History of Merrimack and Belknap counties, New Hampshire, Part 197

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 197
USA > New Hampshire > Belknap County > History of Merrimack and Belknap counties, New Hampshire > Part 197

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).

In 1861, Mr. Moulton became a partner in the large freight-car manufactory which had been conducted at Laconia by Charles Ranlet & Co., until Mr. Ranlet's death, in 1860. Giving his personal attention to the business, he rapidly developed a large and profitable industry. The works have been frequently enlarged, extensive buildings put up, and the quality of work advanced until passenger-cars of the finest style were manufactured here and the " Laconia Car Company " had a national reputation. This gave employment to hundreds of workmen, the pay-roll amounting to eight thousand dollars per month. The entire plant was destroyed by fire in February, 1881. With characteristic energy, Mr. Moulton began work on new buildings before the ruins were cold, and work

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was resumed in the new factory in less than a month. This was done by Mr. Moulton when men at his ad- vanced age and with his ample fortune would have retired from active life and its responsibilities.

His persevering nature was turned, in 1865, to the establishment of a bank to accommodate the financial needs of the business interests so largely increasing in Laconia and its vicinity. In obtaining a charter for a national bank, he had to meet and overcome "almost insurmountable obstacles ; " but his labors resulted, however, in the securing the charter for, and the founding of, the " Laconia National Bank." He was at once elected to its presidency, which he still retains, In 1868 he became the sole owner of the " Gilford Hosiery Corporation," which furnishes em- ployment to many operatives, mostly females, and does a most prosperous business, the annual product having been as high as one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars. Mr. Moulton, with Benjamin E. Thurston, owns the extensive flour and grain-mill at Laconia. In other and widely varying ways has Mr. Moulton contributed greatly to the improvement, growth and prosperity of Laconia, and he is, beyond cavil, one of the ablest financiers of this section of the State. Sterlingly Democratic in his principles, he represented the Sixth District in the State Senate in 1871 and 1872, and was elected a member of the Governor's Council in 1874. He was a delegate to the National Democratic Convention in 1876, and a candidate for Presidential elector on the Tilden ticket.

Mr. Moulton is a charter member of Winnipesan- kee Lodge of Independent Order of Odd-Fellows, which was founded at Laconia in 1842, and is now one of the Uniformed Patriarchs of the order.

He married, July 15, 1833, Nellie B., daughter of Samuel M. Senter. Her ancestor, Colonel Joseph Senter, was one of the first settlers of Centre Harbor. They had five children,-Edwin C., deceased, an ac- tive business man; Samuel M. S., connected inti- mately with his father's extensive business operations ; William H., died young ; Horatio F., superintendent of a hosiery-mill at Columbia, S. C .; and Ida L. (Mrs. Joshua B. Holden), who resides in Boston. Mrs. Moulton died November 18, 1860, and Mr. Moulton married, August 18, 1866, Sarah A. McDougall, a lady of estimable qualities and generous character.

Mr. Moulton has had no small share in all the prominent business enterprises of the lake region for the last half century. Faithful in the discharge of official duties, far-seeing, bold, persistent, he deserves and has won a success far beyond the hopes and aspirations of his early manhood. Unlike many men of wealth, he gives with a liberal hand to all things tending to advance the financial, educational and moral interests of the people with whom he has been so long connected.

His benefactions in behalf of liberal Christianity have always been marked. The organization of the

Unitarian Society of Laconia was accomplished largely by his active energy, and its church owes its erection, in a great measure, to his labors and finan- cial aid. He is also one of the most generons of its supporters. Pleasing in his intercourse, a strong and powerful friend, he possesses qualities which endear him to a large circle, who esteem him for his worth. He has the satisfaction of seeing his children filling honorable and useful positions in business circles and society, and worthy descendants of a noble ancestry.

' COLONEL SELDON CROCKETT.

Seldon Crockett, son of Samuel and Sarah (Wil- comb) Crockett, was born in Meredith (now Laconia), N. H., October 9, 1804, and died June 14, 1868, at his birthplace, aged sixty-four years.

