USA > New Hampshire > Hillsborough County > Nashua > History of the city of Nashua, N.H. > Part 25
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Mr. Thayer fitted for college in Exeter and entered Harvard university, graduating in 1803. After studying divinity and being ordained for the ministry, January, 1806, his health failed and he was obliged to go south. Return- ing north he came to Nashua about 1820, and from that time until Jan. 1, 1824, he supplied the pulpit of the Old South church. He also taught school and afterwards had a bookstore and circulating library in a building standing where the entrance to Thayer's court now is. He assisted in establishing The Nashua Constellation. In June, 1827, he became one of its publishers, being also its editor until Feb. 24, 1832, the name in the meantime having been changed to Nashua Gazette. Mr. Thayer then sold the paper to General Hunt, who changed its politics from Whig to Democrat. While Mr. Thayer was editor the Gazette was published in a room back of the bookstore, and the Telegraph was started in the same place, the latter remaining there until it was removed to the next building, where the Watananock house now stands. It was in this building until the fire of November, 1838, when the two buildings, in which were the book- store and Telegraph, were burned to the ground. The bookstore was then placed in the building lately occupied by Mr. Dane, standing on the site of the Whiting block, and the Telegraph in the room above. It was owing to Mr. Thayer's exertions that Mr. Beard came here and founded the Nashua Weekly Telegraph, the editor of the same saying at the time of Mr. Thayer's death: "A debt of gratitude, as well as a pecuniary debt, has been due him, and although we have been compelled to be a poor
paymaster in regard to the latter, we have never disowned the former." Mr. Thayer filled a conspicuous place among his fellow-citizens and occupied many responsible positions. His enterprise did much to build up the place, and he was ever ready to assist in good works.
Rev. Mr. Thayer was united in marriage to Lucy Flagg, daughter of John and Lucy (Curtis) Flagg. Mrs. Thayer was highly esteemed and beloved by all who knew her. During the Civil war she was active in everything to relieve the wants of the soldiers, and, in fact, her whole life was devoted to the things that make home and a community wiser and better. She died at her home in Thayer's court, June 24, 1874. They had several children, only two of whom are now living, Lucy F. and Katharine M. Thayer.
REV. HENRI A. LESSARD.
Rev. Henri A. Lessard was born in St. Johns, on the banks of the Richelieu river, in the province of Quebec, April 14, 1850. He is a son of Rene Edward and Marie Marguerite Lessard, and a descendant on the paternal side of Stephen De Francis Lessard, who settled at St. Anne d'Beaupre, P. Q., in 1623. On the maternal side he is a descendant of Gabriel Lambert, who settled in Quebec in 1687. They followed agricultural pursuits and were a sturdy, industrious and respected people.
Rev. Father Lessard was educated in the public schools of his native place and began classical study there in 1863. In 1865, the college at that place having closed its doors, and its founder, Rev. Charles Larocque, having been promoted to the bishopric of St. Hyacinthe, he entered St. Therese college, Terrebourne county, P. Q., where he pursued his studies. Four years later his parents removed to Montreal, and he resided there with them about eighteen months. In 1871 he became a resi- dent of Manchester. After five years spent in mercantile pursuits he returned to St. Therese college with avowed
REV. HENRI A. LESSARD.
intention of becoming a priest. He pursued his studies with diligence and on June 7, 1879, his hopes were real- ized by his ordination at Montreal. A few days later Rt.
HISTORY OF NASHUA, N. H.
143
Rev. James A. Healey, bishop of the diocese of Portland, appointed him assistant to Father Chevalier, pastor of St. Augustine's church, Manchester, where he remained a year, when he was sent as assistant missionary with Father Sweron to attend the mission of Madawaska, Aroostook county, Me. In January, 1881, after a month spent at the cathedral of Portland, he began service under Rev. Father Hesey, then pastor of the church at Lewis- ton, Me. In September of the same year he was appointed to All Saints church at Lancaster, and his twelve missions were confirmed by Rt. Rev. Bishop Healey. Four years of constant and arduous labor in that parish be- gan to undermine his health, and consequently he asked for a change. This was granted, and, in 1885, the French Canadian population of Nashua having outnumbered the capacity of the church of St. Louis d'Gonzague on Hollis street, he was chosen to share Rev. Father Milette's labors and was assigned to a nucleus of a parish on the north side of the city; his zealous labor in the past ten years has been abun- dantly blessed, and the parish of St. Francis Xavier, of which he is the honored pastor, has (July, 1896), laid the corner- stone of a church edifice, on Chan- dler street, which will be among the first in the city. Rev. Father Les- sard is a courteous and affable priest and citizen, who has the confidence and respect of the entire community.
