USA > New Hampshire > Hillsborough County > Nashua > History of the city of Nashua, N.H. > Part 96
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DANA SARGENT.
Hon. Dana Sargent was born in Nottingham West-now Hudson-Nov. 28, 1818, died, at Nashua, Nov. 24, 1884. He was a son of Reuben and Eunice K. Davis Sargent. His immigrant ancestor was one of the original Scotch-Irish colony that settled at Londonderry early in the eighteenth century.
Mr. Sargent was educated in the public schools of his native place and at the Nashua Literary institution. In his
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youth he learned the trade of making carpenters' planes and followed that occupation for some time in his native place. His first business venture was in the hardware trade at Manchester, where he was in company with George A. P. Darling and remained about eight years. He then returned to Hudson and was associated with John N. Marshall in the grocery business. From there he went to Lawrence, Mass., where he formed a co-partnership with William II. Bridgman and Hezekiah Plummer under the firm name of Sargent, Bridgman & Co. The firm did an extensive wholesale business in flour, grain, produce and lumber, its place of business being on Essex street, near the railroad station. Mr. Sargent sold out his inter- est in the firm about 1860 when he came to Nashua and formed a co-partnership with John Cross under the firm name of Sargent & Cross, and continued in the same line
DANA SARGENT.
of trade, the mills and yard of the firm being on Canal street near the Jackson company's dam. Later, after dis- posing of this business to James H. Tolles, he did an extensive business in southern lumber.
Mr. Sargent was interested in many enterprises outside of his regular business, among which was the Nashua, Acton & Boston railroad, which, with Edward H. Spald- ing, Henry Parkinson and others he was largely instru- mental in building, and that, too, at a personal loss. In 1854 he was warden of Ward Four, Lawrence, and repre- sented the same ward in the common council of the city. In 1855 he was the Democratic candidate for the mayoralty of Lawrence, and came within a few votes of an election. In 1870 he was the Democratic candidate for mayor of Nashua. His vote, being much larger than that cast for the gubernational candidate of his party, showed unmis- takable popularity, and the result was his re-nomination by his associates in 1871, when he was handsomely
elected. His administration of the affairs of the city was of a far-reaching and judicious character. Ile advocated and purchased the tract of land known as the North Com- mon, and the city councils recognized the wisdom of his judgment by naming the thoroughfare on its northern boundary Sargent avenue. He also foresaw that it was only a question of a little time when Crown Hill would be built over and the city would need a schoolhouse and engine house there. Acting upon this belief be purchased for a nominal sum the lot on what is now known as Ar- lington street, on which buildings for the purpose men- tioned were erected a few years later. These and other improvements, with courtesies shown every citizen who approached him, made him a popular executive and won for him the kindest compliments of the Republican press and voters, in addition to those of his own political faith. Mr. Sargent was a member of Ancient York lodge, A. F. and A. M., and the Royal Arch chapter at Lawrence. He was a petitioner for a charter for St. George commandery, K. T., and one of its charter members, serving the same body as eminent commander in 1869 and 1870; he was also a Scottish Rite mason, 32d degree, Valley of Massa- chusetts.
Mr. Sargent was united in marriage March II, 1841, with Susan M. Hadley, daughter of William and Rachel Hadley of Hudson. Four children were born of their marriage : Mary E., born Jan. 26, 1842, deceased ; Reuben Wilmer, born Feb. 16, 1843, deceased; Susan Helen, Oct. 24, 1844; William Franklin, born Oct. 5, 1847, married Minnie Cullen.
SETH D. CHANDLER.
Hon. Seth D. Chandler was born at East Abington, now Rockland, Mass., Feb. II, 1827. He is a son of Seth and Martha (Burrell) Chandler, and a descendant on both the paternal and maternal side from English settlers of the country roundabout Duxbury, Mass.
Mr. Chandler attended the district schools of Rockland and besides the knowledge thus obtained he secured a liberal education by private study and observation. He is therefore, a well informed man in matters of business, and in all things else that men who are not in profes- sional life desire to know. Mr. Chandler had his home in Rockland until he was twenty-three years of age. He then went to Hingham, Mass., where he drove a bread cart for one year, and was in business as a baker one year for himself. April 1, 1853, he came to Nashua and bought out the bakery of Abel Bowman, located on the site of Whiting block, and conducted that business seven years. He sold out this business in 1860 and for the next three years was engaged in the lard, tallow and sausage busi- ness in Boston. In 1863 Mr. Chandler disposed of his Boston business and embarked in business in a butchery and packing house establishment in New York City, where he remained three years. In October, 1866, he returned to Nashua and bought out the flour and grain business in which he is now engaged, and which by his careful and conservative business management has always been in a flourishing condition.
