USA > New Hampshire > Hillsborough County > Nashua > History of the city of Nashua, N.H. > Part 41
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DAVID CROSBY.
After graduatingat the last named institution he was compelled to face a hard struggle to sustain himself. He taught school at Newport and other places, practiced self- denial and economy, and finally, in 1833, was graduated with high honors in the class with Edward Spalding of Nashua, Asa Fowler of Concord, Samuel Sawyer, after- wards judge of the supreme court of Missouri and member of congress, John Lord, and others who became distin- guished in the professions.
Professor Crosby intended to settle at Newport, but, on receiving an invitation from a college friend to take
Professor Crosby started out in life as a Congregationalist, but, in 1835, his views became changed with regard to baptism, and he thereupon united with the Baptist church, in which he was a consistent and influential member to
* A pupil of the school has said of him : " I have a distinct impression of Professor Crosby as he stood on the platform and addressed us; erect, resolute in aspect, the pose of his head, shape of his mouth, flash of his eye and ring of his voice all indicated firmness of purpose and promptness in action."
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the close of his life. In all matters pertaining to public morals he was a Puritan of Puritans. He being a student of books, he had little or no sympathy with the emotional masses of the people. What men and women were think- ing and doing, what new craze they were chasing, was but a small part of his knowledge. Whenever he dis- covered any departure from the rigid rules of the forefathers he inveighed against the offenders, and, with the courage of conviction, expressed his views in the public print and in public assemblies. His attitude, however, seldom provoked controversy. The people recognized his honesty, and, although having their own way, (dancing in halls of learning, traveling on Sunday, railroad trains, etc.,) respected him accordingly. It was because of these unalterable principles, because he lived above the "madding crowd," and could not, and would not, bend to public opinion, that he was not advanced as a lawmaker or selected by his fellow citizens as a municipal officer. The only record of public service that can be found indicates that he represented Ward Fourin the board of aldermen in 1862 and 1863.
Professor Crosby early espoused the anti-slavery cause, and in this, as in all the concerns of life, he acted upon a sense of conviction, as he knew no such word as expedient, and was not moved by impulse. It was his nice sense of fair and impartial justice that moved him, and by his mode of reasoning by the higher law that caused him to be pronounced and outspoken. Faint-heartedness in a great cause, the cause of God and humanity, was not one of his characteristics. He spoke his mind freely, with due respect to the convictions of others, and yet with earnest emphasis that left no shade of doubt concerning his attitude to the main question. It is remembered of him that all his impulses were for the freedom of the slave; that at the very door of the house where he lived and died he had assured the flying bondman of his sympathy, fed him, and from his purse assisted him on his weary journey to the safe refuge of the English flag. This he freely did, and when questioned he answered with Spartan severity, "David Crosby takes the responsibility! If there is any broken law that should be vindicated, take my property ; and if that does not satisfy the demand, take my body !" Surely the plumed knights of the middle ages, the story of whose sacrifices in the cause of the Christian religion are the brightest pages of history, were not braver in the performance of duty than was this plain and unassuming man of peace and letters. Thus it was that a true man's life work was done, was well done. Thus it was that his life was rounded out and made complete, so that when his last hour came there were no regrets, no accusing conscience, no halting at the door of the unknown, no worrying about destiny, but a calm and peaceful end, resigned, satisfied.
Professor Crosby was united in marriage July 19, 1836, with Louisa S. Hunton of Unity, who shared his labors and his principles, and who was seven years principal of the female department of his institution. There were no children by their marriage. Mrs. Crosby survived her husband but a few years. She died respected and esteemed by a wide circle of friends and acquaintances.
JOHN HARRISON GOODALE.
Hon. John H. Goodale was born at Deering, Oct. 2, 1816, died at Nashua, Nov. 11, 1890. He was a son of Jonathan
and Sarah Goodale, whose ancestors were worthy people and among the pioneers of that rugged part of Hills- borough county.
Mr. Goodale attended the common schools of his native place and fitted for college at the Newbury seminary. In 1836 he entered the Wesleyan university at Middletown, Conn., where he was graduated in the class of 1840. Following his graduation he entered upon the career of schoolmaster. He taught at Newbury, Vt., in 1841, at
JOHN II. GOODALE.