His grandfather, Captain Joshua Crockett, was a native of Newburyport, Mass., who, according to the family tradition, came, when a young man, with six others, to Meredith (then New Salem) to avail themselves of the government grant of fifty acres of land to each settler, with the privilege of pur- chasing as many more as he might desire at the nom- inal price of fifty cents per acre. They camped on what is since known as "Cotton's Hill." The wild appearance of the country discouraged five of the number, and the next morning they abandoned the enterprise. The others, Colonel Ebenezer Smith and Captain Crockett, selected their future homes from the top of a tall pine-tree, Captain Crockett choosing the land between Winnisquam Lake and Round Bay, "so he could have it fenced by water on two sides." On this location he cut trees, cleared enough land to plant a few potatoes he had brought on his wearisome way, and erected a log cabin-the first dwelling "within an area of forty miles." This occupied the site of the present summer residence of Mrs. Crockett. The next year Captain Crockett brought his mother to his new home and the battle with the wild and re- fractory forces of nature was commenced. For this Captain Crockett was especially well fitted. Possessed of a strong and active frame, of great energy and ex- ecutive force, he enjoyed the labor and the life. He was a noted hunter of the various wild animals of the country, was captain of a company of riflemen raised for service in the Revolution and died aged seventy- three years.

His son, Samuel Crockett, born 1780, inherited a portion of the acres of his father, and, by his wife, Sarah Wilcomb, had a family of four boys and one girl. He was a highly-prized member of the Free- Will Baptist Church, and, with his pious wife, would go on horseback eight miles to the nearest religious services. She was a much-beloved and devoted Chris- tian. Her faith in the efficacy of prayer was strong and unswerving, and many wonderful instances of marked answers to fervent petitions are handed down to the present generation. She was a most remarka-

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Ile woman in many ways, and lived to the good old age of eighty-six, surviving her husband (who died in 1854) twelve years.

Seldon Crockett came of industrious ancestors, and was a worker from very early years. The common school, of a few months in each year, where he ac- quired his education, was the college of those days, and for the practical business life of active New Eng- land it did its work well. It made independent, clear- headed, self-reliant men, who could reason logically, and logically carry their conclusions into practical results. From the age of sixteen, when he left home, Seldon earned his living and gave of his earnings to help his parents. His seventeenth year was passed on a farm in Massachusetts, and fifty-eight of the sixty dollars received for his labor were given to his father. He afterward became a manufacturer of furniture in Boston, and, by his energy and industry, created a successful business.

In 1831, Mr. Crockett married Lucy, danghter of Thomas and Susan (Learned) Eliott, of Watertown, Mass. This union with a lady possessing the noblest qualities of the leading New England families, from whom she descended, proved most felicitous. She ably seconded all his labors, joined in his benefactions and was a prominent factor in his success. Their children are Seldon Frank, Sarah W. (Mrs. William W. Hagne), Susan E. (Mrs. S. Stillman Blanchard), Grace H. (Mrs. J. L. Grandin) and Lucy E. (Mrs. S. A. Shannon).

But it is pre-eminently as the genial landlord, friend and host that Colonel Crockett is recalled to the memory of his numerous friends, or should appear in history for the pernsal of coming generations. Dis- posing of his manufacturing, on account of ill health, in 1844 he became the proprietor of the " Bromfield House," in Boston, and until his death, a period of more than a quarter of a century, he conducted it with admirable ability, and many prominent citizens of New England made it their chosen place of resort.

During his long residencein Boston Colonel Crock- ett won the respect of all who knew him as a gentle- man of kind spirit, courteous manners and undeviating uprightness. He was loyal to his friendships and to all his business relations. Not as demonstrative of his religious feelings as many others, he showed by his daily life that his mind and heart were under con- trol of religious principle, and for years was a valued member of the Rowe Street Baptist Church, then under the pastorate of Rev. Baron Stow, D.D. Every one met Colonel Crockett with pleasure and parted from him with regret. His friends came voluntarily to him from the highest circles of political, business and social life, alike from city and country, and remained friends during life. He was most unassuming and un- obtrusive, yet the sterling worth of the man forced a recognition of his merits and an appreciation of his exalted character upon all with whom he came in contact; and, when a member of the Boston Common

Council, the only position he would accept, he never took part in anything conducted for mere show, but was one of the working members, faithfully discharg- ing his duties without ostentation or display. He ever had a warm sympathy for young men coming from the country to seek occupation in the city, and his nature went out to their aid in all ways, and many men of prominence owe their success to his kind in- terest and generous assistance. President Pierce once gave this advice to Colonel Thomas J. Whipple,- " You are going to Boston, colonel, and yon may want a friend to advise and consult with. Now, if that time comes, go to Colonel Seldon Crockett, of the ' Bromfield House; ' he is a safe and reliable man, and always ready to assist a friend ; he is a good man to tie to."

