History of Cheshire and Sullivan counties, New Hampshire, Part 114

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton)
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Philadelphia : J. W. Lewis
Number of Pages: 1200

USA > New Hampshire > Sullivan County > History of Cheshire and Sullivan counties, New Hampshire > Part 114
USA > New Hampshire > Cheshire County > History of Cheshire and Sullivan counties, New Hampshire > Part 114

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HISTORY OF SULLIVAN COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

GEORGE N. FARWELL.

The Farwells of America, in a great measure, descended from Henry Farwell, the English emi- grant, who was one of the first settlers of Concord, Mass., where he was made " freeman " May 22, 1639. About 1655 he removed to Chelmsford, where he died in 1670. He had five children,- John, Joseph, Mary, Olive and Elizabeth.

Nicholas Farwell, the first of the family in Claremont, N. H., was born May 5, 1781, probably in Marblehead, Mass., and removed with his parents while very young to Pickers- field (now Nelson, N. H.). His father was in greatly straitened circumstances, and the large family of boys were scattered in places that afforded them chances for labor. Nicholas was apprenticed to a shoemaker, and, with very little opportunity to avail himself of the meagre educa- tional advantages afforded in that day, came up to manhood with a strong physique, a good knowl- edge of his trade, and habits of industry, stead- fastness and frugality-a worthy inheritance for his descendants. He married, April 20, 1803, Susan, daughter of Oliver Corey, and settled on a farm in the west part of Claremont, but, in 1813, he moved into the village and began the manu- facturing of ladies' shoes, and, by perseverance, energy and close application, was successful, building up an industry of large proportions for that time and adding much to the prosperity of the community.

He was also interested in merchandising and the manufacturing of cotton cloth at the Lower village.

He erected a residence on Broad Street, now owned and occupied by Hermon Holt, Esq., who married a granddaughter, and lived there until his death, which occurred October 13, 1852, from heart-disease. His widow died September 25, 1860.

George N. Farwell, the oldest of thirteen chil-

dren born to Nicholas and Susan (Corey) Farwell (only three of whom are living), was born in West Claremont February 18, 1804, attended the public schools until he was fourteen, then com- menced learning his father's trade and receiving the benefits of the public schools in the winter season. At his majority he went to St. Albans and engaged in the business of shoe manufactur- ing, but, after fifteen months, was induced by his father to return and enter into copartnership with him, after which he acquired the whole business, which he successfully followed for over thirty-five years, steadily increasing his productions, the standard of which was maintained and the reputa- tion of Farwell's shoes throughout Vermont and Northern New Hampshire, where his products were marketed by the country merchants, was well known. He gave employment to about one hun- dred persons. He married Sarah A., daughter of Louis and Rhoda Rathbone McDonald, of Mid- dlebury, Vt., December 25, 1827, at Middlebury, the late Rt. Rev. Benjamin Bosworth Smith, Bishop of Kentucky, officiating. Their children are James H., born June 25, 1829; John L., born March 1, 1834; and Susan L., born May 27, 1841. James H. is single. John L. married Martha Cooper, of Newark, Ohio, March 3, 1857. Their children are George Nicholas (2), born January 3, 1858 ; Belle, born May 28, 1860; John L., Jr., born May 26, 1865; Sarah Caroline, born June 11, 1868.

George Nicholas (2) was married, April 18, 1880, to Anna L. Grosvenor, of Dubuque, Iowa, to whom was born Susan Breck, February 5, 1885. Susan L., youngest child of George N., married William Breck, October 7, 1868, to whom was born Sarah McDonald, born January 14, 1873. .It will be noticed that, at the present time, four generations are living and all residing in Clare- mont.

Sarah A., wife of George N., died February 11, 1876. She was a woman of superior strength and beauty of character, abounding in good works, generous, gentle and loving, a Christian wife and mother. A reverend acquaintance wrote of her,

Quede Faul

Gead Balcom

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CLAREMONT.

"A lady of rare excellence and loveliness of character. God endowed her with superior natural powers. She possessed quick discernment, sound judgment, good taste, wise discretion, well educated, refined, intelligent, amiable, sympa- thetic, hospitable and a true Christian woman, taking large Scriptural views of Christ, the re- demption of sinners and the atonement."

