[ Ann's Hollis, NH History & Genealogy ] 
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Biographies of Hollis, New Hampshire Settlers
Primarily transcribed, with minor editing, 
by Ann McRoden Mensch and Sandra Boudrou, from:
An Account of Some of the Early Settlers of West Dunstable,  Monson and Hollis, N. H., by Charles S. Spaulding, published in Nashua, N. H. : The Telegraph Press, 1915.

Printed books and other documents and resources may be subject to errors, such as typographical errors and errors of memory.  It is, therefore, recommended that additional resources may be consulted to verify, support, or refute the information contained in the biographical sketches.

Google books now has a scanned, searchable copy of this book online - see An Account of Some of the Early Settlers of West Dunstable,  Monson and Hollis, N. H., by Charles S. Spaulding, published in Nashua, N. H. : The Telegraph Press, 1915.

Also available online is History of the Town of Hollis, New Hampshire, From its First Settlement to the Year 1879..., by Samuel Thomas Worcester, Boston :  A. Williams & Co., 1879.

1.     William ARBUCKLE [b. 1700, d. unknown]

2.     Daniel BAILEY [b. 1728  d. 1798]

3.     Capt. Daniel BAILEY, Jr. [b. 1755  d. 1847]

4.     Daniel BAILEY, 3rd. [b. 1793  d. 1828]

5.     Joel BAILEY [b. 1751 d. 1815]

6.     Henry BARTON [b. 1706, d. 1760]

7.     Benjamin BLANCHARD [b.1696, d. _______]

8.     Benjamin BLANCHARD, Jr. [b.1720, d. _____]

9.     Dr. John BROWN [b. 1724, d. 1776]

10.                        Lieutenant Josiah BROWN [b. 3 May 1720, d. 1787 or early in 1788]

11.                        Samuel BROWN, Sr. [b. July 20, 1686, d. Feb. 22, 1755]

12.                        Samuel BROWN, Junior [b. 31 October 1737, d. unknown]

13.                        Lieutenant Robert COLBURN [b. 21 March, 1717, d. 9 July, 1783, age 66]

14.                        William COLBURN, Senior  [b. 1689, d. 1769]

15.                        Jonathan DANFORTH, Junior [b. 1745, d. 1782]

16.                        Jonathan DANFORTH, Senior [b. 1714, d. 1747]

17.                        Abraham DINSMORE, Sr. [b. 1730]

18.                        Thomas DINSMORE [b. 1704, d. 1748](spelling variations include: DENSMORE/DINSMOOR)

19.                        Zedekiah DRURY [b. unknown, d. unknown]

20.                        Curtis DUNCKLEE [b. 1803, d. 1857]

21.                        David DUNCKLEE, Senior [b. 1746, d. 1826]

22.                        Hezekiah DUNCKLEE [b. 1771, d. 1857]

23.                        Deacon Daniel EMERSON [b. 15 December 1746, d. 4 October 1820]

24.                        Rev. Daniel EMERSON [b. 1716 d. 1801]

25.                        Moses EMERSON [b. February 3, 1738, d. _______]

26.                        Thomas EMERSON [b._______d._____]

27.                        Deacon Timothy EMERSON [b. ______,d._____]
 

28.                        Colonel William EMERSON [b. 29 November 1791, d. 3 December 1873, aged 82]

29.                        Benjamin FARLEY [b. 1708, d. 1787]

30.                        Ebenezer FARLEY [b. 1747, d. 1827]

31.                        Ebenezer FARLEY [b. 1774, d. 1860]

32.                        Oliver FARWELL, Jr. [b. June 21, 1741, d. Oct. 1822]

33.                        Jonathan FOSTER [b. 1758, d. May 17, 1813]

34.                        General William FRENCH [b. 1713, d. 1793]

35.                        Calvin FRY [b. _______ d. ________]

36.                        Deacon Samuel GOODHUE [b. 6 April, 1696, d. 7 November, 1785, age 90]

37.                        Abijah GOULD, Senior [b. December 12, 1735, d. January 12, 1818, age 82]

38.                        Deacon Ambrose GOULD [b. 1777, d. 1842, age 65]

39.                        Joseph GOULD [b. 1773, d. 15 January 1809, aged 76]

40.                        Deacon Aaron HARDY [b. 1771, d. _____]

41.                        Deacon Enos HARDY [b. 1772, d. 1857]

42.                        Isaac HARDY [b. 1763, d. _____]

43.                        Captain James HARDY [b. 1792, d. ___]

44.                        Jesse HARDY (1760-1816)

45.                        Moses HARDY, Senior [b. 1765, d. ____]

46.                        Dr. Noah HARDY  [b. 1785, d. 1850]

47.                        Phineas HARDY, Sr. [b. 1726, d. 1813]

48.                        Phineas HARDY [1754-1835]

49.                        Samuel Lewis HARDY [b. 1798, d. 1829]

50.                        Solomon HARDY [b. 1767, d. 1852]

51.                        Stephen HARRIS [b. 1700, d. 1775]

52.                        John HASTINGS [b. 1700, d. unknown]

53.                        Josiah HAYDEN [b. 1763, d.    ]

54.                        Captain Samuel HAYDEN [b. 1800, d. 1880]

55.                        Samuel HAYDEN [b. 1735, d. 1792]

56.      Enoch JEWETT [b. 1757, d. 1849]

57.      Deacon Noah JOHNSON [b. February 2, 1699 d. August 13, 1798]

58.      Benjamin KENDRICK [b. 1724, d. 1813]

59.      Captain Daniel KENDRICK [b. 1735, d. 1789]

60.      Daniel KENDRICK, Jr. [b. 1761, d. 1790]

61.      Nathaniel LEEMAN [b. 1759, d. 1838]

62.      Samuel LEEMAN, Senior [died 1673] 

63.      Samuel LEEMAN, Sr. [b. 1692, d. 1756] 

64.      Samuel LEEMAN, Jr. [b. 1721, d. 1789] 

65.      Ensign Samuel LEEMAN, 3rd. [b. 1749] 

66.      Abraham LEEMAN [born in 1723] 

67.      Ephraim LUND [b.1745, d. 1820]

68.      Jonathan LUND, Jr. [b. Sept. 1747, d. June 11, 1828]

69.                        John MARTIN [b. ______d._____]

70.                        Israel MEAD [b. unknown, d. 1775]

71.      Capt. Ebenezer MELVIN [b. 1725] 

72.      Samuel MURDOUGH [b. unknown, d. unknown]

73.                        Stearns NEEDHAM [b. 1754, d. 1830]

74.      Benjamin NEVINS [b. 1750, d. ___]

75.      David NEVINS [b. 1714, d. 1778]

76.      Joseph NEVINS [b. 1748, d. 1813]

77.      Thomas NEVINS [b.______ d._______]

78.      Deacon Thomas NEVINS, Junior [b. 1711, d. 1804]

79.      Lieutenant William NEVINS, Jr. [b. 1746, d. 1776]

80.      William NEVINS, Senior [b. 1718, d. 1785]

81.      Capt. Peter POWERS [b. 1707, d. 1757] 

82.      Thomas POWERS [died between 1788 and 1794] 

83.                        Thomas PRATT [b. 1740, d. unknown]

84.                        Timothy ROGERS [b. 1641, d. ______ ]

85.      Moses SAUNDERS [b._____d.______]

86.      William SEARLE, Jr. [b. 1723] [spelling variations include: SEARLES/SARYL] 

87.      William SHATTUCK [b. 1712, d. 1761]

88.      Zachariah SHATTUCK [b. 1724, d. 1809]

89.      Elias SMITH [b. 1698, d. 1761]

90.      Abraham TAYLOR [b. 1707, d. 1743]

91.      Jonathan TAYLOR [b. 1720, d. 1789]

92.      Lieut. David WALLINGSFORD [b. 1744  d. 1791] 

93.      Daniel WHEELER, [b. April 23, 1736, d. early 1775]

94.                        James WHEELER, Junior [b. May 6, 1731, d. 1785]

95.                        James WHEELER, Senior [b. 1702, d. 1766]

96.                        Lieutenant Thaddeus WHEELER [b. December 16, 1741, d. May 1826]

97.      Captain Thomas WHEELER [b. 1618, d. 1686]

98.      Peter WHEELER, Sr.   [b. 1704, d. 1772]

99.      Oliver WILLOBY, Sr.  [b. 1764, d. 1834]

100. John WILLOUGHBY [b. 1707, d. 1793]

101. Philip WOOLRICH [b. about 1683, d. prior to 1763]

102.                   Thomas WOOLEY [b. about 1722, d. _____]

Thomas DINSMORE [1704-1748]

[p. 9]
     Thomas Dinsmore, probably a native of Billerica, Mass., born in 1704, possessed with more than an ordinary business capacity.  He was engaged in land speculation to a considerable extent.  He married Hannah _____ in 1724, and settled in Bedford, Mass., where + his children were born, as follows:

     Hannah, born December, 22, 1725, married William Searles, August 6, 1747, residence Hollis and Temple, N. H.; Susannah, born July 8, 1727, married Capt. Ebenezer Melvin in 1747, residence Monson; Abraham, born February 22, 1730, married Lydia _____ in 1752; residence Temple, N. H.; Thomas, Jr., born March 5, 1731, residence in Temple; John, born January 24, 1733; Eliphalet, born December 23, 1734, married Hannah Treadwell, October 5, 1757, residence Washington, N. H.; Abel, born December 27, 1736.

     Mr. Dinsmore purchased land in West Dunstable, made a clearing, erected his log hut, etc., as early as 1733.  He was said to be the third settler in West Dunstable.  This place was situated in the south part of the town of Hollis, known as the Eastman place.  Mr. Dinsmore was quite prominent in Parish affairs.  It was through his influence that the Parish voted to put the first meeting house on his land; this vote was reconsidered through the influence of those living in the northern part of the Precinct.  In consequence of this and other matters, Mr. Dinsmore removed back to Bedford in September 1741 and remained until September 1745.  He was influential in getting Patch Corner people set off to Monson on chartering of Hollis.  Mr. Dinsmore died December 10, 1748, and is buried in the old yard, Hollis.  Mrs. Dinsmore died July 23, 1767, and is buried in the old yard, Hollis.  This family all removed to Temple, N. H., before 1770.

+ Spaulding inserted the word "all" here.

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Abraham DINSMORE, Sr. [b. 1730]

[p. 31]
     Abraham Dinsmore, Sr., son of Thomas and Hannah Dinsmore, was born in Bedford, Mass., February 22, 1730.  He came to West Dunstable with his father, helped to subdue the forests, and worked on the farm.  He married Lydia _____ in 1752, and settled at the homestead until about 1765, when he removed to Temple, N. H., and settled on one of those mountain farms.

     Mr. Dinsmore served in the war of the Revolution, and was in the battle of Bunker Hill in Capt. Ezra Townes' company, Col. James Reed's regiment, together with eighteen other Temple soldiers, including Wilder Kidder, the famous fifer.  His children as found recorded were: Abraham, Jr., born in Hollis, January 17, 1753; married Love Leeman, November 26, 1776.  Zebadiah, born in Hollis, January 17, 1755; married Elizabeth Todd, March 13, 1777, residence Temple;  Lydia, born in Hollis, January 24, 1757;  Hannah, born in Hollis, March 2, 1759; Phebe, born in Hollis, May 17, 1761;  Thomas, born in Hollis, august 14, 1763;  John, born in Temple, November 23, 1765;  Amos, born in Temple, February 29, 1768, married Mrs. Rachel Stone, January 5, 1794, residence Temple;  Abel, born in Temple, June 4, 1770;  Mary, born in Temple, August 16, 1772, married Asa Severance, November 25, 1788, residence Temple.

     Mrs. Lydia, wife of Abraham, died September 13, 1774.  Mr. Dinsmore died in Temple.

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William ARBUCKLE [b. 1700, d. unknown]
 

p. 5
William Arbuckle, born at Bush Mills in the north of Ireland in 1700, of Scotch-Irish descent, whose ancestors fought at the siege of Londonderry. He married Elizabeth _______ in 1720, and immediately migrated to this country and settled in Londonderry, but shortly removed to the Souhegan valley in West Dunstable and subsequently coming within the chartered limits of Merrimac, where he resided the remainder of his life.

Mr. Arbuckle was one of those pioneer settlers whose first employment was trapping and fur-trading with the Indians. No place in New England offered better facilities for trapping than did this section of old Dunstable. His children as found recorded were: Elizabeth, born on the Atlantic ocean in 1720, married Alexander Patterson; William, Jr., born in 1724, married Mary _______, resided in Merrimac; Abigail, born in 1726, married William McClure, resided in Merrimac; Sarah born July 20, 1728, married Hugh Gillis, died in Merrimac, February 20, 1829.

When Sarah Arbuckle was about 18 years old a wounded Indian came to her door one morning whom she took in and nursed. He remained until he was able to go to Canada. Some months after this, a party of St. Francis Indians rushed into her cabin, the foremost one with tomahawk raised intending to dispatch her, when one of the number jumped before him with raised arms, saying: "You no kill her, you kill me." He saved her life. This Indian proved to be the one she had befriended.

This biography for Daniel Bailey was transcribed by Sandra Boudrou, a BAILEY family descendant.

Daniel BAILEY [b. March 18, 1728  d. January 15,1798]

     Daniel Bailey, Sr., son of Benjamin, formerly from Salem, Mass., and Mary Parmenter Bailey, was born in Middleton, Mass., March 18, 1728.  He married Rebekah Farnsworth, daughter of Joseph Farnsworth of Groton, Mass., in 1751, and settled in Stowe.  Mr. Bailey, prior to 1759, purchased the Moses Saunders estate in Monson, N.H., and removed there.  He built the old house in the place of a log hut, and soon after repaired the old saw mill and carried on milling.

     Mr. Bailey served in the French war.  He also served in the war of the revolution, at Cambridge three months in 1775, in the northern campaign in 1777, at Rhode Island in 1778 and 1779.  He was a large land holder.

His children were: 
     JOEL, born in Stowe,  December 11, 1751: married Mary Wheeler in 1776: residence Hollis: died December 28, 1815.
     ANDREW, born in Stowe, January 4, 1754: he was in the war of the Revolution: died November 13, 1781; unmarried.
     Capt. DANIEL, JR. born in Stowe December 8, 1755; married Elizabeth French March 4, 1784; residence homestead; died March 13, 1847.
     JOANNA, born in Stowe, January 30, 1758; married Ebenezer Melvin, Jr., February 20, 1777; residence, Groton.
     REBEKAH, born in Monson July 24, 1760; married Jesse Hardy, January 3, 1788; died _____ 1792.
     SARAH, born in Monson, July 24, 1763, Oliver Willoby, January 31, 1787; married second time Enock Jewett in 1837.*I have that he died at 92 yrs January 21, 1849 in Hollis.
     AARON, born in Monson, June 28, 1765; married Elizabeth Wallingsford, May 17, 1785; Remarried in New York.
     MARY, born in Monson, November 16, 1768; married Solomon Hardy in 1796; removed to Dublin.

     Mr. Bailey died January 15, 1798, aged about 70.  Mrs. Rebekah, his wife, died June 8, 1805, age 73.

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This biography was transcribed by Sandra Boudrou, a BAILEY family descendant.

Capt. Daniel BAILEY, Jr. [b. 1755  d. 1847]

     Capt. Daniel Bailey, Jr., son of Daniel and Rebekah Farnsworth Bailey, was born in Stowe, Mass.,  December 8, 1755.  He came to Monson with his father when only about four years old.  He was engaged in farming and milling, and was guardian for minor heirs, arc.  Mr. Bailey served in the war of the revolution in Col Naham Baldwin's regiment, in Capt. William Reed's company, for New York  five months.  He was at the battle of White Plains.  Mr. Bailey succeeded to the homestead situated in the northwest part of Hollis.

He was prominent in military affairs and was Captain of State militia.  He served the town of Hollis as one of their Selectmen 10 years between 1802 and 1816.  He represented Hollis in the New Hampshire General Court of 1813; was superintendent of the first Sabbath School in Hollis, organized in 1821.

Mr. Bailey married Elizabeth French, daughter of Gen. William French, March 4, 1784 who died July 25, 1817.  He married for his second wife Mrs. Mary (Boyden) Read, Lawrence, April  2, 1818.

His children were as follows:

Elizabeth, born in Hollis, September 25,1784, died July 25, 1816 of consumption: unmarried.
Rebekah, born in Hollis, July 12, 1786; married Ebenezer Baldwin, March 31, 1831: died February 12, 1874.
Lydia, born in Hollis, April 21, 1789; married Simeon Stearns, August 18, 1812; died April 12, 1825.
Daniel, 3rd, born in Hollis, December 31, 1793; married Lucy Baldwin March 1821; died July 7, 1828.
Mary, born August 28, 1797, died March 26, 1815, age 18, of consumption.

Mrs. Mary Bailey, his wife died September 3, 1842, aged 84.
Capt. Daniel Bailey died March 13, 1847, aged about 92.  Captain Bailey built the house now (1909) standing on the premises, in 1817.

