USA > New Hampshire > Belknap County > Lakeport > Historical sketches of Lakeport, New Hampshire, formerly Lake Village, now the sixth ward of Laconia; the historical collections of Horace G. Whittier > Part 8
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Hiram S. Twombly, Co. G, was mustered in Sept. 19, 1862, pro- moted to Corporal, and discharged June 8, 1865. Ile died at Gil- manton, June 7, 1874.
Daniel H. Webber, Co. G, was mustered in Sept. 9, 1862 ; ap- pointed Corporal ; wounded August 15, 1864, near Petersburg, Va., and died of wounds, August 16, at Point of Rocks, Va.
Eben S. Welch, Co. G, mustered in Sept. 9, 1862, was wounded severely at Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863, and discharged for disa- bility, at Point Lookout, Md., October 1, 1863.
John Lehiff, Co. H, was mustered in September 9, 1862, and was killed at Cold Harbor, Va., June 3, 1864.
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LAKEPORT, NEW HAMPSHIRE.
Henry P. Randall, Co. H, was mustered in September 10, 1862, as Corporal, was appointed Sergeant June 1, 1863, First Sergeant Feb. 22, 1864, Second Lieutenant May 18, 1865, but not mustered. Mustered out June 21, 1865.
Edward C. Ryan, Co. H, mustered in Sept. 9, 1862 ; wounded at Chancellorsville and transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps ; disch. for disability October 10, 1864, at Beaufort, S. C. He died Dec. 11, 1897, at Ellsworth, Minn.
Fourteenth Regiment.
Ebenezer M. Buzzell, Co. K, enlisted and mustered in January 5, 1864; wounded September 19, 1864, Opequan, Va .; discharged June 14, 1865. Died at Meredith Center, November 11, 1908.
Ransom D. Buzzell, Co. K, enlisted and mustered in January 5, 1864 ; wounded September 22, 1864, at Fisher's Hill, Va. ; must. out July 8, 1865.
Fifteenth Regiment.
John Aldrich, Co. A, enlisted September 16, 1862, as private ; appointed Captain Nov. 3, 1862 ; mustered in to date October 20, 1862, as Captain ; appointed Major April 8, 1863; mustered out August 13, 1863.
Barnet H. Ames, Co. A, mustered in October 6, 1862 ; mustered out August 13, 1863.
Aaron C. Badger, Co. A, mustered in October 6, 1862 ; mustered out August 13, 1863. Died at Lakeport, June 7, 1910.
Edwin A. Badger, Co. A, mustered in October 6, 1862 ; mustered out August 13, 1863.
Lewis D. Badger, Co. A, mustered in as Corporal October 6, 1862 ; mustered out August 13, 1863. Died at Concord, Dec. 28, 1901.
John C. Blake, Co. A, mustered in October 6, 1862, as Corporal ; mustered out August 13, 1863. Died at Concord, Sept. 18, 1909.
Levi Blake, Co. A, mustered in Oct. 6, 1862 ; discharged August 7, 1863, at New Orleans, La.
James W. Blake, Co. A, mustered in October 6, 1862 ; mustered out August 13, 1863.
Royal Boynton, Co. A, was mustered in November 4, 1862, and died of disease, August 10, 1863, at Lake Village.
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LAKEPORT IN THE REBELLION.
Albert S. Buzzell, Co. A, mustered in October 20, 1862 ; appointed Corporal April 8, 1863 ; mustered out August 13, 1863. Died at Lake Village, June 27, 1889.
De Witt Clinton, Co. A, mustered in October 6, 1862. Died of disease, at Gilford, August 13, 1863.
Charles P. Davis, Co. A, mustered in October 6, 1862 ; mustered out August 13, 1863.
Thomas S. Davis, Co. A, mustered in October 6, 1862 ; mustered out August 13, 1863.
Isaac L. Foss, Co. A, mustered in October 6, 1862 ; mustered out August 13, 1863. Died at Somerville, Mass., June -, 1898.
