USA > New Hampshire > Hillsborough County > Nashua > History of the city of Nashua, N.H. > Part 71
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In August, 1871, Judge Parker became a resident of Nashua. He entered the office of Gen. Aaron F. Stevens, and while studying law was principal of a Nashua evening school and engaged from time to time in reporting state cases before the supreme court for the newspapers. Judge Parker was admitted to the Hillsborough bar at the March term of the court, then held at Amherst, in 1873. Immediately after he formed a co-partnership with Gen- eral Stevens under the firm name of Stevens & Parker, which continued until about 1880. He was city solicitor in 1876 and 1877, and in 1879 on the resignation of Judge Henry E. Burnham of Manchester, was appointed judge of probate by Governor Cheney, a position which he still holds. He has given the city six years of faithful and valuable service on the board of education and has been identified with many of the projects that have been employed for the development and advancement of the interests of Nashua. Judge Parker was made a Mason in Benevolent lodge, A. F. and A. M. of Milford in 1868, is a Knight of Pythias and a member of John G. Foster
post, G. A. R., of which he is past commander. He has held appointments on the G. A. R. commander-in-chief's staff and has served twice as judge advocate general, the last time in 1893. He was a delegate-at-large to the National encampment, G. A. R., at Louisville, Ky., in September, 1895.
As a lawyer Judge Parker stands high in his profession ; as judge of probate his decisions have invariably stood the test of the supreme court, while his sincerity of pur- pose to mete out fair and impartial justice and in every way in his power protect the interests of legacies and legatees has never been called in question. In fact it may be said -for it is absolutely true -that he is one of the fairest minded and most conscientous public officials in the county. He is, however, more than teacher, law- yer and upright judge. He is an interesting talker and public speaker whose only handicap is his inborn mod- esty. Added to this is the instinct and hand of an artist, and the mind of a poet ; excelling in the latter gift to the extent of having composed for public events, dedications of soldiers' and sailors' monuments, some of the best descriptive verse in our language, and given to magazines and newspapers humorous waifs and poems of beauty, fancy and ideal thought. Judge Parker's latest work may be found in the historical department of this work of which he was the editor.
Judge Parker was united in marriage Dec. 20, 1877, with Alice Prince Hammond, youngest daughter of Dr. Evan B. and Sarah Ann (Adams) Hammond, whose lineage is given in a sketch of the life of the former, which appears in this work. The children of their marriage are Rena Deverd, born Nov. 23, 1878, and Edna Alice, born Dec. 13, 1880.
JAMES BOUTELLE FASSETT.
Hon. James B. Fassett was born at Enosburg, Vt., March 4, 1833, died at Nashua, Feb. 3, 1889. He was a son of Hiram and Cynthia (Adams) Fassett and a descendant of Judge John Fassett of Bennington, Vt., the genealogy of the family reaching back into the mother country and its lineage including many of the brightest minds and most distinguished men in Great Britain and America. On the maternal side he was a descendant of Henry Adams of Braintree, Mass., a race of men who trace their lineage through fifteen generations to Ap Adam. (See genealogy of Mrs. Hammond, in sketch of Evan B. Hammond, in this work.)
Judge Fassett was educated in the public schools of his native place and at New London academy, graduating at the latter institution. Following his graduation he taught school at Franklin, Vt., Medina, O., Wolfe- borough, Hillsborough, Hudson, Hollis and Deering. In 1862 he gave up teaching as a profession and entered the office of John Y. Mugridge at Concord and later attended Harvard Law school, after which, in 1864, he located at Nashua and practiced his profession until his last sick- ness. He was commissioned justice of the police court in 1876 by Gov. Person C. Cheney and held that respon- sible position till his death. Judge Fassett was a mem- ber of the board of education six years, being president of the organization the last three years of his service. He also represented his ward in the constitutional con- vention of 1889. He attended the Unitarian church and was a Free Mason.
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As a lawyer Judge Bassett was able and conservative, as a judge he was careful, consistent in his ruling and inflexible in his purpose to deal justly, while leaning
JAMES BOUTELLE FASSETT.
toward the side of mercy. His perceptive faculties were remarkably well developed, and contributed in no small degree to his success as a judge; as did his gentlemanly bearing and social qualities to increase the respect and esteem in which he was held by his fellow citizens. As an educator he ranked high, and, in the department of which he made special study-mathematics-he excelled beyond most professors and authors. He was deeply interested in whatever affected in any way the interests of the public schools and was ever ready to solve hard problems for students who sought his aid. He was democratic in all things, and no men of his generation have attained greater popularity among their fellow-citi- zens. This came about in part through the fact that he had an even temperament, was a model of physical pro- portions, an athlete and a promoter of the sports of the field. He was with all else a great lover of domestic animals and always the owner of a perfect horse. In a word Judge Fassett was an all round man, such as the great masses of the people admire and follow.
