " Dutchmen."
It has come about indeed very naturally, that I have
always loved my sweet cousin and " little sweetheart," but I
SUPPLEMENTARY. 2 I 5
knew but little of this until, as you grew to be a tall girl of
sixteen and no longer had kisses to give, nor would receive
mine except when you were home and with your mother
near ; and especially when in the singing school, and the
church, your voice was so much the sweetest, that I had no
thought of any other, — that I came to know that you are all
the world, and more than all the world to me. Then for
years you were so timid and so shy, and when two years since
I began to speak to you of my love, you were at first startled
and told me I was only your big brother, and although you
have always been kind to me in many sweet ways, you still
kept from me any hope, until during the past six months you
have seemed to give me some kinder glances, and in some
manner, I do not know how, I have come to have hope again,
that you may yet become what you so sweetly called yourself
in those past years.
In a few weeks our birthday, on the nineteenth of March,
will be here again, and I shall be twenty-six years old and you
will be eighteen. I do not need to tell you that I love you, and
have always loved you, for you know it full well, but I beg of you
to think well of it, and then after you shall have time to answer,
— for I would not have you pressed nor hurried — you will I beg
tell me how it shall be. Your love, if it may be mine, wall make
my life most happy, and I shall ever endeavor to give to you
all that I may win for you, to make your life still happier
than now. If I had the eloquent speech which I so admire
in others, I would tell you all that I have in my thought of
you, but I do not need to write it, for you know it all, and so
I send these words, praying that they may find entrance to a
heart so gentle, that it will not shut its gates and refuse
entrance to my messenger.
Your faithful cousin and lover,
Edward Corser.
2l6 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
BETSEY CORSER TO EDWARD CORSER.
A Fragment.
***** ^ll\ q£ Ig^^g months I have never dreamed
of you as my lover. I have always remembered those days,
long ago before I was eight years old, and long before I used
to follow you through the fields when you came to my
father's house, and listened with me to the stories of the war,
which ended in 1783, when I was only six years old ; and I
can remember that when we learned that peace was come
again it seemed as if we were all in a new world. In those
very early years we would sit listening to your father and
mine talking of the battles, and of the horrid Indian massa-
cres, till I would be chilled with fright, and I used to creep
nearer and put my hand in yours for warmth and for protec-
tion, for when I was six years old and you were fourteen you
seemed almost a man grown.
When two years since you began to speak to me of love, I
was frightened and tried to avoid you, but I know that from
the first what you said had a strange and powerful fascina-
tion, and I have always had to hold myself in restraint that I
should not appear to seek to give you opportunity to speak
those words I dreaded, and yet longed to hear.
Then your letter of last February came just three weeks
before our common birthday. I am certain that while
that letter was in your thought to be written, it was by
some hidden mystery also in my constant thought as already
written. During all the nights of the month before my
birthday, and before the letter came, I saw it in my dreams,
always in one form, and identical in its appearance with the
real form of the letter which came ; and then always in my
day dreams, I knew it would come, and would come before
my eighteenth birthday, and although I still struggled against
an irresistible fate, I knew what the letter would ask, and I
knew also what my answer would be.
SUPPLEMENTARY. 2 I J
I have withheld my answer for weeks, and now it is June,
and I have seen the reproach in your eyes, and have felt the
pleadings of my own heart, aching because it has not been
permitted speech. You shall have an answer. I feel shame
in my confession, but wliile I have lifted my voice in songs of
praise to God, I have often feared that you have been the
heaven-descended person whom my heart has praised. How
can I — how dare I write this, but how dare I refrain from
writing it .' And now it shall be as you wish. This beautiful
June is so lovely that it seems to me a new earth and a new
heaven have been created for us.
You ask that when June shall come again I shall come to
you, and we shall build our own home. It shall be as you
wish. I know now that I am yours and I cannot refuse
w-hat you claim. When June comes again, if you shall claim
me, I shall come to you, with gladness and with song. And
now, dear Edward, I pray you do not come to me just yet.
In this letter I have laid bare my soul, and I am shamed and
must not see you yet. At least give me time to clothe myself
with my newly confessed love, and then when you shall take
me in your arms, I shall not be shamed before you. Dear
one, when we shall meet, I shall have so much to say to you
that no period short of eternity shall be sufficient for my
glad unending speech. How can it be that so much gladness
has come into my life .' Not the birds alone, but the brooks
also sing a love song, — the leaves whisper it, and the gentle
south winds breathe it with sweet perfume on my cheek, as
I sit in the evening moonlight, hiding my blushes when I
think that all these, and the bright stars, and the sweet
heaven know of our love, and all are glad with us.
2l8 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
NOTE BY ELWOOD S. CORSER.'
Minneapolis, Minn., Dec. 15, 1901.
This foregoing fragment of the letter written by Miss
Betsey Corser to her cousin lover is all which remains.
Whether the balance of the letter, its opening and closing
pages, were lost after the death of Edward, or were lost later,
when in the keeping of Mrs. Judith Corser, does not appear.
All that remain to tell the story are the endorsements on the
wrapper in which the sad drama of the lovers is told. These
endorsements are as follows :
written by MRS. SARAH GERALD CORSER.
BoscAWEN, N. H., 30th of June, 1806
These two letters are those which were exchanged between
my dear Edward and the sweet girl he was to have married
ten long years ago this month. They were found by me on
his body that fatal morning, the twentieth of March, 1796.
I have never shown them. I shall send them soon to Judith
Burbank, who married dear Bess's brother David, in 1801,
and who was so close a friend of our dear Bess during her
short, sweet life.
When these shall come into Judith's keeping, I beg that
she may shortly afterward send them, at her convenience, to
Miss Betsey Corser, who was born two years after Bess's
tragick death and who bears her sister's name. I cannot
write more of this. I have had no pleasure 'in life since dear
Edward's death, nor is his name ever spoken in our family.
Judith Burbank was fifteen years old when this terrible storm
destroyed our fond hopes, and blotted out these two lovely
lives, and I pray that she may write the sad story which
should accompany these sweet letters. My failing health
warns me that I have not long to live, and I must send them
to Judith before the end comes.
(Signed) Sarah Gerald Corser.
SUPPLEMENTARY. 2I9
SECOND ENDORSEMENT.
The next endorsement is in the handwriting of David
Corser, of Ogden, New York, and is as follows :
WRITTEN BY DAVID AND JUDITH CORSER.
March, 1820.
The inclosed papers came to my wife, Judith Burbank
Corser, in 1807, while we were living in New Hampshire,
being given to her by Edward's mother, Sarah Corser, wife
of Samuel Corser. Afterward, as requested by Mrs. Sarah
Corser, Judith gave them to Miss Betsey Corser, who, having
been born two years later than the time of her sister Betsey's
death, and knowing the close and tender friendship which
existed between Judith Burbank and her sister Betsey,
returned them to Judith, requesting that she should keep
them during her life, and should write and preserve the story
of the tragick death of the lovers. At Judith's request I
wrote the following brief account of this matter, as remem-
bered by my wife, who was Betsey's nearest and dearest girl
friend.
THE STORY.
Edward Corser, the second born child of Samuel Corser
and Sarah Gerald Corser, was born in Boscawen, N. H.,
March 19th, 1769. Eight years later was born, in Boscawen,
to David Corser and Ruth Blasdell Corser, their oldest
daughter, Betsey, born March 19, 1777. She was the sister
of David (the writer hereof), who was born four years later.
The fact of these children having their birthday on the same
day and month, and that they were very often together in
their childhood, caused them to frequently meet in the home
of Betsey's father, and the)' were always boy and girl lovers
from early childhood. Edward's father served as a corporal
in the patriot forces at Bunker Hill, and David as a private
soldier under Stark at Bennington. The letter of Edward,
220 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
which his mother preserved, with the fragment of Betsey's
reply, tell better than any other can tell, the story of the
cousins' early love. The story of their tragick death needs
but few words. They had fixed the date of their marriage
for June, 1796, and it was recalled later, that during the
months preceding March of that year they seemed even more
engrossed in each other than is usual with happy lovers. As
if they were already living, each in the other's life, it was
remarked that while Edward, hitherto, impetuous and impul-
sive, even to brusqueness, was refining in the gentle compan-
ionship of Betsey, she, although losing none of the gentle
loveliness which endeared her to all who knew her, matured
in independence and self-expression.
Betsey was a sweet singer and her musick took on a new
and most touching sweetness and tenderness. Their common
birthday came on March 19, and toward the close of that
day, as the sleighing was fine, they started out with a horse
and sleigh for a drive. There was some snow falling as they
left their home, and Betsey's careful mother cautioned them
not to drive far and to return early. Just after nightfall the
wind began rising, and the snow fall became heavy. By nine
in the evening the storm was terrific and blinding, and the
family of David (Betsey's father) became alarmed at the
failure of the lovers to return. It was thought, however, they
had found shelter at the house of Edward, as they had
planned to call there upon the family before their return.
Toward midnight the storm began to break, and Betsey's
father made his way through the drifting snow to the home
of Samuel. There they found that the missing children had
not been seen, and a searching party was organized and spread
out over the country along the roads over which it was
known they must have driven. Toward dawn, when the light
permitted objects to be seen, the body of Edward was found
about one mile from his home, toward which he had made his
way for relief. Soon after, about a quarter of a mile from
SUPPLEMENTARY. 22 1
the body of Edward, was found the overturned sleigh, shel-
tered by which and carefully wrapped in the sleigh robes by
the tender hands of her lover, Betsey was found, still living,
but chilled and nearly unconscious.
The lovers had made their drive longer than they were
aware, and when they could not tell the route, the horse
fallen and helpless, Edward had loosened him from the sleigh
and started him for home, trusting to the instinct of the
horse to find his way to David's and so perhaps give the
alarm there, while he (Edward), first protecting his companion
as well as possible in the shelter of the overturned sleigh,
should make his way on foot to his father's home. Unfortu-
nately the lines were not safely secured, and the horse,
although he had started direct for home, had entangled the
lines in some underbrush and was found only a few rods dis-
tant on his way home. When Edward's body was exhumed
from the snow in which he lay buried, upon his person were
found the enclosed letters, which have been preserved as the
touching story of these unfortunate, but not unhappy lovers.
So terrible was the shock to Edward's father and mother
that the mother's death, which followed twelve years later, in
1808, was directly traced as the slow effect of this tragedy.
Lest her reason should be overthrown, the sad event was
never mentioned, at least in her presence, and this apprehen-
sion accounts for the fact that no stone marks her son's grave,
nor does there appear any trace of this son in the family
records ; the few sad lines written by the bereaved mother in
1806 are all that tell of this son and of the mother's silent,
despairing sorrow.
To the stricken girl there came no knowledge of this sad
ending of the sweet romance until weeks later, when the first
grass of the opening spring was already carpeting Edward's
grave. When she was restored to consciousness in her
father's home, it was to pass at once, without knowledge or
memory, into the delirium of fever, from which she only
222 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
recovered to learn of the past and the present, in the early-
days of the June followmg, in those summer days which had
been set for her marriage. The knowledge of her loss w^as
imparted to her by her mother, and so tender was the heart
to which came this death blow, that even to Judith Burbank,
who was always by the sick girl's side, the mother could only
say, " Betsey was already an angel when with her hand in
mine and her face hidden on my breast she listened to the
sad story, and I must not repeat to any one the words she
spoke to me." She rallied from the fever, but she was a del-
icate girl, with indications of a tendency to consumption, and
it soon became evident that she would not long be parted
from the one to whom she had given herself. She lived until
August 24 following. She rarely spoke of Edward, and
when she named him it was as if living and near. A sweet-
ness so perfect and so pervading as to defy expression in words
marked these closing weeks of her life. We could not tell
why, but during the last days of her life all those around
her felt that she was not alone, but that she rested con-
sciously in Edward's arms, and it did not then seem unreal
or strange to those of the household who were near her. On
the evening before her death, when she seemed quite uncon-
scious, she roused and said plainly, v/ith infinite sweetness
and pathos : " Yes, P^dward, I am so glad for you that the
day has come." Toward morning she roused again and sang
with her own angelic human voice attuned to heaven's melo-
dies, and then as her voice failed we caught plainl}^ these last
words : " Edward ! Immortal life ! Immortal love ! " and then
she passed with Edward to that immortal life — immortal
love.
I have told this story sometimes in my own words, but its
more tender and personal passages are in the words of my
wife, Judith, and she bids me add that it falls far, very far
short of the unspeakable sweetness and pathos of the reality.
(Signed) David Corser.
Ogden, N. Y., Aug., 1820.
SUPPLEMENTARY. 22 3
297X. Voyaging Continued,
With some later passengers, on board the family boat IV.
& y. Co{u)rser, if you please — iiear akin, peradventiire, to
the British ship W. //. Corsar, Capt. Brown, of which we
read some year- iper, as "arriving yester-
day /("). (^ 1 -. . iom St. John, N. B., hav-
im :X\ which she broke from her
: d stranded, but quently
■ e hope no sue' ' "
■ii any of her
futuie.
JebS Davids Davids
Ma8>L03'' i4HO| ^ Hewson, Sept.
France. Eli^abeilv, b. f?e^^'¥;. ^^^^^^^mn-l. 1804. a. 12.
CaleW, b. April 2, 1884. fOyJ:— 01 3§A
Jean\ b. Feli. ^S. lS«fi.
John\h. Aug. 15, ISDI. fflrioj, — ^nAo\
01a., " • ;; 7:4!^^£|^Sfeii;€i9-:it^Sl^:i4ia4 8S£ 32Bq
.■■■(•>> >!!!!■- . .IoMii.*/['honias*),b.U'l;irksvilfe. N. H., .\;
I.*^), b. in Colebrouk. .N. r
won first jiiVMiiiiri! r.;
21:.
218. .U'l:u
18!H; /;-
214. lumina d.' i^Eatitoii). b. Aiarcli 1
Coll., ^lass., passing through twi
Mrs. Eddy, and receiving thtJ hoL' i'. S. D.
29. Edward*, reputed son of (San ''larch 19, 1"'>'' •
d. March 19, 1796, a. 27. (See 2; f
155. Frank L.^ (Gnokin), b. June '6, 1>.-1 , .11, Alice Batchejder, of
•Salisbury, N. H. ; d. Dec. 8, 1898. Chii<] • Roy B.'' (Gookin).
jt!t. Lizzie /.« (Edwin iiJ% RiceS John«). b. 1863; m., 1885, Justiu
T. Stevens. Children : Bella' (Stevens) ; Henry Lee' ; Ruth' ; infant.
196. Gladys^ (Sargent), in., Sept. 19, 190l,GuyCheney, of Franklin, N. H.
SUPPLEMENTARY. 22 3
297X. Voyaging Continued,
With some later passengers, on board the family boat PV.
& /. Co{ii)rscr, if you please— near akin, peradventure, to
the British ship IV. H. Corsar, Capt. Brown, of which we
read some years ago, in a London paper, as " arriYing yester-
day (Oct. 15, 1890), at Liverpool, from St. John, N. B., hav-
ing encountered a severe gale, in which she broke from her
moorings, lost her anchors and stranded, but was subsequently
hauled off by tugs." We hope no such accident will befall
the American vessel on any of her voyages present or
future.
NO. LIST OF names.
157. Frederic Gardiner^' Corser (Calebs Davids David^
John-), b.June 12, 1849; i""- I-ucinda S. Hewson, Sept.
9, 1880. Children :
Frances Elisahetli"' , b. Deo. '2i\ 1881 ; d. Nov. 12, 1894. a. 12.
Caleb', b. April 2, ISSi.
Jean\ b. Feb. 28, 1886.
Frederic', b. June 9, 1888.
John', b. Aug. 15, 1891.
219a. Marion Louise"^, b. March 28, 1898.
113. Henry /.6(John5, Jona.*, Thomas3),b.Clarksville, N. H., April 5,1848.
113. William B.' (Henry J.6), b. in Colebrook, X. H., JMarch 14, 1877 ;
farmer in Holderness ; won first premium on Shropshire sheep
at Fair in Plymouth, 1901.
212. LeRoy Webster^ (Curamings), b. 1879.
212. Margaret Fairbanks'^ (Cummings), b. 1885.
213. Arthur Ingraham', ra. Nellie Hughes. Children : Arthur I.^, b.
1894; Leonard^, b. 1896.
214. Emma G.' (Easton), b. March 1, 1872 ; studied at the Metaphj'sical
Coll., ^lass., passing through two classes under the instruction of
]\Irs. Eddy, and receiving the honorary degree of C. S. D.
29. Edward\ reputed son of (SamueP, John'-^), b. March 19, 1769 ;
d. March 19, 1796, a. 27. (See 297w.)
155. Frank L.^ (Gookin), b. June 3, 1851 ; m. Alice Batchelder, of
Salisbury, N. H. ; d. Dec. 8, 1898. Child : Roy BJ (Gookin).
149. Lizzie I.^ (Edwin G.^, Rice*, John^), b. 1863; m., 1885, Justin
T. Stevens. Children : Bella' (Stevens) ; Henry Lee' ; Ruth' ; infant.
196. Gladys^ (Sargent), m., Sept. 19, 1901,Guy Cheney, of Franklin, X. H.
224 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
298. HO! FOR THE MOUNTAINS.
THE MOUNTAIN CALL.
(Stanzas to Brevis.)
Kearsarge a kindly greeting sends.
His dinner bell rings out, sir ;
Come, let us climb his breezy slopes,
And taste the mountain trout, sir.
Our ancient friend, the Profile man,
Proud of his crystal lake, sir,
Cries, Come and try my looking-glass,
And here your toilet make. sir.
And from afar calls Washington,
In accents shrill and loud, sir, —
Mount hither to my lofty perch,
And touch at length the clouds, sir.
And Conway shouteth down the vale.
And green are Saco's banks, sir ;
Come, let us strike our tents and join
The hill-ward marching ranks, sir.
Letter from Long to Short,
plymouth to mt. washington.
Mt. Washington, Aug. 29, '79.
Bnouo Fratello into, —
We arrived last evening, 01 route from
The Weirs, at the thriving village of Plymouth. This morn-
ing, at 7.30, we stepped on board the waiting train, bound
for Fabyan's and cloudland. Now we are whirling up the
pleasant valley of
SUPPLEMENTARY. 22$
BAKER S RIVER,
admiring its fine farms and broad meadows ; now plunging
through its thick fog-blanket — a chronic complaint, it would
seem, with this stream, at least hereabouts. Now, crossing
the Wentworth border, we wind around the wooded slopes of
c.\rr's mt.,
flying onward almost in the eye of the regal Mooselauke,
"Benton's hoar sentinel," the hotel upon whose top we look
back and see boldl}' outlined upon the sky. And now, clear-
ing the summit at Warren, we shoot downwards, past the
precipitous cliffs of Owl's Head (in Benton), famed for its
blueberries, past the peak of Sugar-Loaf, w^ithout coveting
its sweets, and gliding through the pleasant villages of Haver-
hill, and across the Connecticut, bring up at length at the
airy junction-station of
WELLS river.
