History of Merrimack and Belknap counties, New Hampshire, Part 142

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton), ed
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Philadelphia [Pa.] J. W. Lewis & co.
Number of Pages: 1520

USA > New Hampshire > Merrimack County > History of Merrimack and Belknap counties, New Hampshire > Part 142
USA > New Hampshire > Belknap County > History of Merrimack and Belknap counties, New Hampshire > Part 142

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).

Colonel Jewell is a public-spirited citizen. To him Suncook is largely indebted for its material ad- vancement since his residence in that community. Three times has his presence of mind and mechani- cal skill been the means of saving the village from entire destruction by fire. To him is the place in- debted for its very effective water-works, to guard against fires in the future. In private life Colonel Jewell is genial, affable and approachable. His home is embellished by his artistic tastes, and his private library is rich in works of standard merit and art. In happy combination with the great executive ability of the subject of our sketch is a fine literary taste and a decided artistic talent, the former shown by his architecture in exterior decoration and by his household embellishments.

Colonel Jewell affiliates with the Congregational- ists, but the Sabbath with him is a day of rest. His first wife was Mary A. Grover, daughter of Ephraim Grover, of Newton, Mass., to whom he was married in August, 1860. She died October 16, 1862. He was again married, May 31, 1865, to Ella Louise Sum- ner, daughter of Lewis Sumner, of Needham, Mass., and a near relative of the late Senator Charles Sum- ner. Mr. Jewell has kept out of politics, but is a good Republican, and should he be the standard- bearer of the party in any future contest, he would probably lead its forces to victory.

mesdell

579

PEMBROKE.

EDMUND ERSKINE TRUESDELL.1

The subject of the following sketch, as the name indicates, is of Scotch descent. Scottish surnames originated in divers ways, and their significance is as varied,-some being derived from locations, others from trades, offices, professions, peculiarities of ar- morial bearings and from many other sources. The name " Truesdell" is said to have originated as fol- lows: During the troubles and vicissitudes of the early days of Scotland some of her people were more loyal than others to the government. In a particular hamlet or "daile" they were unusually faithful to the laws, so much so that they gained the envious ap- pellation of the "true daile" people. Usage has changed and time softened the pronunciation to Truesdell instead of "true daile."

Edmund Erskine Truesdell, son of Thomas and Mary (Boydon) Truesdell, was born in Jewett City, Conn., March 3, 1845. He is a descendant of Ichabod Truesdell, who came from Scotland about 1700 and settled in South Woodstock, Conn. He had four sons,-Asa, Darius, Thomas and John. Asa was taken prisoner while on a merchantman by the French during the reign of Napoleon the First. Darius, great-grandfather of Edmund E. Truesdell, partici- pated in the War of the Revolution, and was at Valley Forge during the terrible winter of 1777. He was wounded in the side, narrowly escaping death by the ball providentially striking a large, old- fashioned pocket-book, which he carried in his vest-pocket, containing valuable papers. He died a few years after the war from the effects of the wound. Soon after Edmund's birth his mother died at Newton Upper Falls, Mass., where his father had removed and was connected with cotton manufacturing. Edmund attended the common schools from the age of five years until he was fifteen, after which, for a time, he worked in the cotton-mill, becoming familiar with the vari- ous operations of the many machines required in the manufacture of cotton cloth from the raw material. While attending school, to help eke out his scanty supply of ready money, he delivered daily papers, when delivering papers to subscribers was in its in- fancy. This proved very successful. Disposing of the same, he entered Comer's Commercial College, in Boston, to better prepare himself for the various duties of life. After taking a regular course there and graduating, he re-entered the cotton-mill as second overseer in the carding department, where he remained two years. The owners, seeing in him the qualities required for a successful man, promoted him from second overseer of carding to overseer of the cloth-room, at the same time adding the duties of shipping clerk and assistant superintendent.

When the Webster Mill, at Suncook, N. H., was started, the owner of the Newton Mills, Newton Upper Falls, Mass., being treasurer of the Suncook

Mills, knowing Mr. Truesdell's capabilities, induced him to accept a like position-on a much larger scale-at the Webster and Pembroke Mills, in Sun- cook, N. H. Accepting the position, he entered upon the duties October 20, 1866. The changes he made to cheapen and facilitate the work proved his previons good training and that the treasurer was not mis- taken in the selection. His record shows that his judgment was well founded. When the China Mill was started, in 1869, Mr. Truesdell's duties were greatly increased; but with a method reduced to its minimum he was enabled, without much extra exertion, to carry the work incident to the three corporations-pro- ducing twenty-nine million yards of cloth per year- with as little effort, apparently, as he did the two.