James F. Gordon, Co. A, mustered in October 6, 1862, as Sergt. ; appointed First Sergeant April 8, 1863 ; mustered out August 13, 1863. Died at Concord, May 30, 1912.
Ezekiel Gilman, Co. A, mustered in October 6, 1862 ; mustered out August 13, 1863. Died at Lakeport, January 31, 1899.
Otis W. Gilinan, Co. A, mustered in October 6, 1862 ; mustered out August 13, 1863.
George T. Jackson, Co. A, mustered in October 6, 1862. Died of disease, August 6, 1863, at Mound City, Ill.
Edwin M. Lee, Co. A, mustered in October 6, 1862 ; mustered out August 13, 1863. Died September 27, 1914.
David G. Lee, Co. A, mustered in October 6, 1862 ; mustered out August 13, 1863.
Augustus Merrill, Co. A, mustered in October 6, 1862 ; mustered out August 13, 1863. Died at Canterbury, May 20, 1878.
Comford Merrill, Co. A, mustered in October 6, 1862 ; mustered out August 13, 1863.
Joseph D. Moulton, Co. A, mustered in October 6, 1862 ; mus- tered out August 13, 1863.
Moses Page, Co. A, mustered in October 6, 1862 ; mustered out August 13, 1863.
Charles W. Pickering, Co. A, mustered in October 6, 1862, as First Sergeant ; appointed Second Lieutenant April 8, 1863 ; mus- tered out August 13, 1863. Died at Lakeport, September 2, 1895.
Josiah S. Piper, Co. A, mustered in October 6, 1862, as Corporal : appointed Sergeant July 29, 1863 ; mustered out August 13, 1863. Died at Lakeport, March 26, 1893.
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Adam Pomfrey, Co. F, mustered in October 6, 1862 ; transferred to Co. A October 12, 1862 ; mustered out August 13, 1863. Died at Lakeport, March 10, 1901.
Charles F. Swain, Co. A, mustered in October 6, 1862 as Corp. ; discharged to date August 13, 1863. Died at Gilford, September 13, 1863.
Alonzo Taylor, Co. A, mustered in October 6, 1862 ; mustered out August 13, 1863.
Andrew P. Wadleigh, Co. A, mustered in October 6, 1862 ; mus- tered out August 13, 1863.
Orrin F. Wheeler, Co. A, mustered in October 6, 1862. Died of disease, at Gilford, November 2, 1862.
Noah M. Weeks, Co. A, mustered in October 6, 1862. Killed at Port Hudson, La., June 3, 1863.
Simeon Stevens, Co. A, mustered in October 6, 1862 ; mustered out August 13, 1863. Died at Laconia, October 30, 1905.
Eighteenth Regiment.
Ician H. Davis, Co. H, mustered in Feb. 21, 1865 ; discharged June 3, 1865. Died at Lakeport, October 14, 1906.
James A. Leavitt, Co. D, mustered in Sept. 21, 1864 ; mustered out June 10, 1865. Died at Lakeport, July 24, 1905.
Orrin F. Sanborn, Co. H, mustered in February 21, 1865 ; dis- charged July 1, 1865. Died at Lake Village, August 16, 1865.
First New Hampshire Cavalry.
Otis W. Gilman, Co. D, mustered in April 30, 1864; wounded March 2, 1865, at Waynesborough, Va. ; discharged May 20, 1865, at Frederick, Md. Previously served a term in Fifteenth N. H.
George W. Lane, Co. D, mustered in February 21, 1865 ; must. out July 15, 1865, Drowned in Lake Winnipesaukee, June 9, 1868.
Elbridge E. Webster, Co. D, mustered in Feb, 21, 1865 ; must. out July 15, 1865. Died April 19, 1878, at Lake Village.
Orison H. Gardner, Co. A, mustered in March 15, 1864, as Bu- gler ; appointed Company Q .- M. Sergeant May 1, 1865 ; mustered out July 15, 1865.
