USA > New Hampshire > Coos County > Lancaster > History of Lancaster, New Hampshire > Part 52
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HISTORY OF LANCASTER.
from material procured by splitting up a gigantic boulder of granite near the Northumberland boundary of the town. He removed from here to Exeter, and while there was appointed attorney-general in 1848. He only held that office a short time, resigning to enter politics. He was elected to the state senate in 1852, and reëlected in 1853. During both terms he served as president of the senate. He was twice a candidate for governor, 1856-'57, but failed election. He was appointed to fill the unexpired term of the Hon. Moses Norris, deceased, in the United States senate.
William Heywood .- William Heywood was born in Lunen- burg, Vt., October, 1804. His education was acquired in the academy at Concord, Vt. He read law with Judge Charles Davis of Waterford, Vt., and later with William A. Fletcher of Detroit, Mich., and was admitted to the bar at Guildhall, Vt., where he began his practice. He removed from there to Lancaster in 1854, where he acquired a large and profitable clientage.
Mr. Heywood was a quiet, unassuming man, but methodical and conscientious in all his business affairs. He was grave in manners and speech, a man of medium height. He was noted for his humor, that would flash like lightning from a clear sky at unexpected moments. While a resident of Vermont he was state senator in 1837-'38. He was state's attorney for Essex county for fifteen years, and a member of the constitutional convention of Ver- mont, 1850.
In his religious connections he was Episcopalian and much de -. voted to his church. It was chiefly through his efforts that his denomination was enabled to erect a church here and develop its organization. He died in 1893, at the age of eighty-eight years, full of honor, and is remembered by all who knew him as an hon- ored and useful citizen. No greater compliment could be paid him than to say that Rt. Rev. W. W. Niles, bishop of New Hampshire diocese, attended the funeral and delivered a eulogy of over an hour's length of great power and feeling. It was his first public utterance at a funeral in the twenty-five years of his service in the state.
Hiram A. Fletcher .- Hiram A. Fletcher was born at Spring- field, Vt., Dec. 14, 1806. During his infancy his parents removed to Charlestown, N. H., and later from there to the " Indian Stream" country in the northern part of Coos county, now Pittsburg, as one of the first settlers. Mr. Fletcher was a man of considerable means, and aside from developing a fine farm, built mills, and transacted a large amount of business. With but little advantages from schools, his son, Hiram A. Fletcher, began reading law at the age of nineteen, in the office of Gen. Seth Cushman, at Guildhall, Vt. Later he read law in the offices of J. L. Sheafe and J. W. Williams, in Lan-
WILLIAM HEYWOOD.
WILLIAM BURNS.
JACOB BENTON.
HIRAM ADAMS FLETCHER.
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THE LEARNED PROFESSIONS.
caster, and also with Governor Hubbard of Charlestown, N. H. At this time he had for a fellow-student Chief Justice John J. Gilchrist, who was admitted to the bar with him at Newport, N. H., in 1830. Mr. Fletcher opened an office at Springfield, Vt., where he practised for a year. In 1833 he opened an office in Colebrook, where he practised sixteen years, removing to Lancaster in 1849. He soon acquired a good practice here. For many years he had partnerships with, first, William Heywood, and later William Burns, and during the last four years of his life with his son, Everett Fletcher. He was a good lawyer, a close student, and an honored citizen. He died Jan. 30, 1879, from consumption, loved and honored by the entire community in which he resided for nearly a half century.
William Burns .- William Burns was born at Hebron, N. H., April 25, 1821. He was the son of Dr. Robert Burns, a Scotchman of great vigor and persistency of purpose, and a former member of congress, from whom the son inherited qualities that enabled him to obtain a vast store of knowledge and attain success in his busi- ness enterprises. Mr. Burns was fitted for college in the academies at Plymouth and New Hampton, and entered Dartmouth college at the age of sixteen, graduating with the class of 1841. He was a clever and faithful student, always standing well in his classes.