In 1870 the former agent of the China, Webster and Pembroke Mills resigned his position, and the then acting superintendent was appointed to fill the vacancy. Mr. Truesdell being the most available man for a superintendent, he was again promoted from the cloth-room to superintendent and paymaster of the above named corporation-a position he has ably and successfully filled to the present time.

Mr. Truesdell is an earnest and active Repub- lican, and has, for many years, been accorded the leadership of his party in the town. He was chosen town treasurer of Pembroke in 1878, 1879, 1880 and 1881. He was elected a member of the Legislature from Pembroke in 1879 and again in 1880, serving both terms with credit as member of the committee on manufacturing. The following, in the "Notes from the Capital," published during the session in the Manchester Daily Mirror, speaks thus of him : " From a poor boy, earning a living by selling papers at a profit of half a cent each, to the superintendent of three corporations, employing two thousand op- eratives, is a long journey, and the man who, at thirty-two years of age, has made it does not need a certificate to his ability ; but it is a pleasure to say that one of the best members of this house is the genial, broad-shouldered, big-hearted member from Pem- broke. He is a Republican every day and a very lively one election days. He does his own thinking, has the courage of his convictions and fights like a Trojan for any cause or man he believes in."

Mr. Truesdell is the senior member of the firm of Truesdell & Blodgett, one of the finest-stocked and best-conducted clothing-stores in the town. Mr. Truesdell belongs to the Masonic fraternity, being an active member of "Jewell " Lodge, which he was instrumental in forming, and of which he is Past Master. Of his work in this respect the Sun- cook Journal had the following: "Especial credit is due to the chairman, E. E. Truesdell, who, without delay, secured the dispensation, conducted nearly all the correspondence and was largely the head and front of the whole work from its inception to its consummation." He is a member of the Trinity Royal Arch Chapter, Horace Chase Council, R. and

1 By Colonel D. L. Jewell.

580

HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

S. M., and Mount Horeb Commandery, at Concord, N. H. He is a member of the Supreme Council, having taken all the Scottish Rites up to the 33d degree, and is an active member of the Massachusetts Consistory, S.C. P .:. R.c. S .:. 32d°, Boston. He is a mem- ber of the New England Cotton Manufacturers' As- sociation and a member of the New Hampshire Club.

Mr. Truesdell is six feet one inch in height, weighs two hundred and seventy-eight pounds, and of good proportion and fine physique. His habits are simple, though a good dinner is not objectionable to him at any time. He hates spirituous liquors and tobacco in all their forms, as those who smoke in his presence know. His home is a neat, pretty place, filled with all that makes a home pleasant and attractive; it is finely situated on Broadway, in the village of Sun- cook, and was the first house built and occupied on this street.

He married Mary Wilkins Austin, daughter of David Austin, June 11, 1872, who is connected with one of the oldest families of the town. By this union they have one child-a son. Mr. Truesdell is not a member of any church, but attends the Baptist with his family, where he is a liberal giver. He takes a warm interest in all that pertains to the moral welfare of the village in which he resides.

GEORGE PEABODY LITTLE.

George Peabody Little was the son of Elbridge Gerry and Sophronia Phelps Peabody Little. His father was born in Bradford, Mass., and his mother in Danvers, Mass. His mother was a sister of the late George Peabody, the distinguished Loudou banker and philanthropist, from whom the son re- ceived his name and to whom he is indebted for his property. Mr. Little was born in Pembroke, Genesee County, N. Y., June 20, 1834. His early life was passed in that town and in Lewiston, N. Y., where he attended Lewiston Academy. He came with his mother to Pembroke, N. H., at about the age of thir- teen. He attended Pembroke Academy and the People's Gymnasium and Literary Institute. He taught one term of district school at the age of eigh- teen. When nineteen years old he went to Portland, Me., as clerk in a store. It was here that he cast his first vote, the same being for Neal Dow as mayor. The next ten years he spent in Palmyra, N. Y. He held the office of United States deputy collector, and assisted in the formation of the first Republican Club in Western New York. In 1868 he returned to Pem- broke, N. H., buying the farm and buildings formerly belonging to the late Hon. Boswell Stevens, where he had lived when a hoy. The same year (1868) he erected his present substantial and elegant residence, and from time to time has enlarged the farm until now it comprises about one thousand acres, lying in Pembroke and adjoining towns. In 1871 he was elected a member of the board of trustees of Pem-

broke Academy, and from about the first has been chairman of the executive committee, and the school has always found in him a firm friend and supporter. He has twice 'been elected representative to the Legislature. At present he is one of the selectmen aud also county treasurer, this being his second term of office. He is a Mason, being a member of the Mount Horeb Commandery of Concord, N. H., and the De Witt Clinton Consistory of Nashua, N. H., to the thirty-second degree; also a member of the Odd- Fellows' Encampment. Although belonging to these secret societies, he is loyal to the church (Congrega- tional) of which he is a member, always showing himself ready to bear his part in every good work. For many years he has been superintendent of the Sabbath-school. In 1854 he married Miss Elizabeth A. Knox, daughter of Daniel M. Knox, of Pembroke, N. H. Their children are George William, who died at the age of three and a half years, Clarence Belden, Mary Georgianna, Lizzie Ellen, Nettie Knox, Lucy Bowman and Clara Frances.