Here we have to wait an hour for the arrival of the train
from Saratoga, patronizing the restaurant meanwhile, and
"doing" with bird's eye lens Wrmont ; then back again
across the river, and up the banks of the wild Ammonoosuc,
the snorting steam horse pants. We soon become conscious
of a mighty barrier looming heavenward on our right ; it is the
Franconia range ; that proud peak lording it over all we know
to be
LAFAYETTE ;
and we begin to realize at length that we are getting among
the mountains.
Here our ideas somehow become confused. Objects seem to
jostle each other, and waltz by as in a dream. Hills and forests
and rocks and streams and squeaks and jolts and bright eyes
and raven tresses and the man who has been switching off onto
the narrow-gauge road for the last half hour or so till nobody
226 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
is much concerned if he gets smashed up on it — all get
strangely tangled together. * * * And in less time,
seemingly, than it takes to tell it, we find ourselves whirling
up the
WING ROAD,
halting now at the Bethlehem station, where we look up at
the observatory on the hill, and see the narrow-gauge man
switched off onto his pet road, bound for the Profile House
(sorry we can't stop this time to
" Gaze on the face of the old, old Man,
The chill Flume's rocky rampart scan.
And sail on the crystal Echo Lake ! " )
— now flitting by the forest-crowned heights of the Twin
Mts., and now, with lessening speed, gliding gently to our
terminus at
FAB van's station.
We alight amidst a crowd, look across at Fabyan's, then
turn our eyes upward to the everlasting Hills, to Washington
and his compeers, which stand out there before us in all their
peerless, unclouded majesty. We instinctively take off our
hat — no, it isn't to the graceful Juno smiling down upon us
— and feast our eyes upon the glorious vision.
BOUND FOR THE SUMMIT.
Time, 2 o'clock, p. m. At 4 the train vvill start for the
summit. We were not long in making up our mind to test
the substantial qualities of Jacob's Ladder, and take a look
at the moon, and haply see the sun rise from the tip-top
station. * Procuring our tickets (^56), half an hour later
found us at the lower terminus of the Mountain R. R. — 6
miles beyond and 1,200 feet higher than P'abyan's. From
this point the mountain rises 3,625 feet, and the 3 miles of
railroad about one foot in 4 — at one point
supplementary. 22/
(Jacob's ladder,
which is a trestle 30 feet high and 300 feet long), i i-8 feet
in 3. The car is pushed up by the locomotive, by means of
a large cog-wheel working in a central cog-rail. Every pro-
vision is made for safety, and not a passenger thns far has
sustained injury. There were enough of us (about 50) to
make up two trains, and the ascent, including two stops for
water, was made in about i 1-2 hours.
THIN CLOUDS
were drifting over some of the lower summits as we started,
but the sky above Mt. Washington was clear. By the time
we had reached the top, however, the old President had got
into his night cap, and though he doffed it for a while after
dark, by the next morning he had got it over his ears double-
lined and furred. Of course the chance to see the sun rise
was nowhere.
THE VIEW
which opened upon us as we crept upward — so wild, so vast,
so varied, so unspeakably beautiful, so transcendently glorious,
so like a vision divine — we will not belittle by an attempt to
describe further. * I wish you could have seen the eyes of
the uninitiated dilate and gljsten as we rose towards the apex ;
it would have been a study for a painter. — " Five minutes'
stop," says the conductor, " at the
GULF OF MEXICO."
We leave the car, and peep dov^n into a wild ravine hundreds
of feet deep, separating Washington from Clay and Jefferson.
Some of our company roll down stones, which we cannot stop
to see reach the bottom. About forty rods from the top we
pass the monument of Lizzie Bourne. From this point
onward we are literally " among the clouds."
228 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
AT THE TIP-TOP.
A good fire, kept constantly burning, awaited our arrival at
the Summit House. We found a stiff breeze blowing, which
increased during the night, whistling round the windows like
a wintry blast. There are now 8 buildings here, including
the Hotel (built in 1872 — three stories high — heated by
steam — with accommodations for 200 guests). The moon
was near its full, and shone brightly about 9 o'clock. The
rare spectacle of a
LUNAR RAINBOW
appeared two or three times. " Lovely ! beautiful ! " was
the echo from more lovely lips. A telescope revealed two
of the moons of Jupiter ; one man thought he could see five !
It wasn't the man either who complained of being tipsy on
account of the rarefaction of the air. Said he — " I've come
here all the way from New York. It will cost me and my
wife [who, by the way, rode up on horseback 27 years before]
$24 for this single day's jaunt. And here we are all
in a fog. And my head is all in a buzz — tipsy, sir, tipsy.
And look at these people — nobody of much intelligence
here, eh } You don't catch me here again." The Hotel
charges are $4.50 a night, two meals included, which you are
expected to take and pay for, and pay for if you don't take.
We were favored with some splendid views in coming down
the mountain, which we cannot stop to describe, as the order
was imperative to move on to Crawford's, near the head of
the Notch, whence we proposed to make the ascent of Mt.
Willard.
Fraternally,
Long.
supplementary. 229
299. Crawford's to Portland — Letter Continued.
I am not aware that you ever ascended
MT. WILLARD
if not, when you go through the mountains again, do not fail
to do so. It stands just at the entrance of the Notch, rising
2,000 feet above Crawford's, and from its top, as from a grand
observatory, is obtained the finest view of the Notch Valley
imaginable. An excellent carriage road, two miles in length,
leads to the summit. It is also easily ascended on foot, by
ladies as well as by gentlemen. Our party (self and sisters)
made the ascent in this manner, taking it leisurely, the
" round trip " occupying two and one-half hours. Other par-
ties, of both sexes, made much better time.
The top, at the point of lookout, is bare of trees, and the
southern face, that fronting the Notch, is a vast precipice.
The view, extending down the Notch for several miles, with
MT. WILLEY
towering on the right, and the gloomy Webster on the left,
is a perfect picture; one, too, of exceeding beauty. "As a
simple picture of a mountain pass," says Bayard Taylor,
"seen from above, it cannot be surpassed in Switzerland."
The Flume and Silver Cascade on Mt. Webster, the carriage-
road winding below, the old
WILLEY house
in the distance, the track of the Portland & Ogdensburg
R. R. running along the face of Mt. Willey, 300 feet above
the valley, with other objects of interest, are distinctly visible.
Nor, as the ladies are pleased to remind us, must we omit
to mention the delicate mountain harebells which grow here
in profusion, and which fair hands delight to gather as pleas-
ant mementoes of the excursion.
230 CORSER FAMILY* IN AMERICA.
AT Crawford's.
Descending the mountain at 12 o'clock, we remained at
Crawford's till 3, p. m., wandering and picnicking in the
pleasant grove adjacent ; admiring the little pond, the head-
waters of the Saco, with its pretty nook of " Idlewild " on
the further edge ; looking whither a guide-board pointed,
saying,
beecher's falls —
a cascade on Mt. Lincoln, with about water enough, a face-
tious gent informed us, " to run through a boot-leg " ; studying
the massive summits on either hand ; enjoying, in fine, what-
ever there was of beautiful and charming in the surroundings
of this luxurious hotel.
We here met a venerable gentleman, who, on learning our
place of residence, began to talk about Salisbury, saying he
was a native of that town. We inquired his name.
"JOEL EASTMAN,"
he replied. "The representative to Congress.''" we asked
(tripping here a little). " Not exactly that." " Well, the
man who ought to have been." " That was for the people to
say." The veteran of the law is 82 years of age, and hale
and vigorous as many a man ten years his junior. He said
he was more of a farmer now than lawyer ; and afterwards,
as we rode down with him in the cars, pointed out to us his
big farm in North Conway. We presently found him at the
depot enjoying a quiet cigar. Directly a robust old man,
with very long hair and beard, came down from the hotel.
This was
EDWARD MELCHER,
who lived in Bartlett at the time of the Willey slide (Aug.
28, 1826), and was one of the first on the grouwd after that
catastrophe, assisting in taking from the ruins the first two
bodies that were found. " What is your age, Mr. Melcher.''"
SUPPLEMENTARY. 23 1
inquired the lawyer, after discovering that they knew each
other well towards half a century ago. " Eighty-two years."
" My age exactly. And what do you do for a living ? " "I
am a carpenter, sir ; w-ork right along every day, and can lift
the heavy end of a beam with any of them. Have just
walked 30 miles from Lancaster down, and can do it again."
" I give it up, you can beat me. But why do you let your
hair grow so long .'' " Taking off his hat by way of reply,
and revealing a mass of hair nearly a foot in length, very
thick, and but slightly sprinkled with gray, "What do you
think of that ? " said Mr. M. Whereupon the sage of Conway,
who is quite bald, lifted his tile, and waggishly repeated,
"What do you think of that .^ " A tableau vivant, which
amused the spectators not a little.
But our time is up. We can hear the whistle of the
approaching train, and behold us presently "all aboard " for
Portland. Down we speed
THROUGH THE NOTCH,
expectation all on tip-toe, as the conductor announces to us
the various objects of interest on our route, which have been
the wonder and delight of all tourists. We enter the " Gate"
through a stupendous cut, 50 feet deep, in the solid rock-face
of Mt. Willard. Directly the valley opens between the
frowning walls of Mt. Willey and Mt. Webster, as before
mentioned, the sides of the latter deepl)' furrowed by the
beautiful cascades forever whitening down its cliffs. Soon we
are passing the
IRON GIRDER BRIDGE
spanning the ravine of Willey brook (rising in Mt. Willard),
140 feet long and 85 feet high. Far below, through an open-
ing in the trees, we presently see the red (rear) walls of the
old AVilley House. A few miles further on we pass the
232 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
FRANKENSTEIN CLIFF,
just beyond which, crossing a dry ravine, is the famous trestle
of same name, 30 rods in length and 75 feet high, resting
on a giddy net-work of iron rods — a wonderful work of
mechanical skill. Lofty mountains continue to frown upon
us on either hand ; and as the beholder gazes with awe upon
the scene, he is filled with wonder at the daring nature of the
enterprise which resulted in putting a railroad through this
wild defile.
At Bartlett we catch a glimpse of the big boulder near the
Glen Station. Soon the pointed summit of
PEQUAWKET MT.,
alias Kiarsarge, in Chatham (3,400 feet high), crowned with
its hotel, appears cleaving the sky on our left. The attrac-
tions of North Conway (where, or in whose vicinity, we
remembered that Rev. Enoch Corser preached some of his
first sermons more than 60 years before — the same perhaps
that Rev. Mr. Price went to sleep over, when read to him in
his study by the young student of divinity), as viewed from
our sitting-point in the cars, we pass over as a conundrum.
At Hiram our attention is called to the famous falls of the
Saco at this point, whose waters we behold coming down o\'er
the rocks in sheets of foam. Now we arrive at the beautiful
SEBAGO LAKE —
the rival of Winnipiseogee — an arm of which we cross.
[Note. — We have enjoyed, we may remark, zn transitu, two
boat rides on this famous lake — the one, a short excursion,
in 1853, while wielding the birchen sceptre in Standish, Me. ;
the second in Aug., 1 894 — friends accompanying. Prof.
Hunt and lady, and Mrs. Adeline G. Pillsbury — this time
crossing the lake, some 14 miles, and passing up the Songo
River — as crooked a stream perhaps as can be found —
advancing two miles, as the crow flies, in thrice as many
MRS. SARAH G. PILI.SBURY. MRS. ADELINE G. PILLSBURY.
MR. S. B. G. CORSER (72).
{Taken at Old Orchard, Me., Aug. 22, 1900. Chamberlain Photographer.)
SUPPLEMENTARY. 233
miles of crookedness ; then across the bay of Naples two
miles, and finally up Long Lake some 9 miles further to Har-
rison at its head ; not stopping at Bridgeton, on the way, to
greet our kinsman, Lorenzo*^ Corser (192a), whose " name
and fame" had not then materialized to our observation. Of
the " sweetly sinuous Songo," Longfellow thus sings :
" Nowhere such a devious stream,
Save iu fancy or in dream,
Winding slow through bush and brake,
Links together lake and lake."]
An hour or two later found us at the end of our day's jour-
ney, in Portland, where behold us debarking in the rain
about dusk, and taking " mine ease in mine inn " at the quiet
City Hotel, ere —
Long.
300. Portland — Munjoy Hill.
Portland, Aug. JO, iSjg. — * * Yonder is Munjoy
Hill, whither, after a short stroll about the city, we direct our
steps, to obtain a view from the observatory — unsurpassed,
a conspicuous notice informs us, " for beauty and variety
by any in the world." The building is 70 feet high, and was
erected 72 years ago — on the site of old Lort Sumner. For
15 cents we are admitted to the cupola. A splendid pano-
rama is unfolded before us. On the one hand are seen, loom-
ing dim in the distance, the peaks of the White Mts. ; on
the other we look far out to sea, over the beautiful islands
which stud the harbor and bay, across Cape Elisabeth, and
beyond the Portland light. Right before us is Cushing's
island, the largest in the harbor, and a favorite place of resort
in summer, with its famous Ottawa House, fine beaches for
bathing, and magnificent ocean views. A steamer plies daily
among the islands, at the low price of 10 cents for the round
trip. Yonder, on Cape Elisabeth, is
16
234 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
FORT PREBLE.
You will remember, comrade mine, how, 26 years ago, we
went over there in one of our pedagogic escapades, to see the
guns, and how we tested their calibre by thrusting our caputs
— " Tiium non menin," diets? N'importe, totwn idem — into
their cavernous throats ! And away there to the right of us, 1 5
miles, is
OLD ORCHARD,
"happy, fair Old Orchard," where we hope soon to be lulled
to sleep by the wild waves' serenade. Below us to the west
and south, beautiful as a bride in her summer drapery, with
her 32 churches, and 20 spires which we can count, lies the
queenly city. Far inland, through a telescope suspended
above us, we can literally " survey the landscape o'er," "from
China to Peru ! " I need not tell the author of the great
geography (to be), that China is only about 60 miles from
here. And don't we know that Naples and its charming bay
are scarcely half that distance }
Presently a brig appears in the offing over Cape Elisabeth
with sails full set, though apparently motionless. Up flies the
signal flag far above our heads, and soon we hear the tinkling
of the little bell calling the keeper — T. P. Thorndike, an
old sailor and very obliging withal — to the telephone to
respond to the swift enquiries coming from various parts of
the city, as to the character of the vessel. * * But
enough for the present. To-morrow we hope to be in Old
Orchard, when you may perhaps hear again from
Long.
SUPPLEMENTARY. 235
300a. THE HAPPY MAX.
An Estray put into Fetters — Bij Ralph.
An eastern Caliph, at whose board
A wise man sat, though richly blest
With all that fame and wealth afford,
Complained of ennui to his guest.
" Go, find the man," replied the sage,
" Whose life from care is wholly free ;
Change shirts with him, and I'll engage,
That you a happy man will be."
" 'Tis good," the caliph answered straight ;
"I'll search the country far and wide."
But long he searched, and long did wait.
Before a happy man he spied.
At length he found the man he sought ;
Ah, then the caliph's heart was glad.
Alas ! his triumph was but short —
No shirt the happy .fellow had !
301. Letter from Henry —
after\yards yice-president wilson {72).
Natick, Jan. 13, 1S38.
My dear Friend, —
I receiYcd a few days since your letter,
which was sent to Farmington, and then forwarded to this
place. I had looked for it long ; late, indeed, it came, but it
came most welcome ; it came from a friend for whom I feel a
strong attachment.
It gives me much pleasure to hear that you are pleased with
your college life. I wish that I could be one of your asso-
ciates there.
236 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
Perhaps you would like to hear how I have spent my time
since you left Concord. Well, I spent the summer term at
that place, and then went to Wolfborough, where I attended
school nine weeks, and then came here, where I am now
teaching school. I have quite a large school — consisting of
more than 80 scholars. You see I have enough to do. Have
about 25 classes in school, besides reading classes. The people
said, when I commenced, that I should have a hard one to
govern, but I find no trouble.
About the exhibition, at Concord, last summer — it passed
off very well, but I do not think it was anything ^rm/ — not
better than the one we had in the spring. As for Miss
X , I may say I did xiO\. fancy Jier much.
You speak of the death of my friend Roberts. He was a
noble young man — one of the most talented. He called
upon me when he came from Hanover, spending the night
here. He was then quite unwell. We parted, hoping soon
to meet again. * * In a few days the painful news came,
that he was no more. Painful intelligence, indeed, to me.
Many pleasant hours we had spent together. Never had I
been so much attached to any young man. But he is gone.
All his bright prospects are laid in the grave. A few more
years, months, days, and we, too, shall be no more. May we
so live as to be remembered by our friends when we are
gone.
I hope you will again write me when you return to Hano-
ver. We may never meet again, but I hope we shall never
forget each other — [or, he might well have added, the pleas-
ant acquaintances we formed at our old boarding-place on
Centre street, Joseph Grover, landlord ; or our more varied
experiences, memorable indeed — if sometimes comical to a
degree — for their far-reaching influence upon our life-careers,
as our distinguished friend and former schoolmate, Hon. John
Kimball, even then (or promising soon to be) the tallest of us
SUPPLEMENTARY. 23/
all, can bear witness, — on and off the stage of the old Con-
cord Literary Institution]. As to my future movements, I
expect to spend the year here, or go to the West. * *
I remain your friend,
H. Wilson.
Mr. S. B. G. Corser,
Sanbornton Bridge, N. H.
P. S. The Whigs go ahead finely.
302. Family of Francis Sylvester^ Corser (157).
Francis Sylvester'' (Caleb^, David-*, David^, John-, John'),
b. in Gates, N. Y., July 12, 1833 J ^y July 23, 1872, at
Rome, Queensland, Austral., IMrs. Elisabeth A. (Bartle)
Crase, who was b. in Cornwall, Eng., Oct. 31, 1846.
Children :
John Elwood'. b. June 9, 1873, at Westwood. Queensland, Austral. ; d.
March 20, 1876, in Queensland.
Henry Spencer', b. Oct. 21, lS7Jr, at Rocky Creek, Queensland, Aus-
tral.; m., July 25, 1897, at Manchester, X. Y., Grace Amina, dau.
of Levi W. and Zilphia (Moore) Totnian. Children : Levi Spencer^,
b. Bristol Center, N. Y., March 24, 1898 ; Helen Zilphia^, b. Bristol
Center, X. Y., Xov. 8, 1899.
Helen Henrietta', b. Dec. 18, 1876, at Rockhanipton, Queensland, Aus-
tral. ; d. June 16. 1892, at Academy, N. Y., a. 15.
William Frederic', b. Oct. 10, 1878, at Rochester, X. Y.
Austin David'', b. Jan. 19, 1882, at Rochester, X. Y.
Emily Louisa'', b. Rochester, X. Y., March 25, 1875.
Elwood Sylvester, b. Rochester, X. Y.. Xov. 22, 1887 ; d. at Rochester,
Aug. 1, 1888.
238 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
303. HYMN TO ALCYONE,
The supposed (at one time) Central Sun — embodying, for substance,
a speculation not improbabl}' true in theory, to whatever mighty orb
pertaining.
(by a youthful student of astronomy.)
" The undevout astronomer is mad."
