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Below is a family biography included in the Biographical Review Volume of Biographical Sketches of The Leading Citizens of Hampshire County, Massachusetts published by Biographical Review Publishing Company in 1896.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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DR. CHESTER STRATTON, late of Amherst, who in his day was reputed the best dentist in the Connecticut valley, was born in Northfield, Mass., March 19, 1816, son of Roswell and Rhoda (Wright) Stratton. Roswell Stratton was one of the early settlers of Northfield, and was probably born there. There, it is certain, he died; and his wife, too, breathed her last in that town. Their union was blessed by five children, four of whom grew up. The only survivor of the family at present is Roswell Stratton, who resides in Northfield. Both parents were members of the Unitarian church.

Chester Stratton first attended school and grew to manhood in Northfield. He received a liberal education, and on completing his studies took up the practical work of dentistry, which became his life employment. He located in Amherst in 1843, and was in business in that town, winning honor in his profession and acquiring a modest fortune, up to the time of his death, which occurred August 21, 1867. He was the first Vice-President of the Connecticut Valley Dental Association.

On March 31, 1845, he was united in marriage with Charlotte M., daughter of Shubael and Charlotte (Smith) Kenfield, who was born in Enfield, Mass., February 2, 1824. Shubael Kenfield was born in Belchertown, Mass., February 6, 1801. He was engaged in farming in Enfield the greater part of his life, and was a prominent citizen of that town. Politically, he was a Republican, and held various offices in the town, serving for some time as Selectman and as member of the School Committee. On religious subjects his views were liberal. He died in Enfield, November 26, 1862. His wife, who was born in Williamstown, June 2, 1801, lived to be nearly ninety-two years of age, breathing her last in Belchertown in 1893. She was a member of the Congregational church. They had nine children, one of whom died in infancy. The others were as follows: Timothy S., who resides in Belchertown; Charlotte M., the wife of Dr. Stratton; Mary S., wife of Henry Russell, of Amherst; Sarah M., wife of Henry J. Stone, of Enfield; Charles S., residing in Washington, D. C.; Elizabeth R., wife of William E. Bridgman, of Belchertown; Emily W., wife of Benjamin T. Hall, of Pleasantville, N. Y.; and Amos W., who resides in Camden, N. Y. Mrs. Stratton has no children.

Politically, Dr. Stratton believed in the Republican doctrines. On religious questions both he and his wife held liberal views. Mrs. Stratton, who came to her pleasant home a young bride in 1845, is still its mistress, after a lapse of fifty years. She represents one of the oldest families of the town, and is a capable business woman, deserving of the respect and esteem universally accorded her.

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This family biography is one of the numerous biographies included in the Biographical Review Volume of Biographical Sketches of The Leading Citizens of Hampshire County, Massachusetts published in 1896. 

View additional Hampshire County, Massachusetts family biographies here: Hampshire County, Massachusetts Biographies

View a map of 1901 Hampshire County, Massachusetts here: Hampshire County Massachusetts Map

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