Columbus, Ga., from 1842 to 1846, and in the seminary at Northfield from 1846 to 1848. Mr. Goodale was a gifted writer on all the topics within the range of newspapers and magazines, and during the years he devoted to teaching was a frequent and welcome contributor to current publications. His composition attracted public attention and friends therefore induced him to accept an advantageous position as editor of the Manchester Democrat.
In 1857 he obtained control of the Manchester Daily American, and in his new field of endeavor was outspoken and progressive. He refused to be hedged in by party lines. Moreover the great humanity of the man asserted itself, and, obeying what he considered the verdict of conscience, he espoused the doctrines of the anti-slavery wing of the Republican party and wielded a power in the state second to no man in his time. In fact he developed and controlled the anti-slavery sentiment to the degree that he made a United States senator and unmade him when he failed to keep his pledges. Mr. Goodale was superintendent of schools for Hillsborough county from 1856 to 1859. He disposed of his interest in the newspaper in 1861. From 1861 to 1864 he travelled extensively in southwest and on the Pacific coast, made a large collection
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HISTORY OF NASHUA, N. H.
of minerals and settled for a time at Crescent City, where he resumed his profession of teacher and remained until 1867. From 1867 to 1866 he traveled extensively in British Columbia and Alaska, and was present in the territory at the transfer of Alaska to the United States as correspondent of the San Francisco Press, meantime adding to his knowledge of geology and gathering information that he afterwards made serviceable.
Mr. Goodale then returned to New Hampshire and took up his residence in Nashua. During the three succeeding years he traveled in the state collecting specimens of minerals, renewing old acquaintances and regaining lost prestige in the field of politics. He succeeded in these purposes, as he did in every undertaking of his long and useful career, and when the votes were counted in the spring of 1871, it was discovered to the surprise of both the old parties that his friends had the balance of power in the legislature. When that body met a compromise was effected and Mr. Goodale became secretary of state, a position that he filled with ability and skill, and to the general satisfaction of both political parties. Mr. Goodale was an active member of the board of education almos from the beginning of his residence in Nashua to the close of his career, and served the city as superintendent of public schools from 1875 to 1878, being one of the most popular and efficient men that ever held the office. He was a trustee of the public library for many years and at the time of his death.
Mr. Goodale was never idle. When public affairs did not engage his attention he became a traveler, and wherever he went he was in search of knowledge, and adding to his collection of minerals and Indian relics, of which he claimed to have the largest collection of any private individual in New England. His last extended pilgrimage was in 1879 and 1880, and was through the Southern states. But Mr. Goodale's honorable record does not end here. During the anxious days when foreign insurance companies withdrew from the state leaving property practically unprotected from loss by fire, the people found in Mr. Goodale the old champion they had followed to many victories. Hand in hand with other leading citizens he fought the battle that carried the day and established substantial companies. He showed his patriotism by investing money when it was believed by many that nothing but loss could ensue, and, by prudent management, being president of the Indian Head company, made every risk secure and earned handsome dividends for the stockholders from the start.
Mr. Goodale persuaded himself in 1880 that he had retired from the activities of the world, but it is a fact that he did some of his best work after that date, for, besides settling some large and intricate estates-among the number that of John Mooney of Northfield, who left funds for the Orphans' home at Franklin, and the New Hamp- shire seminary at Tilton-he wrote the History of Nashua that is published in the History of Hillsborough county, which, taking into account that he was limited in the matter of space, is a substantial monument to his dili- gence, perseverance and ability. Mr. Goodale attended the Unitarian church and in early life wasan Odd Fellow.
As a lecturer and public debator Mr. Goodale was equally as brilliant as teacher and editor. His retentive mind was a complete encyclopædia of historical and political knowledge, and there was hardly a theme in the domain of science on which he was not conversant. His
lectures on mineralogy and geology were in purest English diction, clear in explanation and logical deduction ; educational in every statement and analysis, while his political and general addresses were refined and scholarly. As a conversationalist few, if any, of his contemporaries excelled him. There was a charm of manner, a deferential acquiescence to an opponent, a polite and polished de- mocracy about him that made him a most companionable man in any and all surroundings. He was a man who never exhibited temper, and who was never known to be ruffled, and it is to these attributes, coupled with his hon- esty and learning, that his biographer attributes a good share of his success, particularly in the field of politics, that crowned his career.