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This biography for Daniel Bailey, 3rd. was transcribed by Sandra Boudrou, a BAILEY family descendant.

Daniel BAILEY, 3rd. [b. 1793  d. 1828]

     Daniel Bailey, 3rd son of Captain Daniel Bailey and Elizabeth French Bailey, was born in Hollis, December 31, 1793.  He married Lucy Baldwin in November 1821 and succeeded to the homestead farm; he was an honest and industrious citizen of the town.  Mr. Bailey as did his father before him, carried on hard wood coopering to some extent, hiring help to make barrels, he used to team them to Boston, crying provision enough to last the round trip.  Aside from Coopering business he was engaged in farming and milling, doing a prosperous business, was considered one of the well-to-do farmers of Hollis.

Mr. Bailey never enjoyed very good health, and after a season of illness he succumbed to that dread destroyer consumption, causing his death in his 35th year.

His children were:

Daniel, 4th born August 13, 1822; married Addie Burt, in 1884; residence,
homestead; died in 1889.
William F. born July 19, 1823; died August 31, 1825
Elizabeth, born _____1826; married Isaac VanDyke, March______1852; died
November _____1906.
Infant daughter, born ____1828; lived only a few days.

Mr. Bailey died at his home in Hollis _____1828.
Mrs. Lucy Bailey died at her home in Hollis.

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This biography was transcribed by Sandra Boudrou, a BAILEY family descendant.

Joel BAILEY [b. December 11, 1751 d. December 28, 1815, aged 64.]

 Joel Bailey, son of Daniel, Sr., and Rebekah Farnsworth Bailey, was born in Stowe, Mass. December 11, 1751.  He came to Monson with his father when he was eight years old.  He enlisted into the war of the Revolution at Cambridge in 1775, eight months at West Point; three months in 1780.  Mr. Bailey was a great hunter of wild animals; the black bear, the wolf, the wild cat or panther, then roamed the forests at will.  He was also a renowned coon hunter.

His father gave him fifty acres of land for a homestead, (of which he had the same amount for all his children).  His father built him a house, which is still (1909) standing, situated about sixty rods northwest of the Bailey schoolhouse off the Milford road, more recently known as the stimson place.  The house was built about 1775.

Mr. Bailey married Mary Wheeler, oldest daughter of James Wheeler, Jr. in 1776.  Mr. Bailey had no children.  His kinsman, Leonard Bailey, cared for him in his old age, and had the property.

Mr. Bailey died December 28, 1815, aged 64.  Mrs. Mary Bailey, his wife, died June 30, 1842, aged 90.

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Henry BARTON [b. 1706, d. 1760]
 

p. 10
Henry Barton, born in Littleton, Mass., in 1706, a descendant of those Bartons who settled in Massachusetts prior to 1700; married Sarah Bell of Westford, Mass., October 31, 1731, settled in West Dunstable in the spring of 1734 at a place called "Love Lane," situated southwest of Hollis village.

He was elected Parish assessor in and for the year of 1741 and appointed Parish collector for the year 1743. His children as found recorded were:

Sarah, born October 3, 1734, married John Campbell, April 24, 1760, residence Townsend; Mary, born January 6, 1736, married Johathan Wallace, October 7, 1755, residence Townsend, Mass.

Mr. Barton continued to reside at Love Lane until his death, which occurred April 20, 1760. Later Mrs. Barton sold the property to Capt. Reuben Dow, and went to Townsend, Mass., together with her two daughters, deeded the farm, containing all the real estate owned by them, to Captain Dow, under date of April 17, 1761, at which time it is supposed Mrs. Barton went to Townsend.

Samuel BROWN, Sr. [b. July 20, 1686, d. Feb. 22, 1755]
 

p. 77
Samuel Brown, Sr., son of John and Abigail Brown, was born in Byfield Parish, Rowley, Mass., July 20, 1686. He married Elizabeth Wheeler of Salisbury, May 17, 1716. He was a collector of the Parish, and a prominent citizen of the town. He removed from Rowley to Littleton, Mass., in 1729, and was the constable of the place in 1736. Mr. Brown removed from Littleton to West Dunstable in 1743.

He was quite prominent in town and church affairs and was one of the committee of arrangements for the ordination of the Rev. Daniel Emerson. the registry of deeds represents that he owned many valuable parcels of land. It was said that he had several hundred acres in West Dunstable.

His children were: John, born in Rowley, April 5, 1717; died young. Mary, born in Rowley, May 15, 1718. Josiah, born in Rowley, May 3, 1720; married Anna Farwell, November 11, 1741. Dr. John, born in Rowley, March 1724; married Kesiah Wheeler, October 9, 1744; married second time, Martha Jewett, February 18, 1761; died May 6, 1776. Hannah, born in Rowley, November 26, 1727; married Samuel Farley, October 9, 1744; residence, Groton, N. H. Sarah, born in Littleton, October 18, 1730. Susannah, born June 10, 1753; removed to Maine. Samuel, Jr., born October 31, 1737; married Mary Glene, March 26, 1756; married second time, Mary Wheeler, January, 1761.

Mr. Brown died February 22, 1755, at Hollis, in the 62nd year of his age.

Lieutenant Josiah BROWN [b. 3 May 1720, d. 1787 or early in 1788]
 

p. 78
Lieut. Josiah Brown, son of Samuel and Elizabeth Wheeler Brown, was born in Rowley, Mass., May 3, 1720. He married Anna Farwell of Groton, Mass., November 11, 1741, and shortly after settled in West Dunstable on land grant of his father's, whence he built his log hut, cleared off the forests, and commenced farming. Mr. Brown served in the French war as Ensign in Capt. Nehemiah Lovewell's company, Col. John Hart's regiment, for the second expedition against Louisburg in 1758. He was a grantee of Plymouth, N.H., and removed there in 1764, and was a prominent citizen in the new settlement. He was commissioned Lieutenant in the militia, May 24, 1765, by Governor Wentworth. Incapacitated by the infirmities of age from active service in the Revolution, he remained a wise and useful concilor.

His children were: Elizabeth, born October 14, 1742; married Zachariah Parker, June 27, 1762; he died in 1814; she married second time Samuel Emerson, December 31, 1818; she died in 1827. Anna, born October 23, 1744; married Jotham Comings, April 27, 1763. Josiah, born September 24, 1746; died April 14, 1753. Molly, born September 4, 1748; married Charles Clark, September 24, 1767. Joseph, born November 8, 1750; married Susannah Dearborn, November 2, 1773; died March 15, 1775. Olive, born November 1, 1752; married Samuel Marsh, November 30, 1769. Susannah, born August 20, 1754; married Joseph Hicks, March 31, 1774. Sarah, born January 3, 1757; married Joshua Fletcher in 1775; residence Plymouth. Josiah, Jr., born January 31, 1759; married Rachel Fellows, November 4, 1779; residence Plymouth.

Mr. Brown died in Plymouth in 1787 or early in 1788.

This biography was transcribed by Sandra Boudrou.

Dr. John BROWN [b. 1724, d. 1776]

  
p. 79
     Dr. John Brown, son of Samuel, Sr., and Elizabeth Wheeler Brown was born in Byfield Parish, Rowley, Mass., in March, 1724.  He married first, Kesiah Wheeler, daughter of James Wheeler.  He moved from Rowley with his father in 1729, where in his youth he assisted his father in hotel keeping, removing to West Dunstable in 1741 and settling on land grant of his father's; erecting his log hut and marrying Kesiah Wheeler, October 9, 1744.  Mr. Brown removed to Monson, N. H., about 1750, where he became the only physician that Monson ever had, so far as we have any account.  He served the town as one of their Selectmen for the years of 1756, 1757 and 1758.  He served in the old French war under the command of Lieut. Col. John Goffe in the Crown Point expedition of 1757.  Mr. Brown was one of the grantees of Plymouth, N. H., where he removed in 1766.  His wife, Kesiah, died October 31, 1760, and he married for his second wife, Martha Jewett, of Rowley, February 18, 1761.
 
     His children were:  Silas, born in West Dunstable, August 11, 1745; married Lucy Wheeler, October 8, 1765; residence Plymouth, John, Jr., born in Hollis, January 27, 1747; married Abigail Phillips in 1773; residence Plymouth.  Kesiah, born December 23, 1749; married William Hobart, November 10, 1766; residence Campton.  Abigail, born in Monson, June 10, 1754; married Samuel Shaw, June 24, 1774. Phineas, born in Monson, November 24, 1756.  Rebekah, born in Monson, September 1, 1758.  Elizabeth, born September 10, 1760; married Nehemiah Phillips.  Martha, born April 18, 1762.  Sarah, born March 24, 1764.  Stephen, born in Plymouth, April 18, 1766; married Anna Davis, December 18, 1788; died May 4, 1839.
 
     Mr. Brown died May 6, 1776, aged 52.

Samuel BROWN, Junior [b. 31 October 1737, d. unknown]
 

p. 80
Samuel Brown, Jr., son of Samuel and Elizabeth Wheeler Brown, was born in Littleton, Mass., October 31, 1737. He came to West Dunstable with his father in 1743, when only about six years old. He married Mary Glene, March 26, 1756, who died November 29, 1760. He then married Mary Wheeler, daughter of Peter Wheeler, January 22, 1761.

Mr. Brown removed to Mason, N.H., in 1773. He was admitted member of the church there in 1774. He was quite prominent in town affairs, and served the town as Moderator for the years 1776, 1777 and 1778. He was chosen and served on various committees during his residence in Mason. He was in the Revolutionary war from Mason, and removed from there shortly after the war.

Of his children we have the following account: Mary, born in Hollis, January 1, 1757. William, born in Hollis, November 13, 1760; married Silas Spaulding, April 24, 1778; residence Mason. Bridget, born in Hollis, December 31, 1761. Samuel, born in Hollis, January 11, 1764. William, born in Hollis, January 4, 1766; married Elizabeth Nevins in 1789. Josiah, born in Mason, April 15, 1775. Daniel Emerson, born in Mason, July 4, 1777.

Lieutenant Robert COLBURN [b. 21 March, 1717, d. 9 July, 1783, age 66]
 

p.82
Lieut. Robert Colburn, son of William and Margaret Wooley Colburn, was born in Billerica, Mass., March 21, 1717. He came to West Dunstable with his father in the spring of 1738, and helped to build the first meeting-house in West Dunstable in December, 1740. Mr. Colburn married Elizabeth Leeman, daughter of Samuel Leeman, March 2, 1745. She died in 1746. He married for a second wife, Elizabeth Smith, and settled north of Patch Corner, March 21, 1747, then located in the old township of Monson. He was quite prominent in town affairs, having served the town as Town Clerk for 13 years, and as one of the Selectmen 15 years. Mr. Colburn served in the war of the Revolution, and was subsequently a Lieutenant in State militia.

His children as found recorded were: Robert, Jr., born in Monson, April 29, 1748; married Dorcas Upton, October 6, 1772; died May 28, 1819. Elias, born in Monson, October 22, 1749; died young. Benjamin, born in Monson, May 11, 1751; died young. Nathan, born in Monson, November 6, 1752; married Abigail Shattuck, January 28, 1779. Benjamin, born in Monson, May 11, 1755; married Esther Wheeler, February 24, 1779; residence, Temple, N. H., and Vermont; died January 21, 1847. Peter, born in Monson, November 14, 1756; died young. Elizabeth, born in Monson, April 27, 1759; married William Ball, February 9, 1781; residence Hollis; died in 1781. Lucy, born in Monson, January 12, 1761; married Thomas Hardy, January 1, 1784; residence, Dublin. Anna, born in Monson, November 27, 1763; died May 25, 1769.

Mr. Colburn became a large land holder; built in 1776 the house and resided at the old Thad Wheeler place near Patch Corner. Mr. Colburn died July 9, 1783, age 66.
 

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This biography was transcribed by Sandra Boudrou.

Jonathan DANFORTH, Junior [b. 1745, d. 1782]
 

p. 44
Jonathan Danforth, Jr., son of Jonathan and Anna Blanchard Danforth, was born in West Dunstable, July 20, 1745. Mr. Danforth located in Monson about 1766, and built a saw mill on Witch brook in company with Jonathan Lund of Monson. The mill stood where the dividing line came between the Rogers and Spalding farms at North Hollis at the Amherst line. Subsequently, Mr. Danforth erected a house and grist mill at the "Kendall mill place" on Witch brook at North Hollis. Later he bought thirty-six acres of land of Abraham Leeman, where he resided the rest of his days. He occupied a prominent position in town, and served as moderator at some special meetings. He was guardian for Nathan Nevins who became twenty-one in 1791, and Mr. Danforth sold his property here to Hezekiah Kendall of Wilmington in October 1791.

He married Hannah Leeman in 1769. His children were: Hannah, born May 5, 1770; married Jermathael Bowers, February 10, 1791. Jonathan, born July 27, 1772. Elizabeth born May 10, 1774. Leonard, born April 9, 1777; married Polly Henry, April 23, 1801. David, born May 15, 1779. Luther, born October 23, 1781. Anna, born July 18, 1783. Asa, born October 14, 1785. Rebecca, born March 23, 1788.

Mr. Danforth died August, 1782. Most of this family went to Mont Vernon, N. H.

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This biography was transcribed by Sandra Boudrou.

Jonathan DANFORTH, Senior [b. 1714, d. 1747]
 

p. 43

Jonathan Danforth, Sr., son of Jonathan, a grandson of Jonathan the distinguished land surveyor, was born November 10, 1714. He came to West Dunstable in 1741; married Anna Blanchard, daughter of Benjamin Blanchard, May 24, 1743, and settled on the farm west of Cyrus F. Burge on the Depot road. Mr. Danforth was a descendant of Nicholas Danforth, who migrated to this country from England in 1632, to escape the knighthood that King Charles sought to impose upon him in consequence of his great wealth.

Mr. Danforth's children were: Anna, born in West Dunstable, February 7, 1744. Jonathan, Jr., born in West Dunstable, July 20, 1745; married Hannah Leeman in 1769. David, born in West Dunstable, January 24, 1747.

Mr. Danforth died March 3, 1747, aged 32.

Zedekiah DRURY [b. unknown, d. unknown]
 

p. 33
Zedekiah Drury came to West Dunstable in 1741, and located in what is now the south part of Hollis, on the farm now (1909) owned and occupied by Frank B. Spaulding. Mr. Drury was a blacksmith by trade. He was also engaged in farming while here. He moved to Temple, N. H., prior to 1768, as the first town meeting was held there at his house, September 26, 1768. He was chosen moderator at the annual town meeting of 1773.

January 7, 1776, Mr. Drury, with fifteen other Temple soldiers, enlisted into the Continental army for one year. He died in the service, it was said, from malaria fever, which prevailed in August of that year. As found in the records, the following are his children: Capt. Zedekiah, Jr., born _____. Ebenezer, born _____; married Marian _____. Captain Gersham, born _____; married first, Mary Hawkins, June 11, 1783, second, he married Eliza Richards; died December 1, 1792. William, b _____; married Elizabeth _____. Daniel _____. Thomas _____. Mary _____; married John Tenny, July 14, 1773.

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David DUNCKLEE, Senior (b. 1746, d. 1826)

[p. 84-85]
     David Duncklee, son of Hezekiah and Emaris Wilson Duncklee, was born in Billerica, Mass., August 26, 1746.  He came to Souhegan West with his father when young.  He married Phebe Odall in 1766; and settled in MOnson at a place about three-fourths of a mile southeast of Milford springs on the Duncklee place.  Here he built his log hut, cut down the forests, and commenced farming on territory, where subsequently three townships cornered, viz:  Hollis, Amherst and Milford.  Mr. Duncklee was the ancestor of all the Duncklees in this section.

     His children were as follows:  David, Jr., born in Monson, September 7, 1767; married Sally Hood, May 25, 1790; died May 1, 1832.  Jacob, born in Monson, March 26, 1769; married first Abigail Hill, March 1, 1792, who died July 12, 1814, Amherst; married second time, Rachel Lund, February 7, 1819; died August 26, 1842.  Hezekiah, born in Monson, May 2, 1771; married Betty Farley in 1792; residence Hillsboro and Hollis; left his family in 1818; went to New York and Illinois; married second time, a Mrs. Potter.  Daniel, born April 3, 1773; died August 31, 1775.  Daniel, born in Monson, January 26, 1776; married Ruth Boutelle, April 1, 1803; residence Milford; died February 24, 1856; married second time, Lydia Lund, October 2, 1821.  Phebe, born in Monson, December 20, 1778; married Aaron Whitney, March 16, 1797; died January 31, 1800.  Hannah, born in Monson, April 21, 1781; married William B. King, November 26, 1801; died January 27, 1855.  John, born in Monson, September 5, 1784; married Lucretia Buell, February 21, 1808; residence Newport; died October 5, 1832.  Jesse, born in Monson, December 19, 1786; died April 28, 1790.  Elizabeth and Ebenezer, born May 10, 1789; Elizabeth married Joseph Pierce December 27, 1810; residence Merrimack; died August 9, 1855.  Ebenezer, married Salome Wright, February 22, 1813; residence homestead; died September 3, 1867.  James, born in Monson, May 6, 1791; married Hannah Hall, December 31, 1812; residence South Merrimack; died July 23, 1854.  Silas, born in Monson, January 8, 1794; married Sarah Thatcher, June, 1818.

