Otis Bardwell died intestate 27 March 1871, having pre-deceased his wife, Mary Foster Bardwell, who died 13 December 1875. Mr. Bardwell’s heirs were his daughters from his first wife, Abigail Foster, Mary A. Cooke (1827-1891) and Harriet O. Bardwell (1829-1902). Mary’s husband, Edmund F. Cooke, joined in the deed dated 15 April 1886 to release his curtesy interest. The property conveyed subject to a lease to Alma Chandler; the lease term ended 1 June 1886.
Alfred W. Burt (9 December 1817-23 December 1891), a cabinet maker, was the son of Holland Burt, also a cabinet maker, and Nancy Watkins. Married May 1845 Caroline Burroughs (29 August 1808-9 August 1886); both are interred at Walpole Village Cemetery.
Mr. Burt’s obituary appeared in the Keene Evening Sentinel on 24 December 1891 (page 4, col. 2):
DEATH OF ALFRED W. BURT
A prominent citizen of Walpole Passes Away.
For Several Years a County Commissioner — President of Savings Bank — Selectman of Walpole — Sketch of His Life.
Afred W. Burt, a well known citizen of Walpole, died of apoplexy in that town on the 23rd instant after an illness of a few hours. Mr. Burt was born in Walpole Dec. 8, 1817. His trade was that of a carpenter and builder, in which he stood very high, having built some of the most substantial residences and public buildings in Walpole and neighboring towns.
Mr. Burt was highly respected by his fellow citizens for his integrity and good judgment, and was chosen to many offices of trust. He rendered efficient services as chairman of the board of selectmen in Walpole during the War of the Rebellion. Though a strong Republican, he was at a late date chosen selectman by the vote of both political parites and served several terms. He was county commissioner for Cheshire county for six years, from 1884 to 1890. During his term the new jail was built under his supervision and that of his associates. His last work as a builder was done in 1886 and 1887 as chairman of the committee for rebuilding the town house in Walpole. He was president of the Walpole Savings Bank from January, 1881 to June, 1891, when he resigned on account of ill health, and was trustee of the same institution from its organization in 1875 until his death. He was also president of the board of trustees of the Unitarian church.
There were four brothers in the Burt family, the three others, Sumner, John and George, comprising the firm of Burt Brothers, well-known and successful builders at Mattapan, Mass. These four brothers were all men of like character, sagacious, successful, inflexibly honest and of great mental and moral force and determination. John and George alone survive, Sumner dying about three years ago.
Mr. Burt leaves two sons, George F. and Charles S., and one daughter, Lora F., wife of Edward M. Holden, all residing in Walpole.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday next at the late residence of Mr. Burt in Walpole.
His will is recorded in Will Book No. 8, p. 51:
“Be it remembered that I, Alfred W. Burt of Walpole, in the County of Cheshire, and State of New Hampshire, considering the uncertainty of this mortal life, and being of lawful age, and sound mind, and memory, blessed by Almighty God for the same, do make and publish this my last will and testament, in manner and form following, that is to say;
“First, I give and bequeath unto my daughter Lora F. Holden, wife of Edward M. Holden of said Walpole; whatever money there is due me at the time of my decease from the Keene five cents Savings Bank; I do also give and bequeath to her (Lora F. Holden) a $1,000 Dollar Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Rail Road bond; I do also give and bequeath to her whatever of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe income due me in connection with the $1,000 Dollar Bond.
“Second, I give devise and bequeath unto my son George F. Burt of said Walpole the place he now lives in; the same being deeded to me by Mary A. Cook and others April 15th, 1886. I do also give and bequeath to him (George F. Burt) the sum of seven hundred dollars, which said several legacies or sums of money, I will and order to be paid within six months after my decease.
“Third, and lastly as to all the rest, residue and remainder of my entire estate, of whatsoever kind, whether real, personal or mixed, and wherever situated, after payment of all my just debts; I do give devise and bequeath the same unto my son Charles S. Burt of said Walpole, whom I hereby appoint my sole executor of this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all former wills by me made.
“It is further my will that my son Charles S. Burt enter upon said trust and be appointed Executor of this will without bond or any appraisal of my estate.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-second day of March 1890.”
Alfred W. Burt
Signed and declaimed by the above named Alfred W. Burt to be his last will and testament in the presence of us, who at his request in his presence, and in the presence of each other, have subscribed our hands as witnesses thereto.
George P. Porter, Geo. R. Jamison, Warren W. Porter
George F. Burt, joined by his wife Minnie E. Graves Burt, conveyed the property to Jennie S. Spaulding on 7 December 1895.
Sources
Cheshire Co. NH Deed Book 283, p. 51 (Bardwell Heirs to Burt).
Cheshire Co. NH Will Book 8, p. 51 (Will of Alfred W. Burt).
Cheshire Co. NH Deed Book 311, p. 123 (Burt Heirs to Spaulding).
“Death of Alfred W. Burt,” Keene Evening Sentinel, 24 December 1891, p. 4, col. 2.
Aaron Howland House 