History of Cheshire and Sullivan counties, New Hampshire, Part 42

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 42
USA > New Hampshire > Cheshire County > History of Cheshire and Sullivan counties, New Hampshire > Part 42

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

SAMUEL A. RICHARDSON was born in Dub- lin December 23, 1830. He was the youngest of four children, and the only son of Abijah and Mary (Hay) Richardson. His parents were of the old Dublin stock,-a little austere in manner, perhaps, as was the fashion of the time, but good types of those sturdy virtues, such as honesty, piety, industry and thrift, which characterized a former generation in that mountain-town. His early life was spent on his father's farm, assisting in its duties and la- bor, as was usual with farmers' boys of the period. The common schools of Dublin at that time were equal, if not superior, to any in Cheshire County, and the early education and training of the son were mostly gained in the somewhat famous School District No. 2, which has produced many young men who have made their mark in the various walks of life. The Rev. Dr. Leonard, who was singularly uner- ring in his estimates of young men, early marked him as a boy of promise, and one who would some day be heard from in the battle of life. The good doctor was wont, in his old age, to enumerate the scores of Dublin young men who had fulfilled the promise of their youth and his own prophecy of success, and " Dr. Sam" was always mentioned among the number.

As young Richardson approached manhood he supplemented his common-school education with such higher advantages as could be ob- tained at the Hancock Literary and Scientific Institute, an institution quite flourishing in

those days, and the Normal Institute, at Reed's Ferry. Beyond this, we are not aware that he enjoyed the benefit of any special school training before commencing the study of that profession to which he has devoted his life. He early conceived the idea of a medical education, and in the intervals of farm-work bent his mind and studies in this direction. He was obliged to rely almost entirely upon his own resources and earnings ; and we find him making the first decided move in this direction by attending a course of medical lectures at Philadelphia, in 1852. The following spring (1853) he entered his name as a student in the office of Albert Smith, M.D., LL.D., of Peterborough, at that time among the most eminent professors and medieal teachers in the State. He attended a course of medical lectures at the Woodstock (Vt.) Medical College in 1855. In July, 1855, he located as a physician in Marlborough, taking the place of Dr. James Batcheller. He quickly gained the esteem and confidence of the people and a fair share of the business. Not content, however, with his medical acquire- ments, in the spring of 1856, Dr. Richardson secured another physician to fill his place tem- porarily, and attended still another course of lectures at Albany, N. Y., receiving from that college the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He also spent some time as resident physician at the Albany County Almshouse Hospital. The six following years were busy ones to him. Having returned to Marlborough, he entered upon the full tide of a very extensive and successful prac- tiee. His skill and good judgment were early recognized, and he was soon called to practice more or less in all the adjoining towns. In ad- dition to the arduous duties of his profession, he identified himself to a considerable extent with the manufacturing interests of the town.

In 1862, when the cloud of civil war dark- ened our horizon, Dr. Richardson offered his services to his country, and, in September of that year, was appointed assistant surgeon of the Thirteenth Regiment New Hampshire Volun-

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teers, of which Aaron F. Stevens (afterwards general) was colonel, and George B. Twitchell, M.D., of Keene, was surgeon. Under date of September 9, 1878, General Stevens says : " I desire to reaffirm now whatever you may find in my army reports favorable to Dr. Richard- son, or in appreciation of his talents, industry and professional accomplishments, his kindness of heart, and ever prompt discharge of his du- ties in camp, field or hospital. He was a man of superior talent and extraordinary resources, admirably adapted to public professional ser- vice, as well by his force of character and power of organization as from his professional knowledge and accomplishments."

SAMUEL J. MARTIN, son of Jefferson and Rhoda (Davis) Martin, was born in Weston, Windham County, Vt., September 9, 1830. When three years of age his parents removed to Mount Holly, Rutland County, Vt., where he received his early education, dividing his time between his studies and farm-work. Previous to his seventeenth year his help was much need- ed at home, and he consequently had limited ad- vantages for study. At this time, however, he entered Black River Academy, at Ludlow, Vt., and spent two terms each year during two years, and for the next four years studied at the same place during one term of each. His studies during this time were confined to the English branches ; but he afterwards spent two terms at Chester Academy, and there pursued the study of Latin with other higher branches, earning money to defray his expenses by teach- ing penmanship and day-school. After leaving school he engaged in teaching, and continued it with the exception of one year-when he was in poor health-until his twenty-eighth year.

