RESEARCH Gazetteer

"Stephen Hawkins, of English descent, was one of the pioneers of Winchester. He was a farmer and an extensive owner of lands along the Ashuelot river, in the vicinity of the village of the same name. His son Stephen O. succeeded him on the homestead, which is located near the banks of the river, about midway between the villages of Winchester and Ashuelot, where he lived a number of years, keeping a tavern and a country store, and managing his extensive farm. He was the father of eight children, four sons and four daughters, only one of whom, Stephen O., Jr. settled in this town. He was born December 23, 1793, in the village of Ashuelot, where he carried on the business of blacksmith and farmer. Later he lived a few years on the old homestead, and continued his trade and farming, but finally returned to Ashuelot, where he spent the remainder of his life, dying at the age of seventy-two years. He married Cynthia Miles, of this town, and they were the parents of nine children, viz.: Charles P., Gardner, Caroline E., William B., Stephen O., Nathan M., Emeline, Abial and Abby Jane. Charles P. deceased. William B. and Abial went to the city of New York, and engaged in the manufacture of ale. Gardner resides in Fitchburg, where he carries on an extensive business in blacksmithing, now retired on account of ill health. Stephen O., who bears the name of his father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and is the only descendant of this family in Winchester, resides on the place where his father died. He married Abby A. Roberts, of Gill, Mass., and was a blacksmith, farmer, and for twenty-three years, until about two years ago, a hotel keeper. His children are Hattie I. (Mrs. George Alderman), of Framingham, Mass.; Nellie G. (Mrs. J.P. Grover), of Worcester, Mass.; Frank S., deceased; Florence A., deceased; and Marion A., who resides with her parents."