Judge Fassett was united in marriage Sept. 9, 1867, with Ellen M. Morrill, daughter of Hon. Hiram T., and Anne (Mason) Morrill of Nashua. Seven children were born of their marriage : James H., born Jan. 11, 1869, graduated at Dartmouth college and at the present time, 1895, superintendent of the public schools of Nashua; Annie M., born Aug. 25, 1871 ; Nellie M., born Sept. 22, 1873, died Dec. 31, 1876; William M., born Jan. 28, 1876, at the present time a cadet at the United States Military aca- demy, West Point. Alice E., born Aug. 3, 1877; Mary A., born Nov. 27, 1879; Charles A., born April 21, 1884.
EDWARD HILL WASON.
Edward HI. Wason, son of George A. Wason, was born at New Boston, Sept. 2, 1865. He obtained his education at Francestown academy and at the New Hampshire Col- lege of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts, graduating from the last named institution with the degree of B. S. in the class of 1886. Following his graduation he read law in the office of George B. French at Nashua, and later attended lectures at the Boston University School of Law, where he was graduated in the class of 1890 with the degree of LL. B. He was admitted to the New Hamp- shire bar in March, 1890, and immediately after opened an office here. In 1894, and again in 1895, he was chosen city solicitor, in the office of which he has shown tact and good ability, the awards against the city for damages having been reduced to a minimum. Mr. Wason's suc- cess at the bar has been such as to give promise of a brilliant future. He is in company with George F. Jack- son, the firm name being Wason & Jackson.
Mr. Wason has been prominent in the affairs of the city and in politics. He has also had valuable experience as a school master, having taught several terms as principal of the Main Street Evening school while pursuing his law studies. In 1887 he was chosen sergeant-at-arms of the New Hampshire senate and in 1889 was re-elected to the same position. In 1891 he was chosen assistant clerk of the same body, and in 1893 he was re-elected to the same position. In 1895 he was chosen clerk of the same body, all of which attests his popularity and influence in his party. In 1891 Mr. Wason was elected a member of the Nashua board of education, and in January, 1895, his associates recognized the valuable service he had rendered by electing him president of that body. He is treasurer of the Nashua Driving Park association, a member of Rising Sun lodge, A. F. and A. M., of which he is a past master, Meridan Sun Royal Arch chapter, Israel Hunt council and St. George commandry, K. T., Edward A.
EDWARD HILL WASON.
Raymond consistory, and Alleppo temple of Boston, also of Nashua lodge, K. of P., and the City Guards club. Mr. Wason is unmarried.
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HISTORY OF NASHUA, N. H.
EDWARD STEARNS CUTTER.
Edward S. Cutter was born in Jaffrey, March 27, 1822. He is a son of Daniel and Sally (Jones) Cutter. Mr. Cutter is a descendant of Richard Cutter, who emigrated to this country from Newcastle, Eng., in 1640 and settled at Cambridge, Mass. His maternal grandmother was a descendant of Henry Hastings, fifth earl of Huntington. He is a lineal descendant of Rev. Peter Hobart, a graduate from Oxford college and an immigrant who became the first settled min- ister at Hingham, Mass., and also from John Pres- cott, fourth gen- eration from James of Standish, 1564, who came to Boston and Water- town in 1640 and was the progenitor of Col. William Prescott of Revo- lutionary fame, and William H. Prescott the his- torian. On the maternal side his ancestors were first settlers of Bedford, Mass., Col. Timothy Jones of that place being his grandfather, (see Brown's history of Bedford). Three of his an- cestors, including the last mention- ed, were in the Revolutionary War.
