USA > New Hampshire > Hillsborough County > Nashua > History of the city of Nashua, N.H. > Part 29
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HENRY MARTIN KELLOGG.
the fact that in all the changes in heads of departments in nearly forty years-and there were many-he remained at his post. Mr. Kellogg's manhood was of the kind that regards the rights of the humblest operative with the same fairness and courtesy that it bestows upon those
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HISTORY OF NASHUA, N. H.
high in authority, and he was accordingly honored and respected by his fellow-toilers and by the community. He represented Ward Five in the board of aldermen in 1873 and 1874, and rendered faithful service on the com- mittee that had charge of erecting the High school build- ing and was identified with other important undertakings. In 1875 and 1876 he represented the same ward in the legislature, where he performed his duty in a conservative and conscientious manner. He was a member of Granite lodge, I. O. O. F., and Nashoonon encampment of the same order. He was also a member of Nashua lodge, K. of P., and S. S. Davis division, uniformed rank, of that order; he attended the Pilgrim church. Mr. Kellogg was united in marriage March 15, 1846, with Elizabeth F. Greeley, a daughter of Gilbert and Lucy Greeley of Manchester. Three children were born of their mar- riage; Charles H., born Aug. 31, 1853, died Aug. 15, 1882; Fred C., born Sept. 8, 1855, died May 5, 1861 ; Frank C., born Sept. 8, 1855, married A. Leonora Lovejoy, Amherst.
GEORGE W. UNDERHILL.
George W. Underhill was born at Chester, July 19, 1815, died at Nashua, Oct. 13, 1882. He was a son of Jesse J. and Elizabeth (Graham) Underhill, substantial and hon-
GEORGE W. UNDERHILL.
ored residents of the place. The Underhill ancestors on the paternal side were of Puritan descent and upon the maternal Scotch-Irish. They were among the first known settlers of Chester, where there are deeds on record (see History of Chester) in the name of Sampson Underhill as early as April, 1717. Sampson and his wife Elizabeth (Ambrose) were married at Salisbury, Jan. 15, 1717, by Rev. Caleb Cushing, a minister of the gospel at that place. They owned a farm of fifty acres on which they " lived and kept a tavern." The subject of this sketch was
a direct descendant of this worthy couple, the genealogy being distinctly traced in the history mentioned.
Mr. Underhill obtained a common school education in his native town, after which he was a student at Hopkinton academy. He learned the trade of an edge-tool maker in his father's shop at Chester and then entered the employ of an elder brother in Boston. He remained in Boston till 1839, when he came to Nashua and the next year started in business with his brother Rufus at the Harbor, near the Vale mills, making tools for the brother in Boston. All tools were made by hand in those days and an idea of the slow process is gathered from the fact that he carried the result of two day's labor to the railroad station in a wheelbarrow. Notwithstanding these disad- vantages the Underhills prospered. They removed their business to Water street and were doing a good business when their shop was burned and they lost all they possessed. Josephus Baldwin, afterwards the first mayor of Nashua, came to the rescue, however, and they were shortly on their feet again.
In 1852 Mr. Underhill, John H. Gage, William D. Beasom and others formed the Underhill Edge Tool com- pany and Mr. Underhill became superintendent, which position he held until he retired from business in 1875. He was also a director in the company from its formation till his death in 1882. The success of the company was gratifying to all the stockholders and resulted in the purchase of the rights and privileges of the Ingalis & Dickerman's dam at the mouth of Salmon brook, where a larger factory was established. The company did a large and flourishing business for years, the demand for its superior brands of tools coming from all parts of the world. The works and business finally changed hands and in the end was sold to the American Axe company and removed to East Douglass, Mass. Since then the plant has been utilized as a box factory.
The development of this industry-which was removed from Nashua under the severest protests of the news- papers and many citizens of influence-is shown by the statement made to Benjamin Chase, author of the History of Chester, by Mr. Underhill in 1865. Says Mr. Chase : "Mr. Underhill informs me that when he first started at Nashua in the old Ingalls' shop with a blower, nine nar- row or five broad axes was a day's work. The Underhill company employ about sixty men and produce three hundred chopping axes and other kinds of tools daily." It should be added that a few years later Mr. Underhill incorporated the business of the Amoskeag Axe company of Manchester with his company, and for several years thereafter employed an average of one hundred hands.
