USA > New Hampshire > Genealogical and biographical records of American families, representative citizens: New Hampshire > Part 4
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DOW
JOSEPH Dow, son of Samuel and Mary (Page) Dow, was born December 21, 1729, and died December 16, 1806. He was known as Squire Dow and for thirty-five years was town clerk, succeeding to the office held by his father and grandfather. He would never be termed a politician, yet throughout his active life, he was continually in public office. He married, December 26, 1759, Dorothy Blake, who was born May 30, 1734, and died November 4, 1815, daughter of Nathan and Judith (Batchelder) Blake.
DOW
JOSIAH Dow, son of Joseph and Dorothy (Blake) Dow, was born December 26, 1764, and died in Hampton, October 11, 1840. He was the fourth generation of town clerks in Hampton which office he held for twenty years. He married, October 1, 1801, widow Hannah Moulton, who was born May 6, 1766, and died August 4, 1839, daughter of John and Mary Moulton.
DOW
JOSEPH Dow, son of Josiah and Hannah (Moulton) Dow, was born April 12, 1807, and was graduated from Dartmouth in 1833, with the degree of M. A., being salutatorian of his class, which in- cluded several prominent men of later days. For four years he was principal of Pembroke Academy and was subsequently in charge of the Lyceum in Gardiner, Maine. The panic of 1837 made necessary a change in his plans and for a few years he was engaged in teaching in East Machias, Maine, and Pompey, New York. In 1862, he returned to Hampton. One of the first duties he performed on his return to Hampton was to make a survey of the town and from 1862 until his death he was engaged in writing a History of Hampton. For this work he was particularly well qualified, as five of his ancestors had held the office of town clerk in direct succession. The history was not quite finished at his death and his daughter completed it and published it in two volumes. It is now a rare book and is con- sidered a fine example of town history and genea- logical information. Joseph Dow died December 16, 1889. He married Abigail French, April 14, 1835;
DOW
she was born, August 4, 1810, and died, January 28, 1870; daughter of Reverend Jonathan French of North Hampton.
DOW
JOSEPH HENRY Dow, the eldest child of Joseph and Abigail (French) Dow, was born, April 22, 1836, in Pembroke, New Hampshire, and died, January 12, 1902, in Midland, Michigan. He was an inventor along mechanical lines and for many years served as master mechanic at the Chisholm Steel Shovel Works, Cleveland, Ohio. He invented the first turbine in the United States. At various times in his career his work required that he should reside in Canada and eastern Connecticut. For several years prior to his death, he lived a retired life at his home in Midland, Michigan. He married, November 24, 1863, Sarah Jane Bunnell, born in Derby, Connecti- cut, April 20, 1838, and died in Midland, Michigan, January 1, 1909. She was a daughter of Captain Alva Bunnell. Mr. and Mrs. Dow were the parents of the following children: (1) Herbert Henry, of whom further. (2) Mary Edith, born August 19, 1868, in Derby, Connecticut, resides in Saginaw, Michigan. (3) Abby French, born June 20, 1870, in Derby, died in infancy. (4) Helen Josephine, born May 30, 1876, in Derby, Connecticut, died in Midland, Michigan, April 19, 1918.
DOW
HERBERT HENRY Dow, son of Joseph Henry and Sarah Jane (Bunnell) Dow, was born February 26, 1866, in Belleville, Ontario, Canada, and died October 15, 1930, at the Mayo Brothers Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. His education was begun in the public schools of Connecticut. His elementary education was completed in Cleveland, Ohio, where the family removed when he was twelve years of age. In 1888, he graduated from the Case School of Applied Science, in Cleveland, and was later awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Engineering by this school. He also received the honorary degree of Doctor of Engineering from the University of Michigan. His originality in his work was in evidence during his early school days when it was noted that he avoided routine work and displayed an aptitude for forming unusual and creative ideas.
Subsequent to his graduation, Mr. Dow accepted a professorship at the Huron Street Hospital College in Cleveland, where he held the chair as professor and instructor in chemistry and toxicology from 1888 to 1889. During the latter year, he experi-
THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY, MIDLAND, MICHIGAN
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DOW
mented with bromine extraction and became deeply interested in the manufacture of chemicals in Canton which led to the organization in 1890 of the Midland Chemical Company in Midland, Michigan, from which developed the internationally known industry of the Dow Chemical Company. He chose Midland as the best place of operation because of the amount of bromine contained in the brine of the salt wells that were already drilled there.