He early developed a taste for the medical profession, but in his desire to enter it was op- posed by his father, who preferred that he should become a farmer. Accordingly, at the age of twenty-eight, he yielded to his father's wishes and purchased a farm with money a part of which he had carned by teaching. At the

end of one year, becoming dissatisfied with farm- ing, he began the study of medicine at home under the direction of A. E. Horton, M.D., of Mount Holly. One year later he sold his farm and gave his entire attention to his studies, and, after three years' study and taking two full courses of lectures, graduated from the Eclectic Medical College of Philadelphia. He began his practice in February, 1863, at Marlborough, and remained there until April, 1866, doing a successful practice, and at that time removed to Walpole, N. H., and there, in addition to his practice, opened a drug-store with another gen- tleman, who managed the latter business, while he devoted himself chiefly to his profession. At the end of eighteen months, having lost everything, he closed out his interest in the drug-store and gave himself unremittingly to his studies and practice.

The force of circumstances induced him to investigate the subject of homœopathy, and, at the end of one year's observation and careful thought, he embraced the principles of that school. Not having recovered from his failure in the drug business, and desiring a larger field of action, he removed to the West in 1869. After spending four months looking for a place to settle, he established himself' at Racine, Wis., where he has since resided, building up an ex- tensive practice and making for himself a most worthy reputation as a skillful practitioner.

During his residence in Marlborough he was elected superintendent of public schools. He has filled the office two terms as vice-president and one term as president of the Homoeopathic Medical Society of the State of Wisconsin. He is also a member of the American Institute of Homoeopathy and the Illinois Homoeopathic Medical Association.

Dr. Martin has given much attention to self- culture and by extensive reading and observa- tion lias acquired that knowledge of men and things which, with his excellent conversational powers, renders him a most agreeable and so- cial companion. This is but a brief outline of

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the life and history of one who, though having many experiences in common with others, has yet given an example of continued effort and will-power that entitles him to an honorable mention in these pages.

DR. GEORGE L. HARRINGTON, son of Leon- ard B. and Eunice G. Harrington, was born in Winchendon, Mass., November 11, 1844. In his childhood and youth he was quiet and un- assuming, yet always thoughtful, fond of his books and anxious to gain knowledge. Hav- ing made the most possible out of his public- school and academic privileges, he became a medical student in the office of Professor Wal- ter Carpenter, of Burlington, Vt. Here he enjoyed peculiar advantages under the instruc- tion of a wise and experienced teacher. In due time he entered the Medical Department of the Vermont University and graduated in course M.D.

In the winter of 1872 he settled in Marl- borough as a physician. Naturally enough, for the first two years he did not have a great run of practice. However, it became evident to those who early employed him that he was no quack, but one determined to establish himself in the confidence of the people by his works; and so gradually he grew into public favor, all the while extending his professional work. Long since it became extensively known that, if he is not a mau of many words, he is a man of second thought, keen discernment and sound judgment. He never has been known to praise himself or tell of wonderful cures and almost miraculous deeds wrought by his skill. Per- haps he has been too reserved and reticent at times for his own good and highest success. In the long run, no doubt, he will lose nothing from such a constitutional habit. The wise Soc- rates said he never had regretted keeping si- lence, but had often sorrowed for much speak- ing. From the fact he is an M.D., it is plain he does not think he knows it all, for he spends much time among his books and finds it a neces- sity to acquaint himself with the latest journals

and modern works of his profession. In the sick-room he is affable and naturally adapts himself at once to the situation of things. He seems to possess a ready faculty of reading dis- ease, and a willingness, in case he fails of its diagnosis in any particular instance, to acknowl- edge his lack of comprehending it. Such frank- ness is a virtue, and most commendable, espe- cially in a physician. So the sick under his charge can scarcely fail of trusting and confid- ing in him as a medical adviser. In not a few cases he has proved himself a skillful and cul- tured physician. Already he has won a good field of practice, and certainly his future is more promising than the present or the past. He has proved himself a useful citizen and a Christian gentleman. With truth it may be said of him that he is a true friend to the sick and a well-wisher to all in health.