Mr. Underhill's interest, and the interest of those who were dependent upon him for employment, were such that he had no time for public life and consequently he never sought public office. He was, however, a member of the first common council of the city in 1853 and served again in 1854. In 1872 he represented Ward Seven in the board of aldermen, and it was his wise forethought that saved to the city for a nominal sum the splendid tract of land upon which the Arlington Street school-house is built, while he was at the same time instrumental in laying the foundation of Nashua's High school building.
Mr. Underhill was an energetic man in other fields of endeavor. Sometime in the '4os he purchased a tract of land that has since become known as Crown Hill. Here he did considerable farming, and, in 1851, built the brick house in which his family now reside. This fine
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HISTORY OF NASHUA, N. H.
residence stood a lonely sentinel of the hill until 1872 or 1873, when Mr. Underhill mapped the surrounding ter- ritory and put it into house lots. The result is the surprising growth of the city in that direction, many of the finest residences in town being on "the hill."
A word is due to the character and characteristics of Mr. Underhill. He was a modest and unassuming citizen of sterling worth and unquestioned probity. In his char- acteristics the blood of the Scotch-Irish prevailed, in that he was broadminded and careful to give every man with whom he had any- thing to do an hon- est representation of the matter un- der consideration. The Puritan blood which flowed in his veins also assert- ed itself, for he was a man of fixed principles which he never hesi- tated to express or defend. In fact he many times sac- rificed his pecun- iary interests when he believed he was right, rather than yield to what he thought was wrong. Thus in George W. Underhill Nashua had a man who did praise- worthy service in furthering her in- dustrial interests, whose influence was always in the rightdirection, and who deserves to be remem- bered as one of the fathers of a city that has a bright future before it.
GEORGE WARREN GREENE.
George W. Greene was born at Nashua, Dec. 20, 1838, died at Nashua Feb. 25, 1881. He was a son of Francis and Nancy (Steele) Greene, both of whom were descend- ants of early settlers of the Souhegan valley and con- nected with a race of hardy and industrious people who did the best their means afforded to educate their children, and lived useful lives.
Mr. Greene obtained a common school education in his native town, to which he added a business and gen- eral knowledge by unaided effort. He was a self-made man. Shortly after attaining his ma- jority he came to Nashua and en- tered the store of Caleb J. Emery as a clerk. He be- came proprietor of a grocery busi- ness located on Pearl street, and from that time till his death was one of the most suc- cessful business men in Nashua. He was a director in the Indian Head National bank and closely associated with other institu- tions, besides be- ing interested in several enterprises that have been developed since his day to the ad- vantage of the city. A few months before his death he was elected treas- urer of the Pen- nichuck Water works, in which position, with that of superintendent, which place he had held for sometime, he labored very earnestly and un- dermined his health. He was a member of Rising Sun lodge, A. F. 1
Mr. Underhill was united in mar- riage Sept. 18, 1841, with Mary M. Gale, a descendant of the Chases who came to this country in , 1640. Of their six children, all died in infancy except Dr. George A. who married Helen M. Bell, daughter of Charles P. Bell of Nashua. Mrs. Underhill, as did her husband, attends the First Congre- gational church, and was among the liberal contributors to the fund for building the beautiful edifice on Lowell street.
and A. M., Meridian Sun Royal Arch chapter, and St. George commandry, K. T. Mr. Greene was united in marriage June 14, 1865, with Abby D. Stevens, daughter of Francis E. and Hannah (Colby) Stevens of Benning- ton. There were no children by their marriage.
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HISTORY OF NASHUA, N. H.
HIRAM M. GOODRICH.
Col. Hiram M. Goodrich, son of Reuben and Lucy (Mygatt) Goodrich, was born in Nashua, Aug. 23, 1828, died in Nashua, Sept. 19, 1895. He was a descendant on the paternal side of Captain Goodrich, an early settler and prominent citizen of Weathersfield, Conn., and on the maternal side of Roger and Honor ( Bidwell) Mygatt of Berlin, Conn.
Colonel Goodrich was educated in the public schools of Nashua and at Crosby's Literary institution. When fifteen years of age he became a clerk in the stove and tinware business of his father, where heremained employed eight years, or until the Underhill Edge Tool company was formed, of which he became treas- urer. Three years afterwards he en- gaged in the stove and tinware busi- ness in Boston and later on was inter- ested in the metal trade in that city. In 1860, on the death of his father, he resumed his residence in Nashua, but con- tinued his rela- tions with a firm in Boston seven years. From the time of his return until his death he prosecuted the successful business which was established by his father in 1822, in which he had formerly been employed.