Mr. Goodale was twice married ; first, Dec. 26, 1848, with Celestia T. Mooney, daughter of John Mooney of Northfield, who died Oct. 12, 1863; second, Jan. 19, 1871, with Josephine B. Atkinson, daughter of Daniel C., and Mehitable (Tilton) Atkinson of Sanbornton Bridge, now Tilton. Four children were born by his second marriage, one of whom is living; Charlotte Atkinson Goodale, born at Nashua, May 26, 1875, and at the present time, January, 1895, a student at Wellesley college in Wellesley, Mass.
CORNELIUS VAN NESS DEARBORN.
Cornelius V. Dearborn was born at Corinth, Vt., May 14, 1832, died at Nashua, April 18, 1886. He was a son of Samuel and Fanny Dearborn, and could trace his lineage to a Puritan immigrant. His name was in com- pliment of an able Vermont statesman who filled the office of governor in that state and represented the government as minister to Spain. When four years of age his mother -whose intelligence and womanly virtues had been the life and light of the home-died, and as soon as he was able he joined his brother in the labor of the farm.
Mr. Dearborn attended the district school a few weeks in summer and ten or twelve weeks each winter. When fifteen years old he attended the spring term of the Corinth academy, and continued to do so at intervals for sev- eral terms later. In the winter of 1848-49, his seventeenth year not yet completed, he taught the school of a neigh- boring district. His success warranted his continuance as a teacher in the vicinity for the five following winters. He continued his farm labor at intervals and in the meantime developed a mechanical capacity in the making of farm implements and the erection of buildings. A natural aptitude which was of great service in maturer years.
Soon after attaining the age of eighteen Mr. Dearborn determined to enter upon a course of study preparatory to a professional life. Before leaving Corinth he commenced the study of law with Rodney Lund, a young man who had commenced practice in that vicinity. In March, 1854, at the suggestion of his maternal uncle, Dr. W. W. Brown, he went to Manchester, and renewed his law studies in the office of Isaac W. Smith, with whom he remained untill his admission to the bar; in the fall of 1855, he opened an office at Francestown. The town afforded a safe opening for a young practitioner, but not one for large profits. During his residence in Francestown he espoused the anti-slavery cause and in 1856 became a zealous advocate of the principles of the Republican party.
In 1857 he was elected county treasurer, and re-elected in 1858. It was the first public position that he had held
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and its duties were satisfactorily discharged. In 1858 he removed to Peterborough, occupying the office of E. S. Cutter, who had recently been appointed clerk of the
CORNELIUS V. DEARBORN.
courts for Hillsborough county. He resided in Peter- borough till 1865. During this time he was in partnership with Charles G. Cheney, and afterwards with Albert S. Scott. He represented the town in the legislature in the years of 1861 and 1862, being a member of the judiciary committee.
In 1863, while a resident of Peterborough, he was ap- pointed by the governor one of the bank commissioners of New Hampshire. In that capacity he became acquainted with the extent and peculiarities of the financial institu- tions of the state. In 1864 and 1865 he actively superin- tended, in his official capacity, the converting of the state banks of discount into the national banks of the present system. In March, 1866, he was appointed examiner of the national banks for the state of New Hampshire, a position he continued to hold until his death.
In the summer of 1865 he removed to Nashua for the purpose of continuing the practice of his profession. An accidental purchase led to a change of occupation. The Nashua Weekly Telegraph had for many years been edited by Albin Beard. Under him The Telegraph had acquired a marked popularity, but owing to the death of Editor Beard it had lost patronage and influence. He at once entered upon the duties of financial manager and editor, Richard W. Berry being his partner. Under his control The Telegraph rapidly recovered patronage and secured a place among the progressive newspapers of the state. At the end of two years, however, his health failed, and a
change of occupation became a necessity. He disposed of his interest to Orren C. Moore, and resumed the practice of law.