He chose the law as his profession, and at once entered upon the study of it in the office of Judge Wilcox of Orford At a later date he entered Harvard college law school, graduating from it in 1843. The next year he was admitted to the bar of Grafton county, and began the practice of his profession in Littleton, only remaining there a little more than a year and a half, when he came to Lan- caster and purchased the legal business and interests of John S. Wells, opening an office here in May, 1846. In 1847 he was ap- pointed by Gov. J. W. Williams as member of his staff with the rank of colonel. A little later Governor Williams appointed him solicitor for Coös county, which position he held for five years. He formed a partnership with the late B. F. Whidden, which lasted some years, and later with Hiram A. Fletcher, that lasted for eight- een years, during which time they were attorneys for the Grand Trunk railroad. Beside this, they held a large clientage, and both won distinction as honorable, as well as able, lawyers. In 1869 Mr. Burns formed a partnership with Henry Heywood, which lasted until 1876, when, on account of ill health, he reluctantly relinquished his practice. In politics he was a Democrat, and was recognized by his party as one of its truest and ablest advisors and advocates, He was an able political speaker, often in demand upon the stump. His ability and faithfulness to his party were rewarded by his elec- tion to the state senate twice,-1856-'57. In 1859, 1861, 1863, he was a candidate for congress in the old Third district. He was a
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HISTORY OF LANCASTER.
delegate to the National Democratic Convention in 1860. In 1876, by a unanimous vote, he was elected a delegate from Lancaster to the constitutional convention of New Hampshire.
In religion Mr. Burns was a pronounced Unitarian, and as loyal to his church and religion as he was to his business and politics. He died at Plymouth, April 2, 1885, after a long and painful illness due to an accident he met with in a railroad wreck many years before. He lies buried in the old Livermore churchyard at Holder- ness, where are buried many of his ancestors. He was dignified and affable in his bearing, of simple tastes and kindly disposition. As a lawyer he was eminently successful, due to a large knowledge of his profession and his practical common sense and sound judg- ment. As an advocate he was strong before a jury in consequence of his conscientious, unaffected, simple, and manly style, which often rose to a solemn dignity that is rare in forensic oratory.
George A. Cossitt .- George Ambrose Cossitt was born in Clare- mont, the son of Ambrose Cossitt, and of the fifth generation from René Cossitt, the first of his ancestors, who came to this country from France. Mr. Cossitt had good educational advantages in his native town, and had free access to the law library of his father, who was an able lawyer.
His father was president of a bank in Claremont, and George incidentally picked up much knowledge of the business that became of service to him in later years. Mr. Cossitt came to Lancaster from Whitefield in 1836. He held the office of register of probate from 1837 to 1852, and held the same position under John M. Whipple from 1860 to 1874. In connection with this office he became recognized as an authority on probate law, and was much consulted on the subject. He was at one time a partner of S. W. Cooper, though never very active in the courts. He also was con- nected with the late B. F. Whidden as a law partner for a time, but his forte was not in the law practice. He was a man who took life easy and was fond of his comforts. Temperate in habits, ardent of spirit, and of a kindly disposition, he was yet easily aroused and became vehement in manner under excitement or strong feelings.
He was for ten years cashier of the Lancaster bank. He held many offices in the town, often acting as an auditor, or member of the school committee. He evinced a leaning toward the Roman Catho- lic church, though never identified with any sect. For a number of years he made his home with his daughter, Mrs. O. H. Kimball, where he died December 14, 1895, almost ninety years of age.
Jacob Benton .- Mr. Benton was born in Waterford, Vt., August 19, 1814. His education was gained at the academies of Lyndon, Peacham, Newbury, and Manchester, Vt. He graduated from the latter in 1840, and began the study of law in the office of Heaton &
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THE LEARNED PROFESSIONS.
Reed, Montpelier, Vt. In the fall of that year he became principal of the academy at Concord Corner, Vt., and remained in that posi- tion four years. He read law in the office of Judge Henry A. Bel- lows at Littleton, N. H. In 1844 he came to Lancaster and entered the office of General Ira Young, completing his studies, and was admitted to the bar. He formed a partnership with General Ira Young in the spring of 1845. After the death of General Young in the fall of that year, Mr. Benton conducted an office by himself for ten years, when he formed a partnership with Ossian Ray in 1855, which lasted for ten years. From 1867 to 1871 he had as partner Colonel J. H. Benton, Jr., and H. I. Goss from 1885 to 1887. Although he gained a large law practice, Mr. Benton never confined himself strictly to his law business, but was a money maker and a politician, in which capacities he was successful. He made and lost large sums of money. He was a large and strong man of great good sense upon every subject, and a power in the town for half a cen- tury. In politics he was first a Whig, but when that party broke up he became a Republican and was one of its staunchest supporters to the day of his death.