Queen of the Seven Stars, Alcyone !
Eldest and fairest of old Atlas' race ;
Whose virgin cluster, and as brightest, thee,
]My infant vision soonest learned to trace ;
Led by the compass of thy lucid train,
Old Athens' navies ploughed the trackless main.
Virgin of bloom and beauty, Qneen of Spring !
Ah, vs^ho thy genial influences can bind ?.
Who cloud the splendors wafted on thy wing,
Or pale the blossoms round thy brow entwined?
Pride of the vernal year, we own thy. sway.
And hail as Empire-Star the star of May.
Queen of the heavenly host ! — and art thou found ?
Whose mighty orb, poised in unfathomed space,
Ten thousand thousand systems circle round.
Far as the eye or telescope can trace !
And must proud Sirius yield — his flaming car
Hence glide obsequious to thysceptered Star?
Thou Central Sun ! ah, who shall span thy blaze?
Or speak the power that waits upon thy nod?
Thy distance calculate, or count the days.
Since thou wast rounded in the hand of God ?
Conception staggers at the thought of thee,
And space dilates into infinity.
Nor stops the bold tho' wildered Fancy here.
If worlds unnumbered thy vast empire sways,
Where rests the center of thy boundless sphere, —
The point the wheeling universe obeys ?
Thou and thy million sister-suns unknown.
With choral music circle ve God's throne?
SUPPLEMENTARY. 239
Father of Lights, and Architect supreme !
Who callest worlds from nothing by a nod,
To whom but as one day a thousand seem,
If such thy works, wliat then, art thou, O God !
And what is man, amidst thy glory's blaze,
That thou shouldst deign to listen when he prays !
:304. tup: stranger MAID.
(from the GERMAN OF SCHILLER.)
Once, in a vale, with humble swains,
.\s oft as spring her charms displayed,
When poured the lark his earliest strains,
Appeared a fair and wondrous maid.
The vale was not her native place ;
From whence she came no mortal knew ;
And none could e'er her footsteps trace,
When, done her errand, she withdi'ew.
PLach bosom swelled with joy serene.
Where'er she shed her blissful ray ,
And yet her lofty air and mien
Repelled intruders far away.
Rich stores of flowers and fruits she brought.
Matured and plucked in distant fields ;
Another sun illumes the spot,
Such gifts a happier nature yields.
ller treasures wide the maiden spread ;
To some gave fruits and flowers to some ;
And youth and age with hoary head
Returned not unrewarded home.
Welcome, indeed, was every guest;
But did she meet some loving pair,
'Twas theirs, of all her gifts the best,
And loveliest of her flowers, to share.
Hafiz.
240 corser family in america.
305. The Hale Family. —
Some of the descendants of Robert Hale, of Charlestown,
Mass.
Sir Nicholas de Hales, of Hales-Place, Holden, Kent Co.,
Eng., brother of Sir Robert, Lord High Treasurer of
Eng., who was murdered on Tower Hill by Wat Tyler's
mob, was the ancestor of three branches of the name
(de Hales, Hales, or Hale), found severally m Kent,
Coventry, and Essex counties, Eng.
I.
Robert' Hale was a scion of the Kentish branch, and
came to Mass., in 1630 ; joined the church in Boston ;
settled, 1632, in Charlestown, becoming Dea. of the
church there ; blacksmith and land-surveyor by trade ;
d. July 19, 1659 ; rn- Joanna . Children :
John^, b. 1636. (2)
Mary'^. Zecharialfi. Samuel'^. Joanna'^, b. 1648.
2 (I).
JoHN% Rev. (Robert'), b. June 3, 1636 ; graduated at Har-
vard Coll. ; settled in Beverly, Mass. (first minister),
1667 ; engaged in the crusade against witches, till his
wife was accused, which opened his eyes. He m., ist,
Rebecca Byles ; 2d, Sarah, dau. of Rev. James Noyes,
of Newbury, 1684; 3d, Mrs. Elisabeth (Somerby)
Clark, of N. Children :
Rebecca^. ' Roherfi.
Jamesfi (2d wife), b. 1685; minister at Ashford, Conn.
Samuel^, b. 1687. (3)
Joanncfl. Johrfl, drowned in AVells River.
3 (2).
Samuel^ (John^ Robert'), b. in Beverly, Mass., Aug. 13,
1687 ; settled in Newbury, whence he removed to
Portsmouth, N. H., where he d. ; m. Apphia Moody, of
N. Children :
SUPPLEMENTARY. 24 I
Joanna*, h. June, 1715; ni. Stephen Gerrish, of Roscawen, N. H.,
1741. (See Gerrish family, 297i-.)
Richard*, b. 1717. (4)
Samuel*, b. 1718. - (5)
Hannah*, b. Jan. 24, 1720 ; in. Joseph Atkinson, of Newbury, after-
wards of Boscawen, N. 11., 1744 ; d. in B., 1791.
John*, b. 1722. (6)
4 (3).
Richard^ (Samuel^ John^ Robert'), b. in Newbury, 1717;
moved to Coventry, Conn. ; m., ist, Elisabeth Strong,
by whom he had 12 children, of whom the 6th was
NatJian^, b. June 6, 1755, "the brave martyr spy of the
American Revolution," executed in New York City,
.Sept. 22, 1776.
5 (3).
Samuel" {SamueP, John", Robert'), b. in Newbury, 1718 ;
grad. Harv. Coll., 1740 ; teacher in Portsmouth, N. H.,
for many years ; served in the old French War ; Judge
of Court of Common Pleas. Children :
SamueV>, lived in Barrington, N. H.
Roberl°, lived in Barrington.
John^, tutor at Harvard, 1781 to 1786.
William^, of Dover, X. H. ; b. 1756 ; d. 1848 ; Rep. in Cong. 6 years.
6(3)-
John" (Samuel^, John% Robert"), b. in Newbury, 1722 ; lived
in Gloucester, Mass. ; d. about 1787. Children:
5a??M<e/5, settled in Portsmouth, N. H. ; m. Lydia Parker; Mas the
father of John Parker*', who settled in Rochester, X. H., and grand-
father of John P.", of Dover, Rep. to Cong., U. S. Senator, and
Minister to Spain, who d. in 1873.
John°. Benjamin^. Ebenezer^.
Jane^. Sally^. Hannah^.
242 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
306. BONNY EAGLE POND.
A MEMORY.
A charming little body of water this, " navelled in the woody hills "
of a pleasant town in Maine, not far from " Sebago's lonely lake " — as
Whittier sings ; not so lonely now, sin oe the iron horse has tramped along
its borders.
Sweet bonny lakelet ! sleeping
In thy rock-environed nest.
With thy fringe of pines and maples
Reflected on thy breast ;
With thy bits of glistening beaches.
Which thy crystal waters bind ; —
Like a sparkling gem thou liest
In my heart of hearts enshrined.
Twice twenty years have vanished.
Since, discoursing dreamy lore,
I and the famed Professor
Stood on thy smiling shore.
Then life was in its spring-time.
The future glowing bright,
And we bnilt us towering castles,
That charming summer night!
Castles of wondrous wisdom,
Of fame, and wealth, and power.
Nor thought our fabrics fleeting
As that rosy twilight hour.
Alas for man's devices !
The prey of time and change !
But One, the great Disposer,
Our life-lots can arrange.
SUPPLEMENTARY. 243
Yet thou, sweet Bonny Eagle,
Though apace the years have fled.
And my airy towers have tumbled.
And the snows are on mv head ;
As in the glass of memory
I look on thee to-day,
Thou art not changed, I fancy,
And changest not for aye.
Thy waters still are sparkling.
And the green woods girt thee round,
And on thy glistening beaches
The pilgrim's step is found ;
And still thou sujil'st to heaven.
And hast cheer for man in store,
As when the wild wood-ranger
First lingered on thy shore.
Hafiz.
307. PARTIAL GENEALOGY
Of the Corser Family (Darlaston Branch) in England, as
corrected by C. W. S. Corser, of Cleveden, Eng. (See imper-
fect sketch ^;//t', p. ii.)
I.
John Corser, of Darlaston, Salop, Eng. ; d. 1723. Child :
John^, d. 1770. (2)
2(1).
John'' (John'), attorney, d. at Whitchurch, Salop, Oct. 19,
1770, a. 74. Child :
George^, b. 1719. (3)
244 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
3 (2).
George^ (John% John'), b. at Whitchurch, 17 19; m. Mary
Norcross. Children :
John^, d. without issue.
George'^ (the George^ of oui- list on p. 11). (4)
Mary*, m. Thomas Salt, of Rugeley.
Richard^, rii. 1789. (5)
Anne*.
Margaret^.
Seiina Maria*.
4(3).
George^ (George^ John% John'), b. 1755 ; m. Martha
Phythian. Children :
Man/.
John^ b. 1787. (6)
Anne^, d. in infancy.
Seiina^, m. Rev. W. Hughes. Children : one son and two daughters.
George^, b. 1791. (7)
Thoma^^, b. 1793. (8)
Letitia^.
Samuel Sandford^.
5 (3)-
Richard'* (George^ John%John'), m., 1789, Amelia Herd-
man. Children :
Margaret^, b. 1790.
Mary M.^ Amelia^. Enima^.
Roberi-, b. 1795. (9)
Anne^, m. her cousin, John Corser^.
Henry^, m. Caroline Saxton. Child : son, died in infancy.
Eliza^. Alice^, d. in infancy.
Richard^, d. in infancy.
6(4)-
John5 (George'*, George^ John-, John'), b. March 27, 1787;
d. Sept. 19, 1822, a. 35 ; m. Anne^, dau. of Richard"*
Corser. Children :
John^, d. in infancy.
George Sandford^ h. 1819. (10)
SUPPLEMENTARY. 245
7(4).
George^ (GeorgeS George^, John% John"), b. 1791 ; m-
Frances, dau. of John and Jane Clay, of Whitchurch.
Child :
Frances Selina^, b. 1S27 ; in. Rev. H. H. Price.
8(4).
THOMAS5, Rev. (Georges George^ John% John"), b. 1793;
m. Ellen, dau. of Rev. James Lyon, of Prestwich ; d. at
Stand, 1876. (See sketch of his life, No. iic.) Children:
George James^ d. ISS-i. ^ ^
Mary EUen^, m. Rev. Richard K.« Corser.
Edmund (not Edward, as stated on page 11) Norcross% settled m New
Zealand.
9(5).
Roberts (Richard^ George^, JohnS John'), b. i795 . m. Ann
Burgess, of London. Children :
(10)
Richard Kidston^ "^ "'
Robert^, d. in infancj'.
Amelia Ann% m. John Price ; no issne.
Mary% m. Rev. John Edward Syinms ; has children.
Robert ina^.
10 (6).
George Sandford^ (John^, George^ George^, JohnS John'.),
b. Whitchurch, June 10, 1819; d. 1898; m. Alley
Thompson, of Daventry. Children :
Edward George Sandford'.
Charles W. S.'
Frank', M. D.
Also another son and three daughters.
246 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
11(8).
George James^, Rev. (Thomass, George^, George^ John%
John'), m. Mary Hannah Norris ; d. in Burrington,
1884. Children:
John Lyorf, b. 1860; barrister, London.
Ellen EditK^, ni. George Hall Green ; has three sons and three
daughters.
Mary Margaref, in. Capt. (now INIaj.) Hay. Children : Douglas W.^
(Hay) ; Alida Mary^ (Hay).
12 (9).
Richard KlDSTON^ Rev. (Robert^, Richard^, George^
John,^ John'). [He was the grandson, not of George^
(■♦), as stated on p. 11, but of Richard"^, brother of
George^ ('*).] Curate of Stand ; m. Mary Ellen, dau. of
Thomas and Ellen (Lyon) Corser. Children :
Richard Radcliff¥, who has three daughters.
Thomas Percy'', died in infancy.
308. NOAH'S ROCKING-CHAIR.
Lucy has named it — 'tis a jagged boulder,
Perched on the summit of the breezy ridge,
To westward lying of the Pinnacle, —
Here by some floating iceberg dropped, perchance,
Ages ago, when ocean whelmed the hills,
And on its ragged base so nicely poised,
The firm-prest foot may sway it to and fro.
On one side Nature a rude seat has carved,
/ Whereon a man may sit and look abroad,
And the wide varied panorama view.
Lucy has named it Noah's Rocking-chair,
And so henceforth for aye let it be called.
Here the fair scene unfolded to the eye
Will well repay the clamberer for his toil.
A semicircle grand of noble peaks,
To westward trending from the lengthened ridge
Of Crotched on the south, in Francestown,
To the far north, where Whiteface, scarred and torn,
Rev. George James " Corser
BURRINGTON ViCARAGE, HERTFORDSHIRE, ENGLAND
Rev. Thomas-^ — George^ — George^^ — John^ — John*
Pages 243-6 and 273-4
246 CORSEK VAMILV IN AMERICA.
II (8). ,
George James", Rev. (Thomas% (ieorge*, George\ John%
Johrr'), m. Mary Hannah Nor- ■■ Rurrington,
1884. Children;
John Lyon'.h. 1860; bar ri-Ster, London.
Etlen Edith", in. George Hall Green; ha.s three sons and thr^e
da\ight,ers.
Mnry Marguri'V , \n. Capt. (now Maj.) Hay. Q,\\\\6xQn: DougUm W.^
(Hay) ; Atida Marf (Hay). «
1 2 (9).
RiciiARf) K!DSTON'\ Rcv. (Robert^, Richard^ George-*,
John,^ John'). [He was the grandson, not of George*
{*), as stated on p. 11. but of Richard'', brother of
y>g^^>^^;4P|j^,,,l^i,H^fl<aQ3LTfl3H .aoAHAOiV j^oTO'/iiaaua
Thomas Percy', died in iufatifx.
'nrfof — '^nriol — "a^gioaO — ^^a^ioaO "gfimorIT vaH
Lucy has named it — 'tis a jajiitjed moulder,
Perched on the summit, of the breezy ridge. ,-
To westward lying of the Pinnacle, —
Here- by .some floating iceberg dropped, perchance,
Ages ago, when ocean whelmed the hills,
And Oh its rugged base so nicely poised,
The firni-prest foot may sway it to and fro.
, On one aide Nature a rude seat has carved,
/ Whereon a man may sit and look abroad.
And the wide varied panorama view.
Lucy ha.s named it Noah's Rocking-chair,
And so henceforth for aye let it be called.
' ' Here the fair scene unfolded to the eye
Will well repay the claniberer for his toil.
A semicircle grand of noble peaks,
To westward trending from the lengthc.iH.i .
Of Crotched on the south, in Francestow;,.
To the far north, where Whiteface, ^. '•'•-. I .;.: imih,
^ ^^^
)i J:
^
Residence, Bketton House, Fkinton-on-Sea, Essex, England
Office, i Garden Court, Temple
London, E. C.
Rev. Geo. James* — Rev. Thos. ' - Geo.*
John- — John*
Pages 243-6 and 273-4
Geo.^^
HH8MOD ' MOYJ l/lHOl
aviAJ0vi3. ,x38e3 ,a3S-ho-/!OT'/iimH .aguoH zoTTana ,3'jnaaiea^
ajMMaT ,Tauo3 naaaAO i .aoiaaO
.0 .3 ,noanoJ
^.oaO — *.o30 '■ .?.oriT .vaM ~ »g3m£{^ oaD .V3^
'nrio[ — -nriol
4'-8T2 bfTB 8-8^S g^se'I
Mrs. Margaret (Corser) " Hay
Born, Burrington Vicarage. i
Hertfordshire, England
Wife of Maj. Henry Thomas Horatio Hay, British Army, in India
Rev. Geo. James" — Rev. Thomas^ — George^ — George"*
^ John^ — John*
\ Pages 243-6 and 273-4
yaH ' (hh^hoD) thhaomaM .gnM
.aOAHADiV 1;<[(>T0MI>IHUH ,/IHOfl
Q/IAJOMS ,3HIHgaH0HTaHH
iiibnl nr ,vrmA righhfl ,vbH oiiBioH aeraoriT ^(^^oH .(.'^M "io 9\'tVf
'nrio|_ — ^'nrio|_
*-8TS baB a-E-I^S 893b4
SUPPLEMENTARY. 247
Looks down 4,000 feet on Waterville,
Frames in the picture. Midway, marking well
The border line, where Wilmot her fair hand
To Warner kisses, thrice .900 feet
His front uplifting, proudly towers Kearsarge,
In outline glorious, royally arrayed,
Pride of the landscape, peerless among hills !
On his left flank, in humbler guise, behold,
O'ershadowing Warner's vale, the rounded tops
Of sunny Mink, with Newbury's boast, the rear
Well guarding by the lake (if chance unseen).
Fair Sunapee ; while to the right extends
The Ragged's loftier range, most fitly named,
O'erlooking Andover and rocky Hill ;
With Cardigan's bald rugged peak behind.
Not far remote, in Alexandria half.
And half in Orange, sloping toward the west.
Nor be unnoted passed the nearer heights.
More to the east, of graceful outline, bare,
A summer range for flocks, of Salmon Brook,
In Sanbornton ; or northward, more remote,
O'erlooking Ellsworth, Carr's wild, woody ridge ;
Or last and farthest, noblest peak of all,
With brow upraised thrice 1,500 feet,
Benton's hoar sentinel, descried from far,
Moosehillock — Moosilauke in dialect
Of Indian — mountain-monarch, throned in clouds !
Worthy the setting is the varied scene.
That to the nearer prospect lends a charm.
Here are deep valleys, smiling plains ; green slopes,
With browsing cattle dotted o'er ; and fields
Of waving grain, neat cottages, fat barns,
And maple-shaded lawns, and swelling hills
With chestnuts crowned, and the wild woods beyond.
Fair pastoral scene, where blissful quiet reigns,
As once, meseems, on Gihon's banks I
Who would
With an elixir sweet his spirit soothe.
Or feast his eye on Nature's nobler scenes.
Him we commend to Noah's Rocking-chair !
248 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
309. SOME MINOR POEMS.
I. Optimistic.
Freshman Stephen, who knows all al)out it, delivers himself of a dis-
quisition on Beauty, which astonishes the Professor.
What is beauty ? I am told.
Beauty glows in morning's light,
When the hills are tipt with gold,
When the dewdrops sparkle bright.
What is beauty — ah, what is it?
'Tis the full-blown rose, they say,
Blushing as the breezes kiss it,
Smiling at the break of day.
What is beauty? Some maintain.
Beauty is a fancied thing, —
Offspring of a biased brain.
Object of our conjuring.
What is beauty ? Can ye tell ?
Let the eye of m:ii<len speak.
And the blushes, too, that dwell
On the modest female cheek I
Grief-dispersing, bliss-enhancing,
Are the charms that there combine,
Heart-i'eviving, soul-entrancing,
More than earthly — half-divine!
Fair one, with the laughing brow.
Lips that whisper sympathy,
Beauty's beau-ideal thou.
Thou the beauty e'er for me !
SUPPLEMENTARY. 249
II. Pessimistic.
From the Latin of Tibulliis, who appears to have been a man of little
faith, though a charniing poet.
