History of Merrimack and Belknap counties, New Hampshire, Part 38

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 38
USA > New Hampshire > Belknap County > History of Merrimack and Belknap counties, New Hampshire > Part 38

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).

Thrift has not failed to follow wisdom, energy and perseverance in the prosecution of his varied busi- ness ventures. He now enjoys the fruitful accumula- tions of well-directed industry in a home blessed with the presence of a worthy wife, to whom, as Sylvania M. Blanchard, of Lowell, he was united in marriage in 1845. Years ago their happy home was darkened by a great sorrow, when their only child, a lovely daughter, Ada, was, at the age of seventeen, snatched away by death.

Mr. Nutter has found opportunity, amid other engrossing cares, to manifest public spirit in devoting time and effort to assisting in the commemoration o! events pertaining both to the history of the State in general aud to that of his beloved native town in particular. His patriotism begins where it should- at home. To the erection of the monument in mem- ory of Hannah Duston and her heroic deed of rescue from cruel captivity, on the little island at the mouth of the Contoocook, his generous and untiring exer- tions were a prominent and essential contribution. Upon his call was held the meeting of the sons and daughters of Barnstead living in Concord which resulted in the reunion held at Phoenix Hotel, Febru- ary 28, 1878, at which he presided. That reunion paved the way for the Barnstead Reunion, held August 30, 1882, to which he generously contributed, and the published proceedings of which are a valuable con- tribution to the history of the State.

In the foregoing statements are summarized the leading events, doings and characteristics of a busy and useful life,-a life whose fruitage of success is the honorable reward of sagacious, earnest, persevering activity.

CALVIN HOWE.

Calvin Howe was born in Enfield, N. H., March 20, 1806. His boyhood was passed in his native town, from whence, early iu life, he went to Kingston, as clerk in a store. He quickly developed a taste for mercantile pursuits, and from this time until his death was identified with the mercantile interests of the community wherein he resided. From Kings- ton he went to North Barnstead, in the store of Samuel Webster, and later went into trade on his own account at Lower Gilmanton, where he remained several years. He was also agent of the Gilmanton Mills, in what is now Belmont. He removed to Con- cord in 1855.

Upon his removal to this city he entered the employ of Warde & Humphrey, as book-keeper, which position he occupied until 1862. In that year he engaged in the flour and grain business as a member of the firm of John V. Barron, Dodge & Co., and later of Howe, Moseley & Co., and of John H. Barron, Moseley & Co., retiring from business in July, 1881, with a handsome competency, acquired through long years of faithful devotion to business and upright dealing. He was an excellent financier and business man, of sound judgment, prudent, cau- tious and reliable, and his advice was much sought after by his fellow-citizens.

Mr. Howe was identified with the banking interests of the city for a long series of years. He was a direc- tor in the old Union Bank, also in the National State Capital Bank, and was vice-president of the Loan and Trust Savings-Bank, being one of the finance committee. Although a life-long Democrat, Mr. Howe never sought political honors ; he was pre-emi- nently a domestic man, enjoying home and friends. He was a member of the South Congregational Church, and was one of its most active and generous supporters. July 26, 1836, he united in marriage with Miss Eliza H. Judkins, of Gilmanton, and their family consisted of one son. Mrs. Howe died while they were living in Gilmanton, and the son after Mr. Howe removed to this city. May 29, 1850, he mar- ried Mrs. Clara N. Evans, daughter of William Fisk, of Concord, who survives him.

Mr. Howe was an earnest supporter of the move- ment which resulted in the founding of the Home for the Aged, and was one of the first, if not the first, to offer substantial aid for its establishment. He gave five hundred dollars towards the purchase of the house, and by will bequeathed an additional sum of five hundred dollars to its permanent fund. He was a trustee of the Home from its inception to the day of his death. Quiet and unostentatious in the be-

Wahn Your

Elijah "Knight

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stowal of his charities, and an upright business man, Calvin Howe died as he had lived, a consistent Chris- tian and one of Concord's most honored and esteemed citizens. He died August 13, 1882.

ELIJAH KNIGHT.

The subject of this sketch-a son of Benjamin and Lucy (Baker) Knight-was born in Hancock, Hills- borough County, N. H., March 13, 1813. (See town history of Hancock.)

