New Hampshire WWI Military: Private Orrin H. Edwards of Antrim NH (1893-1918)

Posted on 5 October, 2016 by Janice Brown

edwards-orrin-pvt-watermarkedOrrin Herbert Edwards was born 26 May 1893 in Derby, Orleans Co. Vermont, son of Gertrude Edwards. It is unknown whether any siblings survived him. Orrin grew up in Sheffield, Vermont, removing to Antrim, New Hampshire between 1910-1914 where his mother lived. Orrin also lived briefly in Hancock NH around this same time.

Orrin’s World War I Draft Registration of June 5, 1917, indicates he was married and living in Hancock, New Hampshire, working as a farmer for Morris Fairfield of the same town. Orrin’s photograph is unusual in that he appears to be wearing distinctive dark glasses. [Editor’s note: this photograph was untouched from the original 1918 one, with the exception of adding my blog URL as a watermark]. Continue reading →

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Concord New Hampshire’s First Female Physician: Dr. Lucinda S. (Capen) Hall (1815-1890)

Posted on 3 October, 2016 by Janice Brown
I searched for over two years for a likeness of Dr. Lucinda Capen. Not finding one I settled for this sketch from The story of American heroism, by Lew Wallace, 1897 Medal Winners and Roll of Honor Men (Civil War)

I searched for over two years for a likeness of Dr. Lucinda Capen. Not finding one, I settled for this representation, a sketch from The story of American heroism, by Lew Wallace, 1897.

Mrs. Lucinda S. (Capen) Hall, M.D. was not only Concord, New Hampshire’s first woman physician, but she also was the first woman to receive a medical degree from a New England institution, graduating from the Boston Female Medical College in 1848 and the Worcester Medical College in 1852. She practiced both midwifery and medicine in Worcester and Lowell, Massachusetts,  and Concord, New Hampshire.

[Editor’s note: The first woman to receive a medical degree in the United States was Dr. Elisabeth Blackwell who was born in England, and graduated from the Medical Institution of Geneva College in NY in 1849, see other Women’s Firsts in Medicine].
Continue reading →

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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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