     Mr. Duncklee died August 13, 1826, aged 80.  Mrs. Phebe Duncklee, his wife, died January, 1839, aged 89.

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Hezekiah DUNCKLEE (b. 1771, d. 1857)

[p. 86]
     Hezekiah Duncklee, son of David and Phebe Odall Duncklee, was born in Amherst, May 2, 1771.  He married Betsy Farley in 1792, and settled in the southwest part of Hillboro, N. H.  About 1813, he removed to Hollis, settling near Long pond.  From here he left his family and went to New York about 1818; becoming involved in debt is supposed to be the cause.  He was a basket-maker by trade.  Mr. Duncklee went to Potsdam, where his two oldest sons were; from here he went to Ticonderoga after a few years' residence; while living at Ticonderoga, he married a Widow Potter for his second wife.  He died here in 1857.

     His children were:  Hezekiah, born in Hillsboro, February 14, 1793; married Eliza Tucker in 1841; residence Potsdam and Addison, Ill.; died July 25, 1852.  Elizabeth, born in Hillsboro, February 23, 1795; married Eben Shedd, August 5, 1817; residence Hollis; married second time, John Cutter; died September 23, 1877.  Ebenezer, born in Hillsboro, March 22, 1797; married Amy Highley, January 24, 1824; residence Du Page Co., Ill.; married second time, Ruth L. Hanson, September 9, 1853; died July 22, 1864.  Leafy, born in Hillsboro, January 17, 1799; married Ebenezer Farley, September 16, 1817; residence Hollis; died March 12, 1877.  Roxana L., born in Hillsboro, April 30, 1801; married Samuel L. Hardy, August 19, 1821; residence Hollis; died November 7, 1835.  Curtis, born in Hillsboro, June 3, 1803; married Rebecca Duncklee, October 10, 1825; died September 26, 1857.  Nancy, born in Hillsbobo, May 8, 1806; married Augustus Ingalls, May 26, 1833; residence Du Page County, Illinois; died August 10, 1845.  Lucinda, born June 3, 1808; married Leonard Coombs, November 16, 1830; residence Hollis; married second, Daniel Bixby, November 18, 1855; residence Francestown; died July 28, 1898.

     This family subsequently resided at the Cobbitt Place, North Hollis.  Mrs. Betsey Farley Duncklee died at Corett Mill, August 6, 1820.

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Curtis DUNCKLEE (b. 1803, d. 1857)

[p. 87]
      Curtis Duncklee, son of  Hezekiah and Betsy Farley Duncklee, was born in Hillsboro, N. H., June 3, 1803.  He married Rebecca Duncklee, October 10, 1825.  Mr. Duncklee was a farm laborer and cooper, and worked out most of the time, and always in limited circumstances.  He resided in Milford until about 1830; then settled on Mooar's hill at North Hollis, where he resided until 1837; in 1839 he settled on a little place at South Amherst.  He went to Ticonderoga, N. Y., in the spring of 1841.  His family followed him in the summer of 1842.  He removed to Palo Linn Co., Iowa, in 1856.

     His children were as follows:  Marietta, born in Milford, October, 1825; died November 26, 1826.  Martha, Jr., born in Milford, January 10, 1827; married Nathan Crossman, April 21, 1846; residence Crown Point; had 12 children; died June 3, 1888.  Daniel C., born in Milford, June 22, 1829; married Elizabeth Stackhouse, January 10, 1866; residence Iowa; died August 5, 1901.  Nancy Alvira, born in Milford, February 7, 1832; married Royal Z. Bennett, February 22, 1848; residence Horicon, N. Y.; had 12 children.  Hezekiah, born in Milford, November 20, 1836; died in March, 1865; soldier; of small pox, in Oiwa.  Huldia Ann, born April 22, 1840; married Alonzo S. Kellogg, August 7, 1861; residence Iowa.  Martin B., born in Milford, February 9, 1843; died March, 1865, in Soldiers Hospital, Helena, Ark.  Cyrus E., born in Milford, December 20, 1847, in Ticonderoga; residence Iowa.

     Mr. Duncklee died September 26, 1857, at Palo Linn Co., Iowa.  His wife, Rebecca, married for second husband, John Sharp, July 1862, and removed to near Shellsburg, Iowa, where she died, June 3, 1887.

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Rev. Daniel EMERSON [b. 1716 d. 1801]

p.62
   Rev. Daniel Emerson, son of Peter and Anna Brown Emerson, was born in Reading, Mass., May 20, 1716.  He was graduated from Harvard University in 1739.  Settled in Gospel ministry at West Dunstable, April 20, 1743.  The Rev. Dr. Davis of Amherst in his Centennial address before the Hollis Association of Ministers, in September, 1862, said of him:  "He was a man of large and active intellect, a convert of Whitesfield and partaking largely of his spirit.  He was uniformly evangelical, and often a very eloquent preacher."
 
 
   Mr. Emerson served in the French war as chaplain of Col. Joseph Blanchard's regiment in the Crown Point expedition of 1755.  He continued the pastoral relation with the church and people here more than 58 years.  He married Hannah Emerson, daughter of Joseph Emerson, November 7, 1744.
 
   His children were:  Hannah, born September 30, 1745; married Manasser Smith, February 17, 1774; removed to Maine.  Deacon Daniel, Jr., born December 15, 1746; married Anna Fletcher, November 17, 1768; died October 4, 1820.  Mary, born September 19, 1748; died January 10, 1750.  Dr. Peter, born November 7, 1749; married Rebecca Hobart, January 2, 1777; second marriage, Molly Muzzey, October 21, 1781; died February 21, 1827.  Lucy, born October 18, 1751; married Silas Swallow, June 16, 1786; residence Dunstable.  Mary, born November 14, 1753; married Ebenezer Rookwood, June 10, 1779; died March 9, 1848.  Elizabeth, born May 5, 1755; married Rev. Isaac Bailey, April 8, 1784.  Ebenezer, born August 14, 1757; died April 8, 1759.  Joseph, born September 28, 1759; married Alice Ames, May 13, 1784; killed by cannon, October 4, 1790.  Rebecca, born July 5, 1762; died July 5, 1762.  Dr. Samuel, born July 5, 1762; married Olive Burrell, July 6, 1791; residence, Kennebunk, died August 7, 1857, William, born December 11, 1765; died Nov. 11, 1775.
 
   Mr. Emerson died September 30, 1801, aged 85 years.  He was buried in the Church yard, Hollis.  Mrs. Emerson died February 28, 1812, aged 90 years.

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Moses EMERSON [b. February 3, 1738, d. _______]
 

p. 66
Moses Emerson was born in Haverhill, February 3, 1738. He came to Monson in his youth. He served in the old French war in Capt. Peter Powers' company, regiment of Col. Joseph Blanchard, for the Crown Point expedition of 1755. Married Rebecca _______ about 1760, and settled on what has subsequently been known as the Atwood place, situated in extreme northwest part of Hollis, on the road leading from the Bailey schoolhouse to Federal hill in Milford. Mr. Emerson was the first settler at this place so far as we have any history.

He was taxed in Hollis from 1770 to 1784. His son Benjamin was taxed from 1784 to 1794, when they sold this farm in 1795 to Ebenezer Baldwin of Ashby, Mass. This family then removed to Hebron or Groton of this state.

The births of three children are found recorded in the old records, viz: Benjamin, born in 1761. Moses, born about 1764; married Rebecca Hesteton, January 24, 1793; residence Deering, N. H. Betty, born about 1768.

Thomas EMERSON [b._______d.]
 

p.68
Thomas Emerson, a native of Tewksbury, Mass., and brother of Deacon Timothy Emerson, who married Judith _____ and settled in Monson in the spring of 1768, at what is known as the Amos Fletcher place at North Hollis, and built the old house now standing on the place.

Mr. Emerson served in the old French war, in the Crown Point expedition, and served in the war of the Revolution in Capt. Daniel Emerson's company of Col. Joshua Wingate's regiment, who marched to Ticonderoga in July, 1776. He was in the service six months. In the spring of 1792, he sold his farm to Samuel Fletcher of New Ipswich, N. H., and is reported to have moved to Richmond, N. H.

Mr. Emerson's children as found recorded here were as follows: Thomas, born in Hollis, November 27, 1774. William, born in Hollis, March 28, 1777. Daniel, born in Hollis, June 12, 1780. John S., born in Hollis, August 12, 1783. Asa, born in Hollis, September 20, 1785.

Deacon Timothy EMERSON [b. ______,d._____]

p. 67
Deacon Timothy Emerson, a native and resident of Tewksbury, who married Huldah ______. He came up from Tewksbury and settled in Monson in the spring of 1768, at a point since known a the Rogers place, Witch brook valley at North Hollis. Mr. Emerson served as Deacon of a church, prior to coming to Monson. He had acquired considerable real estate in the vicinity in which he resided.

In the spring of 1780 or 1781, he sold his farm to Benjamin Rogers and removed to the Lot Mooar place on Mooar's hill at North Hollis, residing here until about 1795, when it was said he died suddenly. Mr. Emerson was the first settler here, and built the Benjamin Rogers house; now (1909) owned and occupied by Waldo E. Hill.

His children as found recorded were: Timothy, Jr., born in Hollis, December 11, 1776. Aaron, born January 11, 1778. Stephen, born March 29, 1781. Huldah, born April 1, 1783. Jesse, born May 15, 1785.

Colonel William EMERSON (b. 29 November 1791, d. 3 December 1873, aged 82)

Benjamin FARLEY [b. 1708, d. 1787]
 

p. 11
Lieutenant Benjamin Farley, son of Benjamin and Annie Dustin Farley, born in Billerica, Mass., August 28, 1708; married Joanna Page in 1732, settled in West Dunstable in 1735 at a point south of Hollis village known as the Worcester place, where he opened a hotel, the first public house in West Dunstable. The parish meetings were held here prior to building the meeting house. In 1750 he sold to Rev. Francis Worcester and removed to the Captain Parker place in Monson. On account of malaria caused by draining Witch brook he sold out here and moved to the Joseph Patch place in Hollis in the spring of 1755.

Mr. Farley was prominent in Parish affairs, having served as one of the selectmen in 1740 and 1741, and the town of Hollis for 1746, '47 and '48, and the town of Monson for 1753. His children were as follows: Joanna, born April 21, 1733; married Samuel Burge, June 2, 1754; Rebecca, born April 29, 1735; Benjamin, Jr., born June 30, 1737, served in the war of the Revolution; Molly, born November 25, 1739, married John Shattuck, December 9, 1779; Betty, born June 23, 1742, married Benjamin Austin, November 24, 1768, residence, Hollis; Lucy, born February 13, 1744, married Abel Shipley, November 24, 1768; Ebenezer, born September 19, 1747, married Betty Wheeler, November 6, 1766; Hannah, born February 28, 1750, died in 1754; Christopher, born April 1, 1751, married Ruth Jewett, December 10, 1773; Stephen, born January 28, 1754, married Mary Shattuck, January 28, 1779, died January 14, 1837; Hannah, born January 31, 1757, married John Ball of Temple, December 4, 1777; Sarah, born September 28, 1761, married William W. Poole, October 17, 1780.

Mr. Farley died December 23, 1787, aged 79 years. Mrs. Farley died May 20, 1797, aged 80 years. Mr. Farley was commissioned lieutenant in the Colonel Militia.

Ebenezer FARLEY [b. 1747, d. 1827]
 

p. 190
Ebenezer Farley, son of Lieut. Benjamin and Joanna Farley, was born in Hollis, September 19, 1747. He married Betty Wheeler, born in 1766. Mr. Farley purchased of the Mortgagee the Thomas Nevins place, situated near Pennichuck pond in the northeast part of Hollis, for the sum of four hundred pounds Continental money, and settled here about 1780. Mr. Farley served in the war of the Revolution from Hollis at Concord and Lexington in New York, in 1776.

His children were as follows: Benjamin, born in Hollis, February 1, 1767; married Anna Merrill in 1789; residence, Hollis and Vermont. Lucy, born in Hollis, September 3, 1768; married James Jewett, January 17, 1789; married for second husband, John Shedd, November 5, 1797. Joanna, born in Hollis, March 22, 1770; married Abijah Shedd, November 15, 1792. Betty, born in Hollis, March 18, 1772; married Hezekiah Duncklee, in 1792; died August 6, 1820. Ebenezer, Jr., born in Hollis, March 4, 1774; married Abigail Farmer, September 12, 1796; residence, homestead. Hannah, born in Hollis, December 1, 1775; married Solomon Wheeler, August 25, 1791. John, born in Hollis, December 13, 1777; no record. Daniel, born in Hollis, October 28, 1779; married; went to Michigan. Jesse, born in Hollis, June 26, 1781; married Mary Phelps, October 1, 1803; died in November, 1826. Sarah, born in Hollis, April 23, 1783; married Minot Wheeler, April 28, 1800. Rebecca, born in Hollis, December 15, 1784; married _____Gibbs, April, 1805. Susannah, born in Hollis, February 3, 1787; married William F. Phelps, January 1, 1806. James, born in Hollis, May 21, 1791; married Jane Wright, January 1, 1811; residence, Hollis.

Mr. Ebenezer Farley, died Jan. 28, 1827, age about 80. Mrs. Betty Farley, his wife died January 6, 1820, age 74.

Ebenezer FARLEY [b. 1774, d. 1860]
 

p. 191
Ebenezer Farley, Jr., son of Ebenezer and Betty Wheeler Farley, was born in Hollis, March 4, 1774. He remained with his parents during his minority. He married Abigail Farmer, September 12, 1796, and succeeded to the homestead; his father giving him one-half of the home place. He was engaged in farming and coopering, teaming the barrels to Boston with an ox team. Mr. Farley was an ardent Democrat of the Jefferson School, and brought all his boys up well grounded in the party faith.

His children were as follows: Ebenezer, born in Hollis, April 19, 1797; married Leafy Duncklee, September 16, 1817. Minot, born in Hollis, May 22, 1798; married Zeraiah Phelps, November 9, 1820; died April 26, 1875. Abigail, born in Hollis, June 2, 1800; married Silas Hardy, June 29, 1826; residence Antrim. Betsey, born in Hollis, March 7, 1801; died September 4, 1803. Eliza, born in Hollis, February 24, 1805; died at homestead unmarried, September 25, 1848. Daniel, born December 4, 1806; married Polly Farley, March 21, 1833; died February 8, 1887; residence Hollis. Louisana, born December 4, 1808, died February 24, 1817, age 8 years. Sally, born August 25, 1803; married Daniel Colburn, March 14, 1822; residence, Hollis. James, born June 10, 1813; married Martha T. Mooar April 17, 1838; residence, Hollis; died May 25, 1891. Susan, born in Hollis, June 6, 1816; died June 20, 1816. William, born January 20, 1810; married Marinda Kidder, 1844; residence, Nashua. Hannah, born August 25, 1820; died December 1, 1822. Asenath, born November 10, 1817; married Samuel Ober_____, 1858; died June 23, 1892. A daughter, born November 18, 1811; died same day.

Mr. Ebenezer Farley, Jr., died November 3, 1860, age 86. Mrs. Abigail Farley, his wife, died August 13, 1849.

Oliver FARWELL, Jr. [b. June 21, 1741, d. Oct. 1822]
 

p. 70
Oliver Farwell, Jr., son of Oliver and Abigail Hubburt Farwell, was born in Dunstable, June 21, 1741. A descendant of Henry Farwell, who settled in Concord, Mass., prior to 1660, a renowned old plebian, who was the ancestor of nearly all of the Dunstable Farwells. Mr. Farwell married Abigail Danforth of Dunstable about 1770, and soon after settled at South Merrimack, N. H., where he opened a hotel which became famous in after years as the old Farwell tavern stand. This grand old hostlery was situated on the Post road leading from Woodstock, Vt., to Boston. This venerable house is still (1909) standing, formerly known as the J. B. Holt tavern, but more recently called the Rockingham House.

Mr. Farwell became a large land holder, as was his father before him; he was grantee of land in Wilton, Acworth and Claremont. Mr. Farwell's grandfather, Oliver Farwell, was killed with others by the Indians in a fight near Thornton's Ferry on the Merrimack river, September 5, 1724.

His children as found recorded were: Joseph, born in 1772; married Sophia Blanchard. Mary, born in 1774; married William Patterson. Abigail, born in 1776; married William Clark. Oliver, born in 1779; married _____ 1804; died at sea in _____, 1812.

Mr. Farwell died in October, 1822, at South Merrimack, aged 81. Mrs. Abigail Farwell, his wife, died May 1, 1840, aged 92.

Jonathan FOSTER [b. 1758, d. May 17, 1813]
 

p. 69
Jonathan Foster, son of Jonathan Foster, was born in Ipswich, Mass., in 1758. He married Rachel Kittredge, June 21, 1784, and shortly after settled at Hollis, on the place known as the Colonel John Mooar farm on Mooar's hill at North Hollis. It had been occupied by Benjamin Nevins. Mr. Foster served in the war of the Revolution from Tewksbury. He was engaged in the art of pigeon catching, so much so that people called him Pigeoner Jack. The first school in the north part of Hollis was kept at Mr. Foster's house by Isaac Brooks, during the fall of 1790. There was no schoolhouse in the old north district until about 1792. Mr. Foster, as was most of his neighbors, engaged in farming.