His father was a farmer, and Elijah worked at home until eighteen years of age, where the incidents of his boyhood were such as were common to the sons of farmers of that time, -- assisting in the farm-work in summer and attending the district school in winter. His educational advantages, in addition to the district school, were one term in the academy at Stoddard and one in Hancock. At the close of his school-life, being of a mechanical turn of mind, he spent two winters at the trade of clock-making, returning in the summer to assist in farm-work. He then taught school two winters, -- one in Alstead, N. H., the other in Hancock, his native town, his object mainly being to improve his own mind. Attaining his majority, he went as a journeyman clock-maker to Goffstown, Nashua, Charlestown and Boston, Mass., in each of which places he worked at his trade for some time, during which he became efficient as a clock-maker and also learned to repair watches. In July, 1837, having, by prudence and economy, saved some money, he was prepared to realize, in a small way, the hopes of earlier years, by going into business on his own account as a jeweler, at Amoskeag, a small village on the opposite side of the river to the present site of the city of Manchester. In 1839 he moved across the river to Manchester, at a time when there were only three buildings on Elm Street. Here he re- mained two years, doing a successful business, and in the fall of 1841, having a touch of the "Western fever," he sold out and took a trip West, but, liking the East better, soon returned to his native State and settled in New Market, went into business, where he remained twelve years, the only jeweler there, and did a prosperous business. He has always continued in this business, has worked diligently and faithfully at it, and, being a good workman, has earned a good living. August 28, 1842, Mr. Knight married Mary Jane, daughter of James and Jerusha (Palmer) Griffin, of Manchester, N. H. From this union there were two children. Mr. Knight was commissioned, by Governor Martin, a justice of the peace, and also was solicited to act as trial justice, but declined to act in the petty disputes between his townsmen. He was recommissioned and held the office for ten or more years. He had the honor of being chosen a member of the convention which assembled in Con- cord, December, 1850, to revise the constitution of the State. He also held a commission of major in

the New Hampshire State militia. The life of Mr. Knight, while in New Market, was a diligent and peaceful one, and he enjoyed the confidence and respect of the community. Of robust and rugged constitution and of temperate habits, Mr. Knight has always had good health, and is particularly blessed with a happy disposition. Desiring to be nearer the old friends and acquaintances of himself and wife, he sold out his business in New Market in 1854 and moved to Concord, N. H., where he purchased a business which he has carried on successfully for thirty-one years in one location, and thoroughly en- joyed life while amassing a very comfortable property and maintaining a happy home. Mr. Knight has always been just, open and frank in his dealings with all, maintaining an untarnished reputation. He has always been a stanch Democrat, and has ever taken an active interest in political affairs, always anxious that right principles should triumph. He has been the candidate of his party for various offices since coming to Concord; but the party being in the minority he was never elected. He has been a close observer of men and events, both in public and private life, keeping well informed of current events. He has formed his own opinions and is always ready to maintain them by argument. He was brought up under the teachings of the Presbyterian faith and has always attended worship with that church. In 1844 he became a member of the fraternity of Odd-Fellows, and was prominent in the order, holding all the various offices in the subordinate lodge and encamp- ment. He is also a member of the Masonie fraternity, having taken the degrees to that of Royal Arch Mason. He is a good citizen, social and genial, possessing sound qualities of mind and heart, and is truly one of nature's noblemen, and this modest sketch pays but a faint tribute to the real worth of the man as a kind neighbor, a valued citizen of sound judgment, having the best interests of the community at heart and blessed with an extended circle of appreciative friends.

DANIEL HOLDEN.1

Daniel Holden, the subject of this brief sketch, was the son of Asa and Nancy (Wyman) Holden, and was born in Billerica, Mass., April 20, 1809. Being one of a family of nine children, he went away from home at the tender age of nine, as was the custom in those days, to work for Dr. Sylvanus Plympton, of Woburn, Mass. Up to that time he had been to the district school regularly for several years, but, after leaving home, was only allowed to attend during the winter terms, until he was thirteen, which finished the meagre education then furnished to boys who had to earn their own living. Harsh treatment and scanty fare were the fate of such youth, and there was no exception in this case; indeed, so utterly

1 Written by a friend.

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HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

did the hoy despise the position which he held in the venerable doctor's family, that, when thir- teen years old, he ran away to his home, and no amount of persuasion could induce him to re- turn and finish ont the period which had been agreed upon for him to stay .. After this he was em- ployed for several years by various farmers in his native place. Having a great desire to own a farm, he came to the conclusion that the easiest manner in which to obtain the money necessary therefor would be by working in a mill; so, with the intention of returning to agricultural pursuits very speedily, he again left his home, being at this time twenty years old, and began work in the flannel mill of H. G. Howe, in Belvidere, Tewksbury (now a part of Lowell, Mass.), May 19, 1829.