DR. NATHANIEL H. MERRIAM was born in Chelsea, Mass., October 24, 1854, but his father's family soon removed to Lexington, Mass., where they now reside. He graduated at Philips Academy, Andover, in 1874, and .entered Amherst College in the class of 1878. His college course was interrupted by sickness, which became so persistent that he was obliged to abandon his graduation and remain at home for a considerable period. At the famous cele- bration of the centennial of the battle of Lex- ington, in 1875, he was on the staff of Colonel W. A. Tower, chief marshal of escort for Pres- ident U. S. Grant. At an early age he chose the profession of his late uncle, Dr. Nathaniel W. Merriam, of Maryland, and began his studies with the late Dr. Currier, a physician of note in Lexington. In 1876 he traveled in Great Britain and the Continent, returning with im- proved health ; attended lectures at Massachu- setts General Hospital, Harvard University. In 1878 he entered Dartmouth Medical Col- lege, where his abilities attracted attention, and he was appointed assistant to the chair of sur- gery, then occupied by Professor P. S. Conner, of Cincinnati, graduating in 1880. He married

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HISTORY OF CHESHIRE COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

Miss E. L. Cottrell, daughter of Asa Cottrell, Esq., of Lexington, and entered into active practice in Marlborough, N. H., in 1880. He is a member of the New Hampshire State Medi- cal Association, and served as delegate from that society to the American Medical Associa- tion, at Washington, in 1884, and is a member of that body. He enjoys a large and successful practice in Marlborough, especially in surgery, to which he is enthusiastically devoted.

CHAPTER VII.

MARLBOROUGH-(Continued).

INDUSTRIES OF THE TOWN.

' FOR many years after the settlement of the township the excellent water-power afforded by the numerous streams running through the town was considered of little value, beyond what was used for the sawing of lumber and the grinding of grain. In Chapter II. allusion was made to the first saw-mill, built by Daniel Harrington, and the first two grist-mills, built by Joseph Collins and Abijah Tucker. Both of these had a saw-mill connected with them, thus rendering it comparatively easy for the settlers to obtain lumber for building purposes. The one built by Joseph Collins was sold by him, in 1771, to his brother-in-law, James Lewis, after which we hear no more of this mill, and it probably remained in existence only a few years. Mr. Tucker continued to carry on his mill until the infirmities of age compelled him to give up labor, after which he let the mill for several years to different parties. His mill-dam was the first obstruction placed across the river ; and at that time it was no unusual sight, in the spring of the year, to sce shad below the dam, which had run up from the Connecticut River.

About 1826 this mill came into the posses- sion of Charles Holman, who for many years carried on an extensive lumber business. In

1837, Mr. Holman erected the stone mill, which he continued to occupy until old age rendered him unfit for labor, and the mill then came into the possession of his sons-in-law, Messrs. Thurston & Wilkinson. In 18- they built an addition to the mill, and put in ma- chinery for the manufacture of nailed and dove- tailed boxes and trunk-eleats.

There was also a saw-mill built at an early date by Benjamin Tucker and his sons, a little below the outlet of Meeting-House Pond, on the site of the Whitney & Tarbell Mill, so called. A native poct of that day, whose rhym- ing gives evidence of considerable inventive genius, notices this mill in the following verse :

"Tucker's boys built a mill, Half the time it did stand still ; When it went it made a noise ; Because it was built by Tucker's boys."

The present mill was erected by William C. Mason and Nathaniel Tottenham in 1840, who intended to saw out chair-stock; but, failing in their design, the mill was left in an unfinished state till 1845, when it was purchased by Amos A. Mason and Charles R. Bemis, who finished the mill and. commenced the manufacture of cane-seat chair-frames. In 1846, Mr. Bemis sold his interest in the business to Mr. Mason, who carried it on for several years. He was succeeded by different parties, each of whom remained but a short time, and about the year 1856 it came into the possession of Charles D. Tarbell and Jared I. Whitney, who for several years carried on an extensive lumber business in connection with the manufacture of chair-seat frames. In 1866, Mr. Tarbell sold his interest in the mill to Mr. Whitney, who continued the business some two or three years, and then sold to Mortimer M. Stowe. The mill is now in the possession of Amos A. Mason, and occupied by Miles Cudworth as a stave-mill.

William Tenney, Sr., built a saw-mill, prob- ably about 1780, on the Baker Brook, about half-way between the bridge and the saw-mill since owned by Miles Cudworth. The latter

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mill was built by Rufus Brooks some twenty years since. In 1867 he sold to Francis L. Mason, who used it as a saw-mill and also for the manufacture of clothes-pins. After the death of Mr. Mason, Miles Cud worth purchased the mill, and used it for the purpose of getting out pail-staves until it was burned, December 3, 1877.