Mr. Chandler, however, has not been engrossed in busi- ness to the point where men have no time to give to mat- ters that are and should be the concern of every good citizen. On the other hand he has shown a decided inter- est in having good schools, wise laws and a just and
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economical administration of municipal affairs. He rep- resented his ward in the common council in 1869, and in the board of aldermen in 1870 and 1871. In 1872 he was
SETII D. CIIANDLER.
mayor of Nashua, and it is due to the foresight of his administration that the present high school building was erected, and a beginning made in paving streets and intro- ducing modern methods in their general improvement. In fact he gave the city wise and faitful service. Mr. Chandler was one of the earnest citizens who came to the front at the time the foreign insurance companies aban- doned the state, who earnestly supported the people's cause, invested money that he never expected to recover, and gave his time to the management of the companies thus formed. Mr. Chandler has served on the board of directors of the Second National bank since its organiza- tion and has been a director for many years of the White Mountain Freezer company. He attends the services of the Universalist church and is a citizen who is held in the highest respect.
Mr. Chandler has been twice married : first, December, 1855, with Hannah E. Flagg of Nashua, who died in May, 1857; second, December, 1862, with Hattie E. Ober, daughter of Henry and Eliza (White) Ober of Grafton, Vt. Of the three children born to them, Alice died when five years old, Walter died a young man twenty-six years of age, a daughter, Mabel, still survives.
GEORGE H. WHITNEY.
Hon. George H. Whitney was born in Framingham, Mass., Feb. 24, 1821, died at Nashua, March 7, 1895. He was a son of Jesse and Rebecca (Newell) Whitney, who became residents of Nashua in 1826. His ancestors, both
paternal and maternal, were of English origin and early settlers in the colony of Massachusetts Bay.
Mr. Whitney was educated in the common schools and at Crosby's Literary institution. In 1838 he apprenticed himself to John H. Gage for three years to learn the machinists' trade. After completing his trade he went to New York City. He tarried there but a short time. Returning to New Hampshire, 1842, he obtained employ- ment in the machine shop of the Amoskeag company at Manchester, where he remained nine months. His next move was to Nashua, and here he remained. Mr. Whit- ney went to work for his old employer, Mr. Gage, 1843, as foreman, and continued in that position until the winter of 1852, when, with David A. G. Warner, he became a partner in the business, the firm name being Gage, Warner & Whitney. The new firm, owing to the fact that the business had outgrown the buildings on Water street, built a large shop on Hollis street. The firm prospered. It employed a large number of men and was widely known. In 1862 Mr. Gage, the senior partner, was accidentally killed at Franklin by the discharge of a shotgun which he was removing from a wagon. The firm was then re-organized under the name of Warner & Whitney, and so continued until 1873, when upon the death of Mr. Warner, Mr. Whitney became sole proprie- tor, and managed the business until his death.
It was not alone, however, in the manufacturing inter- ests of Nashua that Mr. Whitney was prominent and progressive. He took a conspicuous part in her military and civil affairs. In 1842 he identified himself with the
GEORGE H. WHITNEY.
Lafayette Light infantry, and from that time to 1858 was active in many of the numerous companies of those days, holding a first lieutenant's commission in the Granite
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State Cadets. He was also quartermaster of the Fifth regiment, New Hampshire infantry, in 1858, and an officer in the Cadets until about 1862, when the company dis- banded and most of the men enlisted in the cause of their country. To this honorable record it should be added that Mr. Whitney represented his ward in the legislature in 1855 and 1856, served in the board of alder- men in 1857 and 1858, and was chosen mayor by the Republican party in 1875 by a large majority. Mr. Whit- ney served the city in 1886 on the board of assessors. Ile was a member of the Pilgrim Congregational church, Rising Sun lodge, A. F. and A. M., Meridian Sun Royal Arch chapter, St. George commandery, K. T., and Edward A. Raymond consistory, 32d degree, also of Granite lodge, I. O. O. F.
Mr. Whitney was united in marriage April 25, 1844, with Susan G. Stickney, daughter of Luther A. and Ruth
CHARLES WILLIAMS.