HIRAM M. GOODRICH.
Colonel Good- rich was engaged from time to time in enterprises outside of his regular business. He was a director in the Pennichuck State bank and for many years a director and president of the Underhill Edge Tool company. He was also auditor of the Nashua & Lowell Railroad company and prominent in affairs of other corporations and enterprises that bene- fited the people of the generation in which he was active. In 1869, Colonel Goodrich built Goodrich block on Main street and in 1893 he remodeled, improved and modern- ized the stores of the same, making it one of the hand- somest blocks in the city. In the things enumerated and
in many other ways he exhibited a spirit of commendable enterprise, and performed his part in making Nashua the second city in the state.
Colonel Goodrich never aspired to public office or sought conspicuous place in party councils. He was content outside the bickering of political strife, and yet he took the interest that all good citizens are bound to take in furthering the ends of good government, and contributed influence and money to that end, all of which was recognized by his party leaders, at whose request he was commissioned colonel, on the staff of Governor Straw, on the eve of his departure on a pleasure trip in Europe in 1872.
Colonel Good- rich was an active member of the society of the Pearl Street Congregational church and one of the most liberal contributors to its support, his gifts from time to time aggregating many thousand dollars. He was also a member of Rising Sun lodge, A. F. and A. M., and was a Scottish rite Mason of the 32d degree, being en- rolled in Edward A. Raymond con- sistory in the Val- of Nashua. He was a man of pleasing physique, untiring devotion to family and friends, social and above reproach in all his business relations.
Colonel Good- rich loved and honored Nashua as the place of his birth; he was proud of its growth, development and institutions ; his entire life with the exception of the few years of his early manhood, passed in Boston, was completely identified with it; and his love and devotion for the city caused him to respond readily and willingly to all demands upon him in its behalf. Colonel Goodrich was united in marriage June 17, 1856, with Sarah E. Morgan, daughter of Charles and Sarah A. (Robinson) Morgan of Nashua. Two daughters were born of their union : Helen, who died in infancy, and Clara Morgan, an accomplished and lovable young woman, who survived until eighteen years of age.
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HISTORY OF NASHUA, N. II.
PAUL OTIS.
Paul Otis was born at Leominister, Mass., Oct. 20, 1818, died at Nashua, Jan. 4, 1894. He was a son of Paul and Mabel (Litchfield) Otis, and a descendant on the
1
PAUL OTIS.
paternal side of John Otis, who was born at Barnstable, Devonshire, Eng., in 1581, came to America in 1635, and settled in Hingham, Mass. Subsequent to 1635, he re- moved to Weymouth, Mass., where he died May 31, 1657. John Otis, 2d, born in Barnstable, Devonshire, Eng., in 1620, came to America in 1620, and also settled at Hing- ham. He married Mary Jacobs and moved to Scituate, Mass., in 1661. In 1678 he took up a tract of land in Barnstable, Mass., known in subsequent generations as the "Otis Farm," where he settled his son, John 3d, after which he returned to Scituate, where he died in 1683. Stephen Otis, son of John 2d, and the line of descent of the subject of this sketch, was born in Hingham, Mass., in 1661. He married Hannah Ensign, was captain in the militia and a prominent man in his times. The descent continues as follows: Isaac Otis, born 1699, physician and surgeon, married Deborah Jacobs, 1718; Stephen Otis, born 1728, married Elizabeth Wade; Paul Otis, born 1771, married Mabel Litchfield; Paul, born 1818; (for minute genealogy see Otis family record in archives of the Massachusetts Genealogy society). In the genera- tions since the immigrants came to this country the Otises have borne an honorable part in field, farm, church, and have shown enterprise in developing indus- tries.
Mr. Otis obtained a common school education in his native place and at the age of sixteen years went to Worcester, Mass., where he was engaged in house painting until 1852, when he came to Nashua. To his trade he
added a sash, door and blind manufactory, and in this business he continued until he secured a competency for old age, when he sold out and retired to his farm on Concord street. He served his ward one or two terms on the board of selectmen, and the city in 1891 on the board of assessors. He never aspired, however, to pub- lic office. Mr. Otis was one of the pillars of the Main Street M. E. church. He was an active member of that denomination more than fifty years, a class leader more than forty years, a member of the board of trustees and the official board. In all religious matters he was strict and just, and in that and other affairs he was a liberal contributor of financial aid. In a word, he performed every duty of life in a manner acceptable to his con- science and his religious belief. He was an Odd Fellow.
