Gazetteer of Grafton county, N. H. 1709-1886, Part 65

Author: Child, Hamilton, 1836- comp. cn
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Syracuse, N. Y., Syracuse Journal Company, Printers
Number of Pages: 1266

USA > New Hampshire > Grafton County > Gazetteer of Grafton county, N. H. 1709-1886 > Part 65

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Since the establishment of the high school the following principals have presided for the time specified: Charles E. Harrington, 1868; Frank J. Burnham, 1869 ; John J. Ladd, 1870, '71, '72; Frank D. Hutchins, 1873 ; Frank P. Moulton, 1874,'75, '76; Benjamin F. Robinson, 1877, '78; Austin H. Kennerson, 1879; Harry H. McIntire, 1880 ; A. G. Millen, a part of 1881 ;.

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and Dana P. Dame, from 1881 to the present time. Rev. G. M. Curl is superintendent of school.

During the first quarter of a century of the history of Littleton there was no store within its limits. At first the settlers went to Haverhill to trade and later to Bath. About 1785 John Wheeler, who was of Charles- ton, N. H., opened a small store near the "parting of the ways" at the Wheeler place. He kept a small stock of goods, largely of the "wet" variety, and it is presumed that the business was not very remunerative as he dis- posed of it a few years later to Samuel Larnard, Jr., who soon after took James Jackson into partnership, and together they continued the business until about 1805. This firm did a large business in the way of " barter," handling very little money. They manufactured lumber at the mill on Cow brook, dealt in cattle, potash, and all sorts of produce then raised by the farmers of the town. They became interested in the lumber business on the Ottawa river in Canada, and there Larnard went in 1809. Larnard was a large, powerful man, possessed of great energy but careless of details, which may account, in a measure, for the general failure of his enterprises. Jackson is described as a man of fine presence and gentle manners, and is said to have been robbed of his interest in the business by his more aggressive partner. Tilotson Wheeler conducted this business from 1805 to 1814, when the grow- ing prosperity of the village rendered a continuance in trade at this point un- profitable and the business was abandoned.

The first store in the village was built where the Coburn house now stands, by Timothy Kiteridge, in 1801 or 1802, and here Maj. Curtis began business a year or two later with William Brackett as clerk. Mr. Kiteridge in the meanwhile put up a building for a store on the ground where James Parker now lives, but it was never occupied or finished. It suffered the common fate of all enterprises started by Mr. Kiteridge.

Maj. Ephraim Curtis had been in trade in Charleston before he came to Littleton. He was a man of sound judgment and considerable business ex- perience. In 1804 he erected the building long to be known as the "old red store," and here, with Dr. Joseph Robie, also of Charleston, as partner, he prosecuted a successful mercantile career mutually satisfactory to his custom- ers and to himself. The Major died in 1824. The business at the old stand was continued by another major, Aaron Brackett, brother of William, who re- mained here until the store now occupied by Eaton & English and A. W. Bingham was erected in 1841. William C. Brackett, son of William, was for a long time his partner. Cephas Brackett, of Massachusetts, a brother of the Major, was also for a time a me nber of this firm, but never a resident of the town.

William Brackett, known to a later generation as "The Esquire," left the employ of Major Curtis in 1805, and built a store on the meadow farm now owned by Frank McIntire where he did a large business for thirty-five years, earning the reputation of being a model business man, whose integrity was-

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never questioned. In 1841, he moved to the village, erecting the residence now occupied by his son Cephas, and gave his attention to his large lumber interest. He died in December, 1859, leaving a large estate.

George Little, a grandson of Col. Moses, for whom the town was named, came to Littleton in 1823, from Newbury, Mass., and took charge of the large landed interest which his father had inherited. He soon after built the store long known as the "Yellow Store" (subsequently owned and occupied by E. S. Wolson) and went into trade. He took great interest in the affairs of the town and was a valued citizen. He was largely interested in other enterprises, notably as a member of the several firms, George Little & Co., Bel- lows, Redington & Co., and Truman Stevens & Co. Mr. Little removed from town in 1846.

An examination of the books of the earlier merchants and the traditions re- lating to the character of their business, show that New England rum was the most important article of commerce in the early days of the settlement. Busi- ness was done on the credit system and the item, "N. E. R.," was charged in every account and more frequently than any other. The stories current in relation to the amount sold and the use and abuse to which it was put would fill a volume.

