My Genealogy Hound

JOHN L. BOSWORTH, a representative farmer of Southampton, was born March 31, 1826, in Montgomery, son of Nelson and Mary (Gorham) Bosworth.

Nelson Bosworth was by birth and occupation a farmer, which vocation he successfully pursued until his death in 1871. His wife was born in Poultney, Vt. The marriage ceremony was performed in Montgomery, and her death occurred in Southampton in 1881. They were the parents of eight children, namely: Nelson A., of Westfield; John L., the subject of this sketch; Amelia A., deceased; Reuben E., of Southampton; Adeline C., now residing at Hoosick Falls, N. Y.; Caroline D., deceased; Harriet A., of Bellows Falls, Vt.; and Lycratus K., of Huntington.

In common with his brothers and sisters John L. Bosworth got his education in the district schools of his native town, and, soon after entering his teens, began to be self-supporting. He was very industrious and economical, and before he had attained his majority he had paid his father six hundred dollars of his earnings, the greater part of which he had obtained by cutting wood at fifty cents a cord. When twenty years of age he applied himself to learn the carpenter’s trade, at which he subsequently worked for six years. He then invested a portion of his savings in a team, and began the business of teaming and freighting in Conway, at which he continued for three years. Mr. Bosworth then disposed of that business and bought out a livery stable. He conducted this place for eighteen months, when he traded it for real estate in Conway. Later he sold this property to his father-in-law, Eliphaz Morse, and removed to Springfield, where he was employed in the United States Armory, under the supervision of General Whitney. From there he came to Southampton in 1859 and purchased the farm on which he has since resided. This estate contains one hundred acres of land, sixty acres of which are under cultivation. Mr. Bosworth gives it his time and attention unstintedly, and in the manner most conducive to success.

Mr. Bosworth was first married February 16, 1854, to Sarah S. Morse, a native of Conway and a daughter of the late Eliphaz and Sarah Morse. She departed this life August 10, 1877, leaving no children. On February 16, 1878, Mr. Bosworth was again united in marriage with Susan A. Hawley, a native of Amherst, Mass., and a daughter of Horace and Sarah Hawley. Her father is deceased, and her mother is still a resident of Amherst, making her home with her children. Of this union two children have been born: Nelson E. and Edna S. He is a stanch Democrat in politics, and while in Conway served his fellow-townsmen as Constable, Collector of Taxes, and in other offices. Both he and his wife are sincere Christian workers in connection with the Methodist Episcopal Church of Easthampton, of which society they are valued members. Mr. Bosworth has been Trustee of the church for many years.