Edwards, Henry Harrison

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

Henry Harrison Edwards, a watchmaker of acknowledged ability, who is now residing in Allenstown, was born in Laconia, N.H., July 28, 1840, son of Nathaniel and Rachel (Ranlett) Edwards. His grandfather, Ebenezer Edwards, who in his earlier years followed the sea, subsequently learned the hatter's trade, and followed it in Laconia for many years. Another source of income to him was the Martha Watson, a native of Dover, N.H., who also died at the age of sixty-eight. Of their eleven children David, William, Charles, Eben, Mary, and Pierpont are living.

Nathaniel Edwards, father of Henry H., was born in Plymouth, N.H., December 7, 1813. He learned the shoemaker's trade in New Market, N.H., and followed it for several years in his native town. Later he became assistant superintendent of the Lake Water Company. In politics he was originally a Whig, and later became a Republican. He served as Tax Collector for some time, and was Chief of the Fire Department for a number of years. In his latter years he attended the Baptist church. He died at the age of seventy-two years. His wife, Rachel, who is a native of Gilmanton, N.H., became the mother of three sons-George W., Henry H., and Frank A. George W., now deceased, married for his first wife Miss Lawton, of Pittsfield, Mass., who had no children. His second wife, Ida Mills Edwards, of Williamstown, Mass., now resides in Pittsfield, Mass., with her two children-George W. and Blanche. Frank A. married Nellie Tilletson, of Whitefield, N.H., and his children are: Frank, Nathaniel H., Louise, and Jessie. Mrs. Nathaniel Edwards, now eighty-four years old, is residing with her son in Laconia.

Henry Harrison Edwards was educated in the public schools of his native town. Subsequently he learned the watchmaker's trade in Laconia, and followed it there as a journeyman for four years. Off and on for several years he was employed at the Waltham Watch Factory; and he has also worked in St. Johnsbury, Vt., Pittsfield, Worcester, and Haverhill, Mass. His last engagement with the Waltham Company extended over a period of twenty years, ending in 1892, at which time he came to Allenstown.

On September 13, 1877, Mr. Edwards was united in marriage with Helen P. Otterson, daughter of Thomas James and Phoebe P. S. (Bryant) Otterson, late of Allenstown. Mr. and Mrs. Edwards have had one daughter, Pauline L., now deceased. Politically, Mr. Edwards is a Republican. Both he and Mrs. Edwards are liberal in their religious views.

Source: Merrimack and Sullivan Counties, New Hampshire Biographies

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