His children were: Rachel, born July 22, 1785; married Benjamin Farley, November 10, 1814; residence Hollis. Rhoda, born January 10, 1787; married Amos Foster of Tewksbury, November 23, 1813. Lydia, born November 11, 1789; married Alfred Hutchingson, May 8, 1810; residence Milford. Jonathan, Jr., born January 9, 1793; married Leefy French, October 17, 1816; residence Amherst. Abigail, born November 25, 1796; married Jonathan B. Stevens, April 4, 1814. Hannah, born October, 1801; died December 9, 1801. Moses K., born in 1805; died in 1806.

Mr. Foster died May 17, 1813, in 55th year of his age; buried in North yard. Mrs. Foster died at Hardwick, Vt., May 14, 1852, age 90 years.

This biography was transcribed by Sandra Boudrou.

General William FRENCH [b. 1713, d. 1793]

  
p. 54
   Gen. William French, son of Deacon William and Mehitable Patten French, was born in Billerica, Mass., January 25, 1713, residing on the homestead during his youth, manifesting a lively interest in military affairs.  He rose through all the grades from a private to Brigade General.  He married Tabitha ______in January, 1737.
 
     His children were:  Jonathan, born in Billerica, October 10, 1737; married Abigail Hosley in 1761; residence Billerica.  William, Jr., born in Billerica, February 16, 1739; married Lucy Remick, July 25, 1776; residence Hollis and Bedford.  Joseph, born in Billerica, December 10, 1740; married Mary Youngman, February 1, 1771; residence Hollis and Bedford.  Tabitha, born in Billerica, December 31, 1742; married ______Carleton; residence in Billerica.  Benjamin, born in Billerica, February 18, 1744; married Bethsheba Hill, November 6, 1776; residence Dracut and Milford, N. H.  Nehemiah, born in Billerica, March 29, 1746; married Submit _____1771; residence Lyndeboro, N. H.  Stephen, born in Billerica, December 31, 1748; married Dolly Colburn in 1773; residence Bedford, N. H.  Ephraim, born in Billerica, November 10, 1751; married Hannah Melendy in 1777; residence Amherst, N. H.  David, born in Billerica, September 15, 1754; married Lydia Parker, March 5, 1778; residence Bedford; died June 13, 1790.  Mehitable, born August 18, 1756; married Job Bailey, August 18, 1776; residence Wilton, N. H.  Elizabeth, born August 18, 1756; married Daniel Bailey, March 4, 1784; residence Hollis; died July 25, 1817.  Mary, born in Billerica in 1758.
 
     General French was an administrator of his father's estate in 1745, retaining the homestead until October 8, 1766, when he sold it and removed the next year from Billerica to Monson, which was afterward Hollis; first settler of a place since known as Cobbett's mill on Witch brook.  Mr. French had a sister, Sarah, who married a Kittredge and a Kidder that lived in the neighborhood.  Mr. French built a saw mill, which he operated until about 1785, when he and a number of his sons went to Bedford, N. H., where he engaged in agricultural pursuits, and was the ancestor of many of the Frenchs.  Mr. French died in 1793, aged 80 years.

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Calvin FRY [b. _______ d. ________]
 

p. 4
Calvin Fry, a descendant of John Fry, an early settler of Andover, Mass. Presumably for services rendered the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, he received a land grant from the Colonial Court, lying west of the Timothy Rogers' grant, being and including nearly all the west part of District Number 8 at North Hollis.

Mr. Fry, probably a contemporary of Mr. Rogers, was also a trapper and fur-trader with the Indians, both being here only temporarily. Mr. Fry came here as early as 1729, built a turning mill and engaged in the manufacture of wooden ware, carrying some specimens to the authorities at Boston as proof of complying with the law by which he held his land grant.

This mill was situated near the old Spaulding place at North Hollis. The writer has whiled away many an hour in his boyhood days playing with his water wheel at this old Fry mill site.

Mr. Fry erected a log hut a few rods east from his mill, where he resided transiently. Later, a portion of his property passed into the hands of James Woodward of Reading, Mass. It being situated on Witch brook, a mill privilege was sold to Jonathans Danforth & Lund in 1766, who erected and operated a sawmill here until about 1775, when this property was sold to Jonathan Spalding.

Mr. Fry's ancestors owned and operated the saw, fulling and grist mills in Andover Village, Mass., many years.

Deacon Samuel GOODHUE [b. 6 April, 1696, d. 7 November, 1785, age 90]
 

p.81
Deacon Samuel Goodhue, son of Deacon Joseph Goodhue of Ipswich, Mass., was born April 6, 1696, in Ipswich. He married Abigail Bartlett, and settled in Stratham, N. H., and after a time, he removed to Nottingham. He was Deacon of the church here. Mr. Goodhue removed to West Dunstable about 1744, and settled at the Dr. Joseph F. Eastman place at Hollis village. He soon became a prominent and influential citizen and retained the entire confidence of his fellow townsmen and enjoyed many official positions within their gifts.

He served the town as Moderator in the years of 1756 and 1757, and as one of the Selectmen in 1750, 1751, 1753, 1754 and 1756. Deacon Goodhue served in the war of the Revolution one month at Portsmouth in 1777.

His children so far as known were: Samuel, Jr., born about 1733. Rev. Josiah, born in 1735; married Elizabeth Fletcher, July 27, 1757; residence Dunstable. John, born in 1737; married Rebecca Perham, April 26, 1787; in the French war. Stephen, born ______. Mary, born in 1754; married Rev. Samuel Ambrose, February 20, 1776; died January 5, 1830.

Deacon Samuel Goodhue died November 7, 1785, age 90.

Abijah GOULD, Senior [b. December 12, 1735, d. January 12, 1818, age 82]
 

p. 89
Abijah Gould, son of Adam and Elizabeth Butterfield Gould, was born in Chelmsford, Mass., December 12, 1735. He married Sarah Spaulding in 1767, a daughter of Phineas Spaulding of Nottingham West, who was born August 9, 1740. Shortly after he settled in Temple, N. H., occupying one of those mountain farms so famous in that town, being one of the early settlers there.

Mr. Gould served in the war of the Revolution, in Capt. Gershom Drury's company who with 36 other soldiers, marched from Temple, June 30, 1777, on the Ticonderoga alarm, and was in the service one month. Mr. Gould removed to Hollis in the autumn of 1777, residing at the Joseph Gould or Philip Wood place, that he had purchased and continued to occupy until he sold to Philip Wood about 1803, when he removed to Hollis village and resided with his son, the clock-maker, the remainder of his days.

His children as found recorded at Temple were: William, born in Temple, March 1, 1769, Abijah, born in Temple, November 11, 1771; died young. Abijah, Jr., born in Temple, May 20, 1777; married first time, Mary Shattuck, October 10, 1804; married second time, Mary T. Sargent, September 17, 1807.

Mr. Gould died at Hollis village, January 2, 1818, aged 82. Mrs. Sarah Gould, his wife, died in Rochester, N. Y., in 1821.

Deacon Ambrose GOULD [b. 1777, d. 1842, age 65]
 

p. 90
Deacon Ambrose Gould, son of Daniel Gould of Greenfield, N. H., was born in 1777. He married Sussannah Farley, February 17, 1802, and settled at Greenfield for a time, but removed to Mason, N. H., in 1803, and to Hollis early in 1808, and he was engaged in keeping a country store. He built the Edward Emerson house. Mr. Gould served the town as one of their Selectmen in 1812 and 1813, and as Moderator in 1816. He was appointed the first Postmaster of Hollis in 1818. His was the only store in the village for several years.

About 1830, he removed to South Merrimack, (or Hardscrabble as it was then called). He became Deacon of the church then recently organized there.

His children were: Mary Ann, born November 1, 1802; married John Parker, April 17, 1828. Susan, born at Mason, January 17, 1804; died March 24, 1804. Suky, born at Mason, April 10, 1806; died November 7, 1807. William Ambrose, born in Hollis, March 1, 1808. John, born in Hollis, November 10, 1809. Susan E., born in Hollis, November 22, 1811; married Nathan Kendall, Jr.; residence, Concord. Frederick A., born in Hollis, February 11, 1814. Sarah B., born in Hollis, October 31, 1815. Charles O., born in Hollis, July 9, 1818. George A., born in Hollis about 1830.

Mr. Gould died at South Merrimack in 1842, age 65.

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Joseph GOULD [b. 1773, d. 15 January 1809, aged 76]

p.88
Joseph Gould, son of Richard Gould, born in Topsfield, Mass., in 1773. He came to Souhegan West with his father when about ten years old. Married Jane Burns of Monson, September 21, 1756, and settled in the south part of Monson village, since known as the Deacon Philip Wood place. He built a house that is still standing in 1909, the present owner being Almond Adams. Mr. Gould first built a log barn that was afterwards used by the town of Monson as a pound, and Mr. Gould was often chosen pound keeper at their annual town meetings.

He was chosen second Selectman in 1769. Mr. Gould sold his farm to Abijah Gould, Sr., in the fall of 1777, and removed to Harvard, Mass. There is a record of the birth of a daughter, Susannah, born January 14, 1759, recorded in the old Monson records.

Mr. Gould died in Harvard, January 15, 1809, aged 76.

Mrs. Gould died in Harvard, June 10, 1834, aged 98. She was born at sea during the passage of her parents from Ireland to this country in 1736. She was the daughter of John Burns of Ireland, who settled in West Dunstable in 1743.
 

This biography was transcribed by Sandra Boudrou.

Deacon Aaron HARDY [b. 1771, d. _____]

 
 
p. 218
     Deacon Aaron Hardy, son of Aaron and Abigail Dutton Hardy, was born in Tewksbury, Mass., October 24, 1771.  He married Sally Shattuck, February 12, 1795.  She was the daughter of Zachariah Shattuck, Jr., born in Hollis, May 4, 1774.  Mr. Hardy came to Hollis with his parents in the spring of 1774, while only about two years and a half old.  They settled at the Hardy homestead near Flint's Pond.  At about the age of twenty one, Mr. Hardy went to Lempster, N. H., purchased a homestead whereon he settled immediately after his marriage.  He became a respected citizen of the town, was chosen Deacon of the Congregational Church.  In 1834 or 1835, Deacon Hardy returned to Hollis, and settled at the top of Long Hill, where Will H. Lund, now (1913) lives.
 
     His children were:  Aaron, Jr., born in Lempster, December 1, 1795; studied for the Ministry; died of yellow fever, October 21, 1826.  James, born in Lempster, December 30, 1797; married Lucy Hurt, January 1, 1824; residence, Hollis; died April 22, 1884.  Reuben, born in Lempster, December 10, 1799; married Harriet Hurd, January, 1826; died January 4, 1884.  Sarah, born in Lempster, May 7, 1802; died unmarried, January 2, 1833.  Infant Daughter, born in Lempster, March 18, 1804; died April 28, 1804.  Mary, born in Lempster, March 17, 1805; died unmarried, January 16, 1859, at Hollis,  Tryphene born in Lempster, June 3, 1807; died August 19, 1809, at Lempster.  Hiram born in Lempster, February 12, 1810; married Mrs. Pamelia (Kittredge), Saunderson, April 22, 1840; died February 15, 1884.  Truman, born in Lempster, April 12, 1812; married Ellen Beal in 1837; died January 7, 1889.  John, born in Lempster, June 18, 1814; married Hannah Farley, January 1, 1846; died January 7, 1847.  Solon, born in Lempster, April 3, 1817; married Martha Chenery, April 22, 1846; died March 18, 1903.
 
     Mr. Hardy died suddenly.

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Deacon Enos HARDY [b. 1772, d. 1857]

             
       
p. 217
     Deacon Enos Hardy, son of Levi and Sarah Hardy, was born March 20, 1772.  In his youth he learned the Blacksmith's trade which he followed for many years.  He married Mary Lund, November 10, 1797.  She was the daughter of Ephraim and Alice Wheeler Lund, and settled at the North part of Hollis village, and became the village blacksmith.  The clock which Deacon Hardy caused to be put upon his barn, was all the way people had of knowing when it was meeting time, until 1821, when the bell was placed in the cupola of the meeting-house.  Mr. Hardy was chosen Deacon of the Hollis Church in 1816, which office he continued to hold until about 1832.
 
     His children were:  Mary, born in Hollis, December 3, 1798; married Amos B. Minot, November 25, 1819.  Ephraim L., born in Hollis, October 14, 1801; married Susannah Jewett, in 1828; residence, Brookline; died November 28, 1875.  Alvah, born in Hollis, September 6, 1803.  Levi, born in Hollis, September 16, 1807.  Louisa, born in Hollis, February 10, 1811; married William Flagg, October 4, 1837.  Sarah Ann, born in Hollis, March 21, 1816.
 
     About 1838, Deacon Hardy went to reside with his son, Ephraim at Brookline, and died there May 18, 1857.  

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Captain James HARDY [b. 1792, d. ___]

 
p. 215
     Captain James Hardy, son of Phineas, Jr., and Sibbel Shattuck, was born in Hollis, September 7, 1792.  He married Mary Smith, April 18, 1816, and settled for a time on the Pepperell road, south of Butterfield Hill, since known as the Samuel Little Place.
 
     Mr. Hardy was quite prominent in military affairs, having served as Captain of the Hollis Stark Grenadiers, a Light Infantry Company, belonging to the old fifth Regiment of State Militia.
 
     Captain Hardy was a brother of Doctor Noah Hardy, and a prominent citizen of the town, engaged in agricultural pursuits.
 
     His children were:  James, Jr., born in Hollis.  Noah.

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Jesse HARDY (1760-1816)

  
[p. 210]
     Jesse Hardy, Sr., was the son of Phineas, Jr., and Abigail Gage Hardy, was born in Hollis, December 19, 1760.  His boyhood days were spent on the old homestead as was that of most of New England boys.  He married Rebecca Bailey, January 3, 1788, and settled on a part of the home farm situated on the hill west of Long Pond, so long known as the Amos Hardy place.  Mr. Hardy's wife died February 19, 1792.  He married November 25, 1793, Rhoda Wood for his second wife.  She was the daughter of Abijah Wood.
 
     Mr. Hardy was an industrious farmer and an honest and respected citizen of the town.  He buried his second wife________; and married a widow, Mary Smith, for his third.  He served in the war of the Revolution at West Point three months in 1780.
 
     His children were:  Rebecca, born in Hollis, February 6, 1789; married William Colburn, May 14, 1810.  Martha, born in Hollis, August 16, 1790; married Oliver Willoby, Jr., June 20, 1811.  Jesse, born in Hollis, February 29, 1792, and died March 9, 1793.  Jesse, born in Hollis, July 20, 1794; married Eliza Mooar, November 19, 1819; residence Hollis.  Joel born in Hollis, February 16, 1796; married Eliza Johnson, October 30, 1823; residence, Hollis.  Amos, born in Hollis, September 12, 1797; married Mary Cumings, November 23, 1817; residence homestead.  Eli, born in Hollis, September 16, 1799; married Eunice . Williams, residence, Hollis.  Luther, born in Hollis, December 20, 1802; married Hannah W. Sawtelle, February 22, 1830; residence, Hollis and Francistown.  Phineas, born in Hollis, April 29, 1805; died September 20, 1808.  Daniel, born in Hollis, September 8, 1808; he was drowned in Long Pond one Sunday, in the summer of 1818, when about ten years old.
                                  
     Mr. Jesse Hardy, died at his home in Hollis, December 29, 1816, age 56.

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Isaac HARDY (b. 1763, d. _____)

 
[p.211]
     Isaac Hardy, son of Phineas and Abigail Gage Hardy, was born in Hollis, July 9, 1763; of his early life, we have no history.  He married Submit Wheat, November 13, 1788, who died May 26, 1793.  Mr. Hardy then married for a second wife, Mehitable Boynton, July 3, 1794, and settled in that part of Hollis, known as Shabkin, near Wheeler village so called, engaged in farming; one of those quiet and unassuming citizens.
 
     So far as the use of money was concerned, it required very little in those days to maintain a family compared to what it does now.  Their main effort was to collect silver money enough in the course of the year to pay their taxes.
 
    His children were:  Isaac,  born in Hollis, September 8, 1789.  Abraham Temple, born in Hollis, May 7, 1792; married.  Jacob, born in Hollis, November 14, 1795; ordained in the Ministry at Strong, Maine, where he died March 1, 1833.  Deacon John Boynton, born November 6, 1797; married Martha Kendall, September 2, 1814; died April 19, 1880.  Abraham Temple Hardy, who done so much to build the Baptist Church and society here in Hollis.  He resided at the old Emerson house in Hollis village; he sold out and removed to Salem, Mass., in April. 1841.

