A complete archive of mail from November 2004

ALSO SEE last month's reader mail

November 26
WHERE IS ENOCH?
Curious, why no Information on Brigadier General Enoch Poor, other than a slight mention in the battle of Bunker Hill? He did reside in New Hampshire and I believe 2 of his daughters married Col. Cilley's sons....His picture hung in the Capital building for many years....
Deborah

EDITOR’S REPLY: A hero at Saratoga, Enoch Poor was born in Massachusetts, but did come later to Exeter, NH. He’s certainly worthy of coverage, and should anyone want to assist us in the research, we’re ready to feture him. Our strategy starting in 1997 was to flesh out the key white male Revolutionaries online, which we did in Framers of Freedom. But since these stories are often well told in NH history, we moved quickly on to fill in less told tales – the history of SeacoastNH women, immigrants, children, people of color, native Americans. We wanted to fill in names rarely covered elsewhere. That being done seven years later, we may have the opportunity to double back and pick up some of the lesser known patriots. Those who have advocates who can help us with the work and likely to show up online sooner since our manpower is limited

November 26
PASSACONAWAY IN LOWELL
Your story on Passaconaway mentions that his legacy includes a mountain named after him, a camp, and a lodge .In the Edson Cemetary in Lowell, Massachusetts, stands a twenty five foot tall statue of him(a ten or twelve foot copper statue on top of a ten or twelve foot granite base).Just thought you might like to know,since we thought he was buried there!
Bill Lamb

November 24
ABOUT GOSPORT CHAPEL
Can you please tell me when the chapel on Star Island was built? Any information about the builders would be helpful too. Thank you for your help. Ann Preston

EDITOR’S REPLY: Have you checked our 1,000 listings on GOseacoast.com? Here’s our page.

DINO ON THE ISLES?
I'm the reference librarian at the Lane Memorial Library in Hampton. A patron is seeking an article within the last few years that has to do with a fisherman who found a dinosaur skull off the coast of the Isles of Shoals. Does this ring a bell? Marija Sanderling

EDITOR’S REPLY: There were certainly dinosaurs on the New England mainland. My parent’s coffee table is made from a dino footprint from coastal Mass, but we did not see the piece you suggest in the local papers. A dino skull would be quite a find. We assume that would be a fossil. We’ve seen a walrus skull in the biology at the Sholas Marine Lab (see photo). That seems more likely, but we’ll pass the info on to the UNH/ Cornell facility.

FROM JIM MORIN, Director of SML: I have no knowledge of any dinos being found anywhere in the vicinity of the Shoals. The rock formations are mostly pre-dinosaur in age, except for younger igneous intrusions, which would not yield dino traces so the likelihood of most any fossils is remote and all the geologists who have worked out there conclude the same I think. Materials, could however, be carried in as glacial erratics, but again, the probabilities are very small. I certainly do not know of any reports.

November 18
GEORGE FISHLEY STRIKES AGAIN
I have been researching who was in my revolutionary war ancestor, Maj. Isaac Frye’s company and George Fishley is listed there for his three-year term. That article made my day. Thanks!
Charles Frye.

November 17
ROCK THE FORT
I am doing a school project on a rock from fort william and mary. in the tribune tower in chicago, there is a rock from fort william and mary. if you have any information about anything geological or geographical about that area, i would be so grateful to hear. i already have history on the raid at for william and mary, but i need to know geological facts, like what the fort could possibly have been made of. if you could tell me any of this information, it would help me greatly.
Lizzie in Chicago

EDITOR’S REPLY: Thanks for sending the photo of what looks more like a brick to us, than a rock, which makes sense since the fort was rebuilt in brick in the 19^th century. The forst has been constantly built and rebuilt since possibly the 1700s, so it’s pretty difficult to determine what kind of rock was used, especially since it is in Chicago now. We were unaware that this cluster of rocks from different American historic sites was there in Chicago. Thanks for filling us in. There is not a lot written on the fort and most of it is on three web sites, and we’ve forwarded you those links.

ADDED COMMENTARY from Peter Payette at PortsmouthForts.com: Since it is a brick and not a stone, that makes it easier to know generally where and when it came from. It should have been labeled as "Fort Constitution", but I guess whomever "stole" the brick in the first place wanted a little romantisism. By 1798, there was very little left of Fort William and Mary as it was known in 1774, as it had undergone a massive facelift by then. In 1808 and 1842 more work was done, and today there is precious little to find of the original revolutionary war fort.