George B. Redington born in Charleston, November 29, 1808, came here and succeeded to the business of Mr. Little in 1829. Three years later his brother, Henry C., joined him as a partner, and his brother-in-law, George W. Ely. was a member of the firm at this time. The Redingtons have been identified with the mercantile and business interests of Littleton from that time to the present, a period of fifty-seven years, and have been numbered among its most enterprising and public spirited citizens. They were the founders of the village at the scythe factory.

The firm of Colby & Eastman, founded in 1836, was the nucleus of a house destined to fill a large space in the mercantile history of the town. Cyrus Eastman came from Danville, Vt., in 1836, and began business. in company with Ethan Colby, in the "yellow store." In 1841 the firm with which he was connected built the store now occupied by Southworth & Lovejoy. He was joined by his brothers, Eben, in 1843, and Franklin J., 1853 ; his brothers-in- law, Franklin and Henry L. Tilton, also became members of the firm which frequently changed its title. In 1838 it was Eastman, Mattock & Co .; in 1843, Eastman, Tilton & Co .; in 1853, C. & C. F. Eastman ; in 1858, again Eastman, Tilton & Co .; in 1867, C. & C. F. Eastman. In 1882 the last named firm disposed of the business to Edson, Bailey & Eaton. Of the members of these firms, Messrs. Colby & Mattocks moved from town, Ebenezer Eastman died in 1853 and Franklin Tilton in 1867. Hon. Cyrus Eastman was a member from the beginning and is still active in business affairs. The several firms did a large and successful business, adding materi- ally to the prosperity of the town.

Marquis L. Goold was one of the old-time merchants of Littleton. He

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began his business career as clerk for William Brackett, in the store on the meadow. For a long time after entering into business for himself he occu- pied the brick store at the corner of Main and Saranac streets. John W. Balch was one of his partners as early as 1845. Afterward the business was merged in the Farmers' and Mechanics' store, a stock company. When the affairs of this company were liquidated, Goold & Balch continued in part- nership until 1854, when they dissolved, Mr. Balch remaining at the old stand, while Mr. Goold opened a boot and shoe shop in the building now oc- cupied by I. W. Pennock.

John Farr, now president of the Littleton National bank, began his career as a merchant with W. C. & A. Bracket. Subsequently he was in business alone and for a time with Mr. Goold. Mr. Farr closed his mercantile life prior to 1848. Fry W. Gile, now a banker at Topeka, Kansas, began in the " brick store," then moved to a building that stood upon the site of Thayer's Hotel. Subsequently he built what is now known as McCoy's block, in which he opened a shop. A Mr. Merrill, from Haverhill, Mass., was at one time his partner. In 1854 or '55 Mr. Gile went to Kansas. .

William Bailey, now of Claremont, was in trade for a long time in the store now occupied by Royal P. White. He sold out to H. H. Southworth in 1866. Mr. Southworth after a time moved to the store now owned by Southworth & Lovejoy. George Farr, Charles Taylor and F. W. English were members of this firm at different times.

Hamilton Bailey sold merchandise in the building now occupied by E. T. Parker & Son, prior to 1840. This was erected by E. S Woolson for a residence and tailoring establishment. Mr. Woolson purchased and moved into the " yellow store " after it was vacated by Eastman, Mattocks & Co., where he continued in business for many years.

Henry L. Thayer came to Littleton, from Danville, Vt., in 1841, and opened a general store in this building (the Parker store). His business flourished, but his ambition lying in another direction, he closed his mercan- tile career in 1852. His brother, Daniel E., was afterward a merchant at the same stand and also in the Southworth & Lovejoy store.

Among others who were in trade from 1840 to 1850, may be mentioned A. & J M. Quimby, Eri Gowin and James and Byron Ames. Messrs. White, Whitcher & Farr occupied a store in the Union block for a few years prior to 1870.

Francis Hodgman was the first watch-maker and jeweler to establish him- self. He began in 1831 and soon after added the sale of drugs and medi- cines to his business, which was very prosperous. He died in 1864, leaving two sons, Charles and Francis F., who soon divided the business, the former taking the druggist branch and the latter that of watch-maker and jeweler. Francis died in 1876 and was succeeded by Curtis Gates & Co., who sold to Robinson Brothers, by whom it is now conducted.

Royal D. Rounsevel began the sale of goods in the McCoy block in 1851.

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TOWN OF LITTLETON.

He subsequently built the Nelson C. Farr store, where he remained until he sold out in 1870. Mr. Rounsevel has been in active business up to the pres- ent time, running a meadow farm at North Littleton, a hotel at the White mountains and the tannery in the village.