Hon. Charles Williams was born at Easton, Mass., Aug. 1, 1816, died at Nashua, May 19, 1894. Richard Williams, his first American ancestor, was born at Glamorganshire, Wales, as early as 1599. He came to this country in 1632 and settled at Taunton, Mass., in 1637. He has been called the "Father of Taunton." His wife, Francis Dighton, was born in Somersetshire, England. She was a sister to the first wife of Governor Endicott. (See History of Bristol county). He was deputy to the gen- eral court of Plymouth in Taunton in 1646, 1648, 1650, 1651 and several subsequent years, and was first on the list of those who made the south purchase (Dighton); also of those who made the north purchase which in- cluded Easton, Norton, Mansfield and a part of Attle- borough. Both history and tradition link this line of the
RESIDENCE OF MRS. CHARLES WILLIAMS.
(Glover) Stickney, and of their seven children three have died: George F., born at Nashua Nov. 2, 1846, married Elthea Davis, Nov. 15, 1871; Charles H., born at Nashua June 22, 1851, married, first, Lizzie J. Genther of Waldboro, Me., second, Anna F. Fisher of Nashua; Alice G., born at Nashua, Sept. 26, 1853, married William H. Sexton, Sept. 27, 1881; Eugene P., born at Nashua, Nov. 28, 1855, married Sept. 26, 1883, Elizabeth L. Jobert, died Nov. 19, 1887, and, second, Myra B. White, in April, 1891; Clarence R., born at Nashua, July 24, 1849, died Oct. 8, 1868; Willis I., born at Nashua, March 21, 1848, died June 10, 1848; Susan May, born at Nashua, Dec. 23, 1859, and died Jan. 2, 1860.
Williams genealogy to that of Oliver Cromwell, the protector, who was also a descendant of Richard Williams of Glamorganshire, Wales. His name was Williams, known in history as "Cromwell alias Williams," the assumed name of Cromwell being taken from his mater- nal uncle, Thomas Cromwell, who held the portfolio of state to Henry VIII., and who made him an heir. Roger Williams was also of the same line. He outlived the Plymouth government and died at Taunton, Mass., 1692, leaving nine children. His estate is still in the posses- sion of his descendant. The direct descent from Richard Williams of Taunton is as follows: Benjamin, the sixth son, settled at Easton, Josiah settled at Bridgewater; Seth,
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the great-grandfather of Mr. Williams, was born at Bridgewater, May 21, 1722, settled at Easton, 1740, married Susannah Forbes, May 21, 1750, born at Bridgewater, May 26, 1732. Edward Williams, his grandfather, born at Easton, Jan. 28, 1751, married Sarah Lothrop, born at Bridgewater, November, 1755, married Dec. 3, 1772; he still retained the homestead where Lieut. Seth Williams, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born Jan. 29, 1776, died November, 1851. He was a tanner by trade and took part in the war of 1812. He married Sarah Mitchael in 1800. She was a daughter of Colonel Mitch- ael of Bridgewater, Mass., an active man in the Revo- lutionary War and for many years a member of the leg- islature from Eas- ton He lived near the homestead. They had eight children, Charles, the subject of this sketch, being the third son.
Mr. Williams received a rudi- mentary educa- tion in the district school of his native place and spent his boyhood on his father's farm. His business career commenced at eighteen, when he apprenticed him- self to the Easton Iron works four years, his compen- sation being twen- ty-five dollars for the first year, fifty dollars for the second, seventy- five dollars for the third, and one hundred and twen- ty-five dollars for the fourth. The financial crisis of 1837 embar- rassed the iron business, and Mr. Williams went west and located at Springfield, I11., but at the end of two years returned east and entered the employ of the iron foundry at Chelmsford, Mass. In 1841 he went to Manchester and was employed in the Amoskeag foundry.
ON Williams
In 1845, with his brother Seth, he came to Nashua and established the foundry business, under the firm name of
S. & C. Williams. The partnership between Mr. Wil- liams and his brother was dissolved in 1859, and the business was continued-being known as the Nashua Iron foundry-by Charles Williams, and later was prac- tically under the management of his son, Charles A. Williams (see biography). Mr. Williams then resumed personal control of the business and continued it until, by reason of failing health, he was compelled to abandon business affairs.
Many of the prominent Nashuans of to-day got their start in life and the incentive to greater usefulness and nobler aims from Mr. Wil- liams, while it is largely due to his fatherly advice and deep interest in those who looked to him for counsel and em- ployment that many Nashuans owe their homes.