Albert H. Alexander, Co. G, mustered in March 2, 1865 ; must. out July 15, 1865.
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LAKEPORT IN THE REBELLION.
First N. H. Heavy Artillery.
Andrew J. Buzzell, Co. A, was mustered into the First Company N. H. Heavy Artillery, May 26, 1863. On or about September 15, 1864, this company became Co. A of the First N. H. Heavy Artil- lery ; he was mustered out September 11, 1865.
Charles A. B. Davis, Co. G, was mustered in September 6, 1864 ; mustered out June 15, 1865. Died at Lakeport, August 12, 1909.
Henry C. Hill, Co. G, mustered in September 6, 1864 ; mustered out June 15, 1865. Died May 14, 1881, at Laconia.
Elbridge Jacobs, Co. G, mustered in Sept. 6, 1864, as Sergeant ; mustered out June 15, 1865. Prior service in 12th N. H., from Moultonborough, where he was born.
John S. Lee, Co. G, mustered in September 6, 1864, as Sergeant ; mustered out June 15, 1865.
Oscar R. Moulton, Co. G, mustered in September 6, 1864, as Corporal ; mustered out June 15, 1865.
Moses Pickering, Co. G, mustered in September 4, 1864; must. out June 15, 1865.
George E. Sanborn, Co. G, mustered in Sept. 6, 1864 ; mustered out June 15, 1864.
Winthrop H. Smith, Co. G, mustered in Sept. 6, 1864 ; mustered out June 15, 1865. Prior service of one month in Fourth N. H., from Sanbornton, being discharged for disability ; also served full term of 9 months in Fifteenth N. H., from Laconia. He died at Sanbornton, Nov. 4, 1905, and his body was brought to Lakeport for burial.
Edwin A. Badger, Co. G, mustered in Sept. 6, 1864, as Corporal ; mustered out June 15, 1865. Had served term in Fifteenth N. H.
Alfred T. Webber, Co. G, mustered in October 17, 1864; must. ont June 15, 1865.
Levi F. Whiting, Co. G, mustered in Sept. 6, 1864, as Private ; appointed First Lieutenant Sept. 8, 1864 ; discharged for disability January 20, 1865. Had served sixteen months in Twelfth N. H., from Tamworth, until discharged for disability.
U. S. Sharpshooters.
Edwin J. Peaslee was mustered into Co. E, First U. S. Sharp- shooters, September 9, 1861 ; was wounded at Chancellorsville, May
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LAKEPORT, NEW HAMPSHIRE.
4, 1863 ; captured May 7, 1864, at the Wilderness ; released Nov. 24, 1864 ; transferred to Co. G, Second U. S. S. S., Dec. 23, 1864 ; 10 Co. 1, Fifth N. H., Jan. 30, 1865 ; discharged May 29, 1865, at Concord. He died at Lakeport, April 9, 1899.
Massachusetts Regiments.
Simeon S. Oakes served from June 24, 1864, to July 15, 1865, as a Private in the First Massachusetts Heavy Artillery.
Lewis T. Whitten served in Co. B, Fortieth Massachusetts, from August 22, 1862, to August 20, 1863, when he was discharged for disability, having lost a leg at Fort Wagner.
CHAPTER XXI.
PHYSICIANS.
Can any one tell who was the first settled physician in Lakeport ? Before there was a regular doctor here, those who had ills, aches or pains were obliged to get into touch with some one of the profession at Meredith Bridge-the most prominent of whom was Dr. Dixi Crosby.
In the spring of 1838 Joseph Knowles hung out his sign as M.I)., continuing in practice here till 1848, when he moved down to "the Bridge," as it was generally called, where he had an extensive prac- tice.
Previous to the settlement of Dr. Knowles here, a man named Eastman came from Vermont state, but stopped only a few weeks. He intended to locate here permanently, but the place was so dis- gracefully healthy that he had no calls for his professional services, and after a stay of a few weeks he flitted back from whence he came.