There was a saw-mill on the Roaring Brook, in Roxbury, which is supposed to have been built by Bart Grimes. We have no account of the building of this mill ; but it must have been previous to 1800. This was afterwards owned by Esq. Holman.

A saw-mill was erected by Jesse Hunting at the outlet of Cummings' Pond about 1800. It is said, when Mr. Hunting was building this mill, that old Mr. Tayntor (father of Jedediah), passing near the spot on his way through the woods, remarked to Mr. Hunting, " This is an excellent place to build a mill, but where is your water ?" This meaning will be readily understood by all who are acquainted with the surroundings.

About 1805, John Wiswall, Sr., built a saw- mill ou the river, near what is now called the " Day Bridge." This, however, was washed away in a few years, and never rebuilt.

About this time a mill was erected on the Marlborough Brook, upon the site of the old Harrington mill. This was owned by Jonathan Whipple, who probably sold it to Joseph Wel- lington. When the latter left town it came into the possession of Captain John Lane, who con- tinued to own and occupy it until the great freshet of 1826, when it was carried away.

Samuel Collins built a mill (probably a saw and grist-mill) at an early date on the site of the lower mill of the Marlborough Manufactur- ing Company. In 1803 this was owned by Daniel Fisk, who converted a part of it into a fulling-mill. In 1807 it was purchased by Ebenezer Hill, who did considerable business at dressing cloth. He remained here eight years, and then sold to John B. Farrar, who

continued the business for several years, and then sold to Gilman & Nelson Converse, who used it as a lumber-mill. They also engaged in the manufacture of powder-kegs. In 1834 the building was destroyed by fire, and some time after the privilege passed into the hands of Asa Greenwood, who erected the main building, now standing, and engaged in the lumber busi- ness.

Of the mills erected in the south part of the town, now within the limits of Troy, we can say but little beyond the fact that there was a grist- mill built by Phinehas Farrar, in 1784, a few rods above the Forestall mill. This was after- wards owned by Daniel Gould. Alexander Parkman also built a fulling-mill in that part of the town about 1778.

Jacob Osborne is believed to have been the first to erect a saw-mill on the privilege now oc- cupied by Levi A. Fuller. As this was a part of the tavern property, it was bought and sold in rapid succession for many years. Mr. Fuller, the present owner, purchased it of his father in November, 1863. In the spring of 1872 this mill was destroyed by fire. Mr. Fuller imme diately erected a neat and substantial building, and is at present engaged in the manufacture of bail-boxes, pail-staves and coarse lumber.

Some years since a mill was erected on the stream, a few rods below the above-mentioned Fuller mill, by Isaac Fuller, and was used for the manufacture of various kinds of wooden- ware. Osgood J. Bemis succeeded Mr. Fuller, and for several years manufactured pail-handles to some extent. In the fall of 1871 he lost the mill by fire, and built the present structure, which is now occupied by Levi A. Fuller, in connection with his other mill.

In 1837, James Hobart built a saw and stave- mill on the Baker Brook, which was the one since owned by Aaron Mason. Hobart car- ried on the business for a short time ; but, not making it profitable, it passed into the hands of Mr. Mason, who retained possession of it until the destruction of the dam by the freshet of

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1869. The dam was never rebuilt, and the property soon passed into other hands. A part of the mill was taken down and the remainder converted into a barn.

Some time previous to 1800, Samuel Collins built a grist-mill at what is now called " Marl- borough Glen." This was in use by Mr. Col- lins and his sons until 1830, at which time, being somewhat out of repair, it was deserted, and the same year Joseph Collins built the mill now owned by Osgood R. Wiswall, which he used as a grist-mill for a few years, and then, selling to George Harvey, removed farther down the river, and about the year 1840 com- meneed to erect the one now owned by the late Barton Blodgett. Before it was completed Mr. Collins died, and the mill soon after came into the possession of Stillman Buss, under whose skillful management it soon won the name of being the best flouring-mill in Cheshire County, and was extensively patronized, not only by the people of the adjoining towns, but by those from a distance of more than twenty miles around, and so famous did this mill become that Mr. Buss was obliged, during a part of the time, to run it night and day. In 1861, Jede- diah T. Collins purchased an interest in the mill, which was carried on under the firm-name of Buss & Collins. After the death of Mr. Buss, Barton Blodgett bought one-half of the mill, and continued in company with Mr. Col- lins for several years, when he purchased of Mr. Collins his share, and continued to run it until his death. It is now owned by D. R. & F. A. Cole.