Mr. Williams' busy life in the management of his foundry, and the cultivation of his land-for he never got over the love of the soil with which he be- cameimbued in his youth -so fully occupied his atten- tion that he had little or no time in which to partici- pate in public life as an official. He sat as a member of the first council of the city in I853, and in 1876, at the unanimous call of the Republicans, he was induced to accept the mayor- alty nomination. He was elected in March of that year and became the centennial mayor. "His administration," says his biog- rapher, "was characterized by the same prudence, fidelity and success that crowned his busi- ness career." He was re-elected by a largely increased majority. One of the social events of Mayor Williams' term of ser- vice was the visit of President Hayes and his cabinet to this city and at the mayor's residence, which was elaborately decorated for the occa-
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sion, Mrs. Hayes held a reception, Mrs. Williams pre- siding, which was attended by a great throng of people from the city and surrounding towns. Mr. Williams declined a few years later to be a candidate for coun- cillor.
Mr. Williams was one of the five prominent men who originated the Second National bank, and held the office of vice president of the institution till shortly before his death, when he resigned. Following the announcement of his death the city council passed a resolution, in memoriam, in which they put on record that he was "founder and manager of one of the city's greatest industries, that he filled the position of chief magistrate with ability, dignity and fidelity, was noted in private life for liberality, courtesy and sweetness of disposition," and resolving that "the people have reason to deplore his death and hold in remembrance his virtues." Mr. Williams was a constant communicant of the First Con- gregational church and an honored member of Rising Sun lodge, A. F. and A. M.
Mr. Williams was united in marriage in 1846 with Eliza Weston, daughter of Capt. Sutheric Weston of Antrim. She is a descendant of John Weston, who came from England in 1644. He lived in Salem, Mass., and after- wards in Reading, Mass., married Sarah Fitch, died 1723, aged ninety-two years. Mrs. Williams, with her sons and daughter, travelled extensively in foreign lands, and has been among the foremost in all good works in this city. The children of this marriage were: Seth Weston, born April 15, 1849; Charles Alden, born Aug. 18, 1851 ; Marion Eliza, born March 4, 1854, graduated at Nashua High school and at Madam Porter's school for young ladies at Farmington, Conn., married at Nashua, Nov. 8, 1878, to Herbert Allen Viets of Troy, N. Y.
CHARLES HOLMAN.
Hon. Charles Holman was born at Sterling, Mass., Nov. 7, 1833. He is a son of Porter and Persis (Reed ) Holman. Mr. Holman's parents were in humble circumstances and as a result he was compelled to commence the battle of life at an early age and to fight his way as best he could. He obtained as good a common school education as possi- ble, and at the age of eleven years went to work on a farm, where he remained until he was sixteen. From the age of sixteen to twenty he was engaged in making boots and shoes at West Boylston, Mass. He then, with his savings, purchased his time of his father-a custom in those days-and attended school at Fort Edward, N. Y., until he was of age. The sedentary life he had been com- pelled to lead had seriously impaired his health, and in the hope of improving it he became a canvasser, and in 1856 came into New Hampshire to sell the "Life of John C. Fremont," the first Republican candidate for the presidency. With a companion, William C. Colburn, who, with the pecuniary assistance of Mr. Holman, after- wards became a Methodist minister, he traveled through the state several months, but the pecuniary results were not encouraging and so Mr. Colburn returned to his home and Mr. Holman continued for a time alone. His next occupation, only for a short time however, was that of a traveling salesman for E. K. Smith of Hanover, a confectioner.
In the fall of 1857 Mr. Holman came to Nashua and for the next three years traveled for Col. Jonas C. Kempton
in the same capacity that he had traveled for Mr. Smith.
Hle traveled a year for Chapman & Cram. During all this time his health was delicate, and yet his indomitable courage and remarkable will power carried him through till he had a severe hemorrhage of the lungs and was compelled to take a respite from business for a period of six months. About 1861 he commenced business for him- self in the same line which he had last followed, and since then few men have been more closely identified with the growth and development of Nashua. His first manufac- tory was destroyed by fire in 1874, when he immediately bought out Colonel Kempton's establishment on West Pearl street and in less than twelve hours after the fire broke out was engaged in filling orders. He remained on West Pearl street till 1882, when, in connection with John A. Spalding, he built the southerly half of the block corner of Main and Hollis streets, which bears his name, and moved there, increasing his capacity as a manufac- turer and continuing to do the largest business of any man in his line of trade in New Hampshire.