November 17
WAS AT THE GATHERING
I just wanted to make a little correction to your Seacoast movies story in this month's newsletter. "The Gathering" with Ed Asner was partially filmed in Portsmouth at Strawbery Banke. I was there when they filmed that very short section of the movie and met some of the cast. I was working at the museum at that time and co-workers and neighbors came out to watch the excitement. Thanks for a great newsletter I always look forward to.
Jeanne M. Mitchell

November 16
HAS ORIGINAL WEBSTER & WHITTIER DOCUMENTS
I enjoyed the article about John Greenleaf Whittier. My dear friend Matilda (Basset) Boyle has a poem that he wrote when he was 11 years old. Also, a letter written to her grandfather, who was also a Quaker. Another friend/cousin has a letter written by Daniel Webster, when he was the Secretary of State for the U. S. It was to the court in Spain regarding Frederic Tudor & John Wade Damon, who were known as the Ice Kings. They were clever Yankees who packed ice in sawdust & convinced people in warm climates that they needed ice. (He also has the journal with the notations written when it was used as evidence in the lawsuit, plus both parties answers to the suit.) Webster asked the court to be good to both parties. The partnership was recognized & the Spanish possessions were divided between Tudor & Damon.
Priscilla in Francestown

November 16
KEEP ON KEEPING ON
Good Evening, First I love your site & have been visiting it for at least 3 years. I love all the tidbits of info you provide. I used to live in Kittery Point, so always love hearing the history of the area. Keep up the good work. I love it!
Former Kitteryite

November 15
REMEMBERING LOUIS
Just received your Nov/Dec issue. As usual, it was informative and fun. As we have discussed before, I spent some time with the deRochemonts over the years, including a summer in New Hampshire with a side trip to Quebec *(shooting "13 rue Madeline"). My memory is pretty good and I remember that the deRochemont farm was called 'Blueberry Bank", not Blueberry Hill. In fact, the Newington Post Office recognized that as their entire address. You may remember, I visited the house last May, and was pleased that it had been restored so well. Again, you do good work with your newsletter. Keep it up.
Best, Harry Elliott

November 11
FRENCH FAMILY BOUGHT THE DRAKE FROM JPJ
Excuse my bad english... Do you know a drawing or a picture of this boat? Paul Jones solded this boat for my great-great-grant-father Jean Peltier-Dudoyer, shipowner of Nantes. I have the "rôle d'équipage 1779" is mentioned "prise anglaise" !
A Reader from France

EDITOR’S REPLY: The DRAKE is often depicted in 19^th century engravings and 20^th century paintings of the RANGER. But we’re not aware of a definitive drawing of the ship and pictures vary. The following sketch by William Gilkerson shows the DRAKE being towed to port in France where your ancestor purchased it. We’re loved to see a photo scan of your document to add it to records here in Portsmouth where the RANGER was built.

November 10
CELIA’S UNFINISHED SHIPWRECK POEM?
I am reading Rosamond Thaxter's "Sandpiper" and she mentions a manuscript begun but never completed by Celia Thaxter called "Sea Sorrow" about ship wrecks. Does this manuscript still exsist? If so would it be possible for me to explore it? Thank you,
Nicole Biergiel

CELIA SCHOLAR JANE VALLIER REPLIES: Hi Nicole. I have a short answer and a long answer to your query. First, I do remember something about Celia starting a shipwreck collection and becoming too depressed to continue. I don't blame her, but I can't remember the source. I will check my dissertation (25 yrs old!) and see if its there, otherwise, I would check Oscar Laighton's book.

Have you found the two books by Keith Huntress? Narratives of Shipwrecks and Disasters? Dr. Huntress was from Wells ME, I believe, and taught here at ISU. He knew the New England coastal history in exquisite detail,even remembering the old hotels on the Isles of Shoals. Our library will have his work if it is not immediately available to you. (Jane Vallier is Professor Emerita, English at Iowa State University and author of a number of books and articles about Celia Thaxter.)