VERY REV. JOIIN O'DONNELL, V. G.
VERY REV. JOHN O'DONNELL, V. G.
Very Rev. John O'Donnell, V. G., was born at Donegal, Ireland, Nov. 22, 1821, died at Nashua, Jan. 22, 1882. He was a son of Dennis and Mary Ann (McGrath ) O'Donnell, both of whom were connected with the best families in the country in which they were reared, and possessed of a laudable ambition to give their children greater advan-
tages in the matter of education and opportunity than they themselves had enjoyed. They accordingly emi- grated to America.
Father O'Donnell obtained his primary education in the schools of his native place and shortly after his arrival in this country entered Mount St. Mary's college at Emmitsburg, Md., where he was graduated in 1847. He was ordained the same year at the cathedral in Boston, and appointed pastor of a mission at Eastport, Me. In this limited field of labor he exhibited tact, talent and ex- ecutive ability and the result was his transfer to St. Dominick's church, Portland. It was at the time when Neal Dow and his followers were struggling to make Maine a pro- hibition state and Father O'Donnell -being a man of positive convic- tions and pos- sessed of the cour- age of those con- victions - advo- cated a license law. His observa- tion led him to believe, that all things considered, the cause of temperance and morality would be better conserved by a rigid control of the sale of intoxicatingliquor than by prohibi- tion, for, as he saw the evil. men will debauch themselves de- spite law, and pro- hibition often leads to perjury. Father O'Donnell stated his views fairly and honestly but for all that the leaders of total abstinence bitterly assailed him, orally and through the columns of the press, and later endeavored to hold him responsible for the riot and bloodshed that were witnessed in Portland when an attempt was made to enforce the prohibition laws. He, however, never felt that he was in any way responsible. He had simply stated his views as he had a right to do, and, moreover, the sad outcome was not owing to the method he had advised in dealing with the issue, but to the methods in law of those who opposed his views.
In 1855, after the installation of the first bishop of the diocese of Portland, Father O'Donnell was assigned to
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HISTORY OF NASHUA, N. II.
Nashua. Before he came here Sunday rioting was the rule rather than the exception. He held services in the Franklin hall, as the opera house was then called, and in a very short time restored order among his people and won the respect and confidence of the community. He purchased, with his own money, land on Temple street and set off to the diocese a lot for a church edifice and then set to work to build the same. It was a great under- taking for that day, but he overcame all obstacles and in November, 1857, at the time of the great financial panic, the Church of the Immaculate Conception-of which he was the founder and in the yard of which his body lies buried-was duly consecrated. A few years later a con- troversy arose over the parsonage and lot, which he built with his own funds, and the diocese requested a free deed of the same. Father O'Donnell knew his rights, and, as in every crisis of his career, was able to maintain them. He explained the matter and declined to act. His sus-' pension followed and another priest was sent to take his place. The affairs of the parish then went from bad to worse. The people clamored for his return and the bishop, a man of rare good sense, settled with Father O'Donnell and reinstated him as pastor of the church he founded, in which sacred office he officiated until his death. The twenty-fifth anniversary of the dedication of the church he founded was a great event in Nashua. His people had its walls beautifully frescoed at great cost and at the reception, following mass by the bishop, he was honored with the congratulations of people of all denominations, who called at the parochial parsonage.
That Father O'Donnell had the confidence and highest esteem of all loyal Nashuans, without regard to creed or politics, was shown on many occasions. They loved him because of the sublime manhood he exhibited in asserting his rights, for his broad catholicity that recognized all men as brethren, for the loyal support of the cause and flag of his adopted country, for his interest in popular education, but most of all for the warm fatherly greeting that char- acterized his deportment when abroad among the people. All these things are in evidence over and over again in the story of his life. At his altar and at public meetings in the City Hall he proclaimed the doctrine of emancipa- tion, and when Lincoln fell by the hand of an assassin, he denounced the act in a public speech with tears that choked his utterance. Often he went unobtrusively to the homes of other faith than his own and offered the condolence and sympathy of a citizen. Every political organization recognized his devotion to the schools, and the returns of his last election as a member of the board of education, show that not a ballot was cast against him. His door was always ajar for teachers and scholars, and in him they found a safe counsellor and a sympa- thizing friend, and when his life on earth ended the school board of which he was an honored member named the school building on Chandler street, the O'Donnell school, in honor of his memory. He gave his handsome set of the Encyclopædia Brittannica to the High school, and to this time his portrait hangs in several schoolrooms. His life was an exceedingly busy and laborious, as well as an eminently useful one. In his efforts to advance the gen- eral interests of humanity, to upbuild and strengthen character, and especially to promote and establish the religion of the Master, as the foundation of true and hon- orable lives in this world, and the only hope for the future, he was indefatigable. His memory is a sacred page on the history of the generation he served.