Soon after this attempt, Dr. Charles C. Tibbetts located here and remained quite a number of years. He built the house lately occu- pied by the Drs. Goss, but finally removed to Laconia and was in practice there until his death.
Dr. Thomas Moore Sanborn came here in 1842 and continued in practice until his death, January 23, 1869.
Dr. Oliver Goss came here March 4, 1855, and was in practice until his death, April 12, 1896.
Dr. David F. Moore began practice here in 1857, continuing un- til a short time before his death in 1888.
Dr. Joseph C. Moore, son of David F., first hung out his sign in 1865, in company with his father, and is still [1905] in practice.
Somewhere in the 'Fifties Dr. David Devans had a limited prac- tice here, but only for a short time.
Dr. Francis M. Richards came in 1869. He soon sold out to Dr. Levi Ward, who was in practice from November, 1870 until his death, February 12, 1896.
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LAKEPORT, NEW HAMPSHIRE.
Dr. Henry Tucker-who previous to studying medicine had prac- ticed dentistry here-began practice as a physician in 1888, and continued until 1896 or '97, when he removed to Brattleborough, Vt.
Dr. Ossian W. Goss, son of Dr. Oliver, began practice June 22, 1882, and died October 8, 1903.
Dr. J. Grant Quimby opened an office here July 12, 1888, and is still in practice.
Dr. George F. Roby was in practice here from 1879 or '80 until August 28, 1894, when he sold his business to Dr. John A. Wrisley, who is still in practice.
Dr. George H. Saltmarsh has been in continuous practice here from 1883 to the present time.
Dr. Edwin P. Hodgdon established himself here in July, 1892, and still continues.
Dr. Joseph E. Dozois commenced practice here August 8, 1885. After two years he removed to Laconia, where he still resides.
Dr. Freeman S. Durkee came here from Wentworth in the fall of 1898. He was burned out in the great fire, when he bought a resi- dence just north of the street railway Co.'s car barn, and is located there at the present time.
Dr. Frank Easton began practice here in 1904.
Besides the above, it may not be generally known that Henry B. Quinby is entitled to write " M. D." after his name, having the req- uisite sheepskin from the Columbia Medical College, at Washington, D. C.
CHAPTER XXII.
CEMETERIES.
The first village burying ground was just to the rear of the Baptist church on Union Avenue. The early records have been lost, and it is impossible to ascertain when the first burials were made. The yard being very small-more like a family yard out on the farms- it was soon completely filled, so much so that no more lots were to be obtained for burial purposes.
Benjamin J. Cole, then owning a tract of land on Mechanic street, had a new yard laid out and sold lots in what is now known as the Hillside Cemetery. The bodies of those who had been laid to rest in the kirk-yard were removed to the new. It was currently re- ported at the time that one body could not be found. Hillside Cemetery was laid out in 1843. In 1888-'90 a large sum of money was spent in beautifying the grounds, which had begun to show signs of neglect. The officers of the association are : Stephen B. Cole, President ; William O. White, Secretary ; Henry McMurphy, Sexton.
The Bayside Cemetery Association was formed under the provis- ions of the General Statutes April 25, 1869, with the names of twen- ty-one incorporators, viz : John G. Sanborn, Winborn A. Sanborn, David F. Moore, Joseph C. Moore, Eliphalet Blaisdell, Charles E. Moulton, William S. Taylor, Samuel C. Clark, David Ferguson, Jr., Sylvester A. Sargent, John O. Prescott, Enoch B. Prescott, John Gray, Henry W. Swazey, Horace G. Whittier, Rufus Smith, Joseph Dunavan, Samuel M. Tuck and James H. Plummer. The stock of the association was $2,000, divided into shares of $50 each.
The cemetery grounds, at the north end of Union Avenue, were purchased of John G. Sanborn. The survey was made by Thomas Ham. The plan drawn by him was destroyed at the burning of . Henry E. Brawn's block, corner of Elm and Park streets, Sunday evening, November 25, 1889. The present officers of the associa tion are : Henry W. Swasey, President ; William H. Brawn, Secre- tary ; Scott Wentworth, Sexton.
