USA > New Hampshire > Hillsborough County > Nashua > History of the city of Nashua, N.H. > Part 90
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BENJAMIN BAILEY OTIS.
married his present wife, Lizzie D. Sullivan, daughter of William D. Sullivan, July 16, 1890. Two daughters were born by a former marriage, Leona H., born Aug. 27, 1882 ; Erma C., born June 29, 1885.
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HISTORY OF NASHUA, N. H.
JOSEPH SHATTUCK.
Joseph Shattuck was born in Blackburn, England, Sept. 29, 1850. He is a son of Ralph and Sarah Shattuck, and came to America with his parents in 1851. After a
JOSEPH SHATTUCK.
residence of five years at Brockville, Canada, the family moved to Ogdensburg, N. Y., at which place the subject of this sketch was educated in the publie schools. When in his fourteenth year he enlisted at Plattsburg, N. Y., as a drummer boy in a regiment that was about to march to the front, but owing to his youth, his father objected and he withdrew. Shortly after he returned to England where he spent four years in learing the confectioner's trade. Upon returning to this country he located in Nashua, where he has been engaged at his trade and made his home ever since. While attending closely to his busi- ness he has yet found time to participate in other affairs and encourage the things that promote sociability and add to the advancement of the interests of the com- munity. He was president of the company that pub- lished the New Hampshire Republican, a daily paper printed in Nashua; president of the Masonic board of relief, trustee of various Masonic bodies and a director in the Masonic Building association. Mr. Shattuck has received all the degrees in York Rite Masonry and is past master of Ancient York lodge and past eminent com- mander of St. George commandery, K. T. He has also received all the degrees in Scottish Rite Masonry, including the 33d and last, and has held all the important offices in the consistory, including illustrious command- er-in-chief. No man in the state of New Hampshire has worked with greater diligence, or has accomplished more than Mr. Shattuck in perfecting the ritual work of the consistory and in making the New Hamshire bodies in all things the equal of the most intelligent in the world. More than four hundred of his brethren freely accord him their praise. Mr. Shattuck is also an Odd Fellow, Knight of Pythias, and a member of the City Guards club. He attends the First Congregational church ; has a fine residence on Concord street, which he built expressly for a home, and is highly esteemed as a liberal-minded,
liberal-handed citizen, whose purpose it is to deal consci- entiously and justly with all men.
Mr. Shattuck was united in marriage, May 9, 1871, with Emma Shedd, daughter of Angustus N. and Orra E. (Moore) Shedd. Mrs. Shattuck died Oct. 28, 1888. Two sons were born of their marriage: Frederick N., born April 17, 1873, died Dec. 23, 1892 : Edgar L., born June I, 1875.
CHARLES ALDEN WILLIAMS.
Charles A. Williams was born at Nashua, Aug. 18, 1851, died at Nashua, March 11, 1887. He was a son of Charles and Eliza A. (Weston) Williams. (For genealogy see sketch of his father.)
Mr. Williams was a student of the Nashua High school and was graduated at Phillips' academy at Andover, Mass., in 1869, and at the Massachusetts school of tech- nology in Boston, Mass., in 1873. Following his study in Boston he entered his father's business as superintendent of the foundry, a position he was eminently fitted to fill, both by his natural gifts and by his special course of study. He was self-reliant, independent and possessed of excellent practical business ability. In all his social relations he was exceptionally genial and generous. The poor and unfortunate found in him a sympathizing friend and helper. Mr. Williams represented Ward Four in the common council in 1880.
Mr. Williams was united in marriage Oct. 26, 1881, with Kate Newcomb Piper, born in Geneseo, Ill., Nov. 30, 1856, died at Nashua, Jan. 4, 1885. She was graduated from the Andover female seminary, under the direction of the Misses McKeen. At the close of her studies there she spent a year abroad in study and travel. Mrs. Wil- liams was gifted with amiable qualities of mind and heart, was an ornament in society and greatly beloved. She was
CHARLES ALDEN WILLIAMS.
a member of the Pilgrim church, and with her husband attended the First Congregational church. One son was born of their marriage: Charles Williams, born Dec. 13, 1884.
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HISTORY OF NASHUA, N. H.
GEORGE OLIVER OSBORN.