Mr. Holman has seen much of public life and held many positions of honor and trust, greatly to his own credit and to the advantage of his constituents. He
CHARLES HOLMAN.
served in the board of aldermen two years, represented his ward in the legislature in 1869 and 1870, and the city in the senate in 1875 and 1876, being president of that body in the last year. He was mayor of Nashua in 1878 and 1879, and his administration is remembered as one of the best. Mr. Holman was delegate from New Hamp- shire to the Republican national convention in Chicago in 1880, at which Gen. James A. Garfield was nominated for the presidency. Besides the political offices mentioned Mr. Holman has been a director for many years in the First National bank of Nashua, and also on the board of the Worcester, Nashua & Rochester railroad, besides holding other positions-president of the Nashua Reform club and president of the Pilgrim church society. Mr. Holman is a York Rite mason and a member of St. George commandery, K. T., and a Scottish Rite mason
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HISTORY OF NASHUA, N. H.
and a member of Edward A. Raymond consistory, 32d degree. He is also a lodge and encampment Odd Fellow.
It should be added that there is hardly a cause in Nashua in the past thirty years in which Mr. Holman has not contributed of his means and been identified as a promoter. Until a few years past, or so long as his health permitted him to participate in the activities of the city outside of his business, he was a prominent figure in pub- lic gatherings and no public speaker was more popular than he. His keen wit, forcible illustrations and fund of ancedotes was always appreciated and always put an audi- ence in the best of humor. But it was not all humor. Sandwiched in and added as a conclusion were logical deductions, solid facts and persuasive argument. In a word he has been, and still is, one of Nashua's most progressive and honored citizens.
Mr. Holman was united in marriage Nov. 1, 1863, with Mary S., daughter of George W. and Susan (Marston) Osgood of Amesbury, Mass. Mrs. Holman, like her hus- band, has been prominent in good works and has done a good woman's full share in deeds of charity and hard work to promote the interests of society. The only surviving child, Charles Francis, was born Sept. 29, 1866, was grad- uated at the Nashua high school, and also at the Worces- ter Highland Military academy.
BENJAMIN FLETCHER, JR.
Hon. Benjamin Fletcher, Jr., was born at Westmore, Vt., June 4, 1837. He is a son of Benjamin and Lucinda (Davis) Fletcher, and a descendant, in the ninth genera- tion, of Robert Fletcher who settled at Concord, Mass., in 1630. On the maternal side he is a descendant of Samuel Davis of Acworth.
Mr. Fletcher obtained a common school education, and beyond that is a self-made man. He is a man of wide and varied information and thoroughly conversant with all the details of the business to which he has devoted his energies from his youth to the present hour. Mr. Fletcher came to Nashua with his parents in 1842. He was employed at the works of the Nashua Iron and Steel company for many years as forge-master, and in 1883 went to Bridgeport, Conn., to take charge of the affairs of the Bridgeport Forge company, of which he is treas- urer and general manager. In his line of industrial pursuits there is probably no man in the country who stands higher. He knows all the technicalities of manu- facturing, the demands of the markets and the intricacies of business, as shown by his successful career.
While a resident of Nashua, and it is his purpose to return here when he retires from business, he was much in public life and a progressive citizen who wielded a wide influence and performed all the public duties he assumed in a manner creditable to himself and to the welfare of the city. He was a member of the common council in 1868 and 1869, and president of the body in the last year mentioned. In 1869 he was elected chief engineer of the fire department, and held that responsible position several years between that time and 1880, being one of the very best fire-fighters Nashua has ever had. He was elected mayor of the city for 1880 and again for 1881, and during his term of office he greatly improved the hydrant system for fire department purposes and inaugurated and completed other improvements that have proven of lasting benefit to the people. Besides
this service he was an efficient member of the board of education and active in other affairs calculated to advance the interests of the city.
Mr. Fletcher was made a Mason in Rising Sun lodge, A. F. and A. M., and was a charter member of Ancient York lodge, in which he sat in the south while it was under a dispensation in 1870 and of which he was treas- urer for several years, commencing in 1873. He received his demit in 1885 and became a member of St. Johns lodge at Bridgeport, Conn., where he has since become a member of Jerusalem Royal Arch chapter, Jerusalem council of masters, and Hamilton commandery K. T. In Odd Fellowship he has received all the degrees and is a member of Pennichuck lodge and Indian Head encamp- ment, withdrawing from Nashoonon encampment to become a charter member, and is past grand and past patriarch of these bodies and past grand, past high-priest and past grand patriarch of the state bodies. He has been a member of the grand lodge of New Hampshire over thirty years and represented it in the sovereign
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