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Moses HARDY, Senior (b. 1765, d. ____)

 
 
[p. 212]
     Moses Hardy, Sr., son of Phineas, Sr., and Abigail Gage Hardy, was born in Hollis, May 17, 1765.  He married Abigail Wheat, November 9, 1790, and settled on what was formerly belonging to the Wheat Estate, situated in the east part of the town, engaged in farming.  He raised up a large family of boys, and all but one, belonged to the old Federal and Whig parties as did their ancestors before them.
 
     Like a large majority of New England farmers of his day, he was prosperous and got a good living.  Those were old stage coach days; people went slow and sure.
 
     His children were:  Moses, born in Hollis, September 1, 1791; died September 28, 1794.  Thomas Wheat, born in Hollis, June 6, 1794; married Mehitable Blood, January 25, 1821.  Moses, Jr., born in Hollis, September 1, 1795; married Rebecca Farley; residence, Hollis.  Reuben, born in Hollis, September 12, 1799; married Abigail Stearns, November 19, 1840; residence, Hollis; died July 6, 1863.  Abigail, born in Hollis October 3, 1801; married Enoch Farley, April 16, 1822; residence, Hollis.  Phineas, born in Hollis, May 1, 1803; married his Brother Leonard's widow, Rebecca Colburn, October 18, 1840.  Leonard, born in Hollis, January 20, 1806; married Rebecca Colburn; residence, Hollis.  Nathaniel, born in Hollis, January 27, 1808; married Hannah E. Parker, November 28, 1832, residence, Hollis.  Joseph Wheat, born in Hollis, June 21, 1813; married Charlotte Butterfield.

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Dr. Noah HARDY  [b. 1785, d. 1850]

                                  
 
p. 214
     Dr. Noah Hardy, son of Phineas and Sibbel Shattuck Hardy, was born in Hollis, March 23, 1785.  Graduated at Dartmouth college in 1812.  Studied medicine, and settled in Hollis, as a Physician, about 1814, and practiced here until his death.  He was a member of the town superintending school committee for ten years, between the years of 1828 and 1849.  He also served the town as first Selectman, and town clerk in 1830 and 1831.
 
     At the March election of 1830, the town gave Timothy Uphan the National Republican or John Q. Adams, candidate for Governor nineteen majority.  Mr. Hardy belonging to this same party was easily elected one of the Selectmen; the next year, 1831, the town went over to the Jackson party, and gave Samuel Dinsmore four majority for Governor, but still the town chose Mr. Hardy Selectman.
 
     Dr. Hardy married Betsey Farley, November 9, 1817, and settled at the old Leonard Whiting Hotel place, in Hollis village, where he remained during his life time, respected by all who knew him.  He had no children.
 
     Mr. Hardy died at his home in Hollis, December 25, 1850.

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Phineas HARDY, Sr. (b. 1726, d. 1813)

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Phineas HARDY (1754-1835)

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Samuel Lewis HARDY [b. 1798, d. 1829]

 
p. 216
     Samuel Lewis Hardy, son of Phineas, Jr., and Sibbel Shattuck Hardy, was born in Hollis, May 18, 1798.  He remained with his parents during his minority.  He married Roxana Duncklee of Pottsdam, New York, August 19, 1821.
 
     Mr. Hardy settled at the old homestead at the head of Long Pond, and engaged in coopering and farming.  Tradition says that he was a great story-teller; some people thought that sometimes he drew upon his own imagination for some of his stories.
 
     He had the reputation of being a very rough and profane man, and somewhat addicted to drink.
 
     Mr. Hardy died young, leaving the following children as found recorded:  Hannah Roxana, born in Hollis, November 30, 1821; died November 16, 1835.  Louella Periuel, born March 16, 1824; married Charles O. Wood, June 29, 1843; died February 22, 1846.  Nancy Elizabeth, born December 19, 1826.
 
     Mr. Hardy died at the old homestead, July 13, 1829, age 31.  Mrs. Hardy, died November 7, 1835, at the home of her aunt, Leafy Farley, at Pine Hill, in Hollis, age 34.

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Solomon HARDY [b. 1767, d. 1852]

 
 
     Solomon Hardy, son of Phineas, Sr., and Abigail Gage Hardy, was born in Hollis, August 1, 1767.  Married Mary Bailey, November, 1795, and settled in the Northwest part of Hollis, on land formerly owned by Mrs. Hardy's father, Daniel Bailey who it was said, had land enough to give all his sons and daughters a fifty acre farm.  Mr. Hardy's life work was farming always providing well for his family, but remained in moderate circumstances.  His religious views were strictly Orthodox.  A veritable armenian, and so exacting as any Pharisee.  Mr. Hardy was a constant attendant upon public worship; carrying his family to meeting in the summer time in an ox cart; in winter he would carry them on a sled.  Nearly every Sabbath, he could be seen trudging along beside his team, swinging a little short whip and saying:  "haw, Buck, haw Broad."  This family removed to Dublin, N. H., in the spring of 1847.
 
     His children were:  Solomon, Jr., born in Hollis, September 7, 1796.  Studied for the Ministry; died September 18, 1842.  Mary, born in Hollis, August 8, 1798; married Gardner Mooar, June 8, 1820; died March 16, 1863.  Achsah, born in Hollis, February 29, 1800; married Daniel Greenwood; residence, Dublin, N. H.  Rebecca, born in Hollis, in 1802; married Daniel Greenwood, January 2, 1822; residence, Dublin, N. H.  Capt. Benjamin Page, born in Hollis, in 1804; married Mary Colburn, November 8, 1832; residence, homestead and Dublin, N. H.  Clarissa, born in Hollis, April 26, 1808; died in 1840, unmarried.
 
Mr. Solomon Hardy, died at his home, in Dublin, May 11, 1852.  Mrs. Solomon Hardy, died at her home, in Dublin, March____, 1852.

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Stephen HARRIS [b. 1700, d. 1775]

 

p. 12
Stephen Harris, son of Deacon Timothy Harris, born in Rowley, Mass., June 10, 1700; removed to Littleton in 1724 and occupied land left him by his father. He married Mary _____ June 2, 1728, resided in Littleton until 1735 when he settled in West Dunstable at a point on the side hill, south of Patch corner.

His children as found recorded were as follows: Sarah, born in Littleton, January 22, 1730, married Benjamin Hendrick, March 1, 1750; Hannah, born April 29, 1732, married Daniel Hendrick, June 29, 1759, killed by her son; Phebe, born February 15, 1735, married Aaron Colburn, November 6, 1755, residence Dracut; Eleanor, born in West Dunstable in 1737, married Job Harris, February 14, 1764, residence Athol; Elizabeth, born in 1739, died in June 1753; Joseph, born in 1741, died in June 1753; Susanna, born in 1743, died in June, 1753; Stephen Jr., born in 1746, died in June 1753.

Mr. Harris was a man of some influence in the new settlement. His house stood in Hollis, just south of the Monson line. He built a substantial frame house that after his death was moved down to the Thomas Patch place. Mr. Harris had much to do about taking the meeting house lot from the Dinsmore place and locating it where it now stands.

Mr. Harris died September 20, 1775, buried in church yard. Mrs. Mary Harris died June 2, 1786, aged 81 years. They were the great grandparents of President Franklin Pierce.

This biography was transcribed by Sandra Boudrou.

John HASTINGS [b. 1700, d. unknown]
 

[p. 49]
John Hastings, son of Joseph and Elizabeth Edwards Hastings, was born in Reading, Mass., in 1700; married Keziah _____in 1721, and shortly after settled at "Turkey hills" Luninburg, Mass.

Their children were: Elizabeth, born in 1721; married Abraham Leeman, January 30, 1745. Keziah, born in 1723; married Benjamin Blanchard, December 11, 1744. Mary, born in 1725; married William Nevins, November 8, 1746. William, born in 1728; married _____. Sarah, born in 1733; married John Austin, January 1, 1756.

This family in later years resided in Dunstable, and so immediately connected with the history of the West Dunstable families it is here given. The four Hastings girls had 42 children, viz: Elizabeth had 10, Keziah had 14, Mary had 9, and Sarah had 9, making 42.

William Hastings, son of William, Jr., who resided in Amherst, N. H., was born in 1759. He married Dorothy Dyke, August 31, 1785. He served in the war of the Revolution from Amherst in Colonel Peabody's regiment for Rhode Island in August, 1778. He lost a leg by a wound received from a cannon ball. He received a pension.

This biography was transcribed by Sandra Boudrou.

Josiah HAYDEN [b. 1763, d.    ]

p. 223
Josiah Hayden, son of Thomas and Mary Ball Hayden, was born in Sudbury, Mass., January 13, 1763. His father died while he was young, and he was committed to the care of his uncle, Samuel Hayden of Hollis, and came here to reside with him, when only about four or five years old. He married Mary Patch, a daughter of Thomas Patch, April 19, 1797, and succeeded to the homestead, engaging in agricultural pursuits. He was a prosperous and successful farmer, with other produces, raised hops to some extent.

His children were: Mary, born April 26, 1798; married Daniel Walker, December 25, 1817; residence, Marlboro. Captain Samuel, born March 13, 1800; married Harriet Needham, December 31, 1830; residence, homestead. Lydia, born July 15, 1802; died unmarried October 8, 1849, age 47. Josiah, born October 10, 1803; married Submit Swallow, October 8, 1840; married for second wife, Mahala Millard, November 24, 1858; residence Hollis; died _______. Sarah, born June 11, 1805; married Daniel Shedd. Thomas Walker, May 30, 1807; married Julia Peacock. Daniel, born June 28, 1809; married _______. Willard, born August 13, 1812; married Phebe S. Duncklee, April 24, 1845; residence, Amherst. Susan, born September 9, 1814; married Abel Colburn.

Mr. Josiah Hayden, died at his home, in Hollis, February 23, 1816, age 53. Mrs. Mary Hayden, his wife, died at the homestead, August 17, 1850, age 77.

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Captain Samuel HAYDEN [b. 1800, d. 1880]

p. 223
Captain Samuel Hayden, a son of Josiah and Mary Patch Hayden, was born in Hollis, March 13, 1800. His father died when he was about sixteen years old. The management of the homestead and the care of a large family devolved upon him; in this he was assisted somewhat by the advice of his neighbor, Captain Daniel Bailey, who proved a friend in time of need. Mr. Hayden married Harriet Needham, December 31, 1830; she was a daughter of Stearns Needham of Milford. Mr. Hayden succeeded to the homestead, was successful farmer. He could manage and drive a pair of oxen better than any man that stood at Hollis. A man of considerable influence, was guardian of minor heirs, etc.; he accumulated quite a property. Mr. Hayden was prominent in military affairs, serving as orderly Sergeant of Hollis, old fifth Company of Infantry, belonging to the fifth Regiment, of State Militia, was ensign and Lieutenant of this company under the command of Captain John Mooar, and succeeded him in 1836, as Captain of that company.

His children were: Samuel Franklin, born February 8, 1833; married Melissa Rideout, September 11, 1856; residence, Hollis. Harriet Emily, born July 19, 1836; married Jackson E. Rideout, September 11, 1856; residence, Brookline. John Willard, born June 12, 1838; died in the service ______, 1862. Hon. Daniel Webster, born June 1, 1840; married Ann E. Talbot. David Needham, born August 1, 1842; Elizabeth, born June 20, 1844; married John L. Woods, October ______, 1863; residence, Hollis.

Mrs. Harriet, wife of Captain Hayden, died January 11, 1869, age 64.

Captain Samuel Hayden, died at his home, March 25, 1880, age 80.

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Samuel HAYDEN [b. 1735, d. 1792]

p. 223
Samuel Hayden, son of Josiah and Sarah Hayden, was born in Sudbury, Mass., about 1735. His occupation was that of a farmer. He is credited as serving in the old French war from Sudbury. He came to Monson, N. H., in 1760, and purchased of Jonathan Taylor the farm that for over one-hundred and fifty years, has been known as the Hayden homestead, situated in the Northwest part of Hollis, between the Witch Brook valley and the foothills beyond, now (1913) owned and occupied by Hon. Daniel W. and David N. Hayden.

Mr. Samuel Hayden was engaged here in farming, raising large crops of corn and rye. He belonged to the Monson Militia, and played the snare drum for his company. There is no record of his ever having a family.

Mr. Hayden died suddenly, September 1792, in the 58th year of his age, leaving the homestead farm to his nephew, Josiah Hayden.

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Enoch JEWETT [b. 1757, d. 1849]
 
 

p. 163
     Enoch Jewett, was born in Rowley, Mass., in 1757.  He came to Dunstable prior to 1775, is credited to Dunstable quota in the war of the Revolution, wherein he served six years and a half.  He said he went into the battle of Saratoga with an old shot gun; as the enemy retreated he saw a dead Hessian with a fine gun, whom he took the liberty to trade even with.  This gun he brought home with him from the army, and used to exhibit it to his neighbors with a good deal of pride.  Mr. Jewett married Lydia, daughter of Daniel Pike of Dunstable, January 8, 1778, residing here until the spring of 1784, when he settled at the base of Rocky pond hill, in Hollis, N. H., at a place called the old house flat.  In August, 1784, he was warned out-of-town by the Selectmen.
 
     His children were:  Sarah, born in Dunstable, in 1780; married Benjamin Austin, March 19, 1800; residence, Austin City.  Betsey, born in Dunstable, in 1782; married Jonas French.  Lydia, born in Dunstable, November 22, 1787; married Nathan Colburn, January 14, 1808; residence, Hollis.  Isaac, born in Dunstable, _______, 1778; married Polly Proctor, July 23, 1800; residence, Nashville, Tenn.  Daniel, born in Dunstable, in 1793; married Elizabeth Brown February 4, 1824; residence, Detroit, Mich.  Moses, born in Dunstable, in 1795; married Julia Webb; residence, California.  George, born in Dunstable, April 21, 1799; attempted to commit suicide; ran away.  Enoch, Jr., born in November, 1800; married Hannah Wright, March 1, 1821.
 
     Mr. Jewett buried his wife, Lydia, May 22, 1837.  He married for his second wife, Mrs. Sarah Bailey Willoby, widow of Oliver Willoby, October 26, 1837.  She died March 9, 1840.  Mr. Jewett died January 8, 1849, aged 92 years.
 
     Joseph Jewett, a native of Yorkshire, England, came to America in 1639, settled in Rowley, Mass., in 1640.  Enoch Jewett served in Captain Kendall's company, first Middlesex regiment.

Deacon Noah JOHNSON [b. February 2, 1699 d. August 13, 1798]
 

[p. 53]
Deacon Noah Johnson, son of William and Esther Gardner Johnson, was born in Woburn, Mass., February 2, 1699, where he resided in his youth. He married Elizabeth _____ in 1720, and settled in Dunstable, N. H. He enlisted into Capt. John Lovewell's company of 46 men, as sergeant, who marched against the Pequawkett Indians, April 18, 1725, whom they encountered May 8, at Fryburg, Me., and fought that bloody battle known as "Lovewell's fight." Mr. Johnson was severely wounded in his hand and arms, and disabled for many years. In consequence of this a pension of 10 pounds a year was granted him in December, 1726, by the Massachusetts Colonial Court, and increased to 15 pounds in 1737. Mr. Johnson lived at that time where the Concord Junction now is in Nashua. In 1728, he removed to that part of Dunstable known as "One Pine Hill," now Hollis, residing here until 1734, when he removed to Pembroke, N. H., residing here some years and at Suncook, where he was Deacon of the church, but owing to a certain litigation he returned to Dunstable in 1746. Mr. Johnson continued to reside here until his old age in 1781, when he went to Plymouth, N. H., to live with his daughter.

His children were: Elizabeth, born in Dunstable, October 3, 1728; married Joseph Senter in 1754; residence Plymouth, N. H. Capt. Noah, Jr., born in Dunstable, May 27, 1730; killed near Lake Champlain, August 1760. Edward, born in Dunstable, June 6, 1733; killed in the French war in 1757.

Mr. Johnson died at Plymouth, August 13, 1798, in the one hundredth year of his age. He was the last survivor of Lovewell's fight.
 

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Benjamin KENDRICK [b. 1724, d. 1813]

 
 
p. 50
     Benjamin Kendrick, son of Caleb and Abigail Bowen Kendrick, was born in Newton, Mass., January 30, 1724.  Mr. Kendrick for the purpose of occupying land which his father owned on the Souhegan river below Lyon's bridge in Monson, came up in the spring of 1749, and shortly after purchased 17 acres of Caleb Stiles, joining his other land, whereon he erected his rude dwelling.  Mr. Kendrick married Sarah Harris, daughter of Stephen Harris of Hollis, March 1, 1750, and settled at a place known as "Amherst poor farm," where he spent the rest of his years.
 
     His children were:  A son, who died in infancy, born in 1750.  A daughter, who died in infancy, born in 1752.  Stephen, born January 13, 1756; married Sarah Shepard in 1778.  Sarah, born August 20, 1758; married Nathan Kendall, Jr.  Abigail, born August 8, 1764; married Isaac Brooks, May 28, 1791.  Anna, born October 30, 1768; married Gov. Benjamin Pierce, February 1, 1790.
 