He engaged to serve as watchman for one year, at eight dollars per month and board, but, proving very faithful at his task, his pay was increased to twelve dollars per month for the last half of the year, without any solicitation on his part.

He soon became familiar with the various phases of the woolen business, and three years after coming to Belvidere, he engaged to run the mill by contract. In 1837, having been in Belvidere eight years, he was employed by the Chelmsford Company as super- intendent of their mill in Dracut, which place is also a part of Lowell at the present time.

The young man had apparently forgotten his old- time ardor for agriculture, as he remained in Dracut until January 1, 1847, where he conducted a very successful business for nearly ten years. Severing his connection with the Chelmsford Company at this time, he removed to West Concord, N. H., and began the manufacture of woolen goods, in company with an older brother, Benjamin F. Holden, which part- nership continued twenty-seven years, until the death of the latter, November 29, 1874. A joint-stock com- pany or corporation was then formed under the name of Concord Manufacturing Company, of which Daniel Holden was elected treasurer and general agent, which position he holds at the present date (1885).

In the autumn of 1853, Mr. Holden was induced to take the superintendence of the Saxonville Mills, in Framingham, Mass., where he remained as agent for three years, returning in the autumn of 1856 to Concord, his interest there and business connections with his brother having remained the same during his absence. In the early years of their business they manufactured all grades of blankets in addition to various styles of flannels. For a number of years they also did quite a business in wool hosiery; but, for the past twenty years, the production of the mills has been confined almost exclusively to a variety of all wool flannels.

Mr. Holden has never had any political aspirations whatever, but has faithfully executed every duty which has devolved upon him. He has served in most

of the minor ward offices, and represented Ward Three in the Board of Aldermen of Concord in 1874, and in the Legislature in 1865, 1866 and 1875.

Mr. Holden has been twice married,-in 1834, to Miss Sarah Haynes, who died in 1843, leaving four children ; in 1844, to Roxanna Haynes, who has had seven children,-making in all a family of eleven children, ten of whom grew to manhood and woman- hood. The two wives were sisters, and daughters of Reuben Haynes, a successful farmer of Sudbury, Mass.

Mr. Holden has seven children now living,-two daughters and five sons. Four of the latter are en- gaged in the same business as their father,-one in Gaysville, Vt., another in Lowell, Mass., and the two youngest in West Concord.

Although Mr. Holden's educational advantages were very limited in his youth, yet an exceeding desire for knowledge has made him a great reader and has rendered him familiar with almost every subject of interest at the present time. His business has re- quired so much energy and application that, until these later years, he has taken very little time for rest or travel.

His life has been useful and honorable and full of activity, and if we have seemed to lack in speaking words in his praise, it is not because he deserves them less than others, but dislikes them more.

WILLIAM ABBOTT.

William Abbott was born in Andover, Mass., Sep- tember 7, 1801. He was named for his father, the ·late William Abbott, who removed from Andover, when his son William was nine years of age, to Con- cord, N. H., having purchased the farm of Joseph Carter at the old iron-works, in the southwest part of the town. On this farm William, Sr., who died in 1856, spent his days as an honest and thrifty tiller of the soil, and here William lived till he arrived at about the age of twenty-one. No pleasanter spot than this can be found in all the region, and it was here that the poet, Nathaniel H. Carter, son of Joseph Carter, speut his youthful days, and here, it is understood, he was born in 1787. Through this farm runs the Turkey River, and the lines of our poet, written on one of his pilgrimages to his old home, have cast about the place a peculiar charm,-

" Hail ! bail again my native stream, Scene of my boyhood's earliest dream ; With solitary step once more I tread thy wild and sylvan chore. * * * *

* *

" What if no lofty classic name Give to thy peaceful waters fame, Still can thy rural haunts impart A solace to this saddened heart."