Mr. Otis was united in marriage Oct. 13, 1840, with Laura M. Knight, daughter of John H. and Lucy (Pierce) Knight of Worcester, Mass., and Oct. 13, 1890, they cele- brated the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage at their home on Concord street. The event was one of unusual interest, their home being crowded for hours with citizens and friends who called to do them honor. The gifts of affection and esteem were many and beautiful. Eight children were born of their marriage: Ellen Louise, born Oct. 21, 1844, died March 2, 1845; Charles A., born Nov. 24, 1845, a soldier, died from sickness contracted in the army, March 17, 1866; Ella L., born Oct. 15, 1848; Benja- min B., born April 1, 1850, (for marriage see personal sketch); Lucy M., born June 15, 1853, died July 19, 1854 ; Edward F., born April 30, 1857, married Malonia Suydam of Belmont; Willis H., born Aug. 21, 1858, married Bertha Sager of Nashua; Algernon F., born March 18, 1864, married Bessie Dunbar of Augusta, Ga.
JOHN BULLARD.
John Bullard, son of Willard and Harriet (Thompson) Bullard, was born at Dedham, Mass., Jan. 19, 1814, died in Nashua, Feb. 25, 1893. He was educated in the public
JOHN BULLARD.
schools of his native place and in early life had charge of a dyehouse in connection with a woolen mill. He remained in Dedham until he was twenty-five years of
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HISTORY OF NASHUA, N. H.
age, and then went to Newton, Mass., and was employed in a grist mill until 1843, when he came to Nashua and entered the employ of Solomon Bullard, who operated a large saw mill on the Jackson company's land near the dam. He then leased the grist mill of the Jackson com- pany, (located in the basement of the mill), which he successfully managed on his own account until 1875, when he retired from active pursuits. Mr. Bullard was a man of superior judgment and conservative tendency of mind in matters affecting the public weal. He had the confidence of the business men of the community and the respect of all his fellow citizens, and so, often against his inclination, he was elected to public office. He served Ward Two several years on the board of selectmen, repre- sented in the common council in 1863 and 1864, on the board of aldermen in 1865 and 1866 and declined, owing to the demands of his business, a nomination for repre- sentative in the legislature. He was supervisor of check lists a number of years, and, after changing his residence to Ward One, served the city on the board of assessors in 1876, 1879 and 1881. Mr. Bullard was a member . of Ancient York lodge, A. F. and A. M., and of Granite lodge, I. O. O. F., forty-nine years. He was also a member of the Baptist church and a liberal contributor to its support. His last years were spent in the enjoy- ment of a sunny old age, consequent on a well spent life. He was united in marriage May 10, 1840, with Mary Ann W. Parker, daughter of Abraham and Mary (Haynes) Parker of Newton, Mass. Of the children of their marriage but one is living, Mary Jane, born Dec. 17, 1844.
SAMUEL KNOWLTON WELLMAN.
Samuel K. Wellman was born in Farmington, Me., Jan. 22, 1822. He was ason of Thomas and Lydia (Knowlton) Wellman, and a descendant on the paternal side of Abraham Wellman, who came to America from Wales in 1625 and settled at Lynn, Mass. His great- grandfather, Capt. Jacob Wellman, who was born at Lynn, April 24, 1720, was a commissioned officer under Governor Wentworth of New Hampshire in 1764, and afterwards an officer in the Army of the Revolution and fought at Bunker Hill. On the maternal side he was a descendant of Jonathan Knowlton, one of the first set- tlers of Farmington, Me.
Mr. Wellman attended the public schools of his native place and was to a large degree a self-taught and self- made man. Early in life he became an apprentice in the manufacture of iron and steel, and for several years prior to 1850 was connected with the works at Wareham, Mass. In the year mentioned he came to Nashua and entered the employ of the Nashua Iron & Steel company as a heater. Shortly after he became assistant superintendent, then superintendent, which last position he held eighteen years. Under his efficient management the company had phenomenal prosperity. The works were greatly enlarged, a steel plant added, and for a good many years lucrative employment given to between three and four hundred men. He resigned his position in 1876 and purchased a farm at East Wilton, Me., where he resided until his death. He considered Nashua, however, as his home and his body was buried here. To few men of his generation do we accord more of public confidence, and none were more worthy of it.