My lady saj's — what's more sticks to't —
That she would marry only me,
E'en though high Jove should urge his suit.
But then what women's words may be,
Well know I ; write them, if you please,
Upon the w^ave or flitting breeze !
We believe it turned out that the poet was " mittened," anyway.
" Served him right," says the impulsive Matilda. Decision of court
reserved.
III. Imperialistic.
CHANSON.
(From the French of Montei^quieu.)
Love, having gained a victor's name.
As ruling sole the high abodes,
Went braving all the other gods,
Vaunting his triumphs and his fame.
The gods at length, when they could bear
No longer his imperious air.
Conspired to drive from heaven's height
The haughty Cupid, out of spite.
Banished from heaven to earth he fled ;
I'll surely be avenged, he said.
His camp he pitched in thy bright eyes,
Thence to make war upon the skies.
But ah ! — those foreign eyes of blue
So sweetly lodged him from his flight.
That he has now forgotten quite
The heavens and gods and vengeance too !
17
250 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
REMARK GRATIS.
Much — 'tis a fact to be deplored —
In all our views imperialistic,
Depends upon tvhose ox is gored :
Please keep in mind, sir, this statistic.
IV. Realistic.
Robert's sad experience in mountain-climbing, once upon a time, as
told^by him in mournful numbers.
Parturiit mans, etc.
Well I remember my first pilgrimage
To thy fair shrine, Kearsarge ; how we agreed,
My good friend Richard and myself, to meet
At an appointed time upon thy top ;
How, to the compact true, I trudged on foot
A score of miles, in the hot sun, to Carr's,
Close nestling at the base ; how the next dawn
Did find me toiling up, through the dank grass
And bushes, the dry channel of a brook.
Rocky and steep, with mighty "tug of war,"
'Till perspiration flooded every pore ;
How, at the top arrived, I found the sun.
Which I had hoped to see ascend in flame
O'er Catamount, up first, the rising mists,
Scudding to westward o'er the breezy ridge
Before his leveled lances — scene, in truth,
Unique and curious ; how in solitude
Deep as the grave I stood, and keenly felt.
Almost to pain, what 'tis to be alone, —
My mountain seeming, as the day wore on,
And still my friend came not, to a bleak isle
Transformed, myself to Crusoe, doomed au age
To reign alone here in this horrid place.
O, how I roamed the rocks in my vexation !
Roamed, shouted, cried, till very echo seemed
As tired, forsooth, and but in mockery
To make reply ; and on the loiterer's head
Invoked, I ween — what but a blessing, sure !
But vain he strives who strives against his fate.
Alone as I went up so I came down.
SUPPLEMENTARY. 2$ I
And where was he, my bon ami, meanwhile ?
Ah, thereby liaugs a tale, ne'er told in full.
It seems, as of the weather or of my
Good faith distrustful — aught for an excuse —
The mountain he went past, until he reached
A near-by village, by the magnet drawn
(Than which none jnightier or for weal or woe !)
Of two bright eyes ; there on thy sparkling waves.
Blue Sunapee, the sky now sudden, as
By magic, clearing, with my lady fair
A boat-ride planned ; and so in dalliance sweet,
'Mid smiles and glances tender, such as kill.
And in Elysium lap the soul, of friend
And mount oblivious quite, '• coquetted it "
(Good Richard will correct, or cnntra-Dick-t,
If I misquote, or paint- the facts too red).
And boated it, all day. Thus bore his lance
My gallant friend in that day's tournament.
And lived to joust another day. And thus
It was, Partur'dt mons (lake too as well,
I ween), et natus est r'uiicidus mus !
V. Nostalgic.
" Xo place like Home."
(From the Italian of Metastasio.)
Waters, severed from the deep,
Bathe the vale and mountain-steep ;
In crystal spring
Iniprisoiied go ;
Far wandering,
In rivers flow ;
Ever murmur, e'er complain,
Till they reach the sea again.
VI. Courageous.
Epigram on a Weathercock.
{By the boy with the hoe.)
" I ain't afraid."
252 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
Poor libeled weathercock ! to me
Thy slanderers seem the basest, —
O, may I ever be like thee,
The storm that always facest !
VII. Enigmatic.
Lines inscribed in an Album.
Three flowers there are, the garden's pride.
Each goodly without measure.
Whose charms the lingering eye surveys
With never ceasing pleasure.
The Tulip, beauty's brilliant type,
The Lily, with its grace.
The Rose, steeped in the dews of morn,
Emblem of loveliness.
I know a flower which blends in one
The charms of all the three,
Both Beauty, Grace, and Loveliness, —
Its name what can it be ?
VIII. For Ada's Album.
An Album ! well, 'tis very long
Since I in one have written ;
I'm half afraid the needed skill
Has given me the mitten.
Yet should I just one little line
Refuse to Ada's suing,
I might not seem the friend I am,
Which I should be for ruing.
This is a world of cheer and gloom ;
'Tis bright to those who will it ;
Such, Ada, be thy heart's "sweet home.
May sunshine ever fill it.
SUPPLEMENTARY.
Life's path is strewn with flowers and thorns ;
For each a varied dower ;
Be theirs the thorns who heedless walk,
But thine be every flower.
253
IX. Lines to Vagus.
Da mi dextrani, Yage care,
Et quocumque tu vageris,
Dum arenas lavat mare.
Mens eris.
Quanquam petas fines terrae,-
In futurum me celeris,
Tamen semper, frater care,
Mens eris.
Seu ad aurum tendas manus,
Seu des lorum puUis feris,
Pauper, dives, aeger, sanus,
Mens eris.
Fors me ligat solo hic ;
Non me ideo asperneris ;
Quanquam semper, etiam sic,
Meus eris.
Da mi dextram, Yage care,
Et quocumque tu vageris,
Dum arenas lavat mare,
Meus eris.
Ralph.
LONGUS.
X. Ode to the Isle of Skye.
(^From the Latin of Dr. Johnson.)
Shut in the deep's recess profound.
How grateful, Skye, dost thou disclose,
'Mid tempest clouds that girt thee round,
Thy green-robed bosom for repose.
254 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
Far hence, I ween, is banished Care ;
Here gentle Peace has fixed her seat;
Nor Anger spreads his subtile snare,
Nor Sadness, in this blest retreat.
Yet not to climb the mountains hoar,
Or 'neath the jutting cliff to rest,
Or list the heaving surges' roar,
Can heal the heart with griefs opprest.
Man's strength is weakness. All in vain,
The Stoics' boasted self-control ;
'Tis not in mortal to restrain
The tumults of the troubled soul.
'Tis thine to swa\^, supremely Wise,
The ocean of the human breast ;
The billows at thy bidding rise,
And at thy bidding sink to rest !
XI. Lucille.
The bird of passage spreads her wing.
And winter comes apace.
With cloudy skies and nights of gloom,
And chilling snow-embrace.
A bird of passage is Lucille ;
She plumes her wings for flight.
And winter follows in my heart.
With clouds and snow and night.
The bird returns, and trills anew
Her cheering notes of glee.
And summer comes — the loosened rills
Sport onward to the sea.
Lucille returns — her charming lay
Floats on the balmy air ;
The rills of gladness in my heart
Are loosed — 'tis summer there.
Hafiz.
SUPPLEMENTARY. 255
Sweet is the chime of evening bells,
And sweet the summer breeze,
But ah ! the strain of loved Lucille
Is sweeter far than these.
Ha—.
XII. EUI.ALIE.
Lines inscribed to Sarah Corser Clishy.
Our Eulalie is young and fair,
And like the lark she sings.
And sways, with an enchantment rai'e,
The soft piano's strings.
Like a bright bird, one joyous eve,
She strayed within our bower,
And sunshine came with song, to give
To bliss each budding hour.
She sang — she played — rare melodies,
Soft airs the heart to move,
Wild battle-pieces, cheerful glees.
And tender notes of love.
We reveled in the tuneful shower,
Till all entranced were we.
And thought at last of aught no more.
Save song and Eulalie.
Sweet, tuneful, charming Eulalie !
Her presence was like light ;
And when she left us, ah, thought we.
The moon had left the night.
Peace be with gentle Eulalie ;
Sweet sounds in plenty, too ;
Nor distant far the day when she
Shall charm us all anew !
256 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
XIII. A Wish.
{Froin the Latin of Cotoper.)
Ye morning dews, and health-inspiring gales,
Ye groves, and streams that smiling meads bedew,
Ye grassy hills, and sweet-embowered vales !
If still be mine what guileless joys I knew,
While yet, a youth, my native air I drew,
The swift approach of age, to fame unknown.
Beneath my humble )-oof composed I'll view.
And calmly sink, life's peaceful moments flown.
To rest beneath the turf, or quiet marble stone !
XIV. Ver.
Ver venit jucundum,
Et animat mundum ;
Sol lucide fulget et zephyri flant.
Canores sunt aves,
Et nubes, ut naves.
Cum velis auratis, per a?thera nant.
Xunc aquae de collibus,
Rivis ill moUibus,
Saltant, et arbores virides stant
Amoenis in pratis.
Cum animis gratis
His bonis fruamur quae veris Di dant.
XV. Sonnet.
To the Poet Sotheby, on reading his Poem entitled " Saul."
Poet of grace and truth and piety !
Whose gentle muse, like bird of summer, loves.
Mid sunny fields and flowers and smiling groves,
And scenes of rural bliss, to wander free.
War is thy theme ; yet sweeter far to thee,
From Carrael to survey the outstretched plains
And valleys green, where erst Judea's swains
Tended their flocks, and served in purity
Of heart the Lord. — How startlingly again
Live in thy glowing lines that horrid cave
Of Moloch grim, and famed Astarte's fane !
Read we in David's trust, and, proudly brave.
In rebel Saul, the moral of thy strain, —
Devoutly own Jehocah'x Power to save !
Hafiz.
supplementary. 2^7
310. Communication
From Elwood S. Corser (of date Dec, 1901),
To S. B. G. Corser, —
* * In the matter relating to the Corser family, which
you contributed to the History of Boscawen and Webster,
published in 1S78 by Mr. Charles Carleton Coffin, and in the
present Genealogy especially, which you have compiled and
printed without assistance [always excepting the important
aid rendered by our esteemed cousin, " but for whose tireless
hand at the oar," this frail bark, as remarked or intimated on
a previous page, might have foundered at sea, or at best but
very tardily cast anchor in port. — S. B. G. C], you have ren-
dered an invaluable service to all the Corsers in America, and
have preserved from irremediable loss the foundations upon
which all future genealogies of the family must rest. I ask,
as a personal favor, that this very inadequate recognition of
the great service you have rendered may have insertion at or
near the close of your book. * *
I also ask to be given space for a few words of recognition
of the kindness and courtesy which were so graciously
extended to me, and to the members of my family, by all
those Corsers whom I was permitted to meet in England in
1887 and 1888. These were Mrs. Mary H. Corser, then of
Clifton (Bristol), the widow of Rev. George James Corser
(deceased, 1884), and her son and youngest daughter, then
residing with her; and also George Sandford Corser, of
Shrewsbury (since deceased), and his immediate family,
inclusive also of the families of his sons, C. W. S. Corser
and Edward Corser. These families gave us welcome as
nationally akin, being of the same great English-speaking
race, and also recognized the closer kinship of our common
family name. * *
Sincerely Yours,
Elw'OOd S. Corser.
258 corser family in america.
311. Response
Of Superintendent Corser (135) on the reception of a gold-
headed cane from the employes of the R. F. & B. R. R.
Co. — [From the Portland {Me.) Argus.]
Superintendent's office,
R. F. & B. R. R. Co.,
Canton, Me., Aug. 30, 1879.
Mr. O. Spauldifig, Conductor : .
My Dear Sir, — I beg leave to acknowledge the receipt of
the very friendly note in behalf of the employes of the
Rumford Falls and Buckfield Railroad Company, together
with the beautiful gold-headed cane presented to me last
evening in their behalf.
For the unexpected testimonial of respect, I beg to tender
to you and them my heart-felt thanks.
The gift will be placed among my choicest treasures and
will ever be valued by me most highly because it has pro-
ceeded, as you assure me, from grateful and willing hearts.
I also thank you most cordially for the complimentary
terms in which you address me, voicing therein the senti-
ments of the employes of the road.
It has ever been my constant study to secure the confi-
dence of all those who have been employed under my
charge. There is no business where harmony and mutual
confidence is so much needed as in the working of a rail-
road.
The very regular manner in which the trains have been
run from the opening of the road, July 15, 1878, to the close
of August, 1879, with no accident, shows that not only the
men in charge of them, but the section-men and agents have
performed their part of the duty faithfully and promptly.
SUPPLEMENTARY. 259
I beg you to make known to those you represent that I am
deeply sensible of their kindness and respect.
I am, Dear Sir,
Yours truly,
S. T. CORSER.
The cane is of ebony, with a massive gold head on which
is inscribed :
Employes
of R. F. and B. R. R.
to S. T. Corser,
Superintendent,
Aug., 1879.
312. Tribute to Roger Wolcott.
By Charles A. Corser (58), of the Massachusetts Senate,
Jan. 18, 1 901. — [From Boston Jo!/nia/.]
Mr. President, a great and good man has fallen. Roger
Wolcott is dead. When a calamity and sorrow like this fall
upon a people, the finite mind cannot penetrate the dark
cloud to see the silver lining, and we are apt to say, in the
bitterness of our hearts, that a great mistake has been made.
But it is only for a little moment, for we of New England
have such full faith in a Supreme Ruler that we know He
doeth all things well. So we bow in humble submission to
His will.
Mr. President, a gentleman, a scholar, a statesman has
gone home in the prime of his manhood, whose place it is
hard to fill. Massachusetts mourns her beloved and lost.
Not only Massachusetts, but a whole nation mourns with us
to-day for our beloved son, Roger Wolcott. He was truly
great, he was truly noble, he was truly good ; and I can say
of him in the language of Mark Antony for his Brutus :
26o CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
" This was the noblest Roman of them all.
His life was gentle ; and the elements
So mixed in him, that Nature might stand up
And say to all the world, — This ivas a man ! "
Mr. President, we stand to-day beside his open grave.
Around us stand three milHon mourners, all citizens of the
State of Massachusetts, ready to strew pale roses over his
remains ; and as they drop the pearly tears, they offer one
united prayer that his resurrection morn may be very, very
bright and beautiful.
Mr. President, I stand here in my place to-day, the smallest
of the forty who sit at these benches, and bring my simple
tribute of love and affection and place it on the grave of
Roger "VVolcott. I place it there with sincere sorrow, for he
was my friend, and in these halls he graced so well we shall
see his genial face no more. Good-by, good-by, forever.
313. THE BREATH OF MAY.
(inscribed in an album.)
Hark ! a breath upon the mountains !
Now it floats down the hills,
And murmurs by the fountains,
And the low valley fills ;
It moves amid the branches
Of the elm-tree high,
And where the swallow launches,
In the bright blue sky !
She is coming — she is coming!
'Tis the soft breath of May !
And the dreary and benumbing
Frosts steal away ;
And the first flowers are flinging
Their sweet odors out,
And the green grass is springing
Where the lambs frisk about.
SUPPLEMENTARY. 26 1
Oh, how the earth rejoices
To feel May's breath !
How it wakens sweetest voices
'Mid the stilhiess of death !
How it speeds the blood's rushing
Through all Nature's veins,
And with a deeper blushing
Her bright cheek stains.
How the heart's to music given,
At its soft whisperings,
Just as the breeze of even
Wakes the wind-harp's strings !
And how the spirit rises,
As the sweet chords play,
And calm, as to some paradise's
Bliss, floats away !
Hafiz.
313a. CHRISTMAS SWEETS.
" May, lovely i\Iay ! " — Bloomfield.
Aha ! another Christmas gift ?
Well this, indeed, is queer ;
Bravo ! good Ralph, you have some friends
Surviving yet, 'tis clear.
Is mine, "tis true, I alwaN's knew,
A tooth of sweetness rare ;
But May, sly May, how should she know ?
A puzzle, I declare.
This, too, by post came from the coast,
All nice as any cameo.
O charming Hub, so saccharine!
Best servant Uncle Sammy, O !
Be careful now — with dainty touch
These envelopes unfold.
What's here? A Merry Christmas card.
All red and green and gold.
262 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
And here are purple paiisies, too ;
If well I read, they say,
" Aye think of me." Ah, who will not,
Of darling Christmas May?
0 sweetest May! O rarest May !
For see what lies below ;
Who ever sweeter fruit beheld
On Christmas tree to srow.
A brimming box of candied sweets.
To make the sourest laugh ;
Confections rare and wonderful,
I could not name the half.
O, how Amanda clapped her hands —
Jack wide his eyes distended !
Was never seen, by vote of all,
A holiday more splendid.
Dear lady mine, be ever blest ;
A thousand thanks to thee ;
Lapped in this paradise of sweets,
E dulcihus dulcissimus,
O, won't I surely be ?
Ralph.
314. Facts
Bearing Upon the Question of the Nationality (or
Mother Country) of John' Corser, of Bosca\yen.
In considering the facts relating to the early history of
John' Corser, of Boscavven, in sections 236 and 237 of this
book, the writer has suggested some plausible reasons, based,
indeed, upon conjecture, for supposing that his birth may
have occurred at a somewhat later period than the usual
accredited date ; not caring, however, as stated, to dogmatize
upon the point.
SUPPLEMENTARY. 263
This (diversion purely speculative), it must be borne in
mind, in our endeavors to arrive at correct conclusions on
the subject, has reference only to the birth-date of John'
not to the land of his nativity or to his descent, which are
entirely different matters, having no necessary connection
with the former (birth-date), and based upon facts which do
not admit of conjecture or seeming probabilities, in rebuttal
of positive evidence pertaining to the question, known to
exist and of a character not to be ignored.
To waive further preliminary remarks, the basal facts
adverted to above — facts persistent, uncontroverted, and we
may say undisputed, at least by those who, from personal
knowledge of the matter, are entitled par excellence to a hear-
ing— are simply these :
1. The existence, timeout of mind — which means, ever
since the Corsers of the Newbury stock played a part on the
world's stage — of a family tradition, oral or otherwise,
handed down, of course, from father to son, that John'
Corser, of Newbury, afterwards of Boscawen, was a native of
Scotland, and came over at an early age to Newbury, with
Capt. William Moody, of that place — whether by way of
Boston — an embellishment of equivocal character of later
date — is immaterial.
2. The said tradition has been accepted as undoubtedly
true (how else could it be received, the fact of its existence,
otherwise unaccountable, being really the strongest proof of
its truth), not only by the family in general, but by historians
as well, who have had occasion to refer to the subject, and
whose information w^as derived from authoritative sources,
namely, the older members of the family, who could witness
to the facts from personal knowledge.
