Barnstable County, Massachusetts - Biographical sketches (4 of 12 so headed), 1890 (part 2 of 2)

Of this large family, all of whom survive, only two - Fannie and Carrie - remain at the homestead with the father. Heman married Lucy H. Nickerson, and has two sons: Braddock N. and Heman J. Olive married, in 1869, Jacob Sears' (Daniel', Jacob', Edmund', Ed- mund*, Paul', Paul', Richard'). He was a prominent dealer in fish and cranberries until his death in 1871. Abbie married Abner Hopkins, and has one son, Ralph E. Hannah married David Shiverick, jr., and has three children: George W., Sarah S. and Olive A. Ellen married George W. Green, and has two children: Frances M. and Frank A. Stillman F., in the fall of 1875, married Chloe C, daughter of Nathan Sears, and has two sons: Stillman R. and Edmund S. Zebina married Hannah C. Sears, and has one daughter, Edith H. Elsie married Charles W. Robinson, and has two children: Philip H. and Grace S.

Thus Mr. Kelley finds himself, at the end of man's allotted time, surrounded by children and grandchildren in homes of their own. He has been identified with the social, civil and religious interests of East Dennis for forty years, and has been an important factor. Although a thorough republican in politics, he never would accept any civil oflBce. Since 1858 he has been clerk of the religious society of the village, and is ever ready to assist in building up and sustaining schools, churches and libraries for the advancement of the community. He was formerly energetic in establishing the common schools on their present good basis, and is a leading spirit in all good works of the present day. In accordance with his broad and liberal views, he has educated his own children for usefulness, fitting the daughters for teachers of music and public schools, and the sons for thorough business men.

While all are well settled, the second son, Stillman F., has attained to the greatest business success, having made a large property in the firm of I. O. Whiting & Co., the largest importers of grocery molasses in this country. His residence at Cambridge is one of the finest in the suburbs of Boston.

Wilbur K. Kelley, born in 1848, is a son of Samuel, grandson of Asa, and great-grandson of Jeremiah Kelley. His mother was Lavina, daughter of Wilbur Kelley. Mr. Kelley has been several years in the mercantile trade, and since 1886, he has kept a livery stable at Dennis Port. He was married in 1886 to Mrs. Hannah S. Moody, daughter of Amos R. Wixon. They have one son, Wilbur S. Mrs. Kelley had two children by her former marriage: Myra A. and Rowena B. Moody.

Michael Kerien, son of James and grandson of George Kerien, was born in Liverpool, England, and came to this country and settled in Dennis at the age of fourteen years. He was married to Esther H., daughter of Joseph B. Kelley. They have six children: Everett C, Mena K., Samuel B., Ella B., James H. and Essid M. Everett C. has carried on a grocery store at Dennis Port since 1881.

Jonathan and Phebe Crowell. Her father was postmaster at West Dennis eleven years. She was first married to Calvin Baker. He died in 1861, and she married in September, 1881, Stephen A. Kinyon, grandson of Isaiah and Priscilla Crowell. He died in February, 1888, aged sixty-six years. He was a son of Stephen C. and Betsey Kinyon.

Captain Hiram Loring. - This well known citizen of West Dennis traces his lineage to David Loring, an early settler in Barnstable, where his son David was born and lived. John, son of the latter, was also born in Barnstable, and subsequently removed to Yarmouth, where he married Sarah Hawes. After her death he married Elizabeth Coffin of Nantucket. Of the eight children born of this second marriage, only three survive: Hiram, George H. and William D.

Hiram Loring was born December 25, 1821, in the north part of Yarmouth. The common schools of the day afforded him only a limited education, and this was early interrupted by his going to sea at the age of ten. From the lowest position to the highest he steadily advanced with the years, until at twenty-two he was a ma.ster mariner, in which capacity he served until 1861 - a score of years. In his last voyage he well remembers the stirring news of the bombardment of Sumter, which occurred while his vessel was at anchor in Bass River harbor.

In November, 1844, he married Sarah, daughter of Freeman and Sarah Crowell of West Dennis. Of their two children, the elder, Sarah K., married Joseph G. Small of South Dennis, and they have two children - Joseph L. and Lizzie L. Of these, Joseph L. Small married, in October, 1889, Beccie Eldredge of South Harwich, and Lizzie L. is at home with her parents. Hiram D. Loring, the younger, born 1850, was married in 1873 to Abbie A., daughter of William P. Davis of Yarmouth Port. Their children are: Bessie F., H. Clinton, Willie P. D. and Edith R. These children are at the home of their father, who has been a prominent merchant at West Dennis since 1872, has been postmaster four years, and secretary of the Bass River Savings Bank since 1883.