The character of Colonel Crockett, the quality of his intimate friends and the esteem in which he was and is held can best be told by some of those friends, and, fortunately, their utterances are on record. We extract from the Boston Advertiser of April 8, 1869,-

" A number of gentlemen, who, for more than a generation, have en- joyed the hospitality of that famous hostlery the 'Bromfield House," which is about to be removed before the progress of business enterprise, determined to hold a festive gathering in the old house before it should be closed, in order to revive the recollection of the many pleasant hours they had passed within its walls, and to testify their respect for the hon- ored landlord of so many years-Colonel Seldon Crockett."

The committee of arrangements consisted of Hon. Marshall P. Wilder, the originator of the " gathering," Hon. George P. Sanger, Benjamin Callender, M. P. Kennard, James A. Dupee, P. H. Wentworth and A. K. Loring. Among the invited guests present were ex-President Pierce, Mayor Shurtleff, Rev. Drs. Hague and Stow, Hon. George S. Hillard, Hon. George P. Sanger, Judge Joel Parker, Judge C. Levi Woodbury, Hon, Peleg W. Chandler, Jndge Burbank, of Lenox, George Lunt, Esq., and Hon. Richard Frothingham. We extract briefly from a few of the speeches.

Ex-President Pierce said :

"I have made this house my sojourning-place while in Boston for many years, and my knowledge of it and the noble man who presided over it is bnt a type of your own, and your appreciation of them is but a type of my own. I have been here through many and long years, and I can truly say, what I think can rarely be said by any of ue of other places, that I have known not a single disagreeable association or a single memory that it is not pleasant to cherish."

Hon. Marshall P. Wilder :

"For more than a quarter of a century the 'Bromfield House,' under the administration of the Crocketts, has been celebrated for its quiet, well-regulated, home-like character ; especially has it been noted for the excellence of ite dinners, and it has long since passed into a proverb, -' If you wish for a good dinner, go to the 'Bromfield House.' It ie this which has made this house the resort of those who sought comfort rather than display. Around this hospitable board have cat Presidents of the United States, members of the Cabinet and Congress, Governors and Judges of our own and other States, and eminent men from the various professional, commercial and business walks of life; and who that has been an inmate of this house does not remember the cheerful emile, the cordial grasp, the hearty welcome of the late Colonel Seldon Crockett- characteristics happily perpetuated in his worthy son-and who that has

D. S. PreverA.

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enjoyed the comforts and hospitalities of this house would not join with us in the language of Shenstone :

" ' Whoe'er has traveled life's dull round, Where'er his stages may have been, Will surely say, here have I found The warmest welcome of an iun.'''

Hon. PelegW. Chandler brought up the memories of his boyhood and his first visit to Boston. As a coun- try lad, he called upon his wealthy uncle at the din- ner honr, and when he came, in response to the an- nouncement that " his nephew wished to see him," he asked Peleg what he wanted to do. "See Boston." " Of course ; well, a good place to start from is Bow- doin Square," bade him "good-day, as his carriage was waiting," and he saw him no more. He had a letter of introduction to Colonel Crockett, who re- ceived him heartily, cordially entered into his plans, gave him his advice and hospitality and made him at home and among friends, and through his counsel he had become what he was. So warm, so encouraging, so lasting was this friendship that Mr. Chandler was feelingly eloquent when he spoke of the many excel- lent qualities of "his dear friend, Colonel Crockett."

We close this tribute to the memory of this most worthy Christian gentleman in the language of Colo- nel John G. Greene, of the Boston Post, at the time of Colonel Crockett's death :

" He was faithful to all the duties of life, and leaves a memory worthy of ardent emulation. Benevolent, confiding, honorable in all business transactions, spirited and patriotic as a citizen, tender as a husband, parent and friend, he commanded undeviating respect."

DAVID S. PRESCOTT, M.D.