November 9
HAS VERY OLD JPJ BOOK FOUND IN PAPER DRIVE
Sir: We just read John Claytons (Manchester Union Leader) column referencing your interest in and knowledge of John Paul Jones. We have a book titled "Life and Character of the Chevalier John Paul Jones, A Captain in the Navy of the United States during their Revolutionary War." It is dedicated to the Officers of the American Navy. A motto on the title page reads,"Spectimur agenda" Let us be tried by our actions."

The Book is by John Henry Sherburne, Register of the Navy of the United States. ---- City of Washington 1825 --- Sold by Wilder & Campbell, New York; and at the Principal Bookstores in the United States. Vanderpool & Cole, Printers, N. Y.

The book has a hand written signature of the buyer on the dedication page;The property of William Gibbs August 12th 1825. The inside of the cover has a sticker J.T. Gibbs, 1856 and pencil note erased and over-written by J.T. Gibbs. Dover N.H. The book is in fair to good condition; the pages are flecked with ecru spots and some mildew.

It came into my fathers possession in the early 50"s when a personal library, with the volume of 2-3 cubic yards was given to the Pittsfield Rotary Club Paper Drive. My father chose to keep several old volumes plus some N.H. Gazeteers. A book that tied to the Navy theme, The Naval Battles of the United States published in 1857 by Higgins, Bradley and Dayton, listed all the warships in the U.S at the time and the ones being constructed, including the 74 Alabama and 44 Santee of Portsmouth, Va or NH is not clear. The book deals mainly with the War of 1812 and the Barbary Pirates in the 1830's.

We have noticed other writings about J.P.J. references the above book. Was it the first written about him? Does it have value? Was William Gibbs a crew member, a relative of a crew member, or just an admirer of this remarkable warrior?? Any assistance will be appreciated.
Gil Bleckmann

EDITOR’S REPLYL Yes, as far as we know that is the earliest book-length biography of JPJ. We try not to assign a dollar value to historic items, but the book has value, though is not too rare. Jones drew crewmembers for the RANGER from the Piscataqua region, including Dr. Exra Green from Dover. But we don’t see a Gibbs in the crew list compiled by Joe Sawtelle. The battle was nearly a half century earlier, so that seems unlikely. As to whether Gibbs Is related to a crew member, that sounds like a long row to hoe – research-wise.

November 7
REV. JOHN BROCK ON ISLAND
MY FAMILY LIVED ON THE ISLE OF SHOALS, REV.JOHN BROCK IS RELATED NOT ABLE TO MAKE THE CONNECTION. HE LEFT THE ISLE TO PREACH TO THE INDIANS IN YORK, ME. I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIND ANY EVIDENCE HE WAS MARRIED. STEPHEN BROCK WAS ALSO BORN ON THE ISLE, WHEN THE FAMILY LEFT THEY MOVED TO PITTSFIELD, NH. DO YOU KNOW OR AND RECORDS, OR ANY PLACE I CAN FIND INFORMATION ON THE BROCK'S THAT LIVED ON THE ISLE???
CONNIE HARR

EDITOR’S REPLY: We don't yet do genealogy. Try contacting ISHRA or the Portsmouth Athenaeum that holds the Star Island documents collection. The Isles are divided between two states, so records may be available in Rye, NH or York, Maine, depending on which Island you are looking for. Both towns have good historical socieites. But records from the Isles are few nad far between, although records of missionaries are more prevalent. Look for reports from the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel among the Indians and Others, still operating. They were key missionaries at the Shoals.

November 5
VISITING THE YARD
I will be in Durham, New Hampshire, with my wife and another couple on May 17, 18, 19 to see the Andre Rieu concert . Is there any possibility of touring the Portsmouth Shipyards?
Ken

EDITOR’S REPLY: As far as we know (we are not the Shipyard) only top bird Navy brass, highly cleared journalists and former shipyard workers with their "blue cards" are allowed to tour in the post 9/11 era. Contact the shipyard public information officer to plead your case.