In 1849 the Claremont Bank was incorporated. Mr. Farwell, being one of the incorporators, pro- cured the stock subscriptions and took a leading part in its organization ; afterwards was its cashier, and at this present time is its president, his son John L. being the vice-president and George N. (2), his grandson, its cashier. Mr. Farwell is the oldest director living of the original board. He was active and prominent in the organization of the Sullivan Savings Institution, was its first treasurer, and has been an active director since its organization, in 1848 (see chapter on Banks). Mr. Farwell has built several buildings in Clare- mont,-his present homestead on Broad Street in 1851, built on the lot his family only have occu- pied since 1828; also built the business block which bears his name in 1852; was treasurer of and one of the committee to erect the Stevens High School building. He has been one of the leading members of the Congregational Church for over half a century, represented the town in the State Legislature in 1868-69, acceptably filled many offices of trust, and occupies an exalted position in the esteem of a large circle of friends, who honor him for his many sterling qualities. Mr. Farwell is a man of dignified yet pleasant appearance, with clear intellect, happy tempera- ment, carries his more than four score years lightly, and, surrounded by his children, grand- children and great-grandchildren, who delight in doing him honor, he is passing the evening of his life, beloved and reverenced by the whole com- munity.

GEORGE LEWIS BALCOM.

In the words of an old philosopher,-" All men, whatever their condition, who have done anything

of value, ought to record the history of their lives," and one who, entirely by his own efforts, has attained affluence and social position, and through all the changing events of a long business life has preserved his integrity unimpaired, well deserves the pen of the historian.

George Lewis Balcom, son of Jonas and Mary (Richardson) Balcom, was born in Sud- bury, Mass., October 19, 1819. At the age of four years he removed, with his parents, to Low- ell, and received instruction in the private and High Schools of that place, and subsequently at- tended Westminster Academy (Mass.), where he acquired an education, which enabled him to enter Harvard University, at the early age of fifteen, in the class of 1839. At this time he had a powerful incentive to study, as his desire was to fit himself for professional life, and with his love for knowledge and natural taste for literary pur- suits, he might have been successful as a lawyer or theologian ; but, after two years of college life, the development of an affection of the throat obliged him to relinquish reluctantly his chosen life-work, and he left college to put himself in training for business. He must have possessed a brave heart, in the midst of a successful collegiate course, to break off from all the associations and habits peculiar to the student and scholar, and commence at the foot of the ladder of business. At the age of seventeen, in 1837, he went to Bos- ton and entered a hardware-store, and was the youngest in rank, although by education amply qualified for a higher position ; yet, with the thor- oughness which was a strong characteristic with him, he preferred to pass through all the grada- tions from an errand boy to that of salesman, and mastering all the details of the trade.

Thus prepared to enter the world of activity, on attaining his majority, Mr. Balcom left Boston, and went to Philadelphia, where he found em- ployment in the hardware business, and remained until 1846, when he returned to his native State. In 1847 he went to Proctorsville, Vt., and engaged as book-keeper in the woolen-mill of Gilson Smith & Co, and held that position until 1848, when,

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HISTORY OF SULLIVAN COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

through assiduous attention to his duties and a marked fidelity to the advancement of the inter- ests of his employers, he was soon promoted to the office of superintendent of the mill, and two years subsequently (1850) he became an owner and junior partner in the firm, under title of "Smith & Balcom," and continued business as such for seven years.

Mr. Balcom married, October 20, 1845, Anna, daughter of Samuel and Anna West, of Philadel- phia. Their children were,-Samuel West, born in Philadelphia, June 26, 1849, died July 26, 1849; William Smith, born in Proctorsville, Vt, August 3, 1850, and Mary Anna, born April 28, 1854, died October 21, 1854. William Smith Balcom married, first, Mary Ruffner Bellas, Octo- ber 8, 1874; she died July 21, 1879, leaving one child, Bessie Richardson, born August 31, 1876. He married, second, Cecilia Chollett Sower, Janu- ary 17, 1883. They have had one child, George Lewis Baleom (2d), born August 20, 1884, died October 6, 1884.

giving them friendly counsel and advice, and often very substantial proofs of his care. He is not only a just, but thoughtful employer.