Clarence is a resident of Bismarck, Dakota. He is judge of Probate for Burleigh County, a member of the Governor's staff and a director in the National Bank. Lizzie married Lester Thurber, of Nashua, N. H., aud Nettie is a student at Smith College, Northampton, Mass. The others remain at home with their parents.

GEORGE H. LARABEE, M.D.1

The ancestors of Dr. Larabee were French and English. On the mother's side, four brothers, by the name of Sawyer, came from England, and settled in different parts of the United States. The Larabees originated from the Huguenots. One of the descend- ants, Horace Larabee, was a farmer and settled in the northern part of Vermont, and married Wealthy Howard. One of their sons was Stephen C. who was born December 10, 1813. He was a carriage-trimmer and harness-maker, and married Cynthia Sawyer, of Orford, N. H., and settled in Bradford, Vt. From this union were two boys, George H. and Edward E., whose parents died while they were very young-the mother June 12, 1844, and the father May 8, 1845. The younger of these children was, when an infant, adopted by the Emerson family, who gave him their name. He was educated at Tilton, N. H., and is now a lawyer in Marshall, Ill.

George H., the subject of this sketch, was born in Bradford, Vt., September 15, 1840, and on the death of his parents was adopted and reared by Elisa E. Sawyer, a sister of his mother, who took entire care of him in his childhood, and when he was four years old went to Edgartown, Mass., where, by teaching school, she earned support for herself and her little charge. For twelve years she thus taught, and it was under her tuition, and the High School of Edgartown and

1 By Granville P. Conn, M.D.

GPLittle

LAJarabee M.D.

581

PEMBROKE.

Dukes County Academy, that young Larabee was fitted for a teacher. At the age of thirteen he became a member of the Baptist Church at Edgartown, and was afterwards superintendent of the Sabbath-school and clerk of the church for several years. At the early age of seventeen he commenced teaching in the public schools of the same town, for the support of himself and his foster-mother, who at this time be- came an invalid, and remained so until her death, in 1880. The occupation of teaching, Dr. Larabee suc- cessfully followed for six years. It was while teaching school in the town of his adoption that he chose for a calling the medical profession, and during these years of teaching availed himself of every oppor- tunity to study his chosen profession. He studied medicine with Drs. I. H. Lucas and Edwin Maybury, of Edgartown. The first course of medical lectures he attended at Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Me. The following year he attended Harvard Medical College, from which he graduated in March, 1864, and at a time when the government was calling upon her sons to defend her integrity and maintain her rights. The same week in which he graduated Dr. Larabee volunteered, and, upon examination, receiving a com- mission as assistant surgeon, was assigned to the First Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, and immediately joined his regiment, and was in active service until near the close of the war, when he was honorably dis- charged for disability. He was with his regiment in their engagements at Spottsylvania, North Anna, Cold Harbor, Deep Bottom and Petersburg, and was on detail duty at City Point General Hospital. In the fall of 1865, Dr. Larabee located in the manufacturing village of Suncook, N. H., for the practice of his profession, and being a thoroughly competent phy- sician and surgeon, devoted to his profession, he soon had an extensive and lucrative practice.

Dr. Larabee became a member of the New Hamp- shire Medical Society in 1867, and has been a member ofthe Centre District Medieal Society since its reorgani- zation in 1872; in both of which he has been honored with appointments on committees and as delegate to various medical organizations, which he has always filled with signal ability and with honor to himself and the Association. He is a self-made man; in social life a genial gentleman, a friend of the poor and always ready and liberal in the support of every good work. He is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, an Odd-Fellow, a Knight of Pythias, and a member of Louis Bell Post, No. 3, Grand Army of the Republic, of Manchester.

TRUEWORTHY LADD FOWLER.

In the memoirs of the Fowler family the name is found to go back into the eleventh century, and was prominent in the political and literary history of England. The subject of this sketch is a direct de- scendant therefrom, through Philip Fowler, one of

the founders of New England, who came over in the ship "Mary and John," in May, 1634. The line of ancestors is Philip, Joseph, Philip, Philip and Symonds to Benjamine.