CHAPTER XXIII.
STRAY NOTES FROM OUR SCRAP BOOK.
Temperance Sentiment of Years Ago.
In the fall of 1837 it became known that a man from outside in- tended to start a grocery here with a New England rum attachment. The citizens, as a mass, were highly indignant, and every man living in the village signed the following drastic resolutions, with the result that the Grocery never was opened. The writer of these sketches has one of the printed copies, which reads as follows :
SENTIMENTS AND RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY CITIZENS OF WINNIPISSIOGEE LAKE VILLAGE
IN REFERENCE TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A GROCERY.
Believing that the habitual use of Ardent Spirits tends to degrade man to more than a level with the Brute Creation ; and that it is the grand primary Cause of a great portion of the CRIME AND MISERY in the world ; and that the persons who encourage the use of it in community, by distilling or selling the same (except as med- icine) exert an influence to promote PAUPERISM, CRIME AND MISERY. Therefore, Resolved, That we view with just abhorrence and regret the attempt of any person or persons to keep and sell Ardent Spirits in this village.
Resolved, That as it is generally understood that a "Grocery", (so called) where spirituous liquors are to be retailed, is soon to be opened in this village ; We, therefore, pledge ourselves, each to the other solemnly, that we will use every laudable measure to discour- age the same, and that we will not purchase of the person who may open such a place, any article whatever, kept in said Grocery.
(Signed 29th January 1838.) J. V. Barron Samuel Philbrick
William Odell E. G. Gilford
J. R. Clarke G. P. Nutter
A Glimpse of Lakeport, N. H.
STRAY NOTES. 97
Hugh Blaisdell A. Cole
J. C. Moulon N. S. Clarke
Benj. Sanborn
John Davis 2d
Moses Sargent
J. Wells
A. C. Blaisdell
S. M. Clifford
M. W. Blaisdell
George Thompson
J. Thyng
Benj : H. Whittier
Dudley C. Prescott
J. S. Edgerly
E. W. Corliss
William B. Swain
Hiram Gilman
John Weymouth Daniel Davis
Eliph. Blaisdell, Ir.
Samuel Gilman
O. M. Moulton
T. D. Somes
P. O. Blaisdell
J. B. Swain W. P. Moulton
John Webster
A. T. Parker
William Nutter
Luman Danforth
Richard Martin
S. Gilman, Jr.
Millers.
In looking over old records I find that the old grist mill has had but five millers, viz : Stephen Leavitt, 1835 to 1862 ; Luman Dan- forth, 1862 10 1867 ; - Allen, 1867 to 1868; Albert II. Davis, 1868 to 1887 ; Simeon Johnson, January 1, 1887, until the mill was burned, May 26, 1903.
Lawyers.
The first lawyer to open an office here was Ira Folsom, followed by Samuel C. Clark, Orestes H. Key, Arthur StClair Smith, Jotham P. Hutchinson, Benjamin C. Dean, Stanton Owen and William H. Flanders. Just at present no lawyer has his shingle out here.
The First Band.
The first Band here was organized in the winter of 1847-'48, un- der the name of Lake Village Brass Band. George A. Wilder was the Leader, assisted by the following wind jammers : Simeon S. Oakes, Horace Lovett, Lorenzo Lovett, John Aldrich, John C. Blais- dell, Nathaniel Crosby, Arthur W. Bugbee, Joseph Donavan, William T. Batchelder, Horace Batchelder, Dudley Prescott, Lyman B. Pul- cifer, Samuel Gilman, Elbridge E. Webster, Albert C. Gilman.
The First Town Clock.