     They were the parents of President Franklin Pierce who was inaugurated President of the United States, March 4, 1853.  Mr. Kendrick was prominent in town affairs, having served the town of Monson nine years as Town Clerk, and eleven years as one of their Selectmen.  Mr. Kendrick died November 13, 1813, aged 88.  Mrs. Sarah Harris, his wife, died May 27, 1818, aged 88.  John Kendrick, a native of Muddy River, England, was born in 1605, and migrated to Boston in `639.  Subsequently, his descendants settled in Newton, Mass.

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This biography was transcribed by Sandra Boudrou.

Captain Daniel KENDRICK [b. 1735, d. 1789]

 
 
p. 51
     Capt. Daniel Kendrick, son of Caleb and Abigail Kendrick, was born in Newton, Mass., October 4, 1735, a descendant of John Kendrick, born at Muddy River, England, in 1605, and came to Boston in 1639.  Captain Kendrick married Hannah Harris, daughter of Stephen Harris, January 29, 1759, and settled at Patch Corner, then located in Monson.  Mr. Kendrick was a prominent citizen.  He had influence in town affairs, and served the town of Monson as one of their Selectmen in 1775, 1776 and 1777.  He served in the war of the revolution, enlisting into Capt. Daniel Emerson's mounted company for Rhode Island in 1778.  Mr. Kendrick gave the alarm of the British troops marching for Concord and Lexington, April 19, 1775, by firing a cannon as had been agreed upon.
 
     His children were:  Elizabeth, born in Monson, December 26, 1759; married Timothy Jones, June 13, 1782; residence Amherst; died May, 1818; married for second husband, Andrew Leavitt.  Daniel, Jr., born in Monson, May 26, 1761; married Mary Pool, February 15, 1782; died by hanging, May 13, 1790.  Hannah, born in Monson, August 4, 1763; killed by her brother, John P., April 22, 1805, in a fit of insanity.  Caleb, born in Monson, January 30, 1767; died March 17, 1789, age 22 years.  Esther, born in Monson, November, 1773; died September, 1775, aged 22 months.  Bowen, born in Monson, May 18, 1770; died September 1, 1778.
 
     John Peneuil, born in Monson, 1776, became deranged, died in Amherst jail, May 19, 1805.  Mr. Kendrick was Captain of state militia.  He died May 20, 1789.  Mrs. Hannah Kendrick was killed by her son, John P., in a fit of insanity, April 22, 1805.

Daniel KENDRICK, Jr. [b. 1761, d. 1790]

p. 52
Daniel Kendrick, Jr., son of Capt. Daniel and Hannah Harris Kendrick was born in Monson, May 27, 1761; married Mary Pool, February 15, 1782, and settled first near his father at Patch Corner for a short time, then he removed to Vermont, residing there a few years, then returning again to Hollis to the old homestead at Patch Corner. Soon after returning from Vermont, he began to show signs of insanity. It was said this was hereditary in the Kendrick family. In a fit of derangement on the morning of May 13, 1790, Mr. Kendrick hung himself in his barn, being then only twenty-nine years old.

His children were: Rev. Daniel, 3rd, born in Hollis, March 30, 1786; married Sarah Ookman in 1812; residence Maine; died May, 1868. Mary, born in Vermont, September 1, 1787, married Timothy Hunt in 1807; residence Stoddard, N. H. Rev. William Pool, born in Hollis, January 27, 1790; married Emily Tucker in 1820; residence Illinois.

Mrs. Mary Pool Kendrick, wife of Daniel Kendrick, Jr., married for her second husband Zebulon Wheeler, October 24, 1791. She had seven children by him. She died in 1810.
 

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Samuel LEEMAN, Senior (died 1673)

[p. 13]
     The name of Leeman appears to have originated near the borders of a lake by that name in Switzerland, forming the boundary between Switzerland and France.  The family name came early into English history.  They were characterized as an honest yeomanry residing at Beadle, England, from which place Mr. Leeman migrated in 1633 and settled in Charlestown, Mass., at the age of twelve years.  He was admitted as a freeman December 22, 1642; died in 1673.

     His widow married Philip Cromwell, a relative of Oliver, November 19, 1674.  Mr. Leeman's son, Samuel, born in 1643, married Mary Langley in 1665 and settled in Groton, Mass.  He served in the Narragansett war and returned to Charlestown, and died there, leaving a son, Samuel, born in Groton, April 29, 1667, who married Margaret _____ and settled in Reading, Mass., in 1687.  His wife died previous to 1715, as on September 3, 1715, he married Hannah Damon, and died in 1724, leaving a son, Samuel, Jr., born in 1692, who was one of the pioneer settlers of West Dunstable.

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Samuel LEEMAN, Sr. (b. 1692, d. 1756)

[p. 14]
     Samuel Leeman, Sr., son of Samuel and Margaret Leeman, born in Reading, Mass., in 1692, married Mary Bryant, a daughter of Abraham Bryant, the village blacksmith at Reading, in September, 1716.  He resided in Reading until 1720, when he removed to Lynnfield for a short time, then returned to Reading again, residing here until the fall of 1735, when he settled in Sougegan West near the stone bridge, now Amherst, N. H.  He helped to erect the first meeting house in Amherst.  On account of some Parish difficulty he removed to West Dunstable in the spring of 1737 and settled at a point north of Monson village place, now west of the Wallingford place in the southeast part of Milford, and became one of the first permanent settlers of northern West Dunstable.  His name appears on a petition of the inhabitants of Monson to the General Court of New Hampshire of May 1747, asking for a scout or guard of fifteen men to protect them against Indian invasion.

     He served the town of Monson as one of their selectmen for 1747 and 1749.  In 1749 he moved to near Patch corner, Hollis.  His children were:

     Margaret, born in Reading, October 12, 1717;  Mary, born September 5, 1719, married Jonathan Pool in 1741;  Samuel, Jr., born September 9, 1721, married Love Wheeler, November 25, 1746.  She died August 15, 1775.  He then married for his second wife, a widow, Amy Morse Wheeler, April 7, 1779.  Abraham, born August 15, 1723, married Elizabeth Hastings, January 30, 1745.  She died January 26, 1792.  He married for his second wife Olive Jaquith, July 12, 1792.  Elizabeth, born in 1725, married Lieut. Robert Colburn, March 2, 1745, died in 1746;  Nathaniel, born in 1727, supposed to have died young, no record;  Sarah, born in West Dunstable, December 5, 1737, married James Fisk, January 22, 1771, who died in service May 29, 1775 at Cambridge.  she married for a second husband David Truell of Amherst, April 1780.

     Mr. Leeman died January 27, 1756, aged 64 years.  Mrs. Leeman died March 15, 1760, aged 64 years.  This family resided south of Patch corner, where Fred B. Wheeler lived in 1913.

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Samuel LEEMAN, Jr. (b. 1721, d. 1789)

[p. 16]
     Samuel Leeman, Jr., son of Samuel Leeman, Sr., and Mary Bryant Leeman, born in Lynnfield, Mass., September 9, 1721, married Love Wheeler, daughter of Peter Wheeler, November 25, 1746.  Engaged in clearing the forest and farming in Monson, Lyndeboro and elsewhere, where he resided.  Removed with his father to Patch corner, Hollis, in 1749, where he remained until after the death of his father and mother.  In 1761, or 1762, he settled at North Hollis on Witch brook, at the Spalding place and was the first permanent settler here.  He purchased the east half of the old Spalding place under the date of November, 1768.  He built the house in the old orchard, removed to near the John Sheed place in April, 1775.

    His wife, Love Wheeler, died August 15, 1775.  He married for his second wife, Mrs. Amy Morse Wheeler, widow of Daniel Wheeler, and went to reside with her at Patch corner.

     Mr. Leeman was always in limited circumstances.  Work and he had a falling out several years before he died.  His children were:  Mehitable, born in Monson, September 26, 1747, married Joshua Stiles, October 7, 1773, residence Lyndeborough;  Samuel, 3rd, born in Hollis, August 7, 1749, killed at battle of Saratoga, October 10, 1777;  Hannah, born in Hollis, October 15, 1751, died December 28, 1751;  Love, born November 1, 1752, married Abraham Dinsmore, Jr., November 26, 1776, residence Temple;  Mary, born November 9, 1754, married Zachariah Emery, June 25, 1778, residence Mason, N. H.;  Hannah, born July 2, 1757, married Joshua Stiles, _____ residence Lyndeborough;  Nathaniel, born August 6, 1759, married Peggy _____ 1781, residence Lyndeborough and Hollis; Lydia, born in Monson, December 9, 1761, married Stephen Lowell, Jr., December 12, 1782, residence Dunstable;  Sarah, born at Spalding place August 31, 1764, no record;  Abraham, born in Spalding place, May 13, 1769, died young.

     Mr. Leeman died at Patch corner in 1789.  Mrs. Amy, his wife, went to Concord, N. H., to reside with her son.  She died November 30, 1821.  Mr. Leeman was a great storyteller.

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Abraham LEEMAN (born in 1723)

[pp. 17-18]
     Abraham Leeman, son of Samuel and Mary Bryant Leeman, born in Reading, Mass., August 15, 1723, came to Souhegan West with his father in fall of 1735 and to West Dunstable in the spring of 1737.  He married Elizabeth Hastins, January 30, 1745, and settled at what is known as the William Kittredge place on Witch brook at North Hollis, and engaged in farming.  He became a noted bear hunter.  He was a very eccentric man.  At times he would leave the field where he was at work and run to the house for fear that he wouldn't live to get there.  Then again he would get up in the night time and fry salt pork for fear he wouldn't live to eat it up.  The spring of 1794 was a very early one.  At the 19th of may there came a great frost, taking everything level with the ground.  Corn was four inches, apples were as large as walnuts.  This discouraged Mr. Leeman and he was induced to exchange real and personal estate with William Kittredge of Goffstown in the fall of 1794, residing here until in old age, when he lived with relatives in Mont Vernon.  His children were:

     Elizabeth, born in Monson, February 24, 1747, married David Wallingsford, march 6, 1767.  He died March 12, 1791.  She married for her second husband, Nehemiah Barker, March 17, 1799, died August 4, 1822.  Mary, born June 3, 1748;  Abraham, born August 29, 1749, died same day;  Hannah, born July 26, 1750, died December 24, 1750;  Hannah, born October 1, 1751, married Jonathan Danforth in 1769, residence at Kendall Mills;  Submit, born June 4, 1753, no record;  Abraham, born September 8, 1754, died November 29, 1759;  Esther, born August 8, 1756, married Zebulon Cram, December 30, 1783, residence Wilton, and Andover, Vt.;  Abigail, born May 8, 1758, married Joseph Frost, July 28, 1785, residence Tewksbury, died July 21, 1786;  Dorcas, born July 13, 1760, drowned in Witch brook at Kendall Mills, May 26, 1778.

     Mrs. Leeman died January 26, 1792.  Mr. Leeman married for his second wife, Olive Davis Jaquith, July 12, 1792, wife of Adford Jaquith of Dunstable, whom she married November 14, 1776.  He died in Mont Vernon.

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Ensign Samuel LEEMAN, 3rd. (b. 1749)

[p. 19]
     Samuel Leeman, son of Samuel and Love Wheeler Leeman, born in Hollis, August 7, 1749.  He purchased part of the Spalding place in North Hollis under date of November 18, 1773, intending to marry and settle here.  But before he was to marry, his intended died suddenly.  He then sold the place to Jonathan Spalding, January 5, 1775.  He joined the Hollis minutemen, reparied to Hollis common at the alarm of April 19, 1775.  He was in Captain Dow's company for Concord and Lexington; was at the Battle of Bunker Hill in the company of Capt. Levi Spalding, regiment of Col. James Reid.

     At the re-organization of the militia April 7, 1777, he enlisted in Capt. Isaac Fry's company, regiment of Col. Alexander Scammel as ensign and participated in all those battles against Gen. John Burgoyne, known as the northern campaign.  He was killed at the battle of Saratoga in October, 1777.  He was 28 years old and unmarried, the last of the Samuel Leemans and was said to be the tenth in descent wherin the eldest son was named Samuel.

     Mr. Leeman purchased the Spalding place of his father.  The writer of this (Charles S. Spaulding) had in his possession the old deed which Mr. Leeman gave to Jonathan Spalding, dated January 25, 1775.

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This biography was transcribed by Sandra Boudrou.

 Jonathan LUND, Jr. [b. Sept. 1747, d. June 11, 1828]
 

p.48
Jonathan Lund, son of Captain Jonathan and Jean Varnum Lund, was born in Dunstable, N. H., in September, 1747; married Priscilla Cummings in 1770, and settled in Monson, N. H., at a place since known as "Milford poor farm." He was a blacksmith by trade, was quite an artist, and used to manufacture mill saws. Mr. Lund built a saw mill in company with Jonathan Danforth on Witch brook on the Spalding farm at North Hollis in 1766, then situated in the town of Monson. They operated this mill until November 8, 1797, when they sold it to Jonathan, Jr., and Asaph Spalding for twenty pounds. This mill privilege was bought of James Woodward of Reading, Mass., who owned one hundred and thirteen acres of land here.

His children were: Jonathan, Jr., born in Amherst, July 25, 1771. David, born in Amherst, June 10, 1773. Isaac, born in Amherst, March 17, 1775; married Sally Griffin, September 15, 1803; residence homestead; died October 9, 1842. Hannah, born in Amherst, January 13, 1777; married Samuel Butler, September 24, 1805; residence Pelham. Priscilla born in Amherst, January 25, 1779; married Joel Lund, Novembrer 8, 1803; residence, Dunstable, Mass. Oliver, born in Amherst, September 21, 1780; married _____; residence Newport. Mary, born in Amherst, August 6, 1783; died September 8, 1786. Samuel, born in Amherst, December 11, 1785. Ephraim, born in Amherst, March 17, 1788; died March 30, 1788. Elizabeth, born in Amherst, April 15, 1789; married Presson Holmes, May 23, 1809. Rachel, born in Amherst in 1792; married William Shepard _____; residence Vermont.

Mrs. Lund died January 22, 1824, age 76; buried Old Yard, Milford. Mr. Lund died June 11, 1828, age 81; buried in Old Yard, at Milford.

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John MARTIN [b. ______d._____]

Capt. Ebenezer MELVIN (b. 1725)

[p. 47]
     Capt. Ebenezer Melvin, son of Jonathan and Sarah Hartwell Melvin, was born in Concord, Mass., November 10, 1725; married Susannah Dinsmore, daughter of Thomas Dinsmore of Hollis, in April, 1747, and soon after settled in Monson at a place now known as Melendy place, in the northeast part of Brookline, where Mr. Melvin built a dam, and erected a saw mill.  Mr. Melvin ws famous for hunting wild animals.  He was Captain of Colonial militia; and served in the French war in 1757.  He served the town of Monson in various ways, and was a prominent citizen in the new settlement.  His wife, Susannah, died in 1765; he married again Mary Bailey in 1766, and removed to Hollis.

     His children were:  Ebenezer, Jr., born in Monson, December 28, 1752; married Joanna Bailey, February 20, 1777; residence, Groton, N. H.  Nathan, born in Monson, November 20, 1755.  Eunice, born in Monson, February 9, 1759.  Daniel, born in Monson, September 8, 1761.  Susannah, born in Monson, October 23, 1764; married William Crawford in 1786; residence Plymouth.  Seth, born in Hollis, April 28, 1767.  Enoch, born in Hollis, August 20, 1769; married Mary Read, March 27, 1794; died October 27, 1824.  Isaac, born in Groton, N. H., August 29, 1772; married Abigail Dearborn, March 27, 1796.

     Captain Melvin with four other families, viz:  James Gould, James Hobart, Phineas Bennett and Samuel Farley, removed to Groton, N. H., in the spring of 1770.  They were the first settlers there.  Mr. [Melvin] removed to Plymouth, N. H., in the spring of 1790, where he died.

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Samuel MURDOUGH [b. unknown, d. unknown]
 

p. 83
Samuel Murdough, who settled in West Dunstable about 1746 at a place in the new settlement north of Goodwin hill in the present town of Milford. Mr. Murdough served the town of Monson as Highway Surveyor in 1749, and as Pound Keeper on several occasions. He was a prosperous and successful farmer, raising a large crop of corn, and tradition says that on one occasion he had a large husking party at his barn, wherein he dispensed a liberal hospitality, with plenty of ardent spirit, so much so that some of the number present failed to reach home that night. Mr. Murdough became involved in a prolonged litigation with some parties in Merrimack.

His children so far as I have been able to learn were: Thomas, who resided at Thornton's Ferry. Robert, who resided in Monson. Sarah, who married Joseph Ellenwood, October 29, 1752, resided in Souhegan West, or Amherst.

Mr. Murdough removed from Monson about 1765.
 

Stearns NEEDHAM [b. 1754, d. 1830]
 

p. 201
Stearns Needham, a son of John and Prudence Stearns Needham, was born in Tewksbury, Mass., February 25, 1754. He married Alice Kidder, a daughter of Jeremiah Kidder, of Tewksbury, in ________, 1779, and settled in Hollis, at a point northeast of old Monson village, now in the south part of Milford, known as the Wallingsford place. His wife, Alice, died February 14, 1780. He married for a second wife, Hannah Bailey of Andover, Mass., September 5, 1782. Mr. Needham was quite an extensive farmer, having a large landed estate. He was well versed in the art of pigeon catching; he raised hops as did most other farmers; he carried all sorts of farm products to Boston market, and brought back the silver money, from this they called him: "Old Silver Gray."