Politically, Mr. Balcom affiliates with the Re- publican party. He represented Cavendish in the Legislature of Vermont in 1855 and 1856, and the extra session of 1857. He was also member from Claremont in the New Hampshire Legislature of 1883. In 1868 he visited Europe, traveling through France, Italy, Switzerland and Great Britain. He is a member of the Episcopal Church, is a generous and intelligent supporter of its affairs, and has been one of the trustees of Holderness School from its organization. He was a member of the Episcopal General Convention of 1871, and an alternate or member of all held since that year. His early predilections and tastes yet remain ; he is a student and a discrim- inating reader ; he takes a great interest in his- torical research, is a member of New Hampshire Historical Society, and is making a specialty of works on American history, of which he has a large number. His collection of New Hampshire historical works is, with a few exceptions, the largest in the State, and he has one of the most extensive and most valuable private libraries in Sullivan County.

In 1857 Mr. Baleom purchased the woolen-mill of Sanford & Rossiter (see chapter on Manufac- tures), and became a resident of Claremont. Since the mill passed into his ownership until the present time,-a period of twenty-eight years,-it has been run without cessation,-a notable and Although his life has been one of continuous business activity, Mr. Balcom has not remained a silent observer of events, or of the growth or pros- perity of Claremont, but has borne his part in all enterprises tending to promote the causes of mo- rality, religion and education, to further the inter- ests of society and to advance the sway of law and the prevalence of order. He has always acted upon the principle that whatever is worth doing at all should be done thoroughly and well. Un- ostentatious and unassuming, Mr. Balcom stands high in the esteem of the leading men in the com- munity and State, as one of New Hampshire's representative manufacturers. praiseworthy fact. He has, from time to time, entirely replaced the old with new and improved machinery, and has now truly a model mill. For several years during and after the War of the Rebellion, he also carried on his former manufac- tory in Proetorsville, Vt., and for a year or two, under the United States internal revenue laws, he paid a much larger income tax than any other individual in the State, though doubtless there was more than one person whose real income ex- ceeded his. It is not too much to say that the successful condition of this manufactory, which for more than a quarter of a century has given employment to a large number of workmen, is - due, in a great measure, to the financial ability JUDGE WILLIAM CLARK. and untiring energy of Mr. Balcom. He takes a Among the sons of Claremont, for many years kindly interest in his employés, as they can attest, | identified with her mercantile, political and social

Millium Clark

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relations, must be mentioned Judge Clark, who died in the town of his nativity. May 30, 1883.

Judge William Clark descended from two early and prominent families of New Hampshire, being the son of Moses and Fanny (Patterson) Clark. His paternal and maternal ancestors were among the pioneers of Londonderry, his father removing from that town to Claremont, where William was born March 6, 1819, on the home- stead, situated about three miles from the village, on the old Newport road. His father was engaged in agricultural pursuits, and William passed his time until he became of age working on the farm and acquiring a good education from the district schools of the town. The in- struction he received was not seed thrown on stony soil; his mind was active, inquiring, retentive and particularly receptive, and his future career showed that his advantages were well improved. At the age of twenty-one, pre- ferring mercantile life to that of a " tiller of the soil," he apprenticed himself to Rufus Carlton, in the meat business, and continued with him one year, after which he worked for Colonel Phil- emon Tolles, remaining with him three years, attending to his duties with a faithfulness which always characterized him. Having a good knowl- edge of the business, and being energetic and self-reliant, he entered trade for himself and con- tinued in this line for twelve years. His enter- prise was prospered, and he built up the largest business of the kind in the section; had his meat-wagons running through all the neighbor- ing towns the entire year, and in the winter he drove from Claremont to Concord each week with supplies. In 1857, Mr. Clark disposed of his interest to Henry C. Cowles, whom he had taken as a partner a few years previously, and soon after entered into partnership with Albert H. Danforth, a wholesale flour and grain dealer, and continuing in trade until 1871, when he retired from a mercantile life of thirty years.

