Benjamin Bellows family from Walpole As It Was and As It Is (1880)

Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by MLM, Volunteer 0000130. 
For the current email address, please go to 
http://www.rootsweb.com/~archreg/vols/00001.html#0000130
Copyright. All rights reserved.

************************************************************************
Full copyright notice - http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
USGenWeb Archives - http://www.usgwarchives.net
************************************************************************

Surname: BELLOWS
Source: Walpole As It Was and As It Is by George Aldrich, 
        The Claremont Manufacturing Co., Claremont, N.H., 1880, page 193-211

BELLOWS, BENJAMIN. In the narrative of the preceding pages a general history of Col. Benjamin 
Bellows is given from the time he came to Walpole till his death. It now remains to give some 
further notice of him and a history of his ten children and some of their descendants 
separately considered. The Bellows family is thought, and perhaps claim to have descended from 
a Norman family which came to England with William the Conqueror, by the name of Belle Eau, 
which, pluralized has the identical sound of the name of Bellows. If such is the case it is a 
remarkable coincidence that the name should afterwards become associated with the beautiful 
fall of water on Connecticut river.

Much labor, expense and interest have been given by different members of the Bellows family to 
trace their genealogy satisfactorily. It is thought that the names, found in different parts of 
Great Britain, of Bellews, Bellis, Bellas, Bellos, Bellasis and Beloes, are all corruptions 
from the same root of which Bellows is a corruption. The coat of arms of all those families is 3
essentially the same. It is described in the following manner; "The field or ground of the 
escutcheon is black, the bars interlaced are of a gold color, the chevron is blue, and bears 
three lions' heads in gold. The crest is an arm embossed, habited, the hand proper grasping a 
chalice pouring water, (belle eau) in allusion to the name, into a basin, also, proper, 
Motto; "Tout d'en haut,"---All from on high.

The grandfather of Col. Benjamin Bellows, (John Bellows,) is supposed to have come to this 
country in 1635, and married Mary Wood of Concord, Mass., by whom he had ten children, the 
youngest being Benjamin, who, it is said, was adopted by one Benjamin Moore. Benjamin married 
a widow Willard, in 1704, whose maiden name was Dorcas Cutter. She had four children by Mr. 
Bellows, three daughters and one son, Benjamin, the founder of the town of Walpole, who was 
born May 26th, 1712. He married Abigail Stearns of Lunenburg, Mass., the daughter of the first 
settled minister of the town. When he came to this town, he had five children of whom mention 
has been made in the foregoing pages. By his second marriage, to the widow Jennison, he had 
five more; many of whom, at their majority, settled in town, and they in turn had a numerous 
progeny. Owning a very large share of the landed estate in town, and by reason of their wealth, 
being better able to give their children educational opportunities, and in consequence possessing
a higher social standing than theirs townsmen, their local influence was almost unlimited, and 
for the first fifty years after the town was settled they shaped and shared most of the public 
business in town.

Down as late as 1820, and after, the political sentiments of the Bellows family were potently 
felt in town As an instance illustrating the foregoing statement, one of the voters in town, 
meeting his neighbor on the morning of March meeting day, inquired of him for whom he was going
to vote. "Oh," said he, "I don't know: I haven't asked Squire Bellows yet."

The influence of the Bellows family in town was the natural outgrowth of their wealth and higher
attainments, and was in perfect harmony with the principles of human nature. No instance is 
known where an abuse of the family's influence was felt; on the contrary, in some instances 
they were more generous than wise.

Benjamin Bellows' children were
I. Abigail, b. Dec. 21, 1736, d. at Northfield, Mass. while on a visit, in 1756.
II. Peter, the oldest son of Col. Benjamin, was born in Lunenburg, Mass., Jan. 6, 1739. He came 
to Walpole with his father the year he was fourteen. At the age of twenty-one he was appointed 
constable of the town. He married Mary Chase, of Cornish, N.H., and settled in Charlestown, 
N.H He died April 5, 1825; his widow d. April 18, 1830. He is represented to have been a 
person of diminutive size, witty in conversation, fond of a good time, impetuous and brave in 
action, and indifferent to mental or physical exertion. His descendants are scattered far and 
wide, and many of them are said to be highly respectable. None of his family is known ever to 
have resided in town. His children were 1st. Samuel, b 1776; m. Martha ---; he d. April 5, 
1820; she d. Mar. 8, 1843, aged 77. 2d. Benjamin, m. Polly dau. of Elijah Parker, July 24, 
1791. 3d. Peter, m. Mehitable Jacobs. 4th. Solomon, b. Sept. 9, 1776, m. Polly Hoyt. 5th. 
John, b. 1778. 6th. Polly, b. 1782, m. Stephen Parker. 7th. Betsey, b. 1785, m. Dr. Child.