David S. Prescott, M.D., was born at Franklin, N. H., April 26, 1823, and died at Laconia February 25, 1874. He was a descendant of a family whose name is sufficient to command respect. Inheriting in a large measure some of the prominent characteris- ties of his ancestors, David was not content to pass his life quietly on the farm, and endowed with a heart full of glowing ambition and high aspirations, he de- sired an education which should enable him to achieve success in a larger and broader field of action. But his parents' circumstances did not afford him the advantages of liberal culture, and he was dependent on his own efforts for the means of acquiring the knowledge he sought, and with the courage and energy of an earnest boy, he took up the burden of life while very young and went to work in his father's saw-mill in order to earn money to go to school. But the brave lad's career was soon impeded by an acci- dent, which appeared to blast his fond hopes of a bright future. His right hand was badly injured, leaving only the thumb and fore-finger, and David's first words to his father were, " I am ruined for life." However, he soon took heart again, and, with the en- couragement and aid of his father, he found employ- ment and succeeded in gaining sufficient money to carry on his studies. His preparatory medical edu-

cation was pursued under the direction of Dr. L. M. Knight, of Franklin, N. H .; he was graduated at Dartmouth Medical College in 1849, commenced the practice of his profession January 1, 1850, at Temple, N. H., and removed to Laconia in 1853, where he married Mrs. Olive J. Knowles (widow of Dr. Knowles, of Laconia, and daughter of Jonathan and Betsey (Lawrence) Ladd), who survives him.

Dr. Prescott now addressed himself fully to the noble and self-denying labors of a medical man, and evinced great patience in the midst of the cares and trials of his profession. The difficulties, lack of means, ill health, etc., with which he had to contend in preparing for his life-work did not crush his spirit nor prevent his rising in the world. They only seemed to develop his manhood, to bring out those sterling qualities which constitute a truly noble character. He was peculiarly adapted to his work ; his large and sympathetic heart was drawn toward suffering in any form, and his tender and gentle man- ner was restful to the sick. His interest in his pa- tients was not merely professional; he was at once their friend, counselor and sympathizer in all trials, and his advice and pecuniary help, where needed, was given freely, and, although never of sonnd phy- sique, his first and last thought was the comfort of others. Through his long and ardnous career of ser- vice in his noble and humane profession it is not too much to say that, by untiring devotion to medical duty, by the constant care, patience, fidelity and skill in the daily exercise of a pursuit so important to humanity, he illustrated the best qualities of a phy- sician, and won the respect, enduring love and grati- tude of the community. Can any one doubt the popularity and success of such a man ?

Politically, Dr. Prescott was a Democrat, and his object, first and last, the good of his country. He believed in party action, without being a partisan, and in all things followed the dictates of his judgment and conscience. When the emancipation proclama- tion was issued, he said: "Slavery is dead, and I thank God for it." He was a strong temperance ad- vocate and an indefatigable worker in the cause; ac- tive in educational matters, and in all affairs of pub- lic interest he took an intelligent concern.

As a Christian worker, Dr. Prescott deserves especial mention. His earnestness and fervor awoke a re- sponse in every soul. He was a regular attendant of and participator in the prayer-meeting whenever his duties permitted. He was a natural leader in the church, the promoter and organizer of every benevo- lent movement and a most liberal contributor. His home, his time and his money were at the service of his Master ; and, in alluding to his death, his pastor, Rev. Mr. Bacon, said, "In losing Dr. Prescott, I lose my right arm." Never did the Congregational Church of Laconia lose a more valued or efficient member.

If a Sabbath-school excursion was in contempla- tion, he looked up the children of the poor and ar-

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ranged for them to attend at his expense; and in all church charities his customary words to the members were, "Put your hands in your pockets, and put them down deep;" and he enforced his words by personal example. His patients felt the sincerity and earnest- ness of his religious nature, and, to use the language of one, "he prescribed for body and soul." The magnetic influence of the man was wonderful, and showed itself alike in eloquent and burning oratory, captivating tones of song and vigorous personal en- deavor.

Dr. Prescott was a wise, benevolent, conscientious, public-spirited man, whose example and influence were beneficent in all the relations of life, whose memory is gratefully cherished, and those who knew him will say that this is not the language of eulogy, but simple truth.

" Better than storied urn or animated bust" is such a monument of tender memories.

NAPOLEON BONAPARTE GALE.

The annals of an honest, industrious and useful life are of more value as a lesson to coming genera- tions than many of those which are placed high on the scroll of fame.