Throughout his remarkable career, Dr. Dow developed many new chemical and mechanical processes. Over one hundred patents were granted to him, and it is certain that he has rendered invaluable service in developing hundreds of others. The first manufacture of chemicals in an electrolytic cell took place under his direction and this was his greatest outstanding contribution to the world of chemistry. As process after process was perfected, new machinery had to be designed and manu- facturers had to be coaxed to make it. His indomi- table will and courage was an incentive to others as he successfully pushed forward his plans.
DOW
His unusual ability was soon recognized in other than the chemical field and for years he was retained by the Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company as a consulting engineer on power matters, which again brought him national recognition. He made numerous trips abroad and kept in touch with world conditions through actual contact. His battles with the German bromine trust constituted an interesting chapter in his life.
At the outbreak of the World War, Dr. Dow, at that time a recognized leader of industry, was named a member of the advisory committee of the Council of National Defense. His aid was sought in the solu- tion of the many problems that arose and his con- tributions to that end were an aid to the successful outcome of the war. His company was one of the first to make carbolic acid on a large scale and at the close of the war it was turning out thirty tons a day. Mustard gas was also manufactured in large quan- tities and the Dow Chemical Company was the first to ship this product over seas.
In 1930 Dr. Dow was selected by vote of the com-
DOW
mittee of the various national chemical societies to receive the Perkin Medal, the highest honor awarded in industrial chemistry in the United States. Presenta- tion of the Medal was made by Professor Marston T. Bogert of Columbia University at a meeting of the American Section of the Society of Chemical Industry, The American Chemical Society, the Societe de Chimie Industrielle, and the American Electrochemical Society, held at Rumford Hall, Chemists' Club, New York City, January 10, 1930.
With all his success, Dr. Dow remained a retiring and extremely modest man in acknowledging his achievements, ascribing his success to his ability to select good men. Despite the great demand upon his time, he was always the most available man in Mid- land. He served as a member of the Council, the Board of Education, and as Superintendent of Parks in charge of the park system, which he, on all occasions, maintained with his private funds. He donated a portion of Emerson Park to the city, furnished Midland with an airport, supplied materials and the artist for the decoration of the
THE DOW GARDENS
THE DOW GARDENS
DOW
court house, supplied the funds to construct wading pools for school children, was a staunch supporter of the Welfare Association, the Flower Show, and con- tributed liberally toward the new Midland Country Club house. In a dozen ways he was the father of the town, and was generally beloved for his numerous deeds of kindness. He gave not only of his means but of his time as well and it was through his efforts that Midland obtained the most unusual courthouse in America. In the interest of recreation he sponsored and worked for the establishment of the Midland Community Center to which he contributed most liberally.
His own particular hobby was gardening, a pro- nouned characteristic since his boyhood days in Connecticut. His well kept grounds, with the wonderful landscape effect produced by himself and his gardener were beautiful to look upon and Dr. Dow took great delight in them and was never so happy as when working among his flowers. He did much to beautify the city of Midland by engaging skilled gardeners and providing the necessary funds.
DOW
Dr. Dow held memberships in all the leading scientific societies pertaining to his line of work. He was a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science; the American Chemical Society; the American Electrochemical Society; Society of Chemical Industry (Great Britain) ; American Institute of Chemical Engineers; Franklin Institute; a member of the Corporation of Case School of Applied Science; life member of Uni- versity of Michigan Union; National Museum of Engineering & Industry; New York State Horti- cultural Society and the Michigan State Horti- cultural Society. His political allegiance was given to the Republican party. Fraternally, he was a member of the Masonic Order and attained the thirty-second degree. He was elected to receive the thirty-third degree in October, 1930. His clubs were: the Midland Country Club; Saginaw Country Club; Saginaw Club; Detroit Athletic Club; Union League Club of Detroit; Union Club of Cleveland; and the Chemists' Club of New York. He was also a member of the Sigma Xi and the Phi Kappa Psi fraternities.
DOW
Dr. Dow was prominently affiliated with the Presbyterian church of Midland and was a generous contributor to all its charities and other good works.
Ball
Arms: Argent, a lion passant sable on a chief of the second three mullets of the first.