III. Bellows, Benjamin, the second son of the founder, familiarly known as the General, seems to 
have been the only son of the Colonel s family who ever gained a state reputation, although the 
family, as such, was widely known. Commencing when but nineteen years old with the office of 
town clerk, which he field for thirty-two years, he held almost every office in town and county at 
a very early period of his life. He was State Senator and Councilor from his districts, was 
chosen a member of the Constitutional Congress in 1781, but declined serving. He was a 
member of the Convention of February, 1788, that ratified the Federal Constitution. He was 
president of the electoral college in this State in 1789, and again elector in 1797. In the State 
militia he rose from a corporal to the command of a brigade. He was Colonel of a regiment 
during the Revolutionary struggle and was actively engaged in raising troops for the same. He is 
described as being a dark complexioned man, fully six feet in stature, very courtly in manners 
and firm in his decisions. He hated catch-penny showmen and would order them out of town on 
his own responsibility. From what can be gleaned from his public life, and what information is 
gained by tradition at this remote time, the conclusion is drawn that he had a well-balanced 
mind, was dignified in character, courteous in manners, persuasive in language, generous in 
public and private deeds, and ever kind to his kinsmen and neighbors. His education was mostly 
gained from intercourse with men, and not from books. He built and lived in the house where 
Mrs. Prentiss Foster now resides. In the latter part of his life he did not lose his desire for 
appearing comely and tasteful in his dress,-still clinging to the old Continental style. He had late 
in life but little ambition and few cares; spending many hours with his brother John discussing the 
news of the day over a clay pipe of which both were very fond, or having a pleasant chat with 
the townspeople In that way he descended the other side of the hill, the foot of which he 
reached June 4,1802 aged 62; his wife died Jan. 15, 1817 aged 77. His death was universally 
lamented, not only in town, but wherever he was known. His funeral was attended by the largest 
number of people that ever assembled in town on a similar occasion,-the funeral procession 
reaching from his house to the cemetery. He married Phebe Strong of Northampton and had 
five children. Two of whom not much is known, probably died young.
His children were 1st. Caleb, who m. Maria Hartwell of New Ipswich, an only daughter, who 
was reputed rich and well educated. Caleb's father built the house now the residence of Moses 
J. Hale for his son. Both families being rich the parents vied with each other in giving their 
children a good start in the world. The wedding is said to have been one of more than ordinary 
occurrence. The couple, after their marriage, made their advent into town with a retinue of 
friends, the bride and groom being mounted, each on a gay and spirited horse. The impression 
that the event made on the townsfolk at the time was of such a novel nature that tradition holds it 
in store today. It is said that her "setting out" far surpassed anything of the kind that had ever 
before been seen in town. Twenty-six feather beds and thirteen brass kettles, all new, were 
among the articles enumerated. Mr. Bellows was engaged in various enterprises through life, but 
did not succeed financially; on the other hand, before he died he became comparatively poor. 
He died April 17, 1822, aged 54. She died July 11, 1846, aged 75. Ch. (1) Ephraim Hartwell, 
b. Jan. 29, 1792. (2) Caleb Strong, b. August 22, 1793. (3) Benjamin Franklin, b. Oct. 22, 
1795. (4) George Lyman, b. Feb. 4, 1798. (5) Mary Brown, b. Jan. 6, 1800. (6) Phebe 
Strong, b. June 7, 1802. (7) Laura Livermore, b. Sept. 17, 1804. (8) Caleb Strong, b. Sept. 1, 
1806. (9) Moses Brown, b. Aug. 11, 1808. (10) Elizabeth Rowe, b. July 22, 1810. (11 & 12) 
Caroline Pinkney and Charles Cotesworth, b. May 6, 1813. 2d. Phebe, m. Samuel Grant. (See 
Grant.) 3d. Polly.