Alonzo Weeks is another Danville contribution to the citizenship of the town. He came in 1844 and for thirty-eight years carried on the boot and shoe business. He disposed of his interest in that line to A. W. Bingham, and has since been engaged, as a member of the White Mountain Glove company, in the manufacture of gloves and mittens. Henry L. Tilton, an- other Danville boy, began mercantile life as a clerk for Eastman, Tilton & Co. Catching the California fever, he went to that distant state for a period of two or three years, but returning in 1854 he became associated with the Eastmans and his brother Franklin, with whom he remained four years, when he formed a co-partnership with Charles C. Wilder, at the corner of Main and Mill streets. Mr. Wilder retired in three years, and in 1871 William J. Bel- lows and Charles J. Brackett became members of the firm under the title of H. L. Tilton & Co. This firm dissolved in 1873, C. W. Bracket continu- ing in the hardware trade at the old stand, while Mr. Bellows, in company with his sons, William H. and George S., purchased the store then lately oc- cupied by Sinclair & Merrill, dealing in clothing, crockery and carpets.

Sinclair & Merrill (Charles A. Sinclair and George W. Merrill) were in business four years, from 1869 to 1873. This business was inaugurated by Mr. Sinclair in Tilton's block. Soon after he purchased and fitted up the unfinished building opposite the Union House and dealt in groceries and grain.

Hiram B. Smith came from Danville and began the sale of stoves and tin ware, which he continued until failing health caused him to dispose of his interest to his sons, C. C. and Henry W. This business is now conducted by Smith & Lynch.

Henry Merrill, now of the Eureka Glove Company, conducted a tailoring. establishment in the store formerly occupied by William Bailey, from 1865 to 1875. Subsequently he moved to the stand now owned by E. T. Parker & Son, where he was in partnership with William H. Stevens for a time.

The completion of the railroad to this point in 1853 gave business, both in manufactures and trade, a new impetus, and the town became a center to which, in a large measure, the traffic of Bethlehem, Carroll, Franconia, a part of Lisbon, Lyman, Waterford and Dalton flowed. Although the extension of the railroad removed the cause of this large influx, it did not seem to di- minish, but has been steadily on the increase from that date.

The pioneers of Littleton were a sturdy race and most of them lived beyond the limit described by the Psalmist. That they seldom required the services of a physician is evident from the fact that nearly three decades from the date of the settlement had passed before any member of the profession con- sidered it a sufficiently inviting field to warrant him in casting his lot among

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her citizens. Two or three times each year Dr. White, of Newbury. Vt., rode into town and would bleed and blister such of the unfortunate as could be persuaded to submit to the torture of the treatment then in vogue. In 1798, Calvin Ainsworth, of Claremont, a physician who had just reached his majority, courageously located at North Littleton for the practice of his pro- fession. For a short time he lived in the family of Burley Dow, but soon married Susanna Howe, of New Ipswich, then a teacher at West Littleton, and located at the parting of the roads, near the Wheeler place. About 1805, he moved to West Littleton, where he resided until his death, July 12, 1839. Dr. Ainsworth was a man of kindly disposition, who gained many friends. He was a good physician but his usefulness was impaired by an unfortunate appetite for strong drink.

Dr. Isaac Moore, who had been in practice at Bath, came to Littleton in 1806 and established himself in the house vacated by Dr. Ainsworth, near Wheeler's. He was a successful physician, of eccentric habits, and like his cotemporary, too much given to the use of intoxicating liquors. After prac- ticing here about three years his health became broken and he returned to Bath.

Dr. William Burns occupies a conspicuous place in the history of the town. He was born in Merrimack, N. H., April 15, 1783, of Scotch-Irish parentage, and come to Littleton in 1806 where he passed a long, useful and successful life. He died September 28, 1868. He was a skillful physician, a strong temperance man and a hater of shams. He never failed to denounce in bit- ter language those who were not what they pretended to be. Many stories are current illustrating this trait of his character. His interest in the welfare of the town was ardent and always to be depended upon. He was one of the first board of school-inspectors, and his regard for the success of our schools continued through life. He often occupied the position of superintending committee, at different times, his services extending over forty years, whose duties he always discharged with fidelity and wisdom. It was one of the dreams of his later years to found a public library, and to this end he had gathered a considerable number of volumes of general literature, which were willed to the town. Vandal-like they were sold at public auction after his death and the proceeds converted into the town treasury. He was a Mason of long standing, holding to the principals of the order in troublous times. After the storm had spent its force, he took an active interest in establishing a lodge in town, which was named in his honor. He also aided in the re- establishment of Franklin Chapter at Lisbon.

