Biographies: Copps-Cutler. Hopkinton, Merrimack County, New Hampshire **************************************************************************** USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free genealogical information on the Internet, data may be freely used for personal research and by non-commercial entities as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may not be reproduced in any format or presentation by other organizations or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for profit or any form of presentation, must obtain the written consent of the file submitter, or his legal representative and then contact the listed USGENWEB archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net. Submitted by: Glenn Campbell grc1@charter.net Date: March 1, 2002 **************************************************************************** From a book called "Life and Times in Hopkinton, N. H. in three parts" by C. C. Lord published 1890 LIFE AND TIMES IN HOPKINTON, N.H. Section VIII --------------------------------------------------------------------------- LIFE AND TIMES IN HOPKINTON, N.H. IN THREE PARTS Section VIII Moses Copps, the son of John Copps and Sarah Pollard, was born in Plaistow, November 6, 1777. In the course of his life, he resided in Portsmouth, Haverhill, Mass., and Hopkinton, where he died in March 1863. He was a shoemaker and farmer. He was a deputy sheriff of Plaistow, a selectman, and a lieutenant of militia. In 1804, October 2, Moses Copps married Mary George, daughter of Maj. Amos George and Sarah Greene, of Haverhill, Mass. They had children,--Emeline A., Sarah J., Abigail, Mary A., Elizabeth, Rufus P., Harriet B., Ellen M., Florantha A., Myra F. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rufus P. Copps, the son of Moses Copps and Mary George, was born in Plaistow, January 13, 1818. At two years of age he moved to Haverhill, Mass., he then spent a year in Dunbarton; he next moved to Hopkinton, where he has resided since, excepting two years in Amesbury, Mass., and Bethlehem, N.Y. He was educated at Hopkinton academy, and is a school-teacher and farmer by calling. His present home is at West Hopkinton, on "Silver Farm," where he devotes himself exclusively to agricultural pursuits. Mr. Copps has had repeated civil promotions. He was a selectman of Hopkinton in 1856, 1857, and 1858. He was representative to the General Court in 1862 and 1863. In military life, he has been distinguished. He was made adjutant of the 40th Regiment of New Hampshire militia in 1845; major, in 1846; lieutenant-colonel, in 1847; colonel, in 1848. In 1843, September, Rufus P. Copps married Melissa Flanders, daughter of Nathaniel Flanders and Betsey Wright, of Hopkinton. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eben Corliss, one of the oldest citizens of this town, was born in Alexandria, April 14, 1800, being a son of George and Sarah Corliss. He is a cooper and farmer. In militia days he was a drummer. In the course of his life he has lived in Grafton, Bristol, Boscawen, and Concord. He has lived in Hopkinton since 1858. Of late years he has lived with his son, Elbridge G., in Contoocook. Eben Corliss married Sarah Ladd, of Alexandria. Besides two children dying in infancy, they had daughters,--Anna and Nancy; and sons,--Elbridge G., Charles H., and James. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jacob Cram, M. A., son of Col. Jonathan and Mary (Cram) Cram, was born October 12, 1762; graduated at Dartmouth college, 1782; studied for the ministry with Rev. Nathaniel Emmons, D. D., of Franklin, Mass.; ordained pastor at Hopkinton, February 25, 1789; dismissed January 6, 1792; became a missionary to the Stockbridge (Mass.) Indians, and others in New York; afterwards removed to Exeter, N.H., and died there December 21, 1853. He married Mary, daughter of General Poor, of the Revolutionary army, at Exeter, September 13, 1804. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Henry Hamdon Crowell, the son of Albert Crowell and Lydia Livermore, was born in Hopkinton, July 9, 1834. He was educated in the common schools, and became a wood and lumber dealer, owning a saw-mill in the Farrington district. Mr. Crowell has frequently held offices of trust. From 1868 to 1870, and in 1874 and 1875, he was a selectman; in 1876 and 1877, a representative to the General Court; from 1878 to 1880, a collector of taxes; in 1870, he was made a justice of the peace. From August 27, 1862, till the close of the war, he was in the Union army; he served in Company E, 1st Regiment of U.S. Sharpshooters, till January 30, 1865, when he was transferred to Company H. 5th Regiment N.H. V. In 1858, November 30, Mr. Crowell married Lucinda Maria Currier, daughter of Benjamin and Martha Currier, of Concord. They had four children, --Martha Etta, George Henry, Lewis Albert Galen, Frank E. Mrs. Crowell having died, Mr. Crowell married for a second wife, Melinda J. Burroughs, of Bow. She was the daughter of Alfred A. and Maria Burroughs. This marriage occurred November 15, 1876. A daughter, Lillian Livermore, is the offspring of this marriage. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- George E. Crowell, the son of Nathaniel Crowell and Esther Stone Day, was born in Manchester, Mass., September 29, 1834. When but two years old, the subject of this sketch came to Concord with his father and remained six years; then, for twenty-four years, he resided in Hopkinton, attending school on Beech hill, where his father lived, a portion of the time. He then moved to Brattleborough, Vt., where he took possession of The Household, a family periodical, which he now conducts. In 1872, March 14, Mr. Crowell married Mary Louisa Spencer, of Brattleborough, and the daughter of Elijah Spencer and Louisa Metcalf, by whom he has had children,--Christie B., Herbert S., Frank J., Esther L., Ralph W. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- John Currier, an early physician of Hopkinton, is said to have come here from Newbury, Mass., as early as 1779, and to have married Sarah Clement on the 19th of March, 1781. He died in 1808, aged 52. In early life, he solicited a surgeon's position of the captain of a privateer designed to make reprisals upon the British during the Revolution. "What can you do?" asked the captain. "I can cut a man's head off and put on a wooden one that's better than yours is," was the answer. "You are just the man I want," said the captain. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Edmund Currier, an early physician of Hopkinton, died in 1811, aged about 44. His ancestry belonged in Salem. He married Betsey (Stanley) Alcock, daughter of Samuel Stanley, of Hopkinton. They had children,--Amos, Edmund, David Carlton, Trueworthy Gilman, Ebenezer Bronson, Ariel Stillman. Edmund Currier, the son, was a clock-maker and Ebenezer Bronson Currier was a piano-maker. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- David C. Currier, the son of Dr. Edmund Currier and Betsey (Stanley) Alcock, was born in 1784. He lived many years or all of his life in Hopkinton. He was a harness-maker and farmer. In the War of 1812, he served in Capt. Jonathan Bean's company, in Lieut. Col. Nat. Fisk's regiment, at Portsmouth, enlisting for a service of ninety days from September 11, 1814. Mr. Currier married Dolly Campbell, daughter of Phineas Campbell of Henniker. They had children,--Lozaro, Susan V., Laura E., Susan V., Eliza. Mr. Currier died October 10, 1864; his wife, November 2, 1876. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lozaro Currier, the son of David Carlton Currier and Dolly Campbell, was born in Hopkinton, January 10, 1820, and has always resided in Hopkinton. He is a farmer and shoemaker. In militia days, he was a martial musician. His wife was Anna Anderson, of Hopkinton. Their children are,--Ella Anna, Lizzie Deane, Willie Anderson, Mary Eliza. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stephen Currier, one of the early physicians of Hopkinton, was born in the vicinity of Salisbury, Mass., June 11, 1775, being a son of John Currier and Sarah Clarke. When the subject of this sketch was a mere child, his father moved to this town, actually cutting a road through the wilderness in the western part of Hopkinton, to enable him to reach his destined location in the present Stumpfield district. Stephen Currier, seeking an education, became the pupil of John Osgood Ballard, of Warner, afterwards of Hopkinton. He taught school a number of terms in Warner and Hopkinton. Seeking a knowledge of medicine, he studied with Dr. Robert Fuller, of Milford. Locating in Hopkinton, he became a popular physician with a widely extended practice. He was obliged to keep four or five horses, and his patronage sometimes came from points as far away as Lowell, Mass. In his old age, he received patients at his house. His active practice extended over a period of more than forty years. Dr. Currier evinced considerable originality in practice. He concocted a specific, the ingredients of which remained a secret with him till death. That is bore a reputation we may know from the fact that others tried to imitate it. It has been said the late Dr. Cyril C. Tyler discovered the nearest approach to original remedy. In 1809, March 20, Dr. Currier married Lucy Story, daughter of Capt. Thomas Story and Lois Currier, of Hopkinton. They had the following children: Mary, John Darwin, Hillard Loveren, George Washington, and Robert Barclay. The two younger children are living at present, the latter in New York city. Dr. Stephen Currier died March 23, 1862; his wife, September 4, 1872. The house of Dr. Currier, in Hopkinton village, is now occupied by his youngest son, Robert Barclay, as a summer residence. The edifice has been much remodeled. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- John Darwin Currier, the son of Dr. Stephen Currier and Lucy Story, was born in Hopkinton about the year 1810. In early manhood, he devoted himself to mercantile pursuits, being a merchant's clerk, at first in Hopkinton, afterwards in Salem, Mass. An ill condition of health induced him to go to sea, and he went as supercargo on several voyages to the west coast of Africa. His first voyage was in the brig Sciot. He took out a "protection," the record of which is as follows: No. 915, John Darwin Currier; born in Hopkinton, N.H. Age, 24; Height, 5 feet 6 1/2 inches; Complexion, fair; Hair, dark. The Sciot sailed on the 8th of February, 1835, and on the coast of Africa Mr. Currier established a factory at Ambrig, in the place of one previously burned, and traded principally in ivory. In the course of time, he visited may localities on the African coast, bringing home mementos of his travels, native gold jewelry, and skins of animals being prominent curiosities. The main object of these travels seems to have been the establishment of factories or trading stations. On one of his return voyages, Mr. Currier, being on friendly terms with the African king of the Island of St. Thomas, took home the king's son, Jose de Castro by name, who, being well pleased with his newly found friends, and privileges in Hopkinton, returned to St. Thomas and secured the permission of his father to reside, for the purpose of an education, in the United States. Dr. Stephen Currier assumed guardianship of the lad, and was notified of his ward's departure for his new American home. All knowledge of the boy ended here. The slave-trade was then very active upon the west coast of Africa, and it was assumed that the boy was betrayed and sold into slavery. John Darwin Currier suffered extremely in consequence of the African climate, which appears to have terminated his life. He died on the 14th of June, 1837, on board the bark Active, of Salem, while she was cruising near St. Thomas. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- George Washington Currier, the son of Dr. Stephen Currier and Lucy Story, was born in Hopkinton, February 28, 1816. In early life, he evinced an aptness for intellectual pursuits, and became a pupil of Master John O. Ballard, and improved the opportunities implied in the existence of Hopkinton academy. In early manhood, he taught a number of schools, one in Concord, and, being at length married, he concluded that his days of teaching were past. However, his services were still in demand, and with very slight exceptions, he continued a teacher some part of each year for a period of about thirty years, being one of the most successful instructors in the town. He was also a member of the superintending school-committee from 1844 to 1849. He was also a selectman in 1856 and 1857. In 1842, December 14, Mr. Currier married Hannah Flanders, daughter of Philip Flanders and Sarah Smith, of Hopkinton. They had six children,--Mary Ann, Lucy Sarah, John Darwin, Robert Barclay, Katie Eloisa, and Hester Eliza. Upon marriage, Mr. Currier located on a farm now owned by Horace G. Chase, between Beech and Putney's hills, about half a mile from Hopkinton village. A few years ago, he moved to his present residence in the village. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Robert Barclay Currier, the son of John Currier and Mary Morgan, was born in Hopkinton, November 16, 1832. He was educated at Hopkinton academy, and is a farmer by occupation, his home being where his father formerly resided. In 1874 and 1875, he was a representative to the General Court. In 1875, he was chosen an assessor or appraiser. In 1861, April 7, Mr. Currier married Ellen H. Putney of Hopkinton, and a daughter of Ira A. Putney and Hannah Muzzey. They have children,--Mary M., Charles C., John, True P. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Charles C. Currier, the sone of Amos Currier and Mary Sargent, was born in Hopkinton, February 7, 1805. When ten years of age, he was bereaved of his father and went to live with his brother-in-law, Jonathan Jones, at Kast's hill, at West Hopkinton. In his youth, he enjoyed such advantages as then commonly fell to the lot of the farmer's boy, but, arrived at manhood, he went to Boston, Mass., and worked in a drug store for a Mr. Henshaw. This was in1826. He soon left the drug business, and engaged work in a West India goods store, kept by Pierce & Goodnow. In the course of about two years, by the assistance of his employers, he formed a partnership with a cousin, Cyrus Chase, and opened a store in Salem, Mass. In 1830, he purchased an interest in the schooner Rebecca, and became a trader with the West Indies. His first ventures were successful, but later ones were unprofitable, and in May, 1834, he sailed as a supercargo for a voyage of seven months. The next year he sailed for Calcutta as the representative of David Pingree, to purchase hides, cloths, gums, etc., and ship them to this country. In 1836, he spent a part of the year in Madras. Returning to Calcutta, he traveled nearly a thousand miles on the river Ganges into the heart of the country. In 1839, he went to Singapore, stopping on his return at the island of Penaug, where he entered into new business relations in the firm of Reverly & Co. In 1840, his partner, Mr. Reverly, was lost at sea