George O. Osborn was born at Nashua, Oct. 31, 1854. He is a son of John and Susan (Reed) Osborn. On the paternal side he is a descendant of early English settlers of Quincy, Mass., and on the maternal side of William Reed, who came from Kent, Eng., in 1636, and settled at Weymouth, Mass. Mr. Osborn was educated in the pub- lic schools of Nashua. He is a confectioner, but has been a member of the fire department for the past twenty-two years, and since 1891 has been its chief. He is one of the most efficient fire-fighters the city has ever had, and is a quiet and modest inan who has the good will of the department and the public. Chief Osborn is a member of Granite lodge, I. O. O. F., Watananock tribe of Red Men and the Foresters. He was united in marriage July 2, 1877, with Ella M. Burns, daughter of Alexander D.
GEORGE OLIVER OSBORN.
and Elizabeth (Tuite) Burns of Sherbrooke, P. Q. Four children have been born of their marriage: Gertrude Ellen, George F., John A., and Harold C.
LOTIE IRENUS MINARD.
Lotie I. Minard, son of Charles F. and Sarah M. (Gay) Minard, was born in Nashua, April 8, 1857. He is a descendant of Charles D. Minard, who came to America from Scotland in 1823 and settled in Nashua, where his children were born and where he resided until his death. His mother was a daughter of Timothy Gay of Deerfield, Mass., and a descendant of the early settlers of that locality.
Mr. Minard was educated in the public schools of Nashua and at Crosby's literary institution, graduating in 1874. After four years of varied experience in railroad- ing he established himself in the shoe manufacturing business, which occupation he followed six years. He then entered the employ of Moody, Estabrook & Ander- sons, in the same line of business, where he remained seven years. From his youth Mr. Minard has taken a
deep interest in public affairs and in all the positions of honor and trust which he has held he has acquitted him- self in a manner that has reflected credit upon the city
LOTIE IRENUS MINARD,
and his constituency. In 1885 he represented Ward Six in the common council, and in 1886 and 1887 in the board of aldermen. In 1891 he represented the same ward in the legislature and the same year was appointed deputy sheriff for the county of Hillsborough, a position which he still holds and the duties of which he performs to the entire satisfaction of the court and those who have busi- ness of a legal character. He is also manager and treas- urer of the Nashua Concrete company, which was formed in 1894. Mr. Minard is a member of Rising Sun lodge, A. F. and A. M., Granite lodge, I. O. O. F., of which he is past grand, Nashua lodge, K. of P., Watananock tribe of Red Men, and the Manchester lodge of Elks. He was united in marriage in 1884 with Josie E. Herbert of New York. No children.
HENRY SCLATER NORWELL.
Henry S. Norwell was born in Glasgow, Scotland, Feb. 23, 1832. He is a son of William and Jessie Hunter (Scla- ter) Norwell, and a grandson on the paternal side of Henry and Christiana (Hood) Norwell of Errol Perth- shire, Scotland. On the maternal side he is a descendant of William Sclater of Saltcoats, Ayrshire, Scotland, and Jessie (Hunter) Sclater of Brodick, Island of Arran, Buteshire, Scotland.
Mr. Norwell was educated in the public schools of his native city, graduating at its high school. He came to America in 1861, and from that year till 1867 was a resi- dent of Nashua. He then went to Chicago, where he was burned out, and sustained heavy losses, in the great fire of 1871, and where he continued in business till IS78, when he returned to Nashua, where he has since remained. Mr. Norwell is a dry goods merchant of the most enter- prising and progressive character, and a citizen who is held in the highest esteem by the public. He has never mingled in political strife or sought or held public office, but has always done his part in furthering the ends of the
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HISTORY OF NASHUA, N. II.
board of trade, in which he was a director, and has given his influence and of his means to the things that benefit
HENRY SCLATER NORWELL.
the city. Mr. Norwell is a trustee of Edgewood cemetery and a member of the Church of the Good Shepherd, (Episcopal), which he served many years as treasurer, and in the government of which he is the senior warden.
Mr. Norwell was united in marriage June 22, 1865, with Matilda C. Flinn, daughter of Samuel and Clarissa ( Lang- ley ) Flinn of Nashua. Four children have been born of their marriage: Harry, born in August, 1866, died in August, 1867; Jessie May, born in Chicago in May, 1869; William S., born in Chicago in November, 1870; Helen Hunter, born in Nashua in November, 1883.
IRA HILAND PROCTOR.