November 3
TRULY RELATED TO SCOTTISH JOHN PAUL
Sir -- It is with great interest that while surfing I stumbled upon your articles on my great,great,great,grand uncle, John Paul as our family knows him and John Paul Jones as the rest of the world knows him. In my country, Scotland, he is at best known as a bit of a pirate, being ostricised by his own family for joining with you new world rebels and was considered a family black sheep. My own grandmother, Annie Paul Smith, a direct decendent of his sister, always felt she had to keep the family secret and it was only after his corpse was discovered and news papers of the time reported that his name was revered in the US that she dared admit her association. Although it is doubtful that he had any direct decendents, there are many like myself who are proud to have blood ties, in particular the manyl men folk in the family who have served with HM Royal Navy and the one who is currently serving in the US Navy. I also have ties with the US and have visited a great many times. So far I have never seen my ancesters tomb although that is something that I shall soon remedy. I am assured that you folk have created a fabulous memorial worthy of Napoleon. All that for a wee borders boy. We, at home are grateful.
Yours sincerely
Christine Thompson

EDITOR’S REPLY: It’s nice to hear with a true JPJ descendant at last. 95% of our readers who claim ancestry are named "Jones" and are unaware that his real surname was "Paul". We’ll do out best to keep telling this dynamic story. John Clayton of the Manchester (NH) Union Leader did a fine interview on the topic this week focused on our SeacaostNH.com pages. We added a link to his piece in our JPJ Links page.

November 2
SEEKING ARTIST SAMUEL ROWELL
In preparation of an article for the American Museum of Folk Art, I am researching the life and work of Samuel Rowell, a folk portrait painter who reportedly was a commercial artist in Portsmouth about 1849 and who from 1861 to 1870, after losing the first two fingers of his right hand, was a master painter (not an artist) at the Portsmouth Navy Yard. I would be most appreciative if you would let me know whether your records contain any information that relates to his activities in Portsmouth.
Arthur B. Kern

FROM NICOLE CLOUTIER, Portsmouth Library, Special Collections: Your question to Seacoastnh.com was forwarded to my attention. Mr Rowell is listed in city directories for 1851, 1856, 1860, 1867, 1869, 1870. I have two obituaries for Samuel Rowell. One appearing in the Portsmouth Journal, January 25, 1890, age 75 and one in the Portsmouth Herald, Nov. 12, 1921, age 70. Both Obits indicated that the gentlemen were formerly of Portsmouth, and died in Amesbury. Could the Samuel who died in 1921 be the son of the Samuel, the painter? The timing could be right for that, but the obit doesn't clear that up.

I find no information in our collection about where he might be buried. Although it appears other Rowells were removed from Amesbury and buried in Harmony Grove Cemetery. Including above mentioned Oliver. Our obituaries indicated several "children of Samuel", but it appears that there are two Samuels based on the above mentioned obits. Not sure which children are from which Samuel.

November 2
NEW CASTLE FORT STARK PIX
Five new photos from the Bernard J. Keenan, Sr. collection are now online. Quite interesting. The collection suffered through a house fire four years ago, and these are all that is left.
Peter Payette, Portsmouth Forts

November 1
SEEKING JPJ
Do you know of a website that sells prints of John Paul Jones? I'm having a hard time finding one.
Deb

EDITOR’S REPLY: If you go to eBay and search on "John Paul Jones" (be sure to tick the box for "Exact Phrase" under SEARCH) you'll find a number of JPJ prints being auctioned. The most commonly sold reproductions comes from a place called LINE OF BATTLE printers. The company seems to have every JPJ engraving and reproduces them somehow for sale at around $25.

November 1
JUST GOT YOUR NEWSLETTER
Your newsletter is very interesting & fresh. I like it! I am currently a student at McIntosh College in Dover, NH & have just won the Best of Photography award in the Second Annual Student Juried Art Exhibit for my photograph of the tall ship "Friendship". I see you have in the past had photo contests... any coming up in the near future?
Shelly Britton

EDITOR’S REPLY: Actually, we’ve never had a reader photo contest, We most often publish images by professionals. But when Shelly send her pix, we couldn’t resist adding a page for the tall ship Friendship.

November 1
ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST
A World War II watchtower in Scarborough, Maine meets its wrecker. This tower (similar to those still standing in Seacoast, NH) was featured as the cover photo on the 1997 book by Jack Wysong The World, Portsmouth, and the 22nd Coast Artillery: 1939 - 1945, although the tower did not belong to the Portsmouth Defense Command, rather to the Portland Defense Command. It's too bad it couldn't be saved. (See October 31, 2004 Portland Press Herald newspaper for details on the scarborough tower destruction.)
Pete Payette, editor
PortsmouthForts,com