New Hampshire WWI Military: Private Maurice H. Roberts of Derry NH (1900-1918)

Posted on 1 October, 2016 by Janice Brown

Roberts Maurice H photo watermarkedMaurice Herbert Roberts was born 2 May 1900 in Derry, Rockingham Co. NH, son of Albert Burton & Carrie (Nutter) Roberts.  He had siblings Rena B., Alvin B., and Melissa M.  In 1900 and 1910 censuses he is living in Derry, NH with his family.  In 1910 he was still 9 years old and so it is unknown if he worked prior to enlistment.  He was a very young 17 or 18 year old at the time of entering the military, so whether he received written approval from his parents, or he lied on his enlistment form, we do not know. Continue reading →

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Inventor of America’s First Automobile–Maybe: George Alvin Long (1850-1951)

Posted on 29 September, 2016 by Janice Brown
G.A. Long's Steam Road Vehicle patent of 10 July 1883 from Google Patents

G.A. Long’s Steam Road Vehicle patent of 10 July 1883 from Google Patents

When it comes to who built America’s first automobile, the discussion becomes as overheated as a car climbing New Hampshire’s Mt. Washington. The answer comes down to the details.

What is the definition of an automobile, other than being self-propelled? Does it need to be gasoline powered, or would steam-power qualify it for first place? Does it need to have four wheels, or will three do?

What would you accept as proof of the earliest–a patent, a newspaper clipping, a photograph? If you search the internet, or review a book on early automobiles, you will see conflicting stories and a long list of people claiming to have been the very first. Instead of arguing these points, I’ll simply tell you George Alvin Long’s fascinating story. Continue reading →

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New Hampshire WWI Military: Private David Robidoux of Nashua NH (1893-1918)

Posted on 27 September, 2016 by Janice Brown

Though his name is misspelled, this is a photograph of David Robidoux.

Though his name is misspelled, this is a photograph of David Robidoux of Nashua New Hampshire who died during World War One. From “Soldiers of the great war …,” comp. by W.M. Haulsee, F.G. Howe [and] A.C. Doyle.

David Robidoux was born 31 August 1893 at Saint-Francois-du-Lac, Quebec, Canada, son of Arthur/Hercule Robidoux & Obeline/Ombeline  Forcier. David’s mother died when he was 3 years old and his father remarried and the family moved in 1898 to the United States, living first in Pembroke NH and then in Nashua NH by 1910. David had full siblings, Joseph H., Marie, Corana/Corinne (who married Mathias Asselin),  Edmond, and also a half brother, Joseph Gideon. Continue reading →

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

Posted on 25 September, 2016 by Janice Brown
Claremont 1846

Old sketch of Claremont NH, view from High Street, 1846.

Once 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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