SUMNER MORGAN.
Sumner Morgan, son of Isaac and Tabitha (Pearson) Morgan, was born at Washington, June 6, 1803, died at Nashua, Aug. 27, 1885. He was a descendant, on the
SUMNER MORGAN.
paternal side, of Robert Morgan, who came to America from England in 1650, and settled at Salem, Mass., and was the progenitor of a family that has become widely scattered, and has made honorable records in the civic and military affairs of the country. On the maternal side he was a descendant in the line of Thomas Pearson, a man who was among the pioneers of that part of Old Dunsta- ble, now known as Nashua, and honored by his townsmen. Mr. Morgan was educated in the public schools of his native place, and early in life settled in Nashua. His business was that of a butcher and provision dealer, and at one time he was located in the basement of the City Hall building. He acquired a fine tract of land on what is now known as Morgan street, and after retiring from mercantile life busied himself in agricultural pursuits. Mr. Morgan was an old school gentleman; a man of unblemished character, strict integrity and modest citi- zenship. He made a constant and earnest endeavor to promote the welfare of Nashua and Nashuans, and was faithful to every trust. From 1860 to 1870 he resided in Merrimack, where he served the town on its board of selectmen. He was an attendant of the Olive Street church. Mr. Morgan was married three times; first, Nov. 25, 1830, with Jane E. Pearson, daughter of Thomas Pearson, whose ancestors came to this country in 1685 and settled at Reading, Mass .; second, Dec. 27, 1836, with Mary P. Fry, daughter of Roland and Mary (Young) Fry. His third wife's name was Mrs. Rebecca Butler, Feb. 7, 1861. Eight children were born to him; by his first marriage, Ellen J., Dec. 25, 1831, married Samuel C. Barnes; Edward S., March 27, 1833, died Dec. 15, 1864; by his second marriage, Caroline E., Oct. 24, 1838, mar- ried Rev. Hiram G. Blair; Abby K., Aug. 6, 1841, married Irving Estey ; Charles W., Dec. 4, 1842, married Mary L. Longa, and, second, Rosabel E. Brown; three who died in infancy. Both his sons served their country in the army during the Civil War, and both were wounded in battle.
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HISTORY OF NASHUA, N. H.
JOHN GRAY BLUNT.
John G. Blunt, son of John and Mary (Estey ) Blunt, was born in Amherst, Aug. 23, 1817, died at his summer home at Marblehead, Mass., July 24, 1883. He was edu- cated in the public schools of his native place and at the Nashua Literary institution. In 1837 he settled in Nashua and engaged in the grocery trade with his father. Later he was in business alone, and in 1852, Warren J. Cooper became his partner under the firm name of Blunt & Co. In 1859, his son, E. O. Blunt became his partner under the firm name of J. G. Blunt & Son, and from that time and since his death, the business has been con- ducted under the old sign, it being the oldest mercan- tile house in the city. Mr. Blunt was a successful and honorable merchant, diligent in business and generous in his dealings. He was one of the founders of the Pearl street Congregational church and a lib- eral contributor to its support, his gift to the organ fund alone being $1,500. In 1889, when the church united with the Olive Street church, he became a member of the new organization, -- the Pilgrim church, and, as in the old church, held the office of deacon. Mr. Blunt represented Ward Six in the board of aldermen in 1859 and 1860 and in the legislature in 1861 and 1862. His tastes and habits were such as led him to prefer the quiet and retirement of home life, rather than the bustle and excitement of politics and he declined further political honors. Mr. Blunt was united in marriage Dec. 18, 1845, with Caroline Ball. Four children were born of their marriage; Edward O., born Aug. 4, 1847, married Lucette Harmon, died April 14, 1896; Charles E., born Oct. 15, 1849, married Emily A. Clark; Mary E., born Feb. 18, 1853, married George E. Holt, who died May 14, 1894; Alfred A., Jan. 28, 1858, died Nov. 29, 1885.