Among works of history which have honored the family
tradition with a place upon their pages, may be mentioned
the History of Gihnanton, N. H., by Rev. Daniel Lancaster
264 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
(1845 — P- 162); Hist, and Gen. Register (Vol. i., p. 46,
1847) ; short authoritative biographies of Rev. Enoch Corser,
by Rev. Dr. Bouton and Rev. Mr. Jevvett ; History of Bos-
cazven (1878), by C. C. Coffin — who, indeed {vide p. 306),
hazards the — conjecture shall we call it } for which he cites
no authority (haply because none of appreciable weight was
forthcoming) — that John' Corser " more probably came from
Boston or vicinity" (not very complimentary this, surely, to
the wit and wisdom of the early Corsers, who might be sup-
posed at least to know their own fathers) ; while elsewhere
he gives full recognition, as does the compiler of the Corser
Genealogy in the same volume, to the traditional feature of
the family belief.
[3.] A third fact having a possible bearing upon the case
— not perhaps generally known, but of which the writer is
cognisant from personal knowledge, not to say occular demon-
stration, which, indeed, in some manner it was — deserves to
be mentioned, and that is, that the family in Boscawen had no
knowledge whatever of the existence of the family of same
name in Boston, for more than 100 years — not certainly
prior to 1847 — after the settlement of the said John' in the
former town. In 1847 appeared Vol. i. of the Hist, and Gen.
Register, which first brought to the notice of the Boscawen
family the interesting and withal surprising fact, that William
Courser, more than 200 years before, was a thriving and
respected citizen of the town of Boston ! We are not aware
that the intelligence, whatever bearing it may naturally have
upon the matter at issue, affected in any manner the usual
tenor of their way — of thinking, at least.
In view of the situation as here portrayed, i. e., from the
standpoint of recognized historical fact, that the article of
the family faith in question rests upon a foundation not easily
moved, would seem to be the inevitable conclusion.
SUPPLEMENTARY, 265
315. CARMEN MAIO.
(Latin Version hy Sophomoros.)
Venit Mail mensis Ifetus !
niius accessu vetus
Mater Terra hilaris
Vincla rumpit Hierais ;
Coloribusque maxima
Splendentibus exornans se,
Velut nympha, juveni
Prodit obviam alacri.
Male laete ! mensis florum,
Genialiumque rorum
Atque avium canorum,
Et nitentium coelorum !
Felix, qui hoc mense sit
Nat as ; cumque advenit
Mortis dies, felix, nae,
Qui hoc cedit tempore.
316. EXCURSION BOSTON-WARD.
Dear Cousin Matilda, —
It is with pleasure that I sit down to
give you, in fulfillment of my promise, a brief account of
our little excursion Boston-ward, inclusive of some pleasant
places nestling in more cosey fashion by the " sounding sea " —
whence we returned after a week's absence on the 30th ult.
[Aug., 1882]. My sister accompanied me a part of the way,
and sorry indeed were we that our journey could not have
been enlivened by your cheerful presence, as was the first
intent.
266 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
We started on Wednesday, the 24th, taking in Mount
Vernon, this State, on the way down, and running out to
Nantasket and to the Point of Pines, and one day to New-
port, R. I., where your humble servant had the honor to
■ shake hands with President Arthur, who, by the bye, me
judice, is not — well, quite so dzstin^?ie-\ookmg (I am sorry
to spoil your romance) as one might be led to infer from that
pretty picture of him you so much admire.
My friend S., you know, is Principal of the McCollom
Institute, Mount Vernon. Of course it became me to make
him a visit, especially as he had done me the honor to put
my name among the references on his school circular. The
village is situated on a beautiful eminence, commanding a very
wide prospect. Noble mountains loom up all around, among
which we fancied we could espy old Kearsarge. This is,
par excellence, the place for summer boarders, the number
ranging some seasons as high as three hundred.
We went out to Nantasket by boat, returning a part of the
way — to the terminus at the Pemberton House in Hull —
by the delightful Beach R. R. There is no more enjoyable
excursion than a boat-ride in Boston Harbor. And Nantas-
ket is a glorious beach, thronged wdth people at this season,
and presenting to us (we must not omit to say) a very differ-
ent aspect from the pessimistic view outlined by the Farmer
Boy some dozen years before, on a dusky day, and when old
Neptune seemed to be in an unusually naughty mood.
(See 318.)
We spent a day at the Point of Pines, going out by the
Revere Beach R. R. This has become quite a famous resort,
and is really a very attractive spot — a sort of fairy region,
with grounds beautifully laid out, and supplied in profusion
with everything that can please and amuse. The beach is
one of the finest. The nightly illuminations must be the
despair of all reporters. Lager-beer in plenty here, as every-
where ! which is not so pleasant a feature.
SUPPLEMENTARY. 26/
We spent ten hours in our trip to Newport (from Boston
— 8 A. M. to 6 p. M. — excursion ticket, $2.50), and four
hours in our rambles about the city, walking several miles.
Newport consists of the old and the new town. The former
is dingy as any antiquated place. The latter, situated for the
most part on the eastern and more elevated portions of the
island, is famous especially for its splendid villas, the number
and elegance of which are (the word hardly begins to express
it) amazing — their costliness astounding ! One lady, a Miss
Wolfe, of N. Y., has laid the foundation of a villa, the site of
which cost $192,000! What must the structure be when
finished! We passed the villas of Charles J. Peterson,
James Gordon Bennett, August Belmont, and scores of others
we cannot stop to name. The principal street, where you see
the big turnouts, is Bellevue Avenue, on which is situated
the Ocean House, where the president gave a public recep-
tion on that day, ciijns pars fui.
The great promenade is the walk along the famous Cliffs,
nearly three miles in length, with old ocean on one side, and
a long succession of splendid villas on the other. This is the
grandest thing of all. The beach itself is nothing remark-
able. The " Old Stone Mill," immortalized m Longfellow's
poem {Skeleton in Arvior) and in Cooper's Red Rover, the
scene of which is laid in part in Newport, bare and forlorn of
aspect as it is to-day, looks as much out of place amid the
green shrubbery of Touro Park as if it had dropped from
the moon.
But I am making my letter too long, and must defer the
rest till another time, if I have not indeed already discharged
my indebtedness in full. Tout a votes. Believe me ever
Your aff. cousin,
Carlos.
268 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
317. TURDUS MIGRATORIUS.
(a freshman meditation.)
'T was the first morn of April, and the sun
Had scarce begun to streak the east with red,
And from my eyelids slumber scarce had fled,
When from without sweet music fell upon
My sluggish ear. I started at the sound,
And sleep departed at the red-breast's note.
How sweet the lay ! how mellow was the throat,
As on that spray where not a leaf was found,
Tossed to and fro by every breeze of morn.
The happy robin did so gaily sing.
How pleasant, too, to hear at early dawn
The first new-comer thus proclaim the spring.
Me with new life it fills ; all sadness gone,
I feel the joy which hovers round his wing.
318. NANTASKET BEACH.
A pessimistic view, as photo'd by Ralph on a lowery day in August
(1870).
Nanfcasket ! thou dost look a little bleak,
And in thy far-famed beach of oozy sand,
With pebbles strewn, and rough as furrowed land,
(E'en such I found it, sober truth to speak —
Whether the flowing tide concealed thy charms.
Or thou art all a fiction,) I must own
I'm somewhat disappointed. Years have flown,
Since I have longed to languish in thy arms,
As pining lover on his sweetheart's breast !
But I have seen my fair adored ! Enough !
Along thy ridgy sands, and down the crest
Of the low, narrow neck, 'midst dust and heat.
Circling the foot of Strawberry's pleasant bluff,
To ocean-loving Hull I make my quick retreat.
supplementary. 269
319. The Stolen Bride.
An Indian Legend — By an Amateur Cotitribntor.
•' Love ! 'tis a passion wild and strong,
Once lit, 't is a raging flame !"
— The Predoniad.
I. THE LOOKOUT.
The sun was just rising o'er the Canterbury hills, — then a
nameless range, for the whole region was a wilderness, — when
the stalwart form of an Indian might be seen, standing lone
and statue-like upon a tall cliff that rose from the highest
point in the chain of hills bounding what is now called
Boscawen Plain on the west, and intently surveying the calm
waters of the Merrimack, which lay winding and glistening,
like a silver ribbon, in the beautiful valley below. His brow
was lowering, his lips fiercely compressed, and deep wrath
seemed depicted upon every feature of his face. His keen
eye followed anxiously along the course of the stream, his ear
was held in the attitude of listening, he seemed to stand in
breathless suspense, as if in momentary expectation of the
appearance of some object on the river^ in search of which
his whole soul seemed to be absorbed. But hush ! what dim
object is that just emerging from the trees, and now so
swiftly and noiselessly rounding yonder point .'' He starts —
it is — it is — he cannot mistake it — the red plume and the
dark canoe of Jibewah, his mortal foe, and the ravisher of
his beautiful bride.
n. THE ROBBERY.
Wepawmetuc had been the happy husband of Hocaponseh
but one short week, when Jibewah stole into his wigwam by
night, seized his blooming wild-rose, and embarking with his
captive on the head-waters of ' the Merrimack, glided down-
wards towards the home of his tribe on the borders of Massa-
chusetts. When Wepawmetuc discovered his loss, his rage
270 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
knew no bounds. He was not long in ferreting out the
author of the outrage, and with fury stamping the ground
and tearing his hair, he uttered a fearful vow that he would
neither eat nor sleep till he had dipped his arrow in the
heart's blood of the villainous robber. With two or three of
his trusty companions he started immediately in pursuit, his
feet winged with thirst for vengeance, — arriving early on the
morning of the second day at a point on the river near the
site of the present village of Boscawen Plain, where he
placed his men in ambush, taking himself a post of observa-
tion, as before said, on the neighboring height ; his object
being to anticipate and intercept his enemy — a movement in
which, so well-timed were his plans, he was completely suc-
cessful.
III. THE PUNISHMENT.
When Wepawmetuc descried the red plume from the
height, a thrill of savage joy shot through his heart, and with
the fleetness of a deer he bounded down the hill, to apprise
his men of the near approach of the foe.
"Up! my trusty comrades," were his words, " Jibewah
with the red plume approaches. He sits in the stern of his
dark canoe, guiding its course. Hocaponseh pines in silence
at his feet. The wolf knows not that the hunter is on his
track. The great spirit delivers the prowling robber an easy
prey into our hands. Now fit well your arrows to the bow,
and when he glides past us, exulting in his crime, and unap-
prehensive of danger, in one deadly volley bury them deep
in the black core of his heart, and avenge the outrage com-
mitted upon the Wild Rose ! "
Scarcely had he spoken these words when the dark canoe
came gliding silently by, stately as a swan, the red plume
nodding proudly o'er the head of its stern pilot, and Hoca-
ponseh, like a faded flower, languishing at his feet, and gazing
with eyes that scorned to weep, down into the silent depths
SUPPLEMENTARY. 2/1
of the river where she would fain have hushed forever the
beatings of her sorrowing heart in the sleep that knows no
waking. She is startled from her sad musing by a sudden
whizzing of arrows, followed by a shriek which rent the
heavens, and even blanched to an icy paleness her own
already colorless cheek. But what was her astonishment,
not unmingled now with a sudden glimmering of hope, when
she saw Jibewah fall at her feet, writhing in mortal pain, with
two deadly arrows drinking the life-blood from his heart !
And how was her surprise changed into ecstacy when the
well-known cry of victory, peculiar to her tribe, arose, and
Wepawmetuc waved the white plume to her from the bank,
and in triumph shouted her name.
IV. THE TRIUMPH.
The canoe was speedily drawn ashore, and the lifeless form
of Jibewah taken therefrom, and laid upon the ground. After
glutting their vengeance, in the manner of savage victors, by
mutilating and uttering execrations over his remains, and
lastly performing around them a triumphal dance, they laid
the body back into the canoe, and set the boat adrift to glide
down the stream.
Annually, for many years after, Wepawmetuc and his
friends were accustomed to celebrate the event of the rescue
by a triumphal dance on the spot where the body of Jibewah
was drawn ashore. To this spot, in memory of the famous
deed they gave the name of Contoocook, signifying in the
Indian tongue, if our interpretation be correct — though
haply differing from some others claiming to be the genuine
article, or at least " just as good," in which case the reader,
if finding any more befitting, or suiting him better, is free to
choose for himself — signifying, we say, TJie Robbers Death-
place, a name which came gradually to be applied to the
surrounding region, including the stream which falls into the
Merrimack a short distance below Boscawen Plain.
2/2 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
319a. TO A BEAUTIFUL STREAM, BY MOONLIGHT.
(^From the French of Sonipes.)
" Coulez ! eaux belles, argent^es," etc.
I^'low on, bright stream ! whose silvery sheet
Flings beauty o'er the verdant lea ;
Roll on, at my enamored feet,
Thy proud waves towards the swelling sea ;
Diana, from her airy height,
Doth watch thy waters' peaceful flight.
In thy clear glassy wave below
I see her form reflected bright ;
Whether she stoop to kiss thy brow.
As once she stooped on Latmos' height.
To kiss Endymion, or trace
The features of her own fair face.
And lo ! thy flood is gemmed with stars !
Arcturus bright, and Saturn's glow,
And Orpheus' lyre, and ruddy Mars,
Reflect their images below.
Pure sea of crystal ! sparkling bright
With glowing pearls and golden light !
Enchanting stream ! far down the lea,
Each bank with willows thickly spread.
Thy gently-winding wave I see,
Diminished to a silver thread,
Till, ' mid the dark plains lost from sight.
It vanish in the shades of night.
Eternal stream ! by winter's chain
Thy flowing tide shall ne'er be bound.
But ever shall the swelling main,
While Dian runs her orbit round,
Drink thy pure sparkling waves of blue !
Adieu, sweet stream, fair moon, adieu!
SUPPLKM!
320. Af>i
Supplementar) ■
eT8I— 08 3sA
John ), sctlied auci ma
Richard Kidston*^, Re^
John'), b. London,
Mary Ellen, dau
Mar.
George Sanford * Corser
Shrewsbury, England
Age 60—1879
Johns _ George* - George^ — John"^ — John-
Pages 243-6 and 273-4
^^
\
supplementary. 2/3
320. Additions and Corrections
Supplementary to " Partial Genealogy,'' etc. (307, p. 243).
10 (6).
George Sandford^ Corser (John^, George^, George^ John%
John'), b. at Whitchurch, Salop Co., Eng., June 10,
10, 1 8 19, solicitor and notary at Shrewsbury ; m., Aug.
20, 1850, Amy Thompson, of Daventry ; d. at Shrews-
bury, Jan. 31, 1898, a. 78. Children:
Anne Sandford', b. Aug. 19, 1851.
Edicard George Sandford', b. Xov. 20, lb52. (13)
John Sandford', b. April 9, 1854; d. in Queensland; utiin.
Charles William Sandford', h. April 27, 1856.
Francis Richard Sandford', b. Shrewsbury, Jan. 21, 1860. (14)
Arthur Sandford', b. Shrewsbury.
Am)/ Clare'.
iia (8).
Edmund Norcross*^ (Thomas^, George^ George^ John^
John'), settled and mar. in New Zealand. Children :
George Herherf.
Edmund Norcross''.
Ernest Lyon''.
Charles ReginakU.
12 (9).
Richard Kidston^, Rev. (Robert^, Richard^ George^ John%
John"), b. London, Dec. 20, 1833 ; curate of Stand; m.
Mary Ellen, dau. of Rev. Thomas and Ellen (Lyon)
Corser. Children :
Ellen Lyon', b. at Stand, Jan. 15, 1872.
Richard Radcliffe'^, b. June 10, 1873.
Anne Constance', b. Feb. 5, 1875.
Thomas Percy', b. June 11, 1876 ; d. in infancy.
Mary Caroline', b. at Bishopstone, Dec. 21, 1877.
2^4 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
13 (10).
Edward George Sandford^ (George Sandford^ Johns,
George^ George^, John% John'), sohcitor at Shrews-
bury; b. Shrewsbury, Nov. 20, 1852; m., Sept. 14,
1880, Elisabeth Dixon Craig. Children:
Frederic George^, b. April 4, 1887 ; bap. at Meole Brace, May 12.
Helen Amy^, b. July 2, 1889 ; bap. at Meole.
Mary^, b. ; d. on day of birth.
Arthur Geoffrey^, b. Jan. 18, 1894.
Edward Eric^, b. July 18, 1895.
14 (10).
Francis Richard Sandford^ (George Sandford^ Johns,
George^ George^, John^ John'), b. Shrewsbury, Jan.
21, i860; m. Kathleen M. Royse Moore, at Bourton-
on-the-Water, Feb. 20, 1884. Children:
Kathleen^.
George Francis Sandford^, b. June 29, 1890.
321. EXCERPTS FROM DANTE.
Inferno — Canto I.
[Dante was lost in a dark wood, whence Virgil, coming to his rescue,
becomes his guide through the eternal realm of woe and suffering, con-
signing him finally to the care of Beatrice, who will conduct him
through Paradise.]
Life's mazy pathway threading, all unmindful,
I found myself amidst a gloomy wood,
Since from the beaten track my feet had strayed.
And ah ! it were a grievous task to tell
How wild, and thick, and tangled was that wood, (Line 5)
Of which the memory e'en renews my fear, —
So grievous, death could scarcely V)e more bitter ;
But to relate the good which there I found.
Of other things I saw there I will speak.
Edward George Sanford ' Corser
Shrewsbury, England
Age 48—1901
George S.^ — John^ — Geo/ — Geo.^ — John^ — John'
Pa^ee 243-6 and 273-4
John^ — George Sanford" — Edward George Sanford^ — were
solicitors from father to son.
274 COKSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
13 (10).
Edward GEOR<iE Sandford' (George Sandford'', Johns,
George*, George^, John% John'), solicitor at Shrews-
bury; b. Shrewsbury, Nov. 20, 1852; m., Ser-t Xd.
1880, Ehsabeth Dixon Craig. . Children :
Frederic George^, b. April 4, 1887 ; bap. at Meole Brace, May 12.
Hden Ami/, b. July 2, 1889 ; bap. at Meole.
Mar/, b. ; d. on day of birth.
Arthur Geoffre/, b. Jan. 18, 1894.
Edward Eric^, b. July 18, 189.5.
14 (10).
Franci? Richak;^' Saxofokd^ (Geor:.'C '-'""•''f--'^''' Tohn^,
21, i860; m. K:;;nK^ ' U--; > Bourton-
on-the-Water, reb. :;
roer— 8* ^^a
•<ttiiq4-^ ^nrio[ — ".osit) — '".oaO — ■nrio[ — ^2 sgioaO
*-8Ti: fans a-ai-S a^SBl
3I3W — ^bioinB8-'^§id3i) f)i^Wl53 — »bioinjs8' sgiosD — fnrio[
.nog oJ Tt^^^LjPQli .8?p^'^'^02
[Dante was lost in a dark wood, whence Virgil, coming to his rescue,
becomes his guide through the eternal realm of woe and suffering, cori-
sigiiiug him finally to the care of Beatrice, who will conduct him
through Paradise.]
Life's mazy pathway threading, all unmindful,
T found myself amidst a gloomy wood,
Since from the beaten track my feet had strayed.
And ah ! it were a grievous task to tell
How wild, and thick, and tangled was that wood, 1 i"- •"')
Of which the memoi-y e'en ronew.s my fear. —
'^" ■ (.MJevous, death could scarcely be more bitter;
i); f 0 relate the good which there I found,
Of other things I saw there I will speak.