Mr. Cutter fitted for college at New Ipswich academy, and was graduated from Dartmouth college in 1844, ranking in schol- arship among the best in his class, which included ex-Gov. Charles H. Bell, Col. John H. George, Con- gressman A. A. Ranney and Judge Mellen Chamberlin of Massachusetts, and several others who have become dis- tinguished in public life. He read law with James Walker in Peterborough and afterwards with Daniel Clark in Manchester, and was admitted to the bar in December, 1848. Mr. Cutter commenced the practice of his profession in Peterborough and continued there in practice till 1858 when he was appointed clerk of the supreme judicial court and court of common pleas for
Hillsborough county, which office he held until June, 1864, when he resigned. He removed to Manchester and practiced law there and in Boston until 1876, when he came to Nashua. Mr. Cutter is still in practice, (1895), in partnership with his son, Henry A. Cutter. He is a well read, careful and prudent attorney, who finds favor and clients among conservative people who seek to con- duct their important business without legal flaws and thus guard themselves against the vexations incidental to acrimonious litigation. In early life Mr. Cutter was a prominent leader in the politics of Hillsborough county, but since settling in Nash- ua he has not been active in public affairs and yet his party asso- ciates insisted on supporting him at the polls for sena- tor and one or two other important offices. He has, however, pub- licly advocated modern innova- tions in state laws, instanced by the Australian ballot and other popular enactments. Mr. Cutter was, for several years after he came to Nash- ua, a member of the state board of equalization. He has been a fre- quent contributor to newspapers and other publica- tions, and is the author of the chapter on the "Bench and Bar." in this work. Mr. Cutter is a mem- ber of the First Congregational church and socie- ty, of Rising Sun lodge, A. F. and A. M., and Mt. Horeb chapter, Adoniram council, and Trinity commandery, K. T., Man- chester. Mr. Cutter has been twice married : first, May 21, 1850, to Janette Swan, daughter of Samuel and Janet (Steele) Swan of Peterborough. She died in Amherst, Sept. 14, 1873. Mr. Cutter married for a second wife Sarah A. Lord of Limington, Me., Dec. 31, 1874. His children were all by his first marriage: Edward Jones, born July 5, 1855, a physician and surgeon of Leominster, Mass., who married Nellie D. Greeley, oldest daughter of
ES. Cutter
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HISTORY OF NASHUA, N. H.
J. Thornton and Hannah A. ( Morrison ) Greeley, June 15, 1887; Henry Arthur, born Oct. 27, 1857, attorney, Nashua, who married Katherine M. Greeley (sister of Nellie D., ) Oct. 7, 1885 ; Annie Louise, born June 13, 1863, died Aug. 31, 1877; Leonard Taylor, born Nov. 3, 1871, now a cadet in the United States revenue service.
GEORGE B. FRENCH.
George B. French was born at Tuftonborough, Nov. 27, 1846. He is a son of James and Eveline A. (Moulton) French. His pa- ternal ancestors were among the first settlers on the eastern shore of Winnipesaukee. On the maternal side his ancestors were pioneers of the wilderness. They helped set- tle the town where they resided and named it Moulton- borough, which name it has borne ever since.
Mr. French be- gan his education in the public schools of Moul- tonborough, to which place his parents removed when he was about five years of age, and fitted for col- lege at the New Hampshire Con- ference Seminary and Female Col- lege at Tilton, be- ing a student there in 1866, 1867 and 1868. He entered Dartmouth col- lege in the last year mentioned and was graduated in 1872. Follow- ing his graduation he was principal of the high school in Milford two years, after which he read law one year in the office of Wadleigh & Wallace. Mr. French was influenced to make the law his profession through early impressions on his mind of a brother of his mother, a young man whose professional career was cut short by death. Leaving the office of Wadleigh & Wallace, Mr. French went to Boston and continued his studies in the office of Nathan Morse, a former partner of A. A. Ranney, and attended lectures at the Boston university. He was examined and admitted to practce in Boston, May 24, 1876. On the first day of the following September he removed to Nashua and began
GEORGE B. FRENCH.
the practice of his profession here, and here he has remained ever since.
The prominence and success that Mr. French has at- tained in his profession warrants the statement that he ranks among the best practitioners in New Hampshire. He has a methodical mind, firmness of conviction, de- cision, and is nervously energetic in whatever cause he is engaged. Nothing goes by default with Mr. French. In fact, he makes a careful and painstaking study-often fathoming puzzling mysteries with the ability of a de- tective - of every case in which he is retained, and hence it happens that when he en- ters upon a trial he is fully pre- pared to parry his opponent and meet the issue. With him there is none of the hesi- tancy and half- heartedness that often weakens a . cause. On the other hand he is earnest, forcible and direct, keep- ing the balance of attention of court and juror directed to the problems involved on his side. In a word, no element of weakness is per- initted to creep in, and no impression given that he en- tertains any doubt concerning the final outcome. Mr. French has made successful issue in a large number of cases that were involved in deception, fraud and even forgery, many of which have be- come noteworthy. His success before a jury in summing up is found in a remarkable faculty for grouping, explaining and arguing scattered and ap- parently conflicting testimony in a manner that, without attempt at oratory or figurative speech, is persuasive and effective. In a word, he is an all round lawyer, in coun- sel reliable, in preparation and trial of causes intense, and when questions of law carry him to the full bench he is there found with untiring tenacity, searching every corner for authority and every legal principle to sustain his cause. Mr. French is also an interesting and in- structive speaker, but, owing to the demands upon his
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HISTORY OF NASHUA, N. H.
time in his profession, appears but seldom before the public.