As soon as Captain Loring had retired from the sea he established, on the west side of Bass river, a wholesale business in coal, flour and corn, under the firm name of H. Loring & Co., which was continued twenty-three j'ears, when he sold to Captain Fuller, and the firm was changed to Loring Fuller & Co. His republican proclivities and rare qualifications rendered him prominent for official positions, and he consented to hold the office of selectman; but preferring the social and business relations of life, he declined further reelection after a service of two years. He has been largely interested m the Marine Insurance Company as one of its managing officers, and is now presi-

Captain Loring is a thorough and energetic business man, and notwithstanding the consequent cares, he finds time to advance the interests of the Methodist church and other social enterprises of his community. His success and liberality induce those requiring advice and assistance to appeal to him, and justice is meted out to all. His word and bond are synonymous, and when given bear the ring of worth to their full value, and although in the evening of his allotted years his light and activity are the sustaining elements in many principal enterprises.

David Matthews, born in 1819, is a son of Jonathan, grandson of Jonathan, and great-grandson of David Matthews. Mr. Matthews has been a house carpenter since he was sixteen years old. He was married in 1844, to Susan B., daughter of James Taylor, whose father, Samuel, was a son of Hezekiah Taylor. They have four children: Eldora, born 1848; Jonathan, born 1850; Lucie T., born 1853; and David L., born 1859.

Edmund Matthews, born in 1830, in Yarmouth, is a son of Edmund and grandson of Ezekiel Matthews. His mother was Rebecca Crowell. Mr. Matthews is an architect and builder. Since 1885 he has been in the store at Dennis with his son, and is assistant post master. He was married in 1853, to Priscilla, daughter of Moses Howes. They have two children: E. Clarence, a merchant and postmaster at Dennis; and Jeannette H., wife of Robert O. Robinson.

Nathaniel- Myrick, youngest son of Nathaniel and Anna (Howes) Myrick, was born in East Dennis in 1822. He was married in August, 1888, to Hannah L., widow of the late Seth Crowell, jr. He died in 1861, leaving one daughter: Hannah H. His father, Seth Crowell, died in 1873. Mrs. Myrick is a daughter of Asa P. and Hannah L. (Newcomb) Arey, granddaughter of Reuben, and great-granddaughter of Reuben Arey. Mr. Myrick had previously been twice married. He has one son, Edwin H., born in Spencer, Mass., in 1850.

Josiah Megathlin was bom in 1822, in Harwich. He is a son of John Megathlin, who came to this country from England when eight years old. Mr. Megathlin's mother was Mehitabel Studley. He began going to sea at the age of ten, and since 1857 has been master. He was married in 1844, to Hannah B., daughter of James Whittemore. Of their eight children three are living: Josiah P., Louisa B. and John.

James K. Nickerson, son of William, and grandson of Isaac Nickerson, was born in 1837. His mother was Hannah, daughter of James Kelley. Mr. Nickerson is a seafaring man. He was married in 1859,

Miller Thacher Thayer Nickerson, is a son of Miller W., who is the eldest of twelve children of Eleazar, whose father, Eleazar, was a son of Eleazar, and grandson of John Nickerson. His mother was Almira, daughter of Elijah Chase. Mr. Nickerson is one of eight children, four of whom are living. He spent several years in the West and was for eleven years a merchant at Avon, 111. He returned to Dennis in 1876, where he has since been a gardener and fisherman. He was a member of the school committee for six years. He was married in 1866, to Sarah L. Davis, of Illinois. They have three children: Fanny D., Clarence M. and Morris T.

Nathan G. Nickerson, born in 1865, is a son of Gorham, grandsonof Levi and great-grandson of Eleazar Nickerson. His mother was Data Hall. His father, Gorham Nickerson, was a sea captain for many years. He died in October, 1884. Mr. Nickerson went to Boston in 1871, where he has been engaged in business since that time. He is now one of the firm of Dyer, Rice & Co. He was married in 1875, to Rosie B. Hallett. Their two children are : Nathan G., jr. and Marion H.

