Wild, Benjamin

The following data is extracted from Chesterfield, Cheshire County, New Hampshire History.

Benjamin Wild came here from Norton, Mass., in the autumn of 1801, and settled in the eastern part of the town. His wife was Sarah Babbitt, who died in Chesterfield in 1826, in her seventy-fourth year, he dying soon after in his seventy-ninth year, His children were Sally, John, Nancy, David, Nathan, Abigail and Elsie. Nathan. born June 14, 1787, married Rachel Newcombe, Augu 18. 1814. In his youth he had a fondness for mathematical studies, which he pursued at home, with the assistance of his brother David. He applied himself assiduously to the study of surveying and astronomy, and soon became one of the most skillful surveyors in the state, and an astronomer of considerable proficiency. After his marriage he settled on a farm near the present stage-road leading from Factory Village to Keene, about one mile from the former place. He is now engaged not only in practical farming and surveying, but in the publication of an almanac, known for a while as "The Improved New England Almanack and Ephemeris," and afterwards the "Farmer's, Mechanic's and Gentleman's Almanack." He appears to have begun the publication of his almanac about 1819, and they were generally, though not always, printed by John Prentiss, at Keene. Mr. Wild was selectman from 1820 to 1825, and representative to the general court in 1831 and '32. In 1833 and '34, he was a member of the New Hampshire senate. He died March 5, 1838.

Source: Chesterfield, Cheshire County, New Hampshire History

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