USA > New Hampshire > Hillsborough County > Amherst > History of the town of Amherst, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire (first known as Narraganset township number three, and subsequently as Souhegan West) > Part 65
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He accompanied the American forces under the command of Generals Taylor and Scott in the Mexican war of 1846 and '47, and witnessed many of the principal battles. le subsequently spent two years in Europe, superintending the publication of a costly work on this war.
In 1852 he established a large grazing farm in Comal county, Texas, where the larger part of the remainder of his life was spent. In 1866 he visited Europe, and, on his return, in October of that year he made a brief visit to Amherst.
He remained at home through the civil war, attending to his own concerns and protecting his possessions from the attacks of the Indians, who occasionally made a descent upon his flocks and herds.
Through the whole war he remained loyal to the old flag, though he had abandoned politics years before. (See p. 654: 17.)
SOLOMON KITTREDGE
Died in Mont Vernon 22 October, 1845, aged 90 years, 2 months and 19 days.
He joined the army when about 20 years old, and was in the battles of Bunker Hill and Bennington. He was taken prisoner by the Brit- ish and Indians at the "Cedars," in Canada, 19 May, 1776, and shame-
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fully treated. His clothing was mostly taken from him, but he managed to escape and reached home in a destitute condition, having neither hat, coat or shoes. (See p. 662 : 1.)
June L LarSon
SAMUEL LAMSON.
One of the first settlers in the township, was a native of Reading. Mass. He located on a lot about a mile south of the present village, which was assigned him by the proprietors 8 September, 1735, in lien of lot No. 28 of the first division which he had drawn. The lot is now owned by Mr. Bryant Melendy, a descendant in the fourth genera- tion from his sister Elizabeth (Lamson) Melendy.
About 1765 he removed to Billerica, Mass., where he died about 1779. His son, Jonathan Lamson, died in Mont Vernon in 1815, at the age of 89 years, and his descendants are found in Mont Vernon, New Boston, Amherst, and other places. (See p. 664: 11.)
Sara Launer
AARON LAWRENCE
Came to Amherst in his boyhood and served as a clerk in the store kept by his uncle, Eber Lawrence. On the first day of January, 1826, but a few days after he had completed his twenty-first year, he entered into partnership with Charles L. Stewart, who completed his twenty- first year on that day, for the transaction of the business usually done in a country store. This partnership continued until 16 September, 1836, when it was dissolved. Although the partners were totally un- like in almost every respect their business was a successful one. Mr. Lawrence carried on the business a short time alone, and afterward with Charles B. Tuttle, as partner, the firm being A. Lawrence & Co. Soon after the firm consisted of Tuttle and Wheeler, afterward Tut- tle, Wheeler and Boylston. After the lamented death of Mr. Boylston the business was carried on by Charles B. Tuttle.
Mr. Lawrence was always an invalid, but managed in spite of his infirmities to accomplish a vast amount of business. He was for many years a member of the Congregational church and for a long time the
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only young man connected with it. Toward the close of his life he was one of its officers. By good management he acquired a hand- some property, which he distributed freely for what he considered good objects-the churches, schools, town and individuals frequently receiv- ing liberal donations. He will be remembered for a long time as a generous, public-spirited citizen. (See p. 668 : VII.)
CAPT. HEZEKIAHI LOVEJOY
Settled in Souhegan West at an early date. He would sometimes travel on snow shoes to Dunstable, carrying a bag of corn or other grain to mill; at other times he would pound his corn in a hollow log. He was lieutenant in one of the companies which marched to Rhode Island in 1778. By his will, which was presented at the probate court 25 June, 1793, his son JJonathan received the homestead, and was di- rected " to maintain his grandmother properly, and at her death to give her a decent burial." She died 1 December, 1805, aged 101 years, 7 months, 13 days, having had eleven children, fifty-one grandchildren, 223 great-grandchildren, and fifty-one great-great-grandchildren, mak- ing 336 descendants. (See p. 672-3 : IV-5.)