Adams Moore was born in Bedford, N. H., October 17. 1799. Graduated at Dartmouth in the class of '22, he was for a time tutor in his Alma Mater and principal of the academy at Peacham, Vt. ; in 1824 entered upon the study of medicine with Dr. Burns, at Littleton, in 1829, took his degree at the Dartmouth medical college, and returning to Littleton, began the prac- tice of his chosen profession. Dr. Moore was a learned man. In his pro-

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fession, in science, in literature, in politics, and in the knowledge of current events, he was abreast of the times. Of a gentle and retiring disposition, he never sought to impose his views upon others, but when he considered an im- portant principle at stake, he entered into a controversy in its support with energy and power. Dr. Moore was twice married, his wives being sisters and granddaughters of Moses Little, of Newbury, Mass. He was more familiar with the history of his adopted town than any other person, and during the last years of his life devoted himself to its preparation for publication. His death occurred in 1863, and is supposed to have been hastened by the death of his son William, who lost his life at the battle of Fredericksburg.

Ezra Carter Worcester, born in Peacham, Vt., February 28, 1816, came to Littleton in 1839 and practiced medicine two years. During his residence he cared for a large number of patients-larger, in fact, than the delicate state of his health would permit him to attend. He is now a resident of Thetford, Vt., where he has been in practice for nearly thirty years. He is a brother of Revs. Evarts and Isaac H. Worcester, both of whom were pas- tors of the Littleton Congregational church.

Charles Martin Tuttle was born at Eaton, P. Q., where his parents were temporarily residing, February 18, 1820. He was educated at Peacham, Vt., academy, and pursued his medical studies with his uncle, Socrates Tuttle, and William Nelson, at Barnet, Vt. He attended a course of lectures at Woodstock, Vt., and came to Littleton in March, 1840, where he has been in an active and exacting practice since that date, with the exception of two years that he spent at New Bedford, Mass. Dr. Tuttle is regarded as one of the most skillful physicians in New Hampshire, and his practice, perhaps, equals in extent that of any other practitioner in the state. He is learned in medical jurisprudence, and is frequently called as a witness in cases where the knowledge of a medical expert is required.

Carleton C. Abbey came here from Middlebury, Vt., his native town, in 1849. He was educated at the University of Middlebury, Vt., and received his medical degree at Jefferson medical college, Philadelphia, in 1848. He practiced in Littleton but one year and then went to San Francisco, Cal., where he died in 1853. He gave promise of eminence in his chosen profes- sion.

Albert Warren Clark was born in Lisbon, July 25, 1828. He received his degree at Dartmouth medical college in the autumn of 1851, began practice- at North Woburn, Mass., early in 1852, remained there nine years, when he came to Littleton. He at once acquired a large and lucrative practice, which was cut short by his untimely death in March, 1867.

Ralph Bugbee has been in active practice in this town twenty-nine years. He comes from a family of physicians, his father and two brothers having been disciples of Esculapius. He was born in Waterford, Vt., December 20, 1821, and was graduated from the medical school at Castleton, Vt., in Octo- ber, 1845. He began practice in his native town, where he remained nine

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years, and also practiced three years in Franconia, before he came to Little- ton, where his practice has been large and successful. He stands high as a surgeon, having made a specialty to some extent of that branch of the pro- fession.

James Lang Harriman was of Peacham, Vt., where he was born May 1I, 1833 He began the study of medicine with Albert Winch, M. D .. of White- field, in 1853, was graduated from Bowdoin medical college in 1857, and set- tled in Littleton the same year. At the outbreak of the war of the Rebel- lion he became assistant surgeon of the 13th Regt. of Massachusetts Vols. He is now in practice at Hudson, Mass., where he is highly esteemed.

The first physician of the homeopathic school to locate in town was Mar- tin Luther Scott, now of Northampton, Mass. He was of Glover, Vt., at- tended lectures at Dartmouth and at the medical college of the University of Vermont He came to Littleton in 1856 and remained one year. He is now in active practice in Northampton.

