My Genealogy Hound

LYSANDER THURSTON, a well-known resident of Enfield and one of the most enterprising and successful farmers of the town, was born in Pelham, Hampshire County, on May 25, 1837, son of James and Maria (Gleason) Thurston.

Grandfather Thurston was a native of Litchfield, Conn.; but both he and his father removed to Pelham, Mass., of which they were early settlers. James Thurston was born in Pelham, February 8, 1787. At an early age he turned his attention to agriculture, and engaged in it near his birthplace until about 1846, when he removed to Enfield, and settled on the farm now occupied by two of his sons. He died there on April 7, 1866. On religious questions he was liberal. He gave considerable attention to town affairs, and served the town acceptably as Selectman and in other capacities. In 1843 he was elected to the State legislature. He cast the vote which elected Governor Morton, although at the time he was in a condition that made it necessary to carry him to the polling-place upon a stretcher. As a souvenir of that event his Democratic friends shortly after presented him with a cane.

He was twice married. Three children were born of the first union and six of the second. Six still survive; namely, Susan M., Olive, Almira, Royal G., Lysander, and Jason. Those deceased were: John T.; James; and Philander, who was born in 1837, and was the twin brother of Lysander. After graduating from Amherst College, Philander Thurston took a theological course at Andover Seminary. Soon after he engaged in preaching; and of his pastoral charges, all of which were in New England, the longest was that at Dorchester, Mass., where he remained for eleven years. During his lifetime he visited Europe. His last days were spent in Enfield, where he died, fifty-six years of age. His mother’s death occurred on the same date as that on which his father died — April 7, 1866.

Lysander Thurston acquired his education in the public schools of Pelham and Enfield, after which he attended Monson Academy. During the next ten winters he engaged in teaching; but he has since confined his attention to farming, in company with his brother Jason, who is three years younger than he.

They have two hundred and fifty acres of land, the tillage portion of which is kept in good condition. They raise a variety of grains, make a specialty of apples and other fruit, and also do a good dairy business. Their residence and general farm buildings are all in fine condition, and everything about the place betokens their thrift and enterprise. Neither of the brothers has ever married.

In politics Lysander Thurston is a Democrat, and was chosen a member of the legislature in 1890-91. He has also been active in town affairs, has been Assessor, and for nine terms has been a Selectman. Jason Thurston is also a Democrat. Regarding religious questions, both brothers hold liberal opinions.