Southworth H. Nye was born in Sandwich, in 1848. He is a son of Heman and Tabitha (Fuller) Nye, grandson of Heman, and greatgrandson of Joseph, whose father was Joseph Nye. Mr. Nye came to Dennis in 1867, and a few years later he bought the meat business which he has carried on at Dennis since that time. He was married in 1874, to Anna W., daughter of Jeremiah Howes. They have had five children: Hannah M., Georgetta, Heman Willis, Laura S., and Ruth W., who is deceased.

Miss Mary C. Paddock is a daughter of Judah and Mary C. (Crowell) Paddock, and granddaughter of Judah and Bethiah (Gray) Paddock. Her father, Judah Paddock, was born in 1790, and died in 1855. He went to sea in his early life, and for several years prior to his death he was engaged in salt making at East Dennis. He had eight children, only two of whom are living: Nathan C. and Mary C.

Samuel Paddock, born in 1811, died in April, 1888, was a son of Eben, grandson of Samuel, and great grandson of Judah Paddock. His mother was Hannah H., daughter of Enoch Hall. Mr. Paddock was one of six children, of whom only two survive - one sister and Stephen H., who lived on the father's homestead with his brother Samuel, and together they were engaged in agricultural pursuits aud salt making. Mr. Paddock was married to Huldah H., daughter of Aaron Crowell. They had three children: two who died in infancy and Hannah H., who now lives with her mother and uncle on the

Samuel A. Peak, son of John Peak - who kept the Point Gammon - lighthouse for thirty-six years prior to its being discontinued - was born in 1839. He went to sea from 1852 to 1880, the last fifteen years as captain. He was assistant keeper at the Bishop light from 1880 to 1881, and has since been in charge of the Bass River light. He was married in 1859, to Mary L., daughter of Thomas Sherman. They have one son, Thomas S.

Mrs. Helen J. Robinson is the widow of Robert J. Robinson, who was a tderchant at St. Croix, W. I., where he died in 1881. Mrs. Robinson came to Dennis in 1885, and fitted up a small residence near Scargo lake. Her only son, Robert O., was married in 1887, to Jeannette Howes Matthews, and has built a cottage near his mother's, where he resides.

Nathan F. Rogers, born in Orleans, in 1832, is the eldest son of Nathan and Sarah Rogers, and grandson of Mulford Rogers. He first went to sea at the age of eleven years, and has been master mariner since twenty years of age, with the exception of one year, when he was in business in Connecticut. He was married first to Susan Taylor, in 1856. She died in 1865, and he married Sarah A. Baker, who died in 1881. His present wife, Jessie H., is a daughter of James Raybold. They have two daughters: Nettie R. and Jessie F. Mr. Rogers is a member of Sylvester Baxter Chapter, R. A. M.

Benjamin Parker Sears, born in 1826, is a son of Edward Sears, who was born in Dennis in 1780, married in 1804, and died in 1858. He had eight sons and one daughter, of whom Dea. Benjamin P., of Dennis Port, is the only survivor. The mother of the latter was Abagail, daughter of Shubael and Rebecca (Chace) Baker. She was born in 1783 and died in 1853. Her mother, Rebecca, was descended from Richard Chace', Thomas*, John', William' and William Chace', who came from England in 1630 and to Dennis in 1637. Dea. Benjamin P. Sears was married in 1851, to Olive, daughter of Bangs Kelley. They have four children living: Benjamin A., bom in 1854, in business in Boston; Laura B., born in 1856, married to Horatio B. Baker; Roger W., born in 1858, married to Sadie F. Hall, and lives in Boston, and Emery W., born in 1861. Deacon Sears followed the sea until 1869, and from that time till 1886 was captain and agent of a tug boat at Boston. He is a member of Mount Horeb Lodge and president of the West Harwich and Dennis Port Republican Club.

Captain Joshua Sears, deceased, was born June 10, 1817, at East Dennis, and was th^ last representative in his generation of that extensive family name. He was eighth in the male lineage; Richard', Paul', Paul', Edmund*, Edmund*, Joshua', Ezra', his father, who had five sons, of whom the subject of this biography was the eldest. At ten years of age he chose the profession in which in after life he so greatly excelled. He was mate at the age of twenty-three, and at thirty, in 1847, was in command of the Burmah - his first ship. His ambition was to command the best ships, and his scrupulous neatness on board, and conscientious preservation of any property entrusted to his care, enabled him to choose his vessels. He was engaged entirely in foreign voyages, visiting the East Indies nineteen times, and often touching at China and the Sandwich islands. His experience of nearly forty years on the sea was more extensive and responsible in its nature than most of his contemporaries. His many long' voyages had dangers, but his careful command insured crew, ship, and cargo against accident and loss.