The first town clock was placed in the belfry of the Free Will Baptist church, on Park street, in 1852 -- the year in which the house was built. It was the gift of John Davis 2d, while the bell was giv-
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Ilorace Bugbee
J. S. Towle
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LAKEPORT, NEW HAMPSHIRE.
en by Benjamin J. Cole. The clock continued to do duty until December 15, 1890, when the church was burned. The present clock was procured by a subscription of citizens and an appropria- tion of $600 from the town of Gilford. It was from the Howard Clock and Watch Company, of Boston, and was placed in position on the completion of the new church building.
Those Eels.
In 1858 the old grist mill was run by one Stephen Leavitt, who did quite a business on the side by catching eels, which he sold at two cents each, straight. The boys used to trouble the old gentle- man exceedingly by hoisting or lowering the gates of his eel-pot, as the success of their mischievous pranks might require. On one oc- casion a couple of boys thought they would have some fun at his expense and carry off some of his game. At a time when they sup- posed the miller was at his home, they got down into the pit, with the water shut off, and were so busy gathering the fish into the bas- ket they had brought that they did not notice the approach of any one ; but all of a sudden the water flooded the pit-whereupon they made good their escape, leaving their basket and fish behind. The one that had the basket did not dare show himself near those prem- ises for a long time, and never went after his basket. The writer does not feel at liberty to divulge the names of the two young ad- venturers ; but if any one is of an inquiring turn of mind, and the information is absolutely essential to their happiness, they might make inquiries of Col. B. F. Drake or John Mooney Sanborn.
As Neighbors.
Prior to the building of the first bridge spanning the river at this place, so it is stated, a Mrs. Gilman, who lived where Hoyt Davis now resides, in Gilford, used to come over to visit Mrs. Folsom. She would bring her knitting and sit on the bank of the river at Gale Point, at the rear of where Henry J. Odell's store now stands, while Mrs. Folsom would sit on the opposite side of the river. There they would visit, busily plying their needles and keeping up a con- versation that was enjoyed by both. After the visit, Mrs Gilman would return to her home, two miles away.
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STRAY NOTES.
Rufe Clark's New Drill Order.
In 1859 the old Niagara Engine Company were out, one evening, on parade and drill in Railroad Square. Rufus Clark was the drill master-a business for which he had a great liking and aptitude. He had just snapped out the order, "Company, by the right flank by file left -- " and was swelling his chest to finish with the command for execution, when an alarm of fire was given, and he finished his order in a way not laid down in any known drill master's manual : "Fire ! Run, G- d- you !"' And they did, to a building on Frank- lin street, where there was only a slight smudge.
A. D .- Anno Domini-Alpheus Dolloff.
The Elm street bridge was built in 1870. Alpheus Dolloff was at that time one of the Selectmen of Laconia and the construction of the west end of the bridge was under his supervision. At the com- pletion of the work he had this inscription, recording the date of the work, cut into one of the stones of the pier : "A. D. NOV. 1870." One of our citizens who, on political accounts, had no love for Mr. Dolloff, scanned the inscription and sneeringly remarked : "Yes, Alf Dolloff is trying to gain notoriety by putting his initials where they can be seen in after years."
The Best Part of the World.
Col. Martin A. Haynes, on arriving home, one time, from Manilla, where he had been stationed in the employ of the Government, was asked if he was going back, to which he replied in the negative, with the remark : "The United States is good enough for me to live in, and New Hampshire is the best part of the United States, and Lake- port and its vicinity is the best part of New Hampshire ; therefore Lakeport is the best part of the world to live in." Mart ought to know.
Reminiscences of Niagara I.
. Many of the residents of Laconia, and also Lakeport, remember the old tannery building that, away back in the 'Fifties, stood on Mill street nearly opposite the Busiel hosiery mills ; and they will also remember the door on the street, about two feet and a half from the ground, where teams backed up to be loaded or unloaded.
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LAKEPORT, NEW HAMPSHIRE.
Once upon a time, Torrent Engine Company, No. 2, of Laconia, gave a fireman's ball and invited Niagara, No. 5, of Nashua, to pay them a visit. There was a fine parade in nobby uniforms-and then the ball. Along in the wee sma' hours the fire alarm sounded-the old tannery was on fire. The Nashua company had their machine with them, and set in on the mill street bridge, to play on the burn- ing building.