SUPPLEMENTARY. 275
I know not how I came to enter there. * *
But when I reached the foot of a high hill, (13)
Where ended all abrupt that gloomy valley, * *
T looked aloft and saw its smiling top
Now wreathed with that bright orb's returning rays,
"Which guides aright the steps of other men.
***** *»*
Whilst thus I wandered in the gloomy depth, (61)
Sudden before my eyes a form appeared,
Of one who seemed by lengthened silence hoarse.
When him in the great desert I beheld,
" Have pity on me," thus to him I cried,
" Whate'er thou art, or shade, or surely man."
He answer made : " Not man — man once I was.
My parents natives were of Lombardy,
And both were born in lovely Mantua.
My birth was under Julius, altho' late, (70)
And Rome my home in good Augustus' reign. * *
A bard I was, and of that pious son
Of old Anchises sung, who came from Troy,
After proud Ilium had sunk in flames.
But wherefore dost return to so much grief V
Why the delightful mountain not ascend.
Which is the spring and source of every joy ? "
" Tell me, art thou that Virgil and that fount.
Whence flows so rich a stream of melody ? " (80)
To him with reverend air I made reply.
" O honored guide and light of other bards,
May now avail me my exceeding love.
And my long study, of thy peerless work.
Thou art my master, and my author thou ;
From thee alone I learned that subtle grace
Of speech, whence I have honor among men !
But see yon monster, which has turned me hack.
O, shield me from her fury, sage illustrious,
Which makes me shiver in each nerve and vein." (90)
" Thou needs must journey by another road,"
He answer made me, when he saw my tears,
" If from this savage place thou would'st escape ;
Since that fell Wolf which so much dread inspires,
2^6 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
Permits no one to pass her direful way,
But so besets his footsteps that he dies. * *
Wherefore would'st thou thy greatest good consult, (112)
Thou'Il follow nie, and I will be thy guide,
And lead thee hence through the eternal realm.
Where thou shalt hear the wailings of despair, * *
And those behold who suffer patiently (118)
The pains of Purgatory, since they hope
Some day to greet the blest in Paradise ;
Whither if thou would'st then pursue thy way,
A worthier guide is destined thee, to whom.
When I depart, I shall resign thy care ;
Since He, the sovereign Ruler of the skies,
Against whose righteous law I did.rebel, (1-5)
Wills not that I should enter His abode. * *
0 blest, whom he elects to enter there ! "
To him I made reply : — " O bard revered,
1 pray thee by that power thou knewest not.
If so I may escape this woe, and worse,
That thou would'st lead me there where thou hast said,
So that I may behold St. Peter's gate.
And those whom thou hast made so miserable." (l'^5)
He led the way, this hearing, and I followed.
Hafiz Intp:rpres.
XoTE. — The Poet, who had lost his way in the gloomy wood, was
beset by three savage beasts, — a leopard, a lion, and a she-wolf. By the
leopard is meant " an appetite for sensual pleasures " (jnaceri disonesti) ;
by the lion, the vices of ^jriV/e and ambilion : while by the wolf is sym-
bolized envy, that, to w'it, of his enemies (which was the chief cause of
all the poet's misfortunes), and perhaps also the avarice of the Guelfs,
who confiscated his estates, and (according to the poet) ruined Italy.
supplementary. 2/7
322. Some Boscawen Views,
As pictured for the Rays of Light by the Farmer Boy in
1877.
We were recently favored with a call from a gentleman
who has an eye for the picturesque, and who spent an hour
in studying the somewhat ragged range of hills which shuts
in our cosey Plain on the west. We dispersed a few " rays "
on the occasion for his benefit, which we here gather into a
focus.
Our noble Cordilleras (on a small scale) consist of four
principal peaks — historic peaks we may call them — namely,
beginning on the south. Bull Crag, Coon Crag, The Pinnacle,
and Mt. Ararat. Bull Crag was so named from an incident
which occurred many years ago. Some one was getting wood
from the mountain, and while driving his team of bulls,
attached to a loaded sled, along the edge of the cliffs, the
sled gave a sudden lurch, and over went the team, bulls,
wood, and all together, down the rocks, to the bottom. The
driver, looking on in dismay, put up a brief pious petition for
the bulls, and vanished.
Coon Crag, situated in the rear of the Fowler residence,
displays now a sufficiently bald pate, but, till within a few
years, rejoiced in a luxuriant head-covering (of chestnuts,
etc.), among which the coons rioted, as if never a Davy
Crockett pointed a gun. One of them lay securely curled
up in a hollow tree. Davy, who could not point a gun at that
one, thought to coax him out with a little fire and smoke ; and
it being a dry time, the fire spread, till it smoked out, not
one coon merely, but all the "varmints" on the mountain,
and scalped the old crag pretty effectually. Verily, Coon
Crag seems rightfully entitled to its name.
278 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
The Pinnacle towers nearly opposite the Academy building
(that was). When it received its name we know not, but
perhaps in the palmy days of the old Institution, when Pre-
ceptor Gregg illumined the place with his shining talents
(1829-30), and led his pupils up the Hill of Science to a
higher pinnacle even than the old granite crag. Upon this
height we can imagine Daniel Webster as once standing, and
looking down with intense delight upon the beautiful mead-
ows below, and upon the spot he had selected for his own
residence — where Mr. Knowles has since built — little
thinking how soon he would be too big for the narrow limits
of Boscawen. Upon this height the Indian Wepawmetuc is
supposed to have lain in wait, while watching for the coming
of his enemy down the river, who had stolen his beautiful
bride. (See 319.)
Mt. Ararat — a new name — lies to the west of The Pin-
nacle. A few years ago it was covered with a beautiful
growth of chestnuts and other wood, where the squirrels and
the children gathered their store of nuts for the winter. It
is now bare, and has revealed upon its top a boulder measur-
ing several feet in diameter, with a chair-like excavation on
one side, and what is most remarkable, found to be a genuine
rocking-stone,
" Upon its rugged base so nicely poised,
The firni-prest foot may sway it to and fro.
— Lucy has named it Noah's Kocking-chair ; "
and what more fitting name for a hill upon which Noah's
Rocking-chair is found than Mt. Ararat ? The view from this
point, both mountain-ward and valley-ward, with the noble
Kearsarge towering in the midst, is alike pleasing and inspir-
ing. (See Poem, 308.)
SUPPLEMENTARY. 2/9
323. THE GODDESS OF THE LYRE.
A SONG OF EVOLUTION.
The Muse, in times more ancient, made
The grove's thick gloom her dwelling place,
And queen-like her proud scepter swayed
O'er a submiss and trembling race.
When stirred her breath the sleeping trees.
Awe-struck, with fearful feet they trod.
And when her voice swelled on the breeze,
Adoring bowed as to a god !
Her wildly-murmured strains they caught.
As echoes from the spirit world.
Till reeled the brain, to frenzy wrought.
With mixed amaze and rapture whirled.
Thus stern, retired, she ruled the earth.
Till, as new dawned an age of gold,
A happier era led her forth,
To dwell with men, like gods of old.
To dwell with us — to roam no more !
Ours is this golden age of bliss !
She comes with blessings rich in store.
And, like a sister, whispers peace.
Not now with awe-inspiring air,
But gentle as the meek-eyed dove,
And clad in smiles which angels wear.
And with an aspect full of love.
She greets us at our firesides, when
Sweet looks to accents sweet respond,
And breathing soft her tender strain,
More closelv knits the silken bond.
280 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
Unmingled joy her smiles afford,
Where meets the mirthful, social throng,
As, gathered round the festive board.
Our health she pledges in a song.
She meets us in our private walks,
' Mid groves that fairy glens embower.
When morning gems her purple locks.
Or vesper rules the silent hour.
Her hand, upon the beech's rind,
Marks well, for fair Belinda's eyes,
(Else vainly murmured to the wind,)
Thy flame, young Damon, and thy sighs.
Stern Toil, beneath her gentle sway,
Well-pleased, unbends his rugged brow,
With Bloomfield chants the rustic lay.
And guides with Burns the daisied plow.
Her form appears the bow of peace
Upon the clouds that darken life.
Now bidding sorrow's tears to cease,
And staying now the hand of strife.
(She smiles on me — no bard inspired,
But toiler, as with hoe and spade.
Who fain at noontide, halting, tired.
Brief note would pipe in beechen shade.)
Companion of the pure in heart,
She tunes the lyre to David's flame,
And rapt, as mortal scenes depart.
She hymns the Heaven from whence she came!
Hafiz.
SUPPLEMENTARY. 251
324. ITEMS ADDITIONAL
To Genealogy of English Corsers.
[from C. \Y. S. and JOHN LYON CORSER
(307.10, 11), BY E. S. CORSER.]
No.
307.5 — Mary5 Corser (Richard-*), m. Richard Sprent.
307.9 — Amelia Ann^ (Roberts), b. July 30, 1837.
320.10 — Arthur SaiidfonP (Geo. Sandford^), b. Shrews-
bury, April 10, 1862.
320.10 — Amy Clare' (Geo. Sandford*"), b. Shrewsbury, Sept.
2, 1866.
307.11 — Ellen Edith ^ (Geo. James^) b. at Rurrington,
Nov. 23, 1867 ; m. Geo. Hall Green. Children b. at
Leintwardine, Hertfordshire :
Geo. Edward^ (Green), b. April 8, 1888.
Thomas Corser^, b. Jan. H, 1890.
Mary Lyon^, b. Nov. 5, 1891.
Franh Littleton^, b. Oct. 6, 1892.
Ellen Daicey^, b. June 4, 1895.
Edith Helen^, b. Dec. 18, 1899.
307. 1 1 — Mary Margaret^ (Geo. James^), b. at Burrington,
May 8, 1870; m. j\Iaj. Horatio Thomas Hay, of the
British army in India. Children :
Douglas Woulfe^ (Hay), b. Uecamberabad, Deccan, India, 1897
Adela Mary^, h. Decamberabad, Sept. 11, 1899.
320.14 — KatJilcen Amy Sandford^ (Francis Richard Sand-
ford''), b. at Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire, Dec.
24, 18S7.
320.14 — Geo. Francis Sajidford^ (Francis Richard Sand-
ford"), b. June 29, 1890.
19
282
CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
INDEX.
No.
Adams, Anne^ 161
Betsey^ 70
Charles W.s ... 160
Fanny« 160
Frank R.« 162
Gelana O.e 232
Georges 162
Georgie^ 232a
Hannah D.e 231
Harriets 163
Warren^ 163
William 70
Wm. H.6 160
Allard, Arthur'^ 225
Isaac 225
Lilliu^ 225
Allen, Ada P.'' 232a
Alfreds 167
Augustus 167
Bertha'^ 232a
Chas. H 232a
Emma6 167
Hattie« 167
Isabel 232a
Richard 74
Ames, Mr 117
Charlotte E.^ 117
Annis, Betsey 51
Sarah 73
Armstrong, C. B. . 162
Atkins, John 125
Atkinson, Isaac 37
Joseph 24
Mollie S 173
Ayer, Lucy 127
Nancy 127
Babb, Leander 113
Bacon, Miss 82
No.
Badger, Nancy 44
Bagley, L 156
Bailley, M.5 85
William 85
Ballou, H 1.50
Bartlett, Chas. H.® 125
Esthers 125
Foster^ 55
Jacob 125
Jonathan 55
L., Miss 158
LucyS 55
Luella J.6 125
Barton, Jonas 48
Batchelder, Alice 297x
Beal, Abbies 128
Cyrus 128
Nellies 128
Netties 128
Phebes 128
Bean, Betsey Ill
Beebe, C. GJ 206
Cora B.^ 206
David P 206
Mary P.^ 206
yVm. P.T 206
Belknap, A. L 228
Helens 228
Bennett, Mercy 54
Nellie" 216a
Pierce 216a
Berg, John 290
Berry, Mr 123
Berryman, Mr 290
BicKFORD, Aurelia 143
Bills, Mrs. E 75
BissEL, L. F. A 70
Black, Roxana 178
Blanchard, Mary J 140
INDEX.
283
Blasdell, Rachel 31
Ruth 32
Blodgett, Mr 124:
Bond, Harriet 101
BowKER, Dr 193
Bowles, Mi- 83
Bowley, Elisabeth^ 26
Hannah'* 37
Jacob'' 37
John 26
John3 37
John* 102
LucyS 26
Sally^ 37
Bradbury, Benjamin 123
Brazier, Annie E 213
Breed, Nath 14
Briggs, Mr 93
Brown, F. L." 166
James 64
Lora E 203
Samuel. 97
Sophia .... 144
Wilder F 166
William 107
Bryant, Sarah 100
Bullock, L 180
BuRB.\NK, Judith 69
Lydia 61
Burgess, Ann 307.9
Betsey 47
Burleigh, John L.s 102
Walter 143
BuRNHAM, Miss 47
Burr, Arba 55
Bartlett^ 55
BuTMAN, Lydia 65
Cahail, Ora Dell 297v
Hazen Heleii^ 297v
Call, Mr 181
Mr 181
Call, Abigail^ 43
Adna« ISO
Alices 183
Amanda^ 101
Annie 191
Annie« 182
Arthur" 183
Betsey* 98
Chas. H.6 176
Daniel^ 43
EmiiyS 96
Emma F." 176
Emma F.s 182
Eudocia'' 115
EvaS 101
Eveline" 181
FannyS 43
Frank H.6 176
Frank P." 181
Hannah* 94
Hannah W.6 97
Jere C 176
John 115
Jonas* 101
Jonas^ 183
Joseph" 115
Julia A." 115
Justin^ 101
Lemuel* 97
Mabel" 180
Manfred^ 100
Manleys 101
Mary"..; 181
Mary E." 176
Mehitable^ 43
Moses* 100
Xancy 97
XancyS 43
Xancy^ 97
Xathau^ 96
Xathan" 115
Xorman^ 100
Phebe* 36
284
CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
Call, Phebe^ 43
Phebe5 97
Pfaebefi 181
Pierce S.s 97
PoUy* 95
RacheP 43
Rebecca^ 43
Reuben M.5 181
Royal* 36
Ruth 45
Ruth" 99
Sarahe 181
Sarah A.5 96
Silas, Capt 36
Silas* ; 96
Silass 96
Silass 101
Silas^ 180
Silas E.5 96
Susan5 43
Wm. W.5 182
Willie F.6 176
Carroll, E 156
Samuel 156
Carter, Anne 27
Eva E 140
David 272
Dea 27
Mary E 170
Philander 27
Susan 163
Cass, Clarissa 31
Hannah 29
Chadwick, Polly 96
Chadbodrne, J. Arthur. . . . 142
J. G^ 142
Katherine'' 142
Ruth A.7 142
William W.7 142
Chapman, R. Maria 157
Chappel, Jehiel 106
Chase, Fred^ 186
Ilepzibah 25
Chase, John 186
MabeF 186
Maud^ 186
Cheney, Guy 297x
Church, A. H.'' 230
Frederic C.« 159
Harriet A.e 229
Henry C 159
Henry W.e 230
Churchill, Frank C 169
Clark, Mr 290
Charles^ 146
Elijah 146
Mehitable 61
Clay, C. L 139
Frances 307.7
Paul LJ 139
Clough, Marcia 120
Mary 75
Ruth..' 47
Coffin, Clara^ 152
■ Edmund' 222
Fannie' ... 222
John Jay 152
John W.« 152
Louisae 223
Sarahc 152
Thomas H.e 152
Wm. T.« 222
COLBURN, A. M.6 173
Chas. E.' 173
Chas. H.6 173
Jennie M.6 173
William 173
William G' 173
Z., Dr 173
Colby, Betsey 29
Betsey 34
Charlotte - 96
Cole, Benjamin^ 88
Daniel^ 88
Johns 88
Mary5 88
INDEX.
285
Cole, Samuel 88
Sallys 179
CoLESWORTHY, Aniia^ 14
D. C.- U
Daniel P 23
Collins, Clement li
Clements, Capt U
Cook, Jnlia 122
CoRSER, Abba S.^ 64
AbbieS 86
Abbyueezer^ 35
Abigail* 34
Acsahs 103
Ada<5 86
Ada6 131
Addiefi 290
AdelbertM.6 127
AdeliaL.5 59
Albert J.6 122
Alfonzo^ 120
Alfred^ 127
Alices 307.5
Alice M.« 86
Almelia^ 113
Almiras 290
Almira^ 113
Amelias 307.5
Amelia A.^ 307.9
AmosS Ill
Amy Clare" 320.10
AngelineS 56
Ann C." 320.12
AmiE.s 152
Ann M.s 67
Ann S." 320.10
Anna* (or Nancy) 45
Anna M." 208
Anne* 40
Anne* 307.3
Annes 290
Annes 307.4
AnneS 307.5
Arabella J." 226
CoRSER, Archie F.^ 172
Ariadne A.^ 219
Arthur 86
Arthur G.8 320.14
Arthur IJ 213
Arthur 1.8 297x
Arthur S." 320.10
Asa' 38
Atherton P.6 150
Austins 119
Austin D.^ 302
Austin G.s 67
Azor W.6 123
AzroB.6 122
BartlettG.^ 234
Benjamin* 58
Benj.s 46
Benj.s 47
Benj.s 192a
B. F.s 47
BerniceS 137
Betsey* 32
Betsey* 77
Betsey* 34
Betseys 47
Betseys 107
Blanche A." 219a
Bliss* 76
Bliss W.s 171
Brackett G.e 217
Caleb* 28
Caleb' 297x
Caleb B.s 157
C.E.6 157
Carolines -54
Carolines 84
Caroline F.^ 156
Catherines 106
Celina A.« 210
Charitys 107
Charless 51
Charless 290
Chas. A.s 58
286
CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
CoRSER, Chas. A.6 156
Chas. A.6 227
Chas. D.« 209
Chas. EJ 227
Chas. F.6 234
Chas. H.6 67
Chas. H.6 195
Chas. B.J 208
Chas. R.^ ....320.11a
Chas. W.5 86
Chas. W. S.7 307.10
Charlotte^ 47
Charlotte^ 279
Cinderilla« 297v
Clara C.6 169
Clarissa^ 40
Clarks 121
Clark G.6 119
C. M.6 195
Cyrus^ 120
Daniel* 31
Daniel* 60
Daniel B.5 67
David^ 32
David* 62
David* 69
David B.5 170
David F.6 213
David S.6 141
David W.5 75
Delia L."^ 192a
Dolly* 28
DollyS 49
Dorothy^ 58
Dorothy M.'' 297v
Eastman L.' 170
Edgar6 279
Edgar'' 208
Edgar P. 6 195
Edgar P.'' 204
Ediths 120
Edmund* 108
Edmund N.6 307.8
CoRSER, Edmund N.^ 320.11a
Edward* 31
Edward* 297x
Edward E.s 320.13
Edward G.^ 307.10
Edward G. S.^ 320.13
Edwin G.6 149
Elbridge B^ 73
Elias* 34
Eliphalet* 34
Eliphalet^ 86
Elisabeth2 26
Elisabeths 73
Elisabeth B.s 197
E. J.5 64
ElizaS 279
Elizas 307.5
E. M. JaneS 72
Eliza Ann^ 178
EUa^ 208
Ellen A.6 120
Ellen E.^ 307.11
Ellen S.6 297v
Elmer E.e 150
Elsey* 48
Elviras 84
Elwood S.« 228
Elwood S.T 302
EmelineS 56
EmelineS 168
Emily LJ 302
EmmaS 307.5
Enima^ 113
Emma^ 150
EmmarauzaS 130
Enoch* 72
EphrainiS 106
ErastusS. ... 54
ErastusT.5 127
Ernest L.* 320.11a
Etta C.6 127
Eunice^ 139
Eveline^ 279
INDEX.