He was married June 11, 1840, to Minerva, daughter of William and Sally (Small) Handren, of Harwich. She accompanied the captain on four long voyages, the last being in the Wild Hunter, and around the world. He left the sea during the war of the rebellion retiring to his pleasant home in East Dennis, where he died March 22, 1886. His wife and an adopted daughter, Mrs. E. D. Crowell, survive him. He was much beloved by the entire community for his genial, uniformly kind and upright character, and by the ship owners and the commercial world for his firm, just and reliable dealings. His recoid is one of honor, of honest labor and well-done duties. He was not only a model as a seaman and officer, but in preserving old friendships and in making others happy by kind and generous deeds.

Nathan Sears. - The lineage of this citizen is direct from the first of that family name who came to the town. The male line is: Richard', Paul", Paul", Edmuiid*, Edmund', Edmund* and Nathan'. Edmund Sears, father of Nathan, married Betsey Crowell, one of the descendants of the grantee of 1639. Of their six children only two survive: Nathan, of East Dennis, the subject of this biography; and Hannah, who married Joshua G. Sears, and resides at Shelburne Falls, Mass.

Nathan, the third child, was born August 30, 1821, in the old family homestead, still standing, which was built by his grandfather in the last century, and which is now the home of Henry H. Sears, the great-grandson of the builder. The common school and the old academy at East Dennis furnished the means of education for Nathan Sears until he was fourteen years of age, when he went to sea as cook. He served in various capacities in coasting and foreign voy-, ages until 1852, when he retired. The same year he went into the fishing and mercantile business as one of the firm of Kelley, Sears.& Co., until 1875, when he as.sumed the care of his farm.

Howes, one of the descendants of the first Thomas Howes. Of their eight children, the five survivors - each married and well settled in life - are: Henry H., Myra H., Chloe C, Nathan C. and Seth Sears.

Henry H. Sears, bom July 17, 1845, was married February 17, 1870, to Mary C. Homer. They have two children: Harry E., born October 26, 1871; and Joseph H., born April 6, 1873. Henry H. was elected in 1889 to his third term as selectman, and is chairman of the board. He was nine years a member of the school board, and for years has been a merchant at East Dennis. Myra H., born February 24, 1851, married Dr. R. F. Graham, and resides in Greeley, Col. Chloe C, born August 17, 1853, married Stillman F. Kelley, October 13,1875, and lives at North Cambridge, Mass. Their children are: Stillman R., born December 17, 1878, and Edmund Sears Kelley, born December'16, 1886. Nathan C, bom January 17, 1866, married Myra E. Howes, and resides in Wisner, Neb. Their child is Nathan H. Sears. Seth Sears, born August 19,1860, married Francis B. Winslow, and is a teacher in Charlestown, Mass.

Mrs. Nathan Sears, mother of the eight children mentioned, died November 6, 1883. Mr. Sears married, September 24, 1885, Julia F. Long, daughter of Jeremiah and Jerusha (Sears) Long. Jerusha was a daughter of Levi Sears, a descendant of Silas in another line from Richard. Mr. Sears resides in his beautiful home, erected in 1848, at East Dennis, within a stone's cast of the house in which he, as well as his father, was born. He has found his time fully occupied with his varied business interests, and has therefore avoided the busy arena of politics. A republican in his convictions, he has filled no ofl&ces other than such comparatively unimportant ones as pertain to his immediate locality. He renders material aid to theWesleyan Methodist church, and is open-handed in all public enterprises. In the evening of an industrious and varied life he enjoys a competency amid the scenes of his childhood, in the confidence of all who know him.

Paul F. Sears, bom in 1846, is the youngest of six children of Dean, and grandson of Paul Sears. His mother was Rosanna, daughter of Reuben Sears. Mr. Sears was a farmer until 1876. Since that time he has been a merchant at East Dennis, in the firm of H. H. Sears & Co. He was married in 1867, to Bessie O., daughter of Barzillai Sears. They have one daughter, Mabel B.

David Shiverick was born in 1843. His father, David Shiverick (bom in 1812, died in 1889), was a ship builder at East Dennis, with his brother, Asa Shiverick, of Falmouth. Mr. Shiverick was a ship carpenter about ten years, and since that time has been a farmer. He was married in 1867, to Hannah S., daughter of Stillman Kelley. They have three children living: George W., Sarah S. and Olive A. One child died in infancy.