under such conditions of bequest that the business and profits of the firm passed to Mr. Currier. The business increased until it employed from three to five vessels, and then Mr. Currier's old friend, David Pingree, began to send to Penang, and the enterprise was very much enlarged. When American interests became sufficiently identified at Penang, Mr. Currier was made the first consul. While at Penang, in consequence of a personal service to the Danish colony in the Nicobar Islands, he received the present of a gold snuff-box, bearing the royal emblem, from the king of Denmark. In 1859, suffering from asthma, Mr. Currier returned to the United States. In March, the next year, a sudden illness caused his death on the 13th. He died at the house of his brother, John Currier, in the Stumpfield district, leaving a large fortune to be divided among his relatives. The foregoing is mainly condensed from a sketch published in the "History of Merrimack and Belknap Counties." ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Erastus E. Currier, the son of Amos Currier, and Fanny Patterson, was born in Hopkinton, August 11, 1816. Excepting about a year in Henniker, he has lived continuously in Hopkinton, his home being in Contoocook. He is a farmer and manufacturer of lumber. He was six years a captain of militia. Captain Currier married Lucy A. Morrill, daughter of Joseph Morrill and Parmela Martin, of Hopkinton. She died June 3, 1884. There were three children born of this marriage,--George Alonzo, George Alvaro, Amos H. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Amos H. Currier, the son of Erastus E. Currier and Lucy H. Morrill, was born in Hopkinton, Oct. 8, 1848, his father residing in Contoocook. He attended Contoocook academy. With the exception of one year in Danbury and one in Littleton, he has always resided in Contoocook. Since 1872, he has been railroad station agent, express agent, and telegraph operator. He has become post-master the present year. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Alonzo Currier, the son of Amos Currier and Fanny Patterson, was born in Hopkinton, June 6, 1821, and has always lived in this town. He is a farmer and mechanic. In militia days he was a lieutenant and a captain, six years in all. His wife was Emily Merrill, daughter of Isaac Merrill, of Hopkinton. They have had children,--Abby S., Nettie I. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Samuel Curtice, the son of John Curtice and Mildred Gibson, was born in Windsor, April 3, 1813. In the course of his life he has resided in Dedham, Mass., and in Lempster. He has been a steward of the M. E. church. In 1841, March 18, Mr. Curtice married Lenora Sweat, daughter of John Sweat and Mary Preston, of Windsor. They have children,--Grosvenor Austin, Lenora Arvilla, Mary Vilona. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Grosvenor Austin Curtice, the son of Samuel Curtice and Leonora Sweat, was born in Lempster, March 31, 1842. He attended school at Henniker and Hopkinton academies. From 1845 to 1861, he resided in Windsor; since 1861, in Contoocook, where he pursues the vocation of a merchant in the firm of Curtice, Rand & Co. In 1862, August 14, Mr. Curtice enlisted as a private of the 7th Regiment N.H. V., and was mustered into Company D on the 21st of the same month. He participated in all the battles in which his regiment was engaged, being wounded at Fort Wagner. He was promoted to sergeant, orderly, and finally to captain. At Fort Fisher he captured a rebel captain and several of his men. Captain Curtice has frequently held offices of public trust. In 1867 and 1868, he was town-clerk, the latter year being also one of the superintending school-committee; from 1869 to1871, town treasurer, being also post-master of Contoocook at the same time, and again treasurer from 1874 to 1878, being also representative in 1875 and 1877. In 1878, he was a supervisor of the check-list. In 1880, he was elected state senator for the term of two years, and in 1883 he was a member of the executive council. In 1866, Captain Curtice married Sara Augusta Johnson, daughter of Joshua Johnson and Clara A. Patterson, of Hopkinton, on the 14th of August. Mrs. Curtice died July 4, 1869, and April 18, 1876, Captain Curtice married Augusta Wilson, daughter of Robert Wilson and Lucinda Huse, of Hopkinton. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hiram Cutler, the son of Nathan Cutler and Mary Moore, was born in Industry, Me., February 21, 1822. He resided in Industry, till 1845, and in Lowell, Mass., till 1848. Since 1848, he has resided in Hopkinton, though spending six months in California. During the late war, he served in Company B, 2d Regiment N.H. V., being mustered in on September 17, 1861, and discharged on account of wounds December 14, 1862. He afterwards served as a corporal in Company A, 18th Regiment N.H. V., being mustered in September 13, 1864, and mustered out June 10, 1865. In 1847, Mr. Cutler married Rhoda (Darling) Taisey, of Lowell, Mass. Mr. Cutler is a farmer and carpenter.