Benjamine, the father of Trueworthy Ladd, was born in Newmarket, N. H., June 10, 1769; removed to Epsom, N. H., with his father in 1778, and, January 15, 1795, married Mehitable Ladd, born in Pembroke March 9, 1776, daughter of John and Jerusha (Lovejoy) Ladd. After his marriage he settled in Pembroke on the farm now occupied by the subject of this sketch, and died there July 24, 1832. His wife died in Pembroke September 9, 1853. This marriage was a singular coincidence. Each was the sixth generation in America of their respective fami- lies, and Philip, the ancestor of Benjamine Fowler, and Daniel, the ancestor of Mehitable Ladd (the line being Daniel, Nathaniel, John, Trueworthy and John), both came to this country in the "Mary and John," at the same time, from the same town. The descendants of these two neighbors, after pursuing different courses under the vicissitudes of a century and a half, were united in Benjamine and Mehitable. From this fusion of two hardy stocks sprang the subject of our sketch. He was the youngest of eleven children, eight of whom lived to mature age, and was born in Pembroke December 21, 1816, and, August 29, 1847, married Catharine L., daughter of Thomas and Abigail (Hutchins) Sargent, by whom he has four children living,-Henry Thomas, born November 30, 1849; Adin Gilbert and Charles Mar- tin (twins), born June 19, 1855 ; and Lillie Blanche, born February 29, 1860. His education was obtained at the district school, supplemented by attending, for a few terms, Pembroke Academy and the Gymnasium, a rival school, under the instruction of Professor Isaac Kinsman. While at these schools he supported him- self by his own labor, being, at the age of fifteen, thrown upon his own resources, with no provision for his education, by his father's death.

He commenced to teach a district school at eigh- teen, and continued to teach during some portions of each year for eighteen years. During this time he managed the family homestead, which had come into his possession part by the will of his father and part by purchase. He now resides on the old homestead, which, by improvements and additions, has been made to rank among the largest and most productive farms in town.

Although always ready to devote his time to the interests of his fellow-townsmen, he has never been an office-seeker, and the honors bestowed upon him by the public must yield sweeter pleasure to his mind when he contemplates that they were won not by so- licitation, but came as a recognition of his usefulness. Always enjoying the confidence and esteem of his townsmen, he was called upon to serve them in nearly all the offices in the gift of the town. For years his was the familiar face and voice that presided over

582

HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

their town-meetings for town, State and national elections.

Besides holding the offices of collector, auditor and treasurer, he served as selectman eleven years, eight of which as chairman, and superintending school committee twelve years. He was elected to the Leg- islature in 1858 and 1859, and in 1876 was chosen a delegate to the Constitutional Convention of that year. In 1878 he was elected county commissioner, and served as chairman during the term of two years, from June 1, 1879, to July 1, 1881. In 1870 he was appointed United States deputy marshal, and took the census of Allenstown, Bow, Hooksett and Pem- broke.

For many years he has been a trustee of Pembroke Academy, the survivor of the two schools at which his education was completed.

For many years he has done a large probate busi- ness in the capacity of administrator and guardian, his judgment and experience recommending him to all who knew him.

Brought up a Democrat, yet convictions of right and duty have always controlled his political acts and affiliations. He voted the last time with that party in 1844. His repugnance to the institution of slavery and its extension brought him to the support of John P. Hale in 1845 for representative to Con- gress; and he has had the satisfaction of living to see Hale United States Senator, and the weakening and discordant element of slavery wiped out of our gov- ernment. From the Free-Soil party he followed the lead of Seward and Lincoln, and has since been a supporter of Republican measures and principles.

Of liberal religious sentiments and opinions, though pledged to no creed and identified with no denomination, Mr. Fowler has always revered the Scriptures as the inspired word of God, and has en- deavored to guide his conduct by their precepts.

Mr. Fowler is known throughout the county as a man of good executive ability, upright integrity, sound judgment, rare good sense and of large prac- tical experience in business affairs; and these he has always been ready to devote to the service of the public and of his townsmen when required.

Now (1885) he has retired from public affairs, with the exception of acting as one of a committee of three to procure the writing and publishing of the history of his native town, and can be found at his home in North Pembroke, which his thrift and economy has established and maintained, where his counsel is much sought by his townsmen and friends, and where, together with his amiable and estimable wife, he dispenses a liberal hospitality to all who have occasion to visit his home.

WINTHROP FOWLER.