ALLEN WILSON.
Allen Wilson was born at Tyngsboro, Mass., August 27, 1823, died Feb. 27, 1892. He was a son of Allen and El- mira (Sherburn) Wilson and a descendant of the early settlers of the country lying along the banks of the Mer- rimack river between Nashua and Chelmsford. His father was drowned when he was three months old and his mother subsequently married a Mr. Farmer. He lived with his brothers and sisters until he was able to take care of himself and was in every sense of the word a self- made man.
Mr. Wilson was educated in the public schools of his native place and at the aca- demy in Newbury, Vt. He learned the trade of a reed maker and fol- lowed that occu- pation till the con- dition of his health admonished him that he must change his occu- pation, whereupon he established a restaurant at the Concord railroad station where he remained thirty- one years, and, it being a junction for passengers passing through southern New Hampshire, be- came one of the best known men in the state. Nor is it too much to say of him that he was most highly regarded by the public. Of com- manding pres- ence, a rare good talker on current themes, of unques- tioned upright- ness in his religious and civic life, kind and sympathetic in dealing with the poor and unfortunate, a liberal con- tributor to every good cause, he was as near the ideal of perfect manhood as it is possible to attain in a world of bargain-making and of money-getting, temptations and folly.
JOHN GRAY BLUNT.
Mr. Wilson was much in public life and conspicuous in the every-day affairs of the city. He served in the first and second common council from Ward Three in 1853 and 1854, and was twice chosen to represent his ward in the legislature, his seat being successfully contested one of
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HISTORY OF NASHUA, N. H.
the terms by his Democratic opponent. Later he was urged to accept a nomination for assessor and still later, when his hundreds of friends were urging his nomination as a candidate for the Mayoralty, and it was a foregone conclusion that he was the chosen of the convention, he arose in his place and declined the honor. The cares of public office had no attraction for him. Mr. Wilson was a director many years in the Second National bank, a trustee in the Mechanic's Savings bank, and also held many other positions of trust, the duties of which he dis- charged with ability and fidelity.
In his religious life he was a Methodist. He was one of the supporters of the Lowell street church, a liberal contributor for the fund for building the society's Main street edifice and in supporting its preacher and missions. He was several years superintendent of the Sunday School connected with the church, a class leader, steward, and also served upon its financial board, and when, by reason of failing health, he resigned, his friends in the society presented him with a gold headed cane which records in its inscription fifty years of membership, from May II, 1841, to May II, 1891. He lived a life of honor and prob- ity, and in death was mourned by the whole community.
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ALLEN WILSON.
Mr. Wilson was united in marriage Oct. 18, 1849, with Catherine S. Parker, daughter of John and Sarah (Mc- Caine) Parker of Peterboro. Mrs. Wilson seconded her husband in all good works, and since his death has con- tinued the generous giving that endeared him to the peo- ple and which gives her a like reputation for loyalty to God and humanity. There were no children by their marriage.
SOLOMON R. BULLARD.
Solomon R. Bullard was born in Dedham, Mass., Sept. 15, 1798, died in Nashua Oct. 10, 1866. He was a son of John and Abigail (Richards) Bullard. Mr. Bullard was . educated in the public schools of his native place. He came to Nashua in September, 1831, and engaged in trade. He also had a pecuniary interest in a sawmill and other
enterprises until 1848, when, on account of failing health, he sold out to MeQuesten and retired to private life on a small farm. Mr. Bullard built several houses and took
SOLOMON R. BULLARD.
an active interest in everything calculated to promote good morals and advance the material interests of Nash- ua. He served the town of Nashville one or two years on the board of selectmen, and as street commissioner, and represented in the legislature. He attended the Baptist church and was a true man in all the relations of life. Mr. Bullard was united in marriage Feb. 6, 1826, with Sarah F. Sanborn, daughter of Moses and Nancy (Fogg) Sanborn of Epping. Three sons were born of his mar- riage ; Henry M., born at Watertown, Mass., Nov. 7, 1827, married Oct. 11, 1853, Sophia P. Patten of Raymond ; Solomon Chester, born in Nashua Sept. 28, 1832, married Dec. 1, 1859, Sarah W. Fisher, died Nov. 12, 1884; Dura Pratt, born in Nashua Feb. 22, 1839, died June 23, 1843.
JOHN GARDNER KIMBALL.