Ira H. Proctor, son of Ira and Mary (Hutchinson) Proctor, was born in Hollis, Aug. 27, 1843. He was edu-
IRA HILAND PROCTOR. cated in the public schools of his native place and at the
academy in New Ipswich. Since attaining his majority he has been engaged as a manufacturer of cooperage lum- ber and building material, being in business with his brother under the firm name of Proctor Brothers. The brothers did business in Hollis until 1881, in which year they removed to Nashua and established the largest mill of the kind in southern New Hampshire. Their enter- prise and industry has proven of great value to Nashua in many ways, in that they have given lucrative employ- ment to a large number of men and added materially to the general prosperity of the people. Mr. Proctor takes a decided interest in public affairs. He is conservative as well as progressive ; a man of excellent judgment in busi- ness affairs, and a citizen whose uprightness no man questions. He represented Ward Seven in the board of aldermen in 1889, and in the legislature of 1891, and in both organizations was loyal to the best interests of the people of Nashua. Mr. Proctor is a member of Ancient York lodge, A. F. and A. M., Meridian Sun Royal Arch chapter, Israel Hunt council, St. George commandery, K. T., and Edward A. Raymond consistory, 32d degree of the Scottish Rite. He is also a member of Aurora lodge, I. O. O. F., of Hollis. N. H., Evening Star lodge, K. of P., and Watananock tribe of Red Men. He is unmarried.
NATHANIEL HUTCHINSON PROCTOR.
Nathaniel H. Proctor was born in Hollis, Dec. 19, 1845. (See sketch of his brother, Ira H. Proctor.) He attended
NATHANIEL HUTCHINSON PROCTOR.
the district schools of his native town and later was a student at the New Ipswich academy. Following school- days he learned the cooper's trade and when he was twen- ty-four years of age he became a partner with his brother under the firm name of Proctor Brothers. The business of the firm, which manufactures a variety of cooperage lumber and building material and has existed more than twenty-five years, outgrew its facilities in Hollis, and in 1881 removed to this city where it established shops and mills on Hollis street and greatly increased its output and has continued to prosper. Mr. Proctor is a man of decided ability, and a citizen who commands the respect of all with whom he is associated. He represented Ward
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HISTORY OF NASHUA, N. H.
Seven in the board of aldermen in 1894, and is a man who can be relied upon to help Nashua forward to greater prosperity. He is a member of Aurora lodge, I. O. O. F., of Hollis, and Ancient York lodge, A. F. and A. M., Meridian Sun Royal Arch chapter. He is also a Scottish Rite mason of the 32d degree, and a member of Edward A. Raymond consistory ; attends the Pilgrim Congrega- tional church. Mr. Proctor was united in marriage, Jan. 23, 1878, with Lizzie Billings, daughter of James E. and Tamson (Miller) Billings of Acton, Mass. His children are, Clayton B., born in Hollis, Feb. 20, 1879; Roscoe F., born in Hollis, April 23, 1881; Margey F., born in Nashua, Jan. II, 1887.
JOHN EATON DEARBORN.
John E. Dearborn was born in Peterboro, Nov. 18, 1862. He is a son of Cornelius V. and Louise F. (Eaton) Dear- born. (For ancestors see sketch of his father.) Mr. Dearborn was educated in the public schools of Nashua and at a business college in Boston. He is a dealer in real estate and gives attention to the investment of securities.
JOIIN EATON DEARBORN.
Mr. Dearborn attends the First Congregational church and is a member of the City Guards club. He was united in marriage in 1885 with Mary A. Dean of Nashua.
EDWARD LABREE.
Edward Labree, son of Joseph and Seraphine (Saintange) Labree, was born at St. Dominique, Canada, Nov. 18, 1861. He came to Nashua when he was six years old and was educated in the public schools of the city. At an early age he went to work: in a cotton mill and, being ambi- tious and desirous of obtaining more of an education, attended the public evening schools where he made good progress and thus fitted himself for promotion. By close application to the tasks assigned him and perseverance in whatever he undertook he won the respect and confidence of his employers, and was advanced step by step until he reached the position of agent of the Vale mills, a position
which he now holds to the entire satisfaction of the stock- holders of that company. He is a member of several socie-
EDWARD LABREE.
ties and a man who has the confidence of his fellow-citi- zens. Mr. Labree was married June 15, 1896, to Mary F. Bouley of Middlebury, Vt.
THOMAS G. BANKS.
Col. Thomas G. Banks was born at Alstead June 16, 1800; died at Nashua March 4, 1886. He was a son of John and Susanna (Prentice) Banks, both of whom were descendants of the Puritans and children of the early set- tlers of Cheshire county.
The subject of this sketch obtained a common school education in his native town. Early in life he and his brother, Nathaniel Prentice Banks, father of Gen. N. P. Banks of national renown, started out in search of fortune. They settled at Waltham, Mass. In 1826 Thomas G. came to Nashua and was employed as an overseer at the Nashua mills, where he remained fifteen years. He then went into the livery business in a stable on the site of the Noyes block, and ran a line of daily coaches between Nashua and Lowell. Later he was engaged in manufac- turing and hanging wall paper. He finally gave up this business, purchased a farm on the Amherst road and gave his time and attention to market gardening.