William Abbott, Sr., married Rebecca Bailey in 1801, who died in 1863. Besides William they had

Daniel A Golden.

William

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four children,-Isaac, born in 1803, died 1859; Re- becca, born in 1806, died 1873; Moses B., born in 1815, died 1876; and Phebe E., wife of the late Joseph S. Lund, who was born in 1817, died 1875.

William Abbott, the subject of this sketch, at the age of twenty-one, was employed by the Londonderry Turnpike Company in the construction of a turnpike, for a period of six months, when he went to Billerica, Mass., and learned the carriage manufacturing busi- ness. He remained there engaged in this business for three years. He then returned to Concord, and shortly thereafter purchased a farm of the late Albert Ordway, married Desdemonia Fisk Watkins, of Warner, N. H., and settled down in life. As an extensive and industrious farmer Mr. Abbott "kept the even tenor of his way" till within a few years, when, feeling compelled by reason of failing health to retire from active pursuits, he purchased a pleas- ant home on South Street, in the city proper, where he now resides.

Mr. Abbott has ever been known as a most worthy citizen, as one whose course in life has been that of an honest and upright man. He has been noted for his generosity, and has often contributed to many a worthy cause. He gave quite a large sum to the North Church in Concord for the purpose of build- ing a chapel, which has been completed, and bears the name of "The Abbott Memorial Chapel."

A great deer-chase occurred in Mr. Abbott's early days, when he was about fifteen years old, which has often been related aud should be mentioned here. A deer appeared within the limits of the town, and a large party of young men was immediately in hot pursuit. The deer was tracked to what is now known as "Horse Hill Bridge," and from there into the great "swamp woods," as that region through which now runs the Bog road was then called. Mr. Abbott, catching a glimpse of the deer through the tangled bushes, blazed away with his flint-lock, and the deer fell dead. It was dragged home, dressed and three quarters were divided among the crowd aud cooked at the farm of Moses Carter. The other quarter was exchanged for West India rum. At this feast people gathered from far and near, and at the Carter homestead there were heard the "sounds of revelry by night."

Mr. Abbott's first wife died in 1867, and he has since been twice married. His second wife was Mrs. Betsy Jones Davis, of Warner, N. H., who died in 1876, and his present wife was Mrs. Vasta Morrison Dolby, of Pembroke, N. H., widow of the late Albert T. Dolby.

Mr. Abbott has no children, and with his death this branch of the Abbott family will become extinct.

GEORGE A. CUMMINGS.1

Much has been said and written of the success of men who were born in affluence, who, by their care-

ful management and good judgment, have retained the fortuues left them by their kindred. Such men are entitled to much praise; but if they should re- ceive the approval of their fellow-men, how much more should those who started life with nothing for a capital but a brave heart, an honest purpose and a strong determination to overcome all obstacles in their pathway to success in life! The subject of this sketch is among the latter class.

George A. Cummings is the fourth son of Alvah and Polly (Grout) Cummings, born iu Acworth, N. H., June 13, 1833. His grandfather, Rev. David Cum- mings, a descendant from Scotch ancestry, was born in Swanzey, N. H., February 20, 1775; moved to Acworth in 1814; was a Baptist preacher, well versed in Scriptural knowledge, and an earnest advocate of his chosen calling. His maternal grandfather, Colo- nel Ebenezer Grout, was born in Watertown, Mass., and moved to Acworth in 1782. The family were uoted for their military fame. He was colonel of his regiment in the State militia, his brother William was an officer in the War of the Revolution, and his son Benjamin was an officer in the War of 1812. Colonel Grout also held many offices of trust and responsibility in his town, having been elected several times to the Legislature. He was one of the pioneer settlers of Acworth, making his way through the wilderness by the aid of marked trees.

He was a man of great ability aud much respected by his fellow-townsmen, and they named that part of the towu where he settled "Grout Hill." Alvah Cummings, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Sullivan, N. H., January 22, 1799. He moved with his father to Acworth in 1814, where, in 1825, he married Polly Grout, daughter of Colonel Ebenezer Gront, and settled in that part of Acworth called Grout Hill, and engaged in farming, and they lived together thirty-six years. His wife died in 1866, having reared a family of eight children, five boys and three girls,-Dr. A. R. Cummings, Clare- mont; Dr. E. G. Cummings, Concord ; Oscar Cum- mings (deceased) ; George A. ; Mrs. Mary J. Young, Concord ; Mrs. Sally Aun Young, Acworth ; Mrs. Laura Smith, Acworth ; and Milon D. Cummings, Concord, each of whom have been successful in life and blessed with comfortable homes.