The family name of Fowler received prominent mention in the annals of the literature and govern- ment of England as far back as 1191. Richard Fowler, of Foxley, fought under Richard Cœur de Lion in the war of the Crusades, and was knighted by him on the field of battle for having repulsed a night. attack by the Infidels on the Christian camp, with a body of bowmen made up entirely of his own ten- ants. From him descended Sir William in the fourth generation, and his son, Sir Richard, was knighted by Edward IV. and created chancellor of the duchy of Lancaster.

In 1514, Catharine of Arragon was entertained by Edward Fowler, and at his castle received the joyful news of the defeat of the Scottish army at Flodden Field. John Fowler, in 1547, was a member of the household of Edward VI., and it was through his in- fluence that the royal assent was given to the mar- riage of Lord Seymour to the Princess (afterwards Queen) Elizabeth. William, who died 1614, was one of the poets to the court of James VI. Christopher was a prominent English clergyman ; born in 1611; left the Established Church in 1641 to join the Pres- byterians. Edward was made bishop of Gloucester in 1691. John and Robert were among the great land- owners of Great Britain. Philip, one of the first set- tlers of New England, born about 1590, came to Amer- ica, with his family, in the "Mary and John," Robert Sayers, master. Arriving in May, 1634, and receiving a grant of land in Ipswich, Mass., the same year, settled there and resided until his death, June 24, 1697. The line of descent to the subject of this sketch is through Philip (1), Joseph (2), Philip (3), Philip (4), Symonds (5). Winthrop (6) was born in Epsom, N. H., April 19, 1788. In 1810, he married Abigail, daughter of Samuel and Abigail (Brown) Davis, who was born in Epsom April 19, 1790, and died October 27, 1859. He filled many public offices in his native town and was distinguished for the clear- ness and soundness of his judgment and for the strict integrity and uprightness of his conduct. He was a man whose practice through life was in exact conform- ity with his profession. He was one of the selectmen of Epsom in 1824, '26, '28, '30, '38; auditor in 1843- 44. He died in Pembroke, N. H., September 22, 1861.

The children of Winthrop and Abigail (Davis) Fowler were Hannah, born September 5, 1810, died April 7, 1821 ; Abigail, born July 4, 1812, died July 16, 1814; Abigail, born March 16, 1815, died Novem- ber 13, 1867; Betsey, born July 10, 1818, lives in Pem- broke, N. H .; Samuel, born May 8, 1821, lives in Ep- som, N. H .; Symonds, born March 20, 1823, died December 23, 1827 ; Winthrop, born June 28, 1825, died July 21, 1825; Winthrop, born January 20, 1827, lives in Pembroke, N. H .; Nancy, born December 17, 1830, lives in Pembroke, N. H.

Jurther L. Howter

Hinhigh Jones

Winthrop "Fowler

583

PEMBROKE.

WINTHROP FOWLER, JR.

Winthrop Fowler, Jr., son of Winthrop and Abigail (Davis) Fowler, was born in Epsom, N. H., January 20, 1827, and lived with his father on the farm until 1845, when they moved to his present situation in Pembroke. May 16, 1860, he married Ann L., daughter of Ephraim and Sarah (Dyer) Locke, of Epsom, N. H. From this union there were three boys,-Minot Locke, born February 5, 1863; George Winthrop, born November 1, 1864; and Edward Mar- tin, born September 27, 1868. Mr. Fowler always had a firm belief in thorough education, and, by his industry and economy, was able to provide means for his boys obtaining snch, the foundation of which was laid in the old Pembroke Academy, justly celebrated in the history of this county. Although of the minor- ity party, and far from being an office-seeker or de- sirous of public distinction, Mr. Fowler has been prominent in the civil affairs of the town of Pem- broke, having held the position of moderator in the town-meetings of the years 1869, '71, '72, '73, '74, '77, '78 and '84; member of the Board of Selectmen in 1872, '73 and '74; auditor, 1878-84. continuously, which position he still holds. In politics Mr. Fowler has always been a firm Democrat, interested and earn- est for the advancement of the plans and purposes of his party. He was in early manhood commissioned a justice of the peace by the Governor, which position he continues to hold. He owns one of the finest farms in Pembroke; he has led a hard-working life, and one of decided success. He has in an unusual degree the confidence and respect of all as a valued citizen of sound judgment, having the best interests of his fellow-men at heart, and is decidedly one of the leading men of his town.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Merrimack and Belknap counties, New Hampshire, Part 142

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton), ed Publication date: 1885 Publisher: Philadelphia [Pa.] J. W. Lewis & co. Number of Pages: 1520

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton), ed
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Philadelphia [Pa.] J. W. Lewis & co.
Number of Pages: 1520