Eliphalet Stone erected a fulling-mill at the outlet of Stone Pond, on the site of the present saw-mill, at an early date. This was probably the first mill for dressing cloth within the limits of this town. Mr. Stone divided his time be- tween the farm and mill for many years, until, meeting with some reverses, he divided his property between his sons, Calvin and Shubael ; and Calvin, taking the mill, resumed the business of dressing cloth. He

removed the old fulling-mill to the oppo- site side of the road and converted it into a dwelling-house for his father ; built a saw-mill in place of it, and also a new fulling-mill a few rods below. Calvin Stone, Jr., with his brother Solon, succeeded their father in the business, and during their occupancy the fulling-mill was burned, and the present building erected. Sev- eral different kinds of wooden-ware have been manufactured here by different parties, such as clothes-pins, pail-handles, staves, etc., but at present little business is done.

Josiah Fish built the mill now owned by James Townsend in 1813. This was used by him for a fulling-mill. He was succceded by Calvin Page, who carried on the business suc- cessfully for several years. He also had a ma- chine for carding wool into rolls for the accom- modation of those who could spin. In 1837, James Townsend purchased the mill and com- menced the manufacture of woolen yarn, which business he has prosecuted with success to the present time. He also makes hose, knit-jackets, sheep's-gray cloth, etc., and his goods are some of the best found in market.

PAILS .- Pails were first made in this town by Robert Carpenter, who commenced the busi- ness in the mill now owned by Osgood R. Wis- wall. The pail-lathe used by Mr. Carpenter was but a rude affair, compared with those in use at present. It would now be considered a slow and tedious job to match the staves by hand and drive the hoops with a hand-driver ; but, thanks to the inventive genius of the Yankee, these obstacles have been overcome and the facilities for manufacturing pails greatly increased. Mr. Carpenter remained here but a short time, and then, in company with Charles Cooledge, commenced pail-making where N. Winche's pail-shop now stands a building hav- ing been erected for that purpose by Calvin Page, who then owned the privilege. Jedediah T. Collins and others continued the pail busi- ness at the Collins mill till 1836, when it came into the possession of George Harvey, who car-

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ried on the business for seven years. During this time he built the house now owned by the heirs of Luther Smith. In 1843 he traded the house and mill to his brother James, taking in exchange the farm on which he now resides. The business was continued by James Harvey some two years ; but not being successful, and becoming somewhat involved in debt, the prop- erty passed into other hands. Carpenter & Cooledge carried on the business at the Page mill until 1832, when the firm was dissolved, Mr. Carpenter going to Orange, Mass., where he again entered into the pail business on a more extensive scale. Mr. Cooledge returned to Troy and set up the same business, which he carried on for several years. Joseph Cum- mings now hired the Page mill and manufac- tured pails until April, 1834, when it was burned. The shop now owned by Nathan Winch was erected by Charles Gilbert and Cyrus Frost, who manufactured chairs there for sev- eral years. In 1837, Frost sold his share of the mill to George Holman. About this time they commenced the manufacture of pails. Silas Collester and Simeon Whitcomb soon after purchased an interest in the business, and Mr. Gilbert retired. Mr. Holman soon sold to his partners, who continued the business until 1852, when they sold to Nathan Winch, who is still the proprietor. In 1837, Asa Bemis built a saw-mill on the South Branch, in con- nection with which the following year he com- menced to make pails. He continued in this busi- ness until the infirmities of age rendered him unfit for labor, when he sold his business to Amasa Fuller, Jr., who is the present owner. Pails were quite extensively manufactured at the brick mill now owned by the Marlborough Manufacturing Company. This was built in 1835, by G. & N. Converse, for a pail-factory. It soon passed into the hands of Asa Green- wood. He, in a short time, sold to Robert Carpenter, who, in a few years, was succeeded by Nelson Howe ; and the business was success- fully conducted by him until 1859, when it was

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History of Cheshire and Sullivan counties, New Hampshire, Part 42

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