IV. John, better known as Col. John, was born Nov. 3,1742, m. Rebecca Hubbard. He d. Aug. 
19, 1812, aged 70; she d. Dec. 26, 1810 aged 60. He built the house and lived on the place 
now owned and occupied by Rev. Henry W. Bellows D. D. as a summer residence, which 
constituted only a small part of his immense landed estate. He had a large family of children, 
twelve in number, one of whom, Hubbard, lived there till he died, it being his patrimony. His 
family was the best educated, the most dressy and dashy of any in town at that time. John was, 
in disposition and general character, quite the opposite of his older brother Ben. His immense 
landed estate brought him a good return yearly, even in those days. He was ambitious of gain, 
and he succeeded before the close of his life in making a handsome addition to his patrimony 
although he was an extravagant liver and had an expensive family to care for. He yearly raised a 
large quantity of wool, which he employed the farmer's wives and daughters, in the vicinity, to 
spin for him. Their visits to procure wool and return yarn, with their horses hitched about his 
yard, made his home wear the appearance of a public house on a festive day. The records of 
the town abundantly show, although he is said to have been parsimonious, that he was no 
niggard, being only second to his brother Ben, in public munificence. Ch. 1st Rebecca m. Roger 
Vose, Jan. 4,1801. (See Vose.) 2d. John. 3d. Josiah, known as Josiah 2d, was a man who 
possessed in an unusual degree the power of memory and the use of language. He could talk by 
the hour and never hesitate for the want of the proper word to use at the proper time; and in 
telling a story, if there was anything wanting to make it smooth and complete, the material was 
always at hand to supply all deficiencies, whence he obtained the sobriquet of "Slick Si." He 
matured very early in life, and his gather built the public house that once stood on the site of the 
residence of Thomas N. Keys and established him in the business of tavern-keeping there, at 
the age of eighteen. He was what they termed in those days a "roistering blade"; and his social 
qualities gathered round him those of the same kith, and, probably, if the ashes of the old house 
could speak, strange scenes of hilarity and festivity would be revealed. In 1812, he built the 
brick mansion, now owned by F. B. Knapp, and lived there till about 1820, when he sold out to 
Jacob N. Knapp. In the season of 1824, he removed, with his family, consisting of his wife, five 
children-three sons and two daughters and a colored woman named Rachael-to Lancaster, 
N.H. He married Lydia, daughter of Dr. John Preston of New Ipswich, N.H., about 1799, and 
had the following named children, all born in Walpole: (1) Eliza, b. Feb. 27, 1800; d. Nov. 26, 
1812. (2) Charles, b. 1802; m. Eliza Willson in 1826 and had two sons and three daughters. (3) 
George, b. 1805, m. M. M. Holton of Lancaster. (4) John, b. Nov. 29, 1807; m. 1st Mary B. 
Shaw; 2d m; Helen E. Stiles of Gorham. (5) Rebecca Eliza, m. John S. Wells and had two sons 
and one daughter. She died in 1860. (6) Fanny Stone, m. Walter Sherman, and died in Boston 
in 1860 without issue 4th Roswell, m. Miss Lovell of Rockingham, Vt. 5th Hannah, died early. 
6th Frances, m. David Stone; she died in 1803 and her two daughters about the same time, 
leaving Mr. Stone without any family. 7th Sophia. 8th Hannah, m. David Stone Apr. 22, 1805, 
a sister of his first wife. 9th Hubbard, m. Louisa Morgan and lived and died on the homestead. 
Ch. (1) Sophia, m. J. H. Tracy a civil Engineer. (2) Harriet. (3) John. (4)Laura. (5)Hannah. 
None of Hubbard's children are now living. 10th Maria, m. Asa H. Center, May 24, 1824. Ch. 
(1) Maria, m. a Hitchcock. (2) Harriet. The 11th and 12th ch. of Col. John probably died in 
infancy. Of Col. John's numerous descendants, not one is known to be living in town at this 
time-the Vose family being the last.
V. Joseph, at the age of eighteen, was put in charge of his father s large landed estate in Lunenburg, 
Mass., which he afterwards inherited-a heavy responsibility for one so young. He was an 
active businessman and had the confidence of his townsmen in Lunenburg, as evinced the large 
number of responsible offices he held there. He was Lieut. Colonel in his brother Ben's regiment 
when he went to Saratoga. Through his generous disposition to help others he became their 
bondsman, and was pecuniarily involved in consequence to such an extent that his entire 
property was seized and sold, leaving him penniless. This happened in 1784, and being in poor 
health at the time, this disaster wrought upon his proud and sensitive nature to such an extent 
that an aberration, of mind, in a mild form, soon followed. His entire family consisting of himself, 
wife, and fourteen children were immediately brought to Walpole and tenderly cared for by his 
generous and hospitable brothers and kindred. His children, mostly, made highly respectable 
citizens, quite a number of whom lived and died in town.
He married Lois Whitney, who, it is said, was a woman of highly estimable character. He died 
in 1817, at the age of 73. Ch., 1st. Salmon, m. Lydia Cox, Sep. 25, 1791. Ch. (1.) Matilda, m. 
Samuel A. Wightman. (2.) Mary, d. unmarried; was a schoolteacher in Ashtabula, Ohio. 2d. 
John, m. 1st, Betsey Eams, and 2d, Annie E. Langdon. He, at the age of 17, went to Boston, 
and there from a mere shopkeeper rose to the head of a large importing house, Bellows, Corlis 
& Co., and retired from business at 50, with an ample fortune. The next ten years he was an 
officer in the city government. During this time his fortune became somewhat impaired, on 
account of his interests in manufacturing enterprises which were in an unhealthy state at the time; 
however, he saved enough from the wreck to spend his remaining days in Walpole with no fears 
of the wolf at the door. He died Feb. 10, 1840, aged 72. His children were (1.) Mary A. d. 
early. (2.) Eliza E. m. Joseph G. Dorr and had 5 children. (3) John Nelson, born in Boston, 
Mass., 1806; fitted for and entered Harvard University in 1820; married Mary Nichols of 
Cooperstown, N.Y., May 11, 1833, and had six children, all living, viz., [1] Mary Eliza, b. 