Mr. French gave the city several years of faithful and valuable service as a member of the board of education and represented Ward four in the constitutional conven- tion of 1889. He was appointed by Governor Goodale as one of the commissioners to revise the statutes of New Hampshire, but resigned before entering upon the work, not being able to see his way clear to devote the necessary time to it. Mr. French is president of the Nashua Trust company, a mem- ber of the First Congregational society and of Ancient York lodge, A. F. and A. M. With all else Mr. French is an enthusiastic sportsman. He is the owner, with Dr. E. F. McQues- ten, Dr. Bradford Allen, William H. Beasom, Charles J. Hamblett and others of a club- house in the wil- derness of Maine and thither at cer- tain seasons of the year, with one or more of the gentlemen men- tioned, he goes for rest, recreation, and the pleasure that comes of fish- ing, hunting and roughing it.
Mr. French was united in marriage at Milford, Dec. 24, 1879, with Sarah F. Burn- ham, daughter of D. S. and Harriet M. Burnham of that place. Four children have been born of their marriage: Ruth H., Robert A., Helen B., and George M.
HENRY ARTHUR CUTTER.
Henry A. Cutter was born in Peterborough, Oct. 27, 1857. He is a son of Edward S. and Janette (Swan) Cutter. (For ancestors see sketch of his father). Mr. Cutter obtained his primary education in the schools of
Manchester, to which place his parents moved in 1864. and was graduated in the English High school in Boston in the class of 1875, and at the Boston University Law school, class of 1879. He was admitted to the bar March 19, 1880, at Concord, and to the bar of the United States circuit court Dec. 27, 1882. Mr. Cutter has been in partner- ship with his father since his admission to the profession. He is an attorney who has a thorough knowledge of the law, who prepares his cases and presents them in a systematic and comprehen- sive manner, main- taining his clients' interest with vigor and with clearness and force of argu- ment. Mr. Cutter has been quite an extensive traveler, having been in every state and territory in the union, made three ocean voyages across the Atlantic and traveled over a great part of Europe. In addi- tion to his law business he takes an active part in public affairs. He was for some time a trustee of the Mechanics' Sav- ings bank, and a director in the Security Trust company, and is also a director in the Peterborough railroad. It is to Mr. Cutter's credit that he organized the Nashua Board of Trade of which he was secretary three years, and which did some effective and val- uable work in lo- cating industries here. He was also one of the organi- zers and promot- ers of the Masonic building, being secretary of the corporation. Mr. Cutter is a member of the First Congregational society, of Rising Sun lodge, A. F. and A. M., of which he was mas- ter in 1884 and 1885, of Meridian Sun Royal Arch chapter, and of St. George commandery, K. T. He is also a mem- ber of the order of Sons of the American Revolutoin. Mr. Cutter was united in marriage Oct. [7, 1885 with,
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HISTORY OF NASHUA, N. II.
Katherine M. Greeley. Mrs. Cutter is a direct descendant of Matthew Thornton, the signer of the Declaration of Independence. Her great grandfather was a Revolution- ary soldier and was one of two from this section who were wounded at Bunker Hill. Her grandfather was Col. Joseph Greeley, who was a very successful man, and prominent in the affairs of Nashua in the early part of the century. He was one of those who started the Nashua Manufacturing company, was an incorporator of the In- dian Head National bank and its first president. Many other institutions owe their establisment to him in part. Horace Greeley, the famous journalist, was related to the family. On the maternal side her ancestors are the Morrisons, Dinsmores and Nesmiths of Londonderry and Windham, families that have been conspicuous in the state since colonial times. The children of their marriage are : Janet, born Jan. 20, 1889; Madeleine, born Dec. 6, 1890.
JOSEPH B. PARKER.