REV. DANIEL LOVEJOY
Removed with his parents to Maine, where the greater part of his life was spent. He received his literary training for the ministry in the academy at Byfield, Mass., where he was an inmate in the family of Rev. Elijah Parish, D. D. Ile was ordained as an evangelist in 1805, and labored as a missionary in different parts of Maine until 1818, when he was installed as pastor of a church in Robbinstown, but re- signed the next year. He continued in the active duties of the min- istry at other places until his death. His son-
ELIJAH PARISH LOVEJOY,
Born at Albion, Me., 9 November, 1802, was one of the pioneers in the anti-slavery movement in this country. Failing in an attempt to establish an anti-slavery press in St. Louis, Mo., he removed to Alton, Ill. There two of his printing offices were destroyed by mobs. In defending his property against a third attack by the mob, he was shot and killed 7 November, 1837.
OWEN LOVEJOY,
Brother of Elijah P., was afterward a member of congress from Illinois. (See p. 674 : 40.)
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JOSEPH LOVEJOY
Entered the army at the commencement of the Revolution and served through the whole war, acquitting himself as a good sollier. At the close of the contest he returned home in poverty. With a large fam- ily dependent upon him, the struggle for a subsistence was a hard one for years. Finally his children were able to assist him, and he closed his life at the residence of his danghter, Mrs. Daniel Kendall, in Mont Vernon. (See p. 675 : 64.)
REV. NATHAN LORD, D. D., LL. D.
The following notice of Dr. Lord was taken from a sketch of his life which appeared in the Boston Journal 10 September, 1870:
"Dr. Lord was inaugurated president of Dartmouth College 29 Octo- ber, 1828, succeeding President Tyler, who was the fifth incumbent of the executive chair of that institution. His administration extended to July, 1863. a period of nearly thirty-five years.
" For the office he so long filled he possessed many and varied qualifi- cations. Among them may be mentioned superior scholarship, great executive ability, remarkable firmness of character and devotion to principle, unwearied application to labor, a wonderful uniformity of disposition and temper, and very genial and winning manners and ad- dress. His long administration of itself speaks volumes for his useful- ness and success. Though a disciplinarian of the strictest kind, he never failed to secure the respect and esteem of every student. The exact number who graduated during his presidency was eighteen hun- dred and twenty-four. It is doubtful whether a man can be found in all that number who would not defend and even eulogize their col- lege president. During his term of service Dartmouth rose in num- bers, strength, prestige and influence. Her fame was known through- ont the continent, and even spread beyond the sea.
" As one glances in imagination over the long list of graduates who received their degrees from the hands of President Lord, what proud and noble thoughts suffuse the mind! Thronging before the vision come up in long array distinguished divines, statesmen, publicists, ju- rists and men of business, all making their deep impress on the age in which they live; But among the highest stand the patriot sons of Dartmouth, who, on many a battle-field of the great Rebellion, exem- plified the sublimest devotion to one's country, and glorified their Alma Mater. In reviewing all this, no one will feel disposed to withhold the generous meed of praise that is due to that honored president, who, for so many years, faithfully and undeviatingly guided and controlled the college, and who never, in any of the dark and discouraging seasons
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which the institution experienced, faltered for one moment in the firm belief that greatly increased success and prosperity awaited Dartmouth in the future.
" At the centennial celebration of the college, in 1859, President Lord was prevented by sickness from taking part in the exercises that had been assigned to him, but he was able to sit at his chamber win- dow, and after the grand procession was formed, it passed by his house, the graduates and distinguished guests uncovering their heads and bowing. It was a scene that touched all hearts. No military com- mander of ancient or modern times could have been prouder of his army, flushed with honorable victory, than was President Lord in re- ceiving the tokens of love and reverence from the great body of his graduates who passed in review before him.
" The same pleasant relations that existed between President Lord and the students, also characterized his intercourse with the faculty and trustees. In times of peril in college he was calm, considerate and decided. During the early years of his administration, some will recol- lect the electric effect of a speech of his to the students who were moved to rebel. They had threatened to leave the college en masse (as they often do) if their wishes were not complied with. One sen- tence from Dr. Lord went like a loaded shell into their ranks. It was this, 'Go, young gentlemen, if you wish ; we can bear to see our seats vacated, but not our laws violated.' This was said with such regal decision and dignity that no man of those classes afterward spoke of deserting the college on account of any temporary disaffection.
"He was an earnest, impressive, and solemn preacher, and, until bodily infirmities made him incompetent to the task, in extreme age, he was listened to with the same devout attention which his youthful eloquence called forth. His mind seemed not to share the decay of his body. It was active and brilliant till the light of his eye was quenched by approaching death.