Alvah Cummings was a man of strong and vigor- ous constitution, and, with his prudent and faithful wife, succeeded in securing and maintaining a com- fortable home for themselves and their large family, and he continued to manage his entire farming busi- ness uutil about two years ago, being now eighty- seven years old, hale and hearty.

George A. Cummings' youth was spent at the old homestead, and the active duties of farm-life did much to strengthen and mature him for the struggles of future years. He remained at home until twenty years of age, enjoying the advantages of the district school, and subsequently attended the academy at

1 By Charles E. Cummings.

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HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

South Acworth. While at home he received from his faithful mother early instructions in Christianity, and he is largely indebted to her careful training for thus early forming a Christian character. His father, by precept and example, impressed upon his mind the importance of a life of industry and integrity.

In 1853, at the age of twenty, he left his native town and went to Franklin, N. H., where he and his brother Oscar formed the co-partnership of O. & G. A. Cummings, marble dealers. Then it was that the struggle of life began ; having no capital, and his brother but little, it was with great effort that they established themselves in business, being strangers in the place. But by perseverance and strict applica- tion to their duties, they succeeded in gradually building up a large business, which exceeded their expectations, and it became necessary to establish a branch at Lebanon, and after conducting the business in these sections of the State and a part of Vermont for several years, it was thought best to establish a central business at Concord, which was done in March, 1861, and they took up their residence there. This was about two weeks prior to the opening of the Civil War, and the financial crisis which came, placing the business of the country in a very trying and erit- ical condition, did not seriously affect them, and they were successful in carrying their business through. In November, 1864, his brother Oscar died. He be- ing a man of sterling business qualifications, his death was a great loss to the business interests of the firm, thus leaving George to assume the responsibili- ties and conduct the business of the firm. This he succeeded in doing, and the business increased so that. in 1868 he took his brother Milon as partner, and the firm was established as Cummings Brothers, and con- tinues the same at the present time. During this period the firm have conducted a large and flourish- ing business throughout Central New Hampshire and Eastern Vermont, and in this time having opened an- other branch in Pittsfield.

In 1876 he and his brother, Dr. E. G. Cummings, purchased the Williams estate, on the corner of Main and Freight Streets, and erected a fine brick block, the two lower stories of which, being fitted for the marble and granite business, and being very large and conven- ient, are the best arranged and furnished memorial marble-works in the State. In 1885 they erected on the adjoining lot one of the finest business blocks in Concord. Cummings Brothers' monumental business has increased and extended throughout New Hamp- shire and to many towns in the adjoining States. The subject of this sketch has been in the marble business for over thirty-two years, and is one of the oldest in it, there being no firm in existence to-day that was doing business when he began.

Mr. Cummings is a Baptist and a liberal supporter of his church, but he is very charitable to those of other denominations; is a firm believer that a cor- rect life is what makes the Christian more than a be-

lief in any particular creed. He became a member of White Mountain Lodge, 1. O. O. F., March 2, 1866; was elected Noble Grand of his lodge in 1870; is a member of Pennacook Encampment, and served as Chief Patriarch. He is a member of the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire, and served as G. W. and D. G. M., and was elected Grand Master in 1875-76, and representative to the Sovereign Grand Lodge in 1877 and '78. During his term as Grand Master he visited every lodge in the State, and the order was very prosperous under his administration. He took a great interest in the work and did as much to ex- tend the order as any member in the State. He is also a member of the Masonic fraternity. In 1870 he was elected to the Legislature from Ward 5, Con- cord, and re-elected in 1871. Serving upon import- ant committees and taking an active part in the de- bates in the House, he proved himself an able legislator. He served two years as alderman, and in November, 1880, he was elected mayor of Concord by a very large majority, receiving many votes from his political opponents ; his term expired Jan., 1883. His administration was an honest and successful one.

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History of Merrimack and Belknap counties, New Hampshire, Part 38

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