USA > New Hampshire > Coos County > History of Coos County, New Hampshire > Part 99
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The pressing need of the government for more troops for the Union army was being responded to with patriotic enthusiasm at that time.
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HISTORY OF COOS COUNTY.
Detroit volunteered to raise an extra regiment, which was accomplished in the short space of two weeks. This was the "Twenty-fourth Michigan." August 13, 1862. Mr. Green enlisted as a private in this organization, accompanied his regiment to the front, and was in active service until mustered out June 30, 1865. The regiment reached Washington in a season of great depression, for the demoralized remnants of Pope's defeated army were crossing the "long bridge" on their retreat. After the battle of Antietam the regiment was attached to McClellan's army and became a factor of the famous "Iron Brigade," participating among others in the historic battles of Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh Crossing, Mine Run, etc. Mr. Green was on duty some months in the adjutant-general's office, and, in June, 1864, he was appointed quartermaster's sergeant, and was in charge of wagon trains. While in the service he was a regular corre- spondent of the Detroit Free Press, and his letters were so acceptable that after the war he became a member of the local staff of that brilliant paper, with which he was connected for nearly eight years, winning laurels all the way. He has resided in Berlin since 1874, has done good work in many directions, and has never eaten the bread of idleness. He has been selectman six years, town clerk seven years, and several years a member of the school committee.
Mr. Green is kind hearted, sympathetic, in perfect accord with every- thing tending to aid and benefit humanity, and yet so unobtrusive and modest as to disclaim credit even where it is justly his due. As a soldier, he was patriotic and brave; as a writer, he has won an enviable reputation. We give the following written by his associates on the Free Press as the best evidence of his ability, worth and sterling character :- -
"And S. D. Green ! Rare old 'Salathiel,' quaintest, brightest, and most accomplished of all the old reportorial crowd, and of all men I have known the most 'repugnant to command.' Journalism lost a supe- rior writer when Green threw down his pen and went home to New Hampshire."
"S. D. Green was a man of much mtellectual power and a writer of ability. Few soldiers have a better military record. His old comrades of the Twenty-fourth Michigan Infantry relate with pride his gallantry and coolness in the face of both armies at the crossing of the Rappahannock, near Fredericksburg, in 1862."
The citizens of Berlin owe Mr. Green a debt of gratitude for the pres- ervation of the early history of the town gathered from the pioneers.
DEXTER WHEELER.
Dexter Wheeler, son of Thomas and Sally (Blodgett) Wheeler, was born in Gilead. Me., April 27, 1816, came with his parents to Berlin when about ten years old, and for more than half a century his labor was a fac- tor in the growth of the town. During his minority he remained at home, but his aspirations for a better education than his father's limited means afforded led him, on becoming of age, to start out and endeavor to make
Vester Wheeler
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his own way in life. Like all New Hampshire boys he knew how to work, and, as every honest workman is worthy of his hire, Dexter Wheeler soon found remunerative employment in Keene and Swanzey. where he labored on the farm in summer, taught school in winter, and, by judicious management of his earnings was able to educate himself at the academy at Parsonsfield, Mo. This education was of great advantage to him in after life in his varied business enterprises and official positions, and fitted him in a more than ordinary way for the discharge of their duties.
On his return to Berlin he was employed in the mill, and became a skillful sawyer. In those days ouly from $6 to $10 per month could be earned in that way: and Mr. Wheeler was not of a nature to be satis- fied with such a position and meager wages, so, carefully saving as much as possible, he, after a time, purchased the Amos Green mill-site, and old clapboard mill at the Falls, where he carried on business until about 1531. He was the station agent at Berlin Falls for several years, and relinquished the position in 1869 to go into merchandising. He admitted G. C. Paine as partner, forming the well-known firm of " Wheeler & Paine," and con- tinned in trade until his death February 7, 1851. He left a reputation of the highest type of New England character, and a well-to do estate, that was in no way tainted or fused with false weights or measures. All work- men employed by Mr. Wheeler had the most implicit faith in his word, and entire confidence in him as a man and employer.