Crest: Out of clouds proper, a demi-lion rampant sable, powdered with estoiles argent, holding a globe or.
(Burke's : "General Armory")
DOW
DR. HERBERT HENRY Dow married, November 16, 1892, Grace A. Ball, who was born, January 26, 1869, in Midland, Michigan, daughter of George Willard and Amelia (Eaton) Ball. Mrs. Dow's father was born, August 21, 1845, in Montague, Massachusetts, and died, August 29, 1929, at Midland. He was one of the first bankers in Midland and later engaged in the hardware business. In 1914 he retired to spend his declining years in restful quiet at his son's home. His wife was born in New Fane, Niagara County, New York, August 7, 1843, and died July 31, 1910, in Midland.
Dr. and Mrs. Dow were the parents of the fol- lowing children:
(1) Helen, born March 16, 1894, in Midland, died October 16, 1918, in Ann Arbor, Michigan; married William J. Hale, February 7, 1917. Child: Ruth Elizabeth.
(2) Ruth Alden, born November 16, 1895; married April 7, 1917, Leland I. Doan, Sales Manager of The Dow Chemical Company of Midland. Children: Leland Alden; Dorothy Margaret; and Herbert Dow.
DOW
(3) Willard Henry, born, January 4, 1897, graduated from the School of Chemical Engineering of the University of Michigan in 1919; president and general manager of the Dow Chemical Company. Married, September 3, 1921, Martha L. Pratt, daughter of L. E. Pratt. Children: Helen Adeline and Herbert Henry.
(4) Osborn Curtiss, born November 20, 1899, died October 3, 1902.
(5) Alden Ball, born April 10, 1904, grad- uate of the class of June, 1931, from the School of Architecture, Columbia University. Designer of the Midland Country Club house at Midland.
(6) Margaret Grace, born January 3, 1906, teacher in the elementary school of the Uni- versity of Michigan.
(7) Dorothy Darling, born, January 2, 1908. Resides at home.
In closing the story of the career of Dr. Dow, it seems fitting to quote the well written editorial which appeared in the Midland Republican on October 15, 1930, and which was written by one who had the privilege to know Dr. Dow intimately.
DOW
"MIDLAND'S GREATEST FRIEND"
"The great benefactor of Midland is gone.
"The passing of Dr. Herbert H. Dow leaves our community at once shocked and crushed.
"In no other one personage could the affection and well-being of the entire city and county be so completely centered; no individual other than Dr. Dow could have earned the genuine admira- tion and the deep, ever increasing respect and gratitude universally felt by the citizenry of Midland.
"Lacking the opportunity of a personal ac- quaintance with Midland's great chemical genius seems to have lessened not a bit the great regard that hundreds of persons have cherished for this big man who they knew by reputation as the exponent of everything that was honorable, up- lifting and at the same time a step ahead.
"And for those who were privileged to know his every day dynamic, convincing, yet kindly personality - the reverence with which they grew to honor him approached the idealistic.
"It was forty years ago that Herbert Dow brought his first chemical idea to Midland, and
DOW
the great development and progress that changed the first crude experimental laboratory into the mammoth chemical industry that marks the present prosperous city, have been largely the continued application of the new and novel ideas which emanated from this same fertile brain.
"Dr. Dow's ideas have not been confined to the chemical field. For years he was retained by the Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company as a consulting engineer on power matters - simply more notions that had to be expressed. His friends and associates marveled at the ingenuity of his ideas. And the latest one of which the company and the community are bound to profit, is the monster new powerhouse which should be placed in initial operation by the middle of next month after a year of building. This great power unit employing for the first time modern use of his own invention, would have proved of especial satisfaction to the inventor could he have lived to witness its first successful use.
"The keen foresight of this chemical wizard in surrounding himself with other good men to share the management and production of his
DOW
growing corporation proved another bit of wise business acumen, in that it now will be able to carry on to a brilliant future in the hands of a well-trained and efficient organization, as a worthy monument to the memory of its beloved founder and a permanent heritage for the city which he has builded."