During the time he resided in Nashua, Mr. Dearborn contributed largely to the improvement of real estate, to the erection of improved school buildings and to the reconstruction and greater efficiency of the public schools, being an enthusiastic member of the board of education many years, and in 1885 its president. Mr. Dearborn was register of probate from May 13, 1868, to June 13, 1873, and city solicitor in 1868 and 1869. He was for many years treasurer of the Mechanics' Savings bank, and the prime mover and first cashier of the Second National bank. He was also a member of the board of directors of the Nashua and Lowell railroad, and treasurer for many years of that corporation ; also treasurer of the Underhill Edge Tool company whose affairs he raised to a very prosperous condition, besides taking an active part with Orren C. Moore, John H. Goodale and others in forming the Capitol Fire Insurance company and Indian Head Mutual Fire Insurance company at a time when brave words and a firm stand were required to further the interests of the state. In 1885 Mr. Dearborn was the Republican candi- date for mayor of Nashua, but, largely owing to sickness which prevented him from giving his personal attention to the management of his campaign, was defeated by a few votes.
The foregoing are but few of many trusts that were confided to the care and judgment of Mr. Dearborn, and it is but justice to his memory to add that he performed every duty to which he was called with courtesy and uprightness that won for him the confidence of the com- munity. He was a member of Altemont lodge, A. F. and A. M., Peterboro', Pennichuck lodge, I. O. O. F., and the First Congregational church, and in matters of religious belief, as in politics and the transaction of every day affairs, he was tolerant even to liberality, conceding to others the utmost freedom of opinion and action.
Mr. Dearborn was united in marriage in June, 1857, with Louisa Frances Eaton, daughter of Moses W. and Louisa S. Eaton of Francestown, and granddaughter of Dr. Thomas Eaton, a physician of long and extensive practice, and one of the most extensive farmers of his time. His two surviving children are sons; the older, John Eaton, born November, 1862, the younger, George Van Ness, born in August, 1869.
GILMAN C. SHATTUCK.
Gilman C. Shattuck was born in Nashua, Oct. 23, 1834. He is a son of Gilman and Mary J. (Conant) Shattuck, and a descendant of William Shattuck, who came from England to America in 1640, and settled at Watertown, Mass. As the settlement of the country increased the descendants of this worthy man became widely scattered ; the father of the subject of this sketch being a native of Hillsborough, from which place he removed to Nashua about the time the first mill was started, 1825.
Mr. Shattuck was educated in the district schools of Nashua and took a special course of study at the New Hampton Literary institution, after which, in 1853, he entered into active business with his father, then one of the leading flour and grain merchants of Nashua. He continued in this line of business until 1886, since then he
IS
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HISTORY OF NASHUA, N. H.
hasgiven his time to financial matters and the promotion of a few private enterprises.
Mr. Shattuck has not confined himself, however, to
GILMAN C. SHATTUCK.
business. He has found time to serve his fellow-citizens in many ways, and to do the things every true man ought to do to assist the many causes that are the very bond of society. He was a member of the common council in 1871 and 1872, and served his ward in the board of aldermen in 1873, and in 1876 and 1877 he was honored by his party with the nomination for the mayoralty. Mr. Shattuck has served the people a good many years on the board of trustees of the public library, and nine years on the board of education, of which body he was president one year. As a member of the school board Mr. Shattuck exhibited superior and peculiar qualifications. He is a constant and regular attendant of the sessions, and a thoughtful and earnest participant in its deliberations ; being a strong believer in, and advocate of the public school system pre- vailing in this country, and regarding it as the palladium of national growth and prosperity, he was especially earnest and zealous in his endeavors to advance the schools of Nashua to the highest grade of excellence consistent with prudent and wise management. He has been treas- urer for a long time of the Peterborough railroad, and is trustee of the Nashua Savings bank. Mr. Shattuck is a member of the Pilgrim Congregational church, president of the Young Men's Christian association, and a member of Rising Sun lodge, A. F. and A. M. No citizen of Nashua is more highly regarded, and deservedly so, than Mr. Shattuck.
Mr. Shattuck has been twice married; first, Oct. 25, 1855, with Caroline W. Barnes of Hillsborough, who died May 5, 1866 ; second, Oct. 22, 1868, with Estelle M. Barnes of Cambridge, Mass. He has six children living, the eldest by his first wife ; Estelle C., graduated at the Nashua high school, now a teacher at the Mount Pleasant primary school; Arthur G., graduated at Nashua high school, clerk in Boston & Maine railroad office; Fannie C .; Harold B., graduated at the Nashua high school and now at Dartmouth college; Helen B., and Roger C.
SAMUEL TUCK.