Joseph B. Parker was born in Hollis, Sept. 1, 1840. His career furnishes a forcible illustration of what a young man may accomplish by perseverance and a determina-
JOSEPH B. PARKER.
tion to win success. He obtained a good common school education in his native town, but this did not satisfy his ambition. He therefore entered Dartmouth college and by making a manly struggle-sawing wood, taking care of a horse, at one time keeping a boarding-house with forty boarders, and also keeping a bookstore, succeeded in his purpose, and was graduated with the degree of B. A. in the class of 1869, and received the degree of A. M. in 1872. During his college days and after graduating he read law in the office of William H. Duncan. He came to Nashua in 1876, was admitted to the bar in 1877, and commenced the practice of his profession in Septem- ber of that year. Mr. Parker has done a large amount of business as a real estate agent and as agent of the Massa- chusetts Mutual Fire Insurance company, besides taking good care of the interests of innumerable clients. He
was united in mariage Feb. 8, 1882, with Emina L. Blake daughter of E. N. Blake of Woburn, Mass. He is a member of the First Congregational church.
CHARLES J. HAMBLETT.
Charles J. Hamblett, son of Judson A. and Mary J. (Perkins) IIamblett, was born in Nashua, Jan. 31, 1862. IIe is a descendant on both the paternal and maternal side
CHARLES J. HAMBLETT.
of Scotch-Irish ancestors who came from the north of Ireland and settled in Londonderry.
Mr. Hamblett's parents moved to Milford shortly after the birth of their son and it was in the public schools of that town that he laid the foundation of his education. He afterwards became a student at the academy in Fran- cestown, at which place he completed his academic studies preparatory to taking up his profession. Mr. Hamblett then entered the law office of Judge Robert M. Wallace at Milford, where he read law several months. Later he read law and studied in the office of ex-United States Senator Bainbridge Wadleigh in Boston, and finally, after a full course of study, was graduated at the law school of the Boston university. He was admitted to the New Hampshire bar in 1889 and at once opened an office in Nashua.
Mr. Hamblett has always taken a very decided interest in public affairs. He served the state in 1887 as assistant clerk of the senate, and in 1889 as clerk. In 1891, 1892 and 1893 he was city solicitor of Nashua and from 1894 to 1897, three years, was president of the common council of Nashua. Besides these conspicuous positions he has held other trusts, in private bodies and societies, in all of which he has won the admiration and esteem of his associates.
Mr. Hamblett possesses good natural and acquired ability. He is a good lawyer and an earnest man in what- ever he undertakes. In politics he is a republican, and in every campaign since attaining his majori;y he has, under the auspices of the state committee, addressed the people of the state upon pending issues. He is a brilliant
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HISTORY OF NASHUA, N. H.
and forceful speaker whose services are always in demand not alone in political campaigns, but as a Memorial Day orator and addresses upon widely different themes.
Mr. Hamblett was united in marriage Oct. 4, 1894, with Georgie E. Stevens, daughter of David and Cornelia (Sawtelle) Stevens of Nashua. Mrs. Hamblett is a de- scendant of an English family that came to this country in early colonial days. One child, a daughter, has been born of their marriage. They attend the services of the First Congregational church.
GEORGE F. JACKSON.
George F. Jackson was born at Canning, N. S., Feb. 14, 1864. He is a son of James T. and Sarah R. (Smith) Jack- son. On the paternal side he is a descendant of William Jackson of Medford, N. S., whose father was a native of Lancashire, Eng., and on the maternal side of James Smith of Oldtown, Me., his grandfather being William Smith of Windsor, N. S. His genealogy connects him with the Shaws, Aikins, Vaugns and Parmenters all prominent families in Nova Scotia, the Vaugns coming from London, Eng., and the others from Rhode Island.
Mr. Jackson was educated in the Rice, Dwight and Lowell public schools of Boston, Mass., to which place his parents removed when he was a child. Upon leaving school he entered the dry goods trade in a Boston house where he remained three years. He then accepted a posi- tion as travelling salesmen for a fancy goods and import- ing house and was on the road some more than four years. Tiring of travelling he came to Nashua and obtained employment in the mills of the Nashua Card and Glazed Paper company, where, Feb. 4, 1888, while at work on a plating mahine, he met with an accident by which he lost his right forearm. Shortly after his recovery he decided to read law and for that purpose entered the office of Capt. Henry B. Atherton, where he pursued the study of law for two years. Then entering the Boston University school of law he received his technical training and two years later was graduated with the degree of LL. B., having taken the entire three years' course in two. Upon the following July he was examined at Concord for admission to the bar in this state, and after a searching examination of two entire days he was admitted as an attorney and counsellor at law, standing at the head of a class of thirteen candidates for admission. He imme-
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