[ Ann's Hollis, NH History & Genealogy
[ Hillsborough County, New Hampshire History <-> Genealogy
[
USGenWeb for New Hampshire State GenWeb]
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.

Google books also has a scanned, searchable copy of 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. Abraham LEEMAN [born in 1723] 
  66. Ephraim LUND [b.1745, d. 1820]
  67. Jonathan LUND, Jr. [b. Sept. 1747, d. June 11, 1828]
  68. John MARTIN [b. ______d._____]

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

  70. Samuel MURDOUGH [b. unknown, d. unknown]
  71. Stearns NEEDHAM [b. 1754, d. 1830]

  72. Benjamin NEVINS [b. 1750, d. ___]
  73. David NEVINS [b. 1714, d. 1778]
  74. Joseph NEVINS [b. 1748, d. 1813]
  75. Thomas NEVINS [b.______ d._______]
  76. Deacon Thomas NEVINS, Junior [b. 1711, d. 1804]
  77. Lieutenant William NEVINS, Jr. [b. 1746, d. 1776]
  78. William NEVINS, Senior [b. 1718, d. 1785]
  79. Capt. Peter POWERS [b. 1707, d. 1757] 
  80. Thomas POWERS [died between 1788 and 1794] 
  81. Thomas PRATT [b. 1740, d. unknown]

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

  83. Moses SAUNDERS [b._____d.______]
  84. William SEARLE, Jr. [b. 1723] [spelling variations include: SEARLES/SARYL] 
  85. William SHATTUCK [b. 1712, d. 1761]
  86. Zachariah SHATTUCK [b. 1724, d. 1809]
  87. Elias SMITH [b. 1698, d. 1761]
  88. Abraham TAYLOR [b. 1707, d. 1743]
  89. Jonathan TAYLOR [b. 1720, d. 1789]
  90. Lieut. David WALLINGSFORD [b. 1744  d. 1791] 
  91. Daniel WHEELER, [b. April 23, 1736, d. early 1775]
  92. James WHEELER, Junior [b. May 6, 1731, d. 1785]

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

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

  95. Captain Thomas WHEELER [b. 1618, d. 1686]
  96. Peter WHEELER, Sr.   [b. 1704, d. 1772]
  97. Oliver WILLOBY, Sr.  [b. 1764, d. 1834]
  98. John WILLOUGHBY [b. 1707, d. 1793]
  99. Philip WOOLRICH [b. about 1683, d. prior to 1763]
  100. 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, hireing help to make barrels, he used to team them to Boston, crrying 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 enlistted 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.


Benjamin BLANCHARD [b.1696, d. _______]

 
 
p. 75
     Benjamin Blanchard, Sr., son of Benjamin and Elizabeth Blanchard, was born in Andover, Mass., 1696.  He married Mary Abbott in 1719.  He was engaged in farming as was most of the early settlers of New England.
 
     Mr. Blanchard removed to West Dunstable in 1743, and settled about one mile southeast of the meeting-house on land recently owned by a farmer, Charles Richardson.
 
     He signed a petition to the General Court of New Hampshire, asking for a scout to guard and protect them against Indian invasion, dated June 18, 1744.  Mr. Blanchard was a lenial descendant of Deacon John Blanchard, a prominent character in the new settlement of Andover.
 
     His children as found recorded were:  Benjamin, Jr., born in Andover, in 1720; married Kesiah Hastings, December 31, 1744.  Annie, born in Andover, November 22, 1722; married Jonathan Danforth, May 24, 1743.  Jacob, born in Andover in 1725; married Elizabeth Lawrence in November, 1745.  Joshua, born in Andover in 1727; married Sarah Burge, September 12, 1747; residence Hollis.
 
     Mr. Blanchard's name disappears from the records here after 1753.

 

 


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

 
 
p. 76
     Benjamin Blanchard, Jr., son of Benjamin and Mary Abbott Blanchard, was born in Andover, Mass., in 1720.  He married Kesiah Hastings, December 31, 1744.  Mr. Blanchard came to West Dunstable with his father in 1743.
 
     He served the town of Hollis as one of their Selectmen for the years of 1750 and 1754.  Mr. Blanchard removed from Hollis to Peacham, Vt., at a place called Danvil Mills, some time during the year 1769.  He had remained on the homestead until this time.
 
     His children were:  Benjamin, 3rd, born in West Dunstable, November 15, 1745.  Kesiah, born in Hollis, March 26, 1747; married Jeremiah Wheeler, February 15, 1770.  Abial, born in Hollis, January 9, 1749; died October 3, 1749.  Jonathan, born June 28, 1750.  Abial, born December 1, 1751.  Isaac, born April 14, 1753.  Dorcas, born in Hollis, February 25, 1755; died young.  Peter, born in Hollis, August 27, 1756.  Dorcas, born February 25, 1757.  Joel, born in Hollis, August 27, 1759.  Abel, born in Hollis, February 17, 1761.  Reuben, born in Hollis, February 1, 1763.  Betty, born in Hollis, January 21, 1765.  Simon, born in Hollis, April 10, 1766.   