A tribute from Midland's Mayor, Honorable John Whitman:
"The City of Midland is today mourning the greatest loss in its history. Through the bound- less energy and marvelous civic spirit of this great man has been built this beautiful city. No request for the betterment of Midland were ever refused by him. Perhaps a great many of us do not realize that we have had in our midst one of the greatest men in America. A very modest individual he was, always pleased to converse with our most humble citizens, - just one man in a million. The city of Midland will never again have as good a friend as our beloved Dr.
DOW
Herbert H. Dow, and I earnestly suggest that the People here set aside February 26th, his birthday, as a future memorial to the memory of this great man."
GEORGE
THE surname George is derived from two Greek words, and signifies "earth worker" or "farmer". There were three brothers bearing this name who came to America when New England was in its infancy and from them have descended a worthy line of men and women. One of these was Dr. Frank William George, who through his advanced work as an orthopedic surgeon and roentgenologist, has con- tributed materially to the knowledge of the medical world and it was with deep regret that the laymen and the fraternity of medicine learned of his passing.
WILLIAM GEORGE, son of Thomas and Lydia George, was born May 29, 1839, in Columbia, Canada, and died in Bristol, New Hampshire, December 7, 1898. He was a successful merchant and a prominent citizen in the civic and social affairs of Bristol. Politically he was a Republican, but was not an office seeker. His fraternal associations were with the Masonic order, the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He married Weltha, daughter of Joseph Braley. She was born in Northfield, Vermont, September 27, 1840, and died in Worcester, Massachusetts, August 18, 1928.
F.w. y Eng
GEORGE
DR. FRANK WILLIAM GEORGE, son of William and Weltha R. (Braley) George, was born in Bristol, New Hampshire, February 27, 1879, and died in Worcester, Massachusetts, December 18, 1928. He prepared for Wesleyan University at Tilton Seminary in Tilton, New Hampshire. He received his A. B. Degree from Wesleyan University in 1897 and his M. D. Degree from Harvard Medical School in 1902. After serving his interneship at the Boston City Hospital, the Worcester City Hospital and the Children's Hospital in Boston, he practiced for three years in Athol, Massachusetts, subsequently return- ing to the Worcester Memorial Hospital where he was assistant surgeon for ten years and was roentgen- ologist for fifteen years. He also served for fifteen years as orthopedic surgeon at the Worcester City Hospital, where he was chief of the orthopedic service at the time of his death.
When in 1915, his country called upon the medical men for aid in caring for the boys wearing the khaki in camp, cantonment and field, Dr. George responded, and with his training and experience, he was eagerly accepted by the government. He entered
GEORGE
the army, April 19, 1917, at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana, and after receiving special training, he was appointed captain in the Medical Reserve Corps and soon after his appointment, August 15, 1917, he was sent to France with the First American expeditionary forces.
While overseas, he was attached to the Heavy Artillery, whose headquarters were at Mailly (Aube) Chateaux Beaux and Savenay, France. During the two years of his active service in France, he organized and was commanding officer of Camp Hospital No. 13; chief orthopedic surgeon at the New York Hospital at Chateau Rue, France, and was chief of the operating room at the Base Hospital at Savenay, France. When he was honorably discharged at Camp Dix, March 25, 1919, it was with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Following his discharge, he organized and was commanding officer of the local Base Hospital No. 70 and resumed his private practice. He was a member of the staff of several of the local Worcester Hospitals. Among his affiliations were: Chief
GEORGE
Orthopedic Surgeon at City Hospital; roentgenolo- gist at the Worcester Memorial Hospital, consulting orthopedic surgeon at the Holden Hospital, Holden, Massachusetts; the Louis Pasteur Hospitals, Worcester, and the Sturdy Memorial Hospital of Attleboro, Massachusetts.
Dr. George was a member of the following medical associations: the American Medical Association, Massachusetts Medical Association, Worcester District Medical Association, Wachusetts Medical Association, Boston Orthopedic Club and the Ameri- can College of Surgeons. He was also affiliated with the following clubs: Alethia Grotto, A. F. & A. M., Knights Templars, Worcester Club, Worcester Country Club and the Petersham Country Club.