April 14, 1836. [2] Edward St. John, b. April 28, 1840; m. Susan Jones, of San Francisco, 
Cal., 1873. [3] Henry Nichols, b. May 29, 1842; m. Georgianna Lundie, of New York, 1872; 
had three children; one living, Stewart, b. in California, 1875. [4] Catherine Nichols, b. July 8, 
1846; m. Henry Robeson, U.S.N., 1872. [5] John, b. Feb. 3, 1849. [6] Clifford Eams, b. 
March 31,1852. Through a portion of Mr. John N.'s life he was engaged in teaching, but 
subsequently became a Unitarian clergyman, and was settled first in Framingham, Mass., and 
then in Wilton, N.H. His health at length became impaired, and he died Feb. 29, 1857. (4) 
Alexander Hamilton, m. Roxana Foster. He is remembered as an accomplished reader, a rare 
accomplishment; which seems to belong to the Bellows family in an unusual degree. (5) and (6), 
twins, Henry Whitney and Edward Stearns, b. in Boston, Mass., June 14, 1814. Henry 
Whitney m. first Eliza Townsend, and had five children, two of whom survive,-one daughter 
and one son, Russell N., who is a graduate and a Unitarian clergyman. He is at the present time 
editor of the Christian Inquirer, N.Y. Henry W. m., 2d, Anna, dau. of Rev. Ephraim Peabody 
of Boston, Mass., with whom he is now living.
Mr. Bellows was educated at Harvard University, graduated in 1832, and completed his course 
of study in divinity at the same place in 1837. On January 2,1838, he was ordained pastor of 
the First Congregational Church in New York, afterwards called All Souls' Church, which 
relation he continues to hold (1879). He was the originator of the Christian Inquirer in 1846, 
and published, in 1857, a spirited defense of the drama, and has also been a constant 
contributor to numerous reviews and other publications. In 1857he delivered a course of 
lectures before the Lowell Institute in Boston on the Treatment of Social Diseases. In 1860 he 
published a volume of sermons on Christian Doctrine, and in 1868-9 "The Old World in its 
New Face," 2 vols., 12mo. This is one of the best works of the kind extant One feels in reading 
it that he is the traveler himself; so vivid are the descriptions. The work is in our town library. 
During the Civil War he was President of the United States Sanitary Commission, where he was 
successful in carrying, through measures of vast importance to the needy soldier.
(6) Edward Stearns studied the profession of law, and was at Adrian. Mich., in practice, when 
his death occurred about the 30th of March, 1837, at the age of twenty-three. He is said to 
have been a young man of superior natural ability and mental attainments A notice of his death 
appeared in the Boston Courier of May 26, 1837: "Mr. Bellows, in the pursuit of his 
professional duties, which he had just entered upon at Adrian, was obliged to go some distance 
into the thinly-settled country north of his residence. Having reached a point where there was no 
stage conveyance, he attempted to reach his destination on foot, through a forest, and alone, for 
no guide could be procured. After eleven days his friends became alarmed at his absence and 
went in search of him. He was found dead in the woods, with no marks of violence upon his 
person; and there are sufficient grounds for believing that, having lost his way, and after some 
search discovered it, he had seated himself to rest before pursuing his journey, and, overcome 
with fatigue, want of food, and cold, he had given way to sleep and was soon chilled to death." 
John, by the second wife, Anna H. Langdon, had five children. (7) Mary Ann, died aged 
thirteen. (8) Francis W. G. (9) Harriet A., m. William Allen, and had four children, viz., William 
L, Annie L., George H., and Mary Louisa. (10) Percival, died at 26. (11) George G.
3d. Benjamin 2d, m. Lucy Cox of Harvard, Mass., Sept. 1, 1791, and spent his days in 
Canada. His children were (1) George, m. Fidetta Lovell, of Washington, N.H., and had 7 ch., 
of whom three d. in infancy; those that survived were [1] Frederick, who was a livery keeper in 
New York, and died worth $100,000. [2] and [3], Harriet and Mary, m. brothers by the name 
of Stebbins, and reside in Boston. [4] Charles L., b. Feb. 22, 1834; resides in Drewsville. (2) 
John, m. in Canada. (3) Louisa, m. first Cooledge Butterfield; second a Richards, in Canada. 
(4) Lucy, m. a Tole. (5) Noble, d. young. (6) Benjamin, d. young. (7) Frederick, m. in 
Massachusetts. (8) Dexter, went to Massachusetts and died there. 4th. Joseph, b. 1771, m., 
first, Deborah Wright, and, second, Mary Adams. Ch. (1) George, b. April 24, 1799. He was 
a physician. (2) Eliza, b. Sept. 13, 1801; m. a Mr. Ainsworth. (3), by second wife, Henry 
Adams, b. Oct. 25, 1803; m. Catherine Walley, daughter of Josiah and Mary (Sparhawk) 
Bellows, June 16, 1836, and had six children; viz., Josiah, Sarah, Stella, Fanny, Catherine, and 
John A., the last of whom is a clergyman. Two of his daughters married Charles Sanborn, Esq., 
of Concord, N.H. He, while a lad, attended the Academy at Windsor, Vt., which in those days 
afforded no better educational facilities than those now had at our best common schools. After 
remaining there a few months he entered the law office of Hon. William a. Bradley, 
Westminster, Vt., and on completing his law studies, was admitted to the bar at Newfane, Vt., 
in 1826. He commenced the practice of his profession in Walpole, having been admitted to the 
bar in New Hampshire the same year that he was in Vermont. In 1828 he removed to Littleton N.H. 
