John Ober Emerson

  General Notes:

Fogg, Miriam Straw Emerson, Mrs.
Released 20 May 2004
Merrimack and Sullivan Counties, New Hampshire Biographies
John Ober Emerson was born on Clement's Hill in Hopkinton, June 6, 1770. After his marriage with Mary Jones he settled on the present homestead, which extends along the Contoocook River, the house being beautifully located on the banks of the stream. Mary Jones was born August 14, 1769, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Gordon) Jones. Her father died July 10, 1815, aged sixty-seven years; and her mother April 15, 1838, at the age of eighty-eight. John Ober Emerson and his wife became the parents of six children, namely: Philip, born in 1792, who lived but four years; Moses, born January 20, 1794, who died at the age of two years; John Jones, born December 25, 1795, who died February 1, 1841; Sarah Kast, born March 25, 1798, who died in 1823, aged twenty-five years; Micah George J., born July 21, 1801, who has not been heard from since he started for Troy, N.Y., in 1832; and Jane Greeley, born July 13, 1807, who married Daniel Hardy, of Warner, N.H., and died in August, 1882. After long and useful lives the father died in 1842, aged seventy-two years, and the mother, December 6, 1856, in her eighty-eighth year. Of the latter an interesting anecdote is narrated in the History of Hopkinton by C. C. Lord. Mrs. John O. Emerson, crossed the frozen Contoocook River from the north side, to attend meeting at the old West Meeting-house. While at service a sudden and rapid thaw reduced the ice on the river to a number of floating fragments, which presented a formidable barrier to the party returning from church. The nearest bridge was three miles down the river, and to reach home by that way would have required at least six miles of travel, which, as the party was on foot, caused them to halt in dubious reflection. Mrs. Emerson, however, with ready courage, settled the question by prompt action. In spite of the remonstrances of her companions, she sprang upon the nearest cake of ice, and, dexterously leaping from one to another, crossed the river in safety. Her friends, who watched her progress, were not inspired to make the attempt by her example. They followed the advice conveyed by the old proverb, "The longest way round is the shortest way home," by walking to the bridge.

John married Mary Jones. (Mary Jones was born on 14 Aug 1769 and died on 6 Dec 1856.)