During these years, however, Mr. Clark had found other channels for his active nature. He took a warm interest in political and public affairs,

and his judgment, discernment and business abil- ity were recognized by his fellow-townsmen, and he was called upon to fill various offices of trust. In 1853 he was appointed selectman, and held that office fifteen years, ten of which he was chairman. In 1871, 1872 and 1873 he was town clerk, and the neatness and correctness of the records attest his care. He was appointed deputy assessor of internal revenue for this district in 1863, which position he held nine years. From 1851 he was largely engaged in probate business, and was entrusted with the administration of some of the largest and most important estates in Sullivan County, among them the "Cheshire Bridge Estate," the estate of Hon. John M. Glid- den and that of John Tappan. His good judg- ment, sagaciousness and keen insight of the char- acters of men, their tastes, sympathies, tempera- ment and prejudices, were of great advantage to him, and his administration in all cases was eminently successful, and he acquitted himself with credit, and to the approval of the interested parties. His adjustment of the Tappan estate some fourteen years since, whereby the town of Claremont came into the possession of the "Tap- pan Fund," was especially reputable. He was appointed judge of Probate for Sullivan County in 1876, and held the office at the time of his death. His twenty-five years of experience in similar business was a fine preparation, and he was an able officer in his judicial capacity, and in no instance did the Supreme Court overrule his decision when appeal was taken.

Judge Clark was for many years interested in the banking institutions of Claremont, was a large stockholder in them, and familiar with the details of their business. He was a director in the Clare- mont National Bank for fourteen years, and in the Sullivan Savings Institution for twenty-nine years, besides being for many years one of the loaning agents, and was first on the list of vice- presidents at the time of his death.

Judge Clark married, January 15, 1855, Esther A. Bosworth, an estimable lady, who survives him. In the death of Judge Clark, Sullivan County

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lost one of her best men, and Claremont a man who probably was more conversant with the affairs and history of the town than any other per- son. In his official capacity he was courteous, gentlemanly and dignified, and in the settling of complicated cases gave great satisfaction. In pri- vate life he was social and of pleasing manners. He did not make friends hastily, but a friendship once formed was lasting. He was kind to all, and his counsel and advice were sought and valued by many. For his prolonged business activities, his faithfulness to large responsibilities, his quick re- ply to the demands of charity or public weal, his unostentatious manner, his cordial and gentlemanly bearing, Judge Clark will be long held in kindly remembrance by the community of which he was so useful and worthy a member, and may his record prove a wholesome model to a rising gener- ation.

HON. CHARLES H. EASTMAN.

Hon. Charles H. Eastman, only child of Timothy and Eunice (Barnes) Eastman, was born in Claremont, N. H., June 20, 1819, and died in that town, August 4, 1879. Timothy Eastman was a resident of Claremont for many years, com- ing to the town in 1811. He was actively engaged in tanning and other important industries for nearly half a century, and, by the energy of his character and devotion to business, accumulated a fortune, and acquired the esteem and friendship of the community. During his latter years he was president of the Sullivan Savings Institution. He died in 1859, aged sixty-eight.

Charles received the educational advantages of the schools of Claremont and vicinity, and, inher- iting the business characteristics of his father, early became a valuable assistant to him. From his mother, a deeply pious and devoted Christian, the young lad received lessons of piety which brought early and abundant fruit. When but twelve years old he united with the Congregational Church, and ever after was a worker in the King- dom of the Lord. When a little past his major- ity, Mr. Eastman became impressed with the con-

viction that it was his duty to enter the ministry, and, when he was twenty-four, he had qualified himself for that labor, was ordained and became a member of the New Hampshire Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. For over five years, in Manchester and elsewhere, until an affection of the throat caused his withdrawal from continuous ministerial labor, Mr. Eastman did earnest and faithful service in his chosen field. At his father's urgent request, Mr. Eastman then returned to Claremont and became a partner in the tanning business. This was a flourishing industry, employ- ing numerous people, and added greatly to the prosperity of the town. After his father's death, Mr. Eastman inherited the property and became extensively known as a leather manufacturer. He was prominent among the business men of this section and was a director of Sullivan Savings Institution.

Mr. Eastman was early identified with the Re- publican party and did much to aid in the dissem- ination of the principles of that organization, and was pronounced in the support of the Union in the great Civil War. The duties of a member of the State Legislature at that period were ardu- ous and full of responsibility, and he did good ser- vice for his town as representative during the dark years of 1861-62. In the estimation of the people he was qualified for a higher position and greater trus's, and, in 1863-64, he was a valued member of the Executive Council of Governor Gilmore.