where he practiced his profession 22 years, when he removed to Concord in this state. Mr. Bellows
had now gained a high reputation as a lawyer throughout the state. Sep. 23, 1859, on the resignation 
of Judge Perley, he was appointed an Associate Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court, and held 
the position till Oct. 1, l869, at which time he was appointed Chief Justice. The ermine
descended unsullied upon his shoulders and was left untarnished at the time of his death, which 
occurred a short time before his office would expire by limitation. He was not a politician, but
was elected a representative from Littleton as far back as 1839, and, also, from Concord in 
1856-7. At the Law term, Dec. 1869, he rendered a decision in the case of Townshend, admr., vs.
Riley, where several hundred dollars were involved by the different modes of computing annual 
interest, which was sustained, and is now the law of the State for computing annual interest 
where irregular endorsements are made.
He was a punctual attendant on Divine service, on the Sabbath, and manifested a lively interest 
in the promotion of liberal Christianity. He was not an eloquent speaker in the popular sense; 
but possessed that kind of eloquence which was always well calculated to arrest the attention of 
the bar and jury when he was Judge, by the clearness and honesty of purpose with which he 
delivered his opinions. He died very suddenly at his home in Concord with but little premonition, 
March 11, 1873 of disease of the heart. His remains were brought to Walpole and found their 
last resting-place with his kindred. Without superior educational advantages he rose to a high 
point of honor and trust; for his honesty of purpose, he was esteemed, for being just he was 
honored, and for his urbanity of character he was beloved. He had a deep reverence for his 
Maker, and died trusting in His mercy and goodness. (4.) Fanny Annie. (5.) Mary Stearns, b. 
Oct. 26, 1808. (6.) William, m. Caroline Bullard. (7.) Harry, b. Feb. 21,1803, aged 9 years. 
5th. Levi, never married, d. Apr. 29 1852, aged 79. 6th Oliver. 7th. Abel born in Lunenburg, 
Mass., in 1776, was one of the fourteen children of Col. Joseph Bellows (the son of Col. 
Benjamin) who was brought to this town with his father and mother in 1784, at the time his 
father lost his property in Lunenburg, Mass., and became insane. Abel was cared for by the 
family of Gen'l Benjamin Bellows till the time of his majority. At the time Gen'l Bellows died, in 
1802, there was a vacancy in the office of county register, an office worth then $1,000 per 
annum. In honor of the memory of Gen'l Bellows, who had been register, the judges of the 
court left the nomination of a candidate to fill the vacancy to Mrs. Gen'l Bellows. Her son Caleb 
wanted the office, so did her nephew Abel. It lay in her power to give it to Abel or to her son. 
She quickly decided it. "Caleb" said she, "is well off and has enough for his good. Abel needs it, 
and I recommend him to the appointment." The Judges gave it to Abel. When the time came for 
the people to elect a new man, politics interposed its potent sway and Mr. Bellows was 
defeated, he being a Federalist. He was often heard to say that the $1,000 received for that 
year's labor was the foundation of his future fortune.
He went soon after to Canada, and formed a copartnership in mercantile business with one 
Horatio Gates. He continued with Mr. Gates till about l817 or `18, when, on account of 
impaired health, he dissolved partnership and came back to Walpole with about $40,000. He 
then married Miss Harriet Houghton, of Northfield, Mass., and took a trip to Europe. During his 
absence, his son Abel Herbert was born, in London. Soon after Mr. Bellows returned to 
Walpole he purchased the house where his son Abel H. now resides, where he spent the rest of 
his life in ease and comfort, employing his time in looking after his accumulating estate, and 
enjoying social intercourse with his many friends and townsmen. He had two children besides A. 
Herbert, one of whom, Charlotte, died in 1824, aged five years; the other a daughter, Harriet 
Louisa who was suddenly cut off while at school at Lenox, Mass. in the beauty and loveliness of 
budding womanhood. Mr. Bellows was esteemed by his townsmen as an unobtrusive, 
benevolent, kind-hearted, peace-loving citizen, always ready to do his share for the public weal 
and to lend a helping hand to those in distress. He died April 7th, 1857 aged 81 years. She died 
Jan. 28th, 1864 aged 72. Ch. (1). Abel Herbert, b. in London, Eng., May 28, 1821, graduated 
at Harvard University in 1842, read law in the office of the late Frederick Vose, completed his 
studies at the law school in Cambridge, Mass. in 1745 [this I believe should be 1845], and 
commenced the practice of his profession in Concord, N.H. in company with his cousin Hon. 