Mr. Wheeler married, December, 1847, Elizabeth F .. eldest daughter of Moses Hodgdon, of Milan. Mrs. Wheeler died in October, 1867, and the last fourteen years of his life were passed with his only child and daughter, Sara (Mrs. E. W. Scribner). Here, surrounded by the care and affection of his daughter and grandchildren, he died after a short illness. In his death the town lost an experienced and valued servant, and the public an esteemed citizen, the poor and needy a warm and generous friend.
Mr. Wheeler was a very efficient man in town affairs, and no other resident served in its interests more years. He was town clerk for twenty- five years; and nowhere in the public records are evidences of greater care and accuracy than through the volumes where his scholarly hand-writing is found. As town treasurer for twenty years he faithfully performed the trusts devolving upon him. He was also selectman several years, and two years. 1845, 1846, he was town clerk, selectman, and treasurer. Untiring in his labors, strictly methodical in all his ways, he was able thereby to accomplish more than most men could have done. He gained wealth by his steady application to business, was ever ready to assist his neighbors, and in all his conduct with man and man he was so thoroughly honest that, when the sad news of his death was heard, the general ex- pression of all who knew him was "a good and honest man is gone." He
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HISTORY OF COOS COUNTY.
was a life-long Democrat. zealous in supporting the principles of that party, and represented Berlin in the state legislature.
It is needless to write further of his kindness and generosity, of his in- tegrity of character, of his unswerving honesty, of his honorable and upright dealing with his fellowmen, of his influence for good in the com- munity, ever increasing as the years rolled by. In the good life which he lived was embodied his religion, that of a Universalist.
" For modes of faith let graceless zealots fight,
His can't be wrong whose life is in the right."
REUBEN HOBART WHEELER.
Reuben Hobart Wheeler, one of the oldest and most respected citizens of Berlin, who for three-score years had been a resident, whose life was as an open book to those who would read, of whom none could speak words of evil, and all mentioned with respect, died after an illness of four days, April 7. 1885.
Mr. Wheeler was the sixth child of Thomas and Sally (Blodgett) Wheeler, and was born in Gilead, Me., on the 20th of April, 1819, and was a sturdy child of seven years, when his father, one of the earliest settlers of Berlin, came into the new, wild and forbidding region, in 1826, and hewed out his home in the forest. With the exception of a few brief months' absence at work "down East," Reuben H. Wheeler passed the most of three-score full years in active industry here. Of medium stature, but of strong and sinewy arm, his axe resounded through the primeval forests, and in clearing farms or in the lumber woods he was always active and enterprising, among the foremost of his time. On the 23d of April, 1844, he married Daphne, daughter of Hazen and Betsey (Lary) Chandler, who were of the early inhabitants of the towns. (Mrs. Chandler is still living at the advanced age of ninety one years.) They had three children, only one of whom. Viola, wife of John W. Greenlaw, survives. Hazen C., born September 20, 1847, died August 21, 1878; Ozmon T., born January 8, 1851, died April 21, 1579. These young men were in the prime of the promise of useful lives. Mr. Wheeler at the age of twenty-five purchased a farm adjoining that cleared and occupied by his father, and now owned by Cyrus Wheeler, his brother: and to this he added from time to time until he had a handsome home property, well improved. He long ago had sufficient of this world's goods to enable him to spend his later years in ease, but his active temperament refused him retirement. He carried on extensive lumber operations in different sections of the county, and was for many years one of the most energetic and successful " drivers " on the Androscoggin and its numerous branches. In 1869 he was the "master
P.t. Wheeler
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TOWN OF BERLIN.
workman " of the first drive of logs sent down the Connecticut river. In those days the " drivers " had no carriages to convey them from place to place, no assistants and time-keepers to aid in their arduous duties. In company with his youngest brother, Jonathan Woodman Wheeler, he built the "Jericho Mills" in Berlin, which they carried on for some years. when he sold out his share and gave more particular attention to large and valuable timber interests acquired by him in the northeastern portion of the county. He also at one time operated a small lumber mill on a portion of his home farm, and about 1875 erected a starch-mill near his house, which was operated until competition rendered the manufacture unprofit- able. He was the owner of a fine orange grove at DeLand, Florida, which was begun and planted by his sons a few years before their decease. and had. in company with his wife, been on a brief visit there, a few weeks before his death. Most of his operations prospered under his hands, for he possessed good judgment, was untiring in his industry, and by hard and persistent work compelled success. An honorable man and conscientious employer, while he demanded faithful service, he was prompt to discharge every obligation of whatever nature. Mr. Wheeler frequently held offices of trust at the hands of his townsmen, which were discharged with fidelity. He served as selectman some years, and, as a good Democrat. represented Berlin and Milan in the legislative terms of 1833 and 1854.