287
CoRSER, Eunice P.5 69
Florence G.^ 297v
Frances E." '297x
Frances J.^ 156
Frances S.« 3U7.7
Francis H.s 169
Francis H.^ 170
Francis R. S.^ 320.14
Francis S.^ 69
Francis S.« 157
Franke 279
Frank- 307.10
Frank B.s 150
Frank E.s 127
Franklin L.' 205
Franklin S.' 227
FredE.7 208
FredG.6 157
Freddie J.^ 227
Frederic^ 290
Frederic" 297x
Frederic G.» 320.13
Frederic H.' 205
Freepian^ 141
Freeman^ 279
Friend'* 59
Friend^ 51
P'riend^ 58
Friendly J.^ 134
Furniss^ 107
Gardiner^ ' 156
George^ 307.3
George^. 307.4
George^ 290
George^ 58
George^ 307.7
George^ 84
Geoige^ 106
George^ 291
George A.^ 131
Geo. Azor^ 182
Geo. E.6 127
Geo. F. S.8 320.14
CoRSER, Geo. H.6 135
Geo. H." 320.11a
Geo. H.^ 204
Geo. H." 213
Geo. J.6 307.11
Geo. S.' 307.10
Geo. S.« 320.11
Geo S^ ^ 10^
Geo. W.6 119
Georgiaua M.« 132
Gilman^ 44
Gilmans 113
Grace M." 291
Guy T.6 208
Hamilton P.e 141
Hamlete 219a
Hannah^ 24
Hannah'* 70
Hannah^ 125
Hannah A.s 297v
Harlo^v^ \ 1^3
Harriet^ 44
Harriet^ 279
Harriet* 291
Harriet L.5 159
Harriet L.6 122
Harriet L.6 212
Harry E.^ 218
Harry P.6 172
Harry T.^ 149
Harvey° 106
Hattie LJ 209
Helen Amys 320.13
Helen A.s 73
Helen E." 297v
Helen H.' 228
Helen H.' 302
Helen J.' 219a
Helen L.6 157
Helen Z.« 302
Henrietta^ 73
288
CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
CoRSER, Henrietta M.*' 157
Heiirys 290
HenryS 307.5
Henry C.6 127
Henry H.^ 73
Henry J.6 .. 113
Henry S.^ 302
Herbert H." 218
H. C. P.6 204
Hiras 103
Hiram^ 178
HiramS 108
Holcomb^ 46
^or..evR.^ | gJ^J
Huldahs 49
Ida6 131
IdellaF." 219a
Imogene E.'^ ... 204
Isabel R.T 208
James^ 41
James* 51
James^ 107
James S.^ 195
Jane3 . . 33
Jane* 29
Jane* 34
Jane* 43
Jane* 74
Jane6 290
Jean'^ 297x
Jennie^ 279
Jeremiah* 34
Jess« 290
Jesse* 106
Johni 24
Johni 307.1
John- 25
John2 307.2
John3 31
Jolin* 34
John* 307.3
John* 61
CoRSER, Johu^ 41
Johns gg
Johns 113
Johns 307,6
Johns, Capt 138
John6 291
Johns 307.6
John B.6 172
John C.6 141
John EJ 302
John F.s 172
John H.s 64
John L.' 307.11
John S.T 320.10
Jonathan^ 30
Jona.* 44
Jona.* 53
Jona.s 122
Joseph C.s 75
Joseph H.* 65
Joseph H.6 150
Josephine L.s 133
Josiah* 56
Judiths 27
Judiths 49
Judiths 106
Judith A.6 149
Judith P.s 65
Kathleen^ 320.14
Laura A.^ 156
Laura E." 297v
LaviniaS 46
LeemanS 84
Leila" 208
Leon W.6 205
Leonard^ 297x
Letitia 307.4
Levi S.8 302
Lewis* 34
Lewis E.^ 227
Lewis H.6 226
Lillian' 291
Lillian G." 218
INDEX.
289
CoRSER, Lizzie^ 131
Lizzie F.^ 150
Lizzie 1.6 149
Lois* 40
Lorenzo® 192a
Louisa* 153
Lucia A. J.5 126
Lucretia A. F.* 72
Lucretia S.^. .... 67
Lucy* 55
LucyS 290
Lucy A.5 128
Lucy F.5 60
LuellaJ.e 132
Luke* 75
Lulu G.' 217
MarciaJ.6 120
Marcia 0.« 149
Marcia Q.5 64
Margaret* 307.3
Margaret* 307.5
Margaret E.6 214
]\laria* 58
Maria N.e 211
Marion H.'^ 234
Marion L." 219a
IVIartha* 47
Martha* 123
Martlia J.e 206
iNlartha M.* 73
MaryS 39
Mary* 307.3
Mary* 61
Mary* 307.4
Mary* 307.5
Mary" 209
MaryS 320.13
^^^-tA.* ] If^
Mary A.* 62
Mary A.* 86
Mary A.* 124
Mary C.^ 320.12
CoRSER, Mary E.« 127
Mary E.6 307.8
Mary E." 228
Mary F.'^ 218
Mary J.* 67
IMary J.s 207
Mary L.^ 170
MaryM.* 307.5
MaryM.« 138
Mary M." 307.11
Mehitable* 38
Meliitable* 61
Melvin D." 227
Mercy* 47
Michaels 178
Miltone 178
Minnie" 291
Miriam* 28
Miriam* 44
Miriam* 50
Mittie* 47
Mollie^ 36
Moses* 47
Moses* 106
Myron M.s 178
X ancy* 44
Nancy A.* 151
Nathan'^ 24
Nathan* 84
Nathan« 291
Nathan F.* 86
Nathaniel* 119
Nellie^ 290
Nellie L." 297v
Nelson A.", 227
NewellJ.6 Ill
Nicholas* 40
Nicholas* 40
Nicholas* 108
Nicholas* 290
Nina May" 297v
Norman b. F.6 218
OctaviaE.* 64
290
CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
CoRSF.K, Oliver^ 53
OmerB.6 120
Orinda^ 56
Orlows 279
Orrin^ 86
Orson M.6 195
Paul C.5 61
Percy B.^ 297v
PersisS 103
Phebes 54
Phebes 61
Phebe H.^ 61
Phebe J.s 59
Polly2 24
Polly* 42
Polly* 57
Polly* 71
PollyS 58
Proctor^ 53
• Prudences 291
Ptachel* 52
Rachel* 63
Rachel* 78
Rebecca^ 110
Rebecca A.e 198
Rhodas 53
Rice* 64
Rice H.5 64
Rice V.5 64
Rice V.5 150
Richard* 307.5
Richard* 67
Richards 307.5
Richard K.« 307.12
Richard R.^ 307.12
Richmond E.^ -j ooyy
Kileys 107
Roberts 090
Roberts 307.9
Roberts 307.9
Robertina« 307.9
Rosaline D.» 129
CoRSEK, RosinaS 107
RoxenaS 117
Ruth* 68
Ruths 53
Ruths 56
Ruths 73
Ruths 73
Ruths 106
Ruths 142
Ruths 158
Sally* 38
Sally* 85
Sallys 116
SamueP 29
Samuel* 50
Samuel A.s 131
Samuel B. G.s 72
Samuel S.s 307.4
Sarah2 24
Sarah* 28
Sarah* 29
Sarah* 40
Sarahs 50
Sarahs 58
Sarah J.s 64
Sarah J.s. 73
Sarahs 50
Sareptas 141
Selinas 307.4
SeliuaM.* 307.4
Silas* 73
Simeon^ 40
Simeon* 107
SimeonS 106
SimeonS 195
SimeonS 297v
Solomon T.s 135
Stella M. B: 219a
Stephen* 49
Sterlings 108
Submits 53
.Susan* 34
Susan* 38
tNDEX.
291
CoRSER, Susan^ 56
Susan^ 58
Susau^ 84
Susanna^ 73
Tabitha2 24
Tabitha" 28
Tamsou^ 56
Thoraass 28
Thomas* 46
Thomas'* 54
Thomas^ 49
Thomas* 307.8
Thomas PJ 307.12
Timothy* 66
Timothy^ 58
True5..' 46
Ursula^ 65
Ursula^ 150
AVallaceAV.6 195
AVards 53
Warren G.' . 226
Washington^ 49
Wayne B.^ 234
Weithy J.6 297v
AVillardS.6 119
William^ 27
William^ 34
\V illiam^ (or Jesse) 27
William* 34
William* 103
Williams 86
William^ 192a
William B.^ 297x
William C.e 138
William F.^ 302
William H.^ 217
Willie^ 208
Willie E." 208
William L. L.^ 205
AVillie R.6 149
Couch, Mrs. Adeline 90
Courser, Alice B^ 203a
Almon E.6 140
CouRSKR, Anna* 14
Anna*5. 118
Arculas 15
C.L. E.6 136
Chas. E.6 140
Chas.Hs 140
Chas. H." 203
Deborah 14
Deliverance^ 12
Deliverance* ... 14
DerwinF.5 109
EllaJ.6 118
EmmaJ.^ 203
Evander A.« 140
Fitz H.6 ••• 140
Fred E." 203a
Fred W.' 203
George A.^ 136
George L.* 61
George W.^ 203
Grace E.e 140
Harrv F.' . 140
Harv'ey F.^ 136
Helen F.6 140
Hiram* 109
James H.^ 118
Jesse G.5 109
Joanna^ 12
Joanna* 13
John-^ 13
John* 14
John* 14
Jonathan* 13
Joua.* 14
Jona 14
Leroy J." 203a
Levi5 109
Lucy A.6 215
Mary2 15
Mary* 13
Mary* 14
MaryS 109
Mary E.'' 203a
292
CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
Courser, Mary F." 118
Nancye 118
Petev5 109
Rachel- 15
SamueP 13
Sarah^ 13
Sarah* 14
Sarahs 109
Sarah AJ 203
Simon- 15
Sinion^ 15
ThankfuP 109
Thomas J.e 203
Truman W.5 109
Williami 12
Wm.3 13
Wm. B.5 118
Wm. M.6 203a
Wm. WJ 203a
Crase, Elisabeth A 302
Crawford, Emily'' 200
Prentice^ 200
RuthM 113
William 200
Crosby, Ethel VJ 233
George LJ 233
Lyman 233
Cross, Martha M 152
Sarah 150
Crowell, Harriet 141
CuMMiNGS, John M., Dr.. . . 212
Le Roy W.s 212
Margaret^ 212
Margaret F.8 212
Sumner'^ 212
Currier, A 124
Cutler, Robert 14
Timothy 14
Cutting, Laura A 161
Dam, (ieorge E.^ 290
Lorenzo 290
L. J.T 290
Martha W.' 290
Danforth, Albert 130
Albert L^ 130
Alice« 130
Arthur" 216
A. Jane" 143
CalistaS.6 144
Chas. B 160
Chas. F.' 160
Charlotte S.5 147
DianthaJ 132
Ednahe 143
Emma6 130
Frank P.^ 160
Geo. H.6 143
Harriet A.5 148
Harrys 130
Horace H.e 220
Jedidiah 63
Jedidiahs 143
John 137
John B.5 63
Mary^ 216
MaudE.T 220
MehitableC.6 216a
Nathan C. 5 144
Orrine 216
Prentice S.s 63
Rachel C.5 146
Ruth A.6 143
Samuels 143
Sarah F.e 144
Sarah R.s 145
Sylvanus*^ 144
Sylvester P 144
Susan 24
William 24
Davenport, Mr 47
Davis, Miss 34
Alleu6 166
Ansel T.6 164
Bertha UJ 164
Blisss 164
Carlos A.« 164
INDEX.
293
Davis, Caroline L.^ 164
Charless S3
Elisabeth^ 79
p:ilaE.6 233
Elseys 83
Elvira^ 83
Enoch^ 165
Etta 221
Eugene^ 166
Ereeman N.^ 164
James^ 82
Jane* 82
John" 83
Louisa^ 81
Marias 167
Mary* 33
MaryS 166
MaryA.5 71
Mary J.s 83
Maud E.' 164
Nathan 33
Nathan* 33
OrrinB.6 164
Payson T.e 164
Rnth* 33
Samuel 82
Samuel-* 81
Samuels 81
Sam'l, Major. 24
Sarah A.5 83
Silas5 71
Stephens 83
SusanS 83
Tabitha* 80
Thomas G.s 166
Thomas R.s 83
Day, Asa 271
Dolly3 271
Pollys 271
SallyS 271
Dearborn, Huldah 39
De Lang, Paul 290
Dietrich, Daphne^ 290
John F 290
DiNSMOOR, Mary 173
Doe, Annie M 222
Donahue, Margaret 174
Dow, Mr 271
Downing, Abby 45
Calebs 45
Daniel . 45
Dollys 115
ElcyS 45
Hiram 45
Jonathan 45
Jona.s 45
Joshua 45
i\Iaria 45
Mary, Mrs 28
MaryS 45
Moses G 65
NancyS 45
Ruth. 45
SallyS 114
Samuels 45
Susan 45
Drew, Orisa 107
Dunlap, Ann 28
James 24
Eastman, Mr 33
Miss 153
Abiah 66
Amos*' 110
Edson A 219
Ellen M." 219
Hannah 91
Harriet M." 219
Jeremiah 110
Judith 107
Lowell F." 219
Martha^ 196
Sidney F 153
Stephen 83
Willie H.- 219
294
CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
Easton, David A 214
Emma Gould'^ | „^-*
I 29 /x
Eaton, Sarah 96
Elkins, Hannah 106
Elliot, Lois 90
Thomas 28
Ellis, Harriet 165
EsTEY, Maria 136
Evans, Harriet 127
Farmer, Hannah 76
Farnham, Joseph 56
Farwell, Mr 144
Fellows, Abby A.^ 93
Abbyneezer^ 93
Adonijah 93
AdonijaliS 93
Adonijah^ 93
Eliza J.5 93
James M.s 93
John F.5 93
Lorany M.5. 93
LucyS 93
MaryS 93
Sarah 102
Sarah S.5 93
Fife, Alva 47
Finney, C. F." 223
Edwin E 223
E. E J 223
Ina MJ 223
Newton S." 223
Wm. IL' 223
FiSK, Benjamin 145
Chas. K.6 147
Chas. VV,6 147
Dorothy J 63
Harry E." 221
Jane G.^ 145
Lottie C.T 221
Mamie E." 221
Rachel M.e 145
FiSK, Thomas E.« 221
Thomas J 147
FiTTS, Abbie" 197
Amos^ 197
Charles' 197
Cyrus B 197
Cyrus" 197
Emma'' 197
Hattie B.^ 197
Mary^ 197
Xellie' 197
FiTZ Gerald. (See Gerald.)
Flanders, Amanda 82
Ezekiel 24
Freeman R.^ 95
George 95
Jacob 27
Fletcher, A 114
Bertiefi 133
Everette 174
Harry6 133
J. L 174
William 133
Flood, Peter 24
Ford, F. W." 184
John 184
Foster, Joanna 37
Lucy 30
Fowler, Mary 143
Eraser, W. A 86
Freeman, Ann 84
French, Mary 182
Friedline, Sally 227
Frost, Fred E 202
Luthene 131
Fuller, Alvin 71
Lucius O 74
Gage, Helen 220
Gale, Harlow 228
Hildes 228
MaryR.8 228
SamueP 228
INDEX.
295
Gay, Ellen 197
Gekald (or Fitz Gerald).
Abbyneezer* .... 87
Annas 112
Chelliss 91
Clarissa^ 42
David* 35
— Dorcas 272
Edward 272
f 970
— Edward, Lieut -j "g^
Edward* 35
Edwards , 90
Enoch* 35
Enoch* 35
Enoch* 90
Flora A.5 90
Gerrishs 90
— James 272
JamesS 42
— •Jane -j 270
Jane* 35
-John I 272
John* 35
JohnS 42
— ]\Iartha -< .-,-.-,
— Mary 272
]\Iary j.s 90
Mehitable* 35
Polly* 93
Priscillas 90
— Rachel 272
— Rebecca 272
Ruth* 89
Samuel* 91
( 070
— Sarah -j "gn
Sarah* 88
— Susanna 272
Susanna^ 42
Thomas* : . . 92
TiltonS 90
Gerrish, Sally 72
William, Capt 297r
GiRBiE, Jennie 161
GiLMAN, Miss 80
Glines, Sarah A 86
GooKiN, Abbie M.s 235
Clarks 52
Cyrus 196
Cyrus F.8 235
Daniel 68
Flora" 196
Frank" 196
Franks 235
Frank L.^ 155
Georgiana' 196
GuyS 235
Hamilton^ 235
Harriet 35
Harriet* 52
Harriet^ 68
Hirams 68
Isal)el M.8 235
Jerome^ 68
Jerome^ 155
Jerome'' 155
Julias 154
Julia^ 155
Laura^ 52
Livonia'' 155
Luthers 68
Mattie J.^ 235
Myra" 196
XathanieF 155
Octavia G." 155
Roy B." 297x
Euth (Corser) Mrs 41
Ruth E.6 225
San)uel 52
Sarah 49
Gordon, Abigail 34
Gould, Ellen M 208
Margaret 171
296
CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
Gove, Sarah 58
Graham, Mr 48
Mary J.e 48
Grant, Angeline 161
Gray, Celestia 195
Grep:ley, Adelaide^ 153
Edward T.6 153
Eugene H.^ 224
Frances T.6 153
Fred E.6 153
Irene 64
Nathaniel 66
Nathaniel® 153
Octavia L.® 153
Robert^ 224
Solomon B 153
S. B.6 224
Walter^ 224
Green, Abbie*' 142
Anna^ 142
Ellen DaiceyS 307.11
Edith Helens 307.11
Frank L.s 307.11
Geo. Edwards 307.11
George H.' 142
George Hall 307.11
Hatties 142
Mary Lyon^ 307.11
Rutho 142
Thomas« 142
Thomas CorserS 307.11
William 142
Wm. A.^ 142
Greenleaf, Carrie T.'' 215
Hattie M. C.^ 215
Wm. H 215
Greenough, Mary A 138
Groves A. E.^ 161
Charles A. 161
Grow, Laura 127
GuNN, A. L 158
Haggett, David 290
Hale, Joanna 305
Robert 305
Hall, Mr 143
Chas. H 231
Chas, H.T 231
Frank'' 231
Frederic^ 231
Geo. A." 231
James 83
Lillian C." 231
Sarah 83
Hardy, Albert 197
Ernest ^Y.^ 197
Edmund 38
Harper, William 197
Williams 197
Harris, Annie 234
Harriman, Emma 164
Hay, Maj. H. T 307.11
Alida (Adela?) MaryS. . . .307.11
Douglas W.s 307.11
Heath, Betsey 154
Ephraim 57
Ephraim^ .57
Eugene F.6 188
Eva May6 188
H. Pauline 141
Johns 57
Lucretia 120
LuellaM.6 188
LucyS 57
Moses F 188
MehitableS 57
Moses^ 57
Neheraiah^ 57
Prudence 56
Herdman, Amelia 307.5
Hewes, Wm 69
Hewson, Lucinda S 297x
Hill, Miss 86
Amelie 230
Hodge, Abbie 125
INDEX.