Napoleon Bonaparte Gale, son of Daniel and Abi- gail (Page) Gale, was born in Gilmanton (now Bel- mont) March 3, 1815. His grandfather was Stephen Gale, who married Susannah Flanders. Stephen Gale was born in Exeter in 1739. He moved to Ray- mond, where he owned and conducted a mill. He was one of the sturdy, patriotic men of that period to whom we of the present are so much indebted, and served as a soldier in the French and Indian War. He was stationed at Tioga, in the western part of New York, and did good and valiant service, When discharged, he was obliged to journey on his homeward way hundreds of miles on foot, through the trackless wilderness, exposed to cold and other perils, and for three days was entirely without food.

In 1780 he settled in Gilmanton, and gave the name " Tioga " to the place where he made his home, on account of its resemblance to the country where he served as a soldier, and that part of the town even yet bears the name he conferred upon it. He died September 10, 1813, having " served his day and generation well."

Daniel, son of Stephen and Susannah (Flanders) Gale, was born in Raymond April, 1775, and died October, 1845. He came to Gilmanton with his par- ents when he was five years old, and was ever after a resident there. He was a bright, intelligent boy, and improved his opportunities for education to the ut- most, and became the schoolmaster of the town, which position he held with credit for over twenty- five years. He was, besides, in numerous ways, one of the influential men of the town, holding many offices of honor and trust. He was selectman for

twenty years, justice of the peace for many years, representative to the General Court for several terms, and one of the associate judges of the Court of Ses- sions. He transacted much Probate business, and attended to the securing of Revolutionary claims and pensions. His nature was positive and energetic ; his judgment sound and practical ; his memory very retentive,-he could carry in his mind the locations and boundaries of all the farms in a large area, and his accuracy in this respect was so well known that when any dispute arose concerning boundaries, he was at once appealed to, and his decision was received as final. Kind-hearted and generous, he worked more for the good of others than for remuneration, and although, with the same opportunities, a cold, calculating man of the world would have become rich, Judge Gale was so only in the love and esteem of his fellow-townsmen. He was of large physique, well proportioned, over six feet high, weighing over two hundred pounds, and a very distinguished and fine-looking man. He married Abigail, daughter of Deacon Benjamin and Hannah (Sanborn) Page, of Epping. Their children attaining maturity were Hazen, Daniel M., Napoleon B. and Benjamin P. Mrs. Gale was born in 1779, and died in 1856, surviv- ing her husband eleven years. She descended from two good colonial families, and was a thrifty, prac- tical woman of strong executive powers, and im- pressed her individuality upon her children, and labored zealously that they might receive a good education. She was strongly orthodox in her opin- ions, and her father was a deacon in the Congrega- tional Church.

Napoleon passed his early years with his parents, attending the town school and supplementing his education by attendance at Sanbornton and Gilman- ton Academies. When eighteen years old his brother, Daniel M. (who had purchased the interest of his uncle Stephen in the mercantile house of "Gale & Pitman," doing business at Laconia and Lake village), offered him a position as clerk, which he accepted, and continued with the firm until 1835, when the store at Lake village was sold, and he returned to the home farm at Gilmanton,

In August, 1835, the young man, not having yet attained his majority, went to Boston, and engaged as clerk in a grocery-store, where he remained nearly four years, doing his duties faithfully, and every year adding to his mercantile knowledge. In 1839 he came to Meredith and, in company with Joshua R. Smith, engaged in merchandising under the name of "Smith & Gale." In the fall of 1840, on account of ill health, he removed to his father's house, and after the death of his father, in 1845, he assumed the care of the home farm.

In August, 1852, his health being re-established he went into the Belknap County Bank as a substitute for his brother, Daniel M., the cashier, who was ill, and was ever after connected with the bank. In No-

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vember, 1853, he was elected cashier, and held that office nntil the expiration of the charter, in 1866, and the closing up of its affairs, some three years later.

In 1868 Mr. Gale was one of the incorporators of the Belknap Savings-Bank, and was one of the trustees. Upon the resignation of the presidency by Dr. Perley, Mr. Gale was elected president, and still holds the position. Politically, he is a Democrat, and repre- sented the town of Belmont in 1867-68, and is one of the representatives of Laconia this present year (1885), of which place he is now a resident.

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History of Merrimack and Belknap counties, New Hampshire, Part 197

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