Alvan Small, who was bom in 1811, and died in January, 1890, was one of the twelve children of Samuel and Lydia (Burgess) Small, grandchild of John Small. He went to sea at the age of ten years, and at twenty was captain of a vessel, and continued to be for twenty years, and then was a merchant twelve years. He was selectman ten terms. His wife, to whom he was married in 1832, and who died in 1876, was Betsey, daughter of Phineas Baker. Their three children living are: Lucy (Mrs. Jethro Baker), Elizabeth and Emily V.

Coleman N. Thacher, bom in 1858, is descended from Joseph F.', Benjamin', Solomon*, Joseph*, Judah', John', Anthony Thacher', who was married in England to Elizabeth Jones. They landed at Newburyport in 1635, and four years later they settled in Yarmouth. Mr. Thacher's mother was Susan, daughter of Coleman Nickerson. Mrs. C. N. Thacher is Annie M., daughter of James Crowell. Their .children are: Susie L. and Mercie A.

I^throp Thacher', born in 1816, is the eldest son of Lothrop T.' (Ebenezer', Joseph*, Judah*, John', John*, born in 1635, Anthony Thacher'). His mother was Thankful Nickerson. Mr. Thacher began going to sea at the age of nine years, and from 1837 to 1879 he was captain. He was married in 1840, to Mercy B., daughter of Elihu Kelley. They have three daughters living: Flora B., Mercy L.. and Ida May. One daughter, Ella D., died.

Charles C. Weysser, born March .24, 1863, is a son of Charles W. and Sarah N. (Crowell) Weysser, and grandson of Christopher Weysser. His father was in the civil war, in Company G, Fiftyeighth Massachussetts Volunteers, and died in the service in 1864. Mr. Weysser has been engaged at West Denrnis in the hardware store of Samuel A. Chase since April, 1881.

Warren W. Whelden is a son of Miller and grandson of Miller Whelden, whose father. Miller, was a son of Seth Whelden. His mother was Anna, daughter of Reuben Ryder. Mr. Whelden is a farmer, occupying the farm where his father lived, at South Dennis. He is one of eleven children, six of whom are living: Mercy,- Warren H., Russell F., John D., Anna R and Maria T.

Abner R. Wixon, son of Abner R. and grandson of Sylvanus Wixon, was bom in 1849. His mother was Polly, daughter of Calvin Baker. Mr. Wixon has been at sea since he was thirteen years old, and since nineteen has been captain of vessels. He is a member of Mount Horeb Lodge, A. F. & A. M. He married in 1872, Eliza A., daughter of William Garfield. She was born in 1854. They have , one son, William F., born in 1872.

Nehemiah Wixon, bom in 1826, is a son of Nehemiah, grandson of Barnabas, and great-grandson of Reuben Wixon, who is a descendant of Robert Wixon, whose will was dated at Eastham, 1685, and..

mentions two sons - Barnabas and Titus. Mr. Wixon's mother was Charity Chase. He began going to sea at the age of nine years, continuing until 1878, twenty-four years of the time as master. He was married in 1848, to Amy, daughter of Phineas Wixon. They have one son, Robert E.

Joshua P. Wixon, born in 1823, is a son of Joshua, grandson of Joshua, and great-grandson of Reuben Wixon. His mother was Susanna Smith. Mr. Wixon followed the sea for several years. He was married in 1845, to Bathsheba, daughter of John B. Snow. They had two children, who died: Joshua P., jr. and Izora P.

Thomas F. Hall was born June 23, 1841. He early went to sea, was a ship-master at twenty -one, and in 1865 removed to Omaha, Neb., where he has since resided, engaging in the real estate business. He has been a member of the legislature of his adopted state, has been six years postmaster of his city. His wife is Amelia J., daughter of Zadok Crowell, West Yarmouth, and they have one daughter - Mary L. Christopher Hall, his father, was a prominent man of East Dennis, and for him the first ship of Cape Cod - the Revenue - was built by the Messrs. Shiverick. He owned portions of other vessels built there, and was the first president of the Cape Cod National Bank, which position he held until his decease in 1857, aged forty-eight years. Christopher Hall erected the first mill for grinding salt at Boston, and was one of the public men of Dennis. His benevolence and generosity will be long remembered.

Warren Snow, son of Warren and Sarah Snow, and grandson of Elisha and Betsey Snow, was born in Dennis. He was married in 1850 to Rosilla Rogers. Their two daughters are: Edna C. and Nellie D. Mr. Snow was for several years a lumber and coal dealer, and is now engaged in cranberry culture.