" In theology he was an adherent of the old school, which was founded by Edwards, Hopkins and Bellamy. Dr. Lord inclined to a literal interpretation of the prophecies, which led to his belief in the pre-millennial advent of the Saviour. This theory gave birth to all that was called peculiar in his theology. From a similar interpretation of the narrative portions of the Old Testament arose his peculiar views of slavery. In his opinion Gol ordained the state and the fam- ily. Rulers and subjects, fathers and sons, husbands and wives, mas- ters and servants, were divinely constituted agencies for the education and elevation of our race ; and all of them necessary to the highest good of mankind, and destined to continue to the end of time.
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" In society Dr. Lord was a gentleman of the old school-polite, affa- ble, and courteous ; never rude, abrupt, or intrusive. His conversation was often racy, pointed, witty, and sometimes sarcastic. He was a man of decided opinions, but never forced them upon the attention of others. In argument he was terse, logical and effective ; in controversy cool, confident, and self-possessed .. Those who have held official rela- tions with him for thirty years aver that they have never known him to yield to passion or to reply with bitterness.
" Dr. Lord died as he lived, an earnest, truthful, faithful servant of God. Ile had nine sons and three daughters, of whom two died early in life. Of the sons, eight were gra luates of Dartmouth College. Six of them are now living, engaged in different professions and branches of business.
"In the death of Dr. Lord the country loses one of its ablest and most successful instructors, theology an eminent divine, and the sphere of letters a scholar of superior endowments." (See p. 671.)
GEN. JOSEPH LOW
Learned the painter's trade in his boyhood. He was appointed ensign in the United States army 26 May, 1812, and was attached to the twenty- first regiment, commanded by Col. Eleazer W. Ripley. In the summer following he was appointed second lieutenant of Capt. William Brad- ford's company and was attached to the first regiment of New Hampshire Volunteers. He was subsequently chosen adjutant of this regiment, but declined the appointment. He was then appointed quartermaster, and subsequently paymaster. The regiment being disbanded in the winter of 1812-13 he repaired to Concord on recruiting service and contributed largely in raising the forty-fifth regiment, afterward com- manded by Col. Denny McCobb. Shortly after the close of the war he settled in Concord, and was appointed postmaster by President Madison in 1815, which office he held until 1829, when he was succeed- ed by his brother, William Low.
In 1819 and 1820 he served on the staff of Gov. Bell, and 19 Decem- ber, 1820, was appointed adjutant-general of the state. From this office he was removed, for political reasons, 1 July, 1839. In the autumn of 1835 he was sent, by Governor Badger, to quell the dis- turbances on the Indian Stream territory, which mission he accom- plished shortly after.
In 1838 he was chosen one of the representatives of Concord in the general court, and in November, 1844, his name headed the "Whig " ticket of candidates for electors of president and vice-president of the United States.
In February, 1847, he abandoned his old party associates on the
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Mexican war question, and thenceforth acted with the Democratic party.
He advocated the acceptance of the city charter of Concord, and, upon its adoption, in 1853, was nominated by his party for mayor, and elected on the second ballot. The next year he was re-elected.
He took an active part in building the Concord, and Concord and Portsmouth railroads, and in the establishment of the New Hampshire Asylum for the Insane.
Gen. Low was a keen, shrewd manager in business matters, and by marriage and trade accumulated a handsome estate.
In political affairs he was not particularly successful, and his advice to his children was, " Let politics alone and attend to your own busi- ness." (See p. 678 : 8.)
MRS. ANNA (ROBY) MACK
Received her education in the common schools and at the Concord Liter- ary and Scientific Institute ; was employed eight years as a teacher in the public schools in Concord ; married Rev. Daniel A. Mack, a clergy- man of the Methodist Episcopal church, in 1850, and was stationed twelve or thirteen years in various towns in Massachusetts and Ver- mont. Her husband served three years as chaplain of the 3d regiment Vermont volunteers in the civil war. After the close the war he took an active part in raising funds for the purchase of the " Webster place," and the establishment of the Orphans' Home, at Franklin. She has been the matron and manager of the " Home " during the whole period of its existence, devoting years of her life to the care and in- struction of its inmates, and contributing largely to the success of the institution. (See p. 748 : 12.)