During all these years he was constable and fireward in Nashua; he was the first commander of the Dunstable grenadiers, and afterwards organized the Granite State lanciers. Later he was commissioned colonel of the Fifth regiment, New Hampshire militia. In 1857 Mayor Gillis appointed him city marshal. This position he continued to hold, with the exception of the year 1861, till IS68. He was re-appointed in 1875 by Mayor Whitney. He was a member of the legislature for Ward One in 1877 and 1878. He was a member of the Olive Street church and and of Rising Sun lodge, A. F: and A. M.
Colonel Banks was united in marriage at Waltham, Mass., Nov. 4, 1824, with Rebecca Mann, who died at Nashua Aug, 6, 1883. Their children were Thomas G., born March 4, 1826, now residing at Watertown, Mass., and Ezra Prentice, born at Nashua Nov. 10, 1836.
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HISTORY OF NASHUA, N. H.
THE MILITIA OF NASHUA.
BY R. J. COPP.
H ISTORY to be of worth and of interest must be a record of events in detail. The more in detail, the more interesting to most readers. Unfortunately the earlier records of the militia organizations of Nashua and their achievements are very meagre. A search among the files and reports of the adjutant-general's office shows the military establishments by companies, regiments, brigades and divisions with incomplete rosters of commissioned officers of the several organizations, but fails to give the information necessary to compile a complete history of the militia of Nashua. It is upon tradition chiefly we must depend for the story of the militia, of the gallant deeds of the regulars, and the renown of the Falstafian organizations known as the "slam- bangs." Few there are left among us to-day whose memory covers the period of the early militia organizations, when every able bodied man between the ages of sixteen and sixty under the laws of the commonwealth, must appear "armed and equipped as the law directs," for the May and September "trainings " or for muster.
It is unfortunate in this regard that the history of Nashua was not written some years earlier. When we had with us such men as Thomas Pearson, (see biography) whose memory of events and fund of anecdotes "of the good old days" seemed inexhaustible, and Col. Thomas G. Banks, the veteran of so many hard fought sham-battles, whose military attainments kept him at the head of Nashua's show military for so many years, and others of the older generation who have but recently gone from us. It is, however, fortunate that some of the active participants in the glory of "ye ancient military" are still with us to place upon record something of the story of Nashua's militia.
The writer is indebted to Solomon Spalding (see biography), who in the early days was in command of the best equipped and best drilled artillery company of the time. To William O. Clough (see biography), at the present time associate police justice and editor of the Nashua Press, Gilman C. Shattuck (see biography), Virgil C. Gilman (see biography), we are indebted for some of the facts of this history.
From the earliest times the military organization has been an important part of the body politic. Nations are born in the throes of military struggle and victories; the power of kings and the inalienable rights of citizenship have been held and protected in all times by military power. Our own country is no exception. Our independence was won, and our institutions were established and maintained by the strong right arm of military force. Military organizations in various phases have existed in all times and all ages. Provision for the military establishment is found in statute laws from the first inception of government.
The first militia laws of New Hampshire were enacted by the general assembly of the province of New Hampshire in the year 1696. We think it worth the space to publish the following extract :-
"A Act for the Regulation of the Militia.
"Whereas for the Honour and Service of his Majesty and for the security of His Province against any Violence or Invasion whatsoever, it is necessary that due care be taken that the Inhabitants thereof be Armed, Trained and in Suitable Posture and Readiness for the Ends aforesaid, and that every person may know his duty and be obliged to perform the same.
Be It therefore enacted by His Excellency, the Governour, Council and Representatives Convened in General Assembly and by Authority of the same.
"That all Persons from sixteen to sixty shall Bear Arms and Duly Attend all Musters and Military Exercises of their Respective Troops and Companies where they are Listed or Belong, allowing Three Months time to every Son after becoming sixteen years of age to provide Himself with Arms, Ammunition, &C.
"And the Clerk of each Troop and Company, once a Quarter, Yearly, shall take an exact List of all persons living within the Precincts of such Troop or Company, and present the same to the Captain or Chief Officer on pain of forfeiting Forty Shillings for each Default, to be paid to the Captain or Chief Officer to the use of the Company and in case of non-payment to be levied by
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HISTORY OF NASHUA, N. H.
Distress and sale of the Offenders Goods, by virtue of a Warrant from the Captain or Chief Officer, who is hereby empowered to Grant the same.