Major Samuel Tuck was born in Candia, Oct. 19, 1814, died in Nashua, April 19, 1882. He was a son of ¿Deacon Samuel and Margaret (Smith ) Tuck of that town.
He was educated in the public schools of his native place and for a time was a resident of Manchester. In 1842 he moved to Nashua, and from that time until his death was a dealer in fancy goods and millinery.
Major Tuck was one of the most active and influential citizens of his generation. Although inclined to con- servatism in his actions, he was a man of liberal views, on all questions of public interest, with strong convic- tions and decided opinions ; which, once formulated in his mind, he was both able and willing to express in fitting and forcible language when time and occasion demanded. He served the town as constable and the city as city marshal in 1861, justice of the peace, member of the board of education and city government, and represented Ward Five in the legislature. He was active in military circles and was a member of Col. George Bowers' staff with the rank of major; and also a member of the celebrated company known as the Governor's Horse guards. He was a member of the Baptist church and a teacher in the Sunday school; of Rising Sun lodge, A. F. and A. M., of the Consistory of Scottish Rite Masons, thirty-second degree, and of one of the Odd Fellows' lodges. No Nashuan of the years his home was here was better known, or more active in efforts to advance its interests and give it a good standing in New England.
Major Tuck was united in marriage with Mary Foster, daughter of James and Betsey Foster of Nashua. Her maternal grandfather was Col. James Wilson, a Revo-
SAMUEL TUCK.
lutionary soldier. The only child of their marriage is Andrew J. Tuck, born at Nashua, May 2, 1845, and who married Almira H. Clark, a native of Charlestown, Mass.
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HISTORY OF NASHUA, N. H.
ALBERT HARVEY SAUNDERS.
Albert H. Saunders was born in North Providence, R. I., April 3, 1831. He is a son of Benjamin and Elizabeth W. (Carpenter) Saunders, both of whom were natives of Rhode Island and descendants of early English settlers. Mr. Saunders was educated in the schools of Newbury- port, Mass., Dummer academy at Byfield, Me., entered at Williams college in Williamstown, Mass., and finished his education under private tutors. His home was in Newburyport un- til 1852. After leaving school he accepted a position as paymaster of the Ocean mills, at Newburyport, Mass., which his father built and operated. He re- mained there two years and then went to California, and a little later to Central Ameri- ca, where he was employed for a short time on the Panama railway. Returning to New- buryport in 1854 he made a study of architecture for a year, and in 1856 came to Nashua and followed that calling and the occupation of a civil engineer un- til 1857, when he became superin- tendent of the mills of the Jack- son company, of which his father was agent. He re- mained there until 1866, and during the time gave his attention at odd hours to mechani- cal drawing and the development of various devices and machines which he patented and which proved profitable to him. After resigning his situation at the Jackson mills he established a machine shop of his own on Main street, just south of the Vale mill, and engaged in manufacturing his invention. He had at one time the largest experimental shop of the kind in New England. His main patent was a sizing and distribution machine for cotton mills; he also invented and manufactured a card- grinder, which was well known under his name. Mr. Saunders was the inceptor of a nail setting machine, (dependent upon vibratory motion), used in shoe manu-
factories. Not alone these labor saving machines, but several others of equal importance to manufacturers are the result of his thought, capacity and patience. In 1888, Mr. Saunders gave up the exacting business in which he had been occupied so many years and at times engaged in field work as a civil engineer and in office work as an architect. Brackett's shoe manufactory and several other prominent buildings, including Amherst street fire-engine house, than which there is nothing in the state more creditable, being wholly his designs and built under his superinten- dence as city en- gineer, a position which he held for four years.
Although Mr. Saunders' life has been a busy one he has found time to devote to other matters. He rep- resented the city two years in the common council and was for a short time in the service of his country, being compelled to retire because of ill health. He was a member of the legislature from Nashua in 1862, 1863 and 1864, an era when party passion ran high and when men with the courage of their convic- tions were essen- tial to the welfare of the state. Mr. Saunders is not only a man of ideas, as shown by his inventions, but has a talent for expressing them in plain and com- prehensive lan- guage. In fact he is an earnest de- bater and speaker when aroused, and usually carries his point. In late years he has served his ward several times as moderator. Mr. Saunders was a charter member and first master of Ancient York lodge, A. F. and A. M.
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