William McGaffey Weed (1814-1892)

Son of William and Rebecca (Foss) Weed, was born at North Sandwich, NH, July 29, 1814.

The ancestors of William M. Weed were prominently connected with the early settlement and development of what is now Belknap and Carroll Counties. 

William Weed Sr. was born October 22, 1774. He became a noted machinist and millwright, and from early life was engaged in mill-building in various places in this state and Vermont.  He married March 19,1801, Rebecca, daughter of Jacob and Margaret (McClary) Foss. She was born November 15,1775. Their children were Hannah, Melinda,Jacob,Harvey M.,William M., and Grace.

William M. Weed attended Gilmanton academy and the classical department of New Hampton Institute, but as his health failed he relinquished college aspirations. For some years he taught district and high schools.

He was inspector of the Seventh Brigade New Hampshire Militia, with rank of major on the staff of General Nathaniel B. Hoit in 1843 and 1844. In 1846 he was commissioned colonel on the staff of Governor Anthony Colby.

In addition to his other numerous duties he studied law with Samuel Emerson in 1848,  and in October 1874, was admitted to the bar.

Colonel Weed married in 1850 Eliza N.,daughter of Elisha Hanson, then a prominent citizen and merchant of Sandwich. Their children were Herbert and Clara Belle.

 Like his ancestors, he was  a Congregationalist and liberal supporter of the faith.

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History of Carroll County New Hampshire 1889
by Georgia Drew Merrill