John G. Kimball, son of Dea. Isaac and Lucinda (Ten- ney ) Kimball, was born at Mason Village, now Greenville, Sept. 14, 1827, died at the Shirley Hill house in Goffstown where he was spending his vacation, Oct. 19, 1886. His immigrant ancestor, Richard Kimball, came to America from Suffolk county, Eng., in April, 1634.
Mr. Kimball attended the public schools at Temple, to which place his parents removed when he was two years of age, and was a student at the academies in Hancock and Francestown. Later he attended the Normal insti- tute at Reed's Ferry, and after that taught school. Still later he spent a year in Boston, where he was graduated in 1855 from Comer's Commercial college. The next two years were spent in Philadelphia. In April, 1857, he came to Nashua, and here he had his home until his death. From 1857 to 1864 he was engaged in the express business with Hon. Hiram T. Morrill, and after that he was a busy man of affairs, being clerk of the common council in 1860 and 1862, city clerk from 1863 to 1866, and city treasurer several years, cashier of the Indian Head National bank eight years, and the greater part of this
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HISTORY OF NASHUA, N. H.
time doing an extensive insurance business. In 1876 he was appointed by the governor and council a member of the board of bank commissioners, a position which he held until 1880 and the duties of which he performed with exceptional ability. Mr. Kimball represented his ward in the constitutional convention of 1876 and in the first biennial session of the legislature of 1879. He served his constituents with fidelity and was instrumental in ob- taining the charter for the New Hampshire banking com- pany and Guaranty Savings bank, which institution he organized in 1880. He was a member of its board of trus- tees and its treasurer until his death. Mr. Kimball was a director in the First National bank, president of the Underhill Edge Tool company, and treasurer of the Peterboro railroad. Besides these important trusts, he was an active citizen in matters of public concern. Mr. Kimball was universally esteemed and trusted. He was
JOHN GARDNER KIMBALL.
a man who gave his influence to advance the interests of the church, the state and society. He was amember of the First Congregational church and society, and held the office of treasurer in the latter organization nearly twenty- five years. He was also a member of Rising Sun lodge, A. F. and A. M., and of Pennichuck lodge, I. O. O. F.
Mr. Kimball was united in marriage Nov. 19, 1857, with Betsy C. Spalding, daughter of Capt. Ira Spalding of Mer- rimack. Mrs. Kimball is a descendant of Edward Spald- ing, who came to this country from England about 1633. Six children were born of their marriage; Elwood Davis, born Sept. 29, 1859, married Luella A. Johnson of Burton, Ohio, and who resides at Wichita, Kansas ; Annie Rand- lett, born Jan. 28. 1862, died Jan. 8, 1868; Elizabeth Gard- ner, born July 5, 1869; John Hovey, born Jan. 21, 1871 ; Ralph Tenny, born Feb. 21, 1873; Richard Spalding, born March 12, 1879.
SAMUEL SHEPHERD.
Samuel Shepherd was born in Dedham, Mass., April 8, 1801, died in Nashua, April 10, 1889. He studied archi- tecture with Ashur Benjamin, of Boston and was a mechanical engineer and inventor of marked ability. Mr. Shepherd settled in Nashua in 1824, and for a time was engaged in making doors, sashes and windows. The process was too slow for a man of his genius and conse- quently he studied improvements and evolved machinery with which to do the work. His inventions revolution- ized the business. A little later he became superintendent of the entire building department of the Jackson company and built its first mill buildings to the entire satisfaction of agents and owners. Mr. Shepherd's next venture was in Boston, where he added new devices to his inventions and built and equipped for a stock company mills for the manufacture of doors, sash and blinds. In 1842, he draughted the plans for the City Hall building, Nashua, and served upon the town committee that built it. Mr. Shepherd spent fifteen years in the southern states, being largely engaged in mechanical pursuits, and meantime, inventing the cotton-gin and other labor-saving machines. Later in life he gave pretty much all his time to invention.
Mr. Shepherd was a member of the First Congregational church, a deacon for many years in its organization and a pioneer in Sunday-school work. He was a good man and highly respected by the community.
JOHN A. BALDWIN.
John A. Baldwin was born in Boston, Mass., Dec. 20, 1793, died in Nashua, April 10, 1873. He was a descendant of the Baldwin family that came from England in the seventeenth century and settled at Woburn, Mass. The Baldwins were conspicuous in the struggles of the colonies to free themselves from British rule and several of them were soldiers of the Revolutionary War. The genealogy of the family is published in book form and is an inter- esting work to persons bearing that name or connected by marriage.
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