Henry Adams Bellows. He is now a resident of Walpole. He married May, 27th 1861 at 
Concord, N.H., Julia Antoinette Warren of Boston, Mass., and has ch. as follows. [1]. Blanche 
Harriet. [2.] Herbert Gardner. [3] Arthur Benjamin.
8th. Maj. Thomas, m. Sarah S. Dana. Ch. (1.) Isabella, d. Aug. 30, 1819, aged 6 years. (2.) 
Sarah J., m. Geo. W. Grant, Jan. 31, 1844; she d. Dec. 30, 1866, aged 46. He has two 
surviving children. (1.) Helen and (2.) Herbert. 9th. Susan, m. Capt. Jonas Robeson of 
Fitzwilliam. Ch. (1.) Abel Bellows, m. Susan Taylor, of New Haven. He was a physician, d. 
1843. Ch. [1.] Henry; [2.] William; [3 ] Herbert; [4.] Maria. 10th. Sarah, m. Calvin Ripley, 
Feb. 27, 1800. Ch. (1.) Emily, b. Dec. 23, 1799, m. Calvin Barnes, Dec. 1, 1825. (2.) Louis, 
b. 1801. (3.) Thomas, b. 1803, m. Salome Dickinson and had six ch., of whom Sarah is one, 
who m. Joshua B. Clark and has grandchildren who are of the 7th generation of the Bellows 
blood in Walpole. (4.) Louisa, b. 1805; d. July 8, 1863. (5.) Susan, b. 1810; m. Alvin P. 
Haskins of. Greenfield, Mass., Nov., 21, 1850. (6.) Sarah, b. 1812. (7.) Joseph, b. 1814. Mrs. 
Ripley, d. Mar. 11, 1878, aged 95. 11th. Louisa, m. Jacob N. Knapp. (See Knapp.)
VI. Abigail, b. Jan. 13, 1759 and married for her first husband, Col. Seth Hunt, of Northampton, 
Mass., Mar. 28,1779, and 2d, Cap. Josiah Richardson of Keene, Apr. 17, 1782. By her first 
husband she had one son, Seth, who was born in 1779. He was never married; although he was 
not indifferent to the personal and intellectual charms of the fair sex. It is said that he at one time 
had a slight attack of heart burning for Miss Patterson of New Jersey, who afterwards became 
the wife of Jerome Bonaparte. He was eminently a man of the world. Having traveled much and 
acquired, by so doing, a large fund of general information, he took great pleasure in imparting it 
to any one who would listen. He was one of the finest readers that ever lived in town, and 
nothing would affect him more unpleasantly than to hear one read indifferently He had an 
irascible temper and the whistling of a boy would drive him almost to a state of frenzy. He was, 
at one time, governor of one of the territories, after which he was addressed as such. (Gov.) 
The latter part of his life he lived with his mother, in the Gen'l Allen house; but when she died he 
took quarters at the tavern, where he died suddenly, Apr. 7, 1846, probably from disease of 
the heart.
Mrs. Richardson had one child by her second husband, who was accidentally killed by being 
thrown, with herself, from a wagon. She was full of fun and innocent pranks, from girlhood to 
old age. She was independent in character, and not over-frugal in her manner of living, which 
caused Mr. Richardson to keep an eye on the larder, which greatly annoyed her, and one day 
"she threatened him that when he died she would bury him in the ash-hole with his head out, that 
he might continue to know what was going on in the kitchen."
In her girlhood she was caught one day at church services making up faces at the minister, and 
the reprimand she received was sufficient to cool her fun-loving habit in that direction. She was 
fond of young company in her old age, when the buoyancy of youth would seem to have 
returned. Her countenance wore the freshness of her mind till near the close of life. She never 
was so happy as when recounting some funny incident to young listeners. She used to say at 
last, referring to her want of heirs, and as an apology for giving away her substance freely, that 
she did not care to leave so much as a door latch. She died May 5, 1844.
VII. Theodore. He was the oldest son of the second set of children, and was born in the fort. 
When he was first married he lived in a house that stood on the Knapp place one hundred rods 
or so south of the present brick mansion. He is said to have been a very powerful man in 
physical strength, and to have emulated his father in size-tipping the beam at three hundred 
pounds. He was out a few months in the service of his country in 1780. Being of an easy nature 
he was content to let each day bring forth its favors or its frowns. He being without ambition or 
enterprise; either through misfortune or neglect, his once substantial patrimony wasted away and 
left him in advanced age without those luxuries that he was wont to have in his younger days; but 
his necessary wants were generously supplied by his brother Thomas. He considered it a virtue 
to receive, as well as to give. He died in consequence of injuries received by a barn door's 
swinging against him. He married Sarah, daughter of Capt. Phineas and Abigail Hutchins of this 
town, and settled in Charlestown, N.H. Ch. 1st. Sarah, b. April 8, 1782; m. Walter Powers. 
2d. George, b. June 31, 1784; m. Clarissa Bellows. 3d. Polly, b. Oct. 29, 1785. 4th. 