Presently Niagara Company put in an appearance from Lake Vil- lage and were stationed in the rear of the burning building, right over the canal. They had hardly got to work before they found they were being wet down by the visiting company, and it was evi- dently being done on purpose. The Nashua boys had been told the Lake Village machine was "nothing but a pop-squirt," and were ev- idently inclined to have some fun with the countrymen. Rufus Clark was adjutant of the Niagaras, and Natt Shackford-who, though small, was a terror-was their captain. They put their heads together and arranged a surprise for the down-country company. Natt got everything pointed all right, and at the signal Rufe gave the order something like this : "Up and down, One ! Steady ! Now, give it to her, boys !" At the same time Natt ordered the nozzle switched toward the open door, in which stood the leading hoseman of the Nashua company. He was swept off his feet and sent sprawl- ing half way across the street. Jumping up, he inquired what it was that hit him, and was soon enlightened. The Nashna boys were mad, and, after a consultation, all the men not needed on the brakes were detailed to go over and lick the Lake Villagers. They got a sight of the Lake Villagers and took an inventory. There were such giants as "Boss" George Stevens, "Jarve" Sanborn, "Winch" Blais- dell, "Jim" Foss, and others of almost equal physical proportions. One good look was enough. The expeditionary force fell back in good order and reported : " Say, you'd better keep away from that Lake Village bunch. There's pretty near a hundred of them, and mighty few that weigh less than two hundred pounds." In after years, Lake Village and Nashua firemen had many a hearty laugh over the episode.
Another.
At the time Robert Appleton's mill, at Laconia, was burned, Ni- agara i was on the war path, was always ready for a hand-to-hand
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STRAY NOTES.
engagement with the fiery elements, and lived up to the Company's motto-" Never Dry." At this fire, as soon as the alarm was sound- ed, the ropes were manned (they never used horses), and as they passed over the railroad crossing at Lake Village John Pepper drove along, accompanied by a gentleman from Boston. Mr. Pepper took out his watch, noted the time, and remarked : " 'They will have a stream on the fire in less than twenty-five minutes." As a stream was turned onto the burning building Mr. Pepper consulted his watch again and found it had been only seventeen minutes. The Boston gentleman made the remark : " I'll bet there is not another company in the United States that can accomplish such a feat."
Still Another.
When Perley Putnam's house was burned, at the corner of Church and Messer streets, in Laconia, a member of the old company living on the height of Belvidere street, nearly one-half mile from the en- gine house, saw the fire on going out of doors in the evening. Ile ran down the hill, screaming "Fire "' at the top of his voice, was the first to arrive at the engine house, and unlocked the door. By this time other members were arriving, and they ran out the ma- chine, dragged it to Laconia, and actually had a stream on the fire before Torrent No. 2 of Laconia did.
Just One More.
At the time of the great fire in Laconia, November 21, 1860, when the car shops were in imminent danger of being burned, as the little " pop squirt " struck in at the head of Water street, on its way to the shops, the daughter of the late Charles Randlett-who was the head and chief owner of the establishment-was standing on the sidewalk. As the machine went rattling by she began to jump up and down, at the same time exclaiming : " Father's shops are saved ! 'There goes Niagara Company of Lake Village !" Sure enough, they were saved by the heroism of the boys that were there to fight fire. The Chief of the Laconia Department stationed the Niagaras between the shops and the river. After a while, as things were developing, the chief conchided the situation was too perilous and the prudent thing to do was to order the company out. This he did, telling the foreman, James M. Foss, there was danger of the
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LAKEPORT, NEW HAMPSHIRE.
men losing their lives if the fire should get beyond control and cut off their escape. Foreman Foss told the Chief he would look out for that, as every man in the company was an expert swimmer and would have no trouble in getting across the river if worse came to worst. By tremendous efforts the Niagaras subdued the flames at that point and saved the entire plant. This accomplished, they started for Mill street. This street was a roaring furnace, fierce flames on each side and the roadway choked with the debris of burn- ing buildings. When the leaders on the ropes arrived at the present Knight & Huntress corner, they hesitated, hardly daring to proceed. But Foss shouted, sternly : "Take her ahead, boys !" and no sec- ond order was necessary. Through the inferno, over fallen timbers the boys plunged and succeeded in getting to the rear of the Bel- knap Mills, where for the second time that day they showed the crowd how fires are fought by real firemen.