DEA. SEWALL G. MACK
Learned the blacksmithing business in his father's shop, and worked at it in Amherst and other places. He was, also, for some time, en- gaged in the manufacture of stoves in the shop of Hartshorn & Pratt.
In 1840 he removed to Lowell, where he took the place of his brother, John Mack. jr., in the firm of Cushing & Mack, stove manufacturers and dealers, in which business he still continues.
In 1843 and 1844 he was a member of the common council; in 1847 and 1858 a member of the board of aldermen, and in 1853 and 1854 mayor of the city of Lowell.
During his administration as mayor the first measure for supplying Lowell with pure water was originated, which, after a struggle of many years' duration, was finally successful.
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In 1862 he was a member of the legislature of Massachusetts; beside which he has been a director of the Railroad Bank and Stony Brook Railroad, president of the Lowell Gas-Light Company, and of the Mid- dlesex Mechanics' Association, served one or two years on the school committee, and held other positions of honor and responsibility.
He is still actively engaged in business, and is held in high esteem in the city of his residence. (See p. 682: 24.)
THOMPSON MAXWELL
Was the son of an Irish immigrant, who settled in Bedford, Mass., in 1732, and died there in 1759.
Hle was in the ranger service from 1757 to 1763, some of the time under the command of Rogers and Stark, and assisted in the destruc- tion of the Indian village of St. Francis in 1759. He was present at the destruction of the tea in Boston Harbor, 16 December, 1773, and engaged in the pursuit of the British in their retreat from Concord, 19 April, 1775.
On the organization of minute-men in Amherst, early in 1775, he was chosen second lieutenant and acted as such in the battle at Bunker Hill the following June.
After the evacuation of Boston by the British, in March, 1776, he marched with the army to Providence and New York, thence to Can- ada, and afterward to Crown Point and Ticonderoga. In December of the same year the regiment to which he belonged joined the armny under Gen. Washington, and participated in the battles of Trenton and Princeton.
In 1777 he was again at Ticonderoga and was in the disastrous fight at Hubbardston, Vt.
Ile was also in the battles of Bennington, Bemis's Heights, and Sar- atoga.
In 1778 he was employed in the ranger service in central New York and was in the battle of Stony Arabia. The next year he accompanied General Sullivan in his expedition against the hostile Indians in Cen- tral New York, and assisted in destroying their villages, orchards, and corn-fields.
With this expedition his participation in the war of the Revolution closed, and he retired to Buckland, Mass., whither his family had re- moved some two years before. There he was chosen a member of the convention that framed the constitution of the commonwealth. In 1787 he was captain of a company raised to assist in suppressing the insurrection of Gen. Shays in western Massachusetts.
In 1800 he removed to Butler county, Ohio, and engaged in farming. In 1812 he joined the army under Gen. Hull, and marched to Detroit
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where he was taken prisoner. After his release, upon parole, he re- turned home, when his house was burned by a mob who accused him of having advised the surrender of Hull.
In 1813 he joined the army under Harrison, and in 1814 served under General Miller at Chippewa and Lundy's Lane, and in the sortie at Fort Erie. Near the latter place he was again taken prisoner by the British, who treated him with great severity, from which he was re- lieved by Major Rogers, a son of his old commander in the ranger ser- vice, who conducted him to a good house and ordered him to be well treated. He was exchanged 13 March, 1814, and returned home. (See p. 688 : 1.)
COL. ROBERT MEANS.
Robert Means and Jacob McGaw, two young weavers from the north of Ireland, landed in Boston in 1766. After paying their passage they had bnt one shilling and six pence (twenty-five cents) to divide be- tween them. They soon found their way to the north-west part of Merrimack, where they settled and applied themselves to the business of their trade. To this they added peddling goods from small trunks, one going out at a time.
As their stock increased they engaged in trade on a larger scale, and it seemed desirable that one of them should remove to Amherst. Both wished to remain in Merrimack, and it was finally decided, by cast- ing lots, that Mr. Means should go to Amherst. Mr. McGaw continued in Merrimack where he became a wealthy and influential citizen. IIe died in 1810 at the age of 73.
Mr. Means carried on the weaving business some time after he set- tled in Amherst, but finally abandoned it and engaged wholly in mer- cantile pursuits. He was noted for honesty, fair dealing, and close at- tention to business, and in time became one of the most widely known and distinguished merchants in the town or state. His marriage was a fortunate one, his wife proving to be a true help-mate.