He and his estimable wife were of generous and very kindly nature, and there are many among their acquaintances whose troubles have often been soothed by their friendly offices. It was in their family that the promising young vocalist. Miss Phila M. Griffin, received the first advan- tages which developed the talent that her ambition afterwards pushed forward on the way toward success in her profession.
Although never a member of any religious denomination Mr. Wheeler was an attendant upon divine worship; goodness and truth were stamped upon his face; and through all the years of his life his kind acts were quietly and unostentatiously done. He was quick in his instincts. could turn his hand to any work, was never discouraged, and one of the bright- est of men. A kind, indulgent husband and father, a noble townsman, a good neighbor, and an active, energetic, upright and honest business man. he worthily and honorably passed a useful and laborious career, and his memory is a sweet remembrance in the hearts of many friends.
HENRY HART FURBISHI.
" Successful manufacturers are public benefactors, and merit the grati- tude and praise of their countrymen. The nation that produces the most in proportion to its numbers will be the most prosperous and powerful.
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HISTORY OF COOS COUNTY.
The United States possess all the natural advantages for the attainment of a result so desirable. It is the part of patriotism to turn these advantages to the best account, to differentiate the industries of the people, and to give employment to all classes of mind and capacity."
The citizens of Berlin have great reason to congratulate themselves on the formation of the Forest Fibre Company, and the establishment of this industry, as it brought to the town one who identified himself with its interests, is a most prominent factor in its development, and a generous contributor to all matters having for their object the weal and betterment of the community.
Henry Hart Furbish, son of Dependence H. and Persis H. (Brown) Furbish, was born June 3, 1835. in Gray, Me., where for many years his grandfather had conductel one of the largest tanneries in the state. The family removed to Portland when Mr. Furbish was but six months old, and he received the educational advantages of the excellent schools of that city, and was fitted for college. Inheriting business qualities of a high order from his paternal and maternal ancestors, at the age of sixteen he entered the sugar house of J. B. Brown, from whom he received the best of training in the supervision of large interests. He was an apt pupil, was made manager in due time, and had held this responsible position for sev- eral years when the works were closed in 1570.
In 1571 the attention of Mr. Furbish was attracted to the manufacture of wood fibre by the soda process. He conducted experiments for the perfection of this process in New York until 1873, and from 1873 to 1877 was manager of the experimental works at Yarmouth, Me.
In July. 1577. availing himself of the valable water-power at Berlin Falls, Mr. Furbish formed the nucleus of the present large operations of the Forest Fibre Company, by starting a small pulp mill (mill " A ") which could manufacture three tons of wood-pulp a day. The capacity was soon increased to six tons, and the industry became a fixed institution, and was the signal of progress and development to the town The demand for the prodnet became so large that in connection with J. A. Bacon, of Boston, Mr. Furbish, in isso, erected " Mill B" which has a capacity of about twenty-five tons a day. The Forest Fibre Company has now the largest plant for making chemical fibre in America, if not in the world. It fur- nishes employment to nearly 300 mon, and ships its product to paper mills in every section of the United States. This establishment is the pioneer of the many like enterprises which ere long will utilize the waters which now go rolling almost unchecked along the rocky bed of the never- failing Androscoggin.
In isso Mr. Furbish purchased his residence which is beautifully situ- ated. commanding a fine outlook. On a clear day the summit of Mt. Washington can be seen, and, at all times, "Far, vague, and dim, the
Truly Arms
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TOWN OF BERLIN.
mountains swim ": and the many pleasure seekers who travel miles, and expose themselves to the perils and discomforts of sea voyages, can find here the most lovely and romantic scenery. The river which has a fall of some 200 feet in a mile is both wild and picturesque. The cultured taste of Mr. Furbish has made his home, with its accessories of comfort, con- venience and elegance, one of the most attractive places to be found in many a mile of distance.