Thaddeus Ezra Sanger, M. D., son of Ezra and Sarah M. (Brown) Sanger, was born March 12, 1832, at Troy, Vt. His father was a merchant of that place for many years, and in 1834 removed to Honeoye Falls, N. Y., where he died in 1840. Thaddeus had the educational advantages of St. Johnsbury academy. Vt., where he was fitted for college, but, as the fortunes of the family did not admit of the course being pursued, he bravely relinquished his plan of a collegiate career, but not his purpose to advance in knowledge and prepare himself for his chosen field of future labor. At the age of eighteen he left school and went to Toledo, O., where for two years he was employed as clerk in a drug store, and during this time he devoted every available mo- ment, often taking from his hours of rest, to the study of medicine. He then attended medical lectures in Philadelphia, after which he regularly com- menced his professional education under the supervision of Drs. Stone and Sanborn, at St. Johnsbury, Vt., then studied with Dr. Darling, at Lyndon, Vt. By the exercise of will-power, and aided by his vigorous intellect, he made rapid progress in his studies and, in 1856, was graduated from the Homeopathic Medical college, of Philadelphia. Dr. Sanger married, Octo- ber 22, 1856, Ianthe C. Kneeland, of Victory, Vt. Their children are Ellen I., Lillian E. and Katie F. Dr. Sanger located at first in Hardwick, Vt., and remained there two years. He came to Littleton, July 12, 1858, and has since been in constant practice, mostly within a radius of twenty miles. He was the pioneer of his system in this section, and the first physician of the home- opathic school in New Hampshire, north of Lake Village. He entered into his work with great enthusiasm, and his subsequent career has shown his nat- ural fitness for his profession. His reputation as a skillful and successful practitioner was soon established and caused him to be consulted by allo- pathic physicians as well as those of his own school ; he is frequently called in consultation throughout Northern Vermont and Northern New Hamp- shire, and stands high in the estimation of the leading medical men of the

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state. Dr. Sanger became a member of the American Institution of Homeop- athy in 1870. He has been a member of New Hampshire Homeopathic Medi- cal society since 1865, and has served in the higher offices ; censor for fifteen years ; vice-president in 1876 and 1877 ; president for the years 1878, 1879 and 1880. He received the honorary degree of "Doctor of Homeopathic Med- icine " in 1867 ; in 1871 he was appointed by the government pension sur- geon for the United States pension bureau, and still holds the position. Through his efforts the Connecticut Valley Homeopathic Medical society of Northern New Hampshire was organized, and he was its president two years. He is medical examiner for the Knights of Honor, and the Provident Mu- tual association of New Hampshire. He is much interested in Free Ma- sonry, having connected himself with Burns Lodge, Littleton, December 7, 1870 ; received chapter degree, Franklin Chapter at Lisbon, in 1881 ; was made Knights Templar of the St. Gerard Commandery, January 23, 1882 ; took council degrees at Omega Council, Plymouth, February II, 1884 ; re- ceived the 32 degree Scottish rite, at the valley of Nashua, December 21, 1883. He has held and still holds important Masonic offices. He was Junior War- den in 1871 ; Senior Warden in 1872 and 1873; Warden of Commandery in 1882 ; Captain General in 1883 ; Eminent Commander in 1884, and now (1886) occupies the position ; Grand Captain of the Guard of Grand Com- mandery of the State in 1884, and Grand Warden in 1885. Dr. Sanger be- longs to no denominational sect, his religion is the " Fatherhood of God, and the Universal Brotherhood of Man," as exemplified in the Masonic order. Politically he is a Republican, but has never aspired to office, and refuses to accept any, yet he has always been alive to all matters of social interest. Dr. Sanger's success is a good example of what can be achieved by having a fixed aim in life. He has acquired distinction and a name by means of nat- ural talents, a genial temper, and a life of unremitting application to the work he took in hand. The first five years of his medical experience he es- tablished a character for his system of medicine from an adverse starting point, and a place for himself as a surgeon and physician worthy of high commendation. He has become an authority for the homeopathic school in Northern New Hampshire. His personal qualities have attached to him a large and respectable body of adherents. He is cool and sagacious in his battle with human infirmity, and persistent in his belief that "like cures like." His earnestness and sincerity, combined with successful results, have inspired and converted many to his faith, and under this inspiration he now enjoys a lucrative practice, as he has done from the early days of his medical career. His quick and brilliant intellect, his clearness of perception, his ready wit and apt repartee, his unvarying good nature and fine conversational powers make him a general favorite and a welcome guest at the fireside and in the social circle.

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Gazetteer of Grafton county, N. H. 1709-1886, Part 65

Author: Child, Hamilton, 1836- comp. cn Publication date: 1886 Publisher: Syracuse, N. Y., Syracuse Journal Company, Printers Number of Pages: 1266

Author: Child, Hamilton, 1836- comp. cn
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Syracuse, N. Y., Syracuse Journal Company, Printers
Number of Pages: 1266