Moses Spafford

DAR Ancestor #: A107372

From Full text of "A genealogical record, including two generations in female lines of families, spelling their name Spofford, Spafford, Spafard, and Spaford, descendants of John Spofford and Elizabeth Scott, who emigrated, in 1638, from Yorkshire, England, and settled at Rowley, Essex County, Mass"

(61.) Moses Spafford and .

He was one of the pioneer settlers of Claremont, N. H. Though the bride's name is unknown, the following story of the marriage ceremony will be of interest :

" Rev. Bulkley Olcott was established in Charlestown, N. H., before the settle- ment of the townships on the north and west, and he was often called to attend weddings and funerals at a great distance. In such cases guides were sent to con- duct him to the places and return with him, as there were no roads, and he would be in danger of being lost in the intricacies of the forest. There is a tradition that he was thus conducted to solemnize the first marriage in Claremont.

"Moses Spafford had built a log-house, and brought to it his intended. It was a very rude structure, with a stationary pine table and no furniture but such as Moses had made, and the utensils for housekeeping were not many or elegant, yet with the superadded idea that Moses was to be her constant companion, all was pronounced very good, and Moses went to Charlestown to bring up Mr. Olcott to perform the marriage service. When about starting, the lady reminded him that they had nothing to drink in the house, and that as Mr. Olcott might be faint on his arrival, it might be well to take a bottle and get z. pint at Charlestown. This was done, and Mr. Olcott on his arrival was treated to a generous glass of black-strap. He then solemnized the marriage, and after refreshments, was recon- ducted to his home. The earliest issue of this marriage was the first white child born in Claremont, to which the parents gave the good old name of Elijah." —

CHILDREN.

201. *Elijah, b. 1763; m. Caroline Shuman.

202. *Amherst, m. Hannah Emerson.

203. *Eliphalet, m. Randall.

204. Eunice, | One of these daughters married a Mr. Tarbell,

205. Dolly, J and had sons, Moses S., Joseph S., and others.

CLAREMONT (Settled 1762; 1990 population: 13905). Named by Gov Benning Wentworth to honor his cousin, Lord Clare, whose English estate in Surrey was named Claremont Castle. Sullivan County's only city, Claremont was first settled by Moses Spafford and David Lynde, two Connecticut grantees. The oldest areas are west of downtown Claremont whose early development was tied to the water power potential of the Sugar River and along which textile, paper and machinery mills were built, many of which remain today.