No one who has been familiar with the growth of Berlin for the last decade will fail to award to Mr. Furbish much of the credit for its present prosperity. His energetic force, his love of the beantiful. his broad liber- ality have united in rendering him a most positive power in the community in making in the wilderness comfortable homes, and providing for the many the labor by which their daily bread may be earned. He has laid out a large territory into building lots, graded streets, introduced electric lights, made other valuable improvements. and created a beautiful village of eighteen model houses, to which number additions are being rapidly made. At the present time he is contemplating a systematic sewerage of the place, an undertaking of no small moment, when we consider that the village is located on immense ledges of granite everywhere outcropping on the sur- face of the ground. From his agricultural operations, and fine Jersey stock. the farming community can draw useful lessons of improved agri- culture and stock raising.
Mr. Furbish married. first. in September. 1856, Harriet A .. daughter of Reuben Ordway. of Portland, Me., who died in December, 1871. Of their three children. but one. Willard H. (born March 4. 1962. ) survives. He is in business with his father. Mr. Furbish married. second, September 20, 1>>3, Susan A .. daughter of George F. Emery, of Portland. They have one child. Persis E .. born June 14, 1584.
Mr. Furbish was made a Mason in Atlantic Lodge. Portland, and has taken thirteen degrees in Masonry. He is a Republican in politics, an Episcopalian in religion, a valuable citizen, a prosperous manufacturer. a progressive leader in town improvements, and by his public spirit and large- hearted generosity, proves his belief that he lives not for himself alone.
EUGENE WILLIAM SCRIBNER.
Eugene William Scribner. eldest son of William P. and Catherine (Bur- bank) Scribner, was born in Gilead. Oxford county. Me., March 12. 1852. His father was a farmer and lumberman, and a native of Maine. He died in 1862. in Bethel. Mrs. Scribner was a daughter of Gen. James Burbank, a prominent man of Oxford county. His large family of children were all remarkably energetic and brilliant. Prof. Adino J. Burbank was an
HISTORY OF COOS COUNTY.
early school teacher in the Androscoggin valley, and for fourteen years principal of Keene High school; Daniel, another son, was a teacher, and . afterwards an able business man in New York. Mrs. Scribner was a woman of great energy and industry, endowed with a brain fertile in resources, and, by her skillful management of the small property left by her husband, she was able to care for her five fatherless children, and give them a good education. She is now residing in Bethel. Me.
Eugene attended the district schools in Bethel, where his father had removed a short time previous to his death, and Gould's academy. He was active, impulsive, generous, -- a thorough boy,-he was also reliable and faithful to every required duty. At the age of eighteen he came to Berlin and engaged as lumber marker for the Berlin Mills Co., and was in their employ for several years in various capacities. In 1876, in company with Capt. L. P. Adley, Mr. Scribner went to California, and remained one year as foreman of the Flume and Lumber Company, Nevada City. He then came back to Berlin, with the intention, however, of returning to the "Golden Land," but his plans were changed by the force of circumstances. For some years thereafter he carried on carpentering and painting in Berlin. In 1883, in connection with H. H. Abbott, he formed the mercan- tile house of Scribner & Abbott, which afterwards, by change of partners, became Scribner & Noyes. Mr. Scribner retired from the firm in 1886, selling his interest to Mr. Noyes. For quite a number of years Mr. Scrib- ner was in the real estate business inFlorida. for sometime connected with Hon. John G. Sinclair, and now owns a young orange grove near Orlando, with other valuable unimproved property.
He married. October 25, 1571, Sara E., daughter of Dexter and Elizabeth F. (Hodgdon) Wheeler. She is a lady of culture and refinement, of strong character, a worthy daughter of her honored father. Their children are Claude Dexter, Leona (dec.) and Isola Genieve.
Possessing a genial and friendly disposition, a taste and an ability for the discharge of public duties, and an integrity of character that was never touched by whisper or reflection, it is not strange that Mr. Scribner was selected early in life by his fellow citizens as one fitted to assume and ad- minister public trusts. Democratic in politics, he has often been a delegate to state, councillor and other conventions; was a member of the state Democratic Central Committee in 1886, and nowhere has the party a more fearless, zealous or intelligent supporter. He was selectman of Berlin in 1sts and 1×79. and chairman of the board in 1880. He has served in sev- eral minor town offices, and filled that very difficult position of moderator with conceded ability. In 1852 he received the nomination of county com- missioner and was elected by a handsome majority, ruming ahead of his ticket in Berlin, the very complimentary number of seventy-eight votes. In isst he was elected to his second term as county commissioner, and
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SMb. Sesituer
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TOWN OF BERLIN.