Theodore, b. Oct. 10, 1787; m. Elizabeth Davis. 5th. Thomas, b. Dec. 12, 1789. 6th. Charles 
Henry, b. April 23,1791; d. Aug. 16,1802. 7th. Orlando, b. June 30,1793; m. Maria Bleannett. 
8th. Eleanor, m. J. P. Baker. 9th. James, b. Dec. 12, 1796; d. Sept. 17, 1802. 10th. Abigail; 
m. Charles Watkins.
VIII. Mary, m. Maj. Martin Kinsley, October 18,1803. Rev. Henry W. Bellows says of her 
that "She was cast in that mold of female nature which would have fitted her to be the wife of 
some resolute old Puritan in the days when wives buckled on their husbands' swords and bade 
them die, but not dishonor their name and faith. Tall and commanding in person, firm and 
original in opinions, of native dignity and elevation, free from frivolous or feminine weaknesses, 
she carried her self-respect with her all her days, and secured the veneration even more than the 
love of others. * * Possessing unusual business capacity and large experience, she managed her 
affairs with discretion, and was a helpmeet indeed to her husband, whose Congressional life 
carried him much away from home." "Mrs. Kinsley, after the death of her husband, resided 
chiefly in the family of her only child, Mrs. Gardner; but after her grandchildren, early bereft of a 
mother, ceased to need her care, she followed the family instinct of her race and repaired to 
Walpole to end her days. Here she lived in the family of her brother Thomas until she died.
Her religious creed and belief were those of one hundred years ago, while, on the other hand, 
her brother's were of a more liberal kind. This disparity of views led to many animated 
discussions between the Squire and herself; but neither party succeeded in converting the other 
of the fallacy of views each was supposed to entertain. She had one daughter, who married 
Samuel J. Gardner.
IX. Thomas was born the same year his father built his new house, (1762) which is still standing, the 
property and residence of Rev. Thomas Bellows, the grandson of the founder. Probably this is 
the oldest dwelling in town. The old homestead of the founder has never passed out of the 
possession of the family, being highly prized by both his son and grandson.
Referring to the town records, the name of Thomas Bellows occurs frequently as a town officer, 
and in 1792 he was chosen the first representative to the General Court from after the adoption 
of the State Constitution the same year. In 1794 he was appointed Councilor for five years; and 
in 1799 Sheriff of the County of Cheshire; an office which he held for more than thirty years, 
discharging his duties as an officer with fidelity, honor to himself, and to the entire satisfaction of 
the public.
The "Squire," as he was sometimes called, was noticeably peculiar in his ways, in some 
respects. He had an infirmity of speech, which sometimes produced a ludicrous smile on the 
face of a stranger; but to all acquaintance it was of little moment. At one time a stranger inquired 
the distance to Charlestown, when his peculiar nervous utterance prevented a distinct and ready 
answer; and in his impatience he blurted out: "Go `long, go `long, you'll get there `fore I can tell 
ye." He had a wonderful memory of dates and of personal history. He could remember every 
public house he ever stopped at, where it was, and the landlord s name. If a stranger entered 
the church where he habitually attended, he was impatient till he knew his name and from 
whence he came. So, too if a person moved into town. He had a habit of counting the numbers 
of those that were at church on the Sabbath and in so doing he would move his fore finger 
slightly as he counted, and at the same time gently move his lips, and if any family or any 
member of it was absent, he knew it. An absence from church by any person or family whose 
attendance was usually constant, was followed by the inquiry whether they were sick or well. 
Left with a handsome fortune, he was content to enjoy its income in part, and leave it to his 
children unimpaired, with a moderate addition. In his dealings with the world he was 
proverbially honest; sometimes, it was thought, overstepping the Golden Rule by doing better 
by others than he wished others to do by him. He lived a long .and blameless life, being in his 
eighty-sixth year when he died. His epitaph was the work of his life, with which his townsmen 
were familiar long before his death; although not chiseled in granite, it will endure as long as the 
name of Thomas Bellows is spoken;-An honest man.
Thomas Bellows was born in 1762; d. April 18,1848. He m. Eleanor Foster. She was born in 
1768; d. Aug. 29, 1840. Ch. 1st. Isaac Foster, b. March 4, 1806; m. Eleanor Huntington, and 
had three children. 2d. Mary H., b. March 5, 1806; m. David Buffum. (See Buffum.) 3d. 
Thomas, b Sept. 23, 1807; fitted for college at Exeter, N.H., 1822; entered Harvard, but 
graduated at Dartmouth College in 1827. He pursued theological studies at Andover, Mass. 
and New Haven, Conn., and was settled over a Congregational church and society in 
Greenfield, Mass., March, 1833, and was dismissed September, 1834, when he returned to the 
Bellows homestead, where he is now living (1879). 4th. Martha Eleanor, b. Apri1, 1 1811; m. 
Philip Peck. (See Peck.) 5th. Ann Foster, d. young.
X. Josiah, the youngest son of the old family, was born in 1767, and died in June, 1846. The 
immediate cause of his death was injuries received by being thrown from a wagon. It is said that 
in his youthful days he was in the habit of sowing "wild oats," but one knowing him in advanced 
life would hardly ever have suspected anything of the kind.