But Mr. Wellman was something more than a mere manufacturer of iron and steel. He was active in muni-
cipal affairs and took a decided interest in everything that pertained to society. He represented Ward Seven in the common council in 1857, in the board of aldermen in 1874, and in the legislature in 1875. He also served the town of Wilton, Me., in various town offices and was commissioner of Franklin county six years. Mr. Wellman was a member of Rising Sun lodge, A. F. and A. M., Meridian Sun Royal Arch chapter and St. George Com- mandry, K. T. He was also a Scottish Rite Mason of the 32d degree and a member of Edward A. Raymond con- sistory. Upon his removal to Maine he took a demit from St. George commandery to become a charter member of Pilgrim commandery, K. T., at Farmington, Me. Mr. Wellman was a member of Pennichuck lodge, I. O. O. F., of which he was past grand and of the Grand lodge, I. O. O. F., of the state.
SAMUEL KNOWLTON WELLMAN.
Mr. Wellman was twice married: first, March 8, 1846, with Mary Besse of Wareham, Mass., who died in Nashua, in 1852; second, June 23, 1853, with Mary A. Cogswell, daughter of Joseph and Mehitable (Howe) Cogswell of Nashua. One son was born by his first marriage; Samuel T., born Feb. 5, 1847, married J. Almina Ballard of Nashua ; Mary L., born March 16, 1849, died in infancy ; Mary E., born Dec. 14, 1851, died June 19, 1865; by his second marriage, Mittie V., born March 23, 1854, married Frank W. Atwood of East Wilton, Me .; J. Francis, born Jan. 13, 1856, married Jennie M. Walker of Cleveland, O .. and Lizzie Thompson of Alleghany, Pa., died May 17. 1892; Emma L., born Dec. 24, 1857, married John M. Tobin of Brookfield, Me .; Reno B., born March 25, 1862, married Hattie E. Luce of West Boylston, Mass .; Charles H., born June 12, 1863, married Bertha E. Adams of Cleveland, O .; Jessee E., born Nov. 17, 1867; Abby M., born June 17, 1871, died in infancy.
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HISTORY OF NASHUA, N. H.
THE CEMETERIES-ANCIENT AND MODERN.
BY E. E. PARKER.
T O ONE who contemplates the number of cemeteries* within the boundaries of the Nashua of today and the density of their population, and reflects upon the fact that it is, probably, less than six generations since the oldest one of them was first in use, the question natu- rally suggests itself-where were the burial places of the Indians who inhabited this ter- ritory at the time of the coming of the earliest white settlers, and whose ancestors had lived and died here for unknown numbers of generations before them? It is true that, owing to the nomadic habits of the Indians who frequented the mouth of the Nashua river, their burial places may have been nearer the headquarters of the tribes to which they belonged, that of the Nashuas being at what is now Lancaster, Mass., and the Naticook's at the mouth of the Souhegan river, but it is also probable that, apart from those who were slain in battle and buried hastily in concealed graves, in order to secure their scalps from falling into the hands of their enemies, there must have been many of their dead, whose bodies, by reason of the distance from tribal headquarters, and other causes, such as the danger of infection from death, during big epidemics, would, necessarily, be buried near the places of their temporary sojournings.
Yet it is true that, so far as can be ascertained by examination of the records and inquiry among the oldest inhabitants, there does not exist, either in written records or in traditionary lore, any mention or knowledge of spot or place, as having been known as an Indian burying ground. No peculiar land-marks, or configurations of soil remain or exist in any part of the city's bound- aries, to which we may point, even in a spirit of speculation, and say that is probably an Indian's grave.
Their last resting places have vanished from sight and memory as completely as has the race itself; except that, occasionally, some busy toiler of the present day and generation, in following his plough, or digging excavations in the sandy soil wherein to lay the foundations of some of the substantial buildings which have succeeded the frail but far more picturesque wigwams, finds himself suddenly confronted with the unexpected evidence of former mortality in the shape of bones, unmistakably human, and with them such other relics as arrow-heads and stone gouges, as furnish indubitable proof of their Indian origin. Such an instance as this happened, it is said, in Belvidere some twenty or more years ago, and others, similar, will possibly happen in the years to come.
But while the Indian burying grounds have been lost in the lapse of years, those of the early white settlers of Nashua yet remain, and can be located with sufficient accuracy; although some of them are in such a condition of decay and dilapidation as to be suggestive of a time coming, in the not very remote future, when the antiquarian will need keener vision, and a much greater knowl- edge of legendary lore than even "Old Mortality" possessed, in order to decipher the names and legends, now nearly illegible, upon the weather-worn and moss-grown surfaces of their ancient memorial stones.
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