In 1854 he represented Lancaster in the state legislature, and was reëlected the two following years. He was twice elected to con- gress from the Third district in 1867 and 1869, in both of which places he made a most creditable record as debater and legislator. He was made brigadier-general of the Sixth brigade of state militia in 1857.
As a politician and legislator he was bold, daring, and strong. Had he confined himself strictly to his law practice he might easily have won great distinction as a lawyer. He had great command of terse English, and was a strong antagonist on the stump and before a jury. He died Sept. 29, 1892, from an injury received by the running away of his horse. He was of a strong family physically and mentally. Many of the race besides himself became distin- guished as lawyers. He built the Benton manor at the head of Main street, and soon after its completion married Louise Dow, daughter of General Neal Dow, who survived him but a few years.
Benjamin F. Whidden .- Benjamin Franklin Whidden was born in Greenland, N. H., in December, 1813. When a lad he re- moved to Lancaster with his father. His early years in Green- land and Lancaster were passed on a farm. At the age of fourteen he commenced to learn the trade of cabinet-making, and served four years, attending school winters. His preparatory education was acquired at Kimball Union academy. He entered Dartmouth college in 1836, and was graduated in 1840. He worked at his trade, and taught, to defray the greater portion of his expenses. He was principal of Lancaster academy several terms. He also
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HISTORY OF LANCASTER.
taught the school in district No. 2, in 1837. He was a capable teacher. He then went to Hanover county, Virginia, as a teacher in languages and mathematics, and remained until 1845; passing his vacations in Washington, where he had the use of libraries, and the opportunity to hear the foremost men of that day-Webster, Clay, Calhoun, Benton, Adams, Marshall, Wright, Choate, McDuffie, Preston, and Crittenden. This he highly prized as a most valuable part of his education, and that epoch was full of choice memories. He returned to Lancaster in 1845, and completed his studies in the office of J. W. Williams, and was admitted to the bar in 1846. He was appointed school commissioner for Coös county in 1850 and 1851; he represented Lancaster in the state legislature in 1849, 1850, and 1867. His election in 1849 was under circumstances which show the confidence reposed in him. The two parties in town were so nearly equal in strength that neither could elect-Mr. Whidden being the nominee of the Free-soil party, then largely in the minority. He was elected not on party issues, but upon his honesty, integrity, and ability as a man. He advocated and secured the passage of the Homestead law. He was county solicitor from 1856 to 1863; he was appointed by President Lincoln United States commissioner and consul-general to Hayti, on the recogni- tion of that government by the United States in 1862, with plenipo- tentiary power to conclude a treaty of amity, commerce, and navi- gation, and for the extradition of fugitive criminals. The treaty was made in 1864, and immediately confirmed by the governments. Mr. Whidden did efficient service for the Union in this capacity, discharged its duties with gentlemanly courtesy, and was highly complimented by Secretary Seward. He resigned his post in 1865, on account of ill health, and returned to Lancaster. He was judge of probate in 1868, and held the office until 1874; presidential elector in 1872, and delegate in 1876 to the Republican national convention at Cincinnati. He traveled in Europe in the summer and fall of 1874; after his return he resumed the practice of law at Lancaster.
In 1851, Mr. Whidden married Eliza Turner Spaulding of Lancas- ter. She was a most estimable lady and beloved by all who knew her. She died in 1868. In 1874 he married Kate J. Brooks of Cincinnati, Ohio. She was a lady of rare mental and personal attractions, and much respected by those of her acquaintance. She died in 1879.
Mr. Whidden was especially noted for his exactness, honesty, and integrity, and his devotedness to all interests intrusted to his care. He had an admiration for the classics of not only the modern but the ancient languages. Fine literary tastes and scholastic cul- ture, a broad liberality combined with a keen sense of justice, a
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THE LEARNED PROFESSIONS.
· practical intelligence broadened by extensive travel, and a genial, kindly spirit, were all united in this true gentleman and scholar.
George C. Williams .- George Canning Williams was the old- est son of Gov. J. W. Williams, born in Lancaster, Aug. 7, 1827. He prepared for college at Lancaster academy, and graduated from Dartmonth in 1844. He studied law with his father, and was admitted to the bar in 1848. He was a young man of brilliant powers and a good education. He was county solicitor for a num- ber of years, and clerk of the New Hampshire state senate. He also represented his town in the legislature in 1859 and 1860. In 1858 he was appointed commissioner of state lands. He became cashier of the White Mountain bank, and through speculation in Western lands, and over-issue of circulation, the bank became in- volved and went into liquidation. He had a large docket, but be- came engaged in many other interests, to the detriment of his prac- tice, and was unfortunate in his personal habits, dying in 1865. He held many positions of trust and honor, was an active trustee of Lan- caster academy, and took an interest in education. He was grand master of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in New Hampshire, and also a prominent Free Mason. He never married.
