Alvin W. Sanders, one of the leading merchants of Pittsfield, was born in this town, October 5, 1850, son of William and Adeline (Reynolds) Sanders. His grandfather, Samuel Sanders, who was a resident of Strafford, N.H., followed shoemaking and farming throughout the active period of his life, and died at the age of seventy years. Samuel’s wife, whose maiden name was Betsey Cater, lived to be eighty years old. She was the mother of nine children, all now deceased, of whom William was the youngest.
William Sanders was born in Strafford, and reared upon a farm. He learned the shoemaker’s trade, and afterward worked at it, and also conducted a good farm in Pittsfield. In politics he was a Democrat. He married for his first wife Abiagail Sanders, widow of William Sanders, of Strafford; and by that union there were five children, of whom the only survivor is Betsey. His second marriage was contracted with Adeline, daughter of John Reynolds, of Strafford; and she became the mother of five children, four of whom are living-Alvin W., Martin, Clara, and George. Martin wedded Eva Noyes, of Barnet, Vt.; and Clara is the wife of Benjamin Rollins, of Concord, N.H., and has two children-Florence and Bertha. Mrs. William Sanders, who is seventy-two years old, is residing at the homestead in this town.
Alvin W. Sanders acquired his education in the schools of Barnstead, N.H. During the ensuing three years he was employed in various cotton-mills in this State. Then he was connected with the New Hampshire Insane Asylum for eleven years, serving in the capacity of keeper for five years, and afterward having charge of the culinary department. On leaving the asylum he returned to Pittsfield, where in 1889, after working in the shoe shops for three years, he opened a general store. He deals in groceries, provisions, grain, and feed, and receives a large share of patronage.
On October 23, 1873, Mr. Sanders was united in marriage with Augusta Sanborn, daughter of Frank and Nancy (Flanders) Sanborn, of Salisbury, N.H. Politically, Mr. Sanders is a Prohibitionist. He is connected with Suncook Lodge, I. O. O. F., in the important chairs of which he has served. Both he and Mrs. Sanders are members of the Free Will Baptist church.