His father was desirous of giving him a liberal education, and sent him to Yale College for that 
purpose, with his nephew Caleb, General Benjamin's son. But with their sanguine temperaments 
and impulsive natures they could not brook the confinement incident to college life, and in a few 
days they returned home; choosing rather to face the frowns of indignant parents than the study 
of Latin accidence; thus verifying the common saying that " If you shut up a Bellows in a school 
room with books, if there is no other way of escape he'll go through the window."
Mr. Bellows pursued the vocation of a farmer through life. For many years he was one of the 
strong pillars of the town, representing it in the General Court in 1809-10 and in 1819; and of 
the Unitarian society, of which church he was a constant attendant. In person he was large, 
inclining to obesity; rather taciturn in his social intercourse, his sentences being always short, 
approaching bluntness at times. In conversation he invariably made use of the strongest Saxon 
words, in laconic sentences. He was a highly respected citizen of the town, a kind neighbor and 
benevolent friend, but he always preferred doing things in his own way. Of all his kindred and 
descendants no one resembles him so much, in size, looks, and general appearance, as his 
grandson, Waldo F. Hayward.
He was married twice, 1st to Rebecca Apr. 13 1788, dau. of Hon. Thomas Sparhawk; she 
died in Oct. 1793; he m. 2d his deceased wife's sister, Mary.
By his first wife he had two children. 1st Josiah 3d, b. Nov. 25 1788; d. Jan. 13, 1842. He was 
twice m. 1st to Stella C., the dau. of Stephen Rowe Bradley. Ch. (1) Stella Louisa, b. Oct. 7, 
1814. (2) Sarah Adeline b. Apr. 13 1818. (3) Gratia Rebecca, b. Jan. 1, l82l. (4) Stephen 
Rowe, b. Oct. 17, 1822. He married for his second wife the widow of Dr. Alfred Hosmer and 
had one son, Josiah Grahm, b. July 24, 1841; m. 1st Anne E, dau. of Dr. Alpheus Morrill of 
Concord, N.H.; she d. and he m. 2d, Katharine H. W. dau. of Aaron P. and Huldah (Burke) 
Howland. He is now living in town practicing the profession of law, in the confidence and 
esteem of his fellow townsmen. Josiah 3d, better known as the Col., was an active businessman 
in town for more than thirty years, being principally engaged in mercantile pursuits. He 
represented the town in the General Court in 1823-4-5, was Capt. of the artillery company that 
went from this town to Portsmouth in 1814. He was Town Clerk from 1831 to 1838, and Post 
Master from 1826 till the time of his death, besides holding many other offices of trust and 
honor, in town and county.
In person he was fine looking, and in address very courteous, and in nature obliging. It is said 
that he was the most popular Bellows that ever lived in town-knowing no one that he could 
call his enemy. Mrs. Bellows was a beautiful woman, and she, together with her three daughters 
and son, all of whom possessed a grace and loveliness of person and character seldom 
witnessed in one family, formed a group which would have made a charming tableau for the 
pencil of the artist. But that fell destroyer, consumption, blanched the check of the mother first, 
then the daughters, one by one, till the green turf hid them all from worldly vision. The Col. and 
his son Rowe survived but a few years, they both being victims of the destroyer of that lovely 
family.
2d Louisa, b. July 16 1792; m. John W. Hayward and died in 1878. Ch. (I) Louisa, m. Rev. 
Chas. T. Canfield. (2) John W., b. in Wayland, Mass., July 5, 1828; m. Esther C., dau. of Dr. 
Ebenezer and Esther (Crafts) Morse. (See Ap.) (3) Waldo Flint, b. Dec. 26, 1831. Josiah 
Bellows had by his second wife, Mary Sparhawk, 3d Thomas Sparhawk. 4th Mary Bellows. 
(See Grant.) 5th Polly, b. Jan. 20, 1798. 6th Ellen, m. 1st Gill Wheelock by whom she had 3 
ch., (1) Ellen m. Nathan Chandler. (2) Henry G. m. Harriet S., dau. of Joseph and Eliza 
Bellows Dorr. (3) George G. Mr. Wheelock died and his widow m. Jonathan Howe. 7th 
Edward, b. Oct. 31, l806; died young. 8th William, b. June 29 1808; d. May 8 1862; m. Sarah 
H., dau. of Nehemiah Giles, June 16, 1836, and had two sons, William and Edward. 9th Julia 
R.; m. Robert Barnett, June 16, 1816; issue, one daughter, Mary, who died Apr. 10, 1873, 
aged 35. 10th Catherine Walley, b. in 1815, m. Hon. Henry A. Bellows. (See H. A. B.) She d. 
June 24, 1848. 11th Annie Foster, m. Rev. Thomas Hill; she died leaving six children, Henry, 
Mary, Elizabeth, Catherine, Joy, Ann and Thomas Roby. It will be perceived that William, Julia 
and Catherine were all married at the same time.