Gorrell, Gawn E.

The following data is extracted from Merrimack and Sullivan Counties, New Hampshire Biographies.

Gawn E. Gorrell, a farmer and well-known Republican of Northfield, was born May 16, 1857, son of Clough and Sarah (Forrest) Gorrell, both natives of Northfield. The grandfather, Gawn A. Gorrell, a native of Salem, Mass., was the first of the family to come to Northfield. He settled on a farm near the home now occupied by his grandson, and resided there until his death.

Clough Gorrell was also a farmer. When quite a young man he settled on the Thomas Clough farm, where his son now lives, and lived there for the remainder of his life. He died May 20, 1890, at the age of eighty years. His wife's death occurred December 19, 1888, at the age of seventy-four. She was born September 8, 1814, daughter of William and Nancy (Dearborn) Forrest, and the fourth of the nine children born to her parents. She joined the Methodist Episcopal church, now of Tilton, and was subsequently a steadfast member for fifty-six years. A woman of energy and character, she was a faithful wife and one of the kindest of mothers. The two children born to them both grew to maturity. Addie, the elder, married Thomas W. Long, and since his decease she has lived on the Long homestead in Northfield. She had one child, Marcia E., who died at the age of seven years.

After finishing the course of the Northfield public schools, Gawn E. Gorrell studied at Tilton Seminary, teaching at the same time in the district schools. On the death of his father he assumed charge of the homestead farm, where he has since devoted himself to farming. He owns one hundred and fifty acres of land, and he has supplemented the improvements begun by his father with new and substantial buildings. Besides carrying on general farming with success, he keeps a profitable dairy.

Earnestly interested in the general welfare of his native town, and taking an active part in politics, Mr. Gorrell has served in some town offices. He was Selectman in 1881-82, 1883-84, and 1891-92. He was a member of the School Board from 1891 to 1897, and he is also a Trustee of the Ionia Savings Bank of Tilton. An Odd Fellow in good standing, he is a member of Harmony Lodge, No. 65, of Tilton, and of Tilton Encampment. He is also a member of Friendship Grange, No. 110, of Northfield, and a regular attendant of all the meetings of that organization. He attends Mrs. Long, is a member of the Methodist church. It is needless to say that the subject of this sketch is a popular man, both in the town and in the county.

Source: Merrimack and Sullivan Counties, New Hampshire Biographies

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