But it was not alone as a man of business and public office that we must speak of Mr. Eastman. His activity reached into other channels and his benevolence found many objects for his ready sym- pathy and liberal hand. In Methodist circles he was recognized as one of its strong pillars in Sulli- van County. As superintendent of the Sabbath- school of that church in Claremont for many years, he impressed himself upon the rising gener- ation in such a manner that the lessons of his life will not soon be forgotten. In everything looking toward the elevation of mankind and the better- ing of the world Mr. Eastman was an earnest participant. In temperance circles his voice and

C. H. Eastman,

Nathanne Tolles

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his means were equally given to aid the good work, and his eye was quick to mark and his heart ready to relieve suffering.

He was three times married,-first, to Harriet King, by whom he had one son, Charles E., an estimable young man, who died in the early prime of a life which promised a career of more than ordinary usefulness. As a teller of the Claremont National Bank for six years, the business men of the place had ample opportunity to know his value, and he was universally considered a thorough gen- tleman, of pleasant companionship, uprightness of character and strict integrity. Mr. Eastman's second wife was Abby King, a sister of his first wife. January 1, 1873, he married his third wife, Julia A. Diggins, of Charlestown, who survives him.

As a speaker Mr. Eastman combined a fine, presence and an easy flow of language, and at times, when the right conditions were present, was eloquent. He often appeared brusque to strangers, but further acquaintance showed that he had a kind and sympathetic heart, which won strong friendship. He was true to his conception of duty, and the energy and good judgment shown in his business operations were carried with success into his political, neighborhood, and religious relations. He was a faithful pastor, a faithful friend, a faith- ful thinker and counselor, and an exemplary hus- band.

The Eastman Memorial Chapel, presented to the Methodist Church by Mrs. Eastman, is a pleasing memorial in being consecrated to good works and the service of the Lord. He labored and was ap- preciated in his life, and may the recollection of his labors stimulate others to renewed exertions, and rest like a holy influence upon other hearts and other minds. "Better than storied urn or animated bust" is such a monument of tender memories.

NATHANIEL TOLLES, M. D.

There is no more valuable member of any com- munity than the intelligent and devoted physician.

He is a benefactor of his race, and, when death takes from our midst an old, tried and reliable medical practitioner, one whom we have learned to look upon with regard, and whose professional skill and tender care of his suffering patients has won the esteem and love of all, we feel in our hearts and utter with our lips, " A good man is gone." Such an one was Nathaniel Tolles, M D., the fifth and youngest son of John 'Tolles. He was born in Weathersfield, Vt., September 17, 1805, and when thirteen years of age he came to Claremont with his parents, where his father engaged in agricultural pursuits. Nathaniel soon became a pupil in the Claremont Catholic Semi- nary, then a flourishing institution, located at the west part of the town, under the supervision of the Rev. Daniel Barber. He was fond of study from early life, and his time while at school was improved to the utmost. He was noted for cor- rectness of deportment, strict obedience to regula- tions, as well as for his constant attendance in his classes, and for thoroughness in the preparation of his recitations. He continued his studies here until he was fitted for college, but, naturally of a delicate organization, this close application im- paired his health, and he was obliged to relinquish his plan of a collegiate course, and turned his atten- tion to employment better adapted to him, and for several years was occupied in various ways-teach- ing in the winters, and in the summer months assisting his father in the labors of the farm, and also recreating by travel, but always holding steadfastly to his prior intentions to advance in the classics, and other departments of useful knowledge.

In the spring of 1827, at the age of twenty-two, his health being re-established, he commenced the study of medicine under the direction of Dr. James Hall, of Windsor, Vt., with whom he con- tinued nearly two years, and then was a pupil of Dr. Charles G. Adams, of Keene. He attended medical lectures at Bowdoin College, and after- wards at Dartmouth, where he received the degree of M.D., November, 1830. He then obtained the position of resident physician in the South Boston

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Almshouse, where he remained for six months, having an opportunity to familiarize himself with disease, which proved of great practical use in after-life. While there he had the advantage of the superior medical instruction of the distinguished Dr Fisher.

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History of Cheshire and Sullivan counties, New Hampshire, Part 114

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) Publication date: 1886 Publisher: Philadelphia : J. W. Lewis Number of Pages: 1200

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton)
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Philadelphia : J. W. Lewis
Number of Pages: 1200