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.
 

 



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

 
 
[p. 34]
     William Colburn, son of Robert Colburn, was born in Dracut, Mass., in December, 1689; married Margaret Woolley, February 29, 1715, and settled on the old French garrison farm in Billerica, Mass., which came within the limits of Bedford, Mass., on the chartering of that town in 1729.  Mr. Colburn, with others, removed from Bedford to West Dunstable in the spring of 1738, and settled at a point on the hill, north of Patch Corner, where he erected a large log hut, used a portion of the year of 1747 as a garrison by a scout or guard of fifteen men sent by the New Hampshire General Court to guard the inhabitants of Monson against Indian invasion.  Mr. Colburn was the ancestor of nearly all the Colburns of Hollis.
 
     His children were as follows:  Lieutenant Robert, born in Billerica in 1717; married first, Elizabeth Leeman, March 2, 1745, who died in 1746; married second, Elizabeth Smith, March 21, 1747.  Keziah, born in Billerica in 1721; married Jonathan Taylor, October 27, 1747.  Jemima, born in Billerica in 1724; no record.  William, Jr., born in Billerica in 1726; married Abigail Wheeler, July 26, 1757; died February 7, 1776.
 
     Mr. Colburn died April 3, 1769, aged 79.  Mrs. Margery, his wife, died February 16, 1774, aged 84.  They are buried at the northeast corner of the old Church yard at Hollis.  Some of the Colburns landed in Ipswich, Mass.  Edward Colburn went from Ipswich to Dracut, about 1655.
 

 



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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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Deacon Daniel EMERSON (b. 15 December 1746, d. 4 October 1820)

 

 

[p. 64]
   Deacon Daniel Emerson, Jr., son of Rev. Daniel and Hannah Emerson, was born in Hollis, December 15, 1746.  He married Anna Fletcher, November 17, 1768.  Chosen Deacon of the Hollis church in 1775.  Appointed Coroner and High Sheriff of Hillsboro county in 1775.  He was Captain of the Hollis company that went to Ticonderoga in July of that year, and was also Captain of the company enlisted in Hollis in June, 1777, upon the Ticonderoga alarm.  He was also in 1778 Captain of a mounted Hollis company that went to Rhode Island in the summer of that year; and also of a company in Colonel Mooney's regiment raised for the defense of Rhode Island in 1779.  Captain Emerson was Town Clerk and first Selectman in 1780 and 1781; a member of the New Hampshire Council in 1787, of the New Hampshire Constitutional Convention in 1791; and a Representative to the New Hampshire General Court in nineteen different years, between 1780 and 1812.  He was a farmer and resided in the middle of town.  He was a man of large influence in church and town affairs.
 
   His children were:  Anna, born August 20, 1769; married Eli Smith May 7, 1794; residence Hollis.  Daniel 3rd, born July 15, 1771; died November 16, 1808.  Hannah, born December 7, 1773.  Joseph, born October 13, 1777; died May 13, 1833.  Ralph, born August 18, 1787.  Samuel, born, November 9, 1791.  William, born November 9, 1791; married Sarah Jewett, April 18, 1814; married second time, Mary Rice; died December 3, 1873.
 
   Mr. Emerson died October 4, 1820, aged 74.

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)
 
 
[p. 65]
   Col. William Emerson, son of Deacon Daniel and Anna Fletcher, was born in Hollis, November 29, 1791.  He married Sarah Jewett, daughter of Deacon Stephen Jewett, April 18, 1814.  She died August 24, 1837.  He married for his second wife, Mary Rice.  He settled at old Emerson homestead and engaged in agricultural pursuits.
 
   Mr. Emerson was prominent in militia affairs.  He was promoted through all the grades from non-commissioned officer to Colonel of the regiment.  It was said of him that he was haughty and proud, and felt in his glory when in front of the regiment, and took great delight in commanding it.  He was disliked by some of the line officers.  Mr. Emerson served the town as one of their Selectmen in 1825.  He was chosen Deacon of the Congregational church in Hollis in 1832.  He served as ensign in the war of 1812.  He resided in Hollis until about 1838, when he removed to Nashua, then to Auburn, Mass., where he died.
 
   His children were:  William, Jr., born April 29, 1815; died September 24, 1834.  Sarah M., born March 3, 1817.  Charles H., born February 24, 1819; married Caroline Hayward.  Mary J., born August 11, 1821; died unmarried August 24, 1855.  Daniel L., born September 20, 1823; married Ellen A. Hendrick; died in 1845.
 
   Mr. Emerson died December 3, 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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This biography was transcribed by Sandra Boudrou.

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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This biography was transcribed by Sandra Boudrou.

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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This biography was transcribed by Sandra Boudrou.

Captain James HARDY [b. 1792, d. ___]
 
p. 215
     Captain J