"That every Listed Soldier and Householder, (except Troopers) shall always be provided with a well fixed Gunlock, Musket, or Bastard-Musket Bore, The barrel not less than three foot and a half long ; or other good Fire Arms, to the satisfaction of the Commission Officers of the Company; A Snapsack, Cartouch Box, one pound of good Powder, twenty Bullets fit for his Gun and Twelve Flints; A good Sword or Cutlass; A Worm and Priming Wire fit for his Gun, on penalty of Six Shillings for want of such Arms as is hereby required, and Two Shillings for each other defect, and a like sum for every Four Weeks he shall remain unprovided; the fines to be paid by Parents for their Sons under age, and under their Command, and by Masters and Heads of Families for their Servants, other than Servants upon Wagers.
"That every Trooper shall be always provided with a good, serviceable Horse of Ten Pounds value, and not less than Fourteen Hands high, the same to be determined by Two Chief Com- missioned Officers, covered with a good Saddle, Bit, Bridle, Holsters, Pectoral and Crooper, and furnished with a Carbine, the Barrels not less than Two Foot and a half long, with a Belt and Swivel, with a Case of Good Pistols, with a Sword or Cutlass, a Flask or Cartouch Box, One Pound of good Powder, Three Pounds of Sizeable Bullets, twenty Flints and a good pair of Boots and Spurs on Penalty of Twelve Shillings for want of such Horse as is hereby ordered and Three Shillings a piece for every other defect, and a like sum for every Six Weeks he shall remain unprovided, and that each Trooper list his Horse and shall not dispose thereof without the consent of his Chief Officer, on penalty of Five Pounds; and for the non-appearance at the Time and Place appointed for exercise every Listed Trooper for each day's neglect shall pay Ten Shillings Fine.
" That Commissioned Officers of any Troop or Company or the Major part of them may order the correcting of Disorders or Contempt on a Training Day or on a Watch ; the Punishment not being greater than laying Neck and Heels, riding the Wooden Horse, or Ten Shillings Fine."
There appears to have been no practical change in the militia law for nearly one hundred years ; the presumption is, that the military of the province of New Hampshire did patriotic service " for the Honour of His Majesty."
For the protection of the settlers upon the frontier, the military was often called out and sent upon long and oftentimes hazardous and disastrous campaigns against the Indians.
The early history of our country is the history of a struggle for existence. The early settlers became the natural enemies of the dusky savages of the forest who were the rightful proprietors of the soil, every advance upon their domains being resisted with all the power of their savage methods. Every settler made his cabin his fortress and in its defense and in the hunt for the game of the forest he became the expert marksman. His children were the apt pupils of their father in the use of the gun and the endurance of hardship. Thus the entire population of the country became rare material for fighting soldiers. It was to this hereditary quality that the American patriots owed their superi- ority to the trained British soldiers upon the battlefields of the Revolution. The history of the ser- vices of the militia of Old Dunstable in the War of the Revolution, of 1812, and the Mexican War will be found in another chapter.
The militia laws of December, 1792, organized the militia into twenty-eight regiments. The Fifth regiment with its two battalions was assigned or comprised the towns of Amherst, Merrimack, Litchfield, Duxbury (now a part of Milford), Dunstable, Hollis, Nottingham West (now Hudson), and Raby (now Brookline.)
The old Fifth regiment, the " Bloody Fifth," the pride of Old Dunstable, Nashua and Nashville, easily carried off the honors of all the military of the state for many, many years.
The annual parades, musters and inspection of the militia of the whole state were the principal events of the time. The order for parades and musters was issued by the brigadier-general command- ing for the inspection or muster of his command. The colonels of regiments, through their adjutants, promulgating the order by the issuing of regimental orders to the captains of companies and the cap- tains issuing warrants to the individual members of the several companies to appear at the stated time and place "armed and equipped as the law directs."
The muster of the Fifth regiment was holden in various places from year to year, Amherst, Mil- ford, Merrimack and Nashua in turn. In the fall of 1848 the muster was holden in Nashua, on the
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HISTORY OF NASHUA, N. H.
grounds east of Main street and north of Harbor pond, the territory now included between Hollis street and the harbor, it being a large level place admirably adapted for the purpose.
The muster of the old time did not mean, as now, an encampment of several days. The entire work of the muster was between sunrise and sunset of one day. No tents were used, consequently there was no camp. It was a great day not only for the militia but for the public generally, practi- cally every man, woman and child in all the country around was enthused with the excitement of the day. For weeks before it was the talk of the town and the glorious coming event for the boys. Before the days of the county fair, the circus, the wild west show, base ball or the theatre it became the one great source of amusement for the population old and young.
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