His property, too, increased rapidly. In 1797 and onward he paid the heaviest tax assessed on any person in town.
In 1783-4-5-6 and 9 he was elected to represent the town in the general court. He served two years in the senate, and was a member of the executive council one year. Beside this he acted as justice of the peace many years, was an officer in the militia, and treasurer of Hillsborough county for a long series of years ending with 1803.
Ilis descendants have been numerous and respectable. One of his daughters was the wife of JJudge Ellis, of this state, and afterward of Amos Lawrence. Another was the wife of Jeremiah Mason, one of the greatest. jurists of his time, and another the wife of President
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Appleton, of Bowdoin College. One of her daughters was the lady of the White House during the presidency of her husband, Franklin Pierce.
None of the descendants of Colonel Means remain in Amherst. (See p. 689 : 1.)
WILLIAM GORDON MEANS.
(Abridged from " Sketches of Successful New Hampshire Men.")
Among his associates Mr. Means is remembered as a quick-witted boy, fond of adventure and overflowing with fun. He received his ed- ucation in the village schools and at Pinkerton Academy in Derry.
In the antumn of 1830 he went to Boston and entered the store of Daniel McGregor, then a dealer in dry goods, finding employment, after an apprenticeship of four or five years, in the house of Robert Appleton & Co.
The commercial crisis of 1837 threw him out of employment, and he returned to his home in Amherst.
In 1838 he became clerk of the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company, at Manchester, taking charge of the books and pay-roll of the land and water power department, then under the direction of Robert Read, Esq. The knowledge and experience acquired in this position quali- fied him for the important agencies that have since engrossed his time.
Hle resigned this position in 1854 and united with others in organiz- ing a company for building railway engines. By the act of incorpora- tion it took the name of the " Manchester Locomotive Works." Without adequate capital, in adverse times, with no reputation as builders, and a limited capacity for construction, it was not easy to obtain patronage. But with a pluck and persistence that deserved success, the proprietors determined to make only first-class engines, and at the end of ten years they had gained a position which commanded a wide confidence.
Since that time the business, with some slight interruption, has steadily increased so that the number, weight, and value of the engines now built in a month, often exceeds the entire product of some former years.
In 1858 Mr. Means was elected treasurer of the Salmon Falls Manu- facturing Company. The mills of this company were in the eastern portion of the state, and for convenience of access he removed his fant- ily to Andover, Mass., still retaining his place as treasurer of the loco- motive-works, and having an office for the business of both companies in Boston. Under his management the condition of the Salmon Falls company was much improved. The capital stock of the company was, by cash payment to its stockholders, reduced from $1,000,000 to
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$600,000. New mills were erected, and the productive capacity of the concern enlarged one fourth, without any assessments or sacrifices on the part of the stockholders,-a result which illustrates beyond dis- pute the good judgment and skill of the management. Mr. Means re- signed the treasurership September 1, 1877.
In polities Mr. Means has been Whig and Republican. Conversant with the affairs of government, and a careful observer of public men, he has manifested a generous appreciation of the good qualities of those with whom he did not agree. Loving justice and abhorring the wrongs by which any class of his fellow-men suffered injury, he strongly adhered to the principles, and steadfastly upheld the policy. of the party with which he voted. In 1854 he was elected representative from ward three in Manchester, and served one term in the house at Concord. Having removed from ward three. he was not elected a second time.
In religion Mr. Means has firmly held to the evangelical system of doctrine. In early manhood he made profession of his faith by uniting with the Congregational church in his native town-transferring his membership to the Hanover-street church in Manchester, and thence to the Sonth church in Andover, with successive changes of residence. In all of these places he has proved a staunch friend of the ministry, and a liberal supporter of Christian institutions. A man of clear convic- tions and of marked independence of character, he has not stood aloof from the community, but, cherishing a hearty respect for human na- ture, he has taken an active part in the popular movements in behalf of education and local improvements. To the appeals for charitable aid, whether coming from individuals, churches, or institutions of learning, the response has been cordial. The establishment of the Means prizes at Phillips Academy, illustrates his discriminating benefi- cence. In times of difficulty and depression he has been helpful in bearing burdens, making good deficiencies, and quietly npholding the cause he had esponsed.
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