Ossian Ray .- Ossian Ray was born in Hinesburg, Vt., Dec. 13, 1835. He was deprived of his mother's care at the early age of twelve. After that he lived at Irasburg, Vt., and was engaged in out-door labors, with only such educational advantages as the com- mon schools afforded. He later spent a few terms at the Irasburg academy, and from there entered the academy at Derby, Vt. He was fitted for college with the exception of mathematics and Greek. The lack of means deprived him of the advantage of a collegiate education. Having to give up the hope of a college course, he en- tered the law office of Jesse Cooper, and at once commenced the study of law. He hungered for knowledge, and with an aptitude for public speaking, made good use of his time in acquiring an education, obtaining knowledge, and making an application of his professional attainments.
In 1854 he came to Lancaster through the influence of S. W. Cooper, a brother of Jesse Cooper of Irasburg, Vt., with whom young Ray had been studying law. The object of his coming here was to assist Mr. Cooper to close up his business, which had become necessary on account of his failing health. Here he formed many acquaintances, and after a varied career, teaching school, studying law, practising in justice courts, he returned to Lancaster in 1855, and formed a partnership with Jacob Benton the following year, when but twenty-one years of age. He was admitted to the Essex county bar in Vermont that year, and the next year to the Coös county bar. During the War of the Rebellion he was deputy provost marshal.
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HISTORY OF LANCASTER.
He advanced very rapidly in his profession, was admitted to prac- tice in the United States courts; and in 1872 was admitted to practice in the United States supreme court at Washington. Mr. Ray possessed many qualities that fitted him to succeed in his cho- sen calling. He was active, persevering, and thoroughly in love with his profession, a great worker, rising to the height of every occasion, and wonderfully successful.
When Mr. Benton was elected to congress in 1867 their partner- ship was dissolved, and he entered into partnership with W. S. Ladd, with whom he continued until Mr. Ladd was appointed to the bench of the supreme court in 1870.
In 1872 Mr. Ray took Irving W. Drew into his office to finish his studies. From 1873 to 1876 he had William Heywood as a partner.
Chester B. Jordan, who had just been admitted to the bar, suc- ceeded Mr. Heywood in the firm. In January, 1882, Philip Car- penter was admitted into the firm, which was then Ray, Drew, Jor- dan & Carpenter. After one year Mr. Ray withdrew, and was with- out a partner until 1885, when G. W. Patterson was associated with him for about a year. For years he was attorney for the Grand Trunk Railway Company and many other large corporations.
Like many other Lancaster lawyers, Mr. Ray was drawn into pol- itics. In 1868-'69 he represented Lancaster in the state legislature. From 1862 to 1872 he was county solicitor for Coös county. In 1879 he was appointed by President Hayes United States Attor- ney for the District of New Hampshire. He resigned this office, however, in 1880, to become a candidate for congress, to fill the unexpired term of Hon. Evarts W. Farr, deceased. He was elected at a special election in December, 1880, by a larger majority than his opponent had votes, and at once entered upon his duties, serving the short and long terms. He was reelected by a large majority in 1882 to represent the Second Congressional district, formed by a redistricting of the state while he was serving his first term.
In congress he was active, doing much to promote the interests of his constituents. He was instrumental in reducing letter postage, placing a bounty on sugar, and helping the soldiers. Mr. Ray died Jan. 28, 1892, leaving a widow and four children. His funeral was from the Congregational church, and was attended by a great num- ber of friends from far and near. He had been a progressive, gen- erous man all his life, doing much for the town, and his death was widely mourned.
William Spencer Ladd was born in Dalton, Sept. 5, 1830. At- tended the schools of Dalton and Whitefield, graduated from Dart- mouth college in 1855, taught for a year in Massachusetts, then entered the law office of Hon. A. A. Abbott of Salem, where he remained till 1858, when he was called back to Dalton. He soon
TURNER STEPHENSON.
BENJ. FRANKLIN WHIDDEN.
----
OSSIAN RAY.
WILLIAM S. LADD.
