Faces of the Fifield and Spencer Families of Sullivan County New Hampshire

Posted on 25 September, 2016 by Janice Brown

Claremont 1846Once again some amazing tintype and gem-sized photographs have come across my desk.  This time they are of the Fifield and Spencer families.  They became kith and kin, residing in several towns in Sullivan County, New Hampshire, and intermarrying.  They were farmers and physicians, homemakers and community-minded individuals.  Some died of old age, while a few died tragically by their own hand.

As those of my readers in the genealogical research community know, it is no easy task to research many generations.  Some spend years at it, and I do not have that leisure. This is not an attempt to trace the Spencer and Fifield families in their entirety, but rather to offer you a correct sampling, along with matching photographs.  Enjoy! Continue reading →

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New Hampshire WWI Military: Corporal Michael T. Champa of Manchester NH (1896-1918)

Posted on 23 September, 2016 by Janice Brown

Champa Michael corp watermarkedMichael T. “Mike” Champa was born Mikal Champa on  11 August 1896 in Manchester NH, son of Thomas P. & Katazyna “Katie” (Lukasik/Lukiasik) Champa. His parents were immigrants, being born in Austria-Poland. Siblings included Wanda, Henry Thomas, Waldyslaf, Charles, and John.  He grew up in the neighborhood of 313 Pine Street. Continue reading →

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New Hampshire’s Rock Profile: The Watcher aka Old Woman of the Notch

Posted on 21 September, 2016 by Janice Brown
Old Woman of the Notch, Franconia Notch NH (aka The Watcher)

Old Woman of the Notch, Franconia Notch NH (aka The Watcher)

New Hampshire rocks are often like the clouds in its skies–if you stare at them long enough they start to look like something else.  She has been known by several names: The Watcher, the Old Woman of the Notch, the Maid of the Mountain, the Old Lady of the Mountain. She was born at the same time as her formerly famous counterpart, The Old Man of the Mountain.

She is smaller, and not quite so easy to see. There is no plaza, no parking lot in her vicinity. No famous statesman has ever uttered a pithy quotation about her. And so the Old Woman of the Notch languishes along with other rare natural rock profiles in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Continue reading →

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New Hampshire WWI Military: Private Thomas Daudier of Manchester NH (1889-1918)

Posted on 19 September, 2016 by Janice Brown

Dandier Thomas photo watermarkedThomas Joseph Daudier was born 1 October 1889 in Biddeford, Maine, one of 13 children, and son of Thomas & Madeline (Bois) Daudier. He grew up in Biddeford Maine, and by 1910 had married Rosealma Bastarache. They had one child, Conrad Daudier.

In 1917 Thomas Daudier and family had moved to Manchester, New Hampshire where he was working as a driver for the Manchester Coal and Ice Company. They lived at 447 Rimmon Street. He, like other men his age, filled out his draft registration card that same year and entered the military. He served in Co. H of the 325th Infantry, 163rd Brigade, 82nd Division. Continue reading →

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New Hampshire World War I Military: Heroes of The Great War

Posted on 18 September, 2016 by Janice Brown
World War I plaque, Hall of Flags, New Hampshire State House, Concord NH. Photograph courtesy of Debbie LaValley. Used here with her permission.

World War I plaque, Doric Hall (ie.Hall of Flags), New Hampshire State House, Concord NH. “ROLL OF HONOR, 1917-1919, IN HONOR OF THE MEN AND WOMEN OF NEW HAMPSHIRE WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN THE WORLD-WAR IN THE SERVICE OF THEIR COUNTRY.” Photograph courtesy of Debbie LaValley of Boscawen NH. Used here with her permission. (SEE entire transcription of names below).

“New Hampshire World War I Military” a series of stories that revolve around the lives of heroic men and women who participated in The Great War (or World War) of 1917-1919. Most of these heroes fell on the battlefield. Others served in hospitals and on the home-front.

My stories are ongoing, and URL links will be added to this page. If you are a relative, a friend, or an interested party who has photographs or letters, corrections, or personal remembrances, I would love to hear from you in the comments section. I want to thank Debbie LaValley of Boscawen, New Hampshire for taking the photographs of the plaque for this article.

Continue reading →

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