Lake Village Savings Bank.
The Lake Village Savings Bank was incorporated in 1864 and be- gan business October 1 of the same year. Samuel C. Clark was the first person to make a deposit. Benjamin J. Cole was the first Pres- ident and Thomas Ham the first Treasurer. The members of the corporation were : Benjamin J. Cole, Samuel C. Clark, Josiah F. Robie, Thomas Ham, John S. Wadleigh, Stephen S. Ayer, Joseph Donovan, Stephen B. Cole, Henry F. Rublee, Langdon G. Morgan, Harrison O. Heywood, James M. Ward, John S. Crane, Levi C. Da- vis, William S. Taylor, Frank J. Robinson, Henry Blaisdell, George W. Sanders, John Aldrich, Oliver Goss, Joseph L. Odell, Augustus J. Owen, Ernest C. Haserick, Elijah H. Blaisdell, Joseph M. Lou- gee, George Sleeper, Moses H. Merrow, James L. Beede, Geo. L. Sleeper, Benjamin F. Drake.
National Bank of Lakeport.
The National Bank of Lakeport commenced business in May, 1892, with a capital stock of $50,000. The first President was Henry J. Odell, with Stephen B. Cole as the first Cashier. The signers of the agreement were John S. Crane, George H. Robie, Stephen B. Cole, William H. Pepper, John G. Quimby, Henry Tuck- er, Albert T. L. Davis, Samuel R. Jones, Charles E. Buzzell, Benj.
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STRAY NOTES.
F. Drake, Henry J. Odell. Henry J. Odell has continuously held the office of President. Wellington L. Woodworth is the present Cashier.
The Highland Band.
The Highland Band was organized in February, 1879, with seven members. In April, 1880, it was incorporated, having at that time twenty-four members, with the following officers : President, Eben- ezer P. Osgood ; Secretary, Fred O. Smith ; Treasurer and Leader, Daniel E. Webster ; Director, Alson F. Rublee. Although they still keep up their organization, the members have become so scattered that they cannot meet for rehearsals and have done no business for the past two or three years, except to furnish music for the New Hampshire Veteran Association at Weirs.
An Old Country Store.
It is not generally known that where the office of the Cole Manu- facturing Co. now stands there used to be a country store, run by B. J. Cole and John Davis in connection with their extensive manu- facturing plant. Here the help that were employed in the foundry and various shops were supplied with the necessaries of life. Seth Davis, John Aldrich, and Stephen B. Cole, with occasional helpers, were in the habit of "thumbing" the yardstick, as well as weighing out codfish and counting out crackers by the dozen.
Early Traders.
Among the early traders of Lakeport were Joseph Pitman, Nathan Batchelder, John V. Barron, Horace Bugbee, Orin Bugbee, Thomas Wilder, Charles H. Wilder, George A. Wilder, Benjamin J. Cole, John Blaisdell, Jr., John M. Potter, Langdon G. Morgan, Eliphalet Blaisdell, Seth Davis, George W. Weeks, John Aldrich, Daniel Web- ster. Otis Moulton, brother of John C., in the early "Thirties kept a store on the corner of Fore and Gold streets, while John V. Bar- ron and Horace Bugbee were in the same business in the old Mill Store on Franklin Square. After a season Mr. Bugbee took posses- sion of the store on the corner of Fore and Gold streets, and Mr. Barron was succeeded by his son, John V., and Joseph Pitman, both of whom were well known in business circles before their deaths.
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