Dr. George attained success and leadership in his profession and was one of the most honored and respected citizens of Worcester. With his death, the city of Worcester lost one of its most highly honored citizens, as well as a most useful and worthy public servant. At the time of his death the following editorial appeared in the Worcester Evening Gazette:
GEORGE
"The sudden and untimely death of Dr. Frank W. George removes a surgeon whose skill and learning contributed materially to the high standing of the medical profession in Worcester. Dr. George was comparatively a young man to have achieved the reputation which was his. Had he been spared, there is no telling what heights he might have scaled. An excellent education, an untiring devotion to his chosen science, and an unusual talent in the handling of its instruments combined to give Dr. George his prominence in his profession, a prominence noted well beyond the bounds of this city. His splendid service with the medical corps of the army in France during the World War, a service in which he rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, added lustre to his fame. In his going Worcester loses not only a first rank surgeon, but a first rank citizen as well. This community's grief is sincere and profound."
Dr. George married May 15, 1907, Dolores Pritchard who was born in East Orange, New Jersey, a daughter of David and Dolores (Jones) Pritchard. Mrs. George traces her ancestry to the Wilcox family who were early Puritan settlers in Connecti- cut. She traces her Revolutionary ancestors to
GEORGE
Lieutenant Governor William Jones, of New Haven, Connecticut; Captain Joseph Crane, of Windham, Connecticut; Captain Samuel Couch, of Fairfield, Connecticut; Lieutenant Thomas Tracy, of Salem, Massachusetts, and Governor Theophilus Eaton, of New Haven, Connecticut, and it is through these connections that she is a member of the Daughters of the Revolution. Her father, David Pritchard, son of David Pritchard, a noted physician and surgeon of Norwalk, Connecticut, was born in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1852. He married Dolores Jones, daughter of Rev. Charles H. Jones, who was born in Staten Island and died September 12, 1896. David Pritchard died in New York City, August, 1885.
Dr. George and Dolores (Pritchard) George were the parents of a son, Robert Beecher, who was born in Worcester, July 15, 1909, and is now (1931) a student at Yale University.
Richard M. Johnson
JOHNSON
RICHARD HENRY JOHNSON, son of James and Jane (Roberts) Johnson, was born in Clintonville, New York, February 7, 1854, and died at Saranac Lake, New York, February 25, 1929.
He was educated in the public schools in Clinton- ville, and at the age of ten began to assist his father who operated a stage coach line in the Adirondacks. James Johnson was widely known throughout the Adirondack Mountains and was the first man to carry United States Mail by stage coach from Port Kent to points farther north. He was a man of unusual ability and foresight, and the reli- ability of his character and the service which he rendered the public won for him' the respect and esteem of the citizens in the territory which he served. Important messages and consignments were often entrusted to him and always carried out with the utmost punctuality.
Richard Henry Johnson grew up in the business established by his father, and at the age of ten was capable of driving a stage coach as well as any of the
JOHNSON
older drivers. His knowledge of the business in all its details was complete and his agreeable disposition soon won him many friendships among the people in the mountain towns along the line. At the age of seventeen he purchased one of his father's coaches and operated it successfully on his own account. Later he and his father combined their interests and con- tinued to serve the territory from Port Kent north- ward until the death of the elder Mr. Johnson.
In 1896, Richard Henry Johnson established a livery business at Saranac Lake. His reputation had gone before him and his new undertaking proved a success from the start. He soon built up a profitable business and, as his service became better known for its fine horses and comfortable vehicles, he found it necessary to established other stables in order to meet the ever increasing demand. At one time he operated three establishments at Saranac Lake, known as the Riverside Stables, the Linwood Stables, and the Severance Stables.
Mr. Johnson was a splendid business man and pos- sessed executive ability to a marked degree. He was
JOHNSON
ever thoughtful of the welfare of his employees, but always insisted that his customers be given every con- sideration.
His sound business judgment and keen foresight enabled him to realize that the ever increasing com- petition, created by the advent of the automobile, would eventually eliminate the livery stable, and in 1915 he disposed of his interests, intending to retire and enjoy a well deserved leisure.
His active mind, however, did not permit him to remain idle and he soon found himself engaged in real estate operations, at first on a small scale and gradually drifting into larger projects.
One of his largest transactions was the purchase of "Split-Rock Farm" located in the Adirondacks near Saranac Lake. He acquired much valuable property and his instinctive knowledge of values as well as his reputation for fair and honest dealings were his greatest assets in building up a profitable business. He soon became known as a prominent real estate dealer and his advice and opinions were eagerly
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sought by others less intimately acquainted with the values of property and land in the Adirondacks.
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