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THE LEARNED PROFESSIONS.
entered the office of Burns & Fletcher, was admitted in 1859, mar- ried July 5, 1860, to Miss Mira B. Fletcher. Mr. Ladd went to Cole- brook, opened an office, and remained till 1867, when he returned to Lancaster and formed a copartnership with Hon. Ossian Ray. They made a strong team, a most excellent combination. Mr. Ray was bold, venturesome, magnetic; Mr. Ladd quiet, conservative, me- thodical, discriminating. In the drawing of papers no one excelled him in the state. He was not an easy talker, but wielded a facile pen. Their services were in demand fn New Hampshire and Ver- mont. Their business reached extensively into the Federal courts. Oct. 31, 1870, Mr. Ladd was appointed judge of our highest court. In 1874 the court was reconstructed and made into two-a trial and a law court. Judge Ladd was one of the three constituting the lat- ter, under the name of the Superior Court of Judicature. Here he remained until both courts were legislated out of existence in 1876, and the present supreme court instituted in their stead. The judge resumed practice and had a large clientage. His opinions rank high as sound exposition of the law, gracefully, strongly stated. He was appointed state reporter of the court decisions in 1883. In 1887 Dartmouth college conferred upon him the degree of LL. D. A year or two before his death he began to fail physically. Travel and rest were resorted to for a balm. Only temporary relief was afforded. May 12, 1891, his great labors on earth came to a suc- cessful close. Bishop Niles and several of the Episcopal clergy were in attendance upon his funeral on the 15th of the same month. He was a ripe scholar, an able jurist.
In addition to these lawyers named and commented upon, all of whom have done their work and passed away, there are remaining fn practice a number, among whom are some of the ablest men the county and town have ever been honored to own as residents.
f. I. Williams .- Jared I. Williams, son of Gov. J. W. Williams, studied law, was admitted to the bar, and is still in practice. About 1856 he was editor of the Coos County Democrat. After his con- nection with the newspaper, he took up civil engineering, for which he had prepared himself in Brown university.
Henry O. Kent .- Colonel Kent was admitted to the bar in 1858, but gave up active practice in the courts a few years later. His partners were Hon. Turner Stephenson, later judge of probate, to 1861, and Hon. William Heywood in department claims, 1866. Later he was for twelve years editor and owner of the Coös Repub- lican, and has since been connected with manufacturing, insurance, and banking, being now president of the Lancaster Trust Company and treasurer of the Lancaster Savings bank.
He is the senior trustee of Norwich university, where he gradu- ated in 1854, and which institution has since conferred upon him the honorary degrees of A. M. and LL. D.
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HISTORY OF LANCASTER.
Moses A. Hastings .- Mr. Hastings qualified and entered upon the practice of law in 1868. He was for a time in Gorham, until appointed clerk of the courts of Coös county in 1874, which posi- tion he still holds, consequently he has not practised since then. He was born in Bethel, Me., and came from that town here. He is a man of sterling integrity and great scope of mind.
F. D. Hutchins .- Mr. Hutchins studied law, was admitted to the bar of Coös county, and practised from 1876 to 1881, as partner of Hon. Jacob Benton, when he became cashier of the Lancaster Na- tional bank. He still holds that position, and has not practised since thus engaged except in such cases as are connected with the bank.
Henry Heywood .- Henry Heywood, son of Hon. William Hey- wood, born in Guildhall, Dec. 6, 1835, graduated from Dartmouth scientific department in 1855, was in Wisconsin as civil engineer until 1857, was admitted in 1860, and has been engaged in the practice of law in Lancaster since 1869, with success. Before 1869 he was at Guildhall, Vt. He has had as partners, Hon. William Burns and his father.
Everett Fletcher .- Mr. Fletcher is a son of the late H. A. Fletcher, was born in Colebrook, Dec. 23, 1848, has been in the practice of law in Lancaster since his admission to the bar in 1870. He now has as a partner, Fletcher Ladd. Mr. Fletcher is a close lawyer, painstaking and methodical. He was on Gov. Samuel Hale's staff as judge advocate general and was made judge of pro- bate in 1885, having a long and useful term of office.
Fletcher Ladd .- Fletcher Ladd is a son of W. S. Ladd, and for some years has practised law in association with his uncle, Everett Fletcher. He is a graduate of Dartmouth and of the law school. He is a man of fine attainments in law and literature. Has traveled much in foreign lands and has a fine mind stored with choice knowledge. He is a learned man.
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