became chairman of the board, his term of office expiring July 1. 1587. The ordinary duties of this position are grave and responsible enough to well tax the judgment and powers of men of years and experience: but when such serious complications arise as have occurred during his last term of office, it requires nerve, force, discrimination and tact to adjust them. Probably no board of commissioners in this county has ever had weightier duties devolving upon them. As chairman Mr. Scribner has necessarily borne the heavier burden, and performed his work in a credit- able manner, and proved himself equal to the emergency.
Naturally social in his instincts, we would expect to find him in har- mony with Odd Fellowship and Freemasonry. He is a member of Mt. Abraham Lodge, I. O. O. F., Bothel, Me .. and Mt. Pleasant Encampment. Bridgeton, Me. He belongs to Gorham Lodge. Gorham, North Star Chap- ter and North Star Commandery, Lancaster, F. & A. M., and is a member of Coos Lodge, Knights of Pythias, Berlin, of which he was a charter member.
Mr. Scribner is one of the foremost men in town in speaking and work- ing for its interests. He believes in improvements and progress, and so fails not to encourage all enterprises at home and abroad which tend to ennoble. From boyhood he has been ever active. His aspirations and endeavors have pointed upward. His ambition in no small degree has seemed to be to help others. Of exemplary habits, frank and sincere, of broad and charitable opinions, and by the strength of his adherence to his principles, although yet young in years he has builded for himself a char- acter which augurs well for his future. His affable, courteous manners, which are the spontaneous outflow of a good heart, have won for him many firm and lasting friends, and he is one of Berlin's most popular citizens.
MILAN.
CHAPTER XCIX.
Introductory-Surface-Soil-Grant -Boundaries-Pioneers-Character of Settlers-Inven- tory for 1825-Early Conveyances.
GOOD character of solidity, intelligence and industry has ever been connected with the inhabitants of Milan. Even in the infancy of its settlement, when the struggle for existence occupied the time, they took care to plant the seeds of education and enlightened christianity in the minds of the children. Accompanying these, diligent industry and thoughtful economy went hand in hand, and so, to-day, we find the re- sults. From the high grade of district schools, and the well-attended high schools of Dr. True and others, have come an intellectual cultivation not often equalled in a quiet, rural town, and Milan teachers are at a premium in the surrounding country. Nowhere has more active Christian endeavor been shown by the women of any community than by those of Milan. They are the motive-power in all good works. They build and sustain the religions institutions by their noble deeds and exertions, and their influence upon the sterner sex. The town has been elevated, refined, improved; and every movement tending to make better the moral or physical condition of humanity finds an active force of co-operators in this pleasant community.
The surface of Milan is uneven and broken, and there are no mountains of any considerable elevation. The soil is productive and few towns can raise more valuable crops to the acre. The valley farms are the finest. The upper Ammonoosuc and Androscoggin rivers pass through this town, flowing in nearly opposite directions. The latter receives several tribu- taries in Milan. Here the Androscoggin river is quiet, in great contrast to the roaring. rushing rapids at Berlin Falls, and one in coming to the village after a sojourn at the "Falls" enjoys the restfulness and beauty of the little place. There are several ponds of which Cedar pond is the largest.
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TOWN OF MILAN.
This town was granted to Sir William Mayne and others, under the title of Paulsburg, in 1771; it retained this name until December 16, 1824, when it was incorporated under the name of Milan. It is bounded on the north by Dummer and Cambridge, east by Success, south by Berlin, west by Stark and Kilkenny. Area. 31.154 acres. The Grand Trunk railway passes through the west part, and the village of West Milan gives the name to one station, while another is Milan Water-Station (Copperville.) Like the other towns around it. Milan's first industries were lumbering operations, and agriculture was for some time subordinate to this. The first farms were developed on Milan hill. The soil was warmer, more free from frost, and, for some years, produced quite liberally in response to the labors of the pioneers. But they were not permanently as productive as they gave promise, and many of those settlers who remained sought the more valuable lands along the river. To-day, however, good farms are scattered through the town.
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