His children were: Stearns, born February 4, 1780; died the same day. Jeremiah, born February 4, 1780; died the same day. Alice, born February 4, 1780; died the same day. They were buried in the North Yard at Hollis. James, born May 15, 1783; died June 8, 1783. Hannah, born March 14, 1784; married Benjamin Wallingsford, November 19, 1807; residence, homestead; died September 7, 1859. John, born November 28, 1785; married Roxana Barns, in 1820; residence Milford; died April 25, 1824. David P., born August 9, 1787; married Melinda Keyes, May 6, 1813; died April 16, 1861. Betsey J., born March 28, 1789; married William Greenwood, March 10, 1813; residence, Ludlow, Vermont; married for second wife, Lane; married 3rd, Jones; married 4th, Wite. Samuel B., born February 8, 1791; married Abigail Hardy, November 25, 1821; residence, Bedford; died April 16, 1865. Jeremiah K., born September 20, 1792; married Olive Parker, April 18, 1816; residence, Hollis; married for second wife, Rahamah Whitney, in 1826; married for third wife, Mrs. Betsey Cogswell, in 1837; married for fourth wife, Mrs. Elizabeth H. Carlton, in 1858. Phineas S., born October 19, 1794; married Hannah G. Averill, November 24, 1818; residence, Hollis; New York and Ohio. Mary, born October 21, 1796; married Daniel Greenwood; residence, Dublin, N. H.; died July 5, 1820. Josiah Lock, born August 28, 1800; died December 7, 1821. Sarah, born February 12, 1803; died April 11, 1820. Harriet, born November 19, 1805; married Samuel Hayden, December 31, 1830; residence, Hollis; died January 9, 1869.

Mr. Stearns Needham, died at his home in Milford, February 5, 1830. Mrs. Hannah Needham, his wife, died at homestead, March 2, 1857.

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This biography was transcribed by Sandra Boudrou.

Thomas NEVINS [b.______ d._______]

p. 21
     Thomas Nevins, of Scotch-Irish descent, whose ancestors fought at the siege of Londonderry, married Margaret________ about 1710.  They migrated from the North of Ireland in 1711, and settled in Nova Scotia.  Some time between the years of 1718 and 1735, Mr. Nevins had occasion to return to Ireland on business.  The ship on which he sailed was lost at sea and all on board perished.
 
     The widow, Margaret Nevins, with her three sons, removed to Newton, Mass., prior to 1735, as on July 27, 1735, they purchased land in West Dunstable of Joseph Blanchard, situated in what was afterwards Monson village, and removed here some time between 1735 and the spring of 1738.
 
     All that is known of Mr. Nevins' family is as follows:  Thomas, Jr., born on the Atlantic Ocean, March, 1711; married Bridget Snow, January 1, 1745; died at Hanover, N. Y., in March, 1804, age 93.  David, born at Nova Scotia, about 1814, married Lois Patch, March 3, 1746; died in Plymouth, N. H., in 1779.  William, born in Nova Scotia, in 1718, married Mary Hastings, November, 8, 1746.  The widow, Margaret Nevins, with her three sons, engaged in clearing off the forests, building log huts, making paths, etc.  She is taxed regularly until 1743, at which time her name disappears from the records, and we have no further knowledge of her.

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This biography was transcribed by Sandra Boudrou.

Deacon Thomas NEVINS, Junior [b. 1711, d. 1804]

 
p.22
     Thomas Nevins, Jr., son of Thomas and Margaret Nevins, born on the Atlantic Ocean, March, 1711.  Mr. Nevins came to Nova Scotia with his parents, and subsequently to Newton with his mother, and removed to West Dunstable, at Monson village, prior to 1738.  He married Bridget Snow of Nottingham West, January 1, 1745.
 
     Mr. Nevins served in the old French war as a sergeant in Capt. Nehemiah Lovewell's company, Colonel Hart's regiment 1758, and a selectman of Monson in 1759.  He removed to the east part of Monson prior to 1758; came within the limits of Hollis in 1770; removed to Hebron in 1772; served as juryman at the County Court held in Amherst in January, 1772.  His name is attached to a remonstrance against a petition to annex the Easterly side of Cockermouth to Plymouth.  Late in life, he removed to Hanover, N. H., or near there, where he resided the remainder of his days.  His children as found recorded were:  Bridget, born in Monson, December 21, 1746; married John Jaquith, May 30, 1770; residence, Groton, N. H.  Thomas, 3rd, born in Monson, May 25, 1748; married Rebecca Willoughby in 1770; residence, Hanover, N. Y.  Henry, born in Monson in 1750, died same year.  Lucy, born in Monson in 1752; married Jeremiah Blodgett, April 15, 1774; residence Plymouth, N. H., died July 1, 1804.  Thomasin, born in Monson in 1754; married John Calf, November 13, 1776; residence Plymouth.  She married for second husband, Sylvester Woodworth; died in 1829.  Hannah, born in Monson, 1756; married Henry Phelps, ______; residence Groton, N. H.; died in 1806.  Sarah, born in Monson, February 15, 1759; married Nathaniel Ball in 1774; residence Hebron; died August 8, 1843.  Fanny, born in Monson in 1761; married Simeon Bridgeman; residence Dorchester, Mass.
 
     Mr. Nevins resided at the Leonard Farley place from 1758 to 1772.  He died in Hanover, N. Y., March, 1804, age 93.

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Capt. Peter POWERS (1707-1757)

[pp. 6-7]
     Capt. Peter Powers, a descendant of a long line of nable ancestry, was a son of Daniel and Elizabeth Whitcomb Powers, born in Littleton, Mass., in 1707; married Anna Keyes early in the year of 1728, and immediately moved to Dunstable, N. H.  In September, 1730, he started for the Nissitisset wilderness (now Hollis) with axe and gun in hand, and a pack on his back, to fix his future residence in the then dense and unbroken forests, having previously purchased about thirty-seven acres of land; commenced clearing a portion of htis land and erecting his log hut, and in January, 1731, removed his family here, thus becoming the first permanent settler of Hollis.

     Mr. Powers became a noted backwoodsman and colonial land surveyor.  He was employed much of the time in laying out farms and townships, receiving his pay mostly in land.  At one time he owned fifteen (1500) hundred acres, lying south of the Rogers and Fry grants, at the north part of Hollis.  Mr. Powers was also distinguished as a militia officer in the old French war, having by his personal efforts raised a company in Dunstable and vicinity.  He was commissioned captain of this company by Governor Wentworth.

     In 1754 he was sent to Coos meadows, so-called, to demolish a fort which, it was rumored, the French were building, but he encountered no opposition.

     mr. Powers' children, as found recorded, were: Rev. Peter, Jr., born in Dunstable, November 29, 1728, died in Maine, May 13, 1800, residence, Haverhill, N. H.,; Stephen, born October 28, 1729, married Lucy Cummings of Dunstable, January 5, 1757; Anna, born in West Dunstable, March 9, 1732, married Benjamin Hopkins in 1753, died april 9, 1812; Whitcomb,, born October 10, 1733, married Mary Dolliver, May 20, 1755, second marriage, Elizabeth Lawrence, October 18, 1759; Phebe, born February 5, 1735, married Joseph Bates, April 8, 1756, residence New Ipswich; Alice, born, December 30, 1736, died unmarried February 13, 1825, aged 88; Levi, born June 3, 1739; Nahum, born April 11, 1741, married Mary Wheat, February 7, 1769, residence Plymouth, N. H.; Francis, born July 15, 1742, married Elizabeth Cummings, residence Hollis, had twelve children, killed by lightning July, 1796; Fanna, born April 19, 1744, died young; Philip, born May 20, 1746; Samson, born March 12, 1748, married Elizabeth Abbott, residence Temple, January 9, 1822; Fanna, born March 22, 1750.

     Mr. Powers was a prominent citizen in the new settlement; held many offices of trust with no other reward than to feel that he had done his duty.  He died August 27, 1757, of fever, age 50 years; buried in church yard at Hollis.  His wife, Anna, died September 21, 1798, age 90, buried in church yard at Hollis.

     Mr. Powers served in the French war as captain of a company raised for the Crown Point expedition of 1755, from April 24 to November 31.

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Thomas POWERS (died between 1788 and 1794)

[p. 8]
     Thomas Powers of Westford, who married Hephzibah _____ about 1740, settled in West Dunstable very early in its history, locating about half a mile east of Patch Corner on the place since known as the Wincol Wright or Minot Wheeler place.

     Mr. Powers built and put in operation a grist mill which was supposed to be the first one in this section.  This mill was located on the brook running from Long to Pennychuck ponds.  At that time and for a hundred years after, the farmers raised all the grain they used, and the grist mills in those days were well patronized institutions.

     There is in the Monson record an account of the birth of one daughter, Hannah, born February 25, 1752, and a daughter Hephzibah, married Capt. Wm. Brooks, September 20, 1787.

     Mrs. Hephzibah, wife of Thomas Powers, died March 15, 1789.  Mr. Thomas Powers died between 1788 and 1794.

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Thomas PRATT [b. 1740, d. unknown

p. 91

Thomas Pratt was born in 1740. He came to Hollis while a young man. He married Caty Cummings, daughter of Jarahmael and Hannah Farwell Cummings, September 27, 1754. He belonged to the Hollis minute-men. In the war of the Revolution he served in Capt. Reuben Dow's company at Bunker Hill, and was wounded in the right arm at that battle.

He enlisted early in 1777 into the Continental army, and was assigned to Captain House's company, Colonel Cilley's regiment, and remained in the service until June, 1783. Mr. Pratt was placed on the state roll of invalid pensioners June 7, 1783, and continued until September 14, 1786. He marrried for his second wife, Anna Lawrence, who died January 1, 1806.

His children were: David, born in Hollis, June 2, 1765; married Elizabeth Spalding, August 18, 1789; residence Plymouth. Caty, born in Hollis, May 9, 1767. Hannah, born in Hollis, July 29, 1769. Jerhmael, born in Hollis, April 12, 1772. Batty, born in Hollis, January 13, 1774. Molly, born in Hollis, June 19, 1776. Anna, born in Hollis, September 25, 1779. Stephen and Susannah, born October 24, 1784. John, born in Hollis, February 18, 1791.

It is probably that Mr. Pratt went to Hebron.
 

Timothy ROGERS [b. 1641, d. ______ ]
 

p. 3
Timothy Rogers, a descendant of John Rogers, who was born in Watertown, Mass., September 11, 1641, and served in the Narragansett war of 1675, for which he received for his services from the Massachusetts Colonial Court a land grant lying west of Pennichuck Pond in West Dunstable, N. H.

Mr. Rogers was killed by the Indians, August 5, 1695, and subsequently his land grant was transmitted to his grandson, Timothy, who was born November 30, 1717.

He was a trapper and fur-trader with the Indians. To comply with Colonial law whoever held this land title came here prior to 1729. He built, or caused to be built, a turning mill within the land grant. This mill was situated on a little brook about one mile west of South Merrimack, which flowed into Witch brook, the location being about half a mile north of the present school house in District Number 8 at North Hollis, now situated in the extreme south part of Amherst, N. H.

The place where this mill was situated is known to this day as "Roger's pond."
 

This biography was transcribed by Sandra Boudrou.

Moses SAUNDERS [b._____d.______]
 

p. 29

     Moses Saunders, a connection of Elijah Saunders, the beggar.  A native of Marlborough, Mass., where he came from in the spring of 1738, settled in West Dunstable at the Bailey place; commenced a clearing, built his log hut, erected a saw mill soon after, which was the first saw mill built in West Dunstable.  It was said that the lumber for the first meeting house was sawed at Mr. Saunders' mill.  At the time of the Indian war in 1747, Mr. Saunders thought he saw Indians lurking about his mill.  As Dr. Belknap said, "they wished to destroy every mill and its owner," whom they charged with destroying their hunting grounds, Mr. Saunders became alarmed for his personal safety and removed to Westboro, Mass., where he bought a large farm, and resided there the remainder of his days.  His West Dunstable estate, after a few years, passed into the hands of Daniel Bailey.
 
     His children, as found recorded in the Monson records, were as follows:  All born in West Dunstable.  Abigail, born May 7, 1741.  Sarah, born September 7, 1742.  Moses, born April 22, 1744.  Stephen, born January 16, 1746.

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William SEARLE, Jr. (b. 1723) 

[p. 32]
     William Searle, a son of William Searle, was born in Byfield, Mass., in 1723.  He came to West Dunstable with his father prior to 1740, who settled near to what is known as "Butterfield Hill."  William Searle, Jr., married Hannah Dinsmore, August 6, 1747.  She was the oldest daughter of Thomas Dinsmore.  He settled in the extreme south part of the town, residing here until about 1769, when he removed to Temple, N. H., settling townard the south part of the town.  Mr. Searle was a shoemaker by trade, presumably taking his bench and tools, and going from house to house doing cobbler's work, as was then the custom.

     There is an account of a sad story connected with the history of Mr. Searle's family; that on the afternoon of August 15, 1777, during a violent thunder storm, the lightning struck the house and killed two of his children, viz' Jonathan, aged 12 years, and Hannah, aged 10.  They were buried in one grave the next day.  Mr. Searle's children were:  Elizabeth, born in Hollis, July 16, 1748, married Obediah Eastman, February 8, 1774;  William, born in Hollis, March 22, 1750, married Elieanor Straw in 1777, residence in Temple, died April 22, 1813;  Hannah, born in Hollis, April 19, 1752, died young;  Joseph, born in Hollis, May 13, 1755, married Persis _____ about 1777, residence Temple;  Sarah, born in Hollis, January 7, 1758;  Mary, born in Hollis, March 18, 1760;  John, born in Hollis, August 6, 1762;  Jonathan, born in Hollis, May 29, 1765, killed by lightning at his home in Temple, august 15, 1777;  Hannah, born in Hollis, June 11, 1767; killed by lightning at her home in Temple, August 15, 1777;  Lucy, born in Hollis, August 26, 1769, she was saved from being killed by the lightning at her home in Temple, August 15, 1777.  Lucy stood between Jonathan and Hannah when the lightning struck and escaped unharmed.  She married Silas Durkee, July 12, 1785; residence Temple. 

     Mr. Searle served as one of the selectmen in 1782.

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This biography was transcribed by Sandra Boudrou.

William SHATTUCK [b. 1712, d. 1761]
 

p. 42
William Shattuck, brother of Zachariah, and son of William and Abigail Shattuck, was born in Groton, Mass., January 25, 1712. He married Ruth _____in 1738, and shortly settled at Brimstone Corner, east of "Flint's Hill," in West Dunstable. His wife, Ruth, died November 4, 1744. He married for his second wife, Mrs. Experience Spalding Curtis, November 26, 1745.

Mr. Shattuck's children were as follows: Ruth, born in West Dunstable, November 1, 1739; married Robert Rankin, September 23, 1761. William Jr., born in West Dunstable, February 26, 1741; married Zilpha Turner, December 2, 1761. Mary, born in West Dunstable, March 1, 1743; married Joseph Stearns, December 9, 1763. Nathaniel, born in West Dunstable in _____1746; married Eunice Hazen _____; died April 5, 1813. Experience, born in West Dunstable in 1749; married Benjamin Simpson, August 13, 1772. Elizabeth, born in West Dunstable in 1751; married James Lakin, November 5, 1772. Jeremiah W., born June 24, 1754; enlisted in the war of the revolution; died at Cambridge, May 29, 1775.

Mr. Shattuck died at his home in Hollis, March 13, 1761, age 49. Mrs. Experience Shattuck, his widow, was living in 1794 on the premises.
 

This biography was transcribed by Sandra Boudrou.

Zachariah SHATTUCK [b. 1724, d. 1809]
 

p. 41
Zachariah Shattuck, son of William and Abigail Shattuck, was born in West Groton, Mass., March 6, 1724. He married Elizabeth Fisk, March 3, 1747, and settled in the southeast part of Monson, at the Jesse Hardy place. Mr. Shattuck was ancestor of nearly all the Shattucks in this vicinity, and of those residing in the north part of Nashua, becoming a large land holder, cultivating those extensive pine plains, and raising large crops of rye. Some of his descendants became wealthy farmers.

His children as found recorded were: Zachariah, Jr., born in Monson, November 24, 1747; married Elizabeth Farley, November 28, 1771; died January 1819. Elizabeth, born in Monson, May 15, 1750; married Timothy Wyman, December 17, 1772. Mary, born in Monson _____1753; married Stephen Farley, January 28, 1779. Abigail, born in Monson, June 10, 1755; married Nathan Colburn, January 28, 1779; died March 11, 1851, age 96. Isaac, born in Monson_____1758; married Lois Wheat, May 5, 1791. Sibbel, born in Monson_____1764; married Jacob Mooar, January 15, 1784; died September 14, 1791; residence Hollis. Daniel, born in Monson, February 24, 1767; married Betsy Corey of Chelmsford, January 8, 1793. Abel, born in Monson, June 3, 1769; married Sally Blood, April 16, 1795. Nathan, born in Hollis, June 9, 1774; married Susanna Wood, November 25, 1802.