297
Hogg, Robert 26
HOIT, HOYT.
Elmira^ 82
Elseys 82
Ezra 43
George 115
George^ 82
Laura^ 82
Lewis^ 82
Joseph 82
Lydia^ 82
Moses - . 87
Oliver . 272
Sarah X 63
Theodosia^ 82
HoLCOMB, Abigail. . . 46
HoLDEN, Mr 117
Georgie R 142
Horace® 117
Martha® 117
Hollywood, J. M 140
Holmes, D. A 224
Belle 141
Hooper, A. F 203a
Hopkins, F.B 210
IdaS." 210
Howard, A. W.® 123
LucyJ.6 123
William 123
Wm. D.« 123
HoYT (See Blasdell Fam-
ily—271).
Hubbard, Frank H.' 158
Geo. W.« 158
Harriet L.6 158
Henrietta L.6 158
Hiram 158
Louisa C.6 158
Sarah A.® 158
Hughes, Nellie 297x
Rev. W 307.4
Hunt, Anne 297r
20
Hunt, David 48
Lucian, Prof 273
HuNTOON, Cyrus G.* 154
Julia G.® 154
Luther® 154
Nahum^ 154
Phineas 154
Hyde, M. G 217
Jackman, George 104
Josiah 28
Moses 29
Rhoda 53
Jarvis, Mary 297v
Jenkins, H 23
Johnson, Annie® 134
E.E 134
Jones, Abbie H 140
Chas. S 50
Daniel 97
Jacob 43
Keeler, E 73
Kenney, Tabitha 24
Keyes, Abbie® 129
Adelia® 129
Emraa® 129
Fred® 129
Luther 129
Oscar F.® 129
Rose® 129
KiDDEK, R. J 59
KiLBURN, Abigail 62
Albert P.6 194
Charles^ 105
Chas. A.® 194
Chas. A.® 194
Chas. P.® 194
Daniel 105
Daniel P.® 194
Flora E.® 194
John P 104
Mary6 193
Nancy A.® 194
298
CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
KiLBURN, SallyS 104
Kimball, A 35
Knowles, Calvin^ 98
Samuel 98
Knowlton, Abigail^ 79
Hannah^ 79
Nathan^ 79
Philip 79
Lake, Katie 98
Lancaster, Augustus CA. . 139
EmmaF.6 139
EmmaF.6 139
George C 139
GeorgieE.6 I39
MaryF.6 139-
Lang, Mrs. J 105
Sarah 170
Langdell, a 195
Leach, Mrs. E. P 122
Leavitt, Annie 212
Benjamin 81
Leigh, E.L.'^ 229
Frederic A 229
HattieH.'' 229
Walter^ 229
Lewis, Nina J 164
LiBBEY, Mr 79
Little, Betsey M 114
Hiram C 194
Moses F 93
Livingston, Frank 155
Helen S.T 155
Locke, B. F 62
Benj. P.« 62
Lord, Anna V." 161
Enoch 161
Enoch" 161
Franks 161
Friende 161
Frost" 161
Hannah" 161
Jasper M." 161
Robert" 161
Lyman, E 207
Luella^ 207
Lyon, Ellen 307.8
Lyons, Mr 193
Manuel, David 38
Marden, a. E 203
McClure, Addie v." 184
Alice P." 184
Chas. J." 184
Edwin P." 184
John A 184
Sadie 184
McConnor, Susan 83
McDonald, James 89
Lois^ 89
McPhail, John 150
Melven, S , 164
Miller, Betsey 107
Alice E 177
Miltimore, E 195
Milton, J. C 113
Moon, Chas 199
Moore, S. W 184
Kathleen M. R 320.14
Morey, Nancy 118
Morgan, Miss 144
Mr 181
Mr 106
Betsey 297v
Elvira 195
Morrill, Abra 216
Morris, Orville C 158
Morrison, Anna 88
Arthur H." 179
Benj. C." 179
Chas. E." 179
JohnC." 179
Joseph L." 179
Joseph W." 179
Kate E." 179
Lena M.T 179
Leonard 179
Maria" 179
INDEX.
299
Morrison, Mary F.^ 179
Mary S." 179
S. W.6 179
Sarah E.e 179
Morse, Mr 117
Achsa 40
Betsey A.^ 77
Frank A.^ 77
Horace^ 77
Jane W.^ 174
John H.5 77
Joseph 77
Joseph W.5 175
Judith M.5 173
MaryE.6 175
Nettie C.« 175
Samuel 272
MuLLiKix, Ella C 164
Nasox, George A.« 147
Win. H., Rev 147
Newton, Harvey 65
James B 158
Mary 71
Nichols, Jane 25
NiMs, John A 59
NoRCROss. Mary 307.3
NoYEs, Rachel 49
NoRRis, Mary H 307.11
Page, B. F 148
Ilarryc 148
Sarah J 1.50
Parker, Mr 82
George 118
Lillian" 118
Parkhurst, Edgar S.^ 290
Hattie J.^ 290
Hannah F 290
Ida L.6 290
John P 290
Louisa A. 6 290
Mary E.6 290
Oscar M.6 290
Parmelee, P 76
Pattee, Julia A 187
Pearson, Chas.^ 198
Clara^ 198
William 198
Perkins, Mary A 109
Sarah 169
PiiYTHiAN, Martha 307.4
PiLKiNGTON, Bella 149
PiLLSBURY, A. D.6 177
Chas. G.6 177
Chas. S 177
Helen L^ 177
John A.G 177
Vera Dix^ 177
PiNNiE, Miss 290
Poor, J. C 113
PouLTON, Geo. R 157
Pratt, G. W., Rev 163
John H." 163
Leon A.'' 163
Lutie C." 163
Lillian B.'^ 163
Mabel D.^ 163
Sumner 47
Wm. G.'^ 163
Prescott, D. M 116
Prkssy, J. L 50
Sarahe 50
Preston, Caroline 121
Price, Rev. H. H 307.7
John ,307.9
Priestly, Mr 93
Prince, Charles 235
Pritchard, E. T 140
Procter, Jonas 48
Janette^ 48
Putney, Mary 36
Ramsey, Mr 83
Elsey 83
Jane 80
Sally 83
Rand, George 118
Randlet, George 50
300
CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
Read, Mr 290
Reardon, F. M 166
RiSLEY, Ada 207
RoBiE, Fanny 173
ROBY, Calebe 48
Hiram 48
Hiram* 48
Lyman* 48
Mary6 48
o 1 (28
oamuel -, _.
i 50
RoLFE, Charles 179
A. F 179
Joseph NJ 179
RowELL, Abram 290
Anne^ 290
Frederic' 290
Johns 290
RoYCRAFT, Mary A 228
RuNELS, Daniel 78
Daniel G. 78
Daniel H.5 78
Ellen J 78
Helen 78
Mary C.5 177
Sarah G.5 176
RuNiON, Miss 93
Salt, Thomas 307.3
Saltgavek, Paul 297v
Helen Ruth^ 297v
Sanborn, Fred G.6 186
George T 186
Georgiana E.* 186
Lovilla 190
Sargent, Mr 196
Anson 107
Gladys^ 196
Hester A 202
Joshua 189
Samuel 199
Sawtelle, John 118
Sawyer, Albert S.* 124
Almiron LJ 199
Alviii* 189
Sawyer, Candace M.* 124
Clarissa M.* 124
Cordelia H.6 124
ElmerS 199
Emma K* 189
George M 124
George W.* 124
Ina' 199
John 189
Lucia A. J.6 124
Letitia M 161
Margaret F 135
Marcia« 124
Martha L.6 124
M. L.6 189
Melissa* 124
Nettie^ 199
Orilla M.' 199
Orrin" 199
Ralph 199
W.S.6 124
Saxton, Caroline 307.5
SCRIBNER, Mr 153
Sessions, E. E 218
Severance, Lois 40
Sewall, Rev. H 297r
Anne 297r
Jane 297r
Shaw, Daniel 56
Francisco C 196
Shattuck, R. p.* 151
Wm. E 151
Shear, Le Roy C 138
Shepherd, Eva 184
Rhoda 67
Shepardson, C 175
Shores, Salome 122
Simons, Augusta 195
Simpson, C. B 179
DoraL." 188
George 188
Richmond 184
William 188
Slack, Mr 124
INDEX.
301
Slack, Mr 124
Smart, Sophronia 201
Smith, Mr 290
Abigail G.8 215
Florence* 290
George 43
George F 215
Ilattie E 172
Newton 53
Smythe, Carrie 230
Snyder, James 197
Mallon* 197
Nellies 197
Spauldixg, Chas. W \ ,, _
( llo
Chas. H.6 116
Chas. H.6 68
John H 56
Sarahe 116
Spencer, H. L 157
Sprent, Richard 324
Star, Mary E 175
Stearns, Eliza J 154
Stebbins, Ellen J.« 126
Flavel W.e 126
Homer C.« 126
Horace 126
Horace D.« 126
Lucia A.6 126
Stevens, Chas. J.5 80
Bella'' 297x
Henry Lee'^ 297x
John 0.5 80
Justin T 149
LenaM 211
Martha 291
Moses 96
Nath. D.5 80
Nelson W 211
Parker 80
Ruth" 297x
Ruth J.5 80
Samuel D.5 80
Williams 80
Stewart, E. J 113
Stickney, Abigail O 64
Mary 181
Stone, Alaric 187
Annie F. S.6 187
Chas. F.6 190
Chas. J. F.5 185
Chas. W.6 185
Charlotte A.s 189
Dora B.6 190
Fred P.s 190
Geo. AV.6 185
Hannah E.5 186
H. H. B.6 190
Josephine L.*" 190
Mary A 183
Mary J.s 99
Mary J.^ 188
Nathan J.s 191
Peter 99
Phebe C.^ 184
Ruth E.5 99
Ruth E.= 192
S. Abbie6 187
Silas C.5 187
Straw, Charles 112
Liberty^ 112
Strong, Caleb 123
Jonathan^ 123
Sweatt, Anna'' .... 201
Bertha" 201
Frank H 192
Hannah 90
IdaL." 202
Irafi 201
Ira" 114
Jesse 114
John P 272
Laura^ 114
Louis" 201
Maria G.^ 199
Mary A.« 200
Myrk L.T 202
Rhoda 97
302
CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
SwEATT, Sophronia 155
Tyler C.e 202
Wilbur M.6 192
WyattB.6 114
Symms, Rev. J. E 307.9
Taft, Lucy 60
Taylor, Elisabeth 74
Thistle, Wm 83
Thomas, Jonathan 156
Mercy A 156
Thompson, Amy 307.10
Ellen 118
Thoring, Anthony 13
Thorla, Alice^ 48
Amos 48
Betsey^ 48
FannyS 48
Fidelia^ 48
Jeremiah^ 48
MaryS 48
Rosamond^. ... 48
TicKxoR, Abbie 118
Titus, Nancy 44
Todd, Sarah E 203
ToTMAN, Grace A 302
Tracy, P. VV 162
Trask, M, J 132
Tripp, Lydia 160
Trotter, Alexander 13
Tucker, Miss. 86
Harriet C 164
Mary 235
TuTTLE, Abigail 194
Tyler, Elisabeth 14
Lydia 81
Upton, P. R 209
Uran, Anna* 105
Hannah* 104
James 39
Molly* 39
Samuel* 39
Wadleigh, Adam 271
Joseph 74
Wakefield, Sarah 14
Walker, Silas C.5 94
William 94
AVallace, Mrs 90
Stewart 161
Way, Addie^ 290
Frederic 290
Louisa 290
Weare, Abbie A 185
Webb, Mills 56
Webber, Scott 232
Scott' 232
Webster, Anne^ 193
Daniel 193
Graces 193
Hannah F.6 193
AVeed, Dolly 78
Wells, Mre. S. E 226
Wentworth, M. E 203a
West, I\Ir 47
Mercy 121
Whipple, Mary A 118
Whitcomb, Mr 82
Whittaker, E 26
Whitney, Amos 48
Wight, L. G 221
Wilson, Joseph 88
Winch, D. M 60
H. C.« 60
Willie A.6 60
Wing, Mr 93
WiNSLOw, Mrs. Sarah 18
Wolcott, Miss 80
Woodcock, C. E 204
Woodworth, C 122
Wright, Mr 168
Aruna 107
Chas. M.6 168
E.C.6 ■ 168
Louisa P.T 168
Ursula 195
York, Eben 56
Young, Edward J 139
Zell, Mr 58
CONTENTS. 303
CONTENTS,
Continued from Page VII.
No.
297. The Canterbury Hills— Poem.
297a. ]\Iuchado — Poem.
297b. A Summer Trip to Alaska.
297c. Not Opposed to Christian Science.
297d. A Visit to the Home of Longfellow.
297e. By Rail to Land's End.
297f. Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard.
297g. Hart Hill in Winter— Poem.
297h. Excursion to Lake Memphremagog.
297i. A Sea-coast Ramble— Poem.
297j. Ralph at Hampton.
297k. Hampton Revisited— Poem.
2971. Hascar — Poem.
297m. Man's Tears— Poem.
297n. We Fade as the Leaf— Poem.
297o. Ode to tlie Plow— Poem.
297p. Side-Trip.
297q. Wood-Chopping — Poem.
297qq. Myson— Poem.
297r. Gerrish and Sewall Families.
267s. The Pluviad— Poem.
297t. Two Pictures :
I. The Hand— Poem.
IL Carmen Caslibis— Poem.
297u. How I Learned to Read.
297v. Family of Simeon^ Corser (106).
297w. A Family Romance.
297x. Voyaging Continued.
298. Ho ! for the Mountains.
The Mountain Call— Stanzas.
Plymouth to Mt. Washington.
299. Crawford's to Portland.
300. Portland— Munjoy Hill.
300a. The Happy Man— Poem.
301. Letter from Henry Wilson (72).
302. Family of Francis S.e Corser (157).
304 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
303.
Hymn
to Alcyone — Poem.
304.
The Stranger Maid — Poem.
305.
The Hale Family.
306.
Bonny Eagle Pond — Poem.
307.
Partial Genealogy, etc.
308.
Noah's
Rocking-Chair — Poem.
309.
Some Minor Poems.
I.
Optimistic.
II.
Pessimistic.
III.
Imperialistic.
IV.
Realistic.
V.
Nostalgic.
VI.
Courageous.
VII.
Enigmatic.
VIII.
For Ada's Album.
IX.
Lines to Vagus.
X.
Ode to the Isle of Skye.
XI.
Lucille.
XII.
Eulalie.
XIII.
A Wish.
XIV.
Ver.
XV.
Sonnet to Sotheby.
310.
Communication from E. S. C.
311.
Response of Superintendent Corser
312.
Tribute to Roger Wolcott.
313.
The Breath of May— Poem.
313a.
Christm
as Sweets — Poem.
314.
Facts, etc.
315.
Carmen
Maio — Poem,
316.
Excursion Boston-ward.
317.
Turdus
Migratorius — Sonnet.
318.
Nantasket Beach — Sonnet.
319.
The Stolen Bride.
319a.
To a Beautiful Stream — Poem.
320.
Additions to Partial Genealogy.
321.
Excerpti
3 from Dante — Poem.
322.
Some B(
ascawen Views.
323.
The Goddess of the Lyre. — Poem.
324.
Items Additional, etc.
ERRATA. 305
ERRATA, ETC.
Page VII, line 13, for Sanford read Sand ford.
Page 3, line 1, for courser read coursier.
Page 7, line 4 from bottom, for "who advertised," etc., read " whose
valuable collection of books was advertised for sale in the Boston
papers."
Page 8, line 3 from bottom, for Darleston read Dadaston.
Page 11, line 3, for exact dates see p. 24'4, Xos. 3 and 4.
Page 11, line 5, for " father of " read " father of wife of." See p.
246, No. 12.
Page 11, line 13, for Buringtou read Burrington.
Page 11, line 14, for Edward read Edmund. See p. 245, No. 8.
Page 11, line 4 from bottom, for Mary read Martha.
Page 11, line 3 from bottom, for Pythiati read Phijthian.
Page 12, line 9, for 1857 read 1859.
Page 13, line 9, for elden read olden.
Page Ifi, line 2, for 1669 read 1609.
Page 32, line 2 from bottom, for David^ read Daniel^.
Page 36, line 6, after West read Laura^ (3d child), inadvertently
omitted, who was really tlie " pretty girl " spoken of, though both, we
venture to say, were " beautiful as the morning."
Page 38, line 2 from bottom, read (135) at end of line.
Page 40, line 13, for Harriet^ read Harriet A.^
Page 42, line 1 from bottom, for Aug. 2, read Oct. 2.
Page 54, line 13, insert (182) at end of line.
Page 78, line 7 from bottom, for Frances read Francis.
Page 84, line 16, for Charles W.s read Charles W.^
Page 93, line 12, for 1893 read 1873.
Page 98, line 21, for Roycroft read Rni/craft.
Page 105, line 7 from bottom, for 1864 read 1764.
Page 133, line 12, for required read requisite.
Page 138, line 7, for Provencal read Provencal.
Page 165, last line, for repaired read required.
Page 169, line 7 from bottom, for investers read investors.
Page 172, line 14, for ces read ceux.
Page 182, for 279g read 297</.'
Page 191, line 10 from bottom, semicolon should be comma.
Page 198, line 25 from bottom, for guaut read gaunt.
Page 199, for 297gg read 297'/ry.
306 CORSER FAMILY IN AMERICA.
Page 199, line 5 from bottom, comma should h& period.
Page 202, line 9, for Newel read Newell.
Page 237, line 3 from bottom, for 1875 read 1885 (?).
Page 245, line 6 from bottom, for Alley read Amy.
Page 245, line 11, insert (11a) at end of line.
Page 245, for last line read And others.
Page 246, XIV., for canores read canorce.
Page 280, line 8, for vesper read Vesper.
Page 285, Amelia A.e — see No. 324.
Page 285, Arthur G.^, for 320.14 read 320.13.
Page 285, Arthur S.^ — see 324.
Page 285, Amy. Clare'' — see 324.
Page 286, Ellen E.' — see 324.
Page 287, Geo. S.e, for 320.11 read 320.10.
Page 288, Kathleens — see 324.
Page 289, for MaryS, 307.5 read Mary^, 307.9.
Page 289, Mary M.' — see 324.
Page 290, Selina M.*, for 307.4 read 307.3.
Page 296, columns 1 and 2, for 807.11 read 324.
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