Mr. Shattuck died March 20, 1809, age 85 years. Mrs. Shattuck died November 8, 1815, age 88 years. They were buried in the old church-yard at Hollis.
 

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This biography was transcribed by Sandra Boudrou.
Abraham TAYLOR [b. 1707, d. 1743]

p. 60
Abraham Taylor, Jr., son of Deacon Abraham and Mary Merriam Taylor, was born in Concord, Mass., April 4, 1707. He married Lydia Whittaker, January 20, 1731; resided with his parents in Dunstable during his minority. He was engaged in farming in after years. Mr. Taylor removed to West Dunstable about 1734, and settled at a point about sixty rods northerly from the meeting-house and about as far easterly from Peter Powers, as appears from the records, was a prominent character in the new settlement, and is supposed to have been the fourth or fifth to locate here, and was its benefactor, having given the Parish the land whereon the meeting-house was subsequently put, its location in November, 1740, being a compromise between the southerners, led by Thomas Dinsmore, and the northerners under the leadership of Stephen Harris, and was selected after a wrangling contest of several months' duration.

Mr. Taylor's children as found recorded were: Olive, born in Dunstable, Mass., January 8, 1732; died young. Lydia, born October 11, 1733; married Noah Worcester, February 22, 1757. Leonard, bon in West Dunstable, October 20, 1735; married David Blood of Pepperell, Mass., November 2, 1762. Abraham, Jr., born August 11, 1739; married Sarah Prescott _____1761; residence Westford, Mass. Sarah, born October 24, 1741; married Trueworthy Smith, May 29, 1766. Submit, born June 13, 1743.

Mr. Taylor died June 3, 1743, age 36, buried in the Church yard at Hollis. Mrs. Lydia Taylor, his wife, died September 23, 1795, age 83 at Hollis. Mr. Taylor gave the land for the portion of the burying ground, and was the first man buried in it. He married Lydia Whittaker, January 20, 1731.

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This biography was transcribed by Sandra Boudrou.
Jonathan TAYLOR [b. 1720, d. 1789]
 

p. 61

Jonathan Taylor, son of Jonathan, a native of Dunstable, was born in 1720. He came to Hollis prior to 1747. On October 27, he married Keziah Colburn, daughter of William and Margaret Wooley Colburn, and settled in Monson at a place north of the Bailey farm, since known as the Hayden homestead. Mr. Taylor was prominent in town affairs, having served the town of Monson as one of their Selectmen in 1759. In the spring of 1761, Mr. Taylor sold his farm to Samuel Hayden of Sudbury, Mass., and purchased of Samuel Burge at Long pond in Hollis; the farm so long known as the Esquire Wright place, where he continued to reside the remainder of his life. Mr. Taylor was a cautious and prudent manager and by dint of industry and perseverance obtained a competency, and was considered a well-to-do farmer.

His children were as follows: Kesiah, born in Monson on June 29, 1749; married James Colburn, August 1, 1771; died August 26, 1772. Azubah, born in Monson, November 12, 1751; married Ebenezer Wheeler, July 13, 1780; residence Hollis; died October 22, 1853. Esther, born in Monson, February 19, 1754; married Benjamin Wright, December 15, 1774; residence Hollis; died November 18, 1830.

Mr. Taylor died April 7, 1789, aged 69. Mrs. Taylor died July 27, 1808, in the 87th year of her age.
 

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Lieut. David WALLINGSFORD (b. 1744  d. 1791)

     Lieut. David Wallingsford, son of Jonathan Wallingsford, was born in Bradford, Mass., Septmeber 25, 1744.  A descendant of Nicholas Wallingsford, who emigrated, when a boy, in the ship "Confidence" from London to Boston in 1638.  Lieutenant Wallingsford came to Monson in 1765.  He engaged in agricultural pursuits.  He enlisted in the war of the Revolution in Captain Dow's company for Concord and Lexington.  He was at the battle of Bunker Hill; was Lieutenant of Capt. Archelaus Town's company at the battle of Bennington, and in the northern campaign, was one of the first to order his men at the battle of Bennington to fire on the British and Hessians.  He was paid off in worthless Continental money at the close of the war.  He had the misfortune to lose his house by fire.  Soon after his return Mr. Wallingsford married Elizabeth Leeman, March 6, 1767.
  
     His children were born at homestead, situated east of Philip Woods.  Elizabeth, born in Monson, September 14, 1767; married Aaron Bailey, May 17, 1785; went to New York.  Jonathan, born in Hollis, September 10, 1770; went to Wisconsin; died March, 1863.  Sarah, born in Hollis, July 5, 1772; no record.  Martha, born in Hollis, March 26, 1774; married John Sawtell, April 19, 1797.  David, born in Hollis, November 26, 1776; died September 27, 1777.  David, born in Hollis, October 12, 1778; married Abigail Stoker in 1798; went to Ohio; died in 1836.  Ebenezer, born in Hollis, October 5, 1780; a blacksmith in Marlboro, N. H.; married Mary Hildreth, October 20, 1803.  Benjamin, born in Hollis, January 24, 1782, married Hannah Needham, November 19, 1807; died May 9, 1818.  Joel, born in Hollis, January 22, 1784; died in Claremont, N. H., in _____ 1841.  Hannah, born in Hollis, June 29, 1785; died in Marlboro in _____ 1851.  Mary, born in Hollis, October 29, 1787.  Abigail, born in Hollis, January 4, 1790.

     Mr. Wallingsford died March 12, 1791.  His wife married Nehemiah Barker, March 17, 1799, and died August 4, 1822.

James WHEELER, Junior [b. May 6, 1731, d. 1785]
 

[p.57]
James Wheeler, Jr., son of James and Mary Minot Wheeler, was born in Bedford, Mass., May 6, 1731. He came to West Dunstable with his father while in his youth; married Mary Butterfield, November 1, 1750, and settled near his father, where they then resided, east of Patch Corner, which was in the township of Monson. He became involved in debt. His creditors were after him. He removed about a mile east, near the Shattuck land, and told his folks if inquiry was made to tell them he had gone to Boston. The place has been called Boston lot ever since. Mr. Wheeler served in the war of the Revolution in Capt. Noah Worcester's company at Cambridge in 1775. Shortly after this he removed to the north part of Dunstable, where his wife's people resided, and soon after became insane and remained in this condition four or five years. He spent all of his wife's property, who became heir to several hundred acres of those pitch pine forests of Dunstable plains.

His children were: James, Jr., born in Monson, January, 1753; married Hannah Read, February 11, 1794; residence Merrimack. Reuben, born in Monson, January 30, 1755; married Dorcas Stevens, April 10, 1777; residence, Amherst. John, born in Monson, July 2, 1758; married _____; residence Amherst. Levincey, born in Monson, August 20, 1760; married William King, January 27, 1780; residence Amherst. Abizer, born in Monson, February 2, 1765; married Ruth Williams, December 2, 1784; residence Amherst. Zebulon, born in Monson, January 20, 1768; married Widow Mary Pool Kendrick, October 24, 1791; residence Hollis. Solomon, born in Monson, April 28, 1769; married Hannah Farley, August 25, 1791.

Mr. Wheeler died in 1785; probably buried in Roby yard, Nashua.

This biography was transcribed by Sandra Boudrou.

This biography was transcribed by Sandra Boudrou.

Captain Thomas WHEELER [b. 1618, d. 1686]
 

p. 56
Captain Thomas Wheeler, son of Thomas Wheeler, who was born in Fairfield, England in 1618, came to this country with his father before 1640; married Ruth Wood, March 17, 1741. Mr. Wheeler was a renowned Indian fighter, and author of Indian anecdotes, published in Vol. 2, N. H. Historical Col. He served in the Narragansett war. He, with Captain Hutchinson, was sent with twenty men, August 2, 1675, to form a treaty with the Indians at Quaboag; they were drawn into ambush and suddenly fired upon, and eight of their number killed, and Mr. Wheeler was badly wounded. He was rescued by his son Thomas, then only 13 years old, who also was wounded. Captain Wheeler and his son, Joseph, held land grants in Dunstable, N. H., and as proprietors signed the petition for the charter of old Dunstable, dated September 19, 1673. He resided in Dunstable several years, and commanded a company sent to guard Dunstable and vicinity against Indian invasion.

His children were: Alice, born in Concord, Mass., in December, 1641. Sarah, born in Concord, Mass., July 10, 1649. Joseph, born in Concord, Mass., August 18, 1651; married Mary Powers, March 1, 1681; residence Dunstable and Nashua. Ann, born in Concord, Mass., December 20, 1653. John, born in Concord, Mass., February 18, 1656. Mary, born in Concord, Mass., December 20, 1658. Thomas, born in Concord, Mass., March 29, 1662; married Hannah _______; residence, Groton, Mass.

Mr. Wheeler died at Concord, Mass., December 16, 1686, age 68. Mr. Wheeler married for his second wife, Mrs. Sarah Beers Stearns, July 23, 1677. Mr. Wheeler was encamped for a season at Pine Hill, within the limits of Hollis.

Daniel WHEELER, [b. April 23, 1736, d. early 1775]
 

[p. 58]
Daniel Wheeler, son of James and Mary Minot Wheeler, was born in Bedford, Mass., April 23, 1736. He came to West Dunstable with his father. He married Amy Morse, February 1, 1757, and settled at Patch Corner in Monson. He came within the limits of Hollis, July 4, 1770, without a change of residence. Mr. Wheeler served in the French war in Capt. Peter Powers' company for the Crown Point expedition of 1755. Mr. Wheeler was engaged in agricultural pursuits, as were most of the early settlers. This family all left Hollis prior to 1800.

His children were: Lydia, born in Monson, November 24, 1757; married Joseph Adams; died in 1825. Abner, born in Monson, April 14, 1760; married Mary Ross; was at battle of Bennington. Jacob, born in Monson, March 5, 1763; married Elizabeth Dix, March 7, 1790; died April 25, 1829. Daniel, Jr., born March 18, 1765; bound out by Samuel Leeman to Ephraim Lund, a blacksmith, in 1782; married Chlve(sp?) White; residence Alstead, N. H.; died March 18, 1853. Benjamin, born in Monson, August 18, 1768; married Polly Fitch of Bedford, Mass.; residence, Concord, N. H. Hannah, born in Monson, 1772; married Joseph Flagg of Grafton, N. H.; married for second husband Deacon Nathaniel Hale of Orange, N. H.; died 1862, age 90.

Mr. Wheeler died early in 1775. His widow, Amy Wheeler, married Samuel Leeman, April 7, 1779, for a second husband. They resided at the Wheeler homestead at Patch Corner. Mr. Leeman died in 1789. His wife resided here until May 26, 1803, when she went to live with her son at Concord, N. H. She died November 30, 1821.

Lieutenant Thaddeus WHEELER [b. December 16, 1741, d. May 1826]
 

[p.59]
Lieut. Thaddeus Wheeler, son of James and Mary Minot Wheeler, was born in West Dunstable, December 16, 1742. He married Elizabeth Farmer, October 17, 1769. He belonged to the Hollis minute men, and served in the war of the Revolution, and was afterward lieutenant in State Militia. He served in the town of Hollis as one of their Selectmen for several years between the years of 1787 and 1808. Mr. Wheeler was a well-to-do farmer, and the owner of a large landed estate. He succeeded to the homestead a man of considerable influence in town affairs. An ardent Democrat of the Jefferson school, he brought his boys up well grounded in the party faith.

His children were: Elizabeth, born in Hollis, July 12, 1770; married David French, January 2, 1799; residence Hollis. Thaddeus, born in Hollis, October 10, 1773; married Sibbel Spalding, November 13, 1800; died January 9, 1871, age 98. Minot, born in Hollis, May 6, 1777; married Sally Farley, April 28, 1800. Theodore, born in Hollis, January 7, 1780; married Susannah Hamlet, October 30, 1805; residence Hollis. Amos, born in Hollis, July 12, 1783; married Mary Rideout, November 1, 1813; residence homestead. Major James, born in Hollis, August 6, 1785; married Dorcas Mooar, April 23, 1817; residence Hollis. Captain Benjamin, born in Hollis, October 16, 1790; married Rhoda Rideout, February 4, 1824; residence Maine.

Mr. Wheeler died in May 1826, from the effects of an injury sustained by the kick of a steer; aged about 83 years and 5 months. Mrs. Elizabeth Wheeler, his wife, died prior to 1840. It is said that Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler are buried in the tomb at the South Yard in Hollis.

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This biography was transcribed by Sandra Boudrou.

Oliver WILLOBY, Sr.  [b. 1764, d. 1834]

 
p. 156
     Oliver Willoby, son of Jonas and Hannah Bates Willoby, was born in Westford, Mass., June 2, 1764.  He came to Hollis with his parents while young.  He married Sarah Bailey, a daughter of Daniel Bailey, Sr., January 31, 1787, and settled on a farm situated on the southeastern slope of Rocky pond hill, Hollis, where he resided during his life time.  Mr. Willoby was one of the old school townsmen, always expressing himself in a bold and defiant manner, and never stopped to sort his words.  He said to his neighbor, Stephen Lund, one morning, when he found him mowing:  "You ought to have cut this grass a fortnight ago!"  Mr. Lund replied:  "No matter if it had been cut a fortnight ago, no matter if it's cut now!  no matter if it's cut a fortnight from now!  and finally no matter if it's never cut."
 
     His children were:  Andrew, born in Hollis, August 3, 1787; married Hannah Davis, January 19, 1811; residence, Hollis; died September 3, 1851.  Oliver, Jr., born in Hollis, July 17, 1789; married Martha Hardy, June 20, 1811; residence, Hollis; died September 12, 1877.  William, born in Hollis, September 16, 1791; died October 23, 1798.  Sarah, born in Hollis, May 11, 1794; married first Jonathan Lovejoy, Jr., November 20, 1817; married second Timothy Hodgman; died march 21, 1886.  Mary, born in Hollis, April 20, 1796; died unmarried, October 14, 1821.  Daniel Bailey, born in Hollis, April 4, 1798; married Mahala Pike; residence, Peterboro.  Leonard, born in Hollis, March 23, 1800; married Mary Taylor in 1826; residence, homestead; died March 1859.  Charlotte, born in Hollis, May 28, 1802; married Timothy Hodgman, February 13, 1827; residence Jaffrey, N. H.  Luther, born in Hollis, June 25, 1804; married Dorcas Taylor; residence, Hollis; died April 25, 1839.  John Gilman, born in Hollis, May 26, 1807; died December 2, 1826; unmarried.
 
     Mr. Willoby died at his home, in Hollis, August 6, 1834.  Mrs. Sarah Bailey Willoby, married Enoch Jewett, October 26, 1837; died March 9, 1840.

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This biography was transcribed by Sandra Boudrou.

John WILLOUGHBY [b. 1707, d. 1793]

 
 
p. 45
     John Willoughby, son of John Willoughby of Billerica, was born in Billerica, Mass., December 25, 1707.  His ancestors were of Scotch-Irish origin but had resided in England a few generations, previous to migrating to this country.  Mr. Willoughby married Anna Chamberlain of Billerica, March 27, 1735.  He removed to West Dunstable in 1744.  He served in the old French war, and was a grantee of Plymouth, N. H.  His wife, Anna, died February 3, 1773.  He married for a second wife Elizabeth Sprage of Billerica, June 28, 1774.
 
     His children, taken from Willoughby records, were as follows:  Captain John, Jr., born in Billerica, December 24, 1735; married Azubah Wheeler, May 30, 1758; residence Plymouth.  Jonas, born in Billerica, March 31, 1737; married Hannah Bates, July 10, 1760; residence Hollis; died 1791.  Joseph, born in Billerica, February 17, 1739; went to Bennington, Vt.  Anna, born in Billerica, May 30, 1741; married Timothy French, May 3, 1771; residence Hollis.  Mary born in Billerica, February 26, 1743; died in 1752.  Susannah, born in Billerica, May, 26, 1744; married Jonathan Powers, November 28, 1764; residence Dunstable; died September, 1828.  Samuel, born in Billerica, February 13, 1745; married Elizabeth Jaquith, December 3, 1772; married second wife, Mary Gould; died October 26, 1821, age 86.  Mehitable, born in Billerica, August 3, 1747; married Jonathan Bates, October 19, 1769.  Rebecca, born in Billerica, February 13, 1749; married Thomas Nevins, Jr., in 1770; residence, Hebron, N. H.  William, born in Billerica, September 2, 1751; died in November, 1773.  Elizabeth, born in Billerica, April 3, 1753; married Samuel Lovejoy, August 27, 1794.  Josiah, born in Billerica, July 30, 1755; died in 1757.
 
     Mr. John Willoughby died February 2, 1793, aged 85.

Philip WOOLRICH [b. about 1683, d. prior to 